bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An ex-ante economic appraisal of Bluetongue virus incursions and control strategies
Authors: FOFANA A. , TOMA L. , MORAN D. , GUNN G. J. , GUBBINS S. , SZMARAGD C. , STOTT A. W. 
Published: February 2015

SUMMARYThe incursion of Bluetongue disease into the UK and elsewhere in Northern Europe in 2008 raised concerns about maintaining an appropriate level of preparedness for the encroachment of exotic diseases as circumstances and risks change. Consequently the Scottish government commissioned the present study to inform policy on the specific threat of Bluetongue virus 8 (BTV8) incursion into Scotland. An interdisciplinary expert panel, including BTV and midge experts, agreed a range of feasible BTV incursion scenarios, patterns of disease spread and specific control strategies. The study was primarily desk-based, applying quantitative methodologies with existing models, where possible, and utilizing data already held by different members of the project team. The most likely distribution of the disease was explored given Scotland's agricultural systems, unique landscape and climate. Epidemiological and economic models are integrated in an ex-ante cost-benefit appraisal of successful prevention of hypothetical BTV8 incursion into Scotland under various feasible incursion scenarios identified by the interdisciplinary panel. The costs of current public and private surveillance efforts are compared to the benefits of the avoided losses of potential disease outbreaks. These avoided losses included the direct costs of alternative vaccination, protection zone (PZ) strategies and their influence on other costs arising from an outbreak as predicted by the epidemiological model. Benefit-cost ratios were ranked within each incursion scenario to evaluate alternative strategies. In all incursion scenarios, the ranking indicated that a strategy, including 100% vaccination within a PZ set at Scottish counties along the England–Scotland border yielded the least benefit in terms of the extent of avoided outbreak losses (per unit cost). The economically optimal vaccination strategy was the scenario that employed 50% vaccination and all Scotland as a PZ. The results provide an indicator of how resources can best be targeted for an efficient ex-ante control strategy.
A new motion planning method for discretely actuated hyper-redundant manipulators
Authors: Motahari Alireza , Zohoor Hassan , Korayem Moharam Habibnejad 
Published: February 2015

SUMMARYA hyper-redundant manipulator is made by mounting the serial and/or parallel mechanisms on top of each other as modules. In discrete actuation, the actuation amounts are a limited number of certain values. It is not feasible to solve the kinematic analysis problems of discretely actuated hyper-redundant manipulators (DAHMs) by using the common methods, which are used for continuous actuated manipulators. In this paper, a new method is proposed to solve the trajectory tracking problem in a static prescribed obstacle field. To date, this problem has not been considered in the literature. Theremoving first collision(RFC) method, which is originally proposed for solving the inverse kinematic problems in the obstacle fields was modified and used to solve the motion planning problem. For verification, the numerical results of the proposed method were compared with the results of thegenetic algorithm(GA) method. Furthermore, a novel DAHM designed and implemented by the authors is introduced.
Safety of therapeutic hypothermia in children on veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation after cardiac surgery
Authors: Lou Song , MacLaren Graeme , Paul Eldho , Best Derek , Delzoppo Carmel , d’Udekem Yves , Butt Warwick 
Published: February 2015

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate whether the use of therapeutic hypothermia in patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation after paediatric cardiac surgery is associated with increased complication rates.MethodsWe undertook a retrospective study to compare the complication rates and clinical course of children after cardiac surgery in two groups – extracorporeal membrane oxygenation without therapeutic hypothermia (group 1) and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation with therapeutic hypothermia (group 2). Therapeutic hypothermia was performed via the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation circuit heater–cooler device.ResultsA total of 96 patients were included in this study (59 in group 1 and 37 in group 2). Complications were comparable between group 1 and group 2, except that more patients with therapeutic hypothermia had hypertension while on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Therapeutic hypothermia was not independently associated with in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio 1.16, 95% CI: 0.33–4.03; p=0.82).ConclusionTherapeutic hypothermia can be safely provided to children on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation after cardiac surgery without an increase in complication rates.
Prehospital Emergency Care Training Practices Regarding Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Patients in Maryland (USA)
Authors: Jalali Sara , Levy Matthew J. , Tang Nelson 
Published: February 2015

AbstractIntroductionPrehospital Emergency Medical Services (EMS) providers are expected to treat all patients the same, regardless of race, gender identity, sexual orientation, or religion. Some EMS personnel who are poorly trained in working with lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) patients are at risk for managing such patients incompletely and possibly incorrectly. During emergency situations, such mistreatment has meant the difference between life and death.MethodsAn anonymous survey was electronically distributed to EMS educational program directors in Maryland (USA). The survey asked participants if their program included training cultural sensitivity, and if so, by what modalities. Specific questions then focused on information about LGBT education, as well as related topics, that they, as program directors, would want included in an online training module.ResultsA total of 20 programs met inclusion criteria for the study, and 16 (80%) of these programs completed the survey. All but one program (15, 94%) included cultural sensitivity training. One-third (6, 38%) of the programs reported already teaching LGBT-related issues specifically. Three-quarters of the programs that responded (12, 75%) were willing to include LGBT-related material into their curriculum. All programs (16, 100%) identified specific aspects of LGBT-related emergency health issues they would be interested in having included in an educational module.ConclusionMost EMS educational program directors in Maryland are receptive to including LGBT-specific education into their curricula. The information gathered in this survey may help guide the development of a short, self-contained, open-access module for EMS educational programs. Further research, on a broader scale and with greater geographic sampling, is needed to assess the practices of EMS educators on a national level.JalaliS, LevyMJ, TangN. Prehospital emergency care training practices regarding lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender patients in Maryland (USA). Prehosp Disaster Med. 2015;30(2):1-4.
Health Impact Assessment of Cyclone Bejisa in Reunion Island (France) Using Syndromic Surveillance
Authors: Vilain Pascal , Pagès Frédéric , Combes Xavier , Marianne Dit Cassou Pierre-Jean , Mougin-Damour Katia , Jacques-Antoine Yves , Filleul Laurent 
Published: February 2015

AbstractIntroductionOn January 2, 2014, Cyclone Bejisa struck Reunion Island (France). This storm led to major material damages, such as power outages, disturbance of drinking water systems, road closures, and the evacuation of residents. In this context, the Regional Office of French Institute for Public Health Surveillance in Indian Ocean (Cire OI) set up an epidemiological surveillance in order to describe short-term health effects of the cyclone.MethodsThe assessment of the health impact was based mainly on a syndromic surveillance system, including the activity of all emergency departments (EDs) and the Emergency Medical Service (EMS) of the island. From these data, several health indicators were collected and analyzed daily and weekly. To complete this assessment, all medical charts recorded in the EDs of Reunion Island from January 2, 2014 through January 5, 2014 were reviewed in order to identify visits directly and indirectly related to the cyclone, and to determine mechanisms of injuries.ResultsThe number of calls to the EMS peaked the day of the cyclone, and the number of ED visits increased markedly over the next two days. At the same time, a significant increase in visits for trauma, burns, and carbon monoxide poisoning was detected in all EDs. Among 1,748 medical records reviewed, eight visits were directly related to the cyclone and 208 were indirectly related. For trauma, the main mechanisms of injury were falls and injuries by machinery or tools during the clean-up and repair works. Due to prolonged power outages, several patients were hospitalized: some to assure continuity of care, others to take care of an exacerbation of a chronic disease. An increase in leptospirosis cases linked to post-cyclone clean-up was observed two weeks after the cyclone.ConclusionInformation based on the syndromic surveillance system allowed the authors to assess rapidly the health impact of Cyclone Bejisa in Reunion Island; however, an underestimation of this impact was still possible. In the near future, several lines of work will be planned by the authors in order to improve the assessment.VilainP,PagèsF,CombesX,Marianne Dit CassouPJ,Mougin-DamourK,Jacques-AntoineY,FilleulL.Health impact assessment of Cyclone Bejisa in Reunion Island (France) using syndromic surveillance.Prehosp Disaster Med.2015;30(2):1-8
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors and Initial Oral Contraceptives for the Treatment of PMDD: Effective But Not Enough
Authors: Halbreich Uriel 
Published: February 2015

ABSTRACTBackground:Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are almost unanimously considered to be very efficacious and the first line of pharmacologic treatment for premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and premenstrual syndrome (PMS). There is a need to examine if this is actually the case. More recently, combined oral contraceptives (COCs) have been pursued due to their ovulation suppression effects. Their effects on PMS/PMDD should be further examined as well.Methods:For this review of the literature from 1990 to the present, MEDLINE, PsychLit, and Cochrane controlled trials register were searched. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials of SSRIs and COCs (N>20) that report the rate of responders and not just percent improvement in severity of symptoms were selected for study. The data extraction were the percentage or number of responders as reported by the original authors.Results:In many studies, only mean improvement in severity was reported. In all studies, the main inclusion criterion was meeting criteria for PMDD; this has not, however, been an outcome measure. However, only 16 reports that provided actual rate of responders could be included. The percentage of non-responders (100% minus active medication) to SSRIs and COCs was found to be higher than the reported percentage of women who responded to active medication (response rate to an SSRI or COC minus the response rate to placebo).Conclusion:In the majority of larger-scale studies, once the placebo effect is accounted for, the percentage of women who respond to SSRIs or COCs is actually less than the percentage of women who do not respond at all. SSRIs provide an important step forward in the treatment of PMDD and PMS. COCs provide a different option, still, ~40% of women with PMDD do not respond to SSRIs. Treatment with a currently approved COC does not substantially improve the percentage of responders. Therefore, additional alternative targeted treatment modalities need to be developed.
Broadband tunable liquid crystal terahertz waveplates driven with porous graphene electrodes
Authors: Wang Lei , Lin Xiao-Wen , Hu Wei , Shao Guang-Hao , Chen Peng , Liang Lan-Ju , Jin Biao-Bing , Wu Pei-Heng , Qian Hao , Lu Yi-Nong , Liang Xiao , Zheng Zhi-Gang , Lu Yan-Qing 
Published: February 2015

AbstractVersatile devices, especially tunable ones, for terahertz imaging, sensing and high-speed communication, are in high demand. Liquid crystal based components are perfect candidates in the optical range; however, they encounter significant challenges in the terahertz band, particularly the lack of highly transparent electrodes and the drawbacks induced by a thick cell. Here, a strategy to overcome all these challenges is proposed: Few-layer porous graphene is employed as an electrode with a transmittance of more than 98%. A subwavelength metal wire grid is utilized as an integrated high-efficiency electrode and polarizer. The homogeneous alignment of a high-birefringence liquid crystal is implemented on both frail electrodes via a non-contact photo-alignment technique. A tunable terahertz waveplate is thus obtained. Its polarization evolution is directly demonstrated. Furthermore, quarter-wave plates that are electrically controllable over the entire testing range are achieved by stacking two cells. The proposed solution may pave a simple and bright road toward the development of various liquid crystal terahertz apparatuses.
Interleukin-23 promotes the epithelial-mesenchymal transition of oesophageal carcinoma cells via the Wnt/β-catenin pathway
Authors: Chen Deyu , Li Wei , Liu Shenzha , Su Yuting , Han Guohu , Xu Chenchen , Liu Hongli , Zheng Tingting , Zhou Yuepeng , Mao Chaoming 
Published: February 2015

AbstractAs the eighth most common malignant tumour worldwide, oesophageal cancer (OC) is often diagnosed during the metastasis of its advanced stage. Interleukin (IL)-23 is an immunomodulatory cytokine that has recently been identified as a cancer-associated factor. However, the role of IL-23 in the evolution of OC remains unclear. In the present study, we found that IL-23 was significantly expressed in the tumours of OC patients suffering metastasis and demonstrated that IL-23 contributed to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) through the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, promoting the migration and invasion of OC cells. In conclusion, IL-23 plays a pivotal role in the development of OC via EMT.
All-in-one assembly based on 3D-intertangled and cross-jointed architectures of Si/Cu 1D-nanowires for lithium ion batteries
Authors: Hwang Chihyun , Kim Tae-Hee , Cho Yoon-Gyo , Kim Jieun , Song Hyun-Kon 
Published: February 2015

AbstractAll-in-one assemblies of separator, electrode and current collector (SECA) for lithium ion batteries are presented by using 1D nanowires of Si and Cu (nwSi and nwCu). Even without binders, integrity of SECA is secured via structural joints based on ductility of Cu as well as entanglement of nwSi and nwCu. By controlling the ratio of the nanowires, the number of contact points and voids accommodating volume expansion of Si active material are tunable. Zero volume expansion and high energy density are simultaneously achievable by the architecture.
The multi-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor vandetanib plays a bifunctional role in non-small cell lung cancer cells
Authors: Zhou Yan , Zhang Yuanliang , Zou Hanbing , Cai Ning , Chen Xiaojing , Xu Longmei , Kong Xianming , Liu Peifeng 
Published: February 2015

AbstractVandetanib, a multikinase inhibitor, is a target of drug treatments for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, phase II and III clinical trials have not conclusively demonstrated the curative effects of vandetanib for NSCLC and the reasons for this are unknown. In the present study, we use the NSCLC cell line Calu-6 as a model to determine the cellular and biological effects of vandetanib. Our results demonstrate that vandetanib impairs Calu-6 cell migration and invasion. We find that vandetanib can directly inhibit RET activity, which influences the Rho-JNK pathway. Overexpression of a constitutively active Rho GTPase antagonizes the inhibitory effects of vandetanib on Calu-6 cells invasion and JNK pathway activation. In addition, vandetanib induces autophagy by increasing the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in Calu-6 cells and blockade of autophagy or ROS effectively enhances the cell death effect of vandetanib. In this study, we find vandetanib is of a double effect in some NSCLC cells, presenting new possibilities for the pharmacological treatment of NSCLC and introducing a novel role for vandetanib in treatment options.
In North America, Some Ovarian Cancers Express the Oncogenes of Preventable Human Papillomavirus HPV-18
Authors: Roos Patrick , Orlando Paul A. , Fagerstrom Richard M. , Pepper John W. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractSome researchers in other regions have recommended human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination to reduce risk of ovarian cancer, but not in North America, where evidence has previously suggested no role for HPV in ovarian cancer. Here we use a large sample of ovarian cancer transcriptomes (RNA-Seq) from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database to address whether HPV is involved with ovarian cancer in North America. We estimate that a known high-risk type of HPV (type 18) is present and active in 1.5% of cases of ovarian epithelial cancers in the US and Canada. Our detection methods were verified by negative and positive controls and our sequence matches indicated high validity, leading to strong confidence in our conclusions. Our results indicate that previous reports of zero prevalence of HPV in North American cases of ovarian cancer should not be considered conclusive. This is important because currently used vaccines protect against the HPV-18 that is active in ovarian tumors and, therefore, may reduce risk in North America of cancers of the ovaries as well as of the cervix and several other organ sites.
Characteristic research of electromagnetic force for mixing suspension electromagnet used in low‐speed maglev train
Authors: Liu Shao‐Ke , An Bang , Liu Si‐kai , Guo Zhong‐Jun 
Published: February 2015

Suspension electromagnets are an essential component of the low‐speed maglev train. Their performance has a direct bearing on the technical and economical performance, as well as the safety, of the entire train. This report describes a new form of electromagnet, whose structure combines permanent magnets and electromagnetic coils. This report then uses a two‐dimensional (2D)/3D finite element approach in order to analyse the electromagnetic characteristics of this new form of hybrid electromagnet. A simulation was conducted according to four typical operating conditions: a full load with a fixed suspension gap of 8 mm; a full load with an initial suspension gap of 18 mm; a full load with a suspension gap of 10 mm; and an empty load with a 3 mm gap as well as a guard that prevented the magnet from getting caught on the tracks. The report equally discusses the extent to which the suspension gap and the current of the electromagnetic coil affect the electromagnet's force. The calculations and experiments reveal that this new, hybrid form of electromagnet is feasible and significantly contributes to saving energy.
Professional development programmes at world-class universities
Authors: James Jacob W , Xiong Weiyan , Ye Huiyuan 
Published: February 2015

AbstractHigher education professional development trends increasingly focus on areas of quality improvement, quality assurance and optimal technology delivery models to achieve academic excellence. World-class universities rely on their faculty professional development centres for an array of professional development programmes to support teaching, research and student learning. This article examines faculty development centres at eight world-class universities in Australia, China, the United Kingdom and the United States: Australian National University, London School of Economics and Political Science, Carnegie Mellon University, University of Hong Kong, University of Melbourne, University of Oxford, University of Pennsylvania and University of Pittsburgh. Findings from this study include the structural characteristics of each centre as well as a summary of best practices in terms of programme development and resource management. We provide suggestions and recommendations to assist higher education administrators interested in establishing or strengthening professional development programmes at their own institutions.
Detectability of Pacific Lamprey Occupancy in Western Drainages: Implications for Distribution Surveys
Authors: Reid Stewart B. , Goodman Damon H. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThe historical North American range of Pacific Lamprey Entosphenus tridentatus extends from the northern Baja California of Mexico to Alaska and inland in suitable habitat as far as there is access to the sea. The population of Pacific Lamprey has declined recently, yet we know little about its actual distribution, and that distribution is changing as the species declines in abundance. We evaluated detection and occupancy probabilities for Pacific Lamprey over a broad region encompassing a wide range of landscapes and drainage sizes. We analyze 110 sites, each representing individual drainages or major subdrainages from the southern border of British Columbia to San Francisco, including over 1,900 km of coastline and the Columbia River basin. Using lamprey‐specific electrofishers in suitable habitat low in a drainage we found detection probability of ammocoetes at single sites in occupied drainages was generally high at >90%. If not initially detected, then two additional sites provided >95% confidence of absence. The four geographic regions (Washington, Oregon coast, Columbia River basin, and northern California coast) had similar detection and occupancy probabilities, making these results broadly applicable and comparable. Results are incorporated into guidance for development of effective surveys over a broad scale and will be crucial to establishing occupancy of Pacific Lamprey for purposes of management, planning and monitoring of its changing distribution.Received July 6, 2014; accepted November 18, 2014
Refined Multidisciplinary Protocol‐Based Approach to Short Bowel Syndrome Improves Outcomes
Authors: Merras‐Salmio Laura , Pakarinen Mikko P. 
Published: February 2015

ABSTRACTObjective:Management of short bowel syndrome (SBS) has significantly evolved recently. We present our single‐center, 25‐year experience focusing on the implementation of a refined multidisciplinary SBS care protocol.Methods:This is a retrospective review of the patients with SBS treated at our tertiary center from 1988 to 2014, with either <25% short bowel remaining or duration of parenteral nutrition (PN) >3 months. Patients with primary intestinal motility disorders were excluded. Clinical characteristics, including intestinal anatomy, markers of cholestasis, and catheter‐related infections (CRIs), were analyzed. The implementation of a refined modern uniform management protocol in 2009 divided the cohort into 2 subgroups, whose outcomes are compared.Results:Forty‐eight patients with SBS were identified (median gestational age 33 weeks). Of them, 22 were born between 2009 and 2014. The main causes of SBS were necrotizing enterocolitis (46%) and midgut volvulus (23%). Median remaining small bowel length was 36 cm. The overall survival was 23 of 26 (88%) before 2009 and 21 of 22 (95%) thereafter, whereas none were transplanted. Duration of PN shortened from a median of 15 to 6 months (P = 0.0015) in the latter cohort, whereas frequency of autologous intestinal reconstruction surgery (31%) remained unchanged. Frequency of neonatal cholestasis was similar in both groups (75%), but cleared in all after 2009. Before 2009, 2 patients died of progressive cholestatic liver failure. The CRI rates decreased from 1.7 to 0.7 per 1000 catheter‐days between 2000–2008 and 2009–2014, respectively (P = 0.0178).Conclusions:Uniform refined multidisciplinary approach decreased the duration of PN and CRI rates with high transplant‐free survival and avoidance of liver failure, although the frequency of transient neonatal cholestasis remained unchanged.