bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kinematic discrimination of ataxia in horses is facilitated by blindfolding
Authors: Olsen E. , FouchÉ N. , Jordan H. , Pfau T. , Piercy R. J.
Published: August 2017

Background

Agreement among experienced clinicians is poor when assessing the presence and severity of ataxia, especially when signs are mild. Consequently, objective gait measurements might be beneficial for assessment of horses with neurological diseases.

Objectives

To assess diagnostic criteria using motion capture to measure variability in spatial gait‐characteristics and swing duration derived from ataxic and non‐ataxic horses, and to assess if variability increases with blindfolding.

Study design

Cross‐sectional.

Methods

A total of 21 horses underwent measurements in a gait laboratory and live neurological grading by multiple raters. In the gait laboratory, the horses were made to walk across a runway surrounded by a 12‐camera motion capture system with a sample frequency of 240 Hz. They were made to walk normally and with a blindfold in at least three trials each. Displacements of reflective markers on head, fetlock, hoof, fourth lumbar vertebra, tuber coxae and sacrum derived from three to four consecutive strides were processed and descriptive statistics, receiver operator characteristics (ROC) to determine the diagnostic sensitivity, specificity and area under the curve (AUC), and correlation between median ataxia grade and gait parameters were determined.

Results

For horses with a median ataxia grade ≥2, coefficient of variation for the location of maximum vertical displacement of pelvic and thoracic distal limbs generated good diagnostic yield. The hoofs of the thoracic limbs yielded an AUC of 0.81 with 64% sensitivity and 90% specificity. Blindfolding exacerbated the variation for ataxic horses compared to non‐ataxic horses with the hoof marker having an AUC of 0.89 with 82% sensitivity and 90% specificity.

Main limitations

The low number of consecutive strides per horse obtained with motion capture could decrease diagnostic utility.

Conclusions

Motion capture can objectively aid the assessment of horses with ataxia. Furthermore, blindfolding increases variation in distal pelvic limb kinematics making it a useful clinical tool.
Nonlinear numerical study of crack initiation and propagation in a reactor pressure vessel under pressurized thermal shock using XFEM
Authors: Sun X. , Chai G. , Bao Y.
Published: August 2017

Under pressurized thermal shock (PTS), once crack initiation occurs in a reactor pressure vessel (RPV), the stress concentration around the crack tips may result in local instability and crack propagation. The temperature‐dependent material properties are introduced into the finite element analysis model. According to the response of the transient temperature field and stress field near the crack tip region, the influence of PTS on the carrying capacity of the structure is demonstrated. Also, the process of crack initiation and propagation is simulated by using the extended finite element method (XFEM). The results show that the crack of mode I is easy to be initiated on the nozzle in the initial high temperature and high pressure working state. The effect of cladding on the RPV integrity is enhanced with the increase of crack size, and it mainly depends on the crack length. During the PTS transient, a discontinuity of stress exists near the cladding‐base interface, and the cladding bears more loading than the base of the same size. As the unloading of the internal pressure, the stress does not decline due to the strong thermal shock. In the late stage of the PTS process, the internal pressure caused by repressurization poses a challenge to the strength of the structure. With the decrease of the base wall thickness, the allowable repressure value also gradually decreases. However, the increase of the base wall thickness causes the rise of thermal stress, and the allowable repressure load is not significantly improved.
Recreational charter fishery attributes and variation in key species catches and discards: Resource management considerations
Authors: Gray C. A. , Kennelly S. J.
Published: August 2017

Strategic long‐term sampling programmes that deliver recreational catch, effort and species demographic data are required for the effective assessment and management of recreational fisheries and harvested organisms. This study used a spatially and temporally stratified observer programme to examine variation in the rates, quantities and lengths of retained and discarded catches of key species in a recreational charter fishery. Geographic region, but not season, significantly influenced catch rates of key demersal species, being driven by temporally persistent latitudinal clines in environmental conditions influencing species distributions. There was considerable trip‐to‐trip variation in catch rates that were attributed to localised differences in fishing operations, locations, environmental conditions and client preferences. Broad trends in retained and discarded catch rates were nevertheless, similar across different fishing effort standardisations (per‐trip, per‐hour, per‐client, per‐client/fished hour), demonstrating that the coarsest unit of effort could be used in fishery assessments. Discard rates of organisms were variable and driven by a combination of mandated legal lengths, individual client and operator preferences for particular species and sizes of organisms, and not due to attainment of catch quotas or high‐grading. This study has identified important fishery attributes that require consideration in assessing charter fisheries and stocks of recreational fish species.
Effects of environmental variables on survey catch rates and distribution by size of shallow‐ and deep‐water Cape hakes, Merluccius capensis and Merluccius paradoxus off Namibia
Authors: Kainge P. , van der Plas A. K. , Bartholomae C. H. , Wieland K.
Published: August 2017

In order to study the effects of temperature, oxygen, salinity and time of day on survey trawl catches, we modeled observed catches of juvenile, small, medium and large hakes per station as functions of zenith angle of the sun, geographical position, year, temperature, salinity, oxygen and depth. We used data from summer demersal surveys conducted during the period 2002–2015, together with a computation of the corresponding light level data from which the solar zenith angles were obtained, and fitted the generalized additive models to these data. Based on best model results, important covariates were oxygen, depth, geographical position and temperature. The best models explained 70%, 69%, 57% and 57% of the variability in catches of juvenile, small, medium and large Merluccius capensis, respectively, and 71%, 68%, 81% and 70% of juvenile, small, medium and large Merluccius paradoxus, respectively. The significant effects of temperature, oxygen, depth and geographical position on survey catches of hake of different size groups indicate that survey size structure may be affected by the behavior of both species towards environmental conditions. Greater care should therefore be taken when interpreting hake survey biomass estimates, based on swept area method, especially those that were collected during exceptional unfavourable environmental conditions. It would also be highly desirable if the oceanographic conditions are collected on each trawl station in order to improve understanding of the linkage between resources and environmental conditions.
Benthic carbon is inefficiently transferred in the food webs of two eutrophic shallow lakes
Authors: Lischke Betty , Mehner Thomas , Hilt Sabine , Attermeyer Katrin , Brauns Mario , Brothers Soren , Grossart Hans‐Peter , Köhler Jan , Scharnweber Kristin , Gaedke Ursula
Published: August 2017

The sum of benthic autotrophic and bacterial production often exceeds the sum of pelagic autotrophic and bacterial production, and hence may contribute substantially to whole‐lake carbon fluxes, especially in shallow lakes. Furthermore, both benthic and pelagic autotrophic and bacterial production are highly edible and of sufficient nutritional quality for animal consumers. We thus hypothesised that pelagic and benthic transfer efficiencies (ratios of production at adjacent trophic levels) in shallow lakes should be similar.

We performed whole ecosystem studies in two shallow lakes (3.5 ha, mean depth 2 m), one with and one without submerged macrophytes, and quantified pelagic and benthic biomass, production and transfer efficiencies for bacteria, phytoplankton, epipelon, epiphyton, macrophytes, zooplankton, macrozoobenthos and fish. We expected higher transfer efficiencies in the lake with macrophytes, because these provide shelter and food for macrozoobenthos and may thus enable a more efficient conversion of basal production to consumer production.

In both lakes, the majority of the whole‐lake autotrophic and bacterial production was provided by benthic organisms, but whole‐lake primary consumer production mostly relied on pelagic autotrophic and bacterial production. Consequently, transfer efficiency of benthic autotrophic and bacterial production to macrozoobenthos production was an order of magnitude lower than the transfer efficiency of pelagic autotrophic and bacterial production to rotifer and crustacean production. Between‐lake differences in transfer efficiencies were minor.

We discuss several aspects potentially causing the unexpectedly low benthic transfer efficiencies, such as the food quality of producers, pelagic–benthic links, oxygen concentrations in the deeper lake areas and additional unaccounted consumer production by pelagic and benthic protozoa and meiobenthos at intermediate or top trophic levels. None of these processes convincingly explain the large differences between benthic and pelagic transfer efficiencies.

Our data indicate that shallow eutrophic lakes, even with a major share of autotrophic and bacterial production in the benthic zone, can function as pelagic systems with respect to primary consumer production. We suggest that the benthic autotrophic production was mostly transferred to benthic bacterial production, which remained in the sediments, potentially cycling internally in a similar way to what has previously been described for the microbial loop in pelagic habitats. Understanding the energetics of whole‐lake food webs, including the fate of the substantial benthic bacterial production, which is either mineralised at the sediment surface or permanently buried, has important implications for regional and global carbon cycling.
Everyday economic geographies
Authors: Yarker Sophie
Published: August 2017

This paper makes the case for the conceptual use of the everyday in economic geography. It does this by firstly demonstrating the explanatory potential that lies in attending to the lived experience of economic development and, secondly, the ability of the everyday to occupy a meso‐level analytical position that is sensitive to the agency of economic agents without undermining the role of structural forces. As a result of the in‐depth, and detailed nature of the everyday, the explanatory powers offered by this initial focus on the micro‐scale is useful to those economic geographers wishing to pursue a more qualitative and holistic understanding of the economy and of economic processes. Therefore, this paper contributes to a much longer project in economic geography concerned with broadening how the economy is defined and therefore studied. Specifically, it compliments and builds on the work of economic geographers engaged in practice‐orientated research before turning to the work of Henri Lefebvre and Michel de Certeau in demonstrating the analytical richness of the everyday beyond a focus on social practice. In other words, the paper argues the need for economic geography to also attend to the lived experience of everyday life, the meanings and values ascribed to it, and not just socio‐economic practices themselves.
Associations Between Migraine and the Most Common Psychiatric Co‐Morbidities
Authors: Bergman‐Bock Stuart
Published: August 2017

Premise

Migraine is a common and potentially debilitating chronic neurologic disorder, with significant and clinically important psychiatric co‐morbidities.

Problem

The individual and societal impact of migraine is both significant and diverse, and among these effects are a variety of psychiatric co‐morbidities. Although the precise mechanisms underlying the relationships between migraine and psychiatric illness are not entirely clear, a variety of mood and anxiety disorders have not only been identified as co‐prevalent in migraine, but have also been shown to impact migraine chronification.

Potential Solutions

This review examines the recent literature investigating the associations between migraine and the most common psychiatric co‐morbidities. Also discussed are implications for treating individuals with co‐morbid migraine and psychiatric disorders, including recent innovations and improvements for the future.
Clinicopathological analysis ofATRX,DAXXandNOTCHreceptor expression in angiosarcomas
Authors: Panse Gauri , Chrisinger John SA , Leung Cheuk H , Ingram Davis R , Khan Samia , Wani Khalida , Lin Heather , Lazar Alexander J , Wang Wei‐Lien
Published: August 2017

Aims

Multiple genetic alterations, including alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) andNOTCHmutations, have been described in angiosarcoma. Loss of α‐thalassaemia/mental retardation syndrome X‐linked (ATRX) and death domain‐associated protein 6 (DAXX) expression is frequently associated with theALTphenotype. Additionally, inhibition ofNOTCHsignalling induces the development of malignant vascular tumours in mice, indicating a tumour suppressive role of theNOTCHpathway in the pathogenesis of angiosarcoma. The aim of this study was to evaluate the immunohistochemical expression ofATRX,DAXXandNOTCHreceptors (NOTCH1 andNOTCH2) in a large cohort of angiosarcomas, and study their clinicopathological and prognostic significance.

Methods and results

One hundred and forty cases of angiosarcoma were stained forATRX,DAXX,NOTCH1 andNOTCH2.ATRXloss (<10% labelling) was seen in seven of 118 (6%) cases, and was more frequent in deep soft tissue tumours than in other body sites (P= 0.004). Angiosarcomas withATRXloss were associated with worse event‐free survival than angiosarcomas with retainedATRXexpression (P= 0.003).DAXXwas retained in all specimens examined. DecreasedNOTCH1 expression (≤1+ intensity) was seen in 29 of 123 (24%) cases, and was associated with a cutaneous site of origin (P= 0.013) and advanced disease (P= 0.026).NOTCH2 expression was decreased in 16 of 103 (16%) cases, was associated with visceral tumours (P= 0.001), and correlated with worse disease‐specific survival (P= 0.033).

Conclusions

ATRX,NOTCH1 andNOTCH2 expression varies in angiosarcomas and shows significant correlations with site of origin and poor clinical outcome, thus highlighting the biological heterogeneity within this tumour type.
PLAG1 immunohistochemistry is a sensitive marker for pleomorphic adenoma: a comparative study with PLAG1 genetic abnormalities
Authors: Katabi Nora , Xu Bin , Jungbluth Achim A , Zhang Lei , Shao Sung Y , Lane Jason , Ghossein Ronald , Antonescu Cristina R
Published: August 2017

Aims

Pleomorphic adenoma gene 1 (PLAG1) gene rearrangement is the most common genetic abnormality in pleomorphic adenoma (PA), resulting in overexpression of PLAG1 protein. PA and carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma (CA ex‐PA) can mimic various benign and malignant salivary gland tumours. The aims of this study are to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of PLAG1 immunohistochemistry (IHC) in the differential diagnosis of PA and CA ex‐PA and to compare the PLAG1 immunohistochemical results to PLAG1 gene abnormalities as detected by fluorescence in‐situ hybridisation (FISH).

Methods and results

PLAG1 immunostaining was performed on 83 salivary gland tumours, including 23 PA, 15 CA ex‐PA and 45 other salivary gland tumours. In addition, PLAG1 FISH was performed in 44 cases for the presence of gene rearrangements/amplifications. The results showed high sensitivity of PLAG1 IHC in 96% of PA; however, discordant results between PLAG1 FISH abnormalities and IHC were noted in 15 of 44 cases (34%). Seven PA, four de‐novo myoepithelial carcinomas and one basal cell adenocarcinoma had negative FISH results, but were positive for IHC; while three salivary duct carcinomas (SDC) ex‐PA were positive for FISH but negative for IHC. PLAG1 IHC can differentiate CA ex‐PA from de‐novo SDC (P = 0.02), but not from de‐novo myoepithelial carcinoma. PLAG1 IHC is a sensitive marker for PA. This could be due to PLAG1 gene abnormalities beyond FISH resolution.

Conclusions

A negative PLAG1 IHC might be helpful in excluding a PA diagnosis. Interestingly, in the context of CA ex‐PA, FISH is more sensitive than IHC in detecting PLAG1 abnormalities.
Effect of particle size of persimmon by‐product powders on their physicochemical properties and antioxidant activities in porcine patties
Authors: Ramachandraiah Karna , Chin Koo Bok
Published: August 2017

This study evaluated the effect of particle size of persimmon seed, peel, and calyx powders on their physicochemical and antioxidant activities in pork patties during storage. Ball‐milling for 24 hr decreased the average median diameter of seed, peel, and calyx powders from 83 to 19 µm, 60 to 35 µm, and 77 to 17 µm, respectively. Micronization affected the bulk densities of all by‐product powders. Total flavonoid content and 2, 2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging ability were increased for all ball‐milled by‐products. Incorporation of these superfine powders into pork patties increased the redness value and decreased the yellowness value. However, the superfine powders did not lower thiobarbituric acid reactive substances or peroxide values in pork patties. Therefore, ball‐milled powders are more suitable for improving physicochemical properties of meat products than for increasing their antioxidant activities through reformulation strategy.

Practical applications

Availability of superior quality powders which promote health and lower production costs are major concerns for meat industries. Understanding of the effect of different particle sizes of ingredient powders on physicochemical and antioxidative activities can be valuable in the meat product reformulation strategy. This could help in designing powders with improved functionality for incorporation in suitable food products
Application of micro‐FTIR mapping and SEM to study compositional heterogeneity of siltstones: Example from the Late Devonian–Early Mississippian Middle Bakken Member
Authors: GASAWAY C. , MASTALERZ M. , KRAUSE F. , CLARKSON C. , DEBUHR C.
Published: August 2017

This paper explores the applicability of micro‐FTIR mapping to study heterogeneity of organic matter‐lean siltstones. Closely spaced samples of Late Devonian dolomitic siltstones of the Middle Bakken Member were analysed with micro‐FTIR, powder X‐ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to explore the distribution and chemical properties of organic matter (OM), muscovite/feldspar/clay group, carbonates, and quartz, and their influence on porosity and permeability of these rocks. Our results show that quartz is the dominant component of the samples, and the main mineralogical differences between the samples are reflected in the abundance of carbonate minerals. Organic matter content is usually far below 1 wt. % and dominantly represented by terrestrially derived vitrinite and inertinite. Micro‐FTIR mapping demonstrates that the more spatially connected quartz and muscovite/feldspar/clays become, the larger permeability in the rock develops, and these correlations are especially strong for planes parallel to bedding. In contrast, carbonate connectivity shows a strong negative correlation with permeability. No correlations between connectivity of components and porosity have been detected. These observations suggest that micro‐FTIR not only can document compositional heterogeneity of siltstones, but also has potential to help understanding their permeability systems.
7T MRI Visualization of Cortical Lesions in Adolescents and Young Adults with Pediatric‐Onset Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Datta Ritobrato , Sethi Varun , Ly Sophia , Waldman Amy T. , Narula Sona , Dewey Blake E. , Sati Pascal , Reich Daniel , Banwell Brenda
Published: August 2017

BACKGROUND

Cortical pathology in multiple sclerosis (MS) has been associated with prolonged and progressive disease. 7T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides enhanced visualization of cortical lesions (CLs). Hence, we conducted a pilot study to explore whether CLs occur early in MS, as evidenced by pediatric‐onset patients.

METHODS

A total of 8 pediatric‐onset MS patients were imaged using 7T MRI. CLs were annotated on T1‐weighted magnetization‐prepared rapid acquisition of gradient echoes images as leukocortical (LC), intracortical, or subpial. Total CLs, age at onset, age at scan, disease duration, total relapses, and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score were recorded.

RESULTS

A median of 120 (range: 48‐144) CLs was identified in 8 MS patients (3 female, all with relapsing remitting MS, mean age at scan 21 years ± 3.5 SD, mean age of disease onset 15 years ± 2.3 SD, mean disease duration 5.3 years ± 3.4 SD, median EDSS 2.0). Nearly all the lesions identified were LC.

CONCLUSIONS

Many CLs are detectable using 7T MRI in patients with pediatric‐onset MS despite relatively brief disease duration, absence of progressive disease, and very limited physical disability—supporting early cortical involvement in MS.
The spatial dimension of internal labor markets
Authors: Tavares Marisa , Carneiro Anabela , Varejão José
Published: August 2017

We integrate into a unified framework the spatial and the employment dimensions of worker mobility, tracing workers across firms, across establishments, and across regions. Drawing upon the spatial dimension of internal labor markets in firms with multiple establishments in multiple locations, our results indicate that the contemporaneous wage premium to migration is around 3 percentage points. For the case of job switchers, we find that the return to regional migration is due to access to better jobs at the destination. We also document the existence of an urban premium for same‐employer migrants but for employer changes this premium is driven by selection.
Industrial clusters, organized crime, and productivity growth in Italian SMEs
Authors: Ganau Roberto , Rodríguez‐Pose Andrés
Published: August 2017

We examine whether organized crime affects firms’ performance (defined using Total Factor Productivity growth) both directly and indirectly, by downsizing the positive externalities arising from the geographic concentration of (intra‐ and inter‐industry) market‐related firms. The analysis uses a large sample of Italian small‐ and medium‐sized manufacturing firms over the period 2010–2013. The results highlight the negative direct effects of organized crime on firms’ productivity growth. Any positive effect derived from industrial clustering is thoroughly debilitated by a strong presence of organized crime, and the negative moderation effect of organized crime on productivity growth is greater for smaller than for larger firms.
A real options approach to amenity valuation: The role of uncertainty and risk aversion
Authors: Mense Andreas
Published: August 2017

Many empirical studies in the fields of urban and environmental economics rely on the hedonic pricing framework. This paper draws attention to two important elements that are not covered by this theory: uncertainty and relocation costs. It develops a theoretical model where agents face uncertainty, but may accumulate savings as a form of self‐insurance. It shows that uncertainty pushes up relocation costs due to the option value of waiting, while self‐insurance helps to reduce this lock‐in problem. Moreover, the model suggests that the implicit price of environmental quality increases with uncertainty even if agents are risk‐neutral.
Sibling species of mutualistic Symbiodinium clade G from bioeroding sponges in the western Pacific and western Atlantic oceans
Authors: Ramsby Blake D. , Hill Malcolm S. , Thornhill Daniel J. , Steenhuizen Sieuwkje F. , Achlatis Michelle , Lewis Allison M. , LaJeunesse Todd C.
Published: August 2017

Dinoflagellates in the genus Symbiodinium associate with a broad array of metazoan and protistian hosts. Symbiodinium‐based symbioses involving bioeroding sponge hosts have received less attention than those involving popular scleractinian hosts. Certain species of common Cliona harbor high densities of an ecologically restricted group of Symbiodinium, referred to as Clade G. Clade G Symbiodinium are also known to form stable and functionally important associations with Foraminifera and black corals (Antipatharia) Analyses of genetic evidence indicate that Clade G likely comprises several distinct species. Here, we use nucleotide sequence data in combination with ecological and geographic attributes to formally describe Symbiodinium endoclionum sp. nov. obtained from the Pacific boring sponge Cliona orientalis and Symbiodinium spongiolum sp. nov. from the congeneric western Atlantic sponge Cliona varians. These species appear to be part of an adaptive radiation comprising lineages of Clade G specialized to the metazoan phyla Porifera and Cnidaria, which began prior to the separation of the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.
Modulation of periodontitis progression using pH‐responsive nanosphere encapsulating metronidazole or N‐phenacylthialzolium bromide
Authors: Lin J.‐H. , Feng F. , Yu M.‐C. , Wang C.‐H. , Chang P.‐C.
Published: August 2017

Background and Objective

This study aimed to develop pH‐responsive polylactide‐glycolic acid co‐polymer and chitosan (PLGA/chitosan) nanosphere as an inflammation‐responsive vehicle and evaluate the potential of the nanosphere encapsulating metronidazole, an antibiotic, and N‐phenacylthiazolium bromide (PTB), a host modulator, for treating periodontitis.

Material and Methods

PLGA/chitosan nanospheres were fabricated using oil‐in‐water emulsion method. Experimental periodontitis was induced on the rat maxillae, and the sites were randomly allocated to four treatment categories, including periodontitis alone (PR), periodontitis with nanospheres alone, nanospheres encapsulating metronidazole (MT) and nanospheres encapsulating PTB (PB). The ligature was retained until the animals were killed, and the treatment outcome was evaluated by the progression of periodontal bone loss (PPBL), inflammatory cell infiltration and collagen deposition.

Results

The encapsulated drug was released rapidly from the nanospheres without significant initial burst release at pH 5.5. Compared with group PR, PPBL was significantly reduced in groups MT and PB on day 4 (P<.05). On day 21, PPBL was significantly lower in group PB (P<.05). In groups MT and PB, inflammation was significantly reduced in groups MT and PB relative to groups PR and periodontitis with nanospheres alone (P<.05), and collagen deposition was significantly greater relative to group PR (P<.05).

Conclusion

PLGA/chitosan nanospheres encapsulating metronidazole or PTB showed potential for modulating periodontitis progression.
Religion in Public Health‐Care Institutions: U.S. and U.K. Perspectives
Authors: Idler Ellen , Kellehear Allan
Published: August 2017

In this article, we consider the role that religion plays in the health‐care institutions of the United States and the United Kingdom. Religion has played a significant role in the development of health‐care institutions in both countries and continues to be present in them in important ways. To capture the range of involvement of religious groups in various sectors of the health‐care institution, we propose a continuum for their relationship, from completely merged identities at one end (“faith‐saturated”) to entirely separate ones at the other (“faith‐secular partnerships”). Versions of this scheme have appeared in both U.S. and U.K. reports that describe the faith component of faith‐based organizations that work in global contexts. We apply this framework to identify specific U.S. and U.K. exemplars, finding that examples of all types exist in both societies, despite the more secular nature of the United Kingdom. Accurately characterizing the relationship between religion and public health‐care institutions can inform future policy and research.
The state of Danish nursing ethnographic research: flowering, nurtured or malnurtured – a critical review
Authors: Uhrenfeldt Lisbeth , Martinsen Bente , Jørgensen Lene Bastrup , Sørensen Erik Elgaard
Published: August 2017

Background

Nursing was established in Denmark as a scholarly tradition in the late nineteen eighties, and ethnography was a preferred method. No critical review has yet summarised accomplishments and gaps and pointing at directions for the future methodological development and research herein.

Aim

This review critically examines the current state of the use of ethnographic methodology in the body of knowledge from Danish nursing scholars.

Methods

We performed a systematic literature search in relevant databases from 2003 to 2016. The studies included were critically appraised by all authors for methodological robustness using the ten‐item instrument QARI from Joanna Briggs Institute.

Results

Two hundred and eight studies met our inclusion criteria and 45 papers were included; the critical appraisal gave evidence of studies with certain robustness, except for the first question concerning the congruity between the papers philosophical perspective and methodology and the seventh question concerning reflections about the influence of the researcher on the study and vice versa. In most studies (n = 34), study aims and arguments for selecting ethnographic research are presented. Additionally, method sections in many studies illustrated that ethnographical methodology is nurtured by references such as Hammersley and Atkinson or Spradley.

Conclusions

Evidence exists that Danish nursing scholars’ body of knowledge nurtures the ethnographic methodology mainly by the same few authors; however, whether this is an expression of a deliberate strategy or malnutrition in the form of lack of knowledge of other methodological options appears yet unanswered.
Stochastics of Cellular Differentiation Explained by Epigenetics: The Case of T‐Cell Differentiation and Functional Plasticity
Authors: Bhat J. , Helmuth J. , Chitadze G. , Kouakanou L. , Peters C. , Vingron M. , Ammerpohl O. , Kabelitz D.
Published: August 2017

Epigenetic marks including histone modifications and DNA methylation are associated with the regulation of gene expression and activity. In addition, an increasing number of non‐coding RNAs with regulatory activity on gene expression have been identified. Alongside, technological advancements allow for the analysis of these mechanisms with high resolution up to the single‐cell level. For instance, the assay for transposase‐accessible chromatin using sequencing (ATAC‐seq) simultaneously probes for chromatin accessibility and nucleosome positioning. Thus, it provides information on two levels of epigenetic regulation. Development and differentiation of T cells into functional subset cells including memory T cells are dynamic processes driven by environmental signals. Here, we briefly review the current knowledge of how epigenetic regulation contributes to subset specification, differentiation and memory development in T cells. Specifically, we focus on epigenetic mechanisms differentially active in the two distinct T cell populations expressing αβ or γδ T cell receptors. We also discuss examples of epigenetic alterations of T cells in autoimmune diseases. DNA methylation and histone acetylation are subject to modification by several classes of ‘epigenetic modifiers’, some of which are in clinical use or in preclinical development. Therefore, we address the impact of some epigenetic modifiers on T‐cell activation and differentiation, and discuss possible synergies with T cell‐based immunotherapeutic strategies.
Dynamic correlation multivariate stochastic volatility with latent factors
Authors: Wu Sheng‐Jhih , Ghosh Sujit K. , Ku Yu‐Cheng , Bloomfield Peter
Published: August 2017

Modeling the correlation structure of returns is essential in many financial applications. Considerable evidence from empirical studies has shown that the correlation among asset returns is not stable over time. A recent development in the multivariate stochastic volatility literature is the application of inverse Wishart processes to characterize the evolution of return correlation matrices. Within the inverse Wishart multivariate stochastic volatility framework, we propose a flexible correlated latent factor model to achieve dimension reduction and capture the stylized fact of ‘correlation breakdown’ simultaneously. The parameter estimation is based on existing Markov chain Monte Carlo methods. We illustrate the proposed model with several empirical studies. In particular, we use high‐dimensional stock return data to compare our model with competing models based on multiple performance metrics and tests. The results show that the proposed model not only describes historic stylized facts reasonably but also provides the best overall performance.
A novel analysis strategy for HLA typing using a sequence‐specific oligonucleotide probe method
Authors: Won D. I.
Published: August 2017

The technique of reverse sequence‐specific oligonucleotide probes (SSOPs) is commonly used in human leukocyte antigen (HLA) typing. In the conventional method for data analysis (exact pattern matching, EPM), the larger is the number of mismatched probes, the longer the time for final typing assignment. A novel strategy, filtering and scoring (FnS), has been developed to easily assign the best‐fit allele pair. In the FnS method, candidate alleles and allele pairs were filtered based on (1) subject's ethnicity, and (2) the measured partial reaction pattern with only definitely negative or positive probes. Then, the complete reaction pattern for all probes (CRPoAPs) were compared between the raw sample and expected residual allele pairs to obtain mismatch scores. To compare the FnS and EPM methods, each analysis time (minutes:seconds) for reverse SSOP HLA typing with intermediate resolution (n = 507) was measured. The analysis time with FnS method was shorter than that of the EPM method [00:21 (00:08−01:47) and 01:04 (00:15−23:45), respectively, P < .05]. In addition, the analysis time of the FnS method was relatively constant, regardless of the number of mismatched probes. The alternative approach of filtering based only on definite probes (neglecting ethnicity) took a long time for analysis. However, this approach did not compromise the accuracy. The FnS method showed improved accuracy and efficiency of HLA typing in a comprehensive and quantitative comparison between measured and expected CRPoAPs of candidate allele pairs. Therefore, this analysis strategy might be useful in a clinical setting.
Clostridium difficile infection in low‐ and middle‐human development index countries: a systematic review
Authors: Forrester Joseph D. , Cai Lawrence Z. , Mbanje Chenesa , Rinderknecht Tanya N. , Wren Sherry M.
Published: August 2017

Objective

To describe the impact and epidemiology of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) in low‐ and middle‐human development index (LMHDI) countries.

Method

Prospectively registered, systematic literature review of existing literature in the PubMed, Ovid and Web of Science databases describing the epidemiology and management of C. difficile in LMHDI countries. Risk factors were compared between studies when available.

Results

Of the 218 abstracts identified after applying search criteria, 25 studies were reviewed in detail. The weighted pooled infection rate among symptomatic non‐immunosuppressed inpatients was 15.8% (95% CI 12.1–19.5%) and was 10.1% (95% CI 3.0–17.2%) among symptomatic outpatients. Subgroup analysis of immunosuppressed patient populations revealed pooled infection rates similar to non‐immunosuppressed patient populations. Risk factor analysis was infrequently performed.

Conclusions

While the percentages of patients with CDI in LMHDI countries among the reviewed studies are lower than expected, there remains a paucity of epidemiologic data evaluating burden of C. difficile infection in these settings.
Comparison of time to obtain intraosseous versus jugular venous catheterization on canine cadavers
Authors: Allukian Alison R. , Abelson Amanda L. , Babyak Jonathan , Rozanski Elizabeth A.
Published: August 2017

Objective

To compare the time required and the success rate of personnel with 4 different levels of experience to place a humeral intraosseous (IO) catheter versus a jugular venous catheter (IV) in cadaver dogs.

Design

Prospective study.

Setting

Veterinary university teaching hospital.

Interventions

Canine cadavers from recently euthanized dogs were obtained from the cadaver donation program between May and December 2014. Catheter placers (CPs) with varying clinical experience, including a first year emergency and critical care resident, a senior emergency veterinary technician (VTS certified), a final year veterinary student, and an ACVECC diplomate, participated in the study. Each CP catheterized a total of 6 dogs so that there was a total of 6 IO and 6 IV catheters placed, by automatic rotary insertion device (with an EZ‐IO gun) and vascular cut‐down technique, respectively, for each CP. Time for IO catheterization and IV catheterization was recorded and compared. The success of IO catheterization and IV catheterization was verified by visualization of an injection of iodinated contrast material under fluoroscopy within the medullary cavity or vessel.

Animals

Twenty‐four canine cadavers.

Measurements and Main Results

Outcomes were analyzed using the Wilcoxon rank‐sum test and the Kruskal–Wallis one‐way analysis of variance. The median time for all IO catheterization operators was faster at 55.4 seconds (range 15.0–153.0 s) compared to the median time for all IV catherization operators at 217.3 seconds (range 55.6–614 s). The success rate for IO and IV was equal at 87.5%.

Conclusion

IO catheterization using an automatic rotary insertion device was performed more rapidly and successfully than jugular venous catheterization using a cut‐down technique in canine cadaver. These findings suggest IO catheterization may be more efficient for gaining vascular access in the appropriate emergency clinical situations when preexisting IV access does not exist.
Necroulcerative hemorrhagic gastritis in a cat secondary to the administration of 3% hydrogen peroxide as an emetic agent
Authors: Obr Teresa D. , Fry Joanna K. , Lee Justine A. , Hottinger Heidi A.
Published: August 2017

Objective

To describe a case of necroulcerative gastritis in a cat secondary to administration of 3% hydrogen peroxide as an emetic agent.

Case Summary

A 10‐year‐old neutered male domestic shorthair was evaluated for hematemesis less than 24 hours following ingestion of a piece of foam. The pet owner had administered 2 doses of 0.5–1.0 tablespoons (7.5–15 mL) of 3% hydrogen peroxide in an attempt to induce emesis at home; emesis was achieved and produced the foam foreign body. Due to the presence of protracted vomiting and hematemesis, the patient was then presented to an emergency facility for further diagnostics and treatment. Initial blood work was normal on presentation, and advanced imaging of the abdomen was performed. An exploratory laparotomy revealed no foreign material in the gastrointestinal tract; however, severe ulceration of approximately 60% of the gastric mucosa was observed around the cardia and extended from the fundus down through the body of the stomach to the lesser curvature. Due to the severity of ulceration and presumed poor prognosis, the patient was euthanized intraoperatively. Histopathology of the stomach wall was consistent with severe confluent necroulcerative and hemorrhagic pleocellular gastritis, presumed to be secondary to administration of 3% hydrogen peroxide, which was used as the primary emetic agent in this case.

New or Unique Information Provided

The oral administration of 3% hydrogen peroxide solution in cats can result in necroulcerative gastritis as a possible sequel. While hydrogen peroxide is considered a safe emetic agent in dogs, its use in cats is not recommended. As a result, the use of emetic agents in cats should be limited to veterinary administration, using alternative, safer emetic agents such as alpha‐adrenergic agonists.
Retrospective evaluation of unexpected events during collection of blood donations performed with and without sedation in cats (2010–2013)
Authors: Doolin Kerry S. , Chan Daniel L. , Adamantos Sophie , Humm Karen
Published: August 2017

Objectives

Describe unexpected events (UEs) that occurred during blood donation in cats with and without sedation.

Design

Retrospective observational study (2010–2013).

Setting

University teaching hospital.

Animals

Client‐owned healthy cats enrolled in a blood donation program.

Interventions

None.

Measurements and Main Results

Blood collection for transfusion was performed 115 times from 32 cats. Seventy donation events were in unsedated cats and 45 in sedated cats. For each collection, the anticipated blood volume to be collected, actual blood volume collected, sedation protocol, and any UE in the peridonation period were recorded. There were 6 categories of UEs: movement during donation, donor anxiety, inadequate collected blood volume, jugular vessel related UEs, additional sedation requirement, and cardiorespiratory distress. Fisher's exact test was used to compare the frequency of UEs between sedated and unsedated cats. UEs were recorded in 54 of 115 collections. In the donor population, movement was reported as an UE in 0 cats that donated under sedation and 24/70 (34.3%) cats that donated without sedation (P < 0.001). Donor anxiety occurred in 2/45 (4.4%) cats that donated under sedation and 14/70 (20.0%) cats that donated unsedated (P = 0.014). Unsedated donation did not increase the likelihood of inadequate donation volume, jugular vessel related UEs, or cardiorespiratory distress. Eight of 45 (17.8%) sedated donations required additional sedation.

Conclusions

Movement during donation and signs of donor anxiety were more frequent in unsedated cats. These were considered minor issues, expected in unsedated cats being gently restrained. Blood collection from unsedated feline donors is a viable alternative to sedated donation.
Adjoint-Based Sensitivity Analysis for Unsteady Bladerow Interaction Using Space–Time Gradient Method
Authors: Yi Junsok , Capone Luigi
Published: August 2017

Temporal variation of components' performance is becoming a crucial parameter in turbomachinery design process. The main physical mechanism driving the time-dependent behavior is the unsteady bladerow interaction as stator–rotor relative motion due to rotating frame of reference. However, so far unsteady effects have been ignored in design processes in common engineering practice. In fact, steady approach has been generally employed for computational fluid dynamics (CFD)-based turbomachinery design. Moreover, conventional blade design has been based on single operating point considerations. Taking into account multiple time-dependent phenomena, as the unsteady performance parameters variation, might be beneficial in making a further improvement on component performance. In quantitative terms, first of all it is important to investigate the relative effect of unsteady variation, compared to the standard steady approach, and to create a capability for calculating temporal sensitivity variation, while keeping a reasonable computing cost. This work investigates the unsteady variation of turbomachinery performance on quasi-three-dimensional (3D) geometries: single-stage turbine and single-stage compressor. Steady flow solutions using mixing plane method are compared to the unsteady flow solutions using a direct unsteady calculation, while assessing the introduction of the space–time gradient (STG) method. The results clearly show how the unsteady variation is a non-negligible effect in performance prediction and blade design. Then, a new computational technique to quantify temporal sensitivity variation is introduced, based on the STG method, with an extension to adjoint-based sensitivity analysis. The relation between time and space in multipassage-multirow domain, the fundamental assumption of the STG method, is applied within the adjoint operator formulation, which gives unsteady sensitivity information on a broad range of design parameters, at the cost of a single computation. Finally, the unsteady sensitivities are compared to the ones resulting from steady solution in the two quasi-3D cases. This work introduces a coherent and effective mathematical formulation for accounting deterministic unsteadiness on component design, while reducing computational cost compared to standard unsteady optimization techniques.
Extracting scaled barrier field from experiments with conducting large-area field emitters: Considerations by inclusion of the dependence between area of emission and the applied field
Authors: A. de Assis Thiago , P. de Castro Caio
Published: August 2017

With a large-area field electron emitter (LAFE), the area of emission is expected to be dependent of the applied field. One possible explanation for this behavior is the statistical distribution of the local field enhancement factors (FEFs), as a consequence of an irregular surface's morphology of the LAFE. In this paper, the authors present a simple and more general theory for extracting the scaled barrier field, f, by considering the dependence of the formal area of emission of conducting LAFEs with an applied field. In our model, the local FEFs of LAFE sites are exponentially distributed, which is consistent with thin film electron emitters. As a byproduct of technological relevance, our results show that general effective f values extracted from linear Fowler–Nordheim plots are outside of the “experimentally reasonable” range of values for physically orthodox emission, when the area of emission varies significantly with the applied field. Thus, a more general criterion for detecting and interpreting nonorthodox field emission is proposed and can be applied to any distribution of local FEFs in conducting LAFEs.
Reorganization of chromosome architecture in replicative cellular senescence
Authors: Criscione Steven W. , De Cecco Marco , Siranosian Benjamin , Zhang Yue , Kreiling Jill A. , Sedivy John M. , Neretti Nicola
Published: August 2017

Senescent cells acquire a unique chromosome architecture characterized by a genome-wide shrinkage of chromosome arms.
Dramatic performance of
Clostridium thermocellum
explained by its wide range of cellulase modalities
Authors: Xu Qi , Resch Michael G. , Podkaminer Kara , Yang Shihui , Baker John O. , Donohoe Bryon S. , Wilson Charlotte , Klingeman Dawn M. , Olson Daniel G. , Decker Stephen R. , Giannone Richard J. , Hettich Robert L. , Brown Steven D. , Lynd Lee R. , Bayer Edward A. , Himmel Michael E. , Bomble Yannick J.
Published: August 2017

The multi–length scale nature of its glycoside hydrolase system explains the remarkable ability demonstrated by
Clostridium thermocellum
.
Citrullination-acetylation interplay guides E2F-1 activity during the inflammatory response
Authors: Ghari Fatemeh , Quirke Anne-Marie , Munro Shonagh , Kawalkowska Joanna , Picaud Sarah , McGouran Joanna , Subramanian Venkataraman , Muth Aaron , Williams Richard , Kessler Benedikt , Thompson Paul R. , Fillipakopoulos Panagis , Knapp Stefan , Venables Patrick J. , La Thangue Nicholas B.
Published: August 2017

PAD4-mediated citrullination of E2F-1 transcription factor and its interplay with acetylation affects inflammatory gene expression.