bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Intermetallic Compounds on the Thermomechanical Fatigue Life of Three-Dimensional Integrated Circuit Package Microsolder Bumps: Finite Element Analysis and Study
Authors: Choudhury Soud Farhan , Ladani Leila
Published: September 2015

Currently, intermetallics (IMCs) in the solder joint are getting much attention due to their higher volume fraction in the smaller thickness interconnects. They possess different mechanical properties compared to bulk solder. Large volume fraction of IMCs may affect the mechanical behavior, thermomechanical and mechanical fatigue life and reliability of the solder interconnects due to very brittle nature compared to solder material. The question that this study is seeking to answer is how degrading IMCs are to the thermomechanical reliability of the microbumps used in three-dimensional (3D) integrated circuits (ICs) where the microsolder bumps have only a few microns of bond thicknesses. Several factors such as “squeezed out” solder geometry and IMC thickness are studied through a numerical experiment. Fatigue life is calculated using Coffin–Manson model. Results show that, though undesirable because of high likelihood of creating short circuits, squeezed out solder accumulates less inelastic strains under thermomechanical cyclic load and has higher fatigue life. The results show that with the increase of IMCs thickness in each model, the inelastic strains accumulation per cycle increases, thus decreasing the fatigue life. The drop in fatigue life tends to follow an exponential decay path. On the other hand, it was observed that plastic strain range per cycle tends to develop rapidly in Cu region with the increase in IMC thickness which calls for a consideration of Cu fatigue life more closely when the microbump contains a higher volume fraction of the IMCs. Overall, by analyzing the results, it is obvious that the presence of IMCs must be considered for microsolder bump with smaller bond thickness in fatigue life prediction model to generate more reasonable and correct results.
Near-field sound radiation of fan tones from an installed turbofan aero-engine
Authors: McAlpine Alan , Gaffney James , Kingan Michael J.
Published: September 2015

The development of a distributed source model to predict fan tone noise levels of an installed turbofan aero-engine is reported. The key objective is to examine a canonical problem: how to predict the pressure field due to a distributed source located near an infinite, rigid cylinder. This canonical problem is a simple representation of an installed turbofan, where the distributed source is based on the pressure pattern generated by a spinning duct mode, and the rigid cylinder represents an aircraft fuselage. The radiation of fan tones can be modelled in terms of spinning modes. In this analysis, based on duct modes, theoretical expressions for the near-field acoustic pressures on the cylinder, or at the same locations without the cylinder, have been formulated. Simulations of the near-field acoustic pressures are compared against measurements obtained from a fan rig test. Also, the installation effect is quantified by calculating the difference in the sound pressure levels with and without the adjacent cylindrical fuselage. Results are shown for the blade passing frequency fan tone radiated at a supersonic fan operating condition.
Enhancing listener strategies using a payoff matrix in speech-on-speech masking experiments
Authors: Thompson Eric R. , Iyer Nandini , Simpson Brian D. , Wakefield Gregory H. , Kieras David E. , Brungart Douglas S.
Published: September 2015

Speech recognition was measured as a function of the target-to-masker ratio (TMR) with syntactically similar speech maskers. In the first experiment, listeners were instructed to report keywords from the target sentence. Data averaged across listeners showed a plateau in performance below 0 dB TMR when masker and target sentences were from the same talker. In this experiment, some listeners tended to report the target words at all TMRs in accordance with the instructions, while others reported keywords from the louder of the sentences, contrary to the instructions. In the second experiment, stimuli were the same as in the first experiment, but listeners were also instructed to avoid reporting the masker keywords, and a payoff matrix penalizing masker keywords and rewarding target keywords was used. In this experiment, listeners reduced the number of reported masker keywords, and increased the number of reported target keywords overall, and the average data showed a local minimum at 0 dB TMR with same-talker maskers. The best overall performance with a same-talker masker was obtained with a level difference of 9 dB, where listeners achieved near perfect performance when the target was louder, and at least 80% correct performance when the target was the quieter of the two sentences.
Relating movement recurrence and expressive timing patterns in music performances
Authors: Teixeira Euler C. F. , Yehia Hani C. , Loureiro Mauricio A.
Published: September 2015

In this study the movement patterns of ten expert musicians are quantitatively related to expressive timing patterns and the music structure during performances. The hypothesis is that ancillary gestures recurrently employed are closely related to expressive intentions, and that the expressive content imposed in key musical passages is thus reflected in the patterns of gestural recurrence. A movement and an audio analysis of 30 clarinet performances of a Brahms' excerpt are compared. Results show direct correlations between the recurrence pattern of clarinetists' ancillary movements and expressive bar duration manipulations employed by them, associated with melodic phrasing and harmonic transitions.
Speaking rate consistency in native and non-native speakers of English
Authors: Baese-Berk Melissa M. , Morrill Tuuli H.
Published: September 2015

Non-native speech differs from native speech in multiple ways. Previous research has described segmental and suprasegmental differences between native and non-native speech in terms of group averages. For example, average speaking rate for non-natives is slower than for natives. However, it is unknown whether non-native speech is also more variable than native speech. This study introduces a method of comparing rate change across utterances, demonstrating that non-native speaking rate is more variable than native speech. These results suggest that future work examining non-native speech perception and production should investigate both mean differences and variability in the signal.
Why infectious disease research needs community ecology
Authors: Johnson Pieter T. J. , de Roode Jacobus C. , Fenton Andy
Published: September 2015

Bringing ecology to infection

The tools we use to investigate infectious diseases tend to focus on specific one-host–one-pathogen relationships, but pathogens often have complex life cycles involving many hosts. Johnson
et al.
review how such complexity is analyzed by community ecologists. Ecologists have the investigative tools to probe cause and effect relationships that change with spatial scale in multispecies communities. These techniques are used to monitor the ways in which communities change through time and to probe the heterogeneity that characterizes individuals, species, and assemblages—all issues that are also essential for disease specialists to understand.

Science
, this issue
10.1126/science.1259504
Saving Iran's great salt lake
Authors: Stone Richard
Published: September 2015

Stopping Lake Urmia from turning into salt desert is the country's top environmental priority.
Highly thermally conductive and mechanically strong graphene fibers
Authors: Xin Guoqing , Yao Tiankai , Sun Hongtao , Scott Spencer Michael , Shao Dali , Wang Gongkai , Lian Jie
Published: September 2015

A superior mix of big and small

Graphene is often described as an unrolled carbon nanotube. However, although nanotubes are known for their exceptional mechanical and conductivity properties, the same is not true of graphene-based fibers. Xin
et al.
intercalated small fragments of graphene into the gaps formed by larger graphene sheets that had been coiled into fibers. Once annealed, the large sheets provided pathways for conduction, while the smaller fragments helped reinforce the fibers. The result? Superior thermal and electrical conductivity and mechanical strength.

Science
, this issue p.
1083
Structures of archaeal DNA segregation machinery reveal bacterial and eukaryotic linkages
Authors: Schumacher Maria A. , Tonthat Nam K. , Lee Jeehyun , Rodriguez-Castañeda Fernando A. , Chinnam Naga Babu , Kalliomaa-Sanford Anne K. , Ng Irene W. , Barge Madhuri T. , Shaw Porsha L. R. , Barillà Daniela
Published: September 2015

Plasmid partitioning superstructure system

Partitioning and sharing DNA between dividing cells is critical for all domains of life. Prokaryotes must share certain plasmids as well as their genomic DNA to survive. Schumacher
et al.
studied the partition system that segregates a conjugative plasmid in the prokaryote Sulfolobus. The system consists of three proteins. AspA spreads along the plasmid DNA to create a protein-DNA superhelix. The ParA motor protein is linked to the protein-DNA superhelix through the ParB protein, which has structural similarities to eukaryotic centromere segregating proteins.

Science
, this issue p.
1120
Transient assembly of active materials fueled by a chemical reaction
Authors: Boekhoven Job , Hendriksen Wouter E. , Koper Ger J. M. , Eelkema Rienk , van Esch Jan H.
Published: September 2015

Nonequilibrium transient self-assembly

In biology, the constant supply of energy can drive a system to be far from its equilibrium conditions and allow for useful work to be done. In contrast, in most synthetic systems, there is a drive toward lower energy states. Boekhoven
et al.
made a molecule that can switch between a nonassociating state and an associating state through the addition of a chemical fuel (see the Perspective by Van der Zwagg and Meijer). The lifetime, stiffness, and regenerative behavior of the self-assembled state could be controlled and tuned by the kinetics of fuel conversion.

Science
, this issue p.
1075
; see also p.
1056
A direct role for the Sec1/Munc18-family protein Vps33 as a template for SNARE assembly
Authors: Baker Richard W. , Jeffrey Philip D. , Zick Michael , Phillips Ben P. , Wickner William T. , Hughson Frederick M.
Published: September 2015

Unravelling the SM-SNARE conundrum

So-called SNARE proteins mediate and lend specificity to the fusion between different intracellular membranes. The SM proteins are universally required for intracellular vesicle fusion, yet their mechanism of action has long been enigmatic. Baker
et al.
have solved a piece of the puzzle by “capturing” SNAREs in the process of assembling into fusogenic complexes on the surface of an SM protein. The findings suggest exactly how and why SM proteins help vesicular fusion during intracellular membrane trafficking.

Science
, this issue p.
1111
Microbial growth dynamics and human disease
Authors: Segre Julia A.
Published: September 2015

Examining microbial genome replication in tissues may reflect health status

[Also see Report by

Korem
et al.

]
Draft Genome Sequence of the Shellfish Larval Probiotic Bacillus pumilus RI06-95
Authors: Hamblin Meagan , Spinard Edward , Gomez-Chiarri Marta , Nelson David R. , Rowley David C.
Published: September 2015

Bacillus pumilus
RI06-95 is a marine bacterium isolated in Narragansett, Rhode Island, which has shown probiotic activity against marine pathogens in larval shellfish. We report the genome of
B. pumilus
RI06-95, which provides insight into the microbe's probiotic ability and may be used in future studies of the probiotic mechanism.
Draft Genome Sequence of Perfluorooctane Acid-Degrading Bacterium Pseudomonas parafulva YAB-1
Authors: Yi Langbo , Tang Chongjian , Peng Qingjing , Peng Qingzhong , Chai Liyuan
Published: September 2015

Pseudomonas parafulva
YAB-1, isolated from perfluorinated compound-contaminated soil, has the ability to degrade perfluorooctane acid (PFOA) compound. Here, we report the draft genome sequence and annotation of the PFOA-degrading bacterium
P. parafulva
YAB-1. The data provide the basis to investigate the molecular mechanism of PFOA metabolism.
Draft Genome Sequence of Desulfocarbo indianensis SCBM, a New Genus of Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria, Isolated from Water Extracted from an Active Coalbed Methane Gas Well
Authors: An Thuy T. , Picardal Flynn W.
Published: September 2015

We used Illumina MiSeq technology to sequence the whole genome of
Desulfocarbo indianensis
SCBM, a new genus of sulfate-reducing bacteria isolated from a coal bed in Indiana, USA. This draft genome represents the first sequenced genome of the genus
Desulfocarbo
and the second known genome of the order
Desulfarculales
.
Blastomyces Antigen Detection for Diagnosis and Management of Blastomycosis
Authors: Frost Holly M. , Novicki Thomas J.
Published: September 2015

Blastomyces
spp. antigen testing was evaluated over a 10-year period in an area where blastomycosis is endemic. Antigen testing was less sensitive than previously reported, but serial urine testing was useful in monitoring disease resolution or progression. Culture and cytopathology remain the gold standard for diagnosis and exclusion of this infection.
Phenotypic Correlates of HIV-1 Macrophage Tropism
Authors: Arrildt Kathryn T. , LaBranche Celia C. , Joseph Sarah B. , Dukhovlinova Elena N. , Graham William D. , Ping Li-Hua , Schnell Gretja , Sturdevant Christa B. , Kincer Laura P. , Mallewa Macpherson , Heyderman Robert S. , Van Rie Annelies , Cohen Myron S. , Spudich Serena , Price Richard W. , Montefiori David C. , Swanstrom Ronald
Published: September 2015

HIV-1 is typically CCR5 using (R5) and T cell tropic (T-tropic), targeting memory CD4
+
T cells throughout acute and chronic infections. However, viruses can expand into alternative cells types. Macrophage-tropic (M-tropic) HIV-1 variants have evolved to infect macrophages, which have only low levels of surface CD4. Most M-tropic variants have been isolated from the central nervous system during late-stage chronic infection. We used the HIV-1
env
genes of well-defined, subject-matched M-tropic and T-tropic viruses to characterize the phenotypic features of the M-tropic Env protein. We found that, compared to T-tropic viruses, M-tropic viruses infect monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) on average 28-fold more efficiently, use low-density CD4 more efficiently, have increased sensitivity to soluble CD4 (sCD4), and show trends toward sensitivity to some CD4 binding site antibodies but no difference in sensitivity to antibodies targeting the CD4-bound conformation. M-tropic viruses also displayed a trend toward resistance to neutralization by monoclonal antibodies targeting the V1/V2 region of Env, suggesting subtle changes in Env protein conformation. The paired M- and T-tropic viruses did not differ in autologous serum neutralization, temperature sensitivity, entry kinetics, intrinsic infectivity, or Env protein incorporation. We also examined viruses with modestly increased CD4 usage. These variants have significant sensitivity to sCD4 and may represent evolutionary intermediates. CD4 usage is strongly correlated with infectivity of MDMs over a wide range of CD4 entry phenotypes. These data suggest that emergence of M-tropic HIV-1 includes multiple steps in which a phenotype of increased sensitivity to sCD4 and enhanced CD4 usage accompany subtle changes in Env conformation.

IMPORTANCE
HIV-1 typically replicates in CD4
+
T cells. However, HIV-1 can evolve to infect macrophages, especially within the brain. Understanding how CCR5-using macrophage-tropic viruses evolve and differ from CCR5-using T cell-tropic viruses may provide insights into viral evolution and pathogenesis within the central nervous system. We characterized the HIV-1
env
viral entry gene from subject-matched macrophage-tropic and T cell-tropic viruses to identify entry features of macrophage-tropic viruses. We observed several differences between T cell-tropic and macrophage-tropic Env proteins, including functional differences with host CD4 receptor engagement and possible changes in the CD4 binding site and V1/V2 region. We also identified viruses with phenotypes between that of “true” macrophage-tropic and T cell-tropic viruses, which may represent evolutionary intermediates in a multistep process to macrophage tropism.
Differential Phosphatidylinositol-3-Kinase-Akt-mTOR Activation by Semliki Forest and Chikungunya Viruses Is Dependent on nsP3 and Connected to Replication Complex Internalization
Authors: Thaa Bastian , Biasiotto Roberta , Eng Kai , Neuvonen Maarit , Götte Benjamin , Rheinemann Lara , Mutso Margit , Utt Age , Varghese Finny , Balistreri Giuseppe , Merits Andres , Ahola Tero , McInerney Gerald M.
Published: September 2015

Many viruses affect or exploit the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)-Akt-mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, a crucial prosurvival signaling cascade. We report that this pathway was strongly activated in cells upon infection with the Old World alphavirus Semliki Forest virus (SFV), even under conditions of complete nutrient starvation. We mapped this activation to the hyperphosphorylated/acidic domain in the C-terminal tail of SFV nonstructural protein nsP3. Viruses with a deletion of this domain (SFV-Δ50) but not of other regions in nsP3 displayed a clearly delayed and reduced capacity of Akt stimulation. Ectopic expression of the nsP3 of SFV wild type (nsP3-wt), but not nsP3-Δ50, equipped with a membrane anchor was sufficient to activate Akt. We linked PI3K-Akt-mTOR stimulation to the intracellular dynamics of viral replication complexes, which are formed at the plasma membrane and subsequently internalized in a process blocked by the PI3K inhibitor wortmannin. Replication complex internalization was observed upon infection of cells with SFV-wt and SFV mutants with deletions in nsP3 but not with SFV-Δ50, where replication complexes were typically accumulated at the cell periphery. In cells infected with the closely related chikungunya virus (CHIKV), the PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway was only moderately activated. Replication complexes of CHIKV were predominantly located at the cell periphery. Exchanging the hypervariable C-terminal tail of nsP3 between SFV and CHIKV induced the phenotype of strong PI3K-Akt-mTOR activation and replication complex internalization in CHIKV. In conclusion, infection with SFV but not CHIKV boosts PI3K-Akt-mTOR through the hyperphosphorylated/acidic domain of nsP3 to drive replication complex internalization.

IMPORTANCE
SFV and CHIKV are very similar in terms of molecular and cell biology, e.g., regarding replication and molecular interactions, but are strikingly different regarding pathology: CHIKV is a relevant human pathogen, causing high fever and joint pain, while SFV is a low-pathogenic model virus, albeit neuropathogenic in mice. We show that both SFV and CHIKV activate the prosurvival PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway in cells but greatly differ in their capacities to do so: Akt is strongly and persistently activated by SFV infection but only moderately activated by CHIKV. We mapped this activation capacity to a region in nonstructural protein 3 (nsP3) of SFV and could functionally transfer this region to CHIKV. Akt activation is linked to the subcellular dynamics of replication complexes, which are efficiently internalized from the cell periphery for SFV but not CHIKV. This difference in signal pathway stimulation and replication complex localization may have implications for pathology.
Release of Vesicular Stomatitis Virus Spike Protein G-Pseudotyped Lentivirus from the Host Cell Is Impaired upon Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor Overexpression
Authors: Otahal Alexander , Fuchs Renate , Al-Allaf Faisal A. , Blaas Dieter
Published: September 2015

Production of a vesicular stomatitis virus spike protein G (VSVG)-pseudotyped lentiviral expression vector in HEK293 cells decreased on overexpression of low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) but not that of ICAM1 or TfR1. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) revealed a reduction in vector RNA as a function of LDLR expression. Decreased syncytium formation suggested diminished surface expression of VSVG. Intracellular VSVG granules colocalized with LDLR, ER-Golgi intermediate compartment protein 53 (ERGIC53), LAMP2, and vimentin but not with GM130 or calnexin, suggesting that VSVG interacts with LDLR within the ERGIC, resulting in rerouting into the aggresome/autophagosome pathway.
Mapping Enterovirus A71 Antigenic Determinants from Viral Evolution
Authors: Huang Sheng-Wen , Tai Ching-Hui , Fonville Judith M. , Lin Chin-Hui , Wang Shih-Min , Liu Ching-Chung , Su Ih-Jen , Smith Derek J. , Wang Jen-Ren
Published: September 2015

Human enterovirus A71 (EV-A71) belongs to the
Enterovirus A
species in the
Picornaviridae
family. Several vaccines against EV-A71, a disease causing severe neurological complications or even death, are currently under development and being tested in clinical trials, and preventative vaccination programs are expected to start soon. To characterize the potential for antigenic change of EV-A71, we compared the sequences of two antigenically diverse genotype B4 and B5 strains of EV-A71 and identified substitutions at residues 98, 145, and 164 in the VP1 capsid protein as antigenic determinants. To examine the effects of these three substitutions on antigenicity, we constructed a series of recombinant viruses containing different mutation combinations at these three residues with a reverse genetics system and then investigated the molecular basis of antigenic changes with antigenic cartography. We found that a novel EV-A71 mutant, containing lysine, glutamine, and glutamic acid at the respective residues 98, 145, and 164 in the VP1 capsid protein, exhibited neutralization reduction against patients' antisera and substantially increased virus binding ability to human cells. These observations indicated that this low-neutralization-reactive EV-A71 VP1-98K/145Q/164E mutant potentially increases viral binding ability and that surveillance studies should look out for these mutants, which could compromise vaccine efficacy.

IMPORTANCE
Emerging and reemerging EV-A71 viruses can cause severe neurological etiology, primarily affecting children, especially around Asia-Pacific countries. We identified a set of mutations in EV-A71 that both reduced neutralization activity against humoral immunity in antisera of patients and healthy adults and greatly increased the viral binding ability to cells. These findings provide important insights for EV-A71 antigenic determinants and emphasize the importance of continuous surveillance, especially after EV-A71 vaccination programs begin.
Secondhand smoke exposure (SHS) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in Chinese never smokers in Hong Kong
Authors: Chen Jing , Wang Man-Ping , Wang Xin , Viswanath Kasisomayajula , Lam Tai-Hing , Chan Sophia S
Published: September 2015

Objective

The evidence on the effect of secondhand smoke (SHS) on Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) is limited. We examined the relation between SHS and HRQoL among Chinese in Hong Kong.

Methods

Adult never smokers from a probability sample of three cross-sectional waves (2010, 2012, 2013) of The Hong Kong Family and Health Information Trends Survey who completed the Cantonese-version of Short-Form 12 Health Survey Questionnaire (SF12v2) were included in the data analysis conducted in 2014. Models were used to examine associations of SHS with SF12 domains and summary scores of Physical (PCS12) and Mental Component (MCS12) with subgroups analysis by SHS locations.

Results

After adjustments, SHS was associated with lower scores on all SF12 domains except physical functioning. PCS12 (regress coefficient=−0.76, 95% CI −1.34 to −0.17) and MCS12 (regress coefficient=−1.35, 95% CI −2.06 to −0.64) were lower in those with SHS exposure than those non-exposed. Those exposed to SHS in outdoor public places had lower scores on most SF12 domains and PSC12 and MCS12. SHS exposure in one's home and workplace was associated with lower scores on role physical, body pain and role emotional while SHS exposure in friends’ homes was additionally associated with lower social functioning and mental health scores. Lower MCS12 was associated with SHS exposure at all locations except one's home.

Conclusions

Our study showed that SHS exposure, particularly in outdoor public places, was associated with decreased HRQoL. It can provide new evidence for stronger smoke-free policies on public places and promoting smoke-free homes.
Acupuncture for patients with chronic urticaria: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Yao Qin , Ye Yongming , Liu Xiaoxu , Qin Zongshi , Liu Zhishun
Published: September 2015

Introduction

This systematic review protocol aims to describe a meta-analysis to assess the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture therapy for patients with chronic urticaria.

Methods and analysis

We will electronically search the following databases: the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), PubMed, EMBASE, the Web of Science, Traditional Chinese Medicine, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), Chinese Scientific Journal Database (VIP database) and Wan-Fang Database from their inception. Other sources will also be searched, including the reference lists of identified publications and conference proceedings. Any clinical randomised controlled trials related to acupuncture for treating chronic urticaria without restriction of publication status and languages will be included. Study selection, data extraction and assessment of study quality will be performed independently by 2 researchers. Data will be synthesised by either the fixed-effects or random-effects model according to a heterogeneity test. Improvement in pruritus and wheals will be assessed as the primary outcomes. Adverse events, quality of life and the recurrence rate after at least 3 months of the treatment will also be evaluated as secondary outcomes. RevMan V.5.2 statistical software will be used for meta-analysis, if possible. If it is not appropriate for a meta-analysis, then a descriptive analysis or a subgroup analysis will be conducted. The results will be expressed as a risk ratio for dichotomous data and mean difference (MD) or standardised MD for continuous data.

Dissemination and ethics

The protocol of this systematic review will be disseminated in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at relevant conferences. It is not necessary for a formal ethical approval because the data are not individualised.

Trial registration number

PROSPERO CRD42015015702.
Health risk of air pollution on people living with major chronic diseases: a Canadian population-based study
Authors: To Teresa , Feldman Laura , Simatovic Jacqueline , Gershon Andrea S , Dell Sharon , Su Jiandong , Foty Richard , Licskai Christopher
Published: September 2015

Objectives

The objective of this study was to use health administrative and environmental data to quantify the effects of ambient air pollution on health service use among those with chronic diseases. We hypothesised that health service use would be higher among those with more exposure to air pollution as measured by the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI).

Setting

Health administrative data was used to quantify health service use at the primary (physician office visits) and secondary (emergency department visits, hospitalisations) level of care in Ontario, Canada.

Participants

We included individuals who resided in Ontario, Canada, from 2003 to 2010, who were ever diagnosed with one of 11 major chronic diseases.

Outcome measures

Rate ratios (RR) from Poisson regression models were used to estimate the short-term impact of incremental unit increases in AQHI, nitrogen dioxide (NO2; 10 ppb), fine particulate matter (PM2.5; 10 µg/m3) and ozone (O3; 10 ppb) on health services use among individuals with each disease. We adjusted for age, sex, day of the week, temperature, season, year, socioeconomic status and region of residence.

Results

Increases in outpatient visits ranged from 1% to 5% for every unit increase in the 10-point AQHI scale, corresponding to an increase of about 15 000 outpatient visits on a day with poor versus good air quality. The greatest increases in outpatient visits were for individuals with non-lung cancers (AQHI:RR=1.05; NO2:RR=1.14; p<0.0001) and COPD (AQHI:RR=1.05; NO2:RR=1.12; p<0.0001) and in hospitalisations, for individuals with diabetes (AQHI:RR=1.04; NO2:RR=1.07; p<0.0001) and COPD (AQHI:RR=1.03; NO2:RR=1.09; p<1.001). The impact remained 2 days after peak AQHI levels.

Conclusions

Among individuals with chronic diseases, health service use increased with higher levels of exposure to air pollution, as measured by the AQHI. Future research would do well to measure the utility of targeted air quality advisories based on the AQHI to reduce associated health service use.
Improving data management practices in the Portuguese HIV/AIDS surveillance system during a time of public sector austerity
Authors: Shivaji Tara , Cortes Martins Helena
Published: September 2015

In a climate of public sector austerity, the demand for accurate information about disease epidemiology rises as health program managers try to align spending to health needs. A policy of case re-notification to improve HIV information quality resulted in a nine-fold increase in the number of case reports received in 2013 by the Portuguese HIV surveillance office.

We used value stream mapping to introduce improvements to data processing practices, identify and reduce waste. Two cycles of improvement were trialled. Before intervention, processing time was nine minutes and 28 seconds (95%CI 8:53-10:58) per report. Two months post intervention, it was six minutes and 34 seconds (95% CI 6:25-6:43). One year after the start of the project, processing time was five minutes and 20 seconds (95% CI 1:46-8:52).
Comments on the dilemma in the July/August issue: ‘Billy the kid’
Authors: Dale Michael
Published: September 2015

The dilemma in the July/August issue concerned Billy, a 15‐month‐old Toggenburg buck goat which had suddenly become sick with suspected enterotoxaemia. The goat was out of date with its clostridial vaccinations and on examination was very ill, passing diarrhoea and blood. The vet agreed with the owner that this was enterotoxaemia. The owner insisted that ‘money is no object’ in treatment, but the risk of death was high and the goat was in pain (IP, July/August 2015, vol 37, pp 374‐375). Richard Brown suggested that immediate welfare of Billy needed to be weighed against the potential future welfare of the herd, as he was a buck and kept for breeding. Communication with the owner was key and the vet should show empathy and sympathy. The risks, costs and possible outcomes should be explained to the owner, and he suggested that a professional opinion should be given. If treatment was chosen, it might be prudent to ask the owner if clinical judgement, without notice, could be carried out if Billy's health deteriorated. The matter of missed vaccinations should be followed up at an appropriate later date.
Feline mast cell tumours
Authors: Blackwood Laura
Published: September 2015

Mast cell tumours (MCTs) are among the most common cutaneous tumours seen in cats and most can be managed in practice. The aetiology is unknown, although a genetic predisposition has been proposed in some breeds. MCTs usually present as a solitary mass. The most common site for cutaneous tumours is on the head, although the trunk and limbs may also be affected. The spleen is the most common site for visceral MCTs. This article describes the approach to take when presented with a cat with a MCT, the histological and immunohistological prognostic indicators, and the different treatments available.
Lamb growth rates and optimising production
Authors: Gascoigne Emily , Lovatt Fiona
Published: September 2015

Low profitability and poor economic returns are common complaints from a number of commercial sheep farmers, yet many do not measure their production costs or monitor lamb performance. Disappointing growth rates have significant implications for the productivity of lamb‐production enterprises, resulting in finishing flocks missing peaks in market prices, reduced uniformity in finished groups, fewer lambs finished preweaning, an increased ratio of lambs kept or sold as stores compared to those sold fat, and decreases in ewe lamb fertility performance. An understanding of expected growth rates and the monitoring of weight gains in the commercial sheep flock can have benefits for productivity and be used to inform flock health decisions. This article describes the importance of maximising growth rates in lambs and how this can be achieved.
Diary of a parliamentary intern
Authors: Jordan Hannah
Published: September 2015

Throughout her two‐year internship with Lord Trees, Hannah Jordan has written a monthly diary for Vet Record Careers. This will be her last entry as she moves on to her new role as a policy officer with the BVA.
Parameter uncertainty of a dynamic multispecies size spectrum model
Authors: Spence Michael A. , Blackwell Paul G. , Blanchard Julia L.
Published: September 2015

Dynamic size spectrum models have been recognized as an effective way of describing how size-based interactions can give rise to the size structure of aquatic communities. They are intermediate-complexity ecological models that are solutions to partial differential equations driven by the size-dependent processes of predation, growth, mortality, and reproduction in a community of interacting species and sizes. To be useful for quantitative fisheries management these models need to be developed further in a formal statistical framework. Previous work has used time-averaged data to “calibrate” the model using optimization methods with the disadvantage of losing detailed time-series information. Using a published multispecies size spectrum model parameterized for the North Sea comprising 12 interacting fish species and a background resource, we fit the model to time-series data using a Bayesian framework for the first time. We capture the 1967–2010 period using annual estimates of fishing mortality rates as input to the model and time series of fisheries landings data to fit the model to output. We estimate 38 key parameters representing the carrying capacity of each species and background resource, as well as initial inputs of the dynamical system and errors on the model output. We then forecast the model forward to evaluate how uncertainty propagates through to population- and community-level indicators under alternative management strategies.
Relativistic Ramsauer–Townsend effect in minimal length framework
Authors: Jahankohan K. , Hassanabadi H. , Zarrinkamar S.
Published: September 2015

We consider the Ramsauer–Townsend effect in the presence of a generalized uncertainty principle (GUP) and within the Dirac equation framework for potential well, step potential and infinite well. The system characteristics are obtained in an exact analytical manner and the effect of minimal length parameter on the spectrum of the system is well-illustrated.
A method to enhance the curve negotiation performance of HTS Maglev
Authors: Che T. , Gou Y. F. , Deng Z. G. , Zheng J. , Zheng B. T. , Chen P.
Published: September 2015

High temperature superconducting (HTS) Maglev has attracted more and more attention due to its special self-stable characteristic, and much work has been done to achieve its actual application, but the research about the curve negotiation is not systematic and comprehensive. In this paper, we focused on the change of the lateral displacements of the Maglev vehicle when going through curves under different velocities, and studied the change of the electromagnetic forces through experimental methods. Experimental results show that setting an appropriate initial eccentric distance (ED), which is the distance between the center of the bulk unit and the center of the permanent magnet guideway (PMG), when cooling the bulks is favorable for the Maglev system’s curve negotiation. This work will provide some available suggestions for improving the curve negotiation performance of the HTS Maglev system.
Origin of ferroelectric phase transition in SbOxS1−xI mixed crystals
Authors: Audzijonis A. , Žigas L. , Žaltauskas R. , Sereika R.
Published: September 2015

The dependence of the potential energy [Formula: see text] of Sb atoms on [Formula: see text] symmetry normal coordinates for [Formula: see text] crystal in ferroelectric phase with a varying mixture [Formula: see text] is investigated in the current paper. The potential energy of Sb atoms is characterized by a high anharmonicity within the temperature range 295–377 K. The large anharmonicity of the potential energy [Formula: see text] implies that [Formula: see text] crystals exhibit intermediate behavior between displacement and order–disorder type phase transitions. The phase transition temperature [Formula: see text] depends on the mixture composition [Formula: see text].
Topological Conjugacy Between Skew Tent Maps
Authors: Shi Yong-Guo , Wang Zhihua
Published: September 2015

This paper investigates the conjugacy of any two skew tent maps. An explicit formula is given for the conjugacy. It is proved that the conjugacy is singular, Hölder continuous and not differentiable as well as its inverse. We calculate the arc-length of the conjugacy curve and the area under the conjugacy curve. We construct a sequence of functions to approximate the conjugacy, and give an estimation for the error of the approximation.
Multiplication of integral octonions
Authors: Kim Myeung Su , Kim Yeonjun , Lee Jae-Hyouk , Nam Seungbum , Park Kiho
Published: September 2015

The integral subsets of octonions are an analog of integers in real numbers and related to many interesting topics in geometry and physics via [Formula: see text]-lattices. In this paper, we study the properties of the multiplication of the integral subsets of octonions by studying configuration of Fano plane via blocks and operations on them. And we show that the integral subsets are integral indeed by introducing new and elementary methods.
Transformation of CO2 to Value-Added Materials
Authors: Khoo Rebecca Shu Hui , Luo He-Kuan , Braunstein Pierre , Hor T. S. Andy
Published: September 2015

Carbon dioxide ( CO 2) is an attractive C1 resource because it is cheap and abundant and its more extensive use would be beneficial for the environment. However, its high thermodynamic stability and poor reactivity have seriously limited its utilization as a ready carbon source. The scientific challenges facing CO 2 transformation are accordingly very attractive. This paper summarizes recent advances made in transformation of CO 2 to value-added high-molecular-weight materials such as polymers, star-shaped molecules and nanocarbons.
TGF-β1 epigenetically modifies Thy-1 expression in primary lung fibroblasts
Authors: Neveu Wendy A. , Mills Stephen T. , Staitieh Bashar S. , Sueblinvong Viranuj
Published: September 2015

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a progressive lung disease that increases in incidence with age. We identified a profibrotic lung phenotype in aging mice characterized by an increase in the number of fibroblasts lacking the expression of thymocyte differentiation antigen 1 (Thy-1) and an increase in transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 expression. It has been shown that Thy-1 expression can be epigenetically modified. Lung fibroblasts (PLFs) were treated with TGF-β1 ± DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) inhibitor 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine (5-AZA) and analyzed for Thy-1 gene and protein expression, DNMT protein expression, and activity. α-Smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and collagen type 1 (Col1A1) gene and protein expression was assessed. PLFs were transfected with DNMT1 silencing RNA ± TGF-β1. TGF-β1 inhibited Thy-1 gene and protein expression in PLFs, and cotreatment with 5-AZA ameliorated this effect and appeared to inhibit DNMT1 activation. TGF-β1 induced Thy-1 promoter methylation as assessed by quantitative methyl PCR. Treatment with 5-AZA attenuated TGF-β1-induced Col1A1 gene and protein expression and α-SMA gene expression (but not α-SMA protein expression). Inhibiting DNMT1 with silencing RNA attenuated TGF-β1-induced DNMT activity and its downstream suppression of Thy-1 mRNA and protein expression as well as inhibited α-SMA mRNA and Col1A1 mRNA and protein expression, and showed a decreased trend in Thy-1 promoter methylation. Immunofluorescence for α-SMA suggested that 5-AZA inhibited stress fiber formation. These findings suggest that TGF-β1 epigenetically regulates lung fibroblast phenotype through methylation of the Thy-1 promoter. Targeted inhibition of DNMT in the right clinical context might prevent fibroblast to myofibroblast transdifferentiation and collagen deposition, which in turn could prevent fibrogenesis in the lung and other organs.
Suppression of preoptic sleep-regulatory neuronal activity during corticotropin-releasing factor-induced sleep disturbance
Authors: Gvilia Irma , Suntsova Natalia , Kumar Sunil , McGinty Dennis , Szymusiak Ronald
Published: September 2015

Corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) is implicated in sleep and arousal regulation. Exogenous CRF causes sleep suppression that is associated with activation of at least two important arousal systems: pontine noradrenergic and hypothalamic orexin/hypocretin neurons. It is not known whether CRF also impacts sleep-promoting neuronal systems. We hypothesized that CRF-mediated changes in wake and sleep involve decreased activity of hypothalamic sleep-regulatory neurons localized in the preoptic area. To test this hypothesis, we examined the effects of intracerebroventricular administration of CRF on sleep-wake measures and c-Fos expression in GABAergic neurons in the median preoptic nucleus (MnPN) and ventrolateral preoptic area (VLPO) in different experimental conditions. Administration of CRF (0.1 nmol) during baseline rest phase led to delayed sleep onset and decreases in total amount and mean duration of non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. Administration of CRF during acute sleep deprivation (SD) resulted in suppression of recovery sleep and decreased c-Fos expression in MnPN/VLPO GABAergic neurons. Compared with vehicle controls, intracerebroventricular CRF potentiated disturbances of both NREM and REM sleep in rats exposed to a species-specific psychological stressor, the dirty cage of a male conspecific. The number of MnPN/VLPO GABAergic neurons expressing c-Fos was reduced in the CRF-treated group of dirty cage-exposed rats. These findings confirm the involvement of CRF in wake-sleep cycle regulation and suggest that increased CRF signaling in the brain 1) negatively affects homeostatic responses to sleep loss, 2) exacerbates stress-induced disturbances of sleep, and 3) suppresses the activity of sleep-regulatory neurons of the MnPN and VLPO.
The effect of puberty on diurnal sodium regulation
Authors: Mahler B. , Kamperis K. , Ankarberg-Lindgren C. , Djurhuus J. C. , Rittig S.
Published: September 2015

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of sex and puberty stage on circadian changes in sodium excretion, sodium-regulating hormones, and hemodynamics. Thirty-nine healthy volunteers (9 prepuberty boys, 10 prepuberty girls, 10 puberty boys, and 10 puberty girls) were included. They all underwent a 24-h circadian in-patient study under standardized conditions regarding activity, diet, and fluid intake. Blood samples were drawn every 4 h, and the urine was collected in fractions. Blood pressure and heart rate were noninvasively monitored. Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), angiotensin II, aldosterone, and renin were measured in blood. Children in puberty had lower plasma levels of renin ( P < 0.05) and angiotensin II ( P < 0.05) and a 26% reduction in filtered sodium without changes in sodium excretion compared with prepuberty children. A circadian rhythm in sodium excretion, the renin-angiotensin system, ANP, and blood pressure was found with a midnight ANP peak ( P < 0.001), a nighttime decrease in hemodynamic parameters ( P < 0.001), an increase in plasma renin ( P < 0.001) and angiotensin II ( P < 0.001), and a decrease in sodium excretion ( P < 0.001) mainly on the basis of increased sodium reabsorption ( P < 0.001). The timing of the changes did not depend on sex or puberty group. There is a circadian rhythm of sodium excretion and sodium regulation in 7- to 15-yr-old children. This rhythm is similar in boys and girls. As an important new finding, puberty changes the plasma levels of renin and angiotensin II without changing the amount of sodium excreted or the day to night sodium excretion ratio.
Increased phosphorylation of the renal Na+-Cl−cotransporter in male kidney transplant recipient patients with hypertension: a prospective cohort
Authors: Rojas-Vega Lorena , Jiménez-Vega Aldo R. , Bazúa-Valenti Silvana , Arroyo-Garza Isidora , Jiménez José Victor , Gómez-Ocádiz Ruy , Carrillo-Pérez Diego Luis , Moreno Erika , Morales-Buenrostro Luis E. , Alberú Josefina , Gamba Gerardo
Published: September 2015

Evidence in rodents suggests that tacrolimus-induced posttransplant hypertension is due to upregulation of the thiazide-sensitive Na+-Cl−cotransporter NCC. Here, we analyzed whether a similar mechanism is involved in posttransplant hypertension in humans. From January 2013 to June 2014, all adult kidney transplant recipients receiving a kidney allograft were enrolled in a prospective cohort study. All patients received tacrolimus as part of the immunosuppressive therapy. Six months after surgery, we assessed general clinical and laboratory variables, tacrolimus trough blood levels, and ambulatory 24-h blood pressure monitoring. Urinary exosomes were extracted to perform Western blot analysis using total and phospho-NCC antibodies. A total of 52 patients, including 17 women and 35 men, were followed. At 6 mo after transplantation, of the 35 men, 17 developed hypertension and 18 remained normotensive, while high blood pressure was observed in only 3 of 17 women. The hypertensive patients were significantly older than the normotensive group; however, there were no significant differences in body weight, history of acute rejection, renal function, and tacrolimus trough levels. In urinary exosomes, hypertensive patients showed higher NCC expression (1.7 ± 0.19) than normotensive (1 ± 0.13) ( P = 0.0096). Also, NCC phosphorylation levels were significantly higher in the hypertensive patients (1.57 ± 0.16 vs. 1 ± 0.07; P = 0.0049). Our data show that there is a positive correlation between NCC expression/phosphorylation in urinary exosomes and the development of hypertension in posttransplant male patients treated with tacrolimus. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that NCC activation plays a major role in tacrolimus-induced hypertension.