bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diffuse alveolar damage associated mortality in selected acute respiratory distress syndrome patients with open lung biopsy
Authors: Kao Kuo-Chin , Hu Han-Chung , Chang Chih-Hao , Hung Chen-Yiu , Chiu Li-Chung , Li Shih-Hong , Lin Shih-Wei , Chuang Li-Pang , Wang Chih-Wei , Li Li-Fu , Chen Ning-Hung , Yang Cheng-Ta , Huang Chung-Chi , Tsai Ying-Huang
Published: May 2015

Introduction

Diffuse alveolar damage (DAD) is the pathological hallmark of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), however, the presence of DAD in the clinical criteria of ARDS patients by Berlin definition is little known. This study is designed to investigate the role of DAD in ARDS patients who underwent open lung biopsy.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed all ARDS patients who met the Berlin definition and underwent open lung biopsy from January 1999 to January 2014 in a referred medical center. DAD is characterized by hyaline membrane formation, lung edema, inflammation, hemorrhage and alveolar epithelial cell injury. Clinical data including baseline characteristics, severity of ARDS, clinical and pathological diagnoses, and survival outcomes were analyzed.

Results

A total of 1838 patients with ARDS were identified and open lung biopsies were performed on 101 patients (5.5 %) during the study period. Of these 101 patients, the severity of ARDS on diagnosis was mild of 16.8 %, moderate of 56.5 % and severe of 26.7 %. The hospital mortality rate was not significant difference between the three groups (64.7 % vs 61.4 % vs 55.6 %, p = 0.81). Of the 101 clinical ARDS patients with open lung biopsies, 56.4 % (57/101) patients had DAD according to biopsy results. The proportion of DAD were 76.5 % (13/17) in mild, 56.1 % (32/57) in moderate and 44.4 % (12/27) in severe ARDS and there is no significant difference between the three groups (p = 0.113). Pathological findings of DAD patients had a higher hospital mortality rate than non-DAD patients (71.9 % vs 45.5 %, p = 0.007). Pathological findings of DAD (odds ratio: 3.554, 95 % CI, 1.385–9.12; p = 0.008) and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score on the biopsy day (odds ratio: 1.424, 95 % CI, 1.187–1.707; p<0.001) were significantly and independently associated with hospital mortality. The baseline demographics and clinical characteristics were not significantly different between DAD and non-DAD patients.

Conclusions

The correlation of pathological findings of DAD and ARDS diagnosed by Berlin definition is modest. A pathological finding of DAD in ARDS patients is associated with hospital mortality and there are no clinical characteristics that could identify DAD patients before open lung biopsy.
SC-FDMA-based resource allocation and power control scheme for D2D communication using LTE-A uplink resource
Authors: Shah Syed Tariq , Gu Jaheon , Hasan Syed Faraz , Chung Min Young
Published: May 2015

Device-to-device (D2D) communication-enabled cellular networks allow cellular devices to directly communicate with each other without any evolved NodeB (eNB). D2D communication aims to improve the spectral efficiency and increases the overall system capacity. For future mobile networks, intelligent radio resource allocation and power control schemes are required to accommodate the increasing number of cellular devices and their growing demand of data traffic. In this paper, a combined resource allocation and power control scheme for D2D communication is proposed. In the proposed scheme, D2D communication reuses the uplink (UL) resources of conventional cellular user equipments (CUEs); therefore, we have adopted single-carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) as UL transmission scheme. The proposed scheme uses fractional frequency reuse (FFR)-based architecture to efficiently allocate the resources and mitigate the interference between CUEs and D2D user equipments (DUEs). In order to guarantee the user fairness, the proposed scheme uses the well-known proportional fair (PF) scheduling algorithm for resource allocation. We have also proposed an intelligent power control scheme which provides equal opportunity to both CUEs and DUEs to achieve a certain minimum signal-to-interference and noise ratio (SINR) value. The performance evaluation results show that the proposed scheme significantly improves the overall cell capacity and achieves low peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR).
Successful surgical treatment for recurrent cardiac fibroma 21 years after resection
Authors: Kusajima Kunio , Hata Hiroki , Fujita Tomoyuki , Shimahara Yusuke , Sato Shunsuke , Ishibashi-Ueda Hatsue , Kobayashi Junjiro
Published: May 2015

Cardiac fibromas are rare benign tumors usually seen in the pediatric population. Generally, long-term survival after surgical resection is favorable, and recurrence of fibroma has been hardly reported. Herein, we report a case of a 34-year-old woman who presented with ventricular tachycardia 21 years after resection of a cardiac fibroma and was found to have a recurrent giant cardiac fibroma. We performed a complete resection of the recurrent fibroma. At the 2-year follow-up, she remains asymptomatic with no evidence of ventricular tachycardia or recurrence of fibroma.
Targeting neutrophilic inflammation in severe neutrophilic asthma: can we target the disease-relevant neutrophil phenotype?
Authors: Bruijnzeel Piet L B , Uddin Mohib , Koenderman Leo
Published: May 2015

In severe, neutrophilic asthma, neutrophils are thought to have an important role in both the maintenance of the disease and during exacerbations. These patients often display excessive, mucosal airway inflammation with unresolving neutrophilia. Because this variant of asthma is poorly controlled by glucocorticoids, specific pharmacologic targeting of neutrophils seems a plausible therapeutic approach. However, most attempts with this approach have failed in the clinic. We propose that this could be attributed, in part, to an incomplete understanding of the emerging new insights underlying neutrophil homeostasis and life span, neutrophil reverse transmigration, neutrophil phenotypes, and neutrophil transdifferentiation in human health and disease. Of clinical relevance, recent translational studies have started to uncover distinct neutrophil subsets in humans, namely mature and hypersegmented phenotypes that have bimodal immunomodulatory functions during an acute inflammatory response. In this review, we will elaborate on some of the novel insights in neutrophil biology and attempt to translate them into potential consequences for pharmacologic intervention of severe neutrophilic asthma. We speculate that the disease-relevant neutrophil phenotype should be targeted selectively without compromising the immunomodulatory functions essential for homeostasis and pulmonary immunity. However, the identity and exact functional role of distinct neutrophil phenotypes in inflammatory diseases of the human airway remain elusive.
Processes of Discontinuing Chemotherapy for Metastatic Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer at the End of Life
Authors: Pirl William F. , Greer Joseph A. , Irwin Kelly , Lennes Inga T. , Jackson Vicki A. , Park Elyse R. , Fujisawa Daisuke , Wright Alexi A. , Temel Jennifer S.
Published: May 2015

The authors conclude that date of last chemotherapy is not a proxy for when a decision to stop treatment is made.
Wide Variation in the Diffusion of a New Technology: Practice-Based Trends in Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) Use in the State of Michigan, With Implications for IMRT Use Nationally
Authors: Shumway Dean A. , Griffith Kent A. , Pierce Lori J. , Feng Mary , Moran Jean M. , Stenmark Matthew H. , Jagsi Reshma , Hayman James A.
Published: May 2015

IMRT use grew significantly across the state of Michigan over time, with four-fold variability among centers, which was related to facility characteristics.
Detecting Unplanned Care From Clinician Notes in Electronic Health Records
Authors: Tamang Suzanne , Patel Manali I. , Blayney Douglas W. , Kuznetsov Julie , Finlayson Samuel G. , Vetteth Yohan , Shah Nigam
Published: May 2015

The text-mining methods the authors describe can be applied to automatically review free-text clinician notes to detect unplanned episodes of care mentioned in these notes.
Factors That Determine Cancer Treatment Choice Among Minority Groups
Authors: Luo Tianqi , Spolverato Gaya , Johnston Fabian , Haider Adil H. , Pawlik Timothy M.
Published: May 2015

Minority cancer outcomes and treatment satisfaction can only be improved if physicians are knowledgeable about cultural differences and work to improve patient-physician communication and patient engagement.
Building Data Infrastructure to Evaluate and Improve Quality: The National Cancer Data Base and the Commission on Cancer's Quality Improvement Programs
Authors: Shulman Lawrence N. , McCabe Ryan , Gay Greer , Palis Bryan , McKellar Daniel
Published: May 2015

It is only in the last decade that the quality of cancer care delivery has begun to be seriously measured. The authors focus on efforts by the Commission on Cancer to develop the oncology quality agenda using the National Cancer Data Base.
Incorporating Patient-Reported Outcomes to Improve Emotional Distress Screening and Assessment in an Ambulatory Oncology Clinic
Authors: Chiang Anne C. , Buia Amport Stephanie , Corjulo Diane , Harvey Katherine L. , McCorkle Ruth
Published: May 2015

A pilot intervention collecting patient-reported outcomes in two ambulatory clinics led to increased psychosocial distress screening followed by sustained improvement, indicated by both process and QOPI measures.
American Society of Clinical Oncology Third Quality Care Symposium
Authors: Earle Craig C. , Jacobson Joseph O. , Blayney Douglas W.
Published: May 2015

An introduction to the issue, which includes summaries provided by symposium speakers, and full-length manuscripts that describe several research presentations.
Medically Underserved Populations: Disparities in Quality and Outcomes
Authors: Wong Sandra L.
Published: May 2015

Underlying mechanisms of patient, provider, and system variation must be studied and understood in the fight to eliminate disparities.
Choosing Wisely Canada Cancer List: Ten Low-Value or Harmful Practices That Should Be Avoided In Cancer Care
Authors: Mitera Gunita , Earle Craig , Latosinsky Steven , Booth Christopher , Bezjak Andrea , Desbiens Christine , Delouya Guila , Laing Kara , Camuso Natasha , Porter Geoff
Published: May 2015

Using knowledge translation and exchange efforts, this list should empower patients with cancer and physicians to participate in a targeted conversation about the appropriateness and quality of individual patient care.
Patient Safety Across Disciplines: Radiation Oncology Incident Learning System
Authors: Evans Suzanne B.
Published: May 2015

The Radiation Oncology Incident Learning System is a national error reporting system that is voluntary and confidential. Participants collect and analyze their data, then institute corrective actions so that true incident learning takes place.
Kummer surfaces associated to (1, 2)-polarized abelian surfaces
Authors: Mehran Afsaneh
Published: May 2015

The aim of this paper is to describe the geometry of the generic Kummer surface associated to a (1, 2)-polarized abelian surface. We show that it is the double cover of a weak del Pezzo surface and that it inherits from the del Pezzo surface an interesting elliptic fibration with twelve singular fibers of type I2.
Galois-theoretic characterization of isomorphism classes of monodromically full hyperbolic curves of genus zero
Authors: Hoshi Yuichiro
Published: May 2015

Let l be a prime number. In this paper, we prove that the isomorphism class of an l-monodromically full hyperbolic curve of genus zero over a finitely generated extension of the field of rational numbers is completely determined by the kernel of the natural pro-l outer Galois representation associated to the hyperbolic curve. This result can be regarded as a genus zero analogue of a result due to Mochizuki which asserts that the isomorphism class of an elliptic curve which does not admit complex multiplication over a number field is completely determined by the kernels of the natural Galois representations on the various finite quotients of its Tate module.
Periodicities of T-systems and Y-systems
Authors: Inoue Rei , Iyama Osamu , Kuniba Atsuo , Nakanishi Tomoki , Suzuki Junji
Published: May 2015

The unrestricted T-system is a family of relations in the Grothendieck ring of the category of the finite-dimensional modules of Yangian or quantum affine algebra associated with a complex simple Lie algebra. The unrestricted T-system admits a reduction called the restricted T-system. In this paper we formulate the periodicity conjecture for the restricted T-systems, which is the counterpart of the known and partially proved periodicity conjecture for the restricted Y-systems. Then, we partially prove the conjecture by various methods: the cluster algebra and cluster category method for the simply laced case, the determinant method for typesAandC, and the direct method for typesA, D, andB(level 2).
Instability of one global transonic shock wave for the steady supersonic Euler flow past a sharp cone
Authors: Xu Gang , Yin Huicheng
Published: May 2015

In this paper, we are concerned with the instability problem of one global transonic conic shock wave for the supersonic Euler flow past an infinitely long conic body whose vertex angle is less than some critical value. This is motivated by the following descriptions in the bookSupersonic Flow and Shock Wavesby Courant and Friedrichs: if there is a supersonic steady flow which comes from minus infinity, and the flow hits a sharp cone along its axis direction, then it follows from the Rankine-Hugoniot conditions, the physical entropy condition, and the apple curve method that there will appear a weak shock or a strong shock attached at the vertex of the cone, which corresponds to the supersonic shock or the transonic shock, respectively. A long-standing open problem is that only the weak shock could occur, and the strong shock is unstable. However, a convincing proof of this instability has apparently never been given. The aim of this paper is to understand this. In particular, under some suitable assumptions, because of the essential influence of the rotation of Euler flow, we show that a global transonic conic shock solution is unstable as long as the related sharp circular cone is perturbed.
Neural crest migration is driven by a few trailblazer cells with a unique molecular signature narrowly confined to the invasive front
Authors: McLennan Rebecca , Schumacher Linus J. , Morrison Jason A. , Teddy Jessica M. , Ridenour Dennis A. , Box Andrew C. , Semerad Craig L. , Li Hua , McDowell William , Kay David , Maini Philip K. , Baker Ruth E. , Kulesa Paul M.
Published: May 2015

Neural crest (NC) cell migration is crucial to the formation of peripheral tissues during vertebrate development. However, how NC cells respond to different microenvironments to maintain persistence of direction and cohesion in multicellular streams remains unclear. To address this, we profiled eight subregions of a typical cranial NC cell migratory stream. Hierarchical clustering showed significant differences in the expression profiles of the lead three subregions compared with newly emerged cells. Multiplexed imaging of mRNA expression using fluorescent hybridization chain reaction (HCR) quantitatively confirmed the expression profiles of lead cells. Computational modeling predicted that a small fraction of lead cells that detect directional information is optimal for successful stream migration. Single-cell profiling then revealed a unique molecular signature that is consistent and stable over time in a subset of lead cells within the most advanced portion of the migratory front, which we term trailblazers. Model simulations that forced a lead cell behavior in the trailing subpopulation predicted cell bunching near the migratory domain entrance. Misexpression of the trailblazer molecular signature by perturbation of two upstream transcription factors agreed with the in silico prediction and showed alterations to NC cell migration distance and stream shape. These data are the first to characterize the molecular diversity within an NC cell migratory stream and offer insights into how molecular patterns are transduced into cell behaviors.
Chronic administration of recombinant IL-6 upregulates lipogenic enzyme expression and aggravates high fat diet-induced steatosis in IL-6 deficient mice
Authors: Vida Margarita , Gavito Ana Luisa , Pavón Francisco Javier , Bautista Dolores , Serrano Antonia , Suarez Juan , Arrabal Sergio , Decara Juan , Romero-Cuevas Miguel , de Fonseca Fernando Rodríguez , Baixeras Elena
Published: May 2015

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) has emerged as an important mediator of fatty acid metabolism with paradoxical effects in the liver. Administration of IL-6 has been reported to confer protection against steatosis, but the plasma/tissue IL-6 concentrations are elevated in chronic liver diseases, including fatty liver diseases associated with obesity and alcoholic ingestion. In this study, we further investigated the role of IL-6 on steatosis induced through a high-fat diet (HFD) in wild type (WT) and IL-6-deficient (IL-6−/−) mice models. Additionally, HFD-fed IL-6−/− mice were also chronically treated with recombinant IL-6 (rIL-6). Obesity in WT mice fed a HFD associated with elevated serum IL-6 levels, fatty liver, upregulation of Carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT1) and signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT3), increased AMP kinase (p-AMPK) phosphorylation and downregulation of hepatic lipogenic enzymes Fatty acid synthase (FAS) and Stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1). The HFD-fed IL-6−/− mice showed severe steatosis, no changes in CPT1 levels or AMPK activity, no increase in STAT3 amounts, inactivated STAT3, and marked downregulation of the expression of acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACCα/β), FAS and SCD1. The IL-6 chronic replacement in HFD-fed IL-6−/− mice restored hepatic STAT3 and AMPK activation but also increased the expression of the lipogenic enzymes ACCα/β, FAS and SCD1. Furthermore, the rIL-6 administration was associated with aggravated steatosis and elevated fat content in the liver. Conclusion: in the context of HFD-induced obesity, the administration of rIL-6 might contribute to the aggravation of fatty liver disease through increasing lipogenesis process.
New Polymeric Materials Based on Element-Blocks
Authors: Chujo Yoshiki , Tanaka Kazuo
Published: May 2015

The concept and representative examples of “element-block polymers” are described. A structural unit consisting of various groups of elements is called an “element-block.” In this review, unique properties of “element-block polymers” composed of organoboron complexes, o-carboranes, and polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes as typical examples of element blocks are illustrated. The design and synthesis of new element-blocks and development of methods forming higher-order structures for realizing the desired functions based on a bottom-up approach are explained.
General Education Modernization in Contemporary Russia: a Quest of Promising Solutions
Authors: Вяземский  , Vyazemskiy Evgeniy , Болотина  , Bolotina Tatyana
Published: May 2015

The article addresses issues Russian general education development strategy in conditions of contemporary informational society and challenges of

globalization. It discusses ways to react on these challenges in general education system. Academic and competency models of general education are

compared. Approaches to general education system modernization are formulated.
Patient blood management nurse vs transfusion nurse: is it time to merge?
Authors: Gallagher Trudi , Darby Sue , Vodanovich Matthew , Campbell Linda , Tovey Julie
Published: May 2015

For many years, nurses have performed the tasks related to blood transfusion monitoring and the associated quality-control documentation. There have been multiple job titles given to healthcare providers in this field: haemovigilance officer, transfusion practitioner, transfusion nurse, patient blood management (PBM) nurse, blood conservation nurse and blood management nurse. These titles share some overlap in tasks. In this article, the authors discuss Australian and US experiences of the historical transfusion nurse role, and the newer title of PBM nurse. The article will attempt to answer the question: is it time these two job titles and roles were merged into one, creating the evolved role of PBM nurse? It will define the unique nature of these roles and attempt to explore any differences between them. PBM is becoming a standard of care and embedded in institutions around the world. The transition and adoption of a joint role is timely, and the article also addresses the issue of appropriate staffing levels. PBM has become the overarching phrase that addresses the prevention of transfusion as well as the quality and safety needs of transfusion medicine. The authors propose it is time to merge the roles of the PBM nurse and the transfusion nurse, which would ultimately benefit patients, as well as more thoroughly address the needs of hospitals.
Incontinence-associated dermatitis: identification, prevention and care
Authors: Holroyd Sharon
Published: May 2015

Incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) is a common skin disorder experienced by people who suffer from faecal and/or urinary incontinence. It is painful and in some cases accompanied by significant secondary infections. The prevalence is higher in those people receiving long-term care at home. IAD is often misdiagnosed and confused with pressure ulcers. Care providers now crossover health and social care boundaries and education on continence-related issues is often not prioritised. This article looks at normal skin physiology and the aetiology of IAD versus pressure ulcers. It suggests prevention and management strategies in relation to IAD; in particular, the use of barrier creams. A selection of case studies evaluating the efficacy of using Cutimed PROTECT cream in cases of IAD are presented.
Cardboard versus sterile containers: more nitrite-positive urinalysis results?
Authors: Eley Rhiannon
Published: May 2015

Urinalysis is a frequently performed test that provides valuable information as to the health of individuals. The presence of nitrites in the urine may indicate infection. Antibiotic therapy is commonly started following the results of dipstick urine taken from non-sterile urine samples. This is especially prevalent in men who are immobile, because sterile containers large enough to hold a full bladder of urine are not available (at the author's trust). Urine samples were taken from 25 male A&E patients in a sterile container. Half of each sample was decanted into an ordinary cardboard urine bottle and both samples were then tested using dipstick urinalysis after 1 minute and after 10 minutes to see if there was a difference in the presence of nitrites between the two container types. After 10 minutes, 21 of the 25 samples showed a positive nitrite dipstick in the cardboard container while it remained negative when the urine remained in the sterile container. These results demonstrate that care needs to be taken when collecting urine samples, and the results of dipstick urinalysis should be used with caution depending on the collection method.
Intranasal flu vaccines: Not to be sniffed at
Authors: Greener Mark
Published: May 2015

The universal childhood programme using intranasal influenza vaccine started in 2013-2014. In addition to preventing symptoms and complications, the nasal flu vaccine reduces the virus's spread to other people. Clinical studies have found that the intranasal vaccine prevents a high number of influenza infections and it appears to be more effective than the injectable vaccine. Nasal congestion and rhinorrhoea seem to be the most common adverse reactions. Although the nasal vaccine seems to be well tolerated, nurses should report any suspected side effects. School nurses should continue to underscore the importance of good hygiene to further reduce the risk of transmission.
What do you really know about colour blindness?
Authors: Albany-Ward Kathryn
Published: May 2015

Colour vision deficiency (CVD) can have a substantial impact on children and young people's learning. This article discusses how CVD can affect people and the need for routine screening.
Chondroprotective effects of Salubrinal in a mouse model of osteoarthritis
Authors: Hamamura K. , Nishimura A. , Iino T. , Takigawa S. , Sudo A. , Yokota H.
Published: May 2015

Objectives

Salubrinal is a synthetic agent that elevates phosphorylation of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 alpha (eIF2α) and alleviates stress to the endoplasmic reticulum. Previously, we reported that in chondrocytes, Salubrinal attenuates expression and activity of matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP13) through downregulating nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) signalling. We herein examine whether Salubrinal prevents the degradation of articular cartilage in a mouse model of osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods

OA was surgically induced in the left knee of female mice. Animal groups included age-matched sham control, OA placebo, and OA treated with Salubrinal or Guanabenz. Three weeks after the induction of OA, immunoblotting was performed for NFκB p65 and p-NFκB p65. At three and six weeks, the femora and tibiae were isolated and the sagittal sections were stained with Safranin O.

Results

Salubrinal suppressed the progression of OA by downregulating p-NFκB p65 and MMP13. Although Guanabenz elevates the phosphorylation level of eIF2α, it did not suppress the progression of OA.

Conclusions

Administration of Salubrinal has chondroprotective effects in arthritic joints. Salubrinal can be considered as a potential therapeutic agent for alleviating symptoms of OA. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2015;4:84–92
Metabolic Rifts and Restoration: Agricultural Crises and the Potential of Cuba's Organic, Socialist Approach to Food Production
Authors: Rebecca Clausen  , Brett Clark  , Stefano B. Longo
Published: May 2015

We employ Karl Marx's metabolic approach—via the concepts of metabolic rift and metabolic restoration—to study the dynamic relationships of interchange associated with distinct agricultural systems. First, we offer an assessment of contemporary capitalist agriculture, including organic agriculture in the United States. We address how the organization of capitalist agriculture inherently generates ecological problems and metabolic rifts in the soil nutrient cycle. Second, we discuss the promise for a socially and ecologically just food system. We examine Cuba's model of organic agriculture, highlighting the potential for metabolic restoration.
High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin T Concentrations below the Limit of Detection to Exclude Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Prospective Evaluation
Authors: Body Richard , Burrows Gillian , Carley Simon , Cullen Louise , Than Martin , Jaffe Allan S , Lewis Philip S
Published: May 2015

BACKGROUND

Initial reports suggest that concentrations of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) (Roche Diagnostics Elecsys®) below the limit of blank (LoB) (3 ng/L) or limit of detection (LoD) (5 ng/L) of the assay have almost 100% negative predictive value (NPV) for acute myocardial infarction (AMI), particularly among patients without electrocardiograph (ECG) evidence of ischemia. We aimed to prospectively validate those findings.

METHODS

We included adults presenting to the emergency department with suspected cardiac chest pain. Standard troponin T (cTnT) and hs-cTnT (both Roche Elecsys) were tested in samples drawn on arrival. The primary outcome was AMI, adjudicated by 2 investigators on the basis of clinical data and ≥12-h cTnT testing. We also evaluated diagnostic performance when AMI was readjudicated on the basis of hs-cTnT (≥12-h) concentrations.

RESULTS

Of 463 patients included, 79 (17.1%) had AMI. Twenty-four patients (5.2%) had hs-cTnT concentrations below the LoB, although none had AMI. Ninety-six patients (20.7%) had hs-cTnT concentrations below the LoD, 1 of whom had AMI. Thus, diagnostic sensitivity was 98.7% (95% CI 87.5%–98.6%) and NPV was 99.0% (95% CI 94.3%–100.0%). Of the 17.3% (n = 80) patients with hs-cTnT below the LoD and no ECG ischemia, none had AMI. Thus, diagnostic sensitivity was 100.0% (95% CI 95.4%–100.0%) and NPV was 100.0% (95% CI 95.5%–100.0%). Sensitivity and NPV were maintained when AMI was readjudicated on the basis of hs-cTnT.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings confirm that patients with nonischemic ECG and undetectable hs-cTnT at presentation have a very low probability of AMI, although the proportion of patients affected was smaller than in previous research.
The ideology problem in terms of critical theory of curriculum development models implemented in Turkey
Türkiye’de uygulanan program geliştirme modellerinin Eleştirel Teori açısından ideoloji sorunu
Authors: İşeri Alaettin
Published: May 2015

In this study, it was examined how curriculum development models implemented in Turkey make possible understanding of ideology in the dimensions of methodological structure, integrated institutional structure, and effect to teaching practice in terms of discource within critical theory. In this context, the study was carried out based on literature review. The data were obtained from the related literature concerning curriculum development models implemented in Turkey and discourse within critical theory. The data collected were identified via descriptive analysis and interpreted comparatively. Firstly, study findings were examined curriculum development models implemented in Turkey to dimensions of methodological structure, integrated institutional structure, and effects to teaching practice. Secondly, compared with the discourses; social structure of knowledge, one dimensional man, the model of transmitted education, reproduction of cultural capital, hegemony and democtratic curriculum within critical theory were examined comparatively. According to these findings, it was discussed the understanding of ideology that models make possible it terms of personal-social effects at macro level.

 

Özet

Bu araştırmada, Türkiye’de uygulanan program geliştirme modellerinin, eleştirel teori argümanları açısından ideoloji üretim sorunu irdelenmiştir. Bu bağlamda Türkiye’de uygulanan program geliştirme modellerinin metodolojik yapısı, entegre edildiği kurumsal yapı ve öğretim pratiğine etkileri, eleştirel teorinin temel argümanları ile karşılaştırmalı olarak incelenerek ideoloji üretim sorunu irdelenmiştir. Araştırma betimsel olup, literatür taramasına dayalı kuramsal bir çalışmadır. İlgili literatürlerden toplanan araştırma verileri, betimsel analiz aracılığıyla tanımlanıp, karşılaştırmalı olarak yorumlanmıştır. Araştırma bulguları ilk aşamada Türkiye’de uygulanan program geliştirme modellerinin metodolojik yapısı, entegre olduğu kurumsal yapı ve öğretim pratiğine etkileri başlıkları altında analiz edilmiştir. Bu bulgular, bağlamında ikinci aşamada eleştirel teorinin; bilginin sosyal yapısı, tek boyutlu insan, aktarımcı-bankacı eğitim düşüncesi, kültürel sermayenin yeniden üretimi, hegemonya ve demokratik program söylemleri ile karşılaştırılarak makro düzeyde ideoloji üretimini nasıl olanaklı kıldığı literature dayalı tartışılmıştır.
DAQ
Authors: Potti Navneet , Patel Jignesh M.
Published: May 2015

Many modern applications deal with exponentially increasing data volumes and aid business-critical decisions in near real-time. Particularly in exploratory data analysis, the focus is on interactive querying and some degree of error in estimated results is tolerable. A common response to this challenge is approximate query processing, where the user is presented with a quick confidence interval estimate based on a sample of the data. In this work, we highlight some of the problems that are associated with this
probabilistic
approach when extended to more complex queries, both in semantic interpretation and the lack of a formal algebra. As an alternative, we propose
deterministic
approximate querying (DAQ) schemes, formalize a closed deterministic approximation algebra, and outline some design principles for DAQ schemes. We also illustrate the utility of this approach with an example deterministic online approximation scheme which uses a bitsliced index representation and computes the most significant bits of the result first. Our prototype scheme delivers speedups over exact aggregation and predicate evaluation, and outperforms sampling-based schemes for extreme value aggregations.
Giraph unchained
Authors: Han Minyang , Daudjee Khuzaima
Published: May 2015

The bulk synchronous parallel (BSP) model used by synchronous graph processing systems allows algorithms to be easily implemented and reasoned about. However, BSP can suffer from poor performance due to stale messages and frequent global synchronization barriers. Asynchronous computation models have been proposed to alleviate these overheads but existing asynchronous systems that implement such models have limited scalability or retain frequent global barriers, and do not always support graph mutations or algorithms with multiple computation phases. We propose barrierless asynchronous parallel (BAP), a new computation model that reduces both message staleness and global synchronization. This enables BAP to overcome the limitations of existing asynchronous models while retaining support for graph mutations and algorithms with multiple computation phases. We present GiraphUC, which implements our BAP model in the open source distributed graph processing system Giraph, and evaluate our system at scale with large real-world graphs on 64 EC2 machines. We show that GiraphUC provides across-the-board performance improvements of up to 5× faster over synchronous systems and up to an order of magnitude faster than asynchronous systems. Our results demonstrate that the BAP model provides efficient and transparent asynchronous execution of algorithms that are programmed synchronously.
Long-term oral exposure to bisphenol A induces glucose intolerance and insulin resistance
Authors: Moon Min Kyong , Jeong In-Kyong , Jung Oh Tae , Ahn Hwa Young , Kim Hwan Hee , Park Young Joo , Jang Hak Chul , Park Kyong Soo
Published: May 2015

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a widely used endocrine disruptor. Recent epidemiologic results have suggested an association between exposure to BPA and cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. We investigated thein vivoeffects of long-term oral exposure to BPA on insulin resistance and glucose intolerance. In the present study, 4- to 6-week-old male mice on a high-fat diet (HFD) were treated with 50 μg/kg body weight per day of BPA orally for 12 weeks. Long-term oral exposure to BPA along with an HFD for 12 weeks induced glucose intolerance in growing male mice. Intraperitoneal glucose tolerance tests showed that the mice that received an HFD and BPA exhibited a significantly larger area under the curve than did those that received an HFD only (119.9±16.8 vs 97.9±18.2 mM/min,P=0.027). Body weight, percentage of white adipose tissue, and percentage of body fat did not differ between the two groups of mice. However, treatment with BPA reduced Akt phosphorylation at position Thr308 and GSK3β phosphorylation at position Ser9 in skeletal muscle. BPA tended to decrease serum adiponectin levels and to increase serum interleukin 6 and tumor necrosis factor α, although these findings were not statistically significant. Treatment with BPA did not induce any detrimental changes in the islet area or morphology or the insulin content of β cells. In conclusion, long-term oral exposure to BPA induced glucose intolerance and insulin resistance in growing mice. Decreased Akt phosphorylation in skeletal muscle by way of altered serum adipocytokine levels might be one mechanism by which BPA induces glucose intolerance.
Nonadditive Effects of Genes in Human Metabolomics
Authors: Tsepilov Yakov A , Shin So-Youn , Soranzo Nicole , Spector Tim D , Prehn Cornelia , Adamski Jerzy , Kastenmüller Gabi , Wang-Sattler Rui , Strauch Konstantin , Gieger Christian , Aulchenko Yurii S , Ried Janina S
Published: May 2015

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) are widely applied to analyze the genetic effects on phenotypes. With the availability of high-throughput technologies for metabolite measurements, GWAS successfully identified loci that affect metabolite concentrations and underlying pathways. In most GWAS, the effect of each SNP on the phenotype is assumed to be additive. Other genetic models such as recessive, dominant, or overdominant were considered only by very few studies. In contrast to this, there are theories that emphasize the relevance of nonadditive effects as a consequence of physiologic mechanisms. This might be especially important for metabolites because these intermediate phenotypes are closer to the underlying pathways than other traits or diseases. In this study we analyzed systematically nonadditive effects on a large panel of serum metabolites and all possible ratios (22,801 total) in a population-based study [Cooperative Health Research in the Region of Augsburg (KORA) F4, N = 1,785]. We applied four different 1-degree-of-freedom (1-df) tests corresponding to an additive, dominant, recessive, and overdominant trait model as well as a genotypic model with two degree-of-freedom (2-df) that allows a more general consideration of genetic effects. Twenty-three loci were found to be genome-wide significantly associated (Bonferroni corrected P ≤ 2.19 × 10−12) with at least one metabolite or ratio. For five of them, we show the evidence of nonadditive effects. We replicated 17 loci, including 3 loci with nonadditive effects, in an independent study (TwinsUK, N = 846). In conclusion, we found that most genetic effects on metabolite concentrations and ratios were indeed additive, which verifies the practice of using the additive model for analyzing SNP effects on metabolites.
The Carboxy-Terminal Tails of Septins Cdc11 and Shs1 Recruit Myosin-II Binding Factor Bni5 to the Bud Neck in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Finnigan Gregory C , Booth Elizabeth A , Duvalyan Angela , Liao Elizabeth N , Thorner Jeremy
Published: May 2015

Septins are a conserved family of GTP-binding proteins that form heterooctameric complexes that assemble into higher-order structures. In yeast, septin superstructure at the bud neck serves as a barrier to separate a daughter cell from its mother and as a scaffold to recruit the proteins that execute cytokinesis. However, how septins recruit specific factors has not been well characterized. In the accompanying article in this issue, (Finnigan et al. 2015), we demonstrated that the C-terminal extensions (CTEs) of the alternative terminal subunits of septin heterooctamers, Cdc11 and Shs1, share a role required for optimal septin function in vivo. Here we describe our use of unbiased genetic approaches (both selection of dosage suppressors and analysis of synthetic interactions) that pinpointed Bni5 as a protein that interacts with the CTEs of Cdc11 and Shs1. Furthermore, we used three independent methods—construction of chimeric proteins, noncovalent tethering mediated by a GFP-targeted nanobody, and imaging by fluorescence microscopy—to confirm that a physiologically important function of the CTEs of Cdc11 and Shs1 is optimizing recruitment of Bni5 and thereby ensuring efficient localization at the bud neck of Myo1, the type II myosin of the actomyosin contractile ring.

Related article in GENETICS: Finnigan, G. C. et al., 2015 Comprehensive Genetic Analysis of Paralogous Terminal Septin Subunits Shs1 and Cdc11 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Genetics 200:  821–841.
Design and Synthesis of Nanoparticle Contrast Agents for Spectral (color) X-Ray Imaging
Authors: Nallathamby Prakash D. , Mcginnity Tracie L. , Cole Lisa E. , Best Margaret E. , Vargo-Gogola Tracy , Roeder Ryan K.
Published: May 2015

Computed tomography (CT) is an important tool in clinical diagnostic imaging enabling three-dimensional anatomic imaging at high spatial resolution with short scan times. However, X-ray attenuation differences in physiological fluids and soft tissues are relatively small, requiring the use of contrast agents to achieve sufficient imaging contrast. Recent advances in energy-sensitive X-ray detectors have made spectral (color) CT commercially feasible by unmixing the energy-dependent attenuation profile of different materials and will potentially enable molecular imaging in CT. In order to leverage these capabilities for diagnostic imaging, we are developing a spectral library of nanoparticle contrast agents with K-shell absorption edges spaced at least 10 keV apart. The objective of this study was to demonstrate the ability of spectral CT to simultaneously detect up to three different contrast agents and unmixed their signals to create color images. Gadolinium oxide (Gd), hafnium oxide (Hf) and gold (Au) were chosen due to exhibiting K-edges spaced 10-20 keV apart. Core-shell nanoparticles of each composition were synthesized by various methods to have a core diameter of 15-20 nm and were coated with a silica shell at least 2-4 nm in thickness to create a common platform for surface functionalization. The contrast agents were imaged in a soft tissue equivalent phantom using source-side method for spectral CT imaging. The source-side approach utilized monochromatic synchrotron radiation at the Argonne National Laboratory which, while not clinically applicable, served as a gold standard due to providing the highest spectral resolution. The nanoparticles designed for this study have broad applications in biomedical imaging due to their modular assembly, potential for enabling multi-modal detection, and surface functionalization with biomolecules (e.g., antibodies, peptides or enzymes) for active targeting.
The idea of ranking in setting priorities for land consolidation works
Authors: Janus Jarosław , Taszakowski Jarosław
Published: May 2015

Functioning conditions of agriculture are closely related to the spatial structure of rural areas,
which is one of the most important factors influencing profitability of agricultural production.
Essential changes in rural space can be effected in a short period of time only as a result of land
management works. The scope of these works is limited because the financial resources are often
insufficient. As a result, scarce funds must be distributed in such a way as to ensure their flow to
where they are mostly needed or where the return on investment, in the form of improvement of
farming conditions, would be the highest [Błaż et al. 2010, Gawroński 2005].
The article presents the idea of creating multicriteria ranking of surveying sections of Małopolskie
Voivodeship aimed at identifying areas that should be the subject of land management works in
the first place. It is suggested that to achieve this goal databases of rural areas in the Małopolska
region, including data from the descriptive and graphic part of the land and building register as
well as digital orthophotomap.
Voivodeship authorities, having access to the results of the proposed calculation process, could
play an important role in programming the land management works.
Land-use planning and public administration in Bavaria, Germany: towards a public administration approach to land-use planning
Authors: Chigbu Uchendu Eugene , Kalashyan Vache
Published: May 2015

Germany has notable land management and planning traditions. As part of their formal responsibilities, local governments have powers to regulate and structure their areas and landscapes
through land-use planning. They use it to prepare and guide land-uses for development purposes in municipalities. This study presents the Bavarian experience of land-use planning in
relation to public administration. The study emanated from a research conducted at Technische
Universität München and funded by the German Academic Exchange Service. It uses data from
semi-structured interviews with land management experts, mayors and public administrators at
different levels of public administration. The authors used these interviews to discern the scope,
nature and role of public administration of land-uses at either the local or regional scale. It led to
four findings. The two major ones being that: first, based on good governance principles, there
are contradictions in the administration of land-use planning in Germany. Second, there are no
harmonised criteria for assessing the efficiency and effectiveness of land-use planning administration. By way of recommendation, it suggests an efficiency assessment criteria and method of
land-use planning through public administration, among others suggestions.
Regulacyjno-instytucjonalne ramy ochrony konsumentów na rynku usług finansowych - wybrane doświadczenia międzynarodowe
Authors: Frączek Bożena , Mitręga-Niestrój Krystyna
Published: May 2015

The main aim of this article is to introduce and systemise the most important regulatory and institutional solutions concerning the protection of consumers of financial services. Customer protection is not only essential for the development of financial systems, but is also a prerequisite for financial stability in both individual economies and in an international dimension. The present regulatory-institutional framework of the protection of consumers of financial products offers a multiplicity of solutions. There is, however, a clear trend which has occurred as a result of the global financial crisis - international efforts to develop common solutions and strengthen cooperation. It is essential to find solutions which can complement regulatory-institutional ones and raise the level of protection. One of the most effective methods is to educate consumers in financial matters.
Dywidendy w spółkach notowanych na rynku NewConnect
Authors: Uchman Jacek
Published: May 2015

The paper presents the issue of dividend payments in small and medium companies listed on the NewConnect market. The analysis of payments leads to the conclusion that the majority of these companies do not have a long-term dividend policy. For a variety of reasons, dividend payments are not a priority for these companies.
Zmiany siły powiązań i zmienności indeksów giełd światowych
Authors: Węgrzyn Ryszard
Published: May 2015

The aim of the study is to identify and assess the changes in the evolution of stock market indices, paying particular attention to changes in the strength of connections of indices representing the shares of companies from different geographic regions and countries, as well as changes in the volatility of these indices. The analysis involves a comparison of how the indices have shaped up over time, isolating sub-periods and determining changes in the strength of connections between different indices. A depth analysis of changes in the volatility of indices was based on the estimated GARCH models. The analysis included a total of 15 stock market indices in the period 2.01.2000-31.10.2013. On the basis of the empirical results it may be concluded that, in spite of periodic fluctuations in the level of correlation coefficients, the vast majority of them grew in the long term. In over the 70% of cases volatility grew on the analysed markets.
Derywaty ubezpieczeniowe w zarządzaniu ryzykiem - perspektywa przedsiębiorstwa
Authors: Wieczorek-Kosmala Monika , Błach Joanna , Doś Anna , Gorczyńska Maria
Published: May 2015

Insurance derivatives are instruments that allow insurable risk to be transferred to financial markets. The purpose of the paper is to provide justification for the thesis that insurance derivatives may in the future become an important risk-management tool in enterprises, despite significant currently observable obstacles. The insurance derivatives market is dominated by (re)insurers. However, the convergence of financial and insurance markets may lead to the emergence of new solutions or lead existing solutions into new areas of application. In this context, the paper discusses the role of insurance derivatives and provides a description of their basic types. The paper is based on the conceptual analysis of literature and the method of document analysis in the body of the reports provided by leading international institutions offering insurance derivatives.