bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parental reactions to weight screening in young children: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Dawson A. M. , Brown D. A. , Williams S. M. , Taylor B. J. , Ross J. , Taylor R. W.
Published: November 2016

Background

Parental inability to recognize child overweight and physician reluctance to instigate discussion prevents behaviour change.

Objective

To evaluate parental acceptance of child overweight status following screening.

Methods

Interviewers used motivational interviewing or best practice care to discuss overweight status of 271 young children (BMI ≥ 85th) with parents using simple traffic‐light BMI charts. Follow‐up sessions two weeks later (n = 251, 93%) were coded qualitatively to assess parental reactions to the information (overweight diagnosis) and how it was presented (feedback condition).

Results

Eight‐two percent of parents rated the charts positively with few (8–10%) feeling judged. Motivational interviewing parents viewed feedback as more empathetic (relative risk, 95% CI: 4.07, 1.64–10.09), but more uncomfortable (12.2, 1.48–100.1) than best practice care parents. Overall, 65.2% of parents accepted their child was overweight, 22.1% were ambivalent and 12.7% rejected the information. Although motivational interviewing parents were less likely to accept it (OR, 95% CI: 0.49, 0.37–0.64) and more likely to be ambivalent (2.01, 1.17–3.47), the most important predictor of acceptance was a positive experience of feedback (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Simple traffic‐light charts facilitate discussion of child overweight status with parents. Style of feedback is less relevant than ensuring a positive experience for parents to increase acceptance of the weight information.
A brief eHealth tool delivered in primary care to help parents prevent childhood obesity: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Byrne J. L. S. , Cameron Wild T. , Maximova K. , Browne N. E. , Holt N. L. , Cave A. J. , Martz P. , Ellendt C. , Ball G. D. C.
Published: November 2016

Objectives

To determine the feasibility and preliminary impact of an electronic health (eHealth) screening, brief intervention and referral to treatment (SBIRT) delivered in primary care to help parents prevent childhood obesity.

Methods

Parents of children (5–17 years) were recruited from a primary care clinic. Children's measured height and weight were entered into the SBIRT on a study‐designated tablet. The SBIRT screened for children's weight status, block randomized parents to one of four brief interventions or an eHealth control and provided parents with a menu of optional obesity prevention resources. Feasibility was determined by parents' interest in, and uptake of, the SBIRT. Preliminary impact was based on parents' concern about children's weight status and intention to change lifestyle behaviours post‐SBIRT.

Results

Parents (n = 226) of children (9.9 ± 3.4 years) were primarily biological mothers (87.6%) and Caucasian (70.4%). The proportion of participants recruited (84.3%) along with parents who selected optional resources within the SBIRT (85.8%) supported feasibility. Secondary outcomes did not vary across groups, but non‐Caucasian parents classified as inaccurate estimators of children's weight status reported higher levels of concern and intention to change post‐SBIRT.

Conclusions

Our innovative, eHealth SBIRT was feasible in primary care and has the potential to encourage parents of unhealthy weight children towards preventative action.
Migrants’ Intention to Move or Stay in their Initial Destination
Authors: Sapeha Halina
Published: November 2016

The objective of this article is to find out why immigrants intend to stay in or leave their initial destination. The insight into such factors could help develop policy measures to deal with potential out‐migration, especially from the regions that view international migration as a solution to their demographic and economic difficulties. The study uses multinomial logistic regression to estimate the strength of association between migrants' intention to move and immigration category, human capital, economic and social factors. The data come from the Longitudinal Survey of Immigrants to Australia. The findings show that different groups of migrants have different propensities to move or stay in their initial destination. Employer‐sponsored migrants are even less likely to intend to relocate than family class. Highly educated and skilled migrants tend to be more likely to express the intention to move or have doubts. Satisfactory employment has a positive impact on retention.
Heterogeneity of glycometabolism in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus: Retrospective study of 1,683 pregnant women
Authors: Yan Yan , Liu Zhou , Liu Daqing
Published: November 2016

Aims/Introduction

To evaluate the glycometabolism and outcomes of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) patients according to the International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Group (IADPSG) criteria in China.

Materials and Methods

According to the results of a 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test, 1,683 pregnant women were divided into three groups: (i) an increment GDM group (patients meet the IADPSG criteria, but not the previous Chinese criteria); (ii) a stock GDM group (patients meet both criteria); and (iii) a normal glucose tolerance group. Their glycometabolism outcomes, prepregnancy and postpartum body mass index were compared, as were maternal–fetal outcomes.

Results

The IADPSG and previous Chinese criteria diagnosed 12.4% and 5.5% of women with GDM. Pairwise comparison showed significant differences in 1‐h plasma glucose, 2‐h plasma glucose, HbA1c values and area under curve of glucose among all groups (P < 0.01). The fasting plasma glucose and postpartum body mass index of the stock group were significantly higher than those of the other two groups (P < 0.01). The incidences of hypertensive disorder complicating pregnancy and cesarean section of the normal glucose tolerance group were significantly lower than those of the other two groups (P < 0.001). No significant differences in patient age, prepregnancy body mass index, duration of pregnancy, prevalence of premature labor, premature rupture of membranes, neonatal jaundice, neonatal asphyxia or Ponderal Index were observed, but significant differences in macrosomia and neonatal hypoglycemia were observed (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The IADPSG criteria doubled the number of GDM patients. The cases of the increment patients were mild. The IADPSG criteria should be discussed fully before implementation in China.
Effects of 0.5% carbon monoxide in modified atmosphere packagings on selected quality attributes of M. Longissimus dorsi beef steaks
Authors: Sakowska Anna , Guzek Dominika , Sun Da‐Wen , Wierzbicka Agnieszka
Published: November 2016

This study evaluated the effects of the periods of 0.5% CO exposure in two modified atmosphere packagings (MAP) with gas composition of 0.5% CO, 30% CO2 and 69.5% N2, as compared with conventional vacuum packaging (Vac) on the quality of packaged beef steaks (M. longissimus dorsi) stored for 21 days at 2 °C. In the first MAP solution, the beef steaks were packed in the MAP for 48 hr and then repacked in vacuum packaging (CO‐Vac), while beef steaks were packed in the MAP (CO‐MAP) in the second solution. Results indicated that using CO significantly increased the brightness and the redness of beef steaks in both CO‐Vac and CO‐MAP packaging systems during storage for 21 days and Polish consumers preferred beef steaks in CO‐Vac with a cherry/dark red and purple red. Our result proved that CO‐Vac should have wider applications than MAP on the market.

Practical applications

The use of 0.5% carbon monoxide for packaging fresh meat has been recognized by the European Scientific Committee on Food as safe for humans; however, the application of the gas in the EU member states is prohibited. On the other hand, in some other countries, such as the USA, Canada and New Zealand, low concentrations of carbon monoxide are used for meat packing. This study evaluated the effects of the periods of 0.5% CO exposure in two modified atmosphere packagings with gas composition of 0.5% CO, 30% CO2, and 69.5% N2, as compared with conventional vacuum packaging on the quality of packaged beef steaks (M. longissimus dorsi) stored for 21 days at 2 °C. The study confirmed that Polish consumers have the greatest desire to purchase the vacuum packed steaks after exposure in carbon monoxide and thus the decision to ban the use of this gas in the EU should be reconsidered.
Treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: a position paper from a Nordic expert group
Authors: Sköld C. M. , Bendstrup E. , Myllärniemi M. , Gudmundsson G. , Sjåheim T. , Hilberg O. , Altraja A. , Kaarteenaho R. , Ferrara G.
Published: November 2016

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a fatal progressive lung disease occurring in adults. In the last decade, the results of a number of clinical trials based on the updated disease classification have been published. The registration of pirfenidone and nintedanib, the first two pharmacological treatment options approved for IPF, marks a new chapter in the management of patients with this disease. Other nonpharmacological treatments such as lung transplantation, rehabilitation and palliation have also been shown to be beneficial for these patients. In this review, past and present management is discussed based on a comprehensive literature search. A treatment algorithm is presented based on available evidence and our overall clinical experience. In addition, unmet needs with regard to treatment are highlighted and discussed. We describe the development of various treatment options for IPF from the first consensus to recent guidelines based on evidence from large‐scale, multinational, randomized clinical trials, which have led to registration of the first drugs for IPF.
Association between temporomandibular disorders and pain in other regions of the body
Authors: Bonato L. L. , Quinelato V. , De Felipe Cordeiro P. C. , De Sousa E. B. , Tesch R. , Casado P. L.
Published: November 2016

The pain from temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is often associated with physical symptoms of other chronic pain disorders and comorbidities, such as generalised muscle and joint pain. However, this association is not widely studied. To evaluate the prevalence of comorbid pain in joints, specifically in the knees, hips, ankles, shoulders, wrists and elbows, in individuals with and without TMD. We evaluated 337 patients from a public hospital in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The Research Diagnostic Criteria for TMD questionnaire were used for the diagnosis of TMD. To assess the presence of other joint pain, the patients were asked to answer questions considering: the presence of pain in the knee, hip, ankle, shoulder, wrist and elbow joints and time duration of pain. Individuals with TMD are 5·5 times more likely to present with other joint pain compared with those without the disorder. TMD muscle disorders were most associated with a higher number of pain at the other locations. There was a significant association between the presence of pain at the other locations, muscle (P < 0·001) and joint disorders (P = <0·001), as well as age advance, in TMD participants, showed to be a covariate factor for pain at the other locations. Individuals with TMD showed a high prevalence of pain in other joints of the body when compared with individuals without the disorder, and knee pain was the most prevalent pain complaint.
First report of amitraz and cypermethrin resistance in Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato infesting dogs in Mexico
Authors: RODRIGUEZ‐VIVAS R. I. , OJEDA‐CHI M. M. , TRINIDAD‐MARTINEZ I. , BOLIO‐GONZÁLEZ M. E.
Published: November 2016

Engorged female Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (Ixodida: Ixodidae) were collected from dogs in the state of Yucatán, Mexico. Fourteen tick populations were collected from dogs at seven veterinary clinics, four residential homes and three cattle farms. The larval immersion test was used in the progeny of collected adult females to test susceptibility to amitraz and cypermethrin. Dose–mortality regressions, 50% lethal concentrations (LC50), confidence intervals and slope were estimated by probit analysis. For amitraz, 12 tick populations (85.7%) were classified as resistant and low inter‐population variation in the phenotypic level of resistance was evident [resistance ratios (RRs) at LC50: 1.0–13.0]. For cypermethrin, 12 tick populations (85.7%) were classified as resistant and substantial inter‐population variation in the phenotypic level of resistance was evident (RRs at LC50: 1.0–104.0). Thus, amitraz resistance in R. sanguineus s.l. is common, but generally occurs at low levels; however, alarmingly high levels of cypermethrin resistance are present in R. sanguineus s.l. populations in dogs in Yucatán, Mexico. The intensive use of both acaricides to control ectoparasites on dogs is likely to lead to more serious resistance problems that may cause high levels of control failure in the future.
Narrow QRS Tachycardia in a Patient with Tachycardiomyopathy: What Is the Mechanism?
Authors: MOHANAN NAIR KRISHNA KUMAR , NAMBOODIRI NARAYANAN , DIVAKARAMENON SYAMKUMAR , BANAVALIKAR BHARATRAJ , ABHILASH SREEVILASAM PUSHPANGADHAN , THAJUDEEN ANEES , VALAPARAMBIL AJITKUMAR
Published: November 2016

A 50‐year‐old female presented with incessant palpitation of 2 weeks duration. She was hemodynamically stable and there was no evidence of heart failure. A transthoracic echocardiogram showed mild left ventricular (LV) dysfunction with LV ejection fraction of 45%. Electrocardiogram (12 lead and rhythm strip) was taken during the palpitation. What is the mechanism?
From Mfd to TRCF and Back Again—A Perspective on Bacterial Transcription‐coupled Nucleotide Excision Repair
Authors: Deaconescu Alexandra M. , Suhanovsky Margaret M.
Published: November 2016

Photochemical and other reactions on DNA cause damage and corrupt genetic information. To counteract this damage, organisms have evolved intricate repair mechanisms that often crosstalk with other DNA‐based processes such as transcription. Intriguing observations in the late 1980s and early 1990s led to the discovery of transcription‐coupled repair (TCR), a subpathway of nucleotide excision repair. TCR, found in all domains of life, prioritizes for repair lesions located in the transcribed DNA strand, directly read by RNA polymerase. Here, we give a historical overview of developments in the field of bacterial TCR, starting from the pioneering work of Evelyn Witkin and Aziz Sancar, which led to the identification of the first transcription‐repair coupling factor (the Mfd protein), to recent studies that have uncovered alternative TCR pathways and regulators.
Fractal features of soil particle redistribution along sloping landscapes with hedge berms in the Three Gorges Reservoir Region of China
Authors: Zhou P. , Zhuang W. H. , Wen A. B. , Shi Z. L.
Published: November 2016

Most studies have evaluated the effects of soil redistribution under water erosion or tillage erosion within hill slope landscapes, yet few studies have demonstrated soil particle redistribution from the sloping lands with a hedge berm. In this study, soil particle redistribution and fractal dimension from sloping lands with or without a hedge berm were investigated. The main radius of soil particles being redistributed from the sloping lands ranged between 0.002 and 0.02 mm, whether or not a hedge berm existed. However, there were significant differences between sloping land with a hedge berm and without a hedge berm (P < 0.05). The values of the bias coefficient ranged from −0.893 to −0.817, and the values of peak convex coefficient ranged from −1.619 to −1.371. And the order of values of the fractal dimension for land with a hedge berm of 10 cm height was as follows: upper slope > middle slope > lower slope, and the sequence of the values of fractal dimension from sloping land without a hedge berm was upper slope >middle slope > lower slope. There was also a significant difference between the upper (US) and middle slope (MS) position (P < 0.05), and results also showed highly significant correlations (R2=0.9088 without hedge berm, R2 = 0.9048 with hedge berm, respectively). A regression analysis was performed to establish the logarithmic relationship between peak convex coefficient and soil depth (R2 = 0.9461 without hedge berm, R2 = 0.9780 with hedge berm, respectively). The correlation between fractal dimension and bias coefficient was significant (P = < 0.05). Our results suggest that fractal dimension, bias coefficient and peak convex coefficient were sensitive indices to evaluate the soil particle redistribution and the farming activities, such as building a hedge berm, could better describe the characters of soil structure and soil particle redistribution from sloping cultivated land.
Labrets in Africa and Amazonia: medical implications and cultural determinants
Authors: Garve Roland , Garve Miriam , Türp Jens C. , Meyer Christian G.
Published: November 2016

The custom of wearing labrets has a long tradition. Labrets appeared independently several thousand years ago in various culture groups in Asia, Europe, Africa and the Americas. Today, apart from diverse body modifications as increasingly practiced in western civilisations, lip plates and plugs are found among a small number of tribal groups only in Africa and Amazonia. We summarise the history of labrets in different societies, describe medical consequences of wearing lip plates and plugs for jaws and teeth and address relevant cultural issues.
Ocular biometry by computed tomography in different dog breeds
Authors: Chiwitt Carolin L. H. , Baines Stephen J. , Mahoney Paul , Tanner Andrew , Heinrich Christine L. , Rhodes Michael , Featherstone Heidi J.
Published: November 2016

Objective

To (i) correlate B‐mode ocular ultrasound (US) and computed tomography (CT) (prospective pilot study), (ii) establish a reliable method to measure the normal canine eye usingCT, (iii) establish a reference guide for some dog breeds, (iv) compare eye size between different breeds and breed groups, and (v) investigate the correlation between eye dimensions and body weight, gender, and skull type (retrospective study).

Procedure

B‐modeUSandCTwere performed on ten sheep cadaveric eyes.CTbiometry involved 100 adult pure‐bred dogs with nonocular and nonorbital disease, representing eleven breeds. Eye length, width, and height were each measured in two of three planes (horizontal, sagittal, and equatorial).

Results

B‐modeUSandCTmeasurements of sheep cadaveric eyes correlated well (0.70–0.71). The shape of the canine eye was found to be akin to an oblate spheroid (a flattened sphere). A reference guide was established for eleven breeds. Eyes of large breed dogs were significantly larger than those of medium and small breed dogs (P< 0.01), and eyes of medium breed dogs were significantly larger than those of small breed dogs (P< 0.01). Eye size correlated with body weight (0.74–0.82) but not gender or skull type.

Conclusions

Computed tomography is a suitable method for biometry of the canine eye, and a reference guide was established for eleven breeds. Eye size correlated with breed size and body weight. Because correlation between B‐modeUSandCTwas shown, the obtained values can be applied in the clinical setting, for example, for the diagnosis of microphthalmos and buphthalmos.
Exploring bioaugmentation strategies for azo dye CI Reactive Violet 5 decolourization using bacterial mixture: dye response surface methodology
Authors: Ayed Lamia , Bekir Karima , Achour Sami , Cheref Abdelkrim , Bakhrouf Amina
Published: November 2016

The use of response surface methodology based on statistical design of experiments is becoming increasingly widespread in several sciences such as analytical and environmental chemistry. In the present study, the decolourization and the degradation efficiency of CI Reactive Violet 5 (CIRV5) was studied using a novel bacterial consortium. CIRV5 (1000 p.p.m.) biodegradation was investigated under shaking condition in mineral salt medium solution (MSM) at a 7.5 pH and a 25°C temperature. The degradation pathways were also predicted, using UV‐visible spectroscopy analysis. Under optimal conditions, the bacterial consortium was able to decolourize the dye completely (>99%) within 8 h. The colour and chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal were 99.29 and 94.93%, respectively. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique was utilized to detect the adhesin genes ‘icaA’ and ‘icaD.’ Our results showed that Staphylococcus aureus had a high decolourization capacity. Phytotoxicity study using Triticum turgidum ssp durum showed the no toxicity of the produced products.
A Comparative Study of the RAPINA and the Virus‐Neutralizing Test (RFFIT) for the Estimation of Antirabies‐Neutralizing Antibody Levels in Dog Samples
Authors: Manalo D. L. , Yamada K. , Watanabe I. , Miranda M. E. G. , Lapiz S. M. D. , Tapdasan E. , Petspophonsakul W. , Inoue S. , Khawplod P. , Nishizono A.
Published: November 2016

The mass vaccination of dogs against rabies is a highly rational strategy for interrupting the natural transmission of urban rabies. According to the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) and the World Health Organization (WHO), the immunization of at least 70% of the total dog population minimizes the risk of endemic rabies. Knowledge of the virus‐neutralizing antibody (VNA) level against the rabies virus (RABV) is required to evaluate protective immunity and vaccine coverage of dogs in the field. The rapid focus fluorescent inhibition test (RFFIT) and the fluorescent antibody virus neutralization (FAVN) test are recommended by OIE and WHO to determine the VNA levels in serum. However, these tests are cell culture based and require the use of live viruses and specialized equipment. The rapid neutralizing antibody test (RAPINA) is a novel, immunochromatographic test that uses inactivated virus to estimate the VNA level qualitatively. It is a simple, rapid and inexpensive, although indirect, assay for the detection of VNA levels. The RAPINA has shown good positive and negative predictive values and a high concordance with the RFFIT results. In this study, we compared the performance of the two tests for evaluating the vaccination status of dogs in the Philippines, Thailand and Japan. A total of 1135 dog sera were analysed by the RAPINA and compared to the VNA levels determined by the RFFIT. The overall positive and negative predictive values of the RAPINA were 96.2–99.3% and 84.5–94.8%, respectively, with a concordance (kappa) of 0.946–0.97 among the three countries. The RAPINA results were highly homologous and reproducible among different laboratories. These results suggest that this test is appropriate to survey vaccination coverage in countries with limited resources.
Information needs and information seeking behaviors of patients and families in acute healthcare settings: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Kynoch Kate , McArdle Annie
Published: November 2016

Review question/objective:

The objective of this scoping review is to explore the information needs and information seeking behaviors of patients and families from healthcare providers in acute healthcare settings.

More specifically the review questions are:

What information do patients and families in acute healthcare settings seek from healthcare providers?

Who do patients and families prefer to receive healthcare information from?

How do patients and families in acute healthcare settings prefer to receive information from healthcare providers?

Is timing an important factor to consider when providing healthcare information to patients and families?
Experiences of new graduate nurses working in a neonatal intensive care setting: a systematic review protocol of qualitative evidence
Authors: Foster Jann , Taylor Christine , Patterson Tiffany , Psaila Kim
Published: November 2016

Review question/objective:

The overall objective of this systematic review is to identify, critically appraise and synthesize the experiences of new graduate nurses in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The specific review question is: what are the experiences of new graduate nurses working in a NICU setting?
Nursing clinical handover improvement practices among acute inpatients in a tertiary hospital in Sydney: a best practice implementation project
Authors: Wainwright Craig , Wright Kylie M.
Published: November 2016

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Background:

The nursing handover normally occurs at the beginning of a nurse's shift and is considered essential for continuity of care. Nursing handovers have the potential to communicate accurate information about a patient's condition, treatment and anticipated needs but also to be ineffective or even harmful if information is incomplete or omitted. The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care has recognized clinical handover as a National Standard, thus reinforcing its importance.

Objectives:

This project aimed to conduct an audit of nursing clinical handover practices to implement evidence-based best practice recommendations to assess the effectiveness of these strategies to maximize the effectiveness of clinical handover across 11 units in a large tertiary hospital.

Methods:

The project used the Joanna Briggs Institute's Practical Application of Clinical Evidence System and Getting Research into Practice audit tool for promoting change in healthcare practice. A baseline audit of 330 observations of nursing clinical handover was conducted and measured against seven best practice recommendations, followed by the implementation of targeted strategies and a follow-up audit.

Results:

The baseline audit revealed significant deficits between current practice and best practice in all but one criterion. Barriers for implementation of nursing clinical handover best practice criteria were identified by the project team, and a bundled education strategy was implemented. There were significantly improved outcomes across all best practice criteria in the follow-up audit.

Conclusions:

The findings showed how audits may be used to promote best practice in healthcare and that focused education and provision of relevant resources can have an immediate and positive impact on clinical practice. Some of the measured criteria improved to a moderate degree, leaving room for improvement; however, by the end of the project attitudes toward nursing clinical handover had been “transformed” from a passive routine “must do” task to an active process with a focus on safety and patient/carer engagement. Future audits are planned to ensure sustainability.
All‐optical functional synaptic connectivity mapping in acute brain slices using the calcium integrator CaMPARI
Authors: Zolnik Timothy A. , Sha Fern , Johenning Friedrich W. , Schreiter Eric R. , Looger Loren L. , Larkum Matthew E. , Sachdev Robert N. S.
Published: November 2016

Key points

The genetically encoded fluorescent calcium integrator calcium‐modulated photoactivatable ratiobetric integrator (CaMPARI) reports calcium influx induced by synaptic and neural activity. Its fluorescence is converted from green to red in the presence of violet light and calcium.

The rate of conversion – the sensitivity to activity – is tunable and depends on the intensity of violet light.

Synaptic activity and action potentials can independently initiate significant CaMPARI conversion.

The level of conversion by subthreshold synaptic inputs is correlated to the strength of input, enabling optical readout of relative synaptic strength.

When combined with optogenetic activation of defined presynaptic neurons, CaMPARI provides an all‐optical method to map synaptic connectivity.

The calcium‐modulated photoactivatable ratiometric integrator (CaMPARI) is a genetically encoded calcium integrator that facilitates the study of neural circuits by permanently marking cells active during user‐specified temporal windows. Permanent marking enables measurement of signals from large swathes of tissue and easy correlation of activity with other structural or functional labels. One potential application of CaMPARI is labelling neurons postsynaptic to specific populations targeted for optogenetic stimulation, giving rise to all‐optical functional connectivity mapping. Here, we characterized the response of CaMPARI to several common types of neuronal calcium signals in mouse acute cortical brain slices. Our experiments show that CaMPARI is effectively converted by both action potentials and subthreshold synaptic inputs, and that conversion level is correlated to synaptic strength. Importantly, we found that conversion rate can be tuned: it is linearly related to light intensity. At low photoconversion light levels CaMPARI offers a wide dynamic range due to slower conversion rate; at high light levels conversion is more rapid and more sensitive to activity. Finally, we employed CaMPARI and optogenetics for functional circuit mapping in ex vivo acute brain slices, which preserve in vivo‐like connectivity of axon terminals. With a single light source, we stimulated channelrhodopsin‐2‐expressing long‐range posteromedial (POm) thalamic axon terminals in cortex and induced CaMPARI conversion in recipient cortical neurons. We found that POm stimulation triggers robust photoconversion of layer 5 cortical neurons and weaker conversion of layer 2/3 neurons. Thus, CaMPARI enables network‐wide, tunable, all‐optical functional circuit mapping that captures supra‐ and subthreshold depolarization.
Entrance Aspect Ratio Effect on S-Duct Inlet Performance at High-Subsonic Flow
Authors: Asghar Asad , Stowe Robert A. , Allan William D. E. , Alexander Derrick
Published: November 2016

This paper reports the internal performance evaluation of S-duct diffusers with different entrance aspect ratios as part of a parametric investigation of a generic S-duct inlet. The generic S-duct diffusers studied had a rectangular entrance (aspect ratios of 1.5 and 2.0) transitioning S-duct diffuser in high-subsonic (Mach number > 0.8) flow. The test section was manufactured using rapid prototyping to facilitate the parametric investigation of the geometry. Streamwise static pressure and exit-plane total pressure were measured in a test-rig using surface pressure taps and a five-probe rotating rake, respectively. The baseline and a variant were simulated through computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The investigation indicated the presence of streamwise and circumferential pressure gradients leading to a three-dimensional flow in the S-duct diffuser and to distortion at the exit plane. The static pressure recovery increased for the diffuser with the higher aspect ratio. Total pressure losses and circumferential and radial distortions at the exit plane were higher than that of the podded nacelle type of inlet. An increase in the total pressure recovery was observed for the increase in the aspect ratio for the baseline area ratio (1.57) S-ducts, but without a clear trend for the other area ratio (1.8) ducts. The work represents the development of a database on the performance of a particular type of generic inlet. This database will be useful for predicting the performance of aero-engines and air vehicles in high-subsonic flight.
A Computational and Experimental Compressor Design Project for Japanese and British High-School Students
Authors: Grimshaw S. D. , Sequeira C. L. , Hewkin-Smith M.
Published: November 2016

This paper describes an innovative, three-day, turbomachinery research project for Japanese and British high-school students. The project is structured using modern teaching theories that encourage student curiosity and creativity. The experience develops teamwork and communication and helps to break down the cultural and linguistic barriers between students from different countries and backgrounds. The approach provides a framework for other hands-on research projects that aim to inspire young students to undertake a career in engineering. The project is part of the Clifton Scientific Trust's annual UK–Japan Young Scientist Workshop Programme. This work focuses on compressor design for jet engines and gas turbines. It includes lectures introducing students to turbomachinery concepts, a computational design study of a compressor blade section, experimental tests with a low-speed cascade, and tutorials in data analysis and aerodynamic theory. The project also makes use of 3D printing technology, so that students go through the full engineering design process, from theory, through design, to practical experimental testing. Alongside the academic aims, students learn what it is like to study engineering at university, discover how to work effectively in a multinational team, and experience a real engineering problem. Despite a lack of background in fluid dynamics and the limited time available, the lab work and end-of-project presentation show how far young students can be stretched when they are motivated by an interesting problem.
The Effect of Stepped Field Shaper on Magnetic Pressure and Radial Displacement in Electromagnetic Inside Bead Forming: Experimental and Simulation Analyses Using maxwell and abaqus Software
Authors: Chaharmiri Rasoul , Arezoodar Alireza Fallahi
Published: November 2016

Electromagnetic forming (EMF) is a high strain rate forming technology which can effectively deform and shape high electrically conductive materials at room temperature. A field shaper is frequently used for concentrating the magnetic pressure in the desired forming area. The geometric parameters of a field shaper, as an intermediate device, affect the magnetic pressure and radial displacement in electromagnetic inside bead forming. EMF consists of electromagnetic and mechanical parts simulated using maxwell and abaqus software, respectively. The effects of geometric parameters of the stepped field shaper on magnetic pressure and radial displacement were investigated, and the best parameters were determined. Experimental tests were performed at various discharge voltages and the results were compared with simulation. The results indicated that using the stepped field shaper, the magnetic pressure concentration ratio increased from about 23–85% in comparison with using a direct coil. The maximum magnetic pressure increased by approximately 21% due to the effective concentration of magnetic pressure. Consequently, regardless of the electromagnetic energy losses because of using a field shaper, the radial displacement increased by 8% in simulation and 6% in experiment. The result of this study would be also helpful in designing field shapers in similar applications which is highly crucial and strongly recommended.
Effects of aging on nanoscale planar metal-insulator-metal tunnel junctions
Authors: Droulers Gabriel , Ecoffey Serge , Pioro-Ladrière Michel , Drouin Dominique
Published: November 2016

The authors use the nanodamascene fabrication process to realize planar metal-insulator-metal tunnel junctions with Ti and TiN as electrodes and TiO2 (plasma oxidation) or Al2O3 (atomic layer deposition) as insulators. The nanodamascene process allows the fabrication of junction areas as small as 20 × 10 nm2 in the current implementation, with room for further scaling. The authors use thorough electrical transport measurements together with a corresponding in-house developed simulation tool to study the aging and find solutions to stabilize junctions. The simulation tool calculates junction current using the Wentzel–Kramers–Brillouin approximation for the tunneling probability with hyperbolic junction shape taking image force into account. The tool is used for two purposes: (1) to extract key parameters of the junctions and (2) to construct a more complete understanding of the changes in current–voltage characteristics as the devices age. The study of a device aged 100 days shows an increase of up to 0.6 nm in oxide thickness through air exposition which reduces the current level by almost an order of magnitude. A similar study on passivated devices with different oxides shows improvements in stability with less than 2% change over 48 days. The presented platform combining versatile fabrication with corresponding modeling is useful to better understand the impact of the different parameters on the junction behavior and develop more robust oxide tunnel junctions.
Experimental and numerical investigations on time-resolved characteristics of pulsed inductively coupled O2/Ar plasmas
Authors: Xue Chan , Wen De-Qi , Liu Wei , Zhang Yu-Ru , Gao Fei , Wang You-Nian
Published: November 2016

The time-resolved characteristics of pulsed inductively coupled O2/Ar plasmas have been investigated in this paper, by means of a Langmuir probe and a global model. The plasma properties, e.g., the electron density, effective electron temperature, and electron energy probability function (EEPF), have been experimentally investigated under various discharge conditions, combined with the comparison with simulated results. It is found that when the power is switched on, the electron density increases rapidly and then it reaches to a steady state with a constant value. When the power is switched off, the electron density exhibits a peak at the initial afterglow period, and then it decays gradually to a very low value. This peak may be caused by the detachment of negative ions. Moreover, it is noted that the effective electron temperature also increases to a peak value at the early afterglow, which can be understood by examining the evolution of EEPFs with time. Indeed, when the power is switched off, more moderate-energy electrons are produced through the collisions among the excited state particles and the energy loss of energetic electrons, and this is responsible for the peak of the effective electron temperature at the initial afterglow. In addition, the simulated results show a qualitative agreement with the experimental data, with the exception of the peaks in the electron density and effective electron temperature in the afterglow. The discrepancy in absolute values may be caused by the assumption of a Maxwellian electron energy distribution function distribution in the model.
Irradiation with x‐rays of the energy 18 MV induces radioactivity in transfusion blood: Proposal of a safe method using 6 MV
Authors: Frentzel Katharina , Badakhshi Harun
Published: November 2016

Purpose:

To prevent a fatal transfusion‐associated graft‐versus‐host disease, it is recommended to irradiate transfusion blood and blood components with ionizing radiation. Using x‐rays from a linear accelerator of the radiotherapy department is an accepted alternative to gamma irradiation devices of the blood bank and to the orthovoltage units that are replacing the gamma irradiators today. However, the use of high energy x‐rays may carry a potential risk of induced radioactivity. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of two different energy levels, 6 and 18 MV, which are executed in routine clinical settings. The research question was if induced radioactivity occurs at one of these standard energy levels. The authors aimed to give a proposal for a blood irradiation procedure that certainly avoids induced radioactivity.

Methods:

For this study, the authors developed a blood bag phantom, irradiated it with x‐ray energies of 6 and 18 MV, and measured the induced radioactivity in a well counter. Thereafter, the same irradiation and measuring procedure was performed with a unit of packed red blood cells. A feasible clinical procedure was developed using 6 MV and an acrylic box. With the irradiation planning system XiO, the authors generated an irradiation protocol for the linear accelerator Siemens ONCOR Anvant‐Garde.

Results:

Both measurement setups showed that there was induced radioactivity for 18 MV but not for 6 MV. The induced radioactivity for 18 MV was up to 190 times the background. This is significant and of clinical relevance especially since there are newborn and fetal blood recipients for whom every radiation exposure has to be strictly avoided.

Conclusions:

The irradiation of blood with x‐rays from a linear accelerator of the radiotherapy department is safe and feasible, but by the current state of scientific knowledge, the authors recommend to use an x‐ray energy of 6 MV or less to avoid induced radioactivity in transfusion blood.
Resonant metalenses for flexural waves in plates
Authors: Colombi Andrea
Published: November 2016

The dispersion curves of a cluster of closely spaced rods supported by a thin plate are characterised by subwavelength bandgaps and slow group velocities induced by local resonance effects. A recent analytical study [Williams, Roux, Rupin, and Kuperman (2015). Phys. Rev. B 91, 104307], has shown how the slow velocity branch depends, amongst other parameters, on the height of the rods that make up the cluster. Such metamaterial, offering easy-to-tune spatial velocity gradients, is a perfect candidate for building gradient index lenses such as Luneburg, Maxwell, and 90° rotating. Here theoretical results are combined with numerical simulations to design and test metalenses for flexural waves. The lenses are obtained by tuning the height of the cluster of rods such that they provide the required refractive index profile. Snapshots and videos from three-dimensional numerical simulations in a narrow band centered at ∼4 kHz are used to analyse the performances of three types of gradient index metalens (Luneburg, Maxwell, and 90° rotating).
Chromosome-Based
bla
OXA-48
-Like Variants in Shewanella Species Isolates from Food-Producing Animals, Fish, and the Aquatic Environment
Authors: Ceccarelli Daniela , van Essen-Zandbergen Alieda , Veldman Kees T. , Tafro Nedzib , Haenen Olga , Mevius Dik J.
Published: November 2016

Carbapenems are considered last-resort antibiotics in health care. Increasing reports of carbapenemase-producing bacteria in food-producing animals and in the environment indicate the importance of this phenomenon in public health. Surveillance for carbapenemase genes and carbapenemase-producing bacteria in Dutch food-producing animals, environmental freshwater, and imported ornamental fish revealed several chromosome-based
bla
OXA-48
-like variants in
Shewanella
spp., including two new alleles,
bla
OXA-514
and
bla
OXA-515
. Carbapenemase genes were not associated with mobile genetic elements or
Enterobacteriaceae
.
Activity of Tedizolid in Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis Experimental Foreign Body-Associated Osteomyelitis
Authors: Park Kyung-Hwa , Greenwood-Quaintance Kerryl E. , Schuetz Audrey N. , Mandrekar Jayawant N. , Patel Robin
Published: November 2016

We developed a rat model of methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus epidermidis
(MRSE) foreign body-associated osteomyelitis and used it to compare tedizolid alone and in combination with rifampin against rifampin alone, vancomycin plus rifampin, and vancomycin alone. A clinical strain of MRSE was inoculated into the proximal tibia, and a stainless steel wire with a precolonized MRSE biofilm was implanted. Following a 1-week infection period, 92 rats received either no treatment (
n
= 17) or 14 days of intraperitoneal tedizolid (
n
= 15), tedizolid plus rifampin (
n
= 15), rifampin (
n
= 15), vancomycin plus rifampin (
n
= 15), or vancomycin (
n
= 15). Quantitative bone and wire cultures were performed after treatment completion and also 1 week after infection in a separate group of five rats. The median quantity of staphylococci in bone after the 1-week infection period was 4.89 log
10
CFU/g bone (interquartile range, 3.83 to 5.33 log
10
CFU/g bone); staphylococci were recovered from all associated wires. A median quantity of staphylococci of 3.70 log
10
CFU/g bone was detected in bones of untreated control rats after 3 weeks. Quantities of staphylococci in bones of all treatment groups except the group receiving vancomycin alone (2.78 log
10
CFU/g) were significantly lower than those for untreated controls, with no staphylococci being detected in the groups receiving rifampin monotherapy, tedizolid-plus-rifampin combination therapy, and vancomycin-plus-rifampin combination therapy. Quantities of staphylococci on wires from all treatment groups that included rifampin were significantly lower than those for untreated controls. No resistance to rifampin, tedizolid, or vancomycin was detected. Tedizolid combined with rifampin was active in a rat model of MRSE foreign body-associated osteomyelitis.
Rifampin-Based Combination Therapy Is Active in Foreign-Body Osteomyelitis after Prior Rifampin Monotherapy
Authors: Brinkman Cassandra L. , Schmidt-Malan Suzannah M. , Mandrekar Jayawant N. , Patel Robin
Published: November 2016

Staphylococcal prosthetic joint infections (PJIs) are associated with biofilm formation, making them difficult to treat; if managed with debridement and implant retention, rifampin-based therapy is usually employed. Rifampin resistance potentially challenges PJI treatment. In investigating the effects of rifampin monotherapy on methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) foreign-body osteomyelitis in rats, we previously demonstrated that rifampin resistance was selected but that it disappeared 14 days following rifampin monotherapy (1) and that rifampin resistance occurred less frequently following two rounds than following one round of rifampin monotherapy (2). Here, we compared rifampin monotherapy followed by rifampin-vancomycin combination therapy to rifampin-vancomycin combination therapy alone in experimental MRSA foreign-body osteomyelitis. Animals treated with rifampin monotherapy followed by rifampin-vancomycin combination therapy had decreased quantities of bacteria 14 days following treatment completion (
P
= 0.034) compared to those in animals treated with combination therapy alone. Additionally, some isolates recovered from animals treated with combination therapy alone, although still susceptible to rifampin, had higher MIC, minimum biofilm-inhibitory concentration (MBIC), and minimum biofilm-bactericidal concentration (MBBC) values than those of the inoculating strain. This suggests that rifampin may remain a feasible treatment option in foreign-body-associated orthopedic infections following the selection of rifampin resistance.