bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stability analysis of parabolic partial differential equations with piecewise continuous arguments
Authors: Wang Qi
Published: October 2016

This article deals with the analytic and numerical stability of numerical methods for a parabolic partial differential equation with piecewise continuous arguments of alternately retarded and advanced type. First, application of the theory of separation of variables in matrix form and the Fourier method, the necessary and sufficient condition under which the analytic solution is asymptotically stable is derived. Then, the θ‐methods are applied to solve the corresponding initial value problem, the sufficient conditions for the asymptotic stability of numerical methods are obtained. Finally, several numerical examples are presented to support the theoretical results. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 33: 531–545, 2017
Development of an Individualized Occupational Therapy Programme and its Effects on the Neurocognition, Symptoms and Social Functioning of Patients with Schizophrenia
Authors: Shimada Takeshi , Nishi Ai , Yoshida Tomotaka , Tanaka Sachie , Kobayashi Masayoshi
Published: October 2016

We described an individualized occupational therapy (IOT) programme and examined the effects of adding IOT to group OT (GOT) on improving neurocognition, symptoms and social functioning among recently hospitalized patients with schizophrenia. The Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia—Japanese version (BACS‐J), the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and the Global Assessment of Functioning scale were used for outcome evaluations. Fifty‐one patients were voluntarily assigned to either the GOT + IOT (n = 30) or GOT alone (n = 21) groups based on their preferences. Retention in the GOT + IOT group was 100%. Three‐month baseline to discharge assessments in the GOT + IOT group showed significant improvements in BACS‐J verbal memory, working memory, verbal fluency, attention, executive function and composite score, and in PANSS positive subscale, general psychopathology subscale, and total score compared to the GOT alone group. Study limitations notwithstanding, the present findings provide preliminary support for the feasibility of implementing IOT and its effectiveness for improving cognitive impairment and symptoms in patients with schizophrenia. The results of this study indicate that IOT in psychiatric facilities may improve psychosocial treatment of schizophrenia. Additional study is warranted to replicate the effects of IOT as demonstrated in this Japanese study. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Childhood Personality, Betrayal Trauma, and Leukocyte Telomere Length in Adulthood: A Lifespan Perspective on Conscientiousness and Betrayal Traumas as Predictors of a Biomarker of Cellular Ageing
Authors: Edmonds Grant W. , Hampson Sarah E. , Côté Hélène C. F. , Hill Patrick L. , Klest Bridget
Published: October 2016

Conscientiousness is associated with longevity. As such, identifying the biological pathways linking personality to mortality is important. This study employs longitudinal data spanning >40 years to test prospective associations with leukocyte telomere length (LTL), a potential marker of cellular ageing. Because telomeres shorten over time, and are sensitive to oxidative stress, shorter LTL may reflect cumulative damage associated with negative health behaviours and past stressful events. We investigated childhood conscientiousness as a protective factor, expecting an association with longer LTL in adulthood, possibly reflecting slower LTL shortening. Potential lifespan pathways involving childhood trauma, smoking behaviours, and body mass index (BMI) were explored. Childhood conscientiousness showed a small raw association with LTL (r = .08, p = .04), although this effect did not persist when controlling for age and sex. Despite this lack of a direct effect on LTL, we detected an indirect effect operating jointly through BMI and smoking. Higher rates of childhood betrayal trauma were associated with shorter LTL. Contrary to our hypothesis that conscientiousness would buffer this effect, we found evidence for an interaction with childhood betrayal traumas where the association between childhood betrayal traumas and LTL was larger for those higher on conscientiousness in childhood. Copyright © 2016 European Association of Personality Psychology
The Role of the Five–factor Personality Traits in General Self–rated Health
Authors: Kööts–Ausmees Liisi , Schmidt Monika , Esko Tõnu , Metspalu Andres , Allik Jüri , Realo Anu
Published: October 2016

Self–ratings of health (SRH) are widely used in large surveys and have been shown to predict mortality over and above more objective health measures. However, the debate still continues about what SRH actually represents and what the processes underlying people's assessments of their health are. The main aim of this study is to examine the role of the Five–Factor Model personality traits in general SRH assessment while controlling for the effects of objective health indicators, health–related quality of life and subjective well–being in a large population–based dataset of Estonian adults. A hierarchical linear regression analysis showed that only self–rated, but not informant–rated, neuroticism explained additional variance in SRH when the other aforementioned variables were taken into account. Our findings indicate that people's general SRH is a relatively good reflection of their objectively measured health status, but also that the way in which people experience and evaluate the quality of their lives—both in terms of subjective well–being and more specific aspects of health—plays a significant role in general SRH assessments. Copyright © 2016 European Association of Personality Psychology
Synergistic effects of hybrid carbon nanomaterials in room‐temperature‐vulcanized silicone rubber
Authors: Kumar Vineet , Lee Jin‐Yong , Lee Dong‐Joo
Published: October 2016

This work examines nanocomposites based on nanofillers and room‐temperature‐vulcanized silicone rubber. The carbon nanofillers used were conductive carbon black (CB), carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene (GE). Vulcanizates for CB, GE, CNTs as the only filler and hybrid fillers using CNTs, CB and GE were prepared by solution mixing. The elastic modulus for CNT hybrid with CB at 15 phr (4.65 MPa) was higher than for CB hybrid with GE (3.13 MPa) and CNTs/CB/GE as the only filler. Similarly, the resistance for CNT hybrid with CB at 10 phr (0.41 kΩ) was lower than for CB (0.84 kΩ) at 20 phr and CNTs as the only filler. These improvements result from efficient filler networking, a synergistic effect among the carbon nanomaterials, the high aspect ratio of CNTs and the improved filler dispersion in the rubber matrix. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Stable Fluorescence of Green‐Emitting Carbon Nanodots as a Potential Nanothermometer in Biological Media
Authors: Jiang Kaili , Wu Jiapeng , Wu Qian , Wang Xiaojie , Wang Chuanxi , Li Yunxing
Published: October 2016

Temperature measurement in biology and medical diagnostics is of great importance. Herein, a novel carbon nanodot (CND) based fluorescent nanothermometry device for spatially resolved temperature measurements is demonstrated. The fluorescence CNDs are prepared by a simple one‐pot solvothermal method using sucrose as carbon source. Resultant CNDs show stable green fluorescence at 520 nm with high quantum yield (≈6%). The fluorescence of resultant CNDs exhibits a reversible linear response to temperature in a wide range of 20–85 °C. Moreover, the temperature resolution better than 0.5 °C and high sensitive variation of ≈1.3% °C−1 are observed in a broad physiological temperature range of 20–40 °C. Therefore, the as‐prepared CNDs possess high water solubility, stable fluorescence, small size, and good biocompatibility, which make them promising candidate for thermometry and cell imaging in biological media.
Is impaired glucose metabolism the missing piece in the obesity‐asthma puzzle?
Authors: Ali‐Dinar Tarig , Lang Jason E.
Published: October 2016

Obesity is a major risk factor for several conditions including atherosclerotic disease, metabolic syndrome, and upper airway dysfunction. However, the purported link between obesity and asthma has remained more difficult to define, in part due to limitations in past epidemiologic studies and the inherent challenge in accurately defining asthma in children. It is possible that obesity leads to asthma only in the presence of a mediating variable such as an obesity‐related conditions such as esophageal reflux or insulin resistance. The article by Karampatakis and colleagues in this week's edition of the journal is important because it addresses the hypothesis that altered glucose metabolism/insulin resistance associates with bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR), a central and objectively measured marker of asthma. They studied pre‐pubertal children with and without asthma with a range of body mass indices and found for the first time in pre‐pubertal asthmatic children that both insulin resistance and impaired glucose tolerance were more closely related to BHR than was obesity. Their work opens the way for directed mechanistic study of the effects of impaired glucose metabolism on airway development during childhood and airway responsiveness, and for the study of insulin sensitizing therapies in children to prevent lower airway disease. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2017;52:147–150. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Deciphering metal ion preference and primary coordination sphere robustness of a designed zinc finger with high‐resolution mass spectrometry
Authors: Laitaoja Mikko , Isoniemi Sari , Valjakka Jarkko , Mándity István M. , Jänis Janne
Published: October 2016

Small zinc finger (ZnF) motifs are promising molecular scaffolds for protein design owing to their structural robustness and versatility. Moreover, their characterization provides important insights into protein folding in general. ZnF motifs usually possess an exceptional specificity and high affinity towards Zn(II) ion to drive folding. While the Zn(II) ion is canonically coordinated by two cysteine and two histidine residues, many other coordination spheres also exist in small ZnFs, all having four amino acid ligands. Here we used high‐resolution mass spectrometry to study metal ion binding specificity and primary coordination sphere robustness of a designed zinc finger, named MM1. Based on the results, MM1 possesses high specificity for zinc with sub‐micromolar binding affinity. Surprisingly, MM1 retains metal ion binding affinity even in the presence of selective alanine mutations of the primary zinc coordinating amino acid residues.
Determination of the ribosome structure to a resolution of 2.5 Å by single‐particle cryo‐EM
Authors: Liu Zheng , Gutierrez‐Vargas Cristina , Wei Jia , Grassucci Robert A. , Sun Ming , Espina Noel , Madison‐Antenucci Susan , Tong Liang , Frank Joachim
Published: October 2016

With the advance of new instruments and algorithms, and the accumulation of experience over decades, single‐particle cryo‐EM has become a pivotal part of structural biology. Recently, we determined the structure of a eukaryotic ribosome at 2.5 Å for the large subunit. The ribosome was derived from Trypanosoma cruzi, the protozoan pathogen of Chagas disease. The high‐resolution density map allowed us to discern a large number of unprecedented details including rRNA modifications, water molecules, and ions such as Mg2+ and Zn2+. In this paper, we focus on the procedures for data collection, image processing, and modeling, with particular emphasis on factors that contributed to the attainment of high resolution. The methods described here are readily applicable to other macromolecules for high‐resolution reconstruction by single‐particle cryo‐EM.
Positron probing of disordered regions in neutron‐irradiated silicon
Authors: Arutyunov Nikolay , Bennett Nick , Wight Neil , Krause‐Rehberg Reinhard , Emtsev Vadim , Abrosimov Nikolay , Kozlovski Vitalii
Published: October 2016

The vacancy‐rich disordered regions (DR) playing a key role in improving the thermoelectric figure‐of‐merit of silicon thermoelectric generators by reducing (by ∼90%) the thermal conductivity, have been probed with positrons. The DR were created by irradiating n‐Cz‐Si(P) material with the fast reactor neutrons. The parameter of the electron density rs′ ≈ 2.18 a.u. contacting positrons in DR has been reconstructed using the data of the angular correlation of the annihilation radiation (ACAR); the amendments to the rs′ value associated with the ion core electrons were taken into account. It is argued that the ion cores of atoms of silicon as well as the ones of the as‐grown impurities (O, C) are involved in the open vacancy volume to be probed with positrons: a relaxation of the ion cores directed inward toward the vacancy volume seems to take place. These positron traps are formed beyond the vacancy‐rich area of the disordered region. In the course of isochronal annealing, the traps are stable up to Tanneal. ≈ 520 °C when a recovery of ACAR parameters begins and then it continues up to ∼1050 °C.

A vacancy center containing positrons in the open vacancy volume beyond the vacancy‐rich area of the disordered region is shown schematically. The emission of electron–positron annihilation gamma‐quanta dominates from within these positron traps. The values of both the electron–positron ion core radius (rm) and electron density (parameter rs′) suggest a relaxation directed toward inwards the open vacancy volume: the impurity atoms of oxygen and carbon are, perhaps, involved in the center.
Effect of surface finishing on the formation of nanostructure and corrosion behavior of Ni–Ti alloy
Authors: Viswanathan S. , Mohan L. , John Siju , Bera Parthasarathi , Anandan C.
Published: October 2016

In the present work, we have investigated the formation of nanostructured oxide layers by anodic oxidation on different surface finished (mirror finished, 600 and 400 grit polished) nickel–titanium alloy (Ni–Ti) in electrolyte solution containing ethylene glycol and NH4F. The anodized surface has been characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The corrosion behaviors of the Ni–Ti substrate and anodized samples have been investigated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and potentiodynamic polarization in simulated body fluid (Hanks' solution). The results show that the native oxide on the substrate is replaced by nanostructures through anodization process. XPS of Ni–Ti substrate shows the presence of Ni0, NiO, Ti0 and TiO2 species, whereas Ni2O3 and Ni(OH)2 and TiO2 are observed in the samples after anodization. Corrosion resistance of the anodized sample is comparable with that of the untreated sample. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation of PEGylated Layer‐by‐Layer Polyelectrolyte‐Coated Paclitaxel Nanocrystals
Authors: Polomska Anna , Gauthier Marc A. , Leroux Jean‐Christophe
Published: October 2016

Drug nanocrystals (NCs) are colloidal dispersions composed almost entirely of drug. As such, there is substantial interest in targeting them to diseased tissues, where they can locally deliver high doses of the therapeutic. However, because of their uncontrolled dissolution characteristics in vivo and uptake by the monomolecular phagocyte system, achieving tumor accumulation is challenging. To address these issues, a layer‐by‐layer approach is adopted to coat paclitaxel NCs with alternating layers of oppositely charged polyelectrolytes, using a PEGylated copolymer as the top layer. The coating successfully slows down dissolution in comparison to the noncoated NCs and to Abraxane (an approved paclitaxel nanoformulation), provides colloidal stability in physiologically relevant media, and has no intrinsic effect on cell viability at the concentrations tested. Nevertheless, their pharmacokinetic and biodistribution profile indicates that the NCs are rapidly cleared from the bloodstream followed by accumulation in the mononuclear phagocyte system organs (i.e., liver and spleen). This is hypothesized to be a consequence of the shedding of the PEGylated polyelectrolyte from the NCs' surface. While therapeutic efficacy was not investigated (due to poor tumor accumulation), overall, this work questions whether approaches that rely solely on electrostatic interactions for retaining coatings on the surfaces of NCs are appropriate for use in vivo.
Creation of an IEC 62304 compliant software development plan
Authors: Rust Peter , Flood Derek , McCaffery Fergal
Published: October 2016

Organizations engaged in medical device software development are required to demonstrate compliance with a set of medical device standards and regulations before the device can be marketed. One such standard IEC 62304, Medical Device Software—Software Life Cycle Processes, defines the processes that are required in order to develop safe software. Demonstrating compliance with IEC 62304 can be problematic for organizations that are new to or have limited experience in the domain. The standard defines what processes must be carried out but does not state how. In a review of a number of such organizations, it was found that the development of a software development plan proved to be a difficult task. In this work we have created a software development plan template to assist organizations with this arduous task. The software development plan template will be validated with these organizations as part of the future work.
Amylose–lipid complex production and potential health benefits: A mini‐review
Authors: Panyoo A. Emmanuel , Emmambux M. Naushad
Published: October 2016

Amylose–lipid complexes (ALCs) are classified as resistant starch types III or V. This paper reviews the ALCs production methods and health benefits and provides an outlook of the future. ALCs can be produced in the lab to obtain pure compounds; lipids (mostly fatty acids or monoacyl glycerol) are added to starch and heat‐processed in excess water by extrusion cooking or steam‐jet cooking to produce the starch–lipid complexes. However, information concerning the occurrence of ALCs in foods such as cereals and root‐based porridges is limited. ALCs include the portion of starch that resists digestion by human pancreatic amylase in the small intestine and thus reaches the colon to be fermented by gut microbes. ALCs are of great nutritional interest because it may have physiological effects similar to dietary fibre. The regular consumption of foods containing ALCs has been shown to reduce blood glucose levels in humans and the proliferation of colon cancer in rats. ALCs are a potential fat replacement in food and can encapsulate bioactive compounds with fatty acid esters.
Analysis of 62 synthetic cannabinoids by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry with photoionization
Authors: Akutsu Mamoru , Sugie Ken-ichi , Saito Koichi
Published: October 2016

Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) in electron ionization (EI) mode is one of the most commonly used techniques for analysis of synthetic cannabinoids, because the GC–EI-MS spectra contain characteristic fragment ions for identification of a compound; however, the information on its molecular ions is frequently lacking. To obtain such molecular ion information, GC–MS in chemical ionization (CI) mode is frequently used. However, GC–CI-MS requires a relatively tedious process using reagent gas such as methane or isobutane. In this study, we show that GC–MS in photoionization (PI) mode provided molecular ions in all spectra of 62 synthetic cannabinoids, and 35 of the 62 compounds showed only the molecular radical cations. Except for the 35 compounds, the PI spectra showed very simple patterns with the molecular peak plus only a few fragment peak(s). An advantage is that the ion source for GC–PI-MS can easily be used for GC–EI-MS as well. Therefore, GC–EI/PI-MS will be a useful tool for the identification of synthetic cannabinoids contained in a dubious product. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report to use GC–PI-MS for analysis of synthetic cannabinoids.
Sesame Oil and Rice Bran Oil Ameliorates Adjuvant‐Induced Arthritis in Rats: Distinguishing the Role of Minor Components and Fatty Acids
Authors: Yadav Nayana Venugopal , Sadashivaiah  , Ramaiyan Breetha , Acharya Pooja , Belur Lokesh , Talahalli Ramaprasad Ravichandra
Published: October 2016

Though present in small amounts, the minor constituents of dietary oils may supplement the dietary therapies for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Hence, in the present study, we assessed the effect of minor constituents from sesame oil (SO) and rice bran oil (RBO) and their fatty acids on the severity of adjuvant‐induced arthritis in experimental rats. Rats were gavaged with 1 mL of SO or RBO or groundnut oil (GNO, control) with or without its minor components for a period 15 days before and 15 days after the induction of arthritis. Oxidative stress, markers of RA, eicosanoids, cytokines, paw swelling and joint integrity were measured in experimental and control rats. Results demonstrated that native SO and RBO but not SO and RBO stripped of their minor components decreased severity of paw inflammation, oxidative stress (lipid peroxides, protein carbonyls, nitric oxide), RA markers (RF and CRP), inflammatory eicosanoids (PGE2, LTB4 and LTC4) and cytokines (IL‐1β, IL‐6, MCP‐1 and TNF‐α) compared to control rats. Native SO and RBO inhibited hydrolytic enzymes (collagenase, elastase and hyaluronidase) in the synovial tissue compared to SO and RBO without minor components. The arthritic scores assessed based on the digital and X‐ray images indicated that native oils but not those without their minor components reduced the paw swelling and bone loss. Our results indicated that minor components of SO and RBO possess a significant degree of an anti‐arthritic effect and are responsible for down regulating inflammation in the experimentally induced arthritis in rats.
Using evidence to strengthen accountability for health financing in Sierra Leone
Authors: Lebbie Sowo A. , Le Voir Rosanna , Tom‐Kargbo Joanna , Yilla Mohamed Drissa , Kamara Abu Bakarr , Nam Sara L.
Published: October 2016

In 2012, the government of Sierra Leone cut the national budget allocation to the health sector. Civil society organizations planned a nationwide health budget advocacy campaign, coinciding with the 2012 general elections, to hold future leaders to account on financing for women's and children's health. As part of the campaign, Evidence for Action produced district health budget tracking scorecards. The scorecards presented Ministry of Finance data on the allocation and disbursement of health funds in each district. The data were communicated using simple, non‐technical language so that citizens could understand the key messages and take action. A total of 5600 scorecards were shared at district electoral forums attended by political candidates, community members, and health activists. Since the election, the proportion of the total government budget allocated to health increased from 7.4% in 2012 to 11.2% in 2014. However, transforming politicians’ commitments and pledges into implementation has been challenging, confirming that accountability is a long‐term process.
Associations of Caspase‐3 gene polymorphism with lumbar disc herniation
Authors: Fang Yi , Qiu Jun , Jiang Zong‐Bin , Xu Sheng‐Rong , Zhou Zeng‐Hua , He Rui‐Lin
Published: October 2016

To investigate Caspase‐3 gene polymorphisms (rs4647693 G/A, rs4647610 A/G, and rs12108497 T/C) and susceptibility to lumbar intervertebral disc herniation (LDH). The genotype frequency distributions of the polymorphisms were detected by polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism in 107 LDH patients (case group) and 121 healthy individuals (control group). SHEsis software was used to conduct gene linkage disequilibrium and haplotype analysis. Regression analysis was used to analyze possible risk factors for LDH. Statistically significant differences in family history of LDH, amateur sports, leisure activities, bed types, and spine load grade were found between the case and control groups. The distribution of allele and genotype frequencies of rs4647693 G/A, rs4647610 A/G, and rs12108497 T/C polymorphisms of Caspase‐3 were significantly different between the case and control groups. Haplotype analysis showed that the G‐G‐C (rs4647693‐rs4647610‐rs12108497) haplotype might be a risk factor for LDH, whereas the A‐A‐T haplotype might be a protective factor (p < 0.05). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that the GA+AA genotype of rs4647693 was negatively associated with the risk of LDH, whereas high spine load grade was positively associated with the risk of LDH. These findings revealed that rs4647693 G/A, rs4647610 A/G, and rs12108497 T/C polymorphisms of Caspase‐3 may be associated with susceptibility to LDH and that interaction and modification effects may exist between Caspase‐3 polymorphisms.
Systemic risk, macro-prudential regulation and organizational diversity in banking
Authors: Butzbach Olivier
Published: October 2016

Since the 2007–2008 global banking crisis, systemic risk has become the central target of policy design in banking regulation in many countries. At the same time, a growing attention has been paid to the systemic importance of bank heterogeneity. The need for diversity has even found its way into official policy documents, both at the European and national level. However, most of the new thinking on the regulatory reforms targeting systemic risk has been conducted within the framework of macro-prudential regulation, which may not be adequate to deal with diversity-related causes of systemic risk. This paper aims, therefore, at contributing to the growing literature on the relationship between systemic risk and banking regulation by (i) explicating the links between systemic risk and banking diversity; (ii) discussing the adequacy of macro and micro-prudential policy instruments to address diversity-related causes of systemic risk in banking; and (iii) laying out a basic framework for diversity-enhancing policies.
A MIXTURE MODEL FOR PAYMENTS AND PAYMENT NUMBERS IN CLAIMS RESERVING
Authors: Gigante Patrizia , Picech Liviana , Sigalotti Luciano
Published: October 2016

We consider a Tweedie's compound Poisson regression model with fixed and random effects, to describe the payment numbers and the incremental payments, jointly, in claims reserving. The parameter estimates are obtained within the framework of hierarchical generalized linear models, by applying theh-likelihood approach. Regression structures are allowed for the means and also for the dispersions. Predictions and prediction errors of the claims reserves are evaluated. Through the parameters of the distributions of the random effects, some external information (e.g. a development pattern of industry wide-data) can be incorporated into the model. A numerical example shows the impact of external data on the reserve and prediction error evaluations.
Hegel, Liberalism and the Pitfalls of Representative Democracy
Authors: Ferro Bernardo
Published: October 2016

Although Hegel is very critical of representative democracy, his views on political participation are in many ways richer and more sophisticated than the ones favoured today by most Western societies. The present paper aims to shed light on this apparent paradox by dispelling some of the misunderstandings still associated with Hegel’s ethical and political thought. I argue, on the one hand, that Hegel’s emphasis on the notion of freedom does not amount to an endorsement of political liberalism, but to a critique of its underlying principles. On the other hand, I show that the Hegelian theory of the modern state, albeit falling short of a fully democratic constitutional solution, is by no means opposed to social justice or political pluralism. Hegel views political freedom as the result of a global web of mutual recognition, embodied by social institutions destined to bridge the gap between private and communal interests. Despite the ambiguous and outdated elements of Hegel’s description, I believe his overall solution remains uniquely relevant, and an important source for the ongoing debate about the merits and limitations of contemporary democracies.
Multidrug-Resistant Organisms Detected More Than 48 Hours After Hospital Admission Are Not Necessarily Hospital-Acquired
Authors: Erb Stefan , Frei Reno , Dangel Marc , Widmer Andreas F.
Published: October 2016

BACKGROUND

Infections and colonization with multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) identified >48 hours after hospital admission are considered healthcare-acquired according to the definition of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Some may originate from delayed diagnosis rather than true acquisition in the hospital, potentially diluting the impact of infection control programs. In addition, such infections are not necessarily reimbursed in a healthcare system based on the diagnosis-related groups (DRGs).

OBJECTIVE

The goal of the study was to estimate the preventable proportion of healthcare-acquired infections in a tertiary care hospital in Switzerland by analyzing patients colonized or infected with MDROs.

METHODS

All hospitalized patients with healthcare-acquired MDRO infection or colonization (HAMIC) or according to the CDC definition (CDC-HAMIC) were prospectively assessed from 2002 to 2011 to determine whether there was evidence for nosocomial transmission. We utilized an additional work-up with epidemiological, microbiological, and molecular typing data to determine the true preventable proportion of HAMICs.

RESULTS

Overall, 1,190 cases with infection or colonization with MDROs were analyzed; 274 (23.0%) were classified as CDC-HAMICs. Only 51.8% of CDC-HAMICs had confirmed evidence of hospital-acquisition and were considered preventable. Specifically, 57% of MRSA infections, 83.3% of VRE infections, 43.9% of ESBL infections, and 74.1% of non-ESBL MDRO infections were preventable HAMICs.

CONCLUSIONS

The CDC definition overestimates the preventable proportion of HAMICs with MDROs by more than 50%. Relying only on the CDC definition of HAMICs may lead to inaccurate measurement of the impact of infection control interventions and to inadequate reimbursement under the DRG system.

Infect. Control Hosp. Epidemiol. 2016;1–6
An Antimicrobial Stewardship Program Based on Systematic Infectious Disease Consultation in a Rehabilitation Facility
Authors: Tedeschi Sara , Trapani Filippo , Giannella Maddalena , Cristini Francesco , Tumietto Fabio , Bartoletti Michele , Liverani Annalisa , Pignanelli Salvatore , Toni Luisa , Pederzini Roberto , Cavina Augusto , Viale Pierluigi
Published: October 2016

OBJECTIVE

To assess the impact of an antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP) on antibiotic consumption, Clostridium difficile infections (CDI), and antimicrobial resistance patterns in a rehabilitation hospital.

DESIGN

Quasi-experimental study of the periods before (from January 2011 to June 2012) and after (from July 2012 to December 2014) ASP implementation.

SETTING

150-bed rehabilitation hospital dedicated to patients with spinal-cord injuries.

INTERVENTION

Beginning in July 2012, an ASP was implemented based on systematic bedside infectious disease (ID) consultation and structural interventions (ie, revision of protocols for antibiotic prophylaxis and education focused on the appropriateness of antibiotic prescriptions). Antibiotic consumption, occurrence of CDI, and antimicrobial resistance patterns of selected microorganisms were compared between periods before and after the ASP implementation.

RESULTS

Antibiotic consumption decreased from 42 to 22 defined daily dose (DDD) per 100 patient days (P<.001). The main reductions involved carbapenems (from 13 to 0.4 DDD per 100 patient days; P=.01) and fluoroquinolones (from 11.8 to 0.99 DDD per 100 patient days; P=.006), with no increases in mortality or length of stay. The incidence of CDI decreased from 3.6 to 1.2 cases per 10,000 patient days (P=.001). Between 2011 and 2014, the prevalence of extensively drug-resistant (XDR) strains decreased from 55% to 12% in P. aeruginosa (P<.001) and from 96% to 73% in A. baumannii (P=.03). The prevalence of ESBL-producing strains decreased from 42% to 17% in E. coli (P=.0007) and from 62% to 15% in P. mirabilis (P=.0001). In K. pneumoniae, the prevalence of carbapenem-resistant strains decreased from 42% to 17% (P=.005), and the prevalence of in methicillin-resistant S. aureus strains decreased from 77% to 40% (P<.0008).

CONCLUSIONS

An ASP based on ID consultation was effective in reducing antibiotic consumption without affecting patient outcomes and in improving antimicrobial resistance patterns in a rehabilitation hospital.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2016;1–7
Territory, religion, and vote: nationalization of politics and the Catholic party in Italy
Authors: Ignazi Piero , Wellhofer Spencer
Published: October 2016

This analysis challenges the consensus that, in post-war Italy the Catholic party [Democrazia Cristiana (Dc)], actively supported by the Catholic Church, fostered a process of vote nationalization. The paper, drawing upon a more fine-grained level of analysis, different statistical measures, and within and across regional models, provides a more nuanced interpretation. According to our analysis, although the Dc effectively acted as a homogenizing agent until the late 1970s, after that decade the processes of modernization and secularization fostered the decline of religious-based politics, and of the Dc itself. Such decline opened the way for the re-emergence of a territorial cleavage and a consequent dis-homogenization of Italian electoral politics. The paper demonstrated that the impact of modernization and secularization on the vote for the Catholic party is more significant considering the five Italy’s geo-political areas rather than the country as a whole. Moreover, the divergent path in the five areas testifies the re-emergence of territory in the Italian electoral behaviour. Territorial heterogeneity, modernization, and secularization were central to the collapse of the Dc.
British Conservatism and the Indian Revolt: The Annexation of Awadh and the Consequences of Liberal Empire, 1856–1858
Authors: Stubbings Matthew
Published: October 2016

This article examines how the East India Company's 1856 annexation of the Indian Kingdom of Awadh informed British Conservative responses to the Indian Revolt in 1857 and 1858. Addressing scholarship on Britain's reaction to the revolt and political engagement with Indian empire, this study reveals that Conservatives interpreted this event with a veneration for locality and prescription. Criticism from company officials and Awadh's deposed royal family informed Conservative perceptions that British exploitation and westernization were responsible for military rebellion and popular upheaval. Principally, this reflected Conservative skepticism regarding liberal modernity as well as support for prescribed aristocratic, propertied, and established church interests in Britain. Their response, expressed in Parliament and supported in conservative periodicals, was the 1858 Queen's Proclamation authored by Edward Smith-Stanley, the 14th Earl of Derby's Conservative government. The proclamation established a lasting imperial framework which defined the crown's obligation to uphold India's political, social, and cultural differences and separation from Britain. Future Conservatives strengthened British views of India's distinctiveness by supporting perceived traditional leaders and customs over uniform western administration and education.
Immigration and the Common Profit: Native Cloth Workers, Flemish Exiles, and Royal Policy in Fourteenth-Century London
Authors: Lambert Bart , Pajic Milan
Published: October 2016

This article reconstructs a crucial episode in the relationship between the English crown, its subjects and the kingdom's immigrant population. It links the murder of about forty Flemings in London during the Peasants’ Revolt in June 1381 to the capital's native cloth workers’ dissatisfaction with the government's economic immigration policy. We argue that, in the course of the fourteenth century, the crown developed a new policy aimed at attracting skilled workers from abroad. Convinced that their activities benefited the common profit of the realm, the crown remained deaf to the concerns of London's native weavers, who claimed that the work of exiled Flemish cloth workers in the city encroached on their privileges. Confronted for more than twenty-five years with political obstruction, the native weavers increasingly resorted to physical aggression against their Flemish counterparts, which came to a dramatic conclusion in 1381. The dissatisfaction of London's cloth workers and the massacre of the Flemings thus had much in common with the frustrations over the royal government's policy that had been fermenting for decades among many other groups in society: all came to the surface during the Peasants’ Revolt.
Batchelor Prize Lecture Fluid dynamics at the scale of the cell
Authors: Goldstein Raymond E.
Published: October 2016

The world of cellular biology provides us with many fascinating fluid dynamical phenomena that lie at the heart of physiology, development, evolution and ecology. Advances in imaging, micromanipulation and microfluidics over the past decade have made possible high-precision measurements of such flows, providing tests of microhydrodynamic theories and revealing a wealth of new phenomena calling out for explanation. Here I summarize progress in four areas within the field of ‘active matter’: cytoplasmic streaming in plant cells, synchronization of eukaryotic flagella, interactions between swimming cells and surfaces and collective behaviour in suspensions of microswimmers. Throughout, I emphasize open problems in which fluid dynamical methods are key ingredients in an interdisciplinary approach to the mysteries of life.
Scattering of SH Wave by a Cylindrical Inclusion and a Semi-Cylindrical Hollow Near Vertical Interface Crack in the Bi-Material Half Space
Authors: Qi H. , Zhang X.-M. , Cheng H.-Y. , Xiang M.
Published: October 2016

With the aid of the Green's function method and complex function method, the scattering problem of SH-wave by a cylindrical inclusion and a semi-cylindrical hollow in the bi-material half space is considered to obtain the steady state response. Firstly, by the means of the image method, the essential solution of displacement field as well as Green's function is constructed which satisfies the stress free on the horizontal boundary in a right-angle space including a cylindrical inclusion and a semi-cylindrical hollow and bearing a harmonic out-plane line source force at any point on the vertical boundary. Secondly, the bi-material half space is divided into two parts along the vertical interface, and the first kind of Fredholm integral equations containing undetermined anti-plane forces at the linking section is established by “the conjunction method” and “the crack-division method”, the integral equations are reduced to the algebraic equations consisting of finite items by effective truncation. Finally, dynamic stress concentration factor around the edge of cylindrical inclusion and dynamic stress intensity factor at crack tip are calculated, and the influences of effect of interface and different combination of material parameters, etc. on dynamic stress concentration factor and dynamic stress intensity factor are discussed.
Will my numbers add up correctly if I round them?
Authors: Hopkins David
Published: October 2016

I recently wrote a solution to a student problem. The answers were the probabilities for four possible outcomes. As a check on the calculations, I wanted to say ‘As expected, these probabilities add up to 1.’ However, they didn't! Because of rounding, the probabilities (which I was quoting to four decimal places) only added up to 0.9999. To rescue the situation I tried rounding to 3DP or 5DP instead, but these didn't add up correctly either.
Letter Games: a metamathematical taster
Authors: Paseau A. C.
Published: October 2016

Metamathematics is the mathematical study of mathematics itself. Two of its most famous theorems were proved by Kurt Gödel in 1931. In a simplified form, Gödel's first incompleteness theorem states that no reasonable mathematical system can prove all the truths of mathematics. Gödel's second incompleteness theorem (also simplified) in turn states that no reasonable mathematical system can prove its own consistency. Another famous undecidability theorem is that the Continuum Hypothesis is neither provable nor refutable in standard set theory. Many of us logicians were first attracted to the field as students because we had heard something of these results. All research mathematicians know something of them too, and have at least a rough sense of why ‘we can't prove everything we want to prove’.
Less than equable Heronian triangles
Authors: Dolan Stan
Published: October 2016

It is well known that there are precisely five integer-sided triangles which have equal area, Δ, and perimeter, P. These triangles are called equable Heronian triangles.

A proof of this result was given by Whitworth [1]. Since Whitworth's time, much attention has been given to triangles whose areas are integer multiples of their perimeters, for example [2, 3]. However, as this paper will show, Heronian triangles with areas less than their perimeters have some mathematical interest.
Metabolic abnormality in the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in patients with obsessive–compulsive disorder: proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy
Authors: Park Shin-Eui , Choi Nam-Gil , Jeong Gwang-Woo
Published: October 2016

Objective

Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) was used to evaluate metabolic changes in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) in patients with obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD).

Methods

In total, 14 OCD patients (mean age 28.9±7.2 years) and 14 healthy controls (mean age 32.6±7.1 years) with no history of neurological and psychiatric illness participated in this study. Brain metabolite concentrations were measured from a localised voxel on the right DLPFC using a 3-Tesla 1H-MRS.

Results

The metabolic concentration of myo-inositol in patients with OCD increased significantly by 52% compared with the healthy controls, whereas glutamine/glutamate was decreased by 11%. However, there were no significant differences in N-acetylaspartate, choline, lactate and lipid between the two groups.

Conclusion

These findings would be helpful to understand the pathophysiology of OCD associated with the brain metabolic abnormalities in the right DLPFC.
Heuristics in Context
Authors: Fortunato David , Stevenson Randolph T.
Published: October 2016

A growing literature in political science has pointed to the importance of heuristics in explaining citizens’ political attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors. At the same time, the multidisciplinary research on heuristics in general has revealed that individuals seem to use heuristics sensibly—applying them (perhaps subconsciously) when they are likely to be helpful but not otherwise. We extend this multidisciplinary work to political behavior and present a general theory of contextual variation in political heuristic use applied to discover under what conditions (i.e., what political contexts) voters will use a partisanship heuristic to infer the legislative votes of their legislators in imperfectly disciplined voting contexts. More specifically, we predict that US constituents of loyal partisan senators will use the partisanship heuristic more often than constituents of less loyal senators. Our empirical analysis reveals strong support for our theory, contributing to our understanding of political heuristics in general and adding nuance to our understanding of the partisanship heuristic in particular.
THE CHAGOS MARINE PROTECTED AREA ARBITRATION: EXPANSION OF THE JURISDICTION OF UNCLOS PART XV COURTS AND TRIBUNALS
Authors: Talmon Stefan
Published: October 2016

This article shows that the Tribunal in the Chagos Marine Protected Area Arbitration between Mauritius and the United Kingdom has contributed considerably to the creeping expansion of compulsory jurisdiction of courts and tribunals established under Part XV of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The Tribunal has employed three techniques to do so. First, it has read down the jurisdictional precondition to exchange views in Article 283(1) of the UNCLOS; second, it has expanded the limited scope of compulsory subject-matter jurisdiction under section 2 of Part XV by broadening the meaning of the phrase ‘any dispute concerning the interpretation or application of this Convention’ to include incidental, related—and through the backdoor of a balancing exercise—even extraneous disputes; and, third, it has restricted the limitations and exceptions to compulsory jurisdiction in Articles 297 and 298 of the UNCLOS. Few would have predicted in 1982 that a Part XV court or tribunal would—within the context of such a balancing exercise—ever find that a colonial era undertaking created binding legal obligations under international law and that the United Kingdom was obliged to return the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius when no longer needed for defence purposes. The Tribunal's expansive reading of the jurisdictional provisions in Part XV opens up the possibility of future rulings, albeit incidentally, on issues that have little to do with the law of the sea.
Does spectacle use lead to vestibular suppression?
Authors: Thakar A
Published: October 2016

Background:

Laboratory experiments indicate that changes in retinal image size result in adaptive recalibration or suppression of the vestibulo-ocular reflex. Myopia correction with spectacles or contact lenses also leads to retinal image size changes, and may bring about similar vestibulo-ocular reflex alterations.

Methods:

A hypothesis-generating preliminary investigation was conducted. In this cross-sectional study, findings of electronystagmography including bithermal caloric testing were compared between 17 volunteer myopes using spectacles or contact lenses and 17 volunteer emmetropes (with no refractive error).

Results:

Bilateral hypoactive caloric responses were demonstrated in 6 of 11 spectacle users, in 1 of 6 contact lens users and in 1 of 17 emmetropes. Hypoactive caloric responses were significantly more likely in spectacle users than in emmetropes (p< 0.01; relative risk = 9.3).

Conclusion:

A significant proportion of myopes using spectacles have vestibulo-ocular reflex suppression, as demonstrated by the caloric test. This has implications for the interpretation of electronystagmography and videonystagmography results, and highlights spectacle use as a possible cause of vestibular impairment. Further corroboration of these findings is warranted, with more precise and direct vestibulo-ocular reflex tests such as rotational tests and the head impulse test.
Lack of recovery symptoms of an endangered and harvested mollusc in the last 20 years
Authors: Riera Rodrigo , Herrera Rogelio , Pérez Óscar , Garrido Mateo J. , Álvarez Omar , Monterroso Óscar , Núñez Jorge
Published: October 2016

Molluscs are subjected to intense harvesting in many areas around the world. Conservation measures have been developed to preserve populations of an overexploited gastropod species, the abalone Haliotis tuberculata coccinea. This species was surveyed in subtidal localities throughout coastal Tenerife, Canary Islands over the last two decades (1994–2014). A clear indicator of non-recovery was observed in the decrease of mean size throughout the last two decades, even after the inclusion of this species in the Regional Catalogue of Endangered Species. The mean size of abalones decreased from 33.5 mm (1994) to 28–29 mm (2002 and 2014), corresponding to sub-adult individuals. The structure of size classes was typical of an overexploited species, with reduced occurrence of large individuals (>50 mm). Several factors might explain this pattern such as illegal harvesting, proliferation of featureless benthos and a decrease of suitable habitats for colonization and settlement. Complementary conservation actions are urgently needed to preserve this species in the area studied.