bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In vivo lipid ‘tag and track’ approach shows acyl editing of plastid lipids and chloroplast import of phosphatidylglycerol precursors in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Hurlock Anna K. , Wang Kun , Takeuchi Tomomi , Horn Patrick J. , Benning Christoph
Published: June 2018

In plant lipid metabolism, the synthesis of many intermediates or end products often appears overdetermined with multiple synthesis pathways acting in parallel. Lipid metabolism is also dynamic with interorganelle transport, turnover, and remodeling of lipids. To explore this complexity in vivo, we developed an in vivo lipid ‘tag and track’ method. Essentially, we probed the lipid metabolism in Arabidopsis thaliana by expressing a coding sequence for a fatty acid desaturase from Physcomitrella patens (Δ6D). This enzyme places a double bond after the 6th carbon from the carboxyl end of an acyl group attached to phosphatidylcholine at its sn‐2 glyceryl position providing a subtle, but easily trackable modification of the glycerolipid. Phosphatidylcholine is a central intermediate in plant lipid metabolism as it is modified and converted to precursors for other lipids throughout the plant cell. Taking advantage of the exclusive location of Δ6D in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and its known substrate specificity for one of the two acyl groups on phosphatidylcholine, we were able to ‘tag and track’ the distribution of lipids within multiple compartments and their remodeling in transgenic lines of different genetic backgrounds. Key findings were the presence of ER‐derived precursors in plastid phosphatidylglycerol and prevalent acyl editing of thylakoid lipids derived from multiple pathways. We expect that this ‘tag and track’ method will serve as a tool to address several unresolved aspects of plant lipid metabolism, such as the nature and interaction of different subcellular glycerolipid pools during plant development or in response to adverse conditions.
Cannabinoid receptor types 1 and 2 and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐α: distribution in the skin of clinically healthy cats and cats with hypersensitivity dermatitis
Authors: Miragliotta Vincenzo , Ricci Pier Luca , Albanese Francesco , Pirone Andrea , Tognotti Danika , Abramo Francesca
Published: June 2018

Background

Cannabinoid receptors and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐alpha (PPAR‐α) are gaining recognition as potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of skin disorders.

Hypothesis/Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the distribution of cannabinoid type 1 and 2 receptors (CBR1 and CBR2) and PPAR‐α in feline skin and verify whether changes occur in the course of hypersensitivity dermatitis.

Animals

Twelve privately owned cats. Skin samples were obtained from five healthy cats with no skin lesions and seven cats clinically diagnosed with hypersensitivity dermatitis.

Methods and materials

Haematoxylin and eosin stained skin sections were investigated for histopathological changes. Indirect immunofluorescence for CBR1, CBR2 and PPAR‐α was performed on paraffin‐embedded sections, and antibody specificity tested by Western blot analysis.

Results

Skin samples from cats with hypersensitivity dermatitis were all histopathologically diagnosed with eosinophilic dermatitis. CB receptors and PPAR‐α were distributed throughout the skin in both healthy and allergic cats. In normal feline skin, these receptors were mainly distributed in the epithelial compartment. Receptor expression increased in hypersensitivity compared to healthy skin, with the main distribution changes being suprabasal for CBR1, dermal for CBR2 and marked expression of PPAR‐α in hyperplastic epidermis and perivascular infiltrate.

Conclusions and clinical importance

Increased expression of cannabinoid receptors in the skin of cats with hypersensitivity dermatitis suggests an endogenous protective strategy and may support the use of natural cannabinoid receptor or PPAR‐α agonists to treat feline hypersensitivity dermatitis.
The Role of Financial Speculation in Copper Prices
Authors: Koitsiwe Kegomoditswe , Adachi Tsuyoshi
Published: June 2018

The recently ended rise in commodity price boom and the ensuing spectacular price falls that followed, have inspired an interest among the researchers on the role played by other factors besides the physical supply and demand. This paper examines the role played by financial speculation in copper price boom during the last decade. Using least squares with breakpoints, the results indicate that from January 1993 to December 2016 LME real copper spot prices have been characterized by structural changes and its determinants significantly varies in distinct periods. The results reveal that, financial speculation accentuated copper price moves during the last decade. The results support the conclusion that, fundamentals alone cannot fully explain price moves.
Futures Trend Strategy Model Based on Recurrent Neural Network
Authors: Zhang Ru , Huang Chenyu , Chen Shaozhen
Published: June 2018

In recent years, quantitative investment has been widely used in the global futures market, and its steady investment performance has also been recognized by domestic futures investors. This paper takes the CSI-300 stock index futures as the research object and constructs a futures trend strategy model based on recurrent neural network. Furthermore, this paper back tests the strategy at different periods, different transaction costs and different parameters. The results show that the strategy model has strong profitability and robustness.
A structurally derived model of subunit‐dependent NMDA receptor function
Authors: Gibb Alasdair J. , Ogden Kevin K. , McDaniel Miranda J. , Vance Katie M. , Kell Steven A. , Butch Chris , Burger Pieter , Liotta Dennis C. , Traynelis Stephen F.
Published: June 2018

Key points

The kinetics of NMDA receptor (NMDAR) signalling are a critical aspect of the physiology of excitatory synaptic transmission in the brain.

Here we develop a mechanistic description of NMDAR function based on the receptor tetrameric structure and the principle that each agonist‐bound subunit must undergo some rate‐limiting conformational change after agonist binding, prior to channel opening.

By fitting this mechanism to single channel data using a new MATLAB‐based software implementation of maximum likelihood fitting with correction for limited time resolution, rate constants were derived for this mechanism that reflect distinct structural changes and predict the properties of macroscopic and synaptic NMDAR currents.

The principles applied here to develop a mechanistic description of the heterotetrameric NMDAR, and the software used in this analysis, can be equally applied to other heterotetrameric glutamate receptors, providing a unifying mechanistic framework to understanding the physiology of glutamate receptor signalling in the brain.

NMDA receptors (NMDARs) are tetrameric complexes comprising two glycine‐binding GluN1 and two glutamate‐binding GluN2 subunits. Four GluN2 subunits encoded by different genes can produce up to 10 different di‐ and triheteromeric receptors. In addition, some neurological patients contain a de novo mutation or inherited rare variant in only one subunit. There is currently no mechanistic framework to describe tetrameric receptor function that can be extended to receptors with two different GluN1 or GluN2 subunits. Here we use the structural features of glutamate receptors to develop a mechanism describing both single channel and macroscopic NMDAR currents. We propose that each agonist‐bound subunit undergoes some rate‐limiting conformational change after agonist binding, prior to channel opening. We hypothesize that this conformational change occurs within a triad of interactions between a short helix preceding the M1 transmembrane helix, the highly conserved M3 motif encoded by the residues SYTANLAAF, and the linker preceding the M4 transmembrane helix of the adjacent subunit. Molecular dynamics simulations suggest that pre‐M1 helix motion is uncorrelated between subunits, which we interpret to suggest independent subunit‐specific conformational changes may influence these pre‐gating steps. According to this interpretation, these conformational changes are the main determinants of the key kinetic properties of NMDA receptor activation following agonist binding, and so these steps sculpt their physiological role. We show that this structurally derived tetrameric model describes both single channel and macroscopic data, giving a new approach to interpreting functional properties of synaptic NMDARs that provides a logical framework to understanding receptors with non‐identical subunits.
A comparison of student evaluations of instruction vs. students' conceptual learning gains
Authors: Lee LaDoris J. , Connolly Manju E. , Dancy Melissa H. , Henderson Charles R. , Christensen Warren M.
Published: June 2018

For decades, Student Evaluations of Instruction (or Teaching) have been used to evaluate the quality of teaching at universities and colleges nationwide. Often, student evaluations are the sole measurement of teaching quality in higher education, and as a result have been the subject of extensive study. While many of these investigations make claims about the correlations between student evaluations of instruction and student learning, the validity and reliability of both the methodologies and measurement tools in these studies is not clear. The study reported here uses research-based conceptual inventories, such as the Force Concept Inventory (FCI), to make the more rigorous claim that Student Evaluations of Instruction do not correlate with conceptual learning gains on the FCI. In addition, grading leniency by an instructor (i.e., giving easy A grades) does not correlate with increased student evaluations of instruction.
Collegiate Club Swimming: An Examination of Leisure Motivations
Authors: Ramos William Dominic , Anderson Austin Robert , Lee Dohyun
Published: June 2018

The purpose of this study was to determine leisure motivations for college club swimmers in the United States, and to examine differences in motivation by swimmers' gender, university affiliation, ethnicity, and frequency of participation. College club swimmers from a nationwide sample completed the Leisure Motivation Scale (LMS) to assess the strength and differences of varying motivational factors for club swimming participation. Results indicated that social and competency-mastery motivational factors were the most important for this participatory group, and that motivational differences existed based upon respondent university affiliation, ethnicity (White/non-White) and frequency of participation.
Sport Club Participation and Health-Related Outcomes in College Students: Comparisons by Sex and Academic Classification
Authors: Chu Tsz Lun (Alan) , Zhang Tao
Published: June 2018

Using the theory of student involvement, the purpose of this study was to compare sport club participation and health-related outcomes, as well as the association between these two variables by sex and academic classification among college students. Participants were 127 sport club members recruited from a university in the southwestern United States. MANOVA analyses indicated that males reported more recreation center visits, greater sport club satisfaction, and lower subjective vitality than females; freshmen reported more recreation center visits and higher grade point averages (GPAs) than nonfreshmen. Canonical correlation analyses revealed that sport club satisfaction was positively related to GPA and subjective vitality, and sport club memberships were positively related to body mass index in the overall sample. Group differences were found in the direction and magnitude of these relationships. Thus, campus recreation professionals should consider sex and freshman status of sport club participants to target their diverse needs for optimal health-related outcomes.
The Identification of Salient Beliefs concerning University Students' Decisions to Participate in Sport
Authors: Quinton Tom St , Brunton Julie A.
Published: June 2018

The aim of this study was to identify salient beliefs toward university-provided recreational sport in first-year undergraduate students. A purposive sample of 76 students (36 males, 40 females; mean age: 19.2 ± 1.7 years) undertaking various degree subjects at a higher education institution in the North of England, United Kingdom, was used in the study. The instrument was a theory-based open-ended questionnaire informed by the Theory of Planned Behavior, addressing behavioral, normative, and control beliefs. Thematic content analysis and coding was conducted on 30 randomly selected questionnaires followed by a frequency count to identify the modal salient beliefs. The modal set revealed 17 beliefs from a possible 53: six behavioral, five normative, and six control. These beliefs were related to health benefits, enjoyment, friendships, time constraints, study workloads, awareness, and the perception of family, friends, and academics. The results highlight the factors that should be targeted for intervention and provide data to be utilized for a second main quantitative study which will identify more specific belief targets. Due to equivocal intervention success, this formative research can serve to help increase the number of students participating in university recreational sport.
PARP12
suppresses Zika virus infection through PARP-dependent degradation of NS1 and NS3 viral proteins
Authors: Li Lili , Zhao Hui , Liu Ping , Li Chunfeng , Quanquin Natalie , Ji Xue , Sun Nina , Du Peishuang , Qin Cheng-Feng , Lu Ning , Cheng Genhong
Published: June 2018

Interferon stimulates the ADP-ribosylation–dependent degradation of nonstructural Zika virus proteins necessary for viral replication.
Evaluation of the Adequacy of WHO Revised Dosages of the First-Line Antituberculosis Drugs in Children with Tuberculosis Using Population Pharmacokinetic Modeling and Simulations
Authors: Horita Yasuhiro , Alsultan Abdullah , Kwara Awewura , Antwi Sampson , Enimil Antony , Ortsin Antoinette , Dompreh Albert , Yang Hongmei , Wiesner Lubbe , Peloquin Charles A.
Published: June 2018

Optimal doses for antituberculosis (anti-TB) drugs in children have yet to be established. In 2010, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended revised dosages of the first-line anti-TB drugs for children.
Ten-Day Quadruple Therapy Comprising Low-Dose Rabeprazole, Bismuth, Amoxicillin, and Tetracycline Is an Effective and Safe First-Line Treatment for Helicobacter pylori Infection in a Population with High Antibiotic Resistance: a Prospective, Multicenter, Randomized, Parallel-Controlled Clinical Trial in China
Authors: Xie Yong , Zhu Zhenhua , Wang Jiangbin , Zhang Lingxia , Zhang Zhenyu , Lu Hong , Zeng Zhirong , Chen Shiyao , Liu Dongsheng , Lv Nonghua
Published: June 2018

The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of 10-day bismuth quadruple therapy with amoxicillin, tetracycline, or clarithromycin and different doses of rabeprazole for first-line treatment of
Helicobacter pylori
infection. This multicenter, randomized, parallel-controlled clinical trial was conducted between March 2013 and August 2014.
Mutations in
gyrA
and
gyrB
in Moxifloxacin-Resistant Mycobacterium avium Complex and Mycobacterium abscessus Complex Clinical Isolates
Authors: Kim Su-Young , Jhun Byung Woo , Moon Seong Mi , Shin Sun Hye , Jeon Kyeongman , Kwon O Jung , Yoo In Young , Huh Hee Jae , Ki Chang-Seok , Lee Nam Yong , Shin Sung Jae , Daley Charles L. , Suh Gee Young , Koh Won-Jung
Published: June 2018

Data on the frequency of
gyrA
and
gyrB
mutations in fluoroquinolone-resistant isolates of the
Mycobacterium avium
complex (MAC) and the
Mycobacterium abscessus
complex (MABC) are limited. In our analysis, we did not find any resistance-associated mutations in
gyrA
or
gyrB
in 105 MAC or MABC clinical isolates, including 72 moxifloxacin-resistant isolates.
Fitness Costs and the Rapid Spread of
kelch13
-C580Y Substitutions Conferring Artemisinin Resistance
Authors: Nair Shalini , Li Xue , Arya Grace A. , McDew-White Marina , Ferrari Marco , Nosten François , Anderson Tim J. C.
Published: June 2018

Fitness costs are key determinants of whether drug resistance alleles establish and how fast they spread within populations. More than 125 different
kelch13
alleles, each containing a different amino acid substitution, have arisen in Southeast Asian malaria parasite (
Plasmodium falciparum
) populations under artemisinin selection over the past 15 years in a dramatic example of a soft selective event.
In Vitro
Activity of Ceftolozane-Tazobactam against Enterobacter cloacae Complex Clinical Isolates with Different β-Lactam Resistance Phenotypes
Authors: Robin Frédéric , Auzou Michel , Bonnet Richard , Lebreuilly Romain , Isnard Christophe , Cattoir Vincent , Guérin François
Published: June 2018

The study evaluated the
in vitro
activity of ceftolozane-tazobactam (C/T) against 94 unique clinical isolates of
Enterobacter cloacae
complex (ECC). No difference was observed according to the ECC cluster.
Genes and Proteins Involved in
qnrS1
Induction
Authors: Monárrez Rubén , Wang Yin , Fu Yingmei , Liao Chun-Hsing , Okumura Ryo , Braun Molly R. , Jacoby George A. , Hooper David C.
Published: June 2018

Expression of the quinolone resistance gene
qnrS1
is increased by quinolones, but unlike induction of some other
qnr
genes, the bacterial SOS system is not involved and no
lexA
box is found upstream. Nonetheless, at least 205 bp of upstream sequence is required for induction to take place.
Activity of Telavancin against Staphylococcus aureus Isolates, Including Those with Decreased Susceptibility to Ceftaroline, from Cystic Fibrosis Patients
Authors: Roch Melanie , Varela Maria Celeste , Taglialegna Agustina , Rose Warren E. , Rosato Adriana E.
Published: June 2018

Methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) acquisition in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients confers a clinical outcome worse than that in non-CF patients with an increased rate of declined lung function. Telavancin, an approved lipoglycopeptide used to treat infections due to
S. aureus
, has a dual mode of action causing inhibition of peptidoglycan synthesis and membrane depolarization.
Resuscitation-Promoting Factors Are Required for Mycobacterium smegmatis Biofilm Formation
Authors: Ealand Christopher , Rimal Binayak , Chang James , Mashigo Lethabo , Chengalroyen Melissa , Mapela Lusanda , Beukes Germar , Machowski Edith , Kim Sung Joon , Kana Bavesh
Published: June 2018

The cell wall of pathogenic mycobacteria is composed of peptidoglycan, arabinogalactan, mycolic acids, and an outer capsule. This inherent complexity renders it resistant to many antibiotics. Consequently, its biosynthesis and remodeling during growth directly impact viability. Resuscitation-promoting factors (Rpfs), enzymes with lytic transglycosylase activity, have been associated with the revival of dormant cells and subsequent resumption of vegetative growth.
Mycobacterium smegmatis
, a soil saprophyte and close relative of the human pathogen
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
, encodes four distinct Rpfs. Herein, we assessed the relationship between Rpfs and biofilm formation, which is used as a model to study drug tolerance and bacterial signaling in mycobacteria. We demonstrated that progressive deletion of
rpf
genes hampered the development of biofilms and reduced drug tolerance. These effects were accompanied by a reduction in muropeptide production and altered peptidoglycan cross-linking. Collectively, these observations point to an important role for Rpfs in mycobacterial communication and drug tolerance.
Comparative Genomics of the Genus Lactobacillus Reveals Robust Phylogroups That Provide the Basis for Reclassification
Authors: Salvetti Elisa , Harris Hugh M. B. , Felis Giovanna E. , O'Toole Paul W.
Published: June 2018

Lactobacilli have significant scientific and economic value, but their extraordinary diversity means that they are not robustly classified. The 10 homogeneous genera/subgeneric entities that we identify here are characterized by uniform patterns of the presence/absence of specific sets of genes which offer potential as discovery tools for understanding differential biological features. Reclassification/subdivision of the genusLactobacillusinto more uniform taxonomic nuclei will also provide accurate molecular markers that will be enabling for regulatory approval applications. Reclassification will facilitate scientific communication related to lactobacilli and prevent misidentification issues, which are still the major cause of mislabeling of probiotic and food products reported worldwide.
Reduction of Articular and Systemic Inflammation by Kava-241 in a Porphyromonas gingivalis-Induced Arthritis Murine Model
Authors: Huck Olivier , You Jian , Han Xianxian , Cai Bin , Panek James , Amar Salomon
Published: June 2018

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory disease that has been linked to several risk factors, including periodontitis. Identification of new anti-inflammatory compounds to treat arthritis is needed.
Cyclo-(
l
-Phe-
l
-Pro), a Quorum-Sensing Signal of Vibrio vulnificus, Induces Expression of Hydroperoxidase through a ToxR-LeuO-HU-RpoS Signaling Pathway To Confer Resistance against Oxidative Stress
Authors: Kim In Hwang , Kim So-Yeon , Park Na-Young , Wen Yancheng , Lee Keun-Woo , Yoon So-Young , Jie Haneul , Lee Kyu-Ho , Kim Kun-Soo
Published: June 2018

Vibrio vulnificus
, an opportunistic human pathogen, produces cyclo-(
l
-Phe-
l
-Pro) (cFP), which serves as a signaling molecule controlling the ToxR-dependent expression of innate bacterial genes, and also as a virulence factor eliciting pathogenic effects on human cells by enhancing intracellular reactive oxygen species levels. We found that cFP facilitated the protection of
V. vulnificus
against hydrogen peroxide.
Murine Pneumonia Virus Expressing the Fusion Glycoprotein of Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus from an Added Gene Is Highly Attenuated and Immunogenic in Rhesus Macaques
Authors: Brock Linda G. , Liu Xiang , Liang Bo , Lingemann Matthias , Liu Xueqiao , Herbert Richard , Hackenberg Ashley D. , Buchholz Ursula J. , Collins Peter L. , Munir Shirin
Published: June 2018

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is an important human pathogen that lacks a licensed vaccine or antiviral drug suitable for routine use. We describe here the evaluation of recombinant murine pneumonia virus (rMPV) as a live-attenuated vector that expresses the RSV F protein, the major RSV neutralization antigen, as an experimental RSV vaccine. The rMPV-RSV-F vectors expressing RSV F from the first, third, or fourth gene position were genetically stable and were not restricted for replication
in vitro
. In contrast, the vectors exhibited highly attenuated replication in the respiratory tract of rhesus macaques, maintained stable RSV F expression, and induced RSV-neutralizing serum antibodies at high titers similar to those conferred by wild-type RSV. Given the lack of preexisting immunity to MPV in humans and the lack of cross-neutralization and cross-protection between MPV and RSV, an rMPV-vectored RSV vaccine should be immunogenic in both RSV-naive children and RSV-experienced adults.
6S RNA, a Global Regulator of Transcription
Authors: Wassarman Karen M.
Published: June 2018

6S RNA is a small RNA regulator of RNA polymerase (RNAP) that is present broadly throughout the bacterial kingdom. Initial functional studies in
Escherichia coli
revealed that 6S RNA forms a complex with RNAP resulting in regulation of transcription, and cells lacking 6S RNA have altered survival phenotypes. The last decade has focused on deepening the understanding of several aspects of 6S RNA activity, including (i) addressing questions of how broadly conserved 6S RNAs are in diverse organisms through continued identification and initial characterization of divergent 6S RNAs; (ii) the nature of the 6S RNA-RNAP interaction through examination of variant proteins and mutant RNAs, cross-linking approaches, and ultimately a cryo-electron microscopic structure; (iii) the physiological consequences of 6S RNA function through identification of the 6S RNA regulon and promoter features that determine 6S RNA sensitivity; and (iv) the mechanism and cellular impact of 6S RNA-directed synthesis of product RNAs (i.e., pRNA synthesis). Much has been learned about this unusual RNA, its mechanism of action, and how it is regulated; yet much still remains to be investigated, especially regarding potential differences in behavior of 6S RNAs in diverse bacteria.
Divergent Small Tim Homologues Are Associated with TbTim17 and Critical for the Biogenesis of TbTim17 Protein Complexes in
Trypanosoma brucei
Authors: Smith Joseph T. , Singha Ujjal K. , Misra Smita , Chaudhuri Minu
Published: June 2018

Trypanosoma brucei
is the causative agent of African sleeping sickness. The parasite’s mitochondrion represents a useful source for potential chemotherapeutic targets. Similarly to yeast and humans, mitochondrial functions depend on the import of proteins that are encoded in the nucleus and made in the cytosol. Even though the machinery involved in this mitochondrial protein import process is becoming clearer in
T. brucei
, a comprehensive picture of protein complex composition and function is still lacking. In this study, we characterized three
T. brucei
small Tim proteins, TbTim9, TbTim10, and TbTim8/13. Although the parasite does not have the classical TIM22 complex that imports mitochondrial inner membrane proteins containing internal targeting signals in yeast or humans, we found that these small TbTims associate with TbTim17, the major subunit of the TbTIM complex in
T. brucei
, and play an essential role in the stability of the TbTim17 complexes. Therefore, these divergent proteins are critical for mitochondrial protein biogenesis in
T. brucei
.
Persistence of Resident and Transplanted Genotypes of the Undomesticated Yeast Saccharomyces paradoxus in Forest Soil
Authors: Anderson James B. , Kasimer Dahlia , Xia Wenjing , Schröder Nicolas C. H. , Cichowicz Patrick , Lioniello Silvio , Chakrabarti Rudrakshi , Mohan Eashwar , Kohn Linda M.
Published: June 2018

Saccharomyces
yeasts are intensively studied in biological research and in their domesticated roles in brewing and baking, and yet, remarkably little is known about their mode of life in forest soils. We report here that resident genotypes of the yeast
S. paradoxus
are persistent on a time scale of years in their microhabitats in forest soils. We also show that resident genotypes can be replaced by transplanted yeast genotypes. The high inoculum levels in experimental transplantations rapidly decreased over time, but the transplanted genotypes persisted at low abundance. We conclude that, in forest soils,
Saccharomyces
yeasts exist at very low abundance and that dispersal events are rare.
Self-reported child abuse in the home: a cross-sectional survey of prevalence, perpetrator characteristics and correlates among public secondary school students in Kathmandu, Nepal
Authors: Neupane Dipika , Bhandari Parash Mani , Thapa Kiran , Bhochhibhoya Shristi , Rijal Shristi , Pathak Ramjee Prasad
Published: June 2018

Objectives

To explore the prevalence, perpetrator characteristics and the correlates of child abuse in Kathmandu, Nepal.

Methods

For this cross-sectional study, we translated the internationally validated questionnaire developed by the International Society for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect, Child Abuse Screening Tool-Child Home into Nepali. We added questions on descriptive information about students and their family to the questionnaire. We recruited students from 20 schools selected randomly—2 from each of the 10 electoral constituencies of Kathmandu district. In each school, we administered the questionnaires to the students in a classroom selected randomly. To assess the correlates, we ran multilevel multivariable logistic regression models, stratified by schools.

Results

Among the 962 students, 88.88% had experience of at least one form of abuse throughout their lifetime. Psychological abuse was the most prevalent form of abuse (previous year: 75.19%; lifetime: 76.15%) followed by physical abuse, exposure to violence, neglect and sexual abuse. Adults were the most common perpetrators of child abuse (37.55%). The correlates identified in this study mostly aligned with the global literature on correlates of abuse. Female students were more likely to report neglect (previous year: adjusted OR (AOR) 1.50, 95% CI 1.10 to 2.04; lifetime: AOR 1.49, 95% CI 1.10 to 2.02), but no gender difference was observed with other forms of abuse. Students living with a single parent had a greater likelihood of exposure to violence (previous year: AOR 2.55, 95% CI 1.31 to 4.94; lifetime: AOR 2.77, 95% CI 1.39 to 5.53), neglect (previous year: AOR 2.01, 95% CI 1.10 to 3.69; lifetime: AOR 2.08, 95% CI 1.14 to 3.81) and sexual abuse (previous year: AOR 3.03, 95% CI 1.45 to 6.37; lifetime: AOR 2.49, 95% CI 1.21 to 5.14).

Conclusions

Over 88% of students reported experiencing child abuse in the home in one or more forms throughout their lifetime. Delineating the reasons for the high burden and its implications are important topics for future research.
Estimating the economic costs of ethnic health inequities: protocol for a prevalence-based cost-of-illness study in New Zealand (2003–2014)
Authors: Reid Papaarangi , Paine Sarah-Jane , Te Ao Braden , Willing Esther , Wyeth Emma , Vaithianathan Rhema
Published: June 2018

Introduction

There is significant international interest in the economic impacts of persistent inequities in morbidity and mortality. However, very few studies have quantified the costs associated with unfair and preventable ethnic/racial inequities in health. The proposed study will investigate inequities in health between the indigenous Māori and non-Māori adult population in New Zealand (15 years and older) and estimate the economic costs associated with these differences.

Methods and analysis

The study will use national collections data that is held by government agencies in New Zealand including hospitalisations, mortality, outpatient consultations, laboratory and pharmaceutical claims, and accident compensation claims. Epidemiological methods will be used to calculate prevalences for Māori and non-Māori, by age-group, gender and socioeconomic deprivation (New Zealand Deprivation Index) where possible. Rates of ‘potentially avoidable’ hospitalisations and mortality as well as ‘excess or under’ utilisation of healthcare will be calculated as the difference between the actual rate and that expected if Māori were to have the same rates as non-Māori. A prevalence-based cost-of-illness approach will be used to estimate health inequities and the costs associated with treatment, as well as other financial and non-financial costs (such as years of life lost) over the person’s lifetime.

Ethics and dissemination

This analysis has been approved by the University of Auckland Human Participants Research Committee (Ref: 018621). Dissemination of findings will occur via published peer-reviewed articles, presentations to academic, policy and community-based stakeholder groups and via social media.
Outcomes of beta blocker use in cocaine-associated chest pain: a meta-analysis
Authors: Pham Don , Addison Daniel , Kayani Waleed , Misra Arunima , Jneid Hani , Resar Jon , Lakkis Nassir , Alam Mahboob
Published: June 2018

Objectives

Beta blockers (β-blockers) remain a standard therapy in the early treatment of acute coronary syndromes. However, β-blocker therapy in patients with cocaine-associated chest pain (CACP) continues to be an area of debate due to the potential risk of unopposed α-adrenergic stimulation and coronary vasospasm. Therefore, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of available studies to compare outcomes of β-blocker versus no β-blocker use among patients with CACP.

Methods

We searched the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases through September 2016 using the keywords ‘beta blocker’, ‘cocaine’ and commonly used β-blockers (‘atenolol’, ‘bisoprolol’, ‘carvedilol’, ‘esmolol’, ‘metoprolol’ and ‘propranolol’) to identify studies evaluating β-blocker use among patients with CACP. We specifically focused on studies comparing outcomes between β-blocker versus no β-blocker usage in patients with CACP. Studies without a comparison between β-blocker and no β-blocker use were excluded. Outcomes of interest included non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI) and all-cause mortality. Quantitative data synthesis was performed using a random-effects model and heterogeneity was assessed using Q and I2statistics.

Results

A total of five studies evaluating 1794 subjects were included. Overall, there was no significant difference on MI in patients with CACP on β-blocker versus no β-blocker (OR 1.36, 95% CI 0.68 to 2.75; p=0.39). Similarly, there was no significant difference in all-cause mortality in patients on β-blocker versus no β-blocker (OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.26 to 1.79; p=0.43).

Conclusions

In patients presenting with acute chest pain and underlying cocaine, β-blocker use does not appear to be associated with an increased risk of MI or all-cause mortality.
How altruistic organ donation may be (intrinsically) bad
Authors: Saunders Ben
Published: June 2018

It has traditionally been assumed that organ donation must be altruistic, though the necessity of altruistic motivations has recently been questioned. Few, however, have questioned whether altruism is always a good motive. This paper considers the possibility that excessive altruism, or self-abnegation, may be intrinsically bad. How this may be so is illustrated with reference to Tom Hurka’s account of the value of attitudes, which suggests that disproportionate love of one’s own good—either excessive or deficient—is intrinsically bad. Whether or not we accept the details of this account, recognising that altruistic motivations may be intrinsically bad has important implications for organ procurement. One possible response is to say that we should take further measures to ensure that donors have good motives—that they are altruistic is no longer enough. An alternative is to say that, since altruistic donation need not be intrinsically good, we have less reason to object to other motivations.
Genome-scale metabolic reconstruction and analysis forClostridium kluyveri
Authors: Zou Wei , Ye Guangbin , Zhang Jing , Zhao Changqing , Zhao Xingxiu , Zhang Kaizheng
Published: June 2018

Clostridium kluyveri is an anaerobic microorganism that is well-known for producing butyrate and hexanoate using ethanol and acetate. It is also an important bacterium in the production of Chinese strong flavour baijiu (SFB). To obtain a comprehensive understanding of its metabolism, a curated genome-scale metabolic model (GSMM) of C. kluyveri, including 708 genes, 994 reactions, and 804 metabolites, was constructed and named iCKL708. This model was used to simulate the growth of C. kluyveri on different carbon substrates and the results agreed well with the experimental data. The butyrate, pentanoate, and hexanoate biosynthesis pathways were also elucidated. Flux balance analysis indicated that the ratio of ethanol to acetate, as well as the uptake rate of carbon dioxide, affected hexanoate production. The GSMM iCKL708 described here provides a platform to further our understanding and exploration of the metabolic potential of C. kluyveri.
A Dynamic Window Recognition Algorithm for SSVEP-Based Brain–Computer Interfaces Using a Spatio-Temporal Equalizer
Authors: Yang Chen , Han Xu , Wang Yijun , Saab Rami , Gao Shangkai , Gao Xiaorong
Published: June 2018

The past decade has witnessed rapid development in the field of brain–computer interfaces (BCIs). While the performance is no longer the biggest bottleneck in the BCI application, the tedious training process and the poor ease-of-use have become the most significant challenges. In this study, a spatio-temporal equalization dynamic window (STE-DW) recognition algorithm is proposed for steady-state visual evoked potential (SSVEP)-based BCIs. The algorithm can adaptively control the stimulus time while maintaining the recognition accuracy, which significantly improves the information transfer rate (ITR) and enhances the adaptability of the system to different subjects. Specifically, a spatio-temporal equalization algorithm is used to reduce the adverse effects of spatial and temporal correlation of background noise. Based on the theory of multiple hypotheses testing, a stimulus termination criterion is used to adaptively control the dynamic window. The offline analysis which used a benchmark dataset and an offline dataset collected from 16 subjects demonstrated that the STE-DW algorithm is superior to the filter bank canonical correlation analysis (FBCCA), canonical variates with autoregressive spectral analysis (CVARS), canonical correlation analysis (CCA) and CCA reducing variation (CCA-RV) algorithms in terms of accuracy and ITR. The results show that in the benchmark dataset, the STE-DW algorithm achieved an average ITR of 134 bits/min, which exceeds the FBCCA, CVARS, CCA and CCA-RV. In off-line experiments, the STE-DW algorithm also achieved an average ITR of 116 bits/min. In addition, the online experiment also showed that the STE-DW algorithm can effectively expand the number of applicable users of the SSVEP-based BCI system. We suggest that the STE-DW algorithm can be used as a reliable identification algorithm for training-free SSVEP-based BCIs, because of the good balance between ease of use, recognition accuracy, ITR and user applicability.
Ab initio study of thermodynamic properties of bulk zinc-blende CdS: Comparing the LDA and GGA
Authors: Baghsiyahi Fatemeh Badieian , Akhtar Arsalan , Yeganeh Mahboubeh
Published: June 2018

In the present study, we have investigated the phonon and thermodynamic properties of bulk zinc-blende CdS by first-principle calculations within the density functional theory (DFT) and the density functional perturbation theory (DFPT) method using the quasi harmonic approximation (QHA). We calculated the phonon dispersion at several high symmetry directions, density of phonon state, temperature dependence feature of Helmholtz free energy (F), internal energy, bulk modulus, constant-volume specific heat, entropy, coefficient of the volume thermal expansion and Grüneisen parameter estimated with the local density approximation (LDA) and generalized gradient approximation (GGA) for the exchange-correlation potential and compared them with each other. For internal energy, Helmholtz free energy, constant volume heat capacity and phonon entropy the LDA and GGA results are very similar. But, the LDA gives lattice constants that are smaller than GGA while phonon frequencies, bulk modulus and cohesive energies are larger. On the other hand, the results obtained through the GGA approximation for the coefficient of the volume thermal expansion and Grüneisen parameter are larger than those obtained from LDA.
Super inflation mechanism with oscillating scalar fields in F(R,T) gravity
Authors: Keskin A. I.
Published: June 2018

The purpose of this study is to explain the super inflation scenario for the early universe with scalar field which is minimally coupled with theory of [Formula: see text] gravity, where [Formula: see text] is the Ricci curvature scalar and [Formula: see text] is the trace of the energy–momentum tensor (EMT). We consider the model [Formula: see text], where the curvature is minimally coupled with matter. All the modification terms are properly compacted in [Formula: see text], by means of a unified solution. After a vacuum inflation, it is observed that the scalar field oscillations via the power-term in potential [Formula: see text] naturally produce the quintessential type of dark energy. Then, we observe that the matter is created by this type of dark energy during inflation. Also, the spectral index parameter and the tensor-to-scalar ratio are examined for this inflation mechanism.
Revisiting the shadow of a black hole in the presence of a plasma
Authors: Huang Yang , Dong Yi-Ping , Liu Dao-Jun
Published: June 2018

We study the photon’s motion around a black hole in the presence of a plasma whose density is a function of the radius coordinate by a renewed ray-tracing algorithm and investigate the influence of the plasma on the shadow of the black hole. The presence of plasma affects not only the size but also the shape of the black hole shadow. Furthermore, the influence of plasma on trajectories of photons depends on the frequency of the photons. For the high-frequency photons, the influence is negligible, on the contrary, the trajectories of low-frequency photons are affected significantly by the plasma. Interestingly, it is also found that the black hole image would take on a multi-ring structure due to the presence of plasma.
HAUSDORFF DIMENSION OF THE EXCEPTIONAL SETS CONCERNING THE RUN-LENGTH FUNCTION OF BETA-EXPANSION
Authors: ZHANG MENGJIE
Published: June 2018

For any real number [Formula: see text], and any [Formula: see text], let [Formula: see text] be the maximal length of consecutive zeros in the first [Formula: see text] digits of the [Formula: see text]-expansion of [Formula: see text]. Recently, Tong, Yu and Zhao [On the length of consecutive zero digits of [Formula: see text]-expansions, Int. J. Number Theory 12 (2016) 625–633] proved that for any [Formula: see text], for Lebesgue almost all [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] In this paper, we quantify the size of the set of [Formula: see text] for which [Formula: see text] grows to infinity in a general speed. More precisely, for any increasing function [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] tending to [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], we show that for any [Formula: see text], the set [Formula: see text] has full Hausdorff dimension.
AUTOCOVARIANCE AND INCREMENTS OF DEVIATION OF FRACTAL INTERPOLATION FUNCTIONS FOR RANDOM DATASETS
Authors: LUOR DAH-CHIN
Published: June 2018

In this paper we consider the expectation, the autocovariance, and increments of the deviation of a fractal interpolation function [Formula: see text] corresponding to a random dataset [Formula: see text]. We show that the covariance of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is a fractal interpolation function on [Formula: see text] for each fixed [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text]. We also prove that, for a fixed [Formula: see text], the covariance of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is a fractal interpolation function on [Formula: see text]. A special type of increments of the deviation of [Formula: see text] is also investigated.
FRACTAL-BASED ANALYSIS OF THE INFLUENCE OF VARIATIONS OF RHYTHMIC PATTERNS OF MUSIC ON HUMAN BRAIN RESPONSE
Authors: ALIPOUR ZHALEH MOHAMMAD , KHOSROWABADI REZA , NAMAZI HAMIDREZA
Published: June 2018

Analysis of human behavior is one of the major research topics in neuroscience. It is known that human behavior is related to his brain activity. In this way, the analysis of human brain activity is the root for analysis of his behavior. Electroencephalography (EEG) as one of the most famous methods for measuring of the brain activity generates a chaotic signal, which has fractal characteristic. This study reveals the relation between the fractal structure (complexity) of human EEG signal and the applied auditory stimuli. For this purpose, we chose a range of auditory stimuli with different rhythmic patterns. We demonstrated that the fractal structure of human EEG signal changes significantly based on different rhythmic patterns. The capability observed in this research can be applied to other kinds of stimuli in order to classify the brain response based on the types of stimuli.
DECODING OF UPPER LIMB MOVEMENT BY FRACTAL ANALYSIS OF ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAM (EEG) SIGNAL
Authors: NAMAZI HAMIDREZA , ALA TIRDAD SEIFI , KULISH VLADIMIR
Published: June 2018

Analysis of human movements is an important category of research in biomedical engineering, especially for the rehabilitation purpose. The movement of limbs is investigated usually by analyzing the movement signals. Less efforts have been made to investigate how neural that correlate to the movements, are represented in the human brain. In this research, for the first time we decode the limb movements by fractal analysis of Electroencephalogram (EEG) signals. We investigated how the complexity of EEG signal changes in different limb movements in motor execution (ME), and motor imagination (MI) sessions. The result of our analysis showed that the EEG signal experiences greatest level of complexity in elbow flexion and hand-close movements in ME, and MI sessions respectively. On the other hand, the lowest level of complexity of EEG signal belongs to hand-open and rest condition in ME, and MI sessions, respectively. Employing fractal theory in analysis of bio signals is not limited to EEG signal, and can be further investigated in other types of human’s bio signals in different conditions. The result of these investigations can vastly been employed for the rehabilitation purpose.
Structural Damage Identification Based on Strain Frequency Response Functions
Authors: Shadan Fariba , Khoshnoudian Faramarz , Esfandiari Akbar
Published: June 2018

Damage identification using the sensitivity of the dynamic characteristics of the structure of concern has been studied considerably. Among the dynamic characteristics used to locate and quantify structural damages, the frequency response function (FRF) data has the advantage of avoiding modal analysis errors. Additionally, previous studies demonstrated that strains are more sensitive to localized damages compared to displacements. So, in this study, the strain frequency response function (SFRF) data is utilized to identify structural damages using a sensitivity-based model updating approach. A pseudo-linear sensitivity equation which removes the adverse effects of incomplete measurement data is proposed. The approximation used for the sensitivity equation utilizes measured natural frequencies to reconstruct the unmeasured SFRFs. Moreover, new approaches are proposed for selecting the excitation and measurement locations for effective model updating. The efficiency of the proposed method is validated numerically through 2D truss and frame examples using incomplete and noise polluted SFRF data. Results indicate that the method can be used to accurately locate and quantify the severity of damage.
HEART DISEASES DETECTION FROM NOISY RECORDINGS OF SMARTPHONE DEVICES
Authors: HO WEN-HSIEN , CHEN YENMING J. , ZHANG YUZHEN , TAO YANYUN , KUO HSIN-WEN
Published: June 2018

This paper aims to develop an algorithm to detect heart diseases through ordinary smartphones without additional equipment for cost accessibility. Among various vital signs emitted by organs, sounds can be easily observed and carry ample information. However, these sounds are small and noisy. Detecting anomalies involves great challenges in signal processing. This study presents a novel method that overcomes noises to estimate cardiovascular health. We use time-scale techniques in time series analysis to extract disease traits and suppress excessive ambient noises. Using datasets from PhysioNet, our model achieved a nearly 100% accuracy in heart disease diagnosis. Our approach also performs well under excessive noises for diseases producing heart murmurs. With heavy noise contaminated signals, training accuracy still closed to 100%, and the testing accuracy still remained around 84%.