bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting Antibiotic Resistance in Urinary Tract Infection Patients with Prior Urine Cultures
Authors: Dickstein Yaakov , Geffen Yuval , Andreassen Steen , Leibovici Leonard , Paul Mical
Published: May 2016

To improve antibiotic prescribing, we sought to establish the probability of a resistant organism in urine culture given a previous resistant culture in a setting endemic for multidrug-resistant (MDR) organisms. We performed a retrospective analysis of inpatients with paired positive urine cultures. We focused on ciprofloxacin-resistant (cipro
r
) Gram-negative bacteria, extended-spectrum-beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing
Enterobacteriaceae
, carbapenem-resistant
Enterobacteriaceae
(CRE), and carbapenem-resistant nonfermenters (CRNF). Comparisons were made between the frequency of each resistance phenotype following a previous culture with the same phenotype and the overall frequency of that phenotype, and odds ratios (ORs) were calculated. We performed a regression to assess the effects of other variables on the likelihood of a repeat resistant culture. A total of 4,409 patients (52.5% women; median age, 70 years) with 19,546 paired positive urine cultures were analyzed. The frequencies of cipro
r
bacteria, ESBL-producing
Enterobacteriaceae
, CRE, and CRNF among all cultures were 47.7%, 30.6%, 1.7%, and 2.6%, respectively. ORs for repeated resistance phenotypes were 1.87, 3.19, 48.25, and 19.02 for cipro
r
bacteria, ESBL-producing
Enterobacteriaceae
, CRE, and CRNF, respectively (
P
< 0.001 for all). At 1 month, the frequencies of repeated resistance phenotypes were 77.4%, 66.4%, 57.1%, and 33.3% for cipro
r
bacteria, ESBL-producing
Enterobacteriaceae
, CRE, and CRNF, respectively. Increasing time between cultures and the presence of an intervening nonresistant culture significantly reduced the chances of a repeat resistant culture. Associations were statistically significant over the duration of follow-up (60 months) for CRE and for up to 6 months for all other pathogens. Knowledge of microbiology results in the six preceding months may assist with antibiotic stewardship and improve the appropriateness of empirical treatment for urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Antifungal Susceptibility Testing of Ascomycetous Yeasts Isolated from Animals
Authors: Álvarez-Pérez Sergio , García Marta E. , Peláez Teresa , Martínez-Nevado Eva , Blanco José L.
Published: May 2016

Recent studies suggest that antifungal resistance in yeast isolates of veterinary origin may be an underdiagnosed threat. We tested a collection of 92 ascomycetous yeast isolates that were obtained in Spain from birds, mammals and insects for antifungal susceptibility. MICs to amphotericin B and azoles were low, and no resistant isolates were detected. Despite these results, and given the potential role of animals as reservoirs of resistant strains, continuous monitoring of antifungal susceptibility in the veterinary setting is recommended.
New Regimen for Continuous Infusion of Vancomycin in Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Cristallini Stefano , Hites Maya , Kabtouri Hakim , Roberts Jason A. , Beumier Marjorie , Cotton Frederic , Lipman Jeffrey , Jacobs Frédérique , Vincent Jean-Louis , Creteur Jacques , Taccone Fabio Silvio
Published: May 2016

Despite the development of new agents with activity against Gram-positive bacteria, vancomycin remains one of the primary antibiotics for critically ill septic patients. Because sepsis can alter antimicrobial pharmacokinetics, the development of an appropriate dosing strategy to provide adequate concentrations is crucial. The aim of this study was to prospectively validate a new dosing regimen of vancomycin given by continuous infusion (CI) to septic patients. We included all adult septic patients admitted to a mixed intensive care unit (ICU) between January 2012 and May 2013, who were treated with a new vancomycin CI regimen consisting of a loading dose of 35 mg/kg of body weight given as a 4-h infusion, followed by a daily CI dose adapted to creatinine clearance (CrCL), as estimated by the Cockcroft-Gault formula (median dose, 2,112 [1,500 to 2,838] mg). Vancomycin concentrations were measured at the end of the loading dose (T1), at 12 h (T2), at 24 h (T3), and the day after the start of therapy (T4). Vancomycin concentrations of 20 to 30 mg/liter at T2, T3, and T4 were considered adequate. A total of 107 patients (72% male) were included. Median age, weight, and CrCL were 59 (interquartile range [IQR], 48 to 71) years, 75 (IQR, 65 to 85) kg, and 94 (IQR, 56 to 140) ml/min, respectively. Vancomycin concentrations were 44 (IQR, 37 to 49), 25 (IQR, 21 to 32), 22 (IQR, 19 to 28), and 26 (IQR, 22 to 29) mg/liter at T1, T2, T3, and T4, respectively. Concentrations were adequate in 56% (60/107) of patients at T2, in 54% (57/105) at T3, and in 73% (41/56) at T4. This vancomycin regimen permitted rapid attainment of target concentrations in serum for most patients. Concentrations were insufficient in only 16% of patients at 12 h of treatment.
Detection of the
mcr-1
Colistin Resistance Gene in Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae from Different Hospitals in China
Authors: Yu Hua , Qu Fen , Shan Bin , Huang Bin , Jia Wei , Chen Cha , Li Aiqing , Miao Minhui , Zhang Xin , Bao Chunmei , Xu Yunmin , Chavda Kalyan D. , Tang Yi-Wei , Kreiswirth Barry N. , Du Hong , Chen Liang
Published: May 2016

The spread of the plasmid-mediated colistin resistance gene,
mcr-1
, into carbapenem-resistant
Enterobacteriaceae
(CRE) clinical isolates poses a significant threat to global health. Here we report the identification of three
mcr-1
-harboring carbapenem-resistant
Escherichia coli
strains, collected from three patients in two provinces in China. Our results show that
mcr-1
-harboring CRE strains have started to spread in different hospitals in China. In addition, this report presents the first description of chromosomal integration of
mcr-1
into a carbapenem-resistant
E. coli
strain.
Changes in the Frequencies of β-Lactamase Genes among Enterobacteriaceae Isolates in U.S. Hospitals, 2012 to 2014: Activity of Ceftazidime-Avibactam Tested against β-Lactamase-Producing Isolates
Authors: Castanheira Mariana , Mendes Rodrigo E. , Jones Ronald N. , Sader Helio S.
Published: May 2016

Among 15,588
Enterobacteriaceae
isolates collected in 63 U.S. hospitals from 2012 to 2014, 2,129 (13.7%) displayed an extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) phenotype. These rates were similar over time (13.2 to 13.9%); however, differences among
Escherichia coli
(12.7 and 15.1% in 2012 and 2014;
P
= 0.007) and
Klebsiella pneumoniae
(18.9 and 15.5% in 2012 and 2014;
P
= 0.006) were noted when comparing 2014 and 2012. Carbapenem-resistant
Enterobacteriaceae
(CRE) (2.3 and 1.8%) and carbapenem-resistant
K. pneumoniae
(6.8 and 5.1%;
P
= 0.003) rates were lower in 2014 than in 2012. Isolates carrying
bla
CTX-M-15
-like genes were stable (42.1 to 42.4%), but a decrease among
E. coli
isolates (59.1 and 49.7%;
P
= 0.008) and an increase among
K. pneumoniae
isolates (32.7 and 41.2%;
P
= 0.022) in 2014 were observed. Isolates carrying
bla
KPC
(304) decreased over the years (16.5 and 10.9%;
P
= 0.008), mainly due to the decrease in
K. pneumoniae
isolates harboring
bla
KPC
(
n
= 285; 35.6 and 28.4%;
P
= 0.041) in hospitals in the Mid-Atlantic and South Atlantic regions, where these isolates were highly prevalent during 2012 and 2013. Isolates carrying
bla
CMY-2-
like and
bla
CTX-M-14-
like genes increased (8.2 and 11.9% and 9.1 and 12.9%, respectively;
P
= 0.04 for both), and those producing
bla
SHV
ESBL decreased (24.9 and 12.7%;
P
< 0.001) over the studied years, due to a decreased occurrence of the enzymes among
K. pneumoniae
isolates. Other enzymes were detected in smaller numbers of isolates, including four
K. pneumoniae
isolates carrying
bla
NDM-1
metallo-β-lactamase (two in 2012 and two in 2014). Ceftazidime-avibactam, a recently approved β-lactamase inhibitor combination, was very active against the ESBL phenotype isolates (MIC
50/90
, 0.12 and 1 μg/ml; 99.7% susceptible) and CRE strains (MIC
50/90
, 0.5 and 2 μg/ml; 98.5% susceptible) that displayed elevated MIC values for many comparator agents. In conclusion, significant changes were noted in the frequencies of isolates harboring various β-lactamases among U.S. hospitals between 2012 and 2014 that will require continued monitoring.
Phenotypic Screening
In Vitro
of Novel Aromatic Amidines against Trypanosoma cruzi
Authors: Simões-Silva M. R. , Nefertiti A. S. G. , De Araújo J. S. , Batista M. M. , Da Silva P. B. , Bahia M. T. , Menna-Barreto R. S. , Pavão B. P. , Green J. , Farahat A. A. , Kumar A. , Boykin D. W. , Soeiro M. N. C.
Published: May 2016

The current treatment of Chagas disease (CD), based on nifurtimox and benznidazole (Bz), is unsatisfactory. In this context, we performed the phenotypic
in vitro
screening of novel mono- and diamidines and drug interaction assays with selected compounds. Ten novel amidines were tested for their activities against bloodstream trypomastigote (BT) and amastigote forms of
Trypanosoma cruzi
(Y and Tulahuen strains) and their toxicities for mammalian host cells (L929 cells and cardiac cells). Seven of 10 molecules were more active than Bz against BT, with the most active compound being the diamidine DB2267 (50% effective concentration [EC
50
] = 0.23 μM; selectivity index = 417), which was 28-fold more active and about 3 times more selective than the standard drug. Five of the six monoamidines were also more active than Bz. The combination of DB2267 and DB2236 in fixed-ratio proportions showed an additive effect (sum of fractional inhibitory concentrations < 4) on BT. Interestingly, when intracellular forms were exposed to DB2267, its activity was dependent on the parasite strain, being effective (EC
50
= 0.87 ± 0.05 μM) against a discrete typing unit (DTU) II strain (strain Y) but not against a representative DTU VI strain (strain Tulahuen) even when different vehicles (β-cyclodextrin and dimethyl sulfoxide) were used. The intrinsic fluorescence of several diamidines allowed their uptake to be studied. Testing of the uptake of DB2236 (inactive) and DB2267 (active) by amastigotes of the Y strain showed that the two compounds were localized intracellularly in different compartments: DB2236 in the cytoplasm and DB2267 in the nucleus. Our present data encourage further studies regarding the activities of amidines and provide information which will help with the identification of novel agents for the treatment of CD.
Assessment of the
In Vitro
Activity of Ceftazidime-Avibactam against Multidrug-Resistant Klebsiella spp. Collected in the INFORM Global Surveillance Study, 2012 to 2014
Authors: Hackel Meredith , Kazmierczak Krystyna M. , Hoban Daryl J. , Biedenbach Douglas J. , Bouchillon Samuel K. , de Jonge Boudewijn L. M. , Stone Gregory G.
Published: May 2016

Increasing resistance in Gram-negative bacilli, including
Klebsiella
spp., has reduced the utility of broad-spectrum cephalosporins. Avibactam, a novel non-β-lactam β-lactamase inhibitor, protects β-lactams from hydrolysis by Gram-negative bacteria that produce extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) and serine carbapenemases, including Ambler class A and/or class C and some class D enzymes. In this analysis, we report the
in vitro
activity of ceftazidime-avibactam and comparators against multidrug-resistant (MDR)
Klebsiella
spp. from the 2012-2014 INFORM surveillance study. Isolates collected from 176 sites were sent to a central laboratory for confirmatory identification and tested for susceptibility to ceftazidime-avibactam and comparator agents, including ceftazidime alone. A total of 2,821 of 10,998 (25.7%)
Klebsiella
species isolates were classified as MDR, based on resistance to three or more classes of antimicrobials. Among the MDR isolates, 99.4% had an ESBL screen-positive phenotype, and 27.4% were not susceptible to meropenem as an example of a carbapenem. Ceftazidime-avibactam was highly active against MDR isolates, including ESBL-positive and serine carbapenemase-producing isolates, with MIC
50/90
values of 0.5/2 μg/ml and 96.6% of all MDR isolates and ESBL-positive MDR isolates inhibited at the FDA breakpoint (MIC value of ≤8 μg/ml). Ceftazidime-avibactam did not inhibit isolates producing class B enzymes (metallo-β-lactamases) either alone or in combination with other enzymes. These
in vitro
results support the continued investigation of ceftazidime-avibactam for the treatment of MDR
Klebsiella
species infections.
HtrA Is Important for Stress Resistance and Virulence in Haemophilus parasuis
Authors: Zhang Luhua , Li Ying , Wen Yiping , Lau Gee W. , Huang Xiaobo , Wu Rui , Yan Qigui , Huang Yong , Zhao Qin , Ma Xiaoping , Wen Xintian , Cao Sanjie
Published: May 2016

Haemophilus parasuis
is an opportunistic pathogen that causes Glässer's disease in swine, with polyserositis, meningitis, and arthritis. The high-temperature requirement A (HtrA)-like protease, which is involved in protein quality control, has been reported to be a virulence factor in many pathogens. In this study, we showed that HtrA of
H. parasuis
(HpHtrA) exhibited both chaperone and protease activities. Finally, nickel import ATP-binding protein (NikE), periplasmic dipeptide transport protein (DppA), and outer membrane protein A (OmpA) were identified as proteolytic substrates for HpHtrA. The protease activity reached its maximum at 40°C in a time-dependent manner. Disruption of the
htrA
gene from strain SC1401 affected tolerance to temperature stress and resistance to complement-mediated killing. Furthermore, increased autoagglutination and biofilm formation were detected in the
htrA
mutant. In addition, the
htrA
mutant was significantly attenuated in virulence in the murine model of infection. Together, these data demonstrate that HpHtrA plays an important role in the virulence of
H. parasuis
.
Distribution and Evolution of Yersinia Leucine-Rich Repeat Proteins
Authors: Hu Yueming , Huang He , Hui Xinjie , Cheng Xi , White Aaron P. , Zhao Zhendong , Wang Yejun
Published: May 2016

Leucine-rich repeat (LRR) proteins are widely distributed in bacteria, playing important roles in various protein-protein interaction processes. In
Yersinia
, the well-characterized type III secreted effector YopM also belongs to the LRR protein family and is encoded by virulence plasmids. However, little has been known about other LRR members encoded by
Yersinia
genomes or their evolution. In this study, the
Yersinia
LRR proteins were comprehensively screened, categorized, and compared. The LRR proteins encoded by chromosomes (LRR1 proteins) appeared to be more similar to each other and different from those encoded by plasmids (LRR2 proteins) with regard to repeat-unit length, amino acid composition profile, and gene expression regulation circuits. LRR1 proteins were also different from LRR2 proteins in that the LRR1 proteins contained an E3 ligase domain (NEL domain) in the C-terminal region or an NEL domain-encoding nucleotide relic in flanking genomic sequences. The LRR1 protein-encoding genes (
LRR1
genes) varied dramatically and were categorized into 4 subgroups (a to d), with the
LRR1a
to
-c
genes evolving from the same ancestor and
LRR1d
genes evolving from another ancestor. The consensus and ancestor repeat-unit sequences were inferred for different LRR1 protein subgroups by use of a maximum parsimony modeling strategy. Structural modeling disclosed very similar repeat-unit structures between LRR1 and LRR2 proteins despite the different unit lengths and amino acid compositions. Structural constraints may serve as the driving force to explain the observed mutations in the LRR regions. This study suggests that there may be functional variation and lays the foundation for future experiments investigating the functions of the chromosomally encoded LRR proteins of
Yersinia
.
YodL and YisK Possess Shape-Modifying Activities That Are Suppressed by Mutations in Bacillus subtilis
mreB
and
mbl
Authors: Duan Yi , Sperber Anthony M. , Herman Jennifer K.
Published: May 2016

Many bacteria utilize actin-like proteins to direct peptidoglycan (PG) synthesis. MreB and MreB-like proteins are thought to act as scaffolds, guiding the localization and activity of key PG-synthesizing proteins during cell elongation. Despite their critical role in viability and cell shape maintenance, very little is known about how the activity of MreB family proteins is regulated. Using a
Bacillus subtilis
misexpression screen, we identified two genes,
yodL
and
yisK
, that when misexpressed lead to loss of cell width control and cell lysis. Expression analysis suggested that
yodL
and
yisK
are previously uncharacterized Spo0A-regulated genes, and consistent with these observations, a Δ
yodL
Δ
yisK
mutant exhibited reduced sporulation efficiency. Suppressors resistant to YodL's killing activity occurred primarily in
mreB
mutants and resulted in amino acid substitutions at the interface between MreB and the highly conserved morphogenic protein RodZ, whereas suppressors resistant to YisK occurred primarily in
mbl
mutants and mapped to Mbl's predicted ATP-binding pocket. YodL's shape-altering activity appears to require MreB, as a Δ
mreB
mutant was resistant to the effects of YodL but not YisK. Similarly, YisK appears to require Mbl, as a Δ
mbl
mutant was resistant to the cell-widening effects of YisK but not of YodL. Collectively, our results suggest that YodL and YisK likely modulate MreB and Mbl activity, possibly during the early stages of sporulation.

IMPORTANCE
The peptidoglycan (PG) component of the cell envelope confers structural rigidity to bacteria and protects them from osmotic pressure. MreB and MreB-like proteins are thought to act as scaffolds for PG synthesis and are essential in bacteria exhibiting nonpolar growth. Despite the critical role of MreB-like proteins, we lack mechanistic insight into how their activities are regulated. Here, we describe the discovery of two
B. subtilis
proteins, YodL and YisK, which modulate MreB and Mbl activities. Our data suggest that YodL specifically targets MreB, whereas YisK targets Mbl. The apparent specificities with which YodL and YisK are able to differentially target MreB and Mbl make them potentially powerful tools for probing the mechanics of cytoskeletal function in bacteria.
Likelihood of ACL graft rupture: not meeting six clinical discharge criteria before return to sport is associated with a four times greater risk of rupture
Authors: Kyritsis Polyvios , Bahr Roald , Landreau Philippe , Miladi Riadh , Witvrouw Erik
Published: May 2016

Background

The decision as to whether or not an athlete is ready to return to sport (RTS) after ACL reconstruction is difficult as the commonly used RTS criteria have not been validated.

Purpose

To evaluate whether a set of objective discharge criteria, including muscle strength and functional tests, are associated with risk of ACL graft rupture after RTS.

Materials and methods

158 male professional athletes who underwent an ACL reconstruction and returned to their previous professional level of sport were included. Before players returned to sport they underwent a battery of discharge tests (isokinetic strength testing at 60°, 180° and 300°/s, a running t test, single hop, triple hop and triple crossover hop tests). Athletes were monitored for ACL re-ruptures once they returned to sport (median follow-up 646 days, range 1–2060).

Results

Of the 158 athletes, 26 (16.5%) sustained an ACL graft rupture an average of 105 days after RTS. Two factors were associated with increased risk of ACL graft rupture: (1) not meeting all six of the discharge criteria before returning to team training (HR 4.1, 95% CI 1.9 to 9.2, p≤0.001); and (2) decreased hamstring to quadriceps ratio of the involved leg at 60°/s (HR 10.6 per 10% difference, 95% CI 10.2 to 11, p=0.005).

Conclusions

Athletes who did not meet the discharge criteria before returning to professional sport had a four times greater risk of sustaining an ACL graft rupture compared with those who met all six RTS criteria. In addition, hamstring to quadriceps strength ratio deficits were associated with an increased risk of an ACL graft rupture.
Evidence-based medicine for all: what we can learn from a programme providing free access to an online clinical resource to health workers in resource-limited settings
Authors: Valtis Yannis K , Rosenberg Julie , Bhandari Sudip , Wachter Keri , Teichman Marie , Beauvais Sophie , Weintraub Rebecca
Published: May 2016

The rapidly changing landscape of medical knowledge and guidelines requires health professionals to have immediate access to current, reliable clinical resources. Access to evidence is instrumental in reducing diagnostic errors and generating better health outcomes. UpToDate, a leading evidence-based clinical resource is used extensively in the USA and other regions of the world and has been linked to lower mortality and length of stay in US hospitals. In 2009, the Global Health Delivery Project collaborated with UpToDate to provide free subscriptions to qualifying health workers in resource-limited settings. We evaluated the provision of UpToDate access to health workers by analysing their usage patterns. Since 2009, ∼2000 individual physicians and healthcare institutions from 116 countries have received free access to UpToDate through our programme. During 2013–2014, users logged into UpToDate ∼150 000 times; 61% of users logged in at least weekly; users in Africa were responsible for 54% of the total usage. Search patterns reflected local epidemiology with ‘clinical manifestations of malaria’ as the top search in Africa, and ‘management of hepatitis B’ as the top search in Asia. Our programme demonstrates that there are barriers to evidence-based clinical knowledge in resource-limited settings we can help remove. Some assumed barriers to its expansion (poor internet connectivity, lack of training and infrastructure) might pose less of a burden than subscription fees.
Prospective cohort analysis of cellphone use and emotional and behavioural difficulties in children
Authors: Sudan Madhuri , Olsen Jorn , Arah Oyebuchi A , Obel Carsten , Kheifets Leeka
Published: May 2016

Background

We previously reported associations between cellphone exposure and emotional and behavioural difficulties in children in the Danish National Birth Cohort using cross-sectional data. To overcome the limitations of cross-sectional analysis, we re-examined these associations with prospectively collected data.

Methods

Based on maternal reports, prenatal and postnatal cellphone exposures were assessed at age 7 years, and emotional and behavioural difficulties were assessed at 7 and 11 years with the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. We used multivariable-adjusted logistic regression models to estimate ORs and 95% CIs relating prenatal exposure and age-7 cellphone use to emotional and behavioural difficulties at age 11 years.

Results

Children without emotional and behavioural difficulties at age 7 years, but who had cellphone exposures, had increased odds of emotional and behavioural difficulties at age 11 years, with an OR of 1.58 (95% CI 1.34 to 1.86) for children with both prenatal and age-7 cellphone exposures, 1.41 (95% CI 1.20 to 1.66) for prenatal exposure only, and 1.36 (95% CI 1.14 to 1.63) for age-7 use only. These results did not materially change when early adopters were excluded, or when children with emotional and behavioural difficulties at age 7 years were included in the analysis.

Conclusions

Our findings are consistent with patterns seen in earlier studies, and suggest that both prenatal and postnatal exposures may be associated with increased risks of emotional and behavioural difficulties in children.
The clinical dilemma of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: an update on pathophysiology and management for physicians
Authors: Irizarry Pagán Emily E , Vargas Pedro E , López-Candales Angel
Published: May 2016

The prevalence of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) continues to grow at alarming rates and is predicted to become the most prevalent phenotype of heart failure over the next decade. Recent data show a higher non-cardiac comorbidity burden associated with HFpEF, and similar overall hospitalisation rates when compared with patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Unfortunately, clinicians mainly focus their efforts in diagnosis of HFrEF despite HFpEF accounting for 50% of the cases of heart failure. Therefore, this review is intended to create awareness on the pathophysiology, risk factors, diagnosis and management of patients with HFpEF and its core mechanical abnormality left ventricular diastolic dysfunction. Clinical distinction between HFpEF and HFrEF should be of particular interest to internal medicine physicians and general practitioners as this distinction is seldom made and early diagnosis can lag if appropriate risk factors are not promptly recognised.
Running on empty: a review of nutrition and physicians' well-being
Authors: Hamidi Maryam S , Boggild Miranda K , Cheung Angela M
Published: May 2016

Resident and physician burnout is a complex issue. Adequate nutrition and hydration play important roles in the maintenance of health and well-being of all individuals. Given the high prevalence of burnout in physicians, we believe that in addition to issues related to heavy workload, structure and length of shifts, the current status of physicians' nutrition and hydration and their effects on their work performance and well-being should also be addressed. In this review, we summarise the current evidence on the potential effects of nutrition and hydration on physicians' occupational well-being and performance, identify gaps and discuss opportunities to address nutrition as one of the important means of improving physicians' well-being.
Phenology and yield of native fruits cloudberry/bakeapple (Rubus chamaemorus L.) and lingonberry/partridgeberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.) grown in Southern Labrador, Canada
Authors: Li J. , Percival D. , Hoyle J. , White J. , Head K. , Pruski K.
Published: May 2016

Plant habitat, growth, fruit yield and occurrence of pollinators in cloudberry and lingonberry fields/bogs were monitored and analyzed at three locations in southern Labrador: Lanse’au Clair (51°41’ N, 57°08’ W), Red Bay (51°43’ N, 56°26’ W), and Cartwright (53°42’ N, 57°0’ W) over the two growing seasons, 2011 and 2012. The length of the growing seasons was 100–120 d ( DFRA 2014 ) with 600–700 growing degree days (GDD) ( AAFC 2014 ). The 2012 season was warmer than 2011. The plants recorded in belt transects belong to six families: Rosaceae, Ericaceae, Pottiaceae, Juncaeae, Equisetaceae, and Sphagnaceae. In the Ericaeae family, Vaccinium vitis-idaea, Arctostaphylos alpina, Empetrum nigrum, and Vaccinium angustifolium were found. In both seasons, the cloudberry was the first to bloom, followed by wild blueberry, lingonberry, and Labrador tea. The fruit yields of cloudberry and partridgeberry in southern Labrador were higher than those recorded in Finland, Norway, and in the USA. Pollinators were present in large numbers. Most of the specimens were from three orders: Hymenoptera, Diptera, and Lepidoptera. Temperature, precipitation, wind, and sunlight affected plant growth and the occurrence of pollinators. To our knowledge this is the most comprehensive study of plant growth, yield, and pollinators’ activity in cloudberry/partridgeberry fields conducted in Southern Labrador, Canada.
Abscisic acid form, concentration, and application timing influence phenology and bud cold hardiness in Merlot grapevines
Authors: Bowen Pat , Shellie Krista C. , Mills Lynn , Willwerth Jim , Bogdanoff Carl , Keller Markus
Published: May 2016

The effects of abscisic acid (ABA) form, concentration, and application timing on bud cold hardiness, phenology, and fruiting performance of Merlot grapevines (Vitis vinifera) were evaluated in a three-year field trial with site locations in British Columbia and Ontario, Canada, and in Washington and Idaho, United States. Solutions containing natural S-ABA (ABAN) and a purported long-lived ABA analogue 8'-acetylene ABA (ABAA) at differing concentrations were applied to the vine canopy at veraison or post-harvest. Postharvest foliar applications of ABANat concentrations greater than or equal to 5000 ppm tended to advance leaf abscission and increase autumn bud cold hardiness. Postharvest foliar applications of ABAAat 1000 ppm tended to delay budbreak in the spring following application and increase spring bud cold hardiness. Fruit yield and basic composition were affected little by the ABA treatments. Bud hardiness was enhanced by ABANmostly in autumn and by ABAAmostly in the spring, indicating that the suitability of ABA forms for reducing bud damage would depend on when injurious cold events are more likely.
CONTACT INSTABILITY OF NON-PLANAR ELASTOMERIC SURFACES
Authors: LI FENG , WANG PENGFEI , YANG SHUNLI , ZHAO GUIPING
Published: May 2016

Contact surfaces between non-planar elastomers widely present in the industrial and biomedical fields, such as corrugated mats and biological fillers. Probing out the mechanical instability of these contact surfaces could greatly contribute to the efficiency, safety and durability of the related structures. In this paper, we numerically studied the contact instability of non-planar elastomeric surfaces with typical projections (i.e., circular and triangle projections) by proposing an instability criterion and using the finite element method. Moreover, we studied the effects of several key factors (e.g., the geometrical parameters and the friction coefficients of the surfaces) on the critical force of the mechanical instability. It is found that with comparable geometric sizes, the surface with circular projections is more effective to enhance the contact stability than that with triangle projections. A larger slope and curvature radius result in weaker stability while a larger friction coefficient plays a positive role for the stability. However, with increasing friction coefficient, the maximum force presents smaller and smaller changes and further improvement of contact stability mainly depends on the changes of the number of projections. These investigations may improve the understanding of the mechanical instability of non-planar elastomeric surfaces and contribute to achieve better designs of related structures.
Thinking about the geosciences in their religious/philosophical context
Authors: Kölbl-Ebert Martina
Published: May 2016

At some stage in their past, all advanced civilizations have developed some sort of mining industry and a mythical approach to the explanation of various geological phenomena. Nevertheless, the geosciences per se developed in Europe, as part of natural philosophy and from there spread throughout the globe. Why Europe was the cradle of this type of natural philosophy, which led to modern science, can only be understood if we take into account not only the history of science, but a more general history of human intellectual accomplishments, including a history of theology and philosophy. This paper endeavours to trace the philosophical/religious settings that either furthered or hampered science. Historically, geology and palaeontology have been fashionable sciences from their first tentative beginnings in Renaissance times to the late nineteenth century. They were popular and of public interest as long as they bore not only scientific fruits, but also had a certain feedback on the contemporary world view. This paper outlines these interdependencies between the two
magisteria
of science and religion and gives an insight into the contemporary relationship between geology and religion.
Improving API usability
Authors: Myers Brad A. , Stylos Jeffrey
Published: May 2016

Human-centered design can make application programming interfaces easier for developers to use.
Nuclear Forensic Science: Analysis of Nuclear Material Out of Regulatory Control
Authors: Kristo Michael J. , Gaffney Amy M. , Marks Naomi , Knight Kim , Cassata William S. , Hutcheon Ian D.
Published: May 2016

Nuclear forensic science seeks to identify the origin of nuclear materials found outside regulatory control. It is increasingly recognized as an integral part of a robust nuclear security program. This review highlights areas of active, evolving research in nuclear forensics, with a focus on analytical techniques commonly employed in Earth and planetary sciences. Applications of nuclear forensics to uranium ore concentrates (UOCs) are discussed first. UOCs have become an attractive target for nuclear forensic researchers because of the richness in impurities compared to materials produced later in the fuel cycle. The development of chronometric methods for age dating nuclear materials is then discussed, with an emphasis on improvements in accuracy that have been gained from measurements of multiple radioisotopic systems. Finally, papers that report on casework are reviewed, to provide a window into current scientific practice.
Crustal Decoupling in Collisional Orogenesis: Examples from the East Greenland Caledonides and Himalaya
Authors: Hodges K.V.
Published: May 2016

Mature orogenic systems built by continent-continent collision feature orogenic plateaus flanked by accretionary wedges. Thermal-mechanical models of these systems predict the development of a thermally weakened orogenic infrastructure that is capable of lateral flow toward the orogenic foreland. Such flow, if it occurs, strongly influences the evolutionary pathway of a wedge. Although the architecture of a wedge features numerous large-displacement faults, three are preeminent in mature orogens: one that marks the base of the wedge and two others that mark the base and top, respectively, of the weakened infrastructure. These structures represent major decoupling horizons separating domains with distinctive deformational and thermal histories. Reviews of the geology of orogenic wedges in two mature orogenic systems—the Cenozoic Himalaya and the Paleozoic East Greenland Caledonides—show how this simple conceptual model provides a valuable context for studies of how collisional orogenic systems develop and how they interact with the surrounding lithosphere.
Recent Advances in Defining the Genetic Basis of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Terao Chikashi , Raychaudhuri Soumya , Gregersen Peter K.
Published: May 2016

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common inflammatory arthritis and exhibits genetic overlap with other autoimmune and inflammatory disorders. Although predominant associations with the HLA-DRB1 locus have been known for decades, recent data have revealed additional insight into the likely causative variants within HLA-DRB1 as well as within other HLA loci that contribute to disease risk. In addition, more than 100 common variants in non-HLA loci have been implicated in disease susceptibility. Genetic factors are involved not only in the development of RA, but also with various disease subphenotypes, including production and circulating levels of autoantibodies and joint destruction. The major current challenge is to integrate these new data into a precise understanding of disease pathogenesis, including the critical cell types and molecular networks involved as well as interactions with environmental factors. We predict that delineating the functional effects of genetic variants is likely to drive new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to the disease.
Microstructural Control of Additively Manufactured Metallic Materials
Authors: Collins P.C. , Brice D.A. , Samimi P. , Ghamarian I. , Fraser H.L.
Published: May 2016

In additively manufactured (AM) metallic materials, the fundamental interrelationships that exist between composition, processing, and microstructure govern these materials’ properties and potential improvements or reductions in performance. For example, by using AM, it is possible to achieve highly desirable microstructural features (e.g., highly refined precipitates) that could not otherwise be achieved by using conventional approaches. Simultaneously, opportunities exist to manage macro-level microstructural characteristics such as residual stress, porosity, and texture, the last of which might be desirable. To predictably realize optimal microstructures, it is necessary to establish a framework that integrates processing variables, alloy composition, and the resulting microstructure. Although such a framework is largely lacking for AM metallic materials, the basic scientific components of the framework exist in literature. This review considers these key components and presents them in a manner that highlights key interdependencies that would form an integrated framework to engineer microstructures using AM.
The Multiverse and Particle Physics
Authors: Donoghue John F.
Published: May 2016

The possibility of fundamental theories with very many ground states, each with different physical parameters, changes the way that we approach the major questions of particle physics. Most importantly, it raises the possibility that these different parameters could be realized in different domains in the larger universe. In this review, I survey the motivations for the multiverse and the impact of the idea of the multiverse on the search for new physics beyond the Standard Model.
Sources and Functions of Extracellular Small RNAs in Human Circulation
Authors: Fritz Joëlle V. , Heintz-Buschart Anna , Ghosal Anubrata , Wampach Linda , Etheridge Alton , Galas David , Wilmes Paul
Published: May 2016

Various biotypes of endogenous small RNAs (sRNAs) have been detected in human circulation, including microRNAs, transfer RNAs, ribosomal RNA, and yRNA fragments. These extracellular sRNAs (ex-sRNAs) are packaged and secreted by many different cell types. Ex-sRNAs exhibit differences in abundance in several disease states and have, therefore, been proposed for use as effective biomarkers. Furthermore, exosome-borne ex-sRNAs have been reported to elicit physiological responses in acceptor cells. Exogenous ex-sRNAs derived from diet (most prominently from plants) and microorganisms have also been reported in human blood. Essential issues that remain to be conclusively addressed concern the (a) presence and sources of exogenous ex-sRNAs in human bodily fluids, (b) detection and measurement of ex-sRNAs in human circulation, (c) selectivity of ex-sRNA export and import, (d) sensitivity and specificity of ex-sRNA delivery to cellular targets, and (e) cell-, tissue-, organ-, and organism-wide impacts of ex-sRNA-mediated cell-to-cell communication. We survey the present state of knowledge of most of these issues in this review.
Vibrational Heat Transport in Molecular Junctions
Authors: Segal Dvira , Agarwalla Bijay Kumar
Published: May 2016

We review studies of vibrational energy transfer in a molecular junction geometry, consisting of a molecule bridging two heat reservoirs, solids or large chemical compounds. This setup is of interest for applications in molecular electronics, thermoelectrics, and nanophononics, and for addressing basic questions in the theory of classical and quantum transport. Calculations show that system size, disorder, structure, dimensionality, internal anharmonicities, contact interaction, and quantum coherent effects are factors that combine to determine the predominant mechanism (ballistic/diffusive), effectiveness (poor/good), and functionality (linear/nonlinear) of thermal conduction at the nanoscale. We review recent experiments and relevant calculations of quantum heat transfer in molecular junctions. We recount the Landauer approach, appropriate for the study of elastic (harmonic) phononic transport, and outline techniques that incorporate molecular anharmonicities. Theoretical methods are described along with examples illustrating the challenge of reaching control over vibrational heat conduction in molecules.
Social Foundations of Health Care Inequality and Treatment Bias
Authors: Spencer Karen Lutfey , Grace Matthew
Published: May 2016

It is widely assumed that the use of medical care will lead to improvements in health, yet questions remain about the medical system's contributions to health disparities. In this review, we examine these issues with a specific focus on how health care systems may actually generate or exacerbate health disparities. We review current knowledge about inequality and bias in the health care system, including the epidemiology of such patterns and their underlying mechanisms. Over the past three decades, we observe growth in our knowledge about provider cognitive and psychological processing, including the development of precision measuring tools to analyze provider bias, racial and otherwise. In the same timeframe we observe decreased emphasis on social, interactional, organizational, and structural factors that shape variation in medical treatment. We frame our discussion within a modified social ecological model and discuss tools for moving forward and reinvigorating sociological presence in this important research area.
Corporate CEOs, 1890–2015: Titans, Bureaucrats, and Saviors
Authors: Mizruchi Mark S. , Marshall Linroy J.
Published: May 2016

Corporate chief executive officers (CEOs) have occupied important positions of power in developed societies since the nineteenth century. In this article, we describe how the nature and extent of this power has changed over time in the United States: from the corporate titans of the early twentieth century, to the bureaucratic organization men of the mid-twentieth century, to a new generation of dynamic, charismatic corporate leaders today. We discuss how the shareholder value movement in the 1980s transformed the role of the CEO and how, paradoxically, as the CEOs' compensation increased, their autonomy declined, potentially reducing their ability to focus on the long-term concerns of their firms or the larger society. We review the literature on CEO compensation, tenure, and discretionary actions, including philanthropic contributions, research and development expenditures, and political action. We conclude with a discussion of the social responsibility of contemporary corporate leaders, while pointing to the need for studies with which we can compare the views of today's CEOs with those of earlier decades.
Insulin decreases atherosclerotic plaque burden and increases plaque stability via nitric oxide synthase in apolipoprotein E-null mice
Authors: Mori Yusaku , Chiang Simon , Bendeck Michelle P. , Giacca Adria
Published: May 2016

It has been argued whether insulin accelerates or prevents atherosclerosis. Although results from in vitro studies have been conflicting, recent in vivo mice studies demonstrated antiatherogenic effects of insulin. Insulin is a known activator of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (NOS), leading to increased production of NO, which has potent antiatherogenic effects. We aimed to examine the role of NOS in the protective effects of insulin against atherosclerosis. Male apolipoprotein E-null mice (8 wk old) fed a high-cholesterol diet (1.25% cholesterol) were assigned to the following 12-wk treatments: control, insulin (0.05 U/day via subcutaneous pellet), Nω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (l-NAME, via drinking water at 100 mg/l), and insulin plus l-NAME. Insulin reduced atherosclerotic plaque burden in the descending aorta by 42% compared with control (plaque area/aorta lumen area: control, 16.5 ± 1.9%; insulin, 9.6 ± 1.3%, P < 0.05). Although insulin did not decrease plaque burden in the aortic sinus, macrophage accumulation in the plaque was decreased by insulin. Furthermore, insulin increased smooth muscle actin and collagen content and decreased plaque necrosis, consistent with increased plaque stability. In addition, insulin treatment increased plasma NO levels, decreased inducible NOS staining, and tended to increase phosphorylated vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein staining in the plaques of the aortic sinus. All these effects of insulin were abolished by coadministration of l-NAME, whereas l-NAME alone showed no effect. Insulin also tended to increase phosphorylated endothelial NOS and total neuronal NOS staining, effects not modified by l-NAME. In conclusion, we demonstrate that insulin treatment decreases atherosclerotic plaque burden and increases plaque stability through NOS-dependent mechanisms.
Improved OAM-Based Radar Targets Detection Using Uniform Concentric Circular Arrays
Authors: Lin Mingtuan , Gao Yue , Liu Peiguo , Liu Jibin
Published: May 2016

Without any relative moves or beam scanning, the novel Orbital-Angular-Momentum- (OAM-) based radar targets detection technique using uniform concentric circular arrays (UCCAs) shows the azimuthal estimation ability, which provides new perspective for radar system design. However, the main estimation method, that is, Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), under this scheme suffers from low resolution. As a solution, this paper rebuilds the OAM-based radar targets detection model and introduces the multiple signal classification (MUSIC) algorithm to improve the resolution for detecting targets within the main lobes. The spatial smoothing technique is proposed to tackle the coherent problem brought by the proposed model. Analytical study and simulation demonstrate the superresolution estimation capacity the MUSIC algorithm can achieve for detecting targets within the main lobes. The performance of the MUSIC algorithm to detect targets not illuminated by the main lobes is further evaluated. Despite the fact that MUSIC algorithm loses the resolution advantage under this case, its estimation is more robust than that of the FFT method. Overall, the proposed MUSIC algorithm for the OAM-based radar system demonstrates the superresolution ability for detecting targets within the main lobes and good robustness for targets out of the main lobes.
Rank-Constrained Beamforming for MIMO Cognitive Interference Channel
Authors: Zhang Duoying , Zhang Yao , Wu Zujian , Du Huiqin
Published: May 2016

This paper considers the spectrum sharing multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) cognitive interference channel, in which multiple primary users (PUs) coexist with multiple secondary users (SUs). Interference alignment (IA) approach is introduced that guarantees that secondary users access the licensed spectrum without causing harmful interference to the PUs. A rank-constrained beamforming design is proposed where the rank of the interferences and the desired signals is concerned. The standard interferences metric for the primary link, that is,interference temperature, is investigated and redesigned. The work provides a further improvement that optimizes the dimension of the interferences in the cognitive interference channel, instead of the power of the interference leakage. Due to the nonconvexity of the rank, the developed optimization problems are further approximated as convex form and are solved via choosing the transmitter precoder and receiver subspace iteratively. Numerical results show that the proposed designs can improve the achievable degree of freedom (DoF) of the primary links and provide the considerable sum rate for both secondary and primary transmissions under the rank constraints.
Role of T-Cell Polarization and Inflammation and Their Modulation by n-3 Fatty Acids in Gestational Diabetes and Macrosomia
Authors: Hichami A. , Grissa O. , Mrizak I. , Benammar C. , Khan N. A.
Published: May 2016

Th (T helper) cells are differentiated into either Th1 or Th2 phenotype. It is generally considered that Th1 phenotype is proinflammatory, whereas Th2 phenotype exerts anti-inflammatory or protective effects. Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has been associated with a decreased Th1 phenotype, whereas macrosomia is marked with high expression of Th1 cytokines. Besides, these two pathological situations are marked with high concentrations of inflammatory mediators like tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), known to play a pivotal role in insulin resistance. Dietary n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) may exert a beneficial effect by shifting Th1/Th2 balance to a Th2 phenotype and increasing insulin sensitivity. In this paper, we shed light on the role of T-cell malfunction that leads to an inflammatory and pathophysiological state, related to insulin resistance in GDM and macrosomia. We will also discuss the nutritional management of these pathologies by dietary n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs).