bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low MBL‐associated serine protease 2 (MASP‐2) levels correlate with urogenital schistosomiasis in Nigerian children
Authors: Ojurongbe Olusola , Antony Justin S. , Van Tong Hoang , Meyer Christian G. , Akindele Akeem A. , Sina‐Agbaje Olawumi R. , Kremsner Peter G. , Velavan Thirumalaisamy P.
Published: June 2015

Objectives

The human mannose‐binding lectin (MBL) and ficolins (FCN) are involved in pathogen recognition in the first line of defence. They support activation of the complement lectin cascade in the presence of MBL‐associated serine protease 2 (MASP‐2), a protein that cleaves the C4 and C2 complement components. Recent studies found that distinct MBL2 and FCN2 promoter variants and their corresponding serum levels are associated with relative protection from urogenital schistosomiasis.

Methods

We investigated the contribution of MASP‐2 levels and MASP2 polymorphisms in a Nigerian study group, of 163 individuals infected with Schistosoma haematobium and 183 healthy subjects.

Results

MASP‐2 serum levels varied between younger children (≤12 years) and older children (>12 years) and adults (P = 0.0001). Younger children with a patent infection had significantly lower MASP‐2 serum levels than uninfected children (P = 0.0074). Older children and adults (>12 years) with a current infection had higher serum MASP‐2 levels than controls (P = 0.032). MBL serum levels correlated positively with MASP‐2 serum levels (P = 0.01). MASP2 secretor haplotypes were associated with MASP‐2 serum levels in healthy subjects. The heterozygous MASP2 p.P126L variant was associated with reduced serum MASP‐2 levels (P = 0.01).

Conclusions

The findings indicate that higher MASP‐2 serum levels are associated with relative protection from urogenital schistosomiasis in Nigerian children.
Magnetic resonance imaging findings of paracoccidioidomycosis in the musculoskeletal system
Authors: Savarese Leonor G. , Monsignore Lucas M. , de Andrade Hernandes Mateus , Martinez Roberto , Nogueira‐Barbosa Marcello H.
Published: June 2015

Objective

To describe magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in musculoskeletal paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM).

Methods

Retrospective case series study after IRB approval. Two musculoskeletal radiologists reviewed in consensus the MRI findings of 11 patients with microbiologically and/or pathologically proven osteoarticular PCM. The MRI evaluation included discrimination of abnormalities in joints, bones and soft tissues.

Results

Mean age of patients was 29 years (10–55 years), eight men and three women. Musculoskeletal involvement was the only or the primary presentation of the disease in seven patients (63%). Osteomyelitis was the most common presentation, with seven cases (63%). Primary arthritis was found in one patient (9%). Isolated extra‐articular soft tissue PCM was found in three patients: myositis (2) and subcutaneous infection (1). All cases showed regions with signal intensity higher than or similar to the signal of muscle on T1‐weighted images. Penumbra sign was present in five cases (45%). T2‐weighted images showed reactive soft tissue oedema in eight cases (72%). Post‐gadolinium images showed peripheral (8/9) or heterogeneous (1/9) enhancement. Synovial enhancement was present in all cases of joint involvement (6/6). Lipomatosis arborescens was documented in one case of chronic knee involvement.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this is the first case series describing MRI findings of musculoskeletal PCM. Musculoskeletal involvement was the primary presentation of the disease in most cases, and therefore, neoplasms were initially in the differential diagnosis. Osteomyelitis was the most common presentation, often with secondary involvement of joint and or soft tissue.
Genomics for Nursing Education and Practice: Measuring Competency
Authors: Anderson Gwen , Alt‐White Anna C. , Schaa Kendra L. , Boyd Andrea M. , Kasper Christine E.
Published: June 2015

Background

Nurses lack genome literacy, skill, and self‐confidence in applying genomics to health care. Standardized curricula and evaluation tools are needed for wide spread uptake and application of genome science in nursing education, practice, and research.

Aim

To determine whether psychometrically robust survey instruments exist to assess knowledge, skills, attitudes, and self‐confidence in applying genomic nursing competency among students and registered nurses.

Design

Psychometric systematic review.

Data Sources

Medline, CINAHL, Academic Search Elite, Web of Science, and ProQuest Dissertations were searched from 1995 to 2014, with an English language restriction.

Procedures

Critical analysis of the study elements and psychometric attributes was conducted after data were abstracted into analysis and synthesis tables. The synthesis assessed the design, methods, and measurement properties with a focus on reliability and validity using 16 criteria on a 4‐point grading scale.

Findings

Twelve studies were included in a detailed review that focused on assessment of genomic nursing core competencies. Six studies met the inclusion criteria. In terms of psychometric quality of the instruments, one study scored high, two moderate, two low, and one very low.

Linking Evidence to Action

Most instruments assess self‐perceived rather than objectively assessed competency. The highest quality instrument lacks clinical application. Knowledge‐focused test questions based on up‐to‐date genome science that are relevant to practice need to be developed.
The neuromechanical adaptations to Achilles tendinosis
Authors: Chang Yu‐Jen , Kulig Kornelia
Published: June 2015

Key points

Achilles tendinosis is a localized degenerative musculoskeletal disorder that develops over a long period of time and leads to a compliant human Achilles tendon.

We demonstrate that the compliant Achilles tendon elicited a series of adaptations from different levels of the human movement control system, such as the muscle–tendon interaction, CNS control and other muscles in the lower leg.

These results illustrate the human body's capacity to adapt to tendon pathology and provide the physiological basis for intervention or prevention strategies.

Human movement is initiated, controlled and executed in a hierarchical system including the nervous system, muscle and tendon. If a component in the loop loses its integrity, the entire system has to adapt to that deficiency. Achilles tendon, when degenerated, exhibits lower stiffness. This local mechanical deficit may be compensated for by an alteration of motor commands from the CNS. These modulations in motor commands from the CNS may lead to altered activation of the agonist, synergist and antagonist muscles. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of tendon degeneration on its mechanical properties, the neuromechanical behaviour of the surrounding musculature and the existence of the CNS modulation accompanying tendinosis. We hypothesize that the degenerated tendon will lead to diminished tissue mechanical properties and protective muscle activation patterns, as well as an up‐regulated descending drive from the CNS. Strong evidence, as reported in the present study, indicates that tendinotic tendons are more compliant compared to healthy tendons. This unilateral involvement affected the neuromuscular control on the involved side but not the non‐involved side. The muscle–tendon unit on the tendinotic side exhibits a lowered temporal efficiency, which leads to altered CNS control. The altered CNS control is then expressed as an adapted muscle activation pattern in the lower leg. Taken together, the findings of the present study illustrate the co‐ordinated multi‐level adaptations to a mechanical lesion in a tendon caused by pathology.
Human psychophysics and rodent spinal neurones exhibit peripheral and central mechanisms of inflammatory pain in the UVB and UVB heat rekindling models
Authors: O'Neill Jessica , Sikandar Shafaq , McMahon Stephen B. , Dickenson Anthony H.
Published: June 2015

Key points

Translational research is key to bridging the gaps between preclinical findings and the patients, and a translational model of inflammatory pain will ideally induce both peripheral and central sensitisation, more effectively mimicking clinical pathophysiology in some chronic inflammatory conditions.

We conducted a parallel investigation of two models of inflammatory pain, using ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation alone and UVB irradiation with heat rekindling. We used rodent electrophysiology and human quantitative sensory testing to characterise nociceptive processing in the peripheral and central nervous systems in both models.

In both species, UVB irradiation produces peripheral sensitisation measured as augmented evoked activity of rat dorsal horn neurones and increased perceptual responses of human subjects to mechanical and thermal stimuli.

In both species, UVB with heat rekindling produces central sensitisation.

UVB irradiation alone and UVB with heat rekindling are translational models of inflammation that produce peripheral and central sensitisation, respectively.

The predictive value of laboratory models for human pain processing is crucial for improving translational research. The discrepancy between peripheral and central mechanisms of pain is an important consideration for drug targets, and here we describe two models of inflammatory pain that involve ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation, which can employ peripheral and central sensitisation to produce mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia in rats and humans. We use electrophysiology in rats to measure the mechanically‐ and thermally‐evoked activity of rat spinal neurones and quantitative sensory testing to assess human psychophysical responses to mechanical and thermal stimulation in a model of UVB irradiation and in a model of UVB irradiation with heat rekindling. Our results demonstrate peripheral sensitisation in both species driven by UVB irradiation, with a clear mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity of rat dorsal horn neurones and enhanced perceptual responses of human subjects to both mechanical and thermal stimulation. Additional heat rekindling produces markers of central sensitisation in both species, including enhanced receptive field sizes. Importantly, we also showed a correlation in the evoked activity of rat spinal neurones to human thermal pain thresholds. The parallel results in rats and humans validate the translational use of both models and the potential for such models for preclinical assessment of prospective analgesics in inflammatory pain states.
Analysis of Handling Stresses in Thin Solar Silicon Wafers Generated by a Rigid Vacuum Gripper
Authors: Wu Hao , Melkote Shreyes N.
Published: June 2015

Breakage of thin solar silicon wafers during handling and transport depends on the stresses imposed on the wafer by the handling/transport device. In this paper, the stresses generated in solar silicon wafers by a rigid vacuum gripper are analyzed via a combination of experiments and numerical modeling. Specifically, stresses produced in monocrystalline (Cz) and multicrystalline (Cast) silicon wafers of different thicknesses when handled by a vacuum gripper are analyzed using the finite element (FE) method. With the measured surface profiles of the wafer and the gripper as input, the handling process is simulated using FE modeling and the stress distribution obtained. The FE modeling results are validated by experimental data of wafer surface profile during handling. The results show that while the vacuum level does not have significant impact on the stress distribution, the initial surface profiles of the thin wafer and gripper play a dominant role in producing regions of high stress in the wafer.
Electric-Field Enhanced Molecule Detection in Suspension on Assembled Plasmonic Arrays by Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Liu Chao , Xu Xiaobin , Fan D. L.
Published: June 2015

One of the greatest challenges in surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) sensing is to detect biochemicals directly from suspension with ultrasensitivity. In this work, we employed strategically designed longitudinal nanocapsule structures with uniformly surface distributed Ag nanoparticles (Ag NPs) to dually focus and enhance SERS sensitivity of biochemicals in suspension assisted with electric fields. By tuning the reaction conditions, Ag NPs were synthesized and uniformly grown with optimized sizes and junctions on the surface of nanocapsules for well reproducible detection. The Ag NPs can further concentrate molecules from suspension due to induced electrokinetic effects in electric fields. As a result, the signals of Nile blue molecules can be enhanced by 34.4±3.1% at optimal alternating current (AC) frequencies and voltages compared to that without electric fields. This work demonstrates the dual roles of a new type of plasmonic NPs for molecule concentration and detection, which could inspire new Raman sensing devices for applications in microfluidics.
Analysis of Spherical Contact Models for Differential Hardness as a Function of Poisson's Ratio
Authors: Pintaude Giuseppe
Published: June 2015

A differential hardness is needed for a spherical indenter to avoid large deformations of it during an indentation process. Tabor proposes a criterion for this, where the ball hardness should be at least 2.5 times harder than the specimen. Later, five models expand the Tabor proposal, such that the critical interference corresponding to the inception of plastic deformation depends on the Poisson's ratio. This paper discusses the difference among these models, showing that they can be divided in two groups only. In addition, their similarity depending on the specific mechanical properties of tested material was used to make the conversion between yield stress and hardness.
Study on Tribological Properties of Al–Al2O3 Composites Prepared Through FDMAIC Route Using Reinforced Sacrificial Patterns
Authors: Singh Sunpreet , Singh Rupinder
Published: June 2015

In the present work, an attempt has been made to study the tribological properties of Al–Al2O3 composites (under dry sliding conditions) prepared via fused deposition modeling assisted investment casting (FDMAIC) route. Initially, two proportions/mixtures—nylon60%–Al30%–Al2O310% and nylon60%–Al 28%–Al2O312%—were fabricated in the form of fused deposition modeling (FDM) filament on a single screw extruder of L/D 20. Finally, the alternative filaments were used as feedstock filaments of existing FDM system for the fabrication of reinforced investment casting (IC) sacrificial patterns. The effect of process parameters (namely, filament proportion (FP), volume of reinforced FDM pattern, density of FDM pattern (DP), barrel finishing (BF) time, barrel finishing media weight (BFW), and number of IC slurry layers (NSL)) on tribological properties of Al–Al2O3 composites has been studied and optimized using Taguchi L18 OA. Tribotests were performed on pin-on-disk type tribotester at a sliding speed: 239 rpm, sliding diameter-80 mm, load-19.61 N, and time-10 min. Wear was measured both in terms of length and weight loss. Finally, the composites developed were characterized by using optical microscope, scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray diffractogram (XRD).
A Utility Copula Approach for Preference Functions in Engineering Design
Authors: Abbas Ali E. , Sun Zhengwei
Published: June 2015

Utility copula functions (Abbas, 2009, “Multiattribute Utility Copulas,” Oper. Res., 57(6), pp. 1367–1383) construct multi-attribute utility surfaces by combining individual von-Neumann Morgenstern utility assessments for each of the attributes of a decision. Two important properties of utility copula functions guarantee consistency of the individual utility assessments with the aggregate multi-attribute utility surface: (i) the individual utility assessment for each attribute must be conducted at a specified reference value of the remaining (complement) attributes and (ii) the utility copula function must be a linear function of each attribute at some specified reference value. Preference functions (also known as aggregation functions) in engineering design construct preference surfaces to determine tradeoffs among design attributes by combining univariate utility assessments for each attribute, but they do not specify any reference value of the complement attributes for which the assessments should be made. Moreover, the preference function is not required to be a linear function of each attribute at any reference value of the complement. Consequently, the procedure used to construct some of the widely used preference functions in engineering design can result in preference surfaces that are inconsistent with the assessments used for its construction. We derive a unique form of preference functions, which allows for consistent assessments. We show that the resulting preference function is a special case of a utility copula function. With this interpretation, we also provide meaningful interpretations for the weights in preference functions to enable their appropriate assessment.
A Reconfigurable High-Speed Stereo-Radiography System for Sub-Millimeter Measurement of In Vivo Joint Kinematics
Authors: Ivester John C. , Cyr Adam J. , Harris Michael D. , Kulis Martin J. , Rullkoetter Paul J. , Shelburne Kevin B.
Published: June 2015

Relative motions within normal and pathological joints of the human body can occur on the sub-millimeter and sub-degree scale. Dynamic radiography can be used to create a rapid sequence of images from which measurements of bone motion can be extracted, but available systems have limited speed and accuracy, limit normal subject movement, and do not easily integrate into existing traditional motion capture laboratories. A high-speed stereo radiography (HSSR) system is described that addresses these limitations. The custom radiography system was placed on a standalone reconfigurable gantry structure designed to allow freedom of subject movement while integrating into an existing motion capture laboratory. Validation of the system and measurement of knee kinematics of subjects during gait confirmed the ability to record joint motion with high accuracy and high-speed.
Draft Genome Sequence of Human-Pathogenic Lactococcus garvieae LG-ilsanpaik-gs201105 That Caused Acute Acalculous Cholecystitis
Authors: Kim Ji Hyung , Kang Do-Hyung , Park Se Chang
Published: June 2015

Lactococcus garvieae
, which is generally known as a marine and freshwater fish pathogen, is now considered to be an emerging zoonotic pathogen in both human and veterinary medicine. In recent years, we have reported the infection of
L. garvieae
LG-ilsanpaik-gs201105 in the gallbladder of an old fisherman. In this study, we present the draft genome sequence of
L. garvieae
LG-ilsanpaik-gs201105, with a total genome size of 1,960,261 bp in 53 contigs and a 38.1% average G+C content. Interestingly, the capsule gene cluster, which was known as one of the crucial virulence factors in
L. garvieae
, was not detected in our isolate. This is the first genome sequence of human-pathogenic
L. garvieae
, which caused acute acalculous cholecystitis.
Draft Genome Sequence of Erwinia tracheiphila, an Economically Important Bacterial Pathogen of Cucurbits
Authors: Shapiro Lori R. , Scully Erin D. , Roberts Dana , Straub Timothy J. , Geib Scott M. , Park Jihye , Stephenson Andrew G. , Salaau Rojas Erika , Liu Quin , Beattie Gwyn , Gleason Mark , De Moraes Consuelo M. , Mescher Mark C. , Fleischer Shelby G. , Kolter Roberto , Pierce Naomi , Zhaxybayeva Olga
Published: June 2015

Erwinia tracheiphila
is one of the most economically important pathogens of cucumbers, melons, squashes, pumpkins, and gourds in the northeastern and midwestern United States, yet its molecular pathology remains uninvestigated. Here, we report the first draft genome sequence of an
E. tracheiphila
strain isolated from an infected wild gourd (
Cucurbita pepo
subsp.
texana
) plant. The genome assembly consists of 7 contigs and includes a putative plasmid and at least 20 phage and prophage elements.
Draft Genomes of Gammaproteobacterial Methanotrophs Isolated from Terrestrial Ecosystems
Authors: Hamilton Richard , Kits K. Dimitri , Ramonovskaya Victoria A. , Rozova Olga N. , Yurimoto Hiroya , Iguchi Hiroyuki , Khmelenina Valentina N. , Sakai Yasuyoshi , Dunfield Peter F. , Klotz Martin G. , Knief Claudia , Op den Camp Huub J. M. , Jetten Mike S. M. , Bringel Françoise , Vuilleumier Stéphane , Svenning Mette M. , Shapiro Nicole , Woyke Tanja , Trotsenko Yuri A. , Stein Lisa Y. , Kalyuzhnaya Marina G.
Published: June 2015

Genome sequences of
Methylobacter luteus
,
Methylobacter whittenburyi
,
Methylosarcina fibrata
,
Methylomicrobium agile
, and
Methylovulum miyakonense
were generated. The strains represent aerobic methanotrophs typically isolated from various terrestrial ecosystems.
Draft Genome Sequences of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Strain PS3 and Citrobacter freundii Strain SA79 Obtained from a Wound Dressing-Associated Biofilm
Authors: Akbar Sirwan , Rout Simon P. , Humphreys Paul N.
Published: June 2015

Two isolates, one from the genus
Pseudomonas
and the second from
Citrobacter
, were isolated from a wound dressing-associated biofilm. Following whole-genome sequencing, the two isolates presented genes encoding for resistance to antibiotics and those involved in exopolysaccharide production.
Draft Genome Sequence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Strain MT43, a Representative of the Manu2 Genotype
Authors: Aboubaker Osman Djaltou , Phelippeau Michael , Musso Didier , Robert Catherine , Michelle Caroline , Croce Olivier , Drancourt Michel
Published: June 2015

We announce the draft genome sequence of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
strain MT43, isolated from a pulmonary form of tuberculosis in French Polynesia. Analyzing its 4,145,007-bp, 65.17% G+C chromosome confirmed a fully antibiotic-susceptible Manu2 spoligotype.
Draft Genome Sequence of Staphylococcus gallinarum DSM 20610
T
, Originally Isolated from the Skin of a Chicken
Authors: Shi Ding , Fang Daiqiong , Hu Xinjun , Li Ang , Lv Longxian , Guo Jing , Chen Yanfei , Wu Wenrui , Guo Feifei , Li Lanjuan
Published: June 2015

Staphylococcus gallinarum
DSM 20610
T
is a rare pathogen in humans. The increasing relevance of human health prompted us to determine the genomic sequence of
S. gallinarum
. The complete genome sequence of
S. gallinarum
includes a genome of 3,171,720 bp (33.02% G+C content) without any plasmids.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Thermoanaerobacter
sp. Strain YS13, a Novel Thermophilic Bacterium
Authors: Peng Tingting , Pan Siyi , Christopher Lew , Sparling Richard , Levin David B.
Published: June 2015

Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
Thermoanerobacter
sp. YS13, isolated from a geothermal hot spring in Yellowstone National Park, which consists of 2,713,030 bp with a mean G+C content of 34.05%. A total of 2,779 genes, including 2,707 protein-coding genes, 12 rRNAs, and 59 tRNAs were identified.
Genome Sequence of
Rhodococcus
sp. 4J2A2, a Desiccation-Tolerant Bacterium Involved in Biodegradation of Aromatic Hydrocarbons
Authors: Manzanera Maximino , García-Fontana Cristina , Vílchez Juan Ignacio , González-López Jesús
Published: June 2015

The genome sequence for
Rhodococcus
sp. 4J2A2, a newly described desiccation-tolerant strain that removes aromatic hydrocarbons, is reported here. The genome is estimated to be around 7.5 Mb in size, with an average G+C content of 60.77% and a predicted number of protein-coding sequences of 6,354.
Burkholderia cenocepacia Lipopolysaccharide Modification and Flagellin Glycosylation Affect Virulence but Not Innate Immune Recognition in Plants
Authors: Khodai-Kalaki Maryam , Andrade Angel , Fathy Mohamed Yasmine , Valvano Miguel A.
Published: June 2015

Burkholderia cenocepacia
causes opportunistic infections in plants, insects, animals, and humans, suggesting that “virulence” depends on the host and its innate susceptibility to infection. We hypothesized that modifications in key bacterial molecules recognized by the innate immune system modulate host responses to
B. cenocepacia
. Indeed, modification of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) with 4-amino-4-deoxy-
l
-arabinose and flagellin glycosylation attenuates
B. cenocepacia
infection in
Arabidopsis thaliana
and
Galleria mellonella
insect larvae. However,
B. cenocepacia
LPS and flagellin triggered rapid bursts of nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species in
A. thaliana
leading to activation of the
PR-1
defense gene. These responses were drastically reduced in plants with
fls2
(flagellin FLS2 host receptor kinase),
Atnoa1
(nitric oxide-associated protein 1), and
dnd1-1
(reduced production of nitric oxide) null mutations. Together, our results indicate that LPS modification and flagellin glycosylation do not affect recognition by plant receptors but are required for bacteria to establish overt infection.

IMPORTANCE
Virulence and pathogenicity are properties ascribed to microbes, which actually require careful consideration of the host. Using the term “pathogen” to define a microbe without considering its host has recently been debated, since the microbe's capacity to establish a niche in a given host is a critical feature associated with infection. Opportunistic bacteria are a perfect example of microbes whose ability to cause disease is intimately related to the host's ability to recognize and respond to the infection. Here, we use the opportunistic bacterium
Burkholderia cenocepacia
and the host plant
Arabidopsis thaliana
to investigate the role of bacterial surface molecules, namely, lipopolysaccharide and flagellin, in contributing to infection and also in eliciting a host response. We reveal that both molecules can be modified by glycosylation, and although the modifications are critical for the bacteria to establish an infection, they do not impact the host's ability to recognize the pathogen.
Is there a greater maternal than paternal influence on offspring adiposity in India?
Authors: Corsi Daniel J , Subramanian S V , Ackerson Leland K , Davey Smith George
Published: June 2015

Previous research has provided conflicting evidence regarding fetal roots of adiposity in India. To compare the strength of association between maternal and paternal body mass indexes (BMIs) corrected for height with offspring BMI in India to examine the potential for intrauterine mechanisms to influence offspring adiposity in India, we analysed a sample of 16 528 mother-father-offspring trios from the 2005 to 2006 Indian National Family Health Survey. Children were aged 0–59 months with parents aged 15–49 years (mothers) and 15–54 years (fathers). Linear and logistic regression models, specified in multiple ways, were used to estimate associations between parental BMI* (BMI redefined by power term x (kg/mx) to be independent from height), and child BMI/top decile of child BMI. Higher values of maternal BMI and paternal BMI were associated with higher values of offspring BMI. In comparing the effects of maternal BMI and paternal BMI, however, no consistent differences were found in the strength of these parental influences on offspring BMI. In the fully adjusted linear model, the standardised coefficient was 0.131 (95% CI 0.110 to 0.154) for maternal BMI* and 0.079 (95% CI 0.056 to 0.103) for paternal BMI*; with evidence of heterogeneity between maternal-offspring and paternal-offspring associations (p=0.005). This was not robust in the unstandardised regression (β=0.056, 95% CI 0.044 to 0.067 for maternal BMI and β=0.039, 95% CI 0.025 to 0.053 for paternal BMI, p=0.093). Mixed results indicate that compared with paternal BMI, maternal BMI did not have a consistently stronger influence on offspring BMI in India.
Impact of laws aimed at healthcare-associated infection reduction: a qualitative study
Authors: Stone Patricia W , Pogorzelska-Maziarz Monika , Reagan Julie , Merrill Jacqueline A , Sperber Brad , Cairns Catherine , Penn Matthew , Ramanathan Tara , Mothershed Elizabeth , Skillen Elizabeth
Published: June 2015

Background

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are preventable. Globally, laws aimed at reducing HAIs have been implemented. In the USA, these laws are at the federal and state levels. It is not known whether the state interventions are more effective than the federal incentives alone.

Objective

The aims of this study were to explore the impact federal and state HAI laws have on state departments of health and hospital stakeholders in the USA and to explore similarities and differences in perceptions across states.

Methods

A qualitative study was conducted. In 2012, we conducted semistructured interviews with key stakeholders from states with and without state-level laws to gain multiple perspectives. Interviews were transcribed and open coding was conducted. Data were analysed using content analysis and collected until theoretical saturation was achieved.

Results

Ninety interviews were conducted with stakeholders from 12 states (6 states with laws and 6 states without laws). We found an increase in state-level collaboration. The publicly reported data helped hospitals benchmark and focus leaders on HAI prevention. There were concerns about the publicly reported data (eg, lack of validation and timeliness). Resource needs were also identified. No major differences were expressed by interviewees from states with and without laws.

Conclusions

While we could not tease out the impact of specific interventions, increased collaboration between departments of health and their partners is occurring. Harmonisation of HAI definitions and reporting between state and federal laws would minimise reporting burden. Continued monitoring of the progress of HAI prevention is needed.
Utility analysis of management strategies for suspected subarachnoid haemorrhage in patients with thunderclap headache with negative CT result
Authors: Wu Xiao , Kalra Vivek B , Durand David , Malhotra Ajay
Published: June 2015

Purpose

To determine the most effective follow-up strategy for evaluation of patients with thunderclap headache and negative initial non-contrast CT for acute subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH).

Materials and methods

Institutional review was performed to assess the frequency of CT angiography (CTA) in screening patients with negative non-contrast CT. A comparative effectiveness analysis based on decision tree modelling was subsequently performed to assess three different strategies—no follow-up, lumbar puncture (LP) and CTA. The clinical probabilities and utilities from literature were used to design the decision tree. Base-case scenario utility calculations, sensitivity analyses and probabilistic Monte Carlo simulation were performed.

Results

Institutional review of recent data in the last two years demonstrates frequent use of CTA in patients with thunderclap headache with limited utility. The decision tree analysis shows CT with LP follow-up to be the most effective strategy with the highest expected utility of 0.79926 quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) compared with 0.79875 QALY for no follow-up and 0.79869 QALY for CTA follow-up. Monte Carlo simulation showed LP was the best strategy in 86.4% of all iterations. Sensitivity analyses demonstrate that CT without follow-up is the best strategy only when the sensitivity of CT is very high (99.6%) or the pre-test probability of SAH in a patients with thunderclap headache with negative initial CT is low (1.6%).

Conclusions

CT with no follow-up was shown to be the best strategy when the pre-test probability of SAH is low (<1.6%) or the sensitivity of initial non-contrast CT for blood is high (>99.6%). Otherwise, LP should be the preferred strategy for follow-up.
Employment situation and risk of death among middle-aged Japanese women
Authors: Honjo Kaori , Iso Hiroyasu , Ikeda Ai , Fujino Yoshihisa , Tamakoshi Akiko
Published: June 2015

Background

Few studies have examined the health effects of employment situation among women, taking social and economic conditions into consideration. The objective of this research was to investigate the association of employment situation (full-time or part-time employee and self-employed) with mortality risk in women over a 20-year follow-up period. Additionally, we examined whether the association between employment situation and mortality in women differed by education level and marital status.

Methods

We investigated the association of employment situation with mortality among 16 692 women aged 40–59 years enrolled in the Japan Collaborative Cohort Study. Multivariate HRs and 95% CIs for total deaths by employment situation were calculated after adjustment for age, disease history, residential area, education level, marital status and number of children. We also conducted subgroup analysis by education level and marital status.

Results

Multivariate HRs for mortality of part-time employees and self-employed workers were 1.48 (95% CI, 1.25 to 1.75) and 1.44 (95% CI, 1.21 to 1.72), respectively, with reference to women working full-time. Subgroup analysis by education level indicated that health effects in women according to employment situation were likely to be more evident in the low education-level group. Subgroup analysis by marital status indicated that this factor also affected the association between employment situation and risk of death.

Conclusions

Among middle-aged Japanese women, employment situation was associated with mortality risk. Health effects were likely to differ by household structure and socioeconomic conditions.
Epidemiology of bovine spongiform encephalopathy in cattle in Hokkaido, Japan, between September 2001 and December 2006
Authors: Kadohira M. , Stevenson M. A. , Kanayama T. , Morris R. S.
Published: June 2015

Between October 2001 and December 2006 an estimated total of 6 million cattle in Japan were tested forbse, with 31 returning a positive result. Exploratory mapping, the space‐time scan statistic, and ordinal logistic regression have been used to describe the epidemiology of the 24 cases identified in the prefecture of Hokkaido, and to quantify the risk factors for the disease. Two birth cohort groups were affected: cattle born during a period of seven months in 1996, and cattle born between 1999 and 2001. The descriptive spatial analyses showed that eight of the 10 cases born in 1996 were born in areas with a relatively high density of dairy farms in the east of Hokkaido, but that the 14 later cases were more widely distributed throughout the prefecture, with equal numbers of cases in the east and the west. These findings provide indirect evidence of a single localised contamination of the cattle feed supply in 1996, and recycling of the infection after 1999.
Effects of competition experience and transportation on the adrenocortical and thyroid responses of horses
Authors: Fazio E. , Medica P. , Cravana C. , Ferlazzo A.
Published: June 2015

To evaluate whether the amount of experience of sport horses and the stress of transport affected their adrenocortical and thyroid responses, the plasma concentrations of total cortisol and total and free iodothyronine of 63 horses were studied before and after show jumping competitions. There were 14 trained inexperienced jumpers (group 1), 20 trained experienced jumpers (group 2), 10 trained inexperienced jumpers that had been transported just before the competition (group 3) and 19 trained experienced jumpers that had been transported just before the competition (group 4). The concentrations were measured under basal conditions and five and 30 minutes after the competition. There were significant increases relative to the basal values in the total cortisol concentrations of all four groups of horses at five and 30 minutes (P<0·001), but there were no significant differences between the groups. In contrast, there were no significant changes in the concentrations of triiodothyronine, thyroxine and free thyroxine after the competition and there were no significant differences between the groups. However, the horses in group 2 had significantly lower basal concentrations of free triiodothyronine than the horses in groups 1, 3 and 4 and the difference was maintained at five and 30 minutes after the competition.
Modelling seabed shear stress, sediment mobility, and sediment transport in the Bay of Fundy
Authors: Li Michael Z. , Hannah Charles G. , Perrie William A. , Tang Charles C.L. , Prescott Robert H. , Greenberg David A.
Published: June 2015

Information about seabed stability and sediment dynamics is part of the fundamental geoscience knowledge required for the extraction of tidal energy in the Bay of Fundy and for the integrated management of the Bay. Waves, tidal currents, and wind-driven and circulation currents were obtained from oceanographic models to assess the wave and current processes for the broader Bay of Fundy. The wave and current outputs were coupled with observed grain size in a sediment transport model to predict, for the first time, the seabed shear stresses, sediment mobility, and sediment transport patterns for the entire Bay. The root mean square tidal current, highest in the upper Bay (>1.4 m·s−1), is reduced to moderate in the central Bay (0.5–0.8 m·s−1) and decreases further in the outer Bay (0.2–0.5 m·s−1). The maximum tidal current occurs in the Minas Passage and is >5 m·s−1. The mean significant wave height, in contrast, is the greatest in the outer Bay (∼1.3 m) and gradually decreases to the northeast in the central and upper Bay (<0.5 m). Seabed shear in the Bay of Fundy is mostly due to tides, and wave effects are only important in coastal areas. The strongest mean shear velocity of 10 cm·s−1occurs in the Minas Passage area. Strong shear velocity of 4–5 cm·s−1also occurs in Minas Basin, in the central Bay, and in the narrows around Grand Manan Island. Sediment mobilization in the Bay of Fundy is predominantly by tidal current. Mobilization frequency is >30% of the time over most of the Bay and reaches 100% of the time in some areas. The maximum total-load sediment transport rate under spring tide can reach ∼5 kg·m−1·s−1and is to the northeast during flood and to the southwest during ebb. Net sediment transport flux, however, is dominantly to the northeast and reaches 2 kg·m−1·s−1. Eddies of net transport are found to occur around headlands and at the narrows of Grand Manan Island, largely due to the occurrence of eddies of residual tidal flows. The regional distribution of substrate types and bedform fields and patterns of seabed erosion and deposition are well correlated with tidal current strength and sediment transport patterns.
Composition operators between Bergman spaces of logarithmic weights
Authors: Kwon Ern Gun , Lee Jinkee
Published: June 2015

Let [Formula: see text] be the composition operator induced by a holomorphic self-map φ of the open complex unit disk. In this paper, a necessary and sufficient condition for the boundedness of [Formula: see text] from one weighted Bergman space of logarithmic weight into another is described in terms of a growth condition of a generalized counting function for φ. We make use of a new integral representation of a modified counting function which depends on log-convexity of the weight function as well as some estimates for the norm of the weighted Bergman space.
Interaction between Maxwell field and charged scalar field in de Sitter universe
Authors: Crucean Cosmin , Băloi Mihaela-Andreea
Published: June 2015

We study the theory of interaction between charged scalar field and Maxwell field in de Sitter background. Solving the equation of interacting fields, we define the in–out fields as asymptotic free fields and construct the reduction formalism for scalar field. Then we derive the perturbation expansion of the scattering operator. The first-order transition amplitudes corresponding to particle production from de Sitter vacuum and pair production in an external field are analyzed. We show that all these effects are important only in strong gravitational fields and vanish in the flat limit.
A Strength Pareto Gravitational Search Algorithm for Multi-Objective Optimization Problems
Authors: Yuan Xiaohui , Chen Zhihuan , Yuan Yanbin , Huang Yuehua , Zhang Xiaopan
Published: June 2015

A novel strength Pareto gravitational search algorithm (SPGSA) is proposed to solve multi-objective optimization problems. This SPGSA algorithm utilizes the strength Pareto concept to assign the fitness values for agents and uses a fine-grained elitism selection mechanism to keep the population diversity. Furthermore, the recombination operators are modeled in this approach to decrease the possibility of trapping in local optima. Experiments are conducted on a series of benchmark problems that are characterized by difficulties in local optimality, nonuniformity, and nonconvexity. The results show that the proposed SPGSA algorithm performs better in comparison with other related works. On the other hand, the effectiveness of two subtle means added to the GSA are verified, i.e. the fine-grained elitism selection and the use of SBX and PMO operators. Simulation results show that these measures not only improve the convergence ability of original GSA, but also preserve the population diversity adequately, which enables the SPGSA algorithm to have an excellent ability that keeps a desirable balance between the exploitation and exploration so as to accelerate the convergence speed to the true Pareto-optimal front.
Toward understanding tautomeric switching in hydroxynaphthaldehydes: Characterization of electronic absorption spectra
Authors: El-Amry Aeshah , Elroby Shaaban A. , Kühn Oliver , Hilal Rifaat H.
Published: June 2015

Long-wavelength electronic absorption spectra of 4-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde, its dimer complexes, and 4-hydroxy-3-(piperidine-1-ylmethyl)-1-naphthaldehyde are investigated using time-dependent density functional theory with the TPSSh functional within a continuum solvation model. The results are correlated to recent experimental findings on solvent-, pH- and concentration-dependent absorption. It is confirmed that with decreasing wavelength the spectrum is dominated by the deprotonated (360 nm–400 nm), the dimer (340 nm–370 nm) and the monomer (< 280 nm) species. The potential use of hydroxynaphthaldehydes for the design of tautomeric switches is discussed.
Simulation of Turbulent Flows in River Confluences and Meandering Channels with a Cartesian 3D Free Surface Hydrodynamic Model
Authors: Ramón C. L. , Prats J. , Rueda F. J.
Published: June 2015

Three-dimensional primitive equations (3DPE) become a reasonable approach in hydrodynamics in terms of computational costs when the length of the computational domain and/or computational time scales increases. However, given the simplified set of equations used in the analysis, results with 3DPE-based models are expected to be approximate and before attempting to reproduce complex natural flows they first need to be validated against more simple flows observed in laboratory settings. Here, the validity of Cartesian free-surface hydrodynamic models to reproduce three turbulent flows characteristic of river environments is tested: (1) the development of shallow mixing layers, (2) flow pass a lateral cavity and (3) flow in open channel with mild curvature. Errors between measured and modeled values were generally less than 10%, proving their validity to reproduce such turbulent flows and their potential for simulations in more complex natural environments, such it is the case of the confluence between the Ebro and Segre rivers into Ribarroja reservoir.
Gauge invariant method for maximum simplification of the field strength in non-Abelian Yang–Mills theories
Authors: Garat Alcides
Published: June 2015

A new local gauge invariant method is introduced in order to maximally simplify the expression for a SU(2) non-Abelian field strength. The new tetrads introduced in previous works are going to play a fundamental role in the algorithm presented in this paper. Three new local gauge invariant objects are going to guide us through the process of making a field strength block diagonal. The process is also covariant. Any nontrivial isospace field strength projection will become block diagonal through this gauge invariant algorithm. As an application we will find new local observables in Yang–Mills theories.
First-Order Ferromagnetic Transition of Quantum Spin Ice System Yb2Ti2O7
Authors: Yasui Yukio , Hamachi Noriaki , Kono Yohei , Kittaka Shunichiro , Sakakibara Toshiro
Published: June 2015

The neutron diffraction and measurements of specific heat and magnetization were carried out on single crystals of a quantum spin ice system Yb 2 Ti 2 O 7. The thermal hysteresis loops of temperature dependence of the magnetization and neutron diffraction intensity indicate a first-order ferromagnetic transition, where the used single crystals are confirmed to have a sharp peak structure in the specific heat (C)–temperature (T) curve at T C ∼ 0.2 K. The magnetic structure analysis of neutron diffraction results revealed that the Yb 3+ moments have a ferromagnetic collinear structure along [001] directions with ordered moment value 1.1 ± 0.1 μB at 0.03 K. The mechanism of ferromagnetic transition of Yb 2 Ti 2 O 7 will be discussed.
Composite Spin and Quadrupole Wave in the Ordered Phase ofTb2+xTi2-xO7+y
Authors: Kadowaki H. , Takatsu H. , Taniguchi T. , Fåk B. , Ollivier J.
Published: June 2015

The hidden ordered state of the frustrated pyrochlore oxide Tb2+xTi2-xO7+yis possibly one of the two electric multipolar, or quadrupolar, states of the effective pseudospin-1/2 Hamiltonian derived from crystal-field ground state doublets of non-Kramers Tb3+ions. These long-range orders are antiparallel or parallel alignments of transverse pseudospin components representing electric quadrupole moments, which cannot be observed as magnetic Bragg reflections by neutron scattering. However, pseudospin waves of these states are composite waves of the magnetic-dipole and electric-quadrupole moments, and can be partly observed by inelastic magnetic neutron scattering. We calculate these spin-quadrupole waves using linear spin-wave theory and discuss previously observed low-energy magnetic excitation spectra of a polycrystalline sample with x = 0.005(Tc= 0.5 K).
Australia and Nuna
Authors: Betts P. G. , Armit R. J. , Stewart J. , Aitken A. R. A. , Ailleres L. , Donchak P. , Hutton L. , Withnall I. , Giles D.
Published: June 2015

The Australian continent records
c.
1860–1800 Ma orogenesis associated with rapid accretion of several ribbon micro-continents along the southern and eastern margins of the proto-North Australian Craton during Nuna assembly. The boundaries of these accreted micro-continents are imaged in crustal-scale seismic reflection data, and regional gravity and aeromagnetic datasets. Continental growth (
c.
1860–1850 Ma) along the southern margin of the proto-North Australian Craton is recorded by the accretion of a micro-continent that included the Aileron Terrane (northern Arunta Inlier) and the Gawler Craton. Eastward growth of the North Australian Craton occurred during the accretion of the Numil Terrane and the Abingdon Seismic Province, which forms part of a broader zone of collision between the northwestern margins of Laurentia and the proto-North Australian Craton. The Tickalara Arc initially accreted with the Kimberley Craton at
c.
1850 Ma and together these collided with the proto-North Australian Craton at
c.
1820 Ma. Collision between the West Australian Craton and the proto-North Australian Craton at
c.
1790–1760 Ma terminated the rapid growth of the Australian continent.