bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Health‐Related Quality of Life at Admission Is Associated with Postdischarge Mortality, Functional Decline, and Institutionalization in Acutely Hospitalized Older Medical Patients
Authors: Parlevliet Juliette L. , MacNeil‐Vroomen Janet , Buurman Bianca M. , de Rooij Sophia E. , Bosmans Judith E.
Published: April 2016

Objectives

To assess the independent association between health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) at admission and mortality, functional decline, and institutionalization 3 and 12 months after admission in acutely hospitalized older adults.

Design

Post hoc analysis of data from prospective cohort study, 2006 to 2009, 12‐month follow‐up.

Setting

Eleven medical wards in three hospitals in the Netherlands.

Participants

Medical patients aged 65 and older acutely hospitalized for 48 hours or longer (N = 473).

Measurements

Outcomes: mortality, functional decline, and institutionalization, 3 and 12 months after admission. Main determinant was HRQOL (utility based on the EuroQol‐5D at admission, reflecting the relative desirability of a particular health state and is measured on a scale from 0 (death) to 1 (full health). Some health states are regarded as being worse than death, resulting in negative utilities, with a minimum of −0.330). Participants were split into two groups based on median utility at admission. Unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using Cox and logistic regression analyses, adjusted for sociodemographic and health variables.

Results

Median utility was 0.775 (interquartile range 0.399–0.861). Utility greater than 0.775, indicating high HRQOL, was associated with lower risk of mortality (hazard ratio = 0.38, 95% CI = 0.18–0.83) and functional decline (OR = 0.47, 95% CI = 0.28–0.79) at 3 months in the adjusted models. At 12 months, these associations were statistically significant in the crude models but not in the adjusted models. Utility was not associated with risk of institutionalization at 3 or 12 months.

Conclusion

Higher HRQOL at admission was associated with lower risk of mortality and functional decline 3 months after admission. In older, acutely hospitalized individuals, the EQ‐5D may provide a means of risk stratification and may ultimately guide individuals, their families, and professionals in treatment decisions during hospitalization.
Frailty Screening in Low‐ and Middle‐Income Countries: A Systematic Review
Authors: Gray William K. , Richardson Jenny , McGuire Jackie , Dewhurst Felicity , Elder Vasanthi , Weeks Julie , Walker Richard W. , Dotchin Catherine L.
Published: April 2016

Objectives

To conduct a systematic review of frailty screening tools used in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs).

Design

Systematic review.

Setting

LMICs, as defined by the World Bank on June 30, 2014.

Participants

Elderly adults (as defined by the authors) living in LMICs.

Measurements

Studies were included if the population under consideration lived in a LMIC, the study involved an assessment of frailty, the study population was elderly adults, and the full text of the study was available in English. The Medline, Embase, CINAHL and PsychINFO databases were searched up to June 30, 2014.

Results

Seventy studies with data from 22 LMICs were included in the review. Brazil, Mexico, and China provided data for 60 of the 70 studies (85.7%), and 15 countries contributed data to only one study. Thirty‐six studies used the Fried criteria to assess frailty, 20 used a Frailty Index, and eight used the Edmonton Frailty Scale; none of the assessment tools used had been fully validated for use in a LMIC.

Conclusion

There has been a rapid increase in the number of published studies of frailty in LMICs over the last 5 years. Further validation of the assessment tools used to identify frail elderly people in LMICs is needed if they are to be efficient in identifying those most in need of health care in such settings.
Using ‘candidacy’ as a framework for understanding access to mainstream psychological treatment for people with intellectual disabilities and common mental health problems within the English Improving Access to Psychological Therapies service
Authors: Chinn D. , Abraham E.
Published: April 2016

Background

The Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) service was established to address common mental health problems among the English population in a timely manner in order to counter the social and economic disadvantage accompanying such difficulties. Using the concept of candidacy, we examined how the legitimacy of claims by people with intellectual disabilities to use this service is facilitated or impeded.

Method

We used a sequential mixed methods design. We completed 21 interviews with a range of stakeholders, including people with intellectual disabilities and their carers. Themes from the interviews were used to design an online survey questionnaire that was returned by 452 staff from IAPT and specialist intellectual disability services.

Results

Using the candidacy framework, we noted that eligibility and access to IAPT were achieved through dynamic and iterative processes of negotiation involving people with intellectual disabilities and their supporters on one side and IAPT staff and service structures on the other. Barriers and facilitators were apparent throughout the seven dimensions of candidacy (identification, navigation, permeability of services, appearances, adjudications, offers and resistance and operating conditions) and were linked to discourses relating to the character and purpose of IAPT and specialist intellectual disability services.

Conclusions

Opportunities exist for some people with intellectual disabilities to assert their candidacy for IAPT input, although there are barriers at individual, professional, organisational and structural levels. More attention needs to be paid to how principles of inclusiveness are operationalised within IAPT teams and to the mental health facilitation role of specialist intellectual disability staff.
Impact of reassurance on pain perception in patients with primary burning mouth syndrome
Authors: Brailo V , Firić M , Vučićević Boras V , Andabak Rogulj A , Krstevski I , Alajbeg I
Published: April 2016

Objectives

In spite of extensive research, no effective treatment of primary burning mouth syndrome (BMS) still exists. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of informative intervention/reassurance on pain perception and quality of life in patients with primary BMS.

Materials and Methods

Informative intervention/reassurance was undertaken in 28 patients diagnosed with primary BMS. Patients received information about all aspects of BMS verbally and in an informative leaflet. Numerical scale (0–10), Pain Catastrophizing Scale and Oral Health Impact Profile‐14 (OHIP‐14) were used to assess pain intensity, pain perception, and quality of life before the intervention and 6 months after. No other treatment was given to the patients.

Results

Significant reduction in symptom intensity, pain catastrophizing along with positive increase in the quality of life compared with baseline, was observed on a follow‐up examination 6 months after the informative intervention (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The results of this study confirm that objective informing/reassurance of patients with primary BMS can result in decreased catastrophizing and improvement in the quality of life. By eliminating/changing negative patterns of behavior, a reduction in symptoms comparable with pharmacological treatment can be achieved.
Local allergic rhinitis: A critical reappraisal from a paediatric perspective
Authors: Arasi Stefania , Pajno Giovanni Battista , Lau Susanne , Matricardi Paolo Maria
Published: April 2016

The so‐called local allergic rhinitis (LAR) has been proposed as a phenotype of rhinitis with Th2‐driven prominent local allergic inflammation, nasal synthesis of specific IgE and a positive response to a nasal allergen provocation test, in the absence of ‘systemic’ atopy (negative skin prick test and serum allergen‐specific IgE antibodies). To date, available data on LAR are mostly focused on adults. The purpose of this ‘Rostrum’ was to critically discuss data and implications of the ‘LAR concept’ in paediatrics. In the natural history of rhinitis due to IgE‐mediated reactions triggered by exposure to allergens, a ‘LAR’ can be either the initial, transient stage of classical allergic rhinitis or a stable phenotype never evolving to ‘systemic’ IgE sensitization. Given the present difficulties in performing routinely nasal allergen provocation test in children, the development of sensitive and specific tests to detect IgE in the child's nasal secretions is a research priority. We suggest also the hypothetical role of allergen immunoprophylaxis or immunotherapy in LAR. Last, the term ‘local allergic rhinitis’ may be inappropriate, as rhinitis is always ‘local’, while IgE sensitization can be either ‘local’ or ‘systemic’.
Serology and longevity of immunity against Echinococcus granulosus in sheep and llama induced by an oil‐based EG95 vaccine
Authors: Poggio T. V. , Jensen O. , Mossello M. , Iriarte J. , Avila H. G. , Gertiser M. L. , Serafino J. J. , Romero S. , Echenique M. A. , Dominguez D. E. , Barrios J. R. , Heath D.
Published: April 2016

An oil‐based formulation of the EG95 vaccine to protect grazing animals against infection with Echinococcus granulosus was formulated in Argentina. The efficacy of the vaccine was monitored by serology in sheep and llama (Lama glama) and was compared to the serology in sheep previously published using a QuilA‐adjuvanted vaccine. Long‐term efficacy was also tested in sheep by challenging with E. granulosus eggs of the G1 strain 4 years after the beginning of the trial. The serological results for both sheep and llama were similar to those described previously, except that there was a more rapid response after the first vaccination. A third vaccination given after 1 year resulted in a transient boost in serology that lasted for about 12 months, which was similar to results previously described. Sheep challenged after 4 years with three vaccinations presented 84·2% reduction of live cysts counts compared with control group, and after a fourth vaccination prior to challenge, this reduction was 94·7%. The oil‐based vaccine appeared to be bio‐equivalent to the QuilA vaccine.
Effects of Interferon‐Tau and Steroids on Cytochrome P450 Activity in Bovine Endometrial Epithelial Cells
Authors: Gilfeather CL , Lemley CO
Published: April 2016

Contents

The objective of the current study was to examine cyclooxygenase (COX), cytochrome P450 1A (CYP1A) and 2C (CYP2C) activity in bovine endometrial cell cultures following exposure to oxytocin (OT), interferon‐τ (IFN), estradiol (E2) and/or progesterone (P4). Bovine endometrial epithelial cells were treated with OT, IFN, a combination of OT+IFN or control (CON) media for 24 h. For the second experiment, cells were treated with E2, P4, a combination of E2 + P4 or CON media for 24 h. Treatments were performed in triplicate, and the experiment was repeated four times (n = 12 per treatment). Treatment with OT alone increased (p < 0.01) activity of COX compared with CON; however, OT alone did not alter activity of CYP1A (p = 0.55) or CYP2C (p = 0.46) compared with CON. Activity of CYP1A and CYP2C was decreased in cells exposed to IFN (p < 0.01) or OT+IFN (p < 0.01) compared with CON. Treatment with E2 alone did not alter activity of CYP1A (p = 0.64) or CYP2C (p = 0.06) compared with CON. Activity of CYP1A and CYP2C was decreased (p < 0.01) in P4 vs CON. In summary, IFN exposure, irrespective of OT treatment, decreased the activity of CYP1A and CYP2C. Activity of CYP1A was decreased following P4 treatment alone, while that of CYP2C was decreased following both P4 and E2 + P4 treatment. The mixed function monooxygenase enzymes, CYP1A and CYP2C, have been implicated in synthesizing embryotoxic compounds; therefore, downregulation in the endometrium may be necessary during maternal recognition of pregnancy.
Incomplete recovery of ecosystem processes after two decades of riparian forest restoration
Authors: Matzek Virginia , Warren Shawn , Fisher Colleen
Published: April 2016

Restoration of ecosystem processes such as carbon storage and nutrient cycling may lag behind the restoration of structural attributes of ecosystems, such as species richness and biomass. We used a replicated chronosequence of reforested sites on the Sacramento River floodplain to ask if ecosystem processes had reached functional equivalence with nearby remnant forest patches. We found that live and dead biomass pools had mostly recovered to remnant forest levels within two decades of replanting, but soil carbon and nitrogen stocks, rates ofCO2efflux, N availability, and nutrient‐use efficiency still differed significantly between restored and remnant forests. Reforested sites are thus still functionally distinct from remnants despite similarities of vegetation structure.
Oligomerization of Mannan‐binding Lectin Dictates Binding Properties and Complement Activation
Authors: Kjaer T. R. , Jensen L. , Hansen A. , Dani R. , Jensenius J. C. , Dobó J. , Gál P. , Thiel S.
Published: April 2016

The complement system is a part of the innate immune system and is involved in recognition and clearance of pathogens and altered‐self structures. The lectin pathway of the complement system is initiated when soluble pattern recognition molecules (PRMs) with collagen‐like regions bind to foreign or altered self‐surfaces. Associated with the collagen‐like stems of these PRMs are three mannan‐binding lectin (MBL)‐associated serine proteases (MASPs) and two MBL‐associated proteins (MAps). The most studied of the PRMs, MBL, is present in serum mainly as trimeric and tetrameric oligomers of the structural subunit. We hypothesized that oligomerization of MBL may influence both the potential to bind to micro organisms and the interaction with the MASPs and MAps, thus influencing the ability to initiate complement activation. When testing binding at 37 °C, we found higher binding of tetrameric MBL to Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) than trimeric and dimeric MBL. In serum, we found that tetrameric MBL was the main oligomeric form present in complexes with the MASPs and MAp44. Such preference was confirmed using purified forms of recombinant MBL (rMBL) oligomers, where tetrameric rMBL interacted stronger with all of the MASPs and MAp44, compared to trimeric MBL. As a direct consequence of the weaker interaction with the MASPs, we found that trimeric rMBL was inferior to tetrameric rMBL in activating the complement system. Our data suggest that the oligomeric state of MBL is crucial both for the binding properties and the effector function of MBL.
VH and VL Domains of Polyspecific IgM and Monospecific IgG Antibodies Contribute Differentially to Antigen Recognition and Virus Neutralization Functions
Authors: Pasman Y. , Kaushik A. K.
Published: April 2016

We analysed contributions of variable heavy (FdVH) and variable light (FdVL) domains in comparison to scFv (FdVH+FdVL) of naturally occurring polyspecific bovine IgM with an exceptionally long CDR3H and an induced monospecific bovine herpes virus‐1 (BoHV‐1) neutralizing IgG1 antibody in the context of to antigen‐binding site and antibody function. Various recombinant FdVH, FdVL and scFv were constructed and expressed in Pichia pastoris from the bovine IgM and IgG1 antibody encoding cDNA. The scFv1H12 showed polyspecific antigen binding similar to parent IgM antibody, though subtle differences, for example, higher thyroglobulin recognition. Such differences reflect influence of the constant region on the antigen‐binding site configuration. Unlike, variable light domain FdVL1H12, the variable heavy domain FdVH1H12 alone recognized multiple antigens that differed from the recognition pattern of scFv1H12 (FdVH+FdVL) and the parent IgM antibody. Nonetheless, role of FdVL1H12 in providing structural support to FdVH in antigen recognition is noted, apart from its intrinsic antigen recognition ability. Surface plasmon resonance analysis revealed low to moderate affinity of scFv1H12 to IgG antigen. By contrast, the individual FdVH073 and FdVL074, originating from induced BoHV‐1 neutralizing IgG1 antibody, recognized target epitope on BoHV‐1 weakly when compared to FdVH+FdVL (scFv3‐18L). Interestingly, both the FdVH and FdVL domains of induced IgG antibody are required to achieve BoHV‐1 neutralization. To conclude, there exist subtle functional differences in the contribution of FdVH and FdVL to antigen‐binding site generation of polyspecific IgM and monospecific IgG antibodies relevant to antigen recognition and virus neutralization functions.
Income Poverty and Multiple Deprivations in a High‐Income Country: The Case of the United States*
Authors: Mitra Sophie , Brucker Debra L.
Published: April 2016

Objectives

The objective of this study is to develop a measure of multiple deprivations for the United States that is similar to those used on the international stage as multidimensional poverty. The latter is understood broadly as a deprivation of well‐being across multiple dimensions rather than purely as a lack of income or other financial resources.

Methods

Using Current Population Survey and American Community Survey data, this study develops a measure of the joint distribution of multiple deprivations in the United States, in other words, a measure of the extent to which different deprivations are experienced by the same individuals.

Results

The experience of multiple deprivations affects 15 percent of Americans. An estimated 17.1 million Americans, 5.5 percent of the population, experience multiple deprivations while they are not income poor. The odds of experiencing multiple deprivations are significantly higher for Hispanics, immigrants, and persons with disabilities.

Conclusions

Income poverty is not a reliable proxy to measure multiple deprivations. Further measurement efforts are needed on overlapping multiple deprivations in the United States as such measures can be used in policy evaluation and monitoring.
Isolation of full‐length HLA‐C*18:02 allele in an individual from Sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Shepherd B. L. , Dauya E. , Ferrand R. , Rowland‐Jones S. , Yindom L.‐M.
Published: April 2016

The full‐length sequence of HLA‐C*18:02 differs from that of HLA‐C*18:01 by a single nucleotide polymorphism.
Historical perspective—weaving the lives of Florence Nightingale and Florence Nightingale David into the statistics classroom
Authors: Tunstall Samuel Luke
Published: April 2016

This paper describes an activity to celebrate the lives of Florence Nightingale and Florence Nightingale David in statistics classrooms.
Population Ethics and Different‐Number‐Based Imprecision
Authors: Arrhenius Gustaf
Published: April 2016

Recently, in his Rolf Schock Prize Lecture, Derek Parfit has suggested a novel way of avoiding the Repugnant Conclusion by introducing what he calls “imprecision” in value comparisons. He suggests that in a range of important cases, populations of different sizes are only imprecisely comparable. Parfit suggests that this feature of value comparisons opens up a way of avoiding the Repugnant Conclusion without implying other counterintuitive conclusions, and thus solves one of the major challenges in ethics. In this article, I try to clarify Parfit's proposal and evaluate whether it will help us with the paradoxes in population ethics.
Blood donation in Guangdong Province, China, from 2006–2014
Authors: Ou‐Yang J. , Bei C‐H.
Published: April 2016

Objective

To explore the trends in blood collection from 2006 to 2014 in Guangdong, China.

Background

Although the Blood Donation Law of the People's Republic of China was implemented in 1998, voluntary non‐remunerated blood donation (VNRBD) has been promoted fully for only a decade. The provincial and local governments of Guangdong, one of the most well‐developed provinces in China, have promoted blood donation by various means.

Material and methods

Official data on blood donation from 2006 to 2014, including the number of blood donations and the family replacement/mutual blood donation (FRMBD) rate, were collected from all blood collection and supply institutions in Guangdong. These data were analysed to explore trends in blood donation in Guangdong Province, and to detect differences among the province's four regions.

Results

The number of blood donations in Guangdong increased by 38·23% from 2006 to 2014; overall, the rate increased annually, although it fluctuated in the eastern region. Family replacement/mutual whole blood and platelet donation rates decreased dramatically from 2006 to 2014 (from 39·99% to 20·16% and from 64·15% to 26·51%, respectively), but remained high. Marked disparities in blood donation development were detected among the four regions.

Discussions

With nearly a decade of efforts, blood donation in Guangdong has developed rapidly and sustainably. All blood collection and supply institutions must strengthen efforts to improve awareness of blood donation among the population, retain repeat and regular donors and reduce the rate of FRMBD in favor of the development of VNRBD.
Multiple Roles of VARP in Endosomal Trafficking: Rabs, Retromer Components and R‐SNARE VAMP7 Meet on VARP
Authors: Fukuda Mitsunori
Published: April 2016

VARP (VPS9‐ankyrin‐repeat protein, also known as ANKRD27) was originally identified as an N‐terminal VPS9 (vacuolar protein sorting 9)‐domain‐containing protein that possesses guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) activity toward small GTPase Rab21 and contains two ankyrin repeat (ANKR) domains in its central region. A number of VARP‐interacting molecules have been identified during the past five years, and considerable attention is now being directed to the multiple roles of VARP in endosomal trafficking. More specifically, VARP is now known to interact with three different types of key membrane trafficking regulators, i.e. small GTPase Rabs (Rab32, Rab38 and Rab40C), the retromer complex (a sorting nexin dimer, VPS26, VPS29 and VPS35) and R‐SNARE VAMP7. By binding to several of these molecules, VARP regulates endosomal trafficking, which underlies a variety of cellular events, including melanogenic enzyme trafficking to melanosomes, dendrite outgrowth of melanocytes, neurite outgrowth and retromer‐mediated endosome‐to‐plasma membrane sorting of transmembrane proteins.
“Blood failure” time to view blood as an organ: how oxygen debt contributes to blood failure and its implications for remote damage control resuscitation
Authors: Bjerkvig Christopher K. , Strandenes Geir , Eliassen Håkon S. , Spinella Philip C. , Fosse Theodor K. , Cap Andrew P. , Ward Kevin R.
Published: April 2016

Hemorrhagic shock is both a local and systemic disorder. In the context of systemic effects, blood loss may lead to levels of reduced oxygen delivery (DO2) sufficient to cause tissue ischemia. Similar to other physiologic debts such as sleep, it is not possible to incur a significant oxygen debt and suffer no consequences for lack of timely repayment.

While the linkage between oxygen debt and traditional organ failure (renal, hepatic, lung, and circulation) has been long recognized, we should consider failure in two additional linked and very dynamic organ systems, the endothelium and blood. These systems are very sensitive to oxygen debt and at risk for failing, having further implications on all other organ systems. The degree of damage to the endothelium is largely modulated by the degree of oxygen debt. Thus hypoperfusion is believed to begin a cascade of events leading to acute traumatic coagulopathy (ATC). This combination of oxygen debt driven endothelial damage and ATC might be considered collectively as “blood failure” due to the highly connected networks between these drivers.

This article presents the implications of oxygen debt for remote damage control resuscitation strategies, such as permissive hypotension and hemostatic resuscitation. We review the impact of whole blood resuscitation and red blood cell efficacy in mitigation of oxygen debt.

At last, this article recognizes the need for simple and durable, lightweight equipment that can detect the adequacy of tissue DO2 and thus patient needs for resuscitative care.

Point‐of‐care lactate measuring may be a predictive tool for identifying high‐risk trauma patients and occult shock because it provides information beyond that of vital signs and mechanism of injury as it may help predict the level of oxygen debt accumulation and need for resuscitation. Serial measurements may also be valuable as a tool in guiding resuscitative efforts.
Labour Demand, Offshoring and Inshoring: Evidence from Swedish Firm‐level Data
Authors: Andersson Linda , Karpaty Patrik , Savsin Selen
Published: April 2016

The objective of this paper was to analyse effects on firm–level relative demand for skilled labour due to imports of intermediates (offshoring) and exports of intermediates (inshoring). The study is based on a data set of Swedish manufacturing firms, 1997–2002, using trade flows in intermediate goods and services, respectively. Descriptive data show that goods inshoring is much larger than goods offshoring, while the reverse is true for services. There is, however, a strong increase in services inshoring over the study period. Controlling for potential endogeneity in offshoring and inshoring, our results indicate that there is a positive effect of services offshoring on the skill composition of workers in Swedish firms, while no such causality can be established from inshoring.
Marsupialization of a cyst of the nictitating membrane in three dogs
Authors: Barbé Charlotte , Raymond‐Letron Isabelle , Mias Guillaume‐Pierre , Charron Julien , Goulle Frédéric
Published: April 2016

Background

Development of cysts has been reported as a potential complication after surgical repositioning of nictitating membrane gland protrusion using the conjunctival pocket technique. To the authors' knowledge, no treatment for these cysts has ever been published.

Objectives

This short case series describes a surgical technique of marsupialization as a treatment option for these cysts and proposes a pathogenesis for cyst formation.

Cases description

Three dogs were each referred for a unilateral subconjunctival mass‐like lesion involving the bulbar side of the nictitating membrane. Complete ophthalmologic examination revealed a pink, translucent, soft, and nonpainful mass protruding from the bulbar surface of the nictitating membrane in all cases. Treatment consisted in marsupialization of the cyst on the palpebral surface of the nictitating membrane and was curative with no short‐term postoperative complication and favorable long‐term outcome for the three dogs. Histopathological findings were consistent with a lacrimal cyst.

Conclusion

Marsupialization appears to be a safe, simple, and effective treatment for nictitating membrane cyst secondary to surgical correction of gland prolapse using conjunctival pocket technique in dogs. Further studies on a larger number of cases are necessary to determine whether marsupialization is the technique of choice and to further investigate the pathophysiology of cyst formation after conjunctival pocket repositioning of prolapsed glands.
Translational neurocardiology: preclinical models and cardioneural integrative aspects
Authors: Ardell J. L. , Andresen M. C. , Armour J. A. , Billman G. E. , Chen P.‐S. , Foreman R. D. , Herring N. , O'Leary D. S. , Sabbah H. N. , Schultz H. D. , Sunagawa K. , Zucker I. H.
Published: April 2016

Neuronal elements distributed throughout the cardiac nervous system, from the level of the insular cortex to the intrinsic cardiac nervous system, are in constant communication with one another to ensure that cardiac output matches the dynamic process of regional blood flow demand. Neural elements in their various ‘levels’ become differentially recruited in the transduction of sensory inputs arising from the heart, major vessels, other visceral organs and somatic structures to optimize neuronal coordination of regional cardiac function. This White Paper will review the relevant aspects of the structural and functional organization for autonomic control of the heart in normal conditions, how these systems remodel/adapt during cardiac disease, and finally how such knowledge can be leveraged in the evolving realm of autonomic regulation therapy for cardiac therapeutics.
Linear Closed-Loop Control of Fluid Instabilities and Noise-Induced Perturbations: A Review of Approaches and Tools1
Authors: Sipp Denis , Schmid Peter J.
Published: April 2016

This review article is concerned with the design of linear reduced-order models and control laws for closed-loop control of instabilities in transitional flows. For oscillator flows, such as open-cavity flows, we suggest the use of optimal control techniques with Galerkin models based on unstable global modes and balanced modes. Particular attention has to be paid to stability–robustness properties of the control law. Specifically, we show that large delays and strong amplification between the control input and the estimation sensor may be detrimental both to performance and robustness. For amplifier flows, such as backward-facing step flow, the requirement to account for the upstream disturbance environment rules out Galerkin models. In this case, an upstream sensor is introduced to detect incoming perturbations, and identification methods are used to fit a model structure to available input–output data. Control laws, obtained by direct inversion of the input–output relations, are found to be robust when applied to the large-scale numerical simulation. All the concepts are presented in a step-by-step manner, and numerical codes are provided for the interested reader.
Confronting Twin Paradox Acceleration
Authors: Murphy Thomas W.
Published: April 2016

The resolution to the classic twin paradox in special relativity rests on the asymmetry of acceleration. Yet most students are not exposed to a satisfactory analysis of what exactly happens during the acceleration phase that results in the nonaccelerated observer's more rapid aging. The simple treatment presented here offers both graphical and quantitative solutions to the problem, leading to the correct result that the acceleration-induced age gap is 2Lβ years when the one-way distance L is expressed in light-years and velocity β≡vc.
Moving Phones Tick Slower: Creating an Android App to Demonstrate Time Dilation
Authors: Underwood Bret , Zhai Yunxiao
Published: April 2016

Smartphones and tablets are packed with sensors that allow us to take experimental data, essentially making them mobile physics labs. Apps exist that make it easy to capture and analyze data from these sensors, allowing users to study diverse phenomena such as free fall acceleration, the speed of sound, radioactivity, and many others. Commonly, the use of apps in the physics classroom focuses on existing apps rather than on the creation of apps themselves. This is for a good reason-writing an app usually requires advanced knowledge of programming languages and experience with app design. These skills are generally regarded as beyond the typical physics student. However, there are app development environments, such as MIT App Inventor 2 for Android, which make the process of creating an app and utilizing the sensors much more accessible to students. Putting the ability to create and configure apps within the reach of students can also help integrate computation into the curriculum. In this article, we discuss our creation of an Android app, Time Dilation Calculator, done as part of a senior undergraduate capstone project, which uses App Inventor and a mobile device's global positioning system (GPS) receiver to calculate the time dilation effect of special relativity.
Draft Genome Sequences of
Salmonella enterica
subsp.
enterica
Serovar Berta ATCC 8392 and a Nalidixic Acid-Resistant Isolate of This Strain
Authors: Cooper Ashley , Koziol Adam G. , Carrillo Catherine D. , Lambert Dominic
Published: April 2016

Salmonella enterica
subspecies
enterica
serovar Berta has been isolated in multiple animal species and has been implicated in human disease. Here, we report a 4.7-Mbp draft genome sequence of
S. enterica
serovar Berta (ATCC strain 8392) and a nalidixic acid-resistant isolate derived from this strain.
Population and Functional Genomics of Neisseria Revealed with Gene-by-Gene Approaches
Authors: Maiden Martin C. J. , Harrison Odile B.
Published: April 2016

Rapid low-cost whole-genome sequencing (WGS) is revolutionizing microbiology; however, complementary advances in accessible, reproducible, and rapid analysis techniques are required to realize the potential of these data. Here, investigations of the genus
Neisseria
illustrated the gene-by-gene conceptual approach to the organization and analysis of WGS data. Using the gene and its link to phenotype as a starting point, the BIGSdb database, which powers the PubMLST databases, enables the assembly of large open-access collections of annotated genomes that provide insight into the evolution of the
Neisseria
, the epidemiology of meningococcal and gonococcal disease, and mechanisms of
Neisseria
pathogenicity.
Improving management of type 2 diabetes in South Asian patients: a systematic review of intervention studies
Authors: Bhurji N , Javer J , Gasevic D , Khan N A
Published: April 2016

Objectives

Optimal control of type 2 diabetes is challenging in many patient populations including in South Asian patients. We systematically reviewed studies on the effect of diabetes management interventions targeted at South Asian patients with type 2 diabetes on glycaemic control.

Design

Systematic review of MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL databases for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and pre-post-test studies (January 1990 to February 2014). Studies were stratified by where interventions were conducted (South Asia vs Western countries).

Participants

Patients originating from Pakistan, Bangladesh or India with type 2 diabetes.

Primary outcome

Change in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c). Secondary end points included change in blood pressure, lipid levels, anthropomorphics and knowledge.

Results

23 studies (15 RCTs) met criteria for analysis with 7 from Western countries (n=2532) and 16 from South Asia (n=1081). Interventions in Western countries included translated diabetes education, additional clinical care, written materials, visual aids, and bilingual community-based peers and/or health professionals. Interventions conducted in South Asia included yoga, meditation or exercise, community-based peers, health professionals and dietary education (cooking exercises). Among RCTs in India (5 trials; n=390), 4 demonstrated significant reductions in HbA1c in the intervention group compared with usual care (yoga and exercise interventions). Among the 4 RCTs conducted in Europe (n=2161), only 1 study, an education intervention of 113 patients, reported a significant reduction in HbA1c with the intervention. Lipids, blood pressure and knowledge improved in both groups with studies from India more often reporting reductions in body mass index and waist circumference.

Conclusions

Overall, there was little improvement in HbA1c level in diabetes management interventions targeted at South Asians living in Europe compared with usual care, although other outcomes did improve. The smaller studies in India demonstrated significant improvements in glycaemic and other end points. Novel strategies are needed to improve glycaemic control in South Asians living outside of India.
Annular sizing using real-time three-dimensional intracardiac echocardiography-guided trans-catheter aortic valve replacement
Authors: Rendon Alejandro , Hamid Tahir , Kanaganayagam Gajen , Karunaratne Devinda , Mahadevan Vaikom S
Published: April 2016

Objective

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has been established as an alternative therapy for patients with severe aortic stenosis who are unfit for the surgical aortic valve replacements. Pre and periprocedural imaging for the TAVR procedure is the key to procedural success. Currently transesophageal echocardiography (TOE), including real-time three-dimensional (RT-3D) imaging TOE, has been used for peri-interventional monitoring and guidance for TAVR. We describe our initial experience with real-time three-dimensional intracardiac echocardiography (RT-3DICE), imaging technology for the use in the TAVR procedure.

Methods

We used RT-3DICE using an ACUSON SC2000 2.0v (Siemens Medical Solution), and a 10F AcuNav V catheter (Siemens-Acuson, Inc, Mountain View, California, USA) in addition to preoperative multislice CT (MSCT) in total of five patients undergoing TAVR procedure.

Results

Aortic annulus and sinus of valsalva diameters were measured using RT-3DICE. Aortic valve measurements obtained using RT-3DICE are comparable to those obtained using MSCT with no significant difference in our patients.

Conclusions

This small study of five patients shows the safe use of RT-3DICE in TAVR Procedure and may help the procedures performed under local anaesthesia without the need for TOE.
Eyelid agenesis and multiple ocular defects in a captive cheetah cub (Acinonyx jubatus)
Authors: Boucher Christie Jacoba , Venter Izak J , Janse van Rensburg Didi , Sweers Lynelle
Published: April 2016

This case report describes bilateral eyelid agenesis with multiple ocular defects in a captive bred, cheetah cub (Acinonyx jubatus). The ocular defects included a dermoid, bilateral, immature posterior cortical cataracts, persistent pupillary membranes, optic nerve coloboma and choroidal hypoplasia. These anomalies resemble the multiple colobomatous syndrome described in the snow leopard, Texas cougar and domestic cat. There are numerous speculations as to the cause and mechanisms of multiple ocular and periocular defects in wild and domestic felids. The genetic pool of the cheetah species is very small and theoretically limited gene pools are prone to genetic abnormalities. However, an intrauterine cause can't be excluded in this isolated case.
Calibrating the taxonomy of a megadiverse insect family: 3000 DNA barcodes from geometrid type specimens (Lepidoptera, Geometridae)
Authors: Hausmann Axel , Miller Scott E. , Holloway Jeremy D. , deWaard Jeremy R. , Pollock David , Prosser Sean W.J. , Hebert Paul D.N.
Published: April 2016

It is essential that any DNA barcode reference library be based upon correctly identified specimens. The Barcode of Life Data Systems (BOLD) requires information such as images, geo-referencing, and details on the museum holding the voucher specimen for each barcode record to aid recognition of potential misidentifications. Nevertheless, there are misidentifications and incomplete identifications (e.g., to a genus or family) on BOLD, mainly for species from tropical regions. Unfortunately, experts are often unavailable to correct taxonomic assignments due to time constraints and the lack of specialists for many groups and regions. However, considerable progress could be made if barcode records were available for all type specimens. As a result of recent improvements in analytical protocols, it is now possible to recover barcode sequences from museum specimens that date to the start of taxonomic work in the 18th century. The present study discusses success in the recovery of DNA barcode sequences from 2805 type specimens of geometrid moths which represent 1965 species, corresponding to about 9% of the 23 000 described species in this family worldwide and including 1875 taxa represented by name-bearing types. Sequencing success was high (73% of specimens), even for specimens that were more than a century old. Several case studies are discussed to show the efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of this approach.
Boundedness of solutions to Ginzburg–Landau fractional Laplacian equation
Authors: Ma Li
Published: April 2016

In this paper, we give the boundedness of solutions to Ginzburg–Landau fractional Laplacian equation, which extends the Herve–Herve theorem into the nonlinear fractional Laplacian equation. We follow Brezis’ idea to use the Kato inequality. A related linear fractional Schrödinger equation is also studied.
Galactic one-way Shapiro delay to PSR B1937+21
Authors: Desai S. , Kahya E. O.
Published: April 2016

The time delay experienced by a light ray as it passes through a changing gravitational potential by a nonzero mass distribution along the line of sight is usually referred to as “Shapiro” delay. Shapiro delay has been extensively measured in the solar system and in binary pulsars, enabling stringent tests of general relativity (GR) as well as measurement of neutron star masses. However, Shapiro delay is ubiquitous and experienced by all astrophysical messengers on their way from the source to the Earth. We calculate the “one-way” static Shapiro delay for the first discovered millisecond pulsar PSR B1937+21, by including the contributions from both the dark matter and baryonic matter between this pulsar and the Earth. We find a value of approximately 5 days (of which 4.74 days is from the dark matter and 0.22 from the baryonic matter). We also calculate the modulation of Shapiro delay from the motion of a single dark matter halo, and also evaluate the cumulative effects of the motion of matter distribution on the change in pulsar’s period and its derivative. The time-dependent effects are too small to be detected with the current timing noise observed for this pulsar.
Pauli equation on noncommutative plane and the Seiberg–Witten map
Authors: Halder Aslam , Gangopadhyay Sunandan
Published: April 2016

We study the Pauli equation in noncommutative (NC) two-dimensional plane which exhibits the supersymmetry (SUSY) algebra when the gyro-magnetic ratio is 2. The significance of the Seiberg–Witten (SW) map in this context is discussed and its effect in the problem is incorporated to all orders in [Formula: see text]. We map the NC problem to an equivalent commutative problem by using a set of generalized Bopp-shift transformations containing a scaling parameter. The energy spectrum of the NC Pauli Hamiltonian is obtained and found to be [Formula: see text] corrected which is valid to all orders in [Formula: see text].
First principle characterization of graphene shielding of the late transition metals: The role of coverage
Authors: Vatankhah Zahra , Kazempour Ali
Published: April 2016

Employing the first principle calculation, we investigate oxygen adsorption and incorporation into the subsurface of the graphene-coated Cu(111) considering various oxygen coverages. The obtained binding energies for different configurations reflect the fact that addition of graphene monolayer in both adsorptive and incorporative sites remarkably weakens the nature of binding, thus results in lower probability for oxygen permeation which is sensitive to the coverage. Additionally, comparison of potential averages of different mid-layer and over-layer graphene configurations confirms that graphene coating strongly increases the corrosion resistance of Cu surface in good agreement with available electrochemical measurements. Our results might be generalized and validated to designing new anti-corrosion coatings for other transition metal surfaces.
Application of Differential Transform Method to Free Vibration of Gabled Frames with Rotational Springs
Authors: Rezaiee-Pajand Mohammad , Sani Ahmad Aftabi , Hozhabrossadati Seyed Mojtaba
Published: April 2016

This paper is concerned with the free vibration of a gabled frame with rotational springs at intersecting joints. Each member of the frame may have different mechanical or geometrical properties. The problem at hand is to solve the gabled frame vibration problem for the natural frequencies by applying the differential transform method (DTM). Special attention is directed towards the derivation of the governing differential equations along with boundary and compatibility conditions of the problem. Some plots of mode shapes are also presented. The problem was also solved by using the finite element method to provide an independent check on the solutions.
New carbazole appended subporphyrin displaying intramolecular charge transfer and solid state fluorescence
Authors: Chandra Brijesh , Mondal Navendu , Kumar B. Sathish , Panda Pradeepta K.
Published: April 2016

A new subporphyrin namely, hydroxo-5,10,15-tri([Formula: see text]-propyl-3-carbazolyl)subporphyri natoboron(III) 6 has been synthesized via the reported litreture procedure by the condensation of pyridine-tri-[Formula: see text]-pyrrolylborane with 9-propyl-9H-carbazole-3-carbaldehyde. Its porphyrin analog [Formula: see text]. 5,10,15,20-tetra([Formula: see text]-propyl-3-carbazolyl)porphyrin has also been isolated from the reaction mixture, formed due to scrambling process and complexed with Zn(II). Photophysical properties of both subporphyrin and Zn(II)porphyrin have been studied in detail to confirm the intramolecular charge transfer process in subporphyrin analog. In addition, the ring contracted congener 6 also displays solid state fluorescence.
KNOWLEDGE INFLOWS FROM MARKET- AND SCIENCE-BASED ACTORS, ABSORPTIVE CAPACITY, INNOVATION AND PERFORMANCE — A STUDY OF SMEs
Authors: DE ZUBIELQUI GRACIELA CORRAL , JONES JANICE , LESTER LAURENCE
Published: April 2016

Small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are increasingly opening up their innovation processes in order to improve innovation outcomes. Exactly how openness influences enterprises’ ability to innovate and benefit from external sources of innovation is not well understood. Despite theoretical models explicating knowledge inflows as the antecedent and innovation as the consequence of absorptive capacity, to date, the relationships between external knowledge inflows from specific external actors, absorptive capacity, innovation and SME performance remain underexplored. We address this gap, focussing on market- and science-based knowledge flows, absorptive capacity, innovation and SME performance. Using structural equation modelling on a sample of 838 Australians SMEs, we find evidence indicating that the mechanisms by which external knowledge inflows from market- and science-based actors affect innovation differ: external knowledge inflows from market-based actors influence innovation directly or “serendipitously”, while external knowledge inflows from science-based actors influence innovation indirectly via absorptive capacity. We also find that their effect on innovation differ, with external knowledge inflows from market-based actors exerting a positive direct effect on innovation vis-à-vis external knowledge inflows from science-based actors where there is no significant direct effect. In contrast, external knowledge inflows from science-based actors influence innovation through absorptive capacity. In addition to this mediation effect, absorptive capacity has a positive direct effect on innovation, and an effect on firm performance through innovation. This research contributes to our understanding of how, and the extent to which, external knowledge inflows from specific external actors influence absorptive capacity, innovation and firm performance in SMEs.