bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Criminality and suicide: a longitudinal Swedish cohort study
Authors: Stenbacka M , Romelsjö A , Jokinen J
Published: June 2016

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate whether violent and non-violent offending were related to elevated risk of suicide. We also investigated whether the risk was higher among those with repeated offences and how experiences of substance misuse and suicide attempt modified the relationship.

Design

A nationwide prospective cohort study.

Setting

A register study of 48 834 conscripted men in 1969/1970 in Sweden followed up during a 35-year period in official registers.

Participants

A birth cohort of 48 834 men who were mandatory conscripted for military service in 1969/70 at the age of 18–20 years. Possible confounders were retrieved from psychological assessments at conscription and the cohort was linked to mortality and hospitalisation and crime records from 1970 onwards. Estimates of suicide risks were calculated as HR with 95% CIs using Cox proportional regression analyses with adjustment for potential confounding by family, psychological and behavioural factors including substance use and psychiatric disorders.

Results

Of the total cohort, 2671 (5.5%) persons died during the follow-up period. Of these, 615 (23%) persons died due to suicide. Non-violent criminality was evident for 29% and violent criminality for 4.7% of all the participants. In the crude model, the violent offenders had nearly five times higher risk (HR=4.69, 3.56 to 6.19) to die from suicide and non-violent criminals had about two times higher risk (HR=2.08, 1.72 to 2.52). In the fully adjusted model, the HRs were still significant for suicide in the non-violent group.

Conclusions

Experiences of violent or non-violent criminality were associated with increased risk of suicide. Comorbidity with alcohol and substance use and psychiatric disorders modified the risk, but the suicide risk remained significantly elevated for non-violent criminals. It is crucial to identify offenders and especially repeated offenders who also suffer from alcohol or substance misuse and psychiatric illness in clinical settings in order to prevent suicide.
Risk assessment and prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism in surgical inpatients: improving adherence to national guidelines
Authors: Johnson Oscar , Kumar Shankar
Published: June 2016

In Europe, venous thromboembolism (VTE) is the third most common cause of vascular death after myocardial infarction and stroke. It is especially common during and after hospitalisation for surgery and acute medical illness though many other risk factors have now been identified. VTE is often preventable with judicious use of preventative measures in the form of thromboprophylaxis and mechanical antiembolism stockings. In 2014, a study was undertaken across all surgical wards at a teaching hospital in London to assess compliance to national guidelines for VTE risk assessment and subsequent institution of protective measures.

The initial results demonstrated that performance could be improved in terms of meeting the national target of assessing 95% of surgical inpatients for risk of VTE at admission, prescribing anti-embolism stockings, ensuring that they are correctly worn, and reassessing patients 24 hours later. Utilising a multidisciplinary team approach, simple interventions were put in place such as e-mail reminders, posters, and senior input during ward rounds. Three subsequent measurements demonstrated that sustained improvement was achieved with the national guideline of 95% VTE risk assessment met. Improved performance was noted across all parameters considered, highlighting that simple intervention with all team members involved can improve patient safety and care.
Improving medical handover at the weekend: a quality improvement project
Authors: Michael Emma , Patel Chandni
Published: June 2016

In recent years medical handover has been identified as an increasingly important area for hospitals to improve upon, in light of the changes in shift patterns for doctors. Significant changes to weekday handover had recently been successfully introduced at Broomfield hospital. Weekend handover remained a concern, with an electronic and paper system being used simultaneously.

Our objectives were to introduce a new electronic handover system for weekend handover at Broomfield Hospital and improve the organisation of the weekend handover meeting to promote patient safety.

Doctors involved in weekend handover were surveyed using a questionnaire, to establish insufficiencies in the weekend handover process; where both the electronic ExtraMed system and paper were being used inconsistently. A new weekend handover system was introduced together with a new user-friendly electronic handover database, addressing the identified difficulties in the current system. These changes met the medical handover guidelines set by the Royal College of Physicians. Three months after the launch of the new system, doctors were re-surveyed using a modified questionnaire to assess the impact our changes had made.

Before changes were implemented only 12% of doctors surveyed used the electronic system for weekend. Eighty-nine percent found sorting through jobs time consuming and 67% were handed jobs to them meant for a different grade of doctor. Only 41% were aware who to hand weekend discharges to. Subjective assessment of safety was 3.18 out of 5. The electronic system was felt to be time consuming and complicated.

After execution of the new weekend handover process, 100% of doctors reported using the electronic system for weekend handover. Only 47% of doctors felt sorting through jobs was time consuming and 89% of doctors were aware who to handover weekend discharges to. Subjective assessment of the safety of weekend handover improved to 3.84 out of 5. Informal interviews on the ward revealed a high degree of satisfaction with the new weekend handover system. In conclusion we found that a structured, well organised weekend handover meeting together with an effective electronic handover system improves the quality of medical weekend handover.
Improving access to clinical guidance: redevelopment of a junior doctor intranet page
Authors: Walkden Graham , Millwood Sinead , Cavanagh Andrew
Published: June 2016

Junior doctors frequently rely on electronic access to clinical guidelines to inform assessment and management, particularly whilst on-call and occasionally during emergencies. Difficulties in locating and accessing up to date guidance from different hospital intranet sites can lead to delays or errors in patient management. We used a focus group and email feedback to redesign an intranet site for junior doctors which logically organised the documents which doctors said they needed access to in one readily accessible location. A quality improvement project was carried out over six months, testing two iterations of the new junior doctors' intranet site before a third version was launched and evaluated. Their performance was measured by the number of mouse clicks and the time required for doctors to find a representative subset of five guidelines, and revisions were made at each cycle based on feedback from doctors and stakeholders. Cumulatively, we demonstrated a decrease in the total number of clicks required to access the sample of guidelines from 18 to 12 clicks, a corresponding decrease in the time required to access the sample of guidelines from 130 seconds to 22 seconds, and an increase in user satisfaction. We maintained one-click access to emergency guidance. In conclusion, we have developed and implemented an electronic resource for junior doctors which provides more immediate access to both emergency and non-emergency clinical guidance. To ensure the resource remains up to date, it will be maintained by Foundation Programme representatives at our hospital on a rolling basis.
Improving the productivity and efficiency of vascular surgery and radiology multidisciplinary meetings
Authors: Dobson Gary , Neeson Declan
Published: June 2016

Multidisciplinary team meetings are recognized as an important factor in driving quality of care. The Vascular Society of Great Britain and Northern Ireland recommend that all aspects of vascular surgery are suitable for discussion at multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings, including carotid, peripheral, and aortic disease.

The juniors doctors were tasked with preparing the patient list in our unit. This had become time consuming and somewhat unrewarding. The methods of preparation and information required on the patient list were reviewed.

It was felt that typing a clinical summary for each patient on the list was the most time consuming factor. This was removed and patients were instead simply categorized into subgroups such as aneurysms, critical limb ischemia, and others.

The information removed was substituted with the use on an electronic care record during the meeting to answer questions regarding comorbidities and previous interventions.

Time spent preparing the meeting by the junior doctors was recorded before and after cycles of intervention. Prior to intervention this was found be a mean of 140 minutes (2.3 hours), and improved to a mean of 45 minutes (0.45 hours) with consequent cycles.

The overall proportion of patients receiving definitive outcomes in each meeting after changes were implemented increased from 35 to 55%. This was not a primary outcome, but an unintended consequence of careful consideration of each cycle.

In conclusion, the changes implemented have allowed junior doctors to spend more of their time with other activities such as the outpatient department (OPD) and theatre during their vascular surgery rotation. The proportion of cases discussed has increased due to more focused discussions during the MDT meeting, resulting in improved patient care. All stakeholders gave a largely positive reaction to the changes implemented.
Does the CHA2DS2-Vasc score predict procedural and short-term outcomes in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation?
Authors: Hamid Tahir , Choudhury Tawfiq R , Anderson Simon G , Hashmi Izhar , Chowdhary Saqib , Hesketh Roberts David , Fraser Douglas G , Hasan Ragheb , Mahadevan Vaikom S , Levy Richard
Published: June 2016

Background

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is associated with periprocedural and postprocedural morbidity and mortality. Currently, there is a paucity of risk stratification models for potential TAVI candidates. We employed the CHA2DS2-Vasc score to quantify the risk of 30-day mortality and morbidity in patients undergoing TAVI.

Methods and results

A retrospective analysis of registry data for consecutive patients undergoing TAVI at 3 tertiary centres in Northwest England between 2008 and 2013. The CHA2DS2-Vasc score and its modification—the R2CHA2DS2-Vasc score, which includes pre-existing renal impairment and pre-existing conduction abnormality (right bundle branch block/left bundle branch block, RBBB/LBBB)—were calculated for all patients. A total of 313 patients with a mean age of 80 (79.1–80.8) years underwent TAVI. The implanted devices were either the CoreValve or the Edwards-SAPIEN prosthesis. The 30-day mortality was 14.3% in those with a CHA2DS2-Vasc score ≥6, whereas it was only 6.2% in those with a score <6 (p=0.04). Using the R2-CHA2DS2-Vasc score, the difference was more pronounced with a 30-day mortality of 22.6% in those patients with an R2-CHA2DS2-Vasc score ≥7 compared to 6.0% in those with a R2-CHA2DS2-Vasc score <7 (p=0.001). In multivariable Cox regression analyses, there was a significant and independent relationship between the CHA2DS2-Vasc score (hazard ratio (HR)= 2.71, (1.01 to 7.31); p<0.05) and the modified R2CHA2DS2-Vasc score (HR=4.27 (1.51 to 12.07); p=0.006) with 30-day mortality.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates the potential use of the CHA2DS2-Vasc or the R2CHA2DS2-Vasc score to quantify the risk of mortality in patients undergoing TAVI. This could have significant implications in terms of clinical as well as patients’ decision-making.
A propensity matched comparison of return to work and quality of life after stenting or coronary artery bypass surgery
Authors: Maznyczka Annette M , Howard James P , Banning Amerjeet S , Gershlick Anthony H
Published: June 2016

Objectives

We sought to determine (1) return to work (RTW) rates, (2) long-term employment (>12 months postprocedure), (3) time taken to RTW, and (4) quality of life (QoL), in patients treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

Methods

Questionnaires regarding RTW were sent to 689 PCI and 169 CABG patients who underwent PCI or CABG at University Hospitals of Leicester Trust, UK, from May 2012 to May 2013. QoL was also measured using the European QoL 5-dimensions questionnaire (EQ-5D). Responses from patients employed preprocedure were analysed using multivariate logistic regression. Propensity score-matching was further used to compare similar patient populations receiving PCI or CABG.

Results

The response rate was 38% (235 PCI and 88 CABG patients). 241 respondents (75%) were employed preprocedure. Of these 162 (93%) PCI and 51 (77%) CABG patients returned to work, whereas 147 (85%) PCI and 41 (62%) CABG patients were still employed at >12 months postprocedure. After propensity analysis, there was no significant difference between PCI and CABG patients in RTW, long-term employment, nor QoL. The median time taken to RTW was 6 weeks after PCI and 13 weeks after CABG (p=0.001). The effect remained significant after multivariate analysis (p=0.001) and propensity analysis (p=0.001).

Conclusions

In this first propensity score-matched study comparing RTW and QoL after PCI or CABG strict propensity matching indicates that RTW or QoL, is similar for PCI or CABG, albeit the number of matched pairs was small. There are differences, however, in delay in RTW.
Patterns of ST segment resolution after guidewire passage and thrombus aspiration in primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) for acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Russhard Paul , Al Janabi Firas , Parker Michael , Clesham Gerald J
Published: June 2016

Background

ST segment elevation allows the rapid identification of patients with acute myocardial infarction who benefit from emergency reperfusion. Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) has emerged as the preferred perfusion strategy for patients presenting with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Methods and results

We studied the effects of the simple passage of an angioplasty guidewire followed by mechanical thrombus aspiration on the ST segment displacement in 289 patients presenting with acute STEMI. Simple guidewire passage led to a statistically significant fall in the mean ST elevation from 5.9 to 4.9 mm (p<0.001), but the mean ST displacement after subsequent mechanical thrombus aspiration was 4.8 mm, not statistically significantly different from guidewire passage. When compared with simple guidewire passage, thrombus aspiration resulted in more patients achieving more than 50% ST resolution (21.8% vs 15.2%, p=0.009), but a higher proportion had a worsening of ST elevation compared to baseline (19.7% vs 13.5%, p=0.041).

Conclusions

Mechanical thrombus aspiration in acute STEMI did not improve the mean ST resolution compared with simple guidewire passage. Thrombus aspiration increased the proportion achieving 50% resolution but also increased the proportion who had a worsening of ST elevation. These data may help explain some of the uncertainties surrounding the routine use of thrombus aspiration in STEMI and potentially supports the use of ‘time to angioplasty guidewire passage’ as one of the ways to judge the promptness of PPCI services.
The novel use of intravenous pimobendan and oral torasemide in a cat with congestive heart failure secondary to end‐stage hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Prieto‐Ramos Jorge , McNaught Katie , French Anne T
Published: June 2016

A nine‐year‐old male neutered domestic short‐haired cat presented with acute onset of dyspnoea and tachypnoea. The investigations performed including thoracic radiography and echocardiography led to a diagnosis of congestive heart failure secondary to end‐stage hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. In addition to the standard treatment with intravenous diuretics, intravenous pimobendan was administered. No side effects or adverse reactions were noted after the administration of the drug. Complete resolution of the clinical signs was achieved. The patient was discharged from the hospital on oral medication with furosemide, pimobendan and clopidogrel. The furosemide was replaced two months later with torasemide due to refractory pleural effusion. This drug was well tolerated and resulted in marked clinical improvement. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of the use of intravenous pimobendan and oral torasemide in a cat with congestive heart failure.
Constitutive model for rate-independent behavior of saturated frozen soils
Authors: Ghoreishian Amiri S.A. , Grimstad G. , Kadivar M. , Nordal S.
Published: June 2016

The mechanical behavior of frozen soils is strongly affected by the amount of ice. The amount of ice depends on the temperature and the applied mechanical stresses. The influence of ice content and temperature on the mechanical behavior and the coupling effects on the reverse direction can be mentioned as the main difference between frozen and unfrozen soils. In the light of this difference, an elastoplastic constitutive model for describing the stress–strain behavior of saturated frozen soils is proposed. By dividing the total stress into fluid pressure and solid phase stress, in addition to consideration of the cryogenic suction, the model is formulated within the framework of two-stress state variables. The proposed model is able to represent many of the fundamental features of the behavior of frozen soils, such as ice segregation phenomenon and strength weakening due to pressure melting. In the unfrozen state the model becomes a conventional critical state model. Typical predictions of the model for simulating the characteristic trends of the frozen soil behavior is described qualitatively. Model predictions are also compared with the available test results and reasonable agreement is achieved.
Different blood pressure responses to opioids in 3 rat hypertension models: role of the baseline status of sympathetic and renin–angiotensin systems
Authors: Bądzyńska Bożena , Lipkowski Andrzej W. , Olszyński Krzysztof H. , Sadowski Janusz
Published: June 2016

Opioids interact with sympathetic and renin–angiotensin systems in control of mean arterial pressure (MAP). Our earlier finding that biphalin, a synthetic enkephalin analogue, decreased MAP in anaesthetized spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) prompted us to further explore this action, to get new insights into pathogenesis of various forms of hypertension. Biphalin effects were studied in SHR, uninephrectomized rats on a high-salt diet (HS/UNX), and rats with angiotensin-induced hypertension (Ang-iH). Besides MAP, renal and iliac blood flows (RBF, IBF) and vascular resistances were measured. In anaesthetized and conscious SHR, biphalin (300 μg·h−1·kg−1i.v.) decreased MAP by ∼10 and ∼20 mm Hg, respectively (P < 0.001). In anaesthetized HS/UNX and normotensive rats, MAP increased by ∼6–7 mm Hg (P < 0.02); without anaesthesia, only transient decreases occurred. MAP never changed in Ang-iH rats. Morphine (1.5 mg·h−1·kg−1i.v.) decreased MAP in HS/UNX but only transiently so without anaesthesia; such anaesthesia dependence of response was also seen in normotensive rats. Ang-iH rats never responded to morphine. Hypotensive effect in SHR only depends primarily on the reduction by biphalin of vascular responsiveness to increased sympathetic stimulation; such increase is well documented for SHR. No MAP response to biphalin or morphine in Ang-iH could depend on angiotensin-induced alterations of the vascular wall morphology and function.
Simple Matrix Grammars and Their Leftmost Variants
Authors: Meduna Alexander , Soukup Ondřej
Published: June 2016

In essence, simple matrix grammars can be seen as sequences of context-free grammars, referred to as their components, which work in parallel. The present paper demonstrates that two-component simple matrix grammars are as powerful as ordinary matrix grammars. Then, it places three leftmost derivation restrictions upon these grammars and demonstrates that under two of these restrictions, simple matrix grammars are computational complete — that is, they are equivalent with Turing machines. From a historical perspective, concerning simple matrix grammars, the paper also makes several remarks that correct false statements published about them in the past.
Entrepreneur’s Intrapersonal Resources and Enterprise Success among Micro and Small Scale Women Entrepreneurs
Authors: Katongole Celestine , Munene John C. , Ngoma Muhammed , Dawa Samuel , Sserwanga Arthur
Published: June 2016

The study explores the relationship between intrapersonal resources (formal schooling, formal entrepreneurial education and training, and informal entrepreneurial training and education) and success of micro and small enterprises (MSEs). Using Structural Equation Modeling, the study tested the mediating role of entrepreneurial competence in this relationship on a sample of 303 women drawn from the tourism and hospitality sector. The results reveal that entrepreneurial competence plays a mediating role in the relationship between intrapersonal resources and enterprise success. The results also show that informal entrepreneurial training is important in complementing formal entrepreneurial training and education towards enterprise success. It is also shown that formal schooling has a weak relationship with entrepreneurial competence but has varying relationships with both financial and non-financial success.
Beyond the Theory of Planned Behaviour — Viewing Entrepreneurial Intent Through the Lens of Economic Powerlessness
Authors: Khaola Peter , Ndovorwi Tafara
Published: June 2016

Based on a sample of 400 subjects enrolled in business courses at the National University of Lesotho, the aim of this paper is to examine the influence of economic powerlessness on entrepreneurial intent. Correlation, hierarchical regression, stepwise regression and usefulness analyses are used to analyse data. The results reveal that economic powerlessness is not only negatively associated with entrepreneurial intent, but also accounts for the unique variance above that accounted for by demographic factors and the elements of theory of planned behaviour in the explanation of entrepreneurial intent. While subjective norm fails to influence entrepreneurial intent, attitude towards entrepreneurship and perceived behavioural control respectively are the strongest predictors of entrepreneurial intent in this paper. Implications for policy and education are discussed.
SIMULATION OF SOLID–LIQUID SUSPENSION AND SCALE-UP OF AGAROSE GEL ACTIVATION REACTOR
Authors: ZHOU XUELING , LIU YIFAN , YU WEN , CHENG SHAOJIE , YIN JIANZHONG
Published: June 2016

Agarose gel activation reaction, which is of great importance in preparing the carrier of the column packing material for blood purification, would be significantly influenced by the configuration and parameter of reactor. In order to optimize the structure design of the reactor and operating parameters of the process, the characteristics of suspension system composed of agarose gel, NaOH, water, 3-allyl bromide, and activated alumina were simulated numerically utilizing an Eulerian multiphase flow model and multi-reference frame (MRF) approach. The effect of impeller configuration was studied with three typical impellers, including Rushton disk turbine (DT), pitched blade downflow turbine (PBTD45), and pitched blade upflow turbine (PBTU45). The results showed that the optimum solid suspension was obtained using PBTD45 impeller with a diameter of 100[Formula: see text]mm and critical suspension speed of 570[Formula: see text]rpm in a 20[Formula: see text]L stirred reactor. In addition, the critical suspension speeds using the three impellers were calculated and the errors were all within the engineering allowance. Finally, the feasibility of scale-up design for agarose gel activation reactor was preliminarily discussed. The results would be useful to the optimization and scale-up of relevant reactor design.
On the violation of Bell’s inequality for all non-product quantum states
Authors: Cafaro Carlo , Ali Sean Alan , Giffin Adom
Published: June 2016

We present an explicit reexamination of Gisin’s 1991 original proof concerning the violation of Bell’s inequality for any pure entangled state of two-particle systems. Given the relevance of Gisin’s work, our analysis is motivated by pedagogical reasons and allows the straightening of a few mathematical points in the original proof that in no way change the physical conclusions reached by Gisin.
Projecting Basin-Scale Distributed Irrigation and Domestic Water Demands and Values: A Generic Method for Large-Scale Modeling
Authors: Neverre Noémie , Dumas Patrice
Published: June 2016

This paper presents a methodology to project irrigation and domestic water demands on a regional to global scale, in terms of both quantity and economic value. Projections are distributed at the water basin scale. Irrigation water demand is projected under climate change. It is simply computed as the difference between crop potential evapotranspiration for the different stages of the growing season and available precipitation. Irrigation water economic value is based on a yield comparison approach between rainfed and irrigated crops using average yields. For the domestic sector, we project the combined effects of demographic growth, economic development and water cost evolution on future demands. The method consists in building three-part inverse demand functions in which volume limits of the blocks evolve with the level of GDP per capita. The value of water along the demand curve is determined from price-elasticity, price and demand data from the literature, using the point-expansion method, and from water cost data. This generic methodology can be easily applied to large-scale regions, in particular developing regions where reliable data are scarce. As an illustration, it is applied to Algeria, at the 2050 horizon, for demands associated to reservoirs. Our results show that domestic demand is projected to become a major water consumption sector. The methodology is meant to be integrated into large-scale hydroeconomic models, to determine inter-sectorial and inter-temporal water allocation based on economic valuation.
Palynological calibration of Devonian events at near-polar palaeolatitudes in the Falkland Islands, South Atlantic
Authors: Marshall J. E. A.
Published: June 2016

In the Devonian, the Falkland Islands were part of the high-latitude Cape Basin. West Falkland palynological assemblages are at a low thermal maturity level but also very low in diversity and dominated by simple spores with rare chitinozoans and acritarchs. The South Harbour Member contains rare verrucate and sculptured trilete spores, and is early Lochkovian. The Fish Creek Member palynofloras are late Lochkovian. The best correlative datum is the transgressive Fox Bay Formation where the palynological assemblage includes
Ramochitina magnifica
and is equivalent to the Sequence B transgression in Brazil (dated as late Pragian–earliest Emsian). The early Eifelian upper Fox Bay Formation spore assemblage is comparable to the Sequence C transgression in Brazil and the ?Choteč Event. The facies and position of the base Port Philomel Formation prasinophyte-rich black shale suggests the late Eifelian transgression (Kačák Event). Above this level is the inception of
Geminospora lemurata
(base Givetian). The upper Port Stanley Formation contains a late (but not latest) Famennian assemblage. Comparisons with both South Africa and South America indicate a number of correlative transgressive and regressive events that match to Euramerica. These correlations are at a continental scale and confirm eustatic control of these Devonian events.
A Selection of Recent Advances in C1 Chemistry
Authors: Mesters Carl
Published: June 2016

This review presents a selection of recent publications related to the chemistry and catalysis of C1 molecules, including methane, methanol, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide. These molecules play an important role in the current supply of energy and chemicals and will likely become even more relevant because of the need to decarbonize fuels (shift from coal to natural gas) in line with CO2 capture and use to mitigate global warming, as well as a gradual shift on the supply side from crude oil to natural gas. This review includes both recent industrial developments, such as the huge increase in methanol-to-olefins-capacity build in China and the demonstration of oxidative coupling of methane, and scientific developments in these chemistries facilitated by improved capabilities in, for example, analytical tools and computational modeling.
The NHERF1 PDZ1 domain and IRBIT interact and mediate the activation of Na+/H+ exchanger 3 by ANG II
Authors: He Peijian , Zhao Luqing , No Yi Ran , Karvar Serhan , Yun C. Chris
Published: June 2016

Na+/H+ exchanger (NHE)3, a major Na+ transporter in the luminal membrane of the proximal tubule, is subject to ANG II regulation in renal Na+/fluid absorption and blood pressure control. We have previously shown that inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor-binding protein released with inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IRBIT) mediates ANG II-induced exocytosis of NHE3 in cultured proximal tubule epithelial cells. In searching for scaffold protein(s) that coordinates with IRBIT in NHE3 trafficking, we found that NHE regulatory factor (NHERF)1, NHE3, and IRBIT proteins were coexpressed in the same macrocomplexes and that loss of ANG II type 1 receptors decreased their expression in the renal brush-border membrane. We found that NHERF1 was required for ANG II-mediated forward trafficking and activation of NHE3 in cultured cells. ANG II induced a concomitant increase of NHERF1 interactions with NHE3 and IRBIT, which were abolished when the NHERF1 PDZ1 domain was removed. Overexpression of a yellow fluorescent protein-NHERF1 construct that lacks PDZ1, but not PDZ2, failed to exaggerate the ANG II-dependent increase of NHE3 expression in the apical membrane. Moreover, exogenous expression of PDZ1 exerted a dominant negative effect on NHE3 activation by ANG II. We further demonstrated that IRBIT was indispensable for the ANG II-provoked increase in NHERF1-NHE3 interactions and that phosphorylation of IRBIT at Ser68 was necessary for the assembly of the NHEF1-IRBIT-NHE3 complex. Taken together, our findings suggest that NHERF1 mediates ANG II-induced activation of renal NHE3, which requires coordination between IRBIT and the NHERF1 PDZ1 domain in binding and transporting NHE3.
Differences in Central Corneal Thickness between Spectral Domain-Optical Coherence Tomography and Ultrasound Pachymetry in Patients with Dry Eye Disease
Authors: Celebi Ali Riza Cenk , Mirza G. Ertugrul
Published: June 2016

Purpose. To compare central corneal thickness (CCT) values via Spectral Domain-Optical Coherence Tomography (SD-OCT) and ultrasonic pachymetry in patients with severe dry eye disease (DED) to determine the level of agreement between these 2 methods.Methods. The paired samplest-test was used to compare CCT values in severe DED patients. Matching analysis between methods was performed using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Intrasession reliability of the measurement methods was calculated via the concordance correlation coefficient (CCC), variation equivalent, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient. The Bland-Altman procedure was used to graphically represent the differences between CCT values.Results. The study included 56 eyes of 24 female and 4 male patients. Mean age of the patients was50.9±11.3years. Mean CCT via Cirrus SD-OCT was523.82±30.98 μm versus530.050±31.85 μm via ultrasonic pachymetry (paired samplest-test,P<0.001). The Bland-Altman plot showed good agreement between the examiners. The ICC for repeatability was 0.974. The CCC between the 2 methods’ CCT values was 0.973. The variation equivalent was 0.976 and Pearson’s correlation coefficient was 99.3%, which also indicated high correlation between the 2 methods’ measurements.Conclusions. The present findings show that in patients with severe DED Cirrus SD-OCT provides reliable intraobserver CCT values.
The Hearing Outcomes of Cochlear Implantation in Waardenburg Syndrome
Authors: Koyama Hajime , Kashio Akinori , Sakata Aki , Tsutsumiuchi Katsuhiro , Matsumoto Yu , Karino Shotaro , Kakigi Akinobu , Iwasaki Shinichi , Yamasoba Tatsuya
Published: June 2016

Objectives. This study aimed to determine the feasibility of cochlear implantation for sensorineural hearing loss in patients with Waardenburg syndrome.Method. A retrospective chart review was performed on patients who underwent cochlear implantation at the University of Tokyo Hospital. Clinical classification, genetic mutation, clinical course, preoperative hearing threshold, high-resolution computed tomography of the temporal bone, and postoperative hearing outcome were assessed.Result. Five children with Waardenburg syndrome underwent cochlear implantation. The average age at implantation was 2 years 11 months (ranging from 1 year 9 months to 6 years 3 months). Four patients had congenital profound hearing loss and one patient had progressive hearing loss. Two patients had an inner ear malformation of cochlear incomplete partition type 2. No surgical complication or difficulty was seen in any patient. All patients showed good hearing outcome postoperatively.Conclusion. Cochlear implantation could be a good treatment option for Waardenburg syndrome.
Alteration of Thyroid-Related Hormones within Normal Ranges and Early Functional Outcomes in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Xu Xiao-yan , Li Wen-yu , Hu Xing-yue
Published: June 2016

This study evaluated the prognostic value of thyroid-related hormones within normal ranges after acute ischemic stroke. This was a retrospective study and we reviewed 1072 ischemic stroke patients consecutively admitted within 72 h after symptom onset. Total triiodothyronine (T3), total thyroxine (T4), free T3, free T4, and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) were assessed to determine their values for predicting functional outcome at the first follow-up clinic visits, which usually occurred 2 to 4 weeks after discharge from the hospital. 722 patients were finally included. On univariate analysis, poor functional outcome was associated with presence of atrial fibrillation as the index event. Furthermore, score of National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), total T4, free T4, and C-reactive protein at admission were significantly higher in patients with poor functional outcome, whereas free T3 and total T3 were significantly lower. On multiple logistic regression analysis, lower total T3 concentrations remained independently associated with poor functional outcome [odds ratio (OR), 0.10; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.01–0.84;P=0.035]. The only other variables independently associated with poor functional outcome were NIHSS scores. In sum, lower total T3 concentrations that were within the normal ranges were independently associated with poor short-term outcomes.
Cyclic Voltammetric Study of High Speed Silver Electrodeposition and Dissolution in Low Cyanide Solutions
Authors: Zheng Bo , Wong Lai Peng , Wu Linda Y. L. , Chen Zhong
Published: June 2016

The electrochemical processes in solutions with a much lower amount of free cyanide (<10 g/L KCN) than the conventional alkaline silver electrolytes were first explored by using cyclic voltammetry. The electrochemical behavior and the effect of KAg(CN)2, KCN, and KNO3electrolytes and solution pH on the electrodeposition and dissolution processes were investigated. Moreover, suitable working conditions for high speed, low cyanide silver electrodeposition were also proposed. Both silver and cyanide ions concentration had significant effects on the electrode polarization and deposition rate. The onset potential of silver electrodeposition could be shifted to more positive values by using solutions containing higher silver and lower KCN concentration. Higher silver concentration also led to higher deposition rate. Besides maintaining high conductivity of the solution, KNO3might help reduce the operating current density required for silver electrodeposition at high silver concentration albeit at the expense of slowing down the electrodeposition rate. The silver dissolution consists of a limiting step and the reaction rate depends on the amount of free cyanide ions. The surface and material characteristics of Ag films deposited by low cyanide solution are also compared with those deposited by conventional high cyanide solution.
On the Existence and Uniqueness for High Order Fuzzy Fractional Differential Equations with Uncertainty
Authors: Souahi Abdourazek , Guezane-Lakoud Assia , Hitta Amara
Published: June 2016

A class fuzzy fractional differential equation (FFDE) involving Riemann-LiouvilleH-differentiability of arbitrary orderq>1is considered. Using Krasnoselskii-Krein type conditions, Kooi type conditions, and Rogers conditions we establish the uniqueness and existence of the solution after determining the equivalent integral form of the solution.
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Outcomes for Type 1 Diabetes after Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Chow Alexandra , Switzer Noah J. , Dang Jerry , Shi Xinzhe , de Gara Christopher , Birch Daniel W. , Gill Richdeep S. , Karmali Shahzeer
Published: June 2016

Background. The utility of bariatric surgery in type 1 diabetes remains controversial. The aim of the present study is to evaluate glycemic control outcomes in obese patients with type 1 diabetes after bariatric surgery.Methods. A comprehensive search of electronic databases was completed. Inclusion criteria included human adult subjects with BMI ≥35 kg/m2and a confirmed diagnosis of type 1 diabetes who underwent a bariatric surgical procedure.Results. Thirteen primary studies (86 patients) were included. Subjects had a mean age of41.16±6.76years with a mean BMI of42.50±2.65 kg/m2. There was a marked reduction in BMI postoperatively at 12 months and at study endpoint to29.55±1.76 kg/m2(P<0.00001) and30.63±2.09 kg/m2(P<0.00001), respectively. Preoperative weighted mean total daily insulin requirement was98±26 IU/d, which decreased significantly to36±15 IU/d (P<0.00001) and42±11 IU/d (P<0.00001) at 12 months and at study endpoint, respectively. An improvement inHbA1cwas also seen from8.46±0.78% preoperatively to7.95±0.55% (P=0.01) and8.13±0.86% (P=0.03) at 12 months and at study endpoint, respectively.Conclusion. Bariatric surgery in patients with type 1 diabetes leads to significant reductions in BMI and improvements in glycemic control.
Properties of Particle Size Distribution from Milled White Nixtamalized Corn Kernels as a Function of Steeping Time
Authors: Fernández-Muñoz J. L. , Zapata-Torrez M. , Márquez-Herrera A. , Sánchez-Sinencio F. , Mendoza-Álvarez J. G. , Meléndez-Lira M. , Zelaya-Ángel O.
Published: June 2016

This paper focuses on the particle size distribution (PSD) changes during nixtamalized corn kernels (NCK) as a function of the steeping time (ST). The process to obtain powder or corn flour from NCK was as follows: (i) the NCK with different STs were wet-milled in a stone mill, (ii) dehydrated by a Flash type dryer, and (iii) pulverized with a hammer mill and sieved with a 20 mesh. The powder was characterized by measuring the PSD percentage, calcium percentage (CP), peak viscosity at 90°C (PV), and crystallinity percentage (CP). The PSD of the powder as a function of ST was determined by sieving in Ro-TAP equipment. By sieving, five fractions of powder were obtained employing meshes 30, 40, 60, 80, and 100. The final weight of the PSD obtained from the sieving process follows a Gaussian profile with the maximum corresponding to the average particle obtained with mesh 60. The calcium percentage as a function of ST follows a behavior similar to the weight of the PSD. The study of crystallinity versus the mesh number shows that it decreases for smaller mesh number. A similar behavior is observed as steeping time increases, except around ST = 8 h where the gelatinization of starch is observed. The trend of increasing viscosity values of the powder samples occurs when increasing ST and decreasing particle size. The ST significantly changes the crystallinity and viscosity values of the powder and, in both cases, a minimum value is observed in the region 7–9 h. The experimental results show that the viscosity increases (decreases) if the particle size decreases (increases).
Acquisition Pricing and Inventory Decisions on Dual-Source Spare-Part System with Final Production and Remanufacturing
Authors: Zhou Yancong , Guo Xudong , Sun Xiaochen
Published: June 2016

The life spans of durable goods are longer than their warranty periods. To satisfy the service demand of spare parts and keep the market competition advantage, enterprises have to maintain the longer inventory planning of spare parts. However, how to obtain a valid number of spare parts is difficult for those enterprises. In this paper, we consider a spare-part inventory problem, where the inventory can be replenished by two ways including the final production order and the remanufacturing way. Especially for the remanufacturing way, we consider the acquisition management problem of used products concerning an acquisition pricing decision. In a multiperiod setting, we formulate the problem into a dynamic optimization problem, where the system decisions include the final production order and acquisition price of used products at each period. By stochastic dynamic programming, we obtain the optimal policy of the acquisition pricing at each period and give the optimal policy structure of the optimization problem at the first period. Then, a recursion algorithm is designed to calculate the optimal decisions and the critical points in the policy. Finally, the numerical analyses show the effects of demand information and customer’s sensitive degree on the related decisions and the optimal cost.
Fleet Planning Decision-Making: Two-Stage Optimization with Slot Purchase
Authors: Teoh Lay Eng , Khoo Hooi Ling
Published: June 2016

Essentially, strategic fleet planning is vital for airlines to yield a higher profit margin while providing a desired service frequency to meet stochastic demand. In contrast to most studies that did not consider slot purchase which would affect the service frequency determination of airlines, this paper proposes a novel approach to solve the fleet planning problem subject to various operational constraints. A two-stage fleet planning model is formulated in which the first stage selects the individual operating route that requires slot purchase for network expansions while the second stage, in the form of probabilistic dynamic programming model, determines the quantity and type of aircraft (with the corresponding service frequency) to meet the demand profitably. By analyzing an illustrative case study (with 38 international routes), the results show that the incorporation of slot purchase in fleet planning is beneficial to airlines in achieving economic and social sustainability. The developed model is practically viable for airlines not only to provide a better service quality (via a higher service frequency) to meet more demand but also to obtain a higher revenue and profit margin, by making an optimal slot purchase and fleet planning decision throughout the long-term planning horizon.
Energy Efficient Data Dissemination in Multi-UAV Coordinated Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Sharma Vishal , You Ilsun , Kumar Rajesh
Published: June 2016

With the requirement of better connectivity and enhanced coverage, collaborative networks are gaining a lot of popularity these days. One of such collaborative networks is formed between the wireless sensor networks (WSNs) and the unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). WSNs comprise static nodes arranged in a flat grid topology which may be randomly deployed or by some particular distribution. With the sensors operating on batteries, WSNs face a crucial issue of energy depletion during network operations. Integration of WSNs with UAVs can provide a solution to this excessive utilization of energy resources. UAVs provide a maneuvering support by playing a pivotal role of a manager node in these networks. However, integration of these networks demands an improved approach for data dissemination for effective utilization of network resources. For this, we propose a new data dissemination approach, which utilizes the attraction properties of fire fly optimization algorithm to provide energy efficient relaying. The proposed approach provides continuous connectivity, better lifetime, and improved coverage in the UAV coordinated WSNs. The performance of the proposed model is presented in terms of significant gains attained for parameters, namely, throughput, coverage, mean hops, lifetime, and delays, in comparison with the EEGA, ERIDSR, and I-ERIDSR approaches.
SNP rs16906252C>T Is an Expression and Methylation Quantitative Trait Locus Associated with an Increased Risk of Developing MGMT-Methylated Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Kuroiwa-Trzmielina Joice , Wang Fan , Rapkins Robert W. , Ward Robyn L. , Buchanan Daniel D. , Win Aung Ko , Clendenning Mark , Rosty Christophe , Southey Melissa C. , Winship Ingrid M. , Hopper John L. , Jenkins Mark A. , Olivier Jake , Hawkins Nicholas J. , Hitchins Megan P.
Published: June 2016

Purpose: Methylation of the MGMT promoter is the major cause of O6-methylguanine methyltransferase deficiency in cancer and has been associated with the T variant of the promoter enhancer SNP rs16906252C>T. We sought evidence for an association between the rs16906252C>T genotype and increased risk of developing a subtype of colorectal cancer featuring MGMT methylation, mediated by genotype-dependent epigenetic silencing within normal tissues.

Experimental Design: By applying a molecular pathologic epidemiology case–control study design, associations between rs16906252C>T and risk for colorectal cancer overall, and colorectal cancer stratified by MGMT methylation status, were estimated using multinomial logistic regression in two independent retrospective series of colorectal cancer cases and controls. The test sample comprised 1,054 colorectal cancer cases and 451 controls from Sydney, Australia. The validation sample comprised 612 colorectal cancer cases and 245 controls from the Australasian Colon Cancer Family Registry (ACCFR). To determine whether rs16906252C>T was linked to a constitutively altered epigenetic state, quantitative allelic expression and methylation analyses were performed in normal tissues.

Results: An association between rs16906252C>T and increased risk of developing MGMT-methylated colorectal cancer in the Sydney sample was observed [OR, 3.3; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.0–5.3; P < 0.0001], which was replicated in the ACCFR sample (OR, 4.0; 95% CI, 2.4–6.8; P < 0.0001). The T allele demonstrated about 2.5-fold reduced transcription in normal colorectal mucosa from cases and controls and was selectively methylated in a minority of normal cells, indicating that rs16906252C>T represents an expression and methylation quantitative trait locus.

Conclusions: We provide evidence that rs16906252C>T is associated with elevated risk for MGMT-methylated colorectal cancer, likely mediated by constitutive epigenetic repression of the T allele. Clin Cancer Res; 22(24); 6266–77. ©2016 AACR.