bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi‐century stasis in C3 and C4 grass distributions across the contiguous United States since the industrial revolution
Authors: Griffith Daniel M. , Cotton Jennifer M. , Powell Rebecca L. , Sheldon Nathan D. , Still Christopher J.
Published: July 2017

Aims

Understanding the functional response of ecosystems to past global change is crucial to predicting performance in future environments. One sensitive and functionally significant attribute of grassland ecosystems is the percentage of species that use the C4 versus C3 photosynthetic pathway. Grasses using C3 and C4 pathways are expected to have different responses to many aspects of anthropogenic environmental change that have followed the industrial revolution, including increases in temperature and atmospheric CO2, changes to land management and fire regimes, precipitation seasonality, and nitrogen deposition. In spite of dramatic environmental changes over the past 300 years, it is unknown if the C4 grass percentage in grasslands has shifted.

Location

Contiguous United States of America.

Methods

Here, we used stable carbon isotope data (i.e. δ13C) from 30 years of soil samples, as well as herbivore tissues that date to 1739 CE, to reconstruct coarse‐grain C3 and C4 grass composition in North American grassland sites to compare with modern vegetation. We spatially resampled these three datasets to a shared 100‐km grid, allowing comparison of δ13C values at a resolution and extent common for climate model outputs and biogeographical studies.

Results

At this spatial grain, the bison tissue proxy was superior to the soil proxy because the soils reflect integration of local carbon inputs, whereas bison sample vegetation across landscapes. Bison isotope values indicate that historical grassland photosynthetic‐type composition was similar to modern vegetation.

Main conclusions

Despite major environmental change, comparing modern plot vegetation data to three centuries of bison δ13C data revealed that the biogeographical distribution of C3 and C4 grasses has not changed significantly since the 1700s. This is particularly surprising given the expected CO2 fertilization of C3 grasses. Our findings highlight the critical importance of capturing the full range of physiological, ecological and demographical processes in biosphere models predicting future climates and ecosystems.
Designing healthy ice creams with linear programming: An application using traditional Portuguese products
Authors: Lopes Inês , Martins Isabel , Mesquita Marta , Valença de Sousa Vasco , Ferreira‐Dias Suzana
Published: July 2017

The aim of this study was to propose a user friendly computer‐aided tool based on linear programming (LP) models to design ice creams. Using this methodology, healthy ice cream can be obtained by minimizing the calorie content of the formulations subject to nutritional and technological requirements. New requirements, proposed by ice cream developers, are added to the LP models, in particular, constraints on fiber and sugar alcohol contents, fat to protein ratio, freezing point depression factor and relative sweetness. LP models for Water Ice, Milk Ice, Ice Cream, Dairy Ice, Sorbet and Artisanal Ice Cream were formulated. These models were used to produce ice creams including traditional Portuguese products (chick pea, tomato jam, apple jam, honey, carob, Azorean green, and black teas), unusual in ice cream manufacturing. An optimization solver in Excel environment was applied to solve the models. The optimal blends were tested in an ice‐cream pilot‐plant.

Practical applications

The use of linear programming models in ice‐cream design allows a rapid examination and evaluation of all possible blend combinations and a swift determination of the best mixes in terms of calorie value. These models can be easily adapted to other objective functions (e.g. cost reduction, sensory acceptance), ingredient replacement and changes in requirement constraints. With the Solver tool from Excel, there is no need to acquire specific additional software to perform ice cream optimization. Moreover, this approach can be extended to other fields of food engineering for product development and optimization.
Adjunctive use of chromoendoscopy may improve the diagnostic performance of narrow‐band imaging for small sessile serrated adenoma/polyp
Authors: Chang Li‐Chun , Tu Chia‐Hung , Lin Been‐Ren , Shun Chia‐Tung , Hsu Weng‐Feng , Liang Jin‐Tung , Wang Hsiu‐Po , Wu Ming‐Shiang , Chiu Han‐Mo
Published: July 2017

Background and Aim

Endoscopic diagnosis of sessile serrated adenoma/polyp (SSA/P) is challenging because of their subtle appearance. Narrow‐band imaging (NBI) is useful for diagnosis, but its utility with concurrent chromoendoscopy (CE), especially to detect small SSA/P, is unproven.

Methods

This prospective study enrolled 367 consecutive patients who underwent screening colonoscopy with the finding of serrated polyps. Patients were divided into derivation and validation cohorts: Diagnostic criteria using different endoscopic modalities were generated by regression analysis in the derivation cohort and were validated in the validation cohort for sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy.

Results

There were 180 patients with 119 SSA/P and 147 hyperplastic polyps (HP) in the derivation cohort and 187 patients with 177 SSA/P and 125 HP in the validation cohort. With white‐light endoscopy plus NBI, mucus cap, surface grooves, and expanded crypt were most associated with SSA/P. With white‐light endoscopy plus CE, II‐O pit pattern, mucus cap, and superficial telangiectasia were most associated with SSA/P. With the combined use of these three modalities, II‐O pit pattern, mucus cap, and surface grooves were most associated with SSA/P. For large serrated polyp, NBI in combination with CE had a better accuracy than NBI alone (91% vs 86%, P = 0.025) to distinguish SSA/P from HP. CE alone had a better accuracy than NBI alone for distinguishing small SSA/P from small HP (85% vs 72%, P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Compared with NBI alone, adjunctive use of CE can improve the diagnostic accuracy for distinguishing SSA/P from HP, especially for small SSA/P.
Rural Veterans' dental utilization, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey, 2014
Authors: Wiener R. Constance , Shen Chan , Sambamoorthi Usha , Findley Patricia A.
Published: July 2017

Introduction

Rural residents are overrepresented in the military; however, access to Veteran services is limited in rural areas. There is a need to identify rural Veteran healthcare utilization. This study addresses that need and has two purposes: a) to determine if there is an association between rural dwelling and Veteran utilization of dental services; and b) to determine if there is an association between rural dwelling and the oral health outcome of missing teeth.

Methods

Data from the 2014 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey were used in this study. Chi square and logistic regression analyses were conducted.

Findings

Rural Veterans were less likely to have a dental visit during the previous year as compared with metropolitan Veterans in unadjusted analysis (Odds ratio = 0.71, 95% Confidence Interval, 0.64, 0.77) and in adjusted analysis [0.87 (95% Confidence Interval, 0.78, 0.96)]. In cases in which all teeth were missing, rural Veterans had an unadjusted odds ratio of 1.79 [95% Confidence Interval, 1.55, 2.08] and an adjusted odds ratio of 1.37 [95% Confidence Interval, 1.17, 1.62] as compared with metropolitan Veterans.

Discussion and policy implications

The Veterans Health Administration develops policies for establishing centers for care for Veterans. The policy development should take into consideration that rural Veterans have not been as likely as urban Veterans to utilize dental services and have poorer oral health outcomes.
Address‐Based Sampling for Recruiting Rural Subpopulations: A 2‐Phase, Multimode Approach
Authors: Thomson Tiffany L. , Nemeth Julianna M. , Peng Juan , Lu Bo , Ferketich Amy K. , Paskett Electra D. , Wewers Mary Ellen
Published: July 2017

Purpose

This article describes recruitment of a subpopulation of women in a rural area, extending an existing method of a 2‐phase address‐based sampling protocol to include a mixed‐mode approach.

Methods

Phase 1 included a household enumeration questionnaire mailed to randomly selected households (n = 1,950) in 3 Ohio Appalachian counties to identify members of the eligible subgroup. The second phase of recruitment involved contacting 1 randomly selected eligible woman enumerated by each household, based on return of the questionnaire. These women (n = 599) were invited by field interviewers to participate in a one‐time in‐person health survey.

Findings

Of the women invited to participate, a total of 408 completed the interview. Based on American Association for Public Opinion Research Response Rate 1 calculations, the response rates were 44.4% and 70.3% for phases 1 and 2, respectively. Response rates in this study were encouraging, especially for the second phase in‐person interview.

Conclusion

We discuss implications for future research using a mixed‐mode approach in this subpopulation.
Rural and Appalachian Disparities in Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Incidence and Access to Opioid Abuse Treatment
Authors: Brown Joshua D. , Goodin Amie J. , Talbert Jeffery C.
Published: July 2017

Objective

Incidence of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) is increasing due to the rise in opioid use. Rural states like Kentucky have been disproportionally impacted by opioid abuse, and this study determines NAS burden nationally and in Kentucky while quantifying differences in access to care between Appalachian and non‐Appalachian counties.

Methods

NAS rates were calculated using National (2013) and Kentucky (2008‐2014) National Inpatient Sample discharge data. Births were identified using International Classification of Diseases v9 code 779.5 and live birth codes V30.x‐V38.x. Counties were classified as rural, micropolitan, or metropolitan using census data. Proximity analysis was conducted via mapping from ZIP code centroid to nearest opioid treatment facility. Distance to treatment facilities was calculated and then compared using nonparametric testing for counties by rural and Appalachian status.

Results

NAS cases tripled from 2008 to 2014 in Kentucky counties, with a 2013 NAS rate more than double the national NAS rate. Rural and Appalachian counties experienced an NAS increase per 1,000 births that was 2‐2.5 times higher than urban/non‐Appalachian counties, with a greater number of NAS births overall in Appalachian counties. All opioid treatment facility types were further from rural patients than micropolitan/metropolitan patients (P < .001), as well as further for Appalachians versus non‐Appalachians (P < .001, all facility types).

Conclusions

NAS burden disparately affects rural and Appalachian Kentucky counties, while treatment options are disproportionately further away for these residents. Policy efforts to increase NAS prevention and encourage opioid abuse treatment uptake in pregnant women should address rural and Appalachian disparities.
Correlates of Injection Drug Use Among Rural Appalachian Women
Authors: Staton Michele , Ciciurkaite Gabriele , Havens Jennifer , Tillson Martha , Leukefeld Carl , Webster Matthew , Oser Carrie , Peteet Bridgette
Published: July 2017

Background

Limited research has focused on correlates of injection drug use (IDU) among high‐risk subgroups of drug users, particularly women, who may be at increased risk for transmission of infectious diseases such as HIV and Hepatitis C. The purpose of this study is to better understand the contextual and health correlates of IDU among women living in rural Appalachia by examining (1) differences between injectors and noninjectors, and (2) the unique correlates of recent IDU and past IDU.

Methods

This study involved random selection, screening, and face‐to‐face interviews with 400 rural Appalachian women from jails in one state. Analyses included descriptive statistics, multinomial logistic regression, and stepwise regression to identify significant correlates of recent IDU and past IDU compared to never injecting.

Results

Findings indicated that 75.3% of this randomly selected sample reported lifetime injection of drugs. Contextual factors including drug use severity (RRR = 8.66, P < .001), more male sex partners (RRR = 1.01, P < .05), and having injecting partners (RRR = 7.60, P < .001) were robust correlates of recent injection practices.

Conclusions

This study makes an important contribution to understanding factors associated with IDU among rural Appalachian women drug users, which are strongly associated with both relational and health factors. Study findings on the specific factors associated with IDU risk have important implications for tailoring and targeting interventions that should include a focus on the relationship context reducing high‐risk injection practices.
Using technology transfer offices to foster technological development: A proposal based on a combination of articles 66.2 and 67 of the TRIPS agreement
Authors: Chakroun Nefissa
Published: July 2017

The paper is based on the premise that setting up technology transfer offices (TTOs) should be envisaged as part of a more comprehensive strategy for fostering technological development. Its central argument is that developing countries will not be in a position to fully benefit from technology transfer if they suffer a lack of organisations capable of managing these transactions. Invigorating article 66.2 mainly by shifting its focus from incentives to enterprises to technical cooperation as set out by article 67 is recommended. Setting up an innovation strategy with an adequate intellectual property policy is the foundation for the creation of a sound and viable technological base. Structuring TTOs to play a key intermediary role between the producers and the receivers of the technology is fundamental. Establishing a funding mechanism and staffing TTOs are crucial aspects of the technical cooperation as much of the expertise needed in relation to technology transfer is lacking in the developing countries.
Otomanguean historical linguistics: Exploring the subgroups
Authors: Campbell Eric W.
Published: July 2017

This is the second of two articles that survey and assess progress and prospects in the historical linguistics of the Otomanguean language family, which is the most widely distributed and most diverse linguistic lineage of Mesoamerica. While considerable progress has been made in understanding the linguistic and cultural history of Otomanguean, in some ways, it remains the Mesoamerican language family about which we know the least. It consists of eight major subgroups: Mè'phàà‐Subtiaba, Chorotegan, Oto‐Pamean, Chinantec, Mixtecan, Amuzgo, Zapotecan, and Popolocan. While the first article of this series addressed the historical linguistics of the higher levels of the Otomanguean family, this article focuses on the eight major subgroups, especially progress in their reconstruction, internal subgrouping, and areas in need of further research.
Fundamentals of inferencing during reading
Authors: Cook Anne E. , O'Brien Edward J.
Published: July 2017

Over the last few decades, research on inferencing in comprehension has advanced considerably—across several cross‐disciplinary domains of study and levels of analysis. The goal of this paper was to review major theoretical approaches to inferencing, and discourse comprehension in general, as well as the evidence that these approaches generated. We then turn our focus to challenges for existing accounts of inferencing, and in doing so, we propose a new theoretical framework—the RI‐Val model. It is our hope that the points raised here will provide new directions for research in the field.
Drawing on antiracist approaches toward a critical antidiscriminatory pedagogy for nursing
Authors: Blanchet Garneau Amélie , Browne Annette J. , Varcoe Colleen
Published: July 2017

Although nursing has a unique contribution to advancing social justice in health care practices and education, and although social justice has been claimed as a core value of nursing, there is little guidance regarding how to enact social justice in nursing practice and education. In this paper, we propose a critical antidiscriminatory pedagogy (CADP) for nursing as a promising path in this direction. We argue that because discrimination is inherent to the production and maintenance of inequities and injustices, adopting a CADP offers opportunities for students and practicing nurses to develop their capacity to counteract racism and other forms of individual and systemic discrimination in health care, and thus promote social justice. The CADP we propose has the following features: it is grounded in a critical intersectional perspective of discrimination, it aims at fostering transformative learning, and it involves a praxis‐oriented critical consciousness. A CADP challenges the liberal individualist paradigm that dominates much of western‐based health care, and the culturalist and racializing processes prevalent in nursing education. It also situates nursing practice as responsive to health inequities. Thus, a CADP is a promising way to translate social justice into nursing practice and education through transformative learning.
Diapause and overwintering of two spruce bark beetle species
Authors: Schebeck Martin , Hansen E. Matthew , Schopf Axel , Ragland Gregory J. , Stauffer Christian , Bentz Barbara J.
Published: July 2017

Diapause, a strategy to endure unfavourable conditions (e.g. cold winters) is commonly found in ectothermic organisms and is characterized by an arrest of development and reproduction, a reduction of metabolic rate, and an increased resistance to adversity. Diapause, in addition to adaptations for surviving low winter temperatures, significantly influences phenology, voltinism and ultimately population growth. We review the literature on diapause and overwintering behaviour of two bark beetle species that affect spruce‐dominated forests in the northern hemisphere, and describe and compare how these strategies can influence population dynamics. The European spruce bark beetle Ips typographus (L.) (Coleoptera, Curculionidae) is the most important forest pest of Norway spruce in Europe. It enters an adult reproductive diapause that might be either facultative or obligate. Obligate diapausing beetles are considered strictly univoltine, entering this dormancy type regardless of environmental cues. Facultative diapausing individuals enter diapause induced by photoperiod, modified by temperature, thus being potentially multivoltine. The spruce beetle Dendroctonus rufipennis (Kirby) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) infests all spruce species in its natural range in North America. A facultative prepupal diapause is averted by relatively warm temperatures, resulting in a univoltine life cycle, whereas cool temperatures induce prepupal diapause leading to a semivoltine cycle. An adult obligate diapause in D. rufipennis could limit bi‐ or multivoltinism. We discuss and compare the influence of diapause and overwinter survival on voltinism and population dynamics of these two species in a changing climate and provide an outlook on future research.
RANTES levels as a determinant of falciparum malaria severity or recovery
Authors: Bujarbaruah D. , Kalita M. P. , Baruah V. , Basumatary T. K. , Hazarika S. , Begum R. H. , Medhi S. , Bose S.
Published: July 2017

The study explored the role of differential RANTES concentrations, its receptor CCR5 expression and resulting immunomodulation in the pathogenesis and/or recovery from falciparum malaria. The study population included cases of uncomplicated malaria (UC‐M, N=128, enrolled on follow‐up basis), severe malaria (SM, N=25), and healthy controls (N=112). Serum RANTES and TNF‐α levels were evaluated by ELISA. Monocyte levels and activation profile were studied by flow cytometry. Differential mRNA expression profile was studied by real‐time PCR. Blood parasite count was evaluated by registered pathologists. RANTES concentration was significantly downregulated in SM cases compared to UC‐M (P=.046) and controls (P<.001). Expression of monocyte marker mCD14, activation markers CCR5 and CD40, and downstream effector cytokine TNF‐α was significantly higher in malaria cases compared to controls, in SM cases compared to UC‐M. TNF‐α expression correlated positively with CD40 and CCR5 expressions. Follow‐up‐based analysis showed that RANTES concentrations increased on recovery compared to baseline in UC‐M cases (P=.106) and inversely correlated with malaria parasite load, mCD14, CCR5 and CD40, and TNF‐α expressions. These findings suggest an important association of RANTES concentrations in Plasmodium falciparum malaria disease pathogenesis, as well as recovery, mediated through differential modulation and regulated activation of monocytes and cytokine TNF‐α.
Practicing a Virtuous Politics: Bill Bolling and the Atlanta Community Food Bank
Authors: Thomas John Clayton
Published: July 2017

Bill Bolling created the Atlanta Community Food Bank (ACFB) in 1979 and, as its executive director from then until 2015, transformed a fledgling effort in a church basement into the “equivalent of a $100 million company.” This article tells the story of how Bolling built the ACFB from scratch, arguing that his accomplishments can be traced to his effectiveness as a political leader. The article explains how Bolling practiced a virtuous politics in building informal sources of power and in developing and applying political skills on behalf of the ACFB. In the process, the article challenges the traditional critical scholarly view of political leadership, offering Bolling as a case illustration of an emerging theory of a benevolent and effective form of political leadership.
Iridociliary cysts masquerading as neoplasia in cats: a morphologic review of 14 cases
Authors: Fragola Jessica A. , Dubielzig Richard R. , Bentley Ellison , Teixeira Leandro B. C.
Published: July 2017

Objective

To report 14 neoplasia‐free feline eyes enucleated for suspected intraocular neoplasia containing only iridociliary cysts. To analyze clinical findings that may have led veterinarians to suspect neoplasia in these globes.

Procedures

The archives at the Comparative Ocular Pathology Laboratory of Wisconsin (COPLOW) were searched to identify neoplasia‐free feline globes enucleated for suspected neoplasia. Clinical data were obtained from medical records, veterinarian surveys, and COPLOW submission forms. All samples were examined grossly and histologically.

Results

All eyes were free of neoplasia and contained one or more iridociliary cysts. Nine of 14 globes were enucleated by or based on the recommendation of a board‐certified veterinary ophthalmologist. In eight of 14 cases, the submitting clinician listed melanoma as the only suspected diagnosis; in six of 14 cases, ‘tumor’ or ‘mass’ was listed. Clinical examination revealed a darkly pigmented intraocular mass in 11 of 14 cases. The mass was clinically perceived to be within the iris in seven of 14 cases. When examined histologically, 11 of 14 eyes contained multiple cysts, 13 of 14 contained multiloculated cysts, eight of 14 had a hyperplastic iris pigmented epithelium or cysts with thick black walls, and five of 14 had cysts prolapsed into the anterior chamber.

Conclusions

Although most iridociliary cysts in cats are easily diagnosed on clinical examination, a subset may be mistaken for neoplasia. In cases of suspected iris melanoma, iridociliary cysts should be considered as a differential diagnosis, especially if a mass appears to emanate from behind the iris, dyscoria is present, or if similar changes are noted in the contralateral eye.
An original combined method for electrical conductivity measurement of polymer composites under extensional deformation
Authors: Marcourt Marjorie , Cassagnau Philippe , Fulchiron René , Rousseaux Dimitri , Lhost Olivier , Karam Simon
Published: July 2017

In the last decades, nanocomposites made of polymer matrix filled with carbon nanotube (CNT) have been a great topic of studies, particularly as concerns the rheological behavior and the electrical property under shear. In contrast, this work focuses on the deformation of the CNT network in elongated polymer melts by a combination of conductivity monitoring and extensional rheological measurement. For this specific purpose, an extensional viscosity fixture accessory of a rotational rheometer ARES has been modified to allow the sample conductivity measurement. This new setup gives access to the measurement of the electrical conductivity simultaneously with the extensional stress under extensional deformation. First results have shown that the conductivity of CNT/polystyrene nanocomposites can present a sharp decrease before the sample break and this decrease appears more rapidly for higher extensional rates and lower temperatures. The results have been correlated to experimental conditions via the introduction of the Weissenberg number.
Complete Genome Sequences of Three Representative Mycobacterium tuberculosis Beijing Family Strains Belonging to Distinct Genotype Clusters in Hanoi, Vietnam, during 2007 to 2009
Authors: Wada Takayuki , Hijikata Minako , Maeda Shinji , Hang Nguyen Thi Le , Thuong Pham Huu , Hoang Nguyen Phuong , Hung Nguyen Van , Keicho Naoto
Published: July 2017

We present here three complete genome sequences of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Beijing family strains isolated in Hanoi, Vietnam. These three strains were selected from major genotypic clusters (15-MIRU-VNTR) identified in a previous population-based study. We emphasize their importance and potential as reference strains in this Asian region.
Genome Sequence of Oxalobacter formigenes Strain HC-1
Authors: Hatch Marguerite , Allison Milton J. , Yu Fahong , Farmerie William
Published: July 2017

The lack of
Oxalobacter formigenes
colonization of the human gut has been correlated with the formation of calcium oxalate kidney stones and also with the number of recurrent kidney stone episodes. Here, we present the genome sequence of HC-1, a human strain isolated from an individual residing in Iowa, USA.
Draft Genome Sequence of Lactobacillus paracasei DmW181, a Bacterium Isolated from Wild
Drosophila
Authors: Hammer Austin J. , Walters Amber , Carroll Courtney , Newell Peter D. , Chaston John M.
Published: July 2017

The draft genome sequence of
Lactobacillus paracasei
DmW181, an anaerobic bacterium isolate from wild
Drosophila
flies, is reported here. Strain DmW181 possesses genes for sialic acid and mannose metabolism. The assembled genome is 3,201,429 bp, with 3,454 predicted genes.
Complete Genome Sequences of 15 Chikungunya Virus Isolates from Puerto Rico
Authors: Sanders Wes A. , Long Kristin , Rivera Brenda , Vincent Heather A. , Heise Mark T. , Rodriguez-Orengo Jose F. , Moorman Nathaniel J.
Published: July 2017

Here, we report the complete genome sequences of 15 chikungunya virus strains isolated from human plasma from infected patients in Puerto Rico. The results show that currently circulating chikungunya strains in Puerto Rico are closely related.
Risk factors for exertional rhabdomyolysis with renal stress
Authors: Apeland Terje , Danielsen Tore , Staal Eva M , Åsberg Anders , Thorsen Inga S , Dalsrud Tom Ole , Ørn Stein
Published: July 2017

Background

Exercise-induced rhabdomyolysis denotes the exertional damage of myocytes with leakage of sarcoplasmic content into the circulation. The purpose of this study was to determine important risk factors for the development of exertional rhabdomyolysis in a temperate climate and to study the renal effects of myoglobinuria.

Methods

A cluster of eight military recruits was admitted to hospital due to exertional rhabdomyolysis with myoglobinuria. The patients were treated according to current guidelines with isotonic saline and alkalinisation of the urine. The eight patients were compared with a randomly selected control group of 26 healthy fellow recruits. All subjects responded to a standardised questionnaire.

Results

There were little differences in baseline characteristics between patients and controls. In the present study, exercise intensity, duration and type were all significant determinants of exertional rhabdomyolysis in univariate models. However, in a multivariate model, high exercise intensity on day −1 was the only significant predictor of rhabdomyolysis (p=0.02). All patients had a stable serum creatinine and cystatin C. There was a significant increase in serum neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) in the patients, suggesting renal stress.

Conclusions

Sustained maximal intensity exercise is a crucial risk factor for rhabdomyolysis with gross pigmenturia. Elevated serum NGAL concentrations indicate the presence of renal stress. It appears to be possible to quantify the risk of rhabdomyolysis by means of a simple questionnaire. In the future, this may be used as a tool to prevent rhabdomyolysis.
Metabolomics and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder
Authors: Goldberg Erin M. , Aliani Michel
Published: July 2017

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a major public health issue that encompass an array of physical, neurological, and behavioral effects due to alcohol consumption during pregnancy. The classical biomarkers of FASD that are currently used lack sensitivity and specificity, and as such there is an opportunity through the use of novel metabolomics analysis to identify new biomarkers to identify those at risk for FASD, which could more effectively aid in early intervention. The focus of this minireview is to identify current work that is being done in the field of metabolomics in FASD in utero, and to highlight promising metabolites that could act as biomarkers in the future. We will conclude with suggestions for further research, as there is a large gap of knowledge in this particular area of metabolomics.
An Efficient Hybridization Algorithm Based Task Scheduling in Cloud Environment
Authors: Neelima P. , Rama Mohan Reddy A.
Published: July 2017

The present paper describes a hybrid self-adaptive learning global search algorithm and firefly algorithm (HSLGSAFA)-based model for task scheduling in cloud computing. The proposed hybrid model combines gravitational search algorithm (GSA), which has been successfully scheduling the task in the application, with the use of SL strategy and the FA. The basic scheme of our approach is to utilize the benefits of both SLGSA algorithm and firefly algorithm and not including their disadvantages. In HSLGSAFA, each dimension of a solution represents a task and a solution as a whole signifies all tasks’ priorities. The vital issue is how to allocate users’ tasks to exploit the income of Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) provider while promising Quality-of-Service (QoS). The generated solution is proficient to assure user-level QoS and improve IaaS providers’ credibility and economic benefit. The HSLGSAFA method also used to design the hybridization process and suitable fitness function of the corresponding task. According to the evolved results, it has been found that our algorithm always outperforms the traditional algorithms.
David Chen at PT Ijutsu
Authors: Roman Francisco L.
Published: July 2017

David Chen moved from Ijutsu Philippines to Indonesia more than three years ago to turn around an ailing pharmaceutical organization, PT Ijutsu Indonesia (PTII). As President and Director, he played a crucial role in the successful transformation of the company, particularly in setting and meeting annual growth targets. The most pressing problem Chen faced at the time was internal resistance to change. Facing the problem meant focusing on the company’s marketing and selling organization and practices, such as heavy price discounting, and on professionalizing the team. He also addressed organizational and human resource development issues as part of a review of the PTII strategy. Encouraged by his success, the head office required him to meet even more ambitious targets in the future.
Fiamchi: Fishing in Troubled Waters
Authors: Pathak Atul Arun , Singhal Manish
Published: July 2017

Abhijeet, Amit, Alok and Saumitra met recently while attending a six-month residential course on entrepreneurship at a leading management institute in eastern India and decided to start a business venture together. They formed a partnership firm named Fiamchi, and explored the opportunity of producing the Pangasius breed of catfish in either open tanks or using the cage farming method. The opportunity looked attractive. There was good demand for fish locally. Also, technical and financial support was available through various government schemes. The cost-structure was such that their venture had a good chance of making profits. However, social issues peculiar to Jharkhand state, the region where they were planning to start their venture, made their decision to go ahead a tough one. A largely uneducated, poverty stricken, nature worshiping, tribal population lived in the area. There was a possibility that the local population would oppose the project due to their social and religious beliefs. Also, the region was affected by Naxalite violence. The entrepreneurs were concerned about the impact that the social unrest and violence would have on their venture. More importantly, they were also worried that the local population would initially allow them to commence their business but cause a “hold-up” at a later stage when the investments were already made. For a business dealing in the production of a rather fragile and perishable product, this sort of a ‘hold-up’ would have serious negative implications and lead to large losses. The case discusses four strategic alternatives that the entrepreneurs need to evaluate. They can either buy peace; collaborate in government projects in the region; approach local population through a not-for-profit or non-governmental organization; or seek corporate support through the corporate social responsibility activities of a large company active in the region.
The Challenges at JSW Steel: Brand Valuation and Corporate Governance Issues
Authors: Mohanty Pitabas , Stephen Tina
Published: July 2017

The shareholders of JSW Steel received a list of 24 items that would be put to vote in the AGM of the company, to be held on 31 July, 2014 along with the annual report of the company for the 2013–14 fiscal year. Item No. 23 of this list was a surprising addition, as the company stated that the brand name ‘JSW’ belongs to a private company called JSW Investments Private Limited (JSWIPL), promoted by Ms. Sangeeta Jindal, the wife of Mr. Sajjan Jindal, the Managing Director of JSW Jindal. It further stated that henceforth JSW Steel would pay 0.25% of the net consolidated turnover to JSWIPL for the use and promotion of the brand. The stock price fell in reaction to this news.

JSW Steel justified its move by arguing that payment of royalties for the use of brand name is a common practice followed by Indian business groups. Many corporate governance experts, however, called this an abusive transaction and advised the shareholders to vote against the proposal. This case allows the examination of issues such as related party transactions and their corporate governance implications and the relevance of brand valuation for a steel company.
A ROBUST AUTOMATIC GAIT MONITORING APPROACH USING A SINGLE IMU FOR HOME-BASED APPLICATIONS
Authors: GHOBADI MOSTAFA , ESFAHANI EHSAN T.
Published: July 2017

A new approach of human activity monitoring with a single Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) capable of gait recognition and assessment is proposed for home-based applications. The method estimates the foot motion using a single IMU, then automatically segments the motion into steps, and extracts multiple kinematics templates. It classifies each segment by extracting Mahalanobis distance-based features from multiple sections of the motion templates and then training a Support Vector Machine. The proposed wearable system can distinguish between nine classes of activities with a classification accuracy of 99.6%. It can also discriminate between normal and abnormal gait patterns with an accuracy of 98.7%. In addition to a high recognition rate, the proposed approach provides a Gait Similarity Score (GSS) of the performed gait to its desired/normal pattern. The experimental results indicate the capability of GSS measure for assessing the quality of motion in “pre-”, “initial”, “mid” and “terminal” stages of swing phase.
The Panjal Traps
Authors: Shellnutt J. Gregory
Published: July 2017

The Early Permian (290 Ma) Panjal Traps are the largest contiguous outcropping of volcanic (basaltic, andesitic and silicic) rocks within the Himalaya that are associated with the Late Palaeozoic break-up of Gondwana. The basaltic Panjal Traps have compositional characteristics that range from continental tholeiite to ocean-floor basalt but it is clear that crustal contamination has played a role in their genesis. The basalts that show limited evidence for contamination have Sr–Nd isotopes (
87
Sr/
86
Sr
i
= 0.7043–0.7073; ϵ
Nd
(
t
) = 0 ± 1) similar to a chondritic (subcontinental lithospheric mantle) source, whereas the remaining basaltic rocks have a wide range of Nd (ϵ
Nd
(
t
) = −6.1 to +4.3) and Sr (
87
Sr/
86
Sr
i
= 0.7051–0.7185) isotopic values. The primary melt composition of the low-Ti Panjal Traps is picritic with mantle potential temperatures (
T
P
= 1400°C to 1450°C) similar to ambient mantle. The silicic volcanic rocks were derived by partial melting of the crust, whereas the andesitic rocks were derived by mingling between crustal and mantle melts. The Panjal Traps initially erupted within a continental rift setting. The rift eventually transitioned into a nascent ocean basin that led to seafloor spreading and the formation of the Neotethys Ocean and the ribbon-like continent Cimmeria.
Dclk1-expressing tuft cells: critical modulators of the intestinal niche?
Authors: Middelhoff Moritz , Westphalen C. Benedikt , Hayakawa Yoku , Yan Kelley S. , Gershon Michael D. , Wang Timothy C. , Quante Michael
Published: July 2017

Dclk1-expressing tuft cells constitute a unique intestinal epithelial lineage that is distinct from enterocytes, Paneth cells, goblet cells, and enteroendocrine cells. Tuft cells express taste-related receptors and distinct transcription factors and interact closely with the enteric nervous system, suggesting a chemosensory cell lineage. In addition, recent work has shown that tuft cells interact closely with cells of the immune system, with a critical role in the cellular regulatory network governing responses to luminal parasites. Importantly, ablation of tuft cells severely impairs epithelial proliferation and tissue regeneration after injury, implicating tuft cells in the modulation of epithelial stem/progenitor function. Finally, tuft cells expand during chronic inflammation and in preneoplastic tissues, suggesting a possible early role in inflammation-associated tumorigenesis. Hence, we outline and discuss emerging evidence that strongly supports tuft cells as key regulatory cells in the complex network of the intestinal microenvironment.
The carotid baroreflex modifies the pressor threshold of the muscle metaboreflex in humans
Authors: Ichinose Masashi , Ichinose-Kuwahara Tomoko , Watanabe Kazuhito , Kondo Narihiko , Nishiyasu Takeshi
Published: July 2017

The purpose of the present study was to test our hypothesis that unloading the carotid baroreceptors alters the threshold and gain of the muscle metaboreflex in humans. Ten healthy subjects performed a static handgrip exercise at 50% of maximum voluntary contraction. Contraction was sustained for 15, 30, 45, and 60 s and was followed by 3 min of forearm circulatory arrest, during which forearm muscular pH is known to decrease linearly with increasing contraction time. The carotid baroreceptors were unloaded by applying 0.1-Hz sinusoidal neck pressure (oscillating from +15 to +50 mmHg) during ischemia. We estimated the threshold and gain of the muscle metaboreflex by analyzing the relationship between the cardiovascular responses during ischemia and the amount of work done during the exercise. In the condition with unloading of the carotid baroreceptors, the muscle metaboreflex thresholds for mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) and total vascular resistance (TVR) corresponded to significantly lower work levels than the control condition (threshold for MAP: 795 ± 102 vs. 662 ± 208 mmHg and threshold for TVR: 818 ± 213 vs. 572 ± 292 kg·s, P < 0.05), but the gains did not differ between the two conditions (gain for MAP: 4.9 ± 1.7 vs. 4.4 ± 1.6 mmHg·kg·s−1·100 and gain for TVR: 1.3 ± 0.8 vs. 1.3 ± 0.7 mmHg·l−1·min−1·kg·s−1·100). We conclude that the carotid baroreflex modifies the muscle metaboreflex threshold in humans. Our results suggest the carotid baroreflex brakes the muscle metaboreflex, thereby inhibiting muscle metaboreflex-mediated pressor and vasoconstriction responses.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY We found that unloading the carotid baroreceptors shifts the pressor threshold of the muscle metaboreflex toward lower metabolic stimulation levels in humans. This finding indicates that, in the normal loading state, the carotid baroreflex inhibits the muscle metaboreflex pressor response by shifting the reflex threshold to higher metabolic stimulation levels.
Role of LTBP4 in alveolarization, angiogenesis, and fibrosis in lungs
Authors: Bultmann-Mellin Insa , Dinger Katharina , Debuschewitz Carolin , Loewe Katharina M. A. , Melcher Yvonne , Plum Miro T. W. , Appel Sarah , Rappl Gunter , Willenborg Sebastian , Schauss Astrid C. , Jüngst Christian , Krüger Marcus , Dressler Sven , Nakamura Tomoyuki , Wempe Frank , Alejandre Alcázar Miguel A. , Sterner-Kock Anja
Published: July 2017

Deficiency of the extracellular matrix protein latent transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)-binding protein-4 (LTBP4) results in lack of intact elastic fibers, which leads to disturbed pulmonary development and lack of normal alveolarization in humans and mice. Formation of alveoli and alveolar septation in pulmonary development requires the concerted interaction of extracellular matrix proteins, growth factors such as TGF-β, fibroblasts, and myofibroblasts to promote elastogenesis as well as vascular formation in the alveolar septae. To investigate the role of LTBP4 in this context, lungs of LTBP4-deficient ( Ltbp4−/−) mice were analyzed in close detail. We elucidate the role of LTBP4 in pulmonary alveolarization and show that three different, interacting mechanisms might contribute to alveolar septation defects in Ltbp4−/− lungs: 1) absence of an intact elastic fiber network, 2) reduced angiogenesis, and 3) upregulation of TGF-β activity resulting in profibrotic processes in the lung.
Cross Talk Between Adipose Tissue Cells: Impact on Pathophysiology
Authors: Schling Petra , Löffler Georg
Published: July 2017

The metabolic functionality of adipose tissue is intimately dependent on local communication between various cell types. It influences not only the equilibrium between lipogenesis and lipolysis but also between hypertrophic and hyperplastic growth, thereby determining the role adipose tissue plays in the insulin resistance syndrome.
The Basal Ganglia and Disorders of Movement: Pathophysiological Mechanisms
Authors: Obeso José A. , Rodríguez-Oroz María C. , Rodríguez Manuel , Arbizu Javier , Giménez-Amaya José M.
Published: July 2017

The basal ganglia are part of a neuronal network organized in parallel circuits. The “motor circuit” is most relevant to the pathophysiology of movement. Abnormal increment or reduction in the inhibitory output activity of basal ganglia give rise, respectively, to poverty and slowness of movement (i.e., Parkinson's disease) or dyskinesias.
New Roles for Old Holes: Ion Channel Function in Aquaporin-1
Authors: Yool Andrea J. , Weinstein Alan M.
Published: July 2017

Mammalian aquaporins are part of the diverse major intrinsic protein family of water and solute channels. Intriguing links exist in structural and functional properties between aquaporins and ion channels. A novel role for aquaporin-1 as a gated ion channel reshapes our current views of this ancient family of transmembrane channel proteins.
The Lactate Paradox in Human High-Altitude Physiological Performance
Authors: Hochachka P. W. , Beatty C. L. , Burelle Y. , Trump M. E. , McKenzie D. C. , Matheson G. O.
Published: July 2017

For many years, physiologists have puzzled over the observation that, during maximum aerobic exercise, high-altitude natives generate lower-than-expected amounts of lactate; the higher the altitude, the lower the postexercise blood lactate peak. This paradoxical situation may be caused mainly by upregulated metabolic control contributions from cell ATP demand and ATP supply pathways.
Immunodeficiency in Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma with Diabetes Revealed by Comparative Genomics
Authors: Yan Yuanqing , Gao Ruli , Trinh Thao L.P. , Grant Maria B.
Published: July 2017

Purpose: Pancreatic adenocarcinomas (PAAD) often are not diagnosed until their late stages, leaving no effective treatments. Currently, immunotherapy provides a promising treatment option against this malignancy. However, a set of immunotherapy agents benefit patients with many types of cancer, but not PAAD. Sharing the origin in the same organ, diabetes and PAAD tend to occur concurrently. We aimed to identify the impact of diabetes on immunotherapy of PAAD by conducting a comparative genomics analysis.

Experimental Design: We analyzed level 3 PAAD genomics data (RNAseq, miRNAseq, DNA methylation, somatic copy number, and somatic mutation) from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Firehose. The differential molecular profiles in PAAD with/out diabetes were performed by the differential gene expression, pathway analysis, epigenetic regulation, somatic copy-number alteration, and somatic gene mutation.

Results: Differential gene expression analysis revealed a strong enrichment of immunogenic signature genes in diabetic individuals, including PD-1 and CTLA4, that were currently targetable for immunotherapy. Pathway analysis further implied that diabetic individuals were defective in immune modulation genes. Somatic copy-number aberration (SCNA) analysis showed a higher frequency of amplification and deletion occurred in the cohort without diabetes. Integrative analysis revealed strong association between differential gene expression, and epigenetic regulations, however, seemed not affected by SCNAs. Importantly, our somatic mutation analysis showed that the occurrence of diabetes in PAAD was associated with a large set of gene mutations encoding genes participating in immune modulation.

Conclusions: Our analysis reveals the impact of diabetes on immunodeficiency in PAAD patients and provides novel insights into new therapeutic opportunities. Clin Cancer Res; 23(20); 6363–73. ©2017 AACR.