bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A steady-state performance analysis of a non-circular cylindrical floating ring journal bearing
Authors: Soni Sandeep , Vakharia DP
Published: April 2016

This paper analyses the steady-state performance behaviour of a new type of journal bearing, i.e. the non-circular cylindrical floating ring journal bearing. It consists of a floating ring in between the shaft and the upper and lower lobes of a two-lobe bearing. The journal and the inner surface of the ring are cylindrical while bearing surfaces are non-circular. The classical Navier–Stokes equations in the modified form together with the continuity equation are being solved by the finite element method. The cylindrical coordinates form of the Navier–Stokes equation and continuity equation are used in the present analysis to compute the important proposed bearing characteristics. In this analytical study, the finite bearing approximation ( L/ D=1) with a C2/ C1 value of 0.70 and 1.30 are being used to simulate the behaviour of non-circular cylindrical floating ring journal bearing. The Reynold’s boundary condition is used to enumerate the performance of the proposed bearing. In the present analysis, the steady-state parameters in terms of an inner and outer film eccentricity ratio, a speed ratio, attitude angle, load capacity, friction coefficient parameter, axial oil flow and rise in temperature variable are determined. The results reveal that the steady-state performance of the non-circular floating ring journal bearing is superior to a plain cylindrical floating ring journal bearing.
The psychological impact of dependency in adults with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis: A qualitative exploration
Authors: Williams Ashley Mai , Christopher Gary , Jenkinson Elizabeth
Published: April 2016

Chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis can limit functional capacity, producing various degrees of disability and psychological distress. Semi-structured interviews explored the experiences of adults with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis being physically dependent on other people for help in daily life, and whether physical dependency affects their psychological well-being. Thematic analysis generated six themes: loss of independence and self-identity, an invisible illness, anxieties of today and the future, catch-22, internalised anger, and acceptance of the condition. The findings provide insight into the psychological impact of dependency. Implications for intervention include better education relating to chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis for family members, carers, and friends; ways to communicate their needs to others who may not understand chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis; and awareness that acceptance of the condition could improve psychological well-being.
Damage detection of a bridge model based on operational dynamic strain measurements
Authors: Wang T , Celik O , Catbas FN
Published: April 2016

Vibration data analysis reserves a significant place in structural health monitoring practice since it can be employed for certain engineering problems such as locating damage and assessing damage severity by means of vibration signature interpretation. In this study, a damage detection study is carried out in light of vibration data analysis methods on a four-span bridge model by exploiting strain measurements. The concept of strain operating deflection shape along with an extraction method based on frequency and spatial domain decomposition is proposed. The damage-induced state of the bridge model is compared with the baseline state to detect and locate the damage. The result of strain analysis is also compared with acceleration analysis by simultaneous measurements of strain and acceleration. The power spectrum matrix of responses is estimated using digital signal processing principles. Besides the operating deflection shape analysis, operational modal analysis and correlation analysis of strain modes are conducted to identify and locate the damage.
Like, recommend, or respect? Altering political behavior in news comment sections
Authors: Stroud Natalie Jomini , Muddiman Ashley , Scacco Joshua M
Published: April 2016

Drawing from the stereotype content model, we examine how people respond to likeminded and counter-attitudinal political comments appearing after a news article. We experimentally test how citizens behave when they are able to click on one of three different buttons posted next to others’ comments—“Like,” “Recommend,” or “Respect.” In the experiment, political attitudes predicted button clicking, but the button label affected the strength of the relationship. In some instances, people clicked on fewer buttons associated with likeminded comments and more buttons associated with counter-attitudinal comments when the button was labeled with “Respect” as opposed to “Like” or “Recommend.” The pattern of results for the “Recommend” button differed across two issues. The results suggest that political comments can trigger stereotypical reactions. Although the “Like” button is well known, news organizations interested in promoting less partisan behaviors should consider using a “Respect” button rather than the “Like” or “Recommend” button in comment sections.
Resiliency and women exiting sex trade industry work
Authors: Hickle Kristine E
Published: April 2016

A qualitative approach was used to explore the experience of exiting sex trade industry work from the perspective of 19 adults formerly involved in the sex trade industry. A narrative approach to data collection was used to explore the participants’ experiences of successful exiting and phenomenological analysis was employed to identify themes that reflected the ways in which participants developed resiliency throughout the exiting process.

Findings

Themes include connection (including subthemes: survivor presence, children and spirituality), resources (including subthemes: networks, structure and safety) and personal growth.

Significance

These themes represent women with diverse experiences in the sex trade industry, including a majority who were victimised by (internal) sex trafficking. The findings demonstrate opportunities for social work practice to address the diverse needs of individuals exiting the sex trade industry, specifically for those who experienced sex trafficking and sexual exploitation.
Set-off length reduction by backward flow of hot burned gas surrounding high-pressure diesel spray flame from multi-hole nozzle
Authors: Fuyuto Takayuki , Hattori Yoshiaki , Yamashita Hayato , Toda Naoki , Mashida Makoto
Published: April 2016

The backward flow of the hot burned gas surrounding a diesel flame was found to be one of the factors reducing the set-off length (also called the lift-off length), that is, the distance from a nozzle exit into which a diffusion flame cannot intrude. In the combustion chamber of an actual diesel engine, the entrainment of the surrounding gas into a spray jet injected from a multi-hole nozzle is restricted by the combustion chamber walls and the adjacent spray jets, thus inducing the backward flow of the surrounding gas toward the nozzle exit. The emergence of this backward flow was measured by particle tracking velocimetry in the non-combusting condition. A new momentum theory for calculating the backward flow velocity was established by extending Wakuri’s momentum theory. Shadowgraph imaging in an optical engine successfully visualized the backward flow of the hot burned gas. The hot burned gas is re-entrained into the spray jet in the region of the set-off position and shortens the set-off length in comparison to that of a single free-spray flame which does not induce the backward flow.
The Historical Origins and Contemporary Dynamics of Conservatism in the United States: Anticommunism, the New Class Critique, and the Environment
Authors: Howison Jeffrey D
Published: April 2016

This review article offers a critical assessment of three recent books on postwar conservatism in the United States. The broad themes of these works – anticommunism, the new class critique, and opposition to environmentalism – are used as a basis to review the extant literature and to analyse the historical trajectory of the conservative movement. Although American conservatism is generally a unified political force, important ideological divisions remain both among and between libertarians and social conservatives. These divisions are imperative for understanding the movement today and offer promising lines of future scholarship.

Doody C (2013) Detroit’s Cold War: The Origins of Postwar Conservatism. Urbana, IL: University of Illinois Press. Horowitz RB (2013) America’s Right: Anti-Establishment Conservatism from Goldwater to the Tea Party. Cambridge: Polity Press. Layzer JA (2012) Open for Business: Conservatives’ Opposition to Environmental Regulation. Cambridge, MA: The MIT Press.
Physician Modification to Shorten a TAG Thoracic Endoprosthesis for Treatment of a Pseudoaneurysm in the Ascending Aorta
Authors: Wada Kenji , Shimamoto Takeshi , Komiya Tatsuhiko , Tsuneyoshi Hiroshi
Published: April 2016

Purpose:To report initial use of a physician-modified Gore TAG Thoracic Endoprosthesis for the treatment of pseudoaneurysm in the ascending aorta. Technique: This technique is demonstrated in a 42-year-old man with a pseudoaneurysm of the ascending aorta after a Bentall operation. The treatable length extending from the sinotubular junction to the anastomotic aneurysm edge was only 5 cm. A 45×100-mm TAG endograft for the pseudoaneurysm was modified on a back table to shorten its length. The delivery shaft was incised, and the 2 threads that fasten the top and bottom portions of the stent-graft to the sleeve were pulled out. The unfolded half of the stent-graft was cut back after pulling out the strand for the back half. Next, this custom-made graft was deployed via a transcarotid approach with cardiopulmonary bypass; no endoleak was observed. Postoperative computed tomography showed a minute type Ib endoleak. The patient was doing well at postoperative month 6. Conclusion: Physician modification of a TAG endograft facilitated effective management of this ascending aortic lesion by shortening the length of aortic coverage.
Two Cases of Aortic Intimal Intussusception During Endovascular Repair of an Acute Type B Dissection
Authors: Havelka George E. , Tomita Tadaki M. , Malaisrie S. Chris , Ho Karen J. , Eskandari Mark K.
Published: April 2016

Purpose: To raise awareness of a previously undescribed complication of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for aortic dissection that can lead to acute aortic occlusion and to highlight that early recognition, excision of the intimal flap, and open aortic repair can be lifesaving. Case Report: Two patients underwent TEVAR for acute type B dissections complicated by abdominal malperfusion syndrome. During stent-graft deployment, the intimal flap circumferentially detached from its origin proximally with subsequent intussusception, leading to acute aortic occlusion. Both complications were recognized intraoperatively with immediate conversion to open aortic reconstruction and intimal flap excision. The first patient required an infrarenal aortobi-iliac bypass, while the second had an open aortic fenestration and bovine pericardial patch repair of the aortotomy. Their postoperative courses were uneventful. Follow-up imaging revealed excellent stent-graft approximation without endoleak and thrombosis of the false lumen. Conclusion: Aortic intimal flap detachment and intussusception is a rare but potentially fatal complication of TEVAR for acute complicated aortic dissection. Quick diagnosis and a low threshold for conversion to open repair are critical in achieving a successful outcome.
Single-Center Experience With Lutonix Drug-Coated Balloons in Infrapopliteal Arteries
Authors: Steiner Sabine , Schmidt Andrej , Bausback Yvonne , Bräunlich Sven , Ulrich Matthias , Banning-Eichenseer Ursula , Scheinert Dierk
Published: April 2016

Purpose: To examine patient outcomes following the use of the Lutonix drug-coated balloon (DCB) in patients undergoing endovascular intervention in below-the-knee (BTK) arteries. Methods: A retrospective chart review identified 248 patients who were treated for symptomatic peripheral artery disease with the Lutonix DCB between May 2013 and October 2014. Forty patients were lost to follow-up, leaving 208 patients (mean age 74.1±9.7 years; 138 men) with evaluable data for outcome analysis. The patient cohort suffered from either severe claudication (38.6%) or critical limb ischemia (CLI; 61.4%) in 220 limbs. Almost two-thirds (140, 63.6%) of the 220 target lesions were total occlusions, and 37 (17.8%) of all patients had occlusion of all 3 BTK vessels before intervention. Results: Over a median 9-month follow-up, target lesion revascularization occurred in 15.9% of patients with an average time to first reintervention of 8 months. In total, 39 amputations were performed in 31 limbs. However, 17 of these amputations were preplanned minor amputations below the ankle; only 9 (4.1%) major amputations occurred corresponding to 6.6% of the CLI cohort. Freedom from the composite of death or major amputation was estimated as 92% and 85% at 6 and 12 months, respectively, by Kaplan-Meier analysis. In the full cohort, improvement of at least 1 Rutherford category was seen in 130 (59.1%) limbs after 1 year or at the last follow-up, with 104 (80.0%) of those limbs showing an improvement of ≥2 categories. Conclusion: From this single-center experience, the Lutonix DCB shows therapeutic promise in a disease state where new treatment options are needed.
Prostate Cancer Ambassadors
Authors: Vines Anissa I. , Hunter Jaimie C. , Carlisle Veronica A. , Richmond Alan N.
Published: April 2016

African American men bear a higher burden of prostate cancer than Caucasian men, but knowledge about how to make an informed decision about prostate cancer screening is limited. A lay health advisor model was used to train “Prostate Cancer Ambassadors” on prostate cancer risk and symptoms, how to make an informed decision for prostate-specific antigen screening, and how to deliver the information to members of their community. Training consisted of two, 6-hour interactive sessions and was implemented in three predominantly African American communities over an 8-month period between 2013 and 2014. Following training, Ambassadors committed to contacting at least 10 people within 3 months using a toolkit composed of wallet-sized informational cards for distribution, a slide presentation, and a flip chart. Thirty-two Ambassadors were trained, with more than half being females (59%) and half reporting a family history of prostate cancer. Prostate cancer knowledge improved significantly among Ambassadors ( p ≤ .0001). Self-efficacy improved significantly for performing outreach tasks ( p < .0001), and among women in helping a loved one with making an informed decision ( p = .005). There was also an improvement in collective efficacy in team members ( p = .0003). Twenty-nine of the Ambassadors fulfilled their commitment to reach at least 10 people (average number of contacts per Ambassador was 11). In total, 355 individuals were reached with the prostate cancer information. The Ambassador training program proved successful in training Ambassadors to reach communities about prostate cancer and how to make an informed decision about screening.
Enhancing clinical evidence by proactively building quality into clinical trials
Authors: Meeker-O’Connell Ann , Glessner Coleen , Behm Mark , Mulinde Jean , Roach Nancy , Sweeney Fergus , Tenaerts Pamela , Landray Martin J
Published: April 2016

Background:

Stakeholders across the clinical trial enterprise have expressed concern that the current clinical trial enterprise is unsustainable. The cost and complexity of trials have continued to increase, threatening our ability to generate reliable evidence essential for making appropriate decisions concerning the benefits and harms associated with clinical interventions. Overcoming this inefficiency rests on improving protocol design, trial planning, and quality oversight.

Methods:

The Clinical Trials Transformation Initiative convened a project to evaluate methods to prospectively build quality into the scientific and operational design of clinical trials (“quality-by-design”), such that trials are feasible to conduct and important errors are prevented rather than remediated. A working group evaluated aspects of trial design and oversight and developed the Clinical Trials Transformation Initiative quality-by-design principles document, outlining a series of factors generally relevant to the reliability of trial conclusions and to patient safety. These principles were then applied and further refined during a series of hands-on workshops to evaluate their utility in facilitating proactive, cross-functional dialogue, and decision-making about trial design and planning. Following these workshops, independent qualitative interviews were conducted with 19 workshop attendees to explore the potential challenges for implementing a quality-by-design approach to clinical trials. The Clinical Trials Transformation Initiative project team subsequently developed recommendations and an online resource guide to support implementation of this approach.

Conclusion:

The Clinical Trials Transformation Initiative quality-by-design principles provide a framework for assuring that clinical trials adequately safeguard participants and provide reliable information on which to make decisions on the effects of treatments. The quality-by-design workshops highlighted the value of active discussions incorporating the different perspectives within and external to an organization (e.g. clinical investigators, research site staff, and trial participants) in improving trial design. Workshop participants also recognized the value of focusing oversight on those aspects of the trial where errors would have a major impact on participant safety and reliability of results. Applying the Clinical Trials Transformation Initiative quality-by-design recommendations and principles should enable organizations to prioritize the most critical determinants of a trial’s quality, identify non-essential activities that can be eliminated to streamline trial conduct and oversight, and formulate appropriate plans to define, avoid, mitigate, monitor, and address important errors.
Brand versus generic medications: A disease state approach to identify patients’ perceptions and concerns
Authors: Smith Lillian , Mosley Juan , Ford Megan , Courtney Jonathan , Stefanelli Chase
Published: April 2016

Background

Medication cost does not solely dictate patient preference of brand name or generic medications. However, few studies have been completed to assess the influence of other factors, such as demographics and chronic diseases.

Methods

Responses were collected from 347 English speaking adults in the United States, age 18 and older, pertaining to demographics, diagnosed conditions, preference and knowledge of brand and generic medications.

Results

Participants with COPD, epilepsy, and high cholesterol felt that their condition influenced their preference of brand or generic medication more as compared with participants diagnosed with other conditions. If cost was not an issue, then 46% of respondents would prefer the brand name product, while 18% of participants felt their preference depended on the condition that the medication was intended to treat. Roughly one-third of the participants did not fully understand why there are both brand name and generic medications, and education level did not impact comprehension significantly.

Conclusion

The incentive for generic preference over brand name is primarily due to cost differences. However, improvement of education pertaining to brand/generic equivalency is needed, as some patients still believe brand name medications are superior to generic alternatives for certain disease states.
The affective labour of One Born Every Minute in its UK and US formats
Authors: Horeck Tanya
Published: April 2016

This article examines the relationship between the British and American versions of the hit reality television birthing show One Born Every Minute ( OBEM) in order to consider how the representation of different national childbirth practices invites a different kind of affective labour from the spectator. It argues that OBEM UK attempts to position the spectator in an ethical relation of care towards the subjects depicted. By contrast, on the US version, any such intimacy is forestalled by the use of distancing techniques, including an external voice-over and a heavy-handed dramatic shaping of the material through comedic devices.
Bypassing the Pump
Authors: Joshi Suresh V. , Naik Abhijeet V. , Bhalgat Parag S. , Salvi Prasanna
Published: April 2016

We present a six-year follow-up of an infant who underwent a left subclavian artery to left anterior descending artery anastomosis for anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery, without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass. The clinical status, echocardiography, angiography, and exercise tolerance with treadmill test were found to be normal. This technique could be a viable alternative to the more established coronary translocation, with lesser morbidity, shorter hospital stay, and lower economic burden, especially in the developing world.
Endoventriculoplasty of the Left Ventricle for Congenital Diverticulum
Authors: Soynov I. A. , Sinelnikov Yu. S. , Nichay N. R. , Omelchenko A. Y. , Kornilov I. A.
Published: April 2016

Congenital left ventricular diverticulum is an extremely rare heart defect. Here, we report a case of successful endoventriculoplasty using a Dacron patch in an infant who was followed up for one year.
Dating Aggression and Sleep Problems in Emerging Adulthood
Authors: Kelly Ryan J. , Bagley Erika J.
Published: April 2016

Using a multimethod approach, we examined relations between dating aggression and sleep in emerging adulthood. Participants were 108 dating couples from diverse ethnic and educational backgrounds (49% were cohabiting). Women and men self-reported on the frequency to which they perpetrated psychological and physical aggression toward their partners. Actigraphs were worn for seven consecutive nights and measured sleep duration, sleep efficiency, and long wake episodes. Participants also self-reported on their cognitive and somatic presleep arousal. After controlling for many covariates, actor–partner interdependence models revealed that women and men who perpetrated higher levels of aggression were at greater risk for disruption in many actigraphy and self-reported sleep domains. Partner effects also emerged and indicated that an individual’s perpetration of aggression related to greater disruption in their partner’s sleep. Findings build on this scant literature and demonstrate relations between a prevalent social stressor and a fundamental facet of emerging adults’ health.
The Novel ASIC2 Locus Is Associated with Severe Gingival Inflammation
Authors: Zhang S. , Divaris K. , Moss K. , Yu N. , Barros S. , Marchesan J. , Morelli T. , Agler C. , Kim S.J. , Wu D. , North K.E. , Beck J. , Offenbacher S.
Published: April 2016

An increasing body of evidence suggests a significant genetic regulation of inflammatory response mechanisms; however, little is known regarding the genetic determinants of severe gingival inflammation (GI). We conducted a genome-wide association study of severe GI among 4,077 European American adults, participants in the Dental Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities cohort. The severe GI trait was defined dichotomously with the 90th percentile of gingival index ≥2 extent score. Genotyping was performed with the Affymetrix 6.0 array platform, and an imputed set of 2.5 million markers, based on HapMap Phase II CEU build 36, was interrogated. Genetic models were based on logistic regression and controlled for ancestry (10 principal components), sex, age, and examination center. One locus on chromosome 17 met genome-wide statistical significance criteria—lead single-nucleotide polymorphism: rs11652874 (minor allele frequency = 0.06, intronic to ASIC2 [acid-sensing ionic channel 2, formerly named ACCN1]; odds ratio = 2.1, 95% confidence interval = 1.6 to 2.7, P = 3.9 × 10-8). This association persisted among subjects with severe periodontitis and was robust to adjustment for microbial plaque index. Moreover, the minor (G) allele was associated with higher levels of severe GI in stratified analyses among subsets of participants with high load of either “red” or “orange” complex pathogens, although this association was not statistically significant. While these results will require replication in independent samples and confirmation by mechanistic studies, this locus appears as a promising candidate for severe GI. Our findings suggest that genetic variation in ASIC2 is significantly associated with severe GI and that the association is plaque independent.

Knowledge Transfer Statement: Persistent gingival inflammation reflected by bleeding usually precedes ongoing attachment loss or periodontal disease progression. Our findings suggest that genetic variation in ASIC2 that is associated with severe gingival inflammation might be used as a genetic marker to identify people at higher risk for periodontal disease. Ongoing studies to uncover the mechanistic link between ASIC2 and gingival inflammation could lead to novel therapeutic interventions.
The minimum required level of donor chimerism in hereditary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis
Authors: Hartz Bernd , Marsh Rebecca , Rao Kanchan , Henter Jan-Inge , Jordan Michael , Filipovich Lisa , Bader Peter , Beier Rita , Burkhardt Birgit , Meisel Roland , Schulz Ansgar , Winkler Beate , Albert Michael H. , Greil Johann , Karasu Gülsün , Woessmann Wilhelm , Corbacioglu Selim , Gruhn Bernd , Holter Wolfgang , Kühl Jörn-Sven , Lang Peter , Seidel Markus G. , Veys Paul , Löfstedt Alexandra , Ammann Sandra , Ehl Stephan , Janka Gritta , Müller Ingo , Lehmberg Kai
Published: April 2016

Key Points

Donor chimerism >20%-30% usually protects against late disease reactivation after day 180 post stem cell transplantation for primary HLH. Lower levels do not inevitably result in reactivations. The risks of intervention must be weighed against the risk of reactivation.
Using expected sequence features to improve basecalling accuracy of amplicon pyrosequencing data
Authors: Rask Thomas S. , Petersen Bent , Chen Donald S. , Day Karen P. , Pedersen Anders Gorm
Published: April 2016

Background

Amplicon pyrosequencing targets a known genetic region and thus inherently produces reads highly anticipated to have certain features, such as conserved nucleotide sequence, and in the case of protein coding DNA, an open reading frame. Pyrosequencing errors, consisting mainly of nucleotide insertions and deletions, are on the other hand likely to disrupt open reading frames. Such an inverse relationship between errors and expectation based on prior knowledge can be used advantageously to guide the process known as basecalling, i.e. the inference of nucleotide sequence from raw sequencing data.

Results

The new basecalling method described here, named Multipass, implements a probabilistic framework for working with the raw flowgrams obtained by pyrosequencing. For each sequence variant Multipass calculates the likelihood and nucleotide sequence of several most likely sequences given the flowgram data. This probabilistic approach enables integration of basecalling into a larger model where other parameters can be incorporated, such as the likelihood for observing a full-length open reading frame at the targeted region. We apply the method to 454 amplicon pyrosequencing data obtained from a malaria virulence gene family, where Multipass generates 20 % more error-free sequences than current state of the art methods, and provides sequence characteristics that allow generation of a set of high confidence error-free sequences.

Conclusions

This novel method can be used to increase accuracy of existing and future amplicon sequencing data, particularly where extensive prior knowledge is available about the obtained sequences, for example in analysis of the immunoglobulin VDJ region where Multipass can be combined with a model for the known recombining germline genes. Multipass is available for Roche 454 data at http://www.cbs.dtu.dk/services/MultiPass-1.0, and the concept can potentially be implemented for other sequencing technologies as well.
Empirical estimation of sequencing error rates using smoothing splines
Authors: Zhu Xuan , Wang Jian , Peng Bo , Shete Sanjay
Published: April 2016

Background

Next-generation sequencing has been used by investigators to address a diverse range of biological problems through, for example, polymorphism and mutation discovery and microRNA profiling. However, compared to conventional sequencing, the error rates for next-generation sequencing are often higher, which impacts the downstream genomic analysis. Recently, Wang et al. (BMC Bioinformatics 13:185, 2012) proposed a shadow regression approach to estimate the error rates for next-generation sequencing data based on the assumption of a linear relationship between the number of reads sequenced and the number of reads containing errors (denoted as shadows). However, this linear read-shadow relationship may not be appropriate for all types of sequence data. Therefore, it is necessary to estimate the error rates in a more reliable way without assuming linearity. We proposed an empirical error rate estimation approach that employs cubic and robust smoothing splines to model the relationship between the number of reads sequenced and the number of shadows.

Results

We performed simulation studies using a frequency-based approach to generate the read and shadow counts directly, which can mimic the real sequence counts data structure. Using simulation, we investigated the performance of the proposed approach and compared it to that of shadow linear regression. The proposed approach provided more accurate error rate estimations than the shadow linear regression approach for all the scenarios tested. We also applied the proposed approach to assess the error rates for the sequence data from the MicroArray Quality Control project, a mutation screening study, the Encyclopedia of DNA Elements project, and bacteriophage PhiX DNA samples.

Conclusions

The proposed empirical error rate estimation approach does not assume a linear relationship between the error-free read and shadow counts and provides more accurate estimations of error rates for next-generation, short-read sequencing data.
Stochastic epigenetic outliers can define field defects in cancer
Authors: Teschendorff Andrew E. , Jones Allison , Widschwendter Martin
Published: April 2016

Background

There is growing evidence that DNA methylation alterations may contribute to carcinogenesis. Recent data also suggest that DNA methylation field defects in normal pre-neoplastic tissue represent infrequent stochastic “outlier” events. This presents a statistical challenge for standard feature selection algorithms, which assume frequent alterations in a disease phenotype. Although differential variability has emerged as a novel feature selection paradigm for the discovery of outliers, a growing concern is that these could result from technical confounders, in principle thus favouring algorithms which are robust to outliers.

Results

Here we evaluate five differential variability algorithms in over 700 DNA methylomes, including two of the largest cohorts profiling precursor cancer lesions, and demonstrate that most of the novel proposed algorithms lack the sensitivity to detect epigenetic field defects at genome-wide significance. In contrast, algorithms which recognise heterogeneous outlier DNA methylation patterns are able to identify many sites in pre-neoplastic lesions, which display progression in invasive cancer. Thus, we show that many DNA methylation outliers are not technical artefacts, but define epigenetic field defects which are selected for during cancer progression.

Conclusions

Given that cancer studies aiming to find epigenetic field defects are likely to be limited by sample size, adopting the novel feature selection paradigm advocated here will be critical to increase assay sensitivity.
Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infection in End-Stage Kidney Disease: A Canadian Narrative Review
Authors: Lata Chris , Girard Louis , Parkins Michael , James Matthew T.
Published: April 2016

Purpose of the review:

Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) are at a high risk of bacterial infection. We reviewed publications on risk factors, prevention, and treatment paradigms, as well as outcomes associated with bacterial infection in end-stage kidney disease. We focused in particular on studies conducted in Canada where rates of haemodialysis catheter use are high.

Sources of information:

We included original research articles in English text identified from MEDLINE using search terms ‘chronic kidney failure’, ‘renal dialysis’, or ‘chronic renal insufficiency’, and ‘bacterial infection’. We focused on articles with Canadian study populations and included comparisons to international standards and outcomes where possible.

Findings:

Bacterial infections in this setting are most commonly due to Gram-positive skin flora, particularly Staphylococcus, with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) carrying a poorer prognosis. Interventions that may decrease mortality from sepsis include a collaborative care model that includes a nephrology team, an infectious disease specialist, and use of standardized care bundles that adhere to proven quality-of-care indicators. Decreased infectious mortality may be achieved by ensuring appropriate antibiotic selection and dosing as well as avoiding catheter salvage attempts. Reduction in bloodstream infection (BSI) incidence has been observed with the use of tPA catheter-locking solutions and the use of mupirocin or polysporin as a topical agent at the catheter exit site, as well as implementing standarized hygiene protocols during catheter use.

Limitations:

There has been a paucity of randomized controlled trials of prevention and treatment strategies for catheter-related BSIs in haemodialysis. Some past trials have been limited by lack of blinding and short duration of follow-up. Microbiological epidemiology, although well characterized, may vary by region and treatment centre.

Implications:

With the high prevalence of catheter use in Canadian haemodialysis units, further studies on long-term treatment and preventative strategies for BSI are warranted.
Results of the 2014–2015 Canadian Society of Nephrology Workforce Survey
Authors: Ward David R. , Manns Braden , Gil Sarah , Au Flora , Kappel Joanne E.
Published: April 2016

Background:

Nephrology was previously identified as a subspecialty with few Canadian employment opportunities, and in recent years, fewer trainees are choosing nephrology.

Objective:

The objective of this study is to better understand the current Canadian adult nephrology workforce and the expected workforce trends over the next 5 years.

Design:

This is an online self-administered survey.

Setting:

This study is set in Canada.

Survey participants:

Survey participants are Canadian adult nephrologists, including self-identified division heads.

Measurements:

The measurements of this study are demographics, training, current practice characteristics, work hours, and projected workforce needs.

Methods:

Survey questions were based on previous workforce surveys. Ethics approval was obtained through the University of Saskatchewan. The survey was piloted in both English and French and modified based on the feedback to ensure that responses accurately reflected the information desired. It was circulated to all identified Canadian nephrologists via an anonymous e-mail link for self-administration. Categorical data was aggregated, and free-text answers were thematically analyzed. Additional descriptive analysis was conducted by all authors.

Results:

Five hundred ninety-two Canadian nephrologists were contacted and 48 % responded, with representation from all Canadian provinces. One third of the respondents were female, and the largest age cohort was 41–50 years. Most nephrologists are trained in Canada and 61 % completed additional training. The majority of the respondents (69.1 %) began working as a nephrologist immediately upon completion of fellowship training. Younger nephrologists reported more challenges in finding a job. Eighty percent of responding nephrologists were satisfied with their current work hours, 13.1 % will reduce work hours within 3 years, an additional 8.2 % will reduce work hours within 5 years, and a further 14.2 % will reduce work hours within 10 years. Nephrology division heads forecasted the number of clinical and academic nephrologists needed for the next 3 and 5 years.

Limitations:

The response rate was 48 %. Forecasted workforce needs are not indicative of guaranteed future positions.

Conclusions:

This Canadian Society of Nephrology workforce survey demonstrated the current workforce demographics, individual nephrologist future workforce plans, and projected nephrology division requirements for the next 3 and 5 years. Further work will need to be done to refine Canadian nephrology workforce planning with the development of a robust strategy that encompasses both societal and nephrologists' needs with the realities of employment.
Dibutyl Phthalate Exposure Disrupts Evolutionarily Conserved Insulin and Glucagon-Like Signaling in Drosophila Males
Authors: Williams Michael J. , Wiemerslage Lyle , Gohel Priya , Kheder Sania , Kothegala Lakshmi V. , Schiöth Helgi B.
Published: April 2016

Phthalate diesters are commonly used as industrial plasticisers, as well as in cosmetics and skin care products, as a result people are constantly exposed to these xenobiotics. Recent epidemiological studies have found a correlation between circulating phthalate levels and type 2 diabetes, whereas animal studies indicate that phthalates are capable of disrupting endocrine signaling. Nonetheless, how phthalates interfere with metabolic function is still unclear. Here, we show that feeding Drosophila males the xenobiotic dibutyl phthalate (DBP) affects conserved insulin- and glucagon-like signaling. We report that raising flies on food containing DBP leads to starvation resistance, increased lipid storage, hyperglycemia, and hyperphagia. We go on to show that the starvation-resistance phenotype can be rescued by overexpression of the glucagon analogue adipokinetic hormone (Akh). Furthermore, although acute DBP exposure in adult flies is able to affect insulin levels, only chronic feeding influences Akh expression. We establish that raising flies on DBP-containing food or feeding adults DBP food affects the expression of homologous genes involved in xenobiotic and lipid metabolism (AHR [Drosophila ss], NR1I2 [Hr96], ABCB1 [MDR50], ABCC3 [MRP], and CYP3A4 [Cyp9f2]). Finally, we determined that the expression of these genes is also influenced by Akh. Our results provide comprehensive evidence that DBP can disrupt metabolism in Drosophila males, by regulating genes involved in glucose, lipid, and xenobiotic metabolism.
Be ready at any time: postprandial synthesis of salivary proteins in salivary gland cells of the haematophagous leech Hirudo verbana
Authors: Lemke Sarah , Müller Christian , Hildebrandt Jan-Peter
Published: April 2016

Sanguivorous leeches are ectoparasites having access to body fluids of potential hosts only infrequently. During feeding, salivary proteins are released from unicellular salivary glands into the wound. These substances, among them anti-coagulants, anti-inflammatory or anti-microbial agents, allow these animals proper feeding and long-term storage of host blood in their crops for several months. Using histological, protein biochemical and molecular techniques, we investigated whether synthesis of salivary proteins and refilling of salivary gland cells occur immediately after feeding or later when stored nutrients in the crop are getting scarce. The results of the histological analyses showed that gland cell area was significantly smaller right after feeding when compared with those in unfed animals. This parameter recovered quickly and reached the control level at 1 week after feeding. 2D gel electrophoresis and analysis of the abundance of individual proteins in extracts of leech tissues revealed that a subset of proteins that had been present in extracts of unfed animals virtually disappeared during feeding, but re-appeared within 1 week of feeding (most probably secretory proteins) while another subset did not change during the experimental period (most probably housekeeping proteins). Semi-quantitative PCR analysis of hirudin cDNA prepared from leech RNA samples revealed that the amount of hirudin transcripts increased immediately after feeding, peaked at 5 days after feeding and declined to control values thereafter. Our results indicate that bloodsucking leeches synthesize salivary proteins and refill their salivary gland cell reservoirs within a week of a blood meal to be prepared for another feeding opportunity.
Predation risk modifies behaviour by shaping the response of identified brain neurons
Authors: Magani Fiorella , Luppi Tomas , Nuñez Jesus , Tomsic Daniel
Published: April 2016

Interpopulation comparisons in species that show behavioural variations associated with particular ecological disparities offer good opportunities for assessing how environmental factors may foster specific functional adaptations in the brain. Yet, studies on the neural substrate that can account for interpopulation behavioural adaptations are scarce. Predation is one of the strongest driving forces for behavioural evolvability and, consequently, for shaping structural and functional brain adaptations. We analysed the escape response of crabs Neohelice granulata from two isolated populations exposed to different risks of avian predation. Individuals from the high-risk area proved to be more reactive to visual danger stimuli (VDS) than those from an area where predators are rare. Control experiments indicate that the response difference was specific for impending visual threats. Subsequently, we analysed the response to VDS of a group of giant brain neurons that are thought to play a main role in the visually guided escape response of the crab. Neurons from animals of the population with the stronger escape response were more responsive to VDS than neurons from animals of the less reactive population. Our results suggest a robust linkage between the pressure imposed by the predation risk, the response of identified neurons and the behavioural outcome.
Eating increases oxidative damage in a reptile
Authors: Butler Michael W. , Lutz Thomas J. , Fokidis H. Bobby , Stahlschmidt Zachary R.
Published: April 2016

While eating has substantial benefits in terms of both nutrient and energy acquisition, there are physiological costs associated with digesting and metabolizing a meal. Frequently, these costs have been documented in the context of energy expenditure while other physiological costs have been relatively unexplored. Here, we tested whether the seemingly innocuous act of eating affects either systemic pro-oxidant (reactive oxygen metabolites: ROM) levels or antioxidant capacity of corn snakes (Pantherophis guttatus) by collecting plasma during absorptive (peak increase in metabolic rate due to digestion of a meal) and non-absorptive (baseline) states. When individuals were digesting a meal, there was a minimal increase in antioxidant capacity relative to baseline (4%), but a substantial increase in ROMs (nearly 155%), even when controlling for circulating nutrient levels. We report an oxidative cost of eating that is much greater than that due to long distance flight or mounting an immune response in other taxa. This result demonstrates the importance of investigating non-energetic costs associated with meal processing, and it begs future work to identify the mechanism(s) driving this increase in ROM levels. Because energetic costs associated with eating are taxonomically widespread, identifying the taxonomic breadth of eating-induced ROM increases may provide insights into the interplay between oxidative damage and life history theory.
Βυζαντιακά γράμματα της εν Άθω Ιεράς Μονής του Φιλοθέου. Αφιερωτήριον γράμμα Θεοδώρας Παλαιολογίνης της Φιλανθρωπηνής του έτους 6885 (1376)
Authors: ΓΟΥΔΑΣ Μιχαήλ
Published: April 2016

no abstract
Χριστιανική Άνδρος (Andros sacra), Β΄
Authors: ΠΑΣΧΑΛΗΣ Δημήτριος Π.
Published: April 2016

no abstract
Προσφώνησις του προέδρου κ. Σπ. Παπαφράγκου. Αντιφώνησις του Υπουργού της Παιδείας κ. Ι. Μανέτα
Authors: ΠΑΠΑΦΡΑΓΚΟΣ Σπυρίδων
Published: April 2016

no abstract
Αντιφώνησις του Μακαρ. Αρχιεπισκόπου Αθηνών Χρυσοστόμου
Authors: ΑΡΧΙΕΠΙΣΚΟΠΟΣ ΑΘΗΝΩΝ ΧΡΥΣΟΣΤΟΜΟΣ
Published: April 2016

no abstract
Το Βυζαντινολογικόν συνέδριον του Βουκουρεστίου
Authors: ΧΡΙΣΤΙΑΝΙΚΗ ΑΡΧΑΙΟΛΟΓΙΚΗ ΕΤΑΙΡΕΙΑ (ΧΑΕ)
Published: April 2016

no abstract
Η Ιερά Σύνοδος της Εκκλησίας της Ελλάδος προς τους ανά το Κράτος Σεβασμιωτάτους Ιεράρχας, τας Επισκοπικάς Επιτροπάς, τα Ηγουμενοσυμβούλια των ευαγών Μονών, τους Ιερείς, τους Επιτρόπους των Ιερών Ναών και προς άπαν το Χριστεπώνυμον πλήρωμα
Authors: ΙΕΡΑ ΣΥΝΟΔΟΣ ΤΗΣ ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΑΣ ΤΗΣ ΕΛΛΑΔΟΣ (ΙΣΕΕ)
Published: April 2016

no abstract
Δωρεαί εις το Χριστιανικόν Αρχαιολογικόν Μουσείον κατά το έτος 1903
Authors: ΧΡΙΣΤΙΑΝΙΚΗ ΑΡΧΑΙΟΛΟΓΙΚΗ ΕΤΑΙΡΕΙΑ (ΧΑΕ)
Published: April 2016

no abstract
Αρχαί της Χριστιανικής Αρχαιολογικής Εταιρείας κατά το έτος 1903
Authors: ΧΡΙΣΤΙΑΝΙΚΗ ΑΡΧΑΙΟΛΟΓΙΚΗ ΕΤΑΙΡΕΙΑ (ΧΑΕ)
Published: April 2016

no abstract
Εικοσαετηρίς της Χριστιανικής Αρχαιολογικής Εταιρείας
Authors: ΛΑΜΠΑΚΗΣ Γεώργιος
Published: April 2016

no abstract
Εργασίαι του Διοικητικού Συμβουλίου κατά το έτος 1906. Αρχαί της Χριστιανικής Αρχαιολογικής Εταιρείας κατά το 1906
Authors: ΧΡΙΣΤΙΑΝΙΚΗ ΑΡΧΑΙΟΛΟΓΙΚΗ ΕΤΑΙΡΕΙΑ (ΧΑΕ)
Published: April 2016

no abstract
Περιηγήσεις
Authors: ΧΡΙΣΤΙΑΝΙΚΗ ΑΡΧΑΙΟΛΟΓΙΚΗ ΕΤΑΙΡΕΙΑ (ΧΑΕ)
Published: April 2016

no abstract
Χριστιανικαί αρχαιότητες της Κέρκυρας
Authors: ΠΑΠΑΓΕΩΡΓΙΟΣ Σπυρίδων
Published: April 2016

no abstract
Ανεύρεσις τάφου θολωτού εν τοις ερειπίοις του βορείου μεσαιωνικού Αλμυρού (Νέα Αγχιάλω)
Authors: ΓΙΑΝΝΟΠΟΥΛΟΣ Νικόλαος Ι.
Published: April 2016

no abstract
Κρίσεις περί της Χριστιανικής Αρχαιολογικής Εταιρείας
Authors: ΧΡΙΣΤΙΑΝΙΚΗ ΑΡΧΑΙΟΛΟΓΙΚΗ ΕΤΑΙΡΕΙΑ (ΧΑΕ)
Published: April 2016

no abstract
Έκθεσις περί του εν Καΐρω Β΄ Διεθνούς Αρχαιολ. Συνεδρίου
Authors: ΠΑΠΑΓΕΩΡΓΙΟΣ Σπυρίδων
Published: April 2016

no abstract
Σπαράγματα ιστορημένου ευαγγελίου
Authors: ΞΥΓΓΟΠΟΥΛΟΣ Ανδρέας
Published: April 2016

no abstract
Χριστιανική Άνδρος (Andros sacra). Παλαιαί εκκλησίαι της νήσου Άνδρου
Authors: ΠΑΣΧΑΛΗΣ Δημήτριος Π.
Published: April 2016

no abstract
Διασωθείσαι χριστιανικαί αρχαιότητες Σερρών
Authors: ΣΤΡΑΤΗΣ Ευάγγελος Γ.
Published: April 2016

no abstract
Η συλλογή της Χριστιανικής Αρχαιολογικής Εταιρείας και η συμβολή της προς καταρτισμόν του Βυζαντινού Μουσείου
Authors: ΣΩΤΗΡΙΟΥ Γεώργιος Α.
Published: April 2016

no abstract
Comparing efficacy of a sweep net and a dip method for collection of mosquito larvae in large bodies of water in South Africa
Authors: Brisco Katherine K. , Cornel Anthony J. , Lee Yoosook , Mouatcho Joel , Braack Leo
Published: April 2016

In this study we tested an alternative method for collecting mosquito larvae called the sweep net catch method and compared its efficiency to that of the traditional dip method. The two methods were compared in various water bodies within Kruger National Park and Lapalala Wilderness area, South Africa. The sweep net catch method performed 5 times better in the collection of Anopheles larvae and equally as well as the dip method in the collection of Culex larvae (p =8.58 x 10-5). Based on 15 replicates the collector’s experience level did not play a significant role in the relative numbers of larvae collected using either method. This simple and effective sweep net catch method will greatly improve the mosquito larval sampling capacity in the field setting.