bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the potential of machine learning in reducing the computational time/expense and improving the reliability of engine optimization studies
Authors: Kavuri Chaitanya , Kokjohn Sage L
Published: November 2018

Past research has shown that multidimensional computational fluid dynamics modeling in combination with a genetic algorithm method is an effective approach for optimizing internal combustion engine design. However, optimization studies performed with a detailed computational fluid dynamics model are time intensive, which limits the practical application of this approach. This study addresses this issue by using a machine learning approach called Gaussian process regression in combination with computational fluid dynamics modeling to reduce the computational optimization time. An approach was proposed where the Gaussian process regression model could be used instead of the computational fluid dynamics model to predict the outputs of the genetic algorithm optimization. In this approach, for every nth generation of the genetic algorithm, the data from the previous n − 1 generations was used to train the Gaussian process regression model. The approach was tested on an engine optimization study with five input parameters. When the genetic algorithm was run solely with computational fluid dynamics, the optimization took 50 days to complete. In comparison with the computational fluid dynamics and Gaussian process regression approach, the computational time was reduced by 62%, and the optimization was completed in 19 days using the same amount of computational resources. Additional parametric studies were performed to investigate the impact of genetic algorithm + Gaussian process regression parameters. Results showed that either reducing the initial dataset size or relaxing the error criterion resulted in increased Gaussian process regression evaluations within the genetic algorithm. However, relaxing the error criterion was found to impact the model predictions negatively. The initial dataset size was found to have a negligible impact on the final optimum design. Finally, the potential of machine learning in further improving the optimization process was explored by using the Gaussian process regression model to check for the robustness of the designs to operating parameter variations during the optimization. The genetic algorithm was repeated with the modified procedure and it was shown that adding the stability check resulted in a different, more reliable and stable optimum solution.
Geometric Total Plaque Area Is an Equally Powerful Phenotype Compared With Carotid Intima-Media Thickness for Stroke Risk Assessment: A Deep Learning Approach
Authors: Cuadrado-Godia Elisa , Srivastava Saurabh K. , Saba Luca , Araki Tadashi , Suri Harman S. , Giannopolulos Argiris , Omerzu Tomaz , Laird John , Khanna Narendra N. , Mavrogeni Sophie , Kitas George D. , Nicolaides Andrew , Suri Jasjit S.
Published: November 2018

Currently, carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) and geometric total plaque area (gTPA) are computed manually and thus are tedious and prone to interobserver and intraobserver variabilities. This study presents an intelligence-based automated deep learning (DL)–based technique for carotid wall interface detection, cIMT, and lumen diameter (LD) measurements, followed by a 3D cylindrical approach for TPA measurement. The observers were used for manual tracings of which were then used for the design of two DL-based systems. The DL boundaries for inner lumen wall and outer interadventitial borders were used for computing the cIMT and LD. Using cylindrical approach, we computed the gTPA. Furthermore, we compute the 10-year image-based cIMT and gTPA, using the progression rates. A total of 396 B-mode ultrasound right and left common carotid artery images were taken from 203 patients. The mean cIMT and gTPA using DL1 and DL2 is 0.91 mm, 20.52 mm2 and 0.88 mm, 19.44 mm2, respectively. The coefficient of correlation between gTPA and cIMT using DL1 and DL2 is 0.92 ( P < .001) and 0.94 ( P < .001), respectively. The area under the curve (AUC) for gTPA showed an improvement over cIMT by 14.36% and 12.57% for DL1 and DL2, respectively. The corresponding 10-year risk improvements were 9.09% and 6.26%. Our statistical significance tests successfully passed t test, Mann-Whitney, Wilcoxon, Kolmogorov-Smirnov, and Friedman. The study shows gTPA as an equally powerful carotid risk biomarker like cIMT. Given the cIMT and LD, cylindrical fitting is a fast method for gTPA measurements.
Uses of Stable Isotopes in the Assessment of Nutrient Status and Metabolism
Authors: Schoeller Dale A.
Published: November 2018

Stable isotopes are nonradioactive and can be safely administered to humans; yet, because of the isotopic difference, can be distinguished from the unlabeled moiety and thus trace the nutrient uptake and elimination. Stable isotope applications include measurement of nutrient absorption, determination of nutrient body stores, tracing routes of nutrient metabolism, measuring nutrient fluxes through specific pathways, and measuring nutrient elimination. The ability to assess the dynamics of nutrient metabolism in vivo has been vital in the study of nutrient requirements, nutrient metabolism, mechanisms of nutrient homeostasis, and nutrient toxicity. Stable isotopes provide a window into human metabolism that is particularly valuable to the quantitative study of human nutrition.
Validity of Deuterium Oxide Dilution for the Measurement of Body Fat among Singaporeans
Authors: Deurenberg-Yap Mabel , Deurenberg Paul
Published: November 2018

Body fat percent (BF%) was measured in 108 adult Chinese, 76 Malays, and 107 Indians in Singapore by densitometry, deuterium oxide dilution (hydrometry), dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and a chemical four-compartment model (BF%4c). The hydration of the fat-free mass (FFM) was calculated. Subjects ranged in age from 18 to 69 years and their body mass index ranged from 16 to 40 kg/m2. BF%4c for the various subgroups were: Chinese females (33.5 ± 7.5%), Chinese males (24.4 ± 6.1%), Malay females (37.8 ± 6.3%), Malay males (26.0 ± 7.6%), Indian females (38.2 ± 7.0%) and Indian males (28.1 ± 5.5%). Biases were found between BF%4c and BF% measured by 2-compartment models (hydrometry, densitometry, DXA), with systematic underestimation by DXA and densitometry. On a group level hydrometry had the lowest bias while DXA gave the highest bias. When validated against BF%4c, 2-compartment models were found to be unsuitable for accurate measures of body fat due to high biases at the individual level and the violation of assumptions of constant hydration of FFM and density FFM among the ethnic groups. On a group level the best 2-compartment model for measuring body fat was found to be hydrometry.
Bulk and Compound Specific Analysis of Stool Lipid Confirm that the “Missing” 13C in the Mixed Triacylglycerol Breath Test is not in the Stool
Authors: Slater Christine , Ling Simon , Preston Thomas , Weaver Lawrence
Published: November 2018

The 13C-mixed triacylglycerol (MTG) breath test is used to measure intraluminal fat digestion. In normal digestion 20% to 40% of the ingested 13C label is recovered in breath CO2. We aimed to identify the proportions of ingested label excreted in stool as well as breath following ingestion of 13C-MTG by children with impaired exocrine pancreatic function and healthy controls. 13C enrichment of breath samples was measured by continuous flow isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) and the cumulative percent dose recovered (cPDR) in 10 hours was calculated. Total 13C of a fecal fat extract from each stool was measured by combustion-IRMS, and 13C enrichment and concentration of the tert.-butyldimethylsilyl (TBDMS) derivative of octanoic acid was measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) after hydrolysis of the fat extract. Stool 5-day cPDR was calculated. Mean breath cPDR was 33% for children with cystic fibrosis and 45% for controls. Mean cPDR in stool by combustion-IRMS and GC/MS, respectively, was 0.7% and 0.3% for children with cystic fibrosis and 1.4 and 4.2% for controls.
Uptake Rate Measurement of Some Amino Acids on Normal and Treated Yeast Cells to Xenobiotics Using 14C Labelled Amino Acid
Authors: Tanudjojo Nurhajati , Soedigdo Pringgo , Soedigdo Soekeni
Published: November 2018

Benzo(α)pyrene (BP) and 7,12—dimethylbenz(α) anthracene (DMBA) are potent carcinogens for mammals, which are able to affect the normal metabolic processes. The influence both of BP and DMBA to the transport rate of individual 14C labeled amino acids (14C-lysine; 14C-valine; 14C-leucine or 14C-tyrosine) in yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain A3 were studied by introducing about one μCi (37 kBq) of individual 14C labeled amino acid into 30 ml liquid ethanol media that contained BP (0.001% v/v) or DMBA (0.001% v/v), then followed by inoculating a known concentration of yeast suspension in such a manner to get the initial optical density (OD) of new cultures were about 0.10. Uptake rates were determined at certain intervals after inoculation, using a liquid scintillation counter. The results show that BP had the tendency to increase the uptake rate while DMBA showed a reversed effect on the use of amino acids. It was also found that tyrosine was absorbed faster than valine as well as leucine and this was different with the result reported by the former investigators.
Validity of Dual-Label Stable Isotopic Protocols and Urinary Excretion Ratios to Determine Folate Bioavailability from Food
Authors: Finglas Paul Michael , Hart David , Wolfe Caroline , Wright Anthony John Aaron , Southon Sue , Mellon Fred , van den Akker Hanneke , de Meer Kees
Published: November 2018

We tested the hypothesis that some cereal-product vehicles may reduce fortificant bioavailability below 85% and examined the feasibility of using single dose, dual-label, non-saturation protocols for studying bioavailability based on urinary excretion ratios (UER; % oral 13C6 isotope dose excreted in intact folate/% IV 2H4 isotope dose excreted). Fifteen females received 225 μg oral folate (capsules, fortified bran flakes, and fortified white bread), mainly as 13C6-PteGlu, followed by IV injection of 100 μg 2H4-PteGlu. UERs were used as the primary index of absorption. Urinary folate was cleaved to p-aminobenzoylglutamic acid, dervivatized and determined by gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy (GC/MS). The UER mean (95%CI) for folic acid was 2.18 (1.2-3.8) at 48 hours and as these were greater than 1.0, it was concluded that oral and IV isotopes of folic acid are handled differently by the body. Compared to the 48 hour UER for folic acid, UERs for white bread and bran flakes were 0.71 and 0.37, respectively, thus indicating some matrix inhibition of absorption. Consideration should be given to the choice of cereal-based fortification vehicles in order to maximize bioavailability. Plasma enrichment of folate can be measured using LC/MSMS (liquid chromatography/mass spectroscopy-mass spectroscopy) but seems unfeasible with the GC/MS method.
Body Fat and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Indian Men in Three Geographical Locations
Authors: Lubree Himangi Govind , Rege Sonali Suresh , Bhat Dattatry Shivram , Raut Kondiram Namdeo , Panchnadikar Anjali , Joglekar Charudatta Vaman , Yajnik Chittaranjan Sakarlal , Shetty Prakash , Yudkin John
Published: November 2018

We studied cardiovascular risk factors in 149 rural, 142 slum dwellers, and 150 urban middle class Indian men (30 to 50 years, mean 40 years) in relation to their body fat. Mean body mass index (BMI) was 21.0, 22.3, and 24.3 kg/m2 and mean body fat percent (bioimpedance) was 20.4, 22.5, and 30.4, respectively. A 75g oral glucose tolerance test showed no diabetes in rural subjects; 4% of urban slum dwellers and 10% of urban middle class men were diabetic. Hypertension (blood pressure ≥ 140/90 mm Hg) was present in 2% of the rural, 4% of the urban slum, and 10% of the urban middle class men. All cardiovascular risk factors were strongly related the percentage of body fat and waist to hip ratio. Two hour plasma glucose concentration and blood pressure were, in addition, independently related to geographical location (urban middle class were higher than slums who were higher than rural men). Our results suggest that urbanization increases the risk of hyperglycemia and hypertension independent of the percentage of body fat or its central distribution.
Contribution of Calcium and Other Dietary Components to Global Variations in Bone Mineral Density in Young Adults
Authors: Parr R.M. , Dey A. , McCloskey E.V. , Aras N. , Balogh A. , Borelli A. , Krishnan S. , Lobo G. , Qin L.L. , Zhang Y. , Cvijetic S. , Zaichick V. , Lim-Abraham M. , Bose K. , Wynchank S. , Iyengar G.V.
Published: November 2018

A research project on comparative international studies of osteoporosis using isotope techniques was organized by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) with the participation of 12 countries (Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Croatia, Hungary, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, Turkey, and the United Kingdom). Participating centers in 11 countries (all but the UK) made measurements and collected data on men and women aged 15 to 49 years. In addition to studies of bone mineral density (BMD) at the femoral neck and lumbar spine using DEXA, anthropometric, lifestyle, and nutritional data were also collected. The results of the nutritional studies are reviewed in this paper. Overall, about 8% of the observed variability in spine BMD could be attributed to nutritional factors in men and women; in men, no such relationship could be determined. No single nutritional component (not even calcium) stood out as being of particular importance across all participating centers.
Zinc and Iron Interactions Evaluated between Different Mineral Sources in Different Nutritional Matrixes
Authors: Boccio Jose , Bioch Jimena Salgueiro , Zubillaga Marcela , Pharm Alexis Lysionek , Caro Ricardo , Antoine Jean , Eng Ricardo Weill
Published: November 2018

We compared the absorption of BioZn, SFE-171, SO4Fe (reference standard) and SO4Zn (reference standard) alone or in combination in water and in an infant dessert. When mineral interactions were evaluated, zinc and iron were administered in a 1:1 molar relation. There 160 rats divided in 16 groups of 10 animals each which received: SO465Zn, Bio65Zn, SO465Zn + SO4Fe, Bio65Zn + SFE-171, SO459Fe, 59SFE-171, SO459Fe + SO4Zn and 59SFE-171 + BioZn either in water or an infant dessert. The results showed that BioZn has bioavailability similar to SO4Zn both in water (23.36 ± 3.14% vs. 21.48 ± 6.03%. respectively) and in an infant dessert (19.89 ± 3.27% vs. 18.31 ± 4.76%, respectively). When these zinc compounds were administered with iron no statistical difference of zinc absorption was found (Bio65Zn + SFE-171 in water 22.70 ± 6.30%, Bio65Zn + SFE-171 in the infant dessert 18.07 ± 5.89%, SO465Zn + SO4Fe in water 24.67 ± 5.70% and SO465Zn + SO4Fe in the infant dessert 20.56 ± 5.20%). For iron, the absorption of 59SFE-171 in water was higher (p < .01) than SO459Fe in water and 59SFE-171 + BioZn in water (32.35 ± 8.32% vs. 26.27 ± 8.83% vs. 23.69 ± 8.37%, respectively). Iron absorption from SO459Fe in water was higher (p < .01) than SO459Fe + SO4Zn in water (26.27 ± 8.83% vs. 20.21 ± 8.72%, respectively). Iron absorption in the infant dessert was higher (p < .01) for 59SFE-171 + BioZn than SO459Fe, 59SFE-171 and SO459Fe + SO4Zn (22.81 ± 6.97% vs. 16.12 ± 6.14% vs. 16.90 ± 6.23% vs. 15.04 ± 6.25%, respectively). Statistical differences (p < .01) were found between iron absorption from 59SFE-171 in water and the infant dessert (32.35 ± 8.32% vs. 16.90 ± 6.23%, respectively) and for SO459Fe (26.27 ± 8.83% vs. 16.12 ± 6.14% respectively). Zinc and iron interactions evaluated in a 1:1 molar relation of the minerals were observed only for iron absorption in water but not in infant dessert. No negative effect was found for zinc absorption neither in water nor in infant dessert.
The Effect of Different Iron Fortificants on Iron Absorption from Iron-Fortified Rice
Authors: Trinidad Trinidad Palad , Valdez Divinagracia Halili , Mallillin Aida Casibang , Askali Faridah Chua , Dara-ug Allan Francis , Capanzana Mario Villasaya
Published: November 2018

Iron absorption from rice fortified with different iron fortificants, e.g., ferrous sulfate (FeS04), sodium iron EDTA (NaFeEDTA), ferrous fumarate (FeFum), and ferrous bisglycinate (FeBis) was determined using an in vitro enzymatic digestion method simulating conditions in the small intestine and an in vivo method using radioisotope techniques. The in vitro method showed that the percentage of dialyzable iron from NaFeEDTA (15.7 ± 0.9) and FeS04-fortified rice (13.2 ± 1.5) was significantly greater than that from FeFum (6.4 ± 0.6; p < .05) and FeBis fortified rice (3.3 ± 0.8; p < .05). Iron absorption in vivo was investigated from FeS04 and NaFeEDTA fortified rice with and without fish and vegetables in 10 borderline iron-deficient subjects. Iron absorption (mg) from NaFeEDTA fortified rice (0.44 ± 0.11) was significantly greater than from FeS04-fortified rice (0.22 ± 0.05; p < .05) and the unfortified rice (0.17 ± 0.02; p < .05). Iron absorption (mg) from a meal consisting of iron-fortified rice, fish, and vegetables was significantly greater from NaFeEDTA (0.88 ± 0.24) and FeS04 (0.67 ± 0.10) -fortified rice than from the unfortified rice (0.41 ± 0.08; p < .05). This study concluded that both NaFeEDTA and FeS04 are effective iron fortificants for rice. The binder used in the study may have a significant role in the release of iron from iron-fortified rice for absorption. Further studies on the use of other binders to maximize iron release and minimize iron loss during cooking should be conducted to improve iron absorption from the fortified rice/rice-fish-vegetable meals. Results from this study can be used as a basis for food iron fortification programs as well as in the establishment of recommended dietary allowances for iron among Filipinos.
The use of Zinc Stable Isotopes in the Study of Iron-Zinc Interactions in Chilean Women
Authors: Ruz Manuel , Codoceo Juana , Rebolledo Annabella , Vasquez Monica , Krebs Nancy , Sian Lei , Westcott Jamie , Hambidge K. Michael
Published: November 2018

The objective of this study was to compare the fractional zinc absorption (FAZ) and the size of the rapidly exchangeable zinc pool (EZP) after three months of iron supplementation in women consuming ferrous sulfate between meals. Twenty-one non-anemic apparently healthy women received on average 55.1 ± 18.5 mg elemental iron per day as ferrous sulfate, and five received no supplemental iron. Fractional absorption of zinc was determined before and three days after finishing the third month of iron supplementation by using an extrinsic labeling with zinc stable isotopes and a dual isotope enrichment method in urine. EZP was determined from urine enrichment following intravenous administration of 70Zn. Results of selected zinc-related variables in the iron supplemented women were (before vs. after iron supplementation): FAZ with meal 0.22 vs. 0.24, p = .23; FAZ in fasting state 0.58 vs. 0.69, p = .005; EZP 177 mg vs. 160 mg, p = .058; plasma zinc 90.6 vs. 86.1 μg/dl, p = .065. The control group remained unchanged. The capacity to absorb zinc was increased three days after terminating a period of iron supplementation as compared with the pre-iron period. This may be attributable to impairment of zinc status by the iron supplements as evidenced by a trend for lower plasma zinc and EZP.
Domestic Drinking Water—An Effective Way to Prevent Anemia among Low Socioeconomic Families in Brazil
Authors: Dutra-de-Oliveira José Eduardo , de Almeida Carlos Alberto Nogueira
Published: November 2018

Iron deficiency and iron-deficiency anemia are common in the developing world. We evaluated the feasibility of iron fortification of domestic drinking water to prevent and control iron deficiency and iron-deficiency anemia. Twenty-one families representing 88 persons, including children, were selected to participate in this study. Twelve families added an iron solution plus ascorbic acid to their domestic drinking water over a four months period and nine families added a placebo. Blood samples were collected, before and after the four months, for hemoglobin and serum ferritin measurements. Iron-fortified drinking water increased hemoglobin (children 10.9 ±1.1 g/dl to 11.7 ± 1.1 g/dl p < .01, adults 12.9 ± 1.7 g/dl to 13.7 ± 1.7 g/dl p < .01) and ferritin (children 27.6 ± 21.6 ng/dl to 33.8 ± 22.1 ng/dl, adults 74.8 ± 41.3 ng/dl to 106.2 ± 93.9 ng/dl p < .05). No significant changes in hemoglobin and ferritin were found in the placebo group after 4 months. Preparation, distribution, and consumption of the solutions were successful. Iron fortification of household drinking water can be a simple and effective alternative to deal with iron deficiency and iron-deficiency anemia in less developed areas.
High Prevalence of Subclinical Vitamin A Deficiency in Jordan: A Forgotten Risk
Authors: Khatib Ibrahim Mahmud Dib
Published: November 2018

This longitudinal study assessed growth and vitamin A status of schoolchildren after earlier surveys had linked stunting among Jordanian children to dietary zinc and iron inadequacies. A group of 1,023 subjects ages 5.5 to 9.9 years were randomly recruited for study from seven disadvantaged semirural districts. Baseline assessment included anthropometric and laboratory data with the relevant dietary information. Over nine months of study, the subjects received a daily snack meal. Immediately before the final assessment, each student received one 100,000 IU vitamin A capsule. At baseline there was a 19.9% prevalence of stunting, 18.8% for anemia, and 21.8% for subclinical vitamin A deficiency. Mean and median serum retinol concentrations were 248 (sd ± 66) and 242 μg/L, respectively. In 98% of the cases, vitamin A-rich vegetables were consumed three or more days per week. About 60% of subjects had serum retinol levels in the range 200 to 300 μg/L. Only vitamin A foods from animal sources showed an influence (p < .05) on mean serum vitamin A values and growth score. Dietary and capsule supplementation had a significant positive impact only on serum retinol levels (p < .01) and on the anemia (p < .05) indicators. The conclusion underlines vitamin A deficiency among schoolchildren as a public health problem, and that the situation is anticipated to be more profound among preschool children, who are usually at greater risk of becoming deficient. Launching another, but controlled, intervention study in other sites, preferably with use of a tracer to rule out malabsorption in young children, is highly indicated.
The Nutritional Evaluation of Underutilized Cereals and Buckwheat
Authors: Gabrovská Dana , Fiedlerová Vlasta , Holasová Marie , Mašková Eva , Smrčinov Hana , Rysová Jana , Winterová Renata , Michalová Anna , Hutař Martin
Published: November 2018

We evaluated the nutritional factors of underutilized cereals (spelt, emmer, einkorn, millet, foxtail millet, semiperennial rye, naked oat, and naked barley) and buckwheat. The basic food components as well as minor nutrients were determined. The analyses included dry matter, ash, protein, dietary fiber, fat, fatty acids, amino acids, minerals, and lipophilic and hydrophilic vitamins. Rutin was also determined in buckwheat. We hope to offer new recipes for the healthy food production and for special dietary use (diabetes, celiac disease, phenylketonuria diet, etc.). Use of the germinated seeds is also suggested. The examples of some healthy food products in the Czech Republic are mentioned.
Post - Harvest Conservation of Food
Authors: Labeyrie Vincent
Published: November 2018

The shortage of proteins in tropical countries cannot be overcome by the development of the breeding of animals originating outside the tropics, as they are ill adapted to the environmental conditions and yield a low output.

Edible pulses, domesticated in these regions, can alleviate this shortage without causing soil degradation, because of their ecological properties, the rapidity of their growth, and the storability of their grains. But agricultural research ignores most of these species, and, although they are no less important than maize, their production is not even mentioned in world statistics.

The protection of the stored grains is essential. The fight against weevils (Bruchidae), which often destroy more than half of the harvest, has been unsuccessful because it has not been based on an adequate knowledge of these beetles, and in particular of how they infest crops at harvest time; they are wrongly believed to attack only stored grains.
A Comparative Acceptability and Tolerance Study of Two Blended Foods in Haiti
Authors: Hayes R. E. , Hannay Carolyn P. , Wadsworth J. I. , Spadaro J. J.
Published: November 2018

This study has demonstrated the feasibility of producing a corn-based, PL 480-type food blend containing glandless cottonseed flour that is comparable in nutritional quality, maternal and child acceptability, and child gastrointestinal tolerance to the extensively used US Food-for-Peace Program food, corn-soy-milk.

The blend containing glandless cottonseed flour offers the economic advantage of not requiring an animal protein component. However, at the present time glandless cottonseed flour is not economically competitive with soy flour. With more extensive cultivation of glandless cottonseed, the prospect of using this commodity in nutritious food blends will be more favourable.
Sustained Breastfeeding, Complementation, and Care
Authors: Greiner Ted
Published: November 2018

Breastfeeding can enhance care of infants. In most cultures there is an age after which breastfeeding is no longer considered socially acceptable. In Western countries, shorter periods have long been the norm. Researchers may underestimate how common sustained breastfeeding is in both industrialized and low-income settings. Little is known about the contributions breastfeeding may make to the emotional and physical health of mothers and infants when sustained for longer periods. It clearly offers economic and certain nutritional advantages, such as preventing severe vitamin A deficiency, and it reduces fertility. Sustained breastfeeding is often associated with slower child growth. This is probably not often a unidimensional causal relationship. Part of the explanation may be that sustained breastfeeding increases infant survival under extreme conditions of poverty and food insecurity.

The duration of breastfeeding, especially exclusive breastfeeding, may have decreased in some areas in recent decades due to inappropriate messages from health workers, in part due to a lack of careful definitions. A schematic figure depicts four separate processes, each referred to at times as “weaning.” To reduce the incidence of early cessation of breastfeeding, it is important to separate the “complementation” and “replacement” components.

Modernization processes such as urbanization can occur so rapidly that new ideas for achieving infant care goals may be needed. However, in relatively stable resource-poor settings, care strategies such as sustained breastfeeding are likely to be well adapted, and outsiders would be wise to focus on protecting them. Indeed, breastfeeding programmes should place priority on protection (marketing codes) and support (breastfeeding-friendly practices at delivery and support measures for women in the market labour force) before promotion (mass media).
Efficacy and safety of ceftaroline: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Rosanova Maria T. , Aguilar Pedro S. , Sberna Norma , Lede Roberto
Published: November 2018

Background:

Resistance to antibiotics is steadily increasing. Ceftaroline has a broad spectrum of activity against clinically relevant gram-positive strains including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Objectives:

This systematic review was conducted to evaluate whether ceftaroline is effective and safe, leading to a lower rate of treatment failures than comparators.

Material and methods:

Studies were included if they were comparing the efficacy and safety of ceftaroline with other antibiotics.

Data sources:

Using the search terms ‘ceftaroline’ or ‘ceftaroline fosamil’, a search strategy was developed. The efficacy endpoint was the rate of treatment failure, while the safety endpoint was the incidence of adverse events. Heterogeneity bias was estimated using the Q-test, and publication bias was estimated using Egger’s test. Null hypothesis was rejected if p value was less than 0.05.

Results:

Only 10 studies were included.

Synthesis of results:

The risk of treatment failure was significantly lower for ceftaroline than for comparators, and cumulative meta-analysis showed that the effect size was relevant and precise. Pooled risk ratio was 0.79 (95% confidence interval = 0.65–0.95). The rates of adverse events were similar among the studies, and there were no statistically significant differences between groups. For this endpoint, there was a significant heterogeneity among studies ( p = 0.03). Pooled risk ratio for adverse events was 0.98 (95% confidence interval = 0.87–1.10), without a statistical difference.

Discussion:

The risk of treatment failure was significantly lower for ceftaroline than comparators, while the rate of adverse events was similar. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first systematic review on the efficacy and safety of ceftaroline including children and adults. A limitation is that no randomized controlled trials were found in non-complicated skin- and soft-tissue infection and non-community-acquired pneumonia infections; only few cases with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolations and no patients admitted to the intensive care unit were evaluated.

Interpretation:

Ceftaroline may be an option of treatment in complicated skin- and soft-tissue infection and community-acquired pneumonia.
Mobility Programs for the Hospitalized Older Adult: A Scoping Review
Authors: Smart Denise A. , Dermody Gordana , Coronado Melany E. , Wilson Marian
Published: November 2018

Objectives: This scoping review (a) describes programs to improve mobility in hospitalized adults and (b) determines the methods used to measure mobility. Method: The Joanna Briggs Institute Methodology for Scoping Reviews was used to conduct this review. Results: Our findings suggest that using a multidisciplinary approach may be the most effective way to promote mobility in hospitalized older adults. Most studies did not articulate how physical activity was measured, indicating that more research is needed. Discussion: The literature shows that implementation of protocols designed to improve the early and regular implementation of physical mobility activities improves the health outcomes of hospitalized older people. Costs associated with healthcare utilization are also reduced, including hospital length of stay. Mobility programs that quantified mobility through validated measurement tools or accelerometers are the most promising as they provide feedback that reinforces progress of the patient and the expected benefits of early mobility.
Time-lapse seismic monitoring of individual hydraulic frac stages using a downhole DAS array
Authors: Byerley Grant , Monk Dave , Aaron Peter , Yates Mike
Published: November 2018

A fiber-optic distributed acoustic sensing system (DAS) was recently installed in an Apache-operated horizontal shale well and used to acquire downhole seismic data before, during, and after the well was treated in order to better understand the time-lapse seismic response to hydraulically stimulated fractures. In addition to a 3D/4D DAS vertical seismic profiling survey acquired before and after the well was treated, data were recorded from two fixed shot locations approximately 1 mile off each end of the lateral part of the well. These shots were repeated after each of the 78 frac stages used to treat the well in an attempt to achieve more continuous seismic monitoring of the hydraulic-stimulation process. Despite the noisy environment associated with ongoing frac operations, these data proved to be valuable in understanding the fundamental seismic response to each frac stage. The dominant time-lapse effect observed in the stage-by-stage data was a subtle time delay of the P-wave direct arrival when compared to data recorded prior to stimulation. This time-lapse effect was only present over a period of a few days once the stage was completed and would have been completely missed using the conventional approach of having a single monitor survey acquired after the well was treated. It was possible to model the kinematics of the P- and S-wave arrivals and invert for frac effectiveness at each stage based on the observed time delay in the seismic. Amplitude differences were also observed in the time-lapse shot records in which new waveforms appeared along the hydraulically stimulated portions of the well.
The Global Program Era: Contemporary International Fiction in the American Creative Economy
Authors: Nadiminti Kalyan
Published: November 2018

“The Global Program Era” traces the rise of the international writer from the global South in the North American master of fine arts (MFA) program and the resulting effects on the contemporary global anglophone novel. Extrapolating from Mark McGurl's The Program Era (2009), I suggest that the creative writing program not only was instrumental in shaping postwar American letters but also continues to be of great relevance for contemporary global South writing. The article argues that developing-world MFA novelists have redeployed a Cold War programmatic imperative to “find your voice” through the stylistic development of what I am calling “vernacular anglophone realism.” The turn to the non-anglophone vernacular continues the postwar tradition of ethnic ventriloquism for a mainly bourgeois Western audience but also supplements a new non-Western, middle-class audience. Vernacular anglophone realism cultivates a sense of natality without losing the author's linguistic and geopolitical security in the English language, therefore allowing the global South writer to address both Western and non-Western audiences. While this might seem like a welcome development—one that refines an Orientalist market logic diagnosed by Graham Huggan as “the postcolonial exotic”—the article argues that MFA programs have encouraged a style of writing that centralizes the primacy of a global bourgeois/middle-class reader. Subsequently, the global South writer has become firmly ensconced in a financialized American creative market. While global anglophone literature has emerged as a critical reference for persistent injury by British colonialism, the article shifts the conversation to the cultural development of the American anglophone novel to query whether turning to the vernacular evades the problem of U.S. exceptionalism.
Transcriptional response to Wnt activation regulates the regenerative capacity of the mammalian cochlea
Authors: Samarajeewa Anshula , Lenz Danielle R. , Xie Lihong , Chiang Hao , Kirchner Rory , Mulvaney Joanna F. , Edge Albert S. B. , Dabdoub Alain
Published: November 2018

Lack of sensory hair cell (HC) regeneration in mammalian adults is a major contributor to hearing loss. In contrast, the neonatal mouse cochlea retains a transient capacity for regeneration, and forced Wnt activation in neonatal stages promotes supporting cell (SC) proliferation and induction of ectopic HCs. We currently know little about the temporal pattern and underlying mechanism of this age-dependent regenerative response. Using an in vitro model, we show that Wnt activation promotes SC proliferation following birth, but prior to postnatal day (P) 5. This age-dependent decline in proliferation occurs despite evidence that the Wnt pathway is postnatally active and can be further enhanced by Wnt stimulators. Using an in vivo mouse model and RNA sequencing, we show that proliferation in the early neonatal cochlea is correlated with a unique transcriptional response that diminishes with age. Furthermore, we find that augmenting Wnt signaling through the neonatal stages extends the window for HC induction in response to Notch signaling inhibition. Our results suggest that the downstream transcriptional response to Wnt activation, in part, underlies the regenerative capacity of the mammalian cochlea.
Inhibition of microRNA suppression of Dishevelled results in Wnt pathway-associated developmental defects in sea urchin
Authors: Sampilo Nina Faye , Stepicheva Nadezda A. , Zaidi Syed Aun Murtaza , Wang Lingyu , Wu Wei , Wikramanayake Athula , Song Jia L.
Published: November 2018

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are highly conserved, small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expressions by binding to the 3′ untranslated region of target mRNAs thereby silencing translation. Some miRNAs are key regulators of the Wnt signaling pathways, which impact developmental processes. This study investigates miRNA regulation of different isoforms of Dishevelled (Dvl/Dsh), which encode a key component in the Wnt signaling pathway. The sea urchin Dvl mRNA isoforms have similar spatial distribution in early development, but one isoform is distinctively expressed in the larval ciliary band. We demonstrated that Dvl isoforms are directly suppressed by miRNAs. By blocking miRNA suppression of Dvl isoforms, we observed dose-dependent defects in spicule length, patterning of the primary mesenchyme cells, gut morphology, and cilia. These defects likely result from increased Dvl protein levels, leading to perturbation of Wnt-dependent signaling pathways and additional Dvl-mediated processes. We further demonstrated that overexpression of Dvl isoforms recapitulated some of the Dvl miRNATP-induced phenotypes. Overall, our results indicate that miRNA suppression of Dvl isoforms plays an important role in ensuring proper development and function of primary mesenchyme cells and cilia.
The plant hormone auxin beats the time for oscillating light-regulated lateral root induction
Authors: Kircher Stefan , Schopfer Peter
Published: November 2018

The molecular mechanism underlying the periodic induction of lateral roots, a paradigmatic example of clock-driven organ formation in plant development, is a matter of ongoing, controversial debate. Here, we provide experimental evidence that this clock is frequency modulated by light and that auxin serves as a mediator for translating continuous light signals into discontinuous gene activation signals preceding the initiation of lateral roots in Arabidopsis seedlings. Based on this evidence, we propose a molecular model of an ultradian biological clock involving auxin-dependent degradation of an AUX/IAA-type transcription repressor as a flexible, frequency-controlling delay element. This model widens the bandwidth of biological clocks by adding a new type that allows the pace of organ formation to adapt to the changing environmental demands of the growing plant.
Promotion of Single-Strand Invasion of PNA to Double-Stranded DNA by Pseudo-Complementary Base Pairing
Authors: Shigi Narumi , Mizuno Yuki , Kunifuda Hiroko , Matsumura Kazunari , Komiyama Makoto
Published: November 2018

Canonical peptide nucleic acid (PNA), in which naturally occurring nucleobases (A, G, C, and T) are bound to a poly(N-(2-aminoethyl)glycine) backbone, forms a stable duplex with single-stranded complementary DNA. However, this PNA hardly forms stable complexes with double-stranded DNA. We here show that, when some of the A and T groups therein are replaced with pseudo-complementary nucleobases (2,6-diaminopurine and 2-thiouracil), even only one strand of this partially pseudo-complementary PNA efficiently invades double-stranded DNA. This single-strand invasion spontaneously occurs at 25–50 °C, indicating its promising applicability to versatile purposes both in vivo and in vitro. The promotion by 2,6-diaminopurine is primarily attributed to the formation of an additional hydrogen bond with T in one of the two DNA strands, whereas the 2-S atom in 2-thiouracil promotes stacking interactions with adjacent nucleobases. Furthermore, the present new methodology is successfully employed to site-selective scission of double-stranded DNA, in which the single-stranded portion, formed upon the single-strand invasion, is preferentially hydrolyzed by CeIV/EDTA complex.
Is This Tax Reform, or Just Confusion?
Authors: Slemrod Joel
Published: November 2018

Based on the experience of recent decades, the United States apparently musters the political will to change its tax system comprehensively about every 30 years, so it seems especially important to get it right when the chance arises. Based on the strong public statements of economists opposing and supporting the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, a causal observer might wonder whether this law was tax reform or mere confusion. In this paper, I address that question and, more importantly, offer an assessment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The law is clearly not “tax reform” as economists usually use that term: that is, it does not seek to broaden the tax base and reduce marginal rates in a roughly revenue-neutral manner. However, the law is not just a muddle. It seeks to address some widely acknowledged issues with corporate taxation, and takes some steps toward broadening the tax base, in part by reducing the incentive to itemize deductions.
Measuring the Effects of Corporate Tax Cuts
Authors: Auerbach Alan J.
Published: November 2018

On December 22, 2017, President Donald Trump signed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), the most sweeping revision of US tax law since the Tax Reform Act of 1986. The law introduced many significant changes. However, perhaps none was as important as the changes in the treatment of traditional “C” corporations—those corporations subject to a separate corporate income tax. Beginning in 2018, the federal corporate tax rate fell from 35 percent to 21 percent, some investment qualified for immediate deduction as an expense, and multinational corporations faced a substantially modified treatment of their activities. This paper seeks to evaluate the impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act to understand its effects on resource allocation and distribution. It compares US corporate tax rates to other countries before the 2017 tax law, and describes ways in which the US corporate sector has evolved that are especially relevant to tax policy. The discussion then turns the main changes of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 for the corporate income tax. A range of estimates suggests that the law is likely to contribute to increased US capital investment and, through that, an increase in US wages. The magnitude of these increases is extremely difficult to predict. Indeed, the public debate about the benefits of the new corporate tax provisions enacted (and the alternatives not adopted) has highlighted the limitations of standard approaches in distributional analysis to assigning corporate tax burdens.
Carbodiimide reagents for the chemical probing of RNA structure in cells
Authors: Wang Peter Y. , Sexton Alec N. , Culligan William J. , Simon Matthew D.
Published: November 2018

Deciphering the conformations of RNAs in their cellular environment allows identification of RNA elements with potentially functional roles within biological contexts. Insight into the conformation of RNA in cells has been achieved using chemical probes that were developed to react specifically with flexible RNA nucleotides, or the Watson–Crick face of single-stranded nucleotides. The most widely used probes are either selective SHAPE (2′-hydroxyl acylation and primer extension) reagents that probe nucleotide flexibility, or dimethyl sulfate (DMS), which probes the base-pairing at adenine and cytosine but is unable to interrogate guanine or uracil. The constitutively charged carbodiimide N-cyclohexyl-N′-(2-morpholinoethyl)carbodiimide metho-p-toluenesulfonate (CMC) is widely used for probing G and U nucleotides, but has not been established for probing RNA in cells. Here, we report the use of a smaller and conditionally charged reagent, 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide (EDC), as a chemical probe of RNA conformation, and the first reagent validated for structure probing of unpaired G and U nucleotides in intact cells. We showed that EDC demonstrates similar reactivity to CMC when probing transcripts in vitro. We found that EDC specifically reacted with accessible nucleotides in the 7SK noncoding RNA in intact cells. We probed structured regions within the Xist lncRNA with EDC and integrated these data with DMS probing data. Together, EDC and DMS allowed us to refine predicted structure models for the 3′ extension of repeat C within Xist. These results highlight how complementing DMS probing experiments with EDC allows the analysis of Watson–Crick base-pairing at all four nucleotides of RNAs in their cellular context.
Making progress in a rare disease: emerging therapeutics in soft tissue sarcomas
Authors: Choe Jennifer , Riedel Richard
Published: November 2018

Sarcomas are rare tumors derived from mesenchymal connective tissues in the body. Because there are well over 50 histologic sarcoma subtypes, including malignant and non-malignant pathologies, clinical courses and therapeutic management are widely divergent. In general, therapeutic options across all soft tissue sarcomas are limited in number and are often generalized across multiple sarcoma histologies. The recent emergence of molecularly targeted therapies and immune-based agents presents a future of refined systemic treatment practices that are rationally tailored to the tumor by histologic subtype and biologic mechanisms.
Case Report: Exertional rhabdomyolysis in a spin class participant with sickle cell trait
Authors: Longo Teresa , Shaines Matthew
Published: November 2018

Exertional rhabdomyolysis is more common in sickle trait due to a predisposition to dehydration and inability to concentrate the urine. Spinning, an indoor cycling workout, has been associated with exertional rhabdomyolysis in recent reports. A consequence of rhabdomyolysis is acute kidney injury, which may be expected to be more common in patients with sickle trait. We report a case of spinning induced rhabdomyolysis in a woman with sickle trait that did not result in renal injury. “Spin rhabdo” is thought to be more severe than other causes of exertional rhabdomyolysis and is associated with higher creatine kinase levels than other causes of exertional rhabdomyolysis. Therefore, individuals with known sickle trait should visit their physician prior to participation in spin classes for the first time. We might also consider voluntary screening for sickle trait in at risk populations prior to enrolling in spin classes given that many patients are unaware of their sickle trait status.
Case Report: Resolution of chronic urticaria following treatment of odontogenic infection
Authors: Tadros Susan , Bahal Sameer , Nagendran Vasantha
Published: November 2018

Background: Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is a condition characterised by the presence of hives with/without angioedema, that affects individuals on more days than not for 6 weeks or more. The role of infection as a potential trigger for CSU is well described, but the current clinical guidelines do not recommend routine screening for underlying infections.

Main observations: We report a case of severe prolonged chronic spontaneous urticaria in a 19-year-old, that went into rapid remission following the treatment of dental infection.

Conclusions: Clinicians should recognise the potential role that infection can have in causing chronic urticaria. There should be a low threshold to treat infection in such circumstances.