bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identifying Urban Features from LiDAR for a High‐Resolution Urban Hydrologic Model
Authors: Lopez Sonya R. , Maxwell Reed M.
Published: June 2016

Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR), is relatively inexpensive, provides high spatial resolution sampling at great accuracy, and can be used to generate surface terrain and land cover datasets for urban areas. These datasets are used to develop high‐resolution hydrologic models necessary to resolve complex drainage networks in urban areas. This work develops a five‐step algorithm to generate indicator fields for tree canopies, buildings, and artificial structures using Geographic Resources Analysis Support System (GRASS‐GIS), and a common computing language, Matrix Laboratory. The 54 km2 study area in Parker, Colorado consists of twenty‐four 1,500 × 1,500 m LiDAR subsets at 1 m resolution with varying degrees of urbanization. The algorithm correctly identifies 96% of the artificial structures within the study area; however, application success is dependent upon urban extent. Urban land use fractions below 0.2 experienced an increase in falsely identified building locations. ParFlow, a three‐dimensional, grid‐based hydrological model, uses these building and artificial structure indicator fields and digital elevation model for a hydrologic simulation. The simulation successfully develops the complex drainage network and simulates overland flow on the impervious surfaces (i.e., along the gutters and off rooftops) made possible through this spatial analysis process.
Structured self‐monitoring of blood glucose regimens improve glycemic control in poorly controlled Chinese patients on insulin therapy: Results from COMPASS
Authors: Ji Linong , Su Qing , Feng Bo , Shan Zhongyan , Hu Renming , Xing Xiaoping , Xue Yaoming , Yang Tao , Hua Yanyin
Published: June 2016

Background

The use of self‐monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) among patients with insulin‐treated, type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in China is suboptimal. Herein we evaluated the effectiveness of structured SMBG for improving glycemic control and increasing the frequency of SMBG.

Methods

Insulin‐treated (>3 months) T2DM patients aged ≥18 years with HbA1c >8.0 % (64 mmol/mol) were recruited to the study. They received SMBG materials and were advised on a structured SMBG regimen for their insulin therapy. Patients were trained to self‐adjust insulin dosage according to SMBG readings and were seen by physicians at Months 3 and 6. Endpoints included changes in HbA1c, SMBG frequency, and hypoglycemia frequency.

Results

The study enrolled 820 patients, with mean (± SD) age 55.1 ± 9.8 years, body mass index 24.9 ± 3.6 kg/m2, HbA1c 9.7 ± 1.6 % (83 mmol/mol), and diabetes duration 9.8 ± 7.1 years, with median insulin therapy of 30.3 (3.0–274.1) months, from 19 Chinese clinics. By Month 3, 99.9 % of patients performed daily SMBG. At Months 3 and 6, HbA1c had decreased from baseline (−1.81 % and −1.73 %, respective; P < 0.0001 for both), with reduced hypoglycemia. In addition, 36.2 % and 39.9 % of patients achieved HbA1c <7.0 % (53 mmol/mol) at Months 3 and 6, respectively. The largest HbA1c improvements were for patients with a shorter duration of diabetes and insulin therapy.

Conclusions

A structured SMBG regimen, with training on interpretation of and responses to SMBG readings, increased SMBG frequency and improved HbA1c and the management of insulin‐treated T2DM.
Foreign‐born aged care workers in Australia: A growing trend
Authors: Negin Joel , Coffman Jenna , Connell John , Short Stephanie
Published: June 2016

Aim

To address Australian aged care workforce challenges, a deeper understanding of the current care workforce is needed especially given estimated increases in demand. We provide a national picture of the aged care workforce in Australia focusing on country of birth.

Methods

Data from the 2006 and 2011 Australian censuses.

Results

The majority of care workers are Australia‐born followed by those born in the United Kingdom, South‐East Asia and South Asia. While the number of carers from all regions has grown, the increase from 2006 to 2011 has been highest for carers from South Asia (333% increase) and sub‐Saharan Africa (145%). The state with the largest decrease in the proportion of Australian‐born care workers is Western Australia where Australian‐born workers dropped from 62% in 2006 to 49% in 2011.

Conclusions

Understanding the migration patterns of the aged care workforce in Australia is critical to health workforce planning given increasing demand.
Ferric maltol therapy for iron deficiency anaemia in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: long‐term extension data from a Phase 3 study
Authors: Schmidt C. , Ahmad T. , Tulassay Z. , Baumgart D. C. , Bokemeyer B. , Howaldt S. , Stallmach A. , Büning C. ,   the AEGIS Study Group
Published: May 2016

Background

Ferric maltol was effective and well‐tolerated in iron deficiency anaemia patients with inflammatory bowel disease during a 12‐week placebo‐controlled trial.

Aim

To perform a Phase 3 extension study evaluating long‐term efficacy and safety with ferric maltol in inflammatory bowel disease patients in whom oral ferrous therapies had failed to correct iron deficiency anaemia.

Methods

After 12 weeks of randomised, double‐blind treatment, patients with iron deficiency anaemia and mild‐to‐moderate ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease received open‐label ferric maltol 30 mg b.d. for 52 weeks.

Results

111 patients completed randomised treatment and 97 entered the open‐label ferric maltol extension. In patients randomised to ferric maltol (‘continued’; n = 50), mean ± s.d. haemoglobin increased by 3.07 ± 1.46 g/dL between baseline and Week 64. In patients randomised to placebo (‘switch’; n = 47), haemoglobin increased by 2.19 ± 1.61 g/dL. Normal haemoglobin was achieved in high proportions of both continued and switch patients (89% and 83% at Week 64, respectively). Serum ferritin increased from 8.9 μg/L (baseline) to 26.0 μg/L (Week 12) in ferric maltol‐treated patients, and to 57.4 μg/L amongst all patients at Week 64. In total, 80% of patients reported ≥1 adverse event by Week 64. Adverse events considered related to ferric maltol were recorded in 27/111 (24%) patients: 8/18 discontinuations due to adverse events were treatment‐related. One patient was withdrawn due to increased ulcerative colitis activity.

Conclusions

Normal haemoglobin was observed in ≥80% of patients from weeks 20–64 of long‐term ferric maltol treatment, with concomitant increases in iron storage parameters. Ferric maltol was well‐tolerated throughout this 64‐week study.
Within‐ and Between‐Sector Quality Differences in Early Childhood Education and Care
Authors: Bassok Daphna , Fitzpatrick Maria , Greenberg Erica , Loeb Susanna
Published: June 2016

This study leverages nationally representative data (N ≈ 6,000) to examine the magnitude of quality differences between (a) formal and informal early childhood education and care providers; (b) Head Start, prekindergarten, and other center‐based care; and (c) programs serving toddlers and those serving preschoolers. It then documents differences in children's reading and math skills at age 5 between those who had enrolled in formal and informal settings. Cross‐sector differences are substantially reduced when accounting for a set of quality measures, though these measures do less to explain more modest differences in outcomes within the formal sector. Results inform current efforts aimed at improving the quality of early childhood settings by highlighting the large quality differences across sectors and their relationship with child development.
Characterization of SPATA5‐related encephalopathy in early childhood
Authors: Kurata H. , Terashima H. , Nakashima M. , Okazaki T. , Matsumura W. , Ohno K. , Saito Y. , Maegaki Y. , Kubota M. , Nanba E. , Saitsu H. , Matsumoto N. , Kato M.
Published: June 2016

Mutations in SPATA5 have recently been shown to result in a phenotype of microcephaly, intellectual disability, seizures, and hearing loss in childhood. Our aim in this report is to delineate the SPATA5 syndrome as a clinical entity, including the facial appearance, neurophysiological, and neuroimaging findings. Using whole‐exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing, we identified three children with SPATA5 mutations from two families. Two siblings carried compound heterozygous mutations, c.989_991del (p.Thr330del) and c.2130_2133del (p.Glu711Profs*21), and the third child had c.967T>A (p.Phe323Ile) and c.2146G>C (p.Ala716Pro) mutations. The three patients manifested microcephaly, psychomotor retardation, hypotonus or hypertonus, and bilateral hearing loss from early infancy. Common facies were a depressed nasal bridge/ridge, broad eyebrows, and retrognathia. Epileptic spasms or tonic seizures emerged at 6–12 months of age. Interictal electroencephalography showed multifocal spikes and bursts of asynchronous diffuse spike‐wave complexes. Augmented amplitudes of visually evoked potentials were detected in two patients. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed hypomyelination, thin corpus callosum, and progressive cerebral atrophy. Blood copper levels were also elevated or close to the upper normal levels in these children. Clinical delineation of the SPATA5‐related encephalopathy should improve diagnosis, facilitating further clinical and molecular investigation.
Achieving consensus for the histopathologic diagnosis of melanocytic lesions: use of the modified Delphi method
Authors: Carney Patricia A. , Reisch Lisa M. , Piepkorn Michael W. , Barnhill Raymond L. , Elder David E. , Knezevich Stevan , Geller Berta M. , Longton Gary , Elmore Joann G.
Published: June 2016

Objective

To understand the sophisticated nature of coming to consensus when diagnosing complex melanocytic lesions among a panel of experienced dermatopathologists.

Methods

A total of 240 melanocytic lesions were assessed independently by three experienced dermatopathologists with their diagnoses mapped into one of five Melanocytic Pathology Assessment Tool and Hierarchy for Diagnosis (MPATH‐DX) categories: (I) nevus/mild atypia, (II) moderate atypia, (III) severe atypia/melanoma in situ, (IV) T1a invasive melanoma and (V) ≥ T1b invasive melanoma. The dermatopathologists then discussed the cases, using a modified Delphi method to facilitated consensus building for cases with discordant diagnoses.

Results

For most cases, a majority of interpretations (two or three of three) agreed with the consensus diagnosis in 95% of Category I, 64% of Category II, 84% of Category III, 88% for Category IV and 100% of Category V cases. Disagreements were typically due to diagnostic threshold differences (64.5%), differing contents on slides even though the slides were sequential cuts (18.5%), and missed findings (15.3%). Disagreements were resolved via discussion of histopathologic features and their significance while reviewing the slides using a multi‐headed microscope, considering treatment recommendations, citing existing literature, reviewing additional slides for a case, and choosing a provisional/borderline diagnosis to capture diverse opinions. All experienced pathologists participating in this study reported that the process of coming to consensus was challenging for borderline cases and may have represented compromise rather than consensus. They also reported the process changed their approaches to diagnosing complex melanocytic lesions.

Conclusions

The most frequent reason for disagreement of experienced dermatopathologists was differences in diagnostic thresholds related to observer viewpoints. A range of approaches was needed to come to consensus, and this may guide pathology groups who do not currently hold consensus conferences.
A diagnostic head and neck fine needle aspiration service can be provided using liquid‐based cytology only
Authors: Robinson I.
Published: June 2016

Objective

Liquid‐based cytology (LBC) has been used for non‐gynaecological specimens since its introduction into routine use in cervical cytology in the mid‐1990s. There are still relatively few large studies comparing performance in reporting the head and neck fine‐needle aspirations (H&N FNA) processed by LBC only to conventional direct smears (CDS).

Methods

This study compared 686 H&N FNAs processed by LBC only with 3719 CDS. All were taken under ultrasound (US) guidance by a small cohort of three consultant radiologists and reported by the author.

Results

The (smaller) LBC sample was statistically representative of the larger CDS population at an alpha level of 0.05. There was no difference between CDS and LBC at a 95% confidence interval (CI) when comparing specificity and sensitivity (specificity: 94.8–96.5% versus 90.2–95.4%; sensitivity: 91.4–94.1% versus 86.8–93.4%). The inadequate rate between the two techniques was similar, 0.5–1.0% for CDS versus 0.7–2.5% for LBC. The significance difference was in the suspicious rate which was greater at 2.8–5.8% for LBC versus 1.7–2.6% for CDS. Consequently, there was a slight but non‐significant difference between the two populations with respect to the overall accuracy: 93.5–95.1% for CDS versus 89.4–93.7% for LBC.

Conclusions

While there are morphological differences between LBC and CDS in H&N FNAs, once a degree of familiarity is achieved, the two techniques have equivalent sensitivity, specificity and inadequate rates.
Postictal ammonia as a biomarker for electrographic convulsive seizures: A prospective study
Authors: Albadareen Rawan , Gronseth Gary , Landazuri Patrick , He Jianghua , Hammond Nancy , Uysal Utku
Published: June 2016

Objective

Transient hyperammonemia (THA) was reported to follow generalized convulsions without sufficient evidence to confirm the epileptic nature of those events. We aimed to determine if postictal THA can differentiate between different types of events as confirmed electroencephalographically using video–electroencephalography (vEEG) monitoring.

Methods

In our prospective cohort, we screened all consented adults (>18 years) admitted to the epilepsy monitoring unit. Ammonia was checked at baseline, within 60 min of the event (for all patients) and 24 h after event (whenever possible). Patients were grouped into generalized convulsive seizures (GCS), psychogenic nonepileptic seizures with convulsions (PNES‐C), or focal seizures (FS) based on vEEG. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and parametric/nonparametric methods.

Results

Of 78 patients enrolled, 13 had GCS, 8 had FS, and 9 had PNES‐C. The groups were different with regard to gender (p = 0.04) and baseline ammonia (p = 0.02), but not age. The change in ammonia postictally from baseline was significantly different among the three groups (p = 0.004). The area under the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve for postictal ammonia to distinguish GCS from other groups was 0.88 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.69–0.96) suggesting ammonia to be a good test differentiating epileptic GCS from other events. An ammonia level of ≥80 μmol/L correctly classified 80% of our patients (sensitivity 53.9%, specificity 100%).

Significance

Our results provide objective evidence for the association between THA and GCS seizures utilizing vEEG monitoring, and a basis for future studies to determine the role of postictal ammonia as an inexpensive diagnostic test to diagnose GCS.
Next stop for the CRISPR revolution: RNA‐guided epigenetic regulators
Authors: Vora Suhani , Tuttle Marcelle , Cheng Jenny , Church George
Published: June 2016

Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPRs) and CRISPR‐associated (Cas) proteins offer a breakthrough platform for cheap, programmable, and effective sequence‐specific DNA targeting. The CRISPR‐Cas system is naturally equipped for targeted DNA cutting through its native nuclease activity. As such, groups researching a broad spectrum of biological organisms have quickly adopted the technology with groundbreaking applications to genomic sequence editing in over 20 different species. However, the biological code of life is not only encoded in genetics but also in epigenetics as well. While genetic sequence editing is a powerful ability, we must also be able to edit and regulate transcriptional and epigenetic code. Taking inspiration from work on earlier sequence‐specific targeting technologies such as zinc fingers (ZFs) and transcription activator‐like effectors (TALEs), researchers quickly expanded the CRISPR‐Cas toolbox to include transcriptional activation, repression, and epigenetic modification. In this review, we highlight advances that extend the CRISPR‐Cas toolkit for transcriptional and epigenetic regulation, as well as best practice guidelines for these tools, and a perspective on future applications.
Only a Matter of Education Policy Ideals? German Professors’ Perception of the Bologna Process
Authors: Brändle Tobias
Published: June 2016

Recently, it has been discussed how actors at universities perceive the Bologna Process. However, there is a lack of understanding about the determinants influencing attitudes towards the reform. In particular, the relation between education policy ideals and perceptions of the Bologna Process has gone unobserved. Based on a survey at three universities in North Rhine‐Westphalia in Germany, this article shows that a congruence of education policy ideals with the goals of the Bologna Process leads to a more positive perception of the reform. Ordinary least squares (OLS) regression models show that these findings are stable when controlled for socio‐demographic characteristics, changes of everyday work and involvement in the implementation of the Bologna Process. Thus, it is worthwhile to take into account the education policy ideals of involved actors when analysing perceptions of educational reforms.
Periodontal therapy and glycaemic control among individuals with type 2 diabetes: reflections from the PerioCardio study
Authors: Kapellas K , Mejia G , Bartold PM , Skilton MR , Maple‐Brown LJ , Slade GD , O'Dea K , Brown A , Celermajer DS , Jamieson LM
Published: June 2016

Objectives

Diabetes mellitus and periodontal disease are highly prevalent among Indigenous Australian adults. Untreated periodontitis impacts glycaemic control in people with diabetes. The aim of this study was to report on the effect of periodontal therapy on glycaemic control among people with obesity.

Methods

This subgroup analysis is limited to 62 participants with diabetes from the original 273 Aboriginal Australian adults enrolled into the PerioCardio study. Intervention participants received full‐mouth non‐surgical periodontal scaling during a single, untimed session while controls were untreated. Endpoints of interest included change in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), C‐reactive protein (CRP) and periodontal status at 3 months post‐intervention.

Results

There were more females randomized to the treatment group (n = 17) than control (n = 10) while the control group had a higher overall body mass index (BMI) [mean (SD)] 33.1 (9.7 kg m−2) versus 29.9 (6.0 kg m−2). A greater proportion of males were followed up at 3 months compared to females, P = 0.05. Periodontal therapy did not significantly reduce HbA1c: ancova difference in means 0.22 mmol mol−1 (95% CI −6.25 to 6.69), CRP: ancova difference in means 0.64 (95% CI −1.08, 2.37) or periodontal status at 3 months.

Conclusions

Non‐surgical periodontal therapy did not significantly reduce glycated haemoglobin in participants with type 2 diabetes. Reasons are likely to be multifactorial and may be influenced by persistent periodontal inflammation at the follow‐up appointments. Alternatively, the BMI of study participants may impact glycaemic control via alternative mechanisms involving the interplay between inflammation and adiposity meaning HbA1c may not be amenable to periodontal therapy in these individuals.
A prospective comparison of times to presentation and treatment of regional and remote head and neck patients in North Queensland, Australia
Authors: Tan J. Y.‐A. , Otty Z. A. , Vangaveti V. N. , Buttner P. , Varma S. C. , Joshi A. J. , Kelly J. , Collins M. , Sabesan S. S.
Published: June 2016

Background/Aim

This study aims to examine differences between outer regional (OR) and remote/very remote (RVR) patients in northern Queensland, Australia in the times taken to receive various aspects of head and neck cancer management.

Methods

Our study prospectively recruited head and neck cancer patients presenting to three North Queensland regional hospitals from January 2009 to January 2011. Data on demographic and cancer‐specific details, comorbidities and timing of presentation to various services, were collected using a self‐administered questionnaire that included two questions in relation to possible reason for delays to health services. Multivariate linear regression analyses were conducted to assess the effects of various demographic characteristics on time delays. Survival and disease recurrence data were analysed in 2014.

Results

One hundred and fifty‐eight patients participated. RVR patients had significantly longer median times between diagnosis and first treatment compared with OR patients (P = 0.015). Indigenous patients had significant delays from diagnosis to first treatment (P = 0.013) and visit to first specialist and treatment (P = 0.031) compared to non‐Indigenous patients. Longer median times between symptoms and first treatment was associated with low income (P = 0.03) and lower education level (P = 0.04). Disease recurrence was higher for RVR patients compared with OR patients (P = 0.04), without significant differences in overall survival. Possible reasons for delays included patient and professional factors.

Conclusion

Significant delays in various aspects of head and neck cancer management were associated with remoteness, Indigenous and socioeconomic status. While patient and professional factors could be addressed at local levels, sustainable improvement in outcomes requires a state and national level approach.
Enhancing revenue by offering a flexible product option
Authors: Chen Jing , Bell Peter C.
Published: May 2016

We examine a revenue‐enhancing opportunity for perishable products that face demand uncertainty with fixed capacity and limited product options, and where customers have distinct preferences in product selection. We use an airline as an example of such products in this paper. An airline provides several product options for customers, as it operates multiple flights between the same origin‐destination at different times of the same day. We consider customers with a strong preference for a specific flight and introduce a segment of customers who are flexible with their travel plans and have no specific flight preference on that day. We find that under some circumstances, the airline offering the flexible ticket to attract price‐sensitive, flexible customers will enhance revenues. We investigate the optimal number of seats to reserve from the flights for the various fare classes and the fare for the flexible ticket. The implications of this research for the product with market disruption are also discussed.
A lexicographic approach to the robust resource‐constrained project scheduling problem
Authors: Palacio Juan D. , Larrea Olga L.
Published: May 2016

The resource‐constrained project scheduling problem (RCPSP) is one of the most studied problems in the context of project scheduling. Given the NP‐hardness nature of the problem, the RCPSP has been solved mainly using heuristics. Moreover, most of the studies consider a single objective for the problem. This paper presents an exact approach based on two mixed‐integer linear programming (MILP) models to solve the RCPSP. The first MILP aims to minimize makespan, while the second MILP maximizes the robustness of the schedule. The mathematical formulations are solved using a lexicographic approach. We illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed models by solving standard instances for the RCPSP available in the project scheduling problems library (PSLIB) library. Computational results show that it is possible to find alternate optimal solutions with the maximum robustness subject to the minimum makespan for instances with up to 90 activities.
Heuristics for the two‐machine scheduling problem with a single server
Authors: Arnaout Jean‐Paul
Published: May 2016

In this paper, the NP‐hard two‐machine scheduling problem with a single server is addressed. The problem consists of a given set of jobs to be scheduled on two identical parallel machines, where each job must be processed on one of the machines, and prior to processing, the job is set up on its machine using one server; the latter is shared between the two machines. An ant colony optimization (ACO) algorithm is introduced for the problem and its performance was assessed by comparing with an exact solution (branch and bound [B&B]), a genetic algorithm (GA), and simulated annealing (SA). The computational results reflected the superiority of “ACO” in large problems, with a performance similar to SA and GA in smaller problems, while solving the tested problems within a reasonable computational time.
Metaheuristics for truck loading in the car production industry
Authors: Respen Jean , Zufferey Nicolas
Published: May 2016

The delivery of goods to car factories is a challenging problem. The French car manufacturer Renault is facing daily a complex truck loading problem in which various goods must be packed into a truck such that they fulfill different constraints. As trucks can deliver goods to different factories on the same tour, classes of items have been defined, where a class is associated with a delivery point. The consideration of these classes, in addition to large standard deviations, over the sizes of the items are new features in the packing literature. Because of the problem structure and computation time limit constraint imposed by practitioners, it will be shown that exact algorithms are not appropriate from a practical standpoint. We propose efficient metaheuristics to tackle this problem. First, in contrast with the classical literature, the proposed tabu search relies on the joint use of different types of moves (an efficient diversification mechanism is also proposed to enhance its performance). Then, the recombination operator used in the developed genetic algorithm takes into account all the problem features and is able to build well‐balanced offspring solutions. Finally, within the framework of ant algorithms, the benefit of an unconventional decision selection mechanism is discussed. An extension of the problem is proposed at the end, which consists in tackling all the instances within a common time limit. In this context, it will be shown that a combination of the algorithms is the most powerful strategy.
Rho‐associated protein kinase 1 (ROCK1) is increased in Alzheimer's disease and ROCK1 depletion reduces amyloid‐β levels in brain
Authors: Henderson Benjamin W. , Gentry Erik G. , Rush Travis , Troncoso Juan C. , Thambisetty Madhav , Montine Thomas J. , Herskowitz Jeremy H.
Published: June 2016

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia and mitigating amyloid‐β (Aβ) levels may serve as a rational therapeutic avenue to slow AD progression. Pharmacologic inhibition of the Rho‐associated protein kinases (ROCK1 and ROCK2) is proposed to curb Aβ levels, and mechanisms that underlie ROCK2′s effects on Aβ production are defined. How ROCK1 affects Aβ generation remains a critical barrier. Here, we report that ROCK1 protein levels were elevated in mild cognitive impairment due to AD (MCI) and AD brains compared to controls. Aβ42 oligomers marginally increased ROCK1 and ROCK2 protein levels in neurons but strongly induced phosphorylation of Lim kinase 1 (LIMK1), suggesting that Aβ42 activates ROCKs. RNAi depletion of ROCK1 or ROCK2 suppressed endogenous Aβ40 production in neurons, and Aβ40 levels were reduced in brains of ROCK1 heterozygous knock‐out mice compared to wild‐type littermate controls. ROCK1 knockdown decreased amyloid precursor protein (APP), and treatment with bafilomycin accumulated APP levels in neurons depleted of ROCK1. These observations suggest that reduction of ROCK1 diminishes Aβ levels by enhancing APP protein degradation. Collectively, these findings support the hypothesis that both ROCK1 and ROCK2 are therapeutic targets to combat Aβ production in AD.

image

Mitigating amyloid‐β (Aβ) levels is a rational strategy for Alzheimer's disease (AD) treatment, however, therapeutic targets with clinically available drugs are lacking. We hypothesize that Aβ accumulation in mild cognitive impairment because of AD (MCI) and AD activates the RhoA/ROCK pathway which in turn fuels production of Aβ. Escalation of this cycle over the course of many years may contribute to the buildup of amyloid pathology in MCI and/or AD.
Feasibility and Effects of Short Activity Breaks for Increasing Preschool‐Age Children's Physical Activity Levels
Authors: Alhassan Sofiya , Nwaokelemeh Ogechi , Mendoza Albert , Shitole Sanyog , Puleo Elaine , Pfeiffer Karin A. , Whitt‐Glover Melicia C.
Published: June 2016

BACKGROUND

We examined the effects of short bouts of structured physical activity (SBS‐PA) implemented within the classroom setting as part of designated gross‐motor playtime on preschoolers PA.

METHODS

Preschools were randomized to SBS‐PA (centers, N = 5; participants, N = 141) or unstructured free playtime (UPA) (centers, N = 5; participants, N = 150). SBS‐PA consisted of structured PA implemented in the classroom during the first 10 minutes of gross‐motor playtime followed by 20 minutes of free playtime. UPA consisted of 30 minutes of unstructured free playtime. Teachers implemented both conditions for 5 days/week for 6 months. PA was assessed with accelerometers (preschool‐day) and direct observation (30‐minute sessions). Generalized linear mixed models were used to examine the impact of the intervention.

RESULTS

Regarding the 30‐minute sessions, significant group main effects were observed for intervals spent at light (p < .001) and moderate‐to‐vigorous PA (MVPA, p < .001). Regarding the preschool‐day PA, significant group by visit interaction was observed for percent time spent in total preschool‐day MVPA (F (2, 254) = 3.54, p = .03). Percent of time spent in MVPA significantly decreased in both groups at 3 months and at 6 months.

CONCLUSION

SBS‐PA can be implemented in classroom settings; however, further research is needed to examine its impact on preschoolers PA levels.
Audits or Distortions: The Optimal Scheme to Enforce Self‐Employment Income Taxes
Authors: ZILBERMAN EDUARDO
Published: May 2016

I investigate the optimal auditing scheme for a revenue‐maximizing tax collection agency that observes not only reported profits, but also a single factor of production at each firm. Each firm is owned by a single entrepreneur whose managerial ability is random. The optimal auditing scheme is discontinuous and nonmonotone in ability. In intermediate audit costs, less productive entrepreneurs face auditing probabilities that increase in ability, whereas the ablest ones are not audited. Finally, the effective tax rate is higher in the middle of the managerial ability distribution; thus, the overall regressive (or progressive) bias that arises from evasion is unknown.
Sustainability via Intergenerational Transfers in a Stock‐Flow‐Consistent Model
Authors: Rosenbaum Eckehard , Ciuffo Biagio
Published: June 2016

Sustainability is about meeting present needs without compromising the needs of future generations. Achieving sustainability is thus bound to have distributional consequences. But to what extent is it possible to correct the ex‐post distribution via transfers between generations? Starting from a numerical example, the analysis uses a stock‐flow‐consistent model with a view to investigate the limitations and consequences of such transfers. It shows that inter‐generational transfers face significant limitations which render compensation payments practically impossible. Moreover, the analysis allows some conclusions regarding the effects of introducing a pension systems and/or a more explicit role of public investment in capital accumulation.
Predictors of unanticipated admission following ambulatory surgery in the pediatric population: a retrospective case–control study
Authors: Whippey Amanda , Kostandoff Gregory , Ma Heung K. , Cheng Ji , Thabane Lehana , Paul James
Published: June 2016

Background

Ambulatory surgery plays an important role in pediatric anesthesia. However, it is difficult to predict which patients will experience complications. Age >80, ASA class 3 or 4, duration of surgery >3 h, and BMI 30–35 are independent predictors of unanticipated admission in adults. In this study, we retrospectively evaluate risk factors for unanticipated admission, following ambulatory surgery in children.

Methods

All ambulatory patients requiring unanticipated admission between 2005 and 2013 were compared to a random sample of patients not requiring admission in this case–control study. Demographic data, surgical information, medications, intraoperative events, and patient comorbidities were collected from both groups. The reason for admission was classified according to five subtypes. Multiple conditional logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with unanticipated admissions.

Results

The incidence of unanticipated admission was 0.97% (213). Of these, 47% (98) was anesthesia related. Age <2 years (odds ratio [OR] 4.26 95% CI 1.19–15.25), ASA 3 class (OR 3.77 95% CI 1.46–9.71), duration of surgery >1 h (OR 6.54 95% CI 3.47–12.33), completion of surgery >3 pm (OR 2.17 95% CI 1.05–4.51), orthopedic (OR 2.52 95% CI 1.03–6.20), dental (OR 0.21 95% CI 0.06–0.81), ENT (OR 6.47 95% CI 2.99–14.03) surgery, intraoperative events (OR 4.45 95% CI 1.35–18.12), and OSA (OR 6.32 95% CI 1.54–25.94) were factors associated with unanticipated admission.

Conclusion

The incidence of unanticipated admission in children following ambulatory surgery is low. Age, ASA class, duration, and time of completion of surgery are predictors common to pediatrics and adults. Interestingly, intraoperative complications, OSA, and type of surgery (ENT, orthopedic, dental) are specific to pediatrics.
Health‐related quality of life in adolescent survivors of bronchopulmonary dysplasia
Authors: Bozzetto Sara , Carraro Silvia , Tomasi Lisanna , Berardi Mariangela , Zanconato Stefania , Baraldi Eugenio
Published: June 2016

Background and objective

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is the most common chronic lung disease of infancy in the developed countries. Outcomes for BPD patients have traditionally been assessed using physiological parameters such as lung function, and no data are available on the health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) for adolescents with BPD. The aim of this study was to assess HRQOL in adolescents with BPD, in comparison with age‐matched and sex‐matched control groups of healthy volunteers and asthmatic subjects.

Methods

We enrolled 27 BPD patients (age range 11–19 years), 27 asthmatic patients and 27 healthy controls. HRQOL was assessed by the Short Form 36 (SF‐36) questionnaire. Lung function was assessed by spirometry.

Results

The BPD group did not differ significantly from the healthy controls in any scale or dimension of the SF‐36 (the BPD group's summary scores were as follows: physical component summary mean 55.6 + 4.98 and mental component summary 51.8 + 7.75 vs 55.8 + 6.25 and 49.2 + 9.45 for the healthy control group, P > 0.5 and P = 0.26, respectively). Asthmatic adolescents scored lower than those of both healthy controls and patients with BPD in several SF‐36 dimensions despite adolescents with BPD having lower lung function. No correlation emerged between lung function and HRQOL in BPD subjects.

Conclusion

Despite their impaired lung function, BPD patients have an HRQOL comparable with healthy peers and better than asthmatic patients. We did not find any association between HRQOL and lung function parameters.
Metformin use and asthma outcomes among patients with concurrent asthma and diabetes
Authors: Li Chun‐Yi , Erickson Steven R. , Wu Chung‐Hsuen
Published: June 2016

Background and objective

Metformin is a first‐line treatment for patients with diabetes. Recent animal studies indicated that metformin can reduce airway inflammation. However, it remains unclear whether the use of metformin can help patients maintain asthma control. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between the use of metformin and asthma‐related outcomes, which include asthma‐related hospitalization, asthma‐related emergency room visits and asthma exacerbation, among patients with concurrent asthma and diabetes.

Methods

We conducted an 11‐year (2001–2011) retrospective cohort study using the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. Patients with concurrent asthma and diabetes were included. The date of the first observed prescription of metformin was defined as the index date. For each metformin user, two matched metformin non‐users of the same age and gender were randomly selected. Patients were followed for 3 years to measure the occurrence of asthma‐related outcomes. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess the association between metformin use and asthma‐related outcomes.

Results

Of 1332 patients with concurrent asthma and diabetes, 444 (33.3%) were metformin users. Compared with non‐users, metformin users had a lower risk of asthma‐related hospitalization (OR = 0.21, 95% CI: 0.07–0.63) and asthma exacerbation (OR = 0.39, 95% CI: 0.19–0.79).

Conclusion

The risk of asthma‐related outcomes was lower for metformin users than non‐users. Health‐care providers should consider metformin as a treatment strategy for patients with concurrent asthma and diabetes.
Incentive or Selection? A New Investigation of Local Leaders’ Political Turnover in China*
Authors: Chen Jie , Luo Danglun , She Guoman , Ying Qianwei
Published: May 2016

Objectives

This article aims to investigate how local leaders’ promotion is governed by the central state's concerns of maintaining political legitimacy in China.

Methods

We offer a theoretical framework regarding how to understand the statistical association between economic performance and local leaders’ promotion in China. The empirical work is based on Probit models that were applied on a panel of data covering local leaders of 335 cities between 1999 and 2009.

Results

Our research confirms that a better record of relative local economic growth significantly boosts the promotion probability of the city‐level party secretary. However, the importance of economic work will significantly decrease if the cadres have strong open signals of their competence.

Conclusions

The findings in this article suggest that there exists a performance‐based screening scheme for selecting political elites in China. Portraying the positive image of political elites by the “tags” of their capacity in fostering economic development helps to boost both regime legitimacy and political authoritativeness in the Chinese‐style authoritative political regime.
Does Brain Drain Lead to Institutional Gain?
Authors: Li Xiaoyang , McHale John , Zhou Xuan
Published: June 2016

A country's endowment of human capital affects its institutions through various channels. This raises the possibility that skilled emigration can leave its mark on a country's institutional development. We explore the impact of emigrant human capital on home country's institutional quality. Using geographical and genetic distance‐based instrumental variables for emigration and a dynamic panel estimation method, we find that human capital emigration helps the home country's political institutions, but hurts economic institutions. The conventional ‘brain drain’ argument, therefore, needs to incorporate the institutional changes due to skilled labour emigration.
Scintigraphic Tracking of Allogeneic Mesenchymal Stem Cells in the Distal Limb After Intra‐Arterial Injection in Standing Horses
Authors: Espinosa Pablo , Spriet Mathieu , Sole Albert , Walker Naomi J. , Vaughan Betsy , Galuppo Larry D.
Published: June 2016

Objective

To assess the feasibility of intra‐arterial administration of allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) in the median artery of standing horses and evaluate the distribution and retention of radiolabeled cells.

Study Design

In vivo experimental study.

Animals

Six research horses.

Methods

Technetium99m‐HexaMethyl‐Propylene‐Amine Oxime‐labeled MSC were injected under ultrasound guidance in the median artery of 6 front limbs of 3 horses, standing under sedation. Scintigraphic images were obtained at the time of injection, and at 1, 6, and 24 hours postinjection. Six additional limbs from 3 horses were similarly injected with unlabeled MSC. Ultrasound was performed the following day for assessment of vascular changes.

Results

Intra‐arterial injection was performed successfully in 11 of 12 limbs. In 1 limb, partial periarterial injection compromised the success of the procedure. Homogeneous distribution of radiolabeled MSC was observed through the entire distal limb, including within the hoof. Partial venous thrombosis was found in both groups of horses, but was subjectively less severe in horses injected with unlabeled MSC. No lameness was observed. Transient swelling of the distal limb occurred in only 1 limb.

Conclusion

Intra‐arterial injection of MSC can be performed in standing horses under sedation and successfully distribute MSC to the distal limb. A risk of periarterial injection was identified but can be reduced with proper sedation, local anesthesia, and increased experience. Partial venous thrombosis was observed as a complication, but did not cause changes of clinical importance, other than rare transient swelling.
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Young James
Published: May 2016

International Journal of Social Science Studies (IJSSS) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether IJSSS publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue. Reviewers for Volume 4, Number 6   Abdul Azim Akhtar Ahmet Yıkmış Anastasia Panagakos Bashar Malkawi Bonnie L McIntyre Dipankar Chatterjee Hanaa Youssef Shaarawy Henry Poduthas Jehu Onyekwere Nnaji Jianquan Cheng Rachita Shrivastava Roy               James Young Editorial Assistant On behalf of, The Editorial Board of International Journal of Social Science Studies Redfame Publishing 9450 SW Gemini Dr. #99416 Beaverton, OR 97008, USA URL: http://ijsss.redfame.com
Geometry Assurance Integrating Process Variation With Simulation of Spring-In for Composite Parts and Assemblies
Authors: Jareteg Cornelia , Wärmefjord Kristina , Cromvik Christoffer , Söderberg Rikard , Lindkvist Lars , Carlson Johan , Larsson Stig , Edelvik Fredrik
Published: June 2016

Geometrical variation and deviation in all the manufacturing processes affect the quality of the final product. Therefore, geometry assurance is an important tool in the design phase of a new product. In the automotive and aviation industries where the use of composite parts is increasing drastically, new tools within variation simulations are needed. Composite parts tend to deviate more from nominal specification compared to metal parts. Methods to simulate the manufacturing process of composites have been developed before. In this paper, we present how to combine the process variation simulation of composites with traditional variation simulations. The proposed method is demonstrated on a real complex subassembly, representing part of an aircraft wing-box. Since traditional variation simulation methods are not able to capture the spring-in and the special deviation behavior of composites, the proposed method adds a new feature and reliability to the geometry assurance process of composite assemblies.
Acquired Tolerance to Ivermectin and Moxidectin after Drug Selection Pressure in the Nematode Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Ménez Cécile , Alberich Mélanie , Kansoh Dalia , Blanchard Alexandra , Lespine Anne
Published: June 2016

Ivermectin and moxidectin are the most widely administered anthelmintic macrocyclic lactones (MLs) to treat human and animal nematode infections. Their widespread and frequent use has led to a high level of resistance to these drugs. Although they have the same mode of action, differences in terms of selection for drug resistance have been reported. Our objective was to study and compare changes occurring upon ivermectin or moxidectin selection in the model nematode
Caenorhabditis elegans
.
C. elegans
worms were submitted to stepwise exposure to increasing doses of moxidectin. The sensitivity of moxidectin-selected worms to MLs was determined in a larval development assay and compared with those of wild-type and ivermectin-selected strains. Selection with either ivermectin or moxidectin led to acquired tolerance to ivermectin, moxidectin, and eprinomectin. Importantly, moxidectin was the most potent ML in both ivermectin- and moxidectin-selected strains. Interestingly, this order of potency was also observed in a resistant
Haemonchus contortus
isolate. In addition, ivermectin- and moxidectin-selected strains displayed constitutive overexpression of several genes involved in xenobiotic metabolism and transport. Moreover, verapamil potentiated sensitivity to ivermectin and moxidectin, demonstrating that ABC transporters play a role in ML sensitivity in ML-selected
C. elegans
strains. Finally, both ivermectin- and moxidectin-selected strains displayed a dye-filling-defective phenotype. Overall, this work demonstrated that selection with ivermectin or moxidectin led to cross-resistance to several MLs in nematodes and that the induction of detoxification systems and defects in the integrity of amphidial neurons are two mechanisms that appear to affect the responsiveness of worms to both ivermectin and moxidectin.