bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The use of bone turnover markers in chronic kidney disease‐mineral and bone disorders
Authors: Chiang Cherie
Published: April 2017

Bone turnover markers assist in fracture risk prediction, management and monitoring of osteoporosis in patients without chronic kidney disease (CKD). The use in CKD–mineral bone disorder (MBD) has been limited as many of these markers and breakdown products are renally excreted, including the most commonly used and well standardized procollagen type I N propeptide and C‐terminal cross‐linking telopeptide of type I collagen. Of the markers unaffected by renal function, bone specific alkaline phosphatase is associated with mortality and fracture rate in CKD subjects and is now available on several automated analysers. When used in combination with PTH, bone specific alkaline phosphatase as a bone formation marker correlated well with bone biopsy histomorphometry in predicting adynamic bone disease. Tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase 5b is a resorption marker that is under development for automation.

Both high and low bone turnover in CKD‐MBD patients are associated with increased fracture and mortality risk. Bone biopsy as the gold standard to differentiate between adynamic bone disease and osteitis fibrosa is limited by availability and cost. Appropriate use of bone turnover markers is vital in the decision to commence anti‐resorptive agents, and to monitor efficacy in order to avoid over suppression of bone turnover, which may lead to stress fractures. Further efforts are required to develop markers unaffected by renal function with standardized cut‐off values and fracture as well as vascular calcification end‐points.
Use of dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry, the trabecular bone score and quantitative computed tomography in the evaluation of chronic kidney disease‐mineral and bone disorders
Authors: Pocock Nicholas
Published: April 2017

In subjects with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who suffer a minimal trauma fracture, the problem is to differentiate between osteoporosis and the various forms of renal bone disease associated with CKD–mineral and bone disorder. This problem is exacerbated by the fact that renal osteodystrophy may coexist with osteoporosis. The World Health Organization's bone mineral density (BMD) criteria for osteopenia ( −2.5 < T‐score < −1.0) and osteoporosis (a T‐score ≤ −2.5) may be used in patients with CKD stages 1–3. In CKD stages 4–5, BMD by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) is less predictive and may underestimate fracture risk. The development of absolute fracture risk (AFR) algorithms, such as FRAX® and the Garvan absolute fracture risk calculator, to predict risk of fracture over a given time (usually 10 years) aims to incorporate non‐BMD risk factors into the clinical assessment. FRAX® has been shown to be useful to assess fracture risk in CKD but may underestimate fracture risk in advanced CKD. The trabecular bone score is a measure of grey scale homogeneity obtained from spine DXA, which correlates to trabecular microarchitecture and is an independent risk factor for fracture. Recent data demonstrate the potential utility of the trabecular bone score adjustment of AFR through the FRAX® algorithm in subjects with CKD. Parameters of bone microarchitecture using peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) or high‐resolution pQCT are also able to discriminate fracture status in subjects with CKD. However, there are at present no convincing data that the addition of pQCT or high‐resolution pQCT parameters to DXA BMD improves fracture discrimination. More advanced estimates of bone strength derived from measurements of micro‐architecture, by QCT‐derived finite element analysis may be incorporated into AFR algorithms in the future.
Is there a practical role for a virtual bone biopsy using high‐resolution imaging of bone in patients with chronic kidney disease?
Authors: Sharma Ashish K , Toussaint Nigel D
Published: April 2017

Renal osteodystrophy (ROD) refers to alterations in bone turnover, mineralisation, mass and microarchitecture in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and represents the skeletal component of ‘CKD–mineral and bone disorder’. Changes in bone structure lead to impaired bone quality, compromised bone strength and increased susceptibility to fractures with associated significant morbidity, mortality and financial cost. Diagnosis and management of ROD is hindered by the inadequacy of currently available diagnostic methods to interpret the complex pathophysiology. Bone biopsy, the perceived gold standard test to assess ROD, is invasive and suboptimal for disease screening and management in routine clinical practice. High‐resolution imaging, such as high‐resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography and high‐resolution magnetic resonance imaging provide accurate non‐invasive quantification of bone microarchitecture and facilitate assessment of mechanical competence of bone, correlating with skeletal fragility. We discuss the potential for these imaging techniques in patients with CKD to provide quantification and assessment of bone structure and strength. When used in conjunction with serum biomarkers, these investigative tools may provide a non‐invasive diagnostic virtual bone biopsy.
Should nephrologists consider vascular calcification screening?
Authors: Krishnasamy Rathika , Pedagogos Eugenie
Published: April 2017

Vascular calcification (VC) has been widely discussed over the last few decades and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality among patients with chronic kidney disease. Importantly, these patients have premature and rapidly progressive calcification when compared with the general population. VC is an active and complex process that is closely regulated by a growing list of inducers and inhibitors. VC can be detected using several non‐invasive modalities including plain radiography, echocardiogram and computed tomography scans. However, the usefulness of these imaging measurements to capture treatment effects may be limited. Routine screening and monitoring for progression of VC remains highly debatable.
The role of calcium and non calcium‐based phosphate binders in chronic kidney disease
Authors: Elder Grahame J , Center Jacqueline
Published: April 2017

Rising levels of serum phosphate occur late in the course of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and have been easy targets for nephrologists to treat using phosphate binding drugs, as well as fertile ground for the pharmaceutical industry, for meta‐analysis and for the earnest pontifications of guideline writers. Unfortunately, the evidence does little to support this focus, which might be better applied to earlier, adaptive hormonal changes, and to phosphate balance rather than serum phosphate levels. Nevertheless, phosphate binders are ubiquitously prescribed to patients on dialysis, and often prescribed to patients with earlier stages of CKD; for which there is no evidence of benefit and some evidence that calcium‐based binders (CBBs) and possibly non‐CBBs may cause more harm than placebo. For patients on dialysis, observational studies suggest that phosphate binder use may reduce mortality. Meta‐analyses report reduced hypercalcaemia for non‐CBBs versus CBBs, and compared with CBBs sevelamer has been reported to significantly reduce vascular calcification progression and, in some but not all studies, overall mortality. However, limitations include study heterogeneity. For patients on dialysis, CBBs appear to have no advantages over the non‐CBBs, apart from lower cost. In general, it seems prudent to avoid prescribing calcium‐based drugs to patients who are pre‐dialysis, and to use non‐CBBs preferentially in CKD stage 5D. Current draft Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes guidelines suggest that CBB dosage be minimized in CKD stages 3 to 5D.
Abdominal vagus nerve stimulation as a new therapeutic approach to prevent postoperative ileus
Authors: Stakenborg N. , Wolthuis A. M. , Gomez‐Pinilla P. J. , Farro G. , Di Giovangiulio M. , Bosmans G. , Labeeuw E. , Verhaegen M. , Depoortere I. , D'Hoore A. , Matteoli G. , Boeckxstaens G. E.
Published: April 2017

Background

Electrical stimulation of the cervical vagus nerve (VNS) prevents postoperative ileus (POI) in mice. As this approach requires an additional cervical procedure, we explored the possibility of peroperative abdominal VNS in mice and human.

Methods

The effect of cervical and abdominal VNS was studied in a murine model of POI and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced sepsis. Postoperative ileus was quantified by assessment of intestinal transit of fluorescent dextran expressed as geometric center (GC). Next, the effect of cervical and abdominal VNS on heart rate was determined in eight Landrace pigs to select the optimal electrode for VNS in human. Finally, the effect of sham or abdominal VNS on LPS‐induced cytokine production of whole blood was studied in patients undergoing colorectal surgery.

Key Results

Similar to cervical VNS, abdominal VNS significantly decreased LPS‐induced serum tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNFα) levels (abdominal VNS: 366±33 pg/mL vs sham: 822±105 pg/mL; P<.01). In line, in a murine model of POI, abdominal VNS significantly improved intestinal transit (GC: sham 5.1±0.2 vs abdominal VNS: 7.8±0.6; P<.01) and reduced intestinal inflammation (abdominal VNS: 35±7 vs sham: 80±8 myeloperoxidase positive cells/field; P<.05). In pigs, heart rate was reduced by cervical VNS but not by abdominal VNS. In humans, abdominal VNS significantly reduced LPS‐induced IL8 and IL6 production by whole blood.

Conclusions & Inferences

Abdominal VNS is feasible and safe in humans and has anti‐inflammatory properties. As abdominal VNS improves POI similar to cervical VNS in mice, our data indicate that peroperative abdominal VNS may represent a novel approach to shorten POI in man.
An Innovative Cooling Jacket to Combat Heat Intolerance in Children with Anhidrosis
Authors: Inamadar Arun C. , Palit Aparna , Khurana Neha
Published: April 2017

Hyperthermia and heat intolerance are distressing symptoms in patients with anhidrosis. Body cooling devices are an integral part of management of these patients. A cooling jacket made from easily available materials has been invented for a girl with congenital insensitivity to pain and anhidrosis with severe heat intolerance. This innovative cooling jacket may be helpful for anhidrotic children in resource‐poor situations.
The Operational Value of Social Media Information
Authors: Cui Ruomeng , Gallino Santiago , Moreno Antonio , Zhang Dennis J.
Published: April 2017

While the value of using social media information has been established in multiple business contexts, the field of operations and supply chain management have not yet explored the possibilities it offers in improving firms' operational decisions. This study attempts to do that by empirically studying whether using publicly available social media information can improve the accuracy of daily sales forecasts.We collaborated with an online apparel retailer to assemble a dataset that combines (1) detailed internal operational information, including data on sales, advertising, and promotions, as well as (2) publicly available social media information obtained from Facebook. We implement a variety of machine learning methods to forecast daily sales. We find that using social media information results in statistically significant improvements in the out‐of‐sample accuracy of the forecasts, with relative improvements ranging from 12.85% to 23.23% over different forecast horizons. We also demonstrate that nonlinear boosting models with feature selection, such as random forests, perform significantly better than traditional linear models. The best‐performing method (random forest) yields an out‐of‐sample MAPE of 7.21% when not using social media information and 5.73% when using social media information is used. In both cases, this significantly improves the accuracy of the company's internal forecasts (a MAPE of 11.97%). Combining these empirical results, we provide recommendations for forecasting sales in general as well as with social media information.
Interdisciplinary periodontics: the multidisciplinary approach to the planning and treatment of complex cases
Authors: Lyons Karl M. , Darby Ivan
Published: April 2017

Periodontics cannot be practiced in isolation as frequently many patients have multiple dental needs or medical health issues requiring management. In addition, pathology may manifest in the periodontal tissues, and the onset and progression of periodontitis can be affected by systemic conditions, such as diabetes, and vice versa. The focus of this volume of Periodontology 2000 is interdisciplinary periodontics, and the articles included discuss the interactions and the interrelationshipbetween periodontal tissues/periodontal diseases and endodontics, fixed prosthodontics, implant dentistry, esthetics, gerodontology, radiology, orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, oral and maxillofacial surgery, oral pathology, special needs dentistry and general medicine. Previous volumes of Periodontology 2000 have covered some of the interactions between periodontal diseases and other dental disciplines, especially implant dentistry, ‘and the interaction between periodontal disease and systemic disease’, but there has not been a volume on interdisciplinary periodontics. The intention therefore is to show how and why periodontics should be interdisciplinary, as well as the benefits of an interdisciplinary approach; in addition, the potential consequences of using a discipline in isolation are discussed.
Interaction between endodontics and periodontics
Authors: Rotstein Ilan
Published: April 2017

Endodontic–periodontal lesions present challenges to the clinician regarding diagnosis, treatment planning and prognosis. Etiologic factors, such as bacteria and viruses, as well as contributing factors, such as trauma, root resorptions, perforations, cracks and dental malformations, play an important role in the development and progression of such lesions. Treatment and prognosis of endodontic–periodontal lesions vary, depending on the etiology, pathogenesis and correct diagnosis of each specific condition. This chapter will appraise the interrelationship between endodontic and periodontal lesions and provide biological and clinical evidence for diagnosis, prognosis and decision‐making in the treatment of these conditions.
Dental geriatrics and periodontitis
Authors: Persson Gösta Rutger
Published: April 2017

The present literature review is focused on two main areas: (i) periodontal conditions in older individuals; and (ii) the scientific data available on periodontal treatment outcomes in individuals ≥ 75 years of age. The population of older people is increasing but the data on periodontal therapies and their efficacy in this population are limited and need to be carefully reviewed. Although life expectancy has increased, this does not mean that older people are medically healthy. Several chronic systemic diseases are associated with periodontitis, and the prevalence of most chronic diseases increases with age. Furthermore, older people are challenged by impaired immunity (immune senescence) with a decline in the numbers of naïve T‐cells in peripheral blood and lymphoid tissues. The most frequent significant correlates with successful ageing include not smoking and the absence of disability, arthritis and diabetes mellitus. Periodontal diseases in older individuals may have specific features that are not consistent with periodontal diseases. In this respect, data suggest that gingival lesions in older individuals develop differently from gingival lesions in younger adults. The progression of periodontitis may be slower in older individuals, and older individuals with periodontitis may benefit from more conservative treatment approaches. Diagnostic criteria used for the assessment and diagnosis of periodontitis in younger adults may not be fully applicable in older individuals. In summary, declining health, perception of treatment needs, dietary changes, comorbidity with other diseases and immune senescence are challenging factors to clinicians and researchers, in terms of therapies and in understanding periodontitis etiology in older individuals.
A Bayesian Measure of Poverty in the Developing World
Authors: Xun Zhou , Lubrano Michel
Published: April 2017

We propose a new methodology to revise the international poverty line (IPL) after Ravallion et al. (2009) using the same database, but augmented with new variables to take into account social inclusion in the definition of poverty along the lines of Atkinson and Bourguignon (2001). We provide an estimation of the world income distribution and of the corresponding number of poor people in the developing world. Our revised IPL is based on an augmented two‐regime model estimated using a Bayesian approach, which allows us to take into account uncertainty when defining the reference group of countries where the IPL applies. The influence of weighting by population is discussed, as well as the IPL revision proposed in Deaton (2010). We also discuss the impact of using the new 2011 PPP and the recent IPL revision made by the World Bank.
Accuracy of computed tomographic arthrography for assessment of articular cartilage defects in the ovine stifle
Authors: Hontoir Fanny , Clegg Peter , Simon Vincent , Kirschvink Nathalie , Nisolle Jean‐Francois , Vandeweerd Jean‐Michel
Published: April 2017

Articular cartilage defects are one of the features of osteoarthritis in animals and humans. Early detection of cartilage defects is a challenge in clinical veterinary practice and also in translational research studies. An accurate, diagnostic imaging method would be desirable for detecting and following up lesions in specific anatomical regions of the articular surface. The current prospective experimental study aimed to describe the accuracy of computed tomographic arthrography (CTA) for detecting cartilage defects in a common animal model used for osteoarthritis research, the ovine stifle (knee, femoropatellar/femorotibial) joint. Joints in cadaver limbs (n= 42) and in living animals under anesthesia (n= 13) were injected with a contrast medium and imaged using a standardized CT protocol. Gross anatomy and histological assessment of specific anatomic regions were used as a gold standard for the evaluation of sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, and positive predictive value for CTA identification of articular cartilage defects in those regions. Pooled estimated sensitivity and specificity were 90.32% and 97.30%, respectively, in cadaver limbs, and 81.82% and 95.24%, respectively, in living animals. Pooled estimated positive predictive value and negative predictive values were 98.25% and 85.71%, respectively, in cadaver limbs, and 81.82% and 95.24%, respectively, in living animals. The delineation of cartilage surface was good for anatomical regions most frequently affected by cartilage defects in the ovine stifle: medial femoral condyle, medial tibial condyle, and patella. This study supported the use of CTA as an imaging technique for detecting and monitoring articular cartilage defects in the ovine stifle joint.
10-MW Wind Turbine Performance Under Pitching and Yawing Motion
Authors: Leble Vladimir , Barakos George
Published: April 2017

The possibility of a wind turbine entering vortex ring state (VRS) during pitching oscillations is explored in this paper. The work first validated the employed computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method, and continued with computations at fixed yaw of the NREL phase VI wind turbine. The aerodynamic performance of the rotor was computed using the helicopter multiblock (HMB) flow solver. This code solves the Navier–Stokes equations in integral form using the arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian formulation for time-dependent domains with moving boundaries. With confidence on the established method, yawing and pitching oscillations were performed suggesting partial vortex ring state during pitching motion. The results also show the strong effect of the frequency and amplitude of oscillations on the wind turbine performance.
Design Space Assessment of Hydrogen Storage Onboard Medium and Heavy Duty Fuel Cell Electric Trucks
Authors: Gangloff John J. , Kast James , Morrison Geoffrey , Marcinkoski Jason
Published: April 2017

Hydrogen fuel cells are an important part of a portfolio of strategies for reducing petroleum use and emissions from medium and heavy duty (MD and HD) vehicles; however, their deployment is very limited compared to other powertrains. This paper addresses gaseous hydrogen storage tank design and location on representative MD and HD vehicles. Storage design is based on vehicle size and occupation. The available storage space on representative vehicles is assessed and is used to estimate the weight and capacity of composite material-based compressed gaseous storage at 350 and 700 bar. Results demonstrate the technical feasibility of using hydrogen storage for fuel cell electric trucks (FCETs) across a wide range of the MD and HD vehicle market. This analysis is part of a longer-term project to understand which market segments provide the maximum economic impact and greenhouse gas reduction opportunities for FCETs.
Dependence of Film Cooling Effectiveness on Three-Dimensional Printed Cooling Holes
Authors: Aghasi Paul , Gutmark Ephraim , Munday David
Published: April 2017

Film cooling effectiveness is closely dependent on the geometry of the hole emitting the cooling film. These holes are sometimes quite expensive to machine by traditional methods, so 3D printed test pieces have the potential to greatly reduce the cost of film cooling experiments. What is unknown is the degree to which parameters like layer resolution and the choice among 3D printing technologies influence the results of a film cooling test. A new flat-plate film cooling facility employing oxygen-sensitive paint (OSP) verified by gas sampling and the mass transfer analogy and measurements both by gas sampling and OSP is verified by comparing measurements by both gas sampling and OSP. The same facility is then used to characterize the film cooling effectiveness of a diffuser-shaped film cooling hole geometry. These diffuser holes are then produced by a variety of additive manufacturing (AM) technologies with different build layer thicknesses. The objective is to determine if cheaper manufacturing techniques afford usable and reliable results. The coolant gas used is CO2 yielding a density ratio (DR) of 1.5. Surface quality is characterized by an optical microscope that measures surface roughness. Test coupons with rougher surface topology generally showed delayed blow off and higher film cooling effectiveness at high blowing ratios (BR) compared to the geometries with lower measured surface roughness. At the present scale, none of the additively manufactured parts consistently matched the traditionally machined part, indicating that caution should be exercised in employing additively manufactured test pieces in film cooling work.
Compact Arrangements of Cable-Pulley Type Zero-Free-Length Springs
Authors: Ou Yu-Heng , Chen Dar-Zen
Published: April 2017

A methodology to develop springs with zero-free-length (ZFL) characteristics is presented, and the configurations for placing the springs precisely on the manipulators are introduced. A spring–string arrangement installed between two separate links of a serial-type manipulator is employed and is divided into three regions for mounting, tensioning, and placing the string. The springs can develop ZFL characteristics if adequate length is ensured for mounting the springs. To shorten the length for placing strings, a reference length acquired from the link configurations is utilized. The minimization of the placing length can therefore be described clearly. Because the overextended springs and links occupied the workspace of the other links as a result of the long mounting length, the springs are reorganized using pulleys and wire winding configurations to shorten the mounting length. The springs can then be arranged in alignment on the links. As achieved with this additional arrangement, comprehensive spring configurations on the manipulators can be shown. Two examples are presented after deriving the spring configurations for ZFL characteristics and the configurations with wire winding, respectively.
Ejector Application for Scavenging of an Aero Engine Bearing Chamber
Authors: Flouros Michael , Salpingidou Christina , Yakinthos Kyros , Hirschmann Markus , Cottier Francois
Published: April 2017

Oil system architecture in aero engines has remained almost the same for the last 35 years. At least one mechanically-driven oil feed pump is responsible for distributing pressurized oil into the bearing chambers and several scavenge pumps, also mechanically driven, are responsible for evacuating the bearing chambers from the oil and air mixture. Air is used as the sealing medium in bearing chambers and is the dominant medium in terms of volume occupation and expansion phenomena. In order to simplify the oil system architecture, improve the system's reliability with less mechanical parts, and also decrease weight, an ejector system has been designed for scavenging bearing chambers. In Flouros et al. (2013, “Ejector Scavenging of Bearing Chambers. A Numerical and Experimental Investigation,” ASME J. Eng. Gas Turbines Power, 135(8), p. 081602), an ejector system was presented which used aviation oil (MIL-PRF-23699 Std.) as the primary medium. In the course of further development, the original design was modified leading to a much smaller ejector. This ejector was tested in the rig using alternatively pressurized air or pressurized oil as primary medium. Additionally, three in-house developed primary nozzle (jet) designs were introduced and tested. The design of an ejector for application with compressible or incompressible media was supported through the development of an analysis tool. A momentum-based efficiency function is proposed herein and enables comparisons among different operating cases. Finally, ANSYS cfx (ANSYS, 2014, “ANSYS® CFX, Release 14.0,” ANSYS Inc., Canonsburg, PA) was used to carry out the numerical analysis. Similar to the ejector described in Flouros et al. (2013, “Ejector Scavenging of Bearing Chambers. A Numerical and Experimental Investigation,” ASME J. Eng. Gas Turbines Power, 135(8), p. 081602), the new design was also manufactured out of pure quartz glass to enable optical access. Through suitable instrumentation for pressures, temperatures, and air/oil flows, the performance characteristics of the new ejector were assessed and were compared to the analytic and numerical results. This work was partly funded by the German government within the research program Lufo4 (Luftfahrtforschungsprogramm 4/Aeronautical Research Program 4).
Mobility, Kinematic Analysis, and Dimensional Optimization of New Three-Degrees-of-Freedom Parallel Manipulator With Actuation Redundancy
Authors: Xu Lingmin , Li Qinchuan , Zhang Ningbin , Chen Qiaohong
Published: April 2017

Parallel manipulators (PMs) with redundant actuation are attracting increasing research interest because they have demonstrated improved stiffness and fewer singularities. This paper proposes a new redundantly actuated parallel manipulator that has three degrees-of-freedom (DOFs) and four limbs. The proposed manipulator is a 2UPR-2PRU parallel manipulator (where P represents an actuated prismatic joint, R represents a revolute joint, and U represents a universal joint) that is actuated using four prismatic joints; two of these joints are mounted on the base to reduce the movable mass. Mobility analysis shows that the moving platform has two rotational DOFs and one translational DOF. First, the inverse displacement solution, velocity, and singularity analyses are discussed. Next, the local transmission index (LTI) and the good transmission workspace are used to evaluate the motion/force transmissibility of the 2UPR-2PRU parallel manipulator. Finally, the parameter-finiteness normalization method (PFNM) is used to produce an optimal design that considers the good transmission workspace. It is thus shown that the motion/force transmission of the proposed manipulator is improved by optimizing the link parameters.
Complex Dynamics of Bouncing Motions at Boundaries and Corners in a Discontinuous Dynamical System
Authors: Huang Jianzhe , Luo Albert C. J.
Published: April 2017

In this paper, from the local theory of flow at the corner in discontinuous dynamical systems, obtained are analytical conditions for switching impact-alike chatter at corners. The objective of this investigation is to find the dynamics mechanism of border-collision bifurcations in discontinuous dynamical systems. Multivalued linear vector fields are employed, and generic mappings are defined among boundaries and corners. From mapping structures, periodic motions switching at the boundaries and corners are determined, and the corresponding stability and bifurcations of periodic motions are investigated by eigenvalue analysis. However, the grazing and sliding bifurcations are determined by the local singularity theory of discontinuous dynamical systems. From such analytical conditions, the corresponding parameter map is developed for periodic motions in such a multivalued dynamical system in the single domain with corners. Numerical simulations of periodic motions are presented for illustrations of motions complexity and catastrophe in such a discontinuous dynamical system.
Identification and Analysis of Artifacts in Amplitude Modulated Atomic Force Microscopy Array Operation
Authors: Jackson Samuel , Gutschmidt Stefanie
Published: April 2017

To increase measurement throughput of atomic force microscopy (AFM), multiple cantilevers can be placed in close proximity to form an array for parallel throughput. In this paper, we have measured the relationship between amplitude and tip-sample separation distance for an array of AFM cantilevers on a shared base actuated at a constant frequency and amplitude. The data show that discontinuous jumps in output amplitude occur within the response of individual beams. This is a phenomenon that does not occur for a standard, single beam system. To gain a better understanding of the coupled array response, a macroscale experiment and mathematical model are used to determine how parameter space alters the measured amplitude. The results demonstrate that a cusp catastrophe bifurcation occurs due to changes in individual beam resonant frequency, as well as significant zero-frequency coupling at the point of jump-to-contact. Both of these phenomena are shown to account for the amplitude jumps observed in the AFM array.
Experimental investigation of SF6–O2 plasma for advancement of the anisotropic Si etch process
Authors: Alshaltami Khaled A. , Morshed Muhammad , Gaman Cezar , Conway Jim , Daniels Stephen
Published: April 2017

This study examines the impact of varying the internal process parameters, such as the concentrations of oxygen and fluorine in a SF6–O2 plasma, in two capacitively coupled plasma etch chambers with different geometries. Silicon wafers were used to investigate the anisotropic nature of etch profiles. The oxygen and fluorine concentrations were measured via optical emission spectroscopy using the actinometry technique, which requires the electron energy distribution function to remain unchanged under the different plasma conditions employed in this work. A Langmuir probe was used to investigate the electron energy distribution function, where the chamber pressure, power, and process duration were kept constant and the oxygen concentration was varied from 0 to 60 vol. %. The results showed that in both the chambers, the atomic concentrations of oxygen and fluorine increased rapidly when the fraction of oxygen in the SF6 plasma was increased to 20 vol. % and decreased with further addition of oxygen. Scanning electron microscopy showed an etch feature with a minimal lateral run-out at an O2 concentration of 20 vol. % in both the chambers. The distribution of electron energy and the concentrations of oxygen and fluorine exhibited similar patterns as functions of the oxygen concentration in the SF6 plasma in the two chambers, but the values were different because of the different chamber geometries, which also affected the silicon etch rate and lateral run-out.
Acoustic dissipation in wooden pipes of different species used in wind instrument making: An experimental study
Authors: Boutin Henri , Le Conte Sandie , Vaiedelich Stéphane , Fabre Benoit , Le Carrou Jean-Loïc
Published: April 2017

In this study, the acoustic dissipation is investigated experimentally in wooden pipes of different species commonly used in woodwind instrument making: maple (Acer pseudoplatanus), pear wood (Pyrus communis L.), boxwood (Buxus sempervirens), and African Blackwood (Dalbergia melanoxylon). The pipes are parallel to the grain, except one which forms an angle of 60° with the fiber direction. An experimental method, involving input impedance measurements with several lengths of air column, is introduced to estimate the characteristic impedance and the attenuation factor in the pipes. Their comparison reveals significant differences of acoustic dissipation among the species considered. The attenuation factors are ranked in the following order from largest to smallest: maple, boxwood, pear wood, and African Blackwood. This order is the same before and after polishing the bore, which is an essential step in the making process of wind instrument. For maple, changing the pipe direction of 60° considerably increases the attenuation factor, compared to those of the other pipes, parallel to the grain. Further, polishing tends to reduce the acoustic dissipation in the wooden pipes, especially for the most porous species. As a result, the influence of polishing in the making procedure depends on the selected wood species.
Impact of array tilt on source-range estimation in shallow water using the array invariant
Authors: Cho Chomgun , Song H. C.
Published: April 2017

The array invariant proposed for robust source-range estimation in shallow water is based on the dispersion characteristics in ideal waveguides for broadband signals. With minimal knowledge of the environment, the approach involves plane-wave beamforming using a vertical array, utilizing multiple arrivals (i.e., eigenrays) separated in beam angle and travel time. In the presence of array tilt, however, the beam angle estimates are shifted, which potentially affects the range estimation based on the array invariant. Conversely, the array tilt could be estimated for a known source range. In this paper, the sensitivity to array tilt is analyzed theoretically and examined using simulations and data. It is found that even a small tilt angle (e.g., <2°) of a 1.2 -m long vertical array near the surface, if not compensated for, can result in a relative range error of 20% or more, for a high-frequency source (7–19 kHz) at 3-km range in approximately 100 -m deep shallow water. Moreover, the power spectrum of the time-evolving array tilt estimated for 9 min shows a dominant period of 5.6 s, which is consistent with the surface wave period concurrently measured from a waverider buoy.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Streptococcus gallolyticus subsp.
gallolyticus
Strain DSM 16831
Authors: Grimm Imke , Dumke Jessika , Vollmer Tanja , Hinse Dennis , Rückert Christian , Kalinowski Jörn , Knabbe Cornelius , Dreier Jens
Published: April 2017

Streptococcus gallolyticus
subsp.
gallolyticus
DSM 16831 is an intriguing strain because of its low virulent phenotype compared to other isolates. We present here the complete genome sequence for this strain isolated from koala feces.
Shigella
Draft Genome Sequences: Resources for Food Safety and Public Health
Authors: Weis Allison M. , Gilpin Brent , Huang Bihua C. , Kong Nguyet , Chen Poyin , Weimer Bart C.
Published: April 2017

Shigella
is a major foodborne pathogen that infects humans and nonhuman primates and is the major cause of dysentery and reactive arthritis worldwide. This is the initial public release of 16
Shigella
genome sequences from four species sequenced as part of the 100K Pathogen Genome Project.
Genome Sequence of Staphylococcus saprophyticus DPC5671, a Strain Isolated from Cheddar Cheese
Authors: Bertuzzi Andrea S. , Guinane Caitriona M. , Crispie Fiona , Kilcawley Kieran N. , McSweeney Paul L. H. , Rea Mary C.
Published: April 2017

The draft genome sequence of
Staphylococcus saprophyticus
DPC5671, isolated from cheddar cheese, was determined.
S. saprophyticus
is a common Gram-positive bacterium detected on the surface of smear-ripened cheese and other fermented foods.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Tritrichomonas foetus
Strain K
Authors: Benchimol Marlene , de Almeida Luiz G. P. , Vasconcelos Ana Tereza , de Andrade Rosa Ivone , Reis Bogo Maurício , Kist Luiza Wilges , de Souza Wanderley
Published: April 2017

The protist
Tritrichomonas foetus
(Excavata, Parabasalia) is a parasite that causes bovine and feline trichomonosis. Bovine trichomonosis is a venereal disease that leads to abortion and reproductive problems in herds. Feline trichomonosis affects domestic cats. Here, we report the genome sequence of the
T. foetus
K strain, isolated in Brazil.
Draft Genome Sequence of Enterococcus casseliflavus PAVET15 Obtained from the Oviduct Infection of the Cattle Tick (Rhipicephalus microplus) in Jiutepec, Morelos, Mexico
Authors: Cossío-Bayúgar R. , Miranda-Miranda E. , Arreguín-Pérez C. A. , Lozano L. , Peréz de la Rosa D. , Rocha-Martínez M. K. , Bravo-Díaz M. A. , Sachman-Ruiz B.
Published: April 2017

Enterococcus
spp. are Gram-positive lactic acid-producing bacteria found in the intestinal tracts of animals, like mammals, birds, and arthropods.
Enterococcus
spp. may cause oportunistic infections in vertebrate and invertebrate hosts. We report here the draft genome sequence of
Enterococcus casseliflavus
PAVET15 containing 3,722,480 bp, with 80 contigs, an
N
50
of 179,476 bp, and 41.93% G+C content.
Draft Genome Sequence of a Multidrug-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa Strain Isolated from a Patient with a Urinary Tract Infection in Khartoum, Sudan
Authors: Hussain Mohamed , Suliman Malik , Ahmed Abdalla , Altayb Hisham , Elneima Elamin
Published: April 2017

Pseudomonas aeruginosa
infection is difficult to treat due to the presence of antibiotic resistance determinants. Here, we report the genome sequence of a multidrug-resistant
P. aeruginosa
strain isolated from a patient with a urinary tract infection in 2015.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Plasmid-Free Lactococcus lactis subsp.
lactis
Strain LMG 19460
Authors: Silva Inês N. , Duarte Sofia , Moreira Leonilde M. , Monteiro Gabriel A.
Published: April 2017

We report here the draft genome sequence of the plasmid-free
Lactococcus lactis
subsp.
lactis
strain LMG 19460. This strain has potential application for a cost-effective production of food-grade plasmid DNA to use in DNA vaccines, produce recombinant proteins, and be used as a mucosal delivery vehicle of therapeutic molecules.
Complete Nucleotide Sequence of an Isolate of Grapevine Satellite Virus and Evidence for the Presence of Multimeric Forms in an Infected Grapevine
Authors: Candresse T. , Marais A. , Theil S. , Faure C. , Lacombe T. , Boursiquot J. M.
Published: April 2017

The complete nucleotide sequence of an isolate of grapevine satellite virus (GV-Sat) was determined by next-generation sequencing (NGS) and compared with the single available complete sequence. The NGS data unexpectedly provided evidence for the existence of multimeric forms of GV-Sat, which were experimentally confirmed, allowing the redefinition of GV-Sat genomic ends.
Intravitreal cysticercosis with full thickness macular hole: management outcome and intraoperative optical coherence tomography features
Authors: R Karthikeya , Ravani Raghav Dinesh , Kakkar Prateek , Kumar Atul
Published: April 2017

Ocular cysticercosis is a serious condition with a potential for complete vision loss if left untreated. Intravitreal cysticercosis is the most common ocular form of cysticercosis and is associated with retinal detachment, retinal traction, subretinal scarring and vitritis. To the best of our knowledge, there is no report of the occurrence of a live intravitreal cysticercosis with a full thickness macular hole (FTMH) in the literature. We here report a case of live intravitreal cysticercosis with a FTMH along with its management and intraoperative optical coherence tomography features of the live cysticercus.
Risk and burden of adverse intrapartum-related outcomes associated with non-cephalic and multiple birth in rural Nepal: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Kozuki Naoko , Katz Joanne , Khatry Subarna K , Tielsch James M , LeClerq Steven C , Mullany Luke C
Published: April 2017

Objectives

Intrapartum-related complications are the second leading cause of neonatal death worldwide. We estimate the community-level risk and burden of intrapartum-related fetal/neonatal mortality and morbidity associated with non-cephalic and multiple birth in rural Sarlahi District, Nepal.

Design

Community-based prospective cohort study.

Setting

Rural Sarlahi District, Nepal.

Participants

Pregnant women residing in the study area.

Methods

We collected data on maternal background characteristics, conditions during labour and delivery, fetal presentation and multiple birth during home visits. We ran log-binomial regression models to estimate the associations between non-cephalic/multiple births and fresh stillbirth, early neonatal mortality and signs of neonatal encephalopathy, respectively, and calculated the per cent attributable fraction. To better understand the context under which these adverse birth outcomes are occurring, we also collected data on maternal awareness of non-cephalic presentation and multiple gestation prior to delivery.

Primary outcome measures

Risk of experiencing fresh stillbirth, early neonatal encephalopathy and early neonatal mortality associated with non-cephalic and multiple birth, respectively.

Results

Non-cephalic presentation had a particularly high risk of fresh stillbirth (aRR 12.52 (95% CI 7.86 to 19.95), reference: cephalic presentation). 20.2% of all fresh stillbirths were associated with non-cephalic presentation. For multiple births, there was a fourfold increase in early neonatal mortality (aRR: 4.57 (95% CI 1.44 to 14.50), reference: singleton births). 3.4% of early neonatal mortality was associated with multiple gestation.

Conclusions

Globally and in Nepal, a large percentage of stillbirths and neonatal mortality is associated with intrapartum-related complications. Despite the low incidence of non-cephalic and multiple birth, a notable proportion of adverse intrapartum-related outcomes is associated with these conditions. As the proportion of neonatal deaths attributable to intrapartum-related complications continues to rise, there is a need to investigate how best to advance diagnostic capacity and management of these conditions.

Trial registration number

NCT01177111; pre-results.
Investments in cancer research awarded to UK institutions and the global burden of cancer 2000–2013: a systematic analysis
Authors: Maruthappu Mahiben , Head Michael G , Zhou Charlie D , Gilbert Barnabas J , El-Harasis Majd A , Raine Rosalind , Fitchett Joseph R , Atun Rifat
Published: April 2017

Objectives

To systematically categorise cancer research investment awarded to United Kingdom (UK) institutions in the period 2000–2013 and to estimate research investment relative to disease burden as measured by mortality, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and years lived with disability (YLDs).

Design

Systematic analysis of all open-access data.

Setting and participants

Public and philanthropic funding to all UK cancer research institutions, 2000–2013.

Main outcome measures

Number and financial value of cancer research investments reported in 2013 UK pounds (UK£). Mortality, DALYs and YLDs data were acquired from the Global Burden of Disease Study. A compound metric was adapted to estimate research investment relative to disease burden as measured by mortality, DALYs and YLDs.

Results

We identified 4299 funded studies with a total research investment of £2.4 billion. The highest fundings by anatomical sites were haematological, breast, prostate, colorectal and ovarian cancers. Relative to disease burden as determined by a compound metric combining mortality, DALYs and YLDs, gender-specific cancers were found to be highest funded—the five sites that received the most funding were prostate, ovarian, breast, mesothelioma and testicular cancer; the least well-funded sites were liver, thyroid, lung, upper gastrointestinal (GI) and bladder. Preclinical science accounted for 66.2% of award numbers and 62.2% of all funding. The top five areas of primary research focus by funding were pathogenesis, drug therapy, diagnostic, screening and monitoring, women's health and immunology. The largest individual funder was the Medical Research Council. In combination, the five lowest funded site-specific cancers relative to disease burden account for 47.9%, 44.3% and 20.4% of worldwide cancer mortality, DALYs and YLDs.

Conclusions

Research funding for cancer is not allocated according to relative disease burden. These findings are in line with earlier published studies. Funding agencies and industry should openly document their research investments to improve better targeting of research investment.
Features of alcohol harm reduction advertisements that most motivate reduced drinking among adults: an advertisement response study
Authors: Wakefield Melanie A , Brennan Emily , Dunstone Kimberley , Durkin Sarah J , Dixon Helen G , Pettigrew Simone , Slater Michael D
Published: April 2017

Objectives

To improve the effectiveness of alcohol harm reduction mass media campaigns, this study aimed to (1) identify existing advertisements (ads) with greatest potential to motivate reduced alcohol consumption, (2) assess consistency across audience subgroups in ad effectiveness and (3) identify ad features associated with effectiveness.

Design

Cross-sectional online ad response study with random assignment to view ads.

Participants

2174 Australian adult weekly drinkers recruited from an online panel.

Procedure

Participants were randomly assigned to view three of 83 English-language alcohol harm reduction ads. Each ad was viewed and rated by a mean of 79 participants.

Outcome measure

After viewing each ad, participants reported the extent to which they felt motivated to reduce their drinking. Ads were ranked from most to least motivating using predicted means adjusted for demographic characteristics and alcohol consumption. We compared the characteristics of the top-ranked 15% of ads (most motivating) with the middle 70% and bottom 15%.

Results

An ad about the link between alcohol and cancer (‘Spread’) was most motivating, whereas an ad that encouraged drinking water instead of beer (‘Add nothing’) was least motivating. Top-ranked ads were more likely than other ads to feature a ‘why change’ message and less likely to carry a ‘how to change’ message; more likely to address long-term harms; more likely to be aimed at the general adult drinking population and more likely to include drinking guidelines. There was substantial overlap in top-ranked ads for younger versus older adults, men versus women and high-risk versus low-risk drinker subgroups.

Conclusions

The effectiveness of alcohol harm reduction campaigns may be improved by directly communicating alcohol's long-term harms to the general adult population of drinkers along with drinking guidelines. By doing so, campaigns can also efficiently influence high-risk drinkers and key demographic subgroups.