bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Requirements‐based approach for the diagnostic systems design process
Authors: Amarowicz Marcin
Published: June 2018

The process of effective diagnosis of the technical state of an object is an essential task related to its utilization. For this purpose, appropriately developed diagnostic systems are used. However, the process of their elaboration is very difficult because it is necessary to consider very wide domain knowledge during this process—for example, information about the object's structure, possible faults, results of risk analysis, and available diagnostic methods. Generally, in the literature, there are no adequate methods for the purpose of designing diagnostic systems. In this article, a new design approach for this purpose is proposed. It is based on some elements of requirement engineering and the selected methods of artificial intelligence. The main assumptions of the proposed design approach rely on the use of sets of requirements to describe the expected functionalities of the diagnostic system. Each of the requirements is connected with proper faults that may occur during the operation of the considered object, is described by a set of attributes, and implies the partial solution of the diagnostic system. A gathered set of requirements is evaluated using the expert system, such as the inference process in Bayesian networks. The structure of these networks depends on the obtained notation of the requirements. As a result of an evaluation of the set of requirements, based on the data that describe the considered object and the assumed criteria that describe the limitations, a subset of requirements that describe the optimal solution of the diagnostic system is isolated.
Hydroa vacciniforme‐like lymphoproliferative disorder in an elderly Chinese patient and a literature review of adult cases
Authors: Long Valencia , Liang Michelle W. , Tan Suat Hoon
Published: June 2018

Hydroa vaccinforme‐like lymphoproliferative disorder (HVLPD) is a rare T‐cell lymphoproliferative disorder driven by the Epstein–Barr Virus (EBV). It was initially designated under the 2008 WHO classification of tumors of hematopoietic and lymphoid tissues as a distinct entity but has been recently reclassified as a lymphoproliferative disorder under the 2016 revision of the 2008 WHO classification of lymphoid malignancies. HVLPD mainly affects Asian, Central, and South American children. It is rarely seen in adults. Although HVLPD may initially be limited to cutaneous involvement and run an indolent course, some patients may develop a rapidly aggressive course. We report a case of an elderly Chinese man with cutaneous‐limited disease and a favorable course. A review of adult cases of HVLPD published in the English literature, with comparison to our case, is also presented in this paper.
Influence of semolina replacement with salmon (Oncorhynchus tschawytscha) powder on the physicochemical attributes of fresh pasta
Authors: Desai Ajay S. , Brennan Margaret A. , Brennan Charles S.
Published: June 2018

This study evaluated the influence of the incorporation of salmon (Oncorhynchus tschawytscha) fish powder (SFP) into pasta production and the effect on pasta physicochemical attributes. Four replacement levels were tested (5%, 10%, 15% and 20%) together with a control pasta (100% semolina). The effects on the chemical composition, physical properties (optimal cooking time, cooking loss, water absorption index, swelling index and colour and textural properties (firmness and extensibility) were analysed. The results demonstrated that pasta with SFP had increased protein (12.88–23.40%), lipid (0.46–7.20%), ash (0.39–0.57%) and energy (122.26–161.08 kcal) contents (P < 0.05), increased cooking time (6.30–8.30 min) and cooking loss (4.28–8.02%) compared with semolina control pasta. However, all pasta samples were in the acceptable range (8 g/100 g) for cooking loss. The addition of SFP resulted in significantly decreased swelling index (2.29–1.95), water absorption (105.46–81.62%) and firmness (3.13–1.16 N) (P < 0.05) whilst increasing resistance to uniaxial extension of pasta. Colour parameters indicated comparable brightness between the samples and higher redness values for enriched pasta. Thus, pasta fortified with SFP has the potential to be a technological alternative for the food industry to provide protein‐enriched pasta.
Automated nucleated red blood cell count using the Mindray BC‐6800 hematology analyzer
Authors: Houyhongthong V. , Nunphuak W. , Sripatumtong C. , Parnsamut C. , Ketloy C.
Published: June 2018

Introduction

In current laboratory practice, obtaining a nucleated red blood cell (NRBC) count by manual microscopy (MM) is a laborious and time‐consuming process. Modern hematology analyzers based on different technologies and methods have variable accuracies when determining NRBC counts. The aim of this study was to compare NRBC counts acquired by an automated Mindray BC‐6800 analyzer (BC‐6800), a flow cytometry (FC) reference method, and traditional MM.

Methods

A hundred EDTA samples with initial NRBC flags from the BC‐6800 were included. FC was used as a reference method to correlate the NRBC count with BC‐6800 and MM counts. In addition, the performance of the Mindray SC‐120 analyzer for preparing automated blood films for manual NRBC counting was compared to that of manually prepared blood films.

Results

The NRBC counts obtained with the BC‐6800 and MM vs the reference method were highly correlated (r = .994 and .989, respectively). However, the BC‐6800 showed a lower bias than MM when compared with FC (0.3 × 109/L and −6.0 × 109/L, respectively). NRBC counts obtained using the automated Mindray SC‐120 films were comparable to manually prepared films.

Conclusion

The Mindray CAL8000 automated hematology system, which is composed of the BC‐6800 and the SC‐120, yields a precise NRBC count and can replace the traditional MM method for obtaining accurate and reproducible NRBC counts in high‐value samples, such as patient monitoring samples used to determine the necessity of transfusion therapy in thalassemia patients. Moreover, this method offers several advantages, including a faster turnaround time, labor savings, and cost effectiveness.
Should we be testing for urogenital Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma parvum and Ureaplasma urealyticum in men and women? – a position statement from the European STI Guidelines Editorial Board
Authors: Horner P. , Donders G. , Cusini M. , Gomberg M. , Jensen J.S. , Unemo M.
Published: June 2018

At present, we have no evidence that we are doing more good than harm detecting and subsequently treating Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma parvum and Ureaplasma urealyticum colonizations/infections. Consequently, routine testing and treatment of asymptomatic or symptomatic men and women for M. hominis, U. urealyticum and U. parvum are not recommended. Asymptomatic carriage of these bacteria is common, and the majority of individuals do not develop any disease. Although U. urealyticum has been associated with urethritis in men, it is probably not causal unless a high load is present (likely carriage in 40–80% of detected cases). The extensive testing, detection and subsequent antimicrobial treatment of these bacteria performed in some settings may result in the selection of antimicrobial resistance, in these bacteria, ‘true’ STI agents, as well as in the general microbiota, and substantial economic cost for society and individuals, particularly women. The commercialization of many particularly multiplex PCR assays detecting traditional non‐viral STIs together with M. hominis, U. parvum and/or U. urealyticum has worsened this situation. Thus, routine screening of asymptomatic men and women or routine testing of symptomatic individuals for M. hominis, U. urealyticum and U. parvum is not recommended. If testing of men with symptomatic urethritis is undertaken, traditional STI urethritis agents such as Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, M. genitalium and, in settings where relevant, Trichomonas vaginalis should be excluded prior to U. urealyticum testing and quantitative species‐specific molecular diagnostic tests should be used. Only men with high U. urealyticum load should be considered for treatment; however, appropriate evidence for effective treatment regimens is lacking. In symptomatic women, bacterial vaginosis (BV) should always be tested for and treated if detected.
Statins: a role in breast cancer therapy?
Authors: Borgquist S. , Bjarnadottir O. , Kimbung S. , Ahern T. P.
Published: June 2018

Statin drugs have been used for more than two decades to treat hypercholesterolemia and as cardio‐preventive drugs, resulting in a marked decrease in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality worldwide. Statins halt hepatic cholesterol biosynthesis by inhibiting the rate‐limiting enzyme in the mevalonate pathway, hydroxymethylglutaryl‐coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR). The mevalonate pathway regulates a host of biochemical processes in addition to cholesterol production. Attenuation of these pathways is likely responsible for the myriad benefits of statin therapy beyond cholesterol reduction – the so‐called pleiotropic effects of statins. Chief amongst these purported effects is anti‐cancer activity. A considerable body of preclinical, epidemiologic and clinical evidence shows that statins impair proliferation of breast cancer cells and reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence. Potential mechanisms for this effect have been explored in laboratory models, but remain poorly understood and require further investigation. The number of clinical trials assessing the putative clinical benefit of statins in breast cancer is increasing. Currently, a total of 30 breast cancer/statin trials are listed at the global trial identifier website clinicaltrials.gov. Given the compelling evidence from performed trials in a variety of clinical settings, there have been calls for a clinical trial of statins in the adjuvant breast cancer setting. It would be imperative for such a trial to incorporate tumour biomarkers predictive of statin response in its design and analysis plan. Ongoing translational clinical trials aimed at biomarker discovery will help identify, which breast cancer patients are most likely to benefit from adjuvant statin therapy, and will add valuable clinical knowledge to the field.
Daily Associations Between Kissing and Affect During the Transition From Adolescence to Young Adulthood
Authors: Lefkowitz Eva S. , Wesche Rose , Picci Giorgia , Hochgraf Anna K.
Published: June 2018

Kissing during late adolescence and the transition to adulthood is prevalent, relatively frequent, and distinct from many sexual behaviors in that it affords positive consequences with minimal risk. In this study, we examined within‐person associations between kissing and day‐to‐day variation in affect. A racially/ethnically diverse sample of college students (N = 560; 54.1% female) completed up to 14 daily surveys for seven consecutive semesters. On days when students kissed, they reported more positive and less negative affect than on other days, after controlling for a number of known correlates. Findings differed at the semester‐ and person levels. Findings contribute to a normative developmental understanding of sexual behaviors during adolescence and the transition to adulthood.
Meaning in Life Moderates the Relationship Between Sacred Loss/Desecration and Health
Authors: Krause Neal , Pargament Kenneth I. , Ironson Gail
Published: June 2018

According to sanctification theory, religious people tend to imbue certain aspects of their lives with spiritual character and significance. Moreover, they take active steps to preserve and protect sacred aspects of their lives that might be threatened. If they are successful, they derive a deep sense of satisfaction and well‐being. However, when stressful events arise, some individuals are not able to preserve and protect the facets of their lives that they have come to view as sacred. The resulting sacred loss/desecration can be associated with physical and mental health problems. The purpose of the current study is to see if a sense of meaning in life buffers (i.e., moderates) the relationship between sacred loss/desecration and four measures of health: physical functioning, the number of chronic conditions, symptoms of physical illness, and self‐rated health. Data from a recent nationwide survey (N = 2,104–2,107) suggest that the negative relationship between sacred loss/desecration and each health outcome is lower for people who have a stronger sense of meaning in life.
The construction and application of a population physiologically based pharmacokinetic model for methadone in Beagles and Greyhounds
Authors: Elwell‐Cuddy Trevor , Li Miao , KuKanich Butch , Lin Zhoumeng
Published: June 2018

Methadone is an opioid analgesic in veterinary and human medicine. To help develop appropriate pain management practices and to develop a quantitative model for predicting methadone dosimetry, a flow‐limited multiroute physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model for methadone in dogs constructed with Berkeley Madonna™ was developed. The model accounts for intravenous (IV), subcutaneous (SC), and oral administrations, and compartmentalizes the body into different components. This model was calibrated from plasma pharmacokinetic data after IV administration of methadone in Beagles and Greyhounds. The calibrated model was evaluated with independent data in both breeds of dogs. One advantage of this model is that most physiological parameter values for Greyhounds were taken directly from the original literature. The developed model simulates available pharmacokinetic data for plasma concentrations well for both breeds. After conducting regression analysis, all simulated datasets produced an R2 > 0.80 when compared to the measured plasma concentrations. Comparative analysis of the dosimetry of methadone between the breeds suggested that Greyhounds had ~50% lower 24‐hr area under the curve (AUC) of plasma or brain concentrations than in Beagles. Furthermore, population analysis was conducted with this study. This model can be used to predict methadone concentrations in multiple dog breeds using breed‐specific parameters.
Male throat colour polymorphism is related to differences in space use and in habitat selection in tree lizards
Authors: Paterson J. E. , Blouin‐Demers G.
Published: June 2018

Habitat selection is the disproportionate use of some habitats relative to their availability and is used by animals to maximize fitness. Habitat selection has been the dominant framework for predicting the spatial distribution of animals, but different habitat selection strategies can occur within a population when there are physical or behavioural differences between individuals. Colour polymorphism is often linked to differences in other behavioural and morphological traits, and may therefore affect habitat selection strategy. Male ornate tree lizards (Urosaurus ornatus) exhibit a throat colour polymorphism associated with differences in behaviour and in reproductive strategy. Blue‐throated males are dominant and defend home ranges containing several females; orange‐throated males are either nomadic or sedentary and do not defend territories; and yellow‐ or green‐throated males are reproductive parasites that sneak copulations with females. We tested the hypothesis that throat colour in tree lizards affects habitat selection and space use with mark‐recapture data collected from 10 sites in the Chiricahua Mountains of southeastern Arizona, USA. We found that males with green throats moved more than males with blue throats, and that males with orange throats occupied smaller home ranges. Male ornate tree lizards were closer to the highest quality habitat than if their spatial distribution was random, and green‐throated males had a more marked preference for the highest quality habitat than blue‐throated males. We found no difference in the departures of body temperatures from the preferred body temperature range between males of different throat colours. Survival rates were similar for blue‐, green‐ and orange‐throated males. We demonstrated that throat colour polymorphism in ornate tree lizards is related to habitat selection strategy and this may help maintain the colour polymorphism.
Effects of curcumin and melatonin on bone formation in orthopedically expanded suture in rats: A biochemical, histological and immunohistochemical study
Authors: Cesur M. G. , Gülle K. , Şirin F. B. , Akpolat M. , Öğrenim G. , Alkan A. , Cesur G.
Published: June 2018

Structured Abstract

Objects

To investigate the effects of curcumin (CUR) and melatonin (MEL) on new bone formation following rapid maxillary expansion (RME) in rats.

Setting and Sample Population

For this study, 24 12‐week‐old adult male Wistar albino rats from the Animal Laboratory at Adnan Menderes University, Faculty of Medicine, were used.

Materials and Methods

The rats were randomly divided into the following 3 groups (n = 8 each): only expansion (OE), expansion plus MEL (MEL) and expansion plus CUR (CUR). CUR and MEL were given to the rats during the study period. After the sacrifice of the animals, biochemical, histological and immunohistochemical examinations were performed.

Results

Serum bone alkaline phosphatase levels in the MEL group were statistically (P = .007) higher than in the OE group. Serum glutathione peroxidase and catalase activities in the CUR and MEL groups were significantly higher than in the OE group (P = .007 and P = .021, respectively). Inflammatory cell infiltration, new bone formation and capillary intensity parameters did not demonstrate statistically significant differences between the groups (P = .865, P = .067 and P = .055, respectively). The immunohistochemical findings revealed that IL‐1, IL‐6 and TNF‐α H scores showed considerable differences between the groups (all P < .001). The highest IL‐1, IL‐6 and TNF‐α H scores were found in the OE groups rather than in the other groups (P < .001).

Conclusion

CUR and MEL treatments may be effective in accelerating new bone formation and beneficial in preventing relapse following the RME procedures.
An unusual source of electromagnetic interference
Authors: Verma Kunal Pradip , Adam David
Published: June 2018

A 62‐year‐old male presented to his treating cardiologist for routine interrogation of his implantable cardiac defibrillator on the background of severe ischemic cardiomyopathy and end‐stage kidney disease on hemodialysis. The device log revealed multiple paroxysms of atrial fibrillation; however, upon scrutinizing these episodes it was evident that they always corresponded to episodes of hemodialysis while dialyzing through a chronic dialysis catheter, but not while dialyzing via an arteriovenous fistula. We report the novel finding of inappropriate sensing of current leak from the catheter by a lead with a floating atrial dipole.
Inhomogeneous downregulation of INa underlies piceatannol proarrhythmic mechanism in regional ischemia‐reperfusion
Authors: Chang Po‐Cheng , Huang Yu‐Chang , Lee Hui‐Ling , Chang Gwo‐Jyh , Chu Yen , Wen Ming‐Shien , Chou Chung‐Chuan
Published: June 2018

Background

Piceatannol, a grape‐derived polyphenol, has been linked to proarrhythmic properties by aggravating inhomogeneous conduction delay in the ischemia‐reperfusion (IR) zone to enhance arrhythmogenic alternans in heart failure (HF) rabbits. The underlying molecular mechanisms of piceatannol‐induced conduction disturbance were unclear in this model.

Methods

HF was induced by 4 weeks’ rapid ventricular pacing. IR injury was induced in vivo using a protocol of left coronary artery ligation and release. Left ventricular cardiomyocytes were isolated enzymatically for whole‐cell patch‐clamp studies. Piceatannol (10 μM) was administrated to test its inhibitory effect on sodium current (INa). Immunoblots studies and immunoenzymological staining were conducted in tissues sampled from the IR and remote zones.

Results

Peak INa density was less in failing cardiomyocytes than control cardiomyocytes. IR injury further reduces peak INa density in both groups. Piceatannol showed a greater INa inhibitory effect in HF than control cardiomyocytes. Western blots showed reduced NaV 1.5 protein expression in the HF group compared to the control group but no significant difference between remote and IR zones. Immunostaining showed that IR led to cytosolic redistribution of NaV 1.5, especially in failing hearts.

Conclusions

Downregulation of NaV 1.5 protein expression and reduced peak INa density are found in the failing hearts. Piceatannol exerts a greater inhibitory effect on peak INa in the failing cardiomyocytes than in the controls. IR injury further decreases peak INa density, which is more prominent in the failing hearts than in the control hearts.
Velocity‐Based Storage Assignment in Semi‐Automated Storage Systems
Authors: Yuan Rong , Graves Stephen C. , Cezik Tolga
Published: June 2018

Our research focuses on the storage decision in a semi‐automated storage system, where the inventory is stored on mobile storage pods. In a typical system, each storage pod carries a mixture of items, and the inventory of each item is spread over multiple storage pods. These pods are transported by robotic drives to stationary stations on the boundary of the storage zone where associates conduct pick or stow operations. The storage decision is to decide to which storage location within the storage zone to return a pod upon the completion of a pick or stow operation. The storage decision has a direct impact on the total travel time and hence the workload of the robotic drives. We develop a fluid model to analyze the performance of velocity‐based storage policies. We characterize the maximum possible improvement from applying a velocity‐based storage policy in comparison to the random storage policy. We show that class‐based storage with two or three classes can achieve most of the potential benefits and that these benefits increase with greater variation in the pod velocities. To validate the findings, we build a discrete‐time simulator with real industry data. We observe an 8% to 10% reduction in the travel distance with a 2‐class or 3‐class storage policy, depending on the parameter settings. From a sensitivity analysis, we establish the robustness of the class‐based storage policies as they continue to perform well under a broad range of warehouse settings, including different zoning strategies, resource utilization, and space utilization levels.
Exploring the Potential for Multivariate Fragility Representations to Alter Flood Risk Estimates
Authors: Jane Robert A. , Simmonds David J. , Gouldby Ben P. , Simm Jonathan D. , Dalla Valle Luciana , Raby Alison C.
Published: June 2018

In flood risk analysis, limitations in the multivariate statistical models adopted to model the hydraulic load have restricted the probability of a defense suffering structural failure to be expressed conditionally on a single hydraulic loading variable. This is an issue at the coastal level where multiple loadings act on defenses with the exact combination of loadings dictating their failure probabilities. Recently, a methodology containing a multivariate statistical model with the flexibility to robustly capture the dependence structure between the individual loadings was used to derive extreme nearshore loading conditions. Its adoption will permit the incorporation of more precise representations of a structure's vulnerability in future analyses. In this article, a fragility representation of a shingle beach, where the failure probability is expressed over a three‐dimensional loading parameter space—water level, wave height, and period—is derived at two localities. Within the approach, a Gaussian copula is used to capture any dependencies between the simplified geometric parameters of a beach's shape. Beach profiles are simulated from the copula and the failure probability, given the hydraulic load, determined by the reformulated Bradbury barrier inertia parameter model. At one site, substantial differences in the annual failure probability distribution are observed between the new and existing approaches. At the other, the beach only becomes vulnerable after a significant reduction of the crest height with its mean annual failure probability close to that presently predicted. It is concluded that further application of multivariate approaches is likely to yield more effective flood risk management.
Aerobic physical activity assessed with accelerometer, diary, questionnaire, and interview in a Finnish population sample
Authors: Hukkanen Henna , Husu Pauliina , Sievänen Harri , Tokola Kari , Vähä‐Ypyä Henri , Valkeinen Heli , Mäki‐Opas Tomi , Suni Jaana H. , Vasankari Tommi
Published: June 2018

This study evaluates the agreement between different methods to assess moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in a large sample of Finnish adults. Methods were classified and examined pairwise (accelerometer vs diary; questionnaire vs interview). Proportion of participants meeting the aerobic health‐enhancing physical activity (HEPA) recommendation was compared pairwise between all four methods. The present study of 1916 adults aged 18‐75 years (mean age 50 years, 57% women) is a sub‐sample of population‐based Health 2011 Study conducted by the National Institute of Health and Welfare in Finland. Participants used accelerometer for 7 days and completed physical activity (PA) diary during the same period. PA questionnaire and interview were completed retrospectively to assess typical weekly PA over the past year. Agreement between the methods was analyzed with paired samples t‐test and Bland‐Altman plot. Kappa‐test was used to compare the prevalence of meeting the HEPA recommendation. The accelerometer resulted in 13 minutes (P < 0.001) higher weekly total amount of MVPA compared to diary. According to Bland‐Altman plot, the 95% limit of agreement was from +273 to −247 in weekly minutes. The comparison between questionnaire and interview showed non‐significant mean difference of 3 minutes (P = 0.60) in weekly MVPA, but the Bland‐Altman plot showing the 95% limit of agreement from +432 to −427 in weekly minutes. Agreement of meeting HEPA recommendation was moderate between questionnaire and interview (κ = 0.43) but poor (κ = 0.20‐0.38) between other comparisons. The inter‐method differences were large especially at the individual level. Thus the assessment of PA is strongly method‐dependent and not interchangeable.
The effect of diplomatic representation on trade: A panel data analysis
Authors: Visser Robin
Published: June 2018

This study addresses current gaps in the empirical literature regarding the effect of diplomatic representation on trade using a panel data set for 100 countries with 5‐year interval data from 1985 to 2005 and four‐digit level industry data. The results indicate that the effect of diplomatic representation on exports in differentiated goods is positive and significant and larger than on exports in homogeneous goods on average, but not statistically different from it. Furthermore, diplomatic representation only increases trade along the extensive margin and not along the intensive margin. The results indicate that diplomatic representation is effective in performing its function as a network search intermediary and that it is a useful policy tool to alleviate market failure.
Assessment and optimization of economic restructuring in a small peripheral region
Authors: Tykkyläinen Markku
Published: June 2018

An evaluation model is presented which is suitable for planning methods related to the construction of regional economic scenarios. The model is constructed for assessment and optimization the regional economic structure in the medium-run. A scenario experiment was performed in a small peripheral area of Finland, Northern Karelia, in the early 1980s, and preliminary results are given regarding its ability to evaluate the course of restructuring in manufacturing in this area. The best estimates of restructuring were provided by selected individuals forming expert groups, and the best fit at this stage is achieved by the scenario representing the majority of those questioned. The optimization procedure proved to be fruitful only for finding the constraints on the possible economic development paths. The base year for the model was 1978 and the essential criterion parameters, the profitability estimates, were from the years 1974—79. These profitability parameters had changed only slightly by 1984 and 1985, so that the results remain applicable to the mid-80s and indicate that this course of the restructuring is a more permanent phenomenon.
Mechanisms behind the monarch's decline
Authors: Agrawal Anurag A. , Inamine Hidetoshi
Published: June 2018

Migratory failure may contribute to the dwindling of this iconic butterfly's population
Leishmania donovani Parasites Are Inhibited by the Benzoxaborole AN2690 Targeting Leucyl-tRNA Synthetase
Authors: Manhas Reetika , Tandon Smriti , Sen Shib Sankar , Tiwari Neha , Munde Manoj , Madhubala Rentala
Published: June 2018

Visceral leishmaniasis is an important public health threat in parts of India. It is caused by a protozoan parasite,
Leishmania donovani
.
Pharmacokinetics and Comprehensive Analysis of the Tissue Distribution of Eravacycline in Rabbits
Authors: Petraitis Vidmantas , Petraitiene Ruta , Maung Bo Bo W. , Khan Farehin , Alisauskaite Ieva , Olesky Melanie , Newman Joseph , Mutlib Abdul , Niu Xiaoyun , Satlin Michael , Singh Ravi S. , Derendorf Harmut , Walsh Thomas J.
Published: June 2018

Eravacycline (7-fluoro-9-pyrrolidinoacetamido-6-demethyl-6-deoxytetracycline or TP-434) is a novel, fully synthetic broad-spectrum fluorocycline with potent activity against Gram-positive bacteria, anaerobes, and multidrug-resistant
Enterobacteriaceae
. We characterized the plasma pharmacokinetics of eravacycline and conducted a comprehensive analysis of the eravacycline tissue distribution in rabbits after multiple-day dosing.
Functional Characterization of AbaQ, a Novel Efflux Pump Mediating Quinolone Resistance in Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Pérez-Varela María , Corral Jordi , Aranda Jesús , Barbé Jordi
Published: June 2018

Acinetobacter baumannii
has emerged as an important multidrug-resistant nosocomial pathogen. In previous work, we identified a putative MFS transporter, AU097_RS17040, involved in the pathogenicity of
A. baumannii
(M.
Complete Genome Sequence of Lactobacillus plantarum Strain LQ80, Selected for Preparation of Fermented Liquid Feed for Pigs
Authors: Moriya Naoko , Nakano Kazuma , Shiroma Akino , Shinzato Misuzu , Ashimine Noriko , Minami Maiko , Tamotsu Hinako , Shimoji Makiko , Nakanishi Tetsuhiro , Ohki Shun , Teruya Kuniko , Satou Kazuhito , Hirano Takashi , Hagi Tatsuro , Kobayashi Miho , Nomura Masaru , Kimoto-Nira Hiromi , Tajima Kiyoshi , Cai Yimin , Suzuki Chise
Published: June 2018

Lactobacillus plantarum
LQ80 is a strain isolated from liquid feed for pigs. We determined the complete genome sequence of this strain using the PacBio RS II platform. LQ80 contained a single circular chromosome of 3,230,192 bp, with 44.66% G+C content and seven plasmids.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Deletion Mutant of Vibrio parahaemolyticus from Pacific White Shrimp (Penaeus vannamei)
Authors: Kanrar Siddhartha , Dhar Arun K.
Published: June 2018

Vibrio parahaemolyticus
carrying the toxin genes
pirA
and
pirB
causes acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease in shrimp. A genome sequence of
V. parahaemolyticus
strain R13 was determined that showed deletions of the entire
pirA
gene and the 5ʹ end of the
pirB
gene and does not cause the disease in experimental challenge.
Evaluation of Two New Membrane-Based and Microtiter Plate Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays for Detection of Campylobacter jejuni in Stools of Bangladeshi Children
Authors: Schnee Amanda E. , Haque Rashidul , Taniuchi Mami , Uddin M. Jashim , Petri William A.
Published: June 2018

Two new monoclonal antibody-based, sandwich enzyme immunoassays (EIAs) for fecal antigen detection of
Campylobacter jejuni
or
Campylobacter coli
were evaluated using diarrheal stool specimens from a cohort of children in Bangladesh. These children routinely harbor multiple enteric pathogens, often at levels that make it difficult to assign diarrheal symptoms to a causative agent.
Dimerization of Coronavirus nsp9 with Diverse Modes Enhances Its Nucleic Acid Binding Affinity
Authors: Zeng Zhe , Deng Feng , Shi Ke , Ye Gang , Wang Gang , Fang Liurong , Xiao Shaobo , Fu Zhenfang , Peng Guiqing
Published: June 2018

Coronaviruses cause widespread respiratory, gastrointestinal, and central nervous system diseases in humans and other animals, threatening human health and causing economic loss. Coronavirus nsp9, a member of the replication complex, is an important RNA binding subunit in the RNA-synthesizing machinery of all coronaviruses. However, the mechanisms of the dimerization and nucleic acid binding of nsp9 remain elusive. In this study we determined the nsp9 crystal structures of PDCoV and PEDV. We first found that the N-finger of nsp9 from PDCoV plays a critical role in dimerization. Meanwhile, PEDV nsp9 is distinguished by the presence of a disulfide bond in the dimer interface. This study provides a structural and functional basis for understanding the mechanism of dimerization and shows that the diverse dimerization modes of coronavirus nsp9 proteins enhance their nucleic acid binding affinity. Importantly, these findings may provide a new insight for antiviral drug development.
APOBEC3G-Regulated Host Factors Interfere with Measles Virus Replication: Role of REDD1 and Mammalian TORC1 Inhibition
Authors: Tiwarekar Vishakha , Wohlfahrt Julia , Fehrholz Markus , Scholz Claus-Jürgen , Kneitz Susanne , Schneider-Schaulies Jürgen
Published: June 2018

Knowledge about host factors supporting or restricting virus replication is required for a deeper understanding of virus-cell interactions and may eventually provide the basis for therapeutic intervention. This work was undertaken predominantly to explain the mechanism of A3G-mediated inhibition of MV, a negative-strand RNA virus that is not affected by the deaminase activity of A3G acting on single-stranded DNA. We found that A3G regulates the expression of several cellular proteins, which influences the capacity of the host cell to replicate MV. One of these, REDD1, which modulates the cellular metabolism in a central position by regulating the kinase complex mTORC1, was identified as the major cellular factor impairing MV replication. These findings show interesting aspects of the function of A3G and the dependence of the MV replication on the metabolic state of the cell. Interestingly, pharmacological inhibition of mTORC1 can be utilized to inhibit MV replication in Vero cells and primary human peripheral blood lymphocytes.
How do ED patients with criminal justice contact compare with other ED users? A retrospective analysis of ED visits in California
Authors: McConville Shannon , Mooney Alyssa C , Williams Brie A , Hsia Renee Y
Published: June 2018

Objective

To assess the patterns of emergency department (ED) utilisation among those with and without criminal justice contact in California in 2014, comparing variation in ED use, visit frequency, diagnoses and insurance coverage.

Design

Retrospective, cross-sectional study.

Setting

Analyses included ED visits to all licensed hospitals in California using statewide data on all ED encounters in 2014.

Participants

Study participants included 3 757 870 non-elderly adult ED patients who made at least one ED visit in 2014.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

We assessed the patterns and characteristics of ED visits among those with criminal justice contact—patients who were either admitted to or discharged from the ED by a correctional institution—with patients who did not have criminal justice contact recorded during an ED visit.

Results

ED patients with criminal justice contact had higher proportions of frequent ED users (27.2% vs 9.4%), were at higher risk of an ED visit resulting in hospitalisation (26.6% vs 15.2%) and had higher prevalence of mental health conditions (52.8% vs 30.4%) compared with patients with no criminal justice contact recorded during an ED visit. Of the top 10, four primary diagnoses among patients with criminal justice contact were related to behavioural health conditions, accounting for 19.0% of all primary diagnoses in this population. In contrast, behavioural health conditions were absent from the top 10 primary diagnoses in ED patients with no observed criminal justice contact. Despite a high burden of disease, a lack of health insurance coverage was more common among those with criminal justice contact than those without (41.3% vs 14.1%).

Conclusions

Given that a large proportion of ED patients with criminal justice contact are frequent users with considerable mental health conditions, current efforts in California’s Medicaid programme to identify individuals in need of coordinated services could reduce costly ED utilisation among this group.
Lower extremity pain and numbness
Authors: Pettit Nicholas R
Published: June 2018

Clinical introduction

A 45-year-old man with no past medical history presents with bilateral lower extremity pain and perineal numbness after walking 10–15 min. The pain starts in his bilateral buttocks and radiates down into his thigh and into his toes. He has no back pain, fever, difficulty urinating or stooling, incontinence or trauma. Social history is positive for smoking. Physical examination was only remarkable for non-dopplerable lower extremity pulses, and he was unable to ambulate down the ED hallway without becoming symptomatic. Ultrasound of his abdominal aorta (figure 1) was performed.

Figure 1

Transverse view of distal abdominal aorta, just proximal to the bifurcation. (A) The aorta without Doppler. (B) The same image with Doppler mode activated.

Question

What is the most likely diagnosis based on the image?

A. Lumbar stenosis

B. Abdominal aortic aneurysm

C. Aortic thrombus

D. Aortic dissection
Incidence, morbidity and mortality of patients with achalasia in England: findings from a study of nationwide hospital and primary care data
Authors: Harvey Philip R , Thomas Tom , Chandan Joht S , Mytton Jemma , Coupland Ben , Bhala Neeraj , Evison Felicity , Patel Prashant , Nirantharakumar Krishnarajah , Trudgill Nigel J
Published: June 2018

Background

Achalasia is an uncommon condition characterised by failed lower oesophageal sphincter relaxation. Data regarding its incidence, prevalence, disease associations and long-term outcomes are very limited.

Methods

Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) include demographic and diagnostic data for all English hospital attendances. The Health Improvement Network (THIN) includes the primary care records of 4.5 million UK subjects, representative of national demographics. Both were searched for incident cases between 2006 and 2016 and THIN for prevalent cases. Subjects with achalasia in THIN were compared with age, sex, deprivation tand smoking status matched controls for important comorbidities and mortality.

Results

There were 10 509 and 711 new achalasia diagnoses identified in HES and THIN, respectively. The mean incidence per 100 000 people in HES was 1.99 (95% CI 1.87 to 2.11) and 1.53 (1.42 to 1.64) per 100 000 person-years in THIN. The prevalence in THIN was 27.1 (25.4 to 28.9) per 100 000 population. Incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were significantly higher in subjects with achalasia (n=2369) compared with controls (n=3865) for: oesophageal cancer (IRR 5.22 (95% CI: 1.88 to 14.45), p<0.001), aspiration pneumonia (13.38 (1.66 to 107.79), p=0.015), lower respiratory tract infection (1.33 (1.05 to 1.70), p=0.02) and mortality (1.33 (1.17 to 1.51), p<0.001). The median time from achalasia diagnosis to oesophageal cancer diagnosis was 15.5 (IQR 20.4) years.

Conclusion

The incidence of achalasia is 1.99 per 100 000 population in secondary care data and 1.53 per 100 000 person-years in primary care data. Subjects with achalasia have an increased incidence of oesophageal cancer, aspiration pneumonia, lower respiratory tract infections and higher mortality. Clinicians treating patients with achalasia should be made aware of these associated morbidities and its increased mortality.
Reduction of cerebral DWI lesion burden after carotid artery stenting using the CASPER stent system
Authors: Broussalis Erasmia , Griessenauer Christoph , Mutzenbach Sebastian , Pikija Slaven , Jansen Hendrik , Stevanovic Valdo , Killer-Oberpfalzer Monika
Published: June 2018

Introduction

Despite various measures to protect against distal embolization during carotid artery stenting (CAS), periprocedural ischemic lesions are still encountered.

Objective

To evaluate the periprocedural cerebral diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) lesion burden after CASPER stent placement.

Methods

Patients who underwent CAS using the CASPER stent system were reviewed. Degrees of carotid stenosis and plaque configuration were determined. All patients were pretreated with dual antiplatelet agents and cerebral pre- and postprocedural MRI was obtained. All CAS procedures were performed by a single operator.

Results

A total of 110 patients with severe carotid artery stenosis (median degree of stenosis 80%, median length of stenosis 10 mm) were treated with CAS. Hypoechogenic or heterogeneous, mostly hypoechogenic, plaques were documented in 48.6% (52/107) of patients. Carotid ulceration was present in 15.9% (17/107). Postprocedurally, 7.3% (8/110) of patients were found to have ischemic DWI lesions. They were asymptomatic in all patients. Follow-up at 90 days was available in 88.2% (97/110) of patients with excellent functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale score 0–1) in 95.9% (93/97).

Conclusion

Carotid artery stenting using the new CASPER stent in combination with a distal embolic protection device is safe and results in a lower rate of periprocedural DWI lesion burden compared with reported results for historic controls.
Dispersion relation formalism for the two-photon exchange correction to elastic muon–proton scattering: elastic intermediate state
Authors: Tomalak Oleksandr , Vanderhaeghen Marc
Published: June 2018

We evaluate the two-photon exchange correction to the unpolarized cross section in the elastic muon–proton scattering within dispersion relations. One of the six independent invariant amplitudes requires a subtraction. We fix the subtraction function to the model estimate of the full two-photon exchange at one of three MUSE beam energies and make a prediction for the two other energies. Additionally, we present single and double polarization observables accounting for the lepton mass.
Cutting performance of tungsten carbide tools coated with diamond thin films after etching for various times
Authors: Kim Jong Seok , Park Yeong Min , Bae Mun Ki , Kim Chi Whan , Kim Dae Weon , Shin Dong Chul , Kim Tae Gyu
Published: June 2018

In this study, diamond thin films were deposited on tungsten carbide tools using surface-wave plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (SWP-CVD). To eliminate the adverse effects of cobalt on the diamond deposition process, the cobalt was removed from the surface of the tools by etching with Murakami’s reagent for various times (30, 60, and 120 min). The cutting performance of the untreated and the diamond-coated WC tools was examined by performing cutting test on carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP). The results showed that all the diamond-coated tools exhibited great improvement on the durability and wear resistance compared to the uncoated one. In addition, the diamond-coated tool lift time is found to be proportional to the etching time. An increase more than twofold has been achieved when the etch time was increased from 30 min to 120 min.
Phase compensation acoustic wave cloak
Authors: Zeng Lunwu , Xie Wenjin
Published: June 2018

When acoustic wave is normally reflected from wave thinner medium of semi-infinite, the acoustic pressure phase of reflection wave changes [Formula: see text], or half-wave loss, when acoustic wave is reflected from wave denser medium of semi-infinite, the acoustic pressure phase of the reflection wave is invariant, or no wave loss, when acoustic wave is reflected from wave thinner (or denser) medium of finite thickness, the phase of the reflection wave changes. According to the acoustic wave theory, we derived the acoustic wave reflection coefficient and the phase shift, and designed various kinds of phase shifters. The simulation results show that acoustic phase shifters can cloak acoustic wave.
Design of Eight Parallel 512-Point MDF FFT/IFFT Processor for WPAN Applications
Authors: Arun C. A. , Periasamy Prakasam
Published: June 2018

This paper presents a high-speed FFT algorithm for high data rate wireless personal area network applications. In a wireless personal area network, the FFT/IFFT block leads the major role. Computational requirements of FFT processors are a heavy burden in most real-time applications. From the previous work, it can be recognized that most of the FFT structures follow the divide and conquer algorithms, which improve the computational efficiency. In the proposed model, a new design of 512-point FFT/IFFT processor is derived by mixed approach for a Radix-26 algorithm, which has been presented and implemented using the Eight Parallel Multipath Delay Feedback (MDF) architecture. In this work, three distinct complex multiplication approaches are derived; from the analysis, a mixed approach has been proposed to reduce the multiplier complexity and also the equivalent normalized area. The proposed design is compiled and simulated with 90[Formula: see text]nm CMOS technology optimized for a 1.2[Formula: see text]V supply voltage. The proposed Mixed Radix-26 algorithm has been verified and validated using existing architectures. It has been found that the proposed mixed approach for Radix-26 algorithm reduces the normalized area by 8.603% compared with verified architectures. Also, the multiplier complexity is reduced by more than 33% using Canonical Signed Digit constant multiplier. The proposed architecture is suitable for applications like OFDM based WPAN applications at high data processing rates.
Stochastic Generation and Deformation of Toroidal Oscillations in Neuron Model
Authors: Bashkirtseva Irina , Ryashko Lev , Slepukhina Evdokia
Published: June 2018

The stochastic Hindmarsh–Rose neuron model in the parametric regions of complex nonlinear dynamics with quiescent and torus bursting regimes is studied. We show that in the zone where the deterministic system exhibits the quiescence, noise can lead to the generation of toroidal dynamical structure with the transition to the bursting regime. The studies of dispersion of random trajectories as well as power spectral density and interspike intervals distribution confirm these changes in system dynamics. Moreover, the stochastic emergence of torus is followed by the noise-induced chaotization. We show that the generation of the torus bursting oscillations is associated with the specificity of the arrangement of deterministic trajectories in the vicinity of the equilibrium as well as its stochastic sensitivity. A probabilistic mechanism of the stochastic generation of torus is investigated on the basis of the analysis of the stochastic sensitivity and geometry of confidence regions. We also show that in the parametric range of the torus bursting, noise can lead to the increase of number of bursts per time interval and to the reduction of spiking and quiescent phase duration.
Evolution of anisotropic cosmic models in f(R,ϕ) gravity
Authors: Zubair M. , Kousar Farzana , Waheed Saira
Published: June 2018

In this paper, we will discuss cosmological models using Bianchi type I for anisotropic fluid in [Formula: see text] theory of gravity which involves scalar potential. For this purpose, we consider power law assumptions of coupling function and scalar field along with the proportionality condition of expansion and shear scalars. We choose two [Formula: see text] models and obtain exact solutions of field equations in both cases. For these constructed models, the behavior of different physical quantities like EoS parameter, self-interacting potential as well as deceleration and skewness parameters are explored and illustrated graphically for the feasible ranges of free parameters. It is concluded that anisotropic fluid approaches isotropy in later cosmic times for both models.