bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of nickel‐titanium springs vs elastomeric chains in orthodontic space closure: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Mohammed H. , Rizk M.Z. , Wafaie K. , Almuzian M.
Published: December 2017

The aim of this study is to explore the effectiveness of nickel titanium closing springs (NiTi‐CS) and elastomeric power chains (EPC) in orthodontic space closure and to assess the adverse periodontal effects, cost efficiency and patient‐centred outcomes between both of these methods. Methods: An electronic search of online databases (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, LILACS and Web of Science), reference lists and grey literature as well as hand search were conducted without language restriction up to November/2017. Two authors blindly and in duplicate were involved in study selection, quality assessment and the extraction of data. Only randomized clinical trials (RCTs) were included. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration’s risk of bias tool. 95% confidence intervals and mean difference for continuous data were calculated. A meta‐analysis that generated a random‐effect model for the comparable outcomes was conducted, and heterogeneity was measured using I2 statistic. Results: Of 187 records, 4 RCTs met the criteria and were included in the quantitative synthesis featuring 290 test quadrants. Faster space closure with NiTi‐CS was observed with a mean difference of (0.20 mm/month, 95% CI: 0.12 to 0.28). Loss of anchorage appears to be similar within both groups when synthesized qualitatively. With exception to anchorage loss, secondary outcomes could not be investigated in the included trials. Conclusions: There is a moderate quality of evidence suggesting a faster orthodontic space closure with the NiTi‐CS when compared to EPC. A comparable amount of anchorage loss was observed regardless of the utilized method of space closure. Further high‐quality RCTs with parallel‐groups, reporting on the adverse effects and patient‐centred values, are recommended.
Rapid transformation in the braincase of sauropod dinosaurs: integrated evolution of the braincase and neck in early sauropods?
Authors: Bronzati Mario , Benson Roger B. J. , Rauhut Oliver W. M.
Published: December 2017

Sauropod dinosaurs were quadrupedal herbivores with a highly specialized body plan that attained the largest masses of any terrestrial vertebrates. Recent discoveries have shown that key traits associated with sauropod gigantism appeared stepwise during the Late Triassic and Early Jurassic in evolutionary ‘cascades’ of associated changes, in which a ‘head and neck’ cascade has been suggested as an important module. Here, we investigate the evolutionary transformation of the sauropodomorph braincase, using discrete anatomical characters, prompted by the reanalysis of a Middle Jurassic (Bathonian) sauropodiform braincase from England. Our analysis shows that sauropod braincases are highly distinct, and occupy a different region of morphospace than their evolutionary relatives. This resulted from anatomical transformations including a set of changes in the surface attachments of craniocervical musculature, which may indicate integrated evolution between neck elongation and transformation in braincase anatomy. Neck elongation in Late Triassic and Early or Middle Jurassic taxa is potentially associated with episodes of skull reduction, indicating that the ‘head and neck’ cascade was activated more than once in the evolutionary history of Sauropodomorpha. The re‐activation of this cascade in the Jurassic may have impacted on the differential survival of sauropodomorph lineages through the Early and Middle Jurassic.
Underdetermination in science: What it is and why we should care
Authors: Turnbull Margaret Greta
Published: December 2017

The underdetermination of scientific theory choice by evidence is a familiar but multifaceted concept in the philosophy of science. I answer two pressing questions about underdetermination: “What is underdetermination?” and “Why should we care about underdetermination?” To answer the first question, I provide a general definition of underdetermination, identify four forms of underdetermination, and discuss major criticisms of each form. To answer the second question, I then survey two common uses of underdetermination in broader arguments against scientific realism and in support of the use of values in scientific theory choice. I conclude that philosophers should also care about underdetermination because it impacts scientists in their practice.
Supplemented Morus nigra extract‐based medium associated with FSH enables the survival and growth of isolated ovine secondary ovarian follicles
Authors: Cavalcante AYP , Lins TLBG , Santos JMS , Barros VRP , Monte APO , Barberino RS , Almeida JRGS , Matos MHT
Published: December 2017

Contents

The effects of Morus nigra ethanolic extract, without or with addition of supplements associated or not with FSH, on in vitro culture of ovine secondary follicles were evaluated. In experiment 1, isolated secondary follicles were cultured for 12 days in α‐MEM alone (control) or in different concentrations of M. nigra extract (MN 0.025; 0.05 or 0.1 mg/ml). In experiment 2, culture media were α‐MEM supplemented with BSA, insulin, transferrin, selenium, glutamine, hypoxanthine and ascorbic acid (α‐MEM+) or this medium associated with FSH (α‐MEM+ + FSH), or 0.1 mg/ml M. nigra without supplements (MN 0.1) or supplemented (MN 0.1+) without or with FSH (MN 0.1+ + FSH). In experiment 1, 0.1 mg/ml M. nigra showed the highest percentages (p < .05) of normal follicles and fully grown oocytes, besides a higher follicular diameter than α‐MEM and other M. nigra extract concentrations. Moreover, MN 0.1 showed lower (p < .05) glutathione (GSH) levels and similar (p > .05) mitochondrial activity compared to α‐MEM. In experiment 2, MN 0.1+ + FSH showed similar results (p > .05) to α‐MEM+ + FSH for all parameters evaluated, except for the daily growth rate, which was higher (p < .05) in MN 0.1+ + FSH. The GSH levels were higher in MEM+ than all treatments. In addition, oocytes from follicles cultured in MN 0.1+ + FSH showed ability to resume meiosis. In conclusion, M. nigra extract (0.1 mg/ml) added by supplements and FSH can be an efficient medium for ovine secondary follicle development.
Effects of an Advisory Brochure on Fish Consumption of Urban Anglers in the Great Lakes Region
Authors: Lauber T. Bruce , Connelly Nancy A. , Niederdeppe Jeff , Knuth Barbara A.
Published: December 2017

Past research has suggested that urban anglers are a group at high risk of being exposed to contaminants from fish consumption. Fish consumption advisories have been used in many regions to encourage healthy fish‐eating behaviors, but few studies have been designed to assess whether these advisories actually influence behavior as intended. We conducted a large‐scale, randomized experiment to test the influence of an advisory brochure on urban anglers’ fish consumption. We collected detailed information on anglers’ fish consumption in three urban counties in the Great Lakes region in the summers of 2014 and 2015. We provided a treatment group with fish consumption guidelines in an advisory brochure before the summer of 2015 and compared their change in fish consumption to a control group. The brochure led to a reduction in fish consumption for anglers who ate the most fish; these anglers reduced their consumption of high‐contaminant purchased fish (by ≥0.2 meals/summer for those in 72nd percentile of fish consumption or above), high‐contaminant sport‐caught fish (by ≥0.4 meals/summer for those in 87th percentile and above), and low‐contaminant sport‐caught fish (by ≥0.3 meals/summer by those in 76th percentile and above). The brochure also reduced sport‐caught fish consumption among those anglers who exceeded the advisories in 2014 (by 2.0 meals/summer). In addition, the brochure led to small increases in sport‐caught fish consumption (0.4–0.6 meals/summer) in urban anglers who ate very little sport‐caught fish (≤1 meal/summer).
A cross‐sectional descriptive study of the family functioning, health and social support of hospital patients with family violence backgrounds
Authors: Kivelä Salla , Leppäkoski Tuija , Helminen Mika , Paavilainen Eija
Published: December 2017

Family violence (FV) has serious effects on the health and well‐being of the family. The health sector plays a vital role in FV prevention by helping to identify abuse early, providing victims with the necessary treatment and referring patients to appropriate care. The aim of the present cross‐sectional study was to describe the prevalence of FV among hospital patients, as well as to assess the association between family functioning, health and social support, considering patients as the perpetrators or victims of violence. The data were collected using a Family Functioning, Health and Social Support (FAFHES) questionnaire that was given to patients who visited a Finnish central hospital between October 2012 and April 2013. As a result, the data (N = 188) were contributed by the patients who returned the questionnaire and gave permission for a follow‐up survey. The participation rate was 47%, of which 73% were women and 27% were men. Their ages ranged from 18 to 89 years. The data were analysed with quantitative methods using the unadjusted analyses and linear regression model. In total, 24% of both the male and female participants had experienced or used violence at home or in the family. Of these, 22 had been the perpetrators, and 23 had been the victims. Participants in relationships and who were living together had less violence than singles and those who were not living together. The family functioning and health of the participants who had experienced or used FV were worse than those of the participants who had not. Various patients can have an FV background, and nursing professionals are on the front line to identify and intervene in FV situations. The results of this study can be utilised in the treatment of FV victims and perpetrators by training healthcare workers to identify and intervene in violence.
Becoming part of me: Examining when objects, thoughts, goals, and people become fused with the self‐concept
Authors: Hatvany Thomas , Burkley Edward , Curtis Jessica
Published: December 2017

Fusion refers to the sense that a construct is integrated into the self‐concept. When a person feels fused with a construct, there is a perceived “oneness” with the construct, and as a result, the construct is treated as an extension of the self. This concept of fusion has been explored across a wide range of constructs and within a number of subfields in psychology. The goal of this article is to provide a comprehensive view of the fusion process and to connect these disparate areas of literature underneath a single unifying theme. Specifically, we focus on five constructs that researchers have explored in terms of fusion: objects, thoughts, goals, significant others, and groups. In our review, we discuss the ways that fusion is typically measured and highlight the consequences that occur as a result of such fusion. We conclude by highlighting questions that remain unanswered and suggest potential areas of future development.
Ground water radon anomalies in Bodrum Peninsula
Authors: Ülküm Öztürk , Taşköprü Caner , İçhedef Mutlu , Saç Müslim Murat , Kumru Mehmet N.
Published: December 2017

Bodrum Peninsula is located between Hellenic Trench in the west and Gökova Fault Zone in the east which is affected by hundreds of earthquakes every year. Because of its active environment is allowed to monitor tracers/precursors continuously to analyse natural processes. This study focused on the determination of ground water radon (222Rn) concentrations in the Bodrum Peninsula in terms of seismic activities. Radon levels of ten ground water wells were measured periodically throughout the peninsula and these wells were divided into two groups according to the number of earthquakes they are exposed. Radon variations in second group stations are fairly significant as a result of high number of earthquakes. In these stations, radon continuously increased before the seismic storm and then decreased step by step. The results indicated that radon variations in ground waters of Bodrum Peninsula can be a good indicator for seismic storms instead of one specific event.
Who Works Longer – and Why? Regional and Individual Characteristics in the Timing of Retirement
Authors: Klaesson Johan , Lopez Esteban , Öner Özge
Published: December 2017

Who works longer – and why? This paper investigates the characteristics of people that stay longer in the workforce, even beyond the time they are eligible to retire. In our regional analysis, we use an 11‐year balanced panel of 290 Swedish regions. In the individual analysis, we use a large individual level panel to apply Cox proportional hazard estimates on ‘risk’ of entering retirement. Our results show a large gender difference: women tend to retire earlier than men. Between employees and entrepreneurs, entrepreneurs retire later. People in larger regions tend to retire later. Higher house prices, and the share of small firms in a region correlate with a lower likelihood of retirement. The local tax rate and the share of blue‐collar workers in a region is significantly related to lower retirement age. A high average wage, commuting intensity, and high human capital in a region is associated with later retirement.
Know your enemy, embrace your friend: using omics to understand how plants respond differently to pathogenic and mutualistic microorganisms
Authors: Plett Jonathan M. , Martin Francis M.
Published: December 2017

Microorganisms, or ‘microbes’, have formed intimate associations with plants throughout the length of their evolutionary history. In extant plant systems microbes still remain an integral part of the ecological landscape, impacting plant health, productivity and long‐term fitness. Therefore, to properly understand the genetic wiring of plants, we must first determine what perception systems plants have evolved to parse beneficial from commensal from pathogenic microbes. In this review, we consider some of the most recent advances in how plants respond at the molecular level to different microbial lifestyles. Further, we cover some of the means by which microbes are able to manipulate plant signaling pathways through altered destructiveness and nutrient sinks, as well as the use of effector proteins and micro‐RNAs (miRNAs). We conclude by highlighting some of the major questions still to be answered in the field of plant‐microbe research, and suggest some of the key areas that are in greatest need of further research investment. The results of these proposed studies will have impacts in a wide range of plant research disciplines and will, ultimately, translate into stronger agronomic crops and forestry stock, with immune perception and response systems bred to foster beneficial microbial symbioses while repudiating pathogenic symbioses.
Heterogeneous immigrants, exports and foreign direct investment: The role of language skills
Authors: Lücke Matthias , Stöhr Tobias
Published: December 2017

We investigate the interplay of language skills and immigrant stocks in determining bilateral FDI outstocks of OECD reporting countries. Applying a Poisson panel estimator to 2004–11 data, we find robust evidence for a positive effect of bilateral immigrants on bilateral FDI‐provided that residents of the two countries have few language skills in common. We find a similar effect for immigrants from third countries that speak the language(s) of the FDI host country, making them potential substitutes for bilateral migrants. Our findings suggest that immigrants facilitate outgoing FDI through their language skills, rather than through other characteristics like cultural familiarity.
Epidemiological study of people living in rural North Carolina for novel respiratory viruses
Authors: Wang X. , Anderson B. D. , Pulscher L. A. , Bailey E. S. , Yondon M. , Gray G. C.
Published: December 2017

During the last 10 years, scientists have grown increasingly aware that emerging respiratory viruses are often zoonotic in their origin. These infections can originate from or be amplified in livestock. Less commonly recognized are instances when humans have transmitted their respiratory pathogens to animals (reverse zoonoses). Even with this knowledge of viral exchange at the human–livestock interface, few studies have been conducted to understand this cross‐over. In this pilot study, we examined persons with influenza‐like illness at an outpatient clinic for evidence of infection with novel zoonotic respiratory pathogens in rural North Carolina where there are dense swine and poultry farming. Environmental air sampling was also conducted. From July 2016 to March 2017, a total of 14 human subjects were enrolled and sampled, and 192 bioaerosol samples were collected. Of the 14 human subject samples molecularly tested, three (21.4%) were positive for influenza A, one (7.1%) for influenza B and one (7.1%) for human enterovirus. Of the 192 bioaerosol samples collected and tested by real‐time RT‐PCR or PCR, three (1.6%) were positive for influenza A and two (1.0%) for adenovirus. No evidence was found for novel zoonotic respiratory viruses.
A Psychological View of Complex Numbers through Classical and Quantum Computing
Authors: Cassella Antonio
Published: December 2017

This article explores a psychological view of zero and complex numbers under the embrace of classical with quantum computing. At first, the author broaches classical computing, after-the-fact learning, and the autistic finiteness of the first attention spared in high-functioning autistics. Secondly, he deals with quantum computing, before-the-fact learning, and the less-than-perfect infinity of the second attention impaired in the autistic spectrum before the age of three years. The author emphasizes that quantum computing in the second step agrees with quantum coherence, the angle Greek Pi (p) in radians, Euler’s Identity (eip + 1 = 0), and the approach of daring explorers to the schizophrenia attached to algebraic zero. Thirdly, this article shows that the alliance of classical with quantum computing, or of the first with the second attention, allows the atoned self to reach transcendental zero, quantum decoherence, and a renovated home in the arms of the Third Attention. In turn, the renewal brought by the Third Attention can be linked to the angle twice Greek Pi (t, or Tau), the “Tau” identity (eit -1 = 0), the union of real with imaginary numbers in complex numbers, and the proposition by Pythagoras that “all is number.”
Four Decades of Research Into the Augmentation Techniques of Savonius Wind Turbine Rotor
Authors: Alom Nur , Saha Ujjwal K.
Published: December 2017

The design and development of wind turbines is increasing throughout the world to offer electricity without paying much to the global warming. The Savonius wind turbine rotor, or simply the Savonius rotor, is a drag-based device that has a relatively low efficiency. A high negative torque produced by the returning blade is a major drawback of this rotor. Despite having a low efficiency, its design simplicity, low cost, easy installation, good starting ability, relatively low operating speed, and independency to wind direction are its main rewards. With the goal of improving its power coefficient (CP), a considerable amount of investigation has been reported in the past few decades, where various design modifications are made by altering the influencing parameters. Concurrently, various augmentation techniques have also been used to improve the rotor performance. Such augmenters reduce the negative torque and improve the self-starting capability while maintaining a high rotational speed of the rotor. The CP of the conventional Savonius rotors lie in the range of 0.12–0.18, however, with the use of augmenters, it can reach up to 0.52 with added design complexity. This paper attempts to give an overview of the various augmentation techniques used in Savonius rotor over the last four decades. Some of the key findings with the use of these techniques have been addressed and makes an attempt to highlight the future direction of research.
Experimental Validation of a Boundary Layer Convective Heat Flux Measurement Technique
Authors: Kulkarni K. S. , Madanan U. , Simon T. W. , Goldstein R. J.
Published: December 2017

If a steady thermal boundary layer is sufficiently thick, wall heat fluxes and associated convective heat transfer coefficients can be directly calculated from measured temperature distributions taken within it using a traversing thermocouple probe. The boundary layer can be laminar, turbulent, or transitional and on a surface of arbitrary surface temperature distribution and geometry. Herein, this technique is presented and validated in a steady, turbulent, two-dimensional boundary layer on a flat, uniform-heat-flux wall. Care is taken to properly account for radiation from the wall and conduction within the thermocouple wire. In the same setting, heat flux measurements are made for verification purposes using an energy balance on a segment of the test wall carefully designed to minimize and include radiation and conduction effects. Heat flux values measured by the boundary layer measurement technique and by the energy balance measurement agree to within 4.4% and the difference between the two lie completely within their respective measurement uncertainties of 5.74% and 0.6%.
3D-printed microfluidics on thin poly(methyl methacrylate) substrates for genetic applications
Authors: Bertana Valentina , Potrich Cristina , Scordo Giorgio , Scaltrito Luciano , Ferrero Sergio , Lamberti Andrea , Perrucci Francesco , Pirri Candido Fabrizio , Pederzolli Cecilia , Cocuzza Matteo , Marasso Simone Luigi
Published: December 2017

Additive manufacturing techniques using three dimensional (3D) printing have been shown to be suitable for a wide range of applications. In this study, stereolithography (SLA) is applied to the field of microfluidic fabrication of lab-on-a-chip (LOC) devices. LOCs deal with different milli/microsized channels and chambers, which are the key features of the devices, so an appropriate manufacturing process should provide high precision as well as high versatility. In this work, the goal was to overcome the common drawbacks of 3D printing and multistep processes, by implementing multiple polymeric materials in the same printing process. Using a customized SLA machine, a novel process was developed to print microfluidic channels enclosed between two poly(methyl methacrylate) layers in a sandwichlike structure. For microfluidic walls, two distinct commercial resins with different properties were used. Once thermal and pressure resistance of the obtained LOCs were assessed, deoxyribose nucleic acid was amplified by polymerase chain reaction inside the microfluidic chambers. Test results indicated favorable mechanical and thermal resistance, as well as chemical compatibility with the assay reagents. Such observations suggest that this novel approach can be applied to 3D printing of customized microfluidics with embedded features.
Recommendations for the use of notebooks in upper-division physics lab courses
Authors: Stanley Jacob T. , Lewandowski H. J.
Published: December 2017

The use of lab notebooks for scientific documentation is a ubiquitous part of physics research. However, it is common for undergraduate physics laboratory courses not to emphasize the development of documentation skills, despite the fact that such courses are some of the earliest opportunities for students to start engaging in this practice. One potential impediment to the inclusion of explicit documentation training is that it may be unclear to instructors which features of authentic documentation practice are efficacious to teach and how to incorporate these features into the lab class environment. In this work, we outline some of the salient features of authentic documentation, informed by interviews with physics researchers, and provide recommendations for how these can be incorporated into the lab curriculum. We do not focus on structural details or templates for notebooks. Instead, we address holistic considerations for the purpose of scientific documentation that can guide students to develop their own documentation style. While taking into consideration all the aspects that can help improve students' documentation, it is also important to consider the design of the lab activities themselves. Students should have experience with implementing these authentic features of documentation during lab activities in order for them to find practice with documentation beneficial.
Aspergillus fumigatus Preexposure Worsens Pathology and Improves Control of Mycobacterium abscessus Pulmonary Infection in Mice
Authors: Monin Leticia , Mehta Shail , Elsegeiny Waleed , Gopal Radha , McAleer Jeremy P. , Oury Tim D. , Kolls Jay , Khader Shabaana A.
Published: December 2017

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disease caused by mutations in the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. Mutations in this chloride channel lead to mucus accumulation, subsequent recurrent pulmonary infections, and inflammation, which, in turn, cause chronic lung disease and respiratory failure. Recently, rates of nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infections in CF patients have been increasing. Of particular relevance is infection with
Mycobacterium abscessus
, which causes a serious, life-threatening disease and constitutes one of the most antibiotic-resistant NTM species. Interestingly, an increased prevalence of NTM infections is associated with worsening lung function in CF patients who are also coinfected with
Aspergillus fumigatus
. We established a new mouse model to investigate the relationship between
A. fumigatus
and
M. abscessus
pulmonary infections. In this model, animals exposed to
A. fumigatus
and coinfected with
M. abscessus
exhibited increased lung inflammation and decreased mycobacterial burden compared with those of mice infected with
M. abscessus
alone. This increased control of
M. abscessus
infection in coinfected mice was mucus independent but dependent on both transcription factors T-box 21 (Tbx21) and retinoic acid receptor (RAR)-related orphan receptor gamma t (RORγ-t), master regulators of type 1 and type 17 immune responses, respectively. These results implicate a role for both type 1 and type 17 responses in
M. abscessus
control in
A. fumigatus
-coinfected lungs. Our results demonstrate that
A. fumigatus
, an organism found commonly in CF patients with NTM infection, can worsen pulmonary inflammation and impact
M. abscessus
control in a mouse model.
Genome-Based Analysis of Enterococcus faecium Bacteremia Associated with Recurrent and Mixed-Strain Infection
Authors: Raven Kathy E. , Gouliouris Theodore , Parkhill Julian , Peacock Sharon J.
Published: December 2017

Vancomycin-resistant
Enterococcus faecium
(VREfm) bloodstream infections are associated with high recurrence rates. This study used genome sequencing to accurately distinguish the frequency of relapse and reinfection in patients with recurrent
E. faecium
bacteremia and to investigate strain relatedness in patients with apparent VREfm and vancomycin-susceptible
E. faecium
(VSEfm) mixed infection. A retrospective study was performed at the Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (CUH) between November 2006 and December 2012. We analyzed the genomes of 44
E. faecium
isolates from 21 patients (26 VREfm isolates from 12 patients with recurrent bacteremia and 18 isolates from 9 patients with putative VREfm/VSEfm mixed infection). Phenotypic antibiotic susceptibility was determined using a Vitek2 instrument. Genomes were compared with those of a further 263
E. faecium
isolates associated with bacteremia in patients at CUH over the same time period. Pairwise comparison of core genomes indicated that 10 (71%) episodes of recurrent VREfm bacteremia were due to reinfection with a new strain, with reinfection being more likely with increasing time between the two positive cultures. The majority (78%) of patients with a mixed VREfm and VSEfm infection had unrelated strains. More than half (59%) of study isolates were closely related to another isolate associated with bacteremia from CUH. This included 60% of isolates associated with reinfection, indicating acquisition in the hospital. This study provides the first high-resolution insights into recurrence and mixed infection by
E. faecium
and demonstrates that reinfection with a new strain, often acquired from the hospital, is a driver of recurrence.
Parallel Validation of Three Molecular Devices for Simultaneous Detection and Identification of Influenza A and B and Respiratory Syncytial Viruses
Authors: Ling Lifen , Kaplan Samuel E. , Lopez Juan C. , Stiles Jeffrey , Lu Xuedong , Tang Yi-Wei
Published: December 2017

Rapid identification of respiratory pathogens, such as influenza virus A (FluA), influenza virus B (FluB), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), reduces unnecessary antimicrobial use and enhances infection control practice. We performed a comparative evaluation of three molecular methods: (i) the Aries Flu A/B & RSV, (ii) the Xpert Xpress Flu/RSV, and (iii) the Cobas Flu A/B & RSV assays. The clinical performances of the three methods were evaluated using 200 remnant nasopharyngeal swab (NPS) specimens against a combined reference standard. The limits of detection (LODs) were determined using FluA, FluB, and RSV control strains with known titers. The 95% LODs were between 1.702 and 0.0003 50% tissue culture infective dose (TCID
50
), with no significant differences revealed among the three assays. Perfect qualitative detection agreement was obtained in the reproducibility study. The Cobas assay failed at the first run on 13 clinical specimens, resulting in an invalid rate of 6.5%. The sensitivities and specificities for all assays were 96.0 to 100.0% and 99.3 to 100% for all three viruses. For on-demand single-specimen and batched 12-specimen workflows, the test turnaround times were 115.5 and 128.8 min for the Aries assay (12 sample capacity), 34.2 and 44.2 min for the Xpress assay (16 sample capacity), and 21.0 and 254.4 min for the Cobas assay (one instrument), respectively. In summary, the Aries, Xpress, and Cobas Liat assays demonstrated excellent sensitivities and specificities for simultaneous detection and identification of FluA, FluB, and RSV from NPS specimens in cancer patients. Test turnaround time was significantly shorter on the Xpress when instrument scalability is unlimited.
Enhancing the Thermostability and Immunogenicity of a Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Live-Attenuated Vaccine by Incorporating Unique RSV Line19F Protein Residues
Authors: Rostad Christina A. , Stobart Christopher C. , Todd Sean O. , Molina Samuel A. , Lee Sujin , Blanco Jorge C. G. , Moore Martin L.
Published: December 2017

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading cause of lower respiratory tract infections in infants, and an effective vaccine is not yet available. We previously generated an RSV live-attenuated vaccine (LAV) candidate, DB1, which was attenuated by a low-fusion subgroup B F protein (BAF) and codon-deoptimized nonstructural protein genes. DB1 was immunogenic and protective in cotton rats but lacked thermostability and stability of the prefusion conformation of F compared to strains with the line19F gene. We hypothesized that substitution of unique residues from the thermostable A2-line19F strain could thermostabilize DB1 and boost its immunogenicity. We therefore substituted 4 unique line19F residues into the BAF protein of DB1 by site-directed mutagenesis and rescued the recombinant virus, DB1-QUAD. Compared to DB1, DB1-QUAD had improved thermostability at 4°C and higher levels of prefusion F as measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). DB1-QUAD was attenuated in normal human bronchial epithelial cells, in BALB/c mice, and in cotton rats but grew to wild-type titers in Vero cells. In mice, DB1-QUAD was highly immunogenic and generated significantly higher neutralizing antibody titers to a panel of RSV A and B strains than did DB1. DB1-QUAD was also efficacious against wild-type RSV challenge in mice and cotton rats. Thus, substitution of unique line19F residues into RSV LAV DB1 enhanced vaccine thermostability, incorporation of prefusion F, and immunogenicity and generated a promising vaccine candidate that merits further investigation.

IMPORTANCEWe boosted the thermostability and immunogenicity of an RSV live-attenuated vaccine candidate by substituting 4 unique residues from the RSV line19F protein into the F protein of the heterologous vaccine strain DB1. The resultant vaccine candidate, DB1-QUAD, was thermostable, attenuatedin vivo, highly immunogenic, and protective against RSV challenge in mice and cotton rats.
Death, injury and disability from kinetic impact projectiles in crowd-control settings: a systematic review
Authors: Haar Rohini J , Iacopino Vincent , Ranadive Nikhil , Dandu Madhavi , Weiser Sheri D
Published: December 2017

Objective

We conducted a systematic review of the available literature on deaths, injuries and permanent disability from rubber and plastic bullets, as well as from bean bag rounds, shot pellets and other projectiles used in arrests, protests and other contexts from 1 January 1990 until 1 June 2017.

Data sources

PubMed, Scopus, JSTOR and grey literature.

Data synthesis

We report on descriptive statistics as well as data on injury severity, permanent disability and death. We analysed potential risk factors for injury severity, including the site of impact, firing distance and access to medical care.

Results

Of 3228 identified articles, 26 articles met inclusion criteria. These articles included injury data on 1984 people, 53 of whom died as a result of their injuries. 300 people suffered permanent disability. Deaths and permanent disability often resulted from strikes to the head and neck (49.1% of deaths and 82.6% of permanent disabilities). Of the 2135 injuries in those who survived their injuries, 71% were severe, injuries to the skin and to the extremities were most frequent. Anatomical site of impact, firing distance and timely access to medical care were correlated with injury severity and risk of disability.

Conclusions

Kinetic impact projectiles (KIPs), often called rubber or plastic bullets, are used commonly in crowd-control settings. We find that these projectiles have caused significant morbidity and mortality during the past 27 years, much of it from penetrative injuries and head, neck and torso trauma. Given their inherent inaccuracy, potential for misuse and associated health consequences of severe injury, disability and death, KIPs do not appear to be appropriate weapons for use in crowd-control settings. There is an urgent need to establish international guidelines on the use of crowd-control weapons to prevent unnecessary injuries and deaths.
Bleeding risk in patients using oral anticoagulants submitted to surgical procedures in dentistry: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Motta Rogério Heládio Lopes , Bergamaschi Cristiane de Cássia , de Andrade Natalia Karol , Guimaraes Caio Chaves , Ramacciato Juliana Cama , Araújo Jimmy de Oliveira , Lopes Luciane Cruz
Published: December 2017

Introduction

The management of patients undergoing oral surgical procedures using anticoagulants raises concerns regarding the risk of bleeding. Bleeding rates in those patients during or after oral surgical procedures are uncertain. The aim of this study will be to determine the bleeding rate during and after oral surgeries in patients using anticoagulants.

Methods and analysis

A systematic review will be conducted and if appropriate, a meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials evaluating the bleeding risk during and after oral surgical procedures in patients using anticoagulants were selected. The literature search will be conducted using electronic databases, such as the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE (via Ovid), Embase (via Ovid), Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (via Ovid), LILACS (SciELO) and CAPES database, without restriction of languages or date of publication. The primary outcome will be the occurrence of local bleeding rate during and after oral surgical procedures, and as secondary outcome, the following complications will be considered: implant failure, healing problems and infections. Groups of two independent reviewers will select the titles and abstracts for full-text eligibility. For eligible studies, the same reviewers will perform data extraction, bias risk assessment and determination of the overall quality of evidence for each of the outcomes using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation classification system. Meta-analysis and subgroup analyses will be conducted, to all outcomes, if appropriate.

Ethics and dissemination

The systematic review will be published in a peer-reviewed journal, and brief reports of the review’s findings will be released directly to the intended audience. The results will help dentists in the decision-making process to minimise the risk of bleeding in patients using anticoagulants in their clinical practice.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42017056986.
Migration pattern and mortality of ethnic German migrants from the former Soviet Union: a cohort study in Germany
Authors: Kaucher Simone , Deckert Andreas , Becher Heiko , Winkler Volker
Published: December 2017

Objective

We aimed to investigate all-cause and cause-specific mortality among ethnic German migrants from the former Soviet Union by different immigration periods to describe associations with migration pattern and mortality.

Design

We used pooled data from three retrospective cohort studies in Germany.

Participants

Ethnic German migrants from the former Soviet Union (called resettlers), who immigrated to Germany since 1990 to the federal states North Rhine-Westphalia and Saarland and to the region of Augsburg (n=59 390).

Outcome

All-cause and cause-specific mortality among resettlers in comparison to the general German population, separated by immigration period.

Methods

Immigration periods were defined following legislative changes in German immigration policy (1990–1992, 1993–1995, 1996+). Resettlers’ characteristics were described accordingly. To investigate mortality differences by immigration period, we calculated age-standardised mortality rates (ASRs) and standardised mortality ratios (SMRs) of resettlers in comparison to the general German population. Additionally, we modelled sex-specific ASRs with Poisson regression, using age, year and immigration period as independent variables.

Results

The composition of resettlers differed by immigration period. Since 1993, the percentage of resettlers from the Russian Federation and non-German spouses increased. Higher all-cause mortality was found among resettlers who immigrated in 1996 and after (ASR 628.1, 95% CI 595.3 to 660.8), compared with resettlers who immigrated before 1993 (ASR 561.8, 95% CI 537.2 to 586.4). SMR analysis showed higher all-cause mortality among resettler men from the last immigration period compared with German men (SMR 1.11, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.19), whereas resettlers who immigrated earlier showed lower all-cause mortality. Results from Poisson regression, adjusted for age and year, corroborated those findings.

Conclusions

Mortality differences by immigration period suggest different risk-factor patterns and possibly deteriorated integration opportunities. Health policy should guard the consequences of immigration law alterations with respect to changing compositions of migrant groups and their health status.
International perception of lung sounds: a comparison of classification across some European borders
Authors: Aviles-Solis Juan Carlos , Vanbelle Sophie , Halvorsen Peder A , Francis Nick , Cals Jochen W L , Andreeva Elena A , Marques Alda , Piirilä Päivi , Pasterkamp Hans , Melbye Hasse
Published: December 2017

Introduction

Lung auscultation is helpful in the diagnosis of lung and heart diseases; however, the diagnostic value of lung sounds may be questioned due to interobserver variation. This situation may also impair clinical research in this area to generate evidence-based knowledge about the role that chest auscultation has in a modern clinical setting. The recording and visual display of lung sounds is a method that is both repeatable and feasible to use in large samples, and the aim of this study was to evaluate interobserver agreement using this method.

Methods

With a microphone in a stethoscope tube, we collected digital recordings of lung sounds from six sites on the chest surface in 20 subjects aged 40 years or older with and without lung and heart diseases. A total of 120 recordings and their spectrograms were independently classified by 28 observers from seven different countries. We employed absolute agreement and kappa coefficients to explore interobserver agreement in classifying crackles and wheezes within and between subgroups of four observers.

Results

When evaluating agreement on crackles (inspiratory or expiratory) in each subgroup, observers agreed on between 65% and 87% of the cases. Conger’s kappa ranged from 0.20 to 0.58 and four out of seven groups reached a kappa of ≥0.49. In the classification of wheezes, we observed a probability of agreement between 69% and 99.6% and kappa values from 0.09 to 0.97. Four out of seven groups reached a kappa ≥0.62.

Conclusions

The kappa values we observed in our study ranged widely but, when addressing its limitations, we find the method of recording and presenting lung sounds with spectrograms sufficient for both clinic and research. Standardisation of terminology across countries would improve international communication on lung auscultation findings.
Prevalence and prognostic value of echocardiographic screening for rheumatic heart disease
Authors: Kotit Susy , Said Karim , ElFaramawy Amr , Mahmoud Hani , Phillips David I W , Yacoub Magdi H
Published: December 2017

Objective

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) remains a major health problem in many low-income and middle-income countries. The use of echocardiographic imaging suggests that subclinical disease is far more widespread than previously appreciated, but little is known as to how these mild forms of RHD progress. We have determined the prevalence of subclinical RHD in a large group of schoolchildren in Aswan, Egypt and have evaluated its subsequent progression.

Methods

Echocardiographic screening was performed on 3062 randomly selected schoolchildren, aged 5–15 years, in Aswan, Egypt. Follow-up of children with a definite or borderline diagnosis of RHD was carried out 48–60 months later to determine how the valvular abnormalities altered and to evaluate the factors influencing progression.

Results

Sixty children were initially diagnosed with definite RHD (19.6 per 1000 children) and 35 with borderline disease (11.4 per 1000); most had mitral valve disease. Of the 72 children followed up progression was documented in 14 children (19.4%) and regression in 30 (41.7%) children. Boys had lower rates of progression while older children had lower rates of regression. Functional defects of the valve even in the presence of structural features were associated with lower rates of progression and higher rates of regression than structural changes.

Conclusions

RHD has a high prevalence in Egypt. Although a high proportion of the abnormalities originally detected persisted at follow-up, both progression and regression of valve lesions were demonstrated.
The dynamics of the Br + HgBr (v = 0, j = 0) → Br2 + Hg reaction based on quasi-classical trajectory calculations
Authors: Ren Guan-Qing , Fu Ai-Ping , Yuan Shu-Ping , Chu Tian-Shu
Published: December 2017

To investigate the dynamics mechanism of the Br + HgBr → Br2 + Hg reaction, the quasi-classical trajectory calculations are performed on Balabanov’s potential energy surface (PES) of ground electronic state. Both the scalar and vector properties are investigated to recognize the dynamics of the title reaction. Reaction probability for the total angular momentum quantum number J = 0 is determined at the collision energies (denoted as Ec) in a range of 1–25 kcal/mol, and the product vibrational distributions are given and compared between Ec = 20 and 40 kcal/mol. Other calculation values characterizing product polarizations including polarization-dependent differential cross sections (PDDCSs), distributions of P(θr), P([Formula: see text]), and P(θr, [Formula: see text]), are all discussed and compared between the two different collision energies in detail to analyze the alignment and orientation characteristics. It is revealed that the products prefer forward scattering and the PDDCSs are anisotropic in the whole range of the scattering angle. The product rotational angular momentum j′ shows a tendency to align perpendicular to the reagent relative velocity k. In fact, the product polarization of the title reaction is weak at both collision energies. In terms of horizontal comparison, the alignment is slightly stronger but the orientation is even less remarkable at higher collision energy.
A First Look at the Trilemma Vis-à-Vis Quadrilemma Monetary Policy Stance in a Pacific Island Country Context
Authors: Su Jen Je , Cocker Lavenia , Delana Disusu , Sharma Parmendra
Published: December 2017

Initiated by a central bank, this is the first study to examine and understand the trilemma as well as the quadrilemma monetary policy challenges in the case of Pacific Island countries. Taking Fiji as an example, over the 1975–2013 period, the trilemma, monetary independence and exchange rate stability might have been the more fervently pursued stance; the quadrilemma focus appears to have shifted to foreign reserves and capital account openness. When the full sample period is split into two subsamples, results show that the policy emphasis might have shifted from monetary independence, capital account openness, and foreign reserves to exchange rate stability, monetary independence, and foreign reserves. Policy implications are discussed.
Ad Hoc Black and Scholes Procedures with the Time-to-Maturity
Authors: Byun Suk Joon , Kim Sol , Rhee Dong Woo
Published: December 2017

There are two ad hoc approaches to Black and Scholes model. The “relative smile” approach treats the implied volatility skew as a fixed function of moneyness, whereas the “absolute smile” approach treats it as a function of the strike price. Previous studies reveal that the “absolute smile” approach is superior to the “relative smile” approach as well as to other sophisticated models for pricing options. We find that the time-to-maturity factors improve the pricing and hedging performance of the ad hoc procedures and the superiority of the “absolute smile” approach still holds even after the time-to-maturity is considered.
A Review of Adverse Effects of Road Traffic Noise on Human Health
Authors: Singh Devi , Kumari Neeraj , Sharma Pooja
Published: December 2017

Noise pollution due to road traffic is a potential threat to human health. Since it is a global hazard, the rapid urbanization and exponential traffic growth have aggravated the problem. Population residing along the busy traffic lanes is continuously exposed to the sound levels which are above the permissible limits. This constant exposure to noise pollution is a cause of concern as it leads to several adverse impacts on human health. Traffic noise causes irritation and annoyance, sleep disturbances, cardiovascular disease, risk of stroke, diabetes, hypertension and loss of hearing. It results in decreased work performance. The present review highlights the serious health hazards of road traffic noise (RTN) which needs to be curbed. Preventive measures of noise pollution can help in combating noise-induced health hazards and increased work performance.