bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chromosomal microarray in a highly consanguineous population: diagnostic yield, utility of regions of homozygosity, and novel mutations
Authors: Alabdullatif M.A. , Al Dhaibani M.A. , Khassawneh M.Y. , El‐Hattab A.W.
Published: September 2016

Chromosomal microarray (CMA) has significantly improved diagnosing copy number variations (CNVs). Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays confer additional utility in detecting regions of homozygosity (ROH). Investigating ROH for genes associated with recessive disorders for follow‐up sequencing can aid in diagnosis. In this study, we performed a retrospective review of clinical and molecular data for 227 individuals from a highly consanguineous population who previously had a CMA. Pathogenic CNVs were identified in 32 (14%) cases; ROH suggesting uniparental disomy (UPD) in three (1%) cases, and an additional 25 (11%) individuals were diagnosed with recessive disorders caused by mutations in ROH candidate genes, thereby increasing the CMA diagnostic yield to 26%. Among the 25 individuals with recessive diseases, 18 had novel mutations in 16 genes (ASPM, SPINK5, QARS, MEGF10, SPATA7, GMPPA, ABCA4, SRD5A2, RPGRIP1L, MET, SLC12A6, ALDH1A3, TNFRSF11A, FLNB, PHGDH, and FKBP10) including five with phenotypic expansion.
Social network characteristics and resource access among formerly displaced households in Lira, Uganda
Authors: Obaa Bernard B. , Mazur Robert E.
Published: September 2016

In rural African communities, the support of extended family, friends, and neighbours is essential in borrowing or leveraging land, labour, food, and money, especially at times of social and financial turmoil. Little is known, though, about the nature of the networks and the conditions under which they may generate greater support in post‐conflict communities. This study, conducted in the Lira district of northern Uganda, examined the composition, proximity, and size of the networks that households utilise to gain access to resources during and after resettlement. Network structures with more kin and co‐resident ties were found to offer greater resource access to households in post‐conflict settings. Furthermore, there was a lack of meaningful linkages outside of a person's own village, especially with regard to households whose head has no or a low level of education. These findings enhance understanding of the specific role of relationships in social support for resource access among households in post‐conflict communities.
Patterns of preference and practice: bridging actors in wildfire response networks in the American Northwest
Authors: Faas A.J. , Velez Anne‐Lise K. , FitzGerald Clare , Nowell Branda L. , Steelman Toddi A.
Published: September 2016

The roles of bridging actors in emergency response networks can be important to disaster response outcomes. This paper is based on an evaluation of wildfire preparedness and response networks in 21 large‐scale wildfire events in the wildland—urban interface near national forests in the American Northwest. The study investigated how key individuals in responder networks anticipated seeking out specific people in perceived bridging roles prior to the occurrence of wildfires, and then captured who in fact assumed these roles during actual large‐scale events. It examines two plausible, but contradictory, bodies of theory—similarity and dissimilarity—that suggest who people might seek out as bridgers and who they would really go to during a disaster. Roughly one‐half of all pre‐fire nominations were consistent with similarity. Yet, while similarity is a reliable indicator of how people expect to organise, it does not hold up for how they organise during the real incident.
POLICY CHANGES IN MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL: IMPROVED AGENT BEHAVIOR AND ANCILLARY PRODUCTIVITY OUTCOMES
Authors: Mills Brian M.
Published: September 2016

Offense in Major League Baseball (MLB) has decreased substantially since 2006, often attributed to increased testing and punitive action for use of performance enhancing drugs. However, there has been concurrent policy change affecting behavior of other league agents that may have also affected game play. I therefore examine the effect of these agents, MLB umpires, on offensive production in baseball. Estimates reveal that a substantial portion of the offensive reduction from 2008 through 2014 can be attributed to changes in the size of the strike zone. Implications are further discussed in the context of firm production relevant outcomes as they relate to the labor force and supervisor performance expectations. (JEL J44, Z22, Z28, L25)
Reprogramming of mPFC transcriptome and function in alcohol dependence
Authors: Heilig M. , Barbier E. , Johnstone A. L. , Tapocik J. , Meinhardt M. W. , Pfarr S. , Wahlestedt C. , Sommer W. H.
Published: September 2016

Despite its limited immediate reinforcement value, alcohol has a potent ability to induce neuroadaptations that promote its incentive salience, escalation of voluntary alcohol intake and aversion‐resistant alcohol seeking. A constellation of these traits, collectively called ‘post‐dependent’, emerges following brain exposure to repeated cycles of intoxication and withdrawal. The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and its subdivisions exert top‐down regulation of approach and avoidance behaviors, including those that lead to alcohol intake. Here, we review an emerging literature which indicates that a reprogramming of mPFC function occurs with prolonged exposure of the brain to cycles of alcohol intoxication and withdrawal. This reprogramming results in molecular dysregulations that contribute to the post‐dependent syndrome. Convergent evidence has identified neuroadaptations resulting in altered glutamatergic and BDNF‐mediated signaling, and for these pathways, direct evidence for a mechanistic role has been obtained. Additional evidence points to a dysregulation of pathways involving calcium homeostasis and neurotransmitter release. Recent findings indicate that global DNA hypermethylation is a key factor in reprogramming the mPFC genome after a history of dependence. As one of the results of this epigenetic remodeling, several histone modifying epigenetic enzymes are repressed. Among these, PR‐domain zinc‐finger protein 2, a methyltransferase that selectively mono‐methylates histone H3 at lysine 9 has been functionally validated to drive several of the molecular and behavioral long‐term consequences of alcohol dependence. Information processing within the mPFC involves formation of dynamic neuronal networks, or functional ensembles that are shaped by transcriptional responses. The epigenetic dysregulations identified by our molecular studies are likely to alter this dynamic processing in multiple ways. In summary, epigenetic molecular switches in the mPFC appear to be turned on as alcoholism develops. Strategies to reverse these processes may offer targets for disease‐modifying treatments.
DNase γ, DNase I and caspase‐activated DNase cooperate to degrade dead cells
Authors: Koyama Ryo , Arai Tomoya , Kijima Marie , Sato Shoko , Miura Shigetoshi , Yuasa Makoto , Kitamura Daisuke , Mizuta Ryushin
Published: September 2016

Serum endonucleases are essential for degrading the chromatin released from dead cells and preventing autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus. Serum DNase I is known as the major endonuclease, but recently, another endonuclease, DNase γ/DNase I‐like 3, gained attention. However, the precise role of each endonuclease, especially that of DNase γ, remains unclear. In this study, we distinguished the activities of DNase γ from those of DNase I in mouse serum and concluded that both cooperated in degrading DNA during necrosis: DNase γ functions as the primary chromatolytic activity, causing internucleosomal DNA fragmentation, and DNase I as the secondary one, causing random DNA digestion for its complete degradation. These results were confirmed by two in vivo experimental mouse models, in which necrosis was induced, acetaminophen‐induced hepatic injury and streptozotocin‐induced β‐cell necrosis models. We also determined that DNase γ functions as a backup endonuclease for caspase‐activated DNase (CAD) in the secondary necrosis phase after γ‐ray‐induced apoptosis in vivo.
Functional Neuroimaging in Migraine: Chances and Challenges
Authors: Schulte Laura H. , May Arne
Published: September 2016

Functional neuroimaging studies are an indispensable tool in headache research and have greatly contributed to our understanding of migraine pathophysiology. The past two decades have identified the brainstem as the target region of interest in migraine pathophysiology: Recent evidence suggests that certain areas of the central nervous system and especially the brainstem periodically change activity during different stages of the migraine cycle. Additionally, the number of resting‐state functional MRI studies in migraine has increased greatly in recent years. Three future trends in migraine neuroimaging can be identified: brainstem optimized functional imaging, longitudinal approaches tracking biological changes through the migraine cycle, and optimized resting‐state fMRI. Consequently, we face a lot of difficulties regarding image noise and artifacts, organizational details, and data interpretation. Optimized neuroimaging studies and new approaches will continue to greatly contribute to our pathophysiological understanding of migraine.
Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in newly arrived refugees attending the Migrant Health Service, South Australia
Authors: Abdul Rahim Nur R. , Benson Jill , Grocke Kathryn , Vather Deeva , Zimmerman Jessica , Moody Tessa , Mwanri Lillian
Published: September 2016

Background

To determine the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in the refugee population attending the Migrant Health Service, South Australia, identify demographic factors associated with infection and compare prevalence of infection in refugees with that of the nonrefugee population in Australia.

Materials and Methods

Cross‐sectional study conducted between October 2010 and August 2013. Monoclonal stool antigen testing for H. pylori infection is performed as part of a comprehensive health assessment for newly arrived refugees. The sample population included 922 adults and children. Outcome measures were (i) prevalence of H. pylori infection (ii) association between demographic factors such as sex, ethnicity and age, and H. pylori infection.

Results

H. pylori infection was detected in 198 (21.5%) participants (95% CI 18.9%–24.3%). The odds of infection were lower in females OR 0.71 (95% CI 0.51–0.98) compared to males. Compared to Middle Eastern participants, the odds of infection were 1.75 (95% CI 1.17–2.62) times higher in African and 1.90 (95% CI 1.10–3.26) times higher in Burmese participants. Infection was not associated with age.

Discussion and Conclusion

H. pylori infection is common among newly arrived refugees. The long latency of infection to development of complications and the availability of testing and relatively effective eradication regimens all add weight to a decision to screen in this population.
Moderating effects of harasser status and target gender on the relationship between unwanted sexual attention and overall job satisfaction
Authors: Clarke Heather M. , Ford Dianne P. , Sulsky Lorne M.
Published: September 2016

Despite a vast body of literature evidencing the negative effects of workplace sexual harassment it remains unclear whether sexual harassment experienced by the target is worse when the harasser is a supervisor, rather than a coworker. With a scenario‐based experimental study we examined whether targets harassed by their supervisor would experience greater decreases in overall job satisfaction than those targeted by a coworker. Results suggested that harasser status moderated the effects of sexual harassment on overall job satisfaction but only for female targets. Further, the effect of supervisor harassment on job satisfaction was mediated by interpersonal justice perceptions.
Fiberoptic Contact‐Force Sensing Electrophysiological Catheters: How Precise Is the Technology?
Authors: BOURIER FELIX , GIANNI CAROLA , DARE MATTHEW , DEISENHOFER ISABEL , HESSLING GABRIELE , REENTS TILKO , MOHANTY SANGHAMITRA , TRIVEDI CHINTAN , NATALE ANDREA , AL‐AHMAD AMIN
Published: September 2016

Fiberoptic Contact‐Force Sensing Technology

Background

Contact‐force (CF) sensing catheters are increasingly used in electrophysiological procedures due to their efficacy and safety profile. As data about the accuracy of fiberoptic CF technology are scarce, we sought to quantify it using in vitro experiments.

Methods and Results

A force sensor was built with a flexible membrane to allow exact reference force measurements for each set of experiments. A TactiCath Quartz (TCQ) ablation catheter was brought in contact with the force sensor membrane in order to compare the TCQ force measurements to sensor reference force measurements. Measurements were performed at different tip angles (0°/perpendicular contact, 45°, 90°/parallel contact), with fluid irrigation, different degrees of catheter deflection, and using a sheath. The accuracy of the TCQ force measurements was 0.9 ± 0.9 g (0°), 0.8 ± 0.8 g (45°) and 1.2 ± 1.3 g (90°), 0.8 ± 0.7 g (irrigation), 0.8 ± 0.8 g (deflection), and 0.8 ± 0.9 g (sheath); this was not significantly different among all experimental conditions. The precision was ≤3.8%.

Conclusion

CF measurements using a fiberoptic sensing technology show a high level of accuracy and precision, without being significantly influenced by tip angle, fluid irrigation, catheter deflection or use of a sheath.
Breast cancer screening—opportunistic use of registry and linked screening data for local evaluation
Authors: Roder David , Farshid Gelareh , Gill Grantley , Kollias Jim , Koczwara Bogda , Karapetis Chris , Adams Jacqui , Joshi Rohit , Keefe Dorothy , Powell Kate , Fusco Kellie , Eckert Marion , Buckley Elizabeth , Beckmann Kerri
Published: September 2016

Rationale

Screening has been found to reduce breast cancer mortality at a population level in Australia, but these studies did not address local settings where numbers of deaths would generally have been too low for evaluation. Clinicians, administrators, and consumer groups are also interested in local service outcomes. We therefore use more common prognostic and treatment measures and survivals to gain evidence of screening effects among patients attending 4 local hospitals for treatment.

Aims and objectives

To compare prognostic, treatment, and survival measures by screening history to determine whether expected screening effects are occurring.

Methods

Employing routine clinical registry and linked screening data to investigate associations of screening history with these measures, using unadjusted and adjusted analyses.

Results

Screened women had a 10‐year survival from breast cancer of 92%, compared with 78% for unscreened women; and 79% of screened surgical cases had breast conserving surgery compared with 64% in unscreened women. Unadjusted analyses indicated that recently screened cases had earlier tumor node metastasis stages, smaller diameters, less nodal involvement, better tumor differentiation, more oestrogen and progesterone receptor positive lesions, more hormone therapy, and less chemotherapy. Radiotherapy tended to be more common in screening participants. More frequent use of adjunctive radiotherapy applied when breast conserving surgery was used.

Conclusions

Results confirm the screening effects expected from the scientific literature and demonstrate the value of opportunistic use of available registry and linked screening data for indicating to local health administrations, practitioners, and consumers whether local screening services are having the effects expected.
Rheology of gluten‐free dough and physical characteristics of bread with potato protein
Authors: Witczak Teresa , Juszczak Lesław , Ziobro Rafał , Korus Jarosław
Published: September 2016

Potato protein applied at 2–10% level significantly modified rheology of gluten‐free dough. The volume of the resulting loaves was higher than control by 8% when the smallest addition was applied, but lower by 26–30% at higher concentration levels. Potato protein caused a decrease in crumb porosity up to 10%, and a change in pore distribution, which also depended on the applied level. Lightness (L*) of bread with potato protein was higher than control at low concentrations and decreased when higher additions of potato protein were applied. Bread hardness increased with rising amounts of the preparation, but the extent of these changes was narrow at small addition levels. Enthalpy of retrograded amylopectin on the first day of storage slightly increased, with no significant variations among the samples, but it decreased on the third day of storage, and the difference between samples with potato protein and control was significant (up to 25%).

Practical applications

Bakery products based on raw materials naturally free of gluten are often characterized by improper technological parameters and nutritional properties. The study was conducted to evaluate the usability of potato protein as a component of gluten‐free bread, which could improve its properties and nutritional value. We found that addition of potato protein, significantly influenced bread properties. The exact impact depended on protein level. The analysis of volume changes suggests that, protein, when used in relatively small amounts (2%), causes a diminished density of bread crumb, reduced porosity and increased bread volume. Further increase in protein addition level leads to a deterioration of bread quality, including decrease in its volume. We concluded that potato protein could be a valuable component of gluten‐free bread, in terms of its nutritional quality, however the formulation with its share should be optimized by balancing the level of other ingredients and additives.
Constitutional Symptoms Trigger Diagnostic Testing Before Antibiotic Prescribing in High‐Risk Nursing Home Residents
Authors: Eke‐Usim Angela C. , Rogers Mary A.M. , Gibson Kristen E. , Crnich Christopher , Mody Lona ,   the Targeted Infection Prevention Study Team
Published: September 2016

Objectives

To evaluate the use of diagnostic testing before treating an infection in nursing home (NH) residents suspected of having a urinary tract infection (UTI) or pneumonia.

Design

Prospective longitudinal study nested within a randomized trial, using data from control sites.

Setting

Six NHs in southeast Michigan.

Participants

NH residents with an indwelling urinary catheter, enteral feeding tube, or both (N = 162) with 695 follow‐up visits (189 (28%) visits with an infection).

Measurements

Clinical and demographic data—including information on incident infections, antibiotic use, and results of diagnostic tests—were obtained at study enrollment, after 14 days, and monthly thereafter for up to 1 year.

Results

One hundred (62%) NH residents had an incident infection requiring antibiotics, with substantial variations between NHs. In addition to presence of infection‐specific symptoms, change in function was a significant predictor of ordering a chest X‐ray to detect pneumonia (odds ratio (OR) = 1.7, P = .01). Similarly, change in mentation was a significant predictor of ordering a urinalysis (OR = 1.9, P = .02), chest X‐ray (OR = 3.3, P < .001), and blood culture (OR = 2.3, P = .02). Antibiotics were used empirically, before laboratory results were available, in 50 of 233 suspected cases of UTI (21.5%) and 16 of 53 (30.2%) suspected cases of pneumonia. Antibiotics were used in 17% of visits without documented clinical or laboratory evidence of infection.

Conclusion

Constitutional symptoms such as change in function and mentation commonly lead to diagnostic testing and subsequent antibiotic prescribing. Antibiotic use often continues despite negative test results and should be a target for future interventions.
Increasing the salience of fluency cues does not reduce the recognition memory impairment in Alzheimer's disease!
Authors: Simon Jessica , Bastin Christine , Salmon Eric , Willems Sylvie
Published: September 2016

In Alzheimer's disease (AD), it is now well established that recollection is impaired from the beginning of the disease, whereas findings are less clear concerning familiarity. One of the most important mechanisms underlying familiarity is the sense of familiarity driven by processing fluency. In this study, we attempted to attenuate recognition memory deficits in AD by maximizing the salience of fluency cues in two conditions of a recognition memory task. In one condition, targets and foils have been created from the same pool of letters (Overlap condition). In a second condition, targets and foils have been derived from two separate pools of letters (No‐Overlap condition), promoting the use of letter‐driven visual and phonetic fluency. Targets and foils were low‐frequency words. The memory tasks were performed by 15 patients with AD and 16 healthy controls. Both groups improved their memory performance in the No‐Overlap condition compared to the Overlap condition. Patients with AD were able to use fluency cues during recognition memory as older adults did, but this did not allow to compensate for dysfunction of recognition memory processes.
THE SHIFTING DEMAND FOR HOUSING BY AMERICAN RENTERS AND ITS IMPACT ON HOUSEHOLD BUDGETS: 1940–2010*
Authors: DiPasquale Denise , Murray Michael P.
Published: September 2016

From 1940 to 1960 across 20 large U.S. cities, rental housing's price fell, renters’ incomes rose, rent's share in household budgets fell, and, as expected, renters’ real housing consumption increased. From 1970 to 2010, rental housing's price increased, renters’ incomes decreased, but, unexpectedly, renters’ real housing consumption increased. We find neither demographics nor housing supply factors account for the anomalous post‐1970 increase in renters’ housing consumption. We conclude that after 1970 there was a nationwide increase in renters’ preferences for housing consumption. With incomes falling, renters increased housing consumption by decreasing consumption of other necessities including food, clothing, and transportation.
Direct and indirect influence of sulfur availability on phytoplankton evolutionary trajectories
Authors: Prioretti Laura , Giordano Mario
Published: September 2016

The sulfate facilitation hypothesis suggests that changes in ocean sulfate concentration influenced the rise to dominance of phytoplankton species of the red lineage. The mechanistic reasons for this phenomenon are not yet understood. We started to address this question by investigating the differences in S utilization by algae of the green and red lineages and in cyanobacteria cultured in the presence of either 5 mmol · L−1 (approximately equivalent to Paleozoic ocean concentrations) or 30 mmol · L−1 (corresponding to post‐Mesozoic/extant concentrations) sulfate. The activities of the main enzymes involved in SO42− assimilation changed in response to changes in growth sulfate concentration. ATP sulfurylase showed different kinetics in the various taxa, with an especially odd behavior for the dinoflagellate. Sulfate availability had a modest effect on cell organic composition. Species‐specific differences in the use of some elements were instead obvious in algae grown in the presence of different sulfate concentrations, overall confirming that algae of the red lineage do better at high sulfate than algae of the green lineage. The increase in sulfate concentration may thus have had an impact on phytoplankton radiation both through changes in their enzymatic machinery and through indirect repercussion on elemental usage.
Preliminary Investigation of Cardiovascular–Renal Disorders in Dogs with Chronic Mitral Valve Disease
Authors: Martinelli E. , Locatelli C. , Bassis S. , Crosara S. , Paltrinieri S. , Scarpa P. , Spalla I. , Zanaboni AM. , Quintavalla C. , Brambilla P.
Published: September 2016

Background

Veterinary literature lacks data about cardiovascular–renal disorders (CvRD) and cardiorenal‐anemia syndrome (CRAS) in dogs.

Hypothesis

A direct correlation exists betweenACVIMclass andIRISstage; chronic kidney disease (CKD) complicates chronic mitral valve disease (CMVD) more often than does anemia in dogs.

Animals

One hundred and fifty‐eight client‐owned dogs withCMVD.

Methods

Signalment, physical examination findings, electrocardiography, thoracic radiographs, echocardiography, and blood analysis were retrospectively evaluated to assess the prevalence ofCKDand anemia in dogs withCMVDand to investigate the relationships amongACVIMclass,IRISstage, and survival.

Results

The prevalence ofCKDand anemia in dogs withCMVDwas significantly higher than in the general population of dogs. Dogs being treated for heart failure had a significantly higher prevalence ofCKDthan did dogs that had not received treatment. A statistically significant direct correlation was found betweenACVIMclass andIRISstage. Severe heart disease, severe renal disease or both, furosemide administration, and advanced age at diagnosis of heart disease were associated with shorter survival time. Survival time of dogs affected by CvRDwas statistically shorter than survival time of dogs affected byCMVDalone.

Conclusion and Clinical Relevance

Chronic mitral valve disease is associated with increased prevalence ofCKDand anemia in dogs. Treatment for medical management of heart failure may play a role in inducingCKD. Class of heart disease andIRISstage were directly correlated. Cardiovascular–renal disorders decrease survival time compared to the only presence ofCMVDalone, whereas anemia does not play a central role in worsening heart function.
Clinicopathologic and Histopathologic Renal Abnormalities in Dogs with Coccidioidomycosis
Authors: Mehrkens L.R. , Mohr F.C. , Sykes J.E.
Published: September 2016

Background

We observed evidence of protein‐losing nephropathy in some dogs with coccidioidomycosis, suggestive of immune complex glomerulonephritis (ICGN). The goal of this study was to understand the prevalence of renal histopathologic lesions and proteinuria in dogs with coccidioidomycosis.

Hypothesis

Biochemical and histopathological evidence of glomerular lesions is present in dogs with coccidioidomycosis.

Animals

Hundred and fifty‐six dogs with naturally occurring coccidioidomycosis.

Methods

Retrospective case series. Clinical information and results of clinicopathologic testing were retrieved from the University of California, Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (VMTH). Microscopic sections of renal tissue procured from necropsy of dogs with coccidioidomycosis were examined to evaluate the nature and distribution of lesions.

Results

A total of 156 dogs with coccidioidomycosis were identified; 87 dogs had serum biochemistry and a urinalysis performed, 17 had urine protein:creatinine ratios (UPCs), and 24 had renal tissue available for histopathology. Eleven (13%) of the 87 dogs were azotemic, 55 (63%) were proteinuric (of which 14 [25%] had clinically relevant proteinuria defined as ≥3+ or ≥500 mg/dL), and 14 dogs had UPC ≥0.5 (range, 0.5–21.5, median 4.2). Thirteen (54%) of 24 dogs had renal histopathologic lesions suggestive of ICGN. Seven of these dogs had urinalyses performed; 5 (71%) had clinically relevant proteinuria as described above. Two dogs (33%) with normal glomeruli had granulomatous nephritis, 1 of which had intralesional Coccidioides spherules.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Coccidioidomycosis should be considered as a possible contributor to glomerular disease in dogs. Whether similar lesions occur in other mammalian hosts, including humans, warrants further investigation.
“I would have preferred more options”: accounting for non‐binary youth in health research
Authors: Frohard‐Dourlent Hélène , Dobson Sarah , Clark Drew B. A. , Doull Marion , Saewyc Elizabeth M.
Published: September 2016

As a research team focused on vulnerable youth, we increasingly need to find ways to acknowledge non‐binary genders in health research. Youth have become more vocal about expanding notions of gender beyond traditional categories of boy/man and girl/woman. Integrating non‐binary identities into established research processes is a complex undertaking in a culture that often assumes gender is a binary variable. In this article, we present the challenges at every stage of the research process and questions we have asked ourselves to consider non‐binary genders in our work. As researchers, how do we interrogate the assumptions that have made non‐binary lives invisible? What challenges arise when attempting to transform research practices to incorporate non‐binary genders? Why is it crucial that researchers consider these questions at each step of the research process? We draw on our own research experiences to highlight points of tensions and possibilities for change. Improving access to inclusive health‐care for non‐binary people, and non‐binary youth in particular, is part of creating a more equitable healthcare system. We argue that increased and improved access to inclusive health‐care can be supported by research that acknowledges and includes people of all genders.
Does nitrogen affect the interaction between a native hemiparasite and its native or introduced leguminous hosts?
Authors: Cirocco Robert M. , Facelli José M. , Watling Jennifer R.
Published: September 2016

Associations between plants and nitrogen (N)‐fixing rhizobia intensify with decreasing N supply and come at a carbon cost to the host. However, what additional impact parasitic plants have on their leguminous hosts’ carbon budget in terms of effects on host physiology and growth is unknown.

Under glasshouse conditions, Ulex europaeus and Acacia paradoxa either uninfected or infected with the hemiparasite Cassytha pubescens were supplied (high nitrogen (HN)) or not (low nitrogen (LN)) with extra N. The photosynthetic performance and growth of the association were measured.

Cassytha pubescens significantly reduced the maximum electron transport rates and total biomass of U. europaeus but not those of A. paradoxa, regardless of N. Infection significantly decreased the root biomass of A. paradoxa only at LN, while the significant negative effect of infection on roots of U. europaeus was less severe at LN. Infection had a significant negative impact on host nodule biomass. Ulex europaeus supported significantly greater parasite biomass (also per unit host biomass) than A. paradoxa, regardless of N.

We concluded that rhizobia do not influence the effect of a native parasite on overall growth of leguminous hosts. Our results suggest that C. pubescens will have a strong impact on U. europaeus but not A. paradoxa, regardless of N in the field.
The International Haemovigilance Network Database for the Surveillance of Adverse Reactions and Events in Donors and Recipients of Blood Components: technical issues and results
Authors: Politis C. , Wiersum J. C. , Richardson C. , Robillard P. , Jorgensen J. , Renaudier P. , Faber J.‐C. , Wood E. M.
Published: September 2016

Background and Objectives

The International Haemovigilance Network's ISTARE is an online database for surveillance of all adverse reactions (ARs) and adverse events (AEs) associated with donation of blood and transfusion of blood components, irrespective of severity or the harm caused. ISTARE aims to unify the collection and sharing of information with a view to harmonizing best practices for haemovigilance systems around the world.

Materials and Methods

Adverse reactionss and adverse events are recorded by blood component, type of reaction, severity and imputability to transfusion, using internationally agreed standard definitions.

Results

From 2006 to 2012, 125 national sets of annual aggregated data were received from 25 countries, covering 132.8 million blood components issued. The incidence of all ARs was 77.5 per 100 000 components issued, of which 25% were severe (19.1 per 100 000). Of 349 deaths (0.26 per 100 000), 58% were due to the three ARs related to the respiratory system: transfusion‐associated circulatory overload (TACO, 27%), transfusion‐associated acute lung injury (TRALI, 19%) and transfusion‐associated dyspnoea (TAD, 12%). Cumulatively, 594 477 donor complications were reported (rate 660 per 100 000), of which 2.9% were severe.

Conclusions

ISTARE is a well‐established surveillance tool offering important contributions to international efforts to maximize transfusion safety.
EXTERNAL PARTICLE SHAPE ANALYSIS AND ITS EFFECT ON TRIBOLOGICAL PERFORMANCE OF DISC BRAKE
Authors: Abdul Aziz Ahmad Fawwaz , Abdul Hamid Mohd Kameil
Published: September 2016

The open design of disc brake and its location close to the road surface may lead the road particles of various sizes and shapes to enter in between brake pads and disc rotor. This study presents an experimental approach to determine the particle shape effect on friction and wear characteristics of OEM disc brake under different operating condition. Two types of external particles which are road particles and silica sand with two range of size of 200 µm and 400 µm were used. Testing was conducted for variable load and sliding speed. Presence of external particle with various size and shape affect the wear rate, friction coefficient and surface topography of the brake pad. Smaller particle generated more wear. Moreover, the particles which have sharped shape or high angularity resulted in higher weight loss of the pad and contribute to greater formation of compacted wear debris. Wear rate and friction coefficient also increase with contact pressure.
IMPAK TAHAP KEYAKINAN PELAJAR TERHADAP PENCAPAIAN UJIAN MAKMAL DALAM PELAKSANAAN MAKMAL KENDIRI BAGI KURSUS ASAS PENGATURCARAAN
Authors: Abd Rahman Rohizah , Ishak Azura , Shahrani Shahrina , Zainal Noor Faridatul Ainun , Rahmat Masura
Published: September 2016

Lab test is a benchmark to test students’ proficiency in understanding the courses that have labs component in programming. This study was undertaken to examine the relationship between students’ confident level and the lab test achievement in autonomous learning lab for programming course. The objectives of this research discusses on (i) relationship between students’ confident level and lab test achievement, (ii) students’ confident level in facing the lab test, (iii) student’s achievement in lab test. This research has been done to year one, semester one session 2013/2014 for basic programming course, TK1114 at the Faculty of Technology and Information Science (FTSM), Bangi. 162 year one students responded to the online questionnaire. This research is a quantitative research that used Pre-Test and Post-Test experimental research design. Students need to respond to the online questionnaire right after they completed the lab test. Data had been analyzed using IBM SPSS version 22. The results show that (i) there is no significant relationship between students’ confident level and the lab test achievement for both Pre-Test and Post-Test. The Pearson correlation statistic shows the p-value for the Pre-Test is 0.543 and 0.687 for the Post-Test (p>0.05). Meanwhile, the result for (ii) students’ confident level has shown an increment for the mean score Pre-Test (4.24) to Post-Test (4.56) and (iii) lab test achievement has shown an increment from the Pre-Test (6.01) to Post-Test (7.17). T-Test has been used to analyze both students’ confident level and student lab test achievement. Further research will be undertaken to assess student interest in the content of learning and teaching modules on-line to help increase student achievement and interest in programming.
A NOVEL APPROACH OF INTELLIGENT LOAD SCHEDULING IN SMART GRID ENVIRONMENT
Authors: S Sofana Reka , V Ramesh
Published: September 2016

The deployment of smart meters in distribution systems provides an excellent pathway for load monitoring in the future smart grid paradigm. The proposed methodology involves a novel idea of power distribution optimization from the substation level. This paper elaborates a model by identifying the dynamic intelligent load scheduling problem and the approach is simple with less complexity thereby reducing the power outage time at the end users. This solution can be easily applicable to power distribution network using smart grid concepts and develops a load scheduling architecture. The problem efficiency is explained clearly which enhances the idea when the consumption among users is centrally available and it is easy to generate bills without errors. The main focus of this paper is modelling the loads in consumer side targeting an optimal scheduling .The proposed system is implemented in a realistic scenario and the obtained results exhibits effectiveness of the model.
COMPARISON OF WEIBULL AND NORMAL PROBABILITY DISTRIBUTION OF FLEXURAL STRENGTH OF DENSE AND POROUS FIRED CLAY
Authors: Abubakar Muazu , Mat Yajid Muhamad Azizi , Ahmad Norhayati
Published: September 2016

In this research, dense and porous fired clay were produced at a firing temperature of 1300°C. The flexural strength data of the dense and the porous fired clay were determined using three point bending test. Two-parameter Weibull and normal probability distributions were used to estimate the reliability of the flexural strength data of the dense and the porous fired clay. From the result, the Weibull probability distribution scale parameter for the dense (36.31MPa) and Porous (18.85MPa) fired clay are higher than the mean strength value for the dense (33.84MPa) and the porous (17.87MPa) of the normal distribution. Distributions of flaws in the dense and the porous fired clay have a significant effect on the Weibull and normal distribution parameters. The fractured surface of the dense fired clay shows a random distribution of cracks while that of the porous fired clay shows a distribution of pores in the morphology. The normal distribution considers failure at 50% of the flexural strength data while Weibull probability distribution is failure at 62.3% of the strength data. Therefore, two-parameter Weibull is the suitable tool to model failure strength data of the dense and porous fired clay.
ACTIVATED CARBON FROM MUKAH COAL FOR TEXTILE WASTEWATER BIOREMEDIATION TREATMENT
Authors: Mat Junoh Muhammad , Ibrahim Zaharah , Ani Farid Nasir
Published: September 2016

Activated carbon is commonly used in water and wastewater treatment, removing organics that cause unpleasant odors, tastes and other detrimental effects. In this study, bioremediation treatment consists of biofilms of two types of microbes, i.e. Bacillus sp and Escherichia sp are grown and immobilized on the Mukah coal activated carbon from Sarawak. Prepared activated carbon was categorized by different physical geometries design such as SGAC I, SGAC II, SGAC III, HCGAC I, HCGAC II and HCGAC III. The target pollutants to be removed from the Ramatex textile wastewater were BOD5, COD, TSS, color, phosphate, nitrate and sulfate.  Escherichia sp with SGAC I was found to give the best results for the bioremediation process and the percentage of BOD5, color,COD,TSS, nitrate, sulfate and phosphate removal were 71.4%, 91.1%, 96.4%, 98.8%, 80.3%, 90.3% and 60.3% respectively. The results indicated that combination between physical and biological treatment was the main factor for the best pollutants removal achievement.
Synchronous deficits in cumulative muscle protein synthesis and ribosomal biogenesis underlie age‐related anabolic resistance to exercise in humans
Authors: Brook Matthew S. , Wilkinson Daniel J. , Mitchell William K. , Lund Jonathan N. , Phillips Bethan E. , Szewczyk Nathaniel J. , Greenhaff Paul L. , Smith Kenneth , Atherton Philip J.
Published: September 2016

Key points

Resistance exercise training (RET) is one of the most effective strategies for preventing declines in skeletal muscle mass and strength with age.

Hypertrophic responses to RET with age are diminished compared to younger individuals.

In response to 6 weeks RET, we found blunted hypertrophic responses with age are underpinned by chronic deficits in long‐term muscle protein synthesis.

We show this is likely to be the result of multifactorial deficits in anabolic hormones and blunted translational efficiency and capacity.

These results provide great insight into age‐related exercise adaptations and provide a platform on which to devise appropriate nutritional and exercise interventions on a longer term basis.

Ageing is associated with impaired hypertrophic responses to resistance exercise training (RET). Here we investigated the aetiology of ‘anabolic resistance’ in older humans. Twenty healthy male individuals, 10 younger (Y; 23 ± 1 years) and 10 older (O; 69 ± 3 years), performed 6 weeks unilateral RET (6 × 8 repetitions, 75% of one repetition maximum (1‐RM), 3 times per week). After baseline bilateral vastus lateralis (VL) muscle biopsies, subjects consumed 150 ml D2O (70 atom%; thereafter 50 ml week−1), further bilateral VL muscle biopsies were taken at 3 and 6 weeks to quantify muscle protein synthesis (MPS) via gas chromatography–pyrolysis–isotope ratio mass spectrometry. After RET, 1‐RM increased in Y (+35 ± 4%) and O (+25 ± 3%; P < 0.01), while MVC increased in Y (+21 ± 5%; P < 0.01) but not O (+6 ± 3%; not significant (NS)). In comparison to Y, O displayed blunted RET‐induced increases in muscle thickness (at 3 and 6 weeks, respectively, Y: +8 ± 1% and +11 ± 2%, P < 0.01; O: +2.6 ± 1% and +3.5 ± 2%, NS). While ‘basal’ longer term MPS was identical between Y and O (∼1.35 ± 0.1% day−1), MPS increased in response to RET only in Y (3 weeks, Y: 1.61 ± 0.1% day−1; O: 1.49 ± 0.1% day−1). Consistent with this, O exhibited inferior ribosomal biogenesis (RNA:DNA ratio and c‐MYC induction: Y: +4 ± 2 fold change; O: +1.9 ± 1 fold change), translational efficiency (S6K1 phosphorylation, Y: +10 ± 4 fold change; O: +4 ± 2 fold change) and anabolic hormone milieu (testosterone, Y: 367 ± 19; O: 274 ± 19 ng dl−1 (all P < 0.05). Anabolic resistance is thus multifactorial.
Brainstem sources of cardiac vagal tone and respiratory sinus arrhythmia
Authors: Farmer David G.S. , Dutschmann Mathias , Paton Julian F.R. , Pickering Anthony E. , McAllen Robin M.
Published: September 2016

Key points

Cardiac vagal tone is a strong predictor of health, although its central origins are unknown.

Respiratory‐linked fluctuations in cardiac vagal tone give rise to respiratory sinus arryhthmia (RSA), with maximum tone in the post‐inspiratory phase of respiration.

In the present study, we investigated whether respiratory modulation of cardiac vagal tone is intrinsically linked to post‐inspiratory respiratory control using the unanaesthetized working heart‐brainstem preparation of the rat.

Abolition of post‐inspiration, achieved by inhibition of the pontine Kolliker‐Fuse nucleus, removed post‐inspiratory peaks in efferent cardiac vagal activity and suppressed RSA, whereas substantial cardiac vagal tone persisted. After transection of the caudal pons, part of the remaining tone was removed by inhibition of nucleus of the solitary tract.

We conclude that cardiac vagal tone depends upon at least 3 sites of the pontomedullary brainstem and that a significant proportion arises independently of RSA.

Cardiac vagal tone is a strong predictor of health, although its central origins are unknown. The rat working heart‐brainstem preparation shows strong cardiac vagal tone and pronounced respiratory sinus arrhythmia. In this preparation, recordings from the cut left cardiac vagal branch showed efferent activity that peaked in post‐inspiration, ∼0.5 s before the cyclic minimum in heart rate (HR). We hypothesized that respiratory modulation of cardiac vagal tone and HR is intrinsically linked to the generation of post‐inspiration. Neurons in the pontine Kölliker‐Fuse nucleus (KF) were inhibited with bilateral microinjections of isoguvacine (50–70 nl, 10 mm) to remove the post‐inspiratory phase of respiration. This also abolished the post‐inspiratory peak of cardiac vagal discharge (and cyclical HR modulation), although a substantial level of activity remained. In separate preparations with intact cardiac vagal branches but sympathetically denervated by thoracic spinal pithing, cardiac chronotropic vagal tone was quantified by HR compared to its final level after systemic atropine (0.5 μm). Bilateral KF inhibition removed 88% of the cyclical fluctuation in HR but, on average, only 52% of the chronotropic vagal tone. Substantial chronotropic vagal tone also remained after transection of the brainstem through the caudal pons. Subsequent bilateral isoguvacine injections into the nucleus of the solitary tract further reduced vagal tone: remaining sources were untraced. We conclude that cardiac vagal tone depends on neurons in at least three sites of the pontomedullary brainstem, and much of it arises independently of respiratory sinus arrhythmia.
Analytical Model on Lithiation-Induced Interfacial Debonding of an Active Layer From a Rigid Substrate
Authors: Lu Bo , Zhao Yanfei , Song Yicheng , Zhang Junqian
Published: September 2016

By directly solving the prescribed differential equations, an analytical method based on the cohesive model has been developed to investigate the interfacial debonding process induced by lithiation in an axisymmetric thin film electrode where an elastic active layer is bonded on a rigid substrate. The assumption of rigid substrate has been proved acceptable for high-modulus substrates such as copper and aluminum which are common materials for current collectors in lithium-ion batteries. For the case where the weak interface is assumed and the radial concentration gradient is neglected, an extremely simplified solution has been obtained. The simplified solution which has acceptable accuracy provides a good guidance for understanding and predicting the interfacial debonding.
Isogeometric Implementation of High-Order Microplane Model for the Simulation of High-Order Elasticity, Softening, and Localization
Authors: Lale Erol , Zhou Xinwei , Cusatis Gianluca
Published: September 2016

In this paper, a recently developed higher-order microplane (HOM) model for softening and localization is implemented within a isogeometric finite-element framework. The HOM model was derived directly from a three-dimensional discrete particle model, and it was shown to be associated with a high-order continuum characterized by independent rotation and displacement fields. Furthermore, the HOM model possesses two characteristic lengths: the first associated with the spacing of flaws in the material internal structure and related to the gradient character of the continuum; the second associated with the size of these flaws and related to the micropolar character of the continuum. The displacement-based finite element implementation of this type of continua requires C1 continuity both within the elements and at the element boundaries. This motivated the implementation of the concept of isogeometric analysis which ensures a higher degree of smoothness and continuity. Nonuniform rational B-splines (NURBS) based isogeometric elements are implemented in a 3D setting, with both displacement and rotational degrees-of-freedom at each control point. The performed numerical analyses demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed HOM model implementation to ensure optimal convergence in both elastic and softening regime. Furthermore, the proposed approach allows the natural formulation of a localization limiter able to prevent strain localization and spurious mesh sensitivity known to be pathological issues for typical local strain-softening constitutive equations.