bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deciding what to research: an overview of a participatory workshop
Authors: Northway Ruth , Hurley Karen , O'Connor Chris , Thomas Helen , Howarth Joyce , Langley Emma , Bale Sue
Published: February 2014

Accessible summary

People with learning disabilities are involved in doing research more and more.

A lot of papers have been written about this.

These papers sometimes do not say whether people with learning disabilities decided what should be researched.

This paper talks about how a group of people with learning disabilities and professionals worked together to decide what research they should do in their area.

While recent years have seen an increase in the number of participatory and inclusive research studies being undertaken where people with learning disabilities are active members of the research team, little has been published about how teams decide what to research. This paper aims to fill this gap by discussing how in one area of Wales a participatory workshop was held to try and identify priority areas for research. By sharing our experiences, we hope that other people will be encouraged to try similar approaches. First, however, this activity is set in the context of wider debates concerning participatory research.
Predicting malignant and tuberculous pleural effusions through demographics and pleural fluid analysis of patients
Authors: Valdés Luis , San‐José Esther , Ferreiro Lucía , Golpe Antonio , González‐Barcala Francisco‐Javier , Toubes María E. , Rodríguez‐Álvarez María X. , Álvarez‐Dobaño José M. , Rodríguez‐Núñez Nuria , Rábade Carlos , Gude Francisco
Published: February 2014

Introduction

The differential diagnosis of malignant and tuberculous pleural effusion is frequently difficult.

Objectives

The aim of our study is to determine the discrimination value of demographic parameters and different biological markers in pleural fluid.

Methods

In pleural fluid obtained from 106 patients with tuberculous, 250 with malignant and 218 with miscellaneous pleural effusion, clinical and analytical parameters were analysed, applying polytomous regression analysis and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.

Results

The three groups could be differentiated using the measured markers. Age, tumour necrosing factor‐alpha, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), adenosine deaminase (ADA), C‐reactive protein (CRP) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) were significant predictors for discriminating tuberculous from malignant pleural effusions; nucleated cells, lymphocytes, cholesterol, LDH, ADA, CRP, CEA and CA15.3 distinguish between malignant and miscellaneous pleural effusions. The ROC areas (95% confidence interval) were, 0.973 (0.953, 0.992) for tuberculous, 0.922 (0.900, 0.943) for miscellaneous, and 0.927 (0.907, 0.948) for malignant pleural effusion. The polytomous model correctly classified a significantly high proportion of patients with tuberculosis (85.8%) and cancer (81.6%). The incorrect classification rate was 17.8%, which increased to 19.5% in the correction using bootstrap.

Conclusions

The results obtained to estimate the probability of tuberculous and malignant pleural effusion confirm that this model achieves a high diagnostic accuracy. This model should be applied to determine which patients with a pleural effusion of unknown origin would not benefit from further invasive procedures.
Electromagnetic navigation‐guided TBNA vs conventional TBNA in the diagnosis of mediastinal lymphadenopathy
Authors: Diken Özlem E. , Karnak Demet , Çiledağ Aydın , Ceyhan Koray , Atasoy Çetin , Akyar Serdar , Kayacan Oya
Published: February 2014

Objectives

Conventional transbronchial needle aspiration (C‐TBNA) is a safe method for the diagnosis of hilar and mediastinal lymphadenopathy (MLN). However, diagnostic yield of this technique varies considerably. Electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy (ENB) is a new technology to increase the diagnostic yield of flexible bronchoscopy for the peripheral lung lesions and MLN. The aim of this prospective study was to compare the diagnostic and sampling success of ENB‐guided TBNA (ENB‐TBNA) in comparison with C‐TBNA while dealing with MLN.

Methods

Consecutive patients with MLN were randomized into two groups – C‐TBNA and ENB‐TBNA – using a computer‐based number shuffling system to avoid recruitment bias. Procedures were performed in usual fashion, published previously.

Results

Ninety‐four cases (M/F: 45/49) with a total of 145 stations of MLN were enrolled in the study. In 44 patients, 81 stations were sampled by ENB‐TBNA, and in 50 patients 64 stations by C‐TBNA. The mean size of MLN in study subjects was 17.56 ± 6.25 mm. The sampling success was significantly higher in ENB‐TBNA group (82.7%) compared with C‐TBNA group (51.6%) (P < 0.005). Defined by histopathological result, the diagnostic yield in ENB‐TBNA was 72.8%, and 42.2% with C‐TBNA (P < 0.005). For subcarinal localization, sampling or diagnostic success was higher in ENB‐TBNA than that of C‐TBNA (P < 0.05). Based on the size of the MLN ≤15 mm or >15 mm, the sampling success of ENB‐TBNA was also significantly higher than C‐TBNA in both subgroups (P < 0.005 and P < 0.005, respectively). No serious complication was observed.

Conclusion

In this study comparing ENB‐TBNA and C‐TBNA, the sampling and diagnostic success of ENB‐TBNA was found to be superior while dealing with MLN, in all categories studied.
Is Inequality all about the Tails?: The Palma Measure of Income Inequality
Authors: Cobham Alex , Sumner Andy
Published: February 2014

The rich are different from us; so are the very poor. But in most countries most of us are in the middle. That leads to problems when you try to measure inequality. Alex Cobham and Andy Sumner have come up with a better way to show that some countries are more equal than others.
Decreased density of CD3+ tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes during gastric cancer progression
Authors: Arigami Takaaki , Uenosono Yoshikazu , Ishigami Sumiya , Matsushita Daisuke , Hirahara Tetsushi , Yanagita Shigehiro , Okumura Hiroshi , Uchikado Yasuto , Nakajo Akihiro , Kijima Yuko , Natsugoe Shoji
Published: February 2014

Background and Aim

Tumor cells escape host immunosurveillance and thus produce an advantageous environment for tumor progression. Recent studies have demonstrated that tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) play a principal role in the immune response to tumors. However, little is understood about numerical alterations in CD3+ TILs during tumor progression in patients with gastric cancer. The present study examines the density of CD3+ TILs to elucidate their clinical significance in gastric cancer.

Methods

The numbers of CD3+ TILs in 120 resected specimens from patients with gastric cancer and 27 endoscopic resected specimens from patients with gastric adenoma were immunohistochemically assessed using a CD3 polyclonal antibody.

Results

The mean number of CD3+ TILs (± SD) in the patients with gastric cancer and adenoma was 87.5 ± 59.8 and 379.6 ± 128.1, respectively. Significantly more CD3+ TILs were found in specimens from patients with gastric adenoma than with gastric cancer (P < 0.0001). The numbers of CD3+ TILs significantly correlated with depth of tumor invasion, lymph node metastasis, and stage (P = 0.022, P = 0.0004, and P = 0.011, respectively). The 5‐year survival rate was significantly poorer for patients with fewer CD3+ TILs (P = 0.004). Multivariate analysis selected the density of CD3+ TILs as an independent prognostic factor (P = 0.034).

Conclusions

Our results demonstrated that the density of CD3+ TILs decreases during tumor progression. The density of CD3+ TILs is an immunological predictor of lymph node metastasis and disease outcome in patients with gastric cancer.
Role of lamivudine with transarterial chemoembolization in the survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Xu Xiaojing , Huang Peixin , Tian Hui , Chen Yi , Ge Ningling , Tang Wengquing , Yang Biwei , Xia Jinglin
Published: February 2014

Background and Aim

The purpose of the present study was to determine whether lamivudine in combination with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) could reduce hepatitis B virus (HBV) activation and improve the survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

From July 2008 to October 2011, a total of 181 consecutive HBV‐related HCC patients undergoing TACE were randomized to two groups (92: lamivudine, 89: control). Follow up was every 3 months. Primary and secondary end‐points were time to progression (TTP) and overall survival (OS), respectively, both of which were evaluated by the Kaplan–Meier technique and summarized by the hazard ratio.

Results

The level of HBV‐DNA became undetectable in 42 (45.6%) patients in the lamivudine group, compared with 10 (11.2%) in the control group (P < 0.001). The median TTP was 8.2 months in lamivudine group and 4.3 months in control group (P = 0.005), and lamivudine therapy was an independent protective factor related to TTP (P = 0.006). Moreover, 1‐, 2‐, and 3‐year survival rates were 83%, 69%, and 58% in lamivudine group and 60%, 48%, and 48% in control group, respectively (P = 0.002). With multivariate Cox regression model, lamivudine therapy (P = 0.002) and α‐fetoprotein (AFP) level (P = 0.003) were two independent predictors for OS.

Conclusion

Lamivudine therapy could reduce HBV activation and improve survival of HCC patients treated with TACE. Lamivudine therapy and AFP level are two independent factors affecting OS.
Low expression of glucocorticoid receptor α in oral lichen planus correlates with activation of nuclear factor κB: a preliminary study
Authors: Lin Xue‐cai , Sun Hong‐ying , Zhen Yue‐xiang , Zhang Hui , Shi Hang , Wang Xia‐xia
Published: February 2014

Background

Emerging evidence indicates that the interaction between glucocorticoid receptor α (GRα) and nuclear factor κB (NF‐κB) is a key pathogenetic cross talk in the autoimmune and inflammatory disorders. The objective of this study was to determine the GRα expression in patients with oral lichen planus (OLP) and investigate its correlation with NF‐κB in OLP.

Methods

We compared the expression of GRα and NF‐κB in oral biopsy specimens from patients with OLP (n = 32) against normal controls (n = 12) and investigated the correlation between the expression of GRα and NF‐κB in OLP.

Results

Immunohistochemistry showed that GRα mainly expressed in the cytoplasm of keratinocytes of basal and spinosum layer of OLP. Both real‐time quantitative PCR and Western blots revealed that the mRNA and protein expression levels of GRα were decreased compared with normal controls (both P < 0.001). Conversely, those levels of nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) were increased compared with normal controls (both P < 0.001). Importantly, a significant inverse correlation between the GRα and NF‐κB was found (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrated that low expression of GRα in OLP correlates with activation of NF‐κB, which indicates that the cross talk between GRα and NF‐κB in OLP may become a new therapeutic target and represent a new approach to explore the pathogenesis of OLP.
Parental Punishment and Peer Victimization as Developmental Precursors to Physical Dating Violence Involvement Among Girls
Authors: Hipwell Alison E. , Stepp Stephanie D. , Xiong Shuangyan , Keenan Kate , Blokland Arjan , Loeber Rolf
Published: February 2014

The current study examined harsh punishment and peer victimization as developmental precursors to girls' involvement in physical dating violence (PDV) and the putative mediating effect of rejection sensitivity. The sample comprised 475 African‐American and European‐American participants of the longitudinal Pittsburgh Girls Study who were dating at age 17. About 10% of girls reported significant perpetration or victimization of physical aggression in the relationship. Results showed that initial level and escalation in harsh punishment (between 10 and 13 years) and escalation in peer victimization (10–15 years) predicted PDV involvement, but this relationship was not mediated by rejection sensitivity. The results highlight the need to consider the impact of early experience of different forms of aggression on girls' risk of PDV involvement.
Risk of burnout among early career mental health professionals
Authors: Volpe U. , Luciano M. , Palumbo C. , Sampogna G. , Del Vecchio V. , Fiorillo A.
Published: February 2014

Accessible summary

Burnout is a stress‐related syndrome that often affects mental health professionals (MHPs) and may have serious consequences on personal well‐being as well as on the quality of provided psychiatric care.

Established literature shows a high risk to develop burnout among MHPs. Few data are available on the incidence and on the clinical implications of the burnout syndrome in the early phases of MHP professional career.

We confirmed the presence of burnout among early career MHPs: early career psychiatrists showed a lower sense of personal accomplishment, while non‐medical MHPs tended to have more depersonalization and suffered from higher levels of depression.

Specific programmes to identify the presence of the burnout syndrome and to cope with it should be taught within mental health training curricula.

Burnout is a stress‐related syndrome that often affects professionals working in emotionally loaded and highly interpersonal environments. Mental health professionals (MHPs) are long known to be at high risk to develop the burnout syndrome, but this has rarely been investigated in professionals in an early phase of career. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the presence of the burnout syndrome and of depressive symptoms among early career psychiatrists and ‘non‐medical’ MHPs. One hundred MHPs (including 50 psychiatrists and 50 non‐medical MHPs) were screened for the presence of burnout and depression, with the Maslach Burnout Inventory and the Beck Depression Inventory – revised, respectively. The relationships of burnout with socio‐demographical and professional characteristics were also explored. We confirmed the presence of burnout among both groups of early career MHPs, but psychiatrists had a significantly higher degree of emotional exhaustion and a lower sense of personal accomplishment, while non‐medical MHPs adopted more frequently depersonalization as a coping strategy and had higher scores for depression, which is associated with higher level of burnout. The risk of developing burnout should be properly addressed in training curricula and strategies to overcome it should be systematically taught, in order to promote personal well‐being and efficient team work in mental health settings.
Critical Realism, Dialectics, and Qualitative Research Methods
Authors: Roberts John Michael
Published: February 2014

Critical realism has been an important advance in social science methodology because it develops a qualitative theory of causality which avoids some of the pitfalls of empiricist theories of causality. But while there has been ample work exploring the relationship between critical realism and qualitative research methods there has been noticeably less work exploring the relationship between dialectical critical realism and qualitative research methods. This seems strange especially since the founder of the philosophy of critical realism, Roy Bhaskar, employs and develops a range of dialectical concepts in his later work in order to extend the main tenets of critical realism. The aim of this paper is to draw on Bhaskar's later work, as well as Marxism, to reorient a critical realist methodology towards a dialectical approach for qualitative research. In particular, the paper demonstrates how dialectical critical realism can begin to provide answers to three common criticisms made against original critical realist methodology: that the qualitative theory of causal powers and structures developed by critical realists is problematic; that critical realist methodology contains values which prove damaging to empirical research; and that critical realists often have difficulties in researching everyday qualitative dilemmas that people face in their daily lives.
Effect of Mixed Strain Starter Culture on Rheological Properties of Wheat Dough and Quality of Steamed Bread
Authors: Li Zhijian , Li Haifeng , Deng Cui , Liu Changhong
Published: February 2014

In this study, a mixed strain (MS) starter culture was prepared by fed batch fermentation method and its effect on wheat dough and steamed bread quality was investigated. The MS had higher leavening ability and more viable yeast counts than traditional mixed strain (TMS) starter culture made by static fermentation method. A slight decrease was observed in the extensibility of dough fermented by yeast, TMS and MS as resting time increased. The extensibility leavened by MS was higher than that by yeast but similar to TMS during the overall fermenting process. No significant differences could be observed between the resistance to extension of dough fermented by MS and yeast at all three tested times. The specific volume of the steamed bread prepared by MS was higher than that made by TMS, and MS significantly increased the sensory score of steamed bread when compared with yeast.

Practical Applications

Mixed strain (MS) starter culture was prepared by rice wine fed batch fermentation method and had higher leavening ability than TMS starter culture. Application of MS in steamed bread making could improve dough and steamed bread properties on specific volume and sensory quality. The research provided useful information for production of steamed bread.
Role of IFN‐λs,IFN‐λs related genes and the DEPDC5 gene in Hepatitis B virus‐related liver disease
Authors: Ma N. , Zhang X. , Yu F. , Gao P. , Fan Q. , Liu L. , Liu D.
Published: February 2014

Recent studies have associated genetic variation near the interleukin 28B (IL28B/IFN‐λ3) gene with natural clearance of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, and a common variant in the DEP domain containing 5 (DEPDC5) locus on chromosome 22 has been shown to affect susceptibility to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Japanese individuals with chronic HCV infection. This study was conducted to determine whether polymorphisms near or in interferon‐lambda (IFN‐λs) genes and their receptor genes such as interleukin 28 receptor, alpha (IL28RA) and interleukin 10 receptor, beta (IL10RB) as well as p21_activated kinases 4 (PAK4) and iron/zinc purple acid phosphatase‐like protein (PAPL), which are locate upstream of IFN‐λs, and lastly the DEPDC5 gene are associated with hepatitis B virus‐related liver disease in Han Chinese. The study subjects included 507 normal healthy controls, 350 individuals with natural clearance of HBV and 792 HBV‐infected patients. The patients were categorized into 157 inactive carriers (Case I), 216 active carriers (Case II), 111 cirrhotics (Case III) and 308 HCC patients (Case IV) subgroups. Seven single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped using the Matrix‐assisted Laser Desorption/Ionisation mass spectrometric (MALDI‐TOF MS) SNP genotyping assay. Rs423058 upstream of PAPL, rs2834167 in IL10RB and rs1012068 in DEPDC5 were associated with chronic HBV status, HBV natural clearance and the presence of HCC (P = 0.0004–0.024), respectively. PAPL, IL10RB and DEPDC5 polymorphisms have an impact on progression of HBV‐related liver disease. However, IFN‐λs genes as a tool to differentiate between different clinical courses of HBV infection were not useful in the Han Chinese population.
Biotrophy‐specific downregulation of siderophore biosynthesis in Colletotrichum graminicola is required for modulation of immune responses of maize
Authors: Albarouki Emad , Schafferer Lukas , Ye Fanghua , von Wirén Nicolaus , Haas Hubertus , Deising Holger B.
Published: February 2014

The hemibiotrophic maize pathogen Colletotrichum graminicola synthesizes one intracellular and three secreted siderophores. eGFP fusions with the key siderophore biosynthesis gene, SID1, encoding l‐ornithine‐N5‐monooxygenase, suggested that siderophore biosynthesis is rigorously downregulated specifically during biotrophic development. In order to investigate the role of siderophores during vegetative development and pathogenesis, SID1, which is required for synthesis of all siderophores, and the non‐ribosomal peptide synthetase gene NPS6, synthesizing secreted siderophores, were deleted. Mutant analyses revealed that siderophores are required for vegetative growth under iron‐limiting conditions, conidiation, ROS tolerance, and cell wall integrity. Δsid1 and Δnps6 mutants were hampered in formation of melanized appressoria and impaired in virulence. In agreement with biotrophy‐specific downregulation of siderophore biosynthesis, Δsid1 and Δnps6 strains were not affected in biotrophic development, but spread of necrotrophic hyphae was reduced. To address the question why siderophore biosynthesis is specifically downregulated in biotrophic hyphae, maize leaves were infiltrated with siderophores. Siderophore infiltration alone did not induce defence responses, but formation of biotrophic hyphae in siderophore‐infiltrated leaves caused dramatically increased ROS formation and transcriptional activation of genes encoding defence‐related peroxidases and PR proteins. These data suggest that fungal siderophores modulate the plant immune system.
From Four‐ to Five‐Dimensionalism
Authors: Graham Andrew
Published: February 2014

Philosophers have long noticed the similarity of identity over time and identity across worlds. Despite this similarity, analogous views on these matters are not always taken equally seriously. Four‐dimensionalism is one of the most well‐known accounts of identity over time. There is a clear modal analogue of four‐dimensionalism, on which objects are modally extended and their trans‐world identity is a matter of having distinct modal parts located in different possible worlds. Yet this view, which we might call ‘five‐dimensionalism,’ is rarely discussed or defended, in comparison to its temporal counterpart. I argue that five‐dimensionalism is at least as plausible as four‐dimensionalism and deserves serious consideration as an account of trans‐world identity. The strategy is to show that arguments typically used in defence of four‐dimensionalism can be adapted to defend five‐dimensionalism as well. A powerful consideration in favour of four‐dimensionalism is the fact that it provides an elegant and unified solution to a variety of puzzles concerning material coincidence. I show that such puzzles come in equally troubling modal varieties and that five‐dimensionalism provides an equally unified and elegant solution to them.
Performance Prediction of Gel Water Shutoff in Horizontal Wells Using a Newly Coupled Reservoir–Wellbore Model
Authors: Xianchao Chen , Qihong Feng , Qiang Wang
Published: February 2014

Water shutoff is a commonly used method to mitigate the early breakthrough in horizontal wells. Gel is frequently used as an effective water shutoff agent in mature fields, especially for horizontal wells in recent years. However, the relevant water shutoff prediction model lacks the accurate physical description of the gelation phenomenon. Using the conventional model, which simply accounts for the gelation mechanisms, does not allow us to predict the horizontal wells performance correctly. In this paper, a newly coupled reservoir–wellbore model for horizontal wells gel water shutoff prediction is presented. A conventional gel simulator is used to simulate the gel injection process in the reservoir and then modified to predict the horizontal well performance after the treatment. The time-varying residual resistance factor model and viscosity model is developed to simulate the gel degradation process. Especially, the wellbore pressure drop calculation takes account for the non-Newtonian behavior during and after the gel injection. An explicit modular coupled scheme, which consists of reservoir modular and wellbore modular, is adopted to numerically predict the horizontal wells performance. The newly presented method not only simulates the gel injection process but also predict the water shut off performance in horizontal wells. A field horizontal water shutoff case prediction shows that the coupled modeling method can give satisfactory results to guide the water shutoff treatment.
An analysis of the uncertainty and bias in DCE‐MRI measurements using the spoiled gradient‐recalled echo pulse sequence
Authors: Subashi Ergys , Choudhury Kingshuk R. , Johnson G. Allan
Published: February 2014

Purpose:

The pharmacokinetic parameters derived from dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE) MRI have been used in more than 100 phase I trials and investigator led studies. A comparison of the absolute values of these quantities requires an estimation of their respective probability distribution function (PDF). The statistical variation of the DCE‐MRI measurement is analyzed by considering the fundamental sources of error in the MR signal intensity acquired with the spoiled gradient‐echo (SPGR) pulse sequence.

Methods:

The variance in the SPGR signal intensity arises from quadrature detection and excitation flip angle inconsistency. The noise power was measured in 11 phantoms of contrast agent concentration in the range [0–1] mM (in steps of 0.1 mM) and in onein vivo acquisition of a tumor‐bearing mouse. The distribution of the flip angle was determined in a uniform 10 mM CuSO4 phantom using the spin echo double angle method. The PDF of a wide range of T1 values measured with the varying flip angle (VFA) technique was estimated through numerical simulations of the SPGR equation. The resultant uncertainty in contrast agent concentration was incorporated in the most common model of tracer exchange kinetics and the PDF of the derived pharmacokinetic parameters was studied numerically.

Results:

The VFA method is an unbiased technique for measuringT1 only in the absence of bias in excitation flip angle. The time‐dependent concentration of the contrast agent measured in vivo is within the theoretically predicted uncertainty. The uncertainty in measuring Ktrans with SPGR pulse sequences is of the same order, but always higher than, the uncertainty in measuring the pre‐injection longitudinal relaxation time (T10). The lowest achievable bias/uncertainty in estimating this parameter is approximately 20%–70% higher than the bias/uncertainty in the measurement of the pre‐injection T1 map. The fractional volume parameters derived from the extended Tofts model were found to be extremely sensitive to the variance in signal intensity. The SNR of the pre‐injection T1 map indicates the limiting precision with which Ktrans can be calculated.

Conclusions:

Current small‐animal imaging systems and pulse sequences robust to motion artifacts have the capacity for reproducible quantitative acquisitions with DCE‐MRI. In these circumstances, it is feasible to achieve a level of precision limited only by physiologic variability.
New Devices for Measuring Forces on the Kayak Foot Bar and on the Seat During Flat-Water Kayak Paddling: A Technical Report
Authors: Nilsson Johnny E. , Rosdahl Hans G.
Published: February 2014

The purpose was to develop and validate portable force-measurement devices for recording push and pull forces applied by each foot to the foot bar of a kayak and the horizontal force at the seat. A foot plate on a single-point force transducer mounted on the kayak foot bar underneath each foot allowed the push and pull forces to be recorded. Two metal frames interconnected with 4 linear ball bearings, and a force transducer allowed recording of horizontal seat force. The foot-bar-force device was calibrated by loading each foot plate with weights in the push–pull direction perpendicular to the foot plate surface, while the seat-force device was calibrated to horizontal forces with and without weights on the seat. A strong linearity (r2 = .99–1.0) was found between transducer output signal and load force in the push and pull directions for both foot-bar transducers perpendicular to the foot plate and the seat-force-measuring device. Reliability of both devices was tested by means of a test–retest design. The coefficient of variation (CV) for foot-bar push and pull forces ranged from 0.1% to 1.1%, and the CV for the seat forces varied from 0.6% to 2.2%. The current study opens up a field for new investigations of the forces generated in the kayak and ways to optimize kayak-paddling performance.
Time–Motion Analysis and Physiological Responses to Karate Official Combat Sessions: Is There a Difference Between Winners and Defeated Karatekas?
Authors: Chaabène Helmi , Franchini Emerson , Miarka Bianca , Selmi Mohamed Amin , Mkaouer Bessem , Chamari Karim
Published: February 2014

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to measure and compare physiological and time–motion variables during karate fighting and to assess eventual differences between winners and defeated elite karatekas in an ecologically valid environment.

Methods:

Fourteen elite male karatekas who regularly participated in national and international events took part in a national-level competition.

Results:

There were no significant differences between winners and defeated karatekas regarding all the studied variables. Karatekas used more upper-limb (76.19%) than lower-limb techniques (23.80%). Thekisami-zukirepresented the most frequent technique, with 29.1% of all used techniques. The duration of each fighting activity ranged from <1 s to 5 s, with 83.8% ± 12.0% of the actions lasting less than 2 s. Karatekas executed 17 ± 7 high-intensity actions per fight, which corresponded to ~6 high-intensity actions per min. Action-to-rest ratio was about 1:1.5, and high-intensityaction- to-rest ratio was ~1:10. The mean blood lactate response at 3 min postcombat (Lapost) elicited during karate fighting was 11.18 ± 2.21 mmol/L (difference between Lapreand Lapost= 10.01 ± 1.81 mmol/L). Mean heart rate (HR) was 177 ± 14 beats/min (91% ± 5% of HRpeak). Karatekas spent 65% of the time exercising at HR >90% of the individual HRpeak.

Conclusion:

Karatekas predominantly use upper-limb karate techniques. Karate’s nature is intermittent, with fighting activities representing ~6% of total combat’s duration and ~84% of actions lasting less than 2 s, with ~21-s mean time interval in between. Kumite combat sessions induced high La and near-maximal cardiovascular strain. Other key success factors should be investigated to properly discriminate winners and defeated athletes.
Recovery From Repeated On-Court Tennis Sessions: Combining Cold-Water Immersion, Compression, and Sleep Interventions
Authors: Duffield Rob , Murphy Alistair , Kellett Aaron , Reid Machar
Published: February 2014

Purpose:

To investigate the effects of combining cold-water immersion (CWI), full-body compression garments (CG), and sleep-hygiene recommendations on physical, physiological, and perceptual recovery after 2-a-day on-court training and match-play sessions.

Methods:

In a crossover design, 8 highly trained tennis players completed 2 sessions of on-court tennis-drill training and match play, followed by a recovery or control condition. Recovery interventions included a mixture of 15 min CWI, 3 h of wearing full-body CG, and following sleep-hygiene recommendations that night, while the control condition involved postsession stretching and no regulation of sleeping patterns. Technical performance (stroke and error rates), physical performance (accelerometry, countermovement jump [CMJ]), physiological (heart rate, blood lactate), and perceptual (mood, exertion, and soreness) measures were recorded from each on-court session, along with sleep quantity each night.

Results:

While stroke and error rates did not differ in the drill session (P > .05, d < 0.20), large effects were evident for increased time in play and stroke rate in match play after the recovery interventions (P > .05, d > 0.90). Although accelerometry values did not differ between conditions (P > .05, d < 0.20), CMJ tended to be improved before match play with recovery (P > .05, d = 0.90). Furthermore, CWI and CG resulted in faster postsession reductions in heart rate and lactate and reduced perceived soreness (P > .05, d > 1.00). In addition, sleep-hygiene recommendations increased sleep quantity (P > .05, d > 2.00) and maintained lower perceived soreness and fatigue (P < .05, d > 2.00).

Conclusions:

Mixed-method recovery interventions (CWI and CG) used after tennis sessions increased ensuing time in play and lower-body power and reduced perceived soreness. Furthermore, sleep-hygiene recommendations helped reduce perceived soreness.
Rapid Reductions in North Atlantic Deep Water During the Peak of the Last Interglacial Period
Authors: Galaasen Eirik Vinje , Ninnemann Ulysses S. , Irvalı Nil , Kleiven Helga (Kikki) F. , Rosenthal Yair , Kissel Catherine , Hodell David A.
Published: February 2014

Limited Stability

Deep ocean circulation is thought to be stable during warm, interglacial periods.

Galaasen
et al.

(p.
1129
, published online 20 February) constructed a highly resolved record of North Atlantic Deep Water production during the last interglacial period, around 128,000 to 116,000 years ago. The findings reveal large, centennial-scale reductions—in contrast to the prevailing paradigm. These changes occurred in an ocean warmer than that of today, but in a temperature regime similar to that expected because of global warming, raising the possibility that future ocean circulation, regional climate, and CO
2
sequestration pathways could be impacted.
Draft Genome Sequence of Salmonella enterica subsp.
enterica
Serovar Gallinarum Biovar Pullorum Strain FCAV198, a Brazilian Chicken Pathogen
Authors: Batista Diego F. A. , Freitas Neto Oliveiro C. , Leite Laura R. , Varani Alessandro M. , Araujo Flavio M. G. , Salim Anna , Almeida Adriana M. , Ribeiro Simone A. M. , Oliveira Guilherme C. , Barrow Paul A. , Berchieri Junior Angelo
Published: February 2014

Salmonella enterica
subsp.
enterica
serovar Gallinarum biovar Pullorum is a bird-restricted pathogen which causes pullorum disease. The strain FCAV198 was isolated from a pool of chicken ovaries in Brazil, and its genome may be helpful for studies involving molecular mechanisms related to pathogenesis and other related applications.
Draft Genome Sequence of Arcobacter cibarius Strain LMG21996
T
, Isolated from Broiler Carcasses
Authors: Adam Zaky , Whiteduck-Leveillee Kerri , Cloutier Michel , Chen Wen , Lewis Christopher T. , Lévesque C. André , Topp Edward , Lapen David R. , Tambong James T. , Talbot Guylaine , Khan Izhar U. H.
Published: February 2014

The draft genome sequence of
Arcobacter cibarius
strain LMG21996
T
, isolated from chicken carcasses, is reported here. The draft genome consists of 2.2 Mbp, with a 27.12% G+C content. A total of 2,179 protein-coding genes, 46 tRNA genes, and 15 rRNAs have been identified and annotated.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Haloacid-Degrading Burkholderia caribensis Strain MBA4
Authors: Pan Yanling , Kong Ka Fai , Tsang Jimmy S. H.
Published: February 2014

Burkholderia caribensis
MBA4 was isolated from soil for its ability to utilize 2-haloacid. An inducible haloacid operon, encoding a dehalogenase and a permease, is mainly responsible for the biotransformation. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of this strain.
Draft Genome Sequence of Multidrug-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Strain MMC4, Isolated from a Patient in Tennessee
Authors: Mandape Sammed N. , Marshall Dana R. , Dent L. Leon , Pratap Siddharth
Published: February 2014

Acinetobacter baumannii
multidrug-resistant strain MMC4 was isolated from a bronchoalveolar lavage fluid sample from a patient in Nashville, TN, USA. Here, we report a draft genome sequence with a size of 3,985,367 bp, an average G+C content of 39.8%, and 3,863 predicted protein-coding sequences.
Genome Sequence of Staphylococcus aureus Strain LCT-SA67, a Space Flight Strain with Altered Carbon Source Utilization Properties
Authors: Wang Junfeng , Li Yinhu , Guo Jun , Zhang Xuelin , Guo Yinghua , Chang De , Li Tianzhi , Xu Guogang , Dai Wenkui , Liu Changting
Published: February 2014

An increasing number of studies have confirmed that space flight environments can have a significant effect on a variety of microbial properties. To explore the effect of these environments on
Staphylococcus aureus
, we present the draft genome sequence of an
S. aureus
strain, named LCT-SA67, which was isolated after space flight.
Draft Genome Sequence of Highly Nematicidal Bacillus thuringiensis DB27
Authors: Iatsenko Igor , Corton Craig , Pickard Derek J. , Dougan Gordon , Sommer Ralf J.
Published: February 2014

Here, we report the genome sequence of nematicidal
Bacillus thuringiensis
DB27, which provides first insights into the genetic determinants of its pathogenicity to nematodes. The genome consists of a 5.7-Mb chromosome and seven plasmids, three of which contain genes encoding nematicidal proteins.
Genome Sequence of Enterococcus faecium Strain LCT-EF297, Which Has Specific Biochemical Features
Authors: An Li , Li Yinhu , Chen Zhenhong , Chang De , Zhang Xuelin , Guo Yinghua , Wang Junfeng , Li Tianzhi , Dai Wenkui , Liu Changting
Published: February 2014

An
Enterococcus faecium
strain was sent into space on the Shenzhou-VIII craft. After space flight, the strain
E. faecium
LCT-EF297 was selected based on its metabolic properties.
Draft Genome Sequence of Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhi Strain STH2370
Authors: Valenzuela Camila , Ugalde Juan A. , Mora Guido C. , Álvarez Sergio , Contreras Inés , Santiviago Carlos A.
Published: February 2014

We report the draft genome sequence of
Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhi strain STH2370, isolated from a typhoid fever patient in Santiago, Chile. This clinical isolate has been used as the reference wild-type strain in numerous studies conducted in our laboratories during the last 15 years.
Whole-Genome Sequence of Ralstonia solanacearum P673, a Strain Capable of Infecting Tomato Plants at Low Temperatures
Authors: Bocsanczy Ana M. , Huguet-Tapia Jose C. , Norman David J.
Published: February 2014

Ralstonia solanacearum
is the causal agent of bacterial wilt, one of the most destructive bacterial plant diseases. We present the whole-genome sequence of the strain P673 (phylotype IIB, sequevar 4). This strain is capable of producing disease in tomato plants at low temperatures. P673 has 311 unique genes.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Extreme Thermophile Dictyoglomus thermophilum H-6-12
Authors: Coil David A. , Badger Jonathan H. , Forberger Heather C. , Riggs Florenta , Madupu Ramana , Fedorova Nadia , Ward Naomi , Robb Frank T. , Eisen Jonathan A.
Published: February 2014

Here, we present the complete genome of the extreme thermophile,
Dictyoglomus thermophilum
H-6-12 (phylum
Dictyoglomi
), which consists of 1,959,987 bp.
Draft Genome Sequence of Lactobacillus crispatus 2029
Authors: Karlyshev Andrey V. , Melnikov Vyacheslav G. , Khlebnikov Valentin C. , Abramov Vyacheslav M.
Published: February 2014

This report describes a draft genome sequence of
Lactobacillus crispatus
2029. The reads generated by the Ion Torrent PGM were assembled into contigs with a total size of 2.2 Mb. The data were annotated using the NCBI GenBank and RAST servers. A comparison with the reference strain revealed specific features of the genome.
A GIS-based spatiotemporal analysis of violent trauma hotspots in Vancouver, Canada: identification, contextualisation and intervention
Authors: Walker Blake Byron , Schuurman Nadine , Hameed S Morad
Published: February 2014

Background

In 2002, the WHO declared interpersonal violence to be a leading public health problem. Previous research demonstrates that urban spaces with a high incidence of violent trauma (hotspots) correlate with features of built environment and social determinants. However, there are few studies that analyse injury data across the axes of both space and time to characterise injury–environment relationships. This paper describes a spatiotemporal analysis of violent injuries in Vancouver, Canada, from 2001 to 2008.

Methods

Using geographic information systems, 575 violent trauma incidents were mapped and analysed using kernel density estimation to identify hotspot locations. Patterns between space, time, victim age and sex and mechanism of injury were investigated with an exploratory approach.

Results

Several patterns in space and time were identified and described, corresponding to distinct neighbourhood characteristics. Violent trauma hotspots were most prevalent in Vancouver's nightclub district on Friday and Saturday nights, with higher rates in the most socioeconomically deprived neighbourhoods. Victim sex, age and mechanism of injury also formed strong patterns. Three neighbourhood profiles are presented using the dual axis of space/time to describe the hotspot environments.

Conclusions

This work posits the value of exploratory spatial data analysis using geographic information systems in trauma epidemiology studies and further suggests that using both space and time concurrently to understand urban environmental correlates of injury provides a more granular or higher resolution picture of risk. We discuss implications for injury prevention and control, focusing on education, regulation, the built environment and injury surveillance.
Does neonatal pain management in intensive care units differ between night and day? An observational study
Authors: Guedj Romain , Danan Claude , Daoud Patrick , Zupan Véronique , Renolleau Sylvain , Zana Elodie , Aizenfisz Sophie , Lapillonne Alexandre , de Saint Blanquat Laure , Granier Michèle , Durand Philippe , Castela Florence , Coursol Anne , Hubert Philippe , Cimerman Patricia , Anand K J S , Khoshnood Babak , Carbajal Ricardo
Published: February 2014

Objective

To determine whether analgesic use for painful procedures performed in neonates in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) differs during nights and days and during each of the 6 h period of the day.

Design

Conducted as part of the prospective observational Epidemiology of Painful Procedures in Neonates study which was designed to collect in real time and around-the-clock bedside data on all painful or stressful procedures.

Setting

13 NICUs and paediatric intensive care units in the Paris Region, France.

Participants

All 430 neonates admitted to the participating units during a 6-week period between September 2005 and January 2006.

Data collection

During the first 14 days of admission, data were collected on all painful procedures and analgesic therapy. The five most frequent procedures representing 38 012 of all 42 413 (90%) painful procedures were analysed.

Intervention

Observational study.

Main outcome assessment

We compared the use of specific analgesic for procedures performed during each of the 6 h period of a day: morning (7:00 to 12:59), afternoon, early night and late night and during daytime (morning+afternoon) and night-time (early night+late night).

Results

7724 of 38 012 (20.3%) painful procedures were carried out with a specific analgesic treatment. For morning, afternoon, early night and late night, respectively, the use of analgesic was 25.8%, 18.9%, 18.3% and 18%. The relative reduction of analgesia was 18.3%, p<0.01, between daytime and night-time and 28.8%, p<0.001, between morning and the rest of the day. Parental presence, nurses on 8 h shifts and written protocols for analgesia were associated with a decrease in this difference.

Conclusions

The substantial differences in the use of analgesics around-the-clock may be questioned on quality of care grounds.
Value of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein assays in predicting atrial fibrillation recurrence: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yo Chia-Hung , Lee Si-Huei , Chang Shy-Shin , Lee Matthew Chien-Hung , Lee Chien-Chang
Published: February 2014

Objectives

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies on high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) assays to see whether these tests are predictive of atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence after cardioversion.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Data sources

PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane databases as well as a hand search of the reference lists in the retrieved articles from inception to December 2013.

Study eligibility criteria

This review selected observational studies in which the measurements of serum CRP were used to predict AF recurrence. An hs-CRP assay was defined as any CRP test capable of measuring serum CRP to below 0.6 mg/dL.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

We summarised test performance characteristics with the use of forest plots, hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic curves and bivariate random effects models. Meta-regression analysis was performed to explore the source of heterogeneity.

Results

We included nine qualifying studies comprising a total of 347 patients with AF recurrence and 335 controls. A CRP level higher than the optimal cut-off point was an independent predictor of AF recurrence after cardioversion (summary adjusted OR: 3.33; 95% CI 2.10 to 5.28). The estimated pooled sensitivity and specificity for hs-CRP was 71.0% (95% CI 63% to 78%) and 72.0% (61% to 81%), respectively. Most studies used a CRP cut-off point of 1.9 mg/L to predict long-term AF recurrence (77% sensitivity, 65% specificity), and 3 mg/L to predict short-term AF recurrence (73% sensitivity, 71% specificity).

Conclusions

hs-CRP assays are moderately accurate in predicting AF recurrence after successful cardioversion.
Minimum return dilution method to regulate discharge of brine from desalination plants
Authors: Ahmad Nadeem , Baddour Raouf E.
Published: February 2014

The mixing zone approach in regulating the discharge of brine and other toxic dense discharges has many limitations when applied in environmentally sensitive areas. A well-defined minimum return dilution is advocated in this study as an alternative method to regulate the disposal of brine and other toxic dense discharges. This study examined experimentally the development and dilution of turbulent vertical dense jets (or fountains) at small Froude numbers. The study complements an earlier larger Froude number investigation. The mean and fluctuating temperature fields were measured with fast responding thermocouples, and an emphasis was given to the minimum return dilution, which occurred just outside the edge of the discharge pipe. The study has revealed that at small Froude numbers (Fr < 5) the normalized minimum dilution, μmin/Fr, decreased linearly with the Froude number and it became constant only at larger Froude numbers (Fr > 7). Simple design equations for the calculations of minimum return dilution and maximum excess temperature and salinity at the level of the source are provided for small and large Froude number regimes. This study also recognized the advantage of using a vertical discharge configuration (inclination θ = 90o with horizontal) as opposed to an inclined configuration (0o ≤ θ < 90o) when discharging brine into water environments. The inclined discharge configuration has the potential of producing higher concentrations of brine and temperature near the source when ambient currents are in a direction opposite to the discharge.
Experimental study of flood diversion in the middle and lower Han River, China
Authors: Zhang Jun-hong , Yu Ming-hui
Published: February 2014

River flood control plays an important and essential role to prevent the loss of life and property along the riverbank. This study designed a bend flume experiment to investigate the effects of flood diversion in the middle and lower of Han River using the method of passive control. The diversion breach evolution and the relations between the diversion flow through the breach and the influencing factors were analyzed. Four stages of the entire flood diversion process of non-cohesive dikes, namely overtopping, groove formation, breach stretching and stability stages, were proposed. The research results indicated that the particle size had an obvious effect on the erosion rate during the initial flood diversion, and little influence on the maximum diversion discharge. In addition, the water head between the inside and outside of river had a significant effect on the initial flow diversion. The greater the water head, the greater the diversion discharge that occurs.