bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
68Gallium-prostate-specific membrane antigen ligand positron-emission tomography or computed tomography in biochemical failure after radical prostatectomy: A case report
Authors: Chidothe Irene A. , Anderson David B.
Published: April 2017

Biochemical failure after radical treatment for prostate cancer occurs in up to 30% – 50% of cases. Localisation of clinical disease is challenging because clinical symptoms often manifest long after the initial rise in prostate-specific antigen. The detection rates of imaging modalities such as contrasted computed tomography (CT), bone scan, magnetic resonance imaging and choline positron-emission tomography (PET) or CT, are limited. Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) ligand PET or CT is a novel imaging modality under investigation for various diagnostic and therapeutic indications in the management of prostate cancer. We present a case report illustrating how 68Gallium-PSMA ligand PET or CT was used to guide management in a patient presenting with biochemical failure after radical prostatectomy.
Protection against osteoarthritis in experimental animals by nanogold conjugated snake venom protein toxin gold nanoparticle-Naja kaouthia cytotoxin 1
Authors: Gomes Antony , Saha Partha Pratim , Bhowmik Tanmoy , Dasgupta Anjan Kumar , Dasgupta Subir Chandra
Published: April 2017

Background & objectives:

Increased severity of osteoarthritis (OA) and adverse side effects of its treatment led to the search for alternative therapies. It was previously reported that snake venom protein toxin Naja kaouthia cytotoxin 1 (NKCT1) and gold nanoparticle (GNP) individually have potential against excremental arthritis. In this study, we analyzed the protective activity of GNP conjugated protein toxin NKCT1 (GNP-NKCT1) against experimental OA.

Methods:

Gold nanoparticle conjugation with NKCT1 (GNP-NKCT1) was done and its physiochemical properties were studied. OA was induced in male albino rats by intra-articular injection of bacterial collagenase and treatment was done with NKCT1/GNP-NKCT1/standard drug (indomethacin). Physical parameter (ankle diameter), urinary markers (hydroxyproline, glucosamine, pyridinoline, deoxypyridinoline), serum and synovial membrane pro-inflammatory markers [tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-17, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)] and matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP1) were measured. Joint histopathology and scanning electron microscopy imaging of articular cartilage surface were also done.

Results:

Physical parameters, urinary markers, serum and synovial membrane pro-inflammatory makers and MMP1 were increased in arthritic rats and significantly restored after GNP-NKCT1/NKCT1 treatment. Joint histopathology and scanning electron microscopy imaging of articular cartilage surface also indicated the protective effect of GNP-NKCT1 against inflammatory response and cartilage degradation in osteoarthritic rats.

Interpretation & conclusions:

In this study restoration of the arthritic markers and bone degradation by GNP-NKCT1 treatment indicated the anti-osteoarthritic property of GNP-NKCT1. Further studies need to be done to confirm these findings.
Echocardiographic abnormalities in cirrhosis & their correlation with severity of cirrhosis using Child-Pugh score among patients in a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Balde Jagruti , Rao N. Karthik , Ballala Kirthinath , Samanth Jyothi , Shetty K. Ranjan , Patil Navin , Avinash A. , Varghese George
Published: April 2017

Background & objectives:

Child-Pugh score (CPS) is a widely used prognostic marker in cases of cirrhosis and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). However, the role of this score in the quantification of severity of PAH is not well studied. In mild cases, echocardiography is more sensitive. This study was done to assess the association between echocardiography and severity of cirrhosis using CPS.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was done from April to June 2014 in 42 patients with cirrhosis using a pre-tested semi-structured interview schedule.

Results:

There was no significant association between echocardiographic changes and CPS in patients with liver cirrhosis.

Interpretation & conclusions:

Advising an echocardiographic evaluation may prove beneficial in patients of Child-Pugh Grades B and C. However, more extensive studies are required to confirm the same.
Scrub typhus in Uttarakhand & adjoining Uttar Pradesh
Authors: Bhargava Anurag , Kaushik Reshma , Kaushik Rajeev Mohan , Sharma Anita , Ahmad Sohaib , Dhar Minakshi , Mittal Garima , Khanduri Sushant , Pant Priyannk , Kakkar Rajesh
Published: April 2017

Background & objectives:

Scrub typhus is a re-emerging mite-borne rickettsiosis, which continues to be underdiagnosed, with lethal consequences. The present study was conducted to determine the seasonality, clinical presentation and predictors of mortality in patients with scrub typhus at a tertiary care teaching hospital in northern India.

Methods:

Scrub typhus was suspected in patients attending the hospital as per the standard case definition and serological evidence was obtained by performing an IgM ELISA.

Results:

A total of 284 patients with scrub typhus from urban and rural areas were seen, predominantly from July to November. The most common clinical presentation was a bilateral community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), which resembled pneumonia due to atypical pathogens and often progressed to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). An acute undifferentiated febrile illness (AUFI) or a febrile illness associated with altered sensorium, aseptic meningitis, shock, abdominal pain, gastrointestinal bleeding or jaundice was also seen. Eschars were seen in 17 per cent of patients, and thrombocytopenia, transaminitis and azotaemia were frequent. There were 24 deaths (8.5%) caused predominantly by ARDS and multi-organ dysfunction. The mortality in patients with ARDS was high (37%). ARDS [odds ratio (OR)=38.29, 95% confidence interval (CI): 9.93, 147.71] and acute kidney injury (OR=8.30, 95% CI: 2.21, 31.21) were the major predictors of death.

Interpretation & conclusions:

The present findings indicate that scrub typhus may be considered a cause of CAP, ARDS, AUFI or a febrile illness with multisystem involvement, in Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh, especially from July to November. Empiric therapy of CAP may include doxycycline or azithromycin to ensure coverage of underlying unsuspected scrub typhus.
Genetic polymorphisms of N-acetyltransferase 2 & susceptibility to antituberculosis drug-induced hepatotoxicity
Authors: Sharma Surendra K. , Jha Brajesh Kumar , Sharma Abhishek , Sreenivas V. , Upadhyay Vishwanath , Jaisinghani Chandrita , Singla Rohit , Mishra Hemant Kumar , Soneja Manish
Published: April 2017

Background & objectives:

The N-acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2) gene encodes an enzyme which both activates and deactivates arylamine and other drugs and carcinogens. This study was aimed to investigate the role of NAT2 gene polymorphism in anti-tuberculosis drug-induced hepatotoxicity (DIH).

Methods:

In this prospective study, polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism results for NAT2 gene were compared between 185 tuberculosis patients who did not develop DIH and 105 tuberculosis patients who developed DIH while on anti-tuberculosis drugs.

Results:

Frequency of slow-acetylator genotype was commonly encountered and was not significantly different between DIH (82.8%) and non-DIH (77.2%) patients. However, the genotypic distribution of variant NAT2*5/*7 amongst slow-acetylator genotypes was significantly higher in DIH (56%) group as compared to non-DIH (39%) group (odds ratio 2.02; P=0.006).

Interpretation & conclusions:

The present study demonstrated no association between NAT2 genotype and DIH in the north Indian patients with tuberculosis.
Pointwise convergence of Fourier series (I). On a conjecture of Konyagin
Authors: Lie Victor
Published: April 2017

We provide a near-complete classification of the Lorentz spaces

\Lambda_{\varphi}

for which the sequence

\{S_{n}\}_{n \in \mathbb N}

of partial Fourier sums is almost everywhere convergent along lacunary subsequences. Moreover, under mild assumptions on the fundamental function

\varphi

, we identify

\Lambda_{\varphi}:= L

log log

L

log log log log

L

as the
largest
Lorentz space on which the lacunary Carleson operator is bounded as a map to

L^{1,\infty}

. As a consequence, we

Our proof relies on a newly introduced concept of a "Cantor Multi-tower Embedding," a special geometric configuration of tiles that can arise within the time-frequency tile decomposition of the Carleson operator. This geometric structure plays an important role in the behavior of Fourier series near

L^1

, being responsible for the unboundedness of the weak-

L^1

norm of a "grand maximal counting function“ associated with the mass levels.
On the Bank–Laine conjecture
Authors: Bergweiler Walter , Eremenko Alexandre
Published: April 2017

We resolve a question of Bank and Laine on the zeros of solutions of

w'' + Aw = 0

where

A

is an entire function of finite order.
Операторные включения и квазивариационные неравенства
Authors: Klimov Vladimir Stepanovich
Published: April 2017

Изучается операторное включение $0\in A(x)+N(x)$.
Основные результаты относятся к случаю,
когда $A$ - ограниченный оператор монотонного типа
из рефлексивного пространства в сопряженное к нему,
$N$ - конуснозначный оператор.
Устанавливается критерий отсутствия решений
рассматриваемого включения. Вводятся аддитивные и
гомотопически-инвариантные целочисленные характеристики
многозначных отображений. Даны приложения
к теории квазивариационных неравенств с многозначными операторами.
Библиография: 20 названий.
Análisis del golpe de ariete en un sistema de distribución de agua
Authors: Twyman John
Published: April 2017

Se analiza el golpe de ariete en un sistema de distribución de agua (SDA) mediante tres métodos híbridos (MH) basados en el Esquema de la Caja, Método de McCormack y Esquema Difusivo. Se revisa la formulación de cada MH junto con sus ventajas y desventajas relativas. El SDA analizado se compone de tuberías con diferentes longitudes, diámetros y velocidades de onda, siendo el número de Courant distinto en cada tubería según la discretización adoptada. Los resultados de los MH son comparados con los obtenidos por el Método de las Características (MC). Al revisar la atenuación numérica, la conclusión es que los métodos basados en el Esquema de la Caja y McCormack (ambos de 2.º orden) presentan resultados más conservadores desde el punto de vista numérico, siendo recomendable su aplicación para el análisis del golpe de ariete en sistemas de distribución de agua.
Modelación de Crecidas Aluvionales en la Cuenca del Río Copiapó, Chile
Authors: Valdés-Pineda Rodrigo , Valdés Juan B. , García-Chevesich Pablo
Published: April 2017

Los eventos extremos de precipitación intensa que se produjeron entre el 24 y 26 de marzo de 2015 en la región del Desierto de Atacama (26-29°S), en el Norte de Chile, dejaron alrededor de 30 000 damnificados, siendo uno de los eventos de mayores magnitudes de los últimos 50 años, y que tuvo un costo de reconstrucción de alrededor de $1.5 billones de dólares. Los flujos de detritos que se incrementaron durante la crecida inundaron gran parte de las ciudades de Copiapó y Tierra Amarilla. Este manuscrito tiene por objetivo modelar la crecida aluvional de marzo de 2015 en la cuenca del Río Copiapó, específicamente en las localidades de Copiapó y Tierra Amarilla. La modelación se lleva a cabo utilizando el modelo Rapid Mass Movement Simulation (RAMMS) que permite modelar la dinámica de la crecida aluvional en dos dimensiones, utilizando las características topográficas de los dominios de modelación. La calibración del modelo fue llevada a cabo satisfactoriamente utilizando datos de alturas capturados en terreno después de la crecida del año 2015. Un análisis detallado del evento hidrometeorológico es llevado a cabo utilizando imágenes satelitales obtenidas desde Multi-satellite Precipitation Analysis (TMPA), así como datos pluviométricos e hidrográficos disponibles en la cuenca del Río Copiapó. La simulación de la crecida es reproducida con mapas de alturas de inundación asociados a dos escenarios de modelación. Las alturas máximas de inundación son finalmente utilizadas para el desarrollo de mapas de riesgos en ambas localidades. De acuerdo a nuestros resultados, el modelo RAMMS es una herramienta apropiada para modelar crecidas aluvionales y elaborar mapas de riesgos de inundación para mejorar la gestión de riesgos hidrológicos en cuencas áridas y semiáridas de Chile.
Space After Deleuze
Authors: Saldanha Arun
Published: April 2017

Deleuze’s fondness for geography has long been recognized as central to his thought. This is the first book to introduce researchers to the breadth of his engagements with space, place and movement. Focusing on pressing global issues such as urbanization, war, migration, and climate change, Arun Saldanha presents a detailed Deleuzian rejoinder to a number of theoretical and political questions about globalization in a variety of disciplines. This systematic overview of moments in Deleuze’s corpus where space is implicitly or explicitly theorized shows why he can be called the 20th century’s most imaginative thinker of space.

Space After Deleuze is the first book to make clear to a student audience how Deleuze and thinkers close to him (Guattari, Foucault, Marx, Darwin) allow for a robust and politically engaged framework for studying spatial phenomena such as cities, nation-states, climate change, migration and map art. Anyone with an interest in refining a wide range of concepts, from territory, assemblage, to body, event, and the Anthropocene will learn much from the “geophilosophy” which Deleuze and Guattari proposed for our critical times.
Technical Note: Influence of surface roughness and local turbulence on coated-wall flow tube experiments for gas uptake and kinetic studies
Authors: Li Guo , Su Hang , Kuhn Uwe , Meusel Hannah , Ammann Markus , Shao Min , Pöschl Ulrich , Cheng Yafang
Published: April 2017

Abstract. Coated-wall flow tube reactors are frequently used to investigate gas uptake and heterogeneous or multiphase reaction kinetics under laminar flow conditions. Coating surface roughness may potentially distort the laminar flow pattern, induce turbulence and introduce uncertainties in the calculated uptake coefficient based on molecular diffusion assumptions (e.g., Brown/CKD/KPS methods), which hasn't been sufficiently addressed in previous applications. Here we investigate the influence of surface roughness and local turbulence on coated-wall flow tube experiments for gas uptake and kinetic studies. According to laminar boundary theory and considering the specific flow conditions in a coated-wall flow tube, we suggest using a critical height δc to evaluate turbulence effects in the design and analysis of coated-wall flow tube experiments. When a coating thickness εmax is larger than δc, the roughness elements of the coating may cause local turbulence and result in overestimation of the real uptake coefficient (γ). We collect εmax values in previous coated-wall flow tube studies and evaluate their roughness effects using the criterion of δc. In most cases, the roughness doesn't generate turbulence and has negligible effects. When turbulence is generated, the calculated effective uptake coefficient (γeff) can bear large difference compared to the real uptake coefficient (γ). Their difference becomes less for gas reactants with lower uptake (i.e., smaller γ), or/and for a smaller ratio of the coating thickness εmax/R0 to the flow tube radius R0, (εmax/R0). On the other hand, the critical height δc can also be adjusted by optimizing flow tube configurations and operating conditions (i.e., tube diameter, length and flow velocity), to ensure not only an unaffected laminar flow pattern but also a flexible residence time of gas reactants in flow tube reactors.
A Study of the Longer Term Variation of Aerosol Optical Thickness and Direct Shortwave Aerosol Radiative Effect Trends Using MODIS and CERES
Authors: Alfaro-Contreras Ricardo , Zhang Jianglong , Reid Jeffrey S. , Christopher Sundar
Published: April 2017

Abstract. By combining Collection 6 Moderate Resolution and Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and Version 22 Multi-angle Imaging Spectroradiometer (MISR) aerosol products with Cloud and Earth’s Radiant Energy System (CERES) flux products, the aerosol optical thickness (AOT, at 0.55 µm) and Short-Wave Aerosol Radiative Effect (SWARE) trends are studied over ocean for the near full Terra (2000–2015) and Aqua (2002–2015) data records. Despite differences in sampling methods, regional SWARE and AOT trends are highly correlated with one another. Over global oceans, weak SWARE (cloud free SW flux) and AOT trends of 0.5–0.6 W m−2 (−0.5 to −0.6 W m−2) and 0.002 AOT decade−1 were found using Terra data. Near zero AOT and SWARE trends are also found for using Aqua data, regardless of Angular Distribution Models (ADMs) used. Regionally, positive SWARE and AOT trends are found over the Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea, Arabian/Persian Gulf and the Red Sea, while statistically significant negative trends are derived over the Mediterranean Sea and the eastern US coast. In addition, the global mean instantaneous SW aerosol direct forcing efficiencies are found to be ~ −60 W m−2 per AOT, with corresponding SWARE values of ~ −7 W m−2 from both Aqua and Terra data, and again, regardless of CERES ADMs used. Regionally, SW aerosol direct forcing efficiency values of ~ −40 W m−2 per AOT are found over the southwest coast of Africa where smoke aerosol particles dominate in summer. Larger (in magnitude) SW aerosol direct forcing efficiency values of −50 to −80 W m−2 per AOT are found over several other dust and pollutant aerosol dominated regions. Lastly, the AOT and SWARE trends from this study are also inter-compared with aerosol trends (such as active-based) from several previous studies. Findings suggest that a cohesive understanding of the changing aerosol skies can be achieved through the analysis of observations from both passive- and active-based analyses, as well as at both narrow-band and broad-band data sets.
AS INFLUÊNCIAS DOS MEGAEVENTOS ESPORTIVOS NA AGENDA E POLÍTICAS ESPORTIVAS: PLANEJAMENTO, ARRANJO INSTITUCIONAL, ORDENAMENTO JURÍDICO E FINANCIAMENTO.
Authors: Matias Wagner Barbosa , Mascarenhas Fernando
Published: April 2017

Este texto trata dos megaeventos esportivos, especificamente sobre as influências exercitadas sobre a agenda e as políticas esportivas. Para tanto, foi realizada uma revisão de literatura sobre megaeventos esportivos e política de esporte, bem como uma pesquisa documental, de abordagem qualitativa e de cunho exploratória. Percebeu-se que os megaeventos esportivos estão associados mais a questões mercantis de (re) estruturação de novos mercados, cidades e nichos econômicos e menos a questões de democratização do esporte. O que provocou mudanças no planejamento, no arranjo institucional e jurídico e no financiamento do esporte no Brasil.
Degree of Availability of Community School Standards in Public Schools in Southern Region of Jordan from Teachers’ Views
Authors: Al- Hajaya Suleiman , Kraimeen Hani
Published: April 2017

The purpose of this study aimed to determine the degree of availability of community school standards in public schools in southern region of Jordan from the teachers’ views. To achieve the goals of the study, a questionnaire was developed to collect the data. It consisted of four domains for community school: 1) the optimal use of the community resources, 2) community service, 3) students service, and 4) the participation of parents. The sample of the study was chosen randomly which consisted of 547 male and female teachers. The results of the study showed that the degree of the availability of community school standards were moderate. Based on the study results, the researcher came up with several recommendations. The most important one is integrating community standards within the school programs of administrators’ evaluation.
Romancing the American Dream: The Coen Brothers' Raising Arizona
Authors: Melton Jeffrey
Published: April 2017

Raising Arizona (1987), written, directed, and produced by Joel and Ethan Coen, draws on various conventions of well-established film genres. Although the Coens employ an array of generic elements—including the western, noir, and road films—it is the romantic comedy that provides coherence and drives the film. This article explores Raising Arizona in a sustained context of romantic comedy formula and its relationship to popular notions of the American Dream. It argues for viewing the film as two distinct but interrelated romantic comedy narratives. A close reading of the film in this context reveals a conscious and sustained manipulation of the genre and demonstrates that Raising Arizona is a more coherent and challenging film than viewers may have considered.
Interactions of Economic Development, Government Intervention and Real Estate Price Based on the Analysis of the Impulse-response Function
Authors: Zhao Shengnan , Xu Hong
Published: April 2017

Using the PVAR model, impulse-response function and variance decomposition, this paper analyzes the interaction between Chinese economic development level, government intervention degree and real estate price, based on the inter-provincial panel data from 2000 to 2013 of China. The results show that the economic development level and the marketization degree have a positive impact on housing price, and in the long run, the self-regulation of marketization is the main factor that affecting the housing price; the government intervention can effectively curb the promotion of real estate price, but if the enthusiasm of the government to implement the intervention is not high, the excessive price of the real estate will hinder the Chinese economic development. The Chinese government should accurately grasp the relationship between real estate price and macroeconomic factors, playing a role in the market to promote the healthy and orderly development of the real estate market.
The Impact of Social Responsibility on Corporate Performance: Evidence from Taiwan
Authors: Yan Yun-Chia , Chou Li-Chuan , Chang Ta-Cheng , Darcy John
Published: April 2017

Prior studies show a mixed relation between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and corporate financial performance (CFP). This paper attempts to address the issue by using listing companies from Taiwan during 2007-2010. Contrary to prior studies that use qualitative approaches to construct a CSR index, in order to examine the relation between CSR and CFP this study directly adopts the CSR score with a scale from zero to 100 points from the CSRHub database of companies’ social, environmental, and governance performance.  We find that (1) there is a positive and significant interaction between CSR and CFP, (2) high score CSR firms tend to outperform low score CSR firms and (3) the governance dimension of CSR has a more significant and positive association with stock price returns than other dimensions (community, employees, and environment) of CSR. Our results, therefore, provide additional information regarding the relation between CSR and CFP within the context of emerging markets.
The Effects of Corrective Feedback on Chinese Learners’ Writing Accuracy: A Quantitative Analysis in an EFL Context
Authors: Wang Xin
Published: April 2017

Scholars debate whether corrective feedback contributes to improving L2 learners’ grammatical accuracy in writingperformance. Some researchers take a stance on the ineffectiveness of corrective feedback based on theimpracticality of providing detailed corrective feedback for all L2 learners and detached grammar instruction inlanguage classrooms. On the other hand, many researchers promote the efficacy and significance of the role playedby corrective feedback in the process of L2 writing. This research employs a quasi-experimental design andexamines two major issues: (1) the extent to which CF facilitates or improves students’ writing accuracy; (2) students’expectations and preferences for CF. The research consists of 105 college level EFL learners from three intact classesin an Eastern Chinese University. One class was assigned to the control group which only received comments oncontent of their writing. The other two classes were then assigned to each of the two experimental groups whichreceived indirect or direct CF. Data collection includes student text/error analysis, treatments (i.e., provision ofcorrective feedback), examination of tests (i.e., pretest, posttest and delayed posttest), and questionnaires. Within aresearch period of ten weeks, this study did not reveal statistically significant group differences between the two CFgroups and the control group on overall error reduction. However, students believed CF was important and beneficial,although there is contradiction between what the students believed and their teachers’ actual practices in theclassroom. Pedagogical recommendations for EFL teachers are also discussed.
Immediate and Long-Term Effects of “Learning By Teaching” on Knowledge of Cognition
Authors: Gutman Mary
Published: April 2017

Learning By Teaching (LBT) programs for pre-service teachers in two different environments (technological and face-to-face) were compared using 100 pre-service teachers as subjects. Both programs were based on the IMPROVE instructional method which provides explicit metacognitive steps for LBT with a dual perspective (2P): that of the teacher and that of the learner. The dependent variables Knowledge of Cognition (KC) in learning and in teaching were tested for their immediate and long-term effects in a Technology-Based System group (TBS+2P), and in a Face-to-Face group (F2F+2P). Post-test results of KC have indicated that the TBS+2P group had shown a higher level of conditional and procedural knowledge of teaching. The TBS+2P group has also performed better in measures of long-term effects of declarative knowledge in teaching. Both theoretical and practical implications of this study are discussed.
Raportowanie informacji niefinansowych w zakładach ubezpieczeń w Polsce
Authors: Lament Marzanna
Published: April 2017

Raportowanie informacji niefinansowych w zakładach ubezpieczeń w Polsce

This paper aims to show causes of non-financial reporting and to present conclusions from an evaluation of the extent and principles of this area of reporting with regard to the prevailing practice of companies in the Polish insurance market. The paper reviews literature of the subject and applicable regulations and uses the methods of deduction and induction, analysis of the contents of non-financial reports and the author's own observations. The initial part is a review of relevant literature concerning causes of nonfinancial reporting. The second section describes the unique nature of insurance companies as public trust organisations and its effects on management systems of insurers and qualitative characteristics of nonfinancial reports. Non-financial reports have been examined that were drafted in 2001–2015 by insurance companies operating in Poland as of 31 December 2015. Reports submitted to the GRI as reports from Poland and reports of parent entities have been studied. Image considerations have been found to be the fundamental cause of non-financial reporting. 48.2% of insurance companies produced reports although it was not mandatory at the time. No results of research using a similar sample have been found in academic literature.
Rituximab for Treatment of Refractory Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis in a Pediatric Patient
Authors: Hallowell Sarah , Tebedge Esli , Oates Margaret , Hand Elizabeth
Published: April 2017

Anti-N-methyl d-aspartate receptor (anti-NMDAR) encephalitis is a devastating disease that is increasingly being identified in both children and adults with psychosis, language disturbances, behavioral changes, and motor deficits. Currently no consensus guidelines exist for the optimal management of patients with this disease, although intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) therapy is often considered first-line pharmacotherapy. We present a case of an otherwise healthy 4 year-old-child who presented with seizures, loss of age-appropriate language skills, and behavioral changes, in whom anti-NMDAR was subsequently diagnosed. After marked intolerance to corticosteroid therapy and inadequate clinical response to IVIG, immunotherapy with rituximab was initiated. The patient had rapid return of language skills and complete resolution of dyskinesia after a single rituximab infusion, with no residual deficits at her 6-month follow-up visit. Early intervention in patients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis is of paramount importance for successful outcomes and baseline recovery. Only approximately half of patients respond to first-line immunotherapy, necessitating further evaluation of alternative therapies and the development of a treatment algorithm for practitioners. This case report builds upon previous findings illustrating rapid symptom resolution after rituximab infusion and adds to the available body of evidence for management of pediatric patients with anti-NMDAR.
Neonatal Herpes Simplex Viral Infections and Acyclovir: An Update
Authors: Harris John Brock , Holmes Amy P.
Published: April 2017

Neonatal herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections have high morbidity and mortality rates. Optimization of treatment and prevention strategies are imperative to improve the care and outcomes of neonates infected with HSV. Management of HSV includes reducing neonatal transmission, treating acute infections, and limiting adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes and future cutaneous outbreaks after acute infections. Transmission risk may be affected by route of delivery and maternal suppressive therapy. Neonatal HSV infections are divided into 3 categories: localized skin, eyes, or mouth; localized central nervous system; or disseminated infections. Parenteral acyclovir, the pharmacologic agent of choice, is used when treating each type of infection. However, dosage strategies and durations of therapy may vary based on disease state severity, presentation, and patient characteristics. Oral acyclovir may be used as suppressive therapy after acute treatment completion in specific neonatal populations, reducing long-term adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes and future skin eruptions. The mortality rate remains high even with treatment.
Experts on International Standards Gather at AWWA to Discuss Asset Management
Authors: Olson Paul J.
Published: April 2017

International standards experts gathered in denver to discuss standards for asset management for water and wastewater systems.
Navigating New Options for Water Equipment Financing
Authors: DePonte Brian
Published: April 2017

Financing water infrastructure equipment and technology has become more flexible and convenient as a result of new financial models and approaches.
That's Just what we do
Authors: Lafrance David B.
Published: April 2017

Change can be unsettling. Earlier this year I had the opportunity to meet with young water professionals. I do this frequently, but this year seemed very different ‐ yet the same. It was different in that they were uniformly uncomfortable and anxious about what the changes in the US presidential leadership meant for water. It was the same in that they had a lot of questions, were open to hearing and challenging a diversity of answers, and most important, willing to share their personal thoughts.
Differential transcript profile of inhibitors with potential anti-venom role in the liver of juvenile and adultBothrops jararacasnake
Authors: Gomes Cícera Maria , Morais-Zani Karen de , Lu Stephen , Buarque Diego de Souza , Braz Glória Regina Cardoso , Grego Kathleen Fernandes , Tanaka Aparecida Sadae , Tanaka-Azevedo Anita Mitico
Published: April 2017

Background

Snakes belonging to theBothropsgenus are vastly distributed in Central and South America and are responsible for most cases of reported snake bites in Latin America. The clinical manifestations of the envenomation caused by this genus are due to three major activities—proteolytic, hemorrhagic and coagulant—mediated by metalloproteinases, serine proteinases, phospholipases A2and other toxic compounds present in snake venom. Interestingly, it was observed that snakes are resistant to the toxic effects of its own and other snake’s venoms. This natural immunity may occur due the absence of toxin target or the presence of molecules in the snake plasma able to neutralize such toxins.

Methods

In order to identify anti-venom molecules, we construct a cDNA library from the liver ofB. jararacasnakes. Moreover, we analyzed the expression profile of four molecules—the already known anti-hemorrhagic factor Bj46a, one gamma-phospholipase A2inhibitor, one inter-alpha inhibitor and one C1 plasma protease inhibitor—in the liver of juvenile and adult snakes by qPCR.

Results

The results revealed a 30-fold increase of gamma-phospholipase A2inhibitor and a minor increase of the inter-alpha inhibitor (5-fold) and of the C1 inhibitor (3-fold) in adults. However, the Bj46a factor seems to be equally transcribed in adults and juveniles.

Discussion

The results suggest the up-regulation of different inhibitors observed in the adult snakes might be a physiological adaptation to the recurrent contact with their own and even other snake’s venoms throughout its lifespan. This is the first comparative analysis of ontogenetic variation of expression profiles of plasmatic proteins with potential anti-venom activities of the venomous snakeB. jararaca. Furthermore, the present data contributes to the understanding of the natural resistance described in these snakes.
Detecting telomere elongation in longitudinal datasets: analysis of a proposal by Simons, Stulp and Nakagawa
Authors: Nettle Daniel , Bateson Melissa
Published: April 2017

Telomere shortening has emerged as an important biomarker of aging. Longitudinal studies consistently find that, although telomere length shortens over time on average, there is a subset of individuals for whom telomere length is observed to increase. This apparent lengthening could either be a genuine biological phenomenon, or simply due to measurement and sampling error. Simons, Stulp & Nakagawa (2014) recently proposed a statistical test for detecting when the amount of apparent lengthening in a dataset exceeds that which should be expected due to error, and thus indicating that genuine elongation may be operative in some individuals. However, the test is based on a restrictive assumption, namely that each individual’s true rate of telomere change is constant over time. It is not currently known whether this assumption is true. Here we show, using simulated datasets, that with perfect measurement and large sample size, the test has high power to detect true lengthening as long as the true rate of change is either constant, or moderately stable, over time. If the true rate of change varies randomly from year to year, the test systematically returns type-II errors (false negatives; that is, failures to detect lengthening even when a substantial fraction of the population truly lengthens each year). We also consider the impact of measurement error. Using estimates of the magnitude of annual attrition and of measurement error derived from the human telomere literature, we show that power of the test is likely to be low in several empirically-realistic scenarios, even in large samples. Thus, whilst a significant result of the proposed test is likely to indicate that true lengthening is present in a data set, type-II errors are a likely outcome, either if measurement error is substantial, and/or the true rate of telomere change varies substantially over time within individuals.
Equatorward propagating auroral arcs driven by ULF wave activity: Multipoint ground‐ and space‐based observations in the dusk sector auroral oval
Authors: Baddeley L. J. , Lorentzen D. A. , Partamies N. , Denig M. , Pilipenko V. A. , Oksavik K. , Chen X. , Zhang Y.
Published: April 2017

Observations of multiple equatorward propagating arcs driven by a resonant Alfvén wave on closed field lines are presented. Data sets from the European Incoherent Scatter Svalbard Radar (ESR) and Meridian Scanning Photometer in Longyearbyen, All‐Sky Camera in Ny Ålesund, ground magnetometer data in Svalbard, and Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) F16 satellite were utilized to study the arc structures. The arcs had an equatorward phase propagation of ~0.46 km s−1 and were observed in the dusk ionosphere from 1800 to 2030 magnetic local time. Analysis of the optical data indicates that the Alfvén wave had a frequency of 1.63 mHz and an azimuthal wave number, m ~ −20 (the negative sign indicating a westward propagation). Inverted‐V electron populations associated with field‐aligned currents of between 0.5 and 0.8 μA m−2 are observed by DMSP F16 inside the arc structures. In addition to electron density enhancements associated with the arcs, the ESR data show elevated ion temperatures in between the arcs consistent with electric field enhancements and ionospheric heating effects. The combination of ESR and DMSP F16 data indicates that the wave energy was dissipated through ionospheric Joule and/or ion frictional heating and acceleration of particles into the ionosphere, generating the auroral displays. The fine‐scale structuring, in addition to the propagation direction and scale size, would suggest that the auroral features are the signatures of a field line resonance driven by an interaction with a compressional fast mode wave propagating earthward from the magnetotail.
Roles of whistler mode waves and magnetosonic waves in changing the outer radiation belt and the slot region
Authors: Li L. Y. , Yu J. , Cao J. B. , Yang J. Y. , Li X. , Baker D. N. , Reeves G. D. , Spence H.
Published: April 2017

Using the Van Allen Probe long‐term (2013–2015) observations and quasi‐linear simulations of wave‐particle interactions, we examine the combined or competing effects of whistler mode waves (chorus or hiss) and magnetosonic (MS) waves on energetic (<0.5 MeV) and relativistic (>0.5 MeV) electrons inside and outside the plasmasphere. Although whistler mode chorus waves and MS waves can singly or jointly accelerate electrons from the hundreds of keV energy to the MeV energy in the low‐density trough, most of the relativistic electron enhancement events are best correlated with the chorus wave emissions outside the plasmapause. Inside the plasmasphere, intense plasmaspheric hiss can cause the net loss of relativistic electrons via persistent pitch angle scattering, regardless of whether MS waves were present or not. The intense hiss waves not only create the energy‐dependent electron slot region but also remove a lot of the outer radiation belt electrons when the expanding dayside plasmasphere frequently covers the outer zone. Since whistler mode waves (chorus or hiss) can resonate with more electrons than MS waves, they play dominant roles in changing the outer radiation belt and the slot region. However, MS waves can accelerate the energetic electrons below 400 keV and weaken their loss inside the plasmapause. Thus, MS waves and plasmaspheric hiss generate different competing effects on energetic and relativistic electrons in the high‐density plasmasphere.
Thermal evolution of a hyperextended rift basin, Mauléon Basin, western Pyrenees
Authors: Hart Nicole R. , Stockli Daniel F. , Lavier Luc L. , Hayman Nicholas W.
Published: April 2017

Onshore and offshore geological and geophysical observations and numerical modeling have greatly improved the conceptual understanding of magma‐poor rifted margins. However, critical questions remain concerning the thermal evolution of the prerift to synrift phases of thinning ending with the formation of hyperextended crust and mantle exhumation. In the western Pyrenees, the Mauléon Basin preserves the structural and stratigraphic record of Cretaceous extension, exhumation, and sedimentation of the proximal‐to‐distal margin development. Pyrenean shortening uplifted basement and overlying sedimentary basins without pervasive shortening or reheating, making the Mauléon Basin an ideal locality to study the temporal and thermal evolution of magma‐poor hyperextended rift systems through coupling bedrock and detrital zircon (U‐Th)/He thermochronometric data from transects characterizing different structural rifting domains. These new data indicate that the basin was heated during early rifting to >180°C with geothermal gradients of ~80–100°C/km. The proximal margin recorded rift‐related exhumation/cooling at circa 98 Ma, whereas the distal margin remained >180°C until the onset of Paleocene Pyrenean shortening. Lithospheric‐scale numerical modeling shows that high geothermal gradients, >80°C/km, and synrift sediments >180°C, can be reached early in rift evolution via heat advection by lithospheric depth‐dependent thinning and blanketing caused by the lower thermal conductivity of synrift sediments. Mauléon Basin thermochronometric data and numerical modeling illustrate that reheating of basement and synrift strata might play an important role and should be considered in the future development of conceptual and numerical models for hyperextended magma‐poor continental rifted margins.
Evaluating the impacts of farmers' behaviors on a hypothetical agricultural water market based on double auction
Authors: Du Erhu , Cai Ximing , Brozović Nicholas , Minsker Barbara
Published: April 2017

Agricultural water markets are considered effective instruments to mitigate the impacts of water scarcity and to increase crop production. However, previous studies have limited understanding of how farmers' behaviors affect the performance of water markets. This study develops an agent‐based model to explicitly incorporate farmers' behaviors, namely irrigation behavior (represented by farmers' sensitivity to soil water deficit
) and bidding behavior (represented by farmers' rent seeking
and learning rate
), in a hypothetical water market based on a double auction. The model is applied to the Guadalupe River Basin in Texas to simulate a hypothetical agricultural water market under various hydrological conditions. It is found that the joint impacts of the behavioral parameters on the water market are strong and complex. In particular, among the three behavioral parameters,
affects the water market potential and its impacts on the performance of the water market are significant under most scenarios. The impacts of
or
on the performance of the water market depend on the other two parameters. The water market could significantly increase crop production only when the following conditions are satisfied: (1)
is small and (2)
is small and/or
is large. The first condition requires efficient irrigation scheduling, and the second requires well‐developed water market institutions that provide incentives to bid true valuation of water permits.
Dynamics of a “low‐enrichment high‐retention” upwelling center over the southern Senegal shelf
Authors: Ndoye Siny , Capet Xavier , Estrade Philippe , Sow Bamol , Machu Eric , Brochier Timothée , Döring Julian , Brehmer Patrice
Published: April 2017

Senegal is the southern tip of the Canary upwelling system. Its coastal ocean hosts an upwelling center which shapes sea surface temperatures between latitudes 12° and 15°N. Near this latter latitude, the Cape Verde headland and a sudden change in shelf cross‐shore profile are major sources of heterogeneity in the southern Senegal upwelling sector (SSUS). SSUS dynamics is investigated by means of Regional Ocean Modeling System simulations. Configuration realism and resolution (Δx≈ 2 km) are sufficient to reproduce the SSUS frontal system. Our main focus is on the 3‐D upwelling circulation which turns out to be profoundly different from 2‐D theory: cold water injection onto the shelf and upwelling are strongly concentrated within a few tens of kilometers south of Cape Verde and largely arise from flow divergence in the alongshore direction; a significant fraction of the upwelled waters are retained nearshore over long distances while travelling southward under the influence of northerly winds. Another source of complexity, regional‐scale alongshore pressure gradients, also contributes to the overall retention of upwelled waters over the shelf. Varying the degree of realism of atmospheric and oceanic forcings does not appreciably change these conclusions. This study sheds light on the dynamics and circulation underlying the recurrent sea surface temperature pattern observed during the upwelling season and offers new perspectives on the connections between the SSUS physical environment and its ecosystems. It also casts doubt on the validity of upwelling intensity estimations based on simple Ekman upwelling indices at such local scales.
Observations of the initial stage of a rocket‐and‐wire‐triggered lightning discharge
Authors: Zhang Yang , Krehbiel Paul R. , Zhang Yijun , Lu Weitao , Zheng Dong , Xu Liangtao , Huang Zhigang
Published: April 2017

Observations have been obtained of the initial stage of a rocket‐and‐wire‐triggered lightning flash with a high‐resolution broadband VHF interferometer. The discharge produced 54 precursor current pulses (PCPs) over 883 ms during the rocket's ascent. The interferometer observations show that the PCPs were produced by breakdown at the ascending tip of the rocket, and that individual PCPs were produced by weak upward positive breakdown over meters‐scale distances, followed by more energetic, fast downward negative breakdown over several tens of meters distance. The average propagation speeds were ~5 × 106 m s−1 and ~3 × 107 m s−1, respectively. The sustained upward positive leader (UPL) was initiated by a rapid, repetitive burst of 14 precursor pulses. Upon initiation, the VHF radiation abruptly became continuous with time. Significantly, breakdown during the UPL appeared to extend the discharge in a similar manner to that of the precursor pulses.
Global distribution of groundwater‐vegetation spatial covariation
Authors: Koirala Sujan , Jung Martin , Reichstein Markus , de Graaf Inge E. M. , Camps‐Valls Gustau , Ichii Kazuhito , Papale Dario , Ráduly Botond , Schwalm Christopher R. , Tramontana Gianluca , Carvalhais Nuno
Published: April 2017

Groundwater is an integral component of the water cycle, and it also influences the carbon cycle by supplying moisture to ecosystems. However, the extent and determinants of groundwater‐vegetation interactions are poorly understood at the global scale. Using several high‐resolution data products, we show that the spatial patterns of ecosystem gross primary productivity and groundwater table depth are correlated during at least one season in more than two thirds of the global vegetated area. Positive relationships, i.e., larger productivity under shallower groundwater table, predominate in moisture‐limited dry to mesic conditions with herbaceous and shrub vegetation. Negative relationships, i.e., larger productivity under deeper groundwater, predominate in humid climates with forests, possibly indicating a drawdown of groundwater table due to substantial ecosystem water use. Interestingly, these opposite groundwater‐vegetation interactions are primarily associated with differences in vegetation than with climate and surface characteristics. These findings put forth the first evidence, and a need for better representation, of extensive and non‐negligible groundwater‐vegetation interactions at the global scale.