bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimization of colistin dosing regimen for cystic fibrosis patients with chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm lung infections
Authors: Hengzhuang Wang , Green Kent , Pressler Tacjana , Skov Marianne , Katzenstein Terese L , Wu Xiaojie , Høiby Niels
Published: February 2019

Objective

The present study was performed to explore dosing regimens of colistin in patients of cystic fibrosis (CF) with Pseudomonas aeruginosa chronic biofilm lung infection.

Methods

Ten CF patients were involved. One dose colistimethate sodium (CMS) of 6 MIU (million international units) and 9 MIU were administered by intravenous infusion over 45 and 90 min. Venous blood was collected at different time points after the infusion of CMS. Pharmacokinetic parameters of colistin were calculated. Minimum inhibitory concentration for planktonic P. aeruginosa, minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration and minimum biofilm eradication concentration of P. aeruginosa were determined. Monte Carlo simulation was performed to determine the clinical probability of target attainment of different dosing regimens of colistin in CF patients.

Results

For 90 min (6 MIU), 45 min (6 MIU), and 45 min (9 MIU) intravenous infusion of colistin, Cmax was 8.9 ± 1.8, 15 ± 5.5, and 31.7 ± 5.3 μg/mL, respectively; Tmax was 1.2 ± 0.4, 0.7 ± 0.2, and 0.8 ± 0.2 h, respectively; AUCtot were 31 ± 3.8, 34 ± 10, and 135 ± 31mg · h/L, respectively; t1/2 was 2.1 ± 0.4, 2 ± 0.3, and 3.3 ± 0.4 h, respectively. MBIC and MBEC of colistin on biofilms at 24 h period treatment were 16‐128 μg/mL for non‐mucoid and mucoid biofilms of P. aeruginosa. For 90 min (6 MIU), 45 min (6 MIU) and 45 min iv infusion (9 MIU) with one dose colistin, PTA was 49.8%, 53.8%, 99.4% for planktonic infection, and 11.3%, 14.6%, 65.3%, respectively for biofilm infection.

Conclusions

colistin treatment using 45 min iv infusion is better than 90 min iv infusion in this study. Colistin dosage of 9 MIU is better than 6 MIU on both planktonic and biofilm infections of P. aeruginosa in this study.
PEOPLE: PatiEnt prOstate samPLes for rEsearch, a tissue collection pathway utilizing magnetic resonance imaging data to target tumor and benign tissue in fresh radical prostatectomy specimens
Authors: Heavey Susan , Costa Helena , Pye Hayley , Burt Emma C. , Jenkinson Sophia , Lewis Georgina‐Rose , Bosshard‐Carter Leticia , Watson Fran , Jameson Charles , Ratynska Marzena , Ben‐Salha Imen , Haider Aiman , Johnston Edward W. , Feber Andrew , Shaw Greg , Sridhar Ashwin , Nathan Senthil , Rajan Prabhakar , Briggs Timothy P. , Sooriakumaran Prasanna , Kelly John D. , Freeman Alex , Whitaker Hayley C.
Published: February 2019

Background

Over 1 million men are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year worldwide, with a wide range of research programs requiring access to patient tissue samples for development of improved diagnoses and treatments. A random sampling of prostate tissue is sufficient for certain research studies; however, there is growing research need to target areas of the aggressive tumor as fresh tissue. Here we set out to develop a new pathway “PEOPLE: PatiEnt prOstate samPLes for rEsearch” to collect high‐quality fresh tissue for research use, using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to target areas of tumor and benign tissue.

Methods

Prostate tissue was sampled following robotic radical prostatectomy, using MRI data to target areas of benign and tumor tissue. Initially, 25 cases were sampled using MRI information from clinical notes. A further 59 cases were sampled using an optimized method that included specific MRI measurements of tumor location along with additional exclusion criteria. All cases were reviewed in batches with detailed clinical and histopathological data recorded. For one subset of samples, DNA was extracted and underwent quality control. Ex vivo culture was carried out using the gelatin sponge method for an additional subset.

Results

Tumor was successfully fully or partially targeted in 64% of the initial cohort and 70% of the optimized cohort. DNA of high quality and concentration was isolated from 39 tumor samples, and ex vivo culture was successfully carried out in three cases with tissue morphology, proliferation, and apoptosis remaining comparable before and after 72 hours culture.

Conclusion

Here we report initial data from the PEOPLE pathway; using a method for targeting areas of tumor within prostate samples using MRI. This method operates alongside the standard clinical pathway and minimizes additional input from surgical, radiological, and pathological teams, while preserving surgical margins and diagnostic tissue.
Effects of PI(4,5)P2 concentration on the F‐BAR domain membrane binding as revealed by coarse‐grained simulations
Authors: Stanishneva‐Konovalova Tatiana B. , Sokolova Olga S.
Published: February 2019

Bin/Amphyphysin/Rvs (BAR) domain proteins form a key link between membrane remodeling and cytoskeleton dynamics. They are dimers that bind to membranes via electrostatic interactions with different preferences toward negatively charged lipids. In the present article, we examine the interactions of the F‐BAR domain of nervous wreck (Nwk) with phosphatidylinositol 4,5‐bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P2)‐containing membranes using coarse‐grained molecular dynamics. We demonstrated PI(4,5)P2 concentration effects, identified the sequence of events that underlies the protein binding and identified amino acids involved in protein–lipid interactions. Our simulations point out the primary role of the basic stretch at the tips of the dimer, which anchors the protein to the membrane and initiates the binding process. When the PI(4,5)P2 concentration is high, the protein stably associates with the membrane by its concave surface or by the opposite side. At low PI(4,5)P2 concentration, the former orientation becomes more favorable; also a state with only one tip bound is observed, due to the weaker attachment and more pronounced association/dissociation events. Our results provide a theoretical model that describes the lipid‐binding behavior of Nwk observed in vitro.
Compounds from the root of Pueraria peduncularis (Grah. ex Benth.) Benth. and their antimicrobial effects
Authors: Chen Huabao , Zhao Xiaomin , Lv Tianxing , Qiu Xiaoyan , Luo Liya , Zhang Min , Yang Hui , Chang Xiaoli , Li Peili , Wu ChuanLei , Xie Deshan , Qian Yong , Yang Chunping
Published: February 2019

BACKGROUND

Pueraria peduncularis belongs to the genus Pueraria DC, and has a wide range of medical and agricultural activities. Previous studies have shown that P. peduncularis extracts have broad bioactivities against phytopathogens. In this paper, we systematically studied the fungicidal activity of root methanol extracts and further isolated the active compounds.

RESULTS

The root methanol extract inhibited the mycelial growth of the five tested phytopathogens to different degrees. Among these phytopathogens, the inhibitory effect was greatest against R. solani, with an EC50 value of 324.72 mg L−1. Eight compounds were subsequently isolated and identified from P. peduncularis. Among them, puercarpan A and medicarpin showed strong fungicidal activity, with MIC values against Rhizoctonia solani of 1.6 and 6.25 mg L−1, respectively. Puercarpan A is a new compound, and its structure was established as (6aR,6bS,11aR)‐6b‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxypterocarpan‐10‐ene‐7‐one.

CONCLUSION

The P. peduncularis extracts exhibit high antimicrobial activity against R. solani and have great potential value of P. peduncularis as a fungicide. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Evidence of the Plaquette Structure of Fe1+xTe Iron Telluride: Mössbauer Spectroscopy Study
Authors: Kiiamov Airat G. , Tagirov Lenar R. , Vagizov Farit G. , Tayurskii Dmitrii A. , Krug von Nidda Hans‐Albrecht , Croitori Dorina , Tsurkan Vladimir , Loidl Alois
Published: February 2019

Single‐crystalline Fe1+xTe iron telluride with off‐stoichiometric iron has been synthesized by the Bridgman method. The X‐ray diffraction and wave‐length‐dispersive X‐ray electron‐probe microanalysis characterization have shown Fe1.125Te stoichiometry of the samples. Spin‐polarized ab initio calculations of the electric field gradients around interstitial iron atoms for Fe1.125Te have shown that in the first and second coordination rings around interstitial iron, the spin and electron densities are strongly perturbed against the stoichiometric ones. Together with the interstitial iron this gives rise to three kinds of iron centers making up a round‐corner plaquette. The room‐temperature Mössbauer spectra measured at different incidence angles of gamma‐radiation are satisfactorily fitted utilizing the hyperfine parameters, calculated within the plaquette model. The low‐temperature data are well described with the assumption of an incommensurate collinear spin density wave (SDW) phase, showing consistency with neutron scattering data for the Fe1.125Te system.
Estimation of drug effect in radiographic progression for rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis
Authors: Dong Bin , Lu Jiandong
Published: February 2019

To demonstrate the treatment effect on structural damage in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA), radiographic images of hands and feet are scored according to Sharp scoring systems in randomized clinical trials. However, the quantification of such an effect is challenging because the overall mean progression is lack of clinical interpretation. This article attempts to shed a light on the statistical challenges resulted from its scoring methods and heterogeneity of the study population and proposes a mixture distribution model approach to fit radiographic progression data. With such a model, the drug effect is fully captured by the mean progression of those patients who would progress in the study period under the control treatment. The resulting regression model also lends a tool in examining prognostic factors for radiographic progression. Simulations have been carried out to evaluate the precision of the parameter estimation procedure. Using the data examples from RA and PsA, we will show that the mixture distribution approach provides a better goodness of fit and leads to a casual inference of the study drug, hence a clinically meaningful interpretation.
Rapid screening methods for yeast sub‐metabolome analysis with a high‐resolution ion mobility quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometer
Authors: Mairinger Teresa , Kurulugama Ruwan , Causon Tim J. , Stafford George , Fjeldsted John , Hann Stephan
Published: February 2019

Rationale

The wide chemical diversity and complex matrices inherent to metabolomics still pose a challenge to current analytical approaches for metabolite screening. Although dedicated front‐end separation techniques combined with high‐resolution mass spectrometry set the benchmark from an analytical point of view, the increasing number of samples and sample complexity demand for a compromise in terms of selectivity, sensitivity and high‐throughput analyses.

Methods

Prior to low‐field drift tube ion mobility (IM) separation and quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (QTOFMS) detection, rapid ultrahigh‐performance liquid chromatography separation was used for analysis of different concentration levels of dansylated metabolites present in a yeast cell extract. For identity confirmation of metabolites at the MS2 level, an alternating frame approach was chosen and two different strategies were tested: a data‐independent all‐ions acquisition and a quadrupole broad band isolation (Q‐BBI) directed by IM drift separation.

Results

For Q‐BBI analysis, the broad mass range isolation was successfully optimized in accordance with the distinctive drift time to m/z correlation of the dansyl derivatives. To guarantee comprehensive sampling, a broad mass isolation window of 70 Da was employed. Fragmentation was performed via collision‐induced dissociation, applying a collision energy ramp optimized for the dansyl derivatives. Both approaches were studied in terms of linear dynamic range and repeatability employing ethanolic extracts of Pichia pastoris spiked with 1 μM metabolite mixture. Example data obtained for histidine and glycine showed that drift time precision (<0.01 to 0.3% RSD, n = 5) compared very well with the data reported in an earlier IM‐TOFMS‐based study.

Conclusions

Chimeric mass spectra, inherent to data‐independent analysis approaches, are reduced when using a drift time directed Q‐BBI approach. Additionally, an improved linear dynamic working range was observed, representing, together with a rapid front‐end separation, a powerful approach for metabolite screening.
Ultrasound‐Mediated Synthesis of Novel α‐Aminophosphonates Using Graphene Nanosheets‐Silver Nanoparticles (GNS‐AgNPs) as a Recyclable Heterogeneous Catalyst
Authors: Rasal Sarika A , Tamore Milind S , Shimpi Navinchandra G
Published: February 2019

A series of novel α‐aminophosphonate derivatives were synthesized via simple and an efficient method from the three‐component condensation reaction of 5‐aminoindan or 3,4‐(methylenedioxy)aniline, aromatic aldehydes and diethyl phosphite by employing graphene nanosheets‐silver nanoparticles (GNS‐AgNPs) as catalyst under ultrasonication and solvent‐free condition. GNS‐AgNPs was prepared in situ by simultaneous reduction of graphene oxide (GO) and silver nitrate (AgNO3) using sodium borohydride (NaBH4) as a reducing agent. The surface characterization of GNS‐AgNPs was done using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), UV–Vis spectroscopy (UV–Vis), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Raman spectroscopy and Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM). The GNS‐AgNPs are recyclable up to fifth run with minimal loss of its activity. Convenient operational simplicity, mild conditions, excellent yields of products, consistent performance and the reusability of catalyst makes this protocol feasible and attractive.
Tailoring Catalytic Properties of CuMgAl Hydrotalcites for Selective hydrogenolysis of Cellulose
Authors: Xiao Zihui , Ma Pengfei , Jin Shaohua , Liang Changhai
Published: February 2019

The structure and catalytic properties of CuMgAl ternary hydrotalcites were tailored by adjusting MII/MIII molar ratios. Due to the Jahn‐Teller distortion effect, co‐crystallized impurity phase assigned to Cu2(NO3)(OH)3 was formed for the catalyst with high MII/MIII molar ratio. The formation of impurity phase resulted in the significant change of morphologies and low dispersion of copper species in the hydrotalcites. Nevertheless, the corresponding catalyst exhibited great catalytic proformance in term of ethylene glycol (EG) selectivity for the hydrogenolysis of cellulose. Besides, higher activity was obtained over the catalysts with higher content of Mg due to an increase of the alkalinity.
Advances of Proteomics in Novel PTM Discovery: Applications in Cancer Therapy
Authors: Wang Yang , Zhang Jing , Li Bin , He Qing‐Yu
Published: February 2019

Protein posttranslational modification (PTM) is a critical mechanism to enhance the diversity of protein species and functions in organisms. Currently, many different PTMs are discovered and found to be involved in a wide range of cellular processes. The aberrant regulation of PTM dynamics is reported to contribute to cancer development. Phosphorylation and acetylation are the best studied PTMs, and the application of high‐resolution mass spectrometry‐based proteomics and specific antibody‐based enrichment technologies significantly promotes novel PTM discovery. This review discusses methods for global PTM identification, including antibody‐based enrichment and chemical probe‐based identification. Several acylations, such as propionylation, butyrylation, succinylation, malonylation, and crotonylation, are recently found to influence both histone and nonhistone proteins and to be intimately linked with the progression of cancer. It is proposed that targeting novel PTM dynamics by pharmacological inhibitors has great potential for cancer therapy.
Somatic MIWI2 Hinders Direct Lineage Reprogramming From Fibroblast to Hepatocyte
Authors: Shi Xiaojie , Xiao Zipei , Zonta Francesco , Wang Wei , Wan Yue , Li Yu , Wang Nan , Kuang Yuanyuan , Du Mingjuan , Dong Jian , Wang Ju , Yang Guang
Published: February 2019

Remodeling of the gene regulatory network in cells is believed to be a prerequisite for their lineage reprogramming. However, its key regulatory factors are not yet elucidated. In this article, we investigate the role of PIWI proteins and provide evidence that one of them, MIWI2, is elicited during transdifferentiation of fibroblasts into hepatocyte-like cells. In coincidence with the peak expression of MIWI2, we identified the appearance of a unique intermediate epigenetic state characterized by a specific Piwi-interacting RNA (piRNA) profile consisting of 219 novel sequences. Knockout of MIWI2 greatly improved the formation of the induced hepatocytes, whereas overexpression of exogenous MIWI2 completely abolished the stimulated effect. A bioinformatics analysis of piRNA interaction network, followed by experimental validation, revealed the Notch signaling pathway as one of the immediate effectors of MIWI2. Altogether, our results show for the first time that temporal expression of MIWI2 contributes negatively to cell plasticity not only in germline, but also in developed cells, such as mouse fibroblasts. Stem Cells  2019;37:803–812
Islamic business scorecard and the screening of Islamic businesses in a cross‐country setting
Authors: Hassan M. Kabir , Rashid Mamunur , Wei Andrew S.T. , Adedokun Balqis O. , Ramachandran Jayalakshmy
Published: February 2019

Screening of shari'ah compliant firms is incomplete without the inclusion of ethical and social responsibilities. The existing “activity screen” does not directly capture the ethical and social footprints of firms. The purpose of this study is to create and test an Islamic business scorecard that combines activity, ethical, and social responsibilities that Islamic businesses must comply with. This new Islamic business scorecard replaces the existing activity screens and is added to the financial screens to create an integrated business screening mechanism to identify shari'ah compliant firms. This study utilizes data from a sample of 410 shari'ah compliant companies listed with stock exchanges in Malaysia, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Out of the five newly developed constructs of the Islamic business scorecard, the results indicate Islamic firms are less committed to social responsibilities and tend to push forward economic responsibilities that focus on profitability and growth. Of the three countries, this study reports Malaysian firms have the highest compliance scores, while Bangladesh displays characteristics of the “next‐big shari'ah destination”. Financial screens are more important than the Islamic business scorecard for firms in the construction, industrial, technology, and trading/services sectors. Because of its connection with the economic, ethical, and social dimensions, the scorecard helps to identify the true nature of shari'ah compliance as a useful decision tool for investors and policymakers.
Regorefenib induces extrinsic/intrinsic apoptosis and inhibits MAPK/NF‐κB‐modulated tumor progression in bladder cancer in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Chiang Chih‐Hung , Chung Jing‐Gung , Hsu Fei‐Ting
Published: February 2019

The aim of the present study is to investigate anticancer effect and mechanism of regorafenib in bladder cancer in vitro and in vivo. Human bladder cancer TSGH 8301 cells were treated with regorafenib, NF‐κB, AKT, or mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitors for different time. The changes of cell viability, NF‐κB activation, apoptotic signaling transduction, and expression of tumor progression‐associated proteins were evaluated with MTT, NF‐κB reporter gene assay, flow cytometry, and Western blotting assay. TSGH 8301 tumor bearing mice were established and treated with vehicle (140 μL of 0.1% DMSO) or regorafenib (10 mg/kg/day by gavage) for 15 days. The changes of tumor volume, body weight, NF‐κB activation, MAPK activation, and tumor progression‐associated proteins (MMP‐9, XIAP, VEGF, and Cyclin‐D1) after regorafenib treatment were evaluated with digital caliper, digital weight, and ex vivo Western blotting assay. Our results demonstrated NF‐κB activation and protein levels of MMP‐9, XIAP, VEGF, and Cyclin‐D1 were significantly reduced by NF‐κB (QNZ), ERK (PD98059), and P38 (SB203580) inhibitors. Regorafenib also significantly induced extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic signaling transduction in bladder cancer in vitro. In addition, regorafenib significantly inhibited tumor growth, NF‐κB, p38, ERK activation and expression of tumor progression‐associated proteins in bladder cancer in vitro and in vivo. Taken together, these results proved that regorafenib not only induced apoptosis through extrinsic and intrinsic pathways and but suppressed MAPK/ NF‐κB‐modulated tumor progression in bladder cancer.
Streamlined assessment of membrane permeability and its application to membrane engineering of Escherichia coli for octanoic acid tolerance
Authors: Santoscoy Miguel C , Jarboe Laura R
Published: February 2019

The economic viability of bio-production processes is often limited by damage to the microbial cell membrane and thus there is a demand for strategies to increase the robustness of the cell membrane. Damage to the microbial membrane is also a common mode of action by antibiotics. Membrane-impermeable DNA-binding dyes are often used to assess membrane integrity in conjunction with flow cytometry. We demonstrate that in situ assessment of the membrane permeability of E. coli to SYTOX Green is consistent with flow cytometry, with the benefit of lower experimental intensity, lower cost, and no need for a priori selection of sampling times. This method is demonstrated by the characterization of four membrane engineering strategies (deletion of aas, deletion of cfa, increased expression of cfa, and deletion of bhsA) for their effect on octanoic acid tolerance, with the finding that deletion of bhsA increased tolerance and substantially decreased membrane leakage.
Closure, credence and rationality: a problem for non-belief hinge epistemology
Authors: Jope Matt
Published: February 2019

Duncan Pritchard’s Epistemic Angst promises a novel solution to the closure-based sceptical problem that, unlike more traditional solutions, does not entail revising our fundamental epistemological commitments. In order to do this, it appeals to a Wittgensteinian account of rational evaluation, the overarching theme of which is that it neither makes sense to doubt nor to believe in our anti-sceptical hinge commitments. The purpose of this paper is to show that the argument for the claim that there can be no rational basis to believe our anti-sceptical hinge commitments relies upon an implicit assumption about rational support that I label The Pritchensteinian Rational Grounds Principle. I argue that, insofar as this principle is intended to apply to closure-style inferences, it leads to irrational doxastic attitudes. I consider a seemingly plausible modification of the principle that would avoid this result but show that this modified principle faces serious problems of its own.
Joubert Syndrome: Two Different Prenatal Ultrasound Presentations
Authors: Shah Nupur
Published: February 2019

Joubert syndrome is a rare brainstem malformation characterized by hypoplastic vermis, thickened and elongated superior cerebellar peduncles, abnormally shaped 4th ventricle which may be associated with renal, ocular, hepatic orodigitofacial and cranial abnormalities and can be diagnosed on prenatal ultrasound and now is considered a part of Joubert syndrome and related syndromes (JSRD). Two prenatally detected cases of JSRD presented here expand the spectrum of sonological signs which should prompt a fetal medicine specialist to suspect JSRD.
Harmonizing brain magnetic resonance imaging methods for vascular contributions to neurodegeneration
Authors: Smith Eric E. , Biessels Geert Jan , De Guio François , de Leeuw Frank Erik , Duchesne Simon , Düring Marco , Frayne Richard , Ikram M. Arfan , Jouvent Eric , MacIntosh Bradley J. , Thrippleton Michael J. , Vernooij Meike W. , Adams Hieab , Backes Walter H. , Ballerini Lucia , Black Sandra E. , Chen Christopher , Corriveau Rod , DeCarli Charles , Greenberg Steven M. , Gurol M. Edip , Ingrisch Michael , Job Dominic , Lam Bonnie Y.K. , Launer Lenore J. , Linn Jennifer , McCreary Cheryl R. , Mok Vincent C.T. , Pantoni Leonardo , Pike G. Bruce , Ramirez Joel , Reijmer Yael D. , Romero Jose Rafael , Ropele Stefan , Rost Natalia S. , Sachdev Perminder S. , Scott Christopher J.M. , Seshadri Sudha , Sharma Mukul , Sourbron Steven , Steketee Rebecca M.E. , Swartz Richard H. , van Oostenbrugge Robert , van Osch Matthias , van Rooden Sanneke , Viswanathan Anand , Werring David , Dichgans Martin , Wardlaw Joanna M.
Published: February 2019

Introduction

Many consequences of cerebrovascular disease are identifiable by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), but variation in methods limits multicenter studies and pooling of data. The European Union Joint Program on Neurodegenerative Diseases (EU JPND) funded the HARmoNizing Brain Imaging MEthodS for VaScular Contributions to Neurodegeneration (HARNESS) initiative, with a focus on cerebral small vessel disease.

Methods

Surveys, teleconferences, and an in‐person workshop were used to identify gaps in knowledge and to develop tools for harmonizing imaging and analysis.

Results

A framework for neuroimaging biomarker development was developed based on validating repeatability and reproducibility, biological principles, and feasibility of implementation. The status of current MRI biomarkers was reviewed. A website was created atwww.harness‐neuroimaging.orgwith acquisition protocols, a software database, rating scales and case report forms, and a deidentified MRI repository.

Conclusions

The HARNESS initiative provides resources to reduce variability in measurement in MRI studies of cerebral small vessel disease.
Successful Field Rewarming of a Patient with Apparent Moderate Hypothermia Using a Hypothermia Wrap and a Chemical Heat Blanket
Authors: Phillips Dan , Bowman Jason , Zafren Ken
Published: February 2019

Hypothermia is a common problem encountered by search and rescue teams. Although mildly hypothermic patients can be rewarmed in the field and can then self-evacuate, the Wilderness Medical Society hypothermia guidelines suggest that a moderately hypothermic patient in the wilderness requires warming in a medical facility. The hypothermia prevention and management kit, developed by the US military, consists of a chemical heat blanket (CHB) and a heat-reflective shell. We present a case in which a hypothermia wrap and the CHB from a hypothermia prevention and management kit were used successfully to rewarm a patient with apparent moderate hypothermia in the field. We are unaware of previous reports of successful field rewarming of a patient with moderate hypothermia. We believe the use of the CHB in conjunction with a hypothermia wrap made field rewarming possible. We recommend that a CHB, along with the components of a hypothermia wrap, be carried by search and rescue teams when a hypothermic patient might be encountered. Although there were no documented core temperatures, we believe this case is consistent with the hypothesis that if a hypothermic patient who is found lying down and shivering is allowed to stand or walk before insulation is applied and before there has been an additional period of 30 min during which the patient continues to shiver, there may be increased afterdrop with deleterious results.
Upper bounds on measure-theoretic tail entropy for dominated splittings
Authors: CAO YONGLUO , LIAO GANG , YOU ZHIYUAN
Published: February 2019

For differentiable dynamical systems with dominated splittings, we give upper estimates on the measure-theoretic tail entropy in terms of Lyapunov exponents. As our primary application, we verify the upper semi-continuity of metric entropy in various settings with domination.
Uniformity of Lyapunov exponents for non-invertible matrices
Authors: FENG DE-JUN , LO CHIU-HONG , SHEN SHUANG
Published: February 2019

Let$\mathbf{M}=(M_{1},\ldots ,M_{k})$be a tuple of real$d\times d$matrices. Under certain irreducibility assumptions, we give checkable criteria for deciding whether$\mathbf{M}$possesses the following property: there exist two constants$\unicode[STIX]{x1D706}\in \mathbb{R}$and$C>0$such that for any$n\in \mathbb{N}$and any$i_{1},\ldots ,i_{n}\in \{1,\ldots ,k\}$, either$M_{i_{1}}\cdots M_{i_{n}}=\mathbf{0}$or$C^{-1}e^{\unicode[STIX]{x1D706}n}\leq \Vert M_{i_{1}}\cdots M_{i_{n}}\Vert \leq Ce^{\unicode[STIX]{x1D706}n}$, where$\Vert \cdot \Vert$is a matrix norm. The proof is based on symbolic dynamics and the thermodynamic formalism for matrix products. As applications, we are able to check the absolute continuity of a class of overlapping self-similar measures on$\mathbb{R}$, the absolute continuity of certain self-affine measures in$\mathbb{R}^{d}$and the dimensional regularity of a class of sofic affine-invariant sets in the plane.
Measuring the performance of the Mental Health Continuum-Short Form (MHC-SF) in a primary care youth mental health service
Authors: Donnelly A. , O’Reilly A. , Dolphin L. , O’Keeffe L. , Moore J.
Published: February 2019

Objectives

Mental health is regarded as more than the absence of mental health difficulties, with clinical and research focus moving towards measurement of well-being. The Mental Health Continuum-Short Form (MHC-SF) was developed to assess overall and emotional, social and psychological well-being. Little is known about the use of the MHC-SF with young people engaging with mental health services. The current pilot study sought to examine the performance of the MHC-SF in an Irish primary care youth mental health service for 12–25 year olds.

Methods

A sample of 229 young people (female n=143; male n=85, unknown n=1) aged 12–24 years (M=15.87, SD=2.51) who completed the MHC-SF prior to commencing their first intervention session in Jigsaw participated in this study. The psychometric properties of the MHC-SF were investigated using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and Cronbach’s alpha for internal consistency.

Results

CFA supported the three-factor structure of the MHC-SF for emotional, social, and psychological well-being, and very good internal consistency was observed.

Conclusion

Findings provide evidence for the psychometric properties of the MHC-SF in a primary care youth mental health setting, and suggest that the MHC-SF’s three-factor structure is valid for use in this context. Limitations and recommendations for future research are discussed.
MARKOV’S PRINCIPLE AND SUBSYSTEMS OF INTUITIONISTIC ANALYSIS
Authors: RAND MOSCHOVAKIS JOAN
Published: February 2019

Using a technique developed by Coquand and Hofmann [3] we verify that adding the analytical form MP1: $\forall \alpha (\neg \neg \exists {\rm{x}}\alpha ({\rm{x}}) = 0 \to \exists {\rm{x}}\alpha ({\rm{x}}) = 0)$ of Markov’s Principle does not increase the class of ${\rm{\Pi }}_2^0$ formulas provable in Kleene and Vesley’s formal system for intuitionistic analysis, or in subsystems obtained by omitting or restricting various axiom schemas in specified ways.
Effect of fruit and host fly species on the associative learning by Fopius arisanus
Authors: Monsia A. , Mègnigbèto G.S.B. , Gnanvossou D. , Karlsson M.F.
Published: February 2019

Parasitoids, released in augmentative biological control programmes, which display a rapid host-location capacity, have a higher likelihood of successfully controlling target pest species. By learning to associate sensory cues to a suitable oviposition site, might parasitoids used as biological control agents, locate hosts more rapidly, and perhaps increase the efficacity of e.g. Tephritidae fruit fly management. We studied associative learning of Fopius arisanus (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) and tested its range of learning in natural and conditional hosts and host fruits, i.e. Bactrocera dorsalis, Zeugodacus cucurbitae, Ceratitis capitata and Ceratitis cosyra (Diptera: Tephritidae) and on fruits (papaya, tomato, banana). Naïve female F. arisanus were compared with experienced wasps, which had been offered infested and non-infested fruit, and been allowed to oviposit. Preferences for olfactory cues from infested fruits were thereafter assessed in a two-choice olfactometer. Naïve and trained parasitoids preference differed in general and non-responders to infested fruits were higher among naïve parasitoids. The trained wasps preferred the fruit infested in the training more than the control fruit, for all combination, except when C. cosyra infested the fruits, hence avoidance behavioural response was observed towards the odour of the infested fruit. Fopius arisanus was capable of behaviourally respond to the learned information, e.g. associative odour learning was achieved, yet limited depending on interaction level, fruit fly and fruit combination. To create F. arisanus preference of an associated odour, it might hence be needed to ensure oviposition in perceived suitable host and host fruit, for the parasitoid learning to become favourable in a biological control setup.
A system dynamics modelling simulation based on a cohort of hepatitis B epidemic research in east China community
Authors: Yu Zhixin , Deng Min , Peng Chunting , Song Xue , Chen Yi , Zhang Xue , Liu Qiuxia , Li Yuchuan , Jiang Haiyin , Xu Xiaolan , Pan Liya , Yuan Jing , Ruan Bing
Published: February 2019

Hepatitis B constitutes a severe public health challenge in China. The Community-based Collaborative Innovation hepatitis B (CCI-HBV) project is a national epidemiological study of hepatitis B and has been conducting a comprehensive intervention in southern Zhejiang since 2009.

The comprehensive intervention in CCI-HBV areas includes the dynamic hepatitis B screening in local residents, the normalised treatment for hepatitis B infections and the upcoming full-aged hepatitis B vaccination. After two rounds of screening (each round taking for 4 years), the initial epidemiological baseline of hepatitis B in Qinggang was obtained, a coastal community in east China. By combining key data and system dynamics modelling, the regional hepatitis B epidemic in 20 years was predicted.

There were 1041 HBsAg positive cases out of 12 228 people in Round 1 indicating HBV prevalence of 8.5%. Of the 13 146 people tested in Round 2, 1171 people were HBsAg positive, with a prevalence of 8.9%. By comparing the two rounds of screening, the HBV incidence rate of 0.192 per 100 person-years was observed. By consulting electronic medical records, the HBV onset rate of 0.533 per 100 person-years was obtained. We generated a simulated model to replicate the real-world situation for the next two decades. To evaluate the effect of interventions on regional HBV prevalence, three comparative experiments were conducted.

In this study, the regional hepatitis B epidemic in 20 years was predicted and compared with HBV prevalence under different interventions. Owing to the existing challenges in research methodology, this study combined HBV field research and simulation to provide a system dynamics model with close-to-real key data to improve prediction accuracy. The simulation also provided a prompt guidance for the field implementation.
ECONOMIC-DEMOGRAPHIC DEPENDENCY RATIO IN A LIFE-CYCLE MODEL
Authors: Lau Sau-Him P. , Tsui Albert K.
Published: February 2019

The conventional dependency ratio based on cohort-invariant cutoff points could overstate the true burden of population aging. Using optimal cohort-varying years of schooling and retirement age in a life-cycle model, we propose a modified definition of dependency ratio. We compare the proposed economic-demographic dependency ratio (EDDR) with the conventional definition and find that the conventional dependency ratio of the USA is projected to increase by 0.105 from 2010 to 2060, which is an over-projection of 86% when compared with the projected increase of 0.015 in the EDDR over the same period. Sensitivity analysis suggests that our finding is quite robust to reasonable changes in parameter values (except for one parameter), and the magnitude of over-projection ranges mainly from 0.079 to 0.102 (i.e., 75% to 97%). We follow the well-established Lee–Carter model to forecast stochastic mortality and employ the method of expanding duration to decompose the sources of over-projection.
THE ENDURING FORTRESS: THE INFLUENCE OF BRUNO BETTELHEIM IN THE POLITICS OF AUTISM IN FRANCE
Authors: BRIGGS JONATHYNE
Published: February 2019

This article examines how the work of Bruno Bettelheim remained influential in debates concerning the meaning of autism as well as its treatment in France well after it was marginalized in the United States. The persistence of Bettelheim's work among French audiences speaks to how the French understanding of autism diverged from its conception in the United States thanks to the social and cultural interest in psychoanalysis in French society and the perceived effectiveness of his form of treatment. The conflation between Bettelheim and the psychoanalytic approach to autism meant that advocates for other approaches needed to rebut his influences well into the 1980s and 1990s, which further reinforced his position as a prime representative for the problems of psychoanalysis for parents. The durability of Bettelheim's presence in these debates also underscores the perceived relationship between disability and motherhood in the case of autism and how Bettelheim buttressed that assumption for the French rooted in anxieties about the dangers of bad mothering. Bettelheim's ideas solidified the intersection of intellectual ascendance and social acceptance of psychoanalysis in France and anxieties about motherhood during the emergence of autism within the public discourse.
The relation of healthy and Western dietary patterns to the risk of endometrial and ovarian cancers: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Alizadeh Shahab , Djafarian Kurosh , Alizadeh Mohammad , Shab-Bidar Sakineh
Published: February 2019

Abstract. Dietary patterns have been used to explore the association between dietary factors and risk of endometrial (EC) and ovarian cancer (OC); however, the results are inconclusive. This meta-analysis aimed to analyze these associations.

Methods: Pertinent studies published prior to March 2016 were systematically searched. The common dietary patterns were selected and adjusted risk estimates were derived by comparing the highest with the lowest categories of dietary pattern scores.

Results: A total of 8 studies, 5 for endometrial cancer (1 cohort and 4 case-control studies including 2617 cases and 78082 participants/controls) and 3 for ovarian cancer (1 cohort and 2 case-control studies with 2025 cases and 101482 participants/controls) were included in this meta-analysis. A lower risk of EC was shown for the highest compared with the lowest category of the healthy dietary pattern (OR = 0.84, 95% CI: 0.72–0.98; P for heterogeneity = 0.10), whereas the Western dietary pattern was related to the higher risk of EC (OR = 1.19, 95% CI: 1.01–1.41; P for heterogeneity = 0.35). No significant relationship was found between the healthy dietary pattern (OR = 1.03, 95% CI: 0.69–1.53; P for heterogeneity = 0.01) and OC, while, adherence to the western pattern was associated with a 73% higher risk of OC (OR = 1.73, 95% CI: 1.08–2.37; P for heterogeneity = 0.06).

Conclusion: A Western dietary pattern might be associated with a higher risk of endometrial and ovarian cancer.
Community mobilization during biofortified orange maize feeding trials in Zambia
Authors: Kaliwile Chisela , Arscott Sara A. , Gannon Bryan M. , Masi Cassim , Tanumihardjo Sherry A.
Published: February 2019

Abstract. In some societies, studies involving blood draws, oral vaccinations, or supplementation are surrounded by myths and disbeliefs. If not clarified, they may affect study implementation and negatively impact the outcome of well-intended studies from inadequate participation. Through participatory action research, this paper suggests how future trials could be enhanced with reference to community mobilization, drawing from the experience of two interventions in Zambian children with nutritionally enhanced, biofortified orange maize conducted by the National Food and Nutrition Commission and Tropical Diseases Research Center (Zambia), and University of Wisconsin-Madison (USA). The preparatory phase included site visits, signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, equipment inventory, hiring staff, and community meetings. Prior results were shared before the second intervention. After Institutional Review Boards’ approval of procedures, written informed consent was obtained from caregivers. There was overwhelming community participation attributed to the demystification that the project was run by satanists prior to and during the study. Participation led to excellent compliance with 92.8 and 96.4% of subjects completing the final blood draw in 2010 and 2012, respectively. The results of the trials were successfully shared with the district officials and communities from where the study participants were drawn. The positive response by partners and communities, including information sharing, suggests that community mobilization, with the use of varied methods, is effective for full participation of the target groups in feeding trials and would be the case in similar trials if effectively carried out. Community participation in research studies may result in long-term adoption of biofortified foods.
Vitamin E consumption and the risk of bladder cancer
Authors: Lin Jian-Hai , Chen Shao-Jun , Liu Huan , Yan Yang , Zheng Jun-Hua
Published: February 2019

Abstract. Background: Vitamin E has anti-cancer properties, which was demonstrated mainly due to its antioxidant effect. Several epidemiological studies have investigated the association between vitamin E consumption and the risk of bladder cancer. However, the results were inconsistent. The meta-analysis study aimed to evaluate the association of vitamin E consumption and the risk of bladder cancer.

Methods: We conducted a systematic literature search in the electronic databases, which included MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library till 1 January 2016. The pooled relative risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated depending on the heterogeneity among studies. Subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis were also performed. Publication bias was assessed using Begg’s test and Egger’s test.

Results: A total of 11 prospective studies (3 randomized clinical trials and 8 cohort studies) including 575601 participants were identified to be eligible for our present meta-analysis. The pooled RRs with 95% CI for highest versus lowest vitamin E consumption was 0.89 (0.78–1.00). An inverse linear association between vitamin E consumption and bladder cancer risk was detected in the dose response analysis. The results were also stable in the subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis. Meanwhile, no obvious publication bias was observed.

Conclusions: Our study indicates that vitamin E consumption was inversely associated with the risk of bladder cancer.
Field Measurements of Passive Earth Forces in Steep, Shallow, Landslide‐Prone Areas
Authors: Cislaghi Alessio , Cohen Denis , Gasser Eric , Bischetti Gian Battista , Schwarz Massimiliano
Published: February 2019

Passive earth resistance plays an important role in slope stability analyses for predicting shallow landslide susceptibility. Three‐dimensional models estimate the contribution of this factor to slope stability using geotechnical theories designed for retaining structures and add it to the resistive forces. Systematic investigations have not been conducted to quantify this resistance in soils experiencing compression during the triggering of shallow landslides. This study presents field‐scale experimental data of passive earth force for cohesive and frictional clayey gravel evaluated at different combinations of soil depths and slopes. The experimental setup included a specialized device composed of a steel structure and a stiff plate that moved toward a mass of soil. In both dynamic and quasi‐static states, force‐displacement curves and maximum compression resistance were determined for several water content conditions induced by a rainfall simulator. The maximum dynamic force ranged from 8.49 to 31.67 kN for soil depths ranging between 0.36 and 0.50 m, whereas the quasi‐static force corresponded to 60% of the dynamic force. Furthermore, rainfall generated an additional decrease of compression resistance compared to that measured in the field. A comparison of measured data with theoretical models of passive earth force indicated that Rankine's solution provided the best estimate, whereas the logarithmic spiral approach significantly overestimated passive earth force by up to 70%. Therefore, the correct choice of geotechnical formulation or the direct use of field measurements to estimate passive earth force may significantly improve the accuracy of 3‐D limit equilibrium models for assessing slope stability over natural landscapes.
N2O Emissions From the Northern Benguela Upwelling System
Authors: Arévalo‐Martínez D. L. , Steinhoff T. , Brandt P. , Körtzinger A. , Lamont T. , Rehder G. , Bange H. W.
Published: February 2019

The Benguela Upwelling System (BUS) is the most productive of all eastern boundary upwelling ecosystems and it hosts a well‐developed oxygen minimum zone. As such, the BUS is a potential hotspot for production of N2O, a potent greenhouse gas derived from microbially driven decay of sinking organic matter. Yet, the extent at which near‐surface waters emit N2O to the atmosphere in the BUS is highly uncertain. Here we present the first high‐resolution surface measurements of N2O across the northern part of the BUS (nBUS). We found strong gradients with a threefold increase in N2O concentrations near the coast as compared with open ocean waters. Our observations show enhanced sea‐to‐air fluxes of N2O (up to 1.67 nmol m−2 s−1) in association with local upwelling cells. Based on our data we suggest that the nBUS can account for 13% of the total coastal upwelling source of N2O to the atmosphere.
First Identification of Late Permian Nb‐Enriched Basalts in Ailaoshan Region (SW Yunnan, China): Contribution From Emeishan Plume to Subduction of Eastern Paleotethys
Authors: Xu Jian , Xia Xiao‐Ping , Lai Chun‐Kit , Zhou Meiling , Ma Pengfei
Published: February 2019

Interactions between ocean plate subduction and the nearby mantle plume represent a possible major drive for mantle heterogeneity. We first report Late Permian (~261 Ma) Nb‐enriched basalts (NEBs) in the Ailaoshan region. The Ailaoshan NEBs are characterized by high Nb (10.1–11.5 ppm) and Nb/La (1.2–1.3), positive Nb‐Ta anomalies and εNd(t) (+5.65 to +6.21), and low and mantle‐like zircon δ18O (5.28–5.75‰). Our results demonstrate that the source region contains an enriched mantle component, which may have derived from the nearby Emeishan plume. The Ailaoshan NEBs were possibly generated by mixing of subduction‐derived, mid‐ocean ridge basalt (MORB)‐like components and mantle plume‐derived, enriched components. We suggest that the Late Permian rollback of the Ailaoshan oceanic slab may have entrained the Emeishan plume material into the subduction zone, which caused compositional heterogeneity in the mantle wedge and formed the Ailaoshan NEBs.