bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic endorsement enhances compliance with national glaucoma guidelines in Australian and New Zealand optometrists
Authors: Zangerl Barbara , Hayen Andrew , Mitchell Paul , Jamous Khalid F. , Stapleton Fiona , Kalloniatis Michael
Published: February 2015

Purpose

Previous studies confirmed that optometrists have access to and confidence in applying clinical tests recommended for glaucoma assessment. Less is known about factors best predicting compliance with national clinical guidelines and thus by inference, the provision of suitable care by primary care ophthalmic practitioners. We utilised the unique two‐tiered profession (therapeutic and non‐therapeutic scope of practice) in Australia and New Zealand to assess the prospective adherence to glaucoma guidelines dependent on the clinician's background.

Methods

Australian and New Zealand optometrists were surveyed on ophthalmic techniques for glaucoma assessment, criteria for the evaluation of the optic nerve head, glaucoma risk categories and review times while also recording background, training, and experience. Parameters identifying progression/conversion and patients' risk levels were analysed comparatively to ophthalmologists' opinions. Linear regression analysis identified variables significantly improving the likelihood of concordance with guidelines.

Results

Reported application of techniques complied well with glaucoma guidelines although gonioscopy and pachymetry, pupil dilation for optic nerve head examination, and acquisition of permanent records were less frequently employed. The main predictors for entry‐level diagnostic standards were therapeutic endorsement together with the associated knowledge of relevant guidance and procedural confidence. Other findings suggested a potential underestimation in the value of optic disc size and intraocular pressure for the prediction of glaucoma risk, while optometrists more frequently relied on the outcomes of non‐standardised automated perimetry and auxiliary imaging.

Conclusions

Optometrists in Australia and New Zealand may not always exercise optimal clinical acumen regarding techniques/criteria for glaucoma diagnosis. Therapeutic endorsement was gradually adopted in different jurisdictions in various forms since 1999 and is mandatory for registration since late 2014. The result of the two‐tiered optometric cohorts suggest that inclusion of therapeutic training as part of the core training is likely a key factor to enhanced compliance with glaucoma guidelines. Improved adherence to the current clinical standards should positively impact on the facilitation of appropriate glaucoma diagnosis and management. Obligatory knowledge and possibly accreditation of available guidelines might ensure a uniform standard in glaucoma testing protocols in concordance with compulsory entry‐level skills.
TAKING THE ‘HIGH ROAD’: DOES PUBLIC SERVICE MOTIVATION ALTER ETHICAL DECISION MAKING PROCESSES?
Authors: STAZYK EDMUND C. , DAVIS RANDALL S.
Published: February 2015

Although public administration scholars have long been interested in promoting administrative ethics, recent lapses in judgment by government employees make the study of ethics even more pressing. Yet, we know relatively little about how public values and publicly oriented motives influence the ethical obligations employees reference when confronting organizational problems. We employ Perry's (2000) process model of public service motivation to connect public values, public service motivation, and employees' understanding of their ethical obligations. Using data collected from over 1,400 managers in United States municipal governments, we present findings that suggest that public service motivation appears to be positively correlated with ethical obligations rooted in virtue and integrity, orhigh roadethics, for less professionalized employees. Further, broader constellations of public values encourage increased application of high road ethics for the same employees, but only to the extent that they foster public service motivation.
Are Dermatophytid Reactions in Patients with Kerion Celsi Much More Common Than Previously Thought? A Prospective Study
Authors: Topaloğlu Demir Filiz , Karadag Ayse Serap
Published: February 2015

Dermatophytid reactions are secondary eruptions in response to dermatophytosis. Only a few cases demonstrating an association between dermatophytid reactions and tinea capitis have been reported. Dermatophytid reactions were evaluated in patients diagnosed with kerion celsi. Patients admitted to the dermatology clinic of Van Regional Training and Research Hospital between November 22, 2012, and July 1, 2013, diagnosed with kerion celsi were evaluated for dermatophytid reactions. Six girls (32%) and 13 boys (68%) were included in this study. Dermatophytid reactions were detected in 13 of the 19 patients (68%). Seven patients (36.84%) had eczematous patches or plaques and three (15.8%) had papules. Eczematous lesions, papules, and pustules were noted in two patients (10.5%) and one (5.3%) had signs of an angioedema‐like reaction. Dermatophytid reactions in all patients were observed before the initiation of therapy. According to our clinical experiences, dermatophytid reactions in patients with kerion celsi were more common than reported. Eczematous scaly patches or plaques were the most frequently seen forms of dermatophytid in patients with kerion celsi. Dermatophytid reactions may occur before or after initiation of systemic antifungal therapy. Recognition of this reaction is important so that dermatophytids can be distinguished from drug reactions and the decision can be made whether to continue or to stop the systemic antifungal treatment.
Clinical manifestations and laboratory findings of 496 children with brucellosis inVan,Turkey
Authors: Parlak Mehmet , Akbayram Sinan , Doğan Murat , Tuncer Oğuz , Bayram Yasemin , Ceylan Nesrin , Özlük Suat , Akbayram Hatice Tuba , Öner Abdurrahman
Published: February 2015

Background

Brucellosis is the most common zoonotic disease worldwide and remains an important human disease especially in developing countries. The aim of the present study was to evaluate clinical manifestations and laboratory findings of childhood brucellosis inVan province ofEasternTurkey. To our knowledge, this is the largest series of childhood brucellosis reported in the literature.

Methods

In this retrospective study, 496 children with brucellosis were assessed for the clinical manifestations and laboratory findings fromJuly 2009 throughDecember 2013. The diagnosis of brucellosis was based on clinical findings and a standard tube agglutination test (titer ≥1:160). Data were analyzed usingMinitab version 16.

Results

The study included 496 children (boys, 60.5%) with a mean age of 10.0 ± 3.95 years (range, 1–16 years). The most frequent clinical symptoms were arthralgia (46.2%), fever (32.1%), and abdominal pain (17.1%) and the most common clinical signs were peripheral arthritis (10.1%), splenomegaly (2.2%) and hepatomegaly (1.8%). The most contagious seasons were summer and autumn (63.3%). Elevated lactate dehydrogenase andC‐reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate were reported in 63.1%, 58.7%, and 55.2% of the patients, respectively. Anemia (20.4%), thrombocytopenia (15.5%), and leukopenia (12.1%) were the most common hematologic findings.

Conclusions

Brucellosis remains a serious public health problem inTurkey. The clinical and laboratory characteristics of childhood brucellosis have been described in order to assist clinicians in diagnosing and monitoring the disease.
Influence of surgical intervention on neurodevelopmental outcome in infants with focal intestinal perforation
Authors: Tanaka Yujiro , Uchida Hiroo , Kawashima Hiroshi , Sato Kaori , Takazawa Shinya , Deie Kyoichi , Masuko Takayuki , Kanno Keiichi , Shimizu Masaki
Published: February 2015

Background

Intestinal perforation is known to correlate with neurodevelopmental outcome in very low‐birthweight (VLBW) infants, and its two major causes are necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and focal intestinal perforation (FIP). Infants with FIP are reported to have better neurodevelopmental outcome than infants with NEC, but outcome has not been compared with that in infants without diseases that require surgery. The aim of this study was to compare neurodevelopmental outcomes between FIP survivors and infants without diseases that require surgery.

Methods

Records of VLBW infants with FIP and infants without surgical diseases were retrospectively analyzed. Neurodevelopmental outcome was compared between eight infants with FIP and 24 case‐matched control infants without surgical diseases using the Kyoto Scale of Psychological Development. Control group members were individually matched with FIP survivors for sex, gestational age, birthweight, and intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) grade. Those with an episode of sepsis or severe IVH (grade 3–4) that occurred irrespective of FIP were excluded.

Results

Three FIP survivors and 12 infants without surgical diseases were classified as neurodevelopmentally normal (37.5% vs 50%, P = 0.69) at a corrected age of 18 months–3 years. All neurodevelopmentally normal FIP survivors were born at a gestational age ≥26 weeks.

Conclusion

Excluding the influence of sepsis or severe IVH, no significant difference was found in neurodevelopmental outcome between FIP survivors and infants without surgical diseases. None of the FIP infants born before 26 weeks of gestation, however, had normal neurodevelopment, suggesting that longer gestation might be needed to overcome the stress associated with FIP.
Incidence of febrile seizure in patients with Down syndrome
Authors: Shimakawa Shuichi , Tanabe Takuya , Ono Masae , Nonaka Michiko , Nambu Mitsuhiko , Shinohara Tohru , Nishikubo Toshiya , Fukui Miho , Nomura Shohei , Azumagawa Kohji , Tamai Hiroshi
Published: February 2015

Background

It is unclear whether the incidence of febrile seizure (FS) in children with Down syndrome (DS) is higher or lower than in the general population. In this study, we investigated the incidence of FS in DS patients using mailed questionnaires.

Methods

The questionnaires were distributed to parents or caregivers of DS patients attending Osaka Medical College Hospital and six other facilities. The questionnaires were returned by mail from February 2012 to September 2013 from 323 families of DS patients (176 male, 147 female; age range, 3 months–47 years; median age, 5.0 years). To assess the incidence of FS in DS, we performed the following two analyses: (i) we calculated the incidence of FS among DS patients between the ages of 4 and 20 years (n = 199; 113 male, 86 female), and (ii) we extracted families with both DS and healthy siblings between the ages of 4 and 20 years (n = 150; 77 male, 73 female) and compared the incidence of FS in these sibling groups.

Results

Five DS patients had a past history of FS. The incidence of FS in DS was 2.5%. The incidence of FS was significantly lower in DS patients compared with healthy siblings (P < 0.003; OR, 0.14).

Conclusion

The incidence of FS is lower in DS patients than in the general population.
Influence of temperature and photoperiod on embryonic development in the dragonfly Sympetrum striolatum (Odonata: Libellulidae)
Authors: Koch Kamilla
Published: February 2015

Temperature and photoperiod play major roles in insect ecology. Many insect species have fixed degree‐days for embryogenesis, with minimum and maximum temperature thresholds for egg and larval development and hatching. Often, photoperiodic changes trigger the transfer into the next life‐cycle stadium. However, it is not known whether this distinct pattern also exist in a species with a high level of phenotypic plasticity in life‐history traits. In the present study, eggs of the dragonfly Sympetrum striolatum Charpentier (Odonata: Libellulidae) are reared under different constant and fluctuating temperatures and photoperiodic conditions in several laboratory and field experiments. In general, and as expected, higher temperatures cause faster egg development. However, no general temperature or light‐days for eyespot development and hatching are found. The minimum temperature thresholds are distinguished for survival (2 °C), embryogenesis (6 °C) and larval hatching (above 6 °C). Low winter temperatures synchronize hatching. Above 36 °C, no eyespots are visible and no larvae hatch. In laboratory experiments, light is neither necessary for eyespot development, nor for hatching. By contrast to the laboratory experiments, the field experiment show that naturally changing temperature and photoperiod play a significant role in the seasonal regulation of embryonic development. The post‐eyespot development is more variable and influenced by temperature and photoperiod than the pre‐eyespot development. This developmental plasticity at the end of the embryogenesis might be a general pattern in the Libellulidae, helping them to cope with variation in environmental conditions.
Dwarf shrub hydraulics: two Vaccinium species (Vaccinium myrtillus, Vaccinium vitis‐idaea) of the European Alps compared
Authors: Ganthaler Andrea , Mayr Stefan
Published: February 2015

Vaccinium myrtillus and Vaccinium vitis‐idaea are two dwarf shrubs widespread in the European Alps. We studied the hydraulics of these species hypothesizing that (1) the hydraulic architecture of dwarf shrubs differs from trees, (2) hydraulic properties reflect the species' ecological amplitude and (3) hydraulic properties vary spatially and seasonally. Key hydraulic parameters (osmotic potential, turgor loss point, xylem hydraulic conductivity, vulnerability to drought‐induced embolism, stomata closure, drought‐induced cell damage and embolism repair) and related wood anatomical traits (conduit diameter and conduit wall reinforcement) were analyzed at four sites in Tyrol, Austria. Both species exhibited low hydraulic safety as well as low hydraulic efficiency. Fifty percentage embolism accumulated at −2.08 (V. myrtillus) and −1.97 MPa (V. vitis‐idaea), 88% stomata closure was at −2.19 and −2.35 MPa, respectively. After drought, both species showed embolism repair on re‐watering. Site‐specific variation within species was low, while seasonal changes in embolism resistance and turgor loss point were observed. Results indicate that studied Vaccinium species have a high risk for embolism formation. This is balanced by refilling capacities, which are probably based on the small growth height of dwarf shrubs. V. vitis‐idaea, which occurs on drier sites, showed more efficient repair and a lower turgor loss point than V. myrtillus.
Premovement high‐alpha power is modulated by previous movement errors: Indirect evidence to endorse high‐alpha power as a marker of resource allocation during motor programming
Authors: Cooke Andrew , Gallicchio Germano , Kavussanu Maria , Willoughby Adrian , McIntyre David , Ring Christopher
Published: February 2015

Previous electroencephalographic studies have identified premovement high‐alpha power as a predictor of movement accuracy; less frontal‐central high‐alpha power is associated with accurate movements (e.g., holed golf putts), and could reflect more cognitive resources being allocated to response programming. The present experiment tested this interpretation. Ten expert and ten novice golfers completed 120 putts while high‐alpha power was recorded and analyzed as a function of whether the previous putt was holed (i.e., a correct response) or missed (i.e., an error). Existing evidence indicates that more resources are allocated to response programming following errors. We observed less premovement high‐alpha power following errors, especially in experts. Our findings provide indirect evidence that high‐alpha power is an inverse marker of the amount of resources allocated to motor response programming.
Chronic Effects of Air Pollution are Probably Overestimated
Authors: Boffetta Paolo , Vecchia Carlo La , Moolgavkar Suresh
Published: February 2015

Inappropriate measures of exposure, including inadequate consideration of latency in the analysis of chronic effects of air pollution, may lead to overestimation of the impact of air pollution on health effects. A relatively simple way to check the plausibility of results on chronic effects of air pollution would be to report in parallel the smoking‐associated risks.
Innovation and Intellectual Property Rights in a Product‐cycle Model of Skills Accumulation
Authors: Chen Hung‐Ju
Published: February 2015

This paper examines the effects of stronger intellectual property rights protection in the South based on a North–South general‐equilibrium model with foreign direct investment (FDI). Two types of innovation are considered – innovation targeting all products and innovation targeting only imitated products. We show that for both types of innovation, there will be increases in the innovation rate and Northern wage inequality and a decrease in the proportion of Northern unskilled labor if imitation intensity is sufficiently low. As regards the pattern of production, the extent of FDI will increase while the extent of Northern production and Southern production will decrease.
Household Finances and Social Interaction:Bayesian Analysis of Household Panel Data
Authors: Brown Sarah , Ghosh Pulak , Taylor Karl
Published: February 2015

We investigate the relationship between social interaction and household finances using theBritish Household Panel Survey. We explore the relationship between a wide range of aspects of household finances and social interaction, rather than focusing on one particular facet of household finances, such as the holding of stocks and shares. We develop aBayesian statistical framework to simultaneously explore both sides of the household balance sheet—liabilities and assets. Additionally, we allow the influence of social interaction on household finances to be time dependent, enabling us to model the effects of social interaction from a dynamic perspective. We also develop a two‐part model to jointly investigate the influence of social interaction on the amount of different types of debt and financial assets held conditional on holding the different types of debt and assets. Our analysis suggests that social interaction is associated with households holding larger amounts of debt and assets.
Bayesian Reconstruction of Two-Sex Populations By Age: Estimating Sex Ratios at Birth and Sex Ratios of Mortality
Authors: Wheldon Mark C. , Raftery Adrian E. , Clark Samuel J. , Gerland Patrick
Published: February 2015

The original version of Bayesian reconstruction, which is a method for estimating age-specific fertility, mortality, migration and population counts of the recent past with uncertainty, produced estimates for female-only populations. Here we show how two-sex populations can be similarly reconstructed and probabilistic estimates of various sex ratio quantities obtained. We demonstrate the method by reconstructing the populations of India from 1971 to 2001, Thailand from 1960 to 2000 and Laos from 1985 to 2005. We found evidence that, in India, the sex ratio at birth exceeded its conventional upper limit of 1.06, and, further, increased over the period of study, with posterior probability above 0.9. In addition, almost uniquely, we found evidence that life expectancy at birth, e0, was lower for females than for males in India (posterior probability for 1971–1976 equal to 0.79), although there was strong evidence for a reversal of the gap through to 2001. In both Thailand and Laos, we found strong evidence for the more usual result that e0 was greater for females and, in Thailand, that the difference increased over the period of study.
Deriving Small Area Estimates from Information Technology Business Surveys
Authors: Militino A. F. , Ugarte M. D. , Goicoa T.
Published: February 2015

Knowledge of the current state of the art in information and communication technology of businesses (ICTB) is an important issue for governments, markets and policy makers, because information technology improves access to information and plays an important role in firms’ competitiveness. Statistical agencies use normalized surveys to provide harmonized statistics about the use of technology in enterprises. Classical design-based estimators are appropriate for large domains, because direct estimates are consistent and easy to obtain by using sampling weights. However, to supply estimates for unplanned domains, where the sample size is random, model-based estimators are usually required. In this paper, alternative logistic model-based estimators are suggested to derive small area estimates from ICTB surveys. Final estimates are benchmarked to achieve coherence with direct estimates in larger domains, and standard errors are given by using bootstrap techniques. A Monte Carlo simulation study is conducted to compare the performance of the small area estimators proposed and to evaluate the behaviour of the mean-squared error estimator. Results are illustrated with the 2010 ICTB survey of the Basque country (Spain).
The Political Economy of Public Expenditures in Agriculture: Applications of Concepts to Mozambique
Authors: Mogues Tewodaj , do Rosario Domingos
Published: February 2015

This paper undertakes an investigation of agricultural public investments in Mozambique, drawing on insights from qualitative field interviews conducted in Mozambique, secondary data analysis and examination of the existing empirical literature, and by situating these insights within a political economy conceptual framework. We explore the driving factors behind the amount and allocation of public funds to agriculture, and behind the differential attention that various types of public investments receive in the process of making decisions on resource allocation. Agricultural public investments are more likely to be made that have two key features: higher attributability to politicians and donors of the output of public spending, and a shorter lag time between expenditures incurred and outputs produced. Evidence on geographical targeting of agricultural public funds corresponds more closely with theories suggesting that resources are used to sway communities opposed to the ruling party, rather than to reward political supporters. Examination of the effect of actors' and organisations' incentives and constraints on resource allocation in agriculture points to the importance of not treating “government,” “the ruling party” and other institutions as monolithic bodies; the paper instead highlights how differentiated interests within seemingly coherent institutions drive what gets public expenditure attention in the agricultural sector.
Consistent Riccati Expansion for Integrable Systems
Authors: Lou S. Y.
Published: February 2015

A consistent Riccati expansion (CRE) is proposed for solving nonlinear systems with the help of a Riccati equation. A system having a CRE is then defined to be CRE solvable. The CRE solvability is demonstrated quite universal for various integrable systems including the Korteweg–de Vries, Kadomtsev–Petviashvili, Ablowitz–Kaup–Newell–Segur (and then nonlinear Schrödinger), sine‐Gordon, Sawada–Kotera, Kaup–Kupershmidt, modified asymmetric Nizhnik–Novikov–Veselov, Broer–Kaup, dispersive water wave, and Burgers systems. In addition, it is revealed that many CRE solvable systems share a similar determining equation describing the interactions between a soliton and a cnoidal wave. They have a common nonlocal symmetry expression and they possess a formally universal once Bäcklund transformation.
ŚŪNYATĀ AND KOKORO: SCIENCE–RELIGION DIALOGUE IN THE JAPANESE CONTEXT
Authors: Kim Seung Chul
Published: February 2015

When we read books or essays about the dialogue between “religion and science,” or when we attend conferences on the theme of “religion and science,” we cannot avoid the impression that they actually are dealing, almost without exception, not with a dialogue between “religion and science,” but with a dialogue between “Christianity and science.” This could easily be affirmed by looking at the major publications in this field. But how can the science–religion dialogue take place in a world where conventional Christian concepts of God, religion, and science are foreign and unfamiliar? Is the critique that the scientist plays God still valid when there is no “God” at all? This article tries to answer the questions mentioned above, and seeks to sketch out some aspects of the science–religion dialogue in Japan which I believe could contribute a new paradigm for understanding and describing ultimate reality.
Integrated, Synchronous Multi-User Design and Analysis
Authors: Briggs Jared C. , Hepworth Ammon I. , Stone Brett R. , Coburn Josh Q. , Greg Jensen C. , Red Ed
Published: February 2015

An integrated multi-user system for synchronous design and analysis improves collaboration and concurrent engineering across multiple engineering disciplines. This approach allows all members of a multidisciplinary team (i.e., a team made up of designers and structural analysts) to access the same shared model over a computer network and synchronously contribute to the model in real-time. Data for both design and analysis are directly based on the same mathematical representation of the geometry, eliminating the need for model translation between disciplines. All data are stored on a central server which allows simultaneous access by multiple users. Each user views and operates on the model in a way specific to his or her discipline. Updates to the shared model are seen in real-time. This system enables an enhanced parallel product development workflow, since users from multiple disciplines can simultaneously contribute to the same engineering model. A simple implementation of an integrated multi-user design and analysis system was developed to demonstrate this method. Preliminary results from two experiments suggest a reduction in the amount of time required to perform design and analysis operations when compared with traditional, single-user approaches. Future research is suggested.
A Discussion on Removal Mechanisms in Grinding Polycrystalline Diamond
Authors: Schindler Florestan , Brocker Richard , Klocke Fritz , Mattfeld Patrick
Published: February 2015

Polycrystalline diamond (PCD) grinding takes an important role in the field of tool manufacture. Regardless, there is still lack of process knowledge about the occurring material removal mechanisms in PCD grinding. In order to get a better understanding of the process characteristics, the surface integrity zone of PCD inserts has been analyzed in detail after grinding for the first time. The drawn conclusion questions solely ductile or brittle behavior as removal mechanisms. Both thermal and mechanical process loads during the grinding process lead to thermophysical and chemical effects on a micro- and mesoscopic-scale and might thus have a significant impact on the material removal mechanism.
Multiobjective Optimization of the Heating Process for Forging Automotive Crankshaft
Authors: Park Hong-Seok , Dang Xuan-Phuong
Published: February 2015

This paper presents potential approaches that increase the energy efficiency of an in-line induction heating system for forging of an automotive crankshaft. Both heat loss reduction and optimization of process parameters are proposed scientifically in order to minimize the energy consumption and the temperature deviation in the workpiece. We applied the numerical multiobjective optimization method in conjunction with the design of experiment (DOE), mathematical approximation with metamodel, nondominated sorting genetic algorithm (GA), and engineering data mining. The results show that using the insulating covers reduces heat by an amount equivalent to 9% of the energy stored in the heated workpiece, and approximately 5.8% of the energy can be saved by process parameter optimization.
Dependence of mode transition points and hysteresis upon plasma pressure in a re-entrant configuration of inductively coupled plasma
Authors: Wang Jian , Cao Jin-xiang , Zhang Xiao , Du Yin-chang , Zheng Zhe , Liu Yu , Xu Liang , Wang Pi
Published: February 2015

This paper reports the investigation of E ↔ H mode transition points and the width of the hysteresis in a re-entrant configuration of inductively coupled plasma. The E → H and H → E transition density and transition power were measured at various plasma pressures, and the E → H transition density is found to have little change at low pressures (ν/ω ≪ 1), but to clearly increase when the argon pressure exceeds a certain value. The E → H transition power versus the pressure shows a minimum transition power at 4 Pa (ν/ω = 1) for argon, and in addition, the reverse H → E transition density exhibits the same trend seen for the E → H transition density, though the H → E transition power shows a decrease with the pressure. In this paper, the width of the hysteresis loop is defined as the difference between the H → E transition power and the E → H transition power, so the hysteresis loop tends to be wider as the pressure increases. This work is useful to understand the E ↔ H mode transition and to control the transition points in real plasma processing.
Probing the transition state region in catalytic CO oxidation on Ru
Authors: Öström H. , Öberg H. , Xin H. , LaRue J. , Beye M. , Dell’Angela M. , Gladh J. , Ng M. L. , Sellberg J. A. , Kaya S. , Mercurio G. , Nordlund D. , Hantschmann M. , Hieke F. , Kühn D. , Schlotter W. F. , Dakovski G. L. , Turner J. J. , Minitti M. P. , Mitra A. , Moeller S. P. , Föhlisch A. , Wolf M. , Wurth W. , Persson M. , Nørskov J. K. , Abild-Pedersen F. , Ogasawara H. , Pettersson L. G. M. , Nilsson A.
Published: February 2015

Catching CO oxidation

Details of the transition state that forms as carbon monoxide (CO) adsorbed on a ruthenium surface is oxidized to CO
2
have been revealed by ultrafast excitation and probe methods. Öström
et al.
initiated the reaction between CO and adsorbed oxygen atoms with laser pulses that rapidly heated the surface and then probed the changes in electronic structure with oxygen x-ray absorption spectroscopy. They observed transition-state configurations that are consistent with density functional theory and a quantum oscillator model.

Science
, this issue p.
978
The structure of the dynactin complex and its interaction with dynein
Authors: Urnavicius Linas , Zhang Kai , Diamant Aristides G. , Motz Carina , Schlager Max A. , Yu Minmin , Patel Nisha A. , Robinson Carol V. , Carter Andrew P.
Published: February 2015

Making a molecular motor fit for purpose

Dynactin is an essential cofactor of the microtubule motor, cytoplasmic dynein. Dynactin contains 23 subunits built around a short filament of an actin-related protein (Arp1). How dynactin is assembled, how it functions with dynein, and why it is built around an actin-like filament is unclear. Urnavicius
et al.
combined cryo–electron microscopy structural studies and a crystal structure to determine the three-dimensional architecture of dynactin and how it interacts with dynein.

Science
, this issue p.
1441
Complete Genomic Sequence of European Bat Lyssavirus 1, Isolated from Eptesicus isabellinus in Spain
Authors: Marston Denise A. , Vázquez-Morón Sonia , Ellis Richard J. , Wise Emma L. , McElhinney Lorraine M. , de Lamballerie Xavier , Fooks Anthony R. , Echevarría Juan E.
Published: February 2015

All members of the lyssavirus genus cause the disease rabies. European bat lyssavirus 1 (EBLV-1) viruses are divided genetically into three groups according to geographic location and host reservoir. We report here the first genome sequence for an EBLV-1 isolated from Eptesiscus isabellinus in the Iberian Peninsula, Spain.
Draft Genome of Australian Environmental Strain WM 09.24 of the Opportunistic Human Pathogen Scedosporium aurantiacum
Authors: Pérez-Bercoff Åsa , Papanicolaou Alexie , Ramsperger Marc , Kaur Jashanpreet , Patel Hardip R. , Harun Azian , Duan Shu Yao , Elbourne Liam , Bouchara Jean-Philippe , Paulsen Ian T. , Nevalainen Helena , Meyer Wieland , Huttley Gavin A.
Published: February 2015

We report here the first genome assembly and annotation of the human-pathogenic fungus Scedosporium aurantiacum, with a predicted 10,525 genes, and 11,661 transcripts. The strain WM 09.24 was isolated from the environment at Circular Quay, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
Genome Sequence of Saccharomyces cerevisiae NCIM3107, Used in Bioethanol Production
Authors: Ulaganathan Kandasamy , Sravanthi Goud Burragoni , Reddy Mettu Madhavi , Praveen Kumar Vanaparthi , Radhakrishna Surabhi , Balsingh Jatoth
Published: February 2015

Here, we report the genome of
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
strain NCIM3107, used in bioethanol production. The genome size is approximately 11.8 Mb and contains 5,435 protein-coding genes.
Draft Genome Sequence of Chemolithoautotrophic Acetogenic Butanol-Producing Eubacterium limosum ATCC 8486
Authors: Song Yoseb , Cho Byung-Kwan
Published: February 2015

Eubacterium limosum
ATCC 8486 is an anaerobic chemolithoautotrophic acetogenic bacterium that converts and transforms syngas and isoflavonoids to butanol and phytoestrogens, respectively. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of the E. limosum ATCC 8486 (4.37 Mb) strain and its annotation information, including syngas fermentation and denitrification metabolic pathways.
Draft Genome Sequence of Cellulophaga sp. E6, a Marine Algal Epibiont That Produces a Quorum-Sensing Inhibitory Compound Active against Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Lafleur J. E. , Costa S. K. , Bitzer A. S. , Silby M. W.
Published: February 2015

The genus Cellulophaga is composed of obligate aerobic Gram-negative bacteria commonly found in association with marine algae. We report the approximately 4.42-Mbp draft genome sequence of Cellulophaga sp. E6, which inhibits
N
-(3-oxododecanoyl)-
l
-homoserine lactone (3-oxo-C
12
-HSL)–mediated quorum sensing (QS),
lasB
transcription, and biofilm formation by
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
.
Antibiotic prescribing on admission to patients with pneumonia and prior outpatient antibiotic treatment: a cohort study on clinical outcome
Authors: van de Garde Ewoudt M W , Natsch Stephanie , Prins Jan M , van der Linden Paul D
Published: February 2015

Objective

Most pneumonia treatment guidelines recommend that prior outpatient antibiotic treatment should be considered when planning inpatient antibiotic regimen. Our purpose was to study in patients admitted for community-acquired pneumonia the mode of continuing antibiotic treatment at the outpatient to inpatient transition and the subsequent clinical course.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Dutch PHARMO Record Linkage System.

Participants

7323 patients aged >18 years and hospitalised with pneumonia in the Netherlands between 2004 and 2010.

Main study parameter

We identified all prescribed antibiotics prior to, during and after hospitalisation. In case of prior outpatient treatment, the continuation of antibiotic treatment on admission was categorised as: no atypical coverage > no atypical coverage; atypical coverage > atypical coverage; no atypical coverage > atypical coverage; and atypical coverage > no atypical coverage.

Main outcome measures

Length of hospital stay, in-hospital mortality and readmission within 30 days.

Results

Twenty-two per cent of the patients had received prior outpatient treatment, of which 408 (25%) patients were switched on admission to antibiotics with atypical coverage. There were no differences in length of hospital stay, in-hospital mortality or readmission rate between the four categories of patients with prior outpatient treatment. The adjusted HR for adding atypical coverage versus no atypical coverage was 0.91 (95% CI 0.55 to 1.51) for time to discharge. For in-hospital mortality and readmission within 30 days, the adjusted ORs were 1.09 (95% CI 0.85 to 1.34) and 0.59 (95% CI 0.30 to 1.18), respectively.

Conclusions

This study found no association between mode of continuing antibiotic treatment at the outpatient to inpatient transition and relevant clinical outcomes. In particular, adding atypical coverage in patients without prior atypical coverage did not influence the outcome.
A bibliometric analysis of cancer research in South Africa: study protocol
Authors: Moodley Jennifer , Singh Vedantha , Kagina Benjamin M , Abdullahi Leila , Hussey Gregory D
Published: February 2015

Introduction

Cancer is an important and growing public health burden in South Africa (SA). Over the past few decades, there has been considerable scientific activity in cancer in SA. However, there has been limited analysis of cancer scientific publications. In this paper, we present a protocol for bibliometric analysis of cancer research conducted in SA.

Methods and analysis

A comprehensive search of the journal databases PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science and EBSCO will be conducted to identify and retrieve data from primary peer-reviewed cancer research articles using a set of consensus search words. Articles that involve cancer research conducted in SA or using biological or clinical data from South African participants and published between 2004 and 2014 will be included in the study. Two independent researchers will screen the articles for eligibility. Bibliometric indicators and study characteristics will be extracted, entered into a database and analysed. The cancer disease site will be recorded and research will be classified using the Common Scientific Outline system. Data obtained will be analysed to determine SA's publication productivity index in cancer research. Annual trends in bibliometric indicators and the type of cancer research will be determined. The degree of collaboration in research conducted in SA will be analysed using co-authorship matrix software. A publication to disease type ratio will be used to assess scientific production relative to disease burden.

Ethics and dissemination

As this analysis will draw on publicly available data and does not directly involve human participants, ethical review is not required. We anticipate that the bibliometric analysis will identify the trends in cancer research productivity and the extent to which cancer research is aligned to the local burden of disease. Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented in a user-friendly format to relevant policymakers and funders.
Prehospital aspirin administration for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in the USA: an EMS quality assessment using the NEMSIS 2011 database
Authors: Tataris Katie L , Mercer Mary P , Govindarajan Prasanthi
Published: February 2015

Introduction

National practice guidelines recommend early aspirin administration to reduce mortality in acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Although timely administration of aspirin has been shown to reduce mortality in ACS by 23%, prior regional Emergency Medical Service (EMS) data have shown inadequate prehospital administration of aspirin in patients with suspected cardiac ischaemia.

Objectives

Using the National EMS Information System (NEMSIS) database, we sought to determine (1) the proportion of patients with suspected cardiac ischaemia who received aspirin and (2) patient and prehospital characteristics that independently predicted administration of aspirin.

Methods

Analysis of the 2011 NEMSIS database targeted patients aged ≥40 years with a paramedic primary impression of ‘chest pain’. To identify patients with chest pain of suspected cardiac aetiology, we included those for whom an ECG or cardiac monitoring had been performed. Trauma-related chest pain and basic life support transports were excluded. The primary outcome was presence of aspirin administration. Patient (age, sex, race/ethnicity and insurance status) and regional characteristics where the EMS transport occurred were also obtained. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the independent association of patient and regional factors with aspirin administration for suspected cardiac ischaemia.

Results

Of the total 14 371 941 EMS incidents in the 2011 database, 198 231 patients met our inclusion criteria (1.3%). Of those, 45.4% received aspirin from the EMS provider. When compared with non-Hispanic white patients, several groups had greater odds of aspirin administration by EMS: non-Hispanic black patients (OR 1.49, 95% CI 1.44 to 1.55), non-Hispanic Asians (OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.21 to 2.18), Hispanics (OR 1.71, 95% CI 1.54 to 1.91) and other non-Hispanics (OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.51). Patients living in the Southern region of the USA (OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.57 to 0.62) and patients with governmental (federally administered such as Veteran's Health Care, but not Medicare or Medicaid) insurance (OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.57 to 0.78) had the lowest odds of receiving aspirin. Age and sex (OR 1.00, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.00) were not associated with aspirin administration.

Conclusions

It is likely that prehospital aspirin administration for patients with suspected cardiac ischaemia remains low nationally and could be improved. Reasons for disparities among the various groups should be explored.
Epigenetic regulation of Newborns’ imprinted genes related to gestational growth: patterning by parental race/ethnicity and maternal socioeconomic status
Authors: King Katherine , Murphy Susan , Hoyo Cathrine
Published: February 2015

Background

Children born to parents with lower income and education are at risk for obesity and later-life risk of common chronic diseases, and epigenetics has been hypothesised to link these associations. However, epigenetic targets are unknown. We focus on a cluster of well-characterised genomically imprinted genes because their monoallelic expression is regulated by DNA methylation at differentially methylated regions (DMRs), are critical in fetal growth, and DNA methylation patterns at birth have been associated with increased risk of birth weight extremes and overweight status or obesity in early childhood.

Methods

We measured DNA methylation at DMRs regulating genomically imprinted domains (IGF2/H19,DLK1/MEG3,NNATandPLAGL1) using umbilical cord blood leucocytes from 619 infants recruited in Durham, North Carolina in 2010–2011. We examined differences in DNA methylation levels by race/ethnicity of both parents, and the role that maternal socioeconomic status (SES) may play in the association between race/ethnic epigenetic differences.

Results

Unadjusted race/ethnic differences only were evident for DMRs regulatingMEG3andIGF2; race/ethnic differences persisted inIGF2/H19andNNATafter accounting for income and education.

Conclusions

Results suggest that parental factors may not only influence DNA methylation, but also do so in ways that vary by DMR. Findings support the hypothesis that epigenetics may link the observed lower SES during the prenatal period and poor outcomes such as low birth weight; lower birth weight has previously been associated with adult-onset chronic diseases and conditions that include cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, obesity and some cancers.
Induction for senior house officers. Part II: The departmental programme
Authors: Ward Simon J , Stanley Paula
Published: February 2015

This study was designed to examine the content and usefulness of departmental induction programmes to senior house officers (SHOs) and to explore perceptions of the usefulness of a range of topics to these trainees. A total of 64 SHOs, in five hospitals in the Anglia region, participated in semi-structured interviews up to 3 months after starting their post. The interviews investigated the content of any induction received and also examined what the trainees would have liked to have received. Almost half (29) of the SHOs also completed a questionnaire which examined the perceived usefulness of various induction topics for a trainee starting a new post. The results showed that, although a departmental induction programme is considered important and highly valued, a substantial minority of SHOs had not received one. Of this minority, 75% would have welcomed an induction. Where an induction had taken place, the focus was primarily upon timetables, tours and meeting people, however, a quarter of the questionnaire sample had not received a service timetable, a third had not met any consultants, two-thirds had received no introduction to clinical management, and two-thirds had received no information about how their consultants manage their patients. Thus, although many trainees receive an induction, important information may not be covered. A staged approach to departmental induction is recommended, using a short, high-quality, and comprehensive induction programme. Flexible and timely programmes, supported by comprehensive written information, will contribute to meeting the needs of trainees in an efficient and effective way.
Prospective audit of a respiratory sleep disorders service at District General Hospital level
Authors: Deegan Paul C , Cooper Brendan G , Britton John R , Jones Nicholas S , Kinnear William J M
Published: February 2015

This study was designed to examine the organisation and outcomes of a District General Hospital respiratory sleep service, since data are lacking on the management of sleep-disordered breathing at this level. Questionnaires and case-notes review were used to assess the management of 119 consecutive patients referred with suspected sleep-disordered breathing. Patients diagnosed with sleep-disordered breathing were assigned nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP), ear/nose/throat (ENT) surgery or simple measures (eg, weight loss). There were six non-attenders. At 12 months follow-up, 33 patients had been assigned to nCPAP, 25 to ENT surgery, and 37 to simple measures. Of the remainder, nine had alternative diagnoses, two were still being assessed and seven were lost to follow-up. Patients prescribed nCPAP (81% compliance) had significant symptomatic improvements with low dissatisfaction rates (20%); patients on simple measures did not improve (33% dissatisfied); only half assigned surgery had it performed, with 42% awaiting surgery and dissatisfied. Interspecialty referral resulted in major delays (mean 16 weeks). Referral letters were generally unhelpful in deciding on the appropriateness of initial referral (respiratory physicianvs ENT). nCPAP was generally effective in improving symptoms, with a high level of patient satisfaction, while simple measures did not improve symptoms and were associated with lower satisfaction levels. Waiting times to ENT surgery can be long and patients express significant dissatisfaction. Referral letters are not useful in directing initial referral. Services should be co-ordinated between respiratory and ENT specialties to reduce waiting times and improve patient satisfaction.
Association of serum resistin with cystatin C and urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio in elderly Chinese men with essential hypertension
Authors: Zhang Meng , Cui Hua , Zhu Bing-Po , Fu Shu-Hong
Published: February 2015

Purpose of the study

Resistin, a recently discovered proinflammatory cytokine, has been strongly linked to kidney dysfunction. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship of serum resistin with serum cystatin C (sCysC) and albuminuria, two sensitive endogenous markers of renal function, in elderly male patients with essential hypertension (EH).

Study design

This was a cross-sectional study enrolling 296 Chinese men (age ≥60 years, mean age 81.42 years) diagnosed with EH between January 2008 and May 2011. Renal function was assessed by measurement of sCysC levels and albuminuria (calculated as the urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR)). Serum resistin and selected metabolic and cardiovascular markers were determined by serological testing. Relationships between serum resistin levels and sCysC levels and uACR were analysed using multiple regression analysis.

Results

Multiple linear regression analyses revealed that the serum resistin level was positively associated with the sCysC level and uACR (βuACR=0.132, puACR=0.002; βsCysC=0.015, psCysC=0.008).

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrated that a raised serum resistin level is a potential indicator of renal dysfunction in elderly patients with EH. Resistin may be explored as a potential biomarker in addition to sCysC and uACR to provide a more accurate diagnosis of renal damage in elderly men with EH.