bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does hypothermia impair cerebrovascular autoregulation in neonates during cardiopulmonary bypass?
Authors: Smith Brendan , Vu Eric , Kibler Kathleen , Rusin Craig , Easley Ronald B. , Andropoulos Dean , Heinle Jeffrey , Czosnyka Marek , Licht Daniel , Lynch Jennifer , Brady Ken
Published: June 2017

Background

Autoregulation monitoring has been proposed as a means to identify optimal arterial blood pressure goals during cardiopulmonary bypass, but it has been observed that cerebral blood flow is pressure passive during hypothermic bypass. When neonates cooled during cardiopulmonary bypass are managed with vasodilators and controlled hypotension, it is not clear whether hypothermia or hypotension were the cause of impaired autoregulation.

Aim

We sought to measure the effect of both arterial blood pressure and hypothermia on autoregulation in a cohort of infants cooled for bypass, hypothesizing a collinear relationship between hypothermia, hypotension, and dysautoregulation.

Methods

Cardiopulmonary bypass was performed on 72 infants at Texas Children's Hospital during 2015 and 2016 with automated physiologic data capture, including arterial blood pressure, nasopharyngeal temperature, cerebral oximetry, and a cerebral blood volume index derived from near infrared spectroscopy.

Cooling to 18°C, 24°C, and 30°C was performed on 33, 12, and 22 subjects, respectively. The hemoglobin volume index was calculated as a moving correlation coefficient between mean arterial blood pressure and the cerebral blood volume index. Positive values of the hemoglobin volume index indicate impaired autoregulation. Relationships between variables were assessed utilizing a generalized estimating equation approach.

Results

Hypothermia was associated with hypotension, dysautoregulation, and increased cerebral oximetry. Comparing the baseline temperature of 36°C with 18°C, arterial blood pressure was 44 mm Hg (39‐52) vs 25 mm Hg (21‐31); the hemoglobin volume index was 0.0 (−0.02 to 0.004) vs 0.5 (0.4‐0.7) and cerebral oximetry was 59% (57‐61) vs 88% (80‐92) (Median, 95% CI of median; P<.0001 for all three associations by linear regression with generalized estimation of equations with data from all temperatures measured).

Conclusions

Arterial blood pressure, temperature, and cerebral autoregulation were collinear in this cohort. The conclusion that hypothermia causes impaired autoregulation is thus confounded. The effect of temperature on autoregulation should be delineated before clinical deployment of autoregulation monitors to prevent erroneous determination of optimal arterial blood pressure. Showing the effect of temperature on autoregulation will require a normotensive hypothermic model.
Berkeley on Inconceivability and Impossibility
Authors: Holden Thomas
Published: June 2017

Contrary to a popular reading of his modal epistemology, Berkeley does not hold that inconceivability entails impossibility, and he cannot therefore argue the impossibility of mind‐independent matter by appealing to facts about what we cannot conceive. Berkeley is explicit about this constraint on his metaphysical argumentation, and, I argue, does respect it in practice. Popular mythology about the ‘master argument’ notwithstanding, the only passages in which he might plausibly seem to employ the principle that inconceivability entails impossibility are those that argue for the inseparability of primary from secondary qualities. However, an alternative reading of these texts is available that is both consistent with Berkeley's express modal epistemology and credible in its own right.
Long‐acting beta2‐agonists versus long‐acting muscarinic antagonists in patients with stable COPD: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Chen Wang‐Chun , Huang Chi‐Hsien , Sheu Chau‐Chyun , Chong Inn‐Wen , Chu Kuo‐An , Chen Yung‐Che , Tsai Jong‐Rung , Lee Cheng‐Hung , Wei Yu‐Feng
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACT

Several long‐acting bronchodilators have been developed and are widely used as first‐line treatment in patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, the initial choice of therapy is still uncertain. The aim of this study was to examine the clinical efficacy and safety of long‐acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) and long‐acting beta2‐agonist (LABA) in patients with stable COPD. We searched several databases and manufacturers’ websites to identify relevant randomized clinical trials for meta‐analysis. Outcomes of interest were trough forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), acute exacerbations, transitional dyspnoea index (TDI) score, St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) score and adverse events. Sixteen trials with a total of 22 872 patients were included in this study. Compared with LABA, LAMA were associated with a greater reduction in acute exacerbations (OR: 0.84, 95% CI: 0.74–0.94, P = 0.003) and fewer adverse events (OR: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.86–0.97, P = 0.005). There were no significant differences in trough FEV1, TDI and SGRQ scores. In patients with stable COPD, LAMA were associated with a greater reduction in acute exacerbations and fewer adverse effects compared with LABA.
Small Area Models for Skewed Brazilian Business Survey Data
Authors: Moura Fernando A. S. , Neves André Felipe , Silva Denise Britz do N.
Published: June 2017

The Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics performs an annual service survey that focuses on segments of the tertiary sector. Sample estimates for some economic activities in the north, north-east and midwest regions of Brazil have low precision due to the sample design. Furthermore, one of the main variables of interest is considerably skewed with potential outliers. To overcome this problem, skew normal and skew t-models are proposed to produce model-based estimates. The small domain estimation models relate operating revenue variables to potential auxiliary variables (the number of employed people and wages) obtained from a business register. The models proposed are compared with the usual Fay–Herriot model under the assumptions of known and unknown sampling variances and its transformed log-version under the assumption of known variances. The evaluation studies with real business survey data show that the models proposed seem to be more efficient for small area predictions under skewed data than the customarily employed Fay–Herriot model, as well as its log-normal version.
Detecting Ebola with limited laboratory access in the Democratic Republic of Congo: evaluation of a clinical passive surveillance reporting system
Authors: Ashbaugh Hayley R. , Kuang Brandon , Gadoth Adva , Alfonso Vivian H. , Mukadi Patrick , Doshi Reena H. , Hoff Nicole A. , Sinai Cyrus , Mossoko Mathias , Kebela Benoit Ilunga , Muyembe Jean‐Jacques , Wemakoy Emile Okitolonda , Rimoin Anne W.
Published: June 2017

Background

Ebola virus disease (EVD) can be clinically severe and highly fatal, making surveillance efforts for early disease detection of paramount importance. In areas with limited access to laboratory testing, the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) strategy in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) may be a vital tool in improving outbreak response.

Methods

Using DRC IDSR data from the nation's four EVD outbreak periods from 2007–2014, we assessed trends of Viral Hemorrhagic Fever (VHF) and EVD differential diagnoses reportable through IDSR. With official case counts from active surveillance of EVD outbreaks, we assessed accuracy of reporting through the IDSR passive surveillance system.

Results

Although the active and passive surveillance represent distinct sets of data, the two were correlated, suggesting that passive surveillance based only on clinical evaluation may be a useful predictor of true cases prior to laboratory confirmation. There were 438 suspect VHF cases reported through the IDSR system and 416 EVD cases officially recorded across the outbreaks examined.

Conclusion

Although collected prior to official active surveillance cases, case reporting through the IDSR during the 2007, 2008 and 2012 outbreaks coincided with official EVD epidemic curves. Additionally, all outbreak areas experienced increases in suspected cases for both malaria and typhoid fever during EVD outbreaks, underscoring the importance of training health care workers in recognising EVD differential diagnoses and the potential for co‐morbidities.
Vector competence of MalaysianAedes albopictuswith and withoutWolbachiato four dengue virus serotypes
Authors: Joanne Sylvia , Vythilingam Indra , Teoh Boon‐Teong , Leong Cherng‐Shii , Tan Kim‐Kee , Wong Meng‐Li , Yugavathy Nava , AbuBakar Sazaly
Published: June 2017

Objective

To determine the susceptibility status ofAedes albopictuswith and withoutWolbachiato the four dengue virus serotypes.

Methods

Two newly colonised colonies ofAe. albopictusfrom the wild were used for the study. One colony was naturally infected withWolbachiawhile in the otherWolbachiawas removed by tetracycline treatment. Both colonies were orally infected with dengue virus‐infected fresh blood meal. Dengue virus load was measured using quantitativeRT‐PCRat four‐time intervals in the salivary glands, midguts and ovaries.

Results

Wolbachiadid not significantly affect MalaysianAe. albopictusdengue infection or the dissemination rate for all four dengue virus serotypes. MalaysianAe. albopictushad the highest replication kinetics forDENV‐1 and the highest salivary gland and midgut infection rate forDENV‐4.

Conclusion

Wolbachia,which naturally exists in MalaysianAe. albopictus,does not significantly affect dengue virus replication. MalaysianAe. albopictusis susceptible to dengue virus infections and capable of transmitting dengue virus, especiallyDENV‐1 andDENV‐4. Removal ofWolbachiafrom MalaysianAe. albopictuswould not reduce their susceptibility status.
The pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) genome and the genomics of punicalagin biosynthesis
Authors: Qin Gaihua , Xu Chunyan , Ming Ray , Tang Haibao , Guyot Romain , Kramer Elena M. , Hu Yudong , Yi Xingkai , Qi Yongjie , Xu Xiangyang , Gao Zhenghui , Pan Haifa , Jian Jianbo , Tian Yinping , Yue Zhen , Xu Yiliu
Published: June 2017

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is a perennial fruit crop grown since ancient times that has been planted worldwide and is known for its functional metabolites, particularly punicalagins. We have sequenced and assembled the pomegranate genome with 328 Mb anchored into nine pseudo‐chromosomes and annotated 29 229 gene models. A Myrtales lineage‐specific whole‐genome duplication event was detected that occurred in the common ancestor before the divergence of pomegranate and Eucalyptus. Repetitive sequences accounted for 46.1% of the assembled genome. We found that the integument development gene INNER NO OUTER (INO) was under positive selection and potentially contributed to the development of the fleshy outer layer of the seed coat, an edible part of pomegranate fruit. The genes encoding the enzymes for synthesis and degradation of lignin, hemicelluloses and cellulose were also differentially expressed between soft‐ and hard‐seeded varieties, reflecting differences in their accumulation in cultivars differing in seed hardness. Candidate genes for punicalagin biosynthesis were identified and their expression patterns indicated that gallic acid synthesis in tissues could follow different biochemical pathways. The genome sequence of pomegranate provides a valuable resource for the dissection of many biological and biochemical traits and also provides important insights for the acceleration of breeding. Elucidation of the biochemical pathway(s) involved in punicalagin biosynthesis could assist breeding efforts to increase production of this bioactive compound.
Cattle in the Anthropocene: Four propositions
Authors: McGregor Andrew , Houston Donna
Published: June 2017

The “Anthropocene”, a proposed geological epoch in which humanity is positioned as the core driver of planetary change, is eliciting proposals oriented at reworking human–nature relations. The more common technoscientific responses call for more investment oriented at further controlling human and non‐human processes, whereas relational responses seek more convivial relations with non‐humans – recognising the diverse agencies present in more‐than‐human worlds. In this paper, we draw from the work of Bruno Latour to develop an approach oriented at identifying and assessing the composition and quality of propositions emerging in relation to the expanding planetary impacts of cattle industries. Four propositions are identified in the Australian context, variously promoting intensification, naturalisation, veganism and artificial beef and dairy production. The composition, agencies and resistances within each proposition are reviewed, as well as the overall quality of their articulation. We discuss each proposition by considering principles drawn from recent work on more‐than‐human geography and lively commodities – particularly the wild lives and world‐making liveliness of the human and non‐human actors involved. Our analysis shows that the most well‐funded and prominent proposition – based on an intensification of meat and dairy industries – reinforces existing human–nature dualisms and is oriented more at perpetuating existing political economies than providing an effective response to Anthropocene challenges. We argue that creative consumption‐oriented responses, which are able to think in the presence of human and non‐human others, are likely to provide more effective and lively ways of addressing planetary concerns.
A new strategy for umbilical cord blood collection developed at the first Colombian public cord blood bank increases total nucleated cell content
Authors: Vanegas Diana , Triviño Lady , Galindo Cristian , Franco Leidy , Salguero Gustavo , Camacho Bernardo , Perdomo‐Arciniegas Ana‐María
Published: June 2017

BACKGROUND

The total nucleated cell dosage of umbilical cord blood (UCB) is an important factor in determining successful allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation after a minimum human leukocyte antigen donor‐recipient match. The northern South American population is in need of a new‐generation cord blood bank that cryopreserves only units with high total nucleated cell content, thereby increasing the likelihood of use. Colombia set up a public cord blood bank in 2014; and, as a result of its research for improving high total nucleated cell content, a new strategy for UCB collection was developed.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Data from 2933 collected and 759 cryopreserved cord blood units between 2014 and 2015 were analyzed. The correlation of donor and collection variables with cellularity was evaluated. Moreover, blood volume, cell content, CD34+ count, clonogenic capacity, and microbial contamination were assessed comparing the new method, which combines in utero and ex utero techniques, with the conventional strategies.

RESULTS

Multivariate analysis confirmed a correlation between neonatal birth weight and cell content. The new collection method increased total nucleated cell content in approximately 26% and did not alter pre‐cryopreservation and post‐thaw cell recovery, viability, or clonogenic ability. Furthermore, it showed a remarkably low microbial contamination rate (1.2%).

CONCLUSION

The strategy for UCB collection developed at the first Colombian public cord blood bank increases total nucleated cell content and does not affect unit quality. The existence of this bank is a remarkable breakthrough for Latin‐American patients in need of this kind of transplantation.
Residual risk of bacterial contamination of platelets: six years of experience with sterility testing
Authors: Ramirez‐Arcos Sandra , DiFranco Caesar , McIntyre Terri , Goldman Mindy
Published: June 2017

BACKGROUND

Canadian Blood Services screens 100% of platelet concentrates (PCs) for bacterial contamination with the BacT/ALERT system. Quality‐control sterility testing of 1% (≥10 units) of outdated PCs is performed monthly. Data from routine screening, quality‐control testing, and septic reactions obtained from 2010 to 2016 are presented herein.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

In total, 601,988 buffy coat PC pools and 186,737 apheresis PCs were routinely screened with aerobic cultures over 6 years. Outdate quality‐control testing of 8535 buffy coat and 8498 apheresis PCs was performed using aerobic and anaerobic cultures during the same period. Results were classified as “true‐positives” when the same bacterium was isolated in initial and confirmatory cultures or “false‐negatives” when bacteria were missed in early screening and were captured during quality‐control sterility testing or through investigation of sepsis cases.

RESULTS

During routine screening, the true‐positive rates between buffy coat (0.94 per 10,000) and apheresis (0.96 per 10,000) PCs were similar (p = 0.9473). Seventy‐five bacteria isolated during PC screening included Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative organisms. Six false‐negative septic reactions were reported that implicated coagulase‐negative staphylococci (n = 3) and Staphylococcus aureus (n = 3) for approximate rates of 1 per 100,000 transfusion reactions and 1 per 500,000 fatalities. During quality‐control testing, the false‐negative rates between buffy coat (8 per 10,000) and apheresis (9 per 10,000) PCs were similar (p = 0.7897). All 15 quality‐control isolates were Gram‐positive bacteria.

CONCLUSION

The current bacterial screening protocol is efficacious for identifying Gram‐negative bacteria. However, the high proportion of Gram‐positive organisms detected on outdate quality‐control testing and septic transfusion events demonstrates a residual safety risk that merits further intervention.
Strip meniscometry in dogs, cats, and rabbits
Authors: Rajaei Seyed Mehdi , Ansari mood Maneli , Asadi Faezeh , Rajabian Mohammad Reza , Aghajanpour Leila
Published: June 2017

Objective

The purpose of this study was to establish the normal values of strip meniscometry (SM) as a lacrimal function test and to compare the results with Schirmer tear test I (STT I) in dogs, cats, and rabbits.

Animals studied

Sixty healthy adult dogs from twelve different breeds (120 eyes), twenty adult healthy domestic shorthair cats (40 eyes) and eighteen adult healthy New Zealand white rabbits (36 eyes) were used in this study.

Procedures

Lacrimal function was tested by SM tube in all animals. After 24 h at the same time of day, tear production was measured using STT I.

Results

Mean SM and STT I values for all of the dogs, cats, and rabbits were 9.66 ± 2.15 mm/5 s and 15.10 ± 3.06 mm/min; 10.50 ± 0.7 mm/5 s and 11.00 ± 1.41 mm/min; 4.72 ± 1.20 mm/5 s and 4.22 ± 2.47 mm/min, respectively. There was a correlation (r = 0.281; P = 0.018) between SM and STT I values in dogs, but no correlation was observed in cats and rabbits (P = 0.61, P = 0.06). No correlation was found between age of animals and obtained SM values in each species (P > 0.29). Sex had no effect on SM values in each species (P > 0.08).

Conclusions

The result of this study provided the normal clinical values of strip meniscometry as lacrimal function test in three species.
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Gibbs Nikki
Published: June 2017

Applied Economics and Finance (AEF) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether AEF publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue.Reviewers for Volume 4, Number 4Aaron Morey, University of Melbourne, AustraliaDilshodjon Rakhmonov, Tashkent State University of Economics, UzbekistanEncarnación Alvarez-Verdejo, University of Granada, SpainEyup Kadioglu, Capital Markets Board, TurkeyGetamesay Bekele Meshesha, Debre Berhan University, EthiopiaHe Nie, Jinan University, ChinaIbrahim Baghdadi, Lebanese University, LebanonKembo Bwana, College of Business Education, TanzaniaMagdalena Zioło, University of Szczecin, PolandMarta Borda, Wroclaw University of Economics, PolandMurad Harasheh, University of Milan-Bicocca, ItalyNicolas Afflatet, University of the Federal Armed Forces, GermanyNuno Crespo, ISCTE-IUL, PortugalPayal Chadha, University of Wales Prifysgol Cymru, KuwaitSteven V. Cates, Kaplan University, USASzabolcs Blazsek, Universidad Francisco Marroquín, GuatemalaTaro Abe, Nagoya Gakuin University, JapanVictoria Cociug, Academy of Sciences of Moldova, MoldovaZi-Yi Guo, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., USA         Nikki GibbsEditorial AssistantOn behalf of,The Editorial Board of Applied Economics and FinanceRedfame Publishing9450 SW Gemini Dr. #99416Beaverton, OR 97008, USAURL: http://aef.redfame.com
Stability Analysis of Moving Printing Web With Sine Half-Wave Variable Density Based on Differential Quadrature Method
Authors: Wu Jimei , Shao Mingyue , Wang Yan , Wu Qiumin , Zhao Fan
Published: June 2017

The moving web is widely used to make printing and packaging products, flexible electronics, cloths, etc. The impact of the variable density on printing web dynamic behavior is considered. The density changes in the form of sine half-wave in the lateral direction. Based on the D'Alembert's principle, the transverse vibration differential equation of moving printing web with variable density is established and is discretized by using the differential quadrature method (DQM). The complex characteristic equation is derived. The impacts of the density coefficient and the dimensionless speed on the web stability and vibration characteristics are discussed. The results show that it is feasible to use the DQM to analyze the problem of transverse vibration of printing web with varying density; the tension ratio and the density coefficient have important impacts on the stability of moving printing web. This study provides theoretical guidance and basis for optimizing the structure of printing press and improving the stable working speed of printing press and web.
Theoretical and Experimental Study of an Electromechanical System Actuated by a Brusselator Electronic Circuit Simulator
Authors: Simo Domguia U. , Tchakui M. V. , Simo H. , Woafo P.
Published: June 2017

This paper deals with the theoretical and experimental study of an electromechanical system (EMS) actuated by a chemo-inspired oscillator, namely, the Brusselator oscillator. The modeling of such a system is presented. Theoretical results show that the displacement or flexion of the EMS undergoes spiking oscillations. This kind of oscillation is due to the transfer of the Brusselator electronic circuit signal to the mechanical arm. The theoretical results are confirmed by an experimental study with a good qualitative agreement.
Comparison of Large Eddy Simulation and Unsteady Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes for Evaluation of Entropy Noise
Authors: Ron Eduard , Chana Kam
Published: June 2017

This paper expands on the numerical simulation of entropy noise by performing a comparison of two commonly used models for resolving turbulent flow field: large eddy simulation (LES) and unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (URANS). A brand new numerical procedure was developed allowing an accurate reproduction of two-dimensional spatial and temporal temperature variations of a nonuniform temperature profile. Experimental investigation was performed for the same nonuniform temperature profile, and comparison of the entropy noise level measured experimentally and evaluated numerically using the two models was performed. It was shown that large eddy simulation allows a better prediction of entropy noise within the developed numerical procedure than URANS.
Experimental Analysis of a Novel Piezoelectric Jetting System for Micrograms Deposition in Electronic Assemblies
Authors: Iyer Rajiv L. , Santos Daryl L.
Published: June 2017

Over the past ten years, there has been an exponential growth in innovations and designs to offer cutting edge electronic devices that are smaller, faster, with advanced features built in. The existence of smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, etc., is the evidence of these advancements. Original equipment manufacturers are looking for processes in electronic assemblies that can offer high‐speed, high accuracy, and fine droplet mass deposition to address the challenges of product miniaturization, high-density component packaging, and complex designs. This work presents a novel piezoelectric-driven jetting system that is designed to dispense small droplet masses with high accuracy and speed. The system is referred to as “novel” because, in the contact style jetting arena, the piezoelectric drive assembly for use to drive the motion of the piston assembly at high frequencies (up to 500 Hz) is new; furthermore, the piston motion tracking feature is patent pending of. Using a split-plot design of experiments (DOE) model, the jetting system is studied to understand the influence of critical designs introduced and to further review the smallest droplet mass possible to reliably dispense. This experimental analysis uses some of the widely used adhesives in the electronics assembly applications.
Assessing the impact of adjusting for maturity in weight status classification in a cross-sectional sample of UK children
Authors: Gillison Fiona , Cumming Sean , Standage Martyn , Barnaby Catherine , Katzmarzyk Peter
Published: June 2017

Objectives

To compare the weight categorisation of a cohort of UK children using standard procedures (ie, comparing body mass index (BMI) centiles to age-matched UK reference data) versus an approach adjusted for maturation status (ie, matching relative to biological age).

Design

Analysis of data collected from an observational study of UK primary school children.

Setting

Schools in South West England.

Participants

Four hundred and seven 9–11 year-old children (98% white British).

Main outcome measures

Weight status was classified using BMI centiles using (1) sex and chronological age-matched referents and (2) sex and biological age-matched referents (based on % of predicted adult stature) relative to UK 1990 reference growth charts. For both approaches, children were classified as a normal weight if >2nd centile and <85thcentile, overweight if 85th and <95thcentiles, and obese if ≥95thcentile.

Results

Fifty-one children (12.5%) were overweight, and a further 51 obese (12.5%) according to standard chronological age-matched classifications. Adjustment for maturity resulted in 32% of overweight girls, and 15% of overweight boys being reclassified as a normal weight, and 11% and 8% of obese girls and boys, respectively, being reclassified as overweight. Early maturing children were 4.9 times more likely to be reclassified from overweight to normal weight than ‘on-time’ maturers (OR 95% CI 1.3 to 19).

Conclusions

Incorporating assessments of maturational status into weight classification resulted in significant changes to the classification of early-maturing adolescents. Further research exploring the implications for objective health risk and well-being is needed.
Improving the primary-secondary care interface in Scotland: a qualitative exploration of impact on clinicians of an educational complex intervention
Authors: Sampson Rod , MacVicar Ronald , Wilson Philip
Published: June 2017

Objectives

To determine the impact on clinicians and any consequent influence on patient care of taking part in the bespoke interface-focused educational intervention.

Design

Qualitative design.

Setting

Primary and secondary care centres in NHS Highland health board area, Scotland.

Participants

33 urban-based clinicians (18 general practitioners and 15 hospital specialists) in NHS Highland, Scotland.

Intervention

An interface-focused educational intervention was carried out in primary and secondary care centres in NHS Highland health board area, Scotland. Eligible clinicians were invited to take part in the intervention which involved facilitated small group work, and use of a bespoke educational module. Subsequent one-to-one interviews explored the impact of the intervention. A standard thematic analysis was used, comprising an iterative process based on grounded theory.

Results

Key themes that emerged included fresh insights (in relation to those individuals and processes across the interface), adoption of new behaviours (eg, being more empowered to directly contact a colleague, taking steps to reduce the others workload and changes in professional approach) and changes in terms of communication (including a desire to communicate more effectively, with use of different modes and methods).

Conclusion

The study highlighted key areas that may serve as useful outcomes for a large-scale randomised trial. Addressing issues identified in the study may help to improve interface relationships and benefit patient care.
Internet- and mobile-based aftercare and follow-up for mental disorders: protocol of a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Hennemann Severin , Farnsteiner Sylvia , Sander Lasse
Published: June 2017

Introduction

Mental disorders are characterised by a high likelihood of symptom recurrence or chronicity. Thus, in the vulnerable post-discharge phase, aftercare and follow-up aim at stabilising treatment effects, promoting functionality and preventing relapse or readmission. Internet- and mobile-based interventions may represent low threshold and effective extensions to aftercare in tertiary prevention of mental disorders.

Objectives

The planned systematic review and meta-analysis aims to synthesise and analyse existing evidence on the effectiveness of psychological internet- and mobile-based aftercare or follow-up in maintaining treatment effects and/or preventing recurrence in adults with mental disorders.

Methods and analysis

Electronic databases (PsycInfo, MEDLINE and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled trials) will be searched systematically, complemented by a hand-search of ongoing trials and reference lists of selected studies. Data extraction and evaluation will be conducted by two independent researchersand quality will be assessed with the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Eligibility criteria for selecting studies will be: randomised controlled trials of internet-based and mobile-based, psychological aftercare and follow-up for the tertiary prevention of mental disorders in an adult population. Primary outcome will be symptom severity. Secondary outcomes will be symptom or disorder recurrence rate, rehospitalisation rate, functionality, quality of life or adherence to primary treatment. Further data items to be extracted will be: study design, intervention and technical characteristics, type of mental disorder or clinical symptom to be treated, target population items, setting, treatment engagement and assessment of additional outcome variables. Meta-analytic pooling will be conducted when data of included studies are comparable in terms of study design, intervention type, endpoints, assessments and target mental disorder. Cumulative evidence will be evaluated according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation framework.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval is not required. Results from this review will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at international conferences.

Trial registration number

PROSPERO CRD42017055289.
Decomposition rates of surface and buried forest-floor material
Authors: Prescott Cindy E. , Reid Anya , Wu Shu Yao , Nilsson Marie-Charlotte
Published: June 2017

Mechanical site preparation is assumed to reduce soil C stocks by increasing the rate at which the displaced organic material decomposes, but the evidence is equivocal. We measured rates of C loss of forest-floor material in mesh bags either placed on the surface or buried in the mineral soil at four sites in different regional climates in British Columbia. During the 3-year incubation, buried forest-floor material lost between 5% and 15% more C mass than material on the surface, with the greatest difference occurring at the site with the lowest annual precipitation. Studies of the long-term fate of buried and surface humus are needed to understand the net effects of site preparation on soil C stocks.
Taurine reverses sodium fluoride-mediated increase in inflammation, caspase-3 activity, and oxidative damage along the brain–pituitary–gonadal axis in male rats
Authors: Adedara Isaac A. , Olabiyi Bolanle F. , Ojuade TeminiJesu D. , Idris Umar F. , Onibiyo Esther M. , Farombi Ebenezer O.
Published: June 2017

Excessive exposure to fluoride is associated with male reproductive dysfunction in humans and animals. Taurine (2-aminoethane sulfonic acid) is a free intracellular β-amino acid with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. However, the effect of taurine on fluoride-induced reproductive toxicity has not been reported. The present study investigated the influence of taurine on sodium fluoride (NaF)-induced functional changes along the brain–pituitary–gonadal axis in male rats. NaF was administered singly in drinking water at 15 mg·L−1alone or orally co-administered by gavage with taurine at 100 and 200 mg·(kg body mass)−1for 45 consecutive days. Results showed that taurine significantly prevented NaF-induced increase in oxidative stress indices as well as augmented antioxidant enzymes activities and glutathione level in the brain, testes, and epididymis of the treated rats. Moreover, taurine reversed NaF-induced elevation in inflammatory biomarkers and caspase-3 activity as well as histological damage in the brain, testes, and epididymis of the treated rats. The significant reversal of NaF-induced decreases in testosterone level and testicular activities of acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, and lactate dehydrogenase by taurine was accompanied by enhancement of sperm functional characteristics in the treated rats. Taurine may be a possible chemopreventive candidate against reproductive dysfunction resulting from fluoride exposure.
Looking into a whale’s heart: investigating a genetic basis for cardiomyopathy in a non-model species
Authors: Viricel Amélia , Rosel Patricia E.
Published: June 2017

Understanding the pathogenesis of complex diseases can benefit from multi-species comparative studies. Yet these studies rarely include natural populations of non-model species. Here, we focused on the cause of a heart muscle disease, cardiomyopathy (CM), affecting multiple mammalian species including humans, cats, dogs, and certain species of whales. Mutations in genes coding for sarcomeric proteins have been identified as a leading cause for CM in humans, and some were also revealed to be responsible for CM in cats. We investigated whether similar mutations could be detected in the deep-diving pygmy sperm whale (Kogia breviceps), which is one of two cetacean species known to display CM. We sequenced portions of two candidate genes (MYH7: 3153 bp and MYBPC3: 3019 bp) in 55 whales including affected and unaffected individuals. Mutation screening revealed six nonsynonymous substitutions that were predicted to have an effect on protein function. However, the etiology of CM is likely complex and probably multi-factorial as three of these mutations were observed in unaffected individuals from our control group. This incomplete penetrance could be partly age-related and could also be due to the influence of environmental factors on the development of CM, as seen in humans.
Encrypted Electron Beam Lithography Nano-Signatures for Authentication
Authors: Ahi Kiarash , Rivera Abdiel , Anwar Mehdi
Published: June 2017

In this work, engineered nanostructures (ENS) have been fabricated on the packed integrated circuits. Coding lookup tables were developed to assign different digits in numerical matrices to different fabricated nano-signatures. The numerical matrices are encrypted according to advanced encryption standard (AES). The encrypted numerical matrix is ink printed on the components, and the nanosignatures are fabricated on the packaged of the chips via electron beam lithography (EBL). This process is to be done in the manufacturer side of the supply chain. The numerical matrix and the nanosignature accompany the product in its long journey in the global supply chain. The global supply chain is proved to be susceptible to counterfeiters. For keeping counterfeiters‘ hands out of the process, the cipher key and the coding lookup tables are provided to the consumer using a secure direct line between the authentic manufacturer and the consumer. In the consumer side, the printed numerical matrix is decrypted. Having the decrypted numerical matrix makes it possible to extract the nanosignature from the laser speckle pattern shined on the packaged product. In this work, an algorithm is developed to extract the nano-signature by having the decrypted matrix and reflected laser speckle patterns as inputs. Confirming the existence of the nano-signature confirms the authenticity of the component. Imitating the nano-signatures by the counterfeiters is not possible because there is no way for them to observe the shape of these signatures without having access to the cipher key.
Mass loss due to gravitational waves with Λ > 0
Authors: Saw Vee-Liem
Published: June 2017

The theoretical basis for the energy carried away by gravitational waves that an isolated gravitating system emits was first formulated by Hermann Bondi during the ’60s. Recent findings from the observation of distant supernovae revealed that the rate of expansion of our universe is accelerating, which may be well explained by sticking a positive cosmological constant into the Einstein field equations for general relativity. By solving the Newman–Penrose equations (which are equivalent to the Einstein field equations), we generalize this notion of Bondi mass–energy and thereby provide a firm theoretical description of how an isolated gravitating system loses energy as it radiates gravitational waves, in a universe that expands at an accelerated rate. This is in line with the observational front of LIGO’s first announcement in February 2016 that gravitational waves from the merger of a binary black hole system have been detected.
Equivalent impedance method for determining the junction temperature of LED array
Authors: Chu Jing , Rao Feng , Gguo Jie
Published: June 2017

LED junction temperature is an important parameter for LED performance and life. Experiment investigation of the equivalent impedance method for determining the junction temperature of single LED chip has been reported in the past. In this work, this method was expanded to any LED array. The outcome showed that the average junction temperature of any LED array had a linear relationship with the equivalent impedance, which was in agreement with experiments. Therefore, the equivalent impedance can be used to determine the LED junction temperature.
PRST: A PageRank-Based Summarization Technique for Summarizing Bug Reports with Duplicates
Authors: Jiang He , Nazar Najam , Zhang Jingxuan , Zhang Tao , Ren Zhilei
Published: June 2017

During software maintenance, bug reports are widely employed to improve the software project’s quality. A developer often refers to stowed bug reports in a repository for bug resolution. However, this reference process often requires a developer to pursue a substantial amount of textual information in bug reports which is lengthy and tedious. Automatic summarization of bug reports is one way to overcome this problem. Both supervised and unsupervised methods are effectively proposed for the automatic summary generation of bug reports. However, existing methods disregard the significance of duplicate bug reports in summarizing bug reports. In this study, we propose a PageRank-based Summarization Technique (PRST), which utilizes the textual information contained in bug reports and additional information in associated duplicate bug reports. PRST uses three variants of PageRank-based on Vector Space Model (VSM), Jaccard, and WordNet similarity metrics. These variants are utilized to calculate the textual similarity of the sentences between the master bug reports and their duplicates. PRST further trains a regression model and predicts the probability of sentences belonging to the summary. Finally, we combine the values of PageRank and regression model scores to rank the sentences and produce the summary for the master bug reports. In addition, we construct two corpora of bug reports and duplicates, i.e. MBRC and OSCAR. Empirical results suggest that PRST outperforms the state-of-the-art method BRC in terms of Precision, Recall, F-score, and Pyramid Precision. Meanwhile, PRST with WordNet achieves the best results against PRST with VSM and Jaccard.
Deletion of UCP1 enhances ex vivo aortic vasomotor function in female but not male mice despite similar susceptibility to metabolic dysfunction
Authors: Winn Nathan C. , Grunewald Zachary I. , Gastecki Michelle L. , Woodford Makenzie L. , Welly Rebecca J. , Clookey Stephanie L. , Ball James R. , Gaines T’Keaya L. , Karasseva Natalia G. , Kanaley Jill A. , Sacks Harold S. , Vieira-Potter Victoria J. , Padilla Jaume
Published: June 2017

Females are typically more insulin sensitive than males, which may be partly attributed to greater brown adipose tissue (BAT) activity and uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) content. Accordingly, we tested the hypothesis that UCP1 deletion would abolish sex differences in insulin sensitivity and that whitening of thoracic periaortic BAT caused by UCP1 loss would be accompanied with impaired thoracic aortic function. Furthermore, because UCP1 exerts antioxidant effects, we examined whether UCP1 deficiency-induced metabolic dysfunction was mediated by oxidative stress. Compared with males, female mice had lower HOMA- and AT-insulin resistance (IR) despite no significant differences in BAT UCP1 content. UCP1 ablation increased HOMA-IR, AT-IR, and whitening of BAT in both sexes. Expression of UCP1 in thoracic aorta was greater in wild-type females compared with males. Importantly, deletion of UCP1 enhanced aortic vasomotor function in females only. UCP1 ablation did not promote oxidative stress in interscapular BAT. Furthermore, daily administration of the free radical scavenger tempol for 8 wk did not abrogate UCP1 deficiency-induced increases in adiposity, hyperinsulinemia, or liver steatosis. Collectively, we report that 1) in normal chow-fed mice housed at 25°C, aortic UCP1 content was greater in females than males and its deletion improved ex vivo aortic vasomotor function in females only; 2) constitutive UCP1 content in BAT was similar between females and males and loss of UCP1 did not abolish sex differences in insulin sensitivity; and 3) the metabolic disruptions caused by UCP1 ablation did not appear to be contingent upon increased oxidative stress in mice under normal dietary conditions.
Methane Suppresses Microglial Activation Related to Oxidative, Inflammatory, and Apoptotic Injury during Spinal Cord Injury in Rats
Authors: Wang WeiHeng , Huang Xiaodong , Li Jian , Sun Aijun , Yu Jiangming , Xie Ning , Xi YanHai , Ye Xiaojian
Published: June 2017

Objective. We investigated the hypothesis that methane‐rich saline (MS) can be used to repair spinal cord injury (SCI) in a rat model through suppressing microglial activation related to oxidative, inflammatory, and apoptotic injury. Methods. MS was injected intraperitoneally in rats after SCI. Hematoxylin‐eosin (HE) staining, oxidative stress, inflammatory parameters, and cell apoptosis were detected 72 h after SCI to determine the optimal dose. Then, we investigated the protective mechanisms and the long‐term effects of MS on SCI. HE and microglial activation were observed. Neurological function was evaluated by the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) scale. Results. MS can significantly decrease infarct area and inhibit oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell apoptosis 72 h following SCI. The MS protective effect at a dose of 20 ml/kg was better. Moreover, MS can significantly suppress microglial activation related to oxidative and inflammatory injury after SCI and improve hind limb neurological function. Conclusion. MS could repair SCI and reduce the release of oxidative stress, inflammatory cytokines, and cell apoptosis produced by activated microglia. MS provides a novel and promising strategy for the treatment of SCI.
Aldose Reductase Inhibitor Protects against Hyperglycemic Stress by Activating Nrf2-Dependent Antioxidant Proteins
Authors: Shukla Kirtikar , Pal Pabitra Bikash , Sonowal Himangshu , Srivastava Satish K. , Ramana Kota V.
Published: June 2017

We have shown earlier that pretreatment of cultured cells with aldose reductase (AR) inhibitors prevents hyperglycemia-induced mitogenic and proinflammatory responses. However, the effects of AR inhibitors on Nrf2-mediated anti-inflammatory responses have not been elucidated yet. We have investigated how AR inhibitor fidarestat protects high glucose- (HG-) induced cell viability changes by increasing the expression of Nrf2 and its dependent phase II antioxidant enzymes. Fidarestat pretreatment prevents HG (25 mM)-induced Thp1 monocyte viability. Further, treatment of Thp1 monocytes with fidarestat caused a time-dependent increase in the expression as well as the DNA-binding activity of Nrf2. In addition, fidarestat augmented the HG-induced Nrf2 expression and activity and also upregulated the expression of Nrf2-dependent proteins such as hemeoxygenase-1 (HO1) and NQO1 in Thp1 cells. Similarly, treatment with AR inhibitor also induced the expression of Nrf2 and HO1 in STZ-induced diabetic mice heart and kidney tissues. Further, AR inhibition increased the HG-induced expression of antioxidant enzymes such as SOD and catalase and activation of AMPK-α1 in Thp1 cells. Our results thus suggest that pretreatment with AR inhibitor prepares the monocytes against hyperglycemic stress by overexpressing the Nrf2-dependent antioxidative proteins.
S-100β and Antioxidant Capacity in Cerebrospinal Fluid during and after Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair
Authors: Nandate Koichiro , Sharma Deepak , Olivar Hernando , Hallman Matthew , Ramaiah Ramesh , Joffe Aaron , Roche Anthony , Krishnamoorthy Vijay
Published: June 2017

Background. Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair (TEVAR) has substantially decreased the mortality and major complications from aortic surgery. However, neurological complications such as spinal cord ischemia may still occur after TEVAR. S-100β is a biomarker of central nervous system injury, and oxidant injury plays an important role in neurological injury. In this pilot study, we examined the trends of S-100β and antioxidant capacity in the CSF during and after TEVAR. Methods. We recruited 10 patients who underwent elective TEVAR. CSF samples were collected through a lumbar catheter at the following time points: before the start of surgery (T0) and immediately (T1) and 24 (T2) and 48 hours (T3) after the deployment of the aortic stent. S-100β and CSF antioxidant capacity were analyzed with the use of commercially available kits. Results. We observed that the level of S-100β in all of the subjects at 24 hours after the deployment of the aortic stent (T2) increased. However, the levels of S-100β at T1 and T3 were comparable to the baseline value. The antioxidant capacity remained unchanged. No patient had a clinical neurologic complication. Conclusions. Our observations may indicate biochemical/subclinical central nervous system injury attributable to the deployment of the aortic stent.