bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ZMP Tracking Control of an Android Robot Leg on Slope-Changing Ground Using Disturbance Observer and Dual Plant Models
Authors: Kim Jung-Yup , Kim Young-Seog
Published: November 2015

This paper describes a novel zero moment point (ZMP) tracking control strategy using a disturbance observer (DOB) in the presence of ground slope change for balance control of an android robot. With regard to conventional ZMP controls, many researchers have studied ZMP tracking control strategies using an inverted pendulum model on flat level ground, and they have solved a slow response problem of nonminimum phase systems by using suitable feedforward motions called walking patterns. However, the conventional methods lead to ZMP offset errors in the presence of ground slope change; it is hence necessary to quickly eliminate the ZMP offset errors to realize robust balance control. In this paper, we rapidly eliminate the ZMP offset errors through a DOB using a model inversion for robust balance control in the presence of ground slope change. In particular, a dynamic model that uses the projected center of mass (CoM) position on the ground is additionally used as an output to solve a problem that generates an unstable pole during model inversion. Finally, the proposed control strategy is verified through MATLAB simulations and experiments using a real android leg.
Designing Pre-Reaction Production Mechanism for Traditional and Postponed Dyeing in Apparel Supply Chain
Authors: Yeh Chung , Lee Yu-Tang
Published: November 2015

In the popular clothing market, the garment color is often an important factor in the customer’s determination of purchase. In the fast-changing fashion market, uncertain demand, low predictability and other factors may cause panic buying. Hence, the postponement of clothing dyeing in supply chain management is an important production method for success in the modern clothing fashion market. This study used simulation software to build two virtual clothing supply chain models of cloth dyeing and postponement of clothing dyeing of clothing industry. Moreover, it imported the data of actual factories into the two models for simulation; different situations of output, productivity and delivery date are simulated in multi-color clothing throughput using the same equipment. The postponement of clothing dyeing is applicable to clothing products with changing colors and with slight change in clothing style, whereas the cloth dyeing is applicable to clothing products with uncertain clothing style and slight change in color. The postponement of clothing dyeing is better than the cloth dyeing production mode in the situation of diversified colors and inaccurate forecasting of production. In terms of multi-color inventory carrying cost, the production inventory and carrying cost of postponement of clothing dyeing are lower than cloth dyeing. Therefore, for the changing market, the postponement of clothing dyeing is characterized by low inventory, low carrying cost and low risk. This study provides the forecast management situation for the clothing industries to use capable production modes for clothing manufacturing supply chain.
The Analysis, Optimization, and Simulation of a Two-Stage Tandem Queueing Model with Hyperexponential Service Time at Second Stage
Authors: Sağlam Vedat , Sağır Murat , Yücesoy Erdinç , Zobu Müjgan
Published: November 2015

The aim of this paper is to analyze a tandem queueing model with two stages. The arrivals to the first stage are Poisson stream and the service time at this stage is exponential. There is no waiting room at first stage. The service time is hyperexponential and no waiting is allowed at second stage. The transition probabilities and loss probabilities of this model are obtained. In addition, the loss probability at second stage is optimized. Performance measures and the variance of the numbers of customers of this tandem queueing model are found. It is seen that the numbers of customers in first stage and second stage are dependent. Finally we have simulated this queueing model. For different values of parameters, exact values, simulated values, and optimal values of obtained performance measures of this model are numerically shown in tables and graphs.
Mushrooms and Lichens in Bulgarian Ethnomycology
Authors: Uzunov Blagoy Angelov , Stoyneva-Gärtner Maya Petrova
Published: November 2015

The paper presents ethnomycological data on ritual, medicinal, tinder, and kindling usage of mushrooms and lichens in Bulgaria from prehistoric times till nowadays. It is based on the analysis of 17 ethnomycological sources recently available and on the authors inquiries and field trip data from the country made in the period 1986–2015. In total 18 mushrooms and 4 lichens with their usage are enlisted.
Stability Criteria for Volterra Integrodynamic System
Authors: Yasmin Nusrat , Younus Awais , Ali Usman , Mirza Safia
Published: November 2015

We study conditions under which the solutions of linear Volterra integrodynamic system of the formyΔt=Atyt+∫t0tKt,sysΔsare stable on certain time scales. We construct a number of Lyapunov functionals on time scales from which we obtain necessary and sufficient conditions for stability of Volterra integrodynamic system and also we prove several results concerning qualitative behavior of this system.
Multiple Coronary Artery Microfistulas Associated with Apical Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Left and Right Coronary Artery to the Left Ventricle
Authors: Choi Jeong-Woo , Kim Kyehwan , Kang Min Gyu , Koh Jin-Sin , Park Jeong Rang , Hwang Jin-Yong
Published: November 2015

A 76-year-old woman underwent coronary angiography for chest pain. On the coronary angiogram, no significant coronary artery atherosclerotic stenosis was observed. Multiple coronary artery microfistulas, draining from the left anterior descending artery to the left ventricle and from the posterior descending artery of the right coronary artery to the left ventricle, were observed. Apical wall thickening and fistula flow from the left anterior descending artery were demonstrated by using transthoracic echocardiography. We describe a rare case of multiple coronary artery microfistulas from the left and right coronary artery to the left ventricle combined with apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
Influence of Acarbose on Plasma Glucose Fluctuations in Insulin-Treated Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Pilot Study
Authors: Li Feng-fei , Xu Xiao-hua , Fu Li-yuan , Su Xiao-fei , Wu Jin-dan , Lu Chun-feng , Ye Lei , Ma Jian-hua
Published: November 2015

Background and Aims.To evaluate the effect of adding acarbose on glycemic excursions measured by continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) already on insulin therapy.Materials and Methods.This was an opened and unblended study. 134 patients with T2DM were recruited. After initial rapidly corrected hyperglycaemia by continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) for 7 d, a 4–6-day premixed insulin titration period subsequently followed. Patients were then randomized 1 : 1 to acarbose plus insulin group or insulin therapy group for 2 weeks. CGMS was used to measure glucose fluctuations for at least 3 days after therapy cessation.Results. Patients in acarbose plus insulin group achieved a significant improvement of MAGE compared to that of insulin therapy only group (5.56±2.16versus7.50±3.28 mmol/L,P=0.044), accompanied by a significant decrease in the incremental AUC of plasma glucose concentration above 10.0 mmol/L (0.5[0.03,0.9]versus 0.85[0.23,1.4] mmol/L per day,P=0.037).Conclusions. Add-on acarbose to insulin therapy further improves glucose fluctuation in patients with T2DM. This study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov registration numberChiCTR-TRC-11001218.
Oxygenated Static Preservation of Donation after Cardiac Death Liver Grafts Improves Hepatocyte Viability and Function
Authors: Yu Jiwei , Murakami Masahiko , Aoki Takeshi , Jiang Bojian , Jin Zhenghao , Koizumi Tomotake , Kusano Mitsuo , Kamijo Ryutaro , Miyamoto Yoichi , Enami Yuta , Watanabe Makoto , Otsuka Koji
Published: November 2015

Background: Cell therapy, such as hepatocyte transplantation (HTx), is promising for the treatment of metabolic liver diseases or as a bridge to orthotopic liver transplantation in patients with fulminant liver failure. However, one of the limitations of this therapy is the shortage of donors. The present study aims to investigate whether the two-layer method (TLM) of cold preservation with oxygenation improves the viability and activity of hepatocytes from rat donation after cardiac death (DCD) donors compared with results obtained with the University of Wisconsin (UW) solution. Moreover, we evaluated the hepatocyte function after culture or transplantation into the spleen. Materials and Methods: We used male Sprague-Dawley rats for this study. The DCD model was induced by phrenotomy after injecting heparin. We assigned rats based on warm ischemia times of 15 and 30 min to groups S and L, respectively. Each group (n = 5) was then subdivided as follows: (1) group S: not preserved (S/N), preserved by TLM for 3 h (S/TLM3) and 12 h (S/TLM12), and in the UW solution for 3 h (S/UW3) and 12 h (S/UW12), and (2) group L: not preserved (L/N), preserved by TLM for 3 h (L/TLM3) and 12 h (L/TLM12), and in the UW solution for 3 h (L/UW3) and 12 h (L/UW12). The cell viability and function of isolated DCD hepatocytes were analyzed for culture or HTx into the spleen. Results: The viability and ATP levels of DCD hepatocytes significantly improved after TLM compared with the values after preservation in cold UW solution in group S/N (p < 0.059). The levels of albumin production and urea synthesis by hepatocytes after culture were significantly higher in groups S/TLM3 and S/TLM12 than in groups S/UW3 and S/UW12 (p < 0.05), respectively. Further, serum albumin levels after HTx were also markedly higher in groups S/TLM3 and S/TLM12 than in groups S/UW3 and S/UW12. The morphological features revealed that cultured and transplanted hepatocytes remained clearly viable and maintained an expression for specific hepatic function, such as the production of albumin and glycogen. Conclusion: This novel method of oxygenated cold preservation of DCD livers can expand the hepatocyte donor pool for HTx and establish a wider application of this developing technique.
Plasma
d
-Dimer and Incident Ischemic Stroke and Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: Folsom Aaron R. , Gottesman Rebecca F. , Appiah Duke , Shahar Eyal , Mosley Thomas H.
Published: November 2015

Background and Purpose—

Epidemiological studies have documented that plasma
d
-dimer, a fibrin degradation product, is a risk marker for coronary heart disease, but there is limited prospective evidence for stroke. Given that thrombosis is a key mechanism for many strokes, we studied whether
d
-dimer is a risk marker for ischemic stroke incidence in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study.

Methods—

We measured
d
-dimer in 11 415 ARIC participants free of stroke and coronary heart disease in 1992 to 1995. We followed them for stroke, stroke subtype, and coronary heart disease events through 2012.

Results—

Over a median of 18 years of follow-up, 719 participants had incident strokes (628 ischemic and 91 hemorrhagic).
d
-dimer was associated positively with risk of total, ischemic, and cardioembolic strokes, with risk elevated primarily for the highest quintile of
d
-dimer. After adjustment for other cardiovascular risk factors, the hazard ratio for the highest versus lowest quintile of
d
-dimer was 1.30 (95% confidence interval, 1.02–1.67) for total stroke, 1.33 (95% confidence interval, 1.02–1.73) for ischemic stroke, and 1.79 (95% confidence interval, 1.08–2.95) for cardioembolic stroke. There was no association with hemorrhagic, lacunar, or nonlacunar stroke categories.
d
-dimer was positively but weakly associated with coronary heart disease incidence.

Conclusions—

A higher basal plasma
d
-dimer concentration in the general population is a risk marker for ischemic stroke, especially cardioembolic stroke.
Impact of Leukoaraiosis Burden on Hemispheric Lateralization of the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale Deficit in Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Helenius Johanna , Goddeau Richard P. , Moonis Majaz , Henninger Nils
Published: November 2015

Background and Purpose—

The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) awards higher deficit scores for infarcts in the dominant hemisphere when compared with otherwise similar infarcts in the nondominant hemisphere. This has been shown to adversely affect stroke recognition, therapeutic decisions, and outcome. However, factors modifying the association between infarct side and deficit severity are incompletely understood. Thus, we sought to determine whether age and age-related leukoaraiosis alter the relation between NIHSS deficit score and the side and volume of infarction.

Methods—

We studied 238 patients with supratentorial, nonlacunar ischemic infarcts prospectively included in our stroke registry between January 2013 and January 2014. NIHSS deficit severity was assessed at the time of presentation. Infarct volumes were assessed by manual planimetry on diffusion-weighted imaging. Leukoaraiosis burden was graded on fluid-attenuated inversion recovery images according to the Fazekas scale and dichotomized to none-to-mild (0–2) versus severe (3–6). Multivariable linear regression with backward elimination was used to identify independent predictors of the admission NIHSS.

Results—

Left-hemispheric infarction (
P
<0.001), severe leukoaraiosis (
P
=0.001), their interaction term (
P
=0.005), infarct volume (
P
<0.001), and sex (
P
=0.013) were independently associated with the NIHSS deficit. Analysis of the individual NIHSS components showed that severe leukoaraiosis was associated with an increase of the lateralizing components of the NIHSS in patients with right-hemispheric infarction (
P
<0.05).

Conclusions—

Severe leukoaraiosis substantially attenuates the classic hemispheric lateralization of the NIHSS deficit by relating to greater NIHSS scores of components that are typically assigned to left hemisphere function.
Microdytes huangyongensis sp. n. and new records of Allopachria Zimmermann, 1924 from Zhejiang Province, China (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae)
Authors: BIAN DONGJU , ZHANG YUE , JI LANZHU
Published: November 2015

An excursion to Zhejiang, China was made in August 2014, and two species of Microdytes J. Balfour-Browne, 1946 (M. uenoi Satô, 1972 and M. huangyongensis sp. n.) and two species of Allopachria Zimmermann, 1924 (A. miaowangi Wewalka, 2010, and A. schoenmanni Wewalka, 2000) were collected. Only one species of Microdytes (M. uenoi Satô, 1972) was recorded from Zhejiang before. The genus Allopachria is reported from Zhejiang for the first time. The genus Microdytes occurs throughout southern and south-eastern Asia. Since the revision of Microdytes by Wewalka (1997), sixteen new species and one new synonymy have been reported (Wewalka 1998; Wewalka & Wang 1998; Wewalka et al. 2007; Bian & Ji 2009; Miller & Wewalka 2010; Wewalka 2011). Including the new species the genus Microdytes comprises 46 species.
Quantifying Marine Boundary Layer Water Vapor beneath Low Clouds with Near-Infrared and Microwave Imagery
Authors: Millán Luis , Lebsock M. , Fishbein E. , Kalmus P. , Teixeira J.
Published: November 2015

This study investigates the synergy of collocated microwave radiometry and near-infrared imagery to estimate the marine boundary layer water vapor beneath uniform cloud fields. Microwave radiometry provides the total column water vapor, while the near-infrared imagery provides the water vapor above the cloud layers. The difference between the two gives the vapor between the surface and the cloud top, which may be interpreted as the boundary layer water vapor. In combining the two datasets, we apply several flags as well as proximity tests to remove pixels with high clouds and/or intrapixel heterogeneity. Comparisons against radiosonde and ECMWF reanalysis data demonstrate the robustness of these boundary layer water vapor estimates. Last, it is shown that the measured AMSR-MODIS boundary layer water vapor can be analyzed using sea surface temperature and cloud-top pressure information by employing simple equations based on the Clausius–Clapeyron relationship.
On Anomalous Ocean Heat Transport toward the Arctic and Associated Climate Predictability
Authors: Årthun Marius , Eldevik Tor
Published: November 2015

A potential for climate predictability is rooted in anomalous ocean heat transport and its consequent influence on the atmosphere above. Here the propagation, drivers, and atmospheric impact of heat anomalies within the northernmost limb of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation are assessed using a multicentury climate model simulation. Consistent with observation-based inferences, simulated heat anomalies propagate from the eastern subpolar North Atlantic into and through the Nordic seas. The dominant time scale of associated climate variability in the northern seas is 14 years, including that of observed sea surface temperature and modeled ocean heat content, air–sea heat flux, and surface air temperature. A heat budget analysis reveals that simulated ocean heat content anomalies are driven by poleward ocean heat transport, primarily related to variable volume transport. The ocean’s influence on the atmosphere, and hence regional climate, is manifested in the model by anomalous ocean heat convergence driving subsequent changes in surface heat fluxes and surface air temperature. The documented northward propagation of thermohaline anomalies in the northern seas and their consequent imprint on the regional atmosphere—including the existence of a common decadal time scale of variability—detail a key aspect of eventual climate predictability.
A Bayesian Approach for Integrated Raindrop Size Distribution (DSD) Retrieval on an X-Band Dual-Polarization Radar Network
Authors: Yoshikawa Eiichi , Chandrasekar V. , Ushio Tomoo , Matsuda Takahiro
Published: November 2015

A raindrop size distribution (DSD) retrieval method for a weather radar network consisting of several X-band dual-polarization radars is proposed. An iterative maximum likelihood (ML) estimator for DSD retrieval in a single radar was developed in the authors’ previous work, and the proposed algorithm in this paper extends the single-radar retrieval to radar-networked retrieval, where ML solutions in each single-radar node are integrated based on a Bayesian scheme in order to reduce estimation errors and to enhance accuracy. Statistical evaluations of the proposed algorithm were carried out using numerical simulations. The results with eight radar nodes showed that the bias and standard errors are −0.05 and 0.09 in log(Nw); and Nw (mm−1 m−3) and 0.04 and 0.09 in D0 (mm) in an environment with fluctuations in dual-polarization radar measurements (normal distributions with standard deviations of 0.8 dBZ, 0.2 dB, and 1.5° in ZHm, ZDRm, and ΦDPm, respectively). Further error analyses indicated that the estimation accuracy depended on the number of radar nodes, the ranges of varying μ, the raindrop axis ratio model, and the system bias errors in dual-polarization radar measurements.
Montreal cognitive assessment and analysis of related factors for cognitive impairment in patients with chronic cerebral circulation insufficiency
Authors: Zhang Lin , Dong Wenjing , Han Jie , Wang Zhe , Sun Dayong , Ji Xiaofei , Li Ming , Zhang Bingwei
Published: November 2015

Background

Chronic cerebral circulation insufficiency (CCCI) refers to cerebral dysfunctions that lead to cerebral vascular pathological changes. Our aim is to identify factors related to cognitive impairment in CCCI.

Methods

CCCI patients ( n = 102) were assessed with the Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) to analyze cognitive impairment. Patients were divided into two groups according to MoCA scores: (1) cognitive dysfunction and (2) normal cognitive function. We compared the clinical information with univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses and identified major risk factors related to cognitive impairment in CCCI.

Results

Age ( p = 0.007, OR = 3.768, χ2 = 7.173), leukoaraiosis ( p = 0.002, OR = 6.231, χ2 = 9.478), a history of hypertension ( p = 0.021, OR = 3.078, χ2 = 5.307), a history of hyperlipidemia ( p = 0.016, OR = 3.429, χ2 = 5.795), and the number of vascular risk factors ( p = 0.019, χ2 = 9.921) were related to cognitive impairment by univariate analysis. Age ( p = 0.070, OR = 2.689, 95% CI = 0.923 ± 7.837) and leukoaraiosis ( p = 0.012, OR = 4.531, 95% CI = 1.401 ± 14.667) were significant by multivariate logistic regression analysis. Age ( r = −0.585, p < 0.01) had a marked negative correlation with MoCA scores. There were significant differences in the MoCA subscale scores, including visuospatial and executive capacity ( p < 0.01), attention and calculation ( p < 0.01), and delayed recall ( p < 0.01), in patients with different degrees of leukoaraiosis. Patients with CCCI had a higher incidence of cognitive impairment (78.4%).

Conclusions

Changes in visuospatial and executive capacity, delayed recall, and language function represent cognitive manifestations in CCCI. Age and leukoaraiosis have the strongest effects on cognitive impairment morbidity and can aggravate cognitive impairment.
Triticeous Cartilage CT Imaging Characteristics, Prevalence, Extent, and Distribution of Ossification
Authors: Alqahtani Eman , Marrero Daniel E. , Champion Walter L. , Alawaji Ahmed , Kousoubris Philip D. , Small Juan E.
Published: November 2015

Objective

The triticeous cartilage is a small ovoid cartilaginous structure variably present as a component of the laryngeal skeleton. This structure has received scant attention in the literature and has yet to be described adequately on cross‐sectional imaging.

Study Design and Setting

Retrospective study in a tertiary medical center.

Subjects and Methods

We investigated triticeous cartilage prevalence in a large population utilizing computed tomography images. The cases of all patients with computed tomography angiography images of the neck from October 1, 2013, to September 31, 2014, were examined. A total of 663 patients were included in this study (age: range, 18‐97 years; mean ± SD, 65 ± 15 years), 58.4% men and 41.6% women. The presence of a triticeal cartilage and its site, number, and degree of ossification were recorded.

Results

A total of 53.1% of patients had at least 1 triticeous cartilage (352 of 663). Prevalence was 57.4% (222 of 387) among men and 47.1% (130 of 276) among women. The presence of bilateral triticeous cartilages was more common than unilateral (63.1%, 222 of 352). A minority of patients (4.5%, 16 of 352) had a cartilaginous triticeous with no appreciable ossification, and more than half (54.0%, 190 of 352) had mild triticeal ossification. Moderate ossification was found in 34.9% of patients (123 of 352) and marked ossification in 6.5% (23 of 352).

Conclusion

The presence of a triticeous cartilage is common and of variable appearance. As the clinical and surgical significance of this anatomic structure may be misinterpreted, it is important for imaging interpreters to be familiar with this seldom‐recognized anatomic structure and recognize its variable appearance on cross‐sectional imaging to avoid a misdiagnosis.
Comparing individual and group intervention for psychological adjustment in people with multiple sclerosis: a feasibility randomised controlled trial
Authors: das Nair Roshan , Kontou Eirini , Smale Kathryn , Barker Alex , Lincoln Nadina B
Published: November 2015

Objective:

To modify a published group intervention for adjustment to multiple sclerosis (MS) to suit an individual format, and to assess the feasibility of a randomised controlled trial (RCT) to compare individual and group intervention for people with multiple sclerosis and low mood.

Design:

Feasibility randomised controlled trial.

Setting:

Participants were recruited through healthcare professionals at a hospital-based multiple sclerosis service and the MS Society.

Subjects:

People with multiple sclerosis.

Interventions:

Adjustment to multiple sclerosis in individual or group delivery format.

Main measures:

Participants completed mood and quality of life assessments at baseline and at four-month follow-up. Measures of feasibility included: recruitment rate, acceptability of randomisation and the intervention (content and format), and whether the intervention could be adapted for individual delivery. Participants were screened for inclusion using the General Health Questionnaire-12 and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and were randomly allocated to receive either individual or group intervention, with the same content.

Results:

Twenty-one participants were recruited (mean age 48.5 years, SD 10.5) and were randomly allocated to individual ( n=11) or group ( n=10) intervention. Of those offered individual treatment, nine (82%) completed all six sessions. Of those allocated to group intervention, two (20%) attended all six sessions and three (30%) attended five sessions. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups on the outcome measures of mood and quality of life.

Conclusions:

The intervention could be provided on an individual basis and the trial design was feasible. There were lower attendance rates at group sessions compared to individual sessions.
Impact of antibacterials on subsequent resistance and clinical outcomes in adult patients with viral pneumonia: an opportunity for stewardship
Authors: Crotty Matthew P. , Meyers Shelby , Hampton Nicholas , Bledsoe Stephanie , Ritchie David J. , Buller Richard S. , Storch Gregory A. , Kollef Marin H. , Micek Scott T.
Published: November 2015

Introduction

Respiratory viruses are increasingly recognized as significant etiologies of pneumonia among hospitalized patients. Advanced technologies using multiplex molecular assays and polymerase-chain reaction increase the ability to identify viral pathogens and may ultimately impact antibacterial use.

Method

This was a single-center retrospective cohort study to evaluate the impact of antibacterials in viral pneumonia on clinical outcomes and subsequent multidrug-resistant organism (MDRO) infections/colonization. Patients admitted from March 2013 to November 2014 with positive respiratory viral panels (RVP) and radiographic findings of pneumonia were included. Patients transferred from an outside hospital or not still hospitalized 72 hours after the RVP report date were excluded. Patients were categorized based on exposure to systemic antibacterials: less than 3 days representing short-course therapy and 3 to 10 days being long-course therapy.

Results

A total of 174 patients (long-course, n = 67; short-course, n = 28; mixed bacterial-viral infection, n = 79) were included with most being immunocompromised (56.3 %) with active malignancy the primary etiology (69.4 %). Rhinovirus/Enterovirus (23 %), Influenza (19 %), and Parainfluenza (15.5 %) were the viruses most commonly identified. A total of 13 different systemic antibacterials were used as empiric therapy in the 95 patients with pure viral infection for a total of 466 days-of-therapy. Vancomycin (50.7 %), cefepime (40.3 %), azithromycin (40.3 %), meropenem (23.9 %), and linezolid (20.9 %) were most frequently used. In-hospital mortality did not differ between patients with viral pneumonia in the short-course and long-course groups. Subsequent infection/colonization with a MDRO was more frequent in the long-course group compared to the short-course group (53.2 vs 21.1 %; P = 0.027).

Conclusion

This study found that long-course antibacterial use in the setting of viral pneumonia had no impact on clinical outcomes but increased the incidence of subsequent MDRO infection/colonization.
I drink for my liver, Doc: emerging evidence that coffee prevents cirrhosis
Authors: Feld Jordan J. , Lavoie Élise G. , Fausther Michel , Dranoff Jonathan A.
Published: November 2015

Evidence demonstrating that regular ingestion of coffee has salutary effects on patients with chronic liver disease is accumulating rapidly. Specifically, it appears that coffee ingestion can slow the progression of liver fibrosis, preventing cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This should excite clinicians and scientists alike, since these observations, if true, would create effective, testable hypotheses that should lead to improved understanding on fibrosis pathogenesis and thus may generate novel pharmacologic treatments of patients with chronic liver disease.

This review is designed to examine the relevant clinical and epidemiological data in critical fashion and to examine the putative pharmacological effects of coffee relevant to the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. We hope that this will inspire relevant critical analyses, especially among “coffee skeptics”. Of note, one major assumption made by this review is that the bulk of the effects of coffee consumption are mediated by caffeine, rather than by other chemical constituents of coffee. Our rationales for this assumption are threefold: first, caffeine’s effects on adenosinergic signaling provide testable hypotheses; second, although there are  myriad chemical constituents of coffee, they are present in very low concentrations, and perhaps more importantly, vary greatly between coffee products and production methods (it is important to note that we do not dismiss the “botanical” hypothesis here; rather, we do not emphasize it at present due to the limitations of the studies examined); lastly, some (but not all) observational studies have examined both coffee and non-coffee caffeine consumption and found consistent effects, and when examined, no benefit to decaffeinated coffee has been observed. Further, in the interval since we examined this phenomenon last, further evidence has accumulated supporting caffeine as the effector molecule for coffee’s salutary effects.
Various factors affecting the bacterial corneal ulcer healing: a 4-years study in referral tertiary eye hospital in Indonesia
Authors: Asroruddin Muhammad , Nora Rina L.D. , Edwar Lukman , Sjamsoe Soedarman , Susiyanti Made
Published: November 2015

Background: Corneal ulcer is one of the most common causes of visual acuity impairment and blindness all over the world. The aim of the study was to evaluate various factors affecting the bacterial corneal ulcers healing, including the predisposing factors, causative organisms, antibiotic sensitivity, as well as the treatment outcomes.Methods: All data were taken retrospectively from medical records of patients who underwent corneal scraping for Gram examination and/or culture over a-4-year period (2008-2011) at the Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital Jakarta. Treatment outcome were analyzed using Chi-square test, one-way ANOVA, and post-hoc analysis. Mean time required for complete epithelial healing was also investigated.Results: 220 cases of bacterial corneal ulcers in 216 patients were included. The most common risk factors were ocular trauma (45.8%). Gram-positive coccus were found in 65.7% cases other than other microbes. Pseudomonas sp. (25,0%) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (18.4%) were the most common isolates, sensitive to almost all kinds of antibiotics. About 83.0% (106 cases) were improved with antibiotics only, the rest were not improved and worsened. Mean time for complete epithelial healing was 17.5 ± 8.9 days with mild ulcer had the most rapid recovery. Eyes treated with fluoroquinolone eyedrops were healed in 14 days, faster than other regiments.Conclusion: Ocular trauma was the most common risk factor for corneal ulcer, and the most commonly isolated organism was Pseudomonas sp. Most cases were improved with antibiotics, and fluoroquinolone showed faster healing. Complete epithelial healing occurred in about 17.5 days.
H,K-ATPase and carbonic anhydrase response to chronic systemic rat gastric hypoxia
Authors: Lutfiah Ulfah , Jusman Sri W.A. , Sadikin Mochammad
Published: November 2015

Background: Hypoxia may induce gastric ulcer associated with excessive hidrogen chloride (HCl) secretion. Synthesis of HCl involves 2 enzymes, H,K-ATPase and carbonic anhydrase (CA). This study aimed to clarify the underlying cause of gastric ulcer in chronic hypoxic condition, by investigating the H,K-ATPase and CA9 response in rats.Methods: This study was an in vivo experiment, to know the relationship between hypoxia to expression of H,K-ATPase and CA9 mRNA, and H,K-ATPase and total CA specific activity of chronic systemic rat gastric hypoxia. The result was compared to control. Data was analyzed by SPSS. If the data distribution was normal and homogeneous, ANOVA and LSD post-hoc test were used. However, if the distribution was not normal and not homogeneous, and still as such after transformation, data was treated in non-parametric using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann Whitney test. Twenty five male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 5 groups: rats undergoing hypoxia for 1, 3, 5, and 7 days placed in hypoxia chamber (10% O2, 90% N2), and one control group. Following this treatment, stomach of the rats was extracted and homogenized. Expression of H,K-ATPase and CA9 mRNA was measured using real time RT-PCR. Specific activity of H,K-ATPase was measured using phosphate standard solution, and specific activity of total CA was measured using p-nitrophenol solution.Results: The expression of H,K-ATPase mRNA was higher in the first day (2.159), and drastically lowered from the third to seventh day (0.289; 0.108; 0.062). Specific activities of H,K-ATPase was slightly higher in the first day (0.765), then was lowered in the third (0.685) and fifth day (0.655), and was higher in the seventh day (0.884). The expression of CA9 mRNA was lowered progressively from the first to seventh day (0.84; 0.766; 0.736; 0.343). Specific activities of total CA was low in the first day (0.083), and was higher from the third to seventh day (0.111; 0.136; 0.144).Conclusion: In hypoxia condition, expression of H,K-ATPase and CA9 mRNA were decreased, but the specific activity of H,K-ATPase and total CA were increased.
Short-term outcome of ceramic-on-ceramic total hip replacement in young adult patients
Authors: Dilogo Ismail H. , Chandra William
Published: November 2015

Background: Ceramic-on-ceramic (CoC) total hip replacement (THR) was developed to minimize debris and osteolytic reaction. The major concern is its brittleness. The aim of this study was to evaluate the short-term outcome of CoC THR in young adult patients. Methods: 11 patients, 13 THR procedures, were followed up until six months after surgery in Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital. Evaluation included Harris hip score (HHS), visual analog scale (VAS), patients’ complaint, short form-36 (SF-36), and acetabular and femoral component angles. Data were analyzed using Wilcoxon signed rank test, paired t-test, and Spearman test. Results: The average age of the patients was 33.6 years old and 55% of them were female. Systemic lupus erythematosus was the main causative disease for THR. The VAS average decreased before surgery and after six months of surgery (5 to 1). Pre- and post-operative HHS and SF-36 increased significantly by (25 to 92) and (21 to 54) respectively. Squeaking sound was reported by two patients. No correlation was found between acetabular and femoral component and squeaking incidence.Conclusion: CoC THR showed excellent short term outcome for young adult patients. With proper indications, CoC THR ensures excellent clinical outcomes and promising survivorship.
The effect of medial arch support over the plantar pressure and triceps surae muscle strength after prolonged standing
Authors: Saadah Hindun , Furqonita Deswaty , Tulaar Angela
Published: November 2015

Background: The activity with prolonged standing position is one of the causes of abnormalities in the lower leg and foot. The aim of this study is to discover the effect of medial arch support over the distribution of plantar pressure when standing and walking.Methods: This was an experimental study with pre- and post-design the strength of triceps surae muscle after prolonged standing, was also evaluated in an experimental study with pre- and post-design. Variables of plantar pressure measurement are the contact area and pressure peak were measured by using the Mat-scan tool. The measurement of the triceps surae muscle strength was done with a hand-held dynamometer, before and after using the medial arch support. Measurement was performed before and after working with prolonged standing position which took place about seven hours using the medial arch support inserted in the shoes. Data was analyzed using paired T-test.Results: There was a significant difference of peak pressure between standing (p = 0.041) and walking (p = 0.001). Whereas the contact area showed a significant decrease in the width of the contact area when standing (104.12 ± 12.42 vs 99.08 ± 10.21 p = 0.023). Whereas, the triceps surae muscle strength pre- and post-standing prolonged did not indicate a significant difference.Conclusion: There was decrease in peak pressure when standing and walking and decrease in contact area when standing on plantar after used of the medial arch support after prolonged standing.
Determinants of low APGAR score among preeclamptic deliveries in Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital: a retrospective cohort study in 2014
Authors: Susilo Sulaeman A. , Pratiwi Karina N. , Fattah Adly N.A. , Irwinda Rima , Wibowo Noroyono
Published: November 2015

Background: Preeclampsia has great implication on adverse neonatal outcome. Appearance, pulse, grimace, activity, respiration (APGAR) score at 1 or 5 minutes is one of the indicators of physiologic maturity of the infant. Therefore, the aim of this study was to know the correlation of APGAR score in preeclamptic deliveries with its risk factors. Methods: This study was a retrospective cohort. Data were collected from January to December 2013 including all preeclamptic women with singleton live pregnancies who delivered their babies in Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta. The primary outcome was APGAR score. There were some determinants conducted in this study. Binary logistic was used as multivariate analysis to analyze the correlation between APGAR score and risk factors of preeclampsia, data were analyzed using chi square test. Results: Out of 450 preeclamptic women, 446 of them met the inclusion criteria. Low APGAR scores at 1 and 5 minutes were found in 19% (86/446) and 5.4% (24/446) of neonates respectively. Early onset of preeclampsia (adjusted OR = 4.577; 95% CI = 2.147 - 9.757), white blood cell ≥ 15,000/μL (adjusted OR = 3.315; 95% CI = 1.738 – 6.324), HELLP syndrome (adjusted OR = 2.00; 95% CI = 1.38 – 2.91) were independent risk factors for having infant with low APGAR score at 1 minute. Meanwhile, there was no significant risk factors at 5 minutes APGAR score after adjustment.Conclusion: Leukocytosis, early onset preeclampsia, preterm birth, and thrombocytopenia, severity of preeclampsia, and HELLP syndrome are independent risks of having infant born with low APGAR score at 1 minute in preeclamptic deliveries.
Merkel cell carcinoma of right buttock in an elderly patient: a case report
Authors: Debbarma Shiromani , Sharma Rajesh , Sharma Dhaneshor , Singh Th Tomcha
Published: November 2015

Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare primary cutaneous tumor. So far, few cases have been reported.  Herewith we report a case of an 87-years-old male with painless, ulceroproliferative growth measuring 6x6 cm, over right upper outer quadrant of buttock; stage IIB (TNM, T3cNoMo). Patient received neo-adjuvant chemotherapy, injection of carboplatin 420 mg (day one) and etoposide 140 mg (day one to three) three weekly for three cycles followed external beam radiotherapy by Cobalt 60. At three months post-treatment follow-up, clinically no evidence of residual disease or recurrences noted. The purpose of reporting this case was to emphasize to its rarity, early asymptomatic clinical course leading to possibility of delayed diagnosis and paramount importance of high index of clinical suspicion in definitive diagnosis for better treatment result.
Profile and analysis of diabetes chronic complications in Outpatient Diabetes Clinic of Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta
Authors: Tarigan Tri J.E. , Yunir Em , Subekti Imam , Pramono Laurentius A. , Martina Diah
Published: November 2015

Background: Chronic complications of diabetes mellitus have a significant role in increasing morbidity, mortality, disability, and health cost. In the outpatient setting, the availability of data regarding to the chronic complications of type 2 diabetes is useful for evaluation of prevention, education, and patient’s treatment. This study aimed to describe the characteristic of type 2 diabetes chronic complications in outpatient diabetes clinic.Methods: A cross-sectional study was done using 155 patients in Outpatient Diabetes Clinic of Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital (RSCM), Jakarta in 2010. Secondary data were used from medical record based on history taking, physical examination, diabetic foot assessment, laboratory, neurologic, cardiology, opthalmology, ankle brachial index, and electrography of the patients. Characteristic profiles of the subjects, prevalence of the chronic complications, and its association with diabetes risk factors, such as glycemic control using HbA1c, fasting blood glucose, duration of diabetes, and LDL cholesterol were analyzed using chi square test.Results: Among 155 subjects participated in the study, most of them were women (59%) and elderly (46%). The prevalence of diabetes chronic complications was 69% from all subjects. These chronic complications included microangiopathy, macroangiopathy and mixed complications, with prevalence of 56%, 7% and 27% respectively. Microangiopathy included nephropathy (2%), retinopathy (7%), neuropathy (38%) and mixed complications (53%). Macroangiopathy included coronary heart disease (46%), peripheral arterial disease (19%), stroke (18%), and mixed complication (17%). From the analysis, we found significant association between duration of diabetes and diabetic neuropathy (p = 0.003).Conclusion: Prevalence of diabetes chronic complications in Outpatient Diabetes Clinic of Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, mainly dominated by microvascular-related complications including nephropathy, retinopathy, neuropathy and mixed complications. There was statistical significance between diabetes duration and diabetic neuropathy.
Fighting or fumbling with the beast? The mediatisation of public sector agencies in Australia and the Netherlands
Authors: Schillemans Thomas
Published: November 2015

Public agencies are the objects of a large share of the daily news and devote substantial resources to media management and monitoring. This paper analyses how public agencies have adapted their internal structures and processes in order to meet the demands from their media environment. To this end, an analytical framework for the analysis of organisational mediatisation – the adaptation of internal structures and processes to external media demands – is developed. This is the first framework available for empirical analyses of organisational mediatisation. Its use is then demonstrated in a comparative analysis of the mediatisation of public agencies in Australia and the Netherlands; countries with contrasting political and media systems. An explorative, multimethods study describes how Australian agencies go to greater lengths in accommodating their media environment – they fight the media beast – whereas Dutch agencies are more hesitant; they are fumbling with the beast.
Determination of Spectroscopic Band Shapes by Second Derivatives, Part II: Infrared Spectra of Liquid Light and Heavy Water
Authors: Max Jean-Joseph , Chapados Camille
Published: November 2015

Second derivative and band simulation techniques are used in a synergetic relationship to identify components in the infrared (IR) spectra of liquid light and heavy water. Nine Gaussian components are retrieved in massive OH and OD stretch absorption. In this context, v1 and v3 are the principal components along with satellites derived from harmonic and combination bands. The Raman spectrum of light water matches the IR components with intensity variations as expected.
Femtosecond Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy Studies of Nitropyrazoles: The Effect of Varying Nitro Groups
Authors: Rao Epuru Nageswara , Sunku Sreedhar , Rao Soma Venugopal
Published: November 2015

The technique of femtosecond laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (FLIBS) was employed to investigate seven explosive molecules of nitropyrazole in three different atmospheres: ambient air, nitrogen, and argon. The FLIBS data illustrated the presence of molecular emissions of cyanide (CN) violet bands, diatomic carbon (C2) Swan bands, and atomic emission lines of C, H, O, and N. To understand the plasma dynamics, the decay times of molecular and atomic emissions were determined from time-resolved spectral data obtained in three atmospheres: air, argon, and nitrogen. The CN decay time was observed to be longest in air, compared to nitrogen and argon atmospheres, for the molecules pyrazole (PY) and 4-nitropyrazole (4-NPY). In the case of C2 emission, the decay time was observed to be the longest in argon, compared to the air and nitrogen environments, for the molecules PY, 4-NPY, and 1-methyl-3,4,5-trinitropyrazole. The intensities of the CN, C2, C, H, O, and N emission lines and various molecular/atomic intensity ratios such as CN/C2, CNsum/C2sum, CN/C, CNsum/C, C2/C, C2sum/C, (C2 + C)/CN, (C2sum + C)/CNsum, O/H, O/N, and N/H were also deduced from the LIBS spectra obtained in argon atmosphere. A correlation between the observed decay times and molecular emission intensities with respect to the number of nitro groups, the atmospheric nitrogen content, and the oxygen balance of the molecules was investigated. The relationship among the LIBS signal intensity, the molecular/atomic intensity ratios, and the oxygen balance of these organic explosives was also explored.
Attenuated Total Reflection Mid-Infrared (ATR-MIR) Spectroscopy and Chemometrics for the Identification and Classification of Commercial Tannins
Authors: Ricci Arianna , Parpinello Giuseppina P. , Olejar Kenneth J. , Kilmartin Paul A. , Versari Andrea
Published: November 2015

Attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy was used to characterize 40 commercial tannins, including condensed and hydrolyzable chemical classes, provided as powder extracts from suppliers. Spectral data were processed to detect typical molecular vibrations of tannins bearing different chemical groups and of varying botanical origin (univariate qualitative analysis). The mid-infrared region between 4000 and 520 cm−1 was analyzed, with a particular emphasis on the vibrational modes in the fingerprint region (1800-520 cm−1), which provide detailed information about skeletal structures and specific substituents. The region 1800–1500 cm−1 contained signals due to hydrolyzable structures, while bands due to condensed tannins appeared at 1300–900 cm−1 and exhibited specific hydroxylation patterns useful to elucidate the structure of the flavonoid monomeric units. The spectra were investigated further using principal component analysis for discriminative purposes, to enhance the ability of infrared spectroscopy in the classification and quality control of commercial dried extracts and to enhance their industrial exploitation.
25 years of the Group for Learning in Art and Design: A context
Authors: Journeaux Jill
Published: November 2015

In order to inform planning for and discussions at the 2015 Group for Learning in Art and Design (GLAD) Conference, which celebrated the 25th anniversary of the group, I compiled a brief chronological account of key events in that period. This is an edited version of the original, which is offered as an aide-memoire about the recent history of the UK Art and Design higher education (HE). I recognize that educational policy is not uniform across Northern Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales, for example, in relation to student tuition fees, which are not charged in Scotland. However, for the purposes of clarity this article uses the term ‘UK’ to point to general policy positions that relate to some or all of the United Kingdom.