bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DESIGN AND ANALYSIS OF BENDING MOTION IN SINGLE AND DUAL CHAMBER BELLOWS STRUCTURED SOFT ACTUATORS
Authors: Rehman Tariq , Faudzi A. A. M. , Octorina Dewi Dyah Ekashanti , Suzumori K. , Razif M. R. M. , Nordin I. N. A. M.
Published: June 2016

As one of the most important characteristics of soft actuators, bending motion has been widely used in the field of soft robotics to perform different manipulation and tasks. In this study, we design silicone rubber material based soft actuators consisting of single and dual chambers, and a bellows structure. Several models of bellows soft actuators were designed, simulated and analyzed using finite element analysis (FEA) software MARC®, in order to understand the characteristics of bellows structured soft actuator with single and dual chambers and to optimize the performance of bending motion of bellows soft actuators. The results confirm that the bellows structured pneumatic soft actuator model 4 of single chamber and model 5 of dual chamber produces the best bending motion and bending angles.
GRIP FORCE MEASUREMENT OF SOFT- ACTUATED FINGER EXOSKELETON
Authors: Nordin I. N. A. M. , Faudzi A. A. M. , Kamarudin M. Z. , Octorina Dewi Dyah Ekashanti , Rehman Tariq , Razif M. R. M.
Published: June 2016

Over recent years, the reseach in the field of soft actuation has been extensively increased for achieving more complex motion path with smooth, high flexible movement and high generated force at minimum operating pressure. This paper presents the study on gripping force capability of soft actuators applied on glove-type finger exoskeleton, developed in motivation to assist individuals having weak finger gripping ability in their rehabilitation exercise towards hand function restoration. The exoskeleton utilizes five cylindrical shaped pneumatic bending actuators developed in the lab, which use fiber reinforcement as a cause of bending motion that drive finger’s flexion movement. Four right-handed healthy volunteers simulated paralysis participated in the study. At 200kPa safe operating pressure, the soft exoskeleton worn by the subjects demonstrates the ability to provide adequate grip force. The grip force generated from exoskeleton worn on passive right hand is 4.66 ± 0.2 N and 3.61± 0.2 N from passive left hand, both higher than the minimum grip forces measured to hold the Hand Dynamometer of 240 g. It shows good potential to be used as a finger rehabilitation assist device.
MODELLING AND DESIGN SMART CONTROLLER OF MAGNETO RHEOLOGICAL USING BOUC-WEN AND SIM MODEL FOR MOTORCYCLE SUSPENSION SYSTEM
Authors: Amiruddin Ismail Mohamad , Muhamad Pauziah , Abu Aminudin
Published: June 2016

Suspension system is a type of structural equipment attached to the wheels of a vehicle for the purpose of reducing the effects of irregularities on road surfaces. This paper investigates the Magneto rheological (MR) suspension system in motorcycle and compares its advantages with the passive suspension system. Passive suspension element can only store and dissipate energy associated with local relative motion. Moreover its energy cannot be controlled as the suspension properties remain fixed at all time, unlike MR suspension which has the ability to overcome these drawbacks. The characteristic of the latter is related to micron-sized particles, typically iron, that forms particle chains, when appropriate electric field is applied. Two modelling approaches which are the Bouc-Wen model and Sim models, were used in this research. By comparing these two MR models and passive suspension system, it can be concluded that the Bouc-Wen model gives the best result. It is also shown that MR suspension systems reduce the displacement amplitude around 30% whereas the time settling is reduced from 10 to 3 seconds, compared to the passive suspension system.
ROBUST HOVERING CONTROLLER FOR UNCERTAIN MULTIROTOR MICRO AERIAL VEHICLES (MAVS) IN GPS-DENIED ENVIRONMENTS: IMAGE-BASED
Authors: Derawi Dafizal , Salim Nurul Dayana , Zamzuri Hairi , Abdul Rahman Mohd Azizi , Nonami Kenzo
Published: June 2016

This paper proposes an image-based robust hovering controller for multirotor micro aerial vehicles (MAVs) in GPS-denied environments.  The proposed controller is robust against the effects of multiple uncertainties in angular dynamics of vehicle which contain external disturbances, nonlinear dynamics, coupling, and parametric uncertainties. Based on visual features extracted from the image, the proposed controller is capable of controlling the pose (position and orientation) of the multirotor relative to the fixed-target. The proposed controller scheme consists of two parts: a spherical image-based visual servoing (IBVS) and a robust flight controller for velocity and attitude control loops. A robust compensator based on a second order robust filter is utilized in the robust flight control design to improve the robustness of the multirotor when subject to multiple uncertainties. Compared to other methods, the proposed method is robust against multiple uncertainties and does not need to keep the features in the field of view. The simulation results prove the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed controller.
COMPARISON OF PRODUCT QUALITY ESTIMATION OF PROPYLENE POLYMERIZATION IN LOOP REACTORS USING ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORK MODELS
Authors: Jumari Nur Fazirah , Mohd-Yusof Khairiyah
Published: June 2016

One of the major challenges in polymerization industry is the lack of online instruments to measure polymer end-used properties such as xylene soluble, particle size distribution and melt flow index (MFI). As an alternative to the online instruments and conventional laboratory tests, these properties can be estimated using model based-soft sensor. This paper presents models for soft sensors to measure MFI in industrial polypropylene loop reactors using artificial neural network (ANN) model, serial hybrid neural network (HNN) model and stacked neural network (SNN) model. All models were developed and simulated in MATLAB. The simulation results of the MFI based on the ANN, HNN, and SNN models were compared and analyzed.  The MFI was divided into three grades, which are A (10-12g/10 min), B (12-14g/10 min) and C (14-16 g/10 min). The HNN model is the best model in predicting all range of MFI with the lowest root mean square error (RMSE) value, 0.010848, followed by ANN model (RMSE=0.019366) and SNN model (RMSE=0.059132). The SNN model is the best model when tested with each grade of the MFI. It has shown lowest RMSE value for each type of MFI (0.012072 for MFI A, 0.017527 for MFI B and 0.015287 for MFI C), compared to HNN model (0.014916 for MFI A, 0.041402 for MFI B and 0.046437 for MFI C) and ANN model (0.015156 for MFI A, 0.076682 for MFI B, and 0.037862 for MFI C).
FAST AND ROBUST STEREO MATCHING ALGORITHM FOR OBSTACLE DETECTION IN ROBOTIC VISION SYSTEMS
Authors: Samadi Masoud , Othman Mohd Fauzi , Talib Muhamad Farihin
Published: June 2016

In this paper, we propose a new area-based stereo matching method by improving the classical Census transform. It is a difficult task to match the corresponding points in two images taken by stereo cameras, mostly under variant illumination and non-ideal conditions. The classic Census nonparametric transform offers some improvements in the accuracy of disparity map in these conditions but it also has some disadvantages. Because of the complexity of the algorithm, the performance is not suitable for real-time robotic systems. In order to solve this problem, this paper presents the differential transform using Maximum intensity differences of the pixel placed in the center of a defined window and the pixel in the neighborhood to reduce complexity and obtain better performance compared to the Census transform. Experimental results show that the proposed method, achieves better efficiency in terms of speed and memory consumption.  Moreover, we have added a new feature to widen the depth detection range. With the help of the proposed method, robots can detect obstacles between 25cm to 400cm from robot cameras. The result shows that the method has the ability to work in a wide variety of lighting conditions, while the stereo matching performs the depth detection computation with speed of 30FPS.
School Day Energy Expenditure in Elementary School Children
Authors: Huddleston Holly R. , Barry Vaughn , Caputo Jennifer L.
Published: June 2016

Background:

The purpose was to characterize energy expenditure (EE) during academic subjects and activities during an elementary school day.

Methods:

Children in 2nd to 4th grades (N = 33) wore the SenseWear Armband (SWA) for 5 school days to measure EE. Teachers’ logs were compared with SWA data to extract information about EE throughout the day. Energy expenditure was also compared among grades.

Results:

After controlling for body mass, grade level was not a significant predictor of average daily caloric expenditure, F (2, 17.58) = .29, P = .75, ω2 = .05. When comparing activities throughout the day, relative rates of EE differed significantly, Wilks’ F (7, 23) = 52.2, P = .00, ηp2 = .94, with PE and recess having higher EE. When academic subjects were compared (math, science, language arts), relative rate of EE was also significantly different, Wilks’ F (2, 30) = 4.31, P = .02, ηp2 = .22. For the full sample, relative rate EE was higher in science than in language arts.

Conclusions:

The school day provides opportunity for EE for children. These data support the potential benefit of active instruction in language arts as a method to increase school day EE.
CCL19 as a Chemokine Risk Factor for Posttreatment Lyme Disease Syndrome: a Prospective Clinical Cohort Study
Authors: Aucott John N. , Soloski Mark J. , Rebman Alison W. , Crowder Lauren A. , Lahey Lauren J. , Wagner Catriona A. , Robinson William H. , Bechtold Kathleen T.
Published: June 2016

Approximately 10% to 20% of patients optimally treated for early Lyme disease develop persistent symptoms of unknown pathophysiology termed posttreatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS). The objective of this study was to investigate associations between PTLDS and immune mediator levels during acute illness and at several time points following treatment. Seventy-six participants with physician-documented erythema migrans and 26 healthy controls with no history of Lyme disease were enrolled. Sixty-four cytokines, chemokines, and inflammatory markers were measured at each visit for a total of 6 visits over 1 year. An operationalized definition of PTLDS incorporating symptoms and functional impact was applied at 6 months and 1 year following treatment completion, and clinical outcome groups were defined as the return-to-health, symptoms-only, and PTLDS groups. Significance analysis of microarrays identified 7 of the 64 immune mediators to be differentially regulated by group. Generalized logit regressions controlling for potential confounders identified posttreatment levels of the T-cell chemokine CCL19 to be independently associated with clinical outcome group. Receiver operating characteristic analysis identified a CCL19 cutoff of >111.67 pg/ml at 1 month following treatment completion to be 82% sensitive and 83% specific for later PTLDS. We speculate that persistently elevated CCL19 levels among participants with PTLDS may reflect ongoing, immune-driven reactions at sites distal to secondary lymphoid tissue. Our findings suggest the relevance of CCL19 both during acute infection and as an immunologic risk factor for PTLDS during the posttreatment phase. Identification of a potential biomarker predictor for PTLDS provides the opportunity to better understand its pathophysiology and to develop early interventions in the context of appropriate and specific clinical information.
Whole-Genome Sequencing Elucidates Epidemiology of Nosocomial Clusters of Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Willems Stefanie , Kampmeier Stefanie , Bletz Stefan , Kossow Annelene , Köck Robin , Kipp Frank , Mellmann Alexander
Published: June 2016

We characterized two epidemiologically similar
Acinetobacter baumannii
clusters from two separate intensive care units (ICU) using core genome multilocus sequence typing. Clonal spread was confirmed in ICU-1 (12 of 14 isolates shared genotypes); in ICU-2, all genotypes (13 isolates) were diverse, thus excluding transmissions and enabling adequate infection control measures.
The Influenza A Virus Genotype Determines the Antiviral Function of NF-κB
Authors: Dam Sharmistha , Kracht Michael , Pleschka Stephan , Schmitz M. Lienhard
Published: June 2016

The role of NF-κB in influenza A virus (IAV) infection does not reveal a coherent picture, as pro- and also antiviral functions of this transcription factor have been described. To address this issue, we used clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat with Cas9 (CRISPR-Cas9)-mediated genome engineering to generate murine MLE-15 cells lacking two essential components of the NF-κB pathway. Cells devoid of either the central NF-κB essential modulator (NEMO) scaffold protein and thus defective in IκB kinase (IKK) activation or cells not expressing the NF-κB DNA-binding and transactivation subunit p65 were tested for propagation of the SC35 virus, which has an avian host range, and its mouse-adapted variant, SC35M. While NF-κB was not relevant for replication of SC35M, the absence of NF-κB activity increased replication of the nonadapted SC35 virus. This antiviral effect of NF-κB was most prominent upon infection of cells with low virus titers as they usually occur during the initiation phase of IAV infection. The defect in NF-κB signaling resulted in diminished IAV-triggered phosphorylation of interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) and expression of the antiviral beta interferon (IFN-β) gene. To identify the viral proteins responsible for NF-κB dependency, reassortant viruses were generated by reverse genetics. SC35 viruses containing the SC35M segment encoding neuraminidase (NA) were completely inert to the inhibitory effect of NF-κB, emphasizing the importance of the viral genotype for susceptibility to the antiviral functions of NF-κB.

IMPORTANCEThis study addresses two different issues. First, we investigated the role of the host cell transcription factor NF-κB in IAV replication by genetic manipulation of IAVs by reverse genetics combined with targeted genome engineering of host cells using CRISPR-Cas9. The analysis of these two highly defined genetic systems indicated that the IAV genotype can influence whether NF-κB displays an antiviral function and thus might in part explain incoherent results from the literature. Second, we found that perturbation of NF-κB function greatly improved the growth of a nonadapted IAV, suggesting that NF-κB may contribute to the maintenance of the host species barrier.
Kynurenine Reduces Memory CD4 T-Cell Survival by Interfering with Interleukin-2 Signaling Early during HIV-1 Infection
Authors: Dagenais-Lussier Xavier , Aounallah Mouna , Mehraj Vikram , El-Far Mohamed , Tremblay Cecile , Sekaly Rafick-Pierre , Routy Jean-Pierre , van Grevenynghe Julien
Published: June 2016

Early HIV-1 infection is characterized by enhanced tryptophan catabolism, which contributes to immune suppression and disease progression. However, the mechanism by which kynurenine, a tryptophan-related metabolite, induces immune suppression remains poorly understood. Herein, we show that the increased production of kynurenine correlates with defective interleukin-2 (IL-2) signaling in memory CD4 T cells from HIV-infected subjects. Defective IL-2 signaling in these subjects, which drives reduced protection from Fas-mediated apoptosis, was also associated with memory CD4 T-cell loss. Treatment of memory CD4 T cells with the concentration of kynurenine found in plasma inhibited IL-2 signaling through the production of reactive oxygen species. We further show that IL-2 signaling in memory CD4 T cells is improved by the antioxidant
N
-acetylcysteine. Early initiation of antiretroviral therapy restored the IL-2 response in memory CD4 T cells by reducing reactive oxygen species and kynurenine production. The study findings provide a kynurenine-dependent mechanism through IL-2 signaling for reduced CD4 T-cell survival, which can be reversed by early treatment initiation in HIV-1 infection.

IMPORTANCE
The persistence of functional memory CD4 T cells represents the basis for long-lasting immune protection in individuals after exposure to HIV-1. Unfortunately, primary HIV-1 infection results in the massive loss of these cells within weeks of infection, which is mainly driven by inflammation and massive infection by the virus. These new findings show that the enhanced production of kynurenine, a metabolite related to tryptophan catabolism, also impairs memory CD4 T-cell survival and interferes with IL-2 signaling early during HIV-1 infection.
Separate F-Type Plasmids Have Shaped the Evolution of the
H
30 Subclone of Escherichia coli Sequence Type 131
Authors: Johnson Timothy J. , Danzeisen Jessica L. , Youmans Bonnie , Case Kyle , Llop Katharine , Munoz-Aguayo Jeannette , Flores-Figueroa Cristian , Aziz Maliha , Stoesser Nicole , Sokurenko Evgeni , Price Lance B. , Johnson James R.
Published: June 2016

A clonal lineage of
Escherichia coli
known as ST131 has emerged as a dominating strain type causing extraintestinal infections in humans. The evolutionary history of ST131
E. coli
is now well understood. However, the role of plasmids in ST131’s evolutionary history is poorly defined. This study utilized real-time, single-molecule sequencing to compare plasmids from various current and historical lineages of ST131. From this work, it was determined that a series of plasmid gains, losses, and recombinational events has led to the currently circulating plasmids of ST131 strains. These plasmids appear to have evolved to acquire similar gene clusters on multiple occasions, suggesting possible plasmid-mediated convergent evolution leading to evolutionary success. These plasmids also appear to be better suited to exist in specific strains of ST131 due to coadaptive mutations. Overall, a series of events has enabled the evolution of ST131 plasmids, possibly contributing to the lineage’s success.
Crystallographic control on lithium isotope fractionation in Archean to Cenozoic lithium-cesium-tantalum pegmatites
Authors: Magna Tomáš , Novák Milan , Cempírek Jan , Janoušek Vojtěch , Ullmann Clemens V. , Wiechert Uwe
Published: June 2016

The age distribution of lithium-cesium-tantalum (LCT) pegmatites largely overlaps with major phases of collisional orogenic events and assembly of supercontinents. Some of the largest known LCT pegmatite deposits formed in very short intervals, 2.7–2.5 Ga and 1.9–1.8 Ga, corresponding to two major pulses of continental crust growth. However, the exact process of generation and segregation of large volumes of Li-bearing pegmatite liquids, perhaps involving disequilibrium fractional crystallization and leaving residual melts enriched in fluxing elements such as B, F, H2O, Li, and P, remains obscure. The new data on Li contents and isotope compositions in major mineral phases from temporally and geographically separated pegmatite bodies document extreme variations in δ7Li values among individual large LCT pegmatite bodies, in particular Archean occurrences. The observed >10‰ variations in δ7Li values for the same mineral phases from different localities (i.e., beryl, petalite, spodumene, lepidolite, amblygonite, muscovite) contrast with globally homogeneous Li isotope systematics of major mineral phases from unmodified mantle rocks. Consistent Li isotope offsets between coexisting mineral phases are best explained by Li isotope fractionation as a function of the bond length between Li and neighboring ions (O, OH, F). We suggest that spatially distinct Li isotope patterns act as fingerprints for different pegmatites and can be explained by the preexisting Li isotope differences of their crustal sources at the time of pegmatite formation owing to differences in crustal age and evolution. This would imply secular evolution of the continental crust over Earth history toward present-day globally broadly uniform crustal 7Li/6Li ratios (δ7Li ∼0‰). The differences among Archean occurrences could reflect possible Archean paleogeography and could be linked with different thermal regimes of individual cratons as a consequence of variations in crustal thickness. One possible application of the new data set may be in source verification of gem-quality stones by using Li isotopes.
Obliquity-forced climate during the Early Triassic hothouse in China
Authors: Li Mingsong , Huang Chunju , Hinnov Linda , Ogg James , Chen Zhong-Qiang , Zhang Yang
Published: June 2016

The start of the Mesozoic Era is marked by roughly 5 m.y. of Earth system upheavals, including unstable biotic recovery, repeated global warming, ocean anoxia, and perturbations in the global carbon cycle. Intervals between crises were comparably hospitable to life. The causes of these upheavals are unknown, but are thought to be linked to recurrent Siberian volcanism. Here, two marine sedimentary successions at Chaohu and Daxiakou (South China) are evaluated for paleoclimate change from astronomical forcing. In these sections, gamma-ray variations indicative of terrestrial weathering reveal enhanced obliquity cycling over prolonged intervals, characterized by a 32.8 k.y. periodicity with strong 1.2 m.y. modulations. These suggest a 22 h length of day and 1.2 m.y. interaction between the orbital inclinations of Earth and Mars. Comparing the 1.2 m.y. obliquity modulation cycles in these sections with Early Triassic records of global sea level, temperature, redox, and biotic evolution suggests that long-term astronomical forcing was involved in the repeated climatic and biotic upheavals that took place throughout the Early Triassic.
Water loss and the origin of thick ultramylonites
Authors: Finch Melanie A. , Weinberg Roberto F. , Hunter Nicholas J.R.
Published: June 2016

Hydrolytic weakening has been suggested as a major process facilitating strain localization, in line with many studies that found a positive correlation between water content and intensity of deformation. We examine the role of water in the unusually thick ultramylonite of the El Pichao shear zone, northwestern Argentina. We used Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to measure water content in quartz and feldspar, comparing ultramylonitic rocks to mylonites and weakly deformed rocks. Quartz and feldspar in ultramylonites contained half the water of weakly deformed rocks, contrary to findings in previous studies. We propose that the kilometer-thick ultramylonite formed in three stages: (1) localized deformation and recrystallization caused release of intracrystalline water to grain boundaries, which promoted grain-boundary sliding, forming the ultramylonite; (2) high pressure in the shear zone continuously expelled intercrystalline water to the surroundings, drying the boundaries and leading to strain hardening; and (3) water migrated to less deformed rocks causing hydrolytic weakening, repeating the cycle and widening the ultramylonite.
Formation of continental fragments: The Tamayo Bank, Gulf of California, Mexico
Authors: Abera R. , van Wijk J. , Axen G.
Published: June 2016

We present a model for microcontinent formation that is based on the structure of the Tamayo trough in the Gulf of California, Mexico. Potential field modeling of a transect through the Tamayo trough and Tamayo Bank suggests that the crust of the Tamayo trough is oceanic, and that the Tamayo Bank is a detached continental fragment. The oceanic crust that separates the Tamayo Bank from the mainland of Mexico is thin (5 km), so oceanic spreading was probably magma starved before it ceased. Such a thin crust has also been described on the Aegir Ridge in the North Atlantic, which became extinct after the Jan Mayen microcontinent separated from Greenland. In our model for the origin of microcontinents, the locus of plate spreading jumps to the weakened continental margin when the spreading ridge becomes amagmatic and the force required for continued extension at the ridge increases. A microcontinent is formed when the ridge jumps into a continental margin, and an asymmetric ocean basin or microplate is formed when the ridge jumps within oceanic crust.
Ethnic differences in prediabetes and diabetes in the Suriname Health Study
Authors: Krishnadath Ingrid S K , Nahar-van Venrooij Lenny M , Jaddoe Vincent W V , Toelsie Jerry R
Published: June 2016

Background

Diabetes is increasing worldwide, and information on risk factors to develop targeted interventions is limited. Therefore, we analyzed data of the Suriname Health Study to estimate the prevalence of prediabetes and diabetes. We also explored whether ethnic differences in prediabetes or diabetes risk could be explained by biological, demographic, lifestyle, anthropometric, and metabolic risk factors.

Method

The study was designed according to the WHO Steps guidelines. Fasting blood glucose levels were measured in 3393 respondents, aged 15–65 years, from an Amerindian, Creole, Hindustani, Javanese, Maroon or Mixed ethnic background. Prediabetes was defined by fasting blood glucose levels between 6.1 and 7.0 mmol/L and diabetes by fasting blood glucose levels ≥7.0 mmol/L or ‘self-reported diabetes medication use.’ For all ethnicities, we analyzed sex, age, marital status, educational level, income status, employment, smoking status, residence, physical activity, body mass index, waist circumference, hypertension, and the levels of triglyceride, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol.

Results

The prevalence of prediabetes was 7.4%, while that of diabetes was 13 0%. From these diabetes cases, 39.6% were not diagnosed previously. No ethnic differences were observed in the prevalence of prediabetes. For diabetes, Hindustanis (23.3%) had twice the prevalence compared to other ethnic groups (4.7–14.2%). The associations of the risk factors with prediabetes or diabetes varied among the ethnic groups. The differences in the associations of ethnic groups with prediabetes or diabetes were partly explained by these risk factors.

Conclusions

The prevalence of diabetes in Suriname is high and most elevated in Hindustanis. The observed variations in risk factors among ethnic groups might explain the ethnic differences between these groups, but follow-up studies are needed to explore this in more depth.
Perceptions of risk and predictive testing held by the first-degree relatives of patients with rheumatoid arthritis in England, Austria and Germany: a qualitative study
Authors: Stack Rebecca J , Stoffer Michaela , Englbrecht Mathias , Mosor Erika , Falahee Marie , Simons Gwenda , Smolen Josef , Schett Georg , Buckley Chris D , Kumar Kanta , Hansson Mats , Hueber Axel , Stamm Tanja , Raza Karim
Published: June 2016

Objectives

The family members of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are at increased risk of developing RA and are potential candidates for predictive testing. This study explored the perceptions of first-degree relatives of people with RA about being at risk of RA and engaging in predictive testing.

Methods

34 first-degree relatives (siblings and offspring) of patients with RA from the UK, Germany and Austria participated in semistructured interviews about their perceptions of RA risk and the prospect of predictive testing. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

First-degree relatives were aware of their susceptibility to RA, but were unsure of the extent of their risk. When considering their future risk, some relatives were concerned about the potential impact that RA would have on their lives. Relatives were concerned that knowing their actual risk would increase their anxiety and would affect decisions about their future. Also, relatives were concerned about the levels of uncertainty associated with predictive testing. Those in favour of knowing their future risk felt that they would need additional support to understand the risk information and cope with the emotional impact of this information.

Conclusions

Identifying individuals at risk of RA may allow targeted interventions to reduce the risk and consequence of future disease; however, relatives have concerns about predictive testing and risk information. The development of strategies to quantify and communicate risk needs to take these views into account and incorporate approaches to mitigate concerns and minimise the psychological impact of risk information.
Regional variation of patient behaviour and reasons for consultation in the general practice of Northern Germany: protocol for an observational study
Authors: Schäfer Ingmar , Hansen Heike , Pohontsch Nadine , Bole Laura , Wagner Hans-Otto , Führ Miriam , Lühmann Dagmar , Scherer Martin
Published: June 2016

Introduction

Inappropriate supply and an increasing demand on the healthcare system have been of concern for health policy in Germany for at least 15 years. In the primary care setting, this especially relates to an undersupply of general practitioners (GPs) in the countryside. In addition, there seem to be other regional differences, for example, a difference in accessing primary and secondary care between rural and urban areas. Despite these findings, regional differences in health services have not been studied extensively in Germany. Therefore, this study aims to explore regional variations of patient populations and reasons for accessing primary medical care.

Methods and analysis

We will conduct a cross-sectional observational study based on standardised interviews with 240 GPs and ∼1200 patients. Data collection started on 10 June 2015 and will probably be completed by 31 October 2016. We will include all districts and cities within 100 km from Hamburg and assign them according to the type of regions: rural, urban and environs. All eligible GPs will be invited to participate. Each practice will recruit up to 15 patients, aged 18 years or older. Questionnaires are based on a preliminary qualitative study and were pretested. Data will be analysed with descriptive statistics and regression modelling strategies adjusted for confounders and the GP-induced cluster structure.

Ethics and dissemination

Our study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Medical Association of Hamburg and is conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. Study participants give written informed consent before data collection and data is pseudonymised. Survey data and person identifiers are stored separately in locked cabinets and have restricted availability. The results of our study will be presented at conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

NCT02558322; Pre-results.
Estimated association between dwelling soil contamination and internal radiation contamination levels after the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident in Japan
Authors: Tsubokura Masaharu , Nomura Shuhei , Sakaihara Kikugoro , Kato Shigeaki , Leppold Claire , Furutani Tomoyuki , Morita Tomohiro , Oikawa Tomoyoshi , Kanazawa Yukio
Published: June 2016

Objectives

Measurement of soil contamination levels has been considered a feasible method for dose estimation of internal radiation exposure following the Chernobyl disaster by means of aggregate transfer factors; however, it is still unclear whether the estimation of internal contamination based on soil contamination levels is universally valid or incident specific.

Methods

To address this issue, we evaluated relationships between in vivo and soil cesium-137 (Cs-137) contamination using data on internal contamination levels among Minamisoma (10–40 km north from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant), Fukushima residents 2–3 years following the disaster, and constructed three models for statistical analysis based on continuous and categorical (equal intervals and quantiles) soil contamination levels.

Results

A total of 7987 people with a mean age of 55.4 years underwent screening of in vivo Cs-137 whole-body counting. A statistically significant association was noted between internal and continuous Cs-137 soil contamination levels (model 1, p value <0.001), although the association was slight (relative risk (RR): 1.03 per 10 kBq/m2increase in soil contamination). Analysis of categorical soil contamination levels showed statistical (but not clinical) significance only in relatively higher soil contamination levels (model 2: Cs-137 levels above 100 kBq/m2compared to those <25 kBq/m2, RR=1.75, p value <0.01; model 3: levels above 63 kBq/m2compared to those <11 kBq/m2, RR=1.45, p value <0.05).

Conclusions

Low levels of internal and soil contamination were not associated, and only loose/small associations were observed in areas with slightly higher levels of soil contamination in Fukushima, representing a clear difference from the strong associations found in post-disaster Chernobyl. These results indicate that soil contamination levels generally do not contribute to the internal contamination of residents in Fukushima; thus, individual measurements are essential for the precise evaluation of chronic internal radiation contamination.
Group-based exercise in daily clinical practice to improve physical fitness in men with prostate cancer undergoing androgen deprivation therapy: study protocol
Authors: Østergren Peter , Ragle Anne-Mette , Jakobsen Henrik , Klausen Tobias Wirenfeldt , Vinther Anders , Sønksen Jens
Published: June 2016

Introduction

Level 1 evidence supports the use of supervised exercise to mitigate the adverse effects of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in men with prostate cancer. The data, however, have been generated in controlled research settings and might not be transferable to daily clinical practice. This article describes the design of an ongoing prospective observational study to evaluate the potential benefits of exercise in daily clinical practice.

Methods and analysis

Men diagnosed with prostate cancer starting or already receiving ADT at our facility are invited to participate in a 12-week exercise programme implemented as the standard of care. Exclusion criteria are opioid-demanding treatment for skeletal pain, an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status above 2 or the inability to perform floor and machine exercises independently. The intervention consists of an initial educational session of 1½ hours followed by 12 weeks of group-based supervised training two times a week. The focus of the exercise is progressive resistance training in combination with aerobic training. Participants are measured at baseline, after 12 weeks and after 24 weeks as part of the programme. Primary endpoints of this study are changes in physical fitness evaluated by the 30 s Chair-Stand Test and Graded Cycling Test with Talk Test. Secondary endpoints include changes in quality of life, body composition and safety of exercise. Inclusion started in August 2014, with 169 participants being included by December 2015.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has been reviewed by the Scientific Ethical Committee of the Capital Region of Denmark (reference number H-3-2013-FSP39). The results of the study will be published in peer-reviewed international journals and will be presented at national and international conferences and symposiums.

Trial registration number

NCT02631681; Pre-results.
High birth weight in a suburban hospital in Cameroon: an analysis of the clinical cut-off, prevalence, predictors and adverse outcomes
Authors: Choukem Simeon-Pierre , Njim Tsi , Atashili Julius , Hamilton-Shield Julian P , Mbu Robinson
Published: June 2016

Background and aims

High birth weight (HBW) increases the risk of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Its prevalence and adverse outcomes may be reduced if risk factors are identified and managed during pregnancy. The cut-off value for HBW remains debatable. The objectives of this study were to identify the optimal cut-off value and determine the prevalence, predictors and adverse outcomes of HBW in a suburban area of Cameroon.

Design

A 6-year retrospective register analysis and a 3-month prospective phase.

Setting

A secondary care level (regional) hospital in the city of Buea (southwest region of Cameroon).

Participants

Women who delivered in this hospital over a 6-year period (retrospective phase) and consenting pregnant mothers and their infants (singletons, born at >28 weeks gestation) (prospective phase).

Outcome measures

90th centile of birth weights; prevalence of HBW defined as birth weight above the 90th centile; sociodemographic, maternal and obstetrical factors associated with HBW; maternal and neonatal adverse outcomes of HBW.

Results

Of the 4941 newborns reviewed in registers, the 90th centile of birth weights was 3850 g. Using this new cut-off, we obtained a prevalence of 14.0% for HBW in the 200 newborns included in the prospective phase. This was significantly higher than the prevalence (9.5%) yielded when the traditional cut-off of 4000 g was used (p=0.003). None of the factors assessed was independently associated with HBW. Newborns with HBW were more likely to have shoulder dystocia (p<0.01), and their mothers more likely to suffer from prolonged labour (p=0.01) and postpartum haemorrhage (p<0.01).

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that the cut-off for HBW in this population should be 3850 g. Thus, 3 of every 10 babies born with HBW in this hospital are likely not receiving optimal postnatal care because 4000 g is currently used to qualify for additional support.
Young adolescent girls are at high risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa: an observational multicountry study
Authors: Mombo-Ngoma Ghyslain , Mackanga Jean Rodolphe , González Raquel , Ouedraogo Smaila , Kakolwa Mwaka A , Manego Rella Zoleko , Basra Arti , Rupérez María , Cot Michel , Kabanywany Abdunoor M , Matsiegui Pierre-Blaise , Agnandji Seldiji T , Vala Anifa , Massougbodji Achille , Abdulla Salim , Adegnika Ayôla A , Sevene Esperança , Macete Eusebio , Yazdanbakhsh Maria , Kremsner Peter G , Aponte John J , Menéndez Clara , Ramharter Michael
Published: June 2016

Objectives

One of Africa's most important challenges is to improve maternal and neonatal health. The identification of groups at highest risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes is important for developing and implementing targeted prevention programmes. This study assessed whether young adolescent girls constitute a group at increased risk for adverse birth outcomes among pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa.

Setting

Data were collected prospectively as part of a large randomised controlled clinical trial evaluating intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy (NCT00811421—Clinical Trials.gov), conducted between September 2009 and December 2013 in Benin, Gabon, Mozambique and Tanzania.

Participants

Of 4749 participants, pregnancy outcomes were collected for 4388 deliveries with 4183 live births including 83 multiple gestations. Of 4100 mothers with a singleton live birth delivery, 24% (975/4100) were adolescents (≤19 years of age) and 6% (248/4100) were aged ≤16 years.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Primary outcomes of this predefined analysis were preterm delivery and low birth weight.

Results

The overall prevalence of low birthweight infants and preterm delivery was 10% (371/3851) and 4% (159/3862), respectively. Mothers aged ≤16 years showed higher risk for the delivery of a low birthweight infant (OR: 1.96; 95% CI 1.35 to 2.83). Similarly, preterm delivery was associated with young maternal age (≤16 years; OR: 2.62; 95% CI 1.59 to 4.30). In a subanalysis restricted to primiparous women: preterm delivery, OR 4.28; 95% CI 2.05 to 8.93; low birth weight, OR: 1.29; 95% CI 0.82 to 2.01.

Conclusions

Young maternal age increases the risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes and it is a stronger predictor for low birth weight and preterm delivery than other established risk factors in sub-Saharan Africa. This finding highlights the need to improve adolescent reproductive health in sub-Saharan Africa.

Trial registration number

NCT00811421; Post-results.
Tea Flavonoids for Bone Health: From Animals to Humans
Authors: Shen Chwan-Li , Chyu Ming-Chien
Published: June 2016

Osteoporosis is a skeletal disease characterized by a deterioration of bone mass and bone quality that predisposes an individual to a higher risk of fragility fractures. Emerging evidence has shown that the risk for low bone mass and osteoporosis-related fractures can be reduced by nutritional approaches aiming to improve bone microstructure, bone mineral density, and strength. Tea and its flavonoids, especially those of black tea and green tea, have been suggested to protect against bone loss and to reduce risk of fracture, due to tea's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Based on the results of animal studies, moderate intake of tea has shown to benefit bone health as shown by mitigation of bone loss and microstructural deterioration as well as improvement of bone strength and quality. Epidemiological studies have reported positive, insignificant, and negative impacts on bone mineral density at multiple skeletal sites and risk of fracture in humans with habitual tea consumption. There are limited human clinical trials that objectively and quantitatively assessed tea consumption and bone efficacy using validated outcome measures in a population at high risk for osteoporosis, along with safety monitoring approach. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge of laboratory animal research, epidemiological observational studies, and clinical trials assessing the skeletal effects of tea and its active flavonoids, along with discussion of relevant future directions in translational research.
Changes in movement symmetry over the stages of the shoeing process in military working horses
Authors: Pfau T. , Daly K. , Davison J. , Bould A. , Housby N. , Weller R.
Published: June 2016

Military working horses perform a high proportion of work on road surfaces and are shod frequently to deal with high attrition rates. The authors investigate the influence of shoeing on movement symmetry as an indirect indicator of mechanical differences affecting force production between contralateral limbs. In this quantitative observational study, inertial sensor gait analysis was performed in 23 Irish sport type horses (4–21 years, 1.58–1.85 m) in full ceremonial work at the King's Troop, Royal Horse Artillery. Changes in two movement symmetry measures (SI: symmetry index; MinDiff: difference between displacement minima) for head and pelvic movement were assessed at four stages of routine shoeing: ‘old shoes’, ‘shoes removed’, ‘trimmed’, ‘reshod’. Horses were assessed applying shoes to the front limbs (N=10), to the hindlimbs (N=10) or both (N=3). Changes in head movement symmetry between conditions were small and inconsistent. Changes in pelvic movement symmetry were small and showed significant differences between shoeing stages (SI: P=0.013, MinDiff: P=0.04) with most symmetrical pelvic movement after trimming. In military working horses with high frequency shoeing small changes in movement symmetry were measured. All significant changes involved trimming, which indicates that future studies should in particular assess changes before/after trimming and investigate longer shoeing intervals.
Getting on with a PhD in a changing political landscape
Authors: Hill Myfanwy
Published: June 2016

Myfanwy Hill wrote this on June 24, just after the result of the EU referendum was announced. Almost exactly a year after she started her PhD in Cambridge, she reflects on how far she has come and where she is going
Caffeine effects on velocity selection and physiological responses during RPE production
Authors: Green James M. , Olenick Alyssa , Eastep Caroline , Winchester Lee
Published: June 2016

Caffeine (CAF) blunts estimated ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) but the effects on RPE production are unclear. This study examined effects of acute caffeine ingestion during treadmill exercise where participants exercised at prescribed RPE 4 and 7. Recreational runners (maximal oxygen consumption = 51.4 ± 9.8 mL·kg−1·min−1) (n = 16) completed a maximal treadmill test followed by trials where they selected treadmill velocity (VEL) (1% grade) to produce RPE 4 and RPE 7 (10 min each). RPE production trials followed CAF (6 mg·kg−1) or placebo (PLA) (counterbalanced) ingestion. Participants were blinded to treadmill VEL but the Omni RPE scale was in full view. Repeated-measures ANOVA showed a main effect (trial) for VEL (CAF ∼5 m·min−1 faster) for RPE 4 (p = 0.07) and RPE 7 (p = 0.03). Mean heart rate and oxygen consumption responses were consistently higher for CAF but failed to reach statistical significance. Individual responses to CAF were labeled positive using a criterion of 13.4 m·min−1 faster for CAF (vs. PLA). Ten of 32 trials (31%) were positive responses. In these, systematic increases were observed for heart rate (∼12 beats·min−1) and oxygen consumption (∼5.7 mL·kg−1·min−1). Blunted/stable respiratory exchange ratio values at higher VEL for positive responders suggest increased free fatty acid reliance during CAF. In conlusion, mean results show a mild effect of CAF during RPE production. However, individual responses more clearly indicate whether a true effect is possible. Trainers and individuals should consider individual responses to ensure effectively intensity regulation.
η − η′ mixing and decays of mesons with heavy quarks
Authors: Balitsky Jaroslav V. , Kiselev Valery V. , Likhoded Anatoly K. , Samoylenko Vladimir D.
Published: June 2016

The inclusion of elastic rescattering and annihilation of quark–antiquarks pairs in final state can explain the [Formula: see text]-dependency for cross-section ratio of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] mesons in charge exchange reaction. The estimation for mixing angle [Formula: see text] with isoscalar states [Formula: see text] and hidden strangeness [Formula: see text] has been obtained. The consistent description of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] meson outputs in [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] decays was also considered.
Hybrid Approach of Efficient Decision-Based Algorithm and Fuzzy Logic for the Removal of High Density Salt and Pepper Noise in Images
Authors: Karthikeyan P. , Vasuki S.
Published: June 2016

In this paper, this hybrid approach of efficient decision-based scheme and fuzzy logic are proposed for the restoration of gray scale and color images that are heavily corrupted by salt and pepper noise. The processed pixel is examined for 0 or 255; if found true, then it is considered as noisy pixel else not noisy. If found noisy the four neighbors of the noisy pixels are checked for 0 or 255. If all the four neighbors of the corrupted pixel are noisy, the mean of the four neighbors replaces the corrupted pixel. If any of the four neighbors is a non-noisy pixel, the number of corrupted pixels is calculated in the current processing window. If the count is less than three, then the noisy pixel is replaced by an unsymmetrical trimmed median. If the current window has more than three noisy pixels, then unsymmetrical trimmed mean replaces the corrupted pixels. If all the pixels of the current processing window are noisy then instead of enhanced decision-based algorithm, the fuzzy membership function of the window is replaced as output processing pixel. The uncorrupted pixel is left unchanged. The proposed algorithm is tested on various gray scale and color images and found that it gives excellent PSNR, high IEF and lowest MSE. Also it preserves the image features like the edges and color components at higher noise densities. The quality of the results of proposed algorithm is superior when compared to the various existing state-of-the-art methods.