bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DIRECTORS’ AND OFFICERS’ LIABILITY INSURANCE AND FIRM VALUE
Authors: Hwang Joon Ho , Kim Byungmo
Published: August 2016

This study examines the effect of directors' and officers' liability (D&O) insurance on firm value. Previous studies are divided on the value implication of D&O insurance: some argue for various benefits of being covered by D&O insurance, whereas others focus on the managerial opportunism stemming from being insured. In order to address whether D&O insurance increases firm value, we utilize a sample of quoted Korean companies from a period in which the disclosure of D&O insurance information was mandatory and there was a significant cross‐sectional variation in the firms' coverage of D&O insurance. We find that controlling for the endogeneity of D&O insurance coverage, D&O insurance increases firm value compared to noninsured firms. We also find evidence that the increase in firm value is pronounced for firms with greater growth opportunities, which suggests that D&O insurance can help firms to better convert growth opportunities into higher firm value.
Nigella sativa (black cumin seed) as a biological detoxifier in diet contaminated with aflatoxin B1
Authors: Rasouli‐Hiq A. A. , Bagherzadeh‐Kasmani F. , Mehri M. , Karimi‐Torshizi M. A.
Published: August 2016

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a common feed contaminant that adversely affects bird performance and product quality. A total of 600 7‐day‐old quail chicks were randomly allotted to eight experimental groups in a completely randomized design with five replicate pens and 15 quails per pen. Experimental treatments including two levels of AFB1 (0 and 2.5 mg/kg) and 4 levels of Nigella sativa (NS) (0, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5% of diet) were offered from 7 to 35 days of age to quail chicks. Although feeding of AFB1 impaired gain (G) and feed conversion ratio, dietary NS increased G (p < 0.05). Relative weight of bursa of Fabricius increased with incremental levels of NS (p < 0.05). AFB1 decreased the size of heart, but incremental levels of NS increased the relative weight of heart (p < 0.05). The liver hypertrophy was observed in birds receiving AFB1 (p < 0.05). The birds in AFB1 group had smaller testes than other groups (p < 0.05). Hematocrit value in birds fed AFB1 was lower than that in other groups (p < 0.05) and incremental levels of NS increased blood hematocrit (p < 0.05). Amount of malondialdehyde (MDA) in meat samples of the birds fed AFB1 was higher than those did not receive toxin but incremental levels of NS decreased the MDA concentration in affected birds (p < 0.05). AFB1 suppressed the humoral immunity of the birds while NS augmented the antibody titres against sheep red blood cell and Newcastle disease virus antigens (p < 0.05). AFB1 decreased lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and spore‐forming bacteria (SFB) but increased Escherichia coli (E. coli; p < 0.05). However, NS increased LAB and SFB but decreased the E. coli populations (p < 0.05). This study revealed that NS as a biological detoxifier could relatively attenuate the negative effects of AFB1 in quails.
The Role of Stimulus Type and Semantic Category‐Level Attentional Set in Sustained Inattentional Blindness
Authors: Guo Yaning , You Xuqun , Li Ying
Published: August 2016

Abstract: We examined the effect of the stimulus type and semantic categorization of the unexpected stimulus on sustained Inattentional Blindness (IB). Results showed that observers could establish attentional set based on a higher level of semantic categorization, which tuned one's attention to prioritizing semantic content over others. The unexpected stimulus, congruent with the attended objects in semantic categorization, was more likely to be noticed, whereas the incongruent semantic stimulus seemed to be unseen. Semantic category‐level attentional set played a crucial role in breaking through IB. The semantically congruent Chinese characters stimulus was detected and recognized more often than a semantically congruent picture stimulus, indicating that Chinese characters had more power to attract attention to escape sustained IB than pictures involved in visual processing. Presumably the finding of Chinese characters breaking through IB more easily might be due to the fact that Chinese characters look more distinct from pictures, rather than Chinese characters being processed more easily. Further research should be taken to test the semantic processing efficiency between pictures and Chinese characters in sustained IB.
Mixed‐Methods Study of Uptake of the Extension for Community Health Outcomes (ECHO) Telemedicine Model for Rural Veterans With HIV
Authors: Moeckli Jane , Stewart Kenda R. , Ono Sarah , Alexander Bruce , Goss Tyler , Maier Marissa , Tien Phyllis C. , Howren M. Bryant , Ohl Michael E.
Published: August 2016

Purpose

Extension for Community Health Outcomes (ECHO) is a provider‐level telemedicine model successfully applied to hepatitis C care, but little is known about its application to Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) care. We performed a mixed‐methods evaluation of 3 HIV ECHO programs in the Veterans Health Administration, focusing on uptake by primary care clinics and veterans.

Methods

Administrative data were used to assess program uptake, including adoption (ie, proportion of primary care clinics participating) and reach (ie, proportion of eligible veterans participating). Veterans were considered eligible if they had an HIV diagnosis and lived nearer to a primary care clinic than to the HIV specialty clinic. We interviewed 31 HIV specialists, primary care providers (PCPs), and administrators engaged in HIV ECHO, and we analyzed interview transcripts to identify factors that influenced program adoption and reach.

Findings

Nine (43%) of 21 primary care clinics adopted HIV ECHO (range 33%‐67% across sites). Program reach was limited, with 47 (6.1%) of 776 eligible veterans participating. Reach was similar among rural and urban veterans (5.3% vs 6.3%). In interviews, limited adoption and reach were attributed partly to: (1) a sense of “HIV exceptionalism” that complicated shifting ownership of care from HIV specialists to PCPs, and (2) low HIV prevalence and long treatment cycles that prevented rapid learning loops for PCPs.

Conclusions

There was limited uptake of HIV ECHO telemedicine programs in settings where veterans historically traveled to distant specialty clinics. Other telemedicine models should be considered for HIV care.
Decentralized Networked Control of Building Structures
Authors: Bakule Lubomír , Rehák Branislav , Papík Martin
Published: August 2016

The article presents a new method for the design of decentralized networked switched controllers to mitigate the response of building structures under earthquakes. It consists of two phases. The first phase generates low‐order gain matrices based on the linear quadratic Gaussian (LQG) control design. It includes a substructural approach when the equations of motion of substructures are extracted from the equation of motion of the overall structures described by a finite element in‐plane (2‐D) model. Appropriate model reduction procedures, determination of damping as well as the selection of sensor and actuators locations and models are applied to each substructure. The sensors and actuators are implemented into the design model. Both resulting reduced‐order state space models of substructures are used for the proper LQG control design. The obtained local controllers are implemented into the overall structure to evaluate the performance of the closed‐loop system. Displacement, drift, acceleration, maximal actuator forces as well as dynamic responses on selected locations are checked. The computational originality is the method derived under the subsequent second phase, where the gain matrices computed in the first phase serve as a tool for the design of decentralized networked switched controller. The switching is realized periodically between two switched modes. Each mode corresponds with only one active local feedback loop for a certain period of time. The network parameter is the time interval of activity of each mode determined by a given protocol. Robustness of performance against packet dropouts and sensor faults is tested. A numerical example of the decentralized networked switched controller design applied on the 20‐story high‐fidelity building benchmark model is supplied. The simulation tests show the proposed method exhibits acceptable performance.
Thf1 interacts with PS I and stabilizes the PS I complex in Synechococcus sp. PCC7942
Authors: Zhan Jiao , Zhu Xi , Zhou Wei , Chen Hui , He Chenliu , Wang Qiang
Published: August 2016

Thylakoid formation1 protein (Thf1) is a multifunctional protein that is conserved in all photosynthetic organisms. In this study, we used the model cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. PCC7942 (hereafter Synechococcus) to show that the level of Thf1 is altered in response to various stress conditions. Although this protein has been reported to be involved in thylakoid formation, the thylakoid membrane in the thf1 deletion strain (ΔThf1) was not affected. Compared with the WT, ΔThf1 showed reduced PS II activity, with increased levels of D1 under high light (HL) conditions, which was resulted from blocked D1 degradation by the FtsH protease and thus inhibits PS II repair. PS I was found to be more seriously affected than PS II in ΔThf1, even under low light conditions, suggesting that PS I damage could be the primary effect of thf1 deletion in Synechococcus. Further analysis revealed that the ΔThf1 mutant had a lower PS I subunit content and lower PS I stability under HL conditions. Further sucrose gradient fractionation of the membrane protein complexes and crosslinking and immunoblot analysis indicated that Thf1 interacts with PS I. Together, our results reveal that Thf1 interacts with PS I and thereby stabilizes PS I in Synechococcus.
Risk factors for encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis: Analysis of a 36‐year experience in a University Hospital
Authors: Nakao Masatsugu , Yamamoto Izumi , Maruyama Yukio , Morishita Masamitsu , Nakashima Akio , Matsuo Nanae , Tanno Yudo , Ohkido Ichiro , Ikeda Masato , Yamamoto Hiroyasu , Yokoyama Keitaro , Yokoo Takashi
Published: August 2016

Aim

Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS) is a rare but serious complication that occurs in peritoneal dialysis (PD) therapy. The present study aimed to identify the risk factors, especially peritonitis and biocompatible PD fluid.

Methods

The study included 703 patients who received PD between January 1980 and March 2015 at two centres. The patients were divided into two groups: those who had developed EPS (EPS group: n = 44) and those who had no documentary evidence of EPS (non‐EPS group: n = 659). The independent risks of EPS were determined by univariate and multivariate logistic models.

Results

Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis occurred in 44/703 (6.3%) patients between January 1980 and March 2015. In multivariate logistic models of risk factors correlated with EPS, dialysate to plasma creatinine ratio (D/P Cr) by peritoneal equilibration test (PET) and history of peritonitis were risk factors for EPS development (P < 0.01, respectively) in addition to PD duration. Especially, total duration of peritonitis, defined by period between onset and resolution of peritonitis, was an important risk factor for EPS development in patients with a history of peritonitis. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed that cut‐off point for EPS development was 36 days. Moreover, biocompatible PD fluid contributed to decreased EPS development.

Conclusion

Both the longer duration of peritonitis and higher D/P Cr, as well as the longer PD duration, were risk factors for EPS development. Furthermore, use of biocompatible PD fluid contributed to the decrease in EPS development.
Pure invasive micropapillary carcinoma of the esophagogastric junction with lymph nodes and liver metastasis
Authors: Hattori Takuya , Sentani Kazuhiro , Hattori Yui , Oue Naohide , Yasui Wataru
Published: August 2016

Invasive micropapillary carcinoma (IMPC), an aggressive variant of adenocarcinoma, is associated with a poor prognosis. Although IMPC has been reported to occur in various organs, pure IMPC has only been reported in the breast, pancreas and colon. There are no reports of IMPC of the esophagogastric junction (EGJ). According to previous reports on gastric IMPC, IMPC occupied, at most, 90 % of the whole tumor. IMPC is reported to occur least frequently in the gastric cardia. We herein report a rare case of pure IMPC of the EGJ. A 71‐year‐old male patient presented with epigastric distress. Gastric endoscopy demonstrated an irregularly‐elevated lesion of 50 mm in diameter at the EGJ. The patient underwent proximal gastrectomy, resection of the regional lymph nodes and a punch biopsy of the liver. A histopathological examination revealed that almost all of the regions, including the lymph nodes and the sites of liver metastasis, contained IMPC and that a minute region (<1 % of the whole cancer) contained tubular or papillary adenocarcinoma. The further accumulation of pure IMPC cases like the present case would help to elucidate its pathogenesis.
Root‐knot nematodes do not affect black root rot disease severity on watermelon and bottle gourd
Authors: Shishido M. , Hata T. , Yokoyama T.
Published: August 2016

The effects of root‐knot nematodes on black root rot of watermelon and bottle gourd were studied using field surveys and co‐inoculation tests with Meloidogyne incognita (southern root‐knot nematode) and Diaporthe sclerotioides. The results of the field survey suggested that root‐knot nematodes had little effect on either the severity of black root rot or infection with D. sclerotioides. None of the three fields showed a significant positive correlation between disease severity and nematode gall index, with low correlation coefficients. Co‐inoculation experiments under controlled conditions found no significant effect of root‐knot nematodes on black root rot of watermelon and bottle gourd based on area under disease progress curves (AUDPC). These results were supported by the quantities of DNA of the two agents in root tissues because no significant difference was found between dual‐ and single‐inoculation treatments with M. incognita and/or D. sclerotioides. These findings suggest that root‐knot nematodes probably do not affect the infection of watermelon or bottle gourd roots by D. sclerotioides or the incidence of black root rot in these crops caused by this fungus.
Variation of pathotypes and races and their correlations with clonal lineages in Verticillium dahliae
Authors: Jiménez‐Díaz R. M. , Olivares‐García C. , Trapero‐Casas J. L. , Jiménez‐Gasco M. M. , Navas‐Cortés J. A. , Landa B. B. , Milgroom M. G.
Published: August 2016

Understanding pathogenic variation in plant pathogen populations is key for the development and use of host resistance for managing verticillium wilt diseases. A highly virulent defoliating (D) pathotype in Verticillium dahliae has previously been shown to occur only in one clonal lineage (lineage 1A). By contrast, no clear association has yet been shown for race 1 with clonal lineages. Race 1 carries the effector gene Ave1 and is avirulent on hosts that carry resistance gene Ve1 or its homologues. The hypothesis tested was that race 1 arose once in a single clonal lineage, which might be expected if V. dahliae acquired Ave1 by horizontal gene transfer from plants, as hypothesized previously. In a diverse sample of 195 V. dahliae isolates from nine clonal lineages, all race 1 isolates were present only in lineage 2A. Conversely, all lineage 2A isolates displayed the race 1 phenotype. Moreover, 900‐bp nucleotide sequences from Ave1 were identical among 27 lineage 2A isolates and identical to sequences from other V. dahliae race 1 isolates in GenBank. The finding of race 1 in a single clonal lineage, with identical Ave1 sequences, is consistent with the hypothesis that race 1 arose once in V. dahliae. Molecular markers and virulence assays also confirmed the well‐established finding that the D pathotype is found only in lineage 1A. Pathogenicity assays indicated that cotton and olive isolates of the D pathotype (lineage 1A) were highly virulent on cotton and olive, but had low virulence on tomato.
Adverse Infant Outcomes Associated with Discordant Gestational Age Estimates
Authors: Morken Nils‐Halvdan , Skjærven Rolv , Richards Jennifer L. , Kramer Michael R. , Cnattingius Sven , Johansson Stefan , Gissler Mika , Dolan Siobhan M. , Zeitlin Jennifer , Kramer Michael S. ,   the PREBIC Epidemiology Working Group
Published: August 2016

Background

Gestational age estimation by last menstrual period (LMP) vs. ultrasound (or best obstetric estimate in the US) may result in discrepant classification of preterm vs. term birth. We investigated whether such discrepancies are associated with adverse infant outcomes.

Methods

We studied singleton livebirths in the Medical Birth Registries of Norway, Sweden and Finland and US live birth certificates from 1999 to the most recent year available. Risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) by discordant and concordant gestational age estimation for infant, neonatal and post‐neonatal mortality, Apgar score <4 and <7 at 5 min, and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission were estimated using generalised linear models, adjusting for maternal age, education, parity, year of birth, and infant sex. Results were presented stratified by country.

Results

Compared to infants born at term by both methods, infants born preterm by ultrasound/best obstetric estimate but term by LMP had higher infant mortality risks (range of adjusted RRs 3.9 to 7.2) and modestly higher risks were obtained among infants born preterm by LMP but term by ultrasound/best obstetric estimate (range of adjusted RRs 1.6 to 1.9). Risk estimates for the other outcomes showed the same pattern. These findings were consistent across all four countries.

Conclusions

Infants classified as preterm by ultrasound/best estimate, but term by LMP have consistently higher risks of adverse outcomes than those classified as preterm by LMP but term by ultrasound/best estimate. Compared with ultrasound/best estimate, use of LMP overestimates the proportion of births that are preterm.
Dynamic Forecasting Conditional Probability of Bombing Attacks Based on Time‐Series and Intervention Analysis
Authors: Li Shuying , Zhuang Jun , Shen Shifei
Published: August 2016

In recent years, various types of terrorist attacks occurred, causing worldwide catastrophes. According to the Global Terrorism Database (GTD), among all attack tactics, bombing attacks happened most frequently, followed by armed assaults. In this article, a model for analyzing and forecasting the conditional probability of bombing attacks (CPBAs) based on time‐series methods is developed. In addition, intervention analysis is used to analyze the sudden increase in the time‐series process. The results show that the CPBA increased dramatically at the end of 2011. During that time, the CPBA increased by 16.0% in a two‐month period to reach the peak value, but still stays 9.0% greater than the predicted level after the temporary effect gradually decays. By contrast, no significant fluctuation can be found in the conditional probability process of armed assault. It can be inferred that some social unrest, such as America's troop withdrawal from Afghanistan and Iraq, could have led to the increase of the CPBA in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Pakistan. The integrated time‐series and intervention model is used to forecast the monthly CPBA in 2014 and through 2064. The average relative error compared with the real data in 2014 is 3.5%. The model is also applied to the total number of attacks recorded by the GTD between 2004 and 2014.
Identification of a novel HLA‐A*02 variant, HLA‐A*02:621, in a Taiwanese bone marrow donor
Authors: Yang K. L. , Chen S.‐P. , Lin P. Y.
Published: August 2016

One nucleotide replacement at residue 169 of HLA‐A*02:01:01:01 results in a new allele, HLA‐A*02:621.
Scoping review: strategies of providing care for children with chronic health conditions in low‐ and middle‐income countries
Authors: Graham Hamish , Tokhi Mariam , Duke Trevor
Published: August 2016

Objectives

To identify and review strategies of providing care for children living with chronic health conditions in low‐ and middle‐income countries.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE and Cochrane EPOC databases for papers evaluating strategies of providing care for children with chronic health conditions in low‐ or middle‐income countries. Data were systematically extracted using a standardised data charting form, and analysed according to Arksey and O'Malley's ‘descriptive analytical method’ for scoping reviews.

Results

Our search identified 71 papers addressing eight chronic conditions; two chronic communicable diseases (HIV and TB) accounted for the majority of papers (n = 37, 52%). Nine (13%) papers reported the use of a package of care provision strategies (mostly related to HIV and/or TB in sub‐Saharan Africa). Most papers addressed a narrow aspect of clinical care provision, such as patient education (n = 23) or task‐shifting (n = 15). Few papers addressed the strategies for providing care at the community (n = 10, 15%) or policy (n = 6, 9%) level. Low‐income countries were under‐represented (n = 24, 34%), almost exclusively involving HIV interventions in sub‐Saharan Africa (n = 21). Strategies and summary findings are described and components of future models of care proposed.

Conclusions

Strategies that have been effective in reducing child mortality globally are unlikely to adequately address the needs of children with chronic health conditions in low‐ and middle‐income settings. Current evidence mostly relates to disease‐specific, narrow strategies, and more research is required to develop and evaluate the integrated models of care, which may be effective in improving the outcomes for these children.
Effect of texture of platelet bags on bacterial and platelet adhesion
Authors: Hadjesfandiari Narges , Schubert Peter , Fallah Toosi Salma , Chen Zhongming , Culibrk Brankica , Ramirez‐Arcos Sandra , Devine Dana V. , Brooks Donald E.
Published: August 2016

BACKGROUND

Missed detection of Staphylococcus epidermidis contamination in platelet (PLT) storage bags by the standard 24‐hour‐postcollection BacT/ALERT screening test has been documented. A slow growth rate and the strong tendency of this bacterium to adhere to surfaces can contribute to missed detection of the pathogen.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Topography of two different PLT storage bag surfaces, textured (rough) and smooth surfaces of Terumo 80440 bags (designated A15), was studied. Adhesion of biofilm‐positive and ‐negative S. epidermidis strains on these surfaces was evaluated under static conditions. Quality of stored PLTs in A15 bags under blood bank conditions was compared for two different bag orientations (rough vs. smooth surface down) on Days 2, 5, and 7 of storage. PLT adhesion on the surfaces was evaluated after 7 days of storage.

RESULTS

Bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation were significantly higher on the rough surfaces of A15 bags compared to the smooth surfaces. After 7 days of storage in A15 bags, PLTs showed similar metabolite levels, pH, and response capacity in the bags with different orientation and more PLT adhesion and aggregation was observed on rough surfaces.

CONCLUSION

Higher bacterial adhesion on rough surfaces can contribute to missed detection of bacterial strains that tend to adhere on surfaces. PLT adhesion and aggregation on rough surfaces can affect the quality and safety of PLTs by promoting more bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation on surfaces.
A retrospective evaluation of contrast‐induced kidney injury in dogs (2006–2012)
Authors: Goic Joana B. , Koenigshof Amy M. , McGuire Lindsey D. , Klinger Anthony C. , Beal Matthew W.
Published: August 2016

Objective

To evaluate a population of dogs for evidence of contrast‐induced nephropathy (CIN).

Design

A retrospective case review between 2006 and 2012.

Setting

A university teaching hospital.

Animals

A total of 1,217 client‐owned dogs that were administered intravenous iodinated contrast agents were reviewed for evidence of CIN. Inclusion required a measured serum creatinine within 1 week prior as well as within 1 week following administration of contrast. Eighty‐six dogs with 92 contrast administrations qualified for inclusion.

Interventions

None.

Measurements and Main Results

CIN was defined as an increase in >44.2 μmol/L (0.5 mg/dL) from baseline creatinine concentration within 1 week following administration of an intravenous iodinated contrast agent. A total of 7.6% of contrast administrations (7/92) fulfilled the definition of CIN. The creatinine postcontrast administration as well as the change in creatinine concentration was significantly higher in the CIN group than in the non‐CIN group (median postcreatinine 150 μmol/L [1.7 mg/dL] versus 70.7 μmol/L [0.8 mg/dL], median change in creatinine 53 μmol/L [0.6 mg/dL] versus 0 μmol/L). Patient signalment, initial creatinine, number of total contrast administrations, dose of contrast received, duration of anesthesia, IV fluid administration, administration of nephrotoxic agents, and use or vasopressor therapy were not significantly different between groups.

Conclusions

The temporal association between contrast administration and renal injury in these cases highlights the potential for CIN in dogs. Due to the retrospective nature of this study, a causal association between contrast administration and renal injury cannot be determined. A prospective study is needed to further evaluate CIN in dogs.
LOW‐FIELD MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING APPEARANCE OF POSTARTHROSCOPIC MAGNETIC SUSCEPTIBILITY ARTIFACTS IN HORSES
Authors: Thomas Aurelie L. , Schramme Michael C. , Lepage Olivier M. , Segard Emilie M.
Published: August 2016

An awareness of magnetic susceptibility artifacts is important for interpreting prepurchase and postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies in horses. These artifacts occur when a metallic or a paramagnetic substance creates a local magnetic field deformity. Aims of the current experimental study were to determine prevalence of these artifacts after arthroscopy in a sample of nonlame horses, and to describe effects of time and type of pulse sequence on low‐field MRI signal intensity and detection of the artifacts. Ten, nonlame Standardbred horses were prospectively recruited. All horses underwent arthroscopy of both metacarpophalangeal joints for purposes unrelated to the study. Serial low‐Field MRI examinations were performed on each horse and each joint (before, and 6 and 12 weeks postsurgery). In two horses, more detailed longitudinal evaluations were performed with additional MRI examinations. Magnetic susceptibility artifacts were detected postoperatively at the surgical access sites in eight metacarpophalangeal joints at both 6 and 12 weeks after surgery (40% prevalence). Neither of the two longitudinally followed horses had artifacts at any time. Artifacts were only detected on gradient echo (GRE) sequences. Findings indicated that magnetic susceptibility artifacts can be present in postarthroscopy MRI studies in horses and can persist up to 12 weeks after arthroscopy. For this sample of horses, the artifacts did not interfere with evaluation of the joint. Further longitudinal studies are needed to determine the full duration of magnetic susceptibility artifact persistence in affected tissues.
Evaluation of an Axial Pattern Flap Based on the Cranial Cutaneous Branch of the Saphenous Artery: A Cadaveric Perfusion Study
Authors: Murdoch Andrew P. , Greenaway Sam N. , Owen Laura J. , Danielski Alan
Published: August 2016

Objectives

To confirm the anatomic location of the cranial cutaneous branch of the saphenous artery (CCSA), delineate the angiosome of the CCSA, and provide guidelines for clinical use of an axial pattern flap based on the CCSA.

Study Design

Anatomic study.

Animals

Greyhound cadavers (n=10).

Methods

Shortly after euthanasia, the CCSA was identified and isolated in each hindlimb. Methylene blue and radiographic perfusion studies were performed. The skin was freed from the thigh for photographic and radiographic images. The dimensions of the skin area suitable for use as an axial pattern flap were related to anatomical landmarks. Mock surgical elevation and transposition of the flap in 2 dogs allowed assessment of flap mobility and ease of donor site closure for clinical use.

Results

The CCSA was reliably identified in all dogs branching from the saphenous artery as it became superficial to the sartorius muscle, immediately distal to the caudal cutaneous branch and proximal to the genicular branches. Genicular branches were variably paired or singular. Perfusion studies defined the CCSA angiosome as the area cranial to the saphenous artery and caudal to the cranial border of the thigh, extending proximally from the level of the medial tibial condyle to two‐thirds of the distance to the inguinal ring.

Conclusion

An axial pattern flap based on the CCSA could be expected to cover skin defects of the cranial aspect of the distal thigh and stifle, the popliteal region caudal to the stifle, and the proximal medial crus.
Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing of a Novel Maxillofacial Surgery Instrument: Application in the Sagittal Split Osteotomy
Authors: Cansiz Erol , Turan Fatih , Arslan Yunus Ziya
Published: August 2016

Mandibular sagittal split osteotomy (SSO) is an operation performed for the correction of mandibular deformities. In this operation, sharp rotary tools are used during osteotomies and this can induce some complications. For example, if the inferior alveolar nerve is damaged, paralysis of the teeth, the lateral side of the tongue, and the corner of the lip can occur. To decrease the occurrence of such possible complications, we designed and manufactured a novel computer-assisted, patient-specific SSO guide and soft tissue retractor in our previous study. And, we first tested this apparatus on a cadaveric bone in vitro. Now, in this study, a surgical application of the instrument, which was designed and manufactured according to the requirements of the mandibular sagittal split osteotomies, was performed. This paper gives and discusses the results obtained from in vivo application of the apparatus.
Lipid specific molecular ion emission as a function of the primary ion characteristics in TOF-SIMS
Authors: Adams Kendra J. , DeBord John Daniel , Fernandez-Lima Francisco
Published: August 2016

In the present work, the emission characteristics of lipids as a function of the primary ion cluster size and energy were studied using time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS). Characteristic fragmentation patterns for common lipids are described, and changes in secondary ion (SI) yields using various primary ion beams are reported. In particular, emission characteristics were studied for pairs of small polyatomic and nanoparticle primary ion beams (e.g., Bi3+ versus Ar1000+ and Au3+ versus Au400+4) based on the secondary ion yield of characteristic fragment and intact molecular ions as a function of the lipid class. Detailed descriptions of the fragmentation patterns are shown for positive and negative mode TOF-SIMS. Results demonstrate that the lipid structure largely dictates the spectral presence of molecular and/or fragment ions in each ionization mode due to the localization of the charge carrier (head group or fatty acid chain). Our results suggest that the larger the energy per atom for small polyatomic projectiles (Bi3+ and Au3+), the larger the SI yield; in the case of nanoparticle projectiles, the SI increase with primary ion energy (200–500 keV range) for Au400+4 and with the decrease of the energy per atom (10–40 eV/atom range) for Arn=500-2000+ clusters. The secondary ion yield of the molecular ion of lipids from a single standard or from a mixture of lipids does not significantly change with the primary ion identity in the positive ion mode TOF-SIMS and slightly decreases in the negative ion mode TOF-SIMS.
Technical Note: Experimental results from a prototype high‐field inline MRI‐linac
Authors: Liney G. P. , Dong B. , Begg J. , Vial P. , Zhang K. , Lee F. , Walker A. , Rai R. , Causer T. , Alnaghy S. J. , Oborn B. M. , Holloway L. , Metcalfe P. , Barton M. , Crozier S. , Keall P.
Published: August 2016

Purpose:

The pursuit of real‐time image guided radiotherapy using optimal tissue contrast has seen the development of several hybrid magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐treatment systems, high field and low field, and inline and perpendicular configurations. As part of a new MRI‐linac program, an MRI scanner was integrated with a linear accelerator to enable investigations of a coupled inline MRI‐linac system. This work describes results from a prototype experimental system to demonstrate the feasibility of a high field inline MR‐linac.

Methods:

The magnet is a 1.5 T MRI system (Sonata, Siemens Healthcare) was located in a purpose built radiofrequency (RF) cage enabling shielding from and close proximity to a linear accelerator with inline (and future perpendicular) orientation. A portable linear accelerator (Linatron, Varian) was installed together with a multileaf collimator (Millennium, Varian) to provide dynamic field collimation and the whole assembly built onto a stainless‐steel rail system. A series of MRI‐linac experiments was performed to investigate (1) image quality with beam on measured using a macropodine (kangaroo) ex vivo phantom; (2) the noise as a function of beam state measured using a 6‐channel surface coil array; and (3) electron contamination effects measured using Gafchromic film and an electronic portal imaging device (EPID).

Results:

(1) Image quality was unaffected by the radiation beam with the macropodine phantom image with the beam on being almost identical to the image with the beam off. (2) Noise measured with a surface RF coil produced a 25% elevation of background intensity when the radiation beam was on. (3) Film and EPID measurements demonstrated electron focusing occurring along the centerline of the magnet axis.

Conclusions:

A proof‐of‐concept high‐field MRI‐linac has been built and experimentally characterized. This system has allowed us to establish the efficacy of a high field inline MRI‐linac and study a number of the technical challenges and solutions.
Effectiveness of Social Marketing Interventions to Promote Physical Activity Among Adults: A Systematic Review
Authors: Xia Yuan , Deshpande Sameer , Bonates Tiberius
Published: August 2016

Background:

Social marketing managers promote desired behaviors to an audience by making them tangible in the form of environmental opportunities to enhance benefits and reduce barriers. This study proposed “benchmarks,” modified from those found in the past literature, that would match important concepts of the social marketing framework and the inclusion of which would ensure behavior change effectiveness. In addition, we analyzed behavior change interventions on a “social marketing continuum” to assess whether the number of benchmarks and the role of specific benchmarks influence the effectiveness of physical activity promotion efforts.

Methods:

A systematic review of social marketing interventions available in academic studies published between 1997 and 2013 revealed 173 conditions in 92 interventions.

Results:

Findings based on χ2, Mallows’ Cp, and Logical Analysis of Data tests revealed that the presence of more benchmarks in interventions increased the likelihood of success in promoting physical activity. The presence of more than 3 benchmarks improved the success of the interventions; specifically, all interventions were successful when more than 7.5 benchmarks were present. Further, primary formative research, core product, actual product, augmented product, promotion, and behavioral competition all had a significant influence on the effectiveness of interventions.

Conclusions:

Social marketing is an effective approach in promoting physical activity among adults when a substantial number of benchmarks are used and when managers understand the audience, make the desired behavior tangible, and promote the desired behavior persuasively.
Home and Neighborhood Environment Predictors of Adolescents’ Screen Viewing
Authors: Bounova Anastasia , Michalopoulou Maria , Agelousis Nikolaos , Kourtessis Thomas , Gourgoulis Vassilios
Published: August 2016

Background:

Nowadays, the majority of adolescents exceed the AAP guidelines for screen use and this is likely to be a risk factor for obesity. The current study aims at investigating adolescent screen viewing in the context of home and neighborhood environment.

Methods:

A sample of 1141 adolescents as well as their parents participated in this survey. Adolescents were asked to complete a questionnaire about time spent on screen viewing behaviors. Respectively, parents completed a questionnaire concerning environmental predictors.

Results:

Almost two-thirds of the adolescents surveyed spend more than 2 hours per day on screen entertainment, with boys dealing with personal computers (PCs) and electronic games more than girls. The likelihood for an adolescent to exceed 2 hours of screen time is 3.87 times more when he has his meals in front of a TV screen on a daily basis, 1.69 times more when the TV is on, often as not on his return from school and 1.74 times more when there is a PC in the adolescent’s bedroom.

Conclusion:

Certain environmental predictors influence adolescents’ screen time, as a result, corrective intervention should aim at the family as a whole, as this whole shapes home environment.
Validity and Reliability of Smartphone Applications for the Assessment of Walking and Running in Normal-weight and Overweight/Obese Young Adults
Authors: Konharn Kurusart , Eungpinichpong Wichai , Promdee Kluaymai , Sangpara Paramaporn , Nongharnpitak Settapong , Malila Waradanai , Karawa Jirachai
Published: August 2016

Background:

The suitability of smartphone applications (apps) currently used to track walking/running may differ depending on a person’s weight condition. This study aimed to examine the validity and reliability of apps for both normal-weight and overweight/obese young adults.

Methods:

Thirty normal-weight (aged 21.7 ± 1.0 years, BMI 21.3 ± 1.9 kg/m2) and 30 overweight/ obese young adults (aged 21.0 ± 1.4 years, BMI 28.6 ± 3.7 kg/m2) wore a smartphone and pedometer on their right hip while walking/running at 3 different intensities on treadmills. Apps was randomly assigned to each individual for measuring average velocity, step count, distance, and energy expenditure (EE), and these measurements were then analyzed.

Results:

The apps were not accurate in counting most of the measured variables and data fell significantly lower in the parameters than those measured with standard-reference instruments in both light and moderate intensity activity among the normal-weight group. Among the overweight and obese group, the apps were not accurate in detecting velocity, distance, or EE during either light or vigorous intensities. The percentages of mean difference were 30.1% to 48.9%.

Conclusion:

Apps may not have sufficient accuracy to monitor important physical parameters of human body movement. Apps need to be developed that can, in particular, respond differently based on a person’s weight status.
Green Space and Physical Activity in Pregnant Women: Evidence From the Growing Up in New Zealand Study
Authors: Nichani Vikram , Dirks Kim , Burns Bruce , Bird Amy , Morton Susan , Grant Cameron
Published: August 2016

Background:

Exposure to green space has been associated with increased physical activity. However, it is not clear whether this association is because active people preferentially live in greener areas. Relationships between exposure to green space and physical activity during pregnancy are not well defined. Our objective was to determine whether exposure to green space was associated with physical activity in pregnant women.

Methods:

The current study was completed within the Growing Up in New Zealand cohort study of 6772 pregnant women. The proportion of green space in each census area unit was determined and geocoded to residential address. The association between exposure to green space and physical activity was determined using logistic regression analyses after controlling for confounding variables.

Results:

Exposure to green space was not associated with participation in physical activity during first trimester and the remainder of pregnancy once preference for living in greener neighborhoods was taken into account.

Conclusions:

The lack of association between green space and physical activity found in this study does not necessarily mean that living in green space will not translate into better pregnancy health. Preference for living in greener neighborhoods should be considered when investigating relationships between green space and physical activity.
The Influence of Weather Conditions on Outdoor Physical Activity Among Older People With and Without Osteoarthritis in 6 European Countries
Authors: Timmermans Erik J. , van der Pas Suzan , Dennison Elaine M. , Maggi Stefania , Peter Richard , Castell Maria Victoria , Pedersen Nancy L. , Denkinger Michael D. , Edwards Mark H. , Limongi Federica , Herbolsheimer Florian , Sánchez-Martínez Mercedes , Siviero Paola , Queipo Rocio , Schaap Laura A. , Deeg Dorly J.H. , _ _
Published: August 2016

Background:

Older adults with osteoarthritis (OA) often report that their disease symptoms are exacerbated by weather conditions. This study examines the association between outdoor physical activity (PA) and weather conditions in older adults from 6 European countries and assesses whether outdoor PA and weather conditions are more strongly associated in older persons with OA than in those without the condition.

Methods:

The American College of Rheumatology classification criteria were used to diagnose OA. Outdoor PA was assessed using the LASA Physical Activity Questionnaire. Data on weather parameters were obtained from weather stations.

Results:

Of the 2439 participants (65–85 years), 29.6% had OA in knee, hand and/or hip. Participants with OA spent fewer minutes in PA than participants without OA (Median = 42.9, IQR = 20.0 to 83.1 versus Median = 51.4, IQR = 23.6 to 98.6; P < .01). In the full sample, temperature (B = 1.52; P < .001) and relative humidity (B = –0.77; P < .001) were associated with PA. Temperature was more strongly associated with PA in participants without OA (B = 1.98; P < .001) than in those with the condition (B = 0.48; P = .47).

Conclusions:

Weather conditions are associated with outdoor PA in older adults in the general population. Outdoor PA and weather conditions were more strongly associated in older adults without OA than in their counterparts with OA.
Impact of Hot Yoga on Arterial Stiffness and Quality of Life in Overweight/Obese Adults
Authors: Hunter Stacy D. , Dhindsa Mandeep S. , Cunningham Emily , Tarumi Takashi , Alkatan Mohammed , Nualnim Nantinee , Tanaka Hirofumi
Published: August 2016

Background:

Obesity is associated with arterial stiffening and diminished quality of life. Bikram yoga may be a feasible alternative to traditional exercise among obese individuals. Accordingly, the purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of Bikram yoga, a heated style of hatha yoga, on arterial stiffness in normal and overweight/obese adults.

Methods:

Forty-three (23 normal body mass index or BMI; 20 overweight/obese) apparently healthy participants completed an 8-week Bikram yoga intervention. Body composition was estimated via dual energy x-ray absorptiometry, arterial stiffness was measured via brachialankle pulse wave velocity, and health-related quality of life was assessed via RAND 36-Item Short Form survey at baseline and at the end of the 8-week intervention.

Results:

After the intervention, brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity decreased (P < .05) in overweight/obese participants while no such changes were observed in normal BMI participants. In the quality of life measures, emotional well-being improved (P < .05) in both groups, and general health improved (P < .05) only in the normal weight BMI group.

Conclusion:

Bikram yoga ameliorates arterial stiffness in overweight/obese adults and can positively impact quality of life regardless of BMI.
Thymidine phosphorylase exerts complex effects on bone resorption and formation in myeloma
Authors: Liu Huan , Liu Zhiqiang , Du Juan , He Jin , Lin Pei , Amini Behrang , Starbuck Michael W. , Novane Nora , Shah Jatin J. , Davis Richard E. , Hou Jian , Gagel Robert F. , Yang Jing
Published: August 2016

Myeloma-expressed thymidine phosphorylase enhances bone lesion formation by acting on osteoclasts and osteoblasts.
Comment on “Absence of sperm RNA elements correlates with idiopathic male infertility”
Authors: Cappallo-Obermann Heike , Spiess Andrej-Nikolai
Published: August 2016

The spermatozoal population used for a recent RNA sequencing study may have been contaminated by somatic cell types because of an inefficient sperm purification procedure.
Factor XIa–specific IgG and a reversal agent to probe factor XI function in thrombosis and hemostasis
Authors: David Tovo , Kim Yun Cheol , Ely Lauren K. , Rondon Isaac , Gao Huilan , O’Brien Peter , Bolt Michael W. , Coyle Anthony J. , Garcia Jorge L. , Flounders Eric A. , Mikita Thomas , Coughlin Shaun R.
Published: August 2016

A noneffector, active site–dependent human IgG1 specific to factor XIa inhibits thrombus formation in two animal models at clinically relevant doses without a detectable effect on hemostasis.
On the right track
Authors: Shalek Alex K.
Published: August 2016

New tools enable more accurate analyses of 3D cellular trajectories by accounting for spatial constraints.