bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Aspergillus fumigatus Photobiology Illuminates the Marked Heterogeneity between Isolates
Authors: Fuller Kevin K. , Cramer Robert A. , Zegans Michael E. , Dunlap Jay C. , Loros Jennifer J. 
Published: September 2016

ABSTRACT

The given strain of
Aspergillus fumigatus
under study varies across laboratories, ranging from a few widely used “standards,” e.g., Af293 or CEA10, to locally acquired isolates that may be unique to one investigator. Since experiments concerning physiology or gene function are seldom replicated by others, i.e., in a different
A. fumigatus
background, the extent to which behavioral heterogeneity exists within the species is poorly understood. As a proxy for assessing such intraspecies variability, we analyzed the light response of 15
A. fumigatus
isolates and observed striking quantitative and qualitative heterogeneity among them. The majority of the isolates fell into one of two seemingly mutually exclusive groups: (i) “photopigmenters” that robustly accumulate hyphal melanin in the light and (ii) “photoconidiators” that induce sporulation in the light. These two distinct responses were both governed by the same upstream blue light receptor, LreA, indicating that a specific protein’s contribution can vary in a strain-dependent manner. Indeed, while LreA played no apparent role in regulating cell wall homeostasis in strain Af293, it was essential in that regard in strain CEA10. The manifest heterogeneity in the photoresponses led us to compare the virulence levels of selected isolates in a murine model; remarkably, the virulence did vary greatly, although not in a manner that correlated with their overt light response. Taken together, these data highlight the extent to which isolates of
A. fumigatus
can vary, with respect to both broad physiological characteristics (e.g., virulence and photoresponse) and specific protein functionality (e.g., LreA-dependent phenotypes).

IMPORTANCE
The current picture of
Aspergillus fumigatus
biology is akin to a collage, patched together from data obtained from disparate “wild-type” strains. In a systematic assessment of 15
A. fumigatus
isolates, we show that the species is highly heterogeneous with respect to its light response and virulence. Whereas some isolates accumulate pigments in light as previously reported with strain Af293, most induce sporulation which had not been previously observed. Other photoresponsive behaviors are also nonuniform, and phenotypes of identical gene deletants vary in a background-dependent manner. Moreover, the virulence of several selected isolates is highly variable in a mouse model and apparently does not track with any observed light response. Cumulatively, this work illuminates the fact that data obtained with a single
A. fumigatus
isolate are not necessarily predictive of the species as whole. Accordingly, researchers should be vigilant when making conclusions about their own work or when interpreting data from the literature.
International variability in 20 m shuttle run performance in children and youth: who are the fittest from a 50-country comparison? A systematic literature review with pooling of aggregate results
Authors: Lang Justin J , Tremblay Mark S , Léger Luc , Olds Tim , Tomkinson Grant R 
Published: September 2016

ObjectivesTo describe and compare 20 m shuttle run test (20mSRT) performance among children and youth across 50 countries; to explore broad socioeconomic indicators that correlate with 20mSRT performance in children and youth across countries and to evaluate the utility of the 20mSRT as an international population health indicator for children and youth.MethodsA systematic review was undertaken to identify papers that explicitly reported descriptive 20mSRT (with 1-min stages) data on apparently healthy 9–17 year-olds. Descriptive data were standardised to running speed (km/h) at the last completed stage. Country-specific 20mSRT performance indices were calculated as population-weighted mean z-scores relative to all children of the same age and sex from all countries. Countries were categorised into developed and developing groups based on the Human Development Index, and a correlational analysis was performed to describe the association between country-specific performance indices and broad socioeconomic indicators using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient.ResultsPerformance indices were calculated for 50 countries using collated data on 1 142 026 children and youth aged 9–17 years. The best performing countries were from Africa and Central-Northern Europe. Countries from South America were consistently among the worst performing countries. Country-specific income inequality (Gini index) was a strong negative correlate of the performance index across all 50 countries.ConclusionsThe pattern of variability in the performance index broadly supports the theory of a physical activity transition and income inequality as the strongest structural determinant of health in children and youth. This simple and cost-effective assessment would be a powerful tool for international population health surveillance.
Cost-effectiveness of investing in sidewalks as a means of increasing physical activity: a RESIDE modelling study
Authors: Veerman J Lennert , Zapata-Diomedi Belen , Gunn Lucy , McCormack Gavin R , Cobiac Linda J , Mantilla Herrera Ana Maria , Giles-Corti Billie , Shiell Alan 
Published: September 2016

BackgroundStudies consistently find that supportive neighbourhood built environments increase physical activity by encouraging walking and cycling. However, evidence on the cost-effectiveness of investing in built environment interventions as a means of promoting physical activity is lacking. In this study, we assess the cost-effectiveness of increasing sidewalk availability as one means of encouraging walking.MethodsUsing data from the RESIDE study in Perth, Australia, we modelled the cost impact and change in health-adjusted life years (HALYs) of installing additional sidewalks in established neighbourhoods. Estimates of the relationship between sidewalk availability and walking were taken from a previous study. Multistate life table models were used to estimate HALYs associated with changes in walking frequency and duration. Sensitivity analyses were used to explore the impact of variations in population density, discount rates, sidewalk costs and the inclusion of unrelated healthcare costs in added life years.ResultsInstalling and maintaining an additional 10 km of sidewalk in an average neighbourhood with 19 000 adult residents was estimated to cost A$4.2 million over 30 years and gain 24 HALYs over the lifetime of an average neighbourhood adult resident population. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was A$176 000/HALY. However, sensitivity results indicated that increasing population densities improves cost-effectiveness.ConclusionsIn low-density cities such as in Australia, installing sidewalks in established neighbourhoods as a single intervention is unlikely to cost-effectively improve health. Sidewalks must be considered alongside other complementary elements of walkability, such as density, land use mix and street connectivity. Population density is particularly important because at higher densities, more residents are exposed and this improves the cost-effectiveness. Health gain is one of many benefits of enhancing neighbourhood walkability and future studies might consider a more comprehensive assessment of its social value (eg, social cohesion, safety and air quality).
Evaluation of the first pharmacist-administered vaccinations in Western Australia: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Hattingh H Laetitia , Sim T Fei , Parsons R , Czarniak P , Vickery A , Ayadurai S 
Published: September 2016

ObjectivesThis study evaluated the uptake of Western Australian (WA) pharmacist vaccination services, the profiles of consumers being vaccinated and the facilitators and challenges experienced by pharmacy staff in the preparation, implementation and delivery of services.DesignMixed-methods methodology with both quantitative and qualitative data through surveys, pharmacy computer records and immuniser pharmacist interviews.SettingCommunity pharmacies in WA that provided pharmacist vaccination services between March and October 2015.ParticipantsImmuniser pharmacists from 86 pharmacies completed baseline surveys and 78 completed exit surveys; computer records from 57 pharmacies; 25 immuniser pharmacists were interviewed.Main outcome measuresPharmacy and immuniser pharmacist profiles; pharmacist vaccination services provided and consumer profiles who accessed services.Results15 621 influenza vaccinations were administered by immuniser pharmacists at 76 WA community pharmacies between March and October 2015. There were no major adverse events, and <1% of consumers experienced minor events which were appropriately managed. Between 12% and 17% of consumers were eligible to receive free influenza vaccinations under the National Immunisation Program but chose to have it at a pharmacy. A high percentage of vaccinations was delivered in rural and regional areas indicating that provision of pharmacist vaccination services facilitated access for rural and remote consumers. Immuniser pharmacists reported feeling confident in providing vaccination services and were of the opinion that services should be expanded to other vaccinations. Pharmacists also reported significant professional satisfaction in providing the service. All participating pharmacies intended to continue providing influenza vaccinations in 2016.ConclusionsThis initial evaluation of WA pharmacist vaccination services showed that vaccine delivery was safe. Convenience and accessibility were important aspects in usage of services. There is scope to expand pharmacist vaccination services to other vaccines and younger children; however, government funding to pharmacists needs to be considered.
Association of tobacco use and other determinants with pregnancy outcomes: a multicentre hospital-based case–control study in Karachi, Pakistan
Authors: Rozi Shafquat , Butt Zahid Ahmad , Zahid Nida , Wasim Saba , Shafique Kashif 
Published: September 2016

ObjectivesThe study aimed to identify the effects of maternal tobacco consumption during pregnancy and other factors on birth outcomes and obstetric complications in Karachi, Pakistan.DesignA multicentre hospital-based case–control study.SettingFour leading maternity hospitals of Karachi.ParticipantsA random sample of 1275 women coming to the gynaecology and obstetric department of selected hospitals for delivery was interviewed within 48 hours of delivery from wards. Cases were women with adverse birth outcomes and obstetric complications, while controls were women who had normal uncomplicated delivery.Primary and secondary outcome measuresAdverse birth outcomes (preterm delivery, low birth weight, stillbirth, low Apgar score) and obstetric complications (antepartum haemorrhage, caesarean section, etc).ResultsFinal multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that with every 1 year increase in age the odds of being a case was 1.03 times as compared with being a control. Tobacco use (adjusted OR (aOR): 2.24; 95% CI 1.56 to 3.23), having no slits in the kitchen (proxy indicator for indoor air pollution) (aOR=1.90; 95% CI 1.05 to 3.43), gravidity (aOR=0.83; 95% CI 0.73 to 0.93), non-booked hospital cases (aOR=1.87; 95% CI 1.38 to 2.74), history of stillbirth (aOR=4.06; 95% CI 2.36 to 6.97), miscarriages (aOR=1.91; 95% CI 1.27 to 2.85) and preterm delivery (aOR=6.04; 95% CI 2.52 to 14.48) were significantly associated with being a case as compared with control.ConclusionsThis study suggests that women who had adverse pregnancy outcomes were more likely to have exposure to tobacco, previous history of adverse birth outcomes and were non-booked cases. Engagement of stakeholders in tobacco control for providing health education, incorporating tobacco use in women in the tobacco control policy and designing interventions for tobacco use cessation is warranted. Prenatal care and health education might help in preventing such adverse events.
Community vulnerability and symptoms of acute respiratory infection among preschool age children in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi and Nigeria: evidence from Demographic and Health Surveys
Authors: Chiao Chi 
Published: September 2016

BackgroundAs a consequence of the global spread of HIV infection in sub-Saharan Africa, the impact of the AIDS pandemic has contributed to more than 40 million orphaned and vulnerable children (OVC) in sub-Saharan Africa. The children's vulnerability is hypothesised to increase the risk of acute respiratory infection (ARI), which remains one of the major infectious causes of child mortality and morbidity in this region. This study examines the linkages between children's vulnerability and ARI symptoms, with a focus on the individual as well as community levels.MethodsUsing population-based Demographic and Health Surveys of preschool age children (0–59 months old) from the Democratic Republic of Congo (n=7755), Malawi (n=17 559) and Nigeria (n=28 049), multilevel logistic models were conducted to establish the relationships between ARI symptoms among OVC and community-level vulnerability, adjusting for children's and household characteristics and a season variation.ResultsThe child's OVC status and community vulnerability were shown to be significantly associated with an increased likelihood of the child suffering from ARI symptoms in three countries. In contrast, the relationship between ARI symptoms and some selected variables associated with community development was not consistent across the 3 countries.ConclusionsCommunity vulnerability demonstrates a significant influence on whether or not the child exhibits ARI symptoms. Being OVC contributes to differences in children's likelihood of ARI symptoms between communities. In addition to industrial pollution, specific components, such as community development, vary in their associations with the ARI symptoms across different countries. The large differences in childhood ARI symptoms across countries suggests that policies aimed at promoting child health need to be context specific.
Contribution of whole platelet aggregometry to the endovascular management of unruptured aneurysms: an institutional experience
Authors: Aoun S G , Welch B G , Pride L G , White J , Novakovic R , Hoes K , Sarode R 
Published: September 2016

BackgroundStent-assisted coiling of intracranial aneurysms is an efficient alternative treatment to surgical clipping but requires prolonged antiplatelet therapy. Some patients are non-responsive to aspirin and/or clopidogrel.ObjectiveTo analyze the implications of this assessment using the ‘whole blood aggregometry (WBA) by impedance’ technique.Materials and methodsThe Southwestern Tertiary Aneurysm Registry was reviewed between 2002 and 2012 for patients with unruptured aneurysms treated with stent-assisted coiling. The study population was divided into patients who were tested preoperatively for platelet responsiveness to aspirin and clopidogrel (‘tested’ patients) and those who were not (‘non-tested’). Where necessary, tested patients received additional doses of antiplatelet drugs to achieve adequate platelet inhibition. Endpoints included the incidence of non-responsiveness, the rates of thrombotic and hemorrhagic complications, and the rates of permanent morbidity and mortality.ResultsA total of 266 patients fulfilled our selection criteria: 114 non-tested patients who underwent 121 procedures, and 152 tested patients who underwent 171 procedures. The two groups did not vary significantly in patient age, gender, and aneurysms location. Aspirin non-responsiveness was detected in 3 patients (1.75%) and clopidogrel non-responsiveness in 21 patients (12.3%). Non-tested patients had an 11.6% rate of thrombotic complications with a 4.1% permanent morbidity or mortality rate versus 2.3% and 0.6% in tested patients (p=0.0013). The incidence of hemorrhagic complications was similar between the two groups.ConclusionsPreoperative platelet inhibition testing using WBA can be useful to assess and correct antiaggregant non-responsiveness, and may reduce postoperative mortality and permanent morbidity.
Combined biomarker testing for the prediction of left ventricular remodelling in ST-elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Reinstadler Sebastian Johannes , Feistritzer Hans-Josef , Reindl Martin , Klug Gert , Mayr Agnes , Mair Johannes , Jaschke Werner , Metzler Bernhard 
Published: September 2016

ObjectiveThe utility of different biomarkers for the prediction of left ventricular remodelling (LVR) following ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) has been evaluated in several studies. However, very few data exist on the prognostic value of combined biomarkers. The aim of this study was to comprehensively investigate the prognostic value for LVR of routinely available biomarkers measured after reperfused STEMI.MethodsSerial measurements of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and high-sensitivity C reactive protein (hs-CRP) were performed in 123 patients with STEMI treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention in this prospective observational study. Patients underwent cardiac MRI at 2 (1–4) and 125 (121–146) days after infarction. An increase in end-diastolic volume of ≥20% was defined as LVR.ResultsLVR occurred in 16 (13%) patients. Peak concentrations of the following biomarkers showed significant areas under the curves (AUCs) for the prediction of LVR—NT-proBNP: 0.68 (95% CI 0.59 to 0.76, p=0.03), hs-cTnT: 0.75 (95% CI 0.66 to 0.82, p<0.01), AST: 0.72 (95% CI 0.63 to 0.79, p<0.01), ALT: 0.66 (95% CI 0.57 to 0.75, p=0.03), LDH: 0.78 (95% CI 0.70 to 0.85, p<0.01) and hs-CRP: 0.63 (95% CI 0.54 to 0.72, p=0.05). The combination of all biomarkers yielded a significant increase in AUC to 0.85 (95% CI 0.77 to 0.91) (all vs NT-proBNP: p=0.02, all vs hs-cTnT: p=0.02, all vs AST: p<0.01, all vs ALT: p<0.01, all vs hs-CRP: p<0.01 and all vs LDH: p=0.04).ConclusionsIn patients with reperfused STEMI, the combined assessment of peak NT-proBNP, hs-cTnT, AST, ALT, hs-CRP and LDH provide incremental prognostic information for the prediction of LVR when compared with single-biomarker measurement.
A brief review of E theory
Authors: West Peter 
Published: September 2016

I begin with some memories of Abdus Salam who was my PhD supervisor. After reviewing the theory of nonlinear realisations and Kac–Moody algebras, I explain how to construct the nonlinear realisation based on the Kac–Moody algebra [Formula: see text] and its vector representation. I explain how this field theory leads to dynamical equations which contain an infinite number of fields defined on a space–time with an infinite number of coordinates. I then show that these unique dynamical equations, when truncated to low level fields and the usual coordinates of space–time, lead to precisely the equations of motion of 11-dimensional supergravity theory. By taking different group decompositions of [Formula: see text] we find all the maximal supergravity theories, including the gauged maximal supergravities, and as a result the nonlinear realisation should be thought of as a unified theory that is the low energy effective action for type II strings and branes. These results essentially confirm the [Formula: see text] conjecture given many years ago.
Whitehall quarry, Northern Wedge failure: 22 years of investigation
Authors: Strang D. R. 
Published: September 2016

Abstract

The Northern Wedge Failure (NWF) is a complex failure mass within Whitehall Quarry, Cambridge, New Zealand. Initiation of failure of the
c.
500 000 m
3
mass occurred during spring of 1988. Complete failure was expected following displacement recordings of 2.3–5.6 m a
−1
; however, this did not eventuate. By the mid 1990s, the failure mass was deemed stable. In 2010, an engineering geological investigation was conducted to assess the stability of the NWF at that time. The rock mass that failed comprises moderately dipping interbedded feldspathic sandstone and argillaceous mudstone below a thin alluvial cover. It is bound by two fault planes, both exhibiting up to 100 mm of gravelly clay fault gouge. X-ray diffraction analysis of the gouge indicated the presence of kaolinite and montmorillonite, and Atterberg Limit tests showed the plastic and liquid limits to be 31% and 51%, respectively. Electronic distance monitoring (EDM) was carried out over 12 months. Recorded velocities increased by 17% above the 21 mm/month baseline over the wetter months. Limit equilibrium analysis carried out using historic and recent field and laboratory observations input to the computer software SWedge estimated a Factor of Safety (FOS) of 0.97. Complete failure of the NWF could be initiated at any time by an extended period of heavy rainfall and/or unloading of the toe or the stripping of overburden.
Landslide inventory and susceptibility zoning across SE Australia
Authors: Flentje P. , Miner T. , Stirling D. , Palamakumbure D. , Windle D. 
Published: September 2016

Abstract
A landmark Australian landslide research project, that will produce a series of medium-scale landslide inventory and susceptibility zoning datasets for substantial areas of Australia, is proposed. The project will produce a series of planning tools to facilitate the implementation of the AGS 2007 Landslide Risk Management (LRM) guidelines within government, and also address the new paradigm in risk management of due diligence. The project will also summarize the current variable status of landslide regulations around the country at both state and local government levels. This project will complement the earlier National Disaster Mitigation funding of the Australian Geomechanics Society and will address the difficulty in assembling a meaningful landslide inventory, essential for the development of susceptibility and hazard maps in landslide risk management practice. Susceptibility maps are seen as the best product from which to produce planning and development control areas for use in local government planning schemes addressing landslide issues. The development of a National Landslide Inventory framework would enhance data collection standards for this hazard across Australia. The costs associated with landslide damage and management are poorly documented within Australia and this project will also contribute to enhancing this element. Preliminary figures from early work in this area suggests government spending in the Wollongong area alone is at least $5 million annually since 1950 on landslide related costs. The project will also result in a series of regional to local zoning inventory and susceptibility zoning datasets and associated maps ranging from 1:250 000 and perhaps in some areas up to 1:25 000 scales for substantial areas of Australia. A modelling process will also be documented to promote transparency and to facilitate subsequent review and revisions. Achieving appropriate levels of funding to undertake this project remains a priority for the team. However, substantial elements are being developed already (some of which are summarized in this paper) and the authors are confident this project will come to fruition.