bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Durational compensation within a CV mora in spontaneous Japanese: Evidence from the Corpus of Spontaneous Japanese
Authors: Kawahara Shigeto
Published: July 2017

Previous experimental studies showed that in Japanese, vowels are longer after shorter onset consonants; there is durational compensation within a CV-mora. In order to address whether this compensation occurs in natural speech, this study re-examines this observation using the Corpus of Spontaneous Japanese. The results, which are based on more than 200 000 CV-mora tokens, show that there is a negative correlation between the onset consonant and the following vowel in terms of their duration. The statistical significance of this negative correlation is assessed by a traditional correlation analysis as well as a bootstrap resampling analysis, which both show that it is unlikely that the observed compensation effect occurred by chance. The compensation is not perfect, however, suggesting that it is a stochastic tendency rather than an absolute principle. This paper closes with a discussion of potential factors that may interact with the durational compensation effect.
Effects of reverberation, background talker number, and compression release time on signal-to-noise ratio
Authors: Reinhart Paul , Zahorik Pavel , Souza Pamela E.
Published: July 2017

Wide dynamic range compression (WDRC) processing in hearing aids alters the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of a speech-in-noise signal. This effect depends on the modulations of the speech and noise, input SNR, and WDRC speed. The purpose of the present experiment was to examine the change in output SNR caused by the interaction between modulation characteristics and WDRC speed. Two modulation manipulations were examined: (1) reverberation and (2) variation in background talker number. Results indicated that fast-acting WDRC altered SNR more than slow-acting WDRC; however, reverberation reduced this difference. Additionally, less modulated maskers led to poorer output SNRs than modulated maskers.
Development of frequency discrimination at 250 Hz is similar for tone and /ba/ stimuli
Authors: Buss Emily , Flaherty Mary M. , Leibold Lori J.
Published: July 2017

Frequency discrimination was measured in 5- to 11-year-olds and adults with normal hearing. The standard stimulus was either a 250-Hz tone or the syllable /ba/ with a fundamental frequency (F0) of 250 Hz. Target stimuli were higher in frequency than the standard, and the threshold for frequency discrimination was determined adaptively for each of the two stimulus types separately. For both the tone and /ba/ stimuli, thresholds improved approximately linearly with the log of child age, reaching adult levels by 11.5 years of age. There was no evidence of an effect of stimulus type.
First Complete Genome Sequence of Barley Virus G Identified from Proso Millet (
Panicum miliaceum
) in South Korea
Authors: Park Chung-Youl , Min Hyun-Geun , Oh Jonghee , Kim Bong-Sub , Lim Seungmo , Yoon Youngnam , Lee Su-Heon
Published: July 2017

The complete genome sequence of an Uiseong isolate of barley virus G (BVG) on proso millet plants in a field in South Korea was determined by RNA sequencing and Sanger sequencing. To our knowledge, this is the first complete genome sequence report of BVG infecting proso millet in South Korea.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Polysaccharide-Degrading Marine Bacterium
Pseudoalteromonas
sp. Strain A601
Authors: Li Jungang , Cheng Yuanyuan , Wang Dandan , Li Junge , Wang Yanhui , Han Wenjun , Li Fuchuan
Published: July 2017

Pseudoalteromonas
sp. strain A601 is a marine bacterium with excellent polysaccharide-degrading capabilities. Here, we present a high-quality draft genome sequence of strain A601 with a size of approximately 4.89 Mb and a mean G+C content of 40.0%. Various putative polysaccharide-degrading genes were found in the draft genome.
Complete Genomic Sequence of Canine Distemper Virus from an Ethiopian Wolf
Authors: Marston Denise A. , Watson Jemma , Wise Emma L. , Ellis Richard J. , Bedin Eric , Ayalew Girma , Abute Muktar , de Lamballerie Xavier , Fooks Anthony R. , Sillero-Zubiri Claudio , Banyard Ashley C.
Published: July 2017

Canine distemper virus (CDV) has been implicated in population declines of wildlife, including many threatened species. Here we present the full genome of CDV from an Ethiopian wolf,
Canis simensis
, the world’s rarest and most endangered canid.
Draft Genome Sequence of the
bla
OXA-436
- and
bla
NDM-1
-Harboring Shewanella putrefaciens SA70 Isolate
Authors: Potter Robert F. , D’Souza Alaric W. , Wallace Meghan A. , Shupe Angela , Patel Sanket , Gul Danish , Kwon Jennie H. , Andleeb Saadia , Burnham Carey-Ann D. , Dantas Gautam
Published: July 2017

We sequenced a carbapenem-resistant
Shewanella putrefaciens
isolate cultured from the sink handle of a Pakistan hospital room. Assembly annotation indicates that the isolate has a chromosomal
bla
OXA-436
carbapenemase and a plasmid-borne
bla
NDM-1
gene. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a
Shewanella
species harboring
bla
NDM
.
Draft Genome Sequence of Root-Associated Sugarcane Growth-Promoting
Microbispora
sp. Strain GKU 823
Authors: Kruasuwan Worarat , Hoskisson Paul A. , Thamchaipenet Arinthip
Published: July 2017

The endophytic plant growth-promoting
Microbispora
sp. strain GKU 823 was isolated from the roots of sugarcane cultivated in Thailand. It has an estimated 9.4-Mbp genome and a G+C content of 71.3%. The genome sequence reveals several genes associated with plant growth-promoting traits and extensive specialized metabolite biosynthesis.
Whole-Genome Sequence of Acinetobacter pittii HUMV-6483 Isolated from Human Urine
Authors: Chapartegui-González Itziar , Lázaro-Díez María , Redondo-Salvo Santiago , Alted-Pérez Laura , Ocejo-Vinyals Javier Gonzalo , Navas Jesús , Ramos-Vivas José
Published: July 2017

Acinetobacter pittii
strain HUMV-6483 was obtained from urine from an adult patient. We report here its complete genome assembly using PacBio single-molecule real-time sequencing, which resulted in a chromosome with 4.07 Mb and a circular contig of 112 kb. About 3,953 protein-coding genes are predicted from this assembly.
Draft Genome Sequence of Paludibacter jiangxiensis NM7
T
, a Propionate-Producing Fermentative Bacterium
Authors: Qiu Yan-Ling , Tourlousse Dieter M. , Matsuura Norihisa , Ohashi Akiko , Sekiguchi Yuji
Published: July 2017

We report here a high-quality draft genome sequence of
Paludibacter jiangxiensis
strain NM7
T
, a mesophilic, anaerobic, propionate-producing fermentative bacterium within the family
Porphyromonadaceae
of the phylum
Bacteroidetes
. The genome comprises 3,664,884 bp in four contigs, has a G+C content of 42.92%, and contains 2,949 protein-coding sequences and 62 RNAs.
Genome Sequences of Two
Shewanella
spp. Isolated from the Gut of the Sea Cucumber
Apostichopus japonicus
(Selenka, 1867)
Authors: Hong Hyun-Hee , Choi Hyunjun , Cheon Seongmin , Lee Hyun-Gwan , Park Chungoo
Published: July 2017

In this study, we sequenced the genomes of two
Shewanella
spp., newly isolated from the gut of the sea cucumber
Apostichopus japonicus
(Selenka, 1867). The whole-genome sequences reported here will expand the repertoire of genomic information for the members of the genus
Shewanella
and will provide important insights into their roles within microbial communities.
Draft Genome Sequence of Salmonella enterica subsp.
enterica
Serovar Infantis Strain SPE101, Isolated from a Chronic Human Infection
Authors: Iriarte Andrés , Giner-Lamia Joaquín , Silva Claudia , Betancor Laura , Astocondor Lizeth , Cestero Juan J. , Ochoa Theresa , García Coralith , Puente José L. , Chabalgoity José A. ,   The SalmoIber CYTED Network, García-del Portillo Francisco
Published: July 2017

We report a 4.99-Mb draft genome sequence of
Salmonella enterica
subsp.
enterica
serovar Infantis strain SPE101, isolated from feces of a 5-month-old breast-fed female showing diarrhea associated with severe dehydration and malnutrition. The infection prolonged for 6 months despite antibiotic treatment.
Complete Genome Sequences of Three phi29-Like Bacillus cereus Group
Podoviridae
Authors: Erill Ivan , Caruso Steven M.
Published: July 2017

Three double-stranded DNA phi29-like
Bacillus cereus
group bacteriophages, BeachBum, Harambe, and SerPounce, were identified and characterized. BeachBum and Harambe are closely related but are remarkably different from previously identified phi29-like phages. SerPounce is substantially closer to other phi29-like phages, enabling the identification of its prohead RNA (pRNA) gene.
Salmonella
Intracellular Lifestyles and Their Impact on Host-to-Host Transmission
Authors: Pucciarelli M. Graciela , García-Del Portillo Francisco
Published: July 2017

More than a century ago, infections by
Salmonella
were already associated with foodborne enteric diseases with high morbidity in humans and cattle. Intestinal inflammation and diarrhea are hallmarks of infections caused by nontyphoidal
Salmonella
serovars, and these pathologies facilitate pathogen transmission to the environment. In those early times, physicians and microbiologists also realized that typhoid and paratyphoid fever caused by some
Salmonella
serovars could be transmitted by “carriers,” individuals outwardly healthy or at most suffering from some minor chronic complaint. In his pioneering study of the nontyphoidal serovar Typhimurium in 1967, Takeuchi published the first images of intracellular bacteria enclosed by membrane-bound vacuoles in the initial stages of the intestinal epithelium penetration. These compartments, called
Salmonella
-containing vacuoles, are highly dynamic phagosomes with differing biogenesis depending on the host cell type. Single-cell studies involving real-time imaging and gene expression profiling, together with new approaches based on genetic reporters sensitive to growth rate, have uncovered unprecedented heterogeneous responses in intracellular bacteria. Subpopulations of intracellular bacteria displaying fast, reduced, or no growth, as well as cytosolic and intravacuolar bacteria, have been reported in both
in vitro
and
in vivo
infection models. Recent investigations, most of them focused on the serovar Typhimurium, point to the selection of persisting bacteria inside macrophages or following an autophagy attack in fibroblasts. Here, we discuss these heterogeneous intracellular lifestyles and speculate on how these disparate behaviors may impact host-to-host transmissibility of
Salmonella
serovars.
Effect of repeated testing on equine helmet impact attenuation
Authors: Mattacola Carl G , Johnston Jeff , Han Dong (Dan) Y , Glueck Amanda , Abt John , Heebner Nick
Published: July 2017

Objective

To test equestrian helmets commonly used in the United States and determine the impact absorbing ability after multiple (4) impacts to the crown.

Setting

Laboratory.

Patients or other participants

Seven helmets were tested.

Interventions

A Cadex helmet drop tower was used to perform the testing. Impact velocities were measured using a calibrated Velocimeter (Time Gate) fixed to the drop tower. Impact acceleration measurements were obtained using a PCB Piezotronics accelerometer with Cadex Impact Setup software V 6.8.

Main outcome measures

Impact attenuation testing was performed on the helmets in accordance with ASTM F1163, dated 2013. No individual acceleration was to exceed 300 G (gravitational constant). The helmets were impacted four times on the crown location and were x-rayed before testing and after Impact No. 1 and 4.

Results

One helmet (a caliente style helmet) failed after one impact (> 923 G). Only one helmet passed (< 300 Peak G) after four consecutive impacts. Acceleration peaks of 5 helmets passed after 2 impacts but were >300 peak G for impacts 4 and 5. While 6 of the helmets met ASTM standards following 2 impacts, average increases in peak G were 15.9%–43.2% between the first and second impact.

Conclusions

Based on the results of this research, equine helmets should be replaced after an initial contact and most are incapable of meeting ASTM standards after two impacts. Caliente style helmets failed established guidelines after one impact and are not effective for reducing peak acceleration when compared to established standards.

Competing interests

None.
WHAT SEPARATES AN INDIVIDUAL AT RISK OF ACL INJURY? A FIRST STEP TOWARDS AN ACL-RISK MOVEMENT PASSPORT
Authors: Sharir Raihana , Vanrenterghem Jos , Robinson Mark , George Keith
Published: July 2017

Background

Several prospective studies have suggested biomechanical risk factors for non-contact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. Ideally an individual at risk should be ranked at risk across a variety of dynamic tasks, with robust risk factors deserving an entry in the individual's “ACL risk movement passport”.

Objective

To determine if key prospective ACL risk factors rank individuals consistently across a variety of dynamic sporting tasks.

Design

Controlled laboratory study.

Setting

Biomechanics laboratory, Liverpool John Moores University.

Patients (or Participants)

Forty-one female athletes regularly participating in dynamic sports.

Interventions (or Assessment of Risk Factors)

5 trials of bilateral drop vertical jumps (DVJB), single-leg hops (SLHOP), single-leg drop vertical jumps (DVJ) and sidestep (SS) tasks were performed on both dominant (DOM) and non-dominant (NONDOM) legs. Lower extremity biomechanics of each task were captured using high speed 3-dimensional motion analysis and two force platforms.

Main Outcome Measurements

Knee abduction angle (KAA) and knee flexion angle (KFA) at initial contact, peak knee abduction moment (KAM), and peak vertical ground reaction force (VGRF) were extracted and population rankings were compared using Spearman's correlations.

Results

Moderate to good correlations were observed for KAA (ρ=0.481–0.827) whereas all other variables showed low to moderate correlations (ρ<0.39). DVJ and SLHOP showed moderate to high rank correlations across all risk factors. There were no systematic differences in correlation patterns between DOM and NONDOM trials.

Conclusions

From the existing risk factors, KAA showed most potential to providing a robust item on an individual's ACL risk movement passport. To help guide future identification of biomechanical risk factors of ACL injury, other robust ACL risk movement passport entries that show more consistent rankings across tasks deserve preference over entries that are highly task specific.
MUSCULOSKELETAL INJURY RATES IN MULTIDAY MARATHON RUNNERS PERFORMING A REPEAT COURSE
Authors: Small Katie , Smith Adam , Nicola Relph
Published: July 2017

Background

Ultramarathon events are increasingly popular amongst non-elite athletes. However, there is little research investigating musculoskeletal injury rates, specifically multiday events using the same racing route.

Objective

To describe musculoskeletal injury rates in runners completing ten marathons over ten consecutive days.

Design

Observational.

Setting

Sports-injury clinic.

Participants

27 athletes entered the study (age 45.1±7.47 yrs, mass 74.5±12.39 kg, years running 11.6±9.42 yrs, average weekly mileage 41.9±12.72 miles). 26 athletes completed all 10 marathons on a repeat, anti-clockwise, circular road course. One athlete withdrew due to serious injury.

Main Outcome Measurements

Musculoskeletal injuries were recorded by trained medical staff three times each day. An injury audit questionnaire was used to document injury rate, type and location. Injuries were defined as a specific musculoskeletal abnormality that the runner perceived to effect performance.

Results

26 athletes sustained 108 injuries, averaging 4 injuries per athlete. 89% of injuries involved the lower extremity, 24.1% occurred in the foot, 18.5% the hip/buttock, 16.7% the ankle and 16.7% in the lower leg. The most common injuries were blisters (15.7%), Achilles tendinitis (11.1%), medial tibial stress syndrome (10.2%), iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS) (9.3%) and low back pain (LBP) (9.3%). 64.3% of injuries were sustained to the left limb. Chi-squared analysis revealed more injuries in days 1–3 than days 4–6 (p=0.013) and days 7–10 (p=0.001).

Conclusions

Lower extremity injuries are highly likely in multiday marathon running; the most common being blisters, Achilles tendinitis, medial tibial stress syndrome, ITBS and LBP. Athletes entering these events should engage in appropriate injury prevention programmes. The majority of injuries were sustained to the left limb and during the first three days. Multiday marathon event organisers should consider alternating route direction to reduce injury risk; potentially the result of prolonged, altered gait biomechanics. However, further investigation of injury risk factors using larger sample sizes is required.
A review of rate control in atrial fibrillation, and the rationale and protocol for the RATE-AF trial
Authors: Kotecha Dipak , Calvert Melanie , Deeks Jonathan J , Griffith Michael , Kirchhof Paulus , Lip Gregory YH , Mehta Samir , Slinn Gemma , Stanbury Mary , Steeds Richard P , Townend Jonathan N
Published: July 2017

Background and objective

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is common and causes impaired quality of life, an increased risk of stroke and death as well as frequent hospital admissions. The majority of patients with AF require control of heart rate. In this article, we summarise the limited evidence from clinical trials that guides prescription, and present the rationale and protocol for a new randomised trial. As rate control has not yet been shown to reduce mortality, there is a clear need to compare the impact of therapy on quality of life, cardiac function and exercise capacity. Such a trial should concentrate on the long-term effects of treatment in the largest proportion of patients with AF, those with symptomatic permanent AF, with the aim of improving patient well-being.

Design and intervention

The RAte control Therapy Evaluation in permanent Atrial Fibrillation (RATE-AF) trial will enrol 160 participants with a prospective, randomised, open-label, blinded end point design comparing initial rate control with digoxin or bisoprolol. This will be the first head-to-head randomised trial of digoxin and beta-blockers in AF.

Participants

Recruited patients will be aged ≥60 years with permanent AF and symptoms of breathlessness (equivalent to New York Heart Association class II or above), with few exclusion criteria to maximise generalisability to routine clinical practice.

Outcome measures

The primary outcome is patient-reported quality of life, with secondary outcomes including echocardiographic ventricular function, exercise capacity and biomarkers of cellular and clinical response. Follow-up will occur at 6 and 12 months, with feasibility components to inform the design of a future trial powered to detect a difference in hospital admission. The RATE-AF trial will underpin an integrated approach to management including biomarkers, functions and symptoms that will guide future research into optimal, personalised rate control in patients with AF.

Ethics and dissemination

East Midlands-Derby Research Ethics Committee (16/EM/0178); peer-reviewed publications.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov:NCT02391337; ISRCTN: 95259705. Pre-results.
The effects of physical activity interventions on glycated haemoglobin A1c in non-diabetic populations: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Cavero-Redondo I , Peleteiro B , Álvarez-Bueno C , Garrido-Miguel M , Artero E G , Martinez-Vizcaino V
Published: July 2017

Introduction

Epidemiological evidence suggests that physical activity has a positive effect on reducing glycated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels not only in diabetics, but also in healthy subjects. Moreover, a positive association of HbA1c levels with cardiovascular disease and mortality in non-diabetic populations has recently been reported. This is a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis aiming to estimate the effects of physical activity on glycaemic control measured by HbA1c levels in non-diabetic populations; and to determine which type of physical activity has a greater influence on glycaemic control.

Methods and analysis

The search will be conducted using MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library and Web of Science databases from inception to mid-2017. Randomised controlled trials, non-randomised experimental studies and controlled pre–post studies written in English, Portuguese, French or Spanish will be included. The Cochrane Collaboration’s tool and The Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies will be used to assess the risk of bias for studies included in the systematic review. Standardised pre–post intervention mean differences of HbA1c will be calculated as the primary outcome. Subgroup analyses will be performed based on the characteristics of physical activity intervention and population included in the studies.

Ethics and dissemination

This systematic review will synthesise evidence on the association of physical activity and HbA1c in non-diabetic populations. This study is important from the clinical and public health point because it will estimate the effect of physical activity on the glycemic control, and it will also examine which is the type of physical activity that should be recommended for preventing type 2 diabetes and its complications. The results will be disseminated by publication in a peer-reviewed journal. Ethical approval will not be required because the data used for this systematic review will be obtained from published studies and there will be no concerns about privacy.

Trial registration number

PROSPERO CRD42016050991.
A national survey of Russian physicians' knowledge of diagnosis and management of food-induced anaphylaxis
Authors: Munblit Daniel , Treneva Marina , Korsunskiy Ilya , Asmanov Alan , Pampura Alexander , Warner John O
Published: July 2017

Objectives

Food allergy is an increasing burden worldwide and is a common problem within paediatric populations, affecting 5%–8% of children. Anaphylaxis caused by food proteins is a potentially life-threatening condition and all healthcare practitioners should be aware of its recognition and management. Russia is the largest country in Europe but it is still unknown whether physicians are prepared to diagnose and manage food-induced anaphylaxis effectively. We aimed to examine physicians’ knowledge of diagnosis and management of food-induced anaphylaxis.

Setting, population and outcomes

A survey was designed and published online at VrachiRF.ru website (for registered Russian-speaking practicing physicians). We obtained information on respondents’ clinical settings, experience and specialty. Survey questions were based on a characteristic clinical scenario of anaphylaxis due to food ingestion. Outcome measures consisted of correct answers to the anaphylaxis diagnosis and management questions.

Results

From a total of 707 of physicians accessed in the survey, 315 (45%) responded to the clinical scenario. 16 respondents reported training in allergy-immunology and have been excluded from the analysis, leaving the final sample size of 299. Respondents were paediatricians (68%) and other specialties adult physicians (32%). Overall, 100 (33%) of respondents diagnosed anaphylaxis, but only 29% of those making the correct diagnosis administered adrenalin (1:1000) intramuscular. Respondents working in secondary/tertiary clinics diagnosed anaphylaxis significantly more often (p=0.04) when compared with primary care/private practice physicians. This difference was also apparent as the most important influence on responses in the multivariate analysis.

Conclusions

In this national sample of Russian physicians, we found poor knowledge in both anaphylaxis diagnosis and management. Our data show that the chance of being properly diagnosed with anaphylaxis is 33% and being appropriately treated with adrenalin is 10%. These findings highlight lack of anaphylaxis knowledge among Russian physicians, both paediatricians and other specialists and illustrates the urgent need for allergy/anaphylaxis training.
Construction of a web-based questionnaire for longitudinal investigation of work exposure, musculoskeletal pain and performance impairments in high-performance marine craft populations
Authors: Lo Martire Riccardo , de Alwis Manudul Pahansen , Äng Björn Olov , Garme Karl
Published: July 2017

Objective

High-performance marine craft personnel (HPMCP) are regularly exposed to vibration and repeated shock (VRS) levels exceeding maximum limitations stated by international legislation. Whereas such exposure reportedly is detrimental to health and performance, the epidemiological data necessary to link these adverse effects causally to VRS are not available in the scientific literature, and no suitable tools for acquiring such data exist. This study therefore constructed a questionnaire for longitudinal investigations in HPMCP.

Methods

A consensus panel defined content domains, identified relevant items and outlined a questionnaire. The relevance and simplicity of the questionnaire’s content were then systematically assessed by expert raters in three consecutive stages, each followed by revisions. An item-level content validity index (I-CVI) was computed as the proportion of experts rating an item as relevant and simple, and a scale-level content validity index (S-CVI/Ave) as the average I-CVI across items. The thresholds for acceptable content validity were 0.78 and 0.90, respectively. Finally, a dynamic web version of the questionnaire was constructed and pilot tested over a 1-month period during a marine exercise in a study population sample of eight subjects, while accelerometers simultaneously quantified VRS exposure.

Results

Content domains were defined as work exposure, musculoskeletal pain and human performance, and items were selected to reflect these constructs. Ratings from nine experts yielded S-CVI/Ave of 0.97 and 1.00 for relevance and simplicity, respectively, and the pilot test suggested that responses were sensitive to change in acceleration and that the questionnaire, following some adjustments, was feasible for its intended purpose.

Conclusions

A dynamic web-based questionnaire for longitudinal survey of key variables in HPMCP was constructed. Expert ratings supported that the questionnaire content is relevant, simple and sufficiently comprehensive, and the pilot test suggested that the questionnaire is feasible for longitudinal measurements in the study population.
Access and quality of maternity care for disabled women during pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period in England: data from a national survey
Authors: Malouf Reem , Henderson Jane , Redshaw Maggie
Published: July 2017

Objectives

More disabled women are becoming mothers, and yet, their care is rarely the focus of quantitative research. This study aimed to investigate access and quality of maternity care for women with differing disabilities.

Design

Secondary analysis was conducted on data from a 2015 national survey of women's experience of maternity care. Descriptive and adjusted analyses were undertaken for five disability groups: physical disability, sensory impairment, mental health disability, learning disability and multiple disability, and comparisons were made with the responses of non-disabled women.

Setting

Survey data were collected on women's experience of primary and secondary care in all trusts providing maternity care in England.

Participants

Women who had given birth three months previously, among whom were groups self-identifying with different types of disability. Exclusions were limited to women whose baby had died and those who were younger than 16 years at the time of the recent birth.

Results

Overall, 20,094 women completed and returned the survey; 1958 women (9.5%) self-identified as having a disability. The findings indicate some gaps in maternity care provision for these women relating to interpersonal aspects of care: communication, feeling listened to and supported, involvement in decision making, having a trusted and respected relationship with clinical staff. Women from all disability groups wanted more postnatal contacts and help with infant feeding.

Conclusion

While access to care was generally satisfactory for disabled women, women's emotional well-being and support during pregnancy and beyond is an area that is in need of improvement. Specific areas identified included disseminating information effectively, ensuring appropriate communication and understanding, and supporting women's sense of control to build trusting relationships with healthcare providers.
Prevalence of laceration injuries in professional and amateur rugby union: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Oudshoorn Bodil Yucki , Driscoll Heather , Kilner Karen , Dunn Marcus , James David
Published: July 2017

Background

Studded footwear can cause severe lacerations in rugby union; the prevalence of these injuries is currently unknown.

Objective

To summarise the skin and laceration injury prevalence in published epidemiological studies and to investigate any differences in skin injury risk between amateur and professional players.

Design

Systematic literature review and meta-analysis of epidemiological studies.

Data sources

PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and Ovid.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

Prospective, epidemiological studies published in English after 1995, measuring a minimum of 400 match or 900 training exposure hours. Participants should be adult rugby union players (amateur or professional). The study should report a separate skin or laceration injury category and provide sufficient detail to calculate injury prevalence within this category.

Results

Twelve studies were included. Mean skin injury prevalence during matches was 2.4 injuries per 1000 exposure hours; during training sessions, the prevalence was 0.06 injuries per 1000 exposure hours. Skin injuries accounted for 5.3% of match injuries and 1.7% of training injuries. Skin injury risk was similar for amateur compared with professional players during matches (OR: 0.63, p=0.46.), but higher during training sessions (OR: 9.24, p=0.02).

Conclusions

The skin injury prevalence of 2.4 injuries per 1000 exposure hours is equivalent to one time-loss injury sustained during matches per team, per season. Amateur players are more likely to sustain skin injuries during training sessions than professional players. There is a need for more studies observing injuries among amateur players.

Trial registration number

PROSPERO CRD42015024027.
Age-related changes in the effects of strength training on lower leg muscles in healthy individuals measured using MRI
Authors: Psatha Maria , Wu Zhiqing , Gammie Fiona , Ratkevicius Aivaras , Wackerhage Henning , Redpath Thomas W , Gilbert Fiona J , Meakin Judith R , Aspden Richard M
Published: July 2017

Background

We previously measured the rate of regaining muscle strength during rehabilitation of lower leg muscles in patients following lower leg casting. Our primary aim in this study was to measure the rate of gain of strength in healthy individuals undergoing a similar training regime. Our secondary aim was to test the ability of MRI to provide a biomarker for muscle function.

Methods

Men and women were recruited in three age groups: 20–30, 50–65 and over 70 years. Their response to resistance training of the right lower leg twice a week for 8 weeks was monitored using a dynamometer and MRI of tibialis anterior, soleus and gastrocnemius muscles at 2 weekly intervals to measure muscle size (anatomical cross-sectional area (ACSA)) and quality (T2relaxation). Forty-four volunteers completed the study.

Results

Baseline strength declined with age. Training had no effect in middle-aged females or in elderly men in dorsiflexion. Other groups significantly increased both plantarflexion and dorsiflexion strength at rates up to 5.5 N m week-1in young females in plantarflexion and 1.25 N m week-1in young males in dorsiflexion. No changes were observed inACSAorT2in any age group in any muscle.

Conclusion

Exercise training improves muscle strength in males at all ages except the elderly in dorsiflexion. Responses in females were less clear with variation across age and muscle groups. These results were not reflected in simple MRI measures that do not, therefore, provide a good biomarker for muscle atrophy or the efficacy of rehabilitation.
Electronic energy pooling in organic systems: a cross-disciplinary tutorial review
Authors: Steer Ronald P.
Published: July 2017

Electronic energy pooling via excited state (exciton) annihilation, primarily in organic systems, is reviewed in tutorial form. Cross-disciplinary terminologies and references are used and reference is made to the historical origins of the phenomena. Applications in organic photovoltaic and electroluminescent devices are addressed. Particular attention is paid to the kinetics of the processes involved; a standard format for all systems is developed. Within the organic materials framework, all triplet–triplet, triplet–singlet, and singlet–singlet annihilation processes are discussed. Examples from gas, liquid, and solid phase systems, including both homo- and hetero-species interactions, are employed. Particular attention is given to triplet–triplet annihilation processes in which product states other than the lowest excited singlet state are formed.
Genetic population structure of the round whitefish (Prosopium cylindraceum) in North America: multiple markers reveal glacial refugia and regional subdivision
Authors: Morgan Thomas D. , Graham Carly F. , McArthur Andrew G. , Raphenya Amogelang R. , Boreham Douglas R. , Manzon Richard G. , Wilson Joanna Y. , Lance Stacey L. , Howland Kimberly L. , Patrick Paul H. , Somers Christopher M.
Published: July 2017

Round whitefish (Prosopium cylindraceum) have a broad, disjunct range across northern North America and Eurasia, and little is known about their genetic population structure. We performed genetic analyses of round whitefish from 17 sites across its range using nine microsatellites, two mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) loci, and 4918 to 8835 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) loci. Our analyses identified deep phylogenetic division between eastern and western portions of the range, likely indicative of origins from at least two separate Pleistocene glacial refugia. Regionally, microsatellites and SNPs identified congruent patterns in subdivision, and population structure was consistent with expectations based on hydrologic connectivity. Within the Laurentian Great Lakes, Lake Huron and Lake Ontario were identified as key areas of interest. Lake Huron appears to be a contemporary source population for several other Great Lakes, and Lake Ontario contains a genetically discrete group of round whitefish. In all cases, multiple genetic markers yielded similar patterns, but SNPs offered substantially enhanced resolution. We conclude that round whitefish have population subdivision on several scales important for understanding their evolutionary history and conservation planning.
A Path-Counter Method for Fault-Tolerant Minimal Routing Algorithms in 2D Mesh
Authors: Zhao Hongzhi , Wang Qiang , Xiong Ke , Pei Songwen
Published: July 2017

Fault-tolerant Manhattan routing algorithms aim at finding a Manhattan path between the source and destination nodes and route around all faulty nodes. However, besides faulty nodes, some nonfaulty nodes that are helpless to make up a fault-tolerant Manhattan path should also be routed around. How to label such nonfaulty nodes efficiently is a major challenge. We propose a path-counter method. It can label such nodes with low time-complexity by counting every node’s fault-tolerant Manhattan paths to the source or destination node. During the path-counting procedure, no available nodes will be sacrificed under arbitrary fault distribution. Compared with fault-block model based work, our proposed method is independent of fault distribution, so its computational complexity is very low.
Global Bifurcation Map of the Homogeneous States in the Gray–Scott Model
Authors: Delgado Joaquín , Hernández-Martínez Lucía Ivonne , Pérez-López Javier
Published: July 2017

We study the spatially homogeneous time-dependent solutions and their bifurcations in the Gray–Scott model. We find the global map of bifurcations by a combination of rigorous verification of the existence of Takens–Bogdanov and a Bautin bifurcation, in the space of two parameters [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text]. With the aid of numerical continuation of local bifurcation curves we give a global description of all the possible bifurcations.
A Novel Approach for Constructing One-Way Hash Function Based on a Message Block Controlled 8D Hyperchaotic Map
Authors: Lin Zhuosheng , Yu Simin , Lü Jinhu
Published: July 2017

In this paper, a novel approach for constructing one-way hash function based on 8D hyperchaotic map is presented. First, two nominal matrices both with constant and variable parameters are adopted for designing 8D discrete-time hyperchaotic systems, respectively. Then each input plaintext message block is transformed into [Formula: see text] matrix following the order of left to right and top to bottom, which is used as a control matrix for the switch of the nominal matrix elements both with the constant parameters and with the variable parameters. Through this switching control, a new nominal matrix mixed with the constant and variable parameters is obtained for the 8D hyperchaotic map. Finally, the hash function is constructed with the multiple low 8-bit hyperchaotic system iterative outputs after being rounded down, and its secure analysis results are also given, validating the feasibility and reliability of the proposed approach. Compared with the existing schemes, the main feature of the proposed method is that it has a large number of key parameters with avalanche effect, resulting in the difficulty for estimating or predicting key parameters via various attacks.
Bifurcations and Exact Traveling Wave Solutions of the Celebrated Green–Naghdi Equations
Authors: Wen Zhenshu
Published: July 2017

In this paper, we study the bifurcations and exact traveling wave solutions of the celebrated Green–Naghdi equations by using the qualitative theory of differential equations and the bifurcation theory of dynamical systems. We obtain all possible phase portraits of bifurcations of the system under various conditions about the parameters associated with the planar dynamical system. Then we show the existence of traveling wave solutions including solitary wave solutions, blow-up solutions, periodic wave solutions and periodic blow-up solutions, and give their exact explicit expressions. These results can help to understand the dynamical behavior of the traveling wave solutions of the system.
UKF–Based LQR Control of a Manipulating Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
Authors: Khamseh Hossein Bonyan , Janabi-Sharifi Farrokh
Published: July 2017

In this paper, modeling, control and state estimation of a manipulating unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) consisting of a quadcopter equipped with a two degree-of-freedom robotic manipulator is discussed. In the first step, Euler–Lagrange approach is adopted to model the coupled dynamics of the quadcopter and its robotic manipulator. Having linearized the obtained model, a linear quadratic regulator is designed to achieve simultaneous control of the quadcopter and the manipulator. Finally, a UKF-based algorithm is employed to obtain state estimation of the system. For a case study, simulation results are presented to verify feasibility of the proposed approach.
A Survey of Evolution in Predictive Models and Impacting Factors in Customer Churn
Authors: Ahmed Mehreen , Afzal Hammad , Majeed Awais , Khan Behram
Published: July 2017

The information-based prediction models using machine learning techniques have gained massive popularity during the last few decades. Such models have been applied in a number of domains such as medical diagnosis, crime prediction, movies rating, etc. Similar is the trend in telecom industry where prediction models have been applied to predict the dissatisfied customers who are likely to change the service provider. Due to immense financial cost of customer churn in telecom, the companies from all over the world have analyzed various factors (such as call cost, call quality, customer service response time, etc.) using several learners such as decision trees, support vector machines, neural networks, probabilistic models such as Bayes, etc. This paper presents a detailed survey of models from 2000 to 2015 describing the datasets used in churn prediction, impacting features in those datasets and classifiers that are used to implement prediction model. A total of 48 studies related to churn prediction in telecom industry are discussed using 23 datasets (3 public and 20 private). Our survey aims to highlight the evolution of techniques from simple features/learners to more complex learners and feature engineering or sampling techniques. We also give an overview of the current challenges in churn prediction and suggest solutions to resolve them. This paper will allow researchers such as data analysts in general and telecom operators in particular to choose best suited techniques and features to prepare their churn prediction models.
Focal surface displays
Authors: Matsuda Nathan , Fix Alexander , Lanman Douglas
Published: July 2017

Conventional binocular head-mounted displays (HMDs) vary the stimulus to vergence with the information in the picture, while the stimulus to accommodation remains fixed at the apparent distance of the display, as created by the viewing optics. Sustained vergence-accommodation conflict (VAC) has been associated with visual discomfort, motivating numerous proposals for delivering near-correct accommodation cues. We introduce
focal surface displays
to meet this challenge, augmenting conventional HMDs with a phase-only spatial light modulator (SLM) placed between the display screen and viewing optics. This SLM acts as a dynamic freeform lens, shaping synthesized focal surfaces to conform to the virtual scene geometry. We introduce a framework to decompose target focal stacks and depth maps into one or more pairs of piecewise smooth focal surfaces and underlying display images. We build on recent developments in "optimized blending" to implement a multifocal display that allows the accurate depiction of occluding, semi-transparent, and reflective objects. Practical benefits over prior accommodation-supporting HMDs are demonstrated using a binocular focal surface display employing a liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) phase SLM and an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display.
Regularized kelvinlets
Authors: De Goes Fernando , James Doug L.
Published: July 2017

We introduce a new technique for real-time physically based volume sculpting of virtual elastic materials. Our formulation is based on the elastic response to localized force distributions associated with common modeling primitives such as grab, scale, twist, and pinch. The resulting brush-like displacements correspond to the regularization of fundamental solutions of linear elasticity in infinite 2D and 3D media. These deformations thus provide the realism and plausibility of volumetric elasticity, and the interactivity of closed-form analytical solutions. To finely control our elastic deformations, we also construct compound brushes with arbitrarily fast spatial decay. Furthermore, pointwise constraints can be imposed on the displacement field and its derivatives via a single linear solve. We demonstrate the versatility and efficiency of our method with multiple examples of volume sculpting and image editing.
Interactive reconstruction of Monte Carlo image sequences using a recurrent denoising autoencoder
Authors: Chaitanya Chakravarty R. Alla , Kaplanyan Anton S. , Schied Christoph , Salvi Marco , Lefohn Aaron , Nowrouzezahrai Derek , Aila Timo
Published: July 2017

We describe a machine learning technique for reconstructing image sequences rendered using Monte Carlo methods. Our primary focus is on reconstruction of global illumination with extremely low sampling budgets at interactive rates. Motivated by recent advances in image restoration with deep convolutional networks, we propose a variant of these networks better suited to the class of noise present in Monte Carlo rendering. We allow for much larger pixel neighborhoods to be taken into account, while also improving execution speed by an order of magnitude. Our primary contribution is the addition of recurrent connections to the network in order to drastically improve temporal stability for sequences of sparsely sampled input images. Our method also has the desirable property of automatically modeling relationships based on auxiliary per-pixel input channels, such as depth and normals. We show significantly higher quality results compared to existing methods that run at comparable speeds, and furthermore argue a clear path for making our method run at realtime rates in the near future.
Skippy
Authors: Krs Vojtěch , Yumer Ersin , Carr Nathan , Benes Bedrich , Měch Radomír
Published: July 2017

We introduce Skippy, a novel algorithm for 3D interactive curve modeling from a single view. While positing curves in space can be a tedious task, our rapid sketching algorithm allows users to draw curves in and around existing geometry in a controllable manner. The key insight behind our system is to automatically infer the 3D curve coordinates by enumerating a large set of potential curve trajectories. More specifically, we partition 2D strokes into continuous segments that land both
on
and
off
the geometry, duplicating segments that could be placed in front or behind, to form a directed graph. We use distance fields to estimate 3D coordinates for our curve segments and solve for an optimally smooth path that follows the curvature of the scene geometry while avoiding intersections. Using our curve design framework we present a collection of novel editing operations allowing artists to rapidly explore and refine the combinatorial space of solutions. Furthermore, we include the quick placement of transient geometry to aid in guiding the 3D curve. Finally we demonstrate our interactive design curve system on a variety of applications including geometric modeling, and camera motion path planning.
O-CNN
Authors: Wang Peng-Shuai , Liu Yang , Guo Yu-Xiao , Sun Chun-Yu , Tong Xin
Published: July 2017

We present
O-CNN
, an Octree-based Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) for 3D shape analysis. Built upon the octree representation of 3D shapes, our method takes the average normal vectors of a 3D model sampled in the finest leaf octants as input and performs 3D CNN operations on the octants occupied by the 3D shape surface. We design a novel octree data structure to efficiently store the octant information and CNN features into the graphics memory and execute the entire O-CNN training and evaluation on the GPU. O-CNN supports various CNN structures and works for 3D shapes in different representations. By restraining the computations on the octants occupied by 3D surfaces, the memory and computational costs of the O-CNN grow quadratically as the depth of the octree increases, which makes the 3D CNN feasible for high-resolution 3D models. We compare the performance of the O-CNN with other existing 3D CNN solutions and demonstrate the efficiency and efficacy of O-CNN in three shape analysis tasks, including object classification, shape retrieval, and shape segmentation.