bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Religiosity Reduces Sexual Aggression and Coercion in a Longitudinal Cohort of College Men: Mediating Roles of Peer Norms, Promiscuity, and Pornography
Authors: Hagen Timothy , Thompson Martie P. , Williams Janelle
Published: May 2018

Extensive literature suggests that religiosity is a protective factor in reducing a number of deviant behaviors, including sexual aggression (SA). Whereas previous research focused on the role of risky alcohol consumption in mediating the relationship between religiosity and SA, this study explores the hypothesized meditational paths from religiosity to SA and technology‐based coercive behavior (TBC) through peer norms, pornography consumption, and promiscuity. Findings from a four‐year longitudinal study of male college students suggest that peer norms and promiscuity mediate the relationship between religiosity and both outcome measures, while pornography consumption mediates the relationship between religiosity and TBC. These findings may inform ongoing practice and future research into possible mechanisms by which problematic sexual behaviors may be influenced.
A novel mutation in the DYSF gene in a patient with a presumed inflammatory myopathy
Authors: Tang Jin , Song Xueqin , Ji Guang , Wu Hongran , Sun Shuyan , Lu Shan , Li Yuan , Zhang Chi , Zhang Huiqing
Published: May 2018

Dysferlinopathy, a progressive muscular dystrophy, results from mutations in the Dysferlin gene (DYSF, MIM*603009). Traditional diagnosis relies on the reduction or absence of dysferlin. However, altered dysferlin has been observed in other myopathies, leading to a precise diagnosis through molecular genetics. In this study, we report a patient who was previously misdiagnosed as inflammatory myopathy based on routine clinicopathological examinations alone. However, muscle biopsy specimens were analyzed further by immunohistochemistry of muscular dystrophy‐related proteins, and gene‐targeted next generation sequencing (NGS) was used to correctly identify muscular dystrophy. DNA was sequenced with NGS and the detected mutation was verified by Sanger sequencing. Our targeted NGS found a novel missense mutation (c.5392G > A) in the DYSF gene, allowing correct diagnosis of LGMD2B in our patient. We discovered of a novel missense mutation in the DYSF gene and have broadened the DYSF mutation spectrum, which may be correlated in patients with presumed dysferlinopathy, especially when lymphocytic infiltration is observed.
How attention gates social interactions
Authors: Capozzi Francesca , Ristic Jelena
Published: May 2018

Social interactions are at the core of social life. However, humans selectively choose their exchange partners and do not engage in all available opportunities for social encounters. In this review, we argue that attentional systems play an important role in guiding the selection of social interactions. Supported by both classic and emerging literature, we identify and characterize the three core processes—perception, interpretation, and evaluation—that interact with attentional systems to modulate selective responses to social environments. Perceptual processes facilitate attentional prioritization of social cues. Interpretative processes link attention with understanding of cues’ social meanings and agents’ mental states. Evaluative processes determine the perceived value of the source of social information. The interplay between attention and these three routes of processing places attention in a powerful role to manage the selection of the vast amount of social information that individuals encounter on a daily basis and, in turn, gate the selection of social interactions.
Outcomes of cardiac resynchronization therapy using left ventricular quadripolar leads
Authors: Yang Mei , Li Xuping , Liang Jinjun , Asirvatham Samuel J. , Espinosa Raul , Li Yigang , Friedman Paul A. , Cha Yong‐Mei
Published: May 2018

Background

Quadripolar left ventricular (LV) leads provide a more optimal pacing configuration for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) than conventional bipolar leads. The objective of this study is to determine the clinical outcomes of CRT using quadripolar leads.

Methods

This study included 516 CRT patients who received bipolar LV leads (n = 278) or quadripolar LV leads (n = 238) from January 2013 to June 2016. Data were retrospectively collected from a prospective CRT database and electronic health records. CRT response to CRT was defined as >5% improvement in the LV ejection fraction (LVEF) from baseline. Baseline characteristics and outcomes were compared between groups.

Results

New York Heart Association Functional Classification and LVEF significantly improved in the quadripolar and bipolar groups after CRT. There was no difference in the all‐cause mortality rate. The implant success rate was significantly higher in the quadripolar group (100% vs 97.8%; P = 0.02). Quadripolar lead placement was an independent predictor of CRT response at 12 months (hazard ratio, 0.76; 95% confidence interval, 0.58–0.98; P = 0.04). The rate of LV lead–related complications requiring invasive lead revision or abandonment was significantly higher in the bipolar group (11.2% vs 4.6%; P = 0.007).

Conclusions

Quadripolar leads achieve similar CRT outcomes as bipolar LV leads but with a higher implant success rate and fewer procedure‐related complications.
Rethinking the ‘open functional’ approach: Ideas, problem pressure and reform in the contemporary welfare state
Authors: Hannah Adam
Published: May 2018

Recognition that welfare states continue to change has fostered debate about the relationship between ideas and policy problems in driving governments towards reform. To move the debate forward, this article proposes a modification of Barbara Vis and Kees van Kersbergen's ‘open functional approach’. It first argues that while policy problems may provide ‘functional pressure’ to reform, this pressure is significant only in so far as inaction would risk electoral punishment. Reform pressure is hence best evaluated with reference to contemporaneous expert advice, public opinion data and the timing of elite and media attention. Second, it suggests that ideas may also lead parties to act as reform seekers, using policy problems as justification for cherished solutions or long‐held programmatic goals. The modified approach is demonstrated through comparative application to two case studies, attempts at pension reform in Sweden and the United States.
A street‐level perspective on government transparency and regulatory performance: Does relational distance matter?
Authors: de Boer Noortje , Eshuis Jasper
Published: May 2018

This study investigates the extent to which inspectors perceive government transparency as impacting regulatory performance. It theorizes that when inspectors perceive an increase in transparency, they find that the perceived relational distance between themselves and their inspectees rises and this, subsequently, increases regulatory performance. The findings from a survey among Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority inspectors (n= 466) confirm that inspectors view an increase in transparency as enhancing regulatory performance. This study further investigates this mechanism by comparing two divisions with different levels of factual relational distance (i.e., frequency of inspector–inspectee interactions). The findings reveal that only in the division with small factual relational distance does perceived relational distance mediate the effect of transparency on regulatory performance. More specifically, in divisions with small factual relational distance, more perceived transparency increases perceived relational distance; this in turn, increases perceived regulatory performance.
Rhabdomyosarcoma and rhabdomyoma associated with nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome: Local treatment strategy
Authors: Kerbrat Adeline , Beaufrere Aurelie , Neiva‐Vaz Cecilia , Galmiche Louis , Belhous Kahina , Orbach Daniel , Gauthier‐Villars Marion , Picard Arnaud , Kadlub Natacha
Published: May 2018

This article presents the case of a child presenting with a rhabdomyosarcoma associated with a fetal rhabdomyoma in the setting of nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome. Oncologic strategy is discussed.
Effect of hygiene interventions on acute respiratory infections in childcare, school and domestic settings in low‐ and middle‐income countries: a systematic review
Authors: McGuinness Sarah L. , Barker S. Fiona , O'Toole Joanne , Cheng Allen C. , Forbes Andrew B. , Sinclair Martha , Leder Karin
Published: May 2018

Objectives

Acute respiratory infections (ARIs) disproportionately affect those living in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs). We aimed to determine whether hygiene interventions delivered in childcare, school or domestic settings in LMICs effectively prevent or reduce ARIs.

Methods

We registered our systematic review with PROSPERO (CRD42017058239) and searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and Scopus from inception to 17 October 2017 for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) examining the impact of hygiene interventions on ARI morbidity in adults and children in community‐based settings in LMICs. We stratified data into childcare, school and domestic settings and used the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach to assess evidence quality.

Results

We identified 14 cluster RCTs evaluating hand‐hygiene interventions in LMICs with considerable heterogeneity in setting, size, intervention delivery and duration. We found reduced ARI‐related absenteeism and illness in childcare settings (low‐ to moderate‐quality evidence). In school settings, we found reduced ARI‐related absenteeism and laboratory‐confirmed influenza (moderate‐ to high‐quality evidence), but no reduction in ARI illness (low‐quality evidence). In domestic settings, we found reduced ARI illness and pneumonia amongst children in urban settlements (high‐quality evidence) but not in rural settlements (low‐quality evidence), and no effect on secondary transmission of influenza in households (moderate‐quality evidence).

Conclusions

Evidence suggests that hand‐hygiene interventions delivered in childcare, school and domestic settings can reduce ARI morbidity, but effectiveness varies according to setting, intervention target and intervention compliance. Further studies are needed to develop, deliver and evaluate targeted and sustainable hygiene interventions in LMICs.
Comparison of three commercially available buffy coat pooling sets for the preparation of platelet concentrates
Authors: Feys H. B. , Devloo R. , Sabot B. , Coene J. , Compernolle V.
Published: May 2018

Background

A disposable set for platelet concentrate (PC) preparation by the buffy coat method allows pooling of buffy coats, centrifugation and cell separation with in‐line leucocyte filtration. This study compares three commercially available pooling sets in combination with INTERCEPT pathogen inactivation (PI).

Materials and methods

Sets for pooling of buffy coats were from Fresenius Kabi (FRE), Macopharma (MAC) and Terumo BCT (TER). Platelet yield, recovery and concentration were compared before and after PI (n = 20). Platelet quality was assessed by annexin V binding, P‐selectin expression and PAC1 binding.

Results

The TER pooling set had the highest platelet yield (5·39 ± 0·44 × 1011) compared with MAC (4·53 ± 0·77) and FRE (4·56 ± 0·51) prior to PI. This was the result of a significantly higher platelet concentration in the TER storage bag (1·41 ± 0·12 × 106/μL) compared with MAC (1·18 ± 0·19) and FRE (1·28 ± 0·15). However, the TER platelet content decreased by 15·6% after PI, yielding 4·55 ± 0·47 × 1011 platelets compared with smaller reductions at 9·5% for MAC (4·10 ± 0·69) and 4·4% for FRE (4·36 ± 0·52). None of the individual PC contained >106 leucocytes. The pH in TER PC was lower compared with MAC and FRE caused by a higher lactic acid production rate. Consequently, PAC1 binding after TRAP activation was lowest for TER PC on day 6. P‐selectin and annexin V were not different between suppliers.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the added value of evaluating the entire component production process when introducing a new consumable. This study helped to inform a decision on what pooling set is ideally suited for routine implementation taking into account PI.
Cross-Cultural Communication for Business in Era of Globalization
Authors: Odine Maurice
Published: May 2018

The paper addresses the foundation of cross-cultural communication and its relation to global business. Shina Neo (2015) states that, humans take for granted their communication with one another, stating, “In a multicultural organization, how employees communicate can set the tone.” Populations in North Africa and the Middle East believe in “external control” over destiny, meaning events are predetermined. In Japan, the productivity movement is based on respect for humanity, which is focused on cooperation. John-ren Chen and Christian Smekal (2004) argue that liberalizing international markets creates foreign capital and foreign investment. Concurring in support of global business are the European Union and African Union, Organization of American States and Caribbean Basin, plus the International Monetary Fund and World Bank. Furthering cross-cultural communication and global business is new information technology. Meanwhile, the latter has dismantled territorial boundaries. Nilüfer Karacasulu (2007) in, “Security and Globalization in the Context of International Terrorism,” admits globalization is a challenge facing governments since the 1980s. Sougar, Grainger, and Hedges (1999) affirm culture is an interaction of values, attitudes and behaviors.
Transition from post‐capillary pulmonary hypertension to combined pre‐ and post‐capillary pulmonary hypertension in swine: a key role for endothelin
Authors: van Duin Richard W. B. , Stam Kelly , Cai Zongye , Uitterdijk André , Garcia‐Alvarez Ana , Ibanez Borja , Danser A. H. Jan , Reiss Irwin K. M. , Duncker Dirk J. , Merkus Daphne
Published: May 2018

Key points

Passive, isolated post‐capillary pulmonary hypertension (PH) secondary to left heart disease may progress to combined pre‐ and post‐capillary or ‘active’ PH

This ‘activation’ of post‐capillary PH significantly increases morbidity and mortality, and is still incompletely understood.

In this study, pulmonary vein banding gradually produced post‐capillary PH with structural and functional microvascular remodelling in swine.

Ten weeks after banding, the pulmonary endothelin pathway was upregulated, likely contributing to pre‐capillary aspects in the initially isolated post‐capillary PH.

Inhibition of the endothelin pathway could potentially stop the progression of early stage post‐capillary PH.

Passive, isolated post‐capillary pulmonary hypertension (IpcPH) secondary to left heart disease may progress to combined pre‐ and post‐capillary or ‘active’ PH (CpcPH) characterized by chronic pulmonary vascular constriction and remodelling. The mechanisms underlying this ‘activation’ of passive pulmonary hypertension (PH) remain incompletely understood. Here we investigated the role of the vasoconstrictor endothelin‐1 (ET) in the progression from IpcPH to CpcPH in a swine model for post‐capillary PH. Swine underwent pulmonary vein banding (PVB; n = 7) or sham‐surgery (Sham; n = 6) and were chronically instrumented 4 weeks later. Haemodynamics were assessed for 8 weeks, at rest and during exercise, before and after administration of the ET receptor antagonist tezosentan. After sacrifice, the pulmonary vasculature was investigated by histology, RT‐qPCR and myograph experiments. Pulmonary arterial pressure and resistance increased significantly over time. mRNA expression of prepro‐endothelin‐1 and endothelin converting enzyme‐1 in the lung was increased, while ETA expression was unchanged and ETB expression was downregulated. This was associated with increased plasma ET levels from week 10 onward and a more pronounced vasodilatation to in vivo administration of tezosentan at rest and during exercise. Myograph experiments showed decreased endothelium‐dependent vasodilatation to Substance P and increased vasoconstriction to KCl in PVB swine consistent with increased muscularization observed with histology. Moreover, maximal vasoconstriction to ET was increased whereas ET sensitivity was decreased. In conclusion, PVB swine gradually developed PH with structural and functional vascular remodelling. From week 10 onward, the pulmonary ET pathway was upregulated, likely contributing to pre‐capillary activation of the initially isolated post‐capillary PH. Inhibition of the ET pathway could thus potentially provide a pharmacotherapeutic target for early stage post‐capillary PH.
Changes in Intervertebral Disk Mechanical Behavior During Early Degeneration
Authors: Paul Cornelis P. L. , Emanuel Kaj S. , Kingma Idsart , van der Veen Albert J. , Holewijn Roderick M. , Vergroesen Pieter-Paul A. , van de Ven Peter M. , Mullender Margriet G. , Helder Marco N. , Smit Theodoor H.
Published: May 2018

Intervertebral disk (IVD) degeneration is commonly described by loss of height and hydration. However, in the first stage of IVD degeneration, this loss has not yet occurred. In the current study, we use an ex vivo degeneration model to analyze the changes in IVDs mechanical behavior in the first phase of degeneration. We characterize these changes by stretched-exponential fitting, and suggest the fitted parameters as markers for early degeneration. Enzymatic degeneration of healthy lumbar caprine IVDs was induced by injecting 100 μL of Chondroïtinase ABC (Cabc) into the nucleus. A no-intervention and phosphate buffered saline (PBS) injected group were used as controls. IVDs were cultured in a bioreactor for 20 days under diurnal, simulated-physiological loading (SPL) conditions. Disk deformation was continuously monitored. Changes in disk height recovery behavior were quantified using stretched-exponential fitting. Disk height, histological sections, and water- and glycosaminoglycan (GAG)-content measurements were used as gold standards for the degenerative state. Cabc injection caused significant GAG loss from the nucleus and had detrimental effects on poro-elastic mechanical properties of the IVDs. These were progressive over time, with a propensity toward more linear recovery behavior. On histological sections, both PBS and Cabc injected IVDs showed moderate degeneration. A small GAG loss yields changes in IVD recovery behavior, which can be quantified with stretched-exponential fitting. Parameters changed significantly compared to control. Studies on disk degeneration and biomaterial engineering for degenerative disk disease (DDD) could benefit from focusing on IVD biomechanical behavior rather than height and water-content, as a marker for early disk degeneration.
Differences in Impact Performance of Bicycle Helmets During Oblique Impacts
Authors: Bland Megan L. , McNally Craig , Rowson Steven
Published: May 2018

Cycling is a leading cause of sport-related head injuries in the U.S. Although bicycle helmets must comply with standards limiting head acceleration in severe impacts, helmets are not evaluated under more common, concussive-level impacts, and limited data are available indicating which helmets offer superior protection. Further, standards evaluate normal impacts, while real-world cyclist head impacts are oblique—involving normal and tangential velocities. The objective of this study was to investigate differences in protective capabilities of ten helmet models under common real-world accident conditions. Oblique impacts were evaluated through drop tests onto an angled anvil at common cyclist head impact velocities and locations. Linear and rotational accelerations were evaluated and related to concussion risk, which was then correlated with design parameters. Significant differences were observed in linear and rotational accelerations between models, producing concussion risks spanning >50% within single impact configurations. Risk differences were more attributable to linear acceleration, as rotational varied less between models. At the temporal location, shell thickness, vent configuration, and radius of curvature were found to influence helmet effective stiffness. This should be optimized to reduce impact kinematics. At the frontal, helmet rim location, liner thickness tapered off for some helmets, likely due to lack of standards testing at this location. This is a frequently impacted location for cyclists, suggesting that the standards testable area should be expanded to include the rim. These results can inform manufacturers, standards bodies, and consumers alike, aiding the development of improved bicycle helmet safety.
Quantification of Material Constants for a Phenomenological Constitutive Model of Porcine Tricuspid Valve Leaflets for Simulation Applications
Authors: Khoiy Keyvan Amini , Pant Anup D. , Amini Rouzbeh
Published: May 2018

The tricuspid valve is a one-way valve on the pulmonary side of the heart, which prevents backflow of blood during ventricular contractions. Development of computational models of the tricuspid valve is important both in understanding the normal valvular function and in the development/improvement of surgical procedures and medical devices. A key step in the development of such models is quantification of the mechanical properties of the tricuspid valve leaflets. In this study, after examining previously measured five-loading-protocol biaxial stress–strain response of porcine tricuspid valves, a phenomenological constitutive framework was chosen to represent this response. The material constants were quantified for all three leaflets, which were shown to be highly anisotropic with average anisotropy indices of less than 0.5 (an anisotropy index value of 1 indicates a perfectly isotropic response, whereas a smaller value of the anisotropy index indicates an anisotropic response). To obtain mean values of material constants, stress–strain responses of the leaflet samples were averaged and then fitted to the constitutive model (average R2 over 0.9). Since the sample thicknesses were not hugely different, averaging the data using the same tension levels and stress levels produced similar average material constants for each leaflet.
Detection of hypernasality based on vowel space area
Authors: Dubey Akhilesh Kumar , Tripathi Ayush , Prasanna S. R. M. , Dandapat S.
Published: May 2018

This study proposes a method for differentiating hypernasal-speech from normal speech using the vowel space area (VSA). Hypernasality introduces extra formant and anti-formant pairs in vowel spectrum, which results in shifting of formants. This shifting affects the size of the VSA. The results show that VSA is reduced in hypernasal-speech compared to normal speech. The VSA feature plus Mel-frequency cepstral coefficient feature for support vector machine based hypernasality detection leads to an accuracy of 86.89% for sustained vowels and 89.47%, 90.57%, and 91.70% for vowels in contexts of high pressure consonants /k/, /p/, and /t/, respectively.
Bimodal exciton-plasmon light sources controlled by local charge carrier injection
Authors: Merino Pablo , Rosławska Anna , Große Christoph , Leon Christopher C. , Kuhnke Klaus , Kern Klaus
Published: May 2018

Exciton and plasmon emission can be separately controlled on organic films by using different charge injection channels.
Defect-engineered epitaxial VO
2±δ
in strain engineering of heterogeneous soft crystals
Authors: Wang Yiping , Sun Xin , Chen Zhizhong , Cai Zhonghou , Zhou Hua , Lu Toh-Ming , Shi Jian
Published: May 2018

Heterogeneous strain engineering of soft crystals is realized via phase transition nanocrystals.
Gold nanocrystal labels provide a sequence–to–3D structure map in SAXS reconstructions
Authors: Zettl Thomas , Mathew Rebecca S. , Shi Xuesong , Doniach Sebastian , Herschlag Daniel , Harbury Pehr A. B. , Lipfert Jan
Published: May 2018

Gold labels provide a sequence–to–low-resolution structure map in SAXS measurements of biological macromolecules.
Large, nonsaturating thermopower in a quantizing magnetic field
Authors: Skinner Brian , Fu Liang
Published: May 2018

Applying a strong magnetic field to a Dirac or Weyl semimetal can produce record-large thermopower and figure of merit.
A Stable, Autonomously Replicating Plasmid Vector Containing Pichia pastoris Centromeric DNA
Authors: Nakamura Yasuyuki , Nishi Teruyuki , Noguchi Risa , Ito Yoichiro , Watanabe Toru , Nishiyama Tozo , Aikawa Shimpei , Hasunuma Tomohisa , Ishii Jun , Okubo Yuji , Kondo Akihiko
Published: May 2018

Secretory production of recombinant proteins is the most important application of the methylotrophic yeast
Pichia pastoris
, a species that permits mass production of heterologous proteins. To date, the genetic engineering of
P. pastoris
has relied largely on integrative vectors due to the lack of user-friendly tools. Autonomously replicating
Pichia
plasmids are expected to facilitate genetic manipulation; however, the existing systems, which use autonomously replicating sequences (ARSs) such as the
P. pastoris
-specific ARS (
PARS1
), are known to be inherently unstable for plasmid replication and distribution. Recently, the centromeric DNA sequences of
P. pastoris
were identified in back-to-back studies published by several groups; therefore, a new episomal plasmid vector with centromere DNA as a tool for genetic manipulation of
P. pastoris
is ready to be developed.
Metagenomic Description of Preenrichment and Postenrichment of Recalled Chapati Atta Flour Using a Shotgun Sequencing Approach
Authors: Lusk Pfefer Tina , Ramachandran Padmini , Reed Elizabeth , Kase Julie A. , Ottesen Andrea
Published: May 2018

The bacterial microbiome of flour recalled for possible
Escherichia coli
O121 contamination was characterized before (hour 0) and after (hour 24) enrichment using shotgun sequencing. At hour 0,
Staphylococcus
(46.8 to 66.5%) and
Pantoea
(12.6 to 21.0%) bacteria were dominant. At hour 24,
Enterobacter
(28.7 to 70.9%) and
Klebsiella
(25.6 to 68.6%) bacteria dominated, and
Escherichia coli
ranged from 0.3 to 17.9%.
Fifteen-minute consultation: Using point of care ultrasound to assess children with respiratory failure
Authors: Ord Helen L , Griksaitis Michael J
Published: May 2018

Point of care ultrasound (POCUS) is well established in adult emergency medicine and critical care. It is used for immediate diagnosis and evaluation of the impact of bedside interventions in the acutely unwell child. This article highlights how ultrasound can be helpful in paediatric practice when dealing with the neonate, infant or older child with undifferentiated respiratory distress, respiratory failure or ventilation problems. It highlights indications for use, key diagnostic features of common pathology and outlines the benefits of POCUS in everyday practice.
Comparison of infant heart rate assessment by auscultation, ECG and oximetry in the delivery room
Authors: Murphy Madeleine C , De Angelis Laura , McCarthy Lisa K , O’Donnell Colm Patrick Finbarr
Published: May 2018

Clinical assessment of an infant’s heart rate (HR) in the delivery room (DR) has been reported to be inaccurate. We compared auscultation of the HR using a stethoscope with electrocardiography (ECG) and pulse oximetry (PO) for determining the HR in 92 low-risk newborn infants in the DR. Caregivers auscultated the HR while masked to the HR on the monitor. Auscultation underestimated ECG HR (mean difference (95% CI) by −9 (−15 to –2) beats per minute (bpm)) and PO HR (mean difference (95% CI) by −5 (−12 to 2) bpm). The median (IQR) time to HR by auscultation was 14 (10–18) s. As HR was determined quickly and with reasonable accuracy by auscultation in low-risk newborns, study in high-risk infants is warranted.
Optic nerve head cupping in glaucomatous and non-glaucomatous optic neuropathy
Authors: Fard Masoud Aghsaei , Moghimi Sasan , Sahraian Alireza , Ritch Robert
Published: May 2018

Background

Enlargement of optic disc cupping is seen both in glaucoma and in neurological disorders. We used enhanced depth imaging with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography to differentiate glaucoma from non-glaucomatous optic neuropathy.

Methods

The optic discs were scanned in this prospective comparative study, and the lamina cribrosa (LC) thickness and anterior laminar depth (ALD) in the central, superior and inferior optic nerve head, and peripapillary choroidal thicknesses, were measured.

Results

There were 31 eyes of 31 patients with severe glaucoma and 33 eyes of 19 patients with non-glaucomatous cupping. Eyes of 29 healthy controls were also enrolled. There was no significant difference in the cup-to-disc ratio and in the average peripapillary nerve fibre layer thickness between the glaucoma and non-glaucomatous cupping groups (p>0.99). The average peripapillary choroidal thickness was thinner in glaucoma eyes than in the control eyes after adjusting for age and axial length. Glaucomatous and non-glaucomatous eyes had greater ALD and thinner LC than the control eyes (p<0.001 for both). ALDs of glaucoma eyes were deeper than non-glaucomatous eyes (p=0.01 for central ALD) when age, axial length and peripapillary choroidal thickness were included in the linear mixed model. Prelaminar thickness and LC thickness of glaucoma eyes were not different from non-glaucomatous eyes after adjusting.

Conclusion

Deeper ALD was observed in glaucoma than non-glaucomatous cupping after adjusting for choroidal thickness.
TRKA expression andNTRK1gene copy number across solid tumours
Authors: Mauri Gianluca , Valtorta Emanuele , Cerea Giulio , Amatu Alessio , Schirru Michele , Marrapese Giovanna , Fiorillo Vincenzo , Recchimuzzo Patrizia , Cavenago Ivana Stella , Bonazzina Erica Francesca , Motta Valentina , Lauricella Calogero , Veronese Silvio , Tosi Federica , Maiolani Martina , Rospo Giuseppe , Truini Mauro , Bonoldi Emanuela , Christiansen Jason , Potts Steven J , Siena Salvatore , Sartore-Bianchi Andrea
Published: May 2018

Aims

Neurotrophic Tropomyosin Kinase Receptor 1 (NTRK1) gene encodes for the protein Tropomyosin-related kinase A (TRKA). Deregulated activity of TRKA has been shown to have oncogenic potential. We present here the results of an immunohistochemical (IHC) observational cohort study of TRKA expression together with gene copy number (GCN) assessment in various solid tumours.

Methods

Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded consecutive samples of different tumour types were tested for TRKA expression. Samples showing TRKA IHC staining in at least 10% of cells were analysed by fluorescence in situ hybridisation to assessNTRK1gene rearrangements and/or individual GCN gain. All patients underwent this molecular assessment within the phase I ALKA-001 clinical trial.

Results

1043 samples were tested and annotation for histology was available in 1023. Most of the samples were colorectal adenocarcinoma (CRC) (n=550, 52.7%) and lung adenocarcinoma (n=312, 29.9%). 24 samples (2.3%) were biliary tract carcinoma (BTC). Overall, 17 (1.6%) samples were characterised by TRKA IHC expression (four weak, eight moderate, five strong): 9/17 lung adenocarcinoma, 3/17 CRC, 3/17 BTC, 1/17 thyroid cancer and 1/17 cancer of unknown primary. Of these, 1/17 with strong TRKA IHC staining displayedNTRK1gene rearrangement and 15/17NTRK1GCN gain by FISH. No correlation was found between intensity of TRKA IHC staining and number of copies ofNTRK1.

Conclusions

TRKA expression can be found in 1.6% of solid tumours and can be paralleled byNTRK1gene rearrangements or mostly GCN gain. The prognostic and translational therapeutic impact of the latter remains to be established.
Contralateral effects of unilateral training: sparing of muscle strength and size after immobilization
Authors: Andrushko Justin W. , Gould Layla A. , Farthing Jonathan P.
Published: May 2018

The contralateral effects of unilateral strength training, known as cross-education of strength, date back well over a century. In the last decade, a limited number of studies have emerged demonstrating the preservation or “sparing” effects of cross-education during immobilization. Recently published evidence reveals that the sparing effects of cross-education show muscle site specificity and involve preservation of muscle cross-sectional area. The new research also demonstrates utility of training with eccentric contractions as a potent stimulus to preserve immobilized limb strength across multiple modes of contraction. The cumulative data in nonclinical settings suggest that cross-education can completely abolish expected declines in strength and muscle size in the range of ∼13% and ∼4%, respectively, after 3–4 weeks of immobilization of a healthy arm. The evidence hints towards the possibility that unique mechanisms may be involved in preservation effects of cross-education, as compared with those that lead to functional improvements under normal conditions. Cross-education effects after strength training appear to be larger in clinical settings, but there is still only 1 randomized clinical trial demonstrating the potential utility of cross-education in addition to standard treatment. More work is necessary in both controlled and clinical settings to understand the potential interaction of neural and muscle adaptations involved in the observed sparing effects, but there is growing evidence to advocate for the clinical utility of cross-education.
Combined analysis of genome-wide expression profiling of maize (Zea maysL.) leaves infected withUstilago maydis
Authors: Wang Jinglu , Zhang Ying , Du Jianjun , Pan Xiaodi , Ma Liming , Shao Meng , Guo Xinyu
Published: May 2018

Although many gene expression profiling studies of maize leaves infected with Ustilago maydis have been published, heterogeneity of the results, caused by various data processing methods and pathogenic strains in different data sets, remains strong. Hence, we conducted a combined analysis of six genome-wide expression data sets of maize leaves infected with five different U. maydis strains by using the same pre-processing and quality control procedures. Six data sets were regrouped into five groups according to pathogenic strain used. Subsequently, each group of data set was processed by Multi-array Average for pre-processing and by pair-wise Pearson correlation for quality control. The differentially expressed genes were calculated by a standard linear mixed-effect model and then validated by various sensitivity analysis and multiple evidences. Finally, 44 unique differentially expressed genes were identified. Pathway enrichment analysis indicated that these genes related to response to fungus, oxidation-reduction, transferase activity, and several carbohydrate metabolic and catabolic processes. In addition, the hub genes within protein–protein interaction networks showed high relevance with the basic pathogenesis. We report a highly credible differentially expressed list, and the genes with multiple validations may denote a common signature of U. maydis in maize, which provides a new window for disease-resistant protection of maize plants.
Early bearing fault diagnosis based on improved SFLA and ELM network
Authors: Xu Jingwen , Zhang Yunxuan , Yin Ziqi
Published: May 2018

In this paper, an extreme learning machine (ELM) network based on an improved shuffled frog leaping algorithm (CCSFLA) is applied in early bearing fault diagnosis. ELM is a new type of single layer forward network. Although the generalization is stronger compared with traditional neural networks, a random setup of initial parameters increases instability of the network. An improved SFLA based on sinusoidal chaotic mapping with infinite collapses and constriction factors (CCSFLA) is proposed in this paper to optimize the ELM and obtain a CCSFLA–ELM model. Results show that the CCSFLA–ELM model can be used for optimization and that it improved the recognition of early bearing fault diagnosis.
On the evaluation of a general model for optimum revolute cylindrical cylindrical cylindrical path generation
Authors: Lee Wen-Tzong , Cosme Jose , Russell Kevin
Published: May 2018

A general optimization model for the dimensional synthesis of defect free revolute cylindrical cylindrical cylindrical (RCCC) joint path generators is formulated, implemented and evaluated in this work. With this optimization model, RCCC dimensions required to approximate precision points are calculated. The model includes constraints to eliminate order, branch and circuit defects, which are common in dyad-based dimensional synthesis. Therefore, the originality of this work is the development of a general optimization model for RCCC path generation that simultaneously considers order, branch, and circuit defect elimination. This work demonstrates both the benefits and drawbacks realized when implementing the optimization model on a personal computer using the commercial mathematical analysis software package Matlab.
A Face Tracking Method in Videos Based on Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Ren Zihan , Li Jianwei , Zhang Xiaoying , Yang Shuangyuan , Zou Fuhao
Published: May 2018

Face tracking in surveillance videos is one of the important issues in the field of computer vision and has realistic significance. In this paper, a new face tracking framework in videos based on convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and Kalman filter algorithm is proposed. The framework uses a rough-to-fine CNN to detect faces in each frame of the video. The rough-to-fine CNN method has a higher accuracy in complex scenes such as face rotation, light change and occlusion. When face tracking fails due to severe occlusion or significant rotation, the framework uses Kalman filter to predict face position. The experimental results show that the proposed method has high precision and fast processing speed.
THE BOX-COUNTING DIMENSION OF PASCAL’S TRIANGLE r mod p
Authors: BRADLEY DAVID M. , KHALIL ANDRÉ , NIEMEYER ROBERT G. , OSSANNA ELLIOT
Published: May 2018

We consider Pascal’s Triangle [Formula: see text] to be the entries of Pascal’s Triangle that are congruent to [Formula: see text]. Such a representation of Pascal’s Triangle exhibits fractal-like structures. When the Triangle is mapped to a subset of the unit square, we show that such a set is nonempty and exists as a limit of a sequence of coarse approximations. We then show that for any given prime [Formula: see text], any such sequence converges to the same set, regardless of the residue(s) considered. As an obvious consequence, this allows us to conclude that the fractal (box-counting) dimension of this nonempty, compact representation of Pascal’s Triangle [Formula: see text] is independent of [Formula: see text].
Moderating Effects of Demographics on Green Information System Adoption
Authors: Dalvi-Esfahani Mohammad , Shahbazi Hamed , Nilashi Mehrbakhsh
Published: May 2018

The important role of demographics on technology adoption has been highlighted vastly in the literature. Therefore, this study aims at investigating the moderating role of managers’ demographics in their decision-making process to adopt Green information system (Green IS) from the lens of norm activation theory. With 175 valid questionnaires hand collected from organizations’ decision-makers, the researchers examined the research model and its related hypotheses utilizing the Partial Least Squares (PLS)–Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The results showed Green IS attitude together with personal norm to be the most influential factors, followed by environmental attitude. In addition, we found that while awareness of consequences significantly impacted personal norms, its explanatory power on personal norms was higher when it was mediated through ascription of responsibility. Regarding the moderator variables, the model explained better the pro-environmental behavioral intention of managers towards the adoption of Green IS among older female and well-educated managers. Contributions of the study are further discussed.
Extreme Waves in Crossing Sea States
Authors: Brennan Joseph , Dudley John M. , Dias Frédéric
Published: May 2018

The evolution of crossing sea states and the emergence of rogue waves in such systems are studied via numerical simulations performed using a higher order spectral (HOS) method to solve the free surface Euler equations with a flat bottom. Two classes of crossing sea states are analyzed: one using directional spectra from the Draupner wave crossing at different angles, another considering a Draupner-like spectra crossed with a narrowband JONSWAP state to model spectral growth between wind sea and swell. These two classes of crossing sea states are constructed using the spectral output of a WAVEWATCH III hindcast on the Draupner rogue wave event. We measure ensemble statistical moments as functions of time, finding that although the crossing angle influences the statistical evolution to some degree, there are no significant third-order effects present. Additionally, we pay particular attention to the mean sea level measured beneath extreme crest heights, the elevation of which (set up or set down) is shown to be related to the spectral content in the low wavenumber region of the corresponding spectrum.
Rewarded for RISC
Authors: Savage Neil
Published: May 2018

ACM A.M. Turing Award recipients David Patterson and John Hennessy developed the "dangerous" idea that software should be simpler so it can be executed more quickly, which evolved into the Reduced Instruction Set Computer architecture.
Challenges in Porting Enterprise Applications to Mobile Platforms
Authors: Tisdall Tom , Chobharkar Pankaj , Kim Dae-Kyoo
Published: May 2018

The popularity of the client-server model of application development in the 1990s has led to a rapid growth in the number of computer applications for enterprise organizations around the world. The worldwide market for enterprise applications (EAs) is expected to reach $208 billion by 20201. This indicates that the enterprise software growth trend has not slowed down. However, in a recent survey,2 it was found that the time spent on mobile devices surpassed desktop web access in 2014 and the trend has only grown since. Mobile devices have become an integral part of the personal and professional lives of most people. This means that people now prefer to access not just personal, but also work-related enterprise and corporate applications via their mobile devices.
Investigating Knowledge Flows between Information Systems and Other Disciplines:
Authors: Lee Kyuhan , Park Jinsoo , Suh Jihae
Published: May 2018

Information systems (IS) is one of the most rapidly changing disciplines in the social science field, and it is currently facing a new academic shift. The prevailing concepts, such as big data and Internet of things (IoT), imply that there is a plethora of research opportunities for IS researchers. Since these opportunities lie mostly in conjunction with other disciplines closely related to IS, it is essential to identify the interaction between IS and those disciplines. A few studies using bibliometric analysis have been published regarding this topic. However, we have identified several limitations in them: (i) inclusion of only a small journal basket, (ii) focus on a very restricted area of discipline, and (iii) a methodological limitation that can lead to the failure to capture the authentic knowledge flow between IS and other disciplines. We attempt to extend previous studies by proposing a comprehensive analysis model with the largest journal basket and areas of disciplines. As a result of our analysis, a knowledge flow structure different from that of past research is identified. In addition, through the discussion on emerging reference disciplines, we discover new research opportunities into which IS researchers can delve.
Others’ Words, Others’ Voices: The Making of a Linguistic Anthropologist
Authors: Bauman Richard
Published: May 2018

Starting from a recent flash of reflexive illumination experienced as a member of a dissertation committee, this act of (re-)constructive retrospection recalls the principal forces, experiences, and individuals that shaped my career as a linguistic anthropologist and turned my interests toward poetics, performance, language ideology, and remediation. Retracing my steps—sometimes halting, sometimes headlong—along the winding path that I have followed makes clear the degree to which my career has depended on the generous and energizing influence of my mentors, teachers, and colleagues, but also on the frustrating roadblocks placed in my way by less generous and understanding figures that led me to turn toward what proved to be far more productive directions. This reflexive process has also made clearer to me than ever before how strongly my career has been affected by the shifting conditions imposed by the political economy of higher education as I made my way in academe.
Control of Specialized Metabolism by Signaling and Transcriptional Regulation: Opportunities for New Platforms for Drug Discovery?
Authors: Daniel-Ivad M. , Pimentel-Elardo S. , Nodwell J.R.
Published: May 2018

Specialized metabolites are bacterially produced small molecules that have an extraordinary diversity of important biological activities. They are useful as biochemical probes of living systems, and they have been adapted for use as drugs for human afflictions ranging from infectious diseases to cancer. The biosynthetic genes for these molecules are controlled by a dense network of regulatory mechanisms: Cell-cell signaling and nutrient sensing are conspicuous features of this network. While many components of these mechanisms have been identified, important questions about their biological roles remain shrouded in mystery. In addition to identifying new molecules and solving their mechanisms of action (a central preoccupation in this field), we suggest that addressing questions of quorum sensing versus diffusion sensing and identifying the dominant nutritional and environmental cues for specialized metabolism are important directions for research.
Penning-Trap Mass Measurements in Atomic and Nuclear Physics
Authors: Dilling Jens , Blaum Klaus , Brodeur Maxime , Eliseev Sergey
Published: May 2018

Penning-trap mass spectrometry in atomic and nuclear physics has become a well-established and reliable tool for the determination of atomic masses. In combination with short-lived radioactive nuclides it was first introduced at ISOLTRAP at the Isotope Mass Separator On-Line facility (ISOLDE) at CERN. Penning traps have found new applications in coupling to other production mechanisms, such as in-flight production and separation systems. The applications in atomic and nuclear physics range from nuclear structure studies and related precision tests of theoretical approaches to description of the strong interaction to tests of the electroweak Standard Model, quantum electrodynamics and neutrino physics, and applications in nuclear astrophysics. The success of Penning-trap mass spectrometry is due to its precision and accuracy, even for low ion intensities (i.e., low production yields), as well as its very fast measurement cycle, enabling access to short-lived isotopes. The current reach in relative mass precision goes beyond δ m/ m=10−8, the half-life limit is as low as a few milliseconds, and the sensitivity is on the order of one ion per minute in the trap. We provide a comprehensive overview of the techniques and applications of Penning-trap mass spectrometry in nuclear and atomic physics.