bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Visual impairment in older institutionalised Canadian seniors with dementia
Authors: Chriqui Estefania , Law Caroline , Kergoat Marie‐Jeanne , Leclerc Bernard‐Simon , Kergoat Hélène
Published: February 2017

Purpose

To estimate the prevalence of visual impairment (VI) in a sub‐population of Canadian long‐term care facilities, i.e. residents affected by dementia.

Methods

This study was conducted in the long‐term care facility units at the Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal. All residents ≥65 years old (y.o.), having a clinical diagnosis of dementia, and able to understand French or English, were eligible for participation in the study. All residents participating in the study received a complete eye exam by an experienced optometrist. For the purpose of the study, VI was defined as a distance visual acuity (VA) <6/12 (0.30 logMAR, 20/40) in the better seeing eye.

Results

One hundred and fifty residents, 68–102 y.o. took part into the study. All participants had a diagnosis of dementia recorded in their clinical chart. VI was present in 37.3% (95% CI: 29.1–46.1%) (n = 50) of residents in whom monocular VA could be measured. Ocular refraction for their better seeing eye improved the VA to ≥6/12 (0.30 logMAR, 20/40) in 40% (n = 20) of those 50 residents. When VI remained after refraction, it was due in order of frequency to cataract, age‐related macular degeneration, and primary open angle glaucoma.

Conclusions

Our data showed that an appreciable proportion (37.3%) of older residents with dementia also have VI, and that VI can be corrected in many by updating their refraction. Others could potentially be helped through cataract surgery. It is therefore important to offer regular eye care services to those residents, knowing that many are not able to express their visual needs.
Indoor fungal diversity in primary schools may differently influence allergic sensitization and asthma in children
Authors: Cavaleiro Rufo João , Madureira Joana , Paciência Inês , Aguiar Lívia , Pereira Cristiana , Silva Diana , Padrão Patrícia , Moreira Pedro , Delgado Luís , Annesi‐Maesano Isabella , Oliveira Fernandes Eduardo , Teixeira João Paulo , Moreira André
Published: February 2017

Background

Childhood exposure to microbiologic agents may influence the development of allergic and respiratory diseases. Apart from home, children spend most of their time at school, which represents an environment of significant exposure to indoor air microbes. Therefore, we aimed to assess how the prevalence of allergic sensitization and asthma in schoolchildren is affected by microbiologic exposure within classrooms.

Methods

Spirometry with bronchodilation, exhaled nitric oxide measurements and skin‐prick tests data were retrieved from 858 children aged 8–10 years attending 71 classrooms in 20 primary schools. Air samples were collected in all classrooms using a single‐stage microbiologic air impactor through agar plates. Gram‐negative endotoxins were collected using flow control pumps and analysed by limulus amebocyte lysate assay. Diversity scores were established as the number of different fungal species found in each classroom.

Results

Classrooms with increased diversity scores showed a significantly lower prevalence of children with atopic sensitization, but not asthma. The risk of sensitization increased with increasing endotoxin exposure in classrooms. Similarly, significantly higher concentrations of Penicillium spp were found in classrooms with a higher number of children with atopic sensitization.

Conclusions

Although no causal relationships could be established, exposure to higher fungal diversity was protective against allergic sensitization but this was not seen for asthma. In contrast, higher exposure to Gram‐negative endotoxins and Penicillium spp in primary school′s classrooms was associated with increasing odds of allergic sensitization in children.
Safety and feasibility of heated egg yolk challenge for children with egg allergies
Authors: Yanagida Noriyuki , Sato Sakura , Asaumi Tomoyuki , Ogura Kiyotake , Borres Magnus P. , Ebisawa Motohiro
Published: February 2017

Background

Hen's egg allergy is a frequent cause of childhood food allergy. Egg yolk is used in various commonly consumed foods; if children with allergy to hen's egg could eat heated egg yolk, their quality of life (QOL) would improve. No reports exist regarding oral food challenges (OFCs) for heated egg yolk. We aimed to clarify whether pediatric patients allergic to hen's egg could consume heated egg yolk.

Methods

Data from pediatric patients who had undergone OFCs for heated egg yolk were evaluated retrospectively.

Results

Among 919 patients, positive OFC results were obtained in 17.0% of patients; seven presented with severe symptoms. Older age, high specific IgE value for ovomucoid, low total IgE levels, and history of anaphylaxis related to food other than hen's egg were risk factors for positive OFC results. Specific IgE values for egg white, ovomucoid, and egg yolk, indicative of a negative predictive value >95%, were 0.71, 0.41, and 0.17 kUA/l, respectively. A specific IgE to ovomucoid levels of 100 kUA/l predicted heated egg yolk‐positive OFCs for 38.3% of patients. Among 763 patients with a negative OFC, seven (0.9%) reacted to heated egg yolk at home, and 756 (99.1%) consumed hen's egg yolk safely.

Conclusions

Most pediatric patients allergic to heated hen's egg safely consumed heated egg yolk. Heated egg yolk OFCs rarely provoked severe symptoms and may be recommended for improving the QOL of children with allergy to hen's egg.
Psoriasis and Psoriasiform Eruptions in Pediatric Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease Treated with Anti–Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha Agents
Authors: Eickstaedt Joshua B. , Killpack Luke , Tung Jeanne , Davis Dawn , Hand Jennifer L. , Tollefson Megha M.
Published: February 2017

Background

Anti–tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) agents are used to treat a variety of autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, including psoriasis. Paradoxically, numerous reports have documented new‐onset or exacerbation of psoriasis or psoriasiform skin lesions (PSO) in patients treated with these agents for conditions other than PSO—particularly in adults with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Not much is known regarding similar cases in children.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was performed on children younger than 19 years of age with IBD seen at the Mayo Clinic between 2003 and 2015 who developed new‐onset or recurrent PSO while undergoing anti‐TNF‐α therapy.

Results

Fourteen children developed PSO while undergoing anti‐TNF‐α therapy for IBD. All three anti‐TNF‐α agents (infliximab, adalimumab, certolizumab) used to treat IBD in this series led to induction or recurrence of PSO lesions. The median time to development of PSO was 11 months (range 0–48 mos), the median age was 15 years (range 12.5–17.5 yrs), and 57% of patients were male. IBD activity was quiescent in 93% of cases at PSO onset. Seven patients (50%) discontinued their initial anti‐TNF‐α therapy because of their skin disease. Ultimately, four patients (29%) had to discontinue all anti‐TNF‐α therapy to induce PSO resolution.

Conclusion

TNF‐α antagonist–induced PSO in children with IBD is a rarely reported adverse reaction. PSO onset has a variable latency, but usually occurs during IBD remission, with a slight male bias. Nearly half of patients required a change in their initial anti‐TNF‐α agent despite conventional skin‐directed therapies, and one‐third of patients discontinued all anti‐TNF‐α therapy because of PSO.
War for talents—How perceived organizational innovativeness affects employer attractiveness
Authors: Sommer Luise Pauline , Heidenreich Sven , Handrich Matthias
Published: February 2017

Recruiting high potentials is the foundation for creating knowledge, innovation and competitive advantages. Unfortunately, many companies face the problem of having a hard time recruiting high potentials in a tightening labor market. To secure future innovation, growth and competitiveness companies must be attractive for potential employees. Within this respect, past research suggests that innovative companies might be at an advantage as they appear more attractive to employees in general and to those with an innovative personality in specific. Hence, HR communication might use an organization's innovativeness within employer branding to attract high potentials. However, current literature falls short to provide empirical evidence on whether and how the communication of organizational innovativeness affects employer attractiveness and especially attracts innovative employees. The results of our scenario‐based experiment (n = 322) show that organizations with an innovative product portfolio and a strong innovation culture appear more attractive to potential employees. These effects turned out to be even stronger for employees which are highly innovative as they care a great deal about the organizational innovativeness of the company they work for. Thus, our findings suggest that communicating organizational innovativeness within employer branding is an effective measure not only to improve employer perceptions in general, but also to attract innovative employees.
How Fat is the Top Tail of the Wealth Distribution?
Authors: Vermeulen Philip
Published: February 2017

Differential unit non‐response in household wealth surveys biases estimates of top tail wealth shares downward. Using Monte Carlo evidence, I show that adding only a few extreme observations to wealth surveys is sufficient to remove the downward bias. Combining extreme wealth observations from Forbes World's billionaires with the Survey of Consumer Finances, the Wealth and Assets Survey, and the Household Finance and Consumption Survey, I provide new improved estimates of top tail wealth in the United States, the United Kingdom, and nine euro area countries. These new estimates indicate significantly higher top wealth shares than those calculated from the wealth surveys alone.
Information Technology Oriented Entrepreneurial Ventures
Authors: Abbas Syed Ali
Published: February 2017

This paper aims to identify the importance of Information Technology businesses and youth’s interest in entrepreneurial initiatives in connection with IT based businesses. The data was collected using questionnaire from final year students of entrepreneurship and computer sciences enrolled in Bachelors, so as to get a profound picture of their intention, motivation and ability to enter in IT related entrepreneurial ventures. As descriptive statistics was used to analyze the findings, the study depicts great motivation among final year graduates to enter in entrepreneurial ventures. They are found to be motivated to establish ventures of their own even at small level. Therefore, SMEs can play vital role in assisting and fostering entrepreneurial activity with special focus on Information Technology businesses. In addition, the research limitation could be the fact that data has been collected from top universities/ institutes in which intellect level of students is competitively high, thus their liking to entre and understanding regarding SMEs and entrepreneurial initiatives is better than students of ordinary institutes. Also, the results could have been deviated if same research was applied in countries with varying demographics.As for Practical Implementations the research may be vital for SMEs officials to foresee the entrepreneurial spirit among youth and to design policies accordingly. Also, it opens horizons for information Technology students to consider entrepreneurial careers other than simply applying for jobs in software houses/ organizations. Also, no prior research has been carried out in analyzing the mutual relation of Entrepreneurship and Information Technology businesses, neither the outcome/ joint effect of both has been studied together.
mGluR1 enhances efferent inhibition of inner hair cells in the developing rat cochlea
Authors: Ye Zhanlei , Goutman Juan D. , Pyott Sonja J. , Glowatzki Elisabeth
Published: February 2017

Key points

Spontaneous activity of the sensory inner hair cells shapes maturation of the developing ascending (afferent) auditory system before hearing begins.

Just before the onset of hearing, descending (efferent) input from cholinergic neurons originating in the brainstem inhibit inner hair cell spontaneous activity and may further refine maturation.

We show that agonist activation of the group I metabotropic glutamate receptor mGluR1 increases the strength of this efferent inhibition by enhancing the presynaptic release of acetylcholine.

We further show that the endogenous release of glutamate from the inner hair cells may increase the strength of efferent inhibition via the activation of group I metabotropic glutamate receptors.

Thus, before the onset of hearing, metabotropic glutamate signalling establishes a local negative feedback loop that is positioned to regulate inner hair cell excitability and refine maturation of the auditory system.

Just before the onset of hearing, the inner hair cells (IHCs) receive inhibitory efferent input from cholinergic medial olivocochlear (MOC) neurons originating in the brainstem. This input may serve a role in the maturation of the ascending (afferent) auditory system by inhibiting spontaneous activity of the IHCs. To investigate the molecular mechanisms regulating these IHC efferent synapses, we combined electrical stimulation of the efferent fibres with patch clamp recordings from the IHCs to measure efferent synaptic strength. By examining evoked responses, we show that activation of metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) by general and group I‐specific mGluR agonists enhances IHC efferent inhibition. This enhancement is blocked by application of a group I mGluR1‐specific antagonist, indicating that enhancement of IHC efferent inhibition is mediated by group I mGluRs and specifically by mGluR1s. By comparing spontaneous and evoked responses, we show that group I mGluR agonists act presynaptically to increase neurotransmitter release without affecting postsynaptic responsiveness. Moreover, endogenous glutamate released from the IHCs also enhances IHC efferent inhibition via the activation of group I mGluRs. Finally, immunofluorescence analysis indicates that the efferent terminals are sufficiently close to IHC glutamate release sites to allow activation of mGluRs on the efferent terminals by glutamate spillover. Together, these results suggest that glutamate released from the IHCs activates group I mGluRs (mGluR1s), probably present on the efferent terminals, which, in turn, enhances release of acetylcholine and inhibition of the IHCs. Thus, mGluRs establish a local negative feedback loop positioned to regulate IHC activity and maturation of the ascending auditory system in the developing cochlea.
Influence of Reynolds Numbers on the Flow and Heat Transfer Around Row of Magnetic Obstacles
Authors: Zhang Xidong , Zhu Guiping , Zhang Yin , Wang Hongyan , Huang Hulin
Published: February 2017

An incompressible electrically conducting viscous fluid flow influenced by a local external magnetic field may develop vortical structures and eventually instabilities similar to those observed in flows around bluff bodies (such as circular cylinder), denominated magnetic obstacle. The present investigation analyzes numerically the three-dimensional flow and heat transfer around row of magnetic obstacles. The vortex structures of magnetic obstacles, heat transfer behaviors in the wake of magnetic obstacles, and flow resistance are analyzed at different Reynolds numbers. It shows that the flow behind magnetic obstacles contains four different regimes: (1) one pair of magnetic vortices, (2) three pairs namely, magnetic, connecting, and attached vortices, (3) smaller vortex shedding from the in-between magnetic obstacles, i.e., quasi-static, and (4) regular vortex shedding from the row of magnetic obstacles. Furthermore, downstream cross-stream mixing induced by the unstable wakes can enhance wall-heat transfer, and the maximum value of percentage heat transfer increment (HI) is equal to about 35%. In this case, the thermal performance factor is more than one.
Fisher–Kolmogorov–Petrovsky– Piscounov Reaction and n-Diffusion Cattaneo Telegraph Equation
Authors: Olivier Dangui-Mbani Ulrich , Sui Jize , Zheng Liancun , Bin-Mohsin Bandar , Chen Goong
Published: February 2017

This paper presents research for a class of recombination reaction and diffusion problems in which the Cattaneo relaxation, n-diffusion flux, and p-Fisher–Kolmogorov–Petrovsky–Piscounov (KPP) reaction are considered. Approximate analytical solutions are obtained by Adomian decomposition method (ADM) and shown graphically. Some interesting results for spatial variable and temporal variable evolution are obtained. For specified spatial variable, the temperature profiles decrease with respect to the increase of relaxation parameter and power-law index n but decrease with respect to Fisher–KPP reaction parameter p. For specified temporal variable, the temperature profiles are seem oscillating with values of the relaxation parameter and power-law index n.
Geometrical Parameter Effects on Film-Cooling Effectiveness of Rectangular Diffusion Holes
Authors: An Bai-Tao , Liu Jian-Jun , Zhou Si-Jing
Published: February 2017

This paper presents an experimental investigation of the rectangular diffusion hole. The effects of rectangular aspect ratio and lateral diffusion angle on film-cooling effectiveness were studied at a low-speed flat-plate experimental facility. The pressure-sensitive paint (PSP) measurement technique was employed to determine the adiabatic effectiveness. The experiments were performed at a density ratio of DR = 1.38 and a mainstream turbulence intensity of Tu = 3.5%. The blowing ratio was varied from M = 0.5 to M = 2.5. Three aspect ratios and three lateral diffusion angles were chosen to match the semicircle and straight-line sidewall shape of the rectangular cross section. A comparative investigation was performed among a typical fan-shaped hole and ten rectangular diffusion holes. The experimental results exhibited diversified film distribution patterns of the rectangular diffusion hole, including single-, bi-, and tripeak patterns. The overall cooling effectiveness increased with the increase of rectangular aspect ratio. The improved magnitude was amplified as blowing ratio increased. The holes with semicircle sidewall were shown to be more suitable for high blowing ratio conditions. The maximum increase of cooling effectiveness was over 70% compared to the fan-shaped hole. The reduction of the lateral diffusion angle affected the film distribution pattern significantly, thereby influencing the cooling effectiveness. To obtain a fixed coverage ratio of film hole row, the rectangular diffusion hole with a larger cross-sectional aspect ratio and a slightly smaller lateral diffusion angle is a preferred scheme.
Computational Simulation of Deposition in a Cooled High-Pressure Turbine Stage With Hot Streaks
Authors: Prenter Robin , Ameri Ali , Bons Jeffrey P.
Published: February 2017

Ash particle deposition in a high-pressure turbine stage was numerically investigated using steady Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) and unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navie-Stokes (URANS) methods. An inlet temperature profile consisting of Gaussian nonuniformities (hot streaks) was imposed on the vanes, with vane cooling simulated using a constant vane wall temperature. The steady case utilized a mixing plane at the vane–rotor interface, while a sliding mesh was used for the unsteady case. Corrected speed and mass flow were matched to an experiment involving the same geometry, so that the flow solution could be validated against measurements. Particles ranging from 1 to 65 μm were introduced into the vane domain, and tracked using an Eulerian–Lagrangian tracking model. A novel particle rebound and deposition model was employed to determine particles' stick/bounce behavior upon impact with a surface. Predicted impact and capture distributions for different diameters were compared between the steady and unsteady methods, highlighting effects from the circumferential averaging of the mixing plane. The mixing plane simulation was found to generally under predict impact and capture efficiencies compared with the unsteady calculation, as well as under predict particle temperature upon impact with the blade surface. Quantitative impact and capture efficiency trends with the Stokes number are discussed for both the vane and blade, with companion qualitative distributions for the different Stokes regimes.
Short first click intervals in echolocation trains of three species of deep diving odontocetes
Authors: Dunn Charlotte A. , Tyack Peter , Miller Patrick J. O. , Rendell Luke
Published: February 2017

All odontocetes produce echolocation clicks as part of their vocal repertoire. In this paper the authors analysed inter-click-intervals in recordings from suction cup tags with a focus on the first inter-click interval of each click train. The authors refer to shorter first inter-click intervals as short first intervals (SFIs). The authors found that the context of SFI occurrence varies across three deep-diving species. In Blainville's beaked whales, 87% of click trains that were preceded by a terminal buzz started with SFIs. In Cuvier's beaked whales, only sub-adult animals produced notable amounts of SFIs. In contrast, sperm whales were much more likely to produce SFIs on the first click train of a dive. While the physiological and/or behavioural reasons for SFI click production are unknown, species differences in their production could provide a window into the evolution of odontocete echolocation.
Mechanisms for initiating cellular DNA replication
Authors: Bleichert Franziska , Botchan Michael R. , Berger James M.
Published: February 2017

Diverse molecular choreography of replication

Accurate duplication and transmission of genetic information to the next generation requires complex molecular assemblies. Bleichert
et al.
review replication initiation across the three domains of life, with a focus on origin selection and helicase loading. These processes identify potential origins of replication and prepare them for subsequent bidirectional replication initiation. There are key similarities and multiple differences in replication mechanisms between eukaryotes, prokaryotes, and archaea and many outstanding questions to be answered.

Science
, this issue p.
eaah6317
A macrophage relay for long-distance signaling during postembryonic tissue remodeling
Authors: Eom Dae Seok , Parichy David M.
Published: February 2017

Macrophage projections participate in long-range signaling between pigment cells during zebrafish stripe formation.
Sequencing and
De Novo
Assembly of the Complete Chloroplast Genome of the Peruvian Carrot (
Arracacia xanthorrhiza
Bancroft)
Authors: Alvarado Javier Santiago , López Diane Hinojosa , Torres Isaury Maldonado , Meléndez María Margarita , Batista Rosalinda Aybar , Raxwal Vivek K. , Berríos Juan A. Negrón , Arun Alok
Published: February 2017

Arracacia xanthorrhiza
is an important secondary food crop in South America and Puerto Rico. The lack of crop protection and improvement strategies leads to infections damaging the storage roots. Here, we report the annotated complete chloroplast genome sequence of
A. xanthorrhiza
as a step toward developing genomic resources for this crop.
Genome Sequence of a Unique Magnaporthe oryzae RMg-Dl Isolate from India That Causes Blast Disease in Diverse Cereal Crops, Obtained Using PacBio Single-Molecule and Illumina HiSeq2500 Sequencing
Authors: Kumar Aundy , Sheoran Neelam , Prakash Ganesan , Ghosh Arpita , Chikara Surendra K. , Rajashekara Hosahatti , Singh Uday Dhari , Aggarwal Rashmi , Jain Rakesh Kumar
Published: February 2017

The whole-genome assembly of a unique rice isolate from India,
Magnaporthe oryzae
RMg-Dl that causes blast disease in diverse cereal crops is presented. Analysis of the 34.82 Mb genome sequence will aid in better understanding the genetic determinants of host range, host jump, survival, pathogenicity, and virulence factors of
M. oryzae
.
Complete Genome Sequence of Methanohalophilus halophilus DSM 3094
T
, Isolated from a Cyanobacterial Mat and Bottom Deposits at Hamelin Pool, Shark Bay, Northwestern Australia
Authors: L’Haridon Stéphane , Corre Erwan , Guan Yue , Vinu Manikandan , La Cono Violetta , Yakimov Mickail , Stingl Ulrich , Toffin Laurent , Jebbar Mohamed
Published: February 2017

The complete genome sequence of
Methanohalophilus halophilus
DSM 3094
T
, a member of the
Methanosarcinaceae
family and the
Methanosarcianales
order, consists of 2,022,959 bp in one contig and contains 2,137 predicted genes. The genome is consistent with a halophilic methylotrophic anaerobic lifestyle, including the methylotrophic and CO
2
-H
2
methanogensis pathways.
Genome Sequence of a Genotype 2 Hepatitis E Virus World Health Organization Reference Strain
Authors: Kaiser Marco , Kamili Saleem , Hayden Tonya , Blümel Johannes , Baylis Sally A.
Published: February 2017

We report here the sequence of a genotype 2a reference strain of hepatitis E virus (HEV), developed on behalf of the World Health Organization. The HEV reference strain is intended for use in assays based on nucleic acid amplification for the validation of HEV RNA detection.
Genome Sequences of Three Novel Bunyaviruses, Two Novel Rhabdoviruses, and One Novel Nyamivirus from Washington State Moths
Authors: Makhsous Negar , Shean Ryan C. , Droppers David , Guan Jonathan , Jerome Keith R. , Greninger Alexander L.
Published: February 2017

We report draft genome sequences of three novel bunyaviruses, two novel rhabdoviruses, and one novel nyamivirus identified metagenomically from 10 moths in Washington state.
Birth size, risk factors across life and cognition in late life: protocol of prospective longitudinal follow-up of the MYNAH (MYsore studies of Natal effects on Ageing and Health) cohort
Authors: Krishna Murali , Kumar G Mohan , Veena S R , Krishnaveni G V , Kumaran Kalyanaraman , Karat Samuel Christaprasad , Coakley Patsy , Osmond Clive , Copeland John R M , Chandak Giriraj , Bhat Dattatray , Varghese Mathew , Prince Martin , Fall Caroline
Published: February 2017

Introduction

For late-life neurocognitive disorders, as for other late-life chronic diseases, much recent interest has focused on the possible relevance of Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD). Programming by undernutrition in utero, followed by overnutrition in adult life may lead to an increased risk, possibly mediated through cardiovascular and metabolic pathways. This study will specifically examine, if lower birth weight is associated with poorer cognitive functioning in late life in a south Indian population.

Methods and analysis

From 1934 onwards, the birth weight, length and head circumference of all babies born in the CSI Holdsworth Memorial Hospital, Mysore, India, were recorded in obstetric notes. Approximately 800 men and women from the Mysore Birth Records Cohort aged above 55 years, and a reliable informant for each, will be asked to participate in a single cross-sectional baseline assessment for cognitive function, mental health and cardiometabolic disorders. Participants will be assessed for hypertension, type-2 diabetes and coronary heart disease, nutritional status, health behaviours and lifestyles, family living arrangements, economic status, social support and social networks. Additional investigations include blood tests (for diabetes, insulin resistance, dyslipidaemia, anaemia, vitamin B12and folate deficiency, hyperhomocysteinemia, renal impairment, thyroid disease and Apolipoprotein E genotype), anthropometry, ECG, blood pressure, spirometry and body composition (bioimpedance). We will develop an analysis plan, first using traditional univariate and multivariable analytical paradigms with independent, dependent and mediating/confounding/interacting variables to test the main hypotheses.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has been approved by the research ethics committee of CSI Holdsworth Memorial Hospital. The findings will be disseminated locally and at international meetings, and will be published in open access peer reviewed journals.
Parenting for Autism, Language, And Communication Evaluation Study (PALACES): protocol for a pilot randomised controlled trial
Authors: Williams Margiad Elen , Hastings Richard , Charles Joanna Mary , Evans Sue , Hutchings Judy
Published: February 2017

Introduction

Children with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) often have associated behavioural difficulties that can present a challenge for parents and parenting. There are several effective social learning theory-based parenting programmes for dealing with behavioural difficulties, including the Incredible Years (IY) parent programmes. However, these programmes typically do not specifically target parents of children with ASD. Recently, a new addition to the IY suite of programmes known as the IY Autistic Spectrum and Language Delays (IY-ASLD) parent programme was developed. The main aims of the present study are to examine the feasibility of delivering this programme within child health services and to provide initial evidence for effectiveness and economic costs.

Methods and analysis

The Parenting for Autism, Language, And Communication Evaluation Study (PALACES) trial is a pragmatic, multicentre, pilot randomised controlled trial comparing the IY-ASLD programme with a wait-list control condition. 72 parents of children with ASD (aged 3–8 years) will be randomly allocated to either the intervention or control condition. Data will be collected prior to randomisation and 6 months postrandomisation for all families. Families in the intervention condition only will also be followed up at 12 and 18 months postrandomisation. This study will provide initial evidence of effectiveness for the newly developed IY-ASLD parenting programme. It will also add to the limited economic evidence for an intervention targeting parents of children with ASD and provide longer term data, an important component for evaluations of parenting programmes.

Ethics and dissemination

Approval for the study was granted by the Research Ethics Committee at the School of Psychology, Bangor University (reference number: 2016–15768) and the North Wales Research Ethics Committee, UK (reference number: 16/WA/0224). The findings will be disseminated through research conferences and peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN57070414; Pre-results.
Experience-based design, co-design and experience-based co-design in palliative and end-of-life care
Authors: Borgstrom Erica , Barclay Stephen
Published: February 2017

Experience-based design, co-design, and experience-based co-design can be used within healthcare to design services that improve the patient, carer and staff experience of the services. As palliative and end-of-life care centrally value person-centred care, we believe that service designers, commissioners and those tasked with making quality improvements will be interested in this growing field. This paper outlines these approaches—with a particular emphasis on experience-based co-design—and describes how they are and can be used within palliative and end-of-life care. Based on a rapid review and several case studies, this article highlights the key lessons learnt from previous projects using these approaches and discusses areas for improvement in current reporting of service design projects.
Comparing ICD-10 external cause codes for pedal cyclists with self-reported crash details
Authors: Beck Ben , Ekegren Christina L , Cameron Peter , Stevenson Mark , Judson Rodney , Bucknill Andrew , Edwards Elton , Gabbe Belinda
Published: February 2017

Accurate coding of injury event information is critical in developing targeted injury prevention strategies. However, little is known about the validity of the most universally used coding system, the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10), in characterising crash counterparts in pedal cycling events. This study aimed to determine the agreement between hospital-coded ICD-10-AM (Australian modification) external cause codes with self-reported crash characteristics in a sample of pedal cyclists admitted to hospital following bicycle crashes. Interview responses from 141 injured cyclists were mapped to a single ICD-10-AM external cause code for comparison with ICD-10-AM external cause codes from hospital administrative data. The percentage of agreement was 77.3% with a κ value of 0.68 (95% CI 0.61 to 0.77), indicating substantial agreement. Nevertheless, studies reliant on ICD-10 codes from administrative data should consider the 23% level of disagreement when characterising crash counterparts in cycling crashes.
Diversity of fishing métier use can affect incomes and costs in small-scale fisheries
Authors: Cambiè Giulia , Pantin Julia R. , Lincoln Harriet , Hiddink Jan G. , Lambert Gwladys T. , Kaiser Michel J.
Published: February 2017

The implementation of an ecosystem-based approach to fisheries management in multispecies fleets has the potential to increase fleet diversification strategies, which can reduce pressure on overexploited stocks. However, diversification may reduce the economic performance of individual vessels and lead to unforeseen outcomes. We studied the economic performance of different fleet segments and their fishing métiers in Wales (United Kingdom) to understand how the number of the métiers employed affects fishing income, operating costs, and profit. For the small-scale segment, more specialised fishers are more profitable and the diversity of métiers is limiting both the maximum expected income and profit but also the operating costs. This last result may explain the propensity of fishers to increase the number of métiers for at least part of the studied fleet. Therefore, while for some vessels, increasing the diversity of fishing métiers may be perceived to limit economic risk associated with the interannual variability of catches and prices and (or) to reduce their operating costs, it can ultimately result in less profitable activity than more specialised vessels.
Gauge theory approach to branes and spontaneous symmetry breaking
Authors: Zheltukhin A. A.
Published: February 2017

We discuss the gauge theory approach to consideration of the Nambu–Goldstone bosons as gauge and vector fields represented by the Cartan forms of spontaneously broken symmetries. The approach is generalized to describe the fundamental branes in terms of [Formula: see text]-dimensional worldvolume gauge and massless tensor fields consisting of the Nambu–Goldstone bosons associated with the spontaneously broken Poincaré symmetry of the [Formula: see text]-dimensional Minkowski space.
Integrated On-Chip Nano-Optomechanical Systems
Authors: Diao Zhu , Sauer Vincent T. K. , Hiebert Wayne K.
Published: February 2017

Recent developments in integrated on-chip nano-optomechanical systems are reviewed. Silicon-based nano-optomechanical devices are fabricated by a two-step process, where the first step is a foundry-enabled photonic circuits patterning and the second step involves in-house mechanical device release. We show theoretically that the enhanced responsivity of near-field optical transduction of mechanical displacement in on-chip nano-optomechanical systems originates from the finesse of the optical cavity to which the mechanical device couples. An enhancement in responsivity of more than two orders of magnitude has been observed when compared side-by-side with free-space interferometry readout. We further demonstrate two approaches to facilitate large-scale device integration, namely, wavelength-division multiplexing and frequency-division multiplexing. They are capable of significantly simplifying the design complexity for addressing individual nano-optomechanical devices embedded in a large array.
Extracting the QCD ΛMS¯ parameter in Drell–Yan process using Collins–Soper–Sterman approach
Authors: Taghavi R. , Mirjalili A.
Published: February 2017

In this work, we directly fit the QCD dimensional transmutation parameter, [Formula: see text], to experimental data of Drell–Yan (DY) observables. For this purpose, we first obtain the evolution of transverse momentum dependent parton distribution functions (TMDPDFs) up to the next-to-next-to-leading logarithm (NNLL) approximation based on Collins–Soper–Sterman (CSS) formalism. As is expecting the TMDPDFs are appearing at larger values of transverse momentum by increasing the energy scales and also the order of approximation. Then we calculate the cross-section related to the TMDPDFs in the DY process. As a consequence of global fitting to the five sets of experimental data at different low center-of-mass energies and one set at high center-of-mass energy, using CETQ06 parametrizations as our boundary condition, we obtain [Formula: see text] MeV corresponding to the renormalized coupling constant [Formula: see text] which is within the acceptable range for this quantity. The goodness of [Formula: see text] shows the results for DY cross-section are in good agreement with different experimental sets, containing E288, E605 and R209 at low center-of-mass energies and [Formula: see text], CDF data at high center-of-mass energy. The repeated calculations, using HERAPDFs parametrizations is yielding us numerical values for fitted parameters very close to what we obtain using CETQ06 PDFs set. This indicates that the obtained results have enough stability by variations in the boundary conditions.
Data Distribution Partitioning for One-Class Extraction from Remote Sensing Imagery
Authors: Bo Shukui , Jing Yongju
Published: February 2017

One-class extraction from remotely sensed imagery is researched with multi-class classifiers in this paper. With two supervised multi-class classifiers, Bayesian classifier and nearest neighbor classifier, we firstly analyzed the effect of the data distribution partitioning on one-class extraction from the remote sensing images. The data distribution partitioning refers to the way that the data set is partitioned before classification. As a parametric method, the Bayesian classifier achieved good classification performance when the data distribution was partitioned appropriately. While as a nonparametric method, the NN classifier did not require a detailed partitioning of the data distribution. For simplicity, the data set can be partitioned into two classes, the class of interest and the remainder, to extract the specific class. With appropriate partitioning of the data set, the specific class of interest was well extracted from remotely sensed imagery in the experiments. This study will be helpful for one-class extraction from remote sensing imagery with multi-class classifiers. It provides a way to improve the one-class classification from the aspect of data distribution partitioning.
An Eigenvalue Approach to Detect Flows and Events in Crowd Videos
Authors: Sharif Md. Haidar
Published: February 2017

Analysis of flows in crowd videos is a remarkable topic with practical implementations in many different areas. In this paper, we present a wide overview of this topic along with our own approach to this problem. Our approach treats the difficulty of crowd flow analysis by distinguishing single versus multiple flows in a scene. Spatiotemporal features of two consecutive frames are extracted by optical flows to create a three-dimensional tensor, which retains appearance and velocity information. Tensor’s upper left minor matrix captures intensity structure. A normalized continuous rank-increase measure for each frame is calculated by a generalized interlacing property of the eigenvalues of these matrices. In essence, measure values put through the knowledge of existing flows. Yet they do not go into effect desirably due to optical flow estimation error and some other factors. A proper set of the degree of polynomial fitting functions decodes their existence. But how can we estimate that set? Its detailed study is performed. Zero flow, single flow, multiple flows, and interesting events are detected as frame basis using thresholds on the polynomial fitting measure values. Plausible mean outputs of recall rate (88.9%), precision rate (86.7%), area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (98.9%), and accuracy (92.9%) reported from conducted experiments on PETS2009 and UMN benchmark datasets make clear and visible that our method gains high-quality results to detect flows and events in crowd videos in terms of both robustness and potency.
A High Order Curvature-Compensated Bandgap Voltage Reference with a Novel Error Amplifier
Authors: Zhao Gongyuan , Ye Mao , Zhao Yiqiang , Hu Kai , Xin Ruishan
Published: February 2017

This paper presents a bandgap voltage reference (BGR), utilizing high order curvature-compensated technique with the temperature dependent resistor. Based on an improved error amplifier, [Formula: see text]80[Formula: see text]dB power supply rejection (PSR) @1[Formula: see text]kHz is achieved without additional complicated circuits. The circuit is fabricated in a standard [Formula: see text]m CMOS process, consuming 50[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]A at 25[Formula: see text]C with a supply voltage of 3.3[Formula: see text]V. Simulation results show that the proposed BGR can achieve a temperature coefficient as low as 1.18[Formula: see text]ppm/[Formula: see text]C over the temperature range from [Formula: see text]C to 120[Formula: see text]C. Monte Carlo simulation and Experimental Results validate the design.
New Op-Amp Circuits Realizations Using Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Khalil Nariman A. , Ahmed Rania F. , Abul-seoud Rania A. , Soliman Ahmed M.
Published: February 2017

Genetic Algorithm (GA) applications in analog design circuits play an important role with promising results. This paper introduces a proposed methodology based on the genetic algorithm and the symbolic representation to generate equivalent op-amp configurations for well-known filters. The proposed methodology is applied to the Tow-Thomas (TT) filter to generate 168 different configurations. Moreover, it is also applied on the KHN filter resulting in 30 equivalent circuits for each type. A part of the generated realizations is tested through simulations using PSPICE simulator and the simulation results determine the number of accepted circuits. A simulation comparison between the original filter configuration and some of the accepted configurations is done. Fortunately, a better performance compared to the original configuration is obtained from some generated circuits.
A New Method for Increasing Quality Factor in Active Filters
Authors: Yesil Abdullah , Kacar Firat
Published: February 2017

In this paper, we present a new method increasing quality factor of active filter structure in the literature and a new designed filter. The new method is easily applied to all different filter modes with the proper feedback circuit. The center frequency of the filter remains constant as quality factor of filter increases. Also, quality factor can be also tuned electronically by changing the biasing current of the feedback circuit. Furthermore, the performance of the method is demonstrated by CMOS simulation of differential voltage current conveyor and transconductance amplifier. Quality factor value of the filter can also be easily adjusted electronically between 1 and 20 with the presented method. Finally, an application example of the presented method is presented for double tuned amplifier for intermediate frequency pre-amplifier of FM receiver.
Using Closed Patterns to Solve the Consensus Clustering Problem
Authors: Al-Najdi Atheer , Pasquier Nicolas , Precioso Frédéric
Published: February 2017

Clustering is the process of partitioning a dataset into groups based on the similarity between the instances. Many clustering algorithms were proposed, but none of them proved to provide good quality partition in all situations. Consensus clustering aims to enhance the clustering process by combining different partitions obtained from different algorithms to yield a better quality consensus solution. In this work, we propose a new consensus clustering method that uses a pattern mining technique in order to reduce the search space from instance-based into pattern-based space. Instead of finding one solution, our method generates multiple consensus candidates based on varying the number of base clusterings considered. The different solutions are then linked and presented as a tree that gives more insight about the similarities between the instances and the different partitions in the ensemble.
A Machine Learning Based Approach for Evaluating Clone Detection Tools for a Generalized and Accurate Precision
Authors: Svajlenko Jeffrey , Roy Chanchal K.
Published: February 2017

An important measure of clone detection performance is precision. However, there has been a marked lack of research into methods for efficiently and accurately measuring the precision of a clone detection tool. Instead, tool authors simply validate a small random sample of the clones their tools detected in a subject software system. Since there could be many thousands of clones reported by the tool, such a small random sample cannot guarantee an accurate and generalized measure of the tool’s precision for all the varieties of clones that can occur in any arbitrary software system. In this paper, we propose a machine-learning-based approach that can cluster similar clones together, and which can be used to maximize the variety of clones examined when measuring precision, while significantly reducing the biases a specific subject system has on the generality of the precision measured. Our technique reduces the efforts in measuring precision, while doubling the variety of clones validated and reducing biases that harm the generality of the measure by up to an order of magnitude. Our case study with the NiCad clone detector and the Java class library shows that our approach is effective in efficiently measuring an accurate and generalized precision of a subject clone detection tool.
Bowling ball representation of virtual string links
Authors: Cheng Zhiyun
Published: February 2017

In this paper, we investigate the virtual string links via a probabilistic interpretation. This representation can be used to distinguish some virtual string links from classical string links. In order to study the algebraic structure behind this probabilistic interpretation, we introduce the notion of virtual flat biquandle. The cocycle invariants associated with virtual flat biquandle are also discussed.
The groups Gnk and fundamental groups of configuration spaces
Authors: Manturov V. O.
Published: February 2017

We construct maps from the fundamental groups of complements to some plane configurations to the groups [Formula: see text] for large [Formula: see text].
Maximum orders of cyclic group actions on surfaces extending over the 3-dimensional torus
Authors: Wang Chao , Wang Shicheng , Zhang Yimu
Published: February 2017

We determine the maximum order of cyclic group actions on the pair [Formula: see text] among all embeddings of closed surface [Formula: see text] into the 3-dimensional torus [Formula: see text] in the orientable category.
Linear configurations of complete graphs K4 and K5 in ℝ3, and higher dimensional analogs
Authors: Marshall Andrew
Published: February 2017

We investigate the space [Formula: see text] of images of linearly embedded finite simplicial complexes in [Formula: see text] isomorphic to a given complex [Formula: see text], focusing on two special cases: [Formula: see text] is the [Formula: see text]-skeleton [Formula: see text] of an [Formula: see text]-simplex, and [Formula: see text] is the [Formula: see text]-skeleton [Formula: see text] of an [Formula: see text]-simplex, so [Formula: see text] has codimension 2 in [Formula: see text], in both cases. The main result is that for [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] (for either [Formula: see text]) deformation retracts to a subspace homeomorphic to the double mapping cylinder [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] is the alternating group and [Formula: see text] the symmetric group. The resulting fundamental group provides an example of a generalization of the braid group, which is the fundamental group of the configuration space of points in the plane.