bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metal electrode dependent field effect transistors made of lanthanide ion-doped DNA crystals
Authors: Dugasani Sreekantha Reddy , Hwang Taehyun , Kim Jang Ah , Gnapareddy Bramaramba , Kim Taesung , Park Sung Ha
Published: February 2016

We fabricated lanthanide ion (Ln3+, e.g. Dy3+, Er3+, Eu3+, and Gd3+)-doped self-assembled double-crossover (DX) DNA crystals grown on the surface of field effect transistors (FETs) containing either a Cr, Au, or Ni electrode. Here we demonstrate the metal electrode dependent FET characteristics as a function of various Ln3+. The drain–source current (I
ds), controlled by the drain–source voltage (V
ds) of Ln3+-doped DX DNA crystals with a Cr electrode on an FET, changed significantly under various gate voltages (V
g) due to the relative closeness of the work function of Cr to the energy band gap of Ln3+-DNA crystals compared to those of Au and Ni. For Ln3+-DNA crystals on an FET with either a Cr or Ni electrode at a fixed V
ds, I
ds decreased with increasing V
g ranging from  −2 to 0 V and from 0 to  +3 V in the positive and negative regions, respectively. By contrast, I
ds for Ln3+-DNA crystals on an FET with Au decreased with increasing V
g in only the positive region due to the greater electronegativity of Au. Furthermore, Ln3+-DNA crystals on an FET exhibited behaviour sensitive to V
g due to the appreciable charge carriers generated from Ln3+. Finally, we address the resistivity and the mobility of Ln3+-DNA crystals on an FET with different metal electrodes obtained from I
ds–V
ds and I
ds–V
g curves. The resistivities of Ln3+-DNA crystals on FETs with Cr and Au electrodes were smaller than those of pristine DNA crystals on an FET, and the mobility of Ln3+-DNA crystals on an FET with Cr was relatively higher than that associated with other electrodes.
APTWG: The 5th Asia-Pacific Transport Working Group Meeting
Authors: Gao X. , Ghim Y.-C. , Sun Y.W. , Gao Z. , Inagaki S. , Chen W. , Zhang T. , Wang Z.X.
Published: February 2016

This conference report gives a summary on the contributed papers and discussions presented at the 5th Asia-Pacific Transport Working Group Meeting held at Dalian, China from 9–12 June 2015. The main goal of the working group is to develop a predictive understanding of the basic mechanisms responsible for particle, momentum and energy transport in magnetically confined plasmas. The topics of the meeting in 2015 were organized under five main headings: (1) turbulence suppression and transport barrier formation, (2) effect of magnetic topology on MHD activity and transport, (3) non-diffusive contribution of momentum and particle transport, (4) non-local transport and turbulence spreading and coupling and (5) energetic particles and instability. The Young Researchers’ Forum which was held at this meeting is also described in this report.
A Finger Vein Identification Method Based on Template Matching
Authors: Zou Hui , Zhang Bing , Tao Zhigang , Wang Xiaoping
Published: February 2016

New methods for extracting vein features from finger vein image and generating templates for matching are proposed. In the algorithm for generating templates, we proposed a parameter-templates quality factor (TQF) - to measure the quality of generated templates. So that we can use fewer finger vein samples to generate templates that meet the quality requirement of identification. The recognition accuracy of using proposed methods of finger vein feature extraction and template generation strategy for identification is 97.14%.
Gold/Silicon nanowire arrays modified by Gold nanosphere as the surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy substrate
Authors: Zhou Long , Li Mingyu , Tang Longhua , He Jian-Jun
Published: February 2016

Fabrication of gold coated silicon nanowires (AuSiNW) substrate is introduced in detail and A hybrid substrate is designed for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). The SERS behaviors are discussed and compared by the detection of 4, 4’-Bipyridine. Gold nanoparicles is modified on the surface of AuSiNW to form the “hot gap”. Molecules captured in these “hot gap” can generate huge Raman signal. Double-fold enhancement of SERS signal has been achieved comparing with AuSiNW. The as-fabricated hybrid substrate exhibit high SERS sensitivity, long-term stability, and consistent reproducibility, highly potential for realizing a rapid, cost-effective, and label-free SERS-based biosensor.
Silicon-on-Insulator Nanowire Based Optical Waveguide Biosensors
Authors: Li Mingyu , Liu Yong , Chen Yangqing , He Jian-Jun
Published: February 2016

Optical waveguide biosensors based on silicon-on-insulator (SOI) nanowire have been developed for label free molecular detection. This paper reviews our work on the design, fabrication and measurement of SOI nanowire based high-sensitivity biosensors employing Vernier effect. Biosensing experiments using cascaded double-ring sensor and Mach-Zehnder- ring sensor integrated with microfluidic channels are demonstrated
Reflective Characteristics of Spatially-Bounded Laser Beam by Rugate coating
Authors: Guangwei Zheng
Published: February 2016

Based on the transfer matrix analysis and discrete Fourier transform, the reflective characteristics of a spatially-bounded laser beam by a Rugate coating are investigated. The spatial intensity distribution and reflectance efficiency of the reflected beam are formulated. When the central vector of the laser beam satisfies the coating's Bragg law, the spatial intensity distributions of the diffracted beam with the change of the coating's parameters are simulated. The results show that with the decrease of the thickness, the increase of the period, or the decrease of the relative permittivity modulation, the spatial intensity distributions of the reflected beam in the incidence plane are broadened compared with those of incident beam, while those perpendicular to the incidence plane are not. And the reflectance efficiencies decrease. Among these three parameters, the relative permittivity modulation and thickness influence the reflectance characteristics a lot, while the period influences the reflectance characteristics a little. It means that when the thickness decreases, or modulation decreases, the Rugate coating has finer angular selective characteristics and less angular selectivity bandwidth. The results are instructive for the design and application of Rugate coating.
Photoacoustic sensor of Temperature with Linear-shaped light source
Authors: Peng Yuanyuan , Wu Shulian , Peng Dongqing , Li Zhifang , Li Hui
Published: February 2016

A method of temperature measurement based on photoacoustic technique with its noninvasive, real-time, high precision is a new type technology. A cylindrical lens was applied to improve the signal to noise ratio of the detector system in this paper. Then, the relation of photoacoustic signal and temperature were discussed, the corresponding image was obtained. The result indicated that the photoacoustic pressure amplitude presented a good linear relationship at temperature range from 20 °C to 50 °C. The study demonstrated that the photoacoustic temperature measurement approach is feasible.
Full-aperture long focal-length measurement based on divergent beam
Authors: Luo Jia , Bai Jian , Wang Kaiwei
Published: February 2016

A new method for long focal-length measurements is proposed. In this method, we employ divergent beam and two Ronchi gratings of different periods, as the alternative to collimated beams and two identical gratings in traditional method, to realize achieve higher accuracy. Moreover, with divergent beam, the full-aperture measurement is easily realized when detect large diameter lens. The experiments demonstrated the proposed method features high accuracy and repeatability.
The optical design of highly efficient cold shield in IR detector based on ASAP
Authors: Zhang Xianjing , Bai Jian , Yin Shuang
Published: February 2016

In order to obtain higher stray radiation suppression of a cold shield and enhance the cold shield efficiency of cooled infrared system, different configurations of the vanes inside cold shield are proposed. The effects of these configurations of vanes on stray radiation suppression are simulated and analysed by Advanced Systems Analysis Program (ASAP software), which not only trace ray by Monte Carlo method but also simulate the scattering of each surface. According to the analysis of results, vane plays an important role in the improvement of cold shield efficiency and the suppression of stray radiation. The cold shield with 6 vanes characterized by rounded-square hole, whose configuration is calculated based on the principle of laying out a set of vanes, suppresses 99.5% more stray radiation comparing to the original one without any vanes. However, considering that the cold shield with 6 vanes is complicated and difficult to fabricate, the cold shield with 3 vanes owing rounded-square hole is selected, since its stray radiation suppression level is acceptable.
High Accuracy Tiny Crack Detection in Metal by Low Frequency Electromagnetic Technique
Authors: Lou Weimin , Shen Changyu , Shentu Fengying , Li Guanghai , Chang Yu , Lu Xinyuan
Published: February 2016

A low frequency testing technology based on eddy current technique is proposed for detecting defects in some special equipment surface. A two-dimension model is built to simulate the distribution of low frequency (10 Hz) magnetic flux density nearby the surface of a metal plate. The influence of lift-off effect, coil diameter, crack shape on the measurement are discussed. And the crack measurement sensitivity of 0.6 pm was obtained.
Fast Perturbation Monte Carlo simulation for heterogeneous medium and its utilization in functional near-infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Song Y M , Li J W , Cai F H
Published: February 2016

In near-infrared spectroscopy, fiber optic probe is usually applied to incident light into the bio-sample and detect the spatial and temporal resolved optical signal re-emitted from the turbid medium. In this point-source-point-detector measurement system, seed Perturbation Monte Carlo (Pmc) method is an effective model to perform the forward simulation. In our study, the integration of parallel computing with graphics processing units(GPU) into the existing seed Pmc method substantially accelerate the speed of the original simulation. The GPU based seed Pmc provide an excellent solution for the application of fiber optic probe in both homogeneous a heterogeneous turbid medium.
An Incorporate Ultrasonic Coupling Device for Long-Focal- Zone Photoacoustic Imaging System
Authors: Peng Dong-qing , Peng Yuan-yuan , Wu Shu-lian , Li Hui
Published: February 2016

An incorporate ultrasonic coupling device for extended focal zone focused photoacoustic imaging was designed. Phantom experimental imaging was carried out. The results show that, with the incorporate ultrasonic coupling device,accurate imaging position of absorber in the sample can be achieved. And it is worth mentioning that without the large water tank,the photoacoustic imaging experimental system become simple. Our work has a potential application in the noninvasive photoacoustic imaging of bio-tissue.
Identification of high explosive RDX using terahertz imaging and spectral fingerprints
Authors: Liu Jia , Fan Wen-Hui , Chen Xu , Xie Jun
Published: February 2016

We experimentally investigated the spectral fingerprints of high explosive cyclo-1,3,5- trimethylene-2,4,6-trinitramine (RDX) in terahertz frequency region. A home-made terahertz time-domain spectroscopy ranging from 0.2 THz∼ 3.4 THz was deployed. Furthermore, two sample pellets (RDX pellet and polyethylene pellet), which were concealed in an opaque envelop, could be identified by using terahertz pulse imaging system. For the purpose of distinguishing the RDX between two pellets, we further calculated the THz frequency -domain map using its spectral fingerprints. It is demonstrated that the high explosive RDX could similarly be identified using terahertz frequency-domain imaging.
Micro-nano Structurized Gold Chip for SPR Imaging Sensor
Authors: Zhang Bing , Pang Kai , Shi Chunfei , Sun Yi , Dong Wei , Wang Xiaoping
Published: February 2016

A micro-nano structurized gold chip was developed and applied to a surface plasmon resonance imaging (SPRi) sensor with polarization contrast method. Compared with the planar gold film, a total sensitivity enhancement (SEF=287%) was obtained.
Measuring acetone using microstructured optical fiber and Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Chu Fenghong , Wu Jianping
Published: February 2016

A novel approach using microstructured optical fiber and Raman spectroscopy for identifying acetone is reported. This technique combines the advantage of small sampling volume of microstructured optical fiber and the specificity of Raman spectroscopy.
Implement of Digital Moire technique on DSP for alignment of partial compensation interferometer
Authors: Tian Yuhan , QunHao  , YaoHu  , Wang Shaopu , Li Tengfei , Wang Jingxian
Published: February 2016

Digital Moiré technique is adopted in partial compensation interferometer (PCI) for high-precision testing of figure error of the aspheric surfaces. The figure error of the measured aspheric is obtained by a series of calculation with the real interferogram and ideal interferograms generated by computer. The dense interference fringes at the exit pupil make it difficult to align the PCI. On the contrary, digital Moire fringes composed from real and ideal interferograms are sparse and corresponding to the figure error of the measured aspheric, making it easier to align the PCI. Generally, digital Moire technique is processed on the computer, resulting in slow processing speed and difficult display in real time. Digital Signal Processor (DSP) can be used to implement digital Moire technique and display digital Moire fringes in real time with its powerful processing capacity. In this paper, digital Moire technique is implemented on the TMS320C6455 DSP. The hardware system consists of a DSP module, a CCD camera and a monitor. Finally we experimentally obtain the digital Moire image, and further analyze how to align the PCI theoretically.
Transmission dynamics of Zika virus in island populations: a modelling analysis of the 2013-14 French Polynesia outbreak
Authors: Kucharski Adam J. , Funk Sebastian , Eggo Rosalind M. , Mallet Henri-Pierre , Edmunds W. John , Nilles Eric J.
Published: February 2016

Between October 2013 and April 2014, more than 30,000 cases of Zika virus (ZIKV) disease were estimated to have attended healthcare facilities in French Polynesia. ZIKV has also been reported in Africa and Asia, and in 2015 the virus spread to South America and the Caribbean. Infection with ZIKV has been associated with neurological complications including Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) and microcephaly, which led the World Health Organization to declare a Public Health Emergency of International Concern in February 2015. To better understand the transmission dynamics of ZIKV, we used a mathematical model to examine the 2013–14 outbreak on the six major archipelagos of French Polynesia. Our median estimates for the basic reproduction number ranged from 2.6–4.8, with an estimated 11.5% (95% CI: 7.32–17.9%) of total infections reported. As a result, we estimated that 94% (95% CI: 91–97%) of the total population of the six archipelagos were infected during the outbreak. Based on the demography of French Polynesia, our results imply that if ZIKV infection provides complete protection against future infection, it would take 12–20 years before there are a sufficient number of susceptible individuals for ZIKV to reemerge, which is on the same timescale as the circulation of dengue virus serotypes in the region. Our analysis suggests that ZIKV may exhibit similar dynamics to dengue virus in island populations, with transmission characterized by large, sporadic outbreaks with a high proportion of asymptomatic or unreported cases.

Author Summary

Since the first reported major outbreak of Zika virus disease in Micronesia in 2007, the virus has caused outbreaks throughout the Pacific and South America. Transmitted by theAedesspecies of mosquitoes, the virus has been linked to possible neurological complications including Guillain-Barre Syndrome and microcephaly. To improve our understanding of the transmission dynamics of Zika virus in island populations, we analysed the 2013–14 outbreak on the six major archipelagos of French Polynesia. We found evidence that Zika virus infected the majority of population, but only around 12% of total infections on the archipelagos were reported as cases. If infection with Zika virus generates lifelong immunity, we estimate that it would take at least 15–20 years before there are enough susceptible people for the virus to reemerge. Our results suggest that Zika virus could exhibit similar dynamics to dengue virus in the Pacific, producing large but sporadic outbreaks in small island populations.
Does crossed aphasia originate from developmental disorders? A Mini-review and case study
Authors: Jones Anna B. , Bak Thomas H , Bastin Mark E. , Wardlaw Joanna M. , Pernet Cyril R.
Published: February 2016

Cognitive impairments associated with crossed aphasia were investigated in a single case study and a review of the literature. A review of literature identifies 4 main cognitive co-morbidities that are significantly associated with crossed aphasia. We present a case of confirmed crossed aphasia with dyslexia and dysgraphia, in which the latter two cannot be fully explained by the current lesion and are probable developmental disorders (dyslexia/dysgraphia). Extensive longitudinal cognitive investigations and a series of advanced imaging techniques (structural and functional) were used to investigate the cognitive and neuroanatomical basis of crossed aphasia and associated impairments in this patient. Using the results from the literature review and the single case study, we suggest that developmental disorders can be an underlying cause of partial right lateralisation shift of language processes, thereby supporting the theory that developmental disorders can be an underlying cause of crossed aphasia.

Highlights

Central apraxia, dysgraphia, hemi-neglect & acalculia associated with CA

Developmental disorders can underlie partial right lateralisation shift

Dysfunction of left hemisphere can cause crossed aphasia

Clinically, pre-morbid impairments must be investigated in CA cases
Information updating and the bounce-back effect of stock market returns
Authors: Huang Sainan , Zeng Songlin
Published: February 2016

Purpose

– Bounce-back effect of stock market returns has been found empirically using different approaches. However, few paper explains the underlying mechanism. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper fills this gap and provides an explanation for bounce-back effect in stock market.

Findings

– This paper contributes to the literature in threefold. The authors contribute a formal economic model to rationalize the bounce-back effect of stock market returns. It is based on a model of stock return with volatility feedback under the assumption of Markov-Switching market volatility.

Originality/value

– The authors use the general Markov-Switching bounce-back model, developed by Becet al.(2015), to provide empirical evidence for the existence of bounce-back effect in stock market. The empirical result shows “W” shape of bounce-back effect, which is exactly the same as predicted by the economic theoretical model. Finally, the authors propose an alternative approach to estimate the magnitude of volatility feedback and the marginal effect on the expected return of an anticipated high variance regime.
The effect of team empowerment on team performance
Authors: Jiang Xueting , Flores Hector R. , Leelawong Ronrapee , Manz Charles C.
Published: February 2016

Purpose

– Based on extant literature on empowerment and team management, this paper aims to examine the effect of power distance and collectivism on the relationship between empowerment and team performance through the mechanisms of knowledge sharing and intra-group conflict.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper conceptualizes a model depicting the relationship between team empowerment and team performance across cultures.

Findings

– The authors argue that team empowerment can increase both knowledge sharing and intra-group conflict in working teams. Knowledge sharing facilitates team performance, while intra-group conflict impairs team performance in the long run. Team empowerment yields different team performance across cultures due to the respective moderating effects of power distance and collectivism.

Originality/value

– This paper explicates the moderating roles of power distance and collectivism on the relationship between empowerment, knowledge sharing, intra-group conflict and team performance. The authors suggest that the effectiveness of team empowerment is contingent on the cultural context that the team operates in.
Virulence of representative Japanese Francisella tularensis and immunologic consequences of infection in mice
Authors: Hotta Akitoyo , Fujita Osamu , Uda Akihiko , Yamamoto Yoshie , Sharma Neekun , Tanabayashi Kiyoshi , Yamada Akio , Morikawa Shigeru
Published: February 2016

Francisella tularensis, which causes tularemia, is widely distributed in the Northern hemisphere. F. tularensis strains isolated in Japan are genetically unique from non‐Japanese strains; however, their phenotypic properties have not been well studied. Thus, mice were infected with representative Japanese strains of F. tularensis and their virulence and mouse immune responses to them assessed. Of four representative Japanese strains, the Ebina, Jap and Tsuchiya strains were susceptible to H2O2 and did not grow well intracellularly. Only Yama strain grew intracellularly and was lethal to mice. Infection with Yama strain resulted in drastic increases in IFN‐γ, CD4 and CD8 double‐positive T cells and Th1 cells (CD3, CD4 and Tim3‐positive cells), and a decrease in the ratio of CD8‐positive CD4‐negative T cells in mice. C57BL/6J mice that survived infection produced IgM antibodies to LPS and IgG2c antibodies to 43, 19 and 17 kDa proteinase K‐sensitive components. These data are valuable for understanding the phenotypic properties of F. tularensis in Japan.
Toxigenic Corynebacterium ulcerans isolated from a hunting dog and its diphtheria toxin antibody titer
Authors: Katsukawa Chihiro , Komiya Takako , Umeda Kaoru , Goto Minami , Yanai Tokuma , Takahashi Motohide , Yamamoto Akihiko , Iwaki Masaaki
Published: February 2016

Toxigenic Corynebacterium ulcerans is a zoonotic pathogen that produces diphtheria toxin and causes a diphtheria‐like illness in humans. The organism is known to infect and circulate among dogs, which can then transmit it to humans. Furthermore, previous studies have found that C. ulcerans is carried by wild animals, including game animals. In the present study, we tested hunting and companion dogs for the presence of toxigenic C. ulcerans and succeeded in isolating the bacterium from a hunting dog. Moreover, several hunting dogs had serum diphtheria antitoxin titers that were higher than the titers required for protection in humans, suggesting a history of exposure to toxigenic Corynebacterium strains. Notably, ribotyping, pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis and tox gene sequencing demonstrated that the isolate from the hunting dog clustered with previously characterized C. ulcerans strains isolated from wild animals, as opposed to groups of isolates from humans and companion dogs. Interestingly, the wild animal cluster also contains an isolate from an outdoor breeding dog, which could have formed a bridge between isolates from wild animals and those from companion dogs. The results presented herein provide insight into the mechanism by which the zoonotic pathogen C. ulcerans circulates among wild animals, hunting and companion dogs, and humans.
Functional community ecology meets restoration ecology: Assessing the restoration success of alluvial floodplain meadows with functional traits
Authors: Engst Karina , Baasch Annett , Erfmeier Alexandra , Jandt Ute , May Konstanze , Schmiede Ralf , Bruelheide Helge
Published: February 2016

Species‐rich grasslands are highly endangered habitats in Central Europe. To halt their ongoing loss, many sites have become subjects of restoration efforts. Traditionally, restoration success is measured using target species or by comparing similarity in species composition. Here, we suggest to additionally use functional community composition to assess restoration success as functional traits might offer mechanistic insights into restoration processes.

In a 5‐year restoration experiment, we annually evaluated the responses of (i) floristic composition and species diversity, (ii) number and cover of target species, (iii) functional identity and (iv) functional diversity to four different methods of assisted recolonization through species introduction: hay transfer and application of threshing material from a local provenance, combined with and without addition of regional seed mixtures of target species, as well as to a control treatment.

Across all treatments, floristic composition, species diversity, and number and cover of target species approached the values of reference sites. In the last observation year, Shannon diversity was still lower in all treatment plots than in the reference plots, while the number of target forb species had reached or exceeded the reference levels. We demonstrated that the community was also restored functionally in many aspects, but not in all studied traits. Calculated community‐weighted means (CWMs), specific leaf area (SLA) and leaf dry matter content (LDMC) in experimental plots did not differ significantly from the reference plots, thereby indicating that productivity of restored sites had reached target values. In contrast, CWMs of strategy types and pollination modes revealed significant differences, showing that biotic interactions among plant species and with other trophic levels have not yet been fully restored. However, almost all CWMs showed a trajectory towards the reference, thus giving a positive prospect for the future development. With respect to functional diversity (FD), we found steadily increasing FD values for almost all traits analysed.

Synthesis and applications. We demonstrated that all applied restoration measures were appropriate to achieve the restoration aim in terms of species composition of a given community and the establishment of target species. With respect to many functional traits, the restored meadows were already as functional as communities from the reference sites. Hence, including functional criteria did not only corroborate traditional criteria of restoration success but also allowed identifying those floodplain meadow's functions that can be quickly and less quickly restored.
How ants, birds and bats affect crop yield along shade gradients in tropical cacao agroforestry
Authors: Gras Pierre , Tscharntke Teja , Maas Bea , Tjoa Aiyen , Hafsah Awal , Clough Yann
Published: February 2016

Tropical agroforests are diverse systems where several predator groups shape animal communities and plant–arthropod interactions. Ants, birds and bats in particular can reduce herbivore numbers and thereby increase crop yield. However, the relative importance of these groups, whether they interact, and how this interaction is affected by management and landscape context, is poorly understood.

We jointly manipulated access of ants, birds and bats in Indonesian smallholder cacao agroforestry across gradients of shade and distance to natural forest. We quantified arthropod abundance, pest damage and yield.

In control treatments, yield was highest under 30–40% canopy cover. Ant exclusion strongly reduced yield (from 600 to 300 kg ha−1 year−1) at 15% canopy cover. Bird exclusion impaired yield (from 400 to 250 kg ha−1 year−1) at 60% and enhanced yield (from 600 to 900 kg ha−1 year−1) at 15% canopy cover, while bats had no effect. Yield increased with forest proximity, a pattern not related to predator access.

No interactive effects among predator exclusions on yield, pest damage and arthropod communities were found. Ant exclusion increased numbers of herbivores below 30% canopy cover, without reducing spider abundances. Bird exclusion reduced herbivore and increased spider abundances.

Synthesis and applications. Using exclusion studies, we estimated that ants and birds cause cacao yield to vary between 100 and 800 kg ha−1 year−1, depending on shade‐tree management. In all but the most shaded agroforests, ants were pivotal in supporting yields. Yields under low‐canopy cover were strongly dependent on access by predator groups, with birds reducing rather than increasing yield. Hence, cacao farmers should refrain from disturbing ant communities and maintain 30–40% shade‐tree canopy cover not only for ecophysiological reasons but also to buffer variability in predator communities.
An exploration of integrated data on the social dynamics of suicide among women
Authors: Mallon Sharon , Galway Karen , Hughes Lynette , Rondón‐Sulbarán Janeet , Leavey Gerard
Published: February 2016

The gender‐based nature of suicide‐related behaviour is largely accepted. However, studies that report exclusively on female suicides are rare. Here we demonstrate how female suicide has effectively been ‘othered’ and appears incidental in studies which compare female and male behaviour. We highlight how recent studies of suicide have tended to be dominated by male‐only approaches, which increasingly link issues of masculinity with male death by suicide. Drawing on data collected from the general practitioner and coroner's office, we then apply the sociological autopsy approach to a cohort of 78 deaths recorded as suicides in the UK between 2007 and 2009. By focusing on females in isolation from males, we demonstrate that, as in male‐only suicide studies, it is similarly possible to draw out issues associated with the feminine identity, which can be linked to death by suicide. We find that bereavement, sexual violence and motherhood could all be linked to the lives and help‐seeking of the females who died. In closing, we suggest that a reorientation towards sociological analytic approaches of female suicide may help to produce further reductions in the rate of female death by suicide.

A Virtual Abstract of this paper can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0w9KKMFdIQ
Association between parity and fistula location in women with obstetric fistula: a multivariate regression analysis
Authors: Sih AM , Kopp DM , Tang JH , Rosenberg NE , Chipungu E , Harfouche M , Moyo M , Mwale M , Wilkinson JP
Published: February 2016

Objective

To compare primiparous and multiparous women who develop obstetric fistula (OF) and to assess predictors of fistula location.

Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Setting

Fistula Care Centre at Bwaila Hospital, Lilongwe, Malawi.

Population

Women with OF who presented between September 2011 and July 2014 with a complete obstetric history were eligible for the study.

Methods

Women with OF were surveyed for their obstetric history. Women were classified as multiparous if prior vaginal or caesarean delivery was reported. The location of the fistula was determined at operation: OF involving the urethra, bladder neck, and midvagina were classified as low; OF involving the vaginal apex, cervix, uterus, and ureters were classified as high.

Main outcome measures

Demographic information was compared between primiparous and multiparous women using chi‐squared and Mann–Whitney U‐tests. Multivariate logistic regression models were implemented to assess the relationship between variables of interest and fistula location.

Results

During the study period, 533 women presented for repair, of which 452 (84.8%) were included in the analysis. The majority (56.6%) were multiparous when the fistula formed. Multiparous women were more likely to have laboured <1 day (62.4 versus 44.5%, P < 0.001), delivered a live‐born infant (26.8 versus 17.9%, P = 0.026), and have a high fistula location (37.5 versus 11.2%, P < 0.001). Multiparity [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 4.55, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.27–9.12)] and history of caesarean delivery (aOR = 4.11, 95% CI 2.45–6.89) were associated with development of a high fistula.

Conclusions

Multiparity was common in our cohort, and these women were more likely to have a high fistula. Additional research is needed to understand the aetiology of high fistula including potential iatrogenic causes.

Tweetable abstract

Multiparity and caesarean delivery were associated with a high tract fistula in our Malawian cohort.
Donor oocyte conception and pregnancy complications: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Jeve YB , Potdar N , Opoku A , Khare M
Published: February 2016

Background

Observational studies showed that women with a donor oocyte (DO) pregnancy have an increased risk of pregnancy complications.

Objectives

Systematic review and meta‐analysis to compare pregnancy complications of DO pregnancy with autologous oocyte in vitro fertilisation (IVF), and whether DO pregnancy acts as an independent risk factor.

Search strategy

Online searches of databases from 1 January 1980 to 31 January 2015 were performed using a set of relevant keywords.

Selection criteria

All studies comparing pregnancy complications of women with donor oocyte IVF and autologous oocyte IVF were included.

Data collection and analysis

Data collected included demographics and pregnancy complications. Methodological quality assessment was performed using the Newcastle–Ottawa scale. Statistical analysis was performed using review manager 5.3 and stata 13.0. Meta‐regression was performed for age.

Main results

In total, 11 studies (n = 81 752) were included. Ten studies (n = 11 539) examined the primary outcome. The risk of developing hypertensive disorders in pregnancy was significantly higher for DO pregnancy (odds ratio, OR 3.92; 95% confidence interval, 95% CI 3.21–4.78). Further subgroup analysis for singleton and twin pregnancies showed that the risk was significantly higher for DO pregnancy in each group. Secondary outcomes including small for gestational age (OR 1.81), caesarean section (OR 2.71), and preterm delivery (OR 1.34) were significantly higher with DO pregnancy. Meta‐regression for the covariate of age suggested that risk was independent of age.

Author's conclusions

Donor oocyte pregnancy acts as an independent risk factor for pregnancy complications, including hypertensive disorders, small for gestational age, and preterm delivery. Women should be counselled carefully before undergoing DO‐assisted conception.

Tweetable abstract

Donor oocyte conception is an independent risk factor for obstetric complications.
Health System Consolidation and Diabetes Care Performance at Ambulatory Clinics
Authors: Crespin Daniel J. , Christianson Jon B. , McCullough Jeffrey S. , Finch Michael D.
Published: February 2016

Objective

We addressed two questions regarding health system consolidation through the acquisition of ambulatory clinics: (1) Was increasing health system size associated with improved diabetes care performance and (2) Did the diabetes care performance of acquired clinics improve postacquisition?

Data Sources/Study Setting

Six hundred sixty‐one ambulatory clinics in Minnesota and bordering states that reported performance data from 2007 to 2013.

Study Design

We employed fixed effects regression to determine if increased health system size and being acquired improved clinics' performance. Using our regression results, we estimated the average effect of consolidation on the performance of clinics that were acquired during our study.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

Publicly reported performance data obtained from Minnesota Community Measurement.

Principal Findings

Acquired clinics experienced performance improvements starting in their third year postacquisition. By their fifth year postacquisition, acquired clinics had 3.6 percentage points (95 percent confidence interval: 2.0, 5.1) higher performance than if they had never been acquired. Increasing health system size was associated with slight performance improvements at the end of the study.

Conclusions

Health systems modestly improved the diabetes care performance of their acquired clinics; however, we found little evidence that systems experienced large, system‐wide performance gains by increasing their size.
Botulinum toxin injection and rehabilitation for neurosurgical patients with spasticity
Authors: See Michael Ka‐Wing , Taw Benedict Beng‐Teck , Chan Edward Man‐Tai , Chan Linda Yuk‐Ying , Lo Shuk‐Man , Kwong Terrence Wing‐Cheung , Leung Gilberto Ka‐Kit , Lui Wai‐Man
Published: February 2016

Aim

Spasticity gives rise to impairment in motor functions and activities of daily living. Botulinum toxin (BTX) can be injected to temporarily paralyze the affected muscles, which provides a window of opportunity for rehabilitation. We present our 2.5‐year experience with BTX injection and a patient‐specific rehabilitation program provided by a multidisciplinary team, which consists of neurosurgeons, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and prosthetic orthotists.

Patients and Methods

This is a retrospective study of prospectively collected data in a local hospital including 22 patients suffering from spasticity. Outcome measures include goal attainment, caregiver burden and biomechanical assessment by Modified Ashworth Scale and Modified Tardieu Scale (MTS).

Results

OnabotulinumtoxinA injection together with rehabilitation facilitates the attainment of patient‐centred physical goals in daily activities. It reduces caregiver burden. Spasticity is reduced particularly for finger and wrist flexors as well as hip adductors. Responses of ankle plantarflexors are less satisfactory which may be due to inadequate dosages. Initial improvement in the R2 component of the MTS for ankle plantarflexors and hip adductors may be attributable to the application of ankle–foot orthosis and abduction pillow.

Conclusions

Multidisciplinary management for spasticity is feasible within our healthcare setting and our promising findings indicate its wider adoption in this locality.
Purse‐string suture without pancreatic parenchymal stitches in pancreaticojejunostomy during laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy
Authors: Hsu Chih‐Wei , Lin Lien‐Fu , Law Ming‐Ko
Published: February 2016

Aim

Laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy is a controversial procedure because of the technical difficulty of the procedure. Complications are associated with reconstructive surgeries, in particular with pancreaticoenterostomy. In this study, we aimed to develop a method for pancreaticojejunostomy during laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Patients and Methods

Five patients received laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. The main pancreatic duct was identified after transection and cannulated with a 5‐Fr paediatric feeding tube. Two stay sutures of nonabsorbable 4–0 monofilament were applied in the both side of the pancreas. A hole was opened in the jejunum near the cross section of the pancreatic stump on the antimesenteric side. The surrounding layers of the jejunal hole were purse‐string sutured using a nonabsorbable 3–0 suture, and the surgeons ensured that the jejunal muscular layers enveloped the pancreatic stump.

Results

We performed a purse‐string suture without pancreatic parenchymal stitches in a pancreaticojejunostomy during a laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy in five patients. The patients began to drink water at 5–7 days postoperation. The patients began to eat a soft diet at 13–15 days postoperation. We also administered total parenteral nutrition after surgery. The average blood loss was 850 mL and the average operative time was 532 min. The postoperative hospital stays were 21, 25, 20, 25, and 19 days. Two patients exhibited delayed gastric emptying. No PFe was observed in short‐term follow‐up up to 6 months postoperation.

Conclusion

We successfully performed purse‐string suturing without pancreatic parenchymal stitches during the pancreaticojejunostomy. The short‐term follow‐up exhibited no pancreatic fistulae. This anastomosis technique can be performed safely and easily.
Chyle leak: An unusual complication after total thyroidectomy and central neck dissection
Authors: Lok Hon‐Ting , Liu Shirley Yuk‐Wah , Wong Simon Kin‐Hung , Ng Enders Kwok‐Wai
Published: February 2016

Chyle leak is an established but unusual complication after total thyroidectomy plus central compartment neck dissection. It can potentially lead to severe electrolyte disturbances, protein depletion, malnutrition and impaired immunity. Its management varies with the severity of presentation. The majority of leaks are low output type and can be successfully managed with conservative measures. Here we present a case of low output chyle leak after total thyroidectomy plus central neck dissection in a 62‐year‐old lady with papillary thyroid cancer whose leakage was resolved with prolonged pressure dressing and medium‐chain triglyceride diet.
Flow cytometry as the new ‘gold standard’ for detection of free tumour cells in abdominal lavage fluid in gastric cancer patients: A comparative study of molecular and conventional methods
Authors: Jagric Tomaz , Potrc Stojan , Mis Katarina , Mars Tomaz , Gradisnik Lidija , Gorenjak Maksimiljan , Goropevsek Ales
Published: February 2016

Aim

The ideal method for detection of free tumour cells in abdominal lavage fluid should be rapid, reliable and widely available. Flow cytometry potentially covers these properties, but there are only a few studies directly comparing flow cytometry for detecting gastric cancer cells to other methods. Therefore, we compared free tumour‐cell detection in abdominal lavage fluids using cytology with immunocytochemistry,RT‐qPCRand flow cytometry.

Methods

Peritoneal lavage fluid samples were collected from 10 patients. Detection of free tumour cells was performed using cytological and immunocytochemical analysis, and usingRT‐qPCRand flow cytometry. Tumour cells were detected according toCEAandCK20mRNAexpression levels usingRT‐qPCR, and with the epithelial markersEpCAM/CD326andCEAusing flow cytometry.

Results

The sensitivity and specificity of cytology were 40% and 100%, respectively, while theRT‐qPCRhad a sensitivity of 80% and specificity of 100%. Flow cytometry showed no false‐negative results and only one false‐positive result, giving a sensitivity and specificity of 100% and 80%, respectively. TheRT‐qPCRand flow cytometry could detect free tumour cells in each of the three false‐negative cases with cytology. In the samples with detected tumour cells, tumour cell clusters were observed with imaging flow cytometry, providing additional morphological confirmation.

Conclusion

The combination of quantitative and qualitative data from flow cytometry and the images of tumour cells in borderline cases provide a rapid, reliable and reproducible method for detection of free tumour cells in abdominal lavage fluid, which is necessary for intraoperative selection of patients for intraperitoneal chemotherapy.
When a general morphology allows many habitat uses
Authors: TULLI María J. , CRUZ Félix B. , KOHLSDORF Tiana , ABDALA Virginia
Published: February 2016

During the last decades the study of functional morphology received more attention incorporating more detailed data corresponding to the internal anatomy that together contribute for a better understanding of the functional basis in locomotion. Here we focus on 2 lizard families, Tropiduridae and Liolaemidae, and use information related to muscle‐tendinous and external morphology traits of hind legs. We investigate whether the value of the traits analyzed tend to exhibit a reduced phenotypic variation produced by stabilizing selection, and whether species showing specialization in their habitat use will also exhibit special morphological features related to it. As a result, we identified that evolution of hind limb traits is mainly explained by the Ornstein–Uhlenbeck model, suggesting stabilizing selection. Liolaemids and tropidurids show clear ecomorphological trends in the variables considered, with sand lizards presenting the most specialized morphological traits. Some ecomorphological trends differ between the 2 lineages, and traits of internal morphology tend to be more flexible than those of external morphology, restricting the ability to identify ecomorphs shared between these 2 lineages. Conservative traits of external morphology likely explain such restriction, as ecomorphs have been historically defined in other lizard clades based on variation of external morphology.
Intestinal tuberculosis and Crohn's disease: challenging differential diagnosis
Authors: Ma Jia Yi , Tong Jin Lu , Ran Zhi Hua
Published: February 2016

Along with epidemiological changes in tuberculosis (TB) and an increased incidence of Crohn's disease (CD), the differential diagnosis of intestinal TB (ITB) and CD is of vital importance and has become a clinical challenge because treatment based on misdiagnosis may lead to fatal outcomes. In this study, we reviewed the similarities and differences in clinical, endoscopic, radiological and histological features of these two diseases. Concomitant pulmonary TB, ascites, night sweats, involvement of fewer than four segments of the bowel, patulous ileocecal valve, transverse ulcers, scars or pseudopolyps strongly indicate ITB. Bloody stools, perianal signs, chronic diarrhea, extraintestinal manifestations, anorectal lesions, longitudinal ulcers and a cobblestone appearance are all suggestive of CD. Significant differences in the size, number, location and patterns of granulomas in ITB and CD with regard to their histopathologic features have been noted. Immune stain of cell surface markers is also helpful. Interferon‐γ release assay and polymerase chain reaction analysis have achieved satisfactory sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of ITB. Computed tomography enterographic findings of segmental small bowel or left colon involvement, mural stratification, the comb sign and fibrofatty proliferation are significantly more common in CD, whereas mesenteric lymph node changes (calcification or central necrosis) and focal ileocecal lesions are more frequently seen in ITB. A diagnosis should be carefully established before the initiation of the therapy. In suspicious cases, short‐term empirical anti‐TB therapy is quite efficient to further confirm the diagnosis.
Emerging Tools for Continuous Nutrient Monitoring Networks: Sensors Advancing Science and Water Resources Protection
Authors: Pellerin Brian A. , Stauffer Beth A. , Young Dwane A. , Sullivan Daniel J. , Bricker Suzanne B. , Walbridge Mark R. , Clyde Gerard A. , Shaw Denice M.
Published: February 2016

Sensors and enabling technologies are becoming increasingly important tools for water quality monitoring and associated water resource management decisions. In particular, nutrient sensors are of interest because of the well‐known adverse effects of nutrient enrichment on coastal hypoxia, harmful algal blooms, and impacts to human health. Accurate and timely information on nutrient concentrations and loads is integral to strategies designed to minimize risk to humans and manage the underlying drivers of water quality impairment. Using nitrate sensors as the primary example, we highlight the types of applications in freshwater and coastal environments that are likely to benefit from continuous, real‐time nutrient data. The concurrent emergence of new tools to integrate, manage, and share large datasets is critical to the successful use of nutrient sensors and has made it possible for the field of continuous monitoring to rapidly move forward. We highlight several near‐term opportunities for federal agencies, as well as the broader scientific and management community, that will help accelerate sensor development, build and leverage sites within a national network, and develop open data standards and data management protocols that are key to realizing the benefits of a large‐scale, integrated monitoring network. Investing in these opportunities will provide new information to guide management and policies designed to protect and restore our nation's water resources.