bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection of low intensity sound with laser Doppler anemometry
Authors: McBeth Michael S. , Younts Robert
Published: November 2016

Laser Doppler anemometry (LDA) sound measurement systems have traditionally been designed to achieve point measurements of a sound field so they keep the laser path lengths through the water short to minimize the signal contribution from the acousto-optic effect and use relatively large beam separation angles to minimize the interference fringe volume. While the traditional LDA approaches provide reasonable sensitivity to the Doppler shifts from microparticles oscillating in a low frequency sound field, at high frequencies the sound measurement sensitivity depends on the optical path length difference (OPD). OPD increases due to the acousto-optic effect as the sound pressure is integrated over the entire path length. An LDA system using a small beam separation angle and long laser light paths through the water is shown to be capable of detecting low intensity sound pressure signals. Theoretical and experimental results are presented.
Acoustical design of the ELA4 launch pad for the Ariane 6 launcher
Authors: Lambaré Hadrien
Published: November 2016

A new launch pad, ELA4, is going to be built in Kourou (French Guyana) for the future launcher Ariane 6. As the A64 version of the launcher will be more powerful at lift-off than Ariane 5, the exhaust ducts and the water injection systems have to be carefully designed, in order to be as effective as possible, and to reduce the acoustics on the payloads and the launcher. This has been done using the experience acquired and Ariane 5 and VEGA launch pads, as well as the understanding of the complex phenomena obtained by research activities. The general design have been validated and optimized by subscale test campaigns at the MARTEL test bench. Numerous configurations and parameters have been tested, including the geometry of the ducts and the launch table, the altitude of the launcher, the position and the mass flow rate and the spray type of the water injection systems. [These works have been done in collaboration between ESA, CNES, ASL, ONERA and PPRIME.]
Acoustic and seismic time series analysis using ensemble empirical mode decomposition
Authors: Potty Gopu R. , Miller James H.
Published: November 2016

Empirical mode decomposition (EMD) is an adaptive or data-driven time series analysis technique ideally suited to investigate non-stationary signals. EMD decomposes the signal into fast and slow oscillations called intrinsic mode functions (IMFs). Ensemble EMD (EEMD) methods have been developed to alleviate the mode-mixing phenomenon present in the EMD technique. Various real signals will be analyzed using these methods to investigate whether the IMFs correlate to acoustic modes. These real signals include underwater acoustic signals from broadband sources, Scholte and Rayleigh wave signals and music signals. These underwater acoustic signals and the seismic signals exhibit multi-modal structure. In addition these modes are also dispersive in nature. Accurate resolution of these modes in the time-frequency plane is critical for the estimation of medium properties via inverse schemes. Finally, the EEMD technique will be used to investigate the complex dynamic structure of the pitching structure in South Indian Classical music. In all these cases investigated the mapping of the signal into the time-frequency plane reveal distinct features representing the modal dispersion and pitching structure, respectively. EEMD will be used to extract these features accurately with high resolution. [Work supported by Office of Naval Research.]
Effects of swing position in one measure on the feeling of musical rhythm: Examination using the rhythm dividing every beat
Authors: Ikegami Shimpei , Shigeno Sumi
Published: November 2016

Swing is an expression technique used in the performance of popular music. Swing causes the feeling of wanting to move the body in accordance with the musical rhythm. Swing is expressed by dividing one beat into two temporally unequal parts (e.g., 2:1). This study examined the effects of a swing’s position in one measure on the feeling of musical rhythm. Every beat of the duple meter rhythm was divided into two parts. Four conditions of the swing’s position were prepared: the “every-beat swing,” the “odd-beat swing” (the swing’s position being the first beat), the “even-beat swing” (the swing’s position being the second beat), and the “no swing” conditions. This study had 114 participants listening to musical rhythms presented with Scheffé's paired-comparison method and rated the degree of “wanting to move the body” and “pleasantness.” The results showed that the “every-beat swing” condition got the highest rating scores for a feeling of “wanting to move the body.” We consider that the partial presence of swing, irrespective of the swing’s position, might hardly allow listeners to attune to the rhythm of duple meter music.
E-vehicle: A positive impact on Soundscape?
Authors: Genuit Klaus
Published: November 2016

The future will see more and more electric cars on the road as stronger exhaust emission regulations are put into effect. A byproduct of this shift is a broad reduction of noise: no combustion-, exhaust- or intake-noise in addition to reduced tire-road noise. On the other hand, concerns have been raised with respect to pedestrian safety and electric vehicles being too quiet. The significant impact on the soundscape manifested by electric vehicles will be described in this paper, as well as efforts to address safety concerns. The request to compensate the low noise level of electrical vehicles by acoustical warning signals should be discussed very carefully, as even low level warning signals could increase perceived annoyance. This scenario will be explained by several examples.
Shape and rotation analysis on an ultrasonically levitated droplet using distributed point source method and least square moving particle semi-implicit method
Authors: Wada Yuji , Yuge Kohei , Tanaka Hiroki , Nakamura Kentaro
Published: November 2016

Ultrasonic droplet levitation has recently been drawing attention as a way of non-contact transportation. Many experiment revealed that the shape changes or streaming field on the levitating droplets, however, quite small number of numerical simulation have discussed this phenomenon including fluid dynamics within the droplet. In this paper, coupled analysis using the distributed point source method (DPSM) and the least square moving particle semi-implicit (LS-MPS) method, both of which do not require grids or meshes to handle the moving boundary with ease, is suggested. The acoustic radiation force including viscoacoustic torque, which emerges from the viscous boundary layer, is calculated from the distributed point source method result using the idea of boundary layer normal velocity and input to the LS-MPS surface particles. A droplet levitated in an acoustic chamber is simulated using the proposed calculation method. The droplet is vertically supported by a plane standing wave from an ultrasonic driver and subjected to a rotating sound field excited by two acoustic sources on the side wall with different phases. The rotation of the droplet is successfully reproduced numerically and its acceleration is discussed and compared with those in the literature.
Bite block effects on vowel acoustics in talkers with amyotrophic lateral Sclerosis and Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Mefferd Antje , Bissmeyer Mary
Published: November 2016

Amytrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) affects predominantly the tongue and leaves the jaw relatively spared. By contrast, Parkinson’s disease (PD) is thought to affect the motor system globally with minimal jaw movements potentially further limiting tongue articulatory movements. However, currently only few studies have directly investigated articulator-specific contributions to deviant speech acoustics in talkers with dysarthria. In this study, a 10 mm bite block was used to decouple tongue and jaw and delineate their specific contributions on vowel acoustics in talkers with distinctly different impairment profiles. Acoustic vowel contrast was examined during sentence repetitions produced by talkers with ALS, PD, and controls under jaw-free and jaw-fixed conditions. Preliminary findings of seven speakers per group revealed that acoustic vowel contrast was significantly lower during the jaw-fixed than the jaw-free condition in ALS. However, in PD acoustic vowel contrast tended to be greater when the jaw was fixed. For controls, no difference was found between the two conditions. Further, compared to controls acoustic vowel contrast was significantly reduced during the jaw-fixed condition in ALS and during the jaw-free condition in PD. Outcomes suggest that the jaw promotes acoustic vowel contrast in ALS but may hinder it in PD.
The effects of deep brain stimulation on conversational and repeated speech
Authors: Sidtis Diana V. , Sidtis John J.
Published: November 2016

The effects of the DBS on speech remain controversial. This approach used intelligibility by listeners and acoustic parameters as measures of conversation and repeated speech. Persons with DBS-STN provided conversational speech samples and then repeated portions of their conversation in both on and off stimulation. Excerpts were arranged for a listening protocol adjusted for the Parkinsonian hypophonia. Dependent measures were intelligibility and difficulty ratings by 30 healthy listeners and acoustic measures of voice. Fewer words were correctly transcribed from conversation compared to repetition [F(1,29) = 14.06; p = 0.001]. Similarly, intelligibility for STN-DBS on worse than off [F(1,29) = 9.462; p = 0.005]. More words were correctly transcribed from repetition than from conversation with STN-DBS on [t(29) = -2.342; p = 0.026] and off [t(29) = -3.619; p = 0.001]. Comparisons of conversation versus repetition and DBS state revealed significant effects of both task and DBS on intelligibility. Repetition yielded better voice quality than conversation and DBS improved voice. DBS is mildly disruptive to conversational speech, but the effect of task is greater. The external example inherent in repetition may reduce the burden for speech, as is seen for gait and arm reach.
MRI noise suppression using weighted spectral subtraction based on noise estimation with long-and-short terms
Authors: Okayasu Sayaka , Yoshiura Maiko , Fukumori Takahiro , Nakayama Masato , Nishiura Takanobu
Published: November 2016

MRI devices are often utilized as surgery support systems. However, communication among medical staff during surgery is difficult because conversations can be disturbed by loud noise emitted from devices. In this study, we propose a MRI noise suppression method using a weighted spectral subtraction to address the problem. Spectral subtraction is generally utilized for suppressing stationary noise. However, directly applying this method to non-stationary noise such as MRI noise, which has frequency and amplitude fluctuations in the long-and-short terms, may be difficult. In the proposed method, the noise from a MRI device is estimated on the basis of the frequency fluctuation in the short term. The estimated noise is then subtracted by processing the weighted spectral subtraction whose coefficients are calculated on the basis of the amplitude fluctuation in the long term. Objective evaluation experiments were carried out to evaluate the quantities of noise reduction and sound distortion. As a result, we confirmed the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Numerical simulations of sound source localization with two-dimensional bio-inspired antennas of varying geometric complexities
Authors: Reinwald Michael , Boschi Lapo , Catheline Stefan , Grimal Quentin
Published: November 2016

Many animals use audition as their primary tool to navigate and hunt. The accuracy with which they complete those tasks suggests that they effectively harness detailed waveform information. In addition to inter-aural time (ITD) or level differences (ILD) they are likely to extract information from sound conducted by the skull. It is well established that an object of complex shape, in which elastic waves propagate (such as the skull of an animal), can be used as an antenna to locate the position of an acoustic source, even using a single receiver. We hypothesize that complexities in the shape of mammalian skulls enhance source localization performance. We evaluate the localization precision achieved with two-dimensional skull-shaped antennas of varying complexity, generating synthetic data by time-domain numerical simulations and “inverting” them via signal processing techniques such as ITD, ILD and time-reversal. Full waveform algorithms (e.g., time-reversal) benefit from increasing geometric complexity of the antenna, e.g., removing symmetry ambiguities in the localization. We investigate this relation for aforementioned algorithms and combinations thereof. Our simulations are a first step towards experimental and numerical investigations of the role of bone conduction in source localization using skulls of different mammals.
Identification of phonocardiographic signals using noise suppression based on wavelet transform
Authors: Kudo Shinya , Nishijima Keisuke , Uenohara Shingo , Furuya Ken'ichi
Published: November 2016

While heart disease is one of the three major diseases, only well-qualified doctors can evaluate phonocardiographic signals. However, phonocardiographic signals are not always used in healthcare because only a few professionals are experts in evaluating phonocardiographic signals. We need to develop an easily available system that can automatically diagnose phonocardiographic signals. In previous study, phonocardiographic signals are typically analyzed using wavelet transform to match and extract the characteristics of known normal and abnormal phonocardiographic signals. However, everyday noises such as lung and breath sounds, environmental noises, and blood flow noises may contaminate these signals and hinder analysis. We have previously proposed noise suppression using wavelet transform for phonocardiographic signals. In this study, we compare the proposed method and spectral subtraction to identify the kind of phonocardiographic signals. The experiment results show that the proposed method provides better identification performance compared with the spectral subtraction method.
Quality and Health-Optimizing Physical Education: Using Assessment at the Health and Education Nexus
Authors: Dudley Dean , Goodyear Victoria , Baxter David
Published: November 2016

Background:

The United Nations Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (UNESCO) recognizes quality physical education (QPE) must, along with physical, social and affective educative goals, seek to improve the health status of youth (UNESCO, 2015). Health-Optimizing Physical Education (HOPE) is a model of physical education (PE) that seeks this goal but is creating much debate in the discipline (Sallis et al., 2012).

Purpose:

The aim of this paper is to present a conceptual assessment framework for QPE and HOPE on which future assessment protocols may be based that serve both health and educative goals.

Methods/Data analysis:

Policy and literature pertaining to QPE and HOPE were reviewed and compared for similarities and differences. This was followed by an analysis of literature on assessment in the health and education disciplines. These analyses provided the authors with the insight to propose a new model of assessment for HOPE models to implement QPE.

Results:

Many similarities exist in the policy of QPE and the published literature on HOPE. However, the measurement model of assessment can often circumvent two important assessment functions for education settings that need to be addressed in a wider QPE and Models-Based Practice (MBP) context. Conclusions: HOPE models were established using an interventionist mindset and are therefore well suited to integrating well-defined MBP pedagogies as appropriate ‘intervening’ strategies by using a clinical approach to teaching and assessment. To date, they have lacked an assessment framework that has been capable of addressing both the health and educative goals that both HOPE and MBP seek to achieve. This paper provides new insight by reimagining the role MBPs and assessment practices have to play in the health and education nexus.
Models-Based Practice in Physical Education: The Case for Sport Education
Authors: Hastie Peter A. , Wallhead Tristan
Published: November 2016

Purpose:

This paper provides a potential roadmap for the future development of research on Sport Education. In the first part of the paper, research on each of the elements of competence, literacy and enthusiasm are reviewed, with the aim of providing evidence to support the idea that the model can achieve its goals. For each of these goals we provide some potential directions which we believe are important for moving research on Sport Education forward.

Development:

These avenues include more attention to appropriate practices for enhancing student-coach effectiveness, ways to enhance the development of more equitable and inclusive class environments within the model, as well as the potential transfer of Sport Education experiences to physical activity environments beyond physical education.

Design:

Research designs need to include how teachers and students give value and significance to what they teach and what they learn, respectively. This could be achieved through researchers considering more prolonged action-based research designs that allow a close monitoring of the implementation of pedagogical approaches. These case studies can provide guidance for future pedagogical iterations of the model that can be applied within more generalizable group designs.
Teacher Fidelity to a Physical Education Curricular Model and Physical Activity Outcomes
Authors: Stylianou Michalis , Kloeppel Tiffany , Kulinna Pamela , van der Mars Han
Published: November 2016

Background:

This study was informed by the bodies of literature emphasizing the role of physical education in promoting physical activity (PA) and addressing teacher fidelity to curricular models.

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to compare student PA levels, lesson context, and teacher PA promotion behavior among classes where teachers were using the Dynamic Physical Education (DPE) curricular model with low, moderate, and high fidelity.

Methods:

Participants were 20 physical education teachers, and their 4th and 5th grade students. Each teacher was observed teaching three times during the study. Fidelity data were collected using a validated observation instrument. PA, lesson context, and teacher behavior data were collected using the System for Observing Fitness Instruction Time (SOFIT). Data analysis included descriptive statistics and group difference tests.

Results:

Significant differences among the three fidelity groups were identified in several items of the observation instrument. No significant moderate-to-vigorous PA or lesson context differences were found among the three groups. Students taught by teachers in the high fidelity group spent a significantly higher proportion of lesson time (7.5%) in vigorous PA than students taught by teachers in the low fidelity group. Teachers in the moderate and high fidelity groups spent a significantly higher proportion of lesson time promoting in-class PA than teachers in the low fidelity group.

Discussion:

Fidelity of implementation to the DPE model had little impact on student PA. The findings of this study can inform future researchers about the methodological importance of examining teacher fidelity to curricular models and associated outcomes.
Models Based Practices in Physical Education: A Sociocritical Reflection
Authors: Landi Dillon , Fitzpatrick Katie , McGlashan Hayley
Published: November 2016

In this paper, we reflect on models-based practices in physical education using a sociocritical lens. Drawing links between neoliberal moves in education, and critical approaches to the body and physicality, we take a view that models are useful tools that are worth integrating into physical education, but we are apprehensive to suggest they should redefine the purpose of physical education. In arguing this, we attempt to understand the particular effects of certain models on practice and students. We draw on the theoretical concepts of Deleuze, in particular his notion of ‘striated’ space to analyze SPARK-PE, HOPE, and Sport Education. We assert that some models can be useful tools for thinking about instruction, but models-based-practices are no substitute for a thoughtful and thorough physical education program.
The Possibilities of “Doing” Outdoor and/or Adventure Education in Physical Education/Teacher Education
Authors: Sutherland Sue , Legge Maureen
Published: November 2016

Background:

Physical education has a long association with teaching outdoor and/or adventure education (OAE). As physical education teacher educators, with a special interest in teaching OAE, we wanted to examine perceptions of models based practices in physical education/teacher education.

Purpose:

This manuscript; explores and critiques a range of national and international perspectives on models based practices in OAE; challenges what stands for teaching OAE in PETE; and offers suggestions for future practice and research. Method: Papers were selected through a systematic review methodology.

Data analysis:

Using a process of inductive analysis and constant comparison we identified two main themes: Ways of doing this in PE and Ways of doing this in PETE.

Discussion/Conclusion:

Future recommendations include the pedagogical relevance and importance of understanding the socio-cultural context, the challenge of adventure education being a controlled orchestration and the need to pedagogically change the key of this orchestration, and employing innovative methodological approaches to further explore these issues.
Helical and rod-shaped bacteria swim in helical trajectories with little additional propulsion from helical shape
Authors: Constantino Maira A. , Jabbarzadeh Mehdi , Fu Henry C. , Bansil Rama
Published: November 2016

Helical bacteria, like the stomach pathogen
H. pylori
, swim only about 15% faster than their isogenic rod-shaped mutants.
Synchronization in networks with multiple interaction layers
Authors: del Genio Charo I. , Gómez-Gardeñes Jesús , Bonamassa Ivan , Boccaletti Stefano
Published: November 2016

When the coexistence of multiple types of interactions truly matters for the synchronization of interacting complex systems.
Ultrafine jagged platinum nanowires enable ultrahigh mass activity for the oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Li Mufan , Zhao Zipeng , Cheng Tao , Fortunelli Alessandro , Chen Chih-Yen , Yu Rong , Zhang Qinghua , Gu Lin , Merinov Boris V. , Lin Zhaoyang , Zhu Enbo , Yu Ted , Jia Qingying , Guo Jinghua , Zhang Liang , Goddard William A. , Huang Yu , Duan Xiangfeng
Published: November 2016

An activity lift for platinum

Platinum is an excellent but expensive catalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), which is critical for fuel cells. Alloying platinum with other metals can create shells of platinum on cores of less expensive metals, which increases its surface exposure, and compressive strain in the layer can also boost its activity (see the Perspective by Stephens
et al.
). Bu
et al.
produced nanoplates—platinum-lead cores covered with platinum shells—that were in tensile strain. These nanoplates had high and stable ORR activity, which theory suggests arises from the strain optimizing the platinum-oxygen bond strength. Li
et al.
optimized both the amount of surface-exposed platinum and the specific activity. They made nanowires with a nickel oxide core and a platinum shell, annealed them to the metal alloy, and then leached out the nickel to form a rough surface. The mass activity was about double the best reported values from previous studies.

Science
, this issue p.
1410
, p.
1414
; see also p.
1378
Chromoblastomycosis
Authors: Queiroz-Telles Flavio , de Hoog Sybren , Santos Daniel Wagner C. L. , Salgado Claudio Guedes , Vicente Vania Aparecida , Bonifaz Alexandro , Roilides Emmanuel , Xi Liyan , Azevedo Conceição de Maria Pedrozo e Silva , da Silva Moises Batista , Pana Zoe Dorothea , Colombo Arnaldo Lopes , Walsh Thomas J.
Published: November 2016

Chromoblastomycosis (CBM), also known as chromomycosis, is one of the most prevalent implantation fungal infections, being the most common of the gamut of mycoses caused by melanized or brown-pigmented fungi. CBM is mainly a tropical or subtropical disease that may affect individuals with certain risk factors around the world. The following characteristics are associated with this disease: (i) traumatic inoculation by implantation from an environmental source, leading to an initial cutaneous lesion at the inoculation site; (ii) chronic and progressive cutaneous and subcutaneous tissular involvement associated with fibrotic and granulomatous reactions associated with microabscesses and often with tissue proliferation; (iii) a nonprotective T helper type 2 (Th2) immune response with ineffective humoral involvement; and (iv) the presence of muriform (sclerotic) cells embedded in the affected tissue. CBM lesions are clinically polymorphic and are commonly misdiagnosed as various other infectious and noninfectious diseases. In its more severe clinical forms, CBM may cause an incapacity for labor due to fibrotic sequelae and also due to a series of clinical complications, and if not recognized at an early stage, this disease can be refractory to antifungal therapy.
From Q Fever to Coxiella burnetii Infection: a Paradigm Change
Authors: Eldin Carole , Mélenotte Cléa , Mediannikov Oleg , Ghigo Eric , Million Matthieu , Edouard Sophie , Mege Jean-Louis , Maurin Max , Raoult Didier
Published: November 2016

Coxiella burnetiiis the agent of Q fever, or “query fever,” a zoonosis first described in Australia in 1937. Since this first description, knowledge about this pathogen and its associated infections has increased dramatically. We review here all the progress made over the last 20 years on this topic.C. burnetiiis classically a strict intracellular, Gram-negative bacterium. However, a major step in the characterization of this pathogen was achieved by the establishment of its axenic culture.C. burnetiiinfects a wide range of animals, from arthropods to humans. The genetic determinants of virulence are now better known, thanks to the achievement of determining the genome sequences of several strains of this species and comparative genomic analyses. Q fever can be found worldwide, but the epidemiological features of this disease vary according to the geographic area considered, including situations where it is endemic or hyperendemic, and the occurrence of large epidemic outbreaks. In recent years, a major breakthrough in the understanding of the natural history of human infection withC. burnetiiwas the breaking of the old dichotomy between “acute” and “chronic” Q fever. The clinical presentation ofC. burnetiiinfection depends on both the virulence of the infectingC. burnetiistrain and specific risks factors in the infected patient. Moreover, no persistent infection can exist without a focus of infection. This paradigm change should allow better diagnosis and management of primary infection and long-term complications in patients withC. burnetiiinfection.
Draft Genome Sequence of Lactobacillus plantarum XJ25 Isolated from Chinese Red Wine
Authors: Zhao Meijing , Liu Shuwen , He Ling , Tian Yu
Published: November 2016

Here, we present the draft genome sequence of
Lactobacillus plantarum
XJ25, isolated from Chinese red wine that had undergone spontaneous malolactic fermentation, which consists of 25 contigs and is 3,218,018 bp long.
Genome Sequences of Two Multidrug-Resistant Proteus mirabilis Strains Harboring CTX-M-65 Isolated from Malaysia
Authors: Yu Choo Yee , Ang Geik Yong , Ngeow Yun Fong , Tee Kok Keng , Yin Wai-Fong , Chan Kok-Gan
Published: November 2016

Proteus mirabilis
is an opportunistic nosocomial pathogen that is commonly associated with urinary tract infections. Here, we present draft genome sequences of two multidrug-resistant
P. mirabilis
strains, isolated from urine samples in Malaysia, that harbored a CTX-M-type extended-spectrum β-lactamase-encoding gene, as well as a repertoire of other antimicrobial-resistant determinants.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Thermotolerant Cyanobacterium
Desertifilum
sp. IPPAS B-1220
Authors: Mironov Kirill S. , Sinetova Maria A. , Bolatkhan Kenzhegul , Zayadan Bolatkhan K. , Ustinova Vera V. , Kupriyanova Elena V. , Skrypnik Alexandra N. , Gogoleva Natalya E. , Gogolev Yuriy V. , Los Dmitry A.
Published: November 2016

Here, we report the draft genome of the filamentous cyanobacterium
Desertifilum
sp. strain IPPAS B-1220, isolated from Lake Shar-Nuur, Mongolia. The genome of 6.1 Mb codes for 5,113 genes. Genome mining revealed 10 clusters for the synthesis of bioactive compounds (nonribosomal peptides, polyketides, bacteriocins, and lantipeptides) with potential biotechnological or medical importance.
Draft Genome Sequence of Pseudomonas mosselii Gil3, Isolated from Catfish and Antagonistic against Hypervirulent Aeromonas hydrophila
Authors: Zhang Dunhua , Xu De-Hai , Qiu Junqiang , Rasmussen-Ivey Cody R. , Liles Mark R. , Beck Benjamin H.
Published: November 2016

Pseudomonas mosselii
Gil3 was isolated from a catfish that survived from lethal challenge with hypervirulent
Aeromonas hydrophila
(vAh). When assayed
in vitro
, the bacterium showed antagonism against vAh. Sequence analysis revealed that the genome of
P. mosselii
Gil3 encodes numerous aromatic metabolism pathways and proteins for biosynthesis of antimicrobial compounds.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Cyanobacterium
sp. Strain IPPAS B-1200 with a Unique Fatty Acid Composition
Authors: Starikov Alexander Y. , Usserbaeva Aizhan A. , Sinetova Maria A. , Sarsekeyeva Fariza K. , Zayadan Bolatkhan K. , Ustinova Vera V. , Kupriyanova Elena V. , Los Dmitry A. , Mironov Kirill S.
Published: November 2016

Here, we report the draft genome of
Cyanobacterium
sp. IPPAS strain B-1200, isolated from Lake Balkhash, Kazakhstan, and characterized by the unique fatty acid composition of its membrane lipids, which are enriched with myristic and myristoleic acids. The approximate genome size is 3.4 Mb, and the predicted number of coding sequences is 3,119.
Volatile dilution during magma injections and implications for volcano explosivity
Authors: Cassidy Mike , Castro Jonathan M. , Helo Christoph , Troll Valentin R. , Deegan Frances M. , Muir Duncan , Neave David A. , Mueller Sebastian P.
Published: November 2016

Magma reservoirs underneath volcanoes grow through episodic emplacement of magma batches. These pulsed magma injections can substantially alter the physical state of the resident magma by changing its temperature, pressure, composition, and volatile content. Here we examine plagioclase phenocrysts in pumice from the 2014 Plinian eruption of Kelud (Indonesia) that record the progressive capture of small melt inclusions within concentric growth zones during crystallization inside a magma reservoir. High-spatial-resolution Raman spectroscopic measurements reveal the concentration of dissolved H2O within the melt inclusions, and provide insights into melt-volatile behavior at the single crystal scale. H2O contents within melt inclusions range from ∼0.45 to 2.27 wt% and do not correlate with melt inclusion size or distance from the crystal rim, suggesting that minimal H2O was lost via diffusion. Instead, inclusion H2O contents vary systematically with anorthite content of the host plagioclase (R2 = 0.51), whereby high anorthite content zones are associated with low H2O contents and vice versa. This relationship suggests that injections of hot and H2O-poor magma can increase the reservoir temperature, leading to the dilution of melt H2O contents. In addition to recording hot and H2O-poor conditions after these injections, plagioclase crystals also record relatively cold and H2O-rich conditions such as prior to the explosive 2014 eruption. In this case, the elevated H2O content and increased viscosity may have contributed to the high explosivity of the eruption. The point at which an eruption occurs within such repeating hot and cool cycles may therefore have important implications for explaining alternating eruptive styles.
Personalising exercise recommendations for brain health: considerations and future directions
Authors: Barha Cindy K , Galea Liisa A , Nagamatsu Lindsay S , Erickson Kirk I , Liu-Ambrose Teresa
Published: November 2016

The societal value of strategies that delay the onset and progression of dementia cannot be overstated. Physical activity—unstructured and structured—is a promising, cost-effective strategy for the promotion of brain health. However, a large degree of variation exists in its efficacy. Therefore, to increase its utility as ‘medication’ for healthy cognitive ageing, it is imperative to identify key moderators and mediators of the positive effects of targeted exercise training on brain health. In this commentary, we focus on the type of targeted exercise training, the determinants of individual variation, including biological sex and genotypic factors, and the mechanisms by which exercise exerts its influence on the brain. We argue that a better understanding of these factors will allow for evidence-based, personalised, tailored exercise recommendations that go beyond the one-size-fits-all approach to successfully combat dementia.
Dysarthria in individuals with Parkinson's disease: a protocol for a binational, cross-sectional, case-controlled study in French and European Portuguese (FraLusoPark)
Authors: Pinto Serge , Cardoso Rita , Sadat Jasmin , Guimarães Isabel , Mercier Céline , Santos Helena , Atkinson-Clement Cyril , Carvalho Joana , Welby Pauline , Oliveira Pedro , D'Imperio Mariapaola , Frota Sónia , Letanneux Alban , Vigario Marina , Cruz Marisa , Martins Isabel Pavão , Viallet François , Ferreira Joaquim J
Published: November 2016

Introduction

Individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD) have to deal with several aspects of voice and speech decline and thus alteration of communication ability during the course of the disease. Among these communication impairments, 3 major challenges include: (1) dysarthria, consisting of orofacial motor dysfunction and dysprosody, which is linked to the neurodegenerative processes; (2) effects of the pharmacological treatment, which vary according to the disease stage; and (3) particular speech modifications that may be language-specific, that is, dependent on the language spoken by the patients. The main objective of the FraLusoPark project is to provide a thorough evaluation of changes in PD speech as a result of pharmacological treatment and disease duration in 2 different languages (French vs European Portuguese).

Methods and analysis

Individuals with PD are enrolled in the study in France (N=60) and Portugal (N=60). Their global motor disability and orofacial motor functions is assessed with specific clinical rating scales, without (OFF) and with (ON) pharmacological treatment. 2 groups of 60 healthy age-matched volunteers provide the reference for between-group comparisons. Along with the clinical examinations, several speech tasks are recorded to obtain acoustic and perceptual measures. Patient-reported outcome measures are used to assess the psychosocial impact of dysarthria on quality of life.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has been approved by the local responsible committees on human experimentation and is conducted in accordance with the ethical standards. A valuable large-scale database of speech recordings and metadata from patients with PD in France and Portugal will be constructed. Results will be disseminated in several articles in peer-reviewed journals and in conference presentations. Recommendations on how to assess speech and voice disorders in individuals with PD to monitor the progression and management of symptoms will be provided.

Trial registration number

NCT02753192, Pre-results.
Evaluation of a clinical handover simulation training session for junior doctors in psychiatry
Authors: Acharya Rupali , Thomas Gareth , Hellaby Mark
Published: November 2016

Background

Clinical handover is an important aspect of patient care and medical education, as identified by trainee surveys. There is a need for robust, standardised handover systems. Situation, Background, Assessment and Recommendation (SBAR) is a communication and empowerment tool for standardised communication in healthcare. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the educational impact of a simulation-based educational session in clinical handover for trainees in psychiatry, using SBAR.

Method

A 3-hour session for trainees in psychiatry was designed with the North West Simulation Education Network and took place at the North Western Deanery School of Psychiatry. Presession and postsession questionnaires were completed, followed by a 6-week follow-up questionnaire.

Results

A significant improvement in participants' confidence and skills was demonstrated following the teaching session. Qualitative feedback also highlighted improved clinical application of the SBAR tool. Following the session, trainees reported an improvement in their appreciation of the role of other professionals in the handover process and a sense of empowerment when liaising with senior colleagues.

Conclusions

The training session potentially improved patient care by giving trainees structure, confidence and empowerment when talking to other colleagues while handing over. This may also help to meet the training requirements of the various Royal College curricula. This is the first study, to the best of our knowledge, which has evaluated a simulation session specifically designed to develop handover skills for trainees in psychiatry.
DETECTING HEPATITIS INFECTION IN THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT
Authors: Hunter LJ , Douthwaite S , Nebbia G
Published: November 2016

Objectives & Background

Hepatitis (HBV&HCV) testing in the UK is currently targeted at groups perceived to be at high risk. Late diagnosis is common. Initial infection may only be accompanied by a mild illness or be completely asymptomatic. Chronic infection can occur and may progress to liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, decompensated liver disease or hepatocellular carcinoma if untreated.1

Early diagnosis and treatment are effective in reducing disease progression (HBV) or elimination of the virus (HCV).

Our aim was to determine the potential for blood borne virus testing within the ED and to evaluate the burden of HBV/HCV in our local population.

Methods

Patients over the age of 16 were offered Hepatitis B (Surface antigen) and Hepatitis C (IgG antibodies) testing, if they required venepuncture during their ED attendance, in a 6 week period from 15th February 2016–27th March 2016. Tests were ordered using a pre-configured order-set including a pre-selected Hep BsAg and HepC IgGAbs. Patients were informed of the intention to test all attendances and were able to opt out if desired. Positive test results were followed up at a rapid access one-stop clinic.

Results

Over a 6 week period, 3073 (49%) and 2982 (47%) accepted testing for Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C respectively. 1.1% (n=35) tested positive for Hepatitis B surface antigen, indicating acute or chronic infection. 2.2% (n=66) tested positive for Hepatitis C antibodies, indicating current or previous HCV infection. Hepatitis C antigen testing was positive in 1.2% (n=35) indicating current HCV infection.

The median age of all patients tested was 45 years (16–100 years) female 51%.

HBV

antibody positive: median age 42 years (24–82 years), Gender: Male 70% Ethnicity: 40% Black or Black British.

HCV

antigen positive: Median age 41 years (22–77 years) Gender: Male 72%, 40% White British. Two newly diagnosed patients were eligible to be commenced on direct acting anti-virals. One patient had evidence of cirrhosis on initial fibroscan.

Conclusion

Consider the ED for opportunistic blood borne virus testing in areas of high prevalence. We achieved testing rates of approximately 50% by use of a pre-configured blood order set and an opt-out policy, resulting in identification of new diagnoses and lost to follow-up patients. Use of a one-stop clinic provides rapid entry to care for positive patients and reduces burden of follow-up for the ED.
TIME IS MUSCLE: MANAGEMENT OF CHEST PAIN IN THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT
Authors: Qureshi B , Llewelyn M , Freer J , Baptiste P , Harris T
Published: November 2016

Objectives & Background

Many chest pain assessment protocols include delayed troponin assays, which makes assessment within the Emergency Department (ED) 4-hour UK national target difficult, and increases pressure on medical admissions. Our objective was to evaluate the effect of point-of-care (POC) troponin testing on successful risk-stratification of patients presenting with chest pain.

Methods

An audit in a district general hospital ED in London, in two phases: 14th April 2013–15th June 2013; and 15th April 2014–15th June 2014. Between the 2 phases, laboratory-based testing (Roche Cobas E602 multi-channel analyser; limit of detection 5 ng/L and a 99th percentile of 14 ng/L) was replaced by POC troponin (Radiometer ATQ90 analyser; limit of detection 10 ng/L and a 99th percentile of 23 ng/L). A new chest pain protocol was also introduced, with 3 categories:Redfor ST-Elevation MIs;Amberfor patients requiring inpatient assessment; andGreenfor low-risk management as an outpatient. In 2013, a non-random sample of patients with chest pain as a presenting complaint was identified from the case notes; in 2014 a non-random sample was extracted from the point-of-care machines.

Results

In 2013, data were obtained for 194 patients, and 171 in 2014. In the initial audit, using a lab-based troponin assay, 72.7% (n=141) of patients were managed on theAmberpathway, which reduced to 14.62% (n=25) post introduction of the POC troponin assay (p=0.02). In the initial audit, 23.2% patients (n=45) were managed on theGreenpathway and discharged from the ED, compared to 83.04% (n=142) post introduction of POC troponin assay (p<0.001). The proportion of patients correctly put on theGreenpathway increased from 91.1% (n=41) to 99.3% (n=41) post introduction of POC assay (p=0.003). The proportion ofAmberpatients with a troponin measured on arrival increased from 39.7% (n=56) to 100% (n=25; p<0.001). On the green pathway, troponin on arrival had increased from 31.1% (n=14) to 72.5% (n=124; p<0.001).

Conclusion

Point-of-care troponin testing was associated with a higher proportion of patients discharged from the ED and managed as outpatients. This most likely resulted from reduced waiting times for the troponin assay, reducing admissions to await these results. This may also explain the association between the introduction of POC troponin assays and a higher proportion of patients correctly assigned to the cardiac assessment pathways.
CONCUSSION IN THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT; UNCONSCIOUSLY INCOMPETENT?
Authors: Phillips TI , Guy K , Tompkinson A , Martin R , Phillips D , Sloan N
Published: November 2016

Objectives & Background

Sports related concussion is an increasingly common occurrence. Outside professional sport it is typically managed within Emergency Departments. The objective was to assess the level of knowledge and understanding of UK emergency medicine doctors of concussion; it's recognition, diagnosis and management.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional observational study using self-report questionnaires. Questionnaires were distributed at regional EM conferences in July 2015 and January 2016. The questionnaire asked respondents to correctly identify signs and symptoms of concussion according to the 2012 Zurich consensus statement. It asked whether there were differences in the management of adult and paediatric concussion together with questions regarding RTP guidelines and use of potentially protective equipment.

Results

156 questionnaires were completed. Illegible answers, defaced or incorrectly completed questionnaires were discarded. 134 were included in the analysis. Training levels represented were: Consultant (10%), Specialist Registrar (12%), Staff Grade (5%), Core Trainee (34%), Foundation Trainee (20%), Emergency Nurse Practitioners (1.5%), Medical Students (16%).

Answers to the symptomology questions were differentially weighted to produce an overall “Symptom Score” which was used for comparison. Consultants obtained the highest score (6.2). The least correct were Specialist Registrars (2.0). Diagnostic accuracy did not differ between secondary and tertiary centers (p=0.67). 80% of participants incorrectly identified headguards as being protective against concussion. 35.4% of respondents acknowledged a difference between adult and paediatric concussion.

Conclusion

This small yet representative sample highlights a lack of knowledge in concussion in health professionals working in EDs in the UK. Despite the recent high profile cases in the media regarding the recognition and management of concussion, the frontline clinicians most likely to see concussive injuries have insufficient knowledge to diagnose and manage the condition effectively. There is an opportunity for Public health bodies, acute medical trusts and sports organisations to work collaboratively to provide education and resources for front line personnel that will increase awareness of concussion and improve care to patients presenting with concussive injuries.
TRIAGE OF SEPSIS PATIENTS: SIRS OR QSOFA – WHICH IS BEST?
Authors: Gunn N , Haigh C , Thomson JR
Published: November 2016

Objectives & Background

Recent consensus guidelines have suggested using the qSOFA score as a tool for the identification of patients with sepsis outwith the ICU setting. In the UK, we currently use the SIRS criteria as a means of identifying these patients in the ED. We wanted to look at whether the qSOFA would reliably identify septic patients in our ED population.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 200 cases of adult patients presenting to our ED over a six month period who had a sepsis 6 form completed. SIRS and qSOFA scores were calculated for all patients and the results compared. Patients identified as requiring critical care input and those who died were noted.

Results

200 patients were identified over a 6 month period–109 male, 91 female; age range 18–95 yrs; average 66.7 yrs; IQR 1–58 yr; IQR 3–79 yrs.

Of these 200 patients, 4 were admitted to ITU and 17 were admitted to HDU from the Emergency Department. There were 22 deaths in total of whom 1 died on ITU with full escalation of care, and 8 died in HDU with a decision they were not for further escalation. Of those that died outwith critical care, 8 had a decision of ward as ceiling of care made in the ED.

195 cases were positive for SIRS of which 4 were admitted to ICU; 16 to HDU and 22 died. SIRS identified all patients who died and all but 1 patient who received critical care input.

SIRS test was 97% sensitive and 2.4% specific. The positive predictive value is 15.9%, the negative predictive value is 80%.

29 cases were positive for qSOFA of whom 1 was admitted to ICU and 9 to HDU. There were 9 deaths in this group of which 5 were patients on HDU. 4 patients identified as qSOFA positive were determined as not for escalation of care and subsequently died.

qSOFA was 90% specific for identifying patients who died or required critical care input but only 48% sensitive. The positive predictive value is 42%, the negative predictive value is 92%.

Conclusion

qSOFA is a more specific test to identify patients requiring critical care input or at risk of death. Although SIRS is more sensitive, its lack of specificity makes it a much less effective screening tool for severe sepsis.

Practically, SIRS is useful as a triage tool to identify potentially septic patients but once identified qSOFA should be used to assess severity and need for critical care involvement.