bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Age at onset and persistence of eczema are related to subsequent risk of asthma and hay fever from birth to 18 years of age
Authors: Lowe Adrian J. , Angelica Bianca , Su John , Lodge Caroline J. , Hill David J. , Erbas Bircan , Bennett Catherine M. , Gurrin Lyle C. , Axelrad Christine , Abramson Michael J. , Allen Katrina J. , Dharmage Shyamali C.
Published: March 2017

Background

Few studies have simultaneously addressed the importance of age of onset and persistence of eczema for the subsequent development of asthma and hay fever, particularly into early adulthood.

Methods

A high‐risk birth cohort was recruited comprising 620 infants, who were then followed up frequently until 2 years of age, annually from age 3 to 7, then at 12 and 18 years, to document any episodes of eczema, current asthma, and hay fever. The generalized estimation equation technique was used to examine asthma and hay fever outcomes at 6 (n = 325), 12 (n = 248) and 18 (n = 240) years, when there was consistency of associations across the follow‐ups.

Results

Very early‐onset persistent (onset <6 months, still present from 2 to 5 years) eczema was related to current asthma (adjusted OR = 3.2 [95% CI = 1.7–6.1]), as was very early‐onset remitting eczema (onset <6 months but not present from 2–5 years, OR = 2.7, 95% CI = 1.0–7.2) and early‐onset persistent eczema (onset from 6–24 months, OR = 2.3, 95% CI = 1.2–4.7). Late‐onset eczema (commenced from 2–5 years) was associated with increased risk of asthma at 12 years (OR = 3.0, 95% CI=1.1–8.2) but not at age 6 years. Only very early‐onset persistent eczema was associated with increased risk of hay fever (aOR = 2.4, 95% CI = 1.4–4.1).

Conclusion and clinical relevance

Eczema which commences in early infancy and persists into toddler years is strongly associated with asthma, and to a lesser extent hay fever, in high‐risk children. If these associations are causal, prevention of early‐life eczema might reduce the risk of respiratory allergy.
Is behavioural activation effective in the treatment of depression in young people? A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Tindall Lucy , Mikocka‐Walus Antonina , McMillan Dean , Wright Barry , Hewitt Catherine , Gascoyne Samantha
Published: March 2017

Purpose

Depression is currently the leading cause of illness and disability in young people. Evidence suggests that behavioural activation (BA) is an effective treatment for depression in adults but less research focuses on its application with young people. This review therefore examined whether BA is effective in the treatment of depression in young people.

Methods

A systematic review (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews reference: CRD42015020453), following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines, was conducted to examine studies that had explored behavioural interventions for young people with depression. The electronic databases searched included the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, MEDLINE, CINAHL Plus, PsychINFO, and Scopus. A meta‐analysis employing a generic inverse variance, random‐effects model was conducted on the included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to examine whether there were overall effects of BA on the Children's Depression Rating Scale – Revised.

Results

Ten studies met inclusion criteria: three RCTs and seven within‐participant designs (total n = 170). The review showed that BA may be effective in the treatment of depression in young people. The Cochrane risk of bias tool and the Moncrieff scale used to assess the quality of the included studies revealed a variety of limitations within each.

Conclusions

Despite demonstrating that BA may be effective in the treatment of depression in young people, the review indicated a number of methodological problems in the included studies meaning that the results and conclusions should be treated with caution. Furthermore, the paucity of studies in this area highlights the need for further research.

Practitioner points

Currently BA is included within National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE, 2009) guidelines as an evidence‐based treatment for depression in adults with extensive research supporting its effectiveness. It is important to investigate whether it may also be effective in treating young people.

Included studies reported reductions in depression scores across a range of measures following BA.

BA may be an effective treatment of depression in young people.
Asymptotic Optimality of Sparse Linear Discriminant Analysis with Arbitrary Number of Classes
Authors: Luo Ruiyan , Qi Xin
Published: March 2017

Many sparse linear discriminant analysis (LDA) methods have been proposed to overcome the major problems of the classic LDA in high‐dimensional settings. However, the asymptotic optimality results are limited to the case with only two classes. When there are more than two classes, the classification boundary is complicated and no explicit formulas for the classification errors exist. We consider the asymptotic optimality in the high‐dimensional settings for a large family of linear classification rules with arbitrary number of classes. Our main theorem provides easy‐to‐check criteria for the asymptotic optimality of a general classification rule in this family as dimensionality and sample size both go to infinity and the number of classes is arbitrary. We establish the corresponding convergence rates. The general theory is applied to the classic LDA and the extensions of two recently proposed sparse LDA methods to obtain the asymptotic optimality.
Blood transfusion knowledge of surgical residents: is an educational intervention effective?
Authors: Champion Caitlin , Saidenberg Elianna , Lampron Jacinthe , Pugh Debra
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUND

Evidence‐based transfusion education for surgical residents is crucial to improving practice. A pilot study was undertaken to assess the effectiveness of an education module for improving transfusion knowledge among surgical residents.

METHODS

Modules were developed and delivered by experts in surgery and transfusion medicine. They were delivered to residents in their first 2 years of training (Surgical Foundations), and to General Surgery residents across all years of training. Premodule and postmodule and retention knowledge assessments were used to assess efficacy. Median assessment scores for each group were compared using a two‐sample Wilcoxon rank‐sum analysis. Chi‐square tests were used to compare each group's correct response rates for each question across the three tests.

RESULTS

Median assessment scores of residents in the Surgical Foundations program improved from a mean of 60% premodule to 80% postmodule and remained at 80% in the retention assessment (p < 0.01). Improvements were seen in the areas of transfusion dose, preoperative blood management, management of reactions, and informed consent (p < 0.01). Assessment scores of General Surgery residents also improved from 59%, to 73%, and to 82%, with significant improvement (p < 0.01) between premodule and postmodule scores. Improvements in correct response rates were seen in the areas of management of anemia and permissive hypotension in trauma (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Transfusion knowledge of surgical residents was improved by a collaborative educational initiative. This could serve as a model for other training programs to improve resident knowledge of evidence‐based transfusion practices. The efficacy of such interventions in changing practice remains untested.
Life experience of the adult and ageing patient with haemophilia. Practical aspects for psychological support
Authors: Torres‐Ortuño A. , Cid‐Sabatel R. , Barbero J. , García‐Dasí M.
Published: March 2017

This article discusses, from a psychological perspective, the life experience of the adult and ageing person with haemophilia, including psychological issues, aspects of his personal and social integration, decision‐making, communication and other factors that may affect treatment adherence and quality of life. The aim was to provide haematologists and healthcare staff with knowledge and resources to improve communication and support for adult persons with haemophilia, and raise awareness on psychosocial issues related to quality of life, sexuality and aspects associated with ageing with haemophilia. Adulthood is a period of many personal and social changes, and ageing with haemophilia is a relatively new phenomenon due to increased life expectancy in this population. Patients have to adapt to the disease continuously when facing new expectations, life projects and issues arising with increasing age, so the healthcare team should be ready to provide support. A good therapeutic alliance with the patient must be accompanied by assessment and counselling in aspects including satisfaction, perceived difficulties and barriers, and emotional needs. Raising awareness of all this will result in the patient benefiting from the recent improvements in treatments.
Hydrogen permeability of diamondlike amorphous carbons
Authors: Tamura Motonori , Kumagai Tai
Published: March 2017

The hydrogen barrier properties of the coatings of nitride and diamondlike amorphous carbon (DLC) were evaluated. Using plasma chemical vapor deposition and sputtering, ZrN, TiAlN, AlCrN, CrN, and DLC coatings were deposited with a thickness of about 3 μm. It was confirmed that all coatings have an impact on decreasing the hydrogen permeation rate. Specifically, by coating stainless steel with a DLC coating, the hydrogen permeation rate was reduced to 1/1000 or lower compared to that without a coating. By providing a buffer layer of Cr-N, the hydrogen barrier function was improved. DLC coatings with high hydrogen content had an especially high hydrogen barrier function. For hydrogen diffusion in coatings, the movement of atoms through hydrogen trap sites is important. There are both sp3 and sp2 bonds in DLC coatings, and excess hydrogen can be found in the interstitial space and the above-mentioned hydrogen trap sites. It is suggested that the hydrogen trap sites in a DLC coating with high hydrogen content are likely already filled with hydrogen atoms, and the movement of new hydrogen atoms could be limited.
Repetitive mammalian dwarfing during ancient greenhouse warming events
Authors: D’Ambrosia Abigail R. , Clyde William C. , Fricke Henry C. , Gingerich Philip D. , Abels Hemmo A.
Published: March 2017

Ancient mammals dwarf in size during multiple episodes of extreme global warming.
Unearthing democracy's roots
Authors: Wade Lizzie
Published: March 2017

In some ancient Mesoamerican societies, rulers shared power and ordinary people had a voice.
An adipo-biliary-uridine axis that regulates energy homeostasis
Authors: Deng Yingfeng , Wang Zhao V. , Gordillo Ruth , An Yu , Zhang Chen , Liang Qiren , Yoshino Jun , Cautivo Kelly M. , De Brabander Jef , Elmquist Joel K. , Horton Jay D. , Hill Joseph A. , Klein Samuel , Scherer Philipp E.
Published: March 2017

Uridine's rise and fall: Food for thought

The nucleoside uridine is well known for its role in critical cellular functions such as nucleic acid synthesis. Its role in whole-animal physiology has received comparatively little attention. In mammals, plasma uridine levels are tightly regulated, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Studying mouse models, Deng
et al.
show that plasma uridine levels are controlled by feeding behavior (see the Perspective by Jastroch and Tschöp). Fasting causes an adipocyte-mediated rise in plasma uridine, which triggers a lowering of body temperature. Feeding causes a bile-mediated drop in plasma uridine, which enhances insulin sensitivity in a leptin-dependent manner. Thus, uridine is part of a complex regulatory loop that affects energy balance and potentially contributes to metabolic disease.

Science
, this issue p.
aaf5375
; see also p.
1124
Structures of the cyanobacterial circadian oscillator frozen in a fully assembled state
Authors: Snijder Joost , Schuller Jan M. , Wiegard Anika , Lössl Philip , Schmelling Nicolas , Axmann Ilka M. , Plitzko Jürgen M. , Förster Friedrich , Heck Albert J. R.
Published: March 2017

Molecular clockwork from cyanobacteria

The cyanobacterial circadian clock oscillator can be reconstituted in a test tube from just three proteins—KaiA, KaiB, and KaiC—and adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Tseng
et al.
studied crystal and nuclear magnetic resonance structures of complexes of the oscillator proteins and their signaling output proteins and tested the in vivo effects of structure-based mutants. Large conformational changes in KaiB and ATP hydrolysis by KaiC are coordinated with binding to output protein, which couples signaling and the day-night transitions of the clock. Snijder
et al.
provide complementary analysis of the oscillator proteins by mass spectrometry and cryo–electron microscopy. Their results help to explain the structural basis for the dynamic assembly of the oscillator complexes.

Science
, this issue p.
1174
, p.
1181
Revealing the subfemtosecond dynamics of orbital angular momentum in nanoplasmonic vortices
Authors: Spektor G. , Kilbane D. , Mahro A. K. , Frank B. , Ristok S. , Gal L. , Kahl P. , Podbiel D. , Mathias S. , Giessen H. , Meyer zu Heringdorf F.-J. , Orenstein M. , Aeschlimann M.
Published: March 2017

Putting plasmons in a spin

The ability of light to carry angular momentum provides an additional degree of freedom for applications such as optical tweezing and optical communication. Spektor
et al.
show that the optical angular momentum modes of light can be shrunk down to the nanometer scale through plasmonic transfer. They patterned spiral-like structures into an atomically smooth layer of gold, which allowed them to launch plasmons with controlled amounts of angular momentum.

Science
, this issue p.
1187
Direct observation of individual hydrogen atoms at trapping sites in a ferritic steel
Authors: Chen Y.-S. , Haley D. , Gerstl S. S. A. , London A. J. , Sweeney F. , Wepf R. A. , Rainforth W. M. , Bagot P. A. J. , Moody M. P.
Published: March 2017

Heavy hydrogen gets frozen in place

Hydrogen embrittlement contributes to the failure of steel in a wide variety of everyday applications. Various strategies to mitigate hydrogen embrittlement, such as adding carbides into the steel, are hard to validate because we are unable to map the hydrogen atoms. Chen
et al.
combined fluxing steel samples with deuterium and a cryogenic transfer protocol to minimize hydrogen diffusion, allowing for detailed structural analysis (see the Perspective by Cairney). Their findings revealed hydrogen trapped in the cores of the carbide precipitates. The technique will be applicable to a wide range of problems, including corrosion, catalysis, and hydrogen storage.

Science
, this issue p.
1196
; see also p.
1128
Drugging RAS: Know the enemy
Authors: Papke Bjoern , Der Channing J.
Published: March 2017

The three RAS oncogenes make up the most frequently mutated gene family in human cancer. The well-validated role of mutationally activated RAS genes in driving cancer development and growth has stimulated comprehensive efforts to develop therapeutic strategies to block mutant RAS function for cancer treatment. Disappointingly, despite more than three decades of research effort, clinically effective anti-RAS therapies have remained elusive, prompting a perception that RAS may be undruggable. However, with a greater appreciation of the complexities of RAS that thwarted past efforts, and armed with new technologies and directions, the field is experiencing renewed excitement that mutant RAS may finally be conquered. Here we summarize where these efforts stand.
Developing an HIV vaccine
Authors: Haynes Barton F. , Burton Dennis R.
Published: March 2017

What are the paths and obstacles to a practical vaccine?
A new cancer ecosystem
Authors: Horning Sandra J.
Published: March 2017

Cancer is increasingly being viewed as an ecosystem, a community in which tumor cells cooperate with other tumor cells and host cells in their microenvironment. As conditions change, the ecosystem evolves and adapts to ensure the survival and growth of cancer. Our understanding of the intricate relationships in this ecosystem has led to revolutionary treatments, including immunotherapy. Successful treatment and prevention of cancer require an ecosystem, too—a coordinated unit of researchers, patients, health care professionals, health care systems, regulatory agencies, government, and industry. How can these partners work together as one interconnected community?
Applications of Digital PCR for Clinical Microbiology
Authors: Kuypers Jane , Jerome Keith R.
Published: March 2017

Digital PCR (dPCR) is an important new tool for use in the clinical microbiology laboratory. Its advantages over quantitative PCR (qPCR), including absolute quantification without a standard curve, improved precision, improved accuracy in the presence of inhibitors, and more accurate quantitation when amplification efficiency is low, make dPCR the assay of choice for several specimen testing applications. This minireview will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of dPCR compared to qPCR, its applications in clinical microbiology, and considerations for implementation of the method in a clinical laboratory.
Evaluation of Altona Diagnostics RealStar Zika Virus Reverse Transcription-PCR Test Kit for Zika Virus PCR Testing
Authors: L'Huillier Arnaud G. , Lombos Ernesto , Tang Elaine , Perusini Stephen , Eshaghi Alireza , Nagra Sandeep , Frantz Christine , Olsha Romy , Kristjanson Erik , Dimitrova Kristina , Safronetz David , Drebot Mike , Gubbay Jonathan B.
Published: March 2017

With the emerging Zika virus (ZIKV) epidemic, accessible real-time reverse transcription-PCR (rRT-PCR) assays are needed to streamline testing. The commercial Altona Diagnostics RealStar ZIKV rRT-PCR test kit (Altona PCR) has been approved for emergency use authorization by the U.S. FDA. Our aim was to verify the Altona PCR by comparing it to the CDC-designed dual-target ZIKV rRT-PCR reference assay (reference PCR) and describe the demographics of patients tested for ZIKV by rRT-PCR in Ontario, Canada. A large set of clinical specimens was tested for ZIKV by the Altona PCR and the reference PCR. Positive or equivocal specimens underwent PCR and Sanger sequencing targeting the ZIKV NS5 gene. A total of 671 serum specimens were tested by the reference PCR: 58 (8.6%) were positive, 193 (28.8%) were equivocal, and 420 (62.6%) were negative. Ninety percent of the reference PCR-positive patients were tested in the first 5 days after symptom onset. The Altona PCR was performed on 284/671 specimens tested by the reference PCR. The Altona PCR was positive for 53/58 (91%) reference PCR-positive specimens and 16/193 (8%) reference PCR-equivocal specimens; the ZIKV NS5 PCR was positive for all 68 Altona PCR-positive specimens and negative for all 181 Altona PCR-negative specimens that underwent the NS5 PCR. The Altona PCR has very good sensitivity (91%) and specificity (97%) compared to the reference PCR. The Altona PCR can be used for ZIKV diagnostic testing and has less extensive verification requirements than a laboratory-developed test.
Dengue Virus Activates the AMP Kinase-mTOR Axis To Stimulate a Proviral Lipophagy
Authors: Jordan Tristan X. , Randall Glenn
Published: March 2017

Robust dengue virus (DENV) replication requires lipophagy, a selective autophagy that targets lipid droplets. The autophagic mobilization of lipids leads to increased β-oxidation in DENV-infected cells. The mechanism by which DENV induces lipophagy is unknown. Here, we show that infection with DENV activates the metabolic regulator 5′ adenosine-monophosphate activated kinase (AMPK), and that the silencing or pharmacological inhibition of AMPK activity decreases DENV replication and the induction of lipophagy. The activity of the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) decreases in DENV-infected cells and is inversely correlated with lipophagy induction. Constitutive activation of mTORC1 by depletion of tuberous sclerosis complex 2 (TSC2) inhibits lipophagy induction in DENV-infected cells and decreases viral replication. While AMPK normally stimulates TSC2-dependent inactivation of mTORC1 signaling, mTORC1 inactivation is independent of AMPK activation during DENV infection. Thus, DENV stimulates and requires AMPK signaling as well as AMPK-independent suppression of mTORC1 activity for proviral lipophagy.

IMPORTANCE
Dengue virus alters host cell lipid metabolism to promote its infection. One mechanism for altered metabolism is the induction of a selective autophagy that targets lipid droplets, termed lipophagy. Lipophagy mobilizes lipid stores, resulting in enhanced β-oxidation and viral replication. We show here that DENV infection activates and requires the central metabolic regulator AMPK for its replication and the induction of lipophagy. This is required for the induction of lipophagy, but not basal autophagy, in DENV-infected cells.
Human Herpesvirus 6B Induces Hypomethylation on Chromosome 17p13.3, Correlating with Increased Gene Expression and Virus Integration
Authors: Engdahl Elin , Dunn Nicky , Niehusmann Pitt , Wideman Sarah , Wipfler Peter , Becker Albert J. , Ekström Tomas J. , Almgren Malin , Fogdell-Hahn Anna
Published: March 2017

Human herpesvirus 6B (HHV-6B) is a neurotropic betaherpesvirus that achieves latency by integrating its genome into host cell chromosomes. Several viruses can induce epigenetic modifications in their host cells, but no study has investigated the epigenetic modifications induced by HHV-6B. This study analyzed methylation with an Illumina 450K array, comparing HHV-6B-infected and uninfected Molt-3 T cells 3 days postinfection. Bisulfite pyrosequencing was used to validate the Illumina results and to investigate methylation over time
in vitro
. Expression of genes was investigated using quantitative PCR (qPCR), and virus integration was investigated with PCR. A total of 406 CpG sites showed a significant HHV-6B-induced change in methylation
in vitro
. Remarkably, 86% (351/406) of these CpGs were located <1 Mb from chromosomal ends and were all hypomethylated in virus-infected cells. This was most evident at chromosome 17p13.3, where HHV-6B had induced CpG hypomethylation after 2 days of infection, possibly through TET2, which was found to be upregulated by the virus. In addition, virus-induced cytosine hydroxymethylation was observed. Genes located in the hypomethylated region at 17p13.3 showed significantly upregulated expression in HHV-6B-infected cells. A temporal experiment revealed HHV-6B integration in Molt-3 cell DNA 3 days after infection. The telomere at 17p has repeatedly been described as an integration site for HHV-6B, and we show for the first time that HHV-6B induces hypomethylation in this region during acute infection, which may play a role in the integration process, possibly by making the DNA more accessible.

IMPORTANCE
The ability to establish latency in the host is a hallmark of herpesviruses, but the mechanisms differ. Human herpesvirus 6B (HHV-6B) is known to establish latency through integration of its genome into the telomeric regions of host cells, with the ability to reactivate. Our study is the first to show that HHV-6B specifically induces hypomethylated regions close to the telomeres and that integrating viruses may use the host methylation machinery to facilitate their integration process. The results from this study contribute to knowledge of HHV-6B biology and virus-host interaction. This in turn will lead to further progress in our understanding of the underlying mechanisms by which HHV-6B contributes to pathological processes and may have important implications in both disease prevention and treatment.
CXCR5-Dependent Entry of CD8 T Cells into Rhesus Macaque B-Cell Follicles Achieved through T-Cell Engineering
Authors: Ayala Victor I. , Deleage Claire , Trivett Matthew T. , Jain Sumiti , Coren Lori V. , Breed Matthew W. , Kramer Joshua A. , Thomas James A. , Estes Jacob D. , Lifson Jeffrey D. , Ott David E.
Published: March 2017

Follicular helper CD4 T cells, T
FH
, residing in B-cell follicles within secondary lymphoid tissues, are readily infected by AIDS viruses and are a major source of persistent virus despite relative control of viral replication. This persistence is due at least in part to a relative exclusion of effective antiviral CD8 T cells from B-cell follicles. To determine whether CD8 T cells could be engineered to enter B-cell follicles, we genetically modified unselected CD8 T cells to express CXC chemokine receptor 5 (CXCR5), the chemokine receptor implicated in cellular entry into B-cell follicles. Engineered CD8 T cells expressing human CXCR5 (CD8
hCXCR5
) exhibited ligand-specific signaling and chemotaxis
in vitro
. Six infected rhesus macaques were infused with differentially fluorescent dye-labeled autologous CD8
hCXCR5
and untransduced CD8 T cells and necropsied 48 h later. Flow cytometry of both spleen and lymph node samples revealed higher frequencies of CD8
hCXCR5
than untransduced cells, consistent with preferential trafficking to B-cell follicle-containing tissues. Confocal fluorescence microscopy of thin-sectioned lymphoid tissues demonstrated strong preferential localization of CD8
hCXCR5
T cells within B-cell follicles with only rare cells in extrafollicular locations. CD8
hCXCR5
T cells were present throughout the follicles with some observed near infected T
FH
. In contrast, untransduced CD8 T cells were found in the extrafollicular T-cell zone. Our ability to direct localization of unselected CD8 T cells into B-cell follicles using CXCR5 expression provides a strategy to place highly effective virus-specific CD8 T cells into these AIDS virus sanctuaries and potentially suppress residual viral replication.

IMPORTANCE
AIDS virus persistence in individuals under effective drug therapy or those who spontaneously control viremia remains an obstacle to definitive treatment. Infected follicular helper CD4 T cells, T
FH
, present inside B-cell follicles represent a major source of this residual virus. While effective CD8 T-cell responses can control viral replication in conjunction with drug therapy or in rare cases spontaneously, most antiviral CD8 T cells do not enter B-cell follicles, and those that do fail to robustly control viral replication in the T
FH
population. Thus, these sites are a sanctuary and a reservoir for replicating AIDS viruses. Here, we demonstrate that engineering unselected CD8 T cells to express CXCR5, a chemokine receptor on T
FH
associated with B-cell follicle localization, redirects them into B-cell follicles. These proof of principle results open a pathway for directing engineered antiviral T cells into these viral sanctuaries to help eliminate this source of persistent virus.
Mycobacterial Caseinolytic Protease Gene Regulator ClgR Is a Substrate of Caseinolytic Protease
Authors: Yamada Yoshiyuki , Dick Thomas
Published: March 2017

With 9 million new cases and more than 1 million deaths per year, tuberculosis, caused by
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
, is the biggest infectious disease killer globally. New drugs for the treatment of the drug-resistant forms of the disease are needed. Recently, a new target-lead couple, the mycobacterial protease ClpP1P2 and the human anticancer drug bortezomib, was identified. However, we know little about how expression of this protease is regulated, which proteins in the bacterium it degrades, how the protease recognizes its target proteins, and how the inhibition of ClpP1P2 exerts whole-cell antimicrobial activity. Here, we show that the ClpP1P2 protease regulates its own expression, and we identified a new substrate and a new substrate recognition sequence and a mechanism for how ClpP1P2 inhibition causes bacterial growth inhibition.
Rhabdomyolysis-induced compartment syndrome secondary to atorvastatin and strenuous exercise
Authors: Dunphy Louise , Morhij Rossel , Tucker Sarah
Published: March 2017

A 50-year-old male UK resident with a history of hypertension and hypercholesterolaemia presented to the emergency department with a 48-hour history of sudden onset bilateral thigh swelling and pain unrelieved by regular analgesia. 3 days prior to presentation, he performed a vigorous workout in the gym. His medications included ramipril 5 mg once daily and atorvastatin 20 mg at night time. He was a non-smoker and did not consume alcohol. He reported no known drug allergies. Physical examination confirmed bilateral swollen thighs, with no overlying skin changes, clinically suggestive of compartment syndrome. His creatine kinase was >50 000 IU with normal renal and liver function tests. Further investigation with MRI-identified prominent swelling of the vastus intermedius and medialis muscles, more marked on the left, with extensive diffuse short tau inversion recovery (STIR) signal hyperintensity and isointensity on T1 sequences, suggestive of rhabdomyolysis. He underwent bilateral fasciotomies of his thighs and aggressive intravenous fluid resuscitation with close monitoring of his electrolytes. Intraoperatively his muscle was healthy, with no evidence of haematoma or necrosis. His medication atorvastatin was stopped due to his rhabdomyolysis. 48 hours later, he returned to theatre and review of his fasciotomy wounds was unremarkable. 4 days later, he was discharged uneventfully. His postoperative recovery was complicated by a serous discharge from his left medial thigh wound. Further investigation with an ultrasound confirmed a 4×1×1cm multiloculated collection within the superficial tissue directly underlying the wound. An aspirate was performed and cultures revealed no growth. He remains under review in the department of plastic surgery. This case report discusses the aetiological spectrum, clinical presentation, pathophysiology, differential diagnosis, investigations, management and complications of rhabdomyolysis.
Severe co-trimoxazole-induced hypoglycaemia in a patient with microscopic polyangiitis
Authors: Conley Thomas Edward , Mohiuddin Atif , Naz Noshaba
Published: March 2017

A 69-year-old man presented to the emergency department with lower respiratory tract infection and febrile neutropaenia. He was recently discharged following a 50-day hospital stay with newly diagnosed microscopic polyangiitis, complicated by pulmonary haemorrhage and severe renal dysfunction requiring renal replacement therapy, plasma exchange and immunosuppression (cyclophosphamide and methylprednisolone). High risk of pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) led to an escalation in treatment from prophylactic to therapeutic oral co-trimoxazole, alongside broad-spectrum antibiotics. The patient suffered from severe and protracted hypoglycaemia, complicated by a tonic–clonic seizure 7 days after escalation to therapeutic co-trimoxazole. Endogenous hyperinsulinaemia was confirmed and was attributed to co-trimoxazole use. Hypoglycaemia resolved 48 hours after discontinuation of co-trimoxazole. PCP testing on bronchoalveolar lavage was negative. Owing to the prescription of heavy immunosuppression in patients with vasculitis and the subsequent risk of PCP warranting co-trimoxazole prophylaxis, we believe that the risk of hypoglycaemia should be highlighted.
Determinants of reflux-induced chronic cough
Authors: Herregods Thomas V K , Pauwels Ans , Jafari Jafar , Sifrim Daniel , Bredenoord Albert J , Tack Jan , Smout André J P M
Published: March 2017

Objective

Gastro-oesophageal reflux is considered to be an important contributing factor in chronic unexplained cough. It remains unclear why some reflux episodes in the same patient causes cough while others do not. To understand more about the mechanism by which reflux induces cough, we aimed to identify factors which are important in triggering cough.

Design

In this multicentre study, 49 patients with reflux-associated chronic cough were analysed using 24-hour pH-impedance-pressure monitoring. The characteristics of reflux episodes that were followed by cough were compared with reflux episodes not associated with cough.

Results

The majority (72.4%) of the reflux episodes were acidic (pH<4). Compared with reflux episodes that were not followed by cough, reflux episodes that were followed by a cough burst were associated with a higher proximal extent (p=0.0001), a higher volume clearance time (p=0.002) and a higher acid burden in the preceding 15 min window (p=0.019) and higher reflux burden in the preceding 30 min window (p=0.044). No significant difference was found between the two groups when looking at the nadir pH, the pH drop, the acid clearance time or the percentage of reflux episodes which were acidic.

Conclusions

The presence of a larger volume of refluxate and oesophageal exposure to reflux for a longer period of time seems to play an important role in inducing cough, while the acidity of the refluxate seems to be less relevant. This helps explain the observation that most patients with chronic cough tend not to benefit from acid inhibitory treatment.
Investigation of productivity in a south Indian Malabari goat herd shows opportunities for planned animal health management to improve food security
Authors: Sargison N. D. , Ivil S. A. J. , Abraham J. , Abubaker S. P. S. , Hopker A. M. , Mazeri S. , Otter I. A. , Otter N.
Published: March 2017

Here the authors report the objective veterinary clinical measurement of productivity in a representative south Indian Malabari goat herd. The authors show failure to meet pragmatic production targets that are commensurate with the animals’ genetic potential or adequate to meet the demands of global food security. The authors suggest that this situation may have arisen as a consequence of animal husbandry constraints and protein undernutrition and imply the involvement of nematode parasitism. Benzimidazole resistance was detected in Haemonchus species, showing the need for better understanding of the principles of sustainable helminth parasite control within the southern Indian context. This study highlights the need to understand the true costs of goat production in seasonally resource‐poor environments, while also considering its impact on the overall ecosystem in which the animals are placed. They conclude that pragmatic opportunities for improvements in goat production efficiency lie in the development of problem‐focused planned animal health and nutrition management.
Zoonotic diseases: sharing insights from interdisciplinary research
Authors: Ryan Mary R. , Cleaveland Sarah
Published: March 2017

Researchers and others involved with the Zoonoses and Emerging Livestock Systems (ZELS) initiative gathered in Tanzania earlier this year to discuss progress with projects being carried out as part of the five‐ year programme. Mary Ryan and Sarah Cleaveland report
Concrete CT Image Quick Three-Dimensional Reconstruction Research
Authors: Zhao Liang , Li Chang-Hua , Dang Fa-Ning , Li Chu-Jun , Duan Zhong-Xing
Published: March 2017

The research of the mechanical properties of concrete, a kind of heterogeneous composite material, was previously established on basis of the mathematical model of random aggregate, which is used to study and analyze the mesoscopic damage mechanism of concrete. Although the shape and distribution of aggregate in the model built by this method are closer to the real structure of concrete, there is still a big difference between them and the real concrete specimen. In order to solve the problem of large amount of redundant computation in the CT reconstruction of full size cube space, a fast reconstruction method based on ray-casting algorithm is proposed. First, a method integrating the new bounding box technology with the plane intersection algorithm clusters were adopted to cut the body data and ray-casting effectively, and then, the polygon scanning and conversion was utilized to reduce the number of cast rays, finally, the adaptive sampling method was used to avoid repeatedly sampling same voxel so that the reconstruction efficiency of whole algorithm and the feasibility of numerical calculation can be enhanced. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm can greatly improve the 3D rendering speed of concrete CT without affecting the image quality. It provides a more effective and reliable approach for correctly analyzing the mesoscopic damage mechanism and mechanical characteristics of concrete.
Identifying Most Preferential Skyline Product Combinations
Authors: Yang Zhibang , Zhou Xu , Mei Jin , Zeng Yifu , Xiao Guoqing , Pan Guo
Published: March 2017

Nowadays, department stores and online merchants usually develop some price promotion strategies to attract customers and increase their purchase intention. Therefore, it is significant for customers to pick out attractive products and obtain the maximum discount rate. Admittedly, the skyline query is a most useful tool to find out attractive products. However, it does little to help select the product combinations with the maximum discount rate. Motivated by this, we identify an interesting problem, a most preferential skyline product (MPSP) combination discovering problem, which is NP-hard, for the first time in the literature. This problem aims to report all skyline product combinations having the maximum discount rate. Since the exact algorithm for the MPSP is not scalable to large or high-dimensional datasets, we design an approximate algorithm that guarantees the accuracy of the results. The experiment results demonstrate the efficiency and effectiveness of our proposed algorithms.
Reliability Evaluation of a Laminate Composite Plate Under Distributed Pressure Using a Hybrid Response Surface method
Authors: Zhao Ying , Noori Mohammad , Altabey Wael A. , Lu Naiwei
Published: March 2017

The inherent variability of major infrastructure can be associated with structural properties such as member size and geometry, elastic constants, density, strength characteristics or external load types. These variables and factors may give rise to risk, safety and uncertainty for general structures. In this paper, a comprehensive reliability evaluation framework is presented for a laminate composite plate under hydrostatic pressure. An establishment and verification of a response surface, the determination of performance function in terms of input and output random variables, and the comparative application of combined algorithms such as Monte Carlo simulation, artificial neural network and fuzzy theory are conducted.
INVESTIGATION ON ELECTROCHEMICAL CORROSION CHARACTERISTIC OF 2A14 ALUMINUM ALLOY IN NITRIC ACID
Authors: TIAN GAN , JIN GUO-FENG , ZHANG WEI , HUANG ZHI-YONG , YANG ZHENG-WEI
Published: March 2017

In order to evaluate the left life of the aircraft tank in the storage stage and enhance the reliability of aircraft, the electrochemical corrosion characteristic of 2A14 aluminum alloy has been investigated by the polarization curve method, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy methods and soaking corrosion test in this paper. The corrosion equivalent relationship of 2A14 aluminum alloy at different conditions was established. Moreover, the corrosion mechanism and law of 2A14 aluminum alloy in the solution of N2O4-HNO3 were obtained. It is shown that the nitric acid with the volume fraction of 30% corrodes 2A14 aluminum alloy had the fastest speed. The corrosion intensity of the specimen increases with the increase of the environment temperature. In the corrosion program, the corrosion is begun with the pit with very small size. As the time passes by, the pits expand and the adjacent pits combines together to be a larger pit. Finally, the thickness of the specimen decreases uniformly as the corrosion product peels off from the surface of the specimen. Therefore, the corrosion evaluation of aluminum alloy structure can be performed by weighting or measuring the thickness in application.
Reliability-Based Design of Tuned Mass Damper Using Monte Carlo Simulation Under Artificial Earthquake Records
Authors: Gholizad Amin , Ojaghzadeh Mohammadi Seyyed Davood
Published: March 2017

Displacement- and reliability-based designs of tuned mass damper (TMD) for a shear building are studied herein. Different sources of uncertainties such as earthquake records and their peak ground accelerations (PGA), masses of floors, cross-sectional dimensions of structural members, damping of the structure and modulus of elasticity are considered. Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) is used for evaluating the performance of the designed TMD. A method for generating artificial earthquake record by using wavelet packet transform (WPT) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) is proposed to generate artificial records for areas without sufficient strong ground motion records. An illustrative example is used to study the displacement- and reliability-based designs of TMD, which are related to minimizing the structural displacement and maximizing the performance of TMD, respectively. In addition, the performance of TMD on mitigating the response of structure and its reliability under uncertain parameters of loading and structural properties are investigated. The results show that a displacement-based designed TMD could reduce the lateral displacement of a structure. Furthermore, it illustrates that the reliability-based designed TMD has a better performance in real condition of loading and structural parameters.
Chaotically driven sigmoidal maps
Authors: Keller Gerhard , Otani Atsuya
Published: March 2017

We consider skew product dynamical systems [Formula: see text] with a (generalized) baker transformation [Formula: see text] at the base and uniformly bounded increasing [Formula: see text] fibre maps [Formula: see text] with negative Schwarzian derivative. Under a partial hyperbolicity assumption that ensures the existence of strong stable fibres for [Formula: see text], we prove that the presence of these fibres restricts considerably the possible structures of invariant measures — both topologically and measure theoretically, and that this finally allows to provide a “thermodynamic formula” for the Hausdorff dimension of set of those base points over which the dynamics are synchronized, i.e. over which the global attractor consists of just one point.
Asymptotic behavior, attracting and quasi-invariant sets for impulsive neutral SPFDE driven by Lévy noise
Authors: Huan Diem Dang , Agarwal Ravi P.
Published: March 2017

By establishing two new impulsive-integral inequalities, the attracting and quasi-invariant sets of the mild solution for impulsive neutral stochastic partial functional differential equations driven by Lévy noise are obtained, respectively. Moreover, we shall derive some sufficient conditions to ensure stability of this mild solution in the sense of both moment exponential stability and almost surely exponential stability.
Built-up area detection based on a Bayesian saliency model
Authors: Liu Qingjie , Huang Di , Wang Yunhong , Wei Hong , Tang Yuanyan
Published: March 2017

Built-up area detection is very important for applications such as urban planning, urban growth detection and land use monitoring. In this paper, we address the problem of built-up area detection from the perspective of visual saliency computation. Generally, areas containing buildings attract more attentions than forests, lands and other backgrounds. This paper explores a Bayesian saliency model to automatically detect urban areas. Firstly, prior probability is computed by using fast multi-scale edge distribution. Then the likelihood is obtained by modeling the distributions of color and orientation. Built-up areas are further detected by segmenting the final saliency map using Graph Cut algorithm. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method can extract built-up area efficiently and accurately.
Exact solutions for a scalar-tensor theory through symmetries
Authors: Belinchón José Antonio , Dávila Pedro
Published: March 2017

In this paper, we study how to determine the unknown functions for the scalar tensor model [Formula: see text] where the Ricci scalar is allowed to appear in a nonlinear way. The methods followed to determine these functions are: the matter collineation approach, the Lie group method and the Lagrangian collineation approach. We find several exact analytical solutions for a cosmological model with a FRW metric. We determine that some of the results are also valid for some anisotropic metric (e.g. the self-similar ones).
GENDER DIFFERENCES AND ENTREPRENEURIAL MUNIFICENCE: THE PURSUIT OF INNOVATIVE NEW VENTURES
Authors: COWDEN BIRTON J , TANG JINTONG
Published: March 2017

Much of the literature on gender differences in entrepreneurship focuses on entrepreneurial propensity and access to resources. This study takes a step further to explore gender differences in the type of new ventures pursued. Specifically, we investigate whether there is a gender difference in the pursuit of innovative vs. imitative new ventures. Additionally, we examine whether perceptions of the entrepreneur’s environment influence the pursuit of innovative new ventures for female vs. male entrepreneurs. Utilizing PSED data, we find there is no significant difference between genders in the pursuit of innovative new ventures. However, entrepreneurial munificence (i.e., having friends who have started their own business and perceived support of financial institutions) matters for female-led businesses in their pursuit of innovative new ventures. These findings have major implications for building effective entrepreneurial ecosystems.
Nonlinearity of k-cycle permutations on ℤn
Authors: Kumar Yogesh , Mishra P. R. , Sharma R. K.
Published: March 2017

In this paper, we explore the existence and nonlinearity of affine [Formula: see text]-cycle permutations on [Formula: see text] for different values of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. It is proved that a transposition [Formula: see text] on [Formula: see text] has nonlinearity [Formula: see text] for [Formula: see text], a [Formula: see text]-cycle permutation on [Formula: see text] has nonlinearity [Formula: see text] for [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] a prime. The number of affine [Formula: see text]-cycle permutations on [Formula: see text] and a bound for their nonlinearity have been obtained. Some results on the cyclic decomposition of a permutation on [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] a prime, have also been proved.
The Emerging U.S.-Japan Energy Alliance and Its Implications for China
Authors: Chen Youjun
Published: March 2017

Since the Tohoku earthquake and Fukushima nuclear accident in March 2011, Japan’s energy policy has undergone great changes, resulting in closer energy cooperation with the United States. To serve its own national interests, the United States also began to emphasize the significance of energy cooperation under the U.S.-Japan alliance. Consequently, both countries have made strategic breakthroughs in terms of energy politics, energy economics and energy security, and a U.S.-Japan energy alliance is now taking shape. The progress of U.S.-Japan energy cooperation, on one hand, will help reduce the cost of China’s natural gas import and create favorable conditions for China to promote domestic reforms in the energy sector. On the other hand, it will also present new challenges to China’s geopolitical environment and its global role. While the United States continues to increase its export of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Asian markets, China should make full use of the opportunity to speed up the development of its own shale gas resources, optimize its energy consumption structure, promote domestic energy reforms, and diversify its energy import sources. In the meantime, it should try to work with the United States and Japan to foster an all-inclusive, long-term mechanism for energy cooperation among all countries in the Asia-Pacific.