bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Theanine transporters identified in tea plants (Camellia sinensis L.)
Authors: Dong Chunxia , Li Fang , Yang Tianyuan , Feng Lin , Zhang Shupei , Li Fangdong , Li Weihong , Xu Guohua , Bao Shilai , Wan Xiaochun , Lucas William J. , Zhang Zhaoliang
Published: August 2019

Theanine, a unique non‐proteinogenic amino acid, is an important component of tea, as it confers the umami taste and relaxation effect of tea as a beverage. Theanine is primarily synthesized in tea roots and is subsequently transported to young shoots, which are harvested for tea production. Currently, the mechanism for theanine transport in the tea plant remains unknown. Here, by screening a yeast mutant library, followed by functional analyses, we identified the glutamine permease, GNP1 as a specific transporter for theanine in yeast. Although there is no GNP1 homolog in the tea plant, we assessed the theanine transport ability of nine tea plant amino acid permease (AAP) family members, with six exhibiting transport activity. We further determined that CsAAP1, CsAAP2, CsAAP4, CsAAP5, CsAAP6, and CsAAP8 exhibited moderate theanine affinities and transport was H+‐dependent. The tissue‐specific expression of these six CsAAPs in leaves, vascular tissues, and the root suggested their broad roles in theanine loading and unloading from the vascular system, and in targeting to sink tissues. Furthermore, expression of these CsAAPs was shown to be seasonally regulated, coincident with theanine transport within the tea plant. Finally, CsAAP1 expression in the root was highly correlated with root‐to‐bud transport of theanine, in seven tea plant cultivars. Taken together, these findings support the hypothesis that members of the CsAAP family transport theanine and participate in its root‐to‐shoot delivery in the tea plant.
Prognostic value of somatic focal amplifications on chromosome 30 in canine oral melanoma
Authors: Prouteau Anais , Chocteau Florian , de Brito Clotilde , Cadieu Edouard , Primot Aline , Botherel Nadine , Degorce Frédérique , Cornevin Laurence , Lagadic Marie A. , Cabillic Florian , de Fornel‐Thibaud Pauline , Devauchelle Patrick , Derrien Thomas , Abadie Jerome , André Catherine , Hédan Benoît
Published: August 2019

Canine oral melanoma is the first malignancy of the oral cavity in dogs and is characterized by a local invasiveness and a high metastatic propensity. A better knowledge of genetic alterations is expected to improve management of this tumour. Copy number alterations are known characteristics of mucosal melanomas both in dogs and humans. The goal of this study was to explore the prognostic value of somatic focal amplifications on chromosomes (Canis Familiaris [CFA]) 10 and 30 in canine oral melanoma. The cohort included 73 dogs with oral melanoma confirmed by histology, removed surgically without adjuvant therapy and with a minimal follow‐up of 6 months. Epidemiological, clinical and histological data were collected and quantitative‐PCR were performed on formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) samples to identify specific focal amplifications. The 73 dogs included in the study had a median survival time of 220 days. Focal amplifications on CFA 10 and 30 were recurrent (49.3% and 50.7% of cases, respectively) and CFA 30 amplification was significantly associated with the amelanotic phenotype (P = .046) and high mitotic index (MI; P = .0039). CFA 30 amplification was also linked to poor prognosis (P = .0005). Other negative prognostic factors included gingiva location (P = .003), lymphadenomegaly (P = .026), tumour ulceration at diagnosis (P = .003), MI superior to 6 mitoses over 10 fields (P = .001) and amelanotic tumour (P = .029). In multivariate analyses using Cox proportional hazards regression, CFA 30 amplification (Hazard ratio [HR] = 2.08; P = .011), tumour location (HR = 2.20; P = .005) and histological pigmentation (HR = 1.87; P = .036) were significantly associated with shorter survival time. Focal amplification of CFA 30 is linked to an aggressive subset and constitutes a new prognostic factor.
Performing both lateral abdominal radiographs may not improve the visualization of gas in the gastric outflow tract of cats
Authors: Paradise Hayley , Gaschen Lorrie , Wanderer Mara , Liu Chin‐Chi , Granger L. Abbigail
Published: August 2019

Reports in the veterinary literature support three‐view abdominal radiographs as a standard of practice for evaluating dogs with suspected gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. The usefulness of three‐view abdominal studies has not been evaluated in cats. Images from a prospective crossover group study with 20 healthy cats, and those from a retrospective cohort study of 110 cats, were reviewed and the location and degree of gas was assessed in the gastric outflow tract. Comparisons of the frequency of luminal gas were made between the views and between cats with GI disease versus cats without and between cats having sedation versus those without. Chi‐Square analysis was performed withP < .05 being considered significant. No significant difference was found in the location and degree of luminal gas in left versus right lateral views in all cats regardless of the order in which the views were obtained or in cats with GI disease versus cats without. Cats with gastric dilation had a higher overall frequency of gas; those with dilation with homogeneous material were higher than those with dilation with heterogeneous material. A higher frequency of gas was found in sedated cats than nonsedated, but further study is needed to determine the underlying cause. Based on these findings, a three‐view abdominal study for cats as a standard of practice may not be necessary, but obtaining the additional lateral view when gastric dilation is present might allow better visualization of the pyloric antrum and duodenum.
Ability of positive and negative contrast computed tomographic peritoneography to delineate canine liver lobe fissures
Authors: Rivas Luis R. , Seiler Gabriela S. , Robertson Ian D. , Ryu Hongyu , Mathews Kyle G.
Published: August 2019

Objective

To determine the efficacy of contrast peritoneography in delineating liver lobe fissures by using computed tomography (CT).

Study design

Prospective cross‐sectional study.

Animals

Canine cadavers (n = 10).

Methods

An abdominal CT image of each cadaver was obtained under three conditions: without peritoneal contrast (precontrast), after insufflation of the peritoneal cavity with CO2 (negative contrast), and after intraperitoneal administration of iohexol (positive contrast). Images were reconstructed in three planes. Three reviewers independently scored each plane/contrast combination. Observers measured the length of each fissure in each plane. The measurable length of fissures was compared between techniques but was not compared with the actual length on cadavers.

Results

When assessment of all fissures was combined, measurements were obtained in 96 to 108 of 120 (80%‐90%) positive contrast studies, 56 to 96 of 120 (47%‐80%) negative contrast studies, and 12 to 32 of 120 (10%‐27%) precontrast CT images. All observers measured fissures in all planes that were approximately two times longer on positive compared with negative contrast studies and two times longer on negative contrast studies compared with CT images without contrast. Measurable fissure lengths were greater on positive contrast CT images (P < .0001) than on other CT images.

Conclusion

Positive contrast CT peritoneography improved the delineation of hepatic interlobar fissures in normal canine cadavers.

Clinical significance

These results justify further studies to determine the ability to locate large hepatic masses in dogs with positive CT. Positive contrast CT peritoneography may assist treatment planning in dogs with large hepatic tumors.
Gaze coordination with strides during walking in the cat
Authors: Zubair Humza N. , Chu Kevin M. I. , Johnson Justin L. , Rivers Trevor J. , Beloozerova Irina N.
Published: August 2019

Key points

Vision plays a crucial role in guiding locomotion in complex environments, but the coordination between gaze and stride is not well understood.

The coordination of gaze shifts, fixations, constant gaze and slow gaze with strides in cats walking on different surfaces were examined.

It was found that gaze behaviours are coordinated with strides even when walking on a flat surface in the complete darkness, occurring in a sequential order during different phases of the stride.

During walking on complex surfaces, gaze behaviours are typically more tightly coordinated with strides, particularly at faster speeds, only slightly shifting in phase.

These findings indicate that the coordination of gaze behaviours with strides is not vision‐driven, but is a part of the whole body locomotion synergy; the visual environment and locomotor task modulate it. The results may be relevant to developing diagnostic tools and rehabilitation approaches for patients with locomotor deficits.

Vision plays a crucial role in guiding locomotion in complex environments. However, the coordination between the gaze and stride is not well understood. We investigated this coordination in cats walking on a flat surface in darkness or light, along a horizontal ladder and on a pathway with small stones. We recorded vertical and horizontal eye movements and 3‐D head movement, and calculated where gaze intersected the walkway. The coordination of gaze shifts away from the animal, gaze shifts toward, fixations, constant gaze, and slow gaze with strides was investigated. We found that even during walking on the flat surface in the darkness, all gaze behaviours were coordinated with strides. Gaze shifts and slow gaze toward started in the beginning of each forelimb's swing and ended in its second half. Fixations peaked throughout the beginning and middle of swing. Gaze shifts away began throughout the second half of swing of each forelimb and ended when both forelimbs were in stance. Constant gaze and slow gaze away occurred in the beginning of stance. However, not every behaviour occurred during every stride. Light had a small effect. The ladder and stones typically increased the coordination and caused gaze behaviours to occur 3% earlier in the cycle. At faster speeds, the coordination was often tighter and some gaze behaviours occurred 2–16% later in the cycle. The findings indicate that the coordination of gaze with strides is not vision‐driven, but is a part of the whole body locomotion synergy; the visual environment and locomotor task modulate it.
Reframing the carbon cycle of the subpolar Southern Ocean
Authors: MacGilchrist Graeme A. , Naveira Garabato Alberto C. , Brown Peter J. , Jullion Loïc , Bacon Sheldon , Bakker Dorothee C. E. , Hoppema Mario , Meredith Michael P. , Torres-Valdés Sinhué
Published: August 2019

Open-ocean biology and the horizontal circulation set the rate of carbon uptake in the subpolar Southern Ocean.
Inhibition of mitochondrial permeability transition by deletion of the ANT family and CypD
Authors: Karch Jason , Bround Michael J. , Khalil Hadi , Sargent Michelle A. , Latchman Nadina , Terada Naohiro , Peixoto Pablo M. , Molkentin Jeffery D.
Published: August 2019

Genetic deletion of
Ant1/2/4
and
Ppif
in mice inhibits the mitochondrial permeability transition pore.
Cushing’s syndrome driver mutation disrupts protein kinase A allosteric network, altering both regulation and substrate specificity
Authors: Walker Caitlin , Wang Yingjie , Olivieri Cristina , Karamafrooz Adak , Casby Jordan , Bathon Kerstin , Calebiro Davide , Gao Jiali , Bernlohr David A. , Taylor Susan S. , Veglia Gianluigi
Published: August 2019

A single mutation in protein kinase A remodels the intramolecular allostery, changing substrate specificity and regulation.
Multifunctional metallic backbones for origami robotics with strain sensing and wireless communication capabilities
Authors: Yang Haitao , Yeow Bok Seng , Li Zhipeng , Li Kerui , Chang Ting-Hsiang , Jing Lin , Li Yang , Ho John S. , Ren Hongliang , Chen Po-Yen
Published: August 2019

Metallic backbones for origami robots allow built-in strain sensing and wireless communication without external electronics.
Whole-Genome Sequencing of Six Strains of Salmonella enterica Isolated from Imported Meat in Algeria
Authors: Deriet A. , Berrazeg M. , De Keersmaecker S. C. J. , Botteldoorn N. , Vanneste K. , Verhaegen B. , Roosens N. H. C. , Mouffok F. , Drali R.
Published: August 2019

Nontyphoidal
Salmonella
(NTS) is one of the main causes of foodborne disease worldwide. In this report, we announce the first whole-genome sequencing of six strains of
Salmonella enterica
isolated from imported meat in Algeria. The genome sizes ranged from 4,601,209 to 4,958,962 bp. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes, plasmids, and virulence factors were detected.
Mitochondrial Genome Sequences of
Diorhabda carinata
and
Diorhabda carinulata
, Two Beetle Species Introduced to North America for Biological Control
Authors: Stahlke A. R. , Ozsoy A. Z. , Bean D. W. , Hohenlohe P. A.
Published: August 2019

We announce the complete circularized mitochondrial genome assemblies of
Diorhabda carinata
and
Diorhabda carinulata
, beetle species introduced to North America for the biological control of invasive shrubs of the genus
Tamarix
L. (Tamaricaceae). The assemblies (16,232 and 16,298 bp, respectively) each comprise 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNAs, two rRNAs, and a noncoding region.
Draft Genome Sequence of a Chryseobacterium indologenes Strain Isolated from a Blood Culture of a Hospitalized Child in Antananarivo, Madagascar
Authors: Rabenandrasana Mamitina Alain Noah , Rafetrarivony Lala Fanomezantsoa , Rivoarilala Lalainasoa Odile , Enouf Vincent , Robinson Annick Lalaina , Rakotozanany Ando , Vanhomwegen Jessica , Caro Valérie , Von Platen Cassandre , Manuguerra Jean-Claude , Collard Jean-Marc
Published: August 2019

We report here the draft genome sequence of a
Chryseobacterium indologenes
strain, isolated from a blood culture of a 2.2-year-old child admitted to the hospital for vomiting and coughing. The genome was composed of 5,063,674 bp and had 37.04% GC content. We detected 4,796 genes with predicted protein-coding functions, including those associated with antibiotic resistance.
First Report of Near-Complete Genome Sequences of Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus Serotype O Strains from Kenya
Authors: Palinski Rachel M. , Sangula Abraham , Gakuya Francis , Bertram Miranda R. , Pauszek Steven J. , Hartwig Ethan J. , Smoliga George R. , Vierra David , Fish Ian , Obanda Vincent , Omondi George , VanderWaal Kimberly , Arzt Jonathan
Published: August 2019

This is the first report of two near-complete genome sequences of foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) serotype O from Kenya. The viruses were isolated from bovine epithelium collected in 2014 and 2016 from local FMD outbreaks. These full-genome sequences are critical for improving the understanding of regional FMDV molecular epidemiology.
Draft Genome Sequence of Nitrosococcus oceani Strain NS58, a Marine Ammonia-Oxidizing Gammaproteobacterium Isolated from Tokyo Bay Sediment
Authors: Dohra Hideo , Arai Kentaro , Urakawa Hidetoshi , Fujiwara Taketomo
Published: August 2019

We report a draft genome sequence of
Nitrosococcus oceani
strain NS58, isolated from Tokyo Bay sediment. The genome sequence of strain NS58 was nearly identical (>99.99%) to those of other strains of
N. oceani
isolated from different ocean regions. Only nine single-nucleotide polymorphisms were identified between
N. oceani
ATCC 19707
T
and NS58.
Herpes zoster related healthcare burden and costs in immunocompromised (IC) and IC-free populations in England: an observational retrospective database analysis
Authors: Curran Desmond , Hunjan Manjit , El Ghachi Amale , El-Hahi Yassine , Bianco Veronique , Ferreira Germano
Published: August 2019

Objective

Individuals with immunocompromised (IC) conditions are at a higher risk of developing herpes zoster (HZ) than IC-free individuals. This study assessed the healthcare resource utilisation (HCRU) burden and costs, of HZ in IC and IC-free individuals ≥18 years of age (YOA).

Methods

We conducted an observational retrospective study in a cohort of IC (n=621 588) and IC-free (n=621 588) individuals, matched by age, gender and General Practitioner practice region, contributing to the Clinical Practice Research Datalink database from 2000 to 2012 and linked to the Hospital Episode Statistics inpatient data. HCRU (ie, primary and secondary care consultations, hospital inpatient stays and treatment prescriptions) was analysed from 7 days before to: (1) 30, (2) 365 days after the HZ diagnosis date for individuals with (1) HZ only (no postherpetic neuralgia (PHN)) and (2) individuals with HZ and PHN only. Healthcare costs were computed by multiplying the number of units of resources used by the unit costs, summed across all HCRU categories to obtain a total cost per subject. Values were expressed in 2014 UK pound sterling (£) and presented for HZ cases overall, stratified by age (ie, 18–49, 50–59, 60–69, 70–79 and ≥80 YOA) and IC status.

Results

The percentage of HZ cases requiring hospitalisation was higher in IC individuals (2.7% vs 0.4% in IC and IC-free individuals aged 18–49 YOA, respectively and 9.5% vs 7.5% in IC and IC-free individuals aged ≥80 YOA, respectively). Similarly, HZ-related mean treatment costs per subject were higher in IC individuals (£189 vs £104 in IC and IC-free individuals aged 18–49 YOA, respectively and £557 vs £401 in IC and IC-free individuals aged ≥80 YOA, respectively). Costs varied considerably by IC condition.

Conclusions

Individuals with IC conditions, have a high burden of HZ, associated with an increased risk of HZ and high HZ-related healthcare costs.
Multicentre prospective cohort study of nonoperative versus operative treatment for flail chest and multiple rib fractures after blunt thoracic trauma: study protocol
Authors: Beks Reinier B , de Jong Mirjam B , Sweet Arthur , Peek Jesse , van Wageningen Bas , Tromp Tjarda , IJpma Frank , Wouters Roderick , Lansink Koen , Bemelman Mike , van Baal Mark , Hoogendoorn Jochem , Saltzherr Teun , Groenwold Rolf , Leenen Luke , Houwert Roderick Marijn
Published: August 2019

Introduction

A trend has evolved towards rib fixation for flail chest although evidence is limited. Little is known about rib fixation for multiple rib fractures without flail chest. The aim of this study is to compare rib fixation with nonoperative treatment for both patients with flail chest and patients with multiple rib fractures.

Methods and analysis

In this study protocol for a multicentre prospective cohort study, all patients with three or more rib fractures admitted to one of the five participating centres will be included. In two centres, rib fixation is performed and in three centres nonoperative treatment is the standard-of-care for flail chest or multiple rib fractures. The primary outcome measures are intensive care unit length of stay and hospital length of stay for patients with a flail chest and patients with multiple rib fractures, respectively. Propensity score matching will be used to control for potential confounding of the relation between treatment modality and length of stay. All analyses will be performed separately for patients with flail chest and patients with multiple rib fractures without flail chest.

Ethics and dissemination

The regional Medical Research Ethics Committee UMC Utrecht approved a waiver of consent (reference number WAG/mb/17/024787 and METC protocol number 17–544/C). Patients will be fully informed of the purpose and procedures of the study, and signed informed consent will be obtained in agreement with the General Data Protection Regulation. Study results will be submitted for peer review publication.

Trial registration number

NTR6833
Structural and functional support among US older adults with asthma: cross-Sectional associations with medication adherence
Authors: O'Conor Rachel , Hebert-Beirne Jeni , Kwasny Mary , Eldeirawi Kamal , Hasnain-Wynia Romana , Wisnivesky Juan , Wolf Michael , Federman Alex
Published: August 2019

Objectives

Disadvantaged older adults may benefit from social support in adhering to their medications, but the multidimensional nature of social relationships makes it difficult to identify the most relevant domain. We examined associations of structural and functional support with medication adherence among a cohort of older adults with asthma.

Design

Cross-sectional analysis of the Asthma Beliefs and Literacy in the Elderly cohort study.

Setting

Outpatient clinics in New York, New York, and Chicago, Illinois, USA.

Participants

English-speaking and Spanish-speaking older adults (≥60 years) with asthma.

Outcome measures

Medication adherence was measured using dose counts from inhaler and self-report.

Results

Among 383 participants, the mean age was 67 years, 38% identified as Hispanic, 33% identified as black, 52% reported monthly incomes ≤US$1350 and 64% demonstrated poor adherence to their asthma controller medication. Structural and functional support were weakly correlated (r=−0.15, p=0.005). In adjusted analyses, structural support was not associated with medication adherence. Participants who received infrequent functional support in managing their medications had lower odds of poor adherence according to dose counts (OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.26 to 0.98), but not when assessed via self-report (OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.44 to 1.48).

Conclusion

The receipt of frequent functional support in managing medications was associated with poor adherence to asthma controller medications. Further research is needed to better understand the manner and context which functional support operates in relation to medication adherence among older adults.
Statistical projection methods for lung cancer incidence and mortality: a systematic review
Authors: Yu Xue Qin , Luo Qingwei , Hughes Suzanne , Wade Stephen , Caruana Michael , Canfell Karen , O'Connell Dianne L
Published: August 2019

Objectives

To identify and summarise all studies using statistical methods to project lung cancer incidence or mortality rates more than 5 years into the future.

Study type

Systematic review.

Methods

We performed a systematic literature search in multiple electronic databases to identify studies published from 1 January 1988 to 14 August 2018, which used statistical methods to project lung cancer incidence and/or mortality rates. Reference lists of relevant articles were checked for additional potentially relevant articles. We developed an organisational framework to classify methods into groups according to the type of data and the statistical models used. Included studies were critically appraised using prespecified criteria.

Results

One hundred and one studies met the inclusion criteria; six studies used more than one statistical method. The number of studies reporting statistical projections for lung cancer increased substantially over time. Eighty-eight studies used projection methods, which did not incorporate data on smoking in the population, and 16 studies used a method which did incorporate data on smoking. Age–period–cohort models (44 studies) were the most commonly used methods, followed by other generalised linear models (35 studies). The majority of models were developed using observed rates for more than 10 years and used data that were considered to be good quality. A quarter of studies provided comparisons of fitted and observed rates. While validation by withholding the most recent observed data from the model and then comparing the projected and observed rates for the most recent period provides important information on the model’s performance, only 12 studies reported doing this.

Conclusion

This systematic review provides an up-to-date summary of the statistical methods used in published lung cancer incidence or mortality projections. The assessment of the strengths of existing methods will help researchers to better apply and develop statistical methods for projecting lung cancer rates. Some of the common methods described in this review can be applied to the projection of rates for other cancer types or other non-infectious diseases.
The factors influencing the effective early career and rapid transition to a nursing specialty in differing contexts of practice: a modified Delphi consensus study
Authors: Chamberlain Diane , Hegney Desley , Harvey Clare , Knight Bruce , Garrahy Anne , Tsai Lily Pei-San
Published: August 2019

Objectives

This study aimed to test and further develop the ‘Early Career and Rapid Transition to a Nursing Specialty’ (TRANSPEC) model to a nursing specialty developed from a systematic review. Semi-structured interviews of specialist clinically based nurses and a consensus Delphi study with an expert panel were used to expand and achieve consensus, agreement, reliability and stability of the model.

Design

A modified Delphi, two rounds (64 and 52 Likert items) of reiterative online questionnaires and one round as a nominal group technique, was informed by qualitative thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews.

Setting and participants

Interviews with 14 specialists clinical practicing registered nurses and a panel of 25 national experts participated in the Delphi study.

Results

The interview participants experienced 14 rapid transitions and three were early career transition. The overarching themes from the preliminary model were confirmed and further expanded. These were the self (personal and professional); the transition processes (final and informal); a sense of belonging; and the overarching context of practice over a time continuum. In the Delphi, the highest rating item was ‘Specialty work colleagues respect, include, support, and accept specialist nurse on completion of transition processes’. Pre-entry was highlighted as an important time point prior to transition. All items reaching consensus were included in the final model. Cronbach α increased from 0.725 to 0.875 for the final model.

Conclusions

The TRANSPEC model is a valid and reliable evidence-based tool for use in the career pathway and development of nursing specialists. Using the Benner model ‘Novice to Expert’ after the novice incomer phase is achieved, further lifelong learning development will transform the novice specialist over time continuum.
Ethnographic study using Normalization Process Theory to understand the implementation process of infection prevention and control guidelines in Ireland
Authors: Agreli Heloise , Barry Fiona , Burton Aileen , Creedon Sile , Drennan Jonathan , Gould Dinah , May Carl R , Smiddy MP , Murphy Michael , Murphy Siobhan , Savage Eileen , Wills Teresa , Hegarty Josephine
Published: August 2019

Objective

The aim of this study was to explore how infection prevention and control (IPC) guidelines are used and understood by healthcare professionals, patients and families.

Design

Ethnographic study with 59 hours of non-participant observation and 57 conversational interviews. Data analysis was underpinned by the Normalization Process Theory (NPT) as a theoretical framework.

Setting

Four hospitals in Ireland.

Participants

Healthcare professionals, patient and families.

Results

Five themes emerged through the analysis. Four themes provided evidence of the NPT elements (coherence, cognitive participation, collective action and reflexive monitoring). Our findings revealed the existence of a ‘dissonance between IPC guidelines and the reality of clinical practice’ (theme 1) and ‘Challenges to legitimatize guidelines’ recommendations in practice’ (theme 3). These elements contributed to ‘Symbolic implementation of IPC guidelines’ (theme 2), which was also determined by a ‘Lack of shared reflection upon IPC practices’ (theme 4) and a clinical context of ‘Workforce fragmentation, time pressure and lack of prioritization of IPC’ (theme 5).

Conclusions

Our analysis identified themes that provide a comprehensive understanding of elements needed for the successful or unsuccessful implementation of IPC guidelines. Our findings suggest that implementation of IPC guidelines is regularly operationalised through the reproduction of IPC symbols, rather than through adherence to performance of the evidence-based recommendations. Our findings also provide insights into changes to make IPC guidelines that align with clinical work.
Beyond exploratory: a tailored framework for designing and assessing qualitative health research
Authors: Rendle Katharine A , Abramson Corey M , Garrett Sarah B , Halley Meghan C , Dohan Daniel
Published: August 2019

The objective of this commentary is to develop a framework for assessing the rigour of qualitative approaches that identifies and distinguishes between the diverse objectives of qualitative health research, guided by a narrative review of the published literature on qualitative guidelines and standards from peer-reviewed journals and national funding organisations that support health services research, patient-centered outcomes research and other applied health research fields. In this framework, we identify and distinguish three objectives of qualitative studies in applied health research: exploratory, descriptive and comparative. For each objective, we propose methodological standards that may be used to assess and improve rigour across all study phases—from design to reporting. Similar to hierarchies of quality of evidence within quantitative studies, we argue that standards for qualitative rigour differ, appropriately, for studies with different objectives and should be evaluated as such. Distinguishing between different objectives of qualitative health research improves the ability to appreciate variation in qualitative studies and to develop appropriate evaluations of the rigour and success of qualitative studies in meeting their stated objectives. Researchers, funders and journal editors should consider how further developing and adopting the framework for assessing qualitative rigour outlined here may advance the rigour and potential impact of this important mode of inquiry.
Gout and the risk of advanced chronic kidney disease in the UK health system: a national cohort study
Authors: Stack Austin G , Johnson Michelle Elizabeth , Blak Betina , Klein Alyssa , Carpenter Lewis , Morlock Robert , Maguire Andrew R , Parsons Victoria L
Published: August 2019

Objective

Evaluate the association between gout and risk of advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Design

Retrospective matched cohort study.

Setting

UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink.

Participants

The analysis included data for 68 897 patients with gout and 554 964 matched patients without gout. Patients were aged ≥18 years, registered at UK practices, had ≥12 months of clinical data and had data linked with Hospital Episode Statistics. Patients were excluded for history of advanced CKD, juvenile gout, cancer, HIV, tumour lysis syndrome, Lesch-Nyhan syndrome or familial Mediterranean fever.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Advanced CKD was defined as first occurrence of: (1) dialysis, kidney transplant, diagnosis of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) or stage 5 CKD (diagnostic codes in Read system or International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision); (2) estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <10 mL/min/1.73 m²; (3) doubling of serum creatinine from baseline and (4) death associated with CKD.

Results

Advanced CKD incidence was higher for patients with gout (8.54 per 1000 patient-years; 95% CI 8.26 to 8.83) versus without gout (4.08; 95% CI 4.00 to 4.16). Gout was associated with higher advanced CKD risk in both unadjusted analysis (HR, 2.00; 95% CI 1.92 to 2.07) and after adjustment (HR, 1.29; 95% CI 1.23 to 1.35). Association was strongest for ESKD (HR, 2.13; 95% CI 1.73 to 2.61) and was present for eGFR <10 mL/min/1.73 m² (HR, 1.45; 95% CI 1.30 to 1.61) and serum creatinine doubling (HR, 1.13; 95% CI 1.08 to 1.19) but not CKD-associated death (HR, 1.14; 95% CI 0.99 to 1.31). Association of gout with advanced CKD was replicated in propensity-score matched analysis (HR, 1.23; 95% CI 1.17 to 1.29) and analysis limited to patients with incident gout (HR, 1.28; 95% CI 1.22 to 1.35).

Conclusions

Gout is associated with elevated risk of CKD progression. Future studies should investigate whether controlling gout is protective and reduces CKD risk.
Effect of ball position on the risk of injury to the lower limb joints during the hockey sweep pass in women
Authors: Aikman Jasmine N , Arnold Graham P , Nasir Sadiq , Wang Weijie W , Abboud Rami
Published: August 2019

Objectives

This study aimed to determine if ball position influences the risk of lower limb non-contact injury in hockey sweep pass. It also aimed to determine a ball position that minimises excessive strain placed on the lower limb joints of the lead leg during the sweep pass.

Methods

A cohort of 18 female hockey-playing volunteers (age: 19.7±1.5 years; height: 165.5±5.4 cm; body mass: 66.4±7.0 kg) were recruited. Participants performed the sweep pass using three different ball positions: in front, in line with, and behind the heel of the lead (left) foot.

Motion analysis and force plate data were collected. Moments and angles in all three planes of motion for the three main lower limb joints were then calculated using Vicon software. Results were statistically analysed using SPSS software.

Results

Significant differences (p<0.05) were found between the three tested ball positions for the mean maximum angles and moments, and mean ranges of motion produced at the lead three main lower limb joints. Positioning the ball in line with the heel of the lead foot resulted in the lowest moments and angles when compared with the other two ball positions.

Conclusions

The results indicate that positioning the ball in line with the heel of the lead foot is recommended to minimise the risk of injury to the lower limb joints during the hockey sweep pass. It is hoped that these findings will result in this position being implemented by players new to hockey or those returning to the sport following injury.
Managing risks to Canada’s boreal zone: transdisciplinary thinking in pursuit of sustainability1
Authors: Creed Irena F. , Duinker Peter N. , Serran Jacqueline N. , Steenberg James W.N.
Published: August 2019

The policy landscape is changing as Canada considers its energy future. The Canadian boreal zone has a large amount of natural resources, giving Canada options in terms of its energy future. However, the sustainability of the boreal zone has been deemed at risk because of the cumulative effects of intensifying natural resource activities (forestry, mining, oil and gas, and renewable energy) on ecosystems in the face of the uncertainty associated with climate change. As Canada considers the future of the boreal zone, there will be additional challenges to ensure that we do not further disadvantage marginalized human populations living in the boreal zone who are at high risk of the consequences of climate change. In response to these challenges, the Boreal 2050 project was initiated to understand the risk of failing to achieve the future sustainability of the boreal zone using the ISO 31000 risk management framework. First, we identified the major drivers of the risks to the sustainability of the boreal zone, which include atmospheric change, the demand for provisioning and nonprovisioning ecosystem services, demographics and societal values, industrial innovation and infrastructure, and governance. Second, we analyzed the risk of failing to achieve a sustainable boreal zone using scenario analysis, where we framed four plausible future scenarios around two axes of change: the global economy’s energy and society’s capacity to adapt. Third, we evaluated the risk and determined that present governance systems are driving Canada towards failing to achieve a sustainable boreal zone. To ensure the future sustainability of the boreal, we need to shift from an oil/gas/coal-producing country to a renewable energy leader and shift from using a top-down strategy where Canadians have a low capacity to adapt towards a mixture of top-down and bottom-up participatory strategies where Canadians—particularly Indigenous peoples living in the boreal zone—have a higher capacity to adapt. To facilitate this shift in governance, substantive changes will be required in institutional arrangements designed to protect boreal ecosystems.
Continuous limits of linear and nonlinear quantum walks
Authors: Maeda Masaya , Suzuki Akito
Published: August 2019

In this paper, we consider the continuous limit of a nonlinear quantum walk (NLQW) that incorporates a linear quantum walk as a special case. In particular, we rigorously prove that the walker (solution) of the NLQW on a lattice [Formula: see text] uniformly converges (in Sobolev space [Formula: see text]) to the solution to a nonlinear Dirac equation (NLD) on a fixed time interval as [Formula: see text]. Here, to compare the walker defined on [Formula: see text] and the solution to the NLD defined on [Formula: see text], we use Shannon interpolation.
Exact Dynamic Analysis of Shallow Sagged Cable System — Theory and Experimental Verification
Authors: Han Fei , Zhang Yingluo , Zang Jubao , Zhen Ning
Published: August 2019

With the increase of the span and height of modern engineering structures, the design length of engineering cables is increasing while the structural form is becoming more complicated, whose dynamic problem has become the key to structural design, performance monitoring and maintenance and vibration control. Therefore, it is necessary to study and develop a unified dynamic analysis theory for complex cable system with high calculation accuracy and efficiency to meet the requirements of exact analysis of engineering structures. In view of this, a unified dynamic analysis method for shallow sagged cable system is proposed in this paper based on the dynamic stiffness method. Since the derivation process is given in analytical form, the calculation accuracy and efficiency are promoted greatly. Full-scale cable test and numerical cases are used to verify the accuracy of the proposed method. Results show that the proposed method is in good agreement with the measured results and can effectively overcome the “root-missing” phenomenon existing in conventional iteration methods when solving the transcendental frequency equation.
Crowd Abnormal Event Detection Based on Sparse Coding
Authors: Guo Chunsheng , Lin Hanwen , He Zhen , Shu Xiaohu , Zhang Xuguang
Published: August 2019

Crowd feature perception is an essential step for us to understand the crowd behavior. However, as the individuals present not only the sociality but also the randomness, there remain great challenges to extract the sociality of the individual directly. In this paper, we propose a crowd feature perception algorithm based on a sparse linear model (SLM). It builds the statistical characterization of the sociality by assuming a priori distribution of the SLM. First, we calculate the optical flow to extract the motion information of the crowd. Second, we input the video motion features to the sparse coding and generate the SLM. The super-Gaussian prior distributions in SLMs build the statistical characterization of the sociality. In addition, we combine the infinite Hidden Markov Model (iHMM) statistic model to determine whether the detected event is an abnormal event. We validate our method on UMN dataset and simulate dataset for abnormal detection, and the experiments show that this algorithm generates promising result compared with other state-of-art methods.
Analysis of the interaction of an electron with radial electric fields in the presence of a disclination
Authors: Bakke Knut , Furtado Claudio
Published: August 2019

We consider an elastic medium with a disclination and investigate the topological effects on the interaction of a spinless electron with radial electric fields through the WKB (Wentzel, Kramers, Brillouin) approximation. We show how the centrifugal term of the radial equation must be modified due to the influence of the topological defect in order that the WKB approximation can be valid. Then, we search for bound states solutions from the interaction of a spinless electron with the electric field produced by this linear distribution of electric charges. In addition, we search for bound states solutions from the interaction of a spinless electron with radial electric field produced by uniform electric charge distribution inside a long non-conductor cylinder.
Bipolar fuzzy soft mappings with application to bipolar disorders
Authors: Riaz Muhammad , Tehrim Syeda Tayyba
Published: August 2019

Bipolar disorder is a neurological disorder that consists of two main factors, i.e. mania and depression. There are two main drawbacks in clinical diagnosis of the bipolar disorder. First, bipolar disorder is mostly wrongly diagnosed as unipolar depression in clinical diagnosis. This is, because in clinical diagnosis, the first factor is often neglected due to its approach toward positivity. Consequently, the element of bipolarity vanishes and the disease becomes worse. Second, the types of bipolar disorder are mostly misdiagnosed due to similar symptoms. To overcome these problems, the bipolar fuzzy soft set (BFS-set) and bipolar fuzzy soft mappings (BFS-mappings) are useful to tackle bipolarity and to construct a strong mathematical modeling process to diagnose this disease correctly. This technique is extensive but simple as compared to existing medical diagnosis methods. A chart (relation between different types and symptoms of bipolar disorder) is provided which contains different ranges over the interval [Formula: see text]. A process of BFS-mappings is also provided to obtain correct diagnosis and to suggest the best treatment. Lastly, a generalized BFS-mapping is introduced which is helpful to keep patient’s improvement record. The case study indicates the reliability, efficiency and capability of the achieved theoretical results. Further, it reveals that the connection of soft set with bipolar fuzzy set is fruitful to construct a connection between symptoms which minimize the complexity of the case study.
Minimal wave speed of a diffusive SIR epidemic model with nonlocal delay
Authors: Wu Fuzhen , Li Dongfeng
Published: August 2019

This paper is concerned with the minimal wave speed in a diffusive epidemic model with nonlocal delays. We define a threshold. By presenting the existence and the nonexistence of traveling wave solutions for all positive wave speed, we confirm that the threshold is the minimal wave speed of traveling wave solutions, which models that the infective invades the habitat of the susceptible. For some cases, it is proven that spatial nonlocality may increase the propagation threshold while time delay decreases the threshold.
Numerical Investigation of the Effects of Primary Nozzle Diverging Portion on Performance of the Supersonic Ejector of an Ejector Refrigeration Cycle
Authors: Shourehdeli Shaban Alyari , Mobini Kamran , Asakereh Ali
Published: August 2019

A supersonic ejector with desirable performance characteristics reduces the energy consumption rate of an ejector refrigeration system and increases its coefficient of performance (COP). In this paper, the effects of using different primary nozzles on the performance of a supersonic ejector of an ejector refrigeration system have been numerically studied, while the working fluid is steam. To this end, conical, Rao and parallel-flow primary nozzles with identical converging portions and equal exit area to throat area ratios have been tested. The diverging portion curves for the parallel-flow and Rao nozzles were derived using the method of characteristics. Using the Rao nozzle, the critical entrainment ratio and the critical back pressure were increased compared to the conical nozzle by 6.3% and 2.08%, respectively. It was also found that the physics of the internal flow of the ejector was changed by changing the diverging curve of the primary nozzle.
Source-Aware Crisis-Relevant Tweet Identification and Key Information Summarization
Authors: Ning Xiaodong , Yao Lina , Benatallah Boualem , Zhang Yihong , Sheng Quan Z. , Kanhere Salil S.
Published: August 2019

Twitter is an important source of information that people frequently contribute to and rely on for emerging topics, public opinions, and event awareness. Crisis-relevant tweets can potentially avail a magnitude of applications such as helping authorities and governments become aware of situations and thus offer better responses. One major challenge toward crisis-awareness in Twitter is to identify those tweets that are relevant to unseen crises. In this article, we propose an automatic labeling approach to distinguishing crisis-relevant tweets while differentiating source types (e.g., government or personal accounts) simultaneously. We first analyze and identify tweet-specific linguistic, sentimental, and emotional features based on statistical topic modeling. Then, we design a novel correlative convolutional neural network which uses a shared hidden layer to learn effective representations of the multi-faceted features. The model can discover salient information while being robust to the variations and noises in tweets and sources. To obtain a bird’s-eye view of a crisis event, we further develop an approach to automatically summarize key information of identified tweets. Empirical evaluation on a real Twitter dataset demonstrates the feasibility of discerning relevant tweets for an unseen crisis. The applicability of our proposed approach is further demonstrated with a crisis aider system.
DJs, playlists, and community
Authors: Hierro Victor Del
Published: August 2019

This article argues for the inclusion of Hip Hop communities in technical communication research. Through Hip Hop, technical communicators can address the recent call for TPC work to expand the field through culturally sensitive and diverse studies that honor communities and their practices. Using a Hip Hop community in Houston as a case study, this article discusses the way DJs operate as technical communicators within their communities. Furthermore, Hip Hop DJs build complex relationships with communities to create localized and accessible content. As technical communicators, Hip Hop practitioners can teach us to create community-based communication design for more diverse contexts.
Review of "
Rhetoric and experience architecture,
by Liza Potts and Michael Salvo," Parlor Press
Authors: Potts L. , Salvo M. J. , Hankey Leslie
Published: August 2019

From the perspective of an instructor who teaches "Productivity and Tools" in a Technical Communication program, many concepts from the essays in
Rhetoric and Experience Architecture
ring true, such as when the writers say we need to focus on human experiences that are augmented by technology. Students enter my classes, and often the technologies they seek to use are their masters. My wish is that they learn to make those technologies serve them as they go forward to design human interactions with complex systems, and that they become sensitive to multi-faceted scenes of rhetorical relations in user experience (UX). In
Rhetoric and Experience Architecture
, Potts and Salvo successfully foreground the rhetorical dimensions of user experience.