bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geochemical and Petrological Studies on the Early Carboniferous Sidingheishan Mafic–Ultramafic Iintrusion in the Southern Margin of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt, NW China
Authors: SUN Tao , QIAN Zhuangzhi , THAKURTA Joyashish , YANG Shenghong , XU Gang , DUAN Jun , GAO Bo , WANG Jing
Published: July 2018

The Sidingheishan mafic–ultramafic intrusion is located in the eastern part of the Northern Tianshan Mountain, along the southern margin of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt in northern Xinjiang autonomous region of China. The Sidingheishan intrusion is mainly composed of wehrlite, olivine websterite, olivine gabbro, gabbro and hornblende gabbro. At least two pulses of magma were involved in the formation of the intrusion. The first pulse of magma produced an olivine‐free unit and the second pulse produced an olivine–bearing unit. The magmas intruded the Devonian granites and granodiorites. An age of 351.4±5.8 Ma (Early Carboniferous) for the Sidingheishan intrusion has been determined by U‐Pb SHRIMP analysis of zircon grains separated from the olivine gabbro unit. A U‐Pb age of 359.2±6.4 Ma from the gabbro unit has been obtained by LA‐ICP‐MS. Olivine of the Sidingheishan intrusion reaches 82.52 mole% Fo and 1414 ppm Ni. On the basis of olivine‐liquid equilibria, it has been calculated that the MgO and FeO included in the parental magma of a wehrlite sample were approximately 10.43wt% and 13.14wt%, respectively. The Sidingheishan intrusive rocks are characterized by moderate enrichments in Th and Sm, slight enrichments in light REE, and depletions in Nb, Ta, Zr and Hf. The εNd (t) values in the rock units vary from +6.70 to +9.64, and initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios range between 0.7035 and 0.7042. Initial 206Pb/204Pb, 207Pb/204Pb and 208Pb/204Pb values fall in the ranges of 17.23–17.91, 15.45–15.54 and 37.54–38.09 respectively. These characteristics are collectively similar to the Heishan intrusion and the Early Carboniferous subduction related volcanic rocks in the Santanghu Basin, North Tianshan and Beishan area. The low (La/Gd)PM values between 0.26 and 1.77 indicate that the magma of the Sidingheishan intrusion was most likely derived from a depleted spinel–peridotite mantle. (Th/Nb)PM ratios from 0.59 to 20.25 indicate contamination of the parental magma in the upper crust. Crystallization modeling methods suggest that the parental magma of the Sidingheishan intrusion was generated by flush melting of the asthenosphere and subsequently there was about 10vol% contamination from a granitic melt. This was followed by about 5vol% assimilation of upper crustal rocks. Thus, the high‐Mg basaltic parental magma of Sidingheishan intrusion is interpreted to have formed from partial melting of the asthenosphere during the break‐off of a subducted slab.
Late Cenozoic Sedimentary Evolution of Pagri‐Duoqing Co graben, Southern End of Yadong‐Gulu Rift, Southern Tibet
Authors: HA Guanghao , WU Zhonghai , HE Lin , WANG Shubing
Published: July 2018

The north trending rifts in southern Tibet represent the E–W extension of the plateau and confirming the initial rifting age is key to the study of mechanics of these rifts. Pagri–Duoqing Co graben is located at southern end of Yadong–Gulu rift, where the late Cenozoic sediments is predominately composed of fluvio‐lacustrine and moraine. Based on the sedimentary composition and structures, the fluvio‐lacustrine could be divided into three facies, namely, lacustrine, lacustrine fan delta and alluvial fan. The presence of paleo‐currents and conglomerate components and the provenance of the strata around the graben indicate that it was Tethys Himalaya and High Himalaya. Electron spin resonance (ESR) dating and paleo‐magnetic dating suggest that the age of the strata ranges from ca. 1.2 Ma to ca. 8 Ma. Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating showed that moraine in the graben mainly developed from around 181–109 ka (late Middle Pleistocene). Combining previous data about the Late Cenozoic strata in other basins, it is suggested that 8–15 Ma may be the initial rifting time. Together with sediment distribution and drainage system, the sedimentary evolution of Pagri could be divided into four stages. The graben rifted at around 15–8 Ma due to the eastern graben‐boundary fault resulting in the appearance of a paleolake. Following by a geologically quiet period about 8–2.5 Ma, the paleolake expanded from east to west at around 8–6 Ma reaching its maximum at ca. 6 Ma. Then, the graben was broken at about 2.5 Ma. At last, the development of the glacier separated the graben into two parts that were Pagri and Duoqing Co since the later stages of the Middle Pleistocene. The evolution process suggested that the former three stages were related to the tectonic movement, which determined the basement of the graben, while the last stage may have been influenced by glacial activity caused by climate change.
Geochronology and Geochemistry of the Early Permian A‐type Granite in the Hongol Area, Central Inner Mongolia: Petrogenesis and Tectonic Implications
Authors: ZHANG Xiangxin , GAO Yongfeng , LEI Shihe
Published: July 2018

We performed geochronological and geochemical analyses of the A‐type granite in the Hongol area, central Inner Mongolia, to determine its age, petrogenesis and tectonic setting, which are significant for clarifying the Late Paleozoic tectonic evolution of the Xing'an Mongolian Orogenic Belt (XMOB). The rock type of the A‐type granite in the Hongol area is alkali‐feldspar granite, and it constitutes a western part of the Baiyinwula–Dongujimqin A‐type granite belt. Zircon U–Pb geochronology yields 206Pb/238U ages ranging from 293 to 286 Ma for the alkali‐feldspar granite, indicating this granitic pluton formed in the Early Permian. The alkali‐feldspar granite is high in silica (SiO2=75.13wt%–80.17wt%), aluminum (Al2O3=10.59wt%–13.17wt%) and alkali (Na2O+K2O=7.33wt%–9.11wt%), and low in MgO (0.08wt%–0.39wt%) and CaO (0.19wt%–0.70wt%). It is obviously enriched in LILEs such as Rb, Th and K, depleted in HFSEs such as Nb, Ti, La and Ce, with pronounced negative anomalies of Nb, Ti, P, Eu, Sr and Ba. Its Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic compositions show positive εNd(t) (+0.72–+3.08), low TDM2 (805–997 Ma), and high radioactive Pb with (206Pb/204Pb)i of 18.710–19.304, (207Pb/204Pb)i of 15.557–15.604 and (208Pb/204Pb)i of 37.887–38.330. Petrological characteristics and geochemical data suggest that the alkali‐feldspar granite in the Hongol area belongs to aluminous A‐type granite. This A‐type granite formed in a post‐collisional extensional setting and was generated by the partial melting of felsic rocks in the middle‐lower crust resulting from post‐collisional slab breakoff. It is suggested that the Paleo‐Asian Ocean was closed before the Permian in central Inner Mongolia.
Petrogenesis and Geodynamic Implications of Late Jurassic Diorite Porphyry in the Neoproterozoic Ophiolitic Mélange of NE Jiangxi (South China)
Authors: WANG Xinshui , GAO Jun , LI Jilei , JIANG Tuo , XUE Shengchao
Published: July 2018

Mesozoic magmatism is widespread in the eastern South China Block and has a close genetic relationship with intensive polymetallic mineralization. However, proper tectonic driver remains elusive to reconcile the broad intracontinental magmatic province. This study presents integrated zircon U–Pb dating, Hf isotopes and whole‐rock geochemistry of the Xiwan dioritic porphyry in the NE Jiangxi ophiolitic mélange. Zircon U–Pb dating by SIMS and LA‐ICP‐MS methods yielded an emplacement age of ∼160 Ma for the Xiwan diorite, confirming its inclusion into the Mesozoic magmatic province in SE China, instead of a component of the Neoproterozoic ophiolitic mélange genetically. The dioritic rocks have low SiO2(58.08wt%–59.15wt%), and high Na2O (5.00wt%–5.21wt%) and MgO (4.60wt%–5.24wt%) contents with low TFeO/MgO ratios (1.02–1.09). They show an adakitic geochemical affinity but exhibit relatively low Sr/Y ratios (24.8–31.1) and high Y contents (14.6–18.3 ppm) compared to the Dexing adakitic porphyries. In addition, the Xiwan diorites have moderately evolved zircon Hf isotopic compositions (εHf(t)=−6.1‐ −0.1;TDM2=1597–1219 Ma). These elemental and isotopic signatures suggest that the Xiwan diorite formed through partial melting of a remnant arc lower crust (i.e., early Neoproterozoic mafic arc‐related rocks) in response to the underplating of coeval mafic magmas. In conjunction with the temporal‐spatial distribution and complex geochemical characteristics of the Mesozoic magmatism, our case study attests to the feasibility of a flat‐slab subduction model in developing the broad intracontinental magmatic province in SE China. The flat‐slab delamination tends to trigger an asthenospheric upwelling and thus results in extensive partial melting of the overlying lithospheric mantle and lower crustal materials in an extensional setting during the Mesozoic.
How Does Intrinsic Motivation Improve Auditor Judgment in Complex Audit Tasks?
Authors: Kadous Kathryn , Zhou Yuepin (Daniel)
Published: July 2018

Intrinsic motivation is generally thought to be positively associated with performance on a variety of tasks. However, there is only sparse experimental evidence supporting this idea and we know little about the specific mechanisms behind any effect. We develop theory about how auditors’ intrinsic motivation for their jobs can improve their judgments about complex accounting estimates. We experimentally test whether a prompt to make auditors’ intrinsic motivation for their jobs salient improves the specific information processing behaviors necessary for high‐quality judgments in complex audit tasks. It does: Prompted auditors attend to a broader set of information, process information more deeply, and request more relevant additional evidence. Supplemental analyses show that these processing behaviors mediate between salient intrinsic motivation and an improved ability to identify a biased complex estimate. Our theory and analyses indicate that auditors’ intrinsic motivation for their work provides unique value for improving judgment quality, particularly in the context of performing complex audit tasks. Our study supports the view that high‐quality cognitive processing can improve auditors’ professional skepticism by providing a foundation for skeptical judgments.
Underestimation of alcohol consumption in cohort studies and implications for alcohol's contribution to the global burden of disease
Authors: Stockwell Tim , Zhao Jinhui , Sherk Adam , Rehm Jürgen , Shield Kevin , Naimi Tim
Published: July 2018

Background and aims

Estimated alcohol consumption from national self‐report surveys is often only 30–40% of official estimates based on sales or taxation data. Global burden of disease (GBD) estimates for alcohol adjust survey estimates up to 80% of total per capita consumption. This assumes that cohort studies needed to estimate relative risks for disease suffer less from under‐reporting than typical national surveys. However, there is limited evidence on which to base that assumption. This paper aims to assess the extent of underestimation of alcohol consumption in cohort studies concerning alcohol and mortality compared with official total consumption estimates.

Design

Comparisons of estimated per capita consumption from a comprehensive sample of cohort studies against official estimates by country and year.

Participants

A total of 1 876 046 participants in 40 cohort studies from 18 countries on alcohol use and all‐cause mortality identified by systematic review.

Measurements

Alcohol consumption data from the cohort studies were converted into usual grams of ethanol per day and then to total age 15+ per capita consumption. Matched estimates were sourced from the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Health Observatory.

Findings

The cohort studies had mean coverages of age 15+ per capita alcohol consumption of 61.71% (ranging from 29.19% for Russia to 96.53% for Japan), after weighting estimates by sample size for within‐country estimates and by number of studies per country for the overall estimate. Regional estimates were higher for the United States (66.22%) and lower for western European countries (55.35%).

Conclusions

Underestimation of alcohol consumption in cohort studies is less than in typical population surveys. Because some under‐coverage is caused by under‐sampling heavier drinkers, the current practice of uplifting survey estimates to 80% of total population consumption in global burden of disease studies appears to be appropriate.
Trust and responsibility in molecular tumour boards
Authors: Merry David , Schickhardt Christoph , Mehlis Katja , Winkler Eva C.
Published: July 2018

Molecular tumour boards (MTBs) offer recommendations for potentially effective, but potentially burdensome, molecularly targeted treatments to a patient's treating physician. In this paper, we discuss the question of who is responsible for ensuring that there is an adequate evidence base for any treatments recommended to a patient. We argue that, given that treating oncologists cannot usually offer a robust evaluation of the evidence underlying an MTB's recommendation, members of the MTB are responsible for ensuring that the evidence level is adequate. We explore two models for how to share responsibility between MTB members. According to the first model, each MTB member, as well as the treating physician, should be held maximally and equally responsible for the recommendations. We argue that this insufficiently accounts for differences in roles and expertise of MTB members. We propose instead that responsibility is delegated via relationships of trust. We argue if these relationships of trust are to be instances of reasonable trust, (a) MTBs should offer a clinical representative to whom a treating physician may delegate the responsibility of ensuring there is sufficient evidence for treatment recommendations, (b) the relationships of trust between the representative and the other MTB members should be clearly defined, and (c) MTB members should be carefully selected. Treating oncologists retain a responsibility to consider general limitations of the evidence for targeted treatments in assessing whether the treatment recommendation offered by an MTB's representative is adequate for a given clinical situation.
Conscientious objection in healthcare: How much discretionary space best supports good medicine?
Authors: McConnell Doug
Published: July 2018

Daniel Sulmasy has recently argued that good medicine depends on physicians having a wide discretionary space in which they can act on their consciences. The only constraints Sulmasy believes we should place on physicians’ discretionary space are those defined by a form of tolerance he derives from Locke, whereby people can publicly act in accordance with their personal religious and moral beliefs as long as their actions are not destructive to society. Sulmasy also claims that those who would reject physicians’ right to conscientious objection eliminate discretionary space, thus undermining good medicine and unnecessarily limiting religious freedom. I argue that, although Sulmasy is correct that some discretionary space is necessary for good medicine, he is wrong in thinking that proscribing conscientious objection entails eliminating discretionary space. I illustrate this using Julian Savulescu and Udo Schuklenk’s system for restricting conscientious objections as a counter‐example. I then argue that a narrow discretionary space constrained by professional ideals will promote good medicine better than Sulmasy’s wider discretionary space constrained by his conception of tolerance. Sulmasy’s version of discretionary space would have us tolerate actions that are at odds with aspects of good medicine, including aspects that Sulmasy himself explicitly values, such as fiduciary duty. Therefore, if we want the degree of religious freedom in the public sphere that Sulmasy favours then we must decide whether it is worth the cost to the healthcare system.
Play and creativity in young children's use of apps
Authors: Marsh Jackie , Plowman Lydia , Yamada‐Rice Dylan , Bishop Julia , Lahmar Jamal , Scott Fiona
Published: July 2018

This study is the first to systematically investigate the extent to which apps for children aged 0–5 foster play and creativity. There is growing evidence of children's use of tablets, but limited knowledge of the use of apps by children of children of this age. This ESRC‐funded study undertook research that identified how UK children aged from 0 to 5 use apps, and how far the use of apps promotes play and creativity, given the importance of these for learning and development. A survey was conducted with 2000 parents of under 5s in the UK, using a random, stratified sample, and ethnographic case studies of children in six families were undertaken. Over 17 hours of video films of children using apps were analysed. Findings indicate that children of this age are using a variety of apps, some of which are not aimed at their age range. The design features of such apps can lead to the support or inhibition of play and creativity. The study makes an original contribution to the field in that it offers an account of how apps contribute to the play and creativity of children aged five and under.
Intracerebroventricular streptozotocin‐induced Alzheimer's disease‐like sleep disorders in rats: Role of the GABAergic system in the parabrachial complex
Authors: Cui Su‐Ying , Song Jin‐Zhi , Cui Xiang‐Yu , Hu Xiao , Ma Yu‐Nu , Shi Yu‐Tong , Luo Ying , Ge Yan‐Ru , Ding Hui , Ye Hui , Zhang Yong‐He
Published: July 2018

Aim

Sleep disorders are common in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and assumed to directly influence cognitive function and disease progression. This study evaluated sleep characteristics in a rat model of AD that was induced by intracerebroventricular streptozotocin (STZ) administration and assessed the possible underlying mechanisms.

Methods

Cognition ability was assessed in the Morris water maze in rats. Sleep parameters were analyzed by electroencephalographic and electromyographic recordings. Neuronal activity in brain areas that regulate sleep‐wake states was evaluated by double‐staining immunohistochemistry. High‐performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection was used to detect neurotransmitter levels.

Results

Fourteen days after the STZ injection, the rats exhibited sleep disorders that were similar to those in AD patients, reflected by a significant increase in wakefulness and decreases in nonrapid eye movement (NREM) sleep and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. The c‐Fos expression analysis indicated that neuronal activity and the number of neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus and locus coeruleus decreased in STZ‐injected rats. In the ventrolateral preoptic nucleus (VLPO), the activity of γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurons was suppressed. In the arousal‐driving parabrachial nucleus (PBN), GABAergic activity was suppressed, whereas glutamatergic activity was promoted. The neurotransmitter analysis revealed a reduction in GABA in the VLPO and PBN and elevation of glutamate in the PBN. A direct injection of the GABAA receptor antagonist bicuculline in the PBN in normal rats induced a similar pattern of sleep disorder as in STZ‐injected rats. A microinjection of GABA in the PBN improved sleep disorders that were induced by STZ.

Conclusion

These results suggest that the reduction in GABAergic inhibition in the PBN and VLPO may be involved in sleep disorders that are induced by STZ. Our novel findings encourage further studies that investigate mechanisms of sleep regulation in sporadic AD.
ASSET PRICE BUBBLES AND TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION
Authors: Shin Jong Kook , Subramanian Chetan
Published: July 2018

We introduce borrowing constraints into a two‐sector Schumpeterian growth model and examine the impact of asset price bubbles on innovation. In this environment, rational bubbles arise when the intermediate good producing R&D sector is faced with adverse productivity shocks. Importantly, these bubbles help alleviate credit constraints and facilitate innovation in the stagnant economy. On the policy front, we make a case for debt financed credit to the R&D sector. Further, we establish that a constant credit growth rule (akin to the Friedman rule) outperforms the often prescribed counter‐cyclical “lean against the wind” credit policy. (JEL E32, E44, O40)
Information structures in set‐valued information systems from granular computing viewpoint
Authors: Xia Fei , Tang Hongxiang
Published: July 2018

Granular computing is a mathematical tool in artificial intelligence. An information system is an important model in the field of artificial intelligence, and an information structure is its basic structure. Set‐valued information systems are the generalization of single‐valued information systems. This paper investigates information structures in a set‐valued information system from granular computing viewpoint, that is, information structures are viewed as granular structures. Information structures in a set‐valued information system are first described through set vectors. Then, the dependence between information structures in the same set‐valued information system is depicted from 2 aspects, and information distance for calculating the difference between information structures in the same set‐valued information system is proposed. Next, properties of information structures in a set‐valued information system are given by means of inclusion degree, information distance, condition information amount, and lower approximation operator. Finally, group, mapping, and lattice characterizations of information structures in a set‐valued information system are obtained. These results will be helpful for understanding the essence of structure and uncertainty in set‐valued information systems.
Development of a novel clustering tool for linear peptide sequences
Authors: Dhanda Sandeep K. , Vaughan Kerrie , Schulten Veronique , Grifoni Alba , Weiskopf Daniela , Sidney John , Peters Bjoern , Sette Alessandro
Published: July 2018

Epitopes identified in large‐scale screens of overlapping peptides often share significant levels of sequence identity, complicating the analysis of epitope‐related data. Clustering algorithms are often used to facilitate these analyses, but available methods are generally insufficient in their capacity to define biologically meaningful epitope clusters in the context of the immune response. To fulfil this need we developed an algorithm that generates epitope clusters based on representative or consensus sequences. This tool allows the user to cluster peptide sequences on the basis of a specified level of identity by selecting among three different method options. These include the ‘clique method’, in which all members of the cluster must share the same minimal level of identity with each other, and the ‘connected graph method’, in which all members of a cluster must share a defined level of identity with at least one other member of the cluster. In cases where it is not possible to define a clear consensus sequence with the connected graph method, a third option provides a novel ‘cluster‐breaking algorithm’ for consensus sequence driven sub‐clustering. Herein we demonstrate the tool's clustering performance and applicability using (i) a selection of dengue virus epitopes for the ‘clique method’, (ii) sets of allergen‐derived peptides from related species for the ‘connected graph method’ and (iii) large data sets of eluted ligand, major histocompatibility complex binding and T‐cell recognition data captured within the Immune Epitope Database (IEDB) with the newly developed ‘cluster‐breaking algorithm’. This novel clustering tool is accessible at http://tools.iedb.org/cluster2/.
The impact of contextual information on the emotion recognition of children with an intellectual disability
Authors: Murray George , McKenzie Karen , Murray Aja , Whelan Kathryn , Cossar Jill , Murray Kara , Scotland Jennifer
Published: July 2018

Background

Research suggests that having relevant contextual information can help increase the accuracy of emotion recognition in typically developing (TD) individuals and adults with an intellectual disability. The impact of context on the emotion recognition of children with intellectual disability is unknown.

Method

Emotion recognition tasks, which varied in terms of contextual information, were completed by 102 children (45 with and 57 without intellectual disability).

Results

There was a significant effect of age and group, with older and TD children performing better on average. There were significant group by condition interactions, whereby children with intellectual disability were more accurate at identifying emotions depicted by line drawings compared with photos with contextual information that was not directly related to the emotion being depicted. The opposite was found for TD children.

Conclusions

These results have implications for socio‐emotional interventions, such as universal school programmes.
Laser balloon ablation for AF: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Reynolds Matthew R. , Zheng Qi , Doros Gheorghe
Published: July 2018

Introduction

The HeartLight laser balloon ablation system was US Food and Drug Administration approved in 2016 for the treatment of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF), but there have been numerous single‐center and multicenter studies published reporting its outcomes, in addition to a few randomized trials. We aimed to systematically review and synthesize currently published outcome data on AF ablation using the laser balloon ablation system.

Methods and Results

We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis of published studies of AF ablation performed using the laser balloon ablation system. Human studies reporting acute procedural results with a minimum of 6 months follow‐up were included. Outcomes of interest included acute and 12‐month procedural efficacy, safety, and procedure duration. Aggregated data were analyzed with random effects models, using a Bayesian hierarchical approach.

We identified 17 published manuscripts comprising a sample of 1188 patients (mean age 61 years, 80% paroxysmal). At procedure end, 98.8% of targeted pulmonary veins were successfully isolated. The pooled estimate for 12‐month freedom from atrial arrhythmia without use of antiarrhythmic drugs for patients with paroxysmal AF was 74.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 59.9% to 86.4%), and for all AF types combined was 72.9% (65.3% to 79.9%). The most commonly reported procedural complication was phrenic nerve injury (pooled incidence 2.6%; 95% CI, 1.4% to 3.9%), which resolved during follow‐up in most cases.

Conclusion

Laser balloon ablation is highly effective at achieving pulmonary vein isolation. Although comparisons are mainly indirect, safety and 12‐month efficacy compare favorably with those observed using other currently used AF ablation technologies.
Simple and novel technique to confirm complete mitral isthmus block
Authors: Takigawa Masateru , Takahashi Atsushi , Tanaka Yasuaki , Martin Claire A. , Nakashima Emiko , Yamao Kazuya , Sagawa Yuichiro , Kuwahara Taishi , Okubo Kenji , Takahashi Yoshihide , Watari Yuji , Nakajima Jun , Takagi Katsumasa , Fujino Tadashi , Kimura Shigeki , Hikita Hiroyuki , Hirao Kenzo
Published: July 2018

Background: Differential pacing technique to confirm mitral isthmus (MI) block is sometimes challenging due to destroyed tissues after extensive ablation. The purpose of this study is to set an endpoint of MI ablation using conduction time around the mitral annulus (MA).

Methods: Forty‐five consecutive patients with persistent atrial fibrillation who received MI linear ablation were included. The geometry and activation times of the left atrium around the MA were collected using a multipolar catheter before ablation. During coronary sinus (CS) pacing, the time between the stimulus and the wave‐front collision at the opposite side of the MA (defined as T/2) was calculated, and the doubled value was defined as the estimated perimitral conduction time (E‐PMCT). The endpoint for complete MI block was when the stimulus (at distal CS) minus the maximal delayed potential (St−MDP) on the MI interval reached the E‐PMCT.

Results: St−MDP reached E‐PMCT during MI ablation in 44/45 patients. Among these 44 patients, differential pacing revealed bidirectional block in 39/44 (88.6%), whereas in 5/44 (11.4%), the differential pacing was not possible because of the loss of capture of local potentials due to extensive applications around the linear line. In one patient, the St−MDP did not reach E‐PMCT (E‐PMCT: 148 ms, St−MDP :130 ms) and differential pacing revealed no MI block. E‐PMCT values (median 176 ms) correlated strongly with St−MDP (median 185 ms, P < 0.0001, R = 0.98).

Conclusions: Although E‐PMCT differs between individuals, the value is significantly correlated with the St−MDP. This technique may be useful in providing an individual endpoint of MI ablation as an alternative to differential pacing.
Effect of quorum quenching bacteria on growth, virulence factors and biofilm formation of Yersinia ruckeri in vitro and an in vivo evaluation of their probiotic effect in rainbow trout
Authors: Torabi Delshad Somayeh , Soltanian Siyavash , Sharifiyazdi Hassan , Bossier Peter
Published: July 2018

Five N‐acyl homoserine lactone‐degrading bacteria (quorum quenching (QQ) strains) were selected to evaluate their impacts on growth, virulence factors and biofilm formation in Yersinia ruckeri in vitro. No difference was observed among the growth pattern of Y. ruckeri in monoculture and coculture with the QQ strains. To investigate the regulation of virulence factors by quorum sensing in Y. ruckeri, cultures were supplemented with 3oxo‐C8‐HSL. The results indicated that swimming motility and biofilm formation are positively regulated by QS (p < 0.05), whereas caseinase, phospholipase and haemolysin productions are not influenced by 3oxo‐C8‐HSL (p > 0.05). The QQs were able to decrease swimming motility and biofilm formation in Y. ruckeri. QQ bacteria were supplemented to trout feed at 108 CFU/g (for 40 days). Their probiotic effect was verified by Y. ruckeri challenge either by immersion or injection in trout. All strains could significantly increase fish survival with Bacillus thuringiensis and Citrobacter gillenii showing the highest and lowest relative percentage survival (RPS) values (respectively, 85% and 38%). Besides, there was no difference between the RPS values by either immersion or injection challenge expect for B. thuringiensis. The putative involvement of the QQ capacity in the protection against Yersinia is discussed.
Foliar fertilizers for the management of phoma leaf spot on coffee seedlings
Authors: Silva Júnior Manoel Batista da , Pozza Edson A. , Resende Mário L. V. , Júnior Pedro M. R. , Costa Bruno H. G. , Carvalho Camila A. , Resende Alexandre R. M. , Botelho Deila Magna dos Santos
Published: July 2018

The growing demand for alternative strategies for plant disease management has sought a reduction in the use of fungicides via the employment of resistance inducers and foliar fertilizers, among others. Therefore, this study aimed at evaluating the following foliar fertilizers for the management of phoma leaf spot: a foliar fertilizer based on macro‐ and micronutrients (Fmm: 10% N, 4% S, B, 5% Fe and 5% Zn); one based on cobalt and molybdenum (Fcm: 2% Co and 3% Mo); manganese phosphite (FMn: 30% P2O5 and 9% Mn); and the FMn+Fmm, Fcm+Fmm and FMn+Fcm+Fmm associations compared to a boscalid fungicide and a control with no treatment. The disease severity, the chlorophyll a and b contents, the net photosynthetic rate (LPR), the phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) activity and the lignin content in leaves were assessment. Based on the severity, the area under the disease severity progress curve (AUSPC) and the efficiency of disease control in relation to untreated plants were calculated. The experimental design was in randomized blocks with eight treatments and three replications. Treatments FMn+Fmm and Fcm were the most effective in reducing the AUPSC in comparison with the control and promoted an increased activity of PAL. FMn was the treatment that promoted the highest increase in the LPR. There were no effects of the treatments on the lignin content compared to the control.
Impact of thymoquinone on cyclosporine A pharmacokinetics and toxicity in rodents
Authors: Alrashedi Mohsen G , Ali Ahmed S , Ali Soad S , Khan Lateef M
Published: July 2018

Objectives

Cyclosporine A (CsA) is an immunosupprsant drug used to prevent graft rejection and in the treatment of several autoimmune diseases. Thyomquinone (TQ), a bioactive component of Nigella sativa, has strong antioxidant properties and has been used in prevention of many toxicities, hence its protective effect and pharmacokinetic interactions with CsA was investigated in this study.

Methods

For bioavailability study, the rats were divided into four groups: TQ (PO, 10 mg/kg) was given alone for 7 days, then TQ plus CsA for another 5 days, CsA was given by two routes (po) and (IP) in a dose of 10 mg/kg 1 h after administration of TQ. Blood samples were taken at the 12th day at specified times, CsA level was determined by immune assays. The protective effect of TQ was studied. Blood samples for lab investigations and histopathology were taken at the 28th day.

Key findings

Thyomquinone reduced the bioavailability of oral CsA by around 32% (P > 0.05). However, bioavailability of IP administered CsA was not affected. Chronic administration of CsA increased concentrations of fasting glucose and Cystatin C and produced marked s kidney alteration of parenchyma which was reversed by concomitant administration of TQ.

Conclusions

A potential drug interaction between TQ and CsA, which may reduced its oral bioavailability. Independently TQ caused significant attenuation of CsA induced renal toxicity and diabetogenic effect.
Detecting introgression despite phylogenetic uncertainty: The case of the South American siskins
Authors: Beckman Elizabeth J. , Benham Phred M. , Cheviron Zachary A. , Witt Christopher C.
Published: July 2018

Genetic introgression among closely related species is a widespread phenomenon across the Tree of Life and could be an important source of adaptive variation during early stages of diversification. In particular, genomic studies have revealed that many rapidly radiating clades tend to have complex, reticulate evolutionary histories. Although rapid radiations appear to be susceptible to introgression, they present special challenges for its detection because formal tests require accurate phylogenies, and paradoxically, introgression itself may obscure evolutionary relationships. To address this methodological challenge, we assessed introgression in a recent, rapid avian radiation in the Andes, the South American siskins (Spinus). Using ~45,000 SNPs, we estimated the Spinus phylogeny using multiple analytical approaches and recovered four strongly conflicting topologies. We performed a series of complimentary introgression tests that included valid tests for each of the likely species trees. From the consilience of test results, we inferred multiple introgression events among Andean Spinus in a way that was robust to phylogenetic uncertainty in the species tree. Positive tests for introgression were corroborated by independent population structure and ancestral assignment analyses, as well as a striking geographic pattern of mitochondrial haplotype sharing among species. The methodological approach we describe could be applied using any genomewide data, including SNP data, for clades without fully resolvable species trees. Our discovery of multiple introgression events within the Andean radiation of Spinus siskins is consistent with an emerging paradigm, that introgression tends to accompany the early stages of diversification.
Mixed mold pulmonary infections in haematological cancer patients in a tertiary care cancer centre
Authors: Magira Eleni E. , Jiang Ying , Economides Minas , Tarrand Jeffrey , Kontoyiannis Dimitrios P.
Published: July 2018

There is a paucity of data regarding mixed mold pulmonary infections (MMPIs) in patients with haematological malignancies with or without haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). We retrospectively studied 27 such patients (2005‐2015) and compared them to patients with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) caused by Aspergillus fumigatus. Factors associated with the diagnosis of MMPIs were significant corticosteroid use [20 (74%) vs 6 (22%), P < 0.001], sputum as the source specimen [13 (48%) vs 3 (11%), P = 0.003], younger age (median age: 58 vs 66 years, P = 0.006), and male sex [22 (81%) vs 13 (48%), P = 0.01]. Haematological cancers other than acute myeloid leukaemia (AML)/myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) were less common in MMPIs than in IPA patients [AML/MDS: 6 (22%) vs 14 (52%), P = 0.04]. Only significant corticosteroid use [95% CI (2.7‐42.7), P < 0.001], and sputum as the source specimen [95% (1.6‐41.6), P = 0.012] were statistically significant as independently associated with increased risk of MMPIs diagnosis in multivariate analysis. Total mortality rate at day 42 postdiagnosis was comparable in both groups.
Deficient primary cilia in obese adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells: obesity, a secondary ciliopathy?
Authors: Ritter A. , Louwen F. , Yuan J.
Published: July 2018

Obesity alters the composition, structure and function of adipose tissue, characterized by chronic inflammation, insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction. Adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) are responsible for cell renewal, spontaneous repair and immunomodulation in adipose tissue. Increasing evidence highlights that ASCs are deficient in obesity, and the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. We have recently shown that obese ASCs have defective primary cilia, which are shortened and unable to properly respond to stimuli. Impaired cilia compromise ASC functions. This work suggests an intertwined connection of obesity, defective cilia and dysfunctional ASCs. We have here discussed the current data regarding defective cilia in various cell types in obesity. Based on these observations, we hypothesize that obesity, a systemic chronic metainflammation, could impair cilia in diverse ciliated cells, like pancreatic islet cells, stem cells and hypothalamic neurons, making these critical cells dysfunctional by shutting down their signal sensors and transducers. In this context, obesity may represent a secondary form of ciliopathy induced by obesity‐related inflammation and metabolic dysfunction. Reactivation of ciliated cells might be an alternative strategy to combat obesity and its associated diseases.
Between‐ and within‐person predictors of children’s information management following rule violations
Authors: Laird Robert D. , Zeringue Megan M.
Published: July 2018

The purpose of this study was to better understand both why some children disclose more about their misbehavior to their parents than do other children, as well as why a child discloses to parents about misbehavior in some situations but not in others. Analyses test parental warmth, children's beliefs regarding the legitimacy of parental authority and their own obligation to disclose misbehavior, and parent's responses to children's disclosure of disagreement with parents’ rules and children's misbehavior as predictors of both between‐person and within‐person variations in disclosing and revealing forms of information management. Parent‐child dyads (n = 218) were interviewed during the summers following the child's 5th (M age = 11.9 years) and 6th grade school years. Feeling obligated to disclose rule violations and believing that parents have legitimate authority to impose rules across more topics explained why some children reveal more and conceal less from parents than do other children. Children were more likely to conceal information about the specific topics for which they felt less obligated to disclose rule violations and following rule violations in areas in which their parents previously punished rule violations.
Next‐generation sequencing of HLA‐G based on long‐range polymerase chain reaction
Authors: Nilsson L. L. , Funck T. , Kjersgaard N. D. , Hviid T. V. F.
Published: July 2018

Clarifying the functional roles of HLA‐G and the variation in the HLA‐G gene that affects the expression are increasingly important in reproduction, cancer, organ transplantation, and autoimmune diseases. The homology between HLA genes and the genetic variability within each gene complicates the design of HLA gene‐specific genotyping assays. We have designed a high‐throughput, cost‐efficient, robust, and specific assay for sequencing the full HLA‐G gene including the 5′‐upstream regulatory region, introns, and the 3′‐untranslated region, using the next‐generation sequencing (NGS) platform Ion Torrent PGM (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Waltham, Massachusetts). Conventional sequencing methods require the design of multiple primer pairs in order to cover the entire HLA‐G gene. Designing multiple primer pairs specific for the HLA‐G gene that also target all known alleles is difficult. Here, we present a setup that by the use of long‐range polymerase chain reaction amplifies the whole HLA‐G gene in a single reaction, which only requires a single HLA‐G‐specific primer pair. Enzymatic DNA shearing is used to break the long‐range PCR product into shorter fragments ranging from 75 to 200 bp in length that are sequenced by NGS.
Determinants of Employability of Young People Aged 15-29 in Burkina Faso
Authors: OUEDRAOGO Sayouba
Published: July 2018

The purpose of the article is to identify and analyze the employability determinants of young people aged 15-29. A logit model was estimated using data from Phases 1 and 2 of the multisectoral survey conducted in 2014 by the National Institute of Statistics and Demography (INSD) of Burkina Faso. The female gender, rural environment, monogamy, large household, non-membership in an organization, low-paid jobs, and socio-professional category of parents in the formal and modern labor market have positive effects and high probabilities of youth employment. On the other hand, vocational and technical training and higher education offer less chance of employment. Beyond the fight against youth unemployment, decent jobs for young people are needed, and social inequalities should be reduced. Also, an integrative approach that takes into account economic, social, psychological and managerial approaches is essential in analyzing the determinants of employability.
Task Distribution between Acetate and Acetoin Pathways To Prolong Growth in Lactococcus lactis under Respiration Conditions
Authors: Cesselin Bénédicte , Garrigues Christel , Pedersen Martin B. , Roussel Célia , Gruss Alexandra , Gaudu Philippe
Published: July 2018

Lactococcus lactis
is used in food and biotechnology industries for its capacity to produce lactic acid, aroma, and proteins. This species grows by fermentation or by an aerobic respiration metabolism when heme is added. Whereas fermentation leads mostly to lactic acid production, respiration produces acetate and acetoin. Respiration growth leads to greatly improved bacterial growth and survival. Our study aims at deciphering mechanisms of respiration metabolism that have a major impact on bacterial physiology. Our results showed that two metabolic pathways (acetate and acetoin) are key elements of respiration. The acetate pathway contributes to biomass yield. The acetoin pathway is needed for pH homeostasis, which affects metabolic activities and bacterial viability in stationary phase. This study clarifies key metabolic elements that are required to maintain the growth advantage conferred by respiration metabolism and has potential uses in strain optimization for industrial and biomedical applications.
Functional Evolution of the 2009 Pandemic H1N1 Influenza Virus NS1 and PA in Humans
Authors: Nogales Aitor , Martinez-Sobrido Luis , Chiem Kevin , Topham David J. , DeDiego Marta L.
Published: July 2018

IAVs emerge in humans from animal reservoirs, causing unpredictable pandemics. One of these pandemics was caused by an H1N1 virus in 2009, and this virus is still circulating seasonally. To analyze host-virus adaptations likely affecting influenza virus pathogenesis, protein amino acid sequences from viruses circulating at the beginning of the pandemic and those circulating currently were compared. Currently circulating viruses have incorporated amino acid changes in two viral proteins (NS1 and PA-X), affecting innate immune responses, and in the PA gene. These amino acid differences led to increased NS1-mediated and decreased PA-X-mediated inhibition of host gene expression. A recombinant pH1N1 virus containing PA, PA-X, and NS1 genes from recently circulating viruses is fitter in replication in tissue culture cells and in mice, and the virus is more pathogenic
in vivo
. Importantly, these results suggest that a balance in the abilities of NS1 and PA-X to induce host shutoff is beneficial for IAVs.
Evolution and Comparative Genomics of F33:A−:B− Plasmids Carrying
bla
CTX-M-55
or
bla
CTX-M-65
in
Escherichia coli
and
Klebsiella pneumoniae
Isolated from Animals, Food Products, and Humans in China
Authors: Wang Jing , Zeng Zhen-Ling , Huang Xin-Yi , Ma Zhen-Bao , Guo Ze-Wen , Lv Lu-Chao , Xia Ying-Bi , Zeng Li , Song Qian-Hua , Liu Jian-Hua
Published: July 2018

Worldwide spread of antibiotic resistance genes among
Enterobacteriaceae
isolates is of great concern. F33:A−:B− plasmids are important vectors of resistance genes, such as
bla
CTX-M-55/-65
,
bla
NDM-1
,
fosA3
, and
rmtB
, among
E. coli
isolates from various sources in China. We determined and compared the complete sequences of 17 F33:A−:B− plasmids from various sources. These plasmids appear to have evolved from the same ancestor by mobile element-mediated rearrangement, acquisition, and/or loss of resistance modules and similar IncN1, IncI1, and/or IncX1 plasmid backbone segments. Our findings highlight the evolutionary potential of F33:A−:B− plasmids as efficient vectors to capture and diffuse clinically relevant resistance genes.
Long-term outcomes after group B streptococcus infection: a cohort study
Authors: Yeo Kee Thai , Lahra Monica , Bajuk Barbara , Hilder Lisa , Abdel-Latif Mohamed E , Wright Ian M , Oei Ju-Lee
Published: July 2018

Objective

To describe the risk of death and hospitalisation until adolescence of children after group B streptococcus (GBS) infection during infancy.

Design

Population-based cohort study.

Setting

New South Wales, Australia.

Patients

All registered live births from 2000 to 2011.

Interventions

Comparison of long-term outcomes in children with the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems-10th Revision discharge codes corresponding to GBS infections and those without.

Main outcome measures

Death and hospitalisation.

Results

A total of 1206 (0.1%) children (936 (77.6%)≥37 weeks’ gestation) were diagnosed with GBS infection. Over the study period, infection rates decreased from 2.1 (95% CI 1.8 to 2.4) to 0.7 (95% CI 0.5 to 0.9) per 1000 live births. Infants with GBS infection were born at lower gestation (mean 37.6 vs 39.0 weeks), were more likely very low birth weight (<1500 g, OR 9.1(95% CI 7.4 to 11.3)), born premature (OR 3.9(95% CI 3.4 to 4.5)) and have 5 min Apgar scores ≤5 (OR 6.7(95% CI 5.1 to 8.8)). Children with GBS had three times the adjusted odds of death (adjusted OR (AOR) 3.0(95% CI 2.1 to 4.3)) or rehospitalisations (AOR 3.1(95% CI 2.7 to 3.5)). Thirty-six (3.0%) with GBS died, with >50% of deaths occurring <28 days. Children with GBS were hospitalised more frequently (median 2 vs 1), for longer duration (mean 3.7 vs 2.2 days) and were at higher risk for problems with genitourinary (OR 3.1(95% CI 2.8 to 3.5)) and nervous (OR 2.0 (95% CI1.7 to 2.3)) systems.

Conclusions

Despite decreasing GBS rates, the risk of poor health outcomes for GBS-infected children remains elevated, especially during the first 5 years. Survivors continue to be at increased risk of death and chronic conditions requiring hospitalisations, such as cerebral palsy and epilepsy.