bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developing Discussion of Language Change Into a Three‐Dimensional Model of Linguistic Phenomena
Authors: Hawkey James
Published: April 2016

The concepts of change from above (CFA) and change from below (CFB) have been employed by sociolinguists for decades: but ‘above’ and ‘below’ what exactly? Popularised by William Labov, these terms are most frequently used to describe complementary, highly distinct processes of language change. Subsequent interpretations have subtly altered the definitions of these terms, and as a result, CFA and CFB have been used to refer to different things by different people. Often, the resultant phenomena are not as complementary or distinct as they first seem. This article analyses the various interpretations of CFA and CFB with an aim to clarify how the terms have been used, and to propose a new and thorough taxonomical model for linguistic phenomena. Leading scholarly viewpoints are examined (Labov , Crystal , Ferguson , Wolfram and Schilling‐Estes , Ellis , Romaine inter alia), and three bifurcating axes are formed, revealing what ‘above’ and ‘below’ variously relate to. The axes of +/– metacommentary, +/– overt prestige and +/– planned will be explained and formed into a three‐dimensional model of linguistic phenomena, thus constituting an innovative development in the ongoing debate surrounding CFA and CFB.
A Gunpowder Tattoo in a 6‐Year‐Old Girl
Authors: Bernstein Seth , Barros Brittany , Zaenglein Andrea L.
Published: April 2016

Gunpowder tattoos result from explosion and subsequent traumatic implantation of pigmented granules into varying layers of the skin. This report details the case of a 6‐year‐old with a gunpowder tattoo on the face.
Tolerability of 2.5% Lidocaine/Prilocaine Hydrogel in Children Undergoing Cryotherapy for Molluscum Contagiosum
Authors: Gobbato André A.M. , Babadópulos Tainah , Gobbato Cintia A.R.S. , Moreno Ronilson A. , Gagliano‐Jucá Thiago , De Nucci Gilberto
Published: April 2016

The tolerability of a 2.5% lidocaine/prilocaine hydrogel (Nanorap, Biolab Indústria Farmacêutica Ltd., Sao Paulo, Brazil) was evaluated in 20 children ages 2 to 11 years undergoing cryotherapy for molluscum contagiosum (MC). The product was well tolerated, with only two children presenting with eczema at the application site. These adverse reactions were considered unlikely to be related to the test product, because a patch test was negative in one of the individuals and the other event occurred in only one of the two treated areas. Nanorap is an efficacious and well‐tolerated option for topical anesthesia in children undergoing cryotherapy for MC.
NAB2‐STAT6 gene fusion and STAT6 immunoexpression in extrathoracic solitary fibrous tumors: the association between fusion variants and locations
Authors: Chuang I‐Chieh , Liao Kuan‐Cho , Huang Hsuan‐Ying , Kao Yu‐Chien , Li Chien‐Feng , Huang Shih‐Chiang , Tsai Jen‐Wei , Chen Ko‐Chin , Lan Jui , Lin Po‐Chun
Published: April 2016

Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) is a rare mesenchymal neoplasm harboring NAB2‐STAT6 fusion, which drives STAT6 nuclear relocation. For extrathoracic SFTs, the clinical relevance of this molecular hallmark remains obscure. We assessed STAT6 immunoexpression for 61 extrathoracic SFTs exclusive of the meninges and head and neck, and 25 had analyzable RNAs to distinguish fusion variants by RT–PCR. The immunohistochemical and molecular findings were correlated with clincopathological features and disease‐free survival (DFS). Twenty‐eight males and 33 females had SFTs in the body cavities (n = 31), extremities (n = 17), and trunk (n = 13), categorized into 53 non‐malignant and 8 malignant tumors. The vast majority (n = 57, 93%) exhibited distinctive STAT6 nuclear expression, including malignant ones. The common fusion variants were NAB2ex6‐STAT6ex16/17 in 13 SFTs and NAB2ex4‐STAT6ex2 in 8, while miscellaneous variants were detected only in 4 SFTs in the limbs and trunk but not in any body cavity‐based cases (P = 0.026). The worse DFS was univariately associated with malignant histology (P = 0.04) but unrelated to tumor size, location, or fusion variant. Conclusively, extrathoracic SFTs mostly harbor NAB2ex6‐STAT6ex16/17, followed by NAB2ex4‐STAT6ex2. Miscellaneous variants are significantly rare in SFTs within the body cavities. The clinical aggressiveness of extrathoraic SFTs is associated with malignant histology but unrelated to the NAB2‐STAT6 fusion variants.
General practitioners’ experiences as nursing home medical consultants
Authors: Kirsebom Marie , Hedström Mariann , Pöder Ulrika , Wadensten Barbro
Published: April 2016

Objective

To describe general practitioners’ experiences of being the principal physician responsible for a nursing home.

Method

Fifteen general practitioners assigned to a nursing home participated in semi‐structured qualitative interviews. Data were analysed using systematic text condensation.

Result

Medical assessment is the main duty of general practitioners. Advance care planning together with residents and family members facilitates future decisions on medical treatment and end‐of‐life care. Registered Nurses’ continuity and competence are perceived as crucial to the quality of care, but inadequate staffing, lack of medical equipment and less‐than‐optimal IT systems for electronic healthcare records are impediments to patient safety.

Conclusion

The study highlights the importance of advance care planning together with residents and family members in facilitating future decisions on medical treatment and end‐of‐life care. To meet the increasing demands for more complex medical treatment at nursing homes and to provide high‐quality palliative care, there would seem to be a need to increase Registered Nurses’ staffing and acquire more advanced medical equipment, as well as to create better possibilities for Registered Nurses and general practitioners to access each other's healthcare record systems.
Perceptions and Practices: Employers, Educators, and Students on GIS Internships
Authors: Craig Thomas R. , Wikle Thomas A.
Published: April 2016

Within an increasingly competitive job market, academic internships have become an important source of work experience for students with career interests involving geographic information systems (GIS) and related geospatial technologies. However, while GIS internships offer benefits to employers and students, their structure and objectives may be viewed differently across stakeholder groups such as private industry, government, and academia. In this article we evaluate how GIS internships are valued and perceived by employers, educators, and the interns themselves using quantitative and qualitative measures collected though web‐based surveys and semi‐structured telephone interviews. Data analysis helped us determine the relative importance of technical and non‐technical skills needed by students in preparation for GIS internships. Our findings reveal relatively few differences in scores assigned to technical and non‐technical skills when comparing employer and educator ratings. Educator ratings were higher for nearly all technical and non‐technical skills. In comparison, employers placed greater emphasis on technical skills involving data entry/manipulation and non‐technical skills such as flexibility/adaptability. The survey also revealed differences in employer and educator perceptions of internship goals and administration. Telephone surveys with former interns supplemented information from employer and educator surveys in developing “best practices” that may be useful in the design and administration of GIS internships.
Identification of new KLF1 and LU alleles during the resolution of Lutheran typing discrepancies
Authors: Garcia‐Sanchez Felix , Pardi Cecilia , Kupatawintu Pawinee , Thornton Nicole , Rodriguez Miguel‐Angel , Lucea Irene , Sood Chhavi , Ochoa‐Garay Gorka
Published: April 2016

BACKGROUND

The Lub antigen is expressed on red blood cells (RBCs) of the majority of individuals in all populations. Its absence in transfused patients may lead to alloantibody production and mild‐to‐moderate transfusion reactions, and in pregnancies to mild hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn. This report describes the results of discrepancy resolution between apparent LU*A/LU*B or LU*B/LU*B genotypes and apparent Lu(b–) or Lu(b+ weak) phenotypes in one Asian and 10 Caucasian blood donors.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Whole blood samples were analyzed by molecular methods to resolve discrepancies between Lu(b–) phenotypes detected by serology and Lu(b+) phenotypes predicted by genotyping. RBC agglutination assays were performed with commercial and patient antisera by tube or gel column methods. Genotyping was performed on commercial arrays that target the LU*A/LU*B polymorphism at Position c.230. The discrepancies were resolved by sequencing of genomic DNA and in some cases by sequencing of cloned DNA fragments.

RESULTS

Eleven new alleles with coding sequence variants were identified, seven in the KLF1 gene, which are presumed to act dominantly to silence LU expression, and four in the LU gene itself. The alleles are KLF1*114delC, KLF1*298T, KLF1*304C,484insC, KLF1*304C,1000del2, KLF1*621G, KLF1*948delC, KLF1*1040A,1045delT, LU*B(559T,711T,714T), LU*B(611A,638T), LU*B(1049del2ins3), and LU*B(1306T,1340T,1671T,1742T).

CONCLUSION

Besides confirming common phenotypes and detecting rare antigen‐negative phenotypes, the use of molecular methods in blood donor typing can prompt the identification of new alleles through discrepancy resolution.
Fatal transfusion‐transmitted infection due to Citrobacter koseri
Authors: Hauser Lisette , Menasie Senbetta , Bonacorsi Stéphane , Raoult Laurence , AitOubelli Nourredine , Belloy Marie , Avran David , Beyloune Alexandre , Simonet Marion , Billard‐Pomares Typhaine , Pangon Béatrice , Bierling Philippe
Published: April 2016

BACKGROUND

Transfusion‐transmitted bacterial infection (TTBI) is still one of the most feared complications of blood transfusion.

CASE REPORT

We report a fatal case involving an 8‐year‐old child with congenital dyskeratosis complicated by severe aplastic anemia who was regularly transfused with platelet (PLT) concentrates for 5 years. The patient received an apheresis PLT concentrate (APC) on Day 0 due to thrombocytopenia complicated by mucocutaneous hemorrhage. Thirty minutes after the start of the transfusion, bradycardia and dyspnea appeared, quickly followed by chills, nausea, vomiting, headache, and hyperthermia. TTBI was suspected and the patient was immediately treated with intravascular antibiotherapy. On Day 3, the patient developed severe acute respiratory distress syndrome leading to death on Day 7. Patient blood cultures and APC cultures were both positive for Citrobacter koseri.

RESULTS

The donor was a 19‐year‐old woman. She had previously given blood. No infectious symptom was reported during the medical interviews before and after the donation and no postdonation information was received. On the day of the donation (Day −2), her white blood cell count was 5.83 × 109/L. She came back on Day 8 to undergo additional tests. The cultures from blood, stool, urine, the skin of the inside of the elbow at the point of needle insertion, and ear samples were all negative for C. koseri. However, a nasal sample was positive for C. koseri.

CONCLUSION

The isolates from the donor's blood cultures, the APC bag, the attached tube, and the donor's nasal sample all gave identical profiles; they were thus identified as the same strain and the TTBI was confirmed.
Combined Energy and Exergy Analysis of a Nonisothermal Fin Array With Non-Boussinésq Variable Property Fluid
Authors: Das Biplab , Giri Asis
Published: April 2016

To transport the energy efficiently without much dissipation, first and second law analyses of mixed convection heat transport from an array of nonisothermal rectangular vertical plate-finned heat sink are made using purely computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis on the governing equations. Report provides the dependence of Nusselt number, entropy production, pumping power ratio (PPR), and flow bypass factor (BF) on the inlet velocity, fin conductance parameter, thermal Grashof number (Gr), dimensionless clearance (C*), and dimensionless fin spacing (S*). Total nondimensional entropy production is found to decrease continuously with clearances for all fin spacings, except at the lowest fin spacing involving lowest Gr (= 1.8 × 105). On the other hand, at higher inlet velocities, Nusselt number indicates an optimum value with clearances. Optimum Nusselt number is found to observe in a range of S* = 0.2–0.3 for all Gr. For smaller fin spacing, PPR is noticeably higher, but at the optimum value of fin spacing, PPR reduces roughly by an order of magnitude. Interestingly, flow bypass is remarkably lower at the optimum clearance. Finally, correlation of friction factor, PPR, and entropy generation is presented.
Modeling and Experimental Assessment of Bending Characteristics of Laminated Bilayer Sheet Materials
Authors: Govindasamy Ganesh , Jain Mukesh K.
Published: April 2016

Many mathematical models based on the advanced theory of bending to predict bending characteristics for monolithic sheet materials are available in the literature. In this work, a similar approach is utilized to develop bending models for a bilayer laminated sheet material. The principal stresses and strains through the thickness and change in relative thickness, at specified bend curvatures, are obtained as a function of increasing curvature during bending. Additionally, three-dimensional (3D) finite element (FE) based models for bilayer laminate bending are developed to overcome simplifications of the analytical models. In order to experimentally validate the two models, a new experimental bend test-jig is developed and experiments are performed on bilayer steel–aluminum laminate for different clad to matrix thickness ratios. These experiments have enabled continuous measurements of strain along the width at the bend line and through the laminate thickness at one of the specimen edges using an online strain mapping system based on digital image correlation (DIC) method. Analytical model results indicate how the through-thickness strain distribution and relative thickness of the specimen in bending are influenced by the location and thickness of the soft clad material. The FE model and experimental results exhibit similar trends in the relative thickness change for different geometric arrangements of steel–aluminum layers. The tangential and radial stresses decrease in magnitude with increasing aluminum clad thickness ratios. The 3D FE model of laminate bending provided strain predictions across the specimen width at the bend line on the tension and compression sides that increased with increasing clad thickness ratios. Also, relative thickness data from the 3D FE model showed uniaxial and plane strain stress states at the edge and midwidth sections of the test specimen. The results from analytical and FE models and from DIC and microscopic thickness measurements indicate that thickness at the bend line increases with increasing clad thickness for the case of clad layer on the compressive side of the laminate (i.e., C-C case) and vice versa for clad layer on the tensile side (C-T).
Numerical Analysis of the Iridescent Ring Around Cavitation Erosion Pit on Stainless Steel Surface
Authors: Mengru Fu , Han Ge
Published: April 2016

In ultrasonic cavitation, iridescent rings always occur around erosion pits on steel surface. These colorful halos can reflect the experienced temperature of the steel surface, but the reason for their formation is controversial. In this study, the development of an erosion pit and the iridescent ring around it on stainless steel (1Cr18Ni9Ti) surface was numerically investigated based on the energy transformation theory. The results revealed that the experienced temperature of ring areas with the shape of three-dimensional hemisphere could reach as high as 1685 K, and the position of material's highest temperature was exactly at the position of stress concentration.
Microstructure and Mechanical Property of Glutaraldehyde-Treated Porcine Pulmonary Ligament
Authors: Chen Huan , Zhao Xuefeng , Berwick Zachary C. , Krieger Joshua F. , Chambers Sean , Kassab Ghassan S.
Published: April 2016

There is a significant need for fixed biological tissues with desired structural and material constituents for tissue engineering applications. Here, we introduce the lung ligament as a fixed biological material that may have clinical utility for tissue engineering. To characterize the lung tissue for potential clinical applications, we studied glutaraldehyde-treated porcine pulmonary ligament (n = 11) with multiphoton microscopy (MPM) and conducted biaxial planar experiments to characterize the mechanical property of the tissue. The MPM imaging revealed that there are generally two families of collagen fibers distributed in two distinct layers: The first family largely aligns along the longitudinal direction with a mean angle of θ = 10.7 ± 9.3 deg, while the second one exhibits a random distribution with a mean θ = 36.6 ± 27.4. Elastin fibers appear in some intermediate sublayers with a random orientation distribution with a mean θ = 39.6 ± 23 deg. Based on the microstructural observation, a microstructure-based constitutive law was proposed to model the elastic property of the tissue. The material parameters were identified by fitting the model to the biaxial stress–strain data of specimens, and good fitting quality was achieved. The parameter e0  (which denotes the strain beyond which the collagen can withstand tension) of glutaraldehyde-treated tissues demonstrated low variability implying a relatively consistent collagen undulation in different samples, while the stiffness parameters for elastin and collagen fibers showed relatively greater variability. The fixed tissues presented a smaller e0 than that of fresh specimen, confirming that glutaraldehyde crosslinking increases the mechanical strength of collagen-based biomaterials. The present study sheds light on the biomechanics of glutaraldehyde-treated porcine pulmonary ligament that may be a candidate for tissue engineering.
Robust Control of Quadrotors Based on an Uncertainty and Disturbance Estimator
Authors: Sanz Ricardo , Garcia Pedro , Zhong Qing-Chang , Albertos Pedro
Published: April 2016

In this paper, a robust control strategy is proposed to control the attitude and the altitude of quadrotors, based on an uncertainty and disturbance estimator (UDE). It is shown that the proposed controller can be tuned very easily, achieving the desired performance only by selecting an appropriate reference model and tuning a single parameter to tradeoff disturbance rejection with noise amplification in the control signal. The proposed control strategy is extensively validated in real-time applications with an experimental Quanser platform and also with a quadrotor prototype in real flight tests.
Socioeconomic Status and Life-Space Mobility in Old Age
Authors: Eronen Johanna , von Bonsdorff Mikaela , Rantakokko Merja , Portegijs Erja , Viljanen Anne , Rantanen Taina
Published: April 2016

Life-space mobility describes the extent of community mobility of older persons. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to examine the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and life-space mobility and to investigate whether associations might be explained by SES-related disparities in health and functioning. The participants (n = 848) were community-dwelling adults aged 75–90. Education and occupation were used to indicate SES. Life-space assessment (range 0–120) was used to indicate distance and frequency of moving and assistance needed in moving. People with low education had lower life-space mobility scores than those with intermediate or high education: marginal means 63.5, 64.8, and 70.0 (p = .003), respectively. SES-related health disparities, i.e., higher body mass index, poorer cognitive capacity, and poorer physical performance explained the association, rendering it nonsignificant (marginal means 65.2, 65.3, and 67.5, p = .390). Low SES and restricted life-space mobility often coexist with overweight, reduced cognition, and poorer physical performance.
Ironic coda to fraudulent study of bias
Authors: Bohannon John
Published: April 2016

Research by whistleblowers who exposed gay canvassing study finds same effect.
Only the strong survive
Authors: Stone Richard
Published: April 2016

Politics and budget pressure reshape science in Putin's Russia.
Moving superhydrophobic surfaces toward real-world applications
Authors: Tian Xuelin , Verho Tuukka , Ras Robin H. A.
Published: April 2016

Standardized wear and durability testing is needed to advance the best materials
A heated mirror for future climate
Authors: Alley Richard B.
Published: April 2016

Climatic changes 55.9 million years ago resemble those expected in the future
Protective T Cell and Antibody Immune Responses against Hepatitis C Virus Achieved Using a Biopolyester-Bead-Based Vaccine Delivery System
Authors: Martínez-Donato G. , Piniella B. , Aguilar D. , Olivera S. , Pérez A. , Castañedo Y. , Alvarez-Lajonchere L. , Dueñas-Carrera S. , Lee J. W. , Burr N. , Gonzalez-Miro M. , Rehm B. H. A.
Published: April 2016

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major worldwide problem. Chronic hepatitis C is recognized as one of the major causes of cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and liver failure. Although new, directly acting antiviral therapies are suggested to overcome the low efficacy and adverse effects observed for the current standard of treatment, an effective vaccine would be the only way to certainly eradicate HCV infection. Recently, polyhydroxybutyrate beads produced by engineeredEscherichia colishowed efficacy as a vaccine delivery system. Here, an endotoxin-freeE. colistrain (ClearColi) was engineered to produce polyhydroxybutyrate beads displaying the core antigen on their surface (Beads-Core) and their immunogenicity was evaluated in BALB/c mice. Immunization with Beads-Core induced gamma interferon (IFN-γ) secretion and a functional T cell immune response against the HCV Core protein. With the aim to target broad T and B cell determinants described for HCV, Beads-Core mixed with HCV E1, E2, and NS3 recombinant proteins was also evaluated in BALB/c mice. Remarkably, only three immunization with Beads-Core+CoE1E2NS3/Alum (a mixture of 0.1 μg Co.120, 16.7 μg E1.340, 16.7 μg E2.680, and 10 μg NS3 adjuvanted in aluminum hydroxide [Alum]) induced a potent antibody response against E1 and E2 and a broad IFN-γ secretion and T cell response against Core and all coadministered antigens. This immunological response mediated protective immunity to viremia as assessed in a viral surrogate challenge model. Overall, it was shown that engineered biopolyester beads displaying foreign antigens are immunogenic and might present a particulate delivery system suitable for vaccination against HCV.
Novel Structure and Unexpected RNA-Binding Ability of the C-Terminal Domain of Herpes Simplex Virus 1 Tegument Protein UL21
Authors: Metrick Claire M. , Heldwein Ekaterina E.
Published: April 2016

Proteins forming the tegument layers of herpesviral virions mediate many essential processes in the viral replication cycle, yet few have been characterized in detail. UL21 is one such multifunctional tegument protein and is conserved among alphaherpesviruses. While UL21 has been implicated in many processes in viral replication, ranging from nuclear egress to virion morphogenesis to cell-cell spread, its precise roles remain unclear. Here we report the 2.7-Å crystal structure of the C-terminal domain of herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) UL21 (UL21C), which has a unique α-helical fold resembling a dragonfly. Analysis of evolutionary conservation patterns and surface electrostatics pinpointed four regions of potential functional importance on the surface of UL21C to be pursued by mutagenesis. In combination with the previously determined structure of the N-terminal domain of UL21, the structure of UL21C provides a 3-dimensional framework for targeted exploration of the multiple roles of UL21 in the replication and pathogenesis of alphaherpesviruses. Additionally, we describe an unanticipated ability of UL21 to bind RNA, which may hint at a yet unexplored function.

IMPORTANCE
Due to the limited genomic coding capacity of viruses, viral proteins are often multifunctional, which makes them attractive antiviral targets. Such multifunctionality, however, complicates their study, which often involves constructing and characterizing null mutant viruses. Systematic exploration of these multifunctional proteins requires detailed road maps in the form of 3-dimensional structures. In this work, we determined the crystal structure of the C-terminal domain of UL21, a multifunctional tegument protein that is conserved among alphaherpesviruses. Structural analysis pinpointed surface areas of potential functional importance that provide a starting point for mutagenesis. In addition, the unexpected RNA-binding ability of UL21 may expand its functional repertoire. The structure of UL21C and the observation of its RNA-binding ability are the latest additions to the navigational chart that can guide the exploration of the multiple functions of UL21.
Emerging Role of PML Nuclear Bodies in Innate Immune Signaling
Authors: Scherer Myriam , Stamminger Thomas
Published: April 2016

Research in the last 2 decades has demonstrated that a specific organelle of the cell nucleus, termed PML nuclear body (PML-NB) or nuclear domain 10 (ND10), is frequently modified during viral infection. This correlates with antagonization of a direct repressive function of individual PML-NB components, such as the PML, hDaxx, Sp100, or ATRX protein, that are able to act as cellular restriction factors. Recent studies now reveal an emerging role of PML-NBs as coregulatory structures of both type I and type II interferon responses. This emphasizes that targeting of PML-NBs by viral regulatory proteins has evolved as a strategy to compromise intrinsic antiviral defense and innate immune responses.
Novel Highly Pathogenic Avian A(H5N2) and A(H5N8) Influenza Viruses of Clade 2.3.4.4 from North America Have Limited Capacity for Replication and Transmission in Mammals
Authors: Kaplan Bryan S. , Russier Marion , Jeevan Trushar , Marathe Bindumadhav , Govorkova Elena A. , Russell Charles J. , Kim-Torchetti Mia , Choi Young Ki , Brown Ian , Saito Takehiko , Stallknecht David E. , Krauss Scott , Webby Richard J.
Published: April 2016

Highly pathogenic H5 influenza viruses have been introduced into North America from Asia, causing extensive morbidity and mortality in domestic poultry. The introduced viruses have reassorted with North American avian influenza viruses, generating viral genotypes not seen on other continents. The experiments and analyses presented here were designed to assess the impact of this genetic diversification on viral phenotypes, particularly as regards mammalian hosts, by comparing the North American viruses with their Eurasian precursor viruses.
Transcriptome Sequencing Reveals Wide Expression Reprogramming of Basal and Unknown Genes in Leptospira biflexa Biofilms
Authors: Iraola Gregorio , Spangenberg Lucía , Lopes Bastos Bruno , Graña Martín , Vasconcelos Larissa , Almeida Áurea , Greif Gonzalo , Robello Carlos , Ristow Paula , Naya Hugo
Published: April 2016

In this work, we describe the first transcriptome based on RNA-seq technology focused on studying transcriptional changes associated with biofilm growth in a member of the genus
Leptospira
. As many pathogenic species of this genus can survive inside the host but also persist in environmental water, mostly forming biofilms, identifying the molecular basis of this capacity can impact the understanding of how leptospires are able to fulfill a complete life cycle that alternates between adaptation to the host and adaptation to hostile external environmental conditions. We identified several genes and regulatory networks that can be the kickoff for deepening understanding of the molecular mechanisms involving bacterial persistence via biofilm formation; understanding this is important for the future development of tools for controlling leptospirosis.
T-wave inversions on ECG as primary manifestation of Hashimoto's disease
Authors: Araque Katherine A , Smith Michael J , Walsh Brooks M
Published: April 2016

A middle-aged Hispanic woman presented to the emergency department (ED) reporting of acute new onset pressure-like chest pain developed at rest. It was radiated to the right arm and associated with malaise. Initial ECG demonstrated T-wave inversions (TWIs) in all anterior and lateral leads. Electrolytes, serial cardiac troponin and D-dimer were all normal. Comprehensive transthoracic echocardiogram and nuclear stress test did not reveal a cardiac cause of her symptoms.

Serum thyroid-stimulating hormone was markedly elevated (207 mIU/L) and free thyroxine was low (FT4 0.07 ng/dL), consistent with severe primary hypothyroidism. Thyroperoxidase (TPO) antibodies were positive. Therapy with levothyroxine was started. No other cause of the TWIs was identified. A repeat ECG obtained 8 weeks later showed partial resolution of the TWIs. Our observations indicate that Hashimoto’s disease is the most likely primary cause of this patient's extensive and profound TWI, which improved after thyroid replacement therapy.
‘Physical Activity 4 Everyone’ school-based intervention to prevent decline in adolescent physical activity levels: 12 month (mid-intervention) report on a cluster randomised trial
Authors: Sutherland Rachel , Campbell Elizabeth , Lubans David R , Morgan Philip J , Okely Anthony D , Nathan Nicole , Wolfenden Luke , Wiese Jarrod , Gillham Karen , Hollis Jenna , Wiggers John
Published: April 2016

Background

Adolescence is a recognised period of physical activity decline, particularly among low-income communities. We report the 12-month (midpoint) effects of a 2-year multicomponent physical activity intervention implemented in disadvantaged secondary schools.

Methods

A cluster randomised trial was undertaken in 10 secondary schools located in disadvantaged areas in New South Wales, Australia. Students in Grade 7 were recruited, with follow-up in Grade 8. The intervention was guided by socioecological theory and included seven physical activity strategies, and six implementation adoption strategies. The primary outcome was mean minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) per day assessed using Actigraph GT3X accelerometers. Outcome data were analysed using repeated measures linear mixed models.

Results

At baseline, 1150 (93%) students participated in the data collection (mean age 12 years, 48% boys) and 1050 (79%) students participated at 12-month follow-up. By the 12-month follow-up, the six implementation adoption strategies had been used to support schools to deliver four of the seven physical activity elements. There was a significant group-by-time interaction for mean minutes of MVPA per day in favour of the intervention group (adjusted difference between groups at follow-up=3.85 min, 95% CI (0.79 to 6.91), p≤0.01), including significantly more vigorous physical activity (2.45 min, p≤0.01), equating to 27 min more MVPA per week.

At 12-month follow-up, the intervention had reduced the decline in physical activity among adolescents from disadvantaged schools. The intervention may assist students to meet physical activity guidelines.
NAP SACC UK: protocol for a feasibility cluster randomised controlled trial in nurseries and at home to increase physical activity and healthy eating in children aged 2–4 years
Authors: Kipping R , Jago R , Metcalfe C , White J , Papadaki A , Campbell R , Hollingworth W , Ward D , Wells S , Brockman R , Nicholson A , Moore L
Published: April 2016

Introduction

Systematic reviews have identified the lack of intervention studies with young children to prevent obesity. This feasibility study examines the feasibility and acceptability of adapting the Nutrition and Physical Activity Self-Assessment for Child Care (NAP SACC) intervention in the UK to inform a full-scale trial.

Methods and analysis

A feasibility cluster randomised controlled trial in 12 nurseries in England, with 6 randomly assigned to the adapted NAP SACC UK intervention: nursery staff will receive training and support from an NAP SACC UK Partner to review the nursery environment (nutrition, physical activity, sedentary behaviours and oral health) and set goals for making changes. Parents will be invited to participate in a digital media-based home component to set goals for making changes in the home. As this is a feasibility study, the sample size was not based on a power calculation but will indicate the likely response rates and intracluster correlations. Measures will be assessed at baseline and 8–10 months later. We will estimate the recruitment rate of nurseries and children and adherence to the intervention and data. Nursery measurements will include the Environmental Policy Assessment and Observation score and the nursery staff's review of the nursery environment. Child measurements will include height and weight to calculate z-score body mass index (zBMI), accelerometer-determined minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per day and sedentary time, and diet using the Child and Diet Evaluation Tool. Questionnaires with nursery staff and parents will measure mediators. A process evaluation will assess fidelity of intervention delivery and views of participants.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval for this study was given by Wales 3 NHS Research Ethics Committee. Findings will be made available through publication in peer-reviewed journals, at conferences and to participants via the University of Bristol website. Data will be available from the University of Bristol Research Data Repository.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN16287377.
Stress and anxiety management strategies in health professions' simulation training: a review of the literature
Authors: Ignacio Jeanette , Dolmans Diana , Scherpbier Albert , Rethans Jan-Joost , Chan Sally , Liaw Sok Ying
Published: April 2016

Introduction

Simulation training has been used to teach clinical skills to health profession trainees. Stress and/or anxiety occur in high-acuity scenarios in the clinical environment, and affect clinician performance and patient outcomes. To date, strategies that have been used in conjunction with simulation training for healthcare professionals that address stress management are limited. This paper reports a literature review conducted to explore strategies used with simulations to enhance the ability of health profession trainees in reducing acute stress and/or anxiety during high-acuity clinical events.

Methods

Databases searched included Scopus, PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Knowledge and Science Direct. The examples of the literature chosen were those published in the English language from January 2005 to March 2015, and were peer-reviewed empirical papers that focused on the strategies addressing stress and/or anxiety during simulation training for healthcare profession trainees.

Results

Eight studies using various forms of stress/anxiety management strategies with simulations demonstrated varying degrees of effectiveness. Themes that emerged from these eight studies were excessive stress and clinical performance in simulation, emotional training strategies in simulation, and factors contributing to stress and anxiety reduction during simulation.

Conclusions

Excessive stress and/or anxiety in the clinical setting have been shown to affect performance and could compromise patient outcomes. Health profession training curricula might benefit from a stress/anxiety reduction strategy integrated into the simulation programmes. This review showed that the stress/anxiety management strategies that have been used with simulations, mostly in surgical training, have various degrees of effectiveness.
Second‐year student diary
Authors: Perrett Rosie
Published: April 2016

When Rosie Perrett's family cat suddenly became ill, she found herself confronting the condition as a vet student and coping with it as a pet owner.
Late-glacial and Holocene evolution as a driver of diversity and complexity of the northeastern North American alpine landscapes: a synthesis
Authors: Martin Jean-Philippe , Germain Daniel
Published: April 2016

Mid-altitude, mid-latitude mountains are complex environments owing to their Pleistocene glacial heritage, the importance of geomorphic processes on the steep slopes, and the climatic conditions that are often close to periglacial. These factors, along with the fragmentation of the alpine habitats, enhance the topographic and floristic diversity of these environments in northeastern North America. Through case studies, this synthesis underlines the interactions between the geosphere (glacial, paraglacial, and periglacial processes), the atmosphere (climatic fluctuations), and the biosphere (vegetation establishment and evolution to the present day) that explain the low elevation of the northeastern North American alpine environment and that testify to its complexity. Vegetation established earlier in the southern ranges, following the same general trend as the Laurentian Ice Sheet recession. However, local factors such as ice retreat, response to global-scale climate changes, and paraglacial processes acted in synergy to increase the resilience and to influence the occurrence of alpine landscapes. The establishment of the latter environment can therefore be considered to be azonal. Finally, our findings highlight the lack of a conceptual framework, systemic studies, and multi-proxy reconstructions of alpine environments located at the limit of bioclimatic zones controlled by the equilibrium between biostatic and rhexistatic regimes.
Using temperature-dependent embryonic growth models to predict time of hatch of American lobster (Homarus americanus) in nature
Authors: Miller Erin , Haarr Marthe Larsen , Rochette Rémy
Published: April 2016

Hatch time of American lobster (Homarus americanus) varies between years and regions, which affects temperature experienced by the developing larvae and hence the time and distance these drift before settling. Hatch time can be assessed by working with fishermen and inspecting the brood of gravid females caught in their traps. However, this would require frequent sampling as the hatch period is protracted (≈7–12 weeks) and would require dedicated sampling in many regions where hatching occurs outside of the fishing season. To address these limitations, we tested the accuracy with which hatch time can be predicted by taking egg samples during the fishing season and estimating embryo development using embryonic eye size (Perkins eye index) and lab-derived, temperature-dependent development functions. Using a linear development function and observed variability in Perkins eye index at hatch, we successfully predicted 100% of the observed 50-day hatch period, and 96% of predicted hatch dates fell within this period. Our results suggest that samples can be obtained in collaboration with fishermen to predict the timing and progression of hatch of American lobster.
Ensembles of Deep Learning Architectures for the Early Diagnosis of the Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Ortiz Andrés , Munilla Jorge , Górriz Juan M. , Ramírez Javier
Published: April 2016

Computer Aided Diagnosis (CAD) constitutes an important tool for the early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), which, in turn, allows the application of treatments that can be simpler and more likely to be effective. This paper explores the construction of classification methods based on deep learning architectures applied on brain regions defined by the Automated Anatomical Labeling (AAL). Gray Matter (GM) images from each brain area have been split into 3D patches according to the regions defined by the AAL atlas and these patches are used to train different deep belief networks. An ensemble of deep belief networks is then composed where the final prediction is determined by a voting scheme. Two deep learning based structures and four different voting schemes are implemented and compared, giving as a result a potent classification architecture where discriminative features are computed in an unsupervised fashion. The resulting method has been evaluated using a large dataset from the Alzheimer’s disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI). Classification results assessed by cross-validation prove that the proposed method is not only valid for differentiate between controls (NC) and AD images, but it also provides good performances when tested for the more challenging case of classifying Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) Subjects. In particular, the classification architecture provides accuracy values up to 0.90 and AUC of 0.95 for NC/AD classification, 0.84 and AUC of 0.91 for stable MCI/AD classification and 0.83 and AUC of 0.95 for NC/MCI converters classification.
A Computational Framework for Realistic Retina Modeling
Authors: Martínez-Cañada Pablo , Morillas Christian , Pino Begoña , Ros Eduardo , Pelayo Francisco
Published: April 2016

Computational simulations of the retina have led to valuable insights about the biophysics of its neuronal activity and processing principles. A great number of retina models have been proposed to reproduce the behavioral diversity of the different visual processing pathways. While many of these models share common computational stages, previous efforts have been more focused on fitting specific retina functions rather than generalizing them beyond a particular model. Here, we define a set of computational retinal microcircuits that can be used as basic building blocks for the modeling of different retina mechanisms. To validate the hypothesis that similar processing structures may be repeatedly found in different retina functions, we implemented a series of retina models simply by combining these computational retinal microcircuits. Accuracy of the retina models for capturing neural behavior was assessed by fitting published electrophysiological recordings that characterize some of the best-known phenomena observed in the retina: adaptation to the mean light intensity and temporal contrast, and differential motion sensitivity. The retinal microcircuits are part of a new software platform for efficient computational retina modeling from single-cell to large-scale levels. It includes an interface with spiking neural networks that allows simulation of the spiking response of ganglion cells and integration with models of higher visual areas.
Twisted cohomology of the complement of theta divisors in an abelian surface
Authors: Watanabe Humihiko
Published: April 2016

Let [Formula: see text] be an abelian surface, and [Formula: see text] be the sum of [Formula: see text] distinct theta divisors having normal crossings. We set [Formula: see text]. We study the structure of the nonvanishing twisted cohomology group [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] denotes a locally constant sheaf over [Formula: see text] defined by a multiplicative meromorphic function on [Formula: see text] infinitely ramified just along the divisor [Formula: see text] (as will be seen below, we will take as such a function a product of complex powers of theta functions). The de Rham complex on [Formula: see text] with logarithmic poles along [Formula: see text], associated to the twisted cohomology groups [Formula: see text], is [Formula: see text]-valued, where [Formula: see text] denotes a topologically trivial (i.e. Chern class zero) line bundle over [Formula: see text] determined by the locally constant sheaf [Formula: see text]. Therefore the main results of this paper, which give us information on the order of poles of meromorphic 2-forms on [Formula: see text] generating the cohomology group [Formula: see text], are divided into Theorems 4.5 and 4.6, according as the de Rham complex on [Formula: see text] with logarithmic poles along [Formula: see text] takes the values in a holomorphically nontrivial line bundle [Formula: see text] or a holomorphically trivial one [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text] denoting the holomorphically trivial line bundle [Formula: see text]). Such a phenomenon does not occur in the case of the twisted cohomology of complex projective space with hyperplane arrangement.
On thickening of holomorphic hulls and envelopes of holomorphy on Stein spaces
Authors: Lind Andreas , Porten Egmont
Published: April 2016

On a normal Stein variety [Formula: see text], we study the thickening problem, i.e. the problem whether the assumption that a compact set [Formula: see text] is contained in the interior of another compact set, [Formula: see text] implies that the same inclusion holds for their holomorphic hulls. An affirmative answer is given for [Formula: see text] with isolated quotient singularities. On any Stein space [Formula: see text] with isolated singularities, we prove thickening for those hulls which have analytic structure at the singular points, obtaining a limitation for possible counter-examples. In dimension [Formula: see text], we finally relate the holomorphic hulls to analytic extension from parts of strictly pseudoconvex boundaries.
The primordial black hole mass range
Authors: Frampton Paul H.
Published: April 2016

We investigate Primordial Black Hole (PBH) formation by which we mean black holes produced in the early Universe during radiation domination. After discussing the range of PBH mass permitted in the original mechanism of Carr and Hawking, hybrid inflation with parametric resonance is presented as an existence theorem for PBHs of arbitrary mass. As proposed in arXiv:1510.00400, PBHs with many solar masses can provide a solution to the dark matter problem in galaxies. PBHs can also explain dark matter observed in clusters and suggest a primordial origin for Supermassive Black Holes (SMBHs) in galactic cores.
The production of proton-rich isotopes beyond iron: The γ-process in stars
Authors: Pignatari Marco , Göbel Kathrin , Reifarth René , Travaglio Claudia
Published: April 2016

Beyond iron, a small fraction of the total abundances in the Solar System is made of proton-rich isotopes, the [Formula: see text]-nuclei. The clear understanding of their production is a fundamental challenge for nuclear astrophysics. The [Formula: see text]-nuclei constrain the nucleosynthesis in core-collapse and thermonuclear supernovae. The [Formula: see text]-process is the most established scenario for the production of the [Formula: see text]-nuclei, which are produced via different photodisintegration paths starting on heavier nuclei. A large effort from nuclear physics is needed to access the relevant nuclear reaction rates far from the valley of stability. This review describes the production of the heavy proton-rich isotopes by the [Formula: see text]-process in stars, and explores the state of the art of experimental nuclear physics to provide nuclear data for stellar nucleosynthesis.
Bohr Hamiltonian with time-dependent potential
Authors: Naderi L. , Hassanabadi H. , Sobhani H.
Published: April 2016

In this paper, Bohr Hamiltonian has been studied with the time-dependent potential. Using the Lewis–Riesenfeld dynamical invariant method appropriate dynamical invariant for this Hamiltonian has been constructed and the exact time-dependent wave functions of such a system have been derived due to this dynamical invariant.