bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dual role of interleukin‐1β in islet amyloid formation and its β‐cell toxicity: Implications for type 2 diabetes and islet transplantation
Authors: Park Yoo Jin , Warnock Garth L. , Ao Ziliang , Safikhan Nooshin , Meloche Mark , Asadi Ali , Kieffer Timothy J. , Marzban Lucy
Published: January 2017

Aims

Islet amyloid, formed by aggregation of human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP), contributes to β‐cell failure in type 2 diabetes, cultured and transplanted islets. We previously showed that biosynthetic hIAPP aggregates induce β‐cell Fas upregulation and activation of the Fas apoptotic pathway. We used cultured human and hIAPP‐expressing mouse islets to investigate: (1) the role of interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) in amyloid‐induced Fas upregulation; and (2) the effects of IL‐1β‐induced β‐cell dysfunction on pro‐islet amyloid polypeptide (proIAPP) processing and amyloid formation.

Research Design and Methods

Human and h
IAPP
‐expressing mouse islets were cultured to form amyloid without or with the IL‐1 receptor antagonist (IL‐1Ra) anakinra, in the presence or absence of recombinant IL‐1β. Human islets in which amyloid formation was prevented (amyloid inhibitor or Ad‐prohIAPP‐siRNA) were cultured similarly. β‐cell function, apoptosis, Fas expression, caspase‐8 activation, islet IL‐1β, β‐cell area, β‐/α‐cell ratio, amyloid formation, and (pro)IAPP forms were assessed.

Results

hIAPP aggregates were found to increase IL‐1β levels in cultured human islets that correlated with β‐cell Fas upregulation, caspase‐8 activation and apoptosis, all of which were reduced by IL‐1Ra treatment or prevention of amyloid formation. Moreover, IL‐1Ra improved culture‐induced β‐cell dysfunction and restored impaired proIAPP processing, leading to lower amyloid formation. IL‐1β treatment potentiated impaired proIAPP processing and increased amyloid formation in cultured human and h
IAPP
‐expressing mouse islets, which were prevented by IL‐1Ra.

Conclusions

IL‐1β plays a dual role by: (1) mediating amyloid‐induced Fas upregulation and β‐cell apoptosis; (2) inducing impaired proIAPP processing thereby potentiating amyloid formation. Blocking IL‐1β may provide a new strategy to preserve β cells in conditions associated with islet amyloid formation.
Inter‐annual variation of the spawning aggregations of the white‐streaked grouper Epinephelus ongus, in relation to the lunar cycle and water temperature fluctuation
Authors: Ohta Itaru , Ebisawa Akihiko
Published: January 2017

The white‐streaked grouper, Epinephelus ongus (Serranidae), which forms spawning aggregations at specific times and sites, has been traditionally targeted by local fishers in the Yaeyama Islands, Okinawa. This study examined the long‐term dynamics of the population and the spawning aggregation of E. ongus, based on the historical catch data for a 20‐yr period. The continuous declines of the catch data suggested a substantial decrease in the population. The analysis of the daily catch data, which reflect the approximate volumetric fluctuation of the spawning aggregation, demonstrated that the distinctive peaks of daily catches appeared consistently over a 20‐yr span at the last quarter moon in the spawning season, in synchrony with the lunar phase as a spawning cue of the species. Contrary to this consistency, there were inter‐annual variations of spawning aggregation formation, which formed once or twice in the two consecutive months in the lunar calendar. The present study indicated that the water temperature before the aggregation period dictated not the only timing of the first spawning aggregation, but also the frequency of spawning aggregation and that the abundance between the first and the second spawning aggregation, represented by catch data, were negatively correlated. Together with previous evidence of gonadal histology, the findings indicated that water temperatures affect the gonadal maturation in the spawning population and control spawning aggregation formation. These facts imply that most individuals join in only a single spawning aggregation in the course of the year and highlight the importance of the spawning aggregation for reproduction of E. ongus.
Retrospective analysis of phytoplankton assemblages on the Iwate coast before and after the 2011 tsunami using cryopreserved DNA samples
Authors: Okumura Yutaka , Kaga Shinnosuke
Published: January 2017

We assessed the feasibility of retrospectively reconstructing phytoplankton assemblages using next‐generation sequencing of the Psb A gene from cryopreserved DNA sampled from Ofunato and Yamada bays during the bloom season before (May–August 2010) and after (June–July 2011) the tsunami. The total number of phytoplankton species detected was >280 when the operational taxonomic unit (OTU) similarity threshold was set at 0.95. During the investigation, the sequences of Bacillariophyta, which are considered a suitable food for oysters, comprised >50% of the phytoplankton composition in both bays. Chlorophyta, mainly pico‐Prasinophyceae, which are too small for oysters, comprised 30%. Chroomonas sp. (ex Dinophysis acuminata), Geminigera cryophila, Teleaulax amphioxeia, and Cryptophyta sp. (CR‐MAL11), which have relation to diarrhetic shellfish poisoning, were predominant in the Cryptophyta. Dinophysis spp. were the predominant Dinophyceae species, and cause diarrhetic shellfish poisoning. Because these phytoplankton species are unsuitable oyster food, we think that continuous monitoring of species is necessary. After the tsunami, the beta diversity using unweighted UniFrac in Ofunato Bay tended to differ from those before the tsunami. The ratio of predominant of Bacillariophyta species tended to decrease after the tsunami, the number of minor species detected in each taxon tended to increase. We infer that the temporary change was caused by the multiple environmental changes, such as the resuspension of cysts and phytoplankton deposited in the seabed, destroyed local sewage infrastructure, breakwater, and many oyster rafts.
Non‐parametric modeling reveals environmental effects on bluefin tuna recruitment in Atlantic, Pacific, and Southern Oceans
Authors: Harford William J. , Karnauskas Mandy , Walter John F. , Liu Hui
Published: January 2017

Environment–recruitment relationships can be difficult to delineate with parametric statistical models and can be prone to misidentification. We use non‐parametric time‐series modeling which makes no assumptions about functional relationships between variables, to reveal environmental influences on early life stages of bluefin tuna and demonstrate improvement in prediction of subsequent recruitment. The influence of sea surface temperature, which has been previously associated with larval growth and survival, was consistently detected in recruitment time series of bluefin tuna stocks that spawn in the Mediterranean Sea, the North Pacific, and the Southern Ocean. Short time series for the Gulf of Mexico stock may have precluded a clear determination of environmental influences on recruitment fluctuations. Because the non‐parametric approach does not require specification of equations to represent system dynamics, predictive models can likely be developed that appropriately reflect the complexity of the ecological system under investigation. This flexibility can potentially overcome methodological challenges of specifying structural relationships between environmental conditions and fish recruitment. Consequently, there is potential for non‐parametric time series modeling to supplement traditional stock recruitment models for fisheries management.
Self‐reported quality of sleep is associated with physical strength among community‐dwelling young‐old adults
Authors: Malinowska Katarzyna B. , Ikezoe Tome , Ichihashi Noriaki , Arai Hidenori , Murase Kimihiko , Chin Kazuo , Kawaguchi Takahisa , Tabara Yasuharu , Nakayama Takeo , Matsuda Fumihiko , Tsuboyama Tadao
Published: January 2017

Aim

The present study examined the association between self‐reported quality of sleep (QOS) and physical function in community‐dwelling young‐old adults.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study included 737 community‐dwelling older adults aged 60 years and older (498 women, 239 men); age 68.3 ± 5.2 years (range 60–79 years). Participants completed a self‐administered questionnaire, which included the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, as well as information regarding sociodemographic characteristics, physical activity, smoking and alcohol consumption. The χ2‐test was used to compare categorical variables stratified by QOS, and the unpairedt‐test was used for continuous variables for men and women separately. Furthermore, logistic regression analyses were carried out to verify the association between QOS and physical function measures.

Results

The unpairedt‐test showed a significant difference ((P< 0.05) in the Timed Up and Go test and physical strength outcomes, which included: handgrip, quadriceps setting, knee extension and hip flexion strength between the good QOS and poor QOS groups among the men. However, thet‐test results for physical function outcomes did not show a significant difference among the women. In the logistic regression model, after adjusting for age, sex and potential confounding factors, handgrip strength remained significantly associated with QOS (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.92–1.00).

Conclusion

QOS was associated with physical function in young‐old adults; those with good QOS were especially more likely to possess stronger grip strengths; however, further research is required to identify the temporal relationship.Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 1808–1813.
Comprehensive assessment of tumour budding by cytokeratin staining in colorectal cancer
Authors: Rieger Gregor , Koelzer Viktor H , Dawson Heather E , Berger Martin D , Hädrich Marion , Inderbitzin Daniel , Lugli Alessandro , Zlobec Inti
Published: January 2017

Aims

Tumour budding in colorectal cancer (CRC) is a recognized prognostic parameter. The aim of this study was to address the use of cytokeratin immunostaining for the visualization and scoring of tumour buds.

Methods and results

Ten hotspots (0.238 mm2) of peritumoural budding (PTB) and intratumoural budding (ITB) were evaluated in surgical resections from 215 patients. The budding counts in the 10 densest regions anywhere in the tumour were combined into an overall tumour budding (OTB) score. The PTB, ITB and OTB hotspot with the maximum budding count was then evaluated. Finally, continuous and cut‐off values of 10 buds per high‐power field (HPF) (PTB10HPF), five buds per HPF (ITB10HPF) and eight buds per HPF (OTB10HPF) were used to categorize budding counts into low‐grade and high‐grade scores. All budding scores were highly correlated. PTB and ITB counts were associated with many clinicopathological features, including tumour stage, lymph node and distant metastasis, venous and lymphovascular invasion, and disease‐free survival (DFS) (all P < 0.05). Analyses of OTB counts recapitulated these associations, including a lower DFS with a greater number of tumour buds (P = 0.0309; hazard ratio 1.0332, 95% confidence interval 1.003–1.062). One OTB hotspot performed similarly to 10 OTB hotspots in terms of relationship with outcome. These statistical significances were largely lost when cut‐offs were applied to PTB, ITB or OTB counts.

Conclusions

An OTB count in a single hotspot on cytokeratin‐stained CRC tissue sections is a fast and reliable prognostic scoring system for the assessment of tumour budding. This approach should be considered in future studies.
Estimating the burden of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) on respiratory hospital admissions in children less than five years of age in England, 2007‐2012
Authors: Reeves Rachel Melanie , Hardelid Pia , Gilbert Ruth , Warburton Fiona , Ellis Joanna , Pebody Richard G.
Published: January 2017

Background

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of hospital admission in young children. With several RSV vaccines candidates undergoing clinical trials, recent estimates of RSV burden are required to provide a baseline for vaccine impact studies.

Objectives

To estimate the number of RSV‐associated hospital admissions in children aged <5 years in England over a 5‐year period from 2007 using ecological time series modelling of national hospital administrative data.

Patients/Methods

Multiple linear regression modelling of weekly time series of laboratory surveillance data and Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) data was used to estimate the number of hospital admissions due to major respiratory pathogens including RSV in children <5 years of age in England from mid‐2007 to mid‐2012, stratified by age group (<6 months, 6‐11 months, 1‐4 years) and primary diagnosis: bronchiolitis, pneumonia, unspecified lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI), bronchitis and upper respiratory tract infection (URTI).

Results

On average, 33 561 (95% confidence interval 30 429‐38 489) RSV‐associated hospital admissions in children <5 years of age occurred annually from 2007 to 2012. Average annual admission rates were 35.1 (95% CI: 32.9‐38.9) per 1000 children aged <1 year and 5.31 (95% CI: 4.5‐6.6) per 1000 children aged 1‐4 years. About 84% (95% CI: 81‐91%) of RSV‐associated admissions were for LRTI. The diagnosis‐specific burden of RSV‐associated admissions differed significantly by age group.

Conclusions

RSV remains a significant cause of hospital admissions in young children in England. Individual‐level analysis of RSV‐associated admissions is required to fully describe the burden by age and risk group and identify optimal prevention strategies.
Outcomes of a multi‐community hypertension implementation study: the American Heart Association's Check. Change. Control. program
Authors: Anderson Monique L. , Peragallo Urrutia Rachel , O'Brien Emily C. , Allen LaPointe Nancy M. , Christian Alexander J. , Kaltenbach Lisa A. , Webb Laura E. , Alexander Angel M. , Saha Chaudhuri Paramita , Crawford Juliana , Wayte Patrick , Peterson Eric D.
Published: January 2017

Single‐site, intensive, community‐based blood pressure (BP) intervention programs have led to BP improvements. The authors examined the American Heart Association's Check. Change. Control. (CCC) program (4069 patients/18 cities) to determine whether BP interventions can effectively be scaled to multiple communities, using a simplified template and local customization. Effectiveness was evaluated at each site via site percent enrollment goals, participant engagement, and BP change from first to last measurement. High‐enrolling sites frequently recruited at senior residential institutions and service organizations held hypertension management classes and utilized established and new community partners. High‐engagement sites regularly held hypertension education classes and followed up with participants. Top‐performing sites commonly distributed BP cuffs, checked BP at engagement activities, and trained volunteers. CCC demonstrated that simplified community‐based hypertension intervention programs may lead to BP improvements, but there was high outcomes variability among programs. Several factors were associated with BP improvement that may guide future program development.
State Aid in the New EU Member States
Authors: Hölscher Jens , Nulsch Nicole , Stephan Johannes
Published: January 2017

In the early phase of transition, which began in the 1990s, Central and Eastern European countries (CEECs) pursued economic restructuring that involved massive injections of state support. With reference to the history of state aid in centrally planned economies, we investigate state aid practices of CEECs since attaining full EU membership. We analyse whether their state aid policies during and after transition challenged European state aid legislation, and whether these fit into the EU strategy of ‘less but better targeted aid’. The data‐based analysis is complemented with some indicative insights from state aid in the steel industry as well as the financial service sector to suggest that there is today no significant difference in state aid law application between East and West any more – the new EU members have further caught up by better aligning to the objectives of the State Aid Action Plan.
Beyond the “Code”: A Guide to the Description and Documentation of Biodiversity in Ciliated Protists (Alveolata, Ciliophora)
Authors: Warren Alan , Patterson David J. , Dunthorn Micah , Clamp John C. , Achilles‐Day Undine E.M. , Aescht Erna , Al‐Farraj Saleh A. , Al‐Quraishy Saleh , Al‐Rasheid Khaled , Carr Martin , Day John G. , Dellinger Marc , El‐Serehy Hamed A. , Fan Yangbo , Gao Feng , Gao Shan , Gong Jun , Gupta Renu , Hu Xiaozhong , Kamra Komal , Langlois Gaytha , Lin Xiaofeng , Lipscomb Diana , Lobban Christopher S. , Luporini Pierangelo , Lynn Denis H. , Ma Honggang , Macek Miroslav , Mackenzie‐Dodds Jacqueline , Makhija Seema , Mansergh Robert I. , Martín‐Cereceda Mercedes , McMiller Nettie , Montagnes David J.S. , Nikolaeva Svetlana , Ong'ondo Geoffrey Odhiambo , Pérez‐Uz Blanca , Purushothaman Jasmine , Quintela‐Alonso Pablo , Rotterová Johana , Santoferrara Luciana , Shao Chen , Shen Zhuo , Shi Xinlu , Song Weibo , Stoeck Thorsten , La Terza Antonietta , Vallesi Adriana , Wang Mei , Weisse Thomas , Wiackowski Krzysztof , Wu Lei , Xu Kuidong , Yi Zhenzhen , Zufall Rebecca , Agatha Sabine
Published: January 2017

Recent advances in molecular technology have revolutionized research on all aspects of the biology of organisms, including ciliates, and created unprecedented opportunities for pursuing a more integrative approach to investigations of biodiversity. However, this goal is complicated by large gaps and inconsistencies that still exist in the foundation of basic information about biodiversity of ciliates. The present paper reviews issues relating to the taxonomy of ciliates and presents specific recommendations for best practice in the observation and documentation of their biodiversity. This effort stems from a workshop that explored ways to implement six Grand Challenges proposed by the International Research Coordination Network for Biodiversity of Ciliates (IRCN‐BC). As part of its commitment to strengthening the knowledge base that supports research on biodiversity of ciliates, the IRCN‐BC proposes to populate The Ciliate Guide, an online database, with biodiversity‐related data and metadata to create a resource that will facilitate accurate taxonomic identifications and promote sharing of data.
An epiallele of rice AK1 affects photosynthetic capacity
Authors: Wei Xiangjin , Song Xianwei , Wei Liya , Tang Shaoqing , Sun Jing , Hu Peisong , Cao Xiaofeng
Published: January 2017

Epigenetic gene variants, termed epialleles, can broaden genetic and phenotypic diversity in eukaryotes. Here, we identify a natural epiallele of OsAK1, which encodes a rice adenylate kinase. The Epi‐ak1 plants show albino in young leaf and panicle with abnormal chloroplast structures. We found that no nucleotide sequence variation but hypermethylation at promoter region caused silencing of OsAK1 (Os08g01770) in Epi‐ak1 plants. OsAK1 localizes to chloroplast and many genes associated with photosynthesis processes were downregulated in Epi‐ak1. Thus, the work identified a novel rice epiallele caused by DNA methylation changes, shedding light on significant roles of DNA methylation on rice development.
Ectopic expression of fungal EcGDH improves nitrogen assimilation and grain yield in rice
Authors: Tang Dongying , Peng Yuchong , Lin Jianzhong , Du Changqing , Yang Yuanzhu , Wang Dan , Liu Cong , Yan Lu , Zhao Xiaoying , Li Xia , Chen Liangbi , Liu Xuanming
Published: January 2017

NADP(H)‐dependent glutamate dehydrogenases (GDH) in lower organisms have stronger ammonium affinity than those in higher plants. Here we report that transgenic rice overexpressing the EcGDH from Eurotium cheralieri exhibited significantly enhanced aminating activities. Hydroponic and field tests showed that nitrogen assimilation efficiency and grain yields were markedly increased in these transgenic plants, especially at the low nitrogen conditions. These results suggest that EcGDH may have potential to be used to improve nitrogen assimilation and grain yield in rice.
International solidarity and ethnic boundaries: using the Israeli–Palestinian conflict to strengthen ethno‐national claims in Northern Ireland
Authors: Arar Rawan
Published: January 2017

While scholars have described vertical nation‐building narratives that genealogically anchor a specific group to a specific territory (Smith 1981; Eriksen 2002), I argue that, in addition to vertical strategies, expressions of international solidarity constitute horizontal nation‐building strategies. Expressions of international solidarity can be used to maintain local ethnic boundaries and reinforce local divisions. By adopting an ally, expressions of international solidarity also designate an adversary, making the boundary between the two a possible incentive for solidarity. In Northern Ireland, some Unionist and Nationalist political entrepreneurs rely on expressions of international solidarity with Israelis or Palestinians, respectively, to make adversarial ethno‐national claims to the nation‐state. This study examines flags, graffiti, murals and political speech on display in Northern Ireland that advocate for either Israelis or Palestinians. Through the concept of ‘borrowed legitimacy’, I acknowledge the strategic use of the ethnic boundary in expressions of international solidarity.
Cell‐level anatomical characteristics explain high mesophyll conductance and photosynthetic capacity in sclerophyllous Mediterranean oaks
Authors: Peguero‐Pina José Javier , Sisó Sergio , Flexas Jaume , Galmés Jeroni , García‐Nogales Ana , Niinemets Ülo , Sancho‐Knapik Domingo , Saz Miguel Ángel , Gil‐Pelegrín Eustaquio
Published: January 2017

Leaf mass per area (LMA) has been suggested to negatively affect the mesophyll conductance to CO2 (gm), which is the most limiting factor for area‐based photosynthesis (AN) in many Mediterranean sclerophyll species. However, despite their high LMA, these species have similar AN to plants from other biomes. Variations in other leaf anatomical traits, such as mesophyll and chloroplast surface area exposed to intercellular air space (Sm/S and Sc/S), may offset the restrictions imposed by high LMA in gm and AN in these species.

Seven sclerophyllous Mediterranean oaks from Europe/North Africa and North America with contrasting LMA were compared in terms of morphological, anatomical and photosynthetic traits.

Mediterranean oaks showed specific differences in AN that go beyond the common morphological leaf traits reported for these species (reduced leaf area and thick leaves). These variations resulted mainly from the differences in gm, the most limiting factor for carbon assimilation in these species.

Species with higher AN showed increased Sc/S, which implies increased gm without changes in stomatal conductance. The occurrence of this anatomical adaptation at the cell level allowed evergreen oaks to reach AN values comparable to congeneric deciduous species despite their higher LMA.
Genetic divergence in two tropical maize composites after four cycles of reciprocal recurrent selection
Authors: Kolawole Adesike O. , Menkir Abebe , Gedil Melaku , Blay Essie , Ofori Kwadwo , Kling Jennifer G.
Published: January 2017

Two tropical maize composites were subjected to four cycles of reciprocal recurrent selection to develop divergent inbred lines with good combining ability. This study was conducted to examine the extent of genetic diversity, changes in allele composition and genetic structure, of 100 randomly selected S1 lines each from the original (C0) and advanced (C4) selection cycles of TZL COMP3 and TZL COMP4, genotyped using single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. Results revealed that the proportion of alleles at both low and high frequencies decreased from C0 to C4, whereas those at intermediate frequencies increased at C4 in the two composites. More unique and other alleles were lost at C4 in TZL COMP3 relative to those in TZL COMP4. The changes in different measures of genetic diversity were either small or negligible with selection in the two composites. The proportion of markers departing from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) decreased with selection, whereas the total number of pairs of markers in linkage disequilibrium increased with selection in the two composites. Examination of changes in population structures using a model‐based approach as well as cluster and multivariate analyses found a high degree of concordance in stratifying the 400 S1 lines into four non‐overlapping groups corresponding to the two selection cycles each within the reciprocal composites. The observed molecular‐based divergence between cycles within the same composite and the clear differentiation between the complementary composites highlight the importance of reciprocal recurrent selection for preserving genetic diversity for long‐term selection. This increases the potential of the advanced selection cycles to sustain genetic gain in productivity of hybrids adapted to the savannas in West and Central Africa.
Effects of iron deficiency on the growth and photosynthesis of three bloom‐forming cyanobacterial species isolated from Lake Taihu
Authors: Xu Kui , Li Zheng‐Ke , Liu Shu‐Wen , Qiu Bao‐Sheng
Published: January 2017

Cyanobacterial blooms are found in many freshwater ecosystems around the world, but the effect of environmental factors on their growth and the proportion of species still require more investigation. In this study, the physiological responses of bloom‐forming cyanobacteria
M

icrocystis aeruginosa FACHB912,
M

icrocystis flos‐aquae FACHB1028 and
P

seudanabaena sp. FACHB1282 to iron deficiency were investigated. Their specific growth rates were found to decrease as the available iron concentration decreased. At low available iron concentrations of 1 × 10−7 M (pFe 21.3) and 5 × 10−8 M (pFe 21.6),
M

. aeruginosa had the lowest specific growth rate among three studied species. The cell sizes of
M

. flos‐aquae and Pseudanabaena sp. were significantly smaller under the lowest iron concentration. The chlorophyll a content of the three species decreased at the lowest iron concentration. The maximal relative electron transport rate, photosynthetic efficiency, and light‐saturation parameter of
M

. aeruginosa were lower than the other two cyanobacteria at pFe 21.3. Therefore,
M

. aeruginosa was the least able to adapt to iron deficiency. Under iron deficiency, the functional absorption cross‐section of PSII and electron transport rate on the acceptor side of PSII decreased in
M

. aeruginosa, while the connectivity factor between individual photosynthetic units increased in
M

. flos‐aquae, and the electron transport rate on the acceptor side of PSII and between PSII and PSI decreased in
P

seudanabaena sp. The ability to store iron was highest in
M

. flos‐aquae, followed by
P

seudanabaena sp. and
M

. aeruginosa. Thus, these results provide necessary information for detecting the role of iron in the succession of cyanobacterial species in Lake Taihu, the third largest freshwater lake in China, because all three species were isolated from this lake.
Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) as a Powerful Tool to Study Temperature-Dependent Polymer Film Formation
Authors: Long Fei , Choi Chang Kyoung
Published: January 2017

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is one of the most effective tools in nanotechnology researches. Using the raster scanning method with a soft cantilever, three dimensional sample surface topography can be obtained with a sub-nanometer resolution. In this study, AFM is employed to characterize the nanostructures of polymer film under two temperature treatments. 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) is selected as a model polymer molecule due to its wide applications for amino-functionalization of Si/SiOx based surfaces, such as silicon and mica. The APTES molecule has three ethoxy groups that can react with surface hydroxyl groups or with another APTES molecule through a siloxane bond. The self-assembled APTES self-assembly film has typically three configurations, namely uncrosslinked monolayer, crosslinked monolayer, and multilayer. Ten percent aqueous solution is used to cover the entire mica surfaces. Then the surfaces are rinsed with DI water and dried with N2 to remove left over solution. Two hours incubation was followed in 80°C or 140°C, respectively. At 80 °C (below the boiling point), the uniform APTES film is obtained. On the other hand, at 140 °C (above the boiling point), the film exhibits multilayer structure, as confirmed by AFM images. Contact angle measurement shows that the multilayer film is less wettable than the monolayer film by 20°. It seems that the evaporation rate of the water layer on the substrate is the key to various film configurations.
Effect of Dual Frequency Ultrasound on the Bubble Formation in a Capillary Tube
Authors: Fu Benwei , Zhao Nannan , Wang Guoyou , Ma Hongbin
Published: January 2017

A visual experimental investigation was conducted to determine the effect of dual frequency ultrasound on the bubble formation and growth in a capillary quartz tube. Two piezoelectric ceramics were used in this experiment. They were made of Pb-based lanthanum-doped zirconate titanates (PLZTs). The PLZTs were placed on a quartz tube with an inner diameter of 2 mm and an outer diameter of 3 mm. The capillary tube was vacuumed first and then charged with water using a filling ratio of 70%. The ultrasonic sound was applied to the heating section of a capillary tube. The bubble formation and growth were recorded by a high speed camera. As shown in figures, when the ultrasound with a single frequency of either 154 kHz or 474 kHz was applied, only one bubble was generated. When the dual frequencies of 154 kHz and 474 kHz were applied, more bubbles were generated. The speed of the bubble growth with dual frequency ultrasound was much higher than that with a single frequency. When a dual frequency ultrasound (154 kHz and 474 kHz) was used, the nucleation sites for bubble formation were significantly increased and the bubble growth rate enhanced.
Visual Onset of Nucleate Boiling in Water Spray Cooling on Hot Steel Plate
Authors: Lee Jungho , Lee Sang Gun , Kim Jinsub
Published: January 2017

The onset of nucleate boiling in water spray cooling on hot steel plate was investigated by a simultaneous boiling visualization and heat transfer measurement. The boiling phenomena were visualized with 4K video camera and the surface temperature of the hot steel plate was determined by solving 2-D inverse heat conduction during water spray cooling. The temperature was measured by a sampling rate of 10 data/sec. The hot steel plate was initially heated up to 900°C and the coolant temperature was kept at a constant temperature of 20°C. The spray nozzle with fullcone pattern was mounted with the three different heights (100, 200 and 300 mm). The more spray height was increased, the more scattered the spray pattern became, which could affect the partial spray intensity and overall cooling uniformity. The lower spray nozzle height of 100 mm shows the steep temperature gradient in inner zone. As the spray particles are more intense at inner zone which wets faster than outer zone. But the higher spray nozzle height of 300 mm, the temperature profile keeps constant within the 400 sec. After this time, the outer zone is wetted faster than inner zone. At the middle height of 200 mm, although the temperature gradient in inner zone is slightly higher than that in outer zone, the overall surface wetting is relatively uniform in the inner and outer zone. These results exhibit that the spray cooling uniformity can be controlled with optimized spray nozzle height. Furthermore the boiling visualization agrees well with the onset of nucleate boiling in surface temperature profiles.
Complete Genome Sequences of 38
Gordonia
sp. Bacteriophages
Authors: Pope Welkin H. , Montgomery Matthew T. , Bonilla J. Alfred , Dejong Randall , Garlena Rebecca A. , Guerrero Bustamante Carlos , Klyczek Karen K. , Russell Daniel A. , Wertz John T. , Jacobs-Sera Deborah , Hatfull Graham F.
Published: January 2017

We report here the genome sequences of 38 newly isolated bacteriophages using
Gordonia terrae
3612 (ATCC 25594) and
Gordonia neofelifaecis
NRRL59395 as bacterial hosts. All of the phages are double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) tail phages with siphoviral morphologies, with genome sizes ranging from 17,118 bp to 93,843 bp and spanning considerable nucleotide sequence diversity.
Contained ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm presenting as cauda equina syndrome
Authors: Engamba Serge A , Garaleviciene Dovile , Baldry Jonathan
Published: January 2017

This is the case report of a contained ruptured aortic aneurysm presenting with acute cauda equina syndrome. The patient was a 79-year-old man. A literature search revealed various unusual presentations of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), including femoral neuropathy, hip pain and others; however, there are no other reports of cauda equina-like syndrome. The present case is therefore another unusual presentation of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm and reiterates the utmost importance of careful history taking and clinical examination. Abdominal aortic aneurysm rupture should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of sudden onset isolated lower limb neuropathies and or pain.
Intraoperative OCT assisted descemetopexy with stromal vent incisions and intracameral gas injection for case of non-resolving Descemet's membrane detachment
Authors: Singh Archita , Vanathi Murugesan , Sahu Suman , Devi Saranya
Published: January 2017

Descemet's membrane detachment (DMD) though uncommon in the present day scenario of advancing surgical techniques is a significant complication that requires prompt diagnosis and management. A middle-aged man presented to our hospital with poor gain of vision following cataract surgery. There was significant corneal oedema with DMD which was confirmed on anterior segment optical coherence tomography. We describe a modified continuous intraoperative-guided approach for the management of DMD in cases with oedematous hazy corneas. The aim of this technique is to allow early reattachment of Descemet's membrane in chronic cases where fluid pockets prevent reattachment of the posterior layer of cornea. Our technique involves the use of full thickness stromal vent incisions in the paracentral cornea along with intracameral isoexpansile concentration of gas for the successful settlement of the detached Descemet's membrane.
Prominent metalware from pelvic surgery causing dyspareunia
Authors: Nambiar Mithun , Heaton Samuel Raymond , Stevenson Andrew John , Bucknill Andrew Thomas
Published: January 2017

We present a case of female dyspareunia secondary to metalware placement during extensive pelvic surgery following a motor vehicle accident. The patient initially had an uneventful recovery from her operations. However, she noticed pain with vaginal intercourse, due to a screw tip which was palpable on vaginal examination. X-ray imaging confirmed long screws in the medial part of an anterior column plate, which were impacting on the anterior vaginal wall. Subsequent percutaneous removal of two screws resulted in resolution of her symptoms of painful vaginal intercourse. While the pain from mechanical irritation of the vagina was resolved, the patient continues to have difficulty with intercourse, which is related to hip pain as a result of her initial injury and complex pelvic surgery.
Novel sleep management method in a toddler displaying fear and trauma: the Boss of My Sleep Book
Authors: Blunden Sarah
Published: January 2017

Sleep problems in toddlers occur in ∼40% of children and increase the likelihood of postnatal depression. Most sleep training in toddlers requires contact with a trained professional, and requires a parent to ignore their child's cries, causing distress to many children and parents, increasing attrition and leaving families untreated and at risk. This case study reports success in significantly ameliorating sleep reluctance and bedtime fears in a sleep disturbed toddler with a history of trauma. It uses a novel use of bedtime behaviour management with some positive reinforcement techniques, called the Boss of My Sleep book: a non-cry, online (thus readily and cheaply available without a trained professional) sleep intervention. The system was successful immediately and was sustained after 6 months. The Boss of My Sleep book shows promise as a sleep intervention in toddlers, particularly for those parents who do not want to use cry intensive methods.
Contralateral inguinal herniation of a transplant ureter causing obstructive uropathy in a renal transplant recipient
Authors: Lobo Niyati , McCaig Fiona , Olsburgh Jonathon
Published: January 2017

Ipsilateral inguinal herniation of the transplanted ureter has been reported as a rare cause of obstructive uropathy in renal transplant recipients. A 73-year-old man presented with acute renal failure 29 years after receiving a deceased donor renal transplant. Radiological investigations demonstrated marked hydronephrosis of the left iliac fossa transplant kidney and herniation of the distal transplant ureter and bladder into the right inguinal canal. The patient underwent placement of a nephrostomy and antegrade stent followed by definitive hernia repair with return of graft function to baseline level.
Primary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the tongue: a diagnostic dilemma of unusual case presentation
Authors: Al-Rawi Natheer Hashim
Published: January 2017

Primary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the tongue is extremely uncommon, which makes its diagnosis quite challenging. A panel of 11 markers is used based on morphological differential diagnosis to elucidate the lymphoma subtype. A case of 43-year-old Egyptian man suffering from nodular mass on the right side of the tongue of 4 months duration is presented. No cervical lymphadenopathy was detected. No abdominal organomegaly was noted. The histological evaluation of incisional biopsy revealed a sheet of pleomorphic lymphoid cells with abnormal mitotic figures. A large number of histiocytes were infiltrating the lymphoid cellular sheet. The results of immunophenotyping were extranodal T-cell lymphoma. A proper immunohistochemical workup is crucial for the correct diagnosis and proper management.
Technical and scale efficiency in the delivery of child health services in Zambia: results from data envelopment analysis
Authors: Achoki Tom , Hovels Anke , Masiye Felix , Lesego Abaleng , Leufkens Hubert , Kinfu Yohannes
Published: January 2017

Objective

Despite tremendous efforts to scale up key maternal and child health interventions in Zambia, progress has not been uniform across the country. This raises fundamental health system performance questions that require further investigation. Our study investigates technical and scale efficiency (SE) in the delivery of maternal and child health services in the country.

Setting

The study focused on all 72 health districts of Zambia.

Methods

We compiled a district-level database comprising health outcomes (measured by the probability of survival to 5 years of age), health outputs (measured by coverage of key health interventions) and a set of health system inputs, namely, financial resources and human resources for health, for the year 2010. We used data envelopment analysis to assess the performance of subnational units across Zambia with respect to technical and SE, controlling for environmental factors that are beyond the control of health system decision makers.

Results

Nationally, average technical efficiency with respect to improving child survival was 61.5% (95% CI 58.2% to 64.8%), which suggests that there is a huge inefficiency in resource use in the country and the potential to expand services without injecting additional resources into the system. Districts that were more urbanised and had a higher proportion of educated women were more technically efficient. Improved cooking methods and donor funding had no significant effect on efficiency.

Conclusions

With the pressing need to accelerate progress in population health, decision makers must seek efficient ways to deliver services to achieve universal health coverage. Understanding the factors that drive performance and seeking ways to enhance efficiency offer a practical pathway through which low-income countries could improve population health without necessarily seeking additional resources.
Efficacy of interventions to improve physical activity levels in individuals with stroke: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Aguiar Larissa Tavares , Martins Júlia Caetano , Nadeau Sylvie , Britto Raquel Rodrigues , Teixeira-Salmela Luci F , Faria Christina D C M
Published: January 2017

Introduction

Stroke is a leading health problem worldwide and an important cause of disability. Stroke survivors show low levels of physical activity, and increases in physical activity levels may improve function and health status. Therefore, the aims are to identify which interventions that have been employed to increase physical activity levels with stroke survivors, to verify their efficacy and to identify the gaps in the literature.

Methods and analysis

A systematic review of randomised controlled trials that investigated the efficacy of interventions aiming at increasing physical activity levels of stroke survivors will be conducted. Electronic searches will be performed in the MEDLINE, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), Excerpta Medica (EMBASE), Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS) and Scientific Electronic Library Online (SCIELO) databases. Hand searches of the reference lists of the included studies or relevant reviews will also be employed. Two independent reviewers will screen all the retrieved titles, abstracts and full texts. A third reviewer will be referred to solve any disagreements. The quality of the included studies will be assessed by the PEDro Rating Scale. This systematic review will also include a qualitative synthesis. Meta-analyses will be performed, if the studies are sufficiently homogeneous. This review will follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement. The quality of the evidence regarding physical activity will be assessed, according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE).

Discussion

This systematic review will provide information on which interventions are effective for increasing physical activity levels of stroke survivors. This evidence may be important for clinical decision-making and will allow the identification of gaps in the literature that may be useful for the definition of future research goals and the planning of new trials.

Trial registration number

CRD42016037750.
Study protocol for a randomised controlled multicentre study: the Foraminotomy ACDF Cost-Effectiveness Trial (FACET) in patients with cervical radiculopathy
Authors: Broekema A E H , Kuijlen J M A , Lesman-Leegte G A T , Bartels R H M A , van Asselt A D I , Vroomen P C A J , van Dijk J M C , Reneman M F , Soer R , Groen R J M
Published: January 2017

Introduction

Cervical radiculopathy due to discogenic or spondylotic stenosis of the neuroforamen can be surgically treated by an anterior discectomy with fusion (ACDF) or a posterior foraminotomy (FOR). Most surgeons prefer ACDF, although there are indications that FOR is as effective as ACDF, has a lower complication rate and is less expensive. A head-to-head comparison of the 2 surgical techniques in a randomised controlled trial has not yet been performed. The study objectives of the Foraminotomy ACDF Cost-Effectiveness Trial (FACET) study are to compare clinical outcomes, complication rates and cost-effectiveness of FOR to ACDF.

Methods and analysis

The FACET study is a prospective randomised controlled trial conducted in 7 medical centres in the Netherlands. The follow-up period is 2 years. The main inclusion criterion is a radiculopathy of the C4, C5, C6 or C7 nerve root, due to a single-level isolated cervical foraminal stenosis caused by a soft disc and/or osteophytic component, requiring operative decompression. A sample size of 308 patients is required to test the hypothesis of clinical non-inferiority of FOR versus ACDF. Primary outcomes are: ‘operative success’, the measured decrease in radiculopathy assessed by the visual analogue scale and ‘patient success’, assessed by the modified Odom's criteria. Secondary outcomes are: Work Ability Index (single-item WAI), quality of life (EuroQol 5 Dimensions 5 level Survey, EQ-5D-5L), Neck Disability Index (NDI) and complications. An economic evaluation will assess cost-effectiveness. In addition, a budget impact analysis will be performed.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Ethics Committee of the University Medical Center Groningen. Results of this study will be disseminated through national and international papers. The participants and relevant patient support groups will be informed about the results of the study.

Trial registration number

NTR5536, pre-results.
Hospitalisation with community-acquired pneumonia among patients with type 2 diabetes: an observational population-based study in Spain from 2004 to 2013
Authors: López-de-Andrés Ana , de Miguel-Díez Javier , Jiménez-Trujillo Isabel , Hernández-Barrera Valentín , de Miguel-Yanes José M , Méndez-Bailón Manuel , Pérez-Farinós Napoleón , Salinero-Fort Miguel Á ngel , Jiménez-García Rodrigo
Published: January 2017

Objectives

To describe trends in the incidence and outcomes of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) hospitalisations among patients with or without diabetes in Spain (2004–2013).

Design

Retrospective, observational study using the Spanish National Hospital Discharge Database (Conjunto Mínimo Básico de Datos (CMBD)).

Setting

Spain.

Participants

We used national hospital discharge data to select all hospital admissions for CAP.

Main outcome measures

Incidence was calculated overall and stratified by diabetes status: type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and no diabetes.

Results

We identified 901 136 admissions for CAP (24.8% with T2DM). Incidence rates of CAP increased significantly in patients with T2DM over time. The incidence was higher among people with T2DM for all time periods. Patients with T2DM were older and had higher comorbidity index than non-diabetics.Streptococcus pneumoniaedecreased over time for both groups. Time trend analyses showed significant decreases in mortality during admission for CAP for patients with and without T2DM. Factors associated with higher mortality in both groups included: older age, higher comorbidity, mechanical ventilation, red cell transfusion, readmission andStaphylococcus aureusdetection.Diabetes was associated with a lower in-hospital mortality (OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.91 to 0.94) after a CAP hospitalisation.

Conclusions

CAP incidence rates were higher and increased over time at a higher rate among patients with T2DM. Mortality decreased over time in all groups. The presence of diabetes is not a risk factor for death during admission for CAP.