bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sensorimotor network hypersynchrony as an endophenotype in families with genetic generalized epilepsy: A resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging study
Authors: Tangwiriyasakul Chayanin , Perani Suejen , Abela Eugenio , Carmichael David W. , Richardson Mark P.
Published: February 2019

Recent evidence suggests that three specific brain networks show state‐dependent levels of synchronization before, during, and after episodes of generalized spike‐wave discharges (GSW) in patients with genetic generalized epilepsy (GGE). Here, we investigate whether synchronization in these networks differs between patients with GGE (n = 13), their unaffected first‐degree relatives (n = 17), and healthy controls (n = 18). All subjects underwent two 10‐minute simultaneous electroencephalographic–functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) recordings without GSW. Whole‐brain data were divided into 90 regions, and blood oxygen level–dependent (BOLD) phase synchrony in a 0.04–0.07‐Hz band was estimated between all pairs of regions. Three networks were defined: (1) the network with highest synchrony during GSW events, (2) a sensorimotor network, and (3) an occipital network. Average synchrony (mean node degree) was inferred across each network over time. Notably, synchrony was significantly higher in the sensorimotor network in patients and in unaffected relatives, compared to controls. There was a trend toward higher synchrony in the GSW network in patients and in unaffected relatives. There was no difference between groups for the occipital network. Our findings provide evidence that elevated fMRI BOLD synchrony in a sensorimotor network is a state‐independent endophenotype of GGE, present in patients in the absence of GSW, and present in unaffected relatives.
Coalescent models characterize sources and demographic history of recent round goby colonization of Great Lakes and inland waters
Authors: Sard Nicholas , Robinson John , Kanefsky Jeannette , Herbst Seth , Scribner Kim
Published: February 2019

The establishment and spread of aquatic invasive species are ecologically and economically harmful and a source of conservation concern internationally. Processes of species invasion have traditionally been inferred from observational data of species presence/absence and relative abundance. However, genetic‐based approaches can provide valuable sources of inference. Restriction site‐associated DNA sequencing was used to identify and genotype single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) loci for Round Gobies (Neogobius melanostomus) (N = 440) from 18 sampling locations in the Great Lakes and in three Michigan, USA, drainages (Flint, Au Sable, and Cheboygan River basins). Sampled rivers differed in size, accessibility, and physical characteristics including man‐made dispersal barriers. Population levels of genetic diversity and interpopulation variance in SNP allele frequency were used in coalescence‐based approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) to statistically compare models representing competing hypotheses regarding source population, postcolonization dispersal, and demographic history in the Great Lakes and inland waters. Results indicate different patterns of colonization across the three drainages. In the Flint River, models indicate a strong population bottleneck (<3% of contemporary effective population size) and a single founding event from Saginaw Bay led to the colonization of inland river segments. In the Au Sable River, analyses could not distinguish potential source populations, but supported models indicated multiple introductions from one source population. In the Cheboygan River, supported models indicated that colonization likely proceeded from east (Lake Huron source) to west among inland locales sampled in the system. Despite the recent occupancy of Great Lakes and inland habitats, large numbers of loci analyzed in an ABC framework enable statistically supported identification of source populations and reconstruction of the direction of inland spread and demographic history following establishment. Information from analyses can direct management actions to limit the spread of invasive species from identified sources and most probable vectors into additional inland aquatic habitats.
Calculation of mixed mode (I/II) stress intensities at sharp V‐notches using finite element notch opening and sliding displacements
Authors: Hussain Mirzaul Karim , Murthy K.S.R.K.
Published: February 2019

In this paper, a simple, robust, and an efficient technique has been proposed for accurate estimation of mixed mode (I/II) notch stress intensity factors (NSIFs) of sharp V‐notched configurations using finite element notch opening and sliding displacements at the selected number of nodes along the notch flanks. Unlike the crack problems, displacement field is rarely employed in the notch problems due to complexities introduced by the presence of rigid body displacements. One of the main emphasis of the present work is to neatly bypass these rigid body displacements and develop a simple approach for accurate computation of the NSIFs so that it can be easily incorporated in the existing code. Several benchmark problems have been analyzed. The results obtained using the present method show excellent agreement with the solutions available in the literature. Some new results have also been reported in the present work.
Predictors of objectively measured physical activity in 12‐month‐old infants: A study of linked birth cohort data with electronic health records
Authors: Raza Haider , Zhou Shang‐Ming , Todd Charlotte , Christian Danielle , Marchant Emily , Morgan Kelly , Khanom Ashrafunnesa , Hill Rebecca , Lyons Ronan A. , Brophy Sinead
Published: February 2019

Background

Physical activity (PA) levels are associated with long‐term health, and levels of PA when young are predictive of adult activity levels.

Objectives

This study examines factors associated with PA levels in 12‐month infants.

Method

One hundred forty‐one mother‐infant pairs were recruited via a longitudinal birth cohort study (April 2010 to March 2013). The PA level was collected using accelerometers and linked to postnatal notes and electronic medical records via the Secure Anonymised Information Linkage databank. Univariable and multivariable linear regressions were used to examine the factors associated with PA levels.

Results

Using univariable analysis, higher PA was associated with the following (P value less than 0.05): being male, larger infant size, healthy maternal blood pressure levels, full‐term gestation period, higher consumption of vegetables (infant), lower consumption of juice (infant), low consumption of adult crisps (infant), longer breastfeeding duration, and more movement during sleep (infant) but fewer night wakings. Combined into a multivariable regression model (R2 = 0.654), all factors remained significant, showing lower PA levels were associated with female gender, smaller infant, preterm birth, higher maternal blood pressure, low vegetable consumption, high crisp consumption, and less night movement.

Conclusion

The PA levels of infants were strongly associated with both gestational and postnatal environmental factors. Healthy behaviours appear to cluster, and a healthy diet was associated with a more active infant. Boys were substantially more active than girls, even at age 12 months. These findings can help inform interventions to promote healthier lives for infants and to understand the determinants of their PA levels.
Experimentally broken faecal sacs affect nest bacterial environment, development and survival of spotless starling nestlings
Authors: Azcárate‐García Manuel , Ruiz‐Rodríguez Magdalena , Díaz‐Lora Silvia , Ruiz‐Castellano Cristina , Soler Juan José
Published: February 2019

Nestlings of most avian species produce faecal sacs, which facilitate the removal of nestlings’ excrements by parents, thereby reducing proliferation of potentially pathogenic microorganisms and/or detectability by predators and parasites. The nest microbial environment that birds experience during early life might also affect their development and thus, faecal sacs facilitating parental removal may be a strategy to decrease bacterial contamination of nests that could harm developing nestlings. Here, we tested this hypothesis by experimentally broken faecal sacs and spreading them in nests of spotless starlingsSturnus unicolor, thereby avoiding their removal by adults. In accordance with the hypothesis, experimental nests harboured higher bacterial density than control nests. Nestlings in experimental nests were of smaller size (tarsus length) and experienced lower probability of survival (predation) than those in control nests. Moreover, nestlings in experimental nests tended to suffer more from ectoparasites than those in control nests. We discuss the possible pivotal role of bacteria producing chemical volatiles that ectoparasites and predators might use to find avian nests, and that could explain our experimental results in starlings.
The Pros1/Tyro3 axis protects against periodontitis by modulating STAT/SOCS signalling
Authors: Jiang Lei , Chen Xiao Qing , Gao Ming Jing , Lee Wai , Zhou Jie , Zhao Yun Fu , Wang Guo Dong
Published: February 2019

Periodontitis, an oral inflammatory disease caused by periodontal pathogen infection, is the most prevalent chronic inflammatory disease and a major burden on healthcare. The TAM receptor tyrosine kinases (Tyro3, Axl and Mertk) and their ligands (Gas6 and Pros1) play a pivotal role in the resolution of inflammation and have been associated with chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. In this study, we evaluated the effects of exogenous Pros1 in in vitro and in vivo models of periodontitis. We detected higher Pros1 but lower Tyro3 levels in inflamed gingival specimens of periodontitis patients compared with healthy controls. Moreover, Pros1 was mostly localized in the gingival epithelium of all specimens. In cultured human gingival epithelial cells (hGECs), Porphyromonas gingivalis LPS (p.g‐LPS) stimulation down‐regulated Pros1 and Tyro3. Exogenous Pros1 inhibited p.g‐LPS–induced production of TNF‐α, IL‐6, IL‐1β, MMP9/2 and RANKL in a Tyro3‐dependent manner as revealed by PCR, Western blot analysis, ELISA and gelatin zymography. Pros1 also restored Tyro3 expression down‐regulated by p.g‐LPS in hGECs. In rats treated with ligature and p.g‐LPS, administration of Pros1 attenuated periodontitis‐associated gingival inflammation and alveolar bone loss. Our mechanistic studies implicated SOCS1/3 and STAT1/3 as mediators of the in vitro and in vivo anti‐inflammatory effects of Pros1. Collectively, the findings from this work supported Pros1 as a novel anti‐inflammatory therapy for periodontitis.
Ultrasonographic and CT accuracy in localising surgical‐ or necropsy‐ confirmed solitary hepatic masses in dogs
Authors: Cheney D. M. , Coleman M. C. , Voges A. K. , Thieman Mankin K. M. , Griffin J. F.
Published: February 2019

Objectives

To estimate the sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound and CT for localising solitary hepatic masses to particular liver divisions.

Materials and Methods

Dogs diagnosed with a solitary liver mass by ultrasound and/or CT, with surgical or necropsy confirmation within 1 month of imaging. Ultrasound reports were reviewed for mass location. CT scans were reviewed by two radiologists and mass location was determined by consensus agreement. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated for ultrasound and CT for each liver division.

Results

Fourteen of 71 dogs had CT only, 27 of 71 had ultrasound only and 30 of 71 had both. Location was correctly predicted in 42 of 57 dogs (74%) by ultrasound and in 37 of 44 dogs (84%) by CT. Both CT and ultrasound had high specificity for localising masses in all divisions. Sensitivity varied among divisions and was highest for left division masses.

Clinical Significance

The results suggest that either imaging modality is appropriate for presurgical planning. Prospective studies are recommended to help identify additional factors that may aid in determination of hepatic mass location.
Why Female Decision‐Makers Shy away from Promoting Competition
Authors: Shurchkov Olga , van Geen Alexandra V.M.
Published: February 2019

Incentivizing subordinates is a crucial task of anyone in a decision‐making role. However, little is known about the mechanisms behind selection of different types of incentives. Our laboratory experiment characterizes the ways in which male and female decision‐makers assign incentives, and how these choices are perceived by those affected by them. We find that women are significantly less likely to select “competitive” incentives based on comparative performance of workers, particularly in the treatment where their workers can observe their gender. The results are not due to priming but are rather consistent with the explanation that women conform to gender stereotypes in anticipation of subsequent evaluation by workers. Indeed, female decision‐makers are significantly underrated relative to comparable males, even after controlling for incentive choice and an extensive set of individual characteristics. The gender difference in competency ratings can be attributed to male workers rating female decision‐makers disproportionately lower relative to their male counterparts. The gender gap in ratings appears to arise because of gender per se and not due to a differential impact of incentives on decision‐makers' gender.
Molecular identification of bloodmeal sources and trypanosomes in Glossina spp., Tabanus spp. and Stomoxys spp. trapped on cattle farm settlements in southwest Nigeria
Authors: Odeniran P. O. , Macleod E. T. , Ademola I. O. , Welburn S. C.
Published: February 2019

The interactions of host, vector and parasite in bovine trypanosomiasis transmission cycles in southwest Nigeria are not yet well understood. Trypanosoma (Trypanosomatida: Trypanosomatidae) species infection prevalences and bloodmeal sources were determined in transmitting vectors of the genera Glossina (Diptera: Glossinidae), Tabanus (Diptera: Tabanidae) and Stomoxys (Diptera: Muscidae) collected using Nzi traps in cattle settlements in southwest Nigeria. Sequenced cytochrome B mitochondrial DNA segments obtained from vector digestive tracts identified bloodmeal sources from eight host species, namely human, cattle, hippopotamus, giraffe, gazelle, spotted hyena, long‐tailed rat and one unidentified species. Overall, 71.1% [95% confidence interval (CI) 63.0–78.1], 33.3% (95% CI 21.9–47.0) and 22.2% (95% CI 16.2–29.9), respectively, of Glossina, Tabanus and Stomoxys flies were positive for trypanosomes. The observed trypanosome species were Trypanosoma vivax, Trypanosoma congolense, Trypanosoma brucei, Trypanosoma evansi, Trypanosoma simiae and Trypanosoma godfreyi. Trypanosome DNA was more prevalent in tsetse (34.8% Tr. vivax, 51.1% Tr. b. brucei, 5.2% Tr. congolense, 4.4% Tr. simiae and 24.4% mixed infections) than in other flies and the main determinants in all flies were seasonal factors and host availability. To the best of the present group's knowledge, this is the first report of Trypanosoma species in Tabanus and Stomoxys flies in Nigeria. It indicates that vector control programmes should always consider biting flies along with tsetse flies in the control of human and animal trypanosomiasis.
Stressor fluxes alter the relationship between beta‐diversity and regional productivity
Authors: De Raedt Jonathan , Baert Jan M. , Janssen Colin R. , De Laender Frederik
Published: February 2019

Dispersal of organisms can influence the relationship between beta‐diversity and regional productivity in heterogeneous environments. However, many ecosystems are also linked by fluxes of stressors, with an unknown influence on this relationship. In this study, we assess the relationship between beta‐diversity (measured as Bray–Curtis dissimilarity) and regional productivity (measured as biovolume) under various levels of a stressor flux in meta‐ecosystems that were composed of two marine micro‐algae communities. We created heterogeneity by exposing one of the two communities to a herbicide and manipulated regional diversity by applying a dispersal gradient, which decreased beta‐diversity. We applied four stressor flux levels, which homogenized the herbicide concentration between the communities over time. The stressor flux changed the relationship between beta‐diversity and regional productivity by changing the effect of dispersal on regional productivity. In absence of the stressor flux, the relationship between beta‐diversity and regional productivity was mostly not significant, but positive at the end of the experiment. This positive relationship was generated by a negative effect of dispersal on regional productivity, probably because dispersal disrupted local dynamics by removing organisms from the most‐productive unstressed community. In presence of the stressor flux, the relationship between beta‐diversity and regional productivity was often negative as dispersal now increased regional productivity. Dispersal increased regional productivity by increasing the productivity of the stressed community. This positive effect was stronger in the presence than in the absence of the stressor flux because the stressor flux reduced the concentration of the herbicide in the stressed community, where it facilitated recovery. Our study shows that stressor fluxes can strongly interact with the effects of dispersal on productivity and thus influence diversity–productivity relationships.
Standard Advantage
Authors: Craige Larry
Published: February 2019

Proper fabrication and regular inspection of chemical holding tanks can head off problems before they become serious. But those steps entail a cost that many companies often would rather put off. So far, only Delaware has adopted the ASME International Standard RTP-1, “Reinforced Thermoset Plastic (RTP) Corrosion Resistant Equipment.” Requiring companies to follow the standard would provide a measure of safety and reliability to some dangerous industries.
Piezotronic Effect of a Thin Film With Elastic and Piezoelectric Semiconductor Layers Under a Static Flexural Loading
Authors: Luo Yixun , Zhang Chunli , Chen Weiqiu , Yang Jiashi
Published: February 2019

We theoretically study the electromechanical behaviors of a laminated thin-film piezoelectric semiconductor (PS) composite plate with flexural deformation. The nonlinear equations for drift currents of electrons and holes are linearized for a small carrier concentration perturbation. Following the structural theory systemized by R. D. Mindlin, a system of two-dimensional (2D) equations for the laminated thin-film PS plate, including the lowest order coupled extensional and flexural motion, are presented by expanding the displacement, potential, and the incremental concentration of electrons and holes as power series of the plate thickness. Based on the derived 2D equations, the analytical expressions of the electromechanical fields and distribution of electrons in the thin-film PS plate with an n-type ZnO layer subjected to a static bending are presented. The numerical results show that the electromechanical behaviors and piezotronic effects can be effectively controlled by the external applied force and initial concentration of carriers. The derived 2D equations and numerical results in this paper are helpful for developing piezotronic devices.
Kinetic to Potential Energy Transformation Using a Spring as an Intermediary: Application to the Pole Vault Problem
Authors: Chau Sheryl , Mukherjee Ranjan
Published: February 2019

The kinetic energy of a mass moving horizontally can be completely converted into potential energy using a spring as an intermediary. The spring can be used to temporarily store some of the energy of the mass and change the direction of motion of the mass from horizontal to vertical. A nondimensional framework is used to study this problem for a point mass, first with a linear spring and then with a nonlinear spring that is an elastica. Solutions to the problems with the linear spring and elastica show many similarities and some dissimilarities. The dynamics of the point mass and elastica resemble the mechanics of a pole-vault; and therefore, a nonconservative external torque is introduced to parallel the muscle work done by vaulters. For the nonconservative system, the problem is solved for complete transformation of the kinetic energy of the mass and the work done by the external torque into potential energy of the mass. The initial velocities for the two cases, with and without the nonconservative force, are quite similar; and therefore, the maximum potential energy of the mass is higher in the presence of the nonconservative force. A realistic dimensional example is considered; the solution to the problem, despite several simplifying assumptions, is found to be similar to data of elite pole vaulters presented in the literature.
Pneumatic Soft Arm Based on Spiral Balloon Weaving and Shape Memory Polymer Backbone
Authors: Liu Jianbin , Wei Junbo , Zhang Guokai , Wang Shuxin , Zuo Siyang
Published: February 2019

This paper presents a novel design of soft arm with triplet spiral balloons weaving and a shape memory polymer (SMP) backbone mechanism, which enables dexterous actuation and an additional variable stiffness function. The soft arm is aimed for assisting minimally invasive surgery (MIS). The triplet spiral balloons, which are actuated by pressure air, are woven helically around the SMP backbone, covered by a rubber sheath. This structure gives the soft arm a wide range of actuation, which allows it to reach the target without damaging surrounding tissues blocking its way. The SMP backbone, whose stiffness changes with the temperature, gives the arm the ability of shape holding. Temperature control of the SMP backbone is realized by the electric wire and cooling channels. A prototype is manufactured and a set of experiments is conducted with the aim of assessing the performance of variable stiffness and actuation. The effects of different loads and pressures on trajectory of the arm are evaluated together with the force-deflection curves. The prototype has also been validated with abdominal phantom, demonstrating the potential clinical value of the system.
Computational Modeling and Analysis of Murmurs Generated by Modeled Aortic Stenoses
Authors: Zhu Chi , Seo Jung-Hee , Mittal Rajat
Published: February 2019

In this study, coupled hemodynamic–acoustic simulations are employed to study the generation and propagation of murmurs associated with aortic stenoses where the aorta with a stenosed aortic valve is modeled as a curved pipe with a constriction near the inlet. The hemodynamics of the poststenotic flow is investigated in detail in our previous numerical study (Zhu et al., 2018, “Computational Modelling and Analysis of Haemodynamics in a Simple Model of Aortic Stenosis,” J. Fluid Mech., 851, pp. 23–49). The temporal history of the pressure on the aortic lumen is recorded during the hemodynamic study and used as the murmur source in the acoustic simulations. The thorax is modeled as an elliptic cylinder and the thoracic tissue is assumed to be homogeneous, linear and viscoelastic. A previously developed high-order numerical method that is capable of dealing with immersed bodies is applied in the acoustic simulations. To mimic the clinical practice of auscultation, the sound signals from the epidermal surface are collected. The simulations show that the source of the aortic stenosis murmur is located at the proximal end of the aortic arch and that the sound intensity pattern on the epidermal surface can predict the source location of the murmurs reasonably well. Spectral analysis of the murmur reveals the disconnect between the break frequency obtained from the flow and from the murmur signal. Finally, it is also demonstrated that the source locations can also be predicted by solving an inverse problem using the free-space Green's function. The implications of these results for cardiac auscultation are discussed.
The Impact of Journal Bearing Wear on an Electric Submersible Pump in Two-Phase and Three-Phase Flow
Authors: Bai Changrui , Zheng Dezhi , Hure Robert , Saleh Ramy , Carvajal Nicolas , Morrison Gerald
Published: February 2019

Electric submersible pumps (ESPs) provide artificial lift within oil wells. ESPs commonly fail from mechanical vibrations that increase as bearing clearances increase from debris, gas, and liquid pumped through the ESP. In order to understand journal bearing wear within an ESP, three stages of a mixed flow electric submersible pump were subjected to hydraulic fracture sand slurry in water. One hundred seventeen hours were conducted with sand and water, followed by 68 h with air added at 15% inlet gas volume fraction. The journal bearings were severely worn by the end of testing, and pump vibrations increased with increased bearing clearances. Bearing vibrations and clearances became significantly larger than the impeller labyrinth seal vibrations and clearances, indicating that the labyrinth seals became the dominant rotor support once the bearings were worn. Adding air increased the wear and rotor vibration orbit variability. Rotor vibration orbits were entirely independent of gas void fraction by the end of testing, indicating that the lubricant composition no longer directly impacted vibrations. Fine axial cracks from heat checking were observed on the journal of the bearings. Results indicate that controlling journal bearing wear is a critical factor for increasing operating lifetimes. Alternative bearing geometry and materials should be investigated to prevent the occurrence of three-body abrasion, limit the resultant wear rate from three-body abrasion, and limit the damage from heat checking.
Material Ductile Failure-Based Finite Element Simulations of Chip Serration in Orthogonal Cutting of Titanium Alloy Ti-6Al-4V
Authors: Liu Guoliang , Shah Suril , Özel Tuğrul
Published: February 2019

Titanium alloy Ti-6Al-4V, an alpha-beta alloy, possesses ductile deformation behavior and offers advantageous properties, light weight but high strength, good resilience, and resistance to corrosion, becoming highly suitable for aerospace and biomedical applications. However, its machinability is still considered a limiting factor in improving productivity. This paper presents a finite element modeling methodology for orthogonal cutting titanium alloy Ti-6Al-4V by considering material constitutive modeling together with material ductile failure in combination with damage initiation and cumulative damage-based evolution to simulate not only ductile material separation from workpiece to form chips but also chip serration mechanism by applying an elastic–viscoplastic formulation. The finite element model is further verified with orthogonal cutting experiments (using both uncoated and TiAlN-coated carbide tools) by comparing simulated and acquired forces and simulated and captured chip images at high cutting speeds. The effects of cutting speed, feed, tool rake angle, and tool coating on the degree of chip serration are studied through the simulation results. The cutting temperature and strain distributions are obtained to study the chip serration mechanism under different cutting conditions. It is confirmed that the material failure, crack initiation, and damage evolution are of great significance in the chip serration in cutting titanium alloy Ti-6Al-4V.
An Integrated Geometric-Graph-Theoretic Approach to Representing Origami Structures and Their Corresponding Truss Frameworks
Authors: Chen Yao , Sareh Pooya , Yan Jiayi , Fallah Arash S. , Feng Jian
Published: February 2019

Origami has provided various interesting applications in science and engineering. Appropriate representations and evaluation on crease patterns play an important role in developing an innovative origami structure with desired characteristics. However, this is generally a challenge encountered by scientists and engineers who introduce origami into various fields. As most practical origami structures contain repeated unit cells, graph products provide a suitable choice for the formation of crease patterns. Here, we will employ undirected and directed graph products as a tool for the representation of crease patterns and their corresponding truss frameworks of origami structures. Given that an origami crease pattern can be considered to be a set of directionless crease lines that satisfy the foldability condition, we demonstrate that the pattern can be exactly expressed by a specific graph product of independent graphs. It turns out that this integrated geometric-graph-theoretic method can be effectively implemented in the formation of different crease patterns and provide suitable numbering of nodes and elements. Furthermore, the presented method is useful for constructing the involved matrices and models of origami structures and thus enhances configuration processing for geometric, kinematic, or mechanical analysis on origami structures.
Running Recession: A Trend Analysis of Running Involvement and Runner Characteristics to Understand Declining Participation
Authors: Kennedy Heather , Baker Bradley J. , Jordan Jeremy S. , Funk Daniel C.
Published: February 2019

Market trends indicate the distance running event industry is facing a running recession. Since 2013, consumer demand has declined annually while supply increased. The current research provides insight into why running as a recreational activity is declining and implications for organized events’ utility. Based on seven years of participants’ postevent surveys from a long-distance running event, the value placed on hedonic, symbolic, and lifestyle features of running (i.e., running involvement) is gradually declining, which corresponds to a decline in annual event participation. Results are based on analyses of both a time series of cross-sections (N = 23,790) and a panel of multiyear respondents (n = 461). Also, there are gender differences in the rates at which running involvement declined. These results shed light onto a sociopsychographic explanation for the declining levels of running event participation and general interest in running.
Human consciousness is supported by dynamic complex patterns of brain signal coordination
Authors: Demertzi A. , Tagliazucchi E. , Dehaene S. , Deco G. , Barttfeld P. , Raimondo F. , Martial C. , Fernández-Espejo D. , Rohaut B. , Voss H. U. , Schiff N. D. , Owen A. M. , Laureys S. , Naccache L. , Sitt J. D.
Published: February 2019

Dynamic patterns of brain activity at rest distinguish conscious and unconscious states in humans.
A plasma protein classifier for predicting amyloid burden for preclinical Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Ashton Nicholas J. , Nevado-Holgado Alejo J. , Barber Imelda S. , Lynham Steven , Gupta Veer , Chatterjee Pratishtha , Goozee Kathryn , Hone Eugene , Pedrini Steve , Blennow Kaj , Schöll Michael , Zetterberg Henrik , Ellis Kathryn A. , Bush Ashley I. , Rowe Christopher C. , Villemagne Victor L. , Ames David , Masters Colin L. , Aarsland Dag , Powell John , Lovestone Simon , Martins Ralph , Hye Abdul
Published: February 2019

The untargeted discovery and replication of a blood protein panel shows promise for predicting preclinical Alzheimer’s disease.
The gut microbiome from patients with schizophrenia modulates the glutamate-glutamine-GABA cycle and schizophrenia-relevant behaviors in mice
Authors: Zheng Peng , Zeng Benhua , Liu Meiling , Chen Jianjun , Pan Junxi , Han Yu , Liu Yiyun , Cheng Ke , Zhou Chanjuan , Wang Haiyang , Zhou Xinyu , Gui Siwen , Perry Seth W. , Wong Ma-Li , Licinio Julio , Wei Hong , Xie Peng
Published: February 2019

New findings suggest that schizophrenia may be linked to gut bacteria.
Numerical cognition in honeybees enables addition and subtraction
Authors: Howard Scarlett R. , Avarguès-Weber Aurore , Garcia Jair E. , Greentree Andrew D. , Dyer Adrian G.
Published: February 2019

Honeybees learn to add or subtract one item from a set using color cues and can interpolate operations to a novel number.
Recurrent group A
Streptococcus
tonsillitis is an immunosusceptibility disease involving antibody deficiency and aberrant T
FH
cells
Authors: Dan Jennifer M. , Havenar-Daughton Colin , Kendric Kayla , Al-kolla Rita , Kaushik Kirti , Rosales Sandy L. , Anderson Ericka L. , LaRock Christopher N. , Vijayanand Pandurangan , Seumois Grégory , Layfield David , Cutress Ramsey I. , Ottensmeier Christian H. , Lindestam Arlehamn Cecilia S. , Sette Alessandro , Nizet Victor , Bothwell Marcella , Brigger Matthew , Crotty Shane
Published: February 2019

Recurrent tonsillitis is a multifactorial disease associated with an aberrant tonsillar germinal center response to group A
Streptococcus
.
Suppressing fatty acid uptake has therapeutic effects in preclinical models of prostate cancer
Authors: Watt Matthew J. , Clark Ashlee K. , Selth Luke A. , Haynes Vanessa R. , Lister Natalie , Rebello Richard , Porter Laura H. , Niranjan Birunthi , Whitby Sarah T. , Lo Jennifer , Huang Cheng , Schittenhelm Ralf B. , Anderson Kimberley E. , Furic Luc , Wijayaratne Poornima R. , Matzaris Maria , Montgomery Magdalene K. , Papargiris Melissa , Norden Sam , Febbraio Maria , Risbridger Gail P. , Frydenberg Mark , Nomura Daniel K. , Taylor Renea A.
Published: February 2019

Prostate cancer depends on fatty acid uptake and remodeling of the prostate lipidome, and blocking fatty acid uptake impairs prostate tumorigenesis.
Tissue-specific regulation of p53 by PKM2 is redox dependent and provides a therapeutic target for anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity
Authors: Saleme Bruno , Gurtu Vikram , Zhang Yongneng , Kinnaird Adam , Boukouris Aristeidis E. , Gopal Keshav , Ussher John R. , Sutendra Gopinath
Published: February 2019

The redox status of tetrameric PKM2 defines its differential regulation of p53 activity and apoptosis.
Dose Optimization of Colistin Combinations against Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii from Patients with Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia in China by Using an
In Vitro
Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Model
Authors: Bian Xingchen , Liu Xiaofen , Chen Yuancheng , Chen Daijie , Li Jian , Zhang Jing
Published: February 2019

Colistin-based combination therapy has become an important strategy to combat the carbapenem-resistant
Acinetobacter baumannii
(CRAB). However, the optimal dosage regimen selection for the combination with maximum efficacy is challenging.
AmpI Functions as an Iron Exporter To Alleviate β-Lactam-Mediated Reactive Oxygen Species Stress in
Stenotrophomonas maltophilia
Authors: Huang Yi-Wei , Huang Hsin-Hui , Huang Kai-Hung , Chen Wei-Chien , Lin Yi-Tsung , Hsu Cheng-Chih , Yang Tsuey-Ching
Published: February 2019

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia
is an organism with a remarkable capacity for drug resistance with several antibiotic resistance determinants in its genome.
S. maltophilia
genome codes for L1 and L2, responsible for intrinsic β-lactam resistance.
Characterization of Hypermutator Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolates from Patients with Cystic Fibrosis in Australia
Authors: Rees Vanessa E. , Deveson Lucas Deanna S. , López-Causapé Carla , Huang Yuling , Kotsimbos Tom , Bulitta Jürgen B. , Rees Murray C. , Barugahare Adele , Peleg Anton Y. , Nation Roger L. , Oliver Antonio , Boyce John D. , Landersdorfer Cornelia B.
Published: February 2019

Hypermutable
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
isolates (hypermutators) have been identified in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and are associated with reduced lung function. Hypermutators display a greatly increased mutation rate and an enhanced ability to become resistant to antibiotics during treatment.
Conserved Gammaherpesvirus Protein Kinase Selectively Promotes Irrelevant B Cell Responses
Authors: Darrah Eric J. , Jondle Christopher N. , Johnson Kaitlin E. , Xin Gang , Lange Philip T. , Cui Weiguo , Olteanu Horatiu , Tarakanova Vera L.
Published: February 2019

Gammaherpesviruses are ubiquitous cancer-associated pathogens that usurp the B cell differentiation process to establish life-long latent infection in memory B cells. A unique feature of early gammaherpesvirus infection is the robust increase in differentiation of B cells that are not specific for viral antigens and instead encode antibodies that react with self-antigens and antigens of other species. Viral mechanisms that are involved in driving such irrelevant B cell differentiation are not known. Here, we show that gammaherpesvirus-encoded conserved protein kinase and host IL-1 signaling promote irrelevant B cell responses and gammaherpesvirus-driven germinal center responses, with the latter thought to be the target of viral transformation.
Medusavirus, a Novel Large DNA Virus Discovered from Hot Spring Water
Authors: Yoshikawa Genki , Blanc-Mathieu Romain , Song Chihong , Kayama Yoko , Mochizuki Tomohiro , Murata Kazuyoshi , Ogata Hiroyuki , Takemura Masaharu
Published: February 2019

We have isolated a new nucleocytoplasmic large DNA virus (NCLDV) from hot spring water in Japan, named medusavirus. This new NCLDV is phylogenetically placed at the root of the eukaryotic clades based on the phylogenies of several key genes, including that encoding DNA polymerase, and its genome surprisingly encodes the full set of histone homologs. Furthermore, its laboratory host,
Acanthamoeba castellanii
, encodes many medusavirus homologs in its genome, including the major capsid protein, suggesting that the amoeba is the genuine natural host from ancient times of this newly described virus and that lateral gene transfers have repeatedly occurred between the virus and amoeba. These results suggest that medusavirus is a unique NCLDV preserving ancient footprints of evolutionary interactions with its hosts, thus providing clues to elucidate the evolution of NCLDVs, eukaryotes, and virus-host interaction. Based on the dissimilarities with other known NCLDVs, we propose that medusavirus represents a new viral family,
Medusaviridae
.
Primary cervical screening with high risk human papillomavirus testing: observational study
Authors: Rebolj Matejka , Rimmer Janet , Denton Karin , Tidy John , Mathews Christopher , Ellis Kay , Smith John , Evans Chris , Giles Thomas , Frew Viki , Tyler Xenia , Sargent Alexandra , Parker Janet , Holbrook Miles , Hunt Katherine , Tidbury Penny , Levine Tanya , Smith David , Patnick Julietta , Stubbs Ruth , Moss Sue , Kitchener Henry
Published: February 2019

Objective

To provide the first report on the main outcomes from the prevalence and incidence rounds of a large pilot of routine primary high risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) testing in England, compared with contemporaneous primary liquid based cytology screening.

Design

Observational study.

Setting

The English Cervical Screening Programme.

Participants

578 547 women undergoing cervical screening in primary care between May 2013 and December 2014, with follow-up until May 2017; 183 970 (32%) were screened with hrHPV testing.

Interventions

Routine cervical screening with hrHPV testing with liquid based cytology triage and two early recalls for women who were hrHPV positive and cytology negative, following the national screening age and interval recommendations.

Main outcome measures

Frequency of referral for a colposcopy; adherence to early recall; and relative detection of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or worse from hrHPV testing compared with liquid based cytology in two consecutive screening rounds.

Results

Baseline hrHPV testing and early recall required approximately 80% more colposcopies, (adjusted odds ratio 1.77, 95% confidence interval 1.73 to 1.82), but detected substantially more cervical intraepithelial neoplasia than liquid based cytology (1.49 for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or worse, 1.43 to 1.55; 1.44 for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 3 or worse, 1.36 to 1.51) and for cervical cancer (1.27, 0.99 to 1.63). Attendance at early recall and colposcopy referral were 80% and 95%, respectively. At the incidence screen, the 33 506 women screened with hrHPV testing had substantially less cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 3 or worse than the 77 017 women screened with liquid based cytology (0.14, 0.09 to 0.23).

Conclusions

In England, routine primary hrHPV screening increased the detection of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 3 or worse and cervical cancer by approximately 40% and 30%, respectively, compared with liquid based cytology. The very low incidence of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 3 or worse after three years supports extending the screening interval.
Core and optional infant and young child feeding indicators in Sub-Saharan Africa: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Gebremedhin Samson
Published: February 2019

Objective

The objective of the study is to determine the status of infant and young child feeding (IYCF) in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) based on multiple indicators.

Design

Secondary data analysis of 32 Demographic and Health Surveys conducted in SSA since 2010.

Setting

Thirty-two countries in SSA.

Participants

151 575 infants and young children born in the preceding 2 years of the surveys.

Indicators determined

Eight core and six optional IYCF indicators.

Results

Majority (95.8%) of the children born in the preceding 24 months were ever breastfed, and 50.5% initiated breastfeeding within the first hour of birth. Among infants 0–5 months of age, 72.3% were predominantly breastfed and 41.0% were exclusively breastfed. Continued breastfeeding at 1 year (89.5%) was reasonably high, but only 53.7% continued breastfeeding at 2 years and 60.4% had age-appropriate breastfeeding. About two-thirds (69.3%) of infants 6–8 months of age received solid, semisolid or soft food over the previous day across the countries. Among children 6–23 months of age, 41.9% met the minimum recommended meal frequency, while smaller proportions satisfied the minimum dietary diversity (21.0%) and acceptable diet (9.8%). About one-third (37.6%) of children 6–23 months of age consumed iron-rich or iron-fortified food over the previous day. Among non-breastfed children, only 15.0% received the recommended two or more milk feedings. Thirteen per cent were fed with a bottle with a nipple in the previous day. Country-level estimates for most indicators showed remarkable variations. Yet the minimum dietary diversity and acceptable diet indicators were consistently low.

Conclusion

Most breastfeeding-related indicators, except exclusive and early initiation of breastfeeding, are in an acceptable level in SSA. However, complementary feeding indicators are generally low.
The China Patient-centred Evaluative Assessment of Cardiac Events (PEACE) prospective heart failure study design
Authors: Huang Xinghe , Yu Yuan , Li Xi , Masoudi Fredrick A , Spertus John A , Yan Xiaofang , Krumholz Harlan M , Jiang Lixin , Li Jing
Published: February 2019

Introduction

China faces the prospect of a large growth in the prevalence of heart failure (HF). However, there is limited knowledge about outcomes in patients after HF hospitalisations, including patient-reported outcomes (PROs). This paper is to present the study goal, methodology and data collection of the China Patient-centred Evaluative Assessment of Cardiac Events Prospective Heart Failure Study (China PEACE 5p-HF Study).

Methods and analysis

The China PEACE 5p-HF Study, a prospective cohort study, will enrol 5000 patients with HF during 2016–2018 from 52 diverse hospitals throughout China and the follow-up period will be 12 months. Information on patients’ medical history, in-hospital treatment and in-hospital outcomes are being abstracted from medical records. Details of patients’ demographics, socioeconomic status, cardiovascular risk factors, access to healthcare services are being collected through comprehensive baseline interviews. Generic and disease-specific health status, depression, stress, anxiety and cognitive function are being administered using validated PRO instruments. Follow-up interviews will capture PROs and hospitalisation events at 1, 6 and 12 months follow-up. Standardised transthoracic echocardiograms and 6 min walk tests are being done in patients who enrolled in hospitals with these facilities at baseline and at 1 and 12 months after discharge. Collection of blood and urine samples are also being conducted at baseline, 1 and 12 months follow-up and stored for future analyses.

Ethics and dissemination

The National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases/Fuwai Hospital ethics committee approved this study, and all collaborating hospitals received approval from their local ethics committee. Written informed consent will be obtained from all patients. Findings will be disseminated in future peer-reviewed papers and will help to support improvements in the quality of care for HF nationwide.

Trial registration number

NCT02878811.
Effect of integrated urban and rural residents medical insurance on the utilisation of medical services by residents in China: a propensity score matching with difference-in-differences regression approach
Authors: Su Dai , Chen Ying-chun , Gao Hong-xia , Li Hao-miao , Chang Jing-jing , Jiang Di , Hu Xiao-mei , Lei Shi-han , Tan Min , Chen Zhi-fang
Published: February 2019

Objectives

In this study, we aim to evaluate the effect of urban and rural resident medical insurance scheme (URRMI) on the utilisation of medical services by urban and rural residents in the four pilot provinces.

Setting and participants

The sample used in this study is 13 305 individuals, including 2620 in the treatment group and 10 685 in the control group, from the 2011 and 2015 surveys of China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study.

Outcome measures

Propensity score matching and difference-in-differences regression approach (PSM-DID) is used in the study. First, we match the baseline data by using kernel matching. Then, the average treatment effect of the four outcome variables are analysed by using the DID model. Finally, the robustness of the PSM-DID estimation is tested by simple model and radius matching.

Results

Kernel matching have improved the overall balance after matching. The URRMI policy has significantly reduced the need-but-not outpatient care and significantly increased outpatient care cost and inpatient care cost for rural residents, with DID value of −0.271, 0.090 and 0.256, respectively. After robustness test, the DID competing results of four outcome variables are consistent.

Conclusions

URRMI has a limited effect on the utilisation of medical and health services by all residents, but the effect on rural residents is obvious. The government should establish a unified or income-matching payment standard to prevent, control the use of medical insurance funds and increase its efforts to implement URRMI integration in more regions to improve overall fundraising levels.
Characterization of static and dynamic geotechnical properties and behaviors of fine coal refuse
Authors: Salam Sajjad , Xiao Ming , Khosravifar Arash , Liew Min , Liu Shimin , Rostami Jamal
Published: February 2019

The geotechnical properties, cyclic behavior, and liquefaction resistance of in situ fine coal refuse (FCR) have not been sufficiently investigated. This paper presents the characterization of static and dynamic geotechnical properties of in situ coal slurry samples. Representative coal slurry samples were taken from two coal slurry impoundments in the Appalachian coalfields in the USA. Standard penetration tests (SPTs) were conducted. Index properties, hydraulic conductivity, shear strength, and shear stiffness of the FCR were determined. The geotechnical properties of the representative FCR were found significantly dependent on the location and depth of the samples. However, the FCR samples were classified as soft and low plasticity silty sands to sandy silts. Cyclic direct simple shear (DSS) tests were conducted on representative samples prepared using slurry deposition method to evaluate the liquefaction resistance and cyclic behavior of FCR. The cyclic stress ratio – number of cycles required for liquefaction occurrence (CSR–N) curve for FCR was established. The cyclic resistance of FCR compared well with the empirical correlations for sand-like materials, though the stress–strain behavior and pore-water pressure generation exhibited clay-like behavior. Each cyclic DSS test was followed by a static shearing to assess the post-liquefaction shear strength of the FCR. Significant decrease in shear modulus and dilative behavior were observed after liquefaction.