bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feasibility of incorporating buriti (Mauritia flexuosa L.) oil nanoemulsions in isotonic sports drink
Authors: Bovi Graziele G. , Petrus Rodrigo R. , Pinho Samantha C.
Published: June 2017

Buriti (Mauritia flexuosa L.) oil is one of the richest vegetal sources of carotenoids, and its use in food industry is interesting considering the growing interest of the consumers for healthier products. Nanoemulsions of buriti oil were produced by phase inversion temperature (PIT) method for subsequent incorporation in isotonic beverage. The incorporation of nanoemulsions of buriti oil in beverages aims to replace artificial colouring by natural dyes. The nanoemulsion stability was evaluated by measuring average droplet size (73–86 nm), polydispersity (0.08–0.15), lipid oxidation quantification (0.05–0.1 mmol MDA kg−1), and total carotenoids. The beverages were evaluated in terms of pH (2.72–3.05), osmolality, total titratable acidity (0.164–0.177 g citric acid L−1), soluble solids (4.23–5.13 °Brix), and colorimetric parameters. Microbiology and sensory evaluation were also carried out, and the results indicated that buriti oil nanoemulsions can be incorporated in isotonic beverages.
Microstructural and dynamic oscillatory aspects of yogurt as influenced by hydrolysed guar gum
Authors: Hussain Majid , Bakalis Serafim , Gouseti Ourania , Akhtar Saeed , Hameed Aneela , Ismail Amir
Published: June 2017

The objective of the current study was to explore the influence of crude, purified and hydrolysed guar gum at low and high concentrations on gel structure stability of yogurts at 4 °C throughout 21 days of storage. The rheology and microstructure of yogurts had been perceived by Bohlin rheometer (Malvern Instrument, UK) and cryo‐scanning electron microscopy (Cryo‐SEM), respectively. The viscoelastic behaviour of yogurts characterised at 25 °C exhibited weak gel structural properties (Gʺ > Gʹ). Cryo‐SEM had been used for microstructural image processing. The acidic and enzyme hydrolysed guar gum at low (0.3%) and high (1%) concentrations led to yogurt gels with fine‐stranded microstructure, while gelation with crude, purified and basic hydrolysed guar gum demonstrated diverse behaviour of depletion flocculation, visually observed even at low concentrations of crude guar gum (0.1%) as a thin layer of phase‐separated material. Conclusively, guar gum in its hydrolytic form enhances better structural and rheological properties.
Micro‐level dynamics of social assistance receipt: Evidence from four European countries
Authors: Königs Sebastian
Published: June 2017

This study investigated the monthly dynamics of social assistance benefit receipt – in particular the incidence of long‐term benefit receipt – in four European countries: Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Norway and Sweden. The analysis is based on four separate administrative panel data sets, each covering the 96‐month period from January 2001 to December 2008. Benefit dynamics were found to vary considerably across countries. In the two Nordic countries, long‐term benefit receipt was found to be a rare exception. Most recipients, however, had multiple spells and the majority of benefit leavers returned to benefits within a few months of leaving. In Luxembourg and The Netherlands, long‐term benefit receipt was frequent, but benefit leavers were much less likely to return to benefit receipt after exit. The total duration of benefit receipt per individual across spells was two to three times as high in The Netherlands and Luxembourg as in Norway and Sweden.
Expression profile of urothelial transcription factors in bladder biopsies with interstitial cystitis
Authors: Kaga Kanya , Inoue Ken‐ichi , Kaga Mayuko , Ichikawa Tomohiko , Yamanishi Tomonori
Published: June 2017

Objectives

To characterize interstitial cystitis pathology based on the expression profile of urothelial tissue‐specific master transcription factors.

Methods

Bladder carcinoma cell lines derived from the urothelial stem cells (epithelial or mesenchymal) were used to identify candidate urothelial master transcription factors. Gene expression was measured with quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. From the initial screening of 170 transcription factors (human homologs of Drosophila segmentation genes and known master transcription factors from a database), 28 transcription factors were selected. Subsequently, messenger ribonucleic acid from bladder biopsies of interstitial cystitis patients was purified, and gene expression levels of known urothelial marker genes and candidate master transcription factors were measured. Multivariate expression data were analyzed with spss software.

Results

Factor analysis decomposed the expression profile into four axes: principal axis 1 included retinoic acid receptors and 17 candidate master transcription factors. Principal axis 2 included KRT5 and five candidates. Principal axis 3 included transcription factor TP63 and two candidates. Principal axis 4 included SHH and two candidates. Principal component analysis segregated biopsies from Hunner's lesion in the principal component 1 (retinoic acid)/principal component 2 (SOX13)/principal component 3 (TP63) space.

Conclusions

Urothelial master transcription factors could serve as novel diagnostic markers and potentially explain the molecular pathology of interstitial cystitis.
Electrical isolation of the left atrial appendage by Maze‐like catheter substrate modification: A reproducible strategy for pulmonary vein isolation nonresponders?
Authors: Bordignon Stefano , Perrotta Laura , Dugo Daniela , Bologna Fabrizio , Nagase Takahiko , Fuernkranz Alexander , Chun K.R. Julian , Schmidt Boris
Published: June 2017

Introduction

The ablation strategy for atrial fibrillation (AF) despite pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is controversial. Left atrial appendage isolation (LAAI) may contribute to improve outcome. We describe an ablation approach (“Maze‐like”‐LAAI) that (1) modifies the underlying LA substrate by linear ablation (2) eliminates the LAA as a putative AF trigger site and (3) incorporates an unambiguous procedural endpoint. The role of LAA closure (LAAC) after LAAI was investigated.

Methods

Patients with atrial tachyarrhythmias nonresponsive to PVI underwent a LAAI ablation procedure. LAAI was achieved by combining (a) an anterior line, (b) a LA roof line and (c) a mitral isthmus line. Patients continued oral anticoagulation (OAC) therapy or underwent LAAC  ≥6 weeks after LAAI.

Results

Maze‐like LAAI was attempted in our center in 107 of 3,611 AF ablation procedures (2.9%) and achieved in 88 of 107 patients (82%). In 8 of 107 (7%) patients cardiac tamponade occurred, all managed conservatively. During follow‐up sinus rhythm was established in 65% at 1 year. After LAAI, 45 patients remained on OAC and 40 underwent LAAC. In both groups 1 patient experienced a bleeding complication. Thromboembolism exclusively occurred in the OAC group in 3 (7%) patients.

Conclusion

LAA isolation by Maze‐like substrate modification may be considered a viable option for PVI non‐responders. It offers a reproducible approach with an unambiguous procedural endpoint and leads to a favorable clinical outcome. However, extensive LA ablation increased the risk of tamponade. Consecutive LAA occlusion may offer a nonpharmacologic strategy to overcome the high thromboembolic risk associated with absent mechanical LAA contraction.
Discharge Against Medical Advice of Elderly Inpatients in the United States
Authors: Lelieveld Carlijn , Leipzig Rosanne , Gaber‐Baylis Licia K. , Mazumdar Madhu , Memtsoudis Stavros G. , Zubizarreta Nicole , Poeran Jashvant
Published: June 2017

Discharge against medical advice (DAMA) is associated with greater risk of hospital readmission and higher morbidity, mortality, and costs, but with a rapidly increasing elderly inpatient population, there is a lack of national data on DAMA in this subgroup. The National Inpatient Sample (2003–2013 for trends, 2013 for multivariable analysis, n = 29,290,852) was used to describe trends in DAMA in elderly inpatients, to study diagnosis codes associated with admission, and to assess factors associated with DAMA using multivariable logistic regression. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) are reported for risk factors of interest. Although DAMA rates in individuals aged 65 and older were one fourth of those found in individuals aged 18 to 64, an increasing trend was found in both groups. From 2003 to 2013, rates increased in individuals aged 18 to 64 (from 1.44% to 1.78%) and in those aged 65 and older (from 0.37% to 0.42% (both P < .001). In both age groups, individuals admitted for mental illness had the highest risk of DAMA. Factors associated with higher adjusted odds of DAMA were generally similar between age groups, although risk of DAMA was higher in elderly adults than in those aged 18 to 64 for blacks (OR 1.65, 95% CI 1.49–1.82 vs OR 1.16, 95% CI 1.12–1.20), Hispanics (OR 1.58, 95% CI 1.41–1.77 vs OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.79–0.87), and those in the lowest income quartile (OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.43–1.72 vs OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.08–1.17), suggesting that race/ethnicity and poverty are more pronounced as risk factors for DAMA in elderly inpatients.
People Like Me Don't Belong Here: Identity Concealment is Associated with Negative Workplace Experiences
Authors: Newheiser Anna‐Kaisa , Barreto Manuela , Tiemersma Jasper
Published: June 2017

In two studies, we examined the impact of concealing (vs. revealing) a stigmatized identity in the context of a recalled or imagined social interaction with one's coworkers. We propose that although people may choose to conceal stigmatized identities in order to increase their chances of acceptance and belonging, identity concealment in fact reduces feelings of belonging and results in negative work‐related outcomes. Participants possessing a concealable stigmatized identity (in Study 1: LGB identity, N = 95; in Study 2, LGBT identity, history of mental illness, history of physical illness, or history of poverty, N = 303) were randomly assigned to recall or imagine concealing or revealing their identity at work. We found that concealing (vs. revealing) the identity reduced felt belonging in the recalled or imagined situation, collective self‐esteem, job satisfaction, and work‐related commitment. Thus, despite its promise to protect individuals against workplace discrimination, identity concealment is associated with deleterious outcomes.
Disability Models Affect Disability Policy Support through Awareness of Structural Discrimination
Authors: Dirth Thomas P. , Branscombe Nyla R.
Published: June 2017

In three studies (N = 340) we examined the effects of medical versus social model representations of physical disability on awareness of structural discrimination and prodisability policy support among nondisabled persons. In all three studies, we found either an indirect (Studies 1 and 2) or full mediational effect of awareness of structural discrimination on the relationship between social model representations and policy support. Study 1 provided correlational evidence using individual social model endorsement as the predictor variable, while in Studies 2 and 3 experimentally manipulated model of disability. Finally, Study 3 provided evidence that medical model representations reduce prodisability policy support by encouraging the legitimization of the status quo.
Clinical nutrition counselling service in the veterinary hospital: retrospective analysis of equine patients and nutritional considerations
Authors: Vergnano D. , Bergero D. , Valle E.
Published: June 2017

Nutrition plays a very important role in the healthy and in the ill horse. Although research in this field clearly shows that incorrect nutritional practices may lead to severe pathologies, inappropriate feeding plans often continue to be used. A clinical nutrition counselling (CNC) service could thus be of great use to both horse owners and veterinarians. The aim of this study was to provide information on equine patients referred to theCNCservice of the University of Turin and to provide standard dietary protocols as used in our Veterinary Teaching Hospital for the most common nutrition‐related pathologies. The data were obtained by retrospective analysis of the nutritional records of referred equine patients. The data collected included information about anamnesis, nutritional assessment, current diet, referring person and follow‐up of each patient. Sixty‐one horses were included in the study. The majority were adult males. The most common breeds were the Italian Saddle Horse and the Friesian Horse. Old horses (>19 years) had a statistically lowerBCSthan brood mares or other adult horses (p < 0.01). The most common nutritional pathologies were chronic weight loss (CWL), chronic diarrhoea (CD) and equine gastric ulcer syndrome. All horses received first‐cut meadow hay; 85% also ate concentrates. Young horses (<2 years) received more hay as a percentage of body weight (BW) than old horses or adults. The hay percentage ofBWper day given to animals withCWLwas statistically higher than those withCD(p < 0.01). The concentrate percentage ofBWgiven to old horses was statistically lower compared to that given to young horses (p < 0.05). The concentrate percentage ofBWper day given to horses with colic was statistically higher than that given to horses withCD(p < 0.05). 28% of cases were referred by the owner and 72% by a veterinarian. Follow‐up evaluation was deemed to be ‘good’ in 92% cases and ‘poor’ in 8%. In summary, theCNCservice could provide an epidemiological observatory to study the prevalence of nutritional issues in the equine population.
Feed intake patterns of sport ponies and warmblood horses following iso‐energetic intake of pelleted fibre‐rich mixed feed, muesli feed and semicrushed oat grains
Authors: Bochnia M. , Boesel M. , Bahrenthien L. , Wensch‐Dorendorf M. , Zeyner A.
Published: June 2017

The aim of the study was to compare diverse feed intake patterns in sport ponies and warmblood‐type horses after feeding iso‐energetic amounts of three different concentrates: a pelleted fibre‐rich mixed feed (PF), a muesli feed (MF) and semicrushed oat grains (OG). Four sport ponies and six warmblood‐type horses received the concentrates and meadow hay according to maintenance (0.52 MJ metabolizable energy (ME) kg body weight (BW)0.75/day). Both breeds were allocated at random to three groups and received once daily for 8 days either OG (1 g starch/kg BW/meal) or iso‐energetic quantities of PF and MF according to a crossover design. On the 8th day, feed intake patterns (chewing frequency (CF) in number of chewings (NC), NC/s), feed intake time (FITDM, min/kg dry matter (DM); FIT(neutral detergent fibre) NDF, min/kg NDF) and chewing intensity (CI, NC/kg DM) were measured using modified halters. In warmbloods, PF tended to be ingested faster than MF and OG (10.3 ± 1.9, 13.0 ± 1.3, 14.4 ± 2.0 min/kg DM, respectively; p = 0.05). In ponies, a similar trend was observed (13.5 ± 2.5, 13.6 ± 2.0 and 15.4 ± 1.1 min/kg DM, respectively; p > 0.05). Ponies needed more time to ingest PF than warmbloods (p < 0.05). The CF of ponies was affected by the type of concentrate (PF and MF 1.43 ± 0.11 vs. OG 1.28 ± 0.093 NC/s; p < 0.05). The results indicate that concentrate intake of breeds follows a similar pattern and that breed differences were limited to PF only. In both breeds, PF induced chewing patterns different from those observed for OG and/or MF. However, an interpretation of these differences needs to take into consideration the diverse chemical compositions of the concentrates. Upcoming studies should address the throwback regarding PF and also examine the metabolic consequences of concentrate intake in ponies.
Applying a General Measure of Frailty to Assess the Aging Related Needs of Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Authors: McKenzie Katherine , Ouellette‐Kuntz Hélène , Martin Lynn
Published: June 2017

Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities often experience premature aging and high levels of frailty. Frailty characterizes health complexities and identifies adults with increased risks for adverse outcomes. This paper compared the prevalence of frailty amongst adults (aged 18–99 years) with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities. Frailty was measured using the Frailty Marker, based on the Adjusted Clinical Groups‐Predicative Model, and was compared between a cohort of 51,138 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and a random sample of 3,272,080 adults without intellectual developmental disabilities. Approximately 9% of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities were frail, compared to only 3% of persons without intellectual and developmental disabilities. Women, older adults, and adults with mental illness or addiction(s), were more likely to be frail. Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities are increasingly vulnerable as they age. However, to appropriately characterize frailty in this population, measures should be more inclusive of health characteristics and fluctuations that are related to frailty. Future research should investigate alternative measures of frailty for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including measures derived from standardized health assessments, to meet the needs of the aging population.
Khat chewing habit produces a significant adverse effect on periodontal, oral health: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Al‐akhali M. S. , Al‐Moraissi E. A.
Published: June 2017

Although there is a general agreement that a khat chewing habit produces clinicopathological changes in the oral mucosa. However there is no reliable evidence of the effects of a khat chewing habit on the periodontal tissues. Thus, authors aimed to investigate the influence of khat chewing habits on periodontal, oral health, by comparing khat chewers to non‐chewers in respect of gingival recession, periodontal pocketing depth and loss of attachment. A systematic review and meta‐analysis were conducted based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines. We searched PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Scopus and grey literature. The inclusion criteria were all studies with aims of comparing khat chewers and/or sides to non‐chewers and/or sides in respect of gingival recession, periodontal pocketing depth and loss of attachment. For continuous data, we computed weighted mean difference or standard mean difference analyses. An odds ratio using a random effect model was used if heterogeneity was detected; otherwise, a fixed effects model with a 95% confidence interval was used for continuous data. Two subgroups were analysed: khat chewers vs non‐chewers and khat chewer sides vs non‐chewer sides of the chewer's individuals. A total of 6373 participants were enrolled in 12 studies (khat chewers=3812, non‐chewers=2561). There were statistically significant differences between khat and non‐chewers in both subgroup analyses regarding gingival recession, periodontal pocketing depth and loss of attachment (P<.05). The odds ratios for khat chewers compared to non‐chewers, in respect of depth of periodontal pocket and gingival recession were 4.797 and 6.853 respectively. The results of this meta‐analysis have shown that the khat chewing habit produces a destructive and adverse effect on periodontal, oral health.
Spectrum of hepatitis B and renal involvement
Authors: Shah Apurva S. , Amarapurkar Deepak N.
Published: June 2017

Renal involvement in hepatitis B occurs in various spectrums and its knowledge is important for clinicians in management of patients. The renal diseases most commonly associated with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection include membranous nephropathy, membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis and Polyarteritis nodosa. The widespread use of hepatitis B vaccination has decreased the incidence of HBV‐related renal diseases. The incidence of HBV infection in dialysis patients has significantly decreased over the past few decades because of screening of blood products for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B core antibody, implementation of infection control measures and hepatitis B vaccination. The definition of acute kidney injury has been recently modified in cirrhotic population, helping in prognosis and prediction of mortality. The most common etiologies of acute kidney injury in this cirrhotic population, which account for 80% to 90% of all cases, include volume depletion, acute tubular necrosis and hepatorenal syndrome. Treatment with oral nucleoside/tide analogues (NA) brought a new paradigm in the management of HBsAg positive glomerulonephritis, kidney transplant recipients and dialysis patients, resulting in effective viral suppression, reduced hepatic complications and improved patient survival, without compromising renal allograft outcome. NAs are cleared by the kidneys and therefore their dosage has to be adjusted in all patients with impaired renal function. This article reviews the recent knowledge of the pathogenesis and treatment of HBV‐related glomerulonephritis and discusses the management of hepatitis B in patients on dialysis, kidney transplant recipients and cirrhotics, which is continuously evolving.
Diagnosability of mtDNA with Random Forests: Using sequence data to delimit subspecies
Authors: Archer Frederick I. , Martien Karen K. , Taylor Barbara L.
Published: June 2017

We examine the use of an ensemble method, Random Forests, to delimit subspecies using mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequences. Diagnosability, a measure of the ability to correctly determine the taxon of a specimen of unknown origin, has historically been used to delimit subspecies, but few studies have explored how to estimate it from DNA sequences. Using simulated and empirical data sets, we demonstrate that Random Forests produces classification models that perform well for diagnosing subspecies and species. Populations with strong social structure and relatively low abundances (e.g., killer whales, Orcinus orca) were found to be as diagnosable as species. Conversely, comparisons involving subspecies that are abundant (e.g., spinner and spotted dolphins, Stenella longirostris and S. attenuata), are only as diagnosable as many population comparisons. Estimates of diagnosability reported in subspecies and species descriptions should include confidence intervals, which are influenced by the sample sizes of the training data. We also stress the importance of reporting the certainty with which individuals in the training data are classified in order to communicate the strength of the classification model and diagnosability estimate. Guidance as to ideal minimum diagnosability thresholds for subspecies will improve with more comprehensive analyses; however, values in the range of 80%–90% are considered appropriate.
Magnetic compression anastomosis for postoperative biliary atresia
Authors: Matsuura Rei , Ueno Takehisa , Tazuke Yuko , Tanaka Natsumi , Yamanaka Hiroaki , Takama Yuichi , Nakahata Kengo , Yamamichi Taku , Maeda Noboru , Osuga Keigo , Yamanouchi Eigoro , Okuyama Hiroomi
Published: June 2017

We report a case of successful magnetic compression anastomosis (MCA) for obstructed cyst‐jejunostomy in a young woman who had undergone surgery for type 1 biliary atresia (BA) on day 78 of life. A 16‐year‐old girl was admitted with obstructive jaundice. Jaundice resolved with percutaneous trans‐hepatic cholangiodrainage (PTCD) but contrast medium injected from the PTCD tube did not flow through the anastomosis. Magnets were placed on each side of the anastomosis, in the cyst and the jejunum, to compress the partition. On postoperative day (POD) 6, the anastomosis was recanalized and the PTCD tube placed trans‐anastomotically until POD 245. The patient remained free from jaundice after removal of the PTCD tube. MCA can be a useful and less invasive procedure for treating biliary tract anastomotic obstruction in patients with BA.
Group 2 ILCs: A way of enhancing immune protection against human helminths?
Authors: Nausch N. , Mutapi F.
Published: June 2017

Group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) play crucial roles in type 2 immune responses associated with allergic and autoimmune diseases, viral and helminth infections and tissue homoeostasis. Experimental models show that in helminth infections ILC2s provide an early source of type 2 cytokines and therefore are essential for the induction of potentially protective type 2 responses. Much of our knowledge of ILC2s in helminth infections has come from experimental mouse models with very few studies analysing ILC2s in natural human infections. In attempts to harness knowledge from paradigms of the development of protective immunity in human helminth infections for vaccine development, the role of ILC2 cells could be pivotal. So far, potential vaccines against human helminth infections have failed to provide effective protection when evaluated in human studies. In addition to appropriate antigen selection, it is apparent that more detailed knowledge on mechanisms of induction and maintenance of protective immune responses is required. Therefore, there is need to understand how ILC2 cells induce type 2 responses and subsequently support the development of a protective immune response in the context of immunizations. Within this review, we summarize the current knowledge of the biology of ILC2s, discuss the importance of ILC2s in human helminth infections and explore how ILC2 responses could be boosted to efficiently induce protective immunity.
Parallel Aspect‐Oriented Sentiment Analysis for Sales Forecasting with Big Data
Authors: Lau Raymond Yiu Keung , Zhang Wenping , Xu Wei
Published: June 2017

While much research work has been devoted to supply chain management and demand forecast, research on designing big data analytics methodologies to enhance sales forecasting is seldom reported in existing literature. The big data of consumer‐contributed product comments on online social media provide management with unprecedented opportunities to leverage collective consumer intelligence for enhancing supply chain management in general and sales forecasting in particular. The main contributions of our work presented in this study are as follows: (1) the design of a novel big data analytics methodology that is underpinned by a parallel aspect‐oriented sentiment analysis algorithm for mining consumer intelligence from a huge number of online product comments; (2) the design and the large‐scale empirical test of a sentiment enhanced sales forecasting method that is empowered by a parallel co‐evolutionary extreme learning machine. Based on real‐world big datasets, our experimental results confirm that consumer sentiments mined from big data can improve the accuracy of sales forecasting across predictive models and datasets. The managerial implication of our work is that firms can apply the proposed big data analytics methodology to enhance sales forecasting performance. Thereby, the problem of under/over‐stocking is alleviated and customer satisfaction is improved.
Higher‐level phylogeny of diving beetles (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae) based on larval characters
Authors: MICHAT MARIANO C. , ALARIE YVES , MILLER KELLY B.
Published: June 2017

A comprehensive higher‐level phylogeny of diving beetles (Dytiscidae) based on larval characters is presented. Larval morphology and chaetotaxy of a broad range of genera and species was studied, covering all currently recognized subfamilies and tribes except for the small and geographically restricted Hydrodytinae, where the larva is unknown. The results suggest several significant conclusions with respect to the systematics of Dytiscidae including the following: monophyly of all currently recognized subfamilies, although Dytiscinae when considered in a broad context is rendered paraphyletic by Cybistrinae; currently recognized tribes are monophyletic except for Agabini, Hydroporini and Laccornellini; inter‐subfamily and inter‐tribe relationships generally show weak support, except for a few well supported clades; three distinct clades are recognized within Dytiscinae [Dytiscini sensu lato (i.e. including the genera Dytiscus Linnaeus and Hyderodes Hope), Hydaticini sensu lato, and Cybistrini]; and recognition of Pachydrini as a distinct tribe. Other less robust results include: Methlini sister to the rest of Hydroporinae; relative basal position of Laccornini, Hydrovatini and Laccornellini within Hydroporinae; close relationship of Agabinae and Copelatinae; Matinae nested deep within Dytiscidae, as sister to a large clade including Colymbetinae, Coptotominae, Lancetinae and Dytiscinae sensu lato; the sister‐group relationship of Agabetini and Laccophilini is confirmed. The results presented here are discussed and compared with previous phylogenetic hypotheses based on different datasets, and the evolution of some significant morphological features is discussed in light of the proposed phylogeny. All suprageneric taxa are diagnosed, including illustrations of all relevant synapomorphies, and a key to separate subfamilies and tribes is presented, both in traditional (paper) format and as an online Lucid interactive identification key.
Utility of the urine reagent strip leucocyte esterase assay for the diagnosis of meningitis in resource‐limited settings: meta‐analysis
Authors: Bortcosh William , Siedner Mark , Carroll Ryan W.
Published: June 2017

Objective

Diagnosis of bacterial meningitis often requires cytometry, chemistry and/or microbiologic culture capabilities. Unfortunately, laboratory resources in low‐resource settings (LRS) often lack the capacity to perform these studies. We sought to determine whether the presence of white blood cells in CSF detected by commercially available urine reagent strips could aid in the diagnosis of bacterial meningitis.

Methods

We searched PubMed for studies published between 1980 and 2016 that investigated the use of urine reagent strips to identify cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pleocytosis. We assessed studies in any language that enrolled subjects who underwent lumbar puncture and had cerebrospinal fluid testing by both standard laboratory assays and urine reagent strips. We abstracted true‐positive, false‐negative, false‐positive and true‐negative counts for each study using a diagnostic threshold of ≥10 white blood cells per microlitre for suspected bacterial meningitis and performed mixed regression modelling with random effects to estimate pooled diagnostic accuracy across studies.

Results

Our search returned 13 studies including 2235 participants. Urine reagent strips detected CSF pleocytosis with a pooled sensitivity of 92% (95% CI: 84–96), a pooled specificity of 98% (95% CI: 94–99) and a negative predictive value of 99% when the bacterial meningitis prevalence is 10%.

Conclusions

Urine reagent strips could provide a rapid and accurate tool to detect CSF pleocytosis, which, if negative, can be used to exclude diagnosis of bacterial meningitis in settings without laboratory infrastructure. Further investigation of the diagnostic value of using protein, glucose and bacteria components of these strips is warranted.
Stability of sonic boom metrics regarding signature distortions from atmospheric turbulence
Authors: Doebler William J. , Sparrow Victor W.
Published: June 2017

The degree of insensitivity to atmospheric turbulence was evaluated for five metrics (A-, B-, E-weighted sound exposure level, Stevens Mark VII Perceived Level, and NASA's Indoor Sonic Boom Annoyance Predictor) that correlate to human annoyance from sonic booms. Eight N-wave shaped sonic booms from NASA's FaINT experiment and five simulated “low-boom” sonic booms were turbulized by Locey's ten atmospheric filter functions. The B-weighted sound exposure level value changed the least due to the turbulence filters for twelve of thirteen booms. This makes it the most turbulence stable metric which may be useful for quiet supersonic aircraft certification.
Saksenaea vasiformisinfection in an immunocompetent patient in rural Australia
Authors: Pilch Wiktor Teodor , Kinnear Ned , Hennessey Derek Barry
Published: June 2017

An 81-year-old man from rural Australia presented with right pretibial cellulitis 7 days after minor trauma against furniture. He failed to improve despite antibiotics and surgical debridement. Subsequent cultures grew the rare fungusSaksenaea vasiformis,which was treated with further surgical debridement, amphotericin B and posaconazole. This was successful and the patient made a full recovery. We present the case and discuss lessons learnt.
Enhancement of radiation on hydromagnetic Casson fluid flow towards a stretched cylinder with suspension of liquid-particles
Authors: Ramesh G.K. , Kumar K. Ganesh , Shehzad S.A. , Gireesha B.J.
Published: June 2017

The presence of dust particles is involved in many engineering and industrial processes like transport of petroleum, emission of smoke from vehicles, piping of power plants, treatment of wastewater, and corrosive particles in mining. Because of the importance of this phenomenon, we considered the Casson liquid flow past a stretching hollow cylinder with fluid–particle suspension and convective boundary condition aspects. Numerical solution is obtained via shooting techniques after the applying of similarity variables to the governing partial equations. Key parameters of the problem are discussed through graphs. It is noticed that the clean fluid temperature is always higher value than the dust fluid and also the presence of radiation enhanced the temperature at the surface.
CQPSO scheduling algorithm for heterogeneous multi-core DAG task model
Authors: Zhai Wenzheng , Hu Yue-Li , Ran Feng
Published: June 2017

Efficient task scheduling is critical to achieve high performance in a heterogeneous multi-core computing environment. The paper focuses on the heterogeneous multi-core directed acyclic graph (DAG) task model and proposes a novel task scheduling method based on an improved chaotic quantum-behaved particle swarm optimization (CQPSO) algorithm. A task priority scheduling list was built. A processor with minimum cumulative earliest finish time (EFT) was acted as the object of the first task assignment. The task precedence relationships were satisfied and the total execution time of all tasks was minimized. The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm has the advantage of optimization abilities, simple and feasible, fast convergence, and can be applied to the task scheduling optimization for other heterogeneous and distributed environment.
Gray codes for noncrossing and nonnesting partitions of classical types
Authors: Conflitti Alessandro , Mamede Ricardo
Published: June 2017

In this paper, we present Gray codes for the sets of noncrossing partitions associated with the classical Weyl groups, and for the set of nonnesting partitions of type [Formula: see text]. An algorithm for the generation of type [Formula: see text] nonnesting partitions is developed in which a Gray code is given for those partitions having a zero-block, while the remaining are arranged in lexicographic order.
Genetic Basis for Sex Differences in Obesity and Lipid Metabolism
Authors: Link Jenny C. , Reue Karen
Published: June 2017

Men and women exhibit significant differences in obesity, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. To provide better diagnosis and treatment for both sexes, it is important to identify factors that underlie the observed sex differences. Traditionally, sex differences have been attributed to the differential effects of male and female gonadal secretions (commonly referred to as sex hormones), which substantially influence many aspects of metabolism and related diseases. Less appreciated as a contributor to sex differences are the fundamental genetic differences between males and females, which are ultimately determined by the presence of an XX or XY sex chromosome complement. Here, we review the mechanisms by which gonadal hormones and sex chromosome complement each contribute to lipid metabolism and associated diseases, and the current approaches that are used to study them. We focus particularly on genetic approaches including genome-wide association studies in humans and mice, -omics and systems genetics approaches, and unique experimental mouse models that allow distinction between gonadal and sex chromosome effects.
Qiliqiangxin Enhances Cardiac Glucose Metabolism and Improves Diastolic Function in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Wang Jingfeng , Li Zhiming , Wang Yanyan , Zhang Jingjing , Zhao Weipeng , Fu Mingqiang , Han Xueting , Zhou Jingmin , Ge Junbo
Published: June 2017

Cardiac diastolic dysfunction has emerged as a growing type of heart failure. The present study aims to explore whether Qiliqiangxin (QL) can benefit cardiac diastolic function in spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) through enhancement of cardiac glucose metabolism. Fifteen 12‐month‐old male SHRs were randomly divided into QL‐treated, olmesartan‐treated, and saline‐treated groups. Age‐matched WKY rats served as normal controls. Echocardiography and histological analysis were performed. Myocardial glucose uptake was determined by 18F‐FDG using small‐animal PET imaging. Expressions of several crucial proteins and key enzymes related to glucose metabolism were also evaluated. As a result, QL improved cardiac diastolic function in SHRs, as evidenced by increased E′/A′and decreased E/E′ (P < 0.01). Meanwhile, QL alleviated myocardial hypertrophy, collagen deposits, and apoptosis (P < 0.01). An even higher myocardial glucose uptake was illustrated in QL‐treated SHR group (P < 0.01). Moreover, an increased CS activity and ATP production was observed in QL‐treated SHRs (P < 0.05). QL enhanced cardiac glucose utilization and oxidative phosphorylation in SHRs by upregulating AMPK/PGC‐1α axis, promoting GLUT‐4 expression, and regulating key enzymes related to glucose aerobic oxidation such as HK2, PDK4, and CS (P < 0.01). Our data suggests that QL improves cardiac diastolic function in SHRs, which may be associated with enhancement of myocardial glucose metabolism.
Management of Oromandibular Dystonia: A Case Report and Literature Update
Authors: Gn Suma , Nag Adrita
Published: June 2017

Oromandibular dystonia (OMD) is a movement disorder characterized by involuntary, paroxysmal, and patterned muscle contractions of varying severity resulting in sustained spasms of masticatory muscles, affecting the jaws, tongue, face, and pharynx. It is most commonly idiopathic or medication-induced, but peripheral trauma sometimes precedes the condition. We present a case report of a 26-year-old female patient who suffered repetitive bouts of hemifacial muscle contractions for 2 years on closing the mouth which interfered in patient’s well-being and quality of life by hampering her ability to eat and talk and to the extent of inability to breath due to contractions of her neck muscles. Prompt diagnosis of a chronic oromandibular dystonia jaw closing type led to the control of the spasmodic muscle contractions within 24 hours and alleviation of patients fear of morbidity.
Preparation and Characterization of Alkaline Anion Exchange Membrane for Fuel Cells Application
Authors: Zeng Ganmin , Han Jing , Dai Beibei , Liu Xiaohui , Li Jinkun , Chen Chuntao , Yang Jiazhi , Sun Dongping
Published: June 2017

Alkaline anion exchange membrane (AAEM) plays an important role in the development of fuel cell. In this research, the electrostatic spinning technology was used to prepare AAEM. We use BC/TiO2 membrane as substrate by introduced quaternary ammonium groups to prepare BC/TiO2/CHPTAC (3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl trimethyl ammonium chloride) composite membranes. The as-prepared composite membrane was characterized by XRD, SEM, XPS, and TG methods. It was found that BC/TiO2/CHPTAC (0.05 g) membrane exhibited high thermal stability and better comprehensive performance. The degree of substitution (DS), water uptake, and ion-exchange capacity (IEC) of BC/TiO2/CHPTAC membranes were investigated. The results showed that the DS, water uptake, and IEC of BC/TiO2/CHPTAC membrane were 1.16, 140%, and 1 mmol·g−1, respectively. We believe this composite membrane with excellent performances can promise many applications in fuel cells.
Insights into the Roles of Midazolam in Cancer Therapy
Authors: Jiao Jinghua , Wang Yuheng , Sun Xiaofeng , Jiang Xiaojing
Published: June 2017

With its high worldwide mortality and morbidity, cancer has gained increasing attention and novel anticancer drugs have become the focus for cancer research. Recently, studies have shown that most anesthetic agents can influence the activity of tumor cells. Midazolam is a γ‐aminobutyric acid A (GABAA) receptor agonist, used widely for preoperative sedation and as an adjuvant during neuraxial blockade. Some studies have indicated the potential for midazolam as a novel therapeutic cancer drug; however, the mechanism by which midazolam affects cancer cells needs to be clarified. This systematic review aims to summarize the progress in assessing the molecular mechanism of midazolam as an anticancer agent.
Automated Axis Alignment for a Nanomanipulator inside SEM and Its Error Optimization
Authors: Zhou Chao , Deng Lu , Cheng Long , Cao Zhiqiang , Wang Shuo , Tan Min
Published: June 2017

In the motion of probing nanostructures, repeating position and movement is frequently happing and tolerance for position error is stringent. The consistency between the axis of manipulators and image is very significant since the visual servo is the most important tool in the automated manipulation. This paper proposed an automated axis alignment method for a nanomanipulator inside the SEM by recognizing the position of a closed-loop controlling the end-effector, which can characterize the relationship of these two axes, and then the rotation matrix can be calculated accordingly. The error of this method and its transfer function are also calculated to compare the iteration method and average method. The method in this paper can accelerate the process of axis alignment to avoid the electron beam induced deposition effect on the end tips. Experiment demonstration shows that it can achieve a 0.1-degree precision in 90 seconds.
Random Fuzzy Differential Equations with Impulses
Authors: Vu Ho
Published: June 2017

We consider the random fuzzy differential equations (RFDEs) with impulses. Using Picard method of successive approximations, we shall prove the existence and uniqueness of solutions to RFDEs with impulses under suitable conditions. Some of the properties of solution of RFDEs with impulses are studied. Finally, an example is presented to illustrate the results.
Acute Esophageal Necrosis in an Alcoholic after Successful Resuscitation from Cardiac Arrest
Authors: Shah Amish , Thoguluva Chandreskar Viveksandeep , Doobay Ravi , Kahlon Arundeep , Amzuta Ioana
Published: June 2017

Introduction. We present a patient who presented to the ICU after successful resuscitation from cardiac arrest who was subsequently diagnosed with AEN.Case Presentation. A 66-year-old female presented after cardiac arrest in which return of spontaneous circulation was achieved within 7 minutes after the initiation of CPR. She was intubated on the scene and found to have coffee ground emesis in her bathroom when found unresponsive. Due to the hemodynamically significant GI bleed, patient was started on IV proton pump inhibitor, octreotide, and levophed. Subsequent endoscopy showed diffuse severe mucosal changes characterized by blackness, erythema, friability, granularity, inflammation, and decreased vascular pattern in the middle third of the esophagus and in the lower third of the esophagus.Discussion. AEN is a rare syndrome with a prevalence ranging from 0.001 to 0.2% of EGD. This patient is especially rare as this patient was female and had AEN in the middle esophagus along with lower esophagus. The pathophysiology in this patient is hypothesized that she had cardiac arrest secondary to acute upper GI hemorrhage. Subsequent low-flow state (cardiac arrest) in addition to being in the setting of severe alcohol abuse led to esophageal necrosis.
A Finite Memory Structure Smoother with Recursive Form Using Forgetting Factor
Authors: Kim Pyung Soo
Published: June 2017

This paper proposes an alternative finite memory structure (FMS) smoother with a recursive form under a least squares criterion using a forgetting factor strategy. The proposed FMS smoother does not require information of the noise covariances as well as the initial state. The proposed FMS smoother is shown to have good inherent properties such as time‐invariance, unbiasedness, and deadbeat. The forgetting factor is shown to be considered as useful parameter to make the estimation performance of the proposed FMS smoother as good as possible. Through computer simulations for the F‐404 engine system, it is shown that the proposed FMS smoother can be better than the existing FMS smoother for incorrect noise covariances and the IMS smoother for temporary uncertainties.
Acute Pancreatitis and Rhabdomyolysis with Acute Kidney Injury following Multiple Wasp Stings
Authors: Yang Seo Hee , Song Yeon Han , Kim Tae Hoon , Kim Su Bin , Han Sang Youb , Kim Han-Seong , Oh Se Won
Published: June 2017

Multiple wasp stings can induce multiple organ dysfunction by toxic reactions. However, acute pancreatitis is a rare manifestation in wasp sting injury. A 74-year-old woman visited the emergency department by anaphylactic shock because of multiple wasp stings. Acute kidney injury, rhabdomyolysis, hepatotoxicity, and coagulopathy were developed next day. Serum amylase and lipase were elevated and an abdominal computed tomography revealed an acute pancreatitis. Urine output was recovered after 16 days of oliguria (below 500 ml/day). Her kidney, liver, and pancreas injury gradually improved after sessions of renal replacement therapy.
Comprehensive Biomarker Analyses in Patients with Advanced or Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Prospectively Treated with the Polo-Like Kinase 1 Inhibitor BI2536
Authors: Breitenbuecher Frank , von Pawel Joachim , Sebastian Martin , Kortsik Cornelius , Ting Saskia , Kasper Stefan , Wohlschläger Jeremias , Worm Karl , Morresi-Hauf Alicia , Schad Arno , Westerwick Daniela , Wehler Beatrice , Werner Martin , Munzert Gerd , Gaschler-Markefski Birgit , Schmid Kurt W. , Schuler Martin
Published: June 2017

Background: Polo like kinase 1 (PLK1) is frequently upregulated in tumors and is thus viewed as a promising therapeutic target in various cancers. Several PLK1 inhibitors have recently been developed and clinically tested in solid cancers, albeit with limited success. So far, no predictive biomarkers for PLK1 inhibitors have been established. To this end, we conducted a post-hoc biomarker analysis of tumor samples from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated with the PLK1 inhibitor BI2536 in a phase II study. Methods: We analyzed formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded surplus tumor tissue from 47 study patients using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and DNA sequencing of KRAS, EGFR, BRAF, and PIK3CA. Results:KRAS-mutated patients showed numerically prolonged progression-free survival, but statistical significance was not established. Interestingly, when pathways rather than single genes were analyzed, a positive correlation between IHC staining of activated ERK (p-ERK) and mutated KRAS was detected, whereas KRAS mutation status was found to be negatively correlated with activated AKT (p-AKT). Conclusion: With this hypothesis-generating study in BI2531-treated patients, we could not establish a correlation between KRAS mutations and relevant clinical endpoints. Future clinical trials with concomitant systematic biosampling and comprehensive molecular analyses are required to identify biomarkers predictive for response to PLK1 inhibitors.