bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling Finite‐Time Failure Probabilities in Risk Analysis Applications
Authors: Dimitrova Dimitrina S. , Kaishev Vladimir K. , Zhao Shouqi
Published: May 2015

In this article, we introduce a framework for analyzing the risk of systems failure based on estimating the failure probability. The latter is defined as the probability that a certain risk process, characterizing the operations of a system, reaches a possibly time‐dependent critical risk level within a finite‐time interval. Under general assumptions, we define two dually connected models for the risk process and derive explicit expressions for the failure probability and also the joint probability of the time of the occurrence of failure and the excess of the risk process over the risk level. We illustrate how these probabilistic models and results can be successfully applied in several important areas of risk analysis, among which are systems reliability, inventory management, flood control via dam management, infectious disease spread, and financial insolvency. Numerical illustrations are also presented.
Optogenetic excitation of preBötzinger complex neurons potently drives inspiratory activity in vivo
Authors: Alsahafi Zaki , Dickson Clayton T. , Pagliardini Silvia
Published: May 2015

Key points

This study investigates the effects on ventilation of an excitatory stimulus delivered in a spatially and temporally precise manner to the inspiratory oscillator, the preBötzinger complex (preBötC).

We used an adeno‐associated virus expressing channelrhodopsin driven by the synapsin promoter to target the region of the preBötC.

Unilateral optogenetic stimulation of preBötC increased respiratory rate, minute ventilation and increased inspiratory modulated genioglossus muscle activity.

Unilateral optogenetic stimulation of preBötC consistently entrained respiratory rate up to 180 breaths min–1 both in presence of ongoing respiratory activity and in absence of inspiratory activity.

Unilateral optogenetic stimulation of preBötC induced a strong phase‐independent Type 0 respiratory reset, with a short delay in the response of 100 ms.

We identified a refractory period of ∼200 ms where unilateral preBötC optogenetic stimulation is not able to initiate the next respiratory event.

Understanding the sites and mechanisms underlying respiratory rhythmogenesis is of fundamental interest in the field of respiratory neurophysiology. Previous studies demonstrated the necessary and sufficient role of preBötzinger complex (preBötC) in generating inspiratory rhythms in vitro and in vivo. However, the influence of timed activation of the preBötC network in vivo is as yet unknown given the experimental approaches previously used. By unilaterally infecting preBötC neurons using an adeno‐associated virus expressing channelrhodopsin we photo‐activated the network in order to assess how excitation delivered in a spatially and temporally precise manner to the inspiratory oscillator influences ongoing breathing rhythms and related muscular activity in urethane‐anaesthetized rats. We hypothesized that if an excitatory drive is necessary for rhythmogenesis and burst initiation, photo‐activation of preBötC not only will increase respiratory rate, but also entrain it over a wide range of frequencies with fast onset, and have little effect on ongoing respiratory rhythm if a stimulus is delivered during inspiration. Stimulation of preBötC neurons consistently increased respiratory rate and entrained respiration up to fourfold baseline conditions. Furthermore, brief pulses of photostimulation delivered at random phases between inspiratory events robustly and consistently induced phase‐independent (Type 0) respiratory reset and recruited inspiratory muscle activity at very short delays (∼100 ms). A 200 ms refractory period following inspiration was also identified. These data provide strong evidence for a fine control of inspiratory activity in the preBötC and provide further evidence that the preBötC network constitutes the fundamental oscillator of inspiratory rhythms.
Coupled Multipoint Shape Optimization of Runner and Draft Tube of Hydraulic Turbines
Authors: Lyutov A. E. , Chirkov D. V. , Skorospelov V. A. , Turuk P. A. , Cherny S. G.
Published: May 2015

This paper suggests a method of simultaneous multi-objective shape optimization of hydraulic turbine runner and draft tube (DT) with the objective to increase turbine efficiency in wide range of operating points (OPs). Runner and DT are the main sources of energy losses in hydraulic turbines. Coupling runner and DT in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis enables correct statement of boundary conditions for efficiency evaluation, while simultaneous variation of these components allows more flexible adjustment of flow passage geometry. Detailed runner parameterization with 28 free geometrical parameters and DT parameterization with nine free parameters are given. Optimization problem is solved using multi-objective genetic algorithm (MOGA). For each variation of runner and DT shapes, flow field in wicket gate (WG), runner, and DT is simulated using steady-state Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) equations with k-e turbulence model. Energy-based boundary conditions are used for the calculations, allowing determination of efficiency of the whole turbine in correspondence with International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standard. Formulations of multiple OP efficiency objective functions and constraints are discussed in detail. To demonstrate the advantages of simultaneous runner and DT variation, two optimization problems are solved for a medium specific speed Francis turbine. Namely, single runner and coupled “runner–DT” optimizations are carried out. It is shown that optimized runner–DT geometry outperforms the result of single runner optimization by about 0.3% in terms of average efficiency, showing the potential of the developed approach to improve multiregime turbine characteristics in practical design optimization problems.
Model Tests on the Long-Term Dynamic Performance of Offshore Wind Turbines Founded on Monopiles in Sand
Authors: Guo Zhen , Yu Luqing , Wang Lizhong , Bhattacharya S. , Nikitas G. , Xing Yuelong
Published: May 2015

The dynamic response of the supporting structure is critical for the in-service stability and safety of offshore wind turbines (OWTs). The aim of this paper is to first illustrate the complexity of environmental loads acting on an OWT and reveal the significance of its structural dynamic response for the OWT safety. Second, it is aimed to investigate the long-term performance of the OWT founded on a monopile in dense sand. Therefore, a series of well-scaled model tests have been carried out, in which an innovative balance gear system was proposed and used to apply different types of dynamic loadings on a model OWT. Test results indicated that the natural frequency of the OWT in sand would increase as the number of applied cyclic loading went up, but the increasing rate of the frequency gradually decreases with the strain accumulation of soil around the monopile. This kind of the frequency change of OWT is thought to be dependent on the way how the OWT is cyclically loaded and the shear strain level of soil in the area adjacent to the pile foundation. In this paper, all test results were plotted in a nondimensional manner in order to be scaled up to predict the consequences for prototype OWT in sandy seabed.
Optical properties and crystallinity of silver mirrors under a 35 krad cobalt-60 radiation
Authors: Chiu Po-Kai , Chiang Donyau , Lee Chao-Te , Lin Yu-Wei , Hsiao Chien-Nan
Published: May 2015

This study addresses the effects of thin film optical design and environmental radiation on the optical properties of silver mirrors. Different experimental thin film optical designs are selected, and the film stack is built using Macleod's approach. Mirror elements are exposed to the same dose of radiation and their properties are characterized using a spectrophotometer equipped with an integration sphere and an x-ray diffractometer. Spectrophotometric analyses of mirrors exposed to about 35 krad of 60Co radiations overall show that the B270 glass substrates coated with titanium oxide (TiO2), silicon dioxide (SiO2), pure chrome, and pure silver effectively reduces radiation damage. The absorption spectrum of the TiO2 film in the visible region decreases after radiation and displays drifting. As thin metal films comparison, the silver thin film exhibits higher radiation resistance than the chrome thin film. The x-ray diffraction analysis on metal film layers reveals that crystallinity slightly increases when the silver thin film is irradiated.
Hydrogen desorption from hydrogen fluoride and remote hydrogen plasma cleaned silicon carbide (0001) surfaces
Authors: King Sean W. , Tanaka Satoru , Davis Robert F. , Nemanich Robert J.
Published: May 2015

Due to the extreme chemical inertness of silicon carbide (SiC), in-situ thermal desorption is commonly utilized as a means to remove surface contamination prior to initiating critical semiconductor processing steps such as epitaxy, gate dielectric formation, and contact metallization. In-situ thermal desorption and silicon sublimation has also recently become a popular method for epitaxial growth of mono and few layer graphene. Accordingly, numerous thermal desorption experiments of various processed silicon carbide surfaces have been performed, but have ignored the presence of hydrogen, which is ubiquitous throughout semiconductor processing. In this regard, the authors have performed a combined temperature programmed desorption (TPD) and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) investigation of the desorption of molecular hydrogen (H2) and various other oxygen, carbon, and fluorine related species from ex-situ aqueous hydrogen fluoride (HF) and in-situ remote hydrogen plasma cleaned 6H-SiC (0001) surfaces. Using XPS, the authors observed that temperatures on the order of 700–1000 °C are needed to fully desorb C-H, C-O and Si-O species from these surfaces. However, using TPD, the authors observed H2 desorption at both lower temperatures (200–550 °C) as well as higher temperatures (>700 °C). The low temperature H2 desorption was deconvoluted into multiple desorption states that, based on similarities to H2 desorption from Si (111), were attributed to silicon mono, di, and trihydride surface species as well as hydrogen trapped by subsurface defects, steps, or dopants. The higher temperature H2 desorption was similarly attributed to H2 evolved from surface O-H groups at ∼750 °C as well as the liberation of H2 during Si-O desorption at temperatures >800 °C. These results indicate that while ex-situ aqueous HF processed 6H-SiC (0001) surfaces annealed at <700 °C remain terminated by some surface C–O and Si–O bonding, they may still exhibit significant chemical reactivity due to the creation of surface dangling bonds resulting from H2 desorption from previously undetected silicon hydride and surface hydroxide species.
Enhanced intensity discrimination in the intact ear of adults with unilateral deafness
Authors: Maslin Michael R. D. , Taylor Melissa , Plack Christopher J. , Munro Kevin J.
Published: May 2015

Physiological measures of neural activity in the auditory cortex have revealed plasticity following unilateral deafness. Central projections from the remaining ear reorganize to produce a stronger cortical response than normal. However, little is known about the perceptual consequences of this increase. One possibility is improved sound intensity discrimination. Intensity difference limens were measured in 11 individuals with unilateral deafness that were previously shown to exhibit increased cortical activity to sounds heard by the intact ear. Significantly smaller mean difference limens were observed compared with controls. These results provide evidence of the perceptual consequences of plasticity in humans following unilateral deafness.
β-Alanine Supplementation Does Not Augment the Skeletal Muscle Adaptive Response to 6 Weeks of Sprint Interval Training
Authors: Cochran Andrew J.R. , Percival Michael E. , Thompson Sara , Gillen Jenna B. , MacInnis Martin J. , Potter Murray A. , Tarnopolsky Mark A. , Gibala Martin J.
Published: May 2015

Sprint interval training (SIT), repeated bouts of high-intensity exercise, improves skeletal muscle oxidative capacity and exercise performance. β-alanine (β-ALA) supplementation has been shown to enhance exercise performance, which led us to hypothesize that chronic β-ALA supplementation would augment work capacity during SIT and augment training-induced adaptations in skeletal muscle and performance. Twenty-four active but untrained men (23 ± 2 yr; VO2peak = 50 ± 6 mL·kg−1·min−1) ingested 3.2 g/day of β-ALA or a placebo (PLA) for a total of 10 weeks (n = 12 per group). Following 4 weeks of baseline supplementation, participants completed a 6-week SIT intervention. Each of 3 weekly sessions consisted of 4–6 Wingate tests, i.e., 30-s bouts of maximal cycling, interspersed with 4 min of recovery. Before and after the 6-week SIT program, participants completed a 250-kJ time trial and a repeated sprint test. Biopsies (v. lateralis) revealed that skeletal muscle carnosine content increased by 33% and 52%, respectively, after 4 and 10 weeks of β-ALA supplementation, but was unchanged in PLA. Total work performed during each training session was similar across treatments. SIT increased markers of mitochondrial content, including cytochome c oxidase (40%) and β-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase maximal activities (19%), as well as VO2peak (9%), repeated-sprint capacity (5%), and 250-kJ time trial performance (13%), but there were no differences between treatments for any measure (p < .01, main effects for time; p > .05, interaction effects). The training stimulus may have overwhelmed any potential influence of β-ALA, or the supplementation protocol was insufficient to alter the variables to a detectable extent.
Alarm over a sinking delta
Authors: Schmidt Charlie
Published: May 2015

Rise and Fall project seeks ways to slow land subsidence in Vietnam's populous Mekong delta.
Canadian registry to track thousands of pot smokers
Authors: Wade Lizzie
Published: May 2015

Data could answer questions about safety, efficacy, and dosage.
Ancient DNA pinpoints Paleolithic liaison in Europe
Authors: Gibbons Ann
Published: May 2015

Romanian fossil was the great-great-great-grandson of a Neandertal—but an evolutionary dead end.
E.U. commission promises to listen to scientists
Authors: Rabesandratana Tania
Published: May 2015

Panel of seven top scientists to act as watchdog of new advice system.
Exploring the unseen
Life in Our Phage World A Centennial Field Guide to the Earth's Most Diverse Inhabitants
Forest Rohwer, Merry Youle, Heather Maughan, and Nao Hisakawa
Wholon, 2014. 413 pp.
Authors: Koeris Michael
Published: May 2015

A new “phage phield guide” sheds light on the habits and habitats of bacteriophages.
Draft Whole-Genome Sequence of Morganella morganii Serotype O:1ab
Authors: Nash John H. E. , Young N. Martin
Published: May 2015

Morganella morganii
is a facultative pathogen of humans, causing urinary tract and postsurgical infections. Here, we report a high-quality draft assembly of the O:1ab serotype.
Draft Genome Sequences of
Clostridium
Strains Native to Colombia with the Potential To Produce Solvents
Authors: Rosas-Morales Juan Pablo , Perez-Mancilla Ximena , López-Kleine Liliana , Montoya Castaño Dolly , Riaño-Pachón Diego Mauricio
Published: May 2015

Genomes from four
Clostridium
sp. strains considered to be mesophilic anaerobic bacteria, isolated from crop soil in Colombia, with a strong potential to produce alcohols like 1,3-propanediol, were analyzed. We present the draft genome of these strains, which will be useful for developing genetic engineering strategies.
Genome Sequence of Cronobacter sakazakii Serogroup O:4, Sequence Type 4 Strain CDC 2009-03746, Isolated from a Fatal Case of Infantile Meningitis
Authors: Grim Christopher J. , Gopinath Gopal R. , Jarvis Karen G. , Sathyamoorthy Venugopal , Trach Larissa H. , Chase Hannah R. , Tall Ben D.
Published: May 2015

We report the draft genome sequence of a
Cronobacter sakazakii
serogroup O:4, sequence type 4 strain, CDC 2009-03746 (=NM1240=2009-06-01), isolated from a fatal case of infantile meningitis. The draft genome has a size of 4,492,904 bp and a G+C% content of 56.7.
Genome Sequence of Bacillus coagulans P38, an Efficient Polymer-Grade
l
-Lactate Producer from Cellulosic Substrates
Authors: Peng Lili , Song Lifu , Sun Lifan , Cai Yumeng , Wang Limin , Yu Bo
Published: May 2015

Bacillus coagulans
P38 is an efficient polymer-grade
l
-lactic acid producer from a cellulosic carbon source. Here, the draft 3.37-Mb genome sequence of this potential strain may provide useful information to further improve the strain performance for higher titers and, importantly, to understand the mechanism of its high tolerance for 2-furfural.
De Novo
Genome Assembly of Ryegrass Mosaic Virus from a Ryegrass Transcriptome
Authors: Jo Yeonhwa , Choi Hoseong , Cho Won Kyong
Published: May 2015

The ryegrass mosaic virus (RgMV) is a single positive-strand RNA virus belonging to the genus
Rymovirus
. The major natural hosts for RgMV are members of the
Gramineae
species, including ryegrass. Here, we report the nearly complete genome sequence of RgMV by
de novo
assembly using ryegrass transcriptomes.
Draft Genome Sequence of a Sulfur-Oxidizing Autotroph,
Sulfuricella
sp. Strain T08, Isolated from a Freshwater Lake
Authors: Watanabe Tomohiro , Kojima Hisaya , Fukui Manabu
Published: May 2015

Sulfuricella
sp. strain T08 is a sulfur-oxidizing autotroph newly isolated from a freshwater lake in Japan. Strain T08 is the second isolate of the genus
Sulfuricella
. Here, we report the annotated draft genome sequence of the isolate.
Scope and Organization of This Volume
Authors: Spamer Earle E.
Published: May 2015

For various taxonomic names, principally genera and species, this volume piovides information on their location in the literature, published records of stratigraphic occurrence, and published records of geographic occurrence. Information or higher systematics is provided throughout, as an aid for users who may not be familiar with some of the taxa.

The data presented in this volume encompass all publications that in some way address the paleontology of the immediate Grand Canyon region. If a publication has been overlooked, it was not seen by the author. The indexes were prepared from a computerized database, GCPALEO, maintained by the author. This database, at the time these indexes were prepared, contained nearly 17,000 records with taxonomic, stratigraphic, and locality data for fossils reported in the Grand Canyon regional literature.Occurrences of taxonomic names are recorded for every page through the entire base of paleontological literature for the Grand Canyon region. Supplementary databases include higher systematic and stratigraphic data. Aspects of the database allow thorough literature searches at levels of precision greater thaai those of the generalized indexes that comprise this volume. The database includesinformation with each entry that pertains to the context in which the taxon is mentioned; for example, "biostratigraphy," "paleoecology," "mentioned only in a species list," or "casual mention of name."

In this volume, genera and species are cited as published. wunou: synonymy, to preservethe historical context of systematics. Stratigraphic and locality data are modified to reflectmodem names to provide easy use of the indexes, but care also
Giant pseudoangiomatous stromal hyperplasia presenting in the breast of a prepubertal child
Authors: Abdelrahman Tarig , Young Philippa , Kozyar Olexandra , Davies Eleri , Dojcinov Stefan , Mansel Robert E
Published: May 2015

Large benign lesions of the breasts are rare in children. We present a case of a 35 cm mass, weighing 2.7 kg in a 13-year-old girl with small developing breasts. Despite the enormity of the lesion, the patient managed to keep it concealed from her parents for 8 months. While initially suspicious of sarcoma a diagnosis of pseudoangiomatous stromal hyperplasia was suggested radiologically and confirmed histologically. Excision with reduction mammoplasty was performed, care taken not to disrupt the remaining breast tissue to facilitate future breast development. 18 months on, the cosmetic appearance of the breasts is good, with healthy underlying breast tissue developing. To the best of our knowledge this case is the largest documented breast tumour of this type in a patient of this age and illustrates the challenge of treating such tumours in the developing breast.
Sinus thrombectomy for purulent cerebral venous sinus thrombosis utilizing a novel combination of the Trevo stent retriever and the Penumbra ACE aspiration catheter: the stent anchor with mobile aspiration technique
Authors: Mascitelli Justin R , Pain Margaret , Zarzour Hekmat K , Baxter Peter , Ghatan Saadi , Mocco J
Published: May 2015

Intracranial complications of sinusitis are rare but life threatening. We present a case of a 17-year-old woman with sinusitis who deteriorated over the course of 12 days from subdural empyema and global purulent cerebral venous sinus thrombosis. The patient was managed with surgery and mechanical thrombectomy utilizing a novel ‘stent anchor with mobile aspiration technique’, in which a Trevo stent retriever (Stryker) was anchored in the superior sagittal sinus (SSS) while a 5 MAX ACE reperfusion catheter (Penumbra) was passed back and forth from the SSS to the sigmoid sinus with resultant dramatic improvement in venous outflow. The patient was extubated on postoperative day 3 and was discharged with minimal lower extremity weakness on postoperative day 11. This is the first report using the Trevo stent retriever for sinus thrombosis. It is important to keep these rare complications in mind when evaluating patients with oral and facial infections.
An unexpected headache: pituitary apoplexy in a pregnant woman on anticoagulation
Authors: Watson Vanessa
Published: May 2015

Pituitary apoplexy is a rare event in which the pituitary gland undergoes infarction or haemorrhage, most commonly in the setting of an underlying tumour. We report on apoplexy of an undiagnosed pituitary adenoma precipitated both by physiological enlargement of the pituitary in pregnancy and prophylactic anticoagulation from a history of deep vein thrombosis. The haemorrhage was managed conservatively without significant complications.
A pragmatic randomised controlled trial of an implementation intervention to increase healthy eating and physical activity-promoting policies, and practices in centre-based childcare services: study protocol
Authors: Finch Meghan , Yoong Sze Lin , Thomson Rebecca J , Seward Kirsty , Cooney Mairead , Jones Jannah , Fielding Alison , Wiggers John , Gillham Karen , Wolfenden Luke
Published: May 2015

Background

Promotion of healthy eating and physical activity in early childhood is recommended as a global chronic disease prevention strategy. Centre-based childcare services represent a promising setting to provide children with opportunities to improve healthy eating and physical activity. Evidence to inform implementation of childcare obesity prevention guidelines into routine practice in childcare, however, is lacking. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of an intervention, delivered to childcare staff, aiming to increasing service implementation of healthy eating and physical activity-promoting policies and practices.

Methods and analysis

A pragmatic parallel group randomised controlled trial will be undertaken with 165 childcare services in the Hunter New England region of New South Wales, Australia. Services will be randomised to receive either a 10-month evidence-based performance review intervention with other resources to support practice change, or to a waitlist control group. The primary trial outcome is the proportion of services implementing all of the following recommended healthy eating and physical activity promoting practices: written nutrition, physical activity and small screen recreation policies; providing information to families regarding healthy eating (including breastfeeding), physical activity and small screen time; providing twice weekly healthy eating learning experiences to children; providing water and only plain milk to children; providing fundamental movement skills activities for children every day; and limiting and using electronic screen time more for educational purposes and learning experiences. Effectiveness will be assessed using a telephone interview of practice implementation with childcare staff at baseline and 12 months following baseline.

Ethics and dissemination

The study was approved by the Hunter New England Human Research Ethics Committee and the University of Newcastle Human Research Ethics Committee. Study findings will be disseminated widely through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.

Trial registration number

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12614000972628.
The dose–response association of urinary metals with altered pulmonary function and risks of restrictive and obstructive lung diseases: a population-based study in China
Authors: Feng Wei , Huang Xiji , Zhang Ce , Liu Chuanyao , Cui Xiuqing , Zhou Yun , Sun Huizhen , Qiu Gaokun , Guo Huan , He Meian , Zhang Xiaomin , Yuan Jing , Chen Weihong , Wu Tangchun
Published: May 2015

Objective

Reduced pulmonary function is an important predictor of environment-related pulmonary diseases; however, evidence of an association between exposures to various metals from all possible routes and altered pulmonary function is limited. We aimed to investigate the association of various metals in urine with pulmonary function, restrictive lung disease (RLD) and obstructive lung disease (OLD) risks in the general Chinese population.

Design

A cross-sectional investigation in the Wuhan cohort population.

Setting

A heavily polluted Chinese city.

Participants

A total of 2460 community-living Chinese adults from the Wuhan cohort were included in our analysis.

Main outcome measures

Spirometric parameters (FVC, forced vital capacity; FEV1, forced expiratory volumes in 1 s; FEV1/FVC ratio), RLD and OLD.

Results

The dose–response associations of pulmonary function, and RLD and OLD, with 23 urinary metals were assessed using regression analysis after adjusting for potential confounders. The false discovery rate (FDR) method was used to correct for multiple hypothesis tests. Our results indicated that there were positive dose–response associations of urinary iron with FEV1and FEV1/FVC ratio, vanadium with FEV1, and copper and selenium with FEV1/FVC ratio, while a negative dose–response association was observed between urinary lead and FEV1/FVC ratio (all p<0.05). After additional adjusting for multiple comparisons, only iron was dose dependently related to FEV1/FVC ratio (FDR adjusted p<0.05). The dose–response association of iron and lead, with decreased and increased chronic obstructive pulmonary disease risk, respectively, was also observed (both p<0.05). Additionally, we found significant association of urinary zinc with RLD and interaction effects of smoking status with lead on FEV1/FVC, and with cadmium on FVC and FEV1.

Conclusions

These results suggest that multiple urinary metals are associated with altered pulmonary function, and RLD and OLD prevalences.
How different countries addressed the sudden growth of e-cigarettes in an online tobacco control community
Authors: Chu Kar-Hai , Valente Thomas W
Published: May 2015

Objective

The sudden growth of e-cigarettes over the last decade has forced advocates and critics scrambling to bolster support for their respective sides. Bridging the divide in geographic barriers, social networking sites were an ideal meeting place for international activist communities, affording them the ability to organise events and discuss new topics in real time. This study examines how e-cigarettes are addressed in GLOBALink, an online international tobacco control community. We seek to discover if the pattern of activity in e-cigarette discussions changes over time. We are also interested in understanding the characteristics of sentiment toward e-cigarettes in discussion topics between countries with different network characteristics.

Design

Network analysis to explore the relationships between members from different countries, and sentiment analysis of messages and threads to identify patterns of how different countries address e-cigarette topics.

Setting

GLOBALink, an online international tobacco control community.

Participants

Network analysis based on GLOBALink members from 37 different countries. Sentiment analysis based on 853 posted messages, with over 1.4 million words.

Outcome measures

Network centrality measures in country interaction data, including degree, closeness and betweenness. Sentiment scores for each message, and differences between country scores.

Results

The network analysis found a core/periphery structure where central countries focused on active positive discussions pertaining to e-cigarettes, while isolated and peripheral countries posted negative topics without many responses. A qualitative examination of message topics suggests that general subjects elicit more interactions than those that are context specific.

Conclusions

E-cigarettes are a polarising topic that can be seen in how countries appear to discuss related topics with others who share the same opinions. More work is needed to help communities stay informed of current research, and diffuse objective information. Network and sentiment analyses offer a strong combination of methodologies that can help support such efforts.
Prognostic impact of concordant and discordant bone marrow involvement and cell-of-origin in Korean patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma treated with R-CHOP
Authors: Park Mi-Jung , Park Soon-Ho , Park Pil-Whan , Seo Yiel-Hea , Kim Kyung-Hee , Seo Ja-Young , Jeong Ji-Hun , Kim Moon Jin , Ahn Jeong-Yeal , Hong Junshik
Published: May 2015

Aims

Previous studies have suggested many prognostic factors in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), but the prognostic importance of cell-of-origin and discordant bone marrow involvement remains unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic impact of bone marrow involvement histological subtype, cell-of-origin subtype and international prognostic index (IPI) scores in patients with DLBCL.

Methods

Patients who were newly diagnosed with DLBCL and treated with rituximab plus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone (R-CHOP) were analysed. Clinical information was reviewed retrospectively. Patients were classified into negative, concordant and discordant bone marrow involvement by histological review. The cell-of-origin types were defined using immunohistochemical analysis.

Results

Both concordant and discordant bone marrow involvement had a negative prognostic impact on progression-free survival, independent of the standard and National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) IPI scores and cell-of-origin. Patients with non-germinal centre B-cell type showed significantly shorter progression-free survival than those with germinal centre B-cell type. However, non-germinal centre B-cell type did not have a prognostic impact on progression-free survival or overall survival after controlling for the standard and NCCN-IPI and bone marrow involvement.

Conclusions

Both concordant and discordant bone marrow involvement had an adverse prognostic impact on progression-free survival and overall survival; this was independent of the standard and NCCN-IPI and cell-of-origin (non-germinal centre B-cell type). The NCCN-IPI had more powerful prognostic value than the standard IPI (sIPI). The non-germinal centre B-cell type lost significant prognostic impact on progression-free survival after adjustment for standard and NCCN-IPI and bone marrow involvement.
In-hospital treatment and outcomes of heart failure in specialist and non-specialist services: a retrospective cohort study in the elderly
Authors: Parmar Kishan R , Xiu Philip Y , Chowdhury Muhibbur R , Patel Ekta , Cohen Maurice
Published: May 2015

Background

Heart failure is common in the elderly and is associated with high rates of hospitalisation, readmission and mortality. International guidelines however are not frequently implemented in this population.

Methods

We retrospectively studied the clinical profile, investigations, treatment on discharge, length of hospital stay, readmission rate and mortality in 261 patients, aged ≥75 years, with a discharge diagnosis of heart failure. Clinical frailty was estimated using the Canadian Study of Health and Aging clinical frailty scale.

Results

Hypertension (64%), atrial fibrillation (50.6%) and ischaemic heart disease (46%) were common, and 75.6% of patients were clinically vulnerable or frail. 23.5% of admitters had an inpatient echocardiogram and 20% of patients had at least one readmission episode for heart failure. On discharge, 64.6% of admissions were treated with an ACE inhibitor or angiotensin II receptor antagonist, 49.3% with a β blocker and 28.7% with an aldosterone receptor antagonist (ARA). Patients discharged from cardiology wards were more likely to receive a β blocker (p<0.05) versus care of elderly (COE) wards and readmitters were more likely to receive an ARA (p<0.05) versus patients with a single admission. In total, 34 inpatient deaths were recorded (13%) and 80 deaths (30.7%) were recorded long-term (median follow-up 337 days). Long-term mortality was significantly lower in single admitters versus readmitters (p<0.0001) and in those managed on cardiology wards versus COE wards (p<0.05).

Conclusions

Compared with patients hospitalised on geriatric wards, those admitted to cardiology units were discharged more frequently with recommended medications and had a lower long-term mortality.
Socioeconomic inequities in perceived health among patients with musculoskeletal disorders compared with other chronic disorders: results from a cross-sectional Dutch study
Authors: Putrik P , Ramiro S , Chorus A M , Keszei A P , Boonen A
Published: May 2015

Objectives

To explore the impact of socioeconomic factors on physical and mental health of patients with musculoskeletal disorders (MSKDs) and compare it across patients with other disorders.

Methods

A representative sample of the Dutch population (n=8904) completed a survey on sociodemographics, physician-diagnosed (co-) morbidities, and physical (physical component summary, PCS) and mental (mental component summary, MCS) subscales of SF-12 (outcome variables). Regression models were computed first in the total group of patients with MSKDs, with education, age, gender, origin and place of residence as independent variables, and, second, in individuals expected to have paid work, adding a variable on social status. Models were repeated for five other subgroups of chronic disorders (cardiovascular (CVD), diabetes, cancer, mental and respiratory) and for healthy individuals.

Results

MSKDs confirmed by a physician were reported by 1766 (20%) participants (mean age 59 years, 38% male), 547 (6%) respondents reported to have diabetes, 1855 (21%) CVD, 270 (3%) cancer, 526 (6%) mental disorders, 679 (8%) respiratory disorders and 4525 (51%) did not report any disease. In patients with MSKDs, (primary school vs university education (−5.3 (PCS) and −3.3 (MCS)) and having a state subsidy vs paid work (−5.3 (PCS) and −4.7 (MCS)) were consistently associated with worse physical and mental health. Gender was only relevant for PCS (female vs male −2.1). Comparable differences in health by education and social status were observed in the other diseases, except for cancer.

Conclusions

Education and social status in MSKD have the same strong and independent association with health as in other chronic diseases. These health gradients are unfair and partly avoidable, and require consorted attention and action in and outside healthcare.
Longer durations of antitumour necrosis factor treatment are associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular events in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Nurmohamed Michael , Bao Yanjun , Signorovitch James , Trahey Alex , Mulani Parvez , Furst Daniel E
Published: May 2015

Objective

To assess the effects of treatment with antitumour necrosis factor (TNF) agents, methotrexate, or other non-biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) on cardiovascular event risks among patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study using data from the MarketScan claims database. Patients with RA with ≥1 prescription for an index drug were included. Each patient's use of an index drug was calculated cumulatively as a time-varying exposure. The incidence of cardiovascular events among patients with RA was determined. Associations between drug exposures and occurrence of cardiovascular events were assessed with Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

Of 113 677 patients identified, 35.8%, 41.1% and 23.1% received anti-TNF agents, methotrexate and other DMARDs, respectively. Patients were treated for an average of 7.6 months; 2138 patients (1.9%) had a cardiovascular event following their index prescription. Each additional 6 months of anti-TNF therapy use versus non-use reduced the risk (HR; 95% CI) for any cardiovascular event by 12% (0.88; 0.81 to 0.95, p=0.002). Anti-TNF therapy was associated with a 13% and 12% reduction in cardiovascular events in patients aged ≥50 years (0.87; 0.80 to 0.95, p=0.002) and in those without prior methotrexate use (0.88; 0.78 to 0.99, p=0.04), respectively. Cumulative use of 1, 2 or 3 years of anti-TNF therapy versus non-use is expected to reduce cardiovascular event risks by 21%, 38% and 51%, respectively.

Conclusions

Anti-TNF therapy was associated with a significantly lower risk of cardiovascular events among patients with RA, older patients with RA and patients without prior exposure to methotrexate.
Ergonomic skew and reproductive queuing based on social and seasonal variation in foraging activity of eastern carpenter bees (Xylocopa virginica)
Authors: Richards M.H. , Course C.
Published: May 2015

Reproductive division of labour in social carpenter bees differs from that in classically eusocial insects because reproductive output and ergonomic inputs are positively correlated—dominant females monopolize both foraging and reproduction. We quantified ergonomic skew in the facultatively social bee Xylocopa virginica (L., 1771) (eastern carpenter bee) based on detailed observations of foraging activity by individually marked females in 2009. Unusually for a univoltine bee, this species exhibits a spring foraging phase during which females feed pollen to other adults, probably as part of behavioural interactions to establish dominance hierarchies. During brood-provisioning, foraging in social nests was dominated by one female at a time, with replacement by a succession of foragers as dominants disappeared and were succeeded by a subordinate. The principal foragers (individuals that did the largest share of foraging in each colony) did 85%–100% of all pollen trips, so contributions to pollen-provisioning by female nest mates were highly uneven. Individual foraging rate was unaffected by group size and total colony foraging effort was a function of the number of foragers per group. Transient females that moved to new nests were as successful in achieving dominant forager status as females resident in their natal nests. This evidence indicates that colony social organisation is based on reproductive queues, whereby the first-ranked bee is the dominant forager and subordinates queue for opportunities to replace her.
PIXE analysis of water and tailings from lead-mining area in Kanchanaburi, Thailand
Authors: Murao S. , Sera K. , Ishikawa Y. , Goto S. , Takahashi C. , Wongsomsak S. , Limsuwan R. , Kawabe Y. , Imoto Y.
Published: May 2015

Water and tailings from lead-mining area in Kanchanaburi, Thailand were analyzed by PIXE to study how serious the alleged pollution was. Eleven water samples were collected in the field and were sealed in the tube after the pH < 2 was attained by ultrapure nitric acid. All of the samples were transported to Nishina Memorial Cyclotron Center of Japan Radioisotope Association and analyzed by its vacuum PIXE. The result showed that the water contains up to 25 ppb Pb with an average value 12 ppb. The value is lower than the environmental norm in Thailand (0.05 mg/L) but higher than that of WHO (10 μg/L = 0.01 mg/L). Tailings contain high amount of lead. Since resumption of mining is being considered to deliver the economic expectation of local people, it should be invested in treatment or containment within storage facilities. Also discharge of treated process water should be regularly monitored by competent agencies.
Concentration and distribution measurements of fluorine in tea leaves by micro-PIGE
Authors: Yoshida Taisuke , Fujiwara Tsuguhisa , Saito Manabu , Haruyama Yoichi , Yasuda Keisuke
Published: May 2015

The concentration and distribution of fluorine in mature leaves of Camellia sinensis were determined using micro-PIGE. The elemental concentration was measured as 2210 ± 450 ppm. Fluorine showed clear localization in the epidermis. Fluorine was distributed uniformly in the upper epidermis, suggesting that fluorine was localized in the cytoplasm. On the other hand, extremely concentrated areas of fluorine were observed in the lower epidermis.
Micronizing radiosensitive microcapsules by adding carbonated water to their core material
Authors: Harada S. , Ehara S. , Ishii K. , Sato T. , Kouka M. , Sera K. , Goto S.
Published: May 2015

We have been developing microcapsules that release anticancer drugs in response to radiation with an aim of targeted delivery and increasing the efficacy of anticancer drugs by a combination of these drugs with radiation. The aim of this study was to micronize microcapsules by adding carbonated water to the core material of microcapsules, which releases the anticancer drugs in response to radiation. The core material of microcapsules was prepared by mixing 0.1 g of hyaluronic acid and 0.2 g of alginate into 5 mL of carbonated water. The mixture was sprayed onto a 0.3 mmoL/L solution of calcium chloride (CaCl2) and ferrous chloride (FeCl2) using an ultrasound disintegrator. The vibration of the ultrasound disintegrator generated microbubbles in the carbonated water, which micronized the microcapsules. Intravenous injection of the micronized microcapsules to tumor-bearing mice showed that the micronized microcapsules passed more efficiently through the capillaries of lungs or kidneys, which resulted in increased delivery of microcapsules to the tumors and increased the anticancer effect.
Improvement of ion beam brightness by reducing voltage ripple of an electrostatic accelerator for microbeam focusing by a triplet quadrupole lens system having large spherical aberration coefficient
Authors: Matsuyama S. , Watanabe K. , Ishii K. , Terakawa A. , Fujisawa M. , Koshio S. , Toyama S. , Itoh S. , Fujisawa M. , Nagaya T.
Published: May 2015

The microbeam system at Tohoku University was upgraded to a triplet lens system aiming at applying to the analysis of sub-micron features. The triplet lens system has a higher demagnification than the existing doublet system. However, the introduction of the triplet system also resulted in larger chromatic and spherical aberration coefficients. To overcome these problems, the energy resolution of the accelerator was improved by developing a terminal voltage stabilization system. The energy resolution of the accelerator was improved to 1 × 10−5 ΔE/E, which resulted in an increase in the brightness of the beam. The beam brightness was 2.3 pA Δ μm−2 Δ mrad−2 Δ MeV− and was higher in the central region. The effects of the increased chromatic and spherical aberration were mitigated by restricting the divergence angle without reducing the beam current. A beam spot size of 0.6 × 0.8 μm2 was obtained with a beam current of 150 pA.
Spatiotemporal Dynamics of a Diffusive Leslie–Gower Predator–Prey Model with Ratio-Dependent Functional Response
Authors: Shi Hong-Bo , Ruan Shigui , Su Ying , Zhang Jia-Fang
Published: May 2015

This paper is devoted to the study of spatiotemporal dynamics of a diffusive Leslie–Gower predator–prey system with ratio-dependent Holling type III functional response under homogeneous Neumann boundary conditions. It is shown that the model exhibits spatial patterns via Turing (diffusion-driven) instability and temporal patterns via Hopf bifurcation. Moreover, the existence of spatiotemporal patterns is established via Turing–Hopf bifurcation at the degenerate points where the Turing instability curve and the Hopf bifurcation curve intersect. Various numerical simulations are also presented to illustrate the theoretical results.
A Dynamical Analysis of a Piecewise Smooth Pest Control SI Model
Authors: Liu Bing , Liu Wanbo , Tao Fennmei , Kang Baolin , Cong Jiguang
Published: May 2015

In this paper, we propose a piecewise smooth SI pest control system to model the process of spraying pesticides and releasing infectious pests. We assume that the pest population consists of susceptible pests and infectious pests, and that the disease spreads horizontally between pests. We take the susceptible pest as the control index on whether to implement chemical control and biological control strategies. Based on the theory of Filippov system, the sliding-mode domain and conditions for the existence of real equilibria, virtual equilibria, pseudo-equilibrium and boundary equilibria are given. Further, we show the global stability of real equilibria (or boundary equilibria) and pseudo-equilibrium. Our results can provide theoretical guidance for the problem of pest control.
Chaotic Dynamics in a Low-Energy Transfer Strategy to the Equilateral Equilibrium Points in the Earth–Moon System
Authors: Salazar F. J. T. , Macau E. E. N. , Winter O. C.
Published: May 2015

In the frame of the equilateral equilibrium points exploration, numerous future space missions will require maximization of payload mass, simultaneously achieving reasonable transfer times. To fulfill this request, low-energy non-Keplerian orbits could be used to reach L4 and L5 in the Earth–Moon system instead of high energetic transfers. Previous studies have shown that chaos in physical systems like the restricted three-body Earth–Moon-particle problem can be used to direct a chaotic trajectory to a target that has been previously considered. In this work, we propose to transfer a spacecraft from a circular Earth Orbit in the chaotic region to the equilateral equilibrium points L4 and L5 in the Earth–Moon system, exploiting the chaotic region that connects the Earth with the Moon and changing the trajectory of the spacecraft (relative to the Earth) by using a gravity assist maneuver with the Moon. Choosing a sequence of small perturbations, the time of flight is reduced and the spacecraft is guided to a proper trajectory so that it uses the Moon's gravitational force to finally arrive at a desired target. In this study, the desired target will be an orbit about the Lagrangian equilibrium points L4 or L5. This strategy is not only more efficient with respect to thrust requirement, but also its time transfer is comparable to other known transfer techniques based on time optimization.
Gravity as a double copy of gauge theory: from amplitudes to black holes
Authors: Monteiro Ricardo , O'Connell Donal , White Chris D.
Published: May 2015

We discuss the relation between perturbative gauge theory and perturbative gravity, and look at how this relation extends to some exact classical solutions. First, we give an overview of the double copy prescription that takes gauge theory amplitudes into gravity amplitudes, which has been crucial to progress in perturbative studies of supergravity. Then, we review how the self-dual sectors provide an important insight into the relation between the theories. A key role is played by a kinematic algebraic structure mirroring the color structure. Finally, we review how these ideas extend to some exact classical solutions, namely black holes and plane waves.