bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk stratification in autoimmune cholestatic liver diseases: Opportunities for clinicians and trialists
Authors: Trivedi Palak J. , Corpechot Christophe , Pares Albert , Hirschfield Gideon M.
Published: August 2015

Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) are infrequent autoimmune cholestatic liver diseases, that disproportionate to their incidence and prevalence, remain very important causes of morbidity and mortality for patients with liver disease. Mechanistic insights spanning genetic risks and biological pathways to liver injury and fibrosis have led to a renewed interest in developing therapies beyond ursodeoxycholic acid that are aimed at both slowing disease course and improving quality of life. International cohort studies have facilitated a much greater understanding of disease heterogeneity, and in so doing highlight the opportunity to provide patients with a more individualized assessment of their risk of progressive liver disease, based on clinical, laboratory, or imaging findings. This has led to a new approach to patient care that focuses on risk stratification (both high and low risk); and furthermore allows such stratification tools to help identify patient subgroups at greatest potential benefit from inclusion in clinical trials. In this article, we review the applicability and validity of risk stratification in autoimmune cholestatic liver disease, highlighting strengths and weaknesses of current and emergent approaches. (Hepatology 2016;63:644–659)
Ramsey Number of a Connected Triangle Matching
Authors: Gyárfás András , Sárközy Gábor N.
Published: August 2015

We determine the 2‐color Ramsey number of a connected
triangle matching that is any connected graph containing n vertex disjoint triangles. We obtain that , somewhat larger than in the classical result of Burr, Erdős, and Spencer for a triangle matching, . The motivation is to determine the Ramsey number of the square of a cycle . We apply our Ramsey result for connected triangle matchings to show that the Ramsey number of an “almost” square of a cycle (a cycle of length n in which all but at most a constant number c of short diagonals are present) is asymptotic to .
Patient financial responsibility for observation care
Authors: Kangovi Shreya , Cafardi Susannah G. , Smith Robyn A. , Kulkarni Raina , Grande David
Published: August 2015

BACKGROUND

As observation care grows, Medicare beneficiaries are increasingly likely to revisit observation care instead of being readmitted. This trend has potential financial implications for Medicare beneficiaries because observation care—although typically hospital based—is classified as an outpatient service. Beneficiaries who are readmitted pay the inpatient deductible only once per benefit period. In contrast, beneficiaries who have multiple care episodes under observations status are subject to coinsurance at every stay and could accrue higher cumulative costs.

OBJECTIVES

We were interested in answering the question: Do Medicare beneficiaries who revisit observation care pay more than they would have had they been readmitted?

DESIGN

We used a 20% sample of the Medicare Outpatient Standard Analytic File (2010–2012) to determine the total cumulative financial liability for Medicare beneficiaries who revisit observation care multiple times within a 60‐day period.

PARTICIPANTS

Participants were fee‐for‐service Medicare beneficiaries who had Part A and Part B coverage for a full calendar year (or until death) during the study period.

MEASUREMENTS

Our primary measure was beneficiary financial responsibility for facilities fees.

RESULTS

On average, beneficiaries with multiple observation stays in a 60‐day period had a cumulative financial liability of $947.40 (803.62), which is significantly lower than the $1100 inpatient deductible (P < 0.01). However, 26.6% of these beneficiaries had a cumulative financial liability that exceeded the inpatient deductible.

CONCLUSIONS

More than a quarter of Medicare beneficiaries with multiple observation stays in a 60‐day time period have a higher financial liability than they would have had under Part A benefits. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2015;10:718–723. © 2015 Society of Hospital Medicine
Intensity modulated radiotherapy and 3D conformal radiotherapy for whole breast irradiation: a comparative dosimetric study and introduction of a novel qualitative index for plan evaluation, the normal tissue index
Authors: Yim Jackie , Suttie Clare , Bromley Regina , Morgia Marita , Lamoury Gillian
Published: August 2015

Introduction

We report on a retrospective dosimetric study, comparing 3D conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT) and hybrid intensity modulated radiotherapy (hIMRT). We evaluated plans based on their planning target volume coverage, dose homogeneity, dose to organs at risk (OARs) and exposure of normal tissue to radiation. The Homogeneity Index (HI) was used to assess the dose homogeneity in the target region, and we describe a new index, the normal tissue index (NTI), to assess the dose in the normal tissue inside the tangent treatment portal.

Methods

Plans were generated for 25 early‐stage breast cancer patients, using a hIMRT technique. These were compared with the 3DCRT plans of the treatment previously received by the patients. Plan quality was evaluated using the HI, NTI and dose to OARs.

Results

The hIMRT technique was significantly more homogenous than the 3DCRT technique, while maintaining target coverage. The hIMRT technique was also superior at minimising the amount of tissue receiving D105% and above (P < 0.0001). The ipsilateral lung and contralateral breast maximum were significantly lower in the hIMRT plans (P < 0.05 and P < 0.005), but the 3DCRT technique achieved a lower mean heart dose in left‐sided breast cancer patients (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Hybrid intensity modulated radiotherapy plans achieved improved dose homogeneity compared to the 3DCRT plans and superior outcome with regard to dose to normal tissues. We propose that the addition of both HI and NTI in evaluating the quality of intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) breast plans provides clinically relevant comparators which more accurately reflect the new paradigm of treatment goals and outcomes in the era of breast IMRT.
Prevalence of drug resistance mutations in HAART patients infected with HIV‐1 CRF06_cpx in Estonia
Authors: Avi Radko , Pauskar Merit , Karki Tõnis , Kallas Eveli , Jõgeda Ene‐Ly , Margus Tõnu , Huik Kristi , Lutsar Irja
Published: August 2015

HIV‐1 drug resistance mutations (DRMs) and substitutions were assessed after the failure of the first line non‐nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) + 2 nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) treatment regimens (efavirenz [EFV] + lamivudine[3TC] + zidovudine [ZDV] vs. EFV + 3TC + ddI) among the HIV‐1 CRF06_cpx infected subjects in Estonia. HIV‐1 genomic RNA was sequenced; DRMs and amino acid substitutions were compared in 44 treatment naïve and 45 first‐line NNRTI + 2 NRTI treatment failed patients consisting of EFV + 3TC + ZDV (n = 17) and EFV + 3TC + didanosine[ddI] (n = 21) therapy failed sub‐populations. At least one DRM was found in 78% of treatment experienced patients. The most common NRTI mutations were M184V (80%), L74V (31%), L74I (17%), K219E (9%), and M184I (9%), NNRTI mutations were K103N (83%), P225H (14%), L100I (11%), and Y188L (11%), reflecting generally the similar pattern of DRMs to that seen in treatment failed subtype B viruses. Sub‐population analysis revealed that EFV + 3TC + ddI failed patients had more DRMs compared to EFV + 3TC + ZDV failed patients, especially the ddI DRM L74IV and several additional NNRTI DRMs. Additionally, CRF06_cpx specific mutation E179V and substitutions R32K, K122E, and V200AE were also detected in treatment experienced population. After the failure of the first‐line EFV + 3TC + ddI therapy HIV‐1 CRF06_cpx viruses develop additional NRTI and NNRTI mutations compared to EFV + 3TC + ZDV regimen. Therefore the usage of EFV + 3TC + ddI in this subtype decreases the options for next regimens containing abacavir, and NNRTI class agents. J. Med. Virol. 88:???–???, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Latent inhibition of conditioned taste aversion in rats with excitotoxic dorsal hippocampal lesions
Authors: Molero‐Chamizo Andrés , Morón Ignacio
Published: August 2015

The hippocampus plays crucial roles for the acquisition of latent inhibition in different associative learning procedures, such as fear conditioning. However, the involvement of the hippocampus in the latent inhibition of conditioned taste aversion (CTA) is uncertain. Because different subregions of the hippocampus are associated with distinct functions, it is possible that specific regions of this structure are selectively involved in this learning. To explore the relationship between the dorsal hippocampal region and the latent inhibition of CTA, we analyzed the behavioral effects of excitotoxic lesions of the dorsal hippocampus vs. sham lesions in this paradigm. The results provide no evidence that the latent inhibition of CTA is compromised in rats with excitotoxic dorsal hippocampal lesions. The differential involvement of specific hippocampal regions in the latent inhibition of other associative learning paradigms is briefly discussed. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Indications and techniques for robotic pelvic and para‐aortic lymphadenectomy in gynecologic oncology
Authors: Wisner Ketura Preya A. , Gupta Sarika , Ahmad Sarfraz , Holloway Robert W.
Published: August 2015

Robotic‐assisted laparoscopy is now the most common surgical method for treatment of early‐stage endometrial, cervical, and a growing number of ovarian cancers in the U.S. Para‐aortic and pelvic lymphadenectomy is integral to surgical staging and subsequent treatment planning. This article reviews current staging outcomes with robotic surgery for gynecologic cancers, and describes both trans‐peritoneal, extra‐peritoneal aortic dissection techniques, and the integration of pelvic sentinel lymph node mapping. J. Surg. Oncol. 2015;112:782–789. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Incorporating resident/fellow training into a robotic surgery program
Authors: Vetter Monica Hagan , Green Isabel , Martino Martin , Fowler Jeffrey , Salani Ritu
Published: August 2015

With the rapid uptake of the robotic approach in gynecologic surgery, a thorough understanding of the technology, including its uses and limitations, is critical to maximize patient outcomes and safety. This review discusses the role of training modalities and development of curricula for robotic surgery. Furthermore, methods for incorporating the entire surgical team and the process of credentialing/maintaining privileges are described. J. Surg. Oncol. 2015;112:684–689. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Open tubular capillary column for the separation of cytochrome C tryptic digest in capillary electrochromatography
Authors: Ali Faiz , Cheong Won Jo
Published: August 2015

A silica capillary of 50 μm internal diameter and 500 mm length (416 mm effective length) was chemically modified with 4‐(trifluoromethoxy) phenyl isocyanate in the presence of dibutyl tin dichloride as catalyst. Sodium diethyl dithiocarbamate was reacted with the terminal halogen of the bound ligand to incorporate the initiator moiety, and in situ polymerization was performed using a monomer mixture of styrene, N‐phenylacrylamide, and methacrylic acid. The resultant open tubular capillary column immobilized with the copolymer layer was used for the separation of tryptic digest of cytochrome C in capillary electrochromatography. The sample was well eluted and separated into many components. The elution patterns of tryptic digest of cytochrome C were studied with respect to pH and water content in the mobile phase. This preliminary study demonstrates that open tubular capillary electrochromatography columns with a modified copolymer layer composed of proper nonpolar and polar units fabricated by reversible addition‐fragmentation transfer polymerization can be useful as separation media for proteomic analysis.
An Exploratory Microfluidic Approach to Photopolymerized Polymer‐Inorganic Nanocomposite Films
Authors: Rajendra Vinodh , Therien‐Aubin Héloise , Abolhasani Milad , Villalabos Marco , Kumacheva Eugenia
Published: August 2015

Nanoparticle (NP) dispersions are extensively used for the producing nanocomposite materials. Optimization of formulations of NP dispersions is a time‐ and labor‐consuming process that can benefit from high‐throughput preparation of composite materials, followed by studies of their structure–property relationships. This paper describes a microfluidic platform for producing photopolymerized films from NP–monomer dispersions. The platform enables rapid and reproducible preparation of films with varying compositions by tuning the flow rates of the monomer and NP–monomer mixtures, along with suppressed evaporation of volatile monomers, no need of an inert atmosphere, and the reduced exposure to potentially harmful monomers and NPs. This work paves the way for efficient studies of composition‐dependent properties of nanocomposite materials.
Div‐curl lemma with critical power weights in dimension three
Authors: Tsutsui Yohei
Published: August 2015

In R3, a div‐curl lemma with critical exponents in terms of Hardy spaces associated to Herz spaces is given.
Reconstruction of full high‐resolution HSQC using signal split in aliased spectra
Authors: Foroozandeh Mohammadali , Jeannerat Damien
Published: August 2015

Resolution enhancement is a long‐sought goal in NMR spectroscopy. In conventional multidimensional NMR experiments, such as the 1H‐13C HSQC, the resolution in the indirect dimensions is typically 100 times lower as in 1D spectra because it is limited by the experimental time. Reducing the spectral window can significantly increase the resolution but at the cost of ambiguities in frequencies as a result of spectral aliasing. Fortunately, this information is not completely lost and can be retrieved using methods in which chemical shifts are encoded in the aliased spectra and decoded after processing to reconstruct high‐resolution 1H‐13C HSQC spectrum with full spectral width and a resolution similar to that of 1D spectra. We applied a new reconstruction method, RHUMBA (reconstruction of high‐resolution using multiplet built on aliased spectra), to spectra obtained from the differential evolution for non‐ambiguous aliasing‐HSQC and the new AMNA (additional modulation for non‐ambiguous aliasing)‐HSQC experiments. The reconstructed spectra significantly facilitate both manual and automated spectral analyses and structure elucidation based on heteronuclear 2D experiments. The resolution is enhanced by two orders of magnitudes without the usual complications due to spectral aliasing. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Theoretical and experimental 15N NMR study of enamine–imine tautomerism of 4‐trifluoromethyl[b]benzo‐1,4‐diazepine system
Authors: Semenov Valentin A. , Samultsev Dmitry O. , Rulev Alexander Yu. , Krivdin Leonid B.
Published: August 2015

The tautomeric structure of 4‐trifluoromethyl[b]benzo‐1,4‐diazepine system in solution has been evaluated by means of the calculation of 15N NMR chemical shifts of individual tautomers in comparison with the averaged experimental shifts to show that the enamine–imine equilibrium is entirely shifted toward the imine form. The adequacy of the theoretical level used for the computation of 15N NMR chemical shifts in this case has been verified based on the benchmark calculations in the series of the push–pull and captodative enamines together with related azomethynes, which demonstrated a good to excellent agreement with experiment. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exploiting the phase of NMR signals to carry useful information. Application to the measurement of chemical shifts in aliased 2D spectra
Authors: Ramírez‐Gualito Karla , Jeannerat Damien
Published: August 2015

Taking advantage of the phase of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) signals to encode NMR information is not easy because of their low precision and their sensitivity to nearby signals. We nevertheless demonstrated that the phase in indirect dimension of 1H–13C heteronuclear single quantum coherence (HSQC) signals could provide carbon chemical shifts at low, but sufficient precision to resolve the ambiguities of the chemical shifts in aliased spectra. This approach, we called phase‐encoding of the aliasing order Na (PHANA), only requires inserting a constant delay during the t1 evolution time to obtain spectra where signals with mixed phases can be decoded at the processing to reconstruct full spectra with a 15‐fold increase in resolution. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Application of high‐field NMR spectroscopy for characterization and quantitation of submilligram quantities of isolated natural products
Authors: Krunić Aleksej , Orjala Jimmy
Published: August 2015

We have investigated and compared a number of sample conditions on different NMR platforms in the search of maximum SNR and optimal experiment time efficiency for structure elucidation and quantitation of natural products. Using restricted volume 3 mm Shigemi microcell assembly in conjunction with a 900 MHz NMR spectrometer equipped with a 5 mm carbon‐sensitive inverse cryoprobe, it was possible to achieve a substantial increase in SNR (46‐fold) as compared with a conventional room temperature 400 MHz instrument. Switching from standard 5 mm NMR tube to 3 mm Shigemi microcell assembly typically improved SNR by threefold on either 600 or 900 MHz cryoplatform. A quantitation method that relies on a calibrated residual protonated NMR solvent signal as internal standard was developed using the same hardware setup and restricted sample volume tubes. Linearity of the method spans over 3 orders of magnitude, from low microgram to milligram quantities. We successfully applied this method to quantify a low micrgram sample of paclitaxel, verified by a UV/VIS quantitation measurement. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The risk of iatrogenic pneumothorax after electromyography
Authors: Kassardjian Charles D. , O'gorman Cullen M. , Sorenson Eric J.
Published: August 2015

Introduction

Pneumothorax is a potentially serious complication of electromyography (EMG). Data on the frequency of pneumothorax after EMG are lacking. The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency, timing, and risk factors for iatrogenic pneumothorax after EMG. Methods: Cases of pneumothorax after EMG were reviewed for clinical, electrophysiological, and radiological data. Results: Of 64,490 EMG studies, 7 patients had an association between the EMG and pneumothorax. All patients were symptomatic and presented within 24 hours of EMG. Sampling of serratus anterior and diaphragm was causative in 1 patient each. In 5 patients, multiple high‐risk muscles were sampled. The highest frequency of pneumothorax was observed with examination of serratus anterior (0.445%) and diaphragm (0.149%). Conclusions: The frequency of symptomatic iatrogenic pneumothorax after EMG appears to be low, and examinations of serratus anterior and diaphragm carry the highest risk. Electromyographers should be aware of the risk of pneumothorax and should counsel patients accordingly. Muscle Nerve 53: 518–521, 2016
Prevalence, Pathophysiology, and Management of Androgen Deficiency in Men with Metabolic Syndrome, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, or Both
Authors: Taylor Shawn Riser , Meadowcraft Lindsy M. , Williamson Bobbie
Published: August 2015

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) has increased in the United States over the past 40 years. These conditions, long linked with many cardiovascular complications, have recently been linked with androgen or testosterone deficiency in men. Several pathophysiologic hypotheses exist regarding this association, with the most widely reported a relationship to obesity and insulin resistance. Several randomized trials have confirmed that when testosterone replacement therapy is given to patients with T2DM, MetS, or both, metabolic parameters such as waist circumference, hemoglobin A1c, and systolic blood pressure are significantly reduced by up to 11 cm, 1.9%, and 23 mm Hg, respectively. This has not, however, resulted in improved cardiovascular outcomes, as evidenced in studies that found increased rates of cardiovascular events following testosterone replacement therapy. In this review, we summarize the relevant literature regarding the pathophysiology and management of androgen deficiency in men with T2DM, MetS, or both.
Sensitive Colorimetric Detection of Explosive 2,6‐Bis(picrylamino)pyridine after Preconcentration by Dispersive Liquid‐Liquid Microextraction
Authors: Larki Arash , Nasrabadi Mehdi Rahimi , Pourreza Nahid
Published: August 2015

An experimental investigation for sensitive spectrophotometric detection of explosive, 2,6‐bis(picrylamino)pyridine (BPAP) using dispersive liquid‐liquid microextraction was carried out. Based on this procedure, which is a dispersive‐solvent‐free technique, the extractant is dispersed in the aqueous sample solution using Aliquat 336 (acted as disperser agent and carrier to extraction solvent) and monitored with microvolume UV/Vis spectrophotometer. The effect of different variables such as pH, concentration of sodium hydroxide, type and volume of extraction solvent, concentration of Aliquat 336 solution and coexisting substances were systematically investigated and optimized. Interference tests showed that the developed method has a good selectivity and could be used conveniently for determination of explosive analyte. The proposed method is capable of determining BPAP over a range of 2.0–150.0 ng mL−1 with a limit of detection 1.0 ng mL−1. Relative standard deviations (RSD) for 20.0 and 80.0 ng mL−1 of BPAP were 3.3 and 1.2 % (n=10), respectively. This colorimetric method was applied to determine BPAP in different water and soil samples.
EBIC investigations on polar and semipolar InGaN LED structures
Authors: Knab Manuel , Hocker Matthias , Felser Timo , Tischer Ingo , Wang Junjun , Scholz Ferdinand , Thonke Klaus
Published: August 2015

Polar and semipolar LED structures with InGaN quantum wells (QWs) were investigated in a scanning electron microscope (SEM) using simultaneously electron beam induced current (EBIC) and cathodoluminescence (CL). EBIC yields important information about depletion region, leakages, and the overall functionality of the pn‐junction and allows to determine the diffusion length of the generated minority carriers on both sides of the pn‐junction. Spectrally and spatially resolved CL measurements yield both, information about the QW quality and about centers of non‐radiative recombination. EBIC measurements were carried out in top‐view and in cross‐section between and room temperature. The diffusion lengths measured for polar and semipolar structures prove the better crystal quality of the polar structures in terms of the higher carrier diffusion length and its increase for lower temperatures, as expected. On the semipolar structures, top‐view EBIC measurements detect specific areas, where the pn‐junction seems to be disturbed. The comparison of EBIC and CL measurements shows interesting correlations of the EBIC signal and the emission wavelengths of the quantum wells.
Comparison of two treatments with skewed ordinal responses
Authors: Lu Tong‐Yu , Poon Wai‐Yin , Cheung Siu Hung
Published: August 2015

In clinical studies, the proportional odds model is widely used to compare treatment efficacies when the responses are categorically ordered. However, this model has been shown to be inappropriate when the proportional odds assumption is invalid, mainly because it is unable to control the type I error rate in such circumstances. To remedy this problem, the latent normal model was recently promoted and has been demonstrated to be superior to the proportional odds model. However, the application of the latent normal model is limited to compare treatments with similar underlying distributions except possibly their means and variances. When the underlying distributions are very different in skewness, both of the aforementioned procedures suffer from the undesirable inflation of the type I error rate. To solve the problem for clinical studies with ordinal responses, we provide a viable solution that relies on the use of the latent Weibull distribution, which is a member of the log‐location‐scale family. The proposed model is able to control the type I error rate regardless of the degree of skewness of the treatment responses. In addition, the power of the test also outperforms that of the latent normal model. The testing procedure draws on newly developed theoretical results related to latent distributions from the location‐scale family. The testing procedure is illustrated with two clinical examples. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A global energy assessment
Authors: Jefferson Michael
Published: August 2015

Against the background ofIIASA’s massive (their word) ‘global energy assessment’ (GEA), this paper takes a closer look at the challenges posed by population growth, energy poverty, the fossil fuels and carbon storage, renewable energy, energy efficiency, natural catastrophes, and potential climatic change to offer a somber, although arguably more realistic, overview of what the future may hold than the GEA achieved.WIREs Energy Environ2016, 5:7–15. doi: 10.1002/wene.179

This article is categorized under:

Energy Systems Economics > Systems and Infrastructure

Energy Policy and Planning > Economics and Policy

Energy and Development > Systems and Infrastructure

Energy and Development > Climate and Environment
Robust statistics: a selective overview and new directions
Authors: Avella Medina Marco , Ronchetti Elvezio
Published: August 2015

Classical statistics relies largely on parametric models. Typically, assumptions are made on the structural and the stochastic parts of the model and optimal procedures are derived under these assumptions. Standard examples are least squares estimators in linear models and their extensions, maximum‐likelihood estimators and the corresponding likelihood‐based tests, and generalized methods of moments(GMM)techniques in econometrics. Robust statistics deals with deviations from the stochastic assumptions and their dangers for classical estimators and tests and develops statistical procedures that are still reliable and reasonably efficient in the presence of such deviations. It can be viewed as a statistical theory dealing with approximate parametric models by providing a reasonable compromise between the rigidity of a strict parametric approach and the potential difficulties of interpretation of a fully nonparametric analysis. Many classical procedures are well known for not being robust. These procedures are optimal when the assumed model holds exactly, but they are biased and/or inefficient when small deviations from the model are present. The statistical results obtained from standard classical procedures on real data applications can therefore be misleading. In this paper we will give a brief introduction to robust statistics by reviewing some basic general concepts and tools and by showing how they can be used in data analysis to provide an alternative complementary analysis with additional useful information. In this study, we focus on robust statistical procedures based on M‐estimators and tests because they provide a unified statistical framework that complements the classical theory. Robust procedures will be discussed for standard models, including linear models, general linear model, and multivariate analysis. Some recent developments in high‐dimensional statistics will also be outlined.WIREs Comput Stat2015, 7:372–393. doi: 10.1002/wics.1363

This article is categorized under:

Statistical Learning and Exploratory Methods of the Data Sciences > Modeling Methods

Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Robust Methods
Abnormalities in Plasma Phospholipid Fatty Acid Profiles of Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Qiu Jian‐Feng , Zhang Ke‐Lin , Zhang Xiao‐Jing , Hu Yuan‐Jia , Li Peng , Shang Chang‐Zhen , Wan Jian‐Bo
Published: August 2015

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common causes of cancer‐related death worldwide. In the present study, we aimed to profile the possible changes in plasma phospholipid fatty acid composition of HCC patients, and to identify the fatty acid biomarkers that could distinguish HCC patients from healthy controls. A total of 37 plasma samples from healthy controls and HCC patients were collected and their phospholipid fatty acid profiles were characterized by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry followed by multivariate statistical analysis. Twenty‐five fatty acids were identified and quantified, their proportions varied greatly between two groups, suggesting each group has its own fatty acid pattern. Orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis in terms of fatty acid profiles showed that HCC patients could be clearly distinguished from healthy controls. More importantly, linoleic acid (18:2n‐6), oleic acid (18:1n‐9), arachidonic acid (20:4n‐6) and palmitic acid (16:0) were identified as the potential fatty acid biomarkers of HCC patients. Additionally, to further identify the major cause of the abnormality of plasma fatty acid profile, fatty acid distributions of cancerous tissue and its surrounding tissue from 42 HCC patients were also examined. Due to have similar variation trend of major fatty acid biomarkers, linoleic acid (18:2n‐6), oleic acid (18:1n‐9), abnormalities in plasma phospholipid fatty acid profiles of HCC patients may be mainly attributed to the alternation of intrinsic fatty acid metabolism caused by cancer per se, but not to the differences in dietary factors.
Effect of Agronomical Practices on the Nutritional Quality of Virgin Olive Oil at Different Ripening Stages
Authors: Jimenez Brígida , Sánchez‐Ortiz Araceli , Lorenzo María Luisa , Rivas Ana
Published: August 2015

There is a need to verify the quality of organically produced olive oils and to compare them to conventional ones. The objective of this study was to assess possible differences in nutritional quality between agronomic practices in Picual and Hojiblanca olive oil varieties at different stages of olive ripeness. The results showed that organic versus conventional cultivation did not consistently affect acidity, peroxide index or spectrophotometric constants of the virgin olive oils considered in this study. On the contrary, phenol content, oxidative stability, tocopherol content and fatty acid composition were affected by the agronomical practices. Principal component analysis indicated that linolenic acid and β‐tocopherol were mainly responsible for discriminating Hojiblanca organic oils, whereas total phenols, palmitoleic acid and α‐tocopherol were the major contributors to differentiating Picual conventional oils. Lignoceric and stearic acids were related to oils from unripe and ripe olive fruits, respectively. Long‐term experiments are required to confirm these results.
Structural and Stratigraphic Interpretation of Geophysical Data of the Fenchuganj Gas Field in the Surma Basin, Bangladesh
Authors: Hossain Abdullah , Hossain Delwar , Abdullah Rashed
Published: August 2015

The Fenchuganj structure trending in NNE-SSW direction is a surface anticline (reverse faulted) in the eastern part of the Surma basin, Bangladesh. The eastern flank of the structure has steeper dip than the western one. The present study includes seismic and geological data interpretation which gives details about structure and stratigraphy of the area. Well log interpretation was done to infer lithological pattern and the hydrocarbon potential zones. Correlating the seismic interpretation and well log analysis, four gas sands have been identified at depths 2000m to 3100m. Depending on the present findings, it is concluded that further investigation can give valuable information about real sub-surface structure and hydrocarbon occurrence in this area.
An Investigation of Factors Influencing Indoor Radon Concentrations in Dwellings of Northern Rajasthan, India
Authors: Duggal Vikas , Mehra Rohit , Rani Asha
Published: August 2015

An effort has been made to find possible relationships of indoor radon levels with building construction materials, ventilation condition of dwellings and soil gas radon levels. Indoor radon measurements were made using LR-115 type II cellulose nitrate films and the concentrations were estimated by knowing the track density of films through optical microscope. Soil gas radon levels were measured using RAD7, an electronic radon detector manufactured by Durridge Company, USA. This study sheds light on the seasonal indoor radon activities in Rajasthan dwellings. Maximum values of the indoor radon concentration were observed during the winter and minimum during the summer season. Results show that ventilation rate is inversely proportional to radon level. Highest level of indoor radon concentration was found in the mud type dwellings compared with dwellings made of concrete, cement and marble. A positive correlation (R2 = 0.45) between indoor radon and soil gas radon concentration was observed. A weak positive correlation (R2 = 0.22) was observed between soil gas radon concentration and radium content in soil. Indoor radon concentration was found to be associated with the presence of radon concentration in local soil, building material used for roof, floor and walls, type of ventilation conditions and presence of cracks on the walls/floor. Positive correlation between indoor and soil gas radon concentration suggest the large contribution of local soil towards indoor radon.
The Revival of the Right to Property in India
Authors: ALLEN Tom
Published: August 2015

Over the last six decades, the Supreme Court of India has created and re-created a right to property from very weak textual sources, despite constitutional declarations calling for social revolution, numerous amendments to reverse key judgments, and even, in 1978, the repeal of the core constitutional provisions guaranteeing a right to property. This article challenges the usual account of these developments. The primary contention is that the 1978 repeal is much less significant than it appears, due to the Court’s creative interpretation of other constitutional provisions. The Supreme Court has consistently advanced liberal models of constitutionalism and property, despite the influence of other models on the original constitutional design and later amendments. This article also examines whether the Court’s liberalism is compatible with the egalitarian values of theConstitution, and how its position will affect attempts to address social issues relating to the distribution of property in India.
Risk of MRSA Infection in Patients with Intermittent versus Persistent MRSA Nares Colonization
Authors: Vigil Daniel I. , Harden Wesley D. , Hines Anne E. , Hosokawa Patrick W. , Henderson William G. , Bessesen Mary T.
Published: August 2015

OBJECTIVE

To determine the relative risk of invasive methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) infection among non-colonized (NC) patients, intermittently colonized (IC) patients, and persistently colonized (PC) patients.

DESIGN

Observational cohort study of patient data collected longitudinally over a 41-month period.

SETTING

Department of Veterans Affairs Eastern Colorado Healthcare System, a tertiary care medical center.

PATIENTS

Any patient who received ≥5 MRSA nasal swab tests between February 20, 2010, and July 26, 2013. In total, 3,872 patients met these criteria, 0 were excluded, 95% were male, 71% were white, and the mean age was 62.9 years on the date of study entry.

METHODS

Patients were divided into cohorts based on MRSA colonization status. Physicians reviewed medical records to identify invasive infection and were blinded to colonization status. Cox and Kaplan-Meier analyses were used to assess the relationship between colonization status and invasive infection.

RESULTS

In total, 102 patients developed invasive MRSA infections, 16.3% of these were PC patients, 11.2% of these were IC patients, and 0.5% of these were NC patients. PC patients were at higher risk of invasive infection than NC patients (hazard ratio [HR] 36.8; 95% CI, 18.4–73.6;P<.001). IC patients were also at higher risk than NC patients (HR, 22.8; 95% CI, 13.3–39.3;P<.001). The difference in risk between PC and IC patients was not statistically significant (HR, 1.61; 95% CI, 0.94–2.78,P=.084). Alternate analysis methods confirmed these results.

CONCLUSIONS

The risk of invasive MRSA infection is much higher among PC and IC patients, supporting routine clinical testing for colonization. However, this risk is similar among PC and IC patients, suggesting that distinguishing between the 2 colonization states may not be clinically important.

Infect. Control Hosp. Epidemiol.2015;36(11):1292–1297
A comparison of the nutrient intake of a community-dwelling first-episode psychosis cohort, aged 19–64 years, with data from the UK population
Authors: Williamson Kevin , Kilner Karen , Clibbens Nicola
Published: August 2015

Psychosis increases the risk of CVD, obesity and type 2 diabetes and reduces life expectancy. There are limited data comparing the dietary habits of community-dwelling first-episode psychosis sufferers – with autonomy over diet – and the general population. The data represent the retrospective evaluation of nutritional data collected between 2007 and 2013 from 143 individuals from the UK population receiving treatment for first-episode psychosis. Differences in mean nutrient intakes between the study cohort and the national sample were tested for statistical significance using independent t tests, incorporating Satterthwaite's correction where required. Mean total energy intake was lower for males (P = 0·049) and higher for females (P = 0·016) in the cohort than in the corresponding subgroups of the national sample. Females in the study cohort consumed 12·9 (95 % CI 4·3, 21·5) g more total fat per d, whilst males consumed 7·7 (95 % CI 0·5, 14·9) g less protein per d than the national sample. Males in the study also showed significantly lower mean intakes than nationally of folate, Fe, Se, vitamin D and Zn, but not vitamin C. The proportion of individuals not meeting the lower reference nutrient intakes, particularly for Se (males 54·0 % and females 57·1 %) and for Fe amongst females (29·6 %), is cause for concern regarding potentially severe deficiencies. Further exploration of dietary habits within first-episode psychosis is warranted to assess whether individuals make beneficial dietary changes for their physical and mental health and wellbeing following dietary change intervention. It would also be pertinent to assess any correlation between diet and mental health symptomology.
Preventive War as a Result of Long-Term Shifts in Power
Authors: Krainin Colin
Published: August 2015

This paper analyzes a complete information model of preventive war where shifts in the distribution of power play out over an arbitrary number of time periods. This analysis leads to a sufficient condition that implies war under a broader set of conditions than previously shown in the literature. This sufficient condition leads to two substantive implications: (1) preventive war can be caused by relatively slow, but persistent shifts in the distribution of power; and (2) a power shift that causes war may do so only after some delay. These insights serve to connect the long-term shifts emphasized in Power Transition Theory with the commitment problem explanation for preventive war analyzed in bargaining models of war.
A REMARK ON TAIL DISTRIBUTIONS OF PARTITION RANK AND CRANK
Authors: KIM BYUNGCHAN
Published: August 2015

We examine the tail distributions of integer partition ranks and cranks by investigating tail moments, which are analogous to the positive moments introduced by Andrews et al. [‘The odd moments of ranks and cranks’, J. Combin. Theory Ser. A120(1) (2013), 77–91].
Vitamin E function and requirements in relation to PUFA
Authors: Raederstorff Daniel , Wyss Adrian , Calder Philip C. , Weber Peter , Eggersdorfer Manfred
Published: August 2015

Vitamin E (α-tocopherol) is recognised as a key essential lipophilic antioxidant in humans protecting lipoproteins, PUFA, cellular and intra-cellular membranes from damage. The aim of this review was to evaluate the relevant published data about vitamin E requirements in relation to dietary PUFA intake. Evidence in animals and humans indicates a minimal basal requirement of 4–5 mg/d of RRR-α-tocopherol when the diet is very low in PUFA. The vitamin E requirement will increase with an increase in PUFA consumption and with the degree of unsaturation of the PUFA in the diet. The vitamin E requirement related to dietary linoleic acid, which is globally the major dietary PUFA in humans, was calculated to be 0·4–0·6 mg of RRR-α-tocopherol/g of linoleic acid. Animal studies show that for fatty acids with a higher degree of unsaturation, the vitamin E requirement increases almost linearly with the degree of unsaturation of the PUFA in the relative ratios of 0·3, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 for mono-, di-, tri-, tetra-, penta- and hexaenoic fatty acids, respectively. Assuming a typical intake of dietary PUFA, a vitamin E requirement ranging from 12 to 20 mg of RRR-α-tocopherol/d can be calculated. A number of guidelines recommend to increase PUFA intake as they have well-established health benefits. It will be prudent to assure an adequate vitamin E intake to match the increased PUFA intake, especially as vitamin E intake is already below recommendations in many populations worldwide.
FROM TALK TO ACTION: POLICY STAKEHOLDERS, APPROPRIATENESS, AND SELECTIVE DISINVESTMENT
Authors: Paprica P. Alison , Culyer Anthony J. , Elshaug Adam G. , Peffer Justin , Sandoval Guillermo A.
Published: August 2015

Objectives:There is widespread commitment—at least in principle—to “evidence-informed” clinical practice and policy development in health care. The intention is that only “appropriate” care ought to be delivered at public expense. Although the rationale for an appropriateness agenda is widely endorsed, and methods have been proposed for addressing it, few published studies exist of contemporary policy initiatives which have actually led to successful disinvestment. Our objective was to explore whether the direct involvement of policy stakeholders could advance appropriateness and disinvestment.

Methods:Several collaborative engagements with policy stakeholders were undertaken to adapt and combine conceptual and empirical material related to appropriateness and disinvestment from the literature to create tools and processes for use in Canada and the province of Ontario in particular.

Results:By combining inputs from the literature with colloquial evidence from policy stakeholders, a definition of appropriateness was developed and, importantly, endorsed by all the provincial and territorial ministers of health in Canada. Second, a reassessment framework was successfully implemented for identifying priorities for selective disinvestment.

Conclusions:When scientific evidence was combined with colloquial evidence from policy stakeholders, progress was made on the design and successful implementation of policies for appropriateness and disinvestment.
AN APPRAISAL OF REGIONAL SURVEYS IN THE BASIN OF MEXICO, 1960–1975
Authors: Parsons Jeffrey R.
Published: August 2015

In this paper I focus on the regional surveys undertaken in 1960–1975—their development, implementation, key accomplishments, and major shortcomings. I also point to how resulting survey data and surface collections have provided the foundations for subsequent research on a variety of specific problems, sites, and locales, and how complementary historical and ethnographical studies have contributed to interpretations of pre-Columbian settlement patterns. I consider how off-site survey can, and should, complement the more extensive regional surveys that have been carried out in the past. While lamenting the archaeological record lost to modern development, in a more positive vein I suggest lines of productive future investigation that might still be undertaken to extend the significance of past results, evaluate a series of questions and hypotheses defined by the surveys, and help conserve archaeological sites and collections for future study.
COMPILATION AND ANALYSIS OF PRE-COLUMBIAN SETTLEMENT DATA IN THE BASIN OF MEXICO
Authors: Gorenflo L. J.
Published: August 2015

A key component of archaeological research in the Basin of Mexico was a series of systematic regional surveys conducted between 1960 and 1975. This essay discusses efforts to finalize settlement data generated by those surveys, and preliminary analyses of the resulting dataset that include geographic information system applications to examine patterns of settlement over time. The paper begins by reviewing the surveys and the information they produced for more than 3,900 sites. Analyses of demographics, settlement hierarchies, and environmental patterning reveal periods of slow population increase and decrease that indicate no major demographic events, but noteworthy shifts in settlement types and environmental focus. Analyses of spatial patterning reveal evidence of considerable geographic shifts in settlement over time, probable widespread reliance on irrigation throughout much of the pre-Columbian basin, likely major shifts in adaptation to the central lake system in the region, and intraregional migration as a key demographic process in settlement patterning. Amid growing understanding of pre-Columbian settlement patterns in the Basin of Mexico, this paper also defines key research problems involving demographic mobility, the role of water control in adaptation and sociocultural evolution, and implications of changing environmental emphasis in settlement patterning.
Analysis of energy poverty and its implications for sustainable development in Nigeria
Authors: Ogwumike Fidelis O. , Ozughalu Uche M.
Published: August 2015

This study estimates and analyzes the incidence and determinants of energy poverty in Nigeria based on a simple multidimensional energy poverty index that it constructed. It also highlights the implications of energy poverty for sustainable development in Nigeria. The headcount ratio and the logistic regression technique are used. The study utilizes the Nigeria Living Standard Survey data set of 2004, obtained from the National Bureau of Statistics. The estimates show that energy poverty is pervasive in the country; it afflicts over 75 per cent of the population. The determinants of energy poverty in Nigeria include household size; educational level, gender and age of household head; general poverty; region of residence; and proportion of working members in the household. Efforts should be made to adequately tackle the problem of energy poverty in Nigeria. This is a major way to put the country on the path to rapid and sustainable development.
Code-blending and language control in bimodal bilinguals
Authors: DING GUOSHENG
Published: August 2015

Bimodal bilinguals, the fluent users of a spoken and a signed language, occupy only a small proportion of the bilingual population. However, they provide a unique window into the cognitive and neural structures of language processing. In an article in this issue, Emmorey and colleagues carefully examined the recent empirical evidence from hearing bimodal bilinguals and presented clear and interesting discussion on the implications to our understanding of bilingual language organization and processing (Emmorey, Giezen & Gollan, Emmorey, Giezen & Gollan). Here I would like to add discussion on code-blending and language control in bimodal bilinguals.