bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of feeding different levels of palm kernel cake fermented by Paenibacillus polymyxa ATCC 842 on broiler growth performance, blood biochemistry, carcass characteristics, and meat quality
Authors: Alshelmani M. I. , Loh T. C. , Foo H. L. , Sazili A. Q. , Lau W. H.
Published: May 2016

A feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effect of palm kernel cake fermented by Paenibacillus polymyxa ATCC 842 (FPKC) on broiler performance. A total of 245 1-day-old broiler chicks (Cobb 500) were raised in the conventional open-sided house. The birds were fed diets containing 0 (Control), 5%, 10% and 15% palm kernel cake (PKC) and 5%, 10%, 15% FPKC. The bodyweight and the feed intake were recorded. The bodyweight gain (BWG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were calculated. Carcass characteristics and meat quality were measured at the end of the experiment, whereas blood was collected at 21 (starter) and 42 days (finisher) to determine blood biochemistry. The results showed that the addition of 10% or 15% PKC in broiler diets led to a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in BWG and increase in FCR during the finisher phase or overall performance. However, BWG and FCR were improved (P < 0.05) in chickens fed with 10% or 15% FPKC compared with those fed with 10% or 15% PKC or the Control group. The relative weight of the gizzard was higher (P < 0.05) for the broiler group fed with 15% PKC compared with those birds fed the Control diet or FPKC at 3 weeks of age. No significant differences were observed among the dietary treatments in blood biochemistry, breast meat colour, drip loss, cooking loss and tenderness. In conclusion, the present experiment showed that palm kernel cake fermented by P. polymyxa ATCC 842 could be fed to broiler chickens up to 15% in their rations without any adverse effect on the growth performance and meat quality.
Isolation of the Fathead Minnow Nidovirus from Muskellunge Experiencing Lingering Mortality
Authors: Faisal Mohamed , Baird Ashley , Winters Andrew D. , Millard Elena V. , Marcquenski Sue , Hsu Hui-Min , Hennings Ann , Bochsler Phil , Standish Isaac , Loch Thomas P. , Gunn Michelle R. , Warg Janet
Published: May 2016

In 2011, the Fathead Minnow nidovirus (FHMNV; Genus Bafinivirus, Family Coronaviridae, Order Nidovirales) was isolated from pond-raised juvenile Muskellunge Esox masquinongy suffering from lingering mortality at the Wild Rose Hatchery in Wild Rose, Wisconsin. Moribund Muskellunge exhibited tubular necrosis in the kidneys as well as multifocal coalescing necrotizing hepatitis. The FHMNV was also isolated from apparently healthy juvenile Muskellunge at the Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery in Mattawan, Michigan. The identity of the two syncytia-forming viruses (designated MUS-WR and MUS-WL from Wild Rose Hatchery and Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery, respectively) as strains of FHMNV was determined based on multiple-gene sequencing and phylogenetic analyses. The pathogenicity of the MUS-WL FHMNV strain was determined by experimentally infecting naive juvenile Muskellunge through intraperitoneal injection with two viral concentrations (63 and 6.3 × 103 TCID50/fish). Both doses resulted in 100% mortality in experimentally infected fish, which exhibited severely pale gills and petechial hemorrhaging in eyes, fins, and skin. Histopathological alterations in experimentally infected fish were observed mainly in the hematopoietic tissues in the form of focal areas of necrosis. Phylogenetic analysis of concatenated partial spike glycoprotein and helicase gene sequences revealed differences between the MUS-WL FHMNV, MUS-WR FHMNV, and two other FHMNV originally isolated from moribund Fathead Minnows Pimephales promelas including the index FHMNV strain (GU002364). Based on a partial helicase gene sequence, a reverse transcriptase PCR assay was developed that is specific to FHMNV. These results give evidence that the risks posed to Muskellunge by FHMNV should be taken seriously.

Received May 1, 2015; accepted February 8, 2016
‘Powerful knowledge’ curriculum theories and the case of physics
Authors: Yates Lyn , Millar Victoria
Published: May 2016

A stream of debate (including a previous special issue of this journal (25(1) 2014)) has made claims not just for ‘bringing knowledge back in’ as the framing underpinning of the school curriculum, but that subjects associated with disciplinary and disciplined knowledge forms have a particular power and that these characteristics are important to preserve in curriculum frameworks. This paper draws on a major Australian research project studying school and university physics in the context of these arguments to revisit the issue of the ‘discipline’ of physics and the curriculum logics for physics. Given that disciplines are social in origin and changing and expanding over time, can school curriculum be logically derived from the discipline to which they relate? Are questions about student engagement only questions about pedagogy and not curriculum? Does a focus on disciplinary knowledge mean that the role of school in forming identities and values is avoidable as a significant feature of what the curriculum does? The findings from the project are used both to illustrate and test these questions, and to challenge some over‐simple assumptions about the verticality of this form of knowledge for education purposes.
‘I assume they don't think!’: teachers' perceptions of Normal Technical students in Singapore
Authors: Heng Mary Anne , Atencio Matthew
Published: May 2016

Teachers' attitudes and beliefs about students in a particular grouping hierarchy are shaped by their ideological views. Within education systems that have high international profiles, such as Singapore, what has been less explored is how teachers think about and interact with students who are seemingly positioned as being ‘low‐ability’ or ‘low achieving’ within disadvantaged education contexts. This paper accordingly examines teachers' perceptions of ‘Normal Technical’ students in Singapore. The findings underscore the need to understand teachers' interpretations and thinking about teaching and learning processes that influence classroom practice. This is a necessary starting point for pedagogical innovation and change in schools.
Habitable worlds with JWST: transit spectroscopy of the TRAPPIST-1 system?
Authors: Barstow J. K. , Irwin P. G. J.
Published: May 2016

The recent discovery of three Earth-sized, potentially habitable planets around a nearby cool star, TRAPPIST-1, has provided three key targets for the upcoming James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). Depending on their atmospheric characteristics and precise orbit configurations, it is possible that any of the three planets may be in the liquid water habitable zone, meaning that they may be capable of supporting life. We find that present-day Earth levels of ozone, if present, would be detectable if JWST observes 60 transits for innermost planet 1b and 30 transits for 1c and 1d.
How Can Public Health Approaches and Perspectives Advance Hearing Health Care?
Authors: Reavis Kelly M. , Tremblay Kelly L. , Saunders Gabrielle
Published: May 2016

This commentary explores the role of public health programs and themes on hearing health care. Ongoing engagement within the hearing professional community is needed to determine how to change the landscape and identify important features in the evolution of population hearing health care. Why and how to leverage existing public health programs and develop new programs to improve hearing health in older individuals is an important topic. Hearing professionals are encouraged to reflect on these themes and recommendations and join the discussion about the future of hearing science on a population level.
Blue dye can be safely omitted in most sentinel node procedures for melanoma
Authors: van der Ploeg Iris M.C. , Madu Max F. , van der Hage Jos A. , Wouters Michel W.J.M. , Klop W. Martin C. , van der Hiel Bernies , van de Wiel Bart A. , van Akkooi Alexander J.C.
Published: May 2016

Sentinel node biopsy is a widely used staging procedure in melanoma. It is usually performed using the triple technique: lymphatic mapping after injection of a radiopharmaceutical, blue dye injection, and the use of a gamma probe. Blue dye offers visual confirmation of the location of the sentinel lymph node (SN). There are some disadvantages such as blurring of the surgical field, skin coloring, and possible anaphylactic reactions. We aimed to answer the question whether patent blue is truly necessary for correct intraoperative identification of the SN. One day preoperatively, lymphoscintigraphy (with or without single-photon emission computed tomography with integrated computed tomography) is performed and the location of the SN is marked on the skin. Perioperatively, patent blue is injected around the tumor. A handheld gamma-ray detection probe is used to determine the location of the incision and detect the SN during the operation. SNs are pursued in all regions indicated by imaging. In only six of the 681 patients (0.9%) a blue, not radioactive, sentinel node was removed. In one of them (0.15%), this was the only node excised. None of these lymph nodes harbored metastases. This study suggests that blue dye has no additional value in finding the sentinel node and is of low significance in detecting metastases. Therefore, blue dye can be safely omitted from the standardized triple technique. It may be useful in selected cases according to the surgeon’s discretion.
Demonstration of the Health Literacy Universal Precautions Toolkit
Authors: Mabachi Natabhona M. , Cifuentes Maribel , Barnard Juliana , Brega Angela G. , Albright Karen , Weiss Barry D. , Brach Cindy , West David
Published: May 2016

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Health Literacy Universal Precautions Toolkit was developed to help primary care practices assess and make changes to improve communication with and support for patients. Twelve diverse primary care practices implemented assigned tools over a 6-month period. Qualitative results revealed challenges practices experienced during implementation, including competing demands, bureaucratic hurdles, technological challenges, limited quality improvement experience, and limited leadership support. Practices used the Toolkit flexibly and recognized the efficiencies of implementing tools in tandem and in coordination with other quality improvement initiatives. Practices recommended reducing Toolkit density and making specific refinements.
Bridging the Gap
Authors: Hearld Larry R. , Hearld Kristine R. , Budhwani Henna
Published: May 2016

Poor transitions in care represent opportunities for improvement. The purpose of this study was to examine whether early follow-up by patients discharged from a hospital varied as a function of patient-centered medical home (PCMH) capacity. The PCMH capacity was not significantly associated with early follow-up; however, higher levels of capacity were associated with early follow-up among patients with more chronic conditions. Policy makers and practitioners should consider how the PCMH may be targeted to maximize its potential to improve transitions in care for these patients and ways it may be modified to improve transitions for other types of patients.
Characteristics of Medicare Advantage and Fee-for-Service Beneficiaries Upon Enrollment in Medicare at Age 65
Authors: Miller Eric A. , Decker Sandra L. , Parker Jennifer D.
Published: May 2016

Previous research has found differences in characteristics of beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare fee-for-service versus Medicare Advantage (MA), but there has been limited research using more recent MA enrollment data. We used 1997-2005 National Health Interview Survey data linked to 2000-2009 Medicare enrollment data to compare characteristics of Medicare beneficiaries before their initial enrollment into Medicare fee-for-service or MA at age 65 and whether the characteristics of beneficiaries changed from 2006 to 2009 compared with 2000 to 2005. During this period of MA growth, the greatest increase in enrollment appears to have come from those with no chronic conditions and men.
Patient-Centered Medical Home Adoption
Authors: Gurewich Deborah , Cabral Linda , Sefton Laura
Published: May 2016

Case studies of 8 primary care medical homes participating in a Massachusetts-based initiative were conducted to understand the approaches they used to operationalize medical home standards and associated barriers. All sites received their National Committee on Quality Assurance recognition as medical homes, yet varied considerably in how components were implemented. Despite this variation, they faced similar challenges to implementing and sustaining medical home standards. Variations and challenges strongly emerged in 4 areas: team-based care, scheduling and online access, identifying and managing high-risk patients, and organizing follow-up care. Our study offers insight into various pathways to medical home success, and notes areas for further study.
Clozapine Rechallenge After Neutropenia or Leucopenia
Authors: Prokopez Cintia R. , Armesto Arnaldo R. , Gil Aguer María F. , Balda María V. , Papale Rosa M. , Bignone Inés M. , Daray Federico M.
Published: May 2016

To rechallenge with clozapine for a patient who previously has experienced neutropenia or leucopenia or during clozapine treatment is a difficult clinical decision. Herein, we analyzed the results of such a rechallenge in 19 patients. We analyzed all the reports, from the database of the pharmacovigilance department of the Argentine National Administration of Drugs, Foods, and Medical Devices, of patients who were rechallenged with clozapine after a leucopenia or a neutropenia. Nineteen cases of rechallenge after leucopenia or neutropenia were reported between 1996 and 2014. One third of the patients re-exposed to clozapine developed a new hematologic adverse reaction. The second blood dyscrasia was less severe in 83% of the cases and had a shorter median latency as compared with the first (8 weeks vs 182 weeks, P = 0.0045). There were no significant differences for demographic and clinical characteristics of patients who developed a second dyscrasia as compared with those who did not. The present study shows that almost 70% of the patients rechallenged with clozapine after a leucopenia or a neutropenia did not develop a new hematological adverse effect, whereas the remaining 30% had a faster but less serious neutropenia.
Essentials of Advocacy in Case Management: Part 1
Authors: Tahan Hussein M.
Published: May 2016

Purpose/Objectives:

This article describes the meaning and underpinnings of advocacy in the field of case management and shares essential principles and concepts for effective client advocacy.

Primary Practice Setting(s):

All practice settings across the continuum of health and human services and case managers of diverse professional backgrounds.

Findings and Conclusion:

Advocacy is vital to case management practice and a primary role of the professional case manager. It is rooted in ethical theory and principles. Successful case managers apply advocacy at every step of the case management process and in every action they take. Part I of this 2-part article explores the ethical theories and principles of advocacy, the perception of case management-related professional organizations of advocacy, and types of advocacy. Part II then presents a client advocacy model for case managers to apply in their practice, describes the role of advocacy in client engagement, and identifies important strategies and a set of essential competencies for effective case management advocacy.

Implications for Case Management:

Acquiring foundational knowledge, skills, and competencies in what advocacy is equips case managers with the ability and confidence to enact advocacy-related behaviors in the provision of care to achieve desired outcomes for both the clients and health care agencies/providers alike. Case management leaders may use the knowledge shared in this article to develop advocacy training and competency programs for their case managers.
Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound
Authors: Denham Stephanie LeeAnn Wilson , Alexander Lauren F. , Robbin Michelle L.
Published: May 2016

The use of microbubble contrast greatly enhances the ability of ultrasound to delineate structures and therefore aid in diagnosis. Ultrasound microbubble contrast agents are composed of low-solubility gas encapsulated in a biomaterial shell. These agents use the physics of ultrasound imaging to effectively identify and characterize focal hepatic and renal lesions. Not only can contrast agents be used to evaluate multiple phases of lesion contrast enhancement, but ultrasound also allows for real-time study of enhancement patterns. The short half-life and intravascular location of the microbubbles allows for multiple, sequential administrations of contrast to observe enhancement of lesions in different sites. Furthermore, the ability to perform imaging without ionizing radiation and the lack of nephrotoxicity make contrast-enhanced ultrasound an ideal evaluation method for patients who need serial surveillance or in whom imaging options are severely limited because of renal insufficiency. These techniques are widely used in many countries for diagnostic radiological purposes; however, the lack of both Food and Drug Administration approval and reimbursement for noncardiac hospital-based imaging has delayed widespread use in the United States. Despite these limitations, continued research and innovations in ultrasound contrast make it essential to have a working knowledge of the typical enhancement patterns of frequently seen hepatic and renal lesions as these techniques offer an alternative option for contrast imaging.
Knowledge.Bio: A Web Application for Exploring, Building and Sharing Webs of Biomedical Relationships Mined from PubMed
Authors: Bruskiewich Richard , Huellas-Bruskiewicz Kenneth , Ahmed Farzin , Kaliyaperumal Rajaram , Thompson Mark , Schultes Erik , Hettne Kristina M. , Su Andrew I. , Good Benjamin M.
Published: May 2016

Knowledge.Bio is a web platform that enhances access and interpretation of knowledge networks extracted from biomedical research literature. The interaction is mediated through a collaborative graphical user interface for building and evaluating maps of concepts and their relationships, alongside associated evidence. In the first release of this platform, conceptual relations are drawn from the Semantic Medline Database and the Implicitome, two compleme ntary resources derived from text mining of PubMed abstracts.

Availability— Knowledge.Bio is hosted athttp://knowledge.bio/and the open source code is available athttp://bitbucket.org/sulab/kb1/.

Contact—asu@scripps.edu;bgood@scripps.edu
First Lean, then modularization: improving the maintenance of offshore wind turbines
Authors: Petersen Kristian R. , Madsen Erik Skov , Bilberg Arne
Published: May 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to explore how maintenance tasks can be planned and executed in a smarter way and, consequently, how the operations and maintenance of offshore wind power installations can be improved through modularisation.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a case study of one of Europe’s leading offshore wind power operators with more than 1,000 wind turbine generators in operation. By focusing on this company, in-depth insights into its operations and maintenance processes are investigated.

Findings

Lean is identified to constitute an important first step before the modularisation of maintenance tasks. The modularisation of the maintenance of offshore wind farms is identified to reduce preventive maintenance times.

Practical implications

The paper develops a process to identify the resources needed for maintenance before the modularisation of maintenance tasks and resources can take place. The authors also establish a foundation for the development of a software tool to support the development of the modularisation of maintenance tasks.

Originality/value

The present study contributes to the rather immature field of research on the operations and maintenance of offshore wind power. Furthermore, it adds to the emerging research area of service modularity.
Measurement and analysis of cutting forces on single point cutting tool in turning of MS bar with dry condition and rust-X cutting fluid
Authors: Patil Pradeep Kumar , Khandwawala A I
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to measure the effect of rake angle on cutting forces on the rake face of single point cutting tool with two cutting conditions. The experimental setup has been developed to measure the cutting forces. The study aims to put forward the optimum cutting condition, which improves the product quality, surface finish, productivity and tool life.

Design/methodology/approach

– The load cell-based tool dynamometer has been developed to measure the cutting forces. The experiments have performed on the mild steel bar of hardness 60 BHN. The friction and the normal forces have measured in dry cutting condition and with rust-X cutting fluids. The cutting forces for these two cutting conditions have calculated with constant depth of cut, speed and feed with different rake angles in the range of degrees 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 15 and 20.

Findings

– The experimental observations shows the variations of friction and normal forces with different cutting conditions and parameters. It shows the friction force on rake face increase and the normal force on the rake face decreases with increase the rake angle.

Research limitations/implications

– The observations has done only for mild steel of hardness 60 BHN. It can also be perform on different materials and for different cutting conditions.

Practical implications

– The experimental setup developed in this research can be used in the manufacturing industry. It can help to decide and maintain the optimum cutting conditions.

Originality/value

– The observations have been made on an experimental setup, which fulfills the actual working/cutting conditions as per the use in industries.
Process and product-performance modeling for mechanical fastening by flow drilling screws
Authors: Grujicic Mica , Snipes Jennifer , Ramaswami S
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to propose a computational approach to establish the effect of various flow drilling screw (FS) process and material parameters on the quality and the mechanical performance of the resulting FS joints.

Design/methodology/approach

– Toward that end, a sequence of three distinct computational analyses is developed. These analyses include: (a) finite-element modeling and simulations of the FS process; (b) determination of the mechanical properties of the resulting FS joints through the use of three-dimensional, continuum finite-element-based numerical simulations of various mechanical tests performed on the FS joints; and (c) determination, parameterization and validation of the constitutive relations for the simplified FS connectors, using the results obtained in (b) and the available experimental results. The availability of such connectors is mandatory in large-scale computational analyses of whole-vehicle crash or even in simulations of vehicle component manufacturing, e.g. car-body electro-coat paint-baking process. In such simulations, explicit three-dimensional representation of all FS joints is associated with a prohibitive computational cost.

Findings

– Virtual testing of the shell components fastened using the joint connectors validated the ability of these line elements to realistically account for the strength, ductility and toughness of the three-dimensional FS joints.

Originality/value

– The approach developed in the present work can be used, within an engineering-optimization procedure, to adjust the FS process and material parameters (design variables) in order to obtain a desired combination of the FS-joint mechanical properties (objective function).
The equity premium puzzle: new evidence on the optimal holding period and optimal asset allocation
Authors: Zervoudi Evanthia , Spyrou Spyros
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to report new original evidence on optimal holding periods and optimal asset allocations (Benartzi and Thaler, 1995).

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors employ a number of different value functions, a recent dataset, different markets, and varying investment horizons.

Findings

– The authors report original evidence across markets and over-time, employing different value functions and varying investment horizons. The results results indicate that, during the past decades, the optimal holding period (seven months during the whole period and four/five months during crises) is not affected by the value function employed, is in accordance with the Myopic Loss Aversion hypothesis, is consistent across markets, but is sensitive to economic crises and shorter to that reported in Benartzi and Thaler (12 months). The optimal asset allocation is also different to that of Benartzi and Thaler during crises periods and/or assuming value functions with probability distortion.

Originality/value

– The paper employs a number of different value functions, with and without probability distortion; it compares investor behavior in three important international markets (USA, UK, Germany); as a further robustness test the authors use various investment horizons.
Predicting financial distress: revisiting the option-based model
Authors: Agrawal Khushbu , Maheshwari Yogesh
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to assess the significance of the Merton distance-to-default (DD) in predicting defaults for a sample of listed Indian firms.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study uses a matched pair sample of defaulting and non-defaulting listed Indian firms. It employs two alternative statistical techniques, namely, logistic regression and multiple discriminant analysis.

Findings

– The option-based DD is found to be statistically significant in predicting defaults and has a significantly negative relationship with the probability of default. The DD retains its significance even after the addition of Altman’s Z-score. This further establishes its robustness as a significant predictor of default.

Originality/value

– The study re-establishes the utility of the Merton model in India using a simplified version of the Merton model that can be easily operationalized by practitioners, reasonably larger sample size and is done in a more recent period covering the post global financial crisis period. The findings could be valuable to banks, financial institutions, investors and managers.
Institutional and Resource‐based Explanations for Subsidiary Performance
Authors: Hughes Mathew , Powell Taman H. , Chung Leanne , Mellahi Kamel
Published: May 2016

Addressing calls to integrate insights from institutional theory and the resource‐based view, we bring together dual theoretical explanations from institutional theory and the resource‐based view to examine the effectiveness of transfer of practice and human capital development as two routes to subsidiary performance. Our study of Hong Kong firms with subsidiaries in Mainland China shows that both routes positively affect subsidiary performance. However, our data show that our sampled firms struggled to successfully transfer practices from their parents. We attribute an explanation for this to the characteristics of practices as organizational capabilities in which transfer is made harder by the difficulty in replicating such capabilities. Consequently, developing subsidiary human capital is an important ally to practice transfer as a means to achieve superior subsidiary performance. Our results raise interesting questions about practice transfer and the resource‐based view relevant to future scholarly research.
Weight of Shell Must Tell: A Lanchestrian Reappraisal of the Battle of Jutland
Authors: MACKAY NIALL , PRICE CHRISTOPHER , WOOD A. JAMIE
Published: May 2016

This article re‐analyses the 1916 battle of Jutland (German: Skagerrak), the major naval engagement of the First World War, in the light of the understanding of dreadnought fleet tactics developed over the decade leading up to it. In particular, it considers the interaction of the calculus of Lanchester's Square Law with fleet geometry and the commanders’ decisions that determined it, and with the shipbuilding decisions associated with the Lanchestrian trade‐off between quality and quantity. There is a re‐examination of the behaviour of the commanders in the light of this tactical analysis, and it is concluded that the outcome of Jutland, in spite of apparent British tactical and technological failings, was the culmination of a decade of consistent and professionally insightful decision‐making by the Royal Navy, which built and correctly wielded its decisive weapon, the Grand Fleet, to achieve the required strategic victory.
Simultaneous identification of Grapholita molesta Busck and Grapholita dimorpha Komai by PCR‐RFLP
Authors: Choi Kwang Shik , Lee Seung‐Yeol , Choi Kyung‐Hee , Jang Il , Kang In‐Kyu , Jung Hee‐Young
Published: May 2016

Although several molecular diagnostic techniques are available for the identification of the apple‐feeding pests Grapholita molesta Busck and Grapholita dimorpha Komai, these pests are severely affecting apple orchards in Korea. These two pests may be misidentified or the available molecular diagnostic techniques may not facilitate the simultaneous identification of the morphological features of both species. In this study, we developed a multiplex assay for these two species using the polymerase chain reaction – restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) method. Sixty‐two specimens were collected from apples presumed infested with moth larvae and from pheromone traps from 2013 to 2014. Both species were identified morphologically, and a partial region of the cytochrome b gene was sequenced to design primers for PCR‐RFLP. Digestion profiles of G. molesta and G. dimorpha, using the Sau3A1 restriction enzyme, were characterized using three DNA fragments each for G. molesta (363 bp, 91 bp and 31 bp) and G. dimorpha (220 bp, 234 bp and 31 bp). The RFLP assay developed for both species in this study was more efficient and accurate than other currently used diagnostic assays and would be helpful to identify field‐collected specimens for pest control research.
Relationship between cytosine‐adenine repeat polymorphism of ADAMTS9 gene and clinical and radiologic severity of knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Gok Kevser , Cemeroglu Ozlem , Cakirbay Hasim , Gunduz Esra , Acar Muradiye , Cetin Elif Nihan , Gunduz Mehmet , Demircan Kadir
Published: May 2016

Objective

The aim of this study is to determine the role of cytosine‐adenine (CA) micro‐satellite repeat sequence of ADAMTS9 gene on the development and progression of osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods

A total of 110 participants, including those with primary knee OA and healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Patients were stratified into two groups using the Kellgren–Lawrence staging (K–L staging) as group 1 for controls and mild OA and group 2 for moderate and severe OA. Genetic analyses were performed to determine the CA repeat length in ADAMTS9 gene.

Results

Twenty CA repeats were found to be statistically significant for differentiating groups 1 and 2 (P = 0.020). Age was the most significant risk factor involved, followed by ≥ 20 CA repeats and body mass index (P < 0.05). CA repeat length of ≥ 20 showed a 6.1‐fold increase in probability for having OA at stage 3 or 4 compared to those of CA repeat length of < 20 (P = 0.004). In conclusion, the CA repeat length of ≥ 20 has a six‐fold increase in probability for having severe OA.

Conclusion

ADAMTS9 gene CA repeat polymorphism may be used to determine the prognosis for OA radiologic progression. Being the first in the literature reporting the CA repeat in the promotor region of ADAMTS9 gene in patients with OA, our study could be highlighted further in future research with larger sample size.
Chronic exposures and male fertility: the impacts of environment, diet, and drug use on spermatogenesis
Authors: Gabrielsen J. S. , Tanrikut C.
Published: May 2016

Several recent studies have suggested that sperm concentrations and semen quality have been decreasing over the past several decades in many areas of the world. The etiology of these decreases is currently unknown. Acute events can have significant impacts on spermatogenesis and are often readily identified during the male fertility evaluation. The majority of male factor infertility, however, is idiopathic. Chronic, low‐dose exposures to chemicals and nutrients are more difficult to identify, but are extremely prevalent. These exposures have been shown to have dramatic effects on both individual and community health and interest in the cumulative and synergistic impacts of such agents on spermatogenesis has been increasing. While our understanding of these potential hazards is evolving, it is clear that they may significantly influence male reproductive potential. This review explores the literature related to effects of chronic exposures from drug use, dietary intake, and the environment on spermatogenesis in humans and animals.
Role of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 in regulating erythropoietin‐induced activation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase
Authors: Yu Y.‐B. , Su K.‐H. , Kou Y. R. , Guo B.‐C. , Lee K.‐I. , Wei J. , Lee T.‐S.
Published: May 2016

Aims

Erythropoietin (EPO), the key hormone involved in erythropoiesis, beneficially affects endothelial cells (ECs), but the detailed mechanisms are yet to be completely understood. In this study, we investigated the role of transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1), a ligand‐gated non‐selective calcium (Ca2+) channel, in EPO‐mediated endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activation and angiogenesis.

Methods and results

In ECs, EPO time dependently increased intracellular levels of calcium; this increase was abrogated by the Ca2+ chelators and pharmacological inhibitors of TRPV1 in bovine aortic ECs (BAECs) and TRPV1‐transfected HEK293 cells. In addition, EPO‐induced nitrite oxide (NO) production, phosphorylation of eNOS, Akt and AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) and the formation of TRPV1–Akt–AMPK–eNOS complex as well as tube formation were diminished by the pharmacological inhibition of TRPV1 in BAECs. Moreover, EPO time dependently induced the phosphorylation of phospholipase C‐γ1 (PLC‐γ1). Inhibition of PLC‐γ1 activity blunted the EPO‐induced Ca2+ influx, eNOS phosphorylation, TRPV1–eNOS complex formation and NO production. The phosphorylated level of eNOS increased in the aortas of EPO‐treated wild‐type (WT) mice or EPO‐transgenic (Tg) mice but not in those of EPO‐treated TRPV1‐deficient (TRPV1−/−) mice or EPO‐Tg/TRPV1−/− mice. Matrigel plug assay showed that EPO‐induced angiogenesis was abrogated in TRPV1 antagonist capsazepine‐treated WT mice and TRPV1−/− mice.

Conclusion

These findings indicate the EPO‐induced Ca2+ influx via the activation of the PLC‐γ1 signalling pathway, which leads to TRPV1 activation and consequently increases the association of the TRPV1–Akt–AMPK–eNOS complex, eNOS activation, NO production and angiogenesis.
Reflecting the transition from pain management services to chronic pain support group attendance: An interpretative phenomenological analysis
Authors: Finlay Katherine A. , Elander James
Published: May 2016

Objectives

Transitioning from clinical care to community‐based self‐management represents a significant challenge, throughout which social support can facilitate health adjustment and quality of life. However, community‐centred, peer‐led support structures are often underused. This study aimed to investigate the decision‐making processes involved in the choice to attend a chronic pain support group (CPSG) following discharge from a Pain Management Programme.

Design

An in‐depth, qualitative analysis was undertaken using interpretative phenomenological analysis, exploring participants’ subjective experiences, decision‐making, and rationale for initial CPSG attendance.

Methods

Twelve participants (four males, eight females) were recruited from a regional CPSG and completed semi‐structured interviews lasting between 45 and 120 min. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed idiographically before a cross‐case analysis was completed.

Results

Analysis of transcripts resulted in three superordinate themes: (1) The thirst for comparative friendship; (2) conjecture and the imminent choice; (3) progressive pain management. These themes reflect a desire for empathic, socially comparative friendships and the search for a forum in which to enhance pain self‐management strategies, yet also internal conflict over initial CPSG attendance.

Conclusion

Social support and associated friendships are attractive to prospective CPSG members and are conceptualized as opportunities to engage in social comparison and nurture self‐care. The first visit to the support group presents a significant hurdle, but can be facilitated by managing the transition between therapeutic care and CPSG attendance. Clinicians can challenge preconceptions, foster positive viewpoints regarding the group and support collective decision‐making to attend. Following initial attendance, psychosocial well‐being was enhanced.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Social support functions as a protective buffer against declining health.

Joining a peer‐led support group can be initially intimidating and the first visit presents a significant hurdle.

What does this study add?

Participants are predominantly attracted to support groups due to the opportunity to develop new friendships.

Health‐related peer groups function as fora for social comparison, enhancing self‐esteem and self‐efficacy.

Experience of pain management programmes primes willingness to attend support groups.

The initial decision to attend is difficult but facilitated by collective, group decision‐making processes.

Health care professionals dynamically prime the transition towards peer support structures.
Angiotensin II analogues with N‐terminal lactam bridge cyclization: an overview on AT1 receptor activation and tachyphylaxis
Authors: Alves Flávio Lopes , Oliveira Vani Xavier , Miranda Antonio
Published: May 2016

Angiotensin II (AngII) is the final active product of the renin enzymatic cascade, which is responsible for sustaining blood pressure. To investigate the effect of N‐terminal cyclization on AT1 activation and tachyphylaxis, we designed conformationally constrained analogues with an i‐(i + 1) lactam bridge. All analogues presented the same binding coefficient and tachyphylactic index, but some of them such as Cyclo (0‐1a) [Glu0, endo‐(Lys1a)]‐AngII and Cyclo (0‐1a) [Asp0, endo‐(Orn1a)]‐AngII showed higher potency. The same tachyphylactic index presented by AngII and cyclic analogues was surprising. We expected a variation after the modification of AngII N‐terminal region.
Functional reversal of (−)‐Stepholidine analogues by replacement of benzazepine substructure using the ring‐expansion strategy
Authors: Li Wei , Zhang Li , Xu Lili , Yuan Congmin , Du Peng , Chen Jiaojiao , Zhen Xuechu , Fu Wei
Published: May 2016

(−)‐Stepholidine is an active ingredient of the Chinese herb Stephania and naturally occurring tetrahydroprotoberberine alkaloid with mixed dopamine receptor D1 agonistic and dopamine receptor D2 antagonistic activities. In this work, a series of novel hexahydrobenzo[4,5]azepino [2,1‐a]isoquinolines were designed and synthesized as ring‐expanded analogues of (−)‐Stepholidine. Initial pharmacological assays demonstrated that a benzazepine replacement was associated with significant increase in selectivity and functional reversal at dopamine receptor D1. Compound‐(−)‐15e (Ki = 5.32 ± 0.01 nm) is more potent than (−)‐Stepholidine (Ki = 13 nm) and was identified as a selective dopamine receptor D1 antagonist (IC50 = 0.14 μm). Moreover, molecular modeling suggested that (−)‐15e might exert its dopamine receptor D1 antagonistic activities through interacting with the transmembrane helix 7 of dopamine receptor D1.
Enablers of help‐seeking for deaf and disabled children following abuse and barriers to protection: a qualitative study
Authors: Jones Christine , Stalker Kirsten , Franklin Anita , Fry Deborah , Cameron Audrey , Taylor Julie
Published: May 2016

Research internationally has highlighted the increased vulnerability of deaf or disabled children to abuse and the frequently inadequate response of services. However, first‐hand accounts of deaf or disabled children have rarely been sought. This paper reports selected findings from one of the first studies exploring experiences of deaf and disabled children regarding help‐seeking following maltreatment. Innovative and sensitive research methods were employed to support 10 deaf or disabled people (children and adults) to take part in guided conversations. The study identifies three enablers of help‐seeking of deaf or disabled children: the capacity of adults to detect abuse and respond to disclosures, supportive relationships or circumstances which facilitate disclosure and for Deaf children, access to registered interpreters. Barriers to protection related to these are also discussed. Recommendations directed at policy makers, practitioners and families include education and awareness raising amongst practitioners, children, parents and carers; addressing isolation of deaf and disabled children; providing comprehensive support services that address the needs of the child holistically; ensuring that the voice of the child is heard; routine access to registered interpreters for Deaf children within mainstream and specialist services and measures to address disablism at local and institutional levels.
An Objective Deghosting Quality Metric for HDR Images
Authors: Tursun Okan Tarhan , Akyüz Ahmet Oğuz , Erdem Aykut , Erdem Erkut
Published: May 2016

Reconstructing high dynamic range (HDR) images of a complex scene involving moving objects and dynamic backgrounds is prone to artifacts. A large number of methods have been proposed that attempt to alleviate these artifacts, known as HDR deghosting algorithms. Currently, the quality of these algorithms are judged by subjective evaluations, which are tedious to conduct and get quickly outdated as new algorithms are proposed on a rapid basis. In this paper, we propose an objective metric which aims to simplify this process. Our metric takes a stack of input exposures and the deghosting result and produces a set of artifact maps for different types of artifacts. These artifact maps can be combined to yield a single quality score. We performed a subjective experiment involving 52 subjects and 16 different scenes to validate the agreement of our quality scores with subjective judgements and observed a concordance of almost 80%. Our metric also enables a novel application that we call as hybrid deghosting, in which the output of different deghosting algorithms are combined to obtain a superior deghosting result.
Large Scale Terrain Generation from Tectonic Uplift and Fluvial Erosion
Authors: Cordonnier Guillaume , Braun Jean , Cani Marie‐Paule , Benes Bedrich , Galin Éric , Peytavie Adrien , Guérin Éric
Published: May 2016

At large scale, landscapes result from the combination of two major processes: tectonics which generate the main relief through crust uplift, and weather which accounts for erosion. This paper presents the first method in computer graphics that combines uplift and hydraulic erosion to generate visually plausible terrains. Given a user‐painted uplift map, we generate a stream graph over the entire domain embedding elevation information and stream flow. Our approach relies on the stream power equation introduced in geology for hydraulic erosion. By combining crust uplift and stream power erosion we generate large realistic terrains at a low computational cost. Finally, we convert this graph into a digital elevation model by blending landform feature kernels whose parameters are derived from the information in the graph. Our method gives high‐level control over the large scale dendritic structures of the resulting river networks, watersheds, and mountains ridges.
Space‐Time Co‐Segmentation of Articulated Point Cloud Sequences
Authors: Yuan Qing , Li Guiqing , Xu Kai , Chen Xudong , Huang Hui
Published: May 2016

Consistent segmentation is to the center of many applications based on dynamic geometric data. Directly segmenting a raw 3D point cloud sequence is a challenging task due to the low data quality and large inter‐frame variation across the whole sequence. We propose a local‐to‐global approach to co‐segment point cloud sequences of articulated objects into near‐rigid moving parts. Our method starts from a per‐frame point clustering, derived from a robust voting‐based trajectory analysis. The local segments are then progressively propagated to the neighboring frames with a cut propagation operation, and further merged through all frames using a novel space‐time segment grouping technqiue, leading to a globally consistent and compact segmentation of the entire articulated point cloud sequence. Such progressive propagating and merging, in both space and time dimensions, makes our co‐segmentation algorithm especially robust in handling noise, occlusions and pose/view variations that are usually associated with raw scan data.
General Projective Maps for Multidimensional Data Projection
Authors: Lehmann Dirk J. , Theisel Holger
Published: May 2016

To project high‐dimensional data to a 2D domain, there are two well‐established classes of approaches: RadViz and Star Coordinates. Both are well‐explored in terms of accuracy, completeness, distortions, and interaction issues. We present a generalization of both RadViz and Star Coordinates such that it unifies both approaches. We do so by considering the space of all projective projections. This gives additional degrees of freedom, which we use for three things: Firstly, we define a smooth transition between RadViz and Star Coordinates allowing the user to exploit the advantages of both approaches. Secondly, we define a data‐dependent magic lens to explore the data. Thirdly, we optimize the new degrees of freedom to minimize distortion. We apply our approach to a number of high‐dimensional benchmark datasets.
Seamless Video Stitching from Hand‐held Camera Inputs
Authors: Lin Kaimo , Liu Shuaicheng , Cheong Loong‐Fah , Zeng Bing
Published: May 2016

Images/videos captured by portable devices (e.g., cellphones, DV cameras) often have limited fields of view. Image stitching, also referred to as mosaics or panorama, can produce a wide angle image by compositing several photographs together. Although various methods have been developed for image stitching in recent years, few works address the video stitching problem. In this paper, we present the first system to stitch videos captured by hand‐held cameras. We first recover the 3D camera paths and a sparse set of 3D scene points using CoSLAM system, and densely reconstruct the 3D scene in the overlapping regions. Then, we generate a smooth virtual camera path, which stays in the middle of the original paths. Finally, the stitched video is synthesized along the virtual path as if it was taken from this new trajectory. The warping required for the stitching is obtained by optimizing over both temporal stability and alignment quality, while leveraging on 3D information at our disposal. The experiments show that our method can produce high quality stitching results for various challenging scenarios.