bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular characterization of Ralstonia solanacearum strains from Ethiopia and tracing potential source of bacterial wilt disease outbreak in seed potatoes
Authors: Abdurahman A. , Griffin D. , Elphinstone J. , Struik P. C. , Schulz S. , Schulte‐Geldermann E. , Sharma K.
Published: December 2016

Bacterial wilt, caused by Ralstonia solanacearum, is emerging as a major threat to potato production in Ethiopia, reaching epidemic proportions in the Chencha district recently, with a prevalence of 97% of potato fields in 2015. The recent disease outbreak in the district coincided with a significant introduction of seed potatoes. This research was therefore initiated to genetically characterize the pathogen so as to trace its source, identify its relationship with outbreaks in the rest of the country, and make intervention recommendations. Ralstonia solanacearum isolates were sampled both from seed and ware potato fields in Chencha and from seed potato fields in production regions suspected of being potential sources of the pathogen. Multiplex PCR and phylogenetic analysis of partial endoglucanase gene sequences identified all of the isolates as phylotype IIB sequevar 1. VNTR sequence analysis distinguished 11 different haplotypes, nine of which were unique to the Chencha district. However, one of the haplotypes was common to all seed potato producer regions of Ethiopia except for the Shashemene area. The unique and diverse VNTR haplotypes of the pathogen in Chencha indicates that it is well established in the district. When a geographical map of the VNTR haplotypes was superimposed with the main cross‐regional seed potato distribution pattern of the country, it became evident that the pathogen was being disseminated via latently infected seed from the Holeta‐Jeldu area in the Central Highlands of Ethiopia. Identification of largely uninfected highland districts and multiplication of high‐grade seed potato exclusively in those districts should be given priority.
Daughters of Mothers Who Smoke: A Population‐based Cohort Study of Maternal Prenatal Tobacco use and Subsequent Prenatal Smoking in Offspring
Authors: Ncube Collette N. , Mueller Beth A.
Published: December 2016

Background

Prenatal exposure to tobacco is associated with adverse health outcomes for the mother and child, and has been associated with an increased risk of tobacco smoking and nicotine dependence in offspring. The objective of this study was to examine the risk of prenatal smoking, among daughters, associated with maternal prenatal smoking.

Methods

We used a population‐based cohort study design, with linked vital records data of mothers and daughters delivering 1984–96 and 1996–2013, respectively, in Washington State. The exposure of interest was mothers’ prenatal smoking (any vs. no smoking at any time during pregnancy), while the outcome was daughters’ prenatal smoking (similarly assessed). We used multivariable log‐binomial regression to obtain estimates of the relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

Daughters exposed to maternal prenatal smoking were more likely to smoke during their pregnancy, compared to unexposed daughters (RR 1.78, 95% CI 1.72, 1.84, adjusted for the year the daughter delivered, her marital status and educational attainment, and the mothers’ race/ethnicity).

Conclusions

In this relatively young population, we found that daughters exposed to maternal prenatal smoking have an increased risk of smoking later on during their own pregnancy, emphasizing the importance of exposures during the prenatal period. The mechanisms leading to prenatal smoking are multifactorial and likely include behavioural, genetic, epigenetic and environmental factors. An understanding of this risk factor for prenatal smoking may guide health care providers to better target smoking cessation interventions to at‐risk populations.
Assessing fear learning via conditioned respiratory amplitude responses
Authors: Castegnetti Giuseppe , Tzovara Athina , Staib Matthias , Gerster Samuel , Bach Dominik R.
Published: December 2016

Respiratory physiology is influenced by cognitive processes. It has been suggested that some cognitive states may be inferred from respiration amplitude responses (RAR) after external events. Here, we investigate whether RAR allow assessment of fear memory in cued fear conditioning, an experimental model of aversive learning. To this end, we built on a previously developed psychophysiological model (PsPM) of RAR, which regards interpolated RAR time series as the output of a linear time invariant system. We first establish that average RAR after CS+ and CS− are different. We then develop the response function of fear‐conditioned RAR, to be used in our PsPM. This PsPM is inverted to yield estimates of cognitive input into the respiratory system. We analyze five validation experiments involving fear acquisition and retention, delay and trace conditioning, short and medium CS‐US intervals, and data acquired with bellows and MRI‐compatible pressure chest belts. In all experiments, CS+ and CS− are distinguished by their estimated cognitive inputs, and the sensitivity of this distinction is higher for model‐based estimates than for peak scoring of RAR. Comparing these data with skin conductance responses (SCR) and heart period responses (HPR), we find that, on average, RAR performs similar to SCR in distinguishing CS+ and CS−, but is less sensitive than HPR. Overall, our work provides a novel and robust tool to investigate fear memory in humans that may allow wide and straightforward application to diverse experimental contexts.
Effects of CPAP therapy on visceral fat thickness, carotid intima‐media thickness and adipokines in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea
Authors: Ng Susanna S.S. , Liu Eric K.H. , Ma Ronald C.W. , Chan Tat‐On , To Kin‐Wang , Chan Ken K.P. , Ngai Jenny , Yip Wing‐Ho , Ko Fanny W.S. , Wong Chun‐Kwok , Hui David S.C.
Published: December 2016

ABSTRACT

Background and objective

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is associated with an increased prevalence of metabolic syndrome. This study explores the effects of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for patients with OSA on visceral and mesenteric fat thickness, carotid intima‐media thickness (IMT) and adipokines.

Methods

A randomized controlled study was conducted at a teaching hospital on 90 patients newly diagnosed with OSA to receive either therapeutic CPAP or subtherapeutic CPAP for 3 months. Visceral fat thickness and carotid IMT were measured with B‐mode ultrasound; adipokine levels were assessed at baseline and 3 months.

Results

Altogether, 45 patients received therapeutic CPAP and 45 received subtherapeutic CPAP without significant differences in age 50.3 (10.1) versus 48.7 (9.0) years, BMI 28.2 (3.9) versus 28.2 (4.5) kg/m2, Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) 12.4 (5.9) versus 11.3 (4.7), apnoea–hypopnoea index (AHI) 30.6 (21.4) versus 35.2 (25.5) /h, minimum SaO2
79.6 (10.8) versus 76.7 (12.4) % and existing co‐morbidities. CPAP usage was therapeutic 4.2 (2.1) versus subtherapeutic 4.1 (2.0) h/night over 3 months. Adiponectin and irisin levels changed significantly following therapeutic CPAP for 3 months versus subtherapeutic CPAP (−1.6 vs 7.3, P = 0.042; 0.1 vs −0.1, P = 0.028 respectively) while only serum level of monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP‐1) at baseline was positively correlated with AHI (r = 0.278). No significant changes were observed in other adipokines, visceral fat thickness and IMT.

Conclusion

Short‐term therapeutic CPAP versus subtherapeutic CPAP does not significantly reduce visceral fat thickness and IMT, although it reduces adiponectin and increases irisin.
Bayesian Causality Test for Integer-Valued Time Series Models with Applications to Climate and Crime Data
Authors: Chen Cathy W. S. , Lee Sangyeol
Published: December 2016

We investigate the causal relationship between climate and criminal behaviour. Considering the characteristics of integer-valued time series of criminal incidents, we propose a modified Granger causality test based on the generalized auto-regressive conditional heteroscedasticity type of integer-valued time series models to analyse the relationship between the number of crimes and the temperature as an environmental factor. More precisely, we employ the Poisson, negative binomial and log-linear Poisson integer-valued generalized auto-regressive conditional heteroscedasticity models and particularly adopt a Bayesian method for our analysis. The Bayes factors and posterior probability of the null hypothesis help to determine the causality between the variables considered. Moreover, employing an adaptive Markov chain Monte Carlo sampling scheme, we estimate model parameters and initial values. As an illustration, we evaluate our test through a simulation study and, to examine whether or not temperature affects crime activities, we apply our method to data sets categorized as sexual offences, drug offences, theft of motor vehicles, and domestic-violence-related assault in Ballina, New South Wales, Australia. The result reveals that more sexual offences, drug offences and domestic-violence-related assaults occur during the summer than in other seasons of the year. This evidence strongly advocates a causal relationship between crime and temperature.
Quantifying the risk of nosocomial infection within Ebola Holding Units: a retrospective cohort study of negative patients discharged from five Ebola Holding Units in Western Area, Sierra Leone
Authors: Arkell Paul , Youkee Daniel , Brown Colin S. , Kamara Abdul , Kamara Thaim B. , Johnson Oliver , Lado Marta , George Viginia , Koroma Fatmata , King Matilda B. , Parker Benson E. , Baker Peter
Published: December 2016

Objectives

A central pillar in the response to the 2014 Ebola virus disease (EVD) epidemic in Sierra Leone was the role of Ebola Holding Units (EHUs). These units isolated patients meeting a suspect case definition, tested them for EVD, initiated appropriate early treatment and discharged negative patients to onward inpatient care or home. Positive patients were referred to Ebola Treatment Centres. We aimed to estimate the risk of nosocomial transmission within these EHUs.

Methods

We followed up a cohort of 543 patients discharged with a negative EVD test from five EHUs in the Western Area, Sierra Leone, and examined all line‐listed subsequent EVD tests from any facility in the Western Area to see whether the patient was retested within 30 days, matching by name, age and address. We defined possible readmissions as having the same name and age but uncertain address, and confirmed readmissions where name, age and address matched.

Results

We found a positive readmission rate of 3.3% (18 cases), which included 1.5% confirmed readmissions (8 cases) and 1.8% possible readmissions (10 cases). This is lower than rates previously reported. We cannot ascertain whether EVD was acquired within the EHUs or from re‐exposure in the community. No demographic or clinical variables were identified as risk factors for positive readmission, likely due to our small sample size.

Conclusions

These findings support the EHU model as a safe method for isolation of suspect EVD patients and their role in limiting the spread of EVD.
Point‐of‐care assessment of C‐reactive protein and white blood cell count to identify bacterial aetiologies in malaria‐negative paediatric fevers in Tanzania
Authors: Hildenwall Helena , Muro Florida , Jansson Jaqueline , Mtove George , Reyburn Hugh , Amos Ben
Published: December 2016

Objective

To assess the role of point‐of‐care (PoC) assessment of C‐reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cell (WBC) count to identify bacterial illness in Tanzanian children with non‐severe non‐malarial fever.

Methods

From the outpatient department of a district hospital in Tanzania, 428 patients between 3 months and 5 years of age who presented with fever and a negative malaria test were enrolled. All had a physical examination and bacterial cultures from blood and urine. Haemoglobin, CRP and WBC were measured by PoC devices.

Results

Positive blood cultures were detected in 6/428 (1.4%) children and urine cultures were positive in 24/401 (6.0%). Mean WBC was similar in children with or without bacterial illness (14.0 × 109, 95% CI 12.0–16.0 × 109 vs. 12.0 × 109, 95% CI 11.4–12.7 × 109), while mean CRP was higher in children with bacterial illness (41.0 mg/l, 95% CI 28.3–53.6 vs. 23.8 mg/l, 95% CI 17.8–27.8). In ROC analysis, the optimum cut‐off value for CRP to identify bacterial illness was 19 mg/l but with an area under the curve of only 0.62. Negative predictive values exceeded 80%, while positive predictive values were under 40%.

Conclusion

WBC and CRP levels had limited value in identifying children with bacterial infections. The positive predictive values for both tests were too low to be used as single tools for treatment decisions.
COMPARISON OF TRANSVERSE COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC EXCRETORY UROGRAPHY IMAGES AND MAXIMUM INTENSITY PROJECTION IMAGES FOR DIAGNOSING ECTOPIC URETERS IN DOGS
Authors: Secrest Scott , Bugbee Andrew , Waller Kenneth , Jiménez David A.
Published: December 2016

Computed tomographic maximum intensity projection (MIP) images have been shown to improve reader confidence in their diagnoses and to improve detection of vascular structures and pulmonary nodules. The objectives of this method comparison study were to compare transverse source computed tomographic excretory urography (CTEU) images to two, five, and 10 slab thick MIP images for diagnosing canine ectopic ureters, compare reader confidence, and evaluate interobserver agreement. Two board‐certified veterinary radiologists and a board‐certified small animal internist blindly reviewed transverse source CTEU and two, five, and 10 slab thick MIP images of 24 dogs enrolled in the study. Inclusion criteria included a diagnostic CTEU and either cystoscopic or surgical confirmation of the presence or absence of ureteral ectopia. Eleven dogs were confirmed to have 17 ectopic ureters at surgery and/or cystoscopically. There was no significant difference in reader diagnoses between viewing methods or between viewing methods and the surgical/cystoscopic findings (P < 0.001). Reader confidence was significantly greater on two (P = 0.0080) and five (P = 0.0009) slab thick MIP images with significant interobserver agreement between readers for all viewing methods (P values ranging between 0.0363 and <0.001). In addition, the diagnostic accuracy of MIP images was similar to or better than transverse source CTEU images, when assessed by a radiologist. The study results suggest that CTEU is a reliable imaging technique for diagnosing canine ectopic ureters among specialists of varied experience. In addition, thin slice reconstructed MIP images improve reader confidence and potentially diagnostic accuracy, and thus their use should be considered, especially in more challenging cases.
Assessment of radial torsion using computed tomography in dogs with and without antebrachial limb deformity
Authors: Kroner Kevin , Cooley Katie , Hoey Seamus , Hetzel Scott J. , Bleedorn Jason A.
Published: December 2016

Objective

To evaluate the reliability of radial torsion assessment in dogs using computed tomography (CT).

Study Design

Cadaveric and retrospective observational clinical study.

Animals

Thoracic limbs (n = 40) from bilateral normal cadaveric canine specimens (10 pairs) and unilateral antebrachial angular limb deformity (ALD) dogs (10 uniapical and 10 biapical deformities).

Methods

Limbs were evaluated using CT. Frontal, sagittal, and axial plane (torsion) values were obtained using published guidelines and compared between groups and limbs. Radial torsion reliability was assessed among 3 observers using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC).

Results

The mean (±SD) radial torsion of normal dogs was 3.6° ± 6.4° and contained a significant right to left limb variation of 2.6°. Mean radial torsion in uniapical ALD limbs (3.6° ± 18.7°) was not significantly different from biapical ALD limbs (8.9° ± 17.9°). There was a wide range of torsion values in normal and ALD limbs. The interobserver reliability was excellent (ICC > 0.8) for normal dogs, good (0.73) for uniapical, and excellent (0.89) for biapical ALD limbs. The intraobserver reliability was excellent (>0.8) for all groups.

Conclusion

There was a small side‐to‐side variation of radial torsion in normal dogs. With directed training, torsion assessment using CT is reliable in dogs with and without antebrachial bone deformity.
Effectiveness and user experience of web-based interventions for increasing physical activity in people with multiple sclerosis: a comprehensive systematic review protocol
Authors: Dennett Rachel , Coulter Elaine , Paul Lorna , Freeman Jennifer
Published: December 2016

Review questions/objectives:

The overall aim of this comprehensive systematic review is to explore the use of web-based interventions for increasing physical activity levels in people with a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS).

The quantitative objectives are to identify:

The clinical effectiveness of web-based interventions in enabling people with MS to increase their physical activity levels as evaluated by measures of physical activity.

If (short- or long-term) web-based interventions enable people with MS to achieve the physical activity levels recommended in guidelines for adults with MS.
1

If the use of web-based interventions enables people with MS to maintain recommended levels of physical activity after the intervention has ceased and at short- and long-term follow-up.

The qualitative objectives are to:

Explore the experiences of people with MS using web-based interventions that aim to improve their physical activity levels.

Gain further information regarding the enablers and barriers for people with MS in the use of web-based interventions designed to increase physical activity.

Identify whether, from the perspective of people with MS, web-based interventions help them improve and sustain their physical activity levels over the short- and long-term.
Effective treatment of Madura foot: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Salim Amos Omondi , Mwita Clifford Chacha , Gwer Samson
Published: December 2016

Review question/objective:

The objective of this review is to determine the best available evidence on the effective treatment of Madura foot. More specifically, the objectives are to identify:

1. The most effective antibiotics for treatment of actinomycetoma.

2. The most effective antifungal agents for treatment of eumycetoma.

3. The most appropriate stage or timing for surgical intervention for eumycetoma.
Perceptions of the Canadian occupational performance measure in enhancing the client-centered approach in the rehabilitation process: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Enemark Larsen Anette , Rasmussen Betina
Published: December 2016

Review question/objective:

The objective of this qualitative systematic review is to identify whether the use of the Canadian occupational performance measure (COPM) enhances the perceived experience of a client-centered approach throughout the rehabilitation process. Specifically the review questions are:

How do healthcare professionals and their clients perceive the use of the COPM as an instrument to enhance the client-centered approach in the rehabilitation process?

Does the use of the COPM provide a more client-centered approach and more involvement in the rehabilitation process, as experienced by the client and professionals?

How do the clients and/or the professionals perceive the usability of the COPM in regard to facilitating the client-centered approach in specific settings or phases of the rehabilitation process?
How Thick Should Cover Layer be for Radioactive Waste Disposal Facility? The Case of the Yamin Plain, Israel
Authors: Dody Avraham , Rosenzweig Ravid , Calvo Ran , Shalev Eyal
Published: December 2016

Two main natural processes which control the migration of radioactive contaminants to the biosphere were studied in the Yamin Plain in order to evaluate the thickness of a cover layer needed for near-surface radioactive waste disposal facility. The first is the natural erosion of the cover layer, and the second is the infiltration during rain and runoff events. The erosion rate of the soil surface was studied by optical stimulation luminescence technique. It was found that during the last 14,000 years, the erosion rate was 0.3 mm/y which are 3 m for 10,000 years. The infiltration depth assessment was based on water content measurements and numerical modeling. It shows that under the most extreme rain event having an equivalent rain of 84 mm, infiltration depth was limited to 4.5 m. Taking into account the two processes, the effective cover layer thickness over 10,000 years should be at least 7.5 m thick.
Intracranial Pressure Influences the Behavior of the Optic Nerve Head
Authors: Hua Yi , Tong Junfei , Ghate Deepta , Kedar Sachin , Gu Linxia
Published: December 2016

In this work, the biomechanical responses of the optic nerve head (ONH) to acute elevations in intracranial pressure (ICP) were systematically investigated through numerical modeling. An orthogonal experimental design was developed to quantify the influence of ten input factors that govern the anatomy and material properties of the ONH on the peak maximum principal strain (MPS) in the lamina cribrosa (LC) and postlaminar neural tissue (PLNT). Results showed that the sensitivity of ONH responses to various input factors was region-specific. In the LC, the peak MPS was most strongly dependent on the sclera thickness, LC modulus, and scleral canal size, whereas in the PLNT, the peak MPS was more sensitive to the scleral canal size, neural tissue modulus, and pia mater modulus. The enforcement of clinically relevant ICP in the retro-orbital subarachnoid space influenced the sensitivity analysis. It also induced much larger strains in the PLNT than in the LC. Moreover, acute elevation of ICP leads to dramatic strain distribution changes in the PLNT, but had minimal impact on the LC. This work could help to better understand patient-specific responses, to provide guidance on biomechanical factors resulting in optic nerve diseases, such as glaucoma, papilledema, and ischemic optic neuropathy, and to illuminate the possibilities for exploiting their potential to treat and prevent ONH diseases.
Effect of Die Lip Geometry on Polymer Extrudate Deformation in Complex Small Profile Extrusion
Authors: Tian Huiqing , Zhao Danyang , Wang Minjie , Jin Yifei
Published: December 2016

The extrusion of polymer profile products with complex microcross section is difficult due to the extrudate deformation, especially for the profile with multihollow lumens and inner ribs. In order to investigate the effect of die lip geometry on extrudate deformations, three-dimensional simulations have been undertaken for typical small profile extrusions both inside and outside the die using finite-element method (FEM). The Carreau model was used to describe the shear-thinning behavior of polymer melt. The systematic definitions of the die lip geometric parameters and evaluations of the extrudate deformations were proposed. It was found that the thickness and profile deformations happen asynchronously, and the existence of the inner rib changes the global deformation, which cannot be predicted by a deformation combination of the basic geometries. Among the investigated die lip geometric parameters, the wall thickness ratio has the most pronounced effect on both thickness and external profile deformations of the extrudates, with the maximum variation of more than 80%. The decrease of the hollow ratio significantly reduces the extrudate deformation extent, especially the extrudate external profile and the extrudate thickness of the thin-wall region. Even with uniform thickness, the location and shape of the inner rib also generate extrudate deformations not only on the inner rib but also on the thickness of the outer ring at the region not connected with it, by a minor variation level of 5–25%. Comprehensive understandings on the mechanism of extrudate deformations and effects of die lip geometry were obtained. Some hints for small profile die design were provided accordingly. Numerical results showed qualitative and quantitative agreement with the experiments.
A Generic and Efficient Approach to Determining Locations and Orientations of Complex Standard and Worn Wheels for Cutter Flute Grinding Using Characteristics of Virtual Grinding Curves
Authors: Habibi Mohsen , Chen Zezhong C.
Published: December 2016

As an important feature of cutting tools, flutes determine rake faces of their cutting edges, their rigidity, chip breaking, and chip space. In industry, flutes are often ground with standard wheels of simple shape (e.g., 1A1 or 1V1 wheels), resulting in flutes without much variation. To make flutes of more complex shape, standard wheels of complex shape (e.g., 1B1, 1E1, 1F1, and 4Y1 wheels), compared to the current ones, should be used. Unfortunately, current commercial software cannot calculate the locations and orientations of these wheels; this is why they are not used to machine flutes. Moreover, grinding wheels are gradually worn out in use, and the flutes lose accuracy accordingly. Therefore, locations and orientations of the worn wheels should be recalculated or compensated in machining; however, no such technique is currently available. To address this challenge, a generic and efficient approach to determining the locations and orientations of complex standard and worn wheels for cutter flute grinding is proposed in this work. First, a parametric equation of the generic wheel surface and its kinematic equation in five-axis flute grinding are rendered. Second, virtual grinding curves are proposed and defined to directly represent the relationships between wheel location and orientation and the flute profile in a geometric way. Then, the characteristics of the virtual grinding curves are investigated and formulated, and a new model of the generic wheel location and orientation is established. Compared to the existing comparative model, this model significantly increases solution liability and computation efficiency. Finally, three practical cases are studied and discussed to validate this approach. This approach can be used to make flutes of more complex shape and can increase flute accuracy by compensating the locations and orientations of worn wheels in machining.
Wind Farm Layout Sensitivity Analysis and Probabilistic Model of Landowner Decisions
Authors: Chen Le , MacDonald Erin
Published: December 2016

This paper offers tools and insights regarding wind farm layout to developers in determining the conditions under which it makes sense to invest resources into more accurately predicting of the cost-of-energy (COE), a metric to assess farm viability. Using wind farm layout uncertainty analysis research, we first test a farm design optimization model's sensitivity to surface roughness, economies-of-scale costing, and wind shear. Next, we offer a method for determining the role of land acquisition in predicting uncertainty. This parameter—the willingness of landowners to accept lease compensation offered to them by a developer—models a landowner's participation decision as a probabilistic interval utility function. The optimization-under-uncertainty formulation uses probability theory to model the uncertain parameters, Latin hypercube sampling to propagate the uncertainty throughout the system, and compromise programming to search for the nondominated solution that best satisfies the two objectives: minimize the mean value and standard deviation of COE. The results show that uncertain parameters of economies-of-scale cost-reduction and wind shear have large influence over results in the sensitivity analysis, while surface roughness does not. The results also demonstrate that modeling landowners' participation in the project as uncertain allows the optimization to identify land that may be risky or costly to secure, but worth the investment. In an uncertain environment, developers can predict the viability of the project with an estimated COE and give landowners an idea of where turbines are likely to be placed on their land.
Thermo-Economic Evaluation of Novel Flexible CAES/CCPP Concept
Authors: Herrmann Stephan , Kahlert Steffen , Wuerth Manuel , Spliethoff Hartmut
Published: December 2016

This paper presents the results of a thermodynamic and economic evaluation of a novel hybrid combination of a compressed air energy storage (CAES) and a combined cycle power plant (CCPP). The new cycle is modeled on the basis of a GE LM6000 gas turbine model, an adiabatic compressor model, an air expander, and a conventional dual-pressure heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) configuration. Furthermore, a detailed design of the recuperator is presented. With the simulated components, a storage efficiency of 60% is reached. In combined heat and power (CHP) configuration, the total efficiency of the plant reaches up to 86.2%. The thermodynamic and economic performance is compared to a conventional LM6000 combined cycle. For the economic evaluation, the German electricity day-ahead prices and average gas price of the year 2014 are used. Overall, it is found that the CAES/CCPP concept exhibits far more operation hours per year and a higher profit margin than the compared CCPP. Taking into account the investment and operational costs, especially with steam extraction, the net present value (NPV) of the novel cycle is higher than that of the combined cycle, despite the challenging market environment for storage technologies in Germany.
Experimental Study of Drilling Fluid's Filtration and Mud Cake Evolution in Sandstone Formations
Authors: Ezeakacha C. P. , Salehi S. , Hayatdavoudi A.
Published: December 2016

In real time drilling, the complexity of drilling fluid filtration is majorly attributed to changing mud rheology, formation permeability, mud particle size distribution (PSD), filter cake plastering effects, and geochemical reaction of particles at geothermal conditions. This paper focuses on quantifying the major effects as well as revealing their contribution toward effective wellbore stabilization in sandstone formations. We conducted an extensive experimental and analytical study on this subject at different levels. First, we used field application and the results as guides for our experiments. We have considered both oil-based mud and water-based mud. Next, we optimized the mud particle size distribution (PSD) by carefully varying the type, size, and concentration of wellbore strengthening material (WSM). Laboratory high pressure high temperature fluid loss tests were carried out on Michigan and Bandera Brown sandstones. The results from these tests identify the formation heterogeneity and permeability in successful wellbore stabilization. Filter cake permeability calculations, using the analytical model for linear systems, were consistent with filtration rates, and the expected trend of permeability declines with time. Finally, we investigated the evolution of internal filter cake and plastering mechanism, using scanning electron microscopic (SEM) analysis. The test results revealed a significant difference in the formation permeability impairment for the optimal mud PSD and WSM blend.
Impacts of Major Offshore Oil Spill Incidents on Petroleum Industry and Regional Economy
Authors: Taleghani Negar Dahi , Tyagi Mayank
Published: December 2016

Disasters such as offshore oil spills will have a significant negative impact on occupations, incomes, tariffs, and further profits, adding to the struggles of regional area held up in difficulty. Such a broad size of impact can more impair the functioning of the economy of the district. In addition to costs encountered by cleanup activities, industries and individuals dependent on coastal resources can experience huge economic losses. Many other related businesses and sectors can possibly hurt by disruptions and loss of earnings. To better understand different aspects of the problem, we explain the problem through a case study for recent incident in the Gulf of Mexico (GoM), the Deepwater Horizon oil spill (DWH) on April 20, 2010, the worst oil spill disaster in the history of the U.S. start off the coastline of Louisiana in the Gulf of Mexico. We have conducted study to focus on the positive impact of economic compensation on Gulf coast employment and wages. Regardless of estimates of main job losses resulting from the oil spill, we estimated that Louisiana experienced a net rise in employment and wages. Input–output (I-O) model will be applied in this study to approximate the economic compensation created by economic injection due to the Deepwater Horizon accident. Then, we can estimate the gross damages to the Louisiana economy. More importantly, the final results should provide useful information on measuring the economic impact of any future large-scale disasters and for how companies must react to minimize the economic impact of events. One positive side that will come out of the oil spill is the spotlight on the need for new and developed prevention and response strategies to this kind of major disasters. The analysis of losses in the employment and earnings in Louisiana in the aftermath of accidents in petroleum industry makes to know the importance and significance of the oil and gas sector as a powerful economic machine that provides a wide range of opportunity for the state. It is no surprise how remarkable is the influence of oil and gas industry on the income of the state workers and the output of the state. Therefore, having approximation of the impact helps to facilitate strong recovery and to prevent potential harm to the related industry.
Precursor processing for plant peptide hormone maturation by subtilisin-like serine proteinases
Authors: Schardon Katharina , Hohl Mathias , Graff Lucile , Pfannstiel Jens , Schulze Waltraud , Stintzi Annick , Schaller Andreas
Published: December 2016

Prohormone processing by subtilases

A flower that has gone to seed will drop its petals in a regulated process called abscission. Schardon
et al.
analyzed the production of the peptide hormone that regulates floral organ abscission in the model plant
Arabidopsis thaliana.
They used tissue-specific expression of proteinase inhibitors to identify the subtilisin-like proteinases that act as prohormone convertases required for peptide hormone production in plants.

Science
, this issue p.
1594
Crystal structure of unlinked NS2B-NS3 protease from Zika virus
Authors: Zhang Zhenzhen , Li Yan , Loh Ying Ru , Phoo Wint Wint , Hung Alvin W. , Kang CongBao , Luo Dahai
Published: December 2016

A closed conformation for Zika virus enzyme

The recent Zika virus epidemic highlights the need for antiviral drugs. One important drug target is the virus's NS2B-NS3 protease, an enzyme that is critical for viral replication. Zhang
et al.
report high-resolution crystal structures of the protease as a free enzyme and with a peptide bound to the active site in the reverse position. The structures reveal that, unlike in other flaviviruses, the protease adopts a closed conformation, in which NS2B engages NS3 to form the empty substrate-binding site. Moreover, substrate binding did not substantially alter the conformation of the enzyme.

Science
, this issue p.
1597
Complete Genome Sequence of Bacteriophage MA12, Which Infects both Campylobacter jejuni and Salmonella enterica Serovar Enteritidis
Authors: Lee Sunjin , Kwon Taesoo , Chae Su-Jin , Kim Jong-Hyun , Kang Yeon Ho , Chung Gyung Tae , Kim Dae-Won , Lee Deog-Yong
Published: December 2016

Here, we announce the complete genome sequence of
Salmonella enterica
serovar Enteritidis (
S
. Enteritidis) bacteriophage MA12, a 41-Kb chromosome. The strain can infect both
Campylobacter jejuni
(
C. jejuni
) and
S
. Enteritidis and can be used in phage therapy experiments with poultry and poultry meat.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Genotype III Japanese Encephalitis Virus, Isolated from Pigs in Sichuan, China
Authors: Zhou Yuancheng , Zhuo Xiuping , Ye Jianqiang , Cai Yuhan
Published: December 2016

A complete genomic sequence of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) was detected by viral metagenome analysis on aborted piglets. A phylogenetic analysis of this genome reveals that it is highly similar to previously reported India JEV genomes. The complete JEV sequence is 10,718 nucleotides long.
Mitochondrial Genome Sequences of Four Strains of the Bloom-Forming Raphidophyte Heterosigma akashiwo
Authors: Ogura Yoshitoshi , Nakayama Natsuko , Hayashi Tetsuya , Ueki Shoko
Published: December 2016

We report here the complete mitochondrial genome sequences of four strains of bloom-forming raphidophytes from
Heterosigma akashiwo
. These 39-kb sequences contain 42 protein-, two rRNA-, and 26 tRNA-coding sequences. Notable sequence variations were observed among these four newly sequenced and three previously characterized strains, suggesting their potential usage as strain-specific markers.
Detection and Whole-Genome Characterization of a G8P[1] Group A Rotavirus Strain from Deer
Authors: Anbalagan Srivishnupriya , Peterson Jessica
Published: December 2016

Rotavirus A strain 14-02218-2, with genome constellation G8P[1]-I2-R2-C2-M2-A3-N2-T6-E2-H3, was isolated from newborn fawns. The 14-02218-2 rotavirus strain is related to bovine and bovine-like rotavirus strains. To our knowledge, this is the first report on whole-genome-based characterization of a deer rotavirus G8P[1] strain.
Complete Genome Sequences of Two Subgenotype 1b Newcastle Disease Viruses Isolated from Sansui Sheldrake Ducks in Guizhou, China
Authors: Hu Yan , Duan Zhiqiang , Ji Xinqin , Zhao Jiafu , Xu Houqiang , Hu Shunlin , Liu Xiufan
Published: December 2016

Here, we report the complete genome sequences of two Newcastle disease viruses, Sheldrake duck/China/Guizhou/01/2016 and Sheldrake duck/China/Guizhou/02/2016, isolated from Sansui Sheldrake ducks in Guizhou Province, China. The genome of the isolates is 15,198 nucleotides in length. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the isolates are clustered into subgenotype 1b in class I.
Complete Genome Sequences of Two Newcastle Disease Virus Strains Isolated from a Wild Duck and a Pigeon in Russia
Authors: Kabilov Marsel R. , Alikina Tatyana Y. , Yurchenko Kseniya S. , Glushchenko Alexandra V. , Gunbin Konstantin V. , Shestopalov Alexander M. , Gubanova Natalya V.
Published: December 2016

Here, we report the complete genome sequences of two Newcastle disease virus (NDV) isolates, Adygea/duck/12/2008, from a wild duck in Russia, and Altai/pigeon/777/2010, from a pigeon in Russia. Based on comparative sequence analysis of the F gene, these strains were classified as NDV class II, genotypes VIId and VIb/2, respectively.
Draft Genome Sequence of a Novel
Marinobacter
sp. Strain from Honolulu Harbor, Hawai‘i
Authors: Wan Xuehua , Hou Shaobin , Burns Siobhan L. , Saito Jennifer A. , Donachie Stuart P.
Published: December 2016

Marinobacter
sp. strain X15-166B
T
was cultivated from sediment in Honolulu Harbor, Hawai‘i. The X15-166B
T
draft genome of 3,490,661 bp encodes 3,115 protein-coding open reading frames. We anticipate that the genome will provide insights into the strain's lifestyle and the evolution of
Marinobacter
.
Genome Sequence of Pseudomonas citronellolis SJTE-3, an Estrogen- and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon-Degrading Bacterium
Authors: Zheng Daning , Wang Xiuli , Wang Pingping , Peng Wanli , Ji Nannan , Liang Rubing
Published: December 2016

Pseudomonas citronellolis
SJTE-3, isolated from the active sludge of a wastewater treatment plant in China, can utilize a series of environmental estrogens and estrogen-like toxicants. Here, we report its whole-genome sequence, containing one circular chromosome and one circular plasmid. Genes involved in estrogen biodegradation in this bacterium were predicted.
Genomic Sequence of Canine Papillomavirus 19
Authors: Tisza Michael J. , Yuan Hang , Schlegel Richard , Buck Christopher B.
Published: December 2016

It is generally assumed that individual papillomas (warts) are caused by infection with individual papillomavirus types. Deep sequencing of virions extracted from a canine oral papilloma revealed the presence of canine papillomavirus 1 (CPV1), CPV2, and a novel canine papillomavirus, CPV19. This suggests that papillomas sometimes harbor multiple viral species.
Combining radiocarbon and cosmogenic ages to constrain the timing of the last glacial-interglacial transition in the Uinta Mountains, Utah, USA
Authors: Munroe Jeffrey S. , Laabs Benjamin J.C.
Published: December 2016

Twenty lake sediment cores extracted upstream from Last Glacial Maximum terminal moraines constrain the timing of the glacial-interglacial transition in the Uinta Mountains, Utah (USA). The stratigraphy observed in the cores, and accelerator mass spectrometry 14C dating of inorganic silty clay beneath gyttja, temporally constrain local deglaciation. The majority of basal ages fall within the Bølling-Allerød interval, with strong overlap at ca. 12.7 cal. (calibrated) kyr B.P. This convergence matches regional evidence of rising temperatures, increasing aridity, falling pluvial lake levels, and glacial retreat near the end of the last glacial-interglacial transition. Normalized estimates of glacier terminus retreat and elevation rise in the Uinta Mountains and elsewhere in the Rocky Mountains derived from consideration of cosmogenic ages on terminal moraines consistently average ∼10%/k.y. between ca. 20 and 13 ka, implying a regionally uniform climate forcing during deglaciation. Minor variations between these rates likely reflect hypsometric effects during deglaciation. Seven lakes dammed by cirque-floor moraines have basal ages within, or slightly younger than, the Younger Dryas interval, suggesting advances of favorably located cirque glaciers before the glacial-interglacial transition was complete.
Global-ocean redox variation during the middle-late Permian through Early Triassic based on uranium isotope and Th/U trends of marine carbonates
Authors: Elrick Maya , Polyak Victor , Algeo Thomas J. , Romaniello Stephen , Asmerom Yemane , Herrmann Achim D. , Anbar Ariel D. , Zhao Laishi , Chen Zhong-Qiang
Published: December 2016

Uranium isotopes (238U/235U) in carbonates, a proxy for global-ocean redox conditions owing to their redox sensitivity and long residence time in seawater, exhibit substantial variability in the Daxiakou section of south China from the upper-middle Permian through the mid-lower Triassic (∼9 m.y.). Middle and late Permian ocean redox conditions were similar to that of the modern ocean and were characterized by improving oxygenation in the ∼2 m.y. prior to the latest Permian mass extinction (LPME), countering earlier interpretations of sustained or gradually expanding anoxia during this interval. The LPME coincided with an abrupt negative shift of >0.5‰ in δ238U that signifies a rapid expansion of oceanic anoxia. Intensely anoxic conditions persisted for at least ∼700 k.y. (Griesbachian), lessening somewhat during the Dienerian. Th/U concentration ratios vary inversely with δ238U during the Early Triassic, with higher ratios reflecting reduced U concentrations in global seawater as a consequence of large-scale removal to anoxic facies. Modeling suggests that 70%–100% of marine U was removed to anoxic sinks during the Early Triassic, resulting in seawater U concentrations of <5% that of the modern ocean. Rapid intensification of anoxia concurrent with the LPME implies that ocean redox changes played an important role in the largest mass extinction event in Earth history.
Combining an antiviral with rituximab in EBV-related haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis led to rapid viral clearance; and a comprehensive review
Authors: Stefanou Christos , Tzortzi Christiana , Georgiou Fotini , Timiliotou Chrystalla
Published: December 2016

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-related haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (EBVr-HLH) has a better prognosis when the virus is rapidly cleared, but the best antiviral approach is controversial. We present a patient to whom the therapeutic standard rituximab was co-administered with valacyclovir and an HLH-specific treatment with favourable viral and clinical responses. We conducted an extensive literature review and contacted several world reference centres and experts to inquire about their approaches and experience. We conclude that antivirals are infrequently used for EBVr-HLH, despite their laboratory-proven and likely clinical beneficial effect on some EBV-related diseases. However, the role of antivirals remains obscure. Concerns about their lack of efficacy are based on observational data and reports of the cellular tropism of EBV. Therefore, the adjunct use of antivirals may be considered when myelotoxicity is not the primary concern, and related outcomes should be systematically recorded to produce higher quality evidence.
Posterior scleritis presenting as conjunctivitis in a child
Authors: Mallick Jyotiranjan , Pujahari Susant , Maharana Prafulla Kumar
Published: December 2016

A 14-year-old male child presented with redness and decreased vision in the right eye for 7 days. He was being treated for viral conjunctivitis for right eye at a local hospital. His visual acuity was 6/24 OD and 6/9 OS. Slit-lamp examination revealed diffuse conjunctival congestion in the right eye. Dilated fundus examination revealed mild disc hyperaemia and retinal striae in both the eyes. A peripapillary serous detachment of macula in the right eye was seen on optical coherence tomography. B scan ultrasonography revealed increased scleral thickening and characteristic ‘T’ sign in both the eyes. Investigations revealed no other relevant systemic association. A diagnosis of bilateral posterior scleritis was made. The patient was started on topical steroids and oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Within 2 weeks of therapy the visual acuity improved to 6/6, the serous detachment resolved and retinal striae reduced in both the eyes.
Is Walk Score associated with hospital admissions from chronic diseases? Evidence from a cross-sectional study in a high socioeconomic status Australian city-state
Authors: Mazumdar Soumya , Learnihan Vincent , Cochrane Thomas , Phung Hai , O'Connor Bridget , Davey Rachel
Published: December 2016

Objectives

To explore patterns of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT).To ascertain the effect of the neighbourhood built environmental features and especially walkability on health outcomes, specifically for hospital admissions from NCDs.

Design

A cross-sectional analysis of public hospital episode data (2007–2013).

Setting

Hospitalisations from the ACT, Australia at very small geographic areas.

Participants

Secondary data on 75 290 unique hospital episodes representing 39 851 patients who were admitted to ACT hospitals from 2007 to 2013. No restrictions on age, sex or ethnicity.

Main exposure measures

Geographic Information System derived or compatible measures of general practitioner access, neighbourhood socioeconomic status, alcohol access, exposure to traffic and Walk Score walkability.

Main outcome measures

Hospitalisations of circulatory diseases, specific endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases, respiratory diseases and specific cancers.

Results

Geographic clusters with significant high and low risks of NCDs were found that displayed an overall geographic pattern of high risk in the outlying suburbs of the territory. Significant relationships between neighbourhood walkability as measured by Walk Score and the likelihood of hospitalisation with a primary diagnosis of myocardial infarction (heart attack) were found. A possible relationship was also found with the likelihood of being hospitalised with 4 major lifestyle-related cancers.

Conclusions

Our research augments the growing literature underscoring the relationships between the built environment and health outcomes. In addition, it supports the importance of walkable neighbourhoods, as measured by Walk Score, for improved health.