bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamics of the Block Island Sound Estuarine Plume
Authors: Liu Qianqian , Rothstein Lewis M. , Luo Yiyong
Published: March 2016

Buoyant discharge of freshwater from Long Island Sound (LIS) forms a seasonal buoyant plume outside Block Island Sound (BIS) between the coast of Long Island and the denser shelf waters. The plume’s seasonal variability and its response to tides, winds, and surface heating are investigated through a series of process-oriented experiments using the Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS). Results show the importance of river discharge, wind directions, and surface heating in the seasonal variation of the BIS buoyant plume. In winter and spring, the plume is intermediate with a large surface offshore extension detached from the bottom. From winter to spring, the river discharge increases; meanwhile, upwelling-favorable winds keep dominating. They compete with the increase of surface heating and generate a broader buoyant plume in spring than in winter. In summer, the plume is bottom advected with most of its width in contact with the bottom and is featured with the steepest isopycnals and narrowest plume, which is driven by a combination of strong insolation, weak buoyant discharge from LIS, and feeble winds. In fall, although the river discharge is comparable to that in winter, the upwelling-favorable wind is relatively weaker, corresponding to a narrower intermediate plume.
Observations of the Transfer of Energy and Momentum to the Oceanic Surface Boundary Layer beneath Breaking Waves
Authors: Scully Malcolm E. , Trowbridge John H. , Fisher Alexander W.
Published: March 2016

Measurements just beneath the ocean surface demonstrate that the primary mechanism by which energy from breaking waves is transmitted into the water column is through the work done by the covariance of turbulent pressure and velocity fluctuations. The convergence in the vertical transport of turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) balances the dissipation rate of TKE at first order and is nearly an order of magnitude greater than the sum of the integrated Eulerian and Stokes shear production. The measured TKE transport is consistent with a simple conceptual model that assumes roughly half of the surface flux of TKE by wave breaking is transmitted to depths greater than the significant wave height. During conditions when breaking waves are inferred, the direction of momentum flux is more aligned with the direction of wave propagation than with the wind direction. Both the energy and momentum fluxes occur at frequencies much lower than the wave band, consistent with the time scales associated with wave breaking. The largest instantaneous values of momentum flux are associated with strong downward vertical velocity perturbations, in contrast to the pressure work, which is associated with strong drops in pressure and upward vertical velocity perturbations.
Vietnam–India Economic Ties
Authors: Binh Ngo Xuan
Published: March 2016

Vietnam and India have had good political relations since the two countries gained independence in the 1940s. Despite the good political ties, however, economic collaboration was not a priority in bilateral relations until the 1990s. After 1990, the situation started to change as Vietnam began implementing its opening up policy and India saw Vietnam as an important partner in the deployment of its Look East Policy. Thus, both Vietnam and India have made great efforts to promote trade and investment cooperation between the two countries. Certain difficulties, nevertheless, continue to hinder bilateral economic relations. This paper is an attempt to analyse Vietnam–India economic relations since the two countries established a strategic partnership in 2007, with a focus on the economic advantages and needs of Vietnam and India, the current situation of Vietnam–India economic relations, and prospects for the further development of these relations.
The Perceived Barriers of Access to Health Care Among a Group of Non-camp Syrian Refugees in Jordan
Authors: Ay Merve , Arcos González Pedro , Castro Delgado Rafael
Published: March 2016

The aims of this study were to identify the most needed health care services, accessibility of various health care services, and barriers to access as perceived by a group of Syrian refugees living in non-camp settings in Jordan and to compare accessibility among different groups. The study was conducted in the Amman, Irbid, Karak, and Maan governorates of Jordan. This is a cross-sectional, analytical, observational study using convenience and snowball sampling for data collection. A structured questionnaire was included in an ongoing needs assessment of a Jordanian nongovernment organization in April 2014, with a total of 196 surveys conducted. In addition to the prevalent acute and communicable diseases, chronic diseases and dental problems were common. Preventive and primary health care were more accessible than advanced services. Structural and financial barriers hindered access. The specific survey location and governorate were associated with a difference in reported access. Registration status, health provider, duration, and out-of-pocket payment did not affect accessibility. The capacities of health facilities at different levels should be increased. Enhanced information sharing among health providers can improve identification of needs and gaps.
Recovery, non-profit organisations and mental health services: ‘Hit and miss’ or ‘dump and run’?
Authors: Hungerford Catherine , Hungerford Alice , Fox Cathy , Cleary Michelle
Published: March 2016

Background:

The evolution of Recovery-oriented mental health services in Western nations across the globe has given rise to a growth in community-based psychosocial support services, to assist in meeting the diverse needs of consumers. This article reports findings of research that explored the perceptions of community workers who are employed by non-profit organisations and deliver psychosocial support services to support delivery of Recovery-oriented clinical mental health services.

Aims:

The focus of the research reported in this article includes the benefits and challenges encountered by the community workers when working with clinicians.

Method:

The research was undertaken as part of a single-case embedded study, which evaluated the implementation of Recovery-oriented approaches to the delivery of clinical mental health services in a major urban centre located in south-eastern Australia.

Results:

Generally, community workers employed by the non-profit organisations perceived the implementation of Recovery-oriented clinical mental health services to be a positive step forward for consumers. Challenges to the delivery of Recovery-oriented services included issues arising from the many different understandings of what it means to experience mental health Recovery, the quality of communication between the community workers and clinicians and the clinicians’ lack of understanding of the role of non-profit organisations and community workers.

Conclusion:

The article concludes with recommendations to address the challenges involved, with a view to improving the partnerships between community workers and clinicians, and the Recovery journey of people with serious mental illness.
Adiponectin Promotes Human Jaw Bone Marrow Stem Cell Osteogenesis
Authors: Pu Y. , Wu H. , Lu S. , Hu H. , Li D. , Wu Y. , Tang Z.
Published: March 2016

Human jaw bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (h-JBMMSCs) are multipotent progenitor cells with osteogenic differentiation potential. The relationship between adiponectin (APN) and the metabolism of h-JBMMSCs has not been fully elucidated, and the underlying mechanism remains unclear. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect and mechanism of APN on h-JBMMSC metabolism. h-JBMMSCs were obtained from the primary culture of human jaw bones and treated with or without APN (1 µg/mL). Osteogenesis-related gene expression was evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity assay, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). To further investigate the signaling pathway, mechanistic studies were performed using Western blotting, immunofluorescence, lentiviral transduction, and SB202190 (a specific p38 inhibitor). Alizarin Red staining showed that APN promoted h-JBMMSC osteogenesis. Real-time PCR, ALP assay, and ELISA showed that ALP, osteocalcin (OCN), osteopontin, and integrin-binding sialoprotein were up-regulated in APN-treated cells compared to untreated controls. Immunofluorescence revealed that adaptor protein containing a pleckstrin homology domain, phosphotyrosine domain, and leucine zipper motif (APPL1) translocated from the nucleus to the cytoplasm with APN treatment. Additionally, the phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) increased over time with APN treatment. Moreover, knockdown of APPL1 or p38 MAPK inhibition blocked the expression of APN-induced calcification-related genes including ALP, Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), and OCN. Furthermore, Alizarin Red staining of calcium nodes was not increased by the knockdown of APPL1 or p38 inhibition. Our data suggest that this regulation is mediated through the APPL1–p38 MAPK signaling pathway. These findings collectively provide evidence that APN induces the osteogenesis of h-JBMMSCs through APPL1-mediated p38 MAPK activation.
Individualizing women’s suit patterns using body measurements from two-dimensional images
Authors: Gu Bingfei , Liu Guolian , Xu Bugao
Published: March 2016

The goal of this study was to develop an approach that could automatically generate the customized patterns for women’s suits based on the body measurements taken from two-dimensional (2D) frontal and side images of a subject. The 26 important pattern dimensions relevant to certain body dimensions were first chosen, and the mapping relationships between the body and pattern dimensions were then established for pattern alterations. For the body dimensions (e.g. girths) that could not be directly measured in the 2D images, prediction models were created based on the available width and depth measurements. The body measurements from the 2D images (auto-measurements) of 295 subjects were compared with the corresponding manual measurements, which showed a good correlation between the auto and manual measurements. The try-on test of five suits made with the altered patterns demonstrated the good fitting effects of the customized suits at important characteristic landmarks of five participating subjects through a visual evaluation. The subjective test also showed a satisfactory result of clothing fit under five different postures. Since this pattern-making method is originated from the relationship between the features of a human body and the elements of a pattern prototype, the generated patterns are individualized by unique body shapes to attain a good fit. This method can also accelerate the pattern-making process, reducing human efforts, costs, and production time.
‘Joburg has its own momentum’: Towards a vernacular theorisation of urban change
Authors: Mosselson Aidan
Published: March 2016

This article demonstrates and advocates the importance of theoretical frameworks which allow for nuance and complexity. Moving away from fixed ways of reading and analysing processes of urban renewal (such as gentrification, revanchism, neoliberal urbanism), it seeks to show how a diversity of imperatives and agendas are present and shape moments of urban change and the practices of actors involved in these. Drawing on research conducted in inner-city Johannesburg which focussed on private-sector-led regeneration, housing provision and security, it demonstrates that the process underway is characterised by a multiplicity of goals and practices. Regeneration is formulated within a neoliberal paradigm, yet through creative strategies and interventions is also achieving developmental goals and expanding the provision of affordable, centrally-located housing. The article details the strategies adopted by organisations specialising in financing social and affordable housing and demonstrates the ways in which these emphasise and are helping to achieve the expansion of housing provision to low-income households. It further discusses the habitus of housing providers in the inner-city and shows how these have been influenced by and respond to the developmental challenges and racial transformation which characterise the area. It thus demonstrates that local contexts, concerns and agendas influence the regeneration process and that putatively global processes such as gentrification, revanchism and neoliberal urbanism, whilst still relevant, need to be used in ways which allow for alternative, vernacular narratives and explanations to emerge too.
The Role of Trusted Adults in Young People’s Social and Economic Lives
Authors: Meltzer Ariella , Muir Kristy , Craig Lyn
Published: March 2016

In moving toward adulthood, young people make formative choices about their social and economic engagement while developmentally seeking autonomy from parents. Who else then contributes to guiding young people during this formative life-stage? This article explores one contributing relationship: relationships with trusted adults. Past research has shown that these adults provide motivational, emotional, and instrumental support to young people, but less is known about how and why their support is appropriate particularly during young adulthood. Using qualitative data from an Australian Research Council–funded study, the article explores how and why trusted adults are important and influential, detailing how they talk, what they offer, and how their role differs according to young people’s level of engagement or disengagement from education/employment. The article explores how the trusted adult relationship is developmentally appropriate for young people and outlines implications for policy and future research.
Perceived Social Support Trajectories and the All-Cause Mortality Risk of Older Mexican American Women and Men
Authors: Hill Terrence D. , Uchino Bert N. , Eckhardt Jessica L. , Angel Jacqueline L.
Published: March 2016

Although numerous studies of non-Hispanic Whites and Blacks show that social integration and social support tend to favor longevity, it is unclear whether this general pattern extends to the Mexican American population. Building on previous research, we employed seven waves of data from the Hispanic Established Populations for the Epidemiologic Study of the Elderly to examine the association between perceived social support trajectories and the all-cause mortality risk of older Mexican Americans. Growth mixture estimates revealed three latent classes of support trajectories: high, moderate, and low. Cox regression estimates indicated that older Mexican American men in the low support trajectory tend to exhibit a higher mortality risk than their counterparts in the high support trajectory. Social support trajectories were unrelated to the mortality risk of older Mexican American women. A statistically significant interaction term confirmed that social support was more strongly associated with the mortality risk of men.
Decline and fall of public service media values in the international content acquisition market: An analysis of small public broadcasters acquiring BBC Worldwide content
Authors: Donders Karen , Van den Bulck Hilde
Published: March 2016

Taking the case of the relationship between small European public broadcasters and the international content sales activities of BBC Worldwide, this contribution analyses if and to what extent the commercial arm of public service media institution BBC is strengthening the hegemonic position of Anglo-Saxon content in European media markets, and undermining the objectives public broadcasters stand for. To this end, it takes a comparative approach, combining and triangulating results from analysis of relevant documents, from BBC Worldwide and from public broadcasters that acquire their programmes, with data from semi-structured expert interviews with representatives from small European public broadcasters’ acquisition departments. Results indicate that, despite its public service claims, BBC Worldwide is an international content distributor like any other and that its activities contribute to cultural homogenization of audiovisual content in Europe, thus limiting small European public broadcasters’ possibilities for content universality, creativity, diversity and quality.
Sevoflurane anesthesia during acute right ventricular ischemia in pigs preserves cardiac function better than propofol anesthesia
Authors: Haraldsen Pernille , Metzsch Carsten , Lindstedt Sandra , Algotsson Lars , Ingemansson Richard
Published: March 2016

Background:

The intention of the present study was to evaluate possible cardioprotective properties of inhalation anesthesia with sevoflurane.

Methods and Materials:

A porcine, open-chest model of right ventricular ischemia was used in 7 pigs receiving inhalation anesthesia with sevoflurane. The model was earlier developed and published by our group, using pigs receiving intravenous anesthesia with propofol. They served as controls. The animals were observed for three hours after the induction of right ventricular ischemia by ligation of the main branches supplying the right ventricular free wall.

Results:

In the sevoflurane group, the cardiac output recovered 2 hours after the induction of ischemia and intact right ventricular stroke work was observed. In the propofol group, no such recovery occurred. The release of troponin T was significantly lower than in the sevoflurane group.

Conclusions:

Inhalation anesthesia with sevoflurane seems superior to intravenous anesthesia with propofol in acute right ventricular ischemic dysfunction.
End-of-life care preferences of nursing home residents: Results of a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ng Charis Wei Ling , Cheong SK , Govinda Raj A , Teo WSK , Leong IYO
Published: March 2016

Background:

Palliative care services were not available in nursing homes in Singapore. Project CARE (Care At the end-of-life for Residents in homes for the Elderly) was a pilot programme that aimed to promote advance care planning and improve end-of-life care in nursing homes.

Aim:

We aimed to examine end-of-life care preferences among nursing home residents, and identify factors associated with preference for medical intervention, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and place of death.

Design and setting/participants:

A cross-sectional study using data from advance care planning discussions was conducted from September 2009 to April 2012 across seven nursing homes. The advance care planning discussion was conducted with the resident (with a prognosis of 6 months or 1 year), their families and staff from the nursing home and hospital.

Results:

A total of 600 residents and their families completed the advance care planning discussion. Majority (93.2%) preferred not to proceed with cardiopulmonary resuscitation, 52.3% opted for limited additional intervention at the nursing home with escalation to the hospital if necessary and 77.0% preferred to die at the nursing home. Residents 85+ years (relative risk ratio: 3.34, 95% confidence interval: 1.13–9.93, p = 0.030) were more likely to prefer medical intervention at the nursing home only. No associations were found with the preference for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Residents who were single, or who were Christians or Catholics (adjusted odds ratio: 2.09, 95% confidence interval: 1.04–4.19, p = 0.039), were more likely to prefer to die at the nursing home.

Conclusion:

Preferences for medical interventions in nursing homes provide support to extend palliative care services to nursing homes, which may benefit residents who are older, single, or Christians or Catholics.
Advanced Issues in Propensity Scores
Authors: Kupzyk Kevin A. , Beal Sarah J.
Published: March 2016

In order to investigate causality in situations where random assignment is not possible, propensity scores can be used in regression adjustment, stratification, inverse-probability treatment weighting, or matching. The basic concepts behind propensity scores have been extensively described. When data are longitudinal or missing, the estimation and use of propensity scores become a challenge. Traditional methods of propensity score estimation delete cases listwise. Missing data estimation, by multiple imputation, can be used to alleviate problems due to missing values, if performed correctly. Longitudinal studies are another situation where propensity score use may be difficult because of attrition and needing to account for data when propensities may vary over time. This article discusses the issues of missing data and longitudinal designs in the context of propensity scores. The syntax, datasets, and output used for these examples are available on http://jea.sagepub.com/content/early/recent for readers to download and follow.
Illuminating the impacts of brownfield redevelopments on neighboring housing prices: Case of Cuyahoga County, Ohio in the US
Authors: Woo Ayoung , Lee Sugie
Published: March 2016

This paper examines the impact of brownfield redevelopments on neighboring housing prices in Cuyahoga County, Ohio. We examine the levels and trends in housing prices before and after the remediation of brownfields in neighborhoods based on parcel-level housing sales data from 1996 to 2007. We use the Adjusted Interrupted Time Series-Difference in Differences model to explain the causal direction of impacts of brownfield redevelopments. We explore impacts on nearby property values from the remediation of brownfield sites countywide and in neighborhoods stratified by family income. This paper also specifies how the impact of brownfield redevelopments varies under different land use upon completion of remediation. Our countywide model shows that brownfield sites have a negative impact on surrounding housing prices. However, after brownfields are redeveloped, the negative impacts of contaminated sites on neighboring housing prices are removed. It is notable that brownfield redevelopment in commercial and recreational land use has positive impacts on nearby property values. Our findings also show that there are significant positive impacts on surrounding housing prices in low- and middle-income neighborhoods. These results will help policymakers better understand how the remediation of brownfields affects neighborhoods and develop policies to reap the maximum economic benefit from brownfield redevelopments.
The use of the analytical hierarchy process as a method of comparing innovation across regions: The examples of the equipment manufacturing industries of Shanghai and Xiamen, China
Authors: Liefner Ingo , Jessberger Sabine
Published: March 2016

Comparing innovation across regions is challenging. Innovation processes and outcomes are shaped by different actors, interactions, and institutions. Regional contingencies complicate the comparison as evident from the existing approaches to explaining innovation across regions. Quantitative innovation measurement approaches may quantify differences between regions, but disregard regional contingencies. Qualitative, heuristic approaches may understand an individual region’s innovation history and culture, but cannot quantify differences between regions. This paper introduces an adapted version of the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) to fill this methodological void. It shows that the AHP allows us both to consider regional contingency and to quantify differences between regions. This paper applies the AHP to compare innovation of the equipment manufacturing industries of Shanghai and Xiamen, China. It thus exemplifies how this method might be used for research and application in human geography, planning, regional science, and related fields.
Environmental aging effect on interlaminar properties of graphene nanoplatelets reinforced epoxy/carbon fiber composite laminates
Authors: Hsieh Tsung-Han , Chen Wei-Jen , Chiang Chin-Lung , Shen Ming-Yuan
Published: March 2016

Graphene nanoplatelets are two-dimensional carbon structure materials with single or multilayers graphite plane which possesses attractive characteristics. In this study, the environmental aging effect on interlaminar properties of graphene nanoplatelet containing different proportions (0.25, 0.50, 0.75 wt%) reinforced epoxy/carbon fiber (carbon fiber reinforced plastic) composite laminates including interlaminar shear strength and fracture toughness were investigated. The interlaminar properties of graphene nanoplatelets/carbon fiber reinforced plastic composite laminates were improved over that of neat carbon fiber reinforced plastic composite laminates. Experimental results showed that the composite laminates containing graphene nanoplatelets possesses the appreciable improvement. The mechanisms responsible for the interlaminar enhancement were identified by studying the fracture surfaces using field emission scanning electron microscopy.
The Pharmacokinetics of Pregabalin in Breast Milk, Plasma, and Urine of Healthy Postpartum Women
Authors: Lockwood Peter A. , Pauer Lynne , Scavone Joseph M. , Allard Maud , Mendes da Costa Laure , Alebic-Kolbah Tanja , Plotka Anna , Alvey Christine W. , Chew Marci L.
Published: March 2016

Background:

Limited data exist on the presence of pregabalin in human breast milk of nursing mothers.

Objectives:

This study aimed to determine pregabalin concentrations in breast milk, estimate the infant daily pregabalin dose from nursing mothers, and evaluate pregabalin pharmacokinetic data in lactating women (≥ 12 weeks postpartum).

Methods:

In this multiple-dose, open-label, pharmacokinetic study, 4 doses of pregabalin 150 mg were administered orally at 12-hour intervals. Urine, blood, and breast milk samples were collected up to 12, 24, and 48 hours, respectively, following the fourth dose. Pharmacokinetic parameters were estimated using noncompartmental methods. Adverse events were monitored throughout.

Results:

Ten healthy lactating women (age 24-37 years) received pregabalin. Geometric mean pregabalin Cmaxss and AUCτ values in breast milk were approximately 53% and 76%, respectively, of those for plasma. The mean amount of pregabalin in breast milk recovered in a 24-hour period after the last dose was 574 μg (range, 270-1720 μg), which is approximately 0.2% of the administered daily maternal dose of 300 mg. The estimated average daily infant dose of pregabalin from breast milk was 0.31 mg/kg/day, which would be approximately 7% (23% coefficient of variation) of the body weight normalized maternal dose. Approximately 89% of the dose administered was recovered in urine. Renal clearance averaged 68.2 mL/min. Adverse events were of mild or moderate severity.

Conclusion:

Lactation appears to have had little influence on pregabalin pharmacokinetics. Overall, the estimated dose of pregabalin in breastfed children of women receiving pregabalin is low. Pregabalin was well tolerated in lactating women.

Declaration of Conflicting Interests

The authors declared the following potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: Peter A. Lockwood, Lynne Pauer, Joseph M. Scavone, Maud Allard, Laure Mendes da Costa, Tanja Alebic-Kolbah, Anna Plotka, Christine W. Alvey, and Marci L. Chew were all full-time employees of Pfizer at the time the study was completed and hold stock and/or stock options in Pfizer.

Funding

The authors disclosed receipt of the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: This study was sponsored by Pfizer, which was involved in the study design, the collection, analysis, and interpretation of the data, the writing of the report, and the decision to submit the paper for publication. Medical writing support was provided by Penny Gorringe, MSc, of Engage Scientific Solutions and funded by Pfizer.
Ideological cultures and media discourses on scientific knowledge: re-reading news on climate change
Authors: Carvalho Anabela
Published: March 2016

Focusing on the representation of climate change in the British “quality press,” this article argues that the discursive (re)construction of scientific claims in the media is strongly entangled with ideological standpoints. Understood here as a set of ideas and values that legitimate a program of action vis-à-vis a given social and political order, ideology works as a powerful selection device in deciding what is scientific news, i.e. what the relevant “facts” are, and who are the authorized “agents of definition” of science matters. The representation of scientific knowledge has important implications for evaluating political programs and assessing the responsibility of both governments and the public in addressing climate change.
The changing uses of accuracy in science communication
Authors: Hansen Anders
Published: March 2016

Tracing its historical trajectories, this article explores the preoccupation with accuracy in science communication research and explores the resurgence in the present century of concerns about accuracy, balance and impartiality in public communication of science. It is argued that many of the original insights from news and journalism research are still relevant and important if re-formulated in constructionist terms about voice, access and claims-making, and asking, in whose interest? Key to this is also the recognition of a radically changing – technologically, economically and professionally – media and communications environment, with implications for science journalism and a very different dynamic regarding the range and type of actors involved in discursively constructing opinions and information about controversial science and expertise. The article concludes with proposals for future emphases and directions in research broadly concerned with accuracy in science communication.
Engineering for Sustainable Energy Education within Suburban, Urban and Developing Secondary Schools
Authors: Kaikai Moijue , Baker Erin
Published: March 2016

It is crucial that the younger generation be included in the conversation of sustainable development, given the urgent need of a global transition to cleaner energy solutions. Sustainable energy engineering (SEE) taught as early as secondary school can not only increase the number of students that will potentially study engineering to solve global energy issues, but also will spread a social awareness across the students themselves, their families and their communities. This literary review gathers articles that study different methods in teaching SEE across different secondary schooling demographics in an effort to compose a future curriculum that can be used to implement SEE in a range of high-school settings. Some key results found were that most research gaps in SEE were identified in urban schools, whereas college programmes hold many resources that would be beneficial to promoting SEE but are not implemented on a high-school level.
Validation according to OIE criteria of a monoclonal, recombinant p26–based, serologic competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay as screening method in surveillance programs for the detection of Equine infectious anemia virus antibodies
Authors: Nardini Roberto , Autorino Gian Luca , Ricci Ida , Frontoso Raffaele , Rosone Francesca , Simula Massimiliano , Scicluna Maria Teresa
Published: March 2016

The Italian National Reference Center for equine infectious anemia (CRAIE; Rome, Italy) developed and validated a monoclonal, recombinant p26–based competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA) for the detection of EIA virus antibodies employing the 2010 criteria of the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE). The following parameters were evaluated: cutoff values, repeatability, reproducibility, concordance, analytical sensitivity (Se), absolute analytical specificity (Sp), and diagnostic Se and Sp. Positive and negative predictive values were also defined in relation to the estimated prevalence. When the cELISA was used as a screening test for 96,468 samples in the Italian EIA surveillance program, 17% more EIA cases were detected than by the agar gel immunodiffusion test, and the apparent diagnostic Sp estimated from these samples was 99.8%, which was more than the diagnostic Sp (80.2%) estimated from validation. The high Se and Sp of the cELISA confirm its fit for purpose as a screening test.
Chlamydia pecorum
Authors: Giannitti Federico , Anderson Mark , Miller Myrna , Rowe Joan , Sverlow Karen , Vasquez Marce , Cantón Germán
Published: March 2016

Chlamydial abortion in small ruminants is usually associated with Chlamydia abortus infection. Although Chlamydia pecorum has been detected in aborted ruminants and epidemiological data suggests that C. pecorum is abortigenic in these species, published descriptions of lesions in fetuses are lacking. This work describes fetoplacental lesions in a caprine abortion with C. pecorum infection, and further supports the abortigenic role of C. pecorum in ruminants. A 16-month-old Boer goat aborted twin fetuses at ~130 days of gestation. Both fetuses (A and B) and the placenta of fetus A were submitted for postmortem examination and diagnostic workup. At autopsy, the fetuses had moderate anasarca, intermuscular edema in the hindquarters (A), and brachygnathia and palatoschisis (B). In the placenta, the cotyledons were covered by yellow fibrinosuppurative exudate that extended into the adjacent intercotyledonary areas. Histologically, there was severe suppurative and necrotizing placentitis with vasculitis (arteriolitis) and thrombosis, multifocal lymphohistiocytic and neutrophilic hepatitis (A), and fibrinosuppurative enteritis in both fetuses. Chlamydia antigen was detected in the placenta by the direct fluorescent antibody test and in fetal intestines by immunohistochemistry. Nested polymerase chain reaction of DNA extracted from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections of placenta and intestine amplified 400 bp of the Chlamydia 16S rRNA gene that was sequenced and found to be 99% identical to C. pecorum by BLAST analysis. Other known abortigenic infectious agents were ruled out by specific testing. It is concluded that C. pecorum infection is associated with fetoplacental lesions and sporadic abortion in goats.
Failed detection of Bovine viral diarrhea virus 2 subgenotype a (BVDV-2a) by direct fluorescent antibody test on tissue samples due to reduced reactivity of field isolates to raw anti-BVDV antibody
Authors: Yan Lifang , Pace Lanny W. , Baughman Brittany , Wilson Floyd D. , Zhang Shuping , Zhang Michael Z.
Published: March 2016

Bovine viral diarrhea virus 1 (BVDV-1) is associated with mild or subclinical infections, whereas BVDV-2 is frequently implicated in outbreaks of severe thrombocytopenia and acute fatal disease. In the present study, the carcass of a beef breed cow and tissue samples of a beef calf were received for laboratory diagnosis. Both animals exhibited severe clinical signs compatible with thrombocytopenia or hemorrhagic syndrome. Direct fluorescent antibody test (DFAT) failed to detect BVDV antigen in the tissue specimens of both cases. However, immunohistochemistry (IHC) revealed the presence of BVDV antigen in oral and esophageal mucosa and Peyer patches of the beef breed cow. Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (real-time RT-PCR) detected BVDV-2 in selected tissues of both animals. Subsequently, BVDV was isolated from both cases and subjected to genetic and serologic characterizations. Mutations in the 5′–untranslated genomic region (5′-UTR) primer and probe binding sites and the E2 gene were associated with reduced efficiency of an established real-time RT-PCR assay and amino acid alterations in the E2 glycoprotein, respectively. Both viral isolates were classified by real-time RT-PCR and phylogenetic analysis as BVDV-2 subgenotype a. Unlike BVDV reference strains Singer and 125c, the isolates cross-reacted with anti–BVDV-1 and anti–BVDV-2 reference sera, indicating antigenic variations in field isolates. The isolates also showed reduced reactivity to porcine anti-BVDV antiserum (the raw serum used to produce BVDV DFA conjugate). In summary, data from the present investigation indicated that genetic and antigenic variations affected the performance of detection assays, especially DFAT, highlighting the need for regular evaluation and modification of BVDV tests.
Seroprevalence of Trypanosoma evansi infection in capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) from a nonendemic area in Brazil
Authors: Da Silva Aleksandro Schafer , da Silva Krawczak Felipe , Soares João Fabio , Klauck Vanderlei , Pazinato Rafael , Marcili Arlei , Labruna Marcelo Bahia
Published: March 2016

In South America, capybaras ( Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) as well as coatis ( Nasua nasua) are the reservoir hosts of Trypanosoma evansi. Capybaras from a T. evansi nonendemic area in the State of São Paulo, southeastern Brazil, were culled because of an ongoing outbreak of Brazilian spotted fever; serum samples from these capybaras were tested for antibodies to T. evansi. Of the 172 sera tested, 17 (9.9%) were seropositive by card agglutination test, with antibody titers of 1:8–1:128; 14 (8.1%) of these 17 seropositive sera were also seropositive by indirect fluorescent antibody test, with antibody titers of 1:16–1:256. Both serologic techniques proved to be efficient, with similar results for detection of antibodies to T. evansi in capybaras from a nonendemic area in Brazil.
Diagnostic value of serum procalcitonin, neopterin, and gamma interferon in neonatal calves with septicemic colibacillosis
Authors: Ercan Nazli , Tuzcu Nevin , Başbug Onur , Tuzcu Mehmet , Alim Ahmet
Published: March 2016

The objective of our study was to compare the serum concentrations of procalcitonin (PCT), neopterin, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), prostaglandin E2, malondialdehyde, interleukin 8, and gamma interferon (IFN-γ) in neonatal calves with septicemic colibacillosis ( n = 15) with healthy controls ( n = 15). Septicemic colibacillosis was diagnosed based on clinical signs and the isolation of Escherichia coli from heparinized blood in clinically suspected cases. PCT, neopterin, TNF-α (  p < 0.05), and IFN-γ concentrations in calves with septicemic colibacillosis were significantly higher than in the healthy controls (  p < 0.01). Serum PCT concentrations were ~4 times higher in the calves with septicemic colibacillosis than in the healthy calves, suggesting that PCT could be a useful marker of septicemic colibacillosis in neonatal calves.
Optimized methods for total nucleic acid extraction and quantification of the bat white-nose syndrome fungus, Pseudogymnoascus destructans, from swab and environmental samples
Authors: Verant Michelle L. , Bohuski Elizabeth A. , Lorch Jeffery M. , Blehert David S.
Published: March 2016

The continued spread of white-nose syndrome and its impacts on hibernating bat populations across North America has prompted nationwide surveillance efforts and the need for high-throughput, noninvasive diagnostic tools. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis has been increasingly used for detection of the causative fungus, Pseudogymnoascus destructans, in both bat- and environment-associated samples and provides a tool for quantification of fungal DNA useful for research and monitoring purposes. However, precise quantification of nucleic acid from P. destructans is dependent on effective and standardized methods for extracting nucleic acid from various relevant sample types. We describe optimized methodologies for extracting fungal nucleic acids from sediment, guano, and swab-based samples using commercial kits together with a combination of chemical, enzymatic, and mechanical modifications. Additionally, we define modifications to a previously published intergenic spacer–based qPCR test for P. destructans to refine quantification capabilities of this assay.
Comparison of agar dilution and antibiotic gradient strip test with broth microdilution for susceptibility testing of swine Brachyspira species
Authors: Mirajkar Nandita S. , Gebhart Connie J.
Published: March 2016

Production-limiting diseases in swine caused by Brachyspira are characterized by mucohemorrhagic diarrhea ( B. hyodysenteriae and “ B. hampsonii”) or mild colitis ( B. pilosicoli), while B. murdochii is often isolated from healthy pigs. Emergence of novel pathogenic Brachyspira species and strains with reduced susceptibility to commonly used antimicrobials has reinforced the need for standardized susceptibility testing. Two methods are currently used for Brachyspira susceptibility testing: agar dilution (AD) and broth microdilution (BMD). However, these tests have primarily been used for B. hyodysenteriae and rarely for B. pilosicoli. Information on the use of commercial susceptibility testing products such as antibiotic gradient strips is lacking. Our main objective was to validate and compare the susceptibility results, measured as the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), of 6 antimicrobials for 4 Brachyspira species ( B. hyodysenteriae, “ B. hampsonii”, B. pilosicoli, and B. murdochii) by BMD and AD (tiamulin, valnemulin, lincomycin, tylosin, and carbadox) or antibiotic gradient strip (doxycycline) methods. In general, the results of a high percentage of all 4 Brachyspira species differed by ±1 log2 dilution or less by BMD and AD for tiamulin, valnemulin, lincomycin, and tylosin, and by BMD and antibiotic gradient strip for doxycycline. The carbadox MICs obtained by BMD were 1–5 doubling dilutions different than those obtained by AD. BMD for Brachyspira was quicker to perform with less ambiguous interpretation of results when compared with AD and antibiotic gradient strip methods, and the results confirm the utility of BMD in routine diagnostics.
Validation of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for measurement of feline haptoglobin
Authors: Stiller Jenny , Jasensky Anne-Katherine , Hennies Mark , Einspanier Ralf , Kohn Barbara
Published: March 2016

Haptoglobin is a positive moderate acute phase protein (APP) in cats. Measurement of haptoglobin can be used in the diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring of systemic inflammatory disease, especially by creating profiles with major APPs. The aim of our study was to validate a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for measurement of feline haptoglobin. The validation included an assessment of precision, accuracy, detection limit, method comparison with a spectrophotometric assay, and evaluation of the overlap performance. The concentration of haptoglobin was measured in serum from 27 healthy and 23 sick cats. The coefficients of variation were 2.5–4.7% for intra-assay variability and 7.1–11.6% for interassay variability. The ratio of observed to expected dilutional parallelism of 4 serum samples was 108.1–118.4%. The ratio of observed to expected spike recovery of 4 serum samples was 90.8–94.0%. The lower detection limit was 0.19 g/L. Method comparison revealed a positive correlation ( rs = 0.949, P < 0.0001) and a proportional bias between the methods of −38.9%. Agreement between the methods was not clinically acceptable. Overlap performance of the ELISA was deemed satisfactory. The sandwich ELISA measures feline haptoglobin with an analytical and overlap performance acceptable for clinical purposes. Given the observed bias, the ELISA cannot be used interchangeably with the spectrophotometric assay.
Pyrosequencing as a fast and reliable tool to determine clade affiliation for equine Influenza A virus
Authors: Bernardino Pedro N. , Mapes Samantha M. , Corbin Rachel , Pusterla Nicola
Published: March 2016

The objective of our study was to determine the clade affiliation of 116 contemporary equine Influenza A virus (EIV) isolates using pyrosequencing. The EIV isolates originated from horses with clinical signs of equine influenza and laboratory confirmation of EIV by real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) in nasal secretions. Clade affiliation was performed on the basis of a single nucleotide polymorphism at 2 positions of the hemagglutinin 1 gene. Pyrosequencing was able to clearly classify EIV Florida sublineage prototype A/equine/Ohio/1/2003 and prototype A/equine/Richmond/1/2007 as clade 1 and 2, respectively. Out of the 116 EIV qPCR-positive samples, 113 (97.4%) were classified as belonging to clade 1 Florida sublineage, whereas 3 (2.6%) were classified as clade 2. All clade 1 EIV strains were detected in domestic horses, whereas the 3 clade 2 EIV strains originated from horses recently imported to the United States. Although clade 1 EIV strains are endemic in the United States, international transportation of horses represents a real risk in introducing clade 2 EIV strains into North America.
Inclusive Leadership Development
Authors: Sugiyama Keimei , Cavanagh Kevin V. , van Esch Chantal , Bilimoria Diana , Brown Cara
Published: March 2016

Trends in extant literature suggest that more relational and identity-based leadership approaches are necessary for leadership that can harness the benefits of the diverse and globalized workforces of today and the future. In this study, we compared general leadership development programs (GLDPs) and women’s leadership development programs (WLDPs) to understand to what extent program descriptions addressed inclusive leadership—leadership that draws on relational skills to value both the uniqueness and belonging needs of diverse identities to create business effectiveness for the long term. GLDPs predominantly reflected pedagogical assumptions of separate knowing, development of the autonomous self, and masculine leadership approaches of agentic and transactional leadership. In contrast, pedagogical assumptions of connected knowing, development of the relational self, and relational and identity-based leadership approaches were more prevalent in WLDPs. These findings suggest that WLDPs continue to offer significant value to supporting women leaders in their advancement, yet both WLDPs and GLDPs can do more to be inclusive of additional diverse identities to better develop leaders of the future who can lead with inclusive behaviors. We suggest a pedagogical framework for inclusive leadership development that may better balance and promote synergies between achieving business priorities and relating to others and their diverse identities.
An effective vibration reduction concept for automotive applications based on granular-filled cavities
Authors: Duvigneau Fabian , Koch Sebastian , Woschke Elmar , Gabbert Ulrich
Published: March 2016

The acoustic behavior of a combustion engine is primarily dominated by the sound radiation of the oil pan. Therefore, the vibration behavior of the oil pan as the prominent noise emission source is investigated in this paper. The aim of this study is to present a new vibration reduction concept, which is based on the property of high damping possessed by granular materials. The efficiency of this concept is proven by measurements via a scanning laser vibrometer. Finally, it is shown that it is possible to create a lighter oil pan which shows much lower vibration amplitudes than the original one.
An iterative approach for solving fractional optimal control problems
Authors: Alizadeh Ali , Effati Sohrab
Published: March 2016

In this work, the variational iteration method (VIM) is used to solve a class of fractional optimal control problems (FOCPs). New Lagrange multipliers are determined and some new iterative formulas are presented. The fractional derivative (FD) in these problems is in the Caputo sense. The necessary optimality conditions are achieved for FOCPs in terms of associated Euler–Lagrange equations and then the VIM is used to solve the resulting fractional differential equations. This technique rapidly provides the convergent successive approximations of the exact solution and the solutions approach the classical solutions of the problem as the order of the FDs approaches 1. To achieve the solution of the FOCPs using VIM, four illustrative examples are included to demonstrate the validity and applicability of the proposed method.