bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hepatitis C viral infection increases the risk of lymphoid‐neoplasms: A population‐based cohort study
Authors: Su Tung‐Hung , Liu Chun‐Jen , Tseng Tai‐Chung , Chou Shih‐Wan , Liu Chen‐Hua , Yang Hung‐Chih , Wu Shang‐Ju , Chen Pei‐Jer , Chen Ding‐Shinn , Chen Chi‐Ling , Kao Jia‐Horng
Published: December 2015

Chronic hepatitis C viral (HCV) infection has been associated with non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL); however, the results are inconsistent among regions with different HCV prevalence rates. The temporal relationship, risk estimates, and association between HCV and lymphoid‐neoplasms remain unclear. This study investigated the temporal relationship between HCV infection and lymphoid‐neoplasms using a nationwide population‐based cohort. Patients with chronic HCV infection were retrieved from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database during 2001‐2005 and designated as the HCV cohort. Those with prior malignancies or coinfected with hepatitis B or human immunodeficiency virus were excluded. The age, sex, and comorbidities, including rheumatological disorders and diabetes, were matched by propensity scores to another non‐HCV cohort. Both cohorts were followed longitudinally until 2009 for a new diagnosis of any lymphoid‐neoplasms or NHL. A total of 11,679 HCV and 46,716 non‐HCV patients were included and followed for 8 years. The incidence rates of any lymphoid‐neoplasms and NHL were significantly greater in the HCV cohort than the non‐HCV cohort (48.4 versus 22.1, and 37.0 versus 17.5 per 100,000 person‐years, respectively, both P < 0.001), even after we excluded lymphoid‐neoplasms developed within the first year of follow‐up. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis (after adjustment for age, sex, numbers of annual medical visits during follow‐up, and comorbidities) indicated that HCV infection was associated with an increased risk of either any lymphoid‐neoplasms (hazard ratio = 2.30, 95% confidence interval 1.55‐3.43, P < 0.0001) or NHL (hazard ratio = 2.00, 95% confidence interval 1.27‐3.16, P = 0.003). Conclusion: After adjustment for confounders and biases, chronic HCV infection is temporally associated with a two‐fold increased risk of lymphoid‐neoplasms, especially NHL, in Asian patients; additional large studies are needed to explore whether HCV eradication can reduce the incidence of lymphoid‐neoplasms. (Hepatology 2016;63:721–730)
NKp46+ natural killer cells attenuate metabolism‐induced hepatic fibrosis by regulating macrophage activation in mice
Authors: Tosello‐Trampont Annie‐Carole , Krueger Peter , Narayanan Sowmya , Landes Susan G. , Leitinger Norbert , Hahn Young S.
Published: December 2015

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) affects 3%‐5% of the U.S. population, having severe clinical complications to the development of fibrosis and end‐stage liver diseases, such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. A critical cause of NASH is chronic systemic inflammation promoted by innate immune cells, such as liver macrophages (Mϕ) and natural killer (NK) cells. However, little is known about how the crosstalk between Mϕ and NK cells contributes to regulate NASH progression to fibrosis. In this report, we demonstrate that NKp46+ cells play an important role in preventing NASH progression to fibrosis by regulating M1/M2 polarization of liver Mϕ. Using a murine model of NASH, we demonstrate that DX5+NKp46+ NK cells are increased during disease and play a role in polarizing Mϕ toward M1‐like phenotypes. This NK's immunoregulatory function depends on the production of interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ), but not by granzyme‐mediated cytolytic activity. Notably, depletion of NKp46+ cells promotes the development of fibrosis with increased expression of profibrogenic genes as well as skewed M2 Mϕ phenotypes in hepatic tissues. Conclusions: NK cell‐derived IFN‐γ may be essential for maintaining a balanced inflammatory environment that promotes tissue integrity and limiting NASH progression to fibrosis. (Hepatology 2016;63:799–812)
Reconstituted high‐density lipoprotein can elevate plasma alanine aminotransferase by transient depletion of hepatic cholesterol: role of the phospholipid component
Authors: Herzog Eva , Pragst Ingo , Waelchli Marcel , Gille Andreas , Schenk Sabrina , Mueller‐Cohrs Jochen , Diditchenko Svetlana , Zanoni Paolo , Cuchel Marina , Seubert Andreas , Rader Daniel J. , Wright Samuel D.
Published: December 2015

Human apolipoprotein A‐I preparations reconstituted with phospholipids (reconstituted high‐density lipoprotein [HDL]) have been used in a large number of animal and human studies to investigate the physiological role of apolipoprotein A‐I. Several of these studies observed that intravenous infusion of reconstituted HDL might cause transient elevations in plasma levels of hepatic enzymes. Here we describe the mechanism of this enzyme release. Observations from several animal models and in vitro studies suggest that the extent of hepatic transaminase release (alanine aminotransferase [ALT]) correlates with the movement of hepatic cholesterol into the blood after infusion. Both the amount of ALT release and cholesterol movement were dependent on the amount and type of phospholipid present in the reconstituted HDL. As cholesterol is known to dissolve readily in phospholipid, an HDL preparation was loaded with cholesterol before infusion into rats to assess the role of diffusion of cholesterol out of the liver and into the reconstituted HDL. Cholesterol‐loaded HDL failed to withdraw cholesterol from tissues and subsequently failed to cause ALT release. To investigate further the role of cholesterol diffusion, we employed mice deficient in SR‐BI, a transporter that facilitates spontaneous movement of cholesterol between cell membranes and HDL. These mice showed substantially lower movement of cholesterol into the blood and markedly lower ALT release. We conclude that initial depletion of hepatic cholesterol initiates transient ALT release in response to infusion of reconstituted HDL. This effect may be controlled by appropriate choice of the type and amount of phospholipid in reconstituted HDL. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High resolution imaging of the fibrous microstructure in bovine common carotid artery using optical polarization tractography
Authors: Azinfar Leila , Ravanfar Mohammadreza , Wang Yuanbo , Zhang Keqing , Duan Dongsheng , Yao Gang
Published: December 2015

The biomechanical properties of artery are primarily determined by the fibrous structures in the vessel wall. Many vascular diseases are associated with alternations in the orientation and alignment of the fibrous structure in the arterial wall. Knowledge on the structural features of the artery wall is crucial to our understanding of the biology of vascular diseases and the development of novel therapies. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) and polarization‐sensitive OCT have shown great promise in imaging blood vessels due to their high resolution, fast acquisition, good imaging depth, and large field of view. However, the feasibility of using OCT based methods for imaging fiber orientation and distribution in the arterial wall has not been investigated. Here we show that the optical polarization tractography (OPT), a technology developed from Jones matrix OCT, can reveal the fiber orientation and alignment in the bovine common carotid artery. The fiber orientation and alignment data obtained in OPT provided a robust contrast marker to clearly resolve the intima and media boundary of the carotid artery wall.

Optical polarization tractography can visualize fiber orientation and alignment in carotid artery.

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Optical polarization tractography can visualize fiber orientation and alignment in carotid artery.
Carpal arch and median nerve changes during radioulnar wrist compression in carpal tunnel syndrome patients
Authors: Marquardt Tamara L. , Evans Peter J. , Seitz William H. , Li Zong‐Ming
Published: December 2015

The purpose of this study was to investigate the morphological changes of the carpal arch and median nerve during the application of radiounlarly directed compressive force across the wrist in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. Radioulnar compressive forces of 10 N and 20 N were applied at the distal level of the carpal tunnel in 10 female patients diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome. Immediately prior to force application and after 3 min of application, ultrasound images of the distal carpal tunnel were obtained. It was found that applying force across the wrist decreased the carpal arch width (p < 0.001) and resulted in increased carpal arch height (p < 0.01), increased carpal arch curvature (p < 0.001), and increased radial distribution of the carpal arch area (p < 0.05). It was also shown that wrist compression reduced the flattening of the median nerve, as indicated by changes in the nerve's circularity and flattening ratio (p < 0.001). This study demonstrated that the carpal arch can be non‐invasively augmented by applying compressive force across the wrist, and that this strategy may decompress the median nerve providing symptom relief to patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:1234–1240, 2016.
The importance of surgical margins in melanoma
Authors: Ethun Cecilia G. , Delman Keith A.
Published: December 2015

Optimization of margins to minimize morbidity and maximize local control is critical to the success of surgical management of primary melanomas. This article synthesizes the historical perspectives and key clinical trials that have contributed to the evolution of resection margins for melanoma, focusing on the importance of surgical margins in the context of an era of improvements in systemic therapy and greater use of minimally invasive techniques. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;113:339–345. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Poly(Amido Amine)s Containing Agmatine and Butanol Side Chains as Efficient Gene Carriers
Authors: Won Young‐Wook , Ankoné Marc , Engbersen Johan F. J. , Feijen Jan , Kim Sung Wan
Published: December 2015

A new type of bioreducible poly(amido amine) copolymer is synthesized by the Michael addition polymerization of cystamine bisacrylamide (CBA) with 4‐aminobutylguanidine (agmatine, AGM) and 4‐aminobutanol (ABOL). Since the positively charged guanidinium groups of AGM and the hydroxybutyl groups of ABOL in the side chains have shown to improve the overall transfection efficiency of poly(amido amine)s, it is hypothesized that poly(CBA‐ABOL/AGM) synthesized at the optimal ratio of both components would result in high transfection efficiency and minimal toxicity. In this study, a series of the poly(CBA‐ABOL/AGM) copolymers is synthesized as gene carriers. The polymers are characterized and luciferase transfection efficiencies of the polymers in various cell lines are investigated to select the ideal ratio between AGM and ABOL. The poly(CBA‐ABOL/AGM) containing 80% AGM and 20% ABOL has shown the best transfection efficiency with the lowest cytotoxicity, indicating that this polymer is very promising as a potent and nontoxic gene carrier.

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Tailoring Optical Properties of π‐Conjugated Statistical Co‐Oligomers Composed of 3‐Pentylthiophene and 3‐[(E)‐2‐(1‐Naphthyl)­vinyl]thiophene through the Monomer Ratio in the Main Chain
Authors: Andryszewski Tomasz , Czerwinski Wojciech , Fialkowski Marcin
Published: December 2015

Synthesis and characterization of π‐conjugated homo‐ and co‐oligomers based on thiophene substituted in position 3 by pentyl (3PT) and naphthylvinyl (NVT) side groups are presented. The resultant co‐oligomers have statistical structure and the proportion of monomers can be fully controlled by the composition of the reaction mixture. The approach here offers a facile way to synthesis of materials with tunable optoelectrical properties that is an alternative for complicated organometallic synthesis involving water and oxygen sensitive Sn, Pd, or Mg compounds. The UV–vis absorption and fluorescence emission spectra depend on and can be easily tuned by the [3PT]:[NVT] monomer molar ratio. Combination of these two monomers has a strong synergistic effect on the color of the fluorescence emission that varies in a broad range, from orange to blue color. X‐ray diffraction, calorimetric, and materials display electrical properties characteristic for organic semiconductors.

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Bioactive Nanofiber Matrices Functionalized with Fibronectin‐Mimetic Peptides Driving the Alignment and Tubular Commitment of Adult Renal Stem Cells
Authors: Sciancalepore Anna G. , Moffa Maria , Carluccio Simonetta , Romano Luigi , Netti Giuseppe S. , Prattichizzo Clelia , Pisignano Dario
Published: December 2015

Bioactive, electrospun polymer nanofibers (NFs) are attractive building‐block materials for realizing scaffolds for tissue engineering, as these filaments structurally mimic the hierarchical organization of natural extracellular matrix. As presented in this article, demonstrated applications involve the commitment to adipogenic, chondrogenic, osteogenic, neural lineages, and so on, by different types of stem cells obtained from various sources (adult, embryonic, induced pluripotent stem cells, etc.). Since a poor cellular colonization may limit the usefulness of scaffolds for culturing delicate stem cell populations, coupling NFs with cell‐adhesive domains is highly desirable. In our work, the surface of either isotropic (randomly oriented) or anisotropic (highly aligned) electrospun poly(l‐lactic acid) fibrous scaffolds with fibronectin (FN)‐mimetic peptides is tailored. The effects of the peptide immobilization on the adhesion and spreading of human, adult renal stem cells are investigated. Functionalized, aligned NFs are suitable scaffolds to promote the confluent growth of stem cells and to enhance their differentiation toward the tubular epithelial lineage. It is anticipated that the functionalization of aligned NFs with FN‐mimetic peptides might be a promising method to target a specific response of stem cells in renal tissue engineering.

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Non‐canonical Stat3 signaling in cancer
Authors: Srivastava Jaya , DiGiovanni John
Published: December 2015

Stat3 is a member of the signal transducers and activators of transcription family and is a known regulator of essential biologic processes including angiogenesis, apoptosis, cell cycle progression, and cell migration. Canonical Stat3‐mediated signaling involves tyrosine phosphorylation on specific residues that leads to homodimerization and translocation to the nucleus. For many years it was presumed that most, if not all, of the functions of Stat3, both normal and aberrant, were due to the canonical cytokine and growth factor signaling mechanisms. Recent studies suggest that Stat3 functions through alternate non‐canonical pathways to bring about some of these biological functions both in normal cells as well as during cancer development and progression. A number of studies have now shown that Stat3 has a function in mitochondria and that unphosphorylated Stat3 (uStat3) can also function as a transcription factor broadening the potential mechanisms involved in Stat3 action. In this review article, we discuss these two main non‐canonical functions of Stat3 and their potential roles in oncogenesis. Given the many facets of Stat3 signaling, additional comprehensive investigations are required to fully understand the role of non‐canonical Stat3 signaling in cancer and whether these pathways can be targeted for cancer prevention and treatment. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Neurohistiocytosis of the Cerebellum: A Rare Cause of Ataxia
Authors: Elkouzi Ahmad , Rauschkolb Paula , Grogg Karen L. , Gilchrist James M.
Published: December 2015

Erdheim‐Chester disease (ECD) is a non‐Langerhans cell histiocytosis that affects multiple body organs, notably the skeletal system. We examined a 58‐year‐old man who presented with ataxia and T2 hyperintensity of the middle cerebellar peduncles and dentate nuclei without contrast enhancement on MRI brain. Workup for malignancy revealed “hairy kidneys” on CT scan of the abdomen, and excisional biopsy of the retroperitoneal mass for concerns of lymphoma revealed foamy histiocytes that tested positive for CD68 and negative for CD1a, confirming the diagnosis of ECD. Further genetic testing on excised tissue revealed BRAF (V600E) gene mutation that is present in 50% of ECD patients. Treatment was initiated with targeted therapy using the BRAF inhibitor Dabrafenib. X‐ray of the lower extremities did not reveal sclerosis of the long bones, and bone scan with technetium 99 was negative except for a nonspecific tracer uptake in left calvarial bone with no corresponding CT changes or T1/T2 signal changes on MRI. His MRI brain revealed classic cerebellar involvement in ECD without other central nervous system (CNS) involvement. It has been postulated that bone involvement is almost universal in ECD; however, our patient with ECD had ataxia and cerebellar involvement without significant bone involvement, as evidenced by bone scan. This is a rare presentation of ECD affecting the CNS and sparing the skeletal system. It confirms the wide spectrum of presentation this multisystem disease can have.
Dynamic changes in the sperm quality ofMytilus galloprovincialisunder continuous thermal stress
Authors: Boni Raffaele , Gallo Alessandra , Montanino Melania , Macina Alberto , Tosti Elisabetta
Published: December 2015

Global warming is an increasingly serious problem underlying ecological change in marine flora and fauna.Mytilus galloprovincialisis an intertidal species that colonizes coasts in moderate and warm climates, and can thus withstand extreme climatic conditions; however, it successfully reproduces only within a certain temperature range. The effects of prolonged exposure to 28°C, a temperature unsuitable for breeding activity, on sperm quality were evaluated in this study. Such heat stress induced the following: a significant reduction in concentration; a biphasic pattern of motility and mitochondrial membrane potential that first increased, and then collapsed; a decrease in the intracellular calcium concentration; a rapid increase in lipid peroxidation that was normalized after the third week of heat stress; an increase in DNA fragmentation after the third week of heat stress; and atypical morphology (i.e., sperm with a globular head, asymmetrical tail, and acrosome loss). Currently, these elevated‐temperature conditions are achieved along the Mediterranean coast during the late summer, when the reproductive activity ofM. galloprovincialisis suspended after massive spawning in the spring. The increasing global temperature, however, may shift their breeding season, thus significantly impacting marine ecosystems and mussel production.Mol. Reprod. Dev. 83: 162–173, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sleep Hygiene and Sleep Quality of Third‐Trimester Pregnant Women
Authors: Tsai Shao‐Yu , Lee Chien‐Nan , Wu Wei‐Wen , Landis Carol A.
Published: December 2015

The purpose of this descriptive study was to examine the associations of sleep hygiene and actigraphy measures of sleep with self‐reported sleep quality in 197 pregnant women in northern Taiwan. Third‐trimester pregnant women completed the Sleep Hygiene Practice Scale (SHPS) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) as well as the Center for Epidemiologic Studies‐Depression Scale (CES‐D), and wore an actigraph for 7 consecutive days. Student's t‐test was used to compare the SHPS scores and means as well as variability of actigraphy sleep variables between poor sleepers (i.e., PSQI global score >5) and good sleepers (i.e., PSQI global score ≤5). Compared to good sleepers, poor sleepers reported significantly worse sleep hygiene, with higher SHPS scores and higher sleep schedule, arousal‐related behavior, and sleep environment subscale scores. Poor sleepers had significantly greater intra‐individual variability of sleep onset latency, total nighttime sleep, and wake after sleep onset than good sleepers. In stepwise linear regression, older maternal age (p = .01), fewer employment hours per week (p = .01), higher CES‐D total score (p < .01), and higher SHPS arousal‐related behavior subscale scores (p < .01) predicted self‐reported global sleep quality. Findings support avoiding physically, physiologically, emotionally, or cognitively arousing activities before bedtime as a target for sleep‐hygiene intervention in women during pregnancy. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pensioners on the Move: a ‘Legal Gate’ Perspective on Retirement Migration to Spain
Authors: Gehring Anoeshka
Published: December 2015

This paper analyses how retirement migrants' mobility is enabled, impeded, and sometimes enforced by national and European Union migration and welfare rules and the ways in which retirement migrants deal with these ‘legal gates’ in practice. Legal gates are conceptualised as the rules operating at different local, national, and supranational levels, which regulate human mobility between one jurisdiction and another. Drawing on the new mobilities paradigm, the paper shows how retirement migrants construct and negotiate their mobility and residence arrangements within the confines of the different welfare systems. Focusing on Dutch and Spanish retirement migrants who spent their working life in the Netherlands and move or return (permanently or temporarily) to Spain after retirement, this paper shows on the one hand the power of the state to influence retirement migrants' mobility and on the other hand it shows how inequalities between retirement migrants' socio‐economic status influences their capacity to be mobile. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electrochemical processes and device improvement in conductive bridge RAM cells
Authors: Goux Ludovic , Valov Ilia
Published: December 2015

In this paper, we discuss the recent progress on the fundamental understandings of ECM/CBRAM cells but also on the improved device structures and reliability for high‐density applications. The influences of the local chemical environment and the material selection/combination are highlighted, and the filament dynamics is described in a general framework that relates all the reported switching modes. Furthermore we also detail some correlation evidences between the filament shape and device electrical characteristics. Finally, we discuss technological challenges related to current‐scaling and cell size‐scaling. Large switching variability associated to low current needs to be mitigated by appropriate Write‐verify methods, while cell scaling requires novel processing techniques such as Cu dry‐etch.
Stability of switched positive nonlinear systems
Authors: Dong Jiu‐Gang
Published: December 2015

This paper considers the stability problem for a class of switched positive nonlinear systems (SPNSs), which includes switched positive linear systems as a special case. We derive a necessary and sufficient condition for stability of continuous‐time SPNSs defined by homogeneous and cooperative vector fields under average dwell time switching. A corresponding necessary and sufficient condition is also given for stability of discrete‐time SPNSs defined by homogeneous and order‐preserving vector fields under average dwell time switching. The stability results for switched positive linear systems, which have been studied in the literature, can be easily obtained. We also extend the results to general switched linear systems. Finally, a numerical example is provided to illustrate the effectiveness of our results. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Combinatorial application of two aldehyde oxidoreductases on isobutanol production in the presence of furfural
Authors: Seo Hyung-Min , Jeon Jong-Min , Lee Ju Hee , Song Hun-Suk , Joo Han-Byul , Park Sung-Hee , Choi Kwon-Young , Kim Yong Hyun , Park Kyungmoon , Ahn Jungoh , Lee Hongweon , Yang Yung-Hun
Published: December 2015

Furfural is a toxic by-product formulated from pretreatment processes of lignocellulosic biomass. In order to utilize the lignocellulosic biomass on isobutanol production, inhibitory effect of the furfural on isobutanol production was investigated and combinatorial application of two oxidoreductases, FucO and YqhD, was suggested as an alternative strategy. Furfural decreased cell growth and isobutanol production when only YqhD or FucO was employed as an isobutyraldehyde oxidoreductase. However, combinatorial overexpression of FucO and YqhD could overcome the inhibitory effect of furfural giving higher isobutanol production by 110 % compared with overexpression of YqhD. The combinatorial oxidoreductases increased furfural detoxification rate 2.1-fold and also accelerated glucose consumption 1.4-fold. When it compares to another known system increasing furfural tolerance, membrane-bound transhydrogenase (pntAB), the combinatorial aldehyde oxidoreductases were better on cell growth and production. Thus, to control oxidoreductases is important to produce isobutanol using furfural-containing biomass and the combinatorial overexpression of FucO and YqhD can be an alternative strategy.
Chemical Composition of Seed Oils Recovered from Different Pear (Pyrus communis L.) Cultivars
Authors: Górnaś Paweł , Rudzińska Magdalena , Raczyk Marianna , Mišina Inga , Soliven Arianne , Segliņa Dalija
Published: December 2015

Lipophilic bioactive compounds in oils recovered from the seeds of eight pear (Pyrus communis L.) cultivars were studied. Oil yield in pear seeds ranged between 16.3 and 31.5 % (w/w) dw. The main fatty acids were palmitic acid (6.13–8.52 %), oleic acid (27.39–38.17 %) and linoleic acid (50.73–63.78 %), all three representing 96–99 % of the total detected fatty acids. The range of total tocochromanols was between 120.5 and 216.1 mg/100 g of oil. Independent of the cultivar, the γ‐tocopherol was the main tocochromanol and constituted approximately 88 %. The contents of the carotenoids and squalene were between 0.69–2.99 and 25.5–40.8 mg/100 g of oil, respectively. The β‐sitosterol constituted 83.4–87.6 % of total sterols contents, which ranged between 276.4 and 600.1 mg/100 g of oil. Three significant correlations were found between oil yield and total contents of sterols (r = −0.893), tocochromanols (r = −0.955) and carotenoids (r = −0.685) in pear seed oils.
The Influence of a Novel Needleless Valve on Central Venous Catheter Occlusions in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Holt Dayna , Lawrence Stephanie
Published: December 2015

Background: Although it is common for central line catheters to develop a thrombotic occlusion, pediatric patients are at especially high risk of occlusion due to smaller vessels, smaller-gauge catheters, and slower rates of infusion. Mitigating catheter occlusions is costly, requiring tissue plasminogen activator, supplies, and nursing time. Our facility tested a novel neutral displacement needle-free valve designed to reduce occlusion.

Methodology: The organization determined a baseline occlusion rate for Hickman/Broviac catheters, in our 38-bed inpatient hematology/oncology department and our outpatient hematology/oncology clinic from August 2010 through October 2010. In 2011, a premarket test of the Neutron device (ICU Medical, San Clemente, CA) was conducted on the units. Based on the positive trial results, it was decided to implement the device housewide in December 2012.

Results: A comparison of baseline central line complete occlusion rates from August to October 2010 with Neutron trial data from July to October 2011. This pilot project demonstrated a 74.3% reduction (from a rate of 3.82 to a rate of 0.98) in all hematology/oncology department Hickman and Broviac complete catheter occlusions. Subsequently, comparing 5 months of housewide occlusion data from June through October 2012 to 2013, complete occlusions fell by 32.1% (from a rate of 1.56 to a rate of 1.06).

Conclusions: The use of the Neutron needle-free catheter patency device was associated with a reduction in complete occlusions. The corresponding reduction in treatment delays, nursing time spent managing occluded catheters, and fewer needlesticks to patients likely translates to financial benefit for the organization and improved patient and family satisfaction.
Placement of a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter Line in a Persistent Left Superior Vena Cava: A Review of Positioning and Clinical Implications
Authors: Thomas Daril
Published: December 2015

Background: Persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) occurs in approximately 1 in every 200 people, and with various malformations. Nurses who insert peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) may need to place a PICC line in this venous malformation.

Aims: To review the literature and assess the safety of positioning a PICC line in a PLSVC, and to also assess the ideal placement of a PICC line in a PLSVC with reference to a chest radiograph and intravenous electrocardiogram (IVECG) navigation.

Methodology: Literature search across 5 main databases, alongside hand-searched articles.

Results: No literature was found that prohibits placement of a PICC line in a PLSVC, unless the PLSVC enters the left atrium, and no literature was found that identifies an ideal position for the PICC tip in a PLSVC. Two approximate positions were highlighted: high in the PLSVC or passed through a bridging brachiocephalic vein to a right superior vena cava. Placing a PICC line in a PLSVC using IVECG navigation is shown to produce abnormal electrocardiogram readings.

Conclusions: A PICC line can be safely placed in a PLSVC as long as the PLSVC does not enter the left atrium, avoiding potential systemic embolization. Final positioning of the PICC tip on a chest radiograph is proposed to be in the midregion between the carina and the junction of the PLSVC/coronary sinus, with the aim of avoiding coronary sinus thrombosis and providing satisfactory dilution of infusate. If abnormal electrocardiogram readings during IVECG placement are seen, then PLSVC should be suspected. Further research and data are needed due to limited research in this area.
Modeling and Analyses of Boiling and Capillary Limitations for Micro Channel Wick Structures
Authors: Chen S.-W. , Liu F.-C. , Wang T.-Y. , Lin W.-K. , Wang J.-R. , Lin H.-T. , Lee J.-D. , Peir J.-J. , Shih C.-K.
Published: December 2015

In order to analyze the boiling and capillary limitations of two-phase heat transport devices, the existing models developed by Chi and Peterson and the existing experimental data carried out with various micro channel wick structures from literature were collected for benchmark. It was found that the dominant parameters for boiling and capillary limitations were the nucleation sites and structure geometries of the micro channels, and important parameters were considered to modify the models empirically. It was also found that for micro channel structures the inclined angle is sensitive to the capillary limitations and not to boiling limitations. By properly estimating the nucleation sites and empirical coefficients for micro channels needed by the newly modified models, the boiling and capillary limitations can be accurately predicted, and hence the applicability of the modified models is confirmed. Based on this, a numerical analysis was then carried out to investigate the trends of boiling and capillary limitations of the micro channel wick structures. Effects of the channel geometries and arrangement were taken into account, including the aspect ratio and structure size of the micro channels. Furthermore, the effects of inclined angle and contact angle were also analyzed. The present results can provide a design reference of performance trends of micro channel wick structures.
The Silchester ogham stone: a reconsideration
Authors: Fulford Michael , Sellwood Bruce
Published: December 2015

A recent re-examination of the architectural and other sculpted stone fragments from Silchester (Calleva Atrebatum) drew attention to the small sandstone column on which is scored an ogham inscription. The commonest materials used for columns, capitals and ornamental sculpture at Silchester are the fine Jurassic limestones of Bath or Portland type. A very few pieces are carved intertiary sandstones or imported marble. This is the pattern for architectural masonry throughout southern England in the Roman period; limestone predominates and sandstone, usually greensand, is rare. On visual examination the particular stone with the ogham appears to be different from that of the other architectural fragments in the Silchester collection. It should also be noted that no similar material has so far been identified in the city wall or amongst any of the other ordinary building materials recovered from the Roman town. On the basis of visual examination alone it has been suggested that the stone originated from the calcareous grit of the Oxfordshire Corallian (Boon 1959, 87), but doubts about this identification led us to a more searching investigation to ascertain the character and source of the stone. Before introducing these analyses and their results it will be useful to summarize our present knowledge of the Silchester ogham. In this way the implications of the new results can be more satisfactorily appreciated.
Archaeological retrospect 2
Authors: Braidwood Robert J.
Published: December 2015

It is initially flattering to receive an invitation to be retrospective in ANTIQUITY. The moment of truth comes soon, however, as thought about writing begins. Was the growth of one's career and ideas about archaeology so smoothly flowing and well reasoned as casual and doubtless fatuous fancy first recalls? How fairly have earlier attempts at retrospection (and I've attempted several: 1972a, 1972b, 1974) corresponded to reality, and what, if anything, remains to be said? What follows, therefore, is offered most diffidently. My old teacher, Henri Frankfort, claimed the most important element in the formation of a career was good luck: I have certainly had my share of it.
Analytical archaeology
Authors: Isaac Glynn
Published: December 2015

In 1966 David Clarke gave a series of lectures in the Faculty of Archaeology and Anthropology at Cambridge entitled Archaeological Taxonomy. These served as the basis for the preparation of a much expanded and more comprehensive treatise which was published in 1968 as the first edition of Analytical archaeology. This work was a substantial tome with the ambitious intention of providing a first approximation of an overall theoretical framework for the archaeological study of material culture.
The acceptability of repeat Internet-based hybrid diet assessment of previous 24-h dietary intake: administration of the Oxford WebQ in UK Biobank
Authors: Galante Julieta , Adamska Ligia , Young Alan , Young Heather , Littlejohns Thomas J. , Gallacher John , Allen Naomi
Published: December 2015

Although dietary intake over a single 24-h period may be atypical of an individual’s habitual pattern, multiple 24-h dietary assessments can be representative of habitual intake and help in assessing seasonal variation. Web-based questionnaires are convenient for the participant and result in automatic data capture for study investigators. This study reports on the acceptability of repeated web-based administration of the Oxford WebQ – a 24-h recall of frequency from a set food list suitable for self-completion from which energy and nutrient values can be automatically generated. As part of the UK Biobank study, four invitations to complete the Oxford WebQ were sent by email over a 16-month period. Overall, 176 012 (53 % of those invited) participants completed the online version of the Oxford WebQ at least once and 66 % completed it more than once, although only 16 % completed it on all four occasions. The response rate for any one round of invitations varied between 34 and 26 %. On most occasions, the Oxford WebQ was completed on the same day that they received the invitation, although this was less likely if sent on a weekend. Participants who completed the Oxford WebQ tended to be white, female, slightly older, less deprived and more educated, which is typical of health-conscious volunteer-based studies. These findings provide preliminary evidence to suggest that repeated 24-h dietary assessment via the Internet is acceptable to the public and a feasible strategy for large population-based studies.
Local Business Cycles and Local Liquidity
Authors: Bernile Gennaro , Korniotis George , Kumar Alok , Wang Qin
Published: December 2015

This study examines whether state-level economic conditions affect the liquidity of local firms. We find that liquidity levels of local stocks are higher (lower) when the local economy has performed well (poorly). This relation is stronger when local financing constraints are more binding, the local information environment is more opaque, and local institutional ownership levels and trading intensity are higher. Overall the evidence supports the notion that the geographical segmentation of U.S. capital markets generates predictable patterns in local liquidity.
Viscardo's Global Political Economy and the First Cry for Spanish American Independence, 1767–1798
Authors: TAVAREZ FIDEL J.
Published: December 2015

Revisionist historians have convincingly argued that Spanish American independence was not the result of simmering grievances that galvanised a national or Creole identity against Spain. Instead, this scholarship insists that Spanish American national identities did not exist at the time and that independence was an unforeseen process that must be understood in the context of the Napoleonic invasion of Iberia. But, if independence was undesirable before 1808 and if national identities arose at a latter period, how do we explain the early independence projects of ‘precursors’ like Juan Pablo Viscardo y Guzmán? By contextually reconstructing the logic behind Viscardo's projects, this article offers a new perspective on the intellectual conditions of possibility for Spanish American independence. It argues that though he certainly identified as a Creole from Peru, Viscardo actually deployed an Enlightenment global science of commerce, not Creole patriotism or nationalism, to legitimate Spanish American independence.
The Cold War Politics of Literature and the Centro Mexicano de Escritores
Authors: IBER PATRICK
Published: December 2015

This article describes the relationship of the Centro Mexicano de Escritores, Mexico's most important writing centre in the second half of the twentieth century, to the US foundations that funded it. The Centre was founded by a North American writer, Margaret Shedd, with the financial support of the Rockefeller Foundation. The Rockefeller Foundation understood the Centre as a ‘Pan-American’ effort to improve relations between the United States and Mexico by bringing its writers closer together. Later, there were also contributions from two CIA fronts, the Farfield Foundation and the Congress for Cultural Freedom, to the Centre and its star graduate, Juan Rulfo. However, this article argues that none of the US foundations realised the ambitions that they had for the Centre. Through a process of ‘Mexicanised Americanisation', a project that had elements of Yankee cultural imperialism produced instead one of the world's finest writing centres, but without any clear political benefit for the United States.
Sticky Performances: Affective Circulation and Material Strategy in the (Chocolate) Smearing of Karen Finley
Authors: Bean Christine Simonian
Published: December 2015

Although many artists have used food in performance, few are as famously or firmly associated with it as Karen Finley. At the start of Finley's career, almost all of her work was marked by unusual uses of food. Examples include sugared yams dumped over her backside while describing ageist rape in I'm an Ass Man (1985) and the concoction of crushed raw eggs and confetti sponged over her body to analogize social oppression in A Constant State of Desire (1986). Finley intended to channel spectators' excessive emotional and sensual reactions to her extreme, sometimes nauseating uses of food into an indictment of abusive attitudes toward people of marginalized identities. In this sense, the excess of the medium and the excess of the message were intended to correspond, creating a synergistic effect on the spectator.
A stochastic roadmap method to model protein structural transitions
Authors: Molloy Kevin , Clausen Rudy , Shehu Amarda
Published: December 2015

Evidence is emerging that the role of protein structure in disease needs to be rethought. Sequence mutations in proteins are often found to affect the rate at which a protein switches between structures. Modeling structural transitions in wildtype and variant proteins is central to understanding the molecular basis of disease. This paper investigates an efficient algorithmic realization of the stochastic roadmap simulation framework to model structural transitions in wildtype and variants of proteins implicated in human disorders. Our results indicate that the algorithm is able to extract useful information on the impact of mutations on protein structure and function.
Mental Health and Service Issues Faced by Older Immigrants in Canada: A Scoping Review
Authors: Guruge Sepali , Thomson Mary Susan , Seifi Sadaf Grace
Published: December 2015

Une population vieillissante et la croissance de la population sur la base de l’immigration nécessitent que la recherche, la pratique et la politique doivent se concentrer sur la santé mentale des immigrants âgés, surtout parce que leur santé mentale semble se détériorer au fil du temps. Cette revue se concentre sur: Qu’est-ce que l’on sait sur les déterminants sociaux de la santé mentale chez les immigrants âgés, et quels sont les obstacles à l’accès aux services de santé mentale confrontés par les immigrants âgés? Les résultats révèlent que (1) les déterminants sociaux décisifs de la santé mentale sont la culture, le sexe et les services de santé; (2) que les immigrants plus âgés utilisent les services de santé mentale de moins que leurs homologues nés au Canada à cause des obstacles tels que, par exemple, les croyances et les valeurs culturelles, un manque de services culturellement et linguistiquement appropriées, des difficultés financières, et l’âgisme; et (3) quelles que soient les sous-catégories dans cette population, les immigrants âgés éprouvent des inégalités en matière de la santé mentale. La preuve des recherches disponibles indique que de combler les lacunes des service de santé mentale devrait devenir une priorité pour la politique et la pratique du système de soins de santé au Canada.
Dietary and lifestyle habits and the associated health risks in shift workers
Authors: Nea Fiona M. , Kearney John , Livingstone M. Barbara E. , Pourshahidi L. Kirsty , Corish Clare A.
Published: December 2015

Traditionally only a small proportion of the workforce was engaged in shift work. Changing economic pressures have resulted in increased engagement in shift work, with approximately 17 % of the workforce in Europe engaged in this work pattern. The present narrative review aimed to summarise the data on the effects of shift work on the diet, lifestyle and health of employees, while addressing the barriers to, and opportunities for, improving health among shift workers. Shift work can result in low-quality diet and irregular eating patterns. Adverse health behaviours are also reported; particularly increased smoking and poor sleep patterns. These altered lifestyle habits, in conjunction with disruption to circadian rhythms, can create an unfavourable metabolic phenotype which facilitates the development and progression of chronic disease. Although the data are inconclusive due to issues such as poor study design and inadequate control for confounding factors; shift workers appear to be at increased mental and physical health risk, particularly with regard to non-communicable diseases. Information is lacking on the obstacles to leading a healthier lifestyle while working shifts, and where opportunities lie for intervention and health promotion among this group. In order to provide an informed evidence base to assist shift workers in overcoming associated occupational hazards, this gap must be addressed. This review highlights the unique nutritional issues faced by shift workers, and the subsequent effect on health. In societies already burdened with increased incidence of non-communicable chronic diseases, there is a clear need for education and behaviour change interventions among this group.
Foraging behaviour at carcasses in an Asian vulture assemblage: towards a good restaurant guide
Authors: HILLE SABINE M. , KORNER-NIEVERGELT FRÄNZI , BLEEKER MAARTEN , COLLAR NIGEL J.
Published: December 2015

Vulture populations are declining steeply worldwide. Vulture ‘restaurants’ or feeding stations are a tool for maintaining and monitoring numbers, but individual species may be disadvantaged by the effects of carcass distribution, carcass size and interspecific aggression. To test the degree to which restaurants give opportunities for each species to access the food provided, we studied behaviour and morphology in three Critically Endangered species of vulture in Cambodia: the gregariously breeding and feeding White-rumped Vulture Gyps bengalensis and Slender-billed Vulture G. tenuirostris, and the solitary Red-headed Vulture Sarcogyps calvus. We video-recorded attendance time, attendance order and dominance behaviour at different-sized carcasses. Interspecific aggression at carcasses was least frequently shown by the ‘small’ White-rumped Vulture. The relatively ‘large’ Slender-billed and ‘medium’ Red-headed Vultures showed aggression more regularly and at similar levels. However, the latter avoids conflict by waiting until Gyps vultures are no longer crowding at the carcass, although its arrival at carcasses was correlated with total number of vultures present. While more numerous than Red-headed, the two Gyps vultures are more dependent on large carcasses, which increases their vulnerability to further declines in wild large ungulate species. Body size, number of individuals, hunger levels and carcass size and availability all influence carcass attendance behaviour. An increase in the number and spatial distribution of restaurants as well as of carcass size range could boost numbers of all vulture species.
Microscopy Techniques for Analysis of Nickel Metal Hydride Batteries Constituents
Authors: Carpenter Graham J.C. , Wronski Zbigniew
Published: December 2015

With the need for improvements in the performance of rechargeable batteries has come the necessity to better characterize cell electrodes and their component materials. Electron microscopy has been shown to reveal many important features of microstructure that are becoming increasingly important for understanding the behavior of the components during the many charge/discharge cycles required in modern applications. The aim of this paper is to present an overview of how the full suite of techniques available using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning transmission electron microscopy was applied to the case of materials for the positive electrode in nickel metal hydride rechargeable battery electrodes. Embedding and sectioning of battery-grade powders with an ultramicrotome was used to produce specimens that could be readily characterized by TEM. Complete electrodes were embedded after drying, and also after dehydration from the original wet state, for examination by optical microscopy and using focused ion beam techniques. Results of these studies are summarized to illustrate the significance of the microstructural information obtained.