bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Formula‐fed infants have significantly higher fat‐free mass content in their bodies than breastfed babies
Authors: Giannì Maria L. , Roggero Paola , Morlacchi Laura , Garavaglia Elisa , Piemontese Pasqua , Mosca Fabio
Published: March 2014

Aim

Early nutrition may affect body composition development. This study assessed body composition changes in healthy term infants in the first four months of life, comparing the results for breastfed and formula‐fed babies.

Methods

A longitudinal, observational study was conducted with healthy term infants, who had a birth weight of more than 2500 g and were aged up to 3 weeks at enrolment. Infants were either exclusively breastfed or formula‐fed. Growth and body composition were assessed by air‐displacement plethysmography at enrolment and 4 months.

Results

A total of 158 infants were enrolled (72 exclusively breastfed and 86 exclusively formula‐fed). Body composition was similar between the two feeding groups at enrolment, but fat‐free mass (4831 ± 538 g vs 4641 ± 461 g; p = 0.036) at 4 months and the fat‐free mass changes between enrolment and 4 months (80.3 ± 16.4% vs 67.6 ± 18.4%; p < 0.001) were higher in formula‐fed infants than breastfed ones.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that formula‐fed infants show different body composition development during the first 4 months of life to breastfed ones, with higher fat‐free mass content.
Formative Period Obsidian Exchange along the Pacific Coast of Mesoamerica
Authors: Ebert C. E. , Dennison M. , Hirth K. G. , McClure S. B. , Kennett D. J.
Published: March 2014

Long‐distance networks for the transport of exotic goods and the beginnings of specialized craft production first appear in Mesoamerica during the Formative Period. The results of portable X‐ray fluorescence (pXRF) analysis of 456 obsidian artefacts imported to the Pacific coast site of La Zanja (Guerrero, Mexico) indicate that long‐distance exchange of finished obsidian blades along the coast began during the Early Formative (c.1400–1000 cal bc) and remained constant into the Middle Formative Period (c.800–550 cal bc). Comparisons with sourcing studies from elsewhere in Mesoamerica indicate the development of a major Pacific coast trade network during the Formative Period that linked coastal Guerrero to the central Mexican highlands and the Valley of Oaxaca. Weaker connections existed with Gulf coast obsidian trade networks that traversed the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. As the first obsidian sourcing study from coastal Guerrero, these data contribute to a greater understanding of the development of exchange networks in Mesoamerica during the Formative Period.
Assessment of the potential relationship between egg quality and infectious bronchitis virus infection in Australian layer flocks
Authors: Hewson KA , Robertson T , Steer PA , Devlin JM , Noormohammadi AH , Ignjatovic J
Published: March 2014

Objective

This investigation aimed to determine if there was a relationship between the production of eggs with poor internal quality, as measured by poor Haugh units, by Australian layer flocks and the detection of infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) in the hens. Other risk factors including flock size, flock type, flock age, chicken breed and vaccination frequency were also assessed.

Methods

The study group comprised 17 flocks from 14 farms. Data relating to the factors investigated were requested on a regular basis. The Haugh unit data were used to grade eggs as good or poor based on the age and flock at the time of data collection. Cloacal swabs were collected from 20 chickens in each flock approximately every 6 weeks.

Results

IBV was detected from a majority of the flocks and in 68% of cases the IBV strain detected was an A‐vaccine‐related field strain. Three variant strains were detected. Detection of IBV in a flock, the farm type and flock size were identified as potential risk factors for the production of eggs with poor Haugh units.

Conclusion

IBV is prevalent in Australian layer flocks, but infection was primarily subclinical. The results complement previous reports indicating that there are many potential risk factors for the production of eggs with poor Haugh units.
Evidence of dehydration and electrolyte disturbances in cases of perennial ryegrass toxicosis in Australian sheep
Authors: Combs MDA , Rendell D , Reed KFM , Mace WJ , Quinn JC
Published: March 2014

Case report

Perennial ryegrass toxicosis (PRGT) is a common disease entity in Australia, presenting as an association of clinical signs including alterations in normal behavioural, ataxia (‘staggers’), ill thrift and gastrointestinal dysfunction (‘scours’). Clinical signs can range in severity from mild (gait abnormalities and failure to thrive) to severe (seizures, lateral recumbency and death). Presentation across the flock is usually highly variable. PRGT is caused by toxins produced by the endophytic fungus Neotyphodium lolii, a symbiont of perennial ryegrass that is present in pastures across the temperate regions of Australia and Tasmania. A particular feature of PRGT in Australia is the occasional occurrence of large‐scale sheep losses, suggesting other factors are influencing mortality rates compared with other PRGT risk zones such as North America and New Zealand. During 2011, producers in the state of Victoria experienced a mild outbreak of PRGT that affected large numbers of animals but with limited mortalities. Clinical samples taken from affected sheep showed a high incidence of dehydration and electrolyte abnormalities.

Conclusion

We speculate that changes in hydration status may be a contributory aetiological factor in those years in which high numbers of deaths are associated with PRGT outbreaks in Australia.
Open‐label, single‐arm, phase II study of enzastaurin in patients with follicular lymphoma
Authors: Schwartzberg Lee , Hermann Robert , Flinn Ian , Flora Douglas , Hsi Eric D. , Hamid Oday , Shi Peipei , Lin Boris K. , Myrand Scott P. , Nguyen Tuan S. , Dreyling Martin
Published: March 2014

This open‐label, phase II study investigated whether enzastaurin, a protein kinase C‐beta (PKCβ) inhibitor, had activity in patients with grade 1 or 2 follicular lymphoma (FL). Adults with grade 1 or 2 FL who had no more than one prior treatment received oral enzastaurin continuously for up to 3 years. Of the 66 patients who received enzastaurin, 53 were evaluable for response. Overall response rate (ORR, primary efficacy endpoint) was 26·4% (3·8% complete response). Median (95% confidence interval) progression‐free survival, time to response, and duration of response were 18·1 (11·5–28·3), 4·9 (2·8–8·1), and 22·3 (8·8‐not applicable) months, respectively. In patients with tumour tissue available for biomarker analysis, ORRs in low versus high PKCβ2 expression groups were 41·7% and 8·3%, respectively (P = 0·041). The most common, mainly low‐grade drug‐related adverse events were fatigue (25·8%), diarrhoea (25·8%), nausea (18·2%), and chromaturia (18·2%). Four (6·1%) patients had Grade 3 toxicity and one (1·5%) patient had Grade 4 toxicity. Enzastaurin demonstrated limited clinical activity in grade 1 or 2 FL. Patients with low PKCβ2 expression in tumours had higher ORR than those with high PKCβ2 expression. Enzastaurin was well tolerated with mostly grade 1 or 2 toxicities. Further studies may be warranted in select patient populations.
Incidence of diabetes mellitus in a population‐based cohort of HIV‐infected and non‐HIV‐infected persons: the impact of clinical and therapeutic factors over time
Authors: Tripathi A. , Liese A. D. , Jerrell J. M. , Zhang J. , Rizvi A. A. , Albrecht H. , Duffus W. A.
Published: March 2014

Aims

To examine incidence density rate and correlates of incident diabetes mellitus in a cohort of HIV‐infected individuals compared with matched non‐HIV‐infected persons.

Methods

Data were obtained from the South Carolina Medicaid system and the enhanced HIV/AIDS Reporting System surveillance database for persons ≥ 18 years of age who had been attended to during the period 1994 to 2011. Time‐dependent proportional hazards analysis and marginal structural models were used to analyse the data.

Results

A total of 13 632 individuals (6816, 1:1 matched HIV‐infected and non‐HIV‐infected persons; median age 39 years; 57% male) contributed 88 359 person‐years of follow‐up. Incidence rate of diabetes was higher in the non‐HIV‐infected group compared with the HIV‐infected group (13.60 vs. 11.35 per 1000 person‐years). Multivariable hazards analysis suggested a significantly lower risk of incident diabetes among HIV‐infected persons treated with combination antiretroviral therapy compared with the matched non‐HIV‐infected persons (adjusted hazards ratio 0.55; 95% CI 0.46–0.65). Among HIV‐infected persons, marginal structural modelling suggested a significantly higher risk of diabetes with cumulative exposure to protease inhibitors over the observation period (adjusted relative risk 1.35; 95% CI 1.03–1.78), but this association was not significant for exposure to non‐nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. Overall, female gender, older age, non‐white race/ethnicity, and pre‐existing hypertension, dyslipidaemia, obesity and hepatitis C infection were associated with higher risk of diabetes incidence.

Conclusions

HIV infection may not be independently associated with increased risk of diabetes. Among HIV‐infected persons, exposure to protease inhibitor‐based regimens may increase the risk of diabetes. Healthcare providers should make every effort to use combination antiretroviral therapy regimens with a better cardiometabolic profile.
Risk of seizure recurrence after achieving initial seizure freedom on the ketogenic diet
Authors: Taub Katherine S. , Kessler Sudha Kilaru , Bergqvist A. G. Christina
Published: March 2014

Objective

Few studies have examined the long‐term sustainability of complete seizure freedom on the ketogenic diet (KD). The purpose of this study was to describe the risk of seizure recurrence in children who achieved at least 1 month of seizure freedom on the KD, and to assess clinical features associated with sustained seizure freedom.

Methods

Records of patients initiated on the KD at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) from 1991 to 2009 were reviewed. Subjects who attained seizure freedom for at least 1 month within 2 years were included in the study. Seizure frequency was recorded based on caregiver‐reported seizure diaries as unchanged, improved, or worse compared to baseline. Those patients with seizure freedom ≥1 year were compared to those with seizure freedom <1 year in terms of demographics, age of seizure onset, number of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) prior to KD, and epilepsy classification.

Results

Of 276 patients initiated on the KD, 65 patients (24%) attained seizure freedom for a minimum of 1 month. The majority of these patients had daily seizures. The median time to seizure freedom after KD initiation was 1.5 months. Seizures recurred in 53 patients (82%), with a median time to seizure recurrence of 3 months. However, seizure frequency after initial recurrence remained far less than baseline. No clinical features were identified as risk factors for seizure recurrence.

Significance

Seizure recurrence on the KD after 1 month of seizure freedom most often occurred as occasional breakthrough seizures and not a return to baseline seizure frequency. This study provides evidence to support the continued use of the KD in patients with initial seizure freedom even after breakthrough seizures.

A PowerPoint slide summarizing this article is available for download in the Supporting Information section here.
How to restore chromatin structure and function in response to DNA damage – let the chaperones play
Authors: Adam Salomé , Polo Sophie E. , Almouzni Geneviève
Published: March 2014

Histone deposition onto DNA assisted by specific chaperones forms the chromatin basic unit and serves to package the genome within the cell nucleus. The resulting chromatin organization, often referred to as the epigenome, contributes to a unique transcriptional program that defines cell identity. Importantly, during cellular life, substantial alterations in chromatin structure may arise due to cell stress, including DNA damage, which not only challenges the integrity of the genome but also threatens the epigenome. Considerable efforts have been made to decipher chromatin dynamics in response to genotoxic stress, and to assess how it affects both genome and epigenome stability. Here, we review recent advances in understanding the mechanisms of DNA damage‐induced chromatin plasticity in mammalian cells. We focus specifically on the dynamics of histone H3 variants in response to UV irradiation, and highlight the role of their dedicated chaperones in restoring both chromatin structure and function. Finally, we discuss how, in addition to restoring chromatin integrity, the cellular networks that signal and repair DNA damage may also provide a window of opportunity for modulating the information conveyed by chromatin.
United Kingdom Myeloma Forum position statement on the use of consolidation and maintenance treatment in myeloma
Authors: Rabin N. , Lai M. , Pratt G. , Morgan G. , Snowden J. , Bird J. , Cook G. , Bowcock S. , Owen R. , Yong K. , Wechalaker A. , Low E. , Davies F. ,   the United Kingdom Myeloma Forum
Published: March 2014

Therapeutic advances and the availability of novel agents have significantly improved outcomes in myeloma; yet, it remains incurable and strategies to improve survival continue to be sought. One approach is to prolong the duration of response and increase progression‐free survival (PFS) through consolidation or maintenance treatment with regimens that have low toxicity profiles, and do not negatively impact on quality of life. Data from several studies with thalidomide, lenalidomide and bortezomib consistently show improvements in response and PFS, although results have still to be confirmed with respect to overall survival (OS). Despite the promising data, the optimal use of consolidation and maintenance treatment in terms of regimen, dose and duration has yet to be defined. Given the evidence to date, the UK Myeloma Forum believes that both maintenance and consolidation therapy should be considered as treatment options for patients with myeloma. Patients should be encouraged to enrol in clinical studies. This document reviews the current position of maintenance and consolidation for patients with myeloma treated in the UK.
Multidisciplinary clinical strategies for encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis in peritoneal dialysis: Update from Japan
Authors: Nakayama Masaaki , Terawaki Hiroyuki
Published: March 2014

Peritoneal dialysis is established as a first‐line standard renal replacement therapy for end‐stage renal disease. However, the development of encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis has been a critical complication among long‐term peritoneal dialysis patients. During the past decade, multidisciplinary approaches have been used to suppress encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis. The present article reviews the historical and present status of encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis in Japan.
Predictors of family and marital functioning at early postpartum
Authors: Ngai Fei Wan , Ngu Siew Fei
Published: March 2014

Aim

To examine the predictive role of family sense of coherence, social support and stress during pregnancy and their changes from pregnancy to postpartum on family and marital functioning at 6 weeks postpartum.

Background

Family sense of coherence plays a significant role in promoting positive family and marital functioning, which is crucial to the child's well‐being. However, studies that evaluate the predictive role of family sense of coherence on family and marital functioning during parental transition are limited.

Design

The study used a longitudinal design.

Methods

Chinese childbearing couples (n = 202) completed assessments of family sense of coherence, stress, social support, and family and marital functioning during pregnancy and at 6 weeks postpartum between January 2011–May 2012.

Results/Findings

Mothers with a stronger family sense of coherence, greater social support and less stress during pregnancy experienced less decline in family and marital functioning at 6 weeks postpartum, while fathers with a higher prenatal family sense of coherence and family and marital functioning also experienced less such decline.

Conclusion

Couple‐based interventions should be initiated early during pregnancy by strengthening family sense of coherence and social support to promote positive family functioning.
Changes in nurses' views and practices concerning nurse prescribing between 2006 and 2012: results from two national surveys
Authors: Kroezen Marieke , de Veer Anke , Francke Anneke , Groenewegen Peter , van Dijk Liset
Published: March 2014

Aims

To assess changes in the prescribing practices and views about nurse prescribing of Registered Nurses in the Netherlands between 2006 and 2012.

Background

Considering the developments that took place in the Netherlands between 2006 and 2012, such as increased opportunities for nurse prescribing education and stricter control of nurses' prescribing practices, this study examines the extent to which nurses' prescribing practices and views have changed in the intervening years. In both years, nurses were not legally allowed to prescribe.

Design

Survey study.

Methods

Surveys were conducted in 2006 and 2012. Questionnaires were sent to a national sample of nurses. The questionnaires addressed nurses' views on nurse prescribing and the extent to which nurse prescribing took place in the respondents' work setting.

Results

There were 386 and 644 respondents to the 2006 and 2012 surveys respectively. The proportion of nurses who said that they felt adequately equipped to prescribe medicines remained constant around 12%. Insufficient knowledge to prescribe remained the most important reason for feelings of inadequacy. More than a quarter of the nurses in both surveys stated that nurses in their team sometimes write prescriptions. There were few changes in views on the consequences of nurse prescribing for nurses' practice.

Conclusion

Overall, nurses' support for nurse prescribing remained stable at a fairly cautious level, while the number of nurses feeling inadequately equipped to prescribe remained high. As nurse prescribing is expected to improve the quality and continuity of care, this should be taken into account in policy expectations.
Estimating latitudinal variability in extreme heat stress on rocky intertidal shores
Authors: Lathlean Justin A. , Ayre David J. , Minchinton Todd E.
Published: March 2014

Aim

Broad‐scale patterns of heat stress play an important role in shaping the geographical distributions of many species and may differ from large‐scale changes in average temperatures. For species living on rocky intertidal shores extreme heat stress occurs when hot dry aerial conditions coincide with midday low tides. We used empirical and modelled temperature data, and estimates of cumulative aerial exposure and solar radiation, in order to test the hypothesis that heat stress on Australian rocky intertidal shores decreases with increasing latitude.

Location

Rocky intertidal shores of south‐eastern Australia spanning > 1500 km and 13° of latitude (26°24′23″ S to 39°07′47″ S).

Methods

In situ temperature measurements, hourly tidal elevations and daily solar radiation taken over three consecutive summers (December 2009–February 2012) were used to quantify latitudinal variability in extreme heat stress, cumulative aerial exposure and solar radiation, respectively. Comparisons between hourly in situ temperatures and meteorological data were used to produce a large‐scale statistical model capable of estimating intertidal substratum temperatures during daytime low‐tides, which was then extrapolated across 22 locations.

Results

Heat stress estimated using in situ loggers deployed across five east coast locations typically did not decline with increasing latitude and neither did midday exposure or solar radiation. The meteorological model proved to be a successful method for estimating rocky shore heat stress and in contrast to the empirical data displayed strong latitudinal trends in mean daily maxima and cumulative heat stress. Modelled acute heat stress (i.e. summer maxima), however, did not decline with increasing latitude, as there was greater thermal variability at higher latitudes.

Main conclusions

The meteorological model developed in this study represents a useful approach for estimating broad‐scale patterns of heat stress on rocky intertidal shores. Results also indicate that latitudinal patterns of acute and chronic heat stress may differ from average temperatures, which are commonly assumed to decline with increasing latitude. Such broad‐scale patterns of thermal stress as described in this study will significantly contribute to our ability to understand the impact of climate change on vulnerable rocky intertidal communities.
Telocytes in human heart valves
Authors: Yang Yang , Sun Wei , Wu Sean M. , Xiao Junjie , Kong Xiangqing
Published: March 2014

Valve interstitial cells (VICs) are responsible for maintaining the structural integrity and dynamic behaviour of the valve. Telocytes (TCs), a peculiar type of interstitial cells, have been recently identified by Popescu's group in epicardium, myocardium and endocardium (visit www.telocytes.com). The presence of TCs has been identified in atria, ventricles and many other tissues and organ, but not yet in heart valves. We used transmission electron microscopy and immunofluorescence methods (double labelling for CD34 and c‐kit, or vimentin, or PDGF Receptor‐β) to provide evidence for the existence of TCs in human heart valves, including mitral valve, tricuspid valve and aortic valve. TCs are found in both apex and base of heart valves, with a similar density of 27–28 cells/mm2 in mitral valve, tricuspid valve and aortic valve. Since TCs are known for the participation in regeneration or repair biological processes, it remains to be determined how TCs contributes to the valve attempts to re‐establish normal structure and function following injury, especially a complex junction was found between TCs and a putative stem (progenitor) cell.
Inhibitory control and delay aversion in unaffected preschoolers with a positive family history of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Pauli‐Pott Ursula , Roller Alisa , Heinzel‐Gutenbrunner Monika , Mingebach Tanja , Dalir Silke , Becker Katja
Published: March 2014

Background

From current theories on the etiology of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), it can be inferred that delay aversion (DA) and deficits in inhibitory control (IC) constitute basic deficits or endophenotypes of the disorder that already occur in the preschool period. This implies an occurrence of the characteristics in unaffected preschoolers with a positive family history of ADHD. Thus, it is hypothesized that preschoolers who are not affected by ADHD but who have first‐degree relatives who suffer, or have suffered, from ADHD show deficits in IC and heightened DA in comparison to preschoolers from the general population.

Methods

Thirty unaffected preschoolers with a positive family history of ADHD were compared with 30 control children matched with respect to age in months, gender, intelligence, and maternal education level. The groups also did not differ in terms of maternal depressive symptoms and the number of psychosocial family risks. A set of age‐appropriate neuropsychological tasks on executive IC (e.g. Puppet Says, Day‐Night, relying on Go‐NoGo and interference paradigms) and DA (e.g. Snack Delay, Gift Wrap, relying on delay of gratification paradigm) was conducted.

Results

Unaffected preschoolers showed significantly higher DA than control children (t(29) = −2.57, p < .008). The result did not change when subclinical ADHD symptoms and symptoms of oppositional defiant disorder were controlled for (F(1,29) = 5.21, p < .031). Differences in IC did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusion

The results are compatible with the assumption that DA constitutes a familial vulnerability marker that can be validly assessed in the preschool period. As this is the first study to address this issue in preschoolers, more research is needed to confirm and further analyze the significance of DA assessments specifically at this developmental stage.
Trend Inflation and the Nature of Structural Breaks in the New Keynesian Phillips Curve
Authors: KIM CHANG‐JIN , MANOPIMOKE PYM , NELSON CHARLES R.
Published: March 2014

We show that with a unit root in inflation, the new Keynesian Phillips curve (NKPC) implies an unobserved components model with a stochastic trend component and an inflation gap. Our empirical results suggest that with an increase in trend inflation during the Great Inflation, the response of inflation to real economic activity decreases and the persistence of the inflation gap increases due to an increase in the persistence of the unobserved stationary component. These results are in line with the predictions of Cogley and Sbordone (), who show that the coefficients of the NKPC are functions of time‐varying trend inflation.
Business Cycle Implications of Internal Consumption Habit for New Keynesian Models
Authors: KANO TAKASHI , NASON JAMES M.
Published: March 2014

We study the implications of internal consumption habit for New Keynesian dynamic stochastic general equilibrium (NKDSGE) models. Bayesian Monte Carlo methods are employed to evaluate NKDSGE model fit. Simulation experiments show that internal consumption habit often improves the ability of NKDSGE models to match the spectra of output and consumption growth. Nonetheless, the fit of NKDSGE models with internal consumption habit is susceptible to the sources of nominal rigidity, to spectra identified by permanent productivity shocks, to the choice of monetary policy rule, and to the frequencies used for evaluation. These vulnerabilities indicate that the specification of NKDSGE models is fragile.
Understanding My Culture Means Understanding Myself: The Function of Cultural Identity Clarity for Personal Identity Clarity and Personal Psychological Well‐Being
Authors: Usborne Esther , de la Sablonnière Roxane
Published: March 2014

Culture is acknowledged to be a critical element in the construction of an individual's identity; however, in today's increasingly multicultural environments, the influence of culture is no longer straightforward. It is now important to explore cultural identity clarity—the extent to which beliefs about identity that arise from one's cultural group membership(s) are clearly and confidently understood. We describe a novel theoretical model to explain why having a clear and confident understanding of one's cultural identity is important for psychological well‐being, as it clarifies one's understanding of personal identity. We propose that a clear cultural identity clarifies one's personal existence, by providing a clear normative template, reducing personal uncertainty, providing an individual with a sense of continuity, and buffering an individual against the fear of death. We discuss the implications of this model within our complex cultural worlds.
Development and evaluation of a baseline‐event‐anticipation score for hepatitis delta
Authors: Calle Serrano B. , Großhennig A. , Homs M. , Heidrich B. , Erhardt A. , Deterding K. , Jaroszewicz J. , Bremer B. , Koch A. , Cornberg M. , Manns M. P. , Buti M. , Wedemeyer H.
Published: March 2014

Hepatitis delta is considered the most severe form of viral hepatitis, but variables associated with disease progression are poorly defined. This study aimed to identify risk factors associated with worse clinical outcome in patients with hepatitis delta and to develop a clinical score to determine their risk of experiencing liver‐related morbidity or mortality. We followed 75 HBsAg–anti‐HDV‐positive patients with hepatitis delta for up to 16 years (median 5 years). The baseline‐event‐anticipation score (BEA score) was developed based on variables associated with the development of liver‐related clinical complications. Age, region of origin, presence of cirrhosis, albumin, INR, hyperbilirubinemia and thrombocytopenia were all associated with the development of an event in the training cohort. The BEA score included age, sex, region of origin, bilirubin, platelets and INR. Points were allocated according to hazard ratios, and three risk groups were defined: BEA‐A mild risk, BEA‐B moderate risk and BEA‐C high risk. Hazard ratios of BEA‐B and BEA‐C patients for liver‐related clinical endpoints were 9.01 and 25.27 vs BEA‐A with an area under curve of the receiving operating characteristic curve of 0.88. The accuracy of the BEA score was confirmed in two independent validation cohorts followed in Barcelona (n = 77) and Düsseldorf (n = 62). Delta hepatitis is associated with a very severe long‐term outcome. The BEA score is easy to apply and predicts with a very high accuracy the development of liver‐related complications in patients with hepatitis delta.
Generation Of True Ortho‐Images Based On Virtual Worlds: Learning Aspects
Authors: Piatti Eduardo J. , Lerma José L.
Published: March 2014

Many of the theoretical concepts in photogrammetry are difficult to under‐stand by means of equations and figures. Furthermore, commercial software is not usually adapted to the requirements of teaching and learning. However, photogrammetric simulation software based on virtual worlds can be used to improve both learning and understanding of complex geometrical issues such as the generation of true ortho‐images in urban areas, and assists in training and skills development. This paper tackles image orthorectification by means of a photogrammetric simulation and its generation based on digital elevation/building/surface models, and the interior and exterior orientation parameters of the image sensor, namely, a digital camera. Internal processes such as masking and visibility analysis which are necessary to yield successful true ortho‐images are reported, with examples from both simple and complex urban environments.
Understanding Household Preferences for Hurricane Risk Mitigation Information: Evidence from Survey Responses
Authors: Chatterjee Chiradip , Mozumder Pallab
Published: March 2014

Risk information is critical to adopting mitigation measures, and seeking risk information is influenced by a variety of factors. An essential component of the recently adopted My Safe Florida Home (MSFH) program by the State of Florida is to provide homeowners with pertinent risk information to facilitate hurricane risk mitigation activities. We develop an analytical framework to understand household preferences for hurricane risk mitigation information through allowing an intensive home inspection. An empirical analysis is used to identify major drivers of household preferences to receive personalized information regarding recommended hurricane risk mitigation measures. A variety of empirical specifications show that households with home insurance, prior experience with damages, and with a higher sense of vulnerability to be affected by hurricanes are more likely to allow inspection to seek information. However, households with more members living in the home and households who live in manufactured/mobile homes are less likely to allow inspection. While findings imply MSFH program's ability to link incentives offered by private and public agencies in promoting mitigation, households that face a disproportionately higher level of risk can get priority to make the program more effective.
MODELING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ECONOMIC GROWTH AND TIME–DISTANCE ACCESSIBILITY IN SOUTH AFRICA
Authors: Cheruiyot Koech , Harrison Philip
Published: March 2014

This study explores the commonly held view that high time–distance accessibility to major concentrations of economic activity is positively correlated with economic performance. The study reveals the difficulty of exploring the correlation in a complex space economy where there are multiple nodes of economic concentration. Although we cannot conclude definitively on this correlation nationwide, we are able to show positive relationships within sub‐national economies, and also in relation to particular dimensions of accessibility, such as time–distance to major mobility corridors and immediate spatial proximity to metropolitan economies and international border crossings.
AGRI‐FOOD AND BIO‐BASED ANALYSIS IN THE SPANISH ECONOMY USING A KEY SECTOR APPROACH
Authors: Cardenete Manuel Alejandro , Boulanger Pierre , Del Carmen Delgado María , Ferrari Emanuele , M'Barek Robert
Published: March 2014

The objective of this paper is to develop a coherent approach to describe the agri‐food and other bio‐based accounts in the European Union. The paper presents a case study of Spain based on a Social Accounting Matrix with a highly disaggregated agricultural account for the year 2000. The analysis of multipliers allows identifying backward and forward linkages, key sectors, and employment multipliers of the Spanish agri‐food and other bio‐based accounts. This analysis helps us to better understand the extended agri‐food account's economic linkages. No primary agricultural account emerges as key for the Spanish economy, while the production of (renewable) energy appears the only key sector related to agri‐food and other bio‐based accounts. Livestock and related bio‐based products present the highest backward linkages, that is, they have significant diffusion effects of activity to the whole economy.
Athletes confessions: The sports biography as an interaction ritual
Authors: Thing L. F. , Ronglan L. T.
Published: March 2014

Commercialization of emotions is not a new phenomenon but inDenmark there is a new general trend to tell and sell personal stories in the media. Personal deprivation and crises are also major topics in sports media. This paper focuses on sports biographies as a book genre that is reviving in popularity. The paper approaches the topic through the biographies of oneDanish athlete: the former professional cyclist,JesperSkibby, who writes about his doping disclosure and shares his personal dilemmas as a former elite sportsman. The thematic text analysis orientates around social interactions, emotions, and personality constructions. Inspired by microsociology with aDurkheimian flavor ofGoffman andHochschild, themes including “face work,” “interaction rituals,” and “emotions management” are discussed. The analysis claims that sharing personal information in the media is not only a means of confession and reclaiming status but is also business and management – on an intimate level. Telling the story of the corrosion of a sporting character has become a hot issue, an entertainment, and not least a commercial commitment.
HLA‐B*40:02:18, a new HLA‐B*40 allele
Authors: Ko S.‐Y. , Oh H.‐B. , Jun J.‐H. , Kwon O.‐J.
Published: March 2014

The new allele B*40:02:18 showed one nucleotide difference with B*40:02:01 at codon 111 (CGC/CGT).
Response of primary vectors and related diseases to impoundment by the Three Gorges Dam
Authors: Zhang Xu , Peng Liangbin , Liu Wendong , Fan Lirui , Zhang Qi , Chen Guangjie , He Pan , Wu Ruixiao , Liu Anping , Yang Yexun , Yu Xiaogai , Yun Luojia
Published: March 2014

Objectives

To investigate the impact of the Three Gorges Dam on the local ecological environment. We conducted a 3‐year cross‐sectional survey of natural focus infectious diseases in the area before and after the water level rose to 156 m to evaluate the dam's health impacts.

Methods

Direct and indirect immunofluorescence methods were applied to detect rat antigen and antibody of haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS). Fresh rat kidneys were inoculated in Korth's culture medium to detect Leptospira. A group of captured crabs were ground to observe the metacercariae of Paragonimus. Serum samples were collected from healthy local individuals. ELISA kits were used to detect human antibody against HFRS and paragonimiasis. Human Leptospira infections were detected by a microscopic agglutination test.

Results

Upstream rodent density increased significantly with Rattus flavipectus and Apodemus agrarius as the major pathophoric genera. The infection rate of human HFRS and Leptospira in the upstream human population samples was significantly higher than in the downstream samples and correlated with the increase in rodent density. Paragonimus infection rates remained at a low level during the study. Culex pipiens fatigan and Armigeres obturbans were the dominant species of mosquito.

Conclusions

The creation of the Three Gorges Dam changed the proliferation of intermediary agents of diseases, but not notably. However, the ecological effects on the environment may require a prolonged period of time to manifest themselves; thus, long‐term and effective surveillance of vectors and related diseases needs to be established.
Substantial increase in mutations in the genes pfdhfr and pfdhps puts sulphadoxine–pyrimethamine‐based intermittent preventive treatment for malaria at risk in Burkina Faso
Authors: Geiger Carolin , Compaore Guillaume , Coulibaly Boubacar , Sie Ali , Dittmer Martin , Sanchez Cecilia , Lanzer Michael , Jänisch Thomas
Published: March 2014

Objective

Sulphadoxine–pyrimethamine (SP) is widely used as intermittent preventive treatment (IPT) for malaria in pregnant women in Sub‐Saharan Africa. There are reports of wide‐spread SP resistance in countries where SP had once been used as a first‐line treatment. It is unclear whether the development of SP resistance also affects countries where SP is mainly used in the context of IPT, as is the case in Burkina Faso. To assess the efficacy of SP‐based IPT, we monitored the prevalence of SP conferring genetic mutations in the genes dhfr and dhps in Plasmodium falciparum populations in a rural area of Burkina Faso over a period of 13 years.

Methods

Molecular epidemiological study consisted of six consecutive cross‐sectional surveys of rainy and dry seasons (2009–2012). Data from the rainy season in 2000 served as a baseline. Mutations in dhfr and dhps associated with SP resistance were analysed by pyrosequencing in 861 parasite‐positive samples.

Results

The prevalence of the SP resistance conferring triple dhfr mutation 51I, 59R, 108N increased from 1.3% in the rainy season of 2000 to 35.3% in 2009, and 54.3% in 2011 (P ≤ 0.001). Comparing rainy and dry seasons, we observed an increasing step‐like pattern with higher prevalence of the dhfr triple mutant in the respective dry season compared with the preceding rainy season. The proportion of the dhps 437Gly mutation in the rainy season of 2000 was 53.2% and subsequently increased to 77.6% in 2009 (P ≤ 0.001).

Conclusion

The increase in molecular markers linked with SP resistance jeopardises the efficacy of IPTp and the planned IPTi interventions in Burkina Faso, calling for careful monitoring of genotypic resistance markers and in vivo validation of IPT efficacy.
Corneal sensitivity in healthy bovine calves
Authors: Tofflemire Kyle L. , Whitley Elizabeth M. , Dewell Renee D. , Gould Stacie A. , Allbaugh Rachel A. , Ben‐Shlomo Gil , O'Connor Annette M. , Whitley Robert D.
Published: March 2014

Objective

To evaluate corneal sensitivity as measured by the corneal touch threshold in healthy bovine calves.

Animals Studied

Twelve clinically normal male calves with predominantly Holstein genetics and a median age of 76.5 days (range, 67–92 days).

Procedures

Corneal touch threshold (CTT) of the central cornea was measured in both eyes of each calf using a Cochet‐Bonnet aesthesiometer.

Results

The mean ± standard deviation corneal touch threshold of all eyes was 1.33 ± 1.1 g/mm2 (range, 0.62–66.15 g/mm2), corresponding to a filament length of 34.56 ± 8.02 mm (range, 14–47.5 mm). There was no significant difference between fellow eyes.

Conclusions

Cochet‐Bonnet aesthesiometry was well tolerated in all 12 calves using a modified head restraint. Calves in this study may have a relatively sensitive central cornea compared to adult cattle and some other species; however, wide variation among individuals and eyes may be possible. Studies utilizing larger calf populations are necessary to establish reference ranges.
Evaluation of a universal point‐of‐issue assay for bacterial detection in buffy coat platelet components
Authors: Ramirez‐Arcos S. , Kou Y. , Perkins H.
Published: March 2014

Bacterial contamination of platelet concentrates poses a major post‐transfusion infectious risk. This study was aimed at evaluating the efficacy of the BacTx® assay (Immunetics Inc.) for bacterial detection in leucocyte‐reduced buffy coat platelet pools and for its sensitivity in detecting clinical isolates, including bacteria that form surface‐attached aggregates (biofilm positives). Platelet pools were inoculated at bacterial concentrations of 0·8–13 CFU/ml. The BacTx® assay detected all species at concentrations ≥103 CFU/ml within 20–69 h of platelet incubation. Detection of slow‐growing and biofilm‐forming strains was delayed in comparison with the other strains. This assay could be used as a point‐of‐issue method to increase the safety of the platelet supply.
Dynamics and Control of a Planar Multibody Mobile Robot for Confined Environment Inspection
Authors: Douadi Lounis , Spinello Davide , Gueaieb Wail
Published: March 2014

In this paper, we study the dynamics of an articulated planar mobile robot for confined environment exploration. The mobile vehicle is composed of n identical modules hitched together with passive revolute joints. Each module has the structure of a four-bar parallel mechanism on a mobile platform. The dynamic model is derived using Lagrange formulation. Computer simulations illustrate the model by addressing a path following problem inside a pipe. The dynamic model presented in this paper is the basis for the design of motion control algorithms that encode energy optimization and sensor performance maximization.
Laser Doppler Velocimetry Measurements in Turbulent Gaseous Mixing Induced by the Richtmyer–Meshkov Instability: Statistical Convergence Issues and Turbulence Quantification
Authors: Bouzgarrou Ghazi , Bury Yannick , Jamme Stéphane , Joly Laurent , Haas Jean-Francois
Published: March 2014

A statistical characterization of the turbulent flow produced in a vertical shock tube dedicated to the study of the Richtmyer–Meshkov instability (RMI) is carried out using laser Doppler velocimetry (LDV), time-resolved Schlieren images, and pressure histories. The time evolution of the phase-averaged velocity field and the fluctuating velocity levels produced behind the shock wave (SW) are first investigated for different configurations of a pure air homogeneous medium. This allows us to determine the background turbulence of the experimental apparatus. Second, the RMI-induced turbulent air/sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) mixing zone (TMZ) is studied both in its early stage of development and after its interaction with a reflected shock wave (RSW) (reshock phenomenon). Here, the gaseous interface is initially produced by a thin nitrocellulosic membrane trapped between two grids. One of the most consistent issues regarding such a process is the generation of a large number of fragments when the incident SW crosses the interface. These fragments are likely to corrupt the optical measurements and to interact with the flow. This work seeks to clarify the influence of these fragments on the statistical determination of the velocity field. In particular, it is shown that statistical convergence cannot be achieved when the fragments are crossing the LDV measurement volume, even if a significant number of identical experiments are superimposed. Some specific locations for the LDV measurements are, however, identified to be more favorable than others in the air/SF6 mixing configuration. This finally allows us to quantify the surplus of turbulence induced by the reshock phenomenon.
Equivalent Inclusion Method for the Stokes Flow of Drops Moving in a Viscous Fluid
Authors: Yin H. M. , Lee P.-H. , Liu Y. J.
Published: March 2014

The equivalent inclusion method is presented to derive the Stokes flow of multiple drops moving in a viscous fluid at a small Reynolds number. The drops are replaced by inclusions with the same viscosity as the fluid, but an eigenstrain rate field that is a fictitious nonmechanical strain rate field is introduced to represent the viscosity mismatch between each drop and the matrix fluid. The velocity and pressure fields can be solved by considering the body force and eigenstrain rate on the inclusions with the Green's function technique. When one spherical drop is considered, the solution recovers the closed-form classic solution. This method is versatile and can be used in the simulation of a many-body system with different drop size, elongation ratio, and viscosity. Numerical examples demonstrate the capability and accuracy of the proposed formulation and illustrate particles' rotation and motion caused by particle interactions.
Parallel Computing in Multibody System Dynamics: Why, When, and
How
Authors: Negrut Dan , Serban Radu , Mazhar Hammad , Heyn Toby
Published: March 2014

This paper addresses three questions related to the use of parallel computing in multibody dynamics (MBD) simulation. The “why parallel computing?” question is answered based on the argument that in the upcoming decade parallel computing represents the main source of speed improvement in MBD simulation. The answer to “when is it relevant?” is built around the observation that MBD software users are increasingly interested in multi-physics problems that cross disciplinary boundaries and lead to large sets of equations. The “how?” question is addressed by providing an overview of the state of the art in parallel computing. Emphasis is placed on parallelization approaches and support tools specific to MBD simulation. Three MBD applications are presented where parallel computing has been used to increase problem size and/or reduce time to solution. The paper concludes with a summary of best practices relevant when mapping MBD solutions onto parallel computing hardware.
Performance of a Method for Formulating Geometrically Exact Complementarity Constraints in Multibody Dynamic Simulation
Authors: Montrallo Flickinger Daniel , Williams Jedediyah , Trinkle Jeffrey C.
Published: March 2014

Contemporary problem formulation methods used in the dynamic simulation of rigid bodies suffer from problems in accuracy, performance, and robustness. Significant allowances for parameter tuning, coupled with careful implementation of a broad-phase collision detection scheme are required to make dynamic simulation useful for practical applications. A constraint formulation method is presented herein that is more robust, and not dependent on broad-phase collision detection or system tuning for its behavior. Several uncomplicated benchmark examples are presented to give an analysis and make a comparison of the new polyhedral exact geometry (PEG) method with the well-known Stewart–Trinkle method. The behavior and performance for the two methods are discussed. This includes specific cases where contemporary methods fail to match theorized and observed system states in simulation, and how they are ameliorated by the new method presented here. The goal of this work is to complete the groundwork for further research into high performance simulation.
Structural and composition investigations at delayered locations of low k integrated circuit device by gas-assisted focused ion beam
Authors: Wang Dandan , Kee Tan Pik , Yamin Huang Maggie , Lam Jeffrey , Mai Zhihong
Published: March 2014

The authors report a new delayering technique – gas-assisted focused ion beam (FIB) method and its effects on the top layer materials of integrated circuit (IC) device. It demonstrates a highly efficient failure analysis with investigations on the precise location. After removing the dielectric layers under the bombardment of an ion beam, the chemical composition of the top layer was altered with the reduced oxygen content. Further energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared analysis revealed that the oxygen reduction lead to appreciable silicon suboxide formation. Our findings with structural and composition alteration of dielectric layer after FIB delayering open up a new insight avenue for the failure analysis in IC devices.