bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design study of Coanda devices for transonic circulation control
Authors: Forster M. , Steijl R.
Published: July 2017

Circulation control via blowing over Coanda surfaces at transonic freestream Mach numbers is investigated using numerical simulations. The performance and sensitivity of several circulation control devices applied to a supercritical aerofoil are assessed. Different Coanda devices were studied to assess the effect of Coanda radius-to-slot height ratio, nozzle shape and Coanda surfaces with a step. The range of operating conditions for which a supersonic Coanda jet remained attached at transonic freestream conditions were extended by increasing the radius of curvature at the slot exit for Coanda devices with a converging nozzle. Additional improvements were found by reducing the strength of shock boundary-layer interactions on the Coanda surface by expanding the jet flow using a converging-diverging nozzle and also by introducing a step between the Coanda surface and the nozzle exit. The performance when using a converging-diverging nozzle can be matched using a simple stepped Coanda device. It is shown that circulation control has the potential to match the performance of traditional control surfaces during regimes of attached flow at transonic speeds, up to an equivalent aileron deflection angle of 10°. In addition, lift augmentation ratios ΔCl/Cμof over 100 were achieved.
Comprehensive radiocarbon analysis of benzene polycarboxylic acids (BPCAs) derived from pyrogenic carbon in environmental samples
Authors: Hanke U M , Wacker L , Haghipour N , Schmidt M W I , Eglinton T I , McIntyre C P
Published: July 2017

Compound-specific radiocarbon analysis (CSRA) of benzene polycarboxylic acids (BPCAs) yields molecular-level, source-specific information necessary to constrain isotopic signatures of pyrogenic carbon. However, the purification of individual BPCAs requires a multistep procedure that typically results in only microgram quantities of the target analyte(s). Such small samples are highly susceptible to contamination by extraneous carbon, which needs to be minimized and carefully accounted for in order to yield accurate results. Here, we undertook comprehensive characterization and quantification of contamination associated with molecular radiocarbon (14C) BPCA analyses through systematic processing of multiple authentic standards with both fossil and modern 14C signatures at various concentrations. Using this approach, we precisely apportion the contribution of extraneous carbon with respect to the four implemented subprocedures. Assuming a constant source and quantity of extraneous carbon we correct and statistically evaluate uncertainties in resulting 14C data. Subsequently, we examine the results of triplicate analyses of reference materials representing four different environmental matrices (sediment, soil, aerosol, riverine natural organic matter) and apportion their BPCA sources in terms of carbon residues derived from biomass or fossil fuel combustion. This comprehensive approach to CSRA facilitates retrieval of robust 14C data, with application in environmental studies of the continuum of pyrogenic carbon.
A hospital-based matched case–control study to identify risk factors for clinical infection with OXA-48-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae in rectal carriers
Authors: MADUEÑO A. , GONZALEZ GARCIA J. , AGUIRRE-JAIME A. , LECUONA M.
Published: July 2017

Asymptomatic colonisation of the gastrointestinal tract by carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae is an important reservoir for transmission, which may precede infection. This retrospective observational case–control study was designed to identify risk factors for developing clinical infection with OXA-48-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae in rectal carriers during hospitalisation. Case patients (n = 76) had carbapenemase-producing K. pneumoniae (CPKP) infection and positive rectal culture for CPKP. Control patients (n = 174) were those with rectal colonisation with CPKP but without CPKP infection. Multivariate analysis identified the presence of a central venous catheter (OR 4·38; 95% CI 2·27–8·42; P = 0·008), the number of transfers between hospital units (OR 1·27; 95% CI (1·06–1·52); P < 0·001) and time at risk (OR 1·02 95% CI 1·01–1·03; P = 0·01) as independent risk factors for CPKP infection in rectal carriers. Awareness of these risk factors may help to identify patients at higher risk of developing CPKP infection.
Parental feeding styles, young children’s fruit, vegetable, water and sugar-sweetened beverage consumption, and the moderating role of maternal education and ethnic background
Authors: Inhulsen Maj-Britt MR , Mérelle Saskia YM , Renders Carry M
Published: July 2017

Objective

To examine the associations between parental feeding styles and children’s dietary intakes and the modifying effect of maternal education and children’s ethnicity on these associations.

Design

Cross-sectional study of parental feeding styles, assessed by the Parental Feeding Style Questionnaire, and children’s dietary intakes. Multiple regression analyses were carried out to assess the associations between the parental feeding styles studied (‘control’, ‘emotional feeding’, ‘encouragement to eat’ and ‘instrumental feeding’) and children’s dietary intakes (consumption of fruit, vegetables, water and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB)). The modifying effect of maternal education and children’s ethnicity on these associations was explored.

Setting

North-western part of the Netherlands.

Subjects

Children aged 3–7 years (n 5926).

Results

Both ‘encouragement’ and ‘control’ were associated with higher consumption of vegetables and lower consumption of SSB, but only ‘encouragement’ was positively associated with fruit and water intakes. ‘Instrumental feeding’ showed a positive association with SSB and negative associations with fruit, vegetable and water consumption. No significant associations were found for ‘emotional feeding’. Maternal educational level and children’s ethnicity moderated some associations; for example, ‘control’ was beneficial for vegetable intake in all subgroups, whereas the association with SSB was beneficial only in highly educated mothers.

Conclusions

The study shows that both encouraging and controlling feeding styles may improve children’s dietary behaviour, while ‘instrumental feeding’ may have a detrimental effect. Furthermore, maternal educational level and children’s ethnicity influence these associations. The study’s findings could provide a basis for development of interventions to improve parental feeding styles.
A review of self-protection deceptive jamming against chirp radars
Authors: Hanbali Samer Baher Safa , Kastantin Radwan
Published: July 2017

The well-known range-Doppler coupling property of the chirp radar makes it more vulnerable to different types of deceptive repeater jammers that benefit from the pulse compression processing gain of the radar-matched filter. These jammers generate many false targets that appear before and after the true target. Therefore, the radar cannot distinguish the true target from the false ones. This paper reviews different self-protection repeater jammers and presents their pros and cons, in order to provide a reference for the study of jamming/anti-jamming methods.
Different Mutations of Gap Junction Connexin 47 Lead to Discrepant Activation of Unfolded Protein Response Pathway in Pelizaeus–Merzbacher-Like Disease
Authors: Chen Na , Wang Jingmin , Jiang Yuwu , Wu Ye , Hao Hongjun , Ji Taoyun
Published: July 2017

Background The unfolded protein response (UPR) includes three cascade pathways, which are responsible for the elimination of overload protein that is accumulated in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). We hypothesize that mutations in connexin 47 (Cx47) lead to abnormal retain of the protein in the ER lumen, which causes Pelizaeus–Merzbacher-like disease (PMLD), a hypomyelinating leukodystrophic disorder.

Methods In this study, the influence of mutant Cx47 on the three UPR cascade pathways and discrepant UPR activation was analyzed in an oligodendrocyte cell line transfected with different mutations in the first extracellular loop of Cx47. As over activated UPR pathway would lead to cell apoptosis, cell viability and apoptosis were also compared between the different mutants.

Results The elevated UPR level accompanied with higher apoptotic rates were measured in the c.138C > G or c.217C > T-transduced oligodendrocytes, but not in the c.216delGinsAA group, compared with the wild-type and empty vector groups. Cell viability was lower in oligodendrocytes transfected with the mutation of c.138C > G or c.217C > T, but not in the c.216delGinsAA group.

Conclusion Different mutations in the Cx47 lead to discrepant activation of UPR pathway, which encouraged apoptotic cell death at different levels. Inappropriate activation of UPR may play important roles in the pathophysiology of PMLD.
Creating the Role: How Dramatherapy Can Assist in Re/Creating an Identity with Recovering Addicts
Authors: Newman Tanya
Published: July 2017

This article focuses on the use of role with two individuals in group dramatherapy treatment after active addiction. With current studies evidencing the success of the 12-step programme, this case study looks at psychodynamic dramatherapy after 12-step based primary treatment for alcohol and drug addiction. Once the role of the addict is removed, the symptom roles of ‘liar’, ‘failure’ and ‘the depressed’ are often left. Once a member of Narcotics Anonymous/Alcoholics Anonymous the role of ‘recovering addict’ is inserted and the individual is accepted into the recovery community. The multiple case study research focuses on methodology that enables improving resilience and self worth. The study uses the application of role in dramatherapy to identify, express and begin to reconfigure roles and sub-roles. It gives an honest account of personal challenges in relation to the (im)possibilities of brief therapy. Through two qualitative multiple case studies, the research focuses on two individuals in a group setting who differ in identity-related circumstances into addiction, the therapeutic process and how a psychodynamic dramatherapy role method can assist in the (re)creation of identity post addiction.
Genetic Effects ofWxAllele Combinations on Apparent Amylose Content in Tropical Hybrid Rice
Authors: Wang Kai , Zhou Qunfeng , Liu Junyu , Qiu Fulin , dela Paz Madonna Angelita , Larazo Wenceslao , Yang Yuanzhu , Xie Fangming
Published: July 2017

Apparent amylose content (AAC), as one of the most important quality traits of rice grain, is primarily controlled by theWxgene, which encodes a granule‐bound starch synthase. Effects of putative alleles ofWxof tropical rice hybrids generated from parents with three different nonglutinousWxalleles (Wxa,Wxb, andWxin) were examined in a multienvironment trial. Genotypes ofWxb/WxinandWxin/Wxinwere associated with intermediate AAC (20.2–23.7%), and genotype ofWxa/Wxawas associated with high AAC (24.9–28.0%).Wxalleles ofWxin/Wxincould be the most favorable combinations in selecting hybrid parents with desirable intermediate amylose content (20–25%) for rice consumers of South and Southeast Asian countries. Genotype and genotype × environment interaction were the major contributing factors to the variation in parental accessions’ and hybrids’ AAC, and in terms of AAC, hybrids were more sensitive than parental varieties to environment. Genotypes ofWxa/Wxa,Wxa/Wxin, andWxin/Wxinshowed higher AAC performance in the wet season than in the dry season.
Creation and Characterization of a Double Null Puroindoline Genotype in Spring Wheat
Authors: Martin John M. , Hogg Andrew C. , Webster Richard W. , Giroux Michael J.
Published: July 2017

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grain hardness is controlled by the Ha locus, which is composed of two closely linked genes, Puroindoline a (Pina) and Puroindoline b (Pinb). Hard grain results from mutations in either of the Pin genes. Previous results have shown that the Pina‐D1b (Pina null) allele has harder grain than other naturally occurring Pin alleles. Our goal was to create, identify, and characterize a double null Pin genotype by identifying a Pinb null mutation in a variety carrying the Pina‐D1l null allele. Seeds of Fortuna, which has a premature stop codon in Pina, were treated with ethyl methanesulfonate. Two premature stop codon mutations were identified in Pinb using direct sequencing. The double null Pin haplotype was characterized after backcrossing to the parent variety Fortuna to create Pina null populations segregating for the presence of Pinb. The double null group was 6 units harder than the single null with no difference in other kernel characteristics. The milling characteristics differed between the two classes; the double null class had less break flour with a greater fraction of large and a smaller fraction of small flour particles compared with the single null class. Neither water absorption nor loaf volume was impacted by the change in grain hardness; however, Na2CO3 tests indicated greater starch damage in the double nulls. The double null Pin genotype may find a niche in hard wheat products for which flours with larger particle size are desired.
Unveiling of Dominant Fungal Pathogens Associated With Rusty Root Rot of Panax notoginseng Based on Multiple Methods
Authors: Mi Chunyi , Yang Ruihuan , Rao Junfeng , Yang Shaozhou , Wei Fugang , Li Ou , Hu Xiufang
Published: July 2017

Root rot is an important disease hampering the sustainable cultivation of Panax notoginseng. Culture-dependent and independent techniques were used to elucidate the dominant fungal pathogen of rusty root rot of P. notoginseng. Based on Illumina sequencing profiles for fungi using ITS primers, five phyla—namely Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, Glomeromycota, Zygomycota, and Chytridiomycota—were identified, and the analyses showed that the Ascomycota was the dominant phylum (∼50 to 97%), especially in the symptomatic samples. Out of 226 total genera identified, seven genera had over 1% average abundance, including Ilyonectria, Fusarium, Tetracladium, Cladosporium, Rhizophagus, Alternaria, and Perisporiopsis. However, only Ilyonectria was the predominant genera in the symptomatic samples (∼76 to 80%), while the others, including Fusarium, had higher abundances in asymptomatic samples. Based on in vitro and in vivo pathogenicity, the isolate G3B was demonstrated to be the pathogen causing rusty root rot of P. notoginseng, and it was identified as Ilyonectria mors-panacis. Based on primers F2-R2 targeting the His3 gene of Ilyonectria, real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) was performed as an additional proof confirming that I. mors-panacis was the dominant pathogen in the symptomatic samples during the years of the study (2014-2015).
Impacts of Fungal Stalk Rot Pathogens on Physicochemical Properties of Sorghum Grain
Authors: Bandara Y. M. A. Y. , Tesso T. T. , Bean S. R. , Dowell F. E. , Little C. R.
Published: July 2017

Stalk rot diseases are among the most ubiquitous and damaging fungal diseases of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) worldwide. Although reports of quantitative yield losses to stalk rots are available, the impact of stalk rot on grain quality attributes is unknown. This study was conducted to test whether stalk rot diseases could affect grain mineral (N, P, K; Ca, Mg, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn) and macronutrient (protein, fat, and starch) content, ash content, and physical traits (unit grain weight, hardness, and diameter). A field experiment was conducted in 2013 and 2014 with four sorghum genotypes (two hybrids and two lines). Plants from each genotype were inoculated with four stalk rot pathogens (Fusarium andiyazi, F. proliferatum, F. thapsinum, and Macrophomina phaseolina) and mock-inoculated with phosphate-buffered saline (control). Grains collected from infected and control plants were analyzed for macronutrient and ash content using near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy, grain hardness and diameter using the single-kernel characterization system, and mineral content using the Rapid Flow Analyzer (Model RFA-300 for N) and inductively coupled plasma spectrometer (for P, K, Ca, Mg, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn). Although stalk rot pathogens significantly reduced unit grain weight, they did not significantly affect grain hardness and diameter and, therefore, may not affect milling quality. Pathogens significantly reduced all macronutrient and most mineral contents across genotypes and environments on a per-unit-grain basis, except N and Mg, which were affected in a genotype- and environment-specific manner, and Fe, which was not significantly affected. Most minerals tested were significantly and negatively correlated with disease severity (lesion length) and total grain weight per panicle. The hybrid tested (Pioneer 84G62) exhibited reduced mineral and macronutritional changes after stalk rot infection, providing insights into the possibility of producing high-yielding, nutritionally stable hybrids under stalk rot disease pressure through dedicated breeding efforts.
Methods for the Quantification of Resistance of Apple Genotypes to European Fruit Tree Canker Caused by Neonectria ditissima
Authors: Wenneker M. , Goedhart P. W. , van der Steeg P. , van de Weg W. E. , Schouten H. J.
Published: July 2017

European fruit tree canker, caused by Neonectria ditissima, is an important disease of pome fruit worldwide. Apple cultivars differ in their levels of susceptibility to N. ditissima. In order to design an effective plant resistance test, we examined the effectiveness of two resistance parameters: infection frequency and lesion growth. Both parameters were evaluated in parallel tests using 10 apple cultivars in three experimental years, applying seminatural infection of leaf scars (infection frequency) or inoculation of artificial wounds (lesion growth). We compared six parameters for lesion growth, of which a new parameter, lesion growth rate (LGR), appeared to be the best with respect to reproducibility and statistical significance. LGR is defined as the slope of the regression of lesion size versus time. The slope was estimated for each lesion, employing a common start date and a lesion-specific end date determined by the girdling of the lesion. The two parameters (infection frequency and LGR) were examined in separate experiments and in three successive years, and provided complementary information and resulted in reproducible conclusions on the relative resistance levels to N. ditissima of the tested cultivars. The presented methods can be used to develop strategies for the control of European fruit tree canker (e.g., in the breeding of new apple cultivars with high levels of resistance to N. ditissima).
Assessment of Fusarium pseudograminearum and F. culmorum Biomass in Seedlings of Potential Host Cereal Species
Authors: Knight Noel L. , Sutherland Mark W.
Published: July 2017

Fusarium crown rot is a major disease of wheat and barley worldwide, with the most frequently isolated causal agents being Fusarium pseudograminearum and F. culmorum. This study has successfully designed a quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay that is specific for F. culmorum, which has been used in conjunction with a previously established F. pseudograminearum-specific assay to compare the location and extent of infection by each fungus across a range of potential hosts, including six winter and three summer cereal species. All common winter cereals, excluding oat, demonstrated a similar range of visual and fungal biomass results when inoculated with either F. pseudograminearum or F. culmorum. Oat exhibited the lowest visual disease ratings and fungal biomass values of the winter cereals, while the sorghum, maize, and rice cultivars returned the lowest values overall. The ranking of host species according to visual discoloration was strongly correlated for both pathogens. Visual reactions to F. pseudograminearum were greater than those caused by F. culmorum in all potential hosts trialed; however, fungal biomass results only indicated this trend for barley. These results demonstrate significant variation in the ability of these pathogens to colonize the range of cereal species examined and also suggest differences between the pathogens in their patterns of host colonization.
Spatial Analysis of Temporal Changes in the Pandemic of Severe Cassava Mosaic Disease in Northwestern Tanzania
Authors: Szyniszewska A. M. , Busungu C. , Boni S. B. , Shirima R. , Bouwmeester H. , Legg J. P.
Published: July 2017

To improve understanding of the dynamics of the cassava mosaic disease (CMD) pandemic front, geospatial approaches were applied to the analysis of 3 years’ data obtained from a 2-by-2° (approximately 222-by-222 km) area of northwestern Tanzania. In total, 80 farmers’ fields were assessed in each of 2009, 2010, and 2011, with 20 evenly distributed fields per 1-by-1° quadrant. CMD-associated variables (CMD incidence, CMD severity, vector-borne CMD infection, and vector abundance) increased in magnitude from 2009 to 2010 but showed little change from 2010 to 2011. Increases occurred primarily in the two westernmost quadrants of the study area. A pandemic “front” was defined by determining the values of CMD incidence and whitefly abundance where predicted disease gradients were greatest. The pandemic-associated virus (East African cassava mosaic virus-Uganda) and vector genotype (Bemisia tabaci sub-Saharan Africa 1–subgroup 1) were both present within the area bounded by the CMD incidence front but both also occurred ahead of the front. The average speed and direction of movement of the CMD incidence front (22.9 km/year; southeast) and whitefly abundance front (46.6 km/year; southeast) were calculated, and production losses due to CMD were estimated to range from US$4.3 million to 12.2 million.
Intestinal microbiome in scleroderma: recent progress
Authors: Volkmann Elizabeth R.
Published: July 2017

Purpose of review

Our evolving understanding of how gut microbiota affects immune function and homeostasis has led many investigators to explore the potentially pathologic role of gut microbiota in autoimmune diseases. This review will discuss the rapidly advancing field of microbiome research in systemic sclerosis (SSc), an incurable autoimmune disease with significant gastrointestinal morbidity and mortality.

Recent findings

Recent reports have identified common perturbations in gut microbiota across different SSc cohorts. Compared with healthy controls, patients with SSc have decreased abundance of beneficial commensal genera (e.g.Faecalibacterium,ClostridiumandBacteroides)and increased abundance of pathbiont genera (e.g.Fusobacterium,PrevotellaandErwinia). Certain genera may protect against (e.g.Bacteroides, Clostridium,andLactobacillus), or conversely exacerbate (e.g.FusobacteriumandPrevotella) gastrointestinal symptoms in SSc. These genera represent potential targets to avert or treat gastrointestinal dysfunction in SSc.

Emerging evidence suggests that alterations in gut microbiota exist in the SSc disease state; however, future basic and clinical studies are needed to ascertain the mechanism by which these alterations perpetuate inflammation and fibrosis in SSc. Therapeutic trials are also needed to investigate whether dietary interventions or fecal transplantation can restore the gut microbial balance and improve health outcomes in SSc.

Video abstract

http://links.lww.com/COR/A38.
The Effect of SLT Laser Application on Iris to Treat Sectorial Heterochromia: A Promising Technique
Authors: Basoglu Ayhan , Çelik Uğur
Published: July 2017

The purpose of this study is to report a new and promising method for changing iris color in a sectorial heterochromia iridis patient. A 22-year-old man with a complaint of innate color disparity between his eyes presented to our clinic to seek medical advice. He underwent a comprehensive ophthalmic examination, including visual acuity, biomicroscopy, fundoscopy, intraocular pressure measurements, endothelial cell count, and evaluation of iridocorneal angle. The causes of acquired heterochromia were excluded. After a detailed explanation of the procedure and probable side effects, the patient underwent an application with a laser device that produces a frequency-doubled 532 nm wavelength Nd:YAG laser beam with a spot size of 400 μm (selective laser trabeculoplasty laser device). The heterochromic areas (brown) were divided into zones and a gradual treatment pattern was performed to avoid inflammation and flare. The patient showed no side effects such as increased intraocular pressure, pain, corneal edema, hypopyon formation, decrease in visual acuity, synechia, or iris defect. After two complete sessions, the color difference disappeared and a solid eye color was achieved.
MiSight Assessment Study Spain: A Comparison of Vision-Related Quality-of-Life Measures Between MiSight Contact Lenses and Single-Vision Spectacles
Authors: Pomeda Alicia Ruiz , Pérez-Sánchez Belén , Cañadas Suárez Maria del Pilar , Prieto Garrido Francisco Luis , Gutiérrez-Ortega Ramón , Villa-Collar César
Published: July 2017

Objectives:

Recent research has shown that concentric contact lenses (CLs) can be a way to control the progression of myopia. The purpose of the current study was to compare vision-related quality-of-life measures in children wearing distance single-vision (SV) spectacles versus MiSight CLs, a specific concentric design for myopia control.

Methods:

Subjects aged 8 to 12 with myopia from −0.75 to −4.00 diopters (D) of sphere and astigmatism less than 1.00 D of cylinder were allocated to the lenses study group (MiSight) or control group (SV). A Pediatric Refractive Error Profile (PREP) questionnaire was administered at 12- and 24-month intervals to evaluate children's perceptions in overall vision, near vision, far distance vision, symptoms, appearance, satisfaction, activities, academic performance, handling, and peer perceptions. The mean score of all items was calculated as the overall score.

Results:

In total, 74 children completed the study: n=41 in the MiSight group and n=33 in the SV group. In the MiSight group, the ratings at 12 and 24 months for appearance, satisfaction, effect on activities, handling, and peer perceptions were significantly better than those given by children in the SV group (P<0.001), as was the overall score. However, near vision was significantly better in the SV group at both 12 and 24 months (P<0.001).

Conclusions:

MiSight CL wear for controlling myopia improves vision-related quality of life in children when compared with spectacle wear.
Closing the gap in cochlear implant access for African-Americans: a story of outreach and collaboration by our cochlear implant program
Authors: Sims Sheree , Houston Lisa , Schweinzger Ivy , Samy Ravi N.
Published: July 2017

Purpose of review

Minorities often lag behind in hearing loss evaluation and treatment. Our cochlear implant program aimed to identify the socioeconomic and cultural barriers that prevented our African-American cochlear implant candidates from seeking help for their hearing loss, specifically cochlear implant surgery.

Recent findings

Our pilot study surveyed 11 African-Americans with cochlear implants and identified obstacles that included patient–physician mistrust, social stigma, financial cost, and lack of education about the devices and procedures. Our experienced cochlear implant team then addressed these issues in its weekly meetings to review cases and potential cochlear implant candidates, and we partnered with community organizations to improve awareness about cochlear implants among healthcare professionals and the public.

During our cochlear implant team's community outreach to African-Americans with hearing loss, we initiated several actions to address the various disparities in access to care and use of services: development of patient education, patient-run support group, tracking of clinical outcomes, and opportunities for involvement in health policy making for cochlear implants. Cochlear implant teams should deepen their involvement with African-Americans and other minorities with hearing loss to better support and ultimately improve cochlear implant access, performance, and function.
Genetic contribution to neurodevelopmental outcomes in congenital heart disease: are some patients predetermined to have developmental delay?
Authors: Rollins Caitlin K. , Newburger Jane W. , Roberts Amy E.
Published: July 2017

Purpose of review

Neurodevelopmental impairment is common in children with moderate to severe congenital heart disease (CHD). As children live longer and healthier lives, research has focused on identifying causes of neurodevelopmental morbidity that significantly impact long-term quality of life. This review will address the role of genetic factors in predicting neurodevelopmental outcome in CHD.

Recent findings

A robust literature suggests that among children with various forms of CHD, those with known genetic/extracardiac anomalies are at highest risk of neurodevelopmental impairment. Advances in genetic technology have identified genetic causes of CHD in an increasing percentage of patients. Further, emerging data suggest substantial overlap between mutations in children with CHD and those that have previously been associated with neurodevelopmental disorders.

Innate and patient factors appear to be more important in predicting neurodevelopmental outcome than medical/surgical variables. Future research is needed to establish a broader understanding of the mutations that contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders and the variations in expressivity and penetrance.
What is new in managing patients with food allergy? Almost everything
Authors: Schroer Brian , Bjelac Jaclyn , Leonard Mandy
Published: July 2017

Purpose of review

This review aims to describe current concepts in managing patients with food allergy. There have been many recent advances in the management of patients with IgE-mediated reactions to food, including diagnosis, prevention, management, and ongoing research in the field. Food allergy is increasing in prevalence and may be life threatening. This review aims to highlight changes in recommended practice when diagnosing and managing patients with food allergy.

Recent findings

Early introduction of highly allergenic foods, particularly peanut, has been shown to decrease the risk for development of food allergy in patients who are at elevated risk. Avoidance of foods without a clinical history of food allergy may increase the risk of subsequent allergy. Epinephrine remains the first line therapy for anaphylaxis, and patients and families need to be instructed on indications and technique for use. Promising research is ongoing in areas of immunotherapy to food allergens.

Food allergy is a potentially life-threatening condition that may persist throughout adulthood. Practitioners should be aware of changes to recommendations for the diagnosis, prevention, and management of patients with food allergy.
Dengue vaccines: implications for dengue control
Authors: Robinson Matthew L. , Durbin Anna P.
Published: July 2017

Purpose of review

Dengue, the most common arbovirus, is an increasingly significant cause of morbidity worldwide. After decades of research, an approved tetravalent dengue vaccine is finally available. Models constructed using recently available vaccine efficacy data allow for a data-driven discussion of the potential impact of dengue vaccine deployment on global control.

Recent findings

Phase 3 efficacy trials demonstrated that the approved dengue vaccine, chimeric yellow fever–dengue–tetravalent dengue vaccine, has an efficacy of 60% against dengue illness of any severity. However, among dengue unexposed recipients, vaccination offers limited efficacy and may increase dengue severity. The WHO consequently recommends dengue vaccination for populations in which 70% of intended recipients are dengue seropositive. Models predict that routine childhood dengue vaccine may reduce dengue burden, but over time, population-level impact may be limited. Additional vaccine candidates in late-stage development may not suffer from the same limitations as chimeric yellow fever–dengue–tetravalent dengue vaccine.

The efficacy and safety profile of the recently approved dengue vaccine is favorable only in previously dengue exposed recipients, which limits its potential for global control. Future work must evaluate the approved vaccine's long-term durability, efficacy of other late phase vaccine candidates, and potential for vector control efforts to work synergistically with vaccine deployment.
Impact of rotavirus vaccines in low and middle-income countries
Authors: Sindhu Kulandaipalayam Natarajan Chella , Babji Sudhir , Ganesan Santhosh Kumar
Published: July 2017

Purpose of review

Rotavirus vaccines are playing a pivotal role in improving lives of infants and young children in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). Many of these countries have adopted the vaccine into their routine immunization, whereas others are considering introduction. This article provides an update on the impact of rotavirus vaccines in LMICs on morbidity and mortality in children aged less than 5 years, and their cost-effectiveness.

Recent findings

The WHO, in 2013, updated its recommendation to prioritize introduction of rotavirus vaccines in the routine immunization schedule, without age restrictions. Despite the decreased efficacy of the vaccines in LMICs, data from Sub-Saharan Africa have demonstrated a decrease in rotavirus-related morbidity, with some sites reporting an indirect protective effect on children age ineligible to receive the vaccine. Even with improvements in sanitation, nutritional status in children, and other health-related indices in LMICs, the use of rotavirus vaccines will play an important role in preventing rotavirus-related gastroenteritis. Economic models predict a reduction in economic burden because of rotavirus-related health costs, making vaccine introduction cost-effective in resource-constrained settings.

Increasing evidence from impact studies shows the significant impact of rotavirus vaccination on hospitalizations and economic burden because of rotavirus gastroenteritis in LMICs. Universal rotavirus vaccination is recommended, and introductions should be monitored by robust surveillance systems to measure effectiveness and impact.
Seeing spots: Quantifying mother-offspring similarity and assessing fitness consequences of coat pattern traits in a wild population of giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis)
Authors: Lee Derek E. , Cavener Douglas R. , Bond Monica L.
Published: July 2017

Polymorphic phenotypes of mammalian coat coloration have been important to the study of genetics and evolution, but less is known about the inheritance and fitness consequences of individual variation in complex coat pattern traits such as spots and stripes. Giraffe coat markings are highly complex and variable and it has been hypothesized that variation in coat patterns most likely affects fitness by camouflaging neonates against visually hunting predators. We quantified complex coat pattern traits of wild Masai giraffes using image analysis software, determined the similarity of spot pattern traits between mother and offspring, and assessed whether variation in spot pattern traits was related to fitness as measured by juvenile survival. The methods we described could comprise a framework for objective quantification of complex mammal coat pattern traits based on photographic coat pattern data. We demonstrated that some characteristics of giraffe coat spot shape were likely to be heritable, as measured by mother-offspring regression. We found significant variation in juvenile survival among phenotypic groups of neonates defined by multivariate clustering based on spot trait measurement variables. We also found significant variation in neonatal survival associated with spot size and shape covariates. Spot trait variation also may be relevant to other components of fitness, such as adult survival or fecundity. These findings will inform investigations into developmental and genetic architecture of complex mammal coat patterns and their adaptive value.
Using arterial spin labelling to investigate spontaneous and evoked ongoing musculoskeletal pain
Authors: Wartolowska Karolina A. , Bulte Daniel P. , Chappell Michael A. , Jenkinson Mark , Okell Thomas W. , Webster Matthew A. , Carr Andrew J.
Published: July 2017

Clinical pain is difficult to study using standard Blood Oxy-genation Level Dependent (BOLD) magnetic resonance imaging because it is often ongoing and, if evoked, it is associated with stimulus-correlated motion. Arterial spin labelling (ASL) offers an attractive alternative. This study used arm repositioning to evoke clinically-relevant musculoskeletal pain in patients with shoulder impingement syndrome. Fifty-five patients were scanned using a multi post-labelling delay pseudo-continuous ASL (pCASL) sequence, first with both arms along the body and then with the affected arm raised into a painful position. Twenty healthy volunteers were scanned as a control group. Arm repositioning resulted in increased perfusion in brain regions involved in sensory processing and movement integration, such as the contralateral primary motor and primary somatosensory cortex, mid- and posterior cingulate cortex, and, bilaterally, in the insular cortex/operculum, putamen, thalamus, midbrain and cerebellum. Perfusion in the thalamus, midbrain and cerebellum was larger in the patient group. Results of a post hoc analysis suggested that the observed perfusion changes were related to pain rather than arm repositioning. This study showed that ASL can be useful in research on clinical ongoing musculoskeletal pain but the technique is not sensitive enough to detect small differences in perfusion.
IW-Scoring: an Integrative Weighted Scoring framework for annotating and prioritizing genetic variations in the noncoding genome
Authors: Wang Jun , Ullah Dayem , Chelala Claude
Published: July 2017

IW-Scoring represents a new Integrative Weighted Scoring model to annotate and prioritise functionally relevant noncoding variations. The pipeline integrates 11 popular algorithms and outperforms individual methods in three independent data sets, including variants in ClinVar database and GWAS studies, and cancer mutations. Using IW-Scoring, we located 11 recurrently mutated noncoding regions enriched for at least three functional mutations in 14 follicular lymphoma genomes, and validated 9 clusters (82%) in the International Cancer Genome Consortium cohort (n=36), including promoter and enhancer regions ofPAX5. IW-Scoring offers greater versatility to identify trait and disease associated noncoding variants.
Selection and neutral mutations drive pervasive mutability losses in long-lived B cell lineages
Authors: Costa Vieira Marcos , Zinder Daniel , Cobey Sarah
Published: July 2017

High-affinity antibodies arise within weeks of infection from the evolution of B cell receptors under selection to improve antigen recognition. This rapid adaptation is enabled by the frequency and distribution of highly mutable “hotspotx” motifs in B cell receptor genes. High mutability in antigen binding regions (CDRs) creates variation in binding affinity, whereas low mutability in structurally important regions (FRs) may reduce the frequency of destabilizing mutations. During the response, the loss of mutational hotspots and changes in their distribution across CDRs and FRs are predicted to compromise the adaptability of B cell receptors, yet the contributions of different mechanisms to gains and losses of hotspots remain unclear. We reconstructed changes in anti-HIV B cell receptor sequences and show that mutability losses were about 60% more frequent than gains in both CDRs and FRs, with the higher relative mutability of CDRs maintained throughout the response. At least 34% of the mutability losses were caused by synonymous mutations. However, non-synonymous substitutions caused most of the mutability loss in CDRs. Because CDRs also show strong positive selection, this result suggests positive selection contributed to as much as 66% of the mutability loss in those regions. Although recurrent adaptation to the evolving virus could indirectly select for high mutation rates, we found no evidence of indirect selection to increase or retain hotspots. Our results suggest mutability losses are intrinsic to the neutral and adaptive evolution of B cell populations and might constrain their adaptation to rapidly evolving pathogens such as HIV and influenza.
Ecological selection of siderophore-producing microbial taxa in response to heavy metal contamination
Authors: Hesse Elze , O’Brien Siobhán , Tromas Nicolas , Bayer Florian , Lujan Adela , Veen Eleanor van , Hodgson Dave J. , Buckling Angus
Published: July 2017

Some microbial public goods can provide both individual and community-wide benefits, and are open to exploitation by non-producing species. One such example is the production of metal-detoxifying siderophores. Here, we investigate whether heavy metals select for increased siderophore production in natural microbial communities, or whether exploitation of this detoxifying effect reduces siderophore production. We show that the proportion of siderophore-producing taxa increases along a natural heavy metal gradient. A causal link between metal contamination and siderophore production was subsequently demonstrated in a microcosm experiment in compost, in which we observed changes in community composition towards taxa that produce relatively more siderophores following copper contamination. We confirmed the selective benefit of siderophores by showing that taxa producing large amount of siderophores suffered less growth inhibition in toxic copper. Our results suggest that ecological selection will favour siderophore-mediated decontamination, with important consequences for potential remediation strategies.

Authorship

EH, SOB, AL, DJH, EvV, AB conceived and designed the experiment. DJH provided new perspectives. EH, SOB, FB, AL collected the data. EH, FB, NT, DJH carried out the data analyses. EH & AB wrote the first draft of the manuscript, and all authors contributed substantially to revisions.

Data accessibility:

Upon acceptance, data presented in the manuscript will be made available on Dryad.
Fast and accurate edge orientation processing during object manipulation
Authors: Pruszynski J. Andrew , Flanagan J. Randall , Johansson Roland S.
Published: July 2017

Quickly and accurately extracting information about a touched object’s orientation is a critical aspect of dexterous object manipulation. However, the speed and acuity of tactile edge orientation processing with respect to the fingertips as reported in previous perceptual studies appear inadequate in these respects. Here we directly establish the tactile system’s capacity to process edge-orientation information during dexterous manipulation. Participants extracted tactile information about edge orientation very quickly, using it within 200 ms of first touching the object. Participants were also strikingly accurate. With edges spanning the entire fingertip, edge-orientation resolution was better than 3° in our object manipulation task, which is several times better than reported in previous perceptual studies. Performance remained impressive even with edges as short as 2 mm, consistent with our ability to precisely manipulate very small objects. Taken together, our results radically redefine the spatial processing capacity of the tactile system.
The prevalence and impact of transient species in ecological communities
Authors: Snell Sara , Evans Brian S. , White Ethan P. , Hurlbert Allen H.
Published: July 2017

Transient species occur infrequently in a community over time and do not maintain viable local populations. Because transient species interact differently than non-transients with their biotic and abiotic environment, it is important to characterize the prevalence of these species and how they impact our understanding of ecological systems. We quantified the prevalence and impact of transient species in communities using data on over 17,000 community time series spanning an array of ecosystems, taxonomic groups, and spatial scales. We found that transient species are a general feature of communities regardless of taxa or ecosystem. The proportion of these species decreases with spatial scale leading to a need to control for scale in comparative work. Removing transient species from analyses influences the form of a suite of commonly studied ecological patterns including species-abundance distributions, species-energy relationships, species-area relationships, and temporal turnover. Careful consideration should be given to whether transient species are included in analyses depending on the theoretical and practical relevance of these species for the question being studied.
Histopathological Effects of Therapeutic Doses of Combined XO-Inhibitors and ACE-Inhibitors on the Expression of VEGF-A in the Myocardium and Renal Cortex in Chronic Hypertensive Albino Rats
Authors: Rezk Hassan M. , Ibraheim Afaf
Published: July 2017

Background

Hypertension is risk factor for development of congestive heart failure. The pathogenesis of myocardial and renal cortex changes in hypertension includes structural remodeling and fibrosis.

Aim of study

is to evaluate the effects of therapeutic doses of combined XO-Inhibitors and ACE-Inhibitors on expression of VEGF-A in the myocardium and renal cortex in chronic hypertensive albino rats.

Material & Methods

Thirty male albino rats were divided into: Group I: (control group), Group II (Non-treated Hypertensive rats), Group III (Allopurinol-treated Hypertensive rats), Group IV (Captopril-treated Hypertensive rats) and Group V (Allopurinol-Captopril-treated Hypertensive rats). At 4 and 8 weeks, the rats were anesthetized followed by obtaining of heart and left kidney to be stained with Masson trichrome and Anti-Vascular endothelial growth factor-A antibody.

Results

Group II, one month hypertensive rats showed, myocardium showed disarray with significant increase in interstitial fibrosis. The renal cortex showed evidences indicating glomerulosclerosis. Immunohistochemistry, there was high significant decrease in the number of cells of renal cortex with +ve expression of VEGF-A. Later, they showed marked significant increase in interstitial fibrosis. In Group III, myocardium and renal cortex showed high significant increase in interstitial fibrosis. After two month, there were high significant decrease in the surface area of interstitial fibrosis in myocardium and renal cortex with high significant decrease number of the myocardium with +ve expression of VEGaF-A. In Group IV, myocardium showed disarray with marked significant reduction in interstitial fibrosis. The renal cortex showed marked significant reduction in the interstitial fibrosis with significant decrease in the number of cells with +ve expression of VEGF-A. Later, myocardium showed the most high marked significant reduction in interstitial fibrosis with highly significant increase in number of cells with positive expression of VEGF-A. In Group V after two month, both myocardium and renal cortex showed nearly normal architecture with marked significant reduction in interstitial fibrosis.

Conclusions

Long term therapy with the combination between allopurinol and captopril decreases the fibrotic changes associated with hypertension and enhances the process of angiogenesis.