bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Rapidly Convergent Empirical Mode Decomposition Method for Analyzing the Environmental Temperature Effects on Stay Cable Force
Authors: Wu Wen‐Hwa , Chen Chien‐Chou , Jhou Jhe‐Wei , Lai Gwolong
Published: February 2018

The variation histories of cable force and effective temperature were recently processed by empirical mode decomposition (EMD) to discover that they can both be categorized into two main components including the daily and long‐term variations. A rapidly convergent EMD method aimed to more efficiently decompose these two types of signals is established in this study. To deal with the typically encountered problems of slow convergence, scale mixing, and end effect in EMD, an objective stoppage criterion is first proposed and efforts are also made to clarify the origin of scale mixing and slow divergence. Based on the above explorations, an extremum neglecting algorithm and a boundary modification technique with appropriate control points are further developed to complete the whole methodology. The superiority of this new method is verified by more concisely decomposing the previously processed data into fewer intrinsic mode functions with a significant reduction in computation time.
The challenge of converting Gram‐positive‐only compounds into broad‐spectrum antibiotics
Authors: Richter Michelle F. , Hergenrother Paul J.
Published: February 2018

Multidrug resistant Gram‐negative bacterial infections are on the rise, and there is a lack of new classes of drugs to treat these pathogens. This drug shortage is largely due to the challenge of finding antibiotics that can permeate and persist inside Gram‐negative species. Efforts to understand the molecular properties that enable certain compounds to accumulate in Gram‐negative bacteria based on retrospective studies of known antibiotics have not been generally actionable in the development of new antibiotics. A recent assessment of the ability of >180 diverse small molecules to accumulate in Escherichia coli led to predictive guidelines for compound accumulation in E. coli. These “eNTRy rules” state that compounds are most likely to accumulate if they contain a nonsterically encumbered ionizable Nitrogen (primary amines are the best), have low Three‐dimensionality (globularity ≤ 0.25), and are relatively Rigid (rotatable bonds ≤ 5). In this review, we look back through 50+ years of antibacterial research and 1000s of derivatives and assess this historical data set through the lens of these predictive guidelines. The results are consistent with the eNTRy rules, suggesting that the eNTRy rules may provide an actionable and general roadmap for the conversion of Gram‐positive‐only compounds into broad‐spectrum antibiotics.
The Effects of Risk, Beliefs, and Trust in Education Policy Networks: The Case of Autism and Special Education
Authors: Parsons Bryan M.
Published: February 2018

There are multiple theoretical accounts of how actors address problems of collective action in policy networks, but the two most prominent hypotheses are the risk and belief homophily hypotheses. The risk hypothesis claims that relational structures (e.g., bridging, bonding) depend on the benefits actors receive from uncooperative behavior, while the belief homophily hypothesis claims that relational ties form around shared policy beliefs. This study incorporates the case of autism and special education policy, a subsystem best characterized by Berardo and Scholz's (2010) conceptualization of a low‐risk environment, to test hypotheses about the influence of risk, policy beliefs, and trust on the formation on relational ties in education policy networks. Utilizing data from a 2016 network survey of public and private special education stakeholders in Virginia, results from exponential random graph models provide support for the effects of bridging structures, beliefs related to the medical model of disability, and social trust on strong (collaboration) and weak (information/advice) relational ties in policy networks. The findings reinforce the importance of using policy networks to understand how actors build connections across multiple jurisdictions and policy sectors to mitigate problems of coordination in policy decision making and implementation.
Is gardening corals of opportunity the appropriate response to reverse Philippine reef decline?
Authors: Feliciano Giannina Nicole R. , Mostrales Thea Philea I. , Acosta Ara Kim M. , Luzon Katrina , Bangsal John Christopher A. , Licuanan Wilfredo Y.
Published: February 2018

Hard coral cover (HCC) in the Philippines has been declining over the past decades. Restoration practices that utilize “gardening” corals of opportunity (COPs) are actively being adopted throughout the country. However, the use of COPs in coral gardening has not yet been examined in terms of its effectiveness in addressing nationwide‐scale reef decline. The feasibility of using COPs for coral gardening was determined through a spreadsheet model that derives COP numbers needed to increase HCC in a reef. The model showed that 280,112 COPs of 5‐cm radius need to be transplanted to increase HCC in a hectare of reef from 0% to 22%, the current national average. Annual COP mortality must be less than 31.5% to achieve an increase in HCC above 22% over a span of 10 years following a gardening effort. Actual counts and generic composition of available COPs were recorded from transects in 20 reef stations across three locations in the Philippines (Lian, Luzon; Lubang Island; and Balabac, Palawan). Natural COP densities suggest that large areas of healthy reefs must be searched to obtain enough COPs for an effective gardening effort. Furthermore, the COPs measured in Lian were below the recommended fragment size for transplantation, thus needing nursery rearing to attain the 5‐cm radius prescribed for increased probability of transplant survivorship. These findings indicate that applying coral gardening at a nationwide scale is not likely to be feasible, effective, or sustainable.
Do regional trade agreements stimulate FDI? Evidence for the Agadir, MERCOSUR and AFTA regions
Authors: Cherif Mondher , Dreger Christian
Published: February 2018

The integration of emerging markets into the global economy is heavily promoted by foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows. Among the factors explaining the location of FDI, regional trade agreements (RTAs) can be relevant for emerging markets, as they can promote economic integration and increase the attractiveness of the region for foreign investors. This paper investigates the impact of South–South trade agreements on the FDI decision of multinationals, where the Agadir, mercado comun del sur (MERCOSUR), and ASEAN free trade area (AFTA) agreements are considered. Three panels of countries are defined, where the members joined a specific agreement or not. Non‐Gulf Arab states are compared to better performing regions in Latin America and Southern and Eastern Asia. The analysis provides evidence that openness to foreign trade and financial markets are among the main catalysts to attract FDI, provided that business‐friendly institutions exist in the host country. Other variables, like the size of the industrial sector, urbanization rates, and external debt appear to be important in some cases. The integration of China into the world economy is a specific trigger for FDI to Asian destinations. Since RTAs influence the market size by reducing barriers to trade, their impact operates via GDP growth and openness. Gains from the agreement are striking for Latin America and Asia, but not for Arab states. To attract more FDI, business‐friendly institutional reforms and mechanisms to support new firm foundation should be implemented in this region.
Approximate Residual Balancing: Debiased Inference of Average Treatment Effects in High Dimensions
Authors: Athey Susan , Imbens Guido W. , Wager Stefan
Published: February 2018

There are many settings where researchers are interested in estimating average treatment effects and are willing to rely on the unconfoundedness assumption, which requires that the treatment assignment be as good as random conditional on pretreatment variables. The unconfoundedness assumption is often more plausible if a large number of pretreatment variables are included in the analysis, but this can worsen the performance of standard approaches to treatment effect estimation. We develop a method for debiasing penalized regression adjustments to allow sparse regression methods like the lasso to be used for √n-consistent inference of average treatment effects in high dimensional linear models. Given linearity, we do not need to assume that the treatment propensities are estimable, or that the average treatment effect is a sparse contrast of the outcome model parameters. Rather, in addition to standard assumptions used to make lasso regression on the outcome model consistent under 1-norm error, we require only overlap, i.e. that the propensity score be uniformly bounded away from 0 and 1. Procedurally, our method combines balancing weights with a regularized regression adjustment.
Interleukin‐17A participates in podocyte injury by inducing IL‐1β secretion through ROS‐NLRP3 inflammasome‐caspase‐1 pathway
Authors: Yan J. , Li Y. , Yang H. , Zhang L. , Yang B. , Wang M. , Li Q.
Published: February 2018

Studies show that the Th17/IL‐17A axis plays an important role in the pathogenesis of kidney diseases. Previously, we also showed that IL‐17A may play a role in the pathogenesis of primary nephrotic syndrome; however, the underlying mechanism(s) is unclear. The aim of this study was to explore the molecular mechanism of IL‐17A‐inducing podocyte injury in vitro. In this study, the NLRP3 inflammasome activation and the morphology of podocytes were detected by Western blot and immunofluorescence. The results showed that podocytes persistently expressed IL‐17A receptor and that NLRP3 inflammasome in these cells was activated upon exposure to IL‐17A. Also, activity of caspase‐1 and secretion of IL‐1β increased in the presence of IL‐17A. In addition, IL‐17A disrupted podocyte morphology by decreasing expression of podocin and increasing expression of desmin. Blockade of intracellular ROS or inhibition of caspase‐1 prevented activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, thereby restoring podocyte morphology. Taken together, the results suggest that IL‐17A induces podocyte injury by activating the NLRP3 inflammasome and IL‐1β secretion and contributes to disruption of the kidney's filtration system.
Understanding hate crimes against immigrants: Considerations for future research
Authors: Iwama Janice A.
Published: February 2018

Following the passage of the Hate Crimes Statistics Act of 1990, hate crime research grew with the ability to use data collected by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Nevertheless, limitations in the data collection led to a dramatic decline in research by the end of the 20th century. This review provides an overview on the development of the hate crime legislation and data collection in order to address and understand the prevalence of hate crimes in the United States. Despite the limitations found in the national hate crime data collected by federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, a rise in the level of hate crimes against immigrants has renewed scholarly interest in identifying the causes and effects of hate crimes. Recent studies have taken a different approach to explain the rise in the level of hate crimes against immigrants given the passage of anti‐immigrant legislation and inflammatory rhetoric against immigrants. By examining the link between hate crimes against immigrant groups and the demographic, economic, and political changes within the local context, researchers can begin to explain the variation in hate crimes and inform future research as well as local policies and practices to prevent these crimes from occurring.
Protection against summer solar lentigo over‐pigmentation with a SPF30 daily cream
Authors: Josse G. , Le Digabel J. , Questel E.
Published: February 2018

Background/purpose

The aim of this study was to measure lentigines' pigmentation over a long period of time and evaluate if summer over‐pigmentation can be avoided by the use a SPF30 day skin cream.

Methods

Seventeen healthy female volunteers aged 50 and over and presenting lentigines participated in the study from spring to summer. Throughout the study, all subjects applied a SPF30 daily skin cream to only one hand. Color measurements of the target lesions were performed with a chromameter and with a color‐calibrated camera. Target lesions were also imaged with in vivo reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM). A specific procedure for re‐registering the images was developed to ensure that the same papillae were measured over time.

Results

Both color measurement methods, chromametry and color‐calibrated camera, showed that lentigines treated over time with the SPF30 day skin cream were significantly lighter than the non‐treated lentigines. The RCM images showed a decrease in the papillary contrast for the treated lentigines.

Conclusion

This study shows that this over‐pigmentation can be avoided using a SPF30 day skin cream. Moreover, we have demonstrated that very fine re‐registration of the RCM images is possible and ensures a more robust analysis.
Isolation of Crithidia spp. from lesions of immunocompetent patients with suspected cutaneous leishmaniasis in Iran
Authors: Ghobakhloo Nafiseh , Motazedian Mohammad Hossein , Naderi Shahrbanoo , Ebrahimi Sepideh
Published: February 2018

Objective

Leishmania major has been considered as the main aetiological agent of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Iran. However, there are recent reports about the existence of Crithidia spp in cutaneous lesions in southern Iran. Therefore, this study was designed to decipher some morphological, biological and molecular aspects of this phenomenon.

Methods

Clinical isolates were obtained from 167 patients with cutaneous ulcers. A set of specific primers based on GAPDH (Glyceraldehyde‐3‐Phosphate Dehydrogenase) gene were used to distinguish between Crithidia and Leishmania genera. For molecular analysis, Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis and Mi‐Seq Illumina platform were applied. Then, morphological analysis and some biological features (including potential growth at 37 °C and the ability of infecting mammalian macrophages) were studied.

Results

In 92.8% of clinical cases, L. major was the only causative microorganism isolated; in 5.4% of cases, co‐infection of L. major and Crithidia spp. was identified; and in 1.8% of lesions, only Crithidia spp. were found.

Conclusion

We isolated Crithidia spp. from clinical samples of patients suspected of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Iran, indicating that Crithidia spp. are capable of surviving at human body temperature and infecting macrophage cells. This raises questions on the influence of this phenomenon on pathogenicity, therapeutic outcome and disease control strategies.
Debt and development in historical perspective: The external constraints of late industrialisation revisited through South Korea and Brazil
Authors: Fischer Andrew M.
Published: February 2018

Current debates about the role of external finance in development mostly overlook the insights from early development economics that late industrialisation generates a structural tendency to run trade deficits, thereby exacerbating rather than relieving external foreign exchange constraints. The developmental role of external finance is therefore based on its strategic marginal contribution to relieve such constraints. External debt in particular also allows countries to pursue industrial strategies without reliance on foreign direct investment. These insights are revisited in this paper as a critical input to both mainstream and heterodox contemporary scholarship on debt and development. While the mainstream generally avoids discussion of state‐led industrial policy, the heterodox has converged on a view that developing countries should avoid external finance. The contrasting external account histories of South Korea and Brazil are examined to demonstrate the validity of the classic insights and the contemporary fallacies. While the South Korean case speaks much to its geopolitical context, this does not necessarily refute the principle that post‐war late development engenders an intensive demand for external finance, which must be met if industrialisation strategies are not to be stymied, as in the case of Brazil, no matter how effectively domestic strategies are conceived and implemented.
Major applications and limitations of blood group genotyping in China
Authors: Ji Y. L.
Published: February 2018

Molecular immunohematological techniques have been well applied in the transfusion medicine. Here, we review the major applications for blood group genotyping in China. Its application mainly focuses on the typing of blood group antigens in complex cases, such as ABO subgroups, D variants or the Asian specific and common antigens typing (such as the antigens expressed by the MNS hybrid glycophorins), also because of lacking of the corresponding commercial antibodies. The comprehensive antigens profile in some specific samples could be obtained using medium‐ or high‐throughput genotyping platforms. Although, foetal RHD genotyping in D– pregnant women in Europe is highly relevant to avoid unnecessary antenatal RhIg, it is of comparatively less importance in the Chinese D– pregnant women because of the low probability (3–4%) to have a D– baby. In contrast, the application of routine molecular testing for the ‘Asia type’ DEL, which having a frequency up to 30% in East Asian people serologically typed as D‐negative, is more necessary to avoid unnecessary administration of antenatal RhIg, because there is increasing evidence that individuals carrying the ‘Asia type’ DEL allele (c.1227G>A, p.Lys409Lys) do not produce alloanti‐D after exposure to D+ red blood cells. The molecular methods to detect the RHD*1227A are more accurate and applicable for routine testing of ‘Asia type’ DEL.
Pigs expressing the human inhibitory ligand PD‐L1 (CD 274) provide a new source of xenogeneic cells and tissues with low immunogenic properties
Authors: Buermann Anna , Petkov Stoyan , Petersen Björn , Hein Rabea , Lucas‐Hahn Andrea , Baars Wiebke , Brinkmann Antje , Niemann Heiner , Schwinzer Reinhard
Published: February 2018

Background

The programmed cell death‐1 (PD‐1, CD279)/PD‐Ligand1 (PD‐L1, CD274) receptor system is crucial for controlling the balance between immune activation and induction of tolerance via generation of inhibitory signals. Expression of PD‐L1 is associated with reduced immunogenicity and renders cells and tissues to an immune‐privileged/tolerogenic state.

Methods

To apply this concept for clinical xenotransplantation, we generated human (h)PD‐L1 transgenic pigs and characterized expression and biological function of the transgene at the cellular level.

Results

The hPD‐L1 was detected in kidney, heart, and pancreas. In addition, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), cultured fibroblasts, and endothelial cells were hPD‐L1 positive (hPD‐L1+). The hPD‐L1 levels were increased by the treatment of transgenic cells with human cytokines (eg, TNF‐α), suggesting a regulatable mode of transgene expression. Compared to cells from wild‐type pigs, hPD‐L1+ PBMC had a significantly reduced capacity to stimulate proliferation of human CD4+ T cells. Moreover, fibroblasts from hPD‐L1 transgenic pigs were partially protected from cell‐mediated lysis by human cytotoxic effector cells.

Conclusions

These data indicate a low immunogenic, immune‐protected status of cells from hPD‐L1 transgenic pigs. The integration of the hPD‐L1 concept into existing multi‐transgenic pigs is promising to achieve long‐term survival of porcine xenografts in non‐human primate recipients.
ToF-SIMS analysis of ion implanted standard to quantify insecticide in mosquito netting with cesium and argon gas cluster sputtering beams
Authors: Zhou Chuanzhen , Stevie Fred A. , Smith Stephen C. , Rading Derk , Zakel Julia
Published: February 2018

Ion implantation has been investigated for quantification of species in organic materials. Quantitative analysis of two insecticides in mosquito netting was recently achieved by ion implantation and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectroscopy analysis with a Cs+ sputtering beam [Zhou et al., J. Vac. Sci. Technol., B 34, 03H107 (2016) and Zhou et al., J. Vac. Sci. Technol., B 35, 031802 (2017)]. Gas cluster ion beams (GCIBs) are of increasing utility in depth profiling of organic materials, and it was of interest to try the ion implantation approach with argon GCIB. The study was conducted on permethrin treated mosquito netting and on the substrate material [high density polyethylene (HDPE)] which was ion implanted with chlorine. The negative ion mass spectrum of permethrin is dominated by Cl−. Analysis of the ion implanted HDPE with Cs+ provided the expected Gaussian distribution, but analysis with argon GCIB shows a very sharp change in matrix species intensity at the penetration depth of the ion implant. This is presumably due to the degradation of the polymer structure by the implant. Even with reduced chlorine implant dose, the ability to use the analysis of the standard to quantify chlorine in insecticide treated fiber with GCIB was limited because of secondary ion yield variations. Analysis of netting which was no longer effective against mosquitoes showed significantly less chlorine at the surface than fresh netting, similar to the results obtained with the Cs+ sputtering beam. The results are useful to understand the effectiveness of insecticide treated nets and have implications for the analysis of other organic materials with the use of ion implantation for quantification.
Modelling the broadband propagation of marine mammal echolocation clicks for click-based population density estimates
Authors: von Benda-Beckmann Alexander M. , Thomas Len , Tyack Peter L. , Ainslie Michael A.
Published: February 2018

Passive acoustic monitoring with widely-dispersed hydrophones has been suggested as a cost-effective method to monitor population densities of echolocating marine mammals. This requires an estimate of the area around each receiver over which vocalizations are detected—the “effective detection area” (EDA). In the absence of auxiliary measurements enabling estimation of the EDA, it can be modelled instead. Common simplifying model assumptions include approximating the spectrum of clicks by flat energy spectra, and neglecting the frequency-dependence of sound absorption within the click bandwidth (narrowband assumption), rendering the problem amenable to solution using the sonar equation. Here, it is investigated how these approximations affect the estimated EDA and their potential for biasing the estimated density. EDA was estimated using the passive sonar equation, and by applying detectors to simulated clicks injected into measurements of background noise. By comparing model predictions made using these two approaches for different spectral energy distributions of echolocation clicks, but identical click source energy level and detector settings, EDA differed by up to a factor of 2 for Blainville's beaked whales. Both methods predicted relative density bias due to narrowband assumptions ranged from 5% to more than 100%, depending on the species, detector settings, and noise conditions.
Talkers produce more pronounced amplitude modulations when speaking in noise
Authors: Bosker Hans Rutger , Cooke Martin
Published: February 2018

Speakers adjust their voice when talking in noise (known as Lombard speech), facilitating speech comprehension. Recent neurobiological models of speech perception emphasize the role of amplitude modulations in speech-in-noise comprehension, helping neural oscillators to “track” the attended speech. This study tested whether talkers produce more pronounced amplitude modulations in noise. Across four different corpora, modulation spectra showed greater power in amplitude modulations below 4 Hz in Lombard speech compared to matching plain speech. This suggests that noise-induced speech contains more pronounced amplitude modulations, potentially helping the listening brain to entrain to the attended talker, aiding comprehension.
Scattered wave imaging of the oceanic plate in Cascadia
Authors: Rychert Catherine A. , Harmon Nicholas , Tharimena Saikiran
Published: February 2018

Scattered waves image discontinuities beneath Cascadia that are likely caused by melt beneath the young oceanic plate.
Systematic deficiency of aftershocks in areas of high coseismic slip for large subduction zone earthquakes
Authors: Wetzler Nadav , Lay Thorne , Brodsky Emily E. , Kanamori Hiroo
Published: February 2018

Aftershock deficiency in large-slip zones of major subduction zone earthquake ruptures indicates below-critical shear stress.
Oceanic crustal carbon cycle drives 26-million-year atmospheric carbon dioxide periodicities
Authors: Müller R. Dietmar , Dutkiewicz Adriana
Published: February 2018

How seafloor weathering drives the slow carbon cycle.
Unexpected evolutionary benefit to phages imparted by bacterial CRISPR-Cas9
Authors: Tao Pan , Wu Xiaorong , Rao Venigalla
Published: February 2018

Phages show an elevated mutation rate and remarkably rapid evolution when attacked by the bacterial CRISPR/Cas system.
Predicting reaction performance in C–N cross-coupling using machine learning
Authors: Ahneman Derek T. , Estrada Jesús G. , Lin Shishi , Dreher Spencer D. , Doyle Abigail G.
Published: February 2018

A guide for catalyst choice in the forest

Chemists often discover reactions by applying catalysts to a series of simple compounds. Tweaking those reactions to tolerate more structural complexity in pharmaceutical research is time-consuming. Ahnemanet al.report that machine learning can help. Using a high-throughput data set, they trained a random forest algorithm to predict which specific palladium catalysts would best tolerate isoxazoles (cyclic structures with an N–O bond) during C–N bond formation. The predictions also helped to guide analysis of the catalyst inhibition mechanism.

Science, this issue p.186
Anthropogenic N Deposition Alters the Composition of Expressed Class II Fungal Peroxidases
Authors: Entwistle Elizabeth M. , Romanowicz Karl J. , Argiroff William A. , Freedman Zachary B. , Morris J. Jeffrey , Zak Donald R.
Published: February 2018

Here, we present evidence that ca. 20 years of experimental N deposition altered the composition of lignin-decaying class II peroxidases expressed by forest floor fungi, a response which has occurred concurrently with reductions in plant litter decomposition and a rapid accumulation of soil organic matter. This finding suggests that anthropogenic N deposition has induced changes in the biological mediation of lignin decay, the rate limiting step in plant litter decomposition. Thus, an altered composition of transcripts for a critical gene that is associated with terrestrial C cycling may explain the increased soil C storage under long-term increases in anthropogenic N deposition.

IMPORTANCE
Fungal class II peroxidases are enzymes that mediate the rate-limiting step in the decomposition of plant material, which involves the oxidation of lignin and other polyphenols. In field experiments, anthropogenic N deposition has increased soil C storage in forests, a result which could potentially arise from anthropogenic N-induced changes in the composition of class II peroxidases expressed by the fungal community. In this study, we have gained unique insight into how anthropogenic N deposition, a widespread agent of global change, affects the expression of a functional gene encoding an enzyme that plays a critical role in a biologically mediated ecosystem process.
Clinical impact of physical exercise on sleep disorder as assessed by actigram in patients with chronic pancreatitis: a study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Yoh Kazunori , Nishikawa Hiroki , Enomoto Hirayuki , Iwata Yoshinori , Ishii Akio , Yuri Yukihisa , Ishii Noriko , Miyamoto Yuho , Hasegawa Kunihiro , Nakano Chikage , Takata Ryo , Nishimura Takashi , Aizawa Nobuhiro , Sakai Yoshiyuki , Ikeda Naoto , Takashima Tomoyuki , Iijima Hiroko , Nishiguchi Shuhei
Published: February 2018

Introduction

In most chronic pancreatitis (CP) cases, malabsorption, pain, and weight loss are the leading clinical symptoms, which significantly worsen the quality of life (QOL) and decreased QOL in patients with CP can cause sleep disorder. There is a growing body of evidence that recognises the favourable effects of physical exercise (PE), however, there are limited data currently available concerning patients with CP undergoing PE. Actigram is a device for gathering objective sleep/awake data in the natural sleeping surroundings over an extended time period. In this study, we will aim to prospectively investigate the effect of PE on sleep disorder as assessed by actigram in patients with CP.

Methods and analysis

This study is a non-double-blind randomised controlled trial. Study participants will be randomised into the PE group and the control group. When registering patients, precise assessment for nutritional status and daily physical activities will be undertaken in each study patient. In the PE group, physical activities equal to or higher than walking for 60 min/day should be strongly recommended. Sleep quality using actigram will be prospectively compared in the two groups. The primary endpoint is the activity index in actigram at 12 weeks.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval for the study was granted by the Institutional Review Board at Hyogo College of Medicine (approval number 2767). Results will be presented at relevant conferences and submitted to an appropriate journal following trial closure and analysis.

Trial registration number

UMIN000029265(https://upload.umin.ac.jp/); Pre-results.
Outcome of tacrolimus and vedolizumab after corticosteroid and anti-TNF failure in paediatric severe colitis
Authors: Hamel Blaise , Wu May , Hamel Elizabeth O , Bass Dorsey M , Park K T
Published: February 2018

Background

Severe colitis flare from ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn’s disease (CD) may be refractory to corticosteroids and antitumour necrosis factor (TNF) agents resulting in high colectomy rates. We aimed to describe the utility of tacrolimus to prevent colectomy during second-line vedolizumab initiation after corticosteroid and anti-TNF treatment failure in paediatric severe colitis.

Methods

A retrospective cohort analysis was performed between 1 October 2014 and 31 October 2016 at a single tertiary care centre. Inclusion criteria were patients with severe colitis who received tacrolimus before or during vedolizumab induction and previous exposure to anti-TNF therapy with or without corticosteroids. The initiation of tacrolimus was clinician dependent based on an institutional protocol.

Results

Twelve patients (10 UC, two CD; median age 16 years; three female) received at least one dose of vedolizumab 10 mg/kg (max of 300 mg) due to anti-TNF therapy failure and persistent flare not responsive to corticosteroids. Of the 12 patients, eight (67%) and four (33%) had failed one or two anti-TNF agents, respectively. Tacrolimus was initiated for acute disease severity during hospitalisation (58%) or ongoing flare during outpatient care (42%). 9 (75%) of 12 patients avoided colectomy or inflammatory bowel disease-related surgery at 24 weeks and eight (68%) continued on vedolizumab maintenance with no adverse events out to 80 weeks.

Conclusion

We report real-world data on the outcome of tacrolimus around vedolizumab initiation in paediatric UC or CD after corticosteroid and anti-TNF therapy treatment failure. Our pilot experience indicates a potential benefit of concomitant tacrolimus when initiating vedolizumab therapy.
Remote biomonitoring of temperatures in mothers and newborns: design, development and testing of a wearable sensor device in a tertiary-care hospital in southern India
Authors: Mony Prem K , Thankachan Prashanth , Bhat Swarnarekha , Rao Suman , Washington Maryann , Antony Sumi , Thomas Annamma , Nagarajarao Sheela C , Rao Hiteshwar , Amrutur Bharadwaj
Published: February 2018

Objective

Newer technologies such as wearables, sensors, mobile telephony and computing offer opportunities to monitor vital physiological parameters and tackle healthcare problems, thereby improving access and quality of care. We describe the design, development and testing of a wearable sensor device for remote biomonitoring of body temperatures in mothers and newborns in southern India.

Methods

Based on client needs and technological requirements, a wearable sensor device was designed and developed using principles of ‘social innovation’ design. The device underwent multiple iterations in product design and engineering based on user feedback, and then following preclinical testing, a techno-feasibility study and clinical trial were undertaken in a tertiary-care teaching hospital in Bangalore, India. Clinical trial phases I and IIa for evaluation of safety and efficacy were undertaken in the following sequence: 7 healthy adult volunteers; 18 healthy mothers; 3 healthy babies; 10 stable babies in the neonatal care intensive unit and 1 baby with morbidities. Time-stamped skin temperature readings obtained at 5 min intervals over a 1-hour period from the device secured on upper arms of mothers and abdomen of neonates were compared against readings from thermometers used routinely in clinical practice.

Results

Devices were comfortably secured on to adults and neonates, and data were efficiently transmitted via the gateway device for secure storage and retrieval for analysis. The mean skin temperatures in mothers were lower than the axillary temperatures by 2°C; and in newborns, there was a precision of –0.5°C relative to axillary measurements. While occasional minimal adverse events were noted in healthy volunteers, no adverse events were noted in mothers or neonates.

Conclusions

This proof-of-concept study shows that this device is promising in terms of feasibility, safety and accuracy (with appropriate calibration) with potential for further refinements in device accuracy and pursuit of further phases of clinical research for improved maternal and neonatal health.
Feasibility, acceptability and effectiveness of an online alternative to face-to-face consultation in general practice: a mixed-methods study of webGP in six Devon practices
Authors: Carter Mary , Fletcher Emily , Sansom Anna , Warren Fiona C , Campbell John L
Published: February 2018

Objectives

To evaluate the feasibility, acceptability and effectiveness of webGP as piloted by six general practices.

Methods

Mixed-methods evaluation, including data extraction from practice databases, general practitioner (GP) completion of case reports, patient questionnaires and staff interviews.

Setting

General practices in NHS Northern, Eastern and Western Devon Clinical Commissioning Group’s area approximately 6 months after implementing webGP (February–July 2016).

Participants

Six practices provided consultations data; 20 GPs completed case reports (regarding 61 e-consults); 81 patients completed questionnaires; 5 GPs and 5 administrators were interviewed.

Outcome measures

Attitudes and experiences of practice staff and patients regarding webGP.

Results

WebGP uptake during the evaluation was small, showing no discernible impact on practice workload. The completeness of cross-sectional data on consultation workload varied between practices.

GPs judged 41/61 (72%) of webGP requests to require a face-to-face or telephone consultation. Introducing webGP appeared to be associated with shifts in responsibility and workload between practice staff and between practices and patients.

81/231 patients completed a postal survey (35.1% response rate). E-Consulters were somewhat younger and more likely to be employed than face-to-face respondents. WebGP appeared broadly acceptable to patients regarding timeliness and quality/experience of care provided. Similar problems were presented by all respondents. Both groups appeared equally familiar with other practice online services; e-consulters were somewhat more likely to have used them.

From semistructured staff interviews, it appeared that, while largely acceptable within practice, introducing e-consults had potential for adverse interactions with pre-existing practice systems.

Conclusions

There is potential to assess the impact of new systems on consultation patterns by extracting routine data from practice databases. Staff and patients noticed subtle changes to responsibilities associated with online options. Greater uptake requires good communication between practice and patients, and organisation of systems to avoid conflicts and misuse. Further research is required to evaluate the full potential of webGP in managing practice workload.
Postmatch recovery of physical performance and biochemical markers in team ball sports: a systematic review
Authors: Doeven Steven H , Brink Michel S , Kosse Silke J , Lemmink Koen A P M
Published: February 2018

Background

Insufficient postmatch recovery in elite players may cause an increased risk of injuries, illnesses and non-functional over-reaching.

Objective

To evaluate postmatch recovery time courses of physical performance and biochemical markers in team ball sport players.

Study design

Systematic review.

Data sources

PubMed and Web of Science.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

This systematic review was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The Critical Review Form for Quantitative Studies was used to evaluate quality. Studies were included if they met the following criteria: (1) original research evaluated players’ physical recovery postmatch; (2) team/intermittent sports; and (3) at least two postmeasurements were compared with baseline values.

Results

Twenty-eight studies were eligible. Mean methodological quality was 11.2±1.11. Most used performance tests and biochemical markers were the countermovement jump test, sprint tests and creatine kinase (CK), cortisol (C) and testosterone (T), respectively.

Summary/conclusions

The current evidence demonstrates that underlying mechanisms of muscle recovery are still in progress while performance recovery is already reached. CK recovery time courses are up to ≥72 hours. Soccer and rugby players need more time to recover for sprint performance, CK and C in comparison to other team ball sports. There are more high-quality studies needed regarding recovery in various team sports and recovery strategies on an individual level should be evaluated.

Clinical relevance

Ongoing insufficient recovery can be prevented by the use of the presented recovery time courses as specific practical recovery guidelines.
Association between short sleep duration and carotid atherosclerosis modified by age in a Chinese community population
Authors: Chen Si , Yang Ying , Cheng Guan-Liang , Jia Jia , Fan Fang-Fang , Li Jian-Ping , Huo Yong , Zhang Yan , Chen Da-Fang
Published: February 2018

Background and aim

Short sleep duration is a risk factor of cardiovascular disorder; however, the association between short sleep duration and carotid atherosclerosis has not been completely characterised. The aim of this study is to investigate the association between short sleep duration and carotid atherosclerosis.

Methods

We used the cross-sectional data collected between May 2014 and July 2014, which were based on a cardiovascular disease cohort study including 3798 participants aged 40 years and older who are residents of Beijing, China. We used logistic regression models to examine the associations between sleep duration and carotid atherosclerosis.

Results

After the adjustment of covariates, short sleep duration (less than 5 hours per night) was found to be associated with carotid atherosclerosis, and it also elevated the risk of, in both terms, the increment of prevalence (OR=1.31, P<0.05) and the quantity of carotid plaques (OR=1.28, P<0.05). When age was also taken into consideration, the largest association, in both terms of prevalence (OR=3.46, P<0.01) and the number of carotid plaques (OR=4.23, P<0.01), was found in subjects over the age of 60 with short sleep duration.

Conclusion

In conclusion, sleep duration less than 5 hours per night is associated with a higher risk of carotid atherosclerosis compared with subjects who sleeps for 5 or over 5 hours per night, and the association may be modified by age.
Republished: Multiple anomalies in the origin and course of vertebral arteries and aberrant right subclavian artery in a child with moyamoya syndrome
Authors: Beyaz Pınar , Khan Nadia , Baltsavias Gerasimos
Published: February 2018

Here we report, for the first time, a combination of five-vessel aortic arch, anomalous origin of the right vertebral artery (VA) from the common carotid artery (CCA), an aberrant right subclavian artery (SCA), and bilateral symmetrical segmental agenesis of VAs.In this case report, we present a patient with moyamoya syndrome (MMS) and Down syndrome (DS) who has bilateral symmetrical segmental agenesis of VAs, left VA originating from aortic arch and anomalous origin of right VA arising from CCA in combination with an aberrant right SCA. Therefore, five vessels are originating from aortic arch. Here, we report, for the first time, a combination of five-vessel aortic arch with an aberrant right SCA and symmetrical segmental agenesis of both VAs. The possible embryological mechanisms of the anomalies as well as an relation with MMS and DS are discussed.
Republished: Parapedicular vertebral augmentation with polymethylmetacrylate for pedicle screw loosening
Authors: Clerk-Lamalice Olivier , Irani Zubin , Growney Marion , Beall Douglas P , Hirsch Joshua A
Published: February 2018

A 71-year-old man who had a L1/S1 posterior fusion revision surgery complained of increasing back pain 5 weeks after the open surgical procedure. The pain was initially estimated at 9/10 on the visual analog scale (VAS) and thought to be related to a right-sided L2 screw loosening. A right parapedicular vertebroplasty was performed and polymethylmethacrylate cement was instilled around the right pedicle screw, filling the anterior two-thirds of the vertebral body. On postvertebroplasty day 1, the patient had significant improvement in his low back pain. The pain further decreased at 1 and 3 months after the intervention (2/10 on the VAS). Vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive, accessible, effective, and long lasting treatment for compression fractures. We believe that this technique could also be indicated to treat pain related to low grade screw loosening in properly selected patients.
Counterintuitive increase in observed Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis prevalence in sympatric rabbits following the introduction of paratuberculosis control measures in cattle
Authors: Fox Naomi J , Caldow George L , Liebeschuetz Hilary , Stevenson Karen , Hutchings Michael R
Published: February 2018

Paratuberculosis (Johne's disease) is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (Map). Achieving herd‐level control of mycobacterial infection is notoriously difficult, despite widespread adoption of test‐and‐cull‐based control strategies. The presence of infection in wildlife populations could be contributing to this difficulty. Rabbits are naturally infected with the same Map strain as cattle, and can excrete high levels in their faeces. The aim of this study is to determine if implementation of paratuberculosis control in cattle leads to a decline in Map infection levels in rabbits. An island‐wide, test‐and‐cull‐based paratuberculosis control programme was initiated on a Scottish island in 2008. In this study annual tests were obtained from 15 cattle farms, from 2008 to 2011, totalling 2609 tests. Rabbits (1564) were sampled from the 15 participating farms, from 2008 to 2011, and Map was detected by faecal culture. Map seroprevalence in cattle decreased from 16 to 7.2 per cent, while Map prevalence in rabbits increased from 10.3 to 20.3 per cent. Results indicate that efforts to control paratuberculosis in cattle do not reduce Map levels in sympatric rabbits. This adds to mounting evidence that if Map becomes established in wild rabbit populations, rabbits represent a persistent and widespread source of infection, potentially impeding livestock control strategies.
Modeling of wood properties from parameters obtained in nursery seedlings
Authors: Gonçalves Raquel , Lorensani Rafael Gustavo Mansini , Merlo Esther , Santaclara Oscar , Touza Manuel , Guaita Manuel , Lario Francisco José
Published: February 2018

Early selection of trees allows acceleration of genetic improvement, as well as processes related to forest management, to improve the quality of the wood produced; however, to reach this objective, it is necessary to know which parameters can be used as predictors of a tree’s aged condition. The objective of this research was to study parameters that are measurable in nursery seedlings and that could be used in prediction models of basic density (BDt), modulus of elasticity (EMt), and strength (fmt) of wood from trees. The tests were performed in 240 seedlings (3 and 6 months old) and in 52 trees (72 months old) from seven genetic units of two species: three Eucalyptus clones and four Pinus pinaster progenies. In the seedlings, measurements of longitudinal velocity of ultrasonic waves (VLs), basic density (BDs), height (Hs), diameter (Ds), strength (fts), and modulus of elasticity (Ets) in tension parallel to the grain were obtained. The EMt and fmt can be predicted by parameters obtained in seedlings of the same genetic unit. Thus, the use of these parameters, in association with others already used in selection programs, may increase the positive results of the early selection, with economic gains and time reductions in forest management.
Thomson scattering from Langmuir fluctuations in a parabolic layer of a collisional plasma
Authors: Puchkov V.A.
Published: February 2018

Thomson scattering of a probe wave by the Langmuir fluctuations inside a plasma layer with a parabolic density profile is considered. The collisional damping of plasma fluctuations is taken into account. The plasma line part of the scattered spectrum is calculated depending on the layer thickness, electron collision frequency, and the form of the distribution functions for the electrons and ions. Simple analytic expressions for the plasma line shape and characteristic spectrum width are found. It is shown that this plasma line is asymmetric, and the asymmetry depends on the layer type (maximum or minimum). Some important plasma parameters, such as the electron collision frequency and the sign of the electron density deviation inside the layer can be obtained from the plasma line spectrum calculated in this paper.
Sequencing and characterization of lncRNAs in the breast muscle of Gushi and Arbor Acres chickens
Authors: Ren Tuanhui , Li Zhuanjian , Zhou Yu , Liu Xuelian , Han Ruili , Wang Yongcai , Yan FengBin , Sun GuiRong , Li Hong , Kang Xiangtao
Published: February 2018

Chicken muscle quality is one of the most important factors determining the economic value of poultry, and muscle development and growth are affected by genetics, environment, and nutrition. However, little is known about the molecular regulatory mechanisms of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in chicken skeletal muscle development. Our study aimed to better understand muscle development in chickens and thereby improve meat quality. In this study, Ribo-Zero RNA-Seq was used to investigate differences in the expression profiles of muscle development related genes and associated pathways between Gushi (GS) and Arbor Acres (AA) chickens. We identified two muscle tissue specific expression lncRNAs. In addition, the target genes of these lncRNAs were significantly enriched in certain biological processes and molecular functions, as demonstrated by Gene Ontology (GO) analysis, and these target genes participate in five signaling pathway, as revealed by an analysis of the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database. Taken together, these data suggest that different lncRNAs might be involved in regulating chicken muscle development and growth and provide new insight into the molecular mechanisms of lncRNAs.