bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Food and functional dyspepsia: a systematic review
Authors: Duncanson K. R. , Talley N. J. , Walker M. M. , Burrows T. L.
Published: September 2017

Background

Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a debilitating functional gastrointestinal disorder characterised by early satiety, post‐prandial fullness or epigastric pain related to meals, which affects up to 20% of western populations. A high dietary fat intake has been linked to FD and duodenal eosinophilia has been noted in FD. We hypothesised that an allergen such as wheat is a risk factor for FD and that withdrawal will improve symptoms of FD. We aimed to investigate the relationship between food and functional dyspepsia.

Methods

Sixteen out of 6451 studies identified in a database search of six databases met the inclusion criteria of studies examining the effect of nutrients, foods and food components in adults with FD or FD symptoms.

Results

Wheat‐containing foods were implicated in FD symptom induction in six studies, four of which were not specifically investigating gluten and two that were gluten‐specific, with the implementation of a gluten‐free diet demonstrating a reduction in symptoms. Dietary fat was associated with FD in all three studies that specifically measured this association. Specific foods reported as inducing symptoms were high in either natural food chemicals, high in fermentable carbohydrates or high in wheat/gluten. Caffeine was associated with FD in four studies, although any association with alcohol was uncertain.

Conclusions

Wheat and dietary fats may play key roles in the generation of FD symptoms and reduction or withdrawal eased symptoms. Randomised trials investigating the roles of gluten, FODMAPs (fermentable oligosaccharide, disaccharide, monosaccharide and polyols) and high fat ingestion and naturally occurring food chemicals in the generation of functional dyspepsia symptoms are warranted and further investigation of the mechanisms is now required.
Evaluation of Modeling Approaches to Determine End‐of‐Life Flows Associated with Buildings: A Viennese Case Study on Wood and Contaminants
Authors: Džubur Nađa , Laner David
Published: September 2017

Dynamic material flow analysis enables the forecasting of secondary raw material potential for waste volumes in future periods, by assessing past, present, and future stocks and flows of materials in the anthroposphere. Analyses of waste streams of buildings stocks are uncertain with respect to data and model structure. Wood construction in Viennese buildings serve as a case study to compare different modeling approaches for determining end‐of‐life (EoL) wood and corresponding contaminant flows (lead, chlorine, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons). A delayed input and a leaching stock modeling approach are used to determine wood stocks and flows from 1950 until 2100. Cross‐checking with independent estimates and sensitivity analyses are used to evaluate the results’ plausibility. In the situation of the given data in the present case study, the delay approach is a better choice for historical observations of EoL wood and for analyses at a substance level. It has some major drawbacks for future predictions at the goods level, though, as the durability of a large number of historical buildings with considerably higher wood content is not reflected in the model. The wood content parameter differs strongly for the building periods and has therefore the highest influence on the results. Based on this knowledge, general recommendations can be derived for analyses on waste flows of buildings at a goods and substance level.
Effect of Simulated Mastication on the Retention of Locator Attachments for Implant‐Supported Overdentures: An In Vitro Pilot Study
Authors: Tehini Georges , Baba Nadim Z. , Berberi Antoine , Majzoub Zeina , Bassal Hussein , Rifai Khaldoun
Published: September 2017

Purpose

Limited information is currently available relative to the effect of masticatory loads on the retentive properties of Locator attachments. The aims of this in vitro study were to assess and compare the effect of simulated mastication on the retention of white, pink, and blue Locator inserts for overdentures retained by 2 implants.

Materials and Methods

Thirty specimens simulating a nonanatomic edentulous flat ridge with two implants and an overdenture were divided into 3 groups according to the color of the fitted insert: transparent clear group (n = 10), pink group (n = 10), and blue group (n = 10). Retention forces were measured in an axial direction initially and after 100,000 cycles of simulated masticatory loads. One‐way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post hoc tests were used to compare retention values and percentage retention loss between the 3 groups with significance set at p = 0.05.

Results

The 3 groups presented significant differences in retention at baseline (9.95 ± 1.91 N, 15.43 ± 4.08 N, and 41.73 ± 9.29 N for the blue, pink, and clear groups, respectively) and after simulated mastication (6.37 ± 2.64 N, 14.00 ± 3.89 N, 38.20 ± 5.11 N for the blue, pink, and clear groups, respectively). Within the same group, cyclic loading did not significantly affect retention in the clear and pink groups, while the blue inserts showed a significant retention loss (‐37%) after loading.

Conclusions

The results suggest that short‐term simulated mastication affects the extra‐light blue inserts but not the more‐retentive inserts.
Elastic labor supply and agglomeration
Authors: Ago Takanori , Morita Tadashi , Tabuchi Takatoshi , Yamamoto Kazuhiro
Published: September 2017

This study analyzes the interplay between the agglomeration of economic activities and interregional differences in working hours, which are typically longer in large cities, as they are normally more developed than small cities. For this purpose, we develop a two‐region model with endogenous labor supply. Although we assume a symmetric distribution of immobile workers, the symmetric equilibrium breaks in the sense that firms may agglomerate when trade costs are intermediate and labor supply is elastic. We also show that the price index is always lower, while labor supply, per capita income, real wages, and welfare are always higher in the more agglomerated region.
Plate pattern clarification of the marine dinophyte Heterocapsa triquetra sensu Stein (Dinophyceae) collected at the Kiel Fjord (Germany)
Authors: Tillmann Urban , Hoppenrath Mona , Gottschling Marc , Kusber Wolf‐Henning , Elbrächter Malte
Published: September 2017

One of the most common marine dinophytes is a species known as Heterocapsa triquetra. When Stein introduced the taxon Heterocapsa, he formally based the type species H. triquetra on the basionym Glenodinium triquetrum. The latter was described by Ehrenberg and is most likely a species of Kryptoperidinium. In addition to that currently unresolved nomenclatural situation, the thecal plate composition of H. triquetra sensu Stein (1883) was controversial in the past. To clarify the debate, we collected material and established the strain UTKG7 from the Baltic Sea off Kiel (Germany, the same locality as Stein had studied), which was investigated using light and electron microscopy, and whose systematic position was inferred using molecular phylogenetics. The small motile cells (18–26 μm in length) had a biconical through fusiform shape and typically were characterized by a short asymmetrically shaped, horn‐like protuberance at the antapex. A large spherical nucleus was located in the episome, whereas a single pyrenoid laid in the lower cingular plane. The predominant plate pattern was identified as apical pore complex (Po, cp?, X), 4′, 2a, 6′′, 6c, 5s, 5′′′, 2′′′′. The triradiate body scales were 254–306 nm in diameter, had 6 ridges radiating from a central spine, 9 peripheral and 3 radiating spines, and 12 peripheral bars as well as a central depression in the basal plate. Our work provides a clarification of morphological characters and a new, validly published name for this important but yet formally undescribed species of Heterocapsa: H. steinii sp. nov.
Long‐term Stability of a Compounded Suspension of Torsemide (5 mg/mL) for Oral Administration
Authors: Adin D. , Johnson P.R. , Kim C.H. , Nguyenba T. , Rosen S.
Published: September 2017

Background

Torsemide use for congestive heart failure (CHF) has been reported, but prescription frequency is unknown. Commercially available tablet sizes in North America limit dosing precision, indicating a need to evaluate its strength and stability in suspension.

Objectives

To determine the frequency of torsemide prescriptions and to determine a beyond use date (BUD) of a compounded suspension of torsemide for oral administration stored under 2 temperature conditions for 90 days.

Animals

No animals used.

Methods

Pharmacy records were retrospectively reviewed for torsemide and furosemide prescriptions from 2008 to 2015 at 2 veterinary referral centers. After preliminary strength testing, compounded torsemide suspension (5 mg/mL) for oral administration was prepared using torsemide tablets suspended in OraPlus:OraSweet 1:1, buffered to a pH of 8.3 and stored at refrigeration (2–8°C) and room temperature (20–25°C) in 2 oz amber plastic bottles. Samples were analyzed by reverse phase high‐performance liquid chromatography (RP‐HPLC) on days 0, 14, 30, 60, and 90.

Results

Prescriptions for torsemide increased from 2008 to 2015. Analysis of the torsemide 5 mg/mL suspension for oral administration at each time point met United States Pharmacopeia (USP) requirements for torsemide content of 90–110% of label claim. The average strength at 90 days decreased to 92 ± 3% at 2–8°C and 95 ± 2% at 20–25°C. Stability testing did not detect unknown impurities.

Conclusions

Increasing torsemide use warrants availability of a validated and stable compounded formulation. Our results support the assignment of a 90‐day BUD for torsemide 5 mg/mL suspension for oral administration compounded in OraPlus:Sweet 1:1 buffered to a pH of 8.3.
Caleb Cushing and the corporate romance of free trade imperialism in Washington Irving's Astoria (1836)
Authors: Johnson Kendall
Published: September 2017

In 1838 the Massachusetts congressman Caleb Cushing's invoked Washington Irving's Astoria (1836) in a Congressional speech that warned against the tyranny of British corporate monopolies and pleaded for the annexation of Oregon. This essay compares Cushing's and Irving's views on the viability of US commerce in the Far East and Far West and considers the rhetorical force of corporate form in nationalising commercial activity through narratives that portray merchant princes as heroes of free trade imperialism.
The Contemporary
Authors: Hyde Emily , Wasserman Sarah
Published: September 2017

If “the contemporary” is the heading under which scholars study recent literary, artistic, and cultural forms, what exactly is it? Is it a period? A style? A type of content – networks, finance, or climate change – that feels diagnostic of the present? For literary scholars, the contemporary is a persistently moving target. Rather than statingwhenit is, we consider critical methods of reading the contemporary alongside the objects they favor and promote. We thereby disrupt the idea of an accepted canon of contemporary fiction by showing the wide array of texts contemporary critics do in fact study. This survey covers contemporary approaches to fiction that find their starting points in the neoliberal economy, in systems and institutions, in theories of the Anthropocene and world literature, and in critical race studies. We conclude with the proliferating “posts” of contemporary literature and theory – post‐human, post‐racial, and even post‐postmodern – and with our intuitions about the temporal and historical function of literary form in contemporary fiction.
Partial Privatization of State Holding Corporations
Authors: Dong Quan , Bárcena‐Ruiz Juan Carlos , Begoña Garzón María
Published: September 2017

We consider a state holding corporation with two plants that may produce complementary or substitute goods and that competes with one or two private firms. We find that the government partially privatizes the two plants of the state holding corporation and is indifferent between selling them partially to a single investor and to different investors. However, in the former case the government retains a greater (smaller) stake in the state corporation if goods are substitutes (complements).
The impact of ischemic time on early rejection after pediatric heart transplant
Authors: Magdo H. Sonali , Friedland‐Little Joshua M. , Yu Sunkyung , Gajarski Robert J. , Schumacher Kurt R.
Published: September 2017

Prolonged graft ischemia may be a risk factor for early rejection post‐HTx, but this has not been well studied in children. Furthermore, factors moderating the association between IT and early rejection have not been investigated. From 2004 to 2012, pediatric HTx recipients (n = 2381) were identified from the UNOS database. A ROC curve determined the optimal IT discriminating patients by the presence of early rejection. Separate univariate analyses identified factors associated with: (i) early (prior to hospital discharge) rejection, and (ii) IT. A multivariable logistic regression assessed independent risk factors for early rejection. We included interaction terms to evaluate whether IT's independent risk effect on early rejection is moderated via interaction with associated factors found in univariate analysis. Longer IT was associated with an increased risk of early rejection. In multivariable analysis, IT > 3.1 hours was an independent risk factor for early rejection (AOR 1.44, P = .01). No interaction terms between IT and any associated factors were significant. Longer IT is an independent risk for early rejection in pediatric HTx recipients. Better understanding the association between IT and early rejection may identify interventions to mitigate this risk.
Prevalence and Contributors to Low‐grade Inflammation in Three U.S. Populations of Reproductive Age Women
Authors: Sjaarda Lindsey A. , Radin Rose G. , Swanson Chandra , Kuhr Daniel L. , Mumford Sunni L. , Galai Noya , Silver Robert M. , Wactawski‐Wende Jean , Perkins Neil J. , Schisterman Enrique F.
Published: September 2017

Background

Inflammation, measured by high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hsCRP), is linked to adverse reproductive outcomes. However, prevalence and predictors of low‐grade inflammation are poorly understood among reproductive age women. Therefore, the current aim was to characterize: (i) the prevalence of elevated hsCRP and (ii) whether the association of various demographic, anthropometric, life style, and metabolic characteristics with higher hsCRP varies across populations of reproductive age women with varying risk profiles for adverse reproductive outcomes.

Methods

Bivariate analysis of characteristics among women ages 18–40 having hsCRP <2.0 vs. ≥2.0 mg/L in the BioCycle Study (N = 259), the Effects of Aspirin in Gestation and Reproduction Trial (EAGeR) (N = 1228), and the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES; N = 2173) were conducted. Multivariable regression analysis estimated the association of all characteristics to hsCRP within each cohort.

Results

Prevalence of hsCRP≥2 mg/L ranged from 20 to 40%. Age, BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure, lipids, glucose, and insulin were frequently higher in women with hsCRP ≥2 mg/L. In multivariable models, however, only adiposity (BMI, waist circumference) was independently associated with hsCRP within all three cohorts. Some variables showed cohort‐specific associations with higher hsCRP: white race (EAGeR), higher fasting glucose (BioCycle), and lesser education and employment (NHANES). The total characteristics explained 28–46% of the variation in hsCRP across the three cohorts.

Conclusions

Low‐grade inflammation was common, including among predominantly non‐obese women, affecting from 20 to 40% of reproductive age women. Given the potential to reduce inflammation through inexpensive, widely available therapies, examination of the impact of chronic inflammation on reproductive and pregnancy outcomes, as well as preventive interventions, are now needed.
Re‐emergence of rabies virus maintained by canid populations in Paraguay
Authors: Amarilla A. C. F. , Pompei J. C. A. , Araujo D. B. , Vázquez F. A. , Galeano R. R. , Delgado L. M. , Bogado G. , Colman M. , Sanabria L. , Iamamoto K. , Garcia R. , Assis D. , Recalde R. , Martorelli L. F. , Quiñones E. , Cabello A. , Martini M. , Cosivi O. , Durigon E. L. , Favoretto S. R.
Published: September 2017

Paraguay has registered no human cases of rabies since 2004, and the last case in dogs, reported in 2009, was due to a variant maintained in the common vampire bat “Desmodus rotundus”. In 2014, a dog was diagnosed as positive for rabies with aggression towards a boy and all required measures of control were successfully adopted. Epidemiological investigation revealed that the dog was not vaccinated and had been attacked by a crab‐eating fox, “zorro” (Cerdocyon thous). The sample was diagnosed by the Official Veterinary Service of the Country and sent to the Center on Rabies Research from the University of São Paulo, Brazil, for antigenic and genetic characterization. A second sample from a dog positive for rabies in the same region in 2015 and 11 samples from a rabies outbreak from Asuncion in 1996 were also characterized. The antigenic profile of the samples, AgV2, was compatible with one of the variants maintained by dogs in Latin America. In genetic characterization, the samples segregated in the canine (domestic and wild species)‐related group in an independent subgroup that also included samples from Argentina. These results and the epidemiology of the case indicate that even with the control of rabies in domestic animals, the virus can still circulate in wildlife and may be transmitted to domestic animals and humans, demonstrating the importance of continuous and improved surveillance and control of rabies, including in wild species, to prevent outbreaks in controlled areas.
Corrigendum: Local and global structure of connections on nonarchimedean curves
Authors: Kedlaya Kiran S. , Shiho Atsushi
Published: September 2017

We correct some statements and proofs of K. S. Kedlaya [Local and global structure of connections on nonarchimedean curves, Compos. Math. 151 (2015), 1096–1156]. To summarize, Proposition 1.1.2 is false as written, and we provide here a corrected statement and proof (and a corresponding modification of Remark 1.1.3); the proofs of Theorem 2.3.17 and Theorem 3.8.16, which rely on Proposition 1.1.2, are corrected accordingly; some missing details in the proofs of Theorem 3.4.20 and Theorem 3.4.22 are filled in; and a few much more minor corrections are recorded.
The Lattice Boltzmann Investigation for the Melting Process of Phase Change Material in an Inclined Cavity
Authors: Rao Zhonghao , Huo Yutao , Li Yimin
Published: September 2017

The solid–liquid phase change process is of importance in the usage of phase change material (PCM). In this paper, the phase change lattice Boltzmann (LB) model has been used to investigate the solid–liquid phase change in an inclined cavity. Three heat flux distributions applied to the left wall are investigated: uniform distribution, linear distribution, and parabolic symmetry distribution. The results show that for all the heat flux distributions, the slight clockwise rotation of the cavity can accelerate the melting process. Furthermore, when more heat is transferred to the cavity through the middle part (parabolic symmetry distribution) or bottom part (linear distribution) of left wall, clockwise rotation of cavity leads to larger temperature of PCM.
Effects of Nozzle Helmholtz Number on Indirect Combustion Noise by Compositional Perturbations
Authors: Magri Luca , O'Brien Jeffrey , Ihme Matthias
Published: September 2017

By modeling a multicomponent gas, a new source of indirect combustion noise is identified, which is named compositional indirect noise. The advection of mixture inhomogeneities exiting the gas-turbine combustion chamber through subsonic and supersonic nozzles is shown to be an acoustic dipole source of sound. The level of mixture inhomogeneity is described by a difference in composition with the mixture fraction. An n-dodecane mixture, which is a kerosene fuel relevant to aeronautics, is used to evaluate the level of compositional noise. By relaxing the compact-nozzle assumption, the indirect noise is numerically calculated for Helmholtz numbers up to 2 in nozzles with linear velocity profile. The compact-nozzle limit is discussed. Only in this limit, it is possible to derive analytical transfer functions for (i) the noise emitted by the nozzle and (ii) the acoustics traveling back to the combustion chamber generated by accelerated compositional inhomogeneities. The former contributes to noise pollution, whereas the latter has the potential to induce thermoacoustic oscillations. It is shown that the compositional indirect noise can be at least as large as the direct noise and entropy noise in choked nozzles and lean mixtures. As the frequency with which the compositional inhomogeneities enter the nozzle increases, or as the nozzle spatial length increases, the level of compositional noise decreases, with a similar, but not equal, trend to the entropy noise. The noisiest configuration is found to be a compact supersonic nozzle.
Identification of two potential whale calls in the southern Indian Ocean, and their geographic and seasonal occurrence
Authors: Leroy Emmanuelle C. , Samaran Flore , Bonnel Julien , Royer Jean-Yves
Published: September 2017

Since passive acoustic monitoring is widely used, unidentified acoustic signals from marine mammals are commonly reported. The signal characteristics and emission patterns are the main clues to identify the possible sources. In this study, the authors describe two previously unidentified sounds, recorded at up to five widely-spaced sites (30 × 30 degree area) in the southern Indian Ocean, in 2007 and between 2010 and 2015. The first reported signal (M-call) consists of a single tonal unit near 22 Hz and lasting about 10 s, repeated with an interval longer than 2 min. This signal is only detected in 2007. The second signal (P-call) is also a tonal unit of 10 s, repeated every 160 s, but at a frequency near 27 Hz. Its yearly number increased greatly between 2007 and 2010, and moderately since then. Based on their characteristics and seasonal patterns, this study shows that both signals are clearly distinct from any known calls of blue whale subspecies and populations dwelling in the southern Indian Ocean. However, they display similarities with blue whale vocalizations. More particularly, the P-call can be mistaken for the first tonal unit of the Antarctic blue whale Z-call.
Combining passive acoustics and imaging sonar techniques to study sperm whales' foraging strategies
Authors: Giorli Giacomo , Au Whitlow W. L.
Published: September 2017

Sperm whales forage in the deep ocean, hunting for squid. An innovative approach for the study of sperm whale foraging behavior and habitat selection is reported in this letter. A DIDSON imaging sonar mounted on a profiler with a conductivity, temperature, and depth sensor was used to count and measure potential prey in the deep ocean during sperm whales' acoustical foraging encounters in Hawaii. Preliminary results show how this technique can be applied to the study of deep diving whale foraging and habitat selection. Sperm whales foraged where the density of prey decreased with depth and where the size of prey increased with depth.
Mitotic transcription and waves of gene reactivation during mitotic exit
Authors: Palozola Katherine C. , Donahue Greg , Liu Hong , Grant Gregory R. , Becker Justin S. , Cote Allison , Yu Hongtao , Raj Arjun , Zaret Kenneth S.
Published: September 2017

Gene expression during mitosis

During mitosis, long-range interactions within chromosomes are lost, and many enhancers become inactive. It is generally thought that gene expression is silent at this time. However, transcription must be reactivated when cells reenter the cell cycle in order to maintain cell identity. Palozola
et al.
used a sensitive nascent RNA labeling and sequencing method to reveal low-level transcription of many genes in mitosis. Upon mitotic exit, the amplitude of gene expression was reestablished with basic cell functions prioritized over cell-specific genes. Thus, transcription itself may retain gene expression patterns through mitosis.

Science
, this issue p.
119
ZATT (ZNF451)–mediated resolution of topoisomerase 2 DNA-protein cross-links
Authors: Schellenberg Matthew J. , Lieberman Jenna Ariel , Herrero-Ruiz Andrés , Butler Logan R. , Williams Jason G. , Muñoz-Cabello Ana M. , Mueller Geoffrey A. , London Robert E. , Cortés-Ledesma Felipe , Williams R. Scott
Published: September 2017

Resolving a DNA-protein cross-link

Topoisomerase 2 (TOP2) creates DNA double-strand breaks to regulate DNA topology and is critical for processes such as replication and transcription. A covalent complex between TOP2 and DNA (TOP2cc) is an intermediate in the reaction that can be trapped by drugs. Schellenberg
et al.
show how the SUMO ligase ZATT promotes the resolution of TOP2cc by means of tyrosyl-DNA phosphoesterase 2 (TDP2), both by enhancing recruitment of TDP2 to SUMOylated TOP2 and by enhancing the hydrolase activity of TDP2.

Science
, this issue p.
1412
Use of CRISPR-modified human stem cell organoids to study the origin of mutational signatures in cancer
Authors: Drost Jarno , van Boxtel Ruben , Blokzijl Francis , Mizutani Tomohiro , Sasaki Nobuo , Sasselli Valentina , de Ligt Joep , Behjati Sam , Grolleman Judith E. , van Wezel Tom , Nik-Zainal Serena , Kuiper Roland P. , Cuppen Edwin , Clevers Hans
Published: September 2017

A signature event for organoids

Human cancer genomes harbor cryptic mutational signatures that represent the cumulative effects of DNA damage and defects in DNA repair processes. Knowledge of how specific signatures originate could have a major impact on cancer diagnosis and prevention. One approach to address this question is to reproduce the signatures in experimental systems by genetic engineering and then match the signatures to those found in naturally occurring cancers. Drost
et al.
used CRISPR-Cas9 to delete certain DNA repair enzymes from human colon organoids. In a proof-of-concept study, they show that deficiency in base excision repair is responsible for a mutational signature previously identified in cancer genome sequencing projects.

Science
, this issue p.
234
Chromosome and Large Linear Plasmid Sequences of a Borrelia miyamotoi Strain Isolated from Ixodes pacificus Ticks from California
Authors: Kingry Luke C. , Replogle Adam , Dolan Marc , Sexton Christopher , Padgett Kerry A. , Schriefer Martin E.
Published: September 2017

Borrelia miyamotoi
, a relapsing fever group spirochete, is an emerging tick-borne pathogen. It has been identified in ixodid ticks across the Northern Hemisphere, including the West Coast of the United States. We describe the chromosome and large linear plasmid sequence of a
B. miyamotoi
isolate cultured from a California field-collected
Ixodes pacificus
tick.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Vaginal Isolate Corynebacterium amycolatum ICIS 9
Authors: Gladysheva Irina V. , Khlopko Yuriy A. , Cherkasov Sergey V.
Published: September 2017

Corynebacterium amycolatum
ICIS 9 was isolated from a vaginal smear of a healthy woman. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
C. amycolatum
ICIS 9, which will be useful for further studies of specific genetic features of this strain and for understanding its probiotic properties.
Complete Genome Sequence of Salmonella enterica subsp.
enterica
Serovar Paratyphi B Sequence Type 28 Harboring
mcr-1
Authors: Borowiak Maria , Hammerl Jens A. , Fischer Jennie , Szabo Istvan , Malorny Burkhard
Published: September 2017

In 2015, plasmid-mediated colistin resistance was reported to be caused by a mobilized phosphoethanolamine transferase gene (
mcr-1
) in
Enterobacteriaceae
. Here, we announce the complete genome sequence of the earliest
d
-tartrate-fermenting
Salmonella enterica
subsp.
enterica
serovar Paratyphi B isolate harboring
mcr-1
from the collection of the German National Reference Laboratory for Salmonella.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Type Strain Sphingopyxis bauzanensis DSM 22271
Authors: Kaminski Michal A. , Furmanczyk Ewa M. , Dziembowski Andrzej , Sobczak Adam , Lipinski Leszek
Published: September 2017

We present here the draft genome sequence of
Sphingopyxis bauzanensis
DSM 22271. The assembly contains 4,258,005 bp in 28 scaffolds and has a GC content of 63.3%. A series of specific genes involved in the catabolism or transport of aromatic compounds was identified.
Mechanical cervicAl ripeninG for women with PrOlongedPregnancies (MAGPOP): protocol for a randomised controlled trial of a silicone double balloon catheter versus the Propess system for the slow release of dinoprostone for cervical ripening of prolonged pregnancies
Authors: Diguisto Caroline , Gouge Amélie Le , Giraudeau Bruno , Perrotin Franck
Published: September 2017

Introduction

Induction of labour for prolonged pregnancies (PP) when the cervix is unfavourable is a challenging situation. Cervical ripening by pharmacological or mechanical techniques before oxytocin administration is used to increase the likelihood of vaginal delivery. Both techniques are equally effective in achieving vaginal delivery but excessive uterine activity, which induces fetal heart rate (FHR) anomalies, is more frequent after the pharmacological intervention. We hypothesised that mechanical cervical ripening could reduce the caesarean rate for non-reassuring FHR especially in PP where fetuses are already susceptible to this.

Methods and analysis

A multicentre, superiority, open-label, parallel-group, randomised controlled trial that aims to compare cervical ripening with a mechanical device (Cervical Ripening Balloon, Cook-Medical Europe, Ireland) inserted in standardised manner for 24 hours to pharmacological cervical ripening (Propess system for slow release system of 10 mg of dinoprostone, Ferring SAS, France) before oxytocin administration. Women (n=1220) will be randomised in a 1:1 ratio in 15 French units. Participants will be women with a singleton pregnancy, a vertex presentation, a term ≥41+0 and≤42+0 week’s gestation, and for whom induction of labour is planned. Women with a Bishop score ≥6, a prior caesarean delivery, premature rupture of membranes or with any contraindication for vaginal delivery will be excluded. The primary endpoint is the caesarean rate for non-reassuring FHR. Secondary outcomes are related to delivery and perinatal morbidity. As study investigators and patients cannot be masked to treatment assignment, to compensate for the absence of blinding, an independent endpoint adjudication committee, blinded to group allocation, will determine whether the caesarean for non-reassuring FHR was justified.

Ethics and dissemination

Written informed consent will be obtained from all participants. The Tours Research ethics committee has approved this study (2016-R23, 29 November 2016). Study findings will be submitted for publication and presented at relevant conferences.

Trial registration number

NCT02907060; pre-results.
Achieving high-quality care: a view from NICE
Authors: Leng Gillian , Partridge Gemma
Published: September 2017

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) was established in 1999 to provide evidence-based guidance. The task of producing guidance by reviewing primary research data and using an advisory committee to develop evidence-based recommendations, is not straightforward. Guidance production is, however, less challenging than the task of putting evidence-based recommendations into practice.

NICE is very sensitive to this challenge as, since 1999, over 1500 pieces of NICE guidance have been published. A number of pieces of guidance relate to heart disease, including pharmaceutical agents, new medical technologies and clinical guidelines. Examples include guidelines on acute heart failure and atrial fibrillation, and advice on technologies including edoxaban and implantable cardioverter defibrillators.

The research evidence is clear that a change in practice rarely comes about as a result of simply disseminating guidance on best practice. Simple dissemination is particularly ineffective if the guidance has not been produced by a well-respected, credible organisation. It is also clear from the literature that implementation is more successful when more than one approach is taken, and when there is alignment between efforts at organisational, local and national levels.

At an organisational level, there should be support from the Board for quality improvement, with ongoing measurement of progress. Resources should be provided for targeted change programmes, particularly where new guidance suggests improvements are required. A systematic process for putting change in place should include identifying barriers to change, agreeing interventions to overcome the barriers and drive forward improvement and planning for implementation and evaluation.
Behaviour of saturated railway track foundation materials during undrained cyclic loading
Authors: Mamou Anna , Priest Jeffrey A. , Clayton Christopher R.I. , Powrie William
Published: September 2017

This paper presents results of a series of hollow cylinder tests carried out to investigate the undrained behaviour of saturated railway track foundation materials during cyclic loading involving principal stress rotation. Four sand–clay mixes representative of real railway track foundation materials were investigated. It was found that moderate additions of clay (up to ∼14% by weight) increased the cyclic shear stress threshold at which significant excess pore pressures started to accumulate. After the cyclic shear stress threshold had been exceeded, the rate of pore pressure increase with the logarithm of axial strain was greatest for the material having a clay content of 11%. Excess pore pressure generation reduced with increasing intergranular and global void ratio, with the global void ratio being perhaps the more useful indicator because of the reduced amount of scatter and higher correlation of the idealized relationship.
Defining the window of opportunity for feeding initiation by second-instar spruce budworm larvae
Authors: Fuentealba Alvaro , Sagne Solène , Pureswaran Deepa , Bauce Éric , Despland Emma
Published: September 2017

Establishing feeding sites is critical for the survival of neonate Lepidoptera larvae. Rapid foliar quality changes during leaf expansion create a narrow window of opportunity for establishment of early-spring feeders. We examined the effect of phenological synchrony between black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) Britton, Sterns & Poggenb.) and balsam fir (Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.) budbreak and spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana (Clemens)) emergence on the feeding behaviour of young larvae and on overall larval growth and survival under laboratory conditions. We correlated these variables with bud development and foliar toughness during the growing season. Our results show that early-emerging second-instar larvae were unable to feed on either black spruce or balsam fir buds; budworm on balsam fir mined old foliage and exhibited good survival and performance, but those on black spruce remained on the foliar surface and suffered high mortality and low growth. In the second later-emerging cohort, bud feeding gradually increased on black spruce whereas it was already the predominant behaviour on balsam fir, and no differences in performance were observed between host species. Thus, black spruce budbreak constitutes a strict window of opportunity, since larvae are often unable to mine the old foliage. Our results suggest that mechanical toughness could be the obstacle preventing young larvae from mining old black spruce needles. Our findings confirm the importance of second-instar ecology in spruce budworm, suggesting that, if climate warming eventually results in an improvement in phenological synchrony between spruce budworm and black spruce, larval survival may increase.
Energy conditions and modified gravity in anisotropic universe
Authors: Hossienkhani H. , Fayaz V. , Jafari A.
Published: September 2017

In this paper, energy conditions in a new [Formula: see text] modified gravity ([Formula: see text] and T represent the Gauss–Bonnet invariant and trace of the energy–momentum tensor, respectively) for anisotropic universe with perfect fluid are analyzed. In this model, we develop the general scheme for new [Formula: see text] modified gravity reconstruction from realistic anisotropic Bianchi type-I cosmology. Using de Sitter solution, the exact solutions of the field equations have been obtained. It is found that null and weak energy conditions are satisfied for the parameter range considered. As a result, the analyses show that the increase of anisotropy is attributed to the increase of weak energy condition.
Non-aqueous electrochemical deposition of lead zirconate titanate films for flexible sensor applications
Authors: Joseph Sherin , Kumar A. V. Ramesh , John Reji
Published: September 2017

Lead zirconate titanate (PZT) is one of the most important piezoelectric materials widely used for underwater sensors. However, PZTs are hard and non-compliant and hence there is an overwhelming attention devoted toward making it flexible by preparing films on flexible substrates by different routes. In this work, the electrochemical deposition of composition controlled PZT films over flexible stainless steel (SS) foil substrates using non-aqueous electrolyte dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) was carried out. Effects of various key parameters involved in electrochemical deposition process such as current density and time of deposition were studied. It was found that a current density of 25 mA/cm2 for 5 min gave a good film. The morphology and topography evaluation of the films was carried out by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), respectively, which showed a uniform morphology with a surface roughness of 2 nm. The PZT phase formation was studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and corroborated with Raman spectroscopic studies. The dielectric constant, dielectric loss, hysteresis and I–V characteristics of the film was evaluated.
A Prototype Intelligent Decision-Support System with a Unified Planning and Learning Capabilities
Authors: Slam Nady , Slamu Wushour , Wang Pei
Published: September 2017

This article summarizes reviews regarding the evolution of intelligent decision-support systems (IDSS). After doing an extensive literature survey, it was apparent that the theoretical foundation of IDSS has not undergone much improvement. The emergence and development of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) provides a new theoretical perspective for constructing and developing IDSS. An AGI project, Non-Axiomatic Reasoning System (NARS), is built into the framework of a unified reasoning system, with a logic, Non-Axiomatic Logic (NAL). In this paper, we propose a formal model with unified planning, learning and uncertainty representation capabilities using NAL. We have developed a prototype decision-support system for urban fire-fighting within this framework, and obtained results demonstrating that this method can provide an effective way for intelligent decision-support systems.
Smooth structures on nonorientable four-manifolds and free involutions
Authors: Torres Rafael
Published: September 2017

In this paper, we investigate existence of inequivalent smooth structures on closed smooth nonorientable 4-manifolds building upon results of Akbulut, Cappell–Shaneson, Fintushel–Stern, Gompf and Stolz. We add to the number of known constructions and provide new examples of exotic manifolds that are obtained as an application of Gluck twists to the standard smooth structure. Inspection of the smooth structure on the orientation 2-covers yields existence results of orientation-reversing exotic free involutions.
Detection of the Sleep Stages Throughout Non-Obtrusive Measures of Inter-Beat Fluctuations and Motion: Night and Day Sleep of Female Shift Workers
Authors: Mendez Martin O. , Palacios-Hernandez Elvia R. , Alba Alfonso , Kortelainen Juha M. , Tenhunen Mirja L. , Bianchi Anna M.
Published: September 2017

Automatic sleep staging based on inter-beat fluctuations and motion signals recorded through a pressure bed sensor during sleep is presented. The analysis of the sleep was based on the three major divisions of the sleep time: Wake, non-rapid eye movement (nREM) and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep stages. Twelve sleep recordings, from six females working alternate shift, with their respective annotations were used in the study. Six recordings were acquired during the night and six during the day after a night shift. A Time-Variant Autoregressive Model was used to extract features from inter-beat fluctuations which later were fed to a Support Vector Machine classifier. Accuracy, Kappa index, and percentage in wake, REM and nREM were used as performance measures. Comparison between the automatic sleep staging detection and the standard clinical annotations, shows mean values of [Formula: see text]% for accuracy [Formula: see text] for kappa index, and mean errors of 5% for sleep stages. The performance measures were similar for night and day sleep recordings. In this sample of recordings, the results suggest that inter-beat fluctuations and motions acquired in non-obtrusive way carried valuable information related to the sleep macrostructure and could be used to support to the experts in extensive evaluation and monitoring of sleep.
Small potential counterexamples to the pure semisimplicity conjecture
Authors: García José L.
Published: September 2017

The pure semisimplicity conjecture or pssc states that every left pure semisimple ring has finite representation type. Let [Formula: see text] be division rings, and assume we identify conditions on a [Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text]-bimodule [Formula: see text] which are sufficient to make the triangular matrix ring [Formula: see text] into a left pure semisimple ring which is not of finite representation type. It is then said that those conditions yield a potential counterexample to the pssc. Simson [17–20] gave several such conditions in terms of the sequence of the left dimensions of the left dual bimodules of [Formula: see text]. In this paper, conditions with the same purpose are given in terms of the continued fraction attached to [Formula: see text], and also through arithmetical properties of a division ring extension [Formula: see text].
A Perceptual Measure of Innovation Performance: Firm-Level Evidence from Turkey
Authors: Findik Derya , Beyhan Berna
Published: September 2017

This paper aims to introduce a qualitative indicator to measure innovation performance of Turkish firms by using firm-level data collected by Turkish Statistical Institute (TURKSTAT) in 2008 and 2009. We propose a new indicator to measure the innovation performance which is simply based on the perception of firms regarding to the impacts of innovation. In order to create performance indicators, we conduct a factor analysis to group the firms’ perceptions on the impacts of innovation. Factor analysis gives us product and process-oriented impacts of innovation. There are significant differences among product innovators, process innovators and firms engaged in both product and process innovations with respect to their perceptions on product and process-oriented impacts of innovation. Among these three groups, product- and process-oriented impacts provide a highest value for the firms that perform both product and process innovations. As far as the link between firm characteristics and the impact of innovation is considered, there is a significant difference between small and large firms with respect to their perceptions on product-oriented impact of innovation. While product-oriented impact is larger for small firms, large firms focus more on process-oriented impact. Anova results also indicate that perceptions on process-oriented impact significantly differ among exporter firms, domestic market-oriented firms and firms being active in internal and external markets. Process-oriented impact generates results in favor of exporting firms.
Constructions of 112-Designs from Unitary Geometry over Finite Fields
Authors: Feng Rongquan , Zeng Liwei , Zhang Yang
Published: September 2017

In this paper, we construct some [Formula: see text]-designs, which are also known as partial geometric designs, using totally isotropic subspaces of the unitary space. Furthermore, these [Formula: see text]-designs yield six infinite families of directed strongly regular graphs.
Generalized Derivations in Rings with Involution
Authors: Dar Nadeem Ahmad , Khan Abdul Nadim
Published: September 2017

The main purpose of this paper is to study generalized derivations in rings with involution which behave like strong commutativity preserving mappings. In fact, we prove the following result: Let R be a noncommutative prime ring with involution of the second kind such that char [Formula: see text]. If R admits a generalized derivation [Formula: see text] associated with a derivation [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] for all [Formula: see text], then [Formula: see text] for all [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text] for all [Formula: see text]. Moreover, a related result is also obtained.
Property of Almost Cohen–Macaulay over Extension Modules
Authors: Tabejamaat Samaneh , Mafi Amir , Ahmadi Amoli Khadijeh
Published: September 2017

Let (R, m) be a Cohen–Macaulay local ring of dimension d, C a canonical R-module and M an almost Cohen–Macaulay R-module of dimension n and of depth t. We prove that dim [Formula: see text] and if [Formula: see text] then [Formula: see text] is an almost Cohen–Macaulay R-module. In particular, if [Formula: see text] then HomR(M, C) is an almost Cohen–Macaulay R-module. In addition, with some conditions, we show that [Formula: see text] is also almost Cohen–Macaulay. Finally, we study the vanishing [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text].
q-Deformations of 3-Lie Algebras
Authors: Bai Ruipu , Lin Lixin , Zhang Yan , Kang Chuangchuang
Published: September 2017

q-Deformations of 3-Lie algebras and representations of q-3-Lie algebras are discussed. A q-3-Lie algebra [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], is a vector space A over a field 𝔽 with 3-ary linear multiplications [ , , ]q and [Formula: see text] from [Formula: see text] to A, and a map [Formula: see text] satisfying the q-Jacobi identity [Formula: see text] for all [Formula: see text]. If the multiplications satisfy that [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is skew-symmetry, then [Formula: see text] is called a type (I)-q-3- Lie algebra. From q-Lie algebras, group algebras and commutative associative algebras, q-3-Lie algebras and type (I)-q-3-Lie algebras are constructed. Also, the non-trivial onedimensional central extension of q-3-Lie algebras is investigated, and new q-3-Lie algebras [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] are obtained.
Cyclic self-orthogonal codes over finite chain ring
Authors: Singh Abhay Kumar , Kumar Narendra , Shum Kar Ping
Published: September 2017

In this paper, we study the cyclic self-orthogonal codes over a finite commutative chain ring [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is a prime number. A generating polynomial of cyclic self-orthogonal codes over [Formula: see text] is obtained. We also provide a necessary and sufficient condition for the existence of nontrivial self-orthogonal codes over [Formula: see text]. Finally, we determine the number of the above codes with length [Formula: see text] over [Formula: see text] for any [Formula: see text]. The results are given by Zhe-Xian Wan on cyclic codes over Galois rings in [Z. Wan, Cyclic codes over Galois rings, Algebra Colloq. 6 (1999) 291–304] are extended and strengthened to cyclic self-orthogonal codes over [Formula: see text].