bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of key transcription factors as molecular signatures of HPV‐positive and HPV‐negative oral cancers
Authors: Verma Gaurav , Vishnoi Kanchan , Tyagi Abhishek , Jadli Mohit , Singh Tejveer , Goel Ankit , Sharma Ankita , Agarwal Kiran , Prasad Subhash Chandra , Pandey Durgatosh , Sharma Shashi , Mehrotra Ravi , Singh Sukh Mahendra , Bharti Alok Chandra
Published: February 2017

Prior studies established constitutively active AP‐1, NF‐κB, and STAT3 signaling in oral cancer. Differential expression/activation of specific members of these transcription factors has been documented in HPV‐positive oral lesions that respond better to therapy. We performed a comprehensive analysis of differentially expressed, transcriptionally active members of these pivotal signaling mediators to develop specific signatures of HPV‐positive and HPV‐negative oral lesions by immunohistochemical method that is applicable in low‐resource settings. We examined a total of 31 prospective and 30 formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded tissues from treatment‐naïve, histopathologically and clinically confirmed cases diagnosed as oral or oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC/OPSCC). Following determination of their HPV status by GP5 + /GP6 +  PCR, the sequential sections of the tissues were evaluated for expression of JunB, JunD, c‐Fos, p50, p65, STAT3, and pSTAT3(Y705), along with two key regulatory proteins pEGFR and p16 by IHC. Independent analysis of JunB and p65 showed direct correlation with HPV positivity, whereas STAT3 and pSTAT3 were inversely correlated. A combined analysis of transcription factors revealed a more restrictive combination, characterized by the presence of AP‐1 and NF‐κB lacking involvement of STAT3 that strongly correlated with HPV‐positive tumors. Presence of STAT3/pSTAT3 with NF‐κB irrespective of the presence or absence of AP‐1 members was present in HPV‐negative lesions. Expression of pSTAT3 strongly correlated with all the AP‐1/NF‐κB members (except JunD), its upstream activator pEGFRY1092, and HPV infection‐related negative regulator p16. Overall, we show a simple combination of AP‐1, NF‐κB, and STAT3 members’ expression that may serve as molecular signature of HPV‐positive lesions or more broadly the tumors that show better prognosis.
Classification of mechanisms of strut malapposition after angiographically optimized stent implantation: An optical coherence tomography study
Authors: Agrawal Mayank , Hakeem Abdul , Ahmed Zubair , Uretsky Barry F.
Published: February 2017

Aims

To elucidate causes and extent of strut malapposition in angiographically optimized stenting.

Methods and Results

Using a new classification system for strut malapposition, the mechanisms of stent strut malapposition were classified as localized lumen enlargement, vessel asymmetry, stent undersizing, strut underexpansion and stent deployment issue. Stent implantations (n = 110) in 100 consecutive patients undergoing optical coherence tomography (OCT) after the operator considered the stent as optimally deployed angiographically were reviewed to determine if strut apposition was complete. 127,894 stent struts in 110 stents were analyzed. There were 6,644 struts malapposed (5.2% ±7.3%), with strut malapposition found in 82 of 110 stents (74.5%). Localized lumen enlargement was the most common cause of malapposition (74.4% of malapposition clusters). Stent undersizing was the second most common cause (46.3%) followed by strut under‐expansion in 29.3%, stent deployment issue in 18.2%, and vessel asymmetry in 9.7%.

Conclusion

Malapposition of any degree is common after angiographic stent optimization, occurring in up to three‐quarters of stents. The most frequent mechanism was localized lumen enlargement. The second most common cause of strut malapposition was stent undersizing, which was angiographically invisible. Whether performing OCT after angiographic optimization improves short‐ and long‐term outcomes requires further study. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Unusual findings in thyroid cytology and histology
Authors: Najafian Alireza , Kahan Stacie , Zeiger Martha A. , Olson Matthew T.
Published: February 2017

Introduction

Although cytology and histopathology of thyroid lesions generally fall into common, well‐defined categories, there are uncommon cases with unusual fine needle aspiration (FNA) findings or histology. Herein, we review the prevalence and characteristics of rare thyroid cytology and histopathology findings at a tertiary hospital.

Methods

Institutional data from >31,000 patients with a thyroid pathology from 1995 to 2013 were queried. Both cytology and histology were available in 6,693 patients. After exclusion of the common cytological categories detailed by The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology (TBSRTC) and common histopathology categories, 90 patients with either an unusual FNA, histopathology, or both were identified.

Results

A total of 90 cases were included (19: only unusual FNA; 25: only unusual histology; 46: both unusual cytology and histopathology). The positive predictive value of an unusual FNA for discovering an unusual lesion was 71% (95% CI: 58%–81%). The majority (66%) were females and median age was 59 years. On histopathology, 80 (88%) cases were malignant, 72 (90%) of which were initially diagnosed as malignant on FNA. Of the 10 benign lesions, 8 (80%) also had a benign FNA. Patients with unusual malignant lesions were significantly older than those with unusual benign lesions (62 vs. 44 years; P: 0.004).

Conclusion

Unusual cytopathological and histopathological findings in thyroid comprise a varied group of tumors that are individually rare but collectively common. A preoperative FNA with an unusual cytopathology is likely to lead to an unusual histopathological diagnosis; however, its diagnostic accuracy in differentiating benign from malignant is lower than the accuracy of cytopathology of conventional TBSRTC. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2017;45:185–190. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Primary anorectal mucosal melanoma detected by anorectal cytology
Authors: Lau Ryan Paul , Chiaffarano Jeanine , Alexander Melissa , Octavius Jolene , Azar Omar , Shi Yan , Yee‐Chang Melissa
Published: February 2017

The detection of primary anorectal melanoma on anal cytology is a rare and challenging diagnosis. We report a case where anorectal cytology showed isolated malignant cells with oval nuclei, prominent nucleoli, and elongated wispy cytoplasmic projections. There was no evidence of squamous dysplasia or melanin pigment identified. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a primary anorectal melanoma detected in anorectal cytology. Detection of malignancies other than squamous cell carcinoma can be seen on anorectal cytology and should be considered when there is no evidence of anal intraepithelial neoplasia. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2017;45:452–455. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Functionality‐fragility surfaces
Authors: Karamlou Aman , Bocchini Paolo
Published: February 2017

The evaluation of functionality and its evolution in the aftermath of extreme events and during the restoration phase is a critical step in disaster resilience assessment. To this respect, this paper presents the ‘Functionality‐Fragility Surface’ (FFS), which is a tool for probabilistic functionality and resilience evaluation of damaged structures, infrastructure systems, and communities. FFS integrates two well‐known tools, namely Fragility Curves and Restoration Functions, to present the probability of loss of functionality of a system as a function of the extreme‐event intensity, as well as the elapsed time from the initiation of the restoration process. Because of their versatility, FFSs can be applied to components and systems belonging to different infrastructure sectors (e.g., transportation, power distribution, and telecommunication), so they provide a common rigorous paradigm for integrated resilience analyses of multiple sectors, as well as for studies on interdependencies within and across sectors. While it is shown that FFSs can be developed using available data and simple computations for different types of structures and infrastructure systems, this paper proposes also a sophisticated simulation‐based methodology to develop FFSs for individual bridges, taking into account the uncertainties involved in the response, damage, and restoration scheduling of bridges. A Multi‐Span Simply Supported Steel Girder bridge is used to showcase the application of the proposed methodology. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of strategies to minimize ecotoxic side‐effects of sorbent‐based sediment remediation
Authors: Han Zhantao , Abel Sebastian , Akkanen Jarkko , Werner David
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND

In situ sorbent amendment for persistent organic pollutant sequestration in sediment has over the past 15 years steadily progressed from bench‐scale trials to full‐scale remediation applications. Hindering a wider technology uptake are, however, concerns about ecotoxic side‐effects of the most commonly used sorbent, activated carbon, on sensitive, sediment dwelling organisms like Lumbriculus variegatus. Using River Tyne sediment polluted with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and L. variegatus as a case study, sorbent alternatives and magnetic sorbent‐recovery were investigated as potential engineering strategies to mitigate such ecotoxic side‐effects. The potential benefits of contacting the treated sediment with fresh River Tyne water, as would naturally occur over time in the intended applications, were studied.

RESULTS

Magnetic biochar was identified as an effective PAH sorbent with less ecotoxic side‐effects than magnetic activated carbon. After 85.1–100% magnetic recovery of this biochar, no ecotoxic side‐effects on L. variegatus were measurable in the treated sediment. Results show that ecotoxic effects of magnetic activated carbon can be alleviated through sorbent recovery. In contrast, contacting treated sediment repeatedly with River Tyne water had no measurable benefits.

CONCLUSIONS

Magnetic biochar is a promising sorbent material for the remediation of PAH polluted sediment. © 2017 The Authors. Journal of Chemical Technology & Biotechnology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Cationic imprinting of Pb(II) within composite networks based on bovine or fish chondroitin sulfate
Authors: Ferreira Vanessa R.A. , Azenha Manuel A. , Mêna M. Teresa , Moura Cosme , Pereira Carlos M. , Pérez‐Martín Ricardo I. , Vázquez José A. , Silva A. Fernando
Published: February 2017

Imprinting chondroitin sulfate (CS)/silica composites with Pb(II) and Cu(II) cations was explored with CS of bovine and different fish species origin. The process was based on the assumption that particular arrangements of the linear CS chains in aqueous solution, induced so as to accommodate cross complexation with the cations, would be embodied into a tridimensional matrix created through an organoalkoxysilane sol‐gel scheme. The presence of Cu(II) in the synthesis of the composites did not result in the production of significantly stronger Cu(II)‐oriented binding arrangements, and therefore, the imprinting was not successful. Inversely, for Pb(II), the materials obtained exhibited a “memory” effect for the Pb(II) ions, expressed in the observation of stronger (13%‐44%) binding as compared to the nonimprinted counterparts, and increased selectivity (1.5‐2 folds) against Cd(II). The imprinting features observed were dependent on the CS source. However, it was not possible to identify, among a set of their properties (carboxylate and sulfate abundance, percent of disulfated units, 4S/6S ratio, and molecular weight), any that correlated directly with the observed imprinting features. The augmented selectivity provided by the cation‐imprinting process may be advantageous in areas such as analytical separation, remediation, purification, sensing, and others, particularly in those cases where a certain cation is of special interest within a mixture of them.
Determination of oleanolic acid in human plasma and its association with olive oil intake in healthy Spanish adults within the EPIC Spain cohort study
Authors: Buckland Genevieve , Pastor Antoni , Lujan‐Barroso Leila , Gonzalez Carlos Alberto , Travier Noemie , Amiano Pilar , Huerta José María , Agudo Antonio , Navarro Carmen , Chirlaque María Dolores , Sánchez Maria‐José , Rodríguez‐Barranco Miguel , Barricarte Aurelio , Ardanaz Eva , Dorronsoro Miren , Molinuevo Amaia , Quirós José Ramón , de la Torre Rafael
Published: February 2017

Scope

Oleanolic acid (OA) is an important triterpenic compound found in olive oil, however little is known about its concentrations in human plasma. We aimed to determine plasma OA levels in a healthy Spanish population and compare them with estimates of dietary olive oil intake.

Methods and results

The final study sample included 141 individuals randomly selected from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition Spanish cohort. Dietary olive oil intake was estimated using validated dietary history questionnaires. OA concentrations were determined in plasma (from the participants’ stored blood samples) using a HPLC‐MS method. Correlation coefficients between OA and olive oil intake were calculated, adjusting for center; sex; age; consumption of olives, apples, grapes, and red wine; and fasting state. The mean OA concentration in olive oil nonconsumers was 0.72 ng/mL (SD 0.82), while in the high olive oil intake group it was 1.32 ng/mL (SD 1.14). The fully adjusted partial Spearman correlations coefficients reached 0.36 (p‐value < 0.001) overall, varying minimally by sex and fasting state.

Conclusion

This is the first study providing steady‐state concentrations of triterpenes in humans. The results show that there was low‐to‐moderate correlation between OA concentrations and olive oil intake in this population.
miRNAs in human subcutaneous adipose tissue: Effects of weight loss induced by hypocaloric diet and exercise
Authors: Kristensen Malene M. , Davidsen Peter K. , Vigelsø Andreas , Hansen Christina N. , Jensen Lars J. , Jessen Niels , Bruun Jens M. , Dela Flemming , Helge Jørn W.
Published: February 2017

Objective

Obesity is central in the development of insulin resistance. However, the underlying mechanisms still need elucidation. Dysregulated microRNAs (miRNAs; post‐transcriptional regulators) in adipose tissue may present an important link.

Methods

The miRNA expression in subcutaneous adipose tissue from 19 individuals with severe obesity (10 women and 9 men) before and after a 15‐week weight loss intervention was studied using genome‐wide microarray analysis. The microarray results were validated with RT‐qPCR, and pathway enrichment analysis of in silico predicted targets was performed to elucidate the biological consequences of the miRNA dysregulation. Lastly, the messenger RNA (mRNA) and/or protein expression of multiple predicted targets as well as several proteins involved in lipolysis were investigated.

Results

The intervention led to upregulation of miR‐29a‐3p and miR‐29a‐5p and downregulation of miR‐20b‐5p. The mRNA and protein expression of predicted targets was not significantly affected by the intervention. However, negative correlations between miR‐20b‐5p and the protein levels of its predicted target, acyl‐CoA synthetase long‐chain family member 1, were observed. Several other miRNA‐target relationships correlated negatively, indicating possible miRNA regulation, including miR‐29a‐3p and lipoprotein lipase mRNA levels. Proteins involved in lipolysis were not affected by the intervention.

Conclusions

Weight loss influenced several miRNAs, some of which were negatively correlated with predicted targets. These dysregulated miRNAs may affect adipocytokine signaling and forkhead box protein O signaling.
cis‐1,4‐specific carbocationic polymerization and copolymerization of 1,3‐dienes initiated by (S,S)‐bis(oxazolinylphenyl)amine chromium complexes
Authors: Huang Yingda , He Jianyun , Cai Guilong , Liu Zhanxiong , Li Tingting , Du Tingting , Zhang Shaowen , Yao Bo , Li Xiaofang
Published: February 2017

Two new chiral (S,S)‐bis(oxazolinylphenyl)amine chromium dichloride complexes have been synthesized and structurally characterized. In combination with 2 equiv. of borate and an excess of AlR3, such Cr complexes serve as effective cationic initiators in the stereoregular carbocationic polymerization of 1,3‐dienes such as isoprene (IP) and myrcene (MY), affording cyclized cis‐1,4‐PIPs/PMys (cis‐1,4‐selectivity up to 96%) with cyclic sequence contents ranging from 26% to 87%. Moreover, these Cr initiator systems also exhibit an unprecedented control over sequence distribution of comonomers in the carbocationic copolymerization of IP and MY, preparing novel copolymers with different microstructures from mainly cyclized cis‐1,4‐specific statistical copolymers to cyclic olefin copolymers. The nature of Cr complex, borate, AlR3, temperature, molar ratio of comonomers has considerable effect on the (co)polymer's yield, stereoselectivity, cyclization, and comonomer sequence distribution. A plausible mechanism is suggested, which gives a new strategy for biomimetic synthesis of natural rubber. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016, 55, 1250–1259
Different Transmission Enhancement Mechanisms in a Sandwiched Nanofilm
Authors: Zhou Yadong , Zhao Yan , Zou Shengli
Published: February 2017

Using numerical approaches, two different mechanisms leading to enhanced transmission in a sandwiched nanofilm are demonstrated. The film is composed of a flat silver layer and two layers of silver prisms arrays on its both sides. The central flat silver layer is coated with glass substrates on its both sides and the silver prisms arrays are deposited on the glass layers. In the calculations, two different mechanisms leading to enhanced transmission are found. One mechanism follows the conventional believing in which the resonance wavelength depends on the neighboring distance between silver prisms in the array. The enhancement is due to the coupling of propagating surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs). In another mechanism, the resonance wavelength depends on the distance between the silver prisms array and the flat film rather than the neighboring distance between silver prisms in the array. The enhancement is due to the localized surface plasmons instead of propagating SPPs. By changing the thickness of the glass layers, these two mechanisms can also work cooperatively. Parameters that affect the enhanced transmission of the sandwiched nanofilm were also briefly studied.
Catalytic action of Mn‐superoxide dismutase in scavenging superoxide radical anion by double hydrogen abstraction from dihydrolipoic acid: A theoretical study
Authors: Kumar Prasad Ajit , Mishra Phool Chand
Published: February 2017

The mechanism of scavenging superoxide radical anion (
) by dihydrolipoic acid (diLA) in absence and presence of the enzyme Manganese‐superoxide dismutase (Mn‐SOD) has been investigated using density functional theory. Mn‐SOD was modelled by a complex of a manganese cation (Mn2+) bonded to three similar molecules having a histidine ring each and a water molecule. It has been shown that the scavenging mechanism involves double hydrogen abstraction by
from different pairs of neighboring sites of diLA. It has been found that diLA alone cannot scavenge superoxide radical anions efficiently as the barrier energies involved in the reactions are very high. However, in presence of Mn‐SOD, owing to its catalytic action, the corresponding reactions become barrierless due to which superoxide radical anions would be scavenged highly efficiently. H2O2 formed from superoxide radical anion due to double hydrogen abstraction from diLA is scavenged by diLA alone barrierlessly without involving Mn‐SOD or any other catalyst.
Real‐time decomposition of three kinds of structural S‐boxes
Authors: Cui Ting , Liu Guo‐Qiang , Song Wei‐Tao
Published: February 2017

S‐box is one of the most important components of modern cipher. For efficient implementation and to avoid a purely algebraic construction, utilizing special cipher structure and small‐size random permutation to design S‐boxes seems to be an attractive approach. In this paper, we focus on the structure‐recovery problem on three kinds of S‐boxes, that is, specify the inner transformations from the look‐up table, which allows a much more efficient hardware implementation. For a given n‐bit bijection, with introducing equivalent structures, we decompose it into three‐layer Feistel/MISTY/Lai–Massey within time complexity O(2n/2) and 2 − n/2 part of the full codebook. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Predicting the behavior of attackers and the consequences of attacks against cyber‐physical systems
Authors: Orojloo Hamed , Abdollahi Azgomi Mohammad
Published: February 2017

One of the main challenges of the security of cyber‐physical systems (CPSs) is the lack of an efficient approach to evaluate the impacts of attacks on physical processes and their probabilities of occurrence. This paper proposes a method for evaluating the security of CPSs. By using the proposed method, one can predict the attacker's preferences in attacking CPSs and study the dynamic behavior of systems under security attacks. To deal with uncertainties in attacker's decision making to conduct attacks, the attack tree structure is used and parameterized with suitable fuzzy data. In the next step, the fuzzy technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution method is used to evaluate the model and predict the behavior of attackers. Besides, the dynamic behavior of CPSs under attacks is investigated by using the system's process model. The output of the model is a relative estimation of the security level of system based on suitable security metrics, such as the probability of attack scenarios, the time that the process is able to operate after conducting attack before shutting down (time‐to‐shutdown), and security risks. We illustrate the effectiveness of the method by comparing it with another attack tree‐based method. Furthermore, we present two illustrative examples and estimate the defined quantitative security measures. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Expectancy‐value and children's science achievement: Parents matter
Authors: Thomas Julie A. , Strunk Kamden K.
Published: February 2017

This longitudinal study explored the ways parents’ and teachers’ expectancy for success influences 3rd–5th children's expectancy for success and achievement in science. Guided by an open‐systems perspective and functional (Ballantine & Roberts, 2007) and expectancy‐value (Eccles, 2005, 2007) theories, we focused on school related socialization processes and the role of parents and teachers in shaping children's abilities and skills. Participants included 153 children from 23 rural, Oklahoma schools and provided matched sets of parent, teacher, and child surveys. Weisgram and Bigler’ (2006) science self‐efficacy subscale organized survey items where wording changes allowed parallel parent and teacher versions of the scale. Achievement was determined by test scores on the state‐administered Oklahoma Core Curriculum Tests (OCCT). Results showed teachers’ expectancy for children's success in science did not significantly predict students’ fifth grade science achievement. However, regression analyses showed parents’ expectancy did predict students’ fifth grade science achievement. The relationship was statistically significant and explained about 19% of the variance in fifth grade science achievement test scores (R2 = 0.19). We further determined that children's science self‐efficacy significantly influenced science achievement scores (β = 0.20) (however, this was a far weaker influence than the direct effect of parents’ expectancy [β = 0.38] of children's success in science). The novel finding is that parents have an influence on children's achievement over and above children's own self‐efficacy beliefs about science. Clearly, parents matter when it comes to science achievement. Though it seems parents are more influential than teachers when it comes to children's own expectations and achievement success in elementary science, we encourage further consideration of parent expectancy as it relates to child ability and achievement, modified classroom strategies, and home–school relations to better align teachers’ positive influence on children's expectancy for success. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 54:693–712, 2017
A Normative Argument Against Explosion
Authors: Pinder Mark ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: February 2017

One strategy for defending paraconsistent logics involves raising ‘normative arguments’ against the inference rule explosion. Florian Steinberger systematically criticises a wide variety of formulations of such arguments. I argue that, for one such formulation, Steinberger’s criticisms fail. I then sketch an argument, available to those who deny dialetheism, in defence of the formulation in question.
Constant luminance (cd·s/m2) versus constant retinal illuminance (Td·s) stimulation in flicker ERGs
Authors: Davis C. Quentin , Kraszewska Olga , Manning Colette
Published: February 2017

Purpose

To compare the effect of variable pupil size on the flicker electroretinogram (ERG) between a stimulus having constant luminance and a stimulus having constant retinal illuminance (constant Troland) that compensates for pupil size.

Methods

Subjects (n = 18) were tested with 12 pairs of the stimuli. The stimulus pair consisted of the ISCEV standard constant luminance stimulus (3 cd·s/m2 with a 30 cd/m2 background) and a constant retinal illuminance stimulus (32 Td·s with a 320 Td background) selected to provide the same stimulus and background when the pupil diameter is 3.7 mm. Half the subjects were artificially dilated, and their response was measured before and during the dilation. The natural pupil group was used to assess intra- and inter-subject variability. The artificially dilated group was used to measure the flicker ERG’s dependence on pupil size.

Results

With natural pupils, intra-subject variability was lower with the constant Troland stimulus, while inter-subject variability was similar between stimuli. During pupil dilation, the constant Troland stimulus did not have a dependence on pupil size up to 6.3 mm and had slightly larger amplitudes with longer implicit times for fully dilated pupils. For the constant luminance stimulus, waveform amplitudes varied by 22% per mm change in pupil diameter, or by 48% over the 2.2 mm diameter range measured in dilated pupil size. There was no difference in inter-subject variability between constant Troland natural pupils and the same subjects with a constant luminance stimulus when dilated (i.e., the ISCEV standard condition).

Conclusions

These results suggest that a constant Troland flicker ERG test with natural pupils may be advantageous in clinical testing. Because of its insensitivity to pupil size, constant Troland stimuli should produce smaller reference ranges, which in turn should improve the sensitivity for detection of abnormalities and for monitoring changes. In addition, the test can be administered more efficiently as it does not require artificial dilation.

Clinical Trial registration number

This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02466607).
Prediction of motivational impairment: 12-month follow-up of the randomized-controlled trial on extended early intervention for first-episode psychosis
Authors: Chang W.C. , Kwong V.W.Y. , Chan G.H.K. , Jim O.T.T. , Lau E.S.K. , Hui C.L.M. , Chan S.K.W. , Lee E.H.M. , Chen E.Y.H.
Published: February 2017

Background

Amotivation is prevalent in first-episode psychosis (FEP) patients and is a major determinant of functional outcome. Prediction of amotivation in the early stage of psychosis, however, is under-studied. We aimed to prospectively examine predictors of amotivation in FEP patients in a randomized-controlled trial comparing a 1-year extension of early intervention (Extended EI, 3-year EI) with step-down psychiatric care (SC, 2-year EI).

Methods

One hundred sixty Chinese patents were recruited from a specialized EI program for FEP in Hong Kong after they have completed this 2-year EI service, randomly allocated to Extended EI or SC, and followed up for 12 months. Assessments on premorbid adjustment, onset profiles, baseline symptom severity and treatment characteristics were conducted. Data analysis was based on 156 subjects who completed follow-up assessments.

Results

Amotivation at 12-month follow-up was associated with premorbid adjustment, allocated treatment condition, and levels of positive symptoms, disorganization, amotivation, diminished expression (DE) and depression at study intake. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis revealed that Extended EI and lower levels of DE independently predicted better outcome on 12-month amotivation.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate a potentially critical therapeutic role of an extended specialized EI on alleviating motivational impairment in FEP patients. The longer-term effect of Extended EI on amotivation merits further investigation.
Can video interventions be used to effectively destigmatize mental illness among young people? A systematic review
Authors: Janoušková M. , Tušková E. , Weissová A. , Trančík P. , Pasz J. , Evans-Lacko S. , Winkler P.
Published: February 2017

Video is considered to be an effective, easy to use tool employed in anti-stigma interventions among young people. Mass media has been shown to be effective for reducing stigma; however, there is insufficient evidence to determine the destigmatization effects of videos specifically. This article systematically reviews the effectiveness of video intervention in reducing stigma among young people between 13 and 25 years. We searched 13 electronic databases including randomized controlled trials, cluster randomized controlled trials, and controlled before and after studies. Of the 1426 abstracts identified, 23 studies (reported in 22 papers) met the inclusion criteria. Video interventions led to improvements in stigmatising attitudes. Video was found to be more effective than other interventions, such as classical face-to-face educational sessions or simulation of hallucinations. According to results of two studies, social contact delivered via video achieved similar destigmatization effect to that delivered via a live intervention. Although the quality of studies as well as the form of video interventions varied, the findings suggest that video is a promising destigmatization tool among young people; however, more studies in this area are needed. There was a lack of evidence for interventions outside of school environments, in low- and middle-income countries, and studies, which looked at long-term outcomes or measured impact on actual behaviour and implicit attitudes. The review generates recommendations for video interventions targeted at young people.
Habilidades clínicas, inteligencia emocional percibida y desgaste laboral en médicos pasantes de servicio social
Authors: Ortiz-Acosta Rogelio , Beltrán-Jiménez Beatriz Elena
Published: February 2017

Introducción: Durante su servicio social el médico pasante tiene la oportunidad de integrar y aplicar los conocimientos adquiridos en su formación académica, y al atender a sus usuarios, pondrá en marcha las habilidades clínicas y la facultad de relacionarse emocionalmente con sus pacientes. Objetivo: Evaluar la relación entre habilidades clínicas, inteligencia emocional percibida y desgaste laboral en médicos pasantes de servicio social en los Servicios de Salud de Sonora. Método: Estudio de corte transversal y de correlación, participaron 56 médicos pasantes con seis meses de iniciado su servicio social. Aplicándose los siguientes instrumentos de evaluación: Cuestionario de Habilidades Clínicas; Inventario Burnout de Maslach y Trait Meta Mood Scale TMMS-24 que evalúa la inteligencia emocional percibida. El análisis estadístico incluyó medidas de frecuencia y análisis de correlación de Spearman. Resultados: Se encontraron relaciones estadísticamente significativas, habilidades clínicas que correlacionó de manera positiva con claridad (r = 0.28; p < 0.03) y reparación (r = 0.33; p < 0.01); de forma negativa con agotamiento (r = −0.34; p < 0.03) y despersonalización (r = −0.27; p < 0.04). Claridad emocional correlacionó de modo negativo con agotamiento (r = −0.32; p < 0.01) y despersonalización (r = −0.26; p < 0.04), y positivamente con realización (r = 0.40; p < 0.00). Reparación de emociones se relaciona de forma negativa con agotamiento (r = −0.34; p < 0.00) y de manera positiva con realización (r = 0.38; p < 0.0). Conclusiones: Los resultados obtenidos nos indican que, cuando el médico pasante de servicio social posee una adecuada claridad y reparación emocional se incrementan sus habilidades clínicas, es decir la capacidad para la entrevista, mejora en la relación médico paciente y comunicación con el mismo. Cuando se incrementa la claridad y reparación de emociones disminuyen agotamiento emocional y la despersonalización, y aumenta su realización personal. Lo anterior nos revela que poseer una adecuada claridad y reparación de estados emocionales, mejora las habilidades clínicas del médico pasante de servicio social.
Aneurysm Tears Caused by an Aneurysm Clip Springing from the Clip Applier
Authors: Murai Yasuo , Shirokane Kazutaka , Kitamura Takao , Matano Fumihiro , Morita Akio
Published: February 2017

We experienced two cases in which aneurysm clips sprang from the applier. In case 1, a subdural haematoma from a ruptured anterior cerebral artery aneurysm was detected. When the clip was opened for final positioning, it suddenly sprang from the applier and ruptured the aneurysm. In case 2, the clip suddenly sprang from the applier as the surgeon opened the applier to clip an unruptured anterior cerebral aneurysm. These accidental phenomena are rare but dangerous. We present these cases to help prevent similar occurrences in the future. Video recordings of actual procedures can point to potential mechanisms and help reduce the incidence of this complication.
How to Choose? Using the Delphi Method to Develop Consensus Triggers and Indicators for Disaster Response
Authors: Lis Rebecca , Sakata Vicki , Lien Onora
Published: February 2017

Objective

To identify key decisions along the continuum of care (conventional, contingency, and crisis) and the critical triggers and data elements used to inform those decisions concerning public health and health care response during an emergency.

Methods

A classic Delphi method, a consensus-building survey technique, was used with clinicians around Washington State to identify regional triggers and indicators. Additionally, using a modified Delphi method, we combined a workshop and single-round survey with panelists from public health (state and local) and health care coalitions to identify consensus state-level triggers and indicators.

Results

In the clinical survey, 122 of 223 proposed triggers or indicators (43.7%) reached consensus and were deemed important in regional decision-making during a disaster. In the state-level survey, 110 of 140 proposed triggers or indicators (78.6%) reached consensus and were deemed important in state-level decision-making during a disaster.

Conclusions

The identification of consensus triggers and indicators for health care emergency response is crucial in supporting a comprehensive health care situational awareness process. This can inform the creation of standardized questions to ask health care, public health, and other partners to support decision-making during a response. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2017;11:467–472)
Statistics of kinetic and thermal energy dissipation rates in two-dimensional turbulent Rayleigh–Bénard convection
Authors: Zhang Yang , Zhou Quan , Sun Chao
Published: February 2017

We investigate the statistical properties of the kinetic$\unicode[STIX]{x1D700}_{u}$and thermal$\unicode[STIX]{x1D700}_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D703}}$energy dissipation rates in two-dimensional (2-D) turbulent Rayleigh–Bénard (RB) convection. Direct numerical simulations were carried out in a box with unit aspect ratio in the Rayleigh number range$10^{6}\leqslant Ra\leqslant 10^{10}$for Prandtl numbers$Pr=0.7$and 5.3. The probability density functions (PDFs) of both dissipation rates are found to deviate significantly from a log-normal distribution. The PDF tails can be well described by a stretched exponential function, and become broader for higher Rayleigh number and lower Prandtl number, indicating an increasing degree of small-scale intermittency with increasing Reynolds number. Our results show that the ensemble averages$\langle \unicode[STIX]{x1D700}_{u}\rangle _{V,t}$and$\langle \unicode[STIX]{x1D700}_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D703}}\rangle _{V,t}$scale as$Ra^{-0.18\sim -0.20}$, which is in excellent agreement with the scaling estimated from the two global exact relations for the dissipation rates. By separating the bulk and boundary-layer contributions to the total dissipations, our results further reveal that$\langle \unicode[STIX]{x1D700}_{u}\rangle _{V,t}$and$\langle \unicode[STIX]{x1D700}_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D703}}\rangle _{V,t}$are both dominated by the boundary layers, corresponding to regimes$I_{l}$and$I_{u}$in the Grossmann–Lohse (GL) theory (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 407, 2000, pp. 27–56). To include the effects of thermal plumes, the plume–background partition is also considered and$\langle \unicode[STIX]{x1D700}_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D703}}\rangle _{V,t}$is found to be plume dominated. Moreover, the boundary-layer/plume contributions scale as those predicted by the GL theory, while the deviations from the GL predictions are observed for the bulk/background contributions. The possible reasons for the deviations are discussed.
Three-dimensional magnetic reconnection and its application to solar flares
Authors: Janvier Miho
Published: February 2017

Solar flares are powerful radiations occurring in the Sun’s atmosphere. They are powered by magnetic reconnection, a phenomenon that can convert magnetic energy into other forms of energy such as heat and kinetic energy, and which is believed to be ubiquitous in the universe. With the ever increasing spatial and temporal resolutions of solar observations, as well as numerical simulations benefiting from increasing computer power, we can now probe into the nature and the characteristics of magnetic reconnection in three dimensions to better understand the phenomenon’s consequences during eruptive flares in our star’s atmosphere. We review in the following the efforts made on different fronts to approach the problem of magnetic reconnection. In particular, we will see how understanding the magnetic topology in three dimensions helps in locating the most probable regions for reconnection to occur, how the current layer evolves in three dimensions and how reconnection leads to the formation of flux ropes, plasmoids and flaring loops.
Mentors and mountainboarding: The development and delivery of an innovative program for rural adolescent males at risk of mental health problems
Authors: Boyd Candice P. , Kemp Evan , Filiadis Toula , Aisbett Damon , Markus Martin
Published: February 2017

Sense of belonging to a community offers protection against depression (Glover et al. 1998); however, rural adolescents with mental health issues often feel isolated, lonely and socially excluded (Aisbett et al. 2007). This is exacerbated by the stoic attitudes and fear of social stigma which prevent many rural adolescents from engaging with mainstream mental health programs (Boyd et al. 2006). With this knowledge, we aimed to engage atrisk rural adolescent males who would otherwise not seek psychological help in an innovative program which would link them to a broader sporting community. The project also aimed to strengthen leaders of this community to act as mentors for these young people. In this article, we describe the development and delivery of the mentoring component of this innovative program. The outcomes for the youth involved in this program are described in the subsequent article by Kemp and colleagues in the next edition of Children Australia.
Cancer, Computers and Complexity: Decision Making for the Patient
Authors: Harz Markus
Published: February 2017

In health care, a trend may be noted to fundamentally question some of today’s assumptions about the traditional roles of medical disciplines, the doctor–patient relationship, the feasibility of medical studies, and about the role of computers as an aid or replacement of doctors. Diagnostics and therapy decision-making become more complex, and no end is in sight. Amounts of health-related data are being collected individually, and through the health care systems. On the example of breast cancer care, technological advances and societal changes can be observed as they take place concurrently, and patterns and hypotheses emerge that will be the focus of this article. In particular, three key changes are to be considered: (1) the growing appreciation of the uniqueness of diseases and the impact of this notion on the future of evidence-based medicine; (2) the acknowledgment of a ‘big data’ problem in today’s medical practice and science, and the role of computers; and (3) the societal demand for ‘P4 medicine’ (predictive, preventive, participatory, personalized), and its impact on the roles of doctors and patients.
Islamic Headcovering and Political Engagement: The Power of Social Networks
Authors: Westfall Aubrey , Çelik Russell Özge , Welborne Bozena , Tobin Sarah
Published: February 2017

This article explores the relationship between headcovering and women's political participation through an original online survey of 1,917 Muslim-American women. As a visible marker of religious group identity, wearing the headscarf can orient the integration of Muslim women into the American political system via its impact on the openness of their associational life. Our survey respondents who cover are more likely to form insular, strong ties with predominantly Muslim friend networks, which decreased their likelihood of voting and affiliating with a political party. Interestingly, frequency of mosque attendance across both covered and uncovered respondents is associated with a higher probability of political participation, an effect noted in other religious institutions in the United States. Yet, mosque attendance can simultaneously decrease the political engagement of congregants if they are steered into exclusively religious friend groups. This discovery reveals a tension within American Muslim religious life and elaborates on the role of religious institutions vs. social networks in politically mobilizing Muslim-Americans.
Designing a new cropping system for high productivity and sustainable water usage under climate change
Authors: Meng Qingfeng , Wang Hongfei , Yan Peng , Pan Junxiao , Lu Dianjun , Cui Zhenling , Zhang Fusuo , Chen Xinping
Published: February 2017

The food supply is being increasingly challenged by climate change and water scarcity. However, incremental changes in traditional cropping systems have achieved only limited success in meeting these multiple challenges. In this study, we applied a systematic approach, using model simulation and data from two groups of field studies conducted in the North China Plain, to develop a new cropping system that improves yield and uses water in a sustainable manner. Due to significant warming, we identified a double-maize (M-M; Zea mays L.) cropping system that replaced the traditional winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) –summer maize system. The M-M system improved yield by 14–31% compared with the conventionally managed wheat-maize system, and achieved similar yield compared with the incrementally adapted wheat-maize system with the optimized cultivars, planting dates, planting density and water management. More importantly, water usage was lower in the M-M system than in the wheat-maize system, and the rate of water usage was sustainable (net groundwater usage was ≤150 mm yr−1). Our study indicated that systematic assessment of adaptation and cropping system scale have great potential to address the multiple food supply challenges under changing climatic conditions.
Physical activity is low in obese New Zealand children and adolescents
Authors: Anderson Yvonne C. , Wynter Lisa E. , Grant Cameron C. , Stewart Joanna M. , Cave Tami L. , Wild Cervantée E. K. , Derraik José G. B. , Cutfield Wayne S. , Hofman Paul L.
Published: February 2017

We aimed to describe physical activity and sedentary behaviour of obese children and adolescents in Taranaki, New Zealand, and to determine how these differ in Māori (indigenous) versus non-indigenous children. Participants (n = 239; 45% Māori, 45% New Zealand European [NZE], 10% other ethnicities) aged 4.8–16.8 years enrolled in a community-based obesity programme from January 2012 to August 2014 who had a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 98th percentile (n = 233) or >91st–98th percentile with weight-related comorbidities (n = 6) were assessed. Baseline activity levels were assessed using the children’s physical activity questionnaire (C-PAQ), a fitness test, and ≥3 days of accelerometer wear. Average BMI standard deviation score was 3.09 (SD = 0.60, range 1.52–5.34 SDS). Reported median daily activity was 80 minutes (IQR = 88). Although 44% of the cohort met the national recommended screen time of <2 hours per day, the mean screen time was longer at 165 minutes (SD = 135). Accelerometer data (n = 130) showed low physical activity time (median 34 minutes [IQR = 29]). Only 18.5% of the total cohort met national recommended physical activity guidelines of 60 minutes per day. There were minimal ethnic differences. In conclusion, obese children/adolescents in this cohort had low levels of physical activity. The vast majority are not meeting national physical activity recommendations.
Efficient genome replication of hepatitis B virus using adenovirus vector: a compact pregenomic RNA-expression unit
Authors: Suzuki Mariko , Kondo Saki , Yamasaki Manabu , Matsuda Norie , Nomoto Akio , Suzuki Tetsuro , Saito Izumu , Kanegae Yumi
Published: February 2017

The complicated replication mechanisms of hepatitis B virus (HBV) have impeded HBV studies and anti-HBV therapy development as well. Herein we report efficient genome replication of HBV applying adenovirus vectors (AdVs) showing high transduction efficiency. Even in primary hepatocytes derived from humanized mice the transduction efficiencies using AdVs were 450-fold higher compared than those using plasmids. By using an expression unit consisting of the CMV promoter, 1.03-copy HBV genome and foreign poly(A) signal, we successfully generated an improved AdV (HBV103-AdV) that efficiently provided 58 times more pregenomic RNA than previously reported AdVs. The HBV103-AdV-mediated HBV replication was easily and precisely detected using quantitative real-time PCR in primary hepatocytes as well as in HepG2 cells. Notably, when the AdV containing replication-defective HBV genome of 1.14 copy was transduced, we observed that HBV DNA-containing circular molecules (pseudo-ccc DNA) were produced, which were probably generated through homologous recombination. However, the replication-defective HBV103-AdV hardly yielded the pseudo-ccc, probably because the repeated sequences are vey short. Additionally, the efficacies of entecavir and lamivudine were quantitatively evaluated using this system at only 4 days postinfection with HBV103-AdVs. Therefore, this system offers high production of HBV genome replication and thus could become used widely.