bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mortality from an aspiration of dental crown during extraction
Authors: Kim Emily , Noh William , Panchal Neeraj
Published: November 2017

An aspiration of a dental crown during a dental extraction requires appropriate and timely diagnosis and management. While foreign body aspiration in dental procedures is relatively uncommon, it constitutes a true medical emergency and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. We report a case of mortality from a foreign body aspiration and discuss the epidemiology, risk factors, signs and symptoms, management, and prevention of foreign body ingestion and aspiration events.
The Economic Cost of Patients With Migraine Headache Referred to Specialist Clinics
Authors: Osumili Beatrice , McCrone Paul , Cousins Sian , Ridsdale Leone
Published: November 2017

Objective

To conduct a cost of illness study to estimate the economic impact of referring people with headache to specialists.

Background

Headache is one of the commonest health conditions affecting individuals in society.

Methods

Participants formed a convenience sample and were recruited from specialist headache clinics across London. Self‐report data on service use over a 4‐month period and lost employment were provided. These data were used to estimate economic costs. Predictors of cost were identified using multivariate analyses.

Results

The mean (standard deviation) service costs for the 4‐month period was £857 (£845). The mean total cost (including lost employment) was £6588 (£11,982) with costs of informal care accounting for 74% of this figure. Total costs were on average £1079 higher for a unit increase on the headache impact test scale (P < .001; 95% CI £330 to £1784).

Conclusions

Costs of headache are high, and increase with severity of symptoms. The annual cost to the country for those referred to specialists is estimated at £835 million.
Rescue therapy with bismuth quadruple regimen in patients with Helicobacter pylori ‐resistant strains
Authors: Fiorini Giulia , Saracino Ilaria Maria , Zullo Angelo , Gatta Luigi , Pavoni Matteo , Vaira Dino
Published: November 2017

Background

Bismuth quadruple therapy (BQT) is the recommended rescue therapy for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of a 10‐day BQT regimen in patients who failed previous therapies and were infected with multiresistant H. pylori strains

Materials and methods

Helicobacter pylori‐infected patients underwent endoscopy, culture, and susceptibility test for clarithromycin, metronidazole, and levofloxacin. Treatment with three‐in‐one capsule (Pylera®) four times daily and esomeprazole 20 mg twice daily for 10 days was administered. Treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were registered.

Results

A total of 116 patients with persistent H. pylori infection following at least one eradication therapy attempt were treated. Overall, resistance toward clarithromycin was detected in 80% of strains, toward metronidazole in 70%, and levofloxacin in 47.5%, with dual or triple resistance in 72.5% of cases. An eradication rate of 81.0% (95% CI: 73.0‐87.1) and 87.0% (95% CI: 79.4‐92.1) at ITT and PP analyses, respectively, was achieved. The cure rate remained high until it was used as fourth‐line regimen, while it dropped to low values (<67%) in those patients with more than 4 therapy failures. A total of 65.7% (95% CI: 56.4‐74.0) patients complained of TEAEs.

Conclusions

Our data found that bismuth‐based quadruple regimen is effective as rescue therapy for curing patients infected with multiresistant H. pylori strains.
Effectiveness of rutin and its lipophilic ester in improving oxidative stability of sardine oil containing trace water
Authors: Vaisali Chandrasekar , Belur Prasanna D. , Iyyaswami Regupathi
Published: November 2017

Poor oxidative stability exhibited by n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid rich sardine oil is a major challenge for its utilisation in industry. Considering the fact that water is always present in bulk oil in trace amounts during storage, an effort was made to understand and compare the effectiveness of rutin and its corresponding lipophilic ester in enhancing oxidative stability of refined sardine oil containing trace water (0.16% w/w). Peroxide value, conjugated diene value, p‐anisidine value and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) value were determined during 20 days storage. Rutin fatty ester showed 50% reduction in primary oxidation and 42.46% reduction in secondary oxidation, whereas rutin showed 20.6% and 20.43% reduction in primary and secondary oxidation, respectively, by the end of 20 days storage. Thus, it is clearly established that rutin fatty ester is more effective than hydrophilic rutin in sardine oil containing trace water, which contradicts the polar paradox theory.
Coupling effects of preheating time and extraction medium pH on red radish anthocyanin yield, glucosinolate degradation and off‐odour removal
Authors: Chen Wentian , Karangwa Eric , Yu Jingyang , Duhoranimana Emmanuel , Xia Shuqin , Feng Biao , Zhang Xiaoming , Jia Chensheng
Published: November 2017

In this study, the effect of combined preheating time (2, 5, and 10 min) and extraction medium pH (2.5, 3.5, and 4.5) on total monomeric anthocyanin yield, and removal of off‐odour in red radish anthocyanins were evaluated. The tentative anthocyanin identification showed twelve pelargonidin anthocyanins, and only nine were identified in samples preheated for 10 min. Sample preheated for 10 min and extracted at pH 4.5 showed lower the anthocyanin yield (98.02 mg/100 g, FW), lighter colour and higher percentage polymeric colour compared with that preheated for 2 min and extracted at pH 2.5. However, prolonged preheating time (10 min) significantly reduced myrosinase enzyme activity by 73%. Additionally, results showed that preheating time and extraction medium pH have negative and significant effect on the total monomeric anthocyanin yield, while they showed positive and negative significant effect on the total glucosinolate degradation. Furthermore, the sensory evaluation results revealed no significant difference in radish odour for samples preheated for 2 and 5 min followed by anthocyanin extraction in pH 2.5 medium. It might therefore be concluded that the combination of moderated preheating treatment time (≤5 min) and lower extraction medium pH could be effective to reduce the off‐odour characteristics and maintaining high yield and stable red radish pigment.
A yttrium aluminosilicate glass fiber with graded refractive index fabricated by melt‐in‐tube method
Authors: Zhang Yeming , Qian Guoquan , Xiao Xusheng , Tian Xiangling , Chen Zhi , Zhong Jiuping , Ma Zhijun , Guo Haitao , Xu Shanhui , Yang Zhongmin , Qiu Jianrong
Published: November 2017

A graded‐index fiber with yttrium aluminosilicate (YAS) glass core was fabricated by a “Melt‐in‐Tube” method. The refractive index and stress profiles of the fibers exhibit a highly symmetrical gradient tendency along the radial axis which is in accordance with the results of element migration. Based on the formation mechanism of YAS glass core, the relationships between the refractive index/stress profile and the spontaneous migration are discussed. A linear all‐fiber laser based on the obtained fiber shows a laser output threshold of 11.48 mW and slope efficiency of 8.3%. The near‐field beam intensity distribution of fiber laser with spectrum FWHM of 0.24 nm indicates the good laser beam quality. The facile “Melt‐in‐tube” method was proved to be reliable in designing graded‐index fiber through the dissolution and diffusion process, which is more advanced than commonly used “Rod‐in‐tube” method.
Pollination context alters female advantage in gynodioecious Silene vulgaris
Authors: Stone J. D. , Olson M. S.
Published: November 2017

Gynodioecy, the co‐occurrence of females and hermaphrodites, is arguably the most common angiosperm gender polymorphism in many florae. Females’ ability to invade and persist among hermaphrodites depends, in part, on pollinators providing adequate pollination to females. We directly measured diurnal and nocturnal pollinators’ contributions to female and hermaphrodite seed production in artificial populations of gynodioecious Silene vulgaris by experimentally restricting pollinator access. We found that female relative seed production in this system depended strongly on pollination context: females produced more than twice as many seeds as hermaphrodites in the context of abundant, nectar‐collecting moths. Conversely, females showed no seed production advantage in the context of pollen‐collecting syrphid flies and bees due to acutely hermaphrodite‐biased visitation. We infer that variation in pollinator type, behaviour and abundance may be important for achieving the female relative fitness thresholds necessary for the maintenance of gynodioecy. Generally, our study illustrates how pollinator‐mediated mechanisms may influence the evolution of breeding systems and associated suites of floral traits. Segments of a pollinator community may facilitate gynodioecy by selecting for plant characteristics that increase the attractiveness of both sexes to pollinators, such as nectar rewards. Conversely, discriminating visitors in search of pollen may restrict gynodioecy in associated plant lineages by reducing male steriles’ fitness below threshold levels.
Fitting semi‐empirical drying models using a tool based on wavelet neural networks: Modeling a maize drying process
Authors: Claumann Carlos Alberto , Cancelier Adriano , da Silva Adriano , Zibetti André Wüst , Lopes Toni Jefferson , Machado Ricardo Antônio Francisco
Published: November 2017

Maize drying is an important process, especially for storage and conservation. For this study, the experimental stage was carried out using a forced convection dryer with air heated at different temperature conditions (306.05–441.85 K) and flow (0.13–0.256 m3/hr), totalizing 15 drying curves. Then the performances of the classic drying kinetics methodology and the approach proposed in this paper, in which the increase in moisture content of the product with time was represented combining exponential models and neural networks based on wavelets, were compared. Good performance was obtained in predictions using the proposed approach. One of the main differentials of the methodology adopted was the obtainment of a model that has a global predictive capacity, within the range of tested operating conditions, which can be used in predicting drying curves for different operating conditions.

Practical applications

The drying process is also one of the most widely used methods for preserving food, and has the advantage of reducing the costs of storage and transport because of the low volume and weight of the end product. During the last years, this topic has attracted a broad industrial interest, resulting in many research studies investigating the drying process. Usually, with regard to the classic approach for modeling of the drying process, the kinetics of drying curves obtained in different operating conditions is affected separately, that is, the parameters are estimated independently, resulting in different regression problems. With the classical approach, in general, it is not possible to obtain a comprehensive prediction model with regards to operating conditions. We have proposed an alternative modeling method. Aiming to obtain a modeling tool with an overall predictive ability, an approach for drying kinetics prediction that combines exponential models and neural networks was proposed. The proposed modeling method was able to predict drying curves for different operating conditions.
Design and development of microcontroller based instrumentation for studying complex bioelectrical impedance of fruits using electrical impedance spectroscopy
Authors: Chowdhury A. , Datta S. , Bera Tushar K. , Ghoshal D. , Chakraborty Badal
Published: November 2017

Electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is an electrical impedance technique to characterize the fruits and vegetables in terms of their frequency dependent bioimpedance profile. Standalone, portable, and low‐cost instrumentation is always preferred for conducting EIS procedures. This article reports the studies on the design and development of a Microcontroller based portable impedance measurement system to conduct the EIS studies on the fruits during ripening and storage. The proposed laboratory based EIS system is developed with a Microcontroller ATmega16, a Direct Digital Synthesizers based constant current source AD5930, a current to voltage converter, a low pass filter, and a DSO. To test and evaluate the developed system, the cucumber impedance is studied under the storage condition using EIS to characterize the cucumber freshness from the electrical impedance data. The real parts, imaginary parts of the cucumber impedance are calculated and the Nyquist diagrams are analyzed to study the equivalent circuit analysis. The developed system is compared with a standard impedance analyzer and it is observed that the results obtained from the developed system closely match with the data measured by the commercial impedance analyzer. The developed system is also found suitable for EIS studies of fruits, vegetables, and other biological tissues. The developed system is found low‐cost, fast, and user friendly. PCB based version of the proposed system with display unit will be found as a portable, standalone, and EIS system suitable for outdoor measurement in agricultural‐field applications.

Practical applications

Microcontroller based low cost electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) has been developed and is studied for EIS based fruit ripening analysis. The system is compared with the standard commercial impedance analyzer and it is found suitable fruit ripening characterization, vegetable freshness detection, and health studies of other biological tissues. The microcontroller based EIS system is found portable, low cost, fast, and user friendly device which can be used in laboratory, cultivation fields, cold storages and shops and markets. The developed system allows nontechnical person to operated and collect the data from fruit and vegetable samples. The system acquired data significantly correlate the bioimpedance variation with the ripening states which can be potentially utilized to study the fruit ripening noninvasively at low cost. Hence the product‐form of the developed devise could even be operated by field persons, farmers, and other common men to evaluate the fruit ripening and vegetable freshness.
Design, fabrication, and testing of a pulper for Kendu (Diospyros melanoxylon Roxb.)
Authors: Hmar Baby Z. , Mishra Sabyasachi , Pradhan Rama Chandra
Published: November 2017

Kendu (Diospyros melanoxylon Roxb.) is a minor forest produce commercially grown in India for its leaves for traditional cigarette‐making. Though the fruit has high nutritive value, it is not used for diet purpose. This may be due to the difficulty in extracting the pulp. To address this issue, a brush type pulping machine was developed for Kendu. The pulper consists of the feed hopper, feed rollers, barrel housing, stainless steel cylinder, and a shaft with two nylon brushes. The feed rollers are provided with conical spikes to compress and shear the hardcover of the fruit. The pulper has an overall dimension of 1.2 m × 0.75 m × 0.40 m and a throughput of 50 kg/hr. The housing field area of the machine is 1.130 m2. The overall extraction efficiency of the pulper is 78.36% at an optimized speed and feed rate of 260 rpm and 2.5 kg/min, respectively.

Practical applications

A small‐scale pulper has been designed and fabricated for Kendu fruit, an underutilized minor forest produce. As such, there is no machine to extract pulp from Kendu. Manual removal of hardcover and seeds and separation of the pulp are labor intensive and time consuming. This problem limits the potential use of the fruit. The designed machine will serve as a milling cum pulping machine and would address the issue of underutilization of the fruit. The highly nutritious pulp thus extracted by the pulper can be further processed to various value‐added products. This would certainly increase the commercial use of the fruit and boost income generation to support the livelihood of the people. The designed pulper can also be used for other fruits of similar structure.
Associations of Adolescent Weight Status and Meeting National Obesity‐Related Recommendations
Authors: Cook Jessica A. , McCormick Emily V. , Mickiewicz Theresa E. , Davidson Arthur J. , Main Deborah S.
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND

Adolescent overweight and obesity are serious health risks, with prevalence varying by sociodemographic group. Studies link children's weight status and sex/race–ethnic differences with meeting recommendations for physical activity and diet. But, research examining the intersection of sociodemographic characteristics, behavior, and weight status is limited. This paper aims to identify sociodemographic differences in the association between adolescent weight status and meeting 6 national obesity‐related recommendations.

METHODS

In 2011–2012, the Healthy Kids Colorado Survey was administered to all Denver high school students. Using descriptive and multivariate modeling, we examined subgroup associations between students' self‐reported weight status and physical activity and diet.

RESULTS

Students (N = 6652) who met at least 1 recommendation were less likely to be at an unhealthy weight (OR = 0.87); also true for students who met at least 1 physical activity recommendation (OR = 0.80). However, the association varied across subgroups. The association between weight status and meeting at least 1 nutritional recommendation (OR = 0.91) was inconsistent across subgroups. Unexpected patterns also emerged in subgroup associations between meeting specific recommendations and weight status.

CONCLUSIONS

Identifying subgroup differences in meeting recommendations and the association with weight status is important in identifying high risk groups and improving policy and programs that target childhood obesity prevention.
Associations Between Health Literacy and Health Behaviors Among Urban High School Students
Authors: Park Aesoon , Eckert Tanya L. , Zaso Michelle J. , Scott‐Sheldon Lori A. J. , Vanable Peter A. , Carey Kate B. , Ewart Craig K. , Carey Michael P.
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND

Health literacy is crucial to develop health‐related knowledge, adopt healthy lifestyles, and benefit from health care services. However, research on the association between health literacy and adolescent health outcomes, particularly on their prospective associations, is rare. We assessed health literacy using 3 validated measures, and examined cross‐sectional and prospective associations between health literacy and adolescent health behaviors and outcomes.

METHODS

We conducted a short‐term prospective study of 250 adolescents (mean age = 14 years; 57% female; 48% African American) who were entering or in the ninth grade in an urban school district. Health literacy was assessed by individual interviews at baseline, and health‐related behaviors and outcomes were assessed by a paper‐and‐pencil survey at baseline and at a 6‐month follow‐up.

RESULTS

Nearly half of the sample was reading at least 2 grades below expected levels. Lower baseline health literacy was associated with a lower self‐rating of general health, unhealthier diet, heavier weight, and greater engagement in problem behaviors and sexual behaviors at baseline. Lower baseline health literacy also was associated with a greater increase in substance use over time.

CONCLUSIONS

Results point to the pressing need to improve health literacy in urban high school students.
The Physical Activity Environment and Academic Achievement in Massachusetts Schoolchildren
Authors: Amin Sarah A. , Wright Catherine M. , Boulos Rebecca , Chomitz Virginia R. , Chui Kenneth , Economos Christina D. , Sacheck Jennifer M.
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND

A supportive school‐based physical activity environment (PAE) is integral to children's physical activity behaviors, but less understood is its association with academic achievement. We aimed to assess the association between PAE and academic performance and whether a stronger relationship exists in lower‐income schools (LIS) compared to middle‐income schools (MIS).

METHODS

Schoolchildren (grades 3rd to 5th) were recruited from 17 Massachusetts public schools. Schools were classified based on geographic characteristics and free/reduced‐price lunch (FRPL) eligibility (LIS = 7, Median FRPL = 86%; MIS = 10, Median FRPL = 20%). PAE was measured using a 10‐item survey. Mixed‐effects logistic regression models were used to examine associations between PAE and scoring Advanced/Proficient on standardized Math and English Language Arts (ELA) tests.

RESULTS

Demographic characteristics differed between LIS (N = 278, 5% non‐Hispanic white) and MIS (N = 297, 73% non‐Hispanic white). In LIS, PAE was associated with Math (odds ratio = 5.40, 95% CI = 2.52‐11.54 p < .001), but not ELA test scores (p > .05). There was no relationship between PAE and MIS test scores (p > .05). Schooltime moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity was not associated with test scores (p > .05).

CONCLUSIONS

A beneficial relationship exists between a high‐PAE and test scores among LIS children, suggesting that the PAE may be associated with a more supportive environment and may be more fundamentally important for lower‐income students.
Fossil charcoals from the Lower Jurassic challenge assumptions about charcoal morphology and identification
Authors: Crawford A. J. , Baker S. J. , Belcher C. M.
Published: November 2017

Charcoal morphometry is increasingly employed in the analysis of Quaternary sediments, but has not been applied in studies of earlier sediments. We present findings relating to charcoal morphometry and morphotypes in a Toarcian sequence, which contains a preponderance of highly elongate forms, and morphometric values well outside expected ranges. SEM imaging reveals elongate particles of two distinct kinds. One originates in conifer xylem, and may be associated with formation at high levels of heating. It is proposed that the other may derive from tree ferns, or from plants with similar growth forms. Our results show the importance of recognizing the wide morphological variation that exists in sedimentary charcoal. Failing to do so may result in serious errors in its identification, interpretation and quantification.
Unfunded Mandates and Fiscal Structure: Empirical Evidence from a Synthetic Control Model
Authors: Ross Justin M.
Published: November 2017

An unfunded expenditure mandate occurs when governments are required to provide a good or service by a higher level of government without an accompanying revenue source. There are no empirical studies providing causal evidence on the fiscal influence of intergovernmental mandates. This article examines Florida's 1990 constitutional Amendment 3, which sought to limit unfunded state mandates on municipal and county governments. The synthetic control method, an empirical technique for drawing causal inferences from case studies, estimates the effect of Amendment 3 on state expenditures and total transfers to local governments. The results indicate that state expenditures increased by an annual average of 9.5 percent, while state transfers to all local governments were unaffected. However, the municipalities protected by Amendment 3 saw intergovernmental revenue from the state decrease by 10 percent annually, which suggests that remaining mandates likely targeted special districts, encouraging the fragmentation of local public service delivery.
Productivity growth from an international trade perspective
Authors: Lewrick Ulf , Mohler Lukas , Weder Rolf
Published: November 2017

This paper presents a framework to assess the relative importance of three key sources of productivity growth that international trade research focuses on: (1) inter‐industry specialization; (2) intra‐industry reallocation of resources across heterogeneous firms; and (3) technological progress. We illustrate how to apply the framework by deciphering the productivity dynamics of the Swiss manufacturing industry. We find that intra‐industry reallocations are the most important source of growth in aggregate total factor productivity, spurred by the productivity growth of large, incumbent firms and the entry of new firms. Inter‐industry specialization and general technological progress, nevertheless, remain important supplementary sources of productivity growth.
(Asymmetric) trade costs, real exchange rate hedging, and equity home bias in a multicountry model
Authors: Pyun Ju Hyun
Published: November 2017

There has been controversy between (two‐country) theory and the empirics about whether hedging against real exchange rate fluctuations in the goods market influences foreign equity holdings. This study reconciles the theory with the empirics by introducing a multicountry framework with asymmetric trade costs. We find that the incentive to hold foreign equities to hedge real exchange rate risk is negligible because multiple trade partners act as a hedging channel for real exchange rate fluctuations. Further, our theory calls for a country's covariance–variance ratio to be constructed as the sum of the bilateral covariance–variance ratios of the multiple partners. The empirical analysis of 24 advanced countries confirms the theoretical prediction.
Subsidisation and Sustainability Impacts on Contract Producers
Authors: Monnaie Bernard F.
Published: October 2017

Production subsidies tend to be provided as government development support instruments. This paper examines their potential impacts on lower-tier producers. Those impacts are partly elucidated by a mixed-methods study of small-scale fish producers of Seychelles targeting foreign fish markets. Scale disadvantages tend to prevent such producers from overcoming the entry barriers of foreign markets without government assistance, including subsidisation. In the study, a screening survey helped assign a group of 34 randomly-selected fish producers to a Managed Value Chain (MVC) – buyers and producers engaging in supply-demand matching coordination, and another 32 randomly-selected fish harvesters to an Open-market Value Chain (OVC) – comprising buyers and harvesters without intentional supply-demand matching coordination. Using 5 months of production-related data, the study first compared the means of the production capacity, level and efficiency of the producers. Four highest-producing MVC producers subsequently gave an interview on their operations. Results inter alia indicate that a gradually increasing range of fisheries subsidies have been helping MVC producers to raise their production capacity, standard and level. However, the subsidies have also been indicatively decreasing the productivity of commercial stocks. The study inter alia suggests that unless marine biological resources are carefully managed, export-oriented production subsidies threaten their environmental sustainability.
Indigenous Marital Therapy: A Case of Botswana
Authors: Moeti Bakadzi , Mokgolodi Hildah L.
Published: October 2017

Botswana has a long history of indigenous marital therapy. This indigenous therapy is embodied in the indigenous philosophy of motho ke motho ka batho (I am because we are). This philosophy promotes togetherness, connectedness, collectiveness, compassion, love and harmony and the building of sustainable relationships among families. The paper explores some of the indigenous therapeutic marital approaches used during wedding ceremonies amongst them, songs, proverbs and group counselling.  It also argues that these indigenous marital approaches build family relations and are a continuous source of therapy for the married couple; in addition to relieving women from marital stress and maintaining strong family relationships even after the marriage has ended.
Fetal sheep central haemodynamics and cardiac function during occlusion of the ascending aorta
Authors: Huhta Heikki , Junno Juulia , Haapsamo Mervi , Erkinaro Tiina , Ohtonen Pasi , Davis Lowell E. , Hohimer A. Roger , Acharya Ganesh , Rasanen Juha
Published: November 2017

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

The fetal aortic isthmus has an important physiological role, allowing communication between the left and right ventricular outputs, which are arranged in parallel. Can the aortic isthmus provide unrestrictive communication between the left and right ventricular circulations during occlusion of the ascending aorta?

What is the main finding and its importance?

During occlusion of the ascending aorta, fetal carotid artery perfusion pressure fell significantly, showing that the aortic isthmus failed to redirect blood flow and pressure from the ductus arteriosus to the aortic arch. This suggests that the aortic isthmus cannot provide unrestrictive communication between left and right ventricular circulations.

The fetal aortic isthmus (AoI) allows communication between left (LV) and right ventricular (RV) outputs and represents an arterial watershed between the brachiocephalic (brain) and subdiaphragmatic (placenta) circulations. To understand the capability of the AoI to maintain the balance between the upper and lower body circulations, we performed a complete occlusion of the fetal ascending aorta in nine chronically instrumented sheep at near term gestation. We hypothesized that the occlusion would significantly decrease LV output and concomitantly increase RV output in order to maintain adequate systemic cardiac output and perfusion pressure to the fetal brain circulation through retrograde filling of the AoI. Fetal cardiac function and haemodynamics were assessed by pulsed and tissue Doppler at baseline, 15 and 60 min after occlusion of the ascending aorta and 15 min after occlusion was released. Carotid artery and jugular vein pressures were monitored. Occlusion of the ascending aorta increased (P < 0.002) RV output from [mean (SD)] 684 (369) to 907 (414) ml min−1 and decreased (P < 0.0001) LV output from 440 (136) to 40 (16) ml min−1. Combined cardiac output decreased (P < 0.02) from 1125 (494) to 946 (417) ml min−1. During occlusion, carotid artery mean pressure decreased from 32 (7) to 12 (7) mmHg (P < 0.0001). Systemic venous pressure was unaffected. Left ventricular systolic and diastolic function deteriorated during occlusion. Right ventricular systolic function improved, while diastolic dysfunction developed. Fetal carotid artery perfusion pressure decreased significantly during occlusion of the ascending aorta, demonstrating that AoI failed to redirect blood flow and pressure from the ductus arteriosus to the aortic arch. Our finding suggests that at near term gestation the aortic AoI cannot provide unrestrictive communication between LV and RV circulations.
Low-Energy Ion Irradiated Silicon Nanowires: Anomalous Plastic Deformation
Authors: Kwang-Hua Chu Rainer
Published: November 2017

We adopted the verified transition state theory, which originates from the quantum chemistry approach to explain the anomalous plastic flow or plastic deformation for Si nanowires irradiated with 100 keV (at room temperature regime) Ar+ ions as well as the observed amorphization along the Si nanowire (Johannes, et al. 2015, “Anomalous Plastic Deformation and Sputtering of Ion Irradiated Silicon Nanowires,” Nano Lett., 15, pp. 3800–3807). We shall illustrate some formulations which can help us calculate the temperature-dependent viscosity of flowing Si in nanodomains.
Rotational cross-shaped magnetized radio-frequency sputtering plasma source for uniform circular target utilization
Authors: Ide Tsubasa , Hossain Md. Amzad , Nakamura Yutaro , Ohtsu Yasunori
Published: November 2017

A rotational cross-shaped magnetized radio-frequency (RF) sputtering plasma source was developed for uniform circular target utilization. The cross-shaped magnetized RF plasma was attained by inducing a linear E × Br drift motion using a cruciform arrangement of neodymium magnets, where E and Br are the electric field perpendicular and magnetic field parallel to the target, respectively. A two-dimensional magnetic field simulation clarified that the electrons are strongly magnetized by the Hall parameter at a magnitude 20 times that of the ions. Strong cross-shaped plasma discharges are observed. The temporal evolutions of the ion saturation current were measured by a Langmuir probe at various radial positions, and the time-averaged ion saturation current was found to decrease from the center to the outer area of the target. The target utilization percentage was found to increase from 73.6% to 86.3% when Fe pole pieces were incorporated on the cruciform arrangement of neodymium magnets.
A glycerophospholipid-specific pocket in the RVFV class II fusion protein drives target membrane insertion
Authors: Guardado-Calvo P. , Atkovska K. , Jeffers S. A. , Grau N. , Backovic M. , Pérez-Vargas J. , de Boer S. M. , Tortorici M. A. , Pehau-Arnaudet G. , Lepault J. , England P. , Rottier P. J. , Bosch B. J. , Hub J. S. , Rey F. A.
Published: November 2017

Unmasking class II membrane fusion

Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is transmitted by mosquitos and enters cells through receptormediated endocytosis. The infection process requires class II membrane fusion proteins, which insert a hydrophobic fusion loop into cell membranes and then refold. Guardado-Calvo
et al.
report the high-resolution crystal structure of RVFV class II fusion protein Gc in its postfusion form complexed with phosphatidylcholine. They find that Gc does not restructure its fusion loop after insertion. Rather, it uses an integrated system that accommodates glycerophospholipid head groups and then initiates membrane reorganization by concentrating cholesterol at the insertion site. Comparison with class II fusion proteins from other virus families suggests a common mechanism, which may provide a target for future antiviral therapies.

Science
, this issue p.
663
Lattice system of functionally distinct cell types in the neocortex
Authors: Maruoka Hisato , Nakagawa Nao , Tsuruno Shun , Sakai Seiichiro , Yoneda Taisuke , Hosoya Toshihiko
Published: November 2017

The basic modules of the neocortex

The fundamental organization of excitatory and inhibitory neurons in the neocortex is still poorly understood. Subcerebral projection neurons, a major excitatory cell type in neocortical layer 5, form small cell clusters called microcolumns. Maruoka
et al.
examined large regions of mouse brain layer 5 and observed that thousands of these microcolumns make up a hexagonal lattice with a regular gridlike spacing. The other major layer 5 excitatory cell class, cortical projection neurons, also form microcolumns that interdigitate with those of the subcerebral projection neurons. Microcolumns received common presynaptic inputs and showed synchronized activity in many cortical areas. These microcolumns developed from nonsister neurons coupled by cell type–specific gap junctions, suggesting that their development is lineage-independent but guided by local electrical transmission.

Science
, this issue p.
610
Evolution of life in urban environments
Authors: Johnson Marc T. J. , Munshi-South Jason
Published: November 2017

Welcome to the city

Human populations are shifting en masse to cities, which is leading to rapid increases in the number and extent of urban areas. Such changes are well known to cause declines in many species, but they can also act as alternative selection pressures to which some species are able to adapt. Johnson and Munshi-South review the suite of pressures that urban environments exert, the ways in which species may (or may not) adapt, and the larger impact of these evolutionary events on natural processes and human populations. Understanding such urban evolution patterns will improve our ability to foster species persistence in the face of urbanization and to mitigate some of the challenges, such as disease, that adaptation can bring.

Science
, this issue p.
eaam8327
Ribosomopathies: There’s strength in numbers
Authors: Mills Eric W. , Green Rachel
Published: November 2017

Molecular mechanisms behind ribosomopathies

Ribosomopathies are t issuespecific disorders that result from mutations in ribosomal proteins or ribosome biogenesis factors. Such disorders include Diamond-Blackfan anemia, isolated congenital asplenia, and Treacher Collins syndrome. Mills and Green review the underlying mechanisms of tissue-specific defects in these and related disorders. Because ribosomes are central to all cellular life, it is puzzling why mutations in components of the ribosome disproportionately affect certain tissues. The authors suggest that ribosome homeostasis is an overarching and simplifying principle that governs the sensitivity of specific cells and tissue types to mutation in components of the translational machinery.

Science
, this issue p.
eaan2755
Topological and modality-specific representation of somatosensory information in the fly brain
Authors: Tsubouchi Asako , Yano Tomoko , Yokoyama Takeshi K. , Murtin Chloé , Otsuna Hideo , Ito Kei
Published: November 2017

A somatosensory map in the fly brain

The organization of sense organs and sensory brain centers shows conserved principles for many sensory modalities, even between insects and mammals. Tsubouchi
et al.
systematically mapped the somatosensory circuits in fruit flies. The findings revealed topological and modality-specific mechanosensory representations in the insect ventral nerve cord and brain. The authors dissected preferential responses to wing and leg movement and contributions to the control of upwind behavior that occur only when the flies are on the ground.

Science
, this issue p.
615
Modeling Group BStreptococcusand Blood-Brain Barrier Interaction by Using Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Brain Endothelial Cells
Authors: Kim Brandon J. , Bee Olivia B. , McDonagh Maura A. , Stebbins Matthew J. , Palecek Sean P. , Doran Kelly S. , Shusta Eric V.
Published: November 2017

Here for the first time, human iPSC-derived BMECs were used to model bacterial interaction with the BBB. Unlike models previously used to study these interactions, iPSC-derived BMECs possess robust BBB properties, such as the expression of complex tight junctions that are key components for the investigation of bacterial effects on the BBB. Here, we demonstrated that GBS interacts with the iPSC-derived BMECs and specifically disrupts these tight junctions. Thus, using this BBB model may allow researchers to uncover novel mechanisms of BBB disruption during meningitis that are inaccessible to immortalized or primary cell models that lack substantial tight junctions.
Electroacupuncture Ameliorates Subchondral Bone Deterioration and Inhibits Cartilage Degeneration in Ovariectomised Rats
Authors: Zhou Jun , Zhong Peirui , Liao Ying , Liu Jing , Liao Yuan , Xie Haitao , Li Neng , Li Xinhong , Sun Guanghua , Zeng Yahua
Published: November 2017

Objectives

To investigate the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on subchondral bone mass and cartilage degeneration in an experimental animal model of osteoarthritis (OA) induced by ovariectomy (OVX).

Methods

Ninety 3-month-old female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into the following three groups (n = 30 each): sham operation without treatment (control group); OVX without treatment (OVX group);, and ovariectomy with EA treatment (EA group). Rats in the EA group received EA treatment from the day of OVX. Ten rats in each group were randomly killed at 4, 8 and 12 weeks after operation.

Results

EA reduced urine C-terminal cross-linking telopeptide of type I collagen from 4 weeks after OVX, reduced C-terminal cross-linking telopeptide of type II collagen and body weight from 8 weeks after OVX, and increased serum 17β-oestradiol from 4 weeks after OVX compared with the OVX group (all p<0.01). In the EA group, trabecular bone volume ratio, trabecular thickness and trabecular number increased, and trabecular separation were reduced at each time point compared with the OVX group (p<0.05, p<0.01, respectively). In the EA group, osteoprotegerin (OPG) expression was increased and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) expression was reduced at each time point compared with the OVX group (p<0.05, p<0.01, respectively). Mankin scores and mRNA expression of matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13) were lower in EA versus OVX groups at 12 weeks after OVX (both p<0.01).

Conclusion

The results suggest that EA inhibits subchondral bone loss by regulating RANK/RANKL/OPG signalling and protects articular cartilage by inhibiting MMP-13 in OVX rats.
Whole grain-rich diet reduces body weight and systemic low-grade inflammation without inducing major changes of the gut microbiome: a randomised cross-over trial
Authors: Roager Henrik Munch , Vogt Josef K , Kristensen Mette , Hansen Lea Benedicte S , Ibrügger Sabine , Mærkedahl Rasmus B , Bahl Martin Iain , Lind Mads Vendelbo , Nielsen Rikke L , Frøkiær Hanne , Gøbel Rikke Juul , Landberg Rikard , Ross Alastair B , Brix Susanne , Holck Jesper , Meyer Anne S , Sparholt Morten H , Christensen Anders F , Carvalho Vera , Hartmann Bolette , Holst Jens Juul , Rumessen Jüri Johannes , Linneberg Allan , Sicheritz-Pontén Thomas , Dalgaard Marlene D , Blennow Andreas , Frandsen Henrik Lauritz , Villas-Bôas Silas , Kristiansen Karsten , Vestergaard Henrik , Hansen Torben , Ekstrøm Claus T , Ritz Christian , Nielsen Henrik Bjørn , Pedersen Oluf Borbye , Gupta Ramneek , Lauritzen Lotte , Licht Tine Rask
Published: November 2017

Objective

To investigate whether a whole grain diet alters the gut microbiome and insulin sensitivity, as well as biomarkers of metabolic health and gut functionality.

Design

60 Danish adults at risk of developing metabolic syndrome were included in a randomised cross-over trial with two 8-week dietary intervention periods comprising whole grain diet and refined grain diet, separated by a washout period of ≥6 weeks. The response to the interventions on the gut microbiome composition and insulin sensitivity as well on measures of glucose and lipid metabolism, gut functionality, inflammatory markers, anthropometry and urine metabolomics were assessed.

Results

50 participants completed both periods with a whole grain intake of 179±50 g/day and 13±10 g/day in the whole grain and refined grain period, respectively. Compliance was confirmed by a difference in plasma alkylresorcinols (p<0.0001). Compared with refined grain, whole grain did not significantly alter glucose homeostasis and did not induce major changes in the faecal microbiome. Also, breath hydrogen levels, plasma short-chain fatty acids, intestinal integrity and intestinal transit time were not affected. The whole grain diet did, however, compared with the refined grain diet, decrease body weight (p<0.0001), serum inflammatory markers, interleukin (IL)-6 (p=0.009) and C-reactive protein (p=0.003). The reduction in body weight was consistent with a reduction in energy intake, and IL-6 reduction was associated with the amount of whole grain consumed, in particular with intake of rye.

Conclusion

Compared with refined grain diet, whole grain diet did not alter insulin sensitivity and gut microbiome but reduced body weight and systemic low-grade inflammation.

Trial registration number

NCT01731366; Results.
Characterising HIV transmission risk among US patients with HIV in care: a cross-sectional study of sexual risk behaviour among individuals with viral load above 1500 copies/mL
Authors: Stirratt Michael J , Marks Gary , O’Daniels Christine , Cachay Edward R , Sullivan Meg , Mugavero Michael J , Dhanireddy Shireesha , Rodriguez Allan E , Giordano Thomas P
Published: November 2017

Objectives

Viral load and sexual risk behaviour contribute to HIV transmission risk. High HIV viral loads present greater transmission risk than transient viral ‘blips’ above an undetectable level. This paper therefore characterises sexual risk behaviour among patients with HIV in care with viral loads>1500 copies/mL and associated demographic characteristics.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted at six HIV outpatient clinics in USA. The study sample comprises 1315 patients with HIV with a recent viral load >1500 copies/mL. This study sample was drawn from a larger sample of individuals with a recent viral load >1000 copies/mL who completed a computer-assisted self-interview (CASI) regarding sexual risk practices in the last 2 months. The study sample was 32% heterosexual men, 38% men who have sex with men (MSM) and 30% women.

Results

Ninety per cent of the sample had their viral load assay within 60 days of the CASI. Thirty-seven per cent reported being sexually active (vaginal or anal intercourse) in the last 2 months. Most of the sexually active participants reported always using condoms (56.9%) or limiting condomless sex to seroconcordant partners (serosorting; 29.2% overall and 42.9% among MSM). Among sexually active participants who reported condomless anal or vaginal sex with an at-risk partner (14%), most had viral loads>10 000 copies/mL (62%).

Conclusions

A relatively small number of patients with HIV in care with viral loads above 1500 copies/mL reported concurrent sexual transmission risk behaviours. Most of the individuals in this small group had markedly elevated viral loads, increasing the probability of transmission. Directing interventions to patients in care with high viral loads and concurrent risk behaviour could strengthen HIV prevention and reduce HIV infections.

Trial registration number

NCT02044484, completed.
Survival in 76 cats with epilepsy of unknown cause: a retrospective study
Authors: Szelecsenyi Arlette Cornelia , Giger Urs , Golini Lorenzo , Mothersill Ian , Torgerson Paul R , Steffen Frank
Published: November 2017

Survival of cats with epilepsy of unknown cause (EUC) has not been reported. Seizure semiology and its relationship to treatment outcome and survival was studied in a population of 76 cats. A questionnaire for seizure semiology was developed based on experimental data. Seizure semiology was characterised by owner interviews at least one year after discharge. Seizures were classified as (1) primary generalised and (2) focal without and (3) with secondary generalisation. Median age at seizure onset was four (range 0.3–18) years. One‐third of cats with EUC presented with primary generalised seizures and 78 per cent of those with initially focal seizures progressed to secondary generalised seizures. Clinical signs of generalised seizures included sudden onset of loss of consciousness and tonic‐clonic seizures, while cats with focal seizures had unilateral signs. Antiepileptic drug (AED) therapy was initiated in 62 cats. Complete remission rate was 42 per cent and the median survival time was 3.2 (range 1–11) years with or without AED, and 91 per cent were still alive at the time of interview. Neither semiology nor seizure type predicted survival, response to treatment and outcome in cats with EUC. A seizure‐free status of more than 12 months was observed in 79 per cent of cats without AED.
Brexit: meeting with Veterinary Ireland highlights joint areas of concern
Authors: McGilligan Michael
Published: November 2017

Michael McGilligan, BVA Policy Officer, attended a meeting with Veterinary Ireland to discuss issues around Brexit.