bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advertising for Demand Creation for Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision
Authors: Wilson Nicholas , Frade Sasha , Rech Dino , Friedman Willa
Published: July 2016

Objective:

To measure the effects of information, a challenge, and a conditional cash transfer on take-up of voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC).

Design:

A randomized, controlled experiment with 4000 postcard recipients in Soweto (Johannesburg), South Africa.

Methods:

We examined differences in take-up of several decisions in the VMMC cascade between the control arm and each of several intervention arms using logistic regression.

Results:

Logistic regression analysis indicated that the group offered US $10 as compensation and the group challenged with “Are you tough enough?” had significantly higher take-up of the VMMC procedure than did the control group [odds ratios, respectively, 5.30 (CI: 2.20 to 12.76) and 2.70 (CI: 1.05 to 6.91)]. Similarly, the compensation group had significantly higher take-up of the VMMC counseling session than did the control group [odds ratio 3.76 (CI: 1.79 to 7.89)]. The analysis did not reveal significantly different take-up of either the VMMC counseling session or the procedure in the partner preference information group compared with the control group [odds ratios, respectively, 1.23 (CI: 0.51 to 2.97) and 1.67 (CI: 0.61 to 4.62)]. The analysis did not reveal significantly higher take-up of the VMMC nurse hotline in any intervention group compared with the control group [odds ratios for US $10, information, and challenge, respectively, 1.17 (CI: 0.67 to 2.07), 0.69 (CI: 0.36 to 1.32), and 0.60 (0.31 to 1.18)].

Conclusions:

Among adult males in Soweto, South Africa, compensation of US $10 provided conditional on completing the VMMC counseling session compared with no compensation offer and a postcard with a challenge, “Are you tough enough?” compared with no challenge, resulted in moderate increases in take-up of circumcision.
Innovative Demand Creation for Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision Targeting a High Impact Male Population: A Pilot Study Engaging Pregnant Women at Antenatal Clinics in Kampala, Uganda
Authors: Semeere Aggrey S. , Castelnuovo Barbara , Bbaale Denis S. , Kiragga Agnes N. , Kigozi Joanita , Muganzi Alex M. , Coutinho Alex G. , Kambugu Andrew
Published: July 2016

Background:

Circumcision has been shown to be an effective method of HIV prevention; however, only 27% of Ugandan men aged 15–49 years are circumcised. There is a paucity of data on the role of intimate partners in generating demand for voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC). We conducted a pilot study to assess the feasibility of a partner-focused intervention targeting males >25 years.

Methods:

Among pregnant women in their third trimester attending antenatal care we evaluated the impact of a pilot behavior change intervention on VMMC through a quasi-experimental approach. We observed VMMC numbers among spouses of women as per standard practice (comparison phase), and after introducing a behavioral change communication package (intervention phase). Logistic regression was used to compare the odds of VMMC uptake between comparison and intervention phases. We used qualitative methods to evaluate the casual chain using a thematic approach.

Results:

Of the 601 women studied, 90% articulated the health benefits of VMMC and 99% expressed interest in their spouse getting circumcised. Women's knowledge was not increased by the intervention. Four men were circumcised in the comparison and 7 in the intervention phase. The intervention was not associated with higher odds of circumcision (odds ratio 1.5, 95% CI: 0.3 to 6.0, P = 0.65). We interviewed 117 individuals overall with the main enablers for VMMC being: free VMMC, transport reimbursement, and health benefits. Deterrents included misconceptions, lost wages and fear of pain. Most of the uncircumcised men interviewed reported interest in VMMC.

Conclusions:

Our pilot intervention had no significant impact on increasing VMMC demand. The study demonstrated the feasibility of pregnant women engaging their spouses to discuss VMMC.
Use of Economic Compensation to Increase Demand for Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision in Kenya: Qualitative Interviews With Male Participants in a Randomized Controlled Trial and Their Partners
Authors: Evens Emily , Lanham Michele , Murray Kate , Rao Samwel , Agot Kawango , Omanga Eunice , Thirumurthy Harsha
Published: July 2016

Background:

Interventions to increase demand for medical male circumcision are urgently needed in eastern and southern Africa. Following promising evidence that providing economic compensation can increase male circumcision uptake in Kenya, there is a need to understand the role of this intervention in individuals' decision-making regarding circumcision and explore perceptions of the intervention and concerns such as coercion.

Methods:

As part of a randomized controlled trial in Kenya that found compensation in the form of food vouchers worth US $8.75–US $15.00 to be effective in increasing male circumcision uptake, we conducted qualitative in-depth interviews with 45 circumcised and uncircumcised male participants and 19 female partners to explore how compensation provision influenced the decision to get circumcised. Interview transcripts were coded and an inductive thematic analysis was conducted to identify patterns in decision-making.

Results:

Interviews revealed that compensation promoted circumcision uptake by addressing a major barrier to male circumcision uptake: lost wages during and after the circumcision procedure. Participants who did not get circumcised perceived the compensation amounts to be insufficient for offsetting their costs associated with getting circumcised or reported having nonfinancial barriers that were not addressed by the intervention, such as fear of pain. Participants also reported that they did not feel compelled to get circumcised for financial gain. Female partners of circumcised participants felt that the intervention helped to motivate their partners to get circumcised.

Conclusions:

The results suggest that the provision of economic compensation is an acceptable intervention that can address an important barrier to male circumcision uptake. Providing compensation to circumcision clients in the form of food vouchers warrants further consideration in voluntary medical male circumcision demand creation efforts.
Pharmacologic Considerations for Preexposure Prophylaxis in Transgender Women
Authors: Anderson Peter L. , Reirden Daniel , Castillo-Mancilla Jose
Published: July 2016

Studies of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF)-emtricitabine (FTC)–based preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) have not focused on transgendered women who are at disproportionate risk of HIV acquisition. Concerns exist for drug interactions between cross-sex therapy (estradiol, progestins, and spironolactone) with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate–emtricitabine. This review assessed the experimental and theoretical risk for such drug interactions. It was found that none of these medications are implicated as major perpetrators of drug interactions, and the classes use different metabolic pathways for clearance, suggesting a low likelihood for interactions in either direction. Subanalyses of transgender women in Preexposure Prophylaxis Initiative suggested PrEP efficacy if adherence was high. Nevertheless, several research gaps were identified, particularly the need for controlled interaction studies in transgendered women, including effects on renal clearance, intracellular tenofovir diphosphate and emtricitabine triphosphate in target cells, as well as hormone effects on HIV susceptibility and immunity. PrEP should continue to be offered to transgender women while additional research is planned or pending.
Utility of Postoperative Voiding Cystourethrogram After Lower Urinary Tract Repair
Authors: Bochenska Katarzyna , Zyczynski Halina M.
Published: July 2016

Objective

To characterize indications, timing, and results of voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) studies after repair of the lower urinary tract and to determine how these results impact clinical management.

Methods

Women who underwent a VCUG between January 2006 and December 2012 were identified from a radiology billing database. After excluding women with abdominopelvic malignancies, demographic, clinical, index procedure and lower urinary tract repair characteristics, and VCUG results were analyzed. The impact of abnormal VCUG results on clinical management was assessed.

Results

Data were analyzed from 245 VCUG studies performed a median of 10 days (interquartile range, 8–12 days) after lower urinary tract repair. When classified by procedure type, VCUGs were performed a median of 9 days (7–13 days) after cystotomy repair, 11 days (10–12 days) after vesicovaginal fistula closure and 10 days (7–11 days) after diverticulectomy. Abnormal findings were noted in 7 of 245 (2.9%) VCUGs and included contrast extravasation (5/7) and urinary retention (2/7). In all cases, the abnormal VCUG prompted a change in clinical management with extended use of an indwelling catheter or intermittent self-catheterization in 1 case of urinary retention.

Conclusions

Voiding cystourethrograms are a useful clinical tool in guiding the duration of Foley catheter use after lower urinary tract repair. Depending on clinical practice, VCUGs may reduce catheter-associated morbidity by facilitating earlier catheter removal and, in the minority of cases, may identify patients with incomplete postoperative healing.
Antiganglioside, antiganglioside-complex, and antiglycolipid-complex antibodies in immune-mediated neuropathies
Authors: Goodfellow John A. , Willison Hugh J.
Published: July 2016

Purpose of review

There has been a recent renewed interest in the prevalence of antiglycolipid antibodies and their associations with specific clinical phenotypes in Guillain–Barré syndrome. Recent reports have sought to confirm and expand the antibody–phenotype associations of antiganglioside antibodies, antiganglioside-complex antibodies, and antiglycolipid-complex antibodies in the various acute immune-mediated neuropathies. This is a rapidly developing field with technical advances in assay methodology, which have resulted in numerous new putative antibody–phenotype associations.

Recent findings

Antibodies against single ganglioside species remain the most established serological marker of Guillain–Barré syndrome and its myriad clinical variants. Antibodies against combinations of gangliosides, ganglioside-complex antibodies, detected by the ELISA method have emerged as putative markers of certain clinical features or pathological subtypes, specifically acute motor axonal neuropathy, but do not seem to greatly increase the diagnostic sensitivity of antibody testing as most also react with single ganglioside species. The novel assay method of the combinatorial glycoarray allows high-throughput detection of antibodies recognizing combinations of gangliosides and other glycolipids and early studies suggest it identifies antibody–phenotype associations in addition to significantly increasing the sensitivity of serological testing, including for the acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy variant.

Antibodies against single ganglioside species remain diagnostically useful in routine clinical practice. Antibodies against ganglioside complexes, or gangliosides and other glycolipid complexes, are emerging as useful markers of various clinic features and pathological subtypes; however, the precise associations remain to be fully delineated and confirmed. The antibody-complex detection methods are rapidly evolving but in most centres are not yet available in routine clinical practice.
Characterizing agile supply partnerships in the fashion industry
Authors: Cerruti Corrado , Mena Carlos , Skipworth Heather , Tavoletti Ernesto
Published: July 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate high-involvement and short-term supply relationships, known as agile supply partnerships (ASPs), and explores the conditions that support the development of such inter-organizational relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

– A qualitative exploratory research design was followed, based on in-depth case studies of Italian fashion footwear manufacturers and their relationships with key suppliers.

Findings

– ASPs appear to be most relevant in supply material categories which have a high impact on the appearance or functionality of the product. Conversely, in supply categories with a low impact, long-term partnerships are preferred. Four main characteristics of ASPs are identified: they are part of a portfolio of relationships to balance the rigidities of long-term strategic partnerships; they have project-like features; they are developed from a network of pre-qualified suppliers; they are recurring and intermittent rather than continuous or isolated one-off short-term partnerships.

Research limitations/implications

– The research has been carried out in the context of an Italian footwear district. Further research is required to evaluate the validity of the propositions in other sectors and geographies.

Practical implications

– The research can help decision makers in the fashion industry, and potentially other sectors affected by high turbulence, to identify when ASPs are most appropriate and what characteristics they should have.

Originality/value

– This research contributes to the literature on agility by empirically evaluating the apparent paradox related to the specific characteristics of supply relationships required to foster an agile strategy and by clarifying the conditions under which fashion companies develop ASPs.
Early history and distribution of trade ceramics in Southeast Asia
Authors: Witkowski Terrence H.
Published: July 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the history and distribution of trade ceramics in Southeast Asia over a thousand-year period stretching from the ninth to the early nineteenth century CE.

Design/methodology/approach

The study takes a material culture approach to the writing of marketing history by researching the ceramics trade from the starting point of artifacts and their social context. It draws from literatures on Chinese and Southeast Asian ceramics art history and archaeology. It also is informed by first-hand experience inspecting surviving artifacts in shops, talking to dealers and taking in museum displays.

Findings

After a brief historical overview of the ceramics trade in Southeast Asia, the research further explores topics in physical distribution (transportation routes, hubs and local marketplaces and ships, cargo and packing) and product assortments, adaptation and globalization of consumer culture.

Research limitations/implications

The art history and archaeological literatures provide a good overview of the ceramics trade and analysis of surviving material artifacts, but only limited information about distribution and consumption. Many questions remain unanswered.

Originality/value

This study contributes to international business and marketing history by documenting a thousand years of trade among China, mainland and insular Southeast Asia, and a long-standing cultural exchange facilitated by seaborne commerce. It also shares a marketing perspective with the fields of Southeast Asian art history and archaeology. Research in marketing history has neglected this region. To fully understand the development of marketing in the pre-industrial era, accounts from civilizations outside the West must be included.
Health‐related quality‐of‐life questionnaire for women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a Chinese translation and validation study
Authors: Chung JPW , Kwan AHW , Kwok JWK , Chan SSC
Published: July 2016

Objective

To evaluate the reliability, validity, and responsiveness of the Chinese version of the polycystic ovary syndrome questionnaire (PCOSQ).

Design

Translation and validation study.

Setting

Gynaecology clinic and paediatric adolescent gynaecology clinic at the study institute.

Population

Chinese women, 16 years of age or older, with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Methods

Women completed the Chinese version of thePCOSQand the Short‐Form Health Survey (SF‐36). Their sociodemographic details, clinical parameters, and biochemical results were recorded. A subset of 50 women repeated thePCOSQ1 week later to evaluate test–retest reliability. Women subsequently received treatment for the symptoms ofPCOS. Six months later, 100 women completed thePCOSQand clinical parameters were assessed to evaluate the responsiveness of thePCOSQ.

Main outcome measures

Internal reliability, test–retest reliability, convergent validity, criterion validity, and responsiveness.

Results

A total of 262 Chinese women completed the study. Values of Cronbach's alpha coefficient were all above 0.7, demonstrating a good standard of internal consistency in all subscales. For the test–retest reliability, intraclass correlation coefficients showed excellent stability among the subscales (range 0.82–0.92,P< 0.001). Convergent validity was demonstrated by positive correlations with the subscales ofSF‐36 and clinical parameters like body mass index (BMI), waist–hip ratio (WHR), hirsutism score, menstrual regularity, and infertility, and the respective subscales. Improvement inPCOSQscores was seen in women with improvements inBMIand menstrual patterns; however, these findings did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusions

The Chinese version ofPCOSQis reliable and valid for use in women withPCOS.

Tweetable abstract

The Chinese version of thePCOSQis reliable and valid for use.
Working for Inclusion? Conditional Cash Transfers, Rural Women, and the Reproduction of Inequality
Authors: Cookson Tara Patricia
Published: July 2016

Throughout the global South, conditional cash transfer programmes (CCTs) are used to promote socially inclusive development. CCTs are widely evaluated for their capacity to build children's human capital. In contrast, this paper aims to hold “social inclusion” to account by elucidating the impacts of Peru's CCT “Juntos” on the poor, rural mothers who are expected to meet programme conditions. Grounded in extensive ethnographic research in households, clinics, schools, and village halls, the paper interrogates the work of social inclusion in spaces where uneven development manifests itself in privation. Considered in light of critical feminist theories of performativity and social reproduction, the findings shed light on a far less optimistic reality for the work of social inclusion. This paper contributes a rich empirical account to critical literature on cash transfers and the discourses that drive them, and suggests that the circumstances under which women are required to fulfil programme conditions challenge the substance of contemporary “inclusive” development.
Hepcidin independent iron recycling in a mouse model of β‐thalassaemia intermedia
Authors: Frazer David M. , Wilkins Sarah J. , Mirciov Cornel S. G. , Dunn Linda A. , Anderson Gregory J.
Published: July 2016

In conditions such as β‐thalassaemia, stimulated erythropoiesis can reduce the expression of the iron regulatory hormone hepcidin, increasing both macrophage iron release and intestinal iron absorption and leading to iron loading. However, in certain conditions, sustained elevation of erythropoiesis can occur without an increase in body iron load. To investigate this in more detail, we made use of a novel mouse strain (RBC14), which exhibits mild β‐thalassaemia intermedia with minimal iron loading. We compared iron homeostasis in RBC14 mice to that of Hbbth3/+ mice, a more severe model of β‐thalassaemia intermedia. Both mouse strains showed a decrease in plasma iron half‐life, although the changes were less severe in RBC14 mice. Despite this, intestinal ferroportin and serum hepcidin levels were unaltered in RBC14 mice. In contrast, Hbbth3/+ mice exhibited reduced serum hepcidin and increased intestinal ferroportin. However, splenic ferroportin levels were increased in both mouse strains. These data suggest that in low‐grade chronic haemolytic anaemia, such as that seen in RBC14 mice, the increased erythroid iron requirements can be met through enhanced macrophage iron release without the need to increase iron absorption, implying that hepcidin is not the sole regulator of macrophage iron release in vivo.
Electrophysiological findings in patients with low density lipoprotein receptor related protein 4 positive myasthenia gravis
Authors: Nikolic A. V. , Bojic S. D. , Rakocevic Stojanovic V. M. , Basta I. Z. , Lavrnic D. V.
Published: July 2016

Background and purpose

The aim was to determine the electrophysiological profile of our cohort of low density lipoprotein receptor related protein 4 (LRP4) positive myasthenia gravis (MG) patients.

Methods

A repetitive nerve stimulation (RNS) test and jitter analysis using a concentric needle electrode were performed in 17 LRP4 positive MG patients. The results were compared to 31 muscle‐specific tyrosine kinase (MuSK) positive and 28 acetylcholine receptor (AChR) positive MG patients.

Results

The RNS test was negative in almost all patients belonging to the LRP4/seronegative and LRP4/MuSK groups. It was positive most frequently in the AChR MG patients, especially those without anti‐LRP4 antibodies. The presence of anti‐LRP4 antibodies was connected to lower decrement values, whilst the independent presence of anti‐AChR or anti‐MuSK antibodies was connected to higher decrement values. Lowest jitter was recorded in patients with LRP4/seronegative MG. The highest percentage of pathological jitter analysis test results was present in MuSK and AChR MG patients. The isolate presence of anti‐LRP4 antibodies did not influence the mean consecutive difference values, whilst mean consecutive difference values were higher in the presence of anti‐AChR or anti‐MuSK antibodies.

Conclusions

Low density lipoprotein receptor related protein 4 positive patients make a distinct MG subgroup with rarely detected pathological electrophysiological test results. The lack of influence of anti‐LRP4 antibodies on the different electrophysiological parameters brings into question the pathogenic role of anti‐LRP4 antibodies in MG.
Understanding of a negative bowel screening result and potential impact on future symptom appraisal and help‐seeking behaviour: a focus group study
Authors: Barnett Karen N. , Weller David , Smith Steve , Orbell Sheina , Vedsted Peter , Steele Robert J. C. , Melia Jane W. , Moss Sue M. , Patnick Julietta , Campbell Christine
Published: July 2016

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening using a faecal occult blood test (FOBt) has the potential to reduce cancer‐related mortality. Symptom vigilance remains crucial as a proportion of cancers will be diagnosed between screening rounds. A negative FOBt has the potential to influence how participants respond to future symptoms of CRC.

Objective

To explore (i) understanding of a negative FOBt and (ii) the potential impact of a negative FOBt upon future symptom appraisal and help‐seeking behaviour.

Design

Qualitative methodology utilizing focus groups with participants who received a negative FOBt within the National Bowel Cancer Screening Programme in Coventry and Lothian. Topics explored included: experience of screening participation, interpretation and understanding of a negative result, symptom awareness and attitudes towards help‐seeking.

Results

Four broad themes were identified: (i) emotional response to a negative FOBt, (ii) understanding the limitations of FOBt screening, (iii) symptom knowledge and interpretation and (iv) over‐reassurance from a negative FOBt. Participants were reassured by a negative FOBt, but there was variability in the extent to which the result was interpreted as an “all clear”. Some participants acknowledged the residual risk of cancer and the temporal characteristic of the result, while others were surprised that the result was not a guarantee that they did not have cancer.

Discussion and conclusions

Participants recognized that reassurance from a negative FOBt could lead to a short‐term delay in help‐seeking if symptoms developed. Screening programmes should seek to emphasize the importance of the temporal nature of FOBt results with key messages about symptom recognition and prompt help‐seeking behaviour.
Variability in the area, energy and time costs of wintering waders responding to disturbance
Authors: Collop Catherine , Stillman Richard A. , Garbutt Angus , Yates Michael G. , Rispin Ed , Yates Tina
Published: July 2016

Birds’ responses to human disturbance are interesting due to their similarities to anti‐predator behaviour, and understanding this behaviour has practical applications for conservation management by informing measures such as buffer zones to protect priority species. To understand better the costs of disturbance and whether it will impact on population size, studies should quantify time‐related responses as well as the more commonly reported flight initiation distance (FID). Using waders wintering on an estuarine area, we experimentally disturbed foraging birds on the Wash Embayment, UK, by walking towards them and recording their responses (FID, alert time, time spent in flight, time taken to resume feeding, and total feeding time lost). We present data for 10 species of conservation concern: Curlew Numenius arquata, Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus, Bar‐tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica, Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola, Redshank Tringa totanus, Knot Calidris canutus, Turnstone Arenaria interpres, Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula, Sanderling Calidris alba and Dunlin Calidris alpina. Larger species responded more strongly, response magnitude was greater under milder environmental conditions, and responses varied over both small and large spatial scales. The energetic costs of individual responses, however, were low relative to daily requirements and disturbance events were unlikely to be frequent enough to seriously limit foraging time. We suggest, therefore, that wintering wader populations on the Wash are not currently significantly negatively impacted by human disturbance during the intertidal foraging period. This is also likely to be the case at other estuarine sites with comparable access levels, visitor patterns, invertebrate food availability and environmental conditions.
Unions and the economic basis of attitudes
Authors: Bryson Alex , White Michael
Published: July 2016

Unions make differences to employee satisfaction that correspond to their effects on individual economic advantage. Panel data reveal how changes in economic circumstance and changes in job satisfaction are linked to changes in union coverage. When individuals move into a union covered job they receive a wage mark‐up and express enhanced pay satisfaction. Conversely, those moving from a union covered job on average lose any mark‐up and have significantly reduced satisfaction. Similar findings emerge for working hours. On average individuals prefer shorter hours, something they tend (not) to achieve on moving (out of) into a unionised job, resulting in higher (lower) satisfaction. Switching into union coverage lowers satisfaction with job security, even though coverage has no effect on the risk of unemployment. This is because covered employees suffer greater costs of re‐employment for a given level of unemployment risk, partly because of loss of the union mark‐up.
Renal pathology in patients with occupational exposure to carbon disulphide: A case series
Authors: Ou Santao , He Hongyan , Qu Li , Wu Weihua , Gan Linwang , Liu Jian
Published: July 2016

Aim

Carbon disulphide (CS2) is widely used as an organic solvent. However, there is little information available regarding the clinical manifestations and the pathological features of kidney injury caused by CS2. The current study aimed to describe the renal manifestations of a group of patients with long‐term occupational exposure to CS2.

Methods

Ten patients with long‐term exposure to CS2 and visiting a single centre were enrolled, with their clinical features recorded. Renal biopsies were taken from all patients, and their pathological findings were documented.

Results

All patients came from the same chemical fibre factory. Their mean age at enrollment was 36.9 ± 2.4 years, and each patient had a CS2 exposure duration exceeding 10 years. Eight patients (80%) presented with proteinuria and none had hematuria. Two patients (20%) had underlying hypertension and five (50%) had increased serum creatinine levels. Light microscopic examination of their renal biopsy specimens revealed diffuse mesangial cell proliferation and mesangial hyperplasia in all patients. Moreover, three patients (30%) had nodular hyperplasia, resembling the lesions of diabetic nephropathy. Variable degrees of tubular atrophy and interstitial infiltrations of lymphocytes and monocytes were observed in all patients. Similarly, lectron microscopic examination showed glomerular mesangial cell proliferation and mesangial hyperplasia. Immunopathological staining for IgA and IgG, complements or hepatitis B markers (hepatitis B surface antigen and e antigen‐antibody) are negative in all patients.

Conclusion

Long‐term occupational exposure to CS2 may be associated with renal injury, although the renal pathological features are often non‐specific.
WHICH AIRWAY PRESSURE SHOULD BE APPLIED DURING BREATH‐HOLD IN DOGS UNDERGOING THORACIC COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY?
Authors: Guarracino Alessandro , Lacitignola Luca , Auriemma Edoardo , De Monte Valentina , Grasso Salvatore , Crovace Antonio , Staffieri Francesco
Published: July 2016

This randomized controlled trial study aimed to identify the optimal positive pressure (PP) level that can clear atelectasis while avoiding pulmonary hyperinflation during the breath‐hold technique in dogs undergoing thoracic computed tomography (CT). Sixty dogs affected by mammary tumors undergoing thoracic CT for the screening of pulmonary metastases were randomly assigned to six groups with different levels of PP during the breath‐hold technique: 0 (control), 5 (PP5), 8 (PP8), 10 (PP10), 12 (PP12), and 15 (PP15) cmH2O. The percentage of atelectatic lung region was lower in the PP10 (3.7 ± 1.1%; P = 0.002), PP12 (3.4 ± 1.3%; P = 0.0001), and PP15 (2.8 ± 0.9%; P = 0.006) groups than in the control group (5.0 ± 2.3%), and the percentage of poorly aerated lung region was lower in the PP8 (15.1 ± 2.6%; P = 0.0009), PP10 (13.0 ± 2.0 %; P = 0.002), PP12 (13.0 ± 2.2 %; P = 0.0002), and PP15 (11.1 ± 1.9%; P = 0.0002) groups than in the control group (19.8 ± 5.0). The percentage of normally aerated lung region, however, was higher in the PP10 (79.7 ± 4.1%; P = 0.005), PP12 (79.8 ± 5.1%; P = 0.0002), and PP15 (80.2 ± 4.9%; P = 0.002) groups than in the control group (73.4 ± 6.6%). A PP of 10–12 cmH2O during the breath‐hold technique should be considered to improve lung aeration during a breath‐hold technique in dogs undergoing thoracic CT.
Error Estimation of Fourier Series Expansion and Implication to Solution Accuracy for Nonlinear Dynamical Systems
Authors: Chen Y. M. , Lv Z. R. , Liu J. K.
Published: July 2016

Fourier series expansion (FSE) plays a pivotal role in frequency domain analysis of a wide variety of nonlinear dynamical systems. To the best of our knowledge, there are two general approaches for FSE, i.e., a collocation method (CM) previously proposed by the authors and the classical discrete FSE. Though there are huge applications of these methods, it still remains much less understood in their relationship and error estimation. In this study, we proved that they are equivalent if time points are uniformly chosen. Based on this property, more importantly, the error was analytically estimated for both discrete Fourier expansion (DFE) and CM. Furthermore, we revealed that the accuracy of frequency domain solutions cannot be improved by increasing the number of time points alone, whereas it absolutely depends upon the truncated number of harmonics. It indicates that an appropriate number of time points should be chosen in FSE if frequency domain solutions are targeted for nonlinear dynamical systems, especially those with complicated functions.
Structural biology shapes up
Authors: Dove Alan
Published: July 2016

Despite advances in the field of proteomics, protein folding still remains a mystery. Yet innovations in X-ray crystallography, electron microscopy, and data analysis (think robots and Google) are yielding answers about protein structures faster than ever before.

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Hazards without disasters
Authors: McNutt Marcia
Published: July 2016

A natural hazard need not become a human disaster if society learns and applies lessons in preparation and resilience. Earthquake history speaks well to this—engineered structures need to stand up to strong shaking. Chile learned this lesson before its 2010 earthquake of magnitude 8.8. Because it had already enforced seismic provisions of building codes, there was little loss of life due to damage to buildings. Engineered structures also performed very well during the giant 2011 Tohoku earthquake in northeast Japan; however, approximately 20,000 lives were lost to the ensuing tsunami. What survival strategies are available for communities at risk for tsunamis?
Beryllium subphthalocyanines self-assembling properties
Authors: Montero-Campillo M. Merced , Mó Otilia , Yáñez Manuel
Published: July 2016

Beryllium subphthalocyanines have been recently shown to be suitable candidates for photochemical devices if combined with appropriate donor systems. The ability of beryllium subphthalocyanines to self-assemble is explored for the first time by means of density functional theory calculations. Free dimers of beryllium subphtalocyanine and their corresponding complexes with water and pyridine are computed at the wB97X-D/6-311+G(d,p) level of theory. In contrast with the behavior reported for beryllium phthalocyanines, for beryllium subphtalocyanines, beryllium–aza–nitrogen intermolecular interactions are observed, suggesting that these species are likely to self-assemble. Aggregates of related structures such as beryllium subporphyrazines with axial groups confirm the importance of hydrogen bonds in the stacking.
Hard choices in assessing survival past dams — a comparison of single- and paired-release strategies
Authors: Zydlewski Joseph , Stich Daniel , Sigourney Douglas
Published: July 2016

Mark–recapture models are widely used to estimate survival of salmon smolts migrating past dams. Paired releases have been used to improve estimate accuracy by removing components of mortality not attributable to the dam. This method is accompanied by reduced precision because (i) sample size is reduced relative to a single, large release; and (ii) variance calculations inflate error. We modeled an idealized system with a single dam to assess trade-offs between accuracy and precision and compared methods using root mean squared error (RMSE). Simulations were run under predefined conditions (dam mortality, background mortality, detection probability, and sample size) to determine scenarios when the paired release was preferable to a single release. We demonstrate that a paired-release design provides a theoretical advantage over a single-release design only at large sample sizes and high probabilities of detection. At release numbers typical of many survival studies, paired release can result in overestimation of dam survival. Failures to meet model assumptions of a paired release may result in further overestimation of dam-related survival. Under most conditions, a single-release strategy was preferable.
Spatially consistent imputations of forest data under a semivariogram model
Authors: Strîmbu Victor Felix , Ene Liviu Teodor , Næsset Erik
Published: July 2016

This study proposes a method to perform spatially consistent imputations of forest data to serve simulation studies where spatial autocorrelation is expected to have an effect (e.g., sampling simulations and forest scenario analysis). Starting with a nearest neighbour imputation, an optimization process brings the spatially comprehensive data to a desired state, controlled by a target semivariogram and a target histogram. The target values for both parameters may be approximated using empirical data and are combined in the objective function used by the optimization algorithm. Here, we demonstrate a case study using wall-to-wall airborne laser scanner data, satellite data, and field observations for an 852 ha forest area in southern Norway. Different combinations of data types and target parameters were tested, and the target values were reached in most cases. In some cases, with a more restrictive objective function, the semivariogram did not completely converge to its target values, yet still had a convergence of at least 93%, expressed by the difference reduction between initial and target values. The results recommend the proposed method as a practical means to generate spatially explicit forest data when a particular distribution and well-defined spatial dependence are required.
ERG11 mutations and upregulation in clinical itraconazole-resistant isolates of Candida krusei
Authors: Feng Wenli , Yang Jing , Wang Yiru , Chen Jinyu , Xi Zhiqin , Qiao Zusha
Published: July 2016

To better understand the association between the ERG11 gene and drug resistance in Candida krusei, C. krusei strains were isolated from patients from January 2010 to May 2013. Susceptibility to 5-fluorocytosine (5-FC), amphotericin B (AMB), voriconazole (VRC), fluconazole (FLC), and itraconazole (ITR) were tested by broth microdilution method. Mutations were detected using PCR amplification and gene sequencing. Expression levels of ERG11 were measured by real-time PCR and compared by a 2-tailed Student’s t test between ITR-susceptible strains and ITR-resistant strains. In total, 15 C. krusei strains were obtained, of which 20.00%, 53.33%, and 40.00% were resistant to 5-FC, FLC, and ITR, respectively, whereas all isolates were susceptible to AMB and VRC. Three synonymous codon substitutions were found in ERG11, including T939C, T642C, and A756T. However, T939C was found in both resistant and susceptible C. krusei strains. The expression level of ERG11 was significantly higher in resistant C. krusei strains (1.34 ± 0.08) than in susceptible C. krusei strains (0.94 ± 0.14) (t = 3.74, p < 0.05). Our study demonstrates that point mutations (T642C and A756T) accompanied with the overexpression of ERG11 might be involved in the molecular mechanisms of drug resistance in C. krusei.
Cosmological Friedmann equation in infrared modified Hořava–Lifshitz gravity via generalized Misner–Sharp mass
Authors: Liu Molin , Yang Yuling , Han Yu , Zhao Zonghua , Lu Jianbo
Published: July 2016

In various gravity theories, Friedmann equations can be cast to a form of the first law of thermodynamics in a Friedmann–Robertson–Walker (FRW) cosmological setup. However, this result failed in recent infrared (IR) modified Hořava–Lifshitz (HL) gravity. The difficulty stems from the fact that HL gravity is Lorentz-violating. Motivated by this problem, we use the Misner–Sharp mass to investigate the thermodynamics near the apparent horizon in HL cosmology. We find that the Friedmann equations can be derived from the first law of thermodynamics. The Misner–Sharp mass used here inherits the specific properties of HL gravity since it is directly from the gravitational action of HL theory. We also prove that the first law of thermodynamics with logarithmic entropy still holds at the apparent horizon in FRW. The results suggest that the general prescription of deriving the field equation from thermodynamics still works in the HL cosmology.
Dynamics of solutions of some travelling wave systems determined by integrable Liénard system
Authors: Li Jibin , Zhu Wenjing
Published: July 2016

For a class of nonlinear diffusion–convection–reaction equations, the corresponding travelling wave systems are well known Liénard systems. Under Chiellini’s integrability condition, the first integrals of Liénard systems can be obtained. In this paper, we use the method of dynamical systems to study the dynamical behavior of the corresponding travelling wave systems of two classes of nonlinear wave equations. Under given parametric conditions, some exact explicit parametric representations of the monotonic and nonmonotonic kink wave solutions are obtained.
Structural, electronic, elastic, thermodynamic and phonon properties of LaX (X = Cd, Hg and Zn) compounds in the B2 phase
Authors: Örnek Osman , Arıkan Nihat
Published: July 2016

The ab initio computations have been performed to examine the structural, elastic, electronic and phonon properties of cubic [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] compounds in the [Formula: see text] phase. The optimized lattice constants, bulk modulus, and its pressure derivative and elastic constants are evaluated and compared with available data. Electronic band structures and total and partial densities of states (DOS) have been derived for [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] compounds. The electronic band structures show metallic character; the conductivity is mostly governed by [Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text] states for three compounds. Phonon-dispersion curves have been obtained using the first-principle linear-response approach of the density-functional perturbation theory. The specific heat capacity at a constant volume [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] compounds are calculated and discussed.
A HYBRID METHOD FOR MEDICAL IMAGES INDEXING USING PRINCIPAL COMPONENT ANALYSIS AND CDF BIORTHOGONAL WAVELET BASED ON LIFTING SCHEME
Authors: TANI SOUAD MEZIANE , HACENE ISMAIL BOUKLI , BESSAID ABDELHAFID
Published: July 2016

Hospitals and clinics produce a great number of medical images that are stored in large databases. Content-based medical image retrieval systems (CBMIRs) is one of the solutions to access rapidly and efficiently to these databases using their visual content. In this paper, we propose a new algorithm for medical image indexing. It consists on a combination of bio-orthogonal CDF wavelet transform (WT) based on lifting scheme and principal component analysis (PCA). We use this WT to decompose images, then we apply the PCA method to reduce the number of features and select the pertinent components which represent image signature. Finally, Euclidean distance is used to retrieve most similar image from databases when query image is submitted. We have tested our algorithm on the retinal image database. The results obtained by our algorithm are compared with several published methods cited in the literature and shows an efficiency of 80%, which is significantly higher and much faster than recent methods in CBMIRs domain.
Ischemic Stroke Risk After Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Yaghi Shadi , Pilot Markeith , Song Christopher , Blum Christina A. , Yakhkind Aleksandra , Silver Brian , Furie Karen L. , Elkind Mitchell S. V. , Sherzai Dean , Sherzai Ayesha Z.
Published: July 2016

Background

Prior studies show an increased risk of ischemic stroke (
IS
) after myocardial infarction; however, there is limited evidence on long‐term risk and whether it is directly related to cardiac injury. We hypothesized that the risk of
IS
after acute coronary syndrome is significantly higher if there is evidence of cardiac injury, such as ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (
STEMI
) or non‐
STEMI
, than when there is no evidence of cardiac injury, such as in unstable angina.

Methods and Results

Administrative claims data were obtained from all emergency department encounters and hospitalizations at California's nonfederal acute care hospitals between 2008 and 2011. Patients with
STEMI
, non‐STEMI, and unstable angina were identified using appropriate International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes. The primary outcome was
IS
during 2 years of follow‐up. Unadjusted and adjusted Cox proportional hazards models were used to determine the association between acute coronary syndrome subtype and
IS
risk. We identified 73 059 patients with a diagnosis of
STEMI
(n=26 427), non‐STEMI (n=39 833), or unstable angina (n=6819) during the study period. In the fully adjusted models that included potential confounders such as atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure, the risk of IS was higher with
STEMI
(hazard ratio 4.17, 95%
CI
3.00–5.83;
P
<0.001) and non‐STEMI (hazard ratio 3.73, 95%
CI
2.68–5.19,
P
<0.001) compared with unstable angina.

Conclusions

Non‐STEMI and
STEMI
confer an equally increased risk of
IS
. Studies exploring IS mechanisms in cardiac patients are needed to improve and tailor stroke prevention strategies.
The Notitia Intuitiva and Notitia Abstractiva of the External Senses in Second Scholasticism: Suárez, Poinsot and Francisco de Oviedo
Authors: Heider Daniel
Published: July 2016

This paper analyzes the theories of three representatives of Second Scholasticism, namely Francisco Suárez, sj, John Poinsot, op, and Francisco de Oviedo, sj, on the issue of the intuitive and abstractive cognition of the external senses. Based on a comparison of their theories, linked to the historical starting point of the debate in the first decades of the fourteenth century (Peter Auriol, John Duns Scotus, Francis of Meyronnes, William of Ockham and Walter Chatton), the paper argues that the doctrinal and argumentative matrix of these authors’ texts is significantly ‘present’ in the Second Scholastics as well. 1) As far as naturally produced sensation is concerned, all these authors, including Poinsot, follow the Scotistic justification of the natural infallibility of the external senses; 2) regarding the possibility of supernaturally caused objectless perception, Poinsot’s position can be labelled, surprisingly, Scotistic; 3) Suárez’s theory, although partly similar to the doctrine of the late Ockham, is an idiosyncratic stance; 4) Oviedo’s conception, even more distant from that of Ockham, can be characterized as ‘Auriolian’ and ‘Chattonian’.
Lectotypification of the name Justicia latiflora (Acanthaceae)
Authors: TANG HUIMIN , DENG YUNFEI
Published: July 2016

Justicia latiflora Hemsl. in Forbes & Hemsley (1890: 245) is a species endemic to China occurring in Chongqing, Guangxi, Guizhou, Hubei, Hunan and Yunnan (Hu 2002, Hu et al. 2011). Later, it was transferred to Mananthes Bremekamp (1948: 59) as M. latiflora (Hemsl.) C.Y.Wu & C.C. Hu in Hu (2002: 295). Mananthes is one of the genera separated from Justicia Linnaeus (1753: 15) by Bremekamp to accommodate those Asian species having terminal spikes and it now is treated as a synonym of Justicia (Scotland & Vollesen 2000, Hu et al. 2011). This species differs from differ from those Chinese species formerly included in Mananthes in its bracts being purplish towards the apex and longer than the calyces, with corollas ca. 2 cm long. Three collections (Henry 3412, 3412A, 3412B) were cited from K in the protologue. Since no holotype was indicated they all are syntypes according to Art. 9.5 (ICN, McNeill et al. 2012). According to Art. 9.12, the lectotype must be chosen from those syntypes in first place. Comparing the three syntypes at K with the original description, we found that all are a match and candidates for serving as a lectotype. Since Henry 3412 (K000884035) is the only specimen with open corollas, a feature described in the protologue, it is here selected as the lectotype.