bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uncontrolled blood pressure as an independent risk factor of early impaired left ventricular systolic function in treated hypertension
Authors: Chen Xiao‐Jing , Sun Xiao‐Lin , Zhang Qing , Gao Xi‐Lian , Liang Yu‐Jia , Jiang Jing , Kang Yu , Chen Yu‐Cheng , Zeng Zhi , Yu Cheuk‐Man
Published: July 2016

Background

Uncontrolled blood pressure (BP) is commonly observed in patients receiving antihypertensive agents. However, its relationship with early left ventricular (LV) dysfunction has not been elucidated.

Methods

This study enrolled 276 patients with treated hypertension and 85 healthy controls. The 140/90 mm Hg was used to define controlled (HT1 group, n=145) or uncontrolled BP (HT2 group, n=131) according to the concurrent guidelines. LV myocardial function was assessed by two‐dimensional speckle tracking imaging, and the circumferential end‐systolic wall stress (cESS)‐corrected mid‐wall fraction shortening (MWFS), systolic longitudinal (εLs‐18), circumferential (εCs‐18), and radial (εRs‐18) strain were measured.

Results

Despite similar ejection fraction, the HT1 and HT2 groups displayed an overall reduction in the cESS‐corrected MWFS (13.4±2.7 vs 11.7±1.7 vs 15.5±1.2), εLs‐18 (15.6±2.8 vs 13.0±2.2 vs 17.4±2.8), εCs‐18 (17.3±3.4 vs 14.1±2.7 vs 18.9±3.3), and εRs‐18 (18.4±4.0 vs 14.8±3.1 vs 20.5±4.5) %·cm2/kdyne·10−2 when compared with the control group (all P<.001). The changes were more obvious in the HT2 group, regardless of LV hypertrophy. Reductions in the cESS‐corrected MWFS and εLs‐18 were seen in 68 (25%) and 52 (19%) patients, respectively. Uncontrolled BP were 4.365 times (95% CI 2.203–8.648, P<.001) and 3.928 times (1.851–8.337, P<.001) more likely to be associated with the changes.

Conclusions

Uncontrolled BP in hypertensive patients is associated with further reduction in LV myocardial function detected by advanced echocardiographic techniques, which cannot be explained by the increase in afterload. It might be regarded as a composite risk factor for earlier and faster development of clinical heart failure, therefore, a simplified treatment target.
Taxonomic review ofAgraphydrusfrom Japan (Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae: Acidocerinae)
Authors: Minoshima Yûsuke N.
Published: July 2016

The Japanese species of the genusAgraphydrusare revised. Five species are recognized, includingAgraphydrus ogataisp. nov.from Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu. The new species can be distinguished by the coarse ground punctures on the pronotum and elytra, and by the shape of parameres. All species exceptA. luteilateralisare redescribed. All species are diagnosed, relevant morphological characters are illustrated, distributional records are summarized and an updated key is provided.
Cornicle secretions of Uroleucon nigrotuberculatum (Homoptera: Aphididae) as the last bullet against lady beetle larvae
Authors: Barry Adema , Ohno Kazuro
Published: July 2016

Aphids have evolved various defense strategies against natural enemies, including secretions from their cornicles. We assessed the defensive function of cornicle secretions by the goldenrod aphid, Uroleucon nigrotuberculatum (Olive), against larvae of the lady beetles Coccinella septempunctata bruckii Mulsant and Propylea japonica (Thunberg) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). The aphid secreted red droplets from its cornicles when attacked by the larvae. Two‐thirds of the C. septempunctata bruckii larvae and 46.7% of the P. japonica larvae that preyed on the aphids died before reaching the pre‐pupal stage. The secretions caused molting failure when smeared on the larvae's heads or glued to the larvae's mouthparts, killing 56.7% of C. septempunctata bruckii larvae and 36.7% of P. japonica larvae. Second instar larvae were affected most. About 40% of third and fourth instar larvae of C. septempunctata bruckii vomited soon after ingesting the aphids. In the field, up to 40% of first and second instar larvae were smeared with red secretions. Our results show that these cornicle secretions are an effective and active defense against earlier instars of coccinellid larvae.
Vulnerability by Marriage: Okin's Radical Feminist Critique of Structural Gender Inequality
Authors: Ferguson Michaele L.
Published: July 2016

The central thesis of Susan Okin'sJustice, Gender, and the Family—that the ideology of the traditional family is the linchpin of contemporary gender inequality in the US—remains significant more than a quarter‐century after the book's publication. On a political register, Okin's insistence on structural analysis of gender inequality is an important corrective to recent mainstream feminist emphasis on individual women's choices. On an academic register, her work reveals the incoherence of scholarly classifications of feminist theories as “liberal feminist” or “radical feminist” by confounding such distinctions. I argue that her thesis is best understood in relation to the early radical feminism of Juliet Mitchell'sWoman's Estate, a book Okin praised. Placing Okin's work in the context of its radical roots clarifies her “linchpin thesis,” but also reveals the limitations of her argument: in her emphasis on what Iris Young has termed the “distributive paradigm of justice,” Okin unnecessarily adopts a much narrower definition of the family than did Mitchell, and overestimates the influence of economic vulnerability after divorce on women's capacity to exit marriage. I suggest modifications to her theory, and conclude by showing the continuing relevance of her argument for analyzing recent legal, policy, and demographic shifts.
Research on m‐machine flow shop scheduling with truncated learning effects
Authors: Wang Ji‐Bo , Liu Feng , Wang Jian‐Jun
Published: July 2016

The permutation flow shop problems with truncated exponential sum of logarithm processing times based and position‐based learning effects are considered in this study. The objective is to minimize makespan and total weighted completion time, respectively. Several heuristics and a branch‐and‐bound algorithm are proposed in this paper. The tight worst‐case bounds of some simple heuristics are also given. Numerical experiments are tested to evaluate the performance of the heuristics and branch‐and‐bound algorithm.
Dynamics of Inequality: In Response
Authors: Dorling Danny
Published: July 2016

Danny Dorling offers a response to the article by Adamou and Peters
There is more to the picture than meets the eye: adaptation for crypsis blurs phylogeographical structure in a lizard
Authors: Díaz José A. , Verdú‐Ricoy Joaquín , Iraeta Pablo , Llanos‐Garrido Alejandro , Pérez‐Rodríguez Antón , Salvador Alfredo
Published: July 2016

Aim

We examined dorsal coloration in and genetic relationships among Iberian populations of the lizard Psammodromus algirus to determine the extent to which the current distribution of phenotypic variation is correlated with phylogeographical history or local environmental conditions.

Location

Iberian Peninsula, western Palaearctic.

Methods

We sequenced mitochondrial DNA (ND4 and adjacent tRNAs genes) in 36 populations, and seven microsatellite loci in eight representative populations. In 23 populations, lizards were classified according to the presence and intensity of a dorsal striped pattern, the heritability of which was estimated by means of mother–offspring regressions. To determine whether colour pattern is an adaptation for crypsis, we compared the time taken by humans to detect striped and unstriped lizards in different environments.

Results

The analysis of mtDNA revealed an ancient split between a western clade, subdivided into south‐ and north‐western haplogroups, and an eastern clade with central, south‐eastern and eastern haplogroups. In contrast, nuclear markers showed a post‐glacial admixture of central and western haplogroups, with the central haplogroup apparently isolated from the rest of its clade. This was consistent with variation in the dorsal striped pattern, a heritable phenotypic trait: central and western lizards were unstriped, whereas eastern lizards were striped. We then suggest that dorsal coloration promotes crypsis: in eastern locations detection times were longer for striped than for unstriped lizards, whereas the opposite was true in western and central locations.

Main conclusions

Our results indicate that natural selection for crypsis may promote not only divergence within clades, as suggested by the apparent isolation between unstriped central lizards and striped members of eastern haplogroups, but also admixture between them. We conclude that ecologically driven selection is crucial for understanding the phylogeographical background of phenotypic variation, because recent adaptation to the environment can blur the effects of ancestral isolation.
Encouraging professional scepticism in medical practice
Authors: Feragen Anne Rose R
Published: July 2016

Complex cases constitute a considerable part of what medical practitioners have to deal with. In this paper, I refer specifically to instances that are complex as they are related to the profound epistemological problem of underdetermination. The underdetermination thesis states that theories are underdetermined by data, meaning that any set of data is logically compatible with different scientific theories. For the medical practitioners, this means that there is a risk that the analysis they give or the judgments they make might be incorrect. As being incorrect might lead to patients experiencing additional, more intense or prolonged suffering, it is very important that uncertainty is dealt with in a professional way. The ancient scepticism proposed by Sextus Empiricus and the professional scepticism in auditing of today both offer systematic approaches to what is uncertain that might work also in a medical setting.
Sex Differences in Hip Fracture Surgery: Preoperative Risk Factors for Delirium and Postoperative Outcomes
Authors: Oh Esther S. , Sieber Frederick E. , Leoutsakos Jeannie‐Marie , Inouye Sharon K. , Lee Hochang B.
Published: July 2016

Objectives

To describe the differences observed in risk factors for delirium and outcomes between men and women undergoing hip fracture repair surgery.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Academic medical center.

Participants

Individuals with acute hip fracture admitted to an academic medical center (N = 431).

Measurements

Information on preoperative demographic characteristics, medical history, laboratory results, and postoperative outcomes was obtained according to history and chart review. Delirium was assessed using the Confusion Assessment Method.

Results

The overall incidence of postoperative delirium was 34%, with men more likely to experience postoperative delirium (44.8%) than women (30.2%) (P = .004). Male sex was associated with postoperative delirium in individuals with hip fracture, even after adjusting for other preoperative risk factors. Other significant preoperative risk factors included age, dementia, Parkinson's disease, and American Society of Anesthesiologists classification. Men were also more likely to experience other postoperative complications and have longer hospital length of stay.

Conclusion

Men are at higher risk of postoperative delirium after hip fracture repair than women and have more postoperative surgical complications. Their higher risk of postoperative delirium may be due to their underlying preoperative disease severity.
Prevention of Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding
Authors: Phillippi Julia C. , Holley Sharon L. , Morad Anna , Collins Michelle R.
Published: July 2016

The risk that a newborn will develop vitamin K deficiency bleeding is 1700/100,000 (one out of 59) if vitamin K is not administered. When intramuscular vitamin K is administered, the risk of vitamin K deficiency bleeding is reduced to 1/100,000. While women may have misconceptions about vitamin K prophylaxis for their newborns, health care providers should be prepared with factual information. Prophylaxis is needed even for healthy newborns without risk factors for bleeding. Other forms of vitamin K supplementation, including oral administration of Food and Drug Administration‐approved vitamin K preparations and maternal supplements during pregnancy or lactation, do not have the same effectiveness as the parenteral form. The formulations of vitamin K approved for use in the United States have not been associated with childhood leukemia or other childhood health problems. Care providers need to give accurate information to families regarding the risks and benefits of vitamin K prophylaxis. An interprofessional approach to education can be effective in increasing acceptance of vitamin K prophylaxis and decreasing the incidence of vitamin K deficiency bleeding. This article uses a case study approach to highlight common misconceptions about vitamin K prophylaxis and discuss a recent interprofessional collaboration to prevent vitamin K deficiency bleeding.
Is ThereAny‐Body on Stage? A Legal (Mis)understanding of Performances
Authors: Pavis Mathilde
Published: July 2016

This article investigates the legal narrative which frames the protection of performances. The author uses an interdisciplinary approach to examine the overlap between the narratives describing performers’ creativity present in the performing art studies and in the legal jurisprudence. To this end, the analysis questions whether the law has followed similar theoretical evolutions these creative fields experienced. It is argued that a fundamental theoretical gap still separates the two worlds on core issues like creativity, authorship or performance. This article identifies when such a divide occurred and attempts to explain why such split has not yet been bridged by policy‐makers. The artistic practice of Disability Dance is used to highlight the possible causes of lawyers’ (mis)understanding of the act of performing but is also presented as an argument for reform.
Sex differences in stress‐induced visceral hypersensitivity following early life adversity: a two hit model
Authors: Prusator D. K. , Greenwood‐Van Meerveld B.
Published: July 2016

Background

Early life adversity (ELA) has been indicated as a risk factor for the development of stress axis dysfunction in adulthood, specifically in females. We previously showed that unpredictable ELA induces visceral hyperalgesia in adult female rats. It remains to be determined whether ELA alters visceral nociceptive responses to stress in adulthood. The current study tested the hypothesis that following ELA, exposure to an adulthood stressor, or second hit, serves as a risk factor for exaggerated stress‐induced visceral hypersensitivity that is sex‐specific.

Methods

Following ELA, adult stress was induced via a single exposure (acute) or repetitive daily exposure, 1 h/day for 7 days (chronic), to water avoidance stress (WAS).

Key Results

Acute WAS increased pain behaviors in all adult female rats, however, females that experienced unpredictable ELA exhibited significantly more pain behaviors compared to those exposed to predictable ELA or controls. Following chronic WAS, all adult females exhibited increased pain responses, however, an exaggerated response was observed in rats exposed to unpredictable or predictable ELA compared to controls. Similarly, in adult male rats exposure to acute or chronic WAS increased pain behaviors, however, there were no differences in pain behaviors between ELA groups.

Conclusions & Inferences

This study highlights a novel consequence of ELA on stress‐induced visceral nociception in adulthood that is sex‐specific. More importantly, our study suggests that ELA not only serves as a risk factor for development of chronic pain in adulthood, but also serves as a predisposition for worsening of visceral pain following adult stress in female rats.
Challenging the paradigms of leaf evolution: Class III HD‐Zips in ferns and lycophytes
Authors: Vasco Alejandra , Smalls Tynisha L. , Graham Sean W. , Cooper Endymion D. , Wong Gane Ka‐Shu , Stevenson Dennis W. , Moran Robbin C. , Ambrose Barbara A.
Published: July 2016

Despite the extraordinary significance leaves have for life on Earth, their origin and development remain vigorously debated. More than a century of paleobotanical, morphological, and phylogenetic research has still not resolved fundamental questions about leaves. Developmental genetic data are sparse in ferns, and comparative studies of lycophytes and seed plants have reached opposing conclusions on the conservation of a leaf developmental program.

We performed phylogenetic and expression analyses of a leaf developmental regulator (Class III HD‐Zip genes; C3HDZs) spanning lycophytes and ferns.

We show that a duplication and neofunctionalization of C3HDZs probably occurred in the ancestor of euphyllophytes, and that there is a common leaf developmental mechanism conserved between ferns and seed plants. We show C3HDZ expression in lycophyte and fern sporangia and show that C3HDZs have conserved expression patterns during initiation of lateral primordia (leaves or sporangia). This expression is maintained throughout sporangium development in lycophytes and ferns and indicates an ancestral role of C3HDZs in sporangium development.

We hypothesize that there is a deep homology of all leaves and that a sporangium‐specific developmental program was coopted independently for the development of lycophyte and euphyllophyte leaves. This provides molecular genetic support for a paradigm shift in theories of lycophyte leaf evolution.
MTHFR c.677C>T is a risk factor for non‐syndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate in Chile
Authors: Ramírez‐Chau C , Blanco R , Colombo A , Pardo R , Suazo J
Published: July 2016

Objective

The functional variant within the 5,10‐methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene c.677C>T, producing alterations in folate metabolism, has been associated with the risk of non‐syndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (NSCL/P). We assessed this association in a Chilean population using a combined analysis of case–control and case–parent trio samples.

Subjects and methods

Samples of 165 cases and 291 controls and 121 case–parent trios (sharing the cases) were genotyped. Odds ratio (OR) was estimated for case–control (allele and genotype frequency differences), and this result was confirmed by allele transmission distortion in trios. Due to that these samples are not independent, a combined OR was also computed. Maternal genotype effect was additionally evaluated based on a log‐linear method.

Results

Borderline but not significant OR (1.28; CI 0.97–1.69) was observed for risk allele (T) in the case–control sample. However, triad sample showed a significant association (OR 1.56: CI 1.09–2.25) which was confirmed by the combined OR (1.37; CI 1.11–1.71). Maternal genotype has been also associated with the phenotype (P = 0.002).

Conclusions

In contrast to previous reports considering Chilean subjects, our results demonstrated that the offspring and maternal genotypes for MTHFR c.677C>T variant are strongly associated with NSCL/P in this Chilean population.
Impacts of Tumor Location, Nature and Bone Destruction of Extremity Osteosarcoma on Selection of Limb Salvage Operative Procedure
Authors: Chen Yu , Yu Xiu‐chun , Xu Song‐feng , Xu Ming , Song Ruo‐xian
Published: July 2016

Objective

To study the impacts of tumor location, nature and extent of bone destruction on selection of operative protocol for extremity osteosarcoma (OS).

Methods

The medical records of 201 patients with extremity OS treated in our institute from December 1999 to June 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. Ninety eligible patients (56 males and 34 females) of average age 20 ± 11 years (range, 4–40 years) were enrolled. Tumor locations were categorized as diaphyseal (4; diaphysis group) or juxta‐articular (86); the latter being subclassified as with (51, type III, epiphysis group) or without invasion beyond the epiphyseal line or plate (35, type I and II, metaphysis group) according to MRI images. Tumor nature (osteogenic, 51; osteolytic, 39) was determined radiologically. Extent of bone destruction was quantitated according to Mirel's scoring system to obtain an “invasion score”. Regular postoperative follow‐up included physical examination and imaging evaluation.

Results

Fifty‐four patients underwent biological reconstruction and 36 mechanical reconstruction. The mean follow‐up duration was 51 months (range, 6–176 months, including four deaths within 12 months). Biological reconstruction was performed more frequently in the diaphysis and metaphysis groups (31/39, 79.5%) than mechanical reconstruction (8/39, 20.5%, P < 0.05). Biological reconstruction and articular preservation were associated with more satisfactory limb function (MSTS scores: 25.0 ± 3.3 and 25.1 ± 3.6) than mechanical reconstruction and articular resection (MSTS scores: 23.4 ± 3.7 and 23.1 ± 3.4, P < 0.05). Reconstruction methods and articular preservation had no relationship with overall or tumor‐free survival (P > 0.05). Osteolytic lesions were associated with more extensive bone destruction than osteogenic lesions according to invasion scores (P < 0.05). Following biological reconstruction, high invasion scores (>8) had a 13.5‐fold risk of fracture compared with low scores (≤8) (P < 0.05). Twenty‐one subjects had recurrences, 30 metastases and 26 died. Postoperative complications included infection (6), fracture (10), and prosthesis loosening (4). Kaplan‐Meier analysis indicated 5‐ and 10‐year survival rates of 68.9% and 62.8%, respectively, and 5‐ and 10‐year tumor‐free survival rates of 66.7% and 57.8%, respectively.

Conclusion

Selection of limb salvage operative protocol for extremity OS should rely on tumor location, nature and extent of bone destruction. Regardless of tumor site, mechanical reconstruction is indicated for tumors with high invasion scores (>8), whereas biological reconstruction is preferred for those with low invasion scores (≤8). Tumors sparing the epiphyseal line or plate are ideal candidates for articular preservation.
Preliminary Application of Precision Genomic Medicine Detecting Gene Variation in Patients with Multifocal Osteosarcoma
Authors: Zhang Hao‐qiang , Li Ming‐hui , Gao Peng , Lan Ping‐heng , Fan Bo , Xiao Xin , Lu Ya‐jie , Chen Guo‐jing , Wang Zhen
Published: July 2016

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to present our clinical experience of treating multifocal osteosarcoma (MFOS) in our center and gain more insight into the biology of this rare condition; in particular, to address with the help of precision genomic medicine the issue of whether the multiple osteosarcoma (OS) lesions in such patients are multi‐centric or originate from one primary lesion and metastasize to other sites. Finally, we aimed to identify particular gene phenotypes and mutations that differentiate MFOS from OS with only one tumor.

Methods

Clinical data of patients with MFOS treated at our center between June 2007 and October 2014 were collected and analyzed retrospectively. High throughput sequencing of the whole exome of normal tissue and multiple lesions had been performed on samples from two patients (HJF and JZ) diagnosed in 2014. To explore the particular gene phenotype and clinical significance of MFOS, these sequencing results were analyzed and compared with those from patients with osteosarcoma in a single site. Seven patients with MFOS (three male and four female; average age 19.71 ± 3.35 years were enrolled in this study. Two of these patients declined treatment and died after 4 and 6 months, respectively. The remaining patients received standard treatment comprising neoadjuvant chemotherapy, surgery and chemotherapy. The chemotherapy regimen was lobaplatin (45 mg/m2), doxorubicin (60 mg/m2) and ifosfamide (12 g/m2). Patients were followed up every 3 months after completing treatment and evaluated by the Enneking and Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors scoring systems.

Results

Up to the last follow‐up on 1 December 2015, three patients were still alive. The event‐free survival ranged from 4 to 144 weeks (median, 50.14 weeks), the mean (±SD) being 55.45 ± 45.47 weeks. Overall survival ranged from 16 to 388 weeks (median, 89 weeks; mean ± SD, 118.7 ± 147.7 weeks). The rates of mutation of the targeted drug‐related genes were 133.5% ± 3.0% in the proximal tibia lesion and 113.1% ± 1.9% in the distal femur of patient HJF (P < 0.01) and 136.1% ± 10.8% in the proximal tibial lesion and 122.3% ± 5.5% in the proximal humerus of patient JZ (P = 0.0335). Furthermore, there were several anti‐oncogenes in the somatic copy number variation lists analyzed from the two patients, especially TP53. However, no kataegis was found.

Conclusions

Early and radical surgery accompanied by appropriate chemotherapy is the optimal means of treating MFOS. These patients may benefit from precision genomic medicine.
Banking on Infrastructure: Exploring the Fiscal Impacts of State Infrastructure Bank (SIB) Loans on Leveraging State and Local Transportation Investment
Authors: Chen Can
Published: July 2016

State Infrastructure Banks (SIBs) are revolving transportation infrastructure investment funds that are capitalized with federal assistance funds and state‐matching funds. Despite decades of use, research on innovative infrastructure finance lags behind the practice. Little research has been conducted on examining whether SIBs achieve the goal of increasing state and local transportation investment through their awarded loans and other financing activities. To fill the void, the primary purpose of the paper is to empirically estimate the fiscal effects of SIB loans on leveraging state and local highway capital investment. Using panel data consisting of SIB loan parameters made by the seven states from 1998 to 2010, the study finds that one dollar of three‐year lagged SIB loan disbursements to state and local highway project sponsors will increase state and local highway capital expenditure in the current year by nearly three dollars. In addition, the study confirms that higher SIB loan interest rates strengthen the role of the SIB program on stimulating state and local highway capital investment.
Internal Control Deficiencies and Municipal Borrowing Costs
Authors: Park Young Joo , Matkin David S.T. , Marlowe Justin
Published: July 2016

“Internal controls” refer to organizational rules and procedures used to safeguard assets and to detect fraud, waste, and abuse. This study examines the relationship between internal control deficiencies and municipal bond borrowing costs. The most severe form of internal control deficiencies (i.e., material weaknesses) is associated with higher borrowing costs for municipal bonds, between 10 and 18 basis points. Credit ratings mediate some of the effect of material weaknesses in internal controls but the indirect effect is relatively small. The effect of internal control deficiencies on borrowing costs was consistent in the time period before and after the financial crisis.
Loss of strumpellin in the melanocytic lineage impairs theWASHComplex but does not affect coat colour
Authors: Tyrrell Benjamin J. , Woodham Emma F. , Spence Heather J. , Strathdee Douglas , Insall Robert H. , Machesky Laura M.
Published: July 2016

The five‐subunitWASHcomplex generates actin networks that participate in endocytic trafficking, migration and invasion in various cell types. Loss of one of the two subunitsWASHor strumpellin in mice is lethal, but little is known about their role in mammals in vivo. We explored the role of strumpellin, which has previously been linked to hereditary spastic paraplegia, in the mouse melanocytic lineage. Strumpellin knockout in melanocytes revealed abnormal endocytic vesicle morphology but no impairment of migration in vitro or in vivo and no change in coat colour. Unexpectedly,WASHand filamentous actin could still localize to vesicles in the absence of strumpellin, although the shape and size of vesicles was altered. Blue nativePAGErevealed the presence of two distinctWASHcomplexes, even in strumpellin knockout cells, revealing that theWASHcomplex can assemble and localize to endocytic compartments in cells in the absence of strumpellin.
Longitudinal Antibiotic Susceptibility Profiles of Staphylococcus aureus Cutaneous Infections in a Pediatric Outpatient Population
Authors: Slater Nathaniel A. , Gilligan Peter H. , Morrell Dean S.
Published: July 2016

This longitudinal update on Staphylococcus aureus prevalence and antibiotic resistance patterns surveyd 291 cultures from 188 patients in a pediatric outpatient dermatology clinic with suspected skin and soft tissue infections. The prevalence of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus remained stable at 24%. Staphylococcus aureus resistance to tetracyclines modestly but demonstrably increased in the interval since 2009.
A unique chromosomal in‐frame deletion identified among seven XP‐C patients
Authors: Schubert Steffen , Rieper Petra , Ohlenbusch Andreas , Seebode Christina , Lehmann Janin , Gratchev Alexei , Emmert Steffen
Published: July 2016

Background

The nucleotide excision repair (NER) pathway, defective in xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) patients, removes DNA photolesions in order to prevent carcinogenesis. Complementation group C (XP‐C) is the most frequent group of XP patients worldwide.

Methods

We analyzed seven XP‐C patients clinically and molecular‐genetically applying: post‐UV cell survival (MTT‐assay), quantitative Real‐time PCR, sequencing on chromosomal as well as cDNA level, and in silico interpretation of sequencing data.

Results

All cases displayed diminished post‐UV cell survival as well as reduced XPC mRNA levels. Five homozygous and two heterozygous disease causing mutations were identified. A large chromosomal deletion of ~5.8 kb identified in XP174MA leads to an unique in frame deletion of XPC exon 2 and exon 3. In silico analysis revealed the deletion of 102 amino acids in the N‐terminal part of XPC while leaving the C‐terminal domain intact. The novel c.361delA mutation in XP168MA leads to a frameshift in exon 3 resulting in a premature stop codon 27 codons downstream of the deleted adenine.

Conclusion

Our analysis confirms that XP‐C patients without increased sun sensitivity develop non‐melanoma skin cancers earlier than sun‐sensitive XP‐C patients. Reduced cellular mRNA levels are characteristic for XP complementation group C and qRT‐PCR represents a rapid diagnostic tool.
Policy Incentives for Dangerous (But Necessary) Operations
Authors: Serpa Juan Camilo , Krishnan Harish
Published: July 2016

In industries where firms perform dangerous (but necessary) operations, liability costs—due to potential harm to third parties—can be significant. Firms may therefore find it optimal to exit the market, and this may lead to an inefficiently low number of incumbents. A social planner can discourage exit by offering appropriately designed subsidies. Ex ante subsidies defray the costs associated with making operations safer (e.g., funds to subsidize the purchase of safety equipment). Ex post subsidies mitigate the financial damages caused by an accident (e.g., funds to defray the cost of cleaning up a toxic spill). We consider a model where (i) firms have private information about their ability to improve reliability and (ii) reliability investments are unobservable. We demonstrate that when the social value of reliability outweighs the benefit of increased competition, it is optimal to offer ex ante subsidies alone (i.e., to subsidize the cost of making operations safer). Conversely, when the benefits of competition outweigh the benefits of reliability, a combination of ex ante and ex post subsidies is optimal (i.e., not only to subsidize safer operations, but also to share the costs of a potential accident).
Theoretical Analysis on Strain Transfer Error of FBG Sensors Attached on Steel Structures Subjected to Fatigue Load
Authors: Wang H. P. , Xiang P. , Li X.
Published: July 2016

Fibre Bragg grating (FBG) sensors have been increasingly adopted to detect the dynamic strain of structures. When the sensor is attached on the surface, adhesive material is employed to assist the installation, which leads to indirect contact of sensing fibre and the monitored structure. To correct the strain transfer error induced by the shear lag effect and improve the measurement accuracy of FBG sensors under dynamic response, strain transfer mechanism of a three‐layered testing model constituted of sensing fibre, adhesive layer and host material has been studied in this paper. Laboratory test on steel beam attached with FBG sensor under fatigue load has been projected to investigate the feasibility of the derived strain transfer formula, and numerical simulation by MATLAB has been used as a supporting tool to offer the reference dynamic strain. Based on the analysis, sensitive parameters that affect the strain transfer coefficient have been discussed to instruct the application design of FBG sensors. Results indicate that strain transfer coefficient under dynamic response is much lower than that in static state, and error modification is particularly significant; in the dynamic testing model, bonded length, shear modulus and thickness of adhesive layer are more sensitive, which should be precisely selected in practical engineering to guarantee the effective strain measurement.
Intensive adherence counselling for HIV‐infected individuals failing second‐line antiretroviral therapy in Johannesburg, South Africa
Authors: Fox Matthew P. , Berhanu Rebecca , Steegen Kim , Firnhaber Cindy , Ive Prudence , Spencer David , Mashamaite Sello , Sheik Sadiyya , Jonker Ingrid , Howell Pauline , Long Lawrence , Evans Denise
Published: July 2016

Objective

In resource‐limited settings, where genotypic drug resistance testing is rarely performed and poor adherence is the most common reason for treatment failure, programmatic approaches to handling treatment failure are essential. This study was performed to describe one such approach to adherence optimisation.

Methods

This was a single‐arm study of patients on second‐line protease inhibitor (PI)‐based antiretroviral therapy (ART) with a HIV‐1 RNA ≥400 copies/ml in Johannesburg, South Africa, between 1 March 2012 and 1 December 2013. Patients underwent enhanced adherence counselling. Those with improved adherence and a repeat viral load of >1000 copies/ml underwent HIV‐1 drug resistance testing. We describe results using simple proportions and 95% confidence intervals.

Results

Of the 400 patients who underwent targeted adherence counselling after an elevated viral load on second‐line ART, 388 (97%) underwent repeat viral load testing. Most of these (n = 249; 64%, 95% CI 59–69) resuppressed (<400 copies/ml) on second line. By the end of follow‐up (1 March 2014), among the 139 (36%, 95% CI: 31–41%), who did not initially resuppress after being targeted, 106 had a viral load >400 copies/ml, 11 switched to third line, 5 were awaiting third line, 4 had died and 13 were lost to follow‐up. Among the unsuppressed, 48 successfully underwent resistance testing with some resistance detected in most (41/48).

Conclusions

Most (64%) second‐line treatment failure in this clinic is related to adherence and can be overcome with careful adherence support. Controlled interventions are needed to determine what the optimal approach is to improving second‐line outcomes and reducing the need for third‐line ART.
Factor predicting total nucleated cell counts in cord blood units
Authors: Al‐Qahtani Reham , Al‐Hedythi Sara , Arab Suha , Aljuhani Amal , Jawdat Dunia
Published: July 2016

BACKGROUND

Cord blood (CB) stem cells have been used worldwide in transplant medicine to treat various diseases. The efficacy of stem cells in umbilical CB (UCB) can be predicted by the number of total nucleated cells (TNCs). To optimize the clinical use of stem cells in our population, this study addresses several variables affecting the TNC count.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

This observational, cross‐sectional study was conducted in a single center from 2012 to 2014. In total, 957 CB units (CBUs) were collected from consented mothers. Data analyses of clinically accepted CBUs were correlated with maternal and infant factors.

RESULTS

Based on the TNC accepted level of banking, 188 CBUs (19.64%) were rejected. Of the 16 maternal and infant variables evaluated, three factors demonstrated a statistically significant predictive value for the accepted TNC level. CB volume was the best predictive factor (p ≤ 0.0001), followed by newborn birth weight (p = 0.025), and the method of delivery (p = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Several maternal, neonatal, and obstetric factors appear to play a major role in predicting an accepted TNC count, which can be used to improve criteria for the donation of stem cells in CBUs.
cis Retinol oxidation regulates photoreceptor access to the retina visual cycle and cone pigment regeneration
Authors: Sato Shinya , Kefalov Vladimir J.
Published: July 2016

Key points

This study explores the nature of the cis retinol that Müller cells in the retina provide to cones for the regeneration of their visual pigment.

We report that the retina visual cycle provides cones exclusively with 11‐cis chromophore in both salamander and mouse and show that this selectivity is dependent on the 11‐cis‐specific cellular retinaldehyde binding protein (CRALBP) present in Müller cells.

Even though salamander blue cones and green rods share the same visual pigment, only blue cones but not green rods are able to dark‐adapt in the retina following a bleach and to use exogenous 9‐cis retinol for pigment regeneration, suggesting that access to the retina visual cycle is cone‐specific and pigment‐independent.

Our results show that the retina produces 11‐cis retinol that can be oxidized and used for pigment regeneration and dark adaptation selectively in cones and not in rods.

Chromophore supply by the retinal Müller cells (retina visual cycle) supports the efficient pigment regeneration required for cone photoreceptor function in bright light. Surprisingly, a large fraction of the chromophore produced by dihydroceramide desaturase‐1, the putative all‐trans retinol isomerase in Müller cells, appears to be 9‐cis retinol. In contrast, the canonical retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) visual cycle produces exclusively 11‐cis retinal. Here, we used the different absorption spectra of 9‐cis and 11‐cis pigments to identify the isoform of the chromophore produced by the visual cycle of the intact retina. We found that the spectral sensitivity of salamander and mouse cones dark‐adapted in the isolated retina (with only the retina visual cycle) was similar to that of cones dark‐adapted in the intact eye (with both the RPE and retina visual cycles) and consistent with pure 11‐cis pigment composition. However, in mice lacking the cellular retinaldehyde binding protein (CRALBP), cone spectral sensitivity contained a substantial 9‐cis component. Thus, the retina visual cycle provides cones exclusively with 11‐cis chromophore and this process is mediated by the 11‐cis selective CRALBP in Müller cells. Finally, despite sharing the same pigment, salamander blue cones, but not green rods, recovered their sensitivity in the isolated retina. Exogenous 9‐cis retinol produced robust sensitivity recovery in bleached red and blue cones but not in red and green rods, suggesting that cis retinol oxidation restricts access to the retina visual cycle to cones.
Finite Element Cold Bending Residual Stress Evaluation on Submarine Pressure Hull Instability Assessment
Authors: Rogério Franquetto Paulo , Mattar Neto Miguel
Published: July 2016

During the pressure hull manufacturing, processes like cold bending and welding are often applied. These processes lead to permanent plastic deformations which are associated with residual stresses. The presence of residual stresses is equivalent to the introduction of an initial preload in the structure, which accelerates the plastification process, decreasing pressure hull resistance. To quantify this reduction, a case study that considers residual stresses due to cold bending on hull plates and frame flanges had been performed using finite element models. The study encompasses hull diameters of 6, 8, and 10 m with hull plates and frame flange thickness from 20 to 30 mm, with HY100 steel. Finite element numerical analyses were done considering material and geometric nonlinearities. First, the cold bending residual stresses were determined using finite element models. Then, these cold bending residual stresses were introduced as initial stresses in the submarine pressure hulls' finite element models. In the end, it was possible to verify that the presence of cold bending residual stress reduces the submarine hull collapse pressure up to 4.3%.
Tribological Behavior of Diamondlike Carbon Film-Deposited Ti6Al4V Alloy Swinging Against Ultrahigh Molecular Weight Polyethylene in Fetal Bovine Serum
Authors: Xu Linmin , Zhang Dekun , Chen Kai , Yang Xuehui , Wang Qingliang , Qi Jianwei
Published: July 2016

Titanium alloys are widely used in the field of artificial joints, but their poor wear resistance limits their clinical application. Therefore, in this paper, the diamondlike carbon (DLC) film deposited on Ti6Al4V alloy surface by unbalanced magnetron sputtering technology to improve its wear resistance. Swinging tests are conducted on a self-refit multifreedom degree friction tester, and their coefficient of friction, wear loss, and wear morphology were analyzed. Results show that there are no evident scratches on the socket surface with small axial load and angular displacement. The worst wear scratches appear under the largest load and swing angular displacement. A spot of scratches with different depths are found on the edge of the socket, which reveals the characteristic of swinging friction. The friction coefficient increases from 0.134 to 0.206 as the axial load increases, and increases from 0.11 to 0.186 as the swing angular displacement increases. Therefore, the swing angular displacement has greater influence on the wear degree. The wear mechanisms of DLC film involved a combination of fatigue, adhesive, and abrasive wear.
Approximate formulas and physical interpretations for horizontal acoustic modes in a shelf-slope front model
Authors: DeCourcy Brendan J. , Lin Ying-Tsong , Siegmann William L.
Published: July 2016

The structure and behavior of horizontal acoustic modes for a three-dimensional idealized model of a shelf-slope front are examined analytically. The Wentzel–Kramers–Brillouin–Jeffreys (WKBJ) method is used to obtain convenient simple expressions and to provide physical insight into the structure and behavior of horizontal modes as trapped, leaky, or transition types. Validity regions for WKBJ expressions in terms of slope and frontal parameters are found, and outside the regions the asymptotic formulas for large order and large argument Hankel functions are used. These combined approximations have very good accuracy as shown by comparisons with numerical solutions for modal shapes and horizontal wavenumbers.
Dose–Response and Time Course Effects of Acute Resistance Exercise on Executive Function
Authors: Brush Christopher J. , Olson Ryan L. , Ehmann Peter J. , Osovsky Steven , Alderman Brandon L.
Published: July 2016

The purpose of this study was to examine possible dose–response and time course effects of an acute bout of resistance exercise on the core executive functions of inhibition, working memory, and cognitive flexibility. Twenty-eight participants (14 female; Mage = 20.5 ± 2.1 years) completed a control condition and resistance exercise bouts performed at 40%, 70%, and 100% of their individual 10-repetition maximum. An executive function test battery was administered at 15 min and 180 min postexercise to assess immediate and delayed effects of exercise on executive functioning. At 15 min postexercise, high-intensity exercise resulted in less interference and improved reaction time (RT) for the Stroop task, while at 180 min low- and moderate-intensity exercise resulted in improved performance on plus–minus and Simon tasks, respectively. These findings suggest a limited and task-specific influence of acute resistance exercise on executive function in healthy young adults.
Long-delayed nuclear center looks set for construction
Authors: Cartlidge Edwin
Published: July 2016

FAIR moves ahead despite remaining budget shortfalls.
Massive helium fields found in rift zone of Tanzania
Authors: Hand Eric
Published: July 2016

Commercial development could struggle in a stabilizing market for the world's best coolant.
Response to Comment on “Long-term climate forcing by atmospheric oxygen concentrations”
Authors: Poulsen Christopher J. , Tabor Clay , White Joseph
Published: July 2016

Goldblatt argues that a decrease in pressure broadening of absorption lines in an atmosphere with low oxygen leads to an increase in outgoing longwave radiation and atmospheric cooling. We demonstrate that cloud and water vapor feedbacks in a global climate model compensate for these decreases and lead to atmospheric warming.
Cilia-based flow network in the brain ventricles
Authors: Faubel Regina , Westendorf Christian , Bodenschatz Eberhard , Eichele Gregor
Published: July 2016

Going with the flow

The interstitial spaces of the brain are filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Faubel
et al.
studied fluid transport in the third ventricle of the brain of mice, rats, and pigs. Sophisticated, state-of-the-art fluid dynamic studies revealed a complex pattern of cilia beating that leads to an intricate network of “highways” of CSF flow. This flow rapidly and efficiently transports and partitions CSF.

Science
, this issue p.
176
Master manipulators
This Is Your Brain on Parasites How Tiny Creatures Manipulate Our Behavior and Shape Society
Kathleen McAuliffe
Houghton Mif in Harcourt, 2016. 292 pp.
Authors: Adamo Shelley
Published: July 2016

Emerging research on how parasites affect host behavior fuels speculation about their influence on human history
Solar-powering the Internet of Things
Authors: Haight Richard , Haensch Wilfried , Friedman Daniel
Published: July 2016

Photovoltaics can help to power remote sensors and controllers at the edge of the Internet
Molecular sieves for gas separation
Authors: Lin Jerry Y. S.
Published: July 2016

Metal-organic framework materials enable efficient separation of similar gases
Virion Structure of Israeli Acute Bee Paralysis Virus
Authors: Mullapudi Edukondalu , Přidal Antonín , Pálková Lenka , de Miranda Joachim R. , Plevka Pavel
Published: July 2016

The pollination services provided by the western honeybee (
Apis mellifera
) are critical for agricultural production and the diversity of wild flowering plants. However, honeybees suffer from environmental pollution, habitat loss, and pathogens, including viruses that can cause fatal diseases. Israeli acute bee paralysis virus (IAPV), from the family
Dicistroviridae
, has been shown to cause colony collapse disorder in the United States. Here, we present the IAPV virion structure determined to a resolution of 4.0 Å and the structure of a pentamer of capsid protein protomers at a resolution of 2.7 Å. IAPV has major capsid proteins VP1 and VP3 with noncanonical jellyroll β-barrel folds composed of only seven instead of eight β-strands, as is the rule for proteins of other viruses with the same fold. The maturation of dicistroviruses is connected to the cleavage of precursor capsid protein VP0 into subunits VP3 and VP4. We show that a putative catalytic site formed by the residues Asp-Asp-Phe of VP1 is optimally positioned to perform the cleavage. Furthermore, unlike many picornaviruses, IAPV does not contain a hydrophobic pocket in capsid protein VP1 that could be targeted by capsid-binding antiviral compounds.

IMPORTANCE
Honeybee pollination is required for agricultural production and to sustain the biodiversity of wild flora. However, honeybee populations in Europe and North America are under pressure from pathogens, including viruses that cause colony losses. Viruses from the family
Dicistroviridae
can cause honeybee infections that are lethal, not only to individual honeybees, but to whole colonies. Here, we present the virion structure of an
Aparavirus
, Israeli acute bee paralysis virus (IAPV), a member of a complex of closely related viruses that are distributed worldwide. IAPV exhibits unique structural features not observed in other picorna-like viruses. Capsid protein VP1 of IAPV does not contain a hydrophobic pocket, implying that capsid-binding antiviral compounds that can prevent the replication of vertebrate picornaviruses may be ineffective against honeybee virus infections.