bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A simple mechanical measurement system for the posture evaluation of wing components using the PSO and ICP algorithms
Authors: Yukan Hou , Yuan Li , Jie Zhang , Tang Wen-Bin , Shoushan Jiang
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to present a new and relatively inexpensive method for posture evaluation of the positioning of the wing-body assembly. Positioning is an essential process to guarantee alignment accuracy in an assembly line.

Design/methodology/approach

– The studied method includes a structural set-up and a software algorithm used to process a set of experimental input data to compute the actual position of the wing with respect to the ideal position, which is proposed considering measurement uncertainty, the deviation caused by large errors in measurement points and the different tolerance requirements.

Findings

– The studied method has been found to be simple and effective in addition to being highly accurate. Compared with most of the current methods that have been developed with optical equipment, it is more cost- and space-efficient. The automation process determines how much operation time will be saved.

Practical implications

– The studied method has been applied in an actual assembly line, and the economic and time savings illustrate its benefits.

Originality/value

– This method provides an attractive wing-body assembly solution for those enterprises that want to find a low-cost option or have limited measuring space for optical equipment. It can also be the basis for the accurate assembly of other large parts for aircraft and other vessels.
Advances in assembly line parts feeding policies: a literature review
Authors: Kilic Huseyin Selcuk , Durmusoglu Mehmet Bulent
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present a literature review on parts feeding policies and to provide the components of parts feeding systems via a classification structure.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper determines the scope and components of parts feeding systems via a classification structure under three main components such as the storage of parts, transport of parts and feeding policy. Afterward, it is focused on parts feeding policies and the related papers are reviewed and analyzed according to their feeding policy types, objectives, solution methodologies and the application types.

Findings

– A classification structure showing the components and scope of parts feeding systems is provided. Parts feeding policies are handled in detail and feeding policy types, objectives, solution methodologies and application types in the existing studies are presented in this paper. However, the paper highlights the open research areas and advances for academics and presents applied solution methodologies and case studies for practitioners.

Originality/value

– This paper reveals the scope of parts feeding systems by presenting a classification structure including three main components and related subcomponents and provides a comprehensive literature review on parts feeding policies.
Determinants of capital structure: an empirical study of firms in Iran
Authors: Alipour Mohammad , Mohammadi Mir Farhad  Seddigh , Derakhshan Hojjatollah
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to investigate the determinants of capital structure of non-financial firms in Iran.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper reviews different conditional theories of capital structure to formulate testable propositions concerning the determinants of capital structure of Iranian companies. Pooled ordinary least squares and panel econometric techniques such as fixed effects and random effects are used to investigate the most significant factors that affect the capital structure choice of manufacturing firms listed on Tehran Stock Exchange Iran during 2003-2007.

Findings

– The results of the study suggest that variables such as firm’s size, financial flexibility, asset structure, profitability, liquidity, growth, risk and state ownership affect all measures of capital structure of Iranian corporations. Short-term debt is found to represent an important financing source for corporations in Iran. The results of the present research are consistent with some capital structure theories.

Research limitations/implications

– In general, the results provide evidence that the five theories discussed influence emerging markets. Due to the existence of a negative relationship between profitability and capital structure, investors must consider capital structure before making investment decisions.

Practical implications

– This study has laid some groundwork to explore the determinants of capital structure of Iranian firms upon which a more detailed evaluation could be based. Furthermore, the empirical findings will help corporate managers in making optimal capital structure decisions.

Originality/value

– To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that explores the determinants of capital structure of manufacturing firms in Iran by using the most recent data. Moreover, this paper provides a theoretical model to explain the mechanism of how the ownership structure impacts debt financing.
Generation Y – challenging clients for HRM?
Authors: Kultalahti Susanna , Viitala Riitta
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this qualitative paper is to seek more understanding of the elements important to the psychological contracts of working Millennials. The study also presents the implications of those findings for human resource management practices.

Design/methodology/approach

– Empirical data were collected from Facebook using the method of empathy-based stories (MEBS). A sample of working Millennials describes the factors they saw as motivating and desirable in working life.

Findings

– The findings are in line with previous quantitative studies in western countries, which reveal constant learning and developing at work; interesting, challenging, and varied tasks; social relations and the supervisor’s behaviour; reciprocal flexibility concerning timetables and working hours; and a good work-life balance to be important factors. However, the findings indicate that the desire to develop competences, and factors related to time may be even more significant for Millennials than previous literature on psychological contracts has suggested. Neither monetary issues nor a desire for long-term contracts emerged clearly as important factors from the material, showing that the manifestations of some elements that are important in the formulation of the psychological contract vary in different contexts.

Practical implications

– The findings of this study indicate that employing Millennials challenges HR professionals to develop HR practices that offer flexible time structures, systematic and individual development procedures, and a coaching form of leadership.

Originality/value

– The paper exhibits a methodological innovation in using Facebook as a vehicle for data gathering. Additionally it applies the MEBS: a method still rare in research in the field of business.
Image‐domain wavefield tomography with extended common‐image‐point gathers
Authors: Yang Tongning , Sava Paul
Published: January 2015

Waveform inversion is a velocity‐model‐building technique based on full waveforms as the input and seismic wavefields as the information carrier. Conventional waveform inversion is implemented in the data domain. However, similar techniques referred to as image‐domain wavefield tomography can be formulated in the image domain and use a seismic image as the input and seismic wavefields as the information carrier. The objective function for the image‐domain approach is designed to optimize the coherency of reflections in extended common‐image gathers. The function applies a penalty operator to the gathers, thus highlighting image inaccuracies arising from the velocity model error. Minimizing the objective function optimizes the model and improves the image quality. The gradient of the objective function is computed using the adjoint state method in a way similar to that in the analogous data‐domain implementation. We propose an image‐domain velocity‐model building method using extended common‐image‐point space‐ and time‐lag gathers constructed sparsely at reflections in the image. The gathers are effective in reconstructing the velocity model in complex geologic environments and can be used as an economical replacement for conventional common‐image gathers in wave‐equation tomography. A test on the Marmousi model illustrates successful updating of the velocity model using common‐image‐point gathers and resulting improved image quality.
EDITOR'S CHOICE: Competition on the range: science vs. perception in a bison–cattle conflict in the western USA
Authors: Ranglack Dustin H. , Durham Susan , du Toit Johan T.
Published: January 2015

Competition between livestock and wild ungulates is commonly perceived to occur on shared rangelands. In the Henry Mountains (HM) of Utah, a free‐ranging population of bison Bison bison has raised concerns among ranchers holding grazing permits on these public lands. Bison are the most conspicuous potential competitors with cattle, but lagomorphs (mainly jackrabbits Lepus californicus) are also abundant in this area. The local ranching community is applying political pressure on state and federal agencies to resolve ‘the bison problem’, but the relative grazing impacts of bison, cattle and lagomorphs have not previously been quantified.

We constructed 40 grazing exclosures (each 5·95 m2) in the conflict area: 20 excluded bison + cattle (‘partial’) and 20 excluded bison + cattle + lagomorphs (‘full’). All exclosures, each with a paired open reference plot, were monitored for 1 year, and above‐ground plant production was measured. GPS telemetry (bison) and scheduled grazing (cattle) allowed visitation to be quantified for each ungulate species based on the number of ‘animal days’ in the area. Rancher perceptions of wildlife–cattle interactions were recorded in a questionnaire survey.

Ranchers perceived bison as a high‐level competitor with cattle, whereas lagomorphs were perceived as low‐level competitors.

Grazed reference plots yielded an average (±SE) of 22·7 g m−2 (±5·16) of grass, compared to 36·5 g m−2 (±7·33) in the partial exclosures and 43·7 g m−2 (±7·61) in the full exclosures. Exclusion of large herbivores thus resulted in a 13·8 g m−2 increase in grass biomass relative to the reference plots (P = 0·005), with the additional exclusion of lagomorphs resulting in a further 7·18 g m−2 increase (P = 0·048).

Overall, lagomorphs accounted for 34·1%, bison 13·7% and cattle 52·3% of the total grass biomass removed by all herbivores on the shared range.

Synthesis and applications. Cattle face a greater competitive challenge from lagomorphs than from bison in the study area. This case study illustrates the need for science‐based management of social–ecological systems in which even long‐term resource users might underestimate the complexities of trophic interactions. Attention should be redirected at the lagomorphs and their main predators, coyotes Canis latrans, which are currently subject to population control. To reduce negative perceptions among local ranchers, options should be explored to incorporate benefit‐sharing into the management of the bison population.
Transparent Reporting of a Multivariable Prediction Model for Individual Prognosis or Diagnosis (TRIPOD): the TRIPOD statement
Authors: Collins GS , Reitsma JB , Altman DG , Moons KGM
Published: January 2015

Prediction models are developed to aid health care providers in estimating the probability or risk that a specific disease or condition is present (diagnostic models) or that a specific event will occur in the future (prognostic models), to inform their decision making. However, the overwhelming evidence shows that the quality of reporting of prediction model studies is poor. Only with full and clear reporting of information on all aspects of a prediction model can risk of bias and potential usefulness of prediction models be adequately assessed. The Transparent Reporting of a multivariable prediction model for Individual Prognosis or Diagnosis (TRIPOD) Initiative developed a set of recommendations for the reporting of studies developing, validating, or updating a prediction model, whether for diagnostic or prognostic purposes. This article describes how the TRIPOD Statement was developed. An extensive list of items based on a review of the literature was created, which was reduced after a Web‐based survey and revised during a 3‐day meeting in June 2011 with methodologists, health care professionals, and journal editors. The list was refined during several meetings of the steering group and in e‐mail discussions with the wider group of TRIPOD contributors. The resulting TRIPOD Statement is a checklist of 22 items, deemed essential for transparent reporting of a prediction model study. The TRIPOD Statement aims to improve the transparency of the reporting of a prediction model study regardless of the study methods used. The TRIPOD Statement is best used in conjunction with the TRIPOD explanation and elaboration document. To aid the editorial process and readers of prediction model studies, it is recommended that authors include a completed checklist in their submission (also available at www.tripod-statement.org).
Lymphovascular invasion and nodal metastasis in intramucosal adenocarcinoma of the esophagus and esophagogastric junction
Authors: Li Zhi Gang , Zhu Hui , Shi Hong , Xie Hao , Goldblum John R , Thota Prashanthi N , Liu Xiuli
Published: January 2015

Objective

To evaluate the tumor parameters predictive of lymphovascular invasion (LVI) and nodal metastases in intramucosal adenocarcinoma (IMAC) of the esophagus and esophagogastric junction.

Methods

In all, 171 cases of IMAC from esophagectomy database (1986–2009) were reviewed. LVI was evaluated on HE and by immunohistochemistry stain for D2‐40 (in selected cases). Univariate analysis was performed to identify predictors for LVI (in this cohort) and nodal metastasis (for pooled data from literature review).

Results

Altogether 150 IMAC were included in the study after histology review; 7 (4.7%) showed LVI and one (0.7%) had nodal metastasis. LVI‐positive IMAC were thicker (tumor thickness 3.0 ± 2.8 mm vs 1.3 ± 1.2 mm, P = 0.01), and more likely to invade the outer muscularis mucosae (M3) (P = 0.004), be poorly differentiated (P < 0.001), and to show a nodular or plaque‐like lesion (P = 0.04) compared with LVI‐negative IMAC. Patients' age, gender, the frequency of tumor multifocality, ulceration and tumor size were not significantly different between these two groups. The pooled rates of LVI and nodal metastases in IMAC from five published studies and this cohort were 6.0% (range 2.9–16.7%) and 3.4% (range 0–10.0%), respectively. Pooled analysis of studies with histology review showed that LVI in IMAC was associated with a nodal metastases rate of 27.3%.

Conclusion

For IMAC of the esophagus and esophagogastric junction, LVI is associated with tumor thickness, M3 invasion, poor differentiation and the presence of nodular or plaque‐like lesion; by pooled analysis, it is associated with a risk of nodal metastasis of 27.3%.
Increased Serum Neurotrophin Levels Related to Alcohol Use Disorder in a Young Population Sample
Authors: Lhullier Alfredo C. , Moreira Fernanda P. , da Silva Ricardo A. , Marques Melina B. , Bittencourt Guilherme , Pinheiro Ricardo T. , Souza Luciano D. M. , Portela Luis Valmor , Lara Diogo R. , Jansen Karen , Wiener Carolina D. , Oses Jean Pierre
Published: January 2015

Background

The diagnosis of alcohol use disorder is based on clinical signs and on the measurement of biological markers. However, these markers are neither sufficiently sensitive, nor specific enough, for determining the effects of alcohol abuse on the central nervous system. Serum neurotrophins are important regulators of neural survival, development, function, and plasticity and have been found to be reduced in alcohol use disorder. The aim of this study was to investigate the alterations in serum neurotrophin levels (brain‐derived neurotrophic factor [BDNF], glial‐derived neurotrophic factor [GDNF], and nerve growth factor [NGF]) in alcohol use disorder in a young population, and thus possibly representing the early stages of the illness.

Methods

This is a cross‐sectional study, nested in a population‐based study of people aged 18 to 35, involving 795 participants. The participants responded to the CAGE questionnaire, and a CAGE score of ≥2 was considered to be a positive screen for the abuse/dependence or moderate to severe alcohol use disorder. Serum BDNF, GDNF, and NGF levels were measured by ELISA.

Results

In the CAGE ≥ 2 group, GDNF (p ≤ 0.001) and NGF (p ≤ 0.001) serum levels were significantly increased, and the BDNF elevation was near a statistical significance (p = 0.068) when compared to the CAGE < 2 group. A significantly positive correlation was observed only in the CAGE ≥ 2 group for BDNF/GDNF (r = 0.37, p < 0.001) and GDNF/NGF (r = 0.84, p < 0.001) levels. The correlation between the NGF and BDNF levels was significantly positive in both groups (r = 0.28, p < 0.001 for the CAGE < 2 group, and r = 0.30, p = 0.008 for the CAGE ≥ 2 group).

Conclusions

These results suggest that elevated neurotrophins are candidate markers for the early stages of alcohol misuse.
Preventing Alcohol‐Exposed Pregnancy Among an American Indian/Alaska Native Population: Effect of a Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment Intervention
Authors: Montag Annika C. , Brodine Stephanie K. , Alcaraz John E. , Clapp John D. , Allison Matthew A. , Calac Daniel J. , Hull Andrew D. , Gorman Jessica R. , Jones Kenneth L. , Chambers Christina D.
Published: January 2015

Background

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders are the result of alcohol‐exposed pregnancies (AEP) and believed to be the leading known cause of developmental disabilities in the United States. Our objective was to determine whether a culturally targeted Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) intervention may reduce risky drinking and vulnerability to AEP among American Indian/Alaska Native (AIAN) women in Southern California.

Methods

Southern California AIAN women of childbearing age who completed a survey including questions regarding alcohol consumption and contraceptive use were randomized into intervention or treatment as usual groups where the former group completed an online SBIRT intervention, and were followed up at 1, 3, and 6 months postintervention.

Results

Of 263 women recruited and 247 with follow‐up data, one‐third were at high risk of having an AEP at baseline. Both treatment groups decreased self‐reported risky drinking behavior (drinks per week, p < 0.001; frequency of heavy episodic [binge] drinking episodes per 2 weeks, p = 0.017 and risk of AEP p < 0.001 at 6 months postintervention) in the follow‐up period. There was no difference between treatment groups. Baseline factors associated with decreased risk of an AEP at follow‐up included the perception that other women in their peer group consumed a greater number of drinks per week, having reported a greater number of binge episodes in the past 2 weeks, and depression/impaired functionality.

Conclusions

Participation in assessment alone may have been sufficient to encourage behavioral change even without the web‐based SBIRT intervention. Randomization to the SBIRT did not result in a significantly different change in risky drinking behaviors. The importance of perception of other women's drinking and one's own depression/functionality may have implications for future interventions.
Effects of Combined Alcohol and Anti‐HIV Drugs on Cellular Stress Responses in Primary Hepatocytes and Hepatic Stellate and Kupffer Cells
Authors: Hu Jay , Han Hui , Lau Mo Yin , Lee Harrison , MacVeigh‐Aloni Michelle , Ji Cheng
Published: January 2015

Background

Certain anti‐HIV drugs alone or in combination are often associated with liver damages, which are frequently worsened by alcohol consumption. We previously found an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress mechanism for the drug‐ and alcohol‐induced hepatic injuries in animal models and in vitro hepatocytes. However, it is unknown whether anti‐HIV drugs and alcohol induce similar cellular stress responses and injuries in liver nonparenchymal cells.

Methods

Primary mouse hepatocytes (PMH), kupffer cells (KC), and hepatocellular stellate cells (HSC) were freshly isolated from mouse liver and treated with DMSO, stress‐inducing pharmaceutical agents, alcohol alone, or in combination with antiviral ritonavir (RIT), lopinavir (LOP), or efavirenz (EFV). Expression of cellular stress markers, protein colocalization, and cell death were analyzed with immunoblotting, immunocytochemistry, and positive double staining with Sytox green and Hoechst blue, respectively.

Results

Expression of the ER stress markers of BiP, CHOP, and SERCA and the autophagy marker LC3 was significantly changed in PMH in response to combined alcohol, RIT, and LOP, which was companied by increased cell death compared with control. In contrast, although pharmaceutical agents induced ER stress and cell death, no significant ER stress or cell death was found in KC treated with alcohol, RIT, LOP, and EFV singly or in combination. In HSC, alcohol, RIT, LOP, or EFV induced BiP, but not CHOP, SERCA, or cell death compared with vehicle control. Further in PMH, RIT and LOP or in combination with alcohol‐induced dose‐dependent inhibition of β‐actin. Inhibition of β‐actin by RIT and LOP was companied with an inhibited nuclear expression of the antioxidant response regulator Nrf2 and reduced GST downstream of Nrf2. Ascorbic acid treatment reduced the alcohol‐, RIT‐, and LOP‐induced cell death.

Conclusions

The data suggest for the first time that sensitivities of hepatocytes and nonparenchymal cells to alcohol and anti‐HIV drugs in vitro are different in terms of cellular stress response and cell death injury. Oxidative stress mediated by Nrf2 contributes to the alcohol‐ and drug‐induced toxicity in the hepatocytes.
Alcohol Consumption and Fatal Injuries in Australia Before and After Major Traffic Safety Initiatives: A Time Series Analysis
Authors: Jiang Heng , Livingston Michael , Room Robin
Published: January 2015

Background

The associations between population‐level alcohol consumption and fatal injuries have been examined in a number of previous studies, but few have considered the external impacts of major policy interventions. This study aims to quantify the associations between per capita alcohol consumption and traffic and nontraffic injury mortality rates in Australia before and after major traffic safety initiatives (the introduction of compulsory seat belt legislation [CSBL] and random breath testing [RBT] in 1970s).

Methods

Using data from 1924 to 2006, gender‐ and age‐specific traffic and nontraffic mortality rates (15 years and above) were analyzed in relation to per capita alcohol consumption using time series analysis. The external effects of policy interventions were measured by inserting a dummy variable in the time series models.

Results

Statistically significant associations between per capita alcohol consumption and both types of fatal injuries were found for both males and females. The results suggest that an increase in per capita alcohol consumption of 1 l was accompanied by an increase in traffic mortality of 3.4 among males and 0.5 among females per 100,000 inhabitants and an increase in nontraffic mortality of 3.0 among males and 0.9 among females. The associations between alcohol consumption and fatal injury rates varied across age groups. The introduction of CSBL and RBT was associated with significant reductions in traffic crash mortality in Australia, particularly for males and young people.

Conclusions

The magnitude and distribution of the preventive effects from the reduction in population drinking on fatal injuries vary across different gender and age groups, with the strongest preventive impacts on fatal injuries among people aged 15 to 29 and 70 years and above. The mechanisms behind these effects are unclear from this study, but are likely to be due to the strong association between per capita consumption and heavy drinking.
Characterizing prefrontal cortical activity during inhibition task in methamphetamine‐associated psychosis versus schizophrenia: a multi‐channel near‐infrared spectroscopy study
Authors: Okada Naohiro , Takahashi Katsuyoshi , Nishimura Yukika , Koike Shinsuke , Ishii‐Takahashi Ayaka , Sakakibara Eisuke , Satomura Yoshihiro , Kinoshita Akihide , Takizawa Ryu , Kawasaki Shingo , Nakakita Mayumi , Ohtani Toshiyuki , Okazaki Yuji , Kasai Kiyoto
Published: January 2015

Methamphetamine abuse and dependence, frequently accompanied by schizophrenia‐like psychotic symptoms [methamphetamine‐associated psychosis (MAP)], is a serious public health problem worldwide. Few studies, however, have characterized brain dysfunction associated with MAP, nor investigated similarities and differences in brain dysfunction between MAP and schizophrenia. We compared prefrontal cortical activity associated with stop‐signal inhibitory task in 21 patients with MAP, 14 patients with schizophrenia and 21 age‐ and gender‐matched healthy controls using a 52‐channel near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) system. Both the MAP and the schizophrenia groups showed significantly reduced activation in the bilateral ventrolateral prefrontal cortex compared with controls; however, only the MAP group showed reduced activation in the frontopolar prefrontal cortex. The MAP group demonstrated significant positive correlations between task performance and hemodynamic responses in the bilateral ventrolateral, polar and left dorsolateral regions of the prefrontal cortex. The MAP and schizophrenia groups demonstrated a significant difference in the relationship of impulsivity to hemodynamic changes in the bilateral premotor cortex. These findings characterize similarities and differences in prefrontal cortical dysfunction between psychosis associated with methamphetamine and schizophrenia. The reduced hemodynamic changes in the bilateral ventrolateral prefrontal cortex suggest a common underlying pathophysiology of MAP and schizophrenia, whereas those in the frontopolar prefrontal cortex point to an impaired state that is either inherent or caused specifically by methamphetamine use.
Use of Non‐invasive Methods for Evaluating the Testicular Biometry in Collared Peccaries (Pecari tajacu Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: Peixoto G. C. X. , Silva M. A. , Lima G. L. , Campos L. B. , Paiva A. L. C. , Paula V. V. , Ricarte A. R. F. , Silva A. R.
Published: January 2015

The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of two methods used to estimate testicular volume in the collared peccary. Calliper and ultrasonographic measurements of testicular dimensions (length, width and height) of both testes were taken on five adult collared peccaries. The testicular volume was calculated by Lambert's empiric formula: length (L) × width (W) × height (H) × 0.71, the formula of an ellipsoid L × W × H × 0.52, and Hansen's formula: L × W2 × 0.52. The calculated volumes were then compared with the actual ones, which were estimated by water displacement. The mean of true testicular volume was 22.65 ± 1.52 ml. Lambert's formula estimated testicular volume more accurately when ultrasound measurements were taken. However, when the calliper was the methodology used, the results were closest to the true volume, especially when Ellipsoid formula and Hansen's formula were applied, and underestimated the true volumes by 1.53 ± 1.75 ml and 1.53 ± 1.65 ml, respectively. This specific application of technologies in wild animals has the potential to revolutionize the selection process for the collared peccary entering artificial insemination or natural breeding programmes.
Justice and the Dark Arts: Law and Shamanism in Amazonia
Authors: Walker Harry
Published: January 2015

The idea of “law” as a regulating force external to individuals is rapidly gaining traction among Peruvian Urarina. Its uptake and mode of use have been guided by local forms of shamanic practice, reflecting the common basis of law and shamanism in ritual and violence. Yet despite people's best efforts to deploy law on their own terms—namely as a weapon through which a higher force or authority is harnessed to individual ends—law, unlike shamanism, is inherently unifying rather than fragmenting and implies a unitary standard of truth and justice that is inimical to Amazonian political cosmology. Law epitomizes the centralizing processes of the state, promoting a fragile peace but only by establishing a monopoly on violence. [law, shamanism, subjectivity, violence, morality, Urarina, Peru, Amazonia]
An introduction to behavioural decision‐making theories for paediatricians
Authors: Haward Marlyse F. , Janvier Annie
Published: January 2015

Behavioural decision‐making theories provide insights into how people make choices under conditions of uncertainty. However, few have been studied in paediatrics. This study introduces these theories, reviews current research and makes recommendations for their application within the context of shared decision‐making.

Conclusion

As parents are expected to share decision‐making in paediatrics, it is critical that the fields of behavioural economics, communication and decision sciences merge with paediatric clinical ethics to optimise decision‐making.
Modelling foot‐and‐mouth disease transmission in a wild pig–domestic cattle ecosystem
Authors: Ward MP , Garner MG , Cowled BD
Published: January 2015

Objective

To use simulation modelling to predict the potential spread and to explore control options for a foot‐and‐mouth disease (FMD) incursion in a mixed wild pig–domestic cattle ecosystem in northernAustralia.

Design

Based on aerial surveys, expert opinion and published data, the wild pig and grazing cattle distributions were simulated. A susceptible–infected–resistant disease‐spread model was coded and parameterised according to published literature and expert opinion.

Methods

A baseline scenario was simulated in which infection was introduced via wild pigs, with transmission from pigs to cattle and no disease control. Assumptions regarding disease transmission were investigated via sensitivity analyses. Predicted size and length of outbreaks were compared for different control strategies based on movement standstill, surveillance and depopulation.

Results

In most of the simulations,FMDoutbreaks were predicted to be ongoing after 6 months, with more cattle herds infected than wild pig herds (median 907 vs 22, respectively). Assuming only pig‐to‐pig transmission, the infection routinely died out. In contrast, assuming cattle‐to‐cattle, cattle‐to‐pig or pig‐to‐cattle transmission resulted inFMDestablishing and spreading in more than 75% of simulations. A control strategy targeting wild pigs only was not predicted to be successful. Control based on cattle only was successful in eradicating the disease. However, control targeting both pigs and cattle resulted in smaller outbreaks.

Conclusions

IfFMDis controlled in cattle in the modelled ecosystem, it is likely to be self‐limiting in wild pigs. However, to eradicate disease as quickly as possible, both wild pigs and cattle should be targeted for control.
Trial of human laser epilation technology for permanent wool removal in Merino sheep
Authors: Colditz IG , Cox T , Small AH
Published: January 2015

Objective

To assess whether human laser epilation technology can permanently prevent wool growth in sheep.

Design

An observational study.

Methods

Two commercial human epilation lasers (Sharplan alexandrite 755 nm laser, and Lumenis LightSheer® 800 nm diode laser) were tested at energies between 10 and 100 J/cm2 and pulse widths from 2 to 400 ms. Wool was clipped from flank, breech, pizzle and around the eyes of superfine Merino sheep with Oster clippers. After initial laser removal of residual wool to reveal bare skin, individual skin sites were treated with up to 15 cycles of laser irradiation. Behavioural responses during treatment, skin temperature immediately after treatment and skin and wool responses for 3 months after treatment were monitored.

Results

A clear transudate was evident on the skin surface within minutes. A dry superficial scab developed by 24 h and remained adherent for at least 6 weeks. When scabs were shed, there was evidence of scarring at sites receiving multiple treatment cycles and normal wool growth in unscarred skin. There was no evidence of laser energy level or pulse width affecting the response of skin and wool to treatment and no evidence of permanent inhibition of wool growth by laser treatment. Laser treatment was well tolerated by the sheep.

Conclusions

Treatment of woolled skin with laser parameters that induce epilation by selective photothermolysis in humans failed to induce permanent inhibition of wool growth in sheep. Absence of melanin in wool may have contributed to the result.
Treatment with Carnitine Enhances Bone Fracture Healing under Osteoporotic and/or Inflammatory Conditions
Authors: Aydin Ali , Halici Zekai , Albayrak Abdulmecit , Polat Beyzagul , Karakus Emre , Yildirim Omer Selim , Bayir Yasin , Cadirci Elif , Ayan Arif Kursad , Aksakal Ahmet Murat
Published: January 2015

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of carnitine on bone healing in ovariectomy (OVX) and inflammation (INF)‐induced osteoporotic rats. The rats were randomly divided into nine groups (n = 8 animals per group): sham‐operated (Group 1: SHAM); sham + magnesium silicate (Mg‐silicate) (Group 2: SHAM + INF); ovariectomy (Group 3: OVX); ovariectomy + femoral fracture (Group 4: OVX + FRC); ovariectomy + femoral fracture + Mg‐silicate (Group 5: OVX + FRC + INF); ovariectomy + femoral fracture + carnitine 50 mg/kg (Group 6: OVX + FRC + CAR50); ovariectomy + femoral fracture + carnitine 100 mg/kg (Group 7: OVX + FRC + CAR100); ovariectomy + femoral fracture + Mg‐silicate + carnitine 50 mg/kg (Group 8: OVX + FRC + INF + CAR50); and ovariectomy + femoral fracture + Mg‐silicate + carnitine 100 mg/kg (Group 9: OVX + FRC + INF + CAR100). Eight weeks after OVX, which allowed for osteoporosis to develop, INF was induced with subcutaneous Mg‐silicate. On day 80, all of the rats in groups 4–9 underwent fracture operation on the right femur. Bone mineral density (BMD) showed statistically significant improvements in the treatment groups. The serum markers of bone turnover (osteocalcin and osteopontin) and pro‐inflammatory cytokines (tumour necrosis factor α, interleukin 1β and interleukin 6) were decreased in the treatment group. The X‐ray images showed significantly increased callus formation and fracture healing in the groups treated with carnitine. The present results show that in a rat model with osteoporosis induced by ovariectomy and Mg‐silicate, treatment with carnitine improves the healing of femur fractures.
Broekman, Pauline van Mouriket al (2014) Open educationRowman & Littlefield (Lanham MD & Plymouth UK) isbn 978‐1‐78348‐209‐2 112 pp £16.95 https://rowman.com/ISBN/9781783482108
Authors: Cannell Pete
Published: January 2015

This short book is a result of a collaborative effort between staff at Mute Publishing and the Media Department at Coventry School of Art and Design (both based in Britain). One could describe it as notes towards a critique of open education. From the perspective of cultural studies, it provides rich material for reflection and further investigation. If the content of this book is likely to be relevant to you, I recommend that you buy a copy for your own use.

Pete Cannell
Rough‐and‐tumble play as a window on animal communication
Authors: Palagi Elisabetta , Burghardt Gordon M. , Smuts Barbara , Cordoni Giada , Dall'Olio Stefania , Fouts Hillary N. , Řeháková‐Petrů Milada , Siviy Stephen M. , Pellis Sergio M.
Published: January 2015

Rough‐and‐tumble play (RT) is a widespread phenomenon in mammals. Since it involves competition, whereby one animal attempts to gain advantage over another,RTruns the risk of escalation to serious fighting. Competition is typically curtailed by some degree of cooperation and different signals help negotiate potential mishaps duringRT. This review provides a framework for such signals, showing that they range along two dimensions: one from signals borrowed from other functional contexts to those that are unique to play, and the other from purely emotional expressions to highly cognitive (intentional) constructions. Some animal taxa have exaggerated the emotional and cognitive interplay aspects of play signals, yielding admixtures of communication that have led to complex forms ofRT. This complexity has been further exaggerated in some lineages by the development of specific novel gestures that can be used to negotiate playful mood and entice reluctant partners. Play‐derived gestures may provide new mechanisms by which more sophisticated communication forms can evolve. Therefore,RTand playful communication provide a window into the study of social cognition, emotional regulation and the evolution of communication systems.
Exploring crisis and its effects on workers in child protective services work
Authors: Tavormina Michele , Clossey Laurene
Published: January 2015

An inquiry into child welfare protective services workers’ perceptions and experiences in theUnitedStates was conducted in order to examine their perceptions of crisis and crisis intervention, and the emotional impact of working with children who endured significant maltreatment. As there is presently little research that has explored these issues specifically from the point of view of the workers, a qualitative grounded theory approach was utilized. Four themes emerged from the data: workers perceived crisis as a result of biopsychosocial breakdown; workers routinely triage when faced with crises; workers are subject to vicarious traumatization; and workers’ personal lives are affected by their work. The findings add to an existing body of knowledge about secondary trauma in child welfare by providing information about the investigative workers’ subjective experience of it. This research adds a unique contribution to understanding workers’ subjective experience of crisis on the job, how it manifests, and whether they feel knowledgeable in the area of crisis intervention.
Evaluating local lymph node metastasis with magnetic resonance imaging, endoluminal ultrasound and computed tomography in rectal cancer: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Li X.‐T. , Sun Y.‐S. , Tang L. , Cao K. , Zhang X.‐Y.
Published: January 2015

Aim

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), endorectal ultrasound (EUS) and computed tomography (CT) are commonly used to evaluate lymph node (LN) metastasis for rectal cancer, but there is no agreement on which form of imaging is most accurate. The study aimed to review systematically the diagnostic performance of the three imaging modalities.

Method

The PubMed, Cochrane Library and EMBASE databases were systematically searched for English and Chinese language studies evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of MRI, EUS and/or CT for evaluating LN metastasis. Papers published before 31 December 2013 were included in the search. Subject‐level data were included. Diagnostic odds ratios were calculated for each modality and summary receiver operating characteristic curves were constructed using hierarchical regression models. The performance of the three modalities was compared.

Results

The analysis included data from 123 studies evaluating LN metastasis. The sensitivity and specificity in patients having no chemoradiotherapy were 0.77 and 0.76 for MRI, 0.57 and 0.80 for EUS and 0.79 and 0.76 for CT. The three modalities showed similar accuracy (P = 0.39). MRI showed higher accuracy than EUS for patients who received neoadjuvant therapy (P = 0.04). MRI at a field strength > 1.5 T yielded better performance than EUS (P = 0.03) and similar performance to CT (P = 0.17). High resolution MRI showed similar diagnostic accuracy to EUS (P = 0.18) and CT (P = 0.16).

Conclusion

MRI, EUS and CT show similar accuracy but none could provide reliable evaluation for LN metastasis. MRI rather than EUS is recommended for LN evaluation after neoadjuvant therapy. MRI at a field strength of 3.0 T is the recommended method for MRI examination. But high resolution MRI does not improve the diagnostic performance in evaluating LN metastasis.
Inverse relationship of bleeding risk with clot burden during pulmonary embolism treatment with LMW heparin
Authors: Wang Chen , Zhai Zhenguo , Yang Yuanhua , Cheng Zhaozhong , Ying Kejing , Liang Lirong , Dai Huaping , Huang Kewu , Lu Weixuan , Zhang Zhonghe , Cheng Xiansheng , Shen Ying Hu , Davidson Bruce L. ,   China National Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) Study Group
Published: January 2015

Introduction

Clinically relevant bleeding occurs three times as frequently as recurrent venous thromboembolism in the modern early treatment of pulmonary embolism (PE) with fixed‐dose, unmonitored anticoagulants. Unfractionated heparin (UFH) is monitored and adjusted to assure efficacy and minimize bleeding risk, but low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) is not. PE requires more anticoagulant than isolated deep venous thrombosis. Speculating that PE with low clot burden could lead to excess bleeding with unadjusted LMWH treatment but not with UFH, we compared PE patients receiving either UFH or LMWH with high and low clot burden for clinically significant bleeding in an observational study.

Materials and Methods

Patients with acute PE at multiple Chinese teaching hospitals had been randomized to UFH or LMWH for initial treatment. These treatment cohorts had baseline measurement of pulmonary artery obstruction (PAO) score, which was prospectively separated into quartiles, lowest to highest PAO. All patients were followed for bleeding episodes, which were subsequently analyzed by quartile of PAO.

Results

Two hundred seventy‐four patients divided between the two groups had similar efficacy and safety outcomes (12 clinically significant bleeds in the UFH group vs 15 in the LMWH group). LMWH recipients with the smallest clot burdens (lowest PAO quartiles) had highest bleeding rates (Cochran–Armitage trend test, P trend = 0.048), but there was no such trend for UFH recipients.

Conclusions

For UFH, excess anticoagulant pro‐hemorrhagic potential is down‐adjusted via activated partial thromboplastin time monitoring, but for LMWH it is not. For PE patients at high bleeding risk, UFH may be safer if the clot burden is small.
Acute pulmonary embolism: risk assessment, risk stratification and treatment options
Authors: Piovella Franco , Iosub Diana Irina
Published: January 2015

Introduction

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a potentially life‐threatening cardiovascular emergency with a high mortality rate. Rapid diagnosis and treatment are important in optimising clinical outcomes in patients with PE, and anticoagulants are the mainstay of treatment. Traditionally, anticoagulant therapy involves parenteral anticoagulants, overlapping with and followed by oral vitamin K antagonists. Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), including the factor Xa inhibitors rivaroxaban, apixaban and edoxaban, and the direct thrombin inhibitor dabigatran etexilate, have been developed to address limitations associated with traditional anticoagulant therapy. Apixaban, dabigatran and rivaroxaban have recently been approved for the treatment of acute deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and PE and prevention of recurrent DVT or PE. Edoxaban is approved in the United States but not currently in the European Union for the treatment of DVT and PE; approval of edoxaban in Europe is anticipated in the near future.

Objective

To summarise the management of patients with suspected PE in accordance with recent guidelines, and to discuss the evidence behind the recent approvals of the DOACs for the treatment of PE.

Discussion

Diagnosis and treatment of PE is guided by clinical probability scoring systems and tools for prognostic stratification and early mortality risk evaluation. Anticoagulants remain the mainstay of treatment. Successful phase III trials have demonstrated the efficacy of the DOACs for the treatment of DVT and PE, with a potentially improved safety profile, leading to their recent approval in this indication, and giving the clinician greater choice of anticoagulant therapies in this setting.

Conclusions

DOACs offer an alternative and potentially simplified option for anticoagulation therapy in patients with PE compared with traditional anticoagulants and are likely to assist physicians in optimising management of patients with PE and improve clinical outcomes.
Severe measles pneumonia in adults with respiratory failure: role of ribavirin and high‐dose vitamin A
Authors: Ortac Ersoy Ebru , Tanriover Mine D. , Ocal Serpil , Ozisik Lale , Inkaya Cagkan , Topeli Arzu
Published: January 2015

Although measles is usually considered a benign viral disease of childhood, adults may be affected at any age and may experience severe respiratory or neurologic consequences. We present three adult cases (one of whom was pregnant) admitted to our University Hospital who were diagnosed to have measles and who had uncommon clinical features such as hepatitis and hyponatremia. All patients were markedly hypoxic; one required mechanical ventilation. Two patients received therapy with intravenous ribavirin and all patients received high‐dose vitamin A for 3 days. Therapy with intravenous ribavirin and vitamin A were well tolerated by our patients except one patient who developed acute renal failure and were associated with reversal of respiratory compromise. Life‐threatening measles pneumonitis in adults may be more common than previously appreciated, regardless of the patient's immune status, and ribavirin and high‐dose vitamin A might be a treatment option.
What is the minimum number of patients for quality control of lung cancer management in Norway?
Authors: Skaug Knut , Eide Geir E. , Gulsvik Amund
Published: January 2015

Introduction

There are few data available on the optimal number of lung cancer patients needed to generate and compare estimates of quality between units managing lung cancer. The number of lung cancer patients per management unit varies considerably in Norway, where there are 42 hospitals that treated between 1 and 454 lung cancer patients in 2011.

Aims

To estimate the differences in quality indicators that are of sufficient importance to change a pulmonary physician's lung cancer management program, and to estimate the size of the patient samples necessary to detect such differences.

Method

Twenty‐six physicians were asked about the relative differences from a national average of quality indicators that would change their own lung cancer management program. Sample sizes were calculated to give valid estimates of quality of a management unit based on prevalence of quality indicators and minimally important differences (MID).

Results

The average MID in quality indicators that would cause a change in management varied from 18% to 24% among 26 chest physicians, depending on the indicator.

Conclusions

To generate precise estimates for quality control of lung cancer care in Norway, the number of management units must be reduced. Given the present willingness of chest physicians to change their procedures for management of lung cancer according to the results of quality control indicators, we recommend a maximum of 10 units with a minimum of 200 incident lung cancer patients per year for each management center.