bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Predictability of System Interactions at Early Phase of the Product Development Process
Authors: Van Eikema Hommes Qi D. , Whitney Daniel E.
Published: June 2018

This paper presents the research work to investigate how well we can predict system interactions at early phase of the product development process using the matrix transformation technique presented by Dong and Whitney [1] at DETC 2001. The technique to predict design information flow patterns using requirements was applied to a case study at Johnson and Johnson Ortho-clinical Diagnosis. Several Design Structure Matrices (DSM) were created. The DSM’s were compared to the system interactions that engineers actually experienced during the design process, recorded in their own DSM. The observations from this case study provided insights to the predictability of various types of product development process, and demonstrated the value of the matrix transformation process.
Functional Modeling of Complex Mechatronic Systems
Authors: Jayaram Murali , Chen Li , Xi Fengfeng
Published: June 2018

In this paper, we present a systematic approach for functional modeling of complex mechatronic systems. This approach is built upon our modeling representation platform dedicated to mechatronic systems. In particular, this approach is structured to span the functional modeling process through five phases: function generation, function decomposition, function analysis, function transformation, and structure refinement. By means of functional modeling, a function structure of the mechatronic system under design can be created upon which the formation of design concepts and solutions can be further built. Application of this approach to the conceptual design of a parallel robotic device is illustrated along with discussions.
Geographic distribution of Phyllocoptruta oleivora in the Mediterranean Basin, with particular emphasis on Italy
Authors: Tropea Garzia Giovanna , De Lillo Enrico
Published: June 2018

Phyllocoptruta oleivora (Ashmead) is an eriophyid mite extremely dangerous in several Citrus growing areas. During the 60s, its presence was wrongly suspected in Italy, limited to Sicily, but it has never been confirmed later. Since that time, the record of this mite has been confusing often denied often considered true, without any further investigation on this aspect, causing therefore negative effects on the international trade of citrus fruit from Sicily. Authors so started paying attention to the pest distribution in Italy and other Mediterranean areas, and stressed the importance of a correct specific identification based on the real responsible biological agent of an infestation, its economic relevance and implications for phytosanitary regulations.
United Kingdom unveils ambitious air pollution plan
Authors: Warren Matthew
Published: June 2018

Bid to slash particulate pollution draws praise and doubts.
Reducing food’s environmental impacts through producers and consumers
Authors: Poore J. , Nemecek T.
Published: June 2018

The global impacts of food production

Food is produced and processed by millions of farmers and intermediaries globally, with substantial associated environmental costs. Given the heterogeneity of producers, what is the best way to reduce food's environmental impacts? Poore and Nemecek consolidated data on the multiple environmental impacts of ∼38,000 farms producing 40 different agricultural goods around the world in a meta-analysis comparing various types of food production systems. The environmental cost of producing the same goods can be highly variable. However, this heterogeneity creates opportunities to target the small numbers of producers that have the most impact.

Science
, this issue p.
987
The effect of partisanship and political advertising on close family ties
Authors: Chen M. Keith , Rohla Ryne
Published: June 2018

Curtailed conversations

Most articles written about U.S. politics in the past few years have mentioned the increasing polarization of the electorate. But is this real, or does it merely reflect the increasing polarization of the media? Chen and Rohla estimate that in 2016, Thanksgiving dinners in which the hosts and guests lived in oppositely voting precincts were up to 50 minutes shorter than same-party-precinct dinners. That is, family members, adjured to avoid talking about contentious subjects, may have simply talked less.

Science
, this issue p.
1020
Ancient human parallel lineages within North America contributed to a coastal expansion
Authors: Scheib C. L. , Li Hongjie , Desai Tariq , Link Vivian , Kendall Christopher , Dewar Genevieve , Griffith Peter William , Mörseburg Alexander , Johnson John R. , Potter Amiee , Kerr Susan L. , Endicott Phillip , Lindo John , Haber Marc , Xue Yali , Tyler-Smith Chris , Sandhu Manjinder S. , Lorenz Joseph G. , Randall Tori D. , Faltyskova Zuzana , Pagani Luca , Danecek Petr , O’Connell Tamsin C. , Martz Patricia , Boraas Alan S. , Byrd Brian F. , Leventhal Alan , Cambra Rosemary , Williamson Ronald , Lesage Louis , Holguin Brian , Ygnacio-De Soto Ernestine , Rosas JohnTommy , Metspalu Mait , Stock Jay T. , Manica Andrea , Scally Aylwyn , Wegmann Daniel , Malhi Ripan S. , Kivisild Toomas
Published: June 2018

Founder effects in modern populations

The genomes of ancient humans can reveal patterns of early human migration (see the Perspective by Achilli
et al.
). Iceland has a genetically distinct population, despite relatively recent settlement (∼1100 years ago). Ebenesersdóttir
et al.
examined the genomes of ancient Icelandic people, dating to near the colonization of Iceland, and compared them with modernday Icelandic populations. The ancient DNA revealed that the founders had Gaelic and Norse origins. Genetic drift since the initial settlement has left modern Icelanders with allele frequencies that are distinctive, although still skewed toward those of their Norse founders. Scheib
et al.
sequenced ancient genomes from the Channel Islands of California, USA, and Ontario, Canada. The ancient Ontario population was similar to other ancient North Americans, as well as to modern Algonquian-speaking Native Americans. In contrast, the California individuals were more like groups that now live in Mexico and South America. It appears that a genetic split and population isolation likely occurred during the Ice Age, but the peoples remixed at a later date.

Science
, this issue p.
1028
, p.
1024
; see also p.
964
Student-centered, modernized graduate STEM education
Authors: Leshner Alan I.
Published: June 2018

Rebalance incentives to promote culture change
When facts are not enough
Authors: Hayhoe Katharine
Published: June 2018

Science is based on a shared respect for the scientific method—the principle that, by gathering and analyzing data and information, scientists and others can draw conclusions that are robust and generalizable across cultures and ideologies. Scientists furthermore assume that disagreements can be resolved by more facts. So when people object to the reality of climate change with science-y sounding arguments—“the data is wrong,” or “it's just a natural cycle,” or even, “we need to study it longer”—the natural response of scientists is simple and direct: People need more data. But this approach often doesn't work and can even backfire. Why? Because when it comes to climate change, science-y sounding objections are a mere smokescreen to hide the real reasons, which have much more to do with identity and ideology than data and facts.
Activity of a Holin-Endolysin System in the Insecticidal Pathogenicity Island of Yersinia enterocolitica
Authors: Springer Katharina , Reuter Sandra , Knüpfer Mandy , Schmauder Lukas , Sänger Philipp-Albert , Felsl Angela , Fuchs Thilo M.
Published: June 2018

The knowledge of how pathogens survive in the environment is pivotal for our understanding of bacterial virulence. The insecticidal and nematocidal activity of
Yersinia
spp., by which the bacteria gain access to nutrients and thus improve their environmental fitness, is conferred by the toxin complex (Tc) encoded on a highly conserved pathogenicity island termed Tc-PAI

Ye

. While the regulators and the toxin subunits of the island had been characterized in some detail, the role of phage-related genes within the island remained to be elucidated. Here, we demonstrate that this cassette encodes a holin, an endolysin, and two spanins that, at least upon overexpression, lyse
Yersinia
strains.
TIM-1 Mediates Dystroglycan-Independent Entry of Lassa Virus
Authors: Brouillette Rachel B. , Phillips Elisabeth K. , Patel Radhika , Mahauad-Fernandez Wadie , Moller-Tank Sven , Rogers Kai J. , Dillard Jacob A. , Cooney Ashley L. , Martinez-Sobrido Luis , Okeoma Chioma , Maury Wendy
Published: June 2018

PtdSer receptors, such as TIM-1, are emerging as critical entry factors for many enveloped viruses. Most recently, hepatitis C virus and Zika virus have been added to a growing list. PtdSer receptors engage with enveloped viruses through the binding of PtdSer embedded in the viral envelope, defining them as GP-independent receptors. This GP-independent entry mechanism should effectively mediate the entry of all enveloped viruses, yet LASV GP-pseudotyped viruses were previously found to be unresponsive to PtdSer receptor enhancement in HEK 293T cells. Here, we demonstrate that LASV pseudovirions can utilize the PtdSer receptor TIM-1 but only in the absence of appropriately glycosylated α-dystroglycan (αDG), the high-affinity cell surface receptor for LASV. Our studies shed light on LASV receptor utilization and explain why previous studies performed with α-DG-expressing cells did not find that LASV pseudovirions utilize PtdSer receptors for virus uptake.
A promising response to osimertinib in a patient with erlotinib-resistant lung adenocarcinoma with an uncommon EGFR mutation
Authors: Niwa Hideyuki , Nakahara Yoshiro , Sasaki Jiichiro , Masuda Noriyuki
Published: June 2018

Most patients with non-small cell lung cancer with common epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations respond dramatically to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), but data are limited on the response of tumours with uncommon mutations. We present the case of a 68-year-old man with stage IV lung adenocarcinoma with an uncommon EGFR mutation in exon 21 (L861Q). The disease progressed 2 years after he started erlotinib (150 mg daily). Using a transbronchial lung biopsy, we detected additional mutations in exon 20 (T790M) and exon 21 (L858R). He was treated with osimertinib (80 mg daily) and achieved a partial remission. This case demonstrates the value of repeating a biopsy after EGFR-TKI therapy in patients with uncommon EGFR mutations.
Effects of polymorphisms in APOA5 on the plasma levels of triglycerides and risk of coronary heart disease in Jilin, northeast China: a case–control study
Authors: You Yueyue , Wu Yan-Hua , Zhang Yangyu , Zhang Lili , Song Yan , Bai Wei , Li Yuanyuan , Yu Yaqin , Kou Changgui
Published: June 2018

Objective

The goal of this study is to investigate the associations of apolipoprotein A5 (APOA5) polymorphisms with coronary artery disease (CAD) in a Chinese population.

Method

This case–control study included 710 subjects (355 patients with CAD and 355 controls) who were recruited from a cross-sectional study. Three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs662799 (−1131T>C), rs651821 (−3A>G) and rs2075291 (G185C) inAPOA5were selected and genotyped using the matrix-assisted laser desorption ioniasation time of flight mass spectrometry technology. The χ2test and haplotype analysis were performed to analyse the associations betweenAPOA5SNPs and CAD using the SPSS V.22.0 software package and the online SNPStats program.

Results

APOA5SNPs rs662799 and rs651821 exhibited significant differences in genotype and allele distributions between patients with CAD and control subjects. The SNP rs662799 was significantly correlated with an increased risk of CAD when a dominant model was considered. The SNP rs651821 was significantly correlated with an increased risk of CAD when a codominant model was considered. Moreover, the variant C alleles of rs662799 and the variant G alleles of the rs651821 polymorphism were significantly correlated with increased plasma triglyceride (TG) levels in the CAD group (all p<0.05). Additionally, a mediating effect of TG on the associations between theAPOA5rs662799 and rs651821 polymorphisms and CAD was observed.

Conclusion

Based on these data, variants of theAPOA5gene are associated with CAD susceptibility and may modulate plasma TG levels among a Chinese population.
Factors associated with pregnancy-related anxiety in Tanzanian women: a cross sectional study
Authors: Wall Vanessa , Premji Shahirose Sadrudin , Letourneau Nicole , McCaffrey Graham , Nyanza Elias Charles
Published: June 2018

Objective

To identify factors predictive of pregnancy-related anxiety (PRA) among women in Mwanza, Tanzania.

Design

A cross-sectional study was used to explore the relationship between psychosocial health and preterm birth.

Setting

Antenatal clinics in the Ilemela and Nyamagana districts of Mwanza, Tanzania.

Participants

Pregnant women less than or equal to 32 weeks’ gestational age (n=212) attending the two antenatal clinics.

Measures

PRA was measured using a revised version of the 10-item PRA Questionnaire (PRA-Q). Predictive factors included social support (Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support), stress (Perceived Stress Scale), depression (Edinburg Postpartum Depression Scale) and sociodemographic data. Bivariate analysis permitted variable selection while multiple linear regression analysis enabled identification of predictive factors of PRA.

Results

Twenty-five per cent of women in our sample scored 13 or higher (out of a possible 30) on the PRA-Q. Perceived stress, active depression and number of people living in the home were the only statistically significant predictors of PRA in our sample.

Conclusions

Our findings were contrary to most current literature which notes socioeconomic status and social support as significant factors in PRA. A greater understanding of the experience of PRA and its predictive factors is needed within the social cultural context of low/middle-income countries to support the development of PRA prevention strategies specific to low/middle income countries.
How do adolescent girls and boys perceive symptoms suggestive of endometriosis among their peers? Findings from focus group discussions in New York City
Authors: Gupta Jhumka , Cardoso Lauren F , Harris Courtney S , Dance Arielle D , Seckin Tamer , Baker Nina , Ferguson Yvonne O
Published: June 2018

Objective

Symptoms of endometriosis, including pelvic pain, back and nerve pain, and gastrointestinal pain, often begin in adolescence. Yet, research on the experience of these debilitating symptoms among young people is scarce. Of particular concern is the influence of adolescent girls’ social context. This study qualitatively examined how, among adolescents, endometriosis and symptoms suggestive of endometriosis is perceived at the family, peer/school and community/society levels.

Design

Eight focus groups were conducted; vignettes were used to elicit participants’ perceptions of factors that may shape girls’ experiences of endometriosis. Data were analysed using constant comparison analysis.

Participants

An ethnically diverse sample of girls and boys ages 14–18 (n=54) residing in New York City.

Results

Fifteen themes emerged and were distilled to eight cross-cutting factors that influence perceptions of endometriosis at different levels of the ecological model: distrust of community healthcare providers, societal stigma of menstruation, peer stigma of endometriosis symptoms, distrust of school healthcare providers, lack of endometriosis knowledge among peers and school personnel, inequitable gender norms, invisibility of symptoms and the stigma of teen sex among parents. Further, these factors may compound symptoms’ impact on individual girl’s social, educational and emotional well-being.

Conclusions

Findings underscore the importance of understanding the social environment of girls experiencing symptoms suggestive of endometriosis and educating and engaging their peers, family and school personnel to create a supportive, informed social climate. Efforts should specifically include stigma reduction campaigns targeted towards female and male adolescents.
Experiences of older people dying in nursing homes: a narrative systematic review of qualitative studies
Authors: Greenwood Nan , Menzies-Gow Emma , Nilsson David , Aubrey Dawn , Emery Claire L , Richardson Angela
Published: June 2018

Objectives

To identify and synthesise qualitative research from 2001 investigating older people’s (65+ years) experiences of dying in nursing and care homes.

Methods and outcomes

Eight electronic databases (AMED, ASSIA, CINAHL Plus, Embase, HMIC, Medline, PsychINFO and Scopus) from 2001 to July 2017 were searched. Studies were included if they were qualitative, primary research and described the experiences of dying in nursing or care homes from the perspectives of the older people themselves, their families or staff. Study quality assessment was undertaken to systematically assess methodological quality, but no studies were excluded as a result.

Results

1305 articles were identified. Nine met the inclusion criteria. North American studies dominated. Most used a mixture of observations and interviews. All the included studies highlighted the physical discomfort of dying, with many older people experiencing potentially avoidable symptoms if care were to be improved. Negative psychosocial experiences such as loneliness and depression were also often described in addition to limited support with spiritual needs.

Conclusions

More qualitative research giving a holistic understanding of older people’s experiences of dying in residential care homes is needed. Undertaking research on this topic is challenging and requires great sensitivity, but the dearth of qualitative research from the perspectives of those most closely involved in older people’s deaths hampers service improvement.
Implementing the I-DECIDED clinical decision-making tool for peripheral intravenous catheter assessment and safe removal: protocol for an interrupted time-series study
Authors: Ray-Barruel Gillian , Cooke Marie , Mitchell Marion , Chopra Vineet , Rickard Claire M
Published: June 2018

Introduction

Millions of acute care hospital patients need a peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) each year. However, up to half of PIVCs remain in situ when not being used, and 30%–50% of intravenous (IV) catheters develop complications or stop working before treatment is finished, requiring the insertion of a new device. Improved assessment could prompt timely removal of redundant catheters and prevent IV complications. This study aims to validate an evidence-based PIVC assessment and decision-making tool called I-DECIDED and evaluate the effect of implementing this tool into acute hospital clinical practice.

Methods and analysis

The protocol outlines a prospective, multicentre, mixed-methods study using an interrupted time-series (multiple measures preintervention and postintervention) implementation at three Australian hospitals between August 2017 and July 2018. The study will examine the effectiveness of the I-DECIDED assessment and decision-making tool in clinical practice on prompting timely PIVC removal and early detection of complications. Primary outcomes are prevalence of redundant PIVCs (defined as device in situ without a clear purpose), IV complications (occlusion, dislodgement, infiltration, extravasation and phlebitis) and substandard dressings (loose, lifting, moist or soiled); device utilisation ratios; and primary bloodstream infection rates. Secondary outcomes including staff barriers and enablers to PIVC assessment and removal, patient participation, documentation of PIVC assessment and decisions taken to continue or remove the PIVC will be recorded. Using the Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services framework, we will undertake staff focus groups, bedside patient interviews and PIVC assessments and chart audits. Patients aged 18 years or more with a PIVC will be eligible for inclusion.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval from Queensland Health (HREC/17/QPCH/47), Griffith University (Ref No. 2017/152) and St Vincent’s Health and Aged Care Human Research and Ethics Committee (Ref No. 17/28). Results will be published.

Trial registration number

ANZCTR: 12617000067370; Pre-results.
Study protocol of the randomised placebo-controlled GLOBE trial:GLP-1 forbridging of hyperglycaemia during cardiac surgery
Authors: Hulst Abraham H , Visscher Maarten J , Godfried Marc B , Thiel Bram , Gerritse Bas M , Scohy Thierry V , Bouwman R Arthur , Willemsen Mark G A , Hollmann Markus W , DeVries J Hans , Preckel Benedikt , Hermanides Jeroen
Published: June 2018

Introduction

Perioperative hyperglycaemia is common during cardiac surgery and associated with postoperative complications. Although intensive insulin therapy for glycaemic control can reduce complications, it carries the risk of hypoglycaemia. GLP-1 therapy has the potential to lower glucose without causing hypoglycaemia. We hypothesise that preoperative liraglutide (a synthetic GLP-1 analogue) will reduce the number of patients requiring insulin to achieve glucose values<8 mmol l-1in the intraoperative period.

Methods and analysis

We designed a multi-centre randomised parallel placebo-controlled trial and aim to include 274 patients undergoing cardiac surgery, aged 18–80 years, with or without diabetes mellitus. Patients will receive 0.6 mg liraglutide or placebo on the evening before, and 1.2 mg liraglutide or placebo just prior to surgery. Blood glucose is measured hourly and controlled with an insulin bolus algorithm, with a glycaemic target between 4–8 mmol l−1. The primary outcome is the percentage of patients requiring insulin intraoperatively.

Ethics and dissemination

This study protocol has been approved by the medical ethics committee of the Academic Medical Centre (AMC) in Amsterdam and by the Dutch competent authority. The study is investigator-initiated and the AMC, as sponsor, will remain owner of all data and have all publication rights. Results will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed international medical journal.

Trial registration number

NTR6323; Pre-results.
Health trainer-led motivational intervention plus usual care for people under community supervision compared with usual care alone: a study protocol for a parallel-group pilot randomised controlled trial (STRENGTHEN)
Authors: Thompson Tom P , Callaghan Lynne , Hazeldine Emma , Quinn Cath , Walker Samantha , Byng Richard , Wallace Gary , Creanor Siobhan , Green Colin , Hawton Annie , Annison Jill , Sinclair Julia , Senior Jane , Taylor Adrian H
Published: June 2018

Introduction

People with experience of the criminal justice system typically have worse physical and mental health, lower levels of mental well-being and have less healthy lifestyles than the general population. Health trainers have worked with offenders in the community to provide support for lifestyle change, enhance mental well-being and signpost to appropriate services. There has been no rigorous evaluation of the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of providing such community support. This study aims to determine the feasibility and acceptability of conducting a randomised trial and delivering a health trainer intervention to people receiving community supervision in the UK.

Methods and analysis

A multicentre, parallel, two-group randomised controlled trial recruiting 120 participants with 1:1 individual allocation to receive support from a health trainer and usual care or usual care alone, with mixed methods process evaluation. Participants receive community supervision from an offender manager in either a Community Rehabilitation Company or the National Probation Service. If they have served a custodial sentence, then they have to have been released for at least 2 months. The supervision period must have at least 7 months left at recruitment. Participants are interested in receiving support to change diet, physical activity, alcohol use and smoking and/or improve mental well-being. The primary outcome is mental well-being with secondary outcomes related to smoking, physical activity, alcohol consumption and diet. The primary outcome will inform sample size calculations for a definitive trial.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has been approved by the Health and Care Research Wales Ethics Committee (REC reference 16/WA/0171). Dissemination will include publication of the intervention development process and findings for the stated outcomes, parallel process evaluation and economic evaluation in peer-reviewed journals. Results will also be disseminated to stakeholders and trial participants.

Trial registration numbers

ISRCTN80475744; Pre-results.
Preventing chronic disease in patients with low health literacy using eHealth and teamwork in primary healthcare: protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial
Authors: Parker Sharon M , Stocks Nigel , Nutbeam Don , Thomas Louise , Denney-Wilson Elizabeth , Zwar Nicholas , Karnon Jon , Lloyd Jane , Noakes Manny , Liaw Siaw-Teng , Lau Annie , Osborne Richard , Harris Mark F
Published: June 2018

Introduction

Adults with lower levels of health literacy are less likely to engage in health-promoting behaviours. Our trial evaluates the impacts and outcomes of a mobile health-enhanced preventive intervention in primary care for people who are overweight or obese.

Methods and analysis

A two-arm pragmatic practice-level cluster randomised trial will be conducted in 40 practices in low socioeconomic areas in Sydney and Adelaide, Australia. Forty patients aged 40–70 years with a body mass index ≥28 kg/m2will be enrolled per practice. The HeLP-general practitioner (GP) intervention includes a practice-level quality improvement intervention (medical record audit and feedback, staff training and practice facilitation visits) to support practices to implement the clinical intervention for patients. The clinical intervention involves a health check visit with a practice nurse based on the 5As framework (assess, advise, agree, assist and arrange), the use of a purpose-built patient-facing app,my snapp, and referral for telephone coaching. The primary outcomes are change in health literacy, lifestyle behaviours, weight, waist circumference and blood pressure. The study will also evaluate changes in quality of life and health service use to determine the cost-effectiveness of the intervention and examine the experiences of practices in implementing the programme.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has been approved by the University of New South Wales (UNSW) Human Research Ethics Committee (HC17474) and ratified by the University of Adelaide Human Research Ethics committee. There are no restrictions on publication, and findings of the study will be made available to the public via the Centre for Primary Health Care and Equity website and through conference presentations and research publications. Deidentified data and meta-data will be stored in a repository at UNSW and made available subject to ethics committee approval.

Trial Registrationregistration number

ACTRN12617001508369; Pre-results.
Safety and efficacy of 4-terpineol against microorganisms associated with blepharitis and common ocular diseases
Authors: Su Chen-Wei , Tighe Sean , Sheha Hosam , Cheng Anny M S , Tseng Scheffer C G
Published: June 2018

Objective

Microbial infection has been reported to cause blepharitis, conjunctivitis and keratitis. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of a foam formulation of 2% 4-terpineol (T4O) against common ocular microorganisms.

Material and methods

The antimicrobial effect of a 2% T4O formulation was evaluated by the United States Pharmacopeia 51 (USP <51>) antimicrobial effectiveness test for 14 and 28 days, as well as by a Time Kill Study (ASTM E2315) with a 60 s exposure time. Its potential of causing skin and ocular irritation was evaluated by the Repeated Insult Patch Test and the Hen’s Egg Chorioallantoic Membrane Test, respectively.

Results and discussion

It was seen that 2% T4O formulation did not cause ocular irritation, skin irritation, sensitisation or allergic contact dermatitis in human subjects. Most importantly, it killed microorganisms listed in USP <51> at both 14 and 28 days and exerted a rapid killing effect within 60 s against 13 bacteria, 1 fungus andAcanthamoeba castellanii.

Conclusion

The above finding suggests that 2% T4O formulation is safe and effective in killing microorganisms related to common ocular and skin infective diseases.

Translational relevance

Although the clinical efficacy in treating ocular disease was not directly studied; this foam formulation containing 2% T4O, based on the in vitro results of this work, demonstrated that it can potentially be used as a preservative-free cleansing agent for ocular hygiene maintenance due to its ability to exert a broad-spectrum antimicrobial effect without causing ocular or skin irritation.
Addressing the challenges of knowledge co-production in quality improvement: learning from the implementation of the researcher-in-residence model
Authors: Vindrola-Padros Cecilia , Eyre Laura , Baxter Helen , Cramer Helen , George Bethan , Wye Lesley , Fulop Naomi J , Utley Martin , Phillips Natasha , Brindle Peter , Marshall Martin
Published: June 2018

The concept of knowledge co-production is used in health services research to describe partnerships (which can involve researchers, practitioners, managers, commissioners or service users) with the purpose of creating, sharing and negotiating different knowledge types used to make improvements in health services. Several knowledge co-production models have been proposed to date, some involving intermediary roles. This paper explores one such model, researchers-in-residence (also known as ‘embedded researchers’).

In this model, researchers work inside healthcare organisations, operating as staff members while also maintaining an affiliation with academic institutions. As part of the local team, researchers negotiate the meaning and use of research-based knowledge to co-produce knowledge, which is sensitive to the local context. Even though this model is spreading and appears to have potential for using co-produced knowledge to make changes in practice, a number of challenges with its use are emerging. These include challenges experienced by the researchers in embedding themselves within the practice environment, preserving a clear focus within their host organisations and maintaining academic professional identity.

In this paper, we provide an exploration of these challenges by examining three independent case studies implemented in the UK, each of which attempted to co-produce relevant research projects to improve the quality of care. We explore how these played out in practice and the strategies used by the researchers-in-residence to address them. In describing and analysing these strategies, we hope that participatory approaches to knowledge co-production can be used more effectively in the future.
Evaluating mild traumatic brain injury management at a regional emergency department
Authors: Brown Ashlee Maree , Twomey Dara M , Wong Shee Anna
Published: June 2018

Background

Emergency departments (EDs) are usually the first point of contact, and often the only medical service available, for patients with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) in rural and regional areas. Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) have been created to ensure best practice management of mTBI in EDs. Adherence to mTBI CPGs has rarely been evaluated in rural and regional areas.

Aim

The aim of this paper was to assess a regional health service’s adherence to their mTBI CPG.

Methods

This was a 12-month retrospective audit of 1280 ED records of patients ≥16 years presenting with mTBI to a regional Australian ED. Case selection used the Victorian Admitted Episodes Dataset codes for suspected head injury: principal diagnosis codes (S00-T98), concussive injury recorded in diagnosis codes (S06.00-S06.05) and unintentional external cause code (V00-X59). The data were collected to determine 4-hour observation rates, CT scan rates, safe discharge and appropriate referral documentation.

Results

Fewer people received a CT scan than qualified (n=245, 65.3%), only 45% had 4-hour observations recorded, safe discharge was documented in 74.1% of cases and 33% received educational resources.

Discussion/conclusion

Several key elements for the management of mTBI were under-recorded, particularly 4-hour observations, safe discharge and education. Acquired brain injury clinic referrals were received in overwhelmingly fewer cases than had a CT scan (n=19, 6.3%). Overall, this study suggests that the regional health service does not currently fully adhere to the CPG and that the referral services are potentially underutilised.
Interrogating cortical function with transcranial magnetic stimulation: insights from neurodegenerative disease and stroke
Authors: Agarwal Smriti , Koch Giacomo , Hillis Argye E , Huynh William , Ward Nick S , Vucic Steve , Kiernan Matthew C
Published: June 2018

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is an accessible, non-invasive technique to study cortical function in vivo. TMS studies have provided important pathophysiological insights across a range of neurodegenerative disorders and enhanced our understanding of brain reorganisation after stroke. In neurodegenerative disease, TMS has provided novel insights into the function of cortical output cells and the related intracortical interneuronal networks. Characterisation of cortical hyperexcitability in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and altered motor cortical function in frontotemporal dementia, demonstration of cholinergic deficits in Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease are key examples where TMS has led to advances in understanding of disease pathophysiology and potential mechanisms of propagation, with the potential for diagnostic applications. In stroke, TMS methodology has facilitated the understanding of cortical reorganisation that underlie functional recovery. These insights are critical to the development of effective and targeted rehabilitation strategies in stroke. The present review will provide an overview of cortical function measures obtained using TMS and how such measures may provide insight into brain function. Through an improved understanding of cortical function across a range of neurodegenerative disorders, and identification of changes in neural structure and function associated with stroke that underlie clinical recovery, more targeted therapeutic approaches may now be developed in an evolving era of precision medicine.
Immunosuppressant use and hospitalisations in adult patients with systemic lupus erythematosus admitted to a tertiary academic medical centre
Authors: Anastasiou Christine , Dulai Olivia , Baskaran Amrutha , Proudfoot James , Verhaegen Samuel , Kalunian Kenneth
Published: June 2018

Objectives

To describe how immunosuppressant use and hospitalisation patterns for SLE have evolved by comparing admission statistics at one academic centre between 2005 and 2013.

Methods

We identified admissions for SLE and for all hospitalised patients by using the hospital electronic database. For adult patients with SLE, a comprehensive chart review was conducted to identify primary indications for hospitalisation, in-hospital mortality, mean length of stay and immunosuppressant use.

Results

The number of yearly SLE patient hospitalisations decreased from 178 to 86 between the two times of observation. Infection was the most common reason for hospitalisation accounting for 39.9% of hospitalisations in 2005 versus 31.4% of hospitalisations in 2013 (p=0.29). Lupus flare accounted for 9.6% of admissions in 2005 versus 8.1% of admissions in 2013 (p=0.72). Seven patients died during their hospitalisation (3.9% of admissions) in 2005 as opposed to no inpatient deaths in 2013. Of the 261 admissions between 2010 and 2013, six admissions resulted in death (2.3% of admissions). SLE patient mean length of hospital stay decreased from 7.6 days to 6.4 days (p=0.36) compared with all patient length of stay, which decreased from 6 days to 5.8 days. Corticosteroid use decreased (79.8% to 61.6%, p=0.11) while hydroxychloroquine (27.0% to 59.3%, p<0.001) use increased over time.

Conclusions

The number of hospitalisations, mortality and length of stay among hospitalised patients with SLE decreased over time. Infection was the primary reason for inpatient hospitalisation. Hydroxychloroquine use more than doubled over this same time period with statistical significance. These pilot data suggest improvements in SLE hospitalisation outcomes over time, but larger studies are needed to examine these trends and to understand the relationship between changing medication prescribing patterns and hospitalisation outcomes in patients with SLE.
An investigation of the ambient temperature field and thermal response of the Calgary Airport Trail Tunnel
Authors: Mori Lomere , Gül Mustafa , Cheng Roger , Sharma Ved
Published: June 2018

Currently, there is a lack of direct design provisions in structural codes and literature that address design temperatures in tunnel structures and thus it is common practice for designers to resort to bridge codes. The main focus of this paper is the study of the temperature distribution in concrete road tunnels due to ambient temperature. In this context, the temperature distributions of the Airport Trail Tunnel in Calgary, Alberta is studied using numerical modelling and long-term temperature monitoring data collected from the tunnel. The overall aim is to evaluate findings from the numerical analysis and sensor data with current Canadian structural code provisions considered in tunnel design in regards to temperature loads. From the investigation, it is determined that the design temperature range was within CSA S6, however CSA S6 underestimates the temperature gradient effect in the walls and slabs of the tunnel under study.
Detection and differentiation of Vibrio parahaemolyticus by multiplexed real-time PCR
Authors: Xu Deshun , Ji Lei , Wu Xiaofang , Yan Wei , Chen Liping
Published: June 2018

Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a common and important pathogen that causes human gastroenteritis worldwide. A rapid, sensitive, and specific assay is urgently required for detection and differentiation of V. parahaemolyticus strains. We designed three sets of primers and probes using groEL and two virulence genes (tdh and trh) from V. parahaemolyticus, and developed a multiplex real-time PCR protocol. The sensitivity and specificity of the multiplex assay was evaluated by environmental and clinical specimens of V. parahaemolyticus. The multiplex PCR response system and annealing temperature were optimized. The detection limits of the multiplex real-time PCR were 104 and 105 CFU/mL (or CFU/g) in pure cultures and spiked oysters, respectively. The multiplex real-time PCR specifically detected and differentiated V. parahaemolyticus from 35 Vibrio strains and 11 other bacterial strains. Moreover, this method can detect and distinguish virulent from nonvirulent strains, with no cross-reactivity observed in the bacteria tested. This newly established multiplex real-time PCR assay offers rapid, specific, and reliable detection of the total and pathogenic V. parahaemolyticus strains, which is very useful during outbreaks and sporadic cases caused by V. parahaemolyticus infection.
Mixed convection in micropolar nanofluid flow through entrapped triangular enclosures and linear stability analysis considering magnetic effects and heat generation and absorption
Authors: Javed Tariq , Siddiqui Muhammad Arshad
Published: June 2018

In the present investigation, numerical computation for mixed convection heat transfer flow within entrapped triangular enclosures saturated with a micropolar nanofluid and linear stability analysis has been carried out. The horizontal upper and lower walls of the enclosures are moving with uniform velocity and these are subjected to uniform heat; however, the inclined walls are kept cold. Equations describing the flow are first subjected to the penalty function and then the resultant equations are simplified with the help of the Galerkin variational method of finite element analysis. The pertinent flow parameters with their ranges under discussion are solid volume fraction (0.0 < [Formula: see text] < 0.1), Hartmann number (0 < Ha < 100), Richardson number (0.1 < Ri < 50), Reynolds number (1 < Re < 100), microrotation coefficient (0 < K < 10), and heat source–sink coefficient (–10 < Q < 10). The results of the present investigation show that the structures of heat flow are dependant significantly upon the heat generation–absorption coefficient, solid volume fraction of nanoparticles, microrotation parameter, Reynolds, Hartmann, and Richardson numbers. Effects of moving walls are more prominent for small values of Hartmann number and large values of microrotaion parameter and Richardson number. Average temperature gradient is remarkably high for small values of Hartmann number against the bottom wall and large values of Hartmann number against the top wall. Obtained solutions are illustrated through graphs of isotherms and local and average heat transfer rates.
EVOLUTIONARY TREND OF FOREIGN INVESTMENT IN CHINA: A COMBINED DECOMPOSITION AND TRANSITIONAL DYNAMICS APPROACH
Authors: CHEONG TSUN SE , CHENG ANDY W. W. , LI VICTOR J.
Published: June 2018

This paper examines the pattern and evolution trend of foreign investment in China through combining decomposition analysis and framework of transitional dynamics. It is recognized that inter-regional disparity contributes the most to China’s disparity in foreign investment. Stochastic kernel analyses are then performed for the country and the economic zones regarding the foreign investment trend. It is concluded that convergence of foreign investment to the country’s mean cannot be attained and continues to locate at the lower end. This analysis offers illuminating insights on the evolution of foreign investment in China across time.
“RAISE CHILDREN TO FIGHT AGAINST AGING”: THE DETERMINANTS OF ELDERLY WELLBEING IN TODAY’S CHINA
Authors: PENG CONGMIN , SHE PO-WEN
Published: June 2018

As the old Chinese saying goes, “raise children to fight against aging” is used to describe the most desirable life arrangement for Chinese elderly people, as it reflects the core idea of filial piety that lies near the heart of the Confucian doctrine regulating society. In a fast-changing economy, are these traditional values still hold for Chinese elderly? Applying the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), we explore the determinants of elderly’s wellbeing in modern China. We have a particular interest in whether living with their children, receiving pecuniary/material transfer or support from children or having more children significantly affects the wellbeing of the elderly. We find that these factors have no significance in affecting the wellbeing of the elderly in China. Furthermore, among the factors significantly determining the wellbeing of Chinese elderly people, pensions and health care are very important, particularly to the elderly in rural areas. Notably, gross domestic product (GDP) level of the province or municipality, where the elderly habitats have a significant impact on elderly’s wellbeing and this echoes with some contemporary research.
Stability of anisotropic self-gravitating fluids
Authors: Ahmad S. , Jami A. Rehman , Mughal M. Z.
Published: June 2018

The aim of this paper is to study the stability as well as the existence of self-gravitating anisotropic fluids in [Formula: see text]-dominated era. Taking a cylindrically symmetric and static spacetime, we computed the corresponding equations of motion in the background of anisotropic fluid distributions. The realistic formulation of energy momentum tensor as well as theoretical model of the scale factors are considered in order to describe some physical properties of the anisotropic fluids. To find the stability of the compact star, we have used Herrera’s technique which is based on finding the radial and the transverse components of the speed of sound. Moreover, the behaviors of other physical quantities are also discussed like anisotropy, matching conditions of interior metric and exterior metric and compactness of the compact structures are also discussed.
Diffusion-model analysis of pPb and PbPb collisions at LHC energies
Authors: Schulz P. , Wolschin G.
Published: June 2018

We present an analysis of centrality-dependent pseudorapidity distributions of produced charged hadrons in pPb and PbPb collisions at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) energy of [Formula: see text] = 5.02 TeV, and of minimum-bias pPb collisions at 8.16 TeV within the non-equilibrium-statistical relativistic diffusion model (RDM). In a three-source approach, the role of the fragmentation sources is emphasized. Together with the Jacobian transformation from rapidity to pseudorapidity and the limiting fragmentation conjecture, these are essential for modeling the centrality dependence. For central PbPb collisions, a prediction at the projected FCC energy of [Formula: see text] = 39 TeV is made.
Latency, Throughput and Power Aware Adaptive NoC Routing on Orthogonal Convex Faulty Region
Authors: Rahaman Munshi Mostafijur , Ghosal Prasun , Das Tuhin Subhra
Published: June 2018

Reliability of a Network-on-Chip (NoC) relies vastly upon the efficiency of handling faults. Faults those lead to trouble during on-chip communication process are basically of two types namely soft and hard. Here, hard faults are considered. Hard faults may be caused due to failure of links, routers, or other processing units. These are mainly dealt with fault-tolerant routing algorithms or by employing redundant hardware. Multiple faulty nodes are being avoided by acquiring region-based approaches. Most of the fault-tolerant routing techniques are designed on homogeneous faulty regions where some active nodes also act as deactivated nodes to build the region homogeneous. On the other hand, adaptive routing on nonhomogeneous faulty regions increases load on its boundary and most of them does not assure deadlock freeness. This paper proposes a deadlock-free adaptive fault-tolerant NoC routing named F-Route-NoC-Mesh (FRNM) ignoring any virtual channel on orthogonal convex faulty regions. Contributions of this work focus on balancing network traffic by assuming a virtual faulty block boundary and routing packets through this virtual boundary. Destination does not exist within that virtual faulty block regions to reduce load on the boundary of orthogonal faulty regions. Thus, this work is aimed at acquiring proper incorporation of procedures being able to reach fault-tolerant degree, routing efficiency and performance enhancement. Using the proposed algorithm (FRNM), a fault block model-based approach is developed. Significant improvements of average latency (43.37% to 60.44%), average throughput (4.18% to 90.81%) and power consumption (5.93% to 33.28%) are achieved over the state-of-the-art by using a cycle accurate simulator.
Coexistence states in a cross-diffusion system of a predator–prey model with predator satiation term
Authors: Cintra Willian , Morales-Rodrigo Cristian , Suárez Antonio
Published: June 2018

In this paper, we study the existence and non-existence of coexistence states for a cross-diffusion system arising from a prey–predator model with a predator satiation term. We use mainly bifurcation methods and a priori bounds to obtain our results. This leads us to study the coexistence region and compare our results with the classical linear diffusion predator–prey model. Our results suggest that when there is no abundance of prey, the predator needs to be a good hunter to survive.