bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Everolimus‐eluting bioabsorbable vascular scaffolds (BVS) versus everolimus‐eluting metallic stents (EES) at 3 years: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Medveczky David , O'Loughlin Aiden
Published: June 2018

Background

This systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of the Absorb bioabsorbable vascular scaffold (BVS) versus everolimus‐eluting metallic stents (EES) at 3 years.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL and relevant websites for articles published between 30 November 2006 and 18 December 2017. The primary efficacy outcome was target lesion revascularization (TLR), and the primary safety outcome was definite or probable stent (scaffold) thrombosis. Secondary outcomes included target lesion failure, myocardial infarction (MI), death, all revascularization and a patient‐oriented composite end‐point. We derived odds ratios (ORs) for the outcomes according to a fixed‐effects model. His study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42017084290).

Results

We included five trials comprising data for 3,575 patients randomized to receive BVS (n = 2,256) or EES (n = 1,319). Patients treated with the BVS had a non‐statistically significant increased risk of TLR (OR 1.30 [95% CI 0.95–1.78]; p = 0.10). Patients treated with the BVS had a higher risk of definite or probable stent thrombosis (OR 2.68 [95% CI 1.57–4.58]; p < 0.001), target lesion failure (1.41 [1.12–1.78]; p = 0.004), MI (1.49 [1.13–1.98]; p = 0.005) and a patient‐oriented composite end‐point (1.21 [1.01–1.44]; p = 0.038) than those treated with an EES. Patients treated with the BVS had no statistically significant difference in death (0.80 [0.51–1.25]; p = 0.325) and all revascularization (1.12 [0.91–1.40]; p = 0.052) compared to those treated with an EES.

Conclusion

Everolimus‐eluting bioabsorbable vascular scaffolds are inferior to everolimus‐eluting metallic stents at 3 years.
Predictors of plate extrusion in oromandibular free flap reconstruction
Authors: Prasad Jessica , Sahovaler Axel , Theurer Julie , Yeh David H. , Fung Kevin , MacNeil S. Danielle , Yoo John , Nichols Anthony C.
Published: June 2018

Objectives

Plate extrusions after free tissue transfer for mandibular reconstruction can be problematic and generally require revision surgery. Our objective was to assess the predictors of plate extrusion and compare outcomes between fibular free flaps (FFF), lateral border scapular flaps (LBSF), and scapular tip free flaps (STFF).

Methods

Retrospective review of consecutive patients who underwent osseous free tissue reconstruction of the mandible (2008‐2014) at Victoria Hospital, London, Ontario. Patient demographics and treatment‐related information were collected.

Results

We identified 134 procedures and 27 (20.2%) plate extrusions (21/61 FFF, 3/49 STFF, and 3/24 LBSF). Freedom from extrusion after 2 years was significantly associated with the use of FFF (P = .003, HR 6.09 1.82‐20.44), performing 1 osteotomy (P = .03, HR 2.61 1.08‐6.31), and anterior mandibular defects (P = .01, HR 2.66 1.25‐5.66) in the univariate model. FFF's were employed more frequently in younger patients, with 2.4 mm plates, more anterior defects, and with a greater number of osteotomies (P < .001). However, after controlling for these variables in multivariate analyses the use of a FFF was the only significant predictor of extrusion at 2 years (P = .006, HR 3.68 1.46‐9.28).

Conclusions

At our institution, use of the STFF predicts mandibular defects that are less prone to developing plate extrusion and FFF tended to be used more frequently in anterior defects with osteotomies. However, after controlling for these factors use of the FFF appeared to have higher rates of extrusion than scapular flaps. Further prospective studies controlling for defect variables are needed to elucidate the risk factors for plate extrusion.
Cellular and epigenetic changes induced by heat stress in bovine preimplantation embryos
Authors: de Barros Flavia R. O. , Paula‐Lopes Fabíola F.
Published: June 2018

Exposure of the preimplantation embryo to heat stress triggers a series of cellular, molecular, and adaptive changes preventing a normal embryonic development. Heat stress disrupts the embryo cytoskeleton, intracellular calcium levels, mitochondrial function, and induces apoptosis. Moreover, heat stress can act indirectly through induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to a variety of cellular damage. Embryonic resistance to heat shock is determined by factors such as genotype, developmental stage, apoptosis, redox status, and regulatory molecules. The early embryo is very susceptible to heat stress; it acquires resistance to elevated temperature as development advances. One of the mechanisms involved in the developmental acquisition of thermotolerance is heat‐induced apoptosis, which acts as a quality control mechanism to remove damaged blastomeres allowing the embryo to survive after stress. Although embryos at >8‐cell stage can activate the apoptotic cascade as an adaptive response to stress, embryos at the two‐cell stage are resistant to proapoptotic signals. This lack of apoptotic response has been associated to mitochondrial resistance to depolarization and epigenetic regulations, such as DNA methylation and histone deacetylation. Even though the cellular mechanisms triggered by heat stress have been studied, very little attention has been paid to the vulnerability of the epigenome to drastic temperature changes during the preimplantation period. Therefore, this review aims to characterize the effects of elevated temperature on the bovine embryo, especially addresissing developmental, cellular, and epigenetic alterations triggered in response to temperature.
Securely collecting multidimensional health information from patients with rheumatoid arthritis using smart device technology: Beneficial effect for physicians and patients
Authors: Ikeda Keigo , Sekiguchi Naoya , Hirai Takuya , Tanji Kana , Zushi Atsuko , Inoue Mayumi , Takasago Masayuki , Komatsu Takaaki , Morimoto Shinji , Yamaji Ken , Takamori Kenji , Tamura Naoto , Sekigawa Iwao
Published: June 2018

Aim

A challenge to the medical care of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the management of the wide variety of information, including medication history and disease status, obtained from multiple sources to inform treatment decisions. To address this important clinical issue, we developed a data management system, based on smart device technology, and evaluated the benefit of this information to medical experts in helping them to form an impression of patients' health and disease, and treatment status before examination.

Methods

Fifty‐seven patients with RA input relevant information about their condition and responses to a self‐report health assessment questionnaire into a smart device template before their scheduled examination. The efficacy of the system was assessed as a decrease in examination time at each visit, and the correlation between the self‐reported Multi‐Dimensional Health Assessment Questionnaire and the 28‐joint Disease Activity Score 28‐joint count erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28‐ESR), which was used as a gold standard.

Results

Examination duration was reduced in most patients at each visit. During the study, there were no limitations for patients with poor eyesight or severe arthropathy in using the system. In fact, the majority of patients found the smart technology to be easier to use than hand‐written questionnaires and health forms, regardless of age and disease activity.

Conclusions

Our findings support the use of smart technology to provide accurate patient‐specific data and to streamline the process of medical care for patients with RA.
Inverse analysis for geomaterial parameter identification using Pareto multiobjective optimization
Authors: Jiang Qinghui , Sun Yang , Yi Bing , Li Tiansheng , Xiong Feng
Published: June 2018

An inverse analysis method that combines the back propagation neural network (BPNN) and vector evaluated genetic algorithm (VEGA) was proposed to identify mechanical geomaterial parameters for a more accurate prediction of deformation. The BPNN is used to replace the time‐consuming numerical calculations, thus enhancing the efficiency of the inverse analysis. The VEGA is used to find the Pareto‐optimal solutions to multiobjective functions. Unlike traditional back‐analysis methods which are based on only 1 type of field measurement and a single objective function, this proposed method can consider multiple field observations simultaneously. The proposed method was applied to the Shapingba foundation pit excavation located in Chongqing city, China. Two types of measurements are considered in the method simultaneously: the displacements in the x‐direction (north orientation) and those in the y‐direction (east orientation). Five deformation modulus parameters for artificial backfill soil, silty clay, siltstone, sandstone, and mudstone were selected as the inversion parameters. Compared with the weighted sum approach, the proposed method was demonstrated as an efficient multi‐objective optimization tool for back calculating undetermined parameters. After performing a forward‐calculation using the optimized parameters obtained by the inverse analysis, the predicted results were well consistent with the practical deformation in magnitude and trend.
Evaluation of dependent variable, time effect, covariates, and covariation structure in concentration‐QTc modeling: A simulation study
Authors: Huang Dalong (Patrick) , Xiao Shan , Dang Qianyu , Tsong Yi
Published: June 2018

The revised ICH E14 Question and Answer (R3) document issued in December 2015 enables pharmaceutical companies to use concentration‐QTc (C‐QTc) modeling as the primary analysis for assessing QTc prolongation risk of new drugs. A new approach by including the time effect into the current C‐QTc model is introduced. Through a simulation study, we evaluated performances of different C‐QTc modeling with different dependent variables, covariates, and covariance structures. This simulation study shows that C‐QTc models with ΔQTc being dependent variable without time effect inflate false negative rate and that fitting C‐QTc models with different dependent variables, covariates, and covariance structures impacts the control of false negative and false positive rates. Appropriate C‐QTc modeling strategies with good control of false negative rate and false positive rate are recommended.
Assimilation of horizontal line‐of‐sight winds with a mesoscale EnKF data assimilation system
Authors: Šavli Matic , Žagar Nedjeljka , Anderson Jeffrey L.
Published: June 2018

This paper compares the horizontal line‐of‐sight (HLOS) wind observations with a single wind component and full wind information in a limited‐area domain over Europe and the North Atlantic. The motivation for the study is the forthcoming Aeolus mission of the European Space Agency which will provide vertical profiles of HLOS winds.

A new observing system simulation experiment framework was developed using the Data Assimilation Research Testbed (DART) ensemble adjustment Kalman filter (EAKF) data assimilation with the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model at a horizontal resolution of 15 km. The 50‐member EAKF/WRF is nested in the operational 50‐member ensemble prediction system of ECMWF (ENS) using model‐level data available twice per day. The ensemble spread at lateral boundaries provided by ENS, especially in the North Atlantic, is shown to be sufficient to carry out experiments without covariance inflation.

Results show that the information content of HLOS winds is on average divided linearly between the zonal and meridional wind components depending on the observation azimuth. In areas of significant covariances such as fronts in the Atlantic, multivariate covariance information provides significant useful analysis increments from the HLOS wind observations, especially if observations are aligned along the front. The application of the spatially and temporally adaptive prior inflation improved all scores compared with the case without inflation.
Tunable Quasi‐One‐Dimensional Ribbon Enhanced Light Absorption in Sb2Se3 Thin‐film Solar Cells Grown by Close‐Space Sublimation
Authors: Guo Liping , Zhang Baiyu , Qin Ying , Li Dawen , Li Lin , Qian Xiaofeng , Yan Feng
Published: June 2018

The non‐cubic antimony chalcogenides, i.e., Sb2Se3, formed by quasi‐one‐dimensional ribbons can enhance light absorption and carrier transport by tuning the ribbon direction using the close‐space sublimation (CSS) deposition. The improved device performance is found to be associated with the ribbon direction, which was investigated with theoretical calculation and experimental optical measurement in the Sb2Se3 films and devices. Decent device efficiency could be achieved when the ribbons were tuned to be as normal to the substrate as possible. The substrate temperature and film thickness are critical for the fine‐tuning of ribbon orientations during the CSS deposition. Our results show that [211]‐preferred orientation leads to the minimum series resistance and highest light absorbance in the device. This observation demonstrates that Sb2Se3‐like quasi‐one‐dimensional materials with van der Waals boundaries can achieve scalable production at low cost and hold great potential for next‐generation solar cell using the recently developed vapor transport deposition technology.
Mapping the Dynamic Complexity of Chronic Disease Care in Singapore: Using Group Model Building in Knowledge Elicitation
Authors: Ansah John P. , Matchar David B. , Koh Victoria , Schoenenberger Lukas
Published: June 2018

This study describes a group model building exercise that aims to develop a deeper understanding of the dynamic complexity of chronic disease care delivery within a primary care setting in Singapore, leveraging on the insights of stakeholders with personal and institutional knowledge of the health care system. A group model building exercise, which included 50 stakeholders, was used to develop the qualitative model. The qualitative model helped to bring a feedback perspective to understanding the dynamic complexity of chronic disease care delivery. The feedback perspective helped in identifying the systemic issues within chronic disease care delivery, which has the potential to inform system‐wide interventions and policies to improve health. Enhancing chronic care in Singapore will require an enhancement of both the capacity and capability of the primary care sector. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Active zone structure‐function relationships at the neuromuscular junction
Authors: Homan Anne E. , Meriney Stephen D.
Published: June 2018

The impact of presynaptic transmitter release site organization on synaptic function has been a vibrant area of research for synaptic physiologists. Because there is a highly nonlinear relationship between presynaptic calcium influx and subsequent neurotransmitter release at synapses, the organization and density of calcium sources (voltage‐gated calcium channels [VGCCs]) relative to calcium sensors located on synaptic vesicles is predicted to play a major role in shaping the dynamics of neurotransmitter release at a synapse. Here we review the history of structure‐function studies within transmitter release sites at the neuromuscular junction across three model preparations in an effort to discern the relationship between VGCC organization and synaptic function, and whether that organizational structure imparts evolutionary advantages for each species.
Not All Human Trafficking is Created Equal: Transnational Human Trafficking in the UK and Serbian News Media Texts—Narratological and Media Studies Approaches
Authors: Muždeka Nina
Published: June 2018

This chapter investigates the representation of transnational human trafficking in news texts in English and Serbian (published between 2000–2016 and 2003–2016 respectively) by adopting contemporary narrative and media theories. The identified narrative strategies and narrative elements (pertaining to the fabula, story, and text) not only shape the news texts, but also function as a semiotic code through which reality is itself constructed. In both sets of news texts, narratives as forms of representation prioritize particular aspects of human trafficking (e.g., use of official sources), while neglecting and/or completely excluding others (e.g., roots of human trafficking). The chapter draws attention to the logic behind such mechanisms that transform information into meaningful structures and thus influence the shaping of public perception and responses to this crime.
Whole‐Body Computed Tomography During Initial Management and Mortality Among Adult Severe Blunt Trauma Patients: A Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Tsutsumi Yusuke , Fukuma Shingo , Tsuchiya Asuka , Yamamoto Yosuke , Fukuhara Shunichi
Published: June 2018

Background

Whole‐body computed tomography (WBCT) is increasingly being incorporated into the initial management of blunt trauma patients. Several observational studies have suggested that, compared to selective CT, WBCT is associated with lower mortality. In contrast, a randomized controlled trial found no significant difference in survival between patients undergoing WBCT compared to selective CT. Our objective was to confirm the association between WBCT and in‐hospital mortality among adult severe blunt trauma patients.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study based on Japan Trauma Data Bank 2004–2015 registry data. The study population comprised adult severe blunt trauma patients with at least one abnormal vital sign: systolic blood pressure ≤100 mmHg, heart rate ≥120, respiratory rate ≥30 or ≤10, or Glasgow Coma Score ≤13. The primary outcome was in‐hospital mortality. To adjust for both measured and unmeasured confounders, we performed instrumental variable (IV) analysis to compare the in‐hospital mortality of patients undergoing WBCT with those undergoing selective CT.

Results

Of 40,435 patients who were eligible for this study, 19,766 (48.9%) patients underwent WBCT. The proportion of patients undergoing WBCT significantly increased during the study period, from 10.7% in 2004 to 59.6% in 2015. Primary IV analysis showed a significant association between WBCT and lower in‐hospital mortality (odds ratio 0.84, 95% confidence interval 0.72–0.98).

Conclusions

WBCT can be beneficial in patients with blunt trauma which has compromised vital signs. These findings from a nationwide study suggest that physicians should consider WBCT for blunt trauma patients when warranted by vital signs.
Correction to: Intrinsic and inducible resistance to hydrogen peroxide in Bifidobacterium species
Authors: Oberg T S , Steele J L , Ingham S C , Smeianov V V , Briczinski E P , Abdalla A , Broadbent J R
Published: June 2018

In the published article, the co-author Abdelmoneim Abdalla’s affiliation has been published incompletely. The additional affiliation is given below:
Success in a Failed Campaign: The French Refugees of Jersey and the Making of an Abstract “Right to Refuge”
Authors: Shaw Caroline
Published: June 2018

Histories of human rights tend to focus on defining moments, clear instances of universalism triumphant. If we hold to this model, the 1855 campaign on behalf of French republican—or democratic socialist—refugees was a failure. The refugees, expelled from Jersey in the Channel Islands for a libel of the queen, were little liked, and the campaign on their behalf did not yield the desired results, enabling them to return to Jersey. Yet, as this article argues, the failed campaign ought to be judged by different measures than the campaigners’ desired results, for we see in it the dynamics of refugee crises down to the present: an ongoing attempt to make refuge a universal norm in the face of persistent doubt that the refugees in question were “worthy” of staying. The French refugees and their supporters drew public attention to a right that they claimed derived from precedent, the British constitution, and moral principle. Though they did not succeed in their immediate cause, campaigners drew the admission even from naysayers that there was a “right to refuge”—but one the naysayers would not agree must be upheld at all costs.
IAMBLICHUS’ EPISTLES, FOURTH-CENTURY PHILOSOPHICAL AND POLITICAL EPISTOLOGRAPHY AND THE NEOPLATONIC CURRICULA AT ATHENS AND ALEXANDRIA
Authors: Marcos Moysés
Published: June 2018

As a literary genre and practice, philosophical and political epistolography seems to have been alive and well in the fourth-century Roman empire. We have fragments of twenty letters of the late third- and early fourth-centuryc.e. Platonist (Neoplatonist to us) philosopher Iamblichus of Chalcis (which are preserved in the early fifth-century Ioannes Stobaeus’Anthologium[ = Flor.]) to former students and other contemporaries, some of whom appear to have been imperial officeholders (see Appendix); theEpistle to Himeriusof Sopater the Younger (which is partially preserved in Stobaeus, 4.5.51–60, in sequential extracts; this Sopater is the homonymous son of the philosopher who had been Iamblichus’ student) to his brother Himerius on the latter's assumption of an unknown governorship (ἡγεμονία) in the East, probably sometime in the 340s or 350s (and so under the Emperor Constantius II); the Emperor Julian'sEpistle to Themistius, which was likely written and publishedc.December 361/early 362; and theEpistle to Julianof the Aristotelian philosopher Themistius on proper rule (preserved in two Arabic manuscripts from the eleventh and fourteenth/fifteenth centuries), which seems to have been a response, in part, to Julian'sEpistle to Themistiusand perhaps was written to the emperor when both men likely resided in Constantinople at the same time. These philosophical and political letters are but a few examples from this period. All four authors mentioned above, who are representative of intellectual life in the East during the fourth century, produced epistles which reflect Greek political theory in a Roman imperial context.
On the Road to Heaven: Taxation, Conversions, and the Coptic-Muslim Socioeconomic Gap in Medieval Egypt
Authors: Saleh Mohamed
Published: June 2018

Self-selection of converts is an under-studied explanation of inter-religion socioeconomic status (SES) differences. Inspired by this conjecture, I trace the Coptic-Muslim SES gap in Egypt to self-selection-on-SES during Egypt’s conversion from Coptic Christianity to Islam. Selection was driven by a poll tax on non-Muslims, imposed from 641 until 1856, which induced poorer Copts to convert to Islam leading Copts to shrink into a better-off minority. Using novel data sources, I document that high-tax districts in 641–1100 had in 1848–1868 relatively fewer Copts, but greater SES differentials. Group restrictions on apprenticeships and schooling led the initial selection to perpetuate.
Treatment of unilateral vocal fold paralysis with ansa cervicalis to recurrent nerve anastomosis in a young adolescent: European case report
Authors: van den Boer C , Wiersma A L , Marie J P , van Lith-Bijl J T
Published: June 2018

Background

Laryngeal re-innervation in paediatric unilateral vocal fold paralysis is a relatively new treatment option, of which there has been little reported experience in Europe.

Methods

In this European case report of a 13-year-old boy with dysphonia secondary to left-sided unilateral vocal fold paralysis after cardiac surgery, the patient underwent re-innervation using an ansa cervicalis to recurrent laryngeal nerve transfer, in combination with fat augmentation, after 12 years of nerve denervation. Perceptual analysis data, and acoustic and laryngoscopy recordings were acquired pre-operatively, and at one and two years post-operatively.

Results

The patient's perceptual voice quality was improved. He experienced subjective improvement and is very satisfied with the result. As expected, laryngoscopy at one and two years after surgery showed no physiological mobility of the vocal fold concerned, but improved closure during phonation was achieved. Electromyography showed evidence of re-innervation.

Conclusion

Laryngeal re-innervation could be considered as a treatment option for unilateral vocal fold paralysis in children and adolescents, even after a long-term delay.
Interacting Circles of Educational Desire in Rural Odisha: Students, schools, state
Authors: BOWEN ZAZIE
Published: June 2018

Children from rural Odishan Scheduled Tribe and Scheduled Caste communities have an historically marginalized relation to schools and a corresponding greater involvement with informal education regimes and participation in everyday economic and cultural routines. Although radical state restructuring in recent decades makes rural school buildings more visible, inside the classrooms, students were often present and teachers absent. Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork, in Western Mayurbhanj, Odisha, I examine students’ engagement with school and argue that rural schools cannot be fully understood without examining the motivations of and interactions between three sets of stakeholders: state, local providers, and students. Further, the motivations, evaluations, and experiences of students deserve to be brought much more to the fore in light of their active roles in Mayurbhanj village schools and the significant effects of this involvement on both the nature of rural schools and the changes in rural blocks.
Karl Popper, Winston Churchill, and the Tradition of Liberty among the English-speaking Peoples
Authors: Espada João Carlos
Published: June 2018

This paper starts by recalling a conversation of the author, then a young student, with Karl Popper in 1988. Popper argued that there is a ‘British mystery’ among the English-speaking peoples: their deep love of liberty, combined with a deep sense of duty, which was epitomised in the 20th Century by Winston Churchill. This paper argues that Churchill was a representative of an old tradition that goes back to Magna Carta of 1215. At its core is the protection of liberty to enjoy decentralised and peaceful ways of life and the corresponding allergy to revolutions and to schemes of perfection centrally designed.
Dynamically Adjusting Filter Gain Method for Suppressing GNSS Observation Outliers in Integrated Navigation
Authors: Wang Lihui , Zhi Kangyi , Li Bin , Zhang Yuexin
Published: June 2018

Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSSs) are easily influenced by the external environment. Signals may be lost or become abnormal thereby causing outliers. The filter gain of the standard Kalman filter of a loosely coupled GNSS/inertial navigation system cannot change with the outliers of the GNSS, causing large deviations in the filtering results. In this paper, a method based on a χ2-test and a dynamically adjusting filter gain method are proposed to detect and separately to suppress GNSS observation outliers in integrated navigation. An indicator of an innovation vector is constructed, and a χ2-test is performed for this indicator. If it fails the test, the corresponding observation value is considered as an outlier. A scale factor is constructed according to this outlier, which is then used to lower the filter gain dynamically to decrease the influence of outliers. The simulation results demonstrate that the observation outlier processing method does not affect the normal values under normal circumstances; it can also discriminate between single and continuous outliers without errors or omissions. The impact time of outliers is greatly reduced, and the system performance is improved by more than 90%. Experimental results indicate that the proposed methods are effective in suppressing GNSS observation outliers in integrated navigation.
Mineral identification by elemental composition: a new tool within PDF-4 databases
Authors: Fawcett T. G. , Blanton J. R. , Kabekkodu S. N. , Blanton T. N.
Published: June 2018

The ICDD has developed a microanalysis tool to help scientists identify minerals from their elemental analyses, most typically micro-XRF or a microprobe analysis. Many minerals have characteristic elemental profiles that can often distinguish the mineral from others by their composition differences. In Release 2016 ICDD® PDF-4 databases 20 670 unique compositions have been identified out of 45 497 mineral and mineral-related entries. The application utilizes several common features of PDF® databases to enhance correct identification, most notably those formulas are expressed in weight and atomic percent, data sets are classified by mineral nomenclature and structural classifications, and most minerals have associated atomic and molecular structures. These crystal structures are very useful in determining compositional variants and solid solutions. The ICDD has developed algorithms that are analogous to the search/match processes used for powder diffraction identification. Data can be input as either the element or common oxide. To test the algorithm and graphics interfaces we compared results from the microanalysis module to published data from the Smithsonian Microbeam reference mineral collection. The software correctly identified 24/28 minerals by the highest merit score in the algorithm. In two cases, an isoelemental mineral was identified and in two other cases, the specimens had more elements than the reference standards hindering positive phase identification.
Transmission routes of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09: analyses of inflight outbreaks
Authors: Lei H. , Tang J. W. , Li Y.
Published: June 2018

Knowledge about the infection transmission routes is significant for developing effective intervention strategies. We searched the PubMed databases and identified 10 studies with 14 possible inflight influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 outbreaks. Considering the different mechanisms of the large-droplet and airborne routes, a meta-analysis of the outbreak data was carried out to study the difference in attack rates for passengers within and beyond two rows of the index case(s). We also explored the relationship between the attack rates and the flight duration and/or total infectivity of the index case(s). The risk ratios for passengers seated within and beyond the two rows of the index cases were 1.7 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.98–2.84) for syndromic secondary cases and 4.3 (95% CI 1.25–14.54) for laboratory-confirmed secondary cases. Furthermore, with an increase of the product of the flight duration and the total infectivity of the index cases, the overall attack rate increased linearly. The study indicates that influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 may mainly be transmitted via the airborne route during air travel. A standardised approach for the reporting of such inflight outbreak investigations would help to provide more convincing evidence for such inflight transmission events.
Patent ductus arteriosus in preterm infants born before 30 weeks’ gestation: high rate of spontaneous closure after hospital discharge
Authors: Romagnoli Vittorio , Pedini Annalisa , Santoni Monica , Scutti Grazia , Colaneri Massimo , Pozzi Marco , Cogo Paola E. , Carnielli Virgilio P.
Published: June 2018

Aim

The aim of this study was to determine the spontaneous closure rate of patent ductus arteriosus at a 2-year follow-up, following failed medical therapy and beyond initial hospital discharge, and to evaluate in-hospital spontaneous or pharmacological closure rates.

Materials and methods

A retrospective evaluation was conducted in a cohort of preterm infants admitted to the Neonatal ICU of Ancona between January, 2004 and June, 2013. Inclusion criteria were gestational age between 24+0 and 29+6 weeks or birth weight <1250 g; admission within 48 hours from birth; and discharge alive from hospital. All infants received routine heart ultrasound between 48 and 72 hours of life. Haemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus was defined as a duct diameter >1.5 mm, a left atrium-to-aorta ratio >1.4, and/or reversal of end-diastolic flow in the aorta >30% of the anterograde. First-line treatment was intravenous ibuprofen. Intravenous indomethacin was used if ibuprofen failed. Surgical ligation was considered in haemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus after medical treatment.

Results

A total of 593 infants met the inclusion criteria, and patent ductus arteriosus was diagnosed in 317 (53.4%). Among them, 283 (89.3%) infants had haemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus, with pharmacological closure achieved in 228 (80.6%) infants and surgical ligation performed in 20 (7.1%). Follow-up at 24 months was available for 39 (81.3%) of 48 infants with patent ductus arteriosus at the hospital discharge: 36 (92.3%) underwent spontaneous closure, two (5.1%) underwent surgical ligation, and one (2.6%) had a patent ductus arteriosus.

Discussion

A significant number of patent ductus arteriosus that fail pharmacological closure undergo spontaneous closure by the age of 2 years. This information should be taken into account when considering surgery or additional attempts of pharmacological closure.
Practical Privacy: Report from the GDPR World
Authors: Doe Susan
Published: June 2018

In this article Susan Doe reports from the perspective of the law firm sector on the progress towards the introduction of the General Data Protection Regulation that became automatically ‘live’ on 25 May 2018. She provides an introduction to the Regulation, highlights some practicalities for law firms when considering compliance with GDPR and offers a ‘to do’ list with reference to the record of data processing, training needs, security, and contracts and documentation. She also provides advice on what should be considered especially in respect of client demands.
The World Turned Upside Down: Reaching Out to Law Libraries in Sierra Leone
Authors: Bracey Sarah , Simmonds Tony
Published: June 2018

This article, by Sarah Bracey and Tony Simmonds, explores professional and cultural challenges confronting two BIALL members involved in a project to enhance law library services in Freetown, Sierra Leone. It considers approaches to developing effectual supportive partnerships in a developing country context where the legal information ecosystem and provision of resource differ to an extent that all but inverts the familiar working world. The article traces the boundaries of what change is feasible in such a context, cautioning against over-ambition and advocating areas for future focus around staffing, co-ordination of donation programmes and digitisation of primary materials.
Low‐Frequency Seismic Noise Characteristics From the Analysis of Co‐Located Seismic and Pressure Data
Authors: Tanimoto Toshiro , Wang Jiong
Published: June 2018

We analyze the characteristics of seismic noise generated by surface pressure changes, using co‐located seismic and pressure data from the USArray Transportable Array for the entire year of 2014. We compare pressure and seismic signals at frequencies of 0.01 and 0.02 Hz and model their main characteristics. At these frequencies, vertical and horizontal seismic noise can be explained by the formulas SZ = A * Sp + NZ and SH = B * Sp + NH, where SZ and SH are the power spectral densities of vertical and horizontal ground velocities (sum of two horizontal components), Sp is the power spectral density of pressure, and NZ and NH are constant terms. We first determine A and B from the high pressure range (Sp > 10 Pa2/Hz) in which NZ and NH are small. From A and B, we then determine the near‐surface rigidity and pressure wave speed. This rigidity is modified from true rigidity by a factor (λ + μ)/(λ + 2 μ); this factor is about 0.7 for typical crustal rocks but approaches 1 near the Earth's surface. To estimate true rigidity, empirical formulas that relate density and seismic velocities are needed. Once A and B are determined, NZ and NH are determined. NZ and rigidity of the subsurface determine a threshold pressure in vertical data. NH is generally small but at some stations it changes seasonally and creates separate branches in plots of pressure versus seismic velocity. This may explain why seismic‐noise reduction approaches using co‐located pressure data often fail to work for horizontal data but usually work well for vertical data.
ATR is required to complete meiotic recombination in mice
Authors: Pacheco Sarai , Maldonado-Linares Andros , Marcet-Ortega Marina , Rojas Cristina , Martínez-Marchal Ana , Fuentes-Lazaro Judit , Lange Julian , Jasin Maria , Keeney Scott , Fernández-Capetillo Oscar , Garcia-Caldés Montserrat , Roig Ignasi
Published: June 2018

Precise execution of recombination during meiosis is essential for forming chromosomally-balanced gametes. Meiotic recombination initiates with the formation and resection of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). Cellular responses to meiotic DSBs are critical for efficient repair and quality control, but molecular features of these remain poorly understood, particularly in mammals. Here we report that the DNA damage response protein kinase ATR is crucial for meiotic recombination and completion of meiotic prophase in mice. Using a hypomorphic Atr mutation and pharmacological inhibition of ATR in vivo and in cultured spermatocytes, we show that ATR, through its effector kinase CHK1, promotes efficient RAD51 and DMC1 assembly at RPA-coated resected DSB sites and establishment of interhomolog connections during meiosis. Furthermore, our findings suggest that ATR promotes local accumulation of recombination markers on unsynapsed axes during meiotic prophase to favor homologous chromosome synapsis. These data reveal that ATR plays multiple roles in mammalian meiotic recombination.
Fern genomes elucidate land plant evolution and cyanobacterial symbioses
Authors: Li Fay-Wei , Brouwer Paul , Carretero-Paulet Lorenzo , Cheng Shifeng , de Vries Jan , Delaux Pierre-Marc , Eily Ariana , Koppers Nils , Kuo Li-Yaung , Li Zheng , Simenc Mathew , Small Ian , Wafula Eric , Angarita Stephany , Barker Michael S. , Bräutigam Andrea , dePamphilis Claude , Gould Sven , Hosmani Prashant S. , Huang Yao-Moan , Huettel Bruno , Kato Yoichiro , Liu Xin , Maere Steven , McDowell Rose , Mueller Lukas A. , Nierop Klaas G. J. , Rensing Stefan A. , Robison Tanner , Rothfels Carl J. , Sigel Erin M. , Song Yue , Timilsena Prakash R. , Van de Peer Yves , Wang Hongli , Wilhelmsson Per K. I. , Wolf Paul G. , Xu Xun , Der Joshua P. , Schluepmann Henriette , Wong Gane K.-S. , Pryer Kathleen M.
Published: June 2018

Ferns are the closest sister group to all seed plants, yet little is known about their genomes other than that they are generally colossal. Here, we report on the genomes of Azolla filiculoides and Salvinia cucullata (Salviniales) and present evidence for episodic whole-genome duplication in ferns—one at the base of ‘core leptosporangiates’ and one specific to Azolla. One fern-specific gene that we identified, recently shown to confer high insect resistance, seems to have been derived from bacteria through horizontal gene transfer. Azolla coexists in a unique symbiosis with N2-fixing cyanobacteria, and we demonstrate a clear pattern of cospeciation between the two partners. Furthermore, the Azolla genome lacks genes that are common to arbuscular mycorrhizal and root nodule symbioses, and we identify several putative transporter genes specific to Azolla–cyanobacterial symbiosis. These genomic resources will help in exploring the biotechnological potential of Azolla and address fundamental questions in the evolution of plant life.
Sir-2.1 mediated attenuation of α-synuclein expression by Alaskan bog blueberry polyphenols in a transgenic model of Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Maulik Malabika , Mitra Swarup , Hunter Skyler , Hunstiger Moriah , Oliver S. Ryan , Bult-Ito Abel , Taylor Barbara E.
Published: June 2018

Misfolding and accumulation of cellular protein aggregates are pathological hallmarks of aging and neurodegeneration. One such protein is α-synuclein, which when misfolded, forms aggregates and disrupts normal cellular functions of the neurons causing Parkinson’s disease. Nutritional interventions abundant in pharmacologically potent polyphenols have demonstrated a therapeutic role for combating protein aggregation associated with neurodegeneration. The current study hypothesized that Alaskan bog blueberry (Vaccinum uliginosum), which is high in polyphenolic content, will reduce α-synuclein expression in a model of Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). We observed that blueberry extracts attenuated α-synuclein protein expression, improved healthspan in the form of motility and restored lipid content in the transgenic strain of C. elegans expressing human α-synuclein. We also found reduced gene expression levels of sir-2.1 (ortholog of mammalian Sirtuin 1) in blueberry treated transgenic animals indicating that the beneficial effects of blueberries could be mediated through partial reduction of sirtuin activity. This therapeutic effect of the blueberries was attributed to its xenohormetic properties. The current results highlight the role of Alaskan blueberries in mediating inhibition of sir-2.1 as a novel therapeutic approach to improving pathologies of protein misfolding diseases. Finally, our study warrants further investigation of the structure, and specificity of such small molecules from indigenous natural compounds and its role as sirtuin regulators.
Zebrafish mutants and TEAD reporters reveal essential functions for Yap and Taz in posterior cardinal vein development
Authors: Astone Matteo , Lai Jason Kuan Han , Dupont Sirio , Stainier Didier Y. R. , Argenton Francesco , Vettori Andrea
Published: June 2018

As effectors of the Hippo signaling cascade, YAP1 and TAZ are transcriptional regulators playing important roles in development, tissue homeostasis and cancer. A number of different cues, including mechanotransduction of extracellular stimuli, adhesion molecules, oncogenic signaling and metabolism modulate YAP1/TAZ nucleo-cytoplasmic shuttling. In the nucleus, YAP1/TAZ tether with the DNA binding proteins TEADs, to activate the expression of target genes that regulate proliferation, migration, cell plasticity, and cell fate. Based on responsive elements present in the human and zebrafish promoters of the YAP1/TAZ target gene CTGF, we established zebrafish fluorescent transgenic reporter lines of Yap1/Taz activity. These reporter lines provide an in vivo view of Yap1/Taz activity during development and adulthood at the whole organism level. Transgene expression was detected in many larval tissues including the otic vesicles, heart, pharyngeal arches, muscles and brain and is prominent in endothelial cells. Analysis of vascular development in yap1/taz zebrafish mutants revealed specific defects in posterior cardinal vein (PCV) formation, with altered expression of arterial/venous markers. The overactivation of Yap1/Taz in endothelial cells was sufficient to promote an aberrant vessel sprouting phenotype. Our findings confirm and extend the emerging role of Yap1/Taz in vascular development including angiogenesis.
Discovery of Mcl-1 inhibitors from integrated high throughput and virtual screening
Authors: Mady Ahmed S. A. , Liao Chenzhong , Bajwa Naval , Kump Karson J. , Abulwerdi Fardokht A. , Lev Katherine L. , Miao Lei , Grigsby Sierrah M. , Perdih Andrej , Stuckey Jeanne A. , Du Yuhong , Fu Haian , Nikolovska-Coleska Zaneta
Published: June 2018

Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) represent important and promising therapeutic targets that are associated with the regulation of various molecular pathways, particularly in cancer. Although they were once considered “undruggable,” the recent advances in screening strategies, structure-based design, and elucidating the nature of hot spots on PPI interfaces, have led to the discovery and development of successful small-molecule inhibitors. In this report, we are describing an integrated high-throughput and computational screening approach to enable the discovery of small-molecule PPI inhibitors of the anti-apoptotic protein, Mcl-1. Applying this strategy, followed by biochemical, biophysical, and biological characterization, nineteen new chemical scaffolds were discovered and validated as Mcl-1 inhibitors. A novel series of Mcl-1 inhibitors was designed and synthesized based on the identified difuryl-triazine core scaffold and structure-activity studies were undertaken to improve the binding affinity to Mcl-1. Compounds with improved in vitro binding potency demonstrated on-target activity in cell-based studies. The obtained results demonstrate that structure-based analysis complements the experimental high-throughput screening in identifying novel PPI inhibitor scaffolds and guides follow-up medicinal chemistry efforts. Furthermore, our work provides an example that can be applied to the analysis of available screening data against numerous targets in the PubChem BioAssay Database, leading to the identification of promising lead compounds, fuelling drug discovery pipelines.
Electron heating in rf capacitive discharges at atmospheric-to-subatmospheric pressures
Authors: Park Sanghoo , Choe Wonho , Kim Holak
Published: June 2018

Electron heating is a fundamental and multidisciplinary phenomenon in partially ionized gases, from the planet’s ionosphere to laboratory-scale plasmas. Plasmas produced at ambient or reduced pressures have recently shown potential for scientific and industrial applications. However, electron heating, which is strongly coupled to the physicochemical properties of these plasmas, has been poorly understood. We experimentally found the rapid structural transition from non-local to local electron heating in collisional radio-frequency discharges at atmospheric-to-subatmospheric pressures. As the gas pressure decreased from 760 to 200 Torr, the time-averaged electron density increased from 1.3 × 1012 to 1.3 × 1013 cm−3, and the electron temperature decreased from 2.5 to 1.1 eV at the maximum allowable discharge current in the abnormal α-mode in the plasma bulk. The spatiotemporal evolution of the electron temperature clearly shows that the electron temperature increases uniformly throughout the bulk plasma region during sheath expansion and collapse at 760 Torr, but the electron heating weakens with sheath collapse as the gas pressure decreases.
Bio-based products control black rot (Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris) and increase the nutraceutical and antioxidant components in kale
Authors: Nuñez Andrés M. P. , Rodríguez Gabriel A. A. , Monteiro Fernando P. , Faria Amanda F. , Silva Julio C. P. , Monteiro Ana C. A. , Carvalho Carolina V. , Gomes Luiz A. A. , Souza Ricardo M. , de Souza Jorge T. , Medeiros Flávio H. V.
Published: June 2018

Black rot of crucifers, (Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris) is the principal yield-limiting and destructive pathogen of cruciferous crop worldwide. In order to validate a bio-based control alternative for this disease, whey, lime sulfur, biofertilizer, Bordeaux mixture or raw milk were applied to kale (Brassica oleracea var. acephala) plants. The disease control was achieved by most of the tested products. Milk-based products (raw milk and whey) and biofertilizer reduced the severity by 44 and 56% in the field. Antioxidants, crude fibber, crude protein and lipid contents and kale yield were verified in the five treatments on the leaves with and without X. campestris pv. campestris inoculation. In the absence of the pathogen (non-inoculated), lime sulfur and Bordeaux mixture improved plant nutritional value compared to organic treatments, nevertheless milk-based products and biofertilizer improved the evaluated variables more than the control. However, on leaves inoculated with X. campestris pv. campestris raw milk increased antioxidant activity, crude protein and fiber contents, whereas biofertilizer increased kale yield, lipid and antioxidant contents. Milk-based products and biofertilizer were further evaluated in greenhouse trials to determinate the activity of defense-related enzymes and lignin content. Biofertilizer treatment resulted in increased phenylalanine ammonia lyase, catalase, peroxidase activities and lignin content. Hence, the application of milk-based products and biofertilizer are promising to control black rot of crucifers and also improves food quality by boosting nutritional values and antioxidant activity.