bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Introducing robotic surgery into an endometrial cancer service–a prospective evaluation of clinical and economic outcomes in a UK institution
Authors: Ind Thomas E. J. , Marshall Chris , Hacking Matthew , Harris Michelle , Bishop Liz , Barton Desmond , Bridges Jane E. , Shepherd John H. , Nobbenhuis Marielle
Published: March 2015

Background

We have assessed how the introduction of robotics in a publicly funded endometrial cancer service affects clinical and economic outcomes.

Methods

The study included 196 women. Costs were divided into those for wards, high dependency, staffing, theatres, pharmacy, blood products, imaging, pathology and rehabilitation. Capital depreciation was included.

Results

Prior to the introduction of robotics, 78/130 (60.0%) cases were performed open, compared to 17/66 (25.8%) afterwards ( p < 0.0001). The median operative time increased 37 min (95% CI 17–55 min; p = 0.0002); the median blood loss was 55 ml lower (95% CI 0–150 ml; p = 0.0181); the stay was 2 days shorter (95% CI 1–3; p < 0.0001). Complications reduced from 64/130 (49.2%) to 19/66 (28.8%) ( p = 0.0045). Costs reduced from £11 476 to £10 274 ( p = 0.0065). Conversions for 'straight stick' surgery were 18.2% (14/77) compared to 0.0% (0/24) for robotics ( p = 0.0164).

Conclusions

Introducing robotics resulted in fewer laparotomies, shorter stays, fewer complications and lower costs. © 2015 The Authors. The International Journal of Medical Robotics and Computer Assisted Surgery Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Understanding the Communication of Climate Change Risk: Climate Scientists' Perspectives of Media Sources and Policy Makers
Authors: Stoutenborough James W. , Fette Robert Nicholas , Vedlitz Arnold , Goldsmith Carol L.
Published: March 2015

Despite the volumes of research that climate scientists produce examining the causes, effects, and history of global climate change, there continues to be an acceptance gap between these scientists and the public and government officials. While climate scientists share a consensus that climate change is occurring and is primarily caused by human activity, many citizens and public officials remain skeptical about climate change. One cause of this gap could be the nature of scientists' communications of their work to the media, the public, and decision makers within the government. We conducted a survey of climate scientists to find out how they view this gap, its causes, and potential solutions. We focus our analysis on the scientists' assessments of three intervening factors—knowledge, media relations, and trust.
Integrating Adaptation to Climate Change Within Risk Management? The Case of Insurance System Signals and Policy Responses in Hawaii
Authors: Starominski‐Uehara Marvin , Keskitalo E. Carina H.
Published: March 2015

Climate change is a stress requiring the integration of long‐term risks into planning systems at local, regional, and national levels. In policy‐making processes, however, climate change competes against other political priorities for funding resulting in the insufficient integration of long‐term risks into adaptation strategies. This study reviews the development of policies in relation to insurance programs relevant to climate change‐related risks in Hawaii and its county Kauai. The study shows that the integration of climate change adaptation into policy‐making processes at different administrative levels is limited by limited disclosure and competing priorities, affecting insurance coverage and resulting in the increase of exposure of local communities to climate change‐related risks.
A New Approach of Disaster Management in Bangladesh: Private Sector Involvement
Authors: Izumi Takako , Shaw Rajib
Published: March 2015

Private sector involvement in disaster management is a key element to strengthening Bangladesh's future DRR capacity. Based on the interviews with various organizations and private companies, six models for the private sector in Bangladesh to develop their interests in disaster management and get involved in DRR were identified: 1) initiating DRR involvement based on corporate social responsibility (CSR) and disaster response experiences; 2) upscaling the general safety concept to include building resilience against natural disasters; 3) shifting from the subsidy‐driven to the demand‐based approach; 4) transferring from the commercial‐ to the business continuity‐oriented approach; 5) obtaining safety knowledge through technical and non‐technical training; and 6) adopting knowledge on safety and disaster management from overseas. Ultimately, this study aims to address what is necessary to strengthen the private sector involvement in Bangladesh to scale up the national DRR capacity.
Standardization of the satellite component of IMT‐Advanced in ITU‐R
Authors: Malaguti Nelson , Kim Sooyoung , Weinreich David
Published: March 2015

The International Telecommunication Union‐Radiocommunication Sector (ITU‐R) has concluded the process of developing an ITU‐R recommendation for the satellite component of the International Mobile Telecommunications Advanced radio interface(s). The set of techniques specified in the recommendation can be used to implement efficient space/terrestrial infrastructures with high degree of spectrum utilization, and it will lead to a variety of benefits that serve the public interest, including multimedia broadband service to handheld or portable terminals and public protection and disaster relief solutions. This paper presents standardization procedures and describes the technical characteristics of the satellite radio interfaces specified in the ITU‐R recommendation. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Face it, don't Facebook it: Impacts of Social Media Addiction on Mindfulness, Coping Strategies and the Consequence on Emotional Exhaustion
Authors: Sriwilai Kanokporn , Charoensukmongkol Peerayuth
Published: March 2015

Addiction to social media has now become a problem that societies are concerned with. The aim of the present study is to investigate the impacts that social media addiction has on mindfulness and choice of coping strategy, as well as to explore the consequences on emotional exhaustion. The survey data were collected from 211 employees in 13 enterprises in Thailand. Results from partial least square structural equation modelling revealed that people who are highly addicted to social media tended to have lower mindfulness and tended to use emotion‐focused coping to deal with stress. Lack of mindfulness and the decision to use emotion‐coping strategy are also subsequently associated with higher emotional exhaustion. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surface Segregation in Bimetallic Nanoparticles: A Critical Issue in Electrocatalyst Engineering
Authors: Liao Hanbin , Fisher Adrian , Xu Zhichuan J.
Published: March 2015

Bimetallic nanoparticles are a class of important electrocatalyst. They exhibit a synergistic effect that critically depends on the surface composition, which determines the surface properties and the adsorption/desorption behavior of the reactants and intermediates during catalysis. The surface composition can be varied, as nanoparticles are exposed to certain environments through surface segregation. Thermodynamically, this is caused by a difference in surface energy between the two metals. It may lead to the enrichment of one metal on the surface and the other in the core. The external conditions that influence the surface energy may lead to the variation of the thermodynamic steady state of the particle surface and, thus, offer a chance to vary the surface composition. In this review, the most recent and important progress in surface segregation of bimetallic nanoparticles and its impact in electrocatalysis are introduced. Typical segregation inducements and surface characterization techniques are discussed in detail. It is concluded that surface segregation is a critical issue when designing bimetallic catalysts. It is necessary to explore methods to control it and utilize it as a way towards producing robust, bimetallic electrocatalysts.
Do Racists Speak Truly? On the Truth-Conditional Content of Slurs
Authors: DiFranco Ralph ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: March 2015

Slurs denigrate individuals qua members of certain groups, such as race or sexual orientation. Most theorists hold that each slur has a neutral counterpart, i.e., a term that references the slur’s target group without denigrating them. According to a widely accepted view, which I call ‘Neutral Counterpart Theory’, the truth-conditional content of a slur is identical to the truth-conditional content of its neutral counterpart (so, e.g., ‘Jew’ and ‘kike’ are truth-conditionally the same, yet the latter is an objectionable or derogatory way of referring to a person’s ethnic background). My aim is to challenge this view. I argue that the view fails with respect to slurs that encode truth-conditional content which does more than merely classify someone as a member of the target group (such as ‘slanty-eyed’, ‘curry muncher’, ‘camel jockey’, and ‘Jewish American Princess’), as well as slurs that denigrate by virtue of their iconicity (‘ching chong’).
Zinc(II) and Cadmium(II) Complexes of 5‐Ferrocenyl‐1H‐tetrazole: Synthesis, Structures, and Catalytic Effects on Thermal Decomposition of Energetic Compounds
Authors: Fan Xuezhong , Wang Chunyan , Li Jizhen , Zhang Guofang
Published: March 2015

Alkyl‐substituted ferrocenes as ferrocene‐based burning rate (BR) catalysts in composite solid propellants have high migration tendency and strong volatility during processing and long‐time storage of the propellants. For developing low‐migratory alternatives, zinc(II) and cadmium(II) complexes, [Zn(phen)3](FcTz)2·9H2O (1), [Cd(phen)2(H2O)2](FcTz)2 (3), and [Cd(bpy)2(FcTz)2]·H2O (4) (bpy = 2, 2′‐bipyridine; phen = 1, 10‐phenanthroline; FcTz = 5‐ferrocenyl‐1H‐tetrazolate), derived from 5‐ferrocenyl‐1H‐tetrazole (HFcTz) were synthesized and structurally characterized. Compound 4 was also studied by density functional theory calculations (DFT). Additionally, a few single‐crystals of [Zn(phen)2(H2O)2](FcTz)2 (2) suitable for single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction formed and therefore only its crystal structure was analyzed. The cyclic voltammetry results suggested that 1, 3, and 4 are quasi‐reversible redox systems. The TG analysis showed they are of highly thermal stability when their lattice water molecules are not taken into account. Their catalytic performances for thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate (AP), 1, 3,5‐trinitro‐1, 3,5‐triazacyclohexane (RDX), and 1, 2,5, 7‐tetranitro‐1, 3,5, 7‐tetraazacyclooctane (HMX) were accessed by DSC/TG techniques. Their optimum contents in AP, RDX, and HMX are 5 wt‐ %, 5 wt‐ %, and 2 wt‐ %, respectively. They exhibit highly catalytic activities in thermal degradation of AP and RDX.
Synthesis, Crystal Structure, and Single‐Molecule Magnetic Properties of a Salen‐type Zn‐Dy‐Zn Complex
Authors: Shan Peng‐Yu , Li Hong‐Feng , Chen Peng , Tian Yong‐Mei , Sun Wen‐Bin , Yan Peng‐Fei
Published: March 2015

A Salen‐type [Salen = N,N′‐ethylene bis(salicylideneimine)] mononuclear lanthanide(III)‐based Zn‐Dy‐Zn complex [Dy(ZnL)2(CH3COO)Cl2]·CH2Cl2 (1) was prepared [H2L = N,N′‐bis(3‐ethoxysalicylidene)phenylene‐1,2‐diamine]. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis revealed that DyIII was sandwiched between the two ZnL moieties, which was coordinated by three outer OO2 atoms and four inner N2O2 atoms from two Salen‐type ligand, respectively, and an oxygen atom of acetic acid molecule completed the eight‐coordinate arrangement. The continuous‐shape‐measures (CShMs) analysis to the DyIII coordination polyhedron revealed that the coordination environment lies among the ideal spherical triangular dodecahedron (D2d) and square antiprism (D4d), respectively, but with relative large deviation parameters. The alternative current (ac) susceptibility measurements shown that it behaved as a field‐induced single‐molecule magnet with relaxation energy barrier Ueff = 19 K and τ0 = 1.5 × 10–5 s.
Analysis and evaluation of the global aerosol optical properties simulated by an online aerosol-coupled non-hydrostatic icosahedral atmospheric model
Authors: Dai Tie , Shi Guangyu , Nakajima Teruyuki
Published: March 2015

Aerosol optical properties are simulated using the Spectral Radiation Transport Model for Aerosol Species (SPRINTARS) coupled with the Non-hydrostatic ICosahedral Atmospheric Model (NICAM). The 3-year global mean all-sky aerosol optical thickness (AOT) at 550 nm, the Ångström Exponent (AE) based on AOTs at 440 and 870 nm, and the single scattering albedo (SSA) at 550 nm are estimated at 0.123, 0.657 and 0.944, respectively. For each aerosol species, the mean AOT is within the range of the AeroCom models. Both the modeled all-sky and clear-sky results are compared with observations from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and the Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET). The simulated spatiotemporal distributions of all-sky AOTs can generally reproduce the MODIS retrievals, and the correlation and model skill can be slightly improved using the clear-sky results over most land regions. The differences between clear-sky and all-sky AOTs are larger over polluted regions. Compared with observations from AERONET, the modeled and observed all-sky AOTs and AEs are generally in reasonable agreement, whereas the SSA variation is not well captured. Although the spatiotemporal distributions of all-sky and clear-sky results are similar, the clear-sky results are generally better correlated with the observations. The clear-sky AOT and SSA are generally lower than the all-sky results, especially in those regions where the aerosol chemical composition is contributed to mostly by sulfate aerosol. The modeled clear-sky AE is larger than the all-sky AE over those regions dominated by hydrophilic aerosol, while the opposite is found over regions dominated by hydrophobic aerosol.
User reception of a simple online multisource feedback tool for residents
Authors: Alofs Lonneke , Huiskes Jorike , Heineman Maas Jan , Buis Caroline , Horsman Manon , Van der Plank Lars , Ten Cate Olle
Published: March 2015

Receiving feedback on daily clinical activities, in whatever form, is crucial for the development of clinical proficiency. Multisource or 360-degree feedback procedures have been recommended to include various co-workers as sources of feedback. In 2008, a web-based multisource feedback (MSF) tool for medical residents was developed at the University Medical Center Utrecht and launched nationally in the Netherlands and has been widely used since then. In 2012, an evaluation was carried out to collect opinions on its use, on the quality of the instrument and on its experienced effectiveness. We approached 408 residents and 59 residency programme directors with an anonymous online survey.

Completed surveys were received from 108 residents (26 %) and 22 programme directors (37 %). The tool was well received among the respondents and proved to be a simple, efficient and effective instrument to prepare for information-rich progress interviews of programme directors with their residents. Despite a relatively low response rate, indications were found for the effectiveness of MSF use at four levels of Kirkpatrick’s hierarchy based on user impressions: reaction, learning, behaviour change, and impact. This MSF tool, designed for effective formative feedback, was found to meet its purpose and was well received.
What is more effective: a daily or a weekly formative test?
Authors: Palmen Leonieke N. , Vorstenbosch Marc A.T.M. , Tanck Esther , Jan G.M. Kooloos Jan G.M.
Published: March 2015

Background Exams in anatomy courses are traditionally summative. Formative testing induces retrieval practice, provides feedback and enhances learning results. We investigated the optimal frequency for retrieval practice during an anatomy course.

Method During a first-year course, students were offered four online daily quizzes a week that assessed thoracic anatomy. Once a week they received a quiz about abdominal anatomy. Students immediately received feedback afterwards. In the fourth course week, a survey about participation and satisfaction was taken. 424 students participated in the final summative exam. Trunk wall questions were used as a control. Relationship between participation and test results was investigated with a one-way ANOVA.

Results More frequent participation in formative tests was correlated to higher scores in the summative exam with no difference between daily and weekly quizzes. This effect was found for thorax-abdomen and ‘control’ trunk wall questions. Participation in weekly quizzes was higher (p < 0.001). All survey responses showed a significant difference in favour of the weekly quiz (p < 0.001).

Discussion and conclusion Participation in formative quizzes was correlated to summative exam scores. This correlation was not specific for the material tested, probably because of diligence. Student participation and preference were much higher in weekly quizzes.
Predictive value of the usual clinical signs and laboratory tests in the diagnosis of septic arthritis
Authors: Couderc Marion , Pereira Bruno , Mathieu Sylvain , Schmidt Jeannot , Lesens Olivier , Bonnet Richard , Soubrier Martin , Dubost Jean-Jacques
Published: March 2015

Objective

To determine the sensitivity and specificity of clinical and laboratory signs for the diagnosis of septic arthritis (SA).

Patients and methods

This prospective study included all adult patients with suspected SA seen in the emergency department or rheumatology department at the University Hospital, Clermont-Ferrand, France, over a period of 18 months.

Results

In total, 105 patients with suspected SA were included, 38 (36%) presenting with SA (29 [28%] with bacteriologically documented SA). In the univariate analysis, chills (p=0.015), gradual onset (p=0.04), local redness (p=0.01), as well as an entry site for infection (p=0.01) were most often identified in SA. A history of crystal-induced arthritis (p=0.004) was more frequent in non-SA cases. An erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)>50 mm (p=0.005), a C-reactive protein (CRP) level >100 mg/L (p=0.019), and radiological signs suggestive of SA (p=0.001) were more frequent in the SA cases. Synovial fluid appearance: purulent (p<0.001) and clear (p=0.007), synovial white blood cell (WBC) count >50,000/μL (p < 0.001), differentiated between SA and non-SA.

In multivariate analysis, only chills (odds ration [OR]=4.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.3–17.1), a history of crystal-induced arthritis (OR=0.09, 95% CI 0.01–0.9), purulent appearance of the joint fluid (OR=8.4, 95% CI 2.4–28.5), synovial WBC count >50,000/mm3 (OR=6.8, 95% CI 1.3–36), and radiological findings (OR=7.1, 95% CI 13–37.9) remained significant.

Conclusion

No clinical sign or laboratory test (excluding bacteriological test), taken alone, is conclusive for the differentiation between SA and non-SA, but the association of several signs, notably chills, history of crystal-induced arthritis, radiological findings, and the appearance and cellularity of joint fluid may be suggestive.
Emergency Health Care Use among Sociodemographic Groups of Children Presenting to Emergency Departments for Self-Harm in Alberta
Authors: Newton Amanda S. , Tsang Conrad I. , Rosychuk Rhonda J.
Published: March 2015

Objective

To examine sociodemographic variations among children <18 years in (1) rates of self-harm visits to emergency departments (EDs) and (2) physician follow-up after the self-harm visit in Alberta.

Methods

A retrospective, population-based cohort (2002–2011) of ED visits for self-harm by individuals <18 years was conducted using administrative databases from Alberta, Canada. Individuals were grouped by First Nations status or type of health care premium subsidy (family receipt of government subsidy, human services program subsidy, no subsidy received). Visits from 104 EDs were summarized by crude and directly standardized visit rates (DSVRs) per 100,000 individuals. Kaplan-Meier estimates for median estimated time to physician follow-up were calculated with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

During the study period, visit rates decreased with the exception of children from families receiving government-sponsored program subsidy (DSVRs 163/100,000 to 250/100,000;p=0.032). First Nations children had disproportionately fewer follow-up visits compared to other children. The median time to follow-up for First Nations children was 39 days (95% CI: 32, 48) compared to 16 days for children from families receiving no subsidy (95% CI: 14, 19), who had the shortest follow-up time after an ED visit.

Conclusions

Sociodemographic differences were evident in ED visit rates as well as the number of and time to physician follow-up visit. The disparities experienced by First Nations children in the follow-up period highlight an opportunity for culturally-grounded risk and needs assessment in the ED to determine and facilitate timely and appropriate follow-up care.
Why are there Independents in Ireland?
Authors: Weeks Liam
Published: March 2015

Although the clichéd status of the phrase ‘the party’s over’ makes it almost redundant, the esteem in which parties are held has never been lower. One facet of party decline is the renewed interest in independents. Previously confined to transition states and non-democracies, they have begun to make some political headway in more established states. This is a worrying development for both political parties and those who profess their normative value. This article examines the source of the re-emergent independent presence via a case study of Ireland, a party democracy where they have had the greatest impact. Using constituency-level data, the influences of political, cultural and institutional factors are examined. It is found that independents are a product of both a small political system and declining party attachment. They are a protest option for those not drawn to ideological anti-establishment parties, while there is mixed evidence concerning the influence of a centre–periphery socioeconomic divide.
Assessment of Antimicrobial Utilization Metrics: Days of Therapy Versus Defined Daily Doses and Pharmacy Dispensing Records Versus Nursing Administration Data
Authors: Dalton Bruce R. , Sabuda Deana M. , Bresee Lauren C. , Conly John M.
Published: March 2015

OBJECTIVE

To compare antimicrobial utilization data derived from pharmacy dispensing records and nursing administration record data by 2 commonly used units of measure.

DESIGN, PARTICIPANTS, AND METHODS

Data from nursing administration records and pharmacy dispensing records were obtained for 32 medical wards. From nursing and pharmacy data, defined daily doses (DDD) were calculated, and from the nursing data, days of therapy were derived. Direct comparison of total antimicrobial use was performed by graphical analysis and linear regression. Slope of trend line was used to quantify the difference between pairs of measures. Bland-Altman plots were constructed to determine constant and proportional bias. At the level of individual agents, difference between pairs of measures was calculated and presented graphically and the average (95% CI) for the difference between measures was determined.

RESULTS

Nursing administration record–derived DDD were on average 23% lower than corresponding rates of pharmacy dispensing record–derived DDD. The difference between rates of utilization by days of therapy vs DDD from the same source (nursing) was relatively small. Results from analysis of different individual agents were highly variable with wide 95% CIs.

CONCLUSIONS

In our setting, we found clinically relevant differences in antimicrobial utilization associated with data from different sources. This outweighed the importance of the metric (DDD or days of therapy). However, measurement of use of individual agents was highly variable and sensitive to both metric unit and data sources.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2015;00(0): 1–7
Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography–Associated AmpCEscherichia coliOutbreak
Authors: Wendorf Kristen A. , Kay Meagan , Baliga Christopher , Weissman Scott J. , Gluck Michael , Verma Punam , D’Angeli Marisa , Swoveland Jennifer , Kang Mi-Gyeong , Eckmann Kaye , Ross Andrew S. , Duchin Jeffrey
Published: March 2015

BACKGROUND

We identified an outbreak of AmpC–producingEscherichia coliinfections resistant to third-generation cephalosporins and carbapenems (CR) among 7 patients who had undergone endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography at hospital A during November 2012–August 2013. Gene sequencing revealed a shared novel mutation in ablaCMYgene and a distinctivefumC/ fimHtyping profile.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the extent and epidemiologic characteristics of the outbreak, identify potential sources of transmission, design and implement infection control measures, and determine the association between the CRE. coliand AmpCE. colicirculating at hospital A.

METHODS

We reviewed laboratory, medical, and endoscopy reports, and endoscope reprocessing procedures. We obtained cultures from endoscopes after reprocessing as well as environmental samples and conducted pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and gene sequencing on phenotypic AmpC isolates from patients and endoscopes. Cases were those infected with phenotypic AmpC isolates (both carbapenem-susceptible and CR) and identicalblaCMY-2,fumC, andfimHalleles or related pulsed-field gel electrophoresis patterns.

RESULTS

Thirty-five of 49 AmpCE. colitested met the case definition, including all CR isolates. All cases had complicated biliary disease and had undergone at least 1 endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography at hospital A. Mortality at 30 days was 16% for all patients and 56% for CR patients. Two of 8 reprocessed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography scopes harbored AmpC that matched case isolates by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Environmental cultures were negative. No breaches in infection control were identified. Endoscopic reprocessing exceeded manufacturer’s recommended cleaning guidelines.

CONCLUSION

Recommended reprocessing guidelines are not sufficient.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol2015;00(0): 1–9
The effects of differing proportions of dietary macronutrients on the digestibility and post-prandial endocrine responses in domestic cats (Felis catus)
Authors: Hill S.R. , Rutherfurd-Markwick K.J. , Ravindran G. , Thomas D.G.
Published: March 2015

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of feeding two diets with different macronutrient proportions (high protein, low carbohydrate and low protein, high carbohydrate) on the digestibility and post-prandial endocrine responses of cats fed at maintenance levels, and to evaluate the effectiveness of the marginal ear vein prick technique for the measurement of blood glucose levels in feline studies. Two diets were fed to 16 adult domestic short-haired cats for a period of three weeks (eight cats per diet). Following a seven-day dietary adaptation period, the apparent macronutrient digestibility of the two diets was determined (days 8-19) using the total faecal collection method. The faeces were freeze dried, ground and analysed for dry matter, crude protein, crude fat and gross energy and then apparent digestibility was calculated. On days 20 and 21, the post-prandial glucose responses of the cats fed a single meal of one of the two diets were measured in serial blood samples collected using the marginal ear vein prick technique.

Results showed that the high protein, low carbohydrate diet had higher (p < 0.05) apparent digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, crude fat and energy, lower (p < 0.01) daily faecal output and smaller fluctuations in blood glucose concentrations. Despite the two groups of cats having similar calorific intakes, the cats fed the high protein diet lost weight over the study period, whereas those fed the high carbohydrate, low protein diet gained weight. The marginal ear vein prick technique proved to be an effective alternative to catheterisation for blood glucose determination. The high protein diet tested in the current study, in addition to being more aligned to the cat's natural carnivorous diet, may be beneficial for weight management and blood glucose control in cats.
Preliminary evaluation of the efficacy of SteadfastTM Joint Supplement in captive exotic felids (Arabian leopard and cheetah)
Authors: Budd Jane , Dierenfeld Ellen S. , Whitehouse-Tedd Katherine
Published: March 2015

Feline degenerative joint disease causes pain and disability and therefore represents a welfare concern for captive animals. Alternatives to traditional pharmaceutical therapies are gaining popularity and this study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of an egg-shell membrane therapy in captive cheetahs and leopards. Seven animals were treated with SteadfastTM and monitored for radiographic changes (n = 6) and lameness score (n = 7) over a 42 day period. A reduction in lameness was determined over the course of the study (p = 0.01), and improved orthopaedic status detected in 50% (3/6) of animals via radiographic examination. Surprisingly, a negative dose response was detected, whereby animals receiving lower doses exhibited the most marked changes in lameness score. Despite the small sample size and subjective scoring of lameness, this preliminary study demonstrates the need for further investigation into the use of an eggshell membrane-based supplement to improve mobility in captive felids with degenerative joint disease.
An accurate method to include lubrication forces in numerical simulations of dense Stokesian suspensions
Authors: Lefebvre-Lepot A. , Merlet B. , Nguyen T. N.
Published: March 2015

We address the problem of computing the hydrodynamic forces and torques among $N$ solid spherical particles moving with given rotational and translational velocities in Stokes flow. We consider the original fluid–particle model without introducing new hypotheses or models. Our method includes the singular lubrication interactions which may occur when some particles come close to one another. The main new feature is that short-range interactions are propagated to the whole flow, including accurately the many-body lubrication interactions. The method builds on a pre-existing fluid solver and is flexible with respect to the choice of this solver. The error is the error generated by the fluid solver when computing non-singular flows (i.e. with negligible short-range interactions). Therefore, only a small number of degrees of freedom are required and we obtain very accurate simulations within a reasonable computational cost. Our method is closely related to a method proposed by Sangani & Mo (Phys. Fluids, vol. 6, 1994, pp. 1653–1662) but, in contrast with the latter, it does not require parameter tuning. We compare our method with the Stokesian dynamics of Durlofsky et al. (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 180, 1987, pp. 21–49) and show the higher accuracy of the former (both by analysis and by numerical experiments).
Capillary effects on wave breaking
Authors: Deike Luc , Popinet Stephane , Melville W. Kendall
Published: March 2015

We investigate the influence of capillary effects on wave breaking through direct numerical simulations of the Navier–Stokes equations for a two-phase air–water flow. A parametric study in terms of the Bond number, $\mathit{Bo}$, and the initial wave steepness, ${\it\epsilon}$, is performed at a relatively high Reynolds number. The onset of wave breaking as a function of these two parameters is determined and a phase diagram in terms of $({\it\epsilon},\mathit{Bo})$ is presented that distinguishes between non-breaking gravity waves, parasitic capillaries on a gravity wave, spilling breakers and plunging breakers. At high Bond number, a critical steepness ${\it\epsilon}_{c}$ defines the onset of wave breaking. At low Bond number, the influence of surface tension is quantified through two boundaries separating, first gravity–capillary waves and breakers, and second spilling and plunging breakers; both boundaries scaling as ${\it\epsilon}\sim (1+\mathit{Bo})^{-1/3}$. Finally the wave energy dissipation is estimated for each wave regime and the influence of steepness and surface tension effects on the total wave dissipation is discussed. The breaking parameter $b$ is estimated and is found to be in good agreement with experimental results for breaking waves. Moreover, the enhanced dissipation by parasitic capillaries is consistent with the dissipation due to breaking waves.
A study of the turbulence within a spiralling vortex filament using proper orthogonal decomposition
Authors: Mula Swathi M. , Tinney Charles E.
Published: March 2015

The stability and turbulence characteristics of a vortex filament emanating from a single-bladed rotor in hover are investigated using proper orthogonal decomposition (POD). The rotor is operated at a tip chord Reynolds number and tip Mach number of 218 000 and 0.23, respectively, and with a blade loading of $C_{T}/{\it\sigma}=0.066$. In-plane components of the velocity field (normal to the axis of the vortex filament) are captured by way of two-dimensional particle image velocimetry with corrections for vortex wander being performed using the ${\it\Gamma}_{1}$ method. The first POD mode alone is found to encompass nearly 75 % of the energy for all vortex ages studied and is determined using a grid of sufficient resolution to avoid numerical integration errors in the decomposition. The findings reveal an equal balance between the axisymmetric and helical modes during vortex roll-up, which immediately transitions to helical mode dominance at all other vortex ages. This helical mode is one of the modes of the elliptic instability. The spatial eigenfunctions of the first few Fourier-azimuthal modes associated with the most energetic POD mode is shown to be sensitive to the choice of the wander correction technique used. Higher Fourier-azimuthal modes are observed in the outer portions of the vortex and appeared not to be affected by the choice of the wander correction technique used.
Air entrainment in dynamic wetting: Knudsen effects and the influence of ambient air pressure
Authors: Sprittles James E.
Published: March 2015

Recent experiments on coating flows and liquid drop impact both demonstrate that wetting failures caused by air entrainment can be suppressed by reducing the ambient gas pressure. Here, it is shown that non-equilibrium effects in the gas can account for this behaviour, with ambient pressure reductions increasing the mean free path of the gas and hence the Knudsen number$\mathit{Kn}$. These effects first manifest themselves through Maxwell slip at the boundaries of the gas, so that for sufficiently small$\mathit{Kn}$they can be incorporated into a continuum model for dynamic wetting flows. The resulting mathematical model contains flow structures on the nano-, micro- and millimetre scales and is implemented into a computational platform developed specifically for such multiscale phenomena. The coating flow geometry is used to show that for a fixed gas–liquid–solid system (a) the increased Maxwell slip at reduced pressures can substantially delay air entrainment, i.e. increase the ‘maximum speed of wetting’, (b) unbounded maximum speeds are obtained, as the pressure is reduced only when slip at the gas–liquid interface is allowed for, and (c) the observed behaviour can be rationalised by studying the dynamics of the gas film in front of the moving contact line. A direct comparison with experimental results obtained from a dip-coating process shows that the model recovers most trends but does not accurately predict some of the high viscosity data at reduced pressures. This discrepancy occurs because the gas flow enters the ‘transition regime’, so that more complex descriptions of its non-equilibrium nature are required. Finally, by collapsing onto a master curve experimental data obtained for drop impact in a reduced pressure gas, it is shown that the same physical mechanisms are also likely to govern splash suppression phenomena.
Stratified turbulence forced with columnar dipoles: numerical study
Authors: Augier Pierre , Billant Paul , Chomaz Jean-Marc
Published: March 2015

This paper builds upon the investigation of Augier et al. (Phys. Fluids, vol. 26 (4), 2014) in which a strongly stratified turbulent-like flow was forced by 12 generators of vertical columnar dipoles. In experiments, measurements start to provide evidence of the existence of a strongly stratified inertial range that has been predicted for large turbulent buoyancy Reynolds numbers $\mathscr{R}_{t}={\it\varepsilon}_{\!K}/({\it\nu}N^{2})$, where ${\it\varepsilon}_{\!K}$ is the mean dissipation rate of kinetic energy, ${\it\nu}$ the viscosity and $N$ the Brunt–Väisälä frequency. However, because of experimental constraints, the buoyancy Reynolds number could not be increased to sufficiently large values so that the inertial strongly stratified turbulent range is only incipient. In order to extend the experimental results toward higher buoyancy Reynolds number, we have performed numerical simulations of forced stratified flows. To reproduce the experimental vortex generators, columnar dipoles are periodically produced in spatial space using impulsive horizontal body force at the peripheries of the computational domain. For moderate buoyancy Reynolds number, these numerical simulations are able to reproduce the results obtained in the experiments, validating this particular forcing. For higher buoyancy Reynolds number, the simulations show that the flow becomes turbulent as observed in Brethouwer et al. (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 585, 2007, pp. 343–368). However, the statistically stationary flow is horizontally inhomogeneous because the dipoles are destabilized quite rapidly after their generation. In order to produce horizontally homogeneous turbulence, high-resolution simulations at high buoyancy Reynolds number have been carried out with a slightly modified forcing in which dipoles are forced at random locations in the computational domain. The unidimensional horizontal spectra of kinetic and potential energies scale like $C_{1}{\it\varepsilon}_{\!K}^{2/3}k_{h}^{-5/3}$ and $C_{2}{\it\varepsilon}_{\!K}^{2/3}k_{h}^{-5/3}({\it\varepsilon}_{\!P}/{\it\varepsilon}_{\!K})$, respectively, with $C_{1}=C_{2}\simeq 0.5$ as obtained by Lindborg (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 550, 2006, pp. 207–242). However, there is a depletion in the horizontal kinetic energy spectrum for scales between the integral length scale and the buoyancy length scale and an anomalous energy excess around the buoyancy length scale probably due to direct transfers from large horizontal scale to small scales resulting from the shear and gravitational instabilities. The horizontal buoyancy flux co-spectrum increases abruptly at the buoyancy scale corroborating the presence of overturnings. Remarkably, the vertical kinetic energy spectrum exhibits a transition at the Ozmidov length scale from a steep spectrum scaling like $N^{2}k_{z}^{-3}$ at large scales to a spectrum scaling like $C_{K}{\it\varepsilon}_{\!K}^{2/3}k_{z}^{-5/3}$, with $C_{K}=1$, the classical Kolmogorov constant.
Macro-size drop encapsulation
Authors: Maleki A. , Hormozi S. , Roustaei A. , Frigaard I. A.
Published: March 2015

Viscoplastic fluids do not flow unless they are sufficiently stressed. This property can be exploited in order to produce novel flow features. One example of such flows is viscoplastically lubricated (VPL) flow, in which a viscoplastic fluid is used to stabilize the interface in a multi-layer flow, far beyond what might be expected for a typical viscous–viscous interface. Here we extend this idea by considering the encapsulation of droplets within a viscoplastic fluid, for the purpose of transportation, e.g. in pipelines. The main advantage of this method, compared to others that involve capillary forces is that significantly larger droplets may be stably encapsulated, governed by the length scale of the flow and yield stress of the encapsulating fluid. We explore this set-up both analytically and computationally. We show that sufficiently small droplets are held in the unyielded plug of a Poiseuille flow (pipe or plane channel). As the length or radius of the droplets increases, the carrier fluid eventually yields, potentially breaking the encapsulation. We study this process of breaking and give estimates for the limiting size of droplets that can be encapsulated.
Modelling for robust feedback control of fluid flows
Authors: Jones Bryn Ll. , Heins P. H. , Kerrigan E. C. , Morrison J. F. , Sharma A. S.
Published: March 2015

This paper addresses the problem of designing low-order and linear robust feedback controllers that providea prioriguarantees with respect to stability and performance when applied to a fluid flow. This is challenging, since whilst many flows are governed by a set of nonlinear, partial differential–algebraic equations (the Navier–Stokes equations), the majority of established control system design assumes models of much greater simplicity, in that they are: firstly, linear; secondly, described by ordinary differential equations (ODEs); and thirdly, finite-dimensional. With this in mind, we present a set of techniques that enables the disparity between such models and the underlying flow system to be quantified in a fashion that informs the subsequent design of feedback flow controllers, specifically those based on the$\mathscr{H}_{\infty }$loop-shaping approach. Highlights include the application of a model refinement technique as a means of obtaining low-order models with an associated bound that quantifies the closed-loop degradation incurred by using such finite-dimensional approximations of the underlying flow. In addition, we demonstrate how the influence of the nonlinearity of the flow can be attenuated by a linear feedback controller that employs high loop gain over a select frequency range, and offer an explanation for this in terms of Landahl’s theory of sheared turbulence. To illustrate the application of these techniques, an$\mathscr{H}_{\infty }$loop-shaping controller is designed and applied to the problem of reducing perturbation wall shear stress in plane channel flow. Direct numerical simulation (DNS) results demonstrate robust attenuation of the perturbation shear stresses across a wide range of Reynolds numbers with a single linear controller.
Distance closures on complex networks
Authors: SIMAS TIAGO , ROCHA LUIS M.
Published: March 2015

To expand the toolbox available to network science, we study the isomorphism between distance and Fuzzy (proximity or strength) graphs. Distinct transitive closures in Fuzzy graphs lead to closures of their isomorphic distance graphs with widely different structural properties. For instance, the All Pairs Shortest Paths (APSP) problem, based on the Dijkstra algorithm, is equivalent to a metric closure, which is only one of the possible ways to calculate shortest paths in weighted graphs. We show that different closures lead to different distortions of the original topology of weighted graphs. Therefore, complex network analyses that depend on the calculation of shortest paths on weighted graphs should take into account the closure choice and associated topological distortion. We characterize the isomorphism using the max-min and Dombi disjunction/conjunction pairs. This allows us to: (1) study alternative distance closures, such as those based on diffusion, metric, and ultra-metric distances; (2) identify the operators closest to the metric closure of distance graphs (the APSP), but which are logically consistent; and (3) propose a simple method to compute alternative path length measures and corresponding distance closures using existing algorithms for the APSP. In particular, we show that a specific diffusion distance is promising for community detection in complex networks, and is based on desirable axioms for logical inference or approximate reasoning on networks; it also provides a simple algebraic means to compute diffusion processes on networks. Based on these results, we argue that choosing different distance closures can lead to different conclusions about indirect associations on network data, as well as the structure of complex networks, and are thus important to consider.
Party Activists as Campaign Advertisers: The Ground Campaign as a Principal-Agent Problem
Authors: ENOS RYAN D. , HERSH EITAN D.
Published: March 2015

As a key element of their strategy, recent Presidential campaigns have recruited thousands of workers to engage in direct voter contact. We conceive of this strategy as a principal-agent problem. Workers engaged in direct contact are intermediaries between candidates and voters, but they may be ill-suited to convey messages to general-election audiences. By analyzing a survey of workers fielded in partnership with the 2012 Obama campaign, we show that in the context of the campaign widely considered most adept at direct contact, individuals who were interacting with swing voters on the campaign’s behalf were demographically unrepresentative, ideologically extreme, cared about atypical issues, and misunderstood the voters’ priorities. We find little evidence that the campaign was able to use strategies of agent control to mitigate its principal-agent problem. We question whether individuals typically willing to be volunteer surrogates are productive agents for a strategic campaign.
The A allele of cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36) SNP 1761667 associates with decreased lipid taste perception in obese Tunisian women
Authors: Mrizak Ines , Šerý Omar , Plesnik Jiří , Arfa Amel , Fekih Mariem , Bouslema Ali , Zaouali Monia , Tabka Zouhair , Khan Naim Akhtar
Published: March 2015

Recent studies have suggested that excessive intake of dietary fat is associated with obesity. Some obese subjects have been reported to exhibit high thresholds for the gustatory detection of lipids via lipid receptors, such as cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36). We studied lingual detection thresholds for emulsions containing oleic acid in obese Tunisian women (n203) using a three-alternative forced choice (3-AFC) method. Genotyping of theTNF-α(rs1800629),IL-6(rs1800795) andCD36(rs1761667) genes was performed to associate with lipid taste perception thresholds. TheCD36genotype distribution was as follows: GG (n42), AG (n102) and AA (n59). Women with theCD36GG genotype exhibited oral detection thresholds for oleic acid that were more than three times lower than those with theCD36AA genotype. The present study confirms a high threshold of gustatory fat detection in obese women with theCD36AA genotype, but there is no significant association with theIL-6andTNF-αgene polymorphisms.