bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
NEW ANTICOAGULANTS AS THROMBOPROPHYLAXIS AFTER TOTAL HIP OR KNEE REPLACEMENT
Authors: Hamidi Vida , Ringerike Tove , Hagen Gunhild , Reikvam Åsmund , Klemp Marianne 
Published: June 2013

Objectives:Due to a high risk of thromboembolism in patients undergoing major orthopedic surgery, it has become standard practice to give thromboprophylactic treatment. We assessed the relative efficacy and cost-effectiveness of two new oral anticoagulants, rivaroxaban and dabigatran, relative to subcutaneous enoxaparin for the prevention of thromboembolism after total hip replacement (THR) and total knee replacement surgery (TKR).Methods:We conducted a systematic review of the literature to assess efficacy and safety, and evaluated quality of documentation using GRADE. Cost-effectiveness was assessed by developing a decision model. The model combined two modules; a decision tree for the short-term prophylaxis and a Markov model for the long-term complications and survival gain.Results:For rivaroxaban compared with enoxaparin, we found statistically significant decreases in deep vein thrombosis, but also a trend toward increased risk of major bleeding. For mortality and pulmonary embolism there were no statistically significant differences between the treatments. We did not find statistically significant differences between dabigatran and enoxaparin for our efficacy and safety outcomes. Assuming a willingness to pay of EUR62,500 per QALY, rivaroxaban following THR had a probability of 38 percent, and enoxaparin following TKR had a probability of 34 percent of being cost-effective. Clinical efficacy had the greatest impact on decision uncertainty.Conclusions:Dabigatran and rivaroxaban are comparable with enoxaparin following THR and TKR regarding the efficacy and safety outcomes. However, there is great uncertainty regarding which strategy is the most cost-effective. More research on clinical efficacy of rivaroxaban and dabigatran is likely to change our results.
ASSESSING SEARCHES IN NICE SINGLE TECHNOLOGY APPRAISALS: PRACTICE AND CHECKLIST
Authors: Wong Ruth , Paisley Suzy , Carroll Christopher 
Published: June 2013

Objectives: No guidelines exist in the approach that Evidence Review Groups (ERGs) should take to appraise search methodologies in the manufacturer's submission (MS) in Single Technology Appraisals (STA). As a result, ERGs are left to appraise searches using their own approach. This study investigates the limitations of manufacturers' search methodologies as critiqued by ERGs in published STA reports and to provide a recommended checklist.Methods: Limitations from search critiques in 83 ERG reports published in the NIHR Web site between 2006 and May 2011 were extracted. The limitations were grouped into themes. Comparisons were made between limitations reported in the clinical effectiveness versus cost-effectiveness searches.Results: Twelve themes were identified, six relating to the search strategy, source, limits, filters, translation, reporting, and missing studies. The search strategy theme contained the most limitations. Missing studies were frequently found by the ERG group in the clinical effectiveness searches. The omission of searches by manufacturers for unpublished and ongoing trials was frequently reported by the ERG. By contrast, failure of the manufacturer to report strategies was the most common limitation in the cost-effectiveness searches. Themes with the most frequent limitations in both types of searches are search strategy, reporting and source.Conclusions: It is recommended that a checklist that has reporting, source and search strategy elements be used in the appraisal of manufacturer's searches during the STA process.
Serum leptin concentrations in relation to dietary patterns in Chinese men and women
Authors: Zuo Hui , Shi Zumin , Dai Yue , Yuan Baojun , Wu Gaolin , Luo Yazhou , Hussain Akhtar 
Published: June 2013

AbstractObjectiveThe present study aimed to evaluate the independent associations between serum leptin concentration and dietary patterns in a Chinese population.DesignA cross-sectional study.SettingData obtained from the 2006 wave of the China Health and Nutrition Survey in Jiangsu Province, China.SubjectsThe sample contained 1061 Chinese adults (488 men and 573 women). BMI was calculated as a parameter of obesity. Factor analysis was used to derive dietary patterns. ANCOVA was performed to assess the associations between serum leptin concentration and the dietary patterns.ResultsFour dietary patterns were derived: Western, High-wheat, Traditional and Hedonic. The Western pattern (rich in meat, milk and cake) was significantly associated with a higher level of serum leptin in men and women, both in an unadjusted model (both P for trend < 0·001) and after adjusting for sex, age, income, total energy intake, physical activity, smoking status and BMI (P for trend = 0·007 for men and P for trend < 0·001 for women). The other three dietary patterns were not significantly associated with serum leptin after adjustment. Sensitivity analysis showed there was an interaction between age and the Western pattern in relation to leptin level. An interaction also existed between current smoking status and the Western pattern.ConclusionsSerum leptin concentration was positively associated with the Western dietary pattern in a Chinese population independent of BMI, energy intake and other factors.
TOWARDS DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS IN STRATIFIED GROUPS
Authors: MAGNANI VALENTINO 
Published: June 2013

AbstractWe study graded group-valued continuously differentiable mappings defined on stratified groups, where differentiability is understood with respect to the group structure. We characterize these mappings by a system of nonlinear first-order PDEs, establishing a quantitative estimate for their difference quotient. This provides us with a mean value estimate that allows us to prove both the inverse mapping theorem and the implicit function theorem. The latter theorem also relies on the fact that the differential admits a proper factorization of the domain into a suitable inner semidirect product. When this splitting property of the differential holds in the target group, then the inverse mapping theorem leads us to the rank theorem. Both implicit function theorem and rank theorem naturally introduce the classes of image sets and level sets. For commutative groups, these two classes of sets coincide and correspond to the usual submanifolds. In noncommutative groups, we have two distinct classes of intrinsic submanifolds. They constitute the so-called intrinsic graphs, that are defined with respect to the algebraic splitting and everywhere possess a unique metric tangent cone equipped with a natural group structure.
ROOTS OF DEHN TWISTS ABOUT SEPARATING CURVES
Authors: RAJEEVSARATHY KASHYAP 
Published: June 2013

AbstractLet $C$ be a curve in a closed orientable surface $F$ of genus $g\geq 2$ that separates $F$ into subsurfaces $\widetilde {{F}_{i} } $ of genera ${g}_{i} $, for $i= 1, 2$. We study the set of roots in $\mathrm{Mod} (F)$ of the Dehn twist ${t}_{C} $ about $C$. All roots arise from pairs of ${C}_{{n}_{i} } $-actions on the $\widetilde {{F}_{i} } $, where $n= \mathrm{lcm} ({n}_{1} , {n}_{2} )$ is the degree of the root, that satisfy a certain compatibility condition. The ${C}_{{n}_{i} } $-actions are of a kind that we call nestled actions, and we classify them using tuples that we call data sets. The compatibility condition can be expressed by a simple formula, allowing a classification of all roots of ${t}_{C} $ by compatible pairs of data sets. We use these data set pairs to classify all roots for $g= 2$ and $g= 3$. We show that there is always a root of degree at least $2{g}^{2} + 2g$, while $n\leq 4{g}^{2} + 2g$. We also give some additional applications.
Propranolol reduces cognitive deficits, amyloid and tau pathology in Alzheimer's transgenic mice
Authors: Dobarro Marta , Gerenu Gorka , Ramírez María J 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
The efficacy of antihypertensive agents in Alzheimer's disease (AD) is controversial. It has been tested here whether some antihypertensive drugs might influence AD through mechanisms independent of blood pressure-lowering activity. The effects of treatment with the antihypertensive propranolol on cognition and AD-related markers have been studied in the Tg2576 mouse model of AD. Propranolol, at a lower dose than that used as antihypertensive (5 mg/kg, 6 wk), attenuated cognitive impairments shown by Tg2576 mice aged 9 months in the novel object recognition and fear conditioning tests. Propranolol was also able to counteract the increases in hippocampal levels of Aβ42 present in Tg2576 mice. This effect was accompanied by an increased expression of insulin degrading enzyme. Changes in markers of synaptic pathology, as shown by decreases in phosphorylation of Akt and in the expression of BDNF in Tg2676 mice, were also counteracted by propranolol treatment. Tau hyperphosphorylation shown by Tg2576 mice was also decreased in the hippocampus of propranolol-treated mice, an effect probably related to an increase of GSK3β phosphorylation (inactive form) and a decreased JNK1 expression. Overall, these data further strengthen the potential of propranolol as a therapeutic agent for AD.
Learning on the Wires: BYOD, Embedded Systems, Wireless Technologies and Cybercrime
Authors: Longo Brunella 
Published: June 2013

AbstractThis article aims to identify and define some of the legal issues, the computer misuses and the information misbehaviour associated with IT security that are increasingly a matter for civil litigation, criminal cases and national policy where fighting serious organised crime and cybercrime are concerned. The author, Brunella Longo, investigates this subject, suggests criteria and offers practical guidance for researching the issues. The article also includes references to relevant legislation, normative technical standards and best practices that have emerged as a result of corporate IT developments.
French Swiss physicians' attitude toward palliative sedation: Influence of prognosis and type of suffering
Authors: Beauverd M. , Bernard M. , Currat T. , Ducret S. , Foley R.A. , Borasio G.D. , Blondeau D. , Dumont S. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractObjective:Palliative sedation is a last resort medical act aimed at relieving intolerable suffering induced by intractable symptoms in patients at the end-of-life. This act is generally accepted as being medically indicated under certain circumstances. A controversy remains in the literature as to its ethical validity. There is a certain vagueness in the literature regarding the legitimacy of palliative sedation in cases of non-physical refractory symptoms, especially “existential suffering.” This pilot study aims to measure the influence of two independent variables (short/long prognosis and physical/existential suffering) on the physicians' attitudes toward palliative sedation (dependent variable).Methods:We used a 2 × 2 experimental design as described by Blondeau et al. Four clinical vignettes were developed (vignette 1: short prognosis/existential suffering; vignette 2: long prognosis/existential suffering; vignette 3: short prognosis/physical suffering; vignette 4: long prognosis/physical suffering). Each vignette presented a terminally ill patient with a summary description of his physical and psychological condition, medication, and family situation. The respondents' attitude towards sedation was assessed with a six-point Likert scale. A total of 240 vignettes were sent to selected Swiss physicians.Results:74 vignettes were completed (36%). The means scores for attitudes were 2.62 ± 2.06 (v1), 1.88 ± 1.54 (v2), 4.54 ± 1.67 (v3), and 4.75 ± 1.71 (v4). General linear model analyses indicated that only the type of suffering had a significant impact on the attitude towards sedation (F = 33.92, df = 1, p = 0.000).Significance of the results:The French Swiss physicians' attitude toward palliative sedation is more favorable in case of physical suffering than in existential suffering. These results are in line with those found in the study of Blondeau et al. with Canadian physicians and will be discussed in light of the arguments given by physicians to explain their decisions.
Analysis and implementation of an integrated electronic ballast for high‐intensity‐discharge lamps featuring high‐power factor
Authors: Cheng Hung‐Liang , Cheng Chun‐An , Chang Yong‐Nong , Tsai Kun‐Min 
Published: June 2013

This paper proposes a high‐power‐factor electronic ballast for metal‐halide (MH) lamps. In the proposed circuit, two buck–boost converters and a buck converter are integrated with a full‐bridge inverter by sharing the four active switches of the full‐bridge inverter. Two active switches are switched at high frequencies, while the other two are switched at lower frequencies. The buck converter is used to step down the DC‐link voltage of the full‐bridge inverter and filter out the high‐frequency components to drive lamps with a low‐frequency square‐wave (LFSW) current. The buck–boost converters are operated at discontinuous‐conduction mode to perform the function of power‐factor correction (PFC) to ensure almost unity power factor at the input line. By tactful arrangement of diodes, the DC‐link capacitors are discharged in parallel; this helps to operate the high‐frequency active switches at a high duty ratio, achieving a small peak value of the PFC‐converter current and correspondingly smaller conduction losses. Detailed operation modes and the design equations are provided. A prototype electronic ballast for a 70 W MH lamp is built and tested. Experimental measurements have proven that the proposed electronic ballast has the advantages of high‐power factor and being free of acoustic resonance. By integrating the active switches of the converters and the inverter, the proposed electronic ballast is advantageous in terms of cost‐effectiveness and high energy‐conversion efficiency.
Family of zero‐voltage‐switching unregulated isolated step‐up DC–DC converters
Authors: Yao Zhilei , Xiao Lan 
Published: June 2013

This study presents a family of zero‐voltage‐switching (ZVS) unregulated isolated step‐up DC–DC converters. All switches can realise ZVS using the magnetising current of the transformer. The ZVS unregulated isolated step‐up DC–DC converters are deduced from the basic ZVS cells using the magnetising current. The ZVS condition for the switches is given. The operating principle is analysed taking the ZVS push–pull forward (PPF) unregulated DC–DC converter as an example. The ZVS‐oriented parameter design and example are presented. Finally, the experimental results from a 1 kW ZVS PPF unregulated DC–DC converter support the theory.
Oral immunization of mice with Saccharomyces cerevisiae expressing a neutralizing epitope of ApxIIA exotoxin from Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae induces systemic and mucosal immune responses
Authors: Shin Min‐Kyoung , Lee Won‐Jung , Jung Myung Hwan , Cha Seung‐Bin , Shin Seung‐Won , Yoo Anna , Kim Dae‐Hyuk , Yoo Han Sang 
Published: June 2013

ABSTRACTAn oral delivery system based on ApxIIA#5‐expressed on Saccharomyces cerevisiae was studied for its potential to induce immune responses in mice. Murine bone marrow‐derived dendritic cells (DCs) stimulated in vitro with ApxIIA#5‐expressed on S. cerevisiae upregulated the expression of maturation and activation markers, leading to production of tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐12p70 and IL‐10. Presentation of these activated DCs to cluster of differentiation CD4+ T cells collected from mice that had been orally immunized with the ApxIIA#5‐expressed on S. cerevisiae elicited specific T‐cell proliferation. In addition, the orally immunized mice had stronger antigen‐specific serum IgG and IgA antibody responses and larger numbers of antigen‐specific IgG and IgA antibody‐secreting cells in their spleens, Peyer's patches and lamina propria than did those immunized with vector‐only S. cerevisiae or those not immunized. Furthermore, oral immunization induced T helper 1‐type immune responses mediated via increased serum concentrations of IgG2a and an increase predominantly of IFN‐γ‐producing cells in their spleens and lamina propria. Our findings suggest that surface‐displayed ApxIIA#5‐expressed on S. cerevisiae may be a promising candidate for an oral vaccine delivery system for eliciting systemic and mucosal immunity.
Isolation and characterization of probiotic properties of Lactobacilli isolated from rat fecal microbiota
Authors: Jena Prasant Kumar , Trivedi Disha , Thakore Kirati , Chaudhary Harshita , Giri Sib Sankar , Seshadri Sriram 
Published: June 2013

ABSTRACTThe objective of the present study was to characterize lactobacilli isolates from the feces of male Wistar rats. Various physiological features of the candidate probiotic isolates were preliminarily investigated, including tolerance to simulated gastric juice and bile salts, antimicrobial activity, antibiotic susceptibility and in vitro aggregation. Based on their morphological and biochemical characteristics, four potential probiotic isolates (CS2, CS3, CS4, and CS7) were screened. The isolates showed good tolerance to stimulated gastric juice and bile salts. CS4 and CS7 exhibited strong antibacterial activities against the pathogens tested as assessed in neutral pH culture supernatants. All lactobacilli isolates were susceptible to all the tested antibiotics, except vancomycin. Moreover, the isolate CS4 and CS7 were found to possess stronger cell surface traits such as hydrophobicity, auto‐aggregation and co‐aggregation capacity. In addition, CS4 and CS7 had greater β‐galactosidase activities than the others. Biochemical tests and 16S rRNA gene sequencing confirmed that CS2, CS3, CS4 and CS7 are Lactobacillus intestinalis PJ2, L. sakei PJ3, L. helveticus PJ4, and L. plantarum PJ7, respectively. Based on the obtained results, L. helveticus PJ4 and L. plantarum PJ7 are ideal in vitro probiotic candidates and require further in vivo evaluation.
Influence of acute salinity changes on biochemical, hematological and immune characteristics of Fenneropenaeus indicus during white spot syndrome virus challenge
Authors: Vaseeharan Baskaralingam , Ramasamy Palaniappan , Wesley Samuel Godwin , Chen Jiann‐Chu 
Published: June 2013

AbstractThe present study reports the influence of salinity (5, 15, 25 and 35 g/L) on the biochemical and immune characteristics of Fenneropenaeus indicus challenged with 5. 5 × 104 copy number of white spot syndrome virus (WSSV). F. indicus that had been reared in 25 g/L, injected with WSSV and transferred to 5, 15, 25 (control) and 35 g/L were examined after 0–120 hrs for total hemocyte count (THC), phenoloxidase (PO) and respiratory burst (RB) activity and alkaline and acid phosphatase activities. It was concluded that F. indicus that had been transferred from 25 g/L to lower and higher salinity levels (5, 15 and 35 g/L) had poorer immune indices and decreased resistance against WSSV infection. After 120 hrs, the mortality rate in WSSV‐injected F. indicus experimental groups (5 and 35 g/L) was significantly higher than for F. indicus exposed to 25 and 15 g/L salinities. During the experimental period (0–120 hrs), biochemical variables, namely total protein, carbohydrate, and lipid concentrations, were measured in hemolymph of both experimental and control groups. Acute salinity changes induced an increase in protein variations across the tested salinity ranges in shrimp. After 24 hrs, THC and PO activity decreased significantly whereas RB, alkaline phosphatase and acid phosphatase activities increased in shrimps kept at the lower salinities of 5, 15 and 35 g/L.
Hard boundaries influence African wild dogs' diet and prey selection
Authors: Davies‐Mostert Harriet T. , Mills Michael G. L. , Macdonald David W. 
Published: June 2013

Summary

Human‐mediated changes in habitat structure may disturb predator–prey relationships.

We investigated the influence of perimeter fences on the diet of a reintroduced population of African wild dogs Lycaon pictus Temminck 1820 in a 316 km2, fenced reserve in South Africa, by tracking radio‐collared individuals during hunting periods to determine dietary composition from observed kills.

Nutritional status of impala Aepyceros melampus and kudu Tragelaphus strepsiceros prey, as measured by the percentage of femur marrow fat, was significantly lower than that of unselectively culled individuals. This supports the hypothesis that wild dog predation is at least partially compensatory.

Fence‐impeded kills (those for which escape was deemed to be compromised by the fence) comprised 40·5% of kills (n = 316), and 54·1% of all edible biomass consumed. Compared with fence‐unimpeded kills, fence‐impeded kills comprised larger species (32·9 vs. 25·0 kg, W = 25667·0, P ≪ 0·001), older age classes for one prey category (female kudu: Fisher's exact test, P = 0·02, n = 65) and animals in better condition for adult impala males (Mann–Whitney, W = 111·0, P = 0·012, n = 28).

Fence‐impeded kills also provided greater catch per unit hunting effort (27·3 vs. 12·2 kg km−1; χ2 = 7·89, P = 0·005), resulting in longer interkill intervals. Movement of the pack towards the fence at the start of each hunting period suggested a decision to exploit the advantage that fences conferred for capturing prey.

Synthesis and applications. By enabling coursing predators to capture prey that would otherwise have escaped, fences may reduce the compensatory nature of predation, causing shifts in predator–prey dynamics that could influence the ability of small reserves to support such predators. The establishment of larger conservation areas to reduce perimeter‐to‐area ratios should be encouraged to limit the undesired effects of fences on predator–prey dynamics.
Experiences of occupational therapists returning to work after maternity leave
Authors: Parcsi Lisa , Curtin Michael 
Published: June 2013

Background/aimReturning to work after maternity leave can be a challenging, anxious and fraught experience for women, and has been portrayed in the literature as a generally negative experience. Interestingly, although occupational therapists were predominantly women, no research was found focussing on their experiences of returning to work after maternity leave. The aim of this research was to gain an insight into occupational therapists' experiences of returning to work following maternity leave.MethodsPrinciples of interpretive phenomenological analysis were used to explore the individual experiences of six Australian occupational therapists returning to work after a period of maternity leave. Individual semi‐structured interviews lasting up to 90 minutes were conducted. Interviews were audio‐recorded, transcribed and then analysed.ResultsTwo major themes emerged from the analysis of interviews: compromise and feeling valued. The experience of returning to work was a process of compromise in which women found strategies to cope with their changing roles and demands, to find a balance between home and work life. The women wanted to feel valued by their managers and co‐workers, as this enabled them to feel comfortable and confident with some of the compromises they made.ConclusionOccupational therapists returning to work after maternity leave will make compromises so that they can balance their home and work life. Occupational therapists value managers and co‐workers who understand the compromises women make when returning to work following maternity leave and who create a supportive workplace that acknowledges and values their contribution.