bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potential use of cubic phase masks for extending the range of clear vision in presbyopes: initial calculation and simulation studies
Authors: Arines Justo , Almaguer Citlalli , Acosta Eva
Published: January 2017

Purpose

In this paper we analyse the potential use of a non‐symmetrical optical element, a cubic phase mask, for extending the range of clear vision of presbyopic eyes. Additionally, we will discuss the appropriateness of the visual Strehl ratio to analyse this sort of presbyopic solution based on non‐symmetrical phase masks contrasted with through‐focus retinal images.

Methods

In order to evaluate the performance of the cubic phase mask we employed computational Fourier Optics to compute the different visual Strehl criteria as well as simulate the retinal images. The through focus real part of the modulation transfer functions and retinal images were computed for four object distances 6.0, 1.0, 0.6 and 0.4 m which correspond to far, intermediate and near vision conditions for optotypes of visual acuity of 0.1 and 0.0 logMAR (Snellen 6/7.5 and 6/6; 0.8 and 1 in decimal Snellen). For the experimental validation we built an artificial eye consisting of a plano‐convex lens with a focal length of 25.4 mm and 0.5 numerical aperture, a variable diaphragm, a 3× objective and an ORCA 285 Hamamatsu Photonics camera 8.1 μm pixel size (resulting in an effective pixel size of 2.7 μm). A set of four different VA charts adapted to monitor different visual acuities (ranging between 0.0 and 0.20 logMAR) were placed at different object distances 6, 1.0, 0.6 and 0.4 m from the artificial eye.

Results

Both numerical and experimental validation showed the suitability of the cubic phase mask for extending the range of clear vision of presbyopic eyes, providing at least a visual acuity of 0.1 logMAR (6/7.5 Snellen, 0.8 decimal Snellen) at all distances. The results show that it is possible to choose between promoting far or near vision by changing the magnitude of the defocus component. It is also possible to extend the range of clear vision, by increasing the magnitude of the cubic component. But this increment will cause a reduction in the contrast of the images as it can be observed from the Visual Strehl values and the retinal images generated numerically.

Conclusions

A cubic phase mask in the shape 7.07 μm × (Z9−Z6)−0.9 μm × Z4 is a good solution for obtaining a range of clear vision with at least 0.1 logMAR visual acuity (and close to 0.0 logMAR, 6/6, 20/20 and decimal Snellen 1.0) between 6.0 and 0.4 m for a pupil diameter of 5.0 mm. Our results seem to be a good starting point for future studies of this type of cubic phase mask solutions for presbyopia.
Introduction of a new paediatric asthma guideline: Effects on asthma control levels
Authors: Hammer S. C. , Sonneveld L. J. H. , van de Kant K. D. G. , Hendriks H. J. , Heynens J. W. , Droog R. , Dompeling E. , Jöbsis Q.
Published: January 2017

Background

In 2008, a new national paediatric asthma management guideline based on the international Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) guideline was launched in the Netherlands. We studied whether asthma control and treatment regimens improved after introduction of the guideline by comparing survey data before and after the guideline introduction.

Methods

Two comparable groups of children (6–16 years) with asthma were included before (2004) and after (2013) the introduction of the guideline. Children, parents and paediatricians completed questionnaires about asthma symptoms, medication and healthcare use. Spirometry was performed.

Results

Data of 209 patients were analysed. Level of asthma control did not improve between 2004 and 2013 with a proportion of (partly) controlled asthmatics of 51% in 2004 and 59% in 2013 (p = 0.28). In 2013, paediatricians characterized 76% of children as (partly) controlled, while 59% of children was (partly) controlled according to GINA criteria (p < 0.05). Step‐down treatment in controlled patients was more applied by paediatricians in 2013 compared to 2004 (from 8 to 40%, p < 0.05). Step‐up treatment in uncontrolled patients did not improve.

Conclusions

Asthma control did not improve after the introduction of the new guideline. Compared to 2004, an improvement was observed in step‐down treatment in patients with controlled disease.
Are commercial sweet cherry rootstocks adapted to climate change? Short‐term waterlogging and CO2 effects on sweet cherry cv. ‘Burlat’
Authors: Pérez‐Jiménez Margarita , Hernández‐Munuera María , Piñero M. Carmen , López‐Ortega Gregorio , del Amor Francisco M.
Published: January 2017

High CO2 is able to ameliorate some negative effects due to climate change and intensify others. This study involves the sweet cherry (Prunus avium) cultivar ‘Burlat’ grafted on the ‘Mariana 2624’, ‘Adara’ and ‘LC 52’ rootstocks. In a climate chamber at two CO2 concentrations, ambient (400 µmol mol−1) and elevated (800 µmol mol−1), the plants were submitted to waterlogging for 7 d, followed by 7 d of recovery after drainage.

Waterlogging drastically decreased the rate of photosynthesis, significantly endangering plant survival, particularly for the ‘LC 52’ and ‘Adara’ rootstocks. ‘Mariana 2624’ was also clearly affected by waterlogging that increased lipid peroxidation and the Cl− and SO42− concentrations in all the studied plants. Nevertheless, CO2 was able to overcome this reduction in photosynthesis, augmenting growth, increasing soluble sugars and starch, raising turgor and regulating the concentrations of Cl− and SO42−, while lowering the NO3− concentration in leaves of all the studied rootstocks. In concordance with these results, the proline levels indicated a more intense stress at control CO2 than at high CO2 for waterlogged plants. ‘Mariana 2624’ was more resistant to waterlogging than ‘Adara’, and both were more resistant than ‘LC 52’ in control CO2 conditions; this clearly enhanced the chance of survival under hypoxia.
23‐Hydroxytormentic acid protects human dermal fibroblasts by attenuating UVA‐induced oxidative stress
Authors: Youn Hae Jeong , Kim Ki Bbeum , Han Hyo‐Sun , An In‐Sook , Ahn Kyu Joong
Published: January 2017

Background

Ultraviolet A (UVA), one of the major components of sunlight, can penetrate the dermal layer of the skin and generate reactive oxygen species (ROS). It causes alterations in the dermal connective tissue and gene expression, inflammation, photoaging, and DNA damage.

Aims

Therefore, the harmful effects of UVA and strategies to reduce it have been consistently investigated. 23‐Hydroxytormentic acid (23‐HTA) has been demonstrated to improve drug‐induced nephrotoxicity and exhibit several free radical scavenging effects with other molecules. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the anti‐inflammatory effects and extracellular matrix (ECM) reconstructive activity of 23‐HTA in UVA‐irradiated normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs).

Materials and Methods

The antioxidant capacity of 23‐HTA was determined by examining its scavenging activities against hydrogen peroxide, 2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulphonic acid), and diphenylpicrylhydrazyl in vitro. Its effect on cell viability was evaluated using 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl‐tertazolium bromide, and 2,7‐dichlorofluorescin diacetate was used to investigate intracellular ROS scavenging activity. The mRNA levels of antioxidant enzymes and pro‐inflammatory cytokines were detected using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. A senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase (SA‐β‐gal) staining kit was used to assess senescent cells.

Results

23‐HTA showed antioxidant capacity mediated by ROS scavenging and regulation of antioxidant‐related gene expression. Further, the SA‐β‐gal analysis and mRNA expression of matrix metalloproteinases and type I procollagen suggested that 23‐HTA regulates the gene expression of ECM proteins and cellular senescence under UVA‐irradiated conditions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, 23‐HTA protects against and attenuates UVA‐induced oxidative stress in NHDFs likely via the nuclear factor erythroid‐derived 2‐like 2 signaling pathway.
Shelf Life Extending Packaging, Inventory Control and Grocery Retailing
Authors: Li Qing , Yu Peiwen , Wu Xiaoli
Published: January 2017

Retailers of perishable goods are often faced with the choice between more expensive packaging that can extend shelf life of their products and less expensive packaging that cannot. Different choices will lead to different sales, costs, and waste, and different choices require different inventory control policies. In this paper, we study the coordination of inventory and packaging decisions in a retailing environment. Items in an active package have a longer lifetime than those in a regular package and cost more. Customers always pick items with a longer lifetime first. When items with a longer lifetime are out of stock, a portion of customers are willing to buy less fresh items as substitutes. Our study shows the optimality of a “separation” policy when the substitution rate is high. In the separation policy, as the initial inventory level increases, the optimal policy changes from using active packaging only, then to using regular packaging only, and finally to ordering nothing. These results are very specific to the way perishable inventories are depleted in retailing. Our numerical study shows that although it may not be optimal in terms of cost, the adoption of active packaging can consistently achieve substantial waste reduction.
Microbiomes in respiratory health and disease: An Asia‐Pacific perspective
Authors: Chotirmall Sanjay H. , Gellatly Shaan L. , Budden Kurtis F. , Mac Aogáin Micheál , Shukla Shakti D. , Wood David L.A. , Hugenholtz Philip , Pethe Kevin , Hansbro Philip M.
Published: January 2017

There is currently enormous interest in studying the role of the microbiome in health and disease. Microbiome's role is increasingly being applied to respiratory diseases, in particular COPD, asthma, cystic fibrosis and bronchiectasis. The changes in respiratory microbiomes that occur in these diseases and how they are modified by environmental challenges such as cigarette smoke, air pollution and infection are being elucidated. There is also emerging evidence that gut microbiomes play a role in lung diseases through the modulation of systemic immune responses and can be modified by diet and antibiotic treatment. There are issues that are particular to the Asia‐Pacific region involving diet and prevalence of specific respiratory diseases. Each of these issues is further complicated by the effects of ageing. The challenges now are to elucidate the cause and effect relationships between changes in microbiomes and respiratory diseases and how to translate these into new treatments and clinical care. Here we review the current understanding and progression in these areas.
Spatiotemporal Trends in Teen Birth Rates in the USA, 2003–2012
Authors: Khan Diba , Rossen Lauren M. , Hamilton Brady , Dienes Erin , He Yulei , Wei Rong
Published: January 2017

The objective of this analysis was to explore temporal and spatial variation in teen birth rates TBRs across counties in the USA, from 2003 to 2012, by using hierarchical Bayesian models. Prior examination of spatiotemporal variation in TBRs has been limited by the reliance on large-scale geographies such as states, because of the potential instability in TBRs at smaller geographical scales such as counties. We implemented hierarchical Bayesian models with space–time interaction terms and spatially structured and unstructured random effects to produce smoothed county level TBR estimates, allowing for examination of spatiotemporal patterns and trends in TBRs at a smaller geographic scale across the USA. The results may help to highlight US counties where TBRs are higher or lower and to inform efforts to reduce birth rates to adolescents in the USA further.
Upstream control of river anastomosis by sediment overloading, upper Columbia River, British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Makaske Bart , Lavooi Eva , de Haas Tjalling , Kleinhans Maarten G. , Smith Derald G.
Published: January 2017

Anastomosing rivers, systems of multiple interconnected channels that enclose floodbasins, constitute a major category of rivers for which various sedimentary facies models have been developed. While the sedimentary products of anastomosing rivers are relatively well‐known, their genesis is still debated. A rapidly growing number of ancient alluvial successions being interpreted as of anastomosing river origin, including important hydrocarbon reservoirs, urge the development of robust models for the genesis of anastomosis, to facilitate better interpretation of ancient depositional settings and controls. The upper Columbia River, British Columbia, Canada, is the most‐studied anastomosing river and has played a key role in the development of an anastomosing river facies model. Two hypotheses for the origin of upper Columbia River anastomosis include the following: (i) downstream control by aggrading cross‐valley alluvial fans; and (ii) upstream control by excessive bedload input from tributaries. Both upstream and downstream control may force aggradation and avulsions in the upper Columbia River. In order to test both hypotheses, long‐term (millennia‐scale) floodplain sedimentation rates and avulsion frequencies are calculated using 14C‐dated deeply buried organic floodplain material from cross‐valley borehole transects. The results indicate a downstream decrease in floodplain sedimentation rate and avulsion frequency along the anastomosed reach, which is consistent with dominant upstream control by sediment overloading. The data here link recent avulsion activity to increased sediment supply during the Little Ice Age (ca 1100 to 1950 ad). This link is supported by data showing that sediment supply to the upper Columbia study reach fluctuated in response to Holocene glacial advances and retreats in the hinterland. Upstream control of anastomosis has considerable implications for the reconstruction of the setting of interpreted ancient anastomosing systems. The present research underscores that anastomosing systems typically occur in relatively proximal settings with abundant sediment supplied to low‐gradient floodplains, a situation commonly found in intermontane and foreland basins.
Zea mays Fe deficiency‐related 4 (ZmFDR4) functions as an iron transporter in the plastids of monocots
Authors: Zhang Xiu‐Yue , Zhang Xi , Zhang Qi , Pan Xiao‐Xi , Yan Luo‐Chen , Ma Xiao‐Juan , Zhao Wei‐Zhong , Qi Xiao‐Ting , Yin Li‐Ping
Published: January 2017

Iron (Fe)‐homeostasis in the plastids is closely associated with Fe transport proteins that prevent Fe from occurring in its toxic free ionic forms. However, the number of known protein families related to Fe transport in the plastids (about five) and the function of iron in non‐green plastids is limited. In the present study, we report the functional characterization of Zea mays Fe deficiency‐related 4 (ZmFDR4), which was isolated from a differentially expressed clone of a cDNA library of Fe deficiency‐induced maize roots. ZmFDR4 is homologous to the bacterial FliP superfamily, coexisted in both algae and terrestrial plants, and capable of restoring the normal growth of the yeast mutant fet3fet4, which possesses defective Fe uptake systems. ZmFDR4 mRNA is ubiquitous in maize and is inducible by iron deficiency in wheat. Transient expression of the 35S:ZmFDR4–eGFP fusion protein in rice protoplasts indicated that ZmFDR4 maybe localizes to the plastids envelope and thylakoid. In 35S:c‐Myc‐ZmFDR4 transgenic tobacco, immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting confirmed that ZmFDR4 is targeted to both the chloroplast envelope and thylakoid. Meanwhile, ultrastructure analysis indicates that ZmFDR4 promotes the density of plastids and accumulation of starch grains. Moreover, Bathophenanthroline disulfonate (BPDS) colorimetry and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS) indicate that ZmFDR4 is related to Fe uptake by plastids and increases seed Fe content. Finally, 35S:c‐Myc‐ZmFDR4 transgenic tobacco show enhanced photosynthetic efficiency. Therefore, the results of the present study demonstrate that ZmFDR4 functions as an iron transporter in monocot plastids and provide insight into the process of Fe uptake by plastids.
Implementation of improved wetland systems as a ‘zero‐discharge‐technology’ in Poland
Authors: Halicki W. , Kita K.
Published: January 2017

This paper discusses results from the implementation of a ‘zero‐discharge‐ technology’ primarily for single households, as well as hotels and small residential urban and rural areas. During a 15‐year span, 5600 improved wetland systems (IWS) were built, and approximately 50% of treatment wetlands in Europe are located in Poland. The first section of this paper discusses water and wastewater management and its development trends. Particular attention is paid to creating sustainable water management in rural areas due to increased necessity in these regions. The second section presents the principle of the IWS, which consists of two options. The third section discusses the current requirements regarding the quality of treated wastewater in Poland. The fourth section presents the effectiveness of the implementation of this system by the Institute for Applied Ecology and the further prospects of ‘zero‐discharge‐technology’ development. The last section discusses the obtained results in the reduction of pollution.
Possibilities of Upgrading Solid Underutilized Lingo-cellulosic Feedstock (Carob Pods) to Liquid Bio-fuel: Bio-ethanol Production and Electricity Generation in Fuel Cells - A Critical Appraisal of the Required Processes
Authors: Vourdoubas John , Skoulou Vasiliki K.
Published: January 2017

The exploitation of rich in sugars lingo-cellulosic residue of carob pods for bio-ethanol and bio-electricity generation has been investigated. The process could take place in two (2) or three (3) stages including: a) bio-ethanol production originated from carob pods, b) direct exploitation of bio-ethanol to fuel cells for electricity generation, and/or c) steam reforming of ethanol for hydrogen production and exploitation of the produced hydrogen in fuel cells for electricity generation. Surveying the scientific literature it has been found that the production of bio-ethanol from carob pods and electricity fed to the ethanol fuel cells for hydrogen production do not present any technological difficulties. The economic viability of bio-ethanol production from carob pods has not yet been proved and thus commercial plants do not yet exist. The use, however, of direct fed ethanol fuel cells and steam reforming of ethanol for hydrogen production are promising processes which require, however, further research and development (R&D) before reaching demonstration and possibly a commercial scale. Therefore the realization of power generation from carob pods requires initially the investigation and indication of the appropriate solution of various technological problems. This should be done in a way that the whole integrated process would be cost effective. In addition since the carob tree grows in marginal and partly desertified areas mainly around the Mediterranean region, the use of carob’s fruit for power generation via upgrading of its waste by biochemical and electrochemical processes will partly replace fossil fuels generated electricity and will promote sustainability.
Visceral and somatic pain modalities reveal NaV1.7‐independent visceral nociceptive pathways
Authors: Hockley James R. F. , González‐Cano Rafael , McMurray Sheridan , Tejada‐Giraldez Miguel A. , McGuire Cian , Torres Antonio , Wilbrey Anna L. , Cibert‐Goton Vincent , Nieto Francisco R. , Pitcher Thomas , Knowles Charles H. , Baeyens José Manuel , Wood John N. , Winchester Wendy J. , Bulmer David C. , Cendán Cruz Miguel , McMurray Gordon
Published: January 2017

Key points

Voltage‐gated sodium channels play a fundamental role in determining neuronal excitability.

Specifically, voltage‐gated sodium channel subtype NaV1.7 is required for sensing acute and inflammatory somatic pain in mice and humans but its significance in pain originating from the viscera is unknown.

Using comparative behavioural models evoking somatic and visceral pain pathways, we identify the requirement for NaV1.7 in regulating somatic (noxious heat pain threshold) but not in visceral pain signalling.

These results enable us to better understand the mechanisms underlying the transduction of noxious stimuli from the viscera, suggest that the investigation of pain pathways should be undertaken in a modality‐specific manner and help to direct drug discovery efforts towards novel visceral analgesics.

Voltage‐gated sodium channel NaV1.7 is required for acute and inflammatory pain in mice and humans but its significance for visceral pain is unknown. Here we examine the role of NaV1.7 in visceral pain processing and the development of referred hyperalgesia using a conditional nociceptor‐specific NaV1.7 knockout mouse (NaV1.7Nav1.8) and selective small‐molecule NaV1.7 antagonist PF‐5198007. NaV1.7Nav1.8 mice showed normal nociceptive behaviours in response to intracolonic application of either capsaicin or mustard oil, stimuli known to evoke sustained nociceptor activity and sensitization following tissue damage, respectively. Normal responses following induction of cystitis by cyclophosphamide were also observed in both NaV1.7Nav1.8 and littermate controls. Loss, or blockade, of NaV1.7 did not affect afferent responses to noxious mechanical and chemical stimuli in nerve–gut preparations in mouse, or following antagonism of NaV1.7 in resected human appendix stimulated by noxious distending pressures. However, expression analysis of voltage‐gated sodium channel α subunits revealed NaV1.7 mRNA transcripts in nearly all retrogradely labelled colonic neurons, suggesting redundancy in function. By contrast, using comparative somatic behavioural models we identify that genetic deletion of NaV1.7 (in NaV1.8‐expressing neurons) regulates noxious heat pain threshold and that this can be recapitulated by the selective NaV1.7 antagonist PF‐5198007. Our data demonstrate that NaV1.7 (in NaV1.8‐expressing neurons) contributes to defined pain pathways in a modality‐dependent manner, modulating somatic noxious heat pain, but is not required for visceral pain processing, and advocate that pharmacological block of NaV1.7 alone in the viscera may be insufficient in targeting chronic visceral pain.
Draft Genome Sequence of Hydrogenibacillus schlegelii MA48, a Deep-Branching Member of the
Bacilli
Class of
Firmicutes
Authors: Maker Allison , Hemp James , Pace Laura A. , Ward Lewis M. , Fischer Woodward W.
Published: January 2017

We report here the draft genome sequence of
Hydrogenibacillus schlegelii
MA48, a thermophilic facultative anaerobe that can oxidize hydrogen aerobically.
H. schlegelii
MA48 belongs to a deep-branching clade of the
Bacilli
class and provides important insight into the acquisition of aerobic respiration within the
Firmicutes
phylum.
Draft Genome Sequence of an Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 19433 Siphovirus Isolated from Raw Domestic Sewage
Authors: Santiago-Rodriguez Tasha M. , Ly Melissa , Pride David T. , Toranzos Gary A.
Published: January 2017

We previously isolated and characterized an
Enterococcus faecalis
ATCC 19433 siphovirus from raw domestic sewage as a viral indicator of human fecal pollution. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of this bacteriophage.
Genome Sequences of Diverse Human Cytomegalovirus Strains with Utility in Drug Screening and Vaccine Evaluation
Authors: Corcoran Kathleen , Sherrod Carly J. , Perkowski Ellen F. , Texier Jordan , Li Fengsheng , Wang I-Ming , McVoy Michael , Fu Tong-Ming , Dittmer Dirk P.
Published: January 2017

Cytomegalovirus displays genetic heterogeneity, which has implications for antiviral and vaccine development. Many studies have focused on laboratory isolates that have been extensively adapted for growth on fibroblasts. Here, we report whole-genome sequences for 10 human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) strains that readily grow on ARPE-19 human retinal pigment epithelial cells.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Oleaginous Green Alga
Tetradesmus obliquus
UTEX 393
Authors: Carreres B. M. , de Jaeger L. , Springer J. , Barbosa M. J. , Breuer G. , van den End E. J. , Kleinegris D. M. M. , Schäffers I. , Wolbert E. J. H. , Zhang H. , Lamers P. P. , Draaisma R. B. , Martins dos Santos V. A. P. , Wijffels R. H. , Eggink G. , Schaap P. J. , Martens D. E.
Published: January 2017

The microalgae
Tetradesmus obliquus
is able to maintain a high photosynthetic efficiency under nitrogen limitation and is considered a promising green microalgae for sustainable production of diverse compounds, including biofuels. Here, we report the first draft whole-genome shotgun sequencing of
T. obliquus
. The final assembly comprises 108,715,903 bp with over 1,368 scaffolds.
First Complete Providencia rettgeri Genome Sequence, the NDM-1-Producing Clinical Strain RB151
Authors: Marquez-Ortiz R. Alejandro , Haggerty Leanne , Sim Eby M. , Duarte Carolina , Castro-Cardozo Betsy E. , Beltran Mauricio , Saavedra Sandra , Vanegas Natasha , Escobar-Perez Javier , Petty Nicola K.
Published: January 2017

Providencia rettgeri
is an opportunistic bacterial pathogen of clinical significance due to its association with urinary tract infections and multidrug resistance. Here, we report the first complete genome sequence of
P. rettgeri
. The genome of strain RB151 consists of a 4.8-Mbp chromosome and a 108-kbp
bla
NDM-1
-positive plasmid.
Draft Genome Sequences of Four Alkaliphilic Bacteria Belonging to the
Anaerobacillus
Genus
Authors: Bassil Naji M. , Lloyd Jonathan R.
Published: January 2017

The draft genomes of the alkaliphilic, anaerobic bacteria,
Anaerobacillus arseniciselenatis
,
A. alkalidiazotrophicus
, and
A. alkalilacustris
, and a novel closely related isolate of the
Anaerobacillus
genus are reported here. These assembled genomes will help identify, at the molecular level, the phenotypic differences between the species of this poorly characterized genus.
Natural course of chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis in adolescents
Authors: Norris Tom , Collin Simon M , Tilling Kate , Nuevo Roberto , Stansfeld Stephen A , Sterne Jonathan AC , Heron Jon , Crawley Esther
Published: January 2017

Objective

Little is known about persistence of or recovery from chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) in adolescents. Previous studies have small sample sizes, short follow-up or have focused on fatigue rather than CFS/ME or, equivalently, chronic fatigue, which is disabling. This work aimed to describe the epidemiology and natural course of CFS/ME in adolescents aged 13–18 years.

Design

Longitudinal follow-up of adolescents enrolled in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children.

Setting

Avon, UK.

Participants

We identified adolescents who had disabling fatigue of >6 months duration without a known cause at ages 13, 16 and 18 years. We use the term ‘chronic disabling fatigue’ (CDF) because CFS/ME was not verified by clinical diagnosis. We used multiple imputation to obtain unbiased estimates of prevalence and persistence.

Results

The estimated prevalence of CDF was 1.47% (95% CI 1.05% to 1.89%) at age 13, 2.22% (1.67% to 2.78%) at age 16 and 2.99% (2.24% to 3.75%) at age 18. Among adolescents with CDF of 6 months duration at 13 years 75.3% (64.0% to 86.6%) were not classified as such at age 16. Similar change was observed between 16 and 18 years (75.0% (62.8% to 87.2%)). Of those with CDF at age 13, 8.02% (0.61% to 15.4%) presented with CDF throughout the duration of adolescence.

Conclusions

The prevalence of CDF lasting 6 months or longer (a proxy for clinically diagnosed CFS/ME) increases from 13 to 18 years. However, persistent CDF is rare in adolescents, with approximately 75% recovering after 2–3 years.
Cephalic tetanus as a differential diagnosis of facial nerve palsy
Authors: Kotani Yuki , Kubo Kenji , Otsu Satoko , Tsujimoto Toshihide
Published: January 2017

Cephalic tetanus is defined as a combination of trismus and paralysis of one or more cranial nerves. Since it is a rare cause of facial nerve palsy, it is often overlooked as a differential diagnosis. We present the case of a 75-year-old man admitted to our emergency department with left facial nerve palsy, left ptosis and dysphagia 2 weeks after a head laceration. Soon after admission, he was orally intubated because of massive aspiration. A delayed diagnosis of cephalic tetanus was reached only when he was extubated and trismus and risus sardonicus were identified in addition to facial nerve palsy. The patient was re-intubated and successfully extubated on day 20 postadmission. In orally intubated patients, trismus and risus sardonicus may be overlooked, and although rare, cephalic tetanus should be considered to be a differential diagnosis of facial nerve palsy.
De novo 2p16.1 microdeletion with metastatic esophageal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Codipilly Don Chamil , Gavrilova Ralitza H , Tangalos Eric G
Published: January 2017

Microdeletions involving chromosome 2p15-16.1 are a rare genetic abnormality and have been reported in 18 separate patients, mainly children, since 2007. This microdeletion syndrome is characterised by a heterogeneous expression of intellectual impairment, dysmorphic facies, musculoskeletal abnormalities and potential neurodevelopmental anomalies. We report the first case of natural progression in an adult patient who died at a young age of metastatic esophageal adenocarcinoma. Important learning points include the variable phenotypic expression of this microdeletion syndrome and the fact that clinicians must be thorough in investigating objective discrepancies in patients who cannot endorse classical symptoms.
Prevalence and determinants of current and secondhand smoking in Greece: results from the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) study
Authors: Rachiotis George , Barbouni Anastasia , Katsioulis Antonis , Antoniadou Eleni , Kostikas Konstantinos , Merakou Kyriakoula , Kourea Kallirrhoe , Khoury Rula N , Tsouros Agis , Kremastinou Jenny , Hadjichristodoulou Christos
Published: January 2017

Objectives

Greece is one of the leading tobacco-producing countries in European Union, and every year over 19 000 Greeks die from tobacco-attributable diseases. The aim of the present study was to provide nationally representative estimates on current and secondhand smoking prevalence in Greece and their determinants.

Design

Cross-sectional.

Setting

Greece.

Participants

A total of 4359 individuals participated in the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS), a household survey of adults ≥15 years old (overall response rate 69%). They were selected through a multistage geographically clustered sampling design with face-to-face interview.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

In 2013, we investigated the prevalence of current and secondhand smoking and their determinants. Univariate and logistic regression analysis was used in order to identify possible risk factors associated with the prevalence of current and secondhand smoking.

Results

The prevalence of current smoking was 38.2% (95% CI 35.7% to 40.8%), and the mean number of cigarettes smoked per day was 19.8. Multivariate analysis confirmed that male gender (OR=3.24; 95% CI 2.62 to 4.00), age groups (25–39, OR=4.49; 95% CI 3.09 to 8.46 and 40–54, OR=3.51; 95% CI 1.88 to 5.87) and high school education (OR=1.97; 95% CI 1.41 to 2.74) were independently associated with the current smoking. Remarkably, responders with primary or less education had the lowest prevalence of current smoking (p<0.001). The prevalence of exposure to secondhand smoke at work, home and restaurants, was 52.3%, 65.7% and 72.2%. In total, 90.0% (95% CI 87.8% to 91.9%) of Greek population is exposed to tobacco smoke (current smoking and secondhand smoke).

Conclusions

Our results revealed an extremely high prevalence of current smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke among the adult population and a positive gradient between education and current smoking. These findings are alarming and implementation of comprehensive tobacco control and prevention strategies could be impactful in fighting the tobacco epidemic in Greece.
Secondhand smoke risk perception and smoke-free rules in homes: a cross-sectional study in Barcelona (Spain)
Authors: Lidón-Moyano Cristina , Martínez-Sánchez Jose M , Fu Marcela , Ballbè Montse , Martín-Sánchez Juan Carlos , Martínez Cristina , Fernández Esteve
Published: January 2017

Objective

To describe the voluntary adoption of smoke-free homes in Spain among general population and to identify variables associated with its voluntary adoption.

Methods

Cross-sectional study of a representative sample (n=731) of the adult population (>26 years) of Barcelona, Spain, in 2013–2014. We defined smoking rules inside the households as complete indoor rules (when smoking was not allowed inside the house), and partial or absent indoor rules (when smoking was allowed in some designated places inside the house or when smoking was allowed everywhere) and described them according to the perceived risk of the secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure. We calculated the prevalence and prevalence ratios (PR) according to sociodemographic variables.

Results

57.4% of households had complete indoor smoke-free rules. The prevalence of households with complete indoor rules was higher among women (PRa: 1.15; 95% CI 1.00 to 1.33), married (PRa: 1.18; 95% CI 1.01 to 1.38), never-smokers (PRa: 2.68; 95% CI 2.06 to 3.50) and in households where a minor lived (PRa: 1.40; 95% CI: 1.20–1.65). Believe that breathing tobacco smoke from smokers is dangerous for non-smokers (PRa: 1.77; 95% CI: 1.06–2.97) is associated with the voluntary adoption of complete indoor smoke-free home.

Conclusions

Risk perceptions of SHS exposure were associated with the voluntary adoption of indoor smoke-free homes.
Ultrasound detects subclinical joint inflammation in the hands and wrists of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus without musculoskeletal symptoms
Authors: Ruano Carina A , Malheiro Rui , Oliveira João F , Pinheiro Sofia , Vieira Luís S , Moraes-Fontes Maria Francisca
Published: January 2017

Objectives

To assess the prevalence and severity of ultrasonographic abnormalities of the hand and wrist of asymptomatic patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and compare these findings with those from patients with SLE with musculoskeletal signs or symptoms and healthy controls.

Methods

We conducted a prospective cross-sectional study that evaluated bilaterally, with grey-scale and power Doppler (PD) ultrasound (US), the dorsal hand (2nd to 5th metacarpophalangeal and 2nd to 5th proximal interphalangeal joints) and wrist (radiocarpal, ulnocarpal and intercarpal joints) of 30 asymptomatic patients with SLE, 6 symptomatic patients with SLE and 10 controls. Synovial hypertrophy (SH) and intra-articular PD signal were scored using semiquantitative grading scales (0–3). Individual scores were graded as normal (SH≤1 and PD=0) or abnormal (SH≥2 or PD≥1). Global indexes for SH and PD were also calculated. US findings were correlated with clinical and laboratory data and disease activity indexes.

Results

US detected SH (score ≥1) in 77% asymptomatic patients with SLE, mostly graded as minimal (score 1: 63%). 23% of the asymptomatic patients with SLE showed abnormal US PD findings (SH≥2 or PD≥1). SH was present in all symptomatic patients with SLE, mostly graded as moderate (grade 2: 67%), and with associated PD signal (83%). SH (score 1) was identified in 50% of controls, however, none presented abnormal US PD findings. SH index in the asymptomatic SLE group was higher than in the control group (2.0 (0–5) vs 0.5 (0–2), median (range), p=0.01) and lower than in the symptomatic SLE group (7.0 (4–23), median (range), p<0.001). No significant correlation was demonstrated between US PD findings and clinical or laboratory variables and disease activity indexes.

Conclusion

A small subgroup of asymptomatic patients with SLE may present subclinical joint inflammation. Global US scores and PD signal may be important in disease evaluation and therapeutic monitoring.
Reducing unnecessary testing: an intervention to improve resident ordering practices
Authors: Melendez-Rosado Jose , Thompson Kristine M , Cowdell Jed C , Sanchez Alvarez Catalina , Ung Ryan L , Villanueva Armando , Jeffers Kayin B , Imam Jaafer S , Mitkov Mario V , Kaleem Tasneem A , Jacob Lewis , Dawson Nancy L
Published: January 2017

Purpose of the study

To reduce the number of unnecessary laboratory tests ordered through a measurement of effects of education and cost awareness on laboratory ordering behaviour by internal medicine residents for common tests, including complete blood cell count (CBC) and renal profile (RP), and to evaluate effects of cost awareness on hospitalisation, 30-day readmission rate and mortality rate.

Study design

567 patients admitted during February, March and April 2014 were reviewed as the control group. Total CBC, CBC with differential and RP tests were counted, along with readmission and mortality rates. Interventions were education and visual cost reminders. The same tests were reassessed for 629 patients treated during 12 months after intervention in 2015.

Results

Data showed a significant increase in CBCs ordered after the intervention (mean number per hospitalisation changed from 1.7 to 2.3 (p<0.001)), a decrease in CBCs with differential (mean number changed from 1.7 to 1.2 (p<0.001)) and no change in RPs ordered (mean number, 3.7 both before and after intervention (p=0.23)). No change was found in mortality rate, but the decrease in the readmission rate was significant (p=0.008).

Conclusions

Education in the form of cost reminders did not significantly reduce the overall ordering of the most common daily laboratory testing in our academic teaching service. We believe further research is needed to fully evaluate the effectiveness of other education forms on the redundant ordering of tests in the hospital setting.
Multiscale habitat characterization of herbaceous Atlantic Coastal Plain Flora on lakeshores in Nova Scotia
Authors: Dazé Querry Natasha , Bordeleau Xavier , Harper Karen A. , Basquill Sean P.
Published: January 2017

Atlantic Coastal Plain Flora (ACPF) are a group of plants mostly inhabiting lakeshores along the Atlantic coast of the United States, with disjunct populations in Nova Scotia and Ontario. To better define their ecological requirements, the main objective of this study was to determine the factors (biotic and abiotic habitat components) influencing ACPF communities (distribution, species abundance, and richness) at both the landscape and local scales. On 16 lakeshores in southwestern Nova Scotia, we characterized ACPF communities and habitat within 20 cm square contiguous quadrats distributed along 20 m transects (landscape scale) and in 5 m × 5 m grids (local scale). Performing redundancy analysis (n = 16 transects), we found that at the landscape scale, shoreline slope and shrub species distribution influenced the quantity of suitable habitat available for ACPF, with mineral shorelines supporting higher ACPF richness. Using spatial generalized linear mixed models (n = 3125 quadrats in five grids), we found that elevation, vegetation elements (shrubs, sundews, graminoids), and substrate type mostly influenced ACPF presence and abundance. ACPF also showed inter-specific differences in habitat preferences. Defining ACPF ecological requirements at both the landscape and local scales is important to guide conservation and management actions in Nova Scotia and throughout their North American range.
Computational investigations on structural and electronic properties of CuI nanoparticles immobilized on modified poly(styrene-co-maleic anhydride), leading to an unexpected but efficient catalyzed synthesis of 1,4-dihydropyridine via Hantzsch pyridine synthesis
Authors: Heravi Majid M. , Hosseinnejad Tayebeh , Nazari Niousha
Published: January 2017

A quantitative description for the interaction of Cu(I) with poly(styrene-co-maleic anhydride) modified with 4-aminopyridine (denoted as CuI/SMI complex) is presented using density functional theory (DFT) and quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) approaches. Topological analysis of electron density revealed the existence of effective interactions between Cu(I) ions and the nitrogen in the pyridine ring. Interestingly, the results also showed that there is considerable interaction between Cu(I) and the oxygen of the carbonyl motif in the SMI ligand. Thus, CuI/SMI was examined as a heterogeneous and recyclable catalyst in Hantzsch pyridine synthesis under solvent-free conditions, affording diverse 1,4-dihydropyridines (1,4-DHPs) in excellent yields with relatively short reaction times.
Laser control on molecular harmonic emission and isolated attosecond pulse generation
Authors: Liu Hang , Feng Rick
Published: January 2017

Laser control on the generations of the molecular high-order harmonic generation (MHHG) and the isolated attosecond pulse (IAP) from H2+ have been theoretically investigated through solving the non-Bohn–Oppenheimer time-dependent Schrödinger equation. It is found that (i) in the middle laser intensity (i.e., I = 4.0 × 1014 W/cm2), the contribution from negative-H to the MHHG is higher than that from the positive-H. With the decrease (i.e., I = 2.0 × 1014 W/cm2) or the increase (i.e., I = 7.0 × 1014 W/cm2) in laser intensity, the asymmetric contributions from the two H nuclei to the MHHG are decreased. (ii) Pulse duration investigation shows that the distributions of the MHHG in two H nuclei present similar contributions as the pulse duration is enhanced. (iii) Laser phase investigation shows that when the laser phase is chosen from 0.0π to 0.6π and from 1.7π to 2.0π, the contribution from the negative-H plays the main role in MHHG. When the laser phase is chosen from 0.7π to 1.6π, the contribution from the positive-H to the MHHG is remarkably enhanced and becomes greater than that from the negative-H. The time–frequency analyses of the MHHG and the time-dependent wave function are shown to explain the harmonic emission process and the electron motion in H2+. (iv) With the introduction of one or two half-cycle controlling pulses, the cutoff and the intensity of the MHHG spectra can be controlled. Finally, by selecting the harmonics generated during a single harmonic emission event, an IAP with the full width at half maximum of 48 as can be produced.
Confinement, chiral symmetry breaking and the effective quark mass
Authors: Shuryak Edward
Published: January 2017

Paradigm shift in gauge topology, from instantons to their constituents — instanton-dyons — has recently lead to very significant advances. Unlike instantons, these objects have three different set of charges, therefore allowing to explain and to tie together several important phenomena: confinement, chiral symmetry breaking and magnetic screening.
Numerical Modeling and Simulation of Combustion Phenomena Related to Thermal Ignition and Flame Fronts
Authors: Tavernetti W. E. , Hafez M. M.
Published: January 2017

In this study, we consider problems of thermal ignition and flame front propagation. Ordinary and partial differential equations with proper initial and boundary conditions are solved for generic cases. Numerical schemes are tested and results are discussed. Comparisons with the literature for benchmark cases are favorable.
Semantics-Based News Delivering Service
Authors: Yokoo Ryohei , Kawamura Takahiro , Ohsuga Akihiko
Published: January 2017

This paper proposes a semantic computing application for a news delivering service collects and recommends news articles which user feels interested in based on semantic relations between terms in the articles. We define interested articles as the ones that users have curiosity and serendipity. The semantic relations between terms are represented by graphs of Linked Data. We first create News Articles Linked Data, which are news articles for recommendation to users and User’s preferences Linked Data created from the users’ preferred articles. Then, common subgraphs between two graphs are searched for the recommendation of news articles. The experiment showed that the curiosity score is 3.30 (min:0, max:4), and the serendipity score is 2.93 in our approach, but a baseline method indicated the curiosity score: 3.03 and the serendipity score: 2.79. Thus, we confirmed that our approach is more effective than the baseline method. In the future, we will deploy our semantic technology to practical use for automatically delivering information selected from a vast amount of news sources.
Handwritten Signatures Verification Through Their Acoustic Patterns Based on the Discrete Wavelet-Packet Transform and Semantic-Matching Classifiers
Authors: Armiato Daniel Angelotti , Yano Yuzo , de Faveri Vinícius Zani , Guido Rodrigo Capobianco
Published: January 2017

Biometric authentication based on fingerprints, voice, hand shape, facial measurements and iris analysis, among others, are quite common nowadays. In a similar manner, the analysis of acoustic patterns generated during the friction between pen and paper at the time a person subscribes has been shown to be a feasible, adequate, and non-invasive alternative to those techniques. An interesting implementation for such an approach, which is described in this paper, is based on the association of the time-frequency analysis supported by the discrete wavelet-packet transform with one of two pattern-matching classifiers, namely Euclidian norma and an original scoring equation derived from correlation, acting semantically. Valuable results were obtained during the tests, motivating further research. The proposed technique is novel on literature, offering a contribution to the state-of-the-art.
Estimation of Short and Long Run Derived Irrigation Water Demands and Elasticities
Authors: Elbakidze Levan , Schiller Brett , Taylor R. Garth
Published: January 2017

Short-run and long-run derived irrigation water demand functions are estimated using shadow price data obtained from a profit maximization mathematical programming model. Crop and soil-type specific production functions are expressed in terms of applied irrigation water. Demand functions for two South Central Idaho counties are estimated using linear, semi-log, double-log, and Box-Cox transformation forms. Price elasticities, at the mean shadow prices, range from 0.8 to 1.2, 1.49 to 1.84, and 2.9 to 4.9, for short run, long run with deficit irrigation, and long run with no deficit irrigation, respectively.
Improving Transition-Based Dependency Parsing of Hindi and Urdu by Modeling Syntactically Relevant Phenomena
Authors: Bhat Riyaz Ahmad , Bhat Irshad Ahmad , Sharma Dipti Misra
Published: January 2017

In recent years, transition-based parsers have shown promise in terms of efficiency and accuracy. Though these parsers have been extensively explored for multiple Indian languages, there is still considerable scope for improvement by properly incorporating syntactically relevant information. In this article, we enhance transition-based parsing of Hindi and Urdu by redefining the features and feature extraction procedures that have been previously proposed in the parsing literature of Indian languages. We propose and empirically show that properly incorporating syntactically relevant information like case marking, complex predication and grammatical agreement in an arc-eager parsing model can significantly improve parsing accuracy. Our experiments show an absolute improvement of ∼2% LAS for parsing of both Hindi and Urdu over a competitive baseline which uses rich features like part-of-speech (POS) tags, chunk tags, cluster ids and lemmas. We also propose some heuristics to identify
ezafe
constructions in Urdu texts which show promising results in parsing these constructions.