bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identifying Environmental and Human Factors Associated With Tick Bites using Volunteered Reports and Frequent Pattern Mining
Authors: Garcia‐Martí Irene , Zurita‐Milla Raul , Swart Arno , van den Wijngaard Kees C. , van Vliet Arnold J.H. , Bennema Sita , Harms Margriet
Published: May 2016

Tick populations and tick‐borne diseases like Lyme borreliosis have been steadily increasing since the mid‐1990s. Realizing the threat that ticks pose to public health, two Dutch citizen science projects have collected tick bite reports since 2006. This unique volunteered geographical dataset, which currently has nearly 35,000 reports, was used to identify environmental and other circumstantial factors associated with tick bites. For this, we first enriched the tick bite reports with temperature, precipitation, vegetation and volunteered data associated with the location of the tick bite. Using this enriched dataset, we then derived a series of features to characterize the environmental and volunteer‐related conditions in which each tick bite occurred. Next, we discretized these features using the Jenks Natural Breaks algorithm and, after that, we mined frequent environmental patterns associated with tick bites using the AprioriClose algorithm. Finally, we checked that these patterns are specifically associated with the tick bites by comparing them with the frequent patterns mined from pseudo‐random locations. The frequent patterns were visualized using heat maps and ring maps and two representative patterns associated with tick bites were projected into geographic space to study their spatio‐temporal distribution. Our results show that factors linked to human activity are more relevant to model tick bites than seasonal accumulations of temperature, vegetation or precipitation. In particular, the number of warm and dry days per season are present in a significant number of patterns and the majority of tick bites are produced within a distance of half a kilometer of a forest, recreational or built‐up area. The study of patterns in the time‐series revealed that there are several persistent patterns consistently occurring each year and the validation process showed that the volunteer tick bites collection is capturing environmental conditions associated with tick bites, suggesting that these reports have a high scientific value. These results support the creation of a Dutch tick bite risk map that, in turn, will open the door to the design of public health interventions to reduce the incidence of Lyme disease.
Seroprevalence in Household Raised Pigs Indicate High Exposure to GII Noroviruses in Rural Nicaragua
Authors: Bucardo F. , González F. , Reyes Y. , Blandón P. , Saif L. , Nordgren J.
Published: May 2016

Information about porcine norovirus (PoNoV), genetically similar to human NoV (HuNoV), is limited from rural areas where household‐raised pigs are heavily exposed to faecal material which could facilitate transmission. Histo‐blood group antigens (HBGAs) are known susceptibility factors to NoV in humans and in a germfree piglet model but their role in susceptibility in the porcine population remains unknown. This study reports: (i) the seroprevalence and antibody titres to human norovirus (NoV) VLPs in household raised pigs; (ii) the distribution of HBGAs in relation to NoV IgG antibody titres and further characterization by blocking of GII.4 VLP binding to pig gastric mucins (PGM). The majority of pigs were seropositive to all three VLPs tested (58–70%) with seropositivity and cross‐reactivity increasing significantly with age. However, pig sera could not block the binding of NoV GII.4 VLPs (Dijon) to PGM suggesting no previous infection with this genotype. The majority of the pigs were H‐positive (84%), a susceptibility factor for human infections. IgG antibody titres were however higher in H‐negative (GMT = 247) as compared with H‐positive (GMT = 57) pigs, but after age stratification, this difference in antibody titres was only observed in pigs ≤1 month of age. In conclusion, serological data show that the porcine population of Nicaragua is highly exposed to NoV infections, and the association to HBGAs warrants further investigation.
Preliminary Design and Engineering Evaluation of a Hydraulic Ankle–Foot Orthosis
Authors: Neubauer Brett , Durfee William
Published: May 2016

Ankle foot orthoses (AFOs) are used to correct motor impairments of the ankle. While current AFOs are passive, advances in technology and wearable robotics have opened the opportunity for a powered AFO. The hydraulic ankle foot orthosis (HAFO) is a device that takes advantage of the exceptional power-to-weight and force-to-weight of hydraulic fluid power. The device is untethered, and the power transmission chain is battery–electric motor–hydraulic pump–hose–cylinder, with the power supply worn at the waist and the cylinder actuators at the ankle. The fluid power circuit is configured as an electrohydraulic actuator (EHA) that is controlled by controlling the electric motor. The first prototype weighs 3.3 kg of which 0.97 kg is worn at the ankle. Steady-state torque–velocity performance showed that the prototype can provide 65 N·m of assistance torque and a no-load velocity of 105 deg/s. Closed-loop position control showed low steady-state error but a slow response. The current prototype demonstrates the potential of hydraulics for providing large torques in a compact, lightweight device. The speed performance of the prototype is inadequate for normal walking but can be improved by switching to servo valve control or by developing a custom hydraulic pump.
An Adjustable Single Degree-of-Freedom System to Guide Natural Walking Movement for Rehabilitation
Authors: Tsuge Brandon Y. , Michael McCarthy J.
Published: May 2016

This paper presents a linkage system designed to guide a natural ankle trajectory with the corresponding foot orientation. A six-bar linkage was designed to coordinate the joint angles of an RR chain (R denotes a revolute or hinged joint) that models the leg to achieve the desired ankle trajectory. The design is shown to be adjustable to meet a range of trajectories obtained in an individual's normal gait. Control of the foot position is obtained using a cam-driven parallel chain that has the same input as the six-bar linkage. The design of the linkage was carried out using linkage synthesis theory and optimization methods. The result is a one degree-of-freedom system that guides a natural walking movement of the leg and foot. A solid model of the complete device is presented. The results of this research provide a procedure that focuses on the kinematics and mechanical design of a device named the UCI gait mechanism.
Thermal and Hydrodynamic Performance of Aqueous CuO and Al2O3 Nanofluids in an Annular Coiled Tube Under Constant Wall Temperature and Laminar Flow Conditions
Authors: Aly Wael I. A.
Published: May 2016

Laminar flow and heat transfer behaviors of two different metal oxide, Al2O3 (36 nm) and CuO (29 nm), nanofluids flowing through an annular coiled tube heat exchanger (ACTHE) with constant wall temperature boundary condition have been numerically studied to evaluate their superiority over the base fluid (water). Simulations covered a range of nanoparticles volume concentrations of 1.0–6.0% and mass flow rates from 0.025 to 0.125 kg/s. Numerical results indicated that a considerable heat transfer enhancement is achieved by both nanofluids. Results at the same Reynolds number for the pressure drop and heat transfer coefficient show an increase with increasing particle volumetric concentration. The maximum enhancements in heat transfer coefficient were 44.8% and 18.9% for CuO/water and Al2O3/water, respectively. On the other hand, the pressure loss was seven times in comparison to water for CuO/water and about two times for Al2O3/water nanofluid. Also, comparing to the base fluid, nanofluids at low concentrations (up to 3%) can provide the same heat transfer amount at lower pumping power. The overall performance of the enhanced heat transfer technique utilized has been evaluated using a thermohydrodynamic performance index which indicated that Al2O3/water nanofluid is a better choice than CuO/water nanofluid. Moreover, conventional correlations for helical circular tubes for predicting friction factor and average heat transfer in laminar flow regime such as the correlations of Mori and Nakayam and Manlapaz and Churcill, respectively, are also valid for water and the tested nanofluids with small nanoparticle loading in the ACTHE.
Three-Dimensional Stagnation-Point Flow and Heat Transfer of a Dusty Fluid Toward a Stretching Sheet
Authors: Mohaghegh M. R. , Rahimi Asghar B.
Published: May 2016

The steady three-dimensional stagnation-point flow and heat transfer of a dusty fluid toward a stretching sheet is investigated by using similarity solution approach. The freestream along z-direction impinges on the stretching sheet to produce a flow with different velocity components. The governing equations are transformed into ordinary differential equations by introducing appropriate similarity variables and an exact solution is obtained. The nonlinear ordinary differential equations are solved numerically using Runge–Kutta fourth-order method. The effects of the physical parameters like velocity ratio, fluid and thermal particle interaction parameter, ratio of freestream velocity parameter to stretching sheet velocity parameter, Prandtl number, and Eckert number on the flow field and heat transfer characteristics are obtained, illustrated graphically, and discussed. Also, a comparison of the obtained numerical results is made with two-dimensional cases existing in the literature and good agreement is approved. Moreover, it is found that the heat transfer coefficient and shear stress on the surface for axisymmetric case are larger than nonaxisymmetric case. Also, for stationary flat plat case, a similarity solution is presented and a comparison of the obtained results is made with previously published results and full agreement is reported.
Analysis of the Fin Performance of Offset Strip Fins Used in Plate-Fin Heat Exchangers
Authors: Yang Yujie , Li Yanzhong , Si Biao , Zheng Jieyu , Kang Rui
Published: May 2016

As an important consideration in the design of plate-fin heat exchangers, the selection of plate-fin surfaces is associated with the estimation of the fin performance in many cases. The fin performance of offset strip fin (OSF) and plain fin is numerically investigated with well-validated 3D models in the present study. The comparative analysis shows that the conventional fin efficiency and fin effectiveness concepts provide an incomplete assessment of the fin performance of the fins, and lead to impractical suggestions of using OSF fin. Further investigation indicates that the idealization of uniform heat transfer coefficient over all the surfaces in fin channel, which runs through the conventional concepts, is untenable, and strongly restricts the fin performance analysis. An actual fin effectiveness is then proposed to measure the fin performance. It physically represents the ratio of the heat flux over the fin surfaces and that over the primary surfaces in the fin channel. With this method, the effects of the geometrical parameters of the OSF are discussed carefully. The results show that there exists a specific fin thickness-to-height ratio α and fin density γ, which contribute to the highest fin performance for a given mass flux, and the optimal γ (or α) increases (or decreases) as mass flux increases. The OSF fins with relatively large fin thickness-to-length ratio δ perform better in low Re region and the optimum δ decreases with the increasing Re number.
Prospects for Implementing Variable Emittance Thermal Control of Space Suits on the Martian Surface
Authors: Massina Christopher J. , Klaus David M.
Published: May 2016

Extravehicular activity (EVA) will play an important role as humans begin exploring Mars, which, in turn, will drive the need for new enabling technologies. For example, space suit heat rejection is currently achieved through the sublimation of ice water to the vacuum of space, a mechanism widely regarded as not feasible for use in Martian environment pressure ranges. As such, new, more robust thermal control mechanisms are needed for use under these conditions. Here, we evaluate the potential of utilizing a full suit, variable emittance radiator as the primary heat rejection mechanism during Martian surface EVAs. Diurnal and seasonal environment variations are considered for a latitude 27.5°S Martian surface exploration site. Surface environmental parameters were generated using the same methods used in the initial selection of the Mars Science Laboratory's initial landing site. This evaluation provides theoretical emittance setting requirements to evaluate the potential of the system's performance in a Mars environment. Parametric variations include metabolic rate, wind speed, radiator solar absorption, and total radiator area. The results showed that this thermal control architecture is capable of dissipating a standard nominal EVA metabolic load of 300 W in all the conditions with the exception of summer noon hours, where a supplemental heat rejection mechanism with a 250 W capacity must be included. These results can be used to identify when conditions are most favorable for conducting EVAs. The full suit, variable emittance radiator architecture provides a viable means of EVA thermal control on the Martian surface.
Ramp Angle, Not Plateau Height, Influences Transition Strategies
Authors: Sheehan Riley C. , Gottschall Jinger S.
Published: May 2016

In a previous study, we found that participants modified how they transitioned onto and off of ramp configurations depending upon the incline. While the transition strategies were originally attributed to ramp angles, it is possible that the plateau influenced the strategies since the final surface height also differed. Ultimately, for the current study, we hypothesized that an individual’s transition strategies would have significant main effects for ramp angle, but not plateau height. Twelve healthy, young adults transitioned onto 3 distinct ramp configurations, a 2.4-m ramp angled at 12.5° ending at a plateau height of 53 cm, a 1.2-m ramp angled at 23.5° ending at a plateau height of 53 cm, and a 2.4-m ramp angled at 23.5° ending at a plateau height of 99.5 cm. Kinematics, kinetics, and muscle activity were measured during the stance phase before contacting the ramp. In support of our hypothesis, impact peak, active peak, and all of the muscle activity variables had a significant main effect for ramp angle, with greater vertical force peaks and muscle activity on steeper ramp transitions. These findings support our previous interpretation that individuals use estimations of ramp angle, not plateau height, to determine their transition strategies.
The Use of Geometric Morphometric Techniques to Identify Sexual Dimorphism in Gait
Authors: Waldock Claire , Milne Nick , Rubenson Jonas , Donnelly Cyril Jon
Published: May 2016

This study attempts to apply geometric morphometric techniques for the analysis of 3D kinematic marker-based gait data. As a test, we attempted to identify sexual dimorphism during the stance phase of the gait cycle. Two techniques were used to try to identify differences in the way males and females walk without the results being affected by individual differences in body shape and size. Twenty-eight kinematic markers were placed on the torso and legs of 6 male and 8 female subjects, and the 3D time varying coordinates of the kinematic markers were recorded. The gait cycle trials were time-normalized to 61 frames representing the stance phase of gait, and the change in the shape of the configuration of kinematic markers was analyzed using principal components analysis to produce ‘gait signatures’ that characterize the kinematics of each individual. The variation in the gait signatures was analyzed with a further principal components analysis. These methods were able to detect significant sexual dimorphism even after the effects of sexual body shape and size differences were factored out. We discuss insights gained from performing this study which may be of value to others attempting to apply geometric morphometric methods to motion analysis.
Control of neuronal synapse specification by a highly dedicated alternative splicing program
Authors: Traunmüller Lisa , Gomez Andrea M. , Nguyen Thi-Minh , Scheiffele Peter
Published: May 2016

Synapse identity through specific splicing

What are the mechanisms that create different, highly specific types of synapses? Traunmüller
et al.
found that the RNA-binding protein SLM2 regulated a very small number of alternative splicing decisions in mouse hippocampal neurons. Disrupting this splicing program resulted in specific defects in transsynaptic protein complexes. Glutamatergic transmission and synaptic plasticity were impaired. Genetically restoring one single alternative splicing event was enough to recover synaptic plasticity. SLM2 thus activates a highly specific alternative splicing program that controls the properties of glutamatergic synapses.

Science
, this issue p.
982
Draft Genome Sequence of Bacillus licheniformis CG-B52, a Highly Virulent Bacterium of Pacific White Shrimp (
Litopenaeus vannamei
), Isolated from a Colombian Caribbean Aquaculture Outbreak
Authors: Gálvez Eric J. C. , Carrillo-Castro Katerine , Zárate Lina , Güiza Linda , Pieper Dietmar H. , García-Bonilla Erika , Salazar Marcela , Junca Howard
Published: May 2016

Bacillus licheniformis
strain CG-B52 was isolated as the etiological agent producing a self-limited outbreak of high mortalities in commercial
Litopenaeus vannamei
culture ponds on the Colombian Caribbean coast in 2005. Here, we report its draft genome and three novel extrachromosomal elements that it harbors.
Genome Sequence of
Penicillium solitum
RS1, Which Causes Postharvest Apple Decay
Authors: Yu Jiujiang , Wu Guangxi , Jurick Wayne M. , Gaskins Verneta L. , Yin Yanbin , Yin Guohua , Bennett Joan W. , Shelton Daniel R.
Published: May 2016

Penicillium
species cause postharvest decay, commonly known as blue mold, in pome fruits, such as apples and pears. To devise novel strategies to prevent and reduce economic losses during storage, the genome sequence of
Penicillium solitum
RS1 is reported here for the first time.
Structure and Genome Organization of
Cherry Virus A
(
Capillovirus, Betaflexiviridae
) from China Using Small RNA Sequencing
Authors: Wang Jiawei , Zhai Ying , Liu Weizhen , Dhingra Amit , Pappu Hanu R. , Liu Qingzhong
Published: May 2016

Cherry virus
A (CVA) (
Capillovirus, Betaflexiviridae
) is widely present in cherry-growing areas. We obtained the complete genome of a CVA isolate (CVA-TA) using small RNA deep sequencing, followed by overlapping reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) and rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE). The newly identified 5′-untranslated region (5′-UTR) from CVA-TA may form additional hairpin and loop structures to stabilize the CVA genome.
Draft Genome Sequence of Lactobacillus sakei Strain FBL1, a Probiotic Bacterium Isolated from
Mukeunji
, a Long-Fermented Kimchi, in South Korea
Authors: Kim Jae-Hwan , Kim Eiseul , Kim Chang-Gyeom , Choo Dong-Won , Kim Hae-Yeong
Published: May 2016

This report describes the 2,032,158-bp draft genome sequence of
Lactobacillus sakei
(
L. sakei
) strain FBL1, isolated from
mukeunji
purchased at the Gwangju World Kimchi Culture Festival in 2012, South Korea. The total draft genome size was 2,032,158 bp with a G+C content of 41.2%.
Draft Genome Sequence of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia CBF10-1, an Organophosphate-Degrading Bacterium Isolated from Ranch Soil in Fairchilds, Texas
Authors: Iyer Rupa , Damania Ashish
Published: May 2016

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia
CBF10-1 was isolated from a ranch in Fairchilds, Texas, USA. Its genome reveals a highly adaptable microorganism with a large complement of antibiotic and heavy metal resistance genes, efflux pumps, multidrug transporters, and xenobiotic degradation pathways.
Association of diabetes with tooth loss in Hispanic/Latino adults: findings from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos
Authors: Greenblatt Ariel P , Salazar Christian R , Northridge Mary E , Kaplan Robert C , Taylor George W , Finlayson Tracy L , Qi Qibin , Badner Victor
Published: May 2016

Objectives

To investigate the association between diabetes mellitus and missing teeth in Hispanic/Latino adults from diverse heritage groups who reside in the USA.

Research design and methods

The Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL) is a multicenter, population-based study of 18–74 years old who underwent a physical and oral examination (n=15 945). Glycemic status was categorized as diabetes, impaired, or normal, based on medication use, and American Diabetes Association criteria for fasting glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c). HbA1c<7% indicated good glycemic control, and HbA1c>7% indicated uncontrolled diabetes. We estimated ORs and 95% CIs for missing>9 teeth and being edentulous (missing all natural teeth), after adjustment for age, income, education, Hispanic background, study site/center, nativity, last dental visit, health insurance, diet quality, cigarette smoking, obesity, periodontitis, and C reactive protein.

Results

Persons with uncontrolled diabetes had a significant increased likelihood of missing>9 teeth and being edentulous as compared with persons with normal glycemic status (adjusted OR=1.92, 95% CI 1.44 to 2.55 and adjusted OR=1.73, 95% CI 1.22 to 2.46, respectively). The association appeared to be stronger at younger ages (18–44 years old; p for interaction <0.0001). However, we found no associations of either impaired glycemia or controlled diabetes with tooth loss in adjusted models.

Conclusions

Dentists should be aware of their Hispanic patients' diabetes status and whether or not they are well controlled, because these may affect tooth loss and impair oral function, which can lead to poor nutrition and complications of diabetes.
Findings from a pilot Randomised trial of an Asthma Internet Self-management Intervention (RAISIN)
Authors: Morrison D , Wyke S , Saunderson K , McConnachie A , Agur K , Chaudhuri R , Thomas M , Thomson N C , Yardley L , Mair F S
Published: May 2016

Objective

To evaluate the feasibility of a phase 3 randomised controlled trial (RCT) of a website (Living Well with Asthma) to support self-management.

Design and setting

Phase 2, parallel group, RCT, participants recruited from 20 general practices across Glasgow, UK. Randomisation through automated voice response, after baseline data collection, to website access for minimum 12 weeks or usual care.

Participants

Adults (age≥16 years) with physician diagnosed, symptomatic asthma (Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ) score ≥1). People with unstable asthma or other lung disease were excluded.

Intervention

‘Living Well with Asthma’ is a desktop/laptop compatible interactive website designed with input from asthma/ behaviour change specialists, and adults with asthma. It aims to support optimal medication management, promote use of action plans, encourage attendance at asthma reviews and increase physical activity.

Outcome measures

Primary outcomes were recruitment/retention, website use, ACQ and mini-Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ). Secondary outcomes included patient activation, prescribing, adherence, spirometry, lung inflammation and health service contacts after 12 weeks. Blinding postrandomisation was not possible.

Results

Recruitment target met. 51 participants randomised (25 intervention group). Age range 16–78 years; 75% female; 28% from most deprived quintile. 45/51 (88%; 20 intervention group) followed up. 19 (76% of the intervention group) used the website, for a mean of 18 min (range 0–49). 17 went beyond the 2 ‘core’ modules. Median number of logins was 1 (IQR 1–2, range 0–7). No significant difference in the prespecified primary efficacy measures of ACQ scores (−0.36; 95% CI −0.96 to 0.23; p=0.225), and mini-AQLQ scores (0.38; −0.13 to 0.89; p=0.136). No adverse events.

Conclusions

Recruitment and retention confirmed feasibility; trends to improved outcomes suggest use of Living Well with Asthma may improve self-management in adults with asthma and merits further development followed by investigation in a phase 3 trial.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN78556552; Results.
Mutation screening of theTPOgene in a cohort of 192 Chinese patients with congenital hypothyroidism
Authors: Fu Chunyun , Xie Bobo , Zhang Shujie , Wang Jin , Luo Shiyu , Zheng Haiyang , Su Jiasun , Hu Xuyun , Chen Rongyu , Fan Xin , Luo Jingsi , Gu Xuefan , Chen Shaoke
Published: May 2016

Objectives

Defects in the human thyroid peroxidase (TPO) gene are reported to be one of the causes of congenital hypothyroidism (CH) due to dyshormonogenesis. The aim of this study was to examine theTPOmutation spectrum and prevalence among patients with CH in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of China and to define the relationships betweenTPOgenotypes and clinical phenotypes.

Methods

Blood samples were collected from 192 patients with CH in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China and genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood leucocytes. All exons of the 10 common CH-associated genes includingTPOtogether with their exon-intron boundaries were screened by next-generation sequencing (NGS). The effect of the novelTPOmutation was investigated by ‘in silico’ studies.

Results

NGS analysis ofTPOin 192 patients with CH revealed 3 different variations in 2 individuals (2/192, 1%). Sequencing other CH candidate genes in the patients withTPOvariants revealed that patient 1 was homozygous for c.2422delTTPOmutation combined with double heterozygousDUOX2pathogenic variants (p.R683L/p.L1343F) and patient 2 was triallelic forTPOpathogenic variants (p.R648Q/p.T561M/p.T561M). The present study identified a novelTPOvariation c.1682C>T/p.T561M; and four known mutations: c.2422delT/p.C808Afs×24 and c.1943C>T/p.R648Q inTPO, c.2048G>T/p.R683L and c.4027C>T/p.L1343F inDUOX2.

Conclusions

Our study indicated that the prevalence ofTPOmutations was 1% among studied Chinese patients with CH. More than two variations in one or more CH-associated genes can be found in a single patient, and may, in combination, affect the phenotype of the individual. A novelTPOvariation c.1682C>T/p.T561M was found,thereby expanding the mutational spectrum of the gene.
Association between relocation and changes in cardiometabolic risk factors: a longitudinal study in tsunami survivors of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake
Authors: Takahashi Shuko , Nakamura Motoyuki , Yonekura Yuki , Tanno Kozo , Sakata Kiyomi , Ogawa Akira , Kobayashi Seiichiro
Published: May 2016

Objectives

The aim of this study is to determine changes in atherosclerotic cardiovascular risk factors with and without serious disaster-related mental and socioeconomic problems represented by relocation (REL).

Design

A longitudinal survey.

Setting

Multiphasic health check-ups for the general population affected by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami.

Participants

A total 6528 disaster survivors in heavily tsunami-damaged municipalities were recruited. Two sequential surveys were conducted and the data were analysed.

Main outcome measures

Multiphasic health check-ups including investigation of lifestyle and psychological and socioeconomic measures were performed in two sequential phases (8 and 18 months) after the disaster for tsunami survivors with REL (n=3160) and without REL (n=3368). Longitudinal changes in cardiometabolic risk factors between the two phases were compared in the REL and non-REL groups.

Results

In sex/age-adjusted analysis, we found increases in body weight and waist circumference between the two phases that were significantly greater in the REL group than in the non-REL group (body weight:+0.31 (0.23∼0.39) versus −0.24 (−0.32∼−0.16) kg, p<0.001; waist circumference:+0.58 (0.48∼0.68) versus+0.05 (−0.05∼0.15) cm, p<0.001)). A decrease in serum HDLC levels was found and again was significantly greater in the REL group than in the non-REL group (−0.65 (−0.96∼−0.34) versus −0.09 (−0.39∼0.21) mg/dL, p=0.009). In addition, deterioration in physical activity, mental health and socioeconomic status was more prevalent in the REL group than in the non-REL group (all p<0.001).

Conclusions

This study suggests that relocation after the devastating tsunami was related to weight gain and decreasing HDLC among survivors, and this change was associated with prolonged psychological distress and socioeconomic problems after the disaster.
‘They shouldn't be coming to the ED, should they?’ A qualitative study of why patients with palliative care needs present to the emergency department
Authors: Green Emilie , Shaw Sara E , Harris Tim
Published: May 2016

Introduction

Across the developed world, there are concerns about ‘inappropriate’ use of the emergency department (ED). Patients with palliative care needs frequently attend the ED. Previous studies define the ‘reason’ for presentation as the ‘presenting symptom’, which ignores the perspectives of service users. This paper addresses an acknowledged gap in the literature, which fails to examine the decision-making process that brings patients to the ED.

Methods

In-depth narrative interviews were conducted with 7 patients (known to a specialist palliative care service and presenting to the ED during a 10-week period) and 2 informal caregivers. Analysis drew on ‘Burden of Treatment Theory’ to examine the meaning attributed by participants to their experience of serious acute illness, their capacity for action and the work required to access emergency care.

Results

5 themes were identified about how and why emergency services were accessed: capacity for action, making sense of local services, making decisions to access emergency services, experience of emergency care and coping with change. All narratives captured concerns surrounding the complexity of services. Participants struggled to piece together the jigsaw of services, and were subsequently more likely to attend the ED. Differences between the ways that patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cancer accessed the ED were prominent.

Conclusions

Further work is needed to understand and respond to decisions leading patients with palliative care needs to the ED, particularly in the context of locally fragmented services, poor signposting and confusion about available healthcare. The perspectives of service users are essential in shaping emergency care.
A qualitative study of the impact of Crohn's disease from a patient's perspective
Authors: Wilburn Jeanette , Twiss James , Kemp Karen , McKenna Stephen P
Published: May 2016

Objective

To understand how the lives of people with Crohn's disease (CD) are affected. Most research in CD has focused on symptoms and functioning rather than on how these outcomes influence quality of life (QoL).

Design

As part of a study to develop a CD-specific patient-reported outcome measure, qualitative interviews were conducted with patients from Manchester Royal Infirmary to determine how CD affects QoL. The needs-based model was adopted for the study. The interviews, which took the form of focused conversations covering all aspects of the impact of CD and its treatment, were audio-recorded. Theoretical thematic analysis of the transcripts identified needs affected by CD.

Results

Thirty patients (60% female) aged 25–68 years were interviewed. Participants had experienced CD for between 2 and 40 years. Nearly 1300 statements relating to the impact of CD were identified. Thirteen main need themes were identified: nutrition, hygiene, continence, freedom from infection, security, self-esteem, role, attractiveness, relationships, intimacy, clear-mindedness, pleasure and autonomy.

Conclusions

The findings from the interviews indicate that CD has a major impact on need-fulfilment. Such issues should be addressed in CD audit, clinical trials and when evaluating clinical practice.
Diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma in situ and minimally invasive adenocarcinoma from intraoperative frozen sections: an analysis of 136 cases
Authors: He Ping , Yao Guangyu , Guan Yubao , Lin Yunen , He Jianxing
Published: May 2016

Aims

To determine the diagnostic accuracy and contraindications for intraoperative diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS) and minimally invasive adenocarcinoma (MIA) from frozen sections.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of data from 136 patients pathologically diagnosed with early-stage (T1N0M0) AIS or MIA from paraffin-embedded sections. The rate of concordance between the diagnoses from intraoperative frozen sections and paraffin-embedded sections was determined, and the interpretive features that contributed to errors and deferrals in frozen-section diagnoses were identified.

Results

Of the 136 patients, diagnoses from frozen sections and paraffin-embedded sections were concordant in 86 (63.24%) cases intraoperatively diagnosed with AIS or MIA, and 44 (32.35%) cases were intraoperatively diagnosed with adenocarcinoma as the range of infiltration could not be determined from the frozen sections. From the remaining six (4.41%) cases, the frozen section and paraffin-embedded section diagnoses were discordant. The reasons for frozen section errors and deferrals included larger tumour volume, tumour located close to the visceral pleura, interstitial inflammation or fibrosis, absence of prominent atypia and differential morphology in the deeper levels of the paraffin block.

Conclusions

Diagnosis of AIS and MIA from intraoperative frozen sections is feasible. We provide several modifications that may improve the diagnostic accuracy of intraoperative frozen sections for early-stage lung adenocarcinoma.
Patienthood in medieval Tuscany: beliefs and cures
Authors: Lawless Catherine
Published: May 2016

This paper focuses on intersections of holy and sick bodies in the Tuscan Middle Ages to examine how the faithful accessed miraculous cures from contact with, or belief in, the relics of the saints. Rather than examine the relationship between the long dead martyrs (whose relics were abundant), however, it will look at the relationship between relatively recent saints and their devotees. The miracles discussed are traditional—that is, they are found in the lives of many saints and are not exceptional. It is hoped, however, that by concentrating on Tuscany, some insights can be secured on the relationship between Tuscan individuals of the late middle ages and those of their community who were recognised, either officially or through vox populi, as saints.
Role of lipocalin 2 in intraventricular haemoglobin-induced brain injury
Authors: Shishido Hajime , Toyota Yasunori , Hua Ya , Keep Richard F , Xi Guohua
Published: May 2016

Objective

Our recent studies have shown that blood components, including haemoglobin and iron, contribute to hydrocephalus development and brain injury after intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH). The current study investigated the role of lipocalin 2 (LCN2), a protein involved in iron handling, in the ventricular dilation and neuroinflammation caused by brain injury in a mouse model of IVH.

Design

Female wild-type (WT) C57BL/6 mice and LCN2-deficient (LCN2−/−) mice had an intraventricular injection of haemoglobin, and control mice received an equivalent amount of saline. MRI was performed presurgery and postsurgery to measure ventricular volume and the brains were used for either immunohistochemistry or western blot.

Results

Ventricular dilation was observed in WT mice at 24 h after haemoglobin (25 mg/mL, 20 µL) injection (12.5±2.4 vs 8.6±1.5 mm3in the control, p<0.01). Western blotting showed that LCN2 was significantly upregulated in the periventricular area (p<0.01). LCN2 was mainly expressed in astrocytes, whereas the LCN2 receptor was detected in astrocytes, microglia/macrophages and neurons. Haemoglobin-induced ventricle dilation and glia activation were less in LCN2−/−mice (p<0.01). Injection of high-dose haemoglobin (50 mg/mL) resulted in lower mortality in LCN2−/−mice (27% vs 86% in WT; p<0.05).

Conclusions

Intraventricular haemoglobin caused LCN2 upregulation and ventricular dilation. Haemoglobin resulted in lower mortality and less ventricular dilation in LCN2−/−mice. These results suggest that LCN2 has a role in haemoglobin-induced brain injury and may be a therapeutic target for IVH.
Primary peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumour of the tongue in a peach‐faced lovebird (Agapornis roseicollis)
Authors: Nakano Yumiko , Une Yumi
Published: May 2016

Ewing's sarcoma and primitive neuroectodermal tumour (PNET) are extraordinarily rare. In human beings, these tumours have a common chromosomal translocation and differ only in their spectrum of neurodifferentiation. A six‐year‐old female peach‐faced lovebird (Agapornis roseicollis) presented with an approximately 7 mm diameter mass on the inferior surface of the tongue. The bird died during cytoreductive surgery. The mass was clearly demarcated and extended broadly from the tip of the tongue to the pharynx without invasion or adhesion. Histopathologically, the mass was composed of small round cells and short spindle‐shaped cells. The neoplastic cells formed Homer‐Wright pseudorosettes and contained glycogen. There were numerous areas of necrosis and haemorrhage. Immunohistochemically, the tumour cells were positive for vimentin and S‐100 and negative for cytokeratin, actin, glial fibrillary acidic protein, osteocalcin and secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC). To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of a peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumour (pPNET) in a bird.
Influence of porcine circovirus type 2 vaccination on the level of antimicrobial consumption on 65 Austrian pig farms
Authors: Raith J. , Trauffler M. , Firth C. L. , Lebl K. , Schleicher C. , Köfer J.
Published: May 2016

The administration of antibiotics to farm animals is an important contemporary topic. Veterinarians, pig producers, politicians, retailers and consumers all have a vested interest in reducing antimicrobial use on farm, while ensuring adequate health and welfare of food‐producing animals. Vaccination programmes may be used to reduce the overall level of clinical disease in a population, subsequently leading to a decline in antimicrobial use. In 2008, a vaccination programme against porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV‐2) was initiated in Austria. In the retrospective observational study presented here, farm medication records (2008–2011) from 65 conventional pig farms were evaluated. As PCV‐2 has been shown to lead to generalised immunosuppression, enabling secondary bacterial infections to occur, the authors hypothesised that PCV‐2 vaccination would decrease antimicrobial consumption at farm level. Firstly, we focused on the annual antimicrobial consumption expressed as the number of administered animal daily doses per kg liveweight (nADDkg /kg/year). Secondly, a linear mixed effects model was applied to evaluate the influence of PCV‐2 vaccination on the antimicrobial consumption at farm level. The interaction between farm type and PCV‐2 vaccination was found to be a highly significant factor (P=0.0002) influencing antimicrobial use at farm level. The estimated impact of PCV‐2 vaccination revealed a highly significant (P<0.001) decline in total antimicrobial drug use from 1.72 ADDkg /kg/year to 0.56 ADDkg /kg/year on finishing farms, whereas only a negligible decline was detectable on farrow‐to‐finish farms.
Advancing as a surgeon
Authors: Egan Padraig
Published: May 2016

A year ago, Pádraig Egan enrolled on the European College of Veterinary Surgeons' residency programme, but he admits that it's only now that he realises how much work is involved
Second‐year student diary
Authors: Perrett Rosie
Published: May 2016

Rosie Perrett is happy! This term has involved completing major pieces of course work. However, as she loves numbers, she enjoyed completing an enterprise report that involved calculating energy requirements in horses. She also completed her third literature review and learned that typos can be embarrassing and amusing, but are best avoided.
Influence of joint strength variability in timber-frame structures: propagation of uncertainty through shear wall finite element models under seismic loading
Authors: Boudaud C. , Baroth J. , Daudeville L.
Published: May 2016

Results of tests performed on joints used in timber-frame construction allow characterizing the variability of their mechanical behavior, which differs substantially from one joint to the next. The parameters of a constitutive model of the joints and their variability are identified. Finite element (FE) models of a shear wall and a timber-frame house are used in nonlinear dynamic calculations to study the propagation of uncertainty through the structure. It demonstrates that for a single-story 6 m × 6 m house, the variations in mechanical strength of each connection do not significantly affect the structural behavior of the house. Both the numerical and experimental results (on a shaking table) are quite similar, proving the model accuracy, its ability to study the propagation of uncertainty and its relevance for future development (non-regular, multi-story buildings…). Moreover, a sensitivity analysis performed on a FE wall model under uncertain seismic loads reveals the importance of earthquake motion modeling.
Amphibian habitat creation on postindustrial landscapes: a case study in a reclaimed coal strip-mine area
Authors: Stiles Rochelle M. , Swan Jonathan W. , Klemish Jaimie L. , Lannoo Michael J.
Published: May 2016

Although habitat loss is a major driver of amphibian and reptile declines globally, a subset of postindustrial landscapes, reclaimed and restored, are creating habitat for these animals in the United States. In southwestern Indiana, along the southeastern edge of the Illinois Coal Basin, post-SMCRA (Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977) grassland restorations are recreating prairies in a region where they occurred naturally as openings (pockets) in deciduous forest, but were destroyed by agricultural activities following Euro-American settlement. Furthermore, it is likely, given the speed of recolonization by 34 species of amphibians and reptiles (9 frog, 5 salamander, 13 snake, 5 turtle, and 2 lizard species), that the grasslands associated with railroad spur-line right-of-ways act as corridors to facilitate movement of these species into these relatively large sites. We suggest that reclaimed, restored, and properly managed landscapes can support reproducing populations of amphibians and reptiles, including species in decline across other portions of their range.
Nest defense and parental investment in Song Sparrows (Melospizamelodia)
Authors: Morrell N. , Johnson K.M. , Tarwater C.E. , Arcese P.
Published: May 2016

Individual variation in nest defense behaviour is common in altricial birds, but despite clear predictions about why such variation exists, there is no consensus on its causes. We tested for an influence of five predictors of individual variation in nest defense behaviour, including time of season, offspring age, parental age and sex, and clutch size in a well-studied Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia (A. Wilson, 1810)) population. We recorded parental responses to a standardized human approach and used model selection to assess support for each predictor. Parents tended to approach observers less closely and alarm-call less as the breeding season progressed, indicating a modest seasonal decline in parental nest defense, which is consistent with the hypothesis that the reproductive value of offspring influenced parental defense behaviour. Clutch size effect estimates were insignificant, but it was weakly supported as a predictor of nest defense, which is expected if parental investment in defense and current reproductive effort are positively related. Offspring age, as well as parental age and sex, received little or no support as affecting parent nest defense. Our results offer limited support for the hypothesis that the reproductive value of offspring affects parental nest defense.
Contractions of 3-folds: Deformations and invariants
Authors: Donovan Will
Published: May 2016

This paper discusses recent new approaches to studying flopping curves on 3-folds. In a joint paper [Noncommutative deformation and flops, Duke Math. J. 165(8) (2016) 1397–1414], the author and Wemyss introduced a 3-fold invariant, the contraction algebra, which may be associated to such curves. It characterizes their geometric and homological properties in a unified manner, using the theory of noncommutative deformations. Toda has now clarified the enumerative significance of the contraction algebra for flopping curves, calculating its dimension in terms of Gopakumar-Vafa invariants [Noncommutative width and Gopakumar–Vafa invariants, Manuscripta Math. 148(3–4) (2015) 521–533]. Before reviewing these results, and others, the author gives a brief introduction to the rich geometry of flopping curves on 3-folds, starting from the resolutions of Kleinian surface singularities. This is based on a talk given at VBAC 2014 in Berlin.
Singular loci of instanton sheaves on projective space
Authors: Gargate Michael , Jardim Marcos
Published: May 2016

We prove that the singular locus of a rank [Formula: see text] non-locally free instanton sheaf [Formula: see text] on [Formula: see text] has pure dimension [Formula: see text]. Moreover, we also show that the dual and double dual of [Formula: see text] are isomorphic locally free instanton sheaves, and that the sheaves [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are rank [Formula: see text] instantons. We also provide explicit examples of instanton sheaves of ranks [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] illustrating that all of these claims are false for higher rank instanton sheaves.
High Performance VLSI Design of Diamond Search Algorithm for Fast Motion Estimation
Authors: Mukherjee Rohan , Mahajan Vikrant , Dhar Anindya Sundar , Chakrabarti Indrajit
Published: May 2016

Motion estimation (ME) accounts for the major part of computational complexity of any video coding standard. The diamond search (DS) algorithm is widely used as a fast search technique to perform motion estimation. In this paper, a novel architecture for the diamond search technique is proposed that efficiently handles memory addressing and reduces hardware complexity. The proposed architecture meets the speed requirements for real-time video processing without compromising the area. The design when implemented in Verilog HDL on Virtex-5 technology and synthesized using Xilinx ISE Design Suite 12.4, gives rise to a critical path delay of 3.25 ns and the equivalent area is calculated to be 3.5[Formula: see text]K gate equivalent. Working at a frequency of 308 MHz, the proposed design can process 128 CIF frames per second. So, the proposed architecture can be incorporated in a video codec targeted for commercial devices like smart-phones, camcorders and video conferencing system.
Multiplication formulas in Moufang loops
Authors: Grichkov Alexander N. , Zavarnitsine Andrei V.
Published: May 2016

Using groups with triality, we obtain some general multiplication formulas in Moufang loops, construct Moufang extensions of abelian groups, and describe the structure of minimal extensions for finite simple Moufang loops over abelian groups.