bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Review on the Study of Fabric Drape Part I --- Evaluation Methods and Empirical Study
Authors: Hu J.L.
Published: April 2016

The present series is intended to make a comprehensive survey of the existing research into fabric drape and its application to textiles and clothing industries since Peirce. It consists oftwo parts. The first part of this review deals with test and evaluation of drape, and empirical study carried out by textile people. The second part ofit will discuss theoretical aspects and numerical simulation as well as its applications.
Recent Research On Yarn Hairiness Testing And Reduction Part 1: Hairiness Testing
Authors: Wang Xun Gai
Published: April 2016

The importance of staple yam hairiness as a key factor affecting the properties of yams and fabrics is well known. Accurate measurement of yam hairiness is essential for quality control. This series of papers reports findings of the author's most recent studies on the subject of yam hairiness. In Part 1, the fallacy of hairiness testing using commercial hairiness meters is examined, with particular reference to the effect of testing speed on yam hairiness results. In Part 2, several novel ways of reducing yam hairiness are described.
Quantifying Colour Emotion - What Has Been Achieved
Authors: Xin J.H. , Cheng K.M. , Chong T.F. , Sato T. , Nakamura T. , Kajiwara K. , Hoshino H.
Published: April 2016

Psychological researches of colour reveal that a colour or a group of colours is associated with certain meanings or can cause certain feelings. These feelings of a colour are termed as colour emotions perceived by people. It is important for colour design of a product. Quantitative relationships between colours and the emotion they caused can assist designers to select right colour for the right design objects. The quantitative relationships can also contribute to the reduction of the lead time for colour design process as the colour emotion can be expressed by standard colour specification. A review was carried out in this paper to introduce the research works in quantifying colour emotion.
Family Members' Expenditures for Clothing Categories in Four Seasons
Authors: Lei Shen , Zhang Zhiming
Published: April 2016

In this paper expenditures of families in Shanghai on 12 categories of clothing in four seasons were examined, based on data gathered from quarterly interviews with 292 families. It was found that there were differences among family members and among the four seasons in clothing expenditures. The relative market sizes of the various categories of clothes were also investigated.
A Study On The Effectiveness Of Window Display Of A Boutique Selling Jeans
Authors: Ng Frankie M.C. , Leung C.S. , Chan S.F.
Published: April 2016

Amongst the various elements of visual merchandising, window display is by far the most direct in attracting potential customers. There has been considerable literature and activities on window displays, but attempts to evaluate the effectiveness of window display of a boutique selling jeans by its attraction to customers and subsequently, its ability to induce purchases. Results reveal that for a boutique selling jeans, the display of shop windows is not the most detennining factor in inducing sales, it is the products which are being displayed.
Environmental Compliance for Hong Kong Textile Dyeing Industry
Authors: Kwok W.Y. , Xin J. H. , Chong T.F.
Published: April 2016

In recent years, the public awareness and concern for the environment have been increased significantly. This has resulted in tougher legislation and more stringent standards to which the industry will have to work. In this paper, the environmental regulatory situation in Hong Kong
and the effluent standards in Hong Kong and other counties were reviewed so as to give a word of caution for the local textile dyeing industry. Moreover, various pollution prevention techniques were suggested in order to reduce pollution through elimination at the source rather than treatment or disposal.
Mathematical Model Of Using Simulated Lung Ching Tea Waste And Eggshell In Wool Dyeing Process
Authors: Chan P. M. , Yuen C. W. M. , Yeung K. W.
Published: April 2016

Attempt has been made to extract the dyes from waste materials such as simulated tea waste and applied it in wool dyeing. In this paper, the central composition experimental design of multivariate Response Surface Method was used to formulate mathematical models aiming to
predict (1) the optimum dyeing conditions of simulated waste Lung Ching tea dye for wool fabric, and (2) the optimum extraction conditions of a natural mordant originated from common waste eggshell. The pre-mordanting process using eggshell as a mordant to lieu of traditional heavy metal mordants was applied to wool fabric followed by dyeing with simulated waste Lung Ching tea extract under the optimum dyeing conditions. The
improvement of pre-mordanting process on dye uptake and colour fastness properties has been evaluated.
Comfort Evaluation of Down-filled Apparel
Authors: Mei-yi Leung , Kit-Iun Yick , Wai-yee Zeto
Published: April 2016

In the present study, the “comfortability” of down-filled apparel has been evaluated in two different areas. The first aspect of the work deals with the evaluation of insulating capability of the down-proof fabrics and down-filled pillows in relation to relative humidity using the KES-F7 Thermal instrument and ASTMD1518 test method. Considerable differences in terms of true thermal transmittance have been obtained when fabrics and down-filled pillows are put under different relative humidity environment. With regard to the increasing requirements for comfort of the product, sensory feeling of the inner lining materials becomes a very important criterion for the selection down-filled garments. In this respect, the second aspect of the paper is concerned with the relationships between the fabric constructional, mechanical and transport properties and the psycho-physiological response of judges on the sensory feeling of lining materials. Significant relationships between the fabric transport properties, mainly wettability and transient heat conduction was obtained.
A Comparative Study Between China And Hong Kong As A Manufacturing Base OfHong Kong Men’s Shirt
Authors: Ng Frankie M.C.
Published: April 2016

Men’s shirt has been one of the major categories of Hong Kong clothing industry. In recent years, high inflation rate, increases in labour cost and overhead expenses has resulted in many of the Hong Kong men’s shirt manufacturers moving their production base to other Asian countries. Given the geographical proximity and cultural similarity, China has been considered as a possible alternative manufacturing base for Hong Kong men’s shirt. This paper aims at investigating the feasibility of China to become a new manufacturing base for Hong Kong men’s shirt. Twenty Hongkong shirt manufacturers and offices were interviewed to identify the factors attributive to the success of men’s shirt manufacturing. These factors were evaluated by Point Weighting Method for situations in China and Hong Kong now and in ten years’ time. In addition, SWOT Analysis is employed to compare the internal strengths and weaknesses and the external threats and opportunities between Hong Kong and China. Results showed that China is being preferred and will increasingly be preferred as a new manufacturing base for Hong Kong men's shirt.
A Potential Textile Application of UV Excimer Laser Irradiation on Polyester Fabrics
Authors: Wong Wilson , Chan Kwong , Yeung Kwok Wing , Lau Kai Shui
Published: April 2016

UV Excimer laser treatment can be used to produce a modification of surface morphology on polymer. The interaction produces the characteristic ripple/roll like structures and changes in physical and chemical properties. Possible textile application of this non-contacting physical technique on polyester microfibre fabric was systematically studied. Two commercially available high temperature dyes of red and blue were used in this study and results revealed that dyeing rate of both dyes on polyester increased remarkably after laser treatment.
Recursive Modelling of 3D Rectangular Braid
Authors: Ng Roger
Published: April 2016

3D Braiding is a very important technique in the manufacturing of textile composites. Conventionally, the simulation of a 3D braid can easily be achieved by simulating each crosssectional. In this article, a recursive technique is presented. Formal proof of all the key properties of the recursive representation of the 3D braid is included. A performance analysis is also presented to show that this recursive method is more cost effective in simulating the yam path of any particular yam than the conventional method.
Development of Swimwear for Diving
Authors: Kwok Y.L , Kong P.Y. , Fan J.
Published: April 2016

Swimwear is normally designed for swimming. It is should be modified to suit diving purpose as the body movement and the force applied by water to the wearers during diving are greatly different from those during swimming. Major problems of conventional swimwear during diving were found to be insufficient durability, poor fitting and movement of straps and leg parts to inappropriate position, which was largely caused by water going in-between the swimwear and body, resulting a balloon effect inside the garment. To solve the above problems, the design and construction of the swimwear was modified. The swimwear fabric was selected through testing the strength and elongation of a range of swimwear fabrics in order to ensure that the selected fabric can withstand the great force and stretch. The improved diver’s swimwear was found very satisfactory although further improvement may be needed in the future.
Modified Two-strand Spinning Part I: Theory
Authors: Nonnan S. , Wang X.
Published: April 2016

A modified two-strand spinning system is described in this study. This system differs from other two-strand spinning systems in that it has a pair of intennittent notch roller placed above the convergence point. The notch roller cyclically alters the number of twist in the two strands above the convergence point and increases the level of strand-twist in the folded structure below the convergence point. This leads to increased trapping of surface fibres so that the hairiness of the resultant yam can be reduced and its abrasion resistance improved. A mathematical analysis of this modified two-strand spinning system is presented in this part of the series.
The Application of Mystery Shopping in an Apparel Retailing Chain in China
Authors: Ming Xu , Xiehong Fu , Junying Yu
Published: April 2016

In this paper a case study of mystery shopping is described, which was jointly conducted by a large apparel retailing company headquartered in Hong Kong and a management school in Shanghai. The program of mystery shopping in the stores of the company has been carried out for six years, and the scope of the activity covers some 30 cities in China. The reinforcement learning model is used to explain how mystery shopping can be employed as one strategy to improve service quality. The paper summarizes the main measures adopted by the company for continuous improvement. The whole processes of mystery shopping, the follow-up measures, and the evaluation sheet and work instruction are described as well. The paper also suggests the ways to select, train and control college students as mystery shoppers
The Effect of Test Length on Strength of Cotton Yarns
Authors: Shi Fengjun , Hu Jinlian
Published: April 2016

In the paper, the tensile properties of cotton yarns are studied. A lot of data are gotten and analyzed. It indicates that the breaking strength of the yarns follows Weibull distribution. Then the effect of sample length on strength is analyzed using Weibull's statistics. The Weibull parameters are calculated through regression method. The breaking strength of the yarn at different sample length is predicted. Theoretical prediction conforms the experimental results very well.
STRAIN MEASUREMENT IN FABRICS. PART III: A NON-CONTACT METHOD OF DETERMINING FINITE STRAINS - PRACTICAL IMPLEMENTATION
Authors: Lloyd D.W. , Price C.D. , Brook D.B.
Published: April 2016

The theoretical basis of a method of measuring true finite strains (Green’s Strains) in fabrics has been reported in an earlier paper. The purpose of the present paper is to outline how the method may be implemented in practice, and how current limitations of the method might be overcome. At present, the technique is confined to essentially planar specimens of fabric and to photographic techniques. Ways of developing the method to overcome its limitations are suggested.
STRAIN MEASUREMENT IN FABRICS. PART IV: A NON-CONTACT METHOD OF DETERMINING FINITE STRAINS - APPLICATION TO STRAIN FIELDS IN GARMENTS
Authors: Lloyd D.W. , Harlock S.C. , Yee J. , Brook D.B.
Published: April 2016

A non-contact method of measuring strain fields in fabrics, described in previous papers, has been applied to a problem in garment engineering. The particular problem is that of the strain developed across seams in garments intended for use in the operating room, where seam failure is unacceptable. The method is applied to the back seams of prototype disposable trousers constructed with different ease allowances. The difficulties of applying the method in practice to garments that are stressed by large movements of the body are discussed. The methods used to overcome the difficulties are described. Example strain fields from the study are given.
A CONTROL OF THE WEIGHT PER SQUARE METRE CONCERNING PURE COTTON JERSEY
Authors: Feng Sun
Published: April 2016

On fully relaxed jersey, its construction is the thickest, its washing shrinkage is zero, and it has the characteristics that its density and weight per square metre are the largest if yarn size is the same. In the condition of specific technological process and within the specified limits of yarn tex, the weight per square mitre of fully relaxed pure cotton jersey is in linear connexion with yarntex. These conclusions can be used in the design of pure cotton jersey and the control of washing shrinkage.
CONFIGURATION AND ORIENTATION OF FIBRES Part III. APPLICATIONS
Authors: Kornoohin Igor P. , Kornoohina Tamara A.
Published: April 2016

The small-angle scattering method is applied to study the: straightening and parallelization of fibres in the air stream; feeding sliver indices as influenced by those of the rotor fibre ring under open-ended spinning; orientation of fibres in some non-woven fabrics; continuous measurement in slivers. The straightening of discrete fibres in the air stream in a convergentdivergent duct is studied under a change in flow rate, with the rotational speeds of feeding sliver and discharging rollers varying with two modifications of the discharging roller, and with different feeding sliver types.
STUDIES ON HAIRINESS OF FABRICS AND YARNS BY LASER RADIATION SCATTERING METHOD
Authors: Kornoohin I.P. , Kornoohina T.A.
Published: April 2016

Method and apparatus for a measuring of length and density of nap of fabric are presented. Method based on recording of laser radiation flux scattered by fibres that form nap. Experimental conditions provide unitary scattering of radiation by fibres and recorded light flux is proportional total length of fibres. It was found that total length of fibres in three samples of a heavy woolen cloth decreased exponentially as coordinate point recedes from cloth surface. The accuracy in the determination of the fibers total length in the nap is discussed. Modification of the method and the apparatus for a new goal is attained – the hairiness of yarns measuring is described.
Strategies for Comparative Urbanism: Post‐socialism as a De‐territorialized Concept
Authors: Tuvikene Tauri
Published: April 2016

The aim of this article is to critically assess the study of post‐socialist cities with respect to comparative urbanism. Even though comparative urbanism has challenged the division of the world into largely incommensurable regional containers, where some regions are sources of theory while others remain in the periphery of thinking, post‐socialist cities have remained doubly excluded: neither centre nor periphery, neither mainstream nor part of the critique. This article introduces three ways in which post‐socialism has and could be perceived: as a container, as a condition and as a de‐territorialized concept. It is argued here that seeing post‐socialism as a de‐territorialized concept that would apply to particular aspects of cities and societies rather than territorialized units in general would allow cities regularly seen as post‐socialist to be incorporated into global urban theorizing, while distinctive local histories and experiences still remain analytically present. The article cautions researchers against area‐based imaginations of urban theorization, instead arguing in favour of an approach that sees cities first and foremost as ordinary while some aspects could be claimed to be post‐socialist. Tallinn is used here as a site from which to draw examples for this mainly literature‐based conceptual analysis.
Social university challenge: Constructing pragmatic graduate competencies for social networking
Authors: Benson Vladlena , Morgan Stephanie
Published: April 2016

With the strong acceptance of social technologies by student users, the academic applications have swiftly followed, bringing a social dimension into every area of university life. However, there have been concerns raised about the impact of social media on students. Some Universities have started including social media skills training in the curriculum. For educators, it is important to understand students’ attitudes towards social media itself and the inclusion of social media skills development. This article presents the results of a qualitative study of students’ positions towards social media and the impact on their professional activity, as well as the need for teaching skills in social technologies. We argue that students are not fully aware of the implications of social media use despite, or sometimes because of, their regular use. Based on 23 semi‐structured interviews with students at a UK business school, we bring to light the positions which learners take towards social technology education and argue that structured training is needed. We offer a framework for social skill development and conclude that social technology integration into pedagogy increases the employability skills of business graduates.
A trait‐based approach for predicting species responses to environmental change from sparse data: how well might terrestrial mammals track climate change?
Authors: Santini Luca , Cornulier Thomas , Bullock James M. , Palmer Stephen C. F. , White Steven M. , Hodgson Jenny A. , Bocedi Greta , Travis Justin M. J.
Published: April 2016

Estimating population spread rates across multiple species is vital for projecting biodiversity responses to climate change. A major challenge is to parameterise spread models for many species. We introduce an approach that addresses this challenge, coupling a trait‐based analysis with spatial population modelling to project spread rates for 15 000 virtual mammals with life histories that reflect those seen in the real world. Covariances among life‐history traits are estimated from an extensive terrestrial mammal data set using Bayesian inference. We elucidate the relative roles of different life‐history traits in driving modelled spread rates, demonstrating that any one alone will be a poor predictor. We also estimate that around 30% of mammal species have potential spread rates slower than the global mean velocity of climate change. This novel trait‐space‐demographic modelling approach has broad applicability for tackling many key ecological questions for which we have the models but are hindered by data availability.
Egg rejection and clutch phenotype variation in the plain priniaPrinia inornata
Authors: Wang Longwu , Liang Wei , Yang Canchao , Cheng Shun‐Jen , Hsu Yu‐Cheng , Lu Xin
Published: April 2016

Avian hosts of brood parasites can evolve anti‐parasitic defenses to recognize and reject foreign eggs from their nests. Theory predicts that higher inter‐clutch and lower intra‐clutch variation in egg appearance facilitates hosts to detect parasitic eggs as egg‐rejection mainly depends on the appearance of the egg. Therefore, we predict that egg patterns and rejection rates will differ when hosts face different intensity of cuckoo parasitism. We tested this prediction in two populations of the plain priniaPrinia inornata: Guangxi in mainland China with high diversity and density of cuckoo species, and Taiwan where there is only one breeding cuckoo species, the oriental cuckooCuculus optatus. As expected, egg patterns were similar within clutches but different among clutches (polymorphic eggs) in the mainland population, while the island population produced more uniform egg morphs. Furthermore, the mainland population showed a high rate of egg rejection, while the island population exhibited dramatically reduced egg grasp‐rejection ability in the absence of parasitism by the common cuckooCuculus canorus. Our study suggests that prinias show lower intra‐clutch consistency in egg colour and lose egg‐rejecting ability under relaxed selection pressure from brood parasitism.
Body mass change and diet switch tracked by stable isotopes indicate time spent at a stopover site during autumn migration in dunlins Calidris alpina alpina
Authors: Schwemmer Philipp , Voigt Christian C. , Corman Anna‐Marie , Adler Sven , Garthe Stefan
Published: April 2016

Birds may change their diet and foraging habitat during or after migration. Dunlins Calidris alpina alpina breed in the tundra of northern Europe and Russia where they feed exclusively on terrestrial prey. However, up to 80% of the flyway population uses the Wadden Sea as their first important staging site on the way to wintering grounds, feeding exclusively on marine prey. Adult birds migrate earlier than immatures and tend to fly non‐stop, whereas immatures may stage for at least a few days en route, mainly in the Baltic region. There they mostly feed on brackish water prey showing similar isotopic values compared to terrestrial prey. When they arrive in the Wadden Sea, dunlin body reserves are depleted and lower than those of individuals that have already staged for several days. We hypothesized that lighter individuals should retain a strong terrestrial isotopic blood signature, while heavier ones should show a stronger marine signature. We found a significant positive correlation between scaled mass index and carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) stable isotopes, reflecting the switch from terrestrial to marine prey during migration. A mixing model revealed differences in isotopic values between heavy and light adults and immatures, respectively, in relation to the isotopic prey signatures. Adults showed stronger marine signals compared with immatures, emphasizing the different modes of migration (i.e. a later departure in immatures) as well as the known spatial segregation of age classes in the Wadden Sea, i.e. adults use tidal flats distant from the shore while immatures use coastal areas influenced by terrestrial carbon sources. The results of this study demonstrate the value of scaled mass index in migratory birds as an indicator of time elapsed after diet switching following migration. Furthermore, this study extents the existing knowledge on the timing of dunlin migration by using an isotopic approach.
Determinants of Integration and Confrontation in Internal Dialogues
Authors: Puchalska‐Wasyl Małgorzata M.
Published: April 2016

Interest in the distinction between integrative and confrontational internal dialogues has been growing, as research suggests numerous positive functions of the former compared to the latter. The article proposes a theoretical approach to integration and confrontation in internal dialogue and an empirical method of measuring these processes. Exploratory research is also presented that seeks to identify personality‐related and situational determinants of integration and confrontation in internal dialogue simulating social relationships. Canonical correlation analysis did not establish personality determinants but it did reveal situational determinants (understood as cognitive interpretation of the enacted situation) behind integration and confrontation in internal dialogue. Perceiving the internal interlocutor as similar to the dialogue's author is associated with the author's integrative attitude. An increase in the wishfulness of the dialogue is accompanied by an increase in the author's confrontational attitude and the interlocutor's integrative attitude.
Rapid genome‐wide evolution in Brassica rapa populations following drought revealed by sequencing of ancestral and descendant gene pools
Authors: Franks Steven J. , Kane Nolan C. , O'Hara Niamh B. , Tittes Silas , Rest Joshua S.
Published: April 2016

There is increasing evidence that evolution can occur rapidly in response to selection. Recent advances in sequencing suggest the possibility of documenting genetic changes as they occur in populations, thus uncovering the genetic basis of evolution, particularly if samples are available from both before and after selection. Here, we had a unique opportunity to directly assess genetic changes in natural populations following an evolutionary response to a fluctuation in climate. We analysed genome‐wide differences between ancestors and descendants of natural populations of Brassica rapa plants from two locations that rapidly evolved changes in multiple phenotypic traits, including flowering time, following a multiyear late‐season drought in California. These ancestor‐descendant comparisons revealed evolutionary shifts in allele frequencies in many genes. Some genes showing evolutionary shifts have functions related to drought stress and flowering time, consistent with an adaptive response to selection. Loci differentiated between ancestors and descendants (FST outliers) were generally different from those showing signatures of selection based on site frequency spectrum analysis (Tajima's D), indicating that the loci that evolved in response to the recent drought and those under historical selection were generally distinct. Very few genes showed similar evolutionary responses between two geographically distinct populations, suggesting independent genetic trajectories of evolution yielding parallel phenotypic changes. The results show that selection can result in rapid genome‐wide evolutionary shifts in allele frequencies in natural populations, and highlight the usefulness of combining resurrection experiments in natural populations with genomics for studying the genetic basis of adaptive evolution.
The novel fungal‐specific gene FUG1 has a role in pathogenicity and fumonisin biosynthesis in Fusarium verticillioides
Authors: Ridenour John B. , Bluhm Burton H.
Published: April 2016

Fusarium verticillioides is a globally important pathogen of maize, capable of causing severe yield reductions and economic losses. In addition, F. verticillioides produces toxic secondary metabolites during kernel colonization that pose significant threats to human and animal health. Fusarium verticillioides and other plant‐pathogenic fungi possess a large number of genes with no known or predicted function, some of which could encode novel virulence factors or antifungal targets. In this study, we identified and characterized the novel gene FUG1 (Fungal Unknown Gene 1) in F. verticillioides through functional genetics. Deletion of FUG1 impaired maize kernel colonization and fumonisin biosynthesis. In addition, deletion of FUG1 increased sensitivity to the antimicrobial compound 2‐benzoxazolinone and to hydrogen peroxide, which indicates that FUG1 may play a role in mitigating stresses associated with host defence. Transcriptional profiling via RNA‐sequencing (RNA‐seq) identified numerous fungal genes that were differentially expressed in the kernel environment following the deletion of FUG1, including genes involved in secondary metabolism and mycelial development. Sequence analysis of the Fug1 protein provided evidence for nuclear localization, DNA binding and a domain of unknown function associated with previously characterized transcriptional regulators. This information, combined with the observed transcriptional reprogramming in the deletion mutant, suggests that FUG1 represents a novel class of fungal transcription factors or genes otherwise involved in signal transduction.
Functional characterization of the first filamentous fungal tRNA‐isopentenyltransferase and its role in the virulence of Claviceps purpurea
Authors: Hinsch Janine , Galuszka Petr , Tudzynski Paul
Published: April 2016

In plants, cytokinins (CKs) are synthesized de novo or by the degradation of modified tRNAs. Recently, the first fungal de novo pathway was identified within the plant pathogen Claviceps purpurea. As the deletion of the de novo pathway did not lead to a complete loss of CKs, this work focuses on the tRNA‐modifying protein tRNA‐isopentenyltransferase (CptRNA‐IPT). The contribution of this enzyme to the CK pool of Claviceps and the role of CKs in the host–pathogen interaction are emphasized.

The effects of the deletion of cptRNA‐ipt and the double deletion of cptRNA‐ipt and the key gene of de novo biosynthesis cpipt‐log on growth, CK biosynthesis and virulence were analyzed. In addition, the sites of action of CptRNA‐IPT were visualized using reporter gene fusions.

In addition to CK‐independent functions, CptRNA‐IPT was essential for the biosynthesis of cis‐zeatin (cZ) and contributed to the formation of isopentenyladenine (iP) and trans‐zeatin (tZ). Although ΔcptRNA‐ipt was reduced in virulence, the ‘CK‐free’ double deletion mutant was nearly apathogenic.

The results prove a redundancy of the CK biosynthesis pathway in C. purpurea for iP and tZ formation. Moreover, we show, for the first time, that CKs are required for the successful establishment of a host–fungus interaction.
Alopecia Areata After Vaccination: Recurrence with Rechallenge
Authors: Chu Chien‐Ho , Cheng Yu‐Pin , Chan Jung‐Yi Lisa
Published: April 2016

Alopecia areata (AA) is the most common form of hair loss in children. We report the case of a child who had two episodes of AA after two different vaccines with complete hair regrowth between the episodes. This case supports the concept that vaccination might be a trigger for the development of AA in genetically predisposed children.
Propranolol for Preoperative Management of a Large Infantile Hemangioma
Authors: Woody Meghan M. , Levy Moise L. , Weinfeld Adam B.
Published: April 2016

Infantile hemangiomas (IHs) are common vascular tumors that typically follow a predictable pattern of rapid proliferation followed by gradual involution. Although most do not require treatment, some large or difficult IHs do, with medical and surgical options available. Prior reports indicate the success of using propranolol, a nonselective β‐blocker, to treat these lesions. This report will demonstrate the use of propranolol preoperatively to manage a large IH followed by surgical excision of the lesion in a collaborative medical and surgical approach.
Role of thoracoscopy in traumatic diaphragmatic hernia
Authors: Ghionzoli Marco , Bongini Martina , Piccolo Roberto Lo , Martin Alessandra , Persano Giorgio , Deaconu Diana E , Messineo Antonio
Published: April 2016

Thoraco‐abdominal trauma can in rare cases involve diaphragmatic rupture and subsequent herniation of intra‐abdominal contents. We report a case of this complication in a 5‐year‐old boy who was injured in a car crash, and who manifested respiratory distress and hemodynamic instability after 48 h of being monitored in the pediatric intensive care unit. Multiple radiologic investigations were inconclusive and the definite diagnosis was established only on thoracoscopic exploration.
Reflections on Leadership: Jean‐Jacques Dordain of the European Space Agency
Authors: Lambright W. Henry
Published: April 2016

In 2015, Jean‐Jacques Dordain retired as director general of the European Space Agency (ESA). This is Europe's NASA and includes a host of sovereign nations that differ in language, culture, economics, and politics. As ESA’s director general, Dordain pulled together a disparate and often quarreling group of countries and got them moving in the same direction. Billions of dollars were involved in a sequence of large‐scale, complex spaceflights. Successes far surpassed failures. Dordain stated that if there is one area of administration about which ESA could teach the world, it is “that of international cooperation. Very simple—it's because ESA is an institutional cooperation venture.” In this Administrative Profile, Dordain comments on the issues he faced in guiding European cooperation as well as relations with the United States and other countries.
Income Inequality and Urban Vulnerability to Flood Hazard in Brazil*
Authors: Rasch Rebecca
Published: April 2016

Objective

Income inequality scholars suggest that extreme income inequality leads to spatial segregation, political power concentrated in the high‐income (elite) class, and thus, uneven public resource access. This work argues that income inequality may also predict higher levels of vulnerability of urban municipalities to climate‐related hazards.

Method

Using factor analysis and multilevel regression models, this research tests whether income inequality is a predictor of vulnerability to flood hazards.

Results

The analysis shows that income inequality significantly predicts higher levels of a key component of vulnerability in urban Brazilian municipalities.

Conclusion

By providing empirical evidence for the theorized linkages between income inequality, spatial segregation, and uneven public resource access, this work bolsters the claims of income inequality scholars who suggest high levels of income inequality have negative social consequences. Additionally, this work is relevant to climate change vulnerability scholars as it underscores the importance of considering income inequality as part of urban climate change vulnerability assessments.
Use of a modified hair strand test to assess the antifungal activity kinetics of dog hair after a 2% climbazole shampoo application
Authors: Petit Jean Yanique , Cavana Paola , Thoumire Sandra , Guillot Jacques , Perrot Sébastien
Published: April 2016

Background

The “hair strand test” was first developed as a model to evaluate the antifungal activity of antidandruff shampoos.

Objective

To assess the residual activity of an antifungal shampoo on the hair shafts of dogs after a single application, followed by bathing with a physiological shampoo one month later.

Animals

Six beagles (two males and four females) from a research colony.

Methods

Dogs were bathed with a 2% climbazole shampoo. Hairs were collected before application of the shampoo and at scheduled intervals for 30 days after treatment. A physiological shampoo was then applied to all dogs and hairs were collected following the same schedule. The inhibition zone around the hair shafts was measured after incubation on Sabouraud's dextrose agar plates streaked with three Malassezia pachydermatis strains.

Results

Inhibition zones around hairs collected from dogs bathed with 2% climbazole shampoo were significantly larger than those around hairs collected before shampooing at all time points (P = 0.003). An increase in the width of the inhibition zones around climbazole treated hairs was observed following physiological shampoo on Day 30 (P = 0.005). No significant differences were observed between Malassezia pachydermatis isolates (P = 0.571). No inhibition zones were seen around the hairs of dogs bathed with physiological shampoo only.

Conclusions

The modified hair strand test is useful for the assessment of residual antifungal activity on animal hairs. Use of a physiological shampoo following antifungal shampoo therapy may increase the efficacy of the antifungal product for the control of Malassezia overgrowth.
The effect of repeated eye examinations and breeding advice on the prevalence and incidence of cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy in German dachshunds over a 13‐year period
Authors: Koll Sarah , Reese Sven , Medugorac Ivica , Rosenhagen Carsten U. , Sanchez Rick F. , Köstlin Roberto
Published: April 2016

Objective

To analyze the change in prevalence and incidence of hereditary eye diseases (HED) in dachshunds due to breeding regulations based on biennial examinations performed by the German panel of veterinary ophthalmologists (DOK) from 1998 to 2011.

Animals included

A total of 12 242 dachshunds examined by the DOK and pedigree data of 318 852 dachshunds provided by the German Dachshund Club (DTK).

Procedures

The prevalence of congenital cataract (CC), distichiasis (DIST), hereditary cataract (HC), persistent pupillary membranes (PPMs), persistent hyperplastic tunica vasculosa lentis / persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous (PHTVL/PHPV), progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), retinal dysplasia (RD), and findings such as fiberglass‐like cataract (FGC) and prominent suture lines (PSLs) was analyzed. The significance (P), confidence interval (CI), odds ratio (OR), relative risk (RR) and inbreeding coefficients (F) were calculated and P < 0.05 was considered significant. The incidence was evaluated based on affected dogs within birth cohorts from 1993 to 2006.

Results

The prevalent conditions studied were as follows: CC 0.5%, DIST 6.7%, HC 3.9%, PPMs 8.4%, PHTVL/PHPV 0.4%, PRA 1.5%, RD 0.2%, FGC 2.2%, and PSL 1.5%. The incidence of PRA decreased significantly from 6.0% to 0.6% for dogs born from 1993 to 2006, while HC showed a decreasing trend from 8.7% to 3.1%. More males than females were diagnosed with HC and PRA. Dachshunds with HEDs had an F that was not significantly higher than that of healthy dachshunds.

Conclusions

The decreasing incidence of PRA and HC in dachshunds supports the use of frequent HED examinations in combination with breeding control.
H5N1 stems the alveolar tide: MSCs to the rescue!
Authors: Bhattacharya Mallar
Published: April 2016

Injection of mesenchymal stromal cells increased survival in murine H5N1 influenza pneumonia by improving alveolar fluid clearance.
Clusters of Antibiotic Resistance Genes Enriched Together Stay Together in Swine Agriculture
Authors: Johnson Timothy A. , Stedtfeld Robert D. , Wang Qiong , Cole James R. , Hashsham Syed A. , Looft Torey , Zhu Yong-Guan , Tiedje James M.
Published: April 2016

Antibiotic resistance is a worldwide health risk, but the influence of animal agriculture on the genetic context and enrichment of individual antibiotic resistance alleles remains unclear. Using quantitative PCR followed by amplicon sequencing, we quantified and sequenced 44 genes related to antibiotic resistance, mobile genetic elements, and bacterial phylogeny in microbiomes from U.S. laboratory swine and from swine farms from three Chinese regions. We identified highly abundant resistance clusters: groups of resistance and mobile genetic element alleles that cooccur. For example, the abundance of genes conferring resistance to six classes of antibiotics together with class 1 integrase and the abundance of IS
6100
-type transposons in three Chinese regions are directly correlated. These resistance cluster genes likely colocalize in microbial genomes in the farms. Resistance cluster alleles were dramatically enriched (up to 1 to 10% as abundant as 16S rRNA) and indicate that multidrug-resistant bacteria are likely the norm rather than an exception in these communities. This enrichment largely occurred independently of phylogenetic composition; thus, resistance clusters are likely present in many bacterial taxa. Furthermore, resistance clusters contain resistance genes that confer resistance to antibiotics independently of their particular use on the farms. Selection for these clusters is likely due to the use of only a subset of the broad range of chemicals to which the clusters confer resistance. The scale of animal agriculture and its wastes, the enrichment and horizontal gene transfer potential of the clusters, and the vicinity of large human populations suggest that managing this resistance reservoir is important for minimizing human risk.

IMPORTANCE
Agricultural antibiotic use results in clusters of cooccurring resistance genes that together confer resistance to multiple antibiotics. The use of a single antibiotic could select for an entire suite of resistance genes if they are genetically linked. No links to bacterial membership were observed for these clusters of resistance genes. These findings urge deeper understanding of colocalization of resistance genes and mobile genetic elements in resistance islands and their distribution throughout antibiotic-exposed microbiomes. As governments seek to combat the rise in antibiotic resistance, a balance is sought between ensuring proper animal health and welfare and preserving medically important antibiotics for therapeutic use. Metagenomic and genomic monitoring will be critical to determine if resistance genes can be reduced in animal microbiomes, or if these gene clusters will continue to be coselected by antibiotics not deemed medically important for human health but used for growth promotion or by medically important antibiotics used therapeutically.
When should clinicians suspect group Astreptococcusempyema in children? A multicentre case–control study in French tertiary care centres
Authors: Bellulo Sophia , Sommet Julie , Lévy Corinne , Gillet Yves , Hees Laure , Lorrot Mathie , Gras-Le-Guen Christèle , Craiu Irina , Dubos François , Minodier Philippe , Biscardi Sandra , Dommergues Marie-Aliette , Béchet Stéphane , Bidet Philippe , Alberti Corinne , Cohen Robert , Faye Albert
Published: April 2016

Background

The incidence of invasive group Astreptococcus(GAS) infections is increasing worldwide, whereas there has been a dramatic decrease in pneumococcal invasive diseases. Few data describing GAS pleural empyema in children are available.

Objective

To describe the clinical and microbiological features, management and outcome of GAS pleural empyema in children and compare them with those of pneumococcal empyema.

Design, setting and patients

Fifty children admitted for GAS pleural empyema between January 2006 and May 2013 to 8 hospitals participating in a national pneumonia survey were included in a descriptive study and matched by age and centre with 50 children with pneumococcal empyema.

Results

The median age of the children with GAS pleural empyema was 2 (range 0.1–7.6) years. Eighteen children (36%) had at least one risk factor for invasive GAS infection (corticosteroid use and/or current varicella). On admission, 37 patients (74%) had signs of circulatory failure, and 31 (62%) had a rash. GAS was isolated from 49/50 pleural fluid samples and from one blood culture. The commonest GAS genotype wasemm1(n=17/22). Two children died (4%). Children with GAS empyema presented more frequently with a rash (p<0.01), signs of circulatory failure (p=0.01) and respiratory disorders (p=0.02) and with low leucocyte levels (p=0.04) than children with pneumococcal empyema. Intensive care unit admissions (p<0.01), drainage procedures (p=0.04) and short-term complications (p=0.01) were also more frequent in patients with GAS empyema.

Conclusions

Pleural empyema following varicella or presenting with rash, signs of circulatory failure and leucopenia may be due to GAS. These features should prompt the addition to treatment of an antitoxin drug, such as clindamycin.
Cardiovascular events prior to or early after diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus in the systemic lupus international collaborating clinics cohort
Authors: Urowitz M B , Gladman D D , Anderson N M , Su J , Romero-Diaz J , Bae S C , Fortin P R , Sanchez-Guerrero J , Clarke A , Bernatsky S , Gordon C , Hanly J G , Wallace D J , Isenberg D , Rahman A , Merrill J , Ginzler E , Alarcón G S , Fessler B F , Petri M , Bruce I N , Khamashta M , Aranow C , Dooley M , Manzi S , Ramsey-Goldman R , Sturfelt G , Nived O , Steinsson K , Zoma A , Ruiz-Irastorza G , Lim S , Kalunian K C , Ỉnanç M , van Vollenhoven R , Ramos-Casals M , Kamen D L , Jacobsen S , Peschken C , Askanase A , Stoll T
Published: April 2016

Objective

To describe the frequency of myocardial infarction (MI) prior to the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and within the first 2 years of follow-up.

Methods

The systemic lupus international collaborating clinics (SLICC) atherosclerosis inception cohort enters patients within 15 months of SLE diagnosis. MIs were reported and attributed on a specialised vascular event form. MIs were confirmed by one or more of the following: abnormal ECG, typical or atypical symptoms with ECG abnormalities and elevated enzymes (≥2 times upper limit of normal), or abnormal stress test, echocardiogram, nuclear scan or angiogram. Descriptive statistics were used.

Results

31 of 1848 patients who entered the cohort had an MI. Of those, 23 patients had an MI prior to SLE diagnosis or within the first 2 years of disease. Of the 23 patients studied, 60.9% were female, 78.3% were Caucasian, 8.7% black, 8.7% Hispanic and 4.3% other. The mean age at SLE diagnosis was 52.5±15.0 years. Of the 23 MIs that occurred, 16 MIs occurred at a mean of 6.1±7.0 years prior to diagnosis and 7 occurred within the first 2 years of follow-up. Risk factors associated with early MI in univariate analysis are male sex, Caucasian, older age at diagnosis, hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia, family history of MI and smoking. In multivariate analysis only age (OR=1.06 95% CI 1.03 to 1.09), hypertension (OR=5.01, 95% CI 1.38 to 18.23), hypercholesterolaemia (OR=4.43, 95% CI 1.51 to 12.99) and smoking (OR=7.50, 95% CI 2.38 to 23.57) remained significant risk factors.

Conclusions

In some patients with lupus, MI may develop even before the diagnosis of SLE or shortly thereafter, suggesting that there may be a link between autoimmune inflammation and atherosclerosis.
In defence of utility: the medical humanities and medical education
Authors: Blease Charlotte
Published: April 2016

The idea that a study of the humanities helps to humanise doctors has become a leitmotif within the field. It is argued that the humanities (especially, literature) help to foster insights beyond those provided by biomedical training. Healthy young medics, it is claimed, can thereby gain significant insights into patienthood, and obtain important skills that may be valuable for their professional life. But the instrumentality of the humanities is not the only justification proffered for its inclusion in medical curricula. In this paper I critically examine the two overarching justifications recurrently cited in the mainstream literature—namely, (1) the instrumental worth and (2) the intrinsic value of the medical humanities in educating doctors. Examining these theses (and focusing on the views of a leading medical humanities scholar) I show that the bifurcation into instrumental versus non-instrumental justifications is not supported by the argumentation. Instead, I find that the particulars of the supposedly intrinsic justifications amount to an unambiguously instrumental defence of the humanities. Contextualizing the present investigation to probe further, I describe a long history of debate about the role of the humanities in British education and find that it rests on unsupported dichotomies (utility vs non-utility, theoretical vs applied, educated vs trained). I conclude that the medical humanities’ manifesto would be more intellectually honest and coherent, and provide a more robust defence of its value in medical education, if it chose to embrace a wholly instrumental rationale for its role.