bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dual‐mode flyback inverters in grid‐connected photovoltaic systems
Authors: Kim Sooa , Lee Sung‐Ho , Lee Jin S. , Kim Minsung
Published: June 2016

A dual‐mode flyback inverter is proposed for photovoltaic power applications. The proposed dual‐mode flyback inverter makes use of both discontinuous conduction mode (DCM) and continuous conduction mode (CCM) operations for more than 200 W power applications. However, it suffers from output current control problems such as low system gain during DCM and right‐half‐plain zero problem during CCM. To achieve accurate reference tracking, the authors propose to adopt the repetitive control scheme that increases the system gain at the fundamental and its harmonic frequencies of the grid. To reduce the burden from the conventional proportional‐integral controller, the authors use the dual‐mode nominal duty that helps the dual‐mode flyback inverter generate the target output current while attenuating the effect of disturbances. To make the dual‐mode flyback inverter operate at the maximum power point (MPP), the authors use the incremental conductance method that offers smooth transition to the MPP. The experimental results show that the proposed flyback system implemented for 200 W dual‐mode flyback inverter prototype achieves high MPP tracking efficiency, low total harmonic distortion, high power conversion efficiency, and high power capacity.
Giant Benign Mediastinal Masses Extending into the Pleural Cavity
Authors: Sunam Güven , Öncel Murat , Ceran Sami , Ödev Kemal , Yıldıran Hüseyin
Published: June 2016

Introduction The aim of the study was to evaluate the results of surgery to remove huge mediastinal masses and their pathology. Surgical resection was chosen for accurate diagnosis and treatment of the huge mediastinal masses extending into the pleural cavity.

Methods Records were reviewed for eight patients who had the diagnosis of huge benign mediastinal masses and who underwent operation; details of the patients and operations were recorded.

Results Mean age was 34.5 (range 22 to 44) years, and male-to-female ratio was 2:6. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were used to evaluate the location and extent of the abnormality and to characterize the tissue components of the mass. Most of the tumors were located in the posterior mediastinum. The most frequent presenting symptom was exertional dyspnea. The majority of cases underwent posterolateral thoracotomy, and complete resection was possible in seven patients. Partial resection could only be performed in one. The mean diameter of the resected masses was 15 × 10 cm. Histopathologic examination revealed 3 neurogenic tumors, 2 teratomas, 1 thymolipoma, and 1 ectopic thyroid, and 1 hemangioma. Minor complication was seen in two cases.

Conclusion The presurgical thoracic MRI provided correct diagnosis along with radiologic characterization and topography. Surgery must be the preferred treatment in huge benign mediastinal masses.
Developing zero-discharge pig-farming system: a feasibility study in Malaysia
Authors: Liang J. B. , Kayawake E. , Sekine T. , Suzuki S. , Lim K. K.
Published: June 2016

Pig production in many rapidly developing Asian countries evolved from traditional small-family farms without parallel increase in land resource for waste treatment, thus further worsening the already fragile environment. The present paper reports results of a feasibility study on developing a zero-waste discharge pig-farming system in the hot-humid environment such as Malaysia. The approach included (1) reduction in the usage of water, (2) use of micro-algal culture (MAC) system to reduce pollutants in the wastewater and (3) use of constructed wetlands to further clean up wastewater and reduce its volume via evapo-transpiration. Results of the study showed that water usage could be reduced from the current 40–50 to 7.5 L/pig.day. The biological oxygen demand of the effluent was reduced to below 10 mg/L, while other pollutants, such as suspended solid, total nitrogen and total ammonium nitrogen were also reduced to levels that meet the standards required for affluent discharge in most countries in this region. Water-balance study based on a 180-pig experiment showed that 1.15 m3 of water were used daily and this was reduced to 0.38 m3 at the end of the system. Financial projection study based on a farm size of 2000 pigs (which represents a typical pig-farm size in many developing countries, including Malaysia) was conducted to gauge the economical viability of the system. The results showed that the primary challenge to the adoption of this system is its high initial investment costs, estimated to be 1.8 times those for a similar-sized traditional farm with open-sided house and lagoons for wastewater treatment. However, higher productivity is expected from the use of a ventilated close-house that provides a cooler environment for the pigs. This, together with the premium price of the pigs that could be fetched from this eco-friendly production system, would make it a technically and economically viable system in the long run.
Connectivity mapping (ssCMap) to predict A20-inducing drugs and their antiinflammatory action in cystic fibrosis
Authors: Malcomson Beth , Wilson Hollie , Veglia Eleonora , Thillaiyampalam Gayathri , Barsden Ruth , Donegan Shauna , El Banna Amal , Elborn Joseph S. , Ennis Madeleine , Kelly Catriona , Zhang Shu-Dong , Schock Bettina C.
Published: June 2016

Significance

This study reports that publicly available gene array expression data together with statistically significant connections’ map successfully predicts licensed drugs able to modify genes of interest. We used this method to predict drugs able to induce A20 [TNFα-induced protein 3 (TNFAIP3)], which is reduced in cystic fibrosis (CF) airway cells, and thus normalize the inflammatory response. Using CF and non-CF airway epithelial cells, ikarugamycin and quercetin had antiinflammatory effects mediated by induction of A20. We confirmed that this was mainly due to A20 induction, because no antiinflammatory effects were seen in bronchial epithelial cells with A20 knockdown. We have identified a process whereby already licensed drugs can be successfully repositioned for chronic inflammatory airway diseases.
Loose apposition
Authors: Van Eynde Frank , Kim Jong-Bok
Published: June 2016

Loose appositional constructions consist of coreferring adjacent nominals. The relation between the nominals is different from complementation and modification, and shows some intriguing syntactic, semantic and pragmatic characteristics. To model them we employ the framework of Sign-Based Construction Grammar, enriching its inventory of constructions with a highly abstract one that models supplementation in general, and a more specific one that models the loose appositional construction.
Attitude, maintenance, and use of Beijing dialect and Putonghua among younger generation Beijing-born residents
Authors: Song Jing , Zhu Yingmei
Published: June 2016

In this study, 269 Beijing born respondents were interviewed and asked questions about their language attitude and language behavior. Research categories, apart from ‘attitude’, were ‘accent maintenance’, ‘accent selection’, and ‘code-switching’, whereas the variables employed were ‘gender’, ‘age group’, ‘origin’ of parents, ‘district’ grown-up, ‘spouse’ background, ‘education’ level, ‘job profile’, and ‘network density’. We found that Beijing dialect in Beijing’s central city districts, coexists with the national language Putonghua, or, Standard Chinese, has high language status among native young people in Beijing and a wide range of uses. The main factors which effect respondents’ language behavior are ‘network density’, ‘place-of-origin’, and ‘occupation’. We also determined a high level of confusion between Beijing dialect accent and Putonghua accent, which we related to the mode of Putonghua teaching and Putonghua promotion. We conclude that Beijing dialect and Putonghua will form two functional varieties, playing different roles in different language environments.
The Dōngběi varieties of Mandarin
Authors: Simmons Richard VanNess
Published: June 2016

The Dōngběi dialects comprise a Mandarin subgroup that is related to, but nevertheless clearly distinct from, the Běijīng dialect. The dialects are an exceedingly young variety formed by a huge wave of emigrants from northern Chinese provinces who moved into the theretofore sparsely populated Manchurian territory in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The new immigrants were primarily from Shāndōng and Héběi and they came in numbers that overwhelmed the languages spoken by the previous inhabitants, comingling with each other, then developing into a new set of regional varieties of Mandarin. This paper first examines the history of the population in China’s northeast and its growth from the beginning of the Qīng dynasty in the mid 17th century to its peak in the 20th, paying particular attention to the origins of the large Chinese speaking migration into the region at the end of the dynasty. Following, our study looks at the phonology and lexicon of the new regional varieties — the northeastern Mandarin dialects, investigating their characteristics and classification to show that historical and geographic factors have resulted in discernable differences between the Dōngběi and Běijīng dialects, differences that are sufficient to warrant separate classification.
Urbanization, education, and language behavior
Authors: Li Xiaoguang , Ju Zhan , van den Berg Marinus
Published: June 2016

This paper reports the language behavior of a sample of Jilin University students. The data were collected in 2008, and a total of 2682 questionnaires were processed. The sample was detailed as to place-of-origin, year of study, college, and gender, and addressed language behavior and language attitude. Students originated from three areas: the Northeast, the Mandarin dialect area, and Southeastern China. Most students came from township environments and grew up there. The NE is relatively more urbanized as the result of early industrialization, but the Southeast, as regards family income, was the richer area. The study relates the reported language behavior to urban status, education and income level of parents, as well as to level of PTH pronunciation. It also addressed students’ attitude toward Putonghua dominance, and code-switching. Code-switching with English words also was studied. Generally, proportionally more students with backgrounds in major urban centers (provincial cities and municipalities) claim Putonghua as first and best language than students originating from townships. Larger numbers of students with the latter background, however, show increased proficiency in Putonghua. Language use data, finally, make clear that in all three areas, the local and regional dialects are the majority means of communication, whereas the use of Putonghua increases across generations from grandparents to same generation kin.
Hyperactivation of ATM upon DNA-PKcs inhibition modulates p53 dynamics and cell fate in response to DNA damage
Authors: Finzel Ana , Grybowski Andrea , Strasen Jette , Cristiano Elena , Loewer Alexander
Published: June 2016

A functional DNA damage response is essential for maintaining genome integrity in the presence of DNA double-strand breaks. It is mainly coordinated by the kinases ATM, ATR, and DNA-PKcs, which control the repair of broken DNA strands and relay the damage signal to the tumor suppressor p53 to induce cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, or senescence. Although many functions of the individual kinases have been identified, it remains unclear how they act in concert to ensure faithful processing of the damage signal. Using specific inhibitors and quantitative analysis at the single-cell level, we systematically characterize the contribution of each kinase for regulating p53 activity. Our results reveal a new regulatory interplay in which loss of DNA-PKcs function leads to hyperactivation of ATM and amplification of the p53 response, sensitizing cells for damage-induced senescence. This interplay determines the outcome of treatment regimens combining irradiation with DNA-PKcs inhibitors in a p53-dependent manner.
Contributions of Productivity and Relative Price Changes to Farm‐level Profitability Change
Authors: Mugera Amin W. , Langemeier Michael R. , Ojede Andrew
Published: June 2016

This article investigates the sources of profitability change at the farm level, by farm size and specialization, with an application to a sample of 256 farms in Kansas from 1993 to 2010. Using the Lowe index method, profitability change is decomposed into changes in total factor productivity and terms of trade. The nonparametric data envelopment analysis method is used to further decompose total factor productivity into technical change and different measures of output‐oriented efficiency change. Finally, the system‐Generalized Methods of Moments approach is employed to investigate the dynamic relationship between different components of productivity on farm profitability. Results indicate that profitability change is mainly driven by total factor productivity change. The main source of total factor productivity change is technical change. The upward‐shifting frontier results in declining technical efficiency. Results point towards the need to support research and development without ignoring efforts to encourage the uptake of existing technologies.
Quality Matters More Than Quantity: Asymmetric Temperature Effects on Crop Yield and Quality Grade
Authors: Kawasaki Kentaro , Uchida Shinsuke
Published: June 2016

Climate change affects agriculture by altering not only output quantity, but also crop quality. We quantify the economic impacts of climate change on agriculture through changes in both quantity and quality, where quality is measured by crop grades. Our model controls for methodological issues regarding sample selection, aggregation, phenology, and nonlinearity. The empirical application to Japanese rice production indicates that temperature effects are asymmetric: quantity is especially vulnerable to cold, whereas quality is vulnerable to extremely high temperature. Using these results, we simulate the effect of global warming, and we find that warming (a 3 °C increase) increases farm revenues by improving yield but decreases revenues as a result of deteriorating quality. The net effect is negative, suggesting that quality matters more than quantity. The negative effect, however, can be mitigated by shifting cultivation periods and/or regions. Overall, our results suggest that the estimated impacts of climate change and adaptation strategies could be severely misleading unless quality is considered.
Meshable: searching PubMed abstracts by utilizing MeSH and MeSH-derived topical terms
Authors: Kim Sun , Yeganova Lana , Wilbur W. John
Published: June 2016

Summary: Medical Subject Headings (MeSH®) is a controlled vocabulary for indexing and searching biomedical literature. MeSH terms and subheadings are organized in a hierarchical structure and are used to indicate the topics of an article. Biologists can use either MeSH terms as queries or the MeSH interface provided in PubMed® for searching PubMed abstracts. However, these are rarely used, and there is no convenient way to link standardized MeSH terms to user queries. Here, we introduce a web interface which allows users to enter queries to find MeSH terms closely related to the queries. Our method relies on co-occurrence of text words and MeSH terms to find keywords that are related to each MeSH term. A query is then matched with the keywords for MeSH terms, and candidate MeSH terms are ranked based on their relatedness to the query. The experimental results show that our method achieves the best performance among several term extraction approaches in terms of topic coherence. Moreover, the interface can be effectively used to find full names of abbreviations and to disambiguate user queries.

Availability and Implementation:  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/IRET/MESHABLE/

Contact:  sun.kim@nih.gov

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Rapid and powerful detection of subtle allelic imbalance from exome sequencing data with hapLOHseq
Authors: San Lucas F. Anthony , Sivakumar Smruthy , Vattathil Selina , Fowler Jerry , Vilar Eduardo , Scheet Paul
Published: June 2016

Motivation: The detection of subtle genomic allelic imbalance events has many potential applications. For example, identifying cancer-associated allelic imbalanced regions in low tumor-cellularity samples or in low-proportion tumor subclones can be used for early cancer detection, prognostic assessment and therapeutic selection in cancer patients. We developed hapLOHseq for the detection of subtle allelic imbalance events from next-generation sequencing data.

Results: Our method identified events of 10 megabases or greater occurring in as little as 16% of the sample in exome sequencing data (at 80×) and 4% in whole genome sequencing data (at 30×), far exceeding the capabilities of existing software. We also found hapLOHseq to be superior at detecting large chromosomal changes across a series of pancreatic samples from TCGA.

Availability and Implementation:  hapLOHseq is available at scheet.org/software, distributed under an open source MIT license.

Contact:  pscheet@alum.wustl.edu

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Limited role for transforming growth factor–β pathway activation-mediated escape from VEGF inhibition in murine glioma models
Authors: Mangani Davide , Weller Michael , Seyed Sadr Emad , Willscher Edith , Seystahl Katharina , Reifenberger Guido , Tabatabai Ghazaleh , Binder Hans , Schneider Hannah
Published: June 2016

Background

The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and transforming growth factor (TGF)–β pathways regulate key biological features of glioblastoma. Here we explore whether the TGF-β pathway, which promotes angiogenesis, invasiveness, and immunosuppression, acts as an escape pathway from VEGF inhibition.

Methods

The role of the TGF-β pathway in escape from VEGF inhibition was assessed in vitro and in vivo and by gene expression profiling in syngeneic mouse glioma models.

Results

We found that TGF-β is an upstream regulator of VEGF, whereas VEGF pathway activity does not alter the TGF-β pathway in vitro. In vivo, single-agent activity was observed for the VEGF antibody B20-4.1.1 in 3 and for the TGF-β receptor 1 antagonist LY2157299 in 2 of 4 models. Reduction of tumor volume and blood vessel density, but not induction of hypoxia, correlated with benefit from B20-4.1.1. Reduction of phosphorylated (p)SMAD2 by LY2157299 was seen in all models but did not predict survival. Resistance to B20 was associated with anti-angiogenesis escape pathway gene expression, whereas resistance to LY2157299 was associated with different immune response gene signatures in SMA-497 and GL-261 on transcriptomic profiling. The combination of B20 with LY2157299 was ineffective in SMA-497 but provided prolongation of survival in GL-261, associated with early suppression of pSMAD2 in tumor and host immune cells, prolonged suppression of angiogenesis, and delayed accumulation of tumor infiltrating microglia/macrophages.

Conclusions

Our study highlights the biological heterogeneity of murine glioma models and illustrates that cotargeting of the VEGF and TGF-β pathways might lead to improved tumor control only in subsets of glioblastoma.
Scale heights and equivalent widths of the iron K-shell lines in the Galactic diffuse X-ray emission
Authors: Yamauchi Shigeo , Nobukawa Kumiko K. , Nobukawa Masayoshi , Uchiyama Hideki , Koyama Katsuji
Published: June 2016

This paper reports the analysis of the X-ray spectra of the Galactic diffuse X-ray emission (GDXE) in the Suzaku archive. The fluxes of the Fe i Kα (6.4 keV), Fe xxv Heα (6.7 keV), and Fe xxvi Lyα (6.97 keV) lines are separately determined. From the latitude distributions, we confirm that the GDXE is decomposed into the Galactic center (GCXE), the Galactic bulge (GBXE) and the Galactic ridge (GRXE) X-ray emissions. The scale heights (SHs) of the Fe xxv Heα line of the GCXE, GBXE, and GRXE are determined to be ∼40, ∼310, and ∼140 pc, while those of the Fe i Kα line are ∼30, ∼160, and ∼70 pc, respectively. The mean equivalent widths (EWs) of the sum of the Fe xxv Heα and Fe xxvi Lyα lines are ∼750 eV, ∼600 eV, and ∼550 eV, while those of the Fe i Kα line are ∼150 eV, ∼60 eV, and ∼100 eV for the GCXE, GBXE, and GRXE, respectively. The origin of the GBXE, GRXE, and GCXE is separately discussed based on the new results of the SHs and EWs, in comparison with those of the cataclysmic variables, active binaries and coronal active stars.
Should patients with pollen fruit syndrome be prescribed an automatic epinephrine injector?
Authors: Katelaris Constance H.
Published: June 2016

Purpose of review

The review outlines recent insights into our understanding of the complex relationships between pollen and plant food sensitization patterns resulting in the pollen fruit syndrome and the possible risk, upon ingestion, of generalized symptoms rather than localized oropharyngeal reactions. Appreciation of this risk will inform management strategies, which include epinephrine prescription.

Recent findings

In recent times, the ability to examine molecular components of foods and pollen has allowed further delineation of reactivity patterns. These reveal complex patterns of IgE reactivity and sensitization pathways. More precise definition of these patterns will allow a more accurate analysis of risk of severe food reactions following ingestion.

Despite improvement in diagnostic tests, there remains no completely reliable way to determine whether an individual with pollen fruit syndrome is at risk of a systemic reaction. The decision to prescribe an epinephrine autoinjector must be based on a risk assessment for the individual patient.
Can washing socks without flipping inside out cause hair tourniquet syndrome? A claim with two case reports
Authors: Uygur Esat , Çarkçi Engin , Ünkar Ethem
Published: June 2016

Hair tourniquet syndrome (HTS) is a rare, painful condition that results when hair or pieces of thread become wrapped tightly around toes, fingers, or other appendages, occluding blood flow and causing strangulation or amputation. Although the aetiology of HTS is unclear, we postulate that washing baby socks in a washing machine without turning them inside out might be a cause. Mothers should be informed about HTS and this simple prevention method should be suggested to them. Here, we present two cases of HTS and discuss possible causes.
Daily Spiritual Experiences of Nurse Educators and Relationship to Depression and Health
Authors: Johnson Paige Turner , Cheshire Michelle , Wood Felecia G. , Dunn Linda L. , Ewell Patrick J.
Published: June 2016

This research describes the first reported assessment of spirituality in nurse educators. Faculty members at a public university in a southern U.S. state participated in a study to investigate the relationship between daily spiritual experiences (DSE), self-reported health, and depression. All participants viewed themselves as spiritual, had a religious affiliation, and recognized a difference between spirituality and religiosity. Many who reported spiritual experiences at least daily rated their health as good or excellent; those reporting less frequent DSE reported more depressive symptoms. Nurse educators' self-awareness of spirituality is important as they prepare future nursing professionals who will integrate spirituality into healthcare.
Surviving (Even Thriving?) in a Toxic Workplace
Authors: White Paul E. , Schoonover-Shoffner Kathy
Published: June 2016

Anything toxic is poisonous and harmful—including a toxic workplace. Surveys of hundreds of individuals and organizations reveal three primary areas that are common in unhealthy work environments: sick systems, toxic leaders, and dysfunctional colleagues. This article draws from research and offers practical steps on how to survive, if not change and thrive, in toxic workplaces.
A Compassionate Visitation Program for Church Homebound Elders
Authors: Emblen Julia Quiring
Published: June 2016

Homebound elders are vulnerable to decreased quality of life, related to their social and emotional isolation. This article discusses development of a Compassionate Visitation Program in the faith community, including recruitment and training of visitors, assessment of visitees and their environment, and structure and record-keeping of visits.
Strategies for Improving Nursing Students' Mental Health Clinical Rotation
Authors: Kroning Maureen
Published: June 2016

Mental illness is a huge problem many people face in the U.S. and around the world. The American Psychiatric Nurses Association indicates there is a shortage of nurses in every level and role in psychiatric-mental health nursing. Raising up a generation of nurses who want to work with the mentally ill is a challenge for nurse educators. The use of role playing and simulation in the learning lab prior to entering the clinical setting and reflective journaling in the clinical rotation can improve undergraduate nursing students' mental health clinical experience.
Role of Asymmetrical Dimethylarginine in Diabetic Microvascular Complications
Authors: Du Mei-Rong , Ju Gui-Xia , Li Nian-Sheng , Jiang Jun-Lin
Published: June 2016

Microvascular complications are the leading causes of acquired blindness, end-stage renal failure, and varieties of neuropathy associated with diabetes. Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), an endogenous nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, is involved in endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and inflammation associated with the progression of diabetic microvascular complications. Elevated ADMA has been detected in experimental animals and patients with diabetic microangiopathy like retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy. In the review, we focus on the role of ADMA in the pathobiology of major microvascular complications of diabetes.
Advantages of robotics in benign gynecologic surgery
Authors: Truong Mireille , Kim Jin Hee , Scheib Stacey , Patzkowsky Kristin
Published: June 2016

Purpose of review

The purpose of this article is to review the literature and discuss the advantages of robotics in benign gynecologic surgery.

Recent findings

Minimally invasive surgery has become the preferred route over abdominal surgery. The laparoscopic or robotic approach is recommended when vaginal surgery is not feasible. Thus far, robotic gynecologic surgery data have demonstrated feasibility, safety, and equivalent clinical outcomes in comparison with laparoscopy and better clinical outcomes compared with laparotomy. Robotics was developed to overcome challenges of laparoscopy and has led to technological advantages such as improved ergonomics, visualization with three-dimensional capabilities, dexterity and range of motion with instrument articulation, and tremor filtration. To date, applications of robotics in benign gynecology include hysterectomy, myomectomy, endometriosis surgery, sacrocolpopexy, adnexal surgery, tubal reanastomosis, and cerclage. Though further data are needed, robotics may provide additional benefits over other approaches in the obese patient population and in higher complexity cases. Challenges that arose in the earlier adoption stage such as the steep learning curve, costs, and operative times are becoming more optimized with greater experience, with implementation of robotics in high-volume centers and with improved training of surgeons and robotic teams. Robotic laparoendoscopic single-site surgery, albeit still in its infancy where technical advantages compared with laparoscopic single-site surgery are still unclear, may provide a cost-reducing option compared with multiport robotics. The cost may even approach that of laparoscopy while still conferring similar perioperative outcomes.

Advances in robotic technology such as the single-site platform and telesurgery, have the potential to revolutionize the field of minimally invasive gynecologic surgery. Higher quality evidence is needed to determine the advantages and disadvantages of robotic surgery in benign gynecologic surgery. Conclusions on the benefits and risks of robotic surgery should be made with caution given limited data, especially when compared with other routes. Route of surgery selection should take into consideration the surgeons’ skill and comfort level that allows for the highest level of safety and efficiency. Ultimately, the robotic device is an additional minimally invasive surgical tool that can further the goal of minimizing laparotomy in gynecology.
Staging the progression to type 1 diabetes with prediagnostic markers
Authors: Sosenko Jay M.
Published: June 2016

Purpose of review

There are an increasing number of markers that are used to predict the occurrence of type 1 diabetes (T1D), and to study the progression of pathologic changes prior to diagnosis. This review discusses some of those markers, particularly markers for which data are available that pertain to the progression to T1D.

Recent findings

A study of birth cohorts showed that young children who develop multiple autoantibodies are at a particularly high risk for developing T1D, and that there appears to be a typical sequence for autoantibody development. The measurement of autoantibodies by electrochemiluminescence can increase the prediction accuracy for T1D. A new marker of changes in glucose over 6 months (PS6 M) has potential utility as an endpoint in short-term prevention trials. Markers which combine C-peptide and glucose, such as the Diabetes Prevention Trial-Type 1 Risk Score and the Index60, can increase the accuracy of prediction, and can potentially be utilized as prediagnostic endpoints. β-cell death measurements could have substantial utility in future T1D research.

Markers are highly useful for studying the prediction of and progression to T1D. Moreover, markers can possibly be utilized to diagnose T1D at an earlier stage of disease.
Blistering diseases in neonates
Authors: Zhao Cathy Y. , Murrell Dedee F.
Published: June 2016

Purpose of review

Neonatal blistering diseases are rare yet potentially fatal. Therefore, it is crucial for clinicians to know its broad range of differential diagnoses. This review discusses the recent literature on the causes and the most appropriate clinical approach to neonatal blistering diseases.

Recent findings

Neonatal infections are the commonest causes for neonatal blistering. On the other hand, autoimmune blistering diseases are extremely rare with the literature limited to case reports and one systematic review only. Inherited genodermatoses are also rare, with recent developments in epidermolysis bullosa classification.

In conclusion, as neonatal infections are the commonest cause for blistering, any neonate with blistering should have their blister fluid investigated for infection, while an antimicrobial should be initiated early. Autoimmune blistering diseases should be considered in neonates with a maternal history of autoimmune blistering disease. Although pemphigus and bullous pemphigoid have overall good prognoses, linear IgA bullous dermatoses has a poor prognosis and requires aggressive treatment. Inherited genodermatoses should be suspected when there is a family history of genodermatoses or consanguinity. In this case, the clinician should not hesitate to seek dermatology advice, perform a skin biopsy and consider genetic testing.
The ins and outs of managing avoidance diets for food allergies
Authors: Shaker Marcus , Venter Carina
Published: June 2016

Purpose of review

Food allergic reactions have become more prevalent and management of food allergies requires dietary avoidance of triggers that may place children at nutritional risk.

Recent findings

Immunoglobulin E and non-immunoglobulin E-mediated food allergies lead to dietary avoidance. Although some children outgrow food allergies or become tolerant to cooked/baked versions of the allergen, many do not. Multiple food avoidance increases the risk for inadequate nutrient intake, including protein, calcium, vitamin D, and others. Multidisciplinary management of patients requires careful attention to growth, particularly height, and nutrition.

Although attention to accurate diagnosis of food allergy is key, understanding nutritional risks of children with food allergies can lead to opportunities to address potential deficiencies resulting from food allergen avoidance.
A Reexamination of Nonpsychiatric Medication Adherence in Individuals With Bipolar Disorder and Medical Comorbidities
Authors: Levin Jennifer B. , Krivenko Anna , Bukach Ashley , Tatsuoka Curtis , Cassidy Kristin A. , Sajatovic Martha
Published: June 2016

Individuals with bipolar disorder (BD) have high rates of nonadherence, medical illness, and premature mortality. This analysis reexamined correlates of poor adherence to nonpsychiatric medication in 73 patients with BD and medical comorbidities. The majority was female (74%) and African American (77%) with mean age of 48.08 (SD, 8.04) years, mean BD duration of 28.67 (SD, 10.24) years, mean years of education of 12.01 (SD, 1.87), and mean proportion of days with missed doses in past week of 43.25 (SD, 31.14). Sex, age, education, race, and living alone did not correlate with adherence. More BD medications and more severe psychiatric symptoms correlated with worse adherence. Specifically, poor adherence correlated with the retardation and vegetative factors of Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale and affect factor of the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale. Among poorly adherent patients with BD and medical comorbidities, the number of BD medications, tension/anxiety, and somatic symptoms of depression related to worse nonpsychiatric medication adherence.
Learning From Lawsuits: Using Malpractice Claims Data to Develop Care Transitions Planning Tools
Authors: Arbaje Alicia I. , Werner Nicole E. , Kasda Eileen M. , Wu Albert W. , Locke Charles F.S. , Aboumatar Hanan , Paine Lori A. , Leff Bruce , Davis Richard O. , Boonyasai Romsai
Published: June 2016

Objectives

Our understanding of care transitions from hospital to home is incomplete. Malpractice claims are an important and underused data source to understand such transitions. We used malpractice claims data to (1) evaluate safety risks during care transitions and (2) help develop care transitions planning tools and pilot test their ability to evaluate care transitions from the hospital to home.

Methods

Closed malpractice claims were analyzed for 230 adult patients discharged from 4 hospital sites. Stakeholders participated in 2 structured focus groups to review concerns. This led to the development of 2 care transitions planning tools—one for patients/caregivers and one for frontline care providers. Both were tested for feasibility on 53 patient discharges.

Results

Qualitative analysis yielded 33 risk factors corresponding to hospital work system elements, care transitions processes, and care outcomes. Providers reported that the tool was easy to use and did not adversely affect workflow. Patients reported that the tool was acceptable in terms of length and response burden. Patients were often still waiting for information at the time they applied the tool.

Conclusions

Malpractice claims provided insights that enriched our understanding of suboptimal care transitions and guided the development of care transitions planning tools. Pilot testing suggested that the tools would be feasible for use with minor adjustment. The malpractice data can complement other approaches to characterize systems failures threatening patient safety.
Cobalt–Chromium Metallosis With Normal Electroretinogram
Authors: Grillo Lola M. , Nguyen Huy V. , Tsang Stephen H. , Hood Donald C. , Odel Jeffrey G.
Published: June 2016

Background:

Ocular cobalt toxicity is a rare phenomenon reported with increased frequency due to the rise of cobalt–chromium metal hip implants. We report the case of a 66-year-old previously healthy man who developed decreased vision due to cobalt–chromium toxicity from a metal-on-metal hip arthroplasty. Our objective was to determine whether the origin of his visual loss was due to toxicity of the optic nerve, of the retina, or of both.

Methods:

Ocular examination, 10-2 SITA-Standard Humphrey Visual Field (VF), standard full-field electroretinogram (ERG) as indicated by the International Society for Clinical Electrophysiology of Vision (ISCEV), multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG), multifocal visual evoked potentials (mfVEP), and optical coherence tomography (OCT) were conducted.

Results:

Ocular examination revealed decreased visual acuity, poor color vision, normal funduscopy, and cecocentral scotomas on VF testing. Because his right eye was amblyopic since childhood, test results from only the left eye are shown. Electrophysiology studies revealed an ISCEV standard full-field ERG with photopic and scotopic responses within normal limits, mfERG with amplitudes and latencies within normal limits, and mfVEP with latencies within normal limits, but with decreased central amplitudes. Peripapillary and macular OCT showed retinal nerve fiber layer and retinal ganglion cell–inner plexiform layer thickness within normal limits.

Conclusion:

Because decreased color vision and cecocentral scotoma on 10-2 VF are most consistent with toxic optic neuropathy, and decreased central amplitudes on mfVEP are suggestive of neural dysfunction, we hypothesize that our patient presented with an early stage of optic nerve toxicity that was not yet apparent as a structural abnormality on OCT.
A Brief Measure for Assessing Patient Perceptions of Cognitive Side Effects After Electroconvulsive Therapy
Authors: Kumar Divya Rani , Han Hank Ke , Tiller John , Loo Colleen K. , Martin Donel M.
Published: June 2016

Objectives

Directly inquiring about patient experiences of memory problems after ECT may alert clinicians to the existence of treatment side effects and provide an impression of their intrusiveness. In this study, we examined use of a novel and brief patient-reported measure to assess perceptions of memory side effects and their functional consequences before and after an acute ECT treatment course. These outcomes were compared with objective cognitive and subjective quality of life measures.

Methods

Data for 75 patients who were prescribed an acute course of ECT were analyzed. Subjective and objective measures were assessed before ECT (pretreatment) and at posttreatment. Patient perceptions were assessed using the Subjective Assessment of Memory Impairment, which consists of two items: The Memory Problems item, and The Impact of Cognitive Adverse Events item. Objective cognitive outcomes were assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. Quality of life was assessed using the Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire—Short Form.

Results

Patient perceptions of their memory problems did not change across the ECT course, and their functional impact were considered less intrusive after ECT. Greater functional impact of memory impairment was related to poorer quality of life at posttreatment, but not at pretreatment. Subjectively rated cognitive functioning was not associated with objective cognitive outcomes.

Conclusions

The Subjective Assessment of Memory Impairment is a brief tool for measuring patient-rated memory function. Overall, patients did not report any change in subjective memory problems after ECT. Although perceptions of functional memory impairment and quality of life were related after ECT, there was no association with objectively assessed cognitive outcomes.
Electroconvulsive Therapy in Anti-N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Encephalitis
Authors: Coffey M. Justin , Cooper Joseph J.
Published: June 2016

Objectives

There is a growing scientific literature describing the neuropsychiatric symptoms of anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor encephalitis, including the use of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) to treat those symptoms. We sought to consolidate this literature into a review that highlights its relevance to ECT practitioners.

Methods

We performed a PubMed search using the terms electroconvulsive therapy and encephalitis, autoimmune encephalitis, or anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis. We reviewed all relevant studies in detail, cross-referenced all bibliographies, and collected key clinical information related to the practice of ECT.

Results

We identified 6 studies offering patient-level descriptions of the use of ECT in patients with anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis. In all cases ECT was used to target symptoms of catatonia. Electroconvulsive therapy was delivered safely and effectively irrespective of the timing of diagnosis, tumor removal, or immunotherapy.

Conclusions

There are no controlled data on the use of ECT in anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis. Further investigation is needed to determine whether ECT has a disease-modifying effect on this form of autoimmune encephalitis.
An accurate shock-capturing scheme based on rotated-hybrid Riemann solver
Authors: Tchuen Ghislain , Kapen Pascalin Tiam , Burtschell Yves
Published: June 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present a new hybrid Euler flux fonction for use in a finite-volume Euler/Navier-Stokes code and adapted to compressible flow problems.

Design/methodology/approach

– The proposed scheme, called AUFSRR can be devised by combining the AUFS solver and the Roe solver, based on a rotated Riemann solver approach (Sun and Takayama, 2003; Ren, 2003). The upwind direction is determined by the velocity-difference vector and idea is to apply the AUFS solver in the direction normal to shocks to suppress carbuncle and the Roe solver across shear layers to avoid an excessive amount of dissipation. The resulting flux functions can be implemented in a very simple manner, in the form of the Roe solver with modified wave speeds, so that converting an existing AUFS flux code into the new fluxes is an extremely simple task.

Findings

– The proposed flux functions require about 18 per cent more CPU time than the Roe flux. Accuracy, efficiency and other essential features of AUFSRR scheme are evaluated by analyzing shock propagation behaviours for both the steady and unsteady compressible flows. This is demonstrated by several test cases (1D and 2D) with standard finite-volume Euler code, by comparing results with existing methods.

Practical implications

– The hybrid Euler flux function is used in a finite-volume Euler/Navier-Stokes code and adapted to compressible flow problems.

Originality/value

– The AUFSRR scheme is devised by combining the AUFS solver and the Roe solver, based on a rotated Riemann solver approach.
A study to evaluate the digitization level of Korean libraries (part II)
Authors: Noh Younghee
Published: June 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the current digitization levels of Korean libraries by identifying key elements of library services and measuring them for conventional vs digital approaches and use.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study utilized previous research related to digital libraries and consultations with experts to arrive at 13 evaluation elements and components within them to analyze. For the purpose of this study specialized libraries, college and university libraries, and public libraries were surveyed, and their responses analyzed to rate their current digitization levels vs more conventional approaches.

Findings

– First, after determining the elements that characterized the conventional and digital libraries by analyzing different pieces of literature and consulting with experts, 92 factors were identified for each of the conventional and digital elements based on the axis which was composed of 13 items. Second, this study indicated that the libraries obtained one of the conventional or digital characteristics independent of the situation, rather than that the digital library was more effective than the conventional library. Third, in evaluating the chosen libraries used as the examples, it was observed that the libraries had more conventional characteristics among the elements of the digital and conventional libraries. Also, based on the axis used for comparison of 13 items, elements such as the next generation service, the SNS service, and the library program service were more conventional, but elements such as classification and cataloging, acquisition, and the organization were more digitized.

Originality/value

– This study is the first study in the world to measure the level of digitization of the library. Therefore, hereafter, each library will be able to measure and determine its digital position based on these elements. Up to now, some research was performed in pursuit of extracting the elements of a library but it had relied solely on literature review. Comprehensive research had never been performed as in this study.
Use of smartphones by art and design students for accessing library services and learning
Authors: Lo Patrick , Cho Allan , Leung Man-hon , Chiu Dickson K.W. , Ko Eddie H.T. , Ho Kevin K.W.
Published: June 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore art and design students’ use of smartphones for accessing library services and learning at the Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI).

Design/methodology/approach

– A questionnaire survey involving 51 HKDI students was conducted to examine the students’ utilization of apps and the internet on mobile devices to find information for the purpose of academic learning, social networking, and collaborative learning.

Findings

– Survey results showed that while the HKDI students were all smartphone owners and active users of such mobile communication devices, only a minority of them “frequently” use these mobile devices for formal learning purposes. They demonstrated a keen preference to use search engines, social communications, and other diverse use of smartphones. Except for research and image/audio-visual needs, the rest of their needs and usage behaviour is similar to mainstream university students.

Practical implications

– The results suggest opportunities for the libraries to develop services and facilities that could better fulfil students’ information needs, and to improve the network coverage outside the library.

Originality/value

– This is probably the first study of its kind to explore art and design students’ use of smartphones for learning needs. In particular, the recent capability of smartphones and mobile internet speed are comparable with desktops, it is vital to re-examine the much changed environment and user needs.