bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Clinical Prediction Model for Postcardiac Surgery Atrial Fibrillation in an Asian Population
Authors: Zhang Wei , Liu Weiling , Chew Sophia T. H. , Shen Liang , Ti Lian Kah 
Published: June 2016

BACKGROUND:
Postoperative atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with increased morbidity, mortality, and resource utilization. Current prediction models for postoperative AF are based primarily on Western populations. In this study, we sought to develop a clinical prediction rule for postcardiac surgery AF for a multiethnic Asian population.

METHODS:
Two thousand one hundred sixty-eight patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft or valve surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass were prospectively enrolled in this observational study between August 2008 and July 2012 at Singapore’s 2 national heart centers. Postoperative AF was defined as an irregularly irregular electrocardiogram rhythm without identifiable P wave after surgery and before hospital discharge that lasted more than an hour, or affected hemodynamics (ie, systolic blood pressure <90 mm Hg or mean arterial blood pressure <60 mm Hg), or required medical treatment. Patients had continuous telemetry monitoring for at least 72 hours while in the intensive care or high-dependency units postoperatively. Subsequently, patients had a 12-lead electrocardiogram daily and when symptomatic. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine significant predictors of postcardiac surgery AF, and a scoring system was developed. The model was internally validated in an additional 500 patients.

RESULTS:
Postoperative AF occurred in 17.3% of patients, with a peak occurrence in the first 72 hours after surgery. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified age ≥65 years (odds ratio [OR], 1.44; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.11–1.85, P = 0.005), history of AF (OR, 3.65; 95% CI, 2.52–5.30, P < 0.001), inotrope use (OR, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.31–2.32, P < 0.001), cardiopulmonary bypass duration >120 minutes (OR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.47–2.52, P < 0.001), and Chinese ethnicity (Chinese versus Indian OR, 2.09; 95% CI, 1.28–3.41, P = 0.003) or Malay (Malay versus Indian OR, 2.43; 95% CI, 1.36–4.05, P = 0.002) to be independently associated with postoperative AF. The area under the receiver-operator characteristic curve of the model was 0.704 (95% CI, 0.674–0.734). Internal validation produced an area under the receiver-operator characteristic curve of 0.756 (95% CI, 0.690–0.821).

CONCLUSIONS:
Clinical risk factors for AF after cardiac surgery in an Asian population are similar to that reported from primarily Western populations, but specific ethnicity influences susceptibility.
Endosomal assembly and transport of heteromeric septin complexes promote septin cytoskeleton formation
Authors: Zander Sabrina , Baumann Sebastian , Weidtkamp-Peters Stefanie , Feldbrügge Michael 
Published: June 2016

ABSTRACT
Septins are conserved cytoskeletal structures functioning in a variety of biological processes including cytokinesis and cell polarity. A wealth of information exists on the heterooligomeric architecture of septins and their subcellular localization at distinct sites. However, the precise mechanisms of their subcellular assembly and their intracellular transport are unknown. Here, we demonstrate that endosomal transport of septins along microtubules is crucial for formation of higher-order structures in the fungus Ustilago maydis. Importantly, endosomal septin transport is dependent on each individual septin providing strong evidence that septin heteromeric complexes are assembled on endosomes. Furthermore, endosomal trafficking of all four septin mRNAs is required for endosomal localization of their translation products. Based on these results, we propose that local translation promotes the assembly of newly synthesized septins in heteromeric structures on the surface of endosomes. This is important for the long-distance transport of septins and the efficient formation of the septin cytoskeleton.
CCN6 regulates mitochondrial function
Authors: Patra Milan , Mahata Sushil K. , Padhan Deepesh K. , Sen Malini 
Published: June 2016

ABSTRACT
Despite established links of CCN6, or Wnt induced signaling protein-3 (WISP3), with progressive pseudo rheumatoid dysplasia, functional characterization of CCN6 remains incomplete. In light of the documented negative correlation between accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and CCN6 expression, we investigated whether CCN6 regulates ROS accumulation through its influence on mitochondrial function. We found that CCN6 localizes to mitochondria, and depletion of CCN6 in the chondrocyte cell line C-28/I2 by using siRNA results in altered mitochondrial electron transport and respiration. Enhanced electron transport chain (ETC) activity of CCN6-depleted cells was reflected by increased mitochondrial ROS levels in association with augmented mitochondrial ATP synthesis, mitochondrial membrane potential and Ca2+. Additionally, CCN6-depleted cells display ROS-dependent PGC1α (also known as PPARGC1A) induction, which correlates with increased mitochondrial mass and volume density, together with altered mitochondrial morphology. Interestingly, transcription factor Nrf2 (also known as NFE2L2) repressed CCN6 expression. Taken together, our results suggest that CCN6 acts as a molecular brake, which is appropriately balanced by Nrf2, in regulating mitochondrial function.
Intermittent hypoxia leads to functional reorganization of mitochondria and affects cellular bioenergetics in marine molluscs
Authors: Ivanina Anna V. , Nesmelova Irina , Leamy Larry , Sokolov Eugene P. , Sokolova Inna M. 
Published: June 2016

ABSTRACTFluctuations in oxygen (O2) concentrations represent a major challenge to aerobic organisms and can be extremely damaging to their mitochondria. Marine intertidal molluscs are well-adapted to frequent O2 fluctuations, yet it remains unknown how their mitochondrial functions are regulated to sustain energy metabolism and prevent cellular damage during hypoxia and reoxygenation (H/R). We used metabolic control analysis to investigate the mechanisms of mitochondrial responses to H/R stress (18 h at &lt;0.1% O2 followed by 1 h of reoxygenation) using hypoxia-tolerant intertidal clams Mercenaria mercenaria and hypoxia-sensitive subtidal scallops Argopecten irradians as models. We also assessed H/R-induced changes in cellular energy balance, oxidative damage and unfolded protein response to determine the potential links between mitochondrial dysfunction and cellular injury. Mitochondrial responses to H/R in scallops strongly resembled those in other hypoxia-sensitive organisms. Exposure to hypoxia followed by reoxygenation led to a strong decrease in the substrate oxidation (SOX) and phosphorylation (PHOS) capacities as well as partial depolarization of mitochondria of scallops. Elevated mRNA expression of a reactive oxygen species-sensitive enzyme aconitase and Lon protease (responsible for degradation of oxidized mitochondrial proteins) during H/R stress was consistent with elevated levels of oxidative stress in mitochondria of scallops. In hypoxia-tolerant clams, mitochondrial SOX capacity was enhanced during hypoxia and continued rising during the first hour of reoxygenation. In both species, the mitochondrial PHOS capacity was suppressed during hypoxia, likely to prevent ATP wastage by the reverse action of FO,F1-ATPase. The PHOS capacity recovered after 1 h of reoxygenation in clams but not in scallops. Compared with scallops, clams showed a greater suppression of energy-consuming processes (such as protein turnover and ion transport) during hypoxia, indicated by inactivation of the translation initiation factor EIF-2α, suppression of 26S proteasome activity and a dramatic decrease in the activity of Na+/K+-ATPase. The steady-state levels of adenylates were preserved during H/R exposure and AMP-dependent protein kinase was not activated in either species, indicating that the H/R exposure did not lead to severe energy deficiency. Taken together, our findings suggest that mitochondrial reorganizations sustaining high oxidative phosphorylation flux during recovery, combined with the ability to suppress ATP-demanding cellular functions during hypoxia, may contribute to high resilience of clams to H/R stress and help maintain energy homeostasis during frequent H/R cycles in the intertidal zone.
Developmental changes of cognitive vocal control in monkeys
Authors: Hage Steffen R. , Gavrilov Natalja , Nieder Andreas 
Published: June 2016

ABSTRACT
The evolutionary origins of human language are obscured by the scarcity of essential linguistic characteristics in non-human primate communication systems. Volitional control of vocal utterances is one such indispensable feature of language. We investigated the ability of two monkeys to volitionally utter species-specific calls over many years. Both monkeys reliably vocalized on command during juvenile periods, but discontinued this controlled vocal behavior in adulthood. This emerging disability was confined to volitional vocal production, as the monkeys continued to vocalize spontaneously. In addition, they continued to use hand movements as instructed responses during adulthood. This greater vocal flexibility of monkeys early in ontogeny supports the neoteny hypothesis in human evolution. This suggests that linguistic capabilities were enabled via an expansion of the juvenile period during the development of humans.
Synthesis and Electrochemistry of a Ferrocene Conjugate of a Pd(II) Diimine Catecholate Complex and Its Charge-Transfer Properties in the One-Electron-Oxidized Form
Authors: Tahara Keishiro , Akehi Shogo , Kadowaki Tomoya , Kikuchi Jun-ichi 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
A new Pd complex Pd(tBu2bpy)(FcC) 2Fc (FcC = 4-ferrocenylcatecholato, tBu2bpy = 4,4′-di-tert-butyl-2,2′-dipyridyl) was synthesized and characterized using 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy, and ESI-MS. Electrochemical analysis of 2Fc using cyclic voltammetry in CH2Cl2/nBu4NPF6 revealed two well-defined, quasi-reversible waves assigned to the sequential oxidation of the Pd(tBu2bpy)(C) and ferrocene (Fc) moieties. The potential splitting between the waves (519 mV) indicated that there was an electronic interaction between both moieties. The one-electron-oxidized species of 2Fc was investigated using DFT calculations and UV–vis–NIR spectroscopy, and its charge-transfer property was compared with that of Pt(tBu2bpy)(FcC) 1Fc, FcV (4-ferrocenylveratrole), and FcA (4-ferrocenylcatechol bis(acetate)). 2Fc+ was Fc+-centered, rather than semiquinone-ligand centered, and exhibited an ICT transition band from to the catecholate to the Fc+ moiety in the NIR region. The electronic coupling (HAB) value of 2Fc+ (790 cm−1) was placed between FcV+ (660 cm−1) and 1Fc+ (1050 cm−1). Electronic interactions between the organometallic center and the non-innocent moiety were modulated by substitution of the metal ion (M2+ = Pt2+, Pd2+) in this series.
Enwrapping Conjugated Polymer Microspheres with Graphene Oxide Nanosheets
Authors: Aikyo Yusuke , Kushida Soh , Braam Daniel , Kuwabara Junpei , Kondo Takahiro , Kanbara Takaki , Nakamura Junji , Lorke Axel , Yamamoto Yohei 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
Water-dispersible conjugated polymer microspheres were obtained by enwrapping with graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets. Simply mixing the polymer microspheres and GO in water results in an exclusive formation of GO-wrapped microspheres. The photoluminescence (PL) spectra of the GO-wrapped single microsphere show whispering gallery modes, in which the PL lines are broadened in comparison with bare microspheres without GO. The broadening is attributed to scattering and reabsorption of the confined PL.
Midwifery educators' experiences and perceptions following a high-fidelity birth simulator workshop
Authors: Wark Fiona 
Published: June 2016

Background: Uninformed adoption of simulation technology such as high-fidelity simulators may result in ineffective learning and teaching. However, in the literature little is known about specific developmental approaches to prepare midwifery educators for using this pedagogy. Aims: The overall aim of this research was to describe the experiences of midwifery educators following a 2-day high-fidelity workshop and the impact on their perceived preparedness to teach using a high-fidelity simulator. Methods: Qualitative data were gathered from one semi-structured focus group 2 weeks following the workshop. Thematic analysis identified emergent themes pertaining to the research objectives. Findings: Four main themes emerged from the data: fears regarding complex technology, time for scenario-building, opportunity for team-building, and enhancement of the curriculum. Conclusions: Initial face-to-face high-fidelity workshops are recommended to achieve successful integration of high-fidelity simulators into midwifery education, with supportive materials to promote continued accessibility and learning. Support from technical staff is essential.
Emergency contraception: Making the right choice
Authors: Kipps Sarah 
Published: June 2016

Access to emergency contraception is an essential part of reproductive health for women. Sarah Kipps discusses the importance of history taking, and the essential questions to ask to determine the most suitable method of emergency contraception Emergency contraception plays an essential role in women's reproductive health. There are three main methods of emergency contraception—levonorgestrel, ulipristal acetate and the copper-bearing intrauterine device (Cu-iuD). The Cu-iuD is the most effective but is not always the most practical or desired by women. Good history taking is essential to establish risk and to determine which method is most suitable on an individual basis. Women need to be advised about the risks and benefits of each method. it is important that a good sexual history is taken from everyone attending for emergency contraception. Women need to be advised about what side effects to expect and the follow up that is needed, especially if there is a failure of emergency contraception.
Vulnerable adults with diabetes: Improving access to care
Authors: Phillips Anne 
Published: June 2016

It is important for practice nurses to have awareness of the challenges vulnerable adults face in regards to their diabetes. Anne Phillips highlights the need to enable easy access to help in these patients and reduce health inequalitiesSelf-managing diabetes requires a significant amount of decision-making. This can be challenging for vulnerable individuals. Those on low incomes, those living with a learning disability or mental illness, or those who are socially excluded, such as prisoners, travellers or homeless people, can find it difficult to access services and programmes. This article aims to raise awareness of some of the challenges these vulnerable people face, and to allow practice nurses to help to reduce the health inequalities they face.
Managing workforce planning: Innovation in practice nursing
Authors: Nicholson Ellen 
Published: June 2016

It is becoming more difficult to recruit experienced practice nurses, and this will get worse as more start to retire. in light of this, City and Hackney Gp Confederation devised a 12-month training programme for salaried trainee practice nurses A number of recent reports have highlighted that a large proportion of the practice nurse population is due to retire in the next 5–10 years. Historically, it has been perceived that newly qualified nurses cannot work in primary care without first gaining experience in secondary care. City and Hackney attempted to recruit experienced practice nurses at the beginning of 2015, but was unsuccessful. The advert did however attract interest from nurses who did not have the requisite skills. City and Hackney Gp Confederation, working in conjunction with Health education england north Central and east london (HEE NCEL), the local Community education provider network (CEPN), developed a 12-month training programme for salaried trainee practice nurses to be piloted. The programme started in January 2016 with a cohort of 16 nurses. The initial reaction to the role of the trainee practice nurse has been broadly positive. it is intended that the trainee general practice nurses pilot scheme will become an integral part of the primary care workforce planning processes, which will enable local Gp practices to manage recruitment into practice nurse roles in the future.
Law and Theory: Pre-modern and Contemporary Development of Islamic Discourse on Rebellion
Authors: Solomon Tasha 
Published: June 2016

Scholars have argued that the early theoretical and historical discourses concerning concepts of rebellion and political violence within Islam, specifically Sunni Islam, developed during a time of conflict within the early Islamic Community. In their quest for stability and desire for the preservation of order, early Muslim jurists used key moments in the history of the early Community, as well as doctrinal sources, in order to construct a theoretical discourse addressing rebellion and obedience to authority. Similar to the methods of the early jurists, the construction of contemporary discourses concerning obedience and rebellion have been used by modern Islamic scholars in order to confront issues involving protesting and political violence, especially as they relate to contemporary events such as socio-political movements, dissent, and notably, the Arab Uprisings. The purpose of this paper is to provide a survey of these pre-modern and contemporary discourses and how their contexts influence Islamic legal approaches.
Property Market Deregulation and Informal Tenure in Egypt: A Diabolical Threat to Millions
Authors: Yahia Shawkat 
Published: June 2016

In the ambiguous legislative climate synonymous with authoritarianism, the Egyptian state has encouraged the commodification of land and property through a raft of different policies that have deregulated the market, driving up the prices in some places sixteen-fold over the last decade alone. State-led commodification in tandem with informal tenure for most Egyptians has meant the exploitation of many communities by a plethora of government and quasi-government agencies that claim their land as their own.
Through three different tenure cases lodged by the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights (EIPR) over the last four years, this paper will show how a pattern exists between state-led commodification and informal/insecure tenure. The case studies show the official use of direct methods of eviction such as eviction orders, sequestration decrees, and the falsifying of contracts. In addition, unofficial indirect methods of forced eviction have been used, such as cutting off power and water supplies, as well as the intimidation and torture of some residents.
The paper will also show how many of the forced evictions have happened, or been attempted, in the shadow of seemingly social motives like “upgrading unsafe areas,” “the public good,” or simply labelling the residents as “usurpers” and “squatters.”
Affordable False Teeth: The Effects of Patient Cost Sharing on Denture Utilization and Subjective Chewing Ability
Authors: Ando Michihito , Takaku Reo 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
We evaluate the impact of patient cost sharing on the use of dentures and subjective chewing ability exploiting a sharp reduction in the coinsurance rate, the percentage of costs born by the user, from 30 % to 10 % at the age of 70 with a regression discontinuity design. Using data from the Japanese Study of Aging and Retirement (JSTAR), we find that the utilization rate of dentures increases from approximately 50 % to 63 % around the threshold, implying that the extensive margin elasticity of denture usage with respect to the coinsurance rate is about –0.41. In addition, we find this jump is almost entirely due to the change in the rate among women. On the other hand, we do not find a significant improvement in self-reported chewing ability, although chewing ability may not be the only social benefit from dentures. Our empirical findings are also confirmed by complementary analysis with randomization tests.
Experimental Design-Assisted Investigation of Light Olefins Production Over Ceria-Altered HZSM-5 Catalysts by Naphtha Catalytic Steam Cracking
Authors: Shahbazi Kootenaei Amirhossein , Maghsoodi Sarah , Zeinali Varzaneh Ali 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
In this contribution, the effects of ceria loading, Si/Al ratio, and reaction temperature on the catalytic performance of HZSM-5 catalysts for production of ethylene and propylene from light naphtha were investigated. The elaborated catalysts were characterized by XRD, FTIR, SEM, and BET specific surface area. The acquired results demonstrated that HZSM-5 structure was preserved after ceria addition. XRD patterns exhibited a crystallinity degradation of HZSM-5 samples by aluminum addition. Box-Behnken experimental design was utilized with central composite design for investigation of parameters such as reaction temperature (600–700 °C), cerium loading (2–14 wt%), and Si/Al ratio (25–125) in ethylene and propylene production. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated the significance of the studied parameters and the corresponding interactions. The results exhibited that the highest ethylene yield was at the highest reaction temperature, the highest cerium loading, and the lowest Si/Al ratio. The superior propylene yield was attained at the highest Si/Al ratio whereas an optimum can be found for reaction temperature and cerium loading.
A 6-year longitudinal study of social competence amongst Chinese adolescents in Hong Kong
Authors: Shek Daniel T.L. , Li Xiang , Liang Lu-Yin 
Published: June 2016

AbstractIn response to the severe lack of longitudinal data on adolescent development, we conducted a 6-year longitudinal study examining the change and psychosocial correlates of social competence in Chinese adolescents in Hong Kong. During the high school years (Secondary 1 to Secondary 6), participants responded to measures of social competence, socio-demographic characteristics (gender, family intactness and economic disadvantage) and family processes (father-child relational quality, mother-child relational quality and family functioning). Results showed that social competence dropped across the six waves. While gender, father-child subsystem quality, mother-child subsystem quality, and family functioning significantly predicted social competence at the initial level, rate of decrease in social competence was greater for adolescents who came from intact families, had better mother-child subsystem quality, and reported better family functioning. Economic disadvantage was the only factor that did not affect the development of social competence in adolescents.
Stepwise diagnostics of hemoglobinopathies
Authors: Busse Birgit , Tepedino Maria-Fatima , Rupprecht Wolfgang , Klein Hanns-Georg 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
Hemoglobinopathies belong to the most common monogenic hereditary diseases worldwide. A particularly high prevalence is seen in the Mediterranean countries, in parts of Asia, the Middle East and West Africa. Nevertheless, due to migration hemoglobinopathies play an increasingly important role in Germany as well. Basic testing consists of blood count and hemoglobin differentiation. In addition, an iron deficiency should be excluded if necessary. Molecular genetic testing is used for the verification of hematologic findings and serves in the assessment of risk for a severe form of a hemoglobinopathy in offspring. In order to ensure efficient diagnostics, family history and previous findings of the patient should be communicated to the laboratory. This is especially crucial in the case of prenatal diagnostics.