bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The regulation of antimicrobial peptide resistance in the transition to insect symbiosis
Authors: Clayton Adam L. , Enomoto Shinichiro , Su Yinghua , Dale Colin
Published: December 2016

Many bacteria utilize two‐component systems consisting of a sensor kinase and a transcriptional response regulator to detect environmental signals and modulate gene expression for adaptation. The response regulator PhoP and its cognate sensor kinase PhoQ compose a two‐component system known for its role in responding to low levels of Mg2+, Ca2+, pH and to the presence of antimicrobial peptides and activating the expression of genes involved in adaptation to host association. Compared with their free‐living relatives, mutualistic insect symbiotic bacteria inhabit a static environment where the requirement for sensory functions is expected to be relaxed. The insect symbiont, Sodalis glossinidius, requires PhoP to resist killing by host derived antimicrobial peptides. However, the S. glossinidius PhoQ was found to be insensitive to Mg2+, Ca2+ and pH. Here they show that Sodalis praecaptivus, a close non host‐associated relative of S. glossinidius, utilizes a magnesium sensing PhoP‐PhoQ and an uncharacterized MarR‐like transcriptional regulator (Sant_4061) to control antimicrobial peptide resistance in vitro. While the inactivation of phoP, phoQ or Sant_4061 completely retards the growth of S. praecaptivus in the presence of an antimicrobial peptide in vitro, inactivation of both phoP and Sant_4061 is necessary to abrogate growth of this bacterium in an insect host.
Chew, shake, and tear: Prey processing in Australian sea lions (Neophoca cinerea)
Authors: Hocking David P. , Ladds Monique A. , Slip David J. , Fitzgerald Erich M. G. , Evans Alistair R.
Published: December 2016

Pinnipeds generally target relatively small prey that can be swallowed whole, yet often include larger prey in their diet. To eat large prey, they must first process it into pieces small enough to swallow. In this study we explored the range of prey‐processing behaviors used by Australian sea lions (Neophoca cinerea) when presented with large prey during captive feeding trials. The most common methods were chewing using the teeth, shaking prey at the surface, and tearing prey held between the teeth and forelimbs. Although pinnipeds do not masticate their food, we found that sea lions used chewing to create weak points in large prey to aid further processing and to prepare secured pieces of prey for swallowing. Shake feeding matches the processing behaviors observed in fur seals, but use of forelimbs for “hold and tear” feeding has not been previously reported for other otariids. When performing this processing method, prey was torn by being stretched between the teeth and forelimbs, where it was secured by being squeezed between the palms of their flippers. These results show that Australian sea lions use a broad repertoire of behaviors for prey processing, which matches the wide range of prey species in their diet.
High relative abundance of the stable fly Stomoxys calcitrans is associated with lumpy skin disease outbreaks in Israeli dairy farms
Authors: KAHANA‐SUTIN E. , KLEMENT E. , LENSKY I. , GOTTLIEB Y.
Published: December 2016

The vector of lumpy skin disease (LSD), a viral disease affecting Bovidae, is currently unknown. To evaluate the possible vector of LSD virus (LSDV) under field conditions, a yearlong trapping of dipterans was conducted in dairy farms that had been affected by LSD, 1‐2 years previously. This was done in order to calculate monthly relative abundances of each dipteran in each farm throughout the year. The relative abundances of Stomoxys calcitrans (Diptera: Muscidae) in the months parallel to the outbreaks (December and April) were significantly higher than those of other dipterans. A stable fly population model based on weather parameters for the affected area was used to validate these findings. Its results were significantly correlated with S. calcitrans abundance. This model, based on weather parameters during the epidemic years showed that S. calcitrans populations peaked in the months of LSD onset in the studied farms. These observations and model predictions revealed a lower abundance of stable flies during October and November, when LSD affected adjacent grazing beef herds. These findings therefore suggest that S. calcitrans is a potential vector of LSD in dairy farms and that another vector is probably involved in LSDV transmission in grazing herds. These findings should be followed up with vector competence studies.
Lung disease severity in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is more strongly associated with impedance measures of bolus reflux than pH parameters of acid reflux alone
Authors: Gavini S. , Borges L. F. , Finn R. T. , Lo W.‐K. , Goldberg H. J. , Burakoff R. , Feldman N. , Chan W. W.
Published: December 2016

Background

Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) has been associated with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Pathogenesis may be related to chronic micro‐aspiration. We aimed to assess objective measures of GER on multichannel intraluminal impedance and pH study (MII‐pH) and their relationship with pulmonary function testing (PFT) results, and to compare the performance of pH/acid reflux parameters vs corresponding MII/bolus parameters in predicting pulmonary dysfunction in IPF.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of IPF patients undergoing prelung transplant evaluation with MII‐pH off acid suppression, and having received PFT within 3 months. Patients with prior fundoplication were excluded. Severe pulmonary dysfunction was defined using diffusion capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO) ≤40%. Six pH/acid reflux parameters with corresponding MII/bolus reflux measures were specified a priori. Multivariate analyses were applied using forward stepwise logistic regression. Predictive value of each parameter for severe pulmonary dysfunction was calculated by area‐under‐the‐receiver‐operating‐characteristic‐curve or c‐statistic.

Key Results

Forty‐five subjects (67% M, age 59, 15 mild‐moderate vs 30 severe) met criteria for inclusion. Patient demographics and clinical characteristics were similar between pulmonary dysfunction groups. Abnormal total reflux episodes and prolonged bolus clearance time were significantly associated with pulmonary dysfunction severity on univariate and multivariate analyses. No pH parameters were significant. The c‐statistic of each pH parameter was lower than its MII counterpart in predicting pulmonary dysfunction.

Conclusions & Inferences

MII/bolus reflux, but not pH/acid reflux, was associated with pulmonary dysfunction in prelung transplant patients with IPF. MII‐pH may be more valuable than pH testing alone in characterizing GER in IPF.
Treatment and risk factors of Internet use disorders
Authors: Nakayama Hideki , Mihara Satoko , Higuchi Susumu
Published: December 2016

Recently, many young people have developed Internet use disorders (IUD) as a result of the proliferation of Internet‐enabled devices, leading to serious health and social problems worldwide. On occasion, medical and educational institutions, governments, and other groups have sought to take preventive action or treat IUD. In many cases, the preferred treatment for IUD is to set recommendations for appropriate Internet use. Reportedly, psychosocial therapies (including cognitive behavioral therapy, family therapy, and compound therapy) for IUD and pharmacotherapies (including antidepressant drugs and psychostimulants) for comorbid psychiatric or development disorders have been effective at reducing the degree and symptoms of IUD. In some countries, treatment camps have been developed for adolescents with IUD, and preventive education (including lectures and group discussions) has been provided for general adolescents. Such efforts have been effective at reducing the average degree of IUD severity. Some future IUD risk factors (e.g. being male, suffering from attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder, and exhibiting deteriorating psychiatric symptoms) have begun to be identified. However, clinical studies, treatment, and preventive actions are insufficient for treating IUD and standard treatments and preventive systems have yet to be established. Educational and medical institutions, government, families, and others must take greater action and cooperate more effectively in order to treat or prevent IUD.
Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia in Children: A Case Series and Review of the Literature
Authors: Eginli Ariana N. , Dlova Ncoza C. , McMichael Amy
Published: December 2016

Background/Objectives

Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA) is a form of scarring hair loss most commonly seen in middle‐aged African and African American women. It is rarely reported in children. The objective of the current study was to document the presence of CCCA in children and to encourage physicians to recognize early signs of CCCA in children of affected adults.

Methods

Six children presented with biopsy‐proven CCCA to the Department of Dermatology at Wake Forest Baptist Health and the Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine from 2012 to 2015. Demographic characteristics, hair styling history, and family history of CCCA were noted. Examination included complete history, skin and scalp examination, photographs of the scalp, and scalp biopsies.

Results

Patient ages ranged from 14 to 19 years (mean age at onset 14 years). Five patients reported scalp symptoms such as tender papules, pruritus, and scaling. Four patients reported appreciable hair loss on the vertex of the scalp. One patient had used chemical relaxers and hair dyes in the past. Five patients had a known family history of CCCA.

Conclusion

Because CCCA is not typically seen or suspected in children, it is likely to be misdiagnosed or underreported. The findings in these cases add weight to the concept that genetic susceptibility rather than hair care practices may play a significant role in causing CCCA.
Characteristics of Pediatric Scrub Typhus Eschar in South Indian Children
Authors: Arun Babu Thirunavukkarasu , Vijayadevagaran Vijayasankar , Ananthakrishnan Shanthi
Published: December 2016

Background

Knowledge of anatomic location of eschar is useful in diagnosing scrub typhus early in children and to initiate appropriate treatment.

Methods

All children younger than 12 years of age admitted with confirmed diagnosis of scrub typhus over a 17‐month period were included and the presence of eschar and other characteristics were recorded and analyzed.

Results

Of 107 confirmed patients with scrub typhus, 37 (34.6%) presented with eschar. The site of eschar distribution was the face, 2.7%; neck, 5.4%; axilla, 18.9%; trunk, 10.8%; inguinal, 35.1%; and genitalia and buttocks, 27%. Lymphadenopathy was associated with 67.5% of eschars. The presence of eschar did not correlate with severity, complications, or response to therapy.

Conclusion

Careful examination for eschar in children presenting with fever, particularly in the skin folds of the groin, genitalia, and axillae, can aid in early diagnosis of scrub typhus. Lymphadenopathy should alert the clinician to the possibility of finding an eschar in the drainage area.
Concurrent Pemphigus Foliaceus and Graves' Disease
Authors: Laarman Rachel , Horii Kimberly A.
Published: December 2016

Pemphigus foliaceus (PF) is an uncommon immunobullous disease in children. Other autoimmune diseases have rarely been reported in children with PF. We report the case of an adolescent girl who presented with concurrent PF and Graves' disease.
Spectroscopic Properties of Amine‐substituted Analogues of Firefly Luciferin and Oxyluciferin
Authors: Kakiuchi Michio , Ito Soichiro , Yamaji Minoru , Viviani Vadim R. , Maki Shojiro , Hirano Takashi
Published: December 2016

Spectroscopic and photophysical properties of firefly luciferin and oxyluciferin analogues with an amine substituent (NH2, NHMe and NMe2) at the C6' position were studied based on absorption and fluorescence measurements. Their π‐electronic properties were investigated by DFT and TD‐DFT calculations. These compounds showed fluorescence solvatochromism with good quantum yields. An increase in the electron‐donating strength of the substituent led to the bathochromic shift of the fluorescence maximum. The fluorescence maxima of the luciferin analogues and the corresponding oxyluciferin analogues in a solvent were well correlated with each other. Based on the obtained data, the polarity of a luciferase active site was explained. As a result, the maximum wavelength of bioluminescence for a luciferin analogue was readily predicted by measuring the photoluminescence of the luciferin analogue in place of that of the corresponding oxyluciferin analogue.
Expansion of the genotypic and phenotypic spectrum of xeroderma pigmentosum in Chinese population
Authors: Zhang Jia , Cheng Ruhong , Yu Xia , Sun Zhonghui , Li Ming , Yao Zhirong
Published: December 2016

Background

Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) is a rare genodermatosis characterized by exaggerated sunburn reactions, freckle‐like pigmentation, and a high possibility of developing cutaneous tumors. XP comprised seven complementation groups (from XP‐A to XP‐G) and a variant form XP‐V.

Methods

This study was based on five unrelated Chinese families with six patients clinically suspected to be XP. Mutation screening was performed by direct sequencing of the entire coding region of eight XP genes.

Results

All of the pathogenic mutations were identified by mutational analysis, including four novel mutations.

Conclusions

Our study successfully identified the pathogenic mutations in six XP patients (three XP‐A, one XP‐G, one XP‐V, and a rare XP‐D group in Chinese population). We reviewed the reported XP cases with mutations in the Chinese population and concluded that four complementation groups (XP‐A, XP‐C, XP‐G, and XP‐V) that occupy the major proportion should be considered as a first step in genetic detection (especially, XPA is the most common group, and unlike in other populations, XP‐G is not rare in the Chinese population). Moreover, XP‐D and XP‐F, two rare subgroups, should also be added for further mutational analysis. Further, we provide some information for Chinese dermatologists that, when an early diagnosis is made, XP‐C and XP‐V patients can have relatively good prognoses.
MicroRNA‐mediated regulation of immune responses to intestinal helminth infections
Authors: Entwistle L. J. , Wilson M. S.
Published: December 2016

Intestinal helminth infections are highly prevalent in the developing world, often resulting in chronic infection and inflicting high host morbidity. With the emergence of drug‐resistant parasites, a limited number of chemotherapeutic drugs available and stalling vaccine efforts, an increased understanding of antihelminth immunity is essential to provide new avenues to therapeutic intervention. MicroRNAs are a class of small, nonprotein coding RNAs which negatively regulate mRNA translation, thus providing finite control over gene expression in a plethora of biological settings. The miRNA‐mediated coordinated control of gene expression has been shown to be essential in infection and immunity, in promoting and fine‐tuning the appropriate immune response. This review gathers together and discusses observations of miRNA‐mediated effects on the immune system and the subsequent impact on our understanding of antihelminth immunity.
Regulation of host epithelial responses to Cryptosporidium infection by microRNAs
Authors: Ming Z. , Zhou R. , Chen X.‐M.
Published: December 2016

Cryptosporidium species infect the gastrointestinal epithelium and other mucosal surfaces of vertebrate hosts. Epithelial cells provide the first line of defence against Cryptosporidium infection and play a critical role in the initiation, regulation and resolution of both innate and adaptive immune reactions. Host miRNAs in mammalian cells have been shown to play crucial roles in cellular responses to infection by diverse pathogens, including viruses, parasites and bacteria. Given the absence of RNAi machinery in Cryptosporidium, lack of miRNA expression in the parasite and minimal invasion nature of infection, Cryptosporidium infection provides an ideal model for exploring miRNA‐mediated epithelial cell defence, relevant to infection of mucosal epithelial cells by pathogens in general. Increasing evidence supports that miRNAs may modulate many stages of epithelial responses following Cryptosporidium infection, including activation of the intracellular signalling pathways, production of antimicrobial molecules, expression of cytokines/chemokines, release of epithelial cell‐derived exosomes and feedback regulation of immune homeostasis. On the other hand, this parasite may have developed strategies to modulate host miRNA‐mediated cellular function for immune evasion. In this review, we will summarize the recent advances on miRNA regulation of epithelial responses to Cryptosporidium infection, with an emphasis on host defence and parasite immune evasion.
Overexpression of cannabinoid receptor 1 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma is correlated with metastasis to lymph nodes and distant organs, and poor prognosis
Authors: Hijiya Naoki , Shibata Tomotaka , Daa Tsutomu , Hamanaka Ryoji , Uchida Tomohisa , Matsuura Keiko , Tsukamoto Yoshiyuki , Nakada Chisato , Iha Hidekatsu , Inomata Masafumi , Moriyama Masatsugu
Published: December 2016

In patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), the status of metastasis to lymph nodes is strongly associated with prognosis. Consequently, development of a biomarker to detect the presence of metastasis would be clinically valuable. In this study, we found that overexpression of cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R) was applicable as a marker for prediction of metastasis in ESCC. CB1R overexpression was detected immunohistochemically in 54 of 88 cases (61.4%). The intensity of CB1R expression was uniform in both intraepithelial and invasive regions in each case, and was significantly correlated with the status of metastasis to lymph nodes (P = 0.046) and distant organs (P = 0.047). Furthermore, multivariate analysis revealed that CB1R overexpression was independently associated with poor prognosis (P = 0.019). Biological analysis of CB1R overexpression using ESCC cell lines revealed that CB1R activation appeared to promote cell proliferation and invasion. On the basis of these findings, we propose that evaluation of CB1R expression status in biopsy specimens of ESCC using immunohistochemistry might be clinically useful for prediction of metastasis to lymph nodes and distant organs.
Plasticity in seedling morphology, biomass allocation and physiology among ten temperate tree species in response to shade is related to shade tolerance and not leaf habit
Authors: Chmura D. J. , Modrzyński J. , Chmielarz P. , Tjoelker M. G.
Published: December 2016

Mechanisms of shade tolerance in tree seedlings, and thus growth in shade, may differ by leaf habit and vary with ontogeny following seed germination. To examine early responses of seedlings to shade in relation to morphological, physiological and biomass allocation traits, we compared seedlings of 10 temperate species, varying in their leaf habit (broadleaved versus needle‐leaved) and observed tolerance to shade, when growing in two contrasting light treatments – open (about 20% of full sunlight) and shade (about 5% of full sunlight).

We analyzed biomass allocation and its response to shade using allometric relationships. We also measured leaf gas exchange rates and leaf N in the two light treatments.

Compared to the open treatment, shading significantly increased traits typically associated with high relative growth rate (RGR) – leaf area ratio (LAR), specific leaf area (SLA), and allocation of biomass into leaves, and reduced seedling mass and allocation to roots, and net assimilation rate (NAR). Interestingly, RGR was not affected by light treatment, likely because of morphological and physiological adjustments in shaded plants that offset reductions of in situ net assimilation of carbon in shade. Leaf area‐based rates of light‐saturated leaf gas exchange differed among species groups, but not between light treatments, as leaf N concentration increased in concert with increased SLA in shade.

We found little evidence to support the hypothesis of a increased plasticity of broadleaved species compared to needle‐leaved conifers in response to shade. However, an expectation of higher plasticity in shade‐intolerant species than in shade‐tolerant ones, and in leaf and plant morphology than in biomass allocation was supported across species of contrasting leaf habit.
Transgenic tobacco plants constitutively expressing peanut BTF3 exhibit increased growth and tolerance to abiotic stresses
Authors: Pruthvi V. , Rama N. , Parvathi M. S. , Nataraja K. N.
Published: December 2016

Abiotic stresses limit crop growth and productivity worldwide. Cellular tolerance, an important abiotic stress adaptive trait, involves coordinated activities of multiple proteins linked to signalling cascades, transcriptional regulation and other diverse processes. Basal transcriptional machinery is considered to be critical for maintaining transcription under stressful conditions. From this context, discovery of novel basal transcription regulators from stress adapted crops like peanut would be useful for improving tolerance of sensitive plant types.

In this study, we prospected a basal transcription factor, BTF3 from peanut (Arachis hypogaea L) and studied its relevance in stress acclimation by over expression in tobacco.

AhBTF3 was induced under PEG‐, NaCl‐, and methyl viologen‐induced stresses in peanut. The constitutive expression of AhBTF3 in tobacco increased plant growth under non stress condition. The transgenic plants exhibited superior phenotype compared to wild type under mannitol‐ and NaCl‐induced stresses at seedling level. The enhanced cellular tolerance of transgenic plants was evidenced by higher cell membrane stability, reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging activity, seedling survival and vigour than wild type. The transgenic lines showed better in vitro regeneration capacity on growth media supplemented with NaCl than wild type. Superior phenotype of transgenic plants under osmotic and salinity stresses seems to be due to constitutive activation of genes of multiple pathways linked to growth and stress adaptation.

The study demonstrated that AhBTF3 is a positive regulator of growth and stress acclimation and hence can be considered as a potential candidate gene for crop improvement towards stress adaptation.
Assessment of spermatozoa in fertile alpaca (Vicugna pacos) males: Study of sperm head morphometry using a nonautomated digital method and sperm morphology based on strict criteria
Authors: Evangelista‐Vargas D , Evangelista‐Vargas S , Valdivia M , Santiani A
Published: December 2016

Contents

Although computer‐assisted systems for sperm morphometry and morphological analysis are important tools in the study of male fertility, their use in extensive systems in alpacas is limited by factors such as the expense of equipment and the high altitudes of the Andean region. The objectives of this study were to evaluate alpaca sperm head morphometry using a nonautomated digital method and determine the frequency of sperm abnormalities based on strict criteria for sperm morphology in fertile male alpacas. Ejaculates (n = 15) from seven alpacas were collected, and sperm smears stained with modified Papanicolaou were processed. For morphometric analysis, 3,000 sperm (200 cells/sample) images were captured at 400× magnification and Quick Photo MICRO 3.0 software was used for manual measurement of basic (sperm head length, width, perimeter and area) and derived variables (ellipticity, shape factor, elongation and regularity). For morphology assessment, smears were observed at 1000× magnification according to WHO and strict criteria. Average morphometric parameters were length 5.48 μm, width 2.99 μm, perimeter 13.62 μm, area 12.43 μm2, ellipticity 1.86, shape factor 1.20, elongation 0.29 and regularity 1.05. Significant between‐individual and within‐individual differences were found in morphometric parameters. Based on morphometric study, sperm heads were classified as elliptical or normal (49%), long (18%), short (2%), pyriform (12%), round (9%), large (6%) and small (4%). Morphological analysis found no additional sperm head defects in 49% of normal sperm obtained by morphometry, although a 4% incidence of neck/mid‐piece defects and a 16% incidence of principal‐piece defects were found. We conclude that sperm head morphometry assessment in fertile alpacas using a nonautomated digital method is feasible, and that defects in sperm heads constitute the main morphological alteration (>50% of the sperm population), based on WHO and strict criteria.
Exercise hypoxaemia as a predictor of pulmonary hypertension in COPD patients without severe resting hypoxaemia
Authors: Nakahara Yoshio , Taniguchi Hiroyuki , Kimura Tomoki , Kondoh Yasuhiro , Arizono Shinichi , Nishimura Koichi , Sakamoto Koji , Ito Satoru , Ando Masahiko , Hasegawa Yoshinori
Published: December 2016

ABSTRACT

Background and objective

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) in COPD is associated with morbidity and mortality. Previous studies showed a relationship between resting hypoxaemia and PH, but little is known about the relationship between exercise hypoxaemia and PH in COPD without resting hypoxaemia.

Methods

A retrospective observational study of COPD patients without resting hypoxaemia was conducted to evaluate the relationships between exercise hypoxaemia and pulmonary haemodynamics. Clinical characteristics, pulmonary function, blood gas analysis, 6‐min walk distance (6MWD) and oxygen saturation of peripheral artery (SpO2
) at the end of the 6‐min walk test (6MWT) were reviewed. Correlation analysis and stepwise regression analysis were performed to identify the predictor of mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP).

Results

Eighty‐four consecutive patients with a mean predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1
) of 47 ± 21% were evaluated. In univariate analysis, mPAP had negative correlations with age (r = −0.27, P < 0.05), arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2
, r = −0.24, P < 0.05), % predicted forced vital capacity (FVC, r = −0.28, P < 0.05), % predicted FEV1
(r = −0.40, P < 0.001), FEV1
/FVC ratio (r = −0.33, P < 0.005), % predicted diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO
, r = −0.40, P < 0.001), 6MWD (r = −0.40, P < 0.001) and SpO2
at the end of the 6MWT (r = −0.74, P < 0.001). In stepwise regression analysis, SpO2
at the end of the 6MWT and 6MWD remained as independent predictors of mPAP (R2
 = 0.60). In receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, SpO2
at the end of the 6MWT presented an area under the curve of 0.896 for the prediction of PH, with a sensitivity of 0.86 and specificity of 0.84 for the cut‐off point of 81%.

Conclusion

In addition to 6MWD, exercise hypoxaemia indicates PH in patients with COPD without resting hypoxaemia.
Has the Clean Air Interstate Rule Fulfilled Its Mission? An Assessment of Federal Rule‐Making in Preventing Regional Spillover Pollution
Authors: Glasgow Derek , Zhao Shuang
Published: December 2016

The Environmental Protection Agency developed the Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR) to minimize sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions from power plants and prevent pollution spillover into downwind states. While observers of CAIR claim success in the reduction of air pollution, our innovative multivariate statistical analysis based on spatial and facility‐level panel data finds mixed results concerning the rule's effectiveness. On the one hand, we find that CAIR facilities are associated with increases in the reduction rate of pollution compared to non‐CAIR facilities. However, the evidence suggests that sulfur dioxide levels decreased in CAIR‐mandated facilities before the actual implementation of the program. Additionally, on the one hand, CAIR facilities in the interior of states are associated with slower pollution reduction rates than those on the border. However, this difference in reduction rate does not change dramatically before or after the adoption or implementation of this rule. This suggests that the CAIR program was ineffective in targeting specific facilities most likely to contribute to interstate pollution. We conclude that while CAIR spurred the electrical utility industry to reduce air pollution, some of these reductions occurred before the actual implementation of the program. More substantially, gains in interstate spillover pollution did not occur by targeting specific facilities most likely to spillover but rather through the overall reduction of air pollution in the eastern states.
Tectonically driven dolomitization of Cambrian to Lower Ordovician carbonates of the Quruqtagh area, north‐eastern flank of Tarim Basin, north‐west China
Authors: Dong Shaofeng , Chen Daizhao , Zhou Xiqiang , Qian Yixiong , Tian Mi , Qing Hairuo
Published: December 2016

Dolomites occur extensively in Cambrian to Lower Ordovician carbonates in the Tienshan orogen of the Quruqtagh area, north‐east Tarim Basin, where thick (up to 1 km), dark grey lenticular limestones of semi‐pelagic to pelagic origin are prominent. The dolomites generally occur as beige, anastomosed geobodies that cross‐cut well‐stratified limestones. Based on detailed field investigations and petrographic examination, three types of matrix dolomite are identified: fine crystalline planar‐e (Md1), fine to medium crystalline planar‐s (e) (Md2) and fine to coarse crystalline non‐planar‐a (Md3) dolomites. One type of cement dolomite, the non‐planar saddle dolomite (Cd), is also common. The preferential occurrence of Md1 along low‐amplitude stylolites points to a causal link to pressure dissolution by which minor Mg ions were probably released for replacive dolomitization during shallow burial compaction. Type Md2, Md3 and Cd dolomites, commonly co‐occurring within the fractured zones, have large overlaps in isotopic composition with that of host limestone, implying that dolomitizing fluids inherited their composition from remnant pore fluids or were buffered by the formation water of host limestones through water–rock interaction. However, the lower δ18O and higher87Sr/86Sr ratios of these dolomites also suggest more intense fluid–rock interaction at elevated temperature and inputs of Mg and radiogenic Sr from the host limestones with more argillaceous matter and possibly underlying Neoproterozoic siliciclastic strata. Secondary tensional faults and fractures within a compressional tectonic regime were probably important conduits through which higher‐temperature Mg‐rich fluids that had been expelled from depth were driven by enhanced tectonic compression and heating during block overthrusting, forming irregular networks of dolomitized bodies enclosed within the host limestones. This scenario probably took place during the Late Hercynian orogeny, as the Tarim block collided with Tienshan island arc system to the north and north‐east. Subsequent downward recharges of meteoric fluids into the dolomitizing aquifer probably terminated dolomitization as a result of final closure of the South Tienshan Ocean (or Palaeo‐Asian Ocean) and significant tectonic uplift of the Tienshan orogen. This study demonstrates the constructive role of notably tensional (or transtensional) faulting/fracturing in channelling fluids upward as a result of intense tectonic compression and heating along overthrust planes on the convergent plate margin; however, a relatively short‐lived, low fluid flux may have limited the dolomitization exclusively within the fractured/faulted limestones in the overthrust sheets.
Social and emotional loneliness and self‐reported difficulty initiating and maintaining sleep (DIMS) in a sample of Norwegian university students
Authors: Hayley Amie C. , Downey Luke A. , Stough Con , Sivertsen Børge , Knapstad Marit , Øverland Simon
Published: December 2016

Social and emotional loneliness negatively impact several areas of health, including sleep. However, few comprehensive population‐based studies have evaluated this relationship. Over 12,000 students aged 21–35 years who participated in the student survey for higher education in Norway (the SHoT study) were assessed. Loneliness was assessed using the Social and Emotional Loneliness Scale. Difficulty initiating and maintaining sleep (DIMS) was assessed by a single‐item subjective response on the depression scale of the Hopkins Symptoms Checklist (HSCL‐25). Social loneliness was associated with more serious DIMS (unadjusted proportional odds‐ratio [OR] = 2.69, 95% CI = 2.46–2.95). This association was attenuated following adjustment for anxiety (adjusted OR = 1.92, 95% CI = 1.75–2.10) and depression (adjusted OR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.34–1.63), however was not substantially altered when all demographics and psychological distress were accounted for (fully adjusted OR = 1.46, 95% CI = 1.30–1.63). Emotional loneliness was also associated with more serious DIMS (unadjusted proportional OR = 2.33, 95% CI = 2.12–2.57). Adjustment for anxiety (adjusted OR = 1.96, 95% CI = 1.78–2.15) and depression (adjusted OR = 1.64, 95% CI = 1.48–1.80) attenuated, but did not extinguish this relationship in the fully adjusted model (adjusted OR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.09–1.31). Mediation analyses revealed that the social loneliness‐DIMS association was fully attributed to psychological distress, while the emotional loneliness‐DIMS association was only partially mediated, and a direct association was still observed. Associations between social and emotional loneliness and subjective DIMS were embedded in a larger pattern of psychological distress. Mitigating underlying feelings of loneliness may reduce potentially deleterious effects on sleep health and psychological wellbeing in young adults.
Under Reporting of Suicide Ideation in US Army Population Screening: An Ongoing Challenge
Authors: Vannoy Steven D. , Andrews Bonnie K. , Atkins David C. , Dondanville Katherine A. , Young‐McCaughan Stacey , Peterson Alan L. ,   the STRONG STAR Consortium
Published: December 2016

Previous research in US Army Soldiers shows rates of mental health concerns as two to four times higher on anonymous surveys than on postdeployment health assessments. In this study, Soldiers presenting for health reassessment completed two questionnaires on suicide risk factors: one linked to the health assessment and one anonymous. About 5.1% of respondents reported suicide ideation on the anonymous questionnaire, 3.0% on the linked questionnaire, and 0.9% on the health reassessment. About 56.4% who reported suicide ideation anonymously told nobody of their thoughts. Current screening procedures identify only one in seven Soldiers experiencing suicide ideation and highlight the need for alternative risk‐detection strategies.
An Economic Evaluation of the Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Suicide Prevention Program
Authors: Godoy Garraza Lucas , Peart Boyce Simone , Walrath Christine , Goldston David B. , McKeon Richard
Published: December 2016

For more than a decade, the Garrett Lee Smith Youth Suicide Prevention Program has provided funding for community‐based suicide prevention programs to states, tribes, and colleges across the United States. Recent studies provided evidence of the program's effectiveness in reducing suicide mortality and suicide attempts among youth. This study compares the cost of implementing the program with the estimated savings resulting from avoided hospitalization and emergency department visits associated with the averted suicide attempts. The findings suggest that the cost of implementing multifaceted community‐based suicide prevention strategies may be more than outweighed by savings in the health sector.
Will Direct Payments Make Adult Residential Care more Personalized? Views and Experiences of Social Care Staff in the Direct Payments in Residential Care Trailblazers
Authors: Williams Lorraine , Ettelt Stefanie , Perkins Margaret , Wittenberg Raphael , Lombard Daniel , Damant Jackie , Mays Nicholas
Published: December 2016

Direct payments, i.e. cash payments made directly to the individual in lieu of social care services, have become an established option in council‐funded domiciliary care as a means to better personalize care and support. As part of its agenda to modernize social care, the Government tested their use in long‐term residential care in 18 trailblazing councils in England.

This article presents findings from the independent evaluation of this initiative, using interviews with project leads seconded to the programme in all participating councils, and with council and care home staff involved in implementing direct payments in residential care in five sites. Interviews were conducted between September 2014 and November 2015. They explored professionals' views and experiences of personalization in residential care and their thoughts on the potential contribution of direct payments to promoting personalization. Whilst there was agreement that good care takes personal preferences into account and that many care homes could provide a more personalized service, doubts were voiced about whether direct payments were an appropriate mechanism to achieve this aim. This was seen as particularly pertinent in relation to residents with very high care needs and limited capacity to exercise choice and control. Interviewees also identified a number of risks and challenges to implementation, including financial risks to care homes. The findings from these interviews suggest that the contribution of direct payments to personalizing residential care may be more modest than expected.
Treatment outcomes in patients with multidrug‐resistant tuberculosis in north‐west Ethiopia
Authors: Alene Kefyalew Addis , Viney Kerri , McBryde Emma S. , Tsegaye Adino Tesfahun , Clements Archie C. A.
Published: December 2016

Objective

Multidrug‐resistant tuberculosis (MDR‐TB) is an emerging public health problem in Ethiopia. The aim of this study was to assess MDR‐TB treatment outcomes and determine predictors of poor treatment outcomes in north‐west Ethiopia.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted using all MDR‐TB patients who were enrolled at Gondar University Hospital since the establishment of the MDR‐TB programme in 2010. A Cox proportional hazard model was used to identify the predictors of time to poor treatment outcomes, which were defined as death or treatment failure.

Results

Of the 242 patients who had complete records, 131 (54%) were cured, 23 (9%) completed treatment, 31 (13%) died, four (2%) experienced treatment failure, 27 (11%) were lost to follow‐up, six (2%) transferred out, and 20 (8%) were still on treatment at the time of analysis. The overall cumulative probability survival of the patients at the end of treatment (which was 24 months in duration) was 80% (95% CI: 70%, 87%). The proportion of patients with poor treatment outcomes increased over time from 6% per person‐year (PY) during 2010–2012, to 12% per PY during 2013–2015. The independent predictors of time to poor treatment outcome were being anaemic [AHR = 4.2; 95% CI: 1.1, 15.9] and being a farmer [AHR = 2.2; 95% CI: 1.0, 4.9].

Conclusions

Overall, in north‐west Ethiopia, the MDR‐TB treatment success rate was high. However, poor treatment outcomes have gradually increased since 2012. Being a farmer and being anaemic were associated with poor treatment outcomes. It would be beneficial to assess other risk factors that might affect treatment outcomes such as co‐infection with malaria, poverty and other socio‐economic and biological risk factors.
Corneal anesthetic effect and ocular tolerance of 3.5% lidocaine gel in comparison with 0.5% aqueous proparacaine and 0.5% viscous tetracaine in normal canines
Authors: Venturi Francesca , Blocker Tiffany , Dees Darryl Dustin , Madsen Richard , Brinkis Julius
Published: December 2016

Objective

To compare the degree and duration of corneal anesthesia of a novel viscous ophthalmic lidocaine hydrochloride preparation vs. two commonly used ophthalmic anesthetic preparations.

Methods

Each subject was randomly selected to receive 2 of 4 treatments at 2 different time periods separated by a 1 week washout: 3.5% lidocaine hydrochloride gel (Akten®; Akorn Inc., Lake Forest, Illinois, USA), 0.5% aqueous proparacaine hydrochloride (Akorn Inc.), 0.5% viscous tetracaine hydrochloride (TetraVisc™; Ocusoft Inc., Richmond, Texas, USA), or 0.9% saline eyewash as a negative control. Corneal sensitivity was determined using a Cochet‐Bonnet aesthesiometer (LuneauÂ®, Chartres Cedex, France) prior to instillation of each treatment; at 1 and 5 min post treatment; and at 5‐min intervals thereafter for 90 min total. Ocular side effects were recorded on a scale of 0–3.

Results

Twenty‐four normal dogs (48 eyes) were entered into the study. Mean duration of maximal anesthesia was significantly greater at 34.2 min with tetracaine compared to 21.5 min and 19 min with proparacaine and lidocaine respectively. Corneal sensitivity was significantly decreased from baseline for up to 70 min with tetracaine and 55 min with both proparacaine and lidocaine. All lidocaine‐treated eyes had transient blepharospasm and conjunctival hyperemia. Ten out of 24 tetracaine‐treated eyes had conjunctival hyperemia with 4 of these having concurrent chemosis.

Conclusions

Tetracaine provided a significantly longer duration of corneal anesthesia than proparacaine or lidocaine. Tetracaine and lidocaine were associated with more ocular side effects than proparacaine, although these were mild and transient. None.
Exercise Interventions for Preventing Falls Among Older People in Care Facilities: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Lee Seon Heui , Kim Hee Sun
Published: December 2016

Background

Falls in older people are a common problem, often leading to considerable morbidity. However, the overall effect of exercise interventions on fall prevention in care facilities remains controversial.

Aims

To evaluate the effectiveness of exercise interventions on the rate of falls and number of fallers in care facilities.

Methods

A meta‐analysis was conducted of randomized controlled trials published up to December 2014. Eight databases were searched including Ovid‐Medline, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, KoreaMed, KMbase, KISS, and KisTi. Two investigators independently extracted data and assessed study quality.

Results

Twenty‐one studies were selected, that included 5,540 participants. Fifteen studies included exercise as a single intervention, whereas the remaining six included exercise combined with two or more fall interventions tailored to each resident's fall risk (i.e., medication review, environmental modification or staff education). Meta‐analysis showed that exercise had a preventive effect on the rate of falls (risk ratio [RR] 0.81, 95% CI 0.68–0.97). This effect was stronger when exercise combined with other fall interventions on the rate of falls (RR 0.61, 95% CI 0.52–0.72) and on the number of fallers (RR 0.85, 95% CI 0.77–0.95). Exercise interventions including balance training (i.e., gait, balance, and functional training; or balance and strength) resulted in reduced the rate of falls. Sensitivity analyses indicated that exercise interventions resulted in reduced numbers of recurrent fallers (RR 0.71, 95% CI 0.53–0.97).

Linking Evidence to Action

This review provides an important basis for developing evidence‐based exercise intervention protocols for older people living in care facilities. Exercise programs, which are combined with tailored other fall interventions and challenge balance training to improve balance skills, should be applied to frail older people with functional limitations in institutional settings.
Electrical defects of the transverse‐axial tubular system in cardiac diseases
Authors: Crocini Claudia , Ferrantini Cecilia , Coppini Raffaele , Sacconi Leonardo
Published: December 2016

Electrical excitability is an essential feature of cardiomyocytes and the homogenous propagation of the action potential is guaranteed by a complex network of membrane invaginations called the transverse‐axial tubular system (TATS). TATS structural remodelling is a hallmark of cardiac diseases and we demonstrated that this can be accompanied by electrical defects at single T‐tubular level. Using a random‐access multi‐photon (RAMP) microscope, we found that pathological T‐tubules can fail to conduct action potentials, which delays local Ca2+ release. Although the underlying causes for T‐tubular electrical failure are still unknown, our findings suggest that they are likely to be related to local ultrastructural alterations. Here, we first review the experimental approach that allowed us to observe and dissect the consequences of TATS electrical dysfunction and then propose two different strategies to unveil the reasons for T‐tubular electrical failures. The first strategy consists in a correlative approach, in which the failing T‐tubule identified with the RAMP microscope is then imaged with electron microscopy. The second approach exploits the diffusion of molecules within TATS to gain insights into the local TATS structure, even without a thorough reconstruction of the tubular network. Although challenging, the local electrical failure occurring at single T‐tubules is a fundamental question that needs to be addressed and could provide novel insights in cardiac pathophysiology.

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Rotational and frictional dynamics of the slamming of a door
Authors: Klein Pascal , Müller Andreas , Gröber Sebastian , Molz Alexander , Kuhn Jochen
Published: December 2016

A theoretical and experimental investigation of the rotational dynamics, including friction, of a slamming door is presented. Based on existing work regarding different damping models for rotational and oscillatory motions, we examine different forms for the (angular) velocity dependence (ωn, n = 0, 1, 2) of the frictional force. An analytic solution is given when all three friction terms are present and several solutions for specific cases known from the literature are reproduced. The motion of a door is investigated experimentally using a smartphone, and the data are compared with the theoretical results. A laboratory experiment under more controlled conditions is conducted to gain a deeper understanding of the movement of a slammed door. Our findings provide quantitative evidence that damping models involving quadratic air drag are most appropriate for the slamming of a door. Examining this everyday example of a physical phenomenon increases student motivation, because they can relate it to their own personal experience.
Reversible temperature exchange upon thermal contact
Authors: Mishchenko Eugene G. , Pshenichka Paul F.
Published: December 2016

According to a well-known principle of thermodynamics, the transfer of heat between two bodies is reversible when their temperatures are infinitesimally close. As we demonstrate, a little-known alternative exists: two bodies with temperatures different by an arbitrary amount can completely exchange their temperatures in a reversible way if split into infinitesimal parts that are brought into thermal contact sequentially.
Life under a black sun
Authors: Opatrný Tomáš , Richterek Lukáš , Bakala Pavel
Published: December 2016

Life is dependent on the income of energy with low entropy and the disposal of energy with high entropy. On Earth, the low-entropy energy is provided by solar radiation and the high-entropy energy is disposed of as infrared radiation emitted into cold space. Here, we turn the situation around and imagine the cosmic background radiation as the low-entropy source of energy for a planet orbiting a black hole into which the high-entropy energy is expelled. We estimate the power that can be produced by thermodynamic processes on such a planet, with a particular interest in planets orbiting a fast rotating Kerr black hole as in the science fiction movie Interstellar. We also briefly discuss a reverse Dyson sphere absorbing cosmic background radiation from the outside and dumping waste energy to a black hole inside.