bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Why is Reflexivity so Special? Understanding the World of Reflexives
Authors: Reuland Eric
Published: March 2017

Why do so many languages employ special means to express reflexive predicates, and why can what languages do be so diverse, although the notion of a reflexive predicate appears to be so simple? What happens in languages that don't seem to do anything special? The contributions in this special issue all focus on the various ways in which natural languages express reflexivity, and how the challenges their diversity poses can be addressed. In this contribution I present and further develop my answers to these questions, showing that except for a definition of binding no principles specific to binding need to be assumed. Sections 3–7 provide an overview of issues against which the results of current binding research are to be interpreted. I briefly address the role of phases in the theory of binding and argue that phases are relevant only indirectly namely in so far as the operations involved in the encoding of binding dependencies are themselves sensitive to phase‐hood. I also relate my account to current debates about the relation between syntax and morphology (as in Distributed Morphology), showing that a too loose connection between syntax and morphology leads to severe methodological problems. Section 8, presents an explicit derivation of the need for reflexivity to be licensed, addressing questions that have been raised since that idea was first presented. Section 9 provides a summary of the approach.
Quality control of apheresis platelets: a multicentre study to evaluate factors that can influence pH measurement
Authors: Germain M. , Grégoire Y. , Vassallo R. R. , Acker J. P. , Cardigan R. , de Korte D. , Irving D. O. , Bégué S. ,   the Biomedical Excellence for Safer Transfusions (BEST) collaborative
Published: March 2017

Background and Objectives

Blood operators routinely monitor the pH of apheresis platelets as a marker of the so‐called storage lesion, which can result from manufacturing problems. It is also suspected that some donor characteristics can increase the risk of poor platelet storage. To explore this hypothesis, we analysed a large, multinational data set of quality control (QC) pH test results on apheresis platelets.

Materials and Methods

For the period between September 2011 and August 2014, seven blood operators in Canada, the USA, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, France and Australia provided pH QC test results and donor characteristics on a total of 21,671 apheresis platelets.

Results

Some variations in pH distribution between blood operators were in part explained by differences in collection, processing and testing methods. Younger age and female gender were significantly associated with a pH value below the 10th percentile. Among donors who had two or more pH measurements (n = 3672), there was a strong correlation between pH results (r = 0·726; P < 0·0001).

Conclusion

The strong intradonor correlation of pH measurements and the association between donor characteristics and pH results suggest that donor factors play a role in the quality of platelets.
Vertebral venous system abnormalities identified with magnetic resonance imaging in sighthounds
Authors: Vernon John C. , Durand Alexane , Guevar Julien , José‐López Roberto , Hammond Gawain , Stalin Catherine , Gutierrez‐Quintana Rodrigo
Published: March 2017

In humans, abnormalities of the vertebral venous system are considered rare but significant causes of radiculopathy and myelopathy. Published information on abnormalities of the canine vertebral venous system is currently lacking. Aims of this retrospective descriptive study were to characterize magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) abnormalities of the vertebral venous system in a population of sighthounds, report prevalence of vertebral venous system abnormalities within that population and explore possible clinical significance. Our hospital database was searched over the period of 2002–2013 for sighthounds with MRI studies of the vertebral column. Medical records and MRI studies for included dogs were retrieved and findings were recorded by a single observer. A total of 92 sighthounds were sampled. Eleven cases (prevalence 12%) showed abnormal enlargement of the internal vertebral venous plexus (10/11 unilaterally, 1/11 bilaterally), external vertebral venous plexus (7/11 cases unilaterally), and/or intervertebral veins (8/11 unilaterally, 2/11 bilaterally, and 1/11 unilaterally and bilaterally at different sites). The majority of the abnormalities were right sided and the most common location for abnormalities was C6/7. Of the 11 cases, nine did not have a definitive diagnosis. Seven of those nine cases had an abnormality in a neuroanatomical localization that could wholly or partly explain the clinical signs. Findings indicated that, while the prevalence of vertebral venous system abnormalities was low in this sample of sighthounds, the majority of dogs with these abnormalities had clinical signs that matched the location of the abnormalities. Further prospective research is needed to investigate potential underlying aetiologies for vertebral venous system abnormalities in dogs and clarify their clinical significance.
Hybridization and regularization schemes applied to identify rough acoustic impedance profiles in slender structures with noisy data
Authors: Baptista Josué Costa , Tenenbaum Roberto A. , Taminato Filipe O. , Campos Knupp Diego
Published: March 2017

The modified sequential algebraic algorithm (MSAA) is a routine developed to solve the longitudinal acoustic wave propagation problem in inhomogeneous media. This method accurately predicts the echo generated by the inhomogeneities, particularly when the acoustic impedance variation profile in the damaged part of the structure is non-smooth. Used for solving the inverse problem by a stochastic optimization approach, MSAA efficiently identifies rough profiles of impedance with low noise level in the input data. As noise level increases, the inverse problem turns out to be “ill-posed” and often yields inappropriate solutions. The purpose of this paper is to apply a regularization scheme and to use a hybrid optimization strategy to reduce the error in the damage estimation. In the numerical examples, 40 parameters are successfully identified for a signal to noise ratio of 20 dB. For all tested damage profiles, the regularization and hybridization procedures decreased the maximum absolute error to levels lower than 4%, and for the roughest impedance profile, the mean squared error was reduced by more than one order of magnitude and the error propagation was avoided. In an experimental validation, a pulse-echo essay was successfully conducted with the recovery of a damage with 264 parameters.
Reliability and Seasonal Changes of Submaximal Variables to Evaluate Professional Cyclists
Authors: Rodríguez-Marroyo Jose A. , Pernía Raúl , Villa José G. , Foster Carl
Published: March 2017

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the reliability and validity of several submaximal variables that can be easily obtained by monitoring cyclists’ performances. Methods: Eighteen professional cyclists participated in this study. In a first part (n = 15) the test-retest reliability of heart rate (HR) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) during a progressive maximal test was measured. Derived submaximal variables based on HR, RPE, and power output (PO) responses were analyzed. In a second part (n = 7) the pattern of the submaximal variables according to cyclists’ training status was analyzed. Cyclists were assessed 3 times during the season: at the beginning of the season, before the Vuelta a España, and the day after this Grand Tour. Results: Part 1: No significant differences in maximal and submaximal variables between test-retest were found. Excellent ICCs (0.81–0.98) were obtained in all variables. Part 2: The HR and RPE showed a rightward shift from early to peak season. In addition, RPE showed a left shift after the Vuelta a España. Submaximal variables based on RPE had the best relationship with both performance and changes in performance. Conclusion: The present study showed the reliability of different maximal and submaximal variables used to assess cyclists’ performances. Submaximal variables based on RPE seem to be the best to monitor changes in training status over a season.
Validation of a Maximal Incremental Skating Test Performed on a Slide Board: Comparison With Treadmill Skating
Authors: Piucco Tatiane , Diefenthaeler Fernando , Soares Rogério , Murias Juan M. , Millet Guillaume Y.
Published: March 2017

Purpose: To investigate the criterion validity of a maximal incremental skating test performed on a slide board (SB). Methods: Twelve subelite speed skaters performed a maximal skating test on a treadmill and on a SB. Gas exchange threshold (GET), respiratory compensation point (RCP), and maximal variables were determined. Results: Oxygen uptake () (31.0 ± 3.2 and 31.4 ± 4.1 mL·min−1·kg−1), percentage of maximal () (66.3 ± 4 and 67.7 ± 7.1%), HR (153 ± 14 and 150 ±12 bpm), and ventilation (59.8 ± 11.8 and 57.0 ± 10.7 L·min−1) at GET, and (42.5 ± 4.4 and 42.9 ± 4.8 mL·min−1·kg−1), percentage of (91.1 ± 3.3 and 92.4 ± 2.1%), heart rate (HR) (178 ± 9 and 178 ± 6 bpm), and ventilation (96.5 ± 19.2 and 92.1 ± 12.7 L·min−1) at RCP were not different between skating on a treadmill and on a SB. (46.7 ± 4.4 vs 46.4 ±6.1 mL·min−1·kg−1) and maximal HR (195 ± 6 vs 196 ± 10 bpm) were not significantly different and correlated (r = .80 and r = .87, respectively; P < .05) between the treadmill and SB. at GET, RCP, and obtained on a SB were correlated (r > .8) with athletes’ best times on 1500 m. Conclusions: The incremental skating test on a SB was capable to distinguish maximal ( and HR) and submaximal (, % , HR, and ventilation) parameters known to determine endurance performance. Therefore, the SB test can be considered as a specific and practical alternative to evaluate speed skaters.
Bacterial virulence phenotypes of
Escherichia coli
and host susceptibility determine risk for urinary tract infections
Authors: Schreiber Henry L. , Conover Matt S. , Chou Wen-Chi , Hibbing Michael E. , Manson Abigail L. , Dodson Karen W. , Hannan Thomas J. , Roberts Pacita L. , Stapleton Ann E. , Hooton Thomas M. , Livny Jonathan , Earl Ashlee M. , Hultgren Scott J.
Published: March 2017

Risk for urinary tract infections is determined by a combination of host susceptibility determinants and diverse
Escherichia coli
phenotypes.
Influenza vaccines differentially regulate the interferon response in human dendritic cell subsets
Authors: Athale Shruti , Banchereau Romain , Thompson-Snipes LuAnn , Wang Yuanyuan , Palucka Karolina , Pascual Virginia , Banchereau Jacques
Published: March 2017

The monovalent H1N1 vaccine failed to promote human DC activation and to induce a type I IFN signature, which may have contributed to its limited efficacy.
Preempting autoimmune disease with induced antigen tolerance
Authors: Dupnik Kathryn
Published: March 2017

Transfusion of red blood cells with antigenic peptides added to surface proteins is being explored as a tolerance-inducing intervention for autoimmune disease.
Squeeze-E squeeze-E
Authors: King Kevin R.
Published: March 2017

Adding an electrical pulse to a microfluidic device that squeezes cells through narrow channels efficiently delivers DNA to the nucleus.
Clearing the way to a healthy brain
Authors: Morris Jill
Published: March 2017

Astrocytic low-density lipoprotein receptor–related protein 1 is a key player in β-amyloid clearance.
Complete Genome Sequences of Six Copper-Resistant Xanthomonas citri pv. citri Strains Causing Asiatic Citrus Canker, Obtained Using Long-Read Technology
Authors: Richard Damien , Boyer Claudine , Vernière Christian , Canteros Blanca I. , Lefeuvre Pierre , Pruvost Olivier
Published: March 2017

The gammaproteobacterium
Xanthomonas citri
pv
.
citri causes Asiatic citrus canker. Pathotype A strains have a broad host range, which includes most commercial citrus species, and they cause important economic losses worldwide. Control often relies on frequent copper sprays. We present here the complete genomes of six
X. citri
pv
.
citri copper-resistant strains.
The Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Governs Epithelial Cell Invasion during Oropharyngeal Candidiasis
Authors: Solis Norma V. , Swidergall Marc , Bruno Vincent M. , Gaffen Sarah L. , Filler Scott G.
Published: March 2017

Oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC), caused predominantly by
Candida albicans
, is a prevalent infection in patients with advanced AIDS, defects in Th17 immunity, and head and neck cancer. A characteristic feature of OPC is fungal invasion of the oral epithelial cells. One mechanism by which
C. albicans
hyphae can invade oral epithelial cells is by expressing the Als3 and Ssa1 invasins that interact with the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) on epithelial cells and stimulate endocytosis of the organism. However, the signaling pathways that function downstream of EGFR and mediate
C. albicans
endocytosis are poorly defined. Here, we report that
C. albicans
infection activates the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), leading to activation of Src family kinases (SFKs), which in turn phosphorylate EGFR and induce endocytosis of the fungus. Furthermore, treatment of oral epithelial cells with interferon gamma inhibits fungal endocytosis by inducing the synthesis of kynurenines, which cause prolonged activation of AhR and SFKs, thereby interfering with
C. albicans
-induced EGFR signaling. Treatment of both immunosuppressed and immunocompetent mice with an AhR inhibitor decreases phosphorylation of SFKs and EGFR in the oral mucosa, reduces fungal invasion, and lessens the severity of OPC. Thus, our data indicate that AhR plays a central role in governing the pathogenic interactions of
C. albicans
with oral epithelial cells during OPC and suggest that this receptor is a potential therapeutic target.

IMPORTANCE
OPC is caused predominantly by the fungus
C. albicans
, which can invade the oral epithelium by several mechanisms. One of these mechanisms is induced endocytosis, which is stimulated when fungal invasins bind to epithelial cell receptors such as EGFR. Receptor binding causes rearrangement of epithelial cell microfilaments, leading to the formation of pseudopods that engulf the fungus and pull it into the epithelial cell. We discovered AhR acts via SFKs to phosphorylate EGFR and induce the endocytosis of
C. albicans
. Our finding that a small molecule inhibitor of AhR ameliorates OPC in mice suggests that a strategy of targeting host cell signaling pathways that govern epithelial cell endocytosis of
C. albicans
holds promise as a new approach to preventing or treating OPC.
The Vitamin B
12
-Dependent Photoreceptor AerR Relieves Photosystem Gene Repression by Extending the Interaction of CrtJ with Photosystem Promoters
Authors: Fang Mingxu , Bauer Carl E.
Published: March 2017

Purple nonsulfur bacteria adapt their physiology to a wide variety of environmental conditions often through the control of transcription. One of the main transcription factors involved in controlling expression of the
Rhodobacter capsulatus
photosystem is CrtJ, which functions as an aerobic repressor of photosystem genes. Recently, we reported that a vitamin B
12
binding antirepressor of CrtJ called AerR is required for anaerobic expression of the photosystem. However, the mechanism whereby AerR regulates CrtJ activity is unclear. In this study, we used a combination of next-generation sequencing and biochemical methods to globally identify genes under control of CrtJ and the role of AerR in controlling this regulation. Our results indicate that CrtJ has a much larger regulon than previously known, with a surprising regulatory function under both aerobic and anaerobic photosynthetic growth conditions. A combination of
in vivo
chromatin immunoprecipitation-DNA sequencing (ChIP-seq) and ChIP-seq and exonuclease digestion (ChIP-exo) studies and
in vitro
biochemical studies demonstrate that AerR forms a 1:2 complex with CrtJ (AerR-CrtJ
2
) and that this complex binds to many promoters under photosynthetic conditions. The results of
in vitro
and
in vivo
DNA binding studies indicate that AerR-CrtJ
2
anaerobically forms an extended interaction with the bacteriochlorophyll
bchC
promoter to relieve repression by CrtJ. This is contrasted by aerobic growth conditions where CrtJ alone functions as an aerobic repressor of
bchC
expression. These results indicate that the DNA binding activity of CrtJ is modified by interacting with AerR in a redox-regulated manner and that this interaction alters CrtJ’s function.

IMPORTANCE
Photoreceptors control a wide range of physiology often by regulating downstream gene expression in response to light absorption via a bound chromophore. Different photoreceptors are known to utilize a number of different compounds for light absorption, including the use of such compounds as flavins, linearized tetrapyrroles (bilins), and carotenoids. Recently, a novel class of photoreceptors that use vitamin B
12
(cobalamin) as a blue-light-absorbing chromophore have been described. In this study, we analyzed the mechanism by which the vitamin B
12
binding photoreceptor AerR controls the DNA binding activity of the photosystem regulator CrtJ. This study shows that a direct interaction between the vitamin B
12
binding photoreceptor AerR with CrtJ modulates CrtJ binding to DNA and importantly, the regulatory outcome of gene expression, as shown here with photosystem promoters.
Primary vertebral leiomyosarcoma masquerading as a nerve sheath tumour
Authors: Ahmad Irfan , Goyal Nidhi , Bhatt Chandi Prasad , Chufal Kundan Singh
Published: March 2017

A 47-year-old woman presented with symptoms of low back pain and weakness in bilateral lower limbs. MRI of the spine revealed a mass arising from T11 vertebra involving neural foramina at bilateral T11–12 and right T10–11 levels with extension to the right paravertebral region. Suspecting a nerve sheath tumour, she underwent posterior spinal decompression, stabilisation and debulking, following which her neurological symptoms resolved. Histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluation revealed a leiomyosarcoma. A month later she developed sudden paraparesis and MRI revealed an increase in size of the tumour with cord compression and displacement. She underwent a repeat spinal decompression and debulking procedure after which she received adjuvant radiotherapy via volumetric modulated arc therapy, to a total dose of 45 Gy in 25 fractions over 5 weeks. MRI performed 2 months later revealed complete response and she is disease free for the past 5 months.
Aspergillus nigerinfection in an immunosuppressed patient confined solely to the brain
Authors: Simmonds Lucy , Mitchell Sian , White Barrie , Crusz Shanika A , Denning David
Published: March 2017

A 68-year-old woman with a background of hypertension, stroke and rheumatoid arthritis presented to her local hospital after a 4-week history of gradual deterioration and increasing confusion with new onset right-sided weakness. Her initial CT scan revealed a rim enhancing mass lesion with surrounding oedema in the left parietal lobe for which she underwent CT stealth-guided biopsy. Microbiology culture of the 2 biopsy samples yieldedAspergillus nigerand she was started on the antifungal agent voriconazole. MRI 2 weeks after the procedure also demonstrated radiological findings consistent with intracranial aspergillosis. She later developed leucopenia with neutrophils of 1.5×109/L and her methotrexate and voriconazole were stopped. Voriconazole was changed to oral posaconazole. She did not undergo surgical resection and has continued to improve clinically on posaconazole, with recovery in her white cell count.
Diabetes incidence and glucose intolerance prevalence increase with higher outdoor temperature
Authors: Blauw Lisanne L , Aziz N Ahmad , Tannemaat Martijn R , Blauw C Alexander , de Craen Anton J , Pijl Hanno , Rensen Patrick C N
Published: March 2017

Objective

Rising global temperatures might contribute to the current worldwide diabetes epidemic, as higher ambient temperature can negatively impact glucose metabolism via a reduction in brown adipose tissue activity. Therefore, we examined the association between outdoor temperature and diabetes incidence in the USA as well as the prevalence of glucose intolerance worldwide.

Research design and methods

Using meta-regression, we determined the association between mean annual temperature and diabetes incidence during 1996–2009 for each US state separately. Subsequently, results were pooled in a meta-analysis. On a global scale, we performed a meta-regression analysis to assess the association between mean annual temperature and the prevalence of glucose intolerance.

Results

We demonstrated that, on average, per 1°C increase in temperature, age-adjusted diabetes incidence increased with 0.314 (95% CI 0.194 to 0.434) per 1000. Similarly, the worldwide prevalence of glucose intolerance increased by 0.170% (95% CI 0.107% to 0.234%) per 1°C rise in temperature. These associations persisted after adjustment for obesity.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that the diabetes incidence rate in the USA and prevalence of glucose intolerance worldwide increase with higher outdoor temperature.
Prevalence of undiagnosed asymptomatic bacteriuria and associated risk factors during pregnancy: a cross-sectional study at two tertiary centres in Cairo, Egypt
Authors: Abdel-Aziz Elzayat Mohamed , Barnett-Vanes Ashton , Dabour Mohamed Farag Elmorsy , Cheng Feng
Published: March 2017

Background

The prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) during pregnancy is poorly understood in Egypt—a country with a high birth rate.

Objectives

To determine the prevalence of ASB among pregnant women booking at El Hussein and Sayed Galal Hospitals in Al-Azhar University in Egypt; and to observe the relationship between ASB prevalence and risk factors such as socioeconomic level and personal hygiene.

Setting

Obstetrics and gynaecology clinics of 2 university hospitals in the capital of Egypt. Both hospitals are teaching and referral hospitals receiving referrals from across over the country. They operate specialist antenatal clinics 6 days per week.

Participants

A cross-sectional study combining the use of questionnaires and laboratory analysis was conducted in 171 pregnant women with no signs or symptoms of urinary tract infection (1 case was excluded). Samples of clean catch midstream urine were collected and cultured using quantitative urine culture and antibiotic sensitivity tests were performed.

Results

Of 171 pregnant women, 1 case was excluded; 17 cases (10%, 95% CI 5.93% to 15.53%) were positive for ASB. There was a statistically significant relation between the direction of washing genitals and sexual activity per week—and ASB.Escherichia coliwas the most commonly isolated bacteria followed byKlebsiella. Nitrofurantoin showed 100% sensitivity, while 88% of the isolates were resistant to cephalexin.

Conclusions

The prevalence of ASB seen in pregnant women in 2 tertiary hospitals in Egypt was 10%.E. coliandKlebsiellaare the common organisms isolated. The direction of washing genitals and sexual activity significantly influences the risk of ASB. Pregnant women should be screened early for ASB during pregnancy; appropriate treatment should be given for positive cases according to antibiotic sensitivity screening. Cephalexin is likely to be of limited use in this management.
Treatment trends for retinopathy of prematurity in the UK: active surveillance study of infants at risk
Authors: Adams Gillian G W , Bunce Catey , Xing Wen , Butler Lucilla , Long Vernon , Reddy Aravind , Dahlmann-Noor Annegret H
Published: March 2017

Objectives

To estimate the incidence of severe retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) requiring treatment and describe current treatment patterns in the UK.

Design

Nationwide population-based case ascertainment study via the British Ophthalmic Surveillance Unit and a national collaborative ROP special interest group. Practitioners completed a standardised case report form (CRF).

Setting

All paediatric ophthalmologists providing screening and/or treatment for retinopathy in the UK were invited to take part.

Participants

Any baby with ROP treated or referred for treatment between 1 December 2013 and 30 November 2014, treated with laser, cryotherapy, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitor or vitrectomy/scleral buckling, or a combination.

Main outcome measure

Incidence of ROP requiring treatment.

Results

We received 370 CRFs; 327 were included. Denominator from epidemiological data: 8112 infants with birth weight of <1500 g. The incidence of ROP requiring treatment was 4% (327/8112, 95% CI 3.6% to 4.5%). Median gestational age was 25 weeks (IQR 24.3–26.1), and median birth weight 706 g (IQR 620–821). Median age at first treatment was 80 days (IQR 71–96). 204 right eyes (62.39%) had type 1 ROP, and 27 (8.26%) had aggressive posterior ROP. Infants were also treated for milder disease: 9 (2.75%) right eyes were treated for type 2 ROP, and 74 (22.63%) for disease milder than type 1 with plus or preplus, which we defined here as ‘type 2 plus’ disease. First-line treatment was diode laser photoablation of the avascular retina in 90.5% and injection of VEGF inhibitor in 8%.

Conclusions

ROP treatment incidence in the UK is 2.5 times higher than previously estimated. 8% of treated infants receive intravitreal VEGF inhibitor, currently unlicensed. Research is needed urgently to establish safety and efficacy of this approach. Earlier treatment and increasing numbers of surviving premature infants require an increase in appropriate eye care facilities and staff.

Trial registration number

NCT02484989.
Incidence of bloodstream infections: a nationwide surveillance of acute care hospitals in Switzerland 2008–2014
Authors: Buetti Niccolò , Atkinson Andrew , Marschall Jonas , Kronenberg Andreas ,   the Swiss Centre for Antibiotic Resistance (ANRESIS)
Published: March 2017

Background

Bloodstream infections are often associated with significant mortality and morbidity. We aimed to investigate changes in the epidemiology of bloodstream infections in Switzerland between 2008 and 2014.

Methods

Data on bloodstream infections were obtained from the Swiss antibiotic resistance surveillance system (ANRESIS).

Results

The incidence of bloodstream infections increased throughout the study period, especially among elderly patients and those receiving care in emergency departments and university hospitals.Escherichia coliwas the predominant pathogen, withEnterococciexhibiting the most prominent increase over the study period.

Conclusions

The described trends may impact morbidity, mortality and healthcare costs associated with bloodstream infections.
Association of respiratory symptoms and asthma with occupational exposures: findings from a population-based cross-sectional survey in Telemark, Norway
Authors: Abrahamsen R , Fell A K M , Svendsen M V , Andersson E , Torén K , Henneberger P K , Kongerud J
Published: March 2017

Objectives

The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and physician-diagnosed asthma and assess the impact of current occupational exposure.

Design

Cross-sectional analyses of the prevalence of self-reported respiratory health and association with current occupational exposure in a random sample of the general population in Telemark County, Norway.

Settings

In 2013, a self-administered questionnaire was mailed to a random sample of the general population, aged 16–50, in Telemark, Norway. The overall response rate was 33%, comprising 16 099 responders.

Outcome measures

The prevalence for respiratory symptoms and asthma, and OR of respiratory symptoms and asthma for occupational groups and exposures were calculated. Occupational exposures were assessed using self-reported exposure and an asthma-specific job-exposure matrix (JEM).

Results

The prevalence of physician-diagnosed asthma was 11.5%. For the occupational groups, the category with agriculture/fishery workers and craft/related trade workers was associated with wheezing and asthma attack in the past 12 months, showing OR 1.3 (1.1 to 1.6) and 1.9 (1.2 to 2.8), respectively. The group including technicians and associated professionals was also associated with wheezing OR 1.2 (1.0 to 1.3) and asthma attack OR 1.4 (1.1 to 1.9). The JEM data show that exposure to flour was associated with wheezing OR 3.2 (1.4 to 7.3) and woken with dyspnoea OR 3.5 (1.3 to 9.5), whereas exposures to diisocyanates, welding/soldering fumes and exposure to vehicle/motor exhaust were associated with dyspnoea OR 2.9 (1.5 to 5.7), 3.2 (1.6 to 6.4) and 1.4 (1.0 to 1.8), respectively.

Conclusions

The observed prevalence of physician-diagnosed asthma was 11.5%. The ‘manual’ occupations were associated with respiratory symptoms. Occupational exposure to flour, diisocyanates, welding/soldering fumes and vehicle/motor exhaust was associated with respiratory symptoms in the past 12 months and use of asthma medication. However, prospective data are needed to confirm the observed associations.
Correlations among some parameters of coarse-grained soils — the multivariate probability distribution model
Authors: Ching Jianye , Lin Guan-Hong , Phoon Kok-Kwang , Chen Jieru
Published: March 2017

A multivariate probability distribution model for seven parameters of coarse-grained soils is constructed based on the SAND/7/2794 database that was compiled by the authors. It is shown that the multivariate probability distribution captures the correlation behaviors in the database among the seven parameters. This multivariate distribution model serves as a prior distribution model in the Bayesian analysis and can be updated into the posterior distribution of the design soil parameter when multivariate site-specific information is available. It is shown that this Bayesian analysis is conceptually similar to what is routinely carried out in practice, which utilizes information from comparable sites to supplement limited site-specific information. The resulting posterior distribution from Bayesian analysis merely combines different uncertainties associated with different sources of “correlated” information in a more consistent way. In this paper, the parameters for the posterior distribution of the design soil parameter are summarized into engineer-friendly tables ( Tables 9 and 10 ) so that engineers do not need to conduct the actual Bayesian analysis. Caution should be taken in extrapolating the results of this paper to cases that are not covered by SAND/7/2794, because the resulting posterior distribution can be misleading. This caveat applies to conventional regression equations as well.
The Arabidopsis paraquat resistant1 mutant accumulates leucine upon dark treatment
Authors: Begam Rowshon A. , Good Allen G.
Published: March 2017

The Arabidopsis paraquat resistant1 (PAR1) was classified as L-type amino acid transporter 4 (LAT4) based on a phylogenetic analysis of selected genes from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh, and Homo sapiens that clustered LAT4 with four other members as a LAT family in Arabidopsis. In silico analysis of the Arabidopsis LATs identified an amino acid permease domain and motifs that are common in amino acid transporters. However, their role in amino acid transport remained to be studied. A knockout mutant for PAR1/LAT4 gene, reported here as par1-5, showed significantly altered growth compared with wild type on leucine-containing growth medium. Mutant par1-5 seedlings showed reduced biomass compared with wild type on nitrate-containing Murashige and Skoog growth medium, which was further reduced when grown on medium containing nitrate and leucine. Radio-labelled leucine uptake studies using leaf protoplasts and seedlings showed increased accumulation of leucine in par1-5 mutants compared with wild type. Increased accumulation of leucine in par1-5 was detected when seedlings or protoplasts were treated in the dark prior to isotopic feeding. These studies suggest that the PAR1/LAT4 protein, in addition to its ability to mediate paraquat and polyamine transport, possess leucine transport activity that is regulated by physiological conditions such as dark induction.
Adventitious root formation in Castanea sp. semi-hard cuttings is under moderate genetic control caused mainly by non-additive genetic variance
Authors: López-Villamor A. , Míguez-Soto B. , Fernández-López J.
Published: March 2017

Breeding programmes of European chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) for disease resistance have focused on interspecific hybridization followed by clonal propagation. Although chestnut species are recalcitrant to rooting by cuttings, it is possible to mass propagate new softwood cuttings taken from shoot stumps. To determine the importance of genetic control in adventitious root formation in chestnut, two trials were conducted with 705 ortets from 25 young full-sib families generated by combining 11 different parents including seven C. sativa, one C. crenata, one C. mollissima, and two F1 hybrid (C. crenata × C. sativa) individuals. Rooting variables were analysed using an incomplete diallel model, and statistical analyses were performed using the MIXED and GLIMMIX procedures for continuous and binomial variables, respectively. Very high rooting percentages were obtained (91% and 82%) and the cuttings showed adequate numbers of roots (17 and 10); both characteristics were correlated ([Formula: see text] = 0.93) and presented moderate genetic control ([Formula: see text] = 0.33 for the presence of root (Proot); 0.43 and 0.35 for number of roots (Nroots)) due mainly to dominance and epistasis ([Formula: see text] = 0.21 for Proot; 0.23 and 0.27 for Nroots). There were good rooting ortets within all families, and accordingly, it is possible to select for rooting capability within each family, at least at a young age.
Reported UAV incidents in Canada: analysis and potential solutions
Authors: Nesbit Paul R. , Barchyn Thomas E. , Hugenholtz Chris H. , Cripps Sterling , Kucharczyk Maja
Published: March 2017

UAV incidents were analyzed using data from Transport Canada’s Civil Aviation Daily Occurrence Reporting System (CADORS). Between 5 November 2005 and 31 December 2016 a total of 355 incidents were reported in Canadian airspace. The largest number involved UAV sightings (66.5%) and close encounters with piloted aircraft (22.3%). These incidents increased markedly after 2013, with the highest number in British Columbia, followed by Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, and Manitoba. The vast majority of UAV incident reports were filed by pilots of piloted aircraft. Typically, airspace at altitudes greater than 400 feet above ground level (AGL) is off limits to UAVs; however, of the 270 incidents in the CADORS database with UAV altitude reported, 80.4% were above 400 feet AGL and 62.6% were above 1000 feet AGL. Of the 268 incidents with reported horizontal distance to the nearest aerodrome, 74.6% occurred or likely occurred within five nautical miles (M), and of those 92.4% and 76.6% were reported above 100 and 300 feet AGL, respectively. Collectively, the CADORS data indicate that the overwhelming majority of UAV incidents reported in Canada were airspace violations. These results can guide future risk mitigation measures, hardware and software solutions, and educational campaigns to increase airspace safety.
Interval Routing Schemes for Circular-Arc Graphs
Authors: Gurski Frank , Poullie Patrick Gwydion
Published: March 2017

Interval routing is a space efficient method to realize a distributed routing function. In this paper we show that every circular-arc graph allows a shortest path strict 2-interval routing scheme, i.e., by introducing a global order on the vertices and assigning at most two (strict) intervals in this order to the ends of every edge allows to depict a routing function that implies exclusively shortest paths. Since circular-arc graphs do not allow shortest path 1-interval routing schemes in general, the result implies that the class of circular-arc graphs has strict compactness 2, which was a hitherto open question. Additionally, we show that the constructed 2-interval routing scheme is a 1-interval routing scheme with at most one additional interval assigned at each vertex and we outline an algorithm to calculate the routing scheme for circular-arc graphs in 𝒪(n2) time, where n is the number of vertices.
A novel image encryption algorithm based on the chaotic system and DNA computing
Authors: Chai Xiuli , Gan Zhihua , Lu Yang , Chen Yiran , Han Daojun
Published: March 2017

A novel image encryption algorithm using the chaotic system and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) computing is presented. Different from the traditional encryption methods, the permutation and diffusion of our method are manipulated on the 3D DNA matrix. Firstly, a 3D DNA matrix is obtained through bit plane splitting, bit plane recombination, DNA encoding of the plain image. Secondly, 3D DNA level permutation based on position sequence group (3DDNALPBPSG) is introduced, and chaotic sequences generated from the chaotic system are employed to permutate the positions of the elements of the 3D DNA matrix. Thirdly, 3D DNA level diffusion (3DDNALD) is given, the confused 3D DNA matrix is split into sub-blocks, and XOR operation by block is manipulated to the sub-DNA matrix and the key DNA matrix from the chaotic system. At last, by decoding the diffused DNA matrix, we get the cipher image. SHA 256 hash of the plain image is employed to calculate the initial values of the chaotic system to avoid chosen plaintext attack. Experimental results and security analyses show that our scheme is secure against several known attacks, and it can effectively protect the security of the images.
An extended microscopic traffic flow model based on the spring-mass system theory
Authors: Li Yongfu , Chen Wenbo , Peeta Srinivas , He Xiaozheng , Zheng Taixiong , Feng Huizong
Published: March 2017

This study proposes a new microscopic traffic flow model based on the spring-mass system theory. In particular, considering the similarity between the acceleration or deceleration behavior in traffic flow and the scaling properties of a spring, a car-following (CF) model is proposed based on the fundamental physical law of the spring-mass system. Stability of the proposed model is analyzed using the perturbation method to obtain the stability condition. Numerical experiments are performed through simulation. The results demonstrate the proposed model can capture the characteristic of propagation backwards of disturbance in traffic flow. In addition, the findings of this study provide insights in modeling traffic flow from the mechanical system theory perspective.
Multiple Scenarios of Transition to Chaos in the Alternative Splicing Model
Authors: Kogai Vladislav V. , Likhoshvai Vitaly A. , Fadeev Stanislav I. , Khlebodarova Tamara M.
Published: March 2017

We have investigated the scenarios of transition to chaos in the mathematical model of a genetic system constituted by a single transcription factor-encoding gene, the expression of which is self-regulated by a feedback loop that involves protein isoforms. Alternative splicing results in the synthesis of protein isoforms providing opposite regulatory outcomes — activation or repression. The model is represented by a differential equation with two delayed arguments. The possibility of transition to chaos dynamics via all classical scenarios: a cascade of period-doubling bifurcations, quasiperiodicity and type-I, type-II and type-III intermittencies, has been numerically demonstrated. The parametric features of each type of transition to chaos have been described.
Chaotic Dynamics of Flags from Recurring Values of Flapping Moment
Authors: Virot Emmanuel , Faranda Davide , Amandolese Xavier , Hémon Pascal
Published: March 2017

The performance of recently proposed flag-based energy harvesters is strongly limited by the chaotic response of flags to strong winds. From an experimental point of view, the detection of flag chaotic dynamics were scarce, based on the flapping amplitude and the maximal Lyapunov exponent. In practice, tracking the flapping amplitude is difficult and flawed in the large oscillation limit. Also, computing the maximal Lyapunov exponent from time series of limited size requires strong assumptions on the attractor geometry, without getting insurance of their reliability. For bypassing these issues, (1) we use a time series which takes into account the whole dynamics of the flag, by using the flapping moment which integrates its displacements, and (2) we apply an algorithm of detection of chaos based on recurring values in time series.
Local Bifurcation Analysis and Global Dynamics Estimation of a Novel 4-Dimensional Hyperchaotic System
Authors: Zhou Leilei , Chen Zengqiang , Wang Jiezhi , Zhang Qing
Published: March 2017

In this paper, we present a novel 4-dimensional (4D) smooth quadratic autonomous hyperchaotic system with complex dynamics. In order to investigate the dynamics evolution of the system, the Lyapunov exponent spectrum, bifurcation diagram and various phase portraits are provided. The local dynamics of this hyperchaotic system, such as the stability, pitchfork bifurcation, and Hopf bifurcation of equilibrium point, are analyzed by using the center manifold theorem and bifurcation theory. About the global dynamics, the ultimate bound sets of the system are found by combining the Lyapunov function method and appropriate optimization method. Numerical simulations are given to demonstrate the emergence of the two bifurcations and show the ultimate boundary regions.
Distinguishing Lorenz and Chen Systems Based Upon Hamiltonian Energy Theory
Authors: Cang Shijian , Wu Aiguo , Wang Zenghui , Chen Zengqiang
Published: March 2017

Solving the linear first-order Partial Differential Equations (PDEs) derived from the unified Lorenz system, it is found that there is a unified Hamiltonian (energy function) for the Lorenz and Chen systems, and the unified energy function shows a hyperboloid of one sheet for the Lorenz system and an ellipsoidal surface for the Chen system in three-dimensional phase space, which can be used to explain that the Lorenz system is not equivalent to the Chen system. Using the unified energy function, we obtain two generalized Hamiltonian realizations of these two chaotic systems, respectively. Moreover, the energy function and generalized Hamiltonian realization of the Lü system and a four-dimensional hyperchaotic Lorenz-type system are also discussed.
Omni n-Lie algebras and linearization of higher analogues of Courant algebroids
Authors: Liu Jiefeng , Sheng Yunhe , Wang Chunyue
Published: March 2017

In this paper, we introduce the notion of an omni [Formula: see text]-Lie algebra and show that it is the linearization of the higher analogue of the standard Courant algebroid. We also introduce the notion of a nonabelian omni [Formula: see text]-Lie algebra and show that it is the linearization of the higher analogue of the Courant algebroid associated to a Nambu–Poisson manifold.
Evaluating Applicability of a Scroll Expander for CO2 Refrigeration System at Warm Climate
Authors: Singh Simarpreet , Dasgupta M. S.
Published: March 2017

Performance of a trans-critical CO2 refrigeration cycle equipped with a scroll work recovery expander is investigated using a semi-empirical model of the scroll, for high ambient temperature application. Maximum isentropic efficiency of 61% is obtained, for a pressure ratio of about 3.7 for the scroll expander. Simulation results obtained are further validated against the reported experimental results. It is also observed that, about 20% of the total energy consumed can be recovered with the help of scroll expander during trans-critical operation. Based on year-round ambient temperature data, at New Delhi (India), an economic analysis is carried out for installation of work recovery scroll system. Total payback period (PBP) for scroll expanders of various capacities are also determined. It is noted that the PBP of scroll expander is about 1 to 2 years or less, which is encouraging. Total Equivalent Warming Impact (TEWI) of the system is compared with that of a conventional trans-critical CO2 refrigeration system and system running on low global warming potential (GWP) hydrofluoroolefin (R1234yf) refrigerant. Trans-critical CO2 system along with work recovery scroll expander appears justified as the same has about 15% lower TEWI compared to conventional trans-critical CO2 system but is 50% more than R1234yf system.
Fractional Black–Scholes equation
Authors: Aghili A.
Published: March 2017

In this paper, it has been shown that the combined use of exponential operators and special functions provides a powerful tool to solve certain class of generalized space fractional Laguerre heat equation. It is shown that exponential operators are powerful and effective method for solving certain singular integral equations and space fractional Black–Scholes equation.
Optimal dividends in the dual risk model under a stochastic interest rate
Authors: Cheng Zailei
Published: March 2017

Optimal dividend strategy in dual risk model is well studied in the literatures. But to the best of our knowledge, all the previous works assumes deterministic interest rate. In this paper, we study the optimal dividends strategy in dual risk model, under a stochastic interest rate, assuming the discounting factor follows a geometric Brownian motion or exponential Lévy process. We will show that closed form solutions can be obtained.
Glucose oxidation positively regulates glucose uptake and improves cardiac function recovery after myocardial reperfusion
Authors: Li Tingting , Xu Jie , Qin Xinghua , Hou Zuoxu , Guo Yongzheng , Liu Zhenhua , Wu Jianjiang , Zheng Hong , Zhang Xing , Gao Feng
Published: March 2017

Myocardial reperfusion decreases glucose oxidation and uncouples glucose oxidation from glycolysis. Therapies that increase glucose oxidation lessen myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. However, the regulation of glucose uptake during reperfusion remains poorly understood. We found that glucose uptake was remarkably diminished in the myocardium following reperfusion in Sprague-Dawley rats as detected by 18F–labeled and fluorescent-labeled glucose analogs, even though GLUT1 was upregulated by threefold and GLUT4 translocation remained unchanged compared with those of sham-treated rats. The decreased glucose uptake was accompanied by suppressed glucose oxidation. Interestingly, stimulating glucose oxidation by inhibition of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 (PDK4), a rate-limiting enzyme for glucose oxidation, increased glucose uptake and alleviated I/R injury. In vitro data in neonatal myocytes showed that PDK4 overexpression decreased glucose uptake, whereas its knockdown increased glucose uptake, suggesting that PDK4 has a role in regulating glucose uptake. Moreover, inhibition of PDK4 increased myocardial glucose uptake with concomitant enhancement of cardiac insulin sensitivity following myocardial I/R. These results showed that the suppressed glucose oxidation mediated by PDK4 contributes to the reduced glucose uptake in the myocardium following reperfusion, and enhancement of glucose uptake exerts cardioprotection. The findings suggest that stimulating glucose oxidation via PDK4 could be an efficient approach to improve recovery from myocardial I/R injury.