bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimal Periprosthetic Tissue Specimen Number for Diagnosis of Prosthetic Joint Infection
Authors: Peel Trisha N. , Spelman Tim , Dylla Brenda L. , Hughes John G. , Greenwood-Quaintance Kerryl E. , Cheng Allen C. , Mandrekar Jayawant N. , Patel Robin
Published: November 2016

We recently demonstrated improved sensitivity of prosthetic joint infection (PJI) diagnosis using an automated blood culture bottle system for periprosthetic tissue culture [T. N. Peel et al., mBio 7(1):e01776-15, 2016,
https://doi.org/10.1128/mBio.01776-15
]. This study builds on the prior research by examining the optimal number of periprosthetic tissue specimens required for accurate PJI diagnosis. Current guidelines recommend five to six, which is impractical. We applied Bayesian latent class modeling techniques for estimating diagnostic test properties of conventional culture techniques (aerobic and anaerobic agars and thioglycolate broth) compared to inoculation into blood culture bottles. Conventional, frequentist receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was conducted as a sensitivity analysis. The study was conducted at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, from August 2013 through April 2014 and included 499 consecutive patients undergoing revision arthroplasty from whom 1,437 periprosthetic tissue samples were collected and processed. For conventional periprosthetic tissue culture techniques, the greatest accuracy was observed when four specimens were obtained (91%; 95% credible interval, 77 to 100%), whereas when using inoculation of periprosthetic tissues into blood culture bottles, the greatest accuracy of diagnosis was observed when three specimens were cultured (92%; 95% credible intervals, 79 to 100%). Results of this study show that the greatest accuracy of PJI diagnosis is obtained when three periprosthetic tissue specimens are obtained and inoculated into blood culture bottles or four periprosthetic tissue specimens are obtained and cultured using standard plate and broth cultures. Increasing the number of specimens to five or more, per current recommendations, does not improve accuracy of PJI diagnosis.
Virion Background and Efficiency of Virion Incorporation Determine Susceptibility of Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Env-Driven Viral Entry to Inhibition by IFITM Proteins
Authors: Wrensch Florian , Hoffmann Markus , Gärtner Sabine , Nehlmeier Inga , Winkler Michael , Pöhlmann Stefan
Published: November 2016

Interferon-induced transmembrane proteins (IFITMs) can inhibit the cellular entry of several enveloped viruses, including simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV). The blockade of SIV by IFITMs is isolate specific, raising the question of which parameters impact sensitivity to IFITM. We show that the virion context in which SIV-Env is presented and the efficiency of virion incorporation determine Env susceptibility to inhibition by IFITMs. Thus, determinants other than the nature of the envelope protein can impact the IFITM sensitivity of viral entry.

IMPORTANCE
The host cell-encoded IFITM proteins can block viral entry and are an important component of the innate defenses against viral infection. However, the determinants controlling whether a virus is susceptible to blockade by IFITM proteins are incompletely understood. Our study shows that the amount of envelope proteins incorporated into virions as well as the nature of the virion particle itself can impact the sensitivity of viral entry to IFITMs. These results show for the first time that determinants other than the viral envelope protein can impact sensitivity to IFITM and have implications for the interpretation of previously published data on inhibition of viruses by IFITM proteins. Moreover, our findings might help to define the mechanism underlying the antiviral activity of IFITM proteins.
Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus 3C-Like Protease-Mediated Nucleocapsid Processing: Possible Link to Viral Cell Culture Adaptability
Authors: Jaru-Ampornpan Peera , Jengarn Juggragarn , Wanitchang Asawin , Jongkaewwattana Anan
Published: November 2016

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) causes severe diarrhea and high mortality rates in newborn piglets, leading to massive losses to the swine industry worldwide during recent epidemics. Intense research efforts are now focusing on defining viral characteristics that confer a growth advantage, pathogenicity, or cell adaptability in order to better understand the PEDV life cycle and identify suitable targets for antiviral or vaccine development. Here, we report a unique phenomenon of PEDV nucleocapsid (N) cleavage by the PEDV-encoded 3C-like protease (3Cpro) during infection. The identification of the 3Cpro cleavage site at the C terminus of N supported previous observations that PEDV 3Cpro showed a substrate requirement slightly different from that of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) 3Cpro and revealed a greater flexibility in its substrate recognition site. This cleavage motif is present in the majority of cell culture-adapted PEDV strains but is missing in emerging field isolates. Remarkably, reverse-genetics-derived cell culture-adapted PEDV
AVCT12
harboring uncleavable N displayed growth retardation in Vero E6-APN cells compared to the wild-type virus. These observations altogether shed new light on the investigation and characterization of the PEDV nucleocapsid protein and its possible link to cell culture adaptation.

IMPORTANCE
Recurrent PEDV outbreaks have resulted in enormous economic losses to swine industries worldwide. To gain the upper hand in combating this disease, it is necessary to understand how this virus replicates and evades host immunity. Characterization of viral proteins provides important clues to mechanisms by which viruses survive and spread. Here, we characterized an intriguing phenomenon in which the nucleocapsids of some PEDV strains are proteolytically processed by the virally encoded main protease. Growth retardation in recombinant PEDV carrying uncleavable N suggests a replication advantage provided by the cleavage event, at least in the cell culture system. These findings may direct us to a more complete understanding of PEDV replication and pathogenicity.
The Microminipig as an Animal Model for Influenza A Virus Infection
Authors: Iwatsuki-Horimoto Kiyoko , Nakajima Noriko , Shibata Masatoshi , Takahashi Kenta , Sato Yuko , Kiso Maki , Yamayoshi Seiya , Ito Mutsumi , Enya Satoko , Otake Masayoshi , Kangawa Akihisa , da Silva Lopes Tiago Jose , Ito Hirotaka , Hasegawa Hideki , Kawaoka Yoshihiro
Published: November 2016

Pigs are considered a mixing vessel for the generation of novel pandemic influenza A viruses through reassortment because of their susceptibility to both avian and human influenza viruses. However, experiments to understand reassortment in pigs in detail have been limited because experiments with regular-sized pigs are difficult to perform. Miniature pigs have been used as an experimental animal model, but they are still large and require relatively large cages for housing. The microminipig is one of the smallest miniature pigs used for experiments. Introduced in 2010, microminipigs weigh around 10 kg at an early stage of maturity (6 to 7 months old) and are easy to handle. To evaluate the microminipig as an animal model for influenza A virus infection, we compared the receptor distribution of 10-week-old male pigs (Yorkshire Large White) and microminipigs. We found that both animals have SAα2,3Gal and SAα2,6Gal in their respiratory tracts, with similar distributions of both receptor types. We further found that the sensitivity of microminipigs to influenza A viruses was the same as that of larger miniature pigs. Our findings indicate that the microminipig could serve as a novel model animal for influenza A virus infection.

IMPORTANCE
The microminipig is one of the smallest miniature pigs in the world and is used as an experimental animal model for life science research. In this study, we evaluated the microminipig as a novel animal model for influenza A virus infection. The distribution of influenza virus receptors in the respiratory tract of the microminipig was similar to that of the pig, and the sensitivity of microminipigs to influenza A viruses was the same as that of miniature pigs. Our findings suggest that microminipigs represent a novel animal model for influenza A virus infection.
Seventy-six-year-old woman with an unusual anatomy of the left ureter
Authors: Demetriou George A , Perera Sohan , Halkias Constantine , Ahmed Shwan
Published: November 2016

We present a case of a 76-year-old woman, who attended with features suggestive of renal colic; however on imaging, she was found to have a right pelvic kidney and a left-sided uretero-sciatic hernia (USH), identified on CT urography (CT urogram). She was managed conservatively as she had a normal renal function and reported no symptoms in follow-up appointments. USH are rare hernias, where the ureter herniates through the sciatic foramen. Patients might present with sepsis in which case they require emergency stenting either anterograde or retrograde or with pain in which a less urgent approach can be followed and plan for surgery. Our literature review only identified a small number of similar cases, and the most successful treatment method for those symptomatic patients who required a procedure was the surgical repair.
‘Now I care’: a qualitative study of how overweight adolescents managed their weight in the transition to adulthood
Authors: Sweeting Helen , Smith Emily , Neary Joanne , Wright Charlotte
Published: November 2016

Objectives

A qualitative study of recalled experiences of early adolescent overweight/obesity revealed low levels of weight-related concern. This further analysis aimed to explore weight-related concern and weight-loss efforts as participants transitioned into adulthood.

Design, participants and methods

Participants were 35 young adults from a population-based cohort study who had body mass index (BMI) >95th centile between ages 11 and 15 and participated in semistructured interviews aged 24. At age 24, they were categorised as: ‘slimmers’ (N=13) who had lower BMI Z-scores at 24 than their adolescent peak and were not obese (BMI<30 kg/m2); ‘relapsers’ (N=8, of whom 2 were morbidly obese (BMI>35 kg/m2) at age 24); ‘stable’ (N=3, of whom 1 morbidly obese); and ‘gainers’ (N=11, of whom 5 morbidly obese). Themes were identified and coded using NVivo qualitative data analysis software, blind to participants’ current weight status.

Results

Contrasting with the lack of concern recalled in respect of earlier adolescence, weight-related concerns and/or desire to lose weight generally increased around the time of school leaving and almost all participants described some form of exercise (formal/informal) and dietary weight-control strategies. Among ‘slimmers’, there was some (subtle) evidence of more consistent use of exercise, self-monitoring of diet and exercise and of lifestyle changes becoming habitual and/or part of identity. Few participants had accessed professional support. Diet clubs seemed to have been used most by ‘gainers’, some only recently. Labour-market and housing transitions were strong influences, described as facilitating weight losses by some, but increases by others. For some participants, it appeared that weight loss was simply a by-product of these transitions.

Conclusions

In contrast to earlier adolescence, even the heaviest participants tended to show actual weight loss action or preparation for action. The transition to adulthood could thus be a key life stage for interventions.
How do community health committees contribute to capacity building for maternal and child health? A realist evaluation protocol
Authors: Gilmore Brynne , McAuliffe Eilish , Larkan Fiona , Conteh Magnus , Dunne Nicola , Gaudrault Michele , Mollel Henry , Tumwesigye Nazarius Mbona , Vallières Frédérique
Published: November 2016

Introduction

The proposed research is part of ongoing operations research within World Vision's Access: Infant and Maternal Health Programme. This study aims to identify key context features and underlying mechanisms through which community health committees build community capacity within the field of maternal and child health. This may help to improve programme implementation by providing contextually informed and explanatory findings forhowcommunity health committees work,whatworks best and forwhomdo they work for best for. Though frequently used within health programmes, little research is carried out on such committees’ contribution to capacity building—a frequent goal or proposed outcome of these groups.

Methods and analysis

The scarce information that does exist often fails to explain ‘how, why, and for whom’ these committees work best. Since such groups typically operate within or as components of complex health interventions, they require a systems thinking approach and design, and thus so too does their evaluation. Using a mixed methods realist evaluation with intraprogramme case studies, this protocol details a proposed study on community health committees in rural Tanzania and Uganda to better understand underlying mechanisms through which these groups work (or do not) to build community capacity for maternal and child health. This research protocol follows the realist evaluation methodology of eliciting initial programme theories, to inform the field study design, which are detailed within. Thus far, the methodology of a realist evaluation has been well suited to the study of community health committees within these contexts. Implications for its use within these contexts are discussed within.

Ethics and dissemination

Institutional Review Boards and the appropriate research clearance bodies within Ireland, Uganda and Tanzania have approved this study. Planned dissemination activities include via academic and programme channels, as well as feedback to the communities in which this work occurs.
Are housing tenure and car access still associated with health? A repeat cross-sectional study of UK adults over a 13-year period
Authors: Ellaway A , Macdonald L , Kearns A
Published: November 2016

Background

It is usually assumed that housing tenure and car access are associated with health simply because they are acting as markers for social class or income and wealth. However, previous studies conducted in the late 1990s found that these household assets were associated with health independently of social class and income. Here, we set out to examine if this is still the case.

Methods

We use data from our 2010 postal survey of a random sample of adults (n=2092) in 8 local authority areas in the West of Scotland. Self-reported health measures included limiting longstanding illness (LLSI), general health over the last year and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.

Results

We found a statistically significant relationship between housing tenure and all 4 health measures, regardless of the inclusion of social class or income as controls. Compared with owner occupiers, social renters were more likely to report ill-health (controlling for social class—LLSI OR: 3.24, general health OR: 2.82, anxiety η2: 0.031, depression η2: 0.048, controlling for income—LLSI OR: 3.28, general health OR: 2.82, anxiety η2: 0.033, depression η2: 0.057) (p<0.001 for all models). Car ownership was independently associated with depression and anxiety, with non-owners at higher risk of both (controlling for income—anxiety η2: 0.010, depression η2: 0.023, controlling for social class—anxiety η2: 0.013, depression η2: 0.033) (p<0.001 for all models).

Conclusions

Our results show that housing tenure and car ownership are still associated with health, after taking known correlates (age, sex, social class, income) into account. Further research is required to unpack some of the features of these household assets such as the quality of the dwelling and access to and use of different forms of transport to determine what health benefits or disbenefits they may be associated with in different contexts.
Shared decision-making for people living with dementia in extended care settings: protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Daly Rachel , Bunn Frances , Goodman Claire
Published: November 2016

Introduction

Approximately 450 000 people in the UK are living in care homes, 70% of whom are thought to have dementia or significant memory problems. This means that they may need support with day-to-day decisions about their health and care. Shared decision-making interventions can have a positive impact on patient outcomes. They recognise an individual's rights to make decisions about their care or treatment and support person-centred approaches to care delivery.

Methods

A systematic review of studies designed to assess, implement, measure and/or explore shared decision-making with cognitively impaired adults in (or transferrable to) an extended care setting, with a view to answering the research question: How can people living with dementia and cognitive impairment be included in day-to-day decisions about their health and care in extended care settings? The systematic review will be started in May 2016. Studies are excluded that focus on advance decision-making. The search strategy is limited to a 20-year timeframe and English language and includes electronic databases; CINAHL, PubMed, the Cochrane Library, NICE Evidence, OpenGrey, Autism Data, Google Scholar, Scopus and MedicinesComplete.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval not required. Planned dissemination routes for protocol and systematic review through conference presentations, peer-reviewed journals and research networks including the East of England CLAHRC, INTERDEM, and the National Care Homes Research and Development Forum.

Discussion

The review will explore how shared decision-making is characterised and constructed in extended care settings for people living with cognitive impairment and their staff and family carers, in relation to their preferences and desires, the roles people play, facilitators, barriers, risk and benefits. The findings will inform an intervention study facilitating shared decision-making for people living with dementia in care homes and have the potential to inform future policy and practice.

Trial registration number

CRD42016035919.
Scientific Retreats with ‘Speed Dating’: Networking to Stimulate New Interdisciplinary Translational Research Collaborations and Team Science
Authors: Ranwala Damayanthi , Alberg Anthony J , Brady Kathleen T , Obeid Jihad S , Davis Randal , Halushka Perry V
Published: November 2016

To stimulate the formation of new interdisciplinary translational research teams and innovative pilot projects, the South Carolina Clinical and Translational Research (SCTR) Institute (South Carolina Clinical and Translational Science Award, CTSA) initiated biannual scientific retreats with ‘speed dating’ networking sessions. Retreat themes were prioritized based on the following criteria; cross-cutting topic, unmet medical need, generation of novel technologies and methodologies. Each retreat begins with an external keynote speaker followed by a series of brief research presentations by local researchers focused on the retreat theme, articulating potential areas for new collaborations. After each session of presentations, there is a 30 min scientific ‘speed dating’ period during which the presenters meet with interested attendees to exchange ideas and discuss collaborations. Retreat attendees are eligible to compete for pilot project funds on the topic of the retreat theme. The 10 retreats held have had a total of 1004 participants, resulted in 61 pilot projects with new interdisciplinary teams, and 14 funded projects. The retreat format has been a successful mechanism to stimulate novel interdisciplinary research teams and innovative translational research projects. Future retreats will continue to target topics of cross-cutting importance to biomedical and public health research.
Idiopathic sterile pyogranulomatous lymphadenitis in a nine‐month‐old springer spaniel
Authors: Fraga‐Manteiga Eduardo , Fraga Veloso Gemma , Schwarz Tobias
Published: November 2016

A nine‐month‐old, intact male springer spaniel was presented with acute mandibular lymphadenopathy seven days following exploratory coeliotomy and biopsy of an enlarged mesenteric lymph node. Histology was consistent with sterile severe necrotising pyogranulomatous inflammation. An underlying cause of the granulomatous lymphadenitis could not be identified. The dog responded to prednisolone, showing complete resolution of the clinical signs. This could be an unusual presentation of canine juvenile cellulitis, without a cutaneous component and without initial submandibular or prescapular lymphadenopathy.
Use of posaconazole for treatment of disseminated protothecosis in a dog
Authors: Enders Brittany , Olby Natasha , Mariani Christopher L
Published: November 2016

A two‐year‐old female spayed Vizsla presented with progressive ataxia and visual deficits of three weeks’ duration and chronic intermittent large bowel diarrhoea. Protothecal organisms were identified on cytology of rectal scrapings and aspirates of intra‐abdominal lymph nodes andProtothecaspecies were cultured from cerebrospinal fluid.

Treatment with posaconazole for two weeks yielded a marked improvement, with progression of neurological signs noted after changing to itraconazole due to cost. The dog was humanely euthanased 31 days after diagnosis. The clinical improvement produced by posaconazole in this case suggests it may be an effective therapy for this typically fatal disease, but it may currently be cost prohibitive. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first reported use of posaconazole for treatment of disseminated protothecosis in a dog.
Management of life‐threatening hypertension in a 12‐year‐old bichon frise undergoing an adrenalectomy for phaeochromocytoma excision
Authors: Ferreira Jacques Paul , Raszplewicz Joanna
Published: November 2016

A bichon frise, previously diagnosed with a phaeochromocytoma, underwent phenoxybenzamine treatment 17 days before adrenalectomy. Preoperative haematology, biochemistry and oscillometric blood pressure readings for the 12 year old were typical. Before anaesthesia, methadone and medetomidine were administered intramuscularly. Anaesthesia was induced using propofol titrated to permit endotracheal intubation and maintenance of anaesthesia using an isoflurane in oxygen mixture. Invasive blood pressure monitoring by a cannula in a dorsal pedal artery promptly revealed life‐threatening hypertension. Rapid increase in isoflurane concentration, multiple intravenous fentanyl boluses administration and commencement of an esmolol citrate infusion were unsuccessful in attenuating the hypertension observed. Rapid rises in end‐tidal carbon dioxide and resultant tachypnoea necessitated atracurium intravenously and positive pressure ventilation. Hypertension was eventually abolished using intravenous acepromazine, which ultimately caused a hypotensive nadir. Reduction in anaesthetic depth and aggressive fluid therapy resolved hypotension before termination of anaesthesia. Management of hypertension in dogs with phaeochromocytoma remains challenging.
Pre‐trilostane and three‐hour post‐trilostane cortisol to monitor trilostane therapy in dogs
Authors: Macfarlane L. , Parkin T. , Ramsey I.
Published: November 2016

It is recommended that trilostane therapy of canine hyperadrenocorticism is monitored using an ACTH stimulation test, however this has never been validated. Three cortisol concentrations (pre‐trilostane, 3‐hour posttrilostane and 1‐hour post‐ACTH stimulation) were compared to a clinical score obtained from an owner questionnaire. There were 110 sets of 3 cortisol measurements and questionnaires obtained from 67 trilostane treated dogs. Questionnaire results were used to classify each dog as well or unwell. Well dogs were then categorised as having excellent, moderate or poor hyperadrenocorticism control, using thresholds produced by 14 independent veterinarians. Correlation co‐efficients were used to compare the three cortisol concentrations to the owner score and the Kruskal Wallis and Mann‐Whitney U tests were used to compare the three cortisol concentrations between categories of control. Cortisol cut‐off values between significantly different categories were determined using ROC curves. Pre‐trilostane and 3‐hour post‐trilostane cortisol were better correlated to the owner score and had cut‐offs to differentiate between categories of control that had superior sensitivity and specificity results, than the post‐ACTH cortisol. Iatrogenic hypoadrenocorticism was not detected in any unwell dog. This study shows that the pre‐trilostane and 3‐hour post‐trilostane cortisol are potentially better monitoring methods than the ACTH stimulation test.
Anticancer activities of bovine and human lactoferricin-derived peptides
Authors: Arias Mauricio , Hilchie Ashley L. , Haney Evan F. , Bolscher Jan G.M. , Hyndman M. Eric , Hancock Robert E.W. , Vogel Hans J.
Published: November 2016

Lactoferrin (LF) is a mammalian host defense glycoprotein with diverse biological activities. Peptides derived from the cationic region of LF possess cytotoxic activity against cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Bovine lactoferricin (LFcinB), a peptide derived from bovine LF (bLF), exhibits broad-spectrum anticancer activity, while a similar peptide derived from human LF (hLF) is not as active. In this work, several peptides derived from the N-terminal regions of bLF and hLF were studied for their anticancer activities against leukemia and breast-cancer cells, as well as normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The cyclized LFcinB-CLICK peptide, which possesses a stable triazole linkage, showed improved anticancer activity, while short peptides hLF11 and bLF10 were not cytotoxic to cancer cells. Interestingly, hLF11 can act as a cell-penetrating peptide; when combined with the antimicrobial core sequence of LFcinB (RRWQWR) through either a Pro or Gly–Gly linker, toxicity to Jurkat cells increased. Together, our work extends the library of LF-derived peptides tested for anticancer activity, and identified new chimeric peptides with high cytotoxicity towards cancerous cells. Additionally, these results support the notion that short cell-penetrating peptides and antimicrobial peptides can be combined to create new adducts with increased potency.
Provenance analysis reveals mountain uplift in the midsection of the Altyn Tagh Fault during the Middle Miocene
Authors: Zhang Zhiguo , Nie Junsheng , Fang Xiaomin
Published: November 2016

The Altyn Tagh Fault (ATF) defines the northern margin of the Tibetan Plateau; therefore, its tectonic history is key to understanding the plateau’s northward growth. However, our understanding of ATF tectonics is incomplete, owing in part to a lack of constraints in detailed basin evolution studies of this region. Approximately 1700 m of Middle Miocene – Pliocene clastic strata extracted from a section of the Yitunbulake Basin adjacent to the midsection of the ATF records the uplift of the Altyn Tagh Range. This paper reports 490 concordant detrital zircon U–Pb ages derived from this set of strata. In addition, paleocurrents and conglomerate clastic compositions were measured to determine the provenance of the basin. The dominant detrital zircon age populations within these sedimentary rocks are 260–240, 500–400, and 950–900 Ma. The 260–240 Ma component decreases sharply above the Lower (Xia) Youshashan (XYSS) Formation. Moreover, we performed (U–Th)/He dating on 260–240 Ma detrital zircons from the XYSS Formation to determine its source region. The results indicate that sandstones in this formation are most likely sourced immediately from plutonic rocks widely distributed in the Eastern Kunlun Mountains. The upward change in detrital zircon U–Pb age components in the section demonstrates that widespread surface uplift of the Akatengneng Mountains in the midsection of the ATF likely occurred after ∼16–15 Ma, which is synchronous with accelerated tectonic deformation along the ATF and a rapid increase in the sedimentation rate in the Qaidam Basin since the Middle Miocene.
Spatial distribution of narwhal (Monodon monoceros) diving for Canadian populations helps identify important seasonal foraging areas
Authors: Watt C.A. , Orr J.R. , Ferguson S.H.
Published: November 2016

In Canada, narwhals (Monodon monoceros L., 1758) are divided into the Baffin Bay (BB) and northern Hudson Bay (NHB) populations. Satellite tracking of 21 narwhals from BB and NHB provided information on their diving behaviour and was used to identify foraging regions. Previous research from hunted narwhals indicated that narwhals in both populations depend on benthic prey to meet their dietary needs. To evaluate home ranges and define areas important for benthic foraging, we conducted kernel density analysis on narwhal locations and focused on areas where deep diving occurs, as a proxy for foraging, in the winter, spring, and migratory periods. These analyses revealed important areas for foraging for BB narwhals on the summer grounds in Eclipse Sound, and the winter grounds in Davis Strait, as well as on the migratory pathway between regions. Similarly, important areas were identified for the NHB narwhal population in northwestern Hudson Bay in summer, in NHB and Hudson Strait on the migration, and to the east of the entrance to Hudson Strait in the winter. This, along with an analysis of the absolute dive depths, provides information on seasons and regions important for foraging, which is particularly relevant with increasing industrial activities in the Arctic.
A single molecular marker to distinguish between species of Dioscorea
Authors: Techen Natascha , Parveen Iffat , Khan Ikhlas A.
Published: November 2016

Yams are species of the genus Dioscorea (family Dioscoreaceae), which consists of approximately 630 species. The majority of the world production of yams occurs in Africa with 58.8 million t annually, but they are also produced in the Americas and Asia. The saponins in yams have been reported to possess various properties to improve health. The tuber and aerial parts of various species often share morphological similarities, which can cause problems in the proper identification of sample material. For example, the rootstocks and aerial parts of Dioscorea villosa L. share similarities with Dioscorea polystachia Turcz. Dioscorea bulbifera L. may be mistaken for Dioscorea alata L. owing to similar morphologies. Various molecular analyses have been published to help with the identification of species and varieties within the genus Dioscorea. The multi-loci or single-locus analysis has resulted in varying success, some with only a limited discrimination rate. In the present study, a single nuclear genomic region, biparentally inherited, was analyzed for its usefulness as a molecular marker for species identification and discrimination between D. bulbifera, D. villosa, D. nipponica, D. alata, D. caucasica, and D. deltoidea samples. The results of this study show that the LFY genomic region can be useful as a molecular marker to distinguish between samples.
Physical properties of chalcopyrite-type Cu1−xAgxGaTe2 by first-principles study
Authors: Xue Li , Ren Yi-Ming , Hu Zheng-Long
Published: November 2016

[Formula: see text] is a promising thermoelectric (TE) material for high temperature TE applications. This work systematically investigated the structural, elastic and thermodynamic properties of [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text] = 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1) by density functional theory. The calculated lattice volume is expanded with the increase of Ag content, but this expansion is anisotropic. The lattice parameter along [Formula: see text]-axis is linear expansion, and along [Formula: see text]-axis is parabolic expansion, which is in good agreement with available experimental data. The phase stability of [Formula: see text] alloy is studied by analyzing the formation energy, cohesive energy and elastic constants. Shear modulus, Young’s modulus, sound velocities, Debye temperature and the minimum thermal conductivity are obtained from the calculated elastic constants. The results show that Ag substitution could reduce the lattice thermal conductivity, which is helpful for improving the TE properties of [Formula: see text].
ENHANCEMENT EFFECT OF LITHIUM-DOPING FUNCTIONALIZATION ON HYDROGEN ADSORPTION IN METAL-ORGANIC FRAMEWORK
Authors: XIA LIANGZHI , LIU QING , WANG FENGLING , LI YUPENG
Published: November 2016

Grand canonical Monte-Carlo simulation was carried out to study the effect of linker functionalization by Li atoms. In this work, two new Li-doping structures, MOF-808-Li and MOF-808-OLi were theoretically constructed by physical modification and chemical modification, respectively. The results show that both these methods can improve the hydrogen storage performance significantly, owing to the Li atoms increasing the interaction energy between the hydrogen molecules and the Li-doped MOF-808. Furthermore, MOF-808-OLi shows higher hydrogen capacity in comparison to the H2 adsorption in the MOF-808-Li, this can be attributed to the new adsorption sites created by oxygen atom. The gravimetric adsorption capacity of MOF-808-OLi can reach 3.17[Formula: see text]wt.% at 77[Formula: see text]K and 1[Formula: see text]bar, which are significantly higher than the hydrogen adsorption in the unmodified MOF-808.
RANDOM TIME FORWARD-STARTING OPTIONS
Authors: ANTONELLI F. , RAMPONI A. , SCARLATTI S.
Published: November 2016

We introduce a natural generalization of the forward-starting options. The main feature of the contract presented here is that the strike-determination time is not fixed ex-ante, but allowed to be random, usually related to the occurrence of some event, either of financial nature or not. We will call these options random time forward-starting (RTFS). We show that, under an appropriate “martingale preserving” hypothesis, we can exhibit arbitrage free prices, which can be explicitly computed in many classical market models, at least under independence and in absence of simultaneous jumps between the random time and the assets' prices. Practical implementations of the pricing methodologies are also provided. Finally, a credit value adjustment (CVA) formula for these over the counter (OTC) options is computed for the unilateral counterparty credit risk.
DYNAMIC BALANCE SHEET MODEL WITH LIQUIDITY RISK
Authors: HAŁAJ GRZEGORZ
Published: November 2016

Theoretically optimal responses of banks to various liquidity and solvency shocks are modeled. The proposed framework is based on a risk-adjusted return portfolio choice in multiple periods subject to the default risk related either to liquidity or solvency problems. Performance of the model and sensitivity of optimal balance sheet structures to some key parameters of the model are illustrated in a specific calibrated setup. The results of the simulations shed light on the effectiveness of the liquidity and solvency regulation. The flexible implementation of the model and its semi-analytical solvability allows for various easy applications of the framework for the macro-prudential policy analysis.
Synthesis of porphyrin-steroid conjugates
Authors: Ali Hasrat , Osati Samira , Khan Ehtsham H. , Shafiullah  , van Lier Johan E.
Published: November 2016

Steroids linked to porphyrin fluorophores are being developed to improve the selectivity of photosensitizers for photodyanamic therapy and fluorescence imaging of steroid-hormone positive cancers. A number of porphyrin derivatives substituted with one or two steroid moieties coupled via a 17[Formula: see text]-ethynyl group of estradiol, testosterone and 19-nortestosterone were synthesized using Pd(II) as a catalyst.
Fabrication of Novel CuO Films with Nanoparticles-Aggregated Sphere-Like Clusters on ITO and Their Nonenzymatic Glucose Sensing Applications
Authors: Sun Fang , Jiang Hongwei , Zhu Ruihua , Wang Dan
Published: November 2016

In this work, novel nanoparticles-aggregated CuO sphere-like clusters were successfully synthesized on indium tin oxide (ITO) glass through a facile two-step procedure consisting of the fabrication of Cu2O films directly grown on ITO surface by electrodeposition, and subsequent calcinations of Cu2O films leading to the formation of CuO films. The morphology and structure of as-synthesized samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). It was found that the size of nanoparticles constituting sphere-like clusters structure obtained at 200[Formula: see text]C is much smaller than that of obtained at other temperature, which can provide large surface area for catalytic reaction. The CuO/ITO electrode was applied to detect glucose by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and amperometric detection ([Formula: see text]). It was found that the obtained CuO films modified ITO electrode exhibited a much higher electrocatalytic activity for the oxidation of glucose in an alkaline medium through heat treatment of 200[Formula: see text]C. A favorable performance with a high sensitivity of 1841.5544[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]A mM[Formula: see text] cm[Formula: see text] to glucose ranging from 1.0[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]10[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]M to 5.0[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]10[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]M, a low operating potential of 0.35 Vversus Ag/AgCl and a fast amperometric response (within 3[Formula: see text]s) were achieved on such CuO/ITO electrode. It also showed outstanding long-term stability and good reproducibility. Notably, poisoning by chloride ions and interference from ascorbic acid, uric acid and acetaminophen were negligible. Therefore, the nanoparticles-aggregated CuO sphere-like clusters would be a promising candidate electrode material for the development of nonenzymatic glucose sensors.
On endomorphisms of power-semigroups
Authors: Susanti Yeni , Koppitz Joerg
Published: November 2016

An involuted semilattice [Formula: see text] is a semilattice [Formula: see text] with an identity element [Formula: see text] and with an involution [Formula: see text] satisfying [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. We consider involuted semilattices [Formula: see text] with an identity [Formula: see text] such that there is a subsemilattice [Formula: see text] without [Formula: see text] with the property that any [Formula: see text] belongs to exactly one of the following four sets : [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we introduce an associative binary operation [Formula: see text] on [Formula: see text] in the following quite natural way: [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] for [Formula: see text] and characterize all endomorphisms of the orthodox semigroup [Formula: see text].
Law, Settler Colonialism, and “the Forgotten Space” of Maritime Worlds
Authors: Mawani Renisa
Published: November 2016

Law and settler colonialism is not a self-evident, contained, or straightforward field of inquiry. Rather, it uneasily straddles two overlapping bodies of scholarship: legal histories of colonialism and settler colonial studies. In part one, I place these literatures into conversation to trace their contributions, overlaps, and incommensurabilities. In part two, I turn to maritime worlds as a method of speaking across their analytic divides. Here, I consider the Torrens as a system of land registry inaugurated in the colony of South Australia (1858) and as the last clipper ship to be built in Britain (1875). In its recurring and double life, the Torrens offers an illuminating nineteenth-century example of the interconnection and interdependence of land and sea that serves as a useful lesson today. The global exigencies that arise from the past, organize the present, and impinge on the future demand a shift from terrestrial thinking toward the aqueous and amphibian legalities of settler colonial power.
NADPH oxidase-2 mediates zinc deficiency-induced oxidative stress and kidney damage
Authors: Li Mirandy S. , Adesina Sherry E. , Ellis Carla L. , Gooch Jennifer L. , Hoover Robert S. , Williams Clintoria R.
Published: November 2016

Zn2+ deficiency (ZnD) is comorbid with chronic kidney disease and worsens kidney complications. Oxidative stress is implicated in the detrimental effects of ZnD. However, the sources of oxidative stress continue to be identified. Since NADPH oxidases (Nox) are the primary enzymes that contribute to renal reactive oxygen species generation, this study's objective was to determine the role of these enzymes in ZnD-induced oxidative stress. We hypothesized that ZnD promotes NADPH oxidase upregulation, resulting in oxidative stress and kidney damage. To test this hypothesis, wild-type mice were pair-fed a ZnD or Zn2+-adequate diet. To further investigate the effects of Zn2+ bioavailability on NADPH oxidase regulation, mouse tubular epithelial cells were exposed to the Zn2+ chelator N,N,N′,N′-tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine (TPEN) or vehicle followed by Zn2+ supplementation. We found that ZnD diet-fed mice develop microalbuminuria, electrolyte imbalance, and whole kidney hypertrophy. These markers of kidney damage are accompanied by elevated Nox2 expression and H2O2 levels. In mouse tubular epithelial cells, TPEN-induced ZnD stimulates H2O2 generation. In this in vitro model of ZnD, enhanced H2O2 generation is prevented by NADPH oxidase inhibition with diphenyleneiodonium. Specifically, TPEN promotes Nox2 expression and activation, which are reversed when intracellular Zn2+ levels are restored following Zn2+ supplementation. Finally, Nox2 knockdown by siRNA prevents TPEN-induced H2O2 generation and cellular hypertrophy in vitro. Together, these findings reveal that Nox2 is a Zn2+-regulated enzyme that mediates ZnD-induced oxidative stress and kidney hypertrophy. Understanding the specific mechanisms by which ZnD contributes to kidney damage may have an important impact on the treatment of chronic kidney disease.
Role of human premotor dorsal region in learning a conditional visuomotor task
Authors: Parikh Pranav J. , Santello Marco
Published: November 2016

Conditional learning is an important component of our everyday activities (e.g., handling a phone or sorting work files) and requires identification of the arbitrary stimulus, accurate selection of the motor response, monitoring of the response, and storing in memory of the stimulus-response association for future recall. Learning this type of conditional visuomotor task appears to engage the premotor dorsal region (PMd). However, the extent to which PMd might be involved in specific or all processes of conditional learning is not well understood. Using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), we demonstrate the role of human PMd in specific stages of learning of a novel conditional visuomotor task that required subjects to identify object center of mass using a color cue and to apply appropriate torque on the object at lift onset to minimize tilt. TMS over PMd, but not vertex, increased error in torque exerted on the object during the learning trials. Analyses of digit position and forces further revealed that the slowing in conditional visuomotor learning resulted from impaired monitoring of the object orientation during lift, rather than stimulus identification, thus compromising the ability to accurately reduce performance error across trials. Importantly, TMS over PMd did not alter production of torque based on the recall of learned color-torque associations. We conclude that the role of PMd for conditional learning is highly sensitive to the stage of learning visuomotor associations.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Conditional learning involves stimulus identification, motor response selection, response monitoring, memory encoding, and recall of the learned association. Premotor dorsal (PMd) has been implicated for conditional learning. However, the extent to which PMd might be involved in specific or all stages of conditional learning is not well understood. The novel finding of our study is that PMd appears to be involved with monitoring motor responses, a sensorimotor integration stage essential for conditional learning.
Experimental Research and Numerical Simulation on Grouting Quality of Shield Tunnel Based on Impact Echo Method
Authors: Yao Fei , Chen Guangyu , Su Jianhong
Published: November 2016

To identify shield grouting quality based on impact echo method, an impact echo test of segment-grouting (SG) test piece was carried out to explore effect of acoustic impedance of grouting layers and grouting defects on impact echo law. A finite element numerical simulation on the impact echo process was implemented. Test results and simulation results were compared. Results demonstrated that, under some working conditions, finite element simulation results and test results both agree with theoretical values. The acoustic impedance ratio of SG material influenced the echo characteristics significantly. But thickness frequency could not be detected under some working conditions because the reflected energy is weak. Frequency feature under grouting defects was more complicated than that under no grouting defects.
Preparative Purification of Bioactive Compounds from Flos Chrysanthemi Indici and Evaluation of Its Antiosteoporosis Effect
Authors: Li Jia , Lin Xiaosheng , Zhang Yuping , Liu Weicai , Mi Xiaohui , Zhang Jiquan , Su Jiansheng
Published: November 2016

To understand the material basis and underlying molecular machinery of antiosteoporosis activity of the Flos Chrysanthemi Indici (FCI), the consequences of ethanol extract on the bone loss in mice induced due to ovariectomy (OVX) was evaluated. Also, the antiosteoporosis fraction obtained from the FCI ethanol extract was isolated and purified using a preparative high‐speed countercurrent chromatography (HSCCC). The in vitro impact of the compounds was investigated on osteoblast proliferation and differentiation. The results revealed that ethyl acetate fraction with robust in vivo antiosteoporosis activity was obtained. The important compounds purified by HSCCC using gradient elution system included acacetin, apigenin, luteolin, and linarin. The four compounds enhanced the differentiation and proliferation of osteoblasts in MC3T3‐E1 cells. They also augmented the mRNA levels of runt‐related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), osteocalcin (OCN), osteopontin (OPN), and type I collagen (COL I). The AKT signaling pathway was also activated in MC3T3‐E1 cells by the four compounds. The present study demonstrated that the antiosteoporosis effects of FCI did not depend on a single component, and HSCCC efficiently isolated and purified the antiosteoporosis bioactive compounds from FCI.
Establishing Waist-to-Height Ratio Standards from Criterion-Referenced BMI Using ROC Curves in Low-Income Children
Authors: Burns Ryan D. , Brusseau Timothy A. , Fang Yi , Fu You , Hannon James C.
Published: November 2016

The purpose of this study was to establish health-related waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) cut-points associating with FITNESSGRAM’s body mass index (BMI) criterion-referenced standards in low-income children. A secondary aim was to examine the classification agreement between the derived WHtR cut-points and various cardiometabolic blood markers using current recommendations. Participants were 219 children from low-income schools (mean age = 10.5 ± 0.6 years). Waist circumference, height, weight, and cardiometabolic blood markers were collected in a fasting state before school hours. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to determine WHtR cut-points that associated with a child meeting FITNESSGRAM’s age- and sex-specific criterion-referenced standards for BMI. The derived WHtR cut-point was 0.50 (AUC = 0.89,p<0.001; sensitivity = 0.86, specificity = 0.82, and accuracy = 84.3%). Classification agreement using the derived WHtR cut-point with various blood marker standards was statistically significant but considered weak to fair (kappa 0.14–0.34, agreement = 59%–67%, andp<0.01). The WHtR cut-point of 0.50 can be used with strong accuracy to distinguish low-income children who met FITNESSGRAM’s criterion-referenced standards for body composition; however, the evidence was weaker for its use in distinguishing low-income children meeting specific cardiometabolic blood marker recommendations.