bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contrast-Enhanced Computed Tomography Evaluation of Hepatic Metastases in Breast Cancer Patients before and after Cytotoxic Chemotherapy or Targeted Therapy
Authors: He Hongying , Cai Chunyan , Charnsangavej Chusilp , Theriault Richard L. , Green Marjorie , Quraishi Mohammad A. , Yang Wei T.
Published: July 2015

Purpose

To evaluate change in size vs computed tomography (CT) density of hepatic metastases in breast cancer patients before and after cytotoxic chemotherapy or targeted therapy.

Methods

A database search in a single institution identified 48 breast cancer patients who had hepatic metastases treated with either cytotoxic chemotherapy alone or targeted therapy alone, and who had contrast-enhanced CT (CECT) scans of the abdomen at baseline and within 4 months of initiation of therapy in the past 10 years. Two radiologists retrospectively evaluated CT scans and identified up to 2 index lesions in each patient. The size (centimeters) of each lesion was measured according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) criteria, and CT density (Hounsfield units) was measured by drawing a region of interest around the margin of the entire lesion. The percent change in sum of lesion size and mean CT density on pre- and post-treatment scans was computed for each patient; results were compared within each treatment group.

Results

Thirty-nine patients with 68 lesions received cytotoxic chemotherapy only; 9 patients with 15 lesions received targeted therapy only. The mean percent changes in sum of lesion size and mean CT density were statistically significant within the cytotoxic chemotherapy group before and after treatment, but not significant in the targeted therapy group. The patients in the targeted therapy group tend to have better 2-year survival. The patients who survived at 2 years tend to have more decrease in tumour size in the cytotoxic chemotherapy group.

Conclusion

Cytotoxic chemotherapy produced significant mean percent decrease in tumour size and mean CT density of hepatic metastases from breast cancer before and after treatment, whereas targeted therapy did not. Nonetheless, there is a trend that the patients in the targeted therapy group had better 2-year survival rate. This suggests that RECIST is potentially inadequate in evaluating tumour response in breast cancer liver metastases treated with targeted therapy alone, calling for an alternative marker for response evaluation in this subset of patients.
Teachers’ Thoughts on Integrating Stem into Social Studies Instruction: Beliefs, Attitudes, and Behavioral Decisions
Authors: Pryor Brandt W. , Pryor Caroline R , Kang Rui
Published: July 2015

This study investigated the beliefs that formed teachers’ intentions to integrate STEM content into their social studies instruction. Participants were 60 elementary, middle, and high school in-service teachers who attended a summer history workshop on Abraham Lincoln. Data were collected by qualitative and quantitative instruments. Beliefs about likely outcomes of integrating STEM, and beliefs about persons who would approve, or disapprove, of STEM integration were elicited from teachers, and content analyzed. The resulting outcome and normative beliefs were used as stems for items in the quantitative instrument. Quantitative data were analyzed primarily by correlation and multiple regression. This study found that attitude toward the behavior, integrating STEM, was formed by 15 outcome beliefs, subjective norm was formed by five normative beliefs, and that attitude and norm predicted behavioral intention. The theory we used enabled us to calculate the numerical contribution of each of the beliefs that were important in forming teachers’ intentions. The results have implications for theory, research, and practice in social studies education. In the realm of practice, these implications are for the initial preparation of, and the subsequent professional development of social studies teachers, both at the elementary and secondary levels.
Elementary Preservice Teachers' Navigation of Racism and Whiteness through Inquiry with Historical Documentary Film
Authors: Buchanan Lisa Brown
Published: July 2015

This descriptive case study explores how on cohort of 17 White elementary preservice teachers examined counter-narratives of racism and Whiteness in selected documentary films using a historical inquiry approach. Findings indicate that by joining documentary film and historical inquiry in elementary social studies education, teacher educators can foster preservice teachers' engagement with perspective recognition while developing historical content knowledge. This study also documents White preservice teachers' acceptance of racism and resistance towards unpacking their White privilege and racism as status quo. Implications for using this approach with preservice teachers and the dilemma of White avoidance in social studies education are discussed.
A Novel Method to Decontaminate Surgical Instruments for Operational and Austere Environments
Authors: Knox Randy W. , Demons Samandra T. , Cunningham Cord W.
Published: July 2015

Objective

The purpose of this investigation was to test a field-expedient, cost-effective method to decontaminate, sterilize, and package surgical instruments in an operational (combat) or austere environment using chlorhexidine sponges, ultraviolet C (UVC) light, and commercially available vacuum sealing.

Methods

This was a bench study of 4 experimental groups and 1 control group of 120 surgical instruments. Experimental groups were inoculated with a 106 concentration of common wound bacteria. The control group was vacuum sealed without inoculum. Groups 1, 2, and 3 were first scrubbed with a chlorhexidine sponge, rinsed, and dried. Group 1 was then packaged; group 2 was irradiated with UVC light, then packaged; group 3 was packaged, then irradiated with UVC light through the bag; and group 4 was packaged without chlorhexidine scrubbing or UVC irradiation. The UVC was not tested by itself, as it does not grossly clean. The instruments were stored overnight and tested for remaining colony forming units (CFU).

Results

Data analysis was conducted using analysis of variance and group comparisons using the Tukey method. Group 4 CFU was statistically greater ( P < .001) than the control group and groups 1 through 3. There was no statistically significant difference between the control group and groups 1 through 3.

Conclusions

Vacuum sealing of chlorhexidine-scrubbed contaminated instruments with and without handheld UVC irradiation appears to be an acceptable method of field decontamination. Chlorhexidine scrubbing alone achieved a 99.9% reduction in CFU, whereas adding UVC before packaging achieved sterilization or 100% reduction in CFU, and UVC through the bag achieved disinfection.
Prolonged Exposure Dermatosis: Reporting High Incidence of an Undiagnosed Facial Dermatosis on a Winter Wilderness Expedition
Authors: Totten Jodie E. , Brock Douglas M. , Schimelpfenig Tod D. , Hopkin Justin L. , Colven Roy M.
Published: July 2015

Objective

Previously unclassified inflammatory skin lesions referred to as sun bumps have been observed throughout the year on participants of wilderness trips; however, the underlying cause and diagnosis remain unclear. The purpose of this prospective observational study was to document the incidence, characteristics, and risk factors associated with these skin lesions as they occurred on a winter wilderness expedition.

Methods

For this study, the lesions were defined as pruritic or erythematous skin lesions occurring while in the wilderness. Seventy-four participants in a wilderness ski touring course in Wyoming fully completed a 44-question written survey concerning occurrence and risk factors for these lesions. Weather information and photographs were collected.

Results

Twenty-six percent of participants had similar lesions. The lesions were described as edematous pale papules and plaques with erosions and crusts on an erythematous background. The face was involved in 90% of affected persons. Lesions occurred after an average of 8.7 days in the wilderness and resolved 10.6 days later. Skin that was less prone to sunburn was associated with a decreased incidence (odds ratio 0.44). No association could be found between lesion incidence and history of polymorphous light eruption, sun exposure, ambient temperature, affected contacts, sex, or body mass index.

Conclusions

Overall, the lesions were common among study participants but occurred only after prolonged exposure to wilderness conditions. It was not possible to classify the skin condition as an example of any known diagnosis. We propose the name “prolonged exposure dermatosis” for this condition until further studies better define its etiology, prevention, and treatment.
Epidural Hematoma Treated Conservatively: When to Expect the Worst
Authors: Basamh Mohammed , Robert Antony , Lamoureux Julie , Saluja Rajeet Singh , Marcoux Judith
Published: July 2015

Background: The Brain Trauma Foundation’s 2006 surgical guidelines have objectively defined the epidural hematoma (EDH) patients who can be treated conservatively. Since then, the literature has not provided adequate clues to identify patients who are at higher risk for EDH progression (EDHP) and conversion to surgical therapy. The goal of our study was to identify those patients. Methods: We carried a retrospective review over a 5-year period of all EDH who were initially triaged for conservative management. Demographic data, injury severity and history, neurological status, use of anticoagulants or anti-platelets, radiological parameters, conversion to surgery and its timing, and Glasgow Outcome Scale were analyzed. Bivariate association and further logistic regression were used to point out the significant predictors of EDHP and conversion to surgery. Results: 125 patients (75% of all EDH) were included. The mean age was 39.1 years. The brain injury was mild in 62.4% of our sample and severe in 14.4%. Only 11.2% of the patients required surgery. Statistical comparison showed that younger age (p< 0.0001) and coagulopathy (p=0.009) were the only significant factors for conversion to surgery. There was no difference in outcomes between patients who had EDHP and those who did not. Conclusions: Most traumatic EDH are not surgical at presentation. The rate of conversion to surgery is low. Significant predictors of EDHP are coagulopathy and younger age. These patients need closer observation because of a higher risk of EDHP. Outcome of surgical conversion was similar to successful conservative management.
Civil-Military Engagement: An Empirical Account of Humanitarian Perceptions of Civil-Military Coordination During the Response to Typhoon Haiyan
Authors: Bollettino Vincenzo
Published: July 2015

Objective

This study sought to identify how humanitarian actors in natural disasters coordinate (or communicate) with the military to identify the needs of disaster-affected populations, identify how coordination should be undertaken for the delivery of relief goods, perceive the effectiveness of such coordination, perceive the role that training played in preparation for coordinating with the military and the effectiveness of this training, and view the overall civil-military engagement and its implications for the independence of the humanitarian sector.

Methods

A survey instrument focused on participant perceptions of the civil-military engagement in response to Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines was sent to country directors and agency leads who played a role in the response.

Results

Although the data supported anecdotal accounts that the coordination between civilian and military actors during the disaster relief efforts in Typhoon Haiyan worked well, they also revealed that fewer than half of the respondents were familiar with the Guidelines on the Use of Foreign Military and Civil Defence Assets in Disaster Relief (the “Oslo Guidelines”) and only 12% of respondents thought that the Oslo Guidelines were used to develop organizational policy on humanitarian aid agency engagement with military actors.

Conclusions

Humanitarians felt that international militaries and the Philippines Armed Forces played an important role in ensuring that aid reached people in need, particularly in the early days of the response. However, less than half of the respondents were familiar with the Oslo Guidelines. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2016;10:7-10)
Classical scaling and intermittency in strongly stratified Boussinesq turbulence
Authors: de Bruyn Kops Stephen M.
Published: July 2015

Classical scaling arguments of Kolmogorov, Oboukhov and Corrsin (KOC) are evaluated for turbulence strongly influenced by stable stratification. The simulations are of forced homogeneous stratified turbulence resolved on up to$8192\times 8192\times 4096$grid points with buoyancy Reynolds numbers of$\mathit{Re}_{b}=13$, 48 and 220. A simulation of isotropic homogeneous turbulence with a mean scalar gradient resolved on$8192^{3}$grid points is used as a benchmark. The Prandtl number is unity. The stratified flows exhibit KOC scaling only for second-order statistics when$\mathit{Re}_{b}=220$; the$4/5$law is not observed. At lower$\mathit{Re}_{b}$, the$-5/3$slope in the spectra occurs at wavenumbers where the bottleneck effect occurs in unstratified cases, and KOC scaling is not observed in any of the structure functions. For the probability density functions (p.d.f.s) of the scalar and kinetic energy dissipation rates, the lognormal model works as well for the stratified cases with$\mathit{Re}_{b}=48$and 220 as it does for the unstratified case. For lower$\mathit{Re}_{b}$, the dominance of the vertical derivatives results in the p.d.f.s of the dissipation rates tending towards bimodal. The p.d.f.s of the dissipation rates locally averaged over spheres with radius in the inertial range tend towards bimodal regardless of$\mathit{Re}_{b}$. There is no broad scaling range, but the intermittency exponents at length scales near the Taylor length are in the range of$0.25\pm 0.05$and$0.35\pm 0.1$for the velocity and scalar respectively.
On the distribution of leading-edge vortex circulation in samara-like flight
Authors: Limacher Eric , Rival David E.
Published: July 2015

As an abstraction of natural samara flight, steadily rotating plates in a free-stream flow have been studied. Particle image velocimetry on span-normal planes has been conducted to show that increasing rotation, as captured by the dimensionless parameter of tip speed ratio, causes a transition of the mean wake topology from that of a bluff body to that of a stable leading-edge vortex. Despite its notable effect on topology, a change in tip speed ratio has negligible effect on leading-edge circulation at a given spanwise position, local effective angle of attack and local effective velocity. The effective angle-of-attack distribution was held constant at different tip speed ratios by comparing rotating plates with different twist profiles. The shear-layer velocity profile at the leading edge was also resolved, allowing quantification of the vorticity flux passing through the leading-edge shear layer. Interestingly, the observed equilibrium values of circulation are not sensitive to changes in shear-layer vorticity flux.
On the scale-dependent turbulent convection velocity in a spatially developing flat plate turbulent boundary layer at Reynolds number
Authors: Renard Nicolas , Deck Sébastien
Published: July 2015

The scale-dependent turbulent convection velocity of streamwise velocity fluctuations resolved by large eddy simulation is investigated for the first time across the whole profile of a zero-pressure-gradient spatially developing smooth flat plate boundary layer at $\mathit{Re}_{{\it\theta}}=13\,000$. The high Reynolds number and streamwise heterogeneity constraints motivate the derivation of a dedicated new method to assess the frequency-dependent convection velocity from time signals and their local streamwise derivative, using estimates of power spectral densities (PSDs). This method is inspired by del Álamo & Jiménez (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 640, 2009, pp. 5–26), who treated a lower Reynolds number channel flow with a method suited to spectral direct numerical simulations of streamwise homogeneous flows. Reconstruction of the streamwise spectrum from the time spectrum using the scale-dependent convection velocity is illustrated and compared with classical strategies. The new method inherently includes not only the assessment of the validity of Taylor’s hypothesis, whose trend is remarkably consistent with theoretical predictions by Lin (Q. Appl. Maths, vol. X(4), 1953, 154–165), but also the definition of a global convection velocity accounting for any arbitrary frequency band. This global velocity is shown to coincide with a correlation-based method widely used in experiments. In addition to the mathematical least-squares definition of this velocity, new interpretations based on the flow physics and turbulent micro time scales are presented. Further, the group velocity is assessed and its relation to convection is discussed.
Dissolution of a spherical cap bubble adhered to a flat surface in air-saturated water
Authors: Peñas-López Pablo , Parrales Miguel A. , Rodríguez-Rodríguez Javier
Published: July 2015

Bubbles adhered to partially hydrophobic flat surfaces often attain a spherical cap shape with a contact angle much greater than zero. We address the fundamental problem of the diffusion-driven dissolution of a sessile spherical cap bubble (SCB) adhered to a flat smooth surface. In particular, we perform experiments on the dissolution of $\text{CO}_{2}$ bubbles (with initial radii ${\sim}1~\text{mm}$) immersed in air-saturated water adhered to two substrates with different levels of hydrophobicity. It is found that the contact angle dynamics plays an important role in the bubble dissolution rate. A dissolution model for a multicomponent SCB in an isothermal and uniform pressure environment is then devised. The model is based on the quasi-stationary approximation. It includes the effect of the contact angle dynamics, whose behaviour is predicted by means of a simplified model based on the results obtained from adhesion hysteresis. The presence of an impermeable substrate hinders the overall rate of mass transfer. Two approaches are considered in its determination: (a) the inclusion of a diffusion boundary layer–plate interaction model and (b) a finite-difference solution. The model solutions are compared with the experimental results, yielding fairly good agreement.
Temperature statistics above a deep-ocean sloping boundary
Authors: Cimatoribus Andrea A. , van Haren H.
Published: July 2015

We present a detailed analysis of temperature statistics in an oceanographic observational dataset. The data are collected using a moored array of thermistors,$100~\text{m}$tall and starting$5~\text{m}$above the bottom, deployed during four months above the slopes of a Seamount in the north-eastern Atlantic Ocean. Turbulence at this location is strongly affected by the semidiurnal tidal wave. Mean stratification is stable in the entire dataset. We compute structure functions, of order up to 10, of the distributions of temperature increments. Strong intermittency is observed, in particular, during the downslope phase of the tide, and farther from the solid bottom. In the lower half of the mooring during the upslope phase, the temperature statistics are consistent with those of a passive scalar. In the upper half of the mooring, the temperature statistics deviate from those of a passive scalar, and evidence of turbulent convective activity is found. The downslope phase is generally thought to be more shear-dominated, but our results suggest on the other hand that convective activity is present. High-order moments also show that the turbulence scaling behaviour breaks at a well-defined scale (of the order of the buoyancy length scale), which is however dependent on the flow state (tidal phase, height above the bottom). At larger scales, wave motions are dominant. We suggest that our results could provide an important reference for laboratory and numerical studies of mixing in geophysical flows.
Nonlinear optimal suppression of vortex shedding from a circular cylinder
Authors: Mao X. , Blackburn H. M. , Sherwin S. J.
Published: July 2015

This study is focused on two- and three-dimensional incompressible flow past a circular cylinder for Reynolds number $\mathit{Re}\leqslant 1000$. To gain insight into the mechanisms underlying the suppression of unsteadiness for this flow we determine the nonlinear optimal open-loop control driven by surface-normal wall transpiration. The spanwise-constant wall transpiration is allowed to oscillate in time, although steady forcing is determined to be most effective. At low levels of control cost, defined as the square integration of the control, the sensitivity of unsteadiness with respect to wall transpiration is a good approximation of the optimal control. The distribution of this sensitivity suggests that the optimal control at small magnitude is achieved by applying suction upstream of the upper and lower separation points and blowing at the trailing edge. At high levels of wall transpiration, the assumptions underlying the linearized sensitivity calculation become invalid since the base flow is eventually altered by the size of the control forcing. The large-magnitude optimal control is observed to spread downstream of the separation point and draw the shear layer separation towards the rear of the cylinder through suction, while blowing along the centreline eliminates the recirculation bubble in the wake. We further demonstrate that it is possible to completely suppress vortex shedding in two- and three-dimensional flow past a circular cylinder up to $\mathit{Re}=1000$, accompanied by 70 % drag reduction when a nonlinear optimal control of moderate magnitude (with root-mean-square value 8 % of the free-stream velocity) is applied. This is confirmed through linearized stability analysis about the steady-state solution when the nonlinear optimal wall transpiration is applied. While continuously distributed wall transpiration is not physically realizable, the study highlights localized regions where discrete control strategies could be further developed. It also highlights the appropriate range of application of linear and nonlinear optimal control to this type of flow problem.
Transmission and reflection of internal solitary waves incident upon a triangular barrier
Authors: Sutherland B. R. , Keating S. , Shrivastava I.
Published: July 2015

We report upon laboratory experiments and numerical simulations examining the evolution of an interfacial internal solitary wave incident upon a triangular ridge whose peak lies below the interface. If the ridge is moderately large, the wave is observed to shoal and break similar to solitary waves shoaling upon a constant slope, but interfacial waves are also observed to transmit over and reflect from the ridge. In laboratory experiments, by measuring the interface displacement as it evolves in time, we measure the relative transmission and reflection of available potential energy after the incident wave has interacted with the ridge. The numerical simulations of laboratory- and ocean-scale waves measure both the available potential and kinetic energy to determine the partition of incident energy into that which is transmitted and reflected. From shallow-water theory, we define a critical amplitude, $A_{c}$, above which interfacial waves are unstable. The transmission is found to decrease from one to zero as the ratio of the incident wave amplitude to $A_{c}$ increases from less than to greater than one. Empirical fits are made to analytic curves through measurements of the transmission and reflection coefficients.
Electro-osmosis of superimposed fluids in the presence of modulated charged surfaces in narrow confinements
Authors: Mandal Shubhadeep , Ghosh Uddipta , Bandopadhyay Aditya , Chakraborty Suman
Published: July 2015

In the present study, we attempt to analyse the electro-osmotic flow of two superimposed fluids through narrow confinements in the presence of axially modulated surface charges. We attempt to solve for the flow structure as well as the interface deformation by both analytical and numerical techniques. Approximate analytical solutions are obtained through asymptotic analysis for low deformations, whereas numerical solutions are obtained by applying the phase field formalism; the numerical solutions are obtained for small as well as large interfacial deformations. The analytical solutions are derived only for the transient deformation of the interface, neglecting the transience in the flow, i.e. the flow is assumed to be quasisteady. The numerical solutions, however, are derived including the effects of inertia and transients in the flow. We attempt to compare our analytical and numerical results and explore the effects of several physico-chemical parameters on the deformation of the interface as well as the nature of the flow. Our analysis reveals that parameters such as the modulation wavelength, surface tension (described through the capillary number), viscosity ratio, permittivity ratio and extent of asymmetry in the potential on the two walls are the major contributors to the deformation and the resulting flow features.
Genetic gains in grain yield under nitrogen stress following three decades of breeding for drought tolerance andStrigaresistance in early maturing maize
Authors: BADU-APRAKU B. , FAKOREDE M. A. B. , OYEKUNLE M. , AKINWALE R. O.
Published: July 2015

Breeding for resistance toStriga hermonthicaDel. (Benth) and tolerance to drought has been a major strategy to improve maize (Zea maysL.) production and productivity in West and Central Africa during the last three decades. The three decades consisted of three breeding periods or eras based on the germplasm and methodologies used; that is, 1988–2000, 2001–06 and 2007–11. A total of 50 early maturing cultivars, combiningStrigaresistance with drought tolerance were developed, including 15, 16 and 19 cultivars for the three periods, respectively. Although the cultivars were not selected intentionally for low-nitrogen (N) tolerance, it was hypothesized that tolerance to low-N had been significantly improved while selecting for drought tolerance andStrigaresistance. This hypothesis was tested by evaluating the 50 cultivars in 2010 and 2011 in Nigeria at Mokwa and Ile-Ife under both low-N (30 kg N/ha) and high-N (90 kg N/ha) levels. Under low-N conditions, grain yield improved from 2280 kg/ha during the first period to 2610 kg/ha during the third period, an increase of 165 kg/ha per period withr2of 0·99. Under high-N, yield increased from 3200 to 3650 kg/ha, an increase of 225 kg/ha andr2of 0·93. Relative gain per period was 30 kg/ha for the two N rates withr2values of 0·99 and 0·94 respectively. Grain yield performance of the 50 cultivars under low-N conditions adequately predicted their performance under high-N. Selection forStrigaresistance and drought tolerance in early maturing maize populations enhanced low-N tolerance in the maize cultivars derived from the populations. The improvement was higher in later than earlier breeding periods.
Calibration using adaptive model complexity for parallel and fiber-driven mechanisms
Authors: Skopec Tomáš , Šika Zbyněk , Valášek Michael
Published: July 2015

The paper deals with the development and application of a new adaptive calibration method that extends the geometrical calibration of mechanisms from calibration of only dimensions and kinematical joint positions into the calibration of kinematic joint shape imperfections. Originally unknown nonlinear properties of the kinematical pairs are adaptively included into the kinematical models that are used during the calibration calculation. The method uses description by local linear models and validity functions in order to identify and describe nonlinear properties of the kinematical pairs. During each calibration step, various models with growing complexity are considered before the best model variant is selected to improve calibration results. The method is mainly devoted to the structures with many loops like parallel and fiber-driven parallel mechanisms. The method is applied to parallel mechanism Sliding Star and parallel fiber-driven mechanism Quadrosphere.
Type synthesis of spatial 3-DoF parallel mechanisms with planar sub-chains using revised digital topological graphs and arrays
Authors: Lu Yi , Ye Nijia , Ding Ling
Published: July 2015

Type synthesis of spatial 3-DoF (degree of freedom) parallel mechanisms (PMs) with planar sub-chains is studied using the revised digital topology graph (r-DTGs) and arrays. First, many DTGs for type synthesis of spatial 3-DoF PMs are derived from their contracted graphs (CGs). Second, a complicated derivation of the DTG and an identification of an isomorphic DTG are transformed into a simple derivation of an array and an identification of an isomorphic array using a compiled program. Third, one or more spatial closed-loop chains in the derived DTGs are changed into the planar closed-loop chains by modifying digits marked in closed-loop chains, and the DTGs are transformed into the r-DTGs for the type synthesis of the spatial 3-DoF PMs with planar sub-chains. Finally, the 52 novel spatial 3-DoF PMs with the planar sub-chains are synthesized and verified by simulation mechanisms.
Challenges for the Aging Family in the People’s Republic of China
Authors: Phillips David R. , Feng Zhixin
Published: July 2015

La République populaire de Chine a la plus grande population de personnes âgées de tous les pays du monde. Il est une nation qui a subi d'énormes changements économiques, sociaux et démographiques au cours des dernières trois et demi-décennies. Traditionnellement, la famille a fourni le soutien social principal pour les personnes âgées; sous le socialisme précoce, cela a changé quelque peu, mais au cours des dernières années, l'importance du soutien de la famille a été réaffirmé. Cet article examine quatre questions essentielles (changements démographiques, le système du hukou, le réforme économique, et les caractéristiques générales entourant la modernisation) qui ont peu à peu changé la capacité des familles à fournir un soutien pour leur membres plus âgés. Domaines de recherche et orientations de politique publique sont considérés en vertu de lesquelles l'État pourrait prendre quelques responsabilités de la famille, soutenir la capacité des soins, et aussi améliorer la qualité et la quantité de l'aide pour les citoyens âgés.
Changing risk of environmental Campylobacter exposure with emerging poultry production systems in Ethiopia
Authors: BRENA M. C. , MEKONNEN Y. , BETTRIDGE J. M. , WILLIAMS N. J. , WIGLEY P. , SISAY TESSEMA T. , CHRISTLEY R. M.
Published: July 2015

Campylobacter is a leading cause of diarrhoea, and its presence in chickens is a significant risk for zoonotic infection. Poultry production is becoming increasingly intensive in Ethiopia and is incorporating more high-producing breeds into traditionally managed smallholdings, especially in peri-urban areas. This cross-sectional study sampled 219 household environments in one peri-urban and two rural areas of Ethiopia, and an additional 20 semi-intensive farms in the peri-urban district. Campylobacter was detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-specific assays in 44 samples; 16 of which could be identified as C. jejuni. Flocks in the peri-urban area were at significantly greater odds of detection, including those which only kept indigenous birds under a scavenging system. It was also noted that scavenging flocks of exotic high-production birds (Rhode Island Red) were at slightly greater risk, perhaps as exotic birds are under more stress when kept under traditional management systems. We suggest that changes to the system of chicken production may alter the ecology and epidemiology of Campylobacter in the environment, chickens and people, which may drive emergence of new epidemiological patterns of disease. Further research is needed to determine the extent to which the current management intensification and the distribution programmes of exotic and/or improved indigenous birds may alter Campylobacter epidemiology, ecology and public health risk, before their widespread adoption.
Vaccination coverage in French 17-year-old young adults: an assessment of mandatory and recommended vaccination statuses
Authors: ROBLOT F. , ROBIN S. , CHUBILLEAU C. , GIRAUD J. , BOUFFARD B. , INGRAND P.
Published: July 2015

We aimed to assess vaccination coverage (VC) in 17-year-old French young adults (YAs) participating in one mandatory Day of Defence and Citizenship (DDC). Between June 2010 and May 2011, YAs participating in 43 randomly selected mandatory sessions of the DDC programme in Poitou-Charentes (France) were asked to provide their personal vaccination record. Tetanus, diphtheria, polio, hepatitis B, Haemophilus influenzae b, pertussis, measles, mumps and rubella vaccination status were assessed at ages 2, 6, 13 and 17 years. Of 2610 participants, 2111 (81%) supplied documents for evaluation. Of these, 1838 (87%, M:F sex ratio 0·96) were aged 17 years (9% of the global population of this age in the area). The assessment of the 17-year-olds demonstrated the following rates of complete vaccination: diphtheria-tetanus-polio 83%; measles, mumps and rubella 83%; pertussis 69%; H. influenzae b 61%; human papillomavirus 47%; and hepatitis B 40%. At age 6 years, only 46% had received two doses of the vaccine against measles. The YAs were not aware of their status but were in favour of vaccination. VC in YAs is insufficient, particularly for hepatitis B, pertussis and measles. Combined vaccines and the simplification of vaccination schedules should improve VC. Preventive messages should focus on YAs.
Longevity of seeds and soil seed bank of the Cerrado tree Miconia chartacea (Melastomataceae)
Authors: Escobar E. Diego F. , Cardoso Victor J. M.
Published: July 2015

Miconia chartacea is a widely distributed tree in Brazil, occurring at altitudes ranging from 300 m to 1900 m in the Caatinga, Cerrado and Atlantic Forest biomes. In this work we attempted to classify M. chartacea seeds regarding their behaviour during storage and their germination syndrome and to determine, from a storage test in Cerrado soil and laboratory conditions in situ and ex situ, the longevity of seeds, as well as the capacity of the species to form a soil seed bank. The results suggested that M. chartacea seeds form a transient soil seed bank in the Cerrado and can be classified as orthodox in terms of storage behaviour, although the seeds are dispersed with a relatively high water content. The life span of seeds was favoured in soil-stored seeds in comparison with dry storage at 25°C, whereas storage at low temperatures prevented a decrease of the seed's germinability with storage time (330 d). M. chartacea seeds are dispersed during the dry season and germinate during the next rainy season, which can be classified as an intermediate–dry germination syndrome. Seeds of this species are dispersed in the Cerrado when temperatures and soil moisture are relatively low, which favours the formation of a soil seed bank, considering that the seeds tolerate desiccation and their longevity is favoured by low temperatures. A transient seed bank type is favoured by the loss of viability in storage at warm temperatures linked to the rainy season, and the predictable seasonal variations in climate in the region, with germination being restricted to the beginning of the rainy season.
The role of curcumin as an inhibitor of oxidative stress caused by ischaemia re-perfusion injury in tetralogy of Fallot patients undergoing corrective surgery
Authors: Sukardi Rubiana , Sastroasmoro Sudigdo , Siregar Nurjati C. , Djer Mulyadi M. , Suyatna Fransciscus D. , Sadikin Mohammad , Ibrahim Nurhadi , Rahayuningsih Sri E. , Witarto Arief B.
Published: July 2015

Background

Cardiopulmonary bypass during tetralogy of Fallot corrective surgery is associated with oxidative stress, and contributes to peri-operative problems. Curcumin has been known as a potent scavenger of reactive oxygen species, which enhances the activity of antioxidants and suppresses phosphorylation of transcription factors involved in inflamation and apoptosis.

Objectives

To evaluate the effects of curcumin as an antioxidant by evaluating the concentrations of malondialdehyde and glutathione, activity of nuclear factor-kappa B, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, caspase-3, and post-operative clinical outcomes.

Methods

Tetralogy of Fallot patients for corrective surgery were randomised to receive curcumin (45 mg/day) or placebo orally for 14 days before surgery. Malondialdehyde and glutathione concentrations were evaluated during the pre-ischaemia, ischaemia, re-perfusion phases, and 6 hours after aortic clamping-off. Nuclear factor-kappa B, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, and caspase-3, taken from the infundibulum, were assessed during the pre-ischaemia, ischaemia, and re-perfusion phases. Haemodynamic parameters were monitored until day 5 after surgery.

Results

In all the observation phases, malondialdehyde and glutathione concentrations were similar between groups. There was no significant difference in nuclear factor-kappa B activity between the groups for three observations; however, in the curcumin group, c-Jun N-terminal kinase significantly decreased from the pre-ischaemia to the re-perfusion phases, and caspase-3 expression was lower in the ischaemia phase. Patients in the curcumin group had lower temperature and better ventricular functions, but no significant differences were found in mechanical ventilation day or length of hospital stay in the two groups.

Conclusion

Cardioprotective effects of curcumin may include inhibition of the c-Jun N-terminal kinase pathway and caspase-3 in cardiomyocytes, particularly in the ischaemia phase.
Evaluation of cardiac electrophysiological properties in an experimental model of right ventricular hypertrophy and failure
Authors: Schultz Jacob G. , Andersen Stine , Andersen Asger , Erik Nielsen-Kudsk Jens , Nielsen Jan M.
Published: July 2015

Background

Malignant arrhythmias are a major cause of sudden cardiac death in adults with congenital heart disease. We developed a model to serially investigate electrophysiological properties in an animal model of right ventricular hypertrophy and failure.

Method

We created models of compensated (cHF; n=11) and decompensated (dHF; n=11) right ventricular failure in Wistar rats by pulmonary trunk banding. Healthy controls underwent sham operation (Control; n=13). Surface electrocardiography was recorded from extremities, and inducibility of ventricular tachycardia was evaluated in vivo by programmed stimulation. Isolated right ventricular myocardium was analysed for mRNA expression of selected genes.

Results

Banding caused an increased mRNA expression of both connexin 43 and the voltage-gated sodium channel 1.5, as well as a prolongation of PQ, QRS and QTc intervals. Ventricular tachycardia was induced in the majority of banded animals compared with none in the healthy control group. No differences were found between the two degrees of failure in neither the electrophysiological parameters nor inducibility.

Conclusions

The electrophysiological properties of rat hearts subjected to pulmonary trunk banding were significantly changed with increased susceptibility to ventricular tachycardia, but no differences were found between compensated and decompensated right ventricular failure. Furthermore, we demonstrate that in vivo electrophysiological evaluation is a sensitive method to characterise the cardiac electric phenotype in an experimental rat model.
TwitterNEED: A hybrid approach for named entity extraction and disambiguation for tweet
Authors: HABIB MENA B. , VAN KEULEN MAURICE
Published: July 2015

Twitter is a rich source of continuously and instantly updated information. Shortness and informality of tweets are challenges for Natural Language Processing tasks. In this paper, we present TwitterNEED, a hybrid approach for Named Entity Extraction and Named Entity Disambiguation for tweets. We believe that disambiguation can help to improve the extraction process. This mimics the way humans understand language and reduces error propagation in the whole system. Our extraction approach aims for high extraction recall first, after which a Support Vector Machine attempts to filter out false positives among the extracted candidates using features derived from the disambiguation phase in addition to other word shape and Knowledge Base features. For Named Entity Disambiguation, we obtain a list of entity candidates from the YAGO Knowledge Base in addition to top-ranked pages from the Google search engine for each extracted mention. We use a Support Vector Machine to rank the candidate pages according to a set of URL and context similarity features. For evaluation, five data sets are used to evaluate the extraction approach, and three of them to evaluate both the disambiguation approach and the combined extraction and disambiguation approach. Experiments show better results compared to our competitors DBpedia Spotlight, Stanford Named Entity Recognition, and the AIDA disambiguation system.
Rhizobium–legume symbiosis in the absence of Nod factors: two possible scenarios with or without the T3SS
Authors: Okazaki Shin , Tittabutr Panlada , Teulet Albin , Thouin Julien , Fardoux Joël , Chaintreuil Clémence , Gully Djamel , Arrighi Jean- François , Furuta Noriyuki , Miwa Hiroki , Yasuda Michiko , Nouwen Nico , Teaumroong Neung , Giraud Eric
Published: July 2015

The occurrence of alternative Nod factor (NF)-independent symbiosis between legumes and rhizobia was first demonstrated in some Aeschynomene species that are nodulated by photosynthetic bradyrhizobia lacking the canonical nodABC genes. In this study, we revealed that a large diversity of non-photosynthetic bradyrhizobia, including B. elkanii, was also able to induce nodules on the NF-independent Aeschynomene species, A. indica. Using cytological analysis of the nodules and the nitrogenase enzyme activity as markers, a gradient in the symbiotic interaction between bradyrhizobial strains and A. indica could be distinguished. This ranged from strains that induced nodules that were only infected intercellularly to rhizobial strains that formed nodules in which the host cells were invaded intracellularly and that displayed a weak nitrogenase activity. In all non-photosynthetic bradyrhizobia, the type III secretion system (T3SS) appears required to trigger nodule organogenesis. In contrast, genome sequence analysis revealed that apart from a few exceptions, like the Bradyrhizobium ORS285 strain, photosynthetic bradyrhizobia strains lack a T3SS. Furthermore, analysis of the symbiotic properties of an ORS285 T3SS mutant revealed that the T3SS could have a positive or negative role for the interaction with NF-dependent Aeschynomene species, but that it is dispensable for the interaction with all NF-independent Aeschynomene species tested. Taken together, these data indicate that two NF-independent symbiotic processes are possible between legumes and rhizobia: one dependent on a T3SS and one using a so far unknown mechanism.
Microbial catabolic activities are naturally selected by metabolic energy harvest rate
Authors: González-Cabaleiro Rebeca , Ofiţeru Irina D , Lema Juan M , Rodríguez Jorge
Published: July 2015

The fundamental trade-off between yield and rate of energy harvest per unit of substrate has been largely discussed as a main characteristic for microbial established cooperation or competition. In this study, this point is addressed by developing a generalized model that simulates competition between existing and not experimentally reported microbial catabolic activities defined only based on well-known biochemical pathways. No specific microbial physiological adaptations are considered, growth yield is calculated coupled to catabolism energetics and a common maximum biomass-specific catabolism rate (expressed as electron transfer rate) is assumed for all microbial groups. Under this approach, successful microbial metabolisms are predicted in line with experimental observations under the hypothesis of maximum energy harvest rate. Two microbial ecosystems, typically found in wastewater treatment plants, are simulated, namely: (i) the anaerobic fermentation of glucose and (ii) the oxidation and reduction of nitrogen under aerobic autotrophic (nitrification) and anoxic heterotrophic and autotrophic (denitrification) conditions. The experimentally observed cross feeding in glucose fermentation, through multiple intermediate fermentation pathways, towards ultimately methane and carbon dioxide is predicted. Analogously, two-stage nitrification (by ammonium and nitrite oxidizers) is predicted as prevailing over nitrification in one stage. Conversely, denitrification is predicted in one stage (by denitrifiers) as well as anammox (anaerobic ammonium oxidation). The model results suggest that these observations are a direct consequence of the different energy yields per electron transferred at the different steps of the pathways. Overall, our results theoretically support the hypothesis that successful microbial catabolic activities are selected by an overall maximum energy harvest rate.
Collisional dynamics in a gas of molecular super-rotors
Authors: Khodorkovsky Yuri , Steinitz Uri , Hartmann Jean-Michel , Averbukh Ilya Sh.
Published: July 2015

Recently, femtosecond laser techniques have been developed that are capable of bringing gas molecules to extremely fast rotation in a very short time, while keeping their translational motion relatively slow. Here we study collisional equilibration dynamics of this new state of molecular gases. We show that the route to equilibrium starts with a metastable ‘gyroscopic stage’ in the course of which the molecules maintain their fast rotation and orientation of the angular momentum through many collisions. The inhibited rotational–translational relaxation is characterized by a persistent anisotropy in the molecular angular distribution, and is manifested in the optical birefringence and anisotropic diffusion in the gas. After a certain induction time, the ‘gyroscopic stage’ is abruptly terminated by an explosive rotational–translational energy exchange, leading the gas towards the final equilibrium. We illustrate our conclusions by direct molecular dynamics simulation of several gases of linear molecules.
Enhancement of resistive switching under confined current path distribution enabled by insertion of atomically thin defective monolayer graphene
Authors: Lee Keundong , Hwang Inrok , Lee Sangik , Oh Sungtaek , Lee Dukhyun , Kim Cheol Kyeom , Nam Yoonseung , Hong Sahwan , Yoon Chansoo , Morgan Robert B. , Kim Hakseong , Seo Sunae , Seo David H. , Lee Sangwook , Park Bae Ho
Published: July 2015

Resistive random access memory (ReRAM) devices have been extensively investigated resulting in significant enhancement of switching properties. However fluctuations in switching parameters are still critical weak points which cause serious failures during ‘reading’ and ‘writing’ operations of ReRAM devices. It is believed that such fluctuations may be originated by random creation and rupture of conducting filaments inside ReRAM oxides. Here, we introduce defective monolayer graphene between an oxide film and an electrode to induce confined current path distribution inside the oxide film and thus control the creation and rupture of conducting filaments. The ReRAM device with an atomically thin interlayer of defective monolayer graphene reveals much reduced fluctuations in switching parameters compared to a conventional one. Our results demonstrate that defective monolayer graphene paves the way to reliable ReRAM devices operating under confined current path distribution.