bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IFN‐free therapy is associated with restoration of type I IFN response in HIV‐1 patients with acute HCV infection who achieve SVR
Authors: Carlton‐Smith C. , Holmes J. A. , Naggie S. , Lidofsky A. , Lauer G. M. , Kim A. Y. , Chung R. T. ,   of the ACTG A5327 study group
Published: November 2017

Interferon (IFN)‐free direct‐acting antiviral agents (DAAs) have revolutionized chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment; early studies suggest excellent efficacy in acute HCV. However, changes in innate immune responses during DAA therapy for acute HCV are unknown. We studied interferon‐stimulated gene (ISG) expression and related cytokines/chemokines in HIV‐infected patients with acute HCV receiving sofosbuvir plus ribavirin (SOF+RBV) as part of the A5327 clinical trial. ISG expression was determined from PBMCs, and circulating cytokines/chemokines were quantified from serum from study participants. The overall sustained virologic response (SVR) was 57%; all treatment failures were due to virologic relapse. Apart from NOS2a, baseline ISG/chemokine/cytokine levels were similar irrespective of treatment outcome. Downregulation of ISGs was observed at treatment week four and end of treatment (EOT), implicating HCV in establishing elevated ISGs early during HCV infection. Levels of many of these ISGs increased at post‐treatment week 12 (PTW12) in relapsers only, coinciding with recurrent HCV RNA. Eleven ISGs were differentially expressed in responders vs relapsers. On‐treatment viral suppression was also associated with a reduction in IP‐10, CXCL11 and MIP‐1β levels. In contrast, circulating IFN‐α levels were significantly higher at EOT and PTW12 in responders vs relapsers. Upregulation of peripheral ISG expression is established early in the course of HCV infection during acute HCV infection, but did not predict subsequent treatment outcome with SOF+RBV. ISGs were downregulated during therapy and increased post‐therapy in relapsers. IFN‐α levels were higher in responders at EOT/PTW12, suggesting that impaired type I IFN production/secretion may contribute to relapse.
Evidence for interannual variation in genetic structure of Dungeness crab (Cancer magister) along the California Current System
Authors: Jackson Tyler M. , Roegner G. Curtis , O'Malley Kathleen G.
Published: November 2017

Using a combination of population‐ and individual‐based analytical approaches, we provide a comprehensive examination of genetic connectivity of Dungeness crab (Cancer magister) along ~1,200 km of the California Current System (CCS). We sampled individuals at 33 sites in 2012 to establish a baseline of genetic diversity and hierarchal population genetic structure and then assessed interannual variability in our estimates by sampling again in 2014. Genetic diversity showed little variation among sites or across years. In 2012, we observed weak genetic differentiation among sites (FSTrange = −0.005–0.014) following a pattern of isolation by distance (IBD) and significantly high relatedness among individuals within nine sampling sites. In 2014, pairwiseFSTestimates were lower (FSTrange = −0.014–0.007), there was no spatial autocorrelation, and fewer sites had significant evidence of relatedness. Based on these findings, we propose that interannual variation in the physical oceanographic conditions of theCCSinfluences larval recruitment and thus gene flow, contributing to interannual variation in population genetic structure. Estimates of effective population size (Ne) were large in both 2012 and 2014. Together, our results suggest that Dungeness crab in theCCSmay constitute a single evolutionary population, although geographically limited dispersal results in an ephemeral signal of IBD. Furthermore, our findings demonstrate that populations of marine organisms may be susceptible to temporal changes in population genetic structure over short time periods; thus, interannual variability in population genetic measures should be considered.
Autonomous Structural Visual Inspection Using Region‐Based Deep Learning for Detecting Multiple Damage Types
Authors: Cha Young‐Jin , Choi Wooram , Suh Gahyun , Mahmoudkhani Sadegh , Büyüköztürk Oral
Published: November 2017

Computer vision‐based techniques were developed to overcome the limitations of visual inspection by trained human resources and to detect structural damage in images remotely, but most methods detect only specific types of damage, such as concrete or steel cracks. To provide quasi real‐time simultaneous detection of multiple types of damages, a Faster Region‐based Convolutional Neural Network (Faster R‐CNN)‐based structural visual inspection method is proposed. To realize this, a database including 2,366 images (with 500 × 375 pixels) labeled for five types of damages—concrete crack, steel corrosion with two levels (medium and high), bolt corrosion, and steel delamination—is developed. Then, the architecture of the Faster R‐CNN is modified, trained, validated, and tested using this database. Results show 90.6%, 83.4%, 82.1%, 98.1%, and 84.7% average precision (AP) ratings for the five damage types, respectively, with a mean AP of 87.8%. The robustness of the trained Faster R‐CNN is evaluated and demonstrated using 11 new 6,000 × 4,000‐pixel images taken of different structures. Its performance is also compared to that of the traditional CNN‐based method. Considering that the proposed method provides a remarkably fast test speed (0.03 seconds per image with 500 × 375 resolution), a framework for quasi real‐time damage detection on video using the trained networks is developed.
Spatial separation of FtsZ and FtsN during cell division
Authors: Söderström Bill , Chan Helena , Shilling Patrick J. , Skoglund Ulf , Daley Daniel O.
Published: November 2017

The division of Escherichia coli is mediated by a collection of some 34 different proteins that are recruited to the division septum and are thought to assemble into a macromolecular complex known as ‘the divisome’. Herein, we have endeavored to better understand the structure of the divisome by imaging two of its core components; FtsZ and FtsN. Super resolution microscopy (SIM and gSTED) indicated that both proteins are localized in large assemblies, which are distributed around the division septum (i.e., forming a discontinuous ring). Although the rings had similar radii prior to constriction, the individual densities were often spatially separated circumferentially. As the cell envelope constricted, the discontinuous ring formed by FtsZ moved inside the discontinuous ring formed by FtsN. The radial and circumferential separation observed in our images indicates that the majority of FtsZ and FtsN molecules are organized in different macromolecular assemblies, rather than in a large super‐complex. This conclusion was supported by fluorescence recovery after photobleaching measurements, which indicated that the dynamic behavior of the two macromolecular assemblies was also fundamentally different. Taken together, the data indicates that constriction of the cell envelope is brought about by (at least) two spatially separated complexes.
Epidemiology of haemodialysis patients and haemodialysis performance in Nauru
Authors: Hsu Chia‐Tien , Leona Richard , Wu Ming‐Ju
Published: November 2017

Aim

There is limited literature on haemodialysis in island countries in the Central Pacific. The primary aim of this study was to report on the epidemiology of haemodialysis patients and haemodialysis performance in Nauru.

Methods

We obtained registry data from the haemodialysis unit in Nauru to calculate the incidence rate, prevalence, and survival probability of haemodialysis patients in Nauru. We also reviewed medical records from January 2015 to February 2017 to evaluate the haemodialysis performance in Nauru.

Results

In total, 177 patients received long‐term haemodialysis in the Nauru dialysis unit from 1987 to 2017. The 1‐year, 2‐year, and 5‐year survival probabilities during the 30‐year study period were 76.5%, 58.3% and 25.9%, respectively. From 2011 to 2014, the incidence rate and prevalence of treated end‐stage renal disease in Nauru were significantly higher than Australia. From 2015 to 2017, there were 36 patients with a median age of 55 years who received long‐term haemodialysis. Of these, 25 patients (69.4%) had diabetes. The median haemoglobin, serum albumin, and urea reduction ratio were 9.6 mg/dL, 35 g/L, and 64.7%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that lower serum albumin and lower urea reduction ratio were associated with mortality.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this is the first study to report the haemodialysis status in Nauru. The epidemiology of haemodialysis patients in Nauru is unique in the Central Pacific. Improvement of primary health care in disease detection and prevention of progression should be considered to decrease the need for dialysis and optimise the care of haemodialysis patients in Nauru.
Post‐fire effects in xylem hydraulics ofPicea abies,Pinus sylvestrisandFagus sylvatica
Authors: Bär Andreas , Nardini Andrea , Mayr Stefan
Published: November 2017

Recent studies on post‐fire tree mortality suggest a role for heat‐induced alterations of the hydraulic system. We analyzed heat effects on xylem hydraulics both in the laboratory and at a forest site hit by fire.

Stem vulnerability to drought‐induced embolism and hydraulic conductivity were measured inPicea abies,Pinus sylvestrisandFagus sylvatica. Control branches were compared with samples experimentally exposed to 90°C or damaged by a natural forest fire. In addition, xylem anatomical changes were examined microscopically.

Experimental heating caused structural changes in the xylem and increased vulnerability in all species. The largest shifts in vulnerability thresholds (1.3 MPa) were observed inP. sylvestris.F. sylvaticaalso showed heat‐induced reductions (49%) in hydraulic conductivity. At the field site, increased vulnerability was observed in damaged branches ofP. sylvestrisandF. sylvatica, and the xylem ofF. sylvaticawas 39% less conductive in damaged than in undamaged branches.

These results provide evidence for heat‐induced impairment of tree hydraulics after fire. The effects recorded at the forest fire site corresponded to those obtained in laboratory experiments, and revealed pronounced hydraulic risks inP. sylvestrisandF. sylvatica. Knowledge of species‐specific hydraulic impairments induced by fire and heat is a prerequisite for accurate estimation of post‐fire mortality risks.
Mycotic pseudoaneurysm of a pulmonary artery branch caused by Cladosporium
Authors: Sunagawa Keishin , Uchino Yoshihito , Ishimoto Shinichirou , Nakamura Shigeki , Honma Taku , Nakanishi Yoko , Hatta Yoshihiro , Miyazaki Yoshitsugu , Sakurai Hiroyuki , Hao Hiroyuki , Sugitani Masahiko
Published: November 2017

We report the case of a 53‐year‐old male with a history of acute myelogenous leukemia, who suffered the rupturing of a right‐sided pulmonary artery pseudoaneurysm combined with pneumonia. He underwent a right‐sided lower lobectomy. The resected lung tissue demonstrated a mycotic pseudoaneurysm of a pulmonary artery branch together with a filamentous fungal infection. Pseudoaneurysms are caused by the breaching of all layers of a blood vessel wall. The extravasated blood is trapped by the surrounding extravascular tissue or clots. Cladosporium was detected during a polymerase chain reaction‐based analysis followed by DNA sequencing of formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded lung tissue samples. Although previous cases of pulmonary artery pseudoaneurysms caused by fungal infections, e.g., Candida or Aspergillus sp., have been reported, to the best of our knowledge this is the first case to involve cladosporiosis.
Exertional hypoxemia is more severe in fibrotic interstitial lung disease than in COPD
Authors: Du Plessis Jean P. , Fernandes Senan , Jamal Rakin , Camp Pat , Johannson Kerri , Schaeffer Michele , Wilcox Pearce G. , Guenette Jordan A. , Ryerson Christopher J.
Published: November 2017

Background and objective

Despite its clinical and prognostic significance, few studies have evaluated the severity of exertional oxygen desaturation in fibrotic interstitial lung disease (ILD). Our objectives were to identify clinical and physiological variables that predict the extent of exertional oxygen desaturation in fibrotic ILD and to quantify the severity of desaturation compared to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Methods

This retrospective study compared the results of 6‐min walk test (6MWT) performed while breathing room air in fibrotic ILD patients and COPD patients eligible for pulmonary rehabilitation. Outcomes included the oxygen saturation (SpO2) nadir and the change in SpO2 from rest during a 6MWT. Predictor variables were identified on unadjusted analysis, followed by multivariate analysis to identify independent predictors of desaturation.

Results

The study included 134 patients with fibrotic ILD and 274 patients with COPD. The ILD and COPD cohorts had similar age, sex, frequency of major comorbidities, walk distance, baseline SpO2 and baseline Borg dyspnoea scores. DLCO was the strongest predictor of desaturation in both cohorts. Compared to patients with COPD, ILD patients had significantly lower SpO2 nadir values (88.1 ± 6.4 vs 91.0 ± 4.6) and greater decrease in SpO2 from baseline (7.4 ± 5.2 vs 4.5 ± 3.7) after adjusting for demographic features and pulmonary physiology (P < 0.0005), with greater between‐group differences at lower DLCO values.

Conclusion

Patients with fibrotic ILD have greater oxygen desaturation during 6MWT compared to patients with COPD when adjusting for demographic features and pulmonary physiology. These findings suggest the need for disease‐specific studies to evaluate the potential utility of ambulatory oxygen in fibrotic ILD.
MUC1‐ and Survivin‐based DNA Vaccine Combining Immunoadjuvants CpG and interleukin‐2 in a Bicistronic Expression Plasmid Generates Specific Immune Responses and Antitumour Effects in a Murine Colorectal Carcinoma Model
Authors: Liu C. , Xie Y. , Sun B. , Geng F. , Zhang F. , Guo Q. , Wu H. , Yu B. , Wu J. , Yu X. , Kong W. , Zhang H.
Published: November 2017

DNA vaccination is a promising cancer treatment due to its safety, but poor immunogenicity limits its application. However, immunoadjuvants, heterogeneous prime‐boost strategies and combination with conventional treatments can be used to improve the antitumour immune effects. A CpG motif and interleukin‐2 (IL‐2) cytokine are often used as adjuvants. In this study, a DNA vaccine containing a CpG motif was constructed to evaluate its adjuvant effect. The results show that the cytotoxicity of the DNA vaccine was increased fivefold, and survival lifetime was prolonged twofold by the CpG motif adjuvant. To simplify the industrial production process, a bicistronic plasmid was constructed to carry the fusion genes of survivin/MUC1 (MS) and IL‐2 and with a CpG motif in its backbone. The results showed that the antitumour effect of the bicistronic vaccine was the same as that of the two vaccine co‐injected regime. Furthermore, the vaccine could suppress metastatic tumour foci by 69.1% in colorectal carcinoma‐bearing mice. Moreover, the vaccine induced survivin‐ and MUC1‐specific immune responses in splenocytes and induced the immune promoting factor CCL‐19 and GM‐CSF upregulated, while metastatic‐associated factor MMP‐9 and immunosuppressing factor PD‐L1 downregulated in tumour tissue. When combining the vaccine with the chemotherapy drug oxaliplatin, the survival was prolonged by about 2.5‐fold. In conclusion, the DNA vaccine containing a CpG motif in bicistronic form showed good effects on colorectal cancer by inhibiting both tumour growth and metastasis, and combination with oxaliplatin could improve its antitumour effects.
Teaching univariate measures of location‐using loss functions
Authors: Paolino Jon‐Paul
Published: November 2017

This article presents a new method for introductory teaching of the sample mean, median and mode(s) from a univariate dataset. These basic statistical concepts are taught at various levels of education from elementary school curriculums to courses at the tertiary level. These descriptive measures of location can be taught as optimized solutions to certain loss functions. Although proving these require some understanding of derivatives as used in a first year calculus course, the attained insight is valuable for higher level statistical thinking. Using the statistical computing software R, we visually illustrate the minimization of these loss functions using some example datasets.
National Comparative Audit of Blood Transfusion: report on the 2014 audit of patient information and consent
Authors: Booth C. , Grant‐Casey J. , Lowe D. , Court E. L. , Allard S. ,   on behalf of the National Comparative Audit of Blood Transfusion Project Group for Patient Information and Consent
Published: November 2017

Objectives

The aim of this study was to assess current practices around obtaining consent for blood transfusion and provision of patient information in hospitals across the UK and identify areas for improvement.

Background

Recommendations from the Advisory Committee on the Safety of Blood, Tissues and Organs (SaBTO) (2011) state that valid consent should be obtained for blood transfusion and documented in clinical records. A standardised source of information should be available to patients. Practices in relation to this have historically been inconsistent.

Methods

The consent process was studied in hospitals across the UK over a 3‐month period in 2014 by means of an audit of case notes and simultaneous surveys of patients and staff.

Results

In total, 2784 transfusion episodes were reviewed across 164 hospital sites. 85% of sites had a policy on consent for transfusion. Consent was documented in 43% of case notes. 68% of patients recalled being given information on benefits of transfusion, 38% on risks and 8% on alternatives and 28% reported receiving an information leaflet. In total, 85% of staff stated they had explained the reason for transfusion, but only 65% had documented this. 41% of staff had received training specifically on transfusion consent in the last 2 years.

Conclusions

There is a need to improve clinical practice in obtaining valid consent for transfusion in line with existing national guidelines and local Trust policies, with emphasis on documentation within clinical records. Provision of patient information is an area particularly highlighted for action, and transfusion training for clinicians should be strengthened.
Transfusion strategy for weak D Type 4.0 based on RHD alleles and RH haplotypes in Tunisia
Authors: Ouchari Mouna , Srivastava Kshitij , Romdhane Houda , Jemni Yacoub Saloua , Flegel Willy Albert
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND

With more than 460 RHD alleles, this gene is the most complex and polymorphic among all blood group systems. The Tunisian population has the largest known prevalence of weak D Type 4.0 alleles, occurring in one of 105 RH haplotypes. We aimed to establish a rationale for the transfusion strategy of weak D Type 4.0 in Tunisia.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Donors were randomly screened for the serologic weak D phenotype. The RHD coding sequence and parts of the introns were sequenced. To establish the RH haplotype, the RHCE gene was tested for characteristic single‐nucleotide positions.

RESULTS

We determined all RHD alleles and the RH haplotypes coding for the serologic weak D phenotype among 13,431 Tunisian donations. A serologic weak D phenotype was found in 67 individuals (0.50%). Among them, 60 carried a weak D Type 4 allele: 53 weak D Type 4.0, six weak D Type 4.2.2 (DAR), and one weak D Type 4.1. An additional four donors had one variant allele each: DVII, weak D Type 1, weak D Type 3, and weak D type 100, while three donors showed a normal RHD sequence. The weak D Type 4.0 was most often linked to RHCE*ceVS.04.01, weak D Type 4.2.2 to RHCE*ceAR, and weak D Type 4.1 to RHCE*ceVS.02, while the other RHD alleles were linked to one of the common RHCE alleles.

CONCLUSIONS

Among the weak D phenotypes in Tunisia, no novel RHD allele was found and almost 90% were caused by alleles of the weak D Type 4 cluster, of which 88% represented the weak D Type 4.0 allele. Based on established RH haplotypes for variant RHD and RHCE alleles and the lack of adverse clinical reports, we recommend D+ transfusions for patients with weak D Type 4.0 in Tunisia.
Electronic remote blood issue combined with a computer‐controlled, automated refrigerator for major surgery in operating theatres at a distance from the transfusion service
Authors: Verlicchi Franco , Pacilli Pasqua , Bragliani Arianna , Rapuano Silvia , Dini Daniele , Vincenzi Daniele
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND

The difficulty of supplying red blood cells within an adequate time to patients undergoing surgery is a known problem for transfusion services, particularly if the operating theater is located at some distance from the blood bank. The consequences frequently are that more blood is ordered than required; several units are allocated and issued; and unused units must be returned to the blood bank. Some sparse reports have demonstrated that remote blood issue systems can improve the efficiency of issuing blood.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

This study describes a computer‐controlled, self‐service, remote blood‐release system, combined with an automated refrigerator, installed in a hospital at which major surgery was performed, located 5 kilometers away from the transfusion service. With this system, red blood cell units were electronically allocated to patients immediately before release, when the units actually were needed. Two 2‐year periods, before and after implementation of the system, were compared.

RESULTS

After implementation of the system, the ratio of red blood cell units returned to the transfusion service was reduced from 48.9% to 1.6% of the issued units (8852 of 18,090 vs. 182 of 11,152 units; p < 0.0001), and the issue‐to‐transfusion ratio was reduced from 1.96 to 1.02. An increase in the number of transfused red blood cell units was observed, probably mainly due to changes in the number and complexity of surgical procedures. No transfusion errors occurred in the two periods.

CONCLUSION

The current results demonstrate that the remote blood‐release system is safe and useful for improving the efficiency of blood issue for patients in remote operating theatres.
Triple phase computed tomography of the pancreas in healthy cats
Authors: Secrest Scott , Sharma Ajay , Bugbee Andrew
Published: November 2017

While the availability and use of computed tomography (CT) continues to grow, no study has described the size and multiphase CT appearance of the normal feline pancreas. This information is important to not only allow more accurate identification and differentiation of disease, but it may also be useful in assessing pancreatic function. In this prospective analytical study, we described a triple phase CT protocol of the pancreas for use in sedated cats and the attenuation, enhancement pattern, size, and volume of the pancreas for a group of healthy cats. Fifteen healthy cats were enrolled in the study and a standardized protocol for acquiring arterial, portal, and delayed phase CT images of the pancreas was developed and described. The pancreas was hypo to isoattenuating to both the liver and spleen in all phases in the majority of cats with a homogenous enhancement pattern noted in all 15. Mean pancreatic attenuation was 48, 79, 166, and 126 Hounsfield units (HU) respectively on precontrast, arterial, portal, and delayed phase images. In addition, mean height, length, and width of the left lobe of the pancreas were larger than the right lobe in all 15 cats. There were no associations between volume and volume: body weight ratio with age (P = 0.6518, P = 0.6968) or sex (P = 0.7013, P = 0.2043). This baseline information may be beneficial for use in future studies characterizing pancreatic disease in cats as well as future research studies evaluating pancreatic endocrine function.
Fatigue Measurement of Pipeline Steels for the Application of Transporting Gaseous Hydrogen1
Authors: Slifka Andrew J. , Drexler Elizabeth S. , Amaro Robert L. , Hayden Louis E. , Stalheim Douglas G. , Lauria Damian S. , Hrabe Nik W.
Published: November 2017

A comprehensive testing program to determine the fatigue crack growth rate (FCGR) of pipeline steels in pressurized hydrogen gas was completed. Four steels were selected, two X52 and two X70 alloys. Other variables included hydrogen gas pressures of 5.5 MPa and 34 MPa, a load ratio, R, of 0.5, and cyclic loading frequencies of 1 Hz, 0.1 Hz, and 0.01 Hz. Of particular interest was whether the X70 materials would exhibit higher FCGRs than the X52 materials. The American Petroleum Institute steel designations are based on specified minimum yield strength (SMYS), and monotonic tensile tests have historically shown that loss of ductility correlates with an increase in yield strength when tested in a hydrogen environment. The X70 materials performed within the experimental spread of the X52 materials in FCGR, except for the vintage X52 material at low (5.5 MPa) pressure in hydrogen gas. This program was developed in order to provide a modification to the ASME B31.12 code that is based upon fatigue, the primary failure mechanism in pipelines. The code modification is a three-part Paris law fit of the upper bound of measurements of FCGR of pipeline steels in pressurized hydrogen gas. Fatigue crack growth data up to 21 MPa (3000 psi) are used for the upper bound. This paper describes, in detail, the testing that formed the basis for the code modification.
To grow or not to grow: Postantibiotic effect is the question
Authors: Dupnik Kathryn
Published: November 2017

Temporary inhibition of
Escherichia coli
growth in vitro after antibiotic administration is proportional to total antibiotic quantity.
Bacteriophage Distributions and Temporal Variability in the Ocean’s Interior
Authors: Luo Elaine , Aylward Frank O. , Mende Daniel R. , DeLong Edward F.
Published: November 2017

Bacteriophages are numerically the most abundant DNA-containing entities in the oligotrophic ocean, yet how specific phage populations vary over time and space remains to be fully explored. Here, we conducted a metagenomic time-series survey of double-stranded DNA phages throughout the water column in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre, encompassing 1.5 years from depths of 25 to 1,000 m. Viral gene sequences were identified in assembled metagenomic samples, yielding an estimated 172,385 different viral gene families. Viral marker gene distributions suggested that lysogeny was more prevalent at mesopelagic depths than in surface waters, consistent with prior prophage induction studies using mitomycin C. A total of 129 ALOHA viral genomes and genome fragments from 20 to 108 kbp were selected for further study, which represented the most abundant phages in the water column. Phage genotypes displayed discrete population structures. Most phages persisted throughout the time-series and displayed a strong depth structure that mirrored the stratified depth distributions of co-occurring bacterial taxa in the water column. Mesopelagic phages were distinct from surface water phages with respect to diversity, gene content, putative life histories, and temporal persistence, reflecting depth-dependent differences in host genomic architectures and phage reproductive strategies. The spatiotemporal distributions of the most abundant open-ocean bacteriophages that we report here provide new insight into viral temporal persistence, life history, and virus-host-environment interactions throughout the open-ocean water column.

IMPORTANCE
The North Pacific Subtropical Gyre represents one of the largest biomes on the planet, where microbial communities are central mediators of ecosystem dynamics and global biogeochemical cycles. Critical members of these communities are the viruses of marine bacteria, which can alter microbial metabolism and significantly influence their survival and productivity. To better understand these viral assemblages, we conducted genomic analyses of planktonic viruses over a seasonal cycle to ocean depths of 1,000 m. We identified 172,385 different viral gene families and 129 unique virus genotypes in this open-ocean setting. The spatiotemporal distributions of the most abundant open-ocean viruses that we report here provide new insights into viral temporal variability, life history, and virus-host-environment interactions throughout the water column.
Influence of early childhood burns on school performance: an Australian population study
Authors: Azzam Nadin , Oei Ju-Lee , Adams Susan , Bajuk Barbara , Hilder Lisa , Mohamed Abdel-Latif , Wright Ian M R , Holland Andrew J A
Published: November 2017

Objectives

To determine the influence of burn injuries on childhood performance in national standardised curriculum-based school tests.

Design

Birth and health records of 977 children who were hospitalised with a burn injury between 2000 and 2006 in the state of New South Wales, Australia, were linked to performance scores in the National Assessment Program: Literacy and Numeracy test, a compulsory nationwide curriculum-based test (CBT) and compared with children who were not hospitalised for burns and who were matched for birth year, gender, gestation and socioeconomic status.

Main outcome measures

Test scores in years 3 (ages 8–9), 5 (ages 10–11) and 7 (ages 13–14) in numeracy, writing, reading, spelling, grammar and punctuation.

Results

Mean age at first burn injury was 28 months (median: 20, range: 0–140). Children with burns were significantly more likely to have younger mothers (28.5 vs 29.6 years) (P<0.001), be indigenous (OR 2.5 (95% CI 2.1 to 3.1)) (P<0.001) and have siblings (OR 1.2 (95% CI 1.1 to 1.4)) (P<0.001). They were also less likely to meet national minimum standards in most domains of testing until year 5, even after adjustment for parental education levels, parental smoking, maternal age and indigenous status. Each 10% increase in total body surface area burnt was associated with a decrease in year 5 scores by 37.0% in numeracy and 71.9% in writing.

Conclusions

Most childhood burn injuries occur before the start of formal schooling. Children who are hospitalised for burns perform more poorly in CBT even after accounting for family and socioeconomic disadvantage. Rehabilitation of children with burn injuries must address school performance to decrease any long-term negative societal impact of burns.
CRRL269: a novel designer and renal-enhancing pGC-A peptide activator
Authors: Chen Yang , Harty Gail J. , Huntley Brenda K. , Iyer Seethalakshmi R. , Heublein Denise M. , Harders Gerald E. , Meems Laura , Pan Shuchong , Sangaralingham S. Jeson , Ichiki Tomoko , Burnett John C.
Published: November 2017

The natriuretic peptides (NPs) B-type NP (BNP) and urodilatin (URO) exert renal protective properties via the particulate guanylyl cyclase A receptor (pGC-A). As a potential renal-enhancing strategy, we engineered a novel designer peptide that we call CRRL269. CRRL269 was investigated in human cell lines and in normal canines to define potential cardiorenal enhancing actions. The mechanism of its cardiorenal selective properties was also investigated. In vitro NP receptor activity was quantified with guanosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate generation. In vivo effects were determined in normal canine acute infusion studies. We observed that CRRL269 demonstrated enhanced pGC-A activity in renal compared with nonrenal cell lines. CRRL269 exerted enhanced resistance to neprilysin compared with URO. Importantly, CRRL269 exhibited significant and greater increases in urinary sodium excretion and diuresis, with less blood pressure reduction, than BNP or URO in normal canines. CRRL269 retained potent renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) suppressing properties shared by URO and BNP. Also, CRRL269 exerted less arterial relaxation and higher cAMP cardiomyocytes generation than BNP. CRRL269 possessed superior renal and pGC-A activating properties compared with BNP or URO in vitro. CRRL269 exerted enhanced renal actions while suppressing RAAS in vivo and with less hypotension compared with URO or BNP. Together, our study suggests that CRRL269 is a promising innovative renal-enhancing drug, with favorable protective actions targeting cardiorenal disease states through the pGC-A receptor.
Mice lacking PKC-θ in skeletal muscle have reduced intramyocellular lipid accumulation and increased insulin responsiveness in skeletal muscle
Authors: Peck Bailey , Huot Josh , Renzi Tim , Arthur Susan , Turner Michael J. , Marino Joseph S.
Published: November 2017

Protein kinase C-θ (PKC-θ) is a lipid-sensitive molecule associated with lipid-induced insulin resistance in skeletal muscle. Rodent models have not cohesively supported that PKC-θ impairs insulin responsiveness in skeletal muscle. The purpose of this study was to generate mice that lack PKC-θ in skeletal muscle and determine how lipid accumulation and insulin responsiveness are affected in that tissue. Mice lacking PKC-θ in skeletal muscle (SkMPKCθKO) and controls (SkMPKCθWT) were placed on a regular diet (RD) or high-fat diet (HFD) for 15 wk, followed by determination of food intake, fasting glucose levels, lipid accumulation, and insulin responsiveness. There were no differences between SkMPKCθWTand SkMPKCθKOmice on a RD. SkMPKCθKOmice on a HFD gained less weight from 10 through 15 wk of dietary intervention ( P < 0.05). This was likely due to less caloric consumption ( P = 0.0183) and fewer calories from fat ( P < 0.001) compared with SkMPKCθWTmice on a HFD. Intramyocellular lipid accumulation ( P < 0.0001), fatty acid binding protein 4, and TNF-α mRNA levels ( P < 0.05) were markedly reduced in SkMPKCθKOcompared with SkMPKCθWTmice on a HFD. As a result, fasting hyperglycemia was mitigated and insulin responsiveness, as indicated by Akt phosphorylation, was maintained in SkMPKCθKOon a HFD. Liver lipid accumulation was not affected by genotype, suggesting the deletion of PKC-θ from skeletal muscle has a tissue-specific effect. PKC-θ is a regulator of lipid-induced insulin resistance in skeletal muscle. However, the effects of this mutation may be tissue specific. Further work is warranted to comprehensively evaluated whole body metabolic responses in this model.
Empirical Analysis and Agent-Based Modeling of the Lithuanian Parliamentary Elections
Authors: Kononovicius Aleksejus
Published: November 2017

We analyze a parties’ vote share distribution across the polling stations during the Lithuanian parliamentary elections of 1992, 2008, and 2012. We find that the distribution is rather well fitted by the Beta distribution. To reproduce this empirical observation, we propose a simple multistate agent-based model of the voting behavior. In the proposed model, agents change the party they vote for either idiosyncratically or due to a linear recruitment mechanism. We use the model to reproduce the vote share distribution observed during the election of 1992. We discuss model extensions needed to reproduce the vote share distribution observed during the other elections.
Patterns of tobacco consumption among residents of a rural settlement: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Silva Andrécia Cósmem da , Vargas Lorena Silva , Lucchese Roselma , Calixto Bruno de Souza , Guimarães Rafael Alves , Vera Ivania , Castro Paulo Alexandre de , Pagotto Valéria , Fernandes Inaina Lara
Published: November 2017

OBJECTIVE: Investigate patterns and factors associated with tobacco consumption among residents of a rural settlement. METHODS: A cross-sectional study conducted between September and November 2014, with 172 residents of a rural settlement in the Midwest region of Brazil. We analyzed as dependent variables tobacco consumption at some point in life; current tobacco consumption; tobacco abuse; and the high risk of nicotine dependence, with sociodemographic variables associated with tobacco use, and we applied the Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) and Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20). RESULTS: The prevalence of tobacco use in life, current use, tobacco abuse, and high risk of nicotine dependence were 62.2%, 20.9%, 59.8%, and 10.3%, respectively. Advanced age, low education level, evangelical religion, marijuana use, hypnotic or sedative consumption, and male gender were factors associated with smoking patterns in the settlers. CONCLUSIONS: There was a high prevalence of smoking patterns, evidencing the need for public policies on tobacco prevention and control in this population.
Relationships of the morphological variation in diploids, triploids and mosaics of Liolaemus chiliensis (Sauria: Liolaemidae)
Authors: Araya-Donoso Raúl , Véliz David , Vidal Marcela , Lamborot Madeleine
Published: November 2017

Liolaemus chiliensis, a widely distributed species in Chile, is unique in vertebrates because it presents populations with diploid (2n), triploid (3n) and mosaic (2n/3n) females, and with diploid and mosaic males whose meiosis produces reduced (n) and unreduced (2n) euploid gametes. With the aim of evaluating evolutionary consequences of polyploidy, we analyzed the morphological variability of 103 adults ofL. chiliensisfrom separated geographic areas using both traditional and geometric morphometry in order to visualize shape and size differences in individuals with different ploidy. The results indicated thatLiolaemus chiliensisis morphologically variable; a significant effect was observed for the interaction term of the three factors tested: sex, ploidy and locality. From the analysis, females exhibited higher values of axilla groin distance than males. There were also morphological differences in mosaic and triploid organisms with respect to the sympatric and allopatric diploids in the dorsal shape of the head, and the presence of intermediate phenotypes of triploids and mosaic lizards with sympatric males and females associated with the axilla groin distance. Results showed that there are morphological differences between polyploid and diploid organisms with both traditional and geometric approaches, suggesting evolutionary trend to differentiation; future research is needed to assess the underlying ecological and genetic mechanisms related to this phenomenon.
Urban mountain chickadees (Poecile gambeli) begin vocalizing earlier, and have greater dawn chorus output than rural males
Authors: Marini Kristen L.D. , Reudink Matthew W. , LaZerte Stefanie E. , Otter Ken A.
Published: November 2017

Vocal output during the dawn chorus is often an honest indicator of male quality, where males with greater access to food and in better condition produce more vocalizations. We compare the vocal output among male mountain chickadees living along an urbanization gradient to assess how urbanization affects male signalling. Chickadees forage in the canopy, and because urban habitats are associated with lower canopy volume, we predicted that urban habitats may offer lower food and thus lead to reduced song output. Contrary to our predictions, males in more urbanized habitats had greater vocal output. We suggest that despite decreased canopy cover, urban birds may have greater access to food in both the breeding and pre-breeding seasons due to differences in both supplementary resources and vegetation composition of urban vs rural landscapes in our area. Living in urban habitats may allow males to enter the breeding season in better condition.
On the identity of Chiloplacus subtenuis Rashid & Heyns, 1990 and C. tenuis Rashid & Heyns, 1990 (Rhabditida: Cephalobidae), with description of C. mysteriosus sp. n.
Authors: Abolafia Joaquín , Peña-Santiago Reyes
Published: November 2017

Type material ofChiloplacus subtenuisandC. tenuiswas studied and Iberian material originally described asC. tenuisre-examined. The results provided relevant new information to elucidate the identity of these species with more accuracy. On studying their type material, new features and details ofC. subtenuisandC. tenuiswere observed concerning the nature of the lip margin, morphology of the labial probolae, the lateral field at vulval level, and the orientation of the vulva (ventral or subventral). Re-examination of Iberian material ofC. tenuisrevealed that it consists of specimens belonging to three taxa:C. tenuis,C. membranifer, and an unknown species described and named herein asC. mysteriosussp. n. The morphology of lip region in representatives ofChiloplacusis analysed and discussed.Zeldiaspannatais transferred toChiloplacusasC. spannatuscomb. n. andChiloplacus juniperiis regarded as a junior synonym ofNothacrobeles nanocorpus.
Diverging Patterns of Satisfaction across Europe
Authors: Kmetty Zoltán , Tardos Róbert
Published: November 2017

Building on a decade-long comparative database of the European Social Survey the present study targets general aspects of satisfaction across larger regions of Europe with special regard to the socioeconomic changes in the recent decades. Conventionally cultivated measures like central tendency are supplemented by structural parameters of distribution based on a conceptual scheme distinguishing consensus and tightness of opinions. Dispersion-like indicators point to a stronger polarization of public mood under worse off contexts and, to a certain degree, conditions of vulnerability to economic downturn. A more rigid juncture of various mood components is also observable under less favourable circumstances. Disparities of income position in the first place, but features of cultural and ideological-political differentiation as well are intertwined with satisfaction polarization in a kind of stress syndrome exhibiting substantial divergences in both the East/West and the North/South regards.
Full-Time Employment and Marital Satisfaction among Women in East Asian Societies
Authors: Hori Makiko
Published: November 2017

Using the 2006 East Asian Social Survey, the current study examines the relationship between wives’ employment status and their marital satisfaction in China, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. The results show that full-time housewives are more satisfied as compared to full-time employed wives in Taiwan, while part-time employed wives are less satisfied than full-time employed wives in China. Wives’ marital satisfaction is also associated with their gender role attitudes, husband’s housework participation, and a number of family members in Japan and South Korea. The relationship between wives’ employment and their marital satisfaction varies even among four East Asian countries, where gender climate is relatively similar.
Investigating Crimes against Humanity in Syria and Iraq: The Commission for International Justice and Accountability
Authors: Rankin Melinda
Published: November 2017

The failure of the United Nations to effect a ‘responsibility to protect’ in Syria and Iraq has provoked acrimonious debates over how the international community should respond to mass atrocities in the contemporary international order. Moreover, the fact that the International Criminal Court and other United Nations (un) agencies remain unable to investigate in Syria and Iraq, has reinvigorated debate on the mechanisms available to bring those most responsible for humanities gravest crimes to account. This article examines the Commission for International Justice and Accountability (cija). As non-state actors, cija conduct their investigations outside the United Nations system, with the aim of investigating and preparing case briefs for the most senior leaders suspected of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Syria; and war crimes, crimes against humanity and allegations of genocide in Iraq. This article argues that in preparing case briefs for individual criminal liability for a future prosecution, cija have attempted to extend the system of international criminal law, and in so doing, pose a challenge to traditional notions of the state in relation to the concept of war and the law, and the relationship between power and law in the international system. The article concludes by the asking the question: does the international community have a ‘responsibility to prosecute’ those suspected of criminal misconduct?
Revision of the Genus Leptogomphus Selys in Borneo, including gene trees and a two marker molecular phylogeny (Odonata: Anisoptera: Gomphidae)
Authors: DOW RORY A. , STOKVIS FRANK , NGIAM ROBIN W.J.
Published: November 2017

The Bornean members of the genus Leptogomphus Selys are revised. Two new species are described: Leptogomphus schieli sp. nov. (holotype ♂, Gunung Penrissen, Kuching Division, Sarawak, Malaysia, to be deposited in BMNH) and Leptogomphus sii sp. nov. (holotype ♂, Sungai Sii, upper Baram, Miri Division, Sarawak, Malaysia, in RMNH). Leptogomphus mariae Lieftinck, 1948 is considered to be a junior synonym of L. coomansi Laidlaw, 1936. The true male of L. pasia van Tol, 1990 is described for the first time; male specimens previously treated as L. pasia or L. cf pasia actually belong to a taxon closely allied to, and possibly merely a form of, L. coomansi. A description is given of the female of another new species, but the species is not named in the absence of the male. Female specimens from south-western Sarawak, similar to L. williamsoni Laidlaw, 1912, are considered likely to also represent a distinct species. The female of L. pendleburyi Laidlaw, 1934 is described for the first time and fresh descriptions of the males of L. coomansi, L. pendleburyi and L. williamsoni, and the female of L. coomansi are given. Keys to both sexes, and distribution maps are given. A molecular analysis of the Bornean species (except L. schieli) using the COI and ITS markers is presented.
Diversity and distribution of Phanaeini (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae) in Mexico
Authors: LIZARDO VIRIDIANA , ESCOBAR FEDERICO , ROJAS-SOTO OCTAVIO
Published: November 2017

In this study, we systematized available distribution data, obtained from biological databases and relevant literature, for Mexican species belonging to the tribe Phanaeini. The main objectives were to provide an overall description of the distribution records in biological collections, to detect potential sampling biases, to describe the seasonality of collections and to obtain species distribution models using the Desktop GARP algorithm. A total of 5,562 records, corresponding to 32 species in Mexico, were compiled, including the recently described Phanaeus zoque Moctezuma & Halffter, 2017. This compilation includes 784 unique collection records at 325 localities. These records were mainly distributed along the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, the Sierra Madre Oriental and Sierra Madre Occidental mountain ranges and throughout the states of Chiapas and Veracruz. The Mexican High Plateau, the state of Tlaxcala and the Yucatan Peninsula are lacking in records. Distribution maps were created for species of three genera (Phanaeus MacLeay, 1819, Coprophanaeus Olsoufieff, 1924, and Sulcophanaeus Olsoufieff, 1924) and for 29 species present in Mexico. These species distributions are largely delimited by geomorphological features and vegetation types and coincide with expert descriptions of this tribe; some species show expanded distribution ranges. These maps provide a starting point for further analyses, the planning of future field studies, and the verification of possible new species in the Mexican territory.