bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Tail Wagging the Dog (or the Challenges Faced When the Financing of Medicine Gets Ahead of the Science of Medicine)
Authors: Kimberlin David W.
Published: July 2018

In their article in this issue of the
Journal of Clinical Microbiology
, S. R.
SOSIP Changes Affect Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Envelope Glycoprotein Conformation and CD4 Engagement
Authors: Alsahafi Nirmin , Anand Sai Priya , Castillo-Menendez Luis , Verly Myriam Maude , Medjahed Halima , Prévost Jérémie , Herschhorn Alon , Richard Jonathan , Schön Arne , Melillo Bruno , Freire Ernesto , Smith Amos B. , Sodroski Joseph , Finzi Andrés
Published: July 2018

The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) envelope glycoprotein (Env) trimer is triggered by receptor binding to mediate the entry of the virus into cells. Most structural studies of Env trimers have utilized truncated soluble gp140 Envs stabilized with the I559P and SOS changes. Here we present evidence indicating that these stabilizing changes have a profound impact on the conformation of Env, moving Env away from the native pretriggered Env conformation. Our studies underscore the need to acquire structural information on the pretriggered Env conformation, which is recognized by most broadly reactive neutralizing antibodies.
Draft Genome Sequence of Propionibacterium acnes subsp. elongatum Strain Asn12
Authors: McDowell Andrew , Hunyadkürti Judit , Magyari Márta , Vörös Andrea , Horváth Balázs , Patrick Sheila , Nagy István
Published: July 2018

Propionibacterium acnes
, a non-spore-forming anaerobic Gram-positive bacterium, has been linked to a wide range of opportunistic human infections and conditions, most notably acne vulgaris. Here, we present the draft genome sequence of
P. acnes
subsp.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Vancomycin-Resistant Sequence Type 203 Enterococcus faecium Strain with
vanA
Belonging to Complex Type 859
Authors: Hoffmann Maria , Yao Kuan , Allard Marc , Sanchez Maria , Andersen Leif P. , Hasman Henrik , Hammerum Anette M.
Published: July 2018

In 2014, the first vancomycin-resistant (encoded by
vanA
)
Enterococcus faecium
isolate belonging to sequence type 203 (ST203) and complex type 859 (CT859) was detected in Denmark. In 2016, 64% of the Danish clinical
vanA
E. faecium
isolates belonged to ST203 and CT859.
Closed Complete Genome Sequences of Two Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae Strains Containing Novel
modA
Alleles from the Sputum of Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Atack John M. , Murphy Timothy F. , Bakaletz Lauren O. , Seib Kate L. , Jennings Michael P.
Published: July 2018

Nontypeable
Haemophilus influenzae
(NTHi) is an important bacterial pathogen that causes otitis media and exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Here, we report the complete genome sequences of NTHi strains 10P129H1 and 84P36H1, isolated from COPD patients, which contain the phase-variable epigenetic regulators ModA15 and ModA18, respectively.
Draft Genome Sequence of a Vibrio parahaemolyticus Strain, KS17.S5-1, with Multiple Antibiotic Resistance Genes, Which Causes Acute Hepatopancreatic Necrosis Disease in Penaeus monodon in the West Coast of Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Devadas Sridevi , Bhassu Subha , Christie Soo Tze Chiew , Mohamed Iqbal Suhaina Nashath , Yusoff Fatimah M. , Shariff Mohamed
Published: July 2018

We report the first draft genome sequence of a
Vibrio parahaemolyticus
strain (
Vp
AHPND
), which causes acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND) in
Penaeus monodon
. The strain has a pVA1-like plasmid carrying

pirA
vp

and

pirB
vp

genes.
Complete Genome Sequences of Extremely Thermoacidophilic Metal-Mobilizing Type Strain Members of the Archaeal Family Sulfolobaceae, Acidianus brierleyi DSM-1651, Acidianus sulfidivorans DSM-18786, and Metallosphaera hakonensis DSM-7519
Authors: Counts James A. , Vitko Nicholas P. , Kelly Robert M.
Published: July 2018

The family
Sulfolobaceae
contains extremely thermoacidophilic archaea that are found in terrestrial environments. Here, we report three closed genomes from two currently defined genera within the family, namely,
Acidianus brierleyi
DSM-1651
T
,
Acidianus sulfidivorans
DSM-18786
T
, and
Metallosphaera hakonensis
DSM-7519
T
.
First Complete Genome Sequence of a Simian Foamy Virus Infecting the Neotropical Primate Brachyteles arachnoides
Authors: Muniz Cláudia P. , Cavalcante Liliane T. F. , Dudley Dawn M. , Pissinatti Alcides , O’Connor David H. , Santos André F. , Soares Marcelo A.
Published: July 2018

The complete genome sequence of a simian foamy virus infecting the neotropical primate
Brachyteles arachnoides
(SFVbar) was obtained using next-generation sequencing and genome walking. The full-length SFVbar genome is composed of 11,994 bp and shows a genomic organization similar to that of other neotropical SFVs.
Targeted therapy for the post-operative conjunctiva: SPARC silencing reduces collagen deposition
Authors: Seet Li Fong , Tan Yang Fei , Toh Li Zhen , Chu Stephanie WL , Lee Ying Shi , Venkatraman Subbu S , Wong Tina T
Published: July 2018

Background

To develop targeted antifibrotic therapy for glaucoma filtration surgery; this study determines the effectiveness of small interfering RNA (siRNA) to reduce in vivo secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) expression using the mouse model of conjunctival scarring.

Methods

Experimental surgery was performed as described for the mouse model of conjunctival scarring. Scrambled (siScram) or Sparc (siSparc) siRNAs, loaded on layer-by-layer (LbL) nanoparticles, were injected into the conjunctiva immediately after surgery. Expression ofSparc,Col1a1,Fn1andMmp14was measured by real-time PCR and immunoblotting on days 7 and 14 postsurgery. Live imaging of the operated eyes was performed using slit lamp, anterior segment-optical coherence tomography and confocal microscopy. Tissue pathology was evaluated by histochemical and immunofluorescent analyses of operated conjunctival cryosections. Tissue apoptosis was quantitated by annexin V assay.

Results 

siSparc, delivered via expanded LbL nanoparticles, significantly inhibitedSparctranscription in both day 7 (2.04-fold) and day 14 (1.39-fold) treated tissues.Sparcsuppression on day 7 was associated with a significant reduction ofCol1a1(2.52-fold),Fn1(2.89-fold) andMmp14(2.23-fold) mRNAs. At the protein level, both SPARC and collagen 1A1 (COL1A1) were significantly reduced at both time points with siSparc treatment. Nanoparticles were visualised within cell-like structures by confocal microscopy, while overt tissue response or apoptosis was not observed.

Conclusions 

SPARC targeted therapy effectively reduced both SPARC and collagen production in the operated mouse conjunctiva. This proof-of-concept study suggests that targeted treatment of fibrosis in glaucoma surgery is safe and feasible, with the potential to extend to a range of potential genes associated with fibrosis.
Peripapillary and parafoveal vascular network assessment by optical coherence tomography angiography in aquaporin-4 antibody-positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders
Authors: Huang Yongheng , Zhou Lei , ZhangBao Jingzi , Cai Tongjia , Wang Bei , Li Xiaoyang , Wang Liang , Lu Chuanzhen , Zhao Chongbo , Lu Jiahong , Quan Chao , Wang Min
Published: July 2018

Background/aims

Current understanding of the alterations in the retinal vascular network in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSDs) is limited. We aim to assess the peripapillary and parafoveal vessel density in aquaporin-4 antibody-positive NMOSD patients by optical coherence tomography (OCT) angiography.

Methods

A total of 55 aquaporin-4 antibody-positive NMOSD patients with or without a history of optic neuritis (ON) and 33 healthy controls underwent spectral domain OCT and OCT angiography. Clinical histories, Expanded Disability Status Scale score, visual functional system score (VFSS) and disease duration were collected.

Results

Peripapillary and parafoveal vessel density was significantly decreased in NMOSD eyes with or without a history of ON. The decrease in retinal vessel density could occur before ON and retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) atrophy. Peripapillary vessel density correlated well with the spectral domain OCT measurements and VFSS in NMOSD eyes with a history of ON.

Conclusion

Subclinical primary retinal vasculopathy may occur in NMOSD prior to ON and RNFL atrophy. Peripapillary vessel density might be a sensitive predictor of visual outcomes in NMOSD patients with ON.
Incidence, management and outcome of raised intraocular pressure in childhood-onset uveitis at a tertiary referral centre
Authors: Tan Shi Zhuan , Yau Kenneth , Steeples Laura R , Ashworth Jane , Fenerty Cecilia , Jones Nicholas
Published: July 2018

Background/aims

To investigate the incidence, management and outcome of uveitis and raised intraocular pressure (IOP) in children treated at the Manchester Uveitis Clinic (MUC).

Methods

This was a retrospective, observational study of patients who presented with uveitis under the age of 16 to the MUC from July 2002 to June 2016.

Results

A total of 320 children were included in the study. Out of these, 55 (17.2%) patients (75 eyes) were found to have raised IOP requiring treatment. The mean age at diagnosis of uveitis and at first recorded raised IOP was 8.2±4.3 and 10.8±3.6 years, respectively. The pre-treatment IOP was 32.3±6.6 mm Hg and the IOP at the final visit was 15.5±3.7 mm Hg (median follow-up period, 43.7 months) on a median number of 0 medications. Twenty-eight eyes (37.3%) required glaucoma drainage surgery, and eight eyes (12.5%) had cyclodiode laser before this. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that 11.5% of eyes required glaucoma surgery at 1 year after diagnosis of raised IOP, increasing to 50.0% by 5 years. The best-corrected visual acuity at diagnosis of uveitis was 0.26±0.42 logMAR, which remained stable at 0.28±0.65 logMAR at final follow-up visit. Four eyes (5.3%) from four patients fulfilled the definition of blindness by the WHO criteria. The mean cup:disc ratio at final follow-up was 0.4.

Conclusion

Our cohort of children with raised IOP appeared to have a good outcome overall through aggressive medical and surgical management. Regular long-term follow-up is recommended, and early surgical intervention in eyes with uncontrolled IOP can prevent loss of vision.
Patient-tailored triage decisions by anaesthesiologist-staffed prehospital critical care teams: a retrospective descriptive study
Authors: Friberg Morten Langfeldt , Rognås Leif
Published: July 2018

Objectives

The primary objective was to estimate the incidence of patients in the Central Denmark Region triaged to bypass the local emergency department without being part of a predefined fast-track protocol. The secondary objective was to describe these triage decisions in more detail with regard to the most common diagnoses, incidence of direct referral sorted by the prehospital critical care team (PHCCT) and the destination hospital.

Design

Retrospective descriptive study.

Setting and participants

The emergency medical service in the Central Denmark Region primarily consists of emergency medical technician (EMT)-staffed ambulances and anaesthesiologist-EMT-staffed PHCCTs. Patients treated by the nine ground-based PHCCTs in the region constituted the study population. The inclusion criteria were all patients treated by the PHCCTs during 2013 and 2014. The exclusion criteria were interhospital transfers, and patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, stroke or were in active labour.

Endpoints

Incidence of prehospital critical care anaesthesiologist-initiated direct referral, prehospital tentative diagnoses and transport destination.

Results

During the study period, the PHCCTs treated 39 396 patients and diverted 989 (2.5%) patients not covered by a predefined fast-track protocol to a specialised hospital department. ‘Resuscitated from cardiac arrest’(n=143),‘treatment and observations following road traffic accident’(n=105) and‘observation and treatment for an unspecified disease/condition’(n=78) were the most common prehospital tentative diagnoses, accounting for 33.0% of all diverted patients. In total, 943 (95.3%) of the PHCCT-diverted patients were diverted to a department at Aarhus University Hospital.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate that in 1 out of 40 patient contacts, the anaesthesiologist-staffed PHCCTs in the Central Denmark Region divert critically ill and injured patients directly to a specialised hospital department, bypassing local emergency departments and potentially reducing time to definitive care for these patients. There may be a potential for increased referral of patients with no predefined fast-track directly to specialised departments in the Central Denmark Region.
Causes of premature death and their associated risk factors in the Golestan Cohort Study, Iran
Authors: Nalini Mahdi , Oranuba Ebele , Poustchi Hossein , Sepanlou Sadaf G , Pourshams Akram , Khoshnia Masoud , Gharavi Abdolsamad , Dawsey Sanford M , Abnet Christian C , Boffetta Paolo , Brennan Paul , Sotoudeh Masoud , Nikmanesh Arash , Merat Shahin , Etemadi Arash , Shakeri Ramin , Sohrabpour Amir Ali , Nasseri-Moghaddam Siavosh , Kamangar Farin , Malekzadeh Reza
Published: July 2018

Objectives

To examine the causes of premature mortality (<70 years) and associated risk factors in the Golestan Cohort Study.

Design

Prospective.

Setting

The Golestan Cohort Study in northeastern Iran.

Participants

50 045 people aged 40 or more participated in this population-based study from baseline (2004–2008) to August 2017, with over 99% success follow-up rate.

Main outcome measures

The top causes of premature death, HR and their 95% CI and population attributable fraction (PAF) for risk factors.

Results

After 444 168 person-years of follow-up (median of 10 years), 6347 deaths were reported, of which 4018 (63.3%) occurred prematurely. Ischaemic heart disease (IHD) accounted for 33.9% of premature death, followed by stroke (14.0%), road injuries (4.7%), stomach cancer (4.6%) and oesophageal cancer (4.6%). Significant risk/protective factors were: wealth score (HR for highest vs lowest quintile: 0.57, PAF for lowest four quintiles vs top quintile: 28%), physical activity (highest vs lowest tertile: 0.67, lowest two tertiles vs top tertile: 22%), hypertension (1.50, 19%), opium use (1.69, 14%), education (middle school or higher vs illiterate: 0.84, illiterate or primary vs middle school or higher: 13%), tobacco use (1.38, 11%), diabetes (2.39, 8%) and vegetable/fruit consumption (highest vs lowest tertile: 0.87, lowest two tertiles vs top tertile: 8%). Collectively, these factors accounted for 76% of PAF in men and 69% in women.

Conclusion

IHD and stroke are the leading causes of premature mortality in the Golestan Cohort Study. Enhancing socioeconomic status and physical activity, reducing opium and tobacco use, increasing vegetable/fruit consumption and controlling hypertension and diabetes are recommended to reduce premature deaths.
Attitudes towards a programme of risk assessment and stratified management for ovarian cancer: a focus group study of UK South Asians’ perspectives
Authors: Hann Katie E J , Ali Nasreen , Gessler Sue , Fraser Lindsay Sarah Macduff , Side Lucy , Waller Jo , Sanderson Saskia C , Lanceley Anne
Published: July 2018

Objective

Population-based risk assessment, using genetic testing and the provision of appropriate risk management, could lead to prevention, early detection and improved clinical management of ovarian cancer (OC). Previous research with mostly white British participants found positive attitudes towards such a programme. The current study aimed to explore the attitudes of South Asian (SA) women and men in the UK with the aim of identifying how best to implement such a programme to minimise distress and maximise uptake.

Design

Semistructured qualitative focus group discussions.

Setting

Community centres across North London and Luton.

Participants

49 women and 13 men who identified as SA (Indian, Pakistani or Bangladeshi), which constitutes the largest non-European ethnic minority group in the UK.

Methods

Seven community-based focus groups were held. Group discussions were transcribed verbatim, coded and analysed thematically.

Results

Awareness and knowledge of OC symptoms and specific risk factors was low. The programme was acceptable to most participants and attitudes to it were generally positive. Participants’ main concerns related to receiving a high-risk result following the genetic test. Younger women may be more cautious of genetic testing, screening or risk-reducing surgery due to the importance of marriage and childbearing in their SA cultures.

Conclusions

A crucial first step to enable implementation of population-based genetic risk assessment and management in OC is to raise awareness of OC within SA communities. It will be important to engage with the SA community early on in programme implementation to address their specific concerns and to ensure culturally tailored decision support.
Effectiveness of natural S-equol supplement for premenstrual symptoms: protocol of a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Takeda Takashi , Shiina Masami , Chiba Yasutaka
Published: July 2018

Introduction

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) comprises a range of mood, behavioural and physical symptoms, and impairs many women’s quality of life. Isoflavones are expected to stabilise the natural fluctuation of the oestrogen cycle through their selective oestrogen receptor modulator-like activities that alleviate PMS symptoms. Equol, a metabolite of a soy isoflavone converted from daidzein by specific gut bacteria, has a greater bioavailability compared with other soy isoflavones. We aim to examine the effect of natural S-equol supplements on premenstrual symptoms.

Methods and analysis

This study will enrol 124 women (aged 20–45 years) who have PMS symptoms and are non-equol producers in a double-blind, parallel, randomised, placebo-controlled trial, in which they will receive natural S-equol supplement (equol 10 mg a day) or placebo, orally, twice daily, for three menstrual cycles. The primary outcome measure (Daily Record of Severity of Problems total score) will be assessed during intervention cycles. To compare the primary outcomes between the S-equol group and the placebo group, the mean differences in the Daily Record of Severity of Problems total score between the two groups will be determined. The p values will be determined using Student’s t-test, where the significance level is 5% (two-sided).

Ethics and dissemination

The institutional review board at Kindai University approved the study. The findings of this trial will be submitted to an international peer-reviewed journal. Abstracts will be submitted to national and international conferences.

Trial registration number

UMIN000031815.
Second-trimester medication abortion outside the clinic setting: an analysis of electronic client records from a safe abortion hotline in Indonesia
Authors: Gerdts Caitlin , Jayaweera Ruvani T , Baum Sarah E , Hudaya Inna
Published: July 2018

Introduction

Unsafe abortion past the first trimester disproportionately accounts for the majority of global abortion-related morbidity and mortality; research that documents the safety, feasibility and acceptability of existing models for providing information and support to women who self-manage outside of formal clinic settings is needed.

Methods

This study is a retrospective analysis of anonymised electronic client records from callers to a safe abortion hotline in Indonesia. Between July 2012 and October 2016, a total of 96 women contacted the hotline for information on medication abortion beyond 12 weeks' gestation and are included in this study. Descriptive statistics were calculated regarding pregnancy termination status, client experience with warning signs of potential complications, and medical care seeking and treatment.

Results

Ninety-six women with pregnancies beyond the first trimester called the hotline for information on medication abortion; 91 women received counselling support from the hotline. Eighty-three women (91.2%) successfully terminated their pregnancies using medication and did not seek medical care. Five women exhibited warning signs of potential complications and sought medical care; one woman sought care after a failed abortion. Two women were lost to follow-up and the outcomes of their pregnancies are unknown.

Conclusions

Evidence from our analysis suggests that a model of remote provision of support for abortions later in pregnancy by non-medically trained, skilled abortion counsellors could be a safe alternative for women in need of abortions beyond 12 weeks' gestation in a legally restrictive context. Further examination and documentation of the model is warranted.
Free light chains of immunoglobulins in patients with systemic sclerosis: correlations with lung involvement and inflammatory milieu
Authors: Bosello Silvia , Basile Umberto , De Lorenzis Enrico , Gulli Francesca , Canestrari Giovanni , Napodano Cecilia , Parisi Federico , Pocino Krizia , Di Mario Clara , Tolusso Barbara , Ferraccioli Gianfranco , Gremese Elisa
Published: July 2018

Aim

Humoral immunity and B cells are thought to play an important role in the pathophysiology of the systemic sclerosis (SSc). The production of free light chains (FLC) of immunoglobulins is abnormally high in several pathological autoimmune conditions and reflects B cell activation. Furthermore, FLCs demonstrated different biological activities including their capability to modulate the immune system, proteolytic activity and complement cascade activation. The aims of this study are to determine the FLC levels in patients with SSc compared with healthy controls (HC) and to study their possible association with organ involvement and disease characteristics.

Methods

Sixty-five patients with SSc and 20 HC were studied. Clinical and immunological inflammatory characteristics were assessed for all the patients with SSc. κ-FLC and λ-FLC, interleukin 6 (IL-6) and B cell activating factor levels were measured.

Results

The mean serum κ-FLC levels and FLC ratio were significantly higher in patients with SSc compared with HC, while the serum λ-FLC levels were comparable.

The levels of FLC were comparable in patients with diffuse skin disease and limited skin involvement, while κ-FLC levels were increased in patients with restrictive lung (forced vital capacity (FVC) <80%) disease (26.4±7.4 mg/L) when compared with patients with FVC ≥80% (19.6±7.3 mg/L, P=0.009). In patients with SSc, the levels of serum κ-FLC level directly correlated with the IL-6 levels (R=0.3, P=0.001) and disease activity (R=0.4, P=0.003).

Conclusions

FLC levels are elevated in SSc and high levels are associated with lung involvement and with a higher degree of inflammation, supporting a possible role of B cell activation in the pathophysiology of the disease.
Expression network analysis reveals cord blood vitamin D-associated genes affecting risk of early life wheeze
Authors: Mirzakhani Hooman , Al-Garawi Amal A , Carey Vincent J , Qiu Weiliang , Litonjua Augusto A , Weiss Scott T
Published: July 2018

Cord blood 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) has been reported in association with risk of early life recurrent wheeze. In a subset of infants who participated in the Vitamin D Antenatal Asthma Reduction Trial, we demonstrated that higher cord blood 25OHD at birth (>31 ng/mL) was associated with a reduced risk of recurrent wheeze in the first year of life. We then identified a module of co-expressed genes associated with cord blood 25OHD levels >31 ng/mL. Genes in this module are involved in biological and immune pathways related to development and progression of asthma pathogenesis including the Notch1 and transforming growth factor-beta signalling pathways.
Pericardial effusion and congestive heart failure in a horse with multicentric lymphoma
Authors: Hargreaves Laura , Gosling Lara , Dixon Jonathon J
Published: July 2018

A 20-year-old Warmblood mare was evaluated for acute-onset tachycardia and a one-week history of lethargy and ventral oedema. Haematology revealed leucocytosis with neutrophilia. Ultrasonographic examination revealed pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade consistent with right-sided congestive heart failure. Abdominal ultrasonography demonstrated loss of definition of the right kidney and a structure adjacent to the kidney suggestive of a renal neoplasm. A tentative antemortem diagnosis of multicentric neoplasia, most likely lymphoma, was made. The horse was subjected to euthanasia due to a grave prognosis. Postmortem examination and histological evaluation were consistent with lymphoma, including infiltration of the cardiac muscle with neoplastic cells. Although lymphoma has been reported to affect the heart, congestive heart failure due to cardiac and pericardial neoplastic infiltration has not been previously reported as the presenting complaint. This case report describes the diagnostic approach to pericardial effusion and congestive heart failure in a mare with lymphoma.
Dose-response methodology for variant populations of Bohemian knotweed (Reynoutria × bohemica Chrtek & Chrtková)
Authors: Strelau M. , van Rensburg M. Janse , Clements D.R.
Published: July 2018

The hybrid knotweed Reynoutria × bohemica Chrtek & Chrtková exhibits greater genetic variation than its parents. We developed methodology for and tested for glyphosate resistance in two Bohemian knotweed populations using rhizome fragments. There was no difference in LD50 (p = 0.3030; F = 1.067) between the populations and no evidence of resistance.
Assessing sustainability in agricultural landscapes: a review of approaches1,2
Authors: Eichler Inwood Sarah E. , López-Ridaura Santiago , Kline Keith L. , Gérard Bruno , Monsalue Andrea Gardeazabal , Govaerts Bram , Dale Virginia H.
Published: July 2018

Research and development agencies, as well as policy makers and agri-food enterprises, need reliable data to support informed decisions that can improve the sustainability of agricultural landscapes. We present a review of agricultural sustainability assessment frameworks (ASAF) that identifies the features most relevant to monitoring progress towards sustainability goals for agricultural landscapes. This qualitative review considers a variety of approaches for defining goals and for selecting stakeholders, spatial and temporal boundaries, indicators, and analytical approaches. We focused on assessment frameworks that (i) include environmental, social, and economic implications of agriculture; (ii) are applicable to multiple, non-specified farm system types; (iii) are described in an English language, peer-reviewed publication; (iv) have been developed for use at a farm system to regional spatial scale; (v) engage stakeholders; (vi) provide case studies; and (vii) could be used in a variety of contexts across the globe. Based on the review, we provide recommendations for further development and use of assessment frameworks to better address the needs of agricultural research, extension, and development organizations. We recommend an agro-ecosystem approach to help stakeholders identify appropriate indicators for their situation. Assessment methods need to be flexible enough for adaptation to a spectrum of agricultural landscapes and changing environmental conditions, and remain relevant as farmers and other stakeholders acquire new information, resources, and different management techniques. We find that to address information gaps across different scales from farm to region will require creativity and some reliance on local knowledge systems to support adaptive management. Assessment results should communicate relationships among ecosystem services and socio-economic activities affected by agricultural landscapes. Visualization tools can facilitate understanding of trade-offs and synergies among sustainability goals as reflected by individual indicators.
FISCAL TRANSPARENCY AND FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT IN CHINA
Authors: HUANG JR-TSUNG , CHANG MING-LEI
Published: July 2018

This study aims to explore the influence of fiscal transparency on foreign direct investment (FDI, hereafter) in China under the consideration of the spatial dependence of FDI. The study adopts panel data for 30 provinces from 2010 to 2014 to estimate a one-way fixed-effect spatial Durbin model. The primary finding of this study is that a higher level of fiscal transparency will attract more FDI, while keeping other factors constant and considering the spatial dependence of FDI. Other explanatory variables, such as gross regional product and the density of railways, also have statistically significant influences on FDI. Consequently, this study suggests that the Chinese local governments should improve their fiscal transparency in order to attract more foreign capital and further stimulate their economic development as well as China’s economic growth as a whole.
OWNERSHIP-RELATED WAGE DIFFERENTIALS BY OCCUPATION IN VIETNAMESE MANUFACTURING
Authors: NGUYEN KIEN TRUNG , RAMSTETTER ERIC D.
Published: July 2018

This paper examines ownership-related wage differentials for four types of workers employed by medium–large (20 or more employees) wholly foreign multinational enterprises (WFs), joint-venture multinationals (JVs), state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and domestic private firms in Vietnamese manufacturing in 2009. When all sample firms were combined, unconditional JV-private and WF-private wage differentials were 106–124% for managers, 78–87% for professionals and technicians, 56–68% for clerical and support workers and 22–48% for production workers. Correspondingly, conditional wage differentials which account for influences of worker education and sex, in addition to firm capital intensity and size, were smaller and usually significant: 72–78% for managers, 32–36% for professionals and technicians, 23–28% for clerical and support workers and 15–16% for production workers. SOE-private differentials were all much smaller. There was substantial variation at the industry level, but conditional WF-private differentials were positive and significant for most occupations and industries and JV-private differentials were also positive and significant in most industries for highly paid managers or professionals and technicians, but not for lowly paid clerical and support workers or production workers. Most industry-level SOE-private differentials were also insignificant.
Health Assessment Methods for Wind Turbines Based on Power Prediction and Mahalanobis Distance
Authors: Zhan Jun , Wang Ronglin , Yi Lingzhi , Wang Yaguo , Xie Zhengjuan
Published: July 2018

The output power of wind turbine has great relation with its health state, and the health status assessment for wind turbines influences operational maintenance and economic benefit of wind farm. Aiming at the current problem that the health status for the whole machine in wind farm is hard to get accurately, in this paper, we propose a health status assessment method in order to assess and predict the health status of the whole wind turbine, which is based on the power prediction and Mahalanobis distance (MD). Firstly, on the basis of Bates theory, the scientific analysis for historical data from SCADA system in wind farm explains the relation between wind power and running states of wind turbines. Secondly, the active power prediction model is utilized to obtain the power forecasting value under the health status of wind turbines. And the difference between the forecasting value and actual value constructs the standard residual set which is seen as the benchmark of health status assessment for wind turbines. In the process of assessment, the test set residual is gained by network model. The MD is calculated by the test residual set and normal residual set and then normalized as the health status assessment value of wind turbines. This method innovatively constructs evaluation index which can reflect the electricity generating performance of wind turbines rapidly and precisely. So it effectively avoids the defect that the existing methods are generally and easily influenced by subjective consciousness. Finally, SCADA system data in one wind farm of Fujian province has been used to verify this method. The results indicate that this new method can make effective assessment for the health status variation trend of wind turbines and provide new means for fault warning of wind turbines.
The South Tibetan Detachment System: history, advances, definition and future directions
Authors: Kellett Dawn A. , Cottle John M. , Larson Kyle P.
Published: July 2018

Recognition and subsequent study of the syn-convergent low-angle normal faults and shear zones – the South Tibetan Detachment System (STDS) – that form the upper boundary of the Himalayan mid-crust fundamentally changed views of how the Himalayan orogenic system developed. This paper reviews the past four decades of discovery and major advances in our understanding of the detachment system. Significantly conflicting maps of the fault trace, as well as proposed extensions of the detachment system up to hundreds of kilometres both up and down dip of the main fault trace, call for a unifying definition of the detachment system based on structural criteria. The different proposed models for the formation of the STDS during tectonic evolution of the Himalayan orogen are compared. Finally, critical outstanding questions about the origin, extent and character of the detachment system are identified and point to future directions for research.
Adenosinergic signaling inhibits oxalate transport by human intestinal Caco2-BBE cells through the A2B adenosine receptor
Authors: Jung Daniel , Alshaikh Altayeb , Ratakonda Sireesha , Bashir Mohamed , Amin Ruhul , Jeon Sohee , Stevens Jan , Sharma Sapna , Ahmed Wahaj , Musch Mark , Hassan Hatim
Published: July 2018

Most kidney stones (KS) are composed of calcium oxalate, and small increases in urine oxalate affect the stone risk. Intestinal oxalate secretion mediated by anion exchanger SLC26A6 (PAT1) plays a crucial role in limiting net absorption of ingested oxalate, thereby preventing hyperoxaluria and related KS, reflecting the importance of understanding regulation of intestinal oxalate transport. We previously showed that ATP and UTP inhibit oxalate transport by human intestinal Caco2-BBE cells (C2). Since ATP is rapidly degraded to adenosine (ADO), we examined whether intestinal oxalate transport is regulated by ADO. We measured [14C]oxalate uptake in the presence of an outward Cl gradient as an assay of Cl-oxalate exchange activity, ≥49% of which is PAT1-mediated in C2 cells. We found that ADO significantly inhibited oxalate transport by C2 cells, an effect completely blocked by the nonselective ADO receptor antagonist 8- p-sulfophenyltheophylline. ADO also significantly inhibited oxalate efflux by C2 cells, which is important since PAT1 mediates oxalate efflux in vivo. Using pharmacological antagonists and A2B adenosine receptor (A2B AR) siRNA knockdown studies, we observed that ADO inhibits oxalate transport through the A2B AR, phospholipase C, and PKC. ADO inhibits oxalate transport by reducing PAT1 surface expression as shown by biotinylation studies. We conclude that ADO inhibits oxalate transport by lowering PAT1 surface expression in C2 cells through signaling pathways including the A2B AR, PKC, and phospholipase C. Given higher ADO levels and overexpression of the A2B AR in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), our findings have potential relevance to pathophysiology of IBD-associated hyperoxaluria and related KS.
Is palmitate truly proinflammatory? Experimental confounders and context-specificity
Authors: Ono-Moore Kikumi D. , Blackburn Michael L. , Adams Sean H.
Published: July 2018

Based primarily on cell culture results, saturated fatty acids (SFAs) are proposed to promote inflammation and contribute to metabolic dysfunction through Toll-like receptor activation. Studies are often complicated by a requirement for carriers (e.g., BSA) or solvents (e.g., ethanol) to increase SFA solubility. To ascertain whether these factors influence interpretations of SFA-associated inflammation activity, we measured responses of RAW264.7 monocyte/macrophages and C2C12 myotubes to various BSA, ethanol, and cyclodextrin (alternative FA carrier) conditions. Fatty acid-free, low-endotoxin BSA preparations (0.33% to 2% wt/vol) activated whereas 0.5–1.0% ethanol inhibited RAW264.7 TNFα release. Ethanol modestly increased IL-6 secretion in C2C12 myotubes. Cyclodextrins (0.3–6.0 mM) were tested as alternative carriers of palmitate, but their usefulness was limited due to toxicity and solubility issues. Using a lower-inflammation BSA source and no ethanol, ∼24-h sodium palmitate treatment (≤600 µM) failed to trigger RAW264.7 TNFα release and, in fact, significantly dampened BSA-induced inflammation by >50%. In C2C12 myotubes, only high palmitate concentrations (500–600 µM) elicited IL-6 secretion (>2.5-fold increase). Acute palmitate (200 or 500 µM) treatment did not activate MAP kinase pathways above that of fresh BSA-containing media alone in either cell type. These results highlight the importance of experimental conditions in studies exploring SFA inflammation effects. The limited (or even anti-inflammatory) effects of palmitate that we observed indicate that immunomodulatory effects of SFAs are context-specific. Thus, caution is needed when interpreting the literature related to putative proinflammatory effects of SFA.
A model of the rat medial gastrocnemius muscle based on inputs to motoneurons and on an algorithm for prediction of the motor unit force
Authors: Raikova R. , Celichowski J. , Angelova S. , Krutki P.
Published: July 2018

The muscle force is the sum of forces of multiple motor units (MUs), which have different contractile properties. During movements, MUs develop unfused tetani, which result from summation of twitch-shape responses to individual stimuli, which are variable in amplitude and duration. The aim of the study was to develop a realistic muscle model that would integrate previously developed models of MU contractions and an algorithm for the prediction of tetanic forces. The proposed model of rat medial gastrocnemius muscle is based on physiological data: excitability and firing frequencies of motoneurons, contractile properties, and the number and proportion of MUs in the muscle. The MU twitches were modeled by a six-parameter analytical function. The excitability of motoneurons was modeled according to a distribution of their rheobase currents measured experimentally. Processes of muscle force regulation were modeled according to a common drive hypothesis. The excitation signal to motoneurons was modeled by two form types: triangular and trapezoid. The discharge frequencies of MUs, calculated individually for each MU, corresponded to those recorded for rhythmic firing of motoneurons. The force of the muscle was calculated as the sum of all recruited MUs. Participation of the three types of MUs in the developed muscle force was presented at different levels of the excitation signal to motoneurons. The model appears highly realistic and open for input data from various skeletal muscles with different compositions of MU types. The results were compared with three other models with different distribution of the input parameters.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY The proposed mathematical model of rat medial gastrocnemius muscle is highly realistic because it is based strictly on experimentally determined motor unit contractile parameters and motoneuron properties. It contains the actual number and proportion of motor units and takes into consideration their different contributions to the whole muscle force, depending on the level of the excitation signal. The model is open for input data from other muscles, and additional physiological parameters can also be included.
Stabilized Solution to Spurious Mode Problem and Ill‐Conditioning in Interface Force Based Substructure Coupling Method
Authors: Feng Hui-hua , Mou Xiao-long , Teffah Khaled
Published: July 2018

There are two major types of substructure mode synthesis methods, i.e., the fixed‐interface component mode synthesis and free‐interface component mode synthesis. There are two coupling methods, the interface degrees of freedom based coupling method and the interface force based coupling method, the former one is referred to as the primary assembly method, and the latter is referred to as the dual assembly method. However, the dual assembly method is theoretically shown to be unstable in this research, such reduced stiffness matrix is indefinite, this fatal weakness can be conquered by further interface reduction, and the interface compatibility is therefore rigorously enforced. Unfortunately, Craig’s method leads to another numerical instability when inverting a submatrix of residual flexibility on the interface degrees of freedom, this problem is neglectable in small dimensional matrix problems, but it is prominent in large models when the number of interface degrees of freedom is large, this ill‐conditioning problem may be circumvented by truncated singular value decomposition technique; here, a more efficient strategy is proposed, the substructure reduction is modified, this modification proves to be numerically stable, and it can be even more accurate than the prevailing Craig‐Bampton method; the numerical examples validate the suggestion.
Honokiol Protects against Anti‐β1‐Adrenergic Receptor Autoantibody‐Induced Myocardial Dysfunction via Activation of Autophagy
Authors: Wei Xi-qing , Zhang Hong-sheng , Wei Guang-he , Zhang Jin-guo , Du Yan-yan , Tan Hong-yong , Yang Jun
Published: July 2018

Myocardial diseases are prevalent syndromes with high mortality rate. The exploration of effective interference is important. Anti‐β1‐adrenergic receptor autoantibody (β1‐AAB) is highly correlated with myocardial dysfunction. The actions and underlying mechanisms of honokiol (HNK) in β1‐AAB‐positive patients await to be unraveled. In this study, we established a rat model of β1‐AAB positive with myocardial dysfunction. Cardiac function following β1‐AR‐ECII administration was analyzed using the VisualSonics Vevo 770 High‐Resolution In Vivo Imaging System. The levels of autophagy‐related proteins were detected by Western blotting. Our data revealed that HNK reversed β1‐AAB‐induced effects and protected myocardial tissues from dysfunction. After HNK treatment, the cardiac contractile ability increased and the LDH activity decreased. HNK attenuated myocardial degeneration. In addition, HNK promoted the activation of the AMP‐dependent protein kinase/Unc‐51‐like autophagy activating kinase (AMPK/ULK) pathway and activated autophagy. These results suggest that HNK protects against β1‐AAB‐induced myocardial dysfunction via activation of autophagy and it may be a potentially therapeutic compound for β1‐AAB‐positive myocardial diseases.
Systemic Alterations of Wnt Inhibitors in Patients with Prostate Cancer and Bone Metastases
Authors: Aufderklamm Stefan , Hennenlotter Jörg , Leidenberger Phillip , Rausch Steffen , Hohneder Andrea , Kühs Ursula , Maas Moritz , Schwentner Christian , Bedke Jens , Stenzl Arnulf , Todenhöfer Tilman
Published: July 2018

Purpose. Dickkopf-1 (DKK-1) and sclerostin seem to inhibit osteoblast activity by blocking the Wnt pathway, which leads to progression of metastatic prostate cancer (PC). However, it is unknown whether serum levels of these proteins are altered in PC patients with or without metastasis. The aim of this study was to assess DKK-1 and sclerostin serum levels in PC patients, including patients with bone metastases. Methods. The study cohort (N=143) consisted of 53 controls with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), 43 with localized PC (PC cM0), and 47 had PC with metastasis (PC cM1). Serum levels of DKK-1 and sclerostin were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results were compared using the Kruskal-Wallis tests; post hoc analysis was performed using the Tukey-Kramer test. Results. Mean DKK-1 levels in patients with BPH (2809.4 pg/ml) (p<0.001) as well as PC cM1 (2575.5 pg/ml) (p=0.001) were significantly higher than in patients with PC cN0 cM0 (1551.8 pg/ml). Among PC cM1 patients, median DKK-1 levels were significantly lower in patients with castration-resistant disease compared to those with hormone-sensitive PC (p=0.02); in contrast, sclerostin concentrations were elevated (p=0.04). DKK-1 correlated with PSA in the cM1 group (p=0.03) and sclerostin correlated with PSA in the PC group (0.01). Conclusions. DKK-1 is involved in the progression of PC. DKK-1-mediated inhibition of osteoblasts, which contributes to tumor progression and osteolytic metastases, may also play a role in the development of metastases with osteoblastic features. The use of DKK-1 antibodies should be considered for studies including metastatic PC patients.
Geographic Variations of Stroke Hospitalization across France: A Diachronic Cluster Analysis
Authors: Lachkhem Yacine , Minvielle Étienne , Rican Stéphane
Published: July 2018

Background. This study evaluates the clustering of hospitalization rates for stroke and compares this clustering with two different time intervals 2009-2010 and 2012-2013, corresponding to the beginning of the French National Stroke Plan 2010–2014. In addition, these data will be compared with the deployment of stroke units as well as socioeconomic and healthcare characteristics at zip code level. Methods. We used the PMSI data from 2009 to 2013, which lists all hospitalizations for stroke between 2009 and 2013, identified on the most detailed geographic scale allowed by this database. We identify statistically significant clusters with high or low rates in the zip code level using the Getis-Ord statistics. Each of the significant clusters is monitored over time and evaluated according to the nearest stroke unit distance and the socioeconomic profile. Results. We identified clusters of low and high rate of stroke hospitalization (23.7% of all geographic codes). Most of these clusters are maintained over time (81%) but we also observed clusters in transition. Geographic codes with persistent high rates of stroke hospitalizations were mainly rural (78% versus 17%, P < .0001) and had a least favorable socioeconomic and healthcare profile. Conclusion. Our study reveals that high-stroke hospitalization rates cluster remains the same during our study period. While access to the stroke unit has increased overall, it remains low for these clusters. The socioeconomic and healthcare profile of these clusters are poor but variations were observed. These results are valuable tools to implement more targeted strategies to improve stroke care accessibility and reduce geographic disparities.
Strong Solutions for the Fluid-Particle Interaction Model with Non-Newtonian Potential
Authors: Song Yukun , Wang Heyuan , Liu Fengming
Published: July 2018

This paper deals with a mathematical fluid-particle interaction model used to describing the evolution of particles dispersed in a viscous compressible non-Newtonian fluid. It is proved that the initial boundary value problems with vacuum admits a unique local strong solution in the dimensional case. The strong nonlinearity of the system brings us difficulties due to the fact that the viscosity term and non-Newtonian gravitational potential term are fully nonlinear.