bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanism of synergy between SIPI-8294 and β-lactam antibiotics against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: He M. , Shao L. , Liu Q. , Li J. , Lin H. , Jing L. , Li M. , Chen D.
Published: May 2016

SIPI-8294, as an erythromycin derivative, has only weak antibacterial effects on MRSA and MSSA. Interestingly, synergistic effect of SIPI-8294 with oxacillin was observed both in vitro and in vivo. Western blot and RT-PCR results demonstrate that mecA expressions were suppressed by SIPI-8294 in MRSA. Furthermore, the knock out of mecA in ATCC 43300 led to the loss of synergy of the combinations while mecA complemented strain showed almost the same synergistic capability compared to the wild type strain. However, the knock out of mecR1 and mecI in MRSA displayed no impact on the synergy of the combinations and the ability of SIPI-8294 to suppress mecA expression. In summary, our study has demonstrated that SIPI-8294 could dramatically reverse MRSA resistance to β-lactams both in vitro and in vivo owing to inhibiting mecA expression. However, mecR1 and mecI, as the pivotal regulatory genes of mecA, do not participate in SIPI-8294-mecA pathway. The research indicates that it may be a promising strategy for combating MRSA infections with the combinations of SIPI-8294 and β-lactam antibiotics. The research of the mechanism is important for structure modification and new drug development.

Significance and Impact of the Study

This study is the first report on the mechanism of synergy between SIPI-8294 and β-lactams against MRSA on the molecular level. In this study, SIPI-8294 showed strong synergistic effects on β-lactam antibiotics both in vitro and in vivo owing to inhibiting mecA expression. As pivotal regulatory genes of mecA, mecR1 and mecI do not participate in SIPI-8294-mecA pathway and are not involved in the synergism of SIPI-8294 and β-lactams. The research indicates that it may be a promising strategy for combating MRSA infections with the combinations of SIPI-8294 and β-lactams. The research is important for structure modification and new drug development.
Power, State, and Market in Mexico: A Polanyian Critique
Authors: Cuadra‐Montiel Hector
Published: May 2016

This article offers a theoretical process‐tracing exercise on the interaction between power, the state, and the market. Special attention is placed on how the historical trajectory of the state's political and economic developments has varied. The account developed is theoretically informed and illustrated by Mexico's trajectories of reform. The current trends toward the recommodification of economic activities and the roles of the state are developing tendencies, not exempt from undertows. Although social, political, and economic contradictions are mediated through crises, they are sorted in two broad and distinctive ways. In the first of these, major changes involve a decisive intervention of the state in which a new trajectory might be imposed, whereas in the second one, adaptation and reformist strategies solve and negotiate some minor moments of crises in the pursuit of softer transformations. Although corporatism and import substitution industrialization involved processes of decommodification of economic activities, the outward‐oriented economic model meant a modification of the state's trajectory toward practices associated with processes of recommodification.
Participation and Influence: Democratization and the Shaping of a Public Policy in Brazil
Authors: Ramanzini Júnior Haroldo , Farias Rogério de Souza
Published: May 2016

Citizens and activists in Brazil were optimistic about their role in shaping public policies after the democratic wave of the 1980s, particularly in the field of international trade negotiations. Observers point out that the state is more open than in previous decades and that Itamaraty (the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs) is losing its grip over the decision‐making process. In this article, we dispute this affirmation. First, we demonstrate the analytical overlap between participation and influence in the literature. Second, we argue that the decision‐making process was far more democratic, and Itamaraty less powerful, from 1946 to 1973 than it is today; participation in the policy arena was associated with influence. Democratization in the political regime in Brazil after 1985 did not bring democratization to the decision‐making process in our case. We conclude by presenting some suggestions on how to bridge the current chasm between participation and influence in Brazilian foreign policy.
Improving the Democratic Brand Through Institution Building: Ombudsmen and Corruption in Latin America, 2000–2011
Authors: Moreno Erika
Published: May 2016

A growing body of literature has emerged that examines the contributions of mid‐level institutions of accountability (e.g., public ministries, federal police, and electoral courts) in curbing corruption. Notably absent here is the Defensor del Pueblo (ombudsman). This study posits that, under the right conditions, these nonsanctioning bodies have several tools at their disposal that can be leveraged against state actors to reduce corruption. The ombudsman's unique links to the public (or principal) and external actors allow it to function like a “fourth estate,” but the strength of the office to act as an effective deterrent to corruption is endogenous to the system and actors that created this office. This study conducts a two‐stage least squares regression analysis for 17 Latin American countries (2000–2011), provides support for these expectations, and suggests that the ombudsman is beginning to deliver on its promise, at least with respect to corruption.
Optimal Fleet Size and Fare Setting in Emerging Taxi Markets with Stochastic Demand
Authors: Zhang Wenbo , Ukkusuri Satish V.
Published: May 2016

The emerging taxi services, for instance, Uber and Lyft, are challenging traditional fully regulated taxi markets. Transportation agencies are spending significant efforts to understand the optimal pricing and fleet size taxis that are efficient for a given urban area. This study develops a modeling framework for studying a decentralized equilibrium based market study where the fare is strictly regulated by a taxi commission. The nature of demand‐supply equilibria with stochastic demand are discussed to determine optimal development strategies, for instance, number of issued licenses and fare setting. Two Stackelberg games are formulated to specify leader‐follower relationships between transportation authorities and and the followers — taxi drivers and passengers. An iterative approach is designed to simulate the games and solve corresponding mathematical optimization problems. The case study is based on New York City data which shows that the taxi market may be oversupplied and underpriced, which confirms findings from other studies and price hikes in 2012. Furthermore, different development strategies are proposed based on two Stackelberg games to respond to intended taxi system changes, such as price and quantity elasticity of taxi demand, levels of demand variance, average taxi operation speed, passengers' waiting time value, and taxi service coverage. The results have important implications in determining development strategies for taxi industry with emerging taxi services, stochastic demand, and the rapidly changing environment.
Dietary fibre and the prevention of chronic disease – should health professionals be doing more to raise awareness?
Authors: Lockyer S. , Spiro A. , Stanner S.
Published: May 2016

The recent report on Carbohydrates and Health by the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition concluded that a high fibre intake is associated with reduced risk of a number of significant chronic diseases in the UK, although further studies are needed to fully elucidate the precise mechanisms involved. New recommendations have been set for adults and younger people but dietary surveys suggest that intakes are currently well below these targets, reflecting low consumption of fibre‐containing foods such as fruit, vegetables, nuts and seeds and high‐fibre/wholegrain starchy foods. A wide number of interrelated barriers to increasing intakes have been purported. These include a lack of awareness of the health benefits of fibre; relatively little interest amongst the media compared with other nutrients (e.g. sugars); perceived high cost of fruit and vegetables; perceptions of starchy carbohydrates as unhealthy; taste preferences for refined grains; lack of a specific dietary recommendation or national awareness campaign for fibre or wholegrain intake; no general permitted (European Food Safety Authority approved) health claims for fibre and wholegrain; and a lack of mandatory labelling of fibre values on packaging. Health professionals have an important role in giving dietary advice, including the promotion of dietary fibre. However, as well as limited time during appointments to discuss diet and lifestyle issues, the level of confidence and competency in delivering such advice may be lacking amongst some health professionals. Current knowledge and awareness of the key messages around dietary fibre amongst health professionals have been poorly studied. A small online survey of UK practice nurses (n = 50) recently commissioned by the British Nutrition Foundation suggested that, although the benefits of dietary fibre intake in relation to cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and colorectal cancer are largely acknowledged, the perceived importance of fibre for patient health is lower than other nutrients such as fat and sugars. One in five nurses reported not having adequate skills or knowledge to offer dietary advice and one in four said they sometimes lacked the confidence to give dietary advice to their patients. In view of the evidence for the health benefits for dietary fibre, there is a need to increase the importance that health professionals place on communicating ways to boost intakes amongst their patients. Easy to access nutrition training for health professionals would help to support this objective.
Adult‐onset adrenoleukodystrophy of the olivopontocerebellar form and lacking cerebral involvement
Authors: Koike Yuka , Umeda Yoshitaka , Umeda Maiko , Oyake Mutsuo , Fujita Nobuya
Published: May 2016

A 40‐year‐old man presented with subacute progressive gait disturbance. Two uncles on his mother's side were diagnosed previously as having adult‐onset adrenoleukodystrophy. Fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery magnetic resonance imaging showed hyperintense regions in the cerebellum, middle cerebellar peduncles, pons and midbrain with gadolinium enhancement without cerebral involvement. A missense mutation of the ABCD1 gene (c.1661 G>A) was found. We should note that adrenoleukodystrophy of the olivopontocerebellar form can be present, even if there is no involvement in the cerebrum. This case is unique, because it showed bilateral pontocerebellar pathway involvements symmetrically. If patients with the olivopontocerebellar form are diagnosed early, it might be possible to suppress the progression of the disease with bone marrow transplantation.
The Sphagnum microbiome: new insights from an ancient plant lineage
Authors: Kostka Joel E. , Weston David J. , Glass Jennifer B. , Lilleskov Erik A. , Shaw A. Jonathan , Turetsky Merritt R.
Published: May 2016

Peat mosses of the genus Sphagnum play a major role in global carbon storage and dominate many northern peatland ecosystems, which are currently being subjected to some of the most rapid climate changes on Earth. A rapidly expanding database indicates that a diverse community of microorganisms is intimately associated with Sphagnum, inhabiting the tissues and surface of the plant. Here we summarize the current state of knowledge regarding the Sphagnum microbiome and provide a perspective for future research directions. Although the majority of the microbiome remains uncultivated and its metabolic capabilities uncharacterized, prokaryotes and fungi have the potential to act as mutualists, symbionts, or antagonists of Sphagnum. For example, methanotrophic and nitrogen‐fixing bacteria may benefit the plant host by providing up to 20–30% of Sphagnum carbon and nitrogen, respectively. Next‐generation sequencing approaches have enabled the detailed characterization of microbiome community composition in peat mosses. However, as with other ecologically or economically important plants, our knowledge of Sphagnum–microbiome associations is in its infancy. In order to attain a predictive understanding of the role of the microbiome in Sphagnum productivity and ecosystem function, the mechanisms of plant–microbiome interactions and the metabolic potential of constituent microbial populations must be revealed.

Contents

Summary
57

I.
Introduction
57

II.
What defines the peat moss microbiome?
58

III.
Structure and function of the Sphagnum microbiome
59

IV.
Functional guilds of microbes that benefit Sphagnum
59

V.
Fungi in the Sphagnum microbiome
61

VI.
Conclusions and future directions
62

Acknowledgements
63

References
63
Generalised observations of wave characteristics on near‐horizontal shore platforms: Synthesis of six case studies from the North Island, New Zealand
Authors: Ogawa Hiroki , Dickson Mark E. , Kench Paul S.
Published: May 2016

Most field studies of wave processes on shore platforms in front of eroding cliffs focus on a single site, revealing aspects of wave dynamics at that location. Here, we analyse data from six platforms around northeastern New Zealand and describe the fundamental control of shore platform width, gradient and elevation on wave processes, including greater attenuation of short‐period waves at lower tidal stages and increases in longer period wave energy towards the cliff toe. These data suggest that empirical formulae developed from coral‐reef environments provide better predictions of wave height on platforms than formulae currently used in shore platform models.
Interactive effects of exogenous and endogenous factors on demographic rates of an African rodent
Authors: Nater Chloé R. , Canale Cindy I. , van Benthem Koen J. , Yuen Chi‐Hang , Schoepf Ivana , Pillay Neville , Ozgul Arpat , Schradin Carsten
Published: May 2016

Exogenous and endogenous environmental factors can have simultaneous additive as well as interacting effects on life‐history traits. Ignoring such interactions can lead to a biased understanding of variability in demographic rates and consequently population dynamics. These interactions have been the focus of decades‐long debates on the mechanisms underlying small mammal population fluctuations. They have often been studied indirectly through seasonal effects, but studies considering them directly and more mechanistically are rare. We investigated the joint effects of exogenous (temperature, food availability) and endogenous (population density) factors on the demographic rates of a group‐living diurnal rodent, the African striped mouse Rhabdomys pumilio using nine‐year mark–recapture data from a population in the Succulent Karoo, South Africa. In general, higher temperatures and lower food availability were associated with higher survival, whereas high population densities were either beneficial or detrimental to survival depending on interacting food availability. High reproductive rates were related to lower temperatures, higher food availability and lower population density, and interactions among environmental factors mediated the strength of these relationships. Our study highlights the complex ways in which different environmental factors can interact to shape demographic rates and emphasizes the importance of explicitly including interactions among exogenous and endogenous factors into studies of population dynamics.
Maternal pathogen exposure causes diet‐ and pathogen‐specific transgenerational costs
Authors: Littlefair Joanne E. , Laughton Alice M. , Knell Robert J.
Published: May 2016

Transgenerational effects, whereby the environment experienced by a parent leads to an altered offspring phenotype, have now been described in a variety of taxa. In invertebrates, much of the research on these effects has concentrated on the role of parental exposure to pathogens or immune elicitors in determining offspring immune investment or disease resistance. To date, however, studies of transgenerational effects in invertebrates have generally been restricted to single infections or immune elicitors in ideal laboratory environments. Animals in field situations will commonly experience sub‐optimal environments and co‐infection by multiple species of parasites and pathogens, leading to increased relative costs of immune investment and changing fitness benefits from offspring responses to the parental environment. Here we investigate a more ecologically realistic scenario involving both multiple infections and resource limitation, using the Indian meal moth Plodia interpunctella as a model host, challenged with the entomopathogenic bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis and fungus Beauveria bassiana. Mothers were exposed to low doses of one or both pathogens, or a control. Offspring from each family were reared on either good‐ or poor‐quality food and then exposed to one or both pathogens. Maternal exposure to pathogens led to reduced pathogen resistance in offspring, depending on the combination of maternal and offspring pathogen‐specific infections and resource limitation in the offspring generation. Much research to date has focussed on trans‐generational immune priming, in which parental exposure to pathogens or immune elicitors leads to upregulated immune reactivity in their offspring. The lack of any such effects in our system suggests that the production of less resistant offspring following parental exposure to pathogens might be an important alternative, driven by costs of resistance rather than adaptive benefits.
An early Cambrian chelicerate from the Emu Bay Shale, South Australia
Authors: Jago James B. , García‐Bellido Diego C. , Gehling James G.
Published: May 2016

The Emu Bay Shale Lagerstätte (Cambrian Series 2, Stage 4) occurs on the north coast of Kangaroo Island, South Australia. Over 50 species are known from here, including trilobites and non‐biomineralized arthropods, palaeoscolecids, a lobopodian, a polychaete, vetulicolians, nectocaridids, hyoliths, brachiopods, sponges and chancelloriids. A new chelicerate, Wisangocaris barbarahardyae gen. et sp. nov., is described herein, based on a collection of some 270 specimens. It is up to 60 mm long, with the length of the cephalic shield comprising about 30% that of the exoskeleton. The cephalic margin has three pairs of bilaterally‐symmetrical small triangular spines. A pair of small eyes is placed well forwards on the ventral margin of the cephalic shield. The trunk comprises 11 segments that increase in length while narrowing posteriorly, each possibly bearing a pair of biramous appendages; the most posterior segment is almost square whereas the others are transversely elongated. The spatulate telson is proportionately longer than in taxa such as Sanctacaris, Utahcaris and Leanchoilia. Up to eight (?four pairs) of 3 mm‐long elements bearing alternating inward‐curving short and long spines beneath the cephalic shield are interpreted as basipodal gnathobases, part of a complex feeding apparatus. A well‐developed gut includes a stomach within the cephalic shield; it extends to the base of the telson. In a few specimens there are shell fragments within the gut, including those of the trilobite Estaingia bilobata (the most common species in the biota); these fragments have sharp margins and extend across the gut lumen. The species may have been a predator or a scavenger, ingesting material already broken up by a larger predator/scavenger. The morphology of this taxon shares many overall body features with Sanctacaris, and some with Sidneyia, particularly its gnathobasic complex. These chelicerate affinities are corroborated by phylogenetic analyses.
Alternatives for vascular reconstruction in pediatric living donor liver transplantation
Authors: Neto Joao Seda , Fonseca Eduardo A. , Cândido Helry L. , Pugliese Renata , Feier Flavia H. , Kondo Mario , Azambuja Rodrigo L. , Chapchap Paulo
Published: May 2016

Many publications discuss the various strategies for vascular reconstruction (VR) in pediatric LDLT. Having knowledge of alternative techniques is helpful in planning transplants. This article presents three case reports that illustrate some of the alternative techniques for HV, PV, and HA reconstruction in pediatric LDLT. It also reviews the available alternative strategies reported for VR in pediatric LDLT. In the first case, a 13‐month‐old girl presented a PRETEXT III HB with invasion of the retrohepatic vena cava. An LLS graft HV was anastomosed to a DD iliac vein graft and subsequently implanted in a “standard” fashion in the recipient. In the second case, a 44‐month‐old boy presented with multifocal HB and portomesenteric thrombosis and the portal inflow was done through a renoportal anastomosis. In the third case, a 22‐month‐old child with a failed Kasai procedure had extensive HA thrombosis. The HA reconstruction was performed with an interposition of the recipient's IMV graft. The use of alternative techniques for VR in pediatric LDLT is paramount to the success of such a complex procedure. Imaging studies can help transplant surgeons outline surgical strategies and define the best technique to be used in each case.
Terpenoid trans‐caryophyllene inhibits weed germination and induces plant water status alteration and oxidative damage in adult Arabidopsis
Authors: Araniti F. , Sánchez‐Moreiras A. M. , Graña E. , Reigosa M. J. , Abenavoli M. R.
Published: May 2016

trans‐Caryophyllene (TC) is a sesquiterpene commonly found as volatile component in many different aromatic plants. Although the phytotoxic effects of trans‐caryophyllene on seedling growth are relatively explored, not many information is available regarding the phytotoxicity of this sesquiterpenes on weed germination and on adult plants. The phytotoxic potential of TC was assayed in vitro on weed germination and seedling growth to validate its phytotoxic potential on weed species. Moreover, it was assayed on the metabolism of Arabidopsis thaliana adult plants, through two different application ways, spraying and watering, in order to establish the primary affected organ and to deal with the unknown mobility of the compound. The results clearly indicated that TC inhibited both seed germination and root growth, as demonstrated by comparison of the ED50 values. Moreover, although trans‐caryophyllene‐sprayed adult Arabidopsis plants did not show any effect, trans‐caryophyllene‐watered plants became strongly affected. The results suggested that root uptake was a key step for the effectiveness of this natural compound and its phytotoxicity on adult plants was mainly due to the alteration of plant water status accompanied by oxidative damage.
The Polarizing Effect of the Stimulus: Partisanship and Voter Responsiveness to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
Authors: Einstein Katherine Levine , Trump Kris‐Stella , Williamson Vanessa
Published: May 2016

We examine the effect of a sudden influx of government spending, the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) on support for the president's party. Using a difference‐in‐differences design, we find that stimulus spending had a modest positive effect on Democratic vote share but only in counties that were already Democratic leaning. In Republican counties, by contrast, government spending had a small, but significant negative effect on Democratic vote share. That is to say, ARRA polarized already partisan places. These results have important implications for the study of voter responsiveness to government spending and the measurement of the political effects of policy visibility.
The Historical Presidency: Clinton's Elections: Redividing Government in the 1990s
Authors: Nelson Michael
Published: May 2016

Divided government has become the norm in American national politics. But its pattern redivided beginning in the 1990s from one of Republican presidents and Democratic Congresses to one of Democratic presidents and Republican Congresses. Drawing on oral history interviews with campaign and administration officials from the Clinton administration, this article explains how Bill Clinton forged a winning strategy for Democratic presidential candidates while contributing to the weakening of the Democratic congressional party.
Do Market Incentives for Hospitals Affect Health and Service Utilization?: Evidence from Prospective Pay System–Diagnosis-Related Groups Tariffs in Italian Regions
Authors: Cappellari Lorenzo , De Paoli Anna , Turati Gilberto
Published: May 2016

We exploit variation across Italian regions in the implementation of region-specific tariffs within a prospective pay system for hospitals based on diagnosis-related groups to assess their effect on health and on the use of healthcare services. We consider survey data for the years 1993–2007 with information on both individuals’ perceived health and their utilization of healthcare services. The results suggest that the introduction of market incentives via a fixed price payment system did not lead to worse health perceptions. Instead, it marked a moderate decrease in hospitalization coupled with a clearer decrease in the utilization of emergency services. We also find mild evidence of reduced satisfaction with healthcare services among hospital patients. These effects were stronger for adoptions occurring when also the national government supported the market-based approach. Results are robust to sensitivity checks.
Detecting and Understanding Interviewer Effects on Survey data by using a Cross-classified Mixed Effects Location–scale Model
Authors: Brunton-Smith Ian , Sturgis Patrick , Leckie George
Published: May 2016

We propose a cross-classified mixed effects location–scale model for the analysis of interviewer effects in survey data. The model extends the standard two-way cross-classified random-intercept model (respondents nested in interviewers crossed with areas) by specifying the residual variance to be a function of covariates and an additional interviewer random effect. This extension provides a way to study interviewers’ effects on not just the ‘location’ (mean) of respondents’ responses, but additionally on their ‘scale’ (variability). It therefore allows researchers to address new questions such as ‘Do interviewers influence the variability of their respondents’ responses in addition to their average, and if so why?’. In doing so, the model facilitates a more complete and flexible assessment of the factors that are associated with interviewer error. We illustrate this model by using data from wave 3 of the UK Household Longitudinal Survey, which we link to a range of interviewer characteristics measured in an independent survey of interviewers. By identifying both interviewer characteristics in general, but also specific interviewers who are associated with unusually high or low or homogeneous or heterogeneous responses, the model provides a way to inform improvements to survey quality.
Reconsidering the Lack of Urea Toxicity in Dialysis Patients
Authors: Massy Ziad A. , Pietrement Christine , Touré Fatouma
Published: May 2016

Urea is an old uremic toxin which has been used for many years as a global biomarker of CKD severity and dialysis adequacy. Old studies were not in favor of its role as a causal factor in the pathogenesis of complications associated with the uremic state. However, recent experimental and clinical evidence is compatible with both direct and indirect toxicity of urea, particularly via the deleterious actions of urea‐derived carbamylated molecules. Further studies are clearly needed to explore the potential relevance of urea‐related CKD complications for patient management, in particular the place of new therapeutic strategies to prevent urea toxicity.
Extravasation reactions associated with the administration of pamidronate: 11 cases (2008–2013)
Authors: Marker B. A. , Barber L. G. , Clifford C. A. , Correa S. S. , Thalhofer P. L. , LaDue T. A. , Mullin C. M. , Sauerbrey M. L. , Wood C. C.
Published: May 2016

Pamidronate is a bisphosphonate drug widely utilized in veterinary oncologic practice for the palliation of malignant osteolysis. Pamidronate has not been previously reported to cause tissue injury upon extravasation in dogs. The medical records of 11 client‐owned dogs undergoing palliative treatment for primary bone tumors with known or suspected pamidronate extravasation reactions were reviewed. The majority of adverse events were low grade in nature, however in some cases, the reactions were severe and led to euthanasia in one instance. Time to complete resolution of lesions ranged from within several days to greater than one and a half months. Aside from the dog that was euthanized, no long‐term sequelae of extravasation were identified. Treatments employed to address the reactions varied widely. Pamidronate extravasation reaction appears to be an uncommon, but potentially serious complication of intravenous administration.
Portable Video Media Versus Standard Verbal Communication in Surgical Information Delivery to Nurses: A Prospective Multicenter, Randomized Controlled Crossover Trial
Authors: Kam Jonathan , Ainsworth Hannah , Handmer Marcus , Louie‐Johnsun Mark , Winter Matthew
Published: May 2016

Background

Continuing education of health professionals is important for delivery of quality health care. Surgical nurses are often required to understand surgical procedures. Nurses need to be aware of the expected outcomes and recognize potential complications of such procedures during their daily work. Traditional educational methods, such as conferences and tutorials or informal education at the bedside, have many drawbacks for delivery of this information in a universal, standardized, and timely manner. The rapid uptake of portable media devices makes portable video media (PVM) a potential alternative to current educational methods.

Objective

To compare PVM to standard verbal communication (SVC) for surgical information delivery and educational training for nurses and evaluate its impact on knowledge acquisition and participant satisfaction.

Design

Prospective, multicenter, randomized controlled crossover trial.

Setting

Two hospitals: Gosford District Hospital and Wyong Hospital.

Participants

Seventy‐two nursing staff (36 at each site).

Intervention

Information delivery via PVM––7‐minute video compared to information delivered via SVC.

Outcome Measures

Knowledge acquisition was measured by a 32‐point questionnaire, and satisfaction with the method of education delivery was measured using the validated Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ‐8).

Results

Knowledge acquisition was higher via PVM compared to SVC 25.9 (95% confidence interval [CI] 25.2‐26.6) versus 24.3 (95% CI 23.5‐25.1), p = .004. Participant satisfaction was higher with PVM 29.5 (95% CI 28.3‐30.7) versus 26.5 (95% CI 25.1‐27.9), p = .003. Following information delivery via SVC, participants had a 6% increase in knowledge scores, 24.3 (95% CI 23.5‐25.1) versus 25.7 (95% CI 24.9‐26.5) p = .001, and a 13% increase in satisfaction scores, 26.5 (95% CI 25.1‐27.9) versus 29.9 (95% CI 28.8‐31.0) p < .001, when they crossed‐over to information delivery via PVM.

Linking Evidence to Action

PVM provides a novel method for providing education to nurses that improves knowledge retention and satisfaction with the educational process.
Detection of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome‐Related Coronavirus and Alphacoronavirus in the Bat Population of Taiwan
Authors: Chen Y.‐N. , Phuong V. N. , Chen H. C. , Chou C.‐H. , Cheng H.‐C. , Wu C.‐H.
Published: May 2016

Bats have been demonstrated to be natural reservoirs of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS CoV) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) CoV. Faecal samples from 248 individuals of 20 bat species were tested for partial RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase gene of CoV and 57 faecal samples from eight bat species were tested positive. The highest detection rate of 44% for Scotophilus kuhlii, followed by 30% for Rhinolophus monoceros. Significantly higher detection rates of coronaviral RNA were found in female bats and Scotophilus kuhlii roosting in palm trees. Phylogenetic analysis classified the positive samples into SARS‐related (SARSr) CoV, Scotophilus bat CoV 512 close to those from China and Philippines, and Miniopterus bat CoV 1A‐related lineages. Coronaviral RNA was also detected in bat guano from Scotophilus kuhlii and Myotis formosus flavus on the ground and had potential risk for human exposure. Diverse bat CoV with zoonotic potential could be introduced by migratory bats and maintained in the endemic bat population in Taiwan.
Does ‘altitude training’ increase exercise performance in elite athletes?
Authors: Lundby Carsten , Robach Paul
Published: May 2016

New Findings

What is the topic of this review?

The aim is to evaluate the effectiveness of various altitude training strategies as investigated within the last few years.

What advances does it highlight?

Based on the available literature, the foundation to recommend altitude training to athletes is weak.

Athletes may use one of the various altitude training strategies to improve exercise performance. The scientific support for such strategies is, however, not as sound as one would perhaps imagine. The question addressed in this review is whether altitude training should be recommended to elite athletes or not.
Kinetics of Drop Breakage and Drop-Drop Coalescence in Turbulent Flow
Authors: Tcholakova Slavka , Politova Nadya , Denkov Nikolai
Published: May 2016

Emulsions are disperse systems in which one liquid is dispersed in the form of small droplets within another (immiscible) liquid. These droplets are with typical size range between several hundred nanometers and several millimetres. Many everyday consumer products are emulsions, such as many foods, pharmaceutical drugs and paints. Emulsions play also an important role in various technological processes, such as extraction and water purification from organic contaminants. The size of the dispersed drops in these systems is of crucial importance for their properties and for their efficiency upon application.The disruption of big droplets in smaller ones usually occurs in so-called turbulent flow. The latter flow is generated by passing the two immiscible liquids through a device with special geometry, called "homogenizer", with a high linear speed. Usually, the liquids are forced to make multiple passes through the homogenizer, as smaller and smaller drops are formed after each pass. ...
Design of a Dynamic External Finger Fixator
Authors: Youssef May M. , Shepherd Duncan E. T. , Garth Titley O.
Published: May 2016

This paper describes an improved design of an external fixator. The new fixator comprises 13 parts which are assembled together. The proposed device materials consist of polyether ether-ketone (PEEK) and stainless steel 316L. The design was subjected to finite-element analysis, and a working model was manufactured and subjected to cyclic mechanical testing. The finite-element analysis showed that the maximum stress was 242.9 MPa and this was less than the yield strength and the fatigue endurance limits for the selected materials. Mechanical testing showed that testing reached run-out of 170,000 cycles with no cracks or damage visible in the device parts.
Optimization Arrangement of Two Pulsating Impingement Slot Jets for Achieving Heat Transfer Coefficient Uniformity
Authors: Farahani S. D. , Bijarchi M. A. , Kowsary F. , Ashjaee M.
Published: May 2016

In this paper, an optimization was performed to achieve uniform distribution of convective heat transfer coefficient over a target plate using two impinging slot (air) jets. The objective function is the root mean square error (Erms) of the local Nusselt distribution computed by computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulations from desired Nusselt numbers. This pattern search minimized this objective function. Design variables are nozzle widths, jet-to-jet distance, jet-to-target plate distance, frequency of pulsations (for pulsating jets), and the flow rate. First, an inverse design is performed for two steady jets for simplicity and the obtained errors for three different desired Nusselt numbers, NuD = 7, 10, and 13, were 20.73%, 20.08%, and 22.92%, respectively. Uniform distribution of heat transfer coefficient for two steady jets was not achieved. Thus, two pulsating jets are considered. The range of design variables for pulsating state is as same as steady-state and heat transfer rates increased about 400% over steady-state due to the effects of pulsations in inlet velocity. Thus, in the pulsating state, optimization must be performed for the desired Nusselt numbers around four-times NuD in the steady-state, i.e., NuD = 28, 40, and 52. The Erms reduced less than 0.01% and distribution of heat transfer coefficient for all cases was uniform. An experimental study using an inverse heat conduction method (conjugate gradient method with adjoint equation) has been performed and the experimental results for the case of NuD = 52 are presented. The estimated distribution of Nusselt number on the target plate with the numerical distribution has around 3.2% relative error with optimal configuration.
Investigation on the Impact of Protrusion Parameter on the Efficiency of Converting Additional Windage Loss for Ingress Alleviation in Rotor–Stator System
Authors: Liu Dongdong , Tao Zhi , Luo Xiang , Kang Wenwu , Wu Hongwei , Yu Xiao
Published: May 2016

This paper presents a detailed investigation on the impact of protrusion parameter including both radial position and amount on the efficiency of cavity with protrusion converting additional windage loss for ingress alleviation in rotor–stator system. Experiment is conducted to explore the effect of protrusion parameter on ingress, and the corresponding additional windage loss is also calculated. During the experiment, rotor-mounted protrusions are circumferentially assembled at three different radial positions (0.9b, 0.8b, and 0.7b) each with four different amounts (32, 24, 16, and 8). Measurements of CO2 concentration and pressure inside turbine cavity are conducted. In the experiment, the annulus Reynolds number and rotating Reynolds number are set at 1.77 × 105 and 7.42 × 105, respectively, while the dimensionless sealing air flow rate ranges from 3047 to 8310. Experimental result shows that the cases of protrusion set at 0.8b achieve higher sealing efficiency than other cases as the cavity pressure is enhanced. The effect of protrusion amount on ingress could be obviously seen when CW is small or protrusion set in 0.7b. Furthermore, a parameter to evaluate which case obtains higher efficiency of converting additional windage loss for ingress alleviation, or alleviates ingress more efficiently for short, is applied for discussion. It is found that the case “C, N = 8” alleviates ingress most efficiently among all the cases. Therefore, proper setting of the protrusion could lead to high efficiency of converting additional windage loss for ingress alleviation in rotor–stator system.
An Analysis of the Quenching Performance of a Copper Nanofluid Prepared Using Laser Ablation
Authors: Howson M. P. , Wynne B. P. , Mercado-Solis R. D. , Leduc-Lezama L. A. , Jonny J. , Shaji S.
Published: May 2016

The quenching performance of a copper nanofluid (copper nanoparticles in de-ionized water), prepared using laser ablation, is compared to de-ionized water in both the still and agitated state. The nanoparticles significantly enhanced heat extraction in the still condition, increasing the average cooling rate within the critical temperature range for low alloy steel phase transformations (850–300 °C) from 152 °C/s to 180 °C/s, approximately the same rate as highly agitated de-ionized water. The nanofluid under low levels of agitation saw a decrease in quenching performance relative to the still condition, while higher levels of agitation showed similar levels of heat extraction to that of agitated de-ionized water. The losses of Brownian motion and microlayering mechanisms are suggested as potential causes for the reduction in the performance of agitated nanofluids.
Automated detection of pulmonary nodules in PET/CT images: Ensemble false‐positive reduction using a convolutional neural network technique
Authors: Teramoto Atsushi , Fujita Hiroshi , Yamamuro Osamu , Tamaki Tsuneo
Published: May 2016

Purpose:

Automated detection of solitary pulmonary nodules using positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT) images shows good sensitivity; however, it is difficult to detect nodules in contact with normal organs, and additional efforts are needed so that the number of false positives (FPs) can be further reduced. In this paper, the authors propose an improved FP‐reduction method for the detection of pulmonary nodules in PET/CT images by means of convolutional neural networks (CNNs).

Methods:

The overall scheme detects pulmonary nodules using both CT and PET images. In the CT images, a massive region is first detected using an active contour filter, which is a type of contrast enhancement filter that has a deformable kernel shape. Subsequently, high‐uptake regions detected by the PET images are merged with the regions detected by the CT images. FP candidates are eliminated using an ensemble method; it consists of two feature extractions, one by shape/metabolic feature analysis and the other by a CNN, followed by a two‐step classifier, one step being rule based and the other being based on support vector machines.

Results:

The authors evaluated the detection performance using 104 PET/CT images collected by a cancer‐screening program. The sensitivity in detecting candidates at an initial stage was 97.2%, with 72.8 FPs/case. After performing the proposed FP‐reduction method, the sensitivity of detection was 90.1%, with 4.9 FPs/case; the proposed method eliminated approximately half the FPs existing in the previous study.

Conclusions:

An improved FP‐reduction scheme using CNN technique has been developed for the detection of pulmonary nodules in PET/CT images. The authors’ ensemble FP‐reduction method eliminated 93% of the FPs; their proposed method using CNN technique eliminates approximately half the FPs existing in the previous study. These results indicate that their method may be useful in the computer‐aided detection of pulmonary nodules using PET/CT images.
On the performance and flow characteristics of jet pumps with multiple orifices
Authors: Oosterhuis Joris P. , Timmer Michael A. G. , Bühler Simon , van der Meer Theo H. , Wilcox Douglas
Published: May 2016

The design of compact thermoacoustic devices requires compact jet pump geometries, which can be realized by employing jet pumps with multiple orifices. The oscillatory flow through the orifice(s) of a jet pump generates asymmetric hydrodynamic end effects, which result in a time-averaged pressure drop that can counteract Gedeon streaming in traveling wave thermoacoustic devices. In this study, the performance of jet pumps having 1–16 orifices is characterized experimentally in terms of the time-averaged pressure drop and acoustic power dissipation. Upon increasing the number of orifices, a significant decay in the jet pump performance is observed. Further analysis shows a relation between this performance decay and the diameter of the individual holes. Possible causes of this phenomenon are discussed. Flow visualization is used to study the differences in vortex ring interaction from adjacent jet pump orifices. The mutual orifice spacing is varied and the corresponding jet pump performance is measured. The orifice spacing is shown to have less effect on the jet pump performance compared to increasing the number of orifices.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Classical Swine Fever Virus Isolate Belonging to New Subgenotype 2.1d from Henan Province, Central China
Authors: Lv Chaochao , Yang Qingyuan , Gao Xiaojing , Yao Yali , Li Xiangdong , Xiao Yan , Tian Kegong
Published: May 2016

We report here the complete genome sequence of HeN1505, a field isolate of classical swine fever virus belonging to the new subgenotype 2.1d. HeN1505 distinguishes itself from other classical swine fever virus (CSFVs) by 1 amino acid substitution in position 159 (threonine by isoleucine), which led to the loss of one
N
-glycosylation site in the N
pro
protein.
Genome Sequences of 12 Spore-Forming
Bacillus
Species, Comprising Bacillus coagulans, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus sporothermodurans, and Bacillus vallismortis, Isolated from Foods
Authors: Krawczyk Antonina O. , de Jong Anne , Holsappel Siger , Eijlander Robyn T. , van Heel Auke , Berendsen Erwin M. , Wells-Bennik Marjon H. J. , Kuipers Oscar P.
Published: May 2016

Here, we report the draft genomes of twelve isolates of five different
Bacillus
species, all spore-forming, Gram-positive bacteria.
Complete Genome Sequence of Vaccinia Virus Strain L-IVP
Authors: Shvalov Alexander N. , Sivolobova Galina F. , Kuligina Elena V. , Kochneva Galina V.
Published: May 2016

Most of the live vaccine doses of vaccinia virus donated to the Intensified Smallpox Eradication Programme after 1971 were prepared using the L-IVP strain. A mixture of three clones of the L-IVP strain was sequenced using MySEQ. Consensus sequence similarity with the vaccinia virus Lister strain is 99.5%.
Classical cleidocranial dysplasia in an adult, due to a novel frameshift pathogenic variant inRUNX2
Authors: Hebbar Malavika , Girisha Katta M , Shukla Anju
Published: May 2016

Cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD) is a rare genetic disorder of bone, characterised by hypoplastic/aplastic clavicles, delayed closure of fontanelles and sutures of the cranium and dental abnormalities. We describe a novel frameshift pathogenic variation—c.470dupT (p.M157Ifs*4, NM_001024630) in the runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) gene—that adds to the spectrum of mutations in this gene. The current case also illustrates the clinical and radiological findings in an adult with CCD.
Euglycaemic diabetic ketoacidosis in a patient with type 2 diabetes started on empagliflozin
Authors: Rashid Owais , Farooq Saad , Kiran Zareen , Islam Najmul
Published: May 2016

Diabetes ketoacidosis (DKA) is largely associated with type 1 diabetes and has hyperglycaemia as a cardinal feature. We discuss the case of a 42-year-old man, a patient with type 2 diabetes, who presented to the emergency room, with nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. He had recently changed his diabetes medications and started on an SGLT2 inhibitor (empagliflozin) along with metformin, pioglitazone, liraglutide and self-adjusted exogenous insulin. DKA was suspected in the wake of clinical examination and lab findings but glucose levels were below the cut-off for DKA; therefore, he was diagnosed with euglycaemic DKA. He was successfully managed with intravenous hydration and insulin infusion. We discuss the link of SGLT2 inhibitors with DKA and the pathophysiology behind euglycaemic DKA.