bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MoS2 based dual input logic AND gate
Authors: Martinez Luis M. , Pinto Nicholas J. , Naylor Carl H. , Johnson A. T. Charlie
Published: December 2016

Crystalline monolayers of CVD MoS2 are used as the active semiconducting channel in a split-gate field effect transistor. The device demonstrates logic AND functionality that is controlled by independently addressing each gate terminal with ±10V. When +10V was simultaneously applied to both gates, the device was conductive (ON), while any other combination of gate voltages rendered the device resistive (OFF). The ON/OFF ratio of the device was ∼ 35 and the charge mobility using silicon nitride as the gate dielectric was 1.2cm2/V-s and 0.1cm2/V-s in the ON and OFF states respectively. Clear discrimination between the two states was observed when a simple circuit containing a load resistor was used to test the device logic AND functionality at 10Hz. One advantage is that split gate technology can reduce the number of devices required in complex circuits, leading to compact electronics and large scale integration based on intrinsic 2-D semiconducting materials.
Imidazolium ionic liquid induced one-step synthesis of 𝜶-Fe2O3 nanorods and nanorod assemblies for lithium-ion battery
Authors: Xie Shuting , Lu Fei , Liu Shaojie , Zheng Liqiang , Jin Mingliang , Zhou Guofu , Shui Lingling
Published: December 2016

α - Fe 2 O 3 nanorods and nanorod assemblies are prepared via a facile one-step method with the assistance of imidazolium-based ionic liquid. The aspect ratio of synthesized nanorods is determined by the alkyl chain length of [Cnmim]+. The inter-molecular π−π interaction and intra-molecular dipole-dipole interaction among imidazole rings of [C4mim]+[PhCOO]− play critical roles in both nucleation and assembly processes of α-Fe2O3 nanorods. The α-Fe2O3 nanorod assemblies show an excellent performance in lithium-ion batteries with a reversible capacity of 1007.3 mA h g−1 at the rate of 500 mA g−1 after 150 cycles.
Ultra-fine metal gate operated graphene optical intensity modulator
Authors: Kou Rai , Hori Yosuke , Tsuchizawa Tai , Warabi Kaori , Kobayashi Yuzuki , Harada Yuichi , Hibino Hiroki , Yamamoto Tsuyoshi , Nakajima Hirochika , Yamada Koji
Published: December 2016

A graphene based top-gate optical modulator on a standard silicon photonic platform is proposed for the future optical telecommunication networks. On the basis of the device simulation, we proposed that an electro-absorption light modulation can be realized by an ultra-narrow metal top-gate electrode (width less than 400 nm) directly located on the top of a silicon wire waveguide. The designed structure also provides excellent features such as carrier doping and waveguide-planarization free fabrication processes. In terms of the fabrication, we established transferring of a CVD-grown mono-layer graphene sheet onto a CMOS compatible silicon photonic sample followed by a 25-nm thick ALD-grown Al2O3 deposition and Source-Gate-Drain electrodes formation. In addition, a pair of low-loss spot-size converter for the input and output area is integrated for the efficient light source coupling. The maximum modulation depth of over 30% (1.2 dB) is observed at a device length of 50 μm, and a metal width of 300 nm. The influence of the initial Fermi energy obtained by experiment on the modulation performance is discussed with simulation results.
Development of mathematical models to predict calcium, magnesium and selenium excretion from lactating Holstein cows
Authors: Taylor K. , Ranga Niroshan Appuhamy J. A. D. , Dijkstra J. , Kebreab E.
Published: December 2016

The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate mathematical models that predict mineral excretion, particularly calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) and selenium (Se), from lactating dairy cows. Mineral excretion can be affected by several dietary factors. A deficiency in Ca or Mg application to pasture, among other factors, can contribute to grass tetany or wheat pasture poisoning in cows, whereas an excess can cause runoff into water supplies. Manure application with high Se concentration can also result in runoff, causing the bioaccumulation of selenium in aquatic ecosystems, wetland habitats and estuaries, leading to toxic levels in fish. A database composed of studies relating to mineral utilisation in lactating dairy cows conducted after and including the year 2000 was compiled. A meta-analysis was conducted with the aim of creating multiple empirical equations to predict Ca, Mg and Se excretion from lactating dairy cows. Calcium intake, feed Ca content, milk yield, milk protein content and acid detergent fibre content in diet were positively and linearly related to Ca excretion. Dietary crude protein content and milk fat content were negatively related to Ca excretion. Magnesium intake, feed Mg content and milk yield were positively and linearly related to Mg excretion. Selenium content of diet and dry matter intake were linearly and positively related to Se excretion. Two sets of models were developed using or excluding the intake variable and both sets of models were evaluated with independent data originating from commercial herd or individual animals. In general, intake measurements improved prediction when evaluated with independent datasets (root mean square prediction error = 8% to 19% vs 14% to 26% of the average observed value). There were substantial mean biases, particularly those evaluated with data from a commercial farm, perhaps due to inaccurate feed intake measurements. Although there was generally good agreement between predicted and observed mineral excretion, model development and evaluation would benefit from an expanded database.
Growing goats of different sexes have distinct metabolic responses to continuous feed restriction
Authors: Silva Nhayandra C. D. , Härter Carla J. , Figueiredo Fernanda O. M. , Leite Rafael F. , Neto José M. Santos , Negrão João A. , Teixeira Izabelle A. M. A. , Resende Kléber T.
Published: December 2016

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of sex on the hormonal and metabolic changes in growing goats subjected to levels of feed restriction. We used 72 Saanen kids, including 24 intact males, 24 castrated males and 24 females with initial bodyweight of 15.76 ± 0.174 kg and initial age of 108.4 ± 18.86 days respectively. A split-plot design was employed (3 sexes = intact males, castrated males, and females; 3 levels of feed restriction = 0% (ad libitum), 25% and 50%). Groups of three goat kids were formed by sex (each goat eating one level of feed restriction); goats of each group were slaughtered when animals fed ad libitum reached 30 kg bodyweight. Fat and protein deposition were calculated by the difference between the determinations performed on samples of homogenates of control animals slaughtered at the start of the experiment and the experimental animals. Blood samples were collected every 10 days to evaluate glucose, total protein, albumin, urea, creatinine, cholesterol, non-esterified fatty acid, β-hydroxybutyrate, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma glutamyltransferase, creatine kinase, triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine and insulin-like growth factor. Females presented greater fat deposition than did castrated and intact males, regardless of feed restriction (P < 0.0001). Protein body retention (kg) was affected only by feed restriction (P < 0.0001). In females, aspartate aminotransferase activity was greater in those subjected to 50% feed restriction (83.83 ± 4.96 U/L). Regardless of sex, the greatest serum β-hydroxybutyrate concentration was observed when animals were subjected to 50% feed restriction (P < 0.0149). Plasma concentration of insulin-like growth factor 1 was similar in castrated and females, being lower than in intact males. Intact males showed lower plasma T3 concentration than did females (P < 0.05). Females changed their glycolytic metabolism to retain fat deposition even under feed restriction, whereas males mainly changed their protein metabolism to retain protein synthesis, and were less affected by feed restriction.
Ilimaquinone and 5-epi-Ilimaquinone: Beyond a Simple Diastereomeric Ratio, Biosynthetic Considerations from NMR-Based Analysis
Authors: Boufridi Asmaa , Lachkar David , Erpenbeck Dirk , Beniddir Mehdi A. , Evanno Laurent , Petek Sylvain , Debitus Cécile , Poupon Erwan
Published: December 2016

Dactylospongia metachromia and Dactylospongia elegans collected from French Polynesia were studied with a particular focus on the variation of the diastereomeric ratio between ilimaquinone (4) and 5-epi-ilimaquinone (5). More than 100 samples, covering an area of 4100 km2, were studied to try to clarify this intriguing issue. Nuclear magnetic resonance appeared as the non-destructive, straightforward technique of choice for a relative quantitative study. A random distribution, unique at that point in nature, is observed and leads to biosynthetic considerations. Biological evaluation of both compounds was also performed and showed moderate discrepancies in cytotoxicity and apoptosis induction.
A reflection on constructionalization and constructional borrowing, inspired by an emerging Dutch replica of the ‘time’-away construction
Authors: Colleman Timothy
Published: December 2016

While recent years have seen an increased interest for the potential effects of language contact on the formal and/or semantic properties of constructions, existing case studies of (potentially) contact-induced change in individual constructions (e.g. Pietsch 2010; Höder 2012, 2014; Van de Velde and Zenner 2010; Colleman and Noël 2014, etc.) have so far made little impact on the booming field of diachronic construction grammar at large, i.e. they have stayed largely under the radar of constructionist theorizing about language change. The present paper reflects on the theoretical significance of a recent innovation in Dutch, viz. the emergence of an argument structure construction that mirrors the form and semantics of the English ‘time’-awayconstruction first described in Jacken-doff (1997). While it is fairly uncontroversial that English influence hassomethingto do with this innovation, it is by no means easy to determine exactly what has happened. Even though an alternative scenario, in which the new Dutch pattern developed out of pre-existing Dutch pattern featuringweg‘away’, cannot be ruled out, I will argue that one plausible way of accounting for the observed facts is to assume that a ready-made English form-meaning unit was copied into Dutch. On this view, the observed change would count as an instance of instantaneous grammatical constructionalization.
Why are embodied experiments relevant to cognitive linguistics?
Authors: Valenzuela Javier , Hilferty Joseph , Vilarroya Oscar
Published: December 2016

Computational simulation models of cognitive linguistics are relatively scarce (cf Valenzuela, 2010). This is due, among other things, to the inherent complexity of the movement’s conception of language. Cognitive linguistics places great emphasis on the integration of language with sensorimotor and conceptual structure, as well as on the embodied nature of cognition and the perspective of language as a social construct. This has made it difficult for cognitive linguistics to take advantage of the benefits of computational simulation (cf McClelland 2009).

The robotic paradigm of Luc Steels (Steels 1998, 2000, 2004, 2005) offers one of the most complete implementations of cognitive linguistics to date. In this paradigm, autonomous robotic agents play communication games in which linguistic information is represented by a version of construction grammar called “Fluid Construction Grammar”. The present chapter explains how this simulation is a true implementation of the theoretical proposals made by cognitive linguistics. More specifically, we show how these proposals have been operationalized for their use in the system.

Computational simulations like the one described here should be of great interest to any cognitive linguist. They provide an excellent testing ground for any theoretical proposal, bringing cognitive linguistics even closer to the cognitive-science enterprise.
A comparative perspective on the evolution of Romance clausal structure
Authors: Wolfe Sam
Published: December 2016

This article presents a comparative analysis of the diachronic evolution of Romance clausal structure from Classical Latin through to the late medieval period, with particular reference to the Verb Second (V2) property. In the medieval period three distinct diachronic stages can be identified as regards V2: a C-VSO stage attested in Old Sardinian, a ‘relaxed’ V2 stage across Early Medieval Romance and maintained into 13th and 14th century Occitan and Sicilian, and a ‘strict’ V2 stage attested in 13th and 14th century French, Spanish and Venetian. The C-VSO grammar found in Old Sardinian is a retention of the syntactic system attested in late Latin textual records, itself an innovation on an ‘incipient V2’ stage found in Classical Latin, where V-to-C movement and XP-fronting receive a pragmatically or syntactically marked interpretation.
Sibilant sound change in the history of Portuguese
Authors: Zampaulo Andre
Published: December 2016

An information-theoretic approach
Genetic Characterization of Oncorhynchus mykiss Prior to Dam Removal with Implications for Recolonization of the Elwha River Watershed, Washington
Authors: Winans Gary A. , Baker Jon , McHenry Mike , Ward Larry , Myers Jim
Published: December 2016

For more than 100 years, two dams blocked upstream migration of steelhead Oncorhynchus mykiss (anadromous Rainbow Trout) on the Elwha River, Washington. Prior to the removal of both dams (completed in 2015), 30 spatiotemporal collections of resident Rainbow Trout, steelhead, hatchery steelhead, and hatchery‐derived Rainbow Trout (1,949 individuals) were made from 17 sites in the river, and the pattern of genetic diversity and connectivity were evaluated using 13 microsatellite loci. Wild‐origin steelhead spawned below the downstream dam and were genetically distinguishable from upriver (above dam) resident Rainbow Trout (FST = 0.034), and the resident Rainbow Trout segregated into two distinct groups (FST = 0.056). Nonnative‐origin hatchery steelhead varied from the indigenous steelhead (FST = 0.029), and the hatchery trout differed from the resident trout (FST = 0.163). Collections of resident Rainbow Trout from the upper portion of the basin were distinguished by lower estimates of genetic variability (He, AR, and A/L) and effective population size compared with resident Rainbow Trout in the middle reaches of the Elwha River. The break between the two trout groups coincided with Rica Canyon, 8 river kilometers upstream from the Glines Canyon Dam (the upstream dam), suggesting that the upper and middle trout groups represent historic O. mykiss groups separated by flow conditions in the canyon prior to dam construction. Anticipating the potential for genetic exchange between steelhead and resident Rainbow Trout following dam removal, we evaluated the ability of the microsatellite baseline to distinguish F1 crosses between the life history groups with computer simulations. These results demonstrate how a genetic baseline can be used as a conservation management tool to measure potential genetic introgression among resident populations and recolonizing anadromous populations.

Received June 17, 2016; accepted October 10, 2016 Published online December 12, 2016
Human rights, harm, and climate change mitigation
Authors: Berkey Brian
Published: December 2016

A number of philosophers have resisted impersonal explanations of our obligation to mitigate climate change, and have developed accounts according to which these obligations are explained by human rights or harm-based considerations. In this paper I argue that several of these attempts to explain our mitigation obligations without appealing to impersonal factors fail, since they either cannot account for a plausibly robust obligation to mitigate, or have implausible implications in other cases. I conclude that despite the appeal of the motivations for rejecting the appeal to impersonal factors, such factors must play a prominent role in explaining our mitigation obligations.
MEGA-V: detection of variant gene sets in patient cohorts
Authors: Gambardella Gennaro , Cereda Matteo , Benedetti Lorena , Ciccarelli Francesca D
Published: December 2016

Detecting significant associations between genetic variants and disease may prove particularly challenging when the variants are rare in the population and/or act together with other variants to cause the disease. We have developed a statistical framework named Mutation Enrichment Gene set Analysis of Variants (MEGA-V) that specifically detects the enrichments of genetic alterations within a process in a cohort of interest. By focusing on the mutations of several genes contributing to the same function rather than on those affecting a single gene, MEGA-V increases the power to detect statistically significant associations.

Availability and Implementation

MEGA-V is available at https://github.com/ciccalab/MEGA

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Analysis of Fusarium graminearum Species Complex from Wheat–Maize Rotation Regions in Henan (China)
Authors: Hao Jun Jie , Xie Shu Na , Sun Jing , Yang Gong Qiang , Liu Jia Zhong , Xu Fei , Ru Yan Yan , Song Yu Li
Published: December 2016

Fusarium head blight (FHB) and maize stalk rot (MSR), caused by members of the Fusarium graminearum species complex (FGSC), are among the most destructive and economically important diseases in the world. Species identity and the trichothecene chemotype of 312 members of the FGSC from diseased wheat spikes and maize stalks in Henan was determined using phylogenetic analyses and a polymerase chain reaction trichothecene chemotype assay. F. graminearum sensu stricto accounted for more than 93% of the FGSC isolates associated with FHB (N = 168) and MSR (N = 130). The remaining isolates were F. asiaticum. Significant differences were found in the frequencies of the two species within the hosts (P < 0.01). However, the frequencies of the same species in FHB and MSR were similar (P > 0.05) for wheat and maize isolates, indicating that the composition of the FGSC with respect to wheat and maize in these fields varied little. The 15-acetyl-deoxynivalenol (15-ADON) trichothecene chemotype represented 92.7 and 98.5% of isolates from wheat (N = 167) and maize (N = 130), respectively. However, the 3-acetyl-deoxynivalenol chemotype was found in 6.7% of wheat isolates, and the nivalenol chemotype in 1.5% of MSR isolates and in 0.6% of FHB isolates. Mycelial growth at different concentrations of carbendazim and difenoconazole did not differ between F. graminearum sensu stricto and F. asiaticum. These results suggest that the 15-ADON chemotype of F. graminearum sensu stricto is the predominant pathogen that causes wheat- and maize-related diseases in this region.

[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2017 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
A hierarchical clustering of features approach for vehicle tracking in traffic environments
Authors: Banharnsakun Anan , Tanathong Supannee
Published: December 2016

Purpose

Developing algorithms for automated detection and tracking of multiple objects is one challenge in the field of object tracking. Especially in a traffic video monitoring system, vehicle detection is an essential and challenging task. In the previous studies, many vehicle detection methods have been presented. These proposed approaches mostly used either motion information or characteristic information to detect vehicles. Although these methods are effective in detecting vehicles, their detection accuracy still needs to be improved. Moreover, the headlights and windshields, which are used as the vehicle features for detection in these methods, are easily obscured in some traffic conditions. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

First, each frame will be captured from a video sequence and then the background subtraction is performed by using the Mixture-of-Gaussians background model. Next, the Shi-Tomasi corner detection method is employed to extract the feature points from objects of interest in each foreground scene and the hierarchical clustering approach is then applied to cluster and form them into feature blocks. These feature blocks will be used to track the moving objects frame by frame.

Findings

Using the proposed method, it is possible to detect the vehicles in both day-time and night-time scenarios with a 95 percent accuracy rate and can cope with irrelevant movement (waving trees), which has to be deemed as background. In addition, the proposed method is able to deal with different vehicle shapes such as cars, vans, and motorcycles.

Originality/value

This paper presents a hierarchical clustering of features approach for multiple vehicles tracking in traffic environments to improve the capability of detection and tracking in case that the vehicle features are obscured in some traffic conditions.
The Geographical Challenge: How Winning Elections Has Become Much More Difficult for Labour
Authors: Curtice John
Published: December 2016

Labour won fewer seats in 2015 than in 2010, even though its share of the vote increased. The decline in representation was occasioned by three features of the electoral geography of the 2015 contest—a collapse in Labour support in Scotland, a particularly strong Conservative advance in marginal seats and the fact that in England and Wales Labour's vote rose most strongly in seats that the party already held. As a result, Labour's vote became markedly less efficiently distributed than that of the Conservatives—a development that could make it very difficult for the party to win an overall majority at the next election. Meanwhile, the redrawing of constituency boundaries that is currently in train will make winning a majority even more difficult. However, the next election could well produce a hung parliament, and the party should be prepared for that eventuality.
A Ferris Wheel Accident at a Movable Amusement Park
Authors: Cho Young‐Jin , Ji Hong‐Keun , Moon Byung‐Sun , Park Ha‐Sun , Goh Jae‐Mo , Park Nam‐Kyu , Choi Don‐Mook
Published: December 2016

This study presented a Ferris wheel accident case. A Ferris wheel is composed of many parts, and the outmost ring of it is assembled using a lock pin. This accident occurred because the lock pin caught the door of a gondola and the gondola overturned. Five of the seven passengers in the gondola fell to the ground, along with the gondola's viewing window. The investigation revealed that the gondola became stuck when its door was caught by a lock pin at the Ferris wheel's three o'clock position. The contact between the door and the lock pin was due to a structural problem: There was not enough space allotted between the door and the lock pin. Therefore, if a passenger pushed on the gondola's door, the potential existed for contact between the door and the lock pin.
Current issues involved with the identification and nutritional value of wood grubs consumed by Australian Aborigines
Authors: Yen Alan , Bilney Conrad , Shackleton Michael , Lawler Susan
Published: December 2016

The so called witchetty grub is a publicized food source for Australian Aborigines. Despite heavy use, the identities and number of species consumed is still not known because of the lack of identified voucher specimens. Taxonomy based on adults makes identification of larval forms difficult. Dwelling in the root, trunks, and stems of woody plants, grubs are a reliable and highly valued food source that may be in decline. Much information on edible insects may already be lost in parts of Australia heavily settled by Europeans. However, there are many parts of Australia where information on edible insects is still strong and needs to be recorded accurately for long‐term use. Recent identification of “witchetty grubs” from the witchetty bush at Barrow Creek has revealed that those there, based on their DNA, are not Endoxyla leucomochla. As grubs are collected and eaten before they mature and scientific taxonomy is based on adults, there are many unanswered questions on the grub identification and biology, host plants, and plant and grub distributions.
A blind climber: The first evidence of ultrasonic echolocation in arboreal mammals
Authors: PANYUTINA Aleksandra A. , KUZNETSOV Alexander N. , VOLODIN Ilya A. , ABRAMOV Alexei V. , SOLDATOVA Irina B.
Published: December 2016

The means of orientation is studied in the Vietnamese pygmy dormouse Typhlomys chapensis, a poorly known enigmatic semi‐fossorial semi‐arboreal rodent. Data on eye structure are presented, which prove that Typhlomys (translated as “the blind mouse”) is incapable of object vision: the retina is folded and retains no more than 2500 ganglion cells in the focal plane, and the optic nerve is subject to gliosis. Hence, Typhlomys has no other means for rapid long‐range orientation among tree branches other than echolocation. Ultrasonic vocalization recordings at the frequency range of 50–100 kHz support this hypothesis. The vocalizations are represented by bouts of up to 7 more or less evenly‐spaced and uniform frequency‐modulated sweep‐like pulses in rapid succession. Structurally, these sweeps are similar to frequency‐modulated ultrasonic echolocation calls of some bat species, but they are too faint to be revealed with a common bat detector. When recording video simultaneously with the ultrasonic audio, a significantly greater pulse rate during locomotion compared to that of resting animals has been demonstrated. Our findings of locomotion‐associated ultrasonic vocalization in a fast‐climbing but weakly‐sighted small mammal ecotype add support to the “echolocation‐first theory” of pre‐flight origin of echolocation in bats.
Factor analysis of recurrent biliary events in long‐term follow up of gallstone pancreatitis
Authors: Lee Ji Min , Chung Woo Chul , Sung Hea Jung , Kim Yeon‐Ji , Youn Gun Jung , Jung Yun Duk , Choi Sooa , Jeon Eun Jung
Published: December 2016

Objective

Recurrent attacks after acute gallstone pancreatitis (GSP) are substantial problems, together with associated morbidity and mortality. The recommended therapies for recurrent attacks are cholecystectomy and endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST). This study aimed to evaluate the long‐term results of cholecystectomy and EST after clinical improvement of GSP.

Methods

A consecutive series of patients who were admitted with GSP from January 2003 to December 2014 were analyzed. Patients were categorized into three treatment subgroups: cholecystectomy (n = 53), EST (n = 51) and conservative care (n = 67).

Results

A total of 171 patients were enrolled. The mean follow‐up period was 58 months (range 6–125 months). The pancreatitis‐induced in‐hospital mortality rate was 1.5%. The cholecystectomy and EST groups had a significantly lower frequency of recurrent pancreatitis than the conservative care group (P < 0.01). For recurrent pancreatitis, there was no significant difference between the cholecystectomy with and without EST subgroups. With respect to total recurrent biliary events, the cholecystectomy group was superior to the EST only group (P < 0.01). In patients receiving definitive treatment (cholecystectomy with or without EST), the presence of common bile duct (CBD) stone was an independent risk factor for recurrent biliary events (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

In the long‐term follow up of GSP, cholecystectomy can offer better protection against recurrent biliary events than EST only. The presence of CBD stones at time of definitive therapy might be a risk factor for recurrent biliary events.
Age‐related Disparities in Trauma Center Access for Severe Head Injuries Following the Release of the Updated Field Triage Guidelines
Authors: Flottemesch Thomas J. , Raetzman Susan , Heslin Kevin C. , Fingar Katie , Coffey Rosanna , Barrett Marguerite , Moy Ernest
Published: December 2016

Objective

In 2006, the American College of Surgeons’ Committee on Trauma and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released field triage guidelines with special consideration for older adults. Additional considerations for direct transport to a Level I or II trauma center (TC) were added in 2011, reflecting perceived undertriage to TCs for older adults. We examined whether age‐based disparities in TC care for severe head injury decreased following introduction of the 2011 revisions.

Methods

A pre‐post design analyzing the 2009 and 2012 Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project State Emergency Department Databases and State Inpatient Databases with multivariable logistic regressions considered changes in 1) the trauma designation of the emergency department where treatment was initiated and 2) transfer to a TC following initial treatment at a non‐TC.

Results

Compared with adults aged 18 to 44 years, after multivariable adjustment, in both years TC care was less likely for adults aged 45 to 64 years (odds ratio [OR] = 0.76 in 2009 and 0.74 in 2012), aged 65 to 84 years (OR = 0.61 and 0.59), and aged 85+ years (OR = 0.53 and 0.56). Between 2009 and 2012, the likelihood of TC care increased for all age groups, with the largest increase among those aged 85+ years (OR = 1.18), which was statistically different (p = 0.02) from the increase among adults aged 18 to 44 years (OR = 1.12). The analysis of transfers yielded similar results.

Conclusions

Although patterns of increased TC treatment for all groups with severe head trauma indicate improvements, age‐based disparities persisted.
Early improvement predicts 8‐week treatment outcome in patients with generalized anxiety disorder treated with escitalopram or venlafaxine
Authors: Qian Mincai , Shen Zhongxia , Lin Min , Guan Tiefeng , Yang Jianhong , Li Liang , Shen Xinhua , Yuan Yonggui
Published: December 2016

Introduction

To investigate whether early improvement can predict 8‐week treatment outcome in generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) patients.

Methods

For 8 weeks, 226 GAD patients were randomly treated with escitalopram or venlafaxine. Early improvement was defined as a ≧20% reduction from baseline in Hamilton anxiety rating scale at week 1 or 2. The positive and negative predictive values were calculated.

Results

The positive and negative predictive values of early improvement in escitalopram or venlafaxine group at week 1 were (85.19%, 67.53%) vs (84.62%, 65.33%)

Discussion

The early improvement achieved within the first week treatment can predict a good 8‐week treatment outcome in GAD patients.
Inhibiting the Migration of M1 Microglia at Hyperacute Period Could Improve Outcome of tMCAO Rats
Authors: Huang Ming , Wan Yan , Mao Ling , He Quan‐Wei , Xia Yuan‐Peng , Li Man , Li Ya‐Nan , Jin Hui‐Juan , Hu Bo
Published: December 2016

Aim

To study whether inhibiting microglia migration to the ischemic boundary zone (IBZ) at the early phase could improve neurological outcomes after stroke.

Methods

The transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) was induced in adult male Sprague‐Dawley rats. AMD3100, a highly selective CXC‐chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) antagonist, was used to inhibit microglia migration. Microglia was evaluated by immunofluorescence in vivo, and their migration was tested by transwell assay in vitro. Expressions of cytokines were detected by real‐time PCR. Infarct volume was determined by triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining. Functional recovery of tMCAO rats was evaluated by behavior tests.

Results

M1 microglia in the IBZ was rapidly increased within 3 days after tMCAO, accompanied with enhanced expression of CXCR4. Chemokine CXC motif chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12) was also increased in the IBZ. And AMD3100 could obviously decline M1 microglia migration induced by CXCL12 and secretion of related inflammatory cytokines in the IBZ after stroke. This was accompanied by significant attenuated infarct volume and improved neurological outcomes.

Conclusion

This study confirms the protective efficacy of inhibiting microglia migration at the hyperacute phase as a therapeutic strategy for ischemic stroke in tMCAO model of rats, and its therapeutic time window could last for 24 h after cerebral ischemia reperfusion.
Häufigkeit und Einteilung kutaner Manifestationen bei rheumatoider Arthritis
Authors: Ziemer Mirjana , Müller Anne‐Katrin , Hein Gert , Oelzner Peter , Elsner Peter
Published: December 2016

Hintergrund und Fragestellung

Hautveränderungen bei rheumatoider Arthritis (RA) sind nur in wenigen Studien an größeren Patientenkollektiven untersucht. Deshalb sollen hier die aktuelle Prävalenz und das Spektrum an Hautveränderungen bei RA unter Berücksichtigung von Krankheitsaktivitäts‐Scores, Anti‐CCP‐Antikörpern sowie neueren medikamentösen Therapien erfasst werden.

Patienten und Methodik

Zwischen November 2006 und Juli 2007 wurden prospektiv 214 Patienten, die im Funktionsbereich Rheumatologie mit RA behandelt wurden, erfasst.

Ergebnisse

Bei 27,5 % der Untersuchten wurden RA‐assoziierte Hautveränderungen beobachtet, wobei es sich fast ausschließlich um Rheumaknoten handelte. Signifikant gehäuft traten Rheumaknoten bei längerer Erkrankungsdauer, Nachweis von Rheumafaktoren und Anti‐CCP‐Antikörpern, aber auch unter Gabe von Leflunomid und TNFα‐Blockern auf. Vergleichsweise niedrige Prävalenzen wurden hingegen für die „palisadenförmige neutrophile und granulomatöse Dermatitis“ und die „rheumatoide Vaskulitis“ ermittelt.

Schlussfolgerungen

Trotz zunehmend frühzeitiger Therapie der RA und dem Einsatz neuerer Medikamente ist die Prävalenz von Rheumaknoten als wichtigste Manifestation der RA am Hautorgan hoch. Deren verstärkte Ausbildung unter Leflunomid und TNFα‐Blockern könnte ein Hinweis dafür sein, dass bei der Entstehung von Rheumaknoten eine pathogenetische Wegstrecke eine Rolle spielt, die von den Therapeutika nur unzureichend beeinflusst wird. Hingegen scheinen die palisadenförmige neutrophile und granulomatöse Dermatitis und die „rheumatoide Vaskulitis“ durch neuere Medikamente besser beeinflussbar zu sein.
Twelve‐month course and outcome of methamphetamine‐induced psychosis compared with first episode primary psychotic disorders
Authors: Hajebi Ahmad , Amini Homayoun , Kashani Leila , Sharifi Vandad
Published: December 2016

Background

To assess the clinical course and outcome of patients with methamphetamine‐induced psychosis in comparison with patients with primary psychotic disorders.

Methods

This prospective study was conducted on patients with methamphetamine‐induced psychosis, and 2 groups of primary psychotic disorders: affective psychosis and non‐affective psychosis admitted to 2 psychiatric hospitals in Tehran, Iran, with a first episode of a psychotic illness. A total of 165 subjects (55 in each group) were selected using convenience sampling. They were assessed at the time of admission, discharge and 6 and 12 months after discharge using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, the Young Mania Rating Scale and the Global Assessment of Functioning Scale. The frequency of readmissions and suicide attempts were also assessed.

Results

Significant differences were found in the trend of changes of symptoms and functioning among the 3 groups. At all‐time points, the severity of negative psychotic symptoms and dysfunction in the non‐affective psychosis group were greater than those in affective or methamphetamine‐induced psychosis groups, with latter 2 having similar profiles. However, the course of positive symptoms in methamphetamine‐induced psychosis was more similar to non‐affective psychosis. Number of suicide attempts and readmissions were non‐significantly higher in methamphetamine‐induced psychosis than in the other groups.

Conclusion

Methamphetamine‐induced psychosis does not have a satisfactory course and in some cases symptoms may remain even after many months of follow‐up. Rate of certain outcomes such as re‐hospitalization is also considerably high. It is a challenge for the health‐care system that requires evidence‐based interventions.
MiR‐151a is involved in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis by regulating interleukin‐12 receptor β2
Authors: Chen Xiao‐Fan , Zhang Li‐Juan , Zhang Jie , Dou Xia , Shao Yong , Jia Xiao‐Jian , Zhang Wei , Yu Bo
Published: December 2016

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been reported to circulate in the blood in a highly stable and cell‐free form. Dysregulated expression of miRNAs has been detected in various pathological conditions including atopic dermatitis. In our study, human blood plasma miRNAs were identified by high‐throughput sequencing and compared among patients of atopic dermatitis and healthy controls. We found that miR‐151a was differentially expressed in the plasma of atopic dermatitis patients. MiR‐151a regulates the expression of IL12RB2 by targeting two loci in the 3′ untranslated region of the Il12rb2 gene. Moreover, IL12RB2 was remarkably downregulated in Jurkat cells overexpressing miR‐151a. Jurkat cells treated with phytohemagglutinin also showed reduced expression of IFN‐γ, interleukin‐2 (IL‐2) and IL‐12. Together, these results suggest that miR‐151a is involved in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis by regulating IL12RB2.
Acoustic emission detection of fatigue cracks in wind turbine blades based on blind deconvolution separation
Authors: Bo Z , Yanan Z , Changzheng C
Published: December 2016

The occurrence and expansion of fatigue cracks in large wind turbine blades may lead to catastrophic blade failure. Each fatigue phase of a material has been associated with a typical set of acoustic emission (AE) signal frequency components, providing a logical base for establishing a clear connection between AE signals and the fatigue condition of a material. The relevance of efforts to relate recorded AE signals to a material's mechanical behaviour relies heavily on accurate AE signal processing. The main objective of the present study is to establish a direct correlation between the fatigue condition of a material and recorded AE signals. We introduce the blind deconvolution separation (BDS) approach because the result of AE monitoring is usually a convoluted mixture of signals from multiple sources. The method is implemented on data acquired from a fatigue test rig employing a wind turbine blade with an artificial transverse crack seeded in the surface at the base of the blade. Two different sets of fatigue loading were conducted. The convoluted signals are collected from the AE acquisition system, and the weak crack feature is extracted and analysed based on the BDS algorithm. The study reveals that the application of BDS‐based AE signal analysis is an appropriate approach for distinguishing and interpreting the different fatigue damage states of a wind turbine blade. The novel methodology proposed for fatigue crack identification will allow for improved predictive maintenance strategies for the glass‐epoxy blades of wind turbines. The experimental results clearly demonstrate that the AE signals generated by a fatigue crack on a wind turbine blade can be synchronously separated and identified. Characterizing and assessing fatigue conditions by AE monitoring based on BDS can prevent catastrophic failure and the development of secondary defects, as well as reduce unscheduled downtime and costs. The possibility of using AE monitoring to assess the fatigue condition of fibre composite blades is also considered.
The importance of TH22 and TC22 cells in the pathogenesis of Helicobacter pylori‐associated gastric diseases
Authors: Shamsdin Seyedeh Azra , Alborzi Abdolvahab , Rasouli Manoochehr , Ghaderi Abbas , Lankrani Kamran B. , Dehghani Seyed Mohsen , Pouladfar Gholam reza
Published: December 2016

Background

An association exists between Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), peptic ulcers, gastritis, and sometimes gastric carcinomas. Th22 cells have protective and inflammatory roles in defense against microbes.

Aim

We investigated the frequencies of Th22, Tc22, Th22/17, and Tc22/17 cells in addition to the changes in levels of cytokines IL‐22, IL‐6, IL‐23, TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and TGF‐β in sera from patients with H. pylori‐associated gastritis, and peptic ulcer, and in uninfected patients.

Methods

A total of 76 patients with H. pylori‐associated disorders formed the studied group. Frequencies of T‐cell subsets were determined by flow cytometry. Levels of cytokines IL‐22, IL‐6, IL‐23, TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and TGF‐β in the sera and supernatants of patients were measured by ELISA and flow cytometry.

Results

The study participants included 32 males and 44 females with a mean age of 38.5±15.3 years. We divided the infected group into peptic ulcer and gastritis (mild, moderate, active chronic, and chronic). The frequencies of Th22, Tc22, and Tc22/17 increased significantly in the peptic ulcer, moderate, active chronic, and chronic gastritis groups compared to the uninfected group. Th22/17 only increased significantly in the chronic gastritis group. We observed significant increases in IL‐22 in the moderate and active chronic gastritis, IL‐23 in the active chronic and chronic gastritis, and TNF‐α in the peptic ulcer and moderate gastritis groups. Following in vitro antigenic stimulation, we observed significantly higher levels of IL‐1β, IL‐23, and IL‐6 in the active chronic gastritis group, as well as IL‐6 and IL‐1β in the chronic gastritis group compared to the uninfected group.

Conclusion

Increased Th22, Tc22, and Tc22/17 cells and IL‐22 levels appear to be influential in progression and severity of H. pylori infection. Th22/17 can be an interesting therapeutic target for chronic H. pylori infections where eradication is more difficult.
RNA interference unveils the importance ofPseudotrichonympha grassii cellobiohydrolase, a protozoan exoglucanase, in termite cellulose degradation
Authors: Liu X.‐J. , Xie L. , Liu N. , Zhan S. , Zhou X.‐G. , Wang Q.
Published: December 2016

Based on prior work, a cellulase from glycosyl hydrolase family 7 (GHF7) was identified and found to be expressed at a high level inCoptotermes formosanus. To determine the function of GHF7 family membersin vivo, we used RNA interference (RNAi) to functionally analyse the exoglucanase genePseudotrichonympha grassii cellobiohydrolase gene (PgCBH), which was highly expressed inPseudotrichonympha grassii, a flagellate found in the hindgut ofC. formosanus. In this study, the expression level ofPgCBHwas down‐regulated by RNAi, causing the death ofP. grassii, but no effect was observed for other flagellates found inC. formosanus. RNAi also resulted in significantly reduced exoglucanase activity, and no effect was observed for endoglucanase and β‐glucosidase activities. This result demonstrated that thePgCBHgene plays a role in the protist lignocellulolytic process and is also important for host survival.PgCBHcan be used as a target gene and has potential as a bioinsecticide for use against termites.
Clinical Outcomes Associated with Medication Regimen Complexity in Older People: A Systematic Review
Authors: Wimmer Barbara C , Cross Amanda J , Jokanovic Natali , Wiese Michael D , George Johnson , Johnell Kristina , Diug Basia , Bell J. Simon
Published: December 2016

Objectives

To systematically review clinical outcomes associated with medication regimen complexity in older people.

Design

Systematic review of EMBASE, MEDLINE, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and the Cochrane library.

Setting

Hospitals, home, and long‐term care.

Participants

English‐language peer‐reviewed original research published before June 2016 was eligible if regimen complexity was quantified using a metric that considered number of medications and at least one other parameter, regimen complexity was calculated for participants’ overall regimen, at least 80% of participants were aged 60 and older, and the study investigated a clinical outcome associated with regimen complexity.

Measurements

Quality assessment was conducted using an adapted version of the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tool.

Results

Sixteen observational studies met the inclusion criteria. Regimen complexity was associated with medication nonadherence (2/6 studies) and higher rates of hospitalization (2/4 studies). One study found that participants with less‐complex medication administration were more likely to stop medications when feeling worse. One study each identified an association between regimen complexity and higher ability to administer medications as directed, medication self‐administration errors, caregiver medication administration hassles, hospital discharge to non‐home settings, postdischarge potential adverse drug events, all‐cause mortality, and lower patient knowledge of their medication. Regimen complexity had no association with postdischarge medication modification, change in medication‐ and health‐related problems, emergency department visits, or quality of life as rated by nursing staff.

Conclusion

Research into whether medication regimen complexity is associated with nonadherence and hospitalization has produced inconsistent results. Moderate‐quality evidence from four studies (two each for nonadherence and hospitalization) suggests that medication regimen complexity is associated with nonadherence and higher rates of hospitalization.
Balance and Mobility in Community‐Dwelling Older Adults: Effect of Daytime Sleepiness
Authors: Tyagi Shachi , Perera Subashan , Brach Jennifer S.
Published: December 2016

Objectives

To examine the effect of self‐reported daytime sleepiness on performance‐based balance measures and self‐reported balance confidence in community‐dwelling older adults.

Design

Cross‐sectional secondary analysis of an observational cohort study designed to develop and refine measures of balance and mobility in community‐dwelling older adults.

Setting

Community.

Participants

Older adults (aged 78.2 ± 5.9) (n = 120).

Measurements

The performance‐based gait and balance measures included gait speed, double support time, and step width. Narrow walk, obstacle walk, and timed standing balance were also assessed. The Activities‐Specific Balance Confidence Scale was included as a self‐reported measure. Daytime sleepiness was defined as an Epworth Sleepiness Scale score of 9 or greater. Body mass index, fall‐related comorbidities, and use of central nervous system (CNS) medications were considered as covariates.

Results

Forty‐five percent of participants reported daytime sleepiness. Participants reporting daytime sleepiness differed significantly from those without in gait speed (adjusted difference (standard error (SE)) −0.09 (0.04) m/s, P = .03), step width (adjusted difference (SE) 0.02 (0.01), P = .03), and self‐reported balance confidence (adjusted difference (SE) −1.02 (0.38), P = .01) even after adjusting for covariates. Two‐way analysis of variance of CNS medication use and daytime sleepiness showed no significant interaction effects.

Conclusion

Self‐reported daytime sleepiness is associated with slower gait speed and poor balance confidence in community‐dwelling older adults. Subjective sleep assessment should be considered when assessing balance and implementing interventions for improving balance in older adults. Further study is needed to examine the role of CNS medication use.