Search

Accurate timing corrections for seismic data recorded by ocean bottom seismometers (OBSs) are essential for a wide range of applications. The synchronization of internal OBS clocks with Global Positioning System (GPS) is typically only possible prior to deployment on the seafloor and upon retrieval. Thus, untracked, clock errors in seismic data may accumulate over the deployment period. The measurement of the clock's offset from GPS at retrieval, referred to as 'skew', can be used to correct the data solely under the assumption of a uniform rate of clock drift throughout the whole deployment. However, clock errors can be non-linear. We, therefore, develop a new workflow along with an associated open-source, interactive graphical user interface to estimate clock drift of large aperture OBS arrays. We use the workflow to estimate OBS clock drift curves for 40 OBSs of the large-scale UPFLOW seafloor array in the Madeira–Azores–Canaries region deployed for ∼14 months in 2021–2022. We use the relative shift of daily empirical Green's functions obtained from seismic ambient noise recorded by all available data channels to track clock error. We find that 95 per cent of our OBS clock drift observations have a substantial non-linear component: most maximum deviations to linearity are ∼0.75–1 s (and up to 2 s) occurring mainly halfway through the deployment. We test our drift curves by using them to correct teleseismic earthquake recordings, which enables larger numbers of high-quality P -wave traveltime measurements than when using linear drift corrections. Our drift curves have on average an uncertainty of ∼0.11 s indicating the suitability of the corrected data for future seismological studies such as for seismic tomography, seismicity analysis and moment tensor inversions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The exploitation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in enhancing network performance in the context of beyond-fifth-generation (5G) communications has shown a variety of benefits compared to terrestrial counterparts. In addition, they have been largely conceived to play a central role in data dissemination to Internet of Things (IoT) devices. In the proposed work, a novel stochastic geometry unified framework is proposed to study the downlink performance in a UAV-assisted IoT network that integrates both UAV-base stations (UAV-BSs) and terrestrial IoT receiving devices. The framework builds upon the concept of the aerial UAV corridor, which is modeled as a finite line above the IoT network, and the one-dimensional (1D) binomial point process (BPP) is employed for modeling the spatial locations of the UAV-BSs in the aerial corridor. Subsequently, a comprehensive SNR-based performance analysis in terms of coverage probability, average rate, and energy efficiency is conducted under three association strategies, namely, the nth nearest-selection scheme, the random selection scheme, and the joint transmission coordinated multi-point (JT-CoMP) scheme. The numerical results reveal valuable system-level insights and tradeoffs and provide a firm foundation for the design of UAV-assisted IoT networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To describe the clinical presentation, management and outcome of cases presenting with intrathoracic wooden skewers originating from the abdominal gastrointestinal tract. Materials and Methods: Clinical records of dogs presented and treated for an intrathoracic wooden skewer were reviewed from June to August 2020. Data included signalment, clinical presentation, duration of clinical signs, haematological and biochemical abnormalities, diagnostic imaging findings, surgical procedure, postoperative complications and outcome. Results: Eleven dogs were included in the study. In all cases, the foreign body was identified as a wooden skewer. The most common clinical signs were anorexia/hyporexia (n=7), vomiting/regurgitation (n=7), lethargy (n=6), pyrexia (n=4) and gait abnormalities/lameness (n=3). CT correctly identified a wooden skewer in all cases when performed (n=7). A coeliotomy combined with transdiaphragmatic thoracotomy was performed in six of 11 cases (55%), a coeliotomy combined with median sternotomy in four of 11 cases (36%) and a median sternotomy alone was performed in one case. Foreign bodies penetrated from the stomach (n=10) or the duodenum (n=1). Intrathoracic trauma was most commonly identified to the lungs (n=3) and pericardium (n=3). Complications occurred in three of 11 cases (27%), two minor and one resulting in death. Ten of the 11 cases (91%) survived to discharge. Long‐term outcome was available for seven of 11 cases (66%), all of them excellent. Clinical Significance: Despite the challenges of managing wooden skewers penetrating the thoracic cavity from the abdominal gastrointestinal tract, the majority of the patients are stable to undergo diagnostic procedures, surgical exploration and management with low morbidity and excellent short‐ and long‐term prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Monochorionic twin pregnancies are at increased risk of single intrauterine death (sIUD) and subsequent brain injury in the surviving twin owing to shared placentation. We assessed the association between middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity (MCA-PSV) and cerebral injury on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and examined the association between cerebral findings on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and those on T2-weighted imaging following spontaneous sIUD.Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of monochorionic pregnancies complicated by spontaneous sIUD followed at a tertiary center between January 2008 and January 2020. Pregnancies with sIUD following laser treatment, those with selective feticide, double IUD occurring on the same day or sIUD before 14 weeks' gestation were excluded, as were cases in which MCA-PSV was not measured or DWI-MRI was not performed. The ability of MCA-PSV Doppler to predict subsequent cerebral injury on MRI was assessed, and DWI findings were analyzed and compared with those on susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) and T2-weighted MRI to determine its diagnostic accuracy.Results: We assessed 64 monochorionic pregnancies complicated by spontaneous sIUD. Of these, 47 (73.4%) pregnancies underwent fetal brain MRI and met the inclusion criteria. Sixteen (34.0%) of these fetuses demonstrated cerebral injury on MRI. The median interval between the diagnosis of sIUD and MRI examination was 5 days. Fetuses with increased MCA-PSV > 1.5 multiples of the median (MoM) following sIUD were significantly more likely to demonstrate cerebral injury on MRI than were those with normal MCA-PSV (68.8% vs 38.7%; P = 0.05). The sensitivity and specificity of MCA-PSV > 1.5 MoM for predicting cerebral injury on MRI were 68.8% (95% CI, 41.3-88.9%) and 61.3% (95% CI, 42.2-78.2%), respectively. Patterns of early cerebral injury on T2-weighted and SWI-MRI included acute or subacute tissue swelling (n = 6), parenchymal atrophy (n = 7), loss of cortical ribbon (n = 1) and hemorrhage (n = 8). Early MRI within approximately 2 weeks after the diagnosis of sIUD demonstrated abnormal DWI along with coexisting SWI and T2-weighted sequelae in 56.3% (9/16) of cases. When DWI was normal and a second MRI examination was performed later (n = 7), there were no ischemic changes evident on T2-weighted imaging.Conclusions: Increased MCA-PSV is associated with, but predicts poorly, cerebral injury after sIUD. Early MRI with DWI within approximately 2 weeks after the diagnosis of sIUD is valuable in identifying any cerebral injury. © 2021 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A juvenile boxer dog was diagnosed with gastroesophageal intussusception that occurred after the induction of emesis with apomorphine. A ventral midline coeliotomy and diaphragmotomy were performed and the intussusception was manually reduced. Despite initial satisfactory recovery, the dog was diagnosed with cardiac tamponade 1 week post‐operatively. Escherichia coli was cultured from pericardial and pleural effusion samples. During subtotal pericardiectomy surgery the pericardium was found to be markedly thickened with adhesions to the epicardium, thoracic wall and diaphragm. Substantial haemorrhage and refractory hypotension necessitated the administration of a blood transfusion during surgery. The dog entered cardiac arrest in the immediate post‐operative period and cardiopulmonary resuscitation was unfortunately unsuccessful. Gastroesophageal intussusception should be considered a possible severe adverse effect of administering apomorhine to induce emesis in dogs. Additionally, septic pericardial and pleural effusions may occur post‐reduction of gastroesophageal intussusception. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Aspirin overdose causes acid–base disturbances and organ dysfunction. Management is guided by research reported over 50 years ago when chronic aspirin toxicity was common and accounted for significant morbidity. We investigate our experience of aspirin overdose and the effectiveness of charcoal and bicarbonate administration over 20 years. Methods: This is a retrospective series of acute aspirin overdose from two toxicology units from January 2000 to September 2019. Acute aspirin ingestions > 3000 mg were identified in each unit's database. Excluded were cases of chronic exposure, hospital presentation > 24 hours after ingestion, and cases without a salicylate concentration. Included in our analysis was demographic data, clinical effects, investigations, complications, and treatment. Results: There were 132 presentations in 108 patients (79 females (73%)). The median age was 28 years (range: 13–93 years). The median dose ingested was 7750 mg (IQR: 6000–14,400 mg). There were 44 aspirin-only ingestions. Mild toxicity (nausea, vomiting, tinnitus or hyperventilation) occurred in 22 with a median dose of 160 mg/kg. Moderate toxicity (acid–base disturbance, confusion) occurred in 16 with a median ingested dose of 297 mg/kg. There were no cases of severe toxicity (coma or seizures) due to aspirin alone. The median peak salicylate concentration was 276 mg/L (IQR: 175–400 mg/L, range: 14–814 mg/L). There was a moderate association between dose ingested and peak concentration (Pearson r = 0.58; 95% CI 0.45–0.68). Activated charcoal was administered in 36 (27%) cases, which decreased the median peak salicylate concentration (34.2 to 24.8 mg/L/g (difference: 9.4, 95% CI: 1.0–13.1)). Bicarbonate was administered in 34 (26%) presentations, decreasing the median apparent elimination half-life from 13.4 to 9.3 h (difference: 4.2 h, 95% CI: 1.0–6.5 h). Conclusions: Acute aspirin overdose caused only mild to moderate effects in this series. Early administration of activated charcoal decreased absorption and use of bicarbonate enhanced elimination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Duct noise control is an important practical problem. This paper explores the vibro-acoustic mechanism of duct noise through the membrane in tandem. Validity and feasibility of the proposed analytical model is demonstrated by comparing existing simplified models and full direct aeroacoustic simulation solved with the CE/SE model. It is shown that the coupling effect between two membranes in tandem is not negligible to predict system response. Moreover, introduction of multimembranes is important or even the only efficient way to apply this passive control method in practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To examine the association between referral source and duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) and explore determinants of referral source; when adjusting for pathways to care, positive and negative symptoms, diagnosis and socio‐demographic characteristics. Methods: A total of 140 subjects with first episode psychosis (FEP) were enrolled from a pilot early intervention service for psychosis in Northern Malawi between June 2009 and September 2012. Logistic regression analyses were used to quantify the associations between variables of interest. Results: Age ranged between 18 and 65 at assessment, with median, 33. Median DUP was 12.5 months. First contact did not independently determine DUP. Long DUP (>6 months) was associated with referral from community based volunteer (CBV) or traditional healer (TH), a unit increase in severity of negative symptoms and having schizophrenia, which was also associated with referral from CBV or TH. Additionally, being unemployed was associated with referral from CBV or TH. However, a unit increase in the number of times religious advice (RA) was sought, GP was contacted and severity of positive symptoms was associated with referral by GP. Conclusions: Mental health awareness is justified for this population and collaboration with THs in identifying and treating patients with psychosis may help reduce treatment delays. Access to mental health services ought to improve, particularly for the unemployed group. Future studies should consider adjusting for referral source when ascertaining first contact source as a predictor of DUP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an investigation of the temperature dependence characteristics specific to cryogenic planar Multi-Layer Inductors (MLIs). This paper establishes that the inductance of a planar MLI at a specific frequency varies with temperature when the sensor is cooled down to 4.2 K while providing a detailed analysis of various possible factors that might contribute to the variation in the sensor performance, such as the thermal deformation and the variation in the properties of sensor materials, using a combination of experiments and simulations. By calculating the interlayer capacitance, we have attempted to adopt a novel approach in the investigation of the effects of thermal deformation on the sensor. In order to arrive at that, the relative permittivity of the base material (G10CR-FR4) at cryogenic temperatures was obtained through experiments. The ANSYS static structural package was used for modeling thermally induced deformations, after which the deformed capacitance and inductance were obtained using Ansoft MAXWELL. From the analysis, we have concluded that the variation in the inductance of the sensor has a direct correlation with the electrical resistivity (hence the residual resistivity ratio) of the coil material. The number of inductor layers and the area of the component layer will also determine the temperature dependence phenomenon. These conclusions are not obvious from the established inductance models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To report surgical technique, intra‐ and post‐operative complications, and short‐ and long‐term outcome following canine hepatobiliary surgery in which exposure of intra‐abdominal hepatobiliary lesions was aided by diaphragmotomy. Materials and Methods: Clinical records from four multi‐disciplinary UK‐based small animal referral hospitals were retrospectively reviewed for dogs in which diaphragmotomy was performed between January 2014 and May 2019. Signalment, diagnosis, surgery performed, diaphragmotomy technique, management of diaphragmotomy and pneumothorax, intra‐ and post‐operative complications, short‐term outcome and long‐term outcome were recorded. Results: Thirty‐one cases were identified. The most common hepatobiliary surgeries performed alongside diaphragmotomy were single hepatic lobectomy (14/31) and cholecystectomy (11/31). The most common diagnoses were hepatocellular carcinoma (10/31), gall bladder mucocoele (7/31) and hepatic nodular hyperplasia (4/31). Peri‐operative mortality rate was 9.7% (3/31 cases) though none of these deaths were considered attributable to diaphragmotomy. Post‐operative complications were encountered in 67.9% (19/28) cases that survived the peri‐operative period, of which 25.0% (7/28) suffered complications that were considered attributable or likely attributable to diaphragmotomy. These seven complications resolved following non‐surgical intervention. Follow‐up was available for 26 of 28 patients that survived to discharge at a median of 4‐months (range 10 days to 24 months) following surgery and revealed no evidence of complications related to diaphragmotomy. Clinical Significance: Diaphragmotomy appears safe and increases abdominal exposure of hepatobiliary lesions. The benefit of improved exposure must be carefully weighed up against the risks inherent in inducing pneumothorax. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Terrestrial and aquatic elemental cycles are tightly linked in upland fluvial networks. Biotic and abiotic mineral weathering, microbially mediated degradation of organic matter, and anthropogenic influences all result in the movement of solutes (e.g., carbon, metals, and nutrients) through these catchments, with implications for downstream water quality. Within the river channel, the region of hyporheic mixing represents a hot spot of microbial activity, exerting significant control over solute cycling. To investigate how snowmelt‐driven seasonal changes in river discharge affect microbial community assembly and carbon biogeochemistry, depth‐resolved pore water samples were recovered from multiple locations around a representative meander on the East River near Crested Butte, CO, USA. Vertical temperature sensor arrays were also installed in the streambed to enable seepage flux estimates. Snowmelt‐driven high river discharge led to an expanding zone of vertical hyporheic mixing and introduced dissolved oxygen into the streambed that stimulated aerobic microbial respiration. These physicochemical processes contributed to microbial communities undergoing homogenizing selection, in contrast to other ecosystems where lower permeability may limit the extent of mixing. Conversely, lower river discharge conditions led to a greater influence of upwelling groundwater within the streambed and a decrease in microbial respiration rates. Associated with these processes, microbial communities throughout the streambed exhibited increasing dissimilarity between each other, suggesting that the earlier onset of snowmelt and longer periods of base flow may lead to changes in the composition (and associated function) of streambed microbiomes, with consequent implications for the processing and export of solutes from upland catchments. Plain Language Summary: Seasonal changes in river discharge in high‐altitude watersheds affect patterns of surface and groundwater mixing in the hyporheic zone (the region in the riverbed where these two water sources interact) that impacts how carbon compounds and dissolved metals are transported. One key constraint with respect to hyporheic mixing concerns the rate of water flow, a process driving the change in oxygen concentration in the riverbed. Oxygen concentration controls rates of carbon degradation and metal inputs from surrounding rocks, which, in turn, affect downstream water quality. In this study, we examined a stream in an alpine watershed, the East River, in the Upper Colorado River Basin, sampling a representative meander at discrete depths throughout the year for microbiological and geochemical analyses. We also installed data loggers to continuously collect temperature information to understand the extent of hyporheic mixing. We found that the movement of dissolved materials was strongly correlated with seasonal changes in flow. Under maximum flow, increased oxygen concentration stimulates microbial degradation of carbon compounds, and conversely, during minimum flow, decreased oxygen concentration causes conditions favorable for other microbial metabolisms. The microbial community composition and relationships reflect these seasonal changes in flow rate and the associated oxygen concentration. Key Points: Seasonal patterns of river discharge in a snowmelt‐dominated upland catchment strongly influence the extent of hyporheic mixingSeasonal hydrology‐dependent oxygen concentration may stimulate microbial degradation of thermodynamically favorable organic matterMicrobial community structure and composition reflect distinct changes driven by spring snowmelt and the onset of base flow [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is a potentially life-threatening diagnosis that cannot be missed on ECG interpretation. However, ECG interpretation may not be straightforward in patients with dextrocardia. This case report discusses the presentation of a patient with situs inversus with dextrocardia who was found to have an acute inferior MI, and how this anatomical change results in an atypical ECG and clinical presentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The clinical benefit of early extubation following congenital heart surgery has been demonstrated; however, its effect on resource utilization has not been rigorously evaluated. We sought to determine the cost savings of implementing an early extubation pathway for children undergoing surgery for congenital heart disease. We performed a cost savings analysis after implementation of an early extubation strategy among children undergoing congenital heart surgery at British Columbia Children's Hospital (BCCH) over a 2.5-year period. All patients undergoing one of the eight Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) benchmark operations, ASD repair, or bidirectional cavopulmonary anastomosis were included in the analysis (n = 370). We compared our data to aggregate STS multi-institutional data from a contemporary cohort. We estimated daily costs for ICU care, ward care, medications, imaging, additional procedures, and allied health care using an administrative database. Direct costs, indirect costs, and cost savings were estimated. Simulation methods, Monte Carlo, and bootstrapping were used to calculate the 95% credible intervals for all estimates. The mean cost savings per procedure was $12,976 and the total estimated cost savings over the study period at BCCH was $4.8 million with direct costs accounting for 91% of cost savings. Sensitivity analysis demonstrated a mean cost savings range of $11,934-$14,059 per procedure. Early extubation is associated with substantial cost savings due to reduced hospital resource utilization. Implementation of an early extubation strategy following congenital heart surgery may contribute to improved resource utilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An attempt to apply a more stable metallurgical soldering system than the traditionally used Ti/Pt/Au-Sn reactive system was explored by replacing the barrier metals in between the chemical vapor deposited diamond (CVDD) submount and the Au-Sn solder with either W or Cr layers. In the case of the W layer a thin layer of Ti was added to improve the adhesion of Au-Sn solder to the W layer. The CVDD/W(100 nm)/Ti(10 nm)/Au-Sn(1.5–2.2 μm) system was heat treated at 350 °C for durations of 5 s–5 min, simulating a bonding cycle, and the metallurgical interactions were analyzed. Some diffusion of the Ti was observed, but the W layer remained intact. Thus, due to the absence of interaction between the Sn or Au and the W barrier layer, the Au:Sn ratio was kept uniform for long duration heating (>=2 min). The Au-Sn solder tends to ‘‘ball up’’ in local spots leading to the formation of local voids in the continuous solder layer over the W. In the case of the CVDD/Ti (100 nm)/Cr(200 nm)/AuSn(1.5–2.2 μm) structure a minimum interaction between the Au-Sn solder and the barrier was observed through a heating cycle at 350 °C for 5 min. This heat treatment, however, led to solder surface roughness in the order of about 5000 Å between bump peak and valley, but the Au:Sn composition remained in the eutectic ratio of 70:30 at. %. Both soldering metallurgical systems gave a potential good bonding of InP laser diodes to CVDD heat sinks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a study that investigated photoluminescence from heteroepitaxial (211)B cadmium telluride grown on (211)B gallium arsenide by molecular beam epitaxy. Methods used in the preparation of the samples; Analysis of the edge photoluminescence emission region; Common method of evaluating layer quality by the photoluminescence technique.

In classification applications, the goal of fusion techniques is to exploit complementary approaches and merge the information provided by these methods to provide a solution superior than any single method. Associated with choosing a methodology to fuse pattern recognition algorithms is the choice of algorithm or algorithms to fuse. Historically, classifier ensemble accuracy has been used to select which pattern recognition algorithms are included in a multiple classifier system. More recently, research has focused on creating and evaluating diversity metrics to more effectively select ensemble members. Using a wide range of classification data sets, methodologies, and fusion techniques, current diversity research is extended by expanding classifier domains before employing fusion methodologies. The expansion is made possible with a unique classification score algorithm developed for this purpose. Correlation and linear regression techniques reveal that the relationship between diversity metrics and accuracy is tenuous and optimal ensemble selection should be based on ensemble accuracy. The strengths and weaknesses of popular diversity metrics are examined in the context of the information they provide with respect to changing classification thresholds and accuracies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asparaginyl endopeptidases (AEPs) are proteases that have crucial roles in plant defense and seed storage protein maturation. Select plant AEPs, however, do not function as proteases but as transpeptidases (ligases) catalyzing the intra-molecular ligation of peptide termini, which leads to peptide cyclization. These ligase-type AEPs have potential biotechnological applications ranging from in vitro peptide engineering to plant molecular farming, but the structural features enabling these enzymes to catalyze peptide ligation/cyclization rather than proteolysis are currently unknown. Here, we compare the sequences, structures, and functions of diverse plant AEPs by combining molecular modeling, sequence space analysis, and functional testing in planta. We find that changes within the substrate-binding pocket and an adjacent loop, here named the “marker of ligase activity”, together play a key role for AEP ligase efficiency. Identification of these structural determinants may facilitate the discovery of more ligase-type AEPs and the engineering of AEPs with tailored catalytic properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The social mechanisms in ideological groups work to promote a cohesive social unit and present significant barriers to disengaging. Nonetheless, involvement in these groups is often not a lifelong commitment and many members do leave. The aim of this study was to explore the personal experience of the exiting process from a diverse range of ideological groups, and to construct a theory of disengagement, through 27 in-depth interviews with former members of 1% motorcycle clubs, military special operations forces, cults, white supremacists and fundamental religious or political groups. Participant interviews were analysed using grounded theory methodology to construct a model of disengagement. After the experience of an initial trigger, the group was perceived as inconsistent with the self-concept and conflicted with personally held goals and values, which threatened the participants’ psychological integrity. Participants employed self-concept management strategies to address this inconsistency, which culminated in the decision to leave and tempering of ideology. These findings have relevance to social policies, which aim to influence membership in ideological groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a heterogeneous chronic inflammatory disease generally divided based on the presence or absence of nasal polyps (NPs). One of the features of NPs is excessive fibrin deposition, which is associated with down‐regulation of tissue plasminogen activator (t‐PA) in NPs. As t‐PA is expressed in epithelial cells, and epithelium is readily accessible to topical therapies, identifying compounds that can mediate the induction of t‐PA would be a potential new strategy for the treatment of NPs. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine whether short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs) can induce t‐PA in airway epithelial cells via their known receptors GPR41 and GPR43. Methods: We performed immunohistochemistry (IHC) to determine whether receptors for SCFAs, known as G protein‐coupled receptor 41/free fatty acid receptor 3 (GPR41/FFAR3) and GPR43/FFAR2, are expressed in nasal tissue. Primary normal human bronchial epithelial (NHBE) cells were stimulated with different concentrations of SCFAs to test induction of t‐PA, which was analysed by expression of mRNA and protein. Mediation of responses by SCFA receptors was evaluated by specific receptor gene silencing with siRNA. Results: Immunohistochemistry study revealed that airway epithelial cells expressed GPR41 and GPR43. Acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid and valeric acid significantly induced t‐PA expression from two‐ to tenfolds. The strongest inducer of t‐PA from NHBE cells was propionic acid; cells stimulated with propionic acid released t‐PA into the supernatant in its active form. Gene silencing of GPR41 and GPR43 revealed that induction of t‐PA by SCFAs was dependent upon both GPR41 and GPR43. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: Short‐chain fatty acids were shown to induce airway epithelial cell expression of t‐PA via GPR41 and GPR43. Topical delivery of potent compounds that activate these receptors may have value by reducing fibrin deposition and shrinking nasal polyp growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The rheology and the conditions for viscous flow of the dry granulite facies lower crust are still poorly understood. Viscous shearing in the dry and strong lower crust commonly localizes in pseudotachylyte veins, but the deformation mechanisms responsible for the weakening and viscous shear localization in pseudotachylytes are yet to be explored. We investigated examples of pristine and mylonitized pseudotachylytes in anorthosites from Nusfjord (Lofoten, Norway). Mutual overprinting relationships indicate that pristine and mylonitized pseudotachylytes are coeval and resulted from the cyclical interplay between brittle and viscous deformation. The stable mineral assemblage in the mylonitized pseudotachylytes consists of plagioclase, amphibole, clinopyroxene, quartz, biotite, ± garnet ± K‐feldspar. Amphibole‐plagioclase geothermobarometry and thermodynamic modeling indicate that pristine and mylonitized pseudotachylytes formed at 650–750°C and 0.7–0.8 GPa. Thermodynamic modeling indicates that a limited amount of H2O infiltration (0.20–0.40 wt. %) was necessary to stabilize the mineral assemblage in the mylonite. Diffusion creep is identified as the main deformation mechanisms in the mylonitized pseudotachylytes based on the lack of crystallographic preferred orientation in plagioclase, the high degree of phase mixing, and the synkinematic nucleation of amphiboles in dilatant sites. Extrapolation of flow laws to natural conditions indicates that mylonitized pseudotachylytes are up to 3 orders of magnitude weaker than anorthosites deforming by dislocation creep, thus highlighting the fundamental role of lower crustal earthquakes as agents of weakening in strong granulites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the experimental methodology used to study the contact mechanics of a rigid, rough surface and a compliant, nominally flat surface using digital image correlation (DIC). The rough surface was produced by 3-D printing PMMA and the flat surface was produced with transparent PDMS (silicone rubber). The deformation of the speckled top surface (contact) of the PDMS was measured via DIC viewed through the transparent media. Four different PDMS formulations with moduli ranging from 64 to 2120 kPa were used in the experiment program to cover a wide range of modulus normalized loads. The deformation of the contact surface and depth of penetration versus normalized load were measured. The results were overlaid with previous measurements of contact area and complemented them extremely well. Additionally, it was shown that scaling laws associated with such contact mechanics problems extend many length scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple sclerosis is an inflammatory T cell-mediated autoimmune disease. In a Phase II clinical trial, high-dose immunosuppressive therapy combined with autologous CD34+ haematopoietic stem cell transplant resulted in 69·2% of subjects remaining disease-free without evidence of relapse, loss of neurological function or new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) lesions to year 5 post-treatment. A combination of CyTOF mass cytometry and multi-parameter flow cytometry was used to explore the reconstitution kinetics of immune cell subsets in the periphery post-haematopoietic cell transplant (HSCT) and the impact of treatment on the phenotype of circulating T cells in this study population. Repopulation of immune cell subsets progressed similarly for all patients studied 2 years post-therapy, regardless of clinical outcome. At month 2, monocytes and natural killer (NK) cells were proportionally more abundant, while CD4 T cells and B cells were reduced, relative to baseline. In contrast to the changes observed at earlier time-points in the T cell compartment, B cells were proportionally more abundant and expansion in the proportion of naive B cells was observed 1 and 2 years post-therapy. Within the T cell compartment, the proportion of effector memory and late effector subsets of CD4 and CD8 T cells was increased, together with transient increases in proportions of CD45RA-regulatory T cells (Tregs) and T helper type 1 (Th1 cells) and a decrease in Th17·1 cells. While none of the treatment effects studied correlated with clinical outcome, patients who remained healthy throughout the 5-year study had significantly higher absolute numbers of memory CD4 and CD8 T cells in the periphery prior to stem cell transplantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: In Northern Malawi, the duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) is longer than that in high-income countries. The reasons for the delay in help-seeking are not known, although studies show multiple reasons. This research was conducted to establish health care help-seeking behaviours and identify barriers that exist between service users and health care providers. The study also intended to establish the beliefs that clients and family members have regarding the causes of mental illness which profoundly shape help-seeking, care giving process and outcomes. Methodology: The study employed the exploratory phenomenological method, utilizing focus group discussions (FGDs) in the sampled population. The Health Belief Model and Disease Explanatory Models were conveniently chosen a priori by researchers to develop guide questions to explore clients’ and carers’ perceptions of the illness and their health care help-seeking behaviours. Results: Results show a bio-psycho-social inclination of disease causation and help-seeking behaviour. Causes of mental illness are understood in three categories, namely: physical/biological, psychological and socio-cultural. The majority of participants attributed mental illness to socio-cultural factors, with witchcraft, spirit possession and curses as main determinants. Causal perceptions also influenced help-seeking pathways. Many participants reported consulting traditional healers first, for diagnosis and to know who was responsible. Conclusion: In this study, it has been found that help-seeking is influenced by the understanding of the source of the illness – which has a bio-psychosocial inclination. The socio-cultural explanation of witchcraft and spirit possession is dominant and a determinant of help-seeking behaviour. While participants noted benefits to hospital treatment, barriers and bio-psychosocial in nature were also noted. Guardians and not clients hold the key to choice of treatment modality and therefore a potential ally in all treatment interventions promotive, preventive and curative. There is need for strengthening of a bio-psychosocial intervention model in the treatment of mental illness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background B cells play many roles in health and disease. However, little is known about the mechanisms that drive B cell responses in the airways, especially in humans. Chronic rhinosinusitis ( CRS) is an inflammatory disease of the upper airways that affects 10% of Europeans and Americans. A subset of CRS patients develop nasal polyps ( NPs), which are characterized by type 2 inflammation, eosinophils and group 2 innate lymphoid cells ( ILC2s). We have reported that NP contain elevated levels of B cells and antibodies, making NP an ideal system for studying B cells in the airways. Objective We sought to determine the mechanisms that drive B cell activation and antibody production during chronic airway inflammation. Methods We analysed B cells from NP or tonsil, or after ILC2 coculture, by flow cytometry. Antibody production from tissue was measured using Luminex assays and the frequency of antibody-secreting cells by ELISpot. Formation of B cell clusters was assessed using immunohistochemistry. Expression of genes associated with B cell activation and class switch recombination was measured by qRT- PCR. Results NP contained significantly elevated frequencies of plasmablasts, especially those that expressed the extrafollicular marker Epstein-Barr virus-induced protein 2 ( EBI2), but significantly fewer germinal centre ( GC) B cells compared with tonsil. Antibody production and the frequency of antibody-secreting cells were significantly elevated in NP, and there was evidence for local class switch recombination in NP. Finally, ILC2s directly induced EBI2 expression on B cells in vitro. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance Our data suggest there is a unique B cell activation environment within NP that is distinct from classic GC-mediated mechanisms. We show for the first time that ILC2s directly induce EBI2 expression on B cells, indicating that ILC2s may play an important role in B cell responses. B cell-targeted therapies may provide new treatment options for CRSw NP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a debilitating condition affecting up to 35% of women. A decline in oestrogen at menopause is thought to contribute to urinary incontinence, with 70% of women relating the onset to their last menses1. Theoretically, vaginal oestrogen should have a treatment effect in women with SUI, as oestrogen receptors are found in the bladder, urethra, vagina and pelvic floor muscles 1. Topical oestrogens increase urethral resistance by thickening the superficial layer of the urethral epithelium and increasing the periurethral vascularity. Because the vascular network accounts for one third of the urethral pressure, the estriol thus raises the urethral closure pressure and creates a more efficient mucosal seal. Vaginal oestrogen cream changes urethral cytology by increasing intermediate and superficial epithelial cells and decreasing transitional cells (known as a positive maturation index). A positive maturation index has been shown to correspond to improvement in SUI symptoms. Unfortunately, the quantitative evidence for the benefit of vaginal oestrogen cream in women with stress incontinence is very limited. The latest Cochrane review published in 2012 on vaginal oestrogen therapy concluded that such treatment may improve or cure incontinence2. However, sample sizes were small and there were marked differences in types, dosages, duration and routes of administration of the oestrogen therapy. It is recommended that future research should include standardised, validated, reproducible and simple outcome measures including quality-of-life tests. A more recent pragmatic pilot study using estriol cream for six weeks showed significant benefit for the SUI domain of the Urogenital Distress Inventory-6 (UDI-6)3. However, the most recent United States Food and Drug Administration (FaDA) report4 indicated that 12 weeks of estriol cream was needed for treatment of vaginal atrophy. Therefore, the aim of this prospective multinational observational study was to provide quantitative measures of urinary incontinence in women after 12 weeks of vaginal estriol cream as monotherapy. Material & methods: Postmenopausal women with symptoms of either pure SUI or stress predominant mixed urinary incontinence were instructed to apply a constant dose of estriol cream vaginally (with written instructions). Baseline and post treatment outcome measures were obtained. Main outcome measures: The stress domain of the UDI-6 was the primary subjective outcome measure and the vaginal pH was the primary objective outcome. Other subjective outcomes included the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-SF), Incontinence Impact Questionnaire-7 (IIQ-7), Most Bothersome Symptom (MBS) approach and Patient's Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I). The secondary objective outcome used was the erect cough stress test. Patient compliance was also recorded. The study was approved by the local health district research ethics committees. Results: There were 46 postmenopausal participants, median age 62.1 (IQR 56.2-65.4). At 12 weeks the stress domain of UDI-6 significantly improved from 83.3 (IQR 50-100) to 33.3 (33.3-66.6, P=0.001) and the vaginal pH from 5.1 (4.9-5.9) to 4.9 (4.6-5.0, p=0.005). The pad test at 12-week follow-up measured <1g in 18/43 patients (42%) and dry rate for the ICIQ-SF was 14/43 (33%). See Table 1 for results of primary and secondary outcome measures. Conclusion: Twelve weeks of vaginal estriol cream significantly reduced symptoms of stress urinary incontinence in post-menopausal women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We explore the relationship between active galactic nuclei (AGN) and star formation in a sample of 513 optically luminous type 1 quasars up to redshifts of ∼4 hosting extremely high star formation rates (SFRs). The quasars are selected to be individually detected by the Herschel SPIRE instrument at >3σ at 250 μm, leading to typical SFRs of order of 1000 M⊙ yr−1. We find the average SFRs to increase by almost a factor 10 from z ∼ 0.5 to z ∼ 3, mirroring the rise in the comoving SFR density over the same epoch. However, we find that the SFRs remain approximately constant with increasing accretion luminosity for accretion luminosities above 1012 L⊙. We also find that the SFRs do not correlate with black hole mass. Both of these results are most plausibly explained by the existence of a self-regulation process by the starburst at high SFRs, which controls SFRs on time-scales comparable to or shorter than the AGN or starburst duty cycles. We additionally find that SFRs do not depend on Eddington ratio at any redshift, consistent with no relation between SFR and black hole growth rate per unit black hole mass. Finally, we find that high-ionization broad absorption line (HiBAL) quasars have indistinguishable far-infrared properties to those of classical quasars, consistent with HiBAL quasars being normal quasars observed along a particular line of sight, with the outflows in HiBAL quasars not having any measurable effect on the star formation in their hosts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor in response to the article "Staphylococcus aureus and chronic folliculocentric pustuloses of the scalp-cause or association?," that was publihsed in a previous issue of the journal is presented.

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) fragmentation has been proposed as a time-temperature integrator (TTI) for high-moisture thermal processes using low-acid, high-temperature and high-acid, low-temperature protocols. In this study, dry roasted peanuts were assayed using the same novel molecular TTI. Enterococcus faecium was evaluated as a Salmonella surrogate for process validation and compared to fragmentation of intrinsic peanut mtDNA and Hunter L color, a quality indicator, for dry roasting. Reduction curve data for E. faecium were highly repeatable as similar kinetics were observed when compared to another study which used a commercial, contract laboratory to validate this same surrogate for use with dry roasted peanuts processes (4-log reduction after 10 min at 167 C). Mitochondrial DNA fragmentation was not linear compared to time at a given temperature, but exhibited a long lag time. D and z-values were calculated using E. faecium, threshold cycle (Ct) and Hunter L color values. D values for E. faecium were 2.68, 2.06 and 1.89 min for 138, 153 and 167 C roasting temperatures, respectively. Mitochondrial DNA fragmentation as measured by Ct had a D value of 12.3 min at a roasting temperature of 167 C which was slightly higher than 'wet' processes ( ca. 11.5 min). Hunter L values had an inverse, linear relationship with time at a given temperature. Hunter L color, if applied to individual peanuts and empirically validated, could be used as an inexpensive visible method to troubleshoot continuous flow systems. Ct values were not linear or highly correlated to Hunter L values. Dissection of peanuts exhibited a differential heating effect depending on the part of the peanut used for DNA extraction and the type of tissue assayed. Mitochondrial DNA fragmentation as measured by Ct value was deemed too variable for thermal process or quality validation of dry, solid foods such as peanuts. However, it could be used to evaluate penetration of heat through a solid food matrix, to find the coldest spot and test the worst-case scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Surgical education is becoming competency-based with the implementation of in-training milestones. Training guidelines should reflect these changes and determine the specific procedures for such milestone assessments. This study aimed to develop a consensus view regarding operative procedures and tasks considered appropriate for junior and senior trainees, and the procedures that can be used as technical milestone assessments for trainee progression in general surgery. Methods A Delphi process was followed where questionnaires were distributed to all 17 Canadian general surgery programme directors. Items were ranked on a 5-point Likert scale, with consensus defined as Cronbach's α of at least 0·70. Items rated 4 or above on the 5-point Likert scale by 80 per cent of the programme directors were included in the models. Results Two Delphi rounds were completed, with 14 programme directors taking part in round one and 11 in round two. The overall consensus was high (Cronbach's α = 0·98). The training model included 101 unique procedures and tasks, 24 specific to junior trainees, 68 specific to senior trainees, and nine appropriate to all. The assessment model included four procedures. Conclusion A system of operative procedures and tasks for junior- and senior-level trainees has been developed along with an assessment model for trainee progression. These can be used as milestones in competency-based assessments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: Adolescent obesity is predictive of future weight gain, obesity and adult onset severe obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥40 kg m−2). Despite successful efforts to identify Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) influencing BMI, <5% of the 40–80% heritability of the phenotype has been explained. Identification of gene–gene (G‐G) interactions between known variants can help explain this hidden heritability as well as identify potential biological mechanisms affecting weight gain during this critical developmental period. Objective: We have recently shown distinct genetic effects on BMI across the life course, and thus it is important to examine the evidence for epistasis in adolescence. Methods: In adolescent participants of European descent from wave II of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health, n = 5072, ages 12–21, 52.5% female), we tested 34 established BMI‐related SNPs for G‐G interaction effects on BMI z‐score. We used mixed‐effects regression, assuming multiplicative interaction models adjusting for age, sex and geographic region, with random effects for family and school. Results: For 28 G‐G interactions that were nominally significant (P < 0.05), we attempted to replicate our results in an adolescent sample from the Childhood European American Cohort from Philadelphia. In the replication study, one interaction (PRKD1‐FTO) was significant after correction for multiple testing. Conclusions: Our results are suggestive of epistatic effects on BMI during adolescence and point to potentially interactive effects between genes in biological pathways important in obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses an annual bovine tuberculosis (TB) surveillance report about the epidemiology of TB in cattle in Great Britain. Topics discussed include the frequency and geographical distribution of bovine TB in England and Wales, bovine TB incidents in 2014 and epidemiological and economic benefits associated with the different types of bovine TB test.

Flexible electronics incorporate all the functional attributes of conventional rigid electronics in formats that have been altered to survive mechanical deformations. Understanding the evolution of device performance during bending, stretching, or other mechanical cycling is, therefore, fundamental to research efforts in this area. Here, we review the various classes of flexible electronic devices (including power sources, sensors, circuits and individual components) and describe the basic principles of device mechanics. We then review techniques to characterize the deformation tolerance and durability of these flexible devices, and we catalogue and geometric designs that are intended to optimize electronic systems for maximum flexibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Early knee OA is a significant problem that can be disabling. The purpose of this study was to understand the symptomatic profile of patients with early knee OA when compared to those with end-stage knee OA.Methods: A cross-sectional case control study design was used to compare those with early structural change to those with advanced structural change. In total, 100 consecutive patients with early radiographic knee OA presenting to the knee service outpatient clinic from December 2010 to August 2011 were prospectively identified on the basis of their radiographic changes. All met the symptomatic and radiological diagnostic criteria of early knee OA as defined by Luyten et al. They were compared with 200 knees with full thickness anteromedial knee OA and 200 knees with full thickness tricompartmental knee OA for their demographic, pain and functional profile.Results: Patients with early knee OA were younger than those with full thickness disease. However, 78% of individual patients with early radiographic OA had pain and function scores equal to individual patients presenting for UKA, whilst 74% of individual patients with early radiographic OA had pain and function scores that are equal to or worse than individual patients presenting for TKA.Conclusions: Patients with early radiographic knee OA demonstrate considerable overlap in the severity of their symptoms with those demonstrating end-stage structural changes within the knee. Patients with early structural changes of arthritis should not be assumed by clinicians to have mild disease. In many cases, their symptoms are as bad as those with end-stage structural changes. This work will help clinicians to identify and categorise those with early arthritis and thereby assist in guiding appropriate treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to determine whether, in surgical infants requiring parenteral nutrition (PN), septicaemia due to enterococci or Gram-negative bacilli occurs later than septicaemia due to coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS).Patients/material and Methods: We retrospectively studied 112 consecutive surgical infants (corrected gestational age up to 3 months) receiving PN for at least 5 days for congenital or acquired intestinal anomalies over a 2-year period (July 2007-June 2009). Data collected included diagnosis, duration of PN, episodes of septicaemia (defined as growth of bacteria from blood culture), and organisms cultured. We compared the time to first occurrence of septicaemia due to CNS with the times to first occurrence of septicaemia due to enterococci, Gram-negative bacilli, or other micro-organisms, using Kruskal-Wallis nonparametric ANOVA test and Dunn's multiple comparisons test. Data are given as median (range).Results: 31 patients (28%) had a total of 65 episodes of septicaemia. Septicaemia due to CNS was most common, occurring in 22% of patients, after 17 days (1-239) of PN. Septicaemia due to enteric organisms was less common and occurred significantly later, at 59 (24-103) days for enterococci (p<0.01), and at 55 (30-106) days for Gram-negative bacilli (p<0.05).Conclusions: Septicaemia due to enterococci or Gram-negative bacilli occurs later in the course of PN than septicaemia due to CNS, in surgical infants. This suggests that these infants become more vulnerable to the translocation of enteric micro-organisms after a longer period of parenteral nutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A survey of national animal influenza surveillance programmes was conducted to assess the current capacity to detect influenza viruses with zoonotic potential in animals (i.e. those influenza viruses that can be naturally transmitted between animals and humans) at regional and global levels. Information on 587 animal influenza surveillance system components was collected for 99 countries from Chief Veterinary Officers (CVOs) (n = 94) and published literature. Less than 1% (n = 4) of these components were specifically aimed at detecting influenza viruses with pandemic potential in animals (i.e. those influenza viruses that are capable of causing epidemic spread in human populations over large geographical regions or worldwide), which would have zoonotic potential as a prerequisite. Those countries that sought to detect influenza viruses with pandemic potential searched for such viruses exclusively in domestic pigs. This work shows the global need for increasing surveillance that targets potentially zoonotic influenza viruses in relevant animal species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate prediction of the acoustics of fluid-structure interaction is important in devising quieting designs for engineering systems equipped with extensive flow duct networks where the thin duct wall panels are in contact with the flowing fluid. The flow unsteadiness generates acoustic waves that propagate back to the source region to modify the flow process generating them. Meanwhile the unsteady flow pressure excites the thin panels to vibrate, which in turn modifies the flow processes. Evidently a strong coupling between the fluid aeroacoustics and the panel structural dynamics exists. Such coupled physical processes have to be thoroughly understood; otherwise, effective quieting design is never achieved. This paper reports an analysis, using a time-domain numerical methodology the authors have recently developed, of the nonlinear aeroacoustic-structural interaction experienced by a flexible panel in a duct carrying a uniform mean flow. With no mean flow, the numerical results agree well with existing theories and reveal the physics of duct transmission loss. Four regimes of aeroacoustic-structural interaction are identified when the duct flow velocity increases from low subsonic to low supersonic values. Insight in the underlying physics of duct transmission loss at different velocities are highlighted and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]