bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lead isotope ratios in 16th century copperware traded to North America: the Swedish connection
Authors: Farquhar R.M. , Hancock R.G.V. , Pavlish L.A.
Published: January 2018

Isotope analyses have been made on the trace amounts of lead in a small set of late 16th century pure copper trade kettles and kettle debris from Indigenous sites in eastern Canada. The isotope ratios are highly correlated. We interpret these correlations as the mixing of copper from Precambrian Swedish ores with metal from one or more of the Palaeozoic deposits occurring in central Europe and the British Isles. The data enable us to identify samples of pure Swedish copper, metal consisting of mixtures of Swedish and central European – British copper, and with less certainty, samples derived entirely from the latter deposits. Although most of the trace element concentrations in the coppers are quite variable, it appears that nickel values may be less so (∼100 ppm in pure Swedish samples, and ∼1100 ppm in the central European – British sources). Based on these values, two-component mixing relations provide estimates of the fractions of Swedish end members in mixed samples. These results suggest that more than half of the copper used in forming the kettles originated in Sweden.
A suggestion for evolution of Canada’s health regulatory system
Authors: White Jessica , Reid Gregor
Published: January 2018

Aspects of Canada’s health regulatory system are currently being reviewed. This is timely, as the regulation and definition of drugs, foods, and natural health products (NHPs) is in need of revision to facilitate greater transparency and less ambiguity. A number of studies have illustrated the importance of a nutritious diet to prevent and manage chronic disease. Therefore, legislation surrounding food health claims needs to be adjusted so that it is more informative for disease prevention and, in some cases, treatment. Canada is modernizing the regulation of self-care products, under which NHPs, including probiotic products, are listed. With the growing appreciation for the role that microbes play in human health and the recognition that many foods, including those containing probiotic organisms, can prevent or mitigate disease, this provides an opportunity to reassess regulatory categories.
Spectral and scattering theory for Schrödinger operators on perturbed topological crystals
Authors: Parra D. , Richard S.
Published: January 2018

In this paper, we investigate the spectral and the scattering theory of Schrödinger operators acting on perturbed periodic discrete graphs. The perturbations considered are of two types: either a multiplication operator by a short-range or a long-range function, or a short-range type modification of the measure defined on the vertices and on the edges of the graph. Mourre theory is used for describing the nature of the spectrum of the underlying operators. For short-range perturbations, existence and asymptotic completeness of local wave operators are also proved.
Impact analysis of two kinds of failure strategies in Beijing road transportation network
Authors: Zhang Zundong , Xu Xiaoyang , Zhang Zhaoran , Zhou Huijuan
Published: January 2018

The Beijing road transportation network (BRTN), as a large-scale technological network, exhibits very complex and complicate features during daily periods. And it has been widely highlighted that how statistical characteristics (i.e. average path length and global network efficiency) change while the network evolves. In this paper, by using different modeling concepts, three kinds of network models of BRTN namely the abstract network model, the static network model with road mileage as weights and the dynamic network model with travel time as weights — are constructed, respectively, according to the topological data and the real detected flow data. The degree distribution of the three kinds of network models are analyzed, which proves that the urban road infrastructure network and the dynamic network behavior like scale-free networks. By analyzing and comparing the important statistical characteristics of three models under random attacks and intentional attacks, it shows that the urban road infrastructure network and the dynamic network of BRTN are both robust and vulnerable.
An optimized Forest–Ruth-like algorithm in extended phase space
Authors: Wu Ya-Lin , Wu Xin
Published: January 2018

An optimized fourth-order Forest–Ruth-like symplectic algorithm, which is based on a minimum of the norm of fifth-order truncation terms, was originally designed for separable Hamiltonian problems. With the aid of extended phase space methods, this algorithm is further reformulated to explicitly solve inseparable Hamiltonian systems. Although an extra permutation substep is included and destroys symplecticity in general, the method is symmetric and therefore resembles a symplectic integrator in conservation of the original Hamiltonian. In fact, our numerical tests show that the optimized algorithm combined with the midpoint permutations always enhances the quality of numerical integrations in comparison with the corresponding nonoptimized counterpart for inseparable Hamiltonian problems. As a result, the optimized algorithm is worth recommending in application.
SYNTHESES OF LARGE-SIZED SINGLE CRYSTAL GRAPHENE: A REVIEW OF RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
Authors: LI QIONGYU , SHIH TIEN-MO , CAI WEIWEI
Published: January 2018

Single crystal graphene has been getting lots of attention due to the lack of grain boundaries which ensures its distinguished intrinsic properties and good performance in graphene-based devices. Hence, the realization of single crystal graphene growth with tunable size and high crystallinity will be of great importance in commercial production and widespread applications. Recently, numerous studies have focussed on the controlled single crystal graphene growth, and great advancements have been made in the synthesis of large-sized single-crystal graphene (LSSG) by chemical vapor deposition (CVD). In this review, current developments of CVD-grown LSSG and its future prospects are presented and discussed. We emphasize on growth methods and growth mechanisms over transition-metal Cu and Cu alloys for deeper insights in control of size and crystallinity.
STRUCTURAL, OPTICAL, ELECTRICAL AND DIELECTRIC PROPERTIES OF PVA-YCl3 FILMS
Authors: EL-ZAIDIA E. F. M. , QASHOU SALEEM I. , DARWISH A. A. A. , HANAFY T. A.
Published: January 2018

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) films doped with 10[Formula: see text]wt.% of yttrium chloride (YCl[Formula: see text] have been made by casting from their aqueous solutions. The structure of un-annealed and annealed PVA-YCl3 films was studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Both FTIR and XRD revealed that the crystalline ratio of the studied samples increased due to the effect of annealing. The effect of annealing on the optical properties has been studied. Dispersion of the refractive index was described using the single oscillator model. The single oscillator energy and the dispersion energy were estimated. The calculated optical band gap of all PVA-YCl3 films was 5.0[Formula: see text]eV. The behavior of ac conductivity showed that the conduction mechanism of PVA-YCl3 films was correlated barrier hopping model. The dielectric constant and dielectric loss index were decreased with the increase of the field frequency. The electric modulus granted a straightforward technique for assessing the dielectric relaxation time. The calculated activation energy obtained from the electric modulus mechanism was 0.172[Formula: see text]eV.
From Potential Absorptive Capacity to Knowledge Creation in Organisations: The Mediating Role of Knowledge Storage and Realised Absorptive Capacity
Authors: Costa Vítor , Monteiro Samuel
Published: January 2018

The present research explores the role of knowledge storage and documentation and realised absorptive capacity as mediating variables between potential absorptive capacity and internal knowledge creation. The theoretical model is developed and further tested with a sample of 111 organisations from multiple industry sectors. The results show that the technology-driven process of knowledge storage and documentation, as well as the realised absorptive capacity of the respondent companies, reinforces the human-driven process of internal knowledge creation, and mediates, individually and jointly, the relationship between potential absorptive capacity and intra-firm knowledge creation. Mediation analysis relies on the use of bootstrapping confidence intervals. The authors draw practical implications for organisational psychologists and human resources managers. The small sample size and the cross-sectional design limit the generalisation of the present findings. Further research should explore the complementarity of absorptive capacity phases with other knowledge management processes that could enable the creation of new knowledge in organisations.
Synthesis, fabrication of self-assembled film and ambipolar chemical sensing properties of triple-decker (phthalocyaninato) (porphyrinato) europium complex
Authors: Abdullah Kiran , Chen Yanli , Jiang Jianzhuang
Published: January 2018

A mixed (phthalocyaninato) (porphyrinato) europium triple-decker complex, named (TPyP)Eu[Formula: see text][Pc(OC[Formula: see text]H[Formula: see text]][Formula: see text][TPyP [Formula: see text] dianion of 5,10,15,20-tetra(4-tert-pyridyl) porphyrin, Pc(OC[Formula: see text]H[Formula: see text] 2,3,9,10,16,17,23,24-octabutoxyphthalocyaninate] is synthesized and characterized by MALDI-TOF, 1HNMR, UV-visible spectra and differential pulse voltammetry techniques. Introduction of electron-donating butoxy groups at the periphery of the phthalocyanine ligands and electron-withdrawing pyridyl substituents onto the meso-positions of the porphyrin ring not only increases the solubility of the triple decker but successfully tunes the HOMO and LUMO energy levels into a soluble ambipolar organic semiconductor. A simple quasi-Langmuir–Shäfer (QLS) method is used to fabricate self-assembled film of (TPyP)Eu[Formula: see text][Pc(OC[Formula: see text]H[Formula: see text]][Formula: see text]. Excellent sensitivity, reproducible [Formula: see text]-type and [Formula: see text]-type responses to electron-accepting gas NO[Formula: see text] and electron-donating gas NH[Formula: see text] are found for the films of (TPyP)Eu[Formula: see text][Pc(OC[Formula: see text]H[Formula: see text]][Formula: see text]complex at room temperature. The detection limit towards NO[Formula: see text] and NH[Formula: see text] is as low as 0.4 ppm and 1 ppm, respectively, with percentage current change of 4.2% and 1.6%, depending on the uniform molecular packing and intermolecular interactions among the triple decker molecules. The present results represent not only the excellent example of ambipolar triple-decker phthalocyanine-based sensors obtained by a solution-based method, but more importantly provide a new strategy for the molecular design to obtain soluble ambipolar organic semiconductors in sensing device fabrication.
Effect on the Photocatalytic Activity of TiO2NTs Under Visible Light of Synergistic Effect of Ti3+ and S
Authors: Xiang Liyun , Ya Jing , Li Lixia , Liu Zhifeng
Published: January 2018

TiO2 nanotube arrays (TiO2NTs) were prepared by anodic oxidation, then soaked in thiourea solution, and finally transformed into modified anatase TiO2 structure by heat treatment. Through the test results of SEM, TEM, XRD, XPS, UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, photo-current and so on, finding that S replaces Ti[Formula: see text] in the form of S[Formula: see text], and part of the Ti[Formula: see text] is reduced to Ti[Formula: see text]. Ladder type energy band structure, producing by the appearance of S[Formula: see text] and Ti[Formula: see text], makes the electron–hole more easily and increases the carrier transfer speed to a certain degree. The photo-current size has increased from 1.07[Formula: see text]mA/cm2 to 2.13[Formula: see text]mA/cm2. By simulating decolorization test of sample to methylthionine chloride under visible light, the degradation rate of the modified sample to methylene blue increases from 32% to 63%, and increased by 1.97 times.
MR Safe Robot Assisted Needle Access of the Brain: Preclinical Study
Authors: Jun Changhan , Lim Sunghwan , Wolinsky Jean-Paul , Garzon-Muvdi Tomas , Petrisor Doru , Cleary Kevin , Stoianovici Dan
Published: January 2018

We report the results of preclinical experiments for direct MRI-guided needle interventions in the brain. An MR Safe robot was incorporated into an intraoperative MRI system. Deep regions of the brain simulated in a cranial mockup were targeted with a needle under robotic assistance. The 3D accuracy of in-scanner targeting at an average depth of 95[Formula: see text]mm was 1.55[Formula: see text]mm, with no manual corrections.
Primary Liver Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma following Complete Response for Hepatitis C Infection after Direct Antiviral Therapy
Authors: Andrade Xavier A. , Paz Luis H. , Nassar Mo''ath , Oramas Diana M. , Fuentes Harry E. , Kovarik Paula , Mishra Satya , Singh Anshu
Published: January 2018

Introduction: Hepatitis C infection is highly prevalent worldwide and has a well-known association with B-cell lymphoid malignancies. Antiviral therapy has successfully decreased the rate of liver cirrhosis and improved the outcome in patients with hepatitis C-associated lymphomas. However, although there are a few case reports of aggressive lymphomas after successful hepatitis C therapy, the mechanism behind this association remains unclear. Case Presentation: We present the case of a 55-year-old man with chronic hepatitis C infection and liver cirrhosis who received antiviral therapy with sofosbuvir and ribavirin and achieved a sustained complete virological response. One year after successful therapy, there was an unexplained decline of his liver function and atypical liver nodularity, which led to the diagnosis of a primary liver diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Discussion: We review the evidence supporting possible mechanisms of lymphomagenesis after successful hepatitis C therapy, particularly involving late “second-hit” mutations after viral-induced DNA damage and antiviral therapy facilitating the emergence of latent malignant B-cell clones by decreasing local inflammation and immune surveillance. More reports may help elucidate any association between hepatitis C antiviral therapy and late lymphoid malignancies.
Increased Small Intestinal Permeability during Severe Acute Exacerbations of COPD
Authors: Sprooten Roy T.M. , Lenaerts Kaatje , Braeken Dionne C.W. , Grimbergen Ilvy , Rutten Erica P. , Wouters Emiel F.M. , Rohde Gernot G.U.
Published: January 2018

Background: Disturbances of intestinal integrity, manifested by increased gastro-intestinal (GI) permeability, have been found in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients during physical activity, often associated with intermittent hypoxic periods. Evidence about extrapulmonary organ disturbances, especially of the GI tract, during hospitalised acute exacerbation of COPD (AE-COPD) with hypoxaemic respiratory failure (RF) is lacking. Objective: The aim was to assess changes in GI permeability in patients with AE-COPD and during recovery 4 weeks later. Methods: All patients admitted to our hospital with AE-COPD accompanied by hypoxaemia at admission (PaO2 <8.7 kPa or O2 saturation <93%) were screened between October 2013 and February 2014. Patients with a history of GI or renal disease, chronic heart failure, or use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the 48 h before the test were excluded. GI permeability was assessed by evaluating urinary excretion ratios of the orally ingested sugars lactulose/L-rhamnose (L/R ratio), sucrose/L-rhamnose (Su/R ratio) and sucralose/erythritol (S/E ratio). Results: Seventeen patients with severe to very severe COPD completed the study. L/R ratio (×103) at admission of AE-COPD was significantly higher than in the recovery condition (40.9 [29.4–49.6] vs. 27.3 [19.5–47.7], p = 0.039), indicating increased small intestinal permeability. There were no significant differences in the individual sugar levels in urine nor in the 0- to 5-h urinary S/E and Su/R ratios between the 2 visits. Conclusion: This is the first study showing increased GI permeability during hospitalised AE-COPD accompanied by hypoxaemic RF. Therefore, GI integrity in COPD patients is an attractive target for future research and for the development of interventions to alleviate the consequences of AE-COPD.
Circulating Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids as Biomarkers for Dietary Intake across Subgroups: The CODAM and Hoorn Studies
Authors: Wanders Anne J. , Alssema Marjan , De Hoon Sabine E.M. , Feskens Edith J.M. , van Woudenbergh Geertruida J. , van der Kallen Carla J. , Zock Peter L. , Refsum Helga , Drevon Christian A. , Elshorbagy Amany , Schalkwijk Casper G. , Stehouwer Coen D.A. , Dekker Jacqueline M. , van Greevenbroek Marleen M.J.
Published: January 2018

Aims: To evaluate whether participant characteristics and way of expressing circulating fatty acids (FA) influence the strengths of associations between self-reported intake and circulating levels of linoleic acid (LA), alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Methods: Cross-sectional analyses were performed in pooled data from the CODAM (n = 469) and Hoorn (n = 702) studies. Circulating FA were measured by gas liquid chromatography and expressed as proportions (% of total FA) and concentrations (µg/mL). Dietary intakes were calculated from a validated food frequency questionnaire. Effects of participant characteristics on associations between dietary and circulating FA were calculated using interaction analyses. Results: Standardized regression coefficients between dietary FA and proportions of circulating FA (% of total FA) were LA β = 0.28, ALA β = 0.13, EPA β = 0.34, and DHA β = 0.45. Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and presence of CVD influenced associations for LA; gender influenced LA, EPA, and DHA; alcohol intake influenced LA and DHA; and glucose tolerance status influenced ALA (p values interaction <0.05). Coefficients for circulating FA as concentrations were LA β = 0.19, ALA β = 0.10, EPA β = 0.31, and DHA β = 0.41. Conclusions: This study suggests that characteristics such as BMI, alcohol intake, and expressing circulating FA as proportions or concentrations, influence associations between dietary and circulating FA.
Relationship Between Visceral Infarction and Ischemic Stroke Subtype
Authors: Finn Caitlin , Hung Peter , Patel Praneil , Gupta Ajay , Kamel Hooman
Published: January 2018

Background and Purpose—

Most cryptogenic strokes are thought to have an embolic source. We sought to determine whether cryptogenic strokes are associated with visceral infarcts, which are usually embolic.

Methods—

Among patients prospectively enrolled in CAESAR (Cornell Acute Stroke Academic Registry), we selected those with a contrast-enhanced abdominal computed tomographic scan within 1 year of admission. Our exposure variable was adjudicated stroke subtype per the Trial of ORG 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment classification. Our outcome was renal or splenic infarction as assessed by a single radiologist blinded to stroke subtype. We used Fisher exact test and multiple logistic regression to compare the prevalence of visceral infarcts among cardioembolic strokes, strokes of undetermined etiology, and noncardioembolic strokes (large- or small-vessel strokes).

Results—

Among 227 patients with ischemic stroke and a contrast-enhanced abdominal computed tomographic scan, 59 had a visceral infarct (35 renal and 27 splenic). The prevalence of visceral infarction was significantly different among cardioembolic strokes (34.2%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 23.7%–44.6%), strokes of undetermined etiology (23.9%; 95% CI, 15.0%–32.8%), and strokes from large-artery atherosclerosis or small-vessel occlusion (12.5%; 95% CI, 1.8%–23.2%;
P
=0.03). In multiple logistic regression models adjusted for demographics and vascular comorbidities, we found significant associations with visceral infarction for both cardioembolic stroke (odds ratio, 3.5; 95% CI, 1.2–9.9) and stroke of undetermined source (odds ratio, 3.3; 95% CI, 1.1–10.5) as compared with noncardioembolic stroke.

Conclusions—

The prevalence of visceral infarction differed significantly across ischemic stroke subtypes. Cardioembolic and cryptogenic strokes were associated with a higher prevalence of visceral infarcts than noncardioembolic strokes.
Robustness and Contingent History: From Prisoner's Dilemma to Gaia Theory
Authors: Harvey Inman
Published: January 2018

In both social systems and ecosystems there is a need to resolve potential conflicts between the interests of individuals and the collective interest of the community. The collective interests need to survive the turbulent dynamics of social and ecological interactions. To see how different systems with different sets of interactions have different degrees of robustness, we need to look at their different contingent histories. We analyze abstract artificial life models of such systems, and note that some prominent examples rely on explicitly ahistorical frameworks; we point out where analyses that ignore a contingent historical context can be fatally flawed. The mathematical foundations of Gaia theory are presented in a form whose very basic and general assumptions point to wide applicability across complex dynamical systems. This highlights surprising connections between robustness and accumulated contingent happenstance, regardless of whether Darwinian evolution is or is not implicated. Real-life studies highlight the role of history, and artificial life studies should do likewise.
A new species of Oxytropis (Fabaceae) from Central Apennines (Italy)
Authors: CONTI FABIO , PENNESI RICCARDO , UZUNOV DIMITAR , BRACCHETTI LUCA , BARTOLUCCI FABRIZIO
Published: January 2018

A new species, Oxytropis ocrensis, is described from Central Apennines (Italy). This species is morphologically closely related to O. halleri group (O. xerophila, O. halleri and O. korabensis) occurring in the Alps and Albania, from which it differs by longer calyx, larger lateral calyx teeth, long hairs on calyx teeth, smaller keel limb and larger diameter of stem under the inflorescence. The taxonomic relationships of the new species with the hitherto known species of O. halleri group are examined and discussed.
Reassignment of Western Australia Paracnephia gladiator Moulton & Adler
to a new genus, Bunyipellum (Diptera: Simuliidae)
Authors: CRAIG DOUGLAS A. , CURRIE DOUGLAS C. , MOULTON JOHN K.
Published: January 2018

With new material available of most stages of many known Australian Paracnephia, including new species, it is now clear that certain segregates warrant assignment to new genera. This applies to Paracnephia gladiator Moulton & Adler, a Western Australia simuliid with numerous unique character states. The species is fully redescribed and assigned to Bunyipellum nov. gen. A diagnosis is provided and relationships discussed, as is historical biogeography. Bunyipellum appears to be more closely related to elements of the South American simuliid fauna than to any other Gondwanan Australian species.
Redescription of Lepidocyrtus peisonis Traser & Christian, 1992 with notes on Lepidocyrtus mariani Traser & Dányi, 2008 (Collembola: Entomobryidae)
Authors: WINKLER DANIEL , MATEOS EDUARDO
Published: January 2018

Two species of Lepidocyrtus Bourlet have been studied. L. peisonis Traser & Christian, 1992 has been redescribed based on the type material and newly collected specimens. This species is characterized by dorsal macrochaetae formula R0R1sR1R2So/00/0101+3, truncate unguiculi and a newly observed character missing in the original description: a lateral tuft of long filiform chaetae on abd. III, never described for any European species of subgenera Lanocyrtus and Lepidocyrtus s.str. L. mariani Traser & Dányi, 2008 has been revised based on the holotype and recently collected specimens. L. mariani is defined by the dorsal macrochaetae formula R0R1sR1So/00/0101+3 and the presence of small pseudopori on the apical membranous area of antennal segments, lateral region of th. III–abd. IV and dorsal surface of dens.
Apheloria polychroma, a new species of millipede from the Cumberland Mountains (Polydesmida: Xystodesmidae)
Authors: MAREK PAUL E. , MEANS JACKSON C. , HENNEN DEREK A.
Published: January 2018

Millipedes of the genus Apheloria Chamberlin, 1921 occur in temperate broadleaf forests throughout eastern North America and west of the Mississippi River in the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains. Chemically defended with toxins made up of cyanide and benzaldehyde, the genus is part of a community of xystodesmid millipedes that compose several Müllerian mimicry rings in the Appalachian Mountains. We describe a model species of these mimicry rings, Apheloria polychroma n. sp., one of the most variable in coloration of all species of Diplopoda with more than six color morphs, each associated with a separate mimicry ring.
A new species of Comorocoris from Northern Madagascar (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Aradidae)
Authors: BAŇAŘ PETR , HEISS ERNST
Published: January 2018

A new species Comorocoris estherineae sp. nov. (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Aradidae: Carventinae) from Montagne d’Ambre National Park in Northern Madagascar is described and illustrated. The newly described species is compared and keyed with all three species of Comorocoris Heiss, 1985 known so far.
Donation-based crowdfunding as corporate social responsibility activities and financing
Authors: Rijanto Arief
Published: January 2018

Both corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities and donation-based crowdfunding have potential synergistic effects to generate funds, but fundraisers face competition and challenges to achieve their donation target. For instance, on the one hand, CSR initiatives may create the opportunity to generate funds through crowdfunding. On the other hand, crowdfunding can be used to micro fund many social activities in line with a company’s CSR goals. This study explores the relationship among successful donation fundraisers in crowdfunding activities that have the potential to become CSR activities. Specifically, the study examines the relationship of the value and size of funds raised in the beginning (first day) of fundraising effort with its target funds by the fundraiser and type of activities. Data from crowdfunding activities in Southeast Asian countries are used to examine the funds raised through donations by comparing trends, cultures, and characteristics of fundraisers using donation-based crowdfunding. The results of the study show that the value of funds raised in the beginning (first day) has a significant positive correlation with small targeted funds. Art, culture, and product-based activities of crowdfunding show the potential to have synergistic effects with CSR activities, and they tend to be correlated with successful project financing in Southeast Asia.
End-of-Life Decision-Making for Patients With Geriatric Trauma Cared for in a Trauma Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Wooster Meghan , Stassi Alyssa , Hill Joshua , Kurtz James , Bonta Marco , Spalding M. Chance
Published: January 2018

Background:

The geriatric trauma population is growing and fraught with poor physiological response to injury and high mortality rates. Our primary hypothesis analyzed how prehospital and in-hospital characteristics affect decision-making regarding continued life support (CLS) versus withdrawal of care (WOC). Our secondary hypothesis analyzed adherence to end-of-life decisions regarding code status, living wills, and advanced directives.

Materials and Methods:

We performed a retrospective review of patients with geriatric trauma at a level I and level II trauma center from January 1, 2007, to December 31, 2014. Two hundred seventy-four patients met inclusion criteria with 144 patients undergoing CLS and 130 WOC.

Results:

A total of 13 269 patients with geriatric trauma were analyzed. Insurance type and injury severity score (ISS) were found to be significant predictors of WOC ( P = .013/.045). Withdrawal of care patients had shorter time to palliative consultation and those with geriatrics consultation were 16.1 times more likely to undergo CLS ( P = .026). Twenty-seven (33%) patients who underwent CLS and 31 (24%) patients who underwent WOC had a living will, advanced directive, or DNR order ( P = .93).

Conclusions:

Of the many hypothesized predictors of WOC, ISS was the only tangible independent predictor of WOC. We observed an apparent disconnect between the patient’s wishes via living wills or advanced directives “in a terminal condition” and fulfillment during EOL decision-making that speaks to the complex nature of EOL decisions and further supports the need for a multidisciplinary approach.
Does Having Open Access to Care Improve Patient Experience? A Case-Control Study
Authors: Duhigg Lauren M. , Baranowski Rebecca A. , Arnold Gerald K.
Published: January 2018

This study investigated whether primary and specialist care practices utilizing open access to care (OA) receive better patient experience scores than propensity-matched control practices without OA. From March 2010 to December 2014, 711 physicians classified as having OA in their practice, indicated by scoring 15 or higher on the OA checklist, were propensity matched to practices without OA. Patient experience was measured with 5 composites: timely care, communication, staff quality, care coordination, and overall physician rating. Minimally important differences in patient experience ratings were calculated between OA and control practices to determine optimal OA checklist scores. OA positively affected most composite domains for specialist practices, except physician rating, but minimally affected primary care practices. Practices scoring 19 or higher on the OA checklist had significantly higher patient-experience scores than matched controls. The authors recommend practices strive for 20 or higher on the OA checklist to see significant improvements in patient experience ratings.
Practical Implementation of Failure Mode and Effects Analysis for Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Activation
Authors: Nasim Faria , Poterucha Joseph T. , Daniels Lisa M. , Park John G. , Seelhammer Troy G. , Bohman John K. , Friedrich Tammy P. , Blau Caitlin L. , Elmer Jennifer L. , Schears Gregory J.
Published: January 2018

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is used to treat severe hypoxemic respiratory failure and as a rescue therapy for patients with cardiopulmonary arrest within a narrow window of time. A failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA) was conducted to analyze the clinical and operational processes leading to delays in initiating ECMO. FMEA determined these highest-risk failure modes that were contributing to process failure: (1) ECMO candidacy not determined in time, (2) no or incomplete evaluation for ECMO prior to consult or arrest, (3) ECMO team not immediately available, and (4) cannulation not completed in time. When implemented collectively, a total of 4 interventions addressed more than 95% of the system failures. These interventions were (1) ECMO response pager held by a team required for decision, (2) distribution of institutionally defined inclusion/exclusion criteria, (3) educational training for clinicians consulting the ECMO team, and (4) establishment of a mobile ECMO insertion cart.
The construction of marketing measures
Authors: Cluley Robert
Published: January 2018

This study seeks to develop a critical understanding of marketing measures. Marketing measures inform a variety of marketing practices and have been subject to ethical, discursive and epistemological critique. Informed by a range of theoretical work, this study sheds light on the construction of a key marketing measure in digital advertising: viewability. It shows how a range of competing interests can be mobilized and aligned; how an object of interest can be stabilized; and how standards for measurement can be reconciled. Across this account, we can see how issues of accuracy, ideology and ethics are bracketed off as participants agree on which things matter and which things count.
Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in CD40L Predict Endothelial Complications and Mortality After Allogeneic Stem-Cell Transplantation
Authors: Rachakonda Sivaramakrishna P. , Dai Hao , Penack Olaf , Blau Olga , Blau Igor Wolfgang , Radujkovic Aleksandar , Müller-Tidow Carsten , Kumar Rajiv , Dreger Peter , Luft Thomas
Published: January 2018

Purpose

Endothelial vulnerability is a potential risk factor for complications after allogeneic stem-cell transplantation (alloSCT). The CD40/CD40 ligand (CD40L) axis contributes to inflammatory diseases and is upregulated in endothelial cells upon activation, suggesting a role in alloSCT biology. Here, we studied single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the CD40L gene in recipients of alloSCT.

Patients and Methods

Three CD40L SNPs (rs3092920, rs3092952, rs3092936) were analyzed for association with transplant-associated thrombotic microangiopathy, overall nonrelapse mortality (NRM), and NRM after acute graft-versus-host disease in 294 recipients of alloSCT without statin-based endothelial prophylaxis (SEP). The significant genotype was then put into perspective with established thrombomodulin ( THBD) gene polymorphisms. Findings were validated in an independent cohort without SEP and in an additional 344 patients who received SEP.

Results

The rs3092936 CC/CT genotype was associated with an increased risk of transplant-associated thrombotic microangiopathy ( P = .001), overall NRM ( P = .03), and NRM after acute graft-versus-host disease ( P = .01). The rs3092936 CC/CT genotype was largely mutually exclusive of high-risk THBD SNPs. Both CD40L and THBD SNPs predicted adverse overall survival (OS) and overall NRM to a similar extent in training cohort (OS, P = .04; NRM, P < .001) and validation cohort (OS, P = .01; NRM, P = .001) without SEP. In contrast, SEP completely abolished the influence of the high-risk CD40L and THBD SNPs ( P = .40).

Conclusion

An increased risk of endothelial complications can be predicted before alloSCT by genetic markers in the recipient’s genome. The normalization of mortality risks in patients treated with SEP suggests a way of overcoming the negative effect of high-risk genotypes and warrants further clinical validation.
Adjuvant Carboplatin and Paclitaxel Chemotherapy Followed by Radiotherapy in High-Risk Endometrial Cancer: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Rodrigues da Cunha Colombo Bonadio Renata , Gondim Meira Velame Azevedo Renata , Harada Guilherme , Cabral Severino da Costa Samantha , Costa Miranda Vanessa , de Freitas Daniela , Abdo Filho Elias , Alves de Oliveira Ferreira Patricia , Gabrielli Flavia , Del Pilar Estevez Diz Maria
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The best adjuvant treatment in high-risk endometrial cancer remains unclear. Although adjuvant chemotherapy seems to improve overall survival (OS) in locally advanced disease, the role of adding radiotherapy is not certain. We evaluated the outcomes of patients with high-risk endometrial cancer treated with adjuvant chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy.

Patients and Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of patients with high-risk endometrial cancer (endometrioid histology stages III to IVA or carcinosarcoma, clear cell, or serous histology stages I to IVA) treated with adjuvant carboplatin and paclitaxel, followed by radiotherapy, from 2010 to 2017 at a Brazilian cancer center. The Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis, and prognostic factors were analyzed using the Cox proportional hazards model.

Results

One hundred forty-six consecutive patients were evaluated. The OS rates were 86.2% at 3 years and 75.4% at 5 years. OS was significantly affected by pelvic lymphadenectomy ( P = .001) and positive peritoneal cytology ( P < .001). Three- and 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) rates were 78.3% and 69.5%, respectively. The initial site of recurrence was limited to the pelvis in 4.1% of patients, within the abdomen in 1.3%, and extra-abdominal in 11.6%. Patients with grade 1 or 2 endometrioid carcinoma had better prognosis than patients with endometrioid carcinoma grade 3 or nonendometrioid histology (3-year DFS, 93.67% v 68.5%, respectively; P = .0017).

Conclusion

Adjuvant carboplatin and paclitaxel, followed by radiotherapy, is effective in high-risk endometrial cancer and associated with low rates of pelvic recurrence, which might be explained by the addition of radiotherapy. The high-risk group is heterogeneous, and the benefit of adjuvant treatment in patients with grade 1 or 2 endometrioid carcinoma is less clear.
The African Esophageal Cancer Consortium: A Call to Action
Authors: Van Loon Katherine , Mwachiro Michael M. , Abnet Christian C. , Akoko Larry , Assefa Mathewos , Burgert Stephen L. , Chasimpha Steady , Dzamalala Charles , Fleischer David E. , Gopal Satish , Iyer Prasad G. , Kaimila Bongani , Kayamba Violet , Kelly Paul , Leon Maria E. , Mathew Christopher G. , Menya Diana , Middleton Daniel , Mlombe Yohannie , Mmbaga Blandina T. , Mmbaga Elia , Mulima Gift , Murphy Gwen , Mushi Beatrice , Mwanga Ally , Mwasamwaja Amos , Parker M. Iqbal , Pritchett Natalie , Schüz Joachim , Topazian Mark D. , White Russell E. , McCormack Valerie , Dawsey Sanford M.
Published: January 2018

Esophageal cancer is the eighth most common cancer worldwide and the sixth most common cause of cancer-related death; however, worldwide incidence and mortality rates do not reflect the geographic variations in the occurrence of this disease. In recent years, increased attention has been focused on the high incidence of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) throughout the eastern corridor of Africa, extending from Ethiopia to South Africa. Nascent investigations are underway at a number of sites throughout the region in an effort to improve our understanding of the etiology behind the high incidence of ESCC in this region. In 2017, these sites established the African Esophageal Cancer Consortium. Here, we summarize the priorities of this newly established consortium: to implement coordinated multisite investigations into etiology and identify targets for primary prevention; to address the impact of the clinical burden of ESCC via capacity building and shared resources in treatment and palliative care; and to heighten awareness of ESCC among physicians, at-risk populations, policy makers, and funding agencies.
Hormetic benefits of prior anoxia exposure in buffering anoxia stress in a soil-pupating insect
Authors: Visser Bertanne , Williams Caroline M. , Hahn Daniel A. , Short Clancy A. , López-Martínez Giancarlo
Published: January 2018

Oxygen is essential for most animals and exposure to a complete lack of oxygen, i.e. anoxia, can result in irreparable damage to cells that can extend up to the organismal level to negatively affect performance. While it is known that brief anoxia exposure may confer cross-tolerance to other stressors, few data exist on the biochemical and organismal consequences of repeated intermittent bouts of anoxia exposure. In nature, the Caribbean fruit fly Anastrepha suspensa (Loew)(Diptera: Tephritidae) is frequently exposed to heavy tropical rainfall while pupating in the soil, equating to multiple exposures to hypoxia or anoxia during development. Here we test whether prior anoxia exposures during pupal development can induce a beneficial acclimation response, and we explore the consequences of prior exposure for both whole-organism performance and correlated biochemical metrics. Pharate adults (the last developmental stage in the pupal case) were most sensitive to anoxia exposure, showing decreased survival and fertility compared to controls. These negative impacts were ameliorated by exposure to anoxia in earlier pupal developmental stages, indicating a hormetic effect of prior anoxia exposure. Anoxia exposure early in pupal development reduced the oxygen debt repaid after anoxia exposure relative to pharate adults experiencing anoxia for the first time. Lipid levels were highest in all pupal stages when exposed to prior anoxia. Prior anoxia thus benefits organismal performance and relocates resources towards lipid storage throughout pupal-adult development.
Biogenesis of zinc storage granules inDrosophila melanogaster
Authors: Tejeda-Guzmán Carlos , Rosas-Arellano Abraham , Kroll Thomas , Webb Samuel M. , Barajas-Aceves Martha , Osorio Beatriz , Missirlis Fanis
Published: January 2018

Membrane transporters and sequestration mechanisms concentrate metal ions differentially into discrete subcellular microenvironments for usage in protein cofactors, signaling, storage, or excretion. Here we identify zinc storage granules as the insect's major zinc reservoir in principle Malpighian tubule epithelial cells of Drosophila melanogaster. The concerted action of Adaptor Protein-3, Rab32, HOPS and BLOC complexes as well as of the white-scarlet (ABCG2-like) and ZnT35C (ZnT2/ZnT3/ZnT8-like) transporters is required for zinc storage granule biogenesis. Due to lysosome related organelle defects caused by mutations in the homologous human genes, patients with Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome may lack zinc granules in beta pancreatic cells, intestinal paneth cells and presynaptic vesicles of hippocampal mossy fibers.
Functional plasticity of the gut and the Malpighian tubules underlies cold acclimation and mitigates cold-induced hyperkalemia inDrosophila melanogaster
Authors: Yerushalmi Gil Y. , Misyura Lidiya , MacMillan Heath A. , Donini Andrew
Published: January 2018

At low temperatures, Drosophila, like most insects, lose the ability to regulate ion and water balance across the gut epithelia, which can lead to a lethal increase of [K+] in the hemolymph (hyperkalemia). Cold-acclimation, the physiological response to a prior low temperature exposure, can mitigate or entirely prevent these ion imbalances, but the physiological mechanisms that facilitate this process are not well understood. Here, we test whether plasticity in the ionoregulatory physiology of the gut and Malpighian tubules of Drosophila may aid in preserving ion homeostasis in the cold. Upon adult emergence, D. melanogaster females were subjected to seven days at warm (25°C) or cold (10°C) acclimation conditions. The cold acclimated flies had a lower critical thermal minimum (CTmin), recovered from chill coma more quickly, and better maintained hemolymph K+ balance in the cold. The improvements in chill tolerance coincided with increased Malpighian tubule fluid secretion and better maintenance of K+ secretion rates in the cold, as well as reduced rectal K+ reabsorption in cold-acclimated flies. To test whether modulation of ion-motive ATPases, the main drivers of epithelial transport in the alimentary canal, mediate these changes, we measured the activities of Na+-K+-ATPase and V-type H+-ATPase at the Malpighian tubules, midgut, and hindgut. Na+/K+-ATPase and V-type H+-ATPase activities were lower in the midgut and the Malpighian tubules of cold-acclimated flies, but unchanged in the hindgut of cold acclimated flies, and were not predictive of the observed alterations in K+ transport. Our results suggest that modification of Malpighian tubule and gut ion and water transport likely prevents cold-induced hyperkalemia in cold-acclimated flies and that this process is not directly related to the activities of the main drivers of ion transport in these organs, Na+/K+- and V-type H+-ATPases.
The life of U6 small nuclear RNA, from cradle to grave
Authors: Didychuk Allison L. , Butcher Samuel E. , Brow David A.
Published: January 2018

Removal of introns from precursor messenger RNA (pre-mRNA) and some noncoding transcripts is an essential step in eukaryotic gene expression. In the nucleus, this process of RNA splicing is carried out by the spliceosome, a multi-megaDalton macromolecular machine whose core components are conserved from yeast to humans. In addition to many proteins, the spliceosome contains five uridine-rich small nuclear RNAs (snRNAs) that undergo an elaborate series of conformational changes to correctly recognize the splice sites and catalyze intron removal. Decades of biochemical and genetic data, along with recent cryo-EM structures, unequivocally demonstrate that U6 snRNA forms much of the catalytic core of the spliceosome and is highly dynamic, interacting with three snRNAs, the pre-mRNA substrate, and >25 protein partners throughout the splicing cycle. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge on how U6 snRNA is synthesized, modified, incorporated into snRNPs and spliceosomes, recycled, and degraded.
The basics of prevention in dermatology
Authors: Гаджимурадов Марат , Gadzhimuradov Marat
Published: January 2018

The textbook is designed for medical students in the specialty 32.05.01 - public health and preventive medicine, in the discipline of dermatology.
In the manual deals with the primary and secondary prevention of the most common dermatoses and sexually transmitted diseases. Materials textbook aimed at the acquisition of competences on the organization of anti-epidemic measures in parasitic and infectious dermatoses and prevention of sexually transmitted infections. The textbook contains test tasks and situational tasks for self-control.
Managing the costs of clinical negligence within hospital trusts
Authors: Tingle John
Published: January 2018

John Tingle, Associate Professor (Teaching and Scholarship), Nottingham Trent University, discusses the House of Commons Committee of Public Accounts Report on the escalating costs of clinical negligence in hospital trusts
Source isolation and patient wellbeing in healthcare settings
Authors: Gammon John , Hunt Julian
Published: January 2018

Multi-resistant bacteria pose an increasing and significant challenge to public health. Isolation precautions in patients with multi-drug-resistant bacteria and other communicable infectious agents can be associated with adverse effects. Although few would dispute the need for such practices in preventing the spread of transmissible infections, patients' perspectives of isolation suggest that the imposed environment creates barriers to their physical, social and emotional needs. This article reviews the literature to uncover any reliable evidence supporting the assertion that the experience of isolation in healthcare settings impacts adversely on patient wellbeing. Database searches identified 25 relevant papers published between 1990 and 2017. A number of studies claimed to have uncovered an association between negative patient experiences and isolation.