bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermal Hydraulic Analysis of China Spallation Neutron Source Target System Under Abnormal Situations
Authors: Hao Jun-Hong , Chen Qun , Lu You-Lian , Wang Song-Lin , Yu Quan-Zhi , Ji Quan , Liang Tian-Jiao
Published: September 2016

The analysis of thermal hydraulic performance under three abnormal conditions is very important for the design of China spallation neutron source (CSNS) target system, which could provide some important information for developing an emergency plan. In this study, we first introduce the design of the CSNS target system and create a three-dimensional physical model, calculate the heat source and decay heat distribution using the MCNPX 2.5 Monte Carlo code and the CINDER’90 activation code, and simulate and analyze the temperature distribution in the tungsten target and the steel container under normal operation using fluent. By using the same model, the thermal hydraulic characteristics are analyzed under three different abnormal conditions including power failure, off-center of proton beam, and cooling water failure. The results show that in order to keep the cooling water temperature below the boil point at normal operating pressure, the emergency power for the cooling water should start immediately after power failure. The maximum temperature of the beam window and the up plate increases by about 8 °C when the offsetting distance of proton beam is 5 mm along z direction. The cooling water will not effectively take all away the heat when the flow rate of the cooling water drops below 72% of the normal setpoint.
Validation of Surface Temperature Measurements on a Combustor Liner Under Full-Load Conditions Using a Novel Thermal History Paint
Authors: Krewinkel Robert , Färber Jens , Orth Ulrich , Frank Dirk , Lauer Martin , Pilgrim Christopher , Gonzalez Alvaro Yañez , Feist Jörg , Saggese Raffaele , Berthier Stéphane , Araguas-Rodriguez Silvia
Published: September 2016

The ever-increasing requirements on gas turbine efficiency and the simultaneous demand for reduced emissions, necessitate much more accurate calculations of the combustion process and combustor wall temperatures. Thermal history paints (THPs) is an innovative alternative to the established measurement techniques, but so far only a limited number of tests have been conducted under real engine conditions. A typical THP comprises oxide ceramic pigments and a water-based binder. The ceramic is synthesized to be amorphous and when heated it crystallizes, permanently changing the microstructure. The ceramic is doped with lanthanide ions to make it phosphorescent and as the structure of the material changes, so do the phosphorescent properties of the material. By measuring the phosphorescence, the maximum temperature of exposure can be determined, enabling postoperation measurements at ambient conditions. This paper describes a test in which THP was applied to an impingement-cooled front panel from a combustor of an industrial gas turbine. The panel was instrumented with a thermocouple (TC), and thermal paint was applied to the cold side of the impingement plate. The THP was applied to the hot-gas side of this plate for validation against the other measurement techniques and to evaluate its resilience against the reacting hot gas environment. The durability and temperature results of the three different measurement techniques are discussed. It is shown that the THP exhibited greater durability compared to the conventional thermal paint. Furthermore, the new technology provided detailed measurements indicating local temperature variations and global variations over the complete component.
Seismic Behavior of Horizontally Irregular Structures: Current Wisdom and Challenges Ahead
Authors: Chakroborty Suvonkar , Roy Rana
Published: September 2016

In view of the stronger vulnerability of horizontally irregular structures during earthquakes, numerous studies have been made since mid-1950 s. Unfortunately, research progress in this subject does not appear encouraging. This is evident from the current wisdom embodied in modern codes in the form of design guidelines. Beginning with a critical review of the earlier works and the available code-provisions, the present paper emphasizes on the prevalent controversies and the fundamental fallacies in research studies and traditional design. The review intends to address the strength vis-a-vis weakness of the studies accomplished so far and helps streamlining future research. The present paper also summarizes the updated views for selecting and processing appropriate set of ground motions. This is a key input in seismic response assessment and a major reason of the existing controversies in the subject of asymmetry. A prognostic scrutiny of the research progress recognizes the prospective challenges ahead.
Reduction of Hamiltonian Mechanical Systems With Affine Constraints: A Geometric Unification
Authors: Chhabra Robin , Reza Emami M. , Karshon Yael
Published: September 2016

This paper presents a geometrical approach to the dynamical reduction of a class of constrained mechanical systems. The mechanical systems considered are with affine nonholonomic constraints plus a symmetry group. The dynamical equations are formulated in a Hamiltonian formalism using the Hamilton–d'Alembert equation, and constraint forces determine an affine distribution on the configuration manifold. The proposed reduction approach consists of three main steps: (1) restricting to the constrained submanifold of the phase space, (2) quotienting the constrained submanifold, and (3) identifying the quotient manifold with a cotangent bundle. Finally, as a case study, the dynamical reduction of a two-wheeled rover on a rotating disk is detailed. The symmetry group for this example is the relative configuration manifold of the rover with respect to the inertial space. The proposed approach in this paper unifies the existing reduction procedures for symmetric Hamiltonian systems with conserved momentum, and for Chaplygin systems, which are normally treated separately in the literature. Another characteristic of this approach is that although it tracks the structure of the equations in each reduction step, it does not insist on preserving the properties of the system. For example, the resulting dynamical equations may no longer correspond to a Hamiltonian system. As a result, the invariance condition of the Hamiltonian under a group action that lies at the heart of almost every reduction procedure is relaxed.
Analytical Approximations for Stick–Slip Amplitudes and Frequency of Duffing Oscillator
Authors: K Devarajan , Balaram Bipin
Published: September 2016

Linear spring mass systems placed on a moving belt have been subjected to numerous investigations. Dynamical characteristics like amplitude and frequency of oscillations and bifurcations have been well studied along with different control mechanisms for this model. But the corresponding nonlinear system has not received comparable attention. This paper presents an analytical investigation of the behavior of a Duffing oscillator placed on a belt moving with constant velocity and excited by dry friction. A negative gradient friction model is considered to account for the initial decrease and the subsequent increase in the frictional forces with increasing relative velocity. Approximate analytical expressions are obtained for the amplitudes and base frequencies of friction-induced stick–slip and pure-slip phases of oscillations. For the pure-slip phase, an expression for the equilibrium point is obtained, and averaging procedure is used to arrive at approximate analytical expressions of the periodic amplitude of oscillations around this fixed-point. For stick–slip oscillations, analytical expressions for amplitude are arrived at by using perturbation analysis for the finite time interval of the stick phase, which is linked to the subsequent slip phase through conditions of continuity and periodicity. These analytical results are validated by numerical studies and are shown to be in good agreement with them. It is shown that the pure-slip oscillation phase and the critical velocity of the belt remain unaffected by the nonlinear term. It is also shown that the amplitude of the stick–slip phase varies inversely with nonlinearity. The effect of different system parameters on the vibration amplitude is also studied.
Quad Pillars and Delta Pillars: Algorithms for Converting Dexel Models to Polyhedral Models
Authors: Inui Masatomo , Umezu Nobuyuki
Published: September 2016

In the geometric simulation of multi-axis milling, a dexel representation solid model is frequently used. In this modeling method, the object shape is defined as a collection of vertical segments (dexels) based on a two-dimensional regular square grid in the XY plane. In this paper, the authors propose the quad pillars algorithm and its enhanced version named the delta pillars algorithm for converting a dexel model to an equivalent polyhedral stereolithography (STL) model. These algorithms define a series of vertical pillar shapes for each square cell of the grid to represent the object shape as a bundle of pillars. The final polyhedral model is obtained by performing a simplified Boolean union operation of the pillar shapes. Unlike prior methods, the proposed algorithms are simple and fast and are guaranteed to generate a watertight polyhedral model without holes, gaps, or T-junctions. An experimental system is implemented and conversion tests are performed. The system converted a dexel model based on a high-resolution grid to a polyhedral model in a practical amount of time.
Nanocerium oxide increases the survival of adult rod and cone photoreceptor in culture by abrogating hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress
Authors: Bhargava Neelima , Shanmugaiah Vellasamy , Saxena Manav , Sharma Manish , Sethy Niroj Kumar , Singh Sushil Kumar , Balakrishnan Karuppiah , Bhargava Kalpana , Das Mainak
Published: September 2016

In vitro cell culture system for adult rod and cone photoreceptor (PR) is an effective and economical model for screening drug candidates against all kinds of age related retinal blindness. Interestingly, adult PR cells have a limited survival in the culture system, thus preventing full exploitation of this in vitro approach for drug screening applications. The limited survival of the adult PR cells in culture is due to their inherently high oxidative stress and photic injury. Mixed valence-state ceria nanoparticles have the ability to scavenge free radicals and reduce oxidative stress. Here, ceria nanoparticles of 5–10 nm dimensions have been synthesized, possessing dual oxidation state (+3 and +4) as evident from x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and exhibiting real time reduction of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as quantified by absorbance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammogram analysis. Using flow cytometry and cell culture assay, it has been shown that, upon one time addition of 10 nM of nanoceria in the PR culture of the 18 months old adult common carp (Cyprinus carpio) at the time of plating the cells, the oxidative stress caused due to hydrogen peroxide assault could be abrogated. A further single application of nanoceria significantly increases the survival of these fragile cells in the culture, thus paving way for developing a more robust photoreceptor culture model to study the aging photoreceptor cells in a defined condition.
In vivo confirmation of hydration-induced changes in human-skin thickness, roughness and interaction with the environment
Authors: Dąbrowska Agnieszka K. , Adlhart Christian , Spano Fabrizio , Rotaru Gelu-Marius , Derler Siegfried , Zhai Lina , Spencer Nicholas D. , Rossi René M.
Published: September 2016

The skin properties, structure, and performance can be influenced by many internal and external factors, such as age, gender, lifestyle, skin diseases, and a hydration level that can vary in relation to the environment. The aim of this work was to demonstrate the multifaceted influence of water on human skin through a combination of in vivo confocal Raman spectroscopy and images of volar–forearm skin captured with the laser scanning confocal microscopy. By means of this pilot study, the authors have both qualitatively and quantitatively studied the influence of changing the depth-dependent hydration level of the stratum corneum (SC) on the real contact area, surface roughness, and the dimensions of the primary lines and presented a new method for characterizing the contact area for different states of the skin. The hydration level of the skin and the thickness of the SC increased significantly due to uptake of moisture derived from liquid water or, to a much lesser extent, from humidity present in the environment. Hydrated skin was smoother and exhibited higher real contact area values. The highest rates of water uptake were observed for the upper few micrometers of skin and for short exposure times.
Sparsity constrained contrast source inversion
Authors: Ramirez Ana B. , van Dongen Koen W. A.
Published: September 2016

Ultrasound imaging is used for detecting and characterizing breast lesions. A state of the art imaging method is the contrast source inversion (CSI), which solves the full wave nonlinear inverse problem. However, when the measurements are acquired in noisy environments, CSI can diverge from the correct solution after several iterations. Problems associated with noisy data were originally solved by including total variation (TV) regularization. Unfortunately, for very noisy data, TV regularization alone is not sufficient. In this work, compressed sensing ideas are used to regularize the inversion process by restricting the solution of the CSI method to be sparse in a transformation domain. The proposed method estimates the contrast source and contrast function by minimizing the mean squared error between the measured and modeled data. An extra penalty term is added to measure sparsity in the transformation domain. A second method that combines sparsity of the contrast source and minimal TV in the contrast function is also presented. The proposed methods are tested on noise-free and noisy synthetic data sets representing a scan of a cancerous breast. Numerical experiments show that, for measurements contaminated with 1% noise, the sparsity constrained CSI improves the normalized mean squared error of the reconstructed speed-of-sound profiles up to 36% in comparison with traditional CSI. Also, for measurements contaminated with 5% noise, the proposed methods improve the quality of the reconstruction up to 70% in comparison with the traditional CSI method. Experimental results also show that the methods remain convergent to the correct speed-of-sound profile as the number of iterations increases.
Effect of Compression Socks Worn Between Repeated Maximal Running Bouts
Authors: Brophy-Williams Ned , Driller Matthew W. , Kitic Cecilia M. , Fell James W. , Halson Shona L.
Published: September 2016

Purpose:

To determine the effect of wearing compression socks between repeated running bouts on perceptual, physiological, and performance-based parameters.

Methods:

Twelve well-trained male runners (mean ± SD 5-km time 19:24 ± 1:19 [min:s]) recorded their perceptions of the efficacy of compression socks for recovery before completion of 2 experimental sessions. Each session consisted of two 5-km running time trials (TT1 and TT2) on a treadmill, with a 1-h recovery period between. In a randomized crossover design, 1 session required participants to wear compression socks during the recovery period, and no compression socks were worn between TTs in the other session (control).

Results:

Running performance between TT1 and TT2 for runners wearing compression socks was similar between TTs (mean Δ 5.3 ± 20.7 s, d = 0.07, P = .20), whereas for control runners, performance significantly decreased in the second TT (mean Δ 15.9 ± 13.3 s, d = 0.19, P < .01). When grouped by perception of efficacy for compression socks, participants with strong beliefs (n = 7) experienced improved subsequent running performance with compression socks (mean Δ –3.6 ± 19.2 s, d = 0.05, P = .32) compared with those with neutral or negative perceptions (n = 5; mean Δ 17.9 ± 17.0 s, d = 0.19, P = .04). Cross-sectional area of the calf and muscle soreness were significantly reduced during the recovery period with the use of compression socks (P < .01), whereas ratings of fatigue showed no difference between conditions.

Conclusions:

Wearing compression socks between repeated running bouts can aid recovery and subsequent performance. Furthermore, subsequent exercise performance may be even further enhanced when athletes believe in the efficacy of compression socks to assist in recovery between exercise bouts.
Quiet Eye and Performance in Sport: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Lebeau Jean-Charles , Liu Sicong , Sáenz-Moncaleano Camilo , Sanduvete-Chaves Susana , Chacón-Moscoso Salvador , Becker Betsy Jane , Tenenbaum Gershon
Published: September 2016

Research linking the “quiet eye” (QE) period to subsequent performance has not been systematically synthesized. In this paper we review the literature on the link between the two through nonintervention (Synthesis 1) and intervention (Synthesis 2) studies. In the first synthesis, 27 studies with 38 effect sizes resulted in a large mean effect (d = 1.04) reflecting differences between experts’ and novices’ QE periods, and a moderate effect size (d = 0.58) comparing QE periods for successful and unsuccessful performances within individuals. Studies reporting QE duration as a percentage of the total time revealed a larger mean effect size than studies reporting an absolute duration (in milliseconds). The second synthesis of 9 articles revealed very large effect sizes for both the quiet-eye period (d = 1.53) and performance (d = 0.84). QE also showed some ability to predict performance effects across studies.
Scarred for the Rest of My Career? Career-Long Effects of Abusive Leadership on Professional Athlete Aggression and Task Performance
Authors: Carleton Erica L. , Barling Julian , Christie Amy M. , Trivisonno Melissa , Tulloch Kelsey , Beauchamp Mark R.
Published: September 2016

Based on the contention that leadership has sustained effects on followers even after the leader–follower relationship has ended, we investigated the career-long effects of abusive coach leadership on athlete aggression and task performance. Abusive leadership scores were derived from ratings by two independent raters’ evaluations of coaches’ biographies, and athlete aggression and task performance data were derived from objective sources. Data were obtained from players (N = 693) and coaches (N = 57) involved in the National Basketball Association (NBA) between the 2000–2001 and 2005–2006 seasons. Controlling for tenure, salary, team winning percentage, and absence due to injuries, multilevel modeling showed that exposure to abusive leadership influenced both the trajectory of psychological aggression and task performance over players’ careers. These findings suggest that the effects of abusive leadership extend far longer than currently acknowledged, thus furthering our understanding of the nature and effects of abusive leadership.
Somatic cell reprogramming-free generation of genetically modified pigs
Authors: Tanihara Fuminori , Takemoto Tatsuya , Kitagawa Eri , Rao Shengbin , Do Lanh Thi Kim , Onishi Akira , Yamashita Yukiko , Kosugi Chisato , Suzuki Hitomi , Sembon Shoichiro , Suzuki Shunichi , Nakai Michiko , Hashimoto Masakazu , Yasue Akihiro , Matsuhisa Munehide , Noji Sumihare , Fujimura Tatsuya , Fuchimoto Dai-ichiro , Otoi Takeshige
Published: September 2016

A new and highly efficient method for generating mutant pigs by electroporating the CRISPR/Cas9 system into zygotes.
Scientist's guide to modern art
Reductionism in Art and Brain Science Bridging the Two Cultures
Eric R. Kandel
Columbia University Press, 2016. 236 pp.
Authors: Noë Alva
Published: September 2016

Scientific inquiry and abstract artistic expression may have more in common than you think
Complete Genome Sequence of Lactococcus lactis subsp.
lactis
A12, a Strain Isolated from Wheat Sourdough
Authors: Guellerin Maéva , Passerini Delphine , Fontagné-Faucher Catherine , Robert Hervé , Gabriel Valérie , Loux Valentin , Klopp Christophe , Le Loir Yves , Coddeville Michèle , Daveran-Mingot Marie-Line , Ritzenthaler Paul , Le Bourgeois Pascal
Published: September 2016

We report here the complete genome sequence of
Lactococcus lactis
subsp.
lactis
strain A12, a strain isolated from sourdough. The circular chromosome and the four plasmids reveal genes involved in carbohydrate metabolism that are potentially required for the persistence of this strain in such a complex ecosystem.
Complete Genome Sequence of a New Enterococcus faecalis Bacteriophage, vB_EfaS_IME197
Authors: Cheng Shi , Xing Shaozhen , Zhang Xianglilan , Pei Guangqian , An Xiaoping , Mi Zhiqiang , Huang Yong , Tong Yigang
Published: September 2016

We report here the whole-genome sequence of a new
Enterococcus faecalis
phage, vB_EfaS_IME197, which has a linear double-stranded DNA genome of 41,307 bp with 34% G+C content. We describe the main features of the genome of vB_EfaS_IME197.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Potential Probiotic, Lactobacillus pentosus MP-10, Isolated from Fermented Aloreña Table Olives
Authors: Abriouel Hikmate , Pérez Montoro Beatriz , Casado Muñoz María del Carmen , Lavilla Lerma Leyre , Hidalgo Pestaña Marina , Caballero Gómez Natacha , Franz Charles M. A. P. , Gálvez Antonio , Benomar Nabil
Published: September 2016

We report here a 3,698,214-bp complete genome sequence of a potential probiotic
Lactobacillus pentosus
strain, MP-10, isolated from brines of naturally fermented Aloreña green table olives; it is considered the largest sequenced genome among lactobacilli to date. The annotated genome sequence revealed the presence of 3,558 open reading frames (ORFs) and 87 structural RNAs.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Streptomyces
sp. Strain PTY087I2, Isolated from
Styela canopus
, a Panamanian Tunicate
Authors: Gromek Samantha M. , Sung Anne A. , Klassen Jonathan L. , Balunas Marcy J.
Published: September 2016

Streptomyces
sp. PTY087I2 is a marine bacterium isolated from
Styela canopus
, a tunicate collected in Bocas del Toro, Panama. Here, we report a draft genome sequence for this bacterium, found to have 94.7% average nucleotide identity (ANI) with
Streptomyces roseosporus
NRRL 11379, and containing a diverse suite of secondary metabolite gene clusters.
Genome Sequence of the Listeria monocytogenes Food Isolate HPB913, Collected in Canada in 1993
Authors: Pightling Arthur W. , Rand Hugh , Strain Errol , Pagotto Franco
Published: September 2016

Listeria monocytogenes
is a pathogenic bacterium of importance to public health and food safety agencies. We present the genome sequence of the serotype 1/2a
L. monocytogenes
food isolate HPB913, which was collected in Canada in 1993 as part of an investigation into a sporadic case of foodborne illness.
Draft Genome Sequence of Salmonella enterica subsp.
enterica
Serovar Bardo Strain CRJJGF_00099 (Phylum
Gammaproteobacteria
)
Authors: Gupta Sushim K. , McMillan Elizabeth A. , Jackson Charlene R. , Desai Prerak T. , Porwollik Steffen , McClelland Michael , Hiott Lari M. , Humayoun Shaheen B. , Frye Jonathan G.
Published: September 2016

Here, we report a 4.87-Mbp draft genome sequence of the multidrug-resistant (MDR)
Salmonella enterica
subsp.
enterica
serovar Bardo strain CRJJGF_00099, isolated from dairy cattle in 2005.
Draft Genome Sequence of the White-Rot Fungus
Obba rivulosa
3A-2
Authors: Miettinen Otto , Riley Robert , Barry Kerrie , Cullen Dan , de Vries Ronald P. , Hainaut Matthieu , Hatakka Annele , Henrissat Bernard , Hildén Kristiina , Kuo Rita , LaButti Kurt , Lipzen Anna , Mäkelä Miia R. , Sandor Laura , Spatafora Joseph W. , Grigoriev Igor V. , Hibbett David S.
Published: September 2016

We report here the first genome sequence of the white-rot fungus
Obba rivulosa
(Polyporales, Basidiomycota), a polypore known for its lignin-decomposing ability. The genome is based on the homokaryon 3A-2 originating in Finland. The genome is typical in size and carbohydrate active enzyme (CAZy) content for wood-decomposing basidiomycetes.
Draft Genome Sequences of
Shewanella
sp. Strain UCD-FRSP16_17 and Nine
Vibrio
Strains Isolated from Abalone Feces
Authors: Vater Ashley , Agbonavbare Vivian , Carlin Dylan A. , Carruthers Griselda M. , Chac Adam , Doroud Ladan , Farris Samuel J. , Gudzeva Melanya , Jospin Guillaume , Kintner John A. , Knauss Jonathon P. , Lor Yi , Pechacek Randi , Rohner Eden S. , Simmons Sierra M. V. , Verescshagina Mayya , Wirawan Christian S. , Zagal Leonel , Coil David A.
Published: September 2016

We present here the draft genome sequences for nine strains of
Vibrio
(
V. cyclitrophicus
,
V. splendidus
,
V. tasmaniensis
, and three unidentified) and one
Shewanella
strain. Strains were isolated from red (
Haliotis rufescens
) and white (
Haliotis sorenseni
) abalone, with and without exposure to “
Candidatus
Xenohaliotis californiensis,” the causative agent of abalone withering syndrome.
Draft Genome Sequence of Enterococcus mundtii QAUEM2808, Isolated from Dahi, a Fermented Milk Product
Authors: Farah N. , Mehdi A. , Soomro S. I. , Soomro N. I. , Tareb R. , Desmasures N. , Vernoux J. P. , Bakhtiar S. M. , Imran M.
Published: September 2016

Enterococcus mundtii
QAUEM2808 has been isolated from dahi, an indigenous fermented milk product of Pakistan. Here, we report the draft genome sequence for this strain, which consists of 160 contigs corresponding to 2,957,514 bp and a G+C content of 38.5%.
Comparison of BacT/Alert FAN and FAN Plus Bottles with Conventional Medium for Culturing Cerebrospinal Fluid
Authors: Yoo In Young , Chun Sejong , Song Dong Joon , Huh Hee Jae , Lee Nam Yong
Published: September 2016

We compared the BacT/Alert system FAN and FAN Plus media to conventional media for culturing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) with 2,545 samples. FAN/FAN Plus bottles showed better performance for isolating microorganisms in CSF than conventional media (positive rate, 7.2% [182/2,545] versus 3.1% [80/2,545]). The incremental recovery rate of
Cryptococcus neoformans
from FAN Plus bottles was higher than that from FAN bottles.
Altered Glycosylation Patterns Increase Immunogenicity of a Subunit Hepatitis C Virus Vaccine, Inducing Neutralizing Antibodies Which Confer Protection in Mice
Authors: Li Dapeng , von Schaewen Markus , Wang Xuesong , Tao Wanyin , Zhang Yunfang , Li Li , Heller Brigitte , Hrebikova Gabriela , Deng Qiang , Ploss Alexander , Zhong Jin , Huang Zhong
Published: September 2016

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a global health problem for which no vaccine is available. HCV has a highly heterogeneous RNA genome and can be classified into seven genotypes. Due to the high genetic and resultant antigenic variation among the genotypes, inducing antibodies capable of neutralizing most of the HCV genotypes by experimental vaccination has been challenging. Previous efforts focused on priming humoral immune responses with recombinant HCV envelope E2 protein produced in mammalian cells. Here, we report that a soluble form of HCV E2 (sE2) produced in insect cells possesses different glycosylation patterns and is more immunogenic, as evidenced by the induction of higher titers of broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) against cell culture-derived HCV (HCVcc) harboring structural proteins from a diverse array of HCV genotypes. We affirm that continuous and discontinuous epitopes of well-characterized bNAbs are conserved, suggesting that sE2 produced in insect cells is properly folded. In a genetically humanized mouse model, active immunization with sE2 efficiently protected against challenge with a heterologous HCV genotype. These data not only demonstrate that sE2 is a promising HCV vaccine candidate, but also highlight the importance of glycosylation patterns in developing subunit viral vaccines.

IMPORTANCE
A prophylactic vaccine with high efficacy and low cost is urgently needed for global control of HCV infection. Induction of broadly neutralizing antibodies against most HCV genotypes has been challenging due to the antigenic diversity of the HCV genome. Here, we refined a high-yield subunit HCV vaccine that elicited broadly neutralizing antibody responses in preclinical trials. We found that soluble HCV E2 protein (sE2) produced in insect cells is distinctly glycosylated and is more immunogenic than sE2 produced in mammalian cells, suggesting that glycosylation patterns should be taken into consideration in efforts to generate antibody-based recombinant vaccines against HCV. We further showed that sE2 vaccination confers protection against HCV infection in a genetically humanized mouse model. Thus, our work identified a promising broadly protective HCV vaccine candidate that should be considered for further preclinical and clinical development.
Road log
Authors: Davis Richard A. , Emerson Norlene
Published: September 2016

This road log is different than most in a variety of ways. It is similar in that the stops are numbered in a certain order. That is because each stop must have some identification and numbers are the simplest and easiest to follow. Mileage is provided between stops, not in a cumulative fashion. This makes it easy to arrange the stops to suit the specific leader(s) and students. Those who use this field guide can choose to visit the stops in any order that they wish. The complete trip is designed to take two full field days, but stops can be visited in any fashion that suits the wishes and schedule of the group. There are a few alternate stops that may be used in addition to or in lieu of some of the regular stops. The estimated time necessary to spend at each stop is indicated in the log to help in organizing your trip. The total estimated time of the combined stops is ~12–14 hours. This does not include any travel time or lunch stops so that leaders can develop their own plans. Unless indicated in the figure caption, all figures herein are those of the co-authors. The trip starts at the intersection of Wisconsin Highway 33 with Interstates I-90 and I-94 (Appendix Figure A1.) Enjoy!
Extra-articular hip impingement due to heterotopic ossification formation at the anterior inferior iliac spine following previous pelvic external fixation
Authors: Sandilands Scott M , Raudenbush Brandon L , Carreira Dominic S , Cross Brian J
Published: September 2016

Femoroacetabular impingements (FAIs), specifically cam type and pincer type, continue to be accepted as causes of intra-articular hip pathology and sources of hip pain. Reports of other causes of hip impingement including extra-articular causes have surfaced recently. One structure of importance is the anterior inferior iliac spine (AIIS) due to its inconsistent bony morphology and the pull of the rectus femoris muscle putting it at risk for an avulsion fracture. Under certain circumstances, open surgical excision of exostosis formation after an avulsion fracture of the AIIS has been used. The case below represents a clinical scenario in which a medically unstable and multiply injured trauma patient had an external pelvic fixator placed as part of the treatment plan for an unstable pelvic injury. Following this pelvic external fixation treatment, the patient went on to develop clinically significant heterotopic bone formation at the AIIS pin site with extra-articular hip impingement syndrome.
Copper deficiency as a cause of neutropenia in a case of coeliac disease
Authors: Khera Daisy , Sharma Baldev , Singh Kuldeep
Published: September 2016

We report a 17 year-old male patient, who presented with chronic diarrhoea, progressive pallor, short stature, anaemia (haemoglobin of 4.9 g/dL) and neutropenia and was diagnosed as coeliac disease. His neutropenia did not respond to 8 months of gluten-free diet, iron, folic acid and vitamin B12therapy. So we suspected copper deficiency and his serum copper levels were tested, which was low. His neutrophil counts normalised after 2 months of copper supplementation. Hence we concluded that the cause of neutropenia in our case was copper deficiency.
Large retropharyngeal abscess: a case of mistaken identity
Authors: Makaram N , Gohil R , Gardiner Q , Manickavasagam J
Published: September 2016

We report an unusual case of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), presenting initially as a retropharyngeal collection. We discuss the investigation, diagnosis and management of NPC and furthermore review the literature of NPC, emphasising the varied presentation. A 44-year-old Caucasian male ex-smoker presented with a 10-day history of a painless left-sided neck lump; progressive dysphagia and unintentional weight loss. Examination demonstrated a large left posterior pharyngeal swelling with soft palatal effacement, confirmed on nasoendoscopy. A CT scan revealed a fluid collection in the retropharyngeal space, which partially occluded the nasopharynx, and numerous satellite lesions were identified along with cervical lymphadenopathy. The suspected abscess was drained in theatre and nasopharyngeal biopsies were taken. These revealed Epstein-Barr virus-positive NPC. Staging investigations revealed a T4N2M0l carcinoma. Treatment consisted of radical chemoradiation therapy with curative intent. NPC is known for its varied and late presentation, and is an important condition to be aware of when considering a differential diagnosis of pharyngeal masses.
Can ultrasound imaging predict the development of Achilles and patellar tendinopathy? A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: McAuliffe Seán , McCreesh Karen , Culloty Fiona , Purtill Helen , O'Sullivan Kieran
Published: September 2016

Background

Ultrasound (US) imaging is commonly used to visualise tendon structure. It is not clear whether the presence of structural abnormalities in asymptomatic tendons predicts the development of future tendon symptoms in the Achilles or patellar tendon.

Aim

To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis investigating the ability of US imaging to predict future symptoms of patellar or Achilles tendinopathy.

Methods

Prospective studies that performed US imaging of Achilles OR patellar tendon structure among asymptomatic patients at baseline and a clinical measure of pain and/or function at follow-up were included. Study quality was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tool by two independent reviewers, and predictive ability of US was assessed using meta-analyses.

Results

The majority of participants in the review were from sporting populations. Meta-analysis revealed that tendon abnormalities on US are associated with future symptoms of both patellar and Achilles tendinopathy (RR=4.97, 95% CI 3.20 to 7.73). Subgroup analysis indicated that tendon abnormalities at baseline were associated with an increased risk of both Achilles (RR=7.33, 95% CI 2.95 to 18.24) and patellar (RR=4.35, 95% CI 2.62 to 7.23) tendinopathy.

Conclusions

This systematic review and meta-analysis indicates that tendon abnormalities visualised using US in asymptomatic tendons are predictive of future tendinopathy and are associated with at least a fourfold increased risk.

Implications

Identification of at-risk athletes using screening tools such as US may allow preventative programmes to be implemented. However, it is clear that other factors beyond tissue structure are involved in the development of lower limb tendinopathy.
Proportion of neonatal readmission attributed to length of stay for childbirth: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Metcalfe Amy , Mathai Matthews , Liu Shiliang , Leon Juan Andres , Joseph K S
Published: September 2016

Objective

Most literature on length of stay (LOS) for childbirth focuses on ‘early’ discharge as opposed to ‘optimal’ time of discharge and has conflicting results due to heterogeneous definitions of ‘early’ discharge and differing eligibility criteria for these programmes. We aimed to determine the LOS associated with the lowest neonatal readmission rate following childbirth by examining the incidence pattern of neonatal readmission for different LOS using the Kitagawa decomposition.

Design

Retrospective cohort study using administrative hospitalisation data.

Setting

Canada (excluding Quebec) from 2003 to 2010.

Patients

Term, singleton live births without congenital anomalies.

Interventions

LOS for childbirth.

Main outcome measure

Neonatal readmissions within 30 days of birth.

Results

1 875 322 live births were included. Neonatal LOS peaked at day 1 (47.3%) after vaginal birth and day 3 (49.3%) following caesarean section; 4.2% of infants were readmitted following vaginal birth and 2.2% after caesarean section. In 2008–2010, most readmissions occurred among infants discharged in the first 2 days (83.8%) following a vaginal birth and among infants discharged in the first 3 days (81.7%) following a caesarean birth. Readmissions increased from 4.1% in 2003–2005 to 4.6% in 2008–2010 among vaginal births and from 2.0% to 2.4% among caesarean births and occurred mostly due to changes in the day-specific readmission rates and not due to reductions in LOS.

Conclusions

Patterns of readmission suggest that readmission rates are lowest following a 1–2-day stay following a vaginal birth and a 2–4-day stay following a caesarean birth given the outpatient support in the community.
Obstacle course runs: review of acquired injuries and illnesses at a series of Canadian events (RACE)
Authors: Hawley Alana , Mercuri Mathew , Hogg Kerstin , Hanel Erich
Published: September 2016

Background

The growing popularity of obstacle course runs (OCRs) has led to significant concerns regarding their safety. The influx of injuries and illnesses in rural areas where OCRs are often held can impose a large burden on emergency medical services (EMS) and local EDs. Literature concerning the safety of these events is minimal and mostly consists of media reports. We sought to characterise the injury and illness profile of OCRs and the level of medical care required.

Methods

This study analysed OCR events occurring in eight locations across Canada from May to August 2015 (total 45 285 participants). Data were extracted from event medical charts of patients presenting to the onsite medical team, including injury or illness type, onsite treatment and disposition.

Results

There were 557 race participants treated at eight OCR events (1.2% of all participants). There were 609 medical complaints in total. Three quarters of injuries were musculoskeletal in nature. Eighty-nine per cent returned to the event with no need for further medical care. The majority of treatments were completed with first aid and basic medical equipment. Eleven patients (2% of patients) required transfer to hospital by EMS for presentations including fracture, dislocation, head injury, chest pain, fall from height, and abdominal pain.

Conclusions

We found that 1.2% of race participants presented to onsite medical services. The majority of complaints were minor and musculoskeletal in nature. Only 2% of those treated were transferred to hospital through EMS. This is consistent with other types of mass gathering events.
“I wasn't texting; I was just reading an email …”: a qualitative study of distracted driving enforcement in Washington State
Authors: Nevin Paul E , Blanar Laura , Kirk Annie Phare , Freedheim Amy , Kaufman Robert , Hitchcock Laura , Maeser Jennifer D , Ebel Beth E
Published: September 2016

Background

In response to the rise of distracted driving, many countries and most US states have adopted laws to restrict the use of handheld phones for drivers. Specific provisions of each law and the overall social mores of distracted driving influence enforceability and impact.

Objectives

Identify multilevel interdependent factors that influence distracted driving enforcement through the perspective of police officers.

Design/methods

We conducted focus group discussions with active duty law enforcement officers from three large Washington State counties. Our thematic analysis used descriptive and pattern coding that placed our findings within a social ecological framework to facilitate targeted intervention development.

Results

Participants reported that the distracted driving law posed challenges for consistent and effective enforcement. They emphasised the need to change social norms around distracted driving, similar to the shifts seen around impaired driving. Many participants were themselves distracted drivers, and their individual knowledge, attitude and beliefs influenced enforcement. Participants suggested that law enforcement leaders and policymakers should develop and implement policies and strategies to prioritise and motivate increased distracted driving enforcement.

Conclusions

Individual, interpersonal, organisational and societal factors influence enforcement of distracted driving laws. Targeted interventions should be developed to address distracted driving and sustain effective enforcement.
Association of clot burden score with radiographic and clinical outcomes following Solitaire stent retriever thrombectomy: analysis of the SWIFT PRIME trial
Authors: Mokin Maxim , Levy Elad I , Siddiqui Adnan H , Goyal Mayank , Nogueira Raul G , Yavagal Dileep R , M Pereira Vitor , Saver Jeffrey L
Published: September 2016

Background

The clot burden score (CBS) was developed as a tool to evaluate the extent of intracranial thrombus burden in patients with anterior circulation acute ischemic stroke. CBS is based on the presence or absence of contrast opacification on CT angiography (CTA). Its value in predicting radiographic and clinical outcomes in patients given endovascular stroke therapy remains unknown.

Objective

To evaluate the relationship between CBS and outcomes after stent retriever thrombectomy in the interventional arm of the SWIFT PRIME trial.

Methods

CBS was calculated for the endovascular arm (IV tissue plasminogen activator plus Solitaire stent retriever) of SWIFT PRIME using baseline CTA. The cohort of 69 patients was divided into three groups according to their CBS values: CBS 0–5 (n=14), CBS 6–7 (n=23), and CBS 8–9 (n=32).

Results

The mean age of the 69 patients who formed the study cohort was 63.2±13.1 years, mean National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was 16.8±4.5, and 55% of the patients were male. There was no difference in clinical characteristics among the three groups, except for the baseline Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (p=0.049). The site of proximal occlusion varied significantly among the three groups (p<0.001). Rates of successful recanalization (TICI 2b/3), complete recanalization (TICI 3 only) and of good clinical outcome at 3 months were similar among the three groups (p=0.24, p=0.35, and p=0.52, respectively).

Conclusions

The combination of IV thrombolysis and stent retriever thrombectomy with the Solitaire device is highly effective in achieving successful recanalization and a good clinical outcome throughout the entire range of CBS values.
Influence of CYP2C19 genetic polymorphisms on clinical outcomes of intracranial aneurysms treated with stent-assisted coiling
Authors: Ge Huijian , Lv Xianli , Ren Hui , Jin Hengwei , Jiang Yuhua , He Hongwei , Liu Peng , Li Youxiang
Published: September 2016

Objective

To investigate the influence of CYP2C19 genetic polymorphisms on clinical outcomes of intracranial aneurysms treated with stent-assisted coiling.

Methods

Between September 2014 and October 2015, we prospectively recruited 215 patients with intracranial aneurysms who were treated with stent-assisted coiling. CYP2C19 genotypes were determined and clopidogrel response was tested. The primary endpoints included symptomatic or silent ischemic events, and bleeding events. The secondary endpoint was clinical outcome at 3 months.

Results

Of the 215 patients, 108 (50.2%) were classified as intermediate metabolizers (IMs, CYP2C19*1/*2, *1/*3), 76 (35.3%) as extensive metabolizers (EMs, CYP2C19*1/*1) and 31 (14.4%) as poor metabolizers (PMs, CYP2C19*2/*2, *2/*3, *3/*3). Carriers of CYP2C19 loss-of-function (LOF) alleles (*2 or *3, p=0.001), especially PMs (p=0.004), had an increased risk for clopidogrel resistance. After the procedures, cerebral ischemic events occurred in 69 patients (32.1%) and bleeding was seen in 20 patients (9.3%). In comparison with IMs and PMs, EMs had a lower risk for ischemic events (21.1% vs 37.0% and 41.9%, p=0.02 and 0.027, respectively) and a relatively higher risk for bleeding events (18.4% vs 5.6% and 0%, p=0.006 and 0.01, respectively). Based on multivariate analysis, the carriage of CYP2C19 LOF alleles (p=0.032) and clopidogrel resistance (p=0.047) were considered as predictors of cerebral ischemic events, and EMs were significantly associated with bleeding (p=0.002). Posterior circulation aneurysms (p=0.038), hemorrhagic history (p=0.001) and poor metabolic genotypes (p=0.001) could result in poor clinical outcomes (modified Rankin Scale >2).

Conclusions

CYP2C19 genetic polymorphisms had significant influence on the antiplatelet effect of clopidogrel, and could be considered as risk factors of ischemic or bleeding events and even clinical outcomes of patients with intracranial aneurysms treated with stent-assisted coiling.
Ten‐minute chat
Authors: Piotrowicz Alma
Published: September 2016

Alma Piotrowicz was one of nine veterinary students attending this year's Veterinary Public Health Association masterclass. Here, she describes their experiences.
Stockeystrobusgen. nov. (Cupressaceae), and the evolutionary diversification of sequoioid conifer seed cones
Authors: Rothwell Gar W. , Ohana Tamiko
Published: September 2016

An anatomically preserved seed cone from Late Cretaceous (Santonian–Coniacian) sediments of the Yezo Group on the Japanese Island of Hokkaido documents additional diversity among sequoioid conifers, and reveals previously unknown mechanisms for pollination and post-pollination seed enclosure in the conifer family Cupressaceae. The cylindrical seed cone of Stockeystrobus interdigitata gen. et sp. nov., consists of a central axis bearing helically arranged bract–scale complexes. Individual complexes are tightly packed and peltate in form, with completely fused bracts and scales. Peltate heads of adjacent complexes are attached to each other by elongated interdigitating epidermal trichomes. Each complex bears 6–8 inverted seeds on the adaxial surface of the inside of the peltate bract–scale complex head. Seeds occur in a single row, are roughly disk shaped, with broad wings in the major plane of symmetry. The nucellus is attached to the seed integument at the chalaza and free distally, with a convoluted apex. This cone reveals greater diversity of sequoioid reproductive biology than is represented among living species, and demonstrates that completely enclosed cones with well protected seeds were produced by Late Cretaceous fossil conifers of the Cupressaceae.
Age and growth rate variation influence the functional relationship between somatic and otolith size
Authors: Ashworth Eloïse C. , Hall Norman G. , Hesp S. Alex , Coulson Peter G. , Potter Ian C.
Published: September 2016

Curves describing the length–otolith size relationships for juveniles and adults of six fish species with widely differing biological characteristics were fitted simultaneously to fish length and otolith size at age, assuming that deviations from those curves are correlated rather than independent. The trajectories of the somatic and otolith growth curves throughout life, which reflect changing ratios of somatic to otolith growth rates, varied markedly among species and resulted in differing trends in the relationships formed between fish and otolith size. Correlations between deviations from predicted values were always positive. Dependence of length on otolith growth rate (i.e., “growth effect”) and “correlated errors in variables” introduce bias into parameter estimates obtained from regressions describing the allometric relationships between fish lengths and otolith sizes. The approach taken in this study to describe somatic and otolith growth accounted for both of these effects and that of age to produce more reliable determinations of the length–otolith size relationships used for back-calculation and assumed when drawing inferences from sclerochronological studies.