bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FEASIBILITY AND SAFETY OF CONTRAST‐ENHANCED ULTRASOUND IN THE DISTAL LIMB OF SIX HORSES
Authors: Seiler Gabriela S. , Campbell Nigel , Nixon Britton , Tsuruta James K. , Dayton Paul A. , Jennings Samuel , Redding W. Rich , Lustgarten Meghann
Published: January 2016

Vascular alterations play important roles in many orthopedic diseases such as osteoarthritis, tendonitis, and synovitis in both human and equine athletes. Understanding these alterations could enhance diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. Contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) could be a valuable method for evaluation of blood flow and perfusion of these processes in the equine distal limb, however no reports were found describing feasibility or safety of the technique. The goal of this prospective, experimental study was to describe the feasibility and safety of distal limb CEUS in a sample of six horses. For each horse, CEUS of the distal limb was performed after intravenous injections of 5 and 10 ml, as well as intra‐arterial injections of 0.5 and 1 ml contrast medium. Vital parameters were monitored and CEUS images were assessed qualitatively and quantitatively for degree of contrast enhancement. None of the horses had clinically significant changes in their vital parameters after contrast medium injection. One horse had a transient increase in respiratory rate, and several horses had mild increases of systolic blood pressure of short duration after intravenous, but not after intra‐arterial injections. Intra‐arterial injection was possible in all horses and resulted in significantly improved contrast enhancement both quantitatively (P = 0.027) and qualitatively (P = 0.019). Findings from this study indicated that CEUS is a feasible and safe diagnostic test for evaluation of the equine distal limb. Future studies are needed to assess the clinical utility of this test for horses with musculoskeletal diseases.
Improving Patient Care Through Nursing Engagement in Evidence‐Based Practice
Authors: Crabtree Elizabeth , Brennan Emily , Davis Amanda , Coyle Andrea
Published: January 2016

This column shares the best evidence‐based strategies and innovative ideas on how to facilitate the learning of EBP principles and processes by clinicians as well as nursing and interprofessional students. Guidelines for submission are available at http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1111/(ISSN)1741‐6787
Technical Note: On GAFChromic EBT‐XD film and the lateral response artifact
Authors: Lewis David F. , Chan Maria F.
Published: January 2016

Purpose:

The new radiochromic film, GAFChromic EBT‐XD, contains the same active material, lithium‐10,12‐pentacosadiynoate, as GAFChromic EBT3, but the crystalline form is different. This work investigates the effect of this change on the well‐known lateral response artifact when EBT‐XD film is digitized on a flatbed scanner.

Methods:

The dose response of a single production lot of EBT‐XD was characterized by scanning an unexposed film plus a set of films exposed to doses between 2.5 and 50 Gy using 6 MV photons. To characterize the lateral response artifact, the authors used the unexposed film plus a subset of samples exposed to doses between 20 and 50 Gy. Digital images of these films were acquired at seven discrete lateral locations perpendicular to the scan direction on three Epson 10000XL scanners. Using measurements at the discrete lateral positions, the scanner responses were determined as a function of the lateral position of the film. From the data for each scanner, a set of coefficients were derived whereby measured response values could be corrected to remove the effects of the lateral response artifact. The EBT‐XD data were analyzed as in their previous work and compared to results reported for EBT3 in that paper.

Results:

For films scanned in the same orientation and having equal responses, the authors found that the lateral response artifact for EBT‐XD and EBT3 films was remarkably similar. For both films, the artifact increases with increased net response. However, as EBT‐XD is less sensitive than EBT3, a greater exposure dose is required to reach the same net response. On this basis, the lower sensitivity of EBT‐XD relative to EBT3 results in less net response change for equal exposure and a reduction in the impact of the lateral response artifact.

Conclusions:

The shape of the crystalline active component in EBT‐XD and EBT3 does not affect the fundamental existence of the lateral response artifact when the films are digitized on flatbed scanners. Owing its lower sensitivity, EBT‐XD film requires higher dose to reach the same response as EBT3, resulting in lesser impact of the lateral response artifact. For doses >10 Gy, the slopes of the EBT‐XD red and green channel dose response curves are greater than the corresponding ones for EBT3. For these two reasons, the authors prefer EBT‐XD for doses exceeding about 10 Gy.
Accurate modeling and positioning of a magnetically controlled catheter tip
Authors: Le Vi N. T. , Nguyen Nghia H. , Alameh Kamal , Weerasooriya Rukshen , Pratten Peter
Published: January 2016

Purpose:

This paper represents the initial phase of a proposed operator‐friendly semiautomatic method for positioning and directing an intravascular three‐magnet tip catheter in the human heart using an electromagnetic system.

Methods:

A predictive computer algorithm based on a comprehensive mathematical model is developed, which accurately calculates the magnetic field generated by the electromagnet system as well as the magnetic torques and forces exerted on a three‐magnet tip catheter, and generates the necessary electromagnet currents for arbitrary displacement and deflection of the catheter tip within a workspace of 128 × 128 × 128 mm.

Results:

We demonstrate the ability of the developed mathematical model to accurately position a three‐magnet tip catheter within the 128 × 128 × 128 mm workspace of a 3D eight‐electromagnet system.

Conclusions:

The ability of the developed mathematical model in predicting the displacement, direction, and deflection of the catheter tip as a function of the electromagnet current values has been verified through experimental results.
Novel scintillation detector design and performance for proton radiography and computed tomography
Authors: Bashkirov V. A. , Schulte R. W. , Hurley R. F. , Johnson R. P. , Sadrozinski H. F.‐W. , Zatserklyaniy A. , Plautz T. , Giacometti V.
Published: January 2016

Purpose:

Proton computed tomography (pCT) will enable accurate prediction of proton and ion range in a patient while providing the benefit of lower radiation exposure than in x‐ray CT. The accuracy of the range prediction is essential for treatment planning in proton or ion therapy and depends upon the detector used to evaluate the water‐equivalent path length (WEPL) of a proton passing through the object. A novel approach is presented for an inexpensive WEPL detector for pCT and proton radiography.

Methods:

A novel multistage detector with an aperture of 10 × 37.5 cm was designed to optimize the accuracy of the WEPL measurements while simplifying detector construction and the performance requirements of its components. The design of the five‐stage detector was optimized through simulations based on the geant4 detector simulation toolkit, and the fabricated prototype was calibrated in water‐equivalent millimeters with 200 MeV protons in the research beam line of the clinical proton synchrotron at Loma Linda University Medical Center. A special polystyrene step phantom was designed and built to speed up and simplify the calibration procedure. The calibrated five‐stage detector was tested in the 200 MeV proton beam as part of the pCT head scanner, using a water phantom and polystyrene slabs to verify the WEPL reconstruction accuracy.

Results:

The beam‐test results demonstrated excellent performance of the new detector, in good agreement with the simulation results. The WEPL measurement accuracy is about 3.0 mm per proton in the 0–260 mm WEPL range required for a pCT head scan with a 200 MeV proton beam.

Conclusions:

The new multistage design approach to WEPL measurements for proton CT and radiography has been prototyped and tested. The test results show that the design is competitive with much more expensive calorimeter and range‐counter designs.
High‐resolution x‐ray imaging using a structured scintillator
Authors: Hormozan Yashar , Sychugov Ilya , Linnros Jan
Published: January 2016

Purpose:

In this study, the authors introduce a new generation of finely structured scintillators with a very high spatial resolution (a few micrometers) compared to conventional scintillators, yet maintaining a thick absorbing layer for improved detectivity.

Methods:

Their concept is based on a 2D array of high aspect ratio pores which are fabricated by ICP etching, with spacings (pitches) of a few micrometers, on silicon and oxidation of the pore walls. The pores were subsequently filled by melting of powdered CsI(Tl), as the scintillating agent. In order to couple the secondary emitted photons of the back of the scintillator array to a CCD device, having a larger pixel size than the pore pitch, an open optical microscope with adjustable magnification was designed and implemented. By imaging a sharp edge, the authors were able to calculate the modulation transfer function (MTF) of this finely structured scintillator.

Results:

The x‐ray images of individually resolved pores suggest that they have been almost uniformly filled, and the MTF measurements show the feasibility of a few microns spatial resolution imaging, as set by the scintillator pore size. Compared to existing techniques utilizing CsI needles as a structured scintillator, their results imply an almost sevenfold improvement in resolution. Finally, high resolution images, taken by their detector, are presented.

Conclusions:

The presented work successfully shows the functionality of their detector concept for high resolution imaging and further fabrication developments are most likely to result in higher quantum efficiencies.
Older Adults’ Objectively Monitored Walking Behaviors and the Factors that Shape Them
Authors: Tudor-Locke Catrine , Broyles Stephanie
Published: January 2016

The focus of a physically active lifestyle for older adults is to preserve functional mobility and delay losses associated with decrepitude in later years. Since ambulation is of utmost importance to older adults’ mobility, the purpose of this nonexhaustive review is to consider older adults’ walking behaviors objectively captured as steps/day and the factors that shape them. Summarized evidence currently indicates that apparently healthy older adults accumulate between 2,000–9,000 steps/day and that older adults living with disabilities and/or chronic conditions average approximately 1,200–8,800 steps/day. The scientific body of objectively monitored knowledge focused on potential individual, program, and contextual factors that shape older adults’ walking behaviors expressed as steps/day (i.e., their ability to and practice of getting “out and about”) is infantile at this time. We provide a simple research agenda to spark scholarly efforts to address research gaps and opportunities in the collective knowledge base.
Physical Activity in Mid-Age and Older Women: Lessons from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health
Authors: Brown Wendy J. , Pavey Toby
Published: January 2016

The Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health (ALSWH) commenced in Australia in 1996 when researchers recruited approximately 40,000 women in three birth cohorts: 1973–1978, 1946–1951, and 1921–1926. Since then participants have completed surveys on a wide range of health issues, at approximately three-year intervals. This overview describes changes in physical activity (PA) over time in the mid-age and older ALSWH cohorts, and summarizes the findings of studies published to date on the determinants of PA, and its associated health outcomes in Australian women. The ALSWH data show a significant increase in PA during mid-age, and a rapid decline in activity levels when women are in their 80s. The study has demonstrated the importance of life stages and key life events as determinants of activity, the additional benefits of vigorous activity for mid-age women, and the health benefits of ‘only walking’ for older women. ALSWH researchers have also drawn attention to the benefits of activity in terms of a wide range of physical and mental health outcomes, as well as overall vitality and well-being. The data indicate that maintaining a high level of PA throughout mid and older age will not only reduce the risk of premature death, but also significantly extend the number of years of healthy life.
MTBDR
plus
and MTBDR
sl
Assays: Absence of Wild-Type Probe Hybridization and Implications for Detection of Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis
Authors: Seifert Marva , Georghiou Sophia B. , Catanzaro Donald , Rodrigues Camilla , Crudu Valeriu , Victor Thomas C. , Garfein Richard S. , Catanzaro Antonino , Rodwell Timothy C.
Published: January 2016

Accurate identification of drug-resistant
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
is imperative for effective treatment and subsequent reduction in disease transmission. Line probe assays rapidly detect mutations associated with resistance and wild-type sequences associated with susceptibility. Examination of molecular-level performance is necessary for improved assay result interpretation and for continued diagnostic development. Using data collected from a large, multisite diagnostic study, probe hybridization results from line probe assays, MTBDR
plus
and MTBDR
sl
, were compared to those of sequencing, and the diagnostic performance of each individual mutation and wild-type probe was assessed. Line probe assay results classified as resistant due to the absence of wild-type probe hybridization were compared to those of sequencing to determine if novel mutations were inhibiting wild-type probe hybridization. The contribution of absent wild-type probe hybridization to the detection of drug resistance was assessed via comparison to a phenotypic reference standard. In our study, mutation probes demonstrated significantly higher specificities than wild-type probes and wild-type probes demonstrated marginally higher sensitivities than mutation probes, an ideal combination for detecting the presence of resistance conferring mutations while yielding the fewest number of false-positive results. The absence of wild-type probe hybridization without mutation probe hybridization was determined to be primarily the result of failure of mutation probe hybridization and not the result of novel or rare mutations. Compared to phenotypic culture-based drug susceptibility testing, the absence of wild-type probe hybridization without mutation probe hybridization significantly contributed to the detection of phenotypic rifampin and fluoroquinolone resistance with negligible increases in false-positive results.
Commentary: What's in a Name? The Impact of Accurate Staphylococcuspseudintermedius Identification on Appropriate Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing
Authors: Limbago Brandi M.
Published: January 2016

Bacteria in the
Staphylococcus intermedius
group, including
Staphylococcus
pseudintermedius
, often encode
mecA
-mediated methicillin resistance. Reliable detection of this phenotype for proper treatment and infection control decisions requires that these coagulase-positive staphylococci are accurately identified and specifically that they are not misidentified as
S. aureus
. As correct species level bacterial identification becomes more commonplace in clinical laboratories, one can expect to see changes in guidance for antimicrobial susceptibility testing and interpretation. The study by Wu et al. in this issue (M. T. Wu, C.-A. D. Burnham, L. F. Westblade, J. Dien Bard, S. D. Lawhon, M. A. Wallace, T. Stanley, E. Burd, J. Hindler, R. M. Humphries, J Clin Microbiol 54:535–542, 2016,
http://dx.doi.org/10.1128/JCM.02864-15
) highlights the impact of robust identification of
S. intermedius
group organisms on the selection of appropriate antimicrobial susceptibility testing methods and interpretation.
Trichoplusia ni Kinesin-1 Associates with Autographa californica Multiple Nucleopolyhedrovirus Nucleocapsid Proteins and Is Required for Production of Budded Virus
Authors: Biswas Siddhartha , Blissard Gary W. , Theilmann David A.
Published: January 2016

The mechanism by which nucleocapsids of
Autographa californica
multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV) egress from the nucleus to the plasma membrane, leading to the formation of budded virus (BV), is not known. AC141 is a nucleocapsid-associated protein required for BV egress and has previously been shown to be associated with β-tubulin. In addition, AC141 and VP39 were previously shown by fluorescence resonance energy transfer by fluorescence lifetime imaging to interact directly with the
Drosophila melanogaster
kinesin-1 light chain (KLC) tetratricopeptide repeat (TPR) domain. These results suggested that microtubule transport systems may be involved in baculovirus nucleocapsid egress and BV formation. In this study, we investigated the role of lepidopteran microtubule transport using coimmunoprecipitation, colocalization, yeast two-hybrid, and small interfering RNA (siRNA) analyses. We show that nucleocapsid AC141 associates with the lepidopteran
Trichoplusia ni
KLC and kinesin-1 heavy chain (KHC) by coimmunoprecipitation and colocalization. Kinesin-1, AC141, and microtubules colocalized predominantly at the plasma membrane. In addition, the nucleocapsid proteins VP39, FP25, and BV/ODV-C42 were also coimmunoprecipitated with
T. ni
KLC. Direct analysis of the role of
T. ni
kinesin-1 by downregulation of KLC by siRNA resulted in a significant decrease in BV production. Nucleocapsids labeled with VP39 fused with three copies of the mCherry fluorescent protein also colocalized with microtubules. Yeast two-hybrid analysis showed no evidence of a direct interaction between kinesin-1 and AC141 or VP39, suggesting that either other nucleocapsid proteins or adaptor proteins may be required. These results further support the conclusion that microtubule transport is required for AcMNPV BV formation.

IMPORTANCE
In two key processes of the replication cycle of the baculovirus
Autographa californica
multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV), nucleocapsids are transported through the cell. These include (i) entry of budded virus (BV) into the host cell and (ii) egress and budding of nucleocapsids newly produced from the plasma membrane. Prior studies have shown that the entry of nucleocapsids involves the polymerization of actin to propel nucleocapsids to nuclear pores and entry into the nucleus. For the spread of infection, progeny viruses must rapidly exit the infected cells, but the mechanism by which AcMNPV nucleocapsids traverse the cytoplasm is unknown. In this study, we examined whether nucleocapsids interact with lepidopteran kinesin-1 motor molecules and are potentially carried as cargo on microtubules to the plasma membrane in AcMNPV-infected cells. This study indicates that microtubule transport is utilized for the production of budded virus.
Veterinary involvement in poultry production
Authors: Parker Daniel
Published: January 2016

The worldwide poultry sector is expected to grow substantially over the next few decades, as the world looks to feed a rapidly expanding population. In a further article in Veterinary Record's series looking at the state of different sectors of the veterinary profession, Daniel Parker looks at veterinary involvement in the poultry sector.
On Weierstrass Points of a Family of Quartic Curves
Authors: Mohammed Saleem , Eslam Badr
Published: January 2016

The aim of this paper is to investigate properties of the Weierstrass points on the family of compact Riemann surfaces [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are parameters such that [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] by using finite group actions on this family. Furthermore, the geometry of these points is discussed.
A Predictor–Corrector Algorithm for Monotone Linear Complementarity Problems in a Wide Neighborhood
Authors: Ma Xiaojue , Liu Hongwei , Zhou Chang
Published: January 2016

We propose a new primal-dual interior-point predictor–corrector algorithm in Ai and Zhang’s wide neighborhood for solving monotone linear complementarity problems (LCP). Based on the understanding of this neighborhood, we use two new directions in the predictor step and in the corrector step, respectively. Especially, the use of new corrector direction also reduces the duality gap in the corrector step, which has good effects on the algorithm’s convergence. We prove that the new algorithm has a polynomial complexity of [Formula: see text], which is the best complexity result so far. In the paper, we also prove a key result for searching for the best step size along some direction. Considering local convergence, we revise the algorithm to be a variant, which enjoys both complexity of [Formula: see text] and Q-quadratical convergence. Finally, numerical result shows the effectiveness and superiority of the two new algorithms for monotone LCPs.
Nonabelian representations and signatures of double twist knots
Authors: Tran Anh T.
Published: January 2016

A conjecture of Riley about the relationship between real parabolic representations and signatures of two-bridge knots is verified for double twist knots.
Inhomogeneous Spitzer-type identities for commutative and non-commutative Rota–Baxter algebras
Authors: Pietrzkowski Gabriel
Published: January 2016

We consider a complete filtered Rota–Baxter (RB) algebra of weight [Formula: see text] over a commutative ring. Finding the unique solution of an inhomogeneous linear algebraic equation in this algebra, we generalize Spitzer’s identity in both commutative and non-commutative cases. As an application, considering the RB algebra of power series in one variable with q-integral as the RB operator, we show certain Eulerian identities.
On the unconditional convergence of wavelet expansions for continuous functions
Authors: Fukuda Naohiro , Kinoshita Tamotu , Suzuki Toshio
Published: January 2016

In this paper, we study the unconditional convergence of wavelet expansions with Lipschitz wavelets. Especially with the Strömberg wavelet, we shall construct a counter example which shows that uniformly convergent wavelet expansions even for continuous functions do not always converge unconditionally in [Formula: see text].
Modified non-Euclidean transformation on the SO(2N+2) U(N+1) Grassmannian and SO(2N + 1) random phase approximation for unified description of Bose and Fermi type collective excitations
Authors: Nishiyama Seiya , da Providência João
Published: January 2016

In a slight different way from the previous one, we propose a modified non-Euclidean transformation on the [Formula: see text] Grassmannian which gives the projected [Formula: see text] Tamm–Dancoff equation. We derive a classical time-dependent (TD) [Formula: see text] Lagrangian which, through the Euler–Lagrange equation of motion for [Formula: see text] coset variables, brings another form of the previous extended-TD Hartree–Bogoliubov (HB) equation. The [Formula: see text] random phase approximation (RPA) is derived using Dyson representation for paired and unpaired operators. In the [Formula: see text] HB case, one boson and two boson excited states are realized. We, however, stress non-existence of a higher RPA vacuum. An integrable system is given by a geometrical concept of zero-curvature, i.e. integrability condition of connection on the corresponding Lie group. From the group theoretical viewpoint, we show the existence of a symplectic two-form [Formula: see text].
Cuspidality in higher genus
Authors: Zantout Dania
Published: January 2016

We define a global linear operator that projects holomorphic modular forms defined on the Siegel upper half space of genus [Formula: see text] to all the rational boundaries of lower degrees. This global operator reduces to Siegel's [Formula: see text] operator when considering only the maximal standard cusps of degree [Formula: see text]. One advantage of this generalization is that it allows us to give a general notion of cusp forms in genus [Formula: see text] and to bridge this new notion with the classical one found in the literature.
Dedekind sums and the transformation formula in function fields
Authors: Hamahata Yoshinori
Published: January 2016

Dedekind used the classical Dedekind sum [Formula: see text] to describe the transformation of [Formula: see text] under the substitution [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we use the Dedekind sum [Formula: see text] in function fields to describe the transformation of a certain series under the substitution [Formula: see text].
On a restricted linear congruence
Authors: Bibak Khodakhast , Kapron Bruce M. , Srinivasan Venkatesh
Published: January 2016

Let [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] be all positive divisors of [Formula: see text]. For [Formula: see text], define [Formula: see text]. In this paper, by combining ideas from the finite Fourier transform of arithmetic functions and Ramanujan sums, we give a short proof for the following result: the number of solutions of the linear congruence [Formula: see text], with [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], is [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] is a Ramanujan sum. Some special cases and other forms of this problem have been already studied by several authors. The problem has recently found very interesting applications in number theory, combinatorics, computer science, and cryptography. The above explicit formula generalizes the main results of several papers, for example, the main result of the paper by Sander and Sander [J. Number Theory 133 (2013) 705–718], one of the main results of the paper by Sander [J. Number Theory 129 (2009) 2260–2266], and also gives an equivalent formula for the main result of the paper by Sun and Yang [Int. J. Number Theory 10 (2014) 1355–1363].
Effects of combined drug therapy on HIV-1 infection dynamics
Authors: Kamboj Deepmala , Sharma M. D.
Published: January 2016

Infection of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is determined through the decay of healthy CD4+ T-cells in a well-mixed compartment, such as a bloodstream. A mathematical model is considered to illustrate the effects of combined drug therapy, i.e. reverse transcription plus protease inhibitor, on viral growth and T-cell population dynamics. This model is used to explain the existence and stability of infected and uninfected steady states in HIV growth. An analytical technique, called variational iteration method (VIM), is used to solve the mathematical model. This method is modified to obtain the rapidly convergent successive approximations of the exact solution. These approximations are obtained without any restrictions or the transformations that may change the physical behavior of the problem. Numerical simulations are computed and exhibited to illustrate the effects of proposed drug therapy on the growth or decay of infection.
Analyzing Latency-Aware Self-Adaptation Using Stochastic Games and Simulations
Authors: Cámara Javier , Moreno Gabriel A. , Garlan David , Schmerl Bradley
Published: January 2016

Self-adaptive systems must decide which adaptations to apply and when. In reactive approaches, adaptations are chosen and executed after some issue in the system has been detected (e.g., unforeseen attacks or failures). In proactive approaches, predictions are used to prepare the system for some future event (e.g., traffic spikes during holidays). In both cases, the choice of adaptation is based on the estimated impact it will have on the system. Current decision-making approaches assume that the impact will be instantaneous, whereas it is common that adaptations take time to produce their impact. Ignoring this latency is problematic because adaptations may not achieve their effect in time for a predicted event. Furthermore, lower impact but quicker adaptations may be ignored altogether, even if over time the accrued impact is actually higher. In this article, we introduce a novel approach to choosing adaptations that considers these latencies. To show how this improves adaptation decisions, we use a two-pronged approach: (i) model checking of Stochastic Multiplayer Games (SMGs) enables us to understand best- and worst-case scenarios of optimal latency-aware and non-latency-aware adaptation without the need to develop specific adaptation algorithms. However, since SMGs do not provide an algorithm to make choices at runtime, we propose a (ii) latency-aware adaptation algorithm to make decisions at runtime. Simulations are used to explore more detailed adaptation behavior and to check if the performance of the algorithm falls within the bounds predicted by SMGs. Our results show that latency awareness improves adaptation outcomes and also allows a larger set of adaptations to be exploited.
Self-Conscious or Self-Confident? A Diary Study Conceptualizing the Social Accessibility of Assistive Technology
Authors: Shinohara Kristen , Wobbrock Jacob O.
Published: January 2016

With the recent influx of smartphones, tablets, and wearables such as watches and glasses, personal interactive device use is increasingly visible and commonplace in public and social spaces. Assistive Technologies (ATs) used by people with disabilities are observable to others and, as a result, can affect how AT users are perceived. This raises the possibility that what we call “social accessibility” may be as important as “functional accessibility” when considering ATs. But, to date, ATs have almost exclusively been regarded as
functional
aids. For example, ATs are defined by the Technical Assistance to the States Act as technologies that are “used to increase, maintain or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.” To investigate perceptions and self-perceptions of AT users, we conducted a diary study of two groups of participants: people with disabilities and people without disabilities. Our goal was to explore the types of interactions and perceptions that arise around AT use in social and public spaces. During our 4-week study, participants with sensory disabilities wrote about feeling either
self-conscious
or
self-confident
when using an assistive device in a social or public situation. Meanwhile, participants without disabilities were prompted to record their reactions and feelings whenever they saw ATs used in social or public situations. We found that AT form and function does influence social interactions by impacting self-efficacy and self-confidence. When the design of form or function is poor, or when inequality between technological accessibility exists, social inclusion is negatively affected, as are perceptions of ability. We contribute a definition for the “social accessibility” of ATs and subsequently offer
Design for Social Accessibility (DSA)
as a holistic design stance focused on balancing an AT user's sociotechnical identity with functional requirements.
Designing Interactions with Multilevel Auditory Displays in Mobile Audio-Augmented Reality
Authors: Vazquez-Alvarez Yolanda , Aylett Matthew P. , Brewster Stephen A. , Jungenfeld Rocio Von , Virolainen Antti
Published: January 2016

Auditory interfaces offer a solution to the problem of effective eyes-free mobile interactions. In this article, we investigate the use of multilevel auditory displays to enable eyes-free mobile interaction with indoor location-based information in non-guided audio-augmented environments. A top-level exocentric sonification layer advertises information in a gallery-like space. A secondary interactive layer is used to evaluate three different conditions that varied in the presentation (sequentialversussimultaneous) and spatialisation (non-spatialisedversusegocentric/exocentric spatialisation) of multiple auditory sources. Our findings show that (1) participants spent significantly more time interacting with spatialised displays; (2) using the same design for primary and interactive secondary display (simultaneous exocentric) showed a negative impact on the user experience, an increase in workload and substantially increased participant movement; and (3) the other spatial interactive secondary display designs (simultaneous egocentric, sequential egocentric, and sequential exocentric) showed an increase in time spent stationary but no negative impact on the user experience, suggesting a more exploratory experience. A follow-up qualitative and quantitative analysis of user behaviour support these conclusions. These results provide practical guidelines for designing effective eyes-free interactions for far richer auditory soundscapes.
The Design and Evaluation of Interfaces for Navigating Gigapixel Images in Digital Pathology
Authors: Ruddle Roy A. , Thomas Rhys G. , Randell Rebecca , Quirke Philip , Treanor Darren
Published: January 2016

This article describes the design and evaluation of two generations of an interface for navigating datasets of gigapixel images that pathologists use to diagnose cancer. The interface design is innovative because users panned with an overview:detail view scale difference that was up to 57 times larger than established guidelines, and 1 million pixel “thumbnail” overviews that leveraged the real estate of high-resolution workstation displays. The research involved experts performing real work (pathologists diagnosing cancer), using datasets that were up to 3,150 times larger than those used in previous studies that involved navigating images. The evaluation provides evidence about the effectiveness of the interfaces and characterizes how experts navigate gigapixel images when performing real work. Similar interfaces could be adopted in applications that use other types of high-resolution images (e.g., remote sensing or high-throughput microscopy).
Exploring Traditional Phones as an E-Mail Interface for Older Adults
Authors: Brewer Robin , Garcia Raymundo Cornejo , Schwaba Tedmond , Gergle Darren , Piper Anne Marie
Published: January 2016

This article explores the design and development of voice interfaces via traditional telephones as a way of supporting asynchronous online communication for older adults. E-mail is the primary form of online communication for older adults. However, e-mail communication currently requires access to and the ability to use an Internet-connected computer or device, which may be problematic due to barriers of physical access, expense, insufficient computer skill, or other accessibility issues. To address this, the present work leverages the pervasive hardware of traditional phones and familiar nonvisual models of phone-based interaction to create a new e-mail interface for older adults. We examine the potential of e-mail interaction via traditional phones through long-term field observations, prototype testing, and a four-week field-based user study. Our findings indicate that a simple voice e-mail interface accessed through traditional phones is usable for older adults and is a useful way for offline older adults to interact with an e-mail account. The ease of use and convenience of a phone-based interface are important given the “work” of keeping in touch over e-mail, and this approach has the potential to open up new avenues of online access for older adults who are still offline or who have late-life disabilities that make using traditional graphical e-mail systems difficult. This project contributes new insights regarding the ways in which voice interfaces can support asynchronous online communication for older adults and provides design guidance for the development of subsequent voice interfaces.
Oxygen sensing by the carotid body: mechanisms and role in adaptation to hypoxia
Authors: López-Barneo José , González-Rodríguez Patricia , Gao Lin , Fernández-Agüera M. Carmen , Pardal Ricardo , Ortega-Sáenz Patricia
Published: January 2016

Oxygen (O2) is fundamental for cell and whole-body homeostasis. Our understanding of the adaptive processes that take place in response to a lack of O2 (hypoxia) has progressed significantly in recent years. The carotid body (CB) is the main arterial chemoreceptor that mediates the acute cardiorespiratory reflexes (hyperventilation and sympathetic activation) triggered by hypoxia. The CB is composed of clusters of cells (glomeruli) in close contact with blood vessels and nerve fibers. Glomus cells, the O2-sensitive elements in the CB, are neuron-like cells that contain O2-sensitive K+ channels, which are inhibited by hypoxia. This leads to cell depolarization, Ca2+ entry, and the release of transmitters to activate sensory fibers terminating at the respiratory center. The mechanism whereby O2 modulates K+ channels has remained elusive, although several appealing hypotheses have been postulated. Recent data suggest that mitochondria complex I signaling to membrane K+ channels plays a fundamental role in acute O2 sensing. CB activation during exposure to low Po2 is also necessary for acclimatization to chronic hypoxia. CB growth during sustained hypoxia depends on the activation of a resident population of stem cells, which are also activated by transmitters released from the O2-sensitive glomus cells. These advances should foster further studies on the role of CB dysfunction in the pathogenesis of highly prevalent human diseases.
The effect of plasma osmolality and baroreceptor loading status on postexercise heat loss responses
Authors: Paull Gabrielle , Dervis Sheila , Barrera-Ramirez Juliana , McGinn Ryan , Haqani Baies , Flouris Andreas D. , Kenny Glen P.
Published: January 2016

We examined the separate and combined effects of plasma osmolality and baroreceptor loading status on postexercise heat loss responses. Nine young males completed a 45-min treadmill exercise protocol at 58 ± 2% V̇o2 peak, followed by a 60-min recovery. On separate days, participants received 0.9% NaCl (ISO), 3.0% NaCl (HYP), or no infusion (natural recovery) throughout exercise. In two additional sessions (no infusion), lower-body negative (LBNP) or positive (LBPP) pressure was applied throughout the final 45 min of recovery. Local sweat rate (LSR; ventilated capsule: chest, forearm, upper back, forehead) and skin blood flow (SkBF; laser-Doppler flowmetry: forearm, upper back) were continuously measured. During HYP, upper back LSR was attenuated from end-exercise to 10 min of recovery by ∼0.35 ± 0.10 mg·min−1·cm−2 and during the last 20 min of recovery by ∼0.13 ± 0.03 mg·min−1·cm−2, while chest LSR was lower by 0.18 ± 0.06 mg·min−1·cm−2 at 50 min of recovery compared with natural recovery (all P < 0.05). Forearm and forehead LSRs were not affected by plasma hyperosmolality during HYP (all P > 0.28), which suggests regional differences in the osmotic modulation of postexercise LSR. Furthermore, LBPP application attenuated LSR by ∼0.07–0.28 mg·min−1·cm−2 during the last 30 min of recovery at all sites except the forehead compared with natural recovery (all P < 0.05). Relative to natural recovery, forearm and upper back SkBF were elevated during LBPP, ISO, and HYP by ∼6–10% by the end of recovery (all P < 0.05). We conclude that 1) hyperosmolality attenuates postexercise sweating heterogeneously among skin regions, and 2) baroreceptor loading modulates postexercise SkBF independently of changes in plasma osmolality without regional differences.
Nitric oxide inhibits basolateral 10-pS Cl−channels through the cGMP/PKG signaling pathway in the thick ascending limb of C57BL/6 mice
Authors: Wu Peng , Gao Zhongxiuzi , Ye Shiwei , Qi Zhi
Published: January 2016

We used patch-clamp techniques to examine whether nitric oxide (NO) decreases NaCl reabsorption by suppressing basolateral 10-pS Cl−channels in the thick ascending limb (TAL). Both the NO synthase substrate l-arginine (l-Arg) and the NO donor S-nitroso- N-acetylpenicillamine significantly inhibited 10-pS Cl−channel activity in the TAL. The inhibitory effect of l-Arg on Cl−channels was completely abolished in the presence of the NO synthase inhibitor or NO scavenger. Moreover, inhibition of soluble guanylyl cyclase abrogated the effect of l-Arg on Cl−channels, whereas the cGMP analog 8-bromo-cGMP (8-BrcGMP) mimicked the effect of l-Arg and significantly decreased 10-pS Cl−channel activity, indicating that NO inhibits basolateral Cl−channels by increasing cGMP production. Furthermore, treatment of the TAL with a PKG inhibitor blocked the effect of l-Arg and 8-BrcGMP on Cl−channels, respectively. In contrast, a phosphodiesterase 2 inhibitor had no significant effect on l-Arg or 8-BrcGMP-induced inhibition of Cl−channels. Therefore, we conclude that NO decreases basolateral 10-pS Cl−channel activity through a cGMP-dependent PKG pathway, which may contribute to the natriuretic and diuretic effects of NO in vivo.
Heparan sulfate 6-O-endosulfatases, Sulf1 and Sulf2, regulate glomerular integrity by modulating growth factor signaling
Authors: Takashima Yasutoshi , Keino-Masu Kazuko , Yashiro Hiroshi , Hara Satoshi , Suzuki Tomo , van Kuppevelt Toin H. , Masu Masayuki , Nagata Michio
Published: January 2016

Glomerular integrity and functions are maintained by growth factor signaling. Heparan sulfate, the major component of glomerular extracellular matrixes, modulates growth factor signaling, but its roles in glomerular homeostasis are unknown. We investigated the roles of heparan sulfate 6- O-endosulfatases, sulfatase (Sulf)1 and Sulf2, in glomerular homeostasis. Both Sulf1 and Sulf2 were expressed in the glomeruli of wild-type (WT) mice. Sulf1 and Sulf2 double-knockout (DKO) mice showed glomerular hypercellularity, matrix accumulation, mesangiolysis, and glomerular basement membrane irregularity. Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-B and PDGF receptor-β were upregulated in Sulf1 and Sulf2 DKO mice compared with WT mice. Glomeruli from Sulf1 and Sulf2 DKO mice in vitro stimulated by either PDGF-B, VEGF, or transforming growth factor-β similarly showed reduction of phospho-Akt, phospho-Erk1/2, and phospho-Smad2/3, respectively. Since glomerular lesions in Sulf1 and Sulf2 DKO mice were reminiscent of diabetic nephropathy, we examined the effects of Sulf1 and Sulf2 gene disruption in streptozotocin-induced diabetes. Diabetic WT mice showed an upregulation of glomerular Sulf1 and Sulf2 mRNA by in situ hybridization. Diabetic DKO mice showed significant increases in albuminuria and serum creatinine and an acceleration of glomerular pathology without glomerular hypertrophy; those were associated with a reduction of glomerular phospho-Akt. In conclusion, Sulf1 and Sulf2 play indispensable roles to maintain glomerular integrity and protective roles in diabetic nephropathy, probably by growth factor modulation.
Sphingosine-1-Phosphate/Sphingosine-1-Phosphate Receptor 2 Axis Can Promote Mouse and Human Primary Mast Cell Angiogenic Potential through Upregulation of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-A and Matrix Metalloproteinase-2
Authors: Chumanevich Alena , Wedman Piper , Oskeritzian Carole A.
Published: January 2016

Mast cells (MC) are present in most vascularized tissues around the vasculature likely exerting immunomodulatory functions. Endowed with diverse mediators, resident MC represent first-line fine-tuners of local microenvironment. Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) functions as a pluripotent signaling sphingolipid metabolite in health and disease. S1P formation occurs at low levels in resting MC and is upregulated upon activation. Its export can result in type 2 S1P receptor- (S1PR2-) mediated stimulation of MC, further fueling inflammation. However, the role of S1PR2 ligation in proangiogenic vascular endothelial growth factor- (VEGF-) A and matrix metalloproteinase- (MMP-) 2 release from MC is unknown. Using a preclinical MC-dependent model of acute allergic responses andin vitrostimulated primary mouse bone marrow-derived MC (BMMC) or human primary skin MC, we report that S1P signaling resulted in substantial amount of VEGF-A release. Similar experiments usingS1pr2-deficient mice or BMMC or selective S1P receptor agonists or antagonists demonstrated that S1P/S1PR2 ligation on MC is important for VEGF-A secretion. Further, we show that S1P stimulation triggered transcriptional upregulation of VEGF-A and MMP-2 mRNA in human but not in mouse MC. S1P exposure also triggered MMP-2 secretion from human MC. These studies identify a novel proangiogenic axis encompassing MC/S1P/S1PR2 likely relevant to inflammation.
Molecular Dynamics Study of the Separation Behavior at the Interface between PVDF Binder and Copper Current Collector
Authors: Lee Seungjun
Published: January 2016

In Li-ion batteries, the mechanical strengths at the interfaces of binder/particle and binder/current collector play an important role in maintaining the mechanical integrity of the composite electrode. In this work, the separation behaviors between polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) binders and copper current collectors are studied in the opening and sliding modes using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The simulation shows that the separation occurs inside the PVDF rather than at the interface due to the strong adhesion between PVDF and copper. This fracture behavior is different from the behavior of the PVDF/graphite basal plane that shows a clear separation at the interface. The results suggest that the adhesion strength of the PVDF/copper is stronger than that of the PVDF/graphite basal plane. The methodology used in MD simulation can directly evaluate the adhesion strength at the interfaces of various materials between binders, substrates, and particles at the atomic scales. The proposed method can therefore provide a guideline for the design of the electrode in order to enhance the mechanical integrity for better battery performance.
Imaging of Hip Pain: From Radiography to Cross-Sectional Imaging Techniques
Authors: Ruiz Santiago Fernando , Santiago Chinchilla Alicia , Ansari Afshin , Guzmán Álvarez Luis , Castellano García Maria del Mar , Martínez Martínez Alberto , Tercedor Sánchez Juan
Published: January 2016

Hip pain can have multiple causes, including intra-articular, juxta-articular, and referred pain, mainly from spine or sacroiliac joints. In this review, we discuss the causes of intra-articular hip pain from childhood to adulthood and the role of the appropriate imaging techniques according to clinical suspicion and age of the patient. Stress is put on the findings of radiographs, currently considered the first imaging technique, not only in older people with degenerative disease but also in young people without osteoarthritis. In this case plain radiography allows categorization of the hip as normal or dysplastic or with impingement signs, pincer, cam, or a combination of both.
Antioxidant Potential of Spirulina platensis Mitigates Oxidative Stress and Reprotoxicity Induced by Sodium Arsenite in Male Rats
Authors: Bashandy Samir A. E. , El Awdan Sally A. , Ebaid Hossam , Alhazza Ibrahim M.
Published: January 2016

The present study aimed to examine the protective role of Spirulina platensis (S. platensis) against arsenic‐induced testicular oxidative damage in rats. Arsenic (in the form of NaAsO2 at a dose of 6.3 mg/kg body weight for 8 weeks) caused a significant accumulation of arsenic in testicular tissues as well as a decrease in the levels of testicular superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), reduced glutathione, and zinc. Moreover, it significantly decreased plasma testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4) levels and reduced sperm motility and sperm count. Arsenic (AS) led to a significant increase in testicular malondialdehyde (MDA), tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α), nitric oxide (NO), and sperm abnormalities. S. platensis at a dose of 300 mg/kg was found to attenuate As‐induced oxidative stress, testicular damage, and sperm abnormalities by its potent antioxidant activity. S. platensis may represent a potential therapeutic option to protect the testicular tissue from arsenic intoxication.