bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Draft Genome Sequence of
Vibrio parahaemolyticus
Strain M1-1, Which Causes Acute Hepatopancreatic Necrosis Disease in Shrimp in Vietnam
Authors: Kumar Ramya , Chang Che-Chih , Ng Tze Hann , Ding Jiun-Yan , Tseng Ta-Chien , Lo Chu-Fang , Wang Han-Ching
Published: January 2018

We report here the genome sequence of
Vibrio parahaemolyticus
strain M1-1, which causes a mild form of shrimp acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND). Compared to other virulent strains, the M1-1 genome appeared to express several additional genes, while some genes were missing. These instabilities may be related to the reduced virulence of M1-1.
Complete Genome Sequence of
Kyrpidia
sp. Strain EA-1, a Thermophilic Knallgas Bacterium, Isolated from the Azores
Authors: Reiner Johannes Eberhard , Lapp Christian Jonas , Bunk Boyke , Spröer Cathrin , Overmann Jörg , Gescher Johannes
Published: January 2018

Kyrpidia
sp. strain EA-1 is a thermophilic hydrogen-oxidizing bacterium isolated from hydrothermal systems at São Miguel Island, Portugal. Here, we present the complete genome sequence of the strain assembled to a single circular chromosome. The genome spans 3,352,175 bp, with a GC content of 58.7%.
Draft Genome Sequence of a Multistress-Tolerant Yeast,
Pichia kudriavzevii
NG7
Authors: Park Hyun Joo , Ko Hyeok-Jin , Jeong Haeyoung , Lee Sun Hee , Ko Hyun-Jun , Bae Jung-Hoon , Sung Bong Hyun , Han Jong-In , Sohn Jung-Hoon
Published: January 2018

Pichia kudriavzevii
NG7 is a multistress-tolerant yeast, isolated from grape skins. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
P. kudriavzevii
NG7, to understand its biochemical regulation and metabolic pathways.
Laurentian crust in northeast Australia: Implications for the assembly of the supercontinent Nuna
Authors: Nordsvan Adam R. , Collins William J. , Li Zheng-Xiang , Spencer Christopher J. , Pourteau Amaury , Withnall Ian W. , Betts Peter G. , Volante Silvia
Published: January 2018

The Georgetown Inlier of northeast Australia provides evidence of critical links between Australia and Laurentia during the late Paleoproterozoic and the early Mesoproterozoic. Detrital zircon age spectra from sedimentary strata within the inlier show two distinct changes in sedimentary provenance: (1) the lowermost units (depositional age ca. 1700–1650 Ma) have detrital zircon age spectra that strongly resemble Laurentian magmatic ages and detrital zircon age spectra of the similar-aged Wernecke Supergroup of northwest Laurentia; (2) sediments deposited from ca. 1650 to 1610 Ma show a unimodal proximal signature; and (3) postorogenic sediments deposited after 1550 Ma have detrital zircon age spectra like the Mount Isa Inlier of the North Australia craton. Along with new paleocurrent measurements, the detrital age data challenge current models that suggest that the Georgetown Inlier was part of Australia before ca. 1700 Ma. Rather, we argue it was a continental ribbon rifted from west Laurentia during slab rollback ca. 1680 Ma; by 1650 Ma, the Georgetown Inlier had completely separated from Laurentia, and ca. 1600 Ma collided with Australia during supercontinent Nuna amalgamation.
Evaluation of the Get Active Questionnaire in community-dwelling older adults
Authors: Petrella Andrea F.M. , Gill Dawn P. , Petrella Robert J.
Published: January 2018

Physical activity screening prior to starting a physical activity program is important to identify if there are any underlying health conditions. However, many older adults do not complete such assessments prior to beginning their physical activity program. This project compared the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology’s newly developed Get Active Questionnaire (GAQ) to a standardized exercise stress test in terms of screening out versus screening in false-positive GAQ tests. A convenience sample of community-dwelling adults (male n = 58, female n = 54) aged 75 ± 7 years from London, Ontario, Canada, was used. Participants completed a physical exam and physical activity screening session (i.e., stress test and GAQ) at a research laboratory that routinely conducts community-based referrals. One week after the initial visit, participants returned to the study site, completed the GAQ, and were asked questions about their perceptions of physical activity screening by a research assistant. The GAQ “screened in” participants, but it did not provide the same precision of “screening out” at-risk individuals as an exercise stress test; the GAQ reduced false-positives versus the stress test, yet there was a large proportion of high false-negative results reported. The GAQ shows promise in physical activity screening in older adults to engage in exercise safely. However, the lack of precision in physical-activity screening out of at-risk populations requires further evaluation. Questionnaires such as the GAQ should be evaluated in a larger study population at various time points to further assess the validity and reliability of physical activity screening tools.
Semantic Typology and Efficient Communication
Authors: Kemp Charles , Xu Yang , Regier Terry
Published: January 2018

Crosslinguistic research on domains including kinship, color, folk biology, number, and spatial relations has documented the different ways in which languages carve up the world into named categories. Although word meanings vary widely across languages, unrelated languages often have words with similar or identical meanings, and many logically possible meanings are never observed. We review research suggesting that this pattern of constrained variation is explained in part by the need for words to support efficient communication. This research includes several recent studies that have formalized efficient communication in computational terms and a larger set of studies, both classic and recent, that do not explicitly appeal to efficient communication but are nevertheless consistent with this notion. The efficient communication framework has implications for the relationship between language and culture and for theories of language change, and we draw out some of these connections.
The Biology and Evolution of Speech: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Fitch W. Tecumseh
Published: January 2018

I analyze the biological underpinnings of human speech from a comparative perspective. By first identifying mechanisms that are evolutionarily derived relative to other primates, we obtain members of the faculty of language, derived components (FLD). Understanding when and why these evolved is central to understanding the evolution of speech. There is little evidence for human-specific mechanisms in auditory perception, and the hypothesis that speech perception is “special” is poorly supported by comparative data. Regarding speech production, human peripheral vocal anatomy includes several derived characteristics (permanently descended larynx, loss of air sacs), but their importance has been overestimated. In contrast, the central neural mechanisms underlying speech production involve crucial derived characteristics (direct monosynaptic connections from motor cortex to laryngeal motor neurons, derived intracortical dorsal circuitry between auditory and motor regions). Paleo-DNA from fossil hominins provides an exciting new opportunity to determine when these derived speech production mechanisms arose during evolution.
Using Hawkeye from the Avengers to communicate on the eye
Authors: Fitzgerald Barry W.
Published: January 2018

Superheroes, such as Iron Man, Captain America, Wonder Woman, Batman, and Hawkeye, have appeared in numerous films, displaying their range of incredible superpowers and abilities. Therefore, it is unsurprising that many people would not only wish to attain these powers, but also to learn about scientific accessibility to these powers. Popular culture characters such as superheroes can provide a unique platform for the communication of difficult scientific concepts. In the classroom, these characters can be used to communicate learning objectives to students in an interesting, fun, and accessible manner by taking advantage of student familiarity with the characters. Hawkeye, a member of the Avengers, is one such superhero who can be utilized by educators. His powers can be attributed in part to his advanced eyesight, which has physiological aspects in common with many birds of prey. Hence, Hawkeye can instigate discussion on the physiology of the human eye, while also allowing for comparison with other species, such as birds of prey, and reflection on advancements related to genetic engineering and wearable technologies. In addition, in my experience, Hawkeye has proven to be a highly suitable popular culture character for use in scientific communication and outreach.
Involving a real patient in the design and implementation of case-based learning to engage learners
Authors: Dickinson Bonny L. , Lackey Wendy , Sheakley Maria , Miller Lisa , Jevert Susan , Shattuck Brandy
Published: January 2018

Real patients offer unique opportunities to develop authentic, engaging, and transformative learning experiences for students. Patients are widely employed to teach clinical and interpersonal skills in the clerkship phase of their medical education (M3–M4), but have not been extensively included in the preclinical curriculum (M1–M2) when students are focused on acquiring foundational biomedical science knowledge. To maximize learning and help students connect foundational and clinical science concepts to real-world clinical problems, we involved a real patient in the creation and implementation of a case-based learning (CBL) activity in our preclinical curriculum. Using the patient’s narrative as a framework, the CBL addressed relevant aspects of physiology, pathophysiology, anatomy, pharmacology, and nutrition, as well as clinical care decisions, health literacy, and medical ethics. The intervention was implemented with the 2019 and 2020 graduating medical school classes during the Gastrointestinal Systems course in the second year of our curriculum. The results of a survey revealed that, overall, a majority of the students agreed or strongly agreed that the activity increased engagement in class, increased the depth of discussion within their teams, increased the depth of discussion between teams, helped students to apply basic science concepts to the clinical material in the case, helped students better understand the disease processes described in the case, enhanced awareness of the complexity of patient care, provided an authentic learning experience, and elicited a feeling of empathy.
SGLT2 inhibition in a kidney with reduced nephron number: modeling and analysis of solute transport and metabolism
Authors: Layton Anita T. , Vallon Volker
Published: January 2018

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors enhance urinary glucose, Na+and fluid excretion, and lower hyperglycemia in diabetes by targeting Na+and glucose reabsorption along the proximal convoluted tubule. A goal of this study was to predict the effects of SGLT2 inhibitors in diabetic and nondiabetic patients with chronic kidney disease. To that end, we employed computational rat kidney models to explore how SGLT2 inhibition affects renal solute transport and metabolism when nephron populations are normal or reduced. Model simulations suggested that in a nondiabetic rat, acute and chronic SGLT2 inhibition induces glucosuria, diuresis, natriuresis, and kaliuresis. Those effects were stronger with chronic SGLT2 inhibition (due to SGLT1 downregulation) and tempered by nephron loss. In a diabetic rat with normal nephron number, acute SGLT2 inhibition similarly elevated urine fluid, Na+, and K+excretion, whereas the urinary excretory effects of chronic SGLT2 inhibition were attenuated in proportion to its plasma glucose level lowering effect. Nephron loss in a diabetic kidney was predicted to lower the glucosuric and blood glucose-reducing effect of chronic SGLT2 inhibition, but due to the high luminal glucose delivery in the remaining hyperfiltering nephrons, nephron loss enhanced proximal tubular paracellular Na+secretion, thereby augmenting the natriuretic, diuretic, and kaliuretic effects. A proposed shift in oxygen-consuming active transport to the outer medulla, which may simulate systemic hypoxia and enhance erythropoiesis, was also preserved with nephron loss. These effects may contribute to the protective effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on blood pressure and heart failure observed in diabetic patients with chronic kidney diseases.
β-Adrenergic enhancement of neuronal excitability in the lateral amygdala is developmentally gated
Authors: Fink Ann E. , LeDoux Joseph E.
Published: January 2018

Noradrenergic signaling in the amygdala is important for processing threats and other emotionally salient stimuli, and β-adrenergic receptor activation is known to enhance neuronal spiking in the lateral amygdala (LA) of juvenile animals. Nevertheless, intracellular recordings have not yet been conducted to determine the effect of β-adrenergic receptor activation on spike properties in the adult LA, despite the potential significance of developmental changes between adolescence and adulthood. Here we demonstrate that the β-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol (15 μM) enhances spike frequency in dorsal LA principal neurons of juvenile male C57BL/6 mice and fails to do so in strain- and sex-matched adults. Furthermore, we find that the age-dependent effect of isoproterenol on spike frequency is occluded by the GABAA receptor blocker picrotoxin (75 μM), suggesting that β-adrenergic receptors downregulate tonic inhibition specifically in juvenile animals. These findings indicate a significant shift during adolescence in the cellular mechanisms of β-adrenergic modulation in the amygdala.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY β-Adrenergic receptors (β-ARs) in amygdala are important in processing emotionally salient stimuli. Most cellular recordings have examined juvenile animals, while behavioral data are often obtained from adults. We replicate findings showing that β-ARs enhance spiking of principal cells in the lateral amygdala of juveniles, but we fail to find this in adults. These findings have notable scientific and clinical implications regarding the noradrenergic modulation of threat processing, alterations of which underlie fear and anxiety disorders.
African Orphan Crops under Abiotic Stresses: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Tadele Zerihun
Published: January 2018

A changing climate, a growing world population, and a reduction in arable land devoted to food production are all problems facing the world food security. The development of crops that can yield under uncertain and extreme climatic and soil growing conditions can play a key role in mitigating these problems. Major crops such as maize, rice, and wheat are responsible for a large proportion of global food production but many understudied crops (commonly known as “orphan crops”) including millets, cassava, and cowpea feed millions of people in Asia, Africa, and South America and are already adapted to the local environments in which they are grown. The application of modern genetic and genomic tools to the breeding of these crops can provide enormous opportunities for ensuring world food security but is only in its infancy. In this review, the diversity and types of understudied crops will be introduced, and the beneficial traits of these crops as well as their role in the socioeconomics of Africa will be discussed. In addition, the response of orphan crops to diverse types of abiotic stresses is investigated. A review of the current tools and their application to the breeding of enhanced orphan crops will also be described. Finally, few examples of global efforts on tackling major abiotic constraints in Africa are presented.
Hopf Bifurcation Analysis of a New SEIRS Epidemic Model with Nonlinear Incidence Rate and Nonpermanent Immunity
Authors: Markakis M. P. , Douris P. S.
Published: January 2018

A new SEIRS epidemic model with nonlinear incidence rate and nonpermanent immunity is presented in the present paper. The fact that the incidence rate per infective individual is given by a nonlinear function and product of rational powers of two state variables, as well as the introduction of an epidemic-induced death rate, leads to a more realistic modeling of the physical problem itself. A stability analysis is performed and the features of Hopf bifurcation are investigated. Both the corresponding critical regions in the parameter space and their stability characteristics are presented. Furthermore, by using algorithms based on a new symbolic form as regards the restriction of an n-dimensional nonlinear parametric system to the center manifold and the normal forms of the corresponding Hopf bifurcation, as well, the associated bifurcation diagram is derived, and finally various emerging limit cycles are numerically obtained by appropriate implemented methods.
Behaviour of the Foramen Ovale Flow in Fetuses with Intrauterine Growth Restriction
Authors: Nader Ângela R. L. , Zielinsky Paulo , Naujorks Alexandre Antonio , Nicoloso Luiz Henrique S. , Piccoli Junior Antonio Luiz , Sulis Natássia Miranda , der Sand Luiza Ferreira van , Antunes Victoria de Bittencourt , Marinho Gabriela dos Santos , dos Santos Fernanda Greinert , Gosmann Natan Pereira , Júnior Eduardo Becker , Frajndlich Renato , Beherens Tamara , da Silva Marcelo Brandão , Barbisan Caroline , Busato Stefano , Lopes Mauro , Klein Caroline
Published: January 2018

Background. Foramen ovale (FO) flow may be altered in IUGR. This study was designed to test this hypothesis. Methods. Forty pregnant women (24–38 weeks) were divided into 3 groups: group I (IUGR), group II (adequate growth and maternal hypertension), and group III (normal controls). Impedance across the FO was assessed by the FO pulsatility index (FOPI): (systolic velocity − presystolic velocity)/mean velocity. Statistical analysis utilized ANOVA, Tukey test, and ROC curves. Results. Mean FOPI in IUGR fetuses (n = 15) was 3.70 ± 0.99 (3.15–4.26); in the group II (n = 12), it was 2.84 ± 0.69 (2.40–3.28), and in the group III (n = 13), it was 2.77 ± 0.44 (2.50–3.04) (p=0.004). FOPI and UtA RI were correlated (r = 0.375, p=0.017), as well as FOPI and UA RI (r = 0.356, p=0.024) and, inversely, FOPI and MCA RI (r = −0.359, p=0.023). Conclusions. The FO flow pulsatility index is increased in fetuses with IUGR, probably as a result of impaired left ventricular diastolic function.
Image Denoising Using Singular Value Difference in the Wavelet Domain
Authors: Wang Min , Yan Wei , Zhou Shudao
Published: January 2018

Singular value (SV) difference is the difference in the singular values between a noisy image and the original image; it varies regularly with noise intensity. This paper proposes an image denoising method using the singular value difference in the wavelet domain. First, the SV difference model is generated for different noise variances in the three directions of the wavelet transform and the noise variance of a new image is used to make the calculation by the diagonal part. Next, the single-level discrete 2-D wavelet transform is used to decompose each noisy image into its low-frequency and high-frequency parts. Then, singular value decomposition (SVD) is used to obtain the SVs of the three high-frequency parts. Finally, the three denoised high-frequency parts are reconstructed by SVD from the SV difference, and the final denoised image is obtained using the inverse wavelet transform. Experiments show the effectiveness of this method compared with relevant existing methods.
Cannabis Essential Oil: A Preliminary Study for the Evaluation of the Brain Effects
Authors: Gulluni Nadia , Re Tania , Loiacono Idalba , Lanzo Giovanni , Gori Luigi , Macchi Claudio , Epifani Francesco , Bragazzi Nicola , Firenzuoli Fabio
Published: January 2018

We examined the effects of essential oil from legal (THC <0.2% w/v) hemp variety on the nervous system in 5 healthy volunteers. GC/EIMS and GC/FID analysis of the EO showed that the main components were myrcene and β‐caryophyllene. The experiment consisted of measuring autonomic nervous system (ANS) parameters; evaluations of the mood state; and electroencephalography (EEG) recording before treatment, during treatment, and after hemp inhalation periods as compared with control conditions. The results revealed decreased diastolic blood pressure, increased heart rate, and significant increased skin temperature. The subjects described themselves as more energetic, relaxed, and calm. The analysis EEG showed a significant increase in the mean frequency of alpha (8–13 Hz) and significant decreased mean frequency and relative power of beta 2 (18,5–30 Hz) waves. Moreover, an increased power, relative power, and amplitude of theta (4–8 Hz) and alpha brain waves activities and an increment in the delta wave (0,5–4 Hz) power and relative power was recorded in the posterior region of the brain. These results suggest that the brain wave activity and ANS are affected by the inhalation of the EO of Cannabis sativa suggesting a neuromodular activity in cases of stress, depression, and anxiety.
Mathematical Framework for Hydromechanical Time-Domain Simulation of Wave Energy Converters
Authors: Medeiros J. Seixas de , Brizzolara S.
Published: January 2018

Efficient design of wave energy converters based on floating body motion heavily depends on the capacity of the designer to accurately predict the device’s dynamics, which ultimately leads to the power extraction. We present a (quasi-nonlinear) time-domain hydromechanical dynamic model to simulate a particular type of pitch-resonant WEC which uses gyroscopes for power extraction. The dynamic model consists of a time-domain three-dimensional Rankine panel method coupled, during time integration, with a MATLAB algorithm that solves for the equations of the gyroscope and Power Take-Off (PTO). The former acts as a force block, calculating the forces due to the waves on the hull, which is then sent to the latter through TCP/IP, which couples the external dynamics and performs the time integration using a 4th-order Runge-Kutta method. The panel method, accounting for the gyroscope and PTO dynamics, is then used for the calculation of the optimal flywheel spin, PTO damping, and average power extracted, completing the basic design cycle of the WEC. The proposed numerical method framework is capable of considering virtually any type of nonlinear force (e.g., nonlinear wave loads) and it is applied and verified in the paper against the traditional frequency domain linear model. It proved to be a versatile tool to verify performance in resonant conditions.
Sarcomatoid Variant of Urothelial Carcinoma of the Renal Pelvis with Inferior Vena Cava Tumour Thrombus: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Rashid Sameera , Akhtar Mohammed
Published: January 2018

Sarcomatoid variant of urothelial carcinoma (SVUC) of the renal pelvis is a rare entity. To the best of our knowledge, around 25 cases of this neoplasm have been reported in the literature to date, most of which were of high stage. The inferior vena cava tumour thrombus, which is a hallmark of renal cell carcinoma (RCC), may rarely be found in urothelial carcinoma of renal pelvis. In this report, a case of SVUC associated with tumour extension to inferior vena cava is documented. This association has been encountered in only one previously reported case. The possibility of urothelial carcinoma of the renal pelvis should therefore be included in the differential diagnosis of tumour thrombus of the inferior vena cava.
Multihop Capability Analysis in Wireless Information and Power Transfer Multirelay Cooperative Networks
Authors: Wu Qilin , Zhou Xianzhong , Cao Qian , Fang Huan
Published: January 2018

We study simultaneous wireless information and power transfer (SWIPT) in multihop wireless cooperative networks, where the multihop capability that denotes the largest number of transmission hops is investigated. By utilizing the broadcast nature of multihop wireless networks, we first propose a cooperative forwarding power (CFP) scheme. In CFP scheme, the multiple relays and receiver have distinctly different tasks. Specifically, multiple relays close to the transmitter harvest power from the transmitter first and then cooperatively forward the power (not the information) towards the receiver. The receiver receives the information (not the power) from the transmitter first, and then it harvests the power from the relays and is taken as the transmitter of the next hop. Furthermore, for performance comparison, we suggest two schemes: cooperative forwarding information and power (CFIP) and direct receiving information and power (DFIP). Also, we construct an analysis model to investigate the multihop capabilities of CFP, CFIP, and DFIP schemes under the given targeted throughput requirement. Finally, simulation results validate the analysis model and show that the multihop capability of CFP is better than CFIP and DFIP, and for improving the multihop capabilities, it is best effective to increase the average number of relay nodes in cooperative set.
Mathematical Modeling of Marine Oil Spills in the Luanjiakou District, near the Port of Yantai
Authors: Li Daming , Tang Xingchen , Li Yanqing , Wang Xiao , Zhang Hongqiang
Published: January 2018

This paper presents a simulation method for oil spills in a multi-island area. The simulation considers three parts, which consist of(1)the spreading of an oil slick on its edge as well as the diffusion and drift under dynamic actions,(2)the evaporation and spreading thickness of an oil slick in its interior, and(3)the adsorption and emulsification near shorelines and islands. The Euler-Lagrange method is adopted to track the spill location and particles positions on the edge of oil slicks. A mathematical model of marine oil spills is established for the Luanjiakou District of the Port of Yantai. The flow field verification shows that the BIAS of tidal level, flow velocity, and flow direction is below ±10 cm, 0.11 m/s, and ±2°, respectively, and the oil spill verification captures satisfactory results. Hence, the proposed model could reproduce the oil spill process in this region. Then, we simulate oil spills under various operating conditions. It is concluded that the transport of oil slicks is mainly influenced by flood/ebb currents, whereas the wind plays a major role in the drift and thickness of oil slicks. The study provides an important reference to controlling and handling of accidental oil spills.
Effect of Curcumin-Nanoemulsion Associated with Photodynamic Therapy in Cervical Carcinoma Cell Lines
Authors: de Matos Renata Prandini Adum , Calmon Marilia Freitas , Amantino Camila Fernanda , Villa Luisa Lina , Primo Fernando Lucas , Tedesco Antonio Claudio , Rahal Paula
Published: January 2018

Cervical cancer is the fourth cause of cancer death in women. Curcumin has antineoplastic properties. Furthermore, curcumin may be used as a photosensitizing agent in Photodynamic Therapy. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Photodynamic Therapy in cellular viability using curcumin-nanoemulsion as a photosensitizing drug in cervical carcinoma cell lines. The empty nanoemulsion presented very low cytotoxicity in all cell lines analyzed. Additionally, the incubation with curcumin-nanoemulsion at 20 μM of curcumin showed more than 80% of cell viability for cell lines. Nanoemulsions were shown to be internalized inside cells by fluorescence microscopy and were observed in the intracellular environment for up to 36 hours after incubation with cell lines. In addition, after the Photodynamic Therapy we observed a high phototoxic effect of the curcumin-nanoemulsion with less than 5% of viable cells after irradiation. This was accompanied by an increase in caspase-3/caspase-7 activities after cell treatment with curcumin-nanoemulsion and Photodynamic Therapy, suggesting cell death by apoptosis. We conclude that the curcumin-nanoemulsion formulation behaves as a photosensitizing drug in Photodynamic Therapy and shows potential as an alternative treatment to cervical lesions using an endoscopic diode fiber laser setup for in situ activation or cavity activation using a diffuse fiber delivery system.
Estimating Long-Term Care Costs among Thai Elderly: A Phichit Province Case Study
Authors: Khongboon Pattaraporn , Pongpanich Sathirakorn
Published: January 2018

Background. Rural-urban inequality in long-term care (LTC) services has been increasing alongside rapid socioeconomic development. This study estimates the average spending on LTC services and identifies the factors that influence the use and cost of LTC for the elderly living in urban and rural areas of Thailand. Methods. The sample comprised 837 elderly aged 60 years drawn from rural and urban areas in Phichit Province. Costs were assessed over a 1-month period. Direct costs of caregiving and indirect costs (opportunity cost method) were analyzed. Binary logistic regression was performed to determine which factors affected LTC costs. Results. The total annual LTC spending for rural and urban residents was on average USD 7,285 and USD 7,280.6, respectively. Formal care and informal care comprise the largest share of payments. There was a significant association between rural residents and costs for informal care, day/night care, and home renovation. Conclusions. Even though total LTC expenditures do not seem to vary significantly across rural and urban areas, the fundamental differences between areas need to be recognized. Reorganizing country delivery systems and finding a balance between formal and informal care are alternative solutions.
Pregnancy after Prosthetic Aortic Valve Replacement: How Do We Monitor Prosthetic Valvular Function during Pregnancy?
Authors: Sahasrabudhe Nicole , Teigen Nickolas , Wolfe Diana S. , Taub Cynthia
Published: January 2018

Background. With modern medicine, many women after structural heart repair are deciding to experience pregnancy. There is a need for further study to identify normal echocardiographic parameters to better assess prosthetic valvular function in pregnancy. In addition, a multidisciplinary approach is essential in managing pregnant patients with complex cardiac conditions.Case. A 22-year-old nulliparous woman with an aortic valve replacement 18 months prior to her pregnancy presented to prenatal care at 20-week gestation. During her prenatal care, serial echocardiography showed a significant increase in the mean gradient across the prosthetic aortic valve. Multidisciplinary management and a serial echocardiography played an integral role in her care that resulted in a successful spontaneous vaginal delivery without complications.Conclusion. Further characterization of the normal echocardiographic parameters in pregnant patients with prosthetic valves is critical to optimize prenatal care for this patient population. This case report is novel in that serial echocardiograms were obtained throughout prenatal care, which showed significant changes across the prosthetic aortic valve.Teaching Points.(1)Further study is needed to identify normal echocardiographic parameters to best assess prosthetic valvular function in pregnancy.(2)Multidisciplinary management is encouraged to optimize prenatal care for women with prosthetic aortic valve replacements.
DCE-MRI Pharmacokinetic-Based Phenotyping of Invasive Ductal Carcinoma: A Radiomic Study for Prediction of Histological Outcomes
Authors: Monti Serena , Aiello Marco , Incoronato Mariarosaria , Grimaldi Anna Maria , Moscarino Michela , Mirabelli Peppino , Ferbo Umberto , Cavaliere Carlo , Salvatore Marco
Published: January 2018

Breast cancer is a disease affecting an increasing number of women worldwide. Several efforts have been made in the last years to identify imaging biomarker and to develop noninvasive diagnostic tools for breast tumor characterization and monitoring, which could help in patients’ stratification, outcome prediction, and treatment personalization. In particular, radiomic approaches have paved the way to the study of the cancer imaging phenotypes. In this work, a group of 49 patients with diagnosis of invasive ductal carcinoma was studied. The purpose of this study was to select radiomic features extracted from a DCE-MRI pharmacokinetic protocol, including quantitative maps of ktrans, kep, ve, iAUC, and R1 and to construct predictive models for the discrimination of molecular receptor status (ER+/ER-, PR+/PR-, and HER2+/HER2-), triple negative (TN)/non-triple negative (NTN), ki67 levels, and tumor grade. A total of 163 features were obtained and, after feature set reduction step, followed by feature selection and prediction performance estimations, the predictive model coefficients were computed for each classification task. The AUC values obtained were 0.826±0.006 for ER+/ER-, 0.875±0.009 for PR+/PR-, 0.838±0.006 for HER2+/HER2-, 0.876±0.007 for TN/NTN, 0.811±0.005 for ki67+/ki67-, and 0.895±0.006 for lowGrade/highGrade. In conclusion, DCE-MRI pharmacokinetic-based phenotyping shows promising for discrimination of the histological outcomes.
Weighted Evidence Combination Rule Based on Evidence Distance and Uncertainty Measure: An Application in Fault Diagnosis
Authors: Chen Lei , Diao Ling , Sang Jun
Published: January 2018

Conflict management in Dempster-Shafer theory (D-S theory) is a hot topic in information fusion. In this paper, a novel weighted evidence combination rule based on evidence distance and uncertainty measure is proposed. The proposed approach consists of two steps. First, the weight is determined based on the evidence distance. Then, the weight value obtained in first step is modified by taking advantage of uncertainty. Our proposed method can efficiently handle high conflicting evidences with better performance of convergence. A numerical example and an application based on sensor fusion in fault diagnosis are given to demonstrate the efficiency of our proposed method.
A Possible Link between Anxiety and Schizophrenia and a Possible Role of Anhedonia
Authors: Grillo Luigi
Published: January 2018

In the prodromal phase of schizophrenia, severe alterations of the visual appearance of the environment have been found, accompanied by a state of intense anxiety. The present study considers the possibility that these alterations really exist in the appearance of objects, but that healthy people do not see them. The image of the world that we see is continuously deformed and fragmented by foreshortenings, partial overlapping, and so on and must be constantly reassembled and interpreted; otherwise, it could change so much that we would hardly recognize it. Since pleasure has been found to be involved in visual and cognitive information processing, the possibility is considered that anhedonia (the reduction of the ability to feel pleasure) might interfere with the correct reconstruction and interpretation of the image of the environment and alter its appearance. The possibility is also considered that these alterations might make the environment hostile, might at times evoke the sensation of being trapped by a predator, and might be the cause of the anxiety that accompanies them. According to some authors, they might also induce delusional ideas, in an attempt to restore meaning in a world that has become chaotic and frightening.
The Potential Role of Liver Transplantation as a Treatment Option in Colorectal Liver Metastases
Authors: Line Pål-Dag , Hagness Morten , Dueland Svein
Published: January 2018

Liver resection is the only potentially curative treatment option in patients with liver metastases from colorectal cancer, but only about 20% of the patients are resectable. Liver transplantation of patients with unresectable liver metastases was attempted in the early era but it was abandoned due to poor survival. During the last decade, several case reports, a controlled pilot study, and a retrospective cohort study indicated that prolonged disease-free survival and overall survival can be obtained in a proportion of these patients. Strict selection criteria have not yet been well defined, but tumor load, response to chemotherapy, pretransplant carcinoembryonic antigen level, and time interval from resection of the primary tumor to transplant are all factors related to outcome. Carefully selected patients may obtain 5-year overall survival that approaches conventional indications for liver transplant. The scarcity of liver grafts is a significant problem, but this can possibly to some extent be addressed by use of extended criteria grafts and novel surgical techniques. There is an increasing interest in liver transplantation in these patients in the transplant community, and currently 4 clinical trials are active and are recruiting.
Dynamic Metasomatism: Stable Isotopes, Fluid Evolution, and Deformation of Albitite and Scapolite Metagabbro (Bamble Lithotectonic Domain, South Norway)
Authors: Engvik Ane K. , Taubald Heinrich , Solli Arne , Grenne Tor , Austrheim Håkon
Published: January 2018

New stable isotopic data from mineral separates of albite, scapolite, amphibole, quartz, and calcite of metasomatic rocks (Bamble lithotectonic domain) give increased knowledge on fluid type, source, and evolution during metamorphism. Albite from a variety of albitites givesδ18OSMOWvalues of 5.1–11.1‰, while quartz from clinopyroxene-bearing albitite gives 11.5–11.6‰.δ18OSMOWvalues for calcite samples varies between 3.4 and 12.4‰and shows more consistentδ13C values of −4.6 to-6.0‰. Amphibole from scapolite metagabbro yields aδ18OSMOWvalue of 4.3 to 6.7‰andδDSMOWvalue of −84 to −50‰, while the scapolite givesδ18OSMOWvalues in the range of 7.4 to10.6‰. These results support the interpretation that the original magmatic rocks were metasomatised by seawater solutions with a possible involvement from magmatic fluids. Scapolitisation and albitisation led to contrasting chemical evolution with respect to elements like P, Ti, V, Fe, and halogens. The halogens deposited as Cl-scapolite were dissolved by albitisation fluid and reused as a ligand for metal transport. Many of the metal deposits in the Bamble lithotectonic domain, including Fe-ores, rutile, and apatite deposits formed during metasomatism. Brittle to ductile deformation concurrent with metasomatic infiltration illustrates the dynamics and importance of metasomatic processes during crustal evolution.
Spatial “Artistic” Networks: From Deconstructing Integer‐Functions to Visual Arts
Authors: Estrada Ernesto , Pereira-Ramos Puri
Published: January 2018

Deconstructivism is an aesthetically appealing architectonic style. Here, we identify some general characteristics of this style, such as decomposition of the whole into parts, superposition of layers, and conservation of the memory of the whole. Using these attributes, we propose a method to deconstruct functions based on integers. Using this integer‐function deconstruction we generate spatial networks which display a few artistic attributes such as (i) biomorphic shapes, (ii) symmetry, and (iii) beauty. In building these networks, the deconstructed integer‐functions are used as the coordinates of the nodes in a unit square, which are then joined according to a given connection radius like in random geometric graphs (RGGs). Some graph‐theoretic invariants of these networks are calculated and compared with the classical RGGs. We then show how these networks inspire an artist to create artistic compositions using mixed techniques on canvas and on paper. Finally, we call for avoiding that the applicability of (network) sciences should not go in detriment of curiosity‐driven, and aesthetic‐driven, researches. We claim that the aesthetic of network research, and not only its applicability, would be an attractor for new minds to this field.
A Novel GMPPA Mutation in Two Adult Sisters with Achalasia, Alacrima, Short Stature, Dysmorphism, and Intellectual Disability
Authors: Benítez Edmar O. , Morales Juan J. , Muñoz Luis A. , Hübner Christian A. , Mutchinick Osvaldo M.
Published: January 2018

The alacrima, achalasia, and mental retardation syndrome (AAMR) is a newly described autosomal recessive disorder characterized by the onset of these 3 main features at birth or in early infancy. At present, only 16 cases have been reported. Recently, it was shown that AAMR is due to mutations in the guanosine diphosphate (GDP)-mannose pyrophosphorylase A (GMPPA) gene. These mutations induce a significant GDP-mannose overload, which may affect protein glycosylation. Herein, for the first time, we describe 2 adult sisters with AAMR with a previously not reported deleterious homozygous missense mutation c.1118G>C (p.Arg373Pro) in the GMPPA gene, born to healthy consanguineous heterozygous parents from an ancient endogamous population. The main symptoms in both sisters started soon after birth with achalasia and feeding difficulties, requiring surgical treatment. Both sisters showed alacrima identified during the first months of life, delayed psychomotor development, speech delay, facial dysmorphism, limb defects, short stature, and moderate intellectual disability. Alacrima and feeding difficulties due to achalasia during the neonatal period or first months of life, in the absence of adrenal cortical insufficiency, should spur to investigate AAMR by sequencing the GMPPA gene.
The 2017 Update of the German Clinical Guideline on Epidemiology, Diagnostics, Therapy, Prevention, and Management of Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections in Adult Patients: Part 1
Authors: Kranz Jennifer , Schmidt Stefanie , Lebert Cordula , Schneidewind Laila , Mandraka Falitsa , Kunze Mirjam , Helbig Sina , Vahlensieck Winfried , Naber Kurt , Schmiemann Guido , Wagenlehner Florian M.
Published: January 2018

Objectives: We aimed to update the 2010 evidence- and consensus-based national clinical guideline on the diagnosis and management of uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) in adult patients. Materials and Methods: An interdisciplinary group consisting of 17 representatives of 12 medical societies and a patient representative was formed. Systematic literature searches were conducted in MEDLINE, ­EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library to identify literature published in 2010–2015. Results: We provide 75 recommendations and 68 statements in the updated evidence- and consensus-based national clinical guideline. The diagnostics part covers practical recommendations on cystitis and pyelonephritis for each defined patient group. Clinical examinations, as well as laboratory testing and microbiological pathogen assessment, are addressed. Conclusion: In accordance with the global antibiotic stewardship initiative and considering new insights in scientific research, we updated our German clinical UTI guideline to promote a responsible antibiotic use and to give clear hands-on recommendations for the diagnosis and management of UTIs in adults in Germany for healthcare providers and patients.
Breve panorama acerca da crítica religiosa nas obras La Celestina e Lazarillo de Tormes
Authors: Rala Ana Laura
Published: January 2018

A partir do século XV, na Espanha, as influências proporcionadas pelo frutífero movimento humanista, surgido na Itália, marcaram um momento de grande transformação da estática sociedade medieval à efervescente atividade renascentista, a qual deu origem a uma vasta gama de mudanças de concepções, como o retorno aos valores clássicos, a defesa pelo racionalismo e o abandono à visão teocêntrica, perspectivas anteriormente impensáveis e cujas consequências afetaram a todos os modos de ver e compreender o mundo. Nesse rico contexto de alterações dos paradigmas estabelecidos, destacam-se as relações entre o humano e o divino, cujo impulso trazido pelo Renascimento permitiu lançar um novo olhar sobre um dos grandes temas da Idade Média: a questão religiosa. Nesse sentido, considerando, portanto, o novo pensamento da sociedade espanhola refletido também em sua literatura, o presente trabalho tem por objetivo traçar um breve panorama a respeito da crítica religiosa presente em duas importantes obras dos séculos XV e XVI: La Celestina, de Rojas e Lazarillo de Tormes, de autoria anônima, enfatizando, especialmente, este último. Assim, pretende-se evidenciar esse momento de transição e observá-lo em autores que, sem exageros, podem ser considerados escritores que atuaram à frente de seu tempo ao possibilitarem, através da arte, o questionamento da ordem vigente.
Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Coronary Artery Calcium, and Cardiovascular Disease Events in a Cohort of Generally Healthy Middle-Age Men
Authors: Radford Nina B. , DeFina Laura F. , Leonard David , Barlow Carolyn E. , Willis Benjamin L. , Gibbons Larry W. , Gilchrist Susan C. , Khera Amit , Levine Benjamin D.
Published: January 2018

Background:

A robust literature demonstrates that coronary artery calcification (CAC) and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) are independent predictors of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events. Much less is known about the joint associations of CRF and CAC with CVD risk. In the setting of high CAC, high versus low CRF has been associated with decreased CVD events. The goal of this study was to assess the effect of continuous levels of CRF on CVD risk in the setting of increasing CAC burden.

Methods:

We studied 8425 men without clinical CVD who underwent preventive medicine examinations that included an objective measurement of CRF and CAC between 1998 and 2007. There were 383 CVD events during an average follow-up of 8.4 years. Parametric proportional hazards regression models based on a Gompertz mortality rule were used to estimate total CVD incidence rates at 70 years of age as well as hazard ratios for the included covariates.

Results:

CVD events increased with increasing CAC and decreased with increasing CRF. Adjusting for CAC level (scores of 0, 1–99, 100–399, and ≥400), for each additional MET of fitness, there was an 11% lower risk for CVD events (hazard ratio, 0.89; 95% confidence interval, 0.84-0.94). When CAC and CRF were considered together, there was a strong association between continuous CRF and CVD incidence rates in all CAC groups.

Conclusions:

In a large cohort of generally healthy men, there is an attenuation of CVD risk at all CAC levels with higher CRF.
Short-Term Solar Modulation of the Madden–Julian Climate Oscillation
Authors: Hood Lon L.
Published: January 2018

Normalized occurrence rates of daily Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) events are calculated as a function of phase lag relative to peaks and minima in solar ultraviolet flux occurring on the solar rotational time scale (~27 days). All MJO phases and four solar maximum periods are considered (1979–83, 1989–93, 1999–2003, and 2011–15). Corresponding daily static stabilities in the tropical lower stratosphere (70–100 hPa) are calculated from ERA-Interim data and are averaged over the warm pool region. The statistical significance of occurrence-rate changes following UV peaks and minima is assessed using a Monte Carlo method. When MJO events with amplitudes greater than about 2 are considered during the December–May period (about 15% of those days), significant reductions of MJO occurrence rates and associated increases in static stability in the tropical lower stratosphere are obtained 1–7 days following solar UV peaks. Consistently, cross-correlation analyses of high-pass-filtered daily MJO amplitudes and solar UV flux during the same seasonal period produce significant negative correlations near and following solar UV peaks. Conversely, mean occurrence rates are increased and lower-stratospheric static stabilities are decreased following solar UV minima. The reductions (increases) in occurrence rate following solar UV peaks (minima) are largest when the stratospheric quasi-biennial oscillation is in its easterly phase. Little or no dependence of the solar modulation on the phase of El Niño–Southern Oscillation is obtained.