bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variant at 9p21 rs1333049 is associated with age of onset of coronary artery disease in a Western Indian population: a case control association study
Authors: BHANUSHALI APARNA A. , CONTRACTOR AASHISH , DAS BIBHU R.
Published: November 2013

The 9p21 chromosomal region has been associated with coronary artery disease (CAD) in many genome wide association studies (GWAS). To date no information exists regarding the rs1333039 SNP which showed the strongest association in the WTCCC GWAS with CAD risk in the Indian population. The present study attempts to replicate the findings in the Indian population.

Genotyping for rs1333049 was done in 229 cases and 151 controls by allele-specific real-time assay.

A higher frequency of the risk allele rs1333049C was seen in cases (0·60) as compared with controls (0·49), which associated with CAD risk both in univariate (OR = 1·564, 95%CI = 1·154–2·119, P = 0·003) and multivariate analysis (OR = 2·460, 95%CI = 1·139–5·314, P = 0·022). Increased frequency of the risk allele was seen in younger individuals with CAD where 40% individuals in the age group 30–55 years had the CC genotype as compared with 29 and 24·5% in the age group 56–65 years and > 65 years, respectively (CC versus GG, P = 0·045). Higher incidence of the CC genotype was seen in MI patients, but missed significance when compared with controls (OR = 1·361, 95%CI = 0·954–1·942, P = 0·084).

In conclusion, the rs1333049 variant is significantly associated with CAD risk and also with age of onset in the Western Indian population. However there are differences in the haplotype structure of this SNP with the neighbouring rs10757278 SNP, these differences emphasize the importance of genotyping all risk variants at this locus which could underlie the differences in risk susceptibility to CAD across populations.
Livelihoods in risk: exploring health and environmental implications of e-waste recycling as a livelihood strategy in Ghana
Authors: Amankwaa Ebenezer Forkuo
Published: November 2013

Ghana's pursuit of socio-economic growth has necessitated joining the information communication technology (ICT) revolution, thus increasing the consumption and obsolescence rate of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) and the creation of what is popularly called e-waste. The absence of legislation governing its importation and disposal, combined with the dynamics of Accra's urban economy, including neo-liberal policies and lack of formal job opportunities, has triggered people's ingenuity to engage in novel occupations such as e-waste recycling. Though a lucrative strategy, it comes with a price for those involved: environmental health risks, a fact well articulated by a burgeoning literature. Nevertheless, little empirical evidence exists relating to this perceived relationship. Using questionnaires, FGDs and in-depth interviews, this study fills the lacuna. The findings reveal that the mean daily income of an e-waste worker is GH¢30, far above the daily minimum wage of GH¢4·48. Despite the positives, the findings also show that the environment and health can be compromised.
Social representations of older adults [magget] in Dakar
Authors: MACIA ENGUERRAN , DUBOZ PRISCILLA , MONTEPARE JOANN M. , GUEYE LAMINE
Published: November 2013

The objectives of this study in Dakar were twofold: to determine whether the representations of older adults are mainly positive, neutral or negative in the Senegalese capital; and to analyse the emic notions on which these age representations are based. As a first step in understanding how older adults are represented in this contemporary urban African context, a methodology was selected that is both quantitative and qualitative, including closed and open-ended questions to a representative cross-section of the Dakar population aged 20 years and over (N=600). The results indicate that representations of older adults, while heterogeneous, were mainly positive in Dakar: 63.7 per cent reported positive representations of older adults. Conversely, 17.5 per cent believed that older adults were perceived negatively. Lastly, 18.8 per cent reported that they did not perceive positive or negative social views of older adults. Representations of older adults were based on three principal notions: the value of advanced age, social usefulness of older adults and family ties. These results are discussed in the context of Dakar modernity, in comparison to Western modernity. Dakar society appears to depart from modernisation theory, as the experiential wisdom of older adults is still valued (mainly through the importance of oral tradition) and the extended family is upheld (given the permanent economic crisis the country is experiencing).
The experiences of older male adults throughout their involvement in a community programme for men
Authors: REYNOLDS KRISTIN A. , MACKENZIE COREY S. , MEDVED MARIA , ROGER KERSTIN
Published: November 2013

Community programmes have been shown to provide social and emotional benefits for older adults. The vast majority of community programmes for older adults are either mixed-sex or female-oriented in their activities and composition. As such, there is a scarcity of both opportunities for, and research focusing on older male adults’ participation in community programmes geared towards men. The present study describes the experiences of older male adults throughout their involvement in a male-oriented community programme. Participants described their involvement in the community programme on the basis of their characteristics and experiences that preceded their involvement, the characteristics of their current involvement, and aspects of the programme and their participation that promoted their continued involvement. The findings of this study have potential utility for community organisations aiming to increase the involvement of older men in their programmes. Furthermore, the findings indicate that community programme participation has the potential to promote social engagement and healthy, active ageing among older men.
POSTERIOR CONSISTENCY IN CONDITIONAL DENSITY ESTIMATION BY COVARIATE DEPENDENT MIXTURES
Authors: Norets Andriy , Pelenis Justinas
Published: November 2013

This paper considers Bayesian nonparametric estimation of conditional densities by countable mixtures of location-scale densities with covariate dependent mixing probabilities. The mixing probabilities are modeled in two ways. First, we consider finite covariate dependent mixture models, in which the mixing probabilities are proportional to a product of a constant and a kernel and a prior on the number of mixture components is specified. Second, we consider kernel stick-breaking processes for modeling the mixing probabilities. We show that the posterior in these two models is weakly and strongly consistent for a large class of data-generating processes. A simulation study conducted in the paper demonstrates that the models can perform well in small samples.
All-optical control and visualization of ultrafast two-dimensional atomic motions in a single crystal of bismuth
Authors: Katsuki H. , Delagnes J.C. , Hosaka K. , Ishioka K. , Chiba H. , Zijlstra E.S. , Garcia M.E. , Takahashi H. , Watanabe K. , Kitajima M. , Matsumoto Y. , Nakamura K.G. , Ohmori K.
Published: November 2013

In a bulk solid, optical control of atomic motion provides a better understanding of its physical properties and functionalities. Such studies would benefit from active control and visualization of atomic motions in arbitrary directions, yet, so far, mostly only one-dimensional control has been shown. Here we demonstrate a novel method to optically control and visualize two-dimensional atomic motions in a bulk solid. We use a femtosecond laser pulse to coherently superpose two orthogonal atomic motions in crystalline bismuth. The relative amplitudes of those two motions are manipulated by modulating the intensity profile of the laser pulse, and these controlled motions are quantitatively visualized by density functional theory calculations. Our control-visualization scheme is based on the simple, robust and universal concept that in any physical system, two-dimensional particle motion is decomposed into two orthogonal one-dimensional motions, and thus it is applicable to a variety of condensed matter systems.
Major trauma: the unseen financial burden to trauma centres, a descriptive multicentre analysis
Authors: Curtis Kate , Lam Mary , Mitchell Rebecca , Dickson Cara , McDonnell Karon
Published: November 2013

Objective This research examines the existing funding model for in-hospital trauma patient episodes in New South Wales (NSW), Australia and identifies factors that cause above-average treatment costs. Accurate information on the treatment costs of injury is needed to guide health-funding strategy and prevent inadvertent underfunding of specialist trauma centres, which treat a high trauma casemix. Methods Admitted trauma patient data provided by 12 trauma centres were linked with financial data for 2008–09. Actual costs incurred by each hospital were compared with state-wide Australian Refined Diagnostic Related Groups (AR-DRG) average costs. Patient episodes where actual cost was higher than AR-DRG cost allocation were examined. Results There were 16 693 patients at a total cost of AU$178.7 million. The total costs incurred by trauma centres were $14.7 million above the NSW peer-group average cost estimates. There were 10 AR-DRG where the total cost variance was greater than $500 000. The AR-DRG with the largest proportion of patients were the upper limb injury categories, many of whom had multiple body regions injured and/or a traumatic brain injury (P < 0.001). Conclusions AR-DRG classifications do not adequately describe the trauma patient episode and are not commensurate with the expense of trauma treatment. A revision of AR-DRG used for trauma is needed. What is known about this topic? Severely injured trauma patients often have multiple injuries, in more than one body region and the determination of appropriate AR-DRG can be difficult. Pilot research suggests that the AR-DRG do not accurately represent the care that is required for these patients. What does this paper add? This is the first multicentre analysis of treatment costs and coding variance for major trauma in Australia. This research identifies the limitations of the current AR-DRGS and those that are particularly problematic. The value of linking trauma registry and financial data within each trauma centre is demonstrated. What are the implications for practitioners? Further work should be conducted between trauma services, clinical coding and finance departments to improve the accuracy of clinical coding, review funding models and ensure that AR-DRG allocation is commensurate with the expense of trauma treatment.
Heterogeneous Photocatalytic Discoloration/Degradation of Rhodamine B with H2O2 and Spinel Copper Ferrite Magnetic Nanoparticles
Authors: Flores Ariadna , Nesprias Karina , Vitale Paula , Tasca Julia , Lavat Araceli , Eyler Nora , Cañizo Adriana
Published: November 2013

The discoloration/degradation of the artificial dye Rhodamine B (RhB) was investigated using advanced oxidation technologies. Aqueous solutions of RhB containing spinel copper ferrites (CuFe2O4) as a heterogeneous catalyst were exposed to UV irradiation/hydrogen peroxide. Under these experimental conditions the discoloration/degradation of RhB is strongly promoted by copper ferrites, reaching 95 % discoloration of the dye in 10 min and 97 % degradation in 200 min. The influence of the catalyst amount, H2O2 concentration, light source, and UV light intensity were studied. Optimum concentrations of H2O2 and catalyst dosage were found for the RhB degradation reaction. The catalyst had high magnetic sensitivity under an external magnetic field, which allowed its magnetic separation from water avoiding secondary pollution processes, and its recycling. A markedly synergetic effect of spinel copper ferrite and UV light irradiation was observed for the RhB discoloration/degradation with H2O2 as a green oxidant.
Impact of biochar on nitrate accumulation in an alkaline soil
Authors: Zhang Qing-Zhong , Wang Xia-Hui , Du Zhang-Liu , Liu Xin-Ren , Wang Yi-Ding
Published: November 2013

The effects of biochar on alkaline soils in high-yielding agricultural fields remain poorly understood. Nitrate variation in soils due to biochar application without a change in soil pH, is a great concern relating to both crop yield and nitrate leaching. In this study, we monitored changes in dynamics of soil nitrate accumulation and effects on grain yield due to biochar application in a temperate, high-yielding region. Biochar derived from corncob was applied to an alkaline soil at biochar rates (kg ha–1) of 0 (CK), 2250 (C1), and 4500 (C2) for each of two crop seasons in 2007. A treatment with 750 kg biochar-based fertiliser ha–1 (CN) for each of two crop seasons was also included. Biochar had no significant effect on soil water content to 1 m soil depth. Biochar tended to increase the soil cation exchange capacity (CEC) in the 0–20 cm soil layer and nitrate retention to 1 m soil profile, but there was no significant difference between biochar treatments and CK. Grain yield of C1, C2, and CN was improved by 10.3%, 16.9%, and 15.5% compared with CK, respectively, but only C2 was significantly different from CK. Grain yields of winter wheat with biochar application showed a trend similar to soil CEC and average soil-nitrate retention, suggesting that the increases in grain yield were mainly attributable to improvements in soil CEC and soil nitrate retention due to biochar application in the alkaline soil. In conclusion, the effects of biochar on soil water retention, soil nitrate retention, and grain yield were very limited in alkaline soil in a high-yielding region.
Distal intestinal obstruction syndrome in cystic fibrosis: presentation, outcome and management in a tertiary hospital (2007–2012)
Authors: Subhi Rami , Ooi Rachel , Finlayson Felicity , Kotsimbos Tom , Wilson John , Lee Wei Ran , Wale Roger , Warrier Satish
Published: November 2013

Background

Cystic fibrosis (CF) can result in distal intestinal obstruction syndrome (DIOS) due to inspissated mucus. This paper describes the clinicopathological characteristics of adult CF patients with DIOS and assesses risk factors for surgery.

Methods

A retrospective audit of CF patients at the Alfred Hospital from January 2007 to February 2012 was carried out. Patients who had ‘bowel obstruction or constipation’ were abstracted from the database, and medical records were reviewed for a diagnosis of DIOS.

Results

Forty‐five encounters of 35 patients were extracted. Twenty‐five (83%) patients were homozygous for the delta F508 mutations, 29 (85%) had pancreatic insufficiency and 15 (44%) had a lung transplant. Patients presented with abdominal pain (96% of encounters), nausea (76% of encounters) and vomiting (67% of encounters). Computed tomography (CT) was performed in 20 episodes. Compared with CT, abdominal X‐ray had a sensitivity of 63% (95% confidence interval (CI) 30–89%) and specificity of 33% (95% CI 8–70%) for detecting DIOS with obstruction. Forty‐one (91%) encounters resolved with medical management within 2–3 days. Three patients required surgical intervention in four episodes. Previous laparotomy (odds ratio (OR) 28.5, 95% CI 1.3–624, P = 0.03) and history of meconium ileus (OR 14, 95% CI 1–192, P < 0.05) were statistically significant predictors of progression to surgical management.

Conclusion

In most patients with DIOS, the obstruction resolves with medical management. Early consultation with a CF service, assessment for a surgical abdomen and involvement of surgeons where appropriate is recommended. A history of previous laparotomy is a risk factor for the need for surgical intervention.
Respiration during sleep in children with therapy‐resistant enuresis
Authors: Nevéus Tryggve , Leissner Lena , Rudblad Stig , Bazargani Farhan
Published: November 2013

Aim

Although there is a known association between enuresis and snoring or sleep apnoeas, respiration during sleep has not been thoroughly studied in enuretic children. This study was performed with the aim of filling this gap in our knowledge.

Methods

Thirty‐four children with therapy‐resistant enuresis, but no history of heavy snoring or sleep apnoeas, underwent sleep registrations, including standard electroencephalography (EEG) and electrooculography (EOG) as well as registration of oxygen saturation, respiratory effort and nasal air flow. To assess nasal airway patency, rhinomanometry and acoustic rhinometry were performed before and after nasal decongestion.

Results

The children were found to have a higher than expected apnoea hypopnoea index (AHI), due to a high frequency of hypopnoeas. They were also noted to have a tendency for respiratory arousals. Standard polysomnographic variables were normal.

Conclusion

We provide baseline data of nocturnal respiration in enuretic children. The children were found to have subclinical signs of disordered respiration. This may be one of the explanations for their high arousal thresholds.
Common variable immunodeficiency revisited: normal generation of naturally occurring dendritic cells that respond to Toll-like receptors 7 and 9
Authors: Taraldsrud E , Fevang B , Aukrust P , Beiske K H , Fløisand Y , Frøland S , Rollag H , Olweus J
Published: November 2013

Patients with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) have reduced numbers and frequencies of dendritic cells (DCs) in blood, and there is also evidence for defective activation through Toll-like receptors (TLRs). Collectively, these observations may point to a primary defect in the generation of functional DCs. Here, we measured frequencies of plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs) and myeloid DCs (mDCs) in peripheral blood of 26 CVID patients and 16 healthy controls. The results show that the patients have reduced absolute counts of both subsets. However, the decreased numbers in peripheral blood were not reflected in reduced frequencies of CD34+ pDC progenitors in the bone marrow. Moreover, studies at the single cell level showed that DCs from CVID patients and healthy controls produced similar amounts of interferon-α or interleukin-12 and expressed similar levels of activation markers in response to human cytomegalovirus and ligands for TLR-7 and TLR-9. The study represents the most thorough functional characterization to date, and the first to assess bone marrow progenitor output, of naturally occurring DCs in CVID. In conclusion, it seems unlikely that CVID is secondary to insufficient production of naturally occurring DCs or a defect in their signalling through TLR-7 or TLR-9.
Is developmental coordination disorder a fundamental cause of inactivity and poor health‐related fitness in children?
Authors: Cairney John , Veldhuizen Scott
Published: November 2013

Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) is a common, neurodevelopmental disorder of children that results in significant impairment in everyday activities of living. Over the past two decades, a large body of work has documented associations between DCD, physical inactivity, and poor health‐related fitness. The exact nature of these relations, however, has been relatively little studied. In this paper, we ask whether the balance of evidence supports the proposition that DCD is a fundamental cause of inactivity and poor fitness. To address this question, we apply Hill's criteria for causation. We conclude that the evidence is consistent with, and reasonably supportive of, this proposition, but does not exclude alternative explanations.
Neural correlates of paediatric dysgraphia
Authors: Van Hoorn Jessika F , Maathuis Carel G B , Hadders‐Algra Mijna
Published: November 2013

Writing is an important skill that is related both to school performance and to psychosocial outcomes such as the child's self‐esteem. Deficits in handwriting performance are frequently encountered in children with developmental coordination disorder. This review focuses on what is known about the neural correlates of atypical handwriting in children. Knowledge of the neural correlates is derived from studies using clinical case designs (e.g. lesion studies), studies using neuroimaging, and assessment of minor neurological dysfunction. The two functional imaging studies suggest a contribution of cortical areas and the cerebellum. The largest study indicated that cortical areas in all regions of the brain are involved (frontal, temporal, parietal, and occipital). The two lesion studies confirmed cerebellar involvement. The findings of the study on minor neurological dysfunction in children with writing problems correspond to the imaging results. The limited data on the neural substrate of paediatric dysgraphia suggest that at least a subset of the children with dysgraphia have dysfunctions in extensive supraspinal networks. In others, dysfunction may be restricted to either the cerebellum or specific cortical sites.
Life quality and health in adolescents and emerging adults with epilepsy during the years of transition: a scoping review
Authors: Thomson Lauren , Fayed Nora , Sedarous Fady , Ronen Gabriel M
Published: November 2013

Aims

The aims of this study were to (1) search the literature in order to identify the challenges facing adolescents and emerging adults with epilepsy; and (2) categorize these issues within both the framework of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) and an empirical model of quality of life (QOL) in childhood epilepsy.

Method

We systematically searched PsycINFO, Ovid MEDLINE and Web of Science for studies reporting on QOL and health identified in people with epilepsy aged 12 to 29 years. Studies were limited to those that were published in the last 20 years in English, presenting the patient perspective. Data were extracted and charted using a descriptive analytical method. Identified issues were classified according to the ICF and QOL frameworks.

Results

Fifty four studies were identified. Another 62 studies with potentially useful information were included as an addendum. The studies highlight a range of psychosocial issues emphasizing peer acceptance, social isolation, and feelings of anxiety, fear, and sadness.

Interpretation

The ICF and QOL constructs represent useful starting points in the analytical classification of the potential challenges faced by adolescents with epilepsy. Progress is needed on fully classifying issues not included under these frameworks. We propose to expand these frameworks to include comorbidities, impending medical interventions, and concerns for future education, employment, marriage, dignity, and autonomy.
Comparison of the wing polyphenic response of pea aphids (Acyrthosiphon pisum) to crowding and predator cues
Authors: PURANDARE SWAPNA R. , TENHUMBERG BRIGITTE , BRISSON JENNIFER A.
Published: November 2013

Pea aphids (Acyrthosiphon pisum Harris; Hemiptera: Aphididae) exhibit transgenerational wing polyphenism, in which unwinged females produce genetically identical winged offspring in response to environmental cues such as overcrowding and predation risk that indicate poor habitat quality.

Laboratory experiments were carried out to explore the intensity of the wing polyphenic response of pea aphids exposed to cues from ladybird predators and crowding, and their response was compared with pea aphids that were not exposed to any cues (control).

The study used cues from two different ladybird species – Coccinella septempunctata L. (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) and Hippodamia convergens Guérin‐Méneville (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) – to investigate whether the wing polyphenic response of pea aphids to predator cues can be generalised.

The intensity of the wing polyphenic response of pea aphids to crowding was found to be much stronger than their response to predator cues. There was no response to H. convergens cues and the response to C. septempunctata cues was mixed.
Chronic methylphenidate exposure during adolescence reduces striatal synaptic responses to ethanol
Authors: Crowley Nicole A. , Cody Patrick A. , Davis Margaret I. , Lovinger David M. , Mateo Yolanda
Published: November 2013

Dopamine (DA) plays an important role in integrative functions contributing to adaptive behaviors. In support of this essential function, DA modulates synaptic plasticity in different brain areas, including the striatum. Many drugs used for cognitive enhancement are psychostimulants, such as methylphenidate (MPH), which enhance DA levels. MPH treatment is of interest during adolescence, a period of enhanced neurodevelopment during which the DA system is in a state of flux. Recent epidemiological studies report the co‐abuse of MPH and ethanol in adolescents and young adults. Although repeated MPH treatment produces enduring changes that affect subsequent behavioral responses to other psychostimulants, few studies have investigated the interactions between MPH and ethanol. Here we addressed whether chronic therapeutic exposure to MPH during adolescence predisposed mice to an altered response to ethanol and whether this was accompanied by altered DA release and striatal plasticity. C57BL/6J mice were administered MPH (3–6 mg/kg/day) via the drinking water between post‐natal days 30 and 60. Voltammetry experiments showed that sufficient brain MPH concentrations were achieved during adolescence in mice to increase the DA clearance in adulthood. The treatment also increased long‐term depression and reduced the effects of ethanol on striatal synaptic responses. Although the injection of 0.4 or 2 g/kg ethanol dose‐dependently decreased locomotion in control mice, only the higher dose decreased locomotion in MPH‐treated mice. These results suggested that the administration of MPH during development promoted long‐term effects on synaptic plasticity in forebrain regions targeted by DA. These changes in plasticity might, in turn, underlie alterations in behaviors controlled by these brain regions into adulthood.
Agreement between children aged 5–6 years and their mothers in rating child oral health‐related quality of life
Authors: Abanto Jenny , Tsakos Georgios , Paiva Saul Martins , Raggio Daniela Prócida , Celiberti Paula , Bönecker Marcelo
Published: November 2013

Background

Studies have assessed parent–child agreement on ratings of school‐aged children's OHRQoL. There are, however, no studies on children younger than 7 years of age.

Aims

The aim was to assess the agreement between children aged 5–6 years and their mothers regarding child's oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL).

Design

In this cross‐sectional study, a total of 298 mother–child pairs (MCP), seeking the pediatric dental screening at the Dental School, University of São Paulo, completed the Brazilian version of the Scale of Oral Health Outcomes for 5‐year‐old children (SOHO‐5), validated for children aged 5–6 years in Brazil. Agreement between total and items' scores was assessed using comparison and correlation analyses, by comparing the mean directional differences and by computing the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) values, respectively.

Results

The mean directional difference in the total scores was 0.13 (CI 95% −0.076; 0.338) and therefore not significant for MCP. The mean absolute difference for MCP was 1.26, representing 11% of the maximum possible score. The ICC for total score was 0.84 (CI 95% 0.798; 0.867) for MCP.

Conclusions

Mothers do rate their young children's OHRQoL similarly to children's self‐reports. When assessing OHRQoL of children aged 5–6 years, mothers may be reliable proxies for their young children.
Infections and their role in childhood asthma inception
Authors: Thomas Amy O. , Lemanske Robert F. , Jackson Daniel J.
Published: November 2013

The association of early‐onset wheezing with common viral and bacterial infections has raised significant interest in the role of infections in childhood asthma inception. This article serves to review these relationships among infections, host factors, and asthma inception in childhood.
Reminiscing Style During Conversations About Emotion‐laden Events and Effects of Attachment Security Among Italian Mother–Child Dyads
Authors: Coppola Gabrielle , Ponzetti Silvia , Vaughn Brian E.
Published: November 2013

Previous research has established that mothers' and children's elaborative/evaluative styles during conversations about emotion‐laden events are associated with a range of social‐cognitive accomplishments, and this has prompted researchers to identify factors that predict stylistic differences in conversation styles. The study explored whether patterns and variations in reminiscing styles reported in other cultures would be observed in an Italian sample (N = 40 dyads). Attachment security, assessed using the Adult Attachment Interview for mothers and the Q‐Sort for children, were tested as possible sources of variation in conversation style. The two reminiscing styles identified through a clustering procedure were consistent with those displayed by dyads from other cultural groups; moreover, these were significantly related to both mothers' and children's attachment security. These results extend knowledge on reminiscing conversations during early childhood to a different cultural context and contribute to an understanding of how individual differences in attachment affect partners' participation in such conversations.
Review of contributions from HDSSs to research in sexual and reproductive health in low‐ and middle‐income countries
Authors: Arthur Samuelina , Bangha Martin , Sankoh Osman
Published: November 2013

Objective

To evaluate the contributions of the INDEPTH Network of health and demographic surveillance system (HDSS) members to research efforts and interventions on reproductive health in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs).

Methods

Review of peer‐reviewed published papers on sexual and reproductive health (SRH) that use the HDSS framework through (i) an online search for publications using terminology related to HDSS, HIV, Maternal health, adolescent sexual and reproductive health, family planning/contraceptives and fertility, and (ii) asking INDEPTH member centres for information on their published papers on SRH publications that used the HDSS framework. A paper was included in the review only if it used HDSS data, dealt with SRH issues, and had been published in a peer‐reviewed international journal.

Results

Most of the papers in the review focused on HIV, maternal health, family planning and adolescent sexual and reproductive health (ASRH). Generally, people are knowledgeable about HIV. School attendance considerably delays entry into motherhood and reduces the probability of entering into early marriage or sexual union. The general decline in maternal mortality over the last decade is partly due to better access to emergency obstetric services, improved education of women and reduction in fertility.

Conclusion

Sexual and reproductive health is a significant public health need, yet little research has been published in this area to inform policy. The HDSS framework is ideal for SRH research, as it offers the advantage to track and monitor progress of relevant health and demographic indicators, especially in family planning, marriage and fertility studies.
A comparison of alfaxalone and propofol on intraocular pressure in healthy dogs
Authors: Hasiuk Michelle M. M. , Forde Nessa , Cooke Amy , Ramey Kelli , Pang Daniel S. J.
Published: November 2013

Objective

To compare the effects of alfaxalone and propofol on intraocular (IOP) pressure in the canine eye.

Animals studied

Twenty‐three healthy adult dogs.

Procedures

Dogs were randomized to receive intravenous propofol (n = 11) or alfaxalone (n = 12) until loss of jaw tone, 20 min after intravenous premedication (acepromazine 0.02–0.03 mg/kg and hydromorphone 0.05–0.1 mg/kg). IOP was measured at baseline (BL), 20 min postpremedication (postpremed), loss of jaw tone (postinduct), and immediately following orotracheal intubation (postintub). Between‐ and within‐treatment effects were analyzed with two‐way and one‐way repeated measures ANOVA with Bonferroni's post hoc test, respectively. P < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results

No significant IOP differences were detected between alfaxalone or propofol groups at any time point (P > 0.05). Propofol: IOP did not change between BL (15.5 ± 2.7 mmHg) and postpremed (16.2 ± 3.6 mmHg, P > 0.05), or postinduct (19.1 ± 5.2 mmHg) and postintub (21.0 ± 4.6 mmHg, P > 0.05), but differed significantly between BL and postinduct (P < 0.0001), and postintub (P < 0.0001). Alfaxalone: IOP did not change between BL (15.7 ± 2.8 mmHg) and postpremed (15.3 ± 4.1 mmHg, P > 0.05), or postinduct (19.2 ± 4.9 mmHg) and postintub (20.5 ± 4.5 mmHg, P > 0.05), but differed significantly between BL and postinduct (P < 0.01), and postintub (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

These data show a potentially clinically significant increase in IOP following induction with propofol or alfaxalone, but no difference between agents.
Genus 0 characteristic numbers of the tropical projective plane
Authors: Bertrand Benoît , Brugallé Erwan , Mikhalkin Grigory
Published: November 2013

Finding the so-called characteristic numbers of the complex projective plane$ \mathbb{C} {P}^{2} $is a classical problem of enumerative geometry posed by Zeuthen more than a century ago. For a given$d$and$g$one has to find the number of degree$d$genus$g$curves that pass through a certain generic configuration of points and at the same time are tangent to a certain generic configuration of lines. The total number of points and lines in these two configurations is$3d- 1+ g$so that the answer is a finite integer number. In this paper we translate this classical problem to the corresponding enumerative problem of tropical geometry in the case when$g= 0$. Namely, we show that the tropical problem is well posed and establish a special case of the correspondence theorem that ensures that the corresponding tropical and classical numbers coincide. Then we use the floor diagram calculus to reduce the problem to pure combinatorics. As a consequence, we express genus 0 characteristic numbers of$ \mathbb{C} {P}^{2} $in terms of open Hurwitz numbers.
Refinement of the Thermal Press Curing Process for Advanced Composites
Authors: Kuppers Jaron , Walczyk Daniel
Published: November 2013

Thermal press curing (TPC) is an alternative process to autoclaving for consolidating and curing thermoset and thermoplastic prepreg composite parts by pressing them between a heated “curing mold” and a customized rubber-faced “base mold” that are engineered to provide uniform temperature and pressure conditions. A study was performed with a kayak paddle part made from eight plies of woven carbon/epoxy prepreg material and formed by double diaphragm forming (DDF). The study expounds on the narrow body of TPC knowledge around three main objectives: (1) to experimentally compare TPC cured parts to a benchmark autoclave process using a realistic part shape with fine geometrical details, (2) to evaluate the necessity of vacuum bagging of TPC cured parts, and (3) to characterize the robustness/sensitivities of pressure application during the TPC process by varying both the total pressure applied to the base mold and the location the hydraulic press ram applied pressure to the base mold. Maximum temperature and pressure variations around the target levels over the entire clamped tool surface were measured as 5.0 °C and 5.5%, respectively, both of which were well within the manufacturer's recommendations. The TPC part had fewer defects, was generally thinner, and had a higher fiber volume fraction than a comparable autoclaved part. Little difference was observed between the TPC parts made with and without vacuum bagging. Parts with too little pressure (90%) resulted in more thickness variation and defects than too much pressure (110%). Finally, TPC parts exhibit some thickness variation, as expected, when ram force is applied off the center of pressure (COP).
Spontaneous subscapular haematoma in a patient using warfarin therapy
Authors: Cebicci Huseyin , Gurbuz Sukru , Gunay Nurullah , Vural Abdussamed
Published: November 2013

Warfarin is widely used. Spontaneous bleeding is one of the complications of warfarin treatment. A 70-year-old man was admitted to the emergency room with right back pain. There was no history of trauma. He was using warfarin following a bypass graft. The patient's vital signs were stable. On physical examination, swelling at the level of the right scapula was detected. Laboratory findings showed that the international normalised ratio (INR) was ↑↑ (a very high reading) (1.47 1 month previously). There was no melena on rectal examination. A chest CT was performed to differentiate the swelling of the right scapula. Warfarin was stopped and vitamin K was administered. Fresh frozen plasma was initiated and the patient was hospitalised to the cardiovascular surgical service. The fact that use of warfarin in the elderly may increase the risk of spontaneous bleeding should be especially kept in mind.
Crohn's disease presenting as enterovesical fistula
Authors: Cullis Paul , Mullassery Dhanya , Baillie Colin , Corbett Harriet
Published: November 2013

Enterovesical fistulae in Crohn's disease are relatively rare. We present the first report of a child presenting with an enterovesical fistula as the initial presentation of Crohn's disease. Management comprises of timely diagnosis, and treatment involving surgical resection with adjunctive medical management including immunomodulators. This case highlights the need to be aware of the rare but important occurrence of Crohn's enterovesical fistula as a cause for urinary symptoms in a child with inadequate weight gain.
PROBING THE ANOMALOUS COUPLINGS OF THE TOP QUARK WITH GLUON AT THE LHC AND TEVATRON
Authors: HESARI HODA , NAJAFABADI MOJTABA MOHAMMADI
Published: November 2013

In this paper, we study the sensitivity of the fraction of [Formula: see text] events arising from gluon–gluon fusion to the chromoelectric and chromomagnetic dipole moments (CEDM and CMDM) as well as the total and differential [Formula: see text] cross-sections at the LHC and Tevatron. The sensitivity of measured charged asymmetry at the LHC to CEDM and CMDM is also studied. We find that at the Tevatron and the LHC, nonzero values of CMDM could suppress the [Formula: see text] production rate. It is shown that the ratio of [Formula: see text] at the Tevatron is more sensitive to CEDM and CMDM than the LHC case. The presence of CEDM always increases the contribution of gluon–gluon fusion process in top pair rate at the Tevatron and LHC. Except for a small range of CMDM, the presence of CEDM and CMDM can increase the fraction of gluon–gluon fusion at the Tevatron and LHC. The measured ratio of [Formula: see text] at the Tevatron is used to derive bounds on the chromoelectric and chromomagnetic dipole moments as well as the total and differential [Formula: see text] cross-sections at the LHC and Tevatron, and the measured charged asymmetry at the LHC. The combination of [Formula: see text] and σ LHC provides stringent limits on CMDM and CEDM.
NEAR-OPTIMAL GEOMETRIC FEATURE SELECTION FOR VISUAL SPEECH RECOGNITION
Authors: SINGH PREETY , LAXMI VIJAY , GAUR MANOJ SINGH
Published: November 2013

To improve the accuracy of visual speech recognition systems, selection of visual features is of fundamental importance. Prominent features, which are of maximum relevance for speech classification, need to be selected from a large set of extracted visual attributes. Existing methods apply feature reduction and selection techniques on image pixels constituting region-of-interest (ROI) to reduce data dimensionality. We propose application of feature selection methods on geometrical features to select the most dominant physical features. Two techniques, Minimum Redundancy Maximum Relevance (mRMR) and Correlation-based Feature Selection (CFS), have been applied on the extracted visual features. Experimental results show that recognition accuracy is not compromised when a few selected features from the complete visual feature set are used for classification, thereby reducing processing time and storage overheads considerably. Results are compared with performance of principal components obtained by application of Principal Component Analysis (PCA) on our dataset. Our set of selected features outperforms the PCA transformed data. Results show that the center and corner segments of the mouth are major contributors to visual speech recognition. Teeth pixels are shown to be a prominent visual cue. It is also seen that lip width contributes more towards visual speech recognition accuracy as compared to lip height.
THE DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A WIRELESS DATA ACQUISITION/TRANSMITTING SYSTEM FOR EURO-BALISE
Authors: HAN YAN , LIU XIAOPENG , WANG MINGYU , ZHANG SHUAI , BAO CHONGYI
Published: November 2013

This paper presents a design and implementation of a wireless data acquisition/transmitting system for Euro-balise. The presented system contains three parts: a power signal generator, a receiver and a transmitter. We also propose an all-digital coherent-like frequency shift keying (FSK) demodulator for the receiver of the system. The proposed demodulator based on the use of multi-bit XOR gates and a mean value filter can improve bit error ratio (BER) performance without increasing obvious complexity. Differential bi-phase level (DBPL) coding is adopted to ensure the reliability of the transmitter. The FSK demodulator and DBPL coder was implemented on field programmable gate array (FPGA). Hardware test results show that the equipment based on the presented system has good application in reading and writing data of the Euro-balise.
COHESION, CONSENSUS AND EXTREME INFORMATION IN OPINION DYNAMICS
Authors: SÎRBU ALINA , LORETO VITTORIO , SERVEDIO VITO D. P. , TRIA FRANCESCA
Published: November 2013

Opinion formation is an important element of social dynamics. It has been widely studied in the last years with tools from physics, mathematics and computer science. Here, a continuous model of opinion dynamics for multiple possible choices is analyzed. Its main features are the inclusion of disagreement and possibility of modulating external information/media effects, both from one and multiple sources. The interest is in identifying the effect of the initial cohesion of the population, the interplay between cohesion and media extremism, and the effect of using multiple external sources of information that can influence the system. Final consensus, especially with the external message, depends highly on these factors, as numerical simulations show. When no external input is present, consensus or segregation is determined by the initial cohesion of the population. Interestingly, when only one external source of information is present, consensus can be obtained, in general, only when this is extremely neutral, i.e., there is not a single opinion strongly promoted, or in the special case of a large initial cohesion and low exposure to the external message. On the contrary, when multiple external sources are allowed, consensus can emerge with one of them even when this is not extremely neutral, i.e., it carries a strong message, for a large range of initial conditions.
BENEFITING FROM MARKETS FOR IDEAS — AN INVESTIGATION ACROSS DIFFERENT TYPOLOGIES
Authors: GARAVELLI A. C. , PETRUZZELLI A. MESSENI , NATALICCHIO A. , VANHAVERBEKE W.
Published: November 2013

Acquiring and selling knowledge through markets for ideas (MFIs) is a growing trend for organisations embracing the open innovation paradigm. However, the literature has showed that more in-depth studies about how MFIs can be increasingly beneficial for both seekers and owners are needed. Thus, the present study aims at filling this gap by investigating the main characteristics of successful markets through the application of a multiple case studies methodology. Adopting two differentiation dimensions, as closed versus open and internal versus external, four distinct typologies of MFIs were identified and analysed. Accordingly, seven propositions regarding different characteristics of knowledge owners, knowledge seekers, and ideas were posed. The propositions are also referred to the different typologies of MFIs, thus highlighting similarities and differences across the markets. Hence, this work offers a deepening of the understanding of MFIs, by providing implications both to increase the theoretical comprehension of the topic and promote the definition of suggestions and guidelines for seekers and owners.
PARTIAL IMMUNIZATION BOUNDS AND NON-PARALLEL TERM STRUCTURE SHIFTS
Authors: POITRAS GEOFFREY
Published: November 2013

A variety of approaches have been proposed to extend classical fixed income portfolio immunization theory to cases where shifts in the term structure are not parallel. Following Reitano (1991a, 1991b, 1992, 1996) and Poitras (2007), this paper uses partial durations and convexities to specify benchmark partial immunization bounds for non-parallel term structure shifts. Theoretical results are obtained by exploiting properties of the multivariate Taylor series expansion of the spot interest rate pricing function. It is demonstrated that the partial immunization bounds can be effectively manipulated by adequate selection of the securities being used to immunize the portfolio. The inclusion of time values permits the results obtained to be related to previous studies by Christensen and Sorensen (1994), Chance and Jordan (1996), Barber and Copper (1997) and Poitras (2005, Ch. 5) on the time value-convexity tradeoff.
Genomic Imprinting in Farm Animals
Authors: Tian Xiuchun (Cindy)
Published: November 2013

The mouse is the first species in which genomic imprinting was studied. Imprinting research in farm species has lagged behind owing to a lack of sequencing and genetic background information, as well as long generation intervals and high costs in tissue collection. Since the creation of Dolly, the first cloned mammal from an adult sheep, studies on genomic imprinting in domestic species have accelerated because animals from cloning and other assisted reproductive technologies exhibit phenotypes of imprinting disruptions. Although this review focuses on new developments in farm animals, most of the imprinting mechanism information was derived from the mouse.
Glucagon-Like Peptide-1: Glucose Homeostasis and Beyond
Authors: Cho Young Min , Fujita Yukihiro , Kieffer Timothy J.
Published: November 2013

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), an incretin hormone secreted primarily from the intestinal L-cells in response to meals, modulates nutrient homeostasis via actions exerted in multiple tissues and cell types. GLP-1 and its analogs, as well as compounds that inhibit endogenous GLP-1 breakdown, have become an effective therapeutic strategy for many subjects with type 2 diabetes. Here we review the discovery of GLP-1; its synthesis, secretion, and elimination from the circulation; and its multiple pancreatic and extrapancreatic effects. Finally, we review current options for GLP-1-based diabetes therapy, including GLP-1 receptor agonism and inhibition of GLP-1 breakdown, as well as the benefits and drawbacks of different modes of therapy and the potential for new therapeutic avenues.