bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Handover Toolbox: a knowledge exchange and training platform for improving patient care
Authors: Drachsler Hendrik , Kicken Wendy , van der Klink Marcel , Stoyanov Slavi , Boshuizen Henny P A , Barach Paul
Published: November 2012

Background

Safe and effective patient handovers remain a global organisational and training challenge. Limited evidence supports available handover training programmes. Customisable training is a promising approach to improve the quality and sustainability of handover training and outcomes.

Objective

We present a Handover Toolbox designed in the context of the European HANDOVER Project. The Toolbox aims to support physicians, nurses, individuals in health professions training, medical educators and handover experts by providing customised handover training tools for different clinical needs and contexts.

Methods

The Handover Toolbox uses the Technology Enhanced Learning Design Process (TEL-DP), which encompasses user requirements analysis; writing personas; group concept mapping; analysis of suitable software; plus, minus, interesting rating; and usability testing. TEL-DP is aligned with participatory design approaches and ensures development occurs in close collaboration with, and engagement of, key stakeholders.

Results

Application of TEL-DP confirmed that the ideal formats of handover training differs for practicing professionals versus individuals in health profession education programmes. Training experts from different countries differed in their views on the optimal content and delivery of training. Analysis of suitable software identified ready-to-use systems that provide required functionalities and can be further customised to users’ needs. Interest rating and usability testing resulted in improved usability, navigation and uptake of the Handover Toolbox.

Conclusions

The design of the Handover Toolbox was based on a carefully led stakeholder participatory design using the TEL-DP approach. The Toolbox supports a customisable learning approach that allows trainers to design training that addresses the specific information needs of the various target groups. We offer recommendations regarding the application of the Handover Toolbox to medical educators.
Fragmented care in the era of limited work hours: a plea for an explicit handover curriculum
Authors: Wohlauer Max
Published: November 2012

The current challenge in surgical residency education, preserving a sense of accountability in an era of limited work hours and multiple transitions of care, can be accomplished through the promotion of effective handovers. Approaches include increasing the transparency of handovers, enhancing the 'situational awareness' of individuals involved, and incorporating narratives and social interactions, and expanding common ground among professionals who collectively have responsibility for patient care. Done well, handovers can preserve the physician-patient relationship and provide a continuity bridge during a vulnerable time for patients.
Technology support of the handover: promoting observability, flexibility and efficiency
Authors: Patterson Emily S
Published: November 2012

Background

Efforts to standardise data elements and increase the comprehensiveness of information included in patient handovers have produced a growing interest in augmenting the verbal exchange of information with written communications conducted through health information technology (HIT).

Objective

The aim of this perspective is to offer recommendations to optimise technology support of handovers, based on a review of the relevant scientific literature.

Recommendations

Review of the literature on human factors and the study of communication produced three recommendations. The first entails making available “shared knowledge” relevant to the handover and subsequent clinical management with intended and unintended recipients. The second is to create a flexible narrative structure (unstructured text fields) for human-human communications facilitated by technology. The third recommendation is to avoid reliance on real-time data entry during busy periods. Implementing these recommendations is anticipated to increase the observability (the ability to readily determine current status), flexibility, and efficiency of HIT-supported patient handovers.

Conclusions

Anticipated benefits of technology-supported handovers include reducing reliance on human memory, increasing the efficiency and structure of the verbal exchange, avoiding readbacks of numeric data, and aiding clinical management following the handover. In cases when verbal handovers are delayed, do not occur, or involve members of the health care team without first-hand access to critical information, making ‘common ground’ observable for all recipients, creating a flexible narrative structure for communication and avoiding reliance on real-time data entry during the busiest times has implications for HIT design and day to day data entry and management operations. Benefits include increased observability, flexibility, and efficiency of HIT-supported patient handovers.
Context, culture and (non-verbal) communication affect handover quality
Authors: Frankel Richard M , Flanagan Mindy , Ebright Patricia , Bergman Alicia , O'Brien Colleen M , Franks Zamal , Allen Andrew , Harris Angela , Saleem Jason J
Published: November 2012

Background

Transfers of care, also known as handovers, remain a substantial patient safety risk. Although research on handovers has been done since the 1980s, the science is incomplete. Surprisingly few interventions have been rigorously evaluated and, of those that have, few have resulted in long-term positive change. Researchers, both in medicine and other high reliability industries, agree that face-to-face handovers are the most reliable. It is not clear, however, what the term face-to-face means in actual practice.

Objectives

We studied the use of non-verbal behaviours, including gesture, posture, bodily orientation, facial expression, eye contact and physical distance, in the delivery of information during face-to-face handovers.

Methods

To address this question and study the role of non-verbal behaviour on the quality and accuracy of handovers, we videotaped 52 nursing, medicine and surgery handovers covering 238 patients. Videotapes were analysed using immersion/crystallisation methods of qualitative data analysis. A team of six researchers met weekly for 18 months to view videos together using a consensus-building approach. Consensus was achieved on verbal, non-verbal, and physical themes and patterns observed in the data.

Results

We observed four patterns of non-verbal behaviour (NVB) during handovers: (1) joint focus of attention; (2) ‘the poker hand’; (3) parallel play and (4) kerbside consultation. In terms of safety, joint focus of attention was deemed to have the best potential for high quality and reliability; however, it occurred infrequently, creating opportunities for education and improvement.

Conclusions

Attention to patterns of NVB in face-to-face handovers coupled with education and practice can improve quality and reliability.
The bihemispheric posterior interior cerebellar artery: anatomic variations and clinical relevance in 11 cases
Authors: Carlson Andrew P , Alaraj Ali , Dashti Reza , Aletich Victor A
Published: November 2012

Purpose

Although the anatomic course of the posterior interior cerebellar artery (PICA) is variable, it is thought to be very rare for the artery to cross midline, with an estimated incidence of 0.1%. Bihemispheric PICA crosses midline and typically serves both PICA territories.

Methods

We present 11 cases of bihemispheric PICA discovered from retrospective angiogram review, the largest to date reported in the literature.

Results

Five cases were the typical bihemispheric PICA pattern, three were bihemispheric with distal vertebral hypoplasia, two cases were the vermian type, and one was atypical, with the PICA feeding a contralateral cerebellar arteriovenous malformation (AVM). The branching point to the contralateral hemisphere always occurred distal to the ascending tonsillar loop and all true bihemispheric variants had contralateral PICA aplasia.

Conclusions

The true incidence of this variant may be much higher than previously thought (3.6% in the current series), and has relevance for cerebrovascular disease, including aneurysm, AVM, and ischemic stroke. Neuroradiologists, neurologists, and neurosurgeons should be aware of this potential variant.
Displacement-based design procedure for slope-stabilizing piles
Authors: Galli A. , di Prisco C.
Published: November 2012

Vertical piles are widely employed around the world to prevent landslides, and they are commonly designed with the aim of reducing the soil displacement rate well before the activation of the potential failure mechanism. The design strategies usually adopted in engineering practice are often based on oversimplified approaches, not taking into account any realistic interaction mechanism between pile and soil, and they are not suitable for predicting the effectiveness of the mitigation structure in terms of reduction in the soil displacement rate. This paper attempts to address the problem by proposing a simplified displacement-based numerical procedure, providing engineers with a simple, physically based and easy-to-run tool, particularly useful in pre-dimensioning phases for the system. The importance of a correct description of the soil–pile mechanical interaction and even of possible nonlinearities in pile behaviour is quantitatively discussed by means of numerical analyses based on simplified geometries, proving that the soil–structure interaction forces cannot a priori be foreseen, but that their evaluation requires a displacement-based procedure. The proposed approach appears to be very useful even for prediction of the long-term behaviour of the system. This framework allows the capture of even the remarkable influence that the shape of the soil displacement profile has on the mechanical response of the system, thus implying that a reliable on-site monitoring system is necessary for the optimum design of the structure.
Catalytic activity of dithioic acid copper complexes in the alkyne–azide cycloaddition
Authors: Velasco Bayardo E. , López-Téllez Gustavo , González-Rivas Nelly , García-Orozco Iván , Cuevas-Yañez Erick
Published: November 2012

Diverse dithioic acid copper complexes exhibit a high catalytic activity in the copper-catalyzed alkyne–azide cycloaddition using several solvents under different temperatures, showing a high efficiency with only 0.005 mmol catalyst/mmol alkyne or less. A dithioic acid copper complex derived from acetophenone was selected and used as the catalyst in the preparation of a library of 1,4-disubstituted-1,2,3-triazoles. This process occurred in high yields and good functional group tolerance.
Brassica napus polygalacturonase inhibitor proteins inhibit Sclerotinia sclerotiorum polygalacturonase enzymatic and necrotizing activities and delay symptoms in transgenic plants
Authors: Bashi Zafer Dallal , Rimmer S. Roger , Khachatourians George G. , Hegedus Dwayne D.
Published: November 2012

Sclerotinia sclerotiorum releases a battery of polygalacturonases (PGs) during infection, which the host plant may cope with through production of polygalacturonase inhibitor proteins (PGIPs). To study the interaction between S. sclerotiorum PGs and Brassica napus PGIPs, 5 S. sclerotiorum PGs and 4 B. napus PGIPs were expressed in Pichia pastoris. SsPG3, SsPG6, and BnPGIP1 were successfully produced in the yeast system, and BnPGIP1 inhibited SsPG6 enzymatic activity in vitro. SsPG3 and SsPG6 both induced light-dependent necrosis when infiltrated into leaves, which was reduced in an Arabidopsis thaliana line expressing BnPGIP2 and to a lesser extent in a line expressing BnPGIP1. The line expressing BnPGIP2 also exhibited a delay in the onset of symptoms upon S. sclerotiorum inoculation, but no long-term effect on S. sclerotiorum disease progression was observed. The P. pastoris system was found to be suitable for expressing high levels of some S. sclerotiorum PGs, but PGIP interaction studies were best performed in planta. Arabidopsis thaliana forms necrotic lesions upon infiltration of PGs, is susceptible to S. sclerotiorum, and is easily transformed, and thus, is well-suited for the qualitative study of PG–PGIP interactions.
Lipid and fatty acid profile ofGeobacillus kaustophilusin response to abiotic stress
Authors: Al-Khalaf Ranya A. , Al-Awadhi Husain A. , Al-Beloshei Noor , Afzal Mohammad
Published: November 2012

Geobacillus kaustophilus is an important food-borne, spore-forming, thermotolerant bacterium. It has a good potential for biotransformation of steroid hormones, such as progesterone and testosterone. In this study, we report G. kaustophilus membrane lipid modifications in response to temperature shock, salinity, incubation time, and pH. Total lipids significantly increased in response to increasing temperature, incubation time, and salt concentration. However, the bacterium presented a significant decrease in the accumulation of total lipids in response to pH shock. The ratio of branched-chain fatty acids/straight-chain fatty acids decreased significantly under all stress conditions. With an increase in temperature, incubation time, and salt concentration, the ratio of iso-fatty acids/anteiso-fatty acids increased significantly, while this ratio remained unaffected by changes in the pH of the growth medium. Our results suggest a modification occurs in the bacterial membrane structure in response to temperature, salinity, incubation time, and pH shock. The variable abiotic stress resulted in a multiple increase in odd-numbered-carbon and low-melting-point anteiso-branched-chain fatty acids, helping the membrane keep its integrity, fluidity, and function for growth of the bacteria under abiotic stress conditions.
Effective scheme for enhancing entanglement in distant optomechanical system by injecting the atomic medium
Authors: Shi Zhi-Cheng , Xia Yan , Song Jie
Published: November 2012

In this paper, we propose a method to enhance the steady-state entanglement between cavity fields and mechanical modes by injecting atomic media into the cavities. The atomic medium interaction with the cavities can change the effective decay rate of the photons and the radiation pressure of the cavity fields on the two mirrors. Thus it provides us with a way to enhance the quantum entanglement in the optomechanical system.
Omega-3 fatty acids and changes in LBM: alone or in synergy for better muscle health?
Authors: McDonald Cameron , Bauer Judy , Capra Sandra
Published: November 2012

Myopenia or muscle wasting due to ageing, chronic disease, and various medical interventions has been associated with increased mortality, morbidity, and poorer physical function. Attempts through nutrient and exercise interventions have been made to prevent this deterioration. In addition, while a measure of lean body mass (LBM) is associated with health outcomes, LBM function may be a better prognostic tool. Long-chain omega-3 fatty acids (LCn-3s) are nutrients that may mitigate LBM losses in noncancer populations. The purpose of this review is to determine whether LCn-3s have a role in LBM sparing in noncancer populations, to establish a minimum dose and duration of LCn-3s that will result in LBM change, and to summarise the potential effects of LCn-3s on LBM function when combined with an anabolic stimulus. Overall, in noncancer populations, LCn-3s have limited utility in sparing LBM during energy balance, energy restriction, or in conjunction with aerobic exercise. Further investigations are required to determine the appropriate dose and duration of LCn-3s for optimal LBM function. Finally, compelling evidence exists for LCn-3s in conjunction with an anabolic stimulus to improve LBM function and quality. Functionality of LBM tissue is an important outcome for population health, and LCn-3s show some promise, albeit pending further study.
Blood mercury levels and the stopover refueling performance of a long-distance migratory songbird
Authors: Seewagen Chad L.
Published: November 2012

I examined the relationship between total mercury (THg) and plasma triglyceride (TRIG; an indicator of body mass change) levels in the blood of migrating Northern Waterthrushes (Parkesia noveboracensis (Gmelin, 1789)) to test the hypothesis that mercury has a negative influence on the stopover refueling rates of migratory birds. THg levels averaged 0.42 ppm and ranged 0.09–2.08 ppm. Model selection indicated that THg was not important for explaining variation in TRIG relative to capture time, body mass, and year. Summed model weights also indicated that THg had low relative importance. Capture time appeared alone in the global best model and had the greatest relative importance. Subsets of birds in the 25th and 75th percentiles of THg level did not have different levels of TRIG. THg in most birds was higher than mean blood levels reported for several other long-distance migrants from the same geographic region, but below the lowest blood level recently determined to cause adverse effects (reduced reproductive success) in a passerine (0.7 ppm). Blood THg levels in this study did not seem to affect foraging efficiency or other attributes of Northern Waterthrushes enough to reduce their stopover refueling rate. Research is needed to identify mercury effect levels for neurological, physiological, and behavioral changes that would impair the migration performance of passerine birds.
The Red Knot (Calidris canutus rufa) decline in the western hemisphere: is there a lemming connection?
Authors: Fraser J.D. , Karpanty S.M. , Cohen J.B. , Truitt B.R.
Published: November 2012

Numbers of Western Atlantic Red Knots (Calidris canutus rufa (A. Wilson, 1813)) have declined since 1980, with a sustained downward trend observed after 1998. Because the reproductive output of a closely related Eurasian subspecies (Calidris canutus islandica (L., 1767)) is known to be low when lemming numbers are low, and because lemming cycles in Fennoscandia were recently interrupted, we investigated the relationship between the rodent cycle in arctic Canada and numbers of C. c. rufa migrating through the United States. Shooting records from Cape Cod in the 1800s and Red Knot counts on the Delaware Bay from 1986 to 1998 cycled with 4-year periods. Annual peaks in numbers of Red Knots stopping in the Delaware Bay in 1986–1998 occurred 2 years after arctic rodent peaks more often than expected at random. The results suggest that the reproductive output of C. c. rufa was linked to the rodent cycle before the Red Knot decline. There is no evidence that such a link existed after 1998. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that an interruption of the rodent cycle in Red Knot habitat could have been a driver in the recent Red Knot decline. Field studies in the Arctic are needed to further investigate this hypothesis.
Brown adipose tissue and its modulation by a mitochondria-targeted peptide in rat burn injury-induced hypermetabolism
Authors: Yo Kikuo , Yu Yong-Ming , Zhao Gaofeng , Bonab Ali A. , Aikawa Naoki , Tompkins Ronald G. , Fischman Alan J.
Published: November 2012

Hypermetabolism is a prominent feature of burn injury, and altered mitochondria function is presumed to contribute to this state. Recently, brown adipose tissue (BAT) was found to be present not only in rodents but also in humans, and its activity is associated with resting metabolic rate. In this report, we elucidate the relationship between burn injury-induced hypermetabolism and BAT activity and the possible role of the mitochondria-targeted peptide SS31 in attenuating burn injury-induced hypermetabolism by using a rat burn injury model. We demonstrate that burn injury induces morphological changes in interscapular BAT (iBAT). Burn injury was associated with iBAT activation, and this effect was positively correlated with increased energy expenditure. BAT activation was associated with augmentation of mitochondria biogenesis, and UCP1 expression in the isolated iBAT mitochondria. In addition, the mitochondria-targeted peptide SS31 attenuated burn injury-induced hypermetabolism, which was accompanied by suppression of UCP1 expression in isolated mitochondria. Our results suggest that BAT plays an important role in burn injury-induced hypermetabolism through its morphological changes and expression of UCP1.
11β-HSD1 inhibition reduces atherosclerosis in mice by altering proinflammatory gene expression in the vasculature
Authors: Luo Mingjuan J. , Thieringer Rolf , Springer Martin S. , Wright Samuel D. , Hermanowski-Vosatka Anne , Plump Andrew , Balkovec James M. , Cheng Kang , Ding Gloria J. , Kawka Douglas W. , Koo Gloria C. , Grand Cheryl B. Le , Luo Qi , Maletic Milana M. , Malkowitz Lorraine , Shah Kashmira , Singer Irwin , Waddell Sherman T. , Wu Kenneth K. , Yuan Jeffrey , Zhu Jun , Stepaniants Serguei , Yang Xia , Lum Pek Yee , Wang I-Ming
Published: November 2012

11β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) is implicated in the etiology of metabolic syndrome. We previously showed that pharmacological inhibition of 11β-HSD1 ameliorated multiple facets of metabolic syndrome and attenuated atherosclerosis in ApoE−/− mice. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the atheroprotective effect was not clear. In this study, we tested whether and how 11β-HSD1 inhibition affects vascular inflammation, a major culprit for atherosclerosis and its associated complications. ApoE−/− mice were treated with an 11β-HSD1 inhibitor for various periods of time. Plasma lipids and aortic cholesterol accumulation were quantified. Several microarray studies were carried out to examine the effect of 11β-HSD1 inhibition on gene expression in atherosclerotic tissues. Our data suggest 11β-HSD1 inhibition can directly modulate atherosclerotic plaques and attenuate atherosclerosis independently of lipid lowering effects. We identified immune response genes as the category of mRNA most significantly suppressed by 11β-HSD1 inhibition. This anti-inflammatory effect was further confirmed in plaque macrophages and smooth muscle cells procured by laser capture microdissection. These findings in the vascular wall were corroborated by reduction in circulating MCP1 levels after 11β-HSD1 inhibition. Taken together, our data suggest 11β-HSD1 inhibition regulates proinflammatory gene expression in atherosclerotic tissues of ApoE−/− mice, and this effect may contribute to the attenuation of atherosclerosis in these animals.
The Promising Future of Chia,Salvia hispanicaL.
Authors: Mohd Ali Norlaily , Yeap Swee Keong , Ho Wan Yong , Beh Boon Kee , Tan Sheau Wei , Tan Soon Guan
Published: November 2012

With increasing public health awareness worldwide, demand for functional food with multiple health benefits has also increased. The use of medicinal food from folk medicine to prevent diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular problems is now gaining momentum among the public. Seed fromSalvia hispanicaL. or more commonly known as chia is a traditional food in central and southern America. Currently, it is widely consumed for various health benefits especially in maintaining healthy serum lipid level. This effect is contributed by the presence of phenolic acid and omega 3/6 oil in the chia seed. Although the presence of active ingredients in chia seed warrants its health benefits, however, the safety and efficacy of this medicinal food or natural product need to be validated by scientific research.In vivoand clinical studies on the safety and efficacy of chia seed are still limited. This paper covers the up-to-date research on the identified active ingredients, methods for oil extraction, andin vivoand human trials on the health benefit of chia seed, and its current market potential.
A Girl with Autoimmune Cytopenias, Nonmalignant Lymphadenopathy, and Recurrent Infections
Authors: Mattheij Marjolein A. C. , Schatorjé Ellen J. H. , Gemen Eugenie F. A. , van de Corput Lisette , Nooijen Peet T. G. A. , van der Burg Mirjam , de Vries Esther
Published: November 2012

We describe a girl, now 9 years of age, with chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, persistent nonmalignant lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly, recurrent infections, and autoimmune hemolytic anemia. Her symptoms partly fit the definitions of both autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS) and common variable immunodeficiency disorders (CVIDs). Genetic analysis showed no abnormalities in the ALPS-genesFAS, FASLG, andCASP10. The CVID-associatedTACIgene showed a homozygous polymorphism (Pro251Leu), which is found also in healthy controls.
Investment Decision Support for Engineering Projects Based on Risk Correlation Analysis
Authors: Liu Yan , Yi Ting-Hua , Wang Cui-Qin
Published: November 2012

Investment decisions are usually made on the basis of the subjective judgments of experts subjected to the information gap during the preliminary stages of a project. As a consequence, a series of errors in risk prediction and/or decision‐making will be generated leading to out of control investment and project failure. In this paper, the variable fuzzy set theory and intelligent algorithms integrated with case‐based reasoning are presented. The proposed algorithm manages the numerous fuzzy concepts and variable factors of a project and also sets up the decision‐making process in accordance with past cases and experiences. Furthermore, it decreases the calculation difficulty and reduces the decision‐making reaction time. Three types of risk correlations combined with different characteristics of engineering projects are summarized, and each of these correlations is expounded at the project investment decision‐making stage. Quantitative and qualitative change theories of variable fuzzy sets are also addressed for investment risk warning. The approach presented in this paper enables the risk analysis in a simple and intuitive manner and realizes the integration of objective and subjective risk assessments within the decision‐makers′ risk expectation.
Strong Convergence of Non‐Implicit Iteration Process with Errors in Banach Spaces
Authors: Hao Yan , Wang Xiaoshuang , Tong Aihua
Published: November 2012

The purpose of this paper is to study the strong convergence of a non‐implicit iteration process with errors for asymptotically I‐nonexpansive mappings in the intermediate sense in the framework of Banach spaces. The results presented in this paper extend and improve the corresponding results recently announced.
Continuous Fuel Level Sensor Based on Spiral Side-Emitting Optical Fiber
Authors: Zhao Chengrui , Ye Lin , Yu Xun , Ge Junfeng
Published: November 2012

A continuous fuel level sensor using a side-emitting optical fiber is introduced in this paper. This sensor operates on the modulation of the light intensity in fiber, which is caused by the cladding’s acceptance angle change when it is immersed in fuel. The fiber is bent as a spiral shape to increase the sensor’s sensitivity by increasing the attenuation coefficient and fiber’s submerged length compared to liquid level. The attenuation coefficients of fiber with different bent radiuses in the air and water are acquired through experiments. The fiber is designed as a spiral shape with a steadily changing slope, and its response to water level is simulated. The experimental results taken in water and aviation kerosene demonstrate a performance of 0.9 m range and 10 mm resolution.
A Study on the Coordination of Urban Traffic Control and Traffic Assignment
Authors: Qu ZhaoWei , Xing Yan , Song XianMin , Duan YuZhou , Wei Fulu
Published: November 2012

The interactions between signal setting and traffic assignment can directly affect the urban road network efficiency. In order to improve the coordination of signal setting with traffic assignment, this paper created a traffic control algorithm considering traffic assignment; meanwhile, the link impedance function and the route choice function were introduced into this paper to study the user′s route choice and the road network flow distribution. Then based on the above research, we created a system utility value model. Finally through the VISSIM software to simulate the test network, we verified the superiority of the coordination algorithm and the model and gave the optimal flow of the road network.
Construction and Capacity Analysis of High-Rank LoS MIMO Channels in High Speed Railway Scenarios
Authors: Yang Jingya , Ai Bo , Zhong Zhangdui
Published: November 2012

The validity of the maximum capacity criterion applied to realize high-rank line-of-sight (LoS) multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) channels is investigated for high speed railway scenarios. Performance is evaluated by ergodic capacity. Numerical results demonstrate that by simply adjusting antenna spacing according to the maximum capacity criterion, significant capacity gains are achievable. We find relatively low sensitivity of the system to displacements from the optimal point and angle in relatively short range. Thus, we present two proposals to reconfigure antenna arrays so as to maximize LoS MIMO capacity in the high speed railway scenarios
Forecasting Air Passenger Traffic by Support Vector Machines with Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition and Slope‐Based Method
Authors: Bao Yukun , Xiong Tao , Hu Zhongyi
Published: November 2012

With regard to the nonlinearity and irregularity along with implicit seasonality and trend in the context of air passenger traffic forecasting, this study proposes an ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD) based support vector machines (SVMs) modeling framework incorporating a slope‐based method to restrain the end effect issue occurring during the shifting process of EEMD, which is abbreviated as EEMD‐Slope‐SVMs. Real monthly air passenger traffic series including six selected airlines in USA and UK were collected to test the effectiveness of the proposed approach. Empirical results demonstrate that the proposed decomposition and ensemble modeling framework outperform the selected counterparts such as single SVMs (straightforward application of SVMs), Holt‐Winters, and ARIMA in terms of RMSE, MAPE, GMRAE, and DS. Additional evidence is also shown to highlight the improved performance while compared with EEMD‐SVM model not restraining the end effect.
Diversity of Ectomycorrhizal Fungi Associated withEucalyptusin Africa and Madagascar
Authors: Ducousso Marc , Duponnois Robin , Thoen Daniel , Prin Yves
Published: November 2012

Use of the Australian genusEucalyptusin short rotation plantations in Africa and Madagascar has developed over the last century to such an extent that it is becoming the most frequently planted genus in Africa. In order to find ecologically well-adapted eucalypts, foresters have tested different species of various origins and the number of testedEucalyptusspecies now exceeds 150 in Africa. Due to the ability of eucalypts to naturally form ectomycorrhizae, even in the absence of any controlled introduction of compatible ectomycorrhizal fungal partners, their introduction in new ecosystems has direct consequences for ectomycorrhizal fungus communities. A bibliographical compilation, together with original field observations on putative ectomycorrhizal fungi associated with eucalypts in Africa and in Madagascar, has been drawn up in two lists: one for Africa and one for Madagascar where surprisingly high fungal diversity was observed. The level of diversity, the putative origin of the fungi, and their potential impact on native ectomycorrhizal fungi are discussed. The development of eucalypts plantations will inexorably lead to the increase of exotic fungal species being potentially invasive in the considered region.
Impact of Foreign Direct Investment, Trade Openness, Domestic Demand, and Exchange Rate on the Export Performance of Bangladesh: A VEC Approach
Authors: Adhikary Bishnu Kumar
Published: November 2012

This paper investigates the impact of foreign direct investment (FDI), trade openness, domestic demand, and exchange rate on the export performance of Bangladesh over the period of 1980–2009 using the vector error correction (VEC) model under the time series framework. The stationarity of the variables is checked both at the intercept and intercept plus trend regression forms under the ADF and PP stationarity tests. The Johansen-Juselius procedure is applied to test the cointegration relationship between variables followed by the VEC regression model. The empirical results trace a long-run equilibrium relationship in the variables. FDI is found to be an important factor in explaining the changes in exports both in the short run and long-run. However, the study does not trace any significant causal relationship for the cases of trade openness, domestic demand, and exchange rate. The study concludes that Bangladesh should formulate FDI-led polices to enhance its exports.
Bath Salts: A Newly Recognized Cause of Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: McNeely Jonathan , Parikh Samir , Valentine Christopher , Haddad Nabil , Shidham Ganesh , Rovin Brad , Hebert Lee , Agarwal Anil
Published: November 2012

Bath salts are substance of abuse that are becoming more common and are difficult to recognize due to negative toxicology screening. Acute kidney injury due to bath salt use has not previously been described. We present the case of a previously healthy male who developed acute kidney injury and dialysis dependence after bath salt ingestion and insufflation. This was self-reported with negative toxicology screening. Clinical course was marked by severe hyperthermia, hyperkalemia, rhabdomyolysis, disseminated intravascular coagulation, oliguria, and sepsis. We discuss signs and symptoms, differential diagnoses, potential mechanisms of injury, management, and review of the literature related to bath salt toxicity.
Investigation of Acupuncture Sensation Patterns under Sensory Deprivation Using a Geographic Information System
Authors: Beissner Florian , Marzolff Irene
Published: November 2012

The study of acupuncture-related sensations, likedeqiand propagated sensations along channels (PSCs), has a long tradition in acupuncture basic research. The phenomenon itself, however, remains poorly understood. To study the connection between PSC and classical meridians, we applied a geographic information system (GIS) to analyze sketches of acupuncture sensations from healthy volunteers after laser acupuncture. As PSC can be subtle, we aimed at reducing the confounding impact of external stimuli by carrying out the experiment in a floatation tank under restricted environmental stimulation. 82.4% of the subjects experienced PSC, that is, they had line-like or 2-dimensional sensations, although there were some doubts that these were related to the laser stimulation. Line-like sensations on the same limb were averaged to calculate sensation mean courses, which were then compared to classical meridians by measuring the mean distance between the two. Distances ranged from 0.83 cm in the case of the heart (HT) and spleen (SP) meridian to 6.27 cm in the case of the kidney (KI) meridian. Furthermore, PSC was observed to “jump” between adjacent meridians. In summary, GIS has proven to be a valuable tool to study PSC, and our results suggest a close connection between PSC and classical meridians.
Improved Binding Activity of Antibodies against Major Histocompatibility Complex Class I Chain-Related Gene A by Phage Display Technology for Cancer-Targeted Therapy
Authors: Phumyen Achara , Jumnainsong Amonrat , Leelayuwat Chanvit
Published: November 2012

Major histocompatibility complex class I chain-related gene A (MICA) is an NKG2D ligand that is over-expressed under cellular stress including cancer transformation and viral infection. High expression of MICA in cancer tissues or patients' sera is useful for prognostic or follow-up markers in cancer patients. In this study, phage display technology was employed to improve antigen-binding activities of anti-MICA monoclonal antibodies (WW2G8, WW6B7, and WW9B8). The 12 amino acid residues in the complementarity determining regions (CDRs) on the V domain of the heavy chain CDR3 (HCDR3) of these anti-MICA antibodies were modified by PCR-random mutagenesis, and phages displaying mutated anti-MICA Fab were constructed. After seven rounds of panning, five clones of phages displaying mutant anti-MICA Fab which exhibited 3–7-folds higher antigen-binding activities were isolated. Two clones of the mutants (phage-displayed mutant Fab WW9B8.1 and phage-displayed mutant Fab WW9B8.21) were confirmed to have antigen-binding specificity for cell surface MICA proteins by flow cytometry. These phage clones are able to recognize MICA in a native form according to positive results obtained by indirect ELISA and flow cytometry. Thus, these phage particles could be potentially used for further development of nanomedicine specifically targeting cancer cells expressing MICA proteins.
A Molecular Dynamics Approach to Ligand-Receptor Interaction in the Aspirin-Human Serum Albumin Complex
Authors: Alvarez H. Ariel , McCarthy Andrés N. , Grigera J. Raúl
Published: November 2012

In this work, we present a study of the interaction between human serum albumin (HSA) and acetylsalicylic acid (ASA, C9H8O4) by molecular dynamics simulations (MD). Starting from an experimentally resolved structure of the complex, we performed the extraction of the ligand by means of the application of an external force. After stabilization of the system, we quantified the force used to remove the ASA from its specific site of binding to HSA and calculated the mechanical nonequilibrium external work done during this process. We obtain a reasonable value for the upper boundary of the Gibbs free energy difference (an equilibrium thermodynamic potential) between the complexed and noncomplexed states. To achieve this goal, we used the finite sampling estimator of the average work, calculated from the Jarzynski Equality. To evaluate the effect of the solvent, we calculated the so-called “viscous work,” that is, the work done to move the aspirin in the same trajectory through the solvent in absence of the protein, so as to assess the relevance of its contribution to the total work. The results are in good agreement with the available experimental data for the albumin affinity constant for aspirin, obtained through quenching fluorescence methods.
Bouveret’s Syndrome: 64-Slice CT Diagnosis and Surgical Management—A Case Report
Authors: Sharma Dinesh , Sood Rajan , Tomar Ashwani , Jhobta Anupam , Thakur Shruti , Sood R. G.
Published: November 2012

Gastric outlet obstruction caused by duodenal impaction of a large gallstone migrated through a cholecystoduodenal fistula has been referred to as Bouveret’s syndrome. We present a case of gallstone-induced duodenal obstruction in an elderly female patient, diagnosed on a 64-slice MDCT scanner. One-stage surgery, that is, stone removal and cholecystectomy, was performed resulting in relief of obstruction and complete cure. Clinical features, multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) findings, and surgical management are discussed.
Performance Evaluation of Closed-Loop Spatial Multiplexing Codebook Based on Indoor MIMO Channel Measurement
Authors: Gao Junjun , Zhang Jianhua , Xiong Yanwei , Sun Yanliang , Tao Xiaofeng
Published: November 2012

Closed-loop MIMO technique standardized in LTE can support different layer transmissions through precoding operation to match the channel multiplexing capability. However, the performance of the limited size codebook still needs to be evaluated in real channel environment for further insights. Based on the wideband MIMO channel measurement in a typical indoor scenario, capacity loss (CL) of the limited size codebook relative to perfect precoding is studied first in two extreme channel conditions. The results show that current codebook design for single layer transmission is nearly capacity lossless, and the CL will increase with the number of transmitted layers. Furthermore, the capacity improvement of better codebook selection criterions is very limited compared to CL. Then we define the maximum capacity boost achieved by frequency domain layer adaption (FDLA) and investigate its sensitivity to SNR and channel condition. To survey the effect of frequency domain channel variation on MIMO-OFDM system, we define a function to measure the fluctuation levels of the key channel metrics within a subband and reveal the inherent relationship between them. Finally, a capacity floor resulted as the feedback interval increases in frequency domain.
BIS-Guided Total Intravenous Anesthesia for Orchiopexy and Circumcision in a Child with Severe Autism: A Case Report
Authors: Okur Selçuk , Arıkan Müge , Temel Gülşen , Temel Volkan
Published: November 2012

Autistic children are very difficult to manage in the hospital setting because they react badly to any change in routine. We describe a case of 10-year-old male patient with severe autism undergoing orchidopexy and circumcision. Following premedication, anesthesia was induced with remifentanil, propofol, atracurium, and maintained with total intravenous anesthesia (propofol and remifentanil). The Bispectral Index System was monitored for determination of the depth of anesthesia. After surgery, all infusions were discontinued. The patient was then transferred to the postanesthetic care unit. There were no adverse events observed during the anesthetic management. The patient was discharged from the hospital on the second postoperative day. Bispectral Index System-guided Total Intravenous Anesthesia can provide some advantages for patient with autism, such as hemodynamic stability, early and easy recovery, to facilitate faster discharge, to optimize the delivery of anesthetic agents, to minimize its adverse effects, and to maximize its safety.
Localized Scleroderma Associated with Chronic Hepatitis C
Authors: de Oliveira Felipe Ladeira , de Barros Silveira Luisa Kelmer Côrtes , Rambaldi Maria Lourdes Candela , Barbosa Fabio Cuiabano
Published: November 2012

Hepatitis C virus has been associated with various skin conditions, such as porphyria cutanea tarda and lichen planus, as an example. The objective of this paper is based on the description of a case of localized morphea, which came years after the discovery of hepatitis C, as well as a discussion of possible relations between both diseases.
Entry‐Item‐Quantity‐ABC Analysis‐Based Multitype Cigarette Fast Sorting System
Authors: Zhao Ying , Shi Yan , Karimi Hamid Reza
Published: November 2012

Numerous items, small order, and frequent delivery are the characteristics of many distribution centers. Such characteristics generally increase the operating costs of the distribution center. To remedy this problem, this study employs the Entry‐Item‐Quantity (EIQ) method to identify the characteristic of the cigarette distribution center and further analyzes the importance degree of customers and the frequently ordered products by means of EQ/EN/IQ‐B/IK statistic charts. Based on these analyses as well as the total replenishment cost optimization model, multipicking strategies and combined multitype picking equipment allocation is then formulated accordingly. With such design scheme, the cigarette picking costs of the distribution center are expected to reduce. Finally, the specific number of equipment is figured out in order to meet the capability demand of the case cigarette distribution center.
Psychosocial Characteristics and Gestational Weight Change among Overweight, African American Pregnant Women
Authors: Allison Kelly C. , Wrotniak Brian H. , Paré Emmanuelle , Sarwer David B.
Published: November 2012

Objectives. To describe psychosocial factors identified as contributors of weight gain in the general population and to examine the relationship between these factors and gestational weight gain among low socioeconomic status, African American, overweight pregnant women.Methods. African American women (n=120) with a pregravid body mass index≥25 kg/m2completed measures of eating, sleep, and depressed mood between 14 and 24 weeks of gestation. Weight was tracked. Descriptive statistics, correlations, and linear regression modeling were used to characterize the sample and examine predictors of gestational weight gain.Results. Four percent screened positive for night eating syndrome, with 32% consuming at least 25% of their daily caloric intake after dinner (evening hyperphagia). None met criteria for binge eating disorder; 4% reported occasional binge episodes. Cognitive restraint over eating was low. Participants slept 7.1 (SD=1.9) h per night and reported 4.3 (SD=3.6) awakenings per week; 18% reported some level of depressed mood. Night and binge eating were related to each other, sleep quality, and depressed mood. Eating due to cravings was the only psychosocial variable to predict gestational weight gain.Conclusions. Depressed mood, night eating, and nighttime awakenings were common in this cohort, while cognitive restraint over eating was low. Most psychosocial variables were not predictive of excess gestational weight gain.
A Novel Detection Scheme for EBPSK System
Authors: Chen Xianqing , Wu Lenan
Published: November 2012

We introduce the extended binary phase shift keying (EBPSK) communication system which is different from traditional communication systems by using a special impacting filter (SIF) for demodulation. The joint detection technique is applied at the demodulator side in order to improve the performance of the system under intersymbol interference (ISI). The main advantage of the joint detection technique, when compared to conventional threshold approaches, lies in its ability to use the amplitude and the correlation between neighboring bits, thus significantly improving performance, with low complexity. Moreover, we concentrate not only on increasing the bit rate of the system, but also on designing a bandwidth efficient communication system. Simulation results show that this new approach significantly outperforms the conventional method of using threshold decision by from 3.5 to 5 dB. The new system also occupies a narrower bandwidth. So joint detection is an effective method for EBPSK demodulation under ISI.
Theα1ATandTIMP-1Gene Polymorphism in the Development of Asthma
Authors: Kumar Manish , Bhadoria D. P. , Dutta Koushik , Kumar F. Mitesh , Singh Bharat , Singh Seema , Chhillar Anil K. , Behera D. , Sharma G. L.
Published: November 2012

Asthma has been an inflammatory disorder accompanied by tissue remodeling and protease-antiprotease imbalance in lungs. The SNPs ofalpha-1 antitrypsin(α1AT) andtissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1(TIMP-1) genes were studied for their association with asthma. Genotyping ofα1ATandTIMP-1genes was performed in 202 asthmatics and 204 controls. Serum levels ofα1AT, TIMP-1 and cytokines were estimated to find if the interplay between genotypes and cellular biomarkers determines the pathogenesis of asthma. The analysis of results showed significantly low level ofα1AT in the serum of asthmatics as compared to controls (P=0.001), whereas cytokines were elevated in patients. No significant difference was observed in the concentration of TIMP-1 in patients and controls. Genotyping led to the identification of 3 SNPs (Val213Ala, Glu363Lys, and Glu376Asp) inα1ATgene. The novel SNP Glu363Lys ofα1ATwas found to be associated with asthma (P=0.001). The analysis ofTIMP-1gene showed the occurrence of seven SNPs, including a novel intronic SNP at base G3774A. The allele frequency of G3774A and Phe124Phe was significantly higher in asthmatics as compared to controls. Thus, the SNP Glu363Lys ofα1ATand G3774A and Phe124Phe ofTIMP-1could be important genetic markers for use in better management of the disease.