bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Signal Classification for the Integrative Analysis of Multiple Sequences of Large-Scale Multiple Tests
Authors: Xiang Dongdong , Zhao Sihai Dave , Tony Cai T.
Published: May 2019

The integrative analysis of multiple data sets is becoming increasingly important in many fields of research. When the same features are studied in several independent experiments, it can often be useful to analyse jointly the multiple sequences of multiple tests that result. It is frequently necessary to classify each feature into one of several categories, depending on the null and non-null configuration of its corresponding test statistics. The paper studies this signal classification problem, motivated by a range of applications in large-scale genomics. Two new types of misclassification rate are introduced, and two oracle procedures are developed to control each type while also achieving the largest expected number of correct classifications. Corresponding data-driven procedures are also proposed, proved to be asymptotically valid and optimal under certain conditions and shown in numerical experiments to be nearly as powerful as the oracle procedures. In an application to psychiatric genetics, the procedures proposed are used to discover genetic variants that may affect both bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, as well as variants that may help to distinguish between these conditions.
Public export credit insurance in the Netherlands: An input–output approach
Authors: van den Berg Marcel , Van Beveren Ilke , Lemmers Oscar , Span Tommy , Walker Adam N.
Published: May 2019

This study assesses the contribution of the Dutch public export credit insurance facility (ECIF) to Dutch GDP and employment. Unlike previous studies concerning export credit insurance, which generally adopt the gravity model of trade, we adopt an input–output approach. The results show that the contribution of economic activity insured by the public ECIF to GDP averages 0.24% annually. This concerns value added generated both by exporters and by their domestic suppliers in the value chain. The contribution to employment shows an average of 0.27%, accumulating to 95,000 jobs (FTE) over 5 years. The estimated contribution of the public ECIF to the Dutch economy should be considered an upper boundary of its true contribution. Therefore, we examine the extent to which the above economic gains would be realised if the facility was unavailable using highly disaggregated trade data. The basic idea is that if certain products are only exported to certain destinations with the aid of the public ECIF, then this indicates a high degree of additionality. The inconclusiveness of our results underlines the difficulties in assessing the degree of additionality.
The future of canine glaucoma therapy
Authors: Komáromy András M. , Bras Dineli , Esson Douglas W. , Fellman Ronald L. , Grozdanic Sinisa D. , Kagemann Larry , Miller Paul E. , Moroi Sayoko E. , Plummer Caryn E. , Sapienza John S. , Storey Eric S. , Teixeira Leandro B. , Toris Carol B. , Webb Terah R.
Published: May 2019

Canine glaucoma is a group of disorders that are generally associated with increased intraocular pressure (IOP) resulting in a characteristic optic neuropathy. Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible vision loss in dogs and may be either primary or secondary. Despite the growing spectrum of medical and surgical therapies, there is no cure, and many affected dogs go blind. Often eyes are enucleated because of painfully high, uncontrollable IOP. While progressive vision loss due to primary glaucoma is considered preventable in some humans, this is mostly not true for dogs. There is an urgent need for more effective, affordable treatment options. Because newly developed glaucoma medications are emerging at a very slow rate and may not be effective in dogs, work toward improving surgical options may be the most rewarding approach in the near term. This Viewpoint Article summarizes the discussions and recommended research strategies of both a Think Tank and a Consortium focused on the development of more effective therapies for canine glaucoma; both were organized and funded by the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists Vision for Animals Foundation (ACVO‐VAF). The recommendations consist of (a) better understanding of disease mechanisms, (b) early glaucoma diagnosis and disease staging, (c) optimization of IOP‐lowering medical treatment, (d) new surgical therapies to control IOP, and (e) novel treatment strategies, such as gene and stem cell therapies, neuroprotection, and neuroregeneration. In order to address these needs, increases in research funding specifically focused on canine glaucoma are necessary.
A Numerical Method for Caputo Differential Equations and Application of High-Speed Algorithm
Authors: Fukunaga Masataka , Shimizu Nobuyuki
Published: May 2019

In this paper, a numerical algorithm to solve Caputo differential equations is proposed. The proposed algorithm utilizes the R2 algorithm for fractional integration based on the fact that the Caputo derivative of a function f(t) is defined as the Riemann–Liouville integral of the derivative f(ν)(t). The discretized equations are integer order differential equations, in which the contribution of f(ν)(t) from the past behaves as a time-dependent inhomogeneous term. Therefore, numerical techniques for integer order differential equations can be used to solve these equations. The accuracy of this algorithm is examined by solving linear and nonlinear Caputo differential equations. When large time-steps are necessary to solve fractional differential equations, the high-speed algorithm (HSA) proposed by the present authors (Fukunaga, M., and Shimizu, N., 2013, “A High Speed Algorithm for Computation of Fractional Differentiation and Integration,” Philos. Trans. R. Soc., A, 371(1990), p. 20120152) is employed to reduce the computing time. The introduction of this algorithm does not degrade the accuracy of numerical solutions, if the parameters of HSA are appropriately chosen. Furthermore, it reduces the truncation errors in calculating fractional derivatives by the conventional trapezoidal rule. Thus, the proposed algorithm for Caputo differential equations together with the HSA enables fractional differential equations to be solved with high accuracy and high speed.
A Data-Driven Approach for Process Optimization of Metallic Additive Manufacturing Under Uncertainty
Authors: Wang Zhuo , Liu Pengwei , Xiao Yaohong , Cui Xiangyang , Hu Zhen , Chen Lei
Published: May 2019

The presence of various uncertainty sources in metal-based additive manufacturing (AM) process prevents producing AM products with consistently high quality. Using electron beam melting (EBM) of Ti-6Al-4V as an example, this paper presents a data-driven framework for process parameters optimization using physics-informed computer simulation models. The goal is to identify a robust manufacturing condition that allows us to constantly obtain equiaxed materials microstructures under uncertainty. To overcome the computational challenge in the robust design optimization under uncertainty, a two-level data-driven surrogate model is constructed based on the simulation data of a validated high-fidelity multiphysics AM simulation model. The robust design result, indicating a combination of low preheating temperature, low beam power, and intermediate scanning speed, was acquired enabling the repetitive production of equiaxed structure products as demonstrated by physics-based simulations. Global sensitivity analysis at the optimal design point indicates that among the studied six noise factors, specific heat capacity and grain growth activation energy have the largest impact on the microstructure variation. Through this exemplar process optimization, the current study also demonstrates the promising potential of the presented approach in facilitating other complicate AM process optimizations, such as robust designs in terms of porosity control or direct mechanical property control.
Design of Cylindrical and Axisymmetric Origami Structures Based on Generalized Miura-Ori Cell
Authors: Hu Yucai , Liang Haiyi , Duan Huiling
Published: May 2019

Origami has shown its potential in designing a three-dimensional folded structure from a flat sheet of material. In this paper, we present geometric design methods to construct cylindrical and axisymmetric origami structures that can fit between two given surfaces. Due to the symmetry of the structures, a strip of folds based on the generalized Miura-ori cells is first constructed and then replicated longitudinally/circumferentially to form the cylindrical/axisymmetric origami structures. In both designs, algorithms are presented to ensure that all vertexes are either on or strictly within the region between the target surfaces. The conditions of flat-foldability and developability are fulfilled at the inner vertexes and the designs are rigid-foldable with a single degree-of-freedom. The methods for cylindrical and axisymmetric designs are similar in implementation and of potential in designing origami structures for engineering purposes, such as foldcores, foldable shelters, and metamaterials.
Real-Time Parameter Estimation of a Nonlinear Vessel Steering Model Using a Support Vector Machine
Authors: Xu Haitong , Hinostroza M. A. , Hassani Vahid , Guedes Soares C.
Published: May 2019

The least-square support vector machine (LS-SVM) is used to estimate the dynamic parameters of a nonlinear marine vessel steering model in real-time. First, maneuvering tests are carried out based on a scaled free-running ship model. The parameters are estimated using standard LS-SVM and compared with the theoretical solutions. Then, an online version, a sequential least-square support vector machine, is derived and used to estimate the parameters of vessel steering in real-time. The results are compared with the values estimated by standard LS-SVM with batched training data. By comparison, a sequential least-square support vector machine can dynamically estimate the parameters successfully, and it can be used for designing a dynamic model-based controller of marine vessels.
Numerical Simulation of Natural Convection Heat Transfer of Nanofluid With Cu, MWCNT, and Al2O3 Nanoparticles in a Cavity With Different Aspect Ratios
Authors: Goodarzi Hossein , Akbari Omid Ali , Sarafraz Mohammad Mohsen , Karchegani Majid Mokhtari , Safaei Mohammad Reza , Sheikh Shabani Gholamreza Ahmadi
Published: May 2019

Effect of the size of a closed cavity and different nanoparticles on natural convection heat transfer is investigated using the finite volume method. In the current numerical study, free convection of nanofluid with Cu, multi-walled carbon nanotubes, and Al2O3 nanoparticles is considered at Rayleigh numbers (Ra) of 10–100,000 inside a two-dimensional rectangular cavity with different aspect ratios. Results of this study show that in the presence of cooling fluid with low temperature and hot zone in the cavity, due to the temperature difference between the fluid and hot zone, heat transfer occurs. Heat transfer in the cavity is influenced by fluid circulation caused by natural convection heat transfer and conductive heat transfer mechanism.
Olive Leaf-Synthesized Nanofluids for Solar Parabolic Trough Collector—Thermal Performance Evaluation
Authors: Okonkwo Eric C. , Essien Edidiong A. , Kavaz Doga , Abid Muhammad , Ratlamwala Tahir A. H.
Published: May 2019

This study presents a novel performance evaluation of the commercially available LS-2 collector operating with an oil-based olive leaf-synthesized nanofluid. The nanoparticles were synthesized experimentally from olive leaf extracts (OLEs): OLE-ZVI and OLE-TiO2. The thermophysical properties of the nanoparticles were then added to Syltherm-800 thermal oil, and its performance on the parabolic trough solar collector (PTC) was evaluated numerically. The PTC under study was modeled on the engineering equation solver (EES) and validated thermally with results found in the literature. The synthesized nanoparticles were also found to possess anticorrosion properties, nontoxic, and less expensive to produce when compared to commercially available ones. The use of the nanofluids (Syltherm-800/OLE-ZVI and Syltherm-800/OLE-TiO2) was evaluated against the parameters of thermal and exergetic efficiencies, heat transfer coefficient, thermal losses, and pressure drop. The study shows that an enhancement in thermal performance of 0.51% and 0.48% was achieved by using Syltherm-800/OLE-ZVI and Syltherm-800/OLE-TiO2 nanofluids, respectively. A heat transfer coefficient enhancement of 42.9% and 51.2% was also observed for Syltherm-800/OLE-TiO2 and Syltherm-800/OLE-ZVI nanofluids, respectively. Also, a mean variation in pressure drop of 11.5% was observed by using the nanofluids at a nanoparticle volumetric concentration of 3%. A comparison of the results of this study with related literature shows that the proposed nanofluids outperform those found in literature.
Real World, Real People: Can We Assess Walking on a Treadmill to Establish Step Count Recommendations in Adolescents?
Authors: MacDonald Mhairi J. , Fawkner Samantha G. , Niven Ailsa G. , Rowe David
Published: May 2019

Background: Currently, it is not known how much walking should be advocated for good health in an adolescent population. Step count recommendations for minimum time in moderate-intensity activity have been translated predominantly from treadmill walking. Purpose: To compare the energy cost of walking on a treadmill with overground walking in adolescent girls. Methods: A total of 26 adolescent girls undertook resting metabolic measurements for individual determination of 1 metabolic equivalent using indirect calorimetry. Energy expenditure was subsequently assessed during treadmill and overground walking at slow, moderate, and fast walking speeds for 4 to 6 minutes. Treadmill step rates were matched overground using a metronome. Results: The energy cost of treadmill walking was found to be significantly greater than and not equivalent to overground walking at 133 steps per minute; (equivalent to the fast walking pace): 3.90 (2.78–5.01), P < .001, mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) = 18.18%, and metabolic equivalent 0.77 (0.54–1.00), P < .001, MAPE = 18.16%. The oxygen cost per step ( mL·step−1) was significantly greater and not equivalent on the treadmill at 120 and 133 steps per minute: 0.43 (0.12–0.56), P < .05, MAPE = 10.12% versus 1.40 (1.01–1.76), P < .001, MAPE = 17.64%, respectively. Conclusion: The results suggest that there is a difference in energy cost per step of walking on a treadmill and overground at the same step rate. This should be considered when utilizing the treadmill in energy expenditure studies. Studies which aim to provide step recommendations should focus on overground walking where most walking activity is adopted.
Initial Metabolic Step of a Novel Ethanolamine Utilization Pathway and Its Regulation in
Streptomyces coelicolor
M145
Authors: Krysenko Sergii , Matthews Arne , Okoniewski Nicole , Kulik Andreas , Girbas Melis G. , Tsypik Olga , Meyners Christian Stephan , Hausch Felix , Wohlleben Wolfgang , Bera Agnieszka
Published: May 2019

Until now, knowledge of the utilization of ethanolamine in
Streptomyces
was limited. Our work represents the first attempt to reveal a novel ethanolamine utilization pathway in the actinobacterial model organism
S. coelicolor
through the characterization of the key enzyme gamma-glutamylethanolamide synthetase GlnA4, which is absolutely required for growth in the presence of ethanolamine. The novel ethanolamine utilization pathway is dissimilar to the currently known ethanolamine utilization pathway, which occurs in metabolome. The novel ethanolamine utilization pathway does not result in the production of toxic by-products (such as acetaldehyde); thus, it is not encapsulated. We believe that this contribution is a milestone in understanding the ecology of
Streptomyces
and the utilization of alternative nitrogen sources. Our report provides new insight into bacterial primary metabolism, which remains complex and partially unexplored.
Mucosal Immunity against Neuraminidase Prevents Influenza B Virus Transmission in Guinea Pigs
Authors: McMahon Meagan , Kirkpatrick Ericka , Stadlbauer Daniel , Strohmeier Shirin , Bouvier Nicole M. , Krammer Florian
Published: May 2019

Recently, the protective effect of anti-neuraminidase immunity has been highlighted by several studies in humans and animal models. However, so far the role that anti-neuraminidase immunity plays in inhibition of virus transmission has not been explored. In addition, neuraminidase has been ignored as an antigen for influenza virus vaccines. We show here that neuraminidase-based vaccines can inhibit the transmission of influenza virus. Therefore, neuraminidase should be considered as an antigen for improved influenza virus vaccines that not only protect individuals from disease but also inhibit further spread of the virus in the population.
Timing the Evolutionary Advent of Cyanobacteria and the Later Great Oxidation Event Using Gene Phylogenies of a Sunscreen
Authors: Garcia-Pichel Ferran , Lombard Jonathan , Soule Tanya , Dunaj Sean , Wu Steven H. , Wojciechowski Martin F.
Published: May 2019

The advent of cyanobacteria, with their invention of oxygenic photosynthesis, and the Great Oxidation Event are arguably among the most important events in the evolutionary history of life on Earth. Oxygen is a significant toxicant to all life, but its accumulation in the atmosphere also enabled the successful development and proliferation of many aerobic organisms, especially metazoans. The currently favored dating of the Great Oxidation Event is based on the geochemical rock record. Similarly, the advent of cyanobacteria is also often drawn from the same estimates because in older rocks paleontological evidence is scarce or has been discredited. Efforts to obtain molecular evolutionary alternatives have offered widely divergent estimates. Our analyses provide a novel means to circumvent these limitations and allow us to estimate the large time gap between the two events.
Metabolic Remodeling during Biofilm Development of Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Pisithkul Tippapha , Schroeder Jeremy W. , Trujillo Edna A. , Yeesin Ponlkrit , Stevenson David M. , Chaiamarit Tai , Coon Joshua J. , Wang Jue D. , Amador-Noguez Daniel
Published: May 2019

Bacterial biofilms are ubiquitous in natural environments and play an important role in many clinical, industrial, and ecological settings. Although much is known about the transcriptional regulatory networks that control biofilm formation in model bacteria such as
Bacillus subtilis
, very little is known about the role of metabolism in this complex developmental process. To address this important knowledge gap, we performed a time-resolved analysis of the metabolic changes associated with bacterial biofilm development in
B. subtilis
by combining metabolomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic analyses. Here, we report a widespread and dynamic remodeling of metabolism affecting central carbon metabolism, primary biosynthetic pathways, fermentation pathways, and secondary metabolism. This report serves as a unique hypothesis-generating resource for future studies on bacterial biofilm physiology. Outside the biofilm research area, this work should also prove relevant to any investigators interested in microbial physiology and metabolism.
Microfluidics-Based Enrichment and Whole-Genome Amplification Enable Strain-Level Resolution for Airway Metagenomics
Authors: Shi Xing , Shao Changjun , Luo Chunxiong , Chu Yanan , Wang Jian , Meng Qingren , Yu Jun , Gao Zhancheng , Kang Yu
Published: May 2019

The airway microbial community, which takes important pathogenic roles for respiratory diseases, is far from clear in terms of taxonomy and gene functions. One of the critical reasons is the heavy contamination of host cell/DNA in airway samples, which hinders the subsequent sequencing of the whole genomic contents of the microbial community—the metagenome. Here, we describe a protocol for airway sample preparation which couples a microbe enrichment microfluidic device and a DNA amplification method performed in numerous droplets. When evaluated with mock and clinical sputum samples, the microfluidics-based enrichment device and emulsion-based whole-genome amplification (MEEA) procedure efficiently removes host cells, amplifies the microbial genome, and shows no obvious bias among microbes. The efficiency of MEEA makes it a promising method in research of respiratory microbial communities and their roles in diseases.
Network Integrative Genomic and Transcriptomic Analysis of Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae Strains Identifies Genes for Antibiotic Resistance and Virulence
Authors: Lee Muyoung , Pinto Naina Adren , Kim Chan Yeong , Yang Sunmo , D’Souza Roshan , Yong Dongeun , Lee Insuk
Published: May 2019

Klebsiella pneumoniae
is a major bacterial pathogen that causes pneumonia and urinary tract infections in human.
K. pneumoniae
infections are treated with carbapenem, but carbapenem-resistant
K. pneumoniae
has been spreading worldwide. We are able to identify antimicrobial-resistant genes among mutated genes of the antibiotic-resistant clinical isolates. However, they usually harbor many mutated genes, including those that cause weak or neutral functional effects. Therefore, we need to prioritize the mutated genes to identify the more likely candidates for the follow-up functional analysis. For this study, we present a functional network of
K. pneumoniae
genes and propose a network-based method of prioritizing the mutated genes of the resistant clinical isolates. We also reconstructed the network-based functional modules for carbapenem resistance and virulence and retrieved the functional association between antibiotic resistance and virulence. This study demonstrated the feasibility of network-based analysis of clinical genomics data for the study of
K. pneumoniae
infection.
Волны в центрифугированном слое вращающейся вязкой жидкости с инерционной поверхностью
Authors: Солдатов Игорь Николаевич , Soldatov Igor' Nikolaevich , Клюева Наталья Владимировна , Klyueva Natal'ya Vladimirovna
Published: May 2019

Предложена модель для описания волновых движений флотирующей вязкой несжимаемой жидкости, частично заполняющей полость быстровращающегося кругового цилиндра. Флотирующая жидкость - это жидкость с инерционной поверхностью, образуемой плавающими на свободной поверхности и не взаимодействующими между собой частицами, обладающими малой массой. Исследованы гироскопические волны во флотирующей жидкости, образующей центрифугированный слой на твердой стенке полости ротора.
Представление поверхности с помощью проекции ближайшей точки в методе X-FEM
Authors: Савенков Евгений Борисович , Savenkov Evgenii Borisovich , Борисов Виталий Евгеньевич , Borisov Vitaly Evgenyevich , Критский Борис Викторович , Kritskiy Boris Viktorovich
Published: May 2019

В настоящее время метод X-FEM (eXtended Finite Elements) является распространенным обобщением классического метода конечных элементов для решения задач механики деформируемого твердого тела при наличии крупномасштабных трещин. Основным достоинством метода является возможность использования расчетных сеток, не согласованных с геометрией трещин, и возможность точного учета сингулярных асимптотик решения в окрестности фронта трещины. Одним из ключевых компонентов метода является способ преставления срединной поверхности трещины в алгоритме метода. В качестве последнего традиционно используется неявный метод представления поверхности на основе метода множеств уровня. Такой подход является эффективным, робастным и позволяет проводить расчет в случае эволюционирующих трещин. В работе предлагается вариант метода X-FEM, в котором для представления срединной поверхности трещины используется метод проекции ближайшей точки и который, на взгляд авторов, имеет ряд преимуществ перед традиционным вариантом. В работе представлен короткий обзор классического варианта метода X-FEM. Подробно описаны алгоритм предлагаемого варианта метода и его отличия от традиционного, сформулированы его преимущества. Рассмотрены вопросы вычисления интегралов от функций, заданных на поверхности, описываемой проектором ближайшей точки, локального восстановления функций уровня в окрестности точки поверхности или ее края, вычисления локальных базисов на поверхности и ее крае. Описаны алгоритмические детали метода X-FEM с представлением поверхности на основе проекции ближайшей точки. В заключении приводятся результаты тестовых расчетов, демонстрирующих алгоритмические особенности метода и работоспособность предложенного алгоритма.
О решении линейных эллиптических уравнений второго порядка
Authors: Шильков Александр Викторович , Shilkov Aleksandr Viktorovich
Published: May 2019

Изложен метод решения внутренних граничных задач для эллиптических уравнений второго порядка с помощью перехода к лучевым переменным. Область разбивается на ячейки, в пределах которых коэффициенты и источники имеют свойства гладкости и непрерывности, необходимые для существования в ячейке регулярного классического решения. Конечные разрывы коэффициентов (если они есть) проходят по границам ячеек. Регулярное решение в ячейке ищется в виде суперпозиции вкладов объемных и граничных источников, размещенных на лучах, приходящих в данную точку от границ ячейки. Далее составляется конечно-аналитическая схема для численного нахождения обобщенного решения в области с разрывными коэффициентами и источниками посредством сшивки регулярных решений, выходящих из ячеек на границах ячеек. В схеме отсутствует жесткая зависимость точности аппроксимации от размеров и формы ячеек, присущая конечно-разностным схемам.
Аналитическое исследование ламинарного пограничного слоя около затупленных тел
Authors: Булгаков Владислав Николаевич , Bulgakov V N , Котенев Владимир Пантелеевич , Kotenev Vladimir Panteleevich , Ожгибисова Юлия Сергеевна , Ozhgibisova Yu S
Published: May 2019

При высокоскоростном обтекании наиболее нагруженными в тепловом отношении являются, как правило, затупленные элементы тел сложной формы, где газодинамические параметры испытывают значительные изменения. В связи с этим большое значение имеет быстрая оценка теплового нагружения на затупленных телах. Рассматриваются уравнения ламинарного пограничного слоя при установившемся осесимметричном течении сжимаемого совершенного газа, записанные в специальных координатах. В качестве граничного условия на стенке принято условие «прилипания», а на границе - равенство скорости и температуры соответствующим значениям внешнего потока. В методе Польгаузена вводят понятия толщины вытеснения и толщины потери импульса, находят связи для отношения этих величин к толщине пограничного слоя и выводят дифференциальное уравнение для определения формпараметра пограничного слоя, через который определяют остальные характеристики пограничного слоя. Модификация метода Польгаузена проводится для того, чтобы упростить процедуру расчета, исключив из неe дифференциальные уравнения. Аналогично скорости в виде полинома четвертой степени представляется специальная функция, в которую входит энтальпия и безразмерный «кинетический» параметр, подлежащий определению. Для нахождения коэффициентов полинома используются граничные условия на стенке и на границе пограничного слоя. Кинетический параметр определяется по-разному для тел различной формы. Приводятся результаты применения предложенного метода для расчета тепловых потоков, численное исследование которых также приведено в ряде работ в рамках полных систем уравнений Навье-Стокса и Прандтля. Сравнение результатов свидетельствует об эффективности изложенного метода.
Численная реализация модели воздействия фемтосекундного лазерного импульса на стекло в приближении нелинейных уравнений Максвелла
Authors: Жуков В П , Zhukov V P , Федорук Михаил Петрович , Fedoruk Mikhail Petrovich
Published: May 2019

Представлена конечно-разностная схема для решения задач о взаимодействии фемтосекундного лазерного импульса со стеклами в приближении нелинейных уравнений Максвелла, дополненных уравнениями гидродинамического типа для электронов проводимости. В модели учтены все основные физические процессы, имеющие место в этом взаимодействии. Рассматривается аксиально-симметричная задача. При построении схемы учитываются особенности задачи, что обеспечивает высокую эффективность разработанного метода. В качестве примера использования схемы приведены результаты моделирования взаимодействия со стеклом фемтосекундных лазерных импульсов обычной гауссовой формы с линейной поляризацией и импульсов тороидальной формы с радиальной и азимутальной поляризациями. Выявлены существенные различия в динамике взаимодействии со стеклом этих трех видов импульсов.
Association of industry ties with outcomes of studies examining the effect of wholegrain foods on cardiovascular disease and mortality: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chartres Nicholas , Fabbri Alice , McDonald Sally , Turton Jessica , Allman-Farinelli Margaret , McKenzie Joanne , Bero Lisa
Published: May 2019

Objective

To determine if observational studies examining the association of wholegrain foods with cardiovascular disease (CVD) with food industry sponsorship and/or authors with conflicts of interest (COI) with the food industry are more likely to have results and/or conclusions that are favourable to industry than those with no industry ties, and to determine whether studies with industry ties differ in their risk of bias compared with studies with no industry ties.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.

Data sources

We searched eight databases from 1997 to 2017 and hand searched the reference lists of included studies.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

Cohort and case–control studies that quantitatively examined the association of wholegrains or wholegrain foods with CVD outcomes in healthy adults or children.

Results

21 of the 22 studies had a serious or critical risk of bias. Studies with industry ties more often had favourable results compared with those with no industry ties, but the Confidence Interval (CI) was wide, Risk Ratio (RR)=1.44 (95% CI 0.88 to 2.35). The same association was found for study conclusions. We did not find a difference in effect size (magnitude of RRs) between studies with industry ties, RR=0.77 (95% CI 0.58 to 1.01) and studies with no industry ties, RR=0.85 (95% CI 0.73 to 1.00) (p=0.50) I20%. These results were comparable for studies that measured the magnitude using Hazard Ratios (HR); industry ties HR=0.82 (95% CI 0.76 to 0.88) versus no industry ties HR=0.86 (95% CI 0.81 to 0.91) (p=0.34) I20%.

Conclusions

We did not establish that the presence of food industry sponsorship or authors with a COI with the food industry was associated with results or conclusions that favour industry sponsors. The association of food industry sponsorship or authors with a COI with the food industry and favourable results or conclusions is uncertain. However, our analysis was hindered by the low level of COI disclosure in the included studies. Our findings support international reforms to improve the disclosure and management of COI in nutrition research. Without such disclosures, it will not be possible to determine if the results of nutrition research are free of food industry influences and potential biases.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42017055841.
Prospective mixed methods study of online and offline social networks and the development of sexual agency in adolescence: the Social Networks and Agency Project (SNAP) protocol
Authors: Lim Megan S C , Cooper Spring , Lewis Larissa , Albury Kath , Chung Kon Shing Kenneth , Bateson Deborah , Kang Melissa , Skinner S Rachel
Published: May 2019

Introduction

Social media may play a role in adolescent sexual development. The limited research on social media use and sexual development has found both positive and negative influences. The focus of this study is on sexual agency: a positive sexual outcome. This paper describes the protocol for the Social Networks and Agency Project (SNAP) study which aims to examine the relationship between online and offline social networks and the development of healthy relationships and sexual agency in adolescence.

Methods and analysis

The SNAP study is a mixed methods interdisciplinary longitudinal study. Over an 18-month period, adolescents aged 15–17 years at recruitment complete three questionnaires (including demographics, sexual behaviour, sexual agency and social networks); three in-depth interviews; and fortnightly online diaries describing their sexual behaviour and snapshots of their social networks that week. Longitudinal analyses will be used to describe changes in sexual behaviour and experiences over time, sexual agency, social media use, and social network patterns. Social network analysis will be used to capture relational data from which we will be able to construct sociograms from the respondent’s perspective. Interview data will be analysed both in relation to emergent themes (deploying a grounded theory approach), and from a cross-disciplinary perspective. This mixed method analysis will allow for comparisons across quantitative and qualitative data, for consistency and differences, and will enhance the robustness of data interpretation and conclusions drawn, as multiple data sources are triangulated.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was granted by the University of Sydney Human Research Ethics Committee and the Family Planning New South Wales Ethics Committee. The study will provide comprehensive, prospective information on the social and sexual development of adolescents in the age of social media and findings will be disseminated through conference presentations and peer-reviewed publications.
Perceptions about the implementation of physiotherapist prescribing in Australia: a national survey of Australian physiotherapists
Authors: Noblet Timothy David , Marriott John F , Jones Taryn , Dean Catherine , Rushton Alison B
Published: May 2019

Objectives

To explore: (1) the views of Australian physiotherapists regarding potential implementation of non-medical prescribing in Australia, (2) how the geographical location and health sector in which a clinician works may influence their perceptions and (3) the perceptions of Australian physiotherapists about how physiotherapist prescribing might impact the care that the profession can provide.

Design

A cross-sectional descriptive survey using open and closed questions.

Setting

Participants completed an online questionnaire.

Participants

883 Australian Health Professionals Registration Authority (AHPRA)-registered physiotherapists, working across all states and territories.

Outcome measures

An online questionnaire was developed by a panel of subject experts and pretested (n=10) for internal consistency. A hyperlink to the questionnaire was emailed to all members of the Australian Physiotherapy Association. A reminder email was sent 4 weeks later. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively, with use of absolute risk reductions (ARRs) and 95% CIs to determine the likelihood that health sector or geographical location were associated with specific views. Thematic analysis enabled synthesis of the qualitative data.

Results

79.0% participants felt that physiotherapist prescribing should be introduced in Australia, with 71.2% wanting to train as prescribers. Clinical governance, risk management, regulation of clinicians and the development of an education framework were identified as priorities for implementation. Participants working in the private sector were significantly more likely to train as prescribers than those in the public sector (ARR 9.9%; 95% CI 3.5 to 16.4) or educational/research institutions (ARR 23.3%; 95% CI 12.8 to 33.8), with city dwellers significantly more likely to train compared with physiotherapists in remote regions (ARR 19.8%; 95% CI 0.8 to 39.2). Physiotherapist prescribing was predicted to improve efficiency of healthcare delivery, access to medicines and reductions in healthcare costs.

Conclusions

AHPRA-registered physiotherapists perceive that the introduction of autonomous physiotherapist prescribing would be beneficial for the Australian population and should be introduced. Decision makers should consider the results of this survey in conjunction with cost–benefit and risk analysis when planning the introduction of physiotherapist prescribing.
Psychometric testing of a short-form questionnaire for the measurement of health experiences among people with musculoskeletal disorders undergoing multimodal rehabilitation
Authors: Wiitavaara Birgitta , Rissén Dag , Högberg Hans , Nilsson Annika
Published: May 2019

Aim

The aim of the present study was to assess if a previously suggested short-form questionnaire tested among women with non-specific neck-shoulder pain is suitable also for use among men and women with non-specific musculoskeletal disorders in any part of the body, by testing its construct validity by a confirmatory factor analysis. If not, the secondary aim was to investigate the evolving factor structure when performing an explorative factor analysis of data in the expanded sample.

Methods

Questionnaire data were collected in three different contexts, in primary care via eight different multimodal rehabilitation teams and in specialised care via two different specialist care centres. The sample consisted of 116 men (n=29) and women (n=87) with non-specific musculoskeletal disorders.

Data were analysed using confirmatory and exploratory factor analysis and a visual comparison between the result of the principal component analysis in the present study and the results attained in a previous study with a similar aim and design.

Results

The confirmatory factor analyses did not end up in a model with acceptable measures for validity. Three models were tested, none of them met the criterion for an acceptable model, and the goodness-of-fit statistics were not fully acceptable. The exploratory factor analysis had only partly comparable result compared with previous study.

Conclusion

The results of the present study did not prove the suggested short-form questionnaire to be suitable for evaluation of symptoms among men and women with non-specific musculoskeletal disorders in any part of the body. Further studies including larger samples are recommended.

Trial registration number

92199001.
Difference in the characteristics of mortality reports during a heatwave period: retrospective analysis comparing deaths during a heatwave in January 2014 with the same period a year earlier
Authors: Pham Tony , Young Caitlin , Woodford Noel , Ranson David , Young Carmel M F , Ibrahim Joseph E
Published: May 2019

Objectives

To describe the characteristics of deaths reported to the Coroners Court of Victoria (CCOV) during Victoria’s last heatwave (14–17 January 2014) and subsequent 4 days (18–21 January) using medicolegal data obtained from both the police investigation report and the pathologist’s report.

Design, setting and participants

A single-jurisdiction population-based retrospective analysis of consecutive heat-related deaths (HRDs) reported to the CCOV between 14 and 21 January 2014 with a historical comparison group.

Main outcome measures

Descriptive statistics were used to summarise case demographics, causes of death and the types of investigations performed. The cases from 2014 were subgrouped into HRD and non-HRD.

Results

Of the 222 cases during the study period in 2014, 94 (42.3%) were HRDs and 128 (57.7%) were non-HRDs. HRDs were significantly older than non-HRDs (70.5 years: SD=13.8 vs 61.0 years: SD=22.4, t(220)=3.60, p<0.001, 95% CI 4.3 to 14.6). The most common primary cause of death in HRDs was circulatory system disease (n=57, 60.6%), which was significantly higher when compared with non-HRDs (n=39, 30.5%; χ2=20.1, p<0.001, OR 3.5, 95% CI 2.0 to 6.2). HRDs required significantly greater toxicology investigation (89.4% (n=84) vs 71.9% (n=92); χ2=10.9, p<0.001, OR 3.3, 95% CI 1.54 to 7.03) and greater vitreous biochemistry testing (40.4% (n=38) vs 16.4% (n=21); χ2=16.0, p<0.001, OR 3.5, 95% CI 1.9 to 6.5).

Conclusions

A heatwave places a significant burden on death investigation services. The inclusion of additional laboratory tests and more detailed circumstantial information are essential if the factors that contribute to HRDs are to be identified.
Evaluating NHS Stop Smoking Service engagement in community pharmacies using simulated smokers: fidelity assessment of a theory-based intervention
Authors: Jumbe Sandra , James Wai Y , Madurasinghe Vichithranie , Steed Liz , Sohanpal Ratna , Yau Tammy K , Taylor Stephanie , Eldridge Sandra , Griffiths Chris , Walton Robert
Published: May 2019

Objectives

Smokers are more likely to quit if they use the National Health Service (NHS) Stop Smoking Service (SSS). However, community pharmacies experience low service uptake. The Smoking Treatment Optimisation in Pharmacies (STOP) programme aims to address this problem by enhancing staff training using a theory-based intervention. In this study, we evaluated intervention fidelity using simulated smokers (actors) to assess smoker engagement and enactment of key intervention components by STOP trained staff.

Design

An observational pilot study.

Settings

Five community pharmacies in North East London with an NHS SSS.

Methods

Six actors, representative of East London’s population, were recruited and trained to complete intervention fidelity assessments. Consenting pharmacy staff from five participating pharmacies received STOP Intervention training. Four weeks after the staff training, the actors visited the participating pharmacies posing as smokers eligible for smoking cessation support. Engagement behaviour by pharmacy staff and enactment of intervention components was assessed using a scoring tool derived from the STOP logic model (scoring range of 0–36), and contemporaneous field notes taken by actors.

Results

18 of 30 completed assessments were with STOP trained staff (10/18 were counter assistants). Mean score for smoker engagement was 24.4 (SD 9.0) points for trained and 16.9 (SD 7.8) for untrained staff, respectively. NHS SSS leaflets (27/30) were the most common smoking cessation materials seen on pharmacy visits. Most trained counter staff engaged with smokers using leaflets and a few proactively offered appointments with their cessation advisors. Appropriate use of body language was reported on 26/30 occasions alongside the use of key phrases from the STOP training session (n=8). Very few pharmacy staff wore STOP promotional badges (4/30).

Conclusions

STOP training may change client engagement behaviour in pharmacy staff and could improve the uptake of the NHS SSS. A cluster randomised controlled trial is currently in progress to evaluate its effectiveness and cost-effectiveness.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN16351033.
Health-related quality of life and well-being in people over 75 years of age with end-stage kidney disease managed with dialysis or comprehensive conservative care: a cross-sectional study in the UK and Australia
Authors: Shah Karan K , Murtagh Fliss E M , McGeechan Kevin , Crail Su , Burns Aine , Tran Anh D , Morton Rachael L
Published: May 2019

Objective

To measure health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and well-being in older people with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) and to determine the association between treatment type and sociodemographic characteristics on these outcome measures. In addition, to assess the convergent validity between the HRQoL and well-being measure and their feasibility and acceptability in this population.

Design

Prospective cross-sectional study.

Setting

Three renal units in the UK and Australia.

Participants

129 patients with ESKD managed with dialysis or with an estimated glomerular filtration ≤10 mL/min/1.73 m2and managed with comprehensive conservative, non-dialytic care.

Outcome measures

HRQoL and well-being were assessed using Short-Form six dimensions (SF-6D, 0–1 scale); Kidney Disease Quality of Life (KDQOL-36) (0–100 scale) and Investigating Choice Experiments Capability Measure-Older people (ICECAP-O, 0–1 scale). Linear regression assessed associations between treatment, HRQoL and well-being. Pearson’s correlation coefficient assessed convergent validity between instruments.

Results

Median age of 81 years (IQR 78–85), 65% males; 83 (64%) were managed with dialysis and 46 (36%) with conservative care. When adjusted for treatment type and sociodemographic variables, those managed on dialysis reported lower mean SF-6D utility (−0.05, 95% CI −0.12 to 0.01); lower KDQOL Physical Component Summary score (−3.17, 95% CI −7.61 to 1.27); lower Mental Component Summary score (−2.41, 95% CI −7.66 to 2.84); lower quality of life due to burden (−28.59, 95% CI −41.77 to −15.42); symptoms (−5.93, 95% CI −14.61 to 2.73) and effects of kidney disease (−16.49, 95% CI −25.98 to −6.99) and lower overall ICECAP-O well-being (−0.07, 95% CI −0.16 to 0.02) than those managed conservatively. Correlation between ICECAP-O well-being and SF-6D utility scores was strong overall, 0.65 (p<0.001), but weak to moderate at domain level.

Conclusions

Older people on dialysis report significantly higher burden and effects of kidney disease than those on conservative care. Lower HRQoL and well-being may be associated with dialysis treatment and should inform shared decision-making about treatment options.

Trial registration number

UK (IRAS project ID: 134360andREC reference 14/LO/0291) and Australia (R20140203 HREC/14/RAH/36).
Current endovascular strategies for posterior circulation large vessel occlusion stroke: report of the Society of NeuroInterventional Surgery Standards and Guidelines Committee
Authors: Kayan Yasha , Meyers Philip M , Prestigiacomo Charles J , Kan Peter , Fraser Justin F
Published: May 2019

Background

The aim of this publication is to provide a detailed update on the diagnosis, treatment, and endovascular techniques for posterior circulation emergent large vessel occlusion (pc-ELVO).

Methods

We performed a review of the literature to specifically evaluate this disease and its treatments.

Results

Data were analyzed, and recommendations were reported based on the strength of the published evidence and expert consensus.

Conclusion

While many questions about pc-ELVO remain to be studied, there is evidence to support particular practices in its evaluation and treatment.
In vitro microelectrode study of the electrical properties of smooth muscle in equine ileum
Authors: Hudson N. P. H. , Mayhew I. G. , Pearson G. T.
Published: May 2019

Intracellular microelectrode recordings were made from smooth muscle cells in cross‐sectional preparations of equine ileum, superfused in vitro. Membrane potential oscillations and spike potentials were recorded in all preparations, but recordings were made more readily from cells in the longitudinal muscle layer than from cells in the circular layer. The mean (se) resting membrane potential (RMP) of smooth muscle cells in the longitudinal muscle layer was −51.9 (1.2) mV, and the membrane potential oscillations in this layer had a mean amplitude of 4.8 (0.4) mV, a frequency of 9.0 (0.1) cycles per minute and a duration of 5.8 (0.2) seconds. The membrane potential oscillations were preserved in the presence of tetrodotoxin. A waxing and waning pattern of membrane potential oscillation activity was observed. Nifedipine abolished the spiking contractile activity of the smooth muscle, did not abolish the membrane potential oscillations but did alter their temporal characteristics.