bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Across‐axis variations in petrophysical properties of the North Porcupine Basin, offshore Ireland: New insights from long‐streamer traveltime tomography
Authors: Prada Manel , Lavoué François , Saqab Muhammad Mudasar , O'Reilly Brian M. , Lebedev Sergei , Walsh John J. , Childs Conrad
Published: July 2018

The Porcupine Basin is a Mesozoic failed rift located in the North Atlantic margin,SWof Ireland, in which a postrift phase of extensional faulting and reactivation of synrift faults occurred during the Mid–Late Eocene. Fault zones are known to act as either conduits or barriers for fluid flow and to contribute to overpressure. Yet, little is known about the distribution of fluids and their relation to the tectono‐stratigraphic architecture of the Porcupine Basin. One way to tackle this aspect is by assessing seismic (Vp) and petrophysical (e.g., porosity) properties of the basin stratigraphy. Here, we use for the first time in the Porcupine Basin 10‐km‐long‐streamer data to perform traveltime tomography of first arrivals and retrieve the 2DVpstructure of the postrift sequence along a ~130‐km‐longEWprofile across the northern Porcupine Basin. A newVp–density relationship is derived from the exploration wells tied to the seismic line to estimate density and bulk porosity of the Cenozoic postrift sequence from the tomographic result. TheVpmodel covers the shallowest 4 km of the basin and reveals a steeper vertical velocity gradient in the centre of the basin than in the flanks. This variation together with a relatively thick Neogene and Quaternary sediment accumulation in the centre of the basin suggests higher overburden pressure and compaction compared to the margins, implying fluid flow towards the edges of the basin driven by differential compaction. TheVpmodel also reveals two prominent subvertical low‐velocity bodies on the western margin of the basin. The tomographic model in combination with the time‐migrated seismic section shows that whereas the first anomaly spatially coincides with the western basin‐bounding fault, the second body occurs within the hangingwall of the fault, where no major faulting is observed. Porosity estimates suggest that this latter anomaly indicates pore overpressure of sandier Early–Mid Eocene units. Lithological well control together with fault displacement analysis suggests that the western basin‐bounding fault can act as a hydraulic barrier for fluids migrating from the centre of the basin towards its flanks, favouring fluid compartmentalization and overpressure of sandier units of its hangingwall.
Effects of a responsible retailing mystery shop intervention on age verification by servers and clerks in alcohol outlets: A cluster randomised cross‐over trial
Authors: Grube Joel W. , DeJong William , DeJong Maureen , Lipperman‐Kreda Sharon , Krevor Brad S.
Published: July 2018

Introduction and Aims

Clerks and servers at alcohol establishments often fail to verify age. Using mystery shoppers to provide performance feedback is one approach to improving age verification. Few controlled studies have evaluated mystery shop interventions. This paper reports on a cluster randomised cross‐over trial of a mystery shop intervention in 16 communities in four US states.

Design and Methods

The intervention comprised monthly mystery shops after which clerks and servers received immediate feedback to reinforce age verification. Managers received monthly reports. Communities in each state were matched into pairs and, following a 3‐month baseline, were randomly assigned within each pair to receive the intervention beginning after the fourth (Early Intervention) or the tenth (Delayed Intervention) mystery shop. On average, 17 (range = 14–20) randomly selected on‐premises and 18 (range = 11–23) off‐premises outlets participated in each community (N = 557).

Results

Fixed effects multi‐level logistic regressions indicated that the intervention led to a two‐fold increase in the odds of age verification, odds ratio (OR) = 2.05; P < 0.001; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.76, 2.39. Overall, ID‐checking increased from an average of 80% pre‐intervention to 94–96% by the end of the program. Significant effects were found for on‐premises, OR = 1.79; P < 0.001; 95% CI 1.43, 2.24, and off‐premises establishments, OR = 2.29; P < 0.001; 95% CI 1.86, 2.82.

Discussion and Conclusions

Mystery shop interventions can increase age verification for alcohol purchases and may be an effective supplement to compliance checks and responsible beverage service programs.
The distribution of the Capital Purchase Program funds: Evidence from bank internal capital markets
Authors: Mukherjee Tarun , Pana Elisabeta
Published: July 2018

We investigate the role played by the internal capital markets of bank holding companies in the distribution of the Capital Purchase Program funds to subsidiaries. We find that while all banks used a similar internal capital allocation to support their subsidiaries, program participants transferred more capital to their subsidiaries than nonparticipants. Smaller bank subsidiaries with lower capital and earnings received more capital than other subsidiaries. Our results support the argument that the distribution of capital was done in accordance with regulatory requirements that mandate bank holding companies to act as a source of strength for their subsidiaries.
Analyzing the Efficiency of County Road Production – Evidence from Eastern German Counties
Authors: Fritzsche Carolin
Published: July 2018

This study analyzes the efficiency of the road production by local governments using data envelopment analysis. The production of roads is a costly public service, which makes an efficiency analysis in this field an interesting subject. I enhance the previous literature, first, by examining the differences in the efficiencies of eastern German counties while considering the deformation of the pavement and foundation of roads, which previous studies have not included due to data limitations. Second, I use a unique dataset on road quality for my efficiency analysis and show that the efficiency levels differ from those in studies that apply proxies, such as the number of accidents, to capture the quality of roads. These findings indicate that there is a great need to develop reliable variables to describe government services. Additionally, I show that the correlations between efficiency levels and county characteristics vary greatly depending on the quality indicator used.
Interest‐Rate Pegs in New Keynesian Models
Authors: EVANS GEORGE W. , MCGOUGH BRUCE
Published: July 2018

The conventional policy perspective is that lowering the interest rate increases output and inflation in the short run, while maintaining inflation at a higher level requires a higher interest rate in the long run. In contrast, it has been argued that a Neo‐Fisherian policy of setting an interest‐rate peg at a fixed higher level will increase the inflation rate. We show that adaptive learning argues against the Neo‐Fisherian approach. Pegging the interest rate at a higher level will induce instability and most likely lead to falling inflation and output over time. Eventually, this would precipitate a change of policy.
Diagnosis, assessment, and management of surgical complications following esophagectomy
Authors: Grimminger Peter P. , Goense Lucas , Gockel Ines , Bergeat Damien , Bertheuil Nicolas , Chandramohan Servarayan M. , Chen Ke‐neng , Chon Seung‐hon , Denis Collet , Goh Khean‐lee , Gronnier Caroline , Liu Jun‐feng , Meunier Bernard , Nafteux Phillippe , Pirchi Enrique D. , Schiesser Marc , Thieme René , Wu Aaron , Wu Peter C. , Buttar Navtej , Chang Andrew C.
Published: July 2018

Despite improvements in operative strategies for esophageal resection, anastomotic leaks, fistula, postoperative pulmonary complications, and chylothorax can occur. Our review seeks to identify potential risk factors, modalities for early diagnosis, and novel interventions that may ameliorate the potential adverse effects of these surgical complications following esophagectomy.
The predictive power of industrial electricity usage revisited: evidence from non‐parametric causality tests
Authors: Bonato Matteo , Demirer Riza , Gupta Rangan
Published: July 2018

Recent research shows that the industrial electricity usage growth rate carries predictive ability over stock market returns up to 1 year. Using the recently developed non‐parametric causality tests we show that the predictive power of industrial electricity usage can be explained by an ‘industry effect’ that is transmitted via the volatility channel. We argue that the countercyclical premium associated with industrial electricity usage growth is driven by the industry components that drive stock reversals, thus resulting in the negative relationship between today's industrial electricity usage and stock market returns in the future. The findings are in line with the notion that the returns on industry portfolios are informative about macroeconomic fundamentals and suggest that the informational value of industrial electricity usage as a business cycle variable may be an artefact of return reversals driven by past industry performance.
Validating the accuracy of an activity monitor in a visually impaired older population
Authors: Bajaj Rohan , Ramulu Pradeep , Dillon Lisa , Jakobsen Kirsten B , Tiedemann Anne , Rogers Kris , Keay Lisa
Published: July 2018

Purpose

Activity monitors have been used to objectively measure physical activity and its association with visual impairment in older adults. However, there is limited understanding of the accuracy of activity monitors in people with low vision. This study investigated the accuracy of an activity monitor compared with manual step counting in a low vision population and sought to find the most accurate placement location for the device.

Methods

We recruited 32 individuals aged 50 years and older with low vision. ActiGraph activity monitors were secured bilaterally on the wrists, ankles, and hips of each participant, who then walked a flat, linear course in their home at a comfortable pace for 4 min, using any necessary assistive device such as a long cane, support cane, or guide dog. Steps were counted using a hand‐held tally counter. ActiGraph‐measured step data from the 4‐min period were downloaded using the standard and low frequency filters at 1 epoch s−1 through ActiLife.

Results

Of the 32 participants, 20 (63%) were female, median visual acuity was 1.48 logMAR (6/180 Snellen), average age was 73 (standard deviation, S.D., 9) years, average body mass index was 28.9 (S.D. 7.0) kg m−2, and 47% of participants used an assistive device. Average distance for the test course was 10.9 (S.D. 3.4) m and participants completed an average of 368 (S.D. 68) steps during the 4 min. The number of steps recorded by the two, bilaterally‐worn devices at each location were averaged. Ankle, hip, and wrist activity monitors detected 85% (interquartile range, IQR 76–94%), 56% (IQR 39–85%), and 56% (IQR 43–69%), respectively, of directly‐observed steps when using the standard ActiGraph filter. Detected steps more closely matched directly observed steps for all placement sites when the low‐frequency ActiGraph filter was applied: 101% (IQR 99–104%) at the ankle, 94% (IQR 85–101%) at the hip, and 83% (IQR 72–94%) at the wrist. Bland‐Altman plots showed greater levels of agreement between ActiGraph‐recorded and directly‐observed steps at faster walking speeds.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that the most accurate location of activity monitor placement is the ankle and that when using the low‐frequency filter the level of agreement becomes more acceptable on the wrist and hip, in this population. Use of the low activity filter can help minimise inaccurate calculation of steps in people with low vision, particularly those who walk slowly.
TRANSPARENT TESTA 4‐mediated flavonoids negatively affect embryonic fatty acid biosynthesis in Arabidopsis
Authors: Xuan Lijie , Zhang Cuicui , Yan Tao , Wu Dezhi , Hussain Nazim , Li Zhilan , Chen Mingxun , Pan Jianwei , Jiang Lixi
Published: July 2018

Flavonoids are involved in many physiological processes in plants. TRANSPARENT TESTA 4 (TT4) acts at the first step of flavonoid biosynthesis, and the loss of TT4 function causes a lack of flavonoid. Flavonoid deficiency is reportedly the main cause of increased fatty acid content in pale‐coloured oilseeds, but details regarding the relationship between seed flavonoids and fatty acid biosynthesis are elusive. In this work, we applied a genetic strategy combined with biochemical and cytological assays to determine the effect of seed flavonoids on the biosynthesis of fatty acids in Arabidopsis thaliana. We showed that TT4‐mediated flavonoids negatively affect embryonic fatty acid biosynthesis. A crossing experiment indicated that seed flavonoid biosynthesis and the impact of this process on fatty acid biosynthesis were controlled in a maternal line‐dependent manner. Loss of TT4 function activated glycolysis in seed embryos, thereby enhancing fatty acid biosynthesis, but did not improve seed mucilage production. Moreover, loss of TT4 function reduced PIN‐FORMED 4 expression and subsequently increased auxin accumulation in embryos. Pharmacologically and genetically elevated auxin levels enhanced seed fatty acid biosynthesis. These results indicated that flavonoids affect fatty acid biosynthesis by carbon source reallocation via regulation of WRINKLE1 and auxin transport.
The interaction between DNA methylation and long non‐coding RNA during the onset of puberty in goats
Authors: Yang Chen , Gao Xiaoxiao , Ye Jing , Ding Jianping , Liu Ya , Liu Hongyu , Li Xiumei , Zhang Yunhai , Zhou Jie , Huang Weiping , Fang Fugui , Ling Yinghui
Published: July 2018

Contents

Epigenetics plays an important role in controlling female puberty. Both DNA methylation and long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNA) regulate the initiation of puberty by affecting the expression of genes related to puberty. While recent studies have indicated that DNA methylation of lncRNA represses the expression of lncRNA, its role in regulating puberty remains unclear. To explore the mechanism between DNA methylation and lncRNAs during puberty onset, we performed whole‐genome bisulphite sequencing (WGBS) and RNA‐sequencing (RNA‐seq). We found that DNA methylation was inversely correlated to gene expression levels during puberty. Methylation levels gradually decreased near the transcription initiation site and were present at high levels in the exon, intron and 3′ untranslated regions. In the promoter, lncRNA expression was negatively related to DNA methylation. We reported hypermethylation in the gene body and downstream of the lncRNA compared with upstream regions. In GO and KEGG analyses, we found enriched target genes of lncRNA, XLOC_960044 and XLOC_767346. During puberty, methylation of these genes increased while expression decreased. Our study indicates that DNA methylation of the promoter is negatively correlated with lncRNA during puberty onset, and methylation regulates the initiation of puberty via lncRNA, which provides new insight into the epigenetic mechanism of puberty onset.
Detrital clay grain coats in estuarine clastic deposits: origin and spatial distribution within a modern sedimentary system, the Gironde Estuary (south‐west France)
Authors: Virolle Maxime , Brigaud Benjamin , Bourillot Raphaël , Féniès Hugues , Portier Eric , Duteil Thibault , Nouet Julius , Patrier Patricia , Beaufort Daniel
Published: July 2018

Porosity and permeability may be preserved in deep sandstone reservoirs by clay coating (mainly chlorite) which limits quartz overgrowths. Chloritization around quartz grains results mainly from mineralogical transformations of pre‐existing clays. It is fundamental to study those clay precursors to better understand and predict the location and distribution of clay coatings in subsurface sandstones for petroleum or geothermal prospecting. This paper reports a high‐resolution analysis of the composition, distribution and fabric of clays along a modern estuary, the Gironde (south‐west France). The scale of the study ranges from thin sections, through sand bar bodies, up to the entire estuary. Results show that clays are detrital and deposited at the same time as sand grains despite strong hydrodynamic conditions. Clays bind to medium‐grained sands forming detrital clay grain coats. On average, 26% of detrital sand grains are coated along the entire length of the estuary. Coat thickness varies from 1 μm to more than 200 μm, and coat coverage exceeds 30% in some samples. The turbidity maximum zone position (surface water turbidity from 1 to 10 g l−1) in the estuary, which is controlled by seasonal variations in hydrodynamic processes, significantly impacts the location of the maximum clay content and the abundance of coated grains in sandy facies along the estuary. Flocculation in the water column results in the accumulation of suspended matter and contributes to the high turbidity in the estuary. Exopolymeric substances produced by diatoms are observed both in the field and by cryo‐scanning electron microscopy, suggesting that they may play a major role in binding detrital clay around sand grains. Finally, tidal bars and heterolithic point bars in the estuary funnel and estuarine channels are prime sedimentological targets for finding clay coatings and potentially good reservoir quality in deeply buried sandstones.
Double‐Object Constructions in Syrian Arabic
Authors: Hallman Peter
Published: July 2018

This article documents double‐object constructions in contemporary Syrian Arabic and presents an analysis of the case‐frame alternations found there. Some double‐object verbs assign accusative case to their indirect object, as in English, while others assign it dative, as in German. Yet, for both verb types, the double‐object frame productively alternates with a frame in which the indirect object occurs in a prepositional phrase. Consequently, dative has, at the same time, properties of a lexical case (it is contingent on its lexical environment) but also properties of a structural case (it is suppressed in the prepositional frame). Further, restrictions on cliticization, animacy, and idiom patterns indicate that the prepositional frame of verbs displaying a double‐object frame is derived from the underlying double‐object frame. An analysis is presented in which D‐feature checking enforces the order indirect object > direct object in the double‐object frame regardless of the case of the indirect object, and the alternation between dative, accusative, and the prepositional frame is contingent on properties of the applicative head thatθ‐licenses the indirect object.
Improvement of maternal and fetal outcomes in women with sickle cell disease treated with early prophylactic erythrocytapheresis
Authors: Vianello Alice , Vencato Elisa , Cantini Maurizio , Zanconato Giovanni , Manfrin Erminia , Zamo Alberto , Zorzi Francesco , Mazzi Filippo , Martinelli Nicola , Cavaliere Elena , Monari Francesca , Venturelli Donatella , Ferrara Francesca , Olivieri Oliviero , De Franceschi Lucia
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND

The desire for pregnancy in sickle cell disease (SCD) women has become a true challenge for hematologists, requiring a multidisciplinary approach. Erythrocytapheresis (ECP) is an important therapeutic tool in SCD, but only limited data on starting time and the effects of ECP during pregnancy are available.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

This is a double‐center retrospective cross‐sectional study on a total of 46 single pregnancies in SCD women from January 2008 to June 2017. ECP was started at 10.7 ± 5.2 weeks of gestation, and prophylactic enoxaparin (4,000 U daily) was introduced due to the reported high prevalence of thromboembolic events in pregnant SCD women.

RESULTS

The alloimmunization ratio was 2.1 per 1,000 and the alloimmunization rate was 5.6%. In early ECP‐treated SCD women, no severe vaso‐occlusive crisis, sepsis or severe infection, or preeclampsia or eclampsia were observed. We found normal umbilical arterial impedance during pregnancy, suggesting an optimal uteroplacental function in early ECP–treated SCD women. This was also supported by the improvement in newborn birthweights compared to previous studies. In our cohort, three SCD women were started later on ECP (20‐25 weeks), and gestation ended with late fetal loss. Placenta pathology documented SCD‐related damage and erythroblasts in placental vessels, indicating fetal hypoxia.

CONCLUSIONS

Collectively, our data generate a rationale to support a larger clinical trial of early ECP program in SCD pregnancy.
The Investigation of the Relationship Between the Risk Management With Creation and the Entrepreneurship of Erzurum Sport Staffs
Authors: Burmaoglu Gul Eda
Published: July 2018

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between risk management with creativity and Entrepreneurship of Erzurum sport staffs. The methodology of this research is descriptive correlational one. All employees of Erzurum sport staffs, (n=82) participated in this research. To collect the data, 3 questionnaires were used: risk management, creativity and entrepreneurship. Spearman correlation coefficient was used to get the results. The results showed that there is a significant positive relationship between risk management, with creativity and entrepreneurship of Erzurum sport staffs and among components of risk management, risk monitoring component is able to predict creativity, as well as the components of risk management.
Nonlinear Resonances of Chains of Thin Elastic Beams With Intermittent Contact
Authors: Saito Akira
Published: July 2018

This paper deals with the forced response analysis of chains of thin elastic beams that are subject to periodic external loading and frictionless intermittent contact between the beams. Our study shows that the beams show nonlinear resonances whose frequencies are the same as the linear resonant frequencies if all the beams have the same stiffness. Furthermore, it is also shown that small gaps between the beams and small deviation or mistuning in the stiffness of each beam can cause drastic changes in the nonlinear resonant frequencies of the system dynamics. The system is modeled as a semidiscrete system of piecewise-linear oscillators with multiple degrees-of-freedom (DOF) that are subject to unilateral constraints, which is derived from a finite element discretization of the beams. The resulting equations of motions are solved by a second-order numerical integration scheme, and steady-state solutions are sought for various driving frequencies. Results of parametric studies with respect to the gaps between the beams and the number of beams are presented to discuss how these parameters affect the resonant behavior of the system.
Focus and boundary effects on coarticulatory vowel nasalization in Korean with implications for cross-linguistic similarities and differences
Authors: Jang Jiyoung , Kim Sahyang , Cho Taehong
Published: July 2018

This study investigates focus and boundary effects on Korean nasal consonants and vowel nasalization. Under focus, nasal consonants lengthen in CVN# but shorten in #NVC, enhancing [nasal] vs [oral]. Vowels resist nasalization under focus, enhancing [oral]. Domain-initial nasal consonants denasalize, exercising no coarticulatory influence. Domain-final nasal consonants shorten counter to expectation, although vowel nasalization increases. Comparison with English data reveals similarities (focus-induced coarticulatory resistance) despite cross-linguistic differences in marking prominence, but it also suggests that prosodic-structural conditioning of non-contrastive vowel nasalization, albeit based on phonetic underpinnings of coarticulatory process, is fine-tuned in language-specific ways, resulting in cross-linguistic variation.
Repurposing Strategy of Atorvastatin against Trypanosoma cruzi:
In Vitro
Monotherapy and Combined Therapy with Benznidazole Exhibit Synergistic Trypanocidal Activity
Authors: Araujo-Lima C. F. , Peres R. B. , Silva P. B. , Batista M. M. , Aiub C. A. F. , Felzenszwalb I. , Soeiro M. N. C.
Published: July 2018

Statins are inhibitors of cholesterol synthesis, but other biological properties, such as antimicrobial effects, have also been assigned to them, leading to their designation as pleiotropic agents. Our goal was to investigate the activity and selectivity of atorvastatin (AVA) against
Trypanosoma cruzi
by using
in vitro
models, aiming for more effective and safer therapeutic options through drug repurposing proposals for monotherapy and therapy in combination with benznidazole (BZ).
Cell-Derived Viral Genes Evolve under Stronger Purifying Selection in Rhadinoviruses
Authors: Aswad Amr , Katzourakis Aris
Published: July 2018

Viruses and hosts have been shown to capture genes from one another as part of the evolutionary arms race. Such genes offer a natural experiment on the effects of evolutionary pressure, since the same gene exists in vastly different selective environments. However, sequences of viral homologs often bear little similarity to the original sequence, complicating the reconstruction of their shared evolutionary history with host counterparts. In this study, we use a genus of herpesviruses as a model system to comprehensively investigate the evolution of host-derived viral genes, using a synthesis of genomics, phylogenetics, selection analysis, and nucleotide and amino acid modeling.
In Vivo
Labelling of Adenovirus DNA Identifies Chromatin Anchoring and Biphasic Genome Replication
Authors: Komatsu Tetsuro , Quentin-Froignant Charlotte , Carlon-Andres Irene , Lagadec Floriane , Rayne Fabienne , Ragues Jessica , Kehlenbach Ralph H. , Zhang Wenli , Ehrhardt Anja , Bystricky Kerstin , Morin Renaud , Lagarde Jean-Michel , Gallardo Franck , Wodrich Harald
Published: July 2018

Viruses must deliver their genomes to host cells to ensure replication and propagation. Characterizing the fate of viral genomes is crucial to understand the viral life cycle and the fate of virus-derived vector tools. Here, we integrated the ANCHOR3 system, an
in vivo
DNA-tagging technology, into the adenoviral genome for real-time genome detection. ANCHOR3 tagging permitted the
in vivo
visualization of incoming genomes at the onset of infection and of replicated genomes at late phases of infection. Using this system, we show viral genome attachment to condensed host chromosomes during mitosis, identifying this mechanism as a mode of cell-to-cell transfer. We characterize the spatiotemporal organization of adenovirus replication and identify two kinetically distinct phases of viral genome replication. The ANCHOR3 system is the first technique that allows the continuous visualization of adenoviral genomes during the entire virus life cycle, opening the way for further in-depth study.
Is mid-upper arm circumference in Dutch children useful in identifying obesity?
Authors: Talma Henk , van Dommelen Paula , Schweizer Joachim J , Bakker Boudewijn , Kist-van Holthe Joana E , Chinapaw J Mai M , Hirasing Remy A
Published: July 2018

Background

Mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) is suggested as being a valid measure in detecting overweight/obesity in children and adolescents, due to the strong relation with weight. We examined this relation and compared MUAC to body mass index (BMI) according to the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) in children.

Methods

Anthropometric data including MUAC were collected in 2009 by trained healthcare professionals in the context of the fifth Dutch Nationwide Growth Study, in a sample of 6167 children (2891 boys and 3276 girls) aged 2–18 years of Dutch origin. We propose MUAC SDS cut-off values for overweight and obesity, and compared MUAC with BMI IOTF in sex-specific and age-specific categories (2–5, 6–11, 12–18 years).

Results

The area under the curve is used as a measure of diagnostic accuracy; the explained variance (R²) is good to excellent (0.88–0.94). Sensitivity ranges from 51.8% to 95.3% and specificity from 71.4% to 93.8%. Across age and gender groups, 65.1% to 89.0% participants are classified by both MUAC and BMI as normal weight, overweight or obese. We constructed three equations to predict weight using MUAC, with small differences between observed and predicted weight with an explained variance ranging from 0.88 to 0.94.

Conclusions

Compared with BMI, MUAC is a valid measure for detecting overweight and obesity and thus a good alternative for BMI. When weight has to be estimated, it can be accurately predicted using MUAC. Based on our observations, we recommend developing diagrams with international (IOTF) cut-offs for MUAC SDS similar to BMI.
Association between QTc prolongation and mortality in patients with suspected poisoning in the emergency department: a transnational propensity score matched cohort study
Authors: Schade Hansen Camilla , Pottegård Anton , Ekelund Ulf , Kildegaard Jensen Helene , Lundager Forberg Jakob , Brabrand Mikkel , Lassen Annmarie Touborg
Published: July 2018

Objectives

Poisoning is a frequent cause of admission to the emergency department (ED) and may involve drugs known to prolong the QT interval. This study aims to describe the prevalence of QTc prolongation among ED patients with suspected poisoning and to calculate the absolute and relative risk of mortality or cardiac arrest associated with a prolonged QTc interval.

Methods

We performed a register-based cohort study, including all adult first-time contacts with suspected poisoning to the ED of two Swedish hospitals (January 2010–December 2014) and two Danish hospitals (March 2013–April 2014). We used propensity score matching to calculate HRs for all-cause mortality or cardiac arrest (combined endpoint) within 30 days after contact comparing patients with a prolonged QTc interval (≥450 ms men, ≥460 ms women) with patients with a QTc interval of <440 ms.

Results

Among all first-time contacts with suspected poisoning that had an ECG recorded within 4 hours after arrival (n=3869), QTc prolongation occurred in 6.5%. The overall mortality after a 30-day follow-up period was 0.8% (95% CI 0.6 to 1.2), with an absolute risk of mortality or cardiac arrest in patients with QTc prolongation of 3.2% (95% CI 1.4 to 6.1). A prolonged QTc interval on arrival was associated with a HR of 3.6 (95% CI 1.0 to 12.2).

Conclusion

In the ED, a prolonged QTc interval in patients arriving with suspected poisoning seems to be associated with a threefold increased risk of 30-day all-cause mortality or cardiac arrest.
Media use and excess body weight among women in Nigeria: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ghose Bishwajit , Yaya Sanni
Published: July 2018

Objectives

To investigate the (1) time trends in body mass index (BMI) and (2) relationship between media use and body weight status among adult women in Nigeria. We hypothesise that higher frequency of media use is associated with higher likelihood of being overweight and obesity among adult women.

Study design

Cross-sectional.

Setting

Urban and rural settings in Nigeria.

Participants

Adult non-pregnant women aged between 15 and 49 years.

Methods

Data were derived from Nigeria Demographic and Health Surveys conducted in 2003, 2008 and 2013. The outcome variable was excess body weight (overweight and obesity), and main explanatory variables were frequency of reading newspaper, listening to radio and television (TV) viewing. Datasets were merged to perform pooled analysis, and were analysed using bivariate and multivariable regression techniques.

Results

Of the 69 401 participants, 16.2% had a BMI of 25.0–29.9 kg/m2(95% CI 15.8 to 16.6) and 6.6% had >30 kg/m2(95% CI 6.3 to 6.9). Between 2003 and 2013, the prevalence of overweight women increased by 4.1%, and that of obesity by 2.2%. Overall, radio was the most popular media followed by TV and newspaper. Respectively, 15.6% and 11.7% of the women reported using radio and TV almost every day and 30.6% and 25.1% at least once a week. In multivariable analysis, watching TV almost every day and at least once a week were associated with, respectively, 1.6 and 1.2 times higher odds of being overweight, and 2.7 and 1.5 times higher odds of being obese compared with those who never used radio. Similarly, significant associations were observed for newspaper and radio use as well.

Conclusion

The prevalence of overweight and obesity is noticeably high among Nigerian women and has been increasing steadily over the past decade. A statistically significant association exists between BMI and the use of newspaper, radio and TV. Further studies are required to develop a better understanding of the mechanisms that underlie this relationship.
The beneficial effect of natural antioxidants from olive oil with fig and date palm fruit extracts on biochemical and hematological parameters in rats treated with doxorubicin and γ-radiation
Authors: Fathy Abdallah H. , Bashandy Mohamed A. , Bashandy Samir A.E. , Mansour Ahmed M. , Azab Khaled S.
Published: July 2018

The goal of this study was to determine the possible beneficial effect of olive oil (7 g/kg) with fig (1 g/kg) and date palm fruit (1 g/kg) extracts (OFD) on the toxicity hazards of doxorubicin (DOX) and (or) γ-radiation. The DOX-treated groups received doses of 2.5 mg/kg body weight via intravenous (IV) injection weekly for four consecutive weeks. Rats in the irradiated groups were exposed to whole-body γ-radiation with fractioned doses of 2 Gy weekly for four consecutive weeks. The OFD-treated groups received two weeks of pretreatment with OFD and daily supplementation via oral gavage during the experimental period. The DOX-treated and (or) irradiated groups showed decreases in the antioxidant parameters (reduced glutathione and nitric oxide) as well as increased lipid peroxidation products. In addition, we observed changes in the lipid profile parameters, lipid risk ratios, and hematological values (erythrocyte (RBC) count, hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, hematocrit (Hct) percentage, platelet count, and total and differential leukocyte (WBC) count) in these groups compared with the control rats. The administration of OFD to DOX-treated and (or) irradiated rats significantly ameliorated the oxidative stress markers, lipid profile, risk ratios, and hematological parameters. In conclusion, OFD could be used synergistically to decrease the negative side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Dendropanax morbifera Prevents Cardiomyocyte Hypertrophy by Inhibiting the Sp1/GATA4 Pathway
Authors: Sun Simei , Li Tianyi , Jin Li , Piao Zhe Hao , Liu Bin , Ryu Yuhee , Choi Sin Young , Kim Gwi Ran , Jeong Ji Eun , Wi An Jin , Lee Song Ju , Kee Hae Jin , Jeong Myung Ho
Published: July 2018

An extract of Dendropanax morbifera branch exerts antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, and anticancer activities. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the extract in isoproterenol-induced cardiac hypertrophy. Phalloidin staining showed that treatment with the extract dramatically prevents isoproterenol-induced H9c2 cell enlargement and the expression of cardiac hypertrophic marker genes, including atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and B-type brain natriuretic peptide (BNP). Further, pretreatment with the extract decreased isoproterenol-induced GATA4 and Sp1 expression in H9c2 cells. Overexpression of Sp1 induced the expression of GATA4. The forced expression of Sp1 or its downstream target GATA4, as well as the co-transfection of Sp1 and GATA4 increased the expression of ANP, which was decreased by treatment with the extract. To further elucidate the regulation of the Sp1/GATA4-mediated expression of ANP, knockdown experiments were performed. Transfection with small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) for Sp1 or GATA4 decreased ANP expression. The extract did not further inhibit the expression of ANP reduced by the transfection of GATA4 siRNA. Sp1 knockdown did not affect the expression of ANP that was induced by the overexpression of GATA4; however, GATA4 knockdown abolished the expression of ANP that had been induced by Sp1 overexpression. The extract treatment also attenuated the isoproterenol-induced activation of p38 MAPK, ERK1/2, and JNK1. Hesperidin, catechin, 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid, and salicylic acid are the main phenolic compounds present in the extract as observed by high performance liquid chromatography. Hesperidin and 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid attenuated isoproterenol-induced cardiac hypertrophy. These findings suggest that the D. morbifera branch extract prevents cardiac hypertrophy by downregulating the activation of Sp1/GATA4 and MAPK signaling pathways.
Size and doping dependence of the phonon properties of SnO2 nanoparticles
Authors: Apostolov A. T. , Apostolova I. N. , Wesselinowa J. M.
Published: July 2018

Using a microscopic model, taking into account the spin–phonon interactions and the Green’s function technique, we have studied the phonon properties of pure and ion-doped SnO2 nanoparticles (NPs). The phonon energy of SnO2 NPs decreases whereas the damping increases with decreasing particle size. Near the Curie temperature in the NPs, there appears an anomaly in the phonon energy [Formula: see text] and damping [Formula: see text]. The phonon properties are very sensitive to the anharmonic spin–phonon interaction R. They can increase or decrease for [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text] with increasing of temperature, respectively. In dependence of the radius of the doping ions, the phonon energies [Formula: see text] could be reduced (Co, Fe, Sm, Nd) or enhanced (Cu). The phonon damping is always enhanced in the doped NPs. In summary, due to the size and temperature effects, we obtain changes in the phonon energy and damping in pure SnO2 NPs, whereas in ion-doped ones, the doping effects strengthen these properties.
A Combined Approach for the Aesthetic Management of Stained Enamel Opacities: External Bleaching Followed by Resin Infiltration
Authors: Marouane O. , Douki N. , Chtioui F.
Published: July 2018

Stained enamel opacities are frequently encountered in dental practice. However, due to the risk of unaesthetic outcome, managing such lesions by resin infiltration techniques alone is not advised. Therefore, performing external bleaching before resin infiltration procedure is mandatory to eliminate stains from the hypomineralized lesions in order to aesthetically infiltrate them. In this work, we describe clinical cases in which external bleaching and resin infiltration techniques were used for managing stained enamel hypomineralized lesions related to traumatic dental injuries and molar incisor hypomineralization. Despite the fact that this approach has some limitations, it could be concluded that external bleaching associated with the resin infiltration technique shows promising results to aesthetically manage stained enamel opacities when the stain is totally removed after bleaching.
An Analytical Study on Dynamic Response of Multiple Simply Supported Beam System Subjected to Moving Loads
Authors: Lai Zhipeng , Jiang Lizhong , Zhou Wangbao
Published: July 2018

Based on Euler–Bernoulli beam theory, first, partial differential equations were established for the vibration of multiple simply supported beams subjected to moving loads. Then, integral transforms were conducted on the spatial displacement coordinate and time in the partial differential equations, and the frequency‐domain response of multiple simply supported beams subjected to moving loads was obtained. Next, by conducting the corresponding inverse transforms on the displacement frequency‐domain responses of multiple simply supported beams, the spatial displacement time‐domain responses were obtained. Finally, to validate the analytical method reported in this paper, the dynamic response of a typical double simply supported rail‐bridge beam system of high‐speed railway in China subjected to a moving load was carried out. The results show that the analytical solution proposed in this paper is consistent with the results obtained from a finite element analysis, validating and rationalizing the analytical solution. Moreover, the system parameters were analyzed for the dynamic response of double simply supported rail‐bridge beam system in high‐speed railway subjected to a moving load with different speeds; the conclusions can be beneficial for engineering practice.
Recent Development in Ammonia Stripping Process for Industrial Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Kinidi Lennevey , Tan Ivy Ai Wei , Abdul Wahab Noraziah Binti , Tamrin Khairul Fikri Bin , Hipolito Cirilo Nolasco , Salleh Shanti Faridah
Published: July 2018

It is noteworthy to highlight that ammonia nitrogen contamination in wastewater has been reported to pose a great threat to the environment. This conventional method of remediating ammonia nitrogen contamination in wastewater applies the packed bed tower technology. Nevertheless, this technology appears to pose several application issues. Over the years, researchers have tested various types of ammonia stripping process to overcome the shortcomings of the conventional ammonia stripping technology. Along this line, the present study highlights the recent development of ammonia stripping process for industrial wastewater treatment. In addition, this study reviews ammonia stripping application for varied types of industrial wastewater and several significant operating parameters. Furthermore, this paper discusses some issues related to the conventional ammonia stripper for industrial treatment application. Finally, this study explicates the future prospects of the ammonia stripping method. This review, hence, contributes by enhancing the ammonia stripping treatment efficiency and its application for industrial wastewater treatment.
Asymptomatic Plasmodium Parasites among Adults in Eastern Uganda: A Case of Donor Blood Screening at Mbale Regional Blood Bank
Authors: Inyimai Simon Peter , Ocan Mosses , Wabwire Benjamin , Olupot-Olupot Peter
Published: July 2018

Background. There is a paucity of data on asymptomatic carriage of Plasmodium parasite among adult population in Eastern Uganda, an area of perennial high transmission of malaria. In this study, we estimated the prevalence of Plasmodium parasites in donor blood units at Mbale Regional Blood Bank (Mbale RBB), a satellite centre of the Uganda Blood Transfusion Service (UBTS). Method. This was a cross-sectional descriptive study in which 380 screened donor blood units were examined for the presence of Plasmodium parasites. A systematic random sampling technique using the interval of 7 was used in selecting the screened blood units for testing. Two experienced malaria slide microscopists (MC1 and MC2) independently examined each thick and thin blood slide under high power magnification of X400 and then X1000 as stated on the study standard operation procedure (SOP). Each slide was examined for 100 oil immersion fields before the examiner declared them negative for Plasmodium parasites. The results by each microscopist’s examination were tallied separately, and finally, the two tallies were compared. The third independent microscopist (MC3) was blinded to the results from MC1 and MC2, but whose role was to perform quality control on the slides randomly sampled and read 38 (10%) of all the slides and was available to examine any slides with inconsistent findings by MC1 or MC2. Results. All the microscopists were unanimous in all the slide readings. Five of the thick smears (1.3%) confirmed the presence of Plasmodium parasites among donor blood units. Of these, 4/5 were from male donors. Plasmodium falciparum was identified in 4 positive samples, while Plasmodium malariae was identified in one of the donor units. Conclusion. The 1.3% prevalence of Plasmodium malaria parasites in screened donor blood units represents risk of malaria blood transfusion transmitted infection and a pool of community transmittable malaria infections, respectively.
A New Integrable Variable-Coefficient 2+1-Dimensional Long Wave-Short Wave Equation and the Generalized Dressing Method
Authors: Su Ting , Dai Hui Hui
Published: July 2018

Based on the generalized dressing method, we propose a new integrable variable-coefficient 2+1-dimensional long wave-short wave equation and derive its Lax pair. Using separation of variables, we have derived the explicit solutions of the equation. With the aid of Matlab, the curves of the solutions are drawn.
Reconstruction of Medical Images Using Artificial Bee Colony Algorithm
Authors: Rusdi Nur ‘Afifah , Yahya Zainor Ridzuan , Roslan Nurshazneem , Wan Muhamad Wan Zuki Azman
Published: July 2018

The goal of this study is to assess the efficiency of Artificial Bee Colony (ABC) algorithm in finding the optimal solution of curve fitting problem specifically for medical images. Data of Computed Tomography (CT) images from two different patients were collected. The procedure of curve fitting for medical images include conversion of Digital and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) images to binary images, boundary and corner point detection, parameterization, and curve reconstruction by using ABC algorithm. Then, Sum Square Error (SSE) was used to calculate the distance of the fitted Cubic Bezier curve with the boundary of the original images. Based on the calculation and parameter tuning that had been done, the smallest error of both skulls is57.5754and28.8628, respectively. The finding of this study illustrated that the proposed method had efficiently produced fitted Bezier curve that resemble the original medical images. In addition, the used of Douglas Peucker algorithm helps to improve the performance of the proposed method since computational time can be minimized. This study had shown that the proposed method can be used as an alternative method in order to reconstruct or redesigned the medical images since it produces a small error. For future work, we are planning to explore and applied the ABC algorithm to reconstruct the missing part of the skull since it can reduce the time taken to produce the skull implant as well as reducing the cost of producing it.
Intrauterine Malnutrition Reduced Long Leptin Receptor Isoform Expression and Proinflammatory Cytokine Production in Male Rat Pulmonary Endothelial Cells Stimulated by Lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Balbino Aleksandro M. , Silva Marina M. , Azevedo Gabriela A. , Gil Noemi L. , Ferreira Renaide R. , dos Santos Leila A. , Gasparin Rebéca M. , Fernandes Liliam , Landgraf Maristella A. , Landgraf Richardt G.
Published: July 2018

Background/Aims. We have previously shown that low birth weight (LBW) rats exposed to intrauterine malnutrition have an impaired lung inflammatory response and reduced levels of inflammatory mediators; however, circulating leptin levels were not increased. We evaluated long leptin receptor isoform (ObRb) expression in lung endothelial cells from low birth weight rats and examined its role in the production of lipid mediators and cytokines. Methods. Lung endothelial cells were obtained from normal birth weight (NBW) rats or LBW rats subjected to intrauterine malnutrition. These cells were stimulated with leptin (10 ng/mL), LPS (lipopolysaccharide, 1 μg/mL), or leptin plus LPS. Six hours after stimulation, the production of inflammatory mediators (PGE2, LTB4, IL-1β, and IL-6) was evaluated using commercial ELISA kits, and Western blotting was performed to investigate p38MAPK, NF-κB, and ObRb expression. Results. Leptin increased IL-1β levels in only cells from the NBW group, whereas LPS increased PGE2 and LTB4 levels in cells from both groups; leptin addition potentiated lipid mediator production induced by LPS in the NBW group. LPS enhanced the production of IL-1β and IL-6 in only endothelial cells from NBW rats. Leptin receptor expression was decreased (63%) in endothelial cells from LBW rats. None of the stimuli increased NF-κB or p38 signaling pathway expression in cells from LBW rats. Conclusion. These results suggest that intrauterine malnutrition compromises leptin receptor expression and cytokine production in pulmonary endothelial cells stimulated by LPS; these effects seem to involve the NF-κB and p38MAPK signaling pathways.