bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tourists and Settlers
Authors: Pack Sasha D.
Published: May 2019

This chapter explores the urbanization of the Strait of Gibraltar region, particularly the coastal hubs of Tangier and greater Gibraltar. It draws on the impressions of a growing number of tourists and travelers to depict the rapid changes on both shores of the Strait, which became a magnet for temporary and permanent migrants of diverse social and ethno-religious categories. This cosmopolitan modernism was most on display in leisure settings like the Tangier beach, though it also fueled an underworld of fugitives, bandits, and revolutionaries.
Illusory Neutrality, 1914–1918
Authors: Pack Sasha D.
Published: May 2019

This chapter looks at the contradictory set of international legal and political requirements prevailing on Spain and Morocco during World War I. There was little will on the part of Spain to enter the conflict, yet it was unclear how to adhere to the requirements of wartime neutrality while also meeting the obligation to administer a portion of the Moroccan Sultanate, a belligerent state by virtue of association with France. German agents, such as the Mannesmann mining firm, exploited this legal and political grey zone to infiltrate the pro-Entente sultanate via the many maritime smuggling networks, brigands, and safe havens of Spanish Morocco. Although this had little bearing on the war’s outcome, it convinced the leader of the French colonial army, Hubert Lyautey, that the Spanish officer corps was an unreliable partner.
War on the Colonial Borderland, 1919–1926
Authors: Pack Sasha D.
Published: May 2019

The Rif War (1921–1926) is typically understood as an anticolonial struggle against Spanish imperialism, but this chapter places the conflict in the broader regional context of the aftermath of World War I. Angered by Spain’s pro-German activities during the war, the French Foreign Ministry began a campaign to expel the Spanish from Morocco. Sensing danger, Madrid ordered hasty military action into the Rif Mountains, a provocation that enabled the enterprising nobleman Abd el-Krim to build a Riffian independence army. Abetted by support from contraband networks and benign neglect of French and British patrols, Abd el-Krim built a republic while the Spanish experienced political turmoil culminating in a military coup d’état by Miguel Primo de Rivera. The situation changed only after the French began to see their own positions threatened, at which point Spain and France gradually came together to defeat the Riffian uprising by 1926.
Rebranding China
Authors: Pu Xiaoyu
Published: May 2019

China plays a variety of status games, sometimes emphasizing its status as an emerging great power and other times highlighting its status as a fragile developing country. The reasons for this are unclear. Drawing on original Chinese sources, social psychological theories, and international relations theories, this book provides a theoretically informed analysis of China’s global rebranding and repositioning in the twenty-first century. Contrary to offensive realism and power transition theory, the book argues that China is not always a status maximizer eager to replace the United States as the new global leader. Differing from most constructivist and psychological studies that focus on the status seeking of rising powers, this study develops a theory of status signaling that combines both rationalist and constructivist insights. The book argues that Chinese leaders face competing pressure from domestic and international audiences to project different images. The book suggests that China’s continual struggle for international status is primarily driven by domestic political calculations. Meanwhile, at the international level, China is concerned about over-recognition of its status for instrumental reasons. The theoretical argument is illustrated through detailed analysis of Chinese foreign policy. Examining major cases such as China’s military transformation, China’s regional diplomacy, and China’s global diplomacy during the 1997 Asian and 2008 global financial crises, this book makes important contributions to international relations theory and Asian studies.
Lying Low or Striving for Achievement
Authors: Pu Xiaoyu
Published: May 2019

This chapter analyzes China’s strategic spinning during the global financial crisis. Facing two types of global audiences (the global South and the West), China sometimes highlights its profile as an emerging great power and other times downplays its profile by emphasizing its developing country status. A developing country status serves multiple purposes for China. Targeting the West, signaling a developing country status sends a reassuring message, and it allows China to shirk greater international responsibilities. Targeting the global South, signaling a developing country status plays the solidarity card. The tension between China’s great power status and its identity of developing country is bound to increase as China seeks a new role in the twenty-first century.
Conclusion
Authors: Pu Xiaoyu
Published: May 2019

The concluding chapter summarizes the findings and implications for China’s foreign policy, status politics, and signaling in international relations more broadly. Applying the analytical framework of status signaling, the chapter also provides a preliminary analysis of Xi Jinping’s foreign policy in a new era.
Application of the Perforated Plate in Passive Control of the Nonpremixed Swirl Combustion Instability Under Acoustic Excitation
Authors: Meng Sheng , Zhou Hao , Cen Kefa
Published: May 2019

Perforated plates are widely used to attenuate noise emission and as acoustic liners in combustion chambers. In this study, the damping performance of the perforated plate located in the combustor inlet section is experimentally and numerically studied. The primary response of nonpremixed swirl flame under 30–400 Hz acoustic excitation with a 445 mm inlet length occurs at 134 Hz and 210 Hz modes. The perforated plate designed for 210 Hz sound absorption with a 328 mm cavity length and an 8.04% porosity is compared to plates with various cavity lengths and different orifice patterns. The acoustic absorption capability of perforated plates is evaluated by the Luong model and tested in an impedance tube. The acoustic measurements show that the sound absorption performance of each plate is strongly affected by the bias flow velocity and cavity length. The combustion results indicate that the installation of perforated plates at the inlet section has two effects: sound attenuation and redistribution of the pressure mode of the combustor. The acoustic mode analysis further demonstrated that, for damping the nonpremixed flame when the combustion instability is caused by the inlet pressure fluctuation, modification of the inlet acoustic mode shape is more efficient than the sound attenuation.
Frictional Properties of a Nanocomposite Material With a Linear Polyimide Matrix and Tungsten Diselinide Nanoparticle Reinforcement
Authors: Breki Alexander D. , Vasilyeva Ekaterina S. , Tolochko Oleg V. , Didenko Andrey L. , Nosonovsky Michael
Published: May 2019

Frictional properties of a self-lubricating nanocomposite material with an A–OOO polyimide matrix reinforced by gas-phase synthesized tungsten diselenide (WSe2) nanoparticles are studied with a homemade low sliding speed tribometer. Tungsten diselenide is often used as a solid lubricant due to its layered structure yielding to anisotropy, which enhances lubrication properties. To facilitate molecular adhesion friction mechanism, friction against a very smooth steel surface (a Johansson gauge block) was used. It is shown that the composite material reinforced with WSe2 nanoparticles has enhanced frictional performance including lower friction and adhesion.
Investigation of Transition Delay by Dynamic Surface Deformation
Authors: Rizzetta Donald P. , Visbal Miguel R.
Published: May 2019

Numerical calculations were carried out to investigate control of transition on a flat plate by means of local dynamic surface deformation. The configuration and flow conditions are similar to a previous computation which simulated transition mitigation. Physically, the surface modification may be produced by piezoelectrically driven actuators located below a compliant aerodynamic surface, which have been employed experimentally. One actuator is located in the upstream plate region and oscillated at the most unstable frequency of 250 Hz to develop disturbances representing Tollmien–Schlichting instabilities. A controlling actuator is placed downstream and oscillated at the same frequency, but with an appropriate phase shift and modified amplitude to decrease disturbance growth and delay transition. While the downstream controlling actuator is two-dimensional (spanwise invariant), several forms of upstream disturbances were considered. These included disturbances which were strictly two-dimensional, those which were modulated in amplitude and those which had a spanwise variation of the temporal phase shift. Direct numerical simulations were obtained by solution of the three-dimensional compressible Navier–Stokes equations, utilizing a high-fidelity computational scheme and an implicit time-marching approach. A previously devised empirical process was applied for determining the optimal parameters of the controlling actuator. Results of the simulations are described, features of the flowfields elucidated, and comparisons made between solutions of the uncontrolled and controlled cases for the respective incoming disturbances. It is found that the disturbance growth is mitigated and the transition is delayed for all forms of the upstream perturbations, substantially reducing the skin friction.
Project traces 500 million years of roller-coaster climate
Authors: Voosen Paul
Published: May 2019

Sharp temperature swings pose warning for humanity.
The
melREDCA
Operon Encodes a Utilization System for the Raffinose Family of Oligosaccharides in
Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Morabbi Heravi Kambiz , Watzlawick Hildegard , Altenbuchner Josef
Published: May 2019

Bacillus subtilis
utilizes different polysaccharides produced by plants. These carbohydrates are primarily degraded by extracellular hydrolases, and the resulting oligo-, di-, and monosaccharides are transported into the cytosol via phosphoenolpyruvate-dependent phosphotransferase systems (PTS), major facilitator superfamily, and ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters. In this study, a new carbohydrate utilization system of
B. subtilis
responsible for the utilization of α-galactosides of the raffinose family of oligosaccharides (RFOs) was investigated. RFOs are synthesized from sucrose in plants and are mainly found in the storage organs of plant leaves. Our results revealed the modus operandi of a new carbohydrate utilization system in
B. subtilis
.
Comparison of the Novel Immunocatch Legionella Test with Sofia Legionella FIA Assay and with BinaxNOW Legionella Card Assay for Detection of Legionella pneumophila (Serogroup 1) Antigen in Urine Samples
Authors: Congestrì F. , Morotti M. , Vicari R. , Pedna M. F. , Sparacino M. , Torri A. , Bertini S. , Sambri V.
Published: May 2019

Legionnaires’ disease (LD) refers to a serious form of acute pneumonia caused by
Legionella
species. LD can be difficult to diagnose because the signs and symptoms are nonspecific, and therefore a rapid laboratory diagnosis is of paramount importance.
Infectious Virus Persists in CD4
+
T Cells and Macrophages in Antiretroviral Therapy-Suppressed Simian Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Macaques
Authors: Abreu Celina M. , Veenhuis Rebecca T. , Avalos Claudia R. , Graham Shelby , Queen Suzanne E. , Shirk Erin N. , Bullock Brandon T. , Li Ming , Metcalf Pate Kelly A. , Beck Sarah E. , Mangus Lisa M. , Mankowski Joseph L. , Clements Janice E. , Gama Lucio
Published: May 2019

This study suggests that CD4
+
T cells found throughout tissues in the body can contain replication-competent SIV and contribute to rebound of the virus after treatment interruption. In addition, this study demonstrates that macrophages in tissues are another cellular reservoir for SIV and may contribute to viral rebound after treatment interruption. This new insight into the size and location of the SIV reservoir could have great implications for HIV-infected individuals and should be taken into consideration for the development of future HIV cure strategies.
Schlafen 11 Restricts Flavivirus Replication
Authors: Valdez Federico , Salvador Julienne , Palermo Pedro M. , Mohl Jonathon E. , Hanley Kathryn A. , Watts Douglas , Llano Manuel
Published: May 2019

We provide evidence that the cellular protein Schlafen 11 (Slfn11) impairs replication of flaviviruses, including West Nile virus (WNV), dengue virus (DENV), and Zika virus (ZIKV). However, replication of single-stranded negative RNA viruses was not affected. Specifically, Slfn11 decreases the infectivity of WNV potentially by preventing virus-induced modifications of the host tRNA repertoire that could lead to enhanced viral protein folding. Furthermore, we demonstrate that Slfn11 is not the limiting factor of this novel broad antiviral pathway.
Simian-Human Immunodeficiency Virus SHIV.CH505-Infected Infant and Adult Rhesus Macaques Exhibit Similar Env-Specific Antibody Kinetics, despite Distinct T-Follicular Helper and Germinal Center B Cell Landscapes
Authors: Nelson Ashley N. , Goswami Ria , Dennis Maria , Tu Joshua , Mangan Riley J. , Saha Pooja T. , Cain Derek W. , Curtis Alan D. , Shen Xiaoying , Shaw George M. , Bar Katharine , Hudgens Michael , Pollara Justin , De Paris Kristina , Van Rompay Koen K. A. , Permar Sallie R.
Published: May 2019

There is a lack of understanding of how the maturation of the infant immune system influences immunity to HIV infection or how these responses differ from those of adults. Improving our knowledge of infant HIV immunity will help guide antiviral intervention strategies that take advantage of the unique infant immune environment to successfully elicit protective immune responses. We utilized a rhesus macaque model of SHIV infection as a tool to distinguish the differences in HIV humoral immunity in infants versus adults. Here, we demonstrate that the kinetics and quality of the infant humoral immune response to HIV are highly comparable to those of adults during the early phase of infection, despite distinct differences in their Tfh responses, indicating that slightly different mechanisms may drive infant and adult humoral immunity.
Murine Cytomegalovirus Spread Depends on the Infected Myeloid Cell Type
Authors: Farrell Helen E. , Bruce Kimberley , Lawler Clara , Stevenson Philip G.
Published: May 2019

Cytomegaloviruses (CMVs) spread through the blood by infecting monocytes, and this can lead to disease. With murine CMV (MCMV) we can track infected myeloid cells and so understand how CMVs spread. Previous experiments have injected MCMV into the peritoneal cavity. MCMV normally enters mice via the olfactory epithelium. We show that olfactory infection spreads via dendritic cells, which MCMV directs to the salivary glands. Peritoneal infection similarly reached the salivary glands via dendritic cells. However, it also infected other monocyte types, and they spread infection to other tissues. Thus, infecting the “wrong” monocytes altered virus spread, with potential to cause disease. These results provide a basis for understanding how the monocyte types infected by human CMV might promote different infection outcomes.
Persistent Infection of African Buffalo (Syncerus caffer) with Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus: Limited Viral Evolution and No Evidence of Antibody Neutralization Escape
Authors: Cortey Martí , Ferretti Luca , Pérez-Martín Eva , Zhang Fuquan , de Klerk-Lorist Lin-Mari , Scott Katherine , Freimanis Graham , Seago Julian , Ribeca Paolo , van Schalkwyk Louis , Juleff Nicholas D. , Maree Francois F. , Charleston Bryan
Published: May 2019

Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) is a highly contagious virus of cloven-hoofed animals and is recognized as the most important constraint to international trade in animals and animal products. African buffaloes (
Syncerus caffer
) are efficient carriers of FMDV, and it has been proposed that new virus variants are produced in buffalo during the prolonged carriage after acute infection, which may spread to cause disease in livestock populations. Here, we show that despite an accumulation of low-frequency sequence variants over time, there is no evidence of significant antigenic variation leading to immune escape. Therefore, carrier buffalo are unlikely to be a major source of new virus variants.
Age-Dependent Effects of Immunoproteasome Deficiency on Mouse Adenovirus Type 1 Pathogenesis
Authors: Chandrasekaran Adithya , Adkins Laura J. , Seltzer Harrison M. , Pant Krittika , Tryban Stephen T. , Molloy Caitlyn T. , Weinberg Jason B.
Published: May 2019

MAV-1 infection is a useful model to study the pathogenesis of an adenovirus in its natural host. Host factors that control MAV-1 replication and contribute to inflammation and disease are not fully understood. The immunoproteasome is an inducible component of the ubiquitin proteasome system that shapes the repertoire of peptides presented by MHC class I to CD8 T cells, influences other aspects of T cell survival and activation, and promotes production of proinflammatory cytokines. We found that immunoproteasome activity is dispensable in adult mice. However, immunoproteasome deficiency in neonatal mice increased mortality and impaired IFN-γ responses in the lungs. Baseline immunoproteasome subunit expression in lungs of uninfected mice increased with age. Our findings suggest the existence of developmental regulation of the immunoproteasome, like other aspects of host immune function, and indicate that immunoproteasome activity is a critical protective factor early in life.
Identification of Ebola Virus Inhibitors Targeting GP2 Using Principles of Molecular Mimicry
Authors: Singleton Courtney D. , Humby Monica S. , Yi Hyun Ah , Rizzo Robert C. , Jacobs Amy
Published: May 2019

The most recent Ebola virus disease outbreak, from 2014 to 2016, resulted in approximately 28,000 individuals becoming infected, which led to over 12,000 causalities worldwide. The particularly high pathogenicity of the virus makes paramount the identification and development of promising lead compounds to serve as inhibitors of Ebola infection. To limit viral load, the virus-host membrane fusion event can be targeted through the inhibition of the class I fusion glycoprotein of
Ebolavirus
. In the current work, several promising small-molecule inhibitors that target the glycoprotein GP2 were identified through systematic application of structure-based computational and experimental drug design procedures.
Epidemiology and Clinical Manifestations of
Listeria monocytogenes
Infection
Authors: Schlech Walter F.
Published: May 2019

Listeria monocytogenes is a Gram-positive pathogenic bacterium which can be found in soil or water. Infection with the organism can develop after ingestion of contaminated food products. Small and large outbreaks of listeriosis have been described. Listeria monocytogenes can cause a number of clinical syndromes, most frequently sepsis, meningitis, and rhombencephalitis, particularly in immunocompromised hosts. The latter syndrome mimics the veterinary infection in ruminants called “circling disease”. Neonatal infection can occur as a result of maternal chorioamnionitis (“early onset” sepsis) or through passage through a birth canal colonized with Listeria from the gastrointestinal tract. (“late onset” meningitis). Treatment of listeriosis is usually with a combination of ampicillin and an aminoglycoside but other regimens have been used. The mortality rate is high, reflecting the combination of an immunocompromised host and an often delayed diagnosis.
The
Bacillus cereus
Group:
Bacillus
Species with Pathogenic Potential
Authors: Ehling-Schulz Monika , Lereclus Didier , Koehler Theresa M.
Published: May 2019

The
Bacillus cereus
group includes several
Bacillus
species with closely related phylogeny. The most well-studied members of the group,
B. anthracis
,
B. cereus
, and
B. thuringiensis
, are known for their pathogenic potential. Here, we present the historical rationale for speciation and discuss shared and unique features of these bacteria. Aspects of cell morphology and physiology, and genome sequence similarity and gene synteny support close evolutionary relationships for these three species. For many strains, distinct differences in virulence factor synthesis provide facile means for species assignment.
B. anthracis
is the causative agent of anthrax. Some
B. cereus
strains are commonly recognized as food poisoning agents, but strains can also cause localized wound and eye infections as well as systemic disease. Certain
B. thuringiensis
strains are entomopathogens and have been commercialized for use as biopesticides, while some strains have been reported to cause infection in immunocompromised individuals. In this article we compare and contrast
B. anthracis
,
B. cereus
, and
B. thuringiensis
, including ecology, cell structure and development, virulence attributes, gene regulation and genetic exchange systems, and experimental models of disease.
Draft Genome Sequence of a Novel Marine Anaerobic Ammonium-Oxidizing Bacterium, “
Candidatus
Scalindua sp.”
Authors: Ali Muhammad , Shaw Dario Rangel , Saikaly Pascal E.
Published: May 2019

A novel anaerobic ammonium-oxidizing (anammox) bacterium was detected in an upflow column reactor treating synthetic nitrogen-rich saline solution. Here, we assembled a 4.59-Mb draft genome sequence of this bacterium, identified as a member of the genus “
Candidatus
Scalindua,” that has 84% nucleotide-level genomic similarity with the closest related anammox bacterium (“
Candidatus
Scalindua rubra”).
Bilateral liver metastases from testicular sex cord-stromal tumour
Authors: Palmieri Vincent , Al-Mahmeed Husain , Metrakos Peter
Published: May 2019

A 28-year-old man previously diagnosed and treated for testicular sex cord-stromal tumour (TSCST) presented with symptoms of fever, night sweats and fatigue. Following initial investigations for an infectious aetiology, imaging studies detected two large liver lesions. Histopathological assessment of the tumours revealed that they were metastases from the TSCST for which the patient had radical inguinal orchiectomy and retroperitoneal lymph node dissection 5 years prior. The curative-intent management of the bilobar liver metastases necessitated staged resection due to the chemoresistant and radioresistant properties of TSCST. The size of the lesions was such that procedures to induce rapid liver hypertrophy were required between surgeries. Both liver metastases were successfully removed following this approach. The patient remains recurrence-free 1 year after surgery and has maintained predisease levels of performance. Nevertheless, he continues to be followed for routine CT scans at regular intervals.
Effects of electrical muscle stimulation in frail elderly patients during haemodialysis (DIAL): rationale and protocol for a crossover randomised controlled trial
Authors: Suzuki Yuta , Kamiya Kentaro , Tanaka Shinya , Hoshi Keika , Watanabe Takaaki , Harada Manae , Matsuzawa Ryota , Shimoda Takahiro , Yamamoto Shohei , Matsunaga Yusuke , Yoneki Kei , Yoshida Atsushi , Matsunaga Atsuhiko
Published: May 2019

Introduction

The phenomenon of population ageing is accompanied by increases in the number of elderly haemodialysis patients worldwide. The incidence of frailty is high in the haemodialysis population and is associated with poor clinical outcome. Although several interventions have been developed for use in general haemodialysis patients, the efficacy of such rehabilitation programmes in frail elderly patients on haemodialysis has not been elucidated. Here, we examined whether electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) would show beneficial effects in frail elderly patients on haemodialysis.

Methods and analysis

This is a randomised, two-period, controlled crossover trial, which will enrol 20 patients. Haemodialysis patients aged ≥65 years and defined as frail (ie, Short Physical Performance Battery score 4–9), will be randomly assigned to either group 1 (EMS intervention beginning in treatment period I, followed by reallocation as controls in treatment period II after a 5-week washout period) or group 2 (opposite schedule) in a 1:1 ratio. The two intervention periods will last 5 weeks each with an intervening washout period of 5 weeks. In the EMS intervention group, the treatment will be applied to the skeletal muscle of the entire lower extremity for 5 weeks, three times/week for 30–40 min during haemodialysis. The primary outcome of this study is the change in quadriceps isometric strength after the interventions. The secondary outcomes are the changes in physical function, physical activity, difficulty in activities of daily living, body composition, cognitive function, depressive symptoms, quality of life, blood test results and the clinical safety and feasibility of EMS therapy.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has been approved by the institutional review board/ethics committee of Kitasato University Allied Health Sciences. This study will be reported in peer reviewed publications and at conference presentations.

Trial registration number

UMIN000032501.
Physical demand at work and sick leave due to low back pain: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Petersen Jonathan , Kirkeskov Lilli , Hansen Bjarke Brandt , Begtrup Luise Moelenberg , Flachs Esben Meulengracht , Boesen Mikael , Hansen Philip , Bliddal Henning , Kryger Ann Isabel
Published: May 2019

Objectives

To investigate if self-reported high physical demand at work, objective physical workload using a job exposure matrix (JEM) and fear-avoidance beliefs are associated with reported sick leave in the previous year in persons with low back pain (LBP). Second, to investigate if the effects of fear-avoidance and self-reported high physical demand at work on sick leave are modified by the objective physical workloads.

Settings

Participants were recruited from general practice and by advertisement in a local newspaper.

Participants

305participants with a current period of 2–4 weeks LBP and self-reported difficulty in maintaining physically demanding jobs due to LBP were interviewed, clinically examined and had an MRI at baseline.

Main outcome measures

Independent variables were high fear-avoidance, self-reported high physical demand at work and objective measures of physical workloads (JEM). Outcome was self-reported sick leave due to LBP in the previous year. Logistic regression and tests for interaction were used to identify risk factors and modifiers for the association with self-reported sick leave.

Results

Self-reported physically demanding work and high fear-avoidance were significantly associated with prior sick leave due to LBP in the previous year with OR 1.75 95% CI (1.10 to 2.75) and 2.75 95% CI (1.61to 4.84), respectively. No objective physical workloads had significant associations. There was no modifying effect of objective physical workloads on the association between self-reported physical demand at work/high fear-avoidance and sick leave.

Conclusions

Occupational interventions to reduce sick leave due to LBP may have to focus more on those with high self-reported physical demands and high fear-avoidance, and less on individuals with the objectively highest physical workload.

Trial registration number

NCT02015572; Post-results.
A mixed-method exploration into the experience of members of the FAO/WHO International Food Safety Authorities Network (INFOSAN): study protocol
Authors: Savelli Carmen Joseph , Mateus Céu
Published: May 2019

Introduction

The International Food Safety Authorities Network (INFOSAN) is a global network of national food safety authorities from 188 countries, managed jointly by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO), which facilitates the rapid exchange of information during food safety related events. The proposed research will interrogate INFOSAN in order to describe and explore the experiences of members and better understand the role of the network in mitigating the burden of foodborne illness around the world.

Methods

Examined through a community of practice lens, a three-phase research design will combine quantitative and qualitative methods (including website analytics in phase 1, online survey administration in phase 2 and semistructured interviews in phase 3) to elicit a broad and deep understanding of the network operation and member experiences.

Analysis

In phases 1 and 2, quantitative data collected from the INFOSAN Community website and the online questionnaires will be analysed using descriptive summary statistics. In phase 3, interpretative phenomenological analysis will be used to engage in a dialogue with study participants to explore and describe their lived experiences regarding participation in activities related to INFOSAN. An important aspect of the overall analysis will be triangulation of the information collected from each phase, including quantitative indicators and qualitative value stories, in order to provide a robust understanding of member experience.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has undergone ethical review and has received approval from Lancaster University’s Faculty of Health and Medicine Research Ethics Committee, as well as the ethics review committee of the WHO. Findings from the study will be disseminated as a PhD thesis submitted to Lancaster University. In addition, results of the research shall be submitted for publication to relevant academic or professional conferences and journals or other media, including books or websites.
Prolonged infusion with β-lactam antibiotics for treatment of infection caused by non-susceptible bacteria: a study protocol for a systemic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Huadong , Yu Lingyan , Yu Zhenwei
Published: May 2019

Introduction

Prolonged infusion with β-lactam antibiotics should theoretically produce a better clinical efficacy than intermittent infusion in severe infection and infection caused by non-susceptible micro-organisms. The efficacy of prolonged infusion in severe infection has been well illustrated recently, but is still confusing in non-susceptible microbial infection. The objective of this meta-analysis is to determine the clinical effects of prolonged infusion with β-lactams for patients infected by microbes non-susceptible to the given drug.

Methods and analysis

Literature searches will be performed with Medline, the Cochrane database, EMBASE database, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature database, the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure and Wanfang database. Two reviewers will screen and select studies according to a priori defined eligibility criteria, and then the data from the included studies will be extracted. The quality will be evaluated based on a modified Jadad score and the Newcastle-Ottawa system for randomised controlled trials and observational studies, respectively. Data synthesis will be performed with Review Manager 5.3 software. Sensitivity analysis and publication bias will also be investigated.

Ethics and dissemination

No ethics approval is required. The full article will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at international conferences.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42018105111.
Efficacy, safety and impact on antimicrobial resistance of duration and dose of amoxicillin treatment for young children with Community-Acquired Pneumonia: a protocol for a randomIsed controlled Trial (CAP-IT)
Authors: Lyttle Mark D , Bielicki Julia A , Barratt Sam , Dunn David , Finn Adam , Harper Lynda , Jackson Pauline , Powell Colin V E , Roland Damian , Stohr Wolfgang , Sturgeon Kate , Wan Mandy , Little Paul , Faust Saul N , Robotham Julie , Hay Alastair D , Gibb Diana M , Sharland Mike
Published: May 2019

Introduction

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a common indication for antibiotic treatment in young children. Data are limited regarding the ideal dose and duration of amoxicillin, leading to practice variation which may impact on treatment failure and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Community-Acquired Pneumonia: a randomIsed controlled Trial (CAP-IT) aims to determine the optimal amoxicillin treatment strategies for CAP in young children in relation to efficacy and AMR.

Methods and analysis

The CAP-IT trial is a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled 2×2 factorial non-inferiority trial of amoxicillin dose and duration. Children are enrolled in paediatric emergency and inpatient environments, and randomised to receive amoxicillin 70–90 or 35–50 mg/kg/day for 3 or 7 days following hospital discharge. The primary outcome is systemic antibacterial treatment for respiratory tract infection (including CAP) other than trial medication up to 4 weeks after randomisation. Secondary outcomes include adverse events, severity and duration of parent-reported CAP symptoms, adherence and antibiotic resistance. The primary analysis will be by intention to treat. Assuming a 15% primary outcome event rate, 8% non-inferiority margin assessed against an upper one-sided 95% CI, 90% power and 15% loss to follow-up, 800 children will be enrolled to demonstrate non-inferiority for the primary outcome for each of duration and dose.

Ethics and dissemination

The CAP-IT trial and relevant materials were approved by the National Research Ethics Service (reference: 16/LO/0831; 30 June 2016). The CAP-IT trial results will be published in peer-reviewed journals, and in a report published by the National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment programme. Oral and poster presentations will be given to national and international conferences, and participating families will be notified of the results if they so wish. Key messages will be constructed in partnership with families, and social media will be used in their dissemination.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN76888927, EudraCT2016-000809-36.
Photosynthetic parameters of Juglans nigra trees are linked to cumulative water stress
Authors: Gauthier Martin-Michel , Jacobs Douglass F.
Published: May 2019

The influence of water deficits and drought on tree physiological processes, growth, and survival has been the focus of substantial research efforts and debate over the past decades, but there is still a need to quantitatively link finer scale mechanistic explanations of the influence of water status with the physiological responses of trees, particularly for those past the sapling stage. Hence, the objective of this study was to link accumulated water stress during the growing season to leaf physiological response mechanisms of Juglans nigra L. trees. Results showed that trees subjected to higher cumulative water stress had lower maximum light-saturated photosynthesis (Amax), initiated net photosynthesis at higher light levels (Ic), and displayed reduced effectiveness of CO2 fixation per photons absorbed (Qe) at the bottom and upper positions along the vertical canopy gradient. Results suggest that water stress integral (Sψ), a variable that takes into account accumulated water deficits, would be useful to help future research efforts aimed at investigating responses to drought in trees past the sapling stage.
Quantum gravity as an emergent phenomenon
Authors: De Shounak , Singh Tejinder P. , Varma Abhinav
Published: May 2019

There ought to exist a reformulation of quantum theory which does not depend on classical time. To achieve such a reformulation, we introduce the concept of an atom of space-time-matter (STM). An STM atom is a classical noncommutative geometry (NCG), based on an asymmetric metric, and sourced by a closed string. Different such atoms interact via entanglement. The statistical thermodynamics of a large number of such atoms gives rise, at equilibrium, to a theory of quantum gravity. Far from equilibrium, where statistical fluctuations are large, the emergent theory reduces to classical general relativity. In this theory, classical black holes are far from equilibrium low entropy states, and their Hawking evaporation represents an attempt to return to the [maximum entropy] equilibrium quantum gravitational state.
Analytical solution for magnetic moments of Λ-hypernuclei in a relativistic approach
Authors: Nejad S. Mohammad Moosavi , Armat A.
Published: May 2019

The magnetic moments of [Formula: see text]-hypernuclei are the most interesting observables which provide a highly sensitive probe of lambda in the hypernuclei structure and also supply direct information on hyperon–nucleon interactions. In this work, in a relativistic approach we analytically determine the magnetic moment of several [Formula: see text]-hypernuclei such as [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] in their ground and excited states, i.e., the [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] states. For our analysis, we consider the central potential of Wood–Saxon and the spin-orbital potential and determine the wave function of hypernuclei. Then, we compute the Dirac, the anomalous and the total magnetic moments of the ground and excited states of [Formula: see text]-hypernuclei.
STAKEHOLDER ROLES IN BUSINESS MODEL DEVELOPMENT IN NEW TECHNOLOGY-BASED FIRMS
Authors: RYDEHELL HANNA
Published: May 2019

This paper examines the roles of external stakeholders in the business model development of new technology-based firms (NTBFs) from the perspective of the founders. Based on a longitudinal study of two Swedish NTBFs, semi-structured interviews, including timeline mapping, were conducted with the founders of each firm over a period of two years, drawing on retrospective data from the first year of founding. The findings reveal that stakeholder interaction is first initiated based on the position the stakeholder has in relation to the firm, whereas what tasks the stakeholder perform in relation to NTBF resource needs has greater consequences for the business model development. The roles of stakeholders further help shape founder perceptions of how to do business, although such influence may be limited over time. The results provide valuable insight into the influence of founders’ perceptions and firms’ business networks on the business configuration of NTBFs, revealing that business model development is both endogenous and exogenous. Specifically, the study provides some original insights around which roles stakeholders play in the early development of the business model and why these roles are necessary at certain points in time.
Is CS really for all, and defending democracy in cyberspace
Authors: Guzdial Mark , Arquilla John
Published: May 2019

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Mark Guzdial mulls the difficulty of getting into a computer science class, while John Arquilla ponders political warfare in cyberspace.
The relative strength of common synaptic input to motor neurons is not a determinant of the maximal rate of force development in humans
Authors: Del Vecchio Alessandro , Falla Deborah , Felici Francesco , Farina Dario
Published: May 2019

Correlation between motor unit discharge times, often referred to as motor unit synchronization, is determined by common synaptic input to motor neurons. Although it has been largely speculated that synchronization should influence the rate of force development, the association between the degree of motor unit synchronization and rapid force generation has not been determined. In this study, we examined this association with both simulations and experimental motor unit recordings. The analysis of experimental motor unit discharges from the tibialis anterior muscle of 20 healthy individuals during rapid isometric contractions revealed that the average motor unit discharge rate was associated with the rate of force development. Moreover, the extent of motor unit synchronization was entirely determined by the average motor unit discharge rate ( R > 0.7, P < 0.0001). The simulation model demonstrated that the relative proportion of common synaptic input received by motor neurons, which determines motor unit synchronization, does not influence the rate of force development ( R = 0.03, P > 0.05). Nonetheless, the estimates of correlation between motor unit spike trains were significantly correlated with the rate of force generation ( R > 0.8, P < 0.0001). These results indicate that the average motor unit discharge rate, but not the degree of motor unit synchronization, contributes to most of the variance of human contractile speed among individuals. In addition, estimates of correlation between motor unit discharge times depend strongly on the number of identified motor units and therefore are not indicative of the strength of common input.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY It is commonly assumed that motor unit synchronization has an impact on the rate of force development of a muscle. Here we present computer simulations and experimental data of human tibialis anterior motor units during rapid contractions that show that motor unit synchronization is not a determinant of the rate of force production. This conclusion clarifies the neural determinants of rapid force generation.
Capnocytophaga canimorsusas Cause of Fatal Sepsis
Authors: Hundertmark Moritz , Williams Tatjana , Vogel Anja , Moritz Maria , Bramlage Peter , Pagonas Nikolaos , Ritter Oliver , Sasko Benjamin
Published: May 2019

A rare consequence of dog bites is the infection withCapnocytophaga canimorsus, and only a few cases have been documented. We describe a 41-year-old, formerly healthy woman who died from septic shock and multiorgan failure. It is the first case of a young individual without obvious immunosuppression.
New Community Estimation Method in Bipartite Networks Based on Quality of Filtering Coefficient
Authors: Xiong Li , Wang Guo-Zheng , Liu Hu-Chen
Published: May 2019

Community detection is an important task in network analysis, in which we aim to find a network partitioning that groups together vertices with similar community-level connectivity patterns. Bipartite networks are a common type of network in which there are two types of vertices, and only vertices of different types can be connected. While there are a range of powerful and flexible methods for dividing a bipartite network into a specified number of communities, it is an open question how to determine exactly how many communities one should use, and estimating the numbers of pure-type communities in a bipartite network has not been completed. In our paper, we propose a method named as “biCNEQ” (bipartite network communities number estimation based on quality of filtering coefficient), which ensures that communities are all pure type, for estimating the number of communities in a bipartite network. This paper makes the following contributions: (1) we show how a unipartite weighted network, which we call similarity network, can be projected from a bipartite network using a measure of correlation; (2) we reveal the relation between the similarity correlation and community’s edges in the vertices of a unipartite network; (3) we design a measure of the filtering quality named QFC (quality of filtering coefficient) to filter the similarity network and construct a binary network, which we call approximation network; and (4) the number of communities in each type of unipartite networks is estimated using Riolo’s method with the approximation network as input. Finally, the proposed biCNEQ is demonstrated by both synthetic bipartite networks and a real-world network, and the results show that it can determine the correct number of communities and perform better than two classical one-mode projection methods.
Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy
Authors: van der Sluis Pieter Christiaan , Schizas Dimitrios , Liakakos Theodore , van Hillegersberg Richard
Published: May 2019

Minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) was introduced in the 1990s with the aim to decrease the rate of respiratory complications associated with thoracotomy, along with the benefits of reduced morbidity and a quicker return to normal activities provided by minimally invasive techniques. However, MIE is not routinely applied as a standard approach for esophageal cancer worldwide, due to the high technical complexity of this minimally invasive procedure. Therefore, the open transthoracic esophagectomy is considered to be the gold standard for resectable esophageal cancer worldwide nowadays. In this article, the current status of conventional MIE and robot-assisted minimally invasive thoraco-laparoscopic esophagectomy will be reviewed.
Atopic Patients Show Increased Interleukin 4 Plasma Levels but the Degree of Elevation Is Not Sufficient to Upregulate Interleukin-4-Sensitive Genes
Authors: Marbach-Breitrück Eugenia , Kalledat Andrea , Heydeck Dagmar , Stehling Sabine , Fluhr Joachim W. , Zuberbier Torsten , Kuhn Hartmut
Published: May 2019

Background: Atopic diseases constitute a major health challenge for industrialized countries, and elevated levels of interleukin 4 (IL-4) frequently characterize these disorders. Previous in vitroanalyses have indicated that IL-4 strongly upregulates the expression of IL-4-sensitive genes in human monocytes. Objective: To explore whether similar expression alterations may contribute to the pathomechanisms of atopic diseases in vivo we carried out a small-scale case-control clinical study (n = 43), in which we quantified the plasma levels of IgE and IL-4 as well as the expression of selected IL-4-sensitive genes in blood leukocytes. Methods: 34 allergic patients suffering from allergic rhinitis (n = 11), atopic eczema (n = 11) and allergic asthma (n = 12) as well as 9 healthy control individuals were recruited. IgE and IL-4 plasma levels were determined by ELISA, and the expression of selected IL-4-sensitive gene products in blood leukocytes was quantified by qRT-PCR. In addition, the fatty acid oxygenase activity of isolated monocytes was measured by RP-HPLC analysis of the arachidonic acid oxygenation products (ex vivo activity assays). Results: We found that plasma levels of IgE and IL-4 were significantly elevated in atopic patients but the degree of elevation was not sufficient to upregulate the expression of the selected IL-4-sensitive genes in circulating leukocytes. Moreover, the arachidonic acid oxygenase activity of blood monocytes was not significantly altered in atopic patients. Conclusion: Our data suggest that the IL-4 plasma levels of atopic patients are not high enough to impact the expression of IL-4-sensitive genes.