bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determinants of 6‐Minute Walk Distance in Patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Undergoing Lung Transplant Evaluation
Authors: Porteous Mary K. , Rivera‐Lebron Belinda N. , Kreider Maryl , Lee James , Kawut Steven M.
Published: January 2016

Little is known about the physiologic determinants of 6‐minute walk distance in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. We investigated the demographic, pulmonary function, echocardiographic, and hemodynamic determinants of 6‐minute walk distance in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis evaluated for lung transplantation. We performed a cross‐sectional analysis of 130 patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis who completed a lung transplantation evaluation at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania between 2005 and 2010. Multivariable linear regression analysis was used to generate an explanatory model for 6‐minute walk distance. After adjustment for age, sex, race, height, and weight, the presence of right ventricular dilation was associated with a decrease of 50.9 m (95% confidence interval [CI], 8.4–93.3) in 6‐minute walk distance (P = 0:02). For each 200‐mL reduction in forced vital capacity, the walk distance decreased by 15.0 m (95% CI, 9.0–21.1; P < 0:001). For every increase of 1 Wood unit in pulmonary vascular resistance, the walk distance decreased by 17.3 m (95% CI, 5.1–29.5; P = 0:006). Six‐minute walk distance in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis depends in part on circulatory impairment and the degree of restrictive lung disease. Future trials that target right ventricular morphology, pulmonary vascular resistance, and forced vital capacity may potentially improve exercise capacity in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
New optical fibres for high-capacity optical communications
Authors: Richardson D. J.
Published: January 2016

Researchers are within a factor of 2 or so from realizing the maximum practical transmission capacity of conventional single-mode fibre transmission technology. It is therefore timely to consider new technological approaches offering the potential for more cost-effective scaling of network capacity than simply installing more and more conventional single-mode systems in parallel. In this paper, I review physical layer options that can be considered to address this requirement including the potential for reduction in both fibre loss and nonlinearity for single-mode fibres, the development of ultra-broadband fibre amplifiers and finally the use of space division multiplexing.
Wales’ safeguarding policy and practice: a critical analysis
Authors: Phillips Carys
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– The safeguarding and protection components of the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 offers the culmination of four years consultation in England and Wales by the Law Commission and many years of evolving policy and practice with a view to protecting adults from harm. The purpose of this paper is to offer both scrutiny and challenge for Wales’ policy makers and practitioners alike.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper is a critical analysis of both current responses and forthcoming changes.

Findings

– The paper proposes that Wales has failed to implement previous recommendations in relation to institutional abuse. Currently in Wales, there are individuals employed in safeguarding lead roles who have no social care qualification. This apparent “loophole” has not to date been highlighted to date by either of the regulatory bodies within Wales (CSSIW/CCfW).

Research limitations/implications

– The paper offers a viewpoint but leaves some questions unanswered.

Practical implications

– The Williams Review in April 2014 is set to change the local authority landscape in Wales. There is scope for developing the function of adult safeguarding.

Social implications

– Wales’ failure to recognize institutionalized abuse as a distinct category may have had impacted on its ability to respond to abuse in nursing and care as well hospital settings.

Originality/value

– The failure to recognize institutional abuse is not the only safeguarding anomaly within Wales’ arrangements for protecting those are risk of abuse. This paper describes gaps in the NHS and of professional accountability.
Fostering transition to adulthood for young Australian males: an exploratory study of Men's Sheds’ intergenerational mentoring programmes
Authors: Rahja Miia , Scanlan Justin Newton , Wilson Nathan J. , Cordier Reinie
Published: January 2016

Introduction

Men's Sheds are community spaces where socialisation occurs alongside participation in meaningful activities. Shed activities and socialisation make them useful for supporting transition to adulthood of ‘at‐risk’ young people through meaningful occupations. Many sheds have implemented intergenerational mentoring programmes. However, many programmes are established on an ad‐hoc basis without specific attention to factors that may support effective and sustainable outcomes. We aimed to inform future programmes by exploring different programmes to provide insight into the purpose, design and programme characteristics that are perceived as beneficial for young males.

Method

Four Sydney‐based sheds providing intergenerational mentoring programmes were selected. We interviewed shed coordinators, mentors and mentees to explore their perceptions of programme characteristics that supported mentees’ transition to adulthood. Thematic analysis techniques were used to first analyse and understand the unique context of each programme and these were then merged and integrated to identify the most helpful aspects of these mentoring programmes.

Results

Mentor attitude towards the mentees, freedom to make independent choices and the nature and perceived usefulness of the project were considered the most significant characteristics of these programmes.

Conclusion

This was the first known examination of the different characteristics of Men's Sheds intergenerational mentoring programmes. On the basis of our findings, we have made recommendations to help guide the planning and implementation of future programmes. While our findings largely support previous research on mentoring programmes, findings from this study suggest that ‘expert skills’ may not be as important as mentor attitude to working with the mentees.
Effects of dietary rumen‐protected lysine on milk yield and composition in lactating cows fed diets containing double‐low rapeseed meal
Authors: Liu Gang , Ma Zhi , Shan Anshan , Wang Lin , Bi Zhongpeng
Published: January 2016

This study investigated the effects of dietary rumen‐protected lysine (RPLys) on milk yield and composition in lactating cows fed diets containing double‐low rapeseed meal. Twenty‐four cows were divided into three groups and fed one of three dietary treatments: 10% soya bean meal (SBM) diet (control), 15% double‐low rapeseed meal (DLRSM) diet and 15% DLRSM + 32 g/d RPLys (DLRSML) diet. The results showed that no differences (P > 0.05) were observed in milk yield, 4% fat correction milk (FCM), energy correction milk (ECM), protein yield, milk fat yield, milk fat, lactose yield and lactose between control and DLRSM. Supplementation with DLRSML increased (P < 0.05) milk yield, 4% FCM, ECM, and protein yield compared with the SBM. The results indicated that DLRSM and DLRSML might be used to substitute for SBM as a protein source in lactating cows, and the latter might be more beneficial to improve the performance.
Isolation of exopolysaccharide‐producing bacteria and yeasts from Tibetan kefir and characterisation of the exopolysaccharides
Authors: Chen Zhina , Shi Junling , Yang Xijuan , Liu Yang , Nan Bo , Wang Zhongfu
Published: January 2016

Fifteen organisms were isolated from Tibetan kefir. Six of them were exopolysaccharide (EPS)‐producing strains cultured in skim milk medium, which included two yeasts (Kazachstania unispora), one acetic acid bacterium (Acetobacter okinawensis) and three lactic acid bacteria (Leuconostoc pseudomesenteroides). The protein oxidative damage protection assay revealed that preincubation of exopolysaccharides (EPSs) could restore the levels of protein oxidation in a dose‐dependent manner. The SEM images indicated that there were great differences in the microstructures and surface morphologies among the EPSs. The GC analysis of the EPSs showed that all of the EPSs were composed of more than one kind of monosaccharide.
DCIS of the breast: The value of preoperative MRI
Authors: Doyle Anthony James , Prakash Sharath , Wang Kaye , Cranshaw Isaac , Taylor Eletha , Oldfield Robyn
Published: January 2016

Introduction

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) of the breast is commonly treated surgically. The intent of this study was to evaluate whether preoperative MRI could add to mammography in predicting the extent of the disease.

Methods

A series of patients with DCIS attending our surgical clinic for preoperative assessment were offered MRI as part of a prospective study. The extent of the disease indicated by mammography and MRI was compared with histopathology after definitive treatment. The null hypothesis was that MRI does not add to mammography in accurately predicting disease extent.

Results

Fifty patients make up the basis of this report. Mammography was concordant with the pathology in 31/50. MRI and mammography combined were concordant in 43/50. This is a statistically significant difference (P = 0.01, Fisher's exact test). Upstaging to mastectomy by MRI was correct in 7/8 patients, but downstaging was correct in only 2/4.

Conclusions

The null hypothesis is rejected. MRI does add to mammography in accurately predicting the extent of DCIS. Upstaging by MRI is usually reliable.
A model‐based evaluation of single metrics for discriminating changes in rheumatoid arthritis disease activity
Authors: Wojciechowski Jessica , Wiese Michael D. , Proudman Susanna M. , Foster David J. R. , Upton Richard N.
Published: January 2016

Aims

Composite indices for quantifying rheumatoid arthritis (RA) disease activity such as the 28‐joint disease activity score (DAS28) are comprised of single parameters (‘metrics’) in various combinations. Population modelling methods were used to evaluate single metrics for their ability to reflect changes in disease activity with a view to understanding and improving composite indices.

Methods

A total of 11 single metrics of RA disease activity (tender and swollen joint counts, acute phase reactants and global health, pain and physical function assessments) were obtained from 203 patients with recent onset RA. Participants received combination disease‐modifying anti‐rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) according to a treat‐to‐target approach with a pre‐defined protocol for treatment intensification. Models describing each metric's magnitude and variability of change from baseline to a single ‘treated’ state in the population were developed using nonmem®. Measures that displayed uniformly large changes between states across the population were ranked higher in terms of discriminatory capacity.

Results

Joint counts demonstrated a greater ability to discriminate changes in RA disease activity than others. Correlations between metrics demonstrated that erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) had limited relationships with others for baseline scores and changes in RA disease activity (r generally < 0.2). However it appeared to be important in describing changes for those individuals where ESR levels were initially elevated.

Conclusion

It appears unlikely that a single group of metrics may be suitable to capture disease activity changes across all RA patients and defining the most appropriate metric(s) for individual patients will be an important area of future research.
Population pharmacokinetics of oseltamivir and oseltamivir carboxylate in obese and non‐obese volunteers
Authors: Chairat Kalayanee , Jittamala Podjanee , Hanpithakpong Warunee , Day Nicholas P. J. , White Nicholas J. , Pukrittayakamee Sasithon , Tarning Joel
Published: January 2016

Aims

The aims of the present study were to compare the pharmacokinetics of oseltamivir and its active antiviral metabolite oseltamivir carboxylate in obese and non‐obese individuals and to determine the effect of obesity on the pharmacokinetic properties of oseltamivir and oseltamivir carboxylate.

Methods

The population pharmacokinetic properties of oseltamivir and oseltamivir carboxylate were evaluated in 12 obese [body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg m−2) and 12 non‐obese (BMI <30 kg m−2) Thai adult volunteers receiving a standard dose of 75 mg and a double dose of 150 mg in a randomized sequence. Concentration–time data were collected and analysed using nonlinear mixed‐effects modelling.

Results

The pharmacokinetics of oseltamivir and oseltamivir carboxylate were described simultaneously by first‐order absorption, with a one‐compartment disposition model for oseltamivir, followed by a metabolism compartment and a one‐compartment disposition model for oseltamivir carboxylate. Creatinine clearance was a significant predictor of oseltamivir carboxylate clearance {3.84% increase for each 10 ml min−1 increase in creatinine clearance [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.178%, 8.02%]}. Obese individuals had an approximately 25% (95% CI 24%, 28%) higher oseltamivir clearance, 20% higher oseltamivir volume of distribution (95% CI 19%, 23%) and 10% higher oseltamivir carboxylate clearance (95% CI 9%, 11%) compared with non‐obese individuals. However, these altered pharmacokinetic properties were small and did not change the overall exposure to oseltamivir carboxylate.

Conclusions

The results confirmed that a dose adjustment for oseltamivir in obese individuals is not necessary on the basis of its pharmacokinetics.
Effects of extreme experimental drought and rewetting on CO2 and CH4 exchange in mesocosms of 14 European peatlands with different nitrogen and sulfur deposition
Authors: Estop‐Aragonés Cristian , Zając Katarzyna , Blodau Christian
Published: January 2016

The quantitative impact of intense drought and rewetting on gas exchange in ombrotrophic bogs is still uncertain. In particular, we lack studies investigating multitudes of sites with different soil properties and nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) deposition under consistent environmental conditions. We explored the timing and magnitude of change in CO2 (Respiration, Gross Primary Production – GPP, and Net Exchange – NE) and CH4 fluxes during an initial wet, a prolonged dry (~100 days), and a subsequent wet period (~230 days) at 12 °C in 14 Sphagnum peat mesocosms collected in hollows from bogs in the UK, Ireland, Poland, and Slovakia. The relationship of N and S deposition with GPP, respiration, and CH4 exchange was investigated. Nitrogen deposition increased CO2 fluxes and GPP more than respiration, at least up to about 15 kg N ha−1 yr−1. All mesocosms became CO2 sources during drying and most of them when the entire annual period was considered. Response of GPP to drying was faster than that of respiration and contributed more to the change in NE; the effect was persistent and few sites recovered “predry” GPP by the end of the wet phase. Respiration was higher during the dry phase, but did not keep increasing as WT kept falling and peaked within the initial 33 days of drying; the change was larger when differences in humification with depth were small. CH4 fluxes strongly peaked during early drought and water table decline. After rewetting, methanogenesis recovered faster in dense peats, but CH4 fluxes remained low for several months, especially in peats with higher inorganic reduced sulfur content, where sulfate was generated and methanogenesis remained suppressed. Based on a range of European sites, the results support the idea that N and S deposition and intense drought can substantially affect greenhouse gas exchange on the annual scale.
Fighting in the Dark: Ideology and State Formation in Post‐Colonial Burma
Authors: Hein Min Ye Paing
Published: January 2016

Extant major approaches to states and revolutions privilege the role of state practices and the character of war‐making in shaping modern state‐making in the Third World. Bringing the role of ideology into this analytical landscape of state‐making, this paper advances an alternative claim that ideological practices shape modern state structures and practices as well as the dynamics of political contention between the state and the revolutions. First, I argue that that intra‐movement ideological dynamics within the nationalist movement can have a profound impact on the structure and practices of the state. Using the writings of the party leaders, memoirs and official publications of the Burmese communist party, I maintain that subtle and specific ideological differences amongst the Burmese leftist movements generated organizational splits and internecine conflicts in the nationalist struggle, which exerted profound influences on the structures and practices of the Burmese state Secondly, relative ideological positions of the state and the revolutionary movements play an important role in shaping the dynamics of contention between the state and revolution. For example, an intimate web of ideological affinity between the nascent Burmese state and the Burmese leftist movements shaped the context and content of political contention between the state and these movements in the post‐colonial Burma. To address these issues empirically, the first part of the paper examines the formation and cementation of organizational linkages amongst Burmese leftist nationalists during the anti‐colonial struggle. The second part of the paper addresses specific and subtle ways in which ideological character and practices of the Burmese state and the Burmese Communist party shaped state practices and state structures in modern Burma as well as the dynamics of political contention between the state and the revolutionary movements.
An integrative review exploring decision‐making factors influencing mental health nurses in the use of restraint
Authors: Riahi S. , Thomson G. , Duxbury J.
Published: January 2016

Accessible Summary

What is known on the subject?

There is emerging evidence highlighting the counter therapeutic impact of the use of restraint and promoting the minimization of this practice in mental health care.

Mental health nurses are often the professional group using restraint and understanding factors influencing their decision‐making becomes critical.

To date, there are no other published papers that have undertaken a similar broad search to review this topic.

What this paper adds to existing knowledge?

Eight emerging themes are identified as factors influencing mental health nurses decisions‐making in the use of restraint.

The themes are: ‘safety for all’, ‘restraint as a necessary intervention’, ‘restraint as a last resort’, ‘role conflict’, ‘maintaining control’, ‘staff composition’, ‘knowledge and perception of patient behaviours’, and ‘psychological impact’.

‘Last resort’ appears to be the mantra of acceptable restraint use, although, to date, there are no studies that specifically consider what this concept actually is.

What are the implications for practice?

These findings should be considered in the evaluation of the use of restraint in mental health settings and appropriate strategies placed to support shifting towards restraint minimization.

As the concept of ‘last resort’ is mentioned in many policies and guidelines internationally with no published understanding of what this means, research should prioritize this as a critical next step in restraint minimization efforts.

Introduction

While mechanical and manual restraint as an institutional method of control within mental health settings may be perceived to seem necessary at times, there is emergent literature highlighting the potential counter‐therapeutic impact of this practice for patients as well as staff. Nurses are the professional group who are most likely to use mechanical and manual restraint methods within mental health settings. In‐depth insights to understand what factors influence nurses’ decision‐making related to restraint use are therefore warranted.

Aim

To explore what influences mental health nurses’ decision‐making in the use of restraint.

Method

An integrative review using Cooper's framework was undertaken.

Results

Eight emerging themes were identified: ‘safety for all’, ‘restraint as a necessary intervention’, ‘restraint as a last resort’, ‘role conflict’, ‘maintaining control’, ‘staff composition’, ‘knowledge and perception of patient behaviours’, and ‘psychological impact’. These themes highlight how mental health nurses’ decision‐making is influenced by ethical and safety responsibilities, as well as, interpersonal and staff‐related factors.

Conclusion

Research to further understand the experience and actualization of ‘last resort’ in the use of restraint and to provide strategies to prevent restraint use in mental health settings are needed.
Addressing barriers to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis B and C in the face of persisting fiscal constraints in Europe: report from a high level conference
Authors: Papatheodoridis G. , Thomas H. C. , Golna C. , Bernardi M. , Carballo M. , Cornberg M. , Dalekos G. , Degertekin B. , Dourakis S. , Flisiak R. , Goldberg D. , Gore C. , Goulis I. , Hadziyannis S. , Kalamitsis G. , Kanavos P. , Kautz A. , Koskinas I. , Leite B. R. , Malliori M. , Manolakopoulos S. , Matičič M. , Papaevangelou V. , Pirona A. , Prati D. , Raptopoulou – Gigi M. , Reic T. , Robaeys G. , Schatz E. , Souliotis K. , Tountas Y. , Wiktor S. , Wilson D. , Yfantopoulos J. , Hatzakis A.
Published: January 2016

In the WHO–EURO region, around 28 million people are currently living with chronic viral hepatitis, and 120 000 people die every year because of it. Lack of awareness and understanding combined with the social stigma and discrimination exacerbate barriers related to access to prevention, diagnosis and treatment services for those most in need. In addition, the persisting economic crisis has impacted on public health spending, thus posing challenges on the sustainable investment in promotion, primary and secondary prevention, diagnosis and treatment of viral hepatitis across European countries. The Hepatitis B and C Public Policy Association in cooperation with the Hellenic Center for Disease Prevention and Control together with 10 partner organizations discussed at the Athens High Level Meeting held in June 2014 recent policy developments, persisting and emerging challenges related to the prevention and management of viral hepatitis and the need for a de minimis framework of urgent priorities for action, reflected in a Call to Action (Appendix S1). The discussion confirmed that persisting barriers do not allow the full realisation of the public health potential of diagnosing and preventing hepatitis B and C, treating hepatitis B and curing hepatitis C. Such barriers are related to (a) lack of evidence‐based knowledge of hepatitis B and C, (b) limited access to prevention, diagnosis and treatment services with poor patient pathways, (c) declining resources and (d) the presence of social stigma and discrimination. The discussion also confirmed the emerging importance of fiscal constraints on the ability of policymakers to adequately address viral hepatitis challenges, particularly through increasing coverage of newer therapies. In Europe, it is critical that public policy bodies urgently agree on a conceptual framework for addressing the existing and emerging barriers to managing viral hepatitis. Such a framework would ensure all health systems share a common understanding of definitions and indicators and look to integrate their responses to manage policy spillovers in the most cost‐effective manner, while forging wide partnerships to sustainably and successfully address viral hepatitis.
Water Quality Prediction of Gangapur Reservoir (India) Using LS‐SVM and Genetic Programming
Authors: Jadhav Mrunalini Shivaji , Khare Kanchan Chandrashekhar , Warke Arundhati Suresh
Published: January 2016

Water quality analysis involves analysis of physio‐chemical, biological and microbiological parameters that reflect the abiotic and biotic status of ecosystems. This assessment facilitates planning for the utilization, antipollution and conservation strategies for sustainable use of aquatic ecosystem. Many mathematical models are available for predicting water quality. They have complex structures and require detailed information about sources and receptors, which are difficult and non‐economical. Difficulties in applying mathematical models promote the application of alternative approaches for data‐driven techniques for analysis of the results.

The present study focuses on water quality predictions for the Gangapur Reservoir for a 30 days in advance scenario, using genetic programming (GP) and least square support vector machines (LS‐SVMs). A data period of 11 years (2000–2011) of Gangapur Reservoir temporal water quality was evaluated. The data were taken from a single sampling point representing climatological, hydrological and surface water quality measurements. One of the most important steps in application of data‐driven technique is selection of significant input parameters. Genetic programming equations were used for selecting significant input parameters. These significant input parameters are used for 30 days advance predictions of faecal coliform. A performance analysis of GP and LS‐SVM models was carried out with the help of coefficient of determination, root‐mean‐square error and correlation coefficient. In the absence of availability of data, a typical situation for Indian case studies, the model runs were conducted with the use of available parameters. The developed models, along with their performance indicators, also are discussed.
Generic Modeling and Control of an Open-Circuit Piston Pump—Part I: Theoretical Model and Analysis
Authors: Wang Shu
Published: January 2016

Since variable-displacement open-circuits piston pumps are equipped with diverse compensators or controllers, many different modeling approaches and representations have been developed in the previous research. In the industry, the type of pump design (with an offset between the driving shaft and rotating center of the swash plate to neutralize the swash plate which replaces the bias piston) becomes more popular to reduce manufacturing costs that will be addressed in the research. To facilitate designs of electrohydraulic (EH) controllers and comparison studies of performance, the study proposes a generic state-space model of piston pumps acting in an open-circuit configuration by using generic regulator and unique reference inputs. One major contribution of the work is typical control strategies (including the pressure control, load-sensing control, and power control) in open-circuits pumps, which are described in one generic model. Thus, the model can be expediently used for investigations and improving piston pump designs. Even more important, the model can contribute as a unique and efficient plant to apply various model-based EH control that will be more convenient, intelligent, and less cost than current designs in the industry. Also, most previous modeling work of open-circuit piston pumps only concerns the steady-state results of the pump dynamics to simply the calculations that may ignore some important dynamics. The proposed model considers the high-order dynamics of the pump, such as swash plate velocity and accelerations. The variations caused by these terms are embedded in the model coefficients and regarded as the parameter uncertainties so that the model can take advantage of both modeling linearization and transient dynamics. It is highly challenging to analyze the stability and controllability issues during the design of piston pumps because they are impacted by many nonlinear parameters and operating conditions. So, the study presents another important methodology to analyze and define the critical design specification, such as stability, controllability, and observability. In the proposed model, the dynamical characteristics can be examined and compared by pumping subsystems and overall system in a single consistent platform. The controller gain scheduling and design performance are also able to assessed and determined while defining and specifying design criteria of the pump itself.
Generic Modeling and Control of an Open-Circuit Piston Pump—Part II: Control Strategies and Designs
Authors: Wang Shu
Published: January 2016

Hydromechanical compensators are often integrated with piston-type pumps to produce various control behavior, for example, pressure, load-sensing, power, or torque control. Various hydromechanical mechanisms (e.g., spring forces and load pressure) are found in the industry to ensure the desired effect of the system outputs: swash angle, discharge pressure, and input torque following the reference inputs. In a companion paper (Part I of this paper), a generic linearized state-space model is derived to investigate the pump dynamics and determine the design criteria and parameters. In the study, the state-space equations are used to propose and define the generic compensating control pump to conduct the similar strategies as hydromechanical pumps do. The different control purposes (pressure/flow/power compensating) are accomplished by only manipulating the generic regulate inputs given by an electrical proportional control valve. In the open-circuit pump, the generic controllers are proposed to generate these inputs by using one unique mechanical and electronic architecture to establish various purposes of flow, pressure, torque desired control, and even more control objectives. The controller is developed in accordance with the state-space representation and by following the models of the hydromechanical compensators that can facilitate the correlation verification. The proposed controllers are able to offer more intelligent and cost-saving control strategies for open-circuit piston pumps. To achieve the similar performance as hydromechanical compensators do and implement the comparative study, control gains and settings in the controller can be determined from ones that hydromechanical compensators have. The difference is that electronic signals (swash plate position, pressure, etc.) work as feedbacks together with other control gains to regulate the input signals. For the different control purposes, control gains are able to be set conveniently for the various control operating conditions with combining the certain feedbacks on the same hardware platform that will be value efficient and capable of control intelligence. In the paper, results of predictions made by the model are presented and compared with some experimental data of hydromechanical designs. Further work on the advanced model-based control and estimation is anticipated to be addressed.
“Bigfoot” Direct Vertical Access Semisubmersible Model Tests and Comparison With Numerical Predictions
Authors: Liapis Stergios , Li Yile , Lu Haining , Peng Tao
Published: January 2016

The Bigfoot direct vertical access (DVA) semisubmersible is a novel floating drilling and production host that provides an attractive alternative to the spar. This concept utilizes heave plates (big feet) that improve the motion characteristics of a semisubmersible in all mild environments (Southeast Asia, West Africa, and Brazil). Bigfoot offers riser-friendly motions that enable top-tensioned risers, which is often a project requirement. This floater works in all water depths, in particular ultra-deepwater (5000 + ft) where a tension leg platform (TLP) is not an option, supports top-tensioned risers, and enables drilling and workover operations. The Bigfoot has several advantages over a spar. These include: (1) quayside topsides integration. This eliminates offshore topsides integration, a significant issue for all spar projects in terms of cost, safety, and schedule, (2) a more open deck layout compared to a spar, and (3) no fabrication location restrictions as it can be built by many yards worldwide potentially offering local content to a project. Model tests were undertaken at the Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) Offshore Basin to assess the dynamic response of the Bigfoot in waves, swell, wind, and current. Five mild non-Gulf of Mexico (GOM) environments were considered. In all the cases, the floater motions are an order of magnitude smaller than those of a conventional semisubmersible for similar deck payload, thus enabling drilling operations and top-tensioned production risers. In a parallel effort, a cosmos numerical model of the Bigfoot was developed for coupled motion analysis. The experimental results and the cosmos numerical predictions are in close agreement. In addition to measuring global motions, two heave plates were instrumented with load cells to measure forces and moments. The force measurements from the model tests are in good agreement with numerical predictions using computational fluid dynamics (CFD).
Functional redundancy of the kinases MEK1 and MEK2: Rescue of the
Mek1
mutant phenotype by
Mek2
knock-in reveals a protein threshold effect
Authors: Aoidi Rifdat , Maltais Annie , Charron Jean
Published: January 2016

Placental development and embryo survival require a minimum amount of either MEK1 or MEK2.
Ebselen, a Small-Molecule Capsid Inhibitor of HIV-1 Replication
Authors: Thenin-Houssier Suzie , de Vera Ian Mitchelle S. , Pedro-Rosa Laura , Brady Angela , Richard Audrey , Konnick Briana , Opp Silvana , Buffone Cindy , Fuhrmann Jakob , Kota Smitha , Billack Blase , Pietka-Ottlik Magdalena , Tellinghuisen Timothy , Choe Hyeryun , Spicer Timothy , Scampavia Louis , Diaz-Griffero Felipe , Kojetin Douglas J. , Valente Susana T.
Published: January 2016

The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) capsid plays crucial roles in HIV-1 replication and thus represents an excellent drug target. We developed a high-throughput screening method based on a time-resolved fluorescence resonance energy transfer (HTS-TR-FRET) assay, using the C-terminal domain (CTD) of HIV-1 capsid to identify inhibitors of capsid dimerization. This assay was used to screen a library of pharmacologically active compounds, composed of 1,280
in vivo
-active drugs, and identified ebselen [2-phenyl-1,2-benzisoselenazol-3(2H)-one], an organoselenium compound, as an inhibitor of HIV-1 capsid CTD dimerization. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic analysis confirmed the direct interaction of ebselen with the HIV-1 capsid CTD and dimer dissociation when ebselen is in 2-fold molar excess. Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry revealed that ebselen covalently binds the HIV-1 capsid CTD, likely via a selenylsulfide linkage with Cys198 and Cys218. This compound presents anti-HIV activity in single and multiple rounds of infection in permissive cell lines as well as in primary peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Ebselen inhibits early viral postentry events of the HIV-1 life cycle by impairing the incoming capsid uncoating process. This compound also blocks infection of other retroviruses, such as Moloney murine leukemia virus and simian immunodeficiency virus, but displays no inhibitory activity against hepatitis C and influenza viruses. This study reports the use of TR-FRET screening to successfully identify a novel capsid inhibitor, ebselen, validating HIV-1 capsid as a promising target for drug development.
Imatinib reduces bone marrow fibrosis and overwhelms the adverse prognostic impact of reticulin formation in patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia
Authors: Tanrikulu Simsek Eda , Eskazan Ahmet Emre , Cengiz Mahir , Ar Muhlis Cem , Ekizoglu Seda , Salihoglu Ayse , Gulturk Emine , Elverdi Tugrul , Ongoren Aydin Seniz , Senem Demiroz Ahu , Buyru Ayse Nur , Baslar Zafer , Ozbek Ugur , Ferhanoglu Burhan , Aydin Yildiz , Tuzuner Nukhet , Soysal Teoman
Published: January 2016

Aims

Before the era of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), the presence of bone marrow fibrosis (MF) in patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) has been established as a poor prognostic factor. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of imatinib treatment on MF and the prognostic significance of MF at this new era of CML therapy.

Methods

The study cohort consisted of 135 patients with CML who were exposed to imatinib. The grades of MF pre and post imatinib together with cytogenetic and molecular responses were evaluated.

Results

Severe MF (grade II–III) was observed in 44 (33%) patients prior to imatinib therapy, and in 8 (8%) after 12 months of imatinib treatment (p=0.001). The complete cytogenetic response (CCyR) rates at 12 months did not differ according to the pre-imatinib MF grades, and CCyR rates in patients with grades 0, I, II and III MF were 36/47 (76.5%), 26/33 (78.7%), 12/23 (52.1%) and 7/10 (70%), respectively (p=0.127). There was no significant difference between patients with or without CCyR at 12 months of imatinib regarding grades of MF (p=0.785). The distribution of the major molecular response rates at 18 months according to pre-treatment grades of MF were determined as grade 0 in 38/45 (84.4%), grade I in 21/28 (75%), grade II in 14/21 (66.6%) and grade III in 7/10 (70%) (p=0.112). There was no significant difference in overall survival rates between initial MF mild (grade 0–I) and severe (grade II–III) groups (p=0.278).

Conclusions

According to our findings, MF regresses with imatinib therapy over time, and the MF grades at diagnosis do not have a negative impact on the responses to imatinib treatment. Therefore, the adverse prognostic impact of the MF among patients with CML seems to disappear in the era of the TKIs.
European molecular epidemiology and strain diversity of feline calicivirus
Authors: Hou J. , Sánchez‐Vizcaíno F. , McGahie D. , Lesbros C. , Almeras T. , Howarth D. , O'Hara V. , Dawson S. , Radford A. D.
Published: January 2016

Feline calicivirus (FCV) causes a variable syndrome of upper respiratory tract disease, mouth ulcers and lameness. A convenience‐based prospective sample of oropharyngeal swabs (n=426) was obtained from five countries (France, Germany, Greece, Portugal and the UK). The prevalence of FCV by virus isolation was 22.2 per cent. Multivariable analysis found that animals presenting with lymphoplasmacytic gingivitis stomatitis complex were more likely to test positive for FCV infection. Furthermore, vaccinated cats up to 48 months of age were significantly less likely to be infected with FCV than unvaccinated animals of similar ages. Phylogenetic analysis based on consensus sequences for the immunodominant region of the capsid gene from 72 FCV isolates identified 46 strains. Thirteen of the 14 strains with more than one sequence were restricted to individual regions or sites in individual countries; the exception was a strain present in two sites close to each other in France. Four strains were present in more than one household. Five colonies, four of which were rescue shelters, had multiple strains within them. Polymerase sequence suggested possible rare recombination events. These locally, nationally and internationally diverse FCV populations maintain a continuous challenge to the control of FCV infection and disease.
Significant hydrogen-bonding effect on the reactivity of high-valent manganese(V)–oxo porphyrins in C–H bond activation: A DFT study
Authors: Rezaeifard Abdolreza , Kavousi Hossein , Raissi Heidar , Jafarpour Maasoumeh
Published: January 2016

The stereo electronic effects as well as hydrogen bonding effects of imidazole, pyridine and 2,6-dimethylpyridine as N-donor axial ligands on the C–H oxidation activity of high-valent manganese(V)–oxo meso-tetraphenylporphyrin (TPP) and meso-tetrakis(pentaflourophenyl)porphyrin (TPFPP), are investigated by DFT calculations. The electronic and steric properties of axial donors and porphyrin ligands affected on the activation energy of cyclohexane hydroxylation as well as the Mn–O bond strength of the oxo species in transition state. Imidazole with the strong [Formula: see text]-donating ability and the least steric hindrance showed greater co-catalytic activity than those of pyridine and in particularly hindered 2,6-Me2 pyridine in the presence of simple [(TPP)MnO][Formula: see text]. Nevertheless, the C–H bond activation by hindered and electron-deficient perfluorinated catalyst [(TPFPP)MnO][Formula: see text] is in the order of pyridine >2, 6-Me2 pyridine >imidazole. AIM analysis showed hydrogen bonding (HB) between the C–H [Formula: see text] bonds of pyridine (C[Formula: see text]-H of ring) and 2,6-Me2Py (C[Formula: see text]-H of methyl groups) with ortho-C–F bond of phenyl rings of TPFPP in Mn[Formula: see text]O species (C–H…..F–C hydrogen bond) which might be responsible for this unusual behavior. These results are supported by natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis.
Why Computing Students Learn on Their Own
Authors: McCartney Robert , Boustedt Jonas , Eckerdal Anna , Sanders Kate , Thomas Lynda , Zander Carol
Published: January 2016

In this article, we address the question of why computing students choose to learn computing topics on their own. A better understanding of why some students choose to learn on their own may help us to motivate other students to develop this important skill. In addition, it may help in curriculum design; if we need to leave some topics out of our expanding curriculum, a good choice might be those topics that students readily learn on their own.

Based on a thematic analysis of 17 semistructured interviews, we found that computing students’ motivations for self-directed learning fall into four general themes: projects, social and peer interactions, joy of learning, and fear. Under these, we describe several more specific subthemes, illustrated in the words of the students.

The project-related and social motivations are quite prominent. Although these motivations appear in the literature, they received greater emphasis from our interviewees. Perhaps most characteristic of computing is the motivation to learn to complete some project, both projects done for fun and projects required for school or work.
Adaptation of Language Models for SMT Using Neural Networks with Topic Information
Authors: Zhao Yinggong , Huang Shujian , Dai Xin-Yu , Chen Jiajun
Published: January 2016

Neural network language models (LMs) are shown to be effective in improving the performance of statistical machine translation (SMT) systems. However, state-of-the-art neural network LMs usually use words before the current position as context and neglect global topic information, which can help machine translation (MT) systems to select better translation candidates from a higher perspective. In this work, we propose improvement of the state-of-the-art feedforward neural language model with topic information. Two main issues need to be tackled when adding topics into neural network LMs for SMT: one is how to incorporate topics to the neural network; the other is how to get target-side topic distribution before translation. We incorporate topics by appending topic distribution to the input layer of a feedforward LM. We adopt a multinomial logistic-regression (MLR) model to predict the target-side topic distribution based on source side information. Moreover, we propose a feedforward neural network model to learn joint representations on the source side for topic prediction. LM experiments demonstrate that the perplexity on validation set can be greatly reduced by the topic-enhanced feedforward LM, and the prediction of target-side topics can be improved dramatically with the MLR model equipped with the joint source representations. A final MT experiment, conducted on a large-scale Chinese--English dataset, shows that our feedforward LM with predicted topics improves the translation performance against a strong baseline.
Review of the Strain Modulation Methods Used in Fiber Bragg Grating Sensors
Authors: Li Kuo
Published: January 2016

Fiber Bragg grating (FBG) is inherently sensitive to temperature and strain. By modulating FBG’s strain, various FBG sensors have been developed, such as sensors with enhanced or reduced temperature sensitivity, strain/displacement sensors, inclinometers, accelerometers, pressure meters, and magnetic field meters. This paper reviews the strain modulation methods used in these FBG sensors and categorizes them according to whether the strain of an FBG is changed evenly. Then, those even-strain-change methods are subcategorized into (1) attaching/embedding an FBG throughout to a base and (2) fixing the two ends of an FBG and (2.1) changing the distance between the two ends or (2.2) bending the FBG by applying a transverse force at the middle of the FBG. This review shows that the methods of “fixing the two ends” are prominent because of the advantages of large tunability and frequency modulation.
Ocular Surface Epithelial Thickness Evaluation in Dry Eye Patients: Clinical Correlations
Authors: Liang Qingfeng , Liang Hong , Liu Hanruo , Pan Zhiqiang , Baudouin Christophe , Labbé Antoine
Published: January 2016

Purpose.To evaluate the relationship between corneal and conjunctival epithelium thickness and ocular surface clinical tests in dry eye disease (DED) patients.Patients and Methods.Fifty-four patients with DED and 32 control subjects were included. Each patient underwent an ocular surface evaluation using the ocular surface disease index (OSDI), tear film break-up time (TBUT), corneal and conjunctival staining, tear film lipid layer analysis, and Schirmer test. The central corneal (CET), limbal (LET), and bulbar conjunctival epithelium thickness (BET) were acquired using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT).Results.Compared to control subjects, mean BET was significantly thicker and mean LET was significantly lower in the DED group. There was no significant difference in mean CET between the two groups. The mean LET was correlated with OSDI and TBUT. The inferior LET was correlated with OSDI, Schirmer I test, TBUT, Oxford score, and corneal sensitivity. Mean BET was correlated with OSDI and TBUT, but not with Schirmer I test and Oxford score.Conclusions.In dry eye patients, a thinner limbal epithelium and a thicker bulbar conjunctival epithelium were observed. These changes were correlated to the severity of dry eye symptoms and tear film alterations.
Perivascular Epithelioid Cell Tumour with Intraorbital Location: Report of a Case and Review of the Literature
Authors: Lubo Idania , Fermín Ileana , Massarelli Olindo , Gobbi Roberta , Cossu Rocca Paolo
Published: January 2016

The Perivascular Epithelioid Cell tumours (PEComas) are rare mesenchymal neoplasms recognized as entity by the World Health Organization. The tumour cells have an uncertain origin and are characterized by distinctive histological and immunohistochemical features. We report a case of PEComa occurring as intraorbital lesion in a 47-year-old man. We found only two other cases described in the literature and we considered all three cases together in order of histology, immunohistochemistry, and clinical outcome. We found a strict histological overlapping and quite similar immunohistological results. All three cases showed a favourable clinical course probably related to small size of tumours (<5 cm), low mitotic rate (<2 mitoses in 50 HPF), and absence of necrosis.
Disturbance Compensation Based Finite-Time Tracking Control of Rigid Manipulator
Authors: Sahabi Mohamed Elamin , Li Guipu , Wang Xiangyu , Li Shihua
Published: January 2016

The finite-time tracking control problem of rigid manipulator system with mismatched disturbances is investigated via a composite control method. The proposed composite controller is based on finite-time disturbance observer and adding a power integrator technique. First, a finite-time disturbance observer is designed which guarantees that the disturbances can be estimated in a finite time. Then, a composite controller is developed based on adding a power integrator approach and the estimates of the disturbances. Under the proposed composite controller, the manipulator position can track the desired position in a finite time. Simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme.