bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fourteen Draft Genome Sequences for the First Reported Cases of Azithromycin-Resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae in Ireland
Authors: Mac Aogáin Micheál , Fennelly Nicholas , Walsh Anne , Lynagh Yvonne , Bekaert Michaël , Lawlor Brendan , Walsh Paul , Kelly Brian , Rogers Thomas R. , Crowley Brendan
Published: June 2017

Here, we report the draft genome assemblies of 14 azithromycin-resistant
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
clinical isolates, representing the first such strains identified in Ireland. Among these isolates are the first reported highly resistant strains (MIC >256 mg/liter), which both belonged to the ST1580 sequence type.
Genome Sequence of
Geothermobacter
sp. Strain EPR-M, a Deep-Sea Hydrothermal Vent Iron Reducer
Authors: Tully Benjamin , Savalia Pratixaben , Abuyen Karla , Baughan Christina , Romero Eric , Ronkowski Cynthia , Torres Brandon , Tremblay Jason , Trujillo Anthony , Tyler Madeline , Pérez-Rodríguez Ileana , Amend Jan
Published: June 2017

Geothermobacter
sp. strain EPR-M was isolated from a hydrothermal vent on the East Pacific Rise and has been shown to participate in the reduction of Fe(III) oxides. Here, we report its 3.73-Mb draft genome sequence.
Whole-Genome Sequence of Coxiella burnetii Nine Mile RSA439 (Phase II, Clone 4), a Laboratory Workhorse Strain
Authors: Millar Jess A. , Beare Paul A. , Moses Abraham S. , Martens Craig A. , Heinzen Robert A. , Raghavan Rahul
Published: June 2017

Here, we report the whole-genome sequence of
Coxiella burnetii
Nine Mile RSA439 (phase II, clone 4), a laboratory strain used extensively to investigate the biology of this intracellular bacterial pathogen. The genome consists of a 1.97-Mb chromosome and a 37.32-kb plasmid.
Draft Genome Sequence of Pseudomonas chlororaphis ATCC 9446, a Nonpathogenic Bacterium with Bioremediation and Industrial Potential
Authors: Moreno-Avitia Fabian , Lozano Luis , Utrilla Jose , Bolívar Francisco , Escalante Adelfo
Published: June 2017

Pseudomonas chlororaphis
strain ATCC 9446 is a biocontrol-related organism. We report here its draft genome sequence assembled into 35 contigs consisting of 6,783,030 bp. Genome annotation predicted a total of 6,200 genes, 6,128 coding sequences, 81 pseudogenes, 58 tRNAs, 4 noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), and 41 frameshifted genes.
Complete Genome Sequence of Burkholderia cenocepacia CR318, a Phosphate-Solubilizing Bacterium Isolated from Corn Root
Authors: Zekic Filip , Weselowski Brian , Yuan Ze-Chun
Published: June 2017

Here, we report the complete genome sequence of the phosphate-solubilizing bacterium
Burkholderia cenocepacia
CR318, consisting of three circular chromosomes of 3,511,146 bp, 3,097,552 bp, and 1,056,069 bp. The data presented will facilitate further insight into the mechanisms of phosphate solubilization and its application for agricultural and ecological sustainability.
Draft Genome Sequences of
Salmonella
Lysozyme Gene Knockout Mutants
Authors: Arabyan Narine , Huang Bihua C. , Weimer Bart C.
Published: June 2017

Lysozyme enzymes hydrolyze the β-1,4-glycosidic bond in oligosaccharides. These enzymes are part of a broad group of glucoside hydrolases that are poorly characterized; however, they are important for growth and are being recognized as emerging virulence factors. This is the release of four lysozyme-encoding-gene-deletion mutants in
Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhimurium LT2.
Therapeutic Opportunities in the Vaginal Microbiome
Authors: Reid Gregor
Published: June 2017

The reproductive tract of females lies at the core of humanity. The immensely complex process that leads to successful reproduction is miraculous yet invariably successful. Microorganisms have always been a cause for concern for their ability to infect this region, yet it is other, nonpathogenic microbial constituents now uncovered by sequencing technologies that offer hope for improving health. The universality of
Lactobacillus
species being associated with health is the basis for therapeutic opportunities, including through engineered strains. The manipulation of these and other beneficial constituents of the microbiota and their functionality, as well as their metabolites, forms the basis for new diagnostics and interventions. Within 20 years, we should see significant improvements in how cervicovaginal health is restored and maintained, thus providing relief to the countless women who suffer from microbiota-associated disorders.
Fungi that Infect Humans
Authors: Köhler Julia R. , Hube Bernhard , Puccia Rosana , Casadevall Arturo , Perfect John R.
Published: June 2017

Fungi must meet four criteria to infect humans: growth at human body temperatures, circumvention or penetration of surface barriers, lysis and absorption of tissue, and resistance to immune defenses, including elevated body temperatures. Morphogenesis between small round, detachable cells and long, connected cells is the mechanism by which fungi solve problems of locomotion around or through host barriers. Secretion of lytic enzymes, and uptake systems for the released nutrients, are necessary if a fungus is to nutritionally utilize human tissue. Last, the potent human immune system evolved in the interaction with potential fungal pathogens, so few fungi meet all four conditions for a healthy human host. Paradoxically, the advances of modern medicine have made millions of people newly susceptible to fungal infections by disrupting immune defenses. This article explores how different members of four fungal phyla use different strategies to fulfill the four criteria to infect humans: the Entomophthorales, the Mucorales, the Ascomycota, and the Basidiomycota. Unique traits confer human pathogenic potential on various important members of these phyla: pathogenic Onygenales comprising thermal dimorphs such asHistoplasmaandCoccidioides; theCryptococcusspp. that infect immunocompromised as well as healthy humans; and important pathogens of immunocompromised patients—Candida,Pneumocystis, andAspergillusspp. Also discussed are agents of neglected tropical diseases important in global health such as mycetoma and paracoccidiomycosis and common pathogens rarely implicated in serious illness such as dermatophytes. Commensalism is considered, as well as parasitism, in shaping genomes and physiological systems of hosts and fungi during evolution.
Made for Each Other: Ascomycete Yeasts and Insects
Authors: Blackwell Meredith
Published: June 2017

Fungi and insects live together in the same habitats, and many species of both groups rely on each other for success. Insects, the most successful animals on Earth, cannot produce sterols, essential vitamins, and many enzymes; fungi, often yeast-like in growth form, make up for these deficits. Fungi, however, require constantly replenished substrates because they consume the previous ones, and insects, sometimes lured by volatile fungal compounds, carry fungi directly to a similar, but fresh, habitat. Yeasts associated with insects include Ascomycota (Saccharomycotina, Pezizomycotina) and a few Basidiomycota. Beetles, homopterans, and flies are important associates of fungi, and in turn the insects carry yeasts in pits, specialized external pouches, and modified gut pockets. Some yeasts undergo sexual reproduction within the insect gut, where the genetic diversity of the population is increased, while others, well suited to their stable environment, may never mate. The range of interactions extends from dispersal of yeasts on the surface of insects (e.g., cactus-Drosophila-yeast and ephemeral flower communities, ambrosia beetles, yeasts with holdfasts) to extremely specialized associations of organisms that can no longer exist independently, as in the case of yeast-like symbionts of planthoppers. In a few cases yeast-like fungus-insect associations threaten butterflies and other species with extinction. Technical advances improve discovery and identification of the fungi but also inform our understanding of the evolution of yeast-insect symbioses, although there is much more to learn.
Oxidative Phosphorylation as a Target Space for Tuberculosis: Success, Caution, and Future Directions
Authors: Cook Gregory M. , Hards Kiel , Dunn Elyse , Heikal Adam , Nakatani Yoshio , Greening Chris , Crick Dean C. , Fontes Fabio L. , Pethe Kevin , Hasenoehrl Erik , Berney Michael
Published: June 2017

The emergence and spread of drug-resistant pathogens, and our inability to develop new antimicrobials to combat resistance, have inspired scientists to seek out new targets for drug development. The
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
complex is a group of obligately aerobic bacteria that have specialized for inhabiting a wide range of intracellular and extracellular environments. Two fundamental features in this adaptation are the flexible utilization of energy sources and continued metabolism in the absence of growth.
M. tuberculosis
is an obligately aerobic heterotroph that depends on oxidative phosphorylation for growth and survival. However, several studies are redefining the metabolic breadth of the genus. Alternative electron donors and acceptors may provide the maintenance energy for the pathogen to maintain viability in hypoxic, nonreplicating states relevant to latent infection. This hidden metabolic flexibility may ultimately decrease the efficacy of drugs targeted against primary dehydrogenases and terminal oxidases. However, it may also open up opportunities to develop novel antimycobacterials targeting persister cells. In this review, we discuss the progress in understanding the role of energetic targets in mycobacterial physiology and pathogenesis and the opportunities for drug discovery.
Mycobacterial Biofilms: Revisiting Tuberculosis Bacilli in Extracellular Necrotizing Lesions
Authors: Basaraba Randall J. , Ojha Anil K.
Published: June 2017

Under detergent-free
in vitro
conditions,
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
, the etiological agent of tuberculosis in humans, spontaneously forms organized multicellular structures called biofilms. Moreover,
in vitro
biofilms of
M. tuberculosis
are more persistent against antibiotics than their single-cell planktonic counterparts, thereby raising questions about the occurrence of biofilms in the host tissues and their significance in persistence during chemotherapy of tuberculosis. In this article, we present arguments that extracellular
M. tuberculosis
in necrotizing lesions likely grows as biofilms.
KillingMycobacterium tuberculosis In Vitro: What Model Systems Can Teach Us
Authors: Keiser Tracy L. , Purdy Georgiana E.
Published: June 2017

Tuberculosis is one of the most successful human diseases in our history due in large part to the multitude of virulence factors exhibited by the causative agent,Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Understanding the pathogenic nuances of this organism in the context of its human host is an ongoing topic of study facilitated by isolating cells from model organisms such as mice and non-human primates. However,M. tuberculosisis an obligate intracellular human pathogen, and disease progression and outcome in these model systems can differ from that of human disease. Currentin vitromodels of infection include primary macrophages and macrophage-like immortalized cell lines as well as the induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cell types. This article will discuss thesein vitromodel systems in general, what we have learned so far about utilizing them to answer questions about pathogenesis, the potential role of other cell types in innate control ofM. tuberculosisinfection, and the development of new coculture systems with multiple cell types. As we continue to expand currentin vitrosystems and institute new ones, the knowledge gained will improve our understanding of not only tuberculosis but all infectious diseases.
Incidence and prevalence of uveitis in South Korea: a nationwide cohort study
Authors: Rim Tyler Hyungtaek , Kim Sung Soo , Ham Don-Il , Yu Seung-Young , Chung Eun Jee , Lee Sung Chul
Published: June 2017

Aim

To evaluate the incidence and prevalence of uveitis and associated risk factors in South Korea.

Methods

For this retrospective national cohort study, approximately 1 000 000 Korean residents were randomly selected from the Korean National Health Insurance Service database. Uveitis was defined according to the Korean Classification of Diseases. The uveitis incidence and prevalence were calculated. Sociodemographic factors and comorbidities associated with uveitis were evaluated via Cox proportional regression models.

Results

A total of 1 094 440 subjects were evaluated over 7 051 346 person-years (mean follow-up: 6.44 years). Overall, 7447 newly developed uveitis cases were identified during the period of 2007–2013; the average incidence of uveitis was 10.6 per 10 000 person-years (95% CI 10.3 to 10.8). The average incidences of anterior and non-anterior uveitis were 9.0 and 1.5 per 10 000 person-years, respectively. The prevalence rates of uveitis, anterior uveitis and non-anterior uveitis were 17.3, 15.0 and 2.3 per 10 000 persons, respectively, during the period of 2007–2013. Increasing age, male sex, residing in a relatively rural area and high income were associated with uveitis, along with Behçet’s disease, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, systemic lupus erythematous, ulcerative colitis and tuberculosis.

Conclusions

The overall incidence of uveitis in Korea was similar to those reported in Taiwan and the USA. Despite a potentially inaccurate disease definition, claims data may be useful for monitoring the substantial uveitis burden in South Korea.
Should exercises be painful in the management of chronic musculoskeletal pain? A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Smith Benjamin E , Hendrick Paul , Smith Toby O , Bateman Marcus , Moffatt Fiona , Rathleff Michael S , Selfe James , Logan Pip
Published: June 2017

Background

Chronic musculoskeletal disorders are a prevalent and costly global health issue. A new form of exercise therapy focused on loading and resistance programmes that temporarily aggravates a patient’s pain has been proposed. The object of this review was to compare the effect of exercises where pain is allowed/encouraged compared with non-painful exercises on pain, function or disability in patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain within randomised controlled trials.

Methods

Two authors independently selected studies and appraised risk of bias. Methodological quality was evaluated using the Cochrane risk of bias tool, and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment system was used to evaluate the quality of evidence.

Results

The literature search identified 9081 potentially eligible studies. Nine papers (from seven trials) with 385 participants met the inclusion criteria. There was short- term significant difference in pain, with moderate quality evidence for a small effect size of −0.27 (−0.54 to −0.05) in favour of painful exercises. For pain in the medium and long term, and function and disability in the short, medium and long term, there was no significant difference.

Conclusion

Protocols using painful exercises offer a small but significant benefit over pain-free exercises in the short term, with moderate quality of evidence. In the medium and long term there is no clear superiority of one treatment over another. Pain during therapeutic exercise for chronic musculoskeletal pain need not be a barrier to successful outcomes. Further research is warranted to fully evaluate the effectiveness of loading and resistance programmes into pain for chronic musculoskeletal disorders.

PROSPERO registration

CRD42016038882.
Psychometric validation of the Hypoglycemia Fear Survey-II (HFS-II) in Singapore
Authors: Lam Amanda Yun Rui , Xin Xiaohui , Tan Wee Boon , Gardner Daphne Su-Lyn , Goh Su-Yen
Published: June 2017

Objective

We conducted a cross-sectional study to adapt and validate the Hypoglycemia Fear Survey-II (HFS-II) for use in Singapore among persons with type 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus.

Research design and methods

A total of 144 patients with type 1 or 2 diabetes on insulin therapy for at least a year completed the HFS-II between September and December 2013 in the Diabetes Center at Singapore General Hospital. We examined the validity (content, concurrent and discriminant validity, and construct validity) and reliability (internal consistency and test–retest reliability) of the instrument. Content validity was established using cognitive interviews. Construct validity was assessed using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) followed by exploratory factor analysis (EFA) after the hypothesized two-factor structure was not confirmed by CFA. Measures of anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7)) and depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9)) were used to establish concurrent validity; history of severe hypoglycemia and status of glycemic control were used to establish discriminant validity. Internal consistency was measured by Cronbach's α; test–retest reliability was measured by intracluster correlation coefficient (ICC).

Results

Scores of the adapted HFS-II had moderate positive correlations with measures of anxiety and depression scores (ranxiety=0.41, p<0.01; rdepression=0.37, p<0.01). Patients with a recent history of severe hypoglycemia had higher HFS-II scores than those without (mean difference=9, p<0.01). Patients with poor glycemic control had higher HFS-II scores than those with good control (p<0.05). The original two-factor structure was not confirmed in our sample. EFA results suggested a three-factor solution with the original Behavior subscale splitting into two dimensions. The adapted HFS-II displayed good internal consistency (Cronbach's α=0.93) and test–retest reliability (ICC=0.75).

Conclusions

The adapted HFS-II has good content, concurrent and discriminant validity, and reliability, but its constructvalidity was not proven with the Behavior subscale turning out to be non-unidimensional.
Weight cycling and the subsequent onset of type 2 diabetes mellitus: 10-year cohort studies in urban and rural Japan
Authors: Yokomichi Hiroshi , Ohde Sachiko , Takahashi Osamu , Mochizuki Mie , Takahashi Atsunori , Yoda Yoshioki , Tsuji Masahiro , Akiyama Yuka , Yamagata Zentaro
Published: June 2017

Objective

To investigate how weight cycling (gaining and losing weight) affects the risk of diabetes.

Design

Cohort studies.

Setting

Primary healthcare in urban and rural Japan.

Participants

20 708 urban and 9670 rural residents.

Primary outcome measures

ORs for diabetes in those with weight loss, weight loss-gain, stable weight, weight gain-loss and weight gain over 10 years. Weight gain and loss were defined as a change of more than ±4% from baseline weight.

Results

In the urban region, the ORs relative to the stable group for the loss-gain and gain-loss groups were 0.63 (95% CI 0.45 to 0.89) and 0.51 (95% CI 0.32 to 0.82) for men and 0.72 (95% CI 0.39 to 1.34) and 1.05 (95% CI 0.57 to 1.95) for women. In the rural region, they were 1.58 (95% CI 0.78 to 3.17) and 0.44 (95% CI 0.15 to 1.29) in men and 0.41 (95% CI 0.12 to 1.44) and 0.77 (95% CI 0.28 to 2.14) in women. The ORs for an increase in weight between 5 and 10 kg from the age of 20 years were 1.54 (95% CI 1.03 to 2.30) in men and 0.96 (95% CI 0.55 to 1.65) in women.

Conclusions

In Japan, weight cycling was associated with a significant reduction in the risk of diabetes for men from urban regions. The associations were unclear for women from urban regions and both men and women from rural regions. These results differ from those in Western studies, probably because of differences in diet, insulin secretion and sensitivity and weight-consciousness.
General practitioners’ views of clinically led commissioning: cross-sectional survey in England
Authors: Moran Valerie , Checkland Kath , Coleman Anna , Spooner Sharon , Gibson Jonathan , Sutton Matt
Published: June 2017

Objectives

Involving general practitioners (GPs) in the commissioning/purchasing of services has been an important element in English health policy for many years. The Health and Social Care Act 2012 handed responsibility for commissioning of the majority of care for local populations to GP-led Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs). In this paper, we explore GP attitudes to involvement in commissioning and future intentions for engagement.

Design and setting

Survey of a random sample of GPs across England in 2015.

Method

The Eighth National GP Worklife Survey was distributed to GPs in spring 2015. Responses were received from 2611 respondents (response rate = 46%). We compared responses across different GP characteristics and conducted two sample tests of proportions to identify statistically significant differences in responses across groups. We also used multivariate logistic regression to identify the characteristics associated with wanting a formal CCG role in the future.

Results

While GPs generally agree that they can add value to aspects of commissioning, only a minority feel that this is an important part of their role. Many current leaders intend to quit in the next 5 years, and there is limited appetite among those not currently in a formal role to take up such a role in the future. CCGs were set up as ‘membership organisations’ but only a minority of respondents reported feeling that they had ‘ownership’ of their local CCG and these were often GPs with formal CCG roles. However, respondents generally agree that the CCG has a legitimate role in influencing the work that they do.

Conclusion

CCGs need to engage in active succession planning to find the next generation of GP leaders. GPs believe that CCGs have a legitimate role in influencing their work, suggesting that there may be scope for CCGs to involve GPs more fully in roles short of formal leadership.
Telehealth in India: helping to achieve health for all
Authors: Pathak Anubha , Kumar Deepak
Published: June 2017

Telecommunication technologies, such as smartphones and digital cameras, are revolutionising both animal and human healthcare through the use of telehealth. This is particularly useful in developing countries, where there may be a lack of healthcare infrastructures and an increased risk from zoonotic diseases. In this article, Anubha Pathak and Deepak Kumar discuss how telemedicine is being used in zoonotic disease research in India.
Diary of a parliamentary intern
Authors: Ridge Anthony
Published: June 2017

Parliamentary intern Anthony Ridge attends the World Organisation for Animal Health's annual conference in Paris.
The GenusPatrinia: A Review of Traditional Uses, Phytochemical and Pharmacological Studies
Authors: He Xirui , Luan Fei , Zhao Zefeng , Ning Ning , Li Maoxing , Jin Ling , Chang Yu , Zhang Qiang , Wu Ni , Huang Linhong
Published: June 2017

The aim of the present review is to comprehensively outline the botanical description, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of Patrinia, and to discuss possible trends for the further study of medicinal plants from the genus Patrinia. The genus Patrinia plays an important role in Asian medicine for the treatment of erysipelas, conjunctival congestion with swelling and pain, peri-appendicular abscesses, lung carbuncle, dysentery, leucorrhea, and postpartum disease. More than 210 chemical constituents have been isolated and identified from Patrinia plants, especially P. scabiosaefolia Fisch., P. scabra Bunge, P. villosa Juss., P. heterophylla Bunge and P. rupestris(Pall.) Juss[Formula: see text] Of these compounds, triterpenoids and saponins, iridoids, flavonoids, and lignans are the major or active constituents. Both in vitro and in vivo studies have indicated that some monomer compounds and crude extracts from the genus Patrinia possess wide pharmacological activities, including antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral effects. In addition, they have been shown to have valuable and positive effects on the immune and nervous system in experimental animals. There are also some reports on the clinical uses and toxicity of these species. However, few reports have been published concerning the material identification or quality control of Patrinia species, and the clinical uses and toxic effects of these plants are relatively sparse. More attention must be given to these issues.
Astragaloside IV Inhibits Membrane Ca2+ Current but Enhances Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Ca2+ Release
Authors: Zhao Mei-Mi , Lian Wen-Wen , Li Zhuo , Shao Dong-Xue , Chen Si-Chong , Sun Xue-Fei , Hu Hui-Yuan , Feng Rui , Guo Feng , Hao Li-Ying
Published: June 2017

Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) is one of the active ingredients in Astragalus membrananceus (Huangqi), a traditional Chinese medicine. The present study investigated the effects of AS-IV on Ca[Formula: see text] handling in cardiac myocytes to elucidate its possible mechanism in the treatment of cardiac disease. The results showed that AS-IV at 1 and 10[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]M reduced KCl-induced [Ca[Formula: see text]]i increase ([Formula: see text] from 1.33[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]0.04 (control, [Formula: see text] 28) to 1.22[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]0.02 ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] 29) and 1.22[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]0.02 ([Formula: see text] 0.01, [Formula: see text]), but it enhanced Ca[Formula: see text] release from SR ([Formula: see text] from 1.04[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]0.01 (control, [Formula: see text]) to 1.44[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]0.03 ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]) and 1.60[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]0.04 ([Formula: see text] 0.01, [Formula: see text]0), in H9c2 cells. Similar results were obtained in native cardiomyocytes. AS-IV at 1 and 10[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]M inhibited L-type Ca[Formula: see text] current ([Formula: see text] from [Formula: see text]4.42[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]0.58 pA/pF of control to [Formula: see text]2.25[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]0.12 pA/pF ([Formula: see text] 0.01, [Formula: see text] 5) and [Formula: see text]1.78[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]0.28 pA/pF ([Formula: see text] 0.01, [Formula: see text] 5) respectively, when the interference of [Ca[Formula: see text]]i was eliminated due to the depletion of SR Ca[Formula: see text] store by thapsigargin, an inhibitor of Ca[Formula: see text] ATPase. Moreover, when BAPTA, a rapid Ca[Formula: see text] chelator, was used, CDI (Ca[Formula: see text]-dependent inactivation) of [Formula: see text] was eliminated, and the inhibitory effects of AS-IV on ICaL were significantly reduced at the same time. These results suggest that AS-IV affects Ca[Formula: see text] homeostasis through two opposite pathways: inhibition of Ca[Formula: see text] influx through L-type Ca[Formula: see text] channel, and promotion of Ca[Formula: see text] release from SR.
Neutrinos and cosmological matter–antimatter asymmetry: A minimal seesaw with Frampton–Glashow–Yanagida ansatz
Authors: Zhang Jue , Zhou Shun
Published: June 2017

In light of the latest neutrino data, we revisit a minimal seesaw model with the Frampton–Glashow–Yanagida ansatz. Renormalization-group running effects on neutrino masses and flavor mixing parameters are discussed and found to essentially have no impact on testing such a minimal scenario in low-energy neutrino experiments. However, since renormalization-group running can modify neutrino mixing parameters at high energies, it does affect the leptogenesis mechanism, which is responsible for the observed matter–antimatter asymmetry in our Universe. Furthermore, to ease the conflict between the naturalness argument and the successful leptogenesis, a special regime for resonant leptogenesis is also emphasized.
Multipartite quantum correlations in the extended J1–J2 Heisenberg model
Authors: Batle J. , Tarawneh O. , Nagata Koji , Nakamura Tadao , Abdalla S. , Farouk Ahmed
Published: June 2017

Multipartite entanglement and the maximum violation of Bell inequalities are studied in finite clusters of spins in an extended J1–J2 Heisenberg model at zero temperature. The ensuing highly frustrated states will unveil a rich structure for different values of the corresponding spin–spin interaction strengths. The interplay between nearest-neighbors, next-nearest neighbors and further couplings will be explored using multipartite correlations. The model is relevant to certain quantum annealing computation architectures where an all-to-all connectivity is considered.
An automatic and accurate method of full heart segmentation from CT image based on linear gradient model
Authors: Yang Zili
Published: June 2017

Heart segmentation is an important auxiliary method in the diagnosis of many heart diseases, such as coronary heart disease and atrial fibrillation, and in the planning of tumor radiotherapy. Most of the existing methods for full heart segmentation treat the heart as a whole part and cannot accurately extract the bottom of the heart. In this paper, we propose a new method based on linear gradient model to segment the whole heart from the CT images automatically and accurately. Twelve cases were tested in order to test this method and accurate segmentation results were achieved and identified by clinical experts. The results can provide reliable clinical support.
Cellular Automata with Random Memory and Its Implementations
Authors: Goncu Emre , Yalcin Mustak E.
Published: June 2017

In this paper, a new Cellular Automata (CA) Model, named Cellular Automata with Random Memory, has been introduced. The new model is in fact, constructed by randomizing the choosing memory operation of a Cellular Automata with memory. Therefore, the model has a potential usage for application like Random Number Generators, Physical Unclonable Functions. The introduced model and other CA models are represented in an abstract form. Delay lines comprising sequentially connected logic gates are introduced in the implementation of the memory part of the introduced model. Due to the process of variations and jitter effect, the delay line becomes beneficial in the implementation of the proposed Cellular Automata with Random Memory. The introduced model is implemented on a FPGA using delay lines and also using other alternative methods.
Second Minimal Orbits, Sharkovski Ordering and Universality in Chaos
Authors: Abdulla Ugur G. , Abdulla Rashad U. , Abdulla Muhammad U. , Iqbal Naveed H.
Published: June 2017

This paper introduces the notion of second minimal [Formula: see text]-periodic orbits of continuous maps on the interval according to whether [Formula: see text] is a successor of the minimal period of the map in the Sharkovski ordering. We pursue the classification of second minimal [Formula: see text]-orbits in terms of cyclic permutations and digraphs. It is proven that there are nine types of second minimal 7-orbits with accuracy up to inverses. The result is applied to the problem of the distribution of periodic windows within the chaotic regime of the bifurcation diagram of the one-parameter family of unimodal maps. It is revealed that by fixing the maximum number of appearances of periodic windows, there is a universal pattern of distribution. In particular, the first appearance of all the orbits is always a minimal orbit, while the second appearance is a second minimal orbit. It is observed that the second appearance of the 7-orbit is a second minimal 7-orbit with a Type 1 digraph. The reason for the relevance of the Type 1 second minimal orbit is the fact that the topological structure of the unimodal map with a single maximum, is equivalent to the structure of the Type 1 piecewise monotonic endomorphism associated with the second minimal 7-orbit. Yet another important report of this paper is the revelation of universal pattern dynamics with respect to an increased number of appearances.
Periodic and Chaotic Motion of a Time-Delayed Nonlinear System Under Two Coexisting Families of Additive Resonances
Authors: Ji J. C. , Brown Terry
Published: June 2017

A time-delayed quadratic nonlinear mechanical system can exhibit two coexisting stable bifurcating solutions (SBSs) after two-to-one resonant Hopf bifurcations occur in the corresponding autonomous time-delayed system. One SBS is of small-amplitude and has the Hopf bifurcation frequencies (HBFs), while the other is of large-amplitude and contains the shifted Hopf bifurcation frequencies (the shifted HBFs). When the forcing frequency is tuned to be the sum of two HBFs or the sum of two shifted HBFs, two families of additive resonances can be induced in the forced response. The forced response under the additive resonance related to the HBFs can demonstrate periodic, quasi-periodic and chaotic motion. On the contrary, the forced response under the additive resonance associated with the shifted HBFs may exhibit period-three periodic motion and quasi-periodic motion. Bifurcation diagrams, time trajectories, frequency spectra, phase portraits and Poincaré sections are presented to show periodic, quasi-periodic, and chaotic motion of the time-delayed nonlinear system under the two families of additive resonances.
Coexistence of Multiple Attractors, Metastable Chaos and Bursting Oscillations in a Multiscroll Memristive Chaotic Circuit
Authors: Alombah N. Henry , Fotsin Hilaire , Romanic Kengne
Published: June 2017

In this paper, some complex nonlinear behaviors in a four-dimensional multiscroll autonomous memristor based chaotic system are investigated. This system is derived from the three-dimensional autonomous charge-controlled Muthuswamy–Chua simplest chaotic circuit. The system can generate four different coexisting attractors for a fixed set of parameters and different initial conditions. This phenomenon is relatively rare given that we have four different attractors namely: an equilibrium point, a stable limit cycle, a 16-peak limit cycle and a strange attractor that coexist in the system within a wide range of parameters. The nonlinear phenomenon of transient chaos is studied and revealed numerically in Matlab and Pspice environments. The complex transient dynamics of this memristive system under different initial states shows that the transient time depends strongly on the initial conditions. Moreover, this model displays spiking and bursting oscillations. The bursting behavior is classified according to the dynamics of separated slow and fast subsystems. It is shown to be of the fold-Hopf type. These complex dynamical behaviors of this system are investigated by means of numerical simulations and via Pspice circuit simulations. The use of bifurcation diagrams, Lyapunov exponents diagrams, power spectrums, phase portraits, time series, isospike diagram, basin of attraction, clearly shows these complex phenomena.
Bifurcation of Limit Cycles from the Center of a Quintic System via the Averaging Method
Authors: Huang Bo
Published: June 2017

This paper deals with the bifurcation of limit cycles for a quintic system with one center. Using the averaging method, we explain how limit cycles can bifurcate from the periodic annulus around the center of the considered system by adding perturbed terms which are the sum of homogeneous polynomials of degree [Formula: see text] for [Formula: see text]. We show that up to first-order averaging, at most five limit cycles can bifurcate from the period annulus of the unperturbed system for [Formula: see text], at most [Formula: see text] limit cycles can bifurcate from the periodic annulus of the unperturbed system for any [Formula: see text], and the upper bound is sharp for [Formula: see text] and for [Formula: see text].
Privacy-Aware Image Encryption Based on Logistic Map and Data Hiding
Authors: Sun Jianglin , Liao Xiaofeng , Chen Xin , Guo Shangwei
Published: June 2017

The increasing need for image communication and storage has created a great necessity for securely transforming and storing images over a network. Whereas traditional image encryption algorithms usually consider the security of the whole plain image, region of interest (ROI) encryption schemes, which are of great importance in practical applications, protect the privacy regions of plain images. Existing ROI encryption schemes usually adopt approximate techniques to detect the privacy region and measure the quality of encrypted images; however, their performance is usually inconsistent with a human visual system (HVS) and is sensitive to statistical attacks. In this paper, we propose a novel privacy-aware ROI image encryption (PRIE) scheme based on logistical mapping and data hiding. The proposed scheme utilizes salient object detection to automatically, adaptively and accurately detect the privacy region of a given plain image. After private pixels have been encrypted using chaotic cryptography, the significant bits are embedded into the nonprivacy region of the plain image using data hiding. Extensive experiments are conducted to illustrate the consistency between our automatic ROI detection and HVS. Our experimental results also demonstrate that the proposed scheme exhibits satisfactory security performance.
On the Dynamics of the Chaotic General Lorenz System
Authors: Zhang Fuchen , Liao Xiaofeng , Chen Yi-An , Mu Chunlai , Zhang Guangyun
Published: June 2017

In this paper, the global attractive sets of the general Lorenz system are studied based on the Lyapunov stability theory and optimization theory. The innovation of this paper lies in that the method of constructing Lyapunov functions applied to many other dynamical systems is not applicable to this general Lorenz system. Comparing with the best results in the current literature, our new results fill the gap of the estimate for the case of [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]
Global Analysis on a Discontinuous Dynamical System
Authors: Chen Hebai , Cao Zhenbang , Li Denghui , Xie Jianhua
Published: June 2017

We have studied a Filippov system [Formula: see text] with small [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] being periodic. Since [Formula: see text] is an abstract function, the subharmonic Melnikov function cannot be computed. In other words, for this system the Melnikov method loses effectiveness. First, we proved that the equation has a unique harmonic solution, a unique [Formula: see text]-subharmonic solution for any [Formula: see text] and they are Lyapunov asymptotically stable. Moreover, this equation has no other type of periodic solutions. Further, the attractor of this system is not chaotic. Finally, some numerical examples are given.
An Analysis of the Impact of Introducing the Plagiarism Detection System in an Institute of Higher Education
Authors: Kumar Ranjeet , Tripathi R. C.
Published: June 2017

In the current technical scenario of the world, the importance of Intellectual Properties is growing at a fast pace in the business, education and the publishing industry particularly for those who have utilised the power of the internet to access any data, anytime, anywhere. The protection of copyright has therefore become a major concern in the said domain scenario since the theft of textual contents known as “Plagiarism” has emerged as a major menace. For this, a software plagiarism detection tool was developed earlier by us to find contents of a newly created work to be copyrighted in regard to what of its portions have been plagiarised and to what extent along with from which source whether from a local repository/database or from resources available over the internet. In the present paper, it has been used to analyse what way plagiarism would have infested the technical creativity of a typical newly established institute of higher education and research in IT, ECE, MBA, etc. had there been no such plagiarism detection tool available at all. The analysis is presented for arriving at overall scenario of plagiarism found in MTech thesis works, research papers, the book chapters written by faculty members and the research papers received in a couple of International Conferences organised by the institute etc. It is concluded that about 8.7% works manifested plagiarism of 20% or more in an institute just established almost a decade back. The tool has made profound impact in controlling plagiarism in the institute finally to reach almost zero level by fully revealing the contents plagiarised along with their sources. Guidelines have been arrived and reported here first time to advise the young authors how to mitigate the problem of plagiarism and thus assure that all the copyrightable works of the institute become free from plagiarism before they leave the station.
THE LINKS AMONG CHARACTERISTICS, CONTROLS AND PERFORMANCE OF INTER-FIRM INNOVATION PROJECTS
Authors: DYBALL MARIA CADIZ , WANG ANDY FENGFEI
Published: June 2017

This study aims to explore the effects of: (1) the project characteristics of asset specificity, uncertainty and complexity on the performance of, and, the use of formal and social controls in inter-firm innovation projects, and, (2) the use of formal and social controls on the performance of inter-firm innovation projects. In addition, the mediating role of the use of formal and social controls in the relationships between the characteristics and performance of inter-firm innovation projects is also examined. Survey data from 75 organisations in innovation–active industries in Australia were analysed using the structural equation modelling with the Partial Least Square technique. The results show that uncertainty and complexity affected performance of inter-firm innovation projects, but in opposite directions. Higher levels of uncertainty were associated with less use of social controls but higher levels of complexity were partnered with a greater use of both formal and social controls. The use of formal and social controls individually impacted on inter-firm innovation project performance. Finally, the use of formal and social controls played a partial mediating role in the relationships of uncertainty and complexity with inter-firm innovation performance. Responding to gaps in research, this study clarifies that asset specificity may be irrelevant whilst uncertainty and complexity may be highly relevant in the performance of, and, the use of controls in inter-firm innovation projects. The study offers valuable insights into how a complementary use of controls contributes to the performance of inter-firm innovation projects.
Permian rugose corals of the world
Authors: Wang Xiangdong , Yao Le , Lin Wei
Published: June 2017

Permian rugose corals underwent evolutionary episodes of assemblage changeover, biogeographical separation and extinction, which are closely related to geological events during this time. Two coral realms were recognized, the Tethyan Realm and the Cordilleran–Arctic–Uralian Realm. These are characterized by the families Kepingophyllidae and Waagenophyllidae during the Cisuralian, Waagenophyllidae in the Guadalupian and the subfamily Waagenophyllinae in the Lopingian, and the families Durhaminidae and Kleopatrinidae during the Cisuralian and major disappearance of colonial and dissepimented solitary rugose corals from the Guadalupian to the Lopingian, respectively. The development of these coral realms is controlled by the geographical barrier resulting from the Pangaea formation. According to the changes in the composition and diversity of the Permian rugose corals, a changeover event might have occurred at the end-Sakmarian and is characterized by the mixed Pennsylvanian and Permian faunas to typical Permian faunas, probably related to a global regression. In addition, three extinction events are present at the end-Kungurian, the end-Guadalupian and the end-Permian, which are respectively triggered by the northward movement of Pangaea, the Emeishan volcanic eruptions and subsequent global regression, and the global climate warming induced by the Siberian Traps eruption.
Inhibitory Plasticity: Balance, Control, and Codependence
Authors: Hennequin Guillaume , Agnes Everton J. , Vogels Tim P.
Published: June 2017

Inhibitory neurons, although relatively few in number, exert powerful control over brain circuits. They stabilize network activity in the face of strong feedback excitation and actively engage in computations. Recent studies reveal the importance of a precise balance of excitation and inhibition in neural circuits, which often requires exquisite fine-tuning of inhibitory connections. We review inhibitory synaptic plasticity and its roles in shaping both feedforward and feedback control. We discuss the necessity of complex, codependent plasticity mechanisms to build nontrivial, functioning networks, and we end by summarizing experimental evidence of such interactions.
Pretreatment with indomethacin results in increased heat stroke severity during recovery in a rodent model of heat stroke
Authors: Audet Gerald N. , Dineen Shauna M. , Stewart Delisha A. , Plamper Mark L. , Pathmasiri Wimal W. , McRitchie Susan L. , Sumner Susan J. , Leon Lisa R.
Published: June 2017

It has been suggested that medications can increase heat stroke (HS) susceptibility/severity. We investigated whether the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) indomethacin (INDO) increases HS severity in a rodent model. Core temperature (Tc) of male, C57BL/6J mice ( n = 45) was monitored continuously, and mice were given a dose of INDO [low dose (LO) 1 mg/kg or high dose (HI) 5 mg/kg in flavored treat] or vehicle (flavored treat) before heating. HS animals were heated to 42.4°C and euthanized at three time points for histological, molecular, and metabolic analysis: onset of HS [maximal core temperature (Tc,Max)], 3 h of recovery [minimal core temperature or hypothermia depth (HYPO)], and 24 h of recovery (24 h). Nonheated (control) animals underwent identical treatment in the absence of heat. INDO (LO or HI) had no effect on physiological indicators of performance (e.g., time to Tc,Max, thermal area, or cooling time) during heating or recovery. HI INDO resulted in 45% mortality rate by 24 h (HI INDO + HS group). The gut showed dramatic increases in gross morphological hemorrhage in HI INDO + HS in both survivors and nonsurvivors. HI INDO + HS survivors had significantly lower red blood cell counts and hematocrit suggesting significant hemorrhage. In the liver, HS induced cell death at HYPO and increased inflammation at Tc,Max, HYPO, and 24 h; however, there was additional effect with INDO + HS group. Furthermore, the metabolic profile of the liver was disturbed by heat, but there was no additive effect of INDO + HS. This suggests that there is an increase in morbidity risk with INDO + HS, likely resulting from significant gut injury.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This paper suggests that in a translational mouse model, NSAIDs may be counterindicated in situations that put an individual at risk of heat injury. We show here that a small, single dose of the NSAID indomethacin before heat stroke has a dramatic and highly damaging effect on the gut, which ultimately leads to increased systemic morbidity.