bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Chlamydomonas CO2‐concentrating mechanism and its potential for engineering photosynthesis in plants
Authors: Mackinder Luke C. M.
Published: August 2017

Contents

Summary

I.
Introduction
54

II.
Recent advances in our understanding of the Chlamydomonas CCM
55

III.
Current gaps in our understanding of the Chlamydomonas CCM
58

IV.
Approaches to rapidly advance our understanding of the Chlamydomonas CCM
58

V.
Engineering a CCM into higher plants
58

VI.
Conclusion and outlook
59

Acknowledgements
60

References
60

To meet the food demands of a rising global population, innovative strategies are required to increase crop yields. Improvements in plant photosynthesis by genetic engineering show considerable potential towards this goal. One prospective approach is to introduce a CO2‐concentrating mechanism into crop plants to increase carbon fixation by supplying the central carbon‐fixing enzyme, Rubisco, with a higher concentration of its substrate, CO2. A promising donor organism for the molecular machinery of this mechanism is the eukaryotic alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. This review summarizes the recent advances in our understanding of carbon concentration in Chlamydomonas, outlines the most pressing gaps in our knowledge and discusses strategies to transfer a CO2‐concentrating mechanism into higher plants to increase photosynthetic performance.
Genetic variants of microRNA processing genes and risk of non‐syndromic orofacial clefts
Authors: Xu M , Ma L , Lou S , Du Y , Yin X , Zhang C , Fan L , Wang H , Wang Z , Zhang W , Wang L , Pan Y
Published: August 2017

Objective

MicroRNA (miRNA) processing genes play important roles in the craniofacial development. The aim of this study was to explore the associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of miRNA processing genes with the risk of non‐syndromic orofacial clefts (NSOC).

Methods

We genotyped 12 potentially functional SNPs from seven miRNA processing genes (GEMIN3, DROSHA, DGCR8, GEMIN4, PIWIL1, XPO5, and DICER) in a case–control study of 602 NSOC cases and 605 controls.

Results

Two SNPs were associated with the susceptibility of CL/P: rs10719 in DROSHA led to an increased risk of cleft lip with or without palate (CL/P) (GA/AA: p = .024, OR = 1.33, 95% CI = [1.04, 1.70]; GG + GA/AA: p = .037, OR = 1.29, 95% CI = [1.02, 1.63]), while rs493760 in DROSHA (CC/TT: p = .049, OR = 0.58, 95% CI = [0.34, 0.99]) could reduce the risk of CL/P. In addition, rs10719 (A)‐rs493760 (C) haplotype contributed to a decreased risk of CL/P (OR = 0.77, 95% CI = [0.63, 0.94]), whereas the rs10719 (G)‐rs493760 (C) haplotype contributed to the increased risk of cleft palate only (CPO) (OR = 2.70, 95% CI = [1.15, 6.35]). However, there was no difference observed in these SNPs after the Bonferroni correction.

Conclusion

Taken together, our results provided the potential evidence that rs10719 and rs493760 might contribute to the risk of CL/P and suggested potential genetic basis and mechanisms of CL/P. The lack of association between these SNPs and CPO might be due to the limited sample size of CPO subgroup.
Late Mesoproterozoic – early Neoproterozoic organic‐walled microfossils from the Madhubani Group of the Ganga Valley, northern India
Authors: Tang Qing , Hughes Nigel C. , McKenzie N. Ryan , Myrow Paul M. , Xiao Shuhai
Published: August 2017

The age of the sedimentary basement of the Ganga Valley in northern India, which is represented by the entirely subsurface Ganga Supergroup, is key for addressing issues related to the tectonic history of the Himalaya. However, the stratigraphic correlations between the Ganga Supergroup in the Ganga Valley, the Vindhyan Supergroup in cratonic India to the south, and Proterozoic successions in the Lesser Himalaya to the north have long been a matter of controversy. This is largely because of the poor age constraint of the Madhubani Group of the upper Ganga Supergroup, which has been variously interpreted as Proterozoic, lower Palaeozoic, or even Mesozoic. To address this issue, we used a low manipulation maceration technique to extract organic‐walled microfossils from the Ujhani and Tilhar formations of the lower Madhubani Group. Our study recovered a total of 24 taxa, including Devisphaera corallis gen. et sp. nov. The co‐occurrence of Trachyhystrichosphaera aimika, Caudosphaera expansa and Annulusia annulata in the lower Madhubani Group indicates a late Mesoproterozoic to early Neoproterozoic age. Thus, the biostratigraphical data suggest a >300 myr depositional gap between the Madhubani Group and the immediately underlying Bahraich Group, which has been independently constrained to be upper Palaeoproterozoic to lower Mesoproterozoic in age. Therefore, the first‐order stratigraphic architecture, with a Palaeoproterozoic–Mesoproterozoic succession unconformably overlain by a Mesoproterozoic–Neoproterozoic succession, is closely similar throughout the Vindhyan Basin, Ganga Valley and Lesser Himalaya, suggesting a shared sedimentary and tectonic history among them.
Increased contribution of wheat nocturnal transpiration to daily water use under drought
Authors: Claverie Elodie , Meunier Félicien , Javaux Mathieu , Sadok Walid
Published: August 2017

Increasing evidence suggests that in crops, nocturnal water use could represent 30% of daytime water consumption, particularly in semi‐arid and arid areas. This raises the questions of whether nocturnal transpiration rates (TRN) are (1) less influenced by drought than daytime TR (TRD), (2) increased by higher nocturnal vapor pressure deficit (VPDN), which prevails in such environments and (3) involved in crop drought tolerance. In this investigation, we addressed those questions by subjecting two wheat genotypes differing in drought tolerance to progressive soil drying under two long‐term VPDN regimes imposed under naturally fluctuating conditions. A first goal was to characterize the response curves of whole‐plant TRN and TRN/TRD ratios to progressive soil drying. A second goal was to examine the effect of VPDN increase on TRN response to soil drying and on 13 other developmental traits. The study revealed that under drought, TRN was not responsive to progressive soil drying and – intriguingly – that TRN seemingly increased with drought under high VPDN consistently for the drought‐sensitive genotype. Because TRD was concomitantly decreasing with progressive drought, this resulted in TRN representing up to 70% of TRD at the end of the drydown. In addition, under drought, VPDN increase was found not to influence traits such as leaf area or stomata density. Overall, those findings indicate that TRN contribution to daily water use under drought might be much higher than previously thought, that it is controlled by specific mechanisms and that decreasing TRN under drought might be a valuable trait for improving drought tolerance.
Improving Small Area Estimates of Disability: Combining the American Community Survey with the Survey of Income and Program Participation
Authors: Maples Jerry J.
Published: August 2017

The Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP) is designed to make national level estimates of changes in income, eligibility for and participation in transfer programmes, household and family composition, labour force behaviour and other associated events. Used cross-sectionally, the SIPP is the source for commonly accepted estimates of disability prevalence, having been cited in the findings clause of the Americans with Disability Act. Because of its sample size, the SIPP is not designed to produce highly reliable estimates for individual states. The American Community Survey (ACS) is a large sample survey which is designed to support estimates of characteristics at the state and county level; however, the questions about disability in the ACS are not as comprehensive and detailed as in the SIPP. We propose combining the information from the SIPP and ACS to improve, i.e. to lower variances of, state estimates of disability (as defined by the SIPP).
Double Degeneracy in Multiphase Modulation and the Emergence of the Boussinesq Equation
Authors: Ratliff Daniel J.
Published: August 2017

In recent years, a connection between conservation law singularity, or more generally zero characteristics arising within the linear Whitham equations, and the emergence of reduced nonlinear partial differential equations (PDEs) from systems generated by a Lagrangian density has been made in conservative systems. Remarkably, the conservation laws form part of the reduced nonlinear system. Within this paper, the case of double degeneracy is investigated in multiphase wavetrains, characterized by a double zero characteristic of the linearized Whitham system, with the resulting modulation of relative equilibrium (which are a generalization of the modulation of wavetrains) leading to a vector two‐way Boussinesq equation. The derived PDE adheres to the previous results (such as [1]) in the sense that all but one of its coefficients is related to the conservation laws along the relative equilibrium solution, which are then projected to form a corresponding scalar system. The theory is applied to two examples to highlight how both the criticality can be assessed and the two‐way Boussinesq equation's coefficients are obtained. The first is the coupled Nonlinear Schrodinger (NLS) system and is the first time the two‐way Boussinesq equation has been shown to arise in such a context, and the second is a stratified shallow water model which validates the theory against existing results.
Epigenetics: The Future Direction in Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Walczyk M. , Paradowska‐Gorycka A. , Olesinska M.
Published: August 2017

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an immune‐mediated connective tissue disease of which the aetiology is still unclear. Previous genetic studies including candidate‐gene studies and genomewide association studies have identified a number of genetic variations that confer risk to SSc. However, these variants, such as single nucleotide polymorphisms, cannot completely explain the SSc susceptibility and the diversity in the clinical symptoms of SSc patients. The contribution of epigenetic mechanisms as a link between genetics and environmental triggers represents promising field in understanding the pathogenesis of SSc. The aim of this review was to present the current knowledge on epigenetic mechanisms and highlight novel directions in diagnostic and therapeutical approaches.
Does Urbanization Mean Bigger Governments?
Authors: Jetter Michael , Parmeter Christopher F.
Published: August 2017

In this paper, we introduce urbanization as an important driver of government size. Using panel data for 175 countries from 1960 to 2010, we find that there is a close link between urbanization and the size of the public sector, especially when looking at education, health care, and social issues. Various robustness checks confirm this finding. An analysis of state‐level public spending in Colombia and Germany confirms our hypothesis on the subnational level. On the microeconomic level, people in urban areas acknowledge that governments should take more responsibility, and they are more in favor of redistribution. This finding can help to explain the evolution of government size, and it can also predict the present and future needs of urbanizing areas.
Maculinea rebeli (Hirschke) – a phantom or reality? Novel contribution to a long‐standing debate over the taxonomic status of an enigmatic Lycaenidae butterfly
Authors: BERECZKI JUDIT , PECSENYE KATALIN , VARGA ZOLTÁN , TARTALLY ANDRÁS , TÓTH JÁNOS P.
Published: August 2017

The main goal of our research was to carry out a comprehensive study on the obligatorily myrmecophilous Maculinea alcon (Denis & Schiffermüller) whose taxonomy has remained highly debated despite the fact that Maculinea Van Eecke species are some of the most intensively studied insects in Europe. We aimed to elucidate the relationship between the different forms exploiting different ecological environments with specific regard to ‘Hirschke's rebeli' (M. rebeli (Hirschke)) from the high altitudes of the Styrian Alps which was studied in this respect for the first time. Molecular analyses including multiple gene sequences, microsatellites and allozymes completed with Wolbachia screening, together with geometric morphometry were applied on various sets of samples. Our results showed that ‘rebeli’ from the type locality differed strongly from all other samples not only at the highly variable microsatellites, but also at standard genes and clearly represents a well‐separated unit (potentially subspecies) within M. alcon. As all individuals were infected with a single Wolbachia strain, this is possibly an ancient infection with high maternal transmission rate. It also suggests that the separation of the topotypic populations was probably a relatively recent event which could have been promoted by genetic drift or specific conditions at high altitudes, and maintained by restricted gene flow. Both the genetic and the morphometric studies supported the proposition that the geographical origin of the populations has a higher effect on the structure of variation than the food plant use. Moreover, we detected more genetic lineages than could be defined by differential host plant usage.
Switch to atovaquone and subsequent re‐challenge with trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole for Pneumocystis prophylaxis in a kidney transplant population
Authors: McLaughlin Milena M. , Galal Audrey , Richardson Chad L. , Sutton Sarah H. , Barr Viktorija O. , Patel Niketa , Mitchell Porntiwa , Stosor Valentina
Published: August 2017

Kidney transplant recipients who are switched to atovaquone (ATO) from trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) for Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) prophylaxis because of adverse events or complications may miss opportunities to be re‐challenged with TMP/SMX, the first‐line agent. This single‐site, retrospective study assessed kidney transplant recipients for documented reasons for switching from TMP/SMX to alternate PJP prophylaxis and outcomes of TMP/SMX re‐challenge. Out of 166 patients, 155 initially received TMP/SMX; of these, 31 were switched to ATO for various reasons. Fourteen patients receiving ATO were re‐challenged with TMP/SMX; all were successfully re‐initiated on TMP/SMX therapy. Most patients switched to ATO post kidney transplant secondary to non‐hypersensitivity reasons should be re‐challenged with TMP/SMX because of the advantages it provides over other agents.
Herpesviruses excretion in saliva of pediatric transplant recipients
Authors: Correa Sierra Consuelo Beatriz , Kourí Cardellá Vivian , Pérez Santos Lissette , Silverio Cesar E. , Hondal Norma , Florin Jose
Published: August 2017

Background

Saliva samples could be used for follow‐up of herpesviruses infection in pediatric transplant recipients.

Objective

With the aim of determining the frequency of herpesviral infections in saliva samples after transplantation, and the association with viremia and complications, a pilot longitudinal follow‐up of pediatric Cuban transplanted recipients (kidney and liver) was performed.

Methods

Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction of cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein‐Barr virus, herpes simplex virus, human herpesevirus‐6 (HHV6), varicella zoster virus, and human herpesvirus‐8 were serially assayed in saliva and serum samples from 27 transplanted patients, during 32 weeks after the graft. Samples taken immediately after the graft were used as control samples.

Results

Herpesviruses were detected in 88.9% of saliva and in 37.0% of serum samples. HHV6 and CMV were the viruses more frequently detected (70.4%) in saliva and they were significantly more frequent during the follow‐up in comparison with control samples (P < .05). Most patients (22/27) had more than one virus shedding concurrently. Patients with CMV in saliva were associated with CMV viremia (P = .009), particularly at the cutoff of 252.5 copies/mL, with a less accurate level of area under the curve. No association between CMV viral load in saliva and viral disease or response to the antiviral treatment was observed.

Conclusions

The association found between CMV shedding in saliva and CMV viremia in this study opens the possibility of future studies of using viral load in saliva as a predictor of viremia. The implementation of herpesviral load in saliva samples for early clinical intervention in pediatric recipients needs a study with a large number of samples for further conclusions.
Encountering energy precarity: Geographies of fuel poverty among young adults in the UK
Authors: Petrova Saska
Published: August 2017

This paper develops the notion of “energy precarity” in order to uncover the governance practices and material conditions that drive and reproduce the inability of households to secure socially‐ and materially‐necessitated levels of energy services in the home. The overarching aim is to foreground a geographical approach towards the study of domestic energy deprivation, by emphasizing the complex socio‐spatial and material embeddedness of fuel poverty. The paper operationalizes these ideas via a field‐based study of a group that has received limited attention in research and policy on fuel poverty: young adults living in privately rented accommodation. In evoking the experiences of such individuals, I employ energy precarity as a means of unpacking the spaces where energy deprivation is produced, experienced and contested. Among other findings, I highlight that people's fluid lifestyles and specific end‐use energy demand patterns mean that energy deprivation metaphorically and physically overflows the limits of home, creating multiple performativities of precarity that have received very little attention to date.
Moving on: Multiple Transitions of Unaccompanied Child Migrants Leaving Care in England and Sweden
Authors: Roberts Helen M , Bradby Hannah , Ingold Anne , Manzotti Grazia , Reeves David , Liabo Kristin
Published: August 2017

This paper explores the priorities of young people who arrived in England or Sweden as unaccompanied minors and are leaving the care of the state to transition to adult life. Policy and practice for these young people are themselves in transition in Europe, and we aim to contribute to the slender first person qualitative evidence base for those delivering services. Our methods comprised a scoping review of scholarly and grey literature, and group and individual interviews. Despite a commitment in both countries to listening to the voices of young people, we identified few studies representing the voices of unaccompanied care leavers. In both the literature and our interviews, health in a clinical sense was rarely among their priorities. Their accounts focused on the determinants of health, and in particular housing, education, food and employment. In Sweden, where services are universal rather than targeted, the Health and Social Care Board (Socialstyrelsen) notes the paradox of unaccompanied children being surrounded by adult supporters, none of whom takes overall responsibility for the young person and his/her everyday life. Those we spoke to describe the vital role played by foster carers, health and social care professionals and friends that they could rely on. The young people whose narratives appear in the research literature and those in our own sample are working hard to cope with multiple transitions and to manage health in its widest sense, whether by finding the right place to live or attending to their education or training.
Flexible Job-Shop Scheduling for Reduced Manufacturing Carbon Footprint
Authors: Liu Qiong , Tian Youquan , Wang Chao , Chekem Freddy O. , Sutherland John W.
Published: August 2017

In order to help manufacturing companies quantify and reduce product carbon footprints in a mixed model manufacturing system, a product carbon footprint-oriented multi-objective flexible job-shop scheduling optimization model is proposed. The production portion of the product carbon footprint, based on the mapping relations between products and the carbon emissions within the manufacturing system, is proposed to calculate the product carbon footprint in the mixed model manufacturing system. Nondominated sorting genetic algorithm-II (NSGA-II) is adopted to solve the proposed model. In order to help decision makers to choose the most suitable solution from the Pareto set as its execution solution, a method based on grades of product carbon footprints is proposed. Finally, the efficacy of the proposed model and algorithm are examined via a case study.
Study and Use of Geopolymer Mixtures for Oil and Gas Well Cementing Applications
Authors: Salehi Saeed , Khattak Mohammad Jamal , Ali Nasir , Ezeakacha C. , Saleh Fatemeh K.
Published: August 2017

The study here presents laboratory testing results of Class F fly ash geopolymer for oil well cementing applications. The challenge reported in literature for the short thickening time of geopolymer ash has been overcome in this study, where more than 5 h of the thickening time is achievable. API Class H Portland cement used a controller on all the tests conducted in this work. Tests conducted in this research include unconfined compressive strength (UCS), shear bond strength, thickening time, shrinkage, free water, and cyclic and durability tests. Results indicate temperature as a crucial factor affecting the thickening time of geopolymer mix slurry. UCS testing indicates considerably higher compressive strength after one and fourteen days of curing for geopolymer mixtures. This indicates gaining strength with time for geopolymer mixture, where time retrogression effects are observed for Portland cements. Results also indicate higher shear bond strength for geopolymer mix that can better tolerate debonding issues. Additionally, more ductile material behavior and higher fracture toughness were observed for optimum geopolymer mixes. Tests also show applicability of these materials for deviated wells as a zero free water test was observed.
Process Control for Compression Systems
Authors: Kurz Rainer , Brun Klaus
Published: August 2017

This paper discusses the interaction between a centrifugal compressor and the process, and as a result, the control requirements for centrifugal compressor packages. The focus is on variable speed, upstream, and midstream applications. The impact of the interaction between system characteristics and compressor characteristics both under steady-state and transient conditions is explained. Also considered are the concepts to optimize and control the units. Special attention is given to the issue of surge avoidance. Additionally, the impact of the process and how the process dynamics interact with the compressor is analyzed, categorized, and explained.
Experimental Study of Transient Mechanisms of Bistable Flame Shape Transitions in a Swirl Combustor
Authors: Stöhr Michael , Oberleithner Kilian , Sieber Moritz , Yin Zhiyao , Meier Wolfgang
Published: August 2017

Sudden changes of flame shape are an undesired, yet poorly understood feature of swirl combustors used in gas turbines. The present work studies flame shape transition mechanisms of a bistable turbulent swirl flame in a gas turbine model combustor, which alternates intermittently between an attached V-form and a lifted M-form. Time-resolved velocity fields and two-dimensional flame structures were measured simultaneously using high-speed stereo-particle image velocimetry (PIV) and planar laser-induced fluorescence of OH (OH-PLIF) at 10 kHz. The data analysis is performed using two novel methods that are well adapted to the study of transient flame shape transitions: First, the linear stability analysis (LSA) of a time-varying mean flow and second, the recently proposed spectral proper orthogonal decomposition (SPOD). The results show that the transitions are governed by two types of instability, namely a hydrodynamic instability in the form of a precessing vortex core (PVC) and a thermoacoustic (TA) instability. The LSA shows that the V-M transition implies the transient formation of a PVC as the result of a self-amplification process. The V-M transition, on the other hand, is induced by the appearance of a TA instability that suppresses the PVC and thereby modifies the flowfield such that the flame re-attaches at the nozzle. In summary, these results provide novel insights into the complex interactions of TA and hydrodynamic instabilities that govern the shape of turbulent swirl-stabilized flames.
Vowel recognition at fundamental frequencies up to 1 kHz reveals point vowels as acoustic landmarks
Authors: Friedrichs Daniel , Maurer Dieter , Rosen Stuart , Dellwo Volker
Published: August 2017

The phonological function of vowels can be maintained at fundamental frequencies (fo) up to 880 Hz [Friedrichs, Maurer, and Dellwo (2015). J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 138, EL36–EL42]. Here, the influence of talker variability and multiple response options on vowel recognition at high fos is assessed. The stimuli (n = 264) consisted of eight isolated vowels (/i y e ø ε a o u/) produced by three female native German talkers at 11 fos within a range of 220–1046 Hz. In a closed-set identification task, 21 listeners were presented excised 700-ms vowel nuclei with quasi-flat fo contours and resonance trajectories. The results show that listeners can identify the point vowels /i a u/ at fos up to almost 1 kHz, with a significant decrease for the vowels /y ε/ and a drop to chance level for the vowels /e ø o/ toward the upper fos. Auditory excitation patterns reveal highly differentiable representations for /i a u/ that can be used as landmarks for vowel category perception at high fos. These results suggest that theories of vowel perception based on overall spectral shape will provide a fuller account of vowel perception than those based solely on formant frequency patterns.
Septic abortion presenting as a right lower trapezius abscess secondary to Bacteroides fragilis bacteraemia
Authors: Yamanaka Yusuke , Shimabukuro Akira
Published: August 2017

A 43-year-old Japanese woman was evaluated in the outpatient department for right shoulder pain and fever, which began 5 days earlier. MRI of the right shoulder revealed a high-intensity area deep in the right trapezius muscle. Aspiration revealed purulent fluid, and Gram staining of the fluid showed Gram-negative bacilli. The patient was also found to be profoundly anaemic and to have a positive urine pregnancy test. On admission, we initiated intravenous ampicillin–sulbactam and aztreonam. She underwent dilatation and curettage for septic abortion and surgical drainage of the right shoulder abscess.Bacteroides fragiliswas isolated from the blood, uterine aspiration and abscess samples. On hospital day 4, a whole-body CT scan revealed no other abscesses, and ampicillin–sulbactam was continued for 28 days. The patient was discharged on hospital day 29. Gram staining is an important tool for evaluating infectious aetiologies.
Topical ayurvedic ointment-induced chemical injury presenting as bilateral acute keratitis
Authors: Sahay Pranita , Saluja Gunjan , Maharana Prafulla Kumar , Titiyal Jeewan S
Published: August 2017

A 40-years-old female patient was referred to the cornea clinic as a probable case of bilateral keratitis. The patient had a history of headache followed by acute onset of redness, pain and discharge from both eyes for 15 days. The patient was diagnosed as bilateral keratitis by the first contact physician and was started on topical antibiotics, cycloplegics and lubricating eye-drops. At presentation, both eyes had visual acuity of perception of light, conjunctival congestion, limbal blanching, diffuse corneal oedema and epithelial defect. A detailed history revealed application of Vicks VapoRub [topical ayurvedic analgesic which contains (per 100 g of product) menthol (2.82 g), camphor (5.25 g) and eucalyptol (1.49 mL) and excipients include thymol (0.1 g), turpentine oil (5.57 mL), nutmeg oil (0.54 mL), cedar wood oil and petrolatum)] on the forehead and eyelids for headache several times over 2–3 days before the onset. The patient further confirmed the accidental application of the ointment in the eyes. A provisional diagnosis of acute chemical injury with Vicks VapoRub was made and treatment with topical antibiotic, cycloplegic, steroid, lubricant and vitamin C was started. On follow-up, both eyes showed gradual resolution of corneal oedema and epithelial defect. Visual acuity improved in the left eye to 6/60 with no change in right eye due to corneal haze.
BET 2: Can procalcitonin accurately diagnose serious bacterial infection in emergency department patients with SIRS?
Authors: Wilson Joel , Baskerville Jerry , Zarabi Sahar
Published: August 2017

A shortcut review was carried out to establish whether serum procalcitonin levels can be used to identify serious bacterial infection in ED patients with undifferentiated SIRS. 14 papers presented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The review concludes that raised procalcitonin levels are associated with bacteraemia; however, there are no clinical management studies addressing this question in ED patients with SIRS.
Direct to consumer genetic testing and the libertarian right to test
Authors: Bonython Wendy Elizabeth , Arnold Bruce Baer
Published: August 2017

Loi recently proposed a libertarian right to direct to consumer genetic testing (DTCGT)— independent of autonomy or utility—reflecting Cohen’s work on self-ownership and Hohfeld’s model of jural relations. Cohen’s model of libertarianism dealt principally with self-ownership of the physical body. Although Loi adequately accounts for the physical properties of DNA, DNA is also an informational substrate, highly conserved within families. Information about the genome of relatives of the person undergoing testing may be extrapolated without requiring direct engagement with their personal physical copy of the genome, triggering rights and interests of relatives that may differ from the rights and interests of others, that is, individual consumers, testing providers and regulators. Loi argued that regulatory interference with exercise of the right required justification, whereas prima facie exercise of the right did not. Justification of regulatory interference could include ‘conflict with other people’s rights’, ‘aggressive’ use of the genome and ‘harming others’. Harms potentially experienced by relatives as a result of the individual’s exercise of a right to test include breach of genetic privacy, violation of their right to determine when, and if, they undertake genetic testing and discrimination. Such harms may justify regulatory intervention, in the event they are recognised; motives driving ‘aggressive’ use of the genome may also be relevant. Each of the above criteria requires clarification, as potential redundancies and tensions exist between them, with different implications affecting different groups of rights holders.
Bibliometric indices: defining academic productivity and citation rates of researchers, departments and journals
Authors: Garner Rebecca M , Hirsch Joshua A , Albuquerque Felipe C , Fargen Kyle M
Published: August 2017

There has been an increasing focus on academic productivity for the purposes of promotion and funding within departments and institutions but also for comparison of individuals, institutions, specialties, and journals. A number of quantitative indices are used to investigate and compare academic productivity. These include various calculations attempting to analyze the number and citations of publications in order to capture both the quality and quantity of publications, such as the h index, the e index, impact factor, and Eigenfactor score. The indices have varying advantages and limitations and thus a basic knowledge is required in order to understand their potential utility within academic medicine. This article describes the various bibliometric indices and discusses recent applications of these metrics within the neurological sciences.
Alternative methods to compare safety of live‐attenuated respiratory Newcastle disease vaccines in young chicks
Authors: Malo Aris , de Wit Sjaak , Swart Wim A J M , Cook Jane K A
Published: August 2017

The work reported here is an initial attempt to find an alternative method by which the safety of live‐attenuated Newcastle disease virus (NDV) vaccines for the respiratory tract of young chickens can be assessed. The current recommended methods involve either the subjective assessment of respiratory signs, or raise ethical concerns, as in the case of the intracerebral pathogenicity index. The two methods considered here were the use of tracheal organ cultures to assess the level of ciliostasis which the vaccines caused to the ciliated epithelium of the trachea and the incorporation of a pathogenic strain of Escherichia coli in the inoculum in order to induce colibacillosis. Both methods were successful in confirming the safety of the two vaccines. However, these results are only preliminary and more studies need to be performed to determine whether one or both methods have potential, either to replace the existing statutory tests, or provide a test which might be useful during the development stages of a new live‐attenuated NDV vaccine.
Continuing professional development: researching non‐technical competencies can support cognitive reappraisal and reduced stress in clinicians
Authors: Kinnison Tierney , May Stephen
Published: August 2017

Generic professional capabilities (non‐technical competencies) are increasingly valued for their links to patient outcomes and clinician well‐being. This study explores the emotional change, and practice‐related outcomes, of participants of a veterinary professional key skills (PKS) continuing professional development (CPD) module. Reflective summaries produced by participants were analysed. A change in emotion, from ‘negative’ to ‘positive’, was the focus of analysis. Sections regarding these emotions were thematically analysed. Analysis was performed on 46 summaries. Three themes were identified: ‘the PKS module’ (centred on reluctance becoming surprise and stimulation), ‘developing non‐technical competencies’ (unease to confidence) and ‘stress and coping through a reflective focus’ (anxiety to harmony). The changing emotions were connected to positive cognitive reappraisal and often behaviour changes, benefitting self, practice, clients and patients. The PKS module teaches participants to reflect; a new and challenging concept. The consequences of this enabled participants to understand the importance of professional topics, to be appreciative as well as critical, and to enjoy their job. Importantly, the module stimulated coping responses. Better understanding of roles led to participants having more reasonable expectations of themselves, more appreciation of their work and reduced stress. This research supports more attention to professional skills CPD for health professions.
Effects of intermittent fasting and chronic swimming exercise on body composition and lipid metabolism
Authors: Moraes Ruan Carlos Macedo de , Portari Guilherme Vannucchi , Ferraz Alex Soares Marreiros , da Silva Tiago Eugênio Oliveira , Marocolo Moacir
Published: August 2017

Intermittent fasting protocol (IFP) has been suggested as a strategy to change body metabolism and improve health. The effects of IFP seem to be similar to aerobic exercise, having a hormetic adaptation according to intensity and frequency. However, the effects of combining both interventions are still unknown. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of IFP with and without endurance-exercise training on body composition, food behavior, and lipid metabolism. Twenty-week-old Wistar rats were kept under an inverted circadian cycle of 12 h with water ad libitum and assigned to 4 different groups: control group (ad libitum feeding and sedentary), exercise group (ad libitum feeding and endurance training), intermittent fasting group (IF; intermittent fasting and sedentary), and intermittent fasting and exercise group (IFEX; intermittent fasting and endurance training). After 6 weeks, the body weight of IF and IFEX animals decreased without changes in food consumption. Yet, the body composition between the 2 groups was different, with the IFEX animals containing higher total protein and lower total fat content than the IF animals. The IFEX group also showed increases in total high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and increased intramuscular lipid content. The amount of brown adipose tissue was higher in IF and IFEX groups; however, the IFEX group showed higher expression levels of uncoupling protein 1 in this tissue, indicating a greater thermogenesis. The IFP combined with endurance training is an efficient method for decreasing body mass and altering fat metabolism, without inflicting losses in protein content.
Durability, strength, and stiffness of compacted gold tailings – cement mixes
Authors: Consoli Nilo Cesar , da Silva Anderson Peccin , Nierwinski Helena Paula , Sosnoski Jonatas
Published: August 2017

Compaction and Portland cement addition are amongst promising ground improvement procedures for enhancing the mechanical properties of gold tailings. The present investigation intends to compute the impact of Portland cement content and dry density on the properties (durability, stiffness, and strength) of compacted gold tailings – cement mixes. Its main significant addition to knowledge is the quantification of accumulated loss of mass (ALM) after wetting–drying cycles, shear modulus at small strains, and unconfined compressive strength (qu) as a function of the porosity/cement index. In addition, the existence of an exclusive relation connecting ALM divided by the number of wetting–drying cycles and porosity/cement index is revealed empirically. This broadens the applicability of such an index by demonstrating that it controls not only mechanical but also endurance performance of compacted gold tailings – Portland cement mixes.
BCS-Bose crossover theory extended with hole Cooper pairs
Authors: Chávez I. , García L. A. , de Llano M. , Grether M.
Published: August 2017

Applying the generalized Bose–Einstein condensation (GBEC) formalism, we extend the BCS-Bose crossover theory by explicitly including hole Cooper pairs (2hCPs). From this follows a phase diagram with two pure phases, one with 2hCPs and the other with electron Cooper pairs (2eCPs), plus a mixed phase with arbitrary proportions of 2eCPs and 2hCPs. One has a special-case phase when there is perfect symmetry (i.e., with ideal 50–50 proportions between 2eCPs and 2hCPs). Explicitly including 2hCPs leads to an extended BCS-Bose crossover which predicts [Formula: see text] values for some well-known conventional superconductors (SCs) (i.e., assuming electron–phonon dynamics). These compare reasonably well with experimental data. We compare with experimental [Formula: see text] values for some conventional SCs associated with the new dimensionless number density [Formula: see text] with theoretical curves associated with the extended crossover for the special case of perfect symmetry. They all obey the Bogoliubov et al. upper limit, thus vindicating it.
Preparation and characterization of cross-linked poly (vinyl alcohol)-graphene oxide nanocomposites as an interlayer for Schottky barrier diodes
Authors: Badrinezhad Lida , Bilkan Çigdem , Azizian-Kalandaragh Yashar , Nematollahzadeh Ali , Orak İkram , Altindal Şemsettin
Published: August 2017

Cross-linked polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) graphene oxide (GO) nanocomposites were prepared by simple solution-mixing route and characterized by Raman, UV–visible and fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. The XRD pattern and SEM analysis showed significant changes in the nanocomposite structures, and the FT-IR spectroscopy results confirmed the chemical interaction between the GO filler and the PVA matrix. After these morphological characterizations, PVA-GO-based diodes were fabricated and their electrical properties were characterized using current–voltage (I–V) and impedance-voltage-frequency (Z-V-f) measurements at room temperature. Semilogarithmic I–V characteristics of diode showed a good rectifier behavior. The values of C and G/[Formula: see text] increased with decreasing frequency due to the surface/interface states (N[Formula: see text]) which depend on the relaxation time and the frequency of the signal. The voltage, dependent profiles of N[Formula: see text] and series resistance (R[Formula: see text]) were obtained from the methods of high-low frequency capacitance and Nicollian and Brews, respectively. The obtained values of N[Formula: see text] and R[Formula: see text] were attributed to the use of cross-linked PVA-GO interlayer at the Au/n-Si interface.
Corresponding state-based correlations for the temperature-dependent surface tension of saturated hydrocarbons
Authors: Tian Jianxiang , Zhang Cuihua , Zhang Laibin , Zheng Mengmeng , Liu Shuzhen
Published: August 2017

Based on the recent progresses on the corresponding state-based correlations for the temperature-dependent surface tension of saturated fluids [I. Cachadiña, A. Mulero and J. X. Tian, Fluid Phase Equilibr. 442 (2017) 68; J. X. Tian, M. M. Zheng, H. L. Yi, L. B. Zhang and S. Z. Liu, Mod. Phys. Lett. B 31 (2017) 1750110], we proposed a new correlation for saturated hydrocarbons. This correlation includes three fluid-independent parameters and inquires the critical temperature, the triple-point temperature and the surface tension at the triple-point temperature as inputs for each hydrocarbon. Results show that this correlation can reproduce NIST data with absolute average deviation (AAD) less than 1% for 10 out of 19 hydrocarbons and AAD less than 5% for 17 out of 19 hydrocarbons, clearly better than other correlations.
The thermoelectric properties of CoSb3 compound doped with Te and Sn synthesized at different pressure
Authors: Jiang Yiping , Jia Xiaopeng , Ma Hongan
Published: August 2017

The skutterudite CoSb[Formula: see text]Te[Formula: see text]Sn[Formula: see text] compound was synthesized successfully by high pressure and high temperature (HPHT) method using Co, Sb, Te and Sn powder as raw materials. The effects of pressure on its structure and the thermoelectric properties are investigated systematically from 300 K to 800 K. The electrical resistivity and the absolute value of the Seebeck coefficient for the sample increases with rising synthetic pressure. The thermal conductivity of the sample decreases with synthetic pressure and temperature rising in the range of 300–800 K. In this study, the maximum dimensionless figure of merit (ZT) value of 1.17 has been achieved at 793 K, 3 GPa for this thermoelectric material.
ENTREPRENEURIAL OPTIMISM, THE NATURE OF ENTREPRENEURIAL EXPERIENCE AND DEBT DECISION FOR BUSINESS START-UP
Authors: FOURATI HÉDIA , ATTITALAH RIHAB BEN
Published: August 2017

This paper studies the entrepreneurial optimism and debt decisions for business start-up. By analysing a sample of 160 business start-up and by using the panel data estimation, we study entrepreneurs’ optimism and its impact on debt decision of business start-up. The measure of entrepreneurial optimism is based on the entrepreneur earnings forecasts initiated by Lin et al. (2005). Meanwhile, the nature of entrepreneurial experience (serial and portfolio entrepreneur) has an effect on entrepreneurial optimism and leads to more or less optimistic entrepreneur. The results reveal that optimistic entrepreneur prefers equity in funding the financial deficit. Serial entrepreneurs tend to use more debt funding. In the dynamic model, the entrepreneur acquiring business concurrently adjusts slowly to debt ratio. Nevertheless, the sequential entrepreneurial experience leads to more optimism and so on more debt use. Given the governance role played by banks, the high adjustment cost for start-up is a consequence of the efficiency of the quality of control exercised by banks that in spite of entrepreneurial optimism, the entrepreneur does not convince the financiers to be so confident on the prospect of the business.
Farmers’ Satisfaction of Rural Facilities and Its Influencing Indicators: A Case Study of Sichuan, China
Authors: Ao Yibin , Li Jiayue , Wang Yan , Liu Changjiang , Xu Shuhong
Published: August 2017

The disparity between construction targets and the real needs of farmers in the construction of rural facilities is a problem that has led to a failure in meeting farmers’ demands. This paper investigates farmers’ satisfaction and the influencing factors of rural facilities through factor analysis and logit regression model. This research led to three key findings: (1) overall satisfaction of farmers of rural facilities is below average level; (2) farmers’ satisfaction is affected mainly by the horizontal comparison, road facilities, electricity and signal facilities, reconstruction of public toilets, irrigation facilities, cultural and recreational facilities, renovation of fuel and kitchen, healthy facilities, village planning and renovation, and income factor; (3) farmers’ needs are shifting from production to life type. This paper is the foundation of further analysis of the effects of significant factors on farmers’ satisfaction, providing a theoretical basis for the construction of “bottom‐up” and “top‐down” decision‐making mechanism.
Bone Loss Prevention of Bisphosphonates in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Hu Yan , Chen Xiaoting , Chen Xiaojing , Zhang Shuang , Jiang Tianyan , Chang Jing , Gao Yanhong
Published: August 2017

Objective. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of bisphosphonates in improving bone mineral density (BMD) and decreasing the occurrence rate of fractures and adverse events in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Methods. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which use bisphosphonates in IBD patients were identified in PubMed, MEDLINE database, EMBASE database, Web of Knowledge, and the Cochrane Databases between 1990 and June 2016. People received bisphosphonate or placebos with a follow-up of at least one year were also considered. STATA 12.0 software was used for the meta-analysis. Results. Eleven randomized clinical trials were included in the meta-analysis. The data indicated that the percentage change in the increased BMD in the bisphosphonates groups was superior to that of the control groups at the lumbar spine and total hip. At the femoral neck, there was no significant difference between the two groups. The incidence of new fractures during follow-up showed significant reduction. The adverse event analysis revealed no significant difference between the two groups. Conclusion. Our results demonstrate that bisphosphonates therapy has an effect on bone loss in patients with IBD but show no evident efficiency at increasing the incidence of adverse events.