bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Control of Pseudomonas mastitis on a large dairy farm by using slightly acidic electrolyzed water
Authors: Kawai Kazuhiro , Shinozuka Yasunori , Uchida Ikuo , Hirose Kazuhiko , Mitamura Takashi , Watanabe Aiko , Kuruhara Kana , Yuasa Reiko , Sato Reiichiro , Onda Ken , Nagahata Hajime
Published: May 2017

The disinfection effect of slightly acidic electrolyzed water (SAEW) use in a farm where Pseudomonas mastitis has spread was evaluated. Despite the application of antibiotic therapy and complete cessation of milking infected quarters, numerous new and recurrent Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical mastitis infections (5.8–7.1% of clinical mastitis cases) occurred on the farm from 2003 to 2005. Procedural changes and equipment modifications did not improve environmental contamination or the incidence of Pseudomonas mastitis. To more thoroughly decontaminate the milking parlor, an SAEW system was installed in 2006. All milking equipment and the parlor environment were sterilized with SAEW (pH 5–6.5, available chlorine 12 parts per million) before and during milking time. After adopting the SAEW system, the incidence of clinical and subclinical Pseudomonas mastitis cases decreased significantly (P < 0.0001) and disappeared. These findings suggest that SAEW effectively reduced the incidence of mastitis in a herd contaminated by Pseudomonas species. This is the first report to demonstrate the effectiveness of disinfection by SAEW against mastitis pathogens in the environment.
Evaluation of dietary methionine requirement of male Korean native ducks for 3 weeks post‐hatching
Authors: Yoo Jaehong , Yi Young‐Joo , Wickramasuriya Samiru S. , Kim Eunjoo , Shin Taeg Kyun , Kim Nu Ri , Heo Jung Min
Published: May 2017

A total of 336 1‐day‐old male Korean native ducks (KND) were used in a completely randomized design with seven dietary methionine levels (0.30–0.90% with 0.1% increment) to determine the methionine requirement of male Korean native ducks for 3 weeks after hatching. Each dietary treatment had six replicates with eight ducklings per pen. One duckling from each pen (n = 6) was sacrificed to weigh empty body and drumsticks at the end of the experiment. Final body weight and weight gain of 3 weeks old KND were increased with increasing dietary methionine levels up to 0.4%, and then decreased (P < 0.05) with a further increasing dietary methionine level. In contrast, feed conversion ratio of the KND decreased up to 0.4% and increased (P < 0.05) with the increasing dietary methionine level. Both empty body weight and proportions of empty body weight were linearly increased (P < 0.05) while the dietary methionine level elevated up to 0.4%. Estimated dietary methionine requirement for maximum body weights, daily gain and minimum feed conversion ratio were 0.36, 0.39 and 0.40%, respectively, when it was fitted into linear‐ and quadratic‐plateau models.
Fast Approximation of Small P-values in Permutation Tests by Partitioning the Permutations
Authors: Segal Brian D. , Braun Thomas , Elliott Michael R. , Jiang Hui
Published: May 2017

Researchers in genetics and other life sciences commonly use permutation tests to evaluate differences between groups. Permutation tests have desirable properties, including exactness if data are exchangeable, and are applicable even when the distribution of the test statistic is analytically intractable. However, permutation tests can be computationally intensive. We propose both an asymptotic approximation and a resampling algorithm for quickly estimating small permutation p-values (e.g., ) for the difference and ratio of means in two-sample tests. Our methods are based on the distribution of test statistics within and across partitions of the permutations, which we define. In this article, we present our methods and demonstrate their use through simulations and an application to cancer genomic data. Through simulations, we find that our resampling algorithm is more computationally efficient than another leading alternative, particularly for extremely small p-values (e.g., ). Through application to cancer genomic data, we find that our methods can successfully identify up- and down-regulated genes. While we focus on the difference and ratio of means, we speculate that our approaches may work in other settings.
Patterns and correlates of adherence to self‐monitoring in lung transplant recipients during the first 12 months after discharge from transplant
Authors: Hu Lu , DeVito Dabbs Annette , Dew Mary Amanda , Sereika Susan M. , Lingler Jennifer H.
Published: May 2017

Self‐monitoring of lung function, vital signs, and symptoms is crucial for lung transplant recipients (LTRs) to ensure early detection of complications and prompt intervention. This study sought to identify patterns and correlates of adherence to self‐monitoring among LTRs over the first 12 months post‐discharge from transplant. This study analyzed existing data from the usual care arm participants of a randomized clinical trial who tracked self‐monitoring activities using paper‐and‐pencil logs. Adherence was calculated as the percent of days LTRs recorded any self‐monitoring data per interval: hospital discharge‐2 months, 3‐6 months, and 7‐12 months. The sample (N=91) was mostly white (87.9%), male (61.5%), with a mean age of 57.2±13.8 years. Group‐based trajectory analyses revealed two groups: (i) moderately adherent with slow decline (n=29, 31.9%) and (ii) persistently nonadherent (n=62, 68.1%). Multivariate binary logistic regression revealed the following baseline factors increased the risk in the persistently nonadherent group: female (P=.035), higher anxiety (P=.008), and weaker sense of personal control over health (P=.005). Poorer physical health over 12 months were associated with increased risk in the persistently nonadherent group (P=.004). This study highlighted several modifiable factors for future interventions to target, including reducing post‐transplant anxiety, and strengthening sense of personal control over health in LTRs.
Sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitors and diabetic ketoacidosis: An updated review of the literature
Authors: Bonora Benedetta Maria , Avogaro Angelo , Fadini Gian Paolo
Published: May 2017

Sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) are increasingly used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and can improve glucose control also in type 1 diabetes (T1D). In May 2015, regulatory agencies issued a warning that SGLT2is may cause diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). We report details on 2 new cases of SGLT2i‐associated DKA and review the literature for similar cases within randomized controlled trials (RCTs), cohort studies and single reports. We searched the medical literature for reports of SGLT2i‐associated DKA cases. A quantitative analysis of frequency and clinical characteristics is reported. The 2 narrative cases illustrate that SGLT2i‐associated DKA can occur in patients with T1D incorrectly diagnosed as T2D, perhaps without the presence of obvious DKA precipitating factors. The incidence of SGLT2i‐associated DKA was less than 1/1000 in randomized controlled trials and 1.6/1000 person‐years in cohort studies. We retrieved detailed data on 105 SGLT2i‐associated DKA case reports, wherein 35% showed glucose levels of less than 200 mg/dL and 22% were not associated with typical triggers. In case reports and in pharmacovigilance databases, duration of SGLT2i treatment before DKA onset was extremely variable. Fatal SGLT2i‐associated DKA episodes were found only in pharmacovigilance databases and represented 1.6% of all reported cases. DKA is a rare adverse event during SGLT2i therapy. Predisposing and precipitating factors are still incompletely understood, although a minority of cases lacked typical DKA triggers. More narrative case series and cohort studies are needed to better understand the true risk and the spectrum of this adverse event.
How Transparent is Disgust?
Authors: Contesi Filippo
Published: May 2017

According to the so‐called transparency thesis, what is disgusting in nature cannot but be disgusting in art. This paper critically discusses the arguments that have been put forward in favour of the transparency thesis, starting with Korsmeyer's () sensory view of disgust. As an alternative, it offers an account of the relationship between disgust and representation that explains, at least in part, whatever truth there is in the transparency thesis. Such an account appeals to a distinction between object‐centric and situation‐centric emotions.
Extreme effects of drought on composition of the soil bacterial community and decomposition of plant tissue
Authors: Tóth Z. , Táncsics A. , Kriszt B. , Kröel‐Dulay G. , Ónodi G. , Hornung E.
Published: May 2017

The decomposition of soil organic matter, as an essential part of nutrient cycling, has a crucial role in maintaining soil fertility and the regulation of climate. This function of the soil is likely to be affected by extreme weather events that are expected to be more frequent and severe in the future. We conducted an experiment fromMarch 2014 toMarch 2015 to test the effects of extreme drought on composition of the bacterial community and decomposition of plant tissue with soil microclimate variables such as soil temperature and moisture. Precipitation was excluded for a 5‐month period by transparent roofs. To follow organic matter decomposition, we used the tea bag method. Soil samples were taken to determine the effects of extreme drought on the bacterial community 6 months after the dry period (mid‐term). Drought plots were drier (P < 0.001) and warmer (P < 0.001) than control plots as a consequence of the extreme drought treatment. Thepermanovatest showed that the dry period altered soil bacterial communities accordingly (Fpermanova = 10.36,P = 0.002). However, there was no significant difference between the control and drought‐treated plots 6 months after the dry period in terms of bacterial alpha diversity. Furthermore, rates of organic matter decomposition in the control plots were significantly larger by an average of 93.7% than in the drought plots. The results also indicated that soil temperature and moisture had significant effects on decomposition. Overall, the findings demonstrate clearly the response of soil bacteria and soil function to experimental drought. The strong effect of changes in precipitation and increasing temperature on mass loss suggests that extreme weather events, such as extreme droughts, can markedly change the composition of soil bacterial communities and processes of decomposition. This effect is expected to be more pronounced during dry periods of increasing severity and frequency.

Highlights

We studied the effects of extreme drought on plant tissue decay and soil bacterial diversity.

Microbial degradation of organic matter was followed by the novel tea bag method.

Changes in soil microclimate altered bacterial community structure and decomposition.

Microbiota and soil function were markedly affected by extreme weather events like droughts.
Preliminary trial of woody debris addition on the return of invertebrates to restored bauxite mines in the jarrah forest of Western Australia
Authors: Lythe Morgan J. , Majer Jonathan D. , Stokes Vicki L.
Published: May 2017

Woody debris is an important component of forest ecosystems, but its use in mine site restoration has been limited and it can be slow to build up naturally. A new technique of spreading snipped wood waste onto restored mine pits prior to seeding has been subjected to a preliminary trial at Alcoa's Huntly mine site, in the northern jarrah forest of south‐western Western Australia. We examined whether the application of snipped wood during restoration encourages the return of ground‐ and litter‐dwelling invertebrates without negatively suppressing plant establishment. Invertebrates were sampled across three seasons from experimental plots treated with 0 t/ha (control), 100 t/ha or 300 t/ha snipped wood waste. Invertebrate communities in treatment plots comprised higher numbers and diversity of wood and litter decomposers such as mites, Diplopoda, Dermaptera and Blattodea than control plots. Plant responses were variable, with wood treatment resulting in lower tree and overall plant density but having no effects on plant species richness or plant cover. Wood treatment plots were associated with higher soil nitrogen than controls. We hypothesise that the use of a fine wood treatment at the lowest rate of 100 t/ha (approximately 30% wood cover) is likely to enhance the diversity and abundance of invertebrates in restored areas, with minimal effect on plant establishment. Encouraging a diverse invertebrate fauna to recolonise restoration should help speed up succession and ecosystem functions such as decomposition and nutrient cycling, and more quickly return the land to previous ecosystem values.
Lessons for collaborative research in a changing operating environment
Authors: Dovers Stephen , Whinam Jennie , Krogh Martin , Young Ann , Crawford Mary‐Anne
Published: May 2017

This Comment records the details of an unusual multipartner ecological research programme studying Temperate Highland Peat Swamps on Sandstone in the Sydney Basin‐Blue Mountains area of New South Wales. We draw lessons from the experience of designing and managing this multipartner ecological programme, which was based on a nontraditional funding source – that is an enforceable undertaking required of a coal mining company related to an occurrence at a mine site. The research programme encompassed geomorphology, ecohydrology and ecology of a number of sites. Given the currently constrained public‐good environmental research funding and pressures for both researchers and managers to find new, collaborative ways of funding and implementing research, lessons drawn from such innovative experiences may be of wider utility. In particular, lessons are drawn from the programme regarding the time required to design collaborative processes and the need for explicit programme management capacities.
Experiences and expectations in the first trimester of pregnancy: a qualitative study
Authors: Lou Stina , Frumer Michal , Schlütter Mette M. , Petersen Olav B. , Vogel Ida , Nielsen Camilla P.
Published: May 2017

Background

A dominant context for pregnant women in the Western world is medical technologies such as ultrasound and screening. It has been argued that such technologies may result in tentative pregnancies, which may be particularly prominent in the first trimester. However, little is known about how women experience early pregnancy.

Objective

To explore the everyday experiences and expectations of first trimester pregnant women in a medicalized context of comprehensive and routine prenatal screening.

Design

Qualitative, semi‐structured interviews analysed using thematic analysis.

Setting

Between May 2015 and January 2016, participants were recruited from two general practices and one obstetric ultrasound unit in Aarhus, Denmark.

Participants

Twenty, first trimester pregnant women (15 primiparae, five multiparae) aged 21‐39 years.

Results

Early pregnancy is often kept secret in the first trimester due to a higher risk of miscarriage. However, the pregnancy is very real in the lives of the pregnant women who make it meaningful through practices of information seeking, listening to the body and anticipating the different milestones in pregnancy. First trimester screening represents one such milestone that is expected to mark a new and more certain phase in the pregnancy. A majority expects to terminate following a prenatal diagnosis, but this does not seem to influence their engagement with the pregnancy.

Conclusions

The pregnant women use medical technologies to mark a milestone in pregnancy but do not expect all concerns to disappear upon a normal screening result. The majority of women acknowledge that pregnancy involves simultaneous feelings of happiness and worry.
The need for better preventative strategies for inflammatory bowel disease patients at risk of herpes zoster virus
Authors: Bye William A. , Sparrow Miles P. , Connor Susan J. , Andrews Jane M. , Ellard Katie , Ng Watson , Hume Georgia , Antoniades Sally , Walsh Alissa J.
Published: May 2017

Background

Immunosuppressed inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients have an increased risk of herpes zoster virus (HZV) infection. The existing live‐attenuated HZV vaccine is contraindicated in some of these patients and can only be used with caution in others.

Aims

To describe characteristics of IBD patients suffering HZV to enable implementation of risk mitigation strategies for those at highest risk.

Methods

Gastroenterologists completed a proforma for IBD patients who experienced HZV infection: IBD phenotype, details of HZV infection, immunosuppression and any change to treatment upon diagnosis of HZV.

Results

A total of 30 cases was identified: Crohn disease (CD) (n = 25) and ulcerative colitis (n = 5). In total, 80% (20/25) of the CD patients had penetrating, stricturing or perianal disease. Time from commencement of immunosuppression to HZV infection was highly variable (range: 3 months to over 10 years). A total of 90% (27/30) of patients was on at least one immunosuppressive therapy; of those, one‐third was on monotherapy (9/27) and two‐thirds (18/27) on dual therapy. A total of 89% (24/27) of immunosupressed patients was on a thiopurine (monotherapy; 6/27) or in combination (18/27). Complications of HZV occurred in 27% (8/30) of patients.

Conclusion

Our series is consistent with existing epidemiological analysis that identified more severe IBD and the use of multiple immunosuppressive therapies as risk factors for HZV. If the promise of an investigational subunit HZV vaccine is realised in immunocompromised patients, better protection may be possible in the future. Thiopurine medications were the most commonly used immunosuppressant in this series. Age and duration of immunosuppressive therapy do not appear to predict HZV infection.
Modification of the Schottky barrier height at the RuO2 cathode during resistance degradation of Fe‐doped SrTiO3
Authors: Giesecke Ruth , Hertwig Ramis , Bayer Thorsten J. M. , Randall Clive A. , Klein Andreas
Published: May 2017

The long‐term stability of electronic devices at high temperatures and electric fields might be strongly influenced by the electronic properties of interfaces. A modification of Schottky barrier heights at electrode interfaces of functional oxides upon changes of the external oxygen partial pressure is well documented in literature. In this work, an experimental approach using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy is presented, which enables to study transient changes in the Schottky barrier height induced by electrical degradation. A rise of the Fermi level at the RuO2 cathode interface of Fe‐doped SrTiO3 single crystals by 0.6 eV is observed in the course of resistance degradation. The change of the effective barrier height is associated to the migration of oxygen vacancies towards the cathode and accompanied by the observed reduction of Ti. Different scenarios are discussed to explain the origin of barrier modification and the localization of the reduced Ti.
Correlation between socio‐economic status and atopic dermatitis in Korean adults: the Korea national health and nutrition examination survey (2007–2014)
Authors: Lee J.S. , Kim J.M. , Seok J. , Kim B.J.
Published: May 2017

Introduction

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is one of the most common allergic diseases. Its prevalence has been increasing in recent decades. Socio‐economic status is well‐known risk factor of allergic diseases.

Objective

This study was performed to investigate the relationship between socio‐economic status and AD in Korean adults.

Methods

Data were acquired from 47 351 men and women, ≥19 years of age who participated in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (KNHANES) conducted from 2007 to 2014. The presence of AD was based on self‐reported physician diagnosis of AD in the Health Interview Surveys.

Results

The prevalence of AD was 3.1%, which decreased with increasing age. In univariate analysis, adults with AD were prone to be female, younger, never‐married, well educated, lower household members, and urban dwelling (all P < 0.01). Monthly family income and smoking status were not associated with the presence of AD. The prevalence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus and asthma was higher in AD subjects (all P < 0.01), while obesity was not associated with adult AD. After adjusting for confounders, logistic regression analysis showed female sex (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.483, 95% CI: 1.268–1.734), age (P < 0.01), marital status (Single: aOR: 1.307, 95% CI: 1.012–1.690; Never‐married: aOR: 1.938, 95% CI: 1.513–2.482), urban residence (aOR: 1.281, 95% CI: 1.045–1.569) and asthma (aOR: 1.788, 95% CI: 1.416–2.258) were associated with higher prevalence of AD (all P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Female sex, age, marital status, urban residence, and the presence of asthma are important risk factors of the prevalence of AD in Korean adults.
Effects of Estradiol and Testosterone on the Expression of Growth‐related Genes in Female and Male Nile Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus
Authors: Yue Mengmeng , Zhao Jinliang , Tang Shoujie , Zhao Yan
Published: May 2017

Nile tilapia exhibits strong sexual growth dimorphism. The potential role of sex steroid hormones in sexual growth dimorphism is not fully understood. We investigated the effects of estradiol (E2) and testosterone (T) on growth rate, plasma sex hormones, and expression of growth hormone (GH)‐insulin‐like growth factor (IGF) axis genes and muscle regulatory factor (MRF) genes in female and male Nile tilapia. The results revealed that serum concentrations of E2 and T were significantly higher after correlative injection (P < 0.05). Compared to male fish, female fish had lower growth rates. E2 increased growth performance in females with no significant effects on males, whereas T significantly increased growth performance in males, with no significant effects on females. In females, E2 significantly increased expression of ghr1, ghr2, igf1, and igf2, while T decreased igf2 and increased ghr1 and ghr2 expression. In males, T increased expression of igf1, igf2, ghr1, and ghr2, and E2 decreased expression of igf1, ghr1, and ghr2. Additionally, E2 and T enhanced the expression of MRF genes (myod1, myod2, myog, and myf5) in female and male fish, respectively. The results suggest that sex steroid hormones play a role in sexual growth dimorphism by regulating the expression of GH‐IGF axis and MRF genes.
Verticillium dahliae transcription factor VdFTF1 regulates the expression of multiple secreted virulence factors and is required for full virulence in cotton
Authors: Zhang Wen‐Qi , Gui Yue‐Jing , Short Dylan P. G. , Li Ting‐Gang , Zhang Dan‐Dan , Zhou Lei , Liu Chun , Bao Yu‐Ming , Subbarao Krishna V. , Chen Jie‐Yin , Dai Xiao‐Feng
Published: May 2017

Fungal transcription factors (TFs) implicated in the regulation of virulence gene expression have been identified in a number of plant pathogens. In Verticillium dahliae, despite its agricultural importance, few regulators of transcription have been characterized. In this study, a T‐DNA insertion mutant with significantly reduced virulence towards cotton was identified. The T‐DNA was traced to VdFTF1, a gene encoding a TF containing a Fungal_trans domain. Transient expression in onion epidermal cells indicated that VdFTF1 is localized to the nucleus. The VdFTF1‐deletion strains displayed normal vegetative growth, mycelial pigmentation and conidial morphology, but exhibited significantly reduced virulence on cotton, suggesting that VdFTF1 is required exclusively for pathogenesis. Comparisons of global transcription patterns of wild‐type and VdFTF1‐deletion strains indicated that VdFTF1 affected the expression of 802 genes, 233 of which were associated with catalytic processes. These genes encoded 69 potentially secreted proteins, 43 of which contained a carbohydrate enzyme domain known to participate in pathogenesis during infection of cotton. Targeted gene deletion of one VdFTF1‐regulated gene resulted in significantly impaired vascular colonization, as measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction, as well as aggressiveness and symptom severity in cotton. In conclusion, VdFTF1, which encodes a TF containing a Fungal_trans domain, regulates the gene expression of plant cell wall degradation enzymes in V. dahliae, which are required for full virulence on cotton.
Spatial patterns and broad‐scale weather cues of beech mast seeding in Europe
Authors: Vacchiano Giorgio , Hacket‐Pain Andrew , Turco Marco , Motta Renzo , Maringer Janet , Conedera Marco , Drobyshev Igor , Ascoli Davide
Published: May 2017

Mast seeding is a crucial population process in many tree species, but its spatio‐temporal patterns and drivers at the continental scale remain unknown .

Using a large dataset (8000 masting observations across Europe for years 1950–2014) we analysed the spatial pattern of masting across the entire geographical range of European beech, how it is influenced by precipitation, temperature and drought, and the temporal and spatial stability of masting–weather correlations.

Beech masting exhibited a general distance‐dependent synchronicity and a pattern structured in three broad geographical groups consistent with continental climate regimes. Spearman's correlations and logistic regression revealed a general pattern of beech masting correlating negatively with temperature in the summer 2 yr before masting, and positively with summer temperature 1 yr before masting (i.e. 2T model). The temperature difference between the two previous summers (DeltaT model) was also a good predictor. Moving correlation analysis applied to the longest eight chronologies (74–114 yr) revealed stable correlations between temperature and masting, confirming consistency in weather cues across space and time.

These results confirm widespread dependency of masting on temperature and lend robustness to the attempts to reconstruct and predict mast years using temperature data.
Efficacy of a Targeted Drug Delivery on‐Demand Bolus Option for Chronic Pain
Authors: Bolash Robert B. , Niazi Tariq , Kumari Meera , Azer Gerges , Mekhail Nagy
Published: May 2017

Background and Objectives

Intrathecal targeted drug delivery systems historically required physician office visits for dose adjustment to manage fluctuating pain. A wireless device now enables patients to supplement their basal intrathecal infusion with a programmed on‐demand bolus dose. We sought to quantify the change in oral breakthrough opioid need associated with the use of an intrathecal bolus in comparison to those treated with the basal infusion alone.

Methods

Demographic, dosage, bolus usage and longevity data were extracted from the historical medical record of 69 patients (18/51 bolus/nonbolus) followed continuously at our center. Medication consumption and Pain Disability Index measures were obtained at baseline and most recent follow‐up.

Results

Among patients with the bolus option, only 2 (11%; confidence interval [CI] 0% to 26%) continued to require oral opiates to manage breakthrough pain compared to 29 (57%; CI 43% to 71%) without the bolus option. The Pain Disability Index score decreased by 19% in patients with the bolus option and by 25% in those with the basal infusion. Total daily intrathecal opioid intake was 34% lower in the group with the bolus device.

Conclusions

Utilizing an intrathecal bolus to treat incident pain was a safe way to manage unpredictable breakthrough pain and may represent a cost‐saving opportunity by eliminating the need for oral analgesic medications.
Multiple red blood cell transfusions and iron overload in very low birthweight infants
Authors: Treviño‐Báez J. D. , Briones‐Lara E. , Alamillo‐Velázquez J. , Martínez‐Moreno M. I.
Published: May 2017

Background and Objectives

To estimate the risk of iron overload in very low birthweight (VLBW) infants who receive more than two red blood cell (RBC) transfusions, in comparison with those who receive two or less during their hospital stay.

Materials and Methods

Prospective open cohort study in VLBW infants with >2 (exposed) and ≤2 (non‐exposed) RBC transfusions. Ferritin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were measured at birth and after each RBC transfusion. The incidence of iron overload was determined. Risk factors were analysed using a logistic regression model. RBC transfusion volume correlations with ferritin, ALT and AST were calculated with Spearman's rank correlation coefficient, as well as correlations between ferritin and aminotransferases.

Results

A total of 63 patients were enrolled, 18 of which were exposed and 45 non‐exposed. Twelve patients developed severe iron overload, eight exposed (44·5%) vs. four (8·8%) non‐exposed (RR: 5, 95% CI: 1·7–14·6). Multivariate analysis showed that the number of transfusions increased the risk of iron overload (OR: 2·07, 95% CI: 1·36–2·14) while a higher one‐minute Apgar score was associated with a lower risk (OR: 0·56, 95% CI: 0·32–0·99). Severe iron overload mainly occurred with a transfusion volume higher than 120 ml/kg. There was a positive correlation between ferritin and transfusion (r = 0·53; P < 0·001).

Conclusion

There was a higher risk of iron overload in exposed infants in comparison with non‐exposed infants. Severe iron overload in VLBW infants may occur with a total transfusion volume >120 ml/kg.
Optimal Design of Wavelength Selective Thermal Emitter for Thermophotovoltaic Applications
Authors: Ghanekar Alok , Sun Mingdi , Zhang Zongqin , Zheng Yi
Published: May 2017

We theoretically and numerically demonstrate optimal design of wavelength selective thermal emitter using one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) metal-dielectric gratings for thermophotovoltaic (TPV) applications. Proposed design consists of tungsten (W) and silicon dioxide (SiO2) gratings which can withstand high temperatures. Radiative properties of 1D grating were calculated using a numerical method, while effective medium approximation was used for 2D gratings. Optimal designs were obtained such that output power is maximum for GaSb photovoltaic (PV) cell at emitter temperature of 1500 K and radiated energy for longer wavelengths is limited to a low value. A constrained optimization was performed using genetic algorithm (GA) to arrive at optimal design.
Numerical Investigation of the Tube Layout Effects on the Heat Losses of Solar Cavity Receiver
Authors: Fang Jiabin , Tu Nan , Wei Jinjia , Fang Tao , Du Xuancheng
Published: May 2017

The effects of tube layout on the heat losses of solar cavity receiver were numerically investigated. Two typical tube layouts were analyzed. For the first tube layout, only the active surfaces of cavity were covered with tubes. For the second tube layout, both the active cavity walls and the passive cavity walls were covered with tubes. Besides, the effects of water–steam circulation mode on the heat losses were further studied for the second tube layout. The absorber tubes on passive surfaces were considered as the boiling section for one water–steam circulation mode and as the preheating section for the other one, respectively. The thermal performance of the cavity receiver with each tube layout was evaluated according to the previous calculation model. The results show that the passive surfaces appear to have much lower heat flux than the active ones. However, the temperature of those surfaces can reach a quite high value of about 520 °C in the first tube layout, which causes a large amount of radiative and convective heat losses. By contrast, the temperature of passive surfaces decreases by about 200–300 °C in the second tube layout, which leads to a 38.2–70.3% drop in convective heat loss and a 67.7–87.7% drop in radiative heat loss of the passive surfaces. The thermal efficiency of the receiver can be raised from 82.9% to 87.7% in the present work.
When Theater Comes to Engineering Design: Oh How Creative They Can Be
Authors: Pfeiffer Ferris M. , Bauer Rachel E. , Borgelt Steve , Burgoyne Suzanne , Grant Sheila , Hunt Heather K. , Pardoe Jennie J. , Schmidt David C.
Published: May 2017

The creative process is fun, complex, and sometimes frustrating, but it is critical to the future of our nation and progress in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), as well as other fields. Thus, we set out to see if implementing methods of active learning typical to the theater department could impact the creativity of senior capstone design students in the bioengineering (BE) department. Senior bioengineering capstone design students were allowed to self-select into groups. Prior to the beginning of coursework, all students completed a validated survey measuring engineering design self-efficacy. The control and experimental groups both received standard instruction, but in addition the experimental group received 1 h per week of creativity training developed by a theater professor. Following the semester, the students again completed the self-efficacy survey. The surveys were examined to identify differences in the initial and final self-efficacy in the experimental and control groups over the course of the semester. An analysis of variance was used to compare the experimental and control groups with p < 0.05 considered significant. Students in the experimental group reported more than a twofold (4.8 (C) versus 10.9 (E)) increase of confidence. Additionally, students in the experimental group were more motivated and less anxious when engaging in engineering design following the semester of creativity instruction. The results of this pilot study indicate that there is a significant potential to improve engineering students' creative self-efficacy through the implementation of a “curriculum of creativity” which is developed using theater methods.
New data on ptyctimous mites (Acari, Oribatida) from Mexico and Peru with descriptions of two new species
Authors: Niedbała Wojciech , Ermilov Sergey G.
Published: May 2017

A list of identified ptyctimous mites (Acari, Oribatida) from Mexico and Peru, including 12 species from seven genera and five families, is presented. Of these taxa, two species are new for science, and Protophthiracarus baloghi and Atropacarus (Hoplophorella) brachys are recorded in the Mexican fauna for the first time. Mesotritia cozumelensis Niedbała sp. nov. (Oribotritiidae) differs from congeners by a combination of the following characters: two pairs of parallel lateral carinae on the prodorsum; rostral setae situated between interlamellar and lamellar setae, but nearer to lamellar setae; very long exobothridial setae, five pairs of genital setae; two pairs of anal and three pairs of adanal setae; setae ad1 very long; equal distance between adanal setae. Arphthicarus simplex Niedbała sp. nov. (Steganacaridae) is distinguishable from congeners by the long line in extension of the sinus and by the distally curved rostral setae.
Does basic energy access generate socioeconomic benefits? A field experiment with off-grid solar power in India
Authors: Aklin Michaël , Bayer Patrick , Harish S. P. , Urpelainen Johannes
Published: May 2017

Basic solar microgrids can significantly improve access to electricity in an affordable manner, but they generate few socioeconomic benefits.
How birds direct impulse to minimize the energetic cost of foraging flight
Authors: Chin Diana D. , Lentink David
Published: May 2017

Parrotlets direct leg takeoff force to minimize energy costs of foraging flights across different distances and inclinations.
High-harmonic generation in graphene enhanced by elliptically polarized light excitation
Authors: Yoshikawa Naotaka , Tamaya Tomohiro , Tanaka Koichiro
Published: May 2017

Graphene takes light to a higher level

High harmonic generation is a useful nonlinear effect in which the light-matter interaction within a material results in the conversion of one wavelength to a shorter one. Typically performed in atomic gases, there is now interest in extending such a process to the solid state. Yoshikawa
et al.
pumped single-layer graphene with intense polarized pulses of infrared light to generate ultraviolet light, up to the ninth harmonic. Theoretical analysis of the process suggests that the effect could be transferred to other solid-state systems, providing a possible route to develop coherent light sources across the spectrum.

Science
, this issue p.
736
Repulsive behavior in germinal centers
Authors: Moschovakis G. Leandros , Förster Reinhold
Published: May 2017

B cell–T cell interactions are terminated by EPH receptors and ligands
Assessment of a New Lower-Cost Real-Time PCR Assay for Detection of High-Risk Human Papillomavirus: Useful for Cervical Screening in Limited-Resource Settings?
Authors: Fokom Domgue Joel , Schiffman Mark , Wentzensen Nicolas H. , Gage Julia C. , Castle Philip E. , Raine-Bennett Tina R. , Fetterman Barbara , Lorey Thomas , Poitras Nancy E. , Befano Brian , Xie Yi , Miachon Lais S. , Dean Michael
Published: May 2017

Inexpensive and easy-to-perform human papillomavirus (HPV) tests are needed for primary cervical cancer screening in lower-resource regions. In a convenience sample of 516 residual exfoliative cervical specimens from the Kaiser Permanente Northern California and U.S. National Cancer Institute Persistence and Progression Study, we assessed the agreement and clinical performance of a simple, inexpensive real-time PCR assay for the detection of 13 carcinogenic HPV types (the H13 assay; Hybribio, Hong Kong) that is marketed in limited-resource settings compared to previous testing by the Hybrid Capture 2 assay (HC2; Qiagen, Germantown, MD) and the Onclarity assay (BD Diagnostics, Sparks, MD). The test set was chosen to include many HPV-positive specimens. The reference standard was a combination of HC2 and Onclarity results for HPV detection and histologic diagnosis of controls (less than cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 [<CIN2]) or cases (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or higher [CIN2+]) for disease status. In this enriched convenience sample, H13 tested positive for 94.4% of the 108 HC2- and Onclarity-positive CIN2+ specimens and negative for 88.2% of the 51 HC2- and Onclarity-negative <CIN2 specimens. H13 positivity was significantly lower than that of HC2 among women with CIN2+ (89.9% versus 98.7%, respectively) (
P
< 0.001) and <CIN2 (53.5% versus 72.4%, respectively) (
P
< 0.001). In conclusion, H13 corresponds well to the combination of HC2 and Onclarity and has good clinical accuracy compared to histologic diagnosis, with less cross-reactivity with untargeted HPV types than HC2. H13 is a lower-cost HPV DNA test that might be useful for primary screening in limited-resource settings.
A Diverse Range of Novel RNA Viruses in Geographically Distinct Honey Bee Populations
Authors: Remnant Emily J. , Shi Mang , Buchmann Gabriele , Blacquière Tjeerd , Holmes Edward C. , Beekman Madeleine , Ashe Alyson
Published: May 2017

Understanding the diversity and consequences of viruses present in honey bees is critical for maintaining pollinator health and managing the spread of disease. The viral landscape of honey bees (
Apis mellifera
) has changed dramatically since the emergence of the parasitic mite
Varroa destructor
, which increased the spread of virulent variants of viruses such as deformed wing virus. Previous genomic studies have focused on colonies suffering from infections by
Varroa
and virulent viruses, which could mask other viral species present in honey bees, resulting in a distorted view of viral diversity. To capture the viral diversity within colonies that are exposed to mites but do not suffer the ultimate consequences of the infestation, we examined populations of honey bees that have evolved naturally or have been selected for resistance to
Varroa
. This analysis revealed seven novel viruses isolated from honey bees sampled globally, including the first identification of negative-sense RNA viruses in honey bees. Notably, two rhabdoviruses were present in three geographically diverse locations and were also present in
Varroa
mites parasitizing the bees. To characterize the antiviral response, we performed deep sequencing of small RNA populations in honey bees and mites. This provided evidence of a Dicer-mediated immune response in honey bees, while the viral small RNA profile in
Varroa
mites was novel and distinct from the response observed in bees. Overall, we show that viral diversity in honey bee colonies is greater than previously thought, which encourages additional studies of the bee virome on a global scale and which may ultimately improve disease management.

IMPORTANCE
Honey bee populations have become increasingly susceptible to colony losses due to pathogenic viruses spread by parasitic
Varroa
mites. To date, 24 viruses have been described in honey bees, with most belonging to the order
Picornavirales
. Collapsing
Varroa
-infected colonies are often overwhelmed with high levels of picornaviruses. To examine the underlying viral diversity in honey bees, we employed viral metatranscriptomics analyses on three geographically diverse
Varroa-
resistant populations from Europe, Africa, and the Pacific. We describe seven novel viruses from a range of diverse viral families, including two viruses that are present in all three locations. In honey bees, small RNA sequences indicate that these viruses are processed by Dicer and the RNA interference pathway, whereas
Varroa
mites produce strikingly novel small RNA patterns. This work increases the number and diversity of known honey bee viruses and will ultimately contribute to improved disease management in our most important agricultural pollinator.
Influenza A Virus NS1 Protein Promotes Efficient Nuclear Export of Unspliced Viral M1 mRNA
Authors: Pereira Carina F. , Read Eliot K. C. , Wise Helen M. , Amorim Maria J. , Digard Paul
Published: May 2017

Influenza A virus mRNAs are transcribed by the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase in the cell nucleus before being exported to the cytoplasm for translation. Segment 7 produces two major transcripts: an unspliced mRNA that encodes the M1 matrix protein and a spliced transcript that encodes the M2 ion channel. Export of both mRNAs is dependent on the cellular NXF1/TAP pathway, but it is unclear how they are recruited to the export machinery or how the intron-containing but unspliced M1 mRNA bypasses the normal quality-control checkpoints. Using fluorescent
in situ
hybridization to monitor segment 7 mRNA localization, we found that cytoplasmic accumulation of unspliced M1 mRNA was inefficient in the absence of NS1, both in the context of segment 7 RNPs reconstituted by plasmid transfection and in mutant virus-infected cells. This effect was independent of any major effect on steady-state levels of segment 7 mRNA or splicing but corresponded to a ∼5-fold reduction in the accumulation of M1. A similar defect in intronless hemagglutinin (HA) mRNA nuclear export was seen with an NS1 mutant virus. Efficient export of M1 mRNA required both an intact NS1 RNA-binding domain and effector domain. Furthermore, while wild-type NS1 interacted with cellular NXF1 and also increased the interaction of segment 7 mRNA with NXF1, mutant NS1 polypeptides unable to promote mRNA export did neither. Thus, we propose that NS1 facilitates late viral gene expression by acting as an adaptor between viral mRNAs and the cellular nuclear export machinery to promote their nuclear export.

IMPORTANCE
Influenza A virus is a major pathogen of a wide variety of mammalian and avian species that threatens public health and food security. A fuller understanding of the virus life cycle is important to aid control strategies. The virus has a small genome that encodes relatively few proteins that are often multifunctional. Here, we characterize a new function for the NS1 protein, showing that, as well as previously identified roles in antagonizing the innate immune defenses of the cell and directly upregulating translation of viral mRNAs, it also promotes the nuclear export of the viral late gene mRNAs by acting as an adaptor between the viral mRNAs and the cellular mRNA nuclear export machinery.
Improving bowel preparation for colonoscopy in a cost effective manner
Authors: Gardezi Syed Anjum , Tibbatts Clare
Published: May 2017

Colonoscopy is a key investigation used to exclude large bowel pathologies including surveillance for CRC (Colorectal cancer) Poor bowel preparation (bowel prep) is one of the most important factors affecting its diagnostic yield. Different formulations of bowel prep are currently in use depending upon patient tolerance, indication & co-morbidities. In University Hospital Llandough we retrospectively reviewed the outcome of colonoscopies performed over period of 3 months, in relation to the type and outcome of bowel preparations used. We implemented a change of patient instruction and pre-assessment of bowel preparation prescribed. We repeated the same measurements over 3 different cycles on 3 different occasions and compared the outcome.

We noticed that quality of bowel preparation noticeably improved from 80% to almost 93% if patients were given appropriate advice in a written format, prior to procedure. In addition to improvement in the quality of assessment & reducing the number of repeat procedures, by changing the bowel preparation product and postage methods we estimated savings of almost £150,000 for the trust in a year.
Carotid versus coronary atherosclerosis burdens in acute compared with chronic symptomatic coronary artery disease
Authors: LeBlanc Stéphanie , Bibeau Karine , Bertrand Olivier F. , Lévesque Valérie , Deschênes St-Pierre Béatrice , Pibarot Philippe , Després Jean-Pierre , Larose Eric
Published: May 2017

Prediction of coronary events remains elusive. Carotid atherosclerosis may be a surrogate for coronary risk, as carotid and coronary diseases occur simultaneously — albeit at times with a weak association — depending on clinical presentation. We investigated carotid and coronary atherosclerosis in men with new-onset unstable coronary artery disease (CAD) presenting with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) vs. long-standing severe chronic stable angina (CSA). Bilateral carotid artery and 3-vessel coronary artery atherosclerosis burdens were measured within 1 month, respectively, by 3D-volumetric carotid magnetic resonance imaging and coronary angiography-derived modified CASS-50 score. Men with STEMI (n = 50) and long-standing CSA (n = 50), matched for age, were enrolled (58.6 ± 8.8 years). All of them had carotid atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis burden was greater in the carotid arteries of STEMI vs. CSA (wall volume: 196.2 ± 44.4 vs. 169.2 ± 38.0 mm3/4 mm, p = 0.002), but greater in the coronary arteries of CSA vs. STEMI (modified CASS-50 score: 3 vs. 1, p < 0.0001). Normalized wall index (NWI) of internal carotid was associated with modified CASS-50 score in STEMI (ρ = 0.40, p = 0.022) and in CSA (ρ = −0.39, p = 0.031). Carotid atherosclerosis was observed in all CAD patients, and atherosclerosis burden in carotid and in coronary arteries varied according to clinical presentation.
BOX DIMENSION OF HADAMARD FRACTIONAL INTEGRAL OF CONTINUOUS FUNCTIONS OF BOUNDED AND UNBOUNDED VARIATION
Authors: WU XIAO ER , DU JUN HUAI
Published: May 2017

The present paper investigates fractal dimension of Hadamard fractional integral of continuous functions of bounded and unbounded variation. It has been proved that Hadamard fractional integral of continuous functions of bounded variation still is continuous functions of bounded variation. Definition of an unbounded variation point has been given. We have proved that Box dimension and Hausdorff dimension of Hadamard fractional integral of continuous functions of bounded variation are [Formula: see text]. In the end, Box dimension and Hausdorff dimension of Hadamard fractional integral of certain continuous functions of unbounded variation have also been proved to be [Formula: see text].