bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Generalisability of vaccine effectiveness estimates: an analysis of cases included in a postlicensure evaluation of 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in the USA
Authors: Link-Gelles Ruth , Westreich Daniel , Aiello Allison E , Shang Nong , Weber David J , Rosen Jennifer B , Motala Tasneem , Mascola Laurene , Eason Jeffery , Scherzinger Karen , Holtzman Corinne , Reingold Arthur L , Barnes Meghan , Petit Susan , Farley Monica M , Harrison Lee H , Zansky Shelley , Thomas Ann , Schaffner William , McGee Lesley , Whitney Cynthia G , Moore Matthew R
Published: August 2017

Objectives

External validity, or generalisability, is the measure of how well results from a study pertain to individuals in the target population. We assessed generalisability, with respect to socioeconomic status, of estimates from a matched case–control study of 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine effectiveness for the prevention of invasive pneumococcal disease in children in the USA.

Design

Matched case–control study.

Setting

Thirteen active surveillance sites for invasive pneumococcal disease in the USA.

Participants

Cases were identified from active surveillance and controls were age and zip code matched.

Outcome measures

Socioeconomic status was assessed at the individual level via parent interview (for enrolled individuals only) and birth certificate data (for both enrolled and unenrolled individuals) and at the neighbourhood level by geocoding to the census tract (for both enrolled and unenrolled individuals). Prediction models were used to determine if socioeconomic status was associated with enrolment.

Results

We enrolled 54.6% of 1211 eligible cases and found a trend toward enrolled cases being more affluent than unenrolled cases. Enrolled cases were slightly more likely to have private insurance at birth (p=0.08) and have mothers with at least some college education (p<0.01). Enrolled cases also tended to come from more affluent census tracts. Despite these differences, our best predictive model for enrolment yielded a concordance statistic of only 0.703, indicating mediocre predictive value. Variables retained in the final model were assessed for effect measure modification, and none were found to be significant modifiers of vaccine effectiveness.

Conclusions

We conclude that although enrolled cases are somewhat more affluent than unenrolled cases, our estimates are externally valid with respect to socioeconomic status. Our analysis provides evidence that this study design can yield valid estimates and the assessing generalisability of observational data is feasible, even when unenrolled individuals cannot be contacted.
Healthcare seeking patterns of families of infants with circumcision-related morbidities from two population-based cohort studies in Ghana
Authors: Gyan Thomas , McAuley Kimberley , O'Leary Maureen , Strobel Natalie A. , Edmond Karen M.
Published: August 2017

Objective

This study assessed healthcare seeking patterns of families of infants with circumcision-related morbidities and families of infants with acute illnesses in rural Ghana.

Design

Two population-based cohort studies.

Setting

Brong Ahafo Region of central rural Ghana.

Participants

A total of 22 955 infants enrolled in a large population-based trial (Neovita trial) from 16 August 2010 to 7 November 2011 and 3141 infants in a circumcision study from 21 May 2012 to 31 December 2012.

Primary outcome

Care seeking for circumcision-related morbidities and acute illnesses unrelated to circumcision.

Results

Two hundred and thirty (8.1%) infants from the circumcision study had circumcision-related morbidities and 6265 (27.3%) infants from the Neovita study had acute illnesses unrelated to circumcision. A much lower proportion (35, 15.2%) of families of infants with circumcision-related morbidities sought healthcare compared with families of infants with acute illnesses in the Neovita study (5520, 88.1%). More families sought care from formal providers (24, 69%) compared with informal providers (11, 31%) for circumcision-related morbidities. There were no obvious determinants of care seeking for acute illnesses or circumcision-related morbidities in the population.

Conclusions

Government and non-government organisations need to improve awareness about the complications and care seeking needed for circumcision-related morbidities.
Mediating effects of self-stigma on the relationship between perceived stigma and psychosocial outcomes among psychiatric outpatients: findings from a cross-sectional survey in Singapore
Authors: Picco Louisa , Lau Ying Wen , Pang Shirlene , Abdin Edimansyah , Vaingankar Janhavi Ajit , Chong Siow Ann , Subramaniam Mythily
Published: August 2017

Objectives

To examine whether self-stigma mediates the relationship between perceived stigma and quality of life, self-esteem and general functioning among outpatients with depression, schizophrenia, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Design

Cross-sectional survey.

Setting

Outpatient clinics at a tertiary psychiatric hospital in Singapore.

Participants

280 outpatients with a primary clinical diagnosis of either schizophrenia, depression, anxiety or OCD.

Methods

Data were collected in relation to self-stigma, perceived stigma, self-esteem, functioning and quality of life. In order to examine the mediating role of self-stigma on the relationship between perceived stigma and psychosocial outcomes, bootstrapping mediation analyses were used.

Results

Mediation analyses revealed that the relationship between perceived stigma and psychosocial outcomes was subject to the effects of self-stigma among the overall sample. Separate mediation analyses were conducted by diagnoses and showed differences in the mediating effects of self-stigma. Among the whole sample and the subsample with OCD, self-stigma mediated the relationship between perceived stigma and all psychosocial outcomes. For those with anxiety, depression and schizophrenia, the mediating effects of self-stigma were present in all relationships except (1) perceived stigma with physical health in the anxiety sample, (2) perceived stigma with social relationships in the depression sample and (3) perceived stigma with physical health in the schizophrenia sample.

Conclusions

The mediating effects of self-stigma on the relationship between perceived stigma and various psychosocial outcomes are evident and differ across diagnoses. Interventions to address and reduce the effects of self-stigma along with targeted treatments and psychoeducation to assist people with mental illness overcome or better manage self-stigma while providing them the skills to counteract public stigma are needed.
Improving access to the KIS in secondary care
Authors: Hall Charlie Christopher , Lunan Carey , Finucane Anne , Spiller Juliet Anne
Published: August 2017

BackgroundEffective communication of anticipatory care planning (ACP) discussions between patients and general practitioners across different healthcare settings is vital. In Scotland, the Key Information Summary (KIS) is a new piece of software that allows clinical data for selected patients to be shared electronically across the wider National Health Service from the primary care record. This can include details of ACP discussions and decisions. The KIS is now routinely accessible in secondary care and is available through the hospital electronic record in two formats (abbreviated and full versions).

AimThe primary aim of this project was to significantly improve clinician access to the full KIS record within secondary care.

MethodsFour Plan Do Study Act (PDSA) cycles were undertaken in total to improve access to the full KIS between October 2014 and March 2016 in the Medical Admissions Unit of a Scottish hospital.

ResultsBaseline data showed poor awareness and use of available KIS information by clinicians for patients admitted to hospital. Most were unaware the KIS was available and only 19% had seen the KIS for their patient. Where a KIS existed for a patient, clinicians felt the information contained within it was useful in 75% of cases, and one in every five KIS could alter clinical management. Data collection following the first 3 PDSA cycles revealed a significant increase in access to the full KIS after 5 months (from 4% to 45%). However 1 year on after after a fourth PDSA cycle to implement sustainable interventions this level of access was not maintained.

ConclusionsReasons for these results are discussed, as well as limitations to certain interventions. Access to the full KIS at the point of hospital admission can be significantly improved using a quality improvement approach. Improved access to this information may influence the clinical management of selected patients. However sustainable, system-wide strategies are needed to maintain these changes in the longer term.
Engaging veterinarians and farmers in eradicating bovine viral diarrhoea: a systematic review of economic impact
Authors: Yarnall Matt J , Thrusfield Michael V
Published: August 2017

Bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD) is a significant drain on efficient and successful cattle production in both dairy and beef systems around the world. Several countries have achieved eradication of this disease, but always through the motivation of stakeholders who accept the benefits of eradication. These include increased cattle welfare and fitness of cattle to withstand other diseases, and decreased costs of production, the latter resulting from both decreased costs spent on managing the disease and decreased losses. This paper provides a systematic review of 31 papers, published between 1991 and 2015, that address the economic impact of BVD. Each paper takes a different approach, in either beef or dairy production or both. However with the breadth of work collated, a stakeholder engaged in BVD eradication should find an economic figure of most relevance to them. The reported economic impact ranges from £0 to £552 per cow per year (£2370 including outliers). This range represents endemic or subclinical disease situations seen in herds with stable BVD virus infection, and epidemic or severe acute situations, most often seen in naïve herds. The outcome of infection is therefore dependent on the immune status of the animal and severity of the strain. The variations in figures for the economic impact of BVD relate to these immune and pathogenicity factors, along with the variety of impacts monitored.
In silico analysis and effects of environmental salinity in the expression and activity of digestive α-amylase and trypsins from the euryhaline crabNeohelicegranulata
Authors: Asaro Antonela , Martos-Sitcha Juan Antonio , Martínez-Rodríguez Gonzalo , Mancera Juan Miguel , López Mañanes Alejandra Antonia
Published: August 2017

Studies on molecular characteristics and modulation of expression of α-amylase and trypsin in the hepatopancreas of intertidal euryhaline crabs are lacking. In this work, we cloned and studied by in silico approaches the characteristics of cDNA sequences for α-amylase and two trypsins isoforms, as well as the effect of environmental salinity, on gene expression and protein activities in the hepatopancreas of Neohelice granulata (Dana, 1851), which is a good invertebrate model species. The cDNA sequence of α-amylase is 1637 bp long, encoding 459 amino acid residues. Trypsin 1 and 2 are 689 and 1174 bp long, encoding 204 and 151 amino acid residues, respectively. Multiple sequence alignment of deduced protein sequences revealed the presence of conserved motifs found in other invertebrates. In crabs acclimated at 37 psu (hyporegulation), α-amylase mRNA level and total pancreatic amylase activity were higher than at 10 psu (hyperregulation) and 35 psu (osmoconformation). Trypsin 1 mRNA levels increased at 37 psu, while trypsin 2 levels decreased at 10 and 37 psu. Total trypsin activity was similar in all salinities. Our results showed a differential modulation of α-amylase and trypsin expression and total amylase activity by salinity acclimation, suggesting the occurrence of distinct mechanisms of regulation at different levels that could lead to digestive adjustments in relation to hyperregulation and (or) hyporegulation.
The symmetry energy: Predictions and constraints
Authors: Sammarruca Francesca
Published: August 2017

After recalling basic phenomenological features of isospin asymmetric nuclear matter, we review predictions for the interaction part of the symmetry energy obtained from different microscopic approaches. The predictions are compared to updated constraints extracted from heavy-ion (HI) reaction observables of a recent GSI experiment. The discussion is extended to the neutron skin thickness in [Formula: see text] and its relation to the density derivative of the symmetry energy. We underline the importance of giving proper consideration to the theoretical uncertainties of microscopic predictions in order to guide phenomenological analyses. In the end, we report briefly on preliminary neutron star calculations based on chiral nuclear forces and outline future plans.
Note on correlation functions in conformal quantum mechanics
Authors: Khodaee Sadi , Vassilevich Dmitri
Published: August 2017

We suggest a method to compute the correlation functions in conformal quantum mechanics (CFT1) for the fields that transform under a nonlocal representation of [Formula: see text] basing on the invariance properties. Explicit calculations of two- and three-point correlation functions are presented.
Solitons for a (2+1)-dimensional variable-coefficient Bogoyavlensky-Konopelchenko equation in a fluid
Authors: Wang Ya-Le , Gao Yi-Tian , Jia Shu-Liang , Deng Gao-Fu , Hu Wen-Qiang
Published: August 2017

In this letter, a (2[Formula: see text]+[Formula: see text]1)-dimensional variable-coefficient Bogoyavlensky-Konopelchenko equation is investigated, which describes the interaction of a Riemann wave propagating along the y-axis and a long wave propagating along the x-axis in a fluid. Under two different constraints of the time-dependent coefficients in this equation, two different bilinear forms are derived by virtue of the binary Bell polynomials. Multiple solitary waves are constructed via the Hirota method, whose propagation properties and interaction characteristics are investigated graphically as well. Propagation and interaction of the solitons are illustrated graphically: (i) time-dependent coefficients affect the shape of the solitons; (ii) interaction of the solitons is elastic, i.e., amplitude, velocity and shape of each soliton remain invariant after each interaction except for a phase shift.
Power and Performance Estimation for Fine-Grained Server Power Capping via Controlling Heterogeneous Applications
Authors: Ha Tuan Minh , Samejima Masaki , Komoda Norihisa
Published: August 2017

Power capping is a method to save power consumption of servers by limiting performance of the servers. Although users frequently run applications on different virtual machines (VMs) for keeping their performance and having them isolated from the other applications, power capping may degrade performance of all the applications running on the server. We present fine-grained power capping by limiting performance of each application individually. For keeping performance defined in Quality of Service (QoS) requirements, it is important to estimate applications’ performance and power consumption after the fine-grained power capping is applied. We propose the estimation method of physical CPU usage when limiting virtual CPU usage of applications on VMs. On servers where multiple VMs run, VM’s usage of physical CPU is interrupted by the other VMs, and a hypervisor uses physical CPU to control VMs. These VMs’ and hypervisor’s behaviors make it difficult to estimate performance and power consumption by straightforward methods, such as linear regression and polynomial regression. The proposed method uses Piecewise Linear Regression to estimate physical CPU usage by assuming that VM’s access to physical CPU is not interrupted by the other VMs. Then we estimate how much physical CPU usage is reduced by the interruption. Because physical CPU usage is not stable soon after limiting CPU usage, the proposed method estimates a convergence value of CPU usage after many interruptions are repeated.
MATOG
Authors: Weber Nicolas , Goesele Michael
Published: August 2017

Optimal code performance is (besides correctness and accuracy) the most important objective in compute intensive applications. In many of these applications, Graphic Processing Units (GPUs) are used because of their high amount of compute power. However, caused by their massively parallel architecture, the code has to be specifically adjusted to the underlying hardware to achieve optimal performance and therefore has to be reoptimized for each new generation. In reality, this is usually not the case as productive code is normally at least several years old and nobody has the time to continuously adjust existing code to new hardware. In recent years more and more approaches have emerged that automatically tune the performance of applications toward the underlying hardware. In this article, we present the MATOG auto-tuner and its concepts. It abstracts the array memory access in CUDA applications and automatically optimizes the code according to the used GPUs. MATOG only requires few profiling runs to analyze even complex applications, while achieving significant speedups over non-optimized code, independent of the used GPU generation and without the need to manually tune the code.
Extending Halide to Improve Software Development for Imaging DSPs
Authors: Vocke Sander , Corporaal Henk , Jordans Roel , Corvino Rosilde , Nas Rick
Published: August 2017

Specialized Digital Signal Processors (DSPs), which can be found in a wide range of modern devices, play an important role in power-efficient, high-performance image processing. Applications including camera sensor post-processing and computer vision benefit from being (partially) mapped onto such DSPs. However, due to their specialized instruction sets and dependence on low-level code optimization, developing applications for DSPs is more time-consuming and error-prone than for general-purpose processors. Halide is a domain-specific language (DSL) that enables low-effort development of portable, high-performance imaging pipelines—a combination of qualities that is hard, if not impossible, to find among DSP programming models. We propose a set of extensions and modifications to Halide to generate code for DSP C compilers, focusing specifically on diverse SIMD target instruction sets and heterogeneous scratchpad memory hierarchies. We implement said techniques for a commercial DSP found in an Intel Image Processing Unit (IPU), demonstrating that this solution can be used to achieve performance within 20% of highly tuned, manually written C code, while leading to a reduction in code complexity. By comparing performance of Halide algorithms using our solution to results on CPU and GPU targets, we confirm the value of using DSP targets with Halide.
Organic and Conventional Agriculture: A Useful Framing?
Authors: Shennan Carol , Krupnik Timothy J. , Baird Graeme , Cohen Hamutahl , Forbush Kelsey , Lovell Robin J. , Olimpi Elissa M.
Published: August 2017

In this review, we examine the debate surrounding the role for organic agriculture in future food production systems. Typically represented as a binary organic–conventional question, this debate perpetuates an either/or mentality. We question this framing and examine the pitfalls of organic–conventional cropping systems comparisons. The review assesses current knowledge about how these cropping systems compare across a range of metrics related to four sustainability goals: productivity, environmental health, economic viability, and quality of life. We conclude by arguing for reframing the debate, recognizing that farming systems fall along gradients between three philosophical poles—industrial, agrarian, and ecological—and that different systems will be appropriate in different contexts. Despite evidence for lower yields in organic crop systems, we found considerable evidence for environmental and social benefits. Given these advantages, and the potential for improving organic systems, we echo calls for increased investment in organic and ecologically based cropping systems research and extension.
Human Genetic Determinants of Viral Diseases
Authors: Kenney Adam D. , Dowdle James A. , Bozzacco Leonia , McMichael Temet M. , St. Gelais Corine , Panfil Amanda R. , Sun Yan , Schlesinger Larry S. , Anderson Matthew Z. , Green Patrick L. , López Carolina B. , Rosenberg Brad R. , Wu Li , Yount Jacob S.
Published: August 2017

Much progress has been made in the identification of specific human gene variants that contribute to enhanced susceptibility or resistance to viral diseases. Herein we review multiple discoveries made with genome-wide or candidate gene approaches that have revealed significant insights into virus–host interactions. Genetic factors that have been identified include genes encoding virus receptors, receptor-modifying enzymes, and a wide variety of innate and adaptive immunity-related proteins. We discuss a range of pathogenic viruses, including influenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus, human immunodeficiency virus, human T cell leukemia virus, human papilloma virus, hepatitis B and C viruses, herpes simplex virus, norovirus, rotavirus, parvovirus, and Epstein-Barr virus. Understanding the genetic underpinnings that affect infectious disease outcomes should allow tailored treatment and prevention approaches in the future.
The Yeast Genomes in Three Dimensions: Mechanisms and Functions
Authors: Noma Ken-ichi
Published: August 2017

The three-dimensional (3D) genome structure is highly ordered by a hierarchy of organizing events ranging from enhancer–promoter or gene–gene contacts to chromosomal territorial arrangement. It is becoming clear that the cohesin and condensin complexes are key molecular machines that organize the 3D genome structure. These complexes are highly conserved from simple systems, e.g., yeast cells, to the much more complex human system. Therefore, knowledge from the budding and fission yeast systems illuminates highly conserved molecular mechanisms of how cohesin and condensin establish the functional 3D genome structures. Here I discuss how these complexes are recruited across the yeast genomes, mediate distinct genome-organizing events such as gene contacts and topological domain formation, and participate in important nuclear activities including transcriptional regulation and chromosomal dynamics.
Regulation by 3′-Untranslated Regions
Authors: Mayr Christine
Published: August 2017

3′-untranslated regions (3′-UTRs) are the noncoding parts of mRNAs. Compared to yeast, in humans, median 3′-UTR length has expanded approximately tenfold alongside an increased generation of alternative 3′-UTR isoforms. In contrast, the number of coding genes, as well as coding region length, has remained similar. This suggests an important role for 3′-UTRs in the biology of higher organisms. 3′-UTRs are best known to regulate diverse fates of mRNAs, including degradation, translation, and localization, but they can also function like long noncoding or small RNAs, as has been shown for whole 3′-UTRs as well as for cleaved fragments. Furthermore, 3′-UTRs determine the fate of proteins through the regulation of protein–protein interactions. They facilitate cotranslational protein complex formation, which establishes a role for 3′-UTRs as evolved eukaryotic operons. Whereas bacterial operons promote the interaction of two subunits, 3′-UTRs enable the formation of protein complexes with diverse compositions. All of these 3′-UTR functions are accomplished by effector proteins that are recruited by RNA-binding proteins that bind to 3′-UTR cis-elements. In summary, 3′-UTRs seem to be major players in gene regulation that enable local functions, compartmentalization, and cooperativity, which makes them important tools for the regulation of phenotypic diversity of higher organisms.
Progress in Deciphering the Controls on the Geochemistry of Fluids in Seafloor Hydrothermal Systems
Authors: Humphris Susan E. , Klein Frieder
Published: August 2017

Over the last four decades, more than 500 sites of seafloor hydrothermal venting have been identified in a range of tectonic environments. These vents represent the seafloor manifestation of hydrothermal convection of seawater through the permeable oceanic basement that is driven by a subsurface heat source. Hydrothermal circulation has fundamental effects on the transfer of heat and mass from the lithosphere to the hydrosphere, the composition of seawater, the physical and chemical properties of the oceanic basement, and vent ecosystems at and below the seafloor. In this review, we compare and contrast the vent fluid chemistry from hydrothermal fields in a range of tectonic settings to assess the relative roles of fluid-mineral equilibria, phase separation, magmatic input, seawater entrainment, and sediment cover in producing the observed range of fluid compositions. We focus particularly on hydrothermal activity in those tectonic environments (e.g., mid-ocean ridge detachment faults, back-arc basins, and island arc volcanoes) where significant progress has been made in the last decade in documenting the variations in vent fluid composition.
Cardiac overexpression of perilipin 2 induces dynamic steatosis: prevention by hormone-sensitive lipase
Authors: Ueno Masami , Suzuki Jinya , Hirose Masamichi , Sato Satsuki , Imagawa Michiko , Zenimaru Yasuo , Takahashi Sadao , Ikuyama Shoichiro , Koizumi Tsutomu , Konoshita Tadashi , Kraemer Fredric B. , Ishizuka Tamotsu
Published: August 2017

Cardiac intracellular lipid accumulation (steatosis) is a pathophysiological phenomenon observed in starvation and diabetes mellitus. Perilipin 2 (PLIN2) is a lipid droplet (LD)-associated protein expressed in nonadipose tissues, including the heart. To explore the pathophysiological function of myocardial PLIN2, we generated transgenic (Tg) mice by cardiac-specific overexpression of PLIN2. Tg hearts showed accumulation of numerous small LDs associated with mitochondrial chains and high cardiac triacylglycerol (TAG) content [8-fold greater than wild-type (WT) mice]. Despite massive steatosis, cardiac uptake of glucose, fatty acids and VLDL, systolic function, and expression of metabolic genes were comparable in the two genotypes, and no morphological changes were observed by electron microscopy in the Tg hearts. Twenty-four hours of fasting markedly reduced steatosis in Tg hearts, whereas WT mice showed accumulation of LDs. Although activity of adipose triglyceride lipase in heart homogenate was comparable between WT and Tg mice, activity of hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) was 40–50% less in Tg than WT mice under both feeding and fasting conditions, suggesting interference of PLIN2 with HSL. Mice generated through crossing of PLIN2-Tg mice and HSL-Tg mice showed cardiac-specific HSL overexpression and complete lack of steatosis. The results suggest that cardiac PLIN2 plays an important pathophysiological role in the development of dynamic steatosis and that the latter was prevented by upregulation of intracellular lipases, including HSL.
Cholesterol metabolism and Cx43, Cx46, and Cx50 gap junction protein expression and localization in normal and diabetic and obeseob/obanddb/dbmouse testes
Authors: Pelletier R.-Marc , Akpovi Casimir D. , Chen Li , Vitale María Leiza
Published: August 2017

Decreased fertility and birth rates arise from metabolic disorders. This study assesses cholesterol metabolism and Cx46, Cx50, and Cx43 expression in interstitium- and seminiferous tubule-enriched fractions of leptin-deficient ( ob/ob) and leptin receptor-deficient ( db/db) mice, two type 2 diabetes and obesity models associated with infertility. Testosterone levels decreased and glucose and free and esterified cholesterol (FC and EC) levels increased in serum, whereas FC and EC levels decreased in the interstitium, in ob/ob and db/db mice. In tubules, a decrease in EC caused FC-to-EC ratios to increase in db/db mice. In tubules, only acyl coenzyme A:cholesterol acyl transferase type 1 and 2 protein levels significantly decreased in ob/ob, but not db/db, mice compared with wild-type mice, and imbalances in the cholesterol transporters Niemann-Pick C1 (NPC1), ATP-binding cassette A1 (ABCA1), scavenger receptor class B member I (SR-BI), and cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36) were observed in ob/ob and db/db mice. In tubules, 14-kDa Cx46 prevailed during development, 48- to 49- and 68- to 71-kDa Cx46 prevailed during adulthood, and total Cx46 changed little. Compared with wild-type mice, 14-kDa Cx46 increased, whereas 48- to 49- and 68- to 71-kDa Cx46 decreased, in tubules, whereas the opposite occurred in the interstitium, in db/db and ob/ob mice. Total and 51-kDa Cx50 increased in db/db and ob/ob interstitium and tubules. Cx43 levels decreased in ob/ob interstitium and tubules, whereas Cx43 decreased in db/db interstitium but increased in db/db tubules. Apoptosis levels measured by ELISA and numbers of apostain-labeled apoptotic cells significantly increased in db/db, but not ob/ob, tubules. Testicular db/db capillaries were Cx50-positive but weakly Cx43-positive with a thickened lamina, suggesting altered permeability. Our findings indicate that the db mutation-induced impairment of meiosis may arise from imbalances in cholesterol metabolism and upregulated Cx43 expression and phosphorylation in tubules.
Use of radiotelemetry to assess perinatal cardiac function in the ovine fetus and newborn
Authors: Antolic A. , Wood C. E. , Keller-Wood M.
Published: August 2017

The late gestation fetal ECG (fECG) has traditionally been difficult to characterize due to the low fECG signal relative to high maternal noise. Although new technologies have improved the feasibility of its acquisition and separation, little is known about its development in late gestation, a period in which the fetal heart undergoes extensive maturational changes. Here, we describe a method for the chronic implantation of radiotelemetry devices into late gestation ovine fetuses to characterize parameters of the fECG following surgery, throughout late gestation, and in the perinatal period. We found no significant changes in mean aortic pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), or ECG in the 5 days following implantation; however, HR decreased in the first 24 h following the end of surgery, with associated increases in RR, PR, and QRS intervals. Over the last 14 days of fetal life, fetal MAP significantly increased, and HR significantly decreased, as expected. MAP and HR increased as labor progressed. Although there were no significant changes over time in the ECG during late gestation, the duration of the PR interval initially decreased and then increased as birth approached. These results indicate that although critical maturational changes occur in the late gestation fetal myocardium, the mechanisms that control the cardiac conduction are relatively mature in late gestation. The study demonstrates that radiotelemetry can be successfully used to assess fetal cardiac function, in particular conduction, through the process of labor and delivery, and may therefore be a useful tool for study of peripartum cardiac events.
Diet-induced obesity accelerates blood lactate accumulation of rats in response to incremental exercise to maximum
Authors: Chen Chiao-Nan (Joyce) , Liao Yi-Hung , Lin Shang-Ying , Yu Jun-Xian , Li Zhen-Jie , Lin Yu-Chieh , Chang Gwo-Jyh , Lin Chung-Hao , Wong Alice May-Kuen
Published: August 2017

Blood lactate increases during incremental exercise at high-intensity workloads, and limited exercise capacity is a characteristic of obese animals. This study examined whether blood lactate changes in response to incremental exercise is disrupted in obese animals. Muscular and hepatic proteins that are critical in lactate metabolism were also investigated. Rats were randomized to either standard chow (control) or high-fat diet (HFD) groups. All animals underwent an incremental treadmill test after 14 wk of diet intervention. Blood lactate levels were measured before and after the treadmill test. Activities of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis were examined in muscle tissues. Proteins in the liver and skeletal muscles that participate in the turnover of blood lactate were determined by Western blot. Running time in the incremental treadmill test decreased in the HFD group, and blood lactate accumulated faster in these animals than in the control group. Animals with HFD had a decreased level of hepatic monocarboxylate transporter 2, the protein responsible for blood lactate uptake in the liver. Skeletal muscles of animals with HFD showed greater glycolytic activity and decreased content of lactate dehydrogenase B, which converts lactate to pyruvate. We conclude that blood lactate accumulated faster during incremental exercise in obese animals and was associated with their decreased exercise performance. Changes in the metabolic pattern of muscles and changes of liver and muscle proteins associated with lactate utilization likely contribute to the abnormal response of blood lactate to incremental exercise in obese animals.
Intended arm use influences interhemispheric correlation of β-oscillations in primate medial motor areas
Authors: Nakajima Toshi , Arisawa Haruka , Hosaka Ryosuke , Mushiake Hajime
Published: August 2017

To investigate the role of interhemispheric β-synchronization in the selection of motor effectors, we trained two monkeys to memorize and perform multiple two-movement sequences that included unimanual repetition and bimanual switching. We recorded local field potentials simultaneously in the bilateral supplementary motor area (SMA) and pre-SMA to examine how the β-power in both hemispheres and the interhemispheric relationship of β-oscillations depend on the prepared sequence of arm use. We found a significant ipsilateral enhancement of β-power for bimanual switching trials in the left hemisphere and an enhancement of β-power in the right SMA while preparing for unimanual repetition. Furthermore, interhemispheric synchrony in the SMA was significantly more enhanced while preparing unimanual repetition than while preparing bimanual switching. This enhancement of synchrony was detected in terms of β-phase but not in terms of modulation of β-power. Furthermore, the assessment of the interhemispheric phase difference revealed that the β-oscillation in the hemisphere contralateral to the instructed arm use significantly advanced its phase relative to that in the ipsilateral hemisphere. There was no arm use-dependent shift in phase difference in the pairwise recordings within each hemisphere. Both neurons with and without arm use-selective activity were phase-locked to the β-oscillation. These results imply that the degree of interhemispheric phase synchronization as well as phase differences and oscillatory power in the β-band may contribute to the selection of arm use depending on the behavioral conditions of sequential arm use.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY We addressed interhemispheric relationships of β-oscillations during bimanual coordination. While monkeys prepared to initiate movement of the instructed arm, β-oscillations in the contralateral hemisphere showed a phase advance relative to the other hemisphere. Furthermore, the sequence of arm use influenced β-power and the degree of interhemispheric phase synchronization. Thus the dynamics of interhemispheric phases and power in β-oscillations may contribute to the specification of motor effectors in a given behavioral context.
Dynamics of Dispersive Wave Generation in Gas-Filled Photonic Crystal Fiber with the Normal Dispersion
Authors: Deng Zhixiang , Zhang Meng
Published: August 2017

The absence of Raman and unique pressure-tunable dispersion is the characteristic feature of gas-filled photonic crystal fiber (PCF), and its zero dispersion points can be extended to the near-infrared by increasing gas pressure. The generation of dispersive wave (DW) in the normal group velocity dispersion (GVD) region of PCF is investigated. It is demonstrated that considering the self-steepening (SS) and introducing the chirp of the initial input pulse are two suitable means to control the DW generation. The SS enhances the relative average intensity of blue-shift DW while weakening that of red-shift DW. The required propagation distance of DW emission is markedly varied by introducing the frequency chirp. Manipulating DW generation in gas-filled PCF by the combined effects of either SS or chirp and three-order dispersion (TOD) provides a method for a concentrated transfer of energy into the targeted wavelengths.
Stochastic Reliability Measurement and Design Optimization of an Inventory Management System
Authors: Almaktoom Abdulaziz T.
Published: August 2017

Inventory management systems and dynamic reliability measures and controls remain challenging at every stage, especially when time variances and operating conditions are considered. An inventory management system must maintain its adeptness over time while coping with the uncertainty of inventory flow. Unexpected delays during inventory movement can harm the reliability and robustness of the entire system. This paper introduces a method of quantifying the reliability of an inventory management system. Also, a novel, reliability-based robust design optimization model has been developed to optimally allocate and schedule time while considering uncertainty associated with inventory movement. The processes involved include purchasing, shipping, receiving, tracking, warehousing, storage, and turnover. A case study of a furniture company in Saudi Arabia is presented to demonstrate the efficacy of the model.
Exact Computations in Topological Abelian Chern-Simons and BF Theories
Authors: Mathieu Philippe
Published: August 2017

We introduce Deligne cohomology that classifies U1 fibre bundles over 3 manifolds endowed with connections. We show how the structure of Deligne cohomology classes provides a way to perform exact (nonperturbative) computations in U1 Chern-Simons theory (BF theory, resp.) at the level of functional integrals. The partition functions (and observables) of these theories are strongly related to topological invariants well known to the mathematicians.
Glycosides from Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni Possess Insulin‐Mimetic and Antioxidant Activities in Rat Cardiac Fibroblasts
Authors: Prata Cecilia , Zambonin Laura , Rizzo Benedetta , Maraldi Tullia , Angeloni Cristina , Vieceli Dalla Sega Francesco , Fiorentini Diana , Hrelia Silvana
Published: August 2017

Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni is a shrub having a high content of sweet diterpenoid glycosides in its leaves, mainly stevioside and rebaudioside A, which are used as noncaloric, natural sweeteners. The aim of this study was to deepen the knowledge about the insulin‐mimetic effect exerted by four different mixtures of steviol glycosides, rich in stevioside and rebaudioside A, in neonatal rat cardiac fibroblasts. The potential antioxidant activity of these steviol glycosides was also assessed, as oxidative stress is associated with diabetes. Likewise the insulin effect, steviol glycosides caused an increase in glucose uptake into rat fibroblasts by activating the PI3K/Akt pathway, thus inducing Glut4 translocation to the plasma membrane. The presence of S961, an insulin antagonist, completely abolished these effects, allowing to hypothesize that steviol glycosides could act as ligands of the same receptor engaged by insulin. Moreover, steviol glycosides counteracted oxidative stress by increasing reduced glutathione intracellular levels and upregulating expression and activity of the two antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase and catalase. The present work unravels the insulin‐mimetic effect and the antioxidant property exerted by steviol glycosides, suggesting their potential beneficial role in the cotreatment of diabetes and in health maintenance.
Semantic Modeling for Exposomics with Exploratory Evaluation in Clinical Context
Authors: Fan Jung-wei , Li Jianrong , Lussier Yves A.
Published: August 2017

Exposome is a critical dimension in the precision medicine paradigm. Effective representation of exposomics knowledge is instrumental to melding nongenetic factors into data analytics for clinical research. There is still limited work in (1) modeling exposome entities and relations with proper integration to mainstream ontologies and (2) systematically studying their presence in clinical context. Through selected ontological relations, we developed a template-driven approach to identifying exposome concepts from the Unified Medical Language System (UMLS). The derived concepts were evaluated in terms of literature coverage and the ability to assist in annotating clinical text. The generated semantic model represents rich domain knowledge about exposure events (454 pairs of relations between exposure and outcome). Additionally, a list of 5667 disorder concepts with microbial etiology was created for inferred pathogen exposures. The model consistently covered about 90% of PubMed literature on exposure-induced iatrogenic diseases over 10 years (2001–2010). The model contributed to the efficiency of exposome annotation in clinical text by filtering out 78% of irrelevant machine annotations. Analysis into 50 annotated discharge summaries helped advance our understanding of the exposome information in clinical text. This pilot study demonstrated feasibility of semiautomatically developing a useful semantic resource for exposomics.
Ultrashort Long-Period Fiber Grating Sensors Inscribed on a Single Mode Fiber Using CO2 Laser Radiation
Authors: Nespereira Marta , Coelho João M. P. , Abreu Manuel , Rebordão José Manuel
Published: August 2017

Sensing performances of ultrashort (as low as 2.4 mm) long-period fiber gratings fabricated with CO2 laser radiation using commercial single mode fibers are presented. These lengths are, to our knowledge, the shortest of those found in the literature for this kind of sensors, approaching those typical in fiber Bragg gratings. Sensitivity to temperature and refractive index are demonstrated, with performances within the range expected for a single LPFG written on a single mode fiber without any enhancing technique. Analysis on results is made based on both theoretical and experimental data.
Study on a High-Accuracy Real-Time Algorithm to Estimate SOC of Multiple Battery Cells Simultaneously
Authors: Luo Yong , Kan Yingzhe , Yin Yanli , Liu Li , Cui Huanyu , Wu Fei
Published: August 2017

In traditional battery equalization strategy, open-circuit voltage (OCV) of battery cells was used to judge the difference of SOC between them. However, OCV is not only determined by SOC but also influenced by internal resistance, polarization voltage, capacity, and other nonlinear factors. As a result, OCV is not an ideal indicator of SOC differences, especially in transient conditions. In order to control battery consistency accurately, it is best to use SOC directly as standard for battery consistency judgment and control. To achieve this, an algorithm that can estimate SOC of multiple battery cells simultaneously with low computational complexity and high accuracy is needed. Limited by computing speed of Battery Control Unit (BCU), existing SOC estimation method is hard to estimate SOC of each battery cell simultaneously with high accuracy. In this research, a new SOC estimation strategy was proposed to estimate SOC of multiple battery cells simultaneously for battery equalization control. Battery model is established based on experimental data, and a processor-in-the-loop test system was established to verify the actual performance of the proposed algorithm. Results of simulation and test indicate that the proposed algorithm can estimate SOC of multiple battery cells simultaneously and achieved good real-time performance and high accuracy.
The Effects of Humidity on Cast PA6G during Turning and Milling Machining
Authors: Bozdemir Mustafa
Published: August 2017

We compared the foundry PA6G samples in several dry and humid but different storage environments by processing them under the same cutting conditions such as progress rate (100, 120, 140, and 160 mm/min), cutting rate (90, 110, and 130 m/min), and cutting depth (1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, and 3 mm), in terms of formation of average surface roughness values. An improvement of 10.4% in average surface roughness was observed in the measurements performed after the milling process on the humid material and then the process was carried out under a dry condition. Degradation of about 14% in the average surface roughness was observed. The measurement was carried out after the samples were used in milling measurement which was performed on the dry PA6G material that was kept in a humid environment. An improvement of 6.4% in average surface roughness was observed. The measurements were performed after CNC machines process was applied on humid and dried PA6G material. This difference between milling and turning procedures is caused by the workpiece losing its humidity in the turning machine due to the turning effect. It was noted that the processes performed on the CNC turning stand were less affected by the humidity factor.
Do Omega-3/6 Fatty Acids Have a Therapeutic Role in Children and Young People with ADHD?
Authors: Derbyshire E.
Published: August 2017

Background. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a debilitating behavioural disorder affecting daily ability to function, learn, and interact with peers. This publication assesses the role of omega-3/6 fatty acids in the treatment and management of ADHD. Methods. A systematic review of 16 randomised controlled trials was undertaken. Trials included a total of 1,514 children and young people with ADHD who were allocated to take an omega-3/6 intervention, or a placebo. Results. Of the studies identified, 13 reported favourable benefits on ADHD symptoms including improvements in hyperactivity, impulsivity, attention, visual learning, word reading, and working/short-term memory. Four studies used supplements containing a 9 : 3 : 1 ratio of eicosapentaenoic acid : docosahexaenoic acid : gamma linolenic acid which appeared effective at improving erythrocyte levels. Supplementation with this ratio of fatty acids also showed promise as an adjunctive therapy to traditional medications, lowering the dose and improving the compliance with medications such as methylphenidate. Conclusion. ADHD is a frequent and debilitating childhood condition. Given disparaging feelings towards psychostimulant medications, omega-3/6 fatty acids offer great promise as a suitable adjunctive therapy for ADHD.
Production of Recombinant Trichoderma reesei Cellobiohydrolase II in a New Expression System Based on Wickerhamomyces anomalus
Authors: Díaz-Rincón Dennis J. , Duque Ivonne , Osorio Erika , Rodríguez-López Alexander , Espejo-Mojica Angela , Parra-Giraldo Claudia M. , Poutou-Piñales Raúl A. , Alméciga-Díaz Carlos J. , Quevedo-Hidalgo Balkys
Published: August 2017

Cellulase is a family of at least three groups of enzymes that participate in the sequential hydrolysis of cellulose. Recombinant expression of cellulases might allow reducing their production times and increasing the low proteins concentrations obtained with filamentous fungi. In this study, we describe the production of Trichoderma reesei cellobiohydrolase II (CBHII) in a native strain of Wickerhamomyces anomalus. Recombinant CBHII was expressed in W. anomalus 54-A reaching enzyme activity values of up to 14.5 U L−1. The enzyme extract showed optimum pH and temperature of 5.0–6.0 and 40°C, respectively. Enzyme kinetic parameters (KM of 2.73 mM and Vmax of 23.1 µM min−1) were between the ranges of values reported for other CBHII enzymes. Finally, the results showed that an enzymatic extract of W. anomalus 54-A carrying the recombinant T. reesei CBHII allows production of reducing sugars similar to that of a crude extract from cellulolytic fungi. These results show the first report on the use of W. anomalus as a host to produce recombinant proteins. In addition, recombinant T. reesei CBHII enzyme could potentially be used in the degradation of lignocellulosic residues to produce bioethanol, based on its pH and temperature activity profile.