bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tracking the Evolution of Cerebral Gadolinium‐Enhancing Lesions to Persistent T1 Black Holes in Multiple Sclerosis: Validation of a Semiautomated Pipeline
Authors: Andermatt Simon , Papadopoulou Athina , Radue Ernst‐Wilhelm , Sprenger Till , Cattin Philippe
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUND

Some gadolinium‐enhancing multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions remain T1‐hypointense over months (“persistent black holes, BHs”) and represent areas of pronounced tissue loss. A reduced conversion of enhancing lesions to persistent BHs could suggest a favorable effect of a medication on tissue repair. However, the individual tracking of enhancing lesions can be very time‐consuming in large clinical trials.

PURPOSE

We created a semiautomated workflow for tracking the evolution of individual MS lesions, to calculate the proportion of enhancing lesions becoming persistent BHs at follow‐up.

METHODS

Our workflow automatically coregisters, compares, and detects overlaps between lesion masks at different time points. We tested the algorithm in a data set of Magnetic Resonance images (1.5 and 3T; spin‐echo T1‐sequences) from a phase 3 clinical trial (n = 1,272), in which all enhancing lesions and all BHs had been previously segmented at baseline and year 2. The algorithm analyzed the segmentation masks in a longitudinal fashion to determine which enhancing lesions at baseline turned into BHs at year 2. Images of 50 patients (192 enhancing lesions) were also reviewed by an experienced MRI rater, blinded to the algorithm results.

RESULTS

In this MRI data set, there were no cases that could not be processed by the algorithm. At year 2, 417 lesions were classified as persistent BHs (417/1,613 = 25.9%). The agreement between the rater and the algorithm was > 98%.

CONCLUSIONS

Due to the semiautomated procedure, this algorithm can be of great value in the analysis of large clinical trials, when a rater‐based analysis would be time‐consuming.
Roles of Relationships Between Large Shareholders and Managers in Radical Innovation: A Stewardship Theory Perspective
Authors: Zhang Feng , Wei Liqun , Yang Jianjun , Zhu Lei
Published: March 2017

Radical innovation is critical for firms to enhance their competitiveness. Whether they can achieve it, however, depends on organizational factors, including the corporate governance of the firm. In emerging economies in which shareholder protection is weak, large shareholders are widely used as an efficient governance mechanism to reduce agency problems. The literature on agency theory contains conflicting arguments regarding the role of large shareholders in firm innovation performance and has underestimated the role of social relationships between large shareholders and managers in determining the firm's innovation performance. By applying a stewardship theory perspective, this article argues that the characteristics of the relationship between large shareholders (owners) and managers, manifested as trust and shared goals, may explain variations in a firm's radical innovation. Drawing on data from 174 Chinese firms with large shareholders, our results show that trust has an inverted U‐shaped relationship with firm radical innovation, whereas shared goals exhibit a positive linear relationship with radical innovation. Shared goals further moderate the nonlinear effect of trust on radical innovation. Trust is almost negatively related to firm radical innovation when there is a low level of shared goals. However, when there is a high level of shared goals, the relationship between trust and firm radical innovation is first positive, then plateaus, and finally becomes negative. These findings advance our understanding of the role of the relationship between large shareholders and managers as a driver of radical innovation and contribute to the innovation literature by providing a nuanced understanding of the key factors that influence the effects of the social aspects of governance on firm radical innovation.
Effects of Season, Strain, and Body Weight on Testes Development and Quality in Three Strains of Blue Catfish, Ictalurus furcatus
Authors: Bosworth Brian , Quiniou Sylvie , Chatakondi Nagaraj
Published: March 2017

Production of channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, female × blue catfish, Ictalurus furcatus, male hybrids has increased dramatically in the USA. Hybrid production requires surgical removal and maceration of blue catfish testes. Farmers report individual and seasonal variation in blue catfish testes development, and understanding the factors influencing testes development could improve hybrid catfish production. Effects of season (mid‐May vs. mid‐June), strain (D&B, Missouri, and Texas), and body weight on testes development in 5‐yr‐old blue catfish were determined. Males were measured in mid‐May and mid‐June for length, body weight, testes weight, and gonadosomatic index (GSI). Total sperm/g of testes, percent motility, and motile sperm/g of testes were determined. D&B strain males weighed more and had larger testes with more sperm than Missouri or Texas strain males in both months. Mature Texas strain males were larger than immature Texas strain males in both months. Testes were larger and had more sperm in May than in June for all strains; however, there were males from each strain with good quality testes in June. GSI, sperm/g of testes, percent motility, and motile sperm/g of testes were positively correlated. Information from this study provides a better understanding of factors influencing testes development in blue catfish.
Electronic Health Records and the Disappearing Patient
Authors: Hunt Linda M. , Bell Hannah S. , Baker Allison M. , Howard Heather A.
Published: March 2017

With rapid consolidation of American medicine into large‐scale corporations, corporate strategies are coming to the forefront in health care delivery, requiring a dramatic increase in the amount and detail of documentation, implemented through use of electronic health records (EHRs). EHRs are structured to prioritize the interests of a myriad of political and corporate stakeholders, resulting in a complex, multi‐layered, and cumbersome health records system, largely not directly relevant to clinical care. Drawing on observations conducted in outpatient specialty clinics, we consider how EHRs prioritize institutional needs manifested as a long list of requisites that must be documented with each consultation. We argue that the EHR enforces the centrality of market principles in clinical medicine, redefining the clinician's role to be less of a medical expert and more of an administrative bureaucrat, and transforming the patient into a digital entity with standardized conditions, treatments, and goals, without a personal narrative.
Ambulatory reflux monitoring for diagnosis of gastro‐esophageal reflux disease: Update of the Porto consensus and recommendations from an international consensus group
Authors: Roman S. , Gyawali C. P. , Savarino E. , Yadlapati R. , Zerbib F. , Wu J. , Vela M. , Tutuian R. , Tatum R. , Sifrim D. , Keller J. , Fox M. , Pandolfino J. E. , Bredenoord A. J. ,   the GERD consensus group
Published: March 2017

Background

An international group of experts evaluated and revised recommendations for ambulatory reflux monitoring for the diagnosis of gastro‐esophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Methods

Literature search was focused on indications and technical recommendations for GERD testing and phenotypes definitions. Statements were proposed and discussed during several structured meetings.

Key Results

Reflux testing should be performed after cessation of acid suppressive medication in patients with a low likelihood of GERD. In this setting, testing can be either catheter‐based or wireless pH‐monitoring or pH‐impedance monitoring. In patients with a high probability of GERD (esophagitis grade C and D, histology proven Barrett's mucosa >1 cm, peptic stricture, previous positive pH monitoring) and persistent symptoms, pH‐impedance monitoring should be performed on treatment. Recommendations are provided for data acquisition and analysis. Esophageal acid exposure is considered as pathological if acid exposure time (AET) is greater than 6% on pH testing. Number of reflux episodes and baseline impedance are exploratory metrics that may complement AET. Positive symptom reflux association is defined as symptom index (SI) >50% or symptom association probability (SAP) >95%. A positive symptom‐reflux association in the absence of pathological AET defines hypersensitivity to reflux.

Conclusions and Inferences

The consensus group determined that grade C or D esophagitis, peptic stricture, histology proven Barrett's mucosa >1 cm, and esophageal acid exposure greater >6% are sufficient to define pathological GERD. Further testing should be considered when none of these criteria are fulfilled.
Extraction of looped transvenous pacing leads to reduce tricuspid regurgitation
Authors: Montgomery Jay A. , Ellis Christopher R. , Crossley George H.
Published: March 2017

Transvenous leads are a known source of iatrogenic tricuspid regurgitation. It is commonly held that extraction of chronic pacing and defibrillator leads will not reduce this, due to the inevitable trauma to the valve associated with the procedure. We demonstrate three cases of clinically significant reductions in tricuspid regurgitation after extraction of leads that were looped across the tricuspid valve.
Infant sudden death: Mutations responsible for impaired Nav1.5 channel trafficking and function
Authors: Gando Ivan , Morganstein Jace , Jana Kundan , McDonald Thomas V. , Tang Yingying , Coetzee William A.
Published: March 2017

Background

Two genetic variants in SCN5A, encoding the Nav1.5 Na+ channel α‐subunit, were found in a 5‐month‐old girl who died suddenly in her sleep. The first variant is a missense mutation, resulting in an amino acid change (Q1832E), which has been described (but not characterized) in a patient with Brugada syndrome. The second is a nonsense mutation that produces a premature stop codon and a C‐terminal truncation (R1944Δ).

Methods and Results

To investigate their functional relevance with patch clamp experiments in transfected HEK‐293 cells. The Q1832E mutation drastically reduced Nav1.5 current density. The R1944Δ C‐terminal truncation had negligible effects on Nav1.5 current density. Neither of the mutations affected the voltage dependence of steady activation and inactivation or influenced the late Na+ current or the recovery from inactivation. Biochemical and immunofluorescent approaches demonstrated that the Q1832E mutation caused severe trafficking defects. Polymerase chain reaction cloning and sequencing the victim's genomic DNA allowed us to determine that the two variants were in trans. We investigated the functional consequences by coexpressing Nav1.5(Q1832E) and Nav1.5(R1944Δ), which led to a significantly reduced current amplitude relative to wild‐type.

Conclusions

These sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)‐related variants caused a severely dysfunctional Nav1.5 channel, which was mainly due to trafficking defects caused by the Q1832E mutation. The decreased current density is likely to be a major contributing factor to arrhythmogenesis in Brugada syndrome and the sudden death of this SIDS victim.
Coal mine dust lung disease in the modern era
Authors: Perret Jennifer L. , Plush Brian , Lachapelle Philippe , Hinks Timothy S.C. , Walter Clare , Clarke Philip , Irving Louis , Brady Pat , Dharmage Shyamali C. , Stewart Alastair
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACT

Coal workers’ pneumoconiosis (CWP), as part of the spectrum of coal mine dust lung disease (CMDLD), is a preventable but incurable lung disease that can be complicated by respiratory failure and death. Recent increases in coal production from the financial incentive of economic growth lead to higher respirable coal and quartz dust levels, often associated with mechanization of longwall coal mining. In Australia, the observed increase in the number of new CWP diagnoses since the year 2000 has necessitated a review of recommended respirable dust exposure limits, where exposure limits and monitoring protocols should ideally be standardized. Evidence that considers the regulation of engineering dust controls in the mines is lacking even in high‐income countries, despite this being the primary preventative measure. Also, it is a global public health priority for at‐risk miners to be systemically screened to detect early changes of CWP and to include confirmed patients within a central registry; a task limited by financial constraints in less developed countries. Characteristic X‐ray changes are usually categorized using the International Labour Office classification, although future evaluation by low‐dose HRCT) chest scanning may allow for CWP detection and thus avoidance of further exposure, at an earlier stage. Preclinical animal and human organoid‐based models are required to explore potential re‐purposing of anti‐fibrotic and related agents with potential efficacy. Epidemiological patterns and the assessment of molecular and genetic biomarkers may further enhance our capacity to identify susceptible individuals to the inhalation of coal dust in the modern era.
Idiosyncratic and international transmission of shocks in the G7: Does EMU matter?
Authors: Bettendorf Timo
Published: March 2017

This paper analyzes the transmission of shocks across the Group of Seven industrialized countries (G7) before and after the introduction of the euro. We estimate global vector autoregressive (VAR) models for different periods to investigate changes in the domestic and international adjustment of macroeconomic variables following supply, demand, and nominal shocks. The shocks are identified with robust sign restrictions, which we derive from a small open economy dynamic stochastic general equilibrium (DSGE) model. Specifically, we analyze the adjustment of output, inflation, and the real effective exchange rate following those shocks. Our results indicate that changes in the adjustment are due to global convergence rather than to regional‐specific convergence.
Are “Stand Your Ground” Laws Racist and Sexist? A Statistical Analysis of Cases in Florida, 2005–2013*
Authors: Murphy Justin
Published: March 2017

Objective

I test for racial and gender bias in the enforcement of “stand your ground” (SYG) laws, controlling for potential confounders often invoked to reject claims of racism and sexism.

Methods

Regressions, simulations, and genetic matching are conducted using case‐level data from 237 incidents in the U.S. state of Florida between 2005 and 2013.

Results

Controlling for potential confounders, the probability of conviction for a white defendant against a white victim is estimated to be 90 percent with much error; for a black defendant it is nearly 100 percent with little error. For a male defendant in a domestic case, the probability is 40 percent, whereas for a female defendant it is 80 percent.

Conclusions

Enforcement of SYG laws appears biased against people of color in general and women specifically in the home. Policy implications are especially stark because these findings contradict recent research conducted for the U.S. Senate.
Experimental Investigation on Vortex-Induced Vibration of a Free-Hanging Riser Under Vessel Motion and Uniform Current
Authors: Wang Jungao , Fu Shixiao , Wang Jiasong , Li Huajun , Ong Muk Chen
Published: March 2017

A model test of a free-hanging riser under vessel motion and uniform current is performed in the ocean basin at Shanghai Jiao Tong University to address four topics: (1) confirm whether vortex-induced vibration (VIV) can happen due to pure vessel motion; (2) to investigate the equivalent current velocity and Keulegan–Carpenter (KC) number effect on the VIV responses; (3) to obtain the correlations for free-hanging riser VIV under vessel motion with VIV for other compliant risers; and (4) to study the similarities and differences with VIV under uniform current. The top end of the riser is forced to oscillate or move, in order to simulate vessel motion or ocean current effects. Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) strain sensors are used to measure the riser dynamic responses. Experimental results confirm that the free-hanging riser will experience significant out-of-plane VIV under vessel motion. Meanwhile, vessel motion-induced VIV responses in terms of response amplitude, response frequency, and cross section trajectories under different test cases are further discussed and compared to those under ocean uniform current. Most importantly, the correlation among VIV response frequency, vortex shedding pairs, and maximum KC number KCmax is revealed. The presented work is supposed to provide useful references for gaining a better understanding on VIV of a free-hanging riser and for the development of future prediction models.
Continuous Line Bucket Lifting Versus Pipe Lifting
Authors: Ma Wenbin , Schott Dingena , Lodewijks Gabriël
Published: March 2017

In the literature, the continuous line bucket (CLB) lifting system and the pipe lifting system (PLS), as two typical mineral lifting methods in deep sea mining (DSM) systems, have been discussed since the 1960s. The purpose of this paper is to determine an appropriate lifting method for deep sea mining systems at different working conditions. The determination is based on the comparison of the analysis results of the two typical lifting methods considering the technology performance and the profitability. The analysis is based on a numerical calculation performed in a matlab environment. This paper shows the comparison of the results of the CLB system and PLS in terms of the lifting efficiency, the energy consumption, and the profitability. The research reported in this paper can be utilized to select a proper lifting method for a DSM project depending on its specific criteria analysis.
Y2O3 wall interactions in Cl2 etching and NF3 cleaning plasmas
Authors: Ma Tianyu , List Tyler , Donnelly Vincent M.
Published: March 2017

Time-dependent behavior of chlorine inductively coupled plasmas is presented for Si etching, following NF3-Ar plasma cleaning of a chamber coated with Y2O3. Optical emission intensities were recorded throughout the processes for Cl, O, F, Si, SiClx=1-3, SiF, and N2, as well as from added trace rare gases Xe and Ar for determination of number densities for selected species by actinometry. Time-dependent Langmuir probe measurements of ion and electron number densities and electron energy distributions were also carried out. Ex situ x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements of the surface composition of Y2O3 coupon pieces after different etching and clean processes were also performed. Initially fluorinated yttria surfaces are shown to have a relatively high probability for loss (“recombination”) of Cl through formation of both Cl2 and SiClx. As etching proceeds, SiClx abstracts F from the surface and deposits Si and Cl, lowering of the heterogeneous recombination of Cl. The initially high recombination coefficient for Cl is explained by the weakening of the surface binding energy for Cl and SiClx at YFx sites, due to the highly electronegative nature of F, allowing recombination reactions forming Cl2 and SiClx to become energetically favorable.
Variation in the density, optical polarizabilities, and crystallinity of TiO2 thin films deposited via atomic layer deposition from 38 to 150 °C using the titanium tetrachloride-water reaction
Authors: Piercy Brandon D. , Leng Collen Z. , Losego Mark D.
Published: March 2017

Refractive index, density, and optical polarizabilities as a function of atomic layer deposition (ALD) growth temperature for titanium dioxide (TiO2) thin films are reported for the first time between 38 and 150 °C using the titanium tetrachloride-water reaction. Consistent with prior reports, Raman spectroscopy and x-ray diffraction indicate that the films are amorphous below 150 °C and form the crystalline anatase phase at deposition temperatures at or above 150 °C. Despite this change in atomic structure, mass densities of the TiO2 films are found to increase smoothly between 38 and 125 °C (3.25–3.68 g cm−3), as measured by both x-ray reflectometry (XRR) and optical ellipsometry. Molecular polarizabilities were calculated from the XRR mass densities, and ellipsometric refractive indices and were found to vary from 5.26–5.83 × 10−24 cm−3, which is consistent with prior reports of chemical vapor deposition of amorphous TiO2 thin films. Here, the authors demonstrate that the greater precision of ALD provides better control over the atomic structure and molecular polarizability of amorphous TiO2 thin films than other growth approaches, providing new opportunities for precisely studying the structure of amorphous oxides.
Outdoor sound propagation with analytic ray curve tracer and Gaussian beam
Authors: Mo Qi , Yeh Hengchin , Lin Ming , Manocha Dinesh
Published: March 2017

Outdoor sound propagation benefits from algorithms that can handle, in a computationally efficient manner, inhomogeneous media, complex boundary surfaces, and large spatial expanse. One recent work by Mo, Yeh, Lin, and Manocha [Appl. Acoust. 104, 142–151 (2016)] proposed a ray tracing method using analytic ray curves as tracing primitives, which improved the performance of propagation paths computation over rectilinear ray tracers. In this paper, an algorithm is developed that extends the performance improvement to field computation; it combines the analytic ray curve tracer with fast pressure computation based on the Gaussian beam model. The algorithm is validated against published results on benchmarks in atmospheric and ocean acoustics, and its application is demonstrated on a scene with terrains and buildings of realistic complexity and under a variety of atmospheric conditions. This algorithm is able to compute characteristic sound fields for fully general media profiles and complex three dimensional scenes at close-to-interactive speed.
First Whole-Genome Sequence of a Haemophilus influenzae Type e Strain Isolated from a Patient with Invasive Disease in Italy
Authors: Giufrè Maria , Cardines Rita , Cerquetti Marina
Published: March 2017

In the present era of conjugate vaccines against
Haemophilus influenzae
type b, non-vaccine-preventable strains are of concern. Here, we report the first whole-genome sequence of an invasive
H. influenzae
type e strain. This genomic information will enable further investigations on encapsulated non-type b
H. influenzae
strains.
Draft Genome Sequence of Streptomyces specialis Type Strain GW41-1564 (DSM 41924)
Authors: Loucif Lotfi , Michelle Caroline , Terras Jérôme , Rolain Jean-Marc , Raoult Didier , Fournier Pierre-Edouard
Published: March 2017

Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
Streptomyces specialis
type strain GW41-1564, which was isolated from soil. This 5.87-Mb genome exhibits a high G+C content of 72.72% and contains 5,486 protein-coding genes.
Tuberculosis in Enclosed Populations
Authors: Segal-Maurer Sorana
Published: March 2017

Transmission of tuberculosis (TB) is most effective in close contact indoor environments in various congregate settings including health care facilities, homeless shelters, correctional facilities, long-term care facilities, as well as community settings such as homes, schools, workplaces, and various modes of transportation. Outbreaks are fueled by numerous factors including the HIV epidemic, ease of global travel, unstable socio-economic and/or political situations, and lapses in response to potentially infectious patients. Organized approaches to TB control include an appropriate index of suspicion, identification and isolation of contagious patients in appropriate facilities, use of environmental controls, and personal protective equipment in accordance to national and international published guidelines. These all require tailoring to the various settings where TB is encountered using a determination of risk. Concerted efforts at the local, regional, national, and international levels at identifying patients with active disease, enforcing completion of treatment, and testing and fully treating patients with latent TB infection are paramount in reducing TB burden and continued transmission.
Emergence of new-onset psychotic disorder following recovery from LGI1 antibody-associated limbic encephalitis
Authors: Pollak Thomas A , Moran Nick
Published: March 2017

Neuronal autoantibodies targeting cell surface antigens have been described in association with autoimmune encephalitides which frequently feature psychosis and other psychiatric disturbances alongside neurological signs and symptoms. Little has been written however about the long-term psychiatric status of individuals following recovery from the acute phase of autoimmune encephalitis, despite case series and anecdotal evidence suggesting this may be a cause of considerable disability. Here, we describe a man aged 58 years with no psychiatric history who developed a severe and acute psychotic disorder following resolution of a protracted course of limbic encephalitis associated with antibodies to leucine-rich glioma inactivated 1 protein. No indications of a gross ongoing inflammatory or encephalopathic process were present at presentation of his psychosis. Possible aetiologies of his acute psychosis are discussed. This case highlights the importance of ongoing psychiatric follow-up of patients following an episode of autoimmune encephalitis.
Incidental finding of anomalous circumflex coronary artery from right coronary sinus prior to aortic valve surgery
Authors: Harky Amer , Hof Alexander , Ahmad Mohammad U , Uppal Rakesh
Published: March 2017

Anomalous origin of the left circumflex (Cx) artery is a common and mostly benign coronary artery anomaly. We report the case of a man aged 52 years who presented to his local hospital with progressive breathlessness on exertion and syncopal episodes. His admission transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) showed bicuspid aortic valve, severe aortic stenosis with a valve area of 0.5 cm2and his left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 27%. His coronary angiogram showed normal coronary arteries but anomalous origin of the Cx artery from the right coronary. He underwent elective bioprosthetic aortic valve replacement. His postoperative recovery was uneventful and he was discharged on day 5 postoperatively. His TTE postoperatively showed well-seated aortic valve, improved LVEF to 51%. We here report a case of incidental finding of anomalous Cx artery arising from the right coronary while the patient is being worked up for aortic valve replacement for congenital bicuspid aortic valve.
Do Functional Movement Screen (FMS) composite scores predict subsequent injury? A systematic review with meta-analysis
Authors: Moran Robert W , Schneiders Anthony G , Mason Jesse , Sullivan S John
Published: March 2017

Aim

This paper aims to systematically review studies investigating the strength of association between FMS composite scores and subsequent risk of injury, taking into account both methodological quality and clinical and methodological diversity.

Design

Systematic review with meta-analysis.

Data sources

A systematic search of electronic databases was conducted for the period between their inception and 3 March 2016 using PubMed, Medline, Google Scholar, Scopus, Academic Search Complete, AMED (Allied and Complementary Medicine Database), CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), Health Source and SPORTDiscus.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

Inclusion criteria: (1) English language, (2) observational prospective cohort design, (3) original and peer-reviewed data, (4) composite FMS score, used to define exposure and non-exposure groups and (5) musculoskeletal injury, reported as the outcome. Exclusion criteria: (1) data reported in conference abstracts or non-peer-reviewed literature, including theses, and (2) studies employing cross-sectional or retrospective study designs.

Results

24 studies were appraised using the Quality of Cohort Studies assessment tool. In male military personnel, there was ‘strong’ evidence that the strength of association between FMS composite score (cut-point ≤14/21) and subsequent injury was ‘small’ (pooled risk ratio=1.47, 95% CI 1.22 to 1.77, p<0.0001,I2=57%). There was ‘moderate’ evidence to recommend against the use of FMS composite score as an injury prediction test in football (soccer). For other populations (including American football, college athletes, basketball, ice hockey, running, police and firefighters), the evidence was ‘limited’ or ‘conflicting’.

Conclusion

The strength of association between FMS composite scores and subsequent injury does not support its use as an injury prediction tool.

Trial registration number

PROSPERO registration number CRD42015025575.
Economic evaluation of aerobic exercise training in older adults with vascular cognitive impairment: PROMoTE trial
Authors: Davis Jennifer C , Hsiung Ging-Yuek Robin , Bryan Stirling , Best John R , Eng Janice J , Munkacsy Michelle , Cheung Winnie , Chiu Bryan , Jacova Claudia , Lee Philip , Liu-Ambrose Teresa
Published: March 2017

Background/objectives

Evidence suggests that aerobic exercise may slow the progression of subcortical ischaemic vascular cognitive impairment (SIVCI) by modifying cardiovascular risk factors. Yet the economic consequences relating to aerobic training (AT) remain unknown. Therefore, our primary objective was to estimate the incremental cost per quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) gained of a thrice weekly AT intervention compared with usual care.

Design

Cost–utility analysis alongside a randomised trial.

Setting

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Participants

70 adults (mean age of 74 years, 51% women) who meet the diagnostic criteria for mild SIVCI.

Intervention

A 6-month, thrice weekly, progressive aerobic exercise training programme compared with usual care (CON; comparator) with a follow-up assessment 6 months after formal cessation of aerobic exercise training.

Measurements

Healthcare resource usage was estimated over the 6-month intervention and 6-month follow-up period. Health status (using the EQ-5D-3L) at baseline and trial completion and 6-month follow-up was used to calculate QALYs. The incremental cost–utility ratio (cost per QALY gained) was calculated.

Results

QALYs were both modestly greater, indicating a health gain. Total healthcare costs (ie, 1791±1369 {2015 $CAD} at 6 months) were greater, indicating a greater cost for the thrice weekly AT group compared with CON. From the Canadian healthcare system perspective, the incremental cost–utility ratios for thrice weekly AT were cost-effective compared with CON, when using a willingness to pay threshold of $CAD 20 000 per QALY gained or higher.

Conclusions

AT represents an attractive and potentially cost-effective strategy for older adults with mild SIVCI.

Trial registration number

NCT01027858.
Preliminary evidence that high levels of nicotine on children’s hands may contribute to overall tobacco smoke exposure
Authors: Mahabee-Gittens E Melinda , Merianos Ashley L , Matt Georg E
Published: March 2017

Background

Dust and surfaces are important sources of lead and pesticide exposure in young children. The purpose of this pilot study was to investigate if third-hand smoke (THS) pollutants accumulate on the hands of children who live in environments where tobacco is used and if hand nicotine levels are associated with second-hand smoke (SHS), as measured by salivary cotinine.

Methods

Participants were parents and children (n=25; age mean (SD)=5.4 (5.3) years) presenting to the emergency department with a potentially SHS-related illness. A convenience sample of participants were recruited at baseline from an ongoing two-group, randomised controlled trial of a SHS reduction and tobacco cessation intervention. Parents were current smokers; thus, all children were at risk of SHS and THS exposure to varying extents. Primary outcome measures, which were assessed in child participants only, were hand nicotine and salivary cotinine. Parents reported sociodemographics and smoking patterns; children’s medical records were abstracted for chief complaint, medical history and discharge diagnosis.

Results

All children had detectable hand nicotine (range=18.3–690.9 ng/wipe). All but one had detectable cotinine (range=1.2–28.8 ng/mL). Multiple linear regression results showed a significant positive association between hand nicotine and cotinine (p=0.009; semipartial r2=0.24), independent of child age.

Discussion

The higher-than-expected nicotine levels and significant association with cotinine indicate that THS may play a role in the overall exposure of young children to tobacco smoke toxicants and that hand wipes could be a useful marker of overall tobacco smoke pollution and a proxy for exposure.

Trial registration number

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02531594
My career – from a youth training scheme to practice manager
Authors: Rickard Renay
Published: March 2017

Renay Rickard is practice manager of Kernow Veterinary Group in Cornwall. Her entry to the veterinary profession was as a veterinary nurse, but her role evolved into a management one as the practice grew into a group. She is president of the Veterinary Practice Management Association
Carbodiimide for Covalent α-Amylase Immobilization onto Magnetic Nanoparticles
Authors: Milani Zeinab Mortazavi , Jalal Razieh , Goharshadi Elaheh K.
Published: March 2017

Covalent cross-linking of enzymes to magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles (MNPs) is one of the useful enzyme immobilization methods which provides repeated use of the catalyst, facilitates enzyme separation from the reaction mixture, and sometimes improves biocatalysts stability. The aim of this study was to immobilize [Formula: see text]-amylase onto MNPs via covalent attachment using carbodiimide (CDI) molecules. MNPs were synthesized by the co-precipitation method. The size and the structure of the particles were characterized by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The effects of different operational conditions of direct [Formula: see text]-amylase binding on MNPs in the presence of CDI were investigated by using the shaking method. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to confirm the success of immobilization. The optimum conditions and catalytic properties of immobilized [Formula: see text]-amylase were also evaluated. The efficiency of immobilization and the residual activity of the immobilized [Formula: see text]-amylase were dependent on the mass ratio of MNPs: CDI: [Formula: see text]-amylase and the immobilization temperature. The optimum pH for the free and immobilized amylase was 6. The free and immobilized [Formula: see text]-amylase showed maximum activity at 20[Formula: see text]C and 35[Formula: see text]C, respectively. The immobilized [Formula: see text]-amylase was more thermostable than the free one. The retained activity for free [Formula: see text]-amylase after 19 storage days was 57.7% whereas it was 100% for the immobilized [Formula: see text]-amylase. In repeated batch experiments, the immobilized [Formula: see text]-amylase retained a residual activity of 45% after 11 repeated uses. The [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] values for the immobilized enzyme were larger than those of the free enzyme. The immobilization of [Formula: see text]-amylase on MNPs using CDI improves its stability and reusability.
Rapid Fabrication of Low-Density Porous Tin Monolith via Hydrogen Bulb Dynamics Templates
Authors: Ren Hongbo , Zhu Jiayi , Bi Yutie , Xu Yewei , Zhang Lin , Wang Ni
Published: March 2017

Low-density porous tin monolith with the pteridophyta leaf-like structure was fast fabricated by a facile route via the electrochemical deposition process via hydrogen bulb dynamics templates within less than 1[Formula: see text]min. The samples were characterized by scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction and so on. The results indicated that the deposited tin porous structure could be easily controlled to form film or monolith by adjusting the tin precursor concentration and surfactant content.
On solar system dynamics in general relativity
Authors: Battista Emmanuele , Esposito Giampiero , Di Fiore Luciano , Dell’Agnello Simone , Simo Jules , Grado Aniello
Published: March 2017

Recent work in the literature has advocated using the Earth–Moon–planetoid Lagrangian points as observables, in order to test general relativity and effective field theories of gravity in the solar system. However, since the three-body problem of classical celestial mechanics is just an approximation of a much more complicated setting, where all celestial bodies in the solar system are subject to their mutual gravitational interactions, while solar radiation pressure and other sources of nongravitational perturbations also affect the dynamics, it is conceptually desirable to improve the current understanding of solar system dynamics in general relativity, as a first step towards a more accurate theoretical study of orbital motion in the weak-gravity regime. For this purpose, starting from the Einstein equations in the de Donder–Lanczos gauge, this paper arrives first at the Levi-Civita Lagrangian for the geodesic motion of planets, showing in detail under which conditions the effects of internal structure and finite extension get canceled in general relativity to first post-Newtonian order. The resulting nonlinear ordinary differential equations for the motion of planets and satellites are solved for the Earth’s orbit about the Sun, written down in detail for the Sun–Earth–Moon system, and investigated for the case of planar motion of a body immersed in the gravitational field produced by the other bodies (e.g. planets with their satellites). At this stage, we prove an exact property, according to which the fourth-order time derivative of the original system leads to a linear system of ordinary differential equations. This opens an interesting perspective on forthcoming research on planetary motions in general relativity within the solar system, although the resulting equations remain a challenge for numerical and qualitative studies. Last, the evaluation of quantum corrections to location of collinear and noncollinear Lagrangian points for the planar restricted three-body problem is revisited, and a new set of theoretical values of such corrections for the Earth–Moon–planetoid system is displayed and discussed. On the side of classical values, the general relativity corrections to Newtonian values for collinear and noncollinear Lagrangian points of the Sun–Earth–planetoid system are also obtained. A direction for future research will be the analysis of planetary motions within the relativistic celestial mechanics set up by Blanchet, Damour, Soffel and Xu.
Characterization of Ag/ZnO Nanorod Schottky Diode-Based Low-Voltage Ultraviolet Photodetector
Authors: Singh Shaivalini , Jit S. , Park Si-Hyun
Published: March 2017

Ultraviolet (UV) detection characteristics of Ag Schottky contacts with ZnO nanorods (ZnO-NRs) grown on Indium Tin Oxide (ITO)-coated glass substrates have been investigated. A low-temperature hydrothermal method was used for growing ZnO-NRs. Circular contacts of Ag were deposited above the ZnO-NRs/ITO samples using the shadow mask technique. The structural properties of the ZnO-NRs were characterized by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscope (AFM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results revealed a (0002) crystal orientation and a wurtzite hexagonal structure. The electrical characteristics of the Ag/ZnO-NR Schottky contacts were studied at forward applied bias over the range 0[Formula: see text]V to 1[Formula: see text]V, under dark and UV illumination. The dark and photocurrents were [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]A and [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]A, respectively, and the contrast ratio (ratio of photocurrent to dark current) was 1.67 at [Formula: see text]1.0[Formula: see text]V for these devices. The results show that these devices could be useful for cost-effective and low-voltage UV detection applications.
Bifurcation and spatiotemporal patterns of a density-dependent predator–prey model with Crowley–Martin functional response
Authors: Sivakumar M. , Balachandran K. , Karuppiah K.
Published: March 2017

In this paper, we consider a diffusive density-dependent predator–prey model with Crowley–Martin functional responses subject to Neumann boundary condition. We analyze the stability of the positive equilibrium and the existence of spatially homogeneous and inhomogeneous periodic solutions through the distribution of the eigenvalues. The direction and stability of Hopf bifurcation are determined by the normal form theory and the center manifold theory. Finally, numerical simulations are given to verify our theoretical analysis.
Parameter uncertainty in biomathematical model described by one-prey two-predator system with mutualism
Authors: Pal D. , Mahapatra G. S. , Samanta G. P.
Published: March 2017

In this paper, a three-species system consisting of two predators which are in mutualism with each other and preying on the same single prey is considered. Also, the prey and first predator are harvested under optimal conditions. The values of the biological parameters depend on the collection of data from the experts as well as on the nature of the environment in which prey–predator system are considered. So the biological parameters are not precise in reality. This paper presents a different approach to study the prey–predator model with imprecise biological parameters. All the possible equilibrium points are identified and the local as well as global stability criteria under impreciseness are discussed. The possibility of existence of bionomic equilibrium is discussed. The optimal harvesting policy is studied using Pontryagin’s maximum principle. Numerical examples are provided to support the proposed approach.
Some results on quadratic residue codes over the ring Fp + vFp + v2Fp + v3Fp
Authors: Gao Jian , Ma Fanghui
Published: March 2017

Quadratic residue (QR) codes and their extensions over the finite non-chain ring [Formula: see text] are studied, where [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] is an odd prime and [Formula: see text]. A class of Gray maps preserving the self-duality of linear codes from [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text] is given. Under a special Gray map, a self-dual code [Formula: see text] over [Formula: see text], a formally self-dual code [Formula: see text] over [Formula: see text] and a formally self-dual code [Formula: see text] over [Formula: see text] are obtained from extended QR codes.
Contributions of Professor Martin Brasier to the study of early life, stratigraphy and biogeochemistry
Authors: Brasier Alexander T. , McIlroy Duncan , McLoughlin Nicola
Published: March 2017

Understanding early life has been one of the hottest topics in palaeobiology for many years, attracting some of the finest palaeontological minds. Three of the most fundamental innovations in the history of life were the appearance of the first cells, the evolution of multi-cellularity and the evolution of animals. The MOFAOTYOF principle (my oldest fossils are older than your oldest fossils) commonly clouds discussions around the oldest fossil evidence, requiring a rigorous and critical approach to determining which fossils are reliable and should form the basis of our understanding of early life. In addition, evidence for early fossils must be considered within their spatial context; we need to understand the conditions under which they were preserved and how they were preserved. This book summarizes recent progress in the fields of: (1) the cellular preservation of early microbial life; and (2) the early evolution of macroscopic animal life, including the Ediacaran biota. Deciphering the evidence for early life requires some degree of exceptional preservation, employment of state-of-the-art techniques and also an understanding gleaned from Phanerozoic lagerstätte and modern analogues. This integrated approach to understanding fossils, combined with adoption of the null hypothesis that all putative traces of life are abiotic until proved otherwise, characterized the work of Martin Brasier, as is well demonstrated by the papers in this book.

Supplementary material:
A chronological listing of all Martin Brasier's publications is available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.3727696
The CFTR trafficking mutation F508del inhibits the constitutive activity of SLC26A9
Authors: Bertrand Carol A. , Mitra Shalini , Mishra Sanjay K. , Wang Xiaohui , Zhao Yu , Pilewski Joseph M. , Madden Dean R. , Frizzell Raymond A.
Published: March 2017

Several members of the SLC26A family of anion transporters associate with CFTR, forming complexes in which CFTR and SLC26A functions are reciprocally regulated. These associations are thought to be facilitated by PDZ scaffolding interactions. CFTR has been shown to be positively regulated by NHERF-1, and negatively regulated by CAL in airway epithelia. However, it is unclear which PDZ-domain protein(s) interact with SLC26A9, a SLC26A family member found in airway epithelia. We have previously shown that primary, human bronchial epithelia (HBE) from non-CF donors exhibit constitutive anion secretion attributable to SLC26A9. However, constitutive anion secretion is absent in HBE from CF donors. We examined whether changes in SLC26A9 constitutive activity could be attributed to a loss of CFTR trafficking, and what role PDZ interactions played. HEK293 coexpressing SLC26A9 with the trafficking mutant F508del CFTR exhibited a significant reduction in constitutive current compared with cells coexpressing SLC26A9 and wt CFTR. We found that SLC26A9 exhibits complex glycosylation when coexpressed with F508del CFTR, but its expression at the plasma membrane is decreased. SLC26A9 interacted with both NHERF-1 and CAL, and its interaction with both significantly increased with coexpression of wt CFTR. However, coexpression with F508del CFTR only increased SLC26A9’s interaction with CAL. Mutation of SLC26A9’s PDZ motif decreased this association with CAL, and restored its constitutive activity. Correcting aberrant F508del CFTR trafficking in CF HBE with corrector VX-809 also restored SLC26A9 activity. We conclude that when SLC26A9 is coexpressed with F508del CFTR, its trafficking defect leads to a PDZ motif-sensitive intracellular retention of SLC26A9.
Metastasiertes kastrationsresistentes Prostatakarzinom: Grundsätzliche Therapieoptionen und Progression
Authors: Pfister David
Published: March 2017

In der Entwicklung des Prostatakarzinoms spielen Androgene und der Androgenrezeptor eine zentrale Rolle. Über Jahrzehnte war die konventionelle Androgendeprivationstherapie (ADT) die wichtigste Behandlungsoption im metastasierten Stadium. Trotz initialen Ansprechens auf eine ADT entwickelt sich im Verlauf in der Regel ein metastasiertes kastrationsresistentes Prostatakarzinom (mCRPC). Für dieses Stadium gab es jahrelang keine Therapie, für die eine Verlängerung des Überlebens gezeigt werden konnte. Dies änderte sich erst 2004 mit der Studie TAX 327 zur Wirksamkeit von Docetaxel. Seither ist eine Reihe weiterer Wirkstoffe entwickelt und zugelassen worden, die das Überleben der mCRPC-Patienten verlängern können. Doch auch hierunter entwickeln sich Resistenzen. Diese könnten künftig einen Einfluss auf die Therapiesteuerung beim mCRPC haben.