bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Depletion of florfenicol in lactating dairy cows after intramammary and subcutaneous administration
Authors: Kawalek J. C. , Howard K. D. , Jones Y. , Scott M. L. , Myers M. J.
Published: May 2016

Eighteen Holstein dairy cows ranging in body weight from 500–700 kg and with an average milk yield of 37 ± 6 kg/day were used to investigate the depletion of florfenicol (FFL) in milk and plasma of dairy cows. Three groups of six were administered FFL: Group A, intramammary (IMM) infusion of ~2.5 mg FFL/kg BW at three consecutive milking intervals (total amount of ~7.5 mg/kg BW); Group B, one IMM infusion (20 mg/kg BW) into one quarter and Group C, one subcutaneous (SC) treatment (40 mg/kg BW). IMM infusions were into the right front quarter. Cows were milked daily at 06:00 and 18:00 h. The highest concentrations (Cmax) and time to Cmax (Tmax) were: 1.6 ± 2.2 μg·FFL/mL milk at 22 h (Group A), 5.5 ± 3.6 μg·FFL/mL milk at 12 h (Group B), and 1.7 ± 0.4 μg·FFL/mL milk at 12 h (Group C). The half‐lives (t1/2) were ~19, 5.5, and 60 h, for Groups A, B, and C, respectively. FFL was below the limit of detection (LOD) by 60 h in three Group B cows, but above the LOD at 72, 84, and 120 h in three cows. FFL was above the LOD in milk from Group C's cows for 432–588 h. Plasma values followed the same trends as milk. The results demonstrate that IMM‐infused FFL is bioavailable and below the LOD within 72–120 h. The concentration of FFL was detectable in both plasma and milk over the course of 2–3 weeks after SC administration. The absence of residue depletion data presents problems in determining safe levels of FFL residues in milk and edible tissues. The data presented here must not be construed as approval for extra‐label use in food animals.
The effect of daily zinc and/or multivitamin supplements on early childhood development in Tanzania: results from a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Locks Lindsey M. , Manji Karim P. , McDonald Christine M. , Kupka Roland , Kisenge Rodrick , Aboud Said , Wang Molin , Bellinger David C. , Fawzi Wafaie W. , Duggan Christopher P.
Published: May 2016

Impaired childhood development has lifelong consequences for educational attainment and wage‐earning potential. Micronutrient supplements have the potential to improve development. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of daily zinc and/or multivitamin (vitamins C, E and B‐complex) supplements on development among Tanzanian infants. In this randomized, 2 × 2 factorial, double‐blind trial, 2400 infants were randomized to zinc (Zn), multivitamins (MV), zinc and multivitamins (Zn + MV) or placebo at 6 weeks of age. At approximately 15 months, a sub‐sample of 247 children underwent developmental assessment using the cognitive, language (receptive and expressive) and motor (fine and gross) scales of the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development Third Edition (BSID‐III). Mean BSID‐III scores were compared using univariate and multivariate linear regression models adjusted for child's sex, post‐conceptual age and test administrator. Logistic regressions were used to assess odds of low developmental scores. We did not detect a significant difference in mean BSID‐III scores in any of the five domains in univariate or multivariate models comparing each of the four treatment groups. We also did not detect a significant difference in mean BSID‐III scores when comparing children who received zinc supplements versus those who did not, or in comparisons of children who received multivitamin supplements versus those who did not. There was no significant difference in odds of a low BSID‐III score in any of the five domains in treatment arms either. Because neither daily zinc nor multivitamin (vitamins B‐complex, C and E) supplementation led to improvements in any of the developmental domains assessed using the BSID‐III, we recommend pursuing alternative interventions to promote early childhood development in vulnerable populations. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Microsatellite allele sizes alone are insufficient to delineate species boundaries in Symbiodinium
Authors: Howells E. J. , Willis B. L. , Bay L. K. , van Oppen M. J. H.
Published: May 2016

Symbiodinium are a diverse group of unicellular dinoflagellates that are important nutritional symbionts of reef‐building corals. Symbiodinium putative species (‘types’) are commonly identified with genetic markers, mostly nuclear and chloroplast encoded ribosomal DNA regions. Population genetic analyses using microsatellite loci have provided insights into Symbiodinium biogeography, connectivity and phenotypic plasticity, but are complicated by: (i) a lack of consensus criteria used to delineate inter‐ vs. intragenomic variation within species; and (ii) the high density of Symbiodinium in host tissues, which results in single samples comprising thousands of individuals. To address this problem, Wham & LaJeunesse (2016) present a method for identifying cryptic Symbiodinium species from microsatellite data based on correlations between allele size distributions and nongeographic genetic structure. Multilocus genotypes that potentially do not recombine in sympatry are interpreted as secondary ‘species’ to be discarded from downstream population genetic analyses. However, Symbiodinium species delineations should ideally incorporate multiple physiological, ecological and molecular criteria. This is because recombination tests may be a poor indicator of species boundaries in Symbiodinium due to their predominantly asexual mode of reproduction. Furthermore, discontinuous microsatellite allele sizes in sympatry may be explained by secondary contact between previously isolated populations and by mutations that occur in a nonstepwise manner. Limitations of using microsatellites alone to delineate species are highlighted in earlier studies that demonstrate occasional bimodal distributions of allele sizes within Symbiodinium species and considerable allele size sharing among Symbiodinium species. We outline these issues and discuss the validity of reinterpretations of our previously published microsatellite data from Symbiodinium populations on the Great Barrier Reef (Howells et al. 2013).
Integration host factor and LuxR synergistically bind DNA to coactivate quorum‐sensing genes in Vibrio harveyi
Authors: Chaparian Ryan R. , Olney Stephen G. , Hustmyer Christine M. , Rowe‐Magnus Dean A. , van Kessel Julia C.
Published: May 2016

The cell–cell signaling process called quorum sensing allows bacteria to control behaviors in response to changes in population density. In Vibrio harveyi, the master quorum‐sensing transcription factor LuxR is a member of the TetR family of transcription factors that both activates and represses genes to coordinate group behaviors, including bioluminescence. Here, we show that integration host factor (IHF) is a key coactivator of the luxCDABE bioluminescence genes that is required together with LuxR for precise timing and expression levels of bioluminescence during quorum sensing. IHF binds to multiple sites in the luxCDABE promoter and bends the DNA in vitro. IHF and LuxR synergistically bind luxCDABE promoter DNA at overlapping, essential binding sites that are required for maximal gene expression in vivo. RNA‐seq analysis demonstrated that IHF regulates 300 genes in V. harveyi, and among these are a core set of 19 genes that are also directly bound and regulated by LuxR. We validated these global analyses by demonstrating that both IHF and LuxR are required for transcriptional activation of the osmotic stress response genes betIBA‐proXWV. These data suggest that IHF plays an integral role in one mechanism of transcriptional activation by the LuxR‐type family of quorum‐sensing regulators in vibrios.
A Questionnaire‐Based Validation of Multidimensional Models of Self‐Regulated Learning Strategies
Authors: TENG LIN SOPHIE , ZHANG LAWRENCE JUN
Published: May 2016

This study aimed to validate a newly‐developed instrument, The Writing Strategies for Self‐Regulated Learning (SRL) Questionnaire, with respect to its multifaceted structure of SRL strategies in English as a foreign language (EFL) writing. A total of 790 undergraduate students from 6 universities in Northeast China volunteered to be participants. Confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) through structural equation modeling (SEM) were applied to evaluate 3 hypothesized models. The results of the CFA validated a 9‐factor correlated model of second language (L2) writing strategies for SRL with satisfactory psychometric characteristics. Model comparisons confirmed a hierarchical, multidimensional structure of SRL as the best model, in which self‐regulation, as a higher order construct, accounted for the correlations of the 9 lower‐order writing strategies, pertaining to cognitive, metacognitive, social–behavioral, and motivational regulation aspects. Multiple regression analysis revealed that 6 out of 9 SRL strategies had significant predictive effects on EFL writing proficiency. The empirical evidence lends preliminary support to a transfer of SRL theory from educational psychology to the field of L2/EFL education, particularly L2/EFL writing. Implications of these findings are discussed.
Thomas Aquinas and John Owen on the beatific vision: A Reply to Suzanne McDonald
Authors: Gaine Simon Francis
Published: May 2016

It has been shown that the thirteenth-century Dominican friar, St Thomas Aquinas, was an important theological influence on John Owen, the seventeenth-century English puritan theologian, chaplain to Oliver Cromwell, and Vice-Chancellor of Oxford University, especially in the areas of the divine being, grace and Chalcedonian Christology. Suzanne McDonald has argued that, while Aquinas is unmistakably a source for Owen's doctrine of the beatific vision, Owen surpassed Aquinas's doctrine in a manner she judges to be correct, theologically speaking, and which exposes the deficiency of Aquinas's account. Owen achieved this particular ‘Reforming’ or rather ‘re-forming’ of Aquinas's doctrine, she argues, by way of a ‘Christological re-orientation of the doctrine’ in terms of what is seen in the beatific vision and how it is seen, that is, its content and means. This article replies to McDonald from a Catholic and Thomist perspective, in response to her suggestion that Owen's account of the beatific vision opens up possibilities for ecumenical dialogue. The article attempts to achieve this first by reassessing the Christological contrasts McDonald draws between Owen and Aquinas in terms of content and means, and then by offering several suggestions as to why one might want to prefer Aquinas's account over Owen's.
Are trees able to grow in periods of stem shrinkage?
Authors: Zweifel Roman , Haeni Matthias , Buchmann Nina , Eugster Werner
Published: May 2016

Separating continuously measured stem radius (SR) fluctuations into growth‐induced irreversible stem expansion (GRO) and tree water deficit‐induced reversible stem shrinkage (TWD) requires a conceptualization of potential growth processes that may occur during periods of shrinking and expanding SR below a precedent maximum. Here, we investigated two physiological concepts: the linear growth (LG) concept, assuming linear growth, versus the zero growth (ZG) concept, assuming no growth during periods of stem shrinkage.

We evaluated the physiological mechanisms underlying these two concepts and assessed their respective plausibilities using SR data obtained from 15 deciduous and evergreen trees.

The application of the LG concept produced steady growth rates, whereas growth rates varied strongly under the ZG concept, more in accordance with mechanistic expectations. Further, growth increased for a maximum of 120 min after periods of stem shrinkage, indicating limited growth activity during those periods. However, this extra growth was found to be a small fraction of total growth only. Furthermore, TWD under the ZG concept was better explained by a hydraulic plant model than TWD under the LG concept.

We conclude that periods of stem shrinkage allow for very little growth in the four tree species investigated. However, further studies should focus on obtaining independent growth data to ultimately validate these findings.
Diversity in plant hydraulic traits explains seasonal and inter‐annual variations of vegetation dynamics in seasonally dry tropical forests
Authors: Xu Xiangtao , Medvigy David , Powers Jennifer S. , Becknell Justin M. , Guan Kaiyu
Published: May 2016

We assessed whether diversity in plant hydraulic traits can explain the observed diversity in plant responses to water stress in seasonally dry tropical forests (SDTFs).

The Ecosystem Demography model 2 (ED2) was updated with a trait‐driven mechanistic plant hydraulic module, as well as novel drought‐phenology and plant water stress schemes. Four plant functional types were parameterized on the basis of meta‐analysis of plant hydraulic traits. Simulations from both the original and the updated ED2 were evaluated against 5 yr of field data from a Costa Rican SDTF site and remote‐sensing data over Central America.

The updated model generated realistic plant hydraulic dynamics, such as leaf water potential and stem sap flow. Compared with the original ED2, predictions from our novel trait‐driven model matched better with observed growth, phenology and their variations among functional groups. Most notably, the original ED2 produced unrealistically small leaf area index (LAI) and underestimated cumulative leaf litter. Both of these biases were corrected by the updated model. The updated model was also better able to simulate spatial patterns of LAI dynamics in Central America.

Plant hydraulic traits are intercorrelated in SDTFs. Mechanistic incorporation of plant hydraulic traits is necessary for the simulation of spatiotemporal patterns of vegetation dynamics in SDTFs in vegetation models.
Competitive interactions change the pattern of species co‐occurrences under neutral dispersal
Authors: Ulrich Werner , Jabot Franck , Gotelli Nicolas J.
Published: May 2016

Non‐random patterns of species segregation and aggregation within ecological communities are often interpreted as evidence for interspecific interactions. However, it is unclear whether theoretical models can predict such patterns and how environmental factors may modify the effects of species interactions on species co‐occurrence. Here we extend a spatially explicit neutral model by including competitive effects on birth and death probabilities to assess whether competition alone is able to produce non‐random patterns of species co‐occurrence. We show that transitive and intransitive competitive hierarchies alone (in the absence of environmental heterogeneity) are indeed able to generate non‐random patterns with commonly used metrics and null models. Moreover, even weak levels of intransitive competition can increase local species richness. However, there is no simple rule or consistent directional change towards aggregation or segregation caused by competitive interactions. Instead, the spatial pattern depends on both the type of species interaction and the strength of dispersal. We conclude that co‐occurrence analysis alone may not able to identify the underlying processes that generate the patterns.
Vitamin D levels in allergic rhinitis: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Kim Yoon Hee , Kim Kyung Won , Kim Min Jung , Sol In Suk , Yoon Seo Hee , Ahn Hyeong Sik , Kim Hyun Jung , Sohn Myung Hyun , Kim Kyu‐Earn
Published: May 2016

Background

We aimed to systematically review observational studies investigating the relationship between vitamin D levels and allergic rhinitis (AR).

Methods

Studies were selected if they evaluated the relationship between vitamin D levels and AR, and included studies that evaluated other allergic conditions if those studies also contained data on AR. We assessed the incidence and prevalence of AR according to vitamin D levels and compared vitamin D levels in patients with AR to levels in controls.

Results

Nineteen studies were selected. Of these, only seven focused solely on AR; 10 studies evaluated the other allergic diseases as well as AR; and two studies evaluated asthma primarily, but also included data on patients with AR. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) for the incidence of AR according to vitamin D levels were not statistically significant for either children or adults. Lower vitamin D levels were associated with a higher AR prevalence only in children (pooled OR [95% confidence interval (CI)], 0.75 [0.58, 0.98]). The pooled mean vitamin D level in patients with AR was lower than that of controls only in children (pooled means difference [95% CI], −7.63 [−13.08, −2.18]).

Conclusions

Prior vitamin D levels were not related to developing AR, but lower vitamin D levels were associated with a higher AR prevalence only in children. There is insufficient evidence to support vitamin D supplementation for AR prevention. However, physicians should consider evaluating patients for vitamin D deficiency during AR management, especially in children.
Breeding for increased nitrogen‐use efficiency: a review for wheat (T. aestivum L.)
Authors: Cormier Fabien , Foulkes John , Hirel Bertrand , Gouache David , Moënne‐Loccoz Yvan , Le Gouis Jacques
Published: May 2016

Nitrogen fertilizer is the most used nutrient source in modern agriculture and represents significant environmental and production costs. In the meantime, the demand for grain increases and production per area has to increase as new cultivated areas are scarce. In this context, breeding for an efficient use of nitrogen became a major objective. In wheat, nitrogen is required to maintain a photosynthetically active canopy ensuring grain yield and to produce grain storage proteins that are generally needed to maintain a high end‐use quality. This review presents current knowledge of physiological, metabolic and genetic factors influencing nitrogen uptake and utilization in the context of different nitrogen management systems. This includes the role of root system and its interactions with microorganisms, nitrate assimilation and its relationship with photosynthesis as postanthesis remobilization and nitrogen partitioning. Regarding nitrogen‐use efficiency complexity, several physiological avenues for increasing it were discussed and their phenotyping methods were reviewed. Phenotypic and molecular breeding strategies were also reviewed and discussed regarding nitrogen regimes and genetic diversity.
Serum C‐reactive protein in food protein‐induced enterocolitis syndrome versus food protein‐induced proctocolitis in Japan
Authors: Kimura Mitsuaki , Shimomura Masaki , Morishita Hideaki , Meguro Takaaki , Seto Shiro
Published: May 2016

Background

Some infants with food protein‐induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES) have increased serum C‐reactive protein (CRP) and fever in Japan. The aim of this study was therefore to clarify and compare the incidence of this in patients with FPIES versus patients with food protein‐induced proctocolitis (FPIP).

Methods

One hundred and sixteen infants with non‐IgE‐mediated gastrointestinal food allergies were enrolled in this study and classified into three phenotypes: FPIES presenting with vomiting and/or diarrhea (n = 47); FPIP with bloody stool alone (n =19); and the mixed phenotype (MP), bloody stool with vomiting and/or diarrhea (n = 50).

Results

Serum CRP was increased in 55.3% of the FPIES group, similar to that in the MP group (54.0%), and significantly higher than in the FPIP group (15.8%; P < 0.01). Fever was observed in 29.8% of the FPIES group, significantly higher than in the MP group (8.0%; P < 0.01) and in the FPIP group (0%; P < 0.05). Patients with fever had significantly higher serum CRP than patients without fever (median, 12.8 vs <0.2 mg/dL, P < 0.00001).

Conclusions

Serum CRP was significantly higher in the FPIES group than in the FPIP group. This suggests that serum CRP is a useful marker for differentiating the pathogenesis of FPIES from FPIP. From the perspective of serum CRP, the pathology of the intestinal inflammation in MP subjects is suggested to be similar to that of FPIES.
Protection and immunological study on two tetraspanin‐derived vaccine candidates against schistosomiasis japonicum
Authors: Chen L. , Chen Y. , Zhang D. , Hou M. , Yang B. , Zhang F. , Zhang W. , Luo X. , Ji M. , Wu G.
Published: May 2016

Tetraspanins (TSPs) are proteins found on the surface of helminth parasites of the genus Schistosoma and are regarded as potentially protective antigens. The large extracellular loop of Schistosoma mansoni tetraspanin‐2, Sm‐TSP‐2, when fused to a thioredoxin partner and formulated with Freund's adjuvants, has been shown to be an efficacious vaccine against murine schistosomiasis. It is well recognized that CD4+ T‐cell‐dependent immunity might play an important role against schistosomes; however, the contribution of CD8+ T cells against multicellular pathogen is still uncertain. The exogenous protein‐pulsed dendritic cells (DCs) can easily activate CD4+ T cells response, while CD8+ T cells response was relatively difficult to be induced. In this study, we evaluated the immunogenicity of TSP2HD antigen (hydrophilic domain of the S. japonicum tetraspanin‐2) and TAT (the protein transduction domain of HIV‐1)‐coupled TSP2HD protein. As TAT‐fused protein could promote major histocompatibility complex class I‐dependent antigen presentation in vitro, TAT‐TSP2HD‐pulsed DCs induced stronger proliferation of schistosome‐specific CD8+ T cells compared with DCs incubated with TSP2HD alone. Vaccination with TAT‐TSP2HD‐pulsed DCs in vivo could improve disease outcome in S. japonicum‐infected mice and was slightly superior to vaccination with DCs treated with TSP2HD. In summary, these data showed that TAT fusion proteins could help activate CD8+ cells and Th1 cells and provide part protection against schistosome.
First Production of Larvae Using Cryopreserved Sperm: Effects of Preservation Temperature and Cryopreservation on European Eel Sperm Fertilization Capacity
Authors: Asturiano JF , Sørensen SR , Pérez L , Lauesen P , Tomkiewicz J
Published: May 2016

Contents

Sperm cryopreservation is a useful tool in captive fish reproduction management, that is to synchronize gamete production, especially in the case of species as the European eel, where the time of female spawning readiness is unpredictable. Several protocols to cryopreserve sperm of this species have been described, but until recently fertilization trials were not feasible. This study evaluated the effect of cold storage of diluted sperm prior to fertilizations and tested whether a previously defined protocol for European eel sperm cryopreservation can be successfully applied in fertilization trials to produce viable offspring. In our experiment, the sperm motility was evaluated after the extraction and the best samples were selected and pooled. Until stripping of eggs and fertilization, diluted sperm samples were maintained at either 4 or 20°C, or cryopreserved, following existing protocols. Fertilization of two egg batches was attempted. Diluted sperm caused a similar percentage of fertilized eggs and a similar number of embryos and larvae, independently of storage temperature (4 or 20°C). The cryopreserved sperm resulted in a lower percentage of fertilized eggs, but embryos developed and a few larvae (‘cryolarvae’) were obtained 55 h after fertilization in one of the two egg batches. This result evidences that the tested cryopreservation protocol is applicable for eel reproduction management, although improvements will be required to enhance fertilization success.
Multi‐Case Review of the Application of the Precautionary Principle in European Union Law and Case Law
Authors: Garnett Kenisha , Parsons David J.
Published: May 2016

The precautionary principle was formulated to provide a basis for political action to protect the environment from potentially severe or irreversible harm in circumstances of scientific uncertainty that prevent a full risk or cost‐benefit analysis. It underpins environmental law in the European Union and has been extended to include public health and consumer safety. The aim of this study was to examine how the precautionary principle has been interpreted and subsequently applied in practice, whether these applications were consistent, and whether they followed the guidance from the Commission. A review of the literature was used to develop a framework for analysis, based on three attributes: severity of potential harm, standard of evidence (or degree of uncertainty), and nature of the regulatory action. This was used to examine 15 pieces of legislation or judicial decisions. The decision whether or not to apply the precautionary principle appears to be poorly defined, with ambiguities inherent in determining what level of uncertainty and significance of hazard justifies invoking it. The cases reviewed suggest that the Commission's guidance was not followed consistently in forming legislation, although judicial decisions tended to be more consistent and to follow the guidance by requiring plausible evidence of potential hazard in order to invoke precaution.
Generalized Method of Moments for Additive Hazards Model with Clustered Dental Survival Data
Authors: Li Hui , Duan Xiaogang , Yin Guosheng
Published: May 2016

For multivariate survival data, we study the generalized method of moments (GMM) approach to estimation and inference based on the marginal additive hazards model. We propose an efficient iterative algorithm using closed‐form solutions, which dramatically reduces the computational burden. Asymptotic normality of the proposed estimators is established, and the corresponding variance–covariance matrix can be consistently estimated. Inference procedures are derived based on the asymptotic chi‐squared distribution of the GMM objective function. Simulation studies are conducted to empirically examine the finite sample performance of the proposed method, and a real data example from a dental study is used for illustration.
Investigation and treatment of ovine psoroptic otoacariasis
Authors: Crilly James Patrick , Nunn Francesca , Busin Valentina , Marr Edward J. , Jennings Amy E. , Burgess Stewart T. G. , Sargison Neil D.
Published: May 2016

Background

Psoroptic otoacariasis has been described worldwide and is caused by a mite morphologically indistinguishable from the sheep scab mite Psoroptes ovis. A single treatment of affected sheep with 200 μg/kg of injectable ivermectin is reported to be curative.

Case report

Psoroptes mites were isolated following treatment with ivermectin, but treatment with moxidectin at 1 mg/kg caused complete cessation of clinical signs. Affected animals were seropositive to Pso o 2 antigen enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and had serum haptoglobin concentrations that overlapped with those described for field infections of classical sheep scab.

Conclusions and clinical importance

Psoroptic otoacariasis is not controlled by single treatments of injectable ivermectin but resolves after a single treatment with injectable moxidectin. Pso o 2 ELISA can detect infection with Psoroptes spp. mites but cannot distinguish between sheep scab and psoroptic otoacariasis.
Canine atopic dermatitis: breed risk in Australia and evidence for a susceptible clade
Authors: Mazrier Hamutal , Vogelnest Linda J. , Thomson Peter C. , Taylor Rosanne M. , Williamson Peter
Published: May 2016

Background

Genetic studies on canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) indicate that large populations from one geographical location are preferred for the identification of relevant susceptibility genes. Australian dogs are relatively isolated; studies on CAD in this population are limited.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To identify breeds at risk in the Australian dog population and to compare with worldwide breed predisposition.

Animals

Case records (n = 23,000) from University Veterinary Teaching Hospital (UVTH) dogs, including 722 with CAD.

Methods

The breed proportion of CAD and odds risk (OR) were calculated. A systematic review of 13 previous studies (1971–2010) was performed and compared to the study results by implementing an atopic dermatitis (AD)‐to‐reference population ratio (ADRPR).

Results

Eleven dog breeds with significant increased OR (≥1.0) were identified; all with breed CAD cases proportionally higher than their base hospital population. Gender risk in males from the pug dog breed (P = 0.007) was detected and the bichon frise breed had a similar trend (P = 0.05). Sixteen predisposed dog breeds were identified by systematic review. All breeds with significant increased OR in UVTH had ADRPR > 1.4; five (boxer, bulldog, Labrador retriever, pug, West Highland white terrier) were recognized as predisposed worldwide. One clade of breeds with common ancestry was highly represented in CAD cases worldwide and in Australia (81% of the significant OR cases).

Conclusion and clinical importance

The use of a large population from one geographical location and ADRPR provided an objective comparison between worldwide AD studies; it identified one common clade of susceptible breeds. Breed genetics and related clinical presentation may help CAD diagnosis and treatment.
Carriage of meticillin‐resistant staphylococci between humans and animals on a small farm
Authors: Loncaric Igor , Künzel Frank , Klang Andrea , Wagner Regina , Licka Theresia , Grunert Tom , Feßler Andrea T. , Geier‐Dömling Dorothe , Rosengarten Renate , Müller Elke , Reissig Annett , Spergser Joachim , Schwarz Stefan , Ehricht Ralf , Monecke Stefan
Published: May 2016

Background

Meticillin‐resistant staphylococci (MRS) are pathogens of increasing importance to human and animal health worldwide. Transmission of meticillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) between animals and humans has been well documented. By contrast, information about transmission of other Staphylococcus spp. is limited.

Hypothesis/Objectives

The aim of this study was to screen animals and humans on a small farm for nasal carriage of MRS and to assess interspecies exchange.

Methods

After detection of MRSA in a lung sample of a deceased cat, which lived on a small mixed farm, nasal swabs were taken within two weeks, four and 16 months from other animals of various species and humans living on the farm. Swabs were cultured for MRS which were then characterized molecularly.

Results

MRSA and meticillin‐resistant coagulase negative staphylococci (MRCoNS), including Staphylococcus haemolyticus, S. epidermidis and S. fleurettii, were isolated from humans and different animal species. Typing of the MRS revealed isolates with the same characteristics in different human and animal hosts.

Conclusions and clinical importance

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of carriage of both MRSA and MRCoNS among humans and various animals within a shared environment. The detection of strains with indistinguishable molecular characteristics strongly suggested transmission of these MRS between the various animal species and humans.
The efficacy of electrical stimulation in experimentally induced cutaneous wounds in animals
Authors: Ashrafi Mohammed , Alonso‐Rasgado Teresa , Baguneid Mohamed , Bayat Ardeshir
Published: May 2016

Background

Complicated cutaneous wounds and their subsequent management can be a clinical challenge in veterinary medicine. There is still an unmet need for an ideal wound healing therapy that is able to stimulate efficiency and quality of repair. Skin wounds generate large and persistent endogenous electric currents and fields termed the “current of injury”. The current of injury is involved in numerous processes of wound healing. These observations have led to the hypothesis that applied electrical stimulation (ES) may promote wound healing by imitating the natural electrical current that occurs in cutaneous wounds.

Objectives

This review details the use, effect and mechanism of ES in different preclinical experimental cutaneous wound models and discusses the potential of how ES could be translated into veterinary practice.

Results

Studies have found a variable effect of ES on wound healing. Some have been positive with faster rates of wound re‐epithelialization, increased wound collagen formation and angiogenesis noted. Other studies have shown no effect or detrimental results. The effects of ES are highly influenced by the ES modality, polarity and parameters.

Conclusions and clinical importance

Electrical stimulation has the potential to play a significant role in enhancing cutaneous wound healing in veterinary practice. Clinical studies are necessary to corroborate the findings from experimental studies which have shown promise including the use of alternating pulsed and direct current and the use of bio‐electric dressings. The ideal ES device would need to be safe, easy to use, portable, noninvasive and aid wound healing by having a beneficial effect on all wound healing stages.
Glaucoma with Descemet's membrane detachment in five horses
Authors: Henriksen Michala de Linde , La Croix Noelle , Wilkie David A. , Lassaline‐Utter Mary , Brantman Karen R. , Beamer Gillian L. , Teixeira Leandro B. C. , Dubielzig Richard R.
Published: May 2016

Purpose

To describe the clinical and histopathologic features of glaucoma associated with Descemet's membrane (DM) detachment in five horses without prior history of intraocular surgery.

Animals studied

Three Appaloosa horses and two Thoroughbreds were included in this study. The affected horses ranged in age from 16 to 27 years and presented with severe diffuse corneal edema.

Procedure

Five eyes were enucleated due to intraocular hypertension and/or chronic corneal ulceration. The enucleated globes were evaluated by the Comparative Ocular Pathology Laboratory of Wisconsin (COPLOW). Each globe was routinely processed for histopathology and analyzed by light microscopy. A histologic diagnosis of glaucoma was reached by demonstrating a loss of optic nerve axonal tissue by measuring neurofilament‐immunopositive axons with automated image analysis software.

Results

All five horses presented with unilateral severe diffuse corneal edema that had developed between 2 and 16 weeks prior to enucleation. Intraocular pressures for the affected eyes were between 9 and 87 mmHg prior to enucleation. Descemet's membrane detachment was identified histopathologically in all five globes (5/5, 100%). All five eyes had an avascular spindle cell proliferation filling the space between the displaced peripheralDMand the corneal stroma. Neurofilament immunostaining revealed axonal loss consistent with glaucoma.

Conclusion

Equine glaucoma may be associated with Descemet's membrane detachment. This detachment and glaucoma is a possible differential diagnosis for severe equine corneal edema. In this case series, an eye with aDMdetachment had a poor prognosis for retention.
Ophthalmic diagnostic testing and examination findings in a colony of captive brown pelicans (Pelecanus occidentalis)
Authors: O'Connell Kristen M. , Michau Tammy M. , Stine Jessica M. , Reid Andrea T.
Published: May 2016

Objective

To establish reference values and report ophthalmic examination findings in a colony of captive brown pelicans (Pelecanus occidentalis).

Design

Descriptive study.

Animals studied

Sixty‐three captive brown pelicans in Florida were examined.

Procedures

A complete ophthalmic examination including Schirmer tear test (STT), applanation tonometry, fluorescein stain, biomicroscopy, and direct and indirect ophthalmoscopy was performed. A‐scan ultrasonography was performed to measure axial globe length (AGL), anterior chamber depth (ACD), lens thickness, and vitreal chamber length. Fifty‐two adults and 11 juvenile pelicans with an age range of 4 months to 38 years were evaluated.

Results

Twenty‐nine pelicans (46%) had a normal ocular examination. MeanSTTin normal pelicans was 5.45 ± 1.88 mm/min. Mean intraocular pressure (IOP) in normal pelicans was 10.86 ± 1.61 mmHg. One pelican was fluorescein positive unilaterally. Mean AGL was 20.70 ± 0.62 mm. Mean ACD was 3.38 ± 0.19 mm. Mean axial lens diameter (ALD) was 5.19 ± 0.23 mm. Mean vitreal chamber depth (VCD) was 12.15 ± 0.53 mm. Twenty‐three pelicans (36.51%) had cataracts, 17 pelicans (26.98%) had vitreal degeneration, 18 pelicans (28.57%) had corneal disease, and seven pelicans (11.11%) had evidence of significant ocular trauma, which included collapsed anterior chamber or lens luxation.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

To the author's knowledge, this is the first report of normal ophthalmic parameters and the incidence and type of ocular disease in a captive flock of brown pelicans. This information may aid in the diagnosis and treatment of brown pelicans with ocular disease.
Vapor Bubble Formation, Forces, and Induced Vibration: A Review
Authors: Gupta Manoj Kumar , Sharma Dharmendra S. , Lakhera Vikas J.
Published: May 2016

Bubble-induced vibration has become vital during recent investigation and advancement in the area of multiphase boiling. The induced vibration phenomenon can be understood with the help of proper and detailed understanding of vapor bubble formation, growth, collapse, and interaction with the surface. The growth mechanism for the formation of bubbles under nucleate boiling conditions is theoretically investigated. This paper also discusses the dynamics of vapor bubbles during flow in subcooled boiling conditions. In the part of the vapor bubble formation, the characteristics of a bubble emerged from the heated surface at a single nucleation site along with the flow boiling phenomena have been considered for analysis. The bubble is considered to be of spherical shape and detached from a heated surface due to the formation of a microlayer of liquid. The fluid is supposed to be static far away from a vapor bubble. Using well-known models of bubble formation and detachment, equations considering various forces acting over a single bubble have been derived. These equations monitor bubble characteristics in a definite manner according to the derived differential equation for energy conservation developed for the two-phase flow system. To illustrate this phenomenon, two bubble formation mechanisms, inertia-controlled and heat transfer-controlled growth have been considered. The present investigation discusses the governing equations for the bubble growth rate, bubble size and frequency, forces, and the well-known Rayleigh's equation. Also, the vibration characteristic has been reviewed, and the two phenomena, i.e., subcooled boiling induced vibration (SBIV) and flow-induced vibration (FIV) have been discussed in brief. The present review paper aims to reveal the latest evaluation done in the area of bubble-induced vibration and to ascertain the contributions made until now as well as the solution to the upcoming issues.
Nonstationary Vibration Signal Analysis Using Wavelet-Based Time–Frequency Filter and Wigner–Ville Distribution
Authors: Xu Chang , Wang Cong , Liu Wei
Published: May 2016

Vibration responses of nonlinear or time-varying dynamical systems are always nonstationary. Time–frequency representation becomes a necessary approach to analysis such signals. In this paper, a nonstationary vibration analysis method based on continuous wavelet transform (CWT) and Wigner–Ville distribution (WVD) is presented. In order to avoid the cross-terms in the original WVD, a time–frequency filter created by wavelet spectrum is employed to filter the time–frequency distribution (TFD). This process eliminates cross-terms and maintains high time–frequency resolution. The improved WVD is applied to both simulated and practical time-varying systems. Bat echolocation signal, train wheel vibration, and bridge vibration under a moving train are used to assess the proposed method. Comparison results show that the improved WVD is free of cross-terms, effective in identifying time-varying frequencies and is more accurate than the wavelet time–frequency spectrum.
Numerical Investigation of Thermofluid Flow in a Chemical Vapor Deposition Furnace Utilized to Manufacture Template-Synthesized Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Vahedein Yashar Seyed , Schrlau Michael G.
Published: May 2016

Template-based chemical vapor deposition (TB-CVD) is a versatile technique for manufacturing carbon nanotubes (CNTs) or CNT-based devices for various applications. In this process, carbon is deposited by thermal decomposition of a carbon-based precursor gas inside the nanoscopic cylindrical pores of anodized aluminum oxide (AAO) templates to form CNTs. Experimental results show that CNT formation in templates is controlled by TB-CVD process parameters, such as time, temperature, and flow rate. However, optimization of this process is done empirically, requiring tremendous time and effort. Moreover, there is a need for a more comprehensive and low cost way to characterize the flow in the furnace in order to understand how process parameters may affect CNT formation. In this report, we describe the development of four, 3D numerical models (73 < Re < 1100), each varying in complexity, to elucidate the thermofluid behavior in the TB-CVD process. Using computational fluid dynamic (CFD) commercial codes, the four models are compared to determine how the presence of the template and boat, composition of the precursor gas, and consumption of species at the template surface affect the temperature profiles, velocity fields, mixed convection, and strength of circulations in the system. The benefits and shortcomings of each model, as well as a comparison of model accuracy and computational time, are presented. Due to limited data, simulation results are validated by experiments and visual observations of the flow structure whenever possible. Decent agreement between experimental data and simulation supports the reliability of the simulation.
Semiautomated segmentation of head and neck cancers in 18F‐FDG PET scans: A just‐enough‐interaction approach
Authors: Beichel Reinhard R. , Van Tol Markus , Ulrich Ethan J. , Bauer Christian , Chang Tangel , Plichta Kristin A. , Smith Brian J. , Sunderland John J. , Graham Michael M. , Sonka Milan , Buatti John M.
Published: May 2016

Purpose:

The purpose of this work was to develop, validate, and compare a highly computer‐aided method for the segmentation of hot lesions in head and neck 18F‐FDG PET scans.

Methods:

A semiautomated segmentation method was developed, which transforms the segmentation problem into a graph‐based optimization problem. For this purpose, a graph structure around a user‐provided approximate lesion centerpoint is constructed and a suitable cost function is derived based on local image statistics. To handle frequently occurring situations that are ambiguous (e.g., lesions adjacent to each other versus lesion with inhomogeneous uptake), several segmentation modes are introduced that adapt the behavior of the base algorithm accordingly. In addition, the authors present approaches for the efficient interactive local and global refinement of initial segmentations that are based on the “just‐enough‐interaction” principle. For method validation, 60 PET/CT scans from 59 different subjects with 230 head and neck lesions were utilized. All patients had squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. A detailed comparison with the current clinically relevant standard manual segmentation approach was performed based on 2760 segmentations produced by three experts.

Results:

Segmentation accuracy measured by the Dice coefficient of the proposed semiautomated and standard manual segmentation approach was 0.766 and 0.764, respectively. This difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.2145). However, the intra‐ and interoperator standard deviations were significantly lower for the semiautomated method. In addition, the proposed method was found to be significantly faster and resulted in significantly higher intra‐ and interoperator segmentation agreement when compared to the manual segmentation approach.

Conclusions:

Lack of consistency in tumor definition is a critical barrier for radiation treatment targeting as well as for response assessment in clinical trials and in clinical oncology decision‐making. The properties of the authors approach make it well suited for applications in image‐guided radiation oncology, response assessment, or treatment outcome prediction.
The Activity Profile of Elite Low-Kick Kickboxing Competition
Authors: Slimani Maamer , Chaabene Helmi , Miarka Bianca , Chamari Karim
Published: May 2016

Purpose:

To determine the performance aspects (time–motion and technical-tactical analysis) of top-level low-kick kickboxers according to gender, weight category, combat round, and match outcome.

Methods:

Seventy-two kickboxers (44 male, 28 female) were studied. Thirty-six bouts (male = 61, female = 41 rounds) were analyzed using a time–motion system. Time structure was classified into 3 phases: preparatory-activity time (PT), fighting time (FT), and stoppage time (ST).

Results:

Referee decisions caused an overall effort:pause ratio (E:P) of ~1:1.5, with a significant difference between weight categories (light and middleweights = 1:1.5, heavyweight = 1:1). This ratio was ~1:6 when high-intensity actions–to-pause activities were considered. Significant differences were also observed between rounds (all P < .001), with 1st-, 2nd-, and 3rd-round E:Ps of 1:1, 1:1.5, and ~1:2, respectively. The relative times of FT and PT, total attacking actions, upper-limb actions, number of technical actions performed on the head, and the number of high-intensity actions were higher in males than females (all P = .05). Males performed more jab-cross actions and fewer low kicks than females (P < .001). Males used upper-limb (63.4%) more than lower-limb techniques (36.6%), targeting the head (56.9%) more than the body/leg (43.1%), with no significant difference from females (P > .05). E:P was similar between winners and losers. However, the numbers of technical actions performed on the head, counterattack actions, jab-cross technique, and total punches were higher in winners than losers (all P < .05).

Conclusions:

Training programs need to be adapted to the specific requirements of kickboxers’ weight categories and gender to develop the technical-tactical abilities that improve athletes’ chances of winning.
Can Previewing Sport-Specific Video Influence Reactive-Agility Response Time?
Authors: Holding Ryan , Meir Rudi , Zhou Shi
Published: May 2016

The purpose of this study was to examine whether a video-based warm-up could provide an acute performance benefit to response time for athletes in a sport-specific agility task. In addition, 2 learning strategies, explicit and implicit, were compared for their effectiveness in facilitating an improvement in sport-specific agility. Thirty representative male junior rugby union players (age 14–16 y, mean age 14.6 ± 1.09 y) were placed in 3 experimental groups (explicit, implicit, and control) and completed 2 intervention sessions. Testing sessions included preintervention testing, completion of the video-based warm-up intervention, and postintervention testing. A 3D motion-analysis system was used to assess response time in the testing battery. The athletes’ response times on the pre- to postintervention tests were compared to determine the effectiveness of the video-based warm-up. A 2-way general linear model with repeated-measures analysis indicated that both the explicit (P = .030, d = 0.28) and implicit (P = .049, d = 0.33) groups significantly improved their response time by the intervention compared with the control group (P = .367, d = 0.08). The mean postintervention response time for the explicit group improved by 19.1% (from 0.246 s pre to 0.199 s post), and the implicit group improved by 15.7% (from 0.268 s to 0.226 s). Findings suggest that a video-based warm-up may provide an acute benefit to sport-specific agility performance for junior athletes.