bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quicksilver Solutions of a q‐Difference First Painlevé Equation
Authors: Joshi Nalini
Published: October 2014

In this paper, we present new, unstable solutions, which we call quicksilver solutions, of a q‐difference Painlevé equation in the limit as the independent variable approaches infinity. The specific equation we consider in this paper is a discrete version of the first Painlevé equation (qPI), whose phase space (space of initial values) is a rational surface of type . We describe four families of almost stationary behaviors, but focus on the most complicated case, which is the vanishing solution. We derive this solution's formal power series expansion, describe the growth of its coefficients, and show that, while the series is divergent, there exist true analytic solutions asymptotic to such a series in a certain q‐domain. The method, while demonstrated for qPI, is also applicable to other q‐difference Painlevé equations.
Lipocalin‐2 Promotes M1 Macrophages Polarization in a Mouse Cardiac Ischaemia–Reperfusion Injury Model
Authors: Cheng L. , Xing H. , Mao X. , Li L. , Li X. , Li Q.
Published: October 2014

Ischaemia–reperfusion (IR) injury is a major issue in cardiac transplantation. Inflammatory processes play a major role in myocardial IR injury. Lipocalin‐2 (Lcn2), which is also known as neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin, has multiple functions that include the regulation of cell death/survival, cell migration/invasion, cell differentiation and iron delivery. In our study, the hearts of C57BL/6 mice were flushed with and stored in cold Bretschneider solution for 8 h and then transplanted into a syngeneic recipient. We found that Lcn2 neutralization decreased the recruitment of neutrophils and macrophages. Troponin T (TnT) production, 24 h after myocardial IR injury, was reduced through anti‐Lcn2 antibody administration. The cardiac output at 60 mmHg of afterload pressure was significantly increased in hearts administrated with anti‐Lcn2 antibody administration (anti‐Lcn‐2: 58.9 ± 5.62 ml/min; control: 25.8 ± 4.1 ml/min; P < 0.05). Anti‐Lcn2 antibody treatment suppressed M1 marker (IL‐12, IL‐23 and iNOS) expression but increased M2 marker (IL‐10, Arg1 and Mrc1) expression. Furthermore, in our vitro and vivo experiments, we found that anti‐Lcn2 antibody treatment failed to induce M1‐related gene expression in response to LPS and that Lcn2 neutralization enhanced the expression of M2‐related genes following IL‐4 treatment. In conclusion, Lcn2 promotes M1 polarization, and Lcn2 neutralization attenuates cardiac IR injury.
Migration Background and Voting Behavior in Switzerland: A Socio‐Psychological Explanation
Authors: Strijbis Oliver
Published: October 2014

Research on electoral choices of citizens with migration background has remained largely descriptive. What is missing is a systematic test of theories that can explain individuals with migration background's voting behavior. This article provides such a test on the basis of a post‐electoral survey from the 2011 Swiss general election. It is the first study on the electoral behavior of the first and second generation in Switzerland. And it shows that specific migration background impacts considerably on vote choice. In particular, individuals with migration background belonging to outgroups have a higher propensity to vote for the Left than natives. This relationship is partly explained by the party identifications adopted by the citizens with migration background belonging to outgroups.
Combined correlation‐based network and mQTL analyses efficiently identified loci for branched‐chain amino acid, serine to threonine, and proline metabolism in tomato seeds
Authors: Toubiana David , Batushansky Albert , Tzfadia Oren , Scossa Federico , Khan Asif , Barak Simon , Zamir Daniel , Fernie Alisdair Robert , Nikoloski Zoran , Fait Aaron
Published: October 2014

Correlation‐based network analysis (CNA) of the metabolic profiles of seeds of a tomato introgression line mapping population revealed a clique of proteinogenic amino acids: Gly, Ile, Pro, Ser, Thr, and Val. Correlations between profiles of these amino acids exhibited a statistically significant average correlation coefficient of 0.84 as compared with an average correlation coefficient of 0.39 over the 16 119 other metabolite cliques containing six metabolites. In silico removal of cliques was used to quantify their importance in determining seminal network properties, highlighting the strong effects of the amino acid clique. Quantitative trait locus analysis revealed co‐localization for the six amino acids on chromosome 2, 4 and 10. Sequence analysis identified a unique set of 10 genes on chromosome 2 only, which were associated with amino acid metabolism and specifically the metabolism of Ser‐Gly and their conversion into branched‐chain amino acids. Metabolite profiling of a set of sublines, with introgressions on chromosome 2, identified a significant change in the abundance of the six amino acids in comparison with M82. Expression analysis of candidate genes affecting Ser metabolism matched the observation from the metabolite data, suggesting a coordinated behavior of the level of these amino acids at the genetic level. Analysis of transcription factor binding sites in the promoter regions of the identified genes suggested combinatorial response to light and the circadian clock.
Simultaneous dermal matrix and autologous split‐thickness skin graft transplantation in a porcine wound model: A three‐dimensional histological analysis of revascularization
Authors: Wiedner Maria , Tinhofer Ines E. , Kamolz Lars‐Peter , Seyedian Moghaddam Atieh , Justich Ivo , Liegl‐Atzwanger Bernadette , Bubalo Vladimir , Weninger Wolfgang J. , Lumenta David B.
Published: October 2014

Despite the popularity of a simultaneous application of dermal matrices and split‐thickness skin grafts, scarce evidence exists about the process of revascularization involved. In this study, we aimed at analyzing the progression of revascularization by high‐resolution episcopic microscopy (HREM) in a porcine excisional wound model. Following the surgical procedure creating 5 × 5 cm2 full‐thickness defects on the back, one area was covered with an autologous split‐thickness skin graft alone (control group), the other with a collagen–elastin dermal matrix plus split‐thickness skin graft (dermal matrix group). Two skin biopsies per each group and location were performed on day 5, 10, 15, and 28 postoperatively and separately processed for H&E as well as HREM. The dermal layer was thicker in the dermal matrix group vs. control on day 5 and 28. No differences were found for revascularization by conventional histology. In HREM, the dermal matrix did not appear to decelerate the revascularization process. The presence of the dermal matrix could be distinguished until day 15. By day 28, the structure of the dermal matrix could no longer be delineated and was replaced by autologous tissue. As assessed by conventional histology and confirmed by HREM, the revascularization process was comparable in both groups, notably with regard to the vertical ingrowth of sprouting vessels. The presented technique of HREM is a valuable addition for analyzing small vessel sprouting in dermal matrices in the future.
Roles and post‐translational regulation of cardiac class IIa histone deacetylase isoforms
Authors: Weeks Kate L. , Avkiran Metin
Published: October 2014

Cardiomyocyte hypertrophy is an integral component of pathological cardiac remodelling in response to mechanical and chemical stresses in settings such as chronic hypertension or myocardial infarction. For hypertrophy to ensue, the pertinent mechanical and chemical signals need to be transmitted from membrane sensors (such as receptors for neurohormonal mediators) to the cardiomyocyte nucleus, leading to altered transcription of the genes that regulate cell growth. In recent years, nuclear histone deacetylases (HDACs) have attracted considerable attention as signal‐responsive, distal regulators of the transcriptional reprogramming that in turn precipitates cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, with particular focus on the role of members of the class IIa family, such as HDAC4 and HDAC5. These histone deacetylase isoforms appear to repress cardiomyocyte hypertrophy through mechanisms that involve protein interactions in the cardiomyocyte nucleus, particularly with pro‐hypertrophic transcription factors, rather than via histone deacetylation. In contrast, evidence indicates that class I HDACs promote cardiomyocyte hypertrophy through mechanisms that are dependent on their enzymatic activity and thus sensitive to pharmacological HDAC inhibitors. Although considerable progress has been made in understanding the roles of post‐translational modifications (PTMs) such as phosphorylation, oxidation and proteolytic cleavage in regulating class IIa HDAC localisation and function, more work is required to explore the contributions of other PTMs, such as ubiquitination and sumoylation, as well as potential cross‐regulatory interactions between distinct PTMs and between class IIa and class I HDAC isoforms.
Human cerebrospinal fluid increases the excitability of pyramidal neurons in the in vitro brain slice
Authors: Bjorefeldt Andreas , Andreasson Ulf , Daborg Jonny , Riebe Ilse , Wasling Pontus , Zetterberg Henrik , Hanse Eric
Published: October 2014

Key points

The cerebrospinal fluid contains numerous neuromodulators at ambient levels but whether, and how, they affect the activity of central neurons is unknown.

This study provides experimental evidence that human cerebrospinal fluid (hCSF) increases the excitability of hippocampal and neocortical pyramidal neurons.

Hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons in hCSF displayed lowered firing thresholds, depolarized resting membrane potentials and reduced input resistance, mimicking properties of pyramidal neurons recorded in vivo.

The excitability‐increasing effect of hCSF on CA1 pyramidal neurons was entirely occluded by intracellular application of GTPγS, suggesting that neuromodulatory effects were mediated by G‐protein coupled receptors.

These results indicate that the CSF promotes spontaneous excitatory neuronal activity, and may help to explain observed differences in the activity of pyramidal neurons recorded in vivo and in vitro.

The composition of brain extracellular fluid is shaped by a continuous exchange of substances between the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and interstitial fluid. The CSF is known to contain a wide range of endogenous neuromodulatory substances, but their collective influence on neuronal activity has been poorly investigated. We show here that replacing artificial CSF (aCSF), routinely used for perfusion of brain slices in vitro, with human CSF (hCSF) powerfully boosts spontaneous firing of CA1, CA3 and layer 5 pyramidal neurons in the rat brain slice. CA1 pyramidal neurons in hCSF display lowered firing thresholds, more depolarized resting membrane potentials and reduced input resistance, mimicking properties of pyramidal neurons recorded in vivo. The increased excitability of CA1 pyramidal neurons was completely occluded by intracellular application of GTPγS, suggesting that endogenous neuromodulators in hCSF act on G‐protein coupled receptors to enhance excitability. We found no increase in spontaneous inhibitory synaptic transmission by hCSF, indicating a differential effect on glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons. Our findings highlight a previously unknown function of the CSF in promoting spontaneous excitatory activity, and may help to explain differences observed in the activity of pyramidal neurons recorded in vivo and in vitro.
Importance of workplace knowledge and graduate resilience
Authors: Dunphy Jillian L
Published: October 2014

Background: Universities strive to improve healthcare by educating future healthcare professionals. This strategy assumes graduates will be able to effectively implement new practices and act as change agents within their professions. However, graduates are likely to encounter numerous barriers to change. Aim: To identify graduate attributes and educational opportunities that may increase Australian healthcare professionals’ capacity to be change agents. Method: Iterative thematic qualitative analysis of interviews with 64 healthcare professionals and educators. Results: Healthcare graduates face numerous barriers to implementing change within their professional contexts. Interviewees reasoned that by explicitly discussing coping strategies and common barriers to change, graduates will be better prepared to implement novel practices and aspects of professionalism. Curricula could include mindfulness, reflective practice, self-management, professional burn-out, workplace cultures, organisational structures, dominant professional paradigms and common professional practice. The importance of such curricula is discussed in the context of healthcare education for natural and social sustainability. Conclusions: A fundamental goal of tertiary healthcare degrees is to improve future professional practice through the education of students. Designing curricula to enhance students’ capacity to act as change agents would assist this endeavour. Informed by their professional experiences, interviewees asserted that resilience and workplace knowledge are key graduate attributes that will enhance graduates’ capacity to implement change within the healthcare sector. Keywords: allied health, nursing education, organisational change, organisational culture, organisational structure, professional burnout, professional education, professional power, psychological resilience.
Medical student and patient language congruence: Impact on clinical learning and communication
Authors: Hamilton J , Chung C , Yasin S
Published: October 2014

Language congruence between practitioner and patient is a key influence on clinical communication. It influences not only the quality of communication in terms of information transferral but also the capacity of practitioners to establish rapport and maintain culturally-appropriate interactions. This article reports on a qualitative interview study using thematic analysis conducted with final-year medical students of Monash University's Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences in Malaysia. It investigated their perceptions of how the different languages used in communicating with patients influenced clinical interactions, as well as the nature of their learning within the clinical environment. Within the clinical learning settings investigated, many of the students and patients were multi-lingual, and both the students and patients varied considerably in their proficiency in the national language, Bahasa Malaysia, as well as in English. The study found that students perceived that the language used for consultation influenced clinical communication in a variety of ways, including the capacity to establish rapport, the approach to questioning, the amount and type of information elicited from patients and the ability of the students to express ideas and information with sensitivity. In turn, these factors had an impact on clinical learning, influencing, for example, patient expectations and behaviour. In some cases, particularly where there was a lack of alignment between perceived shared ethnicity and language congruence, it even had an impact on medical student “access” to patients. The paper explores some implications of these factors for clinical learning.
Learning through narrative writing: Medical students talk to patients in a hospice
Authors: McKinlay E , Donnelly S
Published: October 2014

Aim: This study examined how medical students use narrative writing as a pedagogical tool to process the experience of talking with patients at end-of-life and express what they have learnt. Background: There are a variety of ways that medical students are nd:taught about communicating with patients at end-of-life, including talking directly with patients.Method: Eighty-nine students opted to have their narrative essays retained for research after the academic year was completed. Thirty essays were chosen as representative for the dataset. Charmaz’s constructivist grounded theory methodology was adopted, with theoretical sensitivity used to test categories and theoretical concepts of emerging theory. Results: Narrative writing articulates a learning moment co-created by the medical student, teacher and dying patient. A theory of “learning through narrative” is put forward, with the categories of tension, challenge and growth being identifiable in the students’ essays. Conclusion: In this context, narrative writing, as a pedagogical tool, assists students to understand both the patient and themselves. For most students, this is a challenging experience. They integrate past experience and articulate transformational learning to teachers who in turn are able to monitor the safety of learning. Narrative writing enables students to resolve initial tension, gain insights, describe new skills as well as grow personally and professionally.
Debating the issue: Using university student debates to facilitate active student engagement in sport and exercise science
Authors: Sealey R M , Crowe M J
Published: October 2014

“Debate refers to the process of considering multiple viewpoints and arriving at a judgment” (Kennedy, 2007, p. 1). The team with the most persuasive argument usually wins the debate. Class debates “involve active and cooperative learning, stimulate critical thinking and student interest, facilitate discussion and can improve oral communication skills” (Budesheim & Lundquist, 1999, p. 106). Debates are useful when discussing subjects that have no definitive answer, or that may be obscured by fallacies or media jargon. In addition, by assigning students the position they will argue, the teacher may eliminate student discomfort with arguing a controversial topic. The aim of this project was to document the process of using topic-based debates in sport and exercise science higher education curriculum and to report subsequent student perceptions of the effectiveness of the debates with respect to improving and facilitating the acquisition of generic skills.
A new online detector for estimation of peripheral neutron equivalent dose in organ
Authors: Irazola L. , Lorenzoli M. , Bedogni R. , Pola A. , Terrón J. A. , Sanchez‐Nieto B. , Expósito M. R. , Lagares J. I. , Sansaloni F. , Sanchez‐Doblado F.
Published: October 2014

Purpose:

Peripheral dose in radiotherapy treatments represents a potential source of secondary neoplasic processes. As in the last few years, there has been a fast‐growing concern on neutron collateral effects, this work focuses on this component. A previous established methodology to estimate peripheral neutron equivalent doses relied on passive (TLD, CR39) neutron detectors exposed in‐phantom, in parallel to an active [static random access memory (SRAMnd)] thermal neutron detector exposed ex‐phantom. A newly miniaturized, quick, and reliable active thermal neutron detector (TNRD, Thermal Neutron Rate Detector) was validated for both procedures. This first miniaturized active system eliminates the long postprocessing, required for passive detectors, giving thermal neutron fluences in real time.

Methods:

To validate TNRD for the established methodology, intrinsic characteristics, characterization of 4 facilities [to correlate monitor value (MU) with risk], and a cohort of 200 real patients (for second cancer risk estimates) were evaluated and compared with the well‐established SRAMnd device. Finally, TNRD was compared to TLD pairs for 3 generic radiotherapy treatments through 16 strategic points inside an anthropomorphic phantom.

Results:

The performed tests indicate similar linear dependence with dose for both detectors, TNRD and SRAMnd, while a slightly better reproducibility has been obtained for TNRD (1.7% vs 2.2%). Risk estimates when delivering 1000 MU are in good agreement between both detectors (mean deviation of TNRD measurements with respect to the ones of SRAMnd is 0.07 cases per 1000, with differences always smaller than 0.08 cases per 1000). As far as the in‐phantom measurements are concerned, a mean deviation smaller than 1.7% was obtained.

Conclusions:

The results obtained indicate that direct evaluation of equivalent dose estimation in organs, both in phantom and patients, is perfectly feasible with this new detector. This will open the door to an easy implementation of specific peripheral neutron dose models for any type of treatment and facility.
Does administering iodine in radiological procedures increase patient doses?
Authors: He Wenjun , Huda Walter , Mah Eugene , Yao Hai
Published: October 2014

Purpose:

The authors investigated the changes in the pattern of energy deposition in tissue equivalent phantoms following the introduction of iodinated contrast media.

Methods:

The phantom consisted of a small “contrast sphere,” filled with water or iodinated contrast, located at the center of a 28 cm diameter water sphere. Monte Carlo simulations were performed usingmcnp5codes, validated by simulating irradiations with analytical solutions. Monoenergetic x‐rays ranging from 35 to 150 keV were used to simulate exposures to spheres containing contrast agent with iodine concentrations ranging from 1 to 100 mg/ml. Relative values of energy imparted to the contrast sphere, as well as to the whole phantom, were calculated. Changes in patterns of energy deposition around the contrast sphere were also investigated.

Results:

Small contrast spheres can increase local absorbed dose by a factor of 13, but the corresponding increase in total energy absorbed was negligible (<1%). The highest localized dose increases were found to occur at incident photon energies of about 60 keV. For a concentration of about 10 mg/ml, typical of clinical practice, localized absorbed doses were generally increased by about a factor of two. At this concentration of 10 mg/ml, the maximum increase in total energy deposition in the phantom was only 6%. These simulations demonstrated that increases in contrast sphere doses were offset by corresponding dose reductions at distal and posterior locations.

Conclusions:

Adding iodine can result in values of localized absorbed dose increasing by more than an order of magnitude, but the total energy deposition is generally very modest (i.e., <10%). Their data show that adding iodine primarily changes the pattern of energy deposition in the irradiated region, rather than increasing patient doses per se.
Parity-time–symmetric microring lasers
Authors: Hodaei Hossein , Miri Mohammad-Ali , Heinrich Matthias , Christodoulides Demetrios N. , Khajavikhan Mercedeh
Published: October 2014

The ability to control the modes oscillating within a laser resonator is of fundamental importance. In general, the presence of competing modes can be detrimental to beam quality and spectral purity, thus leading to spatial as well as temporal fluctuations in the emitted radiation. We show that by harnessing notions from parity-time (PT) symmetry, stable single–longitudinal mode operation can be readily achieved in a system of coupled microring lasers. The selective breaking of PT symmetry can be used to systematically enhance the maximum attainable output power in the desired mode. This versatile concept is inherently self-adapting and facilitates mode selectivity over a broad bandwidth without the need for other additional intricate components. Our experimental findings provide the possibility to develop synthetic optical devices and structures with enhanced functionality.
Strategies for containing Ebola in West Africa
Authors: Pandey Abhishek , Atkins Katherine E. , Medlock Jan , Wenzel Natasha , Townsend Jeffrey P. , Childs James E. , Nyenswah Tolbert G. , Ndeffo-Mbah Martial L. , Galvani Alison P.
Published: October 2014

The ongoing Ebola outbreak poses an alarming risk to the countries of West Africa and beyond. To assess the effectiveness of containment strategies, we developed a stochastic model of Ebola transmission between and within the general community, hospitals, and funerals, calibrated to incidence data from Liberia. We find that a combined approach of case isolation, contact-tracing with quarantine, and sanitary funeral practices must be implemented with utmost urgency in order to reverse the growth of the outbreak. As of 19 September, under status quo, our model predicts that the epidemic will continue to spread, generating a predicted 224 (134 to 358) daily cases by 1 December, 280 (184 to 441) by 15 December, and 348 (249 to 545) by 30 December.
A Novel
Anelloviridae
Species Detected in
Tadarida brasiliensis
Bats: First Sequence of a Chiropteran
Anellovirus
Authors: Cibulski Samuel Paulo , Teixeira Thais Fumaco , de Sales Lima Francisco Esmaile , do Santos Helton Fernandes , Franco Ana Claudia , Roehe Paulo Michel
Published: October 2014

Using metagenomic approaches, we identified a novel Torque teno virus from Brazilian free-tailed bats (
Tadarida brasiliensis
) (TT-TbV). The TT-TbV genome and deduced protein sequences share extremely low identity with known anelloviruses. Due to a high degree of phylogenetic divergence, such putative virus could not be allocated into any
Anelloviridae
genera.
Genome Sequence of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens GB03, an Active Ingredient of the First Commercial Biological Control Product
Authors: Choi Soo-Keun , Jeong Haeyoung , Kloepper Joseph W. , Ryu Choong-Min
Published: October 2014

Bacillus amyloliquefaciens
GB03 has been used as a representative commercialized strain of the bacilli for biological control against a broad spectrum of plant pathogens and as a bio-fertilizer to promote growth and yield of field crops for more than two decades. Herein, we present the genome sequence and a brief analysis of strain GB03.
First Fully Closed Genome Sequence of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica Serovar Cubana Associated with a Food-Borne Outbreak
Authors: Hoffmann Maria , Muruvanda Tim , Pirone Cary , Korlach Jonas , Timme Ruth , Payne Justin , Evans Peter , Meng Jianghong , Brown Eric W. , Allard Marc W.
Published: October 2014

Salmonella enterica
subsp.
enterica
serovar Cubana (
Salmonella
serovar Cubana) is associated with human and animal disease. Here, we used third-generation, single-molecule, real-time DNA sequencing to determine the first complete genome sequence of
Salmonella
serovar Cubana CFSAN002050, which was isolated from fresh alfalfa sprouts during a multistate outbreak in 2012.
Genome Sequence of Vibrio cholerae Strain O1 Ogawa El Tor, Isolated in Mexico, 2013
Authors: Díaz-Quiñonez José Alberto , Hernández-Monroy Irma , López-Martínez Irma , Ortiz-Alcántara Joanna , González-Durán Elizabeth , Ruiz-Matus Cuitláhuac , Kuri-Morales Pablo , Ramírez-González José Ernesto
Published: October 2014

We present the draft genome sequence of
Vibrio cholerae
InDRE 3140 recovered in 2013 during a cholera outbreak in Mexico. The genome showed the
Vibrio
7th pandemic islands VSP1 and VSP2, the pathogenic islands VPI-1 and VPI-2, the integrative and conjugative element SXT/R391 (ICE-SXT), and both prophages CTXφ and RS1φ.
Patient-centered care, collaboration, communication, and coordination: a report from AMIA's 2013 Policy Meeting
Authors: Flatley Brennan Patti , Valdez Rupa , Alexander Greg , Arora Shifali , Bernstam Elmer V , Edmunds Margo , Kirienko Nikolai , Martin Ross D , Sim Ida , Skiba Diane , Rosenbloom Trent
Published: October 2014

In alignment with a major shift toward patient-centered care as the model for improving care in our health system, informatics is transforming patient–provider relationships and overall care delivery. AMIA's 2013 Health Policy Invitational was focused on examining existing challenges surrounding full engagement of the patient and crafting a research agenda and policy framework encouraging the use of informatics solutions to achieve this goal. The group tackled this challenge from educational, technical, and research perspectives. Recommendations include the need for consumer education regarding rights to data access, the need for consumers to access their health information in real time, and further research on effective methods to engage patients. This paper summarizes the meeting as well as the research agenda and policy recommendations prioritized among the invited experts and stakeholders.
Right-sided Bochdalek hernia causing septic ureteric obstruction. Percutaneous treatment with placement of a nephroureteral double pigtail
Authors: Hatzidakis Adam , Kozana Androniki , Glaritis Dimitrios , Mamoulakis Charalampos
Published: October 2014

We report a case of an 86-year-old female patient who presented with a septic, right ureteric obstruction, caused by a symptomatic Bochdalek hernia. The patient was initially managed with percutaneous nephrostomy and final treatment was achieved by placement of an external-internal nephroureteral double pigtail.
Evaluation of swabbing methods for estimating the prevalence of bacterial carriage in the upper respiratory tract: a cross sectional study
Authors: Coughtrie A L , Whittaker R N , Begum N , Anderson R , Tuck A , Faust S N , Jefferies J M , Yuen H M , Roderick P J , Mullee M A , Moore M V , Clarke S C
Published: October 2014

Objectives

Bacterial carriage in the upper respiratory tract is usually asymptomatic but can lead to respiratory tract infection (RTI), meningitis and septicaemia. We aimed to provide a baseline measure ofStreptococcus pneumoniae,Moraxella catarrhalis,Pseudomonas aeruginosa,Staphylococcus aureus,Haemophilus influenzaeandNeisseria meningitidiscarriage within the community. Self-swabbing and healthcare professional (HCP) swabbing were compared.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Individuals registered at 20 general practitioner practices within the Wessex Primary Care Research Network South West, UK.

Participants

10 448 individuals were invited to participate; 5394 within a self-swabbing group and 5054 within a HCP swabbing group. Self-swabbing invitees included 2405 individuals aged 0–4 years and 3349 individuals aged ≥5 years. HCP swabbing invitees included 1908 individuals aged 0–4 years and 3146 individuals aged ≥5 years.

Results

1574 (15.1%) individuals participated, 1260 (23.4%, 95% CI 22.3% to 24.5%) undertaking self-swabbing and 314 (6.2%, 95% CI 5.5% to 6.9%) undertaking HCP-led swabbing. Participation was lower in young children and more deprived practice locations. Swab positivity rates were 34.8% (95% CI 32.2% to 37.4%) for self-taken nose swabs (NS), 19% (95% CI 16.8% to 21.2%) for self-taken whole mouth swabs (WMS), 25.2% (95% CI 20.4% to 30%) for nasopharyngeal swabs (NPS) and 33.4% (95% CI 28.2% to 38.6%) for HCP-taken WMS. Carriage rates ofS. aureuswere highest in NS (21.3%).S. pneumoniaecarriage was highest in NS (11%) and NPS (7.4%).M. catarrhaliscarriage was highest in HCP-taken WMS (28.8%).H. influenzaeandP. aeruginosacarriage were similar between swab types.N. meningitidiswas not detected in any swab. Age and recent RTI affected carriage ofS. pneumoniaeandH. influenzae. Participant costs were lower for self-swabbing (£41.21) versus HCP swabbing (£69.66).

Conclusions

Higher participation and lower costs of self-swabbing as well as sensitivity of self-swabbing favour this method for use in large population-based respiratory carriage studies.
Safety and efficacy of antenatal milk expressing for women with diabetes in pregnancy: protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Forster Della A , Jacobs Susan , Amir Lisa H , Davis Peter , Walker Susan P , McEgan Kerri , Opie Gillian , Donath Susan M , Moorhead Anita M , Ford Rachael , McNamara Catharine , Aylward Amanda , Gold Lisa
Published: October 2014

Introduction

Many maternity providers recommend that women with diabetes in pregnancy express and store breast milk in late pregnancy so breast milk is available after birth, given (1) infants of these women are at increased risk of hypoglycaemia in the first 24 h of life; and (2) the delay in lactogenesis II compared with women without diabetes that increases their infant's risk of receiving infant formula. The Diabetes and Antenatal Milk Expressing (DAME) trial will establish whether advising women with diabetes in pregnancy (pre-existing or gestational) to express breast milk from 36 weeks gestation increases the proportion of infants who require admission to special or neonatal intensive care units (SCN/NICU) compared with infants of women receiving standard care. Secondary outcomes include birth gestation, breastfeeding outcomes and economic impact.

Methods and analysis

Women will be recruited from 34 weeks gestation to a multicentre, two arm, unblinded randomised controlled trial. The intervention starts at 36 weeks. Randomisation will be stratified by site, parity and diabetes type. Women allocated to the intervention will be taught expressing and encouraged to hand express twice daily for 10 min and keep an expressing diary. The sample size of 658 (329 per group) will detect a 10% difference in proportion of babies admitted to SCN/NICU (85% power, α 0.05). Data are collected at recruitment (structured questionnaire), after birth (abstracted from medical record blinded to group), and 2 and 12 weeks postpartum (telephone interview).Data analysis:the intervention group will be compared with the standard care group by intention to treat analysis, and the primary outcome compared using χ2and ORs.

Ethics and dissemination

Research ethics approval will be obtained from participating sites. Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented to clinicians, policymakers and study participants.

Trial registration number

Australian Controlled Trials Register ACTRN12611000217909.
iContraception®: a software tool to assist professionals in choosing contraceptive methods according to WHO medical eligibility criteria
Authors: Guisado Lopez Ramón , Ramirez Polo Isabel , Arjona Berral Jose Eduardo , Guisado Fernandez Julia , Castelo-Branco Camil
Published: October 2014

Objective

To design software to assist health care providers with contraceptive counselling.

Methods

The Model-View-Controller software architecture pattern was used. Decision logic was incorporated to automatically compute the safety category of each contraceptive option. Decisions are made according to the specific characteristics or known medical conditions of each potential contraception user. The software is an app designed for the iOS and Android platforms and is available in four languages. iContraception®facilitates presentation of visual data on medical eligibility criteria for contraceptive treatments.

Results

The use of this software was evaluated by a sample of 54 health care providers. The general satisfaction with the use of the app was over 8 on a 0–10 visual analogue scale in 96.3% of cases.

Conclusions

iContraception provides easy access to medical eligibility criteria of contraceptive options and may help with contraceptive counselling.
Effects of construction sequence and cover depth on crossing-tunnel interaction
Authors: Boonyarak Thayanan , Ng Charles W.W.
Published: October 2014

An appropriate construction sequence for crossing tunnels can help minimize the adverse impact on the tunnel that is constructed first (considered as the existing tunnel). However, the influence of construction sequence on crossing-tunnel interaction is complex. Two pairs of three-dimensional centrifuge tests were carried out to investigate the effects of construction sequence on crossing-tunnel interaction. In the first pair of tests, the new tunnel was excavated beneath the existing tunnel in a reference test, while in the other test the new tunnel advanced above the existing tunnel. To study the effects of cover depth on the construction sequence, the depths of the existing and new tunnels were increased in the second pair of tests. An advanced hypoplasticity constitutive model with small-strain stiffness was adopted to back-analyze the tests. The existing tunnel was found to be vertically compressed when the new tunnel was excavated underneath, but vertically elongated when the new tunnel advanced above. This is because the reduction of stress acting on the existing tunnel in the horizontal direction was larger than in the vertical direction when the new tunnel was constructed beneath. On the other hand, the decrease in vertical stress on the existing tunnel was larger than the horizontal stress reduction when the new tunnel was excavated above. This behavior was observed in both pairs of tests, irrespective of the cover depths of the tunnels. As the cover depths of the existing and new tunnels increased, settlement of the existing tunnel due to the new tunnel construction beneath decreased. This is because with the larger cover depths of the tunnels, the increase in mobilized shear stiffness of the soil dominated the increase in stress relief caused by the tunnel excavation.
Kinetics and mechanism of gas-phase reaction of CF3OCH2CH3 (HFE-263) with the OH radical — a theoretical study
Authors: Rao Pradeep Kumar , Singh Hari Ji
Published: October 2014

In the present study, the density functional method with recently developed M06 functionals has been used to study the reaction of CF3OCH2CH3 with the OH radical. All possible hydrogen abstraction and displacement reaction channels have been modeled. The minimum energy path on the respective potential energy surface and energetics were calculated at the M06-2X/6-311++G(d,p) level of theory. Two different reaction mechanisms were considered: (i) reactant and product complexes called the complex mechanism and (ii) the direct mechanism (reactant → transition state → product). Tunneling corrections were made using the Eckart unsymmetrical potential. The overall rate constant calculated by the complex mechanism (keff = 1.8 × 10−13 cm3 molecule−1 s−1) has been found to be in good agreement with the experimentally determined value (1.5 ± 0.25 × 10−13 cm3 molecule−1 s−1), while the rate constant calculated by the direct mechanism (kD = 7.6 × 10−14 cm3 molecule−1 s−1) is about two times lower than the experimental value. The theoretical studies show that hydrogen atom abstraction from the –CH2– site is the most favorable reaction pathway and the reaction involves prereactive and product complexes before leading to stable product formation.
An economic model for integrated roading, yarding, and hauling operations on two alternative harvest unit landings
Authors: Greulich Francis E.
Published: October 2014

This paper presents an economic model for the optimization of a vertically integrated timber harvesting operation. The operations of road construction, timber yarding, and log truck hauling are collectively optimized. The harvest unit has two centralized landings that are to be accessed by truck road from a single existing road takeoff point. The harvest unit is located on level, unvarying terrain with uniformly distributed log turns. Formulas for the optimal yarding boundary between the landings, areas yarded to each landing, and the average yarding distances are derived. These formulas are then used in the bilevel optimization of a vertically integrated timber harvesting operation. Numerical examples are presented and discussed.
Black hole chemistry
Authors: Kubizňák David , Mann Robert B.
Published: October 2014

The mass of a black hole has traditionally been identified with its energy. We describe a new perspective on black hole thermodynamics, one that identifies the mass of a black hole with chemical enthalpy, and the cosmological constant as thermodynamic pressure. This leads to an understanding of black holes from the viewpoint of chemistry, in terms of concepts such as Van der Waals fluids, reentrant phase transitions, and triple points. Both charged and rotating black holes exhibit novel chemical-type phase behaviour, hitherto unseen.
Control of Weierstrass–Mandelbrot Function Model with Morlet Wavelets
Authors: Zhang Li , Liu Shutang , Yu Chenglong
Published: October 2014

A Weierstrass–Mandelbrot function (WMF) model with Morlet wavelets is investigated. Its control relationships are derived quantitatively after proving the convergence of the controlled WMF model. Based on these relationships, it is shown that the scope of the WMF series increases with three parameters of the Morlet wavelets. But other parameters have opposite effect on the scope of the series. The results of simulated examples demonstrate the effectiveness of the control method. Moreover, two statistical characteristics of the series are obtained as the parameters change: One is multifractality of the series of the controlled WMF model, and the other is the Hurst exponent whose value stands for the long-time memory effect on the series.
Controlling Chaos of Hybrid Systems by Variable Threshold Values
Authors: Ito Daisuke , Ueta Tetsushi , Kousaka Takuji , Imura Jun'ichi , Aihara Kazuyuki
Published: October 2014

We try to stabilize unstable periodic orbits embedded in a given chaotic hybrid dynamical system by a perturbation of a threshold value. In conventional chaos control methods, a control input is designed by state-feedback, which is proportional to the difference between the target orbit and the current state, and it is applied to a specific system parameter or the state as a small perturbation. During a transition state, the control system consumes a certain control energy given by the integration of such perturbations. In our method, we change the threshold value dynamically to control the chaotic orbit. Unlike the OGY method and the delayed feedback control, no actual control input is added into the system. The state-feedback is utilized only to determine the dynamic threshold value, thus the orbit starting from the current threshold value reaches the next controlled threshold value without any control energy. We obtain the variation of the threshold value from the composite Poincaré map, and the controller is designed by the linear feedback theory with this variation. We demonstrate this method in simple hybrid chaotic systems and show its control performances by evaluating basins of attraction.
Period-m Motions to Chaos in a Periodically Forced, Duffing Oscillator with a Time-Delayed Displacement
Authors: Luo Albert C. J. , Jin Hanxiang
Published: October 2014

In this paper, periodic motions in a periodically excited, Duffing oscillator with a time-delayed displacement are investigated through the Fourier series, and the stability and bifurcation of such periodic motions are discussed through eigenvalue analysis. The time-delayed displacement is from the feedback control of displacement. The analytical bifurcation trees of period-1 motions to chaos in the time-delayed Duffing oscillator are presented through asymmetric period-1 to period-4 motions. Stable and unstable periodic motions are illustrated through numerical and analytical solutions. From numerical illustrations, the analytical solutions of stable and unstable period-m motions are relatively accurate with AN/m < 10-6 compared to numerical solutions. From such analytical solutions, any complicated solutions of period-m motions can be obtained for any prescribed accuracy. Because time-delay may cause discontinuity, the appropriate time-delay inputs (or initial conditions) in the initial time-delay interval should satisfy the analytical solution of periodic motions in the time-delayed dynamical systems. Otherwise, periodic motions in such a time-delayed system cannot be obtained directly.
Multistability in the Lorenz System: A Broken Butterfly
Authors: Li Chunbiao , Sprott Julien Clinton
Published: October 2014

In this paper, the dynamical behavior of the Lorenz system is examined in a previously unexplored region of parameter space, in particular, where r is zero and b is negative. For certain values of the parameters, the classic butterfly attractor is broken into a symmetric pair of strange attractors, or it shrinks into a small attractor basin intermingled with the basins of a symmetric pair of limit cycles, which means that the system is bistable or tristable under certain conditions. Although the resulting system is no longer a plausible model of fluid convection, it may have application to other physical systems.
More Dynamical Properties Revealed from a 3D Lorenz-like System
Authors: Wang Haijun , Li Xianyi
Published: October 2014

After a 3D Lorenz-like system has been revisited, more rich hidden dynamics that was not found previously is clearly revealed. Some more precise mathematical work, such as for the complete distribution and the local stability and bifurcation of its equilibrium points, the existence of singularly degenerate heteroclinic cycles as well as homoclinic and heteroclinic orbits, and the dynamics at infinity, is carried out in this paper. In particular, another possible new mechanism behind the creation of chaotic attractors is presented. Based on this mechanism, some different structure types of chaotic attractors are numerically found in the case of small b > 0. All theoretical results obtained are further illustrated by numerical simulations. What we formulate in this paper is to not only show those dynamical properties hiding in this system, but also (more mainly) present a kind of way and means — both "locally" and "globally" and both "finitely" and "infinitely" — to comprehensively explore a given system.
Dynamic Vibration Absorber for Squeal Noise Suppression in Simple Model Structures
Authors: Rusli Meifal , Bur Mulyadi , Son Lovely
Published: October 2014

In recent research it was found that squeal noise caused by friction-induced vibration can result in mode coupling instability. Presently, there is no method that can be reliably used to eliminate this kind of noise. This paper is focused on the use of dynamic vibration absorbers (DVAs) to suppress the generation of squeal noise. The performance of the DVA is investigated numerically for two simple cases, i.e. a simple two-degree of freedom model, and an L-shape space frame. It is found that the DVA can be applied to shifting or reducing the unstable region of mode coupling, by which the unstable region is removed from the operating condition. Particularly, the addition of the DVA in horizontal direction on the near-point-of-friction can possibly avoid unstable mode coupling. However, the addition in vertical direction will increase the possibility of squeal noise incident. Moreover, a high frequency DVA in horizontal direction at the near-point-of-friction shifts the unstable region into higher normal contact stiffness and higher friction coefficient. Consequently, addition of a mass with very stiff spring or a rigid mass in the horizontal direction can prevent the occurrence of unstable mode coupling, as long as it is not coupled with the vertical direction. If the added mass affects the dynamic behaviors in both vertical and horizontal directions, squeal noise in the original normal contact stiffness can still occur.
Tuning the near-IR band energy and redox potentials of magnesium tetra(ferrocenyl)tetraazaporphyrins
Authors: Nemykin Victor N. , Makarova Elena A. , Grosland Jeffrey O. , Dudkin Semyon V. , Dennison Richard , Purchel Anatolii A.
Published: October 2014

Magnesium 2(3),7(8),12(13),17(18)-tetraferrocenyl-5,10,15,20-tetraazaporphyrin (3), and magnesium 2(3),7(8),12(13),17(18)-tetracyano-3(2),8(7),13(12),18(17)-tetraferrocenyl-5,10,15,20-tetraazaporphyrin (4) complexes were prepared using template condensation reaction between magnesium butoxide and (Z)-dicyanovinylferrocene (1) and tricyanovinylferrocene (2), respectively. Redox and unusual optical properties of macrocyclic compounds 3 and 4 were investigated in details using UV-vis, MCD, electro-, and spectroelectrochemical methods as well as DFT and TDDFT calculations. It was shown that the HOMO in both compounds resembles Goutermans' a1u orbital (D4h symmetry), which is different from meso-ferrocenyl containing porphyrins. In both macrocycles 3 and 4 overlapping oxidation waves for ferrocene substituents were observed in electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical experiments. Electrochemically observed oxidation waves are rather broad because of the presence of positional isomers and span only ~300 mV range in DCM/0.05 M TBAF system. Based on the excellent agreement between experimental UV-vis spectra and TDDFT predicted excitation energies, it was suggested that the low-energy NIR and visible regions are predominantly composed by the MLCT transitions with a significant π–π* mixing.