bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Comparison of the Full and Short-Scar Face-Lift Incision Techniques in Multiple Sets of Identical Twins
Authors: Antell Darrick E. , May Jessica M. , Bonnano Matthew J. , Lee Norman Y.
Published: February 2016

Background:

Choosing the ideal face-lift technique for a patient presents an added challenge for the plastic surgeon. With the multitude of well-established variations of this procedure, it would be beneficial to define which facioplasty technique produces the optimal result. By comparing the postoperative results from two of the most popularized face-lift incision techniques in monozygotic twins, it is hypothesized that the “best” technique may be determined.

Methods:

Four sets of identical twins and one set of identical triplets underwent face-lift surgery performed by the senior author (D.E.A.). Incision technique selection was randomized, with the first-born twin undergoing the full-incision operation. Short- and long-term postoperative photographs were taken at approximately 1 and 5 years and subsequently graded by eight board-certified plastic surgeons with over 100 years of combined experience.

Results:

Data obtained from this study suggest that no difference between these incisions exists at the shorter term follow-up. However, analysis of the long-term follow-up revealed a significant difference between the average scores assigned to the neck region, with the full-incision technique receiving a higher score.

Conclusions:

These findings suggest that at the short-term follow-up, both the short-scar and full-incision techniques yield comparable results. However, at the longer term follow-up, a significant difference appears between the two procedures exclusively in the neck region. Although a shorter incision is appealing to the patient and surgeon, this study suggests that the full incision may offer a superior long-term result in the neck.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic, II.
Alien species as a driver of recent extinctions
Authors: Bellard Céline , Cassey Phillip , Blackburn Tim M.
Published: February 2016

We assessed the prevalence of alien species as a driver of recent extinctions in five major taxa (plants, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals), using data from the IUCN Red List. Our results show that alien species are the second most common threat associated with species that have gone completely extinct from these taxa since AD 1500. Aliens are the most common threat associated with extinctions in three of the five taxa analysed, and for vertebrate extinctions overall.
Surface strain measurements of fingertip skin under shearing
Authors: Delhaye Benoit , Barrea Allan , Edin Benoni B. , Lefèvre Philippe , Thonnard Jean-Louis
Published: February 2016

The temporal evolution of surface strain, resulting from a combination of normal and tangential loading forces on the fingerpad, was calculated from high-resolution images. A customized robotic device loaded the fingertip with varying normal force, tangential direction and tangential speed. We observed strain waves that propagated from the periphery to the centre of the contact area. Consequently, different regions of the contact area were subject to varying degrees of compression, stretch and shear. The spatial distribution of both the strains and the strain energy densities depended on the stimulus direction. Additionally, the strains varied with the normal force level and were substantial, e.g. peak strains of 50% with a normal force of 5 N, i.e. at force levels well within the range of common dexterous manipulation tasks. While these observations were consistent with some theoretical predictions from contact mechanics, we also observed substantial deviations as expected given the complex geometry and mechanics of fingertips. Specifically, from in-depth analyses, we conclude that some of these deviations depend on local fingerprint patterns. Our data provide useful information for models of tactile afferent responses and background for the design of novel haptic interfaces.
Post-main-sequence planetary system evolution
Authors: Veras Dimitri
Published: February 2016

The fates of planetary systems provide unassailable insights into their formation and represent rich cross-disciplinary dynamical laboratories. Mounting observations of post-main-sequence planetary systems necessitate a complementary level of theoretical scrutiny. Here, I review the diverse dynamical processes which affect planets, asteroids, comets and pebbles as their parent stars evolve into giant branch, white dwarf and neutron stars. This reference provides a foundation for the interpretation and modelling of currently known systems and upcoming discoveries.
Effect of time delays in an HIV virotherapy model with nonlinear incidence
Authors: Tian Yun , Yuan Yuan
Published: February 2016

In this paper, we propose a mathematical model for HIV infection with delays in cell infection and virus production. The model examines a viral therapy for controlling infections through recombining HIV with a genetically modified virus. For this model, we derive two biologically insightful quantities (reproduction numbers)R0andRz, and their threshold properties are discussed. WhenR0<1, the infection-free equilibriumE0is globally asymptotically stable. IfR0>1andRz<1, the single-infection equilibriumEsis globally asymptotically stable. WhenRz>1, there occurs the double-infection equilibriumEd, and there exists a constantRbsuch thatEdis asymptotically stable if1<Rz<Rb. Some simulations are performed to support and complement the theoretical results.
The Young's moduli of three types of carbon allotropes: a molecular mechanics model and a finite-element method
Authors: Zou Bo , Shen Jianxiang , Yu Peishi , Zhao Junhua
Published: February 2016

The close-form expressions of the Young's moduli and the fracture stresses of cyclicgraphene, graphyne and supergraphene along their armchair and zigzag directions are derived based on a molecular mechanics model. Checking against present finite-element calculations of their Young's moduli shows that the explicit solutions are reasonable. The obtained analytical solutions should be of great help for understanding the mechanical properties of the graphene-like materials.
Second-order approximation for heat conduction: dissipation principle and free energies
Authors: Amendola Giovambattista , Fabrizio Mauro , Golden Murrough , Lazzari Barbara
Published: February 2016

In the context of new models of heat conduction, the second-order approximation of Tzou's theory, derived by Quintanilla and Racke, has been studied recently by two of the present authors, where it was proved equivalent to a fading memory material. The importance of determining free energy functionals for such materials, and indeed for any material with memory, is emphasized. Because the kernel does not satisfy certain convexity restrictions that allow us to obtain various traditional free energies for materials with fading memory, it is necessary to restrict the study to the minimum and related free energies, which do not require these restrictions. Thus, the major part of this work is devoted to deriving an explicit expression for the minimum free energy. Simple modifications of this expression also give an intermediate free energy and the maximum free energy for the material. These derivations differ in certain important respects from earlier work on such free energies.
Stochastic simplified modelling of abrasive waterjet footprints
Authors: Torrubia P. Lozano , Billingham J. , Axinte D. A.
Published: February 2016

Abrasive micro-waterjet processing is a non-conventional machining method that can be used to manufacture complex shapes in difficult-to-cut materials. Predicting the effect of the jet on the surface for a given set of machine parameters is a key element of controlling the process. However, the noise of the process is significant, making it difficult to design reliable jet-path strategies that produce good quality parts via controlled-depth milling. The process is highly unstable and has a strong random component that can affect the quality of the workpiece, especially in the case of controlled-depth milling. This study describes a method to predict the variability of the jet footprint for different jet feed speeds. A stochastic partial differential equation is used to describe the etched surface as the jet is moved over it, assuming that the erosion process can be divided into two main components: a deterministic part that corresponds to the average erosion of the jet and a stochastic part that accounts for the noise generated at different stages of the process. The model predicts the variability of the trench profiles to within less than 8%. These advances could enable abrasive micro-waterjet technology to be a suitable technology for controlled-depth milling.
Support for the evolutionary speed hypothesis from intraspecific population genetic data in the non-biting midgeChironomus riparius
Authors: Oppold Ann-Marie , Pedrosa João A. M. , Bálint Miklós , Diogo João B. , Ilkova Julia , Pestana João L. T. , Pfenninger Markus
Published: February 2016

The evolutionary speed hypothesis (ESH) proposes a causal mechanism for the latitudinal diversity gradient. The central idea of the ESH is that warmer temperatures lead to shorter generation times and increased mutation rates. On an absolute time scale, both should lead to an acceleration of selection and drift. Based on the ESH, we developed predictions regarding the distribution of intraspecific genetic diversity: populations of ectothermic species with more generations per year owing to warmer ambient temperatures should be more differentiated from each other, accumulate more mutations and show evidence for increased mutation rates compared with populations in colder regions. We used the multivoltine insect speciesChironomus ripariusto test these predictions with cytochrome oxidase I (COI) sequence data and found that populations from warmer regions are indeed significantly more differentiated and have significantly more derived haplotypes than populations from colder regions. We also found a significant correlation of the annual mean temperature with the population mutation parameterθthat serves as a proxy for the per generation mutation rate under certain assumptions. This pattern could be corroborated with two nuclear loci. Overall, our results support the ESH and indicate that the thermal regime experienced may be crucially driving the evolution of ectotherms and may thus ultimately govern their speciation rate.
Predator-guided sampling reveals biotic structure in the bathypelagic
Authors: Benoit-Bird Kelly J. , Southall Brandon L. , Moline Mark A.
Published: February 2016

We targeted a habitat used differentially by deep-diving, air-breathing predators to empirically sample their prey's distributions off southern California. Fine-scale measurements of the spatial variability of potential prey animals from the surface to 1 200 m were obtained using conventional fisheries echosounders aboard a surface ship and uniquely integrated into a deep-diving autonomous vehicle. Significant spatial variability in the size, composition, total biomass, and spatial organization of biota was evident over all spatial scales examined and was consistent with the general distribution patterns of foraging Cuvier's beaked whales (
Ziphius cavirostris
) observed in separate studies. Striking differences found in prey characteristics between regions at depth, however, did not reflect differences observed in surface layers. These differences in deep pelagic structure horizontally and relative to surface structure, absent clear physical differences, change our long-held views of this habitat as uniform. The revelation that animals deep in the water column are so spatially heterogeneous at scales from 10 m to 50 km critically affects our understanding of the processes driving predator–prey interactions, energy transfer, biogeochemical cycling, and other ecological processes in the deep sea, and the connections between the productive surface mixed layer and the deep-water column.
Regime shifts in marine communities: a complex systems perspective on food web dynamics
Authors: Yletyinen Johanna , Bodin Örjan , Weigel Benjamin , Nordström Marie C. , Bonsdorff Erik , Blenckner Thorsten
Published: February 2016

Species composition and habitats are changing at unprecedented rates in the world's oceans, potentially causing entire food webs to shift to structurally and functionally different regimes. Despite the severity of these regime shifts, elucidating the precise nature of their underlying processes has remained difficult. We address this challenge with a new analytic approach to detect and assess the relative strength of different driving processes in food webs. Our study draws on complexity theory, and integrates the network-centric exponential random graph modelling (ERGM) framework developed within the social sciences with community ecology. In contrast to previous research, this approach makes clear assumptions of direction of causality and accommodates a dynamic perspective on the emergence of food webs. We apply our approach to analysing food webs of the Baltic Sea before and after a previously reported regime shift. Our results show that the dominant food web processes have remained largely the same, although we detect changes in their magnitudes. The results indicate that the reported regime shift may not be a system-wide shift, but instead involve a limited number of species. Our study emphasizes the importance of community-wide analysis on marine regime shifts and introduces a novel approach to examine food webs.
Trophic complexity in aqueous systems: bacterial species richness and protistan predation regulate dissolved organic carbon and dissolved total nitrogen removal
Authors: Saleem Muhammad , Fetzer Ingo , Harms Hauke , Chatzinotas Antonis
Published: February 2016

Loading of water bodies with dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and dissolved total nitrogen (DTN) affects their integrity and functioning. Microbial interactions mitigate the negative effects of high nutrient loads in these ecosystems. Despite numerous studies on how biodiversity mediates ecosystem functions, whether and how diversity and complexity of microbial food webs (horizontal, vertical) and the underlying ecological mechanisms influence nutrient removal has barely been investigated. Using microbial microcosms accommodating systematic combinations of prey (bacteria) and predator (protists) species, we showed that increasing bacterial richness improved the extent and reliability of DOC and DTN removal. Bacterial diversity drove nutrient removal either due to species foraging physiology or functional redundancy, whereas protistan diversity affected nutrient removal through bacterial prey resource partitioning and changing nutrient balance in the system. Our results demonstrate that prey–predator diversity and trophic interactions interactively determine nutrient contents, thus implying the vital role of microbial trophic complexity as a biological buffer against DOC and DTN.
Helicobacter pylori vacA virulence factor in uncultured Helicobacter heilmannii sensu lato from an infected child
Authors: Hernández Caroll , Serrano Carolina A. , Villagrán Andrea , Torres Javiera , Venegas Alejandro , Harris Paul R.
Published: February 2016

Introduction:

Helicobacter spp. colonizing the human stomach other than Helicobacter pylori have been rarely described in children.

Case Presentation:

We identified an uncultured Helicobacter heilmannii sensu lato by histology and PCR in biopsies from a symptomatic child. Surprisingly, the PCR assay demonstrated the presence of the vacA gene in this uncultured H. heilmannii sensu lato and its sequence related highly to H. pylori vacA virulence factor. The analysis of the 16S ribosomal sequence showed higher identity with uncultured Helicobacter spp. and the H. heilmannii strain, respectively.

Conclusion:

This is the first report that shows the presence of vacA in an uncultured H. heilmannii sensu lato extracted from human gastric mucosa.
Effect of Cast Modification on Linear Dimensional Change of Acrylic Tooth Position Following Maxillary Complete Denture Processing
Authors: Sayed Mohammed E. , Swaid Salma M. , Porwal Amit
Published: February 2016

Purpose

To investigate the effect of different cast modifications on the vertical and horizontal tooth position following maxillary complete denture processing.

Materials and Methods

A total of 60 maxillary master casts were prepared and arranged in six groups (n = 10). Variation in modifications between study groups 1 through 6 were as follows: no modification, butterfly post palatal seal preparation only, butterfly post palatal seal preparation with 10 mm wide/4 mm deep box, butterfly post palatal seal preparation with 10 mm wide/4 mm deep box and four round holes, butterfly post palatal seal preparation with 20 mm wide/4 mm deep box, butterfly post dam preparation with 20 mm wide/4 mm deep box and four round holes, respectively. The boxes in the respective groups were prepared on the mid‐heel area of the cast. The first group was included in the study as control. The initial master cast was indexed to standardize the measurement technique on all specimens before duplication. Maxillary denture tooth set‐up was completed and indexed using laboratory putty to ensure a similar set‐up on all specimens. Vertical and horizontal tooth positions were measured for the maxillary left central incisor, right and left first molars in waxed complete dentures, and following processing. The measurements were done using a digital vernier caliper with manufacturing accuracy of up to 0.01 mm. The study data were entered in a Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet. Statistical analysis was done using a paired Student t‐test, ANOVA, and Tukey post hoc test set at 5% level of significance.

Results

The paired t‐test (within groups) showed significant change in all linear tooth positions for groups 1 and 2. Groups 3 through 6 had significant change in vertical dimension only. One‐way ANOVA indicated that no significant difference was seen in the vertical tooth movements between the groups; however, statistically significant reduction was seen in the horizontal tooth movements at the maxillary left central incisor, right and left first molars for groups 3 through 6 when compared to others without significant difference between them.

Conclusions

Within the limitations of the study, it was concluded that the movement of the teeth horizontally could be reduced with master cast modification (box alone or box and round holes) whereas the vertical movement of the teeth was not affected by the cast modifications made across all groups.
Behavioural estimates of auditory filter widths in ferrets using notched-noise maskers
Authors: Alves-Pinto Ana , Sollini Joseph , Wells Toby , Sumner Christian J.
Published: February 2016

Frequency selectivity is a fundamental property of hearing which affects almost all aspects of auditory processing. Here auditory filter widths at 1, 3, 7, and 10 kHz were estimated from behavioural thresholds using the notched-noise method [Patterson, Nimmo-Smith, Weber, and Milroy, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 72, 1788–1803 (1982)] in ferrets. The mean bandwidth was 21% of the signal frequency, excluding wider bandwidths at 1 kHz (65%). They were comparable although on average broader than equivalent measurements in other mammals (∼11%–20%), and wider than bandwidths measured from the auditory nerve in ferrets (∼18%). In non-human mammals there is considerable variation between individuals, species, and in the correspondence with auditory nerve tuning.
Influence of Exercise and Training on Critical Stages of Bone Growth and Development
Authors: Klentrou Panagiota
Published: February 2016

Although osteoporosis is considered a geriatric disease, factors affecting bone strength are most influential during child growth and development. This article reviews what is known and still unclear in terms of bone growth, development and adaptation relative to physical activity before and during puberty. Bone is responsive to certain exercise protocols early in puberty and less so in postpubertal years, where bone strength, rather than bone mass, being the outcome of interest. Mechanical loading and high impact exercise promote bone strength. Intense training before and during puberty, however, may negatively affect bone development. Future research should focus on increasing our mechanistic understanding of the manner by which diverse physical stressors alter the integrity of bone. Longitudinal studies that examine the extent to which muscle and bone are comodulated by growth in children are also recommended.
Phenotypically Adapted Mycobacterium tuberculosis Populations from Sputum Are Tolerant to First-Line Drugs
Authors: Turapov Obolbek , O'Connor Benjamin D. , Sarybaeva Asel A. , Williams Caroline , Patel Hemu , Kadyrov Abdullaat S. , Sarybaev Akpay S. , Woltmann Gerrit , Barer Michael R. , Mukamolova Galina V.
Published: February 2016

Tuberculous sputum contains multiple
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
populations with different requirements for isolation
in vitro
. These include cells that form colonies on solid media (plateable
M. tuberculosis
), cells requiring standard liquid medium for growth (nonplateable
M. tuberculosis
), and cells requiring supplementation of liquid medium with culture supernatant (SN) for growth (SN-dependent
M. tuberculosis
). Here, we describe protocols for the cryopreservation and direct assessment of antimicrobial tolerance of these
M. tuberculosis
populations within sputum. Our results show that first-line drugs achieved only modest bactericidal effects on all three populations over 7 days (1 to 2.5 log
10
reductions), and SN-dependent
M. tuberculosis
was more tolerant to streptomycin and isoniazid than the plateable and nonplateable
M. tuberculosis
strains. Susceptibility of plateable
M. tuberculosis
to bactericidal drugs was significantly increased after passage
in vitro
; thus, tolerance observed in the sputum samples from the population groups was likely associated with mycobacterial adaptation to the host environment at some time prior to expectoration. Our findings support the use of a simple
ex vivo
system for testing drug efficacies against mycobacteria that have phenotypically adapted during tuberculosis infection.
Intestinal Long-Chain Fatty Acids Act as a Direct Signal To Modulate Expression of the
Salmonella
Pathogenicity Island 1 Type III Secretion System
Authors: Golubeva Yekaterina A. , Ellermeier Jeremy R. , Cott Chubiz Jessica E. , Slauch James M.
Published: February 2016

Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhimurium uses the
Salmonella
pathogenicity island 1 (SPI1) type III secretion system (T3SS) to induce inflammatory diarrhea and bacterial uptake into intestinal epithelial cells. The expression of
hilA
, encoding the transcriptional activator of the T3SS structural genes, is directly controlled by three AraC-like regulators, HilD, HilC, and RtsA, each of which can activate
hilD
,
hilC
,
rtsA
, and
hilA
genes, forming a complex feed-forward regulatory loop. Expression of the SPI1 genes is tightly controlled by numerous regulatory inputs to ensure proper timing in production of the T3SS apparatus. Loss of FadD, an acyl coenzyme A (acyl-CoA) synthetase required for degradation of long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs), was known to decrease
hilA
expression. We show that free external LCFAs repress expression of
hilA
independently of FadD and the LCFA degradation pathway. Genetic and biochemical evidence suggests that LCFAs act directly to block primarily HilD activity. Further analyses show that in the absence of FadD,
hilA
expression is downregulated due to endogenous production of free LCFAs, which are excreted into the culture medium via TolC and then transported back into the bacterial cell via FadL. A
fadL
mutant is more virulent than the wild-type strain in mouse oral competition assays independently of LCFA degradation, showing that, in the host, dietary LCFAs serve as a signal for proper regulation of SPI1 expression, rather than an energy source.

IMPORTANCE
To cause disease,
Salmonella
must respond to diverse environmental cues to express its invasion machinery at the appropriate location in the host intestine. We show that host intestinal free long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs) affect
Salmonella
invasion by reducing expression of the SPI1 type III secretion system, acting primarily via the AraC-like activator HilD. Degradation of LCFAs is not required for this regulation, showing that free LCFAs serve as a cue to proper intestinal localization to invade host epithelial cells and not as a nutrient source.
Abatacept experience in steroid and rituximab-resistant focal segmental glomerulosclerosis
Authors: Kavarthapol Jayaraman Vinothkumar , Thomas Mark
Published: February 2016

Primary focal segmental glomerular sclerosis (FSGS), one of the major causes of nephrotic syndrome, eventually results in end-stage renal disease. Currently, FSGS is treated with immunosuppressive therapies, which include calcinuerin inhibitors (cyclosporine), glucocorticoids, B-cell depleting agents (rituximab) and, recently, a T-cell co-stimulatory inhibitor (abatacept). Until recently, there had been no cases reporting resistance to all current therapies. We report a case of a 62-year-old Caucasian man with biopsy-proven FSGS, who responded well to oral prednisolone therapy. However, 2 years later, he had a relapse and failed to respond to prednisolone. Subsequent treatments then included cyclosporine, rituximab and cyclophosphamide, which were not successful. The patient was then administered abatacept, a novel T-cell co-stimulatory inhibitor—though he did not experience any side effects, there was no change in proteinuria nor in creatinine.
Surgical complications and their impact on patients’ psychosocial well-being: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Pinto Anna , Faiz Omar , Davis Rachel , Almoudaris Alex , Vincent Charles
Published: February 2016

Objective

Surgical complications may affect patients psychologically due to challenges such as prolonged recovery or long-lasting disability. Psychological distress could further delay patients’ recovery as stress delays wound healing and compromises immunity. This review investigates whether surgical complications adversely affect patients’ postoperative well-being and the duration of this impact.

Methods

The primary data sources were ‘PsychINFO’, ‘EMBASE’ and ‘MEDLINE’ through OvidSP (year 2000 to May 2012). The reference lists of eligible articles were also reviewed. Studies were eligible if they measured the association of complications after major surgery from 4 surgical specialties (ie, cardiac, thoracic, gastrointestinal and vascular) with adult patients’ postoperative psychosocial outcomes using validated tools or psychological assessment. 13 605 articles were identified. 2 researchers independently extracted information from the included articles on study aims, participants’ characteristics, study design, surgical procedures, surgical complications, psychosocial outcomes and findings. The studies were synthesised narratively (ie, using text). Supplementary meta-analyses of the impact of surgical complications on psychosocial outcomes were also conducted.

Results

50 studies were included in the narrative synthesis. Two-thirds of the studies found that patients who suffered surgical complications had significantly worse postoperative psychosocial outcomes even after controlling for preoperative psychosocial outcomes, clinical and demographic factors. Half of the studies with significant findings reported significant adverse effects of complications on patient psychosocial outcomes at 12 months (or more) postsurgery. 3 supplementary meta-analyses were completed, 1 on anxiety (including 2 studies) and 2 on physical and mental quality of life (including 3 studies). The latter indicated statistically significantly lower physical and mental quality of life (p<0.001) for patients who suffered surgical complications.

Conclusions

Surgical complications appear to be a significant and often long-term predictor of patient postoperative psychosocial outcomes. The results highlight the importance of attending to patients’ psychological needs in the aftermath of surgical complications.
Impact of visual acuity on developing literacy at age 4–5 years: a cohort-nested cross-sectional study
Authors: Bruce Alison , Fairley Lesley , Chambers Bette , Wright John , Sheldon Trevor A
Published: February 2016

Objectives

To estimate the prevalence of poor vision in children aged 4–5 years and determine the impact of visual acuity on literacy.

Design

Cross-sectional study linking clinical, epidemiological and education data.

Setting

Schools located in the city of Bradford, UK.

Participants

Prevalence was determined for 11 186 children participating in the Bradford school vision screening programme. Data linkage was undertaken for 5836 Born in Bradford (BiB) birth cohort study children participating both in the Bradford vision screening programme and the BiB Starting Schools Programme. 2025 children had complete data and were included in the multivariable analyses.

Main outcome measures

Visual acuity was measured using a logMAR Crowded Test (higher scores=poorer visual acuity). Literacy measured by Woodcock Reading Mastery Tests-Revised (WRMT-R) subtest: letter identification (standardised).

Results

The mean (SD) presenting visual acuity was 0.14 (0.09) logMAR (range 0.0–1.0). 9% of children had a presenting visual acuity worse than 0.2logMAR (failed vision screening), 4% worse than 0.3logMAR (poor visual acuity) and 2% worse than 0.4logMAR (visually impaired). Unadjusted analysis showed that the literacy score was associated with presenting visual acuity, reducing by 2.4 points for every 1 line (0.10logMAR) reduction in vision (95% CI −3.0 to −1.9). The association of presenting visual acuity with the literacy score remained significant after adjustment for demographic and socioeconomic factors reducing by 1.7 points (95% CI −2.2 to −1.1) for every 1 line reduction in vision.

Conclusions

Prevalence of decreased visual acuity was high compared with other population-based studies. Decreased visual acuity at school entry is associated with reduced literacy. This may have important implications for the children's future educational, health and social outcomes.
Weak decays of heavy hadrons into dynamically generated resonances
Authors: Oset Eulogio , Liang Wei-Hong , Bayar Melahat , Xie Ju-Jun , Dai Lian Rong , Albaladejo Miguel , Nielsen Marina , Sekihara Takayasu , Navarra Fernando , Roca Luis , Mai Maxim , Nieves Juan , Dias Jorgivan Morais , Feijoo Alberto , Magas Volodymyr K. , Ramos Angels , Miyahara Kenta , Hyodo Tetsuo , Jido Daisuke , Döring Michael , Molina Raquel , Chen Hua-Xing , Wang En , Geng Lisheng , Ikeno Natsumi , Fernández-Soler Pedro , Sun Zhi Feng
Published: February 2016

In this paper, we present a review of recent works on weak decay of heavy mesons and baryons with two mesons, or a meson and a baryon, interacting strongly in the final state. The aim is to learn about the interaction of hadrons and how some particular resonances are produced in the reactions. It is shown that these reactions have peculiar features and act as filters for some quantum numbers which allow to identify easily some resonances and learn about their nature. The combination of basic elements of the weak interaction with the framework of the chiral unitary approach allow for an interpretation of results of many reactions and add a novel information to different aspects of the hadron interaction and the properties of dynamically generated resonances.
Improving Porosity–Velocity Relationships Using Carbonate Pore Types
Authors: Zhang Tingting , Sun Yuefeng , Dou Qifeng , Zhang Hanrong , Guo Tonglou , Cai Xiyuan
Published: February 2016

Acoustic impedance in carbonates is influenced by factors such as porosity, pore structure/fracture, fluid content, and lithology. Occurrence of moldic and vuggy pores, fractures and other pore structures due to diagenesis in carbonate rocks can greatly complicate the relationships between impedance and porosity. Using a frame flexibility factor ([Formula: see text]) derived from a poroelastic model to characterize pore structure in reservoir rocks, we find that its product with porosity can result in a much better correlation with sonic velocity ([Formula: see text] = [Formula: see text]) and acoustic impedance ([Formula: see text] = [Formula: see text], where A, B, C and D is 6.60, 0.03, 18.3 and 0.09, respectively for the deep low-porosity carbonate reservoir studied in this paper. These new relationships can also be useful in improving seismic inversion of ultra-deep hydrocarbon reservoirs in other similar environments.
Application of Desirability Function Analysis and Utility Concept for Selection of Optimum Cutting Parameters in Turning Operation
Authors: Singaravel B. , Selvaraj T.
Published: February 2016

Multi-objective optimization method is used to simultaneously maximize and minimize the various criteria involved in complex industrial problems. In the present work, the optimum combination of cutting parameters is estimated in the turning of EN25 steel with coated carbide tools by performing desirability function analysis and utility concept. The experiments were designed as per L18 Taguchi mixed level orthogonal array with each trial performed under different conditions. These methods are employed for minimization of cutting force, surface roughness and maximization of material removal rate. The optimized results are compared and utility concept gave good combination of input and output parameters. Finally, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) on overall desirability and utility value was employed to identify the relative significance of factors in terms of their percentage contribution to the responses.
Heavy Ion Accelerator–Driven Inertial Fusion
Authors: Hofmann Ingo
Published: February 2016

The idea of using accelerators in the production of energy by inertial confinement fusion has been developed since the mid-1970s. The basic concept is to use accelerated beams of heavy ions to provide energy to implode and ignite a small fusion pellet. Accelerators have been seen as attractive for this application due to their reliability, high repetition rate, and potential efficiency. They are therefore competitive with high power lasers at least for the commercial production of electrical power. This review summarizes part of the development and scientific efforts directed toward this application, which has been realized over time to be an extremely demanding one. Here we focus primarily on the rf linac/storage ring driver system approach and summarize the specific development that culminated in the European HIDIF study of the late 1990s. We also discuss some of the relevant followup accelerator studies.
Accelerator–Reactor Coupling for Energy Production in Advanced Nuclear Fuel Cycles
Authors: Heidet Florent , Brown Nicholas R. , Haj Tahar Malek
Published: February 2016

This article is a review of several accelerator–reactor interface issues and nuclear fuel cycle applications of accelerator-driven subcritical systems. The systems considered here have the primary goal of energy production, but that goal is accomplished via a specific application in various proposed nuclear fuel cycles, such as breed-and-burn of fertile material or burning of transuranic material. Several basic principles are reviewed, starting from the proton beam window including the target, blanket, reactor core, and up to the fuel cycle. We focus on issues of interest, such as the impact of the energy required to run the accelerator and associated systems on the potential electricity delivered to the grid. Accelerator-driven systems feature many of the constraints and issues associated with critical reactors, with the added challenges of subcritical operation and coupling to an accelerator. Reliable accelerator operation and avoidance of beam trips are critically important. One interesting challenge is measurement of blanket subcriticality level during operation. We also review the potential benefits of accelerator-driven systems in various nuclear fuel cycle applications. Ultimately, accelerator-driven subcritical systems with the goal of transmutation of transuranic material have lower 100,000-year radioactivity than a critical fast reactor with recycling of uranium and plutonium.
Flash Proton Radiography
Authors: Merrill Frank E.
Published: February 2016

Protons were first investigated as radiographic probes as high energy proton accelerators became accessible to the scientific community in the 1960s. Like the initial use of X-rays in the 1800s, protons were shown to be a useful tool for studying the contents of opaque materials, but the electromagnetic charge of the protons opened up a new set of interaction processes which complicated their use. These complications in combination with the high expense of generating protons with energies high enough to penetrate typical objects resulted in proton radiography becoming a novelty, demonstrated at accelerator facilities, but not utilized to their full potential until the 1990s at Los Alamos. During this time Los Alamos National Laboratory was investigating a wide range of options, including X-rays and neutrons, as the next generation of probes to be used for thick object flash radiography. During this process it was realized that the charge nature of the protons, which was the source of the initial difficulty with this idea, could be used to recover this technique. By introducing a magnetic imaging lens downstream of the object to be radiographed, the blur resulting from scattering within the object could be focused out of the measurements, dramatically improving the resolution of proton radiography of thick systems. Imaging systems were quickly developed and combined with the temporal structure of a proton beam generated by a linear accelerator, providing a unique flash radiography capability for measurements at Los Alamos National Laboratory. This technique has now been employed at LANSCE for two decades and has been adopted around the world as the premier flash radiography technique for the study of dynamic material properties.
Anatomic Variations of the Flexor Carpi Radialis Brevis: A Report of Five Cases
Authors: Nagata Junichi , Kojima Yasuhiro , Satomura Kenshi , Ishiko Toshiyuki , Ajiki Takashi
Published: February 2016

The flexor carpi radialis brevis (FCRB) is a rare, anomalous musculotendinous structure of the wrist. Here, we report five cases of FCRB in a consecutive series of 123 distal radius fractures that were repaired by using volar locking plates.
Bovine Tuberculosis in Cattle: Vaccines, DIVA Tests, and Host Biomarker Discovery
Authors: Vordermeier H. Martin , Jones Gareth J. , Buddle Bryce M. , Hewinson R. Glyn , Villarreal-Ramos Bernardo
Published: February 2016

Bovine tuberculosis remains a major economic and animal welfare concern worldwide. Cattle vaccination is being considered as part of control strategies. This approach, used alongside conventional control policies, also requires the development of vaccine-compatible diagnostic assays to distinguish vaccinated from infected animals (DIVA). We discuss progress made on optimizing the only potentially available vaccine, bacille Calmette Guérin (BCG), and on strategies to improve BCG efficacy. We also describe recent advances in DIVA development based on the detection of host cellular immune responses by blood-testing or skin-testing approaches. Finally, to accelerate vaccine development, definition of host biomarkers that provide meaningful stage-gating criteria to select vaccine candidates for further testing is highly desirable. Some progress has also been made in this area of research, and we summarize studies that defined either markers predicting vaccine success or markers that correlate with disease stage or severity.
Obesity Impacts Fever and Sickness Behavior During Acute Systemic Inflammation
Authors: Rummel Christoph , Bredehöft Janne , Damm Jelena , Schweighöfer Hanna , Peek Verena , Harden Lois M
Published: February 2016

Obesity is reaching dramatic proportions in humans and is associated with a higher risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cognitive alterations, and a higher mortality during infection and inflammation. The focus of the present review is on the influence of obesity on the presentation of fever, sickness behavior, and inflammatory responses during acute systemic inflammation.
Associations of Polymorphisms inHRH2,HRH3,DAO,andHNMTGenes with Risk of Chronic Heart Failure
Authors: He Gong-Hao , Cai Wen-Ke , Zhang Jia-Bin , Ma Chao-Yu , Yan Feng , Lu Jun , Xu Gui-Li
Published: February 2016

The pathophysiological functions of cardiac histamine level and related histamine receptors during the development of chronic heart failure (CHF) were intensively investigated previously. However, the relevance of polymorphisms in histamine-related genes, such asHRH2,HRH3,DAO,andHNMT, with CHF remains largely neglected. This study herein aims to analyze the clinical associations of polymorphisms in those genes with CHF risk. A total of 333 unrelated Chinese Han CHF patients and 354 ethnicity-matched healthy controls were recruited and 11 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped. We found that theHRH3rs3787429 polymorphism was associated with CHF risk (p<0.001). The T allele of rs3787429 exhibited protective effect against CHF under the dominant (ORs = 0.455; 95% CIs = 0.322–0.642) and additive models (ORs = 0.662; 95% CIs = 0.523–0.838), while, for SNPs inHRH2,DAO,andHNMT, no significant associations were observed in the present study. These findings for the first time screen out one SNP (rs3787429) ofHRH3gene that was significantly associated with CHF in Chinese Han population, which may be a novel biomarker for personal prevention and treatment of CHF and provides novel highlights for investigating the contribution of this disease.
Cerebral Venous Thrombosis with Migraine-Like Headache and the Trigeminovascular System
Authors: Nascimento Fábio A. , Sória Marília Grando , Rizelio Vanessa , Kowacs Pedro A.
Published: February 2016

Cerebral venous thrombosis- (CVT-) associated headache is considered a secondary headache, commonly presenting as intracranial hypertension headache in association with seizures and/or neurological signs. However, it can occasionally mimic migraine. We report a patient presenting with a migraine-like, CVT-related headache refractory to several medications but intravenous dihydroergotamine (DHE). The response to DHE, which is considered to be an antimigraine medication, in addition to the neurovascular nature of migraine, points out to a probable similarity between CVT-headache and migraine. Based on experimental studies, we discuss this similarity and hypothesize a trigeminovascular role in the genesis of CVT-associated headache.
The Association between HbA1c and Cardiovascular Disease Markers in a Remote Indigenous Australian Community with and without Diagnosed Diabetes
Authors: Arnold Luke W. , Hoy Wendy E. , Sharma Suresh K. , Wang Zhiqiang
Published: February 2016

Objectives. This study investigates the burden of cardiovascular risk markers in people with and without diabetes in a remote Indigenous Australian community, based on their HbA1c concentration.Methods. This study included health screening exams of 1187 remote Indigenous residents over 15 years old who represented 70% of the age-eligible community. The participants were stratified by HbA1c into 5 groups using cut-off points recommended by international organisations. The associations of traditional cardiovascular risk markers with HbA1c groups were assessed using logistic and linear regressions and ANOVA models.Results. Of the 1187 participants, 158 (13%) had a previous diabetes diagnosis, up to 568 (48%) were at high risk (5.7–6.4% (39–46 mmol/mol) HbA1c), and 67 (6%) potential new cases of diabetes (≥6.5% (48 mmol/mol)) were identified. Individuals with higher HbA1c levels were more likely to have albuminuria (OR 3.14, 95% CI 1.26–7.82) and dyslipidaemia (OR 2.37, 95% CI 1.29–4.34) and visited the clinic more often (OR 2.52, 95% CI 1.26–4.99). Almost all traditional CVD risk factors showed a positive association with HbA1c.Conclusions. Screening in this remote Indigenous Australian community highlights the high proportion of individuals who are at high risk of diabetes as indicated by HbA1c and who also had an accentuated cardiovascular risk profile.
A Simple Formula for Local Burnup and Isotope Distributions Based on Approximately Constant Relative Reaction Rate
Authors: Yuan Cenxi , Wang Xuming , Chen Shengli
Published: February 2016

A simple and analytical formula is suggested to solve the problems of the local burnup and the isotope distributions. The present method considers two extreme conditions of neutrons penetrating the fuel rod. Based on these considerations, the formula is obtained to calculate the reaction rates of235U,238U, and239Pu and straightforward the local burnup and the isotope distributions. Starting from an initial burnup level, the parameters of the formula are fitted to the reaction rates given by a Monte Carlo (MC) calculation. Then the present formula independently gives very similar results to the MC calculation from the starting to high burnup level but takes just a few minutes. The relative reaction rates are found to be almost independent of the radius (except(n,γ)of  238U) and the burnup, providing a solid background for the present formula. A more realistic examination is also performed when the fuel rods locate in an assembly. A combination of the present formula and the MC calculation is expected to have a nice balance between the numerical accuracy and time consumption.
ABCG2 and ABCB1 Limit the Efficacy of Dasatinib in a PDGF-B–Driven Brainstem Glioma Model
Authors: Mittapalli Rajendar K. , Chung Alexander H. , Parrish Karen E. , Crabtree Donna , Halvorson Kyle G. , Hu Guo , Elmquist William F. , Becher Oren J.
Published: February 2016

Dasatinib is a multikinase inhibitor in clinical trials for glioma, and thus far has failed to demonstrate significant efficacy. We investigated whether the ABC efflux transporters ABCG2 and ABCB1 expressed in the blood–brain barrier (BBB), are limiting the efficacy of dasatinib in the treatment of glioma using genetic and pharmacologic approaches. We utilized a genetic brainstem glioma mouse model driven by platelet-derived growth factor-B and p53 loss using abcg2/abcb1 wild-type (ABC WT) or abcg2/abcb1 knockout mice (ABC KO). First, we observed that brainstem glioma tumor latency is significantly prolonged in ABC KO versus ABC WT mice (median survival of 47 vs. 34 days). Dasatinib treatment nearly doubles the survival of brainstem glioma-bearing ABC KO mice (44 vs. 80 days). Elacridar, an ABCG2 and ABCB1 inhibitor, significantly increases the efficacy of dasatinib in brainstem glioma-bearing ABC WT mice (42 vs. 59 days). Pharmacokinetic analysis demonstrates that dasatinib delivery into the normal brain, but not into the tumor core, is significantly increased in ABC KO mice compared with ABC WT mice. Surprisingly, elacridar did not significantly increase dasatinib delivery into the normal brain or the tumor core of ABC WT mice. Next, we demonstrate that the tight junctions of the BBB of this model are compromised as assessed by tissue permeability to Texas Red dextran. Finally, elacridar increases the cytotoxicity of dasatinib independent of ABCG2 and ABCB1 expression in vitro. In conclusion, elacridar improves the efficacy of dasatinib in a brainstem glioma model without significantly increasing its delivery to the tumor core. Mol Cancer Ther; 15(5); 819–29. ©2016 AACR.