bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi-source development of an integrated model for family health history
Authors: Chen Elizabeth S , Carter Elizabeth W , Winden Tamara J , Sarkar Indra Neil , Wang Yan , Melton Genevieve B
Published: October 2014

Objective To integrate data elements from multiple sources for informing comprehensive and standardized collection of family health history (FHH).

Materials and methods Three types of sources were analyzed to identify data elements associated with the collection of FHH. First, clinical notes from multiple resources were annotated for FHH information. Second, questions and responses for family members in patient-facing FHH tools were examined. Lastly, elements defined in FHH-related specifications were extracted for several standards development and related organizations. Data elements identified from the notes, tools, and specifications were subsequently combined and compared.

Results In total, 891 notes from three resources, eight tools, and seven specifications associated with four organizations were analyzed. The resulting Integrated FHH Model consisted of 44 data elements for describing source of information, family members, observations, and general statements about family history. Of these elements, 16 were common to all three source types, 17 were common to two, and 11 were unique. Intra-source comparisons also revealed common and unique elements across the different notes, tools, and specifications.

Discussion Through examination of multiple sources, a representative and complementary set of FHH data elements was identified. Further work is needed to create formal representations of the Integrated FHH Model, standardize values associated with each element, and inform context-specific implementations.

Conclusions There has been increased emphasis on the importance of FHH for supporting personalized medicine, biomedical research, and population health. Multi-source development of an integrated model could contribute to improving the standardized collection and use of FHH information in disparate systems.
The challenge of obesity in paediatric leukaemia treatment: it is not just size that matters
Authors: Tolbert Jaszianne , Kearns Gregory L
Published: October 2014

In the last two decades, tremendous advances have been made in the treatment of acute lymphocytic leukaemia (ALL) in children with 5 year ‘cure’ rates in excess of 90%. The maintenance of remission is due, in part, to individualisation of therapy which must consider age, body size, genetic constitution and the impact of disease on drug disposition and action. This review, focused on treatment of ALL and one of the therapeutic mainstays, 6-mercaptopurine, illustrates the importance of obesity as a modulating factor in dose individualisation.
Efficacy and safety of ginger-salt-indirect moxibustion for urge urinary incontinence after stroke: protocol for a pilot multicentre randomised controlled trial
Authors: Wang Linpeng , Wang Lichen , Shi Guangxia , Zeng Lin , Yang Yi , Zhang Tao , Liu Huilin
Published: October 2014

Introduction

Ginger-salt-indirect moxibustion is widely applied to treat urge urinary incontinence after stroke, which is a common complication in stroke survivors. Moxa cone moxibustion and moxa box moxibustion are the main techniques of ginger-salt-indirect moxibustion. Our previous study had shown that ginger-salt-indirect moxibustion using moxa cones was feasible and effective for urination disorders post-stroke. This pilot study aims to assess the feasibility of conducting research to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ginger-salt-indirect moxibustion for patients with post-stroke urge urinary incontinence.

Methods and analysis

This is a multicentre, prospective, single-blinded, pilot randomised controlled trial. 120 eligible patients will be randomly allocated to three groups. Treatment group A (n=40) will receive moxa cone moxibustion and routine care; treatment group B (n=40) will receive moxa box moxibustion and routine care; control group (n=40) will only receive routine care for stroke recovery. The entire moxibustion treatment will consist of a total of 28 sessions during the course of 4 weeks. The primary outcome measure will be the increase in mean volume per void assessed at week 4 from the first moxibustion session (baseline). Secondary outcome measures will include mean frequency of urination per day and quality of life assessments measured by completion of the Incontinence Quality of Life Questionnaire and Barthel Index. All outcome measures will be assessed at baseline and at 4 and 16 weeks from baseline. Adverse events in the three groups will be recorded to assess the safety of moxibustion.

Ethics and dissemination

Research ethics was approved by the Research Ethical Committee of Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to the Capital Medical University (ref: 2013BL-094). Written informed consent will be obtained from all participants. Study results will be published in peer reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN 44706974.
Analysing organisational context: case studies on the contribution of absorptive capacity theory to understanding inter-organisational variation in performance improvement
Authors: Harvey Gill , Jas Pauline , Walshe Kieran
Published: October 2014

Background

Organisational context is frequently cited as an important consideration when implementing and evaluating quality improvement interventions in healthcare, but limited guidance is available on which aspects of context are most influential or modifiable. This paper examines how internal and external contextual factors mediate organisational-level performance improvement through applying the knowledge-based theory of absorptive capacity (AC).

Methods

Three healthcare case studies are presented. Each case is a UK National Health Service organisation that had been identified as having performance problems. Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews with general and clinical managers within the organisation and members of external teams supporting or overseeing performance improvement (n=22). Interview data were analysed using an existing AC framework from the literature.

Results

The organisation with the highest AC showed the quickest and most comprehensive performance improvement. Internal characteristics including strategic priorities, processes for managing information, communication and orientation to learning and development impacted on the organisation's ability to engage successfully with external stakeholders and make use of available knowledge. This enabled the organisation to thrive despite the challenging external environment. Lower levels of AC appeared to delay or limit the improvement trajectory.

Conclusions

Developing a more detailed and nuanced understanding of how context influences improvement is an important step towards achieving more effective and sustainable quality improvement programmes in healthcare. AC, with its focus on knowledge and organisational learning, provides a useful way to explore the relationship between context and quality improvement and represents a potentially valuable area for future research and development.
Chest pain symptom scoring can improve the quality of referrals to Rapid Access Chest Pain Clinic
Authors: Rathod Krishnaraj Sinhji , Ward Helen , Farooqi Fahad
Published: October 2014

Typical stable angina is a clinical diagnosis based on history. The challenge for GPs in primary care is to identify those patients who are presenting with either possible or typical angina symptoms and refer onwards for specialist assessment in the local Rapid Access Chest Pain Clinic (RACPC).

Our initial information gathering study suggested that referring GPs may be cautiously overdiagnosing angina in primary care, potentially resulting in avoidable or unnecessary referrals to RACPC. We sought a practical and cost effective solution to reducing avoidable referrals by assisting GPs with chest pain discrimination.

We tested a change of referral form incorporating chest pain symptom scoring to see whether GP referral quality could be improved and then assessed its impact post implementation. GPs that used the chest pain symptom scoring questionnaire were more than twice as likely to correctly discriminate non-cardiac chest pain. Our post implementation study of the new referral form showed that the proportion of referrals to RACPC with diagnosis of non-cardiac chest pain reduced by almost 19%, and there was a statistically significant 30% fall in the total number of referrals to RACPC. This was likely to be driven by the deterrent effect of the novel referral form on avoidable referrals. Fewer avoidable referrals results in shorter wait times for specialist review, reduces the risk of waiting time breach, and improves RACPC efficiency.

In summary, chest pain symptom scoring resulted in improved GP discrimination of chest pain, improved referral quality, fewer overall referrals to RACPC and shorter patient wait times. These benefits were achieved without using additional financial resources and without the time or capital expense of training GPs. These findings could assist GPs and Clinical Commisioning Groups to achieve cost savings by reducing avoidable secondary care referrals.
Advance care planning in people with early cognitive impairment
Authors: Cheong Kenny , Fisher Paul , Goh Jenny , Ng Lynette , Koh Hui Mien , Yap Philip
Published: October 2014

Background/aim

People with early cognitive impairment (ECI), comprising mild cognitive impairment and early dementia face the risk of diminished mental capacity with progressive disease. Advance care planning (ACP) is advocated as a means to uphold the autonomy of individuals and enable them to express their wishes for the future while they still possess mental capacity. This study aims to explore the perspectives of patients with ECI regarding ACP, and in particular, understand their reasons for resistance.

Method

Consecutive patients undergoing a counselling service for persons with ECI who fulfilled inclusion criteria (Mini Mental State Examination score ≥18, Global Clinical Dementia Rating (GCDR)=0.5 or 1 were recruited. Demographic and clinical data was collected and the detailed documentation in the case records of the counselling sessions was subjected to a thematic analysis. Differences between patients who were willing to engage in ACP and those who declined were also analysed.

Results

93 patients (mean age 76, 60.2% female) were recruited of which 38.7% chose to engage further in ACP discussions. GCDR was the only factor that emerged significant on bivariate analysis for willingness to engage in ACP (t (79)=2.191, p<0.05, two-tailed) whereby milder CI was associated with a greater likelihood of ACP engagement. Among those who declined ACP, three main themes emerged from the thematic analysis. The majority deferred decision-making to their families. Some perceived ACP as irrelevant or unnecessary, and displayed avoidance and denial during ACP discussions.

Conclusions

A large proportion of patients with ECI decline ACP discussions and the reasons are influenced by personal values, coping behaviours and sociocultural norms. These findings have important implications for practice.
Role of seed sowing time and microclimate on germination and seedling establishment of Dodonaea viscosa (Sapindaceae) in a seasonal dry tropical environment — an insight into restoration efforts
Authors: Jaganathan Ganesh K. , Liu Baolin
Published: October 2014

Reintroduction of plants in a tropical forest is imperative not only to maintain remnant forests, but also to preserve the extant flora against global warming and other induced effects. The importance of seed sowing time and microclimate on seed germination and seedling establishment of Dodonaea viscosa Jacq. were investigated in Tamil Nadu, India, to provide information to assure the successful reintroduction of this species. A field experiment was conducted by sowing seeds (whose dormancy had been broken by hot water) in a natural environment at a depth of 3 cm in three microsites (artificially shaded, naturally shaded, and open) in February and August 2011. Seedling survival was monitored for 2 years at 6 month intervals under natural conditions. Soil temperature and light availability were measured. Soil temperature was moderate in shaded regions but light availability was low, and the opposite was true for the open site. Rainfall was a major trigger for stimulating germination. Seeds sown in August survived better after 2 years compared with those sown in February (p < 0.0001). Microsite significantly (p < 0.005) affected the total seedling survival with the percentage of successful seedlings established decreasing from the artificially shaded site to the open site. Seedling mortality in both groups mainly occurred during the dry summer season. The wet season benefited germination and seedling growth. We conclude that sowing seeds or planting seedlings of D. viscosa early in the wet season is beneficial to reintroduction success.
The VENUS cabled observatory as a method to observe fish behaviour and species assemblages in a hypoxic fjord, Saanich Inlet (British Columbia, Canada)
Authors: Matabos Marjolaine , Piechaud Nils , De Montigny François , Sarradin Pierre-Marie , Sarrazin Jozée
Published: October 2014

Studies reporting processes that may shape marine benthic communities under the seasonal scale are rare at depths >50 m. In this study, the use of the VENUS multidisciplinary cabled observatory provided 2-month high-resolution data combining quantitative biology and environmental data in Saanich Inlet, a seasonally hypoxic fjord located on Vancouver Island (British Columbia, Canada). An ecological module equipped with a camera acquired a 3 min video clip every half hour during 2 months at 97 m depth in the oxygen fluctuation zone of the fjord. Results highlighted the role of the tidal cycle on species activity rhythms and confirmed the influence of oxygen fluctuations on benthic assemblage structure and species behaviour. However, environmental variables considered only explained a small proportion of the total variance in species data. This study demonstrates how seafloor observatories can be used to study species behaviour and community dynamics in relation to abiotic conditions by providing continuous access to multidisciplinary data.
Highly toxic and broad-spectrum insecticidal localBacillusstrains engineered using protoplast fusion
Authors: El-Kawokgy Tahany M.A. , Hussein Hashem A. , Aly Nariman A.H. , Mohamed Shereen A.H.
Published: October 2014

Protoplast fusion was performed between a local Bacillus thuringiensis UV-resistant mutant 66/1a (Bt) and Bacillus sphaericus GHAI (Bs) to produce new Bacillus strains with a wider spectrum of action against different insects. Bt is characterized as sensitive to polymyxin and streptomycin and resistant to rifampicin and has shown 87% mortality against Spodoptera littoralis larvae at concentration of 1.5 × 107cells/mL after 7 days of feeding; Bs is characterized as resistant to polymyxin and streptomycin and sensitive to rifampicin and has been shown to have 100% mortality against Culex pipiens after 1 day of feeding at the same concentration as that of Bt. Among a total of 64 Bt::Bs fusants produced on the selective medium containing polymyxin, streptomycin, and rifampicin, 17 fusants were selected because of their high mortality percentages against S. littoralis (Lepidoptera) and C. pipiens (Diptera). While Bt harboured 3 plasmids (600, 350, and 173 bp) and Bs had 2 plasmids (544 and 291 bp), all the selected fusants acquired plasmids from both parental strains. SDS–PAGE protein analysis of the 17 selected fusants and their parental strains confirmed that all fusant strains acquired and expressed many specific protein bands from the 2 parental strains, especially the larvicidal proteins to both lepidopteran and dipteran species with molecular masses of 65, 70, 80, 88, 100, and 135 kDa. Four protein bands with high molecular masses of 281, 263, 220, and 190 kDa, which existed in the Bt parental strain and did not exist in the Bs parental strain, and 2 other protein bands with high molecular masses of 185 and 180 kDa, which existed in the Bs parental strain and did not exist in the Bt parental strain, were expressed in most fusants. The results indicated the expression of some cry genes encoded for insecticidal crystal proteins from Bt and the binary toxin genes from Bs in all fusant strains. The recombinant fusants have more efficient and potential values for agricultural application compared with both the insecticidal Bt and the mosquitocidal Bs strains alone against S. littoralis and C. pipiens larvae, respectively.
Loop quantum effects on Om diagnostic and their cosmological implications
Authors: Rudra Prabir
Published: October 2014

In this paper we study the loop quantum effects on the Om diagnostic and subsequently on the universe. We reconstruct the Om diagnostic in the background of loop quantum gravity and then study the behaviour of various Chaplygin gas dark energy models, using the modified diagnostic in a comparative scenario. The trajectories discriminate the various dark energy models from each other both in Einstein gravity as well as loop quantum gravity. The loop quantum effects are also clearly noticeable from the trajectories in the past, present, and future universe. We see that the loop quantum deviations are highly pronounced in the early universe but alleviates as we tend towards the present universe and continue to decay in the future. This raises a big question on the effectiveness and consequently the suitability of loop quantum cosmology to explain the future universe.
Improving mitochondrial bioenergetics under ischemic conditions increases warm ischemia tolerance in the kidney
Authors: Szeto Hazel H. , Liu Shaoyi , Soong Yi , Birk Alexander V.
Published: October 2014

Ischemia time during partial nephrectomy is strongly associated with acute and chronic renal injury. ATP depletion during warm ischemia inhibits ATP-dependent processes, resulting in cell swelling, cytoskeletal breakdown, and cell death. The duration of ischemia tolerated by the kidney depends on the amount of ATP that can be produced with residual substrates and oxygen in the tissue to sustain cell function. We previously reported that the rat can tolerate 30-min ischemia quite well but 45-min ischemia results in acute kidney injury and progressive interstitial fibrosis. Here, we report that pretreatment with SS-20 30 min before warm ischemia in the rat increased ischemia tolerance from 30 to 45 min. Histological examination of kidney tissues revealed that SS-20 reduced cytoskeletal breakdown and cell swelling after 45-min ischemia. Electron microscopy showed that SS-20 reduced mitochondrial matrix swelling and preserved cristae membranes, suggesting that SS-20 enhanced mitochondrial ATP synthesis under ischemic conditions. Studies with isolated kidney mitochondria showed dramatic reduction in state 3 respiration and respiratory control ratio after 45-min ischemia, and this was significantly improved by SS-20 treatment. These results suggest that SS-20 increases efficiency of the electron transport chain and improves coupling of oxidative phosphorylation. SS-20 treatment after ischemia also significantly reduced interstitial fibrosis. These new findings reveal that enhancing mitochondrial bioenergetics may be an important target for improving ischemia tolerance, and SS-20 may serve well for minimizing acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease following surgical procedures such as partial nephrectomy and transplantation.
Mechanical Behavior of Interface between Composite Geomembrane and Permeable Cushion Material
Authors: Wu Haimin , Shu Yiming , Dai Linjun , Teng Zhaoming
Published: October 2014

An accurate description of composite geomembrane-cushion interface behavior is of great importance for stress-deformation analysis and stability assessment of geomembrane surface barrier of rock-fill dam. A series of direct shear tests were conducted to investigate the friction behaviors of interfaces between composite geomembrane and two different permeable cushion materials (crushed stones and polyurethane mixed crushed stones). The shear stress-displacement relationships of the two interfaces show different characteristics and were described by the nonlinear-elastic model and nonlinear-elastic perfectly plastic model, respectively. Then the two models were implemented into the Fast Lagrangian Analysis of Continua in Three Dimensions (FLAC3D) procedure correctly. By verification of a numerical example, numerical calculation results showed a good agreement with the theoretical solutions and test results.
Prevalence of Frailty Indicators and Association with Socioeconomic Status in Middle-Aged and Older Adults in a Swiss Region with Universal Health Insurance Coverage: A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Guessous Idris , Luthi Jean-Christophe , Bowling Christopher Barrett , Theler Jean-Marc , Paccaud Fred , Gaspoz Jean-Michel , McClellan William
Published: October 2014

Frailty prevalence in older adults has been reported but is largely unknown in middle-aged adults. We determined the prevalence of frailty indicators among middle-aged and older adults from a general Swiss population characterized by universal health insurance coverage and assessed the determinants of frailty with a special focus on socioeconomic status. Participants aged 50 and more from the population-based 2006–2010 Bus Santé study were included (N= 2,930). Four frailty indicators (weakness, shrinking, exhaustion, and low activity) were measured according to standard definitions. Multivariate logistic regressions were used to determine associations. Overall, 63.5%, 28.7%, and 7.8% participants presented no frailty indicators, one frailty indicator, and two or more frailty indicators, respectively. Among middle-aged participants (50–65 years), 75.1%, 22.2%, and 2.7% presented 0, 1, and 2 or more frailty indicators. The number of frailty indicators was positively associated with age, hypertension, and current smoking and negatively associated with male gender, body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, and serum total cholesterol level. Lower income level but not education was associated with higher number of frailty indicators. Frailty indicators are frequently encountered in both older and middle-aged adults from the Swiss general population. Despite universal health insurance coverage, household income is independently associated with frailty.
Protection of Tong‐Sai‐Mai Decoction against Apoptosis Induced by H2O2 in PC12 Cells: Mechanisms via Bcl‐2‐Mitochondria‐ROS‐INOS Pathway
Authors: Lee Maxwell Kim Kit , Lu Yin , Di Liu-qing , Xu Hui-qin
Published: October 2014

Tong‐Sai‐Mai decoction (TSM) is a Chinese materia medica polyherbal formulation that has been applied in treating brain ischemia for hundreds of years. Because it could repress the oxidative stress in in vivo studies, now we focus on the in vitro studies to investigate the mechanism by targeting the oxidative stress dependent signaling. The relation between the neurogenesis and the reactive oxygen species (ROS) production remains largely unexamined. PC12 cells are excitable cell types widely used as in vitro model for neuronal cells. Most marker genes that are related to neurotoxicity, apoptosis, and cell cycles are expressed at high levels in these cells. The aim of the present study is to explore the cytoprotection of TSM against hydrogen peroxide‐ (H2O2‐) induced apoptosis and the molecular mechanisms underlying PC12 cells. Our findings revealed that TSM cotreatment with H2O2 restores the expression of bcl‐2, inducible nitric oxide synthase (INOS), and mitochondria membrane potential. Meanwhile, it reduces intracellular [Ca2+] concentration, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, and the expression of caspase‐3 and bax. The results of the present study suggested that the cytoprotective effects of the TSM might be mediated, at least in part, by the bcl‐2‐mitochondria‐ROS‐INOS pathway. Due to its nontoxic characteristics, TSM could be further developed to treat the neurodegenerative diseases which are closely associated with the oxidative stress.
Development of a Finite Element Head Model for the Study of Impact Head Injury
Authors: Yang Bin , Tse Kwong-Ming , Chen Ning , Tan Long-Bin , Zheng Qing-Qian , Yang Hui-Min , Hu Min , Pan Gang , Lee Heow-Pueh
Published: October 2014

This study is aimed at developing a high quality, validated finite element (FE) human head model for traumatic brain injuries (TBI) prediction and prevention during vehicle collisions. The geometry of the FE model was based on computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of a volunteer close to the anthropometry of a 50th percentile male. The material and structural properties were selected based on a synthesis of current knowledge of the constitutive models for each tissue. The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was simulated explicitly as a hydrostatic fluid by using a surface-based fluid modeling method. The model was validated in the loading condition observed in frontal impact vehicle collision. These validations include the intracranial pressure (ICP), brain motion, impact force and intracranial acceleration response, maximum von Mises stress in the brain, and maximum principal stress in the skull. Overall results obtained in the validation indicated improved biofidelity relative to previous FE models, and the change in the maximum von Mises in the brain is mainly caused by the improvement of the CSF simulation. The model may be used for improving the current injury criteria of the brain and anthropometric test devices.
Mortality and Pathology Associated with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 Outbreaks in Commercial Poultry Production Systems in Nigeria
Authors: Akanbi Olatunde Babatunde , Taiwo Victor Olusegun
Published: October 2014

Commercial layer-type, pullet, cockerel, and broiler chicken flocks infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in Nigeria between 2006 and 2008 were investigated for morbidity, mortality, and pathology. Of the one hundred and fifty-three (153) farms confirmed with HPAI infection, one hundred and twenty-seven (127) were layer-type farms, nine (9) were pullet and broiler farms each, and eight (8) were cockerel rearing farms. This study revealed the morbidity and mortality of a total of 939,620 commercial layer chickens, 16,421 pullets, 3,109 cockerels, and 6,433 broilers. Mortality rates were 11.11% in commercial layers, 26.84% in pullets, 45.51% in cockerels, and 73.92% in broilers in a total of eighteen (18) states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. A total of 316 carcasses were examined of which 248 were commercial layer, 25 were pullet, 14 were cockerel, and 29 were broiler. Main clinical and pathologic findings were observed in the nervous, circulatory, respiratory, integumentary, musculoskeletal, hemopoietic, gastrointestinal, and reproductive systems and, occasionally, lesions were generally nonspecific and multisystemic. Lesions occurred more frequently, severely, and in most of the carcasses examined, irrespective of chicken type.
An Improved Fuzzy Logic Controller Design for PV Inverters Utilizing Differential Search Optimization
Authors: Mutlag Ammar Hussein , Shareef Hussain , Mohamed Azah , Hannan M. A. , Abd Ali Jamal
Published: October 2014

This paper presents an adaptive fuzzy logic controller (FLC) design technique for photovoltaic (PV) inverters using differential search algorithm (DSA). This technique avoids the exhaustive traditional trial and error procedure in obtaining membership functions (MFs) used in conventional FLCs. This technique is implemented during the inverter design phase by generating adaptive MFs based on the evaluation results of the objective function formulated by the DSA. In this work, the mean square error (MSE) of the inverter output voltage is used as an objective function. The DSA optimizes the MFs such that the inverter provides the lowest MSE for output voltage and improves the performance of the PV inverter output in terms of amplitude and frequency. The design procedure and accuracy of the optimum FLC are illustrated and investigated using simulations conducted for a 3 kW three-phase inverter in a MATLAB/Simulink environment. Results show that the proposed controller can successfully obtain the desired output when different linear and nonlinear loads are connected to the system. Furthermore, the inverter has reasonably low steady state error and fast response to reference variation.
Surgical Reconstruction with the Remnant Ligament Improves Joint Position Sense as well as Functional Ankle Instability: A 1-Year Follow-Up Study
Authors: Iwao Kamizato , Masataka Deie , Kohei Fukuhara
Published: October 2014

Introduction. Chronic functional instability—characterized by repeated ankle inversion sprains and a subjective sensation of instability—is one of the most common residual disabilities after an inversion sprain. However, whether surgical reconstruction improves sensorimotor control has not been reported to date. The purpose of this study was to assess functional improvement of chronic ankle instability after surgical reconstruction using the remnant ligament.Materials and Methods. We performed 10 cases in the intervention group and 20 healthy individuals as the control group. Before and after surgical reconstruction, we evaluated joint position sense and functional ankle instability by means of a questionnaire.Results and Discussion. There was a statistically significant difference between the control and intervention groups before surgical reconstruction. Three months after surgery in the intervention group, the joint position sense was significantly different from those found preoperatively. Before surgery, the mean score of functional ankle instability in the intervention group was almost twice as low. Three months after surgery, however, the score significantly increased. The results showed that surgical reconstruction using the remnant ligament was effective not only for improving mechanical retensioning but also for ameliorating joint position sense and functional ankle instability.
Analysis of Different Positions of Fiber-Reinforced Composite Retainers versus Multistrand Wire Retainers Using the Finite Element Method
Authors: Jahanbin Arezoo , Abtahi Mostafa , Heravi Farzin , Hoseini Mohsen , Shafaee Hooman
Published: October 2014

Background.The aim of this study was to evaluate root displacement of the lower incisors fixed with FRC in different positions versus FSW retainers using the finite element method.Materials and Methods.3D finite element models were designed for a mandibular anterior segment: Model 1: flexible spiral wire bonded to the lingual teeth surfaces, Model 2: FRC bonded to the upper third of lingual teeth surfaces, and Model 3: FRC bonded to the middle third. FE analysis was performed for three models and then tooth displacements were evaluated.Results.In contrast to lateral incisors and canines, the FSW retainer caused the central teeth to move more than the teeth bonded with FRC in both loadings. Comparison between Models 2 and 3 (in vertical loading) showed that FRC retainers that bonded at the upper third of lingual teeth surfaces made central and canine teeth move less than FRC retainers bonded at the middle third; however, for lateral teeth it was the opposite.Conclusion.FRC retainers bonded at the upper third of lingual teeth surfaces make central and canine teeth move less than FRC retainers bonded at the middle third in vertical loading; however, for lateral teeth it was the opposite.
Sampled-Data Consensus for High-Order Multiagent Systems under Fixed and Randomly Switching Topology
Authors: Jie Niu , Zhong Li
Published: October 2014

This paper studies the sampled-data based consensus of multiagent system with general linear time-invariant dynamics. It focuses on looking for a maximum allowable sampling period bound such that as long as the sampling period is less than this bound, there always exist linear consensus protocols solving the consensus problem. Both fixed and randomly switching topologies are considered. For systems under fixed topology, a necessary and sufficient sampling period bound is obtained for single-input multiagent systems, and a sufficient allowable bound is proposed for multi-input systems by solving theH∞optimal control problem of certain system with uncertainty. For systems under randomly switching topologies, tree-type and complete broadcasting network with Bernoulli packet losses are discussed, and explicit allowable sampling period bounds are, respectively, given based on the unstable eigenvalues of agent’s system matrix and packet loss probability. Numerical examples are given to illustrate the results.
In VitroPollen Viability and Pollen Germination in Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasusL.)
Authors: Sulusoglu Melekber , Cavusoglu Aysun
Published: October 2014

Pollen quality is important for growers and breeders. This study was carried out to determinein vitropollen viability and pollen germination in seven genotypes of cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasusL.). Two pollen viability tests, TTC (2,3,5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride) and IKI (iodine potassium iodide), were used. Pollen traits of genotypes were studied using anin vitromedium containing 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% sucrose to determine the best sucrose concentrations for germination. In the second step, the germinated pollen was counted 1, 4, 6, 10, 12, 24, and 48 hours later until there was no further germination. The viability rates were different according to genotypes and tests used. The IKI and TTC staining tests and pollen germination had low correlation (r2= 0.0614 andr2= 0.0015, resp.). Painted pollen rate was higher and pollen was well-stained with IKI test and pollen viability estimated with TTC staining test was better than that estimated with the IKI staining test. 15% sucrose gave the best germination rates in most of the genotypes. Pollen germination rates were recorded periodically from one hour to 48 hours in 15% sucrose and the results showed that pollen germination rates increased after 6 hours of being placed in culture media.
Molecular, Phenotypic Aspects and Therapeutic Horizons of Rare Genetic Bone Disorders
Authors: Faruqi Taha , Dhawan Naveen , Bahl Jaya , Gupta Vineet , Vohra Shivani , Tu Khin , Abdelmagid Samir M.
Published: October 2014

A rare disease afflicts less than 200,000 individuals, according to the National Organization for Rare Diseases (NORD) of the United States. Over 6,000 rare disorders affect approximately 1 in 10 Americans. Rare genetic bone disorders remain the major causes of disability in US patients. These rare bone disorders also represent a therapeutic challenge for clinicians, due to lack of understanding of underlying mechanisms. This systematic review explored current literature on therapeutic directions for the following rare genetic bone disorders: fibrous dysplasia, Gorham-Stout syndrome, fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva, melorheostosis, multiple hereditary exostosis, osteogenesis imperfecta, craniometaphyseal dysplasia, achondroplasia, and hypophosphatasia. The disease mechanisms of Gorham-Stout disease, melorheostosis, and multiple hereditary exostosis are not fully elucidated. Inhibitors of the ACVR1/ALK2 pathway may serve as possible therapeutic intervention for FOP. The use of bisphosphonates and IL-6 inhibitors has been explored to be useful in the treatment of fibrous dysplasia, but more research is warranted. Cell therapy, bisphosphonate polytherapy, and human growth hormone may avert the pathology in osteogenesis imperfecta, but further studies are needed. There are still no current effective treatments for these bone disorders; however, significant promising advances in therapeutic modalities were developed that will limit patient suffering and treat their skeletal disabilities.
Analysis of FlavoneC-Glycosides in the Leaves ofClinacanthus nutans(Burm. f.) Lindau by HPTLC and HPLC-UV/DAD
Authors: Chelyn June Lee , Omar Maizatul Hasyima , Mohd Yousof Nor Syaidatul Akmal , Ranggasamy Ramesh , Wasiman Mohd Isa , Ismail Zakiah
Published: October 2014

Clinacanthus nutans(family Acanthaceae) has been used for the treatment of inflammation and herpes viral infection. Currently, there has not been any report on the qualitative and quantitative determination of the chemical markers in the leaves ofC. nutans. TheC-glycosidic flavones such as shaftoside, isoorientin, orientin, isovitexin, and vitexin have been found to be major flavonoids in the leaves of this plant. Therefore, we had developed a two-step method using thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) for the rapid identification and quantification of the flavonesC-glycosides inC. nutansleaves. The TLC separation of the chemical markers was achieved on silica gel 60 plate using ethyl acetate : formic acid : acetic acid : water (100 : 11 : 11 : 27 v/v/v/v) as the mobile phase. HPLC method was optimized and validated for the quantification of shaftoside, orientin, isovitexin, and vitexin and was shown to be linear in concentration range tested (0.4–200 μg/mL,r2≥ 0.996), precise (RSD ≤ 4.54%), and accurate (95–105%). The concentration of shaftoside, orientin, vitexin, and isovitexin inC. nutansleave samples was 2.55–17.43, 0.00–0.86, 0.00–2.01, and 0.00–0.91 mmol/g, respectively.
Modified Kraske Procedure with Mid-Sacrectomy and Coccygectomy forEn BlocExcision of Sacral Giant Cell Tumors
Authors: Gonçalves Vítor M. , Lima Álvaro , Gíria João , Carvalho Nuno , Parreira José , Cunha e Sá Manuel
Published: October 2014

Sacral giant cell tumors are rare neoplasms, histologically benign but potentially very aggressive due to the difficulty in achieving a complete resection, their high recurrence rate, and metastization capability. Although many treatment options have been proposed,en blocexcision with tumor-free margins seems to be the most effective, being associated with long term tumor control, improved outcome, and potential cure. An exemplifying case of a 29-year-old female with progressive complaints of pain and paresthesias in the sacral and perianal regions, constipation, and weight loss for 6 months is presented. The surgical technique foren blocexcision of a large sacral giant cell tumor through a modified Kraske procedure with mid-sacrectomy and coccygectomy is described. Complete resection with wide tumor-free margins was achieved. At 5 years of follow-up the patient is neurologically intact, without evidence of local recurrence on imaging studies. A multidisciplinary surgical procedure is mandatory to completely remove sacral tumors. In the particular case of giant cell tumors, it allows minimizing local recurrence preserving neurovascular function, through a single dorsal and definitive approach.
An Effective Hybrid Cuckoo Search Algorithm with Improved Shuffled Frog Leaping Algorithm for 0-1 Knapsack Problems
Authors: Feng Yanhong , Wang Gai-Ge , Feng Qingjiang , Zhao Xiang-Jun
Published: October 2014

An effective hybrid cuckoo search algorithm (CS) with improved shuffled frog-leaping algorithm (ISFLA) is put forward for solving 0-1 knapsack problem. First of all, with the framework of SFLA, an improved frog-leap operator is designed with the effect of the global optimal information on the frog leaping and information exchange between frog individuals combined with genetic mutation with a small probability. Subsequently, in order to improve the convergence speed and enhance the exploitation ability, a novel CS model is proposed with considering the specific advantages of Lévy flights and frog-leap operator. Furthermore, the greedy transform method is used to repair the infeasible solution and optimize the feasible solution. Finally, numerical simulations are carried out on six different types of 0-1 knapsack instances, and the comparative results have shown the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm and its ability to achieve good quality solutions, which outperforms the binary cuckoo search, the binary differential evolution, and the genetic algorithm.
Robust and Energy-Efficient Data Gathering in Wireless Sensor Network
Authors: Feng Juan , Lian Baowang , Zhao Hongwei
Published: October 2014

Robustness and energy efficiency are critical for sensor information system, in which an abundance of wireless sensor nodes collects useful data from the deployed field. The chain-based protocols (like PEGASIS (Lindsey and Raghavendra, 2002)) are elegant solutions where sensor node has high energy efficiency. Unfortunately, if one node in the chain is failed due to some reasons such as energy exhaust, then the information cannot be forwarded to the sink. To improve system robustness and balance the energy consumption, this paper proposes a robust and energy-efficient data gathering (REEDG) approach, which is an improvement over the chain-based and grid-based network structures, in sensor information collecting system. In REEDG, data gathering is executed by a data transmitting chain which is composed by a series of virtual grids. Each grid communicates only with its neighbor grid and takes turns transmitting the information to the base station. Furthermore, an adaptive scheduling scheme is proposed to trade off energy consumption on each node and data forwarding delay. Experimental results show that, when compared with state-of-the-art approaches, REEDG achieves network lifetime extension of at least 13% as measured in terms of 20% dead nodes and improves the data transmission ratio at lowest 24% as 20% nodes fail.
Fractional Contributions of Defect‐Originated Photoluminescence from CuInS2/ZnS Coreshells for Hybrid White LEDs
Authors: Rice Quinton , Raut Sangram , Chib Rahul , Gryczynski Zygmunt , Gryczynski Ignacy , Zhang Wenjin , Zhong Xinhua , Abdel-Fattah Mahmoud , Tabibi Bagher , Seo Jaetae
Published: October 2014

The wide optical tunability and broad spectral distribution of CuInS2/ZnS (CIS/ZnS) coreshells are key elements for developing the hybrid white light emitting diodes where the nanoparticles are stacked on the blue LEDs. Two CIS/ZnS555 nm and CIS/ZnS665 nm coreshells are utilized for the hybrid white LED development. The time‐resolved spectroscopy of CIS/ZnS555 nm and CIS/ZnS665 nm reveals the correlation between the fast, intermediate, and slow decay components and the interface‐trapped state and shallow‐ and deep‐trapped states, although the fractional amplitudes of photoluminescence (PL) decay components are widely distributed throughout the entire spectra. The temperature‐resolved spectroscopy explains that the PL from deep‐trapped donor‐acceptor (DA) state has relatively large thermal quenching, due to the relative Coulomb interaction of DA pairs, compared to the thermal quenching of PL from interface defect state and shallow‐trapped DA state. A good spectral coupling between the blue diode excitation and the PL from CIS/ZnS leads to the realization of hybrid white LEDs.
Myeloid IKKβ Promotes Antitumor Immunity by Modulating CCL11 and the Innate Immune Response
Authors: Yang Jinming , Hawkins Oriana E. , Barham Whitney , Gilchuk Pavlo , Boothby Mark , Ayers Gregory D. , Joyce Sebastian , Karin Michael , Yull Fiona E. , Richmond Ann
Published: October 2014

Myeloid cells are capable of promoting or eradicating tumor cells and the nodal functions that contribute to their different roles are still obscure. Here, we show that mice with myeloid-specific genetic loss of the NF-κB pathway regulatory kinase IKKβ exhibit more rapid growth of cutaneous and lung melanoma tumors. In a BRAFV600E/PTEN−/− allograft model, IKKβ loss in macrophages reduced recruitment of myeloid cells into the tumor, lowered expression of MHC class II molecules, and enhanced production of the chemokine CCL11, thereby negatively regulating dendritic-cell maturation. Elevated serum and tissue levels of CCL11 mediated suppression of dendritic-cell differentiation/maturation within the tumor microenvironment, skewing it toward a Th2 immune response and impairing CD8+ T cell–mediated tumor cell lysis. Depleting macrophages or CD8+ T cells in mice with wild-type IKKβ myeloid cells enhanced tumor growth, where the myeloid cell response was used to mediate antitumor immunity against melanoma tumors (with less dependency on a CD8+ T-cell response). In contrast, myeloid cells deficient in IKKβ were compromised in tumor cell lysis, based on their reduced ability to phagocytize and digest tumor cells. Thus, mice with continuous IKKβ signaling in myeloid-lineage cells (IKKβCA) exhibited enhanced antitumor immunity and reduced melanoma outgrowth. Collectively, our results illuminate new mechanisms through which NF-κB signaling in myeloid cells promotes innate tumor surveillance. Cancer Res; 74(24); 7274–84. ©2014 AACR.
The Ability of Bilirubin in Identifying Smokers with Higher Risk of Lung Cancer: A Large Cohort Study in Conjunction with Global Metabolomic Profiling
Authors: Wen Chi-Pang , Zhang Fanmao , Liang Dong , Wen Christopher , Gu Jian , Skinner Heath , Chow Wong-Ho , Ye Yuanqing , Pu Xia , Hildebrandt Michelle A.T. , Huang Maosheng , Chen Chien-Hua , Hsiung Chao Agnes , Tsai Min Kuang , Tsao Chwen Keng , Lippman Scott M. , Wu Xifeng
Published: October 2014

Purpose: We aimed to identify serum metabolites as potential valuable biomarkers for lung cancer and to improve risk stratification in smokers.

Experimental Design: We performed global metabolomic profiling followed by targeted validation of individual metabolites in a case–control design of 386 lung cancer cases and 193 matched controls. We then validated bilirubin, which consistently showed significant differential levels in cases and controls, as a risk marker for lung cancer incidence and mortality in a large prospective cohort composed of 425,660 participants.

Results: Through global metabolomic profiling and following targeted validation, bilirubin levels consistently showed a statistically significant difference among healthy controls and lung cancer cases. In the prospective cohort, the inverse association was only seen in male smokers, regardless of smoking pack-years and intensity. Compared with male smokers in the highest bilirubin group (>1 mg/dL), those in the lowest bilirubin group (<0.75 mg/dL) had 55% and 66% increase in risks of lung cancer incidence and mortality, respectively. For every 0.1 mg/dL decrease of bilirubin, the risks for lung cancer incidence and mortality increased by 5% and 6% in male smokers, respectively (both P < 0.001). There was a significant interaction between low serum bilirubin level and smoking on lung cancer risk (Pinteraction = 0.001).

Conclusion: Low levels of serum bilirubin are associated with higher risks of lung cancer incidence and mortality in male smokers and can be used to identify higher risk smokers for lung cancer. Clin Cancer Res; 21(1); 193–200. ©2014 AACR.
New, Tolerable γ-Secretase Inhibitor Takes Desmoid Down a Notch
Authors: Hughes Dennis P.M. , Kummar Shivaani , Lazar Alexander J.
Published: October 2014

A phase I trial of PF-03084014, an oral reversible γ-secretase inhibitor, in solid tumor malignancies shows drug tolerability in patients. Evidence of Notch pathway inhibition was demonstrated in peripheral blood. A surprisingly high rate of response was seen in desmoid tumors, a rare but sometimes locally aggressive sarcoma. Clin Cancer Res; 21(1); 7–9. ©2014 AACR.

See related article by Messersmith et al., p. 60