bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A review of mycoplasma diagnostics in cattle
Authors: Parker Alysia M. , Sheehy Paul A. , Hazelton Mark S. , Bosward Katrina L. , House John K.
Published: April 2018

Mycoplasmaspecies have a global distribution causing serious diseases in cattle worldwide including mastitis, arthritis, pneumonia, otitis media and reproductive disorders.Mycoplasmaspecies are typically highly contagious, are capable of causing severe disease, and are difficult infections to resolve requiring rapid and accurate diagnosis to prevent and control disease outbreaks. This review discusses the development and use of different diagnostic methods to identifyMycoplasmaspecies relevant to cattle, with a particular focus onMycoplasma bovis. Traditionally, the identification and diagnosis of mycoplasma has been performed via microbial culture. More recently, the use of polymerase chain reaction to detectMycoplasmaspecies from various bovine samples has increased. Polymerase chain reaction has a higher efficiency, specificity, and sensitivity for laboratory diagnosis when compared with conventional culture‐based methods. Several tools are now available for typingMycoplasmaspp. isolates, allowing for genetic characterization in disease outbreak investigations. Serological diagnosis through the use of indirect ELISA allows the detection of antimycoplasma antibodies in sera and milk, with their use demonstrated on individual animal samples as well as BTM samples. While each testing method has strengths and limitations, their combined use provides complementary information, which when interpreted in conjunction with clinical signs and herd history, facilitates pathogen detection, and characterization of the disease status of cattle populations.
Sphingosine‐1‐phosphate selectively activates vagal afferent C‐fiber subtype in guinea pig esophagus
Authors: Yu X. , Patil M. J. , Yu M. , Liu Y. , Wang J. , Undem B. J. , Yu S.
Published: April 2018

Background

Activation and sensitization of visceral afferent nerves by inflammatory mediators play important roles in visceral nociception. Sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P) is a lipid with intracellular and extracellular functions. Extracellularly, it can act as an autacoid via interactions with S1P receptors. The present study aims to determine the effect of S1P on esophageal vagal afferent nerve functions.

Methods

Extracellular single‐unit recordings were performed in ex vivo guinea pig esophageal‐vagal preparations. The action potentials (APs) evoked by mechanical distension and chemical perfusions applied to the vagal afferent nerve endings in the esophagus were recorded at their intact neuronal cell bodies in either nodose or jugular ganglia. The effects of S1P and its receptor subtype agonists on vagal afferents were recorded and compared. The expression of S1P receptors (S1PR1‐3) in esophageal‐labeled vagal nodose and jugular neurons was studied by single‐cell RT‐PCR.

Key Results

Sphingosine‐1‐phosphate evoked AP discharges in almost all esophageal jugular but not nodose C‐fibers without changing their responses to esophageal distension. Esophageal‐labeled vagal nodose and jugular neurons highly expressed transcripts of S1PR1 and S1PR3. Agonists of S1PR1 and S1PR3 each partially mimicked S1P‐induced effect in jugular C‐fibers, suggesting that these receptors may contribute partially to S1P‐induced activation effect on esophageal jugular C‐fiber subtype.

Conclusions & Inferences

These data, for the first time, demonstrated a selective activation effect of S1P on vagal afferent nerve subtype in the gastrointestinal tract. This may help to better understand its role in visceral inflammatory nociception.
Stream community richness predicts apex predator occupancy dynamics in riparian systems
Authors: Holland Angela M. , Schauber Eric M. , Nielsen Clayton K. , Hellgren Eric C.
Published: April 2018

Streams and adjacent riparian habitats represent linked terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems that exchange materials and energy. Recognized relationships among apex predators and ecosystem biodiversity led us to hypothesize that these predators in riparian‐stream systems were more likely to be found in sites with high stream quality, defined as increased ecosystem function and integrity. In our freshwater study system, river otterLontra canadensisand minkNeovison visonplay critical roles as apex predators. We used multi‐season occupancy modelling across three sampling years (2012–2014) to compare aspects of the stream communities that explain occupancy dynamics of river otter and mink, including their interactions with other semi‐aquatic mammals. We surveyed for semi‐aquatic mammals at 77 sites in 12 major watersheds in southern Illinois, USA (44 526 km2). Naïve occupancy differed among years but generally increased for river otter, and remained high (≥93.5%) for mink. Increasing substrate availability increased detectability of river otter, whereas mink detection varied by survey period. Occupancy of river otter during the initial survey period was higher in sites closer to reintroduction points. Probability of colonization of river otter was positively associated with macroinvertebrate index of biotic integrity, fish species richness, and beaver presence. Sites with high species richness of fish families preferred by river otter also had increased river otter persistence. Mink occupied sites with increased fish richness, muskrat presence and mussel community index. Taken together, our results show occupancy of both mink and river otter were predicted by aspects of prey diversity and presence, indicating the importance of community composition in occupancy dynamics of riparian predators. Ultimately, these relationships suggest that habitat heterogeneity and system stability are important to apex predator site use. However, the relative role of bottom–up and top–down forcing in stream systems remains to be resolved.
Allocation strategies for nitrogen and phosphorus in forest plants
Authors: Zhang Jiahui , He Nianpeng , Liu Congcong , Xu Li , Yu Qiang , Yu Guirui
Published: April 2018

The allocation of limiting elements, such as nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), in plants is an important basis for structural stability and functional optimization in natural plant communities. However, because of the lack of systematic investigation data, the mechanisms of optimal nutrient allocation in plants in natural forests are still unclear. Using consistent measurements of N and P contents in 930 plant species, we explored the allocation strategies for N and P in different plant organs and plant functional groups (PFGs) in natural communities. The N and P contents and N:P ratio were the highest in the leaf (the most active organ) at the organ level. At the PFG level, the N and P contents were higher in herbs than in woody plants, but the trend was opposite for the N:P ratio. The elemental plasticity of root was higher than that of leaf. Furthermore, at the large scale, the allometric exponents of N and P were less than 1 and showed no difference, indicating strong conservatism of the scaling relationship in plants. In summary, higher element content in more active organs, higher element plasticity in underground organs, and conservative allometric allocation among different organs and among different PFGs jointly constitute the optimal strategies for the allocation of limiting elements.
Rethinking autonomism: Beauty in a world of moral anarchy
Authors: Clavel‐Vazquez Adriana
Published: April 2018

Advocates of the ethical criticism of art claim that works' ethical defects or merits have an impact on their aesthetic value. Against ethical critics, autonomists claim that moral criteria should not be part of the considerations when evaluating works of art as art. Autonomism refers to the view that an artwork's aesthetic value is independent from its ethical value. The purpose of this paper is to examine how autonomism has been defended in the contemporary discussion in analytic aesthetics. I present three versions of autonomism: Richard Posner's radical autonomism, James C. Anderson and Jeffrey T. Dean, and James Harold's moderate autonomism, and Francisca Pérez Carreño's robust autonomism. I argue that robust autonomism offers a stronger argument against the ethical critic. However, I point to some difficulties for Pérez Carreño's account and conclude by suggesting how further work in autonomism might go around them.
Black carbon and the Arctic: Global problem‐solving through the nexus of science, law and space
Authors: Khan Sabaa Ahmad , Kulovesi Kati
Published: April 2018

Black carbon pollution is an important driver of climate change in the Arctic region. Most black carbon emissions entering the Arctic originate from non‐Arctic sources, and hence mitigating black carbon pollution in the Arctic region requires not only regional, but global engagement. Attempts to regulate borderless climate pollutants such as black carbon force us to think about law's effectiveness from the perspective of its relationship to science as well as its engagement with space. This article argues that for effective legal problem‐solving, black carbon pollution must be addressed from the point of view of science, law and space. Scientific, social and spatial landscapes reveal different legal narratives embedded in climate governance that have traditionally fallen outside the State‐led discourse of environmental legal negotiation and yet are central to developing a meaningful understanding of global climate ‘law’, realities and outcomes.
Enamel‐Renal‐Syndrome: case report
Authors: Torres Luiz Henrique Soares , de‐Azevedo‐Vaz Sérgio Lins , Barroso Danielle Resende Camisasca , Silva Daniela Nascimento , Velloso Tânia Regina Grão , de Barros Liliana Aparecida Pimenta
Published: April 2018

Aims

to describe a case in which dental changes were observed and investigation proceeded to consider Enamel‐Renal‐Syndrome (ERS), a rare disorder that associates amelogenesis imperfecta with nephrocalcinosis.

Case report

an 11‐year‐old male patient upon intraoral examination revealed generalized gingival hyperplasia, a few teeth were absent clinically and the remaining ones were yellowish‐brown in color. The enamel alterations were suggesting of amelogenesis imperfecta. Unerupted teeth with increased pericoronal spaces, suggesting hyperplasic follicles or dentigerous cysts and an enamel with lower thickness and density were observed in the panoramic radiography. The patient was referred for an assay to investigate mucopolysaccharidosis; however, it was negative. A renal ultrasound showed bilateral nephrocalcinosis and laboratory exams, including calcium, phosphate, and creatinine levels were below the average. An incisional gingival biopsy showed numerous round to ovoid basophilic calcifications in the connective tissue. The final diagnosis was ERS.

Conclusion

Dentists should refer patients with similar clinical presentation for renal ultrasound evaluation in order to rule out the possible diagnosis of ERS.
Investigation of knee control as a lower extremity injury risk factor: A prospective study in youth football
Authors: Räisänen A. M. , Arkkila H. , Vasankari T. , Steffen K. , Parkkari J. , Kannus P. , Forsman H. , Pasanen K.
Published: April 2018

This prospective study in youth football examined the relationship between frontal plane knee projection angle (FPKPA) during the single‐leg squat and sustaining an acute lower extremity injury or acute non‐contact lower extremity injury. Secondly, side‐to‐side asymmetry in FPKPA and sex as injury risk factors were explored. In addition, we investigated the influence of age, sex, and leg dominance on the FPKPA. A total of 558 youth football players (U11 to U14) participated in the single‐leg squat test and prospective injury registration. FPKPA was not found as a risk factor for injuries at this age. There was no difference in the mean FPKPA between sexes. However, FPKPA was associated with age; oldest subjects displayed the smallest FPKPA. Among boys, the frontal plane knee control improved by age. Among girls, the relationship between age and FPKPA was not as clear, but the oldest girls displayed the smallest mean FPKPA in the study (12.2° ± 8.3°). The FPKPA was greater on the dominant kicking leg compared to the non‐dominant support leg (P < .001 for boys, P = .001 for girls). However, side‐to‐side asymmetry in FPKPA was not associated with future injuries. In conclusion, frontal plane knee control in the single‐leg squat was not associated with lower extremity injuries among young football players. As the single‐leg squat to 90° knee flexion was too demanding for many subjects, easier single‐leg squat test procedure or a different movement control test, such as a double‐legged squat, could be more suitable for the young football players.
Changing preferences towards redistribution: How deliberation shapes welfare attitudes
Authors: Zimmermann Katharina , Heuer Jan‐Ocko , Mau Steffen
Published: April 2018

The article departs from the argument that research on welfare attitudes is, so far, dominated by large‐scale survey‐studies, which allow for generalizable insights into citizens' preferences and evaluations, but are necessarily limited in their ability to capture the dynamic and contextual aspects of attitude formation. In order to broaden the horizon of welfare attitudes' research, this article introduces a new qualitative method, namely deliberative forums. In these large group discussions—originally developed for participatory decision‐making—attitudes, opinions, and preferences are core aspects of the deliberation process, and the article argues that by observing deliberation, we can observe attitude construction “in vivo”. The evidence from a two‐day German deliberation event illustrates in an exploratory manner how information, reasoning, and group processes can influence people's evaluations and expressed policy preferences with regard to redistribution. By linking participants' answers from a survey before and after the event to their statements during the discussions, the article not only shows that the preferences for redistribution people expressed in the survey answers are often higher after the deliberative event, but also seeks to make sense of attitudinal dynamics on the basis of the qualitative material by pointing towards the role of information, reasoning, and group processes.
Assembly and annotation of a draft genome sequence for Glycine latifolia, a perennial wild relative of soybean
Authors: Liu Qiong , Chang Sungyul , Hartman Glen L. , Domier Leslie L.
Published: April 2018

Glycine latifolia (Benth.) Newell & Hymowitz (2n = 40), one of the 27 wild perennial relatives of soybean, possesses genetic diversity and agronomically favorable traits that are lacking in soybean. Here, we report the 939‐Mb draft genome assembly of G. latifolia (PI 559298) using exclusively linked‐reads sequenced from a single Chromium library. We organized scaffolds into 20 chromosome‐scale pseudomolecules utilizing two genetic maps and the Glycine max (L.) Merr. genome sequence. High copy numbers of putative 91‐bp centromere‐specific tandem repeats were observed in consecutive blocks within predicted pericentromeric regions on several pseudomolecules. No 92‐bp putative centromeric repeats, which are abundant in G. max, were detected in G. latifolia or Glycine tomentella. Annotation of the assembled genome and subsequent filtering yielded a high confidence gene set of 54 475 protein‐coding loci. In comparative analysis with five legume species, genes related to defense responses were significantly overrepresented in Glycine‐specific orthologous gene families. A total of 304 putative nucleotide‐binding site (NBS)‐leucine‐rich‐repeat (LRR) genes were identified in this genome assembly. Different from other legume species, we observed a scarcity of TIR‐NBS‐LRR genes in G. latifolia. The G. latifolia genome was also predicted to contain genes encoding 367 LRR‐receptor‐like kinases, a family of proteins involved in basal defense responses and responses to abiotic stress. The genome sequence and annotation of G. latifolia provides a valuable source of alternative alleles and novel genes to facilitate soybean improvement. This study also highlights the efficacy and cost‐effectiveness of the application of Chromium linked‐reads in diploid plant genome de novo assembly.
Age of transfused blood in critically ill adult trauma patients: a prespecified nested analysis of the Age of Blood Evaluation randomized trial
Authors: Green Robert S. , Erdogan Mete , Lacroix Jacques , Hébert Paul C. , Tinmouth Alan T. , Sabri Elham , Zhang Tinghua , Fergusson Dean A. , Turgeon Alexis F. ,   on behalf of the ABLE Investigators and the Canadian Critical Care Trials Group
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND

Blood transfusion is common in the resuscitation of patients with traumatic injury. However, the clinical impact of the length of storage of transfused blood is unclear in this population.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

We undertook a prespecified nested analysis of 372 trauma victims of the 2510 critically ill patients from 64 centers treated as part of the Age of Blood Evaluation (ABLE) randomized controlled trial. Patients were randomized according to their trauma status to receive either a transfusion of fresh blood stored not more than 7 days or standard‐issue blood. Our primary outcome was 90‐day all‐cause mortality.

RESULTS

Overall, 186 trauma patients received fresh blood and 186 received standard‐issue blood. Adherence to transfusion protocol was 94% (915/971) for all fresh blood transfused and 100% (753/753) for all standard‐issue blood transfused. Mean ± SD blood storage duration was 5.6 ± 3.8 days in the fresh group and 22.7 ± 8.4 days in the standard‐issue group (p < 0.001). Ninety‐day mortality in the fresh group was 21% (38/185), compared to 16% (29/184) in the standard‐issue group, with an unadjusted absolute risk difference of 5% (95% confidence interval [CI], –3.1 to 12.6) and an adjusted absolute risk difference of 2% (95% CI, –3.5 to 6.8).

CONCLUSION

In critically ill trauma patients, transfusion of fresh blood did not decrease 90‐day mortality or secondary outcomes, a finding similar to the overall population of the ABLE trial.
Assessment of the Effectiveness of Combat Eyewear Protection Against Blast Overpressure
Authors: Sundaramurthy A. , Skotak M. , Alay E. , Unnikrishnan G. , Mao H. , Duan X. , Williams S. T. , Harding T. H. , Chandra N. , Reifman J.
Published: April 2018

It is unclear whether combat eyewear used by U. S. Service members is protective against blast overpressures (BOPs) caused by explosive devices. Here, we investigated the mechanisms by which BOP bypasses eyewear and increases eye surface pressure. We performed experiments and developed three-dimensional (3D) finite element (FE) models of a head form (HF) equipped with an advanced combat helmet (ACH) and with no eyewear, spectacles, or goggles in a shock tube at three BOPs and five head orientations relative to the blast wave. Overall, we observed good agreement between experimental and computational results, with average discrepancies in impulse and peak-pressure values of less than 15% over 90 comparisons. In the absence of eyewear and depending on the head orientation, we identified three mechanisms that contributed to pressure loading on the eyes. Eyewear was most effective at 0 deg orientation, with pressure attenuation ranging from 50 (spectacles) to 80% (goggles) of the peak pressures observed in the no-eyewear configuration. Spectacles and goggles were considerably less effective when we rotated the HF in the counter-clockwise direction around the superior-inferior axis of the head. Surprisingly, at certain orientations, spectacles yielded higher maximum pressures (80%) and goggles yielded larger impulses (150%) than those observed without eyewear. The findings from this study will aid in the design of eyewear that provides better protection against BOP.
Mechanism of Three-Dimensional Surface Wrinkle Manipulation on a Compliant Substrate
Authors: Li Mengjie , Qin Huasong , Liu Jingran , Liu Yilun
Published: April 2018

In this work, the surface wrinkle modulation mechanism of the three-dimensional (3D) film/substrate system caused by biaxial eigenstrains in the films is studied. A theoretical model based on the energy minimization of the 3D wrinkled film/substrate system is proposed which shows that the change of the surface wrinkle amplitude is determined by four dimensionless parameters, i.e., the eigenstrain in the film, plane strain modulus ratio between the film and substrate, film thickness to wrinkle wavelength ratio, and initial wrinkle amplitude to wavelength ratio. The surface wrinkle amplitude decreases (even almost flat) upon contraction eigenstrain in the film, while increases for that of expansion eigenstrain. Parallel finite element method (FEM) simulations are carried out which have good agreements with the theoretical predictions, and experimental verifications are also presented to verify the findings. Besides, different patterns of 3D surface wrinkles are studied and the similar surface wrinkle modulation is also observed. The findings presented herein may shed useful insights for the design of complex stretchable electronics, cosmetic products, soft devices and the fabrication of 3D complex structures.
The flight of Newton's cannonball
Authors: Pesnell W. Dean
Published: April 2018

Newton's Cannon is a thought experiment used to motivate orbital motion. Cannonballs were fired from a high mountain at increasing muzzle velocity until they orbit the Earth. We will use the trajectories of these cannonballs to describe the shape of orbital tunnels that allow a cannonball fired from a high mountain to pass through the Earth. A sphere of constant density is used as the model of the Earth to take advantage of the analytic solutions for the interior trajectories that exist for that model. For the example shown, the cannonball trajectories that pass through the Earth intersect near the antipodal point of the cannon.
Reduction of sound-evoked midbrain responses observed by functional magnetic resonance imaging following acute acoustic noise exposure
Authors: Yang Bin , Wong Eddie , Ho Wai Hong , Lau Condon , Chan Ying Shing , Wu Ed X.
Published: April 2018

Short duration and high intensity acoustic exposures can lead to temporary hearing loss and auditory nerve degeneration. This study investigates central auditory system function following such acute exposures after hearing loss recedes. Adult rats were exposed to 100 dB sound pressure level noise for 15 min. Auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) were recorded with click sounds to check hearing thresholds. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was performed with tonal stimulation at 12 and 20 kHz to investigate central auditory changes. Measurements were performed before exposure (0D), 7 days after (7D), and 14 days after (14D). ABRs show an ∼6 dB threshold shift shortly after exposure, but no significant threshold differences between 0D, 7D, and 14D. fMRI responses are observed in the lateral lemniscus (LL) and inferior colliculus (IC) of the midbrain. In the IC, responses to 12 kHz are 3.1 ± 0.3% (0D), 1.9 ± 0.3% (7D), and 2.9 ± 0.3% (14D) above the baseline magnetic resonance imaging signal. Responses to 20 kHz are 2.0 ± 0.2% (0D), 1.4 ± 0.2% (7D), and 2.1 ± 0.2% (14D). For both tones, responses at 7D are less than those at 0D (p < 0.01) and 14D (p < 0.05). In the LL, similar trends are observed. Acute exposure leads to functional changes in the auditory midbrain with timescale of weeks.
Flexo-photovoltaic effect
Authors: Yang Ming-Min , Kim Dong Jik , Alexe Marin
Published: April 2018

Poking a semiconductor

Noncentrosymmetric crystal structure can lead to a peculiar kind of charge separation under illumination called the bulk photovoltaic (BPV) effect. Solar cells made of such materials, however, typically have low efficiency. Yang
et al.
expanded the class of materials capable of exhibiting the BPV effect by making ordinarily centrosymmetric materials, such as SrTiO
3
and TiO
2
, lose their inversion symmetry. The authors accomplished this by applying a point force on the surface of the material. This induced a strain gradient and the loss of inversion symmetry, resulting in large photovoltaic currents under illumination. The mechanism, dubbed the flexo-photovoltaic effect, is expected to apply to most semiconductors.

Science
, this issue p.
904
A GXXXA Motif in the Transmembrane Domain of the Ebola Virus Glycoprotein Is Required for Tetherin Antagonism
Authors: González-Hernández Mariana , Hoffmann Markus , Brinkmann Constantin , Nehls Julia , Winkler Michael , Schindler Michael , Pöhlmann Stefan
Published: April 2018

The interferon-induced antiviral host cell protein tetherin can inhibit the release of several enveloped viruses from infected cells. The Ebola virus (EBOV) glycoprotein (GP) antagonizes tetherin, but the domains and amino acids in GP that are required for tetherin antagonism have not been fully defined. A GXXXA motif within the transmembrane domain (TMD) of EBOV-GP was previously shown to be important for GP-mediated cellular detachment. Here, we investigated whether this motif also contributes to tetherin antagonism. Mutation of the GXXXA motif did not impact GP expression or particle incorporation and only modestly reduced EBOV-GP-driven entry. In contrast, the GXXXA motif was required for tetherin antagonism in transfected cells. Moreover, alteration of the GXXXA motif increased tetherin sensitivity of a replication-competent vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) chimera encoding EBOV-GP. Although these results await confirmation with authentic EBOV, they indicate that a GXXXA motif in the TMD of EBOV-GP is important for tetherin antagonism. Moreover, they provide the first evidence that GP can antagonize tetherin in the context of an infectious EBOV surrogate.

IMPORTANCE
The glycoprotein (GP) of Ebola virus (EBOV) inhibits the antiviral host cell protein tetherin and may promote viral spread in tetherin-positive cells. However, tetherin antagonism by GP has so far been demonstrated only with virus-like particles, and it is unknown whether GP can block tetherin in infected cells. Moreover, a mutation in GP that selectively abrogates tetherin antagonism is unknown. Here, we show that a GXXXA motif in the transmembrane domain of EBOV-GP, which was previously reported to be required for GP-mediated cell rounding, is also important for tetherin counteraction. Moreover, analysis of this mutation in the context of vesicular stomatitis virus chimeras encoding EBOV-GP revealed that GP-mediated tetherin counteraction is operative in infected cells. To our knowledge, these findings demonstrate for the first time that GP can antagonize tetherin in infected cells and provide a tool to study the impact of GP-dependent tetherin counteraction on EBOV spread.
Effect of Electroacupuncture Stimulation on Long-Term Recovery following Achilles Tendon Rupture in a Rat Model
Authors: Imaeda Miwa , Hojo Tatsuya , Kitakoji Hiroshi , Tanaka Kazuto , Itoi Megumi , Inoue Motohiro
Published: April 2018

Aims

In this study we examined the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation on the mechanical strength of the rat Achilles tendon after long-term recovery.

Methods

Using 20 rats, an Achilles tendon rupture model was created in an invasive manner. The rats were assigned to one of three groups, that received EA treatment (EA group), minimal acupuncture (MA group) or remained untreated (Control group). In the EA group, EA stimulation (5 ms, 50 Hz, 20 µA, 20 min) was applied to the rupture region over a period of 90 days (five times/week). In the MA group, needles were inserted into the same positions as in the EA group but no electrical current was applied. After 90 days the tendon was measured to calculate the cross-sectional area of the rupture region. Then, the mechanical strength of the tendon was measured by tensile testing.

Results

No significant differences were observed between the three groups in cross-sectional area of the injured tendon. For maximum breaking strength, the EA group showed a significantly higher threshold compared with the Control group (P<0.05) but not the MA group (P=0.24). No significant difference was seen between the MA group and the Control group (P=0.96).

Conclusion

Given the EA group showed a significant increase in maximum breaking strength, it is likely that EA stimulation increases the mechanical strength of a repaired tendon after long-term recovery, and EA stimulation could be useful for preventing re-rupture.
Do conceptualisations of health differ across social strata? A concept mapping study among lay people
Authors: Stronks Karien , Hoeymans Nancy , Haverkamp Beatrijs , den Hertog Frank R J , van Bon-Martens Marja J H , Galenkamp Henrike , Verweij Marcel , van Oers Hans A M
Published: April 2018

Objectives

The legitimacy of policies that aim at tackling socioeconomic inequalities in health can be challenged if they do not reflect the conceptualisations of health that are valued in all strata. Therefore, this study analyses how different socioeconomic groups formulate their own answers regarding: what does health mean to you?

Design

Concept mapping procedures were performed in three groups that differ in educational level. All procedures followed exactly the same design.

Setting

Area of the city of Utrecht, the Netherlands.

Participants

Lay persons with a lower, intermediate and higher educational level (±15/group).

Results

The concept maps for the three groups consisted of nine, eight and seven clusters each, respectively. Four clusters occurred in all groups: absence of disease/disabilities, health-related behaviours, social life, attitude towards life. The content of some of these differed between groups, for example, behaviours were interpreted as having opportunities to behave healthily in the lower education group, and in terms of their impact on health in the higher education group. Other clusters appeared to be specific for particular groups, such as autonomy (intermediate/higher education group). Finally, ranking ranged from a higher ranking of the positively formulated aspects in the higher education group (eg, lust for life) to that of the negatively formulated aspects in the lower education group (eg, having no chronic disease).

Conclusion

Our results provide indications to suggest that people in lower socioeconomic groups are more likely to show a conceptualisation of health that refers to (1) the absence of health threats (vs positive aspects), (2) a person within his/her circumstances (vs quality of own body/mind), (3) the value of functional (vs hedonistic) notions and (4) an accepting (vs active) attitude towards life.
Automation of CT-based haemorrhagic stroke assessment for improved clinical outcomes: study protocol and design
Authors: Chinda Betty , Medvedev George , Siu William , Ester Martin , Arab Ali , Gu Tao , Moreno Sylvain , D’Arcy Ryan C N , Song Xiaowei
Published: April 2018

Introduction

Haemorrhagic stroke is of significant healthcare concern due to its association with high mortality and lasting impact on the survivors’ quality of life. Treatment decisions and clinical outcomes depend strongly on the size, spread and location of the haematoma. Non-contrast CT (NCCT) is the primary neuroimaging modality for haematoma assessment in haemorrhagic stroke diagnosis. Current procedures do not allow convenient NCCT-based haemorrhage volume calculation in clinical settings, while research-based approaches are yet to be tested for clinical utility; there is a demonstrated need for developing effective solutions. The project under review investigates the development of an automatic NCCT-based haematoma computation tool in support of accurate quantification of haematoma volumes.

Methods and analysis

Several existing research methods for haematoma volume estimation are studied. Selected methods are tested using NCCT images of patients diagnosed with acute haemorrhagic stroke. For inter-rater and intrarater reliability evaluation, different raters will analyse haemorrhage volumes independently. The efficiency with respect to time of haematoma volume assessments will be examined to compare with the results from routine clinical evaluations and planimetry assessment that are known to be more accurate. The project will target the development of an enhanced solution by adapting existing methods and integrating machine learning algorithms. NCCT-based information of brain haemorrhage (eg, size, volume, location) and other relevant information (eg, age, sex, risk factor, comorbidities) will be used in relation to clinical outcomes with future project development. Validity and reliability of the solution will be examined for potential clinical utility.

Ethics and dissemination

The project including procedures for deidentification of NCCT data has been ethically approved. The study involves secondary use of existing data and does not require new consent of participation. The team consists of clinical neuroimaging scientists, computing scientists and clinical professionals in neurology and neuroradiology and includes patient representatives. Research outputs will be disseminated following knowledge translation plans towards improving stroke patient care. Significant findings will be published in scientific journals. Anticipated deliverables include computer solutions for improved clinical assessment of haematoma using NCCT.
Metals in urine in relation to the prevalence of pre-diabetes, diabetes and atherosclerosis in rural India
Authors: Velmurugan Ganesan , Swaminathan Krishnan , Veerasekar Ganesh , Purnell Jonathan Q , Mohanraj Sundaresan , Dhivakar Mani , Avula Anil Kumar , Cherian Mathew , Palaniswami Nalla G , Alexander Thomas , Pradeep Thalappil
Published: April 2018

Objective

Diabetes and cardiovascular diseases are growing burdens in rural communities worldwide. We have observed a high prevalence of diabetes among rural farming communities in India and sought to evaluate the association of non-traditional risk factors, such as metals, with diabetes and other cardiometabolic risk factors in this community.

Methods

Anthropometric measurements, chemistries and carotid intima-media thickness were determined in 865 participants of the Kovai Medical Center and Hospital-Nallampatti Non-Communicable Disease Study-I (KMCH-NNCD-I, 2015), a cross-sectional study conducted in a farming village in South India. Urinary metal levels were determined by inductively couped plasma-mass spectrometry analysis and corrected to urinary creatinine level. Statistical analyses were performed to study the association between urinary metal levels and clinical parameters.

Results

82.5% of the study population were involved in farming and high levels of toxic metals were detected in the synthetic fertilisers used in the study village. The prevalence of pre-diabetes, diabetes and atherosclerosis was 43.4%, 16.2% and 10.3%, respectively. On logistic regression analysis, no association of traditional risk factors such as body mass index, blood pressure and total cholesterol with disease conditions was observed, but urinary levels of metals such as arsenic, chromium, aluminium and zinc showed an association with diabetes, while arsenic and zinc showed an association with pre-diabetes and atherosclerosis.

Conclusions

Our data suggest a probable role of metals in the aetiology of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases in rural communities. Identifying and eliminating the causes of increased levels of these environmental chemicals could have a beneficial impact on the burden of non-communicable diseases in rural population.
Reduction in tuberculosis incidence in the UK from 2011 to 2015: a population-based study
Authors: Thomas H Lucy , Harris Ross J , Muzyamba Morris C , Davidson Jennifer A , Lalor Maeve K , Campbell Colin N J , Anderson Sarah R , Zenner Dominik
Published: April 2018

Background

Following nearly two decades of increasing tuberculosis in the UK, TB incidence decreased by 32% from 2011 to 2015. Explaining this reduction is crucial to informing ongoing TB control efforts.

Methods

We stratified TB cases notified in the UK and TB cases averted in the UK through pre-entry screening (PES) between 2011 and 2015 by country of birth and time since arrival. We used population estimates and migration data to establish denominators, and calculated incidence rate ratios (IRRs) between 2011 and 2015. We calculated the contribution of changing migrant population sizes, PES and changes in TB rates to the reduction in TB notifications.

Results

TB IRRs fell in all non-EU migrant and UK-born populations between 2011 and 2015 (0.61; 95%  CI 0.59 to 0.64 and 0.78; 0.73 to 0.83 respectively), with the greatest decrease in recent non-EU migrants (0.54; 0.48 to 0.61). 61.9% of the reduction in TB notifications was attributable to decreases in TB rates, 33.4% to a fall in the number of recent/mid-term non-EU migrants and 11.4% to PES. A small increase in notifications in EU-born migrants offset the reduction by 6.6%.

Conclusions

Large decreases in TB rates in almost all populations accounted for the majority of the reduction in TB notifications, providing evidence of the impact of recent interventions to improve UK TB control. The particularly large decrease in TB rates in recent non-EU migrants provides evidence of the effectiveness of screening interventions that target this population. These findings will inform ongoing improvements to TB control.
Effect of temperature on behaviour of red clay–structure interface
Authors: Li Chunhong , Kong Gangqiang , Liu Hanlong , Abuel-Naga Hossam
Published: April 2018

This study presents the results of an experimental investigation conducted to assess the temperature effects on shear stress–strain behaviour and shear strength parameters of red clay and its interface with the geostructure under different normal stresses (50, 100, 200, and 400 kPa). A modified direct shear test apparatus, capable of handling temperatures up to 50 °C, was used in this study. The experimental program includes shearing the red clay and red clay–structure interface at different temperatures (2, 15, 38 °C) and after subjecting it to different heating–cooling cycles. The test results in this study and the previous studies in the literature indicated that the temperature has insignificant effects on the friction angle of clay and clay–structure interface. However, the temperature effect on the cohesion of clay and the adhesion between the clay and structure depends on the normal stress level and history. A new conceptual understanding for the possible temperature effect on the clay–structure interface was introduced in this study and it was used to interpret the different interface test results in the literature.
Shoaling behaviour is differentially altered by ethanol and dopamine D1 receptor modulators in tropical marine forage fish
Authors: Hamilton Trevor J. , Kline David I. , Tresguerres Martin
Published: April 2018

Anchovies are filter-feeding fish that inhabit nearshore environments worldwide. With increasing human pharmaceutical use, drugs that alter neurological functioning are becoming more prevalent in aquatic ecosystems via wastewater effluent, creating the need for tests that can reliably determine sublethal effects of these drugs on coastal fish populations. In this study, we used Caribbean anchovies (Anchoa spp.) as a tropical marine fish model to test drug-induced alterations of locomotion and shoaling behaviour with a video-based analysis system. Consistent with its anxiolytic effects in zebrafish (Danio rerio), ethanol decreased shoal cohesion in anchovies. We also characterized the effects of drugs known to modulate the dopaminergic system in zebrafish and rodents. A D1 receptor agonist (SKF 38393) and a D1 receptor antagonist (SCH 23390) increased the time anchovy spent in the center of the arena, but neither drug had an impact on shoal cohesion. Finally, the D1 receptor agonist caused significantly lower meandering compared with fish treated with the D1 receptor antagonist and ethanol. This study suggests that anchovy is a suitable Caribbean marine model for toxicology studies.
Developing Turbulent Flow and Heat Transfer in Concentric Annuli
Authors: Lee Y. , Park S.D.
Published: April 2018

The problem of the simultaneously developing turbulent flow and heat transfer in concentric annuli was studied from an integral viewpoint, based on a modified model for the eddy diffusivity of momentum together with a new ratio of eddy diffusivities obtained from experiment. Solutions were obtained for one surface uniformly heated and the other insulated. The analytical results were then compared with the measurement of local flow and thermal conditions for air flow through four concentric annuli for a Reynolds number range of about 20,000 to 110,000. The analysis assumed the flow was turbulent everywhere. In the experimental work the flow was tripped at the starting position of both the velocity and thermal boundary layers. Air was chosen in the experiment as it represents gas flows in general.
Stability of Fluid-Filled Cylindrical Bags Under Gravity Loads
Authors: Duncan J. L. , Ragab A. R.
Published: April 2018

The distribution of stress and the stability are analysed for an inextensible cylindrical fluid-filled bag suspended from a rigid circular plate. It is assumed that the bag remains stable provided the axial stress at the point of attachment is everywhere positive and this is confirmed by the results of simple experiments. The work may be relevant to the design of lighter-than-air vehicles and numerical results are presented for a large helium-filled bag of the type which may be used in airships.
Application of a General Finite-Difference Method to Boundary Layer Flows
Authors: Katotakis S. D. , Vlachopoulos J.
Published: April 2018

A straight-forward and general finite-difference solution of the boundary layer equations is presented. Several problems are examined for laminar flow conditions. These include velocity and temperature boundary layers over a flat plate, linearly retarded flows and several cases of suction or injection. The results obtained are in excellent agreement with existing accurate solutions. It appears that any kind of steady, two-dimensional boundary layer problem can be solved thus with accuracy and speed.
Laminar Boundary∼Layer Free Convection along an Inclined, Isothermal Surface
Authors: Lee J.B. , Lock G.S.H.
Published: April 2018

This paper gives theoretical consideration to the problem of laminar, boundary-layer, free convection flow along a long, inclined, plane surface heated isothermally. Development of the appropriate boundary-layer equations is followed by their numerical solution for air. The effects of inclination and position on heat transfer and the temperature, pressure and velocity profiles are presented graphically for RaL ≤ 106.
Effects of Confining Walls on Heat Transfer from a Vertical Array of Heated Horizontal Cylinders
Authors: Marsters G.F. , Paulus G.
Published: April 2018

A series of experiments has been carried out to determine the influence of confining walls upon natural convection from a vertical array of heated horizontal cylinders. The axes of the cylinders lie in a single vertical plane. Confining walls, parallel to the plane of the array, are found to have a significant effect upon the heat transfer coefficient of individual cylinders in the array, but relatively small effects on overall heat transfer effectiveness. Temperature distributions in the array, surface temperature of the bottom cylinder and Nusselt numbers for selected cylinders are given. In addition, temperature data have been obtained in the wake above the array.
A ‘Law of the Wall’ for Mass Transfer in a Turbulent Boundary Layer
Authors: Strong A.B. , Chandler A.J. , Bragg G.M.
Published: April 2018

An algebraic ‘law of the wall’ for flow with mass transfer in a turbulent boundary layer based on Spalding’s law of the wall for zero mass transfer has been derived. The present function is continuous from the wall into the log-law region and contains no new empirical “constants”. Predictions of velocity profiles and wall shear stress obtained from the present law have been compared to the blowing data of Simpson, Kays and Moffat(8) and good agreement is shown. Further, comparisons with other models, for example, Rotta(9), Kays et al.(10), and Kleinstein(5), show that the present formulation gives better agreement with the data.
Analysis of the Secondary Creep of a Rotating Flat Disk
Authors: Lenard J.G.
Published: April 2018

Secondary creep behavior of a rotating hollow disk of uniform thickness is considered. The hyperbolic sine creep law is used to relate stress and creep strain rate; the applicability of Tresca’s criterion and associated flow rule is assumed. The creep strain rates so obtained are compared to results, given by the exponential and linear creep laws. Recommended limits of applicability of the linear and exponential laws are established.
A Finite-Difference Approach to Clamped-Plate Problems by Application of Boundary Vorticity Method in Fluid Mechanics
Authors: Cheng K. C. , Hwang G. J.
Published: April 2018

A numerical procedure is proposed for the solution of the biharmonic equation for deflections of uniformly loaded plates with all edges clamped. It is shown that the quantity ∇2w at the plate boundary can be determined numerically by noting a linear relationship between ∇2w and w in finite-difference form at the boundary. According to the classical methods of solution, the quantity ∇2w at the clamped edge cannot be determined in advance. The new approach is based on the boundary vorticity method for the vorticity transport equation governing a steady two-dimensional incompressible fluid flow. By using the new procedure, it is now possible to replace the biharmonic equation for clamped plates by two second-order partial differential equations of elliptic type similar to those for simply supported plates with straight edges. The possibility of extending the procedure to various problems in plates and shells is pointed out. The study also serves to illustrate a close relationship between a class of fluid mechanics problems and a class of plate and shell problems.
Kinematic Analysis of Spatial Six-Link 3R-2P-C Mechanisms
Authors: Osman M.O.M. , Dukkipati R. V.
Published: April 2018

Using (3 x 3) matrices with dual-number elements, closed-form displacement relationships are derived for a spatial six-link R-C-P-R-P-R mechanism. The input-output closed form displacement relationship is obtained as a second order polynomial in the output displacement. For each set of the input and output displacements obtained from the equation, all other variable parameters of the mechanism are uniquely determined. A numerical illustrative example is presented. Using the dual-matrix loop equation, with proper arrangement of terms and following a procedure similar to that presented, the closed-form displacement relationships for other types of six-link 3R + 2P + 1C mechanisms can be obtained. The input-output equation derived may also be used to generate the input-output functions for five-link 2R + 2C + 1P mechanisms and four-link mechanisms with one revolute and three cylinder pairs.
Fusion Zone Cooling Curves for Deep Penetration Welds
Authors: Bibby M.J. , Goldak J.A.
Published: April 2018

Experimentally measured fusion-zone cooling curves are presented for a series of narrow, deep penetration welds. These are used to demonstrate that the conventional Rosenthal/Rykalin theory of moving heat sources can be used with considerable confidence for these kinds of welds provided that the width of the work-piece exceeds a certain minimum value. The results are discussed in terms of predicting weld microstructure.
Calculation of the Geometric Factor Using the Plate Formula for Bevel Gears with a Back Shoulder
Authors: Al-Shareedah E.M. , Lehnhoff T.F.
Published: April 2018

Bevel gears with a back shoulder are considered to be stronger than straight through machined gears, in part, because of the excess web of material between the teeth. This strength has been theoretically shown to be significantly greater than similar conventional bevel gears. The equation derived for predicting the strength of the gears involves a geometric factor which is tabulated for different gear sizes. Its use in the design of this type of bevel gears is explained via an example problem.