bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Heart-Rate-Variability Recording With Smartphone Photoplethysmography, Polar H7 Chest Strap, and Electrocardiography
Authors: Plews Daniel J. , Scott Ben , Altini Marco , Wood Matt , Kilding Andrew E. , Laursen Paul B.
Published: March 2017

Purpose: To establish the validity of smartphone photoplethysmography (PPG) and heart-rate sensor in the measurement of heart-rate variability (HRV). Methods: 29 healthy subjects were measured at rest during 5 min of guided breathing and normal breathing using smartphone PPG, a heart-rate chest strap, and electrocardiography (ECG). The root mean sum of the squared differences between R–R intervals (rMSSD) was determined from each device. Results: Compared to ECG, the technical error of estimate (TEE) was acceptable for all conditions (average TEE CV% [90% CI] = 6.35 [5.13; 8.5]). When assessed as a standardized difference, all differences were deemed “trivial” (average standard difference [90% CI] = 0.10 [0.08; 0.13]). Both PPG- and heart-rate-sensor-derived measures had almost perfect correlations with ECG (R = 1.00 [0.99; 1.00]). Conclusion: Both PPG and heart-rate sensors provide an acceptable agreement for the measurement of rMSSD when compared with ECG. Smartphone PPG technology may be a preferred method of HRV data collection for athletes due to its practicality and ease of use in the field.
Effects of School-Based Physical Activity Program on Students’ Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity and Perceptions of Physical Competence
Authors: Gråstén Arto , Watt Anthony , Liukkonen Jarmo , Jaakkola Timo
Published: March 2017

Background:

The study examined the effects of school-based program on students’ self-reported moderate to vigorous physical activity and physical competence, and associated links to gender, grade, body mass index, and physical education assessments.

Methods:

Participants were 240 middle school students (143 intervention, 97 control) from 3 small cities in North-East Finland. The intervention group received task-involving climate support in physical education classes and additional physical activities during school days across 1 year.

Results:

The intervention group’s physical competence increased, whereas the control group’s competence remained stable across the period. However, physical activity levels were stable in both groups. The findings also showed that body mass index was negatively associated with physical competence and activity in the intervention group at the follow-up measure. Physical education assessments were positively related with only the baseline scores of physical competence in the intervention group. In contrast, the assessments had positive relationships with physical competence and activity of control group students.

Conclusions:

The present program was an effective protocol to increase student’s perceptions of physical competence. Since the quantity of school physical education including recess activities cannot be dramatically increased, positive learning experiences should be provided, and thus, support perceptions of physical competence.
What is the State of the Science on Physical Activity Interventions for Family Caregivers? A Systematic Review and RE-AIM Evaluation
Authors: Cuthbert Colleen A. , King-Shier Kathryn , Ruether Dean , Tapp Dianne M. , Culos-Reed S. Nicole
Published: March 2017

Background:

Family caregivers are an important health care resource and represent a significant proportion of Canadian and US populations. Family caregivers suffer physical and psychological health problems because of being in the caregiver role. Interventions to support caregiver health, including physical activity (PA), are slow to be investigated and translated into practice.

Purpose:

To examine the evidence for PA interventions in caregivers and determine factors hampering the uptake of this evidence into practice.

Methods:

A systematic review and evaluation of internal and external validity using the RE-AIM (Reach, Efficacy/Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance) framework was conducted. Randomized controlled trials or pretest/posttest studies of PA interventions were included.

Results:

Fourteen studies were published between 1997 and 2015. Methodological quality of studies and risk of bias was variable. External validity criteria were often not reported. Mean reporting levels were 1) reach, 53%; 2) efficacy/effectiveness, 73%; 3) adoption, 18%; 4) implementation, 48%; and 5) maintenance, 2%.

Conclusions:

The lack of reporting of components of internal and external validity hinders the integration of caregiver PA interventions into clinical or community settings. Researchers should focus on standardized outcomes, accepted reporting criteria, and balancing factors of internal and external validity, to advance the state of the science.
Influence of School Schedules on Physical Activity Patterns in Primary School Children: A Case Study in Italy
Authors: Pau Massimiliano , Corona Federica , Leban Bruno , Piredda Simona , Vacca Maria Marcella , Mura Gioia
Published: March 2017

Background:

Considering the relevant amount of time spent by children at school, it is essential to ensure that suitable levels of physical activity (PA) are guaranteed. This study aimed to assess possible changes induced in the amount and type of PA performed following the 2 schedules in Italian primary schools, namely regular and full time (30–40 h/week respectively).

Methods:

A sample of 169 children wore a triaxial accelerometer 24h/day for 7 consecutive days. Raw data were processed to calculate the number of steps, amount and intensity of the PA performed in morning, afternoon and evening time slots.

Results:

During weekday afternoon times (1:30 to 4:30 PM), children attending the full-time schedule spent significantly less time in sedentary behavior with respect to those who attend the regular time (54.7% vs. 60.0%, P < .001) and more time in moderate-to-vigorous activity (18.0% vs. 15.0%, P = .004). No differences between morning and evening times were found.

Conclusions:

The structure of the full time schedule, which includes a second recess, promotes higher and more intense levels of PA during the afternoon. Such information represent a useful input in planning differential PA activities for children attending the regular time to achieve similar PA levels for the whole school population.
Sedentary Behavior in People Living With HIV: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Vancampfort Davy , Mugisha James , De Hert Marc , Probst Michel , Stubbs Brendon
Published: March 2017

Background:

Sedentary behavior is independently associated with an increased risk of poor mental health, developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) and premature mortality. Despite the knowledge that CVD is one of the leading causes of non-AIDS related premature mortality in people living with HIV (PLWH), relatively little attention has been attributed to sedentary behavior in this population. The aims of this meta-analysis were to (a) establish the pooled mean time spent sedentary, (b) investigate predictors of sedentary levels, and (c) explore differences with age- and gender-matched healthy controls.

Methods:

Two independent authors searched major databases until August 2016. A random effects meta-analysis was performed.

Results:

Across 6 unique cross-sectional studies, including 9 sedentary levels, there were 523 (292 men) PLWH (age range = 37 to 58 years). PLWH spent 533 min/day (95% CI = 466 to 599) engaging in sedentary behavior. There was a trend (P = .07) for higher levels of sedentary behavior in self-report measures (551 min, 95% CI = 543 to 560, N = 4) than in objective sedentary behavior time (505 min, 95% CI = 498 to 512, N = 3). The time PLWH spend engaging in sedentary behavior is among the highest levels reported in the literature.

Conclusions:

Given that sedentary behavior is an independent predictor of CVD, future lifestyle interventions specifically targeting the prevention of sedentary behavior in PLWH are warranted.
MRI-Based Assessment of Lower-Extremity Muscle Volumes in Patients Before and After ACL Reconstruction
Authors: Norte Grant E. , Knaus Katherine R. , Kuenze Chris , Handsfield Geoffrey G. , Meyer Craig H. , Blemker Silvia S. , Hart Joseph M.
Published: March 2017

Context: Study of muscle volumes in patients after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and reconstruction (ACL-R) is largely limited to cross-sectional assessment of the thigh musculature, which may inadequately describe posttraumatic and postsurgical muscle function. No studies have prospectively examined the influence of ACL injury and reconstruction on lower-extremity muscle volumes. Objective: Assess magnetic resonance imaging-derived lower-extremity muscle volumes, and quantify quadriceps strength and activation in patients following ACL injury and reconstruction. Design: Prospective case series. Setting: Research laboratory and magnetic resonance imaging facility. Patients (or Other Participants): Four patients (2 men and 2 women; age = 27.4 (7.4) y, height = 169.2 (8.1) cm, and mass = 74.3 (18.5) kg) scheduled for ACL-R. Intervention(s): Thirty-five muscle volumes were obtained from a bilateral lower-extremity magnetic resonance imaging before and after ACL-R. Main Outcome Measures: Muscle volumes expressed relative to (1) a normative database presurgery and postsurgery, (2) limb symmetry presurgery and postsurgery, and (3) percentage change presurgery to postsurgery. Quadriceps function was quantified by normalized knee extension maximal voluntary isometric contraction torque and central activation ratio. Results: Involved vastus lateralis and tibialis anterior were consistently smaller than healthy individuals (z < −1 SD) presurgery and postsurgery in all patients. Involved rectus femoris and vastus lateralis were more than 15% smaller than the contralateral limb presurgery, whereas the involved rectus femoris, gracilis, vastus medialis, vastus intermedius, and vastus lateralis muscle volumes exceeded 20% asymmetry postoperatively. Involved gracilis and semitendinosus atrophied more than 30% from presurgery to postsurgery. Involved maximal voluntary isometric contraction torque and central activation ratio increased by 12.7% and 12.5%, respectively, yet strength remained 33.2% asymmetric postsurgery. Conclusions: Adaptations in lower-extremity muscle volumes are present following ACL injury and reconstruction. Anterior thigh and shank muscles were smaller than healthy individuals, and large asymmetries in quadriceps volumes were observed presurgery and postsurgery. Selective atrophy of the semitendinosus and gracilis occurred following surgery. Volumetric deficits of the quadriceps musculature may exist despite improvements in muscle strength and activation.
Cross-Validation of Two Accelerometers for Assessment of Physical Activity and Sedentary Time in Preschool Children
Authors: Alhassan Sofiya , Sirard John R. , Kurdziel Laura B. F. , Merrigan Samantha , Greever Cory , Spencer Rebecca M. C.
Published: March 2017

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to cross-validate previously developed Actiwatch (AW; Ekblom et al. 2012) and AcitGraph (AG; Sirard et al. 2005; AG-P, Pate et al. 2006) cut-point equations to categorize free-living physical activity (PA) of preschoolers using direct observation (DO) as the criterion measure. A secondary aim was to compare output from the AW and the AG from previously developed equations.

Methods:

Participants’ (n = 33; age = 4.4 ± 0.8 yrs; females, n=12) PA was directly observed for three 10-min periods during the preschool-day while wearing the AW (nondominant wrist) and AG (waist). Device specific cut-points were used to reduce the AW-E (Ekblom et al. 2012) and AG (AG-S, Sirard et al. 2005; AG-P, Pate et al. 2006) data into intensity categories. Spearman correlations (rsp) and agreement statistics were used to assess associations between the DO intensity categories and device data. Mixed model regression was used to identify differences in times spent in activity intensity categories.

Results:

There was a significant correlation between AW and AG output across all data (rsp = 0.41, p < .0001) and both were associated with the DO intensity categories (AW: rsp = 0.47, AG: rsp = 0.47; p < .001). At the individual level, all devices demonstrated relatively low sensitivity but higher specificity. At the group level, AW-E and AG-P provided similar estimates of time spent in moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA, AW-E: 4.7 ± 4.1, AG-P: 4.4 ± 3.3), compared with DO (5.1 ± 3.5). Conclusion: The AW-E and AG-P estimated times spent in MVPA were similar to DO, but the weak agreement statistics indicate that neither device cut-point equations provided accurate estimates at the individual level.
The Relationship Between Mindfulness and Life Stress in Student-Athletes: The Mediating Role of Coping Effectiveness and Decision Rumination
Authors: Kaiseler Mariana , Poolton Jamie M. , Backhouse Susan H. , Stanger Nick
Published: March 2017

The role of dispositional mindfulness on stress in student-athletes and factors that mediate this relationship has yet to be examined. Accordingly, the purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between the facets of mindfulness and life stress in student-athletes and whether these relationships are mediated through coping effectiveness and decision rumination. Participants were 202 student-athletes who completed validated measures of dispositional mindfulness, student-athlete life stress, decision rumination and coping effectiveness in sport. Results indicated that the acting with awareness and nonjudging facets of mindfulness were negative predictors of life stress, whereas the observe facet was a positive predictor of life stress. Mediation analyses revealed that these relationships were mediated through coping effectiveness and decision rumination. Findings provide new insight into the role dispositional mindfulness plays on student-athlete perceptions of life stress and implications for practitioners are discussed.
Genome editors take on crops
Authors: Scheben Armin , Edwards David
Published: March 2017

Genome editing technologies may help to enhance global food security
Endoplasmic reticulum proteostasis in glioblastoma—From molecular mechanisms to therapeutic perspectives
Authors: Obacz Joanna , Avril Tony , Le Reste Pierre-Jean , Urra Hery , Quillien Véronique , Hetz Claudio , Chevet Eric
Published: March 2017

Combined therapies targeting the unfolded protein stress response might be a way to treat glioblastomas.
Papers of note in
Science
355
(6329)
Authors: VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: March 2017

This week's articles describe the molecules and neural circuit that mediate contagious itch and an isoprenoid released by Plasmodium that enhances the transmission of this parasite through multiple mechanisms.
Science Signaling
Podcast for 14 March 2017: The Cancer Moonshot
Authors: Yaffe Michael B. , VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: March 2017

Signaling research can contribute to the Cancer Moonshot in many ways.
Characterizing the Antimicrobial Activity of
N
2
,
N
4
-Disubstituted Quinazoline-2,4-Diamines toward Multidrug-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Fleeman Renee , Van Horn Kurt S. , Barber Megan M. , Burda Whittney N. , Flanigan David L. , Manetsch Roman , Shaw Lindsey N.
Published: March 2017

We previously reported a series of
N
2
,
N
4
-disubstituted quinazoline-2,4-diamines as dihydrofolate reductase inhibitors with potent
in vitro
and
in vivo
antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) strains. In this work, we extended our previous study to the Gram-negative pathogen
Acinetobacter baumannii
. We determined that optimized
N
2
,
N
4
-disubstituted quinazoline-2,4-diamines are strongly antibacterial against multidrug-resistant
A. baumannii
strains when the 6-position is replaced with a halide or an alkyl substituent. Such agents display potent antibacterial activity, with MICs as low as 0.5 μM, while proving to be strongly bactericidal. Interestingly, these compounds also possess the potential for antibiofilm activity, eradicating 90% of cells within a biofilm at or near MICs. Using serial passage assays, we observed a limited capacity for the development of resistance toward these molecules (4-fold increase in MIC) compared to existing folic acid synthesis inhibitors, such as trimethoprim (64-fold increase) and sulfamethoxazole (128-fold increase). We also identified limited toxicity toward human cells, with 50% lethal doses (LD
50
s) of ≤23 μM for lead agents 4 and 5. Finally, we demonstrated that our lead agents have excellent
in vivo
efficacy, with lead agent 5 proving more efficacious than tigecycline in a murine model of
A. baumannii
infection (90% survival versus 66%), despite being used at a lower dose (2 versus 30 mg kg
−1
). Together, our results demonstrate that
N
2
,
N
4
-disubstituted quinazoline-2,4-diamines have strong antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities against both Gram-positive organisms and Gram-negative pathogens, suggesting strong potential for their development as antibacterial agents.
Are Antimalarial Hybrid Molecules a Close Reality or a Distant Dream?
Authors: Agarwal Drishti , Gupta Rinkoo D. , Awasthi Satish K.
Published: March 2017

Emergence of drug-resistantPlasmodium falciparumstrains has led to a situation of haste in the scientific and pharmaceutical communities. Hence, all their efforts are redirected toward finding alternative chemotherapeutic agents that are capable of combating multidrug-resistant parasite strains. In light of this situation, scientists have come up with the concept of hybridization of two or more active pharmacophores into a single chemical entity, resulting in “antimalarial hybrids.” The approach has been applied widely for generation of lead compounds against deadly diseases such as cancer and AIDS, with a proven potential for use as novel drugs, but is comparatively new in the sphere of antimalarial drug discovery. A sudden surge has been evidenced in the number of studies on the design and synthesis of hybrids for treating malaria and may be regarded as proof of their potential advantages over artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT). However, it is evident from recent studies that most of the potential advantages of antimalarial hybrids, such as lower toxicity, better pharmacokinetics, and easier formulation, have yet to be realized. A number of questions left unaddressed at present need to be answered before this approach can progress to the late stages of clinical development and prove their worth in the clinic. To the best of our knowledge, this compilation is the first attempt to shed light on the shortcomings that are surfacing as more and more studies on molecular hybridization of the active pharmacophores of known antimalarials are being published.
Staphylococcus aureus Survives in Cystic Fibrosis Macrophages, Forming a Reservoir for Chronic Pneumonia
Authors: Li Cao , Wu Yuqing , Riehle Andrea , Ma Jie , Kamler Markus , Gulbins Erich , Grassmé Heike
Published: March 2017

Staphylococcus aureus
plays an important role in sepsis, pneumonia, wound infections, and cystic fibrosis (CF), which is caused by mutations of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (
Cftr
). Pulmonary
S. aureus
infections in CF often occur very early and prior to colonization with other pathogens, in particular
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
. Here, we demonstrate that CF mice are highly susceptible to pulmonary infections with
S. aureus
and fail to clear the pathogen during infection.
S. aureus
is internalized by
Cftr
-deficient macrophages in the lung, but these macrophages are unable to kill intracellular bacteria. This failure might be caused by a defect in the fusion of phagosomes with lysosomes, while this process occurs rapidly in wild-type macrophages and serves to kill intracellular pathogens. Transplantation of infected
Cftr
-deficient alveolar macrophages into the lungs of noninfected CF mice is sufficient to induce pneumonia. This suggests that intracellular survival of
S. aureus
in macrophages may allow the pathogen to chronically infect CF lungs.
SgrT, a Small Protein That Packs a Sweet Punch
Authors: Raina Medha , Storz Gisela
Published: March 2017

The SgrS small RNA (sRNA) has been shown to protect against elevated levels of glucose phosphate by regulating the stability and translation of mRNAs encoding proteins involved in sugar transport and catabolism. The sRNA also was known to encode a protective 43-amino-acid protein, SgrT, but little was known about its mechanism of action. Lloyd et al. (J Bacteriol 199:e00869-16, 2017,
https://doi.org/10.1128/JB.00869-16
) use cell biological and genetic approaches to demonstrate that the small protein interacts with the PtsG importer to block glucose transport by this phosphotransferase system and promote utilization of nonpreferred carbon sources to maintain growth during glucose-phosphate stress.
Analysis of the psychosocial impact of caretaking on the parents of an infant with severe congenital heart defect
Authors: Lazar Jessica , Hylarides Mark Justin
Published: March 2017

This case report considers the psychosocial burden of caring for an infant with a severe congenital heart defect (CHD) on parents. Improved prenatal diagnostics and postnatal surgical intervention have created a new and increasing demographic of children and adults with CHDs that require lifelong medical care. For this reason, primary caregivers spend excessive amounts of time in hospitals and medical facilities, and must regularly decipher vast amounts of unfamiliar medical terminology and concepts with varying levels of assistance from medical personnel. This often leads to marked psychological morbidities in parental caregivers, such as stress, anxiety and depression. The financial cost of caring for infants with CHD, including loss of employment opportunities, is another important factor that impacts the quality of life of caregivers. Frequent and extended travel to seek specialised medical care, often at distant medical centres, represents an additional burden.
Are patients with cancer with sepsis and bacteraemia at a higher risk of mortality? A retrospective chart review of patients presenting to a tertiary care centre in Lebanon
Authors: Abou Dagher Gilbert , El Khuri Christopher , Chehadeh Ahel Al-Hajj , Chami Ali , Bachir Rana , Zebian Dina , Bou Chebl Ralphe
Published: March 2017

Objective

Most sepsis studies have looked at the general population. The aim of this study is to report on the characteristics, treatment and hospital mortality of patients with cancer diagnosed with sepsis or septic shock.

Setting

A single-centre retrospective study at a tertiary care centre looking at patients with cancer who presented to our tertiary hospital with sepsis, septic shock or bacteraemia between 2010 and 2015.

Participants

176 patients with cancer were compared with 176 cancer-free controls.

Primary and secondary outcomes

The primary outcome of this study was the in hospital mortality in both cohorts. Secondary outcomes included patient demographics, emergency department (ED) vital signs and parameters of resuscitation along with laboratory work.

Results

A total of 352 patients were analysed. The mean age at presentation for the cancer group was 65.39±15.04 years, whereas the mean age for the control group was 74.68±14.04 years (p<0.001). In the cancer cohort the respiratory system was the most common site of infection (37.5%) followed by the urinary system (26.7%), while in the cancer-free arm, the urinary system was the most common site of infection (40.9%). intravenous fluid replacement for the first 24 hours was higher in the cancer cohort. ED, intensive care unit and general practice unit length of stay were comparable in both the groups. 95 (54%) patients with cancer died compared with 75 (42.6%) in the cancer-free group. The 28-day hospital mortality in the cancer cohort was 87 (49.4%) vs 46 (26.1%) in the cancer-free cohort (p=0.009). Patients with cancer had a 2.320 (CI 95% 1.225 to 4.395, p=0.010) odds of dying compared with patients without cancer in the setting of sepsis.

Conclusions

This is the first study looking at an in-depth analysis of sepsis in the specific oncology population. Despite aggressive care, patients with cancer have higher hospital mortality than their cancer-free counterparts while adjusting for all other variables.
Health risk of inhalation exposure to sub-10 µm particulate matter and gaseous pollutants in an urban-industrial area in South Africa: an ecological study
Authors: Morakinyo Oyewale Mayowa , Adebowale Ayo Stephen , Mokgobu Matlou Ingrid , Mukhola Murembiwa Stanley
Published: March 2017

Objective

To assess the health risks associated with exposure to particulate matter (PM10), sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO) and ozone (O3).

Design

The study is an ecological study that used the year 2014 hourly ambient pollution data.

Setting

The study was conducted in an industrial area located in Pretoria West, South Africa. The area accommodates a coal-fired power station, metallurgical industries such as a coke plant and a manganese smelter.

Data and method

Estimate of possible health risks from exposure to airborne PM10, SO2, NO2, CO and O3was performed using the US Environmental Protection Agency human health risk assessment framework. A scenario-assessment approach where normal (average exposure) and worst-case (continuous exposure) scenarios were developed for intermediate (24-hour) and chronic (annual) exposure periods for different exposure groups (infants, children, adults). The normal acute (1-hour) exposure to these pollutants was also determined.

Outcome measures

Presence or absence of adverse health effects from exposure to airborne pollutants.

Results

Average annual ambient concentration of PM10, NO2and SO2recorded was 48.3±43.4, 11.50±11.6 and 18.68±25.4 µg/m3, respectively, whereas the South African National Ambient Air Quality recommended 40, 40 and 50 µg/m3for PM10, NO2and SO2, respectively. Exposure to an hour's concentration of NO2, SO2, CO and O3, an 8-hour concentration of CO and O3, and a 24-hour concentration of PM10, NO2and SO2will not likely produce adverse effects to sensitive exposed groups. However, infants and children, rather than adults, are more likely to be affected. Moreover, for chronic annual exposure, PM10, NO2and SO2posed a health risk to sensitive individuals, with the severity of risk varying across exposed groups.

Conclusions

Long-term chronic exposure to airborne PM10, NO2and SO2pollutants may result in health risks among the study population.
Admission hyperglycemia and outcomes in large vessel occlusion strokes treated with mechanical thrombectomy
Authors: Goyal Nitin , Tsivgoulis Georgios , Pandhi Abhi , Dillard Kira , Katsanos Aristeidis H , Magoufis Georgios , Chang Jason J , Zand Ramin , Hoit Daniel , Safouris Apostolos , Choudhri Asim , Alexandrov Anne W , Alexandrov Andrei V , Arthur Adam S , Elijovich Lucas
Published: March 2017

Background and purpose

Higher admission serum glucose levels have been associated with poor outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) treated with IV thrombolysis. We sought to evaluate the association of admission serum glucose with early outcomes of patients with emergent large vessel occlusion (ELVO) treated with mechanical thrombectomy (MT).

Methods

Consecutive AIS patients due to ELVO treated with MT in three tertiary stroke centers were evaluated. The following outcomes were documented using standard definitions: symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), complete reperfusion, mortality, functional independence (modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0–2), and functional improvement (shift in mRS score) at 3 months. The association of admission serum glucose and admission hyperglycemia (>140 mg/dL) with outcomes was evaluated using univariable and multivariable binary and ordinal logistic regression models.

Results

231 AIS patients with ELVO (mean age 62±14 years, 51% men, median admission National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score 16 points (IQR 12–21), median admission serum glucose 125 mg/dL (IQR 104–162)) were treated with MT. Admission hyperglycemia was associated with a lower likelihood of functional improvement (common OR 0.53; 95% CI 0.31 to 0.97; p=0.027) and higher odds of 3 month mortality (OR 2.76; 95% CI 1.40 to 5.44; p=0.004) in multivariable analyses adjusting for potential confounders. A 10 mg/dL increase in admission blood glucose was associated with a higher likelihood of sICH (OR 1.07; 95% CI 1.01 to 1.13; p=0.033) and 3 month mortality (OR 1.07; 95% CI 1.02 to 1.12; p=0.004) in multivariable models. There was no association between admission serum glucose or hyperglycemia and complete reperfusion.

Conclusions

Higher admission serum glucose and admission hyperglycemia are independent predictors of adverse outcomes in ELVO patients treated with MT.
Veterinary migration: why do vets move abroad?
Authors: Enticott G.
Published: March 2017

Migration of veterinary professionals to and from the UK has important consequences for the profession. Gareth Enticott believes that not enough is known about the motivations for migration and that more time should be spent analysing the reasons.
Strategies for penicillin V dendronization with cationic carbosilane dendrons and study of antibacterial properties
Authors: Fuentes-Paniagua Elena , Hernández-Ros José M. , Soliveri Juan , Copa-Patiño José L. , Gómez Rafael , Sánchez-Nieves Javier , de la Mata F. Javier
Published: March 2017

Strategies to synthesize a cationic carbosilane dendron containing the antibiotic penicillin V potassium salt (PenVK) at the focal point are discussed. The preparation of such a compound requires the use of systems with no donor atoms such as N or S in their framework, because their presence favours the rupture of the penicillin β-lactam ring. The antibacterial activity of the new dendron containing ammonium groups, at the periphery, and the PenV moiety, at the focal point, against gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus strains was evaluated. These results were compared with those obtained for free PenVK, a related cationic dendron without a penicillin moiety at the focal point, and also compared with an equimolar mixture of this last dendron with free PenV. The data obtained indicate that, on one hand, the conjugation or interaction of PenV with cationic dendrons reduces its activity in comparison with free PenVK. On the other hand, the penicillin dendron is able to release the antibiotic in the presence of esterease, due to the breaking of the ester bond in this derivative.
Temperature dependence of elastic constants using thermal energy for geophysical minerals
Authors: Panwar M. , Sharma S. K. , Panwar S.
Published: March 2017

In this paper, we have developed relationship to predict temperature dependence of elastic constants for geophysical minerals by using a formulation for volume dependence of isothermal Anderson–Grünesien parameter which is valid up to extreme compression limit [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text]. An alternative formulation based on thermal pressure or thermal energy has also been used for determining elastic constants as a function of temperature. The basic idea used in this study is to generalize the expression of bulk modulus for determining temperature dependence of elastic constants. The results thus obtained for MgO, CaO, Mg2SiO4and Al2O3from the two different methods are very close to each other and also experimental data. The good agreement reveals the validity of the formulations given in this study.
Genetic Expression Level Prediction Based on Extended Fuzzy Petri Nets
Authors: Li Xiaozhong , Li Yong , Liu Ying , Wang Long
Published: March 2017

With the advances in technique for high throughput data gathering such as microarrays, DNA sequencing machines and continuous development of human genome project, the traditional physical and chemical methods have been more difficult to meet the requests of time consuming and results accuracy. Exploring and understanding the causal relationship of complex gene regulatory networks and transforming the massive data of large-scale biological research to useful biological knowledge are the present challenge. As a result, there are two typical applications both the confidence value prediction of DNA sequence and influence degree prediction of gene expression which have become the hot issues in our daily life. In this paper, two extended fuzzy Petri nets approaches are proposed, based on the existing fuzzy Petri net model, to model and analyze for the hot issues respectively. One is the fuzzy colored Petri net, which combines fuzzy Petri net with colored Petri net to model fuzzy rule-based reasoning and determine confidence values for bases called in DNA sequence. The other is extended fuzzy Petri net, which integrates reverse reasoning into fuzzy Petri net and is proposed to model gene regulatory network. It can predict the change in expression level of target based on the input expression level of activator/repressor. Compared with the method of fuzzy Petri net, the two extended fuzzy Petri nets models perform more accurately in the following typical experiment reasoning outcomes and show that the proposed methods are feasible and available.
Interacting dark energy: Dynamical system analysis
Authors: Golchin Hanif , Jamali Sara , Ebrahimi Esmaeil
Published: March 2017

We investigate the impacts of interaction between dark matter (DM) and dark energy (DE) in the context of two DE models, holographic (HDE) and ghost dark energy (GDE). In fact, using the dynamical system analysis, we obtain the cosmological consequence of several interactions, considering all relevant component of universe, i.e. matter (dark and luminous), radiation and DE. Studying the phase space for all interactions in detail, we show the existence of unstable matter-dominated and stable DE-dominated phases. We also show that linear interactions suffer from the absence of standard radiation-dominated epoch. Interestingly, this failure resolved by adding the nonlinear interactions to the models. We find an upper bound for the value of the coupling constant of the interaction between DM and DE as [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]in the case of holographic model, and [Formula: see text] in the case of GDE model, to result in a cosmological viable matter-dominated epoch. More specifically, this bound is vital to satisfy instability and deceleration of matter-dominated epoch.
Replacement Policies for Periodic Damage Models
Authors: Zhao Xufeng , Al-Khalifa Khalifa N. , Nakagawa Toshio
Published: March 2017

A new periodic damage model is proposed in this paper, where the damage produced by shocks is only measured at periodic times, without considering the stochastic shocks and the cumulative process of damage in discrete times. We model five replacement policies for the periodic damage models using three approaches of whichever triggering event occurs first, whichever triggering event occurs last, and replacing over a planned measure, which are named as replacement first, replacement last, over-damage replacement, over-damage replacement first, and over-damage replacement last, respectively. In analytical ways, we obtain their optimum replacement policies to minimize the expected cost rates and compare them to find which model is more economical. Finally, numerical examples are given to illustrate the validity of the presented models.
CLASSIFICATION OF TWO- AND THREE-FACTOR TIME-HOMOGENEOUS SEPARABLE LMMs
Authors: GOGALA JAKA , KENNEDY JOANNE E.
Published: March 2017

The flexibility of parametrizations of the LIBOR market model (LMM) comes at a cost, namely the LMM is high-dimensional, which makes it cumbersome to use when pricing derivatives with early exercise features. One way to overcome this issue for short- and medium-term time horizons is by imposing the separability condition on the volatility functions and approximating the model using a single time-step approximation.

In this paper, we examine the flexibility of separable LMMs under the relaxed assumption that the driving Brownian motions can be correlated. In particular, we are interested in how the separability condition interacts with time-homogeneity, a desirable property of a LMM. We show that the two concepts can be related using a Levi-Civitá equation and provide a characterization of two- and three-factor separable and time-homogeneous LMMs and show that they are of practical interest. The results presented in this paper are also applicable to local-volatility LMMs. These separable volatility structures can be used for the driver of a two- or three-dimensional Markov-functional model — in which case no (single time-step) approximation is needed and the resultant model is both time-homogeneous and arbitrage-free.
Anticipated backward stochastic variational inequalities with generalized reflection
Authors: Maticiuc Lucian , Rotenstein Eduard
Published: March 2017

We study the existence and uniqueness of the strong solution for the following anticipated backward stochastic variational inequality with oblique subgradients, written under differential form: [Formula: see text] The generalized multivalued product term [Formula: see text] loses the maximal monotony property of its constituent subdifferential operator and, as a consequence, some specific techniques when approaching the above problem are mandatory. The univalued anticipated BSDE addressed in Peng and Yang [19] highlights the duality between these types of equations and stochastic differential delay equations, in order to solve a stochastic control problem. We also provide an example of an anticipated BSDE with time-dependent convex constraints, which can be reduced to our equation.
Non-Riemannian generalizations of the Born–Infeld model and the meaning of the cosmological term
Authors: Cirilo-Lombardo Diego Julio
Published: March 2017

Theory of gravitation based on a non-Riemannian geometry with dynamical torsion field is geometrically analyzed. To this end, the simplest Lagrangian density is introduced as a measure (reminiscent of a sigma model) and the dynamical equations are derived. Our goal is to rewrite this generalized affine action in a suitable form similar to the standard Born–Infeld (BI) Lagrangian. As soon as the functional action is rewritten in the BI form, the dynamical equations lead the trace-free GR-type equation and the field equations for the torsion, respectively: both equations emerge from the model in a sharp contrast with other attempts where additional assumptions were heuristically introduced. In this theoretical context, the Einstein [Formula: see text], Newton [Formula: see text] and the analog to the absolute [Formula: see text]-field into the standard BI theory all arise from the same geometry through geometrical invariant quantities (as from the curvature [Formula: see text]). They can be clearly identified and correctly interpreted both physical and geometrically. Interesting theoretical and physical aspects of the proposed theory are given as clear examples that show the viability of this approach to explain several problems of actual interest. Some of them are the dynamo effect and geometrical origin of [Formula: see text] term, origin of primordial magnetic fields and the role of the torsion in the actual symmetry of the standard model. The relation with gauge theories, conserved currents, and other problems of astrophysical character is discussed with some detail.
A Population Size Reduction Approach for Nondominated Sorting-Based Optimization Algorithms
Authors: Altinoz O. Tolga , Yilmaz A. Egemen
Published: March 2017

The solution set of any multi-objective optimization problem can be expressed as an approximation set of Pareto front. The number of solution candidates in this set could be large enough to cover the entire Pareto front as a general belief. However, among the sufficiently close points on the objective space, almost same accurate solutions can obtain. Hence, in this set, it is possible to eliminate some of the solutions without detriment to the overall performance. Therefore, in this research, the authors propose a population size reduction method which systematically reduced the population size based on the distance and angle relations between any consecutive solutions. The results are evaluated based on two-objective benchmark problems and compared with the results of NSGA-II algorithm with respect to three different performance evaluation metrics.
Coupling Front-End Separations, Ion Mobility Spectrometry, and Mass Spectrometry For Enhanced Multidimensional Biological and Environmental Analyses
Authors: Zheng Xueyun , Wojcik Roza , Zhang Xing , Ibrahim Yehia M. , Burnum-Johnson Kristin E. , Orton Daniel J. , Monroe Matthew E. , Moore Ronald J. , Smith Richard D. , Baker Erin S.
Published: March 2017

Ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) is a widely used analytical technique for rapid molecular separations in the gas phase. Though IMS alone is useful, its coupling with mass spectrometry (MS) and front-end separations is extremely beneficial for increasing measurement sensitivity, peak capacity of complex mixtures, and the scope of molecular information available from biological and environmental sample analyses. In fact, multiple disease screening and environmental evaluations have illustrated that the IMS-based multidimensional separations extract information that cannot be acquired with each technique individually. This review highlights three-dimensional separations using IMS-MS in conjunction with a range of front-end techniques, such as gas chromatography, supercritical fluid chromatography, liquid chromatography, solid-phase extractions, capillary electrophoresis, field asymmetric ion mobility spectrometry, and microfluidic devices. The origination, current state, various applications, and future capabilities of these multidimensional approaches are described in detail to provide insight into their uses and benefits.
Single-Cell Transcriptional Analysis
Authors: Wu Angela R. , Wang Jianbin , Streets Aaron M. , Huang Yanyi
Published: March 2017

Despite being a relatively recent technological development, single-cell transcriptional analysis through high-throughput sequencing has already been used in hundreds of fruitful studies to make exciting new biological discoveries that would otherwise be challenging or even impossible. Consequently, this has fueled a virtuous cycle of even greater interest in the field and compelled development of further improved technical methodologies and approaches. Thanks to the combined efforts of the research community, including the fields of biochemistry and molecular biology, technology and instrumentation, data science, computational biology, and bioinformatics, the single-cell RNA-sequencing field is advancing at a pace that is both astounding and unprecedented. In this review, we provide a broad introduction to this revolutionary technology by presenting the state-of-the-art in sample preparation methodologies, technology platforms, and computational analysis methods, while highlighting the key considerations for designing, executing, and interpreting a study using single-cell RNA sequencing.
Raman Imaging in Cell Membranes, Lipid-Rich Organelles, and Lipid Bilayers
Authors: Syed Aleem , Smith Emily A.
Published: March 2017

Raman-based optical imaging is a promising analytical tool for noninvasive, label-free chemical imaging of lipid bilayers and cellular membranes. Imaging using spontaneous Raman scattering suffers from a low intensity that hinders its use in some cellular applications. However, developments in coherent Raman imaging, surface-enhanced Raman imaging, and tip-enhanced Raman imaging have enabled video-rate imaging, excellent detection limits, and nanometer spatial resolution, respectively. After a brief introduction to these commonly used Raman imaging techniques for cell membrane studies, this review discusses selected applications of these modalities for chemical imaging of membrane proteins and lipids. Finally, recent developments in chemical tags for Raman imaging and their applications in the analysis of selected cell membrane components are summarized. Ongoing developments toward improving the temporal and spatial resolution of Raman imaging and small-molecule tags with strong Raman scattering cross sections continue to expand the utility of Raman imaging for diverse cell membrane studies.
Applications of Surface Second Harmonic Generation in Biological Sensing
Authors: Tran Renee J. , Sly Krystal L. , Conboy John C.
Published: March 2017

Surface second harmonic generation (SHG) is a coherent, nonlinear optical technique that is well suited for investigations of biomolecular interactions at interfaces. SHG is surface specific due to the intrinsic symmetry constraints on the nonlinear process, providing a distinct analytical advantage over linear spectroscopic methods, such as fluorescence and UV-Visible absorbance spectroscopies. SHG has the ability to detect low concentrations of analytes, such as proteins, peptides, and small molecules, due to its high sensitivity, and the second harmonic response can be enhanced through the use of target molecules that are resonant with the incident (ω) and/or second harmonic (2ω) frequencies. This review describes the theoretical background of SHG, and then it discusses its sensitivity, limit of detection, and the implementation of the method. It also encompasses the applications of surface SHG directed at the study of protein-surface, small-molecule–surface, and nanoparticle-membrane interactions, as well as molecular chirality, imaging, and immunoassays. The versatility, high sensitivity, and surface specificity of SHG show great potential for developments in biosensors and bioassays.
Bioanalytical Measurements Enabled by Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) Probes
Authors: Jamieson Lauren E. , Asiala Steven M. , Gracie Kirsten , Faulds Karen , Graham Duncan
Published: March 2017

Since its discovery in 1974, surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) has gained momentum as an important tool in analytical chemistry. SERS is used widely for analysis of biological samples, ranging from in vitro cell culture models, to ex vivo tissue and blood samples, and direct in vivo application. New insights have been gained into biochemistry, with an emphasis on biomolecule detection, from small molecules such as glucose and amino acids to larger biomolecules such as DNA, proteins, and lipids. These measurements have increased our understanding of biological systems, and significantly, they have improved diagnostic capabilities. SERS probes display unique advantages in their detection sensitivity and multiplexing capability. We highlight key considerations that are required when performing bioanalytical SERS measurements, including sample preparation, probe selection, instrumental configuration, and data analysis. Some of the key bioanalytical measurements enabled by SERS probes with application to in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo biological environments are discussed.