bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The phenotype of bilateral hippocampal sclerosis and its management in “real life” clinical settings
Authors: Sen Arjune , Dugan Patricia , Perucca Piero , Costello Daniel , Choi Hyunmi , Bazil Carl , Radtke Rod , Andrade Danielle , Depondt Chantal , Heavin Sinead , Adcock Jane , Pickrell W. Owen , McGinty Ronan N. , Nascimento Fábio , Smith Philip , Rees Mark I. , Kwan Patrick , O'Brien Terence J. , Goldstein David , Delanty Norman
Published: June 2018

Objective

There is little detailed phenotypic characterization of bilateral hippocampal sclerosis (HS). We therefore conducted a multicenter review of people with pharmacoresistant epilepsy and bilateral HS to better determine their clinical characteristics.

Methods

Databases from 11 EPIGEN centers were searched. For identified cases, clinicians reviewed the medical notes, imaging, and electroencephalographic (EEG), video‐EEG, and neuropsychometric data. Data were irretrievably anonymized, and a single database was populated to capture all phenotypic information. These data were compared with phenotyped cases of unilateral HS from the same centers.

Results

In total, 96 patients with pharmacoresistant epilepsy and bilateral HS were identified (43 female, 53 male; age range = 8‐80 years). Twenty‐five percent had experienced febrile convulsions, and 27% of patients had experienced status epilepticus. The mean number of previously tried antiepileptic drugs was 5.32, and the average number of currently prescribed medications was 2.99; 44.8% of patients had cognitive difficulties, and 47.9% had psychiatric comorbidity; 35.4% (34/96) of patients continued with long‐term medical therapy alone, another 4 being seizure‐free on medication. Sixteen patients proceeded to, or were awaiting, neurostimulation, and 11 underwent surgical resection. One patient was rendered seizure‐free postresection, with an improvement in seizures for 3 other cases. By comparison, of 201 patients with unilateral HS, a significantly higher number (44.3%) had febrile convulsions and only 11.4% had experienced status epilepticus. Importantly, 41.8% (84/201) of patients with unilateral HS had focal aware seizures, whereas such seizures were less frequently observed in people with bilateral HS, and were never observed exclusively (P = .002; Fisher's exact test).

Significance

The current work describes the phenotypic spectrum of people with pharmacoresistant epilepsy and bilateral HS, highlights salient clinical differences from patients with unilateral HS, and provides a large platform from which to develop further studies, both epidemiological and genomic, to better understand etiopathogenesis and optimal treatment regimes in this condition.
Long‐term negative impact of an inappropriate first antiepileptic medication on the efficacy of a second antiepileptic medication in mice
Authors: Pawluski Jodi L. , Kuchenbuch Mathieu , Hadjadj Sarah , Dieuset Gabriel , Costet Nathalie , Vercueil Laurent , Biraben Arnaud , Martin Benoît
Published: June 2018

Childhood absence epilepsy (CAE) is one of the most frequent epilepsies in infancy. The first‐line recommended therapy for CAE is based on the prescription of the narrow‐spectrum ethosuximide and the broad‐spectrum valproic acid, which have similar efficacy in the first 12 months. Nevertheless, some antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) may worsen seizure duration and type in this syndrome. In line with this, we have encountered a case of identical twins with CAE and early exposure to different antiseizure drugs leading to divergent outcomes. From this, we hypothesized that the first AED to treat CAE may determine the long‐term prognosis, especially in the developing brain, and that some situations leading to drug resistance may be explained by use of an inappropriate first AED. Therefore, we investigated this hypothesis by using a genetic mouse model of absence epilepsy (BS/Orl). Mice received a first appropriate or inappropriate AED followed by the same appropriate AED. Our data demonstrate that an inappropriate first AED has a negative impact on the long‐term efficacy of a second appropriate AED. This work supports the necessity to effectively diagnose epileptic syndromes prior to medication use, particularly in children, in order to prevent the deleterious effects of an inappropriate initial AED.
Competition for grooming partners and interference in affiliation among female mandrills
Authors: Schino Gabriele , Lasio Francesca
Published: June 2018

Grooming is the most common primate affiliative behaviour, and primates compete for accessing grooming partners. We studied a captive group of mandrills (Mandrillus sphinx) to evaluate the role of different types of competitive interactions in shaping the distribution of grooming among females. Mandrill females preferentially groomed high‐ranking individuals, but low‐ranking females were less able to do so. Interference in others’ grooming and a (consequent) reluctance of low‐ranking females to access dominant group mates occurred frequently and contributed to the observed pattern of grooming distribution, while takeovers of grooming partners was relatively rare. Interference in others’ affiliation was possibly used to prevent the formation of revolutionary alliances. Difficulties in accessing individuals already engaged in grooming exerted a strong but rank‐independent effect on grooming interactions. These results highlight the role of competition in determining access to preferred social partners.
The important but weakening maize yield benefit of grain filling prolongation in the US Midwest
Authors: Zhu Peng , Jin Zhenong , Zhuang Qianlai , Ciais Philippe , Bernacchi Carl , Wang Xuhui , Makowski David , Lobell David
Published: June 2018

A better understanding of recent crop yield trends is necessary for improving the yield and maintaining food security. Several possible mechanisms have been investigated recently in order to explain the steady growth in maize yield over the US Corn‐Belt, but a substantial fraction of the increasing trend remains elusive. In this study, trends in grain filling period (GFP) were identified and their relations with maize yield increase were further analyzed. Using satellite data from 2000 to 2015, an average lengthening of GFP of 0.37 days per year was found over the region, which probably results from variety renewal. Statistical analysis suggests that longer GFP accounted for roughly one‐quarter (23%) of the yield increase trend by promoting kernel dry matter accumulation, yet had less yield benefit in hotter counties. Both official survey data and crop model simulations estimated a similar contribution of GFP trend to yield. If growing degree days that determines the GFP continues to prolong at the current rate for the next 50 years, yield reduction will be lessened with 25% and 18% longer GFP under Representative Concentration Pathway 2.6 (RCP 2.6) and RCP 6.0, respectively. However, this level of progress is insufficient to offset yield losses in future climates, because drought and heat stress during the GFP will become more prevalent and severe. This study highlights the need to devise multiple effective adaptation strategies to withstand the upcoming challenges in food security.
Drosophila flies high over the Asia–Pacific: Report on the Fourth Asia–Pacific Drosophila Research Conference
Authors: Lai Yi‐Ting , Maeda Chinami , Matsuno Kenji
Published: June 2018

The Fourth Asia–Pacific Drosophila Research Conference (APDRC4) was held at the convention center of Osaka University, Osaka, Japan, on May 8–11, 2017. Derived from the Japanese Drosophila Research Conference, the APDRC visited its home for the first time since its launch in 2011 with APDRC1 in Taipei, followed by APDRC2 in Seoul and APDRC3 in Beijing. There were 344 participants from 18 countries, more than half of whom were from abroad (Data S1). Two keynote speakers, Drs. Henry Sun and Daisuke Yamamoto, who have had rich science careers, gave overviews of their research. In addition, 14 invited speakers who are highly regarded in their fields introduced their new findings. Thirty‐four oral presenters, many of them young investigators and students, were selected from the general participants to report their exciting results. During the conference, many stimulating questions and discussions were shared. Furthermore, 176 posters were presented, which also inspired enthusiastic discussions. In addition to the scientific presentations, a mixer and banquet enabled further intercommunion among the researchers (Figure b, e). During the conference, it was decided that the next Asia–Pacific Drosophila Research Conference (APDRC5) would be in Pune, India, in 2020. Thus, APDRC4 successfully achieved its mission to facilitate Drosophila research in the Asia–Pacific region.
The Japanese Immune Tolerance Induction (J‐ITI) study in haemophilia patients with inhibitor: Outcomes and successful predictors of ITI treatment
Authors: Nogami K. , Taki M. , Matsushita T. , Ohga S. , Oka T. , Horikoshi Y. , Amano K. , Shima M.
Published: June 2018

Introduction

Immune tolerance induction (ITI) was the primary therapeutic approach to eradicate inhibitors in haemophilia patients. Several large ITI registries had been reported, but successful predictors of ITI outcome are still debated. No reports are available on large ITI studies in non‐caucasian countries.

Aim

We designed a retrospective cohort study of ITI in Japanese haemophilia patients with inhibitor.

Methods

Retrospective data were collected from 155 haemophilia (H)A (140 severe‐type) and 7 HB (7 severe‐type) patients treated at 45 institutions. ITI outcome was centrally reviewed. We defined “success” as undetectable inhibitor after 2 consecutive measurements.

Results

The ITI success rate was 71.2% for HA and 83.3% for HB. Cumulated success rates for HA achieving 50% and 75% were 0.7 and 2 years after treatment, respectively. Significant successful predictors in HA were low‐responding inhibitors compared to high‐responding inhibitors, shorter time to the start of ITI, and lower historical and treatment peak titres of inhibitor. Dose regimen (high dose; ≥90 IU/kg every day, low dose; ≤75 IU/kg, 3 d/wk) and the type of therapeutic product did not affect outcomes. The success rate of salvage ITI using von Willebrand factor‐containing factor VIII was 50% (n = 6/12), and patient age at the start of salvage ITI was a significant predictor. The inhibitor recurred in 6 HA cases (3.9%).

Conclusion

The results provided potentially important information for improving future success rates for ITI in inhibitor patients.
Temperature‐insensitive piezoelectricity in lead‐free NaNbO3‐based ceramics
Authors: Lv Xiang , Chen Yanbin , Wu Jiagang
Published: June 2018

In this work, we report a lead‐free piezoelectric ceramic of (0.9‐x)NaNbO3‐0.1BaTiO3‐xBaZrO3, and the effects of BaZrO3 on the phase structure, microstructure, electrical properties and temperature stability are investigated. A morphotropic phase boundary‐like region consisting of rhombohedral (R) and tetragonal (T) phases is constructed in the compositions with x = 0.035‐0.04. More importantly, in situ temperature independence of the piezoelectric effect {piezoelectric constant (d33) and strain} can be achieved below the Curie temperature (Tc). Intriguingly, the electric field‐induced strain is still observed at T ≥ Tc due to the combined actions of the electrostrictive effect and the electric field‐induced phase transition. We believe that NaNbO3‐based ceramics of this type have potential for applications in actuators and sensors.
Local phenomena in bismuth sodium titanate perovskite studied by Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Liu Xing , Zhai Jiwei , Shen Bo
Published: June 2018

In this work, 0.8Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3‐0.2K0.5Bi0.5TiO3 (BNKT) is studied by electrical characterizations, in situ Raman spectra in conjunction with the phenomenological Landau predictions to reveal the local phenomena. An electric field‐induced nonergodic relaxor‐to‐ferroelectric phase transition and domain switching start to take place at a critical field of 3 kV/mm. The polar phase was disrupted into the disordered relaxor phase at ferroelectric‐relaxor transition temperature (TFR) along with the discontinuous phonon anomalies caused by the decoupling between the off‐centered Bi and Ti cations. The R3c and P4bm polar nanoregions (PNRs) can coexist in a wide temperature range and can be transformed reversibly below the temperature of dielectric maximum (Tm). The broad Raman bands were found to persist in high‐temperature paraelectric state induced by the existence of off‐centered Ti cation and ferroically deformed TiO6 octahedra. A phenomenological Landau model and local structural evolution sequence at different thermal history were proposed to further elucidate the underlying mechanisms. This work will be conducive to understanding the local structure‐physical property correlations of high‐performance lead‐free piezoelectrics.
Evaluation of all African clinical practice guidelines for hypertension: Quality and opportunities for improvement
Authors: Okwen Patrick Mbah , Maweu Irene , Grimmer Karen , Margarita Dizon Janine
Published: June 2018

Rationale, aims, and objectives

Good‐quality clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) provide recommendations based on current best‐evidence summaries. Hypertension is a prevalent noncommunicable disease in Africa, with disastrous sequelae (stroke, heart, and kidney disease). Its effective management relies on good quality, current, locally relevant evidence. This paper reports on an all African review of the guidance documents currently informing hypertension management.

Methods

Attempts were made to contact 62 African countries for formal guidance documents used nationally to inform diagnosis and management of hypertension. Their quality was assessed by using Appraisal of Guidelines for Research & Evaluation (AGREE) II, scored by 2 independent reviewers. Differences in domain scores were compared between documents written prior to 2011 and 2011 onward. Findings were compared with earlier African CPG reviews.

Results

Guidelines and protocols were provided by 26 countries. Six used country‐specific stand‐alone hypertension guidelines, and 10 used protocols embedded in Standard Treatment Guidelines for multiple conditions. Six used guidelines developed by the World Health Organization, and 4 indicated ad hoc use of international guidance (US, Portugal, and Brazil). Only 1 guidance document met CPG construction criteria, and none scored well on all AGREE domain scores. The lowest‐scoring domain was rigour of development. There was no significant quality difference between pre‐2011 and post‐2011 guidance documents, and there were variable AGREE II scores for the same CPGs when comparing the African reviews.

Conclusions

The quality of hypertension guidance used by African nations could be improved. The need for so many guidance documents is questioned. Adopting a common evidence base from international good‐quality CPGs and layering it with local contexts offer 1 way to efficiently improve African hypertension CPG quality and implementation.
A sociological approach to resilience in health and illness
Authors: Walker Christine , Peterson Chris L.
Published: June 2018

Work on resilience in health and illness has been approached from a number of perspectives. These are the biological and psychosocial with a focus on the individual's responses to cope and adapt to changing circumstances wrought by changing physical health states. This we argue has a place but is far too narrow emphasizing the neoliberal view that the sick or imperfect individual is ultimately responsible for their own health outcomes. In this perspective, the individual's failure to cope or adapt may be seen as a personal failure to interact with the health system on offer. A broader sociological approach focuses on the overarching sociopolitical system within which health and illness occur and looks at the role of concepts such as growing social and economic inequity and the process by which neoliberalism establishes the framework of unequal opportunity and life chances. At this broader level, resilience relates to interplay between the sociopolitical and health systems and the individual. It is the role of the health system to provide opportunities, and supports and to reduce inequities to promote healthy lifestyle and beneficial coping approaches. We aim to understand and describe the mechanisms and opportunities afforded to individuals by their place in the social structure and to argue for health reform that makes a health system that assists all individuals be resilient. Longitudinal data from the Australian Epilepsy Longitudinal Survey are used to understand how income, inequity, and social isolation affect resilience over time.
Effects of Individual Nurse and Hospital Characteristics on Patient Adverse Events and Quality of Care: A Multilevel Analysis
Authors: Lee Seung Eun , Vincent Catherine , Dahinten V. Susan , Scott Linda D. , Park Chang Gi , Dunn Lopez Karen
Published: June 2018

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate effects of individual nurse and hospital characteristics on patient adverse events and quality of care using a multilevel approach.

Design

This is a secondary analysis of a combination of nurse survey data (N = 1,053 nurses) and facility data (N = 63 hospitals) in Canada.

Methods

Multilevel ordinal logistic regression was employed to examine effects of individual nurse and hospital characteristics on patient adverse events. Multilevel linear regressions were used to investigate effects of individual nurse and hospital characteristics on quality of care.

Findings

Organizational safety culture was associated with patient adverse events and quality of care. Controlling for effects of nurse and hospital characteristics, nurses in hospitals with a stronger safety culture were 64% less likely to report administration of wrong medication, time, or dose; 58% less likely to report patient falls with injury; and 60% less likely to report urinary tract infections; and were more likely to report higher levels of quality of care. Additionally, the effects of individual‐level baccalaureate education and years of experience on quality of care differed across hospitals, and hospital‐level nurse education interacted with individual‐level baccalaureate education.

Conclusions

This study makes significant contributions to existing knowledge regarding the positive effect of organizational safety culture on patient adverse events and quality of care.

Clinical Relevance

Healthcare organizations should strive to improve their safety culture by creating environments where healthcare providers trust each other, work collaboratively, and share accountability for patient safety and care quality.
Physical postharvest treatments in the control of stem‐end rot of mango
Authors: Terao Daniel , Nechet Kátia de Lima , Frighetto Rosa Toyoko Shiraishi , Anjos Valéria Delgado de Almeida , Benato Eliane Aparecida , Halfeld‐Vieira Bernardo de Almeida
Published: June 2018

Botryosphaeria dothidea is the major pathogen of mango in Brazil, causing stem‐end rot, which causes significant losses during transportation and storage. The current strategy to control this particular disease using synthetic fungicides has been ineffective, leaving residues in the fruit. The objective of the research was to study the effect of physical treatments, with hot water rinse brushing (HWRB) and ultraviolet C irradiation (UV‐C), individually and in combination, to control stem‐end rot of mango. Physicochemical parameters, respiration and resistance induction of the fruit were also analysed. The in vitro trials demonstrated that B. dothidea is a thermoresistant fungus. The individual treatments with HWRB at 65°C for 15 s and 2.5 kJ/m2 of UV‐C presented the best results, showing less symptoms of the disease during 18 days of storage. The combination of HWRB with UV‐C did not improve the control of the disease when compared to the treatments applied individually. The physicochemical parameters and the consumer acceptance evaluation showed that both physical treatments preserved the appearance of the fruit and delayed the ripening–senescence process. The induction of defence‐related enzymes revealed that induced resistance was an important mechanism involved in the control of stem‐end rot of mango.
High‐throughput proteomic analysis of candidate biomarker changes in gingival crevicular fluid after treatment of chronic periodontitis
Authors: Guzman Y. A. , Sakellari D. , Papadimitriou K. , Floudas C. A.
Published: June 2018

Background and Objective

Untargeted, high‐throughput proteomics methodologies have great potential to aid in identifying biomarkers for the diagnosis of periodontal disease. The application of such methods to the discovery of candidate biomarkers for the resolution of periodontal inflammation after periodontal therapy has been investigated.

Material and Methods

Gingival crevicular fluid samples were collected from 10 patients diagnosed with chronic periodontitis at baseline and 1, 5, 9 and 13 weeks after completion of mechanical periodontal treatment. Clinical indices of periodontal disease, including probing depth, recession, clinical attachment level and bleeding on probing, were recorded at baseline and 13 weeks. Samples were analyzed using an online liquid chromatography‐nanoelectrospray‐hybrid ion trap‐Orbitrap mass spectrometer. Spectra were processed with the PILOT_PROTEIN proteomics software suite.

Results

Clinical parameters were significantly improved 13 weeks after treatment (Wilcoxon signed ranks test, P < .05). From the substantial number of identified proteins, a small subset was extracted by filter methods that included temporal pattern matching, logistic function fitting and mixed‐integer linear optimization. This subset includes azurocidin, lysozyme C and myosin‐9 as candidate biomarkers prominent at baseline and alpha‐smooth muscle actin as prominent 13 weeks after treatment. Cross‐validation studies yielded average predictive accuracy and area under the curve of 0.900 and 0.930, respectively.

Conclusion

High‐throughput proteomic analysis can contribute to identifying endpoints of periodontal therapy. These candidate biomarkers should be evaluated for clinical efficacy.
The complexity of symbiotic interactions influences the ecological amplitude of the host: A case study inStereocaulon(lichenized Ascomycota)
Authors: Vančurová Lucie , Muggia Lucia , Peksa Ondřej , Řídká Tereza , Škaloud Pavel
Published: June 2018

Symbiosis plays a fundamental role in nature. Lichens are among the best known, globally distributed symbiotic systems whose ecology is shaped by the requirements of all symbionts forming the holobiont. The widespread lichen‐forming fungal genusStereocaulonprovides a suitable model to study the ecology of microscopic green algal symbionts (i.e., phycobionts) within the lichen symbiosis. We analysed 282Stereocaulonspecimens, collected in diverse habitats worldwide, using the algalITS rDNAand actin gene sequences and fungalITS rDNAsequences. Phylogenetic analyses revealed a great diversity among the predominant phycobionts. The algal genusAsterochloris(Trebouxiophyceae) was recovered in most sampled thalli, but two additional genera,VulcanochlorisandChloroidium, were also found. We used variation‐partitioning analyses to investigate the effects of climatic conditions, substrate/habitat characteristic, spatial distribution and mycobionts on phycobiont distribution. Based on an analogy, we examined the effects of climate, substrate/habitat, spatial distribution and phycobionts on mycobiont distribution. According to our analyses, the distribution of phycobionts is primarily driven by mycobionts andvice versa. Specificity and selectivity of both partners, as well as their ecological requirements and the width of their niches, vary significantly among the species‐level lineages. We demonstrated that species‐level lineages, which accept more symbiotic partners, have wider climatic niches, overlapping with the niches of their partners. Furthermore, the survival of lichens on substrates with high concentrations of heavy metals appears to be supported by their association with toxicity‐tolerant phycobionts. In general, low specificity towards phycobionts allows the host to associate with ecologically diversified algae, thereby broadening its ecological amplitude.
Bicarbonate stimulates non‐structural carbohydrate pools of Camptotheca acuminata
Authors: Rao Sen , Wu Yanyou , Wang Rui
Published: June 2018

The role of root‐derived dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) has been emphasized lately, as it can provide an alternative source of carbon for photosynthesis. The fate of newly fixed DIC and its effect on non‐structural carbohydrate (NSC) pools has not been thoroughly elucidated to date. To this end, we used 13C (NaHCO3) as a substrate tracer to investigate the incorporation of newly fixed bicarbonate into the plant organs and NSC compounds of Camptotheca acuminata seedlings for 24 and 72 h. NSC levels across the organs were all markedly increased within 24 h of labeling treatment and afterward only decreased in stems at 72 h. The variation range of NSC concentrations in roots was considerably smaller than in the stem and leaves. As time passed, the δ13C in NSC compounds was significantly affected by 13C labeling and was more positive in the roots than in the stem and leaves. Starch was more 13C‐enriched than was soluble carbohydrate, and the δ13C of root starch was as high as −4.70‰. Bicarbonate incorporation into newly formed NSC compounds contributed up to 0.24% of the root starch within 72 h. These data provided strong evidence that bicarbonate not only acted as a C source that contributed slightly to the NSC pools but also stimulated the increase in NSC pools. The present study expands our understanding of the rapid change of NSC pools across the organs in response to bicarbonate.
Latent tuberculosis infection: Opportunities and challenges
Authors: Chee Cynthia B.E. , Reves Randall , Zhang Ying , Belknap Robert
Published: June 2018

Diagnosing and treating latent tuberculosis (TB) infection (LTBI) is recognized by the World Health Organization as an important strategy to accelerate the decline in global TB and achieve TB elimination. Even among low‐TB burden countries that have achieved high rates of detection and successful treatment for active TB, a number of barriers have prevented implementing or expanding LTBI treatment programmes. Of those infected with TB, relatively few will develop active disease and the current diagnostic tests have a low predictive value. LTBI treatment using isoniazid (INH) has low completion rates due to the long duration of therapy and poor tolerability. Both patients and physicians often perceive the risk of toxicity to be greater than the risk of reactivation TB. As a result, LTBI treatment has had a limited or negligible role outside of countries with high resources and low burden of disease. New tools have emerged including the interferon‐gamma release assays that more accurately diagnose LTBI, particularly in people vaccinated with Bacillus Calmette–Guerin (BCG). Shorter, better tolerated treatment using rifamycins are proving safe and effective alternatives to INH. While still imperfect, TB prevention using these new diagnostic and treatment tools appear cost effective in modelling studies in the United States and have the potential to improve TB prevention efforts globally. Continued research to understand the host–organism interactions within the spectrum of LTBI is needed to develop better tools. Until then, overcoming the barriers and optimizing our current tools is essential for progressing toward TB elimination.
A Probabilistic Paradigm for the Parametric Insurance of Natural Hazards
Authors: Figueiredo Rui , Martina Mario L.V. , Stephenson David B. , Youngman Benjamin D.
Published: June 2018

There is a pressing need for simple and reliable risk transfer mechanisms that can pay out quickly after natural disasters without delays caused by loss estimation, and the need for long historical claims records. One such approach, known as parametric insurance, pays out when a key hazard variable exceeds a predetermined threshold. However, this approach to catastrophe risk, based on making deterministic binary predictions of loss occurrence, is susceptible to basis risk (mismatch between payouts and realized losses).

A more defensible approach is to issue probabilistic predictions of loss occurrence, which then allows uncertainty to be properly quantified, communicated, and evaluated. This study proposes a generic probabilistic framework for parametric trigger modeling based on logistic regression, and idealized modeling of potential damage given knowledge of a hazard variable. We also propose various novel methods for evaluating the quality and utility of such predictions as well as more traditional trigger indices.

The methodology is demonstrated by application to flood‐related disasters in Jamaica from 1998 to 2016 using gridded precipitation data as the hazard variable. A hydrologically motivated transformation is proposed for calculating potential damage from daily rainfall data. Despite the simplicity of the approach, the model has substantial skill at predicting the probability of occurrence of loss days as demonstrated by traditional goodness‐of‐fit measures (i.e., pseudo‐R2 of 0.55) as well as probabilistic verification diagnostics such as receiver operating characteristics. Using conceptual models of decisionmaker expenses, we also demonstrate that the system can provide considerable utility to involved parties, e.g., insured parties, insurers, and risk managers.
Soil phosphorus fractions in aggregate size classes in southwestern China
Authors: Zhang G. S. , Ni Z. W.
Published: June 2018

The build‐up of topsoil phosphorus (P) through excess fertilizer application can increase P losses in run‐off leading to negative impacts on aquatic ecosystems. To better understand the risk of P losses, the fractions of soil P in four aggregate size classes were quantified for two vegetable production sites (<10 and >25 yrs) and a conservation buffer site (8 yrs) in southwestern China. Sequential extraction methods of inorganic P (Pi) and organic P (Po) were carried out on samples from Nitisol and Gleysol soils from 0 to 5 cm and 5 to 10 cm depths. On average, soil Pi concentrations exceeded Po concentrations threefold, primarily in the bioavailable Pi fractions (labile Pi, loosely bound Pi and non‐occluded Pi). Soil Po fractions and bioavailable Pi fractions were significantly greater under the >25 yrs field than in the <10 yrs field. The conversion of fields under vegetable production to forested buffer substantially decreased the levels of the bioavailable Pi and labile Po in the Gleysol after 8 yrs. Soil macro‐aggregates (>0.25 mm) had greater concentrations of bioavailable Pi fractions and of labile and moderately labile Po than did micro‐aggregates and silt and clay size components. Although more P was stored in recalcitrant P forms, a larger percentage of all P fractions was found in macro‐aggregates in these soils. Small active P‐enriched aggregates potentially intensify export of P from the vegetable soils by run‐off, and therefore, management practices must be optimized to enhance agricultural P efficiencies.
A versatile and robust Agrobacterium‐based gene stacking system generates high‐quality transgenic Arabidopsis plants
Authors: Collier Ray , Thomson James G. , Thilmony Roger
Published: June 2018

Biotechnology provides a means for the rapid genetic improvement of plants. Although single genes have been important in engineering herbicide and pest tolerance traits in crops, future improvements of complex traits like yield and nutritional quality will likely require the introduction of multiple genes. This research reports a system (GAANTRY; Gene Assembly in Agrobacterium by Nucleic acid Transfer using Recombinase technologY) for the flexible, in vivo stacking of multiple genes within an Agrobacterium virulence plasmid Transfer‐DNA (T‐DNA). The GAANTRY system utilizes in vivo transient expression of unidirectional site‐specific recombinases and an alternating selection scheme to sequentially assemble multiple genes into a single transformation construct. To demonstrate GAANTRY's capabilities, 10 cargo sequences were sequentially stacked together to produce a 28.5‐kbp T‐DNA, which was used to generate hundreds of transgenic events. Approximately 90% of the events identified using a dual antibiotic selection screen exhibited all of the introduced traits. A total of 68% of the tested lines carried a single copy of the selection marker transgene located near the T‐DNA left border, and only 8% contained sequence from outside the T‐DNA. The GAANTRY system can be modified to easily accommodate any method of DNA assembly and generate high‐quality transgenic plants, making it a powerful, yet simple to use tool for plant genetic engineering.
Mechanisms of lysosomal positioning and movement
Authors: Cabukusta Birol , Neefjes Jacques
Published: June 2018

Lysosomes are highly dynamic organelles that can move rapidly throughout the cell. They distribute in a rather immobile pool located around the microtubule‐organizing center in a “cloud,” and a highly dynamic pool in the cell periphery. Their spatiotemporal characteristics allow them to carry out multiple biological functions, such as cargo degradation, antigen presentation and plasma membrane repair. Therefore, it is not surprising that lysosomal dysfunction underlies various diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative and autoimmune diseases. In most of these biological events, the involvement of lysosomes is dependent on their ability to move throughout the cytoplasm, to find and fuse to the correct compartments to receive and deliver substrates for further handling. These dynamics are orchestrated by motor proteins moving along cytoskeletal components. The complexity of the mechanisms responsible for controlling lysosomal transport has recently been appreciated and has yielded novel insights into interorganellar communication, as well as lipid‐protein interplay. In this review, we discuss the current understanding of the mechanisms of lysosomal transport and the molecular machineries that control this mobility.
Dirofilaria repens—An etiological factor or an incidental finding in cytologic and histopathologic biopsies from dogs
Authors: Paździor‐Czapula Katarzyna , Otrocka‐Domagała Iwona , Myrdek Patrycja , Mikiewicz Mateusz , Gesek Michał
Published: June 2018

Dirofilaria repens is an endemic, zoonotic parasite of carnivores, causing subcutaneous dirofilariasis, which is mostly asymptomatic. The aim of this study was to describe 22 cases of canine subcutaneous dirofilariasis. The cytologic and histopathologic samples were collected from dogs, which presented with various clinical signs such as cutaneous/subcutaneous nodules, hydropericardium, ascites, and lymphadenomegaly. The cytologic or histopathologic examination revealed purulent, pyogranulomatous, granulomatous or eosinophilic dermatitis/panniculitis, and the presence of D repens microfilariae or adults. The microfilariae or adults were also found incidentally in neoplastic cutaneous or subcutaneous tumors and in a sialocele. For the first time, microfilariae were also detected and described in pericardial and abdominal effusions and in enlarged reactive lymph nodes. Although it is well known that D repens can cause dermatitis and panniculitis in dogs, no previous reports of D repens microfilariae in body cavity fluids were found. The role of this parasite in the accumulation of body cavity fluid or in reactive lymphadenomegaly requires further investigation. Due to its zoonotic potential, and apparently underestimated pathogenicity, each case of canine subcutaneous dirofilariasis should be treated.
Prevalence of interfering antibodies in dogs and cats evaluated using a species‐independent assay
Authors: Bergman Daniel , Larsson Anders , Hansson‐Hamlin Helene , Svensson Anna , Holst Bodil Ström
Published: June 2018

Background

Interfering antibodies in human serum and plasma are known to react with mammalian antibodies in immunoassays and cause false‐positive test results. Although this phenomenon was recently shown in companion animals, knowledge regarding immunoassay interference in veterinary medicine is very limited.

Objectives

The aims of this study were to set up a species‐independent immunoassay procedure to detect interference in serum samples, to screen for interference in a cross‐section of canine and feline patient samples from an animal hospital, and to determine if the detected interference could be neutralized using an immunoassay based on nonmammalian reagents.

Methods

A 2‐site sandwich‐type interference assay was set up using commercially available mouse reagents. A total of 369 serum samples from 320 dogs and 263 samples from 218 cats were analyzed using the interference assay. Multiple samples were submitted from 36 dogs and 39 cats. Nineteen samples identified as interference‐positive were analyzed in an assay using chicken antibodies.

Results

Interference was detected in samples from 28 dogs (9%) and 10 cats (5%) screened with the interference assay. Except for 1 cat, consistent results were obtained for all 75 dogs and cats that submitted more than 1 sample. The interference was eliminated when analyzed in the chicken‐based assay (P < .001).

Conclusions

Substances with reactivity toward mouse IgG can be detected in serum samples from dog and cat patients using a 2‐site interference assay. The detected substances are most likely interfering antibodies, possibly originating from immunization with other mammalian species.
Next Generation Passenger Brake Equipment Development Update: Light at the End of the Tunnel
Authors: Jamieson Paul E. , Crowley Brendan W. , Rice Danial , Bernat Jonathan , Zuiderveen Steven
Published: June 2018

The Next Generation Passenger Brake Equipment Development (RTDF2013-4732) presented the background and development process to be followed in the application of the Association of American Railroads (AAR) S-4200 Electronically Controlled Pneumatic (ECP) brake standards as applied to Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Tier I passenger equipment. During the ensuing five-year period, significant work has been performed to allow an ECP-equipped passenger train to enter an FRA revenue service demonstration on the Amtrak Keystone Service between Harrisburg, PA, and New York, NY. This paper summarizes the information contained in the 2013 paper and addresses the actual implementation path that was followed. The paper discusses 26C pneumatic brake characterization testing required for emulation operation, performance standard differences for passenger equipment, and the safety analysis performed. The paper covers interoperability testing, equipment modifications, static train testing, and dynamic train testing that were required to enter the revenue service demonstration phase. Finally, emulation service status, the revenue service demonstration status, American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Passenger Rail Equipment Safety Standards (PRESS) issuance, and Code of Federal Regulation 49CFR238 proposed changes are addressed.
Interoperability for Communications Based Train Control
Authors: Thurston David F.
Published: June 2018

Communications Based Train Control (CBTC) has matured over the last 30 years to be the premiere choice for signaling of heavy rail metros throughout the world. In the United States, CBTC has lagged behind in use for a number of reasons. This paper researches these reasons and offers a solution that can benefit both the supply community as well as the end user such that CBTC can be successfully deployed as lower cost. Interoperability as a driver for this innovation will be investigated at all levels possible for operations, management, and interfaces, providing a fully integrated system.
Balanced Force Pantograph and OCS
Authors: Smith Frank J.
Published: June 2018

At the core of electrified railroad design is the Pantograph and Overhead Contact System (OCS). The design of the OCS has been essentially unchanged for nearly 100 years. The pantograph has undergone structural changes in the last 50 years but it still functions the same way it did over 100 years ago. The technology has proven to be incredibly successful and reliable. However the relationship between the pantograph and the OCS has practical limitations that have become evident in recent times, as trains achieve ever faster operating speeds. Currently the world’s high sped trains all tend to have cruising speeds of about 220 MPH. This circumstance has been referred to in one paper as the Pantograph Barrier. (See Ref #1). The evident limitations on the cruising speeds of electric locomotives comes from several causes. Among these are the maintenance condition of the rails; the radius of curves; the use of roadbed super-elevation; and the presence of freight or commuter trains. But arguably the most pervasive limitation is the behavior of the OCS at higher speeds. History demonstrates the inevitable progress to ever faster rail speeds and the need for ever increasing traction power capacity. This paper will explore the evolution of the pantograph and OCS configuration as a means to identify the limitations that are endemic in the design. It proposes a list of design criteria that must guide the further evolution of the relationship between the OCS and the Pantograph. Further, it proposes a new configuration for the OCS and the Pantograph that may form the basis for the further evolution of the electric locomotives.
Communications-Based Train Control: Test Program Challenges
Authors: Diemunsch Kenneth , Altamirano Keith
Published: June 2018

This paper discusses two real-world challenges faced by Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) testing programs.

a) Why is it that even after a successful complete system Factory Acceptance Test (FAT), the performance of the CBTC system during the first few months of field tests is prone to frequent failures? On some projects, it may be months between a successful FAT and the first operation in CBTC mode.

b) How accurately and efficiently can the root cause of failures during the field tests be identified and how could a test program be improved to have a smooth transition from field testing to revenue service.

Unlike commissioning a conventional signaling system, where after circuit break down and operation testing are completed, the system works well during revenue service, CBTC projects experience an additional round of ‘surprises’ when the system is put in service after months or years of testing [1]. This comment is valid for both new lines and signaling upgrade projects, it should be noted that signaling upgrade projects are more prone to ‘surprises’ due to the limited track access which reduces testing time. Even though the final test results prior to revenue service indicate no ‘showstoppers’, once system is placed in service, it is common to unearth major issues that impact sustainable revenue operation. Though, as it should, this often comes as a surprise to transit agencies installing CBTC for the first time, it is almost accepted as fate by most of the experienced CBTC engineers. This paper describes the tests performed prior to placing system in revenue service and analyzes some of the issues experienced. Detailed information regarding the field tests can be found in [2]. Description of possible mitigations used by CBTC suppliers and transit agencies are included, as well as likely reasons for such a predictable pattern on CBTC projects. Finally, ideas about how to continue improving the mitigation to minimize the risk of major system issues are presented.
Bearing Grease Degradation Related to Water and Roller Bluing
Authors: Clasby Dustin , Stewart Monique
Published: June 2018

Bearing degradation and defects can result in a premature failure. Water ingress into the bearing is a factor for premature degradation, as water may corrupt internal parts and degrade the bearing grease. This paper presents the investigation of the properties of grease degradation from bearings with water-related degradations. This research provides insight into the internal state of bearings that have been replaced due to grease degradation as a result of water ingress.

Separately, the railroad industry has observed bearing roller “bluing” or “lube staining.” This discoloration may be a harmless surface effect, or it may be similar to heat bluing. Determining true metallurgical effects may lead to the understanding between these two different types of “bluing”.

To study bearings with water-related lubrication degradation, grease samples were collected from two populations of bearing lubrication at bearing service locations. One population contains bearings identified with water-related damage, and a second population is a control set of bearings. Primary grease analysis was done per ASTM 7918, providing metrics of wear, contamination, consistency, and oxidative properties. Additional testing was performed where results indicated utility; including measurements of anti-oxidant remaining in grease and microscopic analysis of wear particles in the grease.

“Bluing” or “lube stain” bearing components were examined through analysis of lubrication and metallurgical metrics. Collections of samples from bearing shops included representative small amounts of grease and “blued” steel parts from bearings exhibiting surface discoloration. A second sample set included steel parts and grease samples from a control set of bearings. A third set of rollers were heat blued in the lab. Lube stained rollers and control set rollers were tested for metallurgical changes. Analysis of the bearing steel consisted of hardness and micro-hardness testing of polished samples, examination to compare microstructural features, and residual stress tests.

The tests conducted in the investigation of water-related bearing grease degradation indicate a difference between bearings with “Water-Etch” and “Non-Verified” degradation modes based on ferrous debris levels in the grease. This difference is due to wear of the bearing material deposited in the grease. The tests conducted in the investigation of lube stain in bearings show lube stain does not affect any tested metallurgical material properties, other than surface discoloration.