bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How effective is eccentric viewing training? A systematic literature review
Authors: Gaffney Allannah J. , Margrain Tom H. , Bunce Catey V. , Binns Alison M.
Published: April 2014

Purpose

The global prevalence of age‐related macular degeneration and associated central vision loss is rising. Central vision loss hinders the performance of many activities of daily living. Adaptive strategies such as eccentric viewing and steady eye strategy may be used to compensate for central vision loss. In order to establish the potential of these rehabilitation strategies, this systematic review evaluates current literature regarding the effectiveness of eccentric viewing and steady eye strategy training in people with central vision loss.

Results

The search strategies identified 2605 publications, 36 of which met the inclusion criteria for the review, but only three of which were randomised controlled trials. This literature shows that eccentric viewing and steady eye strategy training can improve near visual acuity, reading speed, and performance of activities of daily living in people with central vision loss. However, there was insufficient literature to establish a relationship between training and distance visual acuity or quality of life. There is no conclusive evidence to show that a particular model of eccentric viewing training is superior to another, little clear evidence of a relationship between participant characteristics and training outcomes and no data regarding the cost effectiveness of training.

Conclusion

This report highlights the need for further robust research to establish the true potential and cost effectiveness of eccentric viewing and steady eye strategy training as a rehabilitation strategy for individuals with central vision loss.
A 14‐year‐old with 4 month history of a pen lid embedded in his tongue
Authors: Gill V. , Kerr R.
Published: April 2014

A patient presented with an unusual history of trauma to his tongue, for which he attended the emergency department. An infected, foreign body was embedded in his tongue from an injury sustained 4 months earlier. Foreign bodies in the tongue are rare; however, this case highlights the need for a thorough history and examination to avoid incorrect diagnosis.
Ketorolac Tromethamine – Routes and Clinical Implications
Authors: Vadivelu Nalini , Gowda Anusha M. , Urman Richard D. , Jolly Suneil , Kodumudi Vijay , Maria Monisa , Taylor Robert , Pergolizzi Joseph V.
Published: April 2014

Opioids have long been used for analgesic purposes for a wide range of procedures. However, the binding of these drugs to opiate receptors has created various challenges to the clinician due to unfavorable side effect profiles and the potential for tolerance and abuse. In 1989, ketorolac became an approved nonsteroidal inflammatory drug (NSAID) for injectable use as an analgesic. Over the last 20 years, numerous studies have been conducted involving ketorolac. These studies have provided additional information about various routes of administration and their effect on the efficacy and the side effect profile of ketorolac. Moreover, ketorolac has been compared with several widely used analgesics. This review evaluates both the potential benefits and potential drawbacks of ketorolac generally, and specifically discusses routes of administration, including their advantages and disadvantages when compared to several traditional analgesics in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
Measuring the Intensity of Chronic Pain: Are the Visual Analogue Scale and the Verbal Rating Scale Interchangeable?
Authors: Kliger Mark , Stahl Shy , Haddad May , Suzan Erica , Adler Rivka , Eisenberg Elon
Published: April 2014

Objectives

The 0 to 100 mm visual analogue scale (VAS) and the five‐category verbal rating scale (VRS) are commonly used for measuring pain intensity. An open question remains as to whether these scales can be used interchangeably to allow comparisons between intensities of pain in the clinical setting or increased statistical power in pain research.

Methods

Seven hundred and ninety‐six patients were requested to rate the present intensity of their chronic pain on the two scales. Spearman's rank correlation coefficients between VAS and VRS were calculated. For testing interchangeability, VAS was transformed into a discrete ordinal scale by dividing the entire VAS into five categories, either equidistantly (biased) or using frequency distributions of VAS (unbiased). We used Goodman–Kruskal's gamma and Wilson's e measures of ordinal association quantified the relationships between the transformed VAS and VRS scores and Svensson method to evaluate agreement between biased and unbiased discrete VAS and VRS scales.

Results

Average VAS and VRS scores were 76 ± 18 mm and “severe,” respectively. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient values between continuous VAS and VRS were 0.77 to 0.85. Goodman–Kruskal's gamma ordinal associations between discrete VAS and VRS were 0.82 to 0.92 and 0.90 to 0.98 for the biased and unbiased VAS, respectively. Wilson's e measures were 0.51 to 0.61 and 0.54 to 0.65, accordingly. Svensson analysis showed low probability of agreement between both biased (0.66 to 0.76) and unbiased (0.75 to 0.82) VAS and VRS.

Discussion

Regardless of the relatively high Spearman correlations between original VAS and VRS, the low ordinal association and low probability of agreement between discrete VAS and VRS suggest that they are not interchangeable. Therefore, VAS and VRS should not be used interchangeably in the clinical setting or for increased statistical power in pain research.
From UVR8 to flavonol synthase: UV‐B‐induced gene expression in Sauvignon blanc grape berry
Authors: LIU LINLIN , GREGAN SCOTT , WINEFIELD CHRIS , JORDAN BRIAN
Published: April 2014

The aim of this research was to determine the effect of development and UV‐B on flavonols and the regulation of gene activity in Vitis vinifera L. var. Sauvignon blanc grapes. Particular emphasis was placed on gene activity associated with the low and high fluence UV‐B responses. Flavonols, particularly quercetin and kaempferol glycosides, increased substantially upon fruit exposure due to UV‐B, with spatial analysis locating the changes to the berry skin. Of five VvFLS genes in grapes, two (VvFLS4 and 5) were found to be transcriptionally active, with VvFLS4 also being responsive to UV‐B but VvFLS5 was not. Of the transcription factors known to regulate FLS (VvMYB12, VvMYCA1 and VvWDRs), only VvMYB12 was found to be responsive to UV‐B. A number of candidate genes associated with the low and high UV‐B fluence responses were also studied (VvUVR8, VvHY5, VvCOP1 and VvCHS; PR genes and VvMAPK3; respectively). The genes associated with the low fluence response exhibited transcriptional regulation in line with reports from other species, while the PR genes and VvMAPK3 only appeared to be responsive in a high UV‐B fluence environment. Together, these data supports the view flavonol biosynthesis in grape is stimulated predominantly through the low fluence UV‐B response pathway.
Four Arabidopsis AREB/ABF transcription factors function predominantly in gene expression downstream of SnRK2 kinases in abscisic acid signalling in response to osmotic stress
Authors: YOSHIDA TAKUYA , FUJITA YASUNARI , MARUYAMA KYONOSHIN , MOGAMI JUNRO , TODAKA DAISUKE , SHINOZAKI KAZUO , YAMAGUCHI‐SHINOZAKI KAZUKO
Published: April 2014

Under osmotic stress conditions such as drought and high salinity, the plant hormone abscisic acid (ABA) plays important roles in stress‐responsive gene expression mainly through three bZIP transcription factors, AREB1/ABF2, AREB2/ABF4 and ABF3, which are activated by SNF1‐related kinase 2s (SnRK2s) such as SRK2D/SnRK2.2, SRK2E/SnRK2.6 and SRK2I/SnRK2.3 (SRK2D/E/I). However, since the three AREB/ABFs are crucial, but not exclusive, for the SnRK2‐mediated gene expression, transcriptional pathways governed by SRK2D/E/I are not fully understood. Here, we show that a bZIP transcription factor, ABF1, is a functional homolog of AREB1, AREB2 and ABF3 in ABA‐dependent gene expression in Arabidopsis. Despite lower expression levels of ABF1 than those of the three AREB/ABFs, the areb1 areb2 abf3 abf1 mutant plants displayed increased sensitivity to drought and decreased sensitivity to ABA in primary root growth compared with the areb1 areb2 abf3 mutant. Genome‐wide transcriptome analyses revealed that expression of downstream genes of SRK2D/E/I, which include many genes functioning in osmotic stress responses and tolerance such as transcription factors and LEA proteins, was mostly impaired in the quadruple mutant. Thus, these results indicate that the four AREB/ABFs are the predominant transcription factors downstream of SRK2D/E/I in ABA signalling in response to osmotic stress during vegetative growth.
Plant volatiles in polluted atmospheres: stress responses and signal degradation
Authors: BLANDE JAMES D. , HOLOPAINEN JARMO K. , NIINEMETS ÜLO
Published: April 2014

Plants emit a plethora of volatile organic compounds, which provide detailed information on the physiological condition of emitters. Volatiles induced by herbivore feeding are among the best studied plant responses to stress and may constitute an informative message to the surrounding community and further function in plant defence processes. However, under natural conditions, plants are potentially exposed to multiple concurrent stresses with complex effects on the volatile emissions. Atmospheric pollutants are an important facet of the abiotic environment and can impinge on a plant's volatile‐mediated defences in multiple ways at multiple temporal scales. They can exert changes in volatile emissions through oxidative stress, as is the case with ozone pollution. The pollutants, in particular, ozone, nitrogen oxides and hydroxyl radicals, also react with volatiles in the atmosphere. These reactions result in volatile breakdown products, which may themselves be perceived by community members as informative signals. In this review, we demonstrate the complex interplay among stresses, emitted signals, and modification in signal strength and composition by the atmosphere, collectively determining the responses of the biotic community to elicited signals.
A cell type‐specific view on the translation of mRNAs from ROS‐responsive genes upon paraquat treatment of Arabidopsis thaliana leaves
Authors: BENINA MARIA , RIBEIRO DIMAS MENDES , GECHEV TSANKO S. , MUELLER‐ROEBER BERND , SCHIPPERS JOS H. M.
Published: April 2014

Oxidative stress causes dramatic changes in the expression levels of many genes. The formation of a functional protein through successful mRNA translation is central to a coordinated cellular response. To what extent the response towards reactive oxygen species (ROS) is regulated at the translational level is poorly understood. Here we analysed leaf‐ and tissue‐specific translatomes using a set of transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana lines expressing a FLAG‐tagged ribosomal protein to immunopurify polysome‐bound mRNAs before and after oxidative stress. We determined transcript levels of 171 ROS‐responsive genes upon paraquat treatment, which causes formation of superoxide radicals, at the whole‐organ level. Furthermore, the translation of mRNAs was determined for five cell types: mesophyll, bundle sheath, phloem companion, epidermal and guard cells. Mesophyll and bundle sheath cells showed the strongest response to paraquat treatment. Interestingly, several ROS‐responsive transcription factors displayed cell type‐specific translation patterns, while others were translated in all cell types. In part, cell type‐specific translation could be explained by the length of the 5′‐untranslated region (5′‐UTR) and the presence of upstream open reading frames (uORFs). Our analysis reveals insights into the translational regulation of ROS‐responsive genes, which is important to understanding cell‐specific responses and functions during oxidative stress.
Measuring adjustment in Japanese juvenile delinquents with learning disabilities using Japanese version of Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children II
Authors: Kumagami Takashi , Kumagai Keiko
Published: April 2014

Aim

The aim of this study was to create a profile of the cognitive and academic abilities of juvenile delinquents (JD) in Japan using the newly validated Japanese version of the Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children, Second Edition (KABC‐II‐J).

Methods

We administered the KABC‐II‐J to 22 JD (Mage = 15.9 years, standard deviation [SD] = 1.4), 28 typically developing high school students (Mage = 16.0 years, SD = 0.08), and (as controls) 12 special education students (Mage = 16.9, SD = 0.83) with mild intellectual disabilities.

Results

We observed significant differences between JD and typically developing students on learning index of the Mental Process Index, and the vocabulary, reading, writing, and mathematics indices on the Achievement Index. JD had lower scores than did typically developing high school students. Fourteen JD had a 1 SD discrepancy (43%) in scores on these indices. These cases were suspected of having learning disabilities.

Conclusion

The KABC‐II‐J is a suitable means of assessing academic and cognitive problems in JD; professionals working in the field of juvenile delinquency should recognize that offenders might have severe academic delays and learning disabilities.
Association of the five‐factor personality model with prefrontal activation during frontal lobe task performance using two‐channel near‐infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Ikeda Haruka , Ikeda Eiji , Shiozaki Kazumasa , Hirayasu Yoshio
Published: April 2014

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate the biological background of the five‐factor model using near‐infrared spectroscopy and cognitive tasks.

Methods

Twenty right‐handed healthy volunteers participated in this study. Their personality traits were assessed using the NEO Five‐Factor Inventory, and changes in oxyhemoglobin concentration ([oxy‐Hb]) were measured during cognitive tasks using a wireless near‐infrared spectroscopy.

Results

The average [oxy‐Hb] in the right prefrontal area had a significant positive correlation with the agreeableness score during the Stroop test at incongruent stimulus block. For the verbal fluency task, there were no significant correlations of bilateral [oxy‐Hb] changes with any items.

Conclusion

Higher agreeableness scores may involve less suppression to the default mode network related to resting state brain function. Keeping selective attention during the Stroop test may require more power of concentration than retrieving words during the verbal fluency task.
Diagnostic utility of worry and rumination: A comparison between generalized anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder
Authors: Yang Min‐Jeong , Kim Bin‐Na , Lee Eun‐Ho , Lee Dongsoo , Yu Bum‐Hee , Jeon Hong Jin , Kim Ji‐Hae
Published: April 2014

Aim

Although previous reports have addressed worry and rumination as prominent cognitive processes in generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) and their distinct correlation with anxious and depressive symptoms, the differential association of worry and rumination with the diagnosis of GAD and MDD remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the distinct features of worry and rumination in factor structure and their predictive validity for the diagnosis of GAD and MDD.

Methods

Four hundred and sixty‐eight patients with GAD (n = 148) and MDD (n = 320) were enrolled and the diagnoses were confirmed with the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐IV. Participants completed the Penn State Worry Questionnaire and Ruminative Response Scale and the severity of anxiety and depressive symptoms was assessed via clinician ratings.

Results

In joint factor analysis using the Penn State Worry Questionnaire and Ruminative Response Scale items, worry and rumination emerged as distinct factors. In logistic regression analyses, worry contributed to a higher probability of the diagnosis of GAD than rumination, as rumination did in MDD than worry.

Conclusion

This is the first comprehensive study investigating the diagnostic utility of worry and rumination in a well‐defined clinical sample of both GAD and MDD. Our results suggest that worry and rumination are distinct cognitive processes and play a differential role in the diagnosis of GAD and MDD, distinguishing them at the cognitive level.
Policy Feedback and the Politics of Administration
Authors: Moynihan Donald P. , Soss Joe
Published: April 2014

This article surveys the policy feedback framework developed in political science and clarifies its implications for public administration. A feedback perspective encourages us to ask how policy implementation transforms the webs of political relations that constitute governance. Administrators play a key role in shaping the political conditions of bureaucratic performance and the organization of power in the broader polity. At the same time, this perspective underscores that policies are more than just objects of administrative action. Policies are political forces in their own right that can alter key components of administration, including phenomena such as organizational capacity, structures, routines, authorities, motivations and cultures. These sorts of administrative themes have received little attention in policy feedback research, just as the political effects of policies have been overlooked in public administration studies. Bridging these perspectives offers a basis for exciting new agendas and advances in public administration research.
Journey into the Unknown? Economic Consequences of Factor Market Integration under Increasing Returns to Scale
Authors: Schäfer Andreas , Steger Thomas
Published: April 2014

What are the dynamic consequences of comprehensive integration shocks? The answer to this question appears all but trivial. A dynamic macroeconomic model is set up of a small open economy with capital mobility, migration and increasing returns to scale. The model features multiple equilibria as well as (local and global) indeterminacy. Despite its simplicity, the model creates a rich set of plausible implications. This paper clarifies the mechanics that may lead an integrating economy to the good or to the bad equilibrium by showing how fundamentals and expectations interact in the process of equilibrium selection. The model is applied to replicate two striking empirical characteristics of macroeconomic development in East Germany since 1990.
Acid base, electrolyte, glucose, and lactate values during cardiopulmonary resuscitation in dogs and cats
Authors: Hopper Kate , Borchers Angela , Epstein Steven E.
Published: April 2014

Objective

To report acid base, electrolyte, glucose, and lactate values collected during or immediately after cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in dogs and cats.

Design

Retrospective study.

Setting

University Teaching Hospital.

Animals

Thirty‐two dogs and 10 cats.

Interventions

None.

Measurements and Main Results

Blood gas, electrolyte, glucose, and lactate values measured during CPR or within 5 minutes of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) were retrospectively evaluated. The time of blood collection with respect to the occurrence of cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA), the initiation of CPR or ROSC was noted. Forty‐two venous blood samples were analyzed, 24 collected during CPR and 18 samples were collected within 5 minutes of ROSC. Metabolic acidosis and hyperlactatemia were evident in all samples in the study while an increased PvCO2occurred in 88% of samples collected during CPR and in 61% of samples collected following ROSC. Hyperkalemia occurred in 65% of all cases, decreased ionized calcium was evident in 18%, hypoglycemia was evident in 21% while hyperglycemia was evident in 62%. There was no significant difference in any parameter evaluated between dogs and cats during CPR.

There was no significant difference of any variable measured during the first 15 minutes of CPA versus those measured more than 15 minutes following CPA. When the values measured during the first 5 minutes of ROSC were compared to those measured during CPR, the pH and PvO2were significantly lower in the CPR group.

Conclusions

Biochemical abnormalities including metabolic acidosis, hyperkalemia, ionized hypocalcemia, hypoglycemia, and hyperglycemia can be identified during CPR and immediately following ROSC. The therapeutic and prognostic relevance of these changes are yet to be defined and may prove to be useful to guide patient management in the future.
Retrospective evaluation of the use of autologous blood‐patch treatment for persistent pneumothorax in 8 dogs (2009–2012)
Authors: Oppenheimer Nama , Klainbart Sigal , Merbl Yael , Bruchim Yaron , Milgram Josh , Kelmer Efrat
Published: April 2014

Objective

To describe the clinical course, outcome and success rate of 8 dogs with persistent pneumothorax treated with autologous blood‐patch pleurodesis (ABP).

Design

Retrospective case series.

Setting

University teaching hospital

Animals

Eight client‐owned dogs.

Intervention

Non‐coagulated blood was aseptically collected from the jugular vein and injected immediately into the pleural cavity of dogs with persistent pneumothorax.

Measurements and Main Results

The procedure was successful in 7 of 8 dogs. The median duration of pneumothorax until the ABP was performed was 4 days (range 2–6 days). Pneumothorax resolved immediately after 1 treatment in 4 dogs. Pleurodesis was repeated once in 3 dogs, and twice in 1 case after which it resolved in 3 of the 4 dogs. Out of a total of 13 ABP procedures performed in 8 dogs, 5 (62.5%) were successful after 1 procedure and the success rate increased to 87.5% after additional procedures. One dog failed ABP and was euthanized 3 days later due to continued deterioration and a hospital acquired pneumonia. Mild to moderate complications occurred in 2 other dogs and resolved in both.

Conclusions

ABP is a simple, inexpensive, and relatively safe procedure which can be considered in dogs with persistent pneumothorax that have failed conservative or surgical management. Infections following ABP were documented in 2 of the 8 dogs and resolved in 1 dog.
Presumptive cocaine toxicosis in 19 dogs: 2004–2012
Authors: Thomas Emily K. , Drobatz Kenneth J. , Mandell Deborah C.
Published: April 2014

Objective

To characterize the incidence, signalment, presenting complaint, history, clinical signs, diagnostic test results, complications, treatment, length of hospitalization, and outcome of dogs presenting with presumptive cocaine toxicosis.

Design

Retrospective study from March 1, 2004 to March 1, 2012.

Setting

Twenty‐four hour urban university veterinary teaching hospital.

Animals

Nineteen dogs presenting with clinical signs consistent with cocaine toxicosis and having a positive urine cocaine test.

Interventions

None.

Measurements and Main Results

All dogs had neurological abnormalities including bilateral mydriasis (11/19 [58%]), hyperexcitability/hyperesthesia (10/19 [53%]), ataxia (8/19 [42%]), focal or generalized muscle tremors (8/19 [42%]), reduced mental awareness (6/19 [32%]), and seizures (3/19 [16%]). Other signs included weakness (7/19 [37%]), vomiting (6/19 [32%]), and lethargy (3/19 [16%]). Tachycardia was apparent in 10/19 (53%) dogs, hypertension in 4/19 (21%), and hyperthermia in 5/19 (26%). Sinus tachycardia was the only reported cardiac arrhythmia. Bloodwork findings included hyperglycemia in 4/19 (21%) dogs, and increased plasma lactate concentration in 9/19 (47%). Most dogs (16/19 [84%]) were hospitalized for supportive care, which generally included isotonic crystalloid fluid administration, and treatment with sedative or anxiolytic drugs including diazepam, midazolam, acepromazine, and chlorpromazine. Two dogs required further anticonvulsant therapy (phenobarbital and propofol) and 1 dog was treated with a constant rate infusion of esmolol. All dogs survived to discharge, and the median length of hospitalization was 15 hours (10–30 h).

Conclusions

Cocaine toxicosis was infrequently suspected. Neurological signs predominated, but cardiovascular alterations were also frequently reported. Hospitalization for monitoring and supportive care is recommended given the potential for life‐threatening complications such as seizures, hypertensive crisis, and tachyarrhythmias. The prognosis for survival to hospital discharge can be good with the appropriate supportive care.
Classification of subgroups isomorphic to in the Monster
Authors: Wilson Robert A.
Published: April 2014

As a contribution to an eventual solution of the problem of the determination of the maximal subgroups of the Monster we prove that the Monster does not contain any subgroup isomorphic to $\mathrm{PSL}_2(27)$.

Supplementary materials are available with this article.
Inflammatory Web Catches Vessels
Authors: Chitalia Vipul
Published: April 2014

A newly discovered candidate gene for a devastating pediatric vascular disease encodes an aberrant form of adenosine deaminase 2, which creates an inflammatory environment.
A New Group of Phage Anti-CRISPR Genes Inhibits the Type I-E CRISPR-Cas System of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Pawluk April , Bondy-Denomy Joseph , Cheung Vivian H. W. , Maxwell Karen L. , Davidson Alan R.
Published: April 2014

CRISPR-Cas systems are one of the most widespread phage resistance mechanisms in prokaryotes. Our lab recently identified the first examples of phage-borne anti-CRISPR genes that encode protein inhibitors of the type I-F CRISPR-Cas system of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
. A key question arising from this work was whether there are other types of anti-CRISPR genes. In the current work, we address this question by demonstrating that some of the same phages carrying type I-F anti-CRISPR genes also possess genes that mediate inhibition of the type I-E CRISPR-Cas system of
P. aeruginosa
. We have discovered four distinct families of these type I-E anti-CRISPR genes. These genes do not inhibit the type I-F CRISPR-Cas system of
P. aeruginosa
or the type I-E system of
Escherichia coli
. Type I-E and I-F anti-CRISPR genes are located at the same position in the genomes of a large group of related
P. aeruginosa
phages, yet they are found in a variety of combinations and arrangements. We have also identified functional anti-CRISPR genes within nonprophage
Pseudomonas
genomic regions that are likely mobile genetic elements. This work emphasizes the potential importance of anti-CRISPR genes in phage evolution and lateral gene transfer and supports the hypothesis that more undiscovered families of anti-CRISPR genes exist. Finally, we provide the first demonstration that the type I-E CRISPR-Cas system of
P. aeruginosa
is naturally active without genetic manipulation, which contrasts with
E. coli
and other previously characterized I-E systems.

IMPORTANCE
The CRISPR-Cas system is an adaptive immune system possessed by the majority of prokaryotic organisms to combat potentially harmful foreign genetic elements. This study reports the discovery of bacteriophage-encoded anti-CRISPR genes that mediate inhibition of a well-studied subtype of CRISPR-Cas system. The four families of anti-CRISPR genes described here, which comprise only the second group of anti-CRISPR genes to be identified, encode small proteins that bear no sequence similarity to previously studied phage or bacterial proteins. Anti-CRISPR genes represent a newly discovered and intriguing facet of the ongoing evolutionary competition between phages and their bacterial hosts.
In Vitro
and
In Vivo
Studies of a Rapid and Selective Breath Test for Tuberculosis Based upon Mycobacterial CO Dehydrogenase
Authors: Maiga Mamoudou , Choi Seong Won , Atudorei Viorel , Maiga Mariama C. , Sharp Zachary D. , Bishai William R. , Timmins Graham S.
Published: April 2014

One of the major hurdles in treating tuberculosis (TB) is the time-consuming and difficult methodology for diagnosis. Stable-isotope breath tests hold great potential for rapidly diagnosing an infectious disease, monitoring therapy, and determining a bacterial phenotype in a rapid, point-of-care manner that does not require invasive sampling. Here we describe the preclinical development of a potentially highly selective TB diagnostic breath test based upon the organism’s CO dehydrogenase activity. After development of the test
in vitro
, we were able to use the breath test to discriminate between infected and control rabbits, demonstrating that a diagnosis can potentially be made and also that a complex bacterial phenotype can be noninvasively and rapidly studied in the host.

IMPORTANCE
Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major infectious cause of disease and death worldwide, and effective diagnosis and then treatment are the tools with which we fight TB. The more quickly and more specific the diagnosis can be made, the better, and this is also true of diagnosis being as close to the patient (point of care) as possible. Here we report our preclinical development of breath tests based upon specific mycobacterial metabolism that could, with development, allow rapid point-of-care diagnosis through measuring the mycobacterial conversion of labeled CO to labeled CO
2
.
Built environment and physical activity in New Zealand adolescents: a protocol for a cross-sectional study
Authors: Hinckson Erica A , Duncan Scott , Oliver Melody , Mavoa Suzanne , Cerin Ester , Badland Hannah , Stewart Tom , Ivory Vivienne , McPhee Julia , Schofield Grant
Published: April 2014

Introduction

Built-environment interventions have the potential to provide population-wide effects and the means for a sustained effect on behaviour change. Population-wide effects for adult physical activity have been shown with selected built environment attributes; however, the association between the built environment and adolescent health behaviours is less clear. This New Zealand study is part of an international project across 10 countries (International Physical Activity and the Environment Network–adolescents) that aims to characterise the links between built environment and adolescent health outcomes.

Methods and analyses

An observational, cross-sectional study of the associations between measures of the built environment with physical activity, sedentary behaviour, body size and social connectedness in 1600 New Zealand adolescents aged 12–18 years will be conducted in 2013–2014. Walkability and neighbourhood destination accessibility indices will be objectively measured using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Physical activity and sedentary behaviours will be objectively measured using accelerometers over seven consecutive days. Body mass index will be calculated as weight divided by squared height. Demographics, socioeconomic status, active commuting behaviours and perceived neighbourhood walkability will be assessed using the Neighbourhood Environment Walkability Scale for Youth and psychosocial indicators. A web-based computer-assisted personal interview tool Visualisation and Evaluation of Route Itineraries, Travel Destinations, and Activity Spaces (VERITAS) and Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers will be used in a subsample of 300 participants. A qualitative research component will explore barriers and facilitators for physical activity in adolescents with respect to the built and social environment in a subsample of 80 participants.

Ethics and dissemination

The study received ethical approval from the Auckland University of Technology Ethics Committee (12/161). Data will be entered and stored into a secure (password protected) database. Only the named researchers will have access to the data. Data will be stored for 10 years and permanently destroyed thereafter. The results papers will be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
In the spotlight: healthcare inspections as an opportunity for trainee clinicians to be the leaders of today
Authors: Ramanuj Parashar Pravin , Ryland Howard , Mitchell Edward W , Parvizi Nassim , Chinthapalli Krishna
Published: April 2014

There have been repeated calls from all quarters of healthcare for more clinicians to be leaders. The risks of not accepting this responsibility have been demonstrated by harrowing reports into failed care in England. Ambiguity persists over what clinical leadership encompasses, how it can be developed and how to inspire clinicians to practise it. A supportive organisational culture, dedicated resources and national support are needed to foster leadership skills among trainee clinicians. Here we discuss a possible blueprint based on the recent reviews of English NHS Trusts with high mortality rates for future initiatives in empowering medical and nursing trainees to learn from leaders and practise leadership skills.
IBD: reproductive health, pregnancy and lactation
Authors: Hendy Philip , Chadwick Georgina , Hart Ailsa
Published: April 2014

The peak incidence of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) occurs during the child-bearing years, and so questions about fertility, pregnancy and breast feeding are often asked by patients. It is known that patients with IBD receive twice as much information about pregnancy-related issues from gastroenterologists as from any other source (including the internet). Therefore, the role of the gastroenterologist in correctly educating patients to avoid misconceptions is paramount, and this should be done proactively prior to planning pregnancy so that the patient's health and medications can be optimised. A clear understanding of medication safety during pregnancy and lactation will improve clinical management.
The effect of delay in fixation on HER2 expression in invasive carcinoma of the breast assessed with immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridisation
Authors: Lee Andrew H S , Key Heather P , Bell Jane A , Kumah Patrick , Hodi Zsolt , Ellis Ian O
Published: April 2014

Aims

Accurate assessment of HER2 status is essential for selection of patients for HER2-targeted treatment such as trastuzumab. This study investigated the hypothesis that delayed fixation impairs HER2 assessment.

Methods

9 carcinomas were received fresh, and samples were fixed immediately or put in fixative at time intervals up to 24 h. All carcinomas were scored as 3+ with immunohistochemistry in properly fixed tissue.

Results

2 of 9 carcinomas (95% CIs 6% to 56%) showed reduced immunohistochemical staining with delays in fixation of 1 and 8 h. One carcinoma showed low-level amplification with fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) when properly fixed and was not amplified after delayed fixation. The other carcinomas were amplified at all time points.

Conclusions

Delayed fixation impaired HER2 protein expression assessed using immunohistochemistry in 22% of 3+ carcinomas. HER2 amplification assessed using FISH may be less affected.
Incidence and mechanisms of stroke after permanent carotid artery occlusion following temporary occlusion testing
Authors: Whisenant Justin T , Kadkhodayan Yasha , Cross DeWitte T , Moran Christopher J , Derdeyn Colin P
Published: April 2014

Background and purpose

Patients who require sacrifice of the internal carotid artery (ICA) have a substantial risk of stroke, despite preoperative testing with temporary balloon occlusion (TBO). The purpose of this study is to examine the incidence and mechanisms of stroke after permanent carotid artery occlusion in this population.

Methods

Consecutive patients undergoing TBO testing from March 2002 to December 2011 were identified. The protocol included 30 min of balloon occlusion, continuous intraprocedural neurological assessment, angiographic imaging of collateral flow during the occlusion, and perfusion imaging. Clinical records were reviewed for procedure results, procedural complications, and the incidence and causes of stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA) and death over 6 months. Strokes were categorized as thromboembolic or hypoperfusion based on available clinical and imaging data.

Results

One hundred and fifty carotid occlusion tests were performed during the study period, including 84 women and 66 men. No procedural strokes were recorded. Thirty-seven patients (25%) had permanent occlusion of the tested ICA. Six of the 37 patients had ipsilateral stroke (16.2%) and three experienced TIA (8.1%). Two strokes occurred in the immediate postoperative period (thromboembolic), two strokes occurred within days of ICA occlusion (hypoperfusion), and two strokes occurred at least 30 days from the time of ICA occlusion (thromboembolic).

Conclusions

The rate of ischemic stroke following carotid sacrifice remains high and most strokes are thromboembolic in nature. Our testing protocol did not eliminate the risk of hypoperfusion-related stroke. Delayed venous phase by angiography may be a better indicator of hemodynamic tolerance than perfusion imaging.
On the mean Euler characteristic of contact manifolds
Authors: Espina Jacqueline
Published: April 2014

We express the mean Euler characteristic (MEC) of a contact structure in terms of the mean indices of closed Reeb orbits for a broad class of contact manifolds, the so-called asymptotically finite contact manifolds. We show that this class is closed under subcritical contact surgery and examine the behavior of the MEC under such surgery. To this end, we revisit the notion of index-positivity for contact forms. We also obtain an expression for the MEC in the Morse–Bott case.
Recovery of Galilean invariance in thermal lattice Boltzmann models for arbitrary Prandtl number
Authors: Chen Hudong , Gopalakrishnan Pradeep , Zhang Raoyang
Published: April 2014

In this paper, we demonstrate a set of fundamental conditions required for the formulation of a thermohydrodynamic lattice Boltzmann model at an arbitrary Prandtl number. A specific collision operator form is then proposed that is in compliance with these conditions. It admits two independent relaxation times, one for viscosity and another for thermal conductivity. But more importantly, the resulting thermohydrodynamic equations based on such a collision operator form is theoretically shown to remove the well-known non-Galilean invariant artifact at nonunity Prandtl numbers in previous thermal lattice Boltzmann models with multiple relaxation times.
Highlights from BNL-RHIC 2011–2013
Authors: Tannenbaum M. J.
Published: April 2014

Highlights from Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) and experiments at the BNL Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) are presented for the years 2011–2013. This review is a combination of lectures which discussed the latest results each year at a three year celebration of the 50th anniversary of the International School of Subnuclear Physics in Erice, Sicily, Italy. Since the first collisions in the year 2000, RHIC has provided nucleus–nucleus and polarized proton–proton collisions over a range of nucleon–nucleon center-of-mass energies [Formula: see text] from 7.7 GeV to 510 GeV with nuclei from deuterium to uranium, most often gold. The objective was the discovery of the Quark Gluon Plasma, which was achieved, and the measurement of its properties, which were much different than expected, namely a "perfect fluid" of quarks and gluons with their color charges exposed rather than a gas. Topics including quenching of light and heavy quarks at large transverse momentum, thermal photons, search for a QCD critical point as well as measurements of collective flow, two-particle correlations and J/Ψ suppression are presented. During this period, results from the first and subsequent heavy ion measurements at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN became available. These confirmed and extended the RHIC discoveries and have led to ideas for new and improved measurements.
DESIGN OF A MULTI-LAYERED QCA CONFIGURABLE LOGIC BLOCK FOR FPGAs
Authors: GHOSH BAHNIMAN , CHANDRA J. SIVA , SALIMATH AKSHAYKUMAR
Published: April 2014

In this paper, a Multi-layered configurable logic block (CLB) unit for field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) is proposed based on quantum-dot cellular automata (QCA) technology. The design is made in multiple layers which help to process information simultaneously, in different layers. Various components of CLB like (4 × 16) Decoder, Memory units, Multiplexers and RS-Flip flops are all designed in multiple layers using higher input majority gates to reduce the cell count and latency compared to previous designs. QCA Designer tool is used to design and simulate the model. The Coherence vector approximation is used for obtaining simulation results.
RADIO PROPAGATION CHARACTERISTICS OF INDOOR LOCATION SYSTEM BASED ON RSSI AT 490 MHz
Authors: FAN WEIHONG , AHMADI MAJID , XUE FENG
Published: April 2014

Localization and tracking technology based on received signal strength indicator (RSSI) is one of the most popular topics because of its low demand on hardware and cost. But the complexity of the indoor environment, leads to the uncertainty of the radio propagation which can seriously affect the positioning accuracy based on the received signal strength. Focused on the wall reflection in the indoor environment, the radio propagation characteristic based on ray-tracing model is analyzed and one strategy for the near wall localization is presented. The actual hardware platform and experimental test results show the applicability of the empirical logarithmic path loss model for localization and the effect of the wall reflection.
DEGRADATION ANALYSIS OF PROBABILISTIC PARALLEL CHOICE SYSTEMS
Authors: SAXENA AVINASH , RAO SHRISHA
Published: April 2014

Degradation analysis is used to analyze the useful lifetimes of systems, their failure rates, and various other system parameters like mean time to failure (MTTF), mean time between failures (MTBF), and the system failure rate (SFR). In many systems, certain possible parallel paths of execution that have greater chances of success are preferred over others. Thus we introduce here the concept of probabilistic parallel choice. We use binary and n-ary probabilistic choice operators in describing the selections of parallel paths. These binary and n-ary probabilistic choice operators are considered so as to represent the complete system (described as a series-parallel system) in terms of the probabilities of selection of parallel paths and their relevant parameters. Our approach allows us to derive new and generalized formulae for system parameters like MTTF, MTBF, and SFR. We use a generalized exponential distribution, allowing distinct installation times for individual components, and use this model to derive expressions for such system parameters.
EFFECT OF LEAD CHLORIDE ON THE GROWTH AND SURFACE PROPERTIES OF POTASSIUM CHLORIDE CRYSTALS FROM AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS
Authors: PODDER JIBAN , EVITTS RICHARD WILLIAM , BESANT ROBERT WILLIAM
Published: April 2014

Pure potassium chloride ( KCl ) and lead chloride ( PbCl 2)-doped KCl crystals were grown from saturated aqueous solutions by a solvent evaporation process. The effects of Pb 2+ on the surface morphology, structural and mechanical properties of KCl crystal were investigated. The surface morphology of the cubic structured crystals was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction and the elemental mappings at the microstructural level were determined by energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy. The mass growth rate was found to decrease when the Pb 2+ ions were present and the volume growth flux was also found to decrease with time and initial concentration of impurity. A Vickers micro-hardness study shows that Pb -doped KCl crystals are harder than pure KCl crystals.
Electric field effect on the nonlinear optical rectification properties in III–V nitrides semi-parabolic quantum well
Authors: El Kadadra A. , Abouelaoualim D. , Oueriagli A. , Outzourhit A.
Published: April 2014

By using the compact-density-matrix approach and iterative procedure, a detailed procedure for the calculation of the optical rectification (OR) tensor is given in the electric-field-biased semi-parabolic quantum wells (QW's). The simple analytical formula for the OR coefficient in the systems is also deduced. By adopting the methods of envelope wave function and the displaced harmonic oscillator approach, the electronic states in semi-parabolic QW's with applied electric fields are exactly solved. Numerical results on typical Al x Ga 1-x N / GaN materials show that, nonlinear OR coefficient is strongly affected only by the confinement frequency ω0, the applied electric field. Moreover, OR also sensitively depends on the relaxation rate of the systems.
Slowdown of group velocity of light in PPLN by employing electro-optic effect
Authors: Li Jun , Zheng Yuanlin , Deng Xuewei , Chen Xianfeng
Published: April 2014

A theoretical model is proposed to numerically simulate the electro-optic effect in periodically poled lithium niobate (PPLN) on the slowdown of group velocity of ultrashort pulses. The simulation results show that, under the condition of wave-vector mismatching, the group velocity of ultrashort pulses can be controlled accurately by adjusting the DC electric field applied along the transverse direction (x-axis) of PPLN. Furthermore, the roles of other factors influencing the group velocity slowdown, including the intensity of input pulse, the wave-vector mismatching, and the operating temperature, are also analyzed and demonstrated.
Gain performance of cascaded and hybrid semiconductor optical amplifier in CWDM system
Authors: Ismail Khadijah , Menon P. Susthitha , Shaari Sahbudin , Ehsan Abang Annuar , Bakarman Hesham , Arsad Norhana , Bakar Ahmad Ashrif A.
Published: April 2014

The incorporation of cascaded and hybrid-type optical amplifiers into the optical fiber link is advantageous for the purpose of achieving wide gain bandwidth of multi-wavelength coarse wavelength division multiplexing (CWDM) systems. Different amplifiers whose operating gain region differ from each other are connected in cascade, thus providing better gain performance as the overall gain is combined and flattened over a larger spectrum. In this paper, the effect of the crossover of the uniform gain of the semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) and the nonuniform gain of erbium-doped fiber amplifier (EDFA) is analyzed using an in-line cascaded SOA-SOA and an in-line hybrid SOA-EDFA configuration in the amplification of an 8-channels CWDM system obtained from the simulation using Optisystem software. It was observed that the cascaded SOA-SOA produces higher gain of 25 dB and wider gain bandwidth of 60 nm compared to the hybrid SOA-EDFA configuration with maximum gain of only 24 dB and 40 nm bandwidth. In addition, better bit-error-rate (BER) performance which is within the typical values in optical fiber communication is also achieved from the cascaded SOA topology. Wider gain bandwidth obtained with the SOA-SOA configuration would permit the transmission of video application at 1551 nm in the proposed Ethernet CWDM system transmitted at 100 Mb/s data rates.
Enhanced Brillouin scattering of gaussian laser beam in collisional plasma: Moment theory approach
Authors: Walia Keshav
Published: April 2014

In the present paper, enhanced Brillouin scattering of a gaussian laser beam in a collisional plasma has been investigated with the help of moment theory approach. The pump wave (ω0, k0) interacts with pre-excited ion-acoustic wave (ω, k), thereby generating a back-scattered wave (ω0 - ω, k0 - k). As a specific case, back scattering for which k ≃ 2k0 has been discussed. Due to nonuniform heating, collisional nonlinearity arises, which leads to redistribution of carriers. As a result background plasma density profile in a direction transverse to pump beam axis is modified. Consequently, the pump beam becomes self-focused and in turn leads focusing of ion-acoustic wave and back-scattered wave under appropriate conditions. It is further observed from the analysis that focusing of waves greatly enhances the SBS back-reflectivity.
Dispersive optical solitons with Schrödinger–Hirota equation
Authors: Bhrawy A. H. , Alshaery A. A. , Hilal E. M. , Manrakhan Wayne N. , Savescu Michelle , Biswas Anjan
Published: April 2014

The dynamics of dispersive optical solitons, modeled by Schrödinger–Hirota equation, are studied in this paper. Bright, dark and singular optical soliton solutions to this model are obtained in presence of perturbation terms that are considered with full nonlinearity. Soliton perturbation theory is also applied to retrieve adiabatic parameter dynamics of bright solitons. Optical soliton cooling is also studied. Finally, exact bright, dark and singular solitons are addressed for birefringent fibers with perturbation terms included.