bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measurement properties of instruments assessing permanent functional impairment of the spine: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Goes Suelen Meira , Trask Catherine M , Boden Catherine , Bath Brenna , Ribeiro Daniel Cury , Hendrick Paul , Clay Lynne , Zeng Xiaoke , Milosavljevic Stephan
Published: January 2018

Introduction

Permanent functional impairment (PFI) of the spine is a rating system used by compensation authorities, such as workers compensation boards, to establish an appropriate level of financial compensation for persistent loss of function. Determination of PFI of the spine is commonly based on the assessment of spinal movement combined with other measures of physical and functional impairments; however, the reliability and validity of the measurement instruments used for these evaluations have yet to be established. The aim of this study is to systematically review and synthesise the literature concerning measurement properties of the various and different instruments used for assessing PFI of the spine.

Methods

Three conceptual groups of terms (1) PFI, (2) spinal disorder and (3) measurement properties will be combined to search Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, PEDro, OTSeeker and Health and Safety Science Abstracts. We will examine peer-reviewed, full-text articles over the full available date range. Two reviewers will independently screen citations (title, abstract and full text) and perform data extraction. Included studies will be appraised as to their methodological quality using the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments criteria. Findings will be summarised and presented descriptively, with meta-analysis pursued as appropriate.

Ethics and dissemination

This review will summarise the current level of evidence of measurement properties of instruments used for assessing PFI of the spine. Findings of this review may be applicable to clinicians, policy-makers, workers’ compensation boards, other insurers and health and safety organisations. The findings will likely provide a foundation and direction for future research priorities for assessing spinal PFI.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42017060390.
Study protocol for a cluster randomised controlled factorial design trial to assess the effectiveness and feasibility of reactive focal mass drug administration and vector control to reduce malaria transmission in the low endemic setting of Namibia
Authors: Medzihradsky Oliver F , Kleinschmidt Immo , Mumbengegwi Davis , Roberts Kathryn W , McCreesh Patrick , Dufour Mi-Suk Kang , Uusiku Petrina , Katokele Stark , Bennett Adam , Smith Jennifer , Sturrock Hugh , Prach Lisa M , Ntuku Henry , Tambo Munyaradzi , Didier Bradley , Greenhouse Bryan , Gani Zaahira , Aerts Ann , Gosling Roly , Hsiang Michelle S
Published: January 2018

Introduction

To interrupt malaria transmission, strategies must target the parasite reservoir in both humans and mosquitos. Testing of community members linked to an index case, termed reactive case detection (RACD), is commonly implemented in low transmission areas, though its impact may be limited by the sensitivity of current diagnostics. Indoor residual spraying (IRS) before malaria season is a cornerstone of vector control efforts. Despite their implementation in Namibia, a country approaching elimination, these methods have been met with recent plateaus in transmission reduction. This study evaluates the effectiveness and feasibility of two new targeted strategies, reactive focal mass drug administration (rfMDA) and reactive focal vector control (RAVC) in Namibia.

Methods and analysis

This is an open-label cluster randomised controlled trial with 2×2 factorial design. The interventions include: rfMDA (presumptive treatment with artemether-lumefantrine (AL)) versus RACD (rapid diagnostic testing and treatment using AL) and RAVC (IRS with Acellic 300CS) versus no RAVC. Factorial design also enables comparison of the combined rfMDA+RAVC intervention to RACD. Participants living in 56 enumeration areas will be randomised to one of four arms: rfMDA, rfMDA+RAVC, RACD or RACD+RAVC. These interventions, triggered by index cases detected at health facilities, will be targeted to individuals residing within 500 m of an index. The primary outcome is cumulative incidence of locally acquired malaria detected at health facilities over 1 year. Secondary outcomes include seroprevalence, infection prevalence, intervention coverage, safety, acceptability, adherence, cost and cost-effectiveness.

Ethics and dissemination

Findings will be reported on clinicaltrials.gov, in peer-reviewed publications and through stakeholder meetings with MoHSS and community leaders in Namibia.

Trial registration number

NCT02610400; Pre-results.
Recommendations for successful sensory screening in older adults with dementia in long-term care: a qualitative environmental scan of Canadian specialists
Authors: Wittich Walter , Höbler Fiona , Jarry Jonathan , McGilton Katherine S
Published: January 2018

Objectives

This study aimed to identify screening tools, technologies and strategies that vision and hearing care specialists recommend to front-line healthcare professionals for the screening of older adults in long-term care homes who have dementia.

Setting

An environmental scan of healthcare professionals took place via telephone interviews between December 2015 and March 2016. All interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, proofed for accuracy, and their contents thematically analysed by two members of the research team.

Participants

A convenience sample of 11 professionals from across Canada specialising in the fields of vision and hearing healthcare and technology for older adults with cognitive impairment were included in the study.

Outcome measures

As part of a larger mixed-methods project, this qualitative study used semistructured interviews and their subsequent content analysis.

Results

Following a two-step content analysis of interview data, coded citations were grouped into three main categories: (1) barriers, (2) facilitators and (3) tools and strategies that do or do not work for sensory screening of older adults with dementia. We report on the information offered by participants within each of these themes, along with a summary of tools and strategies that work for screening older adults with dementia.

Conclusions

Recommendations from sensory specialists to nurses working in long-term care included the need for improved interprofessional communication and collaboration, as well as flexibility, additional time and strategic use of clinical intuition and ingenuity. These suggestions at times contradicted the realities of service provision or the need for standardised and validated measures.
Suicide bereavement: piloting a longitudinal study in Australia
Authors: Kõlves Kairi , de Leo Diego
Published: January 2018

Objectives

The pilot study were (1) to test the technical and administrative feasibility of a full-scale study, including recruitment process, response and retention rate, questionnaire design for an investigation to improve understanding of the suicide bereavement processes compared with bereavement by sudden deaths and (2) to present the differences and changes in the main outcomes—grief reactions of close relatives exposed to suicide and sudden death over 2 years.

Design

A longitudinal prospective study comparing bereavement by suicide to other types of sudden deaths over time (6, 12 and 24 months).

Setting

Queensland, Australia.

Participants

25 suicide-bereaved and 15 sudden-death-bereaved persons.

Outcome measures

Grief reactions (measured with the Grief Experience Questionnaire).

Results

The response rate was 52.1% in the suicide bereaved and 45.5% in the sudden-death group. There was a small number of dropouts, with the retention rate over 85% for both groups. Linear mixed modelling for repeated measures showed a significant group effect (higher in suicide bereaved) for total grief, responsibility, rejection and unique reactions. A significant time effect (reduction) was measured for total grief, somatic reactions, general grief reactions and search for explanation. One significant time and group interaction was measured; rejection showed a decline in suicide and an increase in sudden-death bereaved.

Conclusions

The pilot study presented the appropriateness of the study methodology. This type of study has implications for counselling and treating people bereaved by suicide and for designing postvention activities.
Depressive symptoms and workplace-violence-related risk factors among otorhinolaryngology nurses and physicians in Northern China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Fang Huiying , Zhao Xiaowen , Yang Haicheng , Sun Peihang , Li Ying , Jiang Kexin , Li Peng , Jiao Mingli , Liu Ming , Qiao Hong , Wu Qunhong
Published: January 2018

Objectives

Workplace violence is relatively frequent among medical professionals who work in otorhinolaryngology units. This phenomenon reduces the quality of provided medical care and increases the incidence of depressive symptoms among physicians and nurses, seriously affecting their job satisfaction and work efficiency with a negative attitude towards providing treatment. Few existing studies have assessed workplace-violence-related factors associated with depressive symptoms among otorhinolaryngology physicians and nurses.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study in grade A tertiary hospitals of Heilongjiang province in Northern China, to evaluate the occurrence and level of depressive symptoms among otorhinolaryngology physicians and nurses and to analyse the relationship between them and workplace-violence-related risk factors and demographic variables.

Results

Of all our participating professionals, (379 otorhinolaryngologists and 273 nurses), 57.2% were found to have depressive symptoms, whereas, of the respondents who had suffered from physical violence, 71.25% had depressive symptoms. Professionals with less than 1 year of experience, as well as professionals who more frequently worked alone, were more likely to suffer from depressive symptoms than their colleagues.

Conclusions

This research addresses an emerging issue of clinical practice, and its results differ from those of previous studies; specifically, it indicates that the frequency of depressive symptoms among otorhinolaryngology physicians and nurses may be influenced by physical violence, the number of coworkers they have for more than half of their working hours and other workplace-violence-related factors. To reduce the depressive symptoms caused by workplace violence and improve the quality of medical services, medical institutions should implement effective measures to prevent the occurrence of physical violence, strengthen team cooperation ability and increase peer support.
Multiple types of human papillomavirus infection and anal precancerous lesions in HIV-infected men in Taiwan: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Cheng Shu-Hsing , Liao Kuo-Sheng , Wang Chi-Chao , Cheng Chien-Yu , Chu Fang-Yeh
Published: January 2018

Objectives

This study aimed to assess the relationship between infection with multiple human papillomavirus (HPV) types and abnormal anal cytology in HIV-infected men.

Design

An observational, cross-sectional study.

Setting

A regional referral hospital in Taiwan.

Participants

In total, 714 HIV-infected men were enrolled between March 2011 and June 2016. Thin preparation anal Pap smears were interpreted according to the 2001 Bethesda System. Thirty-seven types of HPV were detected by reverse line blotting, including 13 oncogenic types and 24 non-oncogenic types.

Outcome measures

The relationship between anal HPV infection and abnormal anal cytology in people of Asian ethnicity and the coverage efficacy in HPV-vaccinated HIV-infected men.

Results

On anal cytology, 175 (24.5%) subjects had atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) or higher grades of dysplasia, including 87 (49.7%) with ASCUS, 73 (41.7%) with low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSILs) and 15 (8.6%) with high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSILs). A higher proportion of subjects with those without LSIL/HSIL (93.1% vs 67.3%, P<0.0001) had multiple HPV types. The odds of having LSIL/HSIL increased with an increasing number of HPV types: the ORs ranged from 1 for no HPV types to 6.96 (95% CI 2.38 to 20.37) for more than five types (Ptrend<0.0001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed a significant association between LSIL/HSIL and the number of HPV genotypes present (OR 1.20; 95% CI 1.02 to 1.42, P<0.05). HPV types covered by the nonavalent HPV vaccine (types 6/11/16/18/31/33/45/52/58) were detected in 70.1% of the patients in this study.

Conclusions

The odds of having anal LSIL/HSIL are approximately seventimes greater in HIV-infected men with than withoutsix or more types of HPV. Multiple HPV types in HIV-infected patients deserves aggressive follow-up, and HPV vaccination programme require scaling up.
Randomised controlled trial of the sliding hip screw versus X-Bolt Dynamic Hip Plating System for the fixation of trochanteric fractures of the hip in adults: a protocol study for WHiTE 4 (WHiTE4)
Authors: Griffin Xavier L , Achten Juul , Sones William , Cook Jonathan , Costa Matthew L
Published: January 2018

Introduction

Sliding hip screw fixation is well established in the treatment of trochanteric fractures of the hip. The X-Bolt Dynamic Hip Plating System builds on the successful design features of the sliding hip screw but differs in the nature of the fixation in the femoral head. A randomised pilot study suggested that the X-bolt Dynamic Hip Plating System might provide similar health-related quality of life while reducing the risk of revision surgery when compared with the sliding hip screw. This is the protocol for a multicentre randomised trial of sliding hip screw versus X-Bolt Dynamic Hip Plating System for patients 60 years and over treated for a trochanteric fracture of the hip.

Methods and analysis

Multicentre, multisurgeon, parallel, two-arm, randomised controlled trial. Patients aged 60 years and older with a trochanteric hip fracture are potentially eligible. Participants will be randomly allocated on a 1:1 basis to either sliding hip screw or X-Bolt Dynamic Hip Plating System. Otherwise, all care will be in accordance with National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidance. A minimum of 1128 patients will be recruited to obtain 90% power to detect a 0.075-point difference in EuroQol-5D health-related quality of life at 4 months postrandomisation. Secondary outcomes include mortality, residential status, revision surgery and radiographic measures. The treatment effect will be estimated using a two-sided t-test adjusted for age, gender and cognitive impairment based on an intention-to-treat analysis.

Ethics and dissemination

National Research Ethics Committee approved this study on 5 February 2016 (16/WM/0001). The study is sponsored by the University of Oxford and funded through an investigator initiated grant by X-Bolt Orthopaedics. A manuscript for a high-impact peer-reviewed journal will be prepared, and the results will be disseminated to patients through local mechanisms at participating centres.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN92825709.
Non-parenchymal TREM-2 protects the liver from immune-mediated hepatocellular damage
Authors: Perugorria Maria J , Esparza-Baquer Aitor , Oakley Fiona , Labiano Ibone , Korosec Ana , Jais Alexander , Mann Jelena , Tiniakos Dina , Santos-Laso Alvaro , Arbelaiz Ander , Gawish Riem , Sampedro Ana , Fontanellas Antonio , Hijona Elizabeth , Jimenez-Agüero Raul , Esterbauer Harald , Stoiber Dagmar , Bujanda Luis , Banales Jesus María , Knapp Sylvia , Sharif Omar , Mann Derek A
Published: January 2018

Objective

Liver injury impacts hepatic inflammation in part via Toll-like receptor (TLR) signalling. Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM-2) modulates TLR4-mediated inflammation in bone marrow (BM)-derived macrophages but its function in liver injury is unknown. Here we hypothesised that the anti-inflammatory effects of TREM-2 on TLR signalling may limit hepatic injury.

Design

TREM-2 expression was analysed in livers of humans with various forms of liver injury compared with control individuals. Acute and chronic liver injury models were performed in wild type and Trem-2-/- mice. Primary liver cells from both genotypes of mice were isolated for in vitro experiments.

Results

TREM-2 was expressed on non-parenchymal hepatic cells and induced during liver injury in mice and man. Mice lacking TREM-2 exhibited heightened liver damage and inflammation during acute and repetitive carbon tetrachloride and acetaminophen (APAP) intoxication, the latter of which TREM-2 deficiency was remarkably associated with worsened survival. Liver damage in Trem-2-/- mice following chronic injury and APAP challenge was associated with elevated hepatic lipid peroxidation and macrophage content. BM transplantation experiments and cellular reactive oxygen species assays revealed effects of TREM-2 in the context of chronic injury depended on both immune and resident TREM-2 expression. Consistent with effects of TREM-2 on inflammation-associated injury, primary hepatic macrophages and hepatic stellate cells lacking TREM-2 exhibited augmented TLR4-driven proinflammatory responses.

Conclusion

Our data indicate that by acting as a natural brake on inflammation during hepatocellular injury, TREM-2 is a critical regulator of diverse types of hepatotoxic injury.
Managing moral distress in practice
Authors: Fawcett Anne , Mullan Siobhan
Published: January 2018

Moral distress is a type of distress that results from engaging in, or failing to prevent, decisions and actions which conflict with one's personal values and beliefs. Moral distress occurs commonly in veterinary practice. This article describes moral distress, reviews its incidence in healthcare professions, particularly the veterinary profession, explores the potential impacts on veterinarians, and discusses strategies for coping with and preventing moral distress.
Clients who cannot afford to pay
Authors: Fawcett Anne , Chadwick Myles
Published: January 2018

THIS series gives readers the opportunity to consider and contribute to discussion of some of the ethical dilemmas that can arise in veterinary practice. Each month, a case scenario is presented, followed by discussion of some of the issues involved.

In addition, a possible way forward is suggested; however, there is rarely a cut‐and‐dried answer in such cases, and readers may wish to suggest an alternative approach. This month's dilemma, ‘Clients who cannot afford to pay’, was submitted and is discussed by Anne Fawcett and Myles Chadwick. Readers with comments to contribute are invited to send them as soon as possible, so that they can be considered for publication in the next issue.

The series is being coordinated by Dr Steven McCulloch, acting director of the Centre for Animal Welfare, University of Winchester. It aims to provide a framework that will help practising veterinarians find solutions when facing similar dilemmas.
Comments on the dilemma in the November/December issue: Advice requested via social media
Authors: McCulloch Steven
Published: January 2018

In the dilemma discussed in the November/December issue of In Practice, Andrew Knight describes a case where a woman asks for your advice about her dog Forbes, a seven‐year‐old schnoodle suffering from vomiting and diarrhoea (IP, November/December 2017, vol 39, pp 478‐479). Forbes has been diagnosed with pancreatitis and been prescribed metronidazole, but the drugs do not arrive until tomorrow. The problem is that the client is Sasha in Oklahoma, who has asked you on social media. You are based in the UK and have never met Sasha and never examined Forbes the schnoodle.
Abdominal trauma in dogs 2. management
Authors: Cortellini Stefano , Humm Karen
Published: January 2018

Trauma represents a big challenge for emergency doctors both in human and veterinary medicine. There have been great advancements in trauma medicine in people and these often provide an inspiration for veterinary surgeons. However, the vast differences in the facilities and finances available in human and veterinary medicine make the approach to trauma in both fields quite different. This article, the second in a two‐part series, describes how to manage canine trauma patients. The first part focused on the initial investigation of canine abdominal trauma (Humm and Cortellini 2017). Although this article will mention guidelines in people, these should not be automatically applied to dogs, especially when more relevant evidence for this species exists.
Diagnosis and prevention of rabbit viral haemorrhagic disease 2
Authors: Rocchi Mara S. , Dagleish Mark P.
Published: January 2018

Rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD) is a highly infectious, often fatal, disease of rabbits and it is commonly found throughout the UK. RHD is caused by rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV), also known as rabbit calicivirus (RCV). Since 2010, a new virus variant (RHDV2/RHDVb) emerged in Europe, and was identified in the UK in 2014; this new variant has now replaced the original virus in many countries. This article discusses the diagnosis and prevention of RHDV2 and the resources, such as diagnostic laboratories and vaccines, currently available in the UK.
A 8-Year Population-Based Cohort Study of Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Childhood with History of Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Tsai Jeng-Dau , Wang I-Chung , Shen Te-Chun , Lin Cheng-Li , Wei Chang-Ching
Published: January 2018

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic functional gastrointestinal disorder affecting a large number of people worldwide. Based on the concept of central sensitization, we conducted a population-based cohort analysis to investigate the risk of IBS in children with atopic dermatitis (AD) as one of the first steps in the atopic march. From 2000 to 2007, 1 20 014 children with newly diagnosed AD and 1 20 014 randomly selected non-AD controls were included in the study. By the end of 2008, incidences of IBS in both cohorts and the AD cohort to non-AD cohort hazard ratios (HRs) and CIs were measured. The incidence of IBS during the study period was 1.45-fold greater (95% CI: 1.32 to 1.59) in the AD cohort than in the non-AD cohort (18.8 vs 12.9 per 10 000 person-years). The AD to non-AD HR of IBS was greater for girls (1.60, 95% CI: 1.39 to 1.85) and children≥12 years (1.59, 95% CI: 1.23 to 2.05). The HR of IBS in AD children increased from 0.84 (95% CI: 0.75 to 0.94) for those with ≤3 AD related visits to 16.7 (95% CI: 14.7 to 18.9) for those with >5 visits (P<0.0001, by the trend test). AD children had a greater risk of developing IBS. Further research is needed to clarify the role of allergy in the pathogenesis of IBS.
Response to Sheehan et al’s ‘In defence of governance: ethics review and social research’
Authors: Hammersley Martyn
Published: January 2018

This response welcomes Sheehan et al’s discussion of the criticisms that have been made of mandatory, pre-emptive ethics regulation and their outline of a philosophical rationale for it. However, it is argued that they misrepresent some of the key criticisms and fail to provide any effective response to them.
‘Porcelain aorta’: a proposed definition and classification of ascending aortic calcification
Authors: Snow Thomas , Semple Thomas , Duncan Alison , Barker Sarah , Rubens Michael , DiMario Carlo , Davies Simon , Moat Neil , Nicol Edward David
Published: January 2018

Introduction

‘Porcelain aorta’ is listed in the second consensus document of the Valve Academic Research Consortium as a risk factor in aortic valve replacement. However, the extent of circumferential involvement is poorly defined with great variability in reported incidence. We present a simple, reproducible classification to describe the extent of aortic calcification and thus appropriately define ‘porcelain aorta’, aiding clinical decision-making and registry data collection.

Methods

175 consecutive CT aortograms were reviewed. The aorta was divided into three sections, and each section divided into quadrants. These were individually scored using a 5-point scale (0—no calcification, 5—complete contiguous calcification).

Results for each quadrant were summated for each segment to provide an indication of the distribution of calcification.

Results

Only one patient (0.6%) had a ‘true’ porcelain aorta, defined as contiguous calcification across all quadrants at any aortic level. Intraobserver and interobserver variation was excellent for the ascending aorta (K=0.85–0.88 and 0.81–0.96, respectively) while the interobserver variation in the transverse arch was good at 0.75.

Conclusions

Our data suggest the incidence of ‘true’ porcelain aorta may be significantly lower than reported in the literature. The predominance of calcification within the anterior wall of the proximal ascending aorta and the superior wall of the transverse arch may be clinically important. Application of this quick, simple and reproducible grading system, with no requirement for advanced software, may provide a tool to support accurate assessment of focal aortic calcification and its relationship to subsequent procedural risk.
Emergency intraoperative transcutaneous pacing in a dog undergoing a high‐pressure balloon inflation to relieve severe subaortic stenosis
Authors: Norgate Daisy Jessica , Pelligand Ludovic
Published: January 2018

A 23‐week‐old, 25.7 kg Rottweiler presented with a grade V/VI left and right basilar systolic heart murmur with no other clinical signs. Echocardiography revealed severe congenital subaortic stenosis. The dog was given a poor prognosis due to a high risk of sudden death. A high‐pressure balloon valvuloplasty was performed to reduce the pressure gradient. Immediately following the balloon inflation, the dog experienced complete atrioventricular block without a ventricular escape, and a rapid reduction in end‐tidal carbon dioxide. In order to restore cardiac output, the dog was immediately paced transcutaneously. Normal sinus rhythm was restored 15 minutes after initiation of pacing, after which pacing was stopped. The remainder of the anaesthetic was uneventful; the dog recovered well and was discharged 48 hours later with no reoccurrence of atrioventricular block. The ability to perform immediate transcutaneous pacing was instrumental to this dog’s survival.
Tracheal plasmacytoma in a dog
Authors: Elmenhorst Kine , Tappin Simon , Nelissen Pieter , Demetriou Jackie
Published: January 2018

A seven‐year six‐month‐old male, neutered Border Collie was presented with a two‐week history of progressive stridor and an episode of collapse. Cervical radiographs revealed an intraluminal mass obstructing 80 per cent of the tracheal lumen. Cytology of fine needle aspirate from the mass was suggestive of a plasma cell tumour. The mass was removed endoscopically using diode laser ablation. Histopathological examination and immunohistochemistry confirmed a plasmacytoma. On follow‐up endoscopic examination six weeks postoperatively, there was suspected recurrence of the tracheal mass. The dog underwent an open revision surgery to excise the mass. No further complications were seen postoperatively.
Social rank affects the haematologic profile in red deer hinds
Authors: Ceacero Francisco , Gaspar‐López Enrique , Landete‐Castillejos Tomás , Gallego Laureano , García Andrés J
Published: January 2018

We studied the effects of social rank on the haematologic profile in a herd of 24 female Iberian red deer hinds. Social rank hierarchy was determined and blood samples were taken and analysed. After adjusting for age and body mass, dominance ranking showed a significant negative effect (ie, lower values in dominant hinds) on white blood cell (WBC) count, haemoglobin and haematocrit. Our results are similar to those reported for stressed individuals due to physical immobilisation, but do not support the predicted enhanced erythropoiesis due to higher levels of androgens. The results for WBC numbers may also reflect that subordinate hinds must allocate a higher amount of resources to immunity as a result of injuries incurred from dominant hinds, while simultaneously facing restricted access to food sources. For red blood cell (RBC) counts, the results may be due to subordinate hinds likely needing increased haematocrit and haemoglobin levels for fast flight responses. Our data show that social rank influences haematologic profile, and thus it should be considered when correctly interpreting blood analyses in social cervid species.
Survival and habitat use of sympatric lagomorphs in bottomland hardwood forests
Authors: Crawford J.C. , Nielsen C.K. , Schauber E.M.
Published: January 2018

Lagomorphs are important consumers and prey in ecosystems worldwide, but have declined due to land use changes and habitat loss, and such losses may be exacerbated for specialist species. We compared survival and habitat use of two closely related lagomorphs, the swamp rabbit (Sylvilagus aquaticus (Bachman, 1837)), a bottomland hardwood (BLH) forest specialist, and the eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus (J. A. Allen, 1890)), a habitat generalist. We tested whether survival and habitat use differed between radio-collared swamp rabbits (n = 129) and eastern cottontails (n = 72) monitored during December 2009 – December 2013 in southern Illinois. We found interactive effects of species and season on survival rates: swamp rabbits had higher annual survival (0.37 ± 0.05 (estimate ± SE)) than did cottontails (0.20 ± 0.05), but this difference occurred primarily during the growing season. Swamp rabbits were located closer to watercourses in areas characterized by higher basal area and more mature BLH forest cover compared with eastern cottontails. Our results suggest that BLH forests may be marginal habitat for cottontails and indicate predation as the primary cause of mortality for both species. Swamp rabbits use of early-successional BLH forest suggests that restoration efforts have been successful. However, as specialists, swamp rabbits remain restricted to a narrow band of bottomlands near watercourses and may benefit from improved upland cover that serves as refugia from flooding.
Kinematic performance and muscle activation patterns during post-freeze locomotion in the Wood Frog (Rana sylvatica)
Authors: Santos-Santos Javier H. , Culbert Brett M. , Standen Emily M.
Published: January 2018

Wood Frogs (Rana sylvatica LeConte, 1825 = Lithobates sylvaticus (LeConte, 1825)) exhibit one of the most extreme freeze tolerance responses found in vertebrates. While extensive work is continuing to resolve the physiological mechanisms involved, few have studied the effects of freezing on locomotor performance. The ability to mount an appropriate locomotor response is vital, as locomotion can affect both survivorship and reproductive success. To investigate how the biomechanical processes during locomotion are altered following freezing, stroke cycle timings and kinematic performance were measured prior to and immediately following a freeze–thaw cycle. Additionally, the effects of cooling rate (0.3 versus 0.8 °C/h) were also assessed. While jumping and swimming performance were both reduced post-freeze, the effects were more pronounced during swimming, with observed reductions in velocity and distance travelled. Interestingly, these changes occurred largely independent of cooling rate. Altered stroke cycle timings and highly variable muscle activation/deactivation patterns suggest an impairment in muscle function as frogs continued to recover from the effects of freezing. This was supported by the physiology of frogs post-freeze, specifically, the persistence of elevated glucose levels in muscles important during locomotion. Collectively, these findings suggest that reductions in locomotor performance observed immediately following a freeze–thaw cycle are driven by alterations in muscle function.
American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) embryos tightly regulate intracellular pH during a severe acidosis
Authors: Shartau R.B. , Crossley D.A. , Kohl Z.F. , Elsey R.M. , Brauner C.J.
Published: January 2018

Crocodilian nests naturally experience high CO2(hypercarbia), which leads to increased blood Pco2and reduced blood pH (pHe) in embryos; their response to acid–base challenges is not known. During acute hypercarbia, snapping turtle embryos preferentially regulate tissue pH (pHi) against pHereductions. This is proposed to be associated with CO2tolerance in reptilian embryos and is not found in adults. In the present study, we investigated pH regulation in American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis (Daudin, 1802)) embryos exposed to 1 h of hypercarbia hypoxia (13 kPa Pco2, 9 kPa Po2). Hypercarbia hypoxia reduced pHeby 0.42 pH unit, while heart and brain pHiincreased, with no change in the pHiof other tissues. The results indicate that American alligator embryos preferentially regulate pHi, similar to snapping turtle embryos, which represents a markedly different strategy of acid–base regulation than what is observed in adult reptiles. These findings suggest that preferential pHiregulation may be a strategy of acid–base regulation used by embryonic reptiles.
Dynamic Analysis of a Rotor System Supported on Squeeze Film Damper with Air Entrainment
Authors: Zhang Wei , Han Bingbing , Zhang Kunpeng , Ding Qian
Published: January 2018

Squeeze film dampers (SFDs) are widely used in compressors and turbines to suppress the vibration while traversing critical speeds. In practical applications, air ingestion from the outside environment and cavitation may lead to a foamy lubricant that weakens oil film damping and dynamic performance of rotor system. In this paper, a rigid rotor model is established considering both lateral and pitching vibration under different imbalance excitations to evaluate the effect of air entrainment on rotor system. Tests with three different imbalances are carried out on a rotor-SFD apparatus. Volume controlled air in mixture ranging from pure oil to all air are supplied to the SFD. The transient response of rotor is measured in the experiments. The results show that two-phase flow produces significant influence on the system stability and dynamical response. The damping properties are weakened by entrained air, such as the damping on high frequency components of rolling ball bearing. Super-harmonic resonance and bifurcation are observed, as well as the low frequency components due to air entrainment.
On Numerical Integration of Discontinuous Dynamical Systems
Authors: Danca Marius-F. , Fec̆kan Michal
Published: January 2018

This paper addresses an important issue in numerical integration of dynamical systems, integer- or fractional-order, with discontinuous vector fields. It is shown that these systems cannot be solved using numerical methods designed for ODEs with continuous functions on the right-hand side, therefore we have to resort to special schemes and procedures in numerical integrations such as continuous approximations of the right-hand sides of the ODEs.
Heterogeneity and Self-Organization of Complex Systems Through an Application to Financial Market with Multiagent Systems
Authors: Lucas Iris , Cotsaftis Michel , Bertelle Cyrille
Published: January 2018

Multiagent systems (MAS) provide a useful tool for exploring the complex dynamics and behavior of financial markets and now MAS approach has been widely implemented and documented in the empirical literature. This paper introduces the implementation of an innovative multi-scale mathematical model for a computational agent-based financial market. The paper develops a method to quantify the degree of self-organization which emerges in the system and shows that the capacity of self-organization is maximized when the agent behaviors are heterogeneous. Numerical results are presented and analyzed, showing how the global market behavior emerges from specific individual behavior interactions.
Bifurcation Analysis of a Predator–Prey System with Ratio-Dependent Functional Response
Authors: Jiang Xin , She Zhikun , Feng Zhaosheng , Zheng Xiuliang
Published: January 2018

In this paper, we are concerned with the structural stability of a density dependent predator–prey system with ratio-dependent functional response. Starting with the geometrical analysis of hyperbolic curves, we obtain that the system has one or two positive equilibria under various conditions. Inspired by the S-procedure and semi-definite programming, we use the sum of squares decomposition based method to ensure the global asymptotic stability of the positive equilibrium through the associated polynomial Lyapunov functions. By exploring the monotonic property of the trace of the Jacobian matrix with respect to [Formula: see text] under the given different conditions, we analytically verify that there is a corresponding unique [Formula: see text] such that the trace is equal to zero and prove the existence of Hopf bifurcation, respectively.
Detection of Periodic Orbits in Hamiltonian Systems Using Lagrangian Descriptors
Authors: Demian Atanasiu Stefan , Wiggins Stephen
Published: January 2018

The purpose of this paper is to apply Lagrangian Descriptors, a concept used to describe phase space structure, to autonomous Hamiltonian systems with two degrees of freedom in order to detect periodic solutions. We propose a method for Hamiltonian systems with saddle-center equilibrium and apply this approach to the classical Hénon–Heiles system. The method was successful in locating the unstable Lyapunov orbits in phase space.
Improving Cross-Company Defect Prediction with Data Filtering
Authors: Yu Xiao , Liu Jin , Peng Weiqiang , Peng Xingyu
Published: January 2018

Defect prediction aims to estimate software reliability via learning from historical defect data. Cross-company defect prediction (CCDP) is a practical way that trains a prediction model by exploiting one or multiple projects of a source company and then applies the model to the target company. Unfortunately, larger irrelevant cross-company (CC) data usually makes it difficult to build a CCDP model with high performance. To address such issues, this paper proposes a data filtering method based on agglomerative clustering (DFAC) for CCDP. First, DFAC combines within-company (WC) instances and CC instances and uses agglomerative clustering algorithm to group these instances. Second, DFAC selects subclusters which consist of at least one WC instance, and collects the CC instances in the selected subclusters into a new CC data. Compared with existing data filter methods, the experiment results from 15 public PROMISE datasets show that DFAC increases the pd value, reduces the pf value and achieves higher [Formula: see text]-measure value.
Comparing Software Bugs in Clone and Non-clone Code: An Empirical Study
Authors: Islam Judith F. , Mondal Manishankar , Roy Chanchal K. , Schneider Kevin A.
Published: January 2018

Code cloning is a recurrent operation in everyday software development. Whether it is a good or bad practice is an ongoing debate among researchers and developers for the last few decades. In this paper, we conduct a comparative study on bug-proneness in clone code and non-clone code by analyzing commit logs. According to our inspection of thousands of revisions of seven diverse subject systems, the percentage of changed files due to bug-fix commits is significantly higher in clone code compared with non-clone code. We perform a Mann–Whitney–Wilcoxon (MWW) test to show the statistical significance of our findings. In addition, the possibility of occurrence of severe bugs is higher in clone code than in non-clone code. Bug-fixing changes affecting clone code should be considered more carefully. Finally, our manual investigation shows that clone code containing if-condition and if–else blocks has a high risk of having severing bugs. Changes to such types of clone fragments should be done carefully during software maintenance. According to our findings, clone code appears to be more bug-prone than non-clone code.
The Relationship Between Code Smells and Traceable Patterns — Are They Measuring the Same Thing?
Authors: Codabux Zadia , Sultana Kazi Zakia , Williams Byron J.
Published: January 2018

It is important to maintain software quality as a software system evolves. Managing code smells in source code contributes towards quality software. While metrics have been used to pinpoint code smells in source code, we present an empirical study on the correlation of code smells with class-level (micro pattern) and method-level (nano-pattern) traceable code patterns. This study explores the relationship between code smells and class-level and method-level structural code constructs. We extracted micro patterns at the class level and nano-patterns at the method level from three versions of Apache Tomcat, three versions of Apache CXF and two J2EE web applications namely PersonalBlog and Roller from Stanford SecuriBench and then compared their distributions in code smell versus noncode smell classes and methods. We found that Immutable and Sink micro patterns are more frequent in classes having code smells compared to the noncode smell classes in the applications we analyzed. On the other hand, LocalReader and LocalWriter nano-patterns are more frequent in code smell methods compared to the noncode smell methods. We conclude that code smells are correlated with both micro and nano-patterns.
Quantization of high dimensional Gaussian vector using permutation modulation with application to information reconciliation in continuous variable QKD
Authors: Daneshgaran Fred , Mondin Marina , Olia Khashayar
Published: January 2018

This paper is focused on the problem of Information Reconciliation (IR) for continuous variable Quantum Key Distribution (QKD). The main problem is quantization and assignment of labels to the samples of the Gaussian variables observed at Alice and Bob. Trouble is that most of the samples, assuming that the Gaussian variable is zero mean which is de-facto the case, tend to have small magnitudes and are easily disturbed by noise. Transmission over longer and longer distances increases the losses corresponding to a lower effective Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) exasperating the problem. Quantization over higher dimensions is advantageous since it allows for fractional bit per sample accuracy which may be needed at very low SNR conditions whereby the achievable secret key rate is significantly less than one bit per sample. In this paper, we propose to use Permutation Modulation (PM) for quantization of Gaussian vectors potentially containing thousands of samples. PM is applied to the magnitudes of the Gaussian samples and we explore the dependence of the sign error probability on the magnitude of the samples. At very low SNR, we may transmit the entire label of the PM code from Bob to Alice in Reverse Reconciliation (RR) over public channel. The side information extracted from this label can then be used by Alice to characterize the sign error probability of her individual samples. Forward Error Correction (FEC) coding can be used by Bob on each subset of samples with similar sign error probability to aid Alice in error correction. This can be done for different subsets of samples with similar sign error probabilities leading to an Unequal Error Protection (UEP) coding paradigm.
An introduction to the Triassic: current insights into the regional setting and energy resource potential of NW Europe
Authors: Geluk Mark , McKie Tom , Kilhams Ben
Published: January 2018

A review of recent Triassic research across the Southern Permian Basin area demonstrates the role that high-resolution stratigraphic correlation has in identifying the main controls on sedimentary facies and, subsequently, the distribution of hydrocarbon reservoirs. The depositional and structural evolution of these sedimentary successions was the product of polyphase rifting controlled by antecedent structuration and halokinesis, fluctuating climate, and repeated marine flooding, leading to a wide range of reservoir types in a variety of structural configurations. Triassic hydrocarbon accumulations form an important energy resource across the basin, not only in the established Buntsandstein fairway but also in Rogenstein oolites and Muschelkalk carbonates. In addition, sand-prone sections in the Late Triassic, such as the Schilfsandstein, have the potential to be hydrocarbon reservoirs. Several Triassic intervals are now the focus for developing geothermal projects. A detailed understanding of Triassic reservoir quality and distribution is one of the main keys to efficiently unlocking the geothermal and remaining hydrocarbon potential across the basin.
Numerical Simulations for Large Deformation of Geomaterials Using Molecular Dynamics
Authors: Zhao Ziyang , Zhang Jun
Published: January 2018

From the microperspective, this paper presents a model based on a new type of noncontinuous theoretical mechanical method, molecular dynamics (MD), to simulate the typical soil granular flow. The Hertzian friction formula and viscous damping force are introduced in the MD governing equations to model the granular flow. To show the validity of the proposed approach, a benchmark problem of 2D viscous material flow is simulated. The calculated final flow runout distance of the viscous material agrees well with the result of constrained interpolated profile (CIP) method as reported in the literature. Numerical modeling of the propagation of the collapse of three‐dimensional axisymmetric sand columns is performed by the application of MD models. Comparison of the MD computational runout distance and the obtained distance by experiment shows a high degree of similarity. This indicates that the proposed MD model can accurately represent the evolution of the granular flow. The model developed may thus find applications in various problems involving dense granular flow and large deformations, such as landslides and debris flow. It provides a means for predicting fluidization characteristics of soil large deformation flow disasters and for identification and design of appropriate protective measures.
Modelling and Simulation of the Radiant Field in an Annular Heterogeneous Photoreactor Using a Four-Flux Model
Authors: Alvarado-Rolon O. , Natividad R. , Romero R. , Hurtado L. , Ramírez-Serrano A.
Published: January 2018

This work focuses on modeling and simulating the absorption and scattering of radiation in a photocatalytic annular reactor. To achieve so, a model based on four fluxes (FFM) of radiation in cylindrical coordinates to describe the radiant field is assessed. This model allows calculating the local volumetric rate energy absorption (LVREA) profiles when the reaction space of the reactors is not a thin film. The obtained results were compared to radiation experimental data from other authors and with the results obtained by discrete ordinate method (DOM) carried out with the Heat Transfer Module of Comsol Multiphysics® 4.4. The FFM showed a good agreement with the results of Monte Carlo method (MC) and the six-flux model (SFM). Through this model, the LVREA is obtained, which is an important parameter to establish the reaction rate equation. In this study, the photocatalytic oxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde was carried out, and the kinetic equation for this process was obtained. To perform the simulation, the commercial software COMSOL Multiphysics v. 4.4 was employed.