bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Establishing the Aus-ROC Australian and New Zealand out-of-hospital cardiac arrest Epistry
Authors: Beck Ben , Bray Janet , Smith Karen , Walker Tony , Grantham Hugh , Hein Cindy , Thorrowgood Melanie , Smith Anthony , Smith Tony , Dicker Bridget , Swain Andy , Bailey Mark , Bosley Emma , Pemberton Katherine , Cameron Peter , Nichol Graham , Finn Judith
Published: April 2016

Introduction

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is a global health problem with low survival. Regional variation in survival has heightened interest in combining cardiac arrest registries to understand and improve OHCA outcomes. While individual OHCA registries exist in Australian and New Zealand ambulance services, until recently these registries have not been combined. The aim of this protocol paper is to describe the rationale and methods of the Australian Resuscitation Outcomes Consortium (Aus-ROC) OHCA epidemiological registry (Epistry).

Methods and analysis

The Aus-ROC Epistry is designed as a population-based cohort study. Data collection started in 2014. Six ambulance services in Australia (Ambulance Victoria, SA Ambulance Service, St John Ambulance Western Australia and Queensland Ambulance Service) and New Zealand (St John New Zealand and Wellington Free Ambulance) currently contribute data. All OHCA attended by ambulance, regardless of aetiology or patient age, are included in the Epistry. The catchment population is approximately 19.3 million persons, representing 63% of the Australian population and 100% of the New Zealand population. Data are collected using Utstein-style definitions. Information incorporated into the Epistry includes demographics, arrest features, ambulance response times, treatment and patient outcomes. The primary outcome is ‘survival to hospital discharge’, with ‘return of spontaneous circulation’ as a key secondary outcome.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval was independently sought by each of the contributing registries. Overarching ethics for the Epistry was provided by Monash University HREC (Approval No. CF12/3938—2012001888). A population-based OHCA registry capturing the majority of Australia and New Zealand will allow risk-adjusted outcomes to be determined, to enable benchmarking across ambulance providers, facilitate the identification of system-wide strategies associated with survival from OHCA, and allow monitoring of temporal trends in process and outcomes to improve patient care. Findings will be shared with participating ambulance services and the academic community.
Improving acute medical management: Junior Doctor Emergency Prescription Cards
Authors: Hutton Joe , Gingell Megan , Hutchinson Lisa
Published: April 2016

Doctors commencing Foundation Year (FY) training face many stresses and challenges. FY doctors are often the first point of contact for acutely unwell and deteriorating patients. Trust guidelines are used to aid acute medical management. Accessing guidelines is often fraught with barriers. Evidence suggests aide-memoire cards can provide easier access to guidelines and management pathways.

We aimed to improve prescribing accuracy and efficiency of FY doctors for acute medical conditions within Gloucestershire trust by improving access to and usability of trust guidelines.

Questionnaires were distributed to FY doctors to identify acute medical conditions to include on the emergency prescription cards (EPCs). Two small double-sided cards were created containing bullet pointed trust guidelines for: hyper/hypokalaemia, status epilepticus, diabetic emergencies, arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, acute asthma, pulmonary oedema, anaphylaxis and a ward-round checklist. Feedback was used to improve EPCs prior to distribution. Pre (N=53) and post-intervention (N=46) written questionnaires were completed by FY doctors. These assessed acute clinical management including use of guidance, confidence in management, speed of prescribing and EPC “usability”. To assess prescribing accuracy, prescriptions for acute medical conditions were reviewed pre (N=8) and post-intervention (N=12).

The EPCs were well received (80% quite/very useful) and found “easy to use” (83%). The introduction of EPCs increased guidance use (pre-intervention 58.8%, post-intervention 71.7%), increased confidence (pre-intervention 79%, post-intervention 89%) and significantly improved prescribing speed (p=0.05). There was a significant correlation with confidence and prescribing speed (p = 0.023). The accuracy of prescribed doses improved (pre-intervention 62.5%, post-intervention 87.5% accurate) as did details regarding route / additional required information (pre-intervention 75%, post-intervention 97.7%).

The EPCs support the management of unwell patients, are relevant to the workload of modern doctors practice and may improve patient care. This improvement measure could be applied to other NHS trusts and medical specialties.
Multifaceted bundle interventions shown effective in reducing VAP rates in our multidisciplinary ICUs
Authors: Marini Abdel Latif , Khan Raymond , Mundekkadan Shihab
Published: April 2016

Ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) remains a worldwide harm associated with hospital acquired infection. Our VAP rate at King Abdulaziz Medical City was 4.0 per 1 000 patient days at baseline. All regulatory bodies continue to emphasize the importance of reducing these infections and include a guideline of practice recommendations to address them, notably the VAP bundle by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement. Our baseline compliance was low and measured to be 83%; this was perceived as an opportunity to work on revising our interventions in the ICUs. An improvement team gathered in 2013, and following the “model of improvement” methodology, along with a sequence of parallel PDSAs, they were able to increase compliance with the care bundle and sustain it above 95% for more than one year. This translated in a decrease in the VAP rate from 4.0 to 0.8 in all different multidisciplinary ICUs.
Improving the uptake and comprehensiveness of bedside cognitive testing amongst liaison psychiatrists over an eight-month period.
Authors: McCormack Ruaidhri
Published: April 2016

The aim of this quality improvement (QI) project was to improve the uptake and comprehensiveness of bedside cognitive testing amongst liaison psychiatrists over an eight month period.

The baseline measurement involved an audit of the practice of the neuropsychiatry liaison team over six months at the 840 bed St Thomas's Hospital in London, UK. Of 35 referrals, 21 patients were able, and suitable, for cognitive testing based on the referral data and clinical interview. Fourteen (66.6%) of these patients had an Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination (ACE), while 5 (23.8%) had frontal testing. The frontal tests performed were variable and inconsistent.

Two Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles were then conducted. Clear guidance was issued to the team on the use of the ACE or Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) in suitable patients, and how these can be supplemented by frontal testing. Given the inconsistency in the types and combination of frontal tests being conducted at baseline, a frontal lobe test sheet containing established tests was developed and implemented. In PDSA cycle 1, 100% (n=10) of able and suitable referrals had an ACE or MoCA while 100% had frontal testing (80% of these using the dedicated test sheet). In PDSA cycle 2, improvements were broadly maintained with 85.7% (n=6) of referrals having an ACE/MoCA and 85.7% having frontal testing (83.3% of these using the dedicated frontal test sheet). In conclusion, our team improved the uptake and comprehensiveness of bedside cognitive testing by changing existing practice with clear protocols regarding the use of the ACE/MoCA and the implementation of a frontal test sheet.
Improving Weekend Out Of hours Surgical Handover (WOOSH)
Authors: Boyer Melissa , Tappenden Janine , Peter Mark
Published: April 2016

An effective surgical handover is imperative to optimise patient care and safety, whilst ensuring progression of clinical management and the delivery of an efficient service. The introduction of full-shift working, as a response to progressive implementation of the European Working Time Directive (EWTD), has placed the spotlight on patient and doctor safety. Effective handover between shifts is vital to protect patient safety and assist doctors with clinical governance. The weekend is a critical point where the transfer of patient care to the ongoing weekend team is efficient, thorough and informative, as this is a point in the patient journey where the patient is the most vulnerable. The weekend team is often not responsible for the management of the patient throughout the week and poor or incomplete information can have disastrous consequences on patient safety. (1,2,3)

There is a general consensus and anecdotal evidence that this process is variable, occasionally unsafe or of poor quality, and can be improved. (4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11) However, no standardised format is deemed optimal or available. The aim therefore, was to design and implement a weekend handover proforma, in order to deliver a more efficient and safer system for patient care over the weekend without increasing junior doctor workload. The Weekend Out Of Hours Surgical Handover (WOOSH) form was designed following consultation with medical, nursing and allied health professionals. All staff were instructed how to complete the form, with pre- and post-intervention questionnaires undertaken.

The results of the study enforce and advocate the permanent practice of the WOOSH form with 93.33% endorsing the permanent introduction of the form and 100% finding the form useful.
Improving cranial ultrasound scanning strategy in neonates
Authors: Bray Lisa
Published: April 2016

Cranial ultrasound scans are undertaken in this tertiary neonatal intensive care unit by the doctors within the department. A quality improvement project was undertaken by means of two PDSA cycles to determine adherence to neonatal cranial ultrasound scanning schedule, assess the quality of scan reporting, and formulate a comprehensive guideline outlining best practice. The baseline measurements assessed 93 scans of preterm infants and 9 of term infants. The results of this prompted intradepartmental education (PDSA cycle 1) then creation and implementation of a documentation template, a local guideline, and education via presentations, posters, and email (PDSA cycle 2). These encompassed 77 preterm and 5 term scans. In our baseline measurements, 52% of preterm infant scans and 44% of term infant scans were performed to schedule. Of premature baby scan reports, 75% had the time documented and 92% the name of the scanning doctor. After implementing changes PDSA cycle 2 data showed that 74% of preterm infant scans and all term infant scans were performed according to schedule, with 100% having the doctor's name and time of scan documented.

We successfully introduced a guideline and documentation template, improving performance to schedule and documentation in most areas. It remains an ongoing challenge to adhere to basic standards of documentation; a template can assist in achieving this. Rotating trainees may offer insight into areas that could benefit from quality improvement. This enthusiasm can be successfully harnessed to implement changes to improve quality of patient care.
Republished: Nitinol clip distal migration and resultant popliteo-tibial artery occlusion complicating access closure by the StarClose SE vascular closure system
Authors: Choi Dae Han , Kim Myeong Jin , Yoo Chan Jong , Park Cheol Wan
Published: April 2016

Lower extremity ischemia following deployment of a vascular closure device for access site closure after a transfemoral endovascular procedure rarely occurs. A 68-year-old woman diagnosed with subarachnoid hemorrhage due to a ruptured anterior communicating aneurysm was treated by endovascular coil embolization. The StarClose SE device was deployed for right femoral arteriotomy closure. After 2 days, critical ischemia occurred on her right lower leg due to total occlusion of the popliteo-tibial artery. Emergent surgical embolectomy was performed and the nitinol clip of the StarClose device was captured in the lumen of the tibioperoneal trunk. Although StarClose is an extravascular closure system, intravascular deployment, distal migration, and resultant critical limb ischemia can occur.
Long-term risk of atrial fibrillation after the death of a partner
Authors: Graff Simon , Fenger-Grøn Morten , Christensen Bo , Pedersen Henrik Søndergaard , Christensen Jakob , Li Jiong , Vestergaard Mogens
Published: April 2016

Objectives

Severe psychological stress is generally associated with an increased risk of acute cardiovascular diseases, such as myocardial infarction, but it remains unknown whether it also applies to atrial fibrillation. We conducted a population-based case–control study using nationwide Danish health registers to examine the risk of atrial fibrillation after the death of a partner.

Methods

From 1995 through 2014, we identified 88 612 cases with a hospital diagnosis of atrial fibrillation and 886 120 age-matched and sex-matched controls based on risk-set sampling. The conditional logistic regression model was used to calculate adjusted ORs of atrial fibrillation with 95% CIs.

Results

Partner bereavement was experienced by 17 478 cases and 168 940 controls and was associated with a transiently higher risk of atrial fibrillation; the risk was highest 8–14 days after the loss (1.90; 95% CI 1.34 to 2.69), after which it gradually declined. One year after the loss, the risk was almost the same as in the non-bereaved population. Overall, the OR of atrial fibrillation within 30 days after bereavement was 1.41 (95% CI 1.17 to 1.70), but it tended to be higher in persons below the age of 60 years (2.34; 95% CI 1.02 to 5.40) and in persons whose partner had a low predicted mortality 1 month before the death, that is, ≤5 points on the age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index (1.57; 95% CI 1.13 to 2.17).

Conclusions

The severely stressful life event of losing a partner was followed by a transiently increased risk of atrial fibrillation lasting for 1 year, especially for the least predicted losses.
Phantom smoking among young adult bar patrons
Authors: Guillory Jamie , Lisha Nadra , Lee Youn Ok , Ling Pamela M
Published: April 2016

Objective

To explore the prevalence and sociodemographic makeup of smokers who do not self-identify as smokers (ie, phantom smokers) compared with self-identifying smokers in a sample of bar-going young adults aged 18–30 years to more accurately assess young adult prevalence of smoking and inform cessation message targeting.

Methods

Cross-sectional surveys of smokers (n=3089) were conducted in randomly selected bars/nightclubs in seven US cities. Logistic regression models assessed associations between phantom smoking (past 30-day smoking and denial of being a smoker), tobacco and alcohol use behaviours (eg, social smoking, nicotine dependence, smoking while drinking, past 30-day alcohol use) and demographics.

Results

Compared with smokers, phantom smokers were more likely to be college graduates (OR=1.43, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.98) and to identify themselves as social smokers (OR=1.60, 95% CI 1.27 to 2.12). Phantom smokers had lower odds of smoking while drinking (OR=0.28, 95% CI 0.25 to 0.32), being nicotine dependent (OR=0.36, 95% CI 0.22 to 0.76) and having quit for at least 1 day in the last year (OR=0.46, 95% CI 0.36 to 0.69) compared with smokers.

Conclusions

This research extends phantom smoking literature on college students to provide a broader picture of phantom smoking among young adults in high-risk contexts and of varying levels of educational attainment. Phantom smokers may be particularly sensitive to social pressures against smoking, suggesting the importance of identifying smoking as a behaviour (rather than identity) in cessation messaging to ensure that phantom smokers are reached.
Accounting for spatiotemporal variation and fisher targeting when estimating abundance from multispecies fishery data
Authors: Thorson James T. , Fonner Robert , Haltuch Melissa A. , Ono Kotaro , Winker Henning
Published: April 2016

Estimating trends in abundance from fishery catch rates is one of the oldest endeavors in fisheries science. However, many jurisdictions do not analyze fishery catch rates due to concerns that these data confound changes in fishing behavior (adjustments in fishing location or gear operation) with trends in abundance. In response, we developed a spatial dynamic factor analysis (SDFA) model that decomposes covariation in multispecies catch rates into components representing spatial variation and fishing behavior. SDFA estimates spatiotemporal variation in fish density for multiple species and accounts for fisher behavior at large spatial scales (i.e., choice of fishing location) while controlling for fisher behavior at fine spatial scales (e.g., daily timing of fishing activity). We first use a multispecies simulation experiment to show that SDFA decreases bias in abundance indices relative to ignoring spatial adjustments and fishing tactics. We then present results for a case study involving petrale sole (Eopsetta jordani) in the California Current, for which SDFA estimates initially stable and then increasing abundance for the period 1986–2003, in accordance with fishery-independent survey and stock assessment estimates.
Correlation between minerals in hair as determined by PIXE analysis and nutrient intake conditions
Authors: Chiba Keiko , Nakatsuka Haruo , Sawatari Hideyuki , Watanabe Takao , Sera Koichiro
Published: April 2016

This research looks at the correlation between the quantity of nutrients taken as minerals determined by PIXE analysis and mineral intake calculated in accordance with menu records collected via a total food duplicate method survey conducted on agricultural workers from four inland areas of Iwate Prefecture. Among the major nutrients and minerals taken over a 24 h period, intakes of calorie and carbohydrate of both sexes were found to be slightly high for the off-season, which indicated they had kept on a diet suited for the busy farming season. Intakes of calcium, iron and dietary fiber were also high. While 31 elements were identified from the hair samples collected from subjects, the elements found in all subjects were sulfur, calcium, iron, copper, zinc, and bromine. In many of the elements detected, a great difference between the maximum and minimum values was found. As for potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, copper, of which excess or deficiency could affect health, we examined whether their element content in hair correlates with their amount taken in the body through meals. However, no clear correlation between the two, the elements in hair and meals, was found.
Effects of spraying mineral water onto farm products on their growth and nutrition
Authors: Sasaki T. , Sera K. , Goto S. , Hosokawa T. , Saito Y. , Matsumoto Y.
Published: April 2016

The effects of spraying mineral water onto agricultural crops on their yields and mineral contents were examined. We sprayed a solution containing a large quantity of essential minerals onto the leaves of various agricultural crops every other week for a few months. The mineral concentrations in the agricultural crops and of the sprayed solution were measured by particle induced X-ray emission (PIXE). It was found that the effect of spraying mineral water on the crops was remarkable, especially for rice and soybeans, for which the yields became nearly three times higher and the concentrations of many essential minerals increased in their stems and leaves. However, no clear increase in the mineral contents was observed for polished rice. In addition, not all of the farm products showed positive effects. This indicates that an effective method and timing of spraying mineral water should be examined depending on the conditions of each individual agricultural crop.
Imaging of lung metastases using CT-detectable microcapsules and their radiotherapeutic treatment using targeted carboplatin nanoparticles
Authors: Harada S. , Ehara S. , Ishii K. , Sato T. , Koka M. , Kamiya T. , Sera K. , Goto S.
Published: April 2016

We aimed to image and treat the lung metastases of MM48 breast cancer cells in C3He/N mice by using microcapsules that release liposome-protamine-hyaluronic acid nanoparticles (LPH-NP) in response to two radiation sessions. In session one, computed tomography (CT)-detectable microcapsules containing P-selectin and 5% iopamiron were mixed with a 1 mL solution of 4% alginate, 3% hyaluronate, 1 mg ascorbate, and 1 μg/mL P-selectin. This was sprayed into 0.5 mmol/L FeCl2 containing 1 μg/mL VEGFR-1/2 antibodies (Abs). The mice were intravenously injected with microcapsules, which released the P-selectin, and then a CT study was performed to detect lung metastases. After the CT evaluation, the mice received 10 or 20 Gy (140 keV) of X-ray radiation to the lungs. In session two, carboplatin-LPH-NP was released into the tumor, which was treated with another dose of radiation. To do this, carboplatin LPH-NP was mixed with the cocktail used in session one and sprayed into 0.5 mmol/L FeCl2 containing 1 μg/mL anti-P-selectin Abs. Microcapsules (1 × 1010) were injected intravenously and then interacted with the P-selectin. The released carboplatin LPH-NP attacked lung metastases synergistically with radiation, which resulted in further reduction of the lung metastases.
Quantitative analysis of very small quantities of cultured cells
Authors: Sera K. , Goto S. , Hosokawa T. , Saitoh Y. , Nagamine T.
Published: April 2016

In this paper, methods of quantitative elemental analysis of very small quantity of cultured cells were developed. First of all, an internal-standard method for the solution containing cells whose density is more than 1 × 106 cells/mL was established and then a standard-free method for cultured cells was developed. It was confirmed that the method allows us to quantitatively analyze more than 25 elements in the samples containing only 20,000 cells. Also, the methods for removing cultured cells from a flask were examined in order to improve accuracy and sensitivity of analysis since the use of trypsin and PBS sometimes brings a large amount of sodium, phosphorus and potassium, which have direct effect upon accuracy of analysis based on the standard-free method. It was found that the method of removing cells with a scraper without using trypsin and PBS is the best manner. Also, the effects of using thinner backing materials were examined in order to improve sensitivity of analyses. It is expected that accurate analysis of samples containing nearly two thousand cells is possible on the basis of the standard-free method when using a thinner backing material.
Channeling radiation of multi-GeV positrons in single crystals
Authors: Chirkov P. N. , Chesnokov Y. A. , Maisheev V. A. , Bolognini D. , Hasan S. , Prest M. , Vallazza E.
Published: April 2016

The process of radiation of 120 GeV positrons moving in a channeling regime in (011) plane of a single crystal was considered. At the beginning on the basis of the theory of nonlinear oscillations, the trajectory of moving positrons at different initial conditions was derived. Then taking into account the nonlinearity of motion, the distribution function over oscillation amplitudes of channeling particles was found. After this, the intensity of radiation at different initial conditions was calculated with the help of two various methods. These results may be useful for comparison with experimental data at positron energies from 100 and more GeV.
A more general model equation of nonlinear Rayleigh waves and their quasilinear solutions
Authors: Zhang Shuzeng , Li Xiongbing , Jeong Hyunjo
Published: April 2016

A more general two-dimensional wave motion equation with consideration of attenuation and nonlinearity is proposed to describe propagating nonlinear Rayleigh waves of finite amplitude. Based on the quasilinear theory, the numerical solutions for the sound beams of fundamental and second harmonic waves are constructed with Green’s function method. Compared with solutions from the parabolic approximate equation, results from the general equation have more accuracy in both the near distance of the propagation direction and the far distance of the transverse direction, as quasiplane waves are used and non-paraxial Green’s functions are obtained. It is more effective to obtain the nonlinear Rayleigh sound beam distributions accurately with the proposed general equation and solutions. Brief consideration is given to the measurement of nonlinear parameter using nonlinear Rayleigh waves.
Dynamics of Attractively and Repulsively Coupled Elementary Chaotic Systems
Authors: Trinschek Sarah , Linz Stefan J.
Published: April 2016

We investigate an elementary model for doubly coupled dynamical systems that consists of two identical, mutually interacting minimal chaotic flows in the form of jerky dynamics. The coupling mechanisms allow for the simultaneous presence of attractive and repulsive interactions between the systems. Despite its functional simplicity, the model is capable of exhibiting diverse types of dynamical phenomena induced by the presence of the couplings. We provide an in-depth numerical investigation of the dynamics depending on the coupling strengths and the autonomous dynamical behavior of the subsystems. Partly, the dynamics of the system can be analytically understood using the Poincaré–Lindstedt method. An approximation of periodic orbits is carried out in the vicinity of a phase-flip transition that leads to deeper insights into the organization of the appearing dynamics in the parameter space. In addition, we propose a circuit that enables an electronic implementation of the model. A variation of the coupling mechanism to a coupling in conjugate variables leads to a regime of amplitude death.
Bifurcation Analysis of the Nagumo–Sato Model and Its Coupled Systems
Authors: Ito Daisuke , Ueta Tetsushi , Kousaka Takuji , Aihara Kazuyuki
Published: April 2016

The Nagumo–Sato model is a simple mathematical expression of a single neuron, and it is categorized as a discrete-time hybrid dynamical system. To compute bifurcation sets in such a discrete-time hybrid dynamical system accurately, conditions for periodic solutions and bifurcations are formulated herewith as a boundary value problem, and Newton’s method is implemented to solve that problem. As the results of the analysis, the following properties are obtained: border-collision bifurcations play a dominant role in dynamical behavior of the model; chaotic regions are distinguished by tangent bifurcations; and multistable attractors are observed in its coupled system. We demonstrate several bifurcation diagrams and corresponding topological properties of periodic solutions.
Periodic Forcing of a 555-IC Based Electronic Oscillator in the Strong Coupling Limit
Authors: Santillán Moisés
Published: April 2016

We designed and developed a master-slave electronic oscillatory system (based on the 555-timer IC working in the astable mode), and investigated its dynamic behavior regarding synchronization. For that purpose, we measured the rotation numbers corresponding to the phase-locking rhythms achieved in a large set of values of the normalized forcing frequency (NFF) and of the coupling strength between the master and the slave oscillators. In particular, we were interested in the system behavior in the strong-coupling limit, because such problem has not been extensively studied from an experimental perspective. Our results indicate that, in such a limit, a degenerate codimension-2 bifurcation point at NFF = 2 exists, in which all the phase-locking regions converge. These findings were corroborated by means of a mathematical model developed to that end, as well as by ad hoc further experiments.
Patterns, Bifurcations, Multistability and Hysteresis in an Inhomogeneous Coupled Map Lattice
Authors: Biswas Sujay , Das Alaka
Published: April 2016

We investigate local interaction between logistic maps in an inhomogeneous lattice numerically with respect to an inhomogeneity parameter [Formula: see text] and the coupling constant [Formula: see text]. In our model, the inhomogeneity appears in the form of different values of the map parameter at different sites. The phase diagram of the model in the [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] plane gives seven qualitatively different patterns. These are: synchronized patterns, steady (fixed in time) patterns with spatial period-two, spatially chaotic together with temporally periodic patterns, spatially coherent accompanied with temporally quasi-periodic patterns, spatial intermittency with temporal period-two patterns, spatiotemporal intermittency patterns or spatiotemporal chaotic patterns. Our system exhibits, tangent bifurcations in the transition from synchronized patterns to steady patterns, period-doubling bifurcation from steady patterns to temporal periodic patterns and Neimark–Sacker (Hopf) bifurcation from steady patterns to temporal quasi-periodic patterns. The system also shows the possibility of multistable attractors and the phenomena of hysteresis for some parameter values. We identify our results using techniques such as time series, space-time plot, Fourier transform, bifurcation diagram, stability analysis.
A Feedback Control Model of Comprehensive Therapy for Treating Immunogenic Tumours
Authors: Tang Biao , Xiao Yanni , Tang Sanyi , Cheke Robert A.
Published: April 2016

Surgery is the traditional method for treating cancers, but it often fails to cure patients for complex reasons so new therapeutic approaches that include both surgery and immunotherapy have recently been proposed. These have been shown to be effective, clinically, in inhibiting cancer cells while allowing retention of immunologic memory. This comprehensive strategy is guided by whether a population of tumour cells has or has not exceeded a threshold density. Conditions for successful control of tumours in an immune tumour system were modeled and the related dynamics were addressed. A mathematical model with state-dependent impulsive interventions is formulated to describe combinations of surgery with immunotherapy. By analyzing the properties of the Poincaré map, we examine the global dynamics of the immune tumour system with state-dependent feedback control, including the existence and stability of the semi-trivial order-1 periodic solution and the positive order-[Formula: see text] periodic solution. The main results showed that surgery alone can only control the tumour size below a certain level while there is no immunologic memory. If comprehensive therapy involving combining surgery with immunotherapy is considered, then not only can the cancers be controlled below a certain level, but the immune system can also retain its activity. The existence of positive order-[Formula: see text] periodic solutions implies that periodical therapy is needed to control the cancers. However, choosing the treatment frequency and the strength of the therapy remains challenging, and hence a strategy of individual-based therapy is suggested.
Potential Landscape and Flux of p53-Mdm2 Oscillator Mediated by Mdm2 Degradation Rate
Authors: Bi Yuanhong , Yang Zhuoqin
Published: April 2016

The dynamics of the tumor suppressor p53 can play a crucial role in deciding cell fate after DNA damage. In this paper, we explore the dynamics and stability of p53 mediated by Mdm2 degradation rate in p53-Mdm2 oscillator through bifurcation, the potential landscape and flux. Based on the investigation of the bifurcation, we find that p53 can exhibit rich dynamics including monostability, bistability of two stable steady states and oscillation behaviors as well as bistability between a stable steady state and an oscillatory state. The stability of these states are further validated by the potential landscape. In addition, oscillatory behaviors of p53 are explored by means of the negative gradient of the potential landscape and the probability flux. It is shown that the negative gradient of the potential landscape can attract the system towards the oscillatory path and the flux can drive oscillation along the path. Moreover, the quicker the flux runs, the smaller the period is. Besides, stability and sensitivity of the system are explored by the barrier height and the entropy production rate in a single cell level, and we further compare the potential landscapes at single and population cell levels. Our results may be useful for understanding the regulation of p53 signaling pathways in response to DNA damage.
Bifurcations and Exact Traveling Wave Solutions of Degenerate Coupled Multi-KdV Equations
Authors: Li Jibin , Chen Fengjuan
Published: April 2016

In this paper, we consider the degenerate coupled multi-KdV equations. Depending on the coupled multiplicity [Formula: see text], the study of the traveling wave solutions for this model derives a series of planar dynamical systems. We consider the cases of [Formula: see text] On the basis of the investigation on the dynamical behavior and bifurcations of solutions of the planar dynamical systems, we obtain all possible explicit exact parametric representations of solutions (including solitary wave solutions, periodic wave solutions, kink and anti-kink wave solutions) under different parameter conditions.
Dynamics of Disordered Network of Coupled Hindmarsh–Rose Neuronal Models
Authors: Dtchetgnia Djeundam S. R. , Yamapi R. , Filatrella G. , Kofane T. C.
Published: April 2016

We investigate the effects of disorder on the synchronized state of a network of Hindmarsh–Rose neuronal models. Disorder, introduced as a perturbation of the neuronal parameters, destroys the network activity by wrecking the synchronized state. The dynamics of the synchronized state is analyzed through the Kuramoto order parameter, adapted to the neuronal Hindmarsh–Rose model. We find that the coupling deeply alters the dynamics of the single units, thus demonstrating that coupling not only affects the relative motion of the units, but also the dynamical behavior of each neuron; Thus, synchronization results in a structural change of the dynamics. The Kuramoto order parameter allows to clarify the nature of the transition from perfect phase synchronization to the disordered states, supporting the notion of an abrupt, second order-like, dynamical phase transition. We find that the system is resilient up to a certain disorder threshold, after that the network abruptly collapses to a desynchronized state. The loss of perfect synchronization seems to occur even for vanishingly small values of the disorder, but the degree of synchronization (as measured by the Kuramoto order parameter) gently decreases, and the completely disordered state is never reached.
On the Iteration Properties of Large Deviations Theorem
Authors: Wu Xinxing , Wang Xiong
Published: April 2016

An important feature of chaoticity of a dynamical system [Formula: see text] is its sensitive dependence on initial conditions, which has recently been extended to a concept of ergodic sensitivity. This paper proves that if there exists a positive integer [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] satisfies the large deviations theorem or ergodicity, then so is [Formula: see text]. Moreover, the iteration invariance of some ergodic properties are obtained.
SERMs have substance-specific effects on bone, and these effects are mediated via ERαAF-1 in female mice
Authors: Börjesson Anna E. , Farman Helen H. , Movérare-Skrtic Sofia , Engdahl Cecilia , Antal Maria Cristina , Koskela Antti , Tuukkanen Juha , Carlsten Hans , Krust Andrée , Chambon Pierre , Sjögren Klara , Lagerquist Marie K. , Windahl Sara H. , Ohlsson Claes
Published: April 2016

The bone-sparing effect of estrogens is mediated primarily via estrogen receptor (ER)α, which stimulates gene transcription through activation function (AF)-1 and AF-2. The role of ERαAF-1 for the estradiol (E2) effects is tissue specific. The selective ER modulators (SERMs) raloxifene (Ral), lasofoxifene (Las), and bazedoxifene (Bza) can be used to treat postmenopausal osteoporosis. They all reduce the risk for vertebral fractures, whereas Las and partly Bza, but not Ral, reduce the risk for nonvertebral fractures. Here, we have compared the tissue specificity of Ral, Las, and Bza and evaluated the role of ERαAF-1 for the effects of these SERMs, with an emphasis on bone parameters. We treated ovariectomized (OVX) wild-type (WT) mice and OVX mice lacking ERαAF-1 (ERαAF-10) with E2, Ral, Las, or Bza. All three SERMs increased trabecular bone mass in the axial skeleton. In the appendicular skeleton, only Las increased the trabecular bone volume/tissue volume and trabecular number, whereas both Ral and Las increased the cortical bone thickness and strength. However, Ral also increased cortical porosity. The three SERMs had only a minor effect on uterine weight. Notably, all evaluated effects of these SERMs were absent in ovx ERαAF-10 mice. In conclusion, all SERMs had similar effects on axial bone mass. However, the SERMs had slightly different effects on the appendicular skeleton since only Las increased the trabecular bone mass and only Ral increased the cortical porosity. Importantly, all SERM effects require a functional ERαAF-1 in female mice. These results could lead to development of more specific treatments for osteoporosis.
Secure Multicast Routing Algorithm for Wireless Mesh Networks
Authors: Matam Rakesh , Tripathy Somanath
Published: April 2016

Multicast is an indispensable communication technique in wireless mesh network (WMN). Many applications in WMN including multicast TV, audio and video conferencing, and multiplayer social gaming use multicast transmission. On the other hand, security in multicast transmissions is crucial, without which the network services are significantly disrupted. Existing secure routing protocols that address different active attacks are still vulnerable due to subtle nature of flaws in protocol design. Moreover, existing secure routing protocols assume that adversarial nodes cannot share an out-of-band communication channel which rules out the possibility of wormhole attack. In this paper, we propose SEMRAW (SEcure Multicast Routing Algorithm for Wireless mesh network) that is resistant against all known active threats including wormhole attack. SEMRAW employs digital signatures to prevent a malicious node from gaining illegitimate access to the message contents. Security of SEMRAW is evaluated using the simulation paradigm approach.
Applicability of a Simplified SDOF Method in Longitudinal Deck-Pier Poundings of Simply Supported Girder Bridges
Authors: Peng Tianbo , Guo Ning
Published: April 2016

The pounding issue between decks in the earthquake has been a great concern of many researchers, but the research on the deck-pier pounding issue was inadequate. In this paper, a simplified SDOF method was proposed to study the issue for simply supported girder bridges. Theoretical analysis, shaking table test, and finite element analysis were conducted to study the applicability of the simplified SDOF method in longitudinal deck-pier poundings. A whole structural model and a SDOF model for the longitudinal pounding issue were also established to study influences of the pier stiffness and the pier mass on longitudinal pounding responses. It is shown that the simplified SDOF method can estimate the pounding force and deck displacement fairly accurately for almost all cases. The pier mass has little effect on pounding responses except for bridges with very rigid piers, but the pier stiffness has a great influence. The larger the pier stiffness is, the higher the peak pounding force is.
Tirofiban-Induced Thrombocytopenia Occurring with Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Ibrahim Toni , El Karak Fady , Araji Assem , El Rassy Elie
Published: April 2016

A 69-year-old man, with severe refractory Crohn’s disease, presented with acute coronary syndrome that required angioplasty. He developed severe tirofiban-induced thrombocytopenia (TIT) heralded by type I allergic reaction that required steroids and a combination of antihistamine H1 and antihistamine H2 for symptomatic management. The thrombocytopenia spontaneously resolved uneventfully in 48 hours thereafter. This case report suggests a possible association between TIT and inflammatory bowel disease. Therefore, strict monitoring of the platelet count is required in patients who develop allergic reactions to tirofiban.
Nonsteroidal Topical Immunomodulators in Allergology and Dermatology
Authors: Jovanović Marina , Golušin Zoran
Published: April 2016

The purpose of this study was to review currently available literature data concerning pathomechanisms of action, indications, treatment efficacy, as well as side effects of nonsteroidal immunomodulators used in dermatology, primarily for the treatment of allergic dermatoses. MEDLINE search was undertaken using the key words “Topical Immunomodulators, Dermatology and Allergy”. Full articles, and nothing but full articles, were used.
Recent Progress in Triboelectric Nanogenerators as a Renewable and Sustainable Power Source
Authors: Lin Zhiming , Chen Jun , Yang Jin
Published: April 2016

The newly developed triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) provide an excellent approach to convert mechanical energy into electricity, which are mainly based on the coupling between triboelectrification and electrostatic induction. The TENG has the potential of harvesting many kinds of mechanical energies such as vibration, rotation, wind, human motion, and even water wave energy, which could be a new paradigm for scavenging large scale energy. It also demonstrates a possible route towards practical applications for powering electronic devices. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the four modes of TENGs: vertical contact-separation mode, in-plane sliding mode, single-electrode mode, and free-standing triboelectric-layer mode. The performance enhancements of TENGs for harvesting energy as a sustainable power source are also discussed. In addition, recent reports on the hybridized nanogenerator are introduced, which may enable fully self-powered electronic devices. Finally, the practical applications of TENGs for energy harvesting are presented.
Levodopa-Induced Dyskinesia Is Related to Indirect Pathway Medium Spiny Neuron Excitotoxicity: A Hypothesis Based on an Unexpected Finding
Authors: Ivanova Svetlana A. , Loonen Anton J. M.
Published: April 2016

A serendipitous pharmacogenetic finding links the vulnerability to developing levodopa-induced dyskinesia to the age of onset of Huntington’s disease. Huntington’s disease is caused by a polyglutamate expansion of the protein huntingtin. Aberrant huntingtin is less capable of binding to a member of membrane-associated guanylate kinase family (MAGUKs): postsynaptic density- (PSD-) 95. This leaves more PSD-95 available to stabilize NR2B subunit carrying NMDA receptors in the synaptic membrane. This results in increased excitotoxicity for which particularly striatal medium spiny neurons from the indirect extrapyramidal pathway are sensitive. In Parkinson’s disease the sensitivity for excitotoxicity is related to increased oxidative stress due to genetically determined abnormal metabolism of dopamine or related products. This probably also increases the sensitivity of medium spiny neurons for exogenous levodopa. Particularly the combination of increased oxidative stress due to aberrant dopamine metabolism, increased vulnerability to NMDA induced excitotoxicity, and the particular sensitivity of indirect pathway medium spiny neurons for this excitotoxicity may explain the observed increased prevalence of levodopa-induced dyskinesia.
Minimally Invasive Surgical Treatment of Acute Epidural Hematoma: Case Series
Authors: Wang Weijun
Published: April 2016

Background and Objective. Although minimally invasive surgical treatment of acute epidural hematoma attracts increasing attention, no generalized indications for the surgery have been adopted. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of minimally invasive surgery in acute epidural hematoma with various hematoma volumes.Methods. Minimally invasive puncture and aspiration surgery were performed in 59 cases of acute epidural hematoma with various hematoma volumes (13–145 mL); postoperative follow-up was 3 months. Clinical data, including surgical trauma, surgery time, complications, and outcome of hematoma drainage, recovery, and Barthel index scores, were assessed, as well as treatment outcome.Results. Surgical trauma was minimal and surgery time was short (10–20 minutes); no anesthesia accidents or surgical complications occurred. Two patients died. Drainage was completed within 7 days in the remaining 57 cases. Barthel index scores of ADL were ≤40 (n=1), 41–60 (n=1), and >60 (n=55); scores of 100 were obtained in 48 cases, with no dysfunctions.Conclusion. Satisfactory results can be achieved with minimally invasive surgery in treating acute epidural hematoma with hematoma volumes ranging from 13 to 145 mL. For patients with hematoma volume >50 mL and even cerebral herniation, flexible application of minimally invasive surgery would help improve treatment efficacy.
Trajectory Planning with Pose Feedback for a Dual-Arm Space Robot
Authors: Liu Yicheng , Xie Kedi , Zhang Tao , Cai Ning
Published: April 2016

In order to obtain high precision path tracking for a dual-arm space robot, a trajectory planning method with pose feedback is proposed to be introduced into the design process in this paper. Firstly, pose error kinematic models are derived from the related kinematics and desired pose command for the end-effector and the base, respectively. On this basis, trajectory planning with pose feedback is proposed from a control perspective. Theoretical analyses show that the proposed trajectory planning algorithm can guarantee that pose error converges to zero exponentially for both the end-effector and the base when the robot is out of singular configuration. Compared with the existing algorithms, the proposed algorithm can lead to higher precision path tracking for the end-effector. Furthermore, the algorithm renders the system good anti-interference property for the base. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed trajectory planning algorithm.
A Study of Caputo-Hadamard-Type Fractional Differential Equations with Nonlocal Boundary Conditions
Authors: Shammakh Wafa
Published: April 2016

Existence and uniqueness results of positive solutions to nonlinear boundary value problems for Caputo-Hadamard fractional differential equations by using some fixed point theorems are presented. The related Green’s function for the boundary value problem is given, and some useful properties of Green’s function are obtained. Example is presented to illustrate the main results.
Alginate Production from Alternative Carbon Sources and Use of Polymer Based Adsorbent in Heavy Metal Removal
Authors: Kıvılcımdan Moral Çiğdem , Yıldız Merve
Published: April 2016

Alginate is a biopolymer composed of mannuronic and guluronic acids. It is harvested from marine brown algae; however, alginate can also be synthesized by some bacterial species, namely,AzotobacterandPseudomonas. Use of pure carbohydrate sources for bacterial alginate production increases its cost and limits the chance of the polymer in the industrial market. In order to reduce the cost of bacterial alginate production, molasses, maltose, and starch were utilized as alternative low cost carbon sources in this study. Results were promising in the case of molasses with the maximum 4.67 g/L of alginate production. Alginates were rich in mannuronic acid during early fermentation independent of the carbon sources while the highest guluronic acid content was obtained as 68% in the case of maltose. The polymer was then combined with clinoptilolite, which is a natural zeolite, to remove copper from a synthetic wastewater. Alginate-clinoptilolite beads were efficiently adsorbed copper up to 131.6 mg Cu2+/g adsorbent at pH 4.5 according to the Langmuir isotherm model.