bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polls and Elections: Campaign Field Offices and Voter Mobilization in 2012
Authors: Weinschenk Aaron C.
Published: July 2015

During the last several presidential elections, much attention has been paid to campaign field offices. A number of analyses have investigated the impact of field offices on vote choice, but there have been very few investigations of whether and to what extent campaign field offices influence voter turnout. Using data from the 2012 election, I examine the impact of Obama and Romney field offices on county‐level turnout. I find that the presence of campaign field offices in counties across the United States increased turnout by a small amount. The results presented here add to the literature on campaign effects by showing that field offices—an increasingly important component of modern presidential campaigning—can influence levels of political engagement.
(Not So) Easy Come, (Still) Easy Go? Footloose Multinationals Revisited
Authors: Blanchard Pierre , Dhyne Emmanuel , Fuss Catherine , Mathieu Claude
Published: July 2015

The central question of this paper is to test whether multinational firms (MNFs) are more likely to exit the local market than domestic firms. Using firm‐level data for Belgium, we estimate a random effects probit model taking into account the endogeneity of firm size, total factor productivity (TFP) and sunk costs in firm exit. Our results highlight two features of the ‘footloose’ nature of MNFs. First, controlling for firm and sector characteristics, the exit probability of MNFs is larger than that of domestic firms. Second, MNFs have a lower sensitivity to TFP and size than do domestic firms. This means that an improvement in economic performance on the local market will not prevent a multinational from closing its local plant as much as it would for a domestic firm.
Focal metatarsal fistulae syndrome affecting a greyhound dog successfully treated with topical 0.1% tacrolimus ointment
Authors: Scholz Fiona M. , Muse Russell , Burrows Amanda K.
Published: July 2015

Metatarsal fistulation is an uncommon cutaneous condition reported almost exclusively in German shepherd dogs and their cross‐breeds. To the best of the authors’ knowledge this is the first reported case of focal metatarsal fistulae syndrome affecting a greyhound. Remission was obtained within 6 weeks of commencing treatment using compounded 0.1% tacrolimus ointment twice daily and the dog remained stable for another 6 months with twice weekly application before treatment was discontinued. The dog remained in remission at the time of writing, which is 1 year after treatment withdrawal.
Effects of in vitro hemodilution with crystalloids, colloids, and plasma on canine whole blood coagulation as determined by kaolin‐activated thromboelastography
Authors: Morris Bari R. , deLaforcade Armelle , Lee Joyce , Palmisano Joseph , Meola Dawn , Rozanski Elizabeth
Published: July 2015

Objective

To investigate the effects of in vitro hemodilution with lactated Ringers solution (LRS), hetastarch (HES), and fresh frozen plasma (FFP) on whole blood coagulation in dogs as assessed by kaolin‐activated thromboelastography.

Design

In vitro experimental study.

Setting

University teaching hospital.

Animals

Six healthy client‐owned dogs.

Interventions

Whole blood was collected and diluted in vitro at a 33% and 67% dilution with either LRS, HES, or FFP.

Measurements and Main Results

Kaolin‐activated thromboelastography was performed on each sample as well as a control. Thromboelastographic parameters R (min), alpha (deg), K (min), and MA (mm) were measured and compared to the sample control for each dilution using mixed model methodology. Prolongation in coagulation times were seen at both dilutions with LRS and HES. There was no significant difference in R times at the 33% dilution, but R time was significantly prolonged at the 67% dilution with HES (P = 0.004). MA was significantly decreased for LRS at both dilutions (P = 0.013, P < 0.001) and more profoundly decreased for HES (P < 0.001, P = 0.006). No significant difference in any parameter was found for FFP.

Conclusions

In vitro hemodilution of whole blood with both LRS and HES but not FFP resulted in significant effects on coagulation with HES having a more profound effect. In vivo evaluation of changes in coagulation with various resuscitation fluids is warranted and may be clinically relevant.
Physiological roles for the subfornical organ: a dynamic transcriptome shaped by autonomic state
Authors: Hindmarch Charles Colin Thomas , Ferguson Alastair V.
Published: July 2015

The subfornical organ (SFO) is a circumventricular organ recognized for its ability to sense and integrate hydromineral and hormonal circulating fluid balance signals, information which is transmitted to central autonomic nuclei to which SFO neurons project. While the role of SFO was once synonymous with physiological responses to osmotic, volumetric and cardiovascular challenge, recent data suggest that SFO neurons also sense and integrate information from circulating signals of metabolic status. Using microarrays, we have confirmed the expression of receptors already described in the SFO, and identified many novel transcripts expressed in this circumventricular organ including receptors for many of the critical circulating energy balance signals such as adiponectin, apelin, endocannabinoids, leptin, insulin and peptide YY. This transcriptome analysis also identified SFO transcripts, the expressions of which are significantly changed by either 72 h dehydration, or 48 h starvation, compared to fed and euhydrated controls. Expression and potential roles for many of these targets are yet to be confirmed and elucidated. Subsequent validation of data for adiponectin and leptin receptors confirmed that receptors for both are expressed in the SFO, that discrete populations of neurons in this tissue are functionally responsive to these adipokines, and that such responsiveness is regulated by physiological state. Thus, transcriptomic analysis offers great promise for understanding the integrative complexity of these physiological systems, especially with development of technologies allowing description of the entire transcriptome of single, carefully phenotyped, SFO neurons. These data will ultimately elucidate mechanisms through which these uniquely positioned neurons respond to and integrate complex circulating signals.

image
Aerodynamic Interference Effect of Huge Wind Turbine Blades With Periodic Surge Motions Using Overset Grid-Based Computational Fluid Dynamics Approach
Authors: Toan Tran Thanh , Kim Dong-Hyun , Hieu Nguyen Ba
Published: July 2015

The accurate prediction of unsteady aerodynamic performance and loads, for floating offshore wind turbines (FOWTs), is still questionable because several conventional methods widely used for this purpose are applied in ways that violate the theoretical assumptions of their original formulation. The major objective of the present study is to investigate the unsteady aerodynamic effects for the rotating blade due to the periodic surge motions of an FOWT. This work was conducted using several numerical approaches, particularly unsteady computational fluid dynamics (CFD) with an overset grid-based approach. The unsteady aerodynamic effects that occur when an FOWT is subjected to the surge motion of its floating support platform is assumed as a sinusoidal function. The present CFD simulation based on an overset grid approach provides a sophisticated numerical model on complex flows around the rotating blades simultaneously having the platform surge motion. In addition, an in-house unsteady blade element momentum (UBEM) and the fast (fatigue, aerodynamic, structure, and turbulence) codes are also applied as conventional approaches. The unsteady aerodynamic performances and loads of the rotating blade are shown to be changed considerably depending on the amplitude and frequency of the platform surge motion. The results for the flow interaction phenomena between the oscillating motions of the rotating wind turbine blades and the generated blade-tip vortices are presented and investigated in detail.
Growth of SrVO3 thin films by hybrid molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Eaton Craig , Moyer Jarrett A. , Alipour Hamideh M. , Grimley Everett D. , Brahlek Matthew , LeBeau James M. , Engel-Herbert Roman
Published: July 2015

The authors report the growth of stoichiometric SrVO3 thin films on (LaAlO3)0.3(Sr2AlTaO6)0.7 (001) substrates using hybrid molecular beam epitaxy. This growth approach employs a conventional effusion cell to supply elemental A-site Sr and the metalorganic precursor vanadium oxytriisopropoxide (VTIP) to supply vanadium. Oxygen is supplied in its molecular form through a gas inlet. An optimal VTIP:Sr flux ratio has been identified using reflection high-energy electron-diffraction, x-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, and scanning transmission electron microscopy, demonstrating stoichiometric SrVO3 films with atomically flat surface morphology. Away from the optimal VTIP:Sr flux, characteristic changes in the crystalline structure and surface morphology of the films were found, enabling identification of the type of nonstoichiometry. For optimal VTIP:Sr flux ratios, high quality SrVO3 thin films were obtained with smallest deviation of the lattice parameter from the ideal value and with atomically smooth surfaces, indicative of the good cation stoichiometry achieved by this growth technique.
Diversion of HIV-1 vaccine–induced immunity by gp41-microbiota cross-reactive antibodies
Authors: Williams Wilton B. , Liao Hua-Xin , Moody M. Anthony , Kepler Thomas B. , Alam S. Munir , Gao Feng , Wiehe Kevin , Trama Ashley M. , Jones Kathryn , Zhang Ruijun , Song Hongshuo , Marshall Dawn J. , Whitesides John F. , Sawatzki Kaitlin , Hua Axin , Liu Pinghuang , Tay Matthew Z. , Seaton Kelly E. , Shen Xiaoying , Foulger Andrew , Lloyd Krissey E. , Parks Robert , Pollara Justin , Ferrari Guido , Yu Jae-Sung , Vandergrift Nathan , Montefiori David C. , Sobieszczyk Magdalena E. , Hammer Scott , Karuna Shelly , Gilbert Peter , Grove Doug , Grunenberg Nicole , McElrath M. Juliana , Mascola John R. , Koup Richard A. , Corey Lawrence , Nabel Gary J. , Morgan Cecilia , Churchyard Gavin , Maenza Janine , Keefer Michael , Graham Barney S. , Baden Lindsey R. , Tomaras Georgia D. , Haynes Barton F.
Published: July 2015

Microbiota can mislead antibodies

Unlike the response to many viral infections, most people do not produce antibodies capable of clearing HIV-1. Non-neutralizing antibodies that target HIV-1's envelope glycoprotein (Env) typically dominate the response, which is generated by B cells that cross-react with Env and the intestinal microbiota. Williams
et al.
analyzed samples from individuals who had received a vaccine containing the Env protein, including the gp41 subunit. Most of the antibodies were non-neutralizing and targeted gp41. The antibodies also reacted to intestinal microbiota, suggesting that preexisting immunity to microbial communities skews vaccineinduced immune responses toward an unproductive target.

Science
, this issue
10.1126/science.aab1253
.
Viruses transfer the antiviral second messenger cGAMP between cells
Authors: Bridgeman A. , Maelfait J. , Davenne T. , Partridge T. , Peng Y. , Mayer A. , Dong T. , Kaever V. , Borrow P. , Rehwinkel J.
Published: July 2015

Viruses pack antiviral mediators

Viruses often hijack host proteins for their own use, turning host cells into virion-spewing machines. However, Bridgeman
et al.
and Gentili
et al.
now report a sneaky way that the host can fight back (see the Perspective by Schoggins). Host cells that expressed the enzyme cGAS, an innate immune receptor that senses cytoplasmic DNA, packaged the cGAS-generated second messenger cGAMP into virions. Virions could then transfer cGAMP to neighboring cells, triggering an antiviral gene program in these newly infected cells. Such transfer of an antiviral mediator may help to speed up the immune response to put the brakes on viral spread.

Science
, this issue pp.
1228
and
1232
; see also p.
1166
Maintaining epithelial stemness with p63
Authors: Melino Gerry , Memmi Elisa Maria , Pelicci Pier Giuseppe , Bernassola Francesca
Published: July 2015

The transcription factor p63 enables epithelial stem cells to maintain their regenerative potential.
Science Signaling
Podcast: 28 July 2015
Authors: Desai Pooja N. , VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: July 2015

Distinct calcium channel pore subunits produced from the same transcript mediate different types of calcium currents.
Estrogen prodrug protects the brain
Authors: Frisk Megan L.
Published: July 2015

The brain converts a prodrug into estrogen, providing a potential treatment for the neurological and psychiatric symptoms of menopause.
Trafficking from bedside to bench
Authors: Kiberstis Paula A.
Published: July 2015

A rare autoimmune disorder is caused by aberrant degradation of a potent inhibitory immune receptor.
Telavancin for Acute Bacterial Skin and Skin Structure Infections, a
Post Hoc
Analysis of the Phase 3 ATLAS Trials in Light of the 2013 FDA Guidance
Authors: Pushkin Richard , Barriere Steven L. , Wang Whedy , Corey G. Ralph , Stryjewski Martin E.
Published: July 2015

Two phase 3 ATLAS trials demonstrated noninferiority of telavancin compared with vancomycin for complicated skin and skin structure infections. Data from these trials were retrospectively evaluated according to 2013 U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidance on acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections. This
post hoc
analysis included patients with lesion sizes of ≥75 cm
2
and excluded patients with ulcers or burns (updated all-treated population;
n
= 1,127). Updated day 3 (early) clinical response was defined as a ≥20% reduction in lesion size from baseline and no rescue antibiotic. Updated test-of-cure (TOC) clinical response was defined as a ≥90% reduction in lesion size, no increase in lesion size since day 3, and no requirement for additional antibiotics or significant surgical procedures. Day 3 (early) clinical responses were achieved in 62.6% and 61.0% of patients receiving telavancin and vancomycin, respectively (difference, 1.7%, with a 95% confidence interval [CI] of −4.0% to 7.4%). Updated TOC visit cure rates were similar for telavancin (68.0%) and vancomycin (63.3%), with a difference of 4.8% (95% CI, −0.7% to 10.3%). Adopting current FDA guidance, this analysis corroborates previous noninferiority findings of the ATLAS trials of telavancin compared with vancomycin.
Prospective Evaluation of a Model-Based Dosing Regimen for Amikacin in Preterm and Term Neonates in Clinical Practice
Authors: Smits A. , De Cock R. F. W. , Allegaert K. , Vanhaesebrouck S. , Danhof M. , Knibbe C. A. J.
Published: July 2015

Based on a previously derived population pharmacokinetic model, a novel neonatal amikacin dosing regimen was developed. The aim of the current study was to prospectively evaluate this dosing regimen. First, early (before and after second dose) therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) observations were evaluated for achieving target trough (<3 mg/liter) and peak (>24 mg/liter) levels. Second, all observed TDM concentrations were compared with model-predicted concentrations, whereby the results of a normalized prediction distribution error (NPDE) were considered. Subsequently, Monte Carlo simulations were performed. Finally, remaining causes limiting amikacin predictability (i.e., prescription errors and disease characteristics of outliers) were explored. In 579 neonates (median birth body weight, 2,285 [range, 420 to 4,850] g; postnatal age 2 days [range, 1 to 30 days]; gestational age, 34 weeks [range, 24 to 41 weeks]), 90.5% of the observed early peak levels reached 24 mg/liter, and 60.2% of the trough levels were <3 mg/liter (93.4% ≤5 mg/liter). Observations were accurately predicted by the model without bias, which was confirmed by the NPDE. Monte Carlo simulations showed that peak concentrations of >24 mg/liter were reached at steady state in almost all patients. Trough values of <3 mg/liter at steady state were documented in 78% to 100% and 45% to 96% of simulated cases with and without ibuprofen coadministration, respectively; suboptimal trough levels were found in patients with postnatal age <14 days and current weight of >2,000 g. Prospective evaluation of a model-based neonatal amikacin dosing regimen resulted in optimized peak and trough concentrations in almost all patients. Slightly adapted dosing for patient subgroups with suboptimal trough levels was proposed. This model-based approach improves neonatal dosing individualization.
Effects of Zidovudine Treatment on Heart mRNA Expression and Mitochondrial DNA Copy Number Associated with Alterations in Deoxynucleoside Triphosphate Composition in a Neonatal Rat Model
Authors: Snowdin Jacob W. , Hsiung Chia-Heng , Kesterson Daniel G. , Kamath Vasudeva G. , McKee Edward E.
Published: July 2015

The prevention of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV is a crucial component in HIV therapy. Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), primarily 3′-azido-3′-thymidine (AZT [zidovudine]), have been used to treat both mothers and neonates. While AZT is being replaced with less toxic drugs in treating mothers in MTCT prevention, it is still commonly used to treat neonates. Problems related to mitochondrial toxicity and potential mutagenesis associated with AZT treatment have been reported in treated cohorts. Yet little is known concerning the metabolism and potential toxicity of AZT on embryonic and neonatal tissues, especially considering that the enzymes of nucleoside metabolism change dramatically as many tissues convert from hyperplastic to hypertrophic growth during this period. AZT is known to inhibit thymidine phosphorylation and potentially alter deoxynucleoside triphosphate (dNTP) pools in adults. This study examines the effects of AZT on dNTP pools, mRNA expression of deoxynucleoside/deoxynucleotide metabolic enzymes, and mitochondrial DNA levels in a neonatal rat model. Results show that AZT treatment dramatically altered dNTP pools in the first 7 days of life after birth, which normalized to age-matched controls in the second and third weeks. Additionally, AZT treatment dramatically increased the mRNA levels of many enzymes involved in deoxynucleotide synthesis and mitochondrial biogenesis during the first week of life, which normalized to age-matched controls by the third week. These results were correlated with depletion of mitochondrial DNA noted in the second week. Taken together, results demonstrated that AZT treatment has a powerful effect on the deoxynucleotide synthesis pathways that may be associated with toxicity and mutagenesis.
Characterization of an Enterobacter cloacae Strain Producing both KPC and NDM Carbapenemases by Whole-Genome Sequencing
Authors: Wu Wenjing , Feng Yu , Carattoli Alessandra , Zong Zhiyong
Published: July 2015

A carbapenem-resistant
Enterobacter cloacae
strain, WCHECl-14653, causing a fatal bloodstream infection, was characterized by genome sequencing and conjugation experiments. The strain carried two carbapenemase genes,
bla
NDM-1
and
bla
KPC-2
, on separate IncF plasmids. The coexistence of
bla
NDM-1
and
bla
KPC-2
conferred slightly higher-level carbapenem resistance compared with that of
bla
NDM-1
or
bla
KPC-2
alone, and the coexistence of two IncF plasmids may generate new platforms for spreading carbapenemase genes.
Characterization of a Novel Putative Xer-Dependent Integrative Mobile Element Carrying the
bla
NMC-A
Carbapenemase Gene, Inserted into the Chromosome of Members of the Enterobacter cloacae Complex
Authors: Antonelli Alberto , D'Andrea Marco Maria , Di Pilato Vincenzo , Viaggi Bruno , Torricelli Francesca , Rossolini Gian Maria
Published: July 2015

An
Enterobacter ludwigii
strain was isolated during routine screening of a Japanese patient for carriage of carbapenem-resistant
Enterobacteriaceae
. PCR analysis revealed the
bla
NMC-A
carbapenemase gene. Whole-genome sequencing revealed that
bla
NMC-A
was inserted in the chromosome and associated with a novel 29.1-kb putative Xer-dependent integrative mobile element, named EludIMEX-1. Bioinformatic analysis identified similar elements in the genomes of an
Enterobacter asburiae
strain and of other
Enterobacter cloacae
complex strains, confirming the mobile nature of this element.
Detection of a New
cfr
-Like Gene,
cfr
(B), in Enterococcus faecium Isolates Recovered from Human Specimens in the United States as Part of the SENTRY Antimicrobial Surveillance Program
Authors: Deshpande Lalitagauri M. , Ashcraft Deborah S. , Kahn Heather P. , Pankey George , Jones Ronald N. , Farrell David J. , Mendes Rodrigo E.
Published: July 2015

Two linezolid-resistant
Enterococcus faecium
isolates (MICs, 8 μg/ml) from unique patients of a medical center in New Orleans were included in this study. Isolates were initially investigated for the presence of mutations in the V domain of 23S rRNA genes and L3, L4, and L22 ribosomal proteins, as well as
cfr
. Isolates were subjected to pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (just one band difference), and one representative strain was submitted to whole-genome sequencing. Gene location was also determined by hybridization, and
cfr
genes were cloned and expressed in a
Staphylococcus aureus
background. The two isolates had one out of six 23S rRNA alleles mutated (G2576T), had wild-type L3, L4, and L22 sequences, and were positive for a
cfr
-like gene. The sequence of the protein encoded by the
cfr
-like gene was most similar (99.7%) to that found in
Peptoclostridium difficile
, which shared only 74.9% amino acid identity with the proteins encoded by genes previously identified in staphylococci and non-
faecium
enterococci and was, therefore, denominated Cfr(B). When expressed in
S. aureus
, the protein conferred a resistance profile similar to that of Cfr. Two copies of
cfr
(B) were chromosomally located and embedded in a Tn
6218
similar to the
cfr
-carrying transposon described in
P. difficile.
This study reports the first detection of
cfr
genes in
E. faecium
clinical isolates in the United States and characterization of a new
cfr
variant,
cfr
(B).
cfr
(B) has been observed in mobile genetic elements in
E. faecium
and
P. difficile
, suggesting potential for dissemination. However, further analysis is necessary to access the resistance levels conferred by
cfr
(B) when expressed in enterococci.
Draft Genome Sequence of Ochrobactrum anthropi Strain W13P3, a Halotolerant Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon-Degrading Bacterium
Authors: Wang Xinxin , Jin Decai , Zhou Lisha , Zhang Zhuo
Published: July 2015

Ochrobactrum anthropi
W13P3 was isolated from saline soil contaminated by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and could degrade PAHs with 5% NaCl. We report the 5.3-Mb draft genome sequence of this strain, which is helpful for understanding the diversity of
Ochrobactrum
spp. and the mechanism of PAH degradation in saline environments.
Chemotaxis Control of Transient Cell Aggregation
Authors: Alexandre Gladys
Published: July 2015

Chemotaxis affords motile cells the ability to rapidly respond to environmental challenges by navigating cells to niches favoring growth. Such a property results from the activities of dedicated signal transduction systems on the motility apparatus, such as flagella, type IV pili, and gliding machineries. Once cells have reached a niche with favorable conditions, they often stop moving and aggregate into complex communities termed biofilms. An intermediate and reversible stage that precedes commitment to permanent adhesion often includes transient cell-cell contacts between motile cells. Chemotaxis signaling has been implicated in modulating the transient aggregation of motile cells. Evidence further indicates that chemotaxis-dependent transient cell aggregation events are behavioral responses to changes in metabolic cues that temporarily prohibit permanent attachment by maintaining motility and chemotaxis. This minireview discusses a few examples illustrating the role of chemotaxis signaling in the initiation of cell-cell contacts in bacteria moving via flagella, pili, or gliding.
Bacillus anthracis SlaQ Promotes S-Layer Protein Assembly
Authors: Nguyen-Mau Sao-Mai , Oh So-Young , Schneewind Daphne I. , Missiakas Dominique , Schneewind Olaf
Published: July 2015

Bacillus anthracis
vegetative forms assemble an S-layer comprised of two S-layer proteins, Sap and EA1. A hallmark of S-layer proteins are their C-terminal crystallization domains, which assemble into a crystalline lattice once these polypeptides are deposited on the bacterial surface via association between their N-terminal S-layer homology domains and the secondary cell wall polysaccharide. Here we show that
slaQ
, encoding a small cytoplasmic protein conserved among pathogenic bacilli elaborating S-layers, is required for the efficient secretion and assembly of Sap and EA1. S-layer protein precursors cosediment with SlaQ, and SlaQ appears to facilitate Sap assembly. Purified SlaQ polymerizes and when mixed with purified Sap promotes the
in vitro
formation of tubular S-layer structures. A model is discussed whereby SlaQ, in conjunction with S-layer secretion factors SecA2 and SlaP, promotes localized secretion and S-layer assembly in
B. anthracis
.

IMPORTANCE
S-layer proteins are endowed with the propensity for self-assembly into crystalline arrays. Factors promoting S-layer protein assembly have heretofore not been reported. We identified
Bacillus anthracis
SlaQ, a small cytoplasmic protein that facilitates S-layer protein assembly
in vivo
and
in vitro
.
Female genital mutilation in children presenting to a London safeguarding clinic: a case series
Authors: Hodes Deborah , Armitage Alice , Robinson Kerry , Creighton Sarah M
Published: July 2015

Objective

To describe the presentation and management of children referred with suspected female genital mutilation (FGM) to a UK safeguarding clinic.

Design and setting

Case series of all children under 18 years of age referred with suspected FGM between June 2006 and May 2014.

Main outcome measures

These include indication for referral, demographic data, circumstances of FGM, medical symptoms, type of FGM, investigations and short-term outcome.

Results

Of the 47 girls referred, 27 (57%) had confirmed FGM. According to the WHO classification of genital findings, FGM type 1 was found in 2 girls, type 2 in 8 girls and type 4 in 11 girls. No type 3 FGM was seen. The circumstances of FGM were known in 17 cases, of which 12 (71%) were performed by a health professional or in a medical setting (medicalisation). Ten cases were potentially illegal, yet despite police involvement there have been no prosecutions.

Conclusions

This study is an important snapshot of FGM within the UK paediatric population. The most frequent genital finding was type 4 FGM with no tissue damage or minimal scarring. FGM was performed at a young age, with 15% reported under the age of 1 year. The study also demonstrated significant medicalisation of FGM, which matches recent trends in international data. Type 4 FGM performed in infancy is easily missed on examination and so vigilance in assessing children with suspected FGM is essential.
Onyx extrusion through the scalp after embolization of dural arteriovenous fistula
Authors: Singla Amit , Fargen Kyle Michael , Hoh Brian
Published: July 2015

A man in his sixties referred with symptoms of episodic left lip numbness and left arm weakness was diagnosed with a Borden type 3 dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) on DSA. Successful Onyx embolization of the DAVF was performed via the distal left occipital artery using an ev3 Apollo detachable tip microcatheter. He underwent surgical obliteration for the residual DAVF 3 days later. Three months later during a routine postoperative clinic visit, the patient produced a plastic bag containing multiple small pieces of Onyx cast and the detached tip of the Apollo microcatheter that had extruded out from his scalp through small spontaneous holes about 5 weeks after the embolization procedure. This spontaneous extrusion of Onyx can be alarming to the patient not expecting it; however, prior knowledge and discussion can lessen the anxiety of both the treating physician and the patient dealing with such a situation.
Pulmonary infiltrate and painful nodular leg lesions in a patient with membranous glomerulonephritis
Authors: Grahammer Florian , Fischer Karl-Georg
Published: July 2015

Nocardia otitidis-cavariumis rarely isolated as an infectious pathogen in the western world. We report on a 71-year-old Caucasian man with membranous glomerulonephritis who presented with several seemingly unrelated clinical symptoms that, after laborious diagnostics, turned out to be caused by disseminated infection withN. otitidis-cavarium. This case highlights the variable clinical presentations that can occur in nocardial infections and underscores the need to search for rare pathogens in patients taking immunosuppressive medication.
Euthanasia requests, procedures and outcomes for 100 Belgian patients suffering from psychiatric disorders: a retrospective, descriptive study
Authors: Thienpont Lieve , Verhofstadt Monica , Van Loon Tony , Distelmans Wim , Audenaert Kurt , De Deyn Peter P
Published: July 2015

Objectives

To identify patterns in euthanasia requests and practices relating to psychiatric patients; to generate recommendations for future research.

Design

Retrospective analysis of data obtained through medical file review.

Setting

Outpatient psychiatric clinical setting in the Dutch-speaking region of Belgium, between October 2007 and December 2011; follow-up at the end of December 2012.

Participants

100 consecutive psychiatric patients requesting euthanasia based on psychological suffering associated with psychiatric disorders (77 women, 23 men; mean age 47 years; age range 21–80 years).

Main outcome measures

Patient sociodemographic characteristics; diagnoses; decisions on euthanasia requests; circumstances of euthanasia procedures; patient outcomes at follow-up.

Results

Most patients had been referred for psychiatric counselling by their physician (n=55) or by LEIF (Life End Information Forum) (n=36). 90 patients had >1 disorder; the most frequent diagnoses were depression (n=58) and personality disorder (n=50). 38 patients required further testing and/or treatment, including 13 specifically tested for autism spectrum disorder (ASD); 12 received an ASD diagnosis (all Asperger syndrome). In total, 48 of the euthanasia requests were accepted and 35 were carried out. Of the 13 remaining patients whose requests were accepted, 8 postponed or cancelled the procedure, because simply having this option gave them enough peace of mind to continue living. In December 2012, 43 patients had died, including 35 by euthanasia; others died by suicide (6), palliative sedation (1) and anorexia nervosa (1).

Conclusions

Depression and personality disorders are the most common diagnoses in psychiatric patients requesting euthanasia, with Asperger syndrome representing a neglected disease burden. Further research is needed, especially prospective quantitative and qualitative studies, to obtain a better understanding of patients with psychiatric disorders who request euthanasia due to unbearable psychological suffering.
Floor and ceiling effects in the OHS:an analysis of the NHS PROMs data set
Authors: Lim Christopher R , Harris Kristina , Dawson Jill , Beard David J , Fitzpatrick Ray , Price Andrew J
Published: July 2015

Objectives

The objective was to examine whether the Oxford Hip Score (OHS) demonstrated a floor or a ceiling effect when used to measure the outcome of hip replacement surgery in a large national cohort.

Setting

Secondary database analysis of a national audit conducted in England and Wales on patient undergoing hip and knee arthroplasty in a secondary care setting.

Participants

93 253 primary arthroplasty patients completed preoperative OHS questionnaires and 69 361 completed 6-month postoperative OHS questionnaires. The population had a mean age of 67.78 (range 14–100, SD 11.3) and 59% were female.

Primary Secondary Outcome Measures

Primary outcome measure was the Oxford Hip Score (OHS). Secondary outcome measures were the OHS-FCS and OHS-PCS. Floor and ceiling effects were considered present if >15% of patients achieved the worst score/floor effect (0/48) or best/ceiling effect (48/48) score.

Results

Preoperatively, 0% of patients achieved the best score (48) and 0.1% achieved the worst score (0). Postoperatively, 0.1% patients achieved the worst score, but the percentage achieving the best score increased to 11.6%. Subgroup analyses demonstrated that patients between 50 and 59 years of age had the highest postoperative best score, at 15.3%. The highest postoperative OHS worst score percentage was in a group of patients who had a preoperative OHS above 41/48 at 28%. Furthermore, 22.6% of patients achieved the best postoperative OHS-PCS and 19.9% best postoperative OHS-FCS.

Conclusions

Based on NHS PROMS data the overall OHS does not exhibit a ceiling or floor effect and should continue to be used as a valid measure of patient-reported outcomes for patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty. However, subscale analysis does indicate some limitations in the OHS-PCS and OHS-FCS.

Trial registration number

NDORMS. Introducing standardised and evidence-based thresholds for hip and knee replacement surgery. The Arthroplasty Candidacy Help Engine (ACHE tool). HTA Project 11/63/01.
Low rate of and rapid attention to inappropriate ICD shocks with remote device and rhythm monitoring: a qualitative study
Authors: Sandgren Emma , Rorsman Cecilia , Engdahl Johan , Edvardsson Nils
Published: July 2015

Objectives

Inappropriate shocks are unpleasant and painful. We hypothesise that remote monitoring and careful attention to known and incident atrial fibrillation (AF) can reduce inappropriate shocks to a very low level in clinical praxis.

Methods

Altogether 259 patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillator implanted for secondary (S, n=113) and primary (P, n=146) prevention were followed via remote monitoring. At implant, 42S (37%) and 54P (37%) patients had known AF.

Results

Inappropriate shocks, all but five due to AF, occurred in 7S (6.2%) and 11P (7.5%), and there were only inappropriate shocks in 5/7S and in 8/11P. They occurred in four of 42S (9.5%) with and in three of 71S (4.2%) without known AF, and in seven of 54P (13%) with and in four of 92P (4.3%) without known AF. The median time from shock to action was 5 and 1 day, respectively. Actions were medication with amiodarone, β blockers, β blockers+amiodarone or β blockers+digoxin (n=5), β blockers+insertion of an atrial lead (n=1), replacement of a fractured lead (n=2), reprogramming in combination with β blockers, digoxin or amiodarone (n=4), reprogramming (n=2) and none (n=4). After action, four further inappropriate shocks occurred during more than 2 years of follow-up, all due to AF.

Conclusions

Inappropriate shocks occurred at a low rate and most often because of AF known at implant. Remote monitoring enabled rapid action, after which few inappropriate shocks occurred over more than 2 years. Attention to known and incident AF was the most important action to reduce inappropriate shocks.
Randomised Badger Culling Trial: interpreting the results
Authors: More Simon J. , McGrath Guy
Published: July 2015

Simon More and Guy McGrath raise issues relating to the Randomised Badger Culling Trial, that they feel warrant further discussion and study
Multimodal high-intensity interval training increases muscle function and metabolic performance in females
Authors: Buckley Stephanie , Knapp Kelly , Lackie Amy , Lewry Colin , Horvey Karla , Benko Chad , Trinh Jason , Butcher Scotty
Published: July 2015

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a time-efficient method of improving aerobic and anaerobic power and capacity. In most individuals, however, HIIT using modalities such as cycling, running, and rowing does not typically result in increased muscle strength, power, or endurance. The purpose of this study is to compare the physiological outcomes of traditional HIIT using rowing (Row-HIIT) with a novel multimodal HIIT (MM-HIIT) circuit incorporating multiple modalities, including strength exercises, within an interval. Twenty-eight recreationally active women (age 24.7 ± 5.4 years) completed 6 weeks of either Row-HIIT or MM-HIIT and were tested on multiple fitness parameters. MM-HIIT and Row-HIIT resulted in similar improvements (p < 0.05 for post hoc pre- vs. post-training increases for each group) in maximal aerobic power (7% vs. 5%), anaerobic threshold (13% vs. 12%), respiratory compensation threshold (7% vs. 5%), anaerobic power (15% vs. 12%), and anaerobic capacity (18% vs. 14%). The MM-HIIT group had significant (p < 0.01 for all) increases in squat (39%), press (27%), and deadlift (18%) strength, broad jump distance (6%), and squat endurance (280%), whereas the Row-HIIT group had no increase in any muscle performance variable (p values 0.33–0.90). Post-training, 1-repetition maximum (1RM) squat (64.2 ± 13.6 vs. 45.8 ± 16.2 kg, p = 0.02), 1RM press (33.2 ± 3.8 vs. 26.0 ± 9.6 kg, p = 0.01), and squat endurance (23.9 ± 12.3 vs. 10.2 ± 5.6 reps, p < 0.01) were greater in the MM-HIIT group than in the Row-HIIT group. MM-HIIT resulted in similar aerobic and anaerobic adaptations but greater muscle performance increases than Row-HIIT in recreationally active women.
Different mixtures of Norway spruce, silver fir, and European beech modify competitive interactions in central European mature mixed forests
Authors: Bosela Michal , Tobin Brian , Šebeň Vladimír , Petráš Rudolf , Larocque Guy R.
Published: July 2015

The influence of forest ecology and strategic planning has increased in importance to support the management of mixed-species forests to enhance biodiversity. However, little is known about competitive and facilitative interactions between trees and species in mixed fir–beech–spruce forests, mostly because of a lack of long-term experimental research. In the 1960s, long-term sample plots were established in the Western Carpathians to develop region-specific yield models. Trees in the plots were measured at 5- to 16-year intervals from 1967(69). In 2010, the positions of standing trees in all plots were identified spatially. Stump positions were also identified to record the coordinates of trees that had been removed or had died. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the applicability of widely used competition indices for mature fir–beech–spruce mixed forests and to test whether the tree competition zone changes among species and forest stands of different stocking densities. Results showed that the best competition index was based on the comparison of the basal area of competitors and the subject tree in the radius, which was defined as a function of stand density and species. In addition, beech was found to be a strong self-competitor, which was not the case for silver fir (Abies alba Mill.). Results suggest that simpler competition indices are better suited for such diverse forests, as more complex indices do not describe the competition interactions sufficiently well.
A consensus algorithm for approximate string matching and its application to QRS complex detection
Authors: Alba Alfonso , Mendez Martin O. , Rubio-Rincon Miguel E. , Arce-Santana Edgar R.
Published: July 2015

In this paper, a novel algorithm for approximate string matching (ASM) is proposed. The novelty resides in the fact that, unlike most other methods, the proposed algorithm is not based on the Hamming or Levenshtein distances, but instead computes a score for each symbol in the search text based on a consensus measure. Those symbols with sufficiently high scores will likely correspond to approximate instances of the pattern string. To demonstrate the usefulness of the proposed method, it has been applied to the detection of QRS complexes in electrocardiographic signals with competitive results when compared against the classic Pan-Tompkins (PT) algorithm. The proposed method outperformed PT in 72% of the test cases, with no extra computational cost.
A Stitch in Time Saves Nine: Early Improving Code-First Web Services Discoverability
Authors: Mateos Cristian , Crasso Marco , Zunino Alejandro , Ordiales Coscia José Luis
Published: July 2015

Web Services represent a number of standard technologies and methodologies that allow developers to build applications under the Service-Oriented Computing paradigm. Within these, the WSDL language is used for representing Web Service interfaces, while code-first remains the de facto standard for building such interfaces. Previous studies with contract-first Web Services have shown that avoiding a specific catalog of bad WSDL specification practices, or anti-patterns, can reward Web Service publishers as service understandability and discoverability are considerably improved. In this paper, we study a number of simple and well-known code service refactorings that early reduce anti-pattern occurrences in WSDL documents. This relationship relies upon a statistical correlation between common OO metrics taken on a service's code and the anti-pattern occurrences in the generated WSDL document. We quantify the effects of the refactorings — which directly modify OO metric values and indirectly alter anti-pattern occurrences — on service discovery. All in all, we show that by applying the studied refactorings, anti-patterns are reduced and Web Service discovery is significantly improved. For the experiments, a dataset of real-world Web Services and an academic service registry have been employed.
Application of counter propagation artificial neural network for classification and genetic diversity assessment of somePseudomonasspecies
Authors: Izadiyan Mahsa , Taghavi S. Mohsen , Izadiyan Parisa
Published: July 2015

Members of the genus Pseudomonas bacterium are of great interest because of their importance in plant disease. In this study, DNA fingerprints of 60 strains of Pseudomonas bacteria including three species of Pseudomonas syringae (Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae (Pss) and Pseudomonas syringae pv. Lachrymans (Psl)), Pseudomonas savastanoi (Psa) and Pseudomonas tolaasii (Pt) were used for developing a robust predictive classification model. The DNA fingerprints were obtained by repetitive polymerase chain reaction (Rep-PCR) using enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus (ERIC), repetitive extragenic palindromes (REP), and BOXAIR primers. The classification results of counter propagation artificial neural network (CP-ANN) modeling indicated that a combination of Rep-PCR fingerprinting and chemometrics analysis can be used as an effective and powerful methodology to differentiate species of Pseudomonas and pathovars of P. syringae strains based on a predictive model.
Gravity flow of pulsatile blood through a porous medium under periodic body acceleration and magnetic field in an inclined tube
Authors: Tanveer Shakera , Rathod V. P.
Published: July 2015

Mathematical model for the pulsatile blood flow through a porous medium under the influence of periodic body acceleration for gravity flow along an inclined tube by considering blood as a couple stress, incompressible and electrically conducting fluid in the presence of magnetic field has been investigated. Analytical expressions for axial velocity, flow rate, fluid acceleration and shear stress are obtained by applying the Laplace and finite Hankel’s transforms. The velocity profiles for various values of Hartmann number, couple stress parameters and the angle of inclination are shown graphically. Also the effects of body acceleration, Womerseley parameters and permeability parameters have been discussed. The results obtained in the present mathematical model for different values of the parameters involved in the problem show that the flow of blood is influenced by the effect of magnetic field, the porous medium and the inclination angle. The present model is compared with the other existing models. Through this theoretical investigation, the applications of magnetic field have also been indicated in the field of biological, biomedical and engineering sciences.
Transaction Risk, Derivative Assets, and Equilibrium
Authors: Cao H. Henry , Ye Dongyan
Published: July 2015

We describe a rational expectations model in which there is not only asymmetric information about payoffs but also asymmetric information about the preference, proportion and precision of private information of investors. We define this payoff-irrelevant risk as transaction risk, which is described by market state variables unrelated to payoffs. When derivative assets are introduced, the prices of the derivative assets can reveal information about transaction risk. Due to the informational role of derivative-asset prices, introducing derivative assets can increase social welfare and the price of the underlying asset even though no investors are trading in these derivative assets.
Exploration of upside in a stranded discovery: Lochranza, a Donan Field satellite
Authors: Ings R. J. , Konings S. P. M. , Kumar R. , Wood E. L. , Melvin A. , Stanbrook D. A. , Agnew C.
Published: July 2015

The Lochranza Field was developed using seismic amplitude analysis, evolving conceptual geological models and the implementation of horizontal well technology, built on the knowledge gained from the adjacent Donan Field redevelopment. Subtle depositional and structural complexities were, however, encountered in the Lochranza development wells. These had the potential to impact on the successful targeting of reservoir sands.

Thinning sands and erratic lateral sand pinch-outs at the margins of the deep-water Balmoral Fan complex, small-scale sand injection and subtle structural complexity across the Lochranza Field were identified in the first phase of development. These introduced greater interpretation uncertainty and made further development challenging. This highlighted the importance of considering alternative geological scenarios, whilst these insights aided the identification of infill well opportunities.

These uncertainties were partially mitigated by the planned development well trajectory, the data acquisition programme and the ability to geosteer based upon the geology encountered. It proved important to be mindful of different geological scenarios whilst geosteering, guided by the real-time dataset, keeping the 3D geological model peripheral to decision-making to limit the impact of anchoring bias.

Identification of infill targets used a pragmatic approach based upon empirical data that showed that well recovery efficiency could be characterized by net pay length, stand-off from the oil–water contact (OWC) and connected hydrocarbon volume. Infill opportunities were defined probabilistically and subsequently supported by 3D reservoir simulation. This assessment was helped significantly by additional appraisal being undertaken as part of development well drilling.
Style compatibility for 3D furniture models
Authors: Liu Tianqiang , Hertzmann Aaron , Li Wilmot , Funkhouser Thomas
Published: July 2015

This paper presents a method for learning to predict the stylistic compatibility between 3D furniture models from different object classes: e.g., how well does this chair go with that table? To do this, we collect relative assessments of style compatibility using crowdsourcing. We then compute geometric features for each 3D model and learn a mapping of them into a space where Euclidean distances represent style incompatibility. Motivated by the geometric subtleties of style, we introduce part-aware geometric feature vectors that characterize the shapes of different parts of an object separately. Motivated by the need to compute style compatibility between different object classes, we introduce a method to learn object class-specific mappings from geometric features to a shared feature space. During experiments with these methods, we find that they are effective at predicting style compatibility agreed upon by people. We find in user studies that the learned compatibility metric is useful for novel interactive tools that: 1) retrieve stylistically compatible models for a query, 2) suggest a piece of furniture for an existing scene, and 3) help guide an interactive 3D modeler towards scenes with compatible furniture.