bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of adrenal medullectomy on metabolic responses to chronic intermittent hypoxia in the frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test
Authors: Shin Mi-Kyung , Han Woobum , Joo Hoon , Bevans-Fonti Shannon , Shiota Masakazu , Stefanovski Darko , Polotsky Vsevolod Y. 
Published: January 2017

Obstructive sleep apnea is associated with type 2 diabetes. We have previously developed a mouse model of intermittent hypoxia (IH) mimicking oxyhemoglobin desaturations in patients with sleep apnea and have shown that IH increases fasting glucose, hepatic glucose output, and plasma catecholamines. We hypothesize that adrenal medulla modulates glucose responses to IH and that such responses can be prevented by adrenal medullectomy. We performed adrenal medullectomy or sham surgery in lean C57BL/6J mice, which were exposed to IH or intermittent air (control) for 4 wk followed by the frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test (FSIVGTT) in unanesthetized unrestrained animals. IH was administered during the 12-h light phase (9 AM to 9 PM) by decreasing inspired oxygen from 21 to 6.5% 60 cycles/h. Insulin sensitivity (SI), insulin independent glucose disposal [glucose effectiveness (SG)], and the insulin response to glucose (AIRG) were determined using the minimal model method. In contrast to our previous data obtained in restrained mice, IH did not affect fasting blood glucose and plasma insulin levels in sham-operated mice. IH significantly decreased SG but did not affect SI and AIRG. Adrenal medullectomy decreased fasting blood glucose and plasma insulin levels and increased glycogen synthesis in the liver in hypoxic mice but did not have a significant effect on the FSIVGTT metrics. We conclude that, in the absence of restraints, IH has no effect on glucose metabolism in lean mice with exception of decreased SG, whereas adrenal medullectomy decreases fasting glucose and insulin levels in the IH environment. NEW & NOTEWORTHY To our knowledge, this is the first study examining the role of adrenal catecholamines in glucose metabolism during intermittent hypoxia (IH) in unanesthetized unrestrained C57BL/6J mice. We report that IH did not affect fasting glucose and insulin levels nor insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion during, whereas glucose effectiveness was decreased. Adrenal medullectomy decreased fasting blood glucose and insulin levels in mice exposed to IH but had no effect on glucose metabolism, insulin secretion, and insulin sensitivity.
Plasma ADAMTS13 activity and von Willebrand factor antigen and activity in patients with subarachnoid haemorrhage
Authors: McDaniel Jenny K. , Pham Huy P. , Raju Dheeraj , Nawalinski Kelsey , Frangos Suzanne , Kung David , Zager Eric E. , Kasner Scott E. , Levine Joshua M. , Kumar Monisha , Cao Wenjing , Long Zheng X. 
Published: January 2017

SummaryIncreased von Willebrand factor (VWF) and reduced ADAMTS13 activity are associated with arterial thrombosis. This may also be the culprit mechanism implicated in delayed cerebral ischaemia after aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH). It was our objective to determine plasma VWF and ADAMTS13 in patients with SAH and healthy subjects; and to explore the levels of those markers and outcome after SAH. Forty consecutive patients were enrolled between September 2007 and April 2014 in a pilot study. Plasma samples were collected from SAH patients on post-bleed day (PBD) 0, 1, 3, 5, 7 and 10 and healthy controls. VWF antigen (VWFAg) and VWF activity (VWFAc) were determined by enzyme-linked immunoassay and collagen binding assay, respectively. ADAMTS13 activity was determined by the cleavage of a fluorescent substrate. Univariate descriptive statistics and cluster analyses were performed based on outcomes in the group with SAH only. Mean age of SAH patients was 52.4 years (26–84 years) and 30 (75 %) were women. 12/40 (30 %) had a high Hunt and Hess grade (IV-V) and 25 (62.5 %) were treated with coil embolisation. Plasma VWFAg and VWFAc were significantly higher in SAH patients than those in healthy subjects on each PBD (p<0.0001). Concurrently, plasma ADAMTS13 activity in SAH patients was significantly lower than that in healthy subjects (p<0.0001). Among those with SAH, cluster analysis demonstrated that patients with higher VWFAg and VWFAc and/or lower ADAMTS13 activity might be at risk of increased mortality. In conclusion, the relative deficiency of plasma ADAMTS13 activity in SAH patients may associate with worse outcome.
Drip ‘n Ship Versus Mothership for Endovascular Treatment
Authors: Milne Matthew S.W. , Holodinsky Jessalyn K. , Hill Michael D. , Nygren Anders , Qiu Chao , Goyal Mayank , Kamal Noreen 
Published: January 2017

Background and Purpose—
There is uncertainty regarding the best way for patients outside of endovascular-capable or Comprehensive Stroke Centers (CSC) to access endovascular treatment for acute ischemic stroke. The role of the nonendovascular-capable Primary Stroke Centers (PSC) that can offer thrombolysis with alteplase but not endovascular treatment is unclear. A key question is whether average benefit is greater with early thrombolysis at the closest PSC before transportation to the CSC (Drip ‘n Ship) or with PSC bypass and direct transport to the CSC (Mothership). Ideal transportation options were mapped based on the location of their endovascular-capable CSCs and nonendovascular-capable PSCs.

Methods—
Probability models for endovascular treatment were developed from the ESCAPE trial’s (Endovascular Treatment for Small Core and Anterior Circulation Proximal Occlusion With Emphasis on Minimizing CT to Recanalization Times) decay curves and for alteplase treatment were extracted from the Get With The Guidelines decay curve. The time on-scene, needle-to-door-out time at the PSC, door-to-needle time at the CSC, and door-to-reperfusion time were assumed constant at 25, 20, 30, and 115 minutes, respectively. Emergency medical services transportation times were calculated using Google’s Distance Matrix Application Programming Interface interfaced with MATLAB’s Mapping Toolbox to create map visualizations.

Results—
Maps were generated for multiple onset-to-first medical response times and door-to-needle times at the PSCs of 30, 60, and 90. These figures demonstrate the transportation option that yields the better modeled outcome in specific regions. The probability of good outcome is shown.

Conclusions—
Drip ‘n Ship demonstrates that a PSC that is in close proximity to a CSC remains significant only when the PSC is able to achieve a door-to-needle time of ≤30 minutes when the CSC is also efficient.
Statistical Connection between the Madden–Julian Oscillation and Large Daily Precipitation Events in West Africa
Authors: Sossa Awolou , Liebmann Brant , Bladé Ileana , Allured Dave , Hendon Harry H. , Peterson Pete , Hoell Andrew 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
This study focuses on the impact of the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO)—as monitored by a well-known multivariate index—on large daily precipitation events in West Africa for the period 1981–2014. Two seasons are considered: the near-equatorial wet season in March–May (MAM) and the peak of the West African monsoon during July–September (JAS), when the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) is at its most northerly position. Although the MJO-related interannual variation of seasonal mean rainfall is large, the focus here is on the impacts of the MJO on daily time scales because variations in the frequency of intense, short-term, flood-causing, rainfall events are more important for West African agriculture than variations in seasonal precipitation, particularly near the Guinean coast, where precipitation is abundant. Using composites based on thresholds of daily precipitation amounts, changes in mean precipitation and frequency of the heaviest daily events associated with the phase of the MJO are investigated. The expected modulation of mean rainfall by the MJO is much stronger during MAM than during JAS; yet the modulation of the largest events (i.e., daily rainfall rates above the 90th percentile) is comparable in both seasons. Conservative statistical tests of local and field significance indicate unambiguous impacts of the MJO of the expected sign during certain phases, but the nature of the impact depends on the local seasonal precipitation regime. For instance, in JAS, the early stages of the MJO increase the risk of flooding in the Sahel monsoon region while providing relief to the dry southern coast.
A three-decade repeated cross-sectional survey on mental health of the Chinese Jino minority
Authors: Yang JianZhong , Kang ChuanYuan , Li JianHua , Li PeiKai , Zhao XuDong 
Published: January 2017

Objective: As there is growing evidence outlining varying degrees of social, economic and cultural changes among minority groups in China, there was a need to undertake research to determine whether modernization and urbanization of China has had an impact on the mental health of individuals from minority groups. In 1979, the Jino ethnic minority group was the last minority group to be designated a minority by the Chinese Central Government. As a direct result of the Chinese Government intervention, the Jino society began transitioning from a traditional rural lifestyle existence to that of a more modern urban lifestyle. Our objective was to explore whether changing social and economic influences had impacted the mental health of the Jino people. Methods: A longitudinal study over three decades was undertaken to determine the mental health of the Jino People. Results: From our initial study in 1979 and subsequent follow-up studies in 1989, 1999 and 2009, there were no significant changes found for 1-month prevalence, lifetime prevalence and prognosis for schizophrenia and mental retardation among the Jino population researched. For major depressive disorders, there were significant differences, suggesting a rising trend not only in 1-month prevalence but also in lifetime prevalence. We found significant differences had occurred over the three decades for alcohol abuse, alcohol dependence and Korsakov’s psychosis. At the same time, the annual suicide incidence had increased at least three times in 2009 compared to that of 1989. Conclusion: Results from our three-decade longitudinal repeated cross-sectional survey show that due to rapid social, economic and cultural changes among the Jino people, serious social and mental health problems such as alcohol-related disorder, suicide and major depressive disorders have increased.
Policy Statements: Call for Response
Authors: Reynolds Maynard C. 
Published: January 2017

The following draft policy statements were prepared for discussion from earlier original drafts by Ernest P. Willenberg. Many individuals, notably Fred MacKinnon and Paul Voelker, have assisted in considering these statements. Reactions and suggestions concerning these draft papers are encouraged and should be directed as soon as possible to: This statement of the Policies Commission is presented to the CEC membership for any final comments before being prepared for consideration by the Executive Committee, the Board of Governors, and the Delegate Assembly at the CEC Miami Beach Convention.
The Effect of “Natural” Grouping of Numerals on Short Term Memory
Authors: Thorpe Calvin E. , Rowland George E. 
Published: January 2017

When individuals undertake to memorize long sequences of items, they show a strong tendency to break the sequences into smaller subgroups. This type of spontaneous grouping can be called “natural” grouping. This report reveals that certain specific grouping patterns are spontaneously utilized significantly more often than others for various particular sequence lengths. Furthermore, those persons who employ these “natural” grouping patterns obtain significantly better recall results. The most “natural” subgroup size was found to be three digits with two digits being the next most “natural.” These findings should be useful for any application in which number codes are used (telephone numbers, license plates, stock numbers, etc.).
A Survey of The System of Higher Education for Electrical and Electronic Engineering Students in France, Compared with That of The U.K
Authors: Shaw Brian M. 
Published: January 2017

A survey of the system of higher education for electrical and electronic engineering students in France, compared with that of the U.K. Possible ‘links’ between U.K. Institutions of Higher Education and their counterparts in France and Germany are examined. The U.K. system of higher education is briefly described and then the French system is described in a similar way for comparison.
Computer Assisted Learning in An Electronics Course
Authors: Price T. E. 
Published: January 2017

Computer assisted learning in an electronics course The CAD software package Electronic Workbench has been used for computer assisted learning for analogue electronics in the second year of a degree course. After a description of the package, the approach used to generate text files to describe the subject matter for transistor biasing, small signal analysis and frequency response is described. The student response is considered, as are the problems encountered in using the package for CAL.
A Critique of Fuzzy Logic in Control
Authors: Wolkenhauer O. , Edmunds J. M. 
Published: January 2017

The idea to incorporate the ‘experience’ of a human process operator in the design of a controller using fuzzy logic is discussed. Fuzzy control is typically introduced by pointing out that humans are able to control highly complex and non-linear problems. We argue heuristically, that this is not generally true, and furthermore limited only to special circumstances. The paper also briefly surveys concepts of fuzzy-set-theory. ‘The basic idea behind this approach was to incorporate the ‘experience’ of a human process operator in the design of the controller. From a set of linguistic rules which describe the operator's control strategy a control algorithm is constructed where the words are defined as fuzzy sets. The main advantages of this approach seem to be the possibility of implementing “rule of thumb” experience, intuition, heuristics, and the fact that it does not need a model of the process.’ Kickert and Mamdani, 19781
Breath Alcohol Analysis and the Blood: Breath Ratio
Authors: Wright B. M. , Jones T. P. , Jones A. W. 
Published: January 2017

The history of breath alcohol analysis and of the concept of a blood: breath ratio is briefly reviewed and it is suggested that the ratio is always lower and more variable than predicted by accepted theory. Using gas liquid chromatography for both breath and blood it has been shown that the blood: breath ratio falls during expiration and only reaches its presently accepted value of 2100: 1, predicted from in vitro studies, after prolonged rebreathing. It is suggested that this is due to alcohol being absorbed from the breath during expiration by the mucosa of the upper respiratory tract, to replace that lost during inspiration. Proposals are made for further studies and for modifications in present breath sampling procedures which could make breath analysis an acceptable substitute for blood analysis in all except marginal cases.
Peptic Ulceration and Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Goonetilleke U. K. D. A. 
Published: January 2017

A post-mortem study of two series, a consecutive series of 513 cases and a retrospective study of 65 cases of peptic ulceration, was carried out to ascertain the relationship of atheroma, calcification and aneurysm of the abdominal aorta, severe atheroma of the coronary arteries and aortic stenosis to peptic ulceration. In the retrospective series, 41 cases had peptic ulceration or atrophic gastric mucosa. There was a high incidence of peptic ulceration associated with severe aortic stenosis, severe atheroma and calcification of the abdominal aorta and severe atteroma of the coronary arteries. In this study, there was no increased incidence of peptic ulceration with aneurysm of the abdominal aorta. It was concluded that in the elderly, giant, silent peptic ulcers were associated with pathological changes in the cardiovascular system resulting in a decrease in blood supply to the gastric and duodenal mucosa.
Rupture of the Jejunum Due to Faulty Infant-Feeding Techniques
Authors: Rice H. M. 
Published: January 2017

An eight-month old infant, thought to have died of gastroenteritis, was found to have general peritonitis, due to rupture of the proximal jejunum. This and other injuries, initially suspected of being non-accidental, were due to the father's practice of forcible compression of the upper abdomen after feeds, to make the baby bring up bile, as well as wind, before being put down. Full investigation led to the conclusion that there had been no conscious intention of hurting the infant and that the injuries were not non-accidental in the accepted sense. One more condition must be added to the differential diagnosis of abdominal upsets in infants. The first thought of the pathologist who discovers unsuspected skeletal or visceral injuries at the autopsy of an infant must be that their probable cause was non-accidental injury. Any other explanation must satisfy full police investigations and will rarely be acceptable. A case is reported in which the authorities were satisfied that the injuries were the result of a misconceived practice associated with infantfeeding and were inflicted with no concious intention of harming the infant.
Fatal Forceps
Authors: Nuijen Siegfried , Hausman Robert 
Published: January 2017

One of the problems that faces pathologists, is to rate the information obtained at a post mortem at its true value. Changing the facts, knowingly or unknowingly, often springs from the weakness of the human mind which needs to ignore or even deny unpleasant experiences, especially if these experiences are linked to medical work that can be considered questionable. In this article such weakness is illustrated with some examples of forceps deliveries.
Study into the Ability of Patients with Impaired Lung Function to Use Breath Alcohol Testing Devices
Authors: Gomm P J , Osselton M D , Broster C G , Johnson N Mel , Upton K 
Published: January 2017

A subject who fails to provide an adequate breath sample for a breath alcohol measuring device under the provisions of Road Traffic Act 1988 may be charged with refusing to supply a sample unless the police officer believes the person is genuinely unable to do so. Subjects who are confronted with this situation may approach their general practitioner or chest physician for advice on whether they are medically able to provide adequate breath samples to satisfy the breath testing devices. There is currently no guidance available for medical practitioners concerning respiratory performance or lung function which will impair the use of such breath testing devices. This paper describes experiments with human volunteers suffering from respiratory illnesses and their ability to provide adequate breath samples to satisfy the requirements of the breath alcohol testing devices used in Great Britain. It was found that the most suitable parameters for determining whether a subject was capable of using a breath alcohol testing device were spirometry measurements of Forced Expired Volume in one second (FEV1) and Forced Vital Capacity (FVC). In this study subjects with a FEV1 <2.0 litres and a FVC <2.6 litres were generally unable to use all the devices.
Mental Impairment in the West Midlands
Authors: Clarke D J , Beasley J , Corbett J A , Krishnan V H R , Cumella S 
Published: January 2017

The case records of 55 people from the West Midlands (UK) fulfilling the Mental Health Act 1983 criteria for mental impairment or severe mental impairment, were studied. Most were young men with mild mental retardation. 73 per cent were resident in (or on leave from) mental handicap hospitals, and 27 per cent resident in special hospitals. 29 per cent were subject to a Restriction Order. Most had lived in hospital for more than six years. The commonest problem behaviours were aggression, property offences and inappropriate or offending sexual behaviour. 31 per cent were mentally ill or had a past history of mental illness. A diverse range of services appears necessary to meet the needs of this group of people.
Sperm Conservation and HIV Infection
Authors: Gromb S , Beylot J , Lazarini H P 
Published: January 2017

In the course of preparing a medico-legal report in civil proceedings instituted by a couple contaminated by HIV, the case of Mr B. was brought to our attention. At the end of 1984 Mr B. had a serious accident in consequence of which he received a number of blood transfusions. The post-transfusion inquiry established blood contamination. Several years later (in 1990), and for reasons closely related to the above accident, Mr B. and his wife were having difficulty in having a child. They decided to resort to intraconjugal artificial insemination (IAI) first through a private laboratory and then through a CSCOS (Centre for the Study and Conservation of Human Ova and Sperm). In 1992, Mr B. and his wife were both found to be HIV positive; the infection was ascribed to the IAI, as the most plausible cause. In the face of such dramatic events, we wondered why neither the laboratory nor the CSCOS had checked whether the couple were HIV positive. Reflecting on this led us: (a) to make an inventory of the different organizations and facilities empowered to manipulate sperm for medically assisted procreation (MAP); (b) to investigate their obligations in terms of the prevention and control of specific diseases.
HIV/AIDS Knowledge Scores and Perceptions of Risk among African American Students Attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities
Authors: Sutton Madeline Y. , Hardnett Felicia P. , Wright Pierre , Wahi Sagina , Pathak Sonal , Warren-Jeanpiere Lari , Jones Sandra 
Published: January 2017

Objective. African American young adults are disproportionately affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic and often unaware of their personal risk for HIV. Historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) enroll 25% of college-educated African American young adults and can play an important role in HIV prevention. We examined HIV/AIDS knowledge of students at HBCUs to inform and strengthen our HIV prevention efforts at HBCUs. Methods. African American undergraduate HBCU students completed online surveys assessing HIV/AIDS knowledge and behaviors, and we analyzed data to assess their knowledge and behaviors. Results. A total of 1,051 of 1,230 surveys completed (85.4%) were analyzable. Eighty-two percent of students had average/high HIV knowledge scores. Seventy-nine percent of students surveyed perceived themselves to be at low risk for HIV infection; 64% of those who had at least two or more sex partners had not used a condom at last sex encounter. In the final model, significant independent effects were identified for average/high knowledge of HIV risk, including agreeing with assessing a potential partner's HIV risk by all of the five actions listed (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.7, 4.3) and never using a needle to inject drugs (AOR=5.6, 95% CI 3.2, 9.7). Conclusions. Educating students about effectively assessing sex partner risk will improve HIV knowledge and prevention efforts at HBCUs.