bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiplexed computations in retinal ganglion cells of a single type
Authors: Deny Stéphane , Ferrari Ulisse , Macé Emilie , Yger Pierre , Caplette Romain , Picaud Serge , Tkačik Gašper , Marre Olivier
Published: November 2017

In the early visual system, cells of the same type perform the same computation in different places of the visual field. How these cells code together a complex visual scene is unclear. A common assumption is that cells of a single-type extract a single-stimulus feature to form a feature map, but this has rarely been observed directly. Using large-scale recordings in the rat retina, we show that a homogeneous population of fast OFF ganglion cells simultaneously encodes two radically different features of a visual scene. Cells close to a moving object code quasilinearly for its position, while distant cells remain largely invariant to the object’s position and, instead, respond nonlinearly to changes in the object’s speed. We develop a quantitative model that accounts for this effect and identify a disinhibitory circuit that mediates it. Ganglion cells of a single type thus do not code for one, but two features simultaneously. This richer, flexible neural map might also be present in other sensory systems.
A feasibility study of neoadjuvant talazoparib for operable breast cancer patients with a germline BRCA mutation demonstrates marked activity
Authors: Litton J. K. , Scoggins M. , Ramirez D. L. , Murthy R. K. , Whitman G. J. , Hess K. R. , Adrada B. E. , Moulder S. L. , Barcenas C. H. , Valero V. , Gomez J. Schwartz , Mittendorf E. A. , Thompson A. , Helgason T. , Mills G. B. , Piwnica-Worms H. , Arun B. K.
Published: November 2017

This study was undertaken to determine the feasibility of enrolling breast cancer patients on a single-agent-targeted therapy trial before neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Specifically, we evaluated talazoparib in patients harboring a deleterious BRCA mutation (BRCA+). Patients with a germline BRCA mutation and ≥1 cm, HER2-negative primary tumors were eligible. Study participants underwent a pretreatment biopsy, 2 months of talazoparib, off-study core biopsy, anthracycline, and taxane-based chemotherapy ± carboplatin, followed by surgery. Volumetric changes in tumor size were determined by ultrasound at 1 and 2 months of therapy. Success was defined as 20 patients accrued within 2 years and <33% experienced a grade 4 toxicity. The study was stopped early after 13 patients (BRCA1 + n = 10; BRCA2 + n = 3) were accrued within 8 months with no grade 4 toxicities and only one patient requiring dose reduction due to grade 3 neutropenia. The median age was 40 years (range 25–55) and clinical stage included I (n = 2), II (n = 9), and III (n = 2). Most tumors (n = 9) were hormone receptor-negative, and one of these was metaplastic. Decreases in tumor volume occurred in all patients following 2 months of talazoparib; the median was 88% (range 30–98%). Common toxicities were neutropenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue. Single-agent-targeted therapy trials are feasible in BRCA+ patients. Given the rapid rate of accrual, profound response and favorable toxicity profile, the feasibility study was modified into a phase II study to determine pathologic complete response rates after 4–6 months of single-agent talazoparib.
A robot-aided visuo-motor training that improves proprioception and spatial accuracy of untrained movement
Authors: Elangovan Naveen , Cappello Leonardo , Masia Lorenzo , Aman Joshua , Konczak Jürgen
Published: November 2017

Proprioceptive function can become enhanced during motor learning. Yet, we have incomplete knowledge to what extent proprioceptive function is trainable and how a training that enhances proprioception may influence performance in untrained motor skills. To address this knowledge gap, healthy young adults (N = 14) trained in a visuomotor task that required learners to make increasingly accurate wrist movements. Using a robotic exoskeleton coupled with a virtual visual environment, participants tilted a virtual table through continuous wrist flexion/extension movements with the goal to position a rolling ball on table into a target. With learning progress, the level of difficulty increased by altering the virtual ball mechanics and the gain between joint movement and ball velocity. Before and after training, wrist position sense acuity and spatial movement accuracy in an untrained, discrete wrist-pointing task was assessed using the same robot. All participants showed evidence of proprioceptive-motor learning. Mean position sense discrimination threshold improved by 34%. Wrist movement accuracy in the untrained pointing task improved by 27% in 13/14 participants. This demonstrates that a short sensorimotor training challenging proprioception can a) effectively enhance proprioceptive acuity and b) improve the accuracy of untrained movement. These findings provide a scientific basis for applying such somatosensory-based motor training to clinical populations with known proprioceptive dysfunction to enhance sensorimotor performance.
Mineral analysis of complete dog and cat foods in the UK and compliance with European guidelines
Authors: Davies M. , Alborough R. , Jones L. , Davis C. , Williams C. , Gardner D. S.
Published: November 2017

Mineral content of complete pet food is regulated to ensure health of the companion animal population. Analysis of adherence to these regulatory guidelines has not been conducted. Here, mineral composition of complete wet (n = 97) and dry (n = 80) canine and feline pet food sold in the UK was measured to assess compliance with EU guidelines. A majority of foods complied with ≥8 of 11 guidelines (99% and 83% for dry and wet food, respectively), but many failed to provide nutritional minimum (e.g. Cu, 20% of wet food) or exceeded nutritional maximum (e.g. Se, 76% of wet food). Only 6% (6/97) of wet and 38% (30/80) of dry food were fully compliant. Some foods (20–30% of all analysed) had mineral imbalance, such as not having the recommended ratio of Ca:P (between 1:1 to 2:1). Foods with high fish content had high levels of undesirable metal elements such as arsenic. This study highlights broad non-compliance of a range of popular pet foods sold in the UK with EU guidelines (94% and 61% of wet and dry foods, respectively). If fed exclusively and over an extended period, a number of these pet foods could impact the general health of companion animals.
Musical Imagery Involves Wernicke’s Area in Bilateral and Anti-Correlated Network Interactions in Musicians
Authors: Zhang Yizhen , Chen Gang , Wen Haiguang , Lu Kun-Han , Liu Zhongming
Published: November 2017

Musical imagery is the human experience of imagining music without actually hearing it. The neural basis of this mental ability is unclear, especially for musicians capable of engaging in accurate and vivid musical imagery. Here, we created a visualization of an 8-minute symphony as a silent movie and used it as real-time cue for musicians to continuously imagine the music for repeated and synchronized sessions during functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The activations and networks evoked by musical imagery were compared with those elicited by the subjects directly listening to the same music. Musical imagery and musical perception resulted in overlapping activations at the anterolateral belt and Wernicke’s area, where the responses were correlated with the auditory features of the music. Whereas Wernicke’s area interacted within the intrinsic auditory network during musical perception, it was involved in much more complex networks during musical imagery, showing positive correlations with the dorsal attention network and the motor-control network and negative correlations with the default-mode network. Our results highlight the important role of Wernicke’s area in forming vivid musical imagery through bilateral and anti-correlated network interactions, challenging the conventional view of segregated and lateralized processing of music versus language.
Plasma metabolomic profile varies with glucocorticoid dose in patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia
Authors: Alwashih Mohammad A. , Watson David G. , Andrew Ruth , Stimson Roland H. , Alossaimi Manal , Blackburn Gavin , Walker Brian R.
Published: November 2017

Glucocorticoid replacement therapy is the mainstay of treatment for congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) but has a narrow therapeutic index and dose optimisation is challenging. Metabolomic profiling was carried out on plasma samples from 117 adults with 21-hydroxylase deficiency receiving their usual glucocorticoid replacement therapy who were part of the CaHASE study. Samples were profiled by using hydrophilic interaction chromatography with high resolution mass spectrometry. The patients were also profiled using nine routine clinical measures. The data were modelled by using both multivariate and univariate statistics by using the clinical metadata to inform the choice of patient groupings. Comparison of 382 metabolites amongst groups receiving different glucocorticoid doses revealed a clear distinction between patients receiving ≤5 mg (n = 64) and >5 mg (n = 53) daily prednisolone-equivalent doses. The 24 metabolites which were statistically significantly different between groups included free fatty acids, bile acids, and amino acid metabolites. Using 7 metabolites improved the receiver operating characteristic with area under the curve for predicting glucocorticoid dose of >0.9 with FDR adjusted P values in the range 3.3 E-04 -1.9 E-10. A combination of seven plasma metabolite biomarkers readily discriminates supraphysiological glucocorticoid replacement doses in patients with CAH.
Strain induced band inversion and topological phase transition in methyl-decorated stanene film
Authors: Wang Dongchao , Chen Li , Liu Hongmei , Shi Changmin , Wang Xiaoli , Cui Guangliang , Zhang Pinhua , Chen Yeqing
Published: November 2017

The researches for new quantum spin Hall (QSH) insulators with large bulk energy gap are of much significance for their practical applications at room temperature in electronic devices with low-energy consumption. By means of first-principles calculations, we proposed that methyl-decorated stanene (SnCH3) film can be tuned into QSH insulator under critical tensile strain of 6%. The nonzero topological invariant and helical edge states further confirm the nontrivial nature in stretched SnCH3 film. The topological phase transition originates from the s-p
xy
type band inversion at the Γ point with the strain increased. The spin-orbital coupling (SOC) induces a large band gap of ~0.24 eV, indicating that SnCH3 film under strain is a quite promising material to achieve QSH effect. The proper substrate, h-BN, finally is presented to support the SnCH3 film with nontrivial topology preserved.
Brain-to-Brain Synchrony during Naturalistic Social Interactions
Authors: Kinreich Sivan , Djalovski Amir , Kraus Lior , Louzoun Yoram , Feldman Ruth
Published: November 2017

The evolution of humans as a highly social species tuned the brain to the social world; yet the mechanisms by which humans coordinate their brain response online during social interactions remain unclear. Using hyperscanning EEG recordings, we measured brain-to-brain synchrony in 104 adults during a male-female naturalistic social interaction, comparing romantic couples and strangers. Neural synchrony was found for couples, but not for strangers, localized to temporal-parietal structures and expressed in gamma rhythms. Brain coordination was not found during a three-minute rest, pinpointing neural synchrony to social interactions among affiliative partners. Brain-to-brain synchrony was linked with behavioral synchrony. Among couples, neural synchrony was anchored in moments of social gaze and positive affect, whereas among strangers, longer durations of social gaze and positive affect correlated with greater neural synchrony. Brain-to-brain synchrony was unrelated to episodes of speech/no-speech or general content of conversation. Our findings link brain-to-brain synchrony to the degree of social connectedness among interacting partners, ground neural synchrony in key nonverbal social behaviors, and highlight the role of human attachment in providing a template for two-brain coordination.
Robust integral controllers for high‐order class‐D power amplifiers
Authors: Ablay Gunyaz
Published: November 2017

This study presents variable structure system theory based robust integral controllers for class‐D power amplifiers. These amplifiers are highly efficient switching type power amplifiers with negligible losses. Sensorless and current feedback based integral controllers with sliding modes are designed to provide robust tracking performance with negligible phase delays and distortions. The methods are capable of providing high‐quality outputs by maximising gain and minimising the tracking error and phase shifts. The validity, feasibility and robustness performance of the controllers are investigated through circuit realisations.
Double‐sided CL compensation topology based component voltage stress optimisation method for capacitive power transfer charging system
Authors: Mai Ruikun , Luo Bo , Chen Yangqi , He Zhengyou
Published: November 2017

A double‐sided capacitor–inductor (CL) compensation topology is proposed for high‐power capacitive power transfer (CPT) charging systems with a component voltage stress optimisation to alleviate the voltage stress on passive components and coupling interfaces. First, detailed analysis of the compensation topology characteristic is carried out based on fundamental harmonics approximation analysis method to yield the voltage stress functions against system's parameters. Then, a voltage stress optimisation is presented. Third, system component voltage stress can be reallocated effectively according to the desired requirement by adjusting system parameters accordingly. With the proposed voltage stress optimisation, a CPT prototype is set up to verify the proposed method performance. As per the experiment results, the efficiency of the prototype reaches 87.47% with 1494 W output power from DC to DC at the 1 MHz switching frequency. Besides, the maximum voltage stress is significantly reduced compared to that without optimisation.
Metastasis of a Dorsal Melanoma to a Pituitary Adenoma Mimicking Pituitary Apoplexy
Authors: Ramos Rui , Machado Maria , Antunes Cristiano , Fernandes Vera , Marques Olinda , Almeida Rui
Published: November 2017

Metastases to pituitary adenomas are very rare. From the 20 cases found in the literature, none originated from a cutaneous melanoma.

We present the case of a 67-year-old man with a history of transcranial approach to treat a pituitary macroadenoma followed by adjuvant radiotherapy. Fifteen years later, he presented a dorsal nodular melanoma, and three years after that, he developed symptoms of pituitary apoplexy. He was submitted to transsphenoidal surgery, and the histology result revealed metastasis of the melanoma into a pituitary adenoma.

The similarity in the clinical presentation of the two entities—pituitary apoplexy and metastasis of the melanoma into a pituitary adenoma—and the rarity of this type of metastization alert to challenges in the differential diagnosis that may confound the neurosurgeon's decision.
Fachübergreifende Frührehabilitation nach Sepsis – Eine retrospektive Analyse *
Authors: Liebl Max , Elmer Nancy , Schwedtke Christine , Schröder Isabelle , Reißhauer Anett
Published: November 2017

Theoretischer Hintergrund Nach überlebter Sepsis besteht bei vielen Patienten ein erheblicher Rehabilitationsbedarf. Die fachübergreifende Frührehabilitation ist ein Konzept zur frühen rehabilitativen Versorgung noch im Akutkrankenhaus, direkt anschließend an die Frühmobilisation auf der Intensivstation. Sie ist oft grundlegend für die Wiederherstellung der Rehabilitationsfähigkeit im Sinne der weiterführenden Rehabilitation.

Methode Diese retrospektive Analyse untersucht eine Patientenstichprobe, die nach überlebter Sepsis eine fachübergreifende Frührehabilitation erhielt. Als Parameter dienten die basalen Funktionen Mobilität und Selbsthilfefähigkeit sowie Hilfsmittelbedarf und Verlegungsumgebung.

Ergebnisse Die Veränderungen der Mobilität und Selbsthilfefähigkeit vor und nach der Frührehabilitation sind hoch signifikant (je p<0,001), die Effektstärken sehr stark (d=1,3 und 1,4). 92% der Patienten wurden differenziert mit Hilfsmitteln versorgt. Ein Großteil der Patienten (42,4%) erhielt eine fortführende stationäre Rehabilitation.

Diskussion Die dargestellten Daten belegen die enormen Funktionsgewinne, die Sepsis-Patienten im Rahmen einer fachübergreifenden Frührehabilitation erzielen können.
Experimental measurements of thermal conductivity of alumina nanofluid synthesized in salt melt
Authors: Ma Binjian , Banerjee Debjyoti
Published: November 2017

Nanoparticles were synthesized in-situ using a simple one-step synthesis protocol from a cheap additive, mixed apriori in a high temperature salt melt (solar salt, NaNO3-KNO3). The thermal conductivity of the nanofluid was measured using a standardized concentric cylinder (annulus) test apparatus under steady-state conditions. The thermal conductivity of the salt melt was enhanced by 20∼ 25% due to generation of nanoparticles in-situ from the additive. The level of enhancement was found to be insensitive to temperature but significantly exceeded the predictions from models in the literature. Materials characterization (using electron microscopy) showed the formation of percolation networks by secondary nanostructures in the molten salt nanofluid samples (that were induced by the nanoparticles generated in-situ). The enhancement in the thermos-physical properties of the salt-melt nanofluids can be attributed to the formation of these secondary nanostructures (which form a third phase).
Insights into the pre-European mammalian fauna of the southern Flinders Ranges, South Australia
Authors: Liddle Nerida R. , McDowell Matthew C. , Prideaux Gavin J.
Published: November 2017

Many Australian mammal species have suffered significant declines since European colonisation. During the first century of settlement, information on species distribution was rarely recorded. However, fossil accumulations can assist the reconstruction of historical distributions. We examine a fossil vertebrate assemblage from Mair’s Cave, one of few known from the southern Flinders Ranges, South Australia. The Mair’s Cave assemblage was dominated by mammals but also included birds and reptiles. Of the 18 mammals recovered, two have not previously been recorded from the southern Flinders Ranges, at least one is extinct and seven are recognised as threatened nationally. Characteristics of the assemblage suggest that it was accumulated by a Tyto owl species. Remains of Tyto delicatula and a larger unidentified owl were recovered from the assemblage. Most mammals identified from the assemblage presently occupy Australia’s semiarid zone, but a single specimen of the broad-toothed rat (Mastacomys fuscus), which primarily occurs in high-moisture, low-temperature environments was also recovered. This suggests either that the southern Flinders Ranges once experienced higher past precipitation, or that M. fuscus can tolerate a broader climatic range than its current distribution suggests. Our study contributes new knowledge on the biogeography and ecology of several mammal species, data useful for helping to refine restoration targets.
Winter cover crops as green manure in a temperate region: the effect on nitrogen budget and yield of silage maize
Authors: Ćupina B. , Vujić S. , Krstić Dj. , Radanović Z. , Čabilovski R. , Manojlović M. , Latković D.
Published: November 2017

Winter cover crops may provide different environmental benefits in agricultural systems. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of cover crops used as green manure on the soil nitrogen (N) budget and yield of silage maize (Zea mays L.). A field experiment was conducted between 2011 and 2013 at three locations in Vojvodina Province, Serbia. It compared common vetch (Vicia sativa L.), triticale (× Triticosecale Wittm. ex A. Camus), their mixture grown as cover crops, N fertilisation at two doses (N1 and N2), and an unfertilised fallow as a control. Cover crops were sown in autumn 2011 and 2012 and were ploughed in during May of the year after which silage maize was sown. Results show that the ability of cover crops to provide benefit for a subsequent crop is highly related to weather conditions, mainly precipitation. The two years of the study experienced completely different weather conditions, showing two aspects of how cover crops can affect subsequent crop yield and amount of N left in the soil. In 2012, the N budget was higher in all three cover crops at all locations than N1 and the control because of unfavourable weather conditions for mineralisation of organic matter. However, the cover crops had a negative effect on silage maize yield. In 2013 (an average year), the N budget was significantly higher after cover crops, and was followed by a higher yield of silage maize. Based on the 2-year average, the highest value of apparent N remaining in the soil was recorded in the mixture treatment (288.13 kg N ha–1); treatments with vetch and triticale had approximately equal values (272.17 and 272.71 kg N ha–1). The N fertilisation treatments and the control had significantly lower average values of residual N.
On the Origin of Theories: Charles Darwin’s Vocabulary of Method
Authors: Cowles Henry M.
Published: November 2017

This is an essay on the origin of theories. It argues that methodology can do more than shape scientific theories—sometimes, vocabularies of method become such theories. The origin of Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection is a case in point: Darwin’s well-known attention to methodological matters not only framed but bled into his theory of nature. A careful student of contemporary methodology, Darwin sought guidance for using a controversial tool in the scientific world in which he came of age: the hypothesis. In the process of reading the works of John Herschel and William Whewell, Darwin turned nature itself into a man of science. The hypotheses and testing of scientific practice were mirrored in the variations and selection of the natural world. Though unintentional, Darwin’s naturalization of a vocabulary of method helped pave the way for applications of evolutionary theory to the study of the human mind and, completing the circle, to the philosophy of science. Considering the role of vocabularies of method in the origin of theories suggests new directions for the study of cognitive history and the power of language to transform the historical imagination.
Neurocognitive Profiling of Adult Treatment Seekers Enrolled in a Clinical Trial of a Web-delivered Intervention for Substance Use Disorders
Authors: Aharonovich Efrat , Campbell Aimee N.C. , Shulman Matisyahu , Hu Mei-Chen , Kyle Tiffany , Winhusen Theresa , Nunes Edward V.
Published: November 2017

Objective:

This study is a secondary descriptive analysis that explores and compares the cognitive profiles of adults entering treatment at geographically diverse community-based substance use disorder treatment facilities.

Methods:

Performance on cognitive measures at baseline was compared across 5 primary substance subgroups of individuals (alcohol = 104; cocaine = 102; stimulants = 69; opioids = 108; marijuana = 114) enrolled in a web-based psychosocial treatment study conducted within the National Drug Abuse Treatment Clinical Trials Network. MicroCog subtests were used to assess cognitive domains of attention and mental control, reasoning and cognitive flexibility, and spatial processing.

Results:

The average age of onset for a substance use disorder was early to mid-20s, with marijuana users reporting the earliest age of onset (mean 19.9, SD 7.5) and stimulant users reporting the latest (mean 25.2, SD 9.9). Among the total sample, half (49.7%) demonstrated impairment in cognitive flexibility and reasoning, and over one-third (37.3%) had impairment in verbal learning and memory. Stimulant (37.68%) and cocaine (34.31%) users showed significantly greater clinical impairment in attention and mental control compared with alcohol users (17.31%) and opioid (21.30%) users (stimulant subgroup only) (χ2 [4] = 10.97, P = 0.027). Cocaine users showed the greatest overall impairment across total and proficiency subtest scores, although these were not statistically different from other subgroups.

Conclusions:

These findings confirmed previous studies, indicating a high prevalence of significant cognitive dysfunction across all substance use categories among treatment-seeking adults, and found that cocaine use appears to be associated with the most impairment. Increasing knowledge of similarities and differences between primary substance subgroups can help guide substance use disorder treatment planning.
Development of encorafenib for BRAF-mutated advanced melanoma
Authors: Koelblinger Peter , Thuerigen Olaf , Dummer Reinhard
Published: November 2017

Purpose of review

To describe the pharmacological properties, preclinical and clinical data of the novel V-Raf Murine Sarcoma Viral Oncogene Homolog B (BRAF)-inhibitor encorafenib (LGX818) and to compare these with established BRAF-inhibitors in the treatment of locally advanced or metastatic melanoma.

Recent findings

Encorafenib has shown improved efficacy in the treatment of metastatic melanoma in comparison with vemurafenib. Combination with the MEK inhibitor (MEKi) binimetinib allows for higher dose intensities of encorafenib further improving response rates (RRs).

Combination therapy with BRAF and MEKi has evolved as a standard of care in the treatment of locally advanced or metastatic BRAFV600-mutated melanoma. Despite compelling initial RRs, development of treatment resistance eventually leads to tumor progression in the majority of BRAF/MEK-inhibitor treated patients. Moreover, treatment-related adverse events are frequent, resulting in a substantial proportion of dose modifications and/or treatment discontinuations. The second-generation BRAF inhibitor encorafenib has been developed aiming at improved efficacy and tolerability through modifications in pharmacological properties. Clinical phase 3 data show improved progression-free survival both for encorafenib monotherapy and combination therapy with binimetinib compared with vemurafenib. Overall survival data and regulatory approval of this novel substance are eagerly awaited.
Collaborating With Hospital Chaplains to Meet the Spiritual Needs of Critical Care Patients
Authors: Ruth-Sahd Lisa A. , Hauck Carolanne B. , Sahd-Brown Kaitlyn E.
Published: November 2017

There are many opportunities for critical-care nurses to collaborate with chaplains in an effort to provide spiritual care for patients and their families. By recognizing the educational requirements as well as the unique roles of board-certified chaplains (BCCs), the critical-care nurse will view them as respected members of the health care team. This collaboration positively impacts the work environment and creates a holistic space for healing for patients, as well as the health care team. As nurses, we must educate and inform novice nurses about the important role of BCCs on the interdisciplinary health care team. Critical-care nurses need to incorporate the BCCs' contributions into the patient plan of care during bedside report in a way that helps the nurse understand the connection between the patient's spiritual health and his/her experience as a patient.
A Retrospective Review Comparing the Safety and Efficacy of 120 Versus 160 Applications of Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty
Authors: Wong Cliff , Tao Lingwei W. , Skalicky Simon E.
Published: November 2017

Purpose:

To compare the effectiveness and safety of 120 applications versus 160 applications of selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) at reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) from baseline in glaucoma patients over a 1-year period.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review was conducted, comprising 376 eyes from 199 patients who underwent SLT treatment performed by the same glaucoma subspecialist from 2014 to 2015. Data were obtained on patients’ clinical features, management, and outcomes. Patients were treated with either 120 applications or 160 applications of SLT per 360 degrees of trabecular meshwork over 2 sessions. Statistical analyses were performed comparing baseline IOP with IOP at 6 weeks and 1-year follow-up after completion of treatment. The incidence and severity of transient IOP rises immediately post-SLT was also recorded.

Results:

Both SLT regimes were effective at reducing IOP. Univariate t tests showed that the 160 applications group had significantly greater mean reduction of IOP from baseline at both 6 weeks (4.6 vs. 3.6 mm Hg, P=0.015) and 1-year time points (4.1 vs. 2.8 mm Hg, P=0.019). However, when multivariate analyses were used to account for the effects of clustering and include other covariates such as age, baseline IOP, history of previous SLT there was no significant difference between success rates of the 2 treatment groups at either time points. Higher baseline IOP was associated with greater IOP reduction at 6 weeks (P<0.001) and 1 year (P<0.001) for both treatment groups. There was no statistical difference in incidence and severity of IOP spikes at 1-hour post-SLT between the 2 treatment groups.

Conclusions:

SLT produces a significant IOP-lowering effect and treatment with 160 applications per 360 degrees may be more effective than 120 applications per 360 degrees. Furthermore, 160 applications of SLT does not increase the risk of transient IOP spikes.
Health Care Provider Perceptions of a Sexually Transmitted Infection Self-testing Program in an HIV Care Clinic
Authors: Tat Susana , Dhanireddy Shireesha , Marrazzo Jeanne M. , Barbee Lindley A.
Published: November 2017

Background

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) disproportionately affect men who have sex with men. Although clinical practice guidelines recommend routine STI screening of men who have sex with men who have high-risk behaviors, extragenital STI testing rates have been low in HIV clinics across the nation. The University of Washington STD Prevention Training Center implemented an STI self-testing program at a large HIV primary care clinic in Seattle, WA, to facilitate extragenital STI testing.

Methods

We performed a mixed-methods program evaluation to assess health care provider acceptability of the program at 9 months after implementation. Twenty-eight clinicians were invited to complete an online survey. We conducted one-on-one, semistructured interviews with 6 clinicians and a focus group with 7 members of the clinic nursing staff. Survey responses were tallied. Conventional content analysis was performed on survey comments and transcripts from the interviews and focus group.

Results

Ninety-one percent of clinicians were either satisfied or very satisfied with the program. Perceived advantages of the program included saving time for clinicians, overcoming patient discomfort, and increasing patient access to testing. Perceived program disadvantages included unclear responsibility of directing patients through the self-testing process and incorrect sample collection and labeling.

Conclusions

Despite perceived disadvantages, the self-testing program was acceptable to clinicians and nursing staff, key population for successful program adoption. Implementation of STI self-testing programs in clinic settings could help to increase extragenital STI testing rates by removing provider and patient barriers to testing.
The Etiology of Vaginal Discharge Syndrome in Zimbabwe: Results from the Zimbabwe STI Etiology Study
Authors: Chirenje Z. Mike , Dhibi Nicholas , Handsfield H. Hunter , Gonese Elizabeth , Tippett Barr Beth , Gwanzura Lovemore , Latif Ahmed S. , Maseko Dumisili Venessa , Kularatne Ranmini S. , Tshimanga Mufuta , Kilmarx Peter H. , Machiha Anna , Mugurungi Owen , Rietmeijer Cornelis A.
Published: November 2017

Introduction

Symptomatic vaginal discharge is a common gynecological condition managed syndromically in most developing countries. In Zimbabwe, women presenting with symptomatic vaginal discharge are treated with empirical regimens that commonly cover both sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and reproductive tract infections, typically including a combination of an intramuscular injection of kanamycin, and oral doxycycline and metronidazole regimens. This study was conducted to determine the current etiology of symptomatic vaginal discharge and assess adequacy of current syndromic management guidelines.

Methods

We enrolled 200 women with symptomatic vaginal discharge presenting at 6 STI clinics in Zimbabwe. Microscopy was used to detect bacterial vaginosis and yeast infection. Nucleic acid amplifications tests were used to detect Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, Trichomonas vaginalis, and Mycoplasma genitalium. In addition, serologic testing was performed to detect human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.

Results

Of the 200 women, 146 (73%) had an etiology detected, including bacterial vaginosis (24.7%); N. gonorrhoeae (24.0%); yeast infection (20.7%); T. vaginalis (19.0%); C. trachomatis (14.0%) and M. genitalium (7.0%). Among women with STIs (N = 90), 62 (68.9%) had a single infection, 18 (20.0%) had a dual infection, and 10 (11.1%) had 3 infections.

Of 158 women who consented to HIV testing, 64 (40.5%) were HIV infected.

The syndromic management regimen covered 115 (57.5%) of the women in the sample who had gonorrhea, chlamydia, M. genitalium, or bacterial vaginosis, whereas 85 (42.5%) of women were treated without such diagnosis.

Conclusions

Among women presenting with symptomatic vaginal discharge, bacterial vaginosis was the most common etiology, and gonorrhea was the most frequently detected STI. The current syndromic management algorithm is suboptimal for coverage of women presenting with symptomatic vaginal discharge; addition of point of care testing could compliment the effectiveness of the syndromic approach.
Frequency and Characterization of Tracheal Intubation Adverse Events in Pediatric Sepsis
Authors: Schmidt Sarah K. , Brou Lina , Deakyne Sara J. , Mistry Rakesh D. , Scott Halden F.
Published: November 2017

Objectives:

Intubation in critically ill pediatric patients is associated with approximately 20% rate of adverse events, but rates in the high-risk condition of sepsis are unknown. Our objectives were to describe the frequency and characteristics of tracheal intubation adverse events in pediatric sepsis.

Design:

Retrospective cohort study of a sepsis registry.

Setting:

Two tertiary care academic emergency departments and four affiliated urgent cares within a single children’s hospital health system.

Patients:

Children 60 days and older to 18 years and younger who required nonelective intubation within 24 hours of emergency department arrival. Exclusion criteria included elective intubation, intubation prior to emergency department arrival, presence of tracheostomy, or missing intubation chart data.

Interventions:

Not applicable.

Measurements and Main Results:

The outcome was tracheal intubation adverse event as defined by the National Emergency Airway Registry Tool 4 KIDS. During the study period, 118 of 2,395 registry patients met inclusion criteria; 100% of intubations were successful. First attempt success rate was 57% (95% CI, 48–65%); 59% were intubated in the emergency department, and 28% were intubated in the PICU. First attempts were by a resident (30%), a fellow (42%), attending (6%), and anesthesiologist (13%). Tracheal intubation adverse events were reported in 61 (43%; 95% 43–61%) intubations with severe tracheal intubation adverse events in 22 (17%; 95 CI, 13–27%) intubations. Hypotension was the most common severe event (n = 20 [17%]) with 14 novel occurrences during intubation. Mainstem bronchial intubation was the most common nonsevere event (n = 28 [24%]). Residents, advanced practice providers, and general pediatricians in urgent care settings had the lowest rates of first-pass success.

Conclusions:

The rates of tracheal intubation adverse events in this study are higher than in nonelective pediatric intubations in all conditions and highlight the high-risk nature of intubations in pediatric sepsis. Further research is needed to identify optimal practices for intubation in pediatric sepsis.
Epigenetic influences on aging: a longitudinal genome-wide methylation study in old Swedish twins
Authors: Wang Yunzhang , Karlsson Robert , Lampa Erik , Zhang Qian , Hedman Åsa K. , Almgren Malin , Almqvist Catarina , McRae Allan F. , Marioni Riccardo , Ingelsson Erik , Visscher Peter M. , Deary Ian J. , Lind Lars , Morris Tiffany , Beck Stephan , Pedersen Nancy L. , Hägg Sara
Published: November 2017

Age-related changes in DNA methylation have been observed in many cross-sectional studies, but longitudinal evidence is still very limited. Here, we aimed to characterize longitudinal age-related methylation patterns (Illumina HumanMethylation450 array) using 1011 blood samples collected from 385 old Swedish twins (mean age of 69 at baseline) up to five times over 20 years. We identified 1316 age-associated methylation sites (p<1.3×10−7) using a longitudinal epigenome-wide association study design. We measured how estimated cellular compositions changed with age and how much they confounded the age effect. We validated the results in two independent longitudinal cohorts, where 118 CpGs were replicated in PIVUS (p<3.9×10−5) and 594 were replicated in LBC (p<5.1×10−5). Functional annotation of age-associated CpGs showed enrichment in CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF) and other unannotated transcription factor binding sites. We further investigated genetic influences on methylation (methylation quantitative trait loci) and found no interaction between age and genetic effects in the 1316 age-associated CpGs. Moreover, in the same CpGs, methylation differences within twin pairs increased over time, where monozygotic twins had smaller intra-pair differences than dizygotic twins. We show that age-related methylation changes persist in a longitudinal perspective, and are fairly stable across cohorts. Moreover, the changes are under genetic influence, although this effect is independent of age. In addition, inter-individual methylation variations increase over time, especially in age-associated CpGs, indicating the increase of environmental contributions on DNA methylation with age.
Niche separation increases with genetic distance among bloom-forming cyanobacteria
Authors: Tromas Nicolas , Taranu Zofia E. , Martin Bryan D , Willis Amy , Fortin Nathalie , Greer Charles W. , Shapiro B. Jesse
Published: November 2017

Bacterial communities are composed of distinct groups of potentially interacting lineages, each thought to occupy a distinct ecological niche. It remains unclear, however, how quickly niche preference evolves and whether more closely related lineages are more likely to share ecological niches. We addressed these questions by following the dynamics of two bloom-forming cyanobacterial genera over an 8-year time-course in Lake Champlain, Canada, using 16S amplicon sequencing and measurements of several environmental parameters. The two genera,Microcystis (M)andDolichospermum (D), are frequently observed simultaneously during bloom events and thus have partially overlapping niches. However, the extent of their niche overlap is debated, and it is also unclear to what extent niche partitioning occurs among strains within each genus. To identify strains within each genus, we applied minimum entropy decomposition (MED) to 16S rRNA gene sequences. We confirmed that at a genus level,MandDhave different preferences for nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations. Within each genus, we also identified strains differentially associated with temperature, precipitation, and concentrations of nutrients and toxins. In general, niche similarity between strains (as measured by co-occurrence over time) declined with genetic distance. This pattern is consistent with habitat filtering – in which closely-related taxa are ecologically similar, and therefore tend to co-occur under similar environmental conditions. In contrast with this general pattern, similarity in certain niche dimensions (notably particulate nitrogen and phosphorus) did not decline linearly with genetic distance, and instead showed a complex polynomial relationship. This observation suggests the importance of processes other than habitat filtering – such as competition between closely-related taxa, or convergent trait evolution in distantly-related taxa – in shaping particular traits in microbial communities.
Structure of Lekking Courts of Male White-Bearded Manakins (Manacus Manacus) Is Linked to Their Attractiveness
Authors: Tokarev Kirill , van der Hoek Yntze
Published: November 2017

Male White-bearded Manakins (Manacus manacus) perform courtship displays on individual courts in close proximity of each other, while females visit them to choose potential mates. These displays represent a sequence of physiologically demanding movements, including rapid hops between saplings on the court. Our observations of courtship behavior and court characteristics of eight males suggest that the structure of the court may be an important factor in courtship: we found regularities in the inter-sapling distances on the courts of males that attracted females. We hypothesize that sexual selection by females may favor those males that have courts providing an optimal platform for their courtship display.

Estructura de escenarios de lek de saltarines barbiblancos (Manacus manacus) es conectada a su atractivo

Resumen: Los saltarines barbiblancos (Manacus manacus) machos realizan despliegues de cortejo en “escenarios” individuales cercanos los unos a los otros, mientras las hembras los visitan para escoger su pareja potencial. Estos despliegues representan una secuencia de movimientos fisiológicamente arduos, que incluyen saltos rápidos entre los palos o plantones del escenario. Nuestras observaciones de comportamiento nupcial y de las características de los escenarios de ocho machos sugieren que la estructura del escenario puede ser importante para cortejo: habían regularidades en distancias entre los palos de los escenarios de los machos que atrajeron hembras. Formulamos la hipótesis que la selección sexual realizada por las hembras favorece los machos con escenarios que proporcionan una plataforma óptima para sus despliegues de cortejo.
Internet researchers’ data sharing behaviors
Authors: Kim Youngseek , Nah Seungahn
Published: November 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how data reuse experience, attitudinal beliefs, social norms, and resource factors influence internet researchers to share data with other researchers outside their teams.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was conducted to examine the extent to which data reuse experience, attitudinal beliefs, social norms, and resource factors predicted internet researchers’ data sharing intentions and behaviors. The theorized model was tested using a structural equation modeling technique to analyze a total of 201 survey responses from the Association of Internet Researchers mailing list.

Findings

Results show that data reuse experience significantly influenced participants’ perception of benefit from data sharing and participants’ norm of data sharing. Belief structures regarding data sharing, including perceived career benefit and risk, and perceived effort, had significant associations with attitude toward data sharing, leading internet researchers to have greater data sharing intentions and behavior. The results also reveal that researchers’ norms for data sharing had a direct effect on data sharing intention. Furthermore, the results indicate that, while the perceived availability of data repository did not yield a positive impact on data sharing intention, it has a significant, direct, positive impact on researchers’ data sharing behaviors.

Research limitations/implications

This study validated its novel theorized model based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB). The study showed a holistic picture of how different data sharing factors, including data reuse experience, attitudinal beliefs, social norms, and data repositories, influence internet researchers’ data sharing intentions and behaviors.

Practical implications

Data reuse experience, attitude toward and norm of data sharing, and the availability of data repository had either direct or indirect influence on internet researchers’ data sharing behaviors. Thus, professional associations, funding agencies, and academic institutions alike should promote academic cultures that value data sharing in order to create a virtuous cycle of reciprocity and encourage researchers to have positive attitudes toward/norms of data sharing; these cultures should be strengthened by the strong support of data repositories.

Originality/value

In line with prior scholarship concerning scientific data sharing, this study of internet researchers offers a map of scientific data sharing intentions and behaviors by examining the impacts of data reuse experience, attitudinal beliefs, social norms, and data repositories together.
Mechanical properties and water absorption of surface modified ABS 3D printed by fused deposition modelling
Authors: Leite Marco , Varanda André , Ribeiro António Relógio , Silva Arlindo , Vaz Maria Fátima
Published: November 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of a sealing protective treatment on the water absorption and mechanical properties of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)-printed parts by fused deposition modelling. Protective products include aqueous acetone solutions with different concentrations, polyurethane wood sealer and aqueous acrylic-based varnish.

Design/methodology/approach

Open porosity was estimated by the absorption coefficient and the total amount of water retained, obtained from water absorption tests. Mechanical characterization was performed by compressive and tensile tests. Different specimens with different build directions and raster angles were used.

Findings

The treatments with acetone solutions were not effective in reducing the porosity of ABS parts, as the amount of acetone that reduces effectively the porosity will also affect the sample dimensional stability. The polyurethane treatment was found to reduce the absorption coefficient, but the maximum water content and the open porosity remain almost unchanged in comparison with the ones obtained for untreated specimens. The treatment with an acrylic-based varnish was found to preserve the dimensional stability of the specimens, to reduce the open porosity and to maintain the compression and tension properties of the specimens in different build directions and raster angles.

Originality/value

Surface modification for water tight applications of ABS 3D printing parts enables new designs where both sealing and the preservation of mechanical properties are important. As per the knowledge of the authors, the water absorption and the mechanical behaviour of ABS 3D printed parts, before and after treatment, were not previously investigated.
The Determinants of Foreign Currency Debt Financing: Borrower Incentives or Lender Incentives?
Authors: Bae Sung C. , Kim Hyeon Sook , Kwon Taek Ho
Published: November 2017

We offer new evidence that firm‐level determinants of foreign currency (FC) and local currency (LC) debt financing differ significantly. WhileLCdebt financing is affected mainly by demand‐side borrower incentives, such as operating profitability, financing deficit, and depreciation expenses that reflect borrowers' capital needs,FCdebt financing is affected mostly by supply‐side lender incentives, such as tangible assets, firm size, asset growth, and R&D expenses, whichFCdebt lenders consider in assessing the potential value of collateral, in addition to the widely‐reported export ratio. Our results remain robust in the presence of macro‐level factors.