bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the performance of Anyplex II HPV HR, the Cobas 4800 human papillomavirus test and Hybrid Capture 2
Authors: Lee Do-Hoon , Hwang Na Rae , Lim Myong Cheol , Yoo Chong Woo , Joo Jungnam , Kim Joo-Young , Park Sang-Yoon , Hwang Sang-Hyun
Published: October 2015

Background

Anyplex II HPV HR (Anyplex_HR; Seegene, Seoul, Korea) is a new multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction assay for screening cervical cancer, and it is designed to detect 14 high-risk human papillomaviruses along with all the genotype information in a single tube. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of the Anyplex_HR in comparison to that of the Cobas 4800 HPV (Cobas_4800; Roche Molecular Diagnostics, Pleasanton, CA, USA) and the Hybrid capture 2 (HC2; Qiagen GmbH, Hilden, Germany).

Methods

The performance of the Anyplex_HR for high-risk human papillomavirus genotype detection was prospectively evaluated against that of the HC2 and the Cobas_4800 at the National Cancer Center using 400 cervical samples. All discrepant samples were confirmed by polymerase chain reaction with type-specific primers followed by sequencing.

Results

The overall agreement and kappa value of the Anyplex_HR with the Cobas_4800 were 98.0% and 0.96, respectively. The level of agreement between the two assays and the corresponding kappa values for human papillomavirus16, human papillomavirus18 and other high-risk human papillomaviruses were 99.5%, 99.8% and 98.8%, and 0.98, 0.96 and 0.97, respectively. The agreement and kappa value of the HC2 with the Cobas_4800 were 95.3% and 0.91. The human papillomavirus positivity of the Anyplex_HR and the Cobas_4800 in low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion/high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion samples demonstrated 100% concordance. Both the Anyplex_HR and the Cobas_4800 showed excellent results in the precision test.

Conclusions

The Anyplex_HR is comparable with the Cobas_4800 and the HC2 for human papillomavirus DNA testing, and it may prove more useful for follow-up testing and patient management by providing genotyping information additional to human papillomavirus16 and human papillomavirus18.
Effects of greening and community reuse of vacant lots on crime
Authors: Kondo Michelle , Hohl Bernadette , Han SeungHoon , Branas Charles
Published: October 2015

The Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation initiated a ‘Lots of Green’ programme to reuse vacant land in 2010. We performed a difference-in-differences analysis of the effects of this programme on crime in and around newly treated lots, in comparison to crimes in and around randomly selected and matched, untreated vacant lot controls. The effects of two types of vacant lot treatments on crime were tested: a cleaning and greening ‘stabilisation’ treatment and a ‘community reuse’ treatment mostly involving community gardens. The combined effects of both types of vacant lot treatments were also tested. After adjustment for various sociodemographic factors, linear and Poisson regression models demonstrated statistically significant reductions in all crime classes for at least one lot treatment type. Regression models adjusted for spatial autocorrelation found the most consistent significant reductions in burglaries around stabilisation lots, and in assaults around community reuse lots. Spill-over crime reduction effects were found in contiguous areas around newly treated lots. Significant increases in motor vehicle thefts around both types of lots were also found after they had been greened. Community-initiated vacant lot greening may have a greater impact on reducing more serious, violent crimes.
Single‐Center, Adult Chronic Intestinal Failure Cohort Analyzed According to the ESPEN‐Endorsed Recommendations, Definitions, and Classifications
Authors: Brandt Christopher Filtenborg , Tribler Siri , Hvistendahl Mark , Staun Michael , Brøbech Per , Jeppesen Palle Bekker
Published: October 2015

Background/Aims: The objective of this study was to describe a clinically well‐defined, single‐center, intestinal failure (IF) cohort based on a template of definitions and classifications endorsed by the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN). Methods: A cross‐sectional, retrospective, adult IF cohort, receiving parenteral support (PS), was extracted from the Copenhagen IF database at the tertiary IF center, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Denmark. Results: Rigshospitalet provided PS to 188 adult patients with IF on December 31, 2011. Six patients received only fluids and electrolytes, while 97% required parenteral energy (17 ± 12 kcal/kg/d). Although 92% of the cohort had undergone intestinal resection, only 53% were classified as patients with short bowel syndrome (SBS) according to the pathophysiological classification. In the remaining cohort, patients were distributed as 5% with intestinal fistula, 12% with intestinal dysmotility, 5% with mechanical obstruction, and 14% with mucosal diseases. Twelve percent had a combination of pathophysiological causes. The patients with SBS (n = 100) were subdivided according to bowel anatomy into group 1 (jejuno/ileostomy, n = 82), group 2 (jejuno‐colonic‐anastomosis, n = 16), and group 3 (jejuno‐ileo‐colonic‐anastomosis, n = 2). When evaluating the cohort requirements for PS using the ESPEN chronic IF classification based on the need for fluid volume and energy, 53% of the patients with IF were distributed in the maximum categories. Conclusion: The orphan condition of IF with its large patient heterogeneity mandates establishment of uniform definitions and a harmonization of classifications. As illustrated, the ESPEN‐endorsed definitions and classifications are well designed and may serve as a common uniform template to facilitate both intra‐ and intercenter comparisons between reference centers and thus outcome results.
Selecting a Method of Case Identification to Estimate the Involvement of People With Mental Illnesses in the Criminal Justice System: A Research Note
Authors: Morabito Melissa S. , Wilson Amy Blank
Published: October 2015

Arrest and incarceration are a pervasive reality for people with mental illnesses. Wide variation, however, exists in the estimates of the percentage of people with mental illnesses who become involved in the criminal justice system. Researchers and practitioners need a variety of methods in their toolbox to maximize their ability to identify mental illness depending on available resources and needs. Yet, the benefits and costs of utilizing these different approaches have yet to be explored in the criminal justice literature. To begin exploring the utility of the different methods of case identification, we review the most commonly used approaches to identifying people with mental illnesses and end with a detailed examination of the use of behavior health records. The use of behavioral health records is a case identification method that has gained emerging support in criminal justice research in recent years.
Retour vers le futur
Authors: Cochrane Bonnie S. , Hagins Mitch , King John A. , Picciano Gino , McCafferty Maureen M. , Nelson Brian
Published: October 2015

Au Canada, l’amélioration de l’expérience des patients est devenue une priorité des politiques de santé. Le perfectionnement et la normalisation des outils et systèmes pour surveiller les mesures de l’expérience des patients augmentent, tandis que la tendance vers une plus grande reddition de compte sur des améliorations durables et abordables se confirme. Pour de nombreux professionnels de la santé, ce phénomène fait foi d’un intérêt renouvelé pour les besoins et priorités fondamentaux des patients, après des décennies où les changements structurels et technologiques ont dominé les programmes de santé. Pour les leaders en santé canadiens, l’amélioration de l’expérience des patients comporte actuellement de grands défis et de belles possibilités. À cet égard, l’expérience des organisations partenaires du groupe Studer au Canada est à la fois pertinente et instructive. Ces organisations ont adopté un modèle, du nom de Evidence-Based Leadership (EBL, ou leadership fondé sur des données probantes), qui favorise et soutient l’harmonisation de l’ensemble des activités et des comportements, conformément à des objectifs organisationnels précis, y compris des améliorations mesurables de l’expérience des patients. Le présent article expose des études de cas d’organisations qui ont adopté l’EBL. Ces organisations ont réalisé des progrès rapides en matière d’indicateurs de l’expérience des patients, ainsi que dans des secteurs essentiels comme les résultats cliniques, la sécurité et le rendement financier. Les données émergentes sur les facteurs et processus qui sous-tendent ces améliorations sont également abordées.
The emergence of precision therapeutics
Authors: Slater Jim , Shields Laura , Racette Ray J. , Juzwishin Donald , Coppes Max
Published: October 2015

In the era of personalized and precision medicine, the approach to healthcare is quickly changing. Genetic and other molecular information are being increasingly demanded by clinicians and expected by patients for prevention, screening, diagnosis, prognosis, health promotion, and treatment of an increasing number of conditions. As a result of these developments, Canadian health leaders must understand and be prepared to lead the necessary changes associated with these disruptive technologies. This article focuses on precision therapeutics but also provides background on the concepts and terminology related to personalized and precision medicine and explores Canadian health leadership and system issues that may pose barriers to their implementation. The article is intended to inspire, educate, and mobilize Canadian health leaders to initiate dialogue around the transformative changes necessary to ready the healthcare system to realize the benefits of precision therapeutics.
L’émergence de la thérapeutique de précision
Authors: Slater Jim , Shields Laura , Racette Ray J. , Juzwishin Donald , Coppes Max
Published: October 2015

À l’ère de la médecine personnalisée et de la médecine de précision, l’approche envers les soins est en rapide mutation. Les cliniciens exigent de plus en plus d’information génétique et moléculaire et les patients s’attendent à la fournir pour la prévention, le dépistage, le diagnostic, le pronostic, la promotion de la santé et le traitement d’un nombre croissant de maladies. Les leaders en santé canadiens doivent comprendre les changements nécessaires liés à ces technologies perturbantes et ouvrir la voie. Le présent article s’attarde sur la thérapeutique de précision, mais contient également de l’information générale sur les concepts et la terminologie liés à la médecine personnalisée et à la médecine de précision. Il explore également le leadership en santé canadien et les problèmes liés au système qui peuvent nuire à leur mise en œuvre. L’article vise à inspirer, informer et mobiliser les leaders en santé canadiens à amorcer un dialogue sur les transformations nécessaires pour préparer le système de santé à profiter des bienfaits de la thérapeutique de précision.
Associations of Daily Pedometer Steps and Self-Reported Physical Activity With Health-Related Quality of Life
Authors: Vallance Jeff , Eurich Dean , Gardiner Paul , Taylor Lorian , Johnson Steven
Published: October 2015

Objective: The aim of this article is to examine associations of self-reported physical activity (PA) and pedometer steps with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among a population-based sample of older adults. Method: Adults ≥55 years ( N = 1,296) were recruited through random-digit dialing and responded to a questionnaire via computer-assisted telephone interviewing methods. Questionnaires assessed demographic variables and validated measures of PA and HRQoL. Participants received a step pedometer and waist circumference tape measure via post. Results: Compared with participants in the low-step group (0-6,999 steps/day), participants in the high-step group (>10,000 steps/day) had significantly higher scores on mental health ( Mdiff = 3.1, p < .001, confidence intervals [CI] = [1.8, 4.3]), physical health ( Mdiff = 3.5, p < .001, CI = [2.2, 4.7]), and global health ( Mdiff = 3.5, p < .001, CI = [2.3, 4.7]). Waist circumference and body mass index did not moderate any associations of pedometer steps and PA with HRQoL. Conclusion: Older adults exceeding established step thresholds reported significantly higher HRQoL indices compared with those achieving lower thresholds.
Tourism Experiences and Self-Rated Health Among Older Adults in China
Authors: Gu Danan , Zhu Haiyan , Brown Tyson , Hoenig Helen , Zeng Yi
Published: October 2015

Objective: To investigate factors associated with tourism experiences, and the association between tourism experiences and subsequent self-rated health. Method: Multilevel logistic regression models and four waves of panel data from a large nationally representative survey of older adults in China were employed. Results: Those who had a tourism experience tended to be younger, men, urban residents, have a higher socioeconomic status (SES), and frequently participate in leisure activities and exercise. However, controlling for SES, women were more likely than men to have a tourism experience. Notably, tourism was negatively associated with poor self-rated health and the association was robust to adjustments for a wide range of confounders. Discussion: The net beneficial impact of tourism on self-rated health may operate through several mechanisms such as improvements in tourists’ cognitive functioning, healthy lifestyles, self-esteen, family and social relations, and psychological and spirtual well-being. Tourism participation is an effective way to promote healthy aging.
Conceptualizing capitalism: A summary
Authors: Hodgson Geoffrey M
Published: October 2015

This essay summarizes key parts of the book Conceptualizing Capitalism. It briefly explains why institutions must be central to a definition of capitalism, and what is the nature and role of such a definition. It dates the rise of capitalism in England to the development of financial institutions in the eighteenth century, particularly concerning the institutional conditions for the use of property as collateral and the buying and selling of debt. It considers why economists and others have often downplayed the role of particular financial institutions. This provides a lead to the question of inequalities of wealth and income, and how they are generated within capitalism. In addition, while capitalism is a market system it inevitably has missing markets, leaving open a crucial role for the state.
Three-dimensional thermo-mechanical viscoelastic model for shape memory polymers with binding factor
Authors: Balogun Olaniyi A , Mo Changki
Published: October 2015

Shape memory polymers show high promise in the area of morphing structures. Thermally activated shape memory polymers will exhibit shape memory effect under appropriate loading and thermal configurations. In this article, the steps in which a one-dimensional thermo-mechanical viscoelastic model is expanded into three-dimensional form are fully described. For the one-dimensional constitutive model, the standard linear viscoelastic arm is in series with a thermal and storage element. The three-dimensional translation is initiated by transforming Young’s modulus into bulk and shear modulus. Also, the compliance and stiffness matrix for correlating elements are defined and applied into the model. A binding factor is defined by the authors in the one-dimensional model in order to account for the storage strain energy within the polymer. To program the three-dimensional model into finite element analysis software, it was rendered into a time discrete form. The time discrete form was used to develop a UMAT subroutine code within ABAQUS to generate a numerical simulation. Finally, the results of this model are compared to available experiment data and previous model developed by the authors. Numerical simulation results clearly exhibit the thermo-mechanical properties of the polymer which include shape fixity, shape recovery, and recovery stress.
A Phenomenology of Outdoor Education Leader Experiences
Authors: Field Stephanie C. , Lauzon Lara L. , Meldrum John T.
Published: October 2015

Limited qualitative research exists on the experiences of outdoor education leaders. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the job-related experiences of outdoor education leaders within and outside the workplace. Five participants who had experience as outdoor education leaders completed in-depth, one-on-one interviews about their experiences. Transcripts of the interviews were coded and analyzed. Five common theme clusters about leader experiences emerged from the data: life cycle, relationships, transition, leadership, and health and wellness. This study is an important contribution to the overall outdoor education literature as it provides an opportunity to add the voices of outdoor education leaders to the quantitative literature currently available.
Daclatasvir
Authors: Smith Michael A. , Regal Randolph E. , Mohammad Rima A.
Published: October 2015

Objectives: To review the pharmacology, efficacy, and safety of daclatasvir in the treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Data Sources: A literature search through EMBASE and PubMed was conducted (January 1966 to August 2015) using the terms BMS-790052, daclatasvir, and hepatitis C. References from retrieved articles were reviewed for any additional material. Additionally, the new drug application and prescribing information were retrieved. Study Selection/Data Extraction: The literature search was limited to human studies published in English. Phase 1, 2, and 3 studies describing the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety of daclatasvir for HCV were identified. Data Synthesis: Daclatasvir, a nonstructural 5A protein inhibitor, combined with sofosbuvir, is indicated for adult patients with chronic HCV genotype 3 regardless of treatment or cirrhosis status. The phase III ALLY-3 trial (n = 152) demonstrated that daclatasvir taken once daily with sofosbuvir for 12 weeks was effective at achieving sustained virological response (SVR) rates in treatment-naïve (97%) and treatment-experienced (94%) patients without cirrhosis. Patients with cirrhosis had significantly lower SVR rates (58 and 69%, respectively). The most common adverse drug events associated with daclatasvir and sofosbuvir in ALLY-3 were headache (20%), fatigue (19%), and nausea (12%). Conclusions: Daclatasvir, when combined with sofosbuvir, is an effective agent to treat HCV genotype 3, with SVR rates above 90% for patients without cirrhosis who are treatment naïve or experienced. SVR rates for treatment-naïve or -experienced patients with cirrhosis are not as robust (58%-69%).
Neurocognitive Deficits in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder With and Without Comorbid Oppositional Defiant Disorder
Authors: Noordermeer Siri D. S. , Luman Marjolein , Buitelaar Jan K. , Hartman Catharina A. , Hoekstra Pieter J. , Franke Barbara , Faraone Stephen V. , Heslenfeld Dirk J. , Oosterlaan Jaap
Published: October 2015

Objective: Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is highly prevalent in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and may account for inconsistencies in findings on neurocognitive functioning in ADHD. Our aim was to assess cool and hot executive functioning (EF) and temporal processing in ADHD with and without comorbid ODD to elucidate the effects of comorbid ODD. Method: ADHD-only ( n = 82), ADHD + ODD ( n = 82), and controls ( n = 82), with mean age 16 years ( SD = 3.1), matched for age, gender, IQ, and ADHD type (clinical groups) were assessed on cool EF (inhibition, working memory), hot EF (reinforcement processing, emotion recognition), and temporal processing (time production and reproduction). Results: Individuals with ADHD + ODD showed abnormalities in inhibition, working memory, facial emotion recognition, and temporal processing, whereas individuals with ADHD-only were solely impaired in working memory and time production. Conclusion: Findings suggest that ODD carries a substantial part of the EF deficits observed in ADHD and contrast with current theories of neurocognitive impairments in ADHD.
Does Monitoring Local Government Fiscal Conditions Affect Outcomes? Evidence from Michigan
Authors: Spreen Thomas Luke , Cheek Caitlin M.
Published: October 2015

The goal of this article is to assess whether state monitoring and reporting of local government fiscal condition causes improvement in the financial situation of local governments. From 2006 to 2011, Michigan scored the fiscal conditions of each of its local governments based on their performance across nine indicators of fiscal health. Using audited financial data, we construct a panel of several of those financial indicators for a sample of county and municipal governments in Michigan and neighboring states with no similar program. We employ a difference-in-differences methodology to test whether Michigan’s local governments performed better across the selected indicators relative to their peers in neighboring states. The results of the analysis show no significant change in the monitored indicators among Michigan’s local governments relative to local governments in control states. We largely duplicate the baseline results using propensity score matching.
Towards critical digital health studies: Reflections on two decades of research in health and the way forward
Authors: Lupton Deborah
Published: October 2015

In this article, I provide some reflections on critical digital health research in the context of Health’s 20th anniversary. I begin by outlining the various iterations of digital technologies that have occurred since the early 1990s – from Web 1.0 to Web 2.0 to Web 3.0. I then review the research that has been published on the topic of digital health in this journal over the past two decades and make some suggestions for the types of directions and theoretical perspectives that further sociocultural and political research could tackle. My concluding comments identify four main areas for further research: (1) devices and software, (2) data materialisations, (3) data practices and (4) data mobilities.
Discursive elaborations of ‘Saami’ ethnos: A multi-source model of ethnic and ethnopolitical structuration
Authors: Díaz de Rada Ángel
Published: October 2015

This essay provides ethnographic and historical insight into the discursive elaborations of the ‘Saami’ ethnos in order to argue that ethnic and ethnopolitical structuration must not be reduced to categorical ontology, least of all as a unitary mode of social classification. Building on fieldwork in Guovdageaidnu (Norway), and an analysis of government documents, this text presents a multi-source model of ethnic and ethnopolitical structuration. The model offers a frame for historical processes, and explicates the articulations and disarticulations in the relationships between socialization and the universalistic categorization of belonging found within ethnopolitical discourse.
Self-perceived hand hygiene practices among undergraduate nursing students
Authors: Foote Anne , El-Masri Maher
Published: October 2015

Abstract Limited research has investigated the hand hygiene practices of undergraduate nursing students. A descriptive self-report survey explored the predictors of self-perceived hand hygiene compliance using a convenience sample of 306 undergraduate nursing students enrolled at a southwestern Ontario university. Compliance was defined as the performance of hand hygiene at least 90% of the time in the moments both before and after direct patient contact. The self-reported compliance rate among study participants was 74.8%. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the independent predictors of hand hygiene compliance included concern about reprimand or discipline (odds ratio (OR) 4.324; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.465–12.758); motivation to protect patients from infection (OR 2.418; 95% CI 1.001–5.838); number of clinical placements (OR 0.815; 95% CI 0.702–0.947) and role modelling by the clinical instructor (OR 2.227; 95% CI 1.009–4.915). Other independent predictors were the perceived barriers of busyness (OR 0.231; 95% CI 0.126–0.423), forgetfulness (OR 0.356; 95% CI 0.186–0.678) and perceptions of alcohol rub-related skin damage (OR 0.163; 95% CI 0.070–0.380). The findings of this study provide research-based evidence that could be used by educators to understand better hand hygiene practices among undergraduate nursing students.
Evaluation, Treatment, and Rehabilitation Implications of the Infrapatellar Fat Pad
Authors: Hannon Joseph , Bardenett Sean , Singleton Steven , Garrison J. Craig
Published: October 2015

Context:

The infrapatellar fat pad (IFP) is in the anterior knee compartment and may be a major pain generator.

Evidence Acquisition:

A PubMed database search using the terms Hoffas fat pad, anterior interval, and infrapatellar fat pad was performed from the years 1970 to 2015.

Study Design:

Clinical review.

Level of Evidence:

Level 5.

Results:

Limited research exists examining the role of the IFP in relation to potential treatment and rehabilitation implications.

Conclusions:

Alterations in IFP mobility, whether the result of postsurgical scarring or faulty movement patterns, result in pain and disability in a variety of patient populations. The majority of treatment approaches are driven by the surgical technique.
A note on fixed point theory for cyclic φ-contractions
Authors: Radenović Stojan
Published: October 2015

In this paper, we consider, discuss, improve, and complement recent fixed points results for mappings satisfying cyclical contractive conditions established by Pacurar and Rus (Nonlinear Anal. 72:1181-1187, 2010) and Chandok and Postolache (Fixed Point Theory Appl. 2013:28, 2013). By using a new lemma we get much shorter and nicer proofs of some results with the new concept of mappings.
Fishing for drifts: detecting buoyancy changes of a top marine predator using a step-wise filtering method
Authors: Gordine Samantha Alex , Fedak Michael , Boehme Lars
Published: October 2015

In southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina), fasting and foraging related fluctuations in body composition are reflected by buoyancy changes. Such buoyancy changes can be monitored by measuring changes in the rate at which a seal drifts passively through the water column, i.e. when all active swimming motion ceases. Here, we present an improved knowledge-based method for detecting buoyancy changes from compressed and abstracted dive profiles received through telemetry. By step-wise filtering of the dive data, the developed algorithm identifies fragments of dives that correspond to times when animals drift. In the dive records of eleven southern elephant seals from South Georgia, this filtering method identified 0.8% to 2.2% of all dives as drift dives, indicating large individual variation in drift diving behaviour. The obtained drift rate time series exhibit that, at the beginning of each migration, all individuals were strongly negatively buoyant. Over the following 75 to 150 days, the buoyancy of all individuals peaked close to or at neutral buoyancy, indicative of a seal's foraging success. Independent verification with visually inspected detailed high-resolution dive data confirmed that this method is capable of reliably detecting buoyancy changes in the dive records of drift diving species using abstracted data. This also affirms that abstracted dive profiles convey the geometric shape of drift dives in sufficient detail for them to be identified. Further, it suggest that, using this step-wise filtering method, buoyancy changes could be detected even in old datasets with compressed dive information, for which conventional drift dive classification previously failed.
Simultaneous measurement of 3D zooplankton trajectories and surrounding fluid velocity field in complex flows
Authors: Adhikari Deepak , Gemmell Brad J. , Hallberg Michael P. , Longmire Ellen K. , Buskey Edward J.
Published: October 2015

We describe an automated, volumetric PIV and tracking method that measures time-resolved, three-dimensional zooplankton trajectories and surrounding volumetric fluid velocity fields simultaneously and non-intrusively. The method is demonstrated for groups of copepods flowing past a wall-mounted cylinder. We show that copepods execute escape responses when subjected to a strain rate threshold upstream of a cylinder, but the same threshold range elicits no escape responses in the turbulent wake downstream. The method was also used to document the instantaneous slip velocity of zooplankton and the resulting differences in trajectory between zooplankton and non-inertial fluid particles in the unsteady wake flow, showing the method's capability to quantify drift for both passive and motile organisms in turbulent environments. Applications of the method extend to any group of organisms interacting with the surrounding fluid environment, where organism location, larger scale eddies, and smaller scale fluid deformation rates can all be tracked and analyzed.
Among-species variation in the energy budgets of reef-building corals: scaling from coral polyps to communities
Authors: Hoogenboom Mia , Rottier Cécile , Sikorski Severine , Ferrier-Pagès Christine
Published: October 2015

The symbiosis between corals and dinoflagellates promotes the rapid growth of corals in shallow tropical oceans, and the high overall productivity of coral reefs. The aim of this study was to quantify and understand variation in carbon acquisition and allocation among coral species. We measured multiple physiological traits (including symbiont density, calcification, photosynthesis and tissue composition) for the same coral fragments to facilitate direct comparisons between species (Stylophora pistillata, Pocillopora damicornis, Galaxea fascicularis, Turbinaria reniformis and Acropora sp.). Tissue protein content was highly sensitive to the availability of particulate food, increasing in fed colonies of all species. Despite among-species variation in physiology, and consistent effects of feeding on some traits, overall energy allocation to tissue compared with skeleton growth did not depend on food availability. Extrapolating from our results, estimated whole-assemblage carbon uptake varied>20 fold across different coral assemblages, but this variation was largely driven by differences in the tissue surface area of different colony morphologies, rather than to differences in surface-area specific physiological rates. Our results caution against drawing conclusions about reef productivity based solely on physiological rates measured per unit tissue surface area. Understanding the causes and consequences of among-species variation in physiological energetics provides insight into the mechanisms that underlie in the fluxes of organic matter within reefs, and between reefs and the open ocean.
CaMKII knockdown affects both early and late phases of olfactory long-term memory in the honeybee
Authors: Scholl Christina , Kübert Natalie , Muenz Thomas S. , Rössler Wolfgang
Published: October 2015

Honeybees are able to solve complex learning tasks and memorize learned information for long time periods. The molecular mechanisms mediating long-term memory (LTM) in the honeybee Apis mellifera are, to a large part, still unknown. We approached this question by investigating the potential function of the calcium / calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), an enzyme known as a “molecular memory switch” in vertebrates. CaMKII is able to switch to a calcium independent constitutively active state, providing a mechanism for a molecular memory, and has further been shown to play a critical role in structural synaptic plasticity. Using a combination of both knockdown via RNA interference and pharmacological manipulation, we disrupted CaMKII function during olfactory learning and memory formation. We found that learning, memory acquisition and mid-term memory were not influenced, but all manipulations consistently resulted in an impaired LTM. Both early LTM (24 hours after learning) and late LTM (72 hours after learning) were significantly disrupted indicating the necessity of CaMKII in two successive stages of LTM formation in the honeybee.
The sexual dimorphic behaviour of adult Drosophila suzukii: elevated female locomotor activity and loss of siesta is a post-mating response
Authors: Ferguson Calum T.J. , O'Neill Tara L. , Audsley Neil , Isaac R. Elwyn
Published: October 2015

The polyphagous Drosophila suzukii is a highly invasive species that causes extensive damage to a wide range of berry and stone fruit crops. A better understanding of its biology and especially its behaviour will aid the development of new control strategies. We have investigated the locomotor behaviour of D. suzukii in a semi-natural environment resembling a typical summer in northern England and show that adult female D. suzukii are at least 4-fold more active during day-light hours than adult males. This result was reproduced in several laboratory environments and was shown to be a robust feature of mated, but not virgin, female flies. Both males and virgin females kept in a 12 h light-12 h dark (12LD) cycle and constant temperature display night-time inactivity (sleep) followed by weak activity in the morning, an afternoon period of quiescence (siesta) and then a prominent evening peak of activity. Both the siesta and the sharp evening peak at lights-off are severely reduced in females after mating. Flies of either sex entrained in 12LD display a circadian pattern of activity in constant darkness confirming the importance of an endogenous clock in regulating adult activity. This response of females to mating is similar to that elicited in female D. melanogaster by the male sex peptide (SP). We used mass spectrometry to identify a molecular ion (m/z, 5145), corresponding to the poly-hydroxylated SP of D. suzukii and to show that this molecule is transferred to the female reproductive tract during copulation. We propose that the siesta experienced by male and virgin female D. suzukii is an adaptation to avoid unnecessary exposure to the afternoon sun, but that post-mated females faced with the challenge of obtaining resources for egg production and finding oviposition sites take greater risks and suggest that the change in female behaviour is induced by the male SP.
Eye and head movements shape gaze shifts in Indian peafowl
Authors: Yorzinski Jessica L. , Patricelli Gail L. , Platt Michael L. , Land Michael F.
Published: October 2015

Animals selectively direct their visual attention toward relevant aspects of their environments. They can shift their attention using a combination of eye, head, and body movements. While we have a growing understanding of eye and head movements in mammals, we know little about these processes in birds. We therefore measured the eye and head movements of freely-behaving Indian peafowl (Pavo cristatus) using a telemetric eye-tracker. Both eye and head movements contributed to gaze changes in peafowl. When gaze shifts were smaller, eye movements played a larger role than when gaze shifts were larger. The duration and velocity of eye and head movements were positively related to the size of the eye and head movements, respectively. In addition, the coordination of eye and head movements in peafowl differed from mammals; peafowl exhibited a near absence of the vestibulo-ocular reflex, which may partly result from the peafowl's ability to move their heads as quickly as their eyes.
Reduction Processes in Biosynthesis of Chlorophyll Molecules: Chemical Implication of Enzymatically Regio- and Stereoselective Hydrogenations in the Late Stages of Their Biosynthetic Pathway
Authors: Tamiaki Hitoshi , Teramura Misato , Tsukatani Yusuke
Published: October 2015

Photosynthetically active chlorophyll molecules are biosynthesized from 5-aminolevulinic acid through protoporphyrin IX. The multistep enzymatic transformations were well investigated, but their pathways and reaction mechanisms have not been fully elucidated in the late stages. The biosynthetic pathways of (bacterio)chlorophylls from protoporphyrin IX are here described from a chemical viewpoint, especially focusing on the reduction processes of the C=C double to C–C single bonds. The regioselective and stereoselective trans-hydrogenation is performed in the enzymatic reductions.
Effect of Support Material on Production of Fructosyl-stevioside Using Immobilized β-Fructofuranosidase
Authors: Takahashi Atsushi , Toro Fiorella Patricia Cardenas , Shibasaki-Kitakawa Naomi , Yonemoto Toshikuni
Published: October 2015

Transfructosylation of stevioside with sucrose was performed using β-fructofuranosidase immobilized on a variety of porous resins. The productivity of fructosyl-stevioside on the high-porosity resin was markedly higher than on the other resin types, suggesting that the pores in the high-porosity resin play a role in local specific reactions.
syn-Dicyclopenta[b,g]naphthalene-1,8-dione and Its Tetracyanoquinodimethane Derivative: New Electron Acceptors Bearing a π-Extended Indacene Unit
Authors: Irie Hironobu , Nishida Jun-ichi , Kitamura Chitoshi , Kurata Hiroyuki , Kawase Takeshi
Published: October 2015

π-Extended indacene dione and its bis(dicyanomethylidene) (BDCM) derivative bearing a naphthalene unit were first synthesized by the reaction of benzamides with 3,6-dilithio-2,7-di(phenylethynyl)naphthalene. X-ray crystallographic analyses of the dione and BDCM reveal nearly planar fused ring systems. The BDCM exhibits high electron affinity and n-type semiconducting behavior.
Control of Microgrid with Enhancement of Wind Power Evacuation
Authors: Vanitha V. , Varadharajan Vivek , Viswanathan Raghav , Harish T.
Published: October 2015

Out of the available renewable energy sources in India, wind energy plays a dominant role accounting for nearly 68% of the total renewable power produced in the country. Out of which Tamil Nadu produces 7162 MW (38%) of the total capacity. A major problem faced by all wind farms in the state is that of evacuation of wind power due to limited power transmission capacity of existing transmission lines. Kudimangalam, one such wind farm in Coimbatore is taken up for study in this paper. By transforming this windfarm into a microgrid, wind power evacuation problems can be mitigated or minimized to a larger extent. The goal of this paper is to suggest the capacity of solar plant, gas power plant and battery storage to be used for the proposed microgrid. Energy Management Algorithm (EMA) is incorporated in MATLAB Simulink and is tested for different conditions. Finally implementation of EMA is done with the help of PIC microcontroller. From the study, it can be concluded that it is feasible to convert the considered wind farm into a microgrid with solar and gas power plants of appropriate capacity so that wind power is utilized to its maximum without power evacuation problems.
Effect of Wind Shear on Amplitude Modulation of Wind Turbine Noise
Authors: Oerlemans Stefan
Published: October 2015

Wind turbines normally produce a swishing sound due to directivity of broadband trailing edge noise from the blades. The sound level variation of this ‘Normal Amplitude Modulation’ (NAM) is usually only a few decibels. However, in some cases periods of increased swish or thumping are reported. The source mechanism for this phenomenon, here denoted as ‘Other Amplitude Modulation’ (OAM), is presently not clear. In order to identify potential causes for OAM, a simulation study is performed into the effects of wind shear on the noise from a modern large wind turbine. The results show that, as long as the flow over the blades is attached, wind shear has practically no effect on amplitude modulation. However, strong wind shear can lead to local stall during the upper part of the revolution. This can yield noise characteristics which are very similar to those of OAM. Thus, it can be concluded that local stall is a plausible explanation for OAM. A sensitivity study indicates that the occurrence of wind shear induced amplitude modulation mainly depends on the size of the stall region and the stall noise behaviour of the airfoils. Apart from wind shear, other causes for a non-uniform inflow, such as yaw or topography, may also lead to local stall and OAM.
A Semi-Empirical Surface Pressure Spectrum Model for Airfoil Trailing-Edge Noise Prediction
Authors: Kamruzzaman M. , Bekiropoulos D. , Lutz Th. , Würz W. , Krämer E.
Published: October 2015

A semi-empirical model to determine the wall pressure frequency spectrum beneath a two-dimensional, pressure gradient turbulent boundary-layer is presented. The model is derived based on the experimental wall pressure data of various research groups. The experimental database includes both the equilibrium flat plate and non-equilibrium airfoil boundary-layer flow cases and covers a large range of Reynolds numbers, 1.0 times 103 < Reδ2 < 3.0 times 104. The enhanced model is a combination of the modified Chase-Howe, Goody and Rozenberg models, and is a simple function of the ratio of pressure and timescales of the outer to inner part of the boundary-layer. The key advantage of the present model is that it incorporates the Reynolds number, the boundary-layer loading as well as pressure gradient effects through an amplitude scaling function and timescale ratio, and compares well to the experimental data. Spectral features of the detailed measurement data and various scaling behavior of the wall pressure spectrum are elaborately investigated. A summary of the results on the applicability and limitation of the model for various test cases is discussed. The enhanced model is further applied to develop an airfoil turbulent boundary-layer trailing-edge interaction (TBL-TE) far-field noise prediction scheme. Prediction results are compared with the well established experimental database and encouraging results are found. The enhanced Wall Pressure Fluctuation (WPF) as well as trailing-edge noise spectra models accuracy for the maximum noise level is in ±2dB range for the test cases examined. The model can be applied further for acoustic airfoil design and optimization and in various aeroacoustic applications.
A hydrophobic proclivity index for protein alignments
Authors: Cavanaugh David , Chittur Krishnan
Published: October 2015

Sequence alignment algorithms are fundamental to modern bioinformatics. Sequence alignments are widely used in diverse applications such as phylogenetic analysis, database searches for related sequences to aid identification of unknown protein domain structures and classification of proteins and protein domains. Additionally, alignment algorithms are integral to the location of related proteins to secure understanding of unknown protein functions, to suggest the folded structure of proteins of unknown structure from location of homologous proteins and/or by locating homologous domains of known 3D structure. For proteins, alignment algorithms depend on information about amino acid substitutions that allows for matching sequences that are similar, but not exact. When primary sequence percent identity falls below about 25%, algorithms often fail to identify proteins that may have similar 3D structure. We have created a hydrophobicity scale and a matching dynamic programming algorithm called TMATCH (unpublished report) that is able to match proteins with remote homologs with similar secondary/tertiary structure, even with very low primary sequence matches. In this paper, we describe how we arrived at the hydrophobic scale, how it provides much more information than percent identity matches and some of the implications for better alignments and understanding protein structure.
A healthy trip to mountain heights: Managing altitude sickness
Authors: Brewer Catherine
Published: October 2015

Nurses must be aware of the risks involved for travellers seeking natural highs, writes Catherine Brewer
Revalidation: An opportunity for health visiting professionalism
Authors: Bishop Philippa
Published: October 2015

Ask not what you will have to do for revalidation, but what it can do for your development and that of the health visiting profession
Investigating the parent/health visitor relationship: Can it be measured?
Authors: Bidmead Christine , Cowley Sarah , Grocott Patricia
Published: October 2015

The claim that parent/health visitor (HV) relationships are essential for positive outcomes is widely supported, but also contested. Within psychotherapy and other helping professions, researchers have developed measures to demonstrate that the relationship with the therapist is, indeed, linked to positive outcomes. In health visiting no such tools exist, so there is no way to measure any potential benefits from the relationship. This paper explores the reasons why measures used in psychotherapy and other helping relationships may be unsuitable for measuring parent/HV relationships. It reviews a number of measures used and argues the need for a specific parent/HV relationship tool.
Keratin gel in the management of Epidermolysis bullosa
Authors: Denyer J. , Marsh C. , Kirsner R. S.
Published: October 2015

Objective:

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) describes a number of genetically inherited conditions which cause skin fragility and minor trauma leading to skin damage, skin loss and wounding. Owing to the fragility of the skin and requirement for frequent dressing changes, at present, the optimal dressing(s) is not clear. Our objective was to assess the use of a keratin gel in the management of wounds in patients with different forms of EB.

Method:

We treated patients with different types of EB and a range of wounds with a novel keratin gel. In a convenience sample of consecutive patients, we introduced the keratin gel into their treatment regimen maintaining other aspects of their care.

Results:

Patients reported faster healing and more resilient healed skin. Of the ten patients treated in this pilot study, six found the gel effective; two found it ineffective; and in two patients, it caused itching leading to discontinuation of the treatment.

Conclusion:

The results of this case study series suggest that keratin gel can be useful in the management of EB and are consistent with previous published experiences.
Comparative trial of Aloe vera/olive oil combination cream versus phenytoin cream in the treatment of chronic wounds
Authors: Panahi Y. , Izadi M. , Sayyadi N. , Rezaee R. , Jonaidi-Jafari N. , Beiraghdar F. , Zamani A. , Sahebkar A.
Published: October 2015

Objective:

Aloe vera is a medicinal plant that has been traditionally used to accelerate wound healing. Olive oil is also a natural product that may contribute to wound healing owing to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of an Aloe vera–olive oil (AVO) combination cream on the healing process of chronic wounds.

Method:

In this randomised, double-blind, comparator-controlled, parallel-group trial, patients with chronic wounds were treated with either AVO cream or phenytoin cream as the standard treatment for a period of 30 days. Wound healing was evaluated using Bates-Jensen assessment tool and the severity of pain was assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS).

Results:

After initial assessment, 60 patients with chronic wounds (41 with pressure ulcer, 13 with diabetic wounds and 6 with venous ulcers), were recruited and randomised into 2 groups of 30. After 30 days of treatment, significant improvements in the wound size, depth, and edges; necrotic tissue type and amount; exudate type and amount; colour of wound surroundings; and peripheral tissue oedema score were observed in the AVO cream group (p<0.001). The total score of wound healing showed significant improvement with both AVO (p<0.001) and phenytoin (p<0.01) creams, although AVO was more efficacious (p<0.001). Likewise, although both treatments reduced the initial VAS score, the efficacy of AVO was significantly greater (p<0.001).

Conclusion:

AVO cream significantly accelerates biological healing of chronic wounds and helps to reduce pain severity with a higher efficacy compared with phenytoin cream.