bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Facial nerve palsy in children: A retrospective study of 124 cases
Authors: Psillas George , Antoniades Elias , Ieridou Fotini , Constantinidis Jannis
Published: August 2018

Aim

To report the causes and clinical evaluation of children with facial nerve palsy (FNP) admitted to an affiliated university hospital during a 5‐year period (2011–2015).

Methods

A total of 124 children were retrospectively categorised into two groups: idiopathic Bell's palsy (109 patients) and the second group into other FNP aetiologies (15 patients). All children received a standardised work‐up and follow‐up. Therapy consisted of steroid administration associated with antiviral treatment when a viral infection was suspected.

Results

All children of the first group had a full recovery under oral steroids within 2 months of treatment. From the second group, seven children (46%) had a viral infection based on serological findings, two of them were positive for neurotropic herpes viruses, and one had Ramsay Hunt syndrome; six children with infectious FNP had recurrent FNP on the ipsilateral or contralateral side. Five patients had FNP as a complication of acute otitis media; three of them (60%) had partial or full recovery postoperatively. One child developed FNP following temporal bone trauma that had an uneventful recovery with conservative treatment. One child suffered from Melkersson–Rosenthal syndrome, and another child presented with FNP associated with unilateral hemiparesis following an ischaemic cerebral infarct.

Conclusions

Facial palsy in children is a manifestation of a heterogeneous group of causes. The most common aetiology of FNP in children in our study was idiopathic (Bell's palsy), followed by infective causes, such as acute otitis media and neurotropic herpes viruses. Therefore, treatment should be adapted to each patient depending on the underlying disease and severity of FNP.
Impact of public dental care spending and insurance coverage on utilization disparities among Canadian jurisdictions
Authors: Dehmoobadsharifabadi Armita , Singhal Sonica , Quiñonez Carlos R.
Published: August 2018

Objective

To investigate the role of public dental care spending and insurance coverage on dental services utilization disparities among different Canadian jurisdictions.

Methods

We utilized Canadian Institute for Health Information provincial/territorial per capita estimates for public dental care expenditure, public information on legislated dental care programs, and oral health data from the 2007–2008 Canadian Community Health Survey to make inferences regarding the relationship between dentist visits in the past 12 months and self‐perceived oral health. We performed descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression analysis to determine the relationship between dentist visits and self‐perceived oral health status at the provincial/territorial level and on stratified data based on three age groups – children (12–17 years), adults (18–64 years), and seniors (65 years and older).

Results

Overall, the presence of the “inverse care law” in dental care at the provincial/territorial level was evident. However, in the Canadian territories, which had the highest per capita public dental care expenditure, individuals with poor oral health had the highest odds of visiting a dentist compared with other jurisdictions. In jurisdictions with public dental care programs for children and/or seniors, children and seniors with poor oral health were more likely to visit dentists.

Conclusions

Jurisdictions with more public spending and greater population coverage for dental care appear to better cater to those with the highest oral health care needs.
Family Caregivers as Needed Partners: Recognizing Their Role in Medicaid Managed Long‐Term Services and Supports
Authors: Williamson Heather J. , Perkins Elizabeth A. , Massey Oliver T. , Baldwin Julie A. , Lulinski Amie , Armstrong Mary I. , Levins Bruce L.
Published: August 2018

Adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD) in the United States are supported by both formal Medicaid‐funded long‐term services and supports and family caregivers. Lack of alternative housing options and wait lists for long‐term services and supports means the role of the family caregiver is and will continue be critical. Rising long‐term services and supports costs combined with goals to improve care coordination and access to services are driving more states to change the design of their long‐term services and supports systems to a Medicaid‐Managed Long‐Term Services and Supports (MLTSS) approach. Best practices for implementing MLTSS for individuals with IDD include acknowledging the family caregiver role. The current study's aim is to understand how family caregivers and their roles are recognized in MLTSS for adults with IDD in Kansas. Kansas was selected given their unique approach to MLTSS for adults with IDD, referred to as KanCare. In‐depth semi‐structured telephone interviews were completed with 31 stakeholders in Kansas, including statewide/regional representatives (N = 13), service coordination providers (N = 7), and family caregivers (N = 11). Additional family support services were available in KanCare, but families had difficulty accessing them. No formal processes were reported for assessing the needs of family caregivers in KanCare and families found communications with managed care entities challenging. Families reported difficulties with taking on responsibility of managing in‐home supports and there were concerns about being paid to provide care as a guardian. Family caregivers play a critical role in MLTSS, including assisting with care coordination and access to services. However, their role was not formally acknowledged in KanCare. Future research, practice, and policy efforts should focus on promoting family caregiver assessments and identifying best practices for supporting family caregivers in MLTSS.
Hepatitis C virus early kinetics and resistance‐associated substitution dynamics during antiviral therapy with direct‐acting antivirals
Authors: Perpiñán Elena , Caro‐Pérez Noelia , García‐González Neris , Gregori Josep , González Patricia , Bartres Concepción , Soria Maria Eugenia , Perales Celia , Lens Sabela , Mariño Zoe , Londoño María Carlota , Ariza Xavier , Koutsoudakis George , Quer Josep , González‐Candelas Fernando , Forns Xavier , Pérez‐del‐Pulgar Sofía
Published: August 2018

The emergence of resistance‐associated substitutions (RASs) can compromise the high efficacy of direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs). Little is known about RASs selection at very early time points during DAA treatment. Therefore, we analyzed the potential emergence of RASs immediately after therapy initiation. Samples of 71 patients treated with different DAAs were collected at baseline, during therapy (hours 4 and 8; days 1‐7; weeks 2‐4) or until target not detected. HCV‐RNA levels were determined by qPCR, and RASs were detected by deep sequencing. Sixty‐three (89%) patients achieved a sustained virological response (SVR), 7 (10%) relapsed, and 1 (1%) experienced a breakthrough. Almost all non‐SVR (7/8, 88%) showed RASs either at baseline or relapse. High‐frequency RASs detected at baseline (Y93H and L159F+C316N) remained detectable at early time points during therapy and reappeared as most prevalent substitutions at relapse. Conversely, emergent RASs at relapse (Q80R, D168E/V, R155K and L31V) were not observed during the first hours‐days, before HCV‐RNA became undetectable. HCV‐RNA decay and genetic evolution of the quasispecies followed a similar pattern during the first hours of therapy in SVR and non‐SVR patients. In conclusion, the absence of early RASs selection and the similar dynamics of HCV kinetics and quasispecies in SVR and non‐SVR patients after therapy initiation suggest that RASs selection may occur at later stages in the remaining reservoir, where viral populations persist hidden at very low replication levels. Nevertheless, we cannot completely exclude very early selection, when RASs are present below the sensitivity limit of deep sequencing.
Dynamics, habitat use and extinction risk of a carnivorous desert marsupial
Authors: Greenville A.C. , Brandle R. , Canty P. , Dickman C. R.
Published: August 2018

Animals in hot desert environments often show marked fluctuations in population size, persisting in low numbers in refuge habitats during dry periods and expanding after rain when resources increase. Understanding drought‐wet cycle dynamics is important for managing arid ecosystems, particularly if populations of threatened species are present. Such species may face increased risks of extinction if all populations decrease synchronously toward zero during low‐resource periods, and if key refuge habitats needed during these periods are disturbed or unavailable. Here, we describe the dynamics and habitat requirements of two sub‐populations of the kowari, Dasyuroides byrnei (Marsupialia: Dasyuridae), during long‐term sampling (2000–2015) that encompassed multiple drought‐wet cycles. This species is listed currently as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. We found that the study region contains favourable habitat, with kowari occurring on hard stony (gibber) pavements in association with coverage of sand that may facilitate construction of burrows. Both sub‐populations of kowari declined over the study period irrespective of climatic conditions, despite some evidence that both body condition and reproductive output increased after rain. We suggest that the studied sub‐populations are under stress from extrinsic rather than intrinsic factors, with livestock grazing and introduced predators perhaps having the most negative effects. If similar demographic trends are apparent elsewhere in the species’ small geographical range, the species would be eligible for listing on the IUCN Red List as Endangered, with a 20% chance of extinction within the next 20 years. Urgent research is required to quantify and mitigate the extrinsic threats to kowari populations. Proactive measures such as captive breeding to act as insurance populations would be prudent.
Development of a method for direct extraction of viral RNA from bivalve molluscs
Authors: Quang Le H. , Suffredini E. , Tien Pham D. , Kim To A. , De Medici D.
Published: August 2018

The detection of foodborne viruses in bivalve molluscs is a challenging procedure in relation to low virus concentration and to the presence of significant RT-PCR inhibitors. The aim of this study was the development of an efficient direct extraction method for foodborne viral RNA from bivalve molluscs. Using Mengovirus as a surrogate for foodborne viruses, five extraction methods based on RNA release by Trizol were compared on clams and oysters. A procedure consisting of Trizol, PureLink RNA Mini Kit, followed by Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) treatment and LiCl precipitation was found to provide RNA with the highest extraction efficiency and negligible inhibitory effect on real-time RT-PCR. This procedure was further compared to standard extraction method (ISO 15216) using clam, mussel and oyster samples spiked with Hepatitis A virus, Norovirus (NoV) GI and GII as well as bivalve samples naturally contaminated with NoV GI or GII. Results clearly demonstrated that the developed method provided, on average, a recovery 4·3 times higher than the standard reference protocol as well as good repeatability.

Significance and Impact of the Study

A direct extraction procedure was developed to recover viral RNA from shellfish with improved efficiency in comparison to reference extraction method (ISO 15216). Without the need for specific equipment, this procedure offers an alternative for performing food safety controls and for risk assessment studies. Given the inclusion in this extraction method of several steps for the efficient removal of food components inhibiting PCR reaction, this approach could serve as a general scheme for the extraction of nucleic acids of other enteric viruses and/or from other food categories.
Relationship‐specific investment and multiple interested parties
Authors: Oexl Regine
Published: August 2018

This paper proposes a solution to the hold‐up problem for situations where a seller interacts with several parties who have a common interest in inducing the seller to make a quality‐enhancing investment. Since parties can observe purchase decisions, they are able to add a clause to the contract specifying that an extra payment should be made to the seller, conditional on verifiable previous purchases. Since previous purchases depend on observable but not verifiable quality, this ‘conditional multilateral contract’ provides correct incentives to restore efficiency, and is feasible in the context of both, complete and incomplete information.
Sandstone sample analysis and additional structural data from Jabal Rayah, a possible impact structure in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Gnos Edwin , Hofmann Beda A. , Al‐Wagdani Khalid , Mahjub Ayman , Al‐Solami Abdulaziz Abdullah , Habibullah Siddiq N. , Matter Albert , Halawani Mohammed A.
Published: August 2018

The ~5.5 km sized Jabal Rayah ring structure located at 28°39′N/37°12′E in Saudi Arabia has been classified as a possible complex impact structure located in flat‐lying Paleozoic clastic sediments. Previous, detailed mapping showed that erosional processes led to a relief inversion, with displaced, folded, and faulted blocks of Silurian to Early Devonian strata, interpreted to form a ring syncline, now forming a topographically outstanding, 150 m high ring crest. The drainage toward the center of the structure seems controlled by a set of radial faults. This central part is eroded to the level of the surrounding plateau and partially covered with gravel. Analysis of 28 Qusaiba Formation sandstones showed that at the present outcrop level, the sediments seem devoid of shock features. Measurement of fold axes in the central part of the structure shows radially outward plunging fold axes, becoming steeper toward the center, and also fold axes of other orientation, and folded folds. This fold axis pattern is interpreted as an upward‐pointing, kilometer‐sized sheath fold. Assuming an impact scenario and using the present size of the structure, the minimum central structural uplift is estimated at ~500 m, which is consistent with Qusaiba Formation occupying the center of the ring structure.
Effect of polychromatic X‐ray microtomography imaging on the amino acid content of the Murchison CM chondrite
Authors: Friedrich Jon M. , McLain Hannah L. , Dworkin Jason P. , Glavin Daniel P. , Towbin W. Henry , Hill Morgan , Ebel Denton S.
Published: August 2018

X‐ray microcomputed tomography (μCT) is a useful means of characterizing cosmochemical samples such as meteorites or robotically returned samples. However, there are occasional concerns that the use of μCT may be detrimental to the organic components of a chondrite. Small organic compounds such as amino acids comprise up to ~10% of the total solvent extractable carbon in CM carbonaceous chondrites. We irradiated three samples of the Murchison CM carbonaceous chondrite under conditions akin to and harsher than those typically used during typical benchtop X‐ray μCT imaging experiments to determine if detectable changes in the amino acid abundance and distribution relative to a nonexposed Murchison control sample occurred. After subjecting three meteorite samples to ionizing radiation dosages between ~300 Gray (Gy) and 3 kGy with bremstrahlung X‐rays, we analyzed the amino acid content of each sample. Within sampling and analytical errors, we cannot discern differences in the amino acid abundances and amino acid enantiomeric ratios when comparing the control samples (nonexposed Murchison) and the irradiated samples. We conclude that a polychromatic X‐ray μCT experiment does not alter the abundances of amino acids to a degree greater than how well those abundances are measured with our techniques and therefore any damage to amino acids is minimal.
In vitro susceptibility of Microsporum spp. and mammalian cells to Eugenia caryophyllus essential oil, eugenol and semisynthetic derivatives
Authors: Leal Pinto Sandra Milena , Herrera Sandoval Laura Viviana , Vargas Leonor Yamile
Published: August 2018

Background

Microsporum spp. are keratinophilic dermatophytes that mainly invade the stratum corneum of the skin and hair causing clinical symptoms associated with tinea. Its treatment has several limitations, and the search for new active molecules is necessary.

Objective

To evaluate the antifungal and cytotoxic potential of Eugenia caryophyllus essential oil (EO), eugenol, isoeugenol and methylisoeugenol against Microsporum canis, M. gypseum and Vero cells.

Methods

The EO was extracted by conventional heating‐assisted hydrodistillation, the eugenol obtained commercially and the derivatives through Williamson synthesis. Minimal inhibitory concentration (MICs), minimum fungicidal concentration, inhibition of radial mycelial growth and germination inhibition were used to evaluate the antifungal activity. In addition, a colorimetric test was conducted to evaluate cytotoxic activity.

Results

MIC and MFC values for all compounds were 62.5‐500 μg/mL for both of the species of Microsporum evaluated. Also, concentrations of 300 μg/mL of the compounds inhibited 100% of M. canis mycelium. The inhibition of germination was observed after 6 hours of treatment (11.86 ± 3.46‐85.31 ± 0%). No cytotoxicity was observed in Vero cells (CC50 > 105 μg/mL), whereas terbinafine showed CC50 31.00 ± 0.61 μg/mL.

Conclusions

Our study indicates an interesting bioactivity of isoeugenol and methylisoeugenol against M. canis, M. gypseum and mammalian cells.
High levels of urinary complement proteins are associated with chronic renal damage and proximal tubule dysfunction in immunoglobulin A nephropathy
Authors: Wen Lu , Zhao Zhanzheng , Wang Zheng , Xiao Jing , Birn Henrik , Gregersen Jon W
Published: August 2018

Aim

Complement activation is involved in the pathogenesis and progression of immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN); however, the clinical implication of abnormal complement protein levels in serum and urine is not clear. To address this we analyzed the correlation between disease activity and complement proteins in serum and urine from IgAN patients, and compared to patients with other types of chronic kidney disease (CKD) as well as healthy controls.

Methods

We included 85 Chinese patients with IgAN, 23 patients with non‐proliferative CKD, and 20 healthy individuals. Patients were divided according to the Oxford classification of M0E0S0T0 (group 1, n = 20), M1E1S0‐1 T0‐1 (group 2, n = 25), M1E1S0‐1 T2 or M0E0S1T1‐2 (group 3, n = 40). Complement factor H (CFH), mannose‐binding lectin and membrane attack complex in serum and urine were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Urinary CFH, membrane attack complex and serum CFH were increased in both IgAN and CKD patients compared with healthy controls. The urinary excretion of CFH was the highest in IgAN patients with most tubulointerstitial damage (IgAN group 3). Urinary CFH and mannose‐binding lectin levels were significantly higher in IgAN patients with crescents formation (C1–2) than in patients without (C0). Urinary complement protein excretion correlated negatively with estimated glomerular filtration rate, and positively with urinary retinol‐binding protein and α1‐microglobulin excretion indicating proximal tubule dysfunction.

Conclusion

Increased urinary excretion of complement proteins in IgAN is related to chronic injury and tubular dysfunction. This warrants caution using urinary complement proteins as markers of disease activity.
Changes in food reward during weight management interventions – a systematic review
Authors: Oustric P. , Gibbons C. , Beaulieu K. , Blundell J. , Finlayson G.
Published: August 2018

Background

Does food reward increase or decrease during weight management attempts? Excessive food intake is the main behavioural determinant of obesity; therefore, a better understanding of food reward and its relationship with food intake and weight outcomes could contribute to more effective weight management solutions.

Methods

This systematic review assessed the role of changes in food reward (directly or indirectly measured) during weight management interventions. Four databases were searched for articles published until April 2018 involving weight management interventions (all types and designs) in healthy adults with overweight or obesity.

Results

Of 239 full‐text articles assessed, 17 longitudinal studies were included. Twelve studies reported a significant change in food reward over time. When compared with control interventions, dietary, pharmacological, behavioural and cognitive interventions were effective in decreasing liking and/or wanting for high‐energy food using a range of methodologies to assess food reward. Three studies reported that decreased food reward was associated with improved weight management outcomes.

Conclusion

Food reward appears to decrease rather than increase during weight management interventions. Future studies specifically targeting the hedonic aspects of food intake (liking/wanting) are needed to gain a better understanding of how to uncouple the obesogenic relationship between food reward and overeating.
Orchestrating resources for FMA in coopetitive NPD
Authors: Nemeh André , Yami Saïd
Published: August 2018

The rapid introduction of new products in high‐tech industries is a key competence for firms wanting to benefit from the first‐mover advantage (FMA). Prior studies call for forging links between FMA and the resource‐based view, as the resources at the disposal of a firm tend to influence the likelihood and timing of market entry. Analysing the way firms orchestrate internal and external resources enables a better understanding of this link. More precisely, synchronising the combination of internal and external resources is important in determining the development time of new products. This issue becomes vital when the NPD process regroups competitors due to the short age of the acquired knowledge. An in‐depth case study of the product development strategies of four competitors that collaborated to develop Ethernet solutions identifies three different product introduction strategies based on different resource orchestrations and timing: pioneer, wise and slow. The firms that structured their resources early to make them available for bundling during coopetition were able to introduce products faster than firms that structured their resources during coopetition. Furthermore, our results show that only prepared firms are able to reap benefits from knowledge gained through coopetitive NPD.
Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment of Salmonellosis from the Consumption of Australian Pork: Minced Meat from Retail to Burgers Prepared and Consumed at Home
Authors: Gurman Phillip M. , Ross Tom , Kiermeier Andreas
Published: August 2018

Pork burgers could be expected to have an elevated risk of salmonellosis compared to other pork products due to their comminuted nature. A stochastic risk assessment was performed to estimate the risk of salmonellosis from Australian pork burgers and considered risk‐affecting factors in the pork supply chain from retail to consumption at home. Conditions modeled included prevalence and concentration of Salmonella in pork mince, time and temperature effects during retail, consumer transport, and domestic storage and the effect of cooking, with the probability of illness from consumption estimated based on these effects. The model was two‐dimensional, allowing for the separation of variability and uncertainty. Potential changes to production practices and consumer behaviors were examined through alternative scenarios. Under current conditions in Australia, the mean risk of salmonellosis from consumption of 100 g pork burgers was estimated to be per serving or one illness per 65,000,000 servings consumed. Under a scenario in which all pork mince consumed is served as pork burgers, and with conservative (i.e., worst‐case) assumptions, 0.746 cases of salmonellosis per year from pork burgers in Australia were predicted. Despite the adoption of several conservative assumptions to fill data gaps, it is predicted that pork burgers have a low probability of causing salmonellosis in Australia.
The Impact of Portfolio Location Uncertainty on Probabilistic Seismic Risk Analysis
Authors: Scheingraber Christoph , Käser Martin A.
Published: August 2018

Probabilistic seismic risk analysis is a well‐established method in the insurance industry for modeling portfolio losses from earthquake events. In this context, precise exposure locations are often unknown. However, so far, location uncertainty has not been in the focus of a large amount of research. In this article, we propose a novel framework for treatment of location uncertainty. As a case study, a large number of synthetic portfolios resembling typical real‐world cases were created. We investigate the effect of portfolio characteristics such as value distribution, portfolio size, or proportion of risk items with unknown coordinates on the variability of loss frequency estimations. The results indicate that due to loss aggregation effects and spatial hazard variability, location uncertainty in isolation and in conjunction with ground motion uncertainty can induce significant variability to probabilistic loss results, especially for portfolios with a small number of risks. After quantifying its effect, we conclude that location uncertainty should not be neglected when assessing probabilistic seismic risk, but should be treated stochastically and the resulting variability should be visualized and interpreted carefully.
Our disease: a qualitative meta‐synthesis of the experiences of spousal/partner caregivers of people with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Appleton Damien , Robertson Noelle , Mitchell Laura , Lesley Rosie
Published: August 2018

Purpose

To provide a unique and conceptually comprehensive account of the lived experiences of caregiving spouses/partners of people with multiple sclerosis, which can be used to better enable health professionals to provide appropriate support services.

Method

A systematic review of qualitative studies reporting the experiences of caregiving spouses/partners was conducted. Relevant articles were identified and analysed using a meta‐ethnographic synthesis.

Results

Twenty studies met eligibility criteria, of which 18 were included in the final meta‐synthesis. Six major concepts were identified: Acceptance and Appreciation, Commitment, Becoming the Carer, Living with Loss, Shifting Sands and Setbacks with Services. A model of carer experience is presented as a line of argument to synthesise the findings. Suggestions are made regarding the types of supportive interventions that might be effective for spousal carers.

Conclusion

The findings increase our understanding about the experiences of partners caring for people with multiple sclerosis. Spousal carers can adapt to the challenges associated with change and loss, and have the potential to develop appreciation, acceptance and hope. Services need to be sensitive to the fluctuating demands placed upon carers and be flexible in their support.
Cultural geographies of extinction: Animal culture among Scottish ospreys
Authors: Garlick Ben
Published: August 2018

This paper explores cultural geographies of extinction. I trace the decline of the Scottish osprey during the 19th century and its enduring, haunting presence in the landscape today. Taking inspiration from the environmental humanities, extinction is framed as an event affecting losses that exceed comprehension in terms merely of biological species numbers and survival rates. Disavowing the “species thinking” of contemporary conservation bio‐politics, the osprey's extinction story pays attention to the worth of “animal cultures.” Drawing a hybrid conceptual framework from research in the environmental humanities, “speculative” ethology and more‐than‐human geographies, I champion an experimental attention to the cultural geographies of animals in terms of historically contingent, communally shared, spatial practices and attachments. In doing so, I propose non‐human cultural geographies as assemblages that matter, and which are fundamentally at stake in the face of extinction.
A retrospective analysis of the use of lokivetmab in the management of allergic pruritus in a referral population of 135 dogs in the western USA
Authors: Souza Clarissa P. , Rosychuk Rod A. W. , Contreras Elena T. , Schissler Jennifer R. , Simpson Andrew C.
Published: August 2018

Background

Lokivetmab neutralizes IL‐31, a cytokine that plays an important role in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD) in dogs.

Objective

To review experience of one year of treatment with lokivetmab for the control of pruritus in dogs with allergic dermatitis.

Animals

Eighty dogs diagnosed with AD, ten with concurrent adverse food reaction and AD and 45 with allergic dermatitis of undetermined cause. Three dogs were lost to follow‐ up.

Methods and materials

Retrospective analysis of medical records of dogs with allergic dermatitis treated with lokivetmab from November 2015 to October 2016. Treatment success for owner‐assessed pruritus was empirically defined as ≥2 cm reduction in Visual Analog Scale (pVAS) from baseline. A ≥50% reduction in pVAS also was recorded.

Results

Pruritus improvement was achieved in 116 of 132 dogs (87.8%) following initial lokivetmab administration at 1.8 to 3.7 mg/kg (P < 0.001). A pVAS reduction of ≥50% was recorded in 104 dogs (77.0%). Dogs with severe/very severe pruritus prior to treatment and large/giant sized dogs, had 2.7 and 2.8 times higher odds of treatment success, respectively. There were no significant associations between treatment success and age of onset of clinical signs, disease chronicity, lokivetmab dosage or age at initial lokivetmab administration. Dogs that did not previously respond to oclacitinib were less likely to respond to lokivetmab. Adverse effects including lethargy, vomiting, hyperexcitability, pain at injection site and urinary incontinence were reported in 11 of 132 dogs.

Conclusions and clinical importance

Lokivetmab at labelled dosages was a fast, safe and efficacious therapy for the control of pruritus in dogs with allergic dermatitis.
Spatial receptive field shift by preceding cross‐modal stimulation in the cat superior colliculus
Authors: Xu Jinghong , Bi Tingting , Wu Jing , Meng Fanzhu , Wang Kun , Hu Jiawei , Han Xiao , Zhang Jiping , Zhou Xiaoming , Keniston Les , Yu Liping
Published: August 2018

Key points

It has been known for some time that sensory information of one type can bias the spatial perception of another modality. However, there is a lack of evidence of this occurring in individual neurons.

In the present study, we found that the spatial receptive field of superior colliculus multisensory neurons could be dynamically shifted by a preceding stimulus in a different modality.

The extent to which the receptive field shifted was dependent on both temporal and spatial gaps between the preceding and following stimuli, as well as the salience of the preceding stimulus.

This result provides a neural mechanism that could underlie the process of cross‐modal spatial calibration.

Psychophysical studies have shown that the different senses can be spatially entrained by each other. This can be observed in certain phenomena, such as ventriloquism, in which a visual stimulus can attract the perceived location of a spatially discordant sound. However, the neural mechanism underlying this cross‐modal spatial recalibration has remained unclear, as has whether it takes place dynamically. We explored these issues in multisensory neurons of the cat superior colliculus (SC), a midbrain structure that involves both cross‐modal and sensorimotor integration. Sequential cross‐modal stimulation showed that the preceding stimulus can shift the receptive field (RF) of the lagging response. This cross‐modal spatial calibration took place in both auditory and visual RFs, although auditory RFs shifted slightly more. By contrast, if a preceding stimulus was from the same modality, it failed to induce a similarly substantial RF shift. The extent of the RF shift was dependent on both temporal and spatial gaps between the preceding and following stimuli, as well as the salience of the preceding stimulus. A narrow time gap and high stimulus salience were able to induce larger RF shifts. In addition, when both visual and auditory stimuli were presented simultaneously, a substantial RF shift toward the location‐fixed stimulus was also induced. These results, taken together, reveal an online cross‐modal process and reflect the details of the organization of SC inter‐sensory spatial calibration.
Silicon nitride-capped silicon nanocrystals via a nonthermal dual-plasma synthesis approach
Authors: Mandal Rajib , O’Shea Kyle , Anthony Rebecca
Published: August 2018

Improving the photoluminescence quantum yields and air-stability of silicon nanocrystals is crucial to expanding their influence in optoelectronic devices and other burgeoning application areas. Here, a dual-plasma approach for the synthesis of silicon nanocrystals capped with silicon nitride is reported. The reactor consists of two plasma stages in series: a primary radiofrequency (rf) plasma for silicon nanocrystal growth from silane and argon gas followed by a secondary rf plasma for silicon nitride growth using nitrogen gas as the reactant. The core-shell nanocrystals were characterized using optical and structural analyses, and the plasma was characterized using optical emission spectroscopy. The resulting core-shell nanocrystals show a reduced susceptibility to ambient air oxidation as compared to bare silicon nanocrystals alone. This result is a step toward achieving highly efficient and air-stable photoluminescence from silicon nanocrystals while avoiding organic functionalization.
The effect of variation of reverberation parameters in contralateral versus ipsilateral ear signals on perceived externalization of a lateral sound source in a listening room
Authors: Li Song , Schlieper Roman , Peissig Jürgen
Published: August 2018

It is well known that reverberation plays an important role in perceived externalization of three-dimensional audio over headphones. In the case of the externalization of a frontal sound source, the reverberation heard by both ears is equally important. Relatively little is known about the relative influence of reverberation at the contralateral versus the ipsilateral ear on perceived externalization of a lateral sound source. For a lateral sound source, the direct sound energy is much higher at the ipsilateral ear than at the contralateral ear due to the shadowing effect, which dominates at mid to high frequencies. The reverberant energy does not have a major difference between two ears. Therefore, the direct-to-reverberant energy ratio is much lower for the contralateral ear than for the ipsilateral ear. In addition, the frequency-to-frequency variability, which describes the frequency variability in the magnitude spectrum, is more pronounced in the contralateral ear than in the ipsilateral ear. The results of two listening experiments and the analysis of short-term binaural cues suggested that the reverberation at the contralateral ear has more influence on perceived externalization of a lateral sound source than that at the ipsilateral ear.
A molecular mechanism for the enzymatic methylation of nitrogen atoms within peptide bonds
Authors: Song Haigang , van der Velden Niels S. , Shiran Sally L. , Bleiziffer Patrick , Zach Christina , Sieber Ramon , Imani Aman S. , Krausbeck Florian , Aebi Markus , Freeman Michael F. , Riniker Sereina , Künzler Markus , Naismith James H.
Published: August 2018

We report the structure of a fungal enzyme that activates the amide bond, allowing nucleophilic chemistry.
Free-standing liquid membranes as unusual particle separators
Authors: Stogin Birgitt Boschitsch , Gockowski Luke , Feldstein Hannah , Claure Houston , Wang Jing , Wong Tak-Sing
Published: August 2018

Membranes that have large-pass small-no-pass particle selectivity can allow previously unachievable applications.
Reconstruction of the time-dependent electronic wave packet arising from molecular autoionization
Authors: Bello Roger Y. , Canton Sophie E. , Jelovina Denis , Bozek John D. , Rude Bruce , Smirnova Olga , Ivanov Mikhail Y. , Palacios Alicia , Martín Fernando
Published: August 2018

The time evolution of an electronic molecular wave packet is determined using nuclear motion as an internal clock of the system.
Deep neural network processing of DEER data
Authors: Worswick Steven G. , Spencer James A. , Jeschke Gunnar , Kuprov Ilya
Published: August 2018

Deep neural networks successfully solve Fredholm equations and extract molecular-scale distance distributions from EPR data.
Gasdermin D plays a vital role in the generation of neutrophil extracellular traps
Authors: Sollberger Gabriel , Choidas Axel , Burn Garth Lawrence , Habenberger Peter , Di Lucrezia Raffaella , Kordes Susanne , Menninger Sascha , Eickhoff Jan , Nussbaumer Peter , Klebl Bert , Krüger Renate , Herzig Alf , Zychlinsky Arturo
Published: August 2018

By screening a library of compounds that block NETosis, we have identified a gasdermin D inhibitor.
Chemical disruption of the pyroptotic pore-forming protein gasdermin D inhibits inflammatory cell death and sepsis
Authors: Rathkey Joseph K. , Zhao Junjie , Liu Zhonghua , Chen Yinghua , Yang Jie , Kondolf Hannah C. , Benson Bryan L. , Chirieleison Steven M. , Huang Alex Y. , Dubyak George R. , Xiao Tsan S. , Li Xiaoxia , Abbott Derek W.
Published: August 2018

Necrosulfonamide inhibits pyroptosis through direct inhibition of gasdermin D.
Performance Validation of Selective Screening Agars for Guiding Antimicrobial Prophylaxis in Patients Undergoing Prostate Biopsy
Authors: Tops Sofie C. M. , Bruens Marlie , van Mook-Vermulst Sacha , Lamers-Jansen Diane , Engel Tobias , van den Brink Ger , van Duuren Rob , Wertheim Heiman F. L. , Kolwijck Eva
Published: August 2018

A rectal culture-guided antimicrobial prophylaxis strategy may prevent infections after transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy (TRUSP). The use of selective culture media could assist the choice of appropriate antibiotic prophylaxis.
FoxO1 and FoxA1/2 form a complex on DNA and cooperate to open chromatin at insulin-regulated genes
Authors: Schill Daniel , Nord Joshua , Cirillo Lisa Ann
Published: August 2018

We have previously shown that cooperative, interdependent binding by the pioneer factors FoxO1 and FoxA1/2 is required for recruitment of RNA polymerase II and H3K27 acetylation to the promoters of insulin-regulated genes. However, the underlying mechanisms are unknown. In this study, we demonstrate that, in HepG2 cells, FoxO1 and FoxA2 form a complex on DNA that is disrupted by insulin treatment. Insulin-mediated phosphorylation of FoxO1 and FoxA2 does not impair their cooperative binding to mononucleosome particles assembled from the IGFBP1 promoter, indicating that direct disruption of complex formation by phosphorylation is not responsible for the loss of interdependent FoxO1:FoxA1/2 binding following insulin treatment. Since FoxO1 and FoxA1/2 binding is required for the establishment and maintenance of transcriptionally active chromatin at insulin-regulated genes, we hypothesized that cooperative FoxO1 and FoxA1/2 binding dictates the chromatin remodeling events required for the initial activation of these genes. In support of this idea, we demonstrate that FoxO1 and FoxA2 cooperatively open linker histone compacted chromatin templates containing the IGFBP1 promoter. Taken together, these results provide a mechanism for how interdependent FoxO1:FoxA1/2 binding is negatively impacted by insulin and provide a developmental context for cooperative gene activation by these factors.
A novel rhodamine-based fluorescent probe for selective detection of ClO– and its application in living cell imaging
Authors: Yang Changping , Zuo Mingliang , Hu Xiaoli , Chen Xuelin , Zhang Duoduo , Qi Zhenping , Zhao Xiaoyan , Zuo Hua
Published: August 2018

A novel fluorescent rhodamine-based probe L for selective responding to ClO– has been synthesized and characterized. The spectroscopy showed that probe L can detect ClO– in aqueous solution without interaction with other interfering ions, and the detection is also evident by the colour change from colourless to reddish purple under white light. The remarkable fluorescence enhancement showed the high selectivity and sensitivity of probe L for the detection of ClO–. Furthermore, probe L was applied to intracellular fluorescent imaging of HeLa cells treated with ClO– and MTT assay showed nontoxicity in living cells.
Assessment of diet composition of free-ranging addax antelopes (Addaxnasomaculatus) by the combination of microhistological procedures andn-alkanes and long-chain alcohols as fecal markers
Authors: Seri Hicham , Chammem Mohsen , Silva Severiano , Rodrigues Miguel , Khorchani Touhami , Ferreira Luis
Published: August 2018

Understanding herbivore foraging behaviour is crucial for adequate wildlife management decisions. This study assessed the diet composition of free-ranging addax antelope (Addax nasomaculatus (de Blainville, 1816)). Samples collected during the spring season were analyzed using microhistological procedures along with n-alkanes and long-chain alcohols as fecal markers. Twelve animals were monitored and fresh fecal samples were collected daily during a 7-day period. Diet composition estimates obtained by both methods were similar and indicate that Stipagrostis pungens (Desf.) De Winter was the main diet component followed by Fagonia glutinosa Delile, Helianthemum kahiricum Delile, and Hammada schmittiana (Pomel.) Botsch. Data showed that addax have mixed diets composed of perennial woody and herbaceous plant species depending on their availability. The four species most selected by the animals were also the most abundant species in terms of plant cover. In contrast, species that accounted for less than 5% of the plant cover were not present in the fecal samples. Results of this study represent a single grazing season, and for that reason, further studies are required to fully understand how the grazing behaviour of addax varies with seasonal changes in vegetation cover.
Pseudo-spectral study for a class of convection-diffusion operators
Authors: Guebbai Hamza , Segni Sami , Ghiat Mourad , Zaddouri Meryem
Published: August 2018

Using adequate strategies, we localize the spectrum of a class of differential operators. We consider the conditioning of the pseudo-spectrum for a family of nonselfadjoint convection-diffusion operators defined on an unbounded open set of [Formula: see text].
Quantum entanglement shared in hydrogen bonds and its usage as a resource in molecular recognition
Authors: Pusuluk Onur , Torun Gökhan , Deliduman Cemsinan
Published: August 2018

Quantum tunneling events occurring through biochemical bonds are capable of generating quantum correlations between bonded systems, which in turn makes the conventional second law of thermodynamics approach insufficient to investigate these systems. This means that the utilization of these correlations in their biological functions could give an evolutionary advantage to biomolecules to an extent beyond the predictions of molecular biology that are generally based on the second law in its standard form. To explore this possibility, we first compare the tunneling assisted quantum entanglement shared in the ground states of covalent and hydrogen bonds. Only the latter appears to be useful from a quantum information point of view. Also, significant amounts of quantum entanglement can be found in the thermal state of hydrogen bond. Then, we focus on an illustrative example of ligand binding in which a receptor protein or an enzyme is restricted to recognize its ligands using the same set of proton-acceptors and donors residing on its binding site. In particular, we show that such a biomolecule can discriminate between [Formula: see text] agonist ligands if it uses the entanglement shared in [Formula: see text] intermolecular hydrogen bonds as a resource in molecular recognition. Finally, we consider the molecular recognition events encountered in both the contemporary genetic machinery and its hypothetical primordial ancestor in pre-DNA world, and discuss whether there may have been a place for the utilization of quantum entanglement in the evolutionary history of this system.
Grid Interconnection of Renewable Energy Sources Using Unified Power Quality Conditioner: A Fuzzy Logic-Based Approach
Authors: Vigneysh T. , Kumarappan N.
Published: August 2018

This paper proposes distributed generation-integrated unified power quality conditioner (UPQC-DG) with adaptive fuzzy proportional–integral (AFPI) controller to improve the power quality (PQ) of a distribution network. In the proposed system, the DG units are integrated at dc-link of the UPQC to provide additional functionalities. The additional functionalities which are unique to the proposed system is to (i) export the available active power from renewable energy sources to the grid, (ii) compensate long term PQ problems, (iii) compensate voltage interruption. Additionally, the dc-link voltage of the system is controlled by using the proposed AFPI controller to effectively improve the dynamic performance of the system during disturbances. Unlike conventional PI controller, in the proposed controller, the gains are not fixed. It is dynamically adjusted by the fuzzy logic-based intelligent supervisory control system according to system operating conditions. The effectiveness of the proposed system is verified using extensive simulation studies and necessary results are compared with the existing literature.
Improved MB Cognitive Radio Spectrum Sensing Using Wavelet Spectrum Filtering
Authors: Kobayashi Ricardo Tadashi , Hernandes Aislan Gabriel , Proença Mario Lemes , Abrao Taufik
Published: August 2018

In cognitive radio (CR), the sensed aggregate bandwidth could be as large as several GHz. This is especially challenging if the bandwidths and central frequencies of the sensed signals are unknown and need to be estimated. This work discusses a new improved method for MB spectrum sensing (iMB-SS) based on edge detection and using Wavelet Spectrum Filtering. The proposed iMB-SS method uses a Welch power spectrum density (PSD) estimate and a multi-scale Wavelet approach to reveal the spectrum transition (edges), which is deployed to characterize the spectrum occupancy in CR scenarios where the operation frequencies of the primary users (PUs) are unknown. The focus of this work lies in improving the performance of the MB spectrum sensor, particularly by refining the spectral edge location and reducing misleading detection. A comprehensive analytical description and numerical analysis have been carried out by focusing on orthogonal-frequency-division-multiplexing (OFDM) signal applications in CR networks. Numerical results corroborate the effectiveness of the proposed iMB-SS approach. The simulated results for the multiple-PU’s OFDM-based transmission CR system demonstrate that the proposed iMB-SS method can achieve high performance even under low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) regime, turning it out as an attractive choice for SS in the MB CR systems.