bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Special Issue: Ribozymes and RNA Catalysis
Authors: Müller Sabine
Published: May 2017

Over the past 35 years, RNA has become a molecule of utmost interest for researchers in the life sciences. The many functions that RNA fulﬁlls in the cellular machinery have been elucidated with constant progress, revealing a complex network of RNA-mediated regulation of key processes in the cellular life cycle [...]
Fabrication of Silicon Nanobelts and Nanopillars by Soft Lithography for Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Photonic Surfaces
Authors: Baquedano Estela , Martinez Ramses , Llorens José , Postigo Pablo
Published: May 2017

Soft lithography allows for the simple and low-cost fabrication of nanopatterns with different shapes and sizes over large areas. However, the resolution and the aspect ratio of the nanostructures fabricated by soft lithography are limited by the depth and the physical properties of the stamp. In this work, silicon nanobelts and nanostructures were achieved by combining soft nanolithography patterning with optimized reactive ion etching (RIE) in silicon. Using polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) nanopatterned layers with thicknesses ranging between 14 and 50 nm, we obtained silicon nanobelts in areas of square centimeters with aspect ratios up to ~1.6 and linewidths of 225 nm. The soft lithographic process was assisted by a thin film of SiOx (less than 15 nm) used as a hard mask and RIE. This simple patterning method was also used to fabricate 2D nanostructures (nanopillars) with aspect ratios of ~2.7 and diameters of ~200 nm. We demonstrate that large areas patterned with silicon nanobelts exhibit a high reflectivity peak in the ultraviolet C (UVC) spectral region (280 nm) where some aminoacids and peptides have a strong absorption. We also demonstrated how to tailor the aspect ratio and the wettability of these photonic surfaces (contact angles ranging from 8.1 to 96.2°) by changing the RIE power applied during the fabrication process.
Core-Shell Magnetic Gold Nanoparticles for Magnetic Field-Enhanced Radio-Photothermal Therapy in Cervical Cancer
Authors: Hu Rui , Zheng Minxue , Wu Jinchang , Li Cheng , Shen Danqing , Yang Dian , Li Li , Ge Mingfeng , Chang Zhimin , Dong Wenfei
Published: May 2017

The combination of radiotherapy (RT) and photothermal therapy (PTT) has been considered an attractive strategy in cervical cancer treatment. However, it remains a challenge to simultaneously enhance the radio-sensitivity of tumor tissue, develop tumor tissue-focused radiation therapies and combine dual therapeutic modalities. In this study, core-shell type magnetic gold (Fe3O4@Au) nanoparticles are exploited to achieve the synergistic efficacy of radio-photothermal therapy in cervical cancer. Fe3O4@Au nanoparticles (NPs) with uniform morphology exhibited superior surface plasmon resonance properties, excellent superparamagnetic properties, good biocompatibility and high photothermal conversion efficiency. For the in vitro tests, a low concentration of Fe3O4@Au NPs after a short period of near-infrared irradiation lead to the time-dependent death of cervical cancer cells. Further, the combination of RT and PTT induced synergistic anti-cancer effects in vitro. More importantly, an external magnetic field could significantly enhance the synergistic efficacy of Fe3O4@Au NPs by improving their internalization. Hence, the reported Fe3O4@Au NPs have the potential to be good nanoagents with excellent magnetic targeting ability for cervical cancer radio-photothermal treatment.
The Association between Parent Diet Quality and Child Dietary Patterns in Nine- to Eleven-Year-Old Children from Dunedin, New Zealand
Authors: Davison Brittany , Saeedi Pouya , Black Katherine , Harrex Harriet , Haszard Jillian , Meredith-Jones Kim , Quigg Robin , Skeaff Sheila , Stoner Lee , Wong Jyh , Skidmore Paula
Published: May 2017

Previous research investigating the relationship between parents’ and children’s diets has focused on single foods or nutrients, and not on global diet, which may be more important for good health. The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between parental diet quality and child dietary patterns. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 17 primary schools in Dunedin, New Zealand. Information on food consumption and related factors in children and their primary caregiver/parent were collected. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to investigate dietary patterns in children and diet quality index (DQI) scores were calculated in parents. Relationships between parental DQI and child dietary patterns were examined in 401 child-parent pairs using mixed regression models. PCA generated two patterns; ‘Fruit and Vegetables’ and ‘Snacks’. A one unit higher parental DQI score was associated with a 0.03SD (CI: 0.02, 0.04) lower child ‘Snacks’ score. There was no significant relationship between ‘Fruit and Vegetables’ score and parental diet quality. Higher parental diet quality was associated with a lower dietary pattern score in children that was characterised by a lower consumption frequency of confectionery, chocolate, cakes, biscuits and savoury snacks. These results highlight the importance of parental modelling, in terms of their dietary choices, on the diet of children.
Impact of Maternal Selenium Status on Infant Outcome during the First 6 Months of Life
Authors: Varsi Kristin , Bolann Bjørn , Torsvik Ingrid , Rosvold Eik Tina , Høl Paul , Bjørke-Monsen Anne-Lise
Published: May 2017

Pregnant women and infants are at risk for selenium deficiency, which is known to have negative effects on immune and brain function. We have investigated selenium levels in 158 healthy never-pregnant women and in 114 pregnant and lactating women and their infants at age 6 months and related this to clinical outcomes during the first 6 months of life. Neurodevelopment was assessed with the parental questionnaire Ages and Stages (ASQ) at 6 months. A maternal selenium level ≤0.90 µmol/L in pregnancy week 18 was negatively related to infant neurodevelopment at 6 months (B = −20, p = 0.01), whereas a selenium level ≤0.78 µmol/L in pregnancy week 36 was associated with an increased risk (odds ratio 4.8) of having an infant infection during the first 6 weeks of life. A low maternal selenium status in pregnancy was found to be associated with an increased risk of infant infection during the first 6 weeks of life and a lower psychomotor score at 6 months. We suggest a cutoff for maternal serum selenium deficiency of 0.90 µmol/L in pregnancy week 18 and 0.78 µmol/L in pregnancy week 36. This should be reevaluated in an intervention study.
Fusion Based on Visible Light Positioning and Inertial Navigation Using Extended Kalman Filters
Authors: Li Zhitian , Feng Lihui , Yang Aiying
Published: May 2017

With the rapid development of smart technology, the need for location-based services (LBS) increases every day. Since classical positioning technology such as GPS cannot satisfy the needs of indoor positioning, new indoor positioning technologies, such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Visible light communication (VLC), have already cut a figure. VLC positioning has been proposed because it has higher accuracy, costs less, and is easier to accomplish in comparison to the other indoor positioning technologies. However, the practicality of VLC positioning is limited since it is easily affected by multipath effects and the layout of LEDs. Thus, we propose a fusion positioning system based on extended Kalman filters, which can fuse the VLC position and the inertial navigation data. The accuracy of the fusion positioning system is in centimeters, which is better compared to the VLC-based positioning or inertial navigation alone. Furthermore, the fusion positioning system has high accuracy, saves energy, costs little, and is easy to install, making it a promising candidate for future indoor positioning applications.
Optical Sensing to Determine Tomato Plant Spacing for Precise Agrochemical Application: Two Scenarios
Authors: Martínez-Guanter Jorge , Garrido-Izard Miguel , Valero Constantino , Slaughter David , Pérez-Ruiz Manuel
Published: May 2017

The feasibility of automated individual crop plant care in vegetable crop fields has increased, resulting in improved efficiency and economic benefits. A systems-based approach is a key feature in the engineering design of mechanization that incorporates precision sensing techniques. The objective of this study was to design new sensing capabilities to measure crop plant spacing under different test conditions (California, USA and Andalucía, Spain). For this study, three different types of optical sensors were used: an optical light-beam sensor (880 nm), a Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) sensor (905 nm), and an RGB camera. Field trials were conducted on newly transplanted tomato plants, using an encoder as a local reference system. Test results achieved a 98% accuracy in detection using light-beam sensors while a 96% accuracy on plant detections was achieved in the best of replications using LiDAR. These results can contribute to the decision-making regarding the use of these sensors by machinery manufacturers. This could lead to an advance in the physical or chemical weed control on row crops, allowing significant reductions or even elimination of hand-weeding tasks.
Operating Point Self-Regulator for Giant Magneto-Impedance Magnetic Sensor
Authors: Zhou Han , Pan Zhongming , Zhang Dasha
Published: May 2017

The giant magneto-impedance (GMI) magnetic sensor based on the amorphous wire has been believed to be tiny dimensions, high sensitivity, quick response, and small power consumption. This kind of sensor is usually working under a bias magnetic field that is called the sensor’s operating point. However, the changes in direction and intensity of the external magnetic field, or the changes in sensing direction and position of the sensor, will lead to fluctuations in operating point when the sensor is working without any magnetic shield. In this work, a GMI sensor based on the operating point self-regulator is designed to overcome the problem. The regulator is based on the compensated feedback control that can maintain the operating point of a GMI sensor in a uniform position. With the regulator, the GMI sensor exhibits a stable sensitivity regardless of the external magnetic field. In comparison with the former work, the developed operating point regulator can improve the accuracy and stability of the operating point and therefore decrease the noise and disturbances that are introduced into the GMI sensor by the previous self-regulation system.
Assessment of Comprehensive Effects and Optimization of a Circular Economy System of Coal Power and Cement in Kongtong District, Pingliang City, Gansu Province, China
Authors: Dong Suocheng , Wang Zhe , Li Yu , Li Fujia , Li Zehong , Chen Feng , Cheng Hao
Published: May 2017

The idea of a circular economy (CE), which differs from traditional linear economy with a high consumption of natural resources and pollution, has captured much interest and attention. This paper uses a CE system of coal power and cement in Kongtong District, Pingliang City, Gansu Province, China as a case study to analyze the comprehensive effects of CE paradigm. Our simulation results, based on system dynamics (SD) modeling, infer that the transformation of manufacturing towards a CE system can prominently help coal power and cement enterprises reduce waste emission and increase economic profits. Through solid waste exchanges, a power plant can achieve over RMB 80 million of additional revenue per year at the highest level. CE also contributes to the reduction of regional pollution, saves mineral resources, and improves the atmospheric environment, an accumulated total of 14.11 million t of natural gypsum and 22.67 million t of coal can be saved. This sets a promising example for coal power and cement plants worldwide. Effective regulatory measures and further optimization towards a circular economy system are essential in maintaining the stable development of a CE system due to the risk of surplus production of upstream industries and other defects.
Climate Variability and Mangrove Cover Dynamics at Species Level in the Sundarbans, Bangladesh
Authors: Ghosh Manoj , Kumar Lalit , Roy Chandan
Published: May 2017

Mangrove ecosystems are complex in nature. For monitoring the impact of climate variability in this ecosystem, a multidisciplinary approach is a prerequisite. Changes in temperature and rainfall pattern have been suggested as an influential factor responsible for the change in mangrove species composition and spatial distribution. The main aim of this study was to assess the relationship between temperature, rainfall pattern and dynamics of mangrove species in the Sundarbans, Bangladesh, over a 38 year time period from 1977 to 2015. To assess the relationship, a three stage analytical process was employed. Primarily, the trend of temperature and rainfall over the study period were identified using a linear trend model; then, the supervised maximum likelihood classifier technique was employed to classify images recorded by Landsat series and post-classification comparison techniques were used to detect changes at species level. The rate of change of different mangrove species was also estimated in the second stage. Finally, the relationship between temperature, rainfall and the dynamics of mangroves at species level was determined using a simple linear regression model. The results show a significant statistical relationship between temperature, rainfall and the dynamics of mangrove species. The trends of change for Heritiera fomes and Sonneratia apelatala show a strong relationship with temperature and rainfall, while Ceriops decandra shows a weak relationship. In contrast, Excoecaria agallocha and Xylocarpus mekongensis do not show any significant relationship with temperature and rainfall. On the basis of our results, it can be concluded that temperature and rainfall are important climatic factors influencing the dynamics of three major mangrove species viz. H. fomes, S. apelatala and C. decandra in the Sundarbans.
An Introduction to the Toxins Special Issue on “Novel Pharmacological Inhibitors for Bacterial Protein Toxins”
Authors: Barth Holger
Published: May 2017

Bacterial AB-type protein toxins that consist of an enzymatically active subunit (A) and a binding/transport subunit (B), are among the most toxic substances and represent the causative agents for a variety of severe human and animal diseases, such as in the context of infections, post-traumatic complications or food poisoning.[...]
Spectral Evidence for an Inner Carbon-rich Circumstellar Belt in the Young HD 36546 A-star System
Authors: Lisse C. M. , Sitko M. L. , Russell R. W. , Marengo M. , Currie T. , Melis C. , Mittal T. , Song I.
Published: May 2017

Using the NASA/IRTF SpeX and BASS spectrometers we have obtained 0.7–13 μm observations of the newly imaged 3–10 Myr old HD 36546 disk system. The SpeX spectrum is most consistent with the photospheric emission expected from an L
* ∼ 20 L
⊙, solar abundance A1.5V star with little to no extinction, and excess emission from circumstellar dust detectable beyond 4.5 μm. Non-detections of CO emission lines and accretion signatures point to the gas-poor circumstellar environment of a very old transition disk. Combining the SpeX + BASS spectra with archival WISE/AKARI/IRAS/Herschel photometry, we find an outer cold dust belt at ∼135 K and 20–40 au from the primary, likely coincident with the disk imaged by Subaru, and a new second inner belt with a temperature ∼570 K and an unusual, broad SED maximum in the 6–9 μm region, tracing dust at 1.1–2.2 au. An SED maximum at 6–9 μm has been reported in just two other A-star systems, HD 131488 and HD 121191, both of ∼10 Myr age. From Spitzer, we have also identified the ∼12 Myr old A7V HD 148657 system as having similar 5–35 μm excess spectral features. The Spitzer data allows us to rule out water emission and rule in carbonaceous materials—organics, carbonates, SiC—as the source of the 6–9 μm excess. Assuming a common origin for the four young A-star systems’ disks, we suggest they are experiencing an early era of carbon-rich planetesimal processing.
Autonomie et projet migratoire : deux notions abordées à travers les travaux d’Emmanuel Ma Mung
Authors: Polyzos Iris
Published: May 2017

L’article s’articule autour de deux notions-clés pour l’étude des migrations internationales : le point de vue de l’autonomie comme approche théorique et la notion du projet migratoire comme approche épistémologique. Il ne tente pas de donner une définition de ces notions, mais essaie d’en retracer la généalogie et en particulier de montrer leurs évolutions à travers les objets de recherche qui ont préoccupé leur principal penseur et auteur, Emmanuel Ma Mung, entre les années 1970 et aujourd’hui. Durant cette période, le géographe a élaboré la notion d’autonomie à travers deux grands axes de recherche : la diaspora chinoise et l’entreprenariat ethnique. Depuis 1989, l’auteur est membre de l’équipe du laboratoire Migrinter, dont il a assuré sa direction entre 1995 et 2004.
Territoires « minés » et tensions ethnographiques, des zones de conflit au monde judiciaire
Authors: Robin Nelly
Published: May 2017

Un itinéraire de recherches dans le domaine des migrations internationales, du Maghreb à l’Afrique subsaharienne, marqué par dix-sept années d’expatriation au Sénégal, constitue indéniablement une expérience humaine particulière, au plus près des sociétés, et parfois des institutions, du Sud.
Buckling behavior of cold-formed steel columns at both ambient temperature and simulated fire conditions
Authors: Craveiro Hélder D. , Rodrigues João Paulo C. , Laím Luís M.
Published: May 2017

Cold-formed steel (CFS) profiles with a wide range of cross-section shapes are commonly used in building construction industry. Nowadays several cross-sections can be built using the available standard single sections (C, U, Σ, etc.), namely open built-up and closed built-up cross-sections. This paper reports an extensive experimental investigation on the behavior of single and built-up cold-formed steel columns at both ambient and simulated fire conditions considering the effect of restraint to thermal elongation. The buckling behavior, ultimate loads and failure modes, of different types of CFS columns at both ambient and simulated fire conditions with restraint to thermal elongation, are presented and compared. Regarding the buckling tests at ambient temperature it was observed that the use of built-up cross-sections ensures significantly higher values of buckling loads. Especially for the built-up cross-sections the failure modes were characterized by the interaction of individual buckling modes, namely flexural about the minor axis, distortional and local buckling. Regarding the fire tests, it is clear that the same levels of restraint used in the experimental investigation induce different rates in the generated restraining forces due to thermal elongation of the columns. Another conclusion that can be drawn from the results is that by increasing the level of restraint to thermal elongation the failure of the columns is controlled by the generated restraining forces, whereas for lower levels of restraint the temperature plays a more important role. Hence, higher levels of imposed restraint to thermal elongation will lead to higher values of generated restraining forces and eventually to lower values of critical temperature and time.
The history of sugar dressing in infected venous leg ulcers
Authors: Tessari Mirko
Published: May 2017

Not available.
Fossils and tombs and how they haunt us
Authors: Meylahn Johann-Albrecht
Published: May 2017

Fossils and tombs in museums fascinate us and haunt us with their secrets. The discovery of the remains of Homo naledi, found, as argued by some, in an ancient burial chamber, promises to reveal secrets of an unremembered past, thus offering clues concerning our present-day humans and maybe influence our human future. The paper will not engage directly with what Homo naledi might contribute to the various science-religion and/or theology conversations but rather engage with the grammars of these conversations, by asking the question, why do tombs and fossils haunt us? This article will bring into the conversation Derrida’s interpretation on tombs and fossils, his hauntology, as well as the fascination with secrets. It will not offer an interpretation of Naledi, but rather ask the question why she inspires (haunts) the belief that she has something to offer the science-religion conversation (which I believe she does), or why she inspires the belief that such discoveries make no difference to the religious views on creation, for example. Whichever way, the dead, and specifically those dead to human memory, when ‘recalled’, haunt us and disturb us with their secrets.
Understanding the seasonality and climatology of aerosols in Africa through evaluation of CCAM aerosol simulations against AERONET measurements
Authors: Horowitz Hannah M. , Garland Rebecca M. , Thatcher Marcus , Landman Willem A. , Dedekind Zane , van der Merwe Jacobus , Engelbrecht Francois A.
Published: May 2017

Abstract. The sensitivity of climate models to the characterization of African aerosol particles is poorly understood. Africa is a major source of dust and biomass burning aerosols and so this represents an important research gap in understanding the impact of aerosols on radiative forcing of the climate system. Here we evaluate the current representation of aerosol particles in the Conformal Cubic Atmospheric Model (CCAM) with ground-based observations across Africa, and additionally provide an analysis of aerosol optical depth at 550 nm (AOD550nm) and Ångström exponent data from thirty-four Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) sites. Analysis of the 34 long-term AERONET sites confirms the importance of dust and biomass burning emissions to the seasonal cycle and magnitude of AOD550nm across the continent and the transport of these emissions to regions outside of the continent. Western African sites had the largest AOD550nm values, on average, with the timing and magnitude of AOD550nm maxima dominated by desert dust. The impact of dust on aerosol loading is also apparent at northern African sites, with peak AOD550nm occurring later than the western sites. The seasonal variation in the location of the intertropical convergence zone and associated northward shift in dust transport may be responsible for the shift in timing of maximum AOD550nm between the western and northern African sites. Southern African sites have the lowest AOD550nm values on average, and peak during the biomass burning period. The outflow of these aerosol particles was observed at Ascension Island and Reunion Island AERONET stations. In general, CCAM captures well the seasonality of the AERONET data across the continent. The magnitude of modeled and observed multi-year monthly average AOD550nm overlap within ±1 standard deviation of each other for at least 7 months at all sites except Reunion Island. The timing of peak AOD550nm in southern Africa in the model occurs one month prior to the observed peak, which does not align with the timing of maximum fire counts in the region. For the western and northern African sites, it is evident that CCAM currently overestimates dust in some regions while others (e.g., the Arabian Peninsula) are better characterized. This may be due to overestimated dust lifetime, or that the characterization of the soil for these areas needs to be updated with local information. The CCAM simulated AOD550nm for the global domain is within the spread of previously published results from CMIP5 and AeroCom experiments for black carbon, organic carbon and sulfate aerosols. The model’s performance provides confidence for using the model to estimate large-scale regional impacts of African aerosols on radiative forcing, but local feedbacks between dust aerosols and climate over northern Africa and the Mediterranean may be overestimated.
A new instrument for stable isotope measurements of 13C and 18O in CO2 – Instrument performance and ecological application of the Delta Ray IRIS analyzer
Authors: Braden-Behrens Jelka , Yan Yuan , Knohl Alexander
Published: May 2017

Abstract. We used the recently developed Delta Ray Isotope Ratio Infrared Spectrometer (IRIS) to continuously measure the CO2 concentration c and its isotopic composition δ13C and δ18O in a managed beech forest in Central Germany. Our objectives are (a) to characterize the Delta Ray IRIS and its performance under field conditions and (b) to quantify the seasonal variability of c, δ13C, δ18O and the isotopic composition of CO2 exchange (Reco13C and Reco18O) derived from nighttime Keeling-Plot intercepts. The minimal Allan deviation (as a measure of precision) was below 0.01 ppm for the CO2 concentration and below 0.03 ‰ for both delta values. For repeated measurements of a target gas, the long-term standard deviation from the mean value was 0.2 ppm for c and below 0.3 ‰ for both delta values. The accuracy based on our calibration setup was approximately 0.45 ppm for c, 0.1 ‰ for δ13C and 0.6 ‰ for delta 18O. We used measurements of nine different inlet heights in the beech forest, to evaluate the isotopic compositions of respiration Reco13C and Reco18O in a three months measurement campaign in autumn 2015. During this period, an early snow and frost event occurred, coinciding with a change in the observed characteristics of both Reco13C and Reco18O . Before the first snow, R_eco 13C correlated significantly (Pearson correlation coefficient rpear = 0.55 and corresponding critical value rcrit ≈ 0.38 for α = 0.005) with time-lagged net radiation Rn, a driver of photosynthesis and photosynthetic discrimination against 13C. This correlation became insignificant after the first snow. For 18O, we measured a decrease of 30 ‰ within 10 days in Reco18O after the snow event potentially reflecting the influence of 18O depleted snow on soil moisture. This decrease was ten times larger than the corresponding decrease in delta 18O in ambient CO2 (below 3 ‰) and took three times longer to recover (three weeks vs. one week). In summary, we conclude that 1) the new Delta Ray IRIS with its internal calibration procedure provides an opportunity to precisely and accurately measure c, delta 13C and delta 18O at field sites and 2) even short snow or frost events could have strong effects on the isotopic composition of CO2 exchange at ecosystem scale.
“Stop Kremlin trolls:” Ideological trolling as calling out, rebuttal, and reactions on online news portal commenting
Authors: Zelenkauskaite Asta , Niezgoda Brandon
Published: May 2017

Mainstream media sources have recently heightened public awareness to a phenomenon known as Russian troll farms. This research thematically analyzes “Kremlin troll” use and its variations found in user comments on a leading Lithuanian news portal. The main findings of this study indicate that “Kremlin troll” was used in two oppositional themes. The first one reveals accusations of paid commentators as “Kremlin trolls.” The second, in contrast, counter-argues “Kremlin troll” accusations through rebuttal. Sarcasm and humor, e.g., by emergence of self-identification as a “Kremlin troll” furthermore downplays the “Kremlin troll” accusations and reclaims uncertainty of who is the real troll.Even if the offensive and defensive tactics might seem rather similar to overall Internet troll tactics found in the previous online research, the unique side of “Kremlin troll” use was the emergence of ideological trolling, charged with accusations of some commentators being paid by a foreign government, thus referring to “Kremlin trolling” as a form of astroturfing. We conclude that “Kremlin troll” in this study exemplifies politically charged ideological trolling, rather than the mere subcultural phenomenon that is prevalent in English-language contexts.
Touching The Human Neuron: User-Centric Augmented Reality Viewing and Interaction of in-vivo Cellular Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM) Utilizing High Resolution zStack Data Sets
Authors: Riddle Scott , Wasser Daniel , McCarthy Michael
Published: May 2017

This is the first report of a prototype that allows for real-time interaction with high-resolution cellular modules using GLASS© technology. The prototype was developed* using zStack data sets which allow for real-time interaction of low polygon and direct surface models exported from primary source imaging. This paper also discusses potential educational and clinical applications of a wearable, interactive, user-centric, augmented reality visualization of cellular structures.

Full article title: Touching The Human Neuron: User-Centric Augmented Reality Viewing and Interaction of in-vivo Cellular Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM) Utilizing High Resolution zStack Data Sets for Applications in Medical Education and Clinical Medicine Using GLASS and Motion Tracking Technology
The importance of age-specific data in routine syndromic surveillance
Authors: Morbey Roger , Elliot Alex J. , Smith Gillian E.
Published: May 2017

ObjectiveTo investigate whether aberration detection methods for syndromicsurveillance would be more useful if data were stratified by age band.IntroductionWhen monitoring public health incidents using syndromicsurveillance systems, Public Health England (PHE) uses the ageof the presenting patient as a key indicator to further assess theseverity, impact of the incident, and to provide intelligence on thelikely cause. However the age distribution of cases is usually notconsidered until after unusual activity has been identified in the all-ages population data. We assessed whether monitoring specific agegroups contemporaneously could improve the timeliness, specificityand sensitivity of public health surveillance.MethodsFirst, we examined a wide range of health indicators from the PHEsyndromic surveillance systems to identify for further study thosewith the greatest seasonal variation in the age distribution of cases.Secondly, we examined the identified indicators to ascertain whetherany age bands consistently lagged behind other age bands. Finally,we applied outbreak detection methods retrospectively to age specificdata, identifying periods of increased activity that were only detectedor detected earlier when age-specific surveillance was used.ResultsSeasonal increases in respiratory indicators occurred first inyounger age groups, with increases in children under 5 providingearly warning of subsequent increases occurring in older age groups.Also, we found age specific indicators improved the specificity ofsurveillance using indicators relating to respiratory and eye problems;identifying unusual activity that was less apparent in the all-agespopulation.ConclusionsRoutine surveillance of respiratory indicators in young childrenwould have provided early warning of increases in older age groups,where the burden on health care usage, e.g. hospital admissions, isgreatest. Furthermore this cross-correlation between ages occurredconsistently even though the age distribution of the burden ofrespiratory cases varied between seasons. Age specific surveillancecan improve sensitivity of outbreak detection although all-agesurveillance remains more powerful when case numbers are low.
The test-negative design for estimating influenza vaccination effectiveness
Authors: Cowling Benjamin J. , Sullivan Sheena G.
Published: May 2017

ObjectiveWe aimed to describe the theoretical basis and the potentialapplications of the test-negative design for estimating influenzavaccination effectiveness in sentinel influenza surveillance.IntroductionThe test-negative design is a variation of the case-control study,in which patients are enrolled in outpatient clinics (and/or hospitals)based on a clinical case definition such as influenza-like illness (ILI).Patients are then tested for influenza virus, and VE is estimated fromthe odds ratio comparing the odds of vaccination among patientstesting positive for influenza versus those testing negative, adjustingfor potential confounding factors. The design leverages existingdisease surveillance networks and as a result, studies using it areincreasingly being reported.MethodsWe sought to examine the theoretical basis for this design usingcausal analysis including directed acyclic graphs. We reviewedstudies that used this design and examined the study populations andsettings, the methodologic choices including analytic approaches, andthe estimates of influenza VE provided. We conducted simulationstudies to examine specific potential biases.ResultsWe show how studies using this design can avoid or minimizebias, and where bias may be introduced with particular study designvariations. A purported advantage of the test-negative designis to minimise selection bias by health-care seeking behaviourand we demonstrate why residual bias may occur. Anotherpurported advantage of the test-negative design is minimization ofmisclassification of the exposure; however we show how this sourceof bias may persist and how exposure misclassification may bea greater cause for concern not dealt with by the study design. Inour review, we found great variation in estimates, but consistencybetween interim and final VE estimates from the same locations,and consistency between VE estimates from inpatient and outpatientstudies in the same locations, age groups and years. One outstandingissue is the potential bias due to non-collapsibility.ConclusionsOur work provides a starting point for further consideration of thevalidity of the test-negative design, which is an efficient approachfor routine monitoring of influenza VE that can be implemented inexisting surveillance systems without substantial additional resources.Harmonization of analytic approaches may improve the potential forpooling VE estimates.
How’s the Weather? Severe Weather Classifications in Syndromic Surveillance
Authors: Hamby Teresa , Tsai Stella , Gu Hui
Published: May 2017

ObjectiveTo report the results of the application of New Jersey’s SevereWeather Classifier in New Jersey’s syndromic surveillance systemduring two extreme weather events.IntroductionHurricane ‘Superstorm’ Sandy struck New Jersey on October 29,2012, causing harm to the health of New Jersey residents and billionsof dollars of damage to businesses, transportation, and infrastructure.Monitoring health outcomes for increased illness and injury due toa severe weather event is important in measuring the severity ofconditions and the efficacy of state response, as well as in emergencyresponse preparations for future severe weather events. Followingthe experience with Hurricane Sandy, NJDOH initiated a projectto develop a suite of 19 indicators, known as the Severe WeatherClassifier (SWC) in EpiCenter, an online system which collectsemergency department chief complaint data in real-time, to performsyndromic surveillance of extreme weather–related conditions.NJDOH has since used these classifiers in more recent events tomonitor for weather-related visits to storm-affected area emergencydepartments (ED’s).In June, 2015, a squall line of damaging thunderstorms, known asa “bow echo,” caused downed wires and multi-day power outagesin Camden and Gloucester counties in southern New Jersey. Almostexactly seven months later, in January, 2016, Winter Storm Jonasdropped more than a foot of snow over New Jersey. These eventsprovided an opportunity to assess the indicators within SWC.MethodsThe impact of these storms on ED visits was assessed in EpiCenterby using the SWC sub-classifications for disrupted outpatientmedical care (dialysis and oxygen needs, and medication refills).Rates per 1,000 ED visits were calculated on two weeks of EDvisits by classification for each storm. For the June 2015 bow echostorm, this assessment focused on Gloucester and Camden counties,the two hardest hit by the storm. For Winter Storm Jonas, rates per1,000 ED visits were calculated statewide since all counties wereimpacted.ResultsAfter the June, 2015 bow echo storm, both Camden and Gloucestercounty ED’s experienced increases in disrupted medical care, themost notable being for oxygen needs (Figures 1 and 2). Duringand after Winter Storm Jonas, ED visits for oxygen assistance andmedicine refills were the most impacted (Figure 3). It is speculatedthat ED visits for dialysis were not noticeably higher since the stormoccurred over a weekend when, generally, treatments take placeduring weekdays.ConclusionsWhile not every classification in the suite that makes up theSWC would be relevant in every extreme weather event, having the19 various elements available provides tools for state and local usersto monitor storm impacts both locally and at the state level.
Wisconsin’s Novel Approach to Creating a Health Outcomes Opioid Surveillance System
Authors: Aksamitauskas Milda , Bullard-Cawthorne Lisa , Diallo Ousmane , Gibson Crystal , Martin Justin , Miller Richard , Muganda Christine , Tandias Aman , Ziege Anne L.
Published: May 2017

ObjectiveWisconsin is leading the way in novel approaches monitoringhealth outcomes for opioid-related adverse events. This panel willshare innovative public health informatics methods that harnessvarious data sources (e.g., Prescription Drug Monitoring Data(PDMP), death, birth and hospitalization data) for population healthsurveillance. Discussion will include topics on detection of drug abuseand diversion, identifying potential neonatal abstinence syndromecases, surveillance of substance-related hospitalizations and overdosedeaths, and modeling opioid-related mortality risk factors.Figure 1. Health Outcomes Opioids Surveillance System DiagramFigure 2. Ratios of MME and Length of Prescription for Select Groups(2013-2015)Map 1. Filled Opioids Over 90MME, Southeast Region Local HeahtDepartments, Wisconsin, 2015.
Successful implementation of electronic disease reporting in Georgia
Authors: Sanodze Lia , Malakmadze Naile , Chlikadze Rusudan , Tsilosani Maka , Teimurazishvili Tamar , Napetvaridze Tsira , Kartskhia Natia , Zakhashvili Khatuna
Published: May 2017

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to evaluate several aspects of theelectronic disease reporting system and its abilities used in Georgia.Also, the study assessed if the system abilities are tailored to thenational surveillance requirements. User attitudes (system strengthand weaknesses) toward the system was also surveyed.IntroductionThe Ministry of Health of Georgia accepted the ElectronicIntegrated Disease Surveillance System (EIDSS) as an officialdisease reporting system in 2012. The Georgian government adoptedelectronic reporting for both veterinary and human diseases in2015. We conducted a comparative assessment of progress in theimplementation of electronic reporting.MethodsA face-to-face initial survey was conducted in 2012, a follow-upsurvey (through telephone interviews) was performed in 2016. Theinitial survey was conducted in regions that had EIDSS installedand the follow-up survey was conducted in all regions. Standardizedquestionnaires were used and data was analyzed in Epi Info.ResultsOut of 450 trained EIDSS users, 32% were interviewed in theinitial survey and 25% (of 550) EIDSS trained users were interviewedin the follow-up survey. Of 147 respondents in the initial survey and138 in the follow-up survey, 44% and 79%, believed that they wereusing EIDSS effectively, respectively. The follow-up survey showeda 23% increase in respondents who acknowledge an improvement ofthe electronic reporting; acceptance of EIDSS increased from 80.3%to 97.8%. Of those interviewed in the follow-up survey, 19.7%mentioned that the main success in development of the system is dueto improved collaboration between institutes. However, 17.36% of therespondents in the follow-up survey reported non-sufficient qualitydata.ConclusionsOur study suggests that the acceptance and use of EIDSS hasnoticeably improved, indicating the successful implementation ofelectronic reporting. Recommendations have been made to furtherimprove the data quality by conducting regular data cleaning andadditional user training. We recommend the continuation of EIDSStraining.
Regional Governance of Syndromic Surveillance for the Texas Gulf Coast
Authors: McNeely Wesley , Santos Eunice R. , Yang Biru , Allred Kiley , Arafat Raouf R.
Published: May 2017

ObjectiveDescribe and explain the transition of the syndromic surveillanceprogram at the Houston Health Department (HHD) from being alocally managed and aging system to an ESSENCE system governedby a regional Consortium of public health agencies and stakeholdersin the 13-county area of the southeast Texas.IntroductionSyndromic surveillance systems are large and complex technologyprojects that increasingly require large investments of financial andpolitical capital to be sustainable. What was once a minor surveillancetool in the mid-2000s has evolved into a program that is regardedas valuable to public health yet is increasingly difficult to maintainand operate for local health departments. The Houston HealthDepartment installed a syndromic surveillance system (SyS) sixyears before Meaning Use became known to healthcare communities.The system chosen at the time was the Real-time Outbreak DiseaseSurveillance System (RODS) which, at the time and for its purpose,was a suitable platform for syndromic surveillance. During the past13 years however, maintaining, operating, and growing a SyS by alocal health department has become increasingly difficult. Inclusionin Meaningful Use elevated the importance and profile of syndromicsurveillance such that network growth, transparency of operations,ease of data sharing, and cooperation with other state systems inTexas became program imperatives.MethodsWith support from the informatics group at Tarrant County PublicHealth (TCPH) in the form of mentoring, HHD devised a two prongstrategy to re-invigorate the syndromic program. The first was toreplace RODS with ESSENCE from Johns Hopkins Applied PhysicsLaboratory (JH/APL). The second was to strengthen the regionalnetwork by creating a governance structure that included outsideagencies and stakeholders. The product of this second effort wasthe creation of the Syndromic Surveillance Consortium of SoutheastTexas (SSCSeT) on the Communities of Practice model1usingparliamentary procedure2.ResultsAcquiring ESSENCE and forming SSCSeT were necessary stepsfor the continuing operation of the SyS. The Consortium includesmembers from local health jurisdictions, health care providers, healthpolicy advocates, academicians, and data aggregators. Created asa democratic society, SSCSeT wrote its constitution and by-laws,voted in officers, formed working groups and has begun developingpolicies. The Consortium is cooperating with the Texas Departmentof State Health Services (DSHS) as well as TCPH. Having ESSENCEwill ensure the HHD-SyS will conform to standards being developedin the state and provide a robust syndromic platform for the partnersof the Consortium.ConclusionsSyndromic systems operated by local health departments canadapt to regulatory changes by growing their networks and engagingregional stakeholders using the Communities of Practice model.
Management tool to guide rabies elimination programmes
Authors: Rysava Kristyna , Mancero Tamara , Caldas Eduardo , Carvalho Mary , Gutierrez Veronica , Haydon Daniel , Johnson Paul , Mancy Rebecca , Gonzalez Roldan Jesus F. , Vilas Victor D. , Hampson Katie
Published: May 2017

ObjectiveTo provide surveillance tools to support policymakers andpractitioners to identify epidemiological situations and inform theprogressive implementation of rabies elimination programmes.IntroductionGlobal targets for elimination of human rabies mediated by dogshave been set for 2030. In the Americas countries are progressingtowards interruption of transmission and declaration of rabiesfreedom1. Guidance for managing elimination programmes toensure continued progress during the endgame is critical, yet oftenlimited and lacking in specific recommendations. Characteristicspatiotemporal incidence patterns are indicative of progress, andthrough their identification, tailored guidance can be provided.MethodsUsing SIRVERA, a surveillance database for rabies in theAmericas2, we developed a classification framework for identificationof epidemiological situations at subnational level. Each situationexhibits a characteristic pattern identified via a set of objective criteriaincluding trends in case detection, assessment of virus variants, caselocations and measures of incursion risk.We refined our framework through application to Mexico inconsultation with stakeholders. To understand factors predictingincursions we analysed state-level data on vaccination campaigns,populations and socioeconomic indicators employing multivariateregression models.ResultsWe were able to classify all states in Mexico and providecorrespondingly tailored guidance. Control efforts have resultedin progress towards elimination; however rabies still circulatesendemically in one state Chiapas, putting its neighbours at risk ofre-emergence.Epidemiological and socioeconomic factors associated withincursions were primarily geographic proximity to endemic and high-prevalence states, and inconsistent vaccination campaigns associatedwith a low human development index.ConclusionsOur management tool can support rabies programme managersat subnational levels to identify their epidemiological situation,develop tailored plans to meet targets, and sustainably maintainrabies freedom, as demonstrated for Mexico. Effective surveillanceis critical for disease elimination. Control options differ dependingon whether disease circulates intermittently through reintroductionsor persists focally, but with poor detection these situations mightbe indistinguishable. Our analysis enables identification of at-riskareas and methods to reduce risk. Investment in remaining endemicareas, through improved implementation and monitoring of mass dogvaccinations, is expected to provide the most cost-effective approachto elimination whilst preventing re-emergence elsewhere.Decision-tree framework.Rabies incursions in Mexico, 2005-2015. Blue circles indicate incursionlocations, and resulting outbreak sizes, with darker shading for more recentincursions. Red shading indicates the duration of endemic circulation over theten-year period.