bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial and temporal variation in subtidal molluscan diversity amongst temperate estuarine habitats
Authors: Davis Tom R. , Harasti David , Kelaher Brendan , Smith Stephen D. A.
Published: April 2017

Effective management of marine ecosystems is enhanced when detailed information on biodiversity is available. Key information to underpin management actions and conservation planning includes relationships between species assemblages and environmental gradients, and information on species distributions. We conducted a subtidal biodiversity assessment of surface‐dwelling subtidal molluscs in eight a priori defined habitat types using underwater visual censuses to quantitatively explore relationships between molluscan assemblages, and their correlation with benthic habitats and abiotic variables. In addition, variations in diversity were examined for two key habitat types (areas dominated by Dendronephthya australis and by filter feeders) over a period of 15 months to examine temporal change. We found that molluscs form distinct assemblages within subtidal habitats, but that assemblages within key habitats show inherent temporal variability. Regional (gamma) diversity of molluscs was found to result from a combination of: (i) within habitat alpha diversity, which increased with habitat complexity; (ii) between habitat beta diversity, with significant differences in molluscan assemblages amongst habitats with differing benthic growth, substrate type, and depth; and (iii) temporal beta diversity, with significant changes detected in molluscan assemblages over time. The results demonstrate how habitats and abiotic variables (principally depth and substrate type) combine to contribute to molluscan biodiversity in temperate estuaries, and illustrate the value of these factors as surrogates for surface‐dwelling subtidal molluscs in conservation planning.
Intrinsic incompatibilities evolving as a by‐product of divergent ecological selection: Considering them in empirical studies on divergence with gene flow
Authors: Kulmuni J. , Westram A. M.
Published: April 2017

The possibility of intrinsic barriers to gene flow is often neglected in empirical research on local adaptation and speciation with gene flow, for example when interpreting patterns observed in genome scans. However, we draw attention to the fact that, even with gene flow, divergent ecological selection may generate intrinsic barriers involving both ecologically selected and other interacting loci. Mechanistically, the link between the two types of barriers may be generated by genes that have multiple functions (i.e., pleiotropy), and/or by gene interaction networks. Because most genes function in complex networks, and their evolution is not independent of other genes, changes evolving in response to ecological selection can generate intrinsic barriers as a by‐product. A crucial question is to what extent such by‐product barriers contribute to divergence and speciation—that is whether they stably reduce gene flow. We discuss under which conditions by‐product barriers may increase isolation. However, we also highlight that, depending on the conditions (e.g., the amount of gene flow and the strength of selection acting on the intrinsic vs. the ecological barrier component), the intrinsic incompatibility may actually destabilize barriers to gene flow. In practice, intrinsic barriers generated as a by‐product of divergent ecological selection may generate peaks in genome scans that cannot easily be interpreted. We argue that empirical studies on divergence with gene flow should consider the possibility of both ecological and intrinsic barriers. Future progress will likely come from work combining population genomic studies, experiments quantifying fitness and molecular studies on protein function and interactions.
Precedents in Negotiated Decisions: Korea–Australia Free Trade Agreement Negotiations
Authors: Crump Larry , Moon Don
Published: April 2017

Initial random acts can be replicated and evolve into precedents, but precedents can also be built with strategic intent. Regardless of their origin, strategically applying a particular precedent or effectively refuting the relevance of a precedent can help a negotiator control decisions and achieve interdependent goals. The purposeful use of precedents has received little attention in the negotiation literature, even though using precedents can be a powerful negotiating tactic. In this study, we examine how past decisions became precedents that helped establish the Korea–Australia Free Trade Agreement of 2014 (KAFTA). We further consider how precedents established through KAFTA later influenced trade negotiations with Canada, China, India, and Japan. Following an extensive literature review and field research, we developed a two‐dimensional matrix (precedent ownership and negotiator goals) to help guide negotiators both offensively (what I want from you) and defensively (what I don't want to give you). We conclude by proposing research to enhance our understanding of temporal issues in negotiation. No previous study within the negotiation literature has examined precedents empirically.
COP1 conveys warm temperature information to hypocotyl thermomorphogenesis
Authors: Park Young‐Joon , Lee Hyo‐Jun , Ha Jun‐Ho , Kim Jae Young , Park Chung‐Mo
Published: April 2017

Plants adjust their architecture to optimize growth and reproductive success under changing climates. Hypocotyl elongation is a pivotal morphogenic trait that is profoundly influenced by light and temperature conditions. While hypocotyl photomorphogenesis has been well characterized at the molecular level, molecular mechanisms underlying hypocotyl thermomorphogenesis remains elusive. Here, we demonstrate that the E3 ubiquitin ligase CONSTITUTIVE PHOTOMORPHOGENIC 1 (COP1) conveys warm temperature signals to hypocotyl thermomorphogenesis.

To investigate the roles of COP1 and its target ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL 5 (HY5) during hypocotyl thermomorphogenesis, we employed Arabidopsis mutants that are defective in their genes. Transgenic plants overexpressing the genes were also produced. We examined hypocotyl growth and thermoresponsive turnover rate of HY5 protein at warm temperatures under both light and dark conditions.

Elevated temperatures trigger the nuclear import of COP1, thereby alleviating the suppression of hypocotyl growth by HY5. While the thermal induction of hypocotyl growth is circadian‐gated, the degradation of HY5 by COP1 is uncoupled from light responses and timing information.

We propose that thermal activation of COP1 enables coincidence between warm temperature signaling and circadian rhythms, which allows plants to gate hypocotyl thermomorphogenesis at the most profitable time at warm temperatures.
Clinical Characteristics of Fibromyalgia in a Chronic Pain Population
Authors: Gostine Mark , Davis Fred , Roberts Bradley A. , Risko Rebecca , Asmus Michael , Cappelleri Joseph C. , Sadosky Alesia
Published: April 2017

Objective

To compare fibromyalgia (FM) characteristics among patients identified in a community‐based chronic pain cohort based on traditional International Classification of Diagnoses 9th revision (ICD‐9) diagnostic coding, with that of patients identified using a novel predictive model.

Methods

This retrospective study used data collected from July 1999 to February 17, 2015, in multiple chronic pain clinics in the United States. Patients were assigned to the FM case group based on specific inclusion criteria using ICD‐9 codes or, separately, from results of a novel FM predictive model that was developed using random forest and logistic regression techniques. Propensity scoring (1:1) matched FM patients (cases) to nonmalignant chronic pain patients without FM (controls). Patient‐reported measures (eg, pain, fatigue, quality of sleep) and clinical characteristics (ie, comorbidities, procedures, and regions of pain) were outcomes for analysis.

Results

Nine ICD‐9 clinical modification diagnoses had odds ratios with large effect sizes (Cohen's d > 0.8), demonstrating the magnitude of the difference between the FM and matched non‐FM cohorts: chronic pain syndrome, latex allergy, muscle spasm, fasciitis, cervicalgia, thoracic pain, shoulder pain, arthritis, and cervical disorders (all P < 0.0001). Six diagnoses were found to have a moderate effect size (Cohen's 0.5 < d > 0.8): cystitis, cervical degeneration, anxiety, joint pain, lumbago, and cervical radiculitis.

Conclusions

The identification of multiple comorbidities, diagnoses, and musculoskeletal procedures that were significantly associated with FM may facilitate differentiation of FM patients from other conditions characterized by chronic widespread pain. Predictive modeling may enhance identification of FM patients who may otherwise go undiagnosed.
Cardiac function and cognition in older community‐dwelling cardiac patients
Authors: Eggermont Laura H.P. , Aly Mohamed F.A. , Vuijk Pieter J. , de Boer Karin , Kamp Otto , van Rossum Albert C. , Scherder Erik J.A.
Published: April 2017

Background

Cognitive deficits have been reported in older cardiac patients. An underlying mechanism for these findings may be reduced cardiac function. The relationship between cardiac function as represented by different echocardiographic measures and different cognitive function domains in older cardiac patients remains unknown.

Methods

An older (≥70 years) heterogeneous group of 117 community‐dwelling cardiac patients under medical supervision by a cardiologist underwent thorough echocardiographic assessment including left ventricular ejection fraction, cardiac index, left atrial volume index, left ventricular mass index, left ventricular diastolic function, and valvular calcification. During a home visit, a neuropsychological assessment was performed within 7.1 ± 3.8 months after echocardiographic assessment; the neuropsychological assessment included three subtests of a word‐learning test (encoding, recall, recognition) to examine one memory function domain and three executive function tests, including digit span backwards, Trail Making Test B minus A, and the Stroop colour–word test.

Results

Regression analyses showed no significant linear or quadratic associations between any of the echocardiographic functions and the cognitive function measures.

Conclusions

None of the echocardiographic measures as representative of cardiac function was correlated with memory or executive function in this group of community‐dwelling older cardiac patients. These findings contrast with those of previous studies.
The Measurement of Capital: Retrieving Initial Values from Panel Data
Authors: Chen Xi , Plotnikova Tatiana
Published: April 2017

A common problem with micro‐level analysis is that capital stock data is missing. Typically, a feasible measure of capital is calculated by accumulating investment flows from an initial value of the capital stock. As the time dimension of most disaggregated data is rather short, the choice of this initial value can have significant effects on the resulting capital estimates. Most empirical studies impute the initial value using a single arbitrary proxy. In this paper, we propose a panel data framework that assigns weighting coefficients to multiple proxy variables. We conduct a series of Monte Carlo experiments to test the performance of the proposed method and apply the method to a U.S. manufacturing dataset. The results suggest that our method improves the approximation of the capital stock and thus in turn reduces the bias in the production function estimation.
The role of thrombophilia testing in women with adverse pregnancy outcomes
Authors: Unterscheider Julia , Kane Stefan C , Cutts Briony , Savoia Helen , Said Joanne M
Published: April 2017

Key content

Thrombophilias, whether inherited or acquired, have been linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as pre‐eclampsia, placental abruption, fetal growth restriction, stillbirth, thrombosis and recurrent pregnancy loss in many but not all case–control studies.

Prospective cohort studies have confirmed that the majority of women who carry inherited thrombophilias do not experience adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Thrombophilia testing is expensive and the positive yield of such investigations, in particular with respect to informing management in a subsequent pregnancy, is low.

This review critically evaluates the benefit of thrombophilia testing in the obstetric setting and provides guidance with respect to care of women in a subsequent pregnancy following an adverse outcome.

Learning objectives

To understand the relationship between the various thrombophilias and pregnancy complications.

To appreciate the appropriate role of screening for and treating thrombophilias in the context of such pregnancy complications.

Ethical issues

Should thrombophilia testing following adverse pregnancy outcome be informed by specific factors in the clinical history?

Can placental histopathology help guide selection of women requiring further assessment?

Thrombophilias may be associated with thromboembolic complications in later life – is it therefore ethical to withhold testing in women with a history of adverse pregnancy outcomes?
Pelvic exenteration for recurrent gynaecological cancer after radiotherapy
Authors: Kolomainen Desiree F , Barton Desmond PJ
Published: April 2017

Key content

Exenterative procedures for recurrent gynaecological cancers are uncommon and present clinical challenges. A multidisciplinary approach is key to optimising patient outcome.

Surgery is undertaken in almost all cases with curative intent, and rarely with palliative intent.

Only complete histological clearance of disease (R0 resection) is associated with long‐term survival, but not in all cases.

There is an absence of level 1 evidence and national guidelines.

Learning objectives

Understand the factors that are important in case selection.

Appreciate that case selection is individualised and surgery is associated with a high morbidity and mortality rates.

Understand the two components of exenterative surgery: (1) complete resection of the cancer (R0) and (2) reconstruction/restoration of pelvic functions.

Most exenterations are performed for recurrent disease involving the central pelvis.

Recently, radical surgery has been undertaken with favourable outcomes for pelvic sidewall disease.

Ethical issues

There is a paucity of data on quality‐of‐life assessment in patients undergoing exenterative surgery for recurrent gynaecological cancers.

Prolonged survival may not translate into improved or acceptable quality of life.

Following success from the centralisation of cancer services, consideration needs to be given to commissioning exenterative procedures in fewer centres in the UK.
Early autumn soil disturbance decreases persistence of volunteer summer‐annual oilseed rape (Brassica napus)
Authors: Geddes C M , Gulden R H
Published: April 2017

Volunteer summer‐annual oilseed rape (sOSR; Brassica napus) is an ongoing concern in Canadian crop production. Large harvest seed losses and secondary dormancy in this species generate a persistent volunteer seedbank. Yield loss in subsequent crops, potential sOSR oil profile contamination and herbicide‐resistance trait introgression create a need for effective sOSR seedbank management. This field study evaluated the effects of timing and type of implement of post‐harvest soil disturbance and seeding a winter cereal on volunteer sOSR population persistence and demographic life‐stage transition rates at five locations in Manitoba, Canada. Following sOSR harvest and supplemental seed rain, seedbank densities ranged from 6770 to 15360 and 50 to 2610 seeds m−2 among sites in autumn and spring respectively. In contrast to European research on winter‐annual oilseed rape, early autumn soil disturbance, shortly after sOSR harvest, was the best strategy to decrease volunteer sOSR persistence (3% population persistence from autumn to spring, compared with 6% in zero tillage). Substantial autumn seedling recruitment (38% of the autumn seedbank) and subsequent winterkill contributed to lower population persistence. Soil disturbance in spring stimulated spring seedling recruitment compared with other disturbance timings (11% and 3% of the spring seedbank, respectively). The implement used for soil disturbance and seeding winter wheat (Triticum aestivum) had minimal effect on population persistence. This research showed that timing of post‐harvest soil disturbance should be utilised as an effective tactic to decrease population persistence of volunteer sOSR via stimulation of autumn seedling recruitment and concomitant winterkill.
Empirical Modeling for the Spot Price of Gold Based on Influencing Factors
Authors: Wang Weihe , Xia Weixuan
Published: April 2017

In light of the special roles of the price of gold on the technological and economic development as well as social aspects of human society, it is of great importance and necessity to develop a series of statistical models that, based on sound reflection of the current structure of the gold market, are able to provide valuable references for trends of the gold price. In fact, the gold price is influenced by a variety of economic factors. For forecasting purposes, it is useful to study the short- and long-run effect of direct and indirect economic factors towards the supply and demand of gold and thus the spot price of gold. To this point, this paper focuses on analyzing the individual and mutual impact of influencing factors on the gold price and, simultaneously, providing a short-term forecast of the price of gold based on the relationships with other major macroeconomic variables. While these relationships are modeled with multiple regression, forecasts of individual factors are obtained under multivariate time series models. The forecasting results are found to be accurate in a relative sense, confirming the significant impact of the factors chosen while indicating the validity of the modeling idea applied.
Prayer Determination toward Employees Performance
Authors: Wibisono Chablullah
Published: April 2017

Prayer is a consequence for person who belief to God as their duty by performing in five times a day. Those are dawn Dzuhur, Ashar, Maghrib and sobs Prayer is the pillars of Muslim, “whoever does the direction, they has heighten their religion, whoever leave means has moved down theirs. Prayer will bring positive impact to performance of human if there is good process that followed and done constantly. According to Rais (1998:60) a good way in Prayer could give good charity to Muslims itself while if not, so the charity for them must be not well. Although more Muslim people come to mosque, it doesn’t show that in society they do not do disavowal. Like have been stated by Rais (1998: 60) the answer is “because the soul of Prayer didn’t life in its person”. They might do Prayer practically and routine but don’t draw it in their daily life.Allah SWT asks Muslims to give to the poor and sick of human living in this world. It is called as zakat. like in this quote “….give zakat and give loan to Allah a goodly loan, and whatever good you send before you yourself” (Q.S.Al Muzammil: 20). This letter is not without meaning, the writer thought that there is a significant relationship in causality between prayer and zakat. Based on this theory someone who do Prayer frequently will give maximum in doing Zakat. Here, the writer can say that this Muslim categorize as success person economically. Isn’t the fac t? . In empirical way the writer can see that the social community whose actively do Prayer cannot be portrayed the same, it means that not all of them represent the positive performance. Hence, the writer interested to this topic about does prayer bring positive influence toward employee performance or conversely?The results of structural equation modelling analysis show that Prayer is directly influence on work performance with negative value. It can be indicated by a coefficient -1.35 with the probability for 0.00. it can be inferred that there is negative influence when the motivation to do Prayer are high the performance will be low. This effect isn’t relevant with the theory which stated the number of praying, Prayer and Fasting can be as much higher motivation toward the quality of performance. Those potentiality is divine asset that should be managed well in establishing the charity (Tasmara, 1995: 77). God. Give his blessing to all human with those potentialities in order to make consciousness about how pray can bring big influence to the performance. Hopefully, this article are functioned as well as finding the heighten of employee performance with Prayer suitable with Muslim studies as whole.
Sex Offender Community Notification Law Reform: A Call for More Active, Consistent, and Detailed Information about High-Risk Offenders
Authors: Beshears Michelle L. , Beshears Mike L. , Weiss Dena , Crocker Catherine D.
Published: April 2017

There has been quite a bit of controversy surrounding the enforcement of sex offender registration and community notification laws. A major argument against such laws involves the lumping of all sex offenders into a single category, which hinders offender management and public safety. Further exacerbating this problem is the fact that less than 35% of state registries provide the information necessary for citizens to make informed decisions regarding their safety, such as the victim’s age or gender. In some cases, law enforcement will go door-to-door and in other cases, community members need to look up information on their own. Misinformation and inconsistencies can cause unnecessary angst among community members. Therefore, states should consider the value of enacting uniformed legislation that is more active in its pursuit to provide consistent and detailed information about high-risk offenders and the offense(s) committed. This will better enable community members to more effectively form their own risk assessments and make better informed decisions.
State of the Art and Future Research Needs for Multiscale Analysis of Li-Ion Cells
Authors: Shah K. , Balsara N. , Banerjee S. , Chintapalli M. , Cocco A. P. , Chiu W. K. S. , Lahiri I. , Martha S. , Mistry A. , Mukherjee P. P. , Ramadesigan V. , Sharma C. S. , Subramanian V. R. , Mitra S. , Jain A.
Published: April 2017

The performance, safety, and reliability of Li-ion batteries are determined by a complex set of multiphysics, multiscale phenomena that must be holistically studied and optimized. This paper provides a summary of the state of the art in a variety of research fields related to Li-ion battery materials, processes, and systems. The material presented here is based on a series of discussions at a recently concluded bilateral workshop in which researchers and students from India and the U.S. participated. It is expected that this summary will help understand the complex nature of Li-ion batteries and help highlight the critical directions for future research.
Enhancing the Weak Signal With Arbitrary High-Frequency by Vibrational Resonance in Fractional-Order Duffing Oscillators
Authors: Yang J. H. , Sanjuán Miguel A. F. , Liu H. G.
Published: April 2017

When the traditional vibrational resonance (VR) occurs in a nonlinear system, a weak character signal is enhanced by an appropriate high-frequency auxiliary signal. Here, for the harmonic character signal case, the frequency of the character signal is usually smaller than 1 rad/s. The frequency of the auxiliary signal is dozens of times of the frequency of the character signal. Moreover, in the real world, the characteristic information is usually indicated by a weak signal with a frequency in the range from several to thousands rad/s. For this case, the weak high-frequency signal cannot be enhanced by the traditional mechanism of VR, and as such, the application of VR in the engineering field could be restricted. In this work, by introducing a scale transformation, we transform high-frequency excitations in the original system to low-frequency excitations in a rescaled system. Then, we make VR to occur at the low frequency in the rescaled system, as usual. Meanwhile, the VR also occurs at the frequency of the character signal in the original system. As a result, the weak character signal with arbitrary high-frequency can be enhanced. To make the rescaled system in a general form, the VR is investigated in fractional-order Duffing oscillators. The form of the potential function, the fractional order, and the reduction scale are important factors for the strength of VR.
Surrogate Modeling for Spatially Distributed Fuel Cell Models With Applications to Uncertainty Quantification
Authors: Shah A. A.
Published: April 2017

Detailed physics-based computer models of fuel cells can be computationally prohibitive for applications such as optimization and uncertainty quantification. Such applications can require a very high number of runs in order to extract reliable results. Approximate models based on spatial homogeneity or data-driven techniques can serve as surrogates when scalar quantities such as the cell voltage are of interest. When more detailed information is required, e.g., the potential or temperature field, computationally inexpensive surrogate models are difficult to construct. In this paper, we use dimensionality reduction to develop a surrogate model approach for high-fidelity fuel cell codes in cases where the target is a field. A detailed 3D model of a high-temperature polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell is used to test the approach. We develop a framework for using such surrogate models to quantify the uncertainty in a scalar/functional output, using the field output results. We propose a number of alternative methods including a semi-analytical approach requiring only limited computational resources.
Gravitational Wave Detection in the Introductory Lab
Authors: Burko Lior M.
Published: April 2017

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, two black holes, one of mass 36 solar masses and the other of mass 29 solar masses, were dancing their death waltz, leading to their coalescence and the emission of gravitational waves carrying away with them three solar masses of energy. More precisely, it happened 1.3 billion years ago at a distance of 410 Mpc. When the waves were emitted, the most complex life forms on Earth were eukaryotes. As the gravitational waves propagated toward Earth, it changed much. Five hundred million years after the waves were emitted, or 800 million years ago, the first multicellular life forms emerged on Earth. Earth saw the Cambrian explosion 500 million years ago. Sixty-six million years ago the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event caused the disappearance of the dinosaurs. The first modern humans appeared 250,000 years ago.
Development of a New Method for Assembling a Bipolar DC Motor as a Teaching Material
Authors: Matsumoto Yuki , Sakaki Kei , Sakaki Mamoru
Published: April 2017

A simple handmade motor is a commonly used teaching aid for explaining the theory of the DC motor in science classes around the world. Kits that can be used by children to craft a simple motor are commercially available, and videos of assembling these motors are easily found on the internet. Although the design of this motor is simple, it is unipolar, meaning that the rotor consists of a single dipole. Thus, the Lorentz force acts only on one side of the coil per revolution. This decreases the energy conversion efficiency and requires the learners to turn the rotor using their hands in order to initiate rotation.
Mobility of Amphidinium carterae Hulburt measured by high-frequency ultrasound
Authors: Kim Hansoo , Bok Tae-Hoon , Paeng Dong-Guk , Kim Juho , Nam Kweon-Ho , Lee Joon-Baek , Shah Md. Mahfuzur Rahman
Published: April 2017

The over-growth of phytoplankton causes harmful algal blooms (HABs) in marine ecological environments. Mobility measurement is important in understanding the action of HABs. In this study, the mobility of Amphidinium carterae Hulburt (A. carterae) was investigated using high-frequency ultrasound in the laboratory. Mobility in response to light was illustrated with M-mode images reconstructed from echoed signals. This study suggests that mobility of the swimming speed of A. carterae in response to light can be measured and calculated with M-mode images through high-frequency ultrasound. This finding may be helpful in understanding the fundamental behavior of HABs.
Paper of note in
Science
356
(6334)
Authors: VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: April 2017

This week’s article highlights the contribution of T cell reactivity to nonviral antigens to the success of adoptive T cell transfer in treating a virus-driven cancer.
Papers of note in
Science Translational Medicine
9
(385)
Authors: Ferrarelli Leslie K.
Published: April 2017

This week’s articles show that combining antiangiogenic therapy and immune checkpoint inhibition improves antitumor immunity.
Susceptibility Testing of Common and Uncommon Aspergillus Species against Posaconazole and Other Mold-Active Antifungal Azoles Using the Sensititre Method
Authors: Mello Enrica , Posteraro Brunella , Vella Antonietta , De Carolis Elena , Torelli Riccardo , D'Inzeo Tiziana , Verweij Paul E. , Sanguinetti Maurizio
Published: April 2017

We tested 59 common and 27 uncommon
Aspergillus
species isolates for susceptibility to the mold-active azole antifungal agents itraconazole, voriconazole, and posaconazole using the Sensititre method. The overall essential agreement with the CLSI reference method was 96.5% for itraconazole and posaconazole and was 100% for voriconazole. By the Sensititre method as well as the CLSI reference method, all of 10
A. fumigatus
isolates with a
cyp51
mutant genotype were classified as being non-wild-type isolates (MIC > epidemiological cutoff value [ECV]) with respect to triazole susceptibility.
Potential Toxicity of Polymyxins in Human Lung Epithelial Cells
Authors: Ahmed Maizbha U. , Velkov Tony , Lin Yu-Wei , Yun Bo , Nowell Cameron J. , Zhou Fanfan , Zhou Qi Tony , Chan Kim , Azad Mohammad A. K. , Li Jian
Published: April 2017

Inhaled polymyxins are of considerable utility in achieving optimal exposure in the respiratory tract for the treatment of lung infections caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-negative pathogens. Current inhaled polymyxin therapy is empirical, and often large doses are used that may lead to potential pulmonary adverse effects. This study aimed to investigate the effect of polymyxins on human lung epithelial (A549) cells. The viability of A549 cells was examined after treatment with polymyxins by flow cytometry. Activation of caspases 3, 8, and 9, expression of Fas ligand (FasL), loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, and mitochondrial oxidative stress induced by polymyxin B were evaluated. The concentration of polymyxin B required to induce 50% of maximal cell death was 1.74 mM (95% confidence interval, 1.60 to 1.90 mM). Colistin was at least 2-fold less toxic than polymyxin B, while colistimethate was nontoxic. With 2.0 mM polymyxin B, 30.6% ± 11.5% (mean ± standard deviation) of the cells were apoptotic at 8 h and this increased to 71.3% ± 3.72% at 24 h. Concentration- and time-dependent activation of caspases 3, 8, and 9 was evident, while the activation of caspase 9 was more dramatic. Furthermore, polymyxin B caused concentration- and time-dependent FasL expression, production of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species, and changes in mitochondrial membrane potential. This is the first study to demonstrate that both extrinsic death receptor and intrinsic mitochondrial pathways are involved in polymyxin-induced toxicity in A549 cells. This knowledge base is critical for the development of novel strategies for the safe and effective inhalation therapy of polymyxins against Gram-negative “superbugs.”
Fibrin sheath-associated endovascular infection of the heart: the Trojan horse of indwelling central venous catheters
Authors: Sheikh Muhammad Adil , Shokr Mohamed , Ibrahim Walid , Cardozo Shaun
Published: April 2017

Chronic indwelling central venous catheters can result in formation of fibrin sheaths increasing risk of occlusion, thrombosis and infection. Endovascular infection of right-sided heart structures induced by such sheaths is very rare. A 48-year-old woman with end-stage renal disease initially treated for diabetic ketoacidosis developed persistentStaphylococcus epidermidisbacteraemia without an identifiable source. Although transthoracic echocardiography was unremarkable, transoesophageal echocardiography revealed a fibrin sheath and vegetations in superior vena cava–right atrium junction, which was the site of the tip of a central catheter that had been removed 2 months prior, consistent with fibrin sheath-associated endovascular infection. The bacteraemia cleared and clinical improvement was seen with prolonged intravenous vancomycin. In patients with unexplained bacteraemia and history of a central catheter, rare causes of endovascular infections of right-sided heart structures like fibrin sheaths should be considered. These can persist months after catheter removal. Transoesophageal echocardiogram should be used for earlier detection.
Anorectal involvement in a patient with multiple myeloma
Authors: Russo Pedro , Tomé Ana Luisa , Capela Tiago , Bettencourt Maria João
Published: April 2017

Multiple myeloma is a neoplastic proliferation of monoclonal plasma cells. Symptomatic gastrointestinal involvement is uncommon. We report the case of a 45-year-old patient admitted with an anorectal polypoid lesion, which progressed to colonic obstruction. Investigation revealed a secondary plasmacytoma associated with multiple myeloma. We discuss the characteristics of this rare entity with poor prognosis, its clinical implications and treatment options.
Weaker lower extremity muscle strength predicts traumatic knee injury in youth female but not male athletes
Authors: Ryman Augustsson Sofia , Ageberg Eva
Published: April 2017

Background

The role of lower extremity (LE) muscle strength for predicting traumatic knee injury in youth athletes is largely unknown.

Aims

The aim was to investigate the influence of LE muscle strength on traumatic knee injury in youth female and male athletes.

Methods

225 athletes (40% females) from sport senior high schools in Sweden were included in this case–control study. The athletes recorded any traumatic knee injury that had occurred during their high-school period in a web-based injury form. A one repetition maximum (1RM) barbell squat test was used to measure LE muscle strength. The 1RM was dichotomised to analyse ‘weak’ versus ‘strong’ athletes according to the median (weakmedianvs strongmedian).

Results

63 traumatic knee injuries, including 18 ACL injuries, were registered. The majority of injured female athletes were in the weak group compared with the strong group (p=0.0001). The odds of sustaining a traumatic knee injury and an ACL injury was 9.5 times higher and 7 times higher, respectively, in the weakmediangroup compared with the strongmediangroup in females (p ≤0.011). A relative 1RM squat ≤1.05 kg (105% of bodyweight) was established as the best cut-off value to distinguish high versus low risk of injury in female athletes. No strength–injury relationships were observed for the male athletes (p ≥0.348).

Conclusions

Weaker LE muscle strength predicted traumatic knee injury in youth female athletes, but not in males. This suggests that LE muscle strength should be included in injury screening in youth female athletes.
Shared decision-making in stroke: an evolving approach to improved patient care
Authors: Armstrong Melissa J
Published: April 2017

Shared decision-making (SDM) occurs when patients, families and clinicians consider patients’ values and preferences alongside the best medical evidence and partner to make the best decision for a given patient in a specific scenario. SDM is increasingly promoted within Western contexts and is also being explored outside such settings, including in China. SDM and tools to promote SDM can improve patients’ knowledge/understanding, participation in the decision-making process, satisfaction and trust in the healthcare team. SDM has also proposed long-term benefits to patients, clinicians, organisations and healthcare systems. To successfully perform SDM, clinicians must know their patients’ values and goals and the evidence underlying different diagnostic and treatment options. This is relevant for decisions throughout stroke care, from thrombolysis to goals of care, diagnostic assessments, rehabilitation strategies, and secondary stroke prevention. Various physician, patient, family, cultural and system barriers to SDM exist. Strategies to overcome these barriers and facilitate SDM include clinician motivation, patient participation, adequate time and tools to support the process, such as decision aids. Although research about SDM in stroke care is lacking, decision aids are available for select decisions, such as anticoagulation for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation. Future research is needed regarding both cultural aspects of successful SDM and application of SDM to stroke-specific contexts.
Estimating net climate impacts of timber production and utilization in fossil fuel intensive material and energy substitution
Authors: Alam Ashraful , Strandman Harri , Kellomäki Seppo , Kilpeläinen Antti
Published: April 2017

We utilized an ecosystem model and life cycle assessment tool for studying carbon flows between the ecosystem, technosystem, and atmosphere for scenarios utilizing forest biomass (biosystem) against fossil fuel intensive materials (fossil system). The net climate impacts were studied for a Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) stand over two consecutive rotation periods (2 × 80 years) in the boreal conditions in central Finland (62°N, 29°E). The effects of alternative forest management on the carbon dynamics in the biosystem were studied in comparison with the fossil system by using an unmanaged and baseline thinning regime. The results showed that the biosystem produced carbon benefits compared with the similar system with the use of fossil fuel intensive materials and energy. The unmanaged stand stored the highest amount of carbon and retained carbon the longest when solely the ecosystem was considered. Studying the ecosystem and the technosystem together, the biosystem was found effective in storing and increasing the residence of carbon with or without changing the life span of biomass-based products. We found that the increase of the life span of biomass-based products could reduce emissions up to 0.28 t CO2·ha−1·year−1 depending on the management regimes over the study period. The increased stocking regimes could increase negative net climate impact by 47% over the study period compared with the use of baseline thinning in the biosystem. The proper climate mitigation strategies should consider the benefits from forest management and forest biomass in storing carbon into both the ecosystem and technosystem.
Mobile Systems Research with Drones
Authors: Mottola Luca , Whitehouse Kamin
Published: April 2017

Robot vehicle platforms, often called "drones," offer exciting new opportunities for mobile computing. While many systems respond to device mobility (such as smartphones), drones allow computer systems to actively control device location, allowing them to interact with the physical world in new ways and with newfound scale, efficiency, or precision.
Thermophysical Properties and Phase Behavior of Fluids for Application in Carbon Capture and Storage Processes
Authors: Trusler J.P. Martin
Published: April 2017

Phase behavior and thermophysical properties of mixtures of carbon dioxide with various other substances are very important for the design and operation of carbon capture and storage (CCS) processes. The available empirical data are reviewed, together with some models for the calculation of these properties. The systems considered in detail are, first, mixtures of carbon dioxide, water, and salts; second, carbon dioxide–rich nonelectrolyte mixtures; and third, mixtures of carbon dioxide with water and amines. The empirical data and the plethora of available models permit the estimation of key fluid properties required in the design and operation of CCS processes. The engineering community would benefit from the further development, and delivery in convenient form, of a small number of these models sufficient to encompass the component slate and operating conditions of CCS processes.
Gene and Variant Annotation for Mendelian Disorders in the Era of Advanced Sequencing Technologies
Authors: Chakravorty Samya , Hegde Madhuri
Published: April 2017

Comprehensive annotations of genetic and noncoding regions and corresponding accurate variant classification for Mendelian diseases are the next big challenge in the new genomic era of personalized medicine. Progress in the development of faster and more accurate pipelines for genome annotation and variant classification will lead to the discovery of more novel disease associations and candidate therapeutic targets. This ultimately will facilitate better patient recruitment in clinical trials. In this review, we describe the trends in research at the intersection of basic and clinical genomics that aims to increase understanding of overall genomic complexity, complex inheritance patterns of disease, and patient-phenotype-specific genomic associations. We describe the emerging field of translational functional genomics, which integrates other functional “-omics” approaches that support next-generation sequencing genomic data in order to facilitate personalized diagnostics, disease management, biomarker discovery, and medicine. We also discuss the utility of this integrated approach for diagnostic clinics and medical databases and its role in the future of personalized medicine.
Two-Step Optimization for Spatial Accessibility Improvement: A Case Study of Health Care Planning in Rural China
Authors: Luo Jing , Tian Lingling , Luo Lei , Yi Hong , Wang Fahui
Published: April 2017

A recent advancement in location-allocation modeling formulates a two-step approach to a new problem of minimizing disparity of spatial accessibility. Our field work in a health care planning project in a rural county in China indicated that residents valued distance or travel time from the nearest hospital foremost and then considered quality of care including less waiting time as a secondary desirability. Based on the case study, this paper further clarifies the sequential decision-making approach, termed “two-step optimization for spatial accessibility improvement (2SO4SAI).” The first step is to find the best locations to site new facilities by emphasizing accessibility as proximity to the nearest facilities with several alternative objectives under consideration. The second step adjusts the capacities of facilities for minimal inequality in accessibility, where the measure of accessibility accounts for the match ratio of supply and demand and complex spatial interaction between them. The case study illustrates how the two-step optimization method improves both aspects of spatial accessibility for health care access in rural China.
The Effect of Peritubal Infiltration with Bupivacaine and Morphine on Postoperative Analgesia in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy
Authors: Karaduman Isra , Karasu Derya , Yilmaz Canan , Oner Sedat , Erdem Solak Hilal , Korfali Gulsen
Published: April 2017

Objective. We aimed to investigate the effect of peritubal local anesthetic and opioid infiltration on pain scores and analgesic consumption in patients who underwent percutaneous nephrolithotomy. Material and Methods. Patients aged between 18 and 65 years and ASA I-III were included in this double-blind, randomized study. The patients were divided into two groups. All patients underwent spinoepidural anesthesia. 20 mL of 0.25 percent bupivacaine + 5 mg morphine (0.5 mL), in Group P (n=66), infiltrated the renal capsule, perinephric fat, muscles, subcutaneous tissue, and skin under fluoroscopy. In Group C (n=64), none of the patients received a peritubal injection. In the first 24 h pain scores, time of the first analgesic demand, the mean number of analgesic demands, and postoperative complications were compared between groups. Results. The mean VAS score at postoperative 8, 12, and 24 h and dynamic VAS score at postoperative 4, 8, 12, and 24 h were significantly lower in Group P. VAS score at postoperative 4 h was not significant. Time of the first analgesic demand was significantly longer in Group P. Conclusion. Our study results suggest that peritubal infiltration of bupivacaine with morphine after percutaneous nephrolithotomy is an effective method for postoperative pain control and reduces analgesic consumption.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects of the Mediterranean Diet in the Early and Late Stages of Atheroma Plaque Development
Authors: Casas Rosa , Urpi-Sardà Mireia , Sacanella Emilio , Arranz Sara , Corella Dolores , Castañer Olga , Lamuela-Raventós Rosa-María , Salas-Salvadó Jordi , Lapetra José , Portillo Maria P. , Estruch Ramón
Published: April 2017

Objective.To evaluate the long-term effects of a Mediterranean diet (MeDiet) intervention on the plasma concentrations of inflammatory and plaque stability-related molecules in elderly people at high risk for cardiovascular disease.Design and Setting. 66 participants from primary care centers affiliated with the Hospital Clinic of Barcelona were randomized into 3 groups: MeDiet plus extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) or nuts and a low-fat diet (LFD). At baseline and at 3 and 5 years, we evaluated the changes in the plasma concentrations of 24 inflammatory biomarkers related to the different stages of the atherosclerotic process by Luminex®.Results.At 3 and 5 years, both MeDiet groups showed a significant reduction of IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1, and MIP-1β(P<0.05; all) compared to LFD. IL-1β, IL-5, IL-7, IL-12p70, IL-18, TNF-α, IFN-γ, GCSF, GMCSF, and ENA78 (P<0.05; all) only decreased in the MeDiet+EVOO group and E-selectin and sVCAM-1 (P<0.05; both) in the MeDiet+nuts group.Conclusions. Long-term adherence to MeDiet decreases the plasma concentrations of inflammatory biomarkers related to different steps of atheroma plaque development in elderly persons at high cardiovascular risk.
Weekday of Surgery Affects Postoperative Complications and Long-Term Survival of Chinese Gastric Cancer Patients after Curative Gastrectomy
Authors: Li Rong , Leng Ai-min , Liu Ting , Zhou Yan-wu , Zeng Jun-xian , Liu Xiao-ming , Hu Ting-zi , Jiang Xiao-xia , Zhang Lin-fang , Xu Can-xia
Published: April 2017

Many factors have been reported to affect the long-term survival of gastric carcinoma patients after gastrectomy; the present study took the first attempt to find out the potential role of weekday carried out surgery in the postoperative prognosis of gastric cancer patients. 463 gastric cancer patients have been followed up successfully. Pearsonχ2test was used for univariate analyses. Survival curves were constructed by using Kaplan-Meier method and evaluated by using the log-rank test. The Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to find out the risk factors, and subgroup analysis was conducted to rule out confounding factors. We found that the patients who underwent gastrectomy on the later weekday (Wednesday–Friday) more easily suffered from a higher postoperative morbidity. Weekday of surgery was one of the independent indicators for the prognosis of patients after gastric cancer surgery. However, the role of weekday of surgery was significantly weakened in the complications group. In conclusion, surgery performed in the later weekday was more likely to lead to increased postoperative complications and an unfavorable role in prognosis of Chinese gastric cancer patients after curative gastrectomy.