bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Naturally occurring, resistance‐associated hepatitis C virus NS5A variants are linked to interleukin‐28B genotype and are sensitive to interferon‐based therapy
Authors: Itakura Jun , Kurosaki Masayuki , Takada Hitomi , Nakakuki Natsuko , Matsuda Syuya , Gondou Kouichi , Asano Yu , Hattori Nobuhiro , Itakura Yoshie , Tamaki Nobuharu , Yasui Yutaka , Suzuki Shoko , Hosokawa Takanori , Tsuchiya Kaoru , Nakanishi Hiroyuki , Takahashi Yuka , Maekawa Syinya , Enomoto Nobuyuki , Izumi Namiki
Published: January 2015

Aim

The presence of resistance‐associated variants (RAV) may attenuate the efficacy of direct‐acting antivirals (DAA) in combination therapy for hepatitis C. The aim of this study was to characterize the NS3 and NS5A regions of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in naturally occurring RAV.

Methods

The NS3 and NS5A regions of HCV were amplified by nested polymerase chain reaction and their nucleotide sequences were determined by direct sequencing in 493 genotype 1b patients naive to DAA‐based therapies. The effect of baseline RAV on response to pegylated interferon and ribavirin therapy was analyzed in 65 patients after stratification by interleukin (IL)‐28B genotype.

Results

The incidence of RAV was 7.9% in NS3 (V36I/L, 1.2%; T54S, 2.8%; Q80K/R, 3.0%; A156S, 0.2%; and D168E/T, 2.4%) and 20.2% in NS5A (L31I/M, 2.2%; and Y93H, 19.0%). The incidence in interferon experienced and naive patients was similar. The incidence of Y93H in NS5A was significantly higher in the IL‐28B TT genotype (rs8099917) than non‐TT (27.1% vs 9.5%, P < 0.001). The virological response to pegylated interferon plus ribavirin therapy was not affected by the presence of RAV in IL‐28B TT genotype.

Conclusion

RAV, especially Y93H in the NS5A region, were highly prevalent in DAA naive patients with genotype 1b HCV in Japan and were linked to IL‐28B TT genotype. Interferon‐based therapy could be an alternative for patients with RAV because these variants did not attenuate the response to that therapy. The analysis of RAV may impact the selection of the optimal treatment strategy.
The Crocodile Museum at Zoológico Regional Miguel Álvarez del Toro (ZooMAT), Mexico: ‘How to exhibit a bullfrog’ put into reality
Authors: Sigler L.
Published: January 2015

Staff at the Zoológico Regional Miguel Álvarez del Toro (ZooMAT), Mexico, have acquired over several decades extensive background knowledge about various aspects of the biology and conservation of the three species of crocodilians inhabiting Chiapas; the Chiapas' caiman Caiman crocodilus chiapasius, American crocodile Crocodylus acutus and Morelet's crocodile Crocodylus moreletii. This knowledge was put into practice when designing a new exhibit to provide visitors with a better understanding of crocodilians. In 2003, an initiative by the government of Chiapas State to support ZooMAT with new projects and renovations, resulted in the adaptation of an unfinished building, originally constructed as an aquarium, into a Crocodile Museum, which opened in 2004. The public enters via the open jaws of a scale model of an American crocodile, and inside visitors can view graphics and displays describing the natural history and ecology of the three species in a national and international context. Murals, dioramas with mounted animals, aqua–terrariums with living crocodiles and caimans, tanks containing animals that are part of the crocodilian food chain and the skeletons of specimens of diverse sizes are all on display. Outside the building there is a contact area where guides talk to the public and provide information, and visitors are allowed to touch materials laid out on a table. There is also an amphitheatre where formal lectures are given and visitors can view the enclosures containing breeding crocodilians. From here the visitors are able to access the remaining living collection of ZooMAT.
Insect pests of Norway spruce cones: incidences and altitude preferences with emphasis on Cydia strobilella (L.)
Authors: Modlinger R. , Holuša J. , Liška J.
Published: January 2015

Pest species infesting spruce cones were identified from 109 locations approved for the collection of seed material in the Czech Republic. Four (occasionally five) cones were studied from each location, and 448 cones were examined in total. Each cone was assessed for external damage and was then cut open along the spine. The predominant pest species, Cydia strobilella, was detected in 65% of the cones, while the next most common species, Dioryctria abietella, was detected in 13% of the cones. Ernobius abietis, Eupithecia sp., and Thekopsora areolata were less numerous. Kaltenbachiola strobi and Megastigmus sp. were recorded sporadically. Most cones (68%) were infested with only one species. The maximum number of C. strobilella larvae detected in one cone was 13. Cone damage resulting from C. strobilella declined markedly with increasing elevation. Thus, cone infestation by C. strobilella was greater in those forest vegetation zones located in lowlands and uplands rather than in highlands and at lower mountain elevations. The number of cones without damage tended to increase with elevation, but infestation by D. abietella was unrelated to elevation. In some cases, C. strobilella damage to cones was severe. External markings on the cone (resin and deformation) cannot by themselves serve as reliable criteria for predicting C. strobilella infestation, although cones with such signs should be preferentially assessed when seed material is inspected.
A Modified Surgical Flap for Root Coverage in Association with Grafting Materials
Authors: Barros Raquel R. M. , Macedo Guilherme O. , de Queiroz Adriana Corrêa , Novaes Arthur B.
Published: January 2015

Purpose

To clinically evaluate in humans the effectiveness of a modified flap for root coverage associated with connective tissue graft or acellular dermal matrix graft after a postoperative period of 12 months.

Materials and Methods

Thirty bilateral gingival recessions were selected and randomly assigned into experimental groups. All of them were treated with a modified surgical flap, with the releasing incisions placed on the mesial and distal line angles of the adjacent teeth, distant from the main defect, providing a broader flap. One site was treated with the autograft and the contralateral site, with the allograft. Probing depth, clinical attachment level, gingival recession, and keratinized tissue width were measured at baseline and after 12 months.

Results

Both procedures significantly improved the clinical parameters evaluated, without statistically significant differences between them. While the autograft group had a mean gingival recession reduction from 3.15 to 0.67 mm, in the allograft group, it was from 3.47 to 0.93 mm.

Conclusion

The extended flap technique can improve the root coverage results using the subepithelial connective tissue graft or the acellular dermal matrix.

Clinical Significance

Graft survival plays a decisive role in mucogingival therapy results and the selection of the appropriate surgical technique is important to achieve it. This 12‐month randomized study showed that an extended flap is able to improve the results of root coverage of localized gingival recessions not only when using the acellular dermal matrix as shown in a previous study, but also when using the subepithelial connective tissue. On this basis, this surgical technique can be suggested as the procedure of choice for treating this type of defect.
A randomized, prospective, blinded, split‐face, single‐center study comparing polycaprolactone to hyaluronic acid for treatment of nasolabial folds
Authors: Galadari Hassan , van Abel Daan , Al Nuami Khawla , Al Faresi Fatima , Galadari Ibrahim
Published: January 2015

Background

Dermal fillers have continuingly been under development to increase safety, efficacy, and longevity. Biostimulatory dermal fillers, such as calcium hydroxylapatite fillers, have already been shown to be superior in efficacy compared to nonanimal stabilized hyaluronic acid (NASHA)‐based fillers.

Aims

In this randomized split‐face study, we compared a novel biostimulatory polycaprolactone (PCL)‐based dermal filler with a NASHA‐based dermal filler, for safety, efficacy, and duration of cosmetic correction for the treatment of nasolabial folds (NLFs).

Patients/Methods

Forty subjects received a PCL‐based dermal filler in one of their NLFs, and a NASHA‐based dermal filler on the contralateral side. Efficacy was evaluated based on the Wrinkle Severity Rating Scale and Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale.

Results

After 6, 9, and 12 months post‐treatment, NLFs treated with the PCL‐based dermal filler showed statistically significant improvements on the Wrinkle Severity Rating Scale and greater improvements on the GAIS compared to NLFs treated with the NASHA‐based dermal filler. Both products were found to be equally safe and well tolerated.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that PCL‐based dermal fillers offer longer‐lasting performance over NASHA‐based dermal fillers in NLFs treatment.
Coping Styles of Adolescents Experiencing Multiple Forms of Discrimination and Bullying: Evidence From a Sample of Ethnically Diverse Urban Youth
Authors: Garnett Bernice R. , Masyn Katherine E. , Austin S. Bryn , Williams David R. , Viswanath Kasisomayajula
Published: January 2015

BACKGROUND

We used a latent class analysis (LCA) to characterize coping styles of urban youth and examined if coping styles moderated the association between experiencing discrimination and bullying and depressive symptoms.

METHODS

The data come from the 2006 Boston Youth Survey, where students were asked to select 2 behaviors they do most often when they are upset, from a list of 15 options. A total of 927 (75%) students contributed to the LCA analytic sample (44% non‐Hispanic Blacks, 29% Hispanics, and 58% girls). Relative and absolute fit indices determined the number of classes. An interaction term between types of discrimination and bullying experienced and coping style tested for moderation.

RESULTS

The LCA revealed that a 3‐class solution had the best fit (Lo–Mendell–Rubin likelihood ratio test, 4‐class vs 3‐class, p‐value .12). The largest coping style class was characterized by high endorsement of distractive coping strategies (59%), the second class was characterized by using supportive coping strategies (27%), and the third class was characterized by using avoidance coping strategies (12%). We found a significant interaction between discrimination and coping style for depressive symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

The relationship between experiencing discrimination and depression varied based on coping style and the type of discrimination and bullying experienced.
Rural Middle School Nutrition and Physical Activity Environments and the Change in Body Mass Index During Adolescence
Authors: Demment Margaret , Wells Nancy , Olson Christine
Published: January 2015

BACKGROUND

For rural adolescents, schools are among the few places where environmental interventions can promote health outside of the home. The goal of this study was to assess the nutrition and physical activity (N&PA) environments of schools attended by a birth cohort and examine the association with change in body mass index (BMI) from sixth to eighth grade.

METHODS

Using data from adolescents of a rural New York State birth cohort (N = 281), we used linear mixed models to identify N&PA environments associated with change in BMI. We also examined family income trajectory as a potential modifier to consider how the association between school environment and change in BMI might differ depending on income.

RESULTS

We found considerable heterogeneity in environments within and between schools. Among students with low‐income trajectories, reductions in BMI z‐scores were associated with school environments that promote better physical education (PE) and general (non‐PE, non‐sport) physical activity. Schools with better sports environments were associated with reductions in BMI for some students, but not lower‐income students.

CONCLUSIONS

School environments may have differing effects on students depending on their socioeconomic status. Strategies are needed to identify and address barriers that impair low‐income students' access to health‐promoting school resources.
Effectiveness of School‐Initiated Physical Activity Program on Secondary School Students' Physical Activity Participation
Authors: Gråstén Arto , Yli‐Piipari Sami , Watt Anthony , Jaakkola Timo , Liukkonen Jarmo
Published: January 2015

BACKGROUND

The promotion of physical activity and health has become a universal challenge. The Sotkamo Physical Activity as Civil Skill Program was implemented to increase students' physical activity by promoting supportive psychological and physical school environment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the school‐initiated physical activity program on secondary school students' self‐reported physical activity.

METHODS

The sample included 847 students (experimental condition school = 208, control school = 639) at the age of 12 to 14 years from northeast and central Finland. The program was conducted across 1 academic year and 2 measurement phases were carried out using self‐report questionnaires in April 2011 and 2012.

RESULTS

The findings highlighted that the program appeared to be effective as an approach to change the sharp decline in the pattern of Grade 7 students' self‐reported physical activity across 1 school year. Specifically, change in the experimental condition students' self‐reported physical activity was 13.4% higher compared the students in the control condition.

CONCLUSION

On the basis of current findings, increased opportunities for school day physical activities have the potential to affect large number of students and are an efficient strategy for promoting regular physical activity.
Restricted use of nitrate and a strong preference for ammonium reflects the nitrogen ecophysiology of a light‐limited red alga
Authors: Pritchard Daniel W. , Hurd Catriona L. , Beardall John , Hepburn Christopher D.
Published: January 2015

Ammonium and nitrate are important sources of inorganic nitrogen for coastal primary producers. Nitrate has higher energy requirement for uptake and assimilation, compared with ammonium, suggesting that it might be a more efficient nitrogen source for slow‐growing, light‐limited macroalgae. To address this hypothesis, we examined the nitrogen ecophysiology ofAnotrichium crinitum, a rhodophyte macroalgae common in low‐light habitats in New Zealand. We measured seasonal changes in seawater nitrate and ammonium concentrations and the concentration of nitrate and ammonium stored internally byA. crinitum. We determined the maximal uptake rates of nitrate and ammonium seasonally and grewA. crinitumin the laboratory with these nitrogen sources under two ecologically relevant saturating light levels. Our results show that field‐harvestedA. crinitumhas a high affinity for ammonium and although it will grow when supplied exclusively with nitrate, internal nitrate pools are low and it is unable to take up nitrate without several days of acclimation to saturating light. Our data predict thatA. crinitumwould be able to sustain growth with ammonium as the sole source of nitrogen, a strategy that would help it survive under low‐light conditions that prevail in the field.
Evolution of the eastern Asian–North American biogeographic disjunctions in ferns and lycophytes
Authors: XIANG Jian‐Ying , WEN Jun , PENG Hua
Published: January 2015

This paper reviews 31 groups in ferns and lycophytes hypothesized to show eastern Asian–North American disjunctions. Fourteen lineages have been supported by recent phylogenetic evidence: Lycopodium nikoense and Lycopodium sitchense; Isoëtes asiatica and the clade of the North American species complex closely allied to I. maritima; Osmundastrum cinnamomeum; Osmunda claytoniana; the Adiantum pedatum complex; the Cryptogramma acrostichoides complex; Diplaziopsidaceae; Cystopteris chinensis and the Cystopteris bulbifera clade; Asplenium rhizophyllum and Asplenium ruprechtii; diploid Phegopteris; Onoclea sensibilis; the Polypodium appalachianum clade; and the Polypodium glycyrrhiza clade. Phylogenetic and/or cytological evidence did not support the biogeographic disjunctions in six cases: (1) Isoëtes asiatica and I. truncata; (2) Botrychium ternatum; (3) Thelypteris beddomei and T. nipponica—Thelypteris noveboracensis and T. nevadensis; (4) Thelypteris glanduligera and Thelypteris. japonica—T. simulata; (5) Woodwardia japonica and W. virginica; and (6) Woodwardia orientalis and Woodwardia fimbriata. Both vicariance and dispersal have been suggested to be the mechanisms for the formation of the disjunct pattern; and the Beringian region has been an active pathway for the migration of ferns and lycophytes between Asia and North America. Disjunctions of ferns and lycophytes reviewed here have been dated in the Tertiary, and are similar to the ages of eastern Asian–North American disjunctions in seed plants, supporting the close biogeographic co‐diversification of ferns and seed plants. Future studies are needed to estimate divergence times and reconstruct biogeographic events in a broad phylogenetic framework, and to test the morphological stasis hypothesis in disjunct ferns and lycophytes.
Fiscal Adjustments and the Probability of Sovereign Default
Authors: Schaltegger Christoph A. , Weder Martin
Published: January 2015

Based on probit estimates, this paper analyzes the effects of fiscal consolidation on the probability of sovereign default in the short run. Using a panel of 104 developing countries from 1980 to 2009 and controlling for various economic, fiscal and political factors, we find that fiscal adjustments in general do not significantly reduce the probability of default even if they are large. Instead, the composition of budget consolidation is decisive in reducing default risk. Expenditure based adjustments are not successful while revenue based adjustments lower the probability of default in the following year by 36 to 55 percent. This finding also holds when economic growth is low or government debt is high as well as when IMF lending is taken into account.
The what, where, and why of priority maps and their interactions with visual working memory
Authors: Zelinsky Gregory J. , Bisley James W.
Published: January 2015

Priority maps are winner‐take‐all neural mechanisms thought to guide the allocation of covert and overt attention. Here, we go beyond this standard definition and argue that priority maps play a much broader role in controlling goal‐directed behavior. We start by defining what priority maps are and where they might be found in the brain; we then ask why they exist—the function that they serve. We propose that this function is to communicate a goal state to the different effector systems, thereby guiding behavior. Within this framework, we speculate on how priority maps interact with visual working memory and introduce our common source hypothesis, the suggestion that this goal state is maintained in visual working memory and used to construct all of the priority maps controlling the various motor systems. Finally, we look ahead and suggest questions about priority maps that should be asked next.
Tigecycline exerts an antitumoral effect in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Ren A , Qiu Y , Cui H , Fu G
Published: January 2015

Objective

To explore whether antibacterial drug tigecycline could exert an antitumoral effect in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

Materials and Methods

Two OSCC cell lines Tca8113 and KB were used in this study. To investigate the cytostatic effects of tigecycline in OSCC, cell growth was tested by trypan blue staining, MTT assay, and Brdu immunofluorescence staining. Then, the apoptosis proportion was measured by FITC Annexin‐V and PI labeling, and cell cycle was determined by PI staining. The expression of caspase 3 (CASP3) and cell cycle regulatory protein was detected by Western blot assay. Finally, the clonogenesis and tumorigenesis capacity were analyzed by soft agar growth and xenograft model.

Results

Here, we showed that tigecycline significantly inhibited cell growth and proliferation in OSCC cell lines Tca8113 and KB. It did not induce cell apoptosis but led to an increase of cells in G0/G1 phase with down‐regulation of cyclin E2 (CCNE2) and cyclin‐dependent kinase4 (CDK4) protein expression. We also showed that tigecycline inhibited colony formation in soft agar and reduced tumor growth in a xenograft model.

Conclusion

Our results suggested that tigecycline might be used as a novel candidate agent for the treatment of OSCC.
High‐dose dexmedetomidine for noninvasive pediatric procedural sedation and discharge readiness
Authors: Phelps Janey R. , Russell Ali , Lupa Maria C. , McNaull Peggy , Pittenger Sara , Ricketts Karene , Ditto Jennifer , Bortsov Andrey V.
Published: January 2015

Background

The University of North Carolina's (UNC) Pediatric Sedation Service adopted a noninvasive procedural sedation protocol that uses dexmedetomidine in children based on review of literature that reported fast recovery times and low morbidity. This study aimed to compare dexmedetomidine discharge readiness times observed at UNC with those previously published with a hypothesis that the discharge times at UNC are longer than those previously published. A secondary aim was to evaluate the safety profile of the protocol.

Methods

Pediatric outpatients (6 months–18 years) who received dexmedetomidine per protocol for a noninvasive procedure or study from January 2011 through April 2012 were included in this retrospective chart review. A total of 615 patient encounters were evaluated. Patients received bolus doses of 2 μg·kg−1 over 10 min for up to three doses followed by a 1 μg·kg−1·h−1 infusion (group 1) or a 1.5 μg·kg−1·h−1 infusion (group 2). Primary outcomes included time to sedation, time to arousal, and time to discharge.

Results

No significant differences between the dosing groups were noted. Time to discharge was significantly shorter for group 1 (79 min) than for group 2 (101 min). The range of discharge times at UNC was 78.7–100.9 min compared to previous studies that report recovery times of 24.8–35.2 min.

Conclusion

Dexmedetomidine arousal and discharge times observed at UNC were longer than anticipated when compared to literature. The safety profile of the drug was comparable to prior studies.
A retrospective analysis of severe intraoperative respiratory compliance changes during ophthalmic arterial chemosurgery for retinoblastoma
Authors: Kato Meredith A. , Green Nicole , O'Connell Kelli , Till Sean D. , Kramer Daniel J. , Al‐Khelaifi Mashael , Han Jung Hee , Pryor Kane O. , Gobin Yves‐Pierre , Proekt Alex
Published: January 2015

Background and Objectives

Ophthalmic arterial chemosurgery for retinoblastoma has been associated with intraoperative decreases in respiratory compliance. Through the analysis of data from computerized records, we objectively defined severe respiratory compliance events and correlated them with demographic and clinical information in patients undergoing this procedure.

Methods

Data were collected from ophthalmic arterial chemosurgery cases from 2006 to 2013. Intraoperative PIP, PEEP, TV, SpO2, and EtCO2 were analyzed. Compliance changes, desaturations, decreases in EtCO2, and clinical outcomes were assessed.

Results

Respiratory compliance decreases with a bimodal distribution. Severe events were defined as exhibiting a minimum compliance decrease of 40%. Seventy‐eight of 122 children (64%) experienced a severe compliance event during at least one treatment, and it occurred in 137/468 cases (29%). A subset of 94 children had complete or at least the first three records. The incidence of a severe respiratory compliance event in this subgroup was 17/94 (18%) on the first and 84/261 (32%) on subsequent procedures. The probability of developing a severe respiratory compliance event on a subsequent procedure was 0.40 if the child developed it on the first procedure, 0.30 if he did not; this difference was not significant. The incidence of desaturation below 90% with severe respiratory compliance events was 0.20; the incidence of a 30% drop in EtCO2 was 0.34. No morbidity, no extended recovery, and no admissions were associated with intraoperative severe respiratory compliance events. We found no correlation between history, age, sex, weight or allergies, and intraoperative severe respiratory compliance events.

Conclusions

Here, most patients experienced a severe respiratory compliance event during at least one of their procedures. Overall incidence was 29% and was more likely on subsequent procedures. A severe respiratory compliance event at the initial procedure was poorly predictive of its occurrence on subsequent procedures. No morbidity was associated with intraoperative severe respiratory compliance events.
Acute Rhabdomyolysis in a Patient with Long‐Term Exposure to Intrathecal Ziconotide: A Case Report
Authors: Horazeck Christian , Huh Albert S. , Huh Billy K.
Published: January 2015

Introduction

Ziconotide is an intrathecally administered nonopioid analgesic for the treatment of severe chronic pain. Previous reports have noted rhabdomyolysis in patients receiving ziconotide during the initial single‐shot trial or due to concurrent medical problems. We present a case of an acute rhabdomyolysis following an intrathecal bolus injection of ziconotide on a patient who had long‐term exposure to the drug.

Case Report

The patient suffered from chronic neuropathic pain with diagnosis of failed back surgery syndrome and received intrathecal ziconotide for 2 years. Moderate side effects resulting from dose escalation led to a discontinuation of the drug. The pump medication was changed to morphine, which failed to provide adequate analgesia even with dose titration. A single intrathecal bolus of ziconotide, as an adjunctive therapy, resulted in good pain control. Two months later, the patient received a second ziconotide injection. Sixteen hours after the injection, she presented to local emergency center with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and myalgia. She had significantly increased CK levels and was admitted for intravenous hydration and close observation. Her serum CK level peaked at 4940 IU/L. The patient was discharged on hospital day 3 with a CK level of 808 IU/L. Her symptoms resolved without renal impairment.

Discussion

The clinical scenario described is a case of acute rhabdomyolysis from an intrathecal bolus injection of ziconotide in a patient with prior long‐term exposure to the drug. The decrease in CK levels coincided well with the average half‐life of ziconotide; however, the rhabdomyolysis may have been potentiated by hypokalemia.
Assessment of phytotoxicity of anthracene in soybean (Glycine max) with a quick method of chlorophyll fluorescence
Authors: Tomar R. S. , Sharma A. , Jajoo A.
Published: January 2015

A decrease in photosynthetic efficiency may indicate the toxic effects of environmental pollutants on higher plants. Measurement of chlorophyll (Chl) a fluorescence to assess the performance of photosystem II (PSII) was used as an bioindicator of toxicity of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) anthracene (ANT) in soybean plants. The results revealed that ANT treatment caused a reduction in quantum yield of PSII, damage to the oxygen evolving complex, as well as a significant reduction in performance index of PSII. However, change in performance index was more prominent, and it seems that the performance index is a more sensitive parameter to environmental contaminants. Moreover, a change in heterogeneity of PSII was also observed. The number of active reaction centres decreased with increasing concentration of ANT, as secondary plastoquinone reducing centres were converted into non‐reducing centres, and PSIIα centres were converted into PSIIβ and PSIIγ centres. The influence of ANT on PSII heterogeneity could be an important reason for reductions in the PSII performance.
Role of Various Fault Attributions and Other Factors in Children's Anticipated Response to Hypothetical Peers With Undesirable Characteristics
Authors: Barnett Mark A. , Wadian Taylor W. , Sonnentag Tammy L. , Nichols Marcella B.
Published: January 2015

Two studies examined the role of various fault attributions and other factors in children's anticipated response to hypothetical peers described as having an undesirable characteristic. The children were found to distinguish among various fault attributions (i.e., general, onset, and perpetuation; study 1), and they tended to agree more strongly that the peers were responsible for the perpetuation than the onset of these characteristics (studies 1 and 2). In study 1, perceiving an aggressive or overweight peer as similar to a friend and believing that the overweight peer will overcome this undesirable characteristic were found to be associated with a relatively favorable response to these peers. The more strongly the children agreed that (1) an aggressive peer is generally at fault for his/her undesirable characteristic (study 1) and (2) peers who are aggressive, overweight, shy, or a poor student are at fault for the onset of their undesirable characteristics (study 2), the less favorably they anticipated responding to these peers. Unexpectedly, attributing responsibility to forces ‘outside the peer's control’ (i.e., parents and biology) for his/her undesirable characteristic in study 2 was not found to be associated with a relatively favorable response to any peer with an undesirable characteristic.
Ebola outbreak in rural West Africa: epidemiology, clinical features and outcomes
Authors: Dallatomasina Silvia , Crestani Rosa , Sylvester Squire James , Declerk Hilde , Caleo Grazia Marta , Wolz Anja , Stinson Kathryn , Patten Gabriela , Brechard Raphael , Gbabai Osman Bamba‐Moi , Spreicher Armand , Van Herp Michel , Zachariah Rony
Published: January 2015

Objective

To describe Ebola cases in the district Ebola management centre of in Kailahun, a remote rural district of Sierra Leone, in terms of geographic origin, patient and hospitalisation characteristics, treatment outcomes and time from symptom onset to admission.

Methods

Data of all Ebola cases from June 23rd to October 5th 2014 were reviewed. Ebola was confirmed by reverse‐transcriptase‐polymerase‐chain‐reaction assay.

Results

Of 489 confirmed cases (51% male, median age 28 years), 166 (34%) originated outside Kailahun district. Twenty‐eight (6%) were health workers: 2 doctors, 11 nurses, 2 laboratory technicians, 7 community health workers and 6 other cadres. More than 50% of patients had fever, headache, abdominal pain, diarrhoea/vomiting. An unusual feature was cough in 40%. Unexplained bleeding was reported in 5%. Outcomes for the 489 confirmed cases were 227 (47%) discharges, 259 (53%) deaths and 3 transfers. Case fatality in health workers (68%) was higher than other occupations (52%, P = 0.05). The median community infectivity time was 6.5 days for both general population and health workers (P = 0.4).

Conclusions

One in three admitted cases originated outside Kailahun district due to limited national access to Ebola management centres – complicating contact tracing, safe burial and disinfection measures. The comparatively high case fatality among health workers requires attention. The community infectivity time needs to be reduced to prevent continued transmission.
Optimal method for collection of umbilical cord blood: an Egyptian trial for a public cord blood bank
Authors: Bassiouny M.R. , El‐Chennawi F. , Mansour A.K. , Yahia S. , Darwish A.
Published: January 2015

Background

Umbilical cord blood (UCB) contains stem cells and can be used as an alternative to bone marrow transplantation. Engraftment is dependent on the total nucleated cell (TNC) and CD34+ cell counts of the cord blood units. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of the method of collection of the UCB on the yield of the cord blood units.

Study Design and Methods

Informed consent was obtained from 100 eligible mothers for donation of cord blood. Both in utero and ex utero methods were used for collection. The cord blood volume was measured. The TNC and the CD34+ cell counts were enumerated.

Results

We have found that in utero collection gave significantly larger volumes of cord blood and higher TNC counts than ex utero collection. There was no significant difference between both methods regarding the CD34+ cell counts. This study revealed a significant correlation between the volume of the collected cord blood and both TNC and CD34+ cell counts.

Conclusion

It is better to collect cord blood in utero before placental delivery to optimize the quality of the cord blood unit.
How is national recipient hemovigilance conducted in the United States?
Authors: Chung Koo‐Whang , Harvey Alexis , Basavaraju Sridhar V. , Kuehnert Matthew J.
Published: January 2015

A national recipient hemovigilance system was introduced in the United States in 2010, when voluntary enrollment began as part of the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) Hemovigilance Module. NHSN is a secure, Web‐based surveillance system operated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and used by US health care facilities to report a variety of patient safety information. The Hemovigilance Module is used for comprehensive monitoring of transfusion‐related adverse events. Participating facilities can utilize analytic tools available within the module to identify opportunities for enhancing transfusion safety, evaluate the effectiveness of interventions, and compare facility specific transfusion‐related data to aggregate national estimates. Data may be voluntarily shared by facilities with external partners for patient safety improvement initiatives and to fulfill reporting mandates. We describe the key characteristics of the Hemovigilance Module, highlight the benefits for participating facilities, and discuss the use of reported data for establishing national estimates of transfusion‐associated adverse events to identify gaps in transfusion safety and opportunities for interventions. National hemovigilance systems are essential to recognize gaps in transfusion safety and identify opportunities for interventions to improve patient safety and outcomes.
IMAGING DIAGNOSIS—THROMBOSED ORBITAL VARIX IN A DOG
Authors: Holloway Andrew , Donaldson David , Kafarnik Christiane
Published: January 2015

A 9‐week‐old female Rhodesian Ridgeback presented with exophthalmos following minor blunt trauma to the left orbital area. Ocular ultrasound showed an extraconal retrobulbar mass ventromedial to the left globe. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging demonstrated a thrombosed orbital vascular malformation without intracranial extension. Doppler ultrasound features of nonpulsatile slow flow were consistent with an orbital varix. Contrast‐enhanced dynamic time‐resolved and high‐resolution MR angiography demonstrated the varix arose from the anastomotic branch of the dorsal and ventral external ophthalmic veins. Conservative management led to a positive outcome defined as a visual eye and nearly normal cosmetic appearance at 8‐month follow‐up.
Local and global structure of connections on nonarchimedean curves
Authors: Kedlaya Kiran S.
Published: January 2015

Consider a vector bundle with connection on a$p$-adic analytic curve in the sense of Berkovich. We collect some improvements and refinements of recent results on the structure of such connections, and on the convergence of local horizontal sections. This builds on work from the author’s 2010 book and on subsequent improvements by Baldassarri and by Poineau and Pulita. One key result exclusive to this paper is that the convergence polygon of a connection is locally constant around every type 4 point.
Assessment of Mechanical Properties of Interphase in Compositelike Geomaterials by Ultrasonic Measurement and the Extended Multi-Inclusion Model
Authors: Do Duc-Phi , Hoxha Dashnor , Bui Truong-Son
Published: January 2015

This work aims at assessing the mechanical properties of interphase in a compositelike geomaterial by using a nondestructive characterization technique by ultrasound and an inversion procedure based on the theoretical multi-inclusion model. This latter model is extended here and adapted for the multiphase heterogeneous materials which may contain an arbitrary number of interphases between each inhomogeneity and matrix phase. Some numerical applications on a cement-based geomaterial show that this procedure can be used as a complementary method to characterize the properties of interphase.
Foldable Joints for Foldable Robots
Authors: Sung Cynthia , Rus Daniela
Published: January 2015

Print-and-fold manufacturing has the potential to democratize access to robots with robots that are easier to fabricate using materials that are easier to procure. Unfortunately, a lack of understanding about how motion can be achieved by folding hinders the scope of print-and-fold robots. In this paper, we show how the basic joints used in robots can be constructed using print-and-fold. Our patterns are parameterized so that users not only get the desired degrees of freedom but can also specify the joint's range of motion. The joints can be combined with each other to achieve higher degrees of freedom or with rigid bodies to produce foldable linkages. We have folded our basic joints and measured their force–displacement curves. We have composed them into joints with higher degrees of freedom and into foldable mechanisms and found that they achieve the expected kinematics. We have also added actuators and control circuitry to our joints and mechanisms, showing that it is possible to print and fold entire robots with many different kinematics using a uniform process.
Helical Kirigami-Enabled Centimeter-Scale Worm Robot With Shape-Memory-Alloy Linear Actuators
Authors: Zhang Ketao , Qiu Chen , Dai Jian S.
Published: January 2015

The wormlike robots are capable of imitating amazing locomotion of slim creatures. This paper presents a novel centimeter-scale worm robot inspired by a kirigami parallel structure with helical motion. The motion characteristics of the kirigami structure are unravelled by analyzing the equivalent kinematic model in terms of screw theory. This reveals that the kirigami parallel structure with three degrees-of-freedom (DOF) motion is capable of implementing both peristalsis and inchworm-type motion. In light of the revealed motion characteristics, a segmented worm robot which is able to imitate contracting motion, bending motion of omega shape and twisting motion in nature is proposed by integrating kirigami parallel structures successively. Following the kinematic and static characteristics of the kirigami structure, actuation models are explored by employing the linear shape-memory-alloy (SMA) coil springs and the complete procedure for determining the geometrical parameters of the SMA coil springs. Actuation phases for the actuation model with two SMA springs are enumerated and with four SMA springs are calculated based on the Burnside's lemma. In this paper, a prototype of the worm robot with three segments is presented together with a paper-made body structure and integrated SMA coil springs. This centimeter-scale prototype of the worm robot is lightweight and can be used in confined environments for detection and inspection. The study presents an interesting approach of integrating SMA actuators in kirigami-enabled parallel structures for the development of compliant and miniaturized robots.
Integrated Codesign of Printable Robots
Authors: Mehta Ankur , DelPreto Joseph , Rus Daniela
Published: January 2015

This work presents a system by which users can easily create printable origami-inspired robots from high-level structural specifications. Starting from a library of basic mechanical, electrical, and software building blocks, users can hierarchically assemble integrated electromechanical components and programmed mechanisms. The system compiles those designs to cogenerate complete fabricable outputs: mechanical drawings suitable for direct manufacture, wiring instructions for electronic devices, and firmware and user interface (UI) software to control the final robot autonomously or from human input. This process allows everyday users to create on-demand custom printable robots for personal use, without the requisite engineering background, design tools, and cycle time typical of the process today. This paper describes the system and its use, demonstrating its abilities and versatility through the design of several disparate robots.
Design and Fabrication of a Soft Robotic Hand With Embedded Actuators and Sensors
Authors: She Yu , Li Chang , Cleary Jonathon , Su Hai-Jun
Published: January 2015

This paper details the design and fabrication process of a fully integrated soft humanoid robotic hand with five finger that integrate an embedded shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator and a piezoelectric transducer (PZT) flexure sensor. Several challenges including precise control of the SMA actuator, improving power efficiency, and reducing actuation current and response time have been addressed. First, a Ni-Ti SMA strip is pretrained to a circular shape. Second, it is wrapped with a Ni-Cr resistance wire that is coated with thermally conductive and electrically isolating material. This design significantly reduces actuation current, improves circuit efficiency, and hence reduces response time and increases power efficiency. Third, an antagonistic SMA strip is used to improve the shape recovery rate. Fourth, the SMA actuator, the recovery SMA strip, and a flexure sensor are inserted into a 3D printed mold which is filled with silicon rubber materials. The flexure sensor feeds back the finger shape for precise control. Fifth, a demolding process yields a fully integrated multifunctional soft robotic finger. We also fabricated a hand assembled with five fingers and a palm. We measured its performance and specifications with experiments. We demonstrated its capability of grasping various kinds of regular or irregular objects. The soft robotic hand is very robust and has a large compliance, which makes it ideal for use in an unstructured environment. It is inherently safe to human operators as it can withstand large impacts and unintended contacts without causing any injury to human operators or damage to the environment.
Kinematic Analysis and Dimensional Synthesis of Exechon Parallel Kinematic Machine for Large Volume Machining
Authors: Jin Y. , Bi Z. M. , Liu H. T. , Higgins C. , Price M. , Chen W. H. , Huang T.
Published: January 2015

A parallel kinematic machine (PKM) topology can only give its best performance when its geometrical parameters are optimized. In this paper, dimensional synthesis of a newly developed PKM is presented for the first time. An optimization method is developed with the objective to maximize both workspace volume and global dexterity of the PKM. Results show that the method can effectively identify design parameter changes under different weighted objectives. The PKM with optimized dimensions has a large workspace to footprint ratio and a large well-conditioned workspace, hence justifies its suitability for large volume machining.
Characterizing the Importance of Free Space in the Numerical Human Body Models
Authors: Chebil Omar , Arnoux Pierre-Jean , Behr Michel
Published: January 2015

The geometric fidelity of the inner organs on finite-element model (FEM) of the human body and the choice to use discontinuous mesh engender the appearance of empty spaces that do not reflect the real-life situation of human body cavities. The aim of this study is to assess the influence of these empty spaces on the behavior of a simplified FEM built with three different structures in interaction which properties are relevant with the abdominal cavity. This FEM is made up of a large sphere (peritoneum) containing two hemispheres (liver and spleen). The space between peritoneum and inner organs was defined with two different approaches and assessed under impact conditions. The first is a meshfree space (Mfs) approach, e.g., consider the space as a perfect gas. The second approach, meshed space (MS), entailed adding volumetric elements in the empty space. From each approach, one optimal configuration was identified regarding the recorded force versus compression, the mobility of inner organs, and the space incompressibility. This space has a considerable influence on the behavior of the FEM and mainly on the applied loadings of inner organs (difference reaching 70% according to the configuration). For the first approach, the incompressible gas is designated because it guarantees space incompressibility (vf/vi = 1) and inner organs loading with the lowest delay (for high impact velocity: Peak force = 89 N, compression 47%). For the second approach, the discontinuous volumetric mesh is preferred because it promotes space incompressibility (vf/vi = 0.94) and acceptable force reaction (for high impact velocity: Peak force = 97 N, compression 49%). The current study shows the importance of this space on the human FEMs cavities behavior and proposes two configurations able to be used in a future study including detailed FEM.
In Vitro Evaluation of the Acetabular Cup Primary Stability by Impact Analysis
Authors: Michel Adrien , Bosc Romain , Vayron Romain , Haiat Guillaume
Published: January 2015

The implant primary stability of the acetabular cup (AC) is an important parameter for the surgical success of press-fit procedures used for the insertion of cementless hip prostheses. In previous studies by our group (Mathieu, V., Michel, A., Lachaniette, C. H. F., Poignard, A., Hernigou, P., Allain, J., and Haiat, G., 2013, “Variation of the Impact Duration During the in vitro Insertion of Acetabular Cup Implants,” Med. Eng. Phys., 35(11), pp. 1558–1563) and (Michel, A., Bosc, R., Mathieu, V., Hernigou, P., and Haiat, G., 2014, “Monitoring the Press-Fit Insertion of an Acetabular Cup by Impact Measurements: Influence of Bone Abrasion,” Proc. Inst. Mech. Eng., Part H, 228(10), pp. 1027–1034), the impact momentum and duration were shown to carry information on the press-fit insertion of the AC within bone tissue. The aim of the present study is to relate the impact momentum recorded during the AC insertion to the AC biomechanical primary stability. The experimental protocol consisted in testing 13 bovine bone samples that underwent successively series of 15 reproducible mass falls impacts (5 kg, 5 cm) followed by tangential stability testing. Each bone sample was tested with different hole sizes in order to obtain different stability configurations. The impact momentum and the tangential primary stability reach a maximum value for an interference fit equal to around 1 mm. Moreover, a correlation between the impact momentum and the stability was obtained with all samples and all configuration (R2 = 0.65). The implant primary stability can be assessed through the measurement of the impact force signal analysis. This study opens new paths for the development of a medical device which could be used as a decision support system to assist the surgeon during the insertion of the AC implant.