bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiple feature extraction and classification of electroencephalograph signal for Alzheimers' with spectrum and bispectrum
Authors: Wang Ruofan , Wang Jiang , Li Shunan , Yu Haitao , Deng Bin , Wei Xile
Published: January 2015

In this paper, we have combined experimental neurophysiologic recording and statistical analysis to investigate the nonlinear characteristic and the cognitive function of the brain. Spectrum and bispectrum analyses are proposed to extract multiple effective features of electroencephalograph (EEG) signals from Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients and further applied to distinguish AD patients from the normal controls. Spectral analysis based on autoregressive Burg method is first used to quantify the power distribution of EEG series in the frequency domain. Compared to the control group, the relative power spectral density of AD group is significantly higher in the theta frequency band, while lower in the alpha frequency bands. In addition, median frequency of spectrum is decreased, and spectral entropy ratio of these two frequency bands undergoes drastic changes at the P3 electrode in the central-parietal brain region, implying that the electrophysiological behavior in AD brain is much slower and less irregular. In order to explore the nonlinear high order information, bispectral analysis which measures the complexity of phase-coupling is further applied to P3 electrode in the whole frequency band. It is demonstrated that less bispectral peaks appear and the amplitudes of peaks fall, suggesting a decrease of non-Gaussianity and nonlinearity of EEG in ADs. Notably, the application of this method to five brain regions shows higher concentration of the weighted center of bispectrum and lower complexity reflecting phase-coupling by bispectral entropy. Based on spectrum and bispectrum analyses, six efficient features are extracted and then applied to discriminate AD from the normal in the five brain regions. The classification results indicate that all these features could differentiate AD patients from the normal controls with a maximum accuracy of 90.2%. Particularly, different brain regions are sensitive to different features. Moreover, the optimal combination of features obtained by discriminant analysis may improve the classification accuracy. These results demonstrate the great promise for scape EEG spectral and bispectral features as a potential effective method for detection of AD, which may facilitate our understanding of the pathological mechanism of the disease.
Mobility enhancement in polymer organic semiconductors arising from increased interconnectivity at the level of polymer segments
Authors: Northrup J. E.
Published: January 2015

We present a model to estimate the mobility in polymers and to gauge the effect of increased interconnectivity at the level of polymer segments. The model takes into account the finite length of the polymers and the two-dimensional nature of the transport. These results show that the presence of polymer segments extending from one ordered domain into another can enhance the mobility significantly provided the π-π coupling is sufficiently large.
Low frequency noise characteristics in multilayer WSe2 field effect transistor
Authors: Cho In-Tak , Kim Jong In , Hong Yoonki , Roh Jeongkyun , Shin Hyeonwoo , Baek Geun Woo , Lee Changhee , Hong Byung Hee , Jin Sung Hun , Lee Jong-Ho
Published: January 2015

This paper investigates the low-frequency noise properties of multilayer WSe2 field effect transistors (FETs) in subthreshold, linear, and saturation regime. The measured noise power spectral density of drain current (SID) shows that the low-frequency noise in multilayer WSe2 FET fits well to a 1/fγ power law with γ ∼ 1 in the frequency range of 10 Hz–200 Hz. From the dependence of SID on the drain current, carrier mobility fluctuation is considered as a dominant low frequency noise mechanism from all operation regimes in multilayer WSe2 FET. Extracted Hooge's parameter in this study is within the value of 0.12, comparable to those of the transition metal dichalcogenide FETs in recent reports.
Haptoglobin phenotype predicts the development of focal and global cerebral vasospasm and may influence outcomes after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Leclerc Jenna L. , Blackburn Spiros , Neal Dan , Mendez Nicholas V. , Wharton Jeffrey A. , Waters Michael F. , Doré Sylvain
Published: January 2015

Significance

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a devastating stroke subtype associated with an early age at onset and significant morbidity and mortality. Cerebral vasospasm (CV) is a common complication of SAH and a key contributor to poor outcomes due to the resulting brain ischemia and/or infarction. Blood bioproducts have been implicated in the development of CV, and haptoglobin (Hp), the hemoglobin-binding protein, may aid in attenuating this cascade of toxic effects. Here, we demonstrate that Hp phenotype is an independent risk factor for focal CV, and importantly, for global CV. We also show that Hp phenotype predicts mortality and poor outcomes. Although this work focuses on SAH, we expect that these findings will also apply to other acute neurological conditions.
Ventral aspect of the visual form pathway is not critical for the perception of biological motion
Authors: Gilaie-Dotan Sharon , Saygin Ayse Pinar , Lorenzi Lauren J. , Rees Geraint , Behrmann Marlene
Published: January 2015

Significance

Perceiving the movements of people around us is critical for many daily skills (from detecting threats to social interactions) and involves both form and motion perception. Even though the “form” visual pathway is standardly activated by biological motion stimuli, it is unknown whether this pathway’s integrity is critical for the perception of biological motion. Here, we examined whether damage to different aspects of the form pathway affects biological motion perception. Individuals with lesions to the ventral aspects of this pathway evinced normal biological motion perception despite their impairments in form perception. Our counterintuitive findings indicate that biological motion can be perceived and processed normally even when the ability to perceive the form or the actor executing the movements is impaired.
T box riboswitches in Actinobacteria: Translational regulation via novel tRNA interactions
Authors: Sherwood Anna V. , Grundy Frank J. , Henkin Tina M.
Published: January 2015

Significance

T box riboswitches generally regulate gene expression at the level of transcription attenuation by utilizing a specific tRNA as the regulatory ligand. Conserved features of these elements are under development as antibiotic targets. T box sequences in the phylum Actinobacteria, including pathogens like
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
, lack conserved motifs essential for function in other T box RNAs and are predicted to regulate gene expression at the level of translation initiation. Demonstration that these RNAs function as T box riboswitches is crucial to determine whether T box-targeting antibiotics will be effective against these organisms. This study provides the first evidence, to our knowledge, for T box regulation of translation and new information about novel modes of tRNA recognition.
A flipped ion pair at the dynein–microtubule interface is critical for dynein motility and ATPase activation
Authors: Uchimura Seiichi , Fujii Takashi , Takazaki Hiroko , Ayukawa Rie , Nishikawa Yosuke , Minoura Itsushi , Hachikubo You , Kurisu Genji , Sutoh Kazuo , Kon Takahide , Namba Keiichi , Muto Etsuko
Published: January 2015

Dynein is a motor protein that moves on microtubules (MTs) using the energy of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) hydrolysis. To understand its motility mechanism, it is crucial to know how the signal of MT binding is transmitted to the ATPase domain to enhance ATP hydrolysis. However, the molecular basis of signal transmission at the dynein–MT interface remains unclear. Scanning mutagenesis of tubulin identified two residues in α-tubulin, R403 and E416, that are critical for ATPase activation and directional movement of dynein. Electron cryomicroscopy and biochemical analyses revealed that these residues form salt bridges with the residues in the dynein MT-binding domain (MTBD) that work in concert to induce registry change in the stalk coiled coil and activate the ATPase. The R403-E3390 salt bridge functions as a switch for this mechanism because of its reversed charge relative to other residues at the interface. This study unveils the structural basis for coupling between MT binding and ATPase activation and implicates the MTBD in the control of directional movement.
Heterogeneous hydrolytic features for OXA-48-like β-lactamases
Authors: Oueslati Saoussen , Nordmann Patrice , Poirel Laurent
Published: January 2015

Objectives

Carbapenem-hydrolysing class D β-lactamases of the OXA-48 type are increasingly reported from Enterobacteriaceae. β-Lactamase OXA-48 hydrolyses penicillins very efficiently, but carbapenems only weakly and spares broad-spectrum cephalosporins. Recently, diverse OXA-48-like β-lactamases have been identified worldwide (OXA-162, OXA-181, OXA-163, OXA-204 and OXA-232). They differ by few amino acid substitutions or by amino acid deletions.

Methods

bla  OXA-48, blaOXA-162, blaOXA-163, blaOXA-181, blaOXA-204 and blaOXA-232 were cloned into the same expression vector and expressed in the same Escherichia coli background. Kinetic studies were performed with enzymes purified by ion-exchange chromatography. Determination of hydrolytic activities was performed by UV spectrophotometry. MICs were determined for all recombinant strains, using as background either the WT E. coli TOP10 strain or a porin-deficient E. coli strain.

Results

Kinetic studies showed that OXA-162 and OXA-204 shared the same hydrolytic properties as OXA-48. On the other hand, OXA-181 possessed a higher ability to hydrolyse carbapenems, while OXA-232 hydrolysed those substrates less efficiently. In contrast to the other OXA-48-like β-lactamases, OXA-163 hydrolysed broad-spectrum cephalosporins very efficiently, but did not possess significant carbapenemase activity. Although several of these OXA-48-like enzymes possess low activity against carbapenems, MICs of carbapenems were significantly elevated when determined for strains possessing permeability defects.

Conclusions

A detailed comparative analysis of the kinetic properties of the OXA-48-like β-lactamases is provided here. It clarifies the respective features of each OXA-48-like variant and their respective impacts in terms of carbapenem resistance.
Effect of Extended Crop Rotations on Incidence of Black Dot, Silver Scurf, and Verticillium Wilt of Potato
Authors: Johnson Dennis A. , Cummings Thomas F.
Published: January 2015

Potato tubers were collected and evaluated for symptoms and signs of black dot, silver scurf, and Verticillium wilt to determine the effect of extended crop rotations on disease incidences in the Columbia Basin. Incidence of tubers with black dot collected from storage significantly decreased as the number of years between potato crops increased from 3 to 5 years and beyond and significantly increased as the number of previous potato crops increased to 16. The highest incidence of black dot (range of 73 to 98%) was from fields rotated out of potatoes for 1 to 3 years. The mean incidence of black dot was 56% for fields out of potatoes for 0 to 4 years and 12% for fields out of potatoes 5 and more years. A low incidence (0 to 9%) of black dot was detected at 15 years out of potatoes. Years out of potato and number of prior potato crops accounted for 71% of the variability associated with the incidence of black dot. Severity of black dot on tuber periderm peels significantly increased as incidence of tuber periderm peels with Colletotrichum coccodes increased. Coefficient of determination was 0.87 for log severity on regressed on black dot incidence. Incidence of silver scurf was highest from fields out of potatoes for 1 year. Incidence of silver scurf infected tubers significantly increased as the number of previous potato crops increased due to short rotations between potato crops. Incidence of tubers with Verticillium dahliae was not related to years between potato crops or number of previous potato crops. The present study confirmed that black dot can be reduced with rotations out of potatoes greater than 5 years.
A comparison between the dynamics of horizontal and vertical axis offshore floating wind turbines
Authors: Borg M. , Collu M.
Published: January 2015

The need to further exploit offshore wind resources in deeper waters has led to a re-emerging interest in vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs) for floating foundation applications. However, there has been little effort to systematically compare VAWTs to the more conventional horizontal axis wind turbine (HAWT). This article initiates this comparison based on prime principles, focusing on the turbine aerodynamic forces and their impact on the floating wind turbine static and dynamic responses. VAWTs generate substantially different aerodynamic forces on the support structure, in particular, a potentially lower inclining moment and a substantially higher torque than HAWTs. Considering the static stability requirements, the advantages of a lower inclining moment, a lower wind turbine mass and a lower centre of gravity are illustrated, all of which are exploitable to have a less costly support structure. Floating VAWTs experience increased motion in the frequency range surrounding the turbine [number of blades]×[rotational speed] frequency. For very large VAWTs with slower rotational speeds, this frequency range may significantly overlap with the range of wave excitation forces. Quantitative considerations are undertaken comparing the reference NREL 5 MW HAWT with the NOVA 5 MW VAWT.
Optimization of monopiles for offshore wind turbines
Authors: Kallehave Dan , Byrne Byron W. , LeBlanc Thilsted Christian , Mikkelsen Kristian Kousgaard
Published: January 2015

The offshore wind industry currently relies on subsidy schemes to be competitive with fossil-fuel-based energy sources. For the wind industry to survive, it is vital that costs are significantly reduced for future projects. This can be partly achieved by introducing new technologies and partly through optimization of existing technologies and design methods. One of the areas where costs can be reduced is in the support structure, where better designs, cheaper fabrication and quicker installation might all be possible. The prevailing support structure design is the monopile structure, where the simple design is well suited to mass-fabrication, and the installation approach, based on conventional impact driving, is relatively low-risk and robust for most soil conditions. The range of application of the monopile for future wind farms can be extended by using more accurate engineering design methods, specifically tailored to offshore wind industry design. This paper describes how state-of-the-art optimization approaches are applied to the design of current wind farms and monopile support structures and identifies the main drivers where more accurate engineering methods could impact on a next generation of highly optimized monopiles.
Simplified rotor load models and fatigue damage estimates for offshore wind turbines
Authors: Muskulus M.
Published: January 2015

The aim of rotor load models is to characterize and generate the thrust loads acting on an offshore wind turbine. Ideally, the rotor simulation can be replaced by time series from a model with a few parameters and state variables only. Such models are used extensively in control system design and, as a potentially new application area, structural optimization of support structures. Different rotor load models are here evaluated for a jacket support structure in terms of fatigue lifetimes of relevant structural variables. All models were found to be lacking in accuracy, with differences of more than 20% in fatigue load estimates. The most accurate models were the use of an effective thrust coefficient determined from a regression analysis of dynamic thrust loads, and a novel stochastic model in state-space form. The stochastic model explicitly models the quasi-periodic components obtained from rotational sampling of turbulent fluctuations. Its state variables follow a mean-reverting Ornstein–Uhlenbeck process. Although promising, more work is needed on how to determine the parameters of the stochastic model and before accurate lifetime predictions can be obtained without comprehensive rotor simulations.
Crystal structure of poly[bis(μ2-5-hydroxynicotinato-κ2N:O3)zinc]
Authors: Wang Wen-Bing , Xu Shan-Shan , Chen Hong-Ji
Published: January 2015

The title coordination polymer, [Zn(C6H4NO3)2]n, was prepared under hydrothermal conditions by the reaction of zinc nitrate with 5-hydroxynicotinic acid in the presence of malonic acid. In the structure, the ZnIIion is coordinated by two carboxylate O atoms and two pyridine N atoms of four 5-hydroxynicotinate ligands in a distorted tetrahedral coordination environment. The μ2-bridging mode of each anion leads to the formation of a three-dimensional framework structure. Intermolecular hydrogen bonds between the hydroxy groups of one anion and the non-coordinating carboxylate O atoms of neighbouring anions consolidate the crystal packing.
A conceptual model for evaluating infrastructure-based temporary multi-organisations
Authors: Awuzie B.O. , McDermott P.
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The absence of an effective model for conceptualising and evaluating the interorganisational relationships within infrastructure delivery systems has been blamed for the seeming inability of implementation analysts to discover the causes of implementation gaps (disjuncture) experienced within such systems. This is particularly so in emerging economies where successive governments are trying to deliver socio-economic benefits to their citizenry through investments in infrastructure. The purpose of this paper is to develop a conceptual model with such capabilities based upon the diagnostic principles of a base model-the Viable Systems Model (VSM) to bridge this identified gap.

Design/methodology/approach

– In this qualitative study, two stages of data collection were applied at various stages of the study namely; asynchronous online discussion forums and structured interviews. Whereas the first set was used to determine the suitability of the tenets of the VSM in understanding the IDS, the latter was used to validate the emergent model. Data obtained from these processes were qualitatively analysed.

Findings

– It was discovered that the VSM could also be applicable to TMOs and not just permanent organisations. This enabled these tenets to be applied in the development of a model for conceptualising and evaluating the relationships within the implementation cycle.

Research limitations/implications

– The emergent model-VIDM – would avail policy analysts in emerging economies with a tool for carrying out proper implementation analysis during policy implementation cycles and not just afterwards, particularly as it concerns infrastructure delivery processes.

Originality/value

– This paper satisfies all the tenets of originality as it has not been previously published and all the ideas from other studies have been duly referenced.
Analysis of characteristics affecting completion time for Malaysian construction projects
Authors: Shehu Zayyana , Holt Gary D. , Endut Intan R , Akintoye Akintola
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– Construction projects within Malaysia are plagued by time overruns that can transform what should have been successful projects, into those incurring additional costs, disagreements, litigation and in some cases abandonment. To help better understand this problem, the purpose of this paper is to investigate Malaysian project characteristics in relation to time overruns.

Design/methodology/approach

– In total, 150 Malaysian quantity-surveying organisations provided data relating to recent projects they have worked on. Project characteristics considered in analysis are new build and refurbishment, public and private sectors, procurement methods used, nature of projects and tendering methods.

Findings

– Public sector projects were found more prone to overruns than those in the private sector; refurbishment projects experienced better time performance than new build; construction management demonstrated better time performance than design-build or traditional procurement; and infrastructure projects/negotiated tendering, performed better than selective/open tendering, respectively. The study also developed a linear model to predict project duration, based on contract period.

Research limitations/implications

– The study adds a geographically specific detailed analysis to the extant literature of project performance generally and to that of time overruns more specifically.

Practical implications

– Findings provide stakeholders with information that may help mitigate the frequency of project delays among construction projects, especially in Malaysia.

Originality/value

– The analysis and modelling of time overrun in relation to Malaysian project characteristics in this way is novel.
Perceived barriers to consumption of freshwater fish in Morocco
Authors: Badr Laamiri Mohamed , Salwa Oufrid , Ahmed Yahyaoui
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the barriers to freshwater fish consumption in Morocco.

Design/methodology/approach

– The survey was conducted on 220 consumers in different food outlets (supermarkets and local fishmongers) during their purchases of fish. Only those who have already had experience of eating or handling and preparing a freshwater fish were selected for the study.

Findings

– According to result of factors analysis test, the low consumption of freshwater fish is linked to three factors: sensory barriers (28.54 percent), convenience barriers (22.83 percent) and quality barriers (19.65 percent). These factors explained about 71.04 percent of the total variance of the research variables. Sensory attributes constitute a major barrier for freshwater fish consumption. Most consumers revealed that freshwater fish has a muddy-earthy taste, bad texture, unpleasant appearance and with numerous bones. Not surprisingly, convenience orientation is cited as a barrier by the most respondents. They reported that freshwater fish will require more effort, time and/ or skills at different stages of the provisioning process which includes acquisition, preparation, eating and cleaning up. Quality attributes (place, freshness and knowledge about freshwater fish) has also an influence on fish’s value and acceptance. It is considered a negative characteristic of freshwater fish.

Originality/value

– Little is known on consumer attitude toward barriers of fish consumption in Morocco. This study is a preliminary one investigating the barriers affecting consumer purchasing decision of freshwater fish.
A simple diversity guided firefly algorithm
Authors: Yu Shuhao , Su Shoubao , Huang Li
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present a modified firefly algorithm (FA) considering the population diversity to avoid local optimum and improve the algorithm’s precision.

Design/methodology/approach

– When the population diversity is below the given threshold value, the fireflies’ positions update according to the modified equation which can dynamically adjust the fireflies’ exploring and exploiting ability.

Findings

– A novel metaheuristic algorithm called FA has emerged. It is inspired by the flashing behavior of fireflies. In basic FA, randomly generated solutions will be considered as fireflies, and brightness is associated with the objective function to be optimized. However, during the optimization process, the fireflies become more and more similar and gather into the neighborhood of the best firefly in the population, which may make the algorithm prematurely converged around the local solution.

Research limitations/implications

– Due to different dimensions and different ranges, the population diversity is different undoubtedly. And how to determine the diversity threshold value is still required to be further researched.

Originality/value

– This paper presents a modified FA which uses a diversity threshold value to guide the algorithm to alternate between exploring and exploiting behavior. Experiments on 17 benchmark functions show that the proposed algorithm can improve the performance of the basic FA.
Developing a Physician Management & Leadership Program (PMLP) in Newfoundland and Labrador
Authors: Maddalena Victor , Fleet Lisa
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– This article aims to document the process the province of Newfoundland and Labrador used to develop an innovative Physician Management and Leadership Program (PMLP). The PMLP is a collaborative initiative among Memorial University (Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Business), the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Regional Health Authorities. As challenges facing health-care systems become more complex there is a growing need for management and leadership training for physicians.

Design/methodology/approach

– Memorial University Faculty of Medicine and the Gardiner Centre in the Faculty of Business in partnership with Regional Health Authorities and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador identified the need for a leadership and management education program for physician leaders. A provincial needs assessment of physician leaders was conducted to identify educational needs to fill this identified gap. A Steering Committee was formed to guide the design and implementation and monitor delivery of the 10 module Physician Management and Leadership Program (PMLP).

Findings

– Designing management and leadership education programs to serve physicians who practice in a large, predominately rural geographic area can be challenging and requires efficient use of available resources and technology.

Originality/value

– While there are many physician management and leadership programs available in Canada and abroad, the PMLP was designed to meet the specific educational needs of physician leaders in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Evaluating the audio-diary method in qualitative research
Authors: Williamson Iain , Leeming Dawn , Lyttle Steven , Johnson Sally
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– Audio-diary methods are under-utilised in contemporary qualitative research. The purpose of this paper is to discuss participants and researchers’ experiences of using audio-diaries alongside semi-structured interviews to explore breastfeeding experiences in a short-term longitudinal study with 22 first-time mothers.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors provide a qualitative content analysis of the participants’ feedback about their experiences of the audio-diary method and supplement this with the perspectives of the research team based on fieldwork notes, memos and team discussions. The authors pay particular attention to the ways in which the data attained from diaries compared with those from the interviews.

Findings

– The diaries produced were highly heterogeneous in terms of data length and quality. Participants’ experiences with the method were varied. Some found the process therapeutic and useful for reflecting upon the development of breastfeeding skills whilst negative aspects related to lack of mobility, self-consciousness and concerns about confidentiality. Researchers were positive about the audio-diary method but raised certain ethical, epistemological and methodological concerns. These include debates around the use of prompts, appropriate support for participants and the potential of the method to influence the behaviour under scrutiny. Interview and diary accounts contrasted and complemented in ways which typically enriched data analysis.

Practical implications

– The authors conclude that audio-diaries are a flexible and useful tool for qualitative research especially within critical realist and phenomenological paradigms.

Originality/value

– This appears to be the first paper to evaluate both participants and researchers’ experiences of using audio-diaries in a detailed and systematic fashion.
Embracing participation in mental health research: conducting authentic interviews
Authors: Morrison Paul , Stomski Norman Jay
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– Successful interviews are underpinned by several important processes that researchers must take account of. These include: understanding the meaning of participation in research, acquiring informed consent, establishing rapport, managing boundaries between research and helping, and embracing consumer participation in research. These processes have been addressed individually in articles, but have not been collectively appraised yet they are all critical determinants of successful interviewing. The purpose of this paper is to bridge the gap in the literature by synthesizing the available information that shapes the practice of interviewing people with mental health problems in a research project.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper involves a review of the literature.

Findings

– Numerous interactional processes need to be addressed to facilitate the full engagement of both researchers and informants in research interviews. Engaging authentically in research interviews is challenging at many levels, and strategies are presented that researchers and informants can use to manage the difficulties that they may encounter.

Originality/value

– This paper draws on the notion of participation to highlight how certain aspects of interactions between researchers and informants with mental health problems contribute to authentic narratives.
Mycophenolate mofetil in erosive genital lichen planus: A case and review of the literature
Authors: Deen Kristyn , McMeniman Erin
Published: January 2015

Erosive genital lichen planus is a disabling, inflammatory mucocutaneous condition that can cause significant patient morbidity and loss of function. Treatment initially involves topical corticosteroids but some patients can have severe treatment‐resistant courses requiring systemic immunosuppression. With potentially unfavorable adverse effect profiles and subsequent intolerance of these agents by patients, erosive lichen planus can ultimately be a challenging condition to treat effectively. We present a case of a 66‐year‐old woman with treatment‐resistant erosive genital lichen planus who was successfully managed with mycophenolate mofetil. Although there is only weak evidence for this agent in this condition, its role in dermatology is growing due to its efficacy and advantageous adverse effect profile and should therefore be considered in patients with treatment‐resistant erosive genital lichen planus.
Implementation of a trauma system in Norway: a national survey
Authors: DEHLI T. , GAARDER T. , CHRISTENSEN B. J. , VINJEVOLL O. P. , WISBORG T.
Published: January 2015

Background

Trauma systems have improved outcomes for injured patients, but might be challenging to implement. We assessed the implementation of a trauma system in Norway after recommendations for a national trauma system were published in 2007, with a focus on elements in acute care hospitals.

Methods

All hospitals in Norway, except for the four regional trauma centres, admitting injured patients at the time of the study were included in a telephone survey. The questionnaire was administered during May 2013 by the regional trauma coordinators who interviewed the local trauma coordinator and/or the local doctor responsible for trauma care in all the acute care hospitals. The main categories were availability of the trauma team and team training, written procedures, preparedness and training of personnel. The compliance to a set of 17 predefined trauma system criteria was evaluated at each institution.

Results

Of the 35 acute care hospitals in Norway admitting trauma patients at the time of the survey, all were included. The median number of fulfilled criteria was 14. Major deficiencies were found in fulfilling competence criteria, maintaining a local trauma registry, and trauma audits. The number of fulfilled criteria correlated strongly with the size of the hospital and the frequency of trauma team activation.

Conclusions

Shortcomings in requirements for lower‐level trauma care hospitals correlate to hospital size and frequency with which the trauma team is activated. In order to fulfill the minimum requirements, smaller hospitals should receive more attention.
Drinking experience uncovers genetic influences on alcohol expectancies across adolescence
Authors: Young‐Wolff Kelly C. , Wang Pan , Tuvblad Catherine , Baker Laura A. , Raine Adrian , Prescott Carol A.
Published: January 2015

Aims

To test whether drinking onset moderates genetic and environmental contributions to individual differences in the etiology of alcohol expectancies across adolescence.

Design

Longitudinal twin design.

Setting

Community sample from Los Angeles, CA, USA.

Participants

A total of 1292 male and female twins, aged 11–18 years, were assessed at 1 (n = 440), 2 (n = 587) or 3 (n = 265) occasions as part of the risk factors for the Antisocial Behavior Twin Study.

Measurements

Social behavioral (SB) alcohol expectancies were measured using an abbreviated version of the Social Behavioral subscale from the Alcohol Expectancy Questionnaire for adolescents (AEQ‐A). Drinking onset was defined as >1 full drink of alcohol.

Findings

Alcohol expectancies increased over age and the increase became more rapid following onset of drinking. The importance of genetic and environmental influences on SB scores varied with age and drinking status, such that variation prior to drinking onset was attributed solely to environmental influences, whereas all post‐onset variation was attributed to genetic influences. Results did not differ significantly by sex.

Conclusion

Only environmental factors explain beliefs about the social and behavioral consequences of alcohol use prior to drinking onset, whereas genetic factors explain an increasing proportion of the variance in these beliefs after drinking onset.
Update on the role of angiotensin in the pathophysiology of coronary atherothrombosis
Authors: da Silva Analina R. , Fraga‐Silva Rodrigo A. , Stergiopulos Nikolaos , Montecucco Fabrizio , Mach François
Published: January 2015

Background

Coronary atherothrombosis due to atherosclerotic plaque rupture or erosion is frequently associated with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Significant efforts have been made to elucidate the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying acute coronary events.

Materials and methods

This narrative review is based on the material searched for and obtained via PubMed up to August 2014. The search terms we used were as follows: ‘angiotensin, acute coronary syndromes, acute myocardial infarction’ in combination with ‘atherosclerosis, vulnerability, clinical trial, ACE inhibitors, inflammation’.

Results

Among several regulatory components, the renin–angiotensin system (RAS) was shown as a key pathway modulating coronary atherosclerotic plaque vulnerability. Indeed, these molecules are involved in all stages of atherogenesis. Classically, the RAS is composed by a series of enzymatic reactions leading to the angiotensin (Ang) II generation and activity. However, the knowledge of RAS has expanded and become more complex. The discovery of novel components and their functions has revealed additional pathways that contribute to or counterbalance the actions of Ang II. In this review, we discussed on recent findings concerning the role of different angiotensin peptides in the pathophysiology of ACS and coronary atherothrombosis, exploring the link between these molecules and atherosclerotic plaque vulnerability.

Conclusions

Treatments selectively targeting angiotensins (including Mas and AT2 agonists, ACE2 recombinant, or Ang‐(1‐7) and almandine in oral formulations) have been tested in animal studies or in small human subgroups, expanding the perspective in the ACS prevention. These novel strategies, especially in the counter‐regulatory axis ACE2/Ang‐(1‐7)/Mas, might be promising to reduce plaque vulnerability and inflammation.
Competences, Learning Theories and MOOCs: Recent Developments in Lifelong Learning
Authors: Steffens Karl
Published: January 2015

Our societies have come to be known as knowledge societies in which lifelong learning is becoming increasingly important. In this context, competences have become a much discussed topic. Many documents were published by international organisations (UNESCO, World Bank, European Commission) which enumerated 21st century key competences. The field of learning theories has also experienced advances. Findings from neuroscience have promoted a new understanding of what really happens in the brain when we learn. At the same time, the fact that learning increasingly takes place in virtual communities led George Siemens (2004) to propose connectivism as a learning theory for the digital age. Similarly, Roberto Carneiro (2010) suggested a theory he called generativism which aims at describing collaborative learning with digital technologies and open educational resources. These theories might be better able to describe and explain lifelong learning than classical learning theories.

In the field of digital technologies, Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) have recently received a great deal of attention. While Siemens suggested connectivist MOOCs (cMOOCs) as the ideal platform for connectivist learning, other forms of MOOCs were also developed. These MOOCs have spread at a breath‐taking pace in the last few years, although it is far from clear to what extent they are based on principles from learning theories and really support learning. These developments will be presented and discussed with respect to their relevance for lifelong learning as an integral part of man's quest for meaning.
Constitutional Reasoning in Private Law: The Role of the CJEU in Adjudicating Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts
Authors: Gerstenberg Oliver
Published: January 2015

This article explores the—often controversial—role of the CJEU as an interpreter of Directive 93/13/EEC on unfair terms. A fundamental problem that any modern system of private law must address is how to combine two types of provisions: those that are intended to facilitate private ordering through voluntary transactions, and those setting out certain mandatory terms that are intended to protect vulnerable consumers against risks inherent to free market transactions. This article argues that, in response to the failure of various legislative initiatives, the Court's jurisprudence has acquired both a regulatory dimension and a constitutional dimension. The emergent judicial regime illustrates an important departure from a rule‐based conception of private law, based on private autonomy as a stand‐alone value, towards an innovative conception that extends proportionality analysis into substantive private law but avoids one‐sided outcomes.
Helicobacter Pylori Infection is Positively Associated with Metabolic Syndrome in Taiwanese Adults: a Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Chen Tsung‐Po , Hung Hui‐Fang , Chen Meng‐Kan , Lai Ho‐Hsien , Hsu Wen‐Feng , Huang Kuo‐Chin , Yang Kuen‐Cheh
Published: January 2015

Background

Helicobacter pylori infection and metabolic syndrome have been reported to be positively associated. However, only a few studies have focused on this issue, and H. pylori serum antigen was used to diagnose infection in most of them. We aimed to investigate the association between metabolic syndrome factors and H. pylori infection, as diagnosed via a 13C‐urea breath test.

Materials and Methods

This cross‐sectional study consisted of 3578 subjects (18–64 years old) enrolled from one health management center between 2008 and 2013. H. pylori infection was defined as a positive urea breath test. The risk of metabolic syndrome from H. pylori infection was assessed using a multiple logistic regression model.

Results

The prevalence of the H. pylori was similar in both genders (20.6% in men and 19.7% in women). H. pylori ‐infected participants had significantly higher body mass index, fasting glucose, low‐density lipoprotein, and triglycerides, and lower high‐density lipoprotein (p < 0.05), than uninfected ones (p < 0.05). The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was higher in H. pylori ‐infected subjects than uninfected ones (men: 12.4% vs. 7.4%, p < 0.001; women: 7.4% vs. 2.5%, p < 0.001). Furthermore, H. pylori infection prevalence increased with metabolic score (P for trend <0.001, both sexes). Moreover, the association between metabolic syndrome and UBT positivity was significant in females (OR 1.91, 95% CI:1.03–3.53), but only borderline significant in males (OR 1.38, 95% CI: 0.97–1.95).

Conclusion

H. pylori infection is positively associated with metabolic syndrome, especially in females. The causal relationship between H. pylori infection and metabolic syndrome warrants further investigation.
Preparation of Nanocrystalline Calcia‐Stabilized Tetragonal Zirconia by High‐Energy Milling of Baddeleyite
Authors: Zhigachev Andrey O. , Umrikhin Alexey V. , Golovin Yuriy I. , Farber Boris Y.
Published: January 2015

For the first time, zirconia nanocrystalline powders were derived using baddeleyite as raw material by ultrafine milling. Powders containing 19 vol% of monoclinic phase were produced by milling of baddeleyite with addition of 11 mol% of CaO. Crystallite size of tetragonal and cubic phases in resulting powders is 3–5 nm and about 15 nm in the case of monoclinic phase. Typical agglomerate's size found by scanning electron microscopy ranges from ~0.1 to 10 µm. Sintered ceramics with tetragonal zirconia content of 95 vol% and crystallite size of ~50 nm are produced from the powders.
Convergence in drought stress, but a divergence of climatic drivers across a latitudinal gradient in a temperate broadleaf forest
Authors: Martin‐Benito Dario , Pederson Neil
Published: January 2015

Aim

Information about climate stressors on tree growth is needed in order to assess the impacts of global change on forest ecosystems. Broad‐scale patterns of climatic limitations on tree growth remain poorly described across eastern North American deciduous forests. We examined the response of broadleaf tree species to climate in relation to their taxonomy, functional traits and geographical location.

Location

Eastern North America (32–45° N; 70–88° W).

Methods

We used a network of 86 tree‐ring width chronologies from eight species that cover a wide range of ecological and climatic conditions. Species were analysed individually or combined according to taxa and wood anatomical functional traits. We identified climate stressors through correlations between growth and climate (from 1916 to 1996). We also explored patterns in the climate responses of these species with two clustering techniques.

Results

We found strong correlations between water availability and growth for all species. With few exceptions, this drought stress was independent of taxonomy or wood anatomical functional group. Depending on latitude, however, different climatic drivers governed this common drought response. In the cool, northern part of our network, forest growth was most strongly limited by precipitation variability, whereas maximum temperature was a stronger limiting factor than precipitation in the wetter and warmer southern parts.

Main conclusions

Our study highlights the sensitivity of broadleaf temperate forests to drought stress at annual to decadal scales, with few species‐specific differences. The roles of temperature and precipitation on drought‐sensitivity differ at opposing ends of our subcontinental‐scale network. The impact of future environmental changes on these forests will ultimately depend on the balance between temperature and precipitation changes across this latitudinal gradient.
Evolution of sun‐protection measures for children
Authors: Lebbé C. , Robert C. , Ricard S. , Sassolas B. , Grange F. , Saiag P. , Lhomel C. , Mortier L.
Published: January 2015

Background

The prevention of melanoma can be significantly improved by targeting information directly towards the subpopulation of children and, as a means to achieve it, towards young parents.

Objectives

The objective of this analysis was to determine the evolution over time of the sun‐protection measures adopted by parents for their young children.

Methods

The Edifice Melanoma survey was based on telephone interviews of a representative sample of 1502 subjects aged ≥18 years. This particular analysis focuses on 864 adults whose children are exposed to the sun for more than 10 days a year. We compared the characteristics and attitudes of two sub‐groups of parents with regard to sun protection of young children: current‐day behaviour of parents with children <15 years and behaviour in the past of parents whose children are now ≥15 years.

Results

Present‐day parents are more likely than those of previous generations to systematically or often use hats (96% vs. 90%, P < 0.01), protective clothes (92% vs. 84%, P < 0.01), sunscreen (89% vs. 80%, P < 0.01) and sunglasses (63% vs. 44%, P < 0.01) for their children. Systematic application of sunscreen is also more frequent today than several years ago as reported by 81% of present‐day parents vs. 74% of those in the past (P < 0.05). Cream is reapplied every 2 h by 41% of present‐day parents, compared to 33%, in the past (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The attitude of parents towards sun protection for their children has improved over the past decade.
Lack of Pulse and Surge Modes and Glutamatergic Stimulation of Luteinising Hormone Release in Kiss1 Knockout Rats
Authors: Uenoyama Y. , Nakamura S. , Hayakawa Y. , Ikegami K. , Watanabe Y. , Deura C. , Minabe S. , Tomikawa J. , Goto T. , Ieda N. , Inoue N. , Sanbo M. , Tamura C. , Hirabayashi M. , Maeda K.‐I. , Tsukamura H.
Published: January 2015

Kisspeptin, encoded by the Kiss1 gene, has attracted attention as a key candidate neuropeptide in controlling puberty and reproduction via regulation of gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion in mammals. Pioneer studies with Kiss1 or its cognate receptor Gpr54 knockout (KO) mice showed the indispensable role of kisspeptin‐GPR54 signalling in the control of animal reproduction, although detailed analyses of gonadotrophin secretion, especially pulsatile and surge‐mode of luteinising hormone (LH) secretion, were limited. Thus, in the present study, we have generated Kiss1 KO rats aiming to evaluate a key role of kisspeptin in governing reproduction via pulse and surge modes of GnRH/LH secretion. Kiss1 KO male and female rats showed a complete suppression of pulsatile LH secretion, which is responsible for folliculogenesis and spermatogenesis, and an absence of puberty and atrophic gonads. Kiss1 KO female rats showed no spontaneous LH/follicle‐stimulating hormone surge and an oestrogen‐induced LH surge, suggesting that the GnRH surge generation system, which is responsible for ovulation, does not function without kisspeptin. Furthermore, challenge of major stimulatory neurotransmitters, such as monosodium glutamate, NMDA and norepinephrine, failed to stimulate LH secretion in Kiss1 KO rats, albeit they stimulated LH release in wild‐type controls. Taken together, the results of the present study confirm that kisspeptin plays an indispensable role in generating two modes (pulse and surge) of GnRH/gonadotrophin secretion to regulate puberty onset and normal reproductive performance. In addition, the present study suggests that kisspeptin neurones play a critical role as a hub integrating major stimulatory neural inputs to GnRH neurones, using newly established Kiss1 KO rats, which serve as a useful model for detailed analysis of hormonal profiles.