bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pricing Problems under the Markov Chain Choice Model
Authors: Dong James , Simsek A. Serdar , Topaloglu Huseyin
Published: June 2018

We consider pricing problems when customers choose under the Markov chain choice model. In this choice model, a customer arriving into the system is interested in a certain product with a certain probability. Depending on the price charged for this product, the customer decides whether to purchase the product. If the customer purchases the product, then she leaves the system. Otherwise, the customer transitions to another product or to the no purchase option with certain transition probabilities. In this way, the customer transitions between the products until she purchases a product or reaches the no purchase option. We study three fundamental pricing problems under this choice model. First, for the monopolistic pricing problem, we show how to compute the optimal prices efficiently. Second, for the competitive pricing problem, we show that a Nash equilibrium exists, prove that Nash equilibrium prices are no larger than the prices computed by a central planner controlling all prices and characterize a Nash equilibrium that Pareto dominates all other Nash equilibria. Third, for the dynamic pricing problem with a single resource, we show that the optimal prices decrease as we have more resource capacity or as we get closer to the end of the selling horizon. We also consider a deterministic approximation formulated under the assumption that the demand for each product takes on its expected value. Although the objective function and constraints in this approximation do not have explicit expressions, we develop an equivalent reformulation with explicit expressions for the objective function and constraints.
Sharing Values
Authors: Hedahl Marcus , Huebner Bryce
Published: June 2018

In this paper, we consider one of the ways in which shared valuing is normatively significant. More specifically, we analyze the processes that can reliably provide normative grounding for the standing to rebuke others for their failures to treat something as valuable. Yet problems with grounding this normative standing quickly arise, as it is not immediately clear why shared valuing binds group members together in ways that can sustain the collective pursuit of shared ends. Responding to this difficulty is no easy task, since doing so requires demonstrating that the standing to call on one's fellow participants because of shared forms of valuing is not merely a side effect of members authority to call on their fellow participants to do their fair share in a collective endeavor. This is, to the best of our knowledge, a problem that the sparse literature on shared valuing has yet to consider. We argue that the best way to address this difficulty is to consider the real‐world complexity of how forms of valuing come to be shared within well‐structured collectives and how members internalize the evaluative tendencies that sustain shared valuing. To accomplish those ends, we examine two different ways that shared valuing is cultivated within well‐structured groups and the corresponding ways that members internalize forms of valuing; specifically, we examine differences between forms of valuing that are passed downward from the top of a group, as they are in the U.S. Military, and forms of valuing that bubble‐up through local patterns of interaction, as they do among the Zapatistas of Chiapas.
An objective method to assess the improvements of skin texture roughness after botulinum toxin type a treatment of crow's feet
Authors: Cavallini M. , Papagni M. , Gazzola R.
Published: June 2018

Background

Photo‐numeric scales could lack precision and objectivity on evaluating the improvements on wrinkles after a treatment with botulinum toxin type A. The authors suggest a new digital evaluation method to analyze its effectiveness.

Objectives

This study aims to investigate retrospectively the effect of intramuscular injection of botulinum toxin type A on skin texture in the lateral peri‐orbital region with a new objective method.

Methods

Skin texture roughness (STR) in the lateral peri‐orbital region is evaluated with a multi‐directional light beam by light emitting diodes of different wavelengths (Antera 3D®), before and after injections of 12 units of botulinum toxin type A. The wrinkles and lines deeper than 0.5 mm are filtered to measure accurately skin texture.

Results

We observed an improvement of STR in all cases treated with botulinum toxin type A. A significant decrease of STR was recorded as follows: 17.08% (P < .0001) at 4 weeks and 12.14% at 4 months (P = .001).

Conclusion

Botulinum toxin type A treatment of crow's feet was able to improve STR. The Antera® device and software are a valuable, objective, easy and reproducible method to assess the effects of the toxin.
Nasal colonisation, antimicrobial susceptibility and genotypic pattern of Staphylococcus aureus among agricultural biotechnology students in Besut, Terengganu, east coast of Malaysia
Authors: Zarizal Suhaili , Yeo Chew Chieng , Faizal Ghazali Mohd , Chew Ching Hoong , Zakaria Zainul Amiruddin , Jamil Al‐Obaidi Mazen M. , Syafinaz Amin Nordin , Mohd Nasir Mohd Desa
Published: June 2018

Background

This study aimed to profile the antimicrobial susceptibility and presence of resistance and virulence genes of methicillin‐susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) and MRSA nasal carriage, by means of genotypic analyses, in students of a tertiary institution in the state of Terengganu, east coast of Malaysia.

Methods

A total of 370 agricultural biotechnology students from Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin in Besut, Terengganu, were enrolled in this study. Antimicrobial susceptibility profiles were evaluated by standard methods. PCR detection of resistance and virulence genes was performed on S. aureus that were methicillin‐resistant, macrolide–lincosamide–streptogramin B (MLSB)‐positive phenotype and/or positive for the leukocidin (pvl) gene followed by staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec), staphylococcal protein A (spa) and accessory gene regulator (agr) typing.

Results

One hundred and nineteen of 370 students carried S. aureus (32%); 18 of the isolates were MRSA (15%). Erythromycin resistance was detected in 20% (24/119) of which 15% (18/119) were MRSA and 5% (6/119) MSSA. Among the 24 erythromycin‐resistant isolates, D‐test was positive in 29% (7/24) displaying inducible MLSB, whereas the remaining 71% (17/24) showed constitutive MLSB phenotypes. Nine (7.6%) of 119 isolates were pvl positive: 44% MRSA (4/9) and 56% MSSA (5/9). Staphylococcal surface protein sasX gene was present in 92% of MRSA and 8% of MSSA isolates. The majority of MRSA isolates were agr type I (15/18; 83%). Five spa types identified with spa t037 were predominant, followed by spa types (t304 and t8696) as newly reported Malaysian MRSA in a community setting.

Conclusion

The presence of MRSA with SCCmec of hospital‐associated features and globally recognised spa types in community setting is worrisome. Furthermore, the presence of MLSB strains among multidrug‐resistant (MDR) S. aureus with sasX as well as pvl‐positive isolates highlights the potential risk of a community setting in facilitating the dissemination of both virulence and resistance determinants.
The prevalence of medial coronoid process disease is high in lame large breed dogs and quantitative radiographic assessments contribute to the diagnosis
Authors: Mostafa Ayman , Nolte Ingo , Wefstaedt Patrick
Published: June 2018

Medial coronoid process disease is a common leading cause of thoracic limb lameness in dogs. Computed tomography and arthroscopy are superior to radiography to diagnose medial coronoid process disease, however, radiography remains the most available diagnostic imaging modality in veterinary practice. Objectives of this retrospective observational study were to describe the prevalence of medial coronoid process disease in lame large breed dogs and apply a novel method for quantifying the radiographic changes associated with medial coronoid process and subtrochlear‐ulnar region in Labrador and Golden Retrievers with confirmed medial coronoid process disease. Purebred Labrador and Golden Retrievers (n = 143, 206 elbows) without and with confirmed medial coronoid process disease were included. The prevalence of medial coronoid process disease in lame large breed dogs was calculated. Mediolateral and craniocaudal radiographs of elbows were analyzed to assess the medial coronoid process length and morphology, and subtrochlear‐ulnar width. Mean grayscale value was calculated for radial and subtrochlear‐ulnar zones. The prevalence of medial coronoid process disease was 20.8%. Labrador and Golden Retrievers were the most affected purebred dogs (29.6%). Elbows with confirmed medial coronoid process disease had short (P < 0.0001) and deformed (∼95%) medial coronoid process, with associated medial coronoid process osteophytosis (7.5%). Subtrochlear‐ulnar sclerosis was evidenced in ∼96% of diseased elbows, with a significant increase (P < 0.0001) in subtrochlear‐ulnar width and standardized grayscale value. Radial grayscale value did not differ between groups. Periarticular osteophytosis was identified in 51.4% of elbows with medial coronoid process disease. Medial coronoid process length and morphology, and subtrochlear‐ulnar width and standardized grayscale value varied significantly in dogs with confirmed medial coronoid process disease compared to controls. Findings indicated that medial coronoid process disease has a high prevalence in lame large breed dogs and that quantitative radiographic assessments can contribute to the diagnosis.
Disseminated Rhodococcus equi in an Anglo‐Nubian goat
Authors: Haanen Gillian A. Y. , Lim Chee Kin , Baird Aubrey N. , Sola Mario F. , Lenz Stephen D.
Published: June 2018

Disseminated Rhodococcus equi infection was diagnosed in an Anglo‐Nubian goat presenting for non‐weight bearing lameness of the right pelvic limb. Radiographs showed a moth‐eaten osteolytic lesion in the proximal tibia suggestive of an aggressive bone lesion. Two pulmonary nodules were also present on thoracic radiographs. Initial antemortem cytology of the tibial lesion was suggestive of Rhodococcosis and the goat was sent to necropsy. Necropsy and bacterial culture confirmed the diagnosis of disseminated R. equi infection in the right tibia, lungs, and liver.
Hierarchical Decomposition of Technical Functions and User Actions
Authors: Janhager Jenny
Published: June 2018

This paper presents a method for introducing the user aspects in the synthesis stage of the product development process. The theories, which the method is established on, are the theory of technical systems [1, 2] and the function-means tree [3]. The research method is empirical and based upon case studies. By introducing the user aspects and the mental activities to the technical process a user-technical process is established. This is a more comprehensive representation of a product in use, because its interaction with the user is considered. In the same way the user actions and the mental activities are included to the hierarchical decomposition of the functions for a product. This decomposition constitutes a function-action tree and is a support in the creation of new product concepts. The function-action tree could also be used to analyze relations between functions and actions, and to investigate if the relations lead to new conditions for the product.
New pseudotagmic genus of acaricaline mites (Eriophyidae, Acaricalini) from a South African palm Hyphaene coriacea and remarks on lateral opisthosomal spines and morphology of deutogynes in Eriophyoidea
Authors: Chetverikov Philipp , Craemer Charnie , Neser Stefan
Published: June 2018

A new genus, Tumescoptella n. g., with two new sympatric species Tumescoptella aculeata n. sp. and T. rotundiscuta n. sp., was found on the indigenous South African palm Hyphaene coriacea, Lala palm. Both species are described and illustrated with the aid of conventional light microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy and low temperature scanning electron microscopy. Additionally, a new record of Tumescoptes dicrus Meyer collected from Phoenix reclinata (Arecaceae), near Kirstenbosch Gardens (Cape Town, South Africa), is reported. Morphologically the Tumescoptella n. g. is most similar to Tumescoptes Keifer, but possesses a more reduced chaetome and more derived pseudotagmosis. Pseudotagmosis is one type of body consolidation in vagrant eriophyoids, realized through the formation of dorsal opisthosomal plates, pseudotagmata. Along with previously described pseudotagmata (prodorsum, cervix, postprodorsum, superpostprodorsum, pretelosoma, and telosoma), a new term, anteroscutum, is proposed for the complex pseudotagma formed as a fusion of the three anterior pseudotagmata (prodorsum+cervix+postprodorsum) in several phyllocoptine mites from palms. An anteroscutum is present in monotypic Scolocenus Keifer from coconut and in the new genus Tumescoptella n. g. Protogyne females of Tumescoptella n. g. have uncommonly large lateral opisthosomal spines. Along with tiny spinules, triangular cuticular plates, band-shaped processes, and areas of thickened cuticle, the lateral spines belong to a common group of serial derivatives of dorsal opisthosomal annuli. We give a brief review on variation of spine-like structures across taxa of Eriophyoidea and their morpho-functional evaluation. Contrary to protogyne females, deutogyne females of T. aculeata n. sp. lack lateral spines, and they possess a smoother topography of the anteroscutum. Morphological similarity of these deutogynes with mites of the less transformed genus Tumescoptes is in accordance with a previous hypothesis on the possible correspondence of deutogyne morphology to that of an ancestral taxon. Two hypotheses on the origin of the presumably monophyletic group of Tumescoptes-like phyllocoptines (TP) from palms, comprising genera Scolocenus, Tumescoptella n. g., Tumescoptes, and Pseudotagmus, are proposed based on morphological similarity with two groups of eriophyoid genera: (a) pseudotagmic genera associated with aboriginal Asian dicotyledonous tropical trees, and (b) South American phyllocoptines from arecoid palms.
Causes of irregularities in trends of global mean surface temperature since the late 19th century
Authors: Folland Chris K. , Boucher Olivier , Colman Andrew , Parker David E.
Published: June 2018

Our analyses provide empirical explanations for slowdowns and irregularities in global surface temperature variation, 1891–2015.
An increase in LRRK2 suppresses autophagy and enhances Dectin-1–induced immunity in a mouse model of colitis
Authors: Takagawa Tetsuya , Kitani Atsushi , Fuss Ivan , Levine Beth , Brant Steven R. , Peter Inga , Tajima Masaki , Nakamura Shiro , Strober Warren
Published: June 2018

A LRRK2 inhibitor ameliorates intestinal inflammation in a mouse model of colitis.
Risk Factors for Gastrointestinal Colonization and Acquisition of Carbapenem-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacteria among Patients in Intensive Care Units in Thailand
Authors: Kiddee Anong , Assawatheptawee Kanit , Na-udom Anamai , Treebupachatsakul Pornpit , Wangteeraprasert Apirath , Walsh Timothy R. , Niumsup Pannika R.
Published: June 2018

This study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of and risk factors for colonization and acquisition of carbapenem-resistant (CR) Gram-negative bacteria (GNB) among patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) in two tertiary care hospitals in northern Thailand. Screening of rectal swab specimens for CR-GNB was performed on patients at ICU admission and discharge.
Coevolution of both Thermostability and Activity of Polyphosphate Glucokinase from Thermobifida fusca YX
Authors: Zhou Wei , Huang Rui , Zhu Zhiguang , Zhang Yi-Heng P. Job
Published: June 2018

Polyphosphate glucokinase (PPGK) is an enzyme that transfers a terminal phosphate group from polyphosphate to glucose, producing glucose 6-phosphate. A petri dish-based double-layer high-throughput screening strategy was developed by using ultrathermostable Phytagel as the first layer instead of agar or agarose, followed by a redox dye-based assay for rapid identification of ultrathermostable PPGK mutants. The best mutant featuring both great thermostability and high activity could produce glucose 6-phosphate from glucose and polyphosphate without
in vitro
ATP regeneration.
Complete Mitochondrial Genome Sequence of Bighorn Sheep
Authors: Davenport Kimberly M. , Duan Mingrui , Hunter Samuel S. , New Daniel D. , Fagnan Matthew W. , Highland Margaret A. , Murdoch Brenda M.
Published: June 2018

We report here the complete mitochondrial genome sequence of a Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep (
Ovis canadensis
) in the United States. The circular genome has a size of 16,466 bp and contains 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, and 2 rRNA genes.
Laboratory Diagnosis of Neurocysticercosis (Taenia solium)
Authors: Garcia Hector H. , O'Neal Seth E. , Noh John , Handali Sukwan ,   for The Cysticercosis Working Group in Peru Robert H. Gilman coordination board Armando E. Gonzalez coordination board Victor C. W. Tsang coordination board Silvia Rodriguez Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Neurológicas, Lima, Perú Manuel Martinez Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Neurológicas, Lima, Perú Isidro Gonzales Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Neurológicas, Lima, Perú Herbert Saavedra Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Neurológicas, Lima, Perú Manuela Verastegui Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, P
Published: June 2018

Neurocysticercosis accounts for approximately 30% of all epilepsy cases in most developing countries. The immunodiagnosis of cysticercosis is complex and strongly influenced by the course of infection, the disease burden, the cyst location, and the immune response of the host.
Simple Protocol for Molecular Fingerprinting of Human Oral Microbiota Samples in Lab Classes
Authors: Henriques Ana C. , De Marco Paolo
Published: June 2018

DNA fingerprinting is a major tool in identifying individuals and in evidence matching. However, this technique can be difficult to reproduce in practical classes. Here, we report on distinct PCR profiles obtained when amplifying saliva DNA of a score of distinct individuals with Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD)-PCR primer BOXA1R. The RAPD-PCR method is simple and efficient for discrimination between bacterial strains and is used in this instance to obtain personalized fingerprints of each individual’s oral microbiota. We present real results with undergraduate students confirming that this procedure is easily feasible in practical classes. Based on the results presented, we suggest a laboratory activity for undergraduate Molecular Biology or Microbiology students.
Using Nonfiction Narratives in an English Course to Teach the Nature of Science and Its Importance to Communicating About Science
Authors: Aune Jeanine Elise , Evans Lynn Lundy , Boury Nancy
Published: June 2018

The nature of science (NOS) is a foundational framework for understanding scientific ideas and concepts. This framework includes scientific methodology, the process of revising and interpreting data, and the ways in which science is a social endeavor. Nature of science literature treats science as a way of knowing that is based on observable phenomenon. While discipline-specific coursework teaches the factual information of science, it may fall short on teaching scientific literacy, a key component of which is understanding NOS. We have designed an English course that features nonfiction narratives describing the early days of epidemiology, hygiene awareness, and the current controversy surrounding vaccination. Using a validated assessment of student understanding of NOS, the Student Understanding of Science and Scientific Inquiry (SUSSI), we have determined that this science-themed English composition course was effective in teaching NOS. Student understanding of NOS increased between the beginning and the end of the course in eight of the nine parameters of NOS measured, with the greatest gains in understanding the role of revision and of creativity in science. Our data imply that the course helped students develop a slightly less naïve understanding of the nature of science and its importance in the development and dissemination of scientific ideas and concepts.
Collaborative Posters Develop Students’ Ability to Communicate about Undervalued Scientific Resources to Nonscientists
Authors: Mayfield Teresa J. , Olimpo Jeffrey T. , Floyd Kevin W. , Greenbaum Eli
Published: June 2018

Scientists are increasingly called upon to communicate with the public, yet most never receive formal training in this area. Public understanding is particularly critical to maintaining support for undervalued resources such as biological collections, research data repositories, and expensive equipment. We describe activities carried out in an inquiry-driven organismal biology laboratory course designed to engage a diverse student body using biological collections. The goals of this cooperative learning experience were to increase students’ ability to locate and comprehend primary research articles, and to communicate the importance of an undervalued scientific resource to nonscientists. Our results indicate that collaboratively created, research-focused informational posters are an effective tool for achieving these goals and may be applied in other disciplines or classroom settings.
Communicating Discovery-Based Research Results to the News: A Real-World Lesson in Science Communication for Undergraduate Students
Authors: Garcia Julie Torruellas
Published: June 2018

Communicating science effectively to the general public is a necessary skill that takes practice. Generally, undergraduate science majors are taught to communicate to other scientists but are not given formal training on how to communicate with a nonscientist. An opportunity to appear on a news segment can be used as a real-world lesson on science communication for your students. This article will describe how to contact a producer to get your class on a news segment, ideas for types of research that may be of interest to the media, and how to practice communicating the results effectively.
Science in the Eye of the Beer-Holder—How To Put On an Effective Pint of Science: The Adelaide Experience
Authors: Richter Katharina , Thomas Nicky
Published: June 2018

“Pint of Science” is an outreach activity bringing the latest scientific discoveries to the community in the relaxed atmosphere of a pub. Founded in the United Kingdom in 2012, this three-night festival in May is now held annually in cities around the world. Today, Pint of Science contributes to science education and engages peers and the public alike, demystifying science at a pub near you. This article gives advice about how to organize a Pint of Science festival, as exemplified by the Adelaide/South Australia chapter’s 2017 experience.
Breakthrough cancer pain (BTcP) management: a review of international and national guidelines
Authors: Davies Andrew Neil , Elsner Frank , Filbet Marilène Jeanne , Porta-Sales Josep , Ripamonti Carla , Santini Daniele , Webber Kath
Published: June 2018

Objective

Breakthrough cancer pain (BTcP) is common and has a significant impact on the quality of life of patients with cancer. This review compares current national/international BTcP guidelines in order to identify disparities and priorities for further research.

Methods

Relevant guidelines were identified using searches of PubMed, the National Guideline Clearinghouse, the internet (commercial search engines), and correspondence with key opinion leaders and relevant pharmaceutical companies. Identified guidelines were compared, using the Association for Palliative Medicine of Great Britain and Ireland recommendations as the ‘reference’ guideline.

Results

Ten specific BTcP guidelines were identified/reviewed, as well as major international generic cancer pain guidelines. In general, there was good agreement between the specific BTcP guidelines, although there remain some differences in terms of definition, diagnostic criteria and treatment of BTcP. Disparities between the different BTcP guidelines invariably reflect personal opinion rather than research evidence. Generic cancer pain guidelines continue to support the use of oral opioids as rescue medication, while specific BTcP guidelines invariably endorse the use of transmucosal opioids as rescue medication.

Conclusion

Current guidelines agree on many aspects of the management of BTcP. However, the evidence to support current guidelines remains low grade, and so more research is needed in this area of care. Moreover, there needs to be an international consensus on the definition and diagnosis criteria of BTcP.
Near-peer interprofessional simulation training in an undergraduate setting
Authors: Young Matthew , Wilkinson Tansy
Published: June 2018

To assess the effectiveness of near-peer educators to improve human factors education for medical and nursing students managing an unwell simulated patient. 12 medical and eight nursing students volunteered. Doctors and nurses qualified for less than 2 years were used to run and debrief the sessions. Self-assessment Likert-scale questionnaires, focussing on topics related to human factors along with differences between near-peer and senior-led simulation sessions, were used before and after the intervention. The results showed an improvement in every question for topics related to human factors. The highest post-programme scores were in escalation of care and knowing professional role or limitations. Students scored near-peers highly in relation to relevance to practice, content covered and approachability. The post-programme questionnaires show students prefer near-peer to senior-led simulation sessions. The interprofessional nature was well received. Our project differs from traditional undergraduate simulation, where students can act out of the role they are training in. Near-peer educators appear to be more approachable and cover content more relevant to clinical practice compared with senior staff. Improvements were seen in every human factor related field.
Surveillance of premalignant gastric lesions: a multicentre prospective cohort study from low incidence regions
Authors: den Hollander Wouter J , Holster I Lisanne , den Hoed Caroline M , Capelle Lisette G , Tang Tjon J , Anten Marie-Paule , Prytz-Berset Ingrid , Witteman Ellen M , ter Borg Frank , Hartog Gijsbert den , Bruno Marco J , Peppelenbosch Maikel Petrus , Lesterhuis Wilco , Doukas Michael , Kuipers Ernst J , Spaander Manon C W
Published: June 2018

Objective

International guidelines recommend endoscopic surveillance of premalignant gastric lesions. However, the diagnostic yield and preventive effect require further study. We therefore aimed to assess the incidence of neoplastic progression and to assess the ability of various tests to identify patients most at risk for progression.

Design

Patients from the Netherlands and Norway with a previous diagnosis of atrophic gastritis (AG), intestinal metaplasia (IM) or dysplasia were offered endoscopic surveillance. All histological specimens were assessed according to the updated Sydney classification and the operative link on gastric intestinal metaplasia (OLGIM) system. In addition, we measured serum pepsinogens (PG) and gastrin-17.

Results

279 (mean age 57.9 years, SD 11.4, male/female 137/142) patients were included and underwent at least one surveillance endoscopy during follow-up. The mean follow-up time was 57 months (SD 36). Four subjects (1.4%) were diagnosed with high-grade adenoma/dysplasia or invasive neoplasia (ie, gastric cancer) during follow-up. Two of these patients were successfully treated with endoscopic submucosal dissection, while the other two underwent a total gastrectomy. Compared with patients with extended AG/IM (PGI/II≤3 and/or OGLIM stage III–IV), patients with limited AG/IM (PG I/II>3 and OLGIM stage 0–II) did not develop high-grade adenoma/dysplasia or invasive neoplasia during follow-up (p=0.02).

Conclusion

In a low gastric cancer incidence area, a surveillance programme can detect gastric cancer at an early curable stage with an overall risk of neoplastic progression of 0.3% per year. Use of serological markers in endoscopic surveillance programmes may improve risk stratification.
CSF cytokine profile in MOG-IgG+ neurological disease is similar to AQP4-IgG+ NMOSD but distinct from MS: a cross-sectional study and potential therapeutic implications
Authors: Kaneko Kimihiko , Sato Douglas Kazutoshi , Nakashima Ichiro , Ogawa Ryo , Akaishi Tetsuya , Takai Yoshiki , Nishiyama Shuhei , Takahashi Toshiyuki , Misu Tatsuro , Kuroda Hiroshi , Tanaka Satoru , Nomura Kyoichi , Hashimoto Yuji , Callegaro Dagoberto , Steinman Lawrence , Fujihara Kazuo , Aoki Masashi
Published: June 2018

Objective

To evaluate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cytokine profiles in myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein IgG-positive (MOG-IgG+) disease in adult and paediatric patients.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, we measured 27 cytokines in the CSF of MOG-IgG+ disease in acute phase before treatment (n=29). The data were directly compared with those in aquaporin-4 antibody-positive (AQP4-IgG+) neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) (n=20), multiple sclerosis (MS) (n=20) and non-inflammatory controls (n=14).

Results

In MOG-IgG+ disease, there was no female preponderance and the ages were younger (mean 18 years, range 3–68; 15 were below 18 years) relative to AQP4-IgG+ NMOSD (41, 15–77) and MS (34, 17–48). CSF cell counts were higher and oligoclonal IgG bands were mostly negative in MOG-IgG+ disease and AQP4-IgG+ NMOSD compared with MS. MOG-IgG+ disease had significantly elevated levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, granulocyte-colony stimulating factor and granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor, interferon-γ, IL-10, IL-1 receptor antagonist, monocyte chemotactic protein-1 and macrophage inflammatory protein-1α as compared with MS. No cytokine in MOG-IgG+ disease was significantly different from AQP4-IgG+ NMOSD. Moreover many elevated cytokines were correlated with each other in MOG-IgG+ disease and AQP4-IgG+ NMOSD but not in MS. No difference in the data was seen between adult and paediatric MOG-IgG+ cases.

Conclusions

The CSF cytokine profile in the acute phase of MOG-IgG+ disease is characterised by coordinated upregulation of T helper 17 (Th17) and other cytokines including some Th1-related and regulatory T cells-related ones in adults and children, which is similar to AQP4-IgG+ NMOSD but clearly different from MS. The results suggest that as with AQP4-IgG+ NMOSD, some disease-modifying drugs for MS may be ineffective in MOG-IgG+ disease while they may provide potential therapeutic targets.
Assessing the effect of ingredients variability on the composition of the final complete feed for swine
Authors: Fabà Lluís , Solà-Oriol David , Balfagon Aitor , Coma Jaume , Gasa Josep
Published: June 2018

To characterize the variability of 11 feed ingredients and their impact on the final feed, 728 ingredient samples were collected during 5 months in a feed-plant and were analyzed by near-infrared spectrophotometry (NIRS). Six diets for fattening pigs and gestating sows were formulated using regional information of ingredient chemical composition (reference): LIM, limited; EU, common European; and MULT, multi-ingredient; respectively, including 5, 7, and 10 ingredients. The formulas were replicated 15 times using actual chemical composition (NIRS) from three samples per ingredient and month. This theoretical procedure was validated through small-scale manufacturing 30 LIM-diets, which samples were proximal (PA) and NIRS analyzed for dry matter and crude protein (CP) contents. Those mixtures were also PA analyzed. The ingredients showed coefficient of variation (CV %) higher for crude fiber (CF) (2.6%–18.3%) than CP (2.0%–9.3%). Comparing all diets for all chemical components, variability was reduced when including more ingredients from 0.5%–5.5% to 0.3%–2.6% CV. In most cases, the actual chemical composition of the diets underestimated their reference formula (1.3%–10.8%, CP and CF). A deviation from the targeted diet occurs if variability is not regarded. Therefore, a proper method to predict ingredient composition and nutritional value before use may increase the accuracy of diet formulation between 2% and 10%.
The influence of floral morph ratios and low plant density on mating and fertility in a tristylous colonizing species
Authors: Balogh Christopher M. , Barrett Spencer C.H.
Published: June 2018

Sexual reproduction in heterostylous populations may be vulnerable to demographic conditions because of the small number of mating types in populations. Here, we investigate mating and fertility under natural and experimental conditions in tristylous Lythrum salicaria L., an invasive species that exhibits a wide range of floral morph ratios and demographic contexts. We grew 147 open-pollinated seed families from six populations with different morph structures to estimate intermorph mating (d). In a field experiment, we used progeny ratios from 47 spatially isolated individuals to estimate d, and measured the intensity of pollen limitation experienced by the morphs. The M- and S-morphs experienced high rates of d, regardless of population size or morph ratio. Estimates for the L-morph revealed low levels of intramorph mating in three dimorphic and two trimorphic populations, but near complete intramorph mating in a monomorphic population. Despite high levels of intermorph mating in the field experiment, the morphs experienced significant pollen limitation of fruit and seed set, but this did not differ in intensity among the morphs. Our field experiment demonstrates that although plant isolation was associated with pollen limitation of seed set, “long-distance” bee-mediated pollen flow served to maintain intermorph mating. Tristyly in L. salicaria is remarkably robust to the demographic variation associated with colonization.
THE EFFECT OF ANISOTROPIC SURFACE TENSION ON THE LAMELLAR EUTECTIC GROWTH IN DIRECTIONAL SOLIDIFICATION
Authors: XU XIAOHUA , CHEN MINGWEN
Published: June 2018

For the case of small interlamellar spacing relative to the solute diffusion length, the steady spatially periodic lamellar eutectic growth with the anisotropic effect of surface tension in directional solidification is studied by the approach of the interfacial wave (IFW) theory. The anisotropic surface tension is expressed as the fourfold symmetric function. We obtained a family of the uniformly valid asymptotic solutions for the steady lamellar eutectic growth and determined the corresponding interfacial patterns affected by anisotropic surface tension. The analytical solution reveals the anisotropic effect of surface tension on the interface shape of lamellar eutectic growth near the triple point. The temperature distribution at the interface shows a noticeable nonuniformity and there is a thin boundary layer for temperature and concentration near the triple point. As the anisotropic surface tension increases, the interface temperature away from the triple-point increases, whereas near the triple point the interface temperature decreases. Compared with the lamellar eutectic growth with isotropic surface tension, the anisotropic surface tension changes the position of the triple point and accelerates the growth of the lamellar eutectic. The theoretical prediction shows quantitatively consistent with recent experimental data without making any artificial adjustments to parameters.
A versatile platform for single-molecule enzymology of restriction endonuclease
Authors: Wang Xin , Nie Jingyuan , Li Yi , Pan Hai , Zheng Peng , Qin Meng , Cao Yi , Wang Wei
Published: June 2018

Enzymes are the major players for many biological processes. Fundamental studies of the enzymatic activity at the single-molecule level provides important information that is otherwise inaccessible at the ensemble level. Yet, these single-molecule experiments are technically difficult and generally require complicated experimental design. Here, we develop a Holliday junction (HJ)-based platform to study the activity of restriction endonucleases at the single-molecule level using single-molecule FRET (sm-FRET). We show that the intrinsic dynamics of HJ can be used as the reporter for both the enzyme-binding and the substrate-release events. Thanks to the multiple-arms structure of HJ, the fluorophore-labeled arms can be different from the surface anchoring arm and the substrate arm. Therefore, it is possible to independently change the substrate arm to study different enzymes with similar functions. Such a design is extremely useful for the systematic study of enzymes from the same family or enzymes bearing different pathologic mutations. Moreover, this method can be easily extended to study other types of DNA-binding enzymes without too much modification of the design. We anticipate it can find broad applications in single-molecule enzymology.
A history of exploration offshore Norway: the Barents Sea
Authors: Jakobsson K. H.
Published: June 2018

The exploration activities in the Barents Sea started as far back as 1907 with the first geological expedition to the Spitsbergen archipelago. Exploration for oil and gas started with the Kvadhuken well in 1961, followed by several other wells. Fina Exploration drilled two wells on the Island of Hopen in 1973. The NPD acquired the first seismic data in 1969. The universities collected seismic profiles from 1969 as part of the Continental Shelf Project.

The first licences in the Barents Sea were awarded in the 5th concession round in Norway in 1980. The results so far (2016) are two fields in production, Snøhvit and Goliat, and several in the evaluation phase.

The main exploration challenges in the Barents Sea are the Tertiary uplift and erosion of Jurassic and Cretaceous rocks, and the maturation of the source rocks due to the uplift. The discoveries Gotha and Alta in 2013–15 proved the Permian carbonate play. The awards in the 23rd concession round opened the Barents SE area bordering Russia. One well was drilled in 2017 with encouraging results and two more will be drilled in 2018.
Palaeogeographical and palaeoclimatic evolution of the intracratonic Parnaíba Basin, NE Brazil using GPlates plate tectonic reconstructions and chemostratigraphic tools
Authors: Jaju Marwan M. , Mort Haydon P. , Nader Fadi H. , Filho Mário L. , Macdonald David I. M.
Published: June 2018

The intracratonic Paleozoic Parnaíba Basin, NE Brazil covers
c.
600 000 km
2
. Lithostratigraphic, mineralogical and geochemical approaches were used to deduce the changing environments of deposition of the Parnaíba Basin based on 150, mostly argillite, samples (Silurian–earliest Triassic). The results indicate that brackish conditions and mixed kerogen sources were important and that the palaeowater depth and sources of meteoric water varied from west to east. The chemical index of alteration results, together with other elemental and mineralogical data, indicate that the western margin was humid until the end of the Carboniferous and then became arid, whereas the eastern margin showed the reverse pattern. This supports observations of major stratigraphic differences between the two margins. There were also major variations in the palaeoredox and palaeosalinity conditions (oxic and fresh to brackish water systems in the east v. suboxic to dysoxic and saline water systems in the west). The clay mineral assemblages are characteristically dominated by kaolinite, which is considered to be inherited from weathering horizons developed in silicic granitic terranes. Regional palaeoclimate reconstructions were carried out in the Parnaíba Basin by linking GPlates software with the South America plate motion model (northwards drift during the Paleozoic coupled with a latest Paleozoic rotation phase) and with the regional database of information on the location, formation name and original references for each locality.
Does Malnutrition Have a Genetic Component?
Authors: Duggal Priya , Petri William A.
Published: June 2018

Malnutrition is a complex disorder, defined by an imbalance, excess, or deficiency of nutrient intake. The visible signs of malnutrition are stunted growth and wasting, but malnourished children are also more likely to have delays in neurocognitive development, vaccine failure, and susceptibility to infection. Despite malnutrition being a major global health problem, we do not yet understand the pathogenesis of this complex disorder. Although lack of food is a major contributor to childhood malnutrition, it is not the sole cause. The mother's prenatal nutritional status, enteric infections, and intestinal inflammation also contribute to the risk of childhood malnutrition and recovery. Here, we discuss another potential risk factor, host and maternal genetics, that may play a role in the risk of malnutrition via several biological pathways. Understanding the genetic risks of malnutrition may help to identify ideal targets for intervention and treatment of malnutrition.
An Assessment of Experimental Evidence on Agricultural Technology Adoption in Developing Countries
Authors: Magruder Jeremy R.
Published: June 2018

This article reviews recent results on technology adoption in developing countries, primarily from field experiments. It focuses on studies that highlight three constraints to adoption: credit, insurance, and information. Interventions supplying credit are consistently effective in spurring technology adoption for a minority of farmers, while interventions supplying insurance have had more mixed results. This review suggests that one mitigating factor on demand for both of these products is incomplete information, which adds additional uninsurable risk to the technology adoption decision. A broad group of studies identify the presence of strong informational frictions. The review concludes with some potential directions for future research.
Copper transporters and copper chaperones: roles in cardiovascular physiology and disease
Authors: Fukai Tohru , Ushio-Fukai Masuko , Kaplan Jack H.
Published: June 2018

Copper (Cu) is an essential micronutrient but excess Cu is potentially toxic. Its important propensity to cycle between two oxidation states accounts for its frequent presence as a cofactor in many physiological processes through Cu-containing enzymes, including mitochondrial energy production (via cytochrome c-oxidase), protection against oxidative stress (via superoxide dismutase), and extracellular matrix stability (via lysyl oxidase). Since free Cu is potentially toxic, the bioavailability of intracellular Cu is tightly controlled by Cu transporters and Cu chaperones. Recent evidence reveals that these Cu transport systems play an essential role in the physiological responses of cardiovascular cells, including cell growth, migration, angiogenesis and wound repair. In response to growth factors, cytokines, and hypoxia, their expression, subcellular localization, and function are tightly regulated. Cu transport systems and their regulators have also been linked to various cardiovascular pathophysiologies such as hypertension, inflammation, atherosclerosis, diabetes, cardiac hypertrophy, and cardiomyopathy. A greater appreciation of the central importance of Cu transporters and Cu chaperones in cell signaling and gene expression in cardiovascular biology offers the possibility of identifying new therapeutic targets for cardiovascular disease.
Angiotensin II Signal Transduction: An Update on Mechanisms of Physiology and Pathophysiology
Authors: Forrester Steven J. , Booz George W. , Sigmund Curt D. , Coffman Thomas M. , Kawai Tatsuo , Rizzo Victor , Scalia Rosario , Eguchi Satoru
Published: June 2018

The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system plays crucial roles in cardiovascular physiology and pathophysiology. However, many of the signaling mechanisms have been unclear. The angiotensin II (ANG II) type 1 receptor (AT1R) is believed to mediate most functions of ANG II in the system. AT1R utilizes various signal transduction cascades causing hypertension, cardiovascular remodeling, and end organ damage. Moreover, functional cross-talk between AT1R signaling pathways and other signaling pathways have been recognized. Accumulating evidence reveals the complexity of ANG II signal transduction in pathophysiology of the vasculature, heart, kidney, and brain, as well as several pathophysiological features, including inflammation, metabolic dysfunction, and aging. In this review, we provide a comprehensive update of the ANG II receptor signaling events and their functional significances for potential translation into therapeutic strategies. AT1R remains central to the system in mediating physiological and pathophysiological functions of ANG II, and participation of specific signaling pathways becomes much clearer. There are still certain limitations and many controversies, and several noteworthy new concepts require further support. However, it is expected that rigorous translational research of the ANG II signaling pathways including those in large animals and humans will contribute to establishing effective new therapies against various diseases.
Operational Characterization of Pressure Regulating Valves
Authors: Talamini Junior M. V. , Araujo A. C. S. de , Camargo A. P. de , Saretta E. , Frizzone J. A.
Published: June 2018

The functionality of pressure regulating valves (PRVs) is important for proper uniformity and efficiency of irrigation during center pivot irrigation, especially when the center pivot operates on sloping terrain. In practice, the regulated pressure at the PRV outlet is slightly influenced by its inlet pressure, the flow rate through it, and hysteresis effects. The objectives of this work were (a) to evaluate operational characteristics of PRVs based on requirements stated by ISO 10522 (1993) and (b) to model the regulated pressure as a function of inlet pressure and flow rate through the valve considering hysteresis. We carried out tests to evaluate regulation uniformity, regulation curve, hysteresis, and the regulated pressure as function of flow rate and inlet pressure. The following three models of PRVs were evaluated: 10 PSI, 15 PSI, and 20 PSI. For each model, three samples were tested under increasing and decreasing conditions of inlet pressure, within the range from 49.03 to 784.53 kPa, with increments of 49.03 kPa. In addition, flow rates were tested within the range of 0 and 4 m3 h−1. From the gathered data, models to predict outlet pressure as a function of inlet pressure and flow rate were fitted.
Traceable Ciphertext‐Policy Attribute‐Based Encryption with Verifiable Outsourced Decryption in eHealth Cloud
Authors: Li Qi , Zhu Hongbo , Ying Zuobin , Zhang Tao
Published: June 2018

In cloud‐assisted electronic health care (eHealth) systems, a patient can enforce access control on his/her personal health information (PHI) in a cryptographic way by employing ciphertext‐policy attribute‐based encryption (CP‐ABE) mechanism. There are two features worthy of consideration in real eHealth applications. On the one hand, although the outsourced decryption technique can significantly reduce the decryption cost of a physician, the correctness of the returned result should be guaranteed. On the other hand, the malicious physician who leaks the private key intentionally should be caught. Existing systems mostly aim to provide only one of the above properties. In this work, we present a verifiable and traceable CP‐ABE scheme (VTCP‐ABE) in eHealth cloud, which simultaneously supports the properties of verifiable outsourced decryption and white‐box traceability without compromising the physician’s identity privacy. An authorized physician can obtain an ElGamal‐type partial decrypted ciphertext (PDC) element of original ciphertext from the eHealth cloud decryption server (CDS) and then verify the correctness of returned PDC. Moreover, the illegal behaviour of malicious physician can be precisely (white‐box) traced. We further exploit a delegation method to help the resource‐limited physician authorize someone else to interact with the CDS. The formal security proof and extensive simulations illustrate that our VTCP‐ABE scheme is secure, efficient, and practical.