bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sexual dysfunction in subjects treated with inhibitors of 5α‐reductase for benign prostatic hyperplasia: a comprehensive review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Corona G. , Tirabassi G. , Santi D. , Maseroli E. , Gacci M. , Dicuio M. , Sforza A. , Mannucci E. , Maggi M.
Published: April 2017

Despite their efficacy in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia, the popularity of inhibitors of 5α‐reductase (5ARIs) is limited by their association with adverse sexual side effects. The aim of this study was to review and meta‐analyze currently available randomized clinical trials evaluating the rate of sexual side effects in men treated with 5ARIs. An extensive Medline Embase and Cochrane search was performed including the following words: ‘finasteride’, ‘dutasteride’, ‘benign prostatic hyperplasia’. Only placebo‐controlled randomized clinical trials evaluating the effect of 5ARI in subjects with benign prostatic hyperplasia were considered. Of 383 retrieved articles, 17 were included in this study. Randomized clinical trials enrolled 24,463 in the active and 22,270 patients in the placebo arms, respectively, with a mean follow‐up of 99 weeks and mean age of 64.0 years. No difference was observed between trials using finasteride or dutasteride as the active arm considering age, trial duration, prostate volume or International Prostatic Symptoms Score at enrollment. Overall, 5ARIs determined an increased risk of hypoactive sexual desire [OR = 1.54 (1.29; 1.82); p < 0.0001] and erectile dysfunction [OR = 1.47 (1.29; 1.68); p < 0.0001]. No difference between finasteride and dutasteride regarding the risk of hypoactive sexual desire and erectile dysfunction was observed. Meta‐regression analysis showed that the risk of hypoactive sexual desire and erectile dysfunction was higher in subjects with lower Qmax at enrollment and decreased as a function of trial follow‐up. Conversely, no effect of age, low urinary tract symptom or prostate volume at enrollment as well as Qmax at end‐point was observed. In conclusion, present data show that the use of 5ARI significantly increases the risk of erectile dysfunction and hypoactive sexual desire in subjects with benign prostatic hyperplasia. Patients should be adequately informed before 5ARIs are prescribed.
Different Tales: The Role of Gender in the Oral Narrative–Reading Link Among African American Children
Authors: Gardner‐Neblett Nicole , Sideris John
Published: April 2017

Evidence suggests that oral narrative skills are a linguistic strength for African American children, yet few studies have examined how these skills are associated with reading for African American boys and girls. The current study uses longitudinal data of a sample of 72 African American 4‐year‐olds to examine how preschool oral narrative skills predict reading from first through sixth grades and explores differences by gender. Findings indicate that although girls demonstrated stronger narrative skills, their narrative skills did not moderate change in reading. For boys, narrative skills moderated change in reading over time such that as preschool narrative skills increased, their reading scores showed greater change over time. Educational implications and directions for future research are discussed.
Real‐Time Gesture–Based Communication Using Possibility Theory–Based Hidden Markov Model
Authors: Baranwal Neha , Nandi G. C. , Singh Avinash Kumar
Published: April 2017

Exploring correct patterns from low‐frequency time‐series data is challenging. For resolving this problem, the concept of possibility theory–based hidden Markov model (PTBHMM) has been proposed. In this article, all three fundamental problems (evaluation, decoding, and learning) of conventional HMM have been addressed using possibility theory. For handling uncertainty, we have used an axiomatic approach of possibility theory proposed by Zadeh. The time complexity of existing solutions of HMM (forward, backward, Viterbi, and Baum Welch) and proposed possibility‐based solutions has been calculated and compared. From the comparison result, it has been found that PTBHMM has lesser time complexity and hence will be more suitable for real‐time gesture–based communication.
The moral sense of humanitarian actors: an empirical exploration
Authors: Rességuier Anaïs
Published: April 2017

This paper examines humanitarianism's moral positioning above private and political interests to save lives and alleviate suffering. It does not aim to assess the legitimacy of this stance, but rather to probe the way in which humanitarian actors relate to this moral dimension in their everyday work. It investigates empirically humanitarian ethics from the perspective of humanitarian actors, drawing on interviews conducted in Beirut, Lebanon, in 2014. As it is exploratory, three key conceptual innovations were required. The first of these is the introduction of the tools developed to consider a neglected reality: humanitarian actors’ ‘moral sense’ vis‐à‐vis the humanitarian sector's ‘moral culture’. Second, the study shows how the sector's moral culture is structured around the notion of ‘concern for persons in need’. Third, it analyses the way in which the sector and its actors handle the asymmetrical relationships encountered daily. Ultimately this paper seeks to valorise humanitarian actors’ creativity in their common practices and explore potential challenges to it.
TIR‐domain‐containing adapter‐inducing interferon‐β (TRIF) forms filamentous structures, whose pro‐apoptotic signalling is terminated by autophagy
Authors: Gentle Ian E. , McHenry Kevin T. , Weber Arnim , Metz Arlena , Kretz Oliver , Porter Dale , Häcker Georg
Published: April 2017

The formation of amyloid‐like protein structures has recently emerged as a feature in signal transduction, particularly in innate immunity. These structures appear to depend on defined domains for their formation but likely also require dedicated ways to terminate signalling. We, here, define the innate immunity protein/Toll‐like receptor adaptor TIR‐domain‐containing adapter‐inducing interferon‐β (TRIF) as a novel platform of fibril formation and probe signal initiation through TRIF as well as its termination in Toll‐like receptor 3 (TLR3)‐stimulated melanoma cells. A main signalling pathway triggered by TLR3 caused apoptosis, which was controlled by inhibitor of apoptosis proteins and was dependent on RIPK1 and independent of TNF. Using correlative electron/fluorescence microscopy, we visualised fibrillar structures formed through both Toll/interleukin‐1 receptor and RIP homotypic interacting motif regions of TRIF. We provide evidence that these fibrillary structures are active signalling platforms whose activity is terminated by autophagy. TRIF‐signalling enhanced autophagy, and fibrillary structures were partly contained within autophagosomes. Inhibition of autophagy increased levels of pro‐apoptotic TRIF complexes, leading to the accumulation of active caspase‐8 and enhanced apoptosis while stimulation of autophagy reduced TRIF‐dependent death. We conclude that pro‐death signals through TRIF are regulated by autophagy and propose that pro‐apoptotic signalling through TRIF/RIPK1/caspase‐8 occurs in fibrillary platforms.
Neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin accurately predicts renal tubular injury in patients with chronic hepatitis B treated with nucleos(t)ide analogs
Authors: Zhang Yao , Li Jing , Li Fahong , Qi Xun , Zhang Jiming
Published: April 2017

Aim

Little is known about the impact of long‐term use of nucleos(t)ide analogs on tubular function in patients with chronic hepatitis B. Previous studies showed that neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL) elevation was associated with renal tubular injury. We evaluated renal function markers and bone mineral density in patients treated long‐term with adefovir dipivoxil (ADV) or entecavir (ETV).

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, we enrolled 78 patients (ADV, 36; ETV: 42), and 21 patients matched for age, observation time, and baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate from each group.

Results

Patients treated with ADV showed a significant increase in serum creatinine and urine β2‐microglobulin, and decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate and bone mineral density. Furthermore, the median levels of NGAL in patients treated with ADV were significantly higher than those of ETV (12.5 ng/mL vs. 2.5 ng/mL, P = 0.020). The proportions of patients with proteinuria and phosphate <1 mmol/L in the ADV group were higher than those in the ETV group. Additionally, age, β2‐microglobulin, phosphate, and ADV use were associated with altered NGAL levels on multivariate analysis. Among the commonly used biomarkers, NGAL was the most useful (odds ratio = 5.72; P = 0.005) and specific (92% specificity at 18.1 ng/mL cut‐off) in predicting low bone mass.

Conclusions

Patients with chronic hepatitis B treated long‐term with ADV showed elevated urinary NGAL levels. Neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin was more specific in predicting low bone mass during therapy compared with β2‐microglobulin, phosphate, and creatinine. In general, this analysis examined the value of NGAL as a renal tubular injury indicator, resulting from ADV use.
Modulations of cognitive flexibility in obsessive compulsive disorder reflect dysfunctions of perceptual categorization
Authors: Wolff Nicole , Buse Judith , Tost Jadwiga , Roessner Veit , Beste Christian
Published: April 2017

Background

Despite cognitive inflexibility is trait like in obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) patients and underlies clinical symptomatology, it is elusive at what stage of information processing deficits, leading to cognitive inflexibility, emerges. We hypothesize that inhibitory control mechanisms during early stimulus categorization and integration into a knowledge system underlie these deficits.

Methods

We examinedN = 25 adolescentOCDpatients and matched healthy controls (HC) in a paradigm manipulating the importance of the knowledge system to perform task switching. This was done using a paradigm in which task switches were signaled either by visual stimuli or by working memory processes. This was combined with event‐related potential recordings and source localization.

Results

Obsessive compulsive disorder patients showed increased switch costs in the memory as compared with the cue‐based block, whileHCshowed similar switch costs in both blocks. At the neurophysiological level, these changes inOCDwere not reflected by the N2 and P3 reflecting response‐associated processes but by the P1 reflecting inhibitory control during sensory categorization processes. Activation differences in the right inferior frontal gyrus and superior temporal gyrus are associated with the P1 effect.

Conclusions

Cognitive flexibility in adolescentOCDpatients is strongly modulated by working memory load. Contrary to common sense, not response‐associated processes, but inhibitory control mechanisms during early stimulus categorization processes are likely to underlie cognitive inflexibility in OCD. These processes are associated with right inferior frontal and superior temporal gyrus mechanisms.
Promoting innovation and access to quality, safe, efficacious, and affordable medicines for children: A China approach on the 69th World Health Assembly
Authors: Zhang Lingli , Li Bo , Liu Zhanqiang , Li Mengtao , Zheng Hong , Sun Yang
Published: April 2017

This study is to provide reference for the proper understanding of the content of “Promoting Innovation and Access to Quality, Safe, Efficacious, and Affordable Medicines for Children” resolution of 69th World Health Assembly (WHA), and facilitate the policy making and implication of the Resolution. Through descriptive analysis, the author introduce the proposal background and approving process of the resolution, and interpret the resolution content. The approval of “Promoting Innovation and Access to Quality, Safe, Efficacious, and Affordable Medicines for Children” at WHA represents China's international discourse right on improving the basic medical service among children, the most vulnerable population; highlights China's responsibility and magnitude of a great nation. It is an effective promotion for China's new medical reform and the implication of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), as well as a great contribution to the global health of children from China.
Liver transplant in acute‐on‐chronic liver failure: Evaluating the impact of organ dysfunction
Authors: Kok Beverley , Ewasiuk Amanda , Karvellas Constantine J.
Published: April 2017

See Article on Page 684
Predictive models for recurrence risk of hepatocellular carcinoma after liver transplantation: Still an unmet need
Authors: Piñero Federico , Carrihlo Flair J. , Silva Marcelo O.
Published: April 2017

See Article on Page 717
Oral treponeme major surface protein: Sequence diversity and distributions within periodontal niches
Authors: You M. , Chan Y. , Lacap‐Bugler D.C. , Huo Y.‐B. , Gao W. , Leung W.K. , Watt R.M.
Published: April 2017

Treponema denticola and other species (phylotypes) of oral spirochetes are widely considered to play important etiological roles in periodontitis and other oral infections. The major surface protein (Msp) of T. denticola is directly implicated in several pathological mechanisms. Here, we have analyzed msp sequence diversity across 68 strains of oral phylogroup 1 and 2 treponemes; including reference strains of T. denticola, Treponema putidum, Treponema medium, ‘Treponema vincentii’, and ‘Treponema sinensis’. All encoded Msp proteins contained highly conserved, taxon‐specific signal peptides, and shared a predicted ‘three‐domain’ structure. A clone‐based strategy employing ‘msp‐specific’ polymerase chain reaction primers was used to analyze msp gene sequence diversity present in subgingival plaque samples collected from a group of individuals with chronic periodontitis (n=10), vs periodontitis‐free controls (n=10). We obtained 626 clinical msp gene sequences, which were assigned to 21 distinct ‘clinical msp genotypes’ (95% sequence identity cut‐off). The most frequently detected clinical msp genotype corresponded to T. denticola ATCC 35405T, but this was not correlated to disease status. UniFrac and libshuff analysis revealed that individuals with periodontitis and periodontitis‐free controls harbored significantly different communities of treponeme clinical msp genotypes (P<.001). Patients with periodontitis had higher levels of clinical msp genotype diversity than periodontitis‐free controls (Mann‐Whitney U‐test, P<.05). The relative proportions of ‘T. vincentii’ clinical msp genotypes were significantly higher in the control group than in the periodontitis group (P=.018). In conclusion, our data clearly show that both healthy and diseased individuals commonly harbor a wide diversity of Treponema clinical msp genotypes within their subgingival niches.
Games for Psychological Science
Authors: Howes Andrew
Published: April 2017

How does the cognitive system, as a whole, act to generate behaviour? A crucial requirement for science aimed at answering this question is that any empirical paradigm is developed hand in hand with robust theoretical models that explain the emergence of behavioural strategies. Complex games have the potential to be one such paradigm.
Experimental Examination of the Impact of Tool Radius on Specific Energy in Microcutting of Granite
Authors: Pjević Miloš , Tanović Ljubodrag , Mladenović Goran , Marković Biljana
Published: April 2017

The paper presents experimental results of microcutting brittle materials (granite). The analysis was conceived on the observed interaction between the workpiece and two tools of different shapes. Experiment was based on scratching the workpiece surface with diamond tools. Applied tools had tip radius R0.2 and R0.15 mm. The experiment determined the changes in the value of perpendicular and tangential components of the cutting force based on the geometric properties of tools, as well as the changes of the specific energy of microcutting granite (Jošanica and Bukovik types). The experiment has shown that reduction of tool radius causes reduction of the cutting force intensity and specific cutting energy. Because of its physical/mechanical properties, more energy is required for micromachining granite “Jošanica” than “Bukovik.” Based on the topography of the surface, the value of critical tool penetration depth was established, after which the brittle fracture is no longer present. For granite “Jošanica” values of critical penetration depth are 6 and 5 μm when micromachining with tools R0.2 and R0.15 mm, while for Bukovik those values are 6.5 and 5.5 μm. The paper should form the basis for understanding the phenomena which occur during microcutting brittle materials.
Benchmarking of Computational Fluid Methodologies in Resolving Shear-Driven Flow Fields
Authors: Horton Brandon , Song Yangkun , Feaster Jeffrey , Bayandor Javid
Published: April 2017

Despite recent interests in complex fluid–structure interaction (FSI) problems, little work has been conducted to establish baseline multidisciplinary FSI modeling capabilities for research and commercial activities across computational platforms. The current work investigates the fluid modules of contemporary FSI methodologies by solving a purely fluid problem at low Reynolds numbers to improve understanding of the fluid dynamic capabilities of each solver. By incorporating both monolithic and partitioned solvers, a holistic comparison of computational accuracy and time-expense is presented between lattice-Boltzmann methods (LBM), coupled Lagrangian–Eulerian (CLE), and smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH). These explicit methodologies are assessed using the classical square lid-driven cavity for low Reynolds numbers (100–3200) and are validated against an implicit Navier–Stokes solution in addition to established literature. From an investigation of numerical error associated with grid resolution, the Navier–Stokes solution, LBM, and CLE were all relatively mesh independent. However, SPH displayed a significant dependence on grid resolution and required the greatest computational expense. Throughout the range of Reynolds numbers investigated, both LBM and CLE closely matched the Navier–Stokes solution and literature, with the average velocity profile error along the generated cavity centerlines at 1% and 4%, respectively, at Re = 3200. SPH did not provide accurate results whereby the average error for the centerline velocity profiles was 31% for Re = 3200, and the methodology was unable to represent vorticity in the cavity corners. Results indicate that while both LBM and CLE show promise for modeling complex fluid flows, commercial implementations of SPH demand further development.
A Functional Relationship for Modeling Laminar to Turbulent Flow Transitions
Authors: Papadopoulos George
Published: April 2017

A dimensional analysis which is based on the scaling of the two-dimensional Navier–Stokes equations is presented for correlating bulk flow characteristics arising from a variety of initial conditions. The analysis yields a functional relationship between the characteristic variable of the flow region and the Reynolds number for each of the two independent flow regimes, laminar and turbulent. A linear relationship is realized for the laminar regime, while a nonlinear relationship is realized for the turbulent regime. Both relationships incorporate mass-flow profile characteristics to capture the effects of initial conditions (mean flow and turbulence) on the variation of the characteristic variable. The union of these two independent relationships is formed leveraging the concept of flow intermittency to yield a generic functional relationship that incorporates transitional flow effects and fully encompasses solutions spanning the laminar to turbulent flow regimes. Empirical models to several common flows are formed to demonstrate the engineering potential of the proposed functional relationship.
Experimental Effectiveness of Sierpinski Carpet Fractal Fins in a Natural Convection Environment
Authors: Calamas David M. , Dannelley Daniel G. , Keten Gyunay H.
Published: April 2017

When certain fractal geometries are used in the design of fins or heat sinks, the surface area available for heat transfer can be increased while system mass can be simultaneously decreased. In order to assess the thermal performance of fractal fins for application in the thermal management of electronic devices, an experimental investigation was performed. The experimental investigation assessed the efficiency, effectiveness, and effectiveness per unit mass of straight rectangular fins inspired by the first four iterations of the Sierpinski carpet fractal pattern. The thermal performance of the fractal fins was investigated in a natural convection environment with thermal radiation accounted for. Fin performance was analyzed under power inputs of 2.5, 5, 10, and 20 W. While fin efficiency was found to decrease with fractal iteration, fin effectiveness per unit mass increased with fractal iteration. In addition, a fractal fin inspired by the fourth iteration of the Sierpinski carpet fractal pattern was found to be more effective than a traditional straight rectangular fin of equal width, height, and thickness. When compared to a traditional straight rectangular fin, or the zeroth fractal iteration, a fin inspired by the fourth fractal iteration of the Sierpinski carpet fractal pattern was found to be on average 3.63% more effective, 16.19% less efficient, and 65.99% more effective per unit mass. The amount of the total heat transfer attributed to thermal radiation was also dependent on fractal iteration. Thermal radiation accounted for, on average, 57.00% of the total heat transfer for the baseline case, or zeroth fractal iteration. Thermal radiation accounted for 53.67%, 50.33%, 48.84%, and 45.84% of the total heat transfer for the first, second, third, and fourth fractal iterations, respectively.
Origin Stories: Reflections on the First Ten Members of the National Academy of Kinesiology
Authors: Wrynn Alison M. , Burciaga Paulina A. Rodriguez
Published: April 2017

The story of the origin of today’s National Academy of Kinesiology begins in 1904 when Luther Halsey Gulick made the first attempt at creating an Academy. Due to various factors, this effort waned. In 1926, Clark Hetherington called together four of his colleagues to initiate what we now recognize as the Academy. This article will describe and provide an analysis of the stories of the first 10 members of the Academy as well as provide the context within which the Academy emerged.
“Gendering the Gym”: A History of Women in Physical Education
Authors: Liberti Rita
Published: April 2017

The experiences of women in physical education history from the nineteenth century forward offer us valuable insights toward a better understanding of the discipline since its inception. The deeply gendered histories of women in the profession are contingent upon the ways in which they intersect with other identities, including class, race, and sexuality. Dominant gender ideologies were reinforced and resisted in women’s physical education, making it a significant location to understand how bodies were constructed and reconstructed within ever-changing societal definitions of gender and athletic femininity. The contradictions and complexities that emerge as a result of the many gender tensions in play over the course of this history produce a rich site to more completely understand the discipline’s past and future.
Reflections on Kinesiology: Persistent Issues and Contemporary Challenges
Authors: Newell Karl M.
Published: April 2017

In this paper I discuss briefly some traditional and contemporary issues that challenge the academic structure of the field of Kinesiology. These include the long-standing polemics of the profession-discipline debate and the fragmentation of the academic content knowledge, together with the more recent challenges of education or health as the umbrella construct and the relation of kinesiology to physical and occupational therapy. It appears that the essence of our persistent problems remains, but it is augmented with related and more contemporary issues. Thus, these continue to be challenging times in kinesiology, as they are for higher education in general, reinforcing the long-held notion that change is the one constant.
Microbial arms race: Ballistic “nematocysts” in dinoflagellates represent a new extreme in organelle complexity
Authors: Gavelis Gregory S. , Wakeman Kevin C. , Tillmann Urban , Ripken Christina , Mitarai Satoshi , Herranz Maria , Özbek Suat , Holstein Thomas , Keeling Patrick J. , Leander Brian S.
Published: April 2017

Beyond the potent stings of jellyfish, nematocysts have evolved independently in single-celled phytoplankton.
Time-reversal symmetry-breaking superconductivity in epitaxial bismuth/nickel bilayers
Authors: Gong Xinxin , Kargarian Mehdi , Stern Alex , Yue Di , Zhou Hexin , Jin Xiaofeng , Galitski Victor M. , Yakovenko Victor M. , Xia Jing
Published: April 2017

Optical measurements indicate an unconventional superconducting phase in the Bi/Ni bilayer that breaks time-reversal symmetry.
Layered microporous polymers by solvent knitting method
Authors: Wang Shaolei , Zhang Chengxin , Shu Yu , Jiang Shulan , Xia Qi , Chen Linjiang , Jin Shangbin , Hussain Irshad , Cooper Andrew I. , Tan Bien
Published: April 2017

Novel layered microporous polymers with high surface area and gas storage were prepared by low-cost solvent knitting method.
Heterojunction oxide thin-film transistors with unprecedented electron mobility grown from solution
Authors: Faber Hendrik , Das Satyajit , Lin Yen-Hung , Pliatsikas Nikos , Zhao Kui , Kehagias Thomas , Dimitrakopulos George , Amassian Aram , Patsalas Panos A. , Anthopoulos Thomas D.
Published: April 2017

Engineering of solution-grown metal oxide heterointerfaces presents an alternative strategy for thin-film transistor development.
Draft Genome Sequence of NDM-1-Producing Leclercia adecarboxylata
Authors: Hoyos-Mallecot Yannick , Rojo-Martín María Dolores , Bonnin Rémy A. , Creton Elodie , Navarro Marí Jose María , Naas Thierry
Published: April 2017

Here, we provide the first draft genome sequence of NDM-1-producing
Leclercia adecarboxylata
, a human-opportunistic pathogen. The draft genome sequence consists of a total length of 5.13 Mbp, with an average G+C content of 55.2%.
Genome Sequence of a Goose Parvovirus Strain Isolated from an Ill Goose in China
Authors: Liu Peng , Zhang Jinyue , Chen Shun , Wang Mingshu , Cheng Anchun
Published: April 2017

We report here the complete genome sequence of a goose parvovirus (GPV) strain, RC16, which was isolated from an ill goose in 2016 at Rongchang, Chongqing, China. The GPV strain RC16 isolated was passaged and identified, whose full-length genome is 5,046 nucleotides long.
Draft Genome Sequence of MPKL 26, the Type Strain of the Novel Species Sinomonas mesophila
Authors: Narsing Rao Manik Prabhu , Jiao Jian-Yu , Liu Lan , Fang Bao-Zhu , Zhang Xiao-Tong , Chen Wei , Zhao Jiao , Xiao Min , Li Wen-Jun
Published: April 2017

Sinomonas mesophila
MPKL 26
T
can produce silver nanoparticles. Here, we present the 4.0-Mb genome of this type strain, which contains 47 scaffolds with an
N
50
scaffold length of 261,266 bp. The availability of the genome sequence will provide a better understanding of strain MPKL 26
T
and the genus
Sinomonas
.
Draft Genome Sequence of Mycobacterium ulcerans S4018 Isolated from a Patient with an Active Buruli Ulcer in Benin, Africa
Authors: Kambarev Stanimir , Corvec Stéphane , Chauty Annick , Marion Estelle , Marsollier Laurent , Pecorari Frédéric
Published: April 2017

Currently, there are only two publicly available genomes of
Mycobacterium ulcerans
—the causative agent of the neglected, but devastating, tropical disease Buruli ulcer. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of isolate S4018, recovered from an active cutaneous lesion of a patient with Buruli ulcer in Benin, Africa.
Genome Sequence of a Providencia stuartii Strain Isolated from
Lucilia
sericata
Salivary Glands
Authors: Yuan Ye , Zhang Yu , Fu Shuhua , Crippen Tawni L. , Visi David K. , Benbow M. Eric , Allen Michael S. , Tomberlin Jeffery K. , Sze Sing-Hoi , Tarone Aaron M.
Published: April 2017

We present here the draft genome sequence of a
Providencia stuartii
strain, derived from the salivary glands of larval
Lucilia sericata
, a common blow fly important to forensic, medical, and veterinary science. The genome sequence will help dissect coinfections involving
P. stuartii
and
Proteus mirabilis
, as well as blow fly–bacteria interactions.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Microbacterium
sp. TNHR37B Isolated from a Heated Aquifer Bore Well of the Great Artesian Basin, Australia
Authors: Adelskov Joseph , Patel Bharat K. C.
Published: April 2017

Microbacterium
sp. strain TNHR37B was isolated from a geothermal bore well sample (50°C) collected from a region of coal seam gas extraction activities. The 3.5-Mb genome with a G+C content of 69.9% contained unique genes, and a low similarity value for average nucleotide identity using BLAST was observed with the available 73
Microbacterium
sp. genomes.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus Subgenotype 1g Strain Isolated in Italy
Authors: Bazzucchi Moira , Bertolotti Luigi , Giammarioli Monica , Rossi Elisabetta , Petrini Stefano , Rosati Sergio , De Mia Gian Mario
Published: April 2017

We report here the full-length sequence of the bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) strain UM/103/04, isolated from a persistently infected cow in Italy. It belongs to the subgenotype 1g, which is described as a sporadic subgenotype in Italy. This is the first report of a complete genome sequence of BVDV-1g.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Bacillus respiratorii
VT-16-64, Isolated from the Bronchiolar Alveolar Lavage Fluid of a Patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Tetz Victor , Tetz George
Published: April 2017

We report here the draft genome sequence of
Bacillus respiratorii
VT-16-64, a novel spore-forming bacterium isolated from the bronchiolar alveolar lavage fluid of a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The genome was comprised 4,831,386 bp with 4,399 predicted protein-coding genes, including those associated with antibiotic resistance and virulence.
Draft Genome Sequence of Streptomyces scabrisporus NF3, an Endophyte Isolated from
Amphipterygium adstringens
Authors: Vazquez-Hernandez Melissa , Ceapa Corina Diana , Rodríguez-Luna Stefany Daniela , Rodríguez-Sanoja Romina , Sánchez Sergio
Published: April 2017

We report the draft genome sequence of
Streptomyces scabrisporus
NF3, an endophyte isolated from
Amphipterygium adstringens
in Chiapas, Mexico. This strain produces a new modified linaridin peptide. The genome harbors at least 50 gene clusters for synthases of polyketide and nonribosomal peptides, suggesting a prospective production of various secondary metabolites.
Role of narrow band imaging in the diagnostics of sinonasal pathology
Authors: Petersen Kristian Bruun , Kjaergaard Thomas
Published: April 2017

Malignancies of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses are well known, but have uncommon presentations. Late diagnosis and local extension are significant prognostic factors associated with a poorer treatment outcome. Thus, refinements of the diagnostic procedures to enhance the sensitivity of the clinical evaluation are desirable. We here describe a case of endonasal lymphoma, in which the lesion was hardly visible and initially ignored at ordinary white light (WLI) nasoendoscopy, but easily recognisable, clearly pathogenic and well demarcated when illuminated with narrow band imaging (NBI) at a later session. In general, with regard to mucosal-derived pathology of the upper aerodigestive tract, the diagnostic gain of NBI-assisted endoscopy in comparison with that of WLI has been proved in several articles. The focus has however been on neoplasm in laryngopharynx and oesophagus. The authors recommend broadening the use of NBI to include all evaluations of nasal mucosa, when malignancy is suspected.
βhCG-secreting osteosarcoma
Authors: Harrold Emily , McMahon Eileen , McGing Peadar , Higgins Michaela
Published: April 2017

A 35-year-old woman presented to our institution with tender, right knee swelling. Radiological and pathological work-up revealed metastatic osteosarcoma. Prior to the initiation of chemotherapy, she underwent a routine urine pregnancy test and was surprised with a positive result. Serum beta human chorionic gonadotropin (βhCG) levels were also consistently positive and rising. No gestational sac was seen at transvaginal ultrasound. The paraneoplastic ectopic secretion of βhCG has been well described in gestational trophoblastic and gonadal tumours but has very rarely been associated with other tumour types. This patient’s βhCG level was reflective of osteosarcoma activity and normalised with response to chemotherapy. The prognostic implications of βhCG expression in more diverse tumours is unclear; however, where raised, it can be used to monitor disease activity.
Positive percentages of urine morphine tests among methadone maintenance treatment clients with HIV/AIDS: a 12-month follow-up study in Guangdong Province, China
Authors: Luo Xiaofeng , Gong Xiao , Zhao Peizhen , Zou Xia , Chen Wen , Ling Li
Published: April 2017

Objective

We aimed to assess the positive percentages of urine morphine tests and correlates among methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) clients with HIV/AIDS in Guangdong, China.

Setting

Fourteen MMT clinics located in nine cities of Guangdong were chosen as study sites.

Participants

In this study, we reviewed 293 clients with opioid dependence, who were HIV seropositive, 18 years or older, provided informed consent and had at least 10 records of urine morphine tests during the study period.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The positive percentages of urine morphine tests were calculated and underlying predictors were estimated.

Results

The highest positive percentage (95.9%) was observed in the first month. After excluding the highest percentage in the first month, the average positive percentage was 40.9% for month 2 to month 12. Positive percentages of urine morphine tests that were <20%, 20–60% and >80% were 25.4%, 36.1% and 38.5% respectively. Lower percentages of continued heroin use were associated with being young (OR≤30=0.31, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.78; OR31-=0.44, 95% CI 0.20 to 1.00), and financial sources depending on family or friends (OR=0.55, 95% CI 0.32 to 0.93). Higher percentages of continued heroin use were associated with being unemployed (OR=1.99, 95% CI 1.13 to 3.49) and poor MMT attendance (OR<20%=3.60, 95% CI 1.55 to 8.33; OR20%-=2.80, 95% CI 1.48 to 5.33).

Conclusions

High positive percentages of urine morphine tests remain prevalent among MMT clients with HIV/AIDS in Guangdong. The present findings have implications for taking effective measures to facilitate attendance in order to decrease heroin use and ultimately improve the effectiveness among these sub-group MMT clients.
Immunisation coverage of children in the child welfare system: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Hermann Jennifer S , Featherstone Robin M , Russell Margaret L , MacDonald Shannon E
Published: April 2017

Introduction

Children may be placed in the care of the child welfare system when they require additional supports or intervention to ensure their safety and security. Transitions in living arrangements (eg, home to foster care and return to home) and other difficult circumstances for these children may result in interruptions in routine preventive healthcare, such as childhood immunisations. The purpose of this systematic literature review is to determine whether immunisation coverage is a problem among children in the child welfare system and identify any known supports and/or barriers to vaccine uptake in this population.

Methods and analysis

This systematic review will encompass published and unpublished primary research studies that assess (A) immunisation coverage of children in the child welfare system, (B) how this coverage compares to the general population and/or children not in the child welfare system, and (C) supports and barriers affecting immunisation status of these children. Vaccines in the recommended childhood immunisation schedule for each study setting will be considered. Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, SocINDEX and ERIC will be comprehensively searched. We will also search ProQuest dissertations and theses, the Conference Proceedings Citation Index for Science and Social Science & Humanities, and a sample of relevant provincial, national and international websites. References of included studies will be manually searched for relevant studies. English language primary studies from 2000 to current focused on immunisations of children (age 0–17 years) in the child welfare system, in a high-income country, will be included. A narrative analysis of key findings from included studies will be performed and presented.

Ethics and dissemination

This protocol does not require ethics approval. Planned dissemination includes peer-reviewed publication, conference presentations and briefs for policy makers.

Trial registration number

This protocol is registered in the PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews, registration number CRD42016047319.
Improving teaching about medically unexplained symptoms for newly qualified doctors in the UK: findings from a questionnaire survey and expert workshop
Authors: Yon Katherine , Habermann Stephanie , Rosenthal Joe , Walters Kate R , Nettleton Sarah , Warner Alex , Lamahewa Kethakie , Buszewicz Marta
Published: April 2017

Objectives

Medically unexplained symptoms (MUS) present frequently in healthcare, can be complex and frustrating for clinicians and patients and are often associated with overinvestigation and significant costs. Doctors need to be aware of appropriate management strategies for such patients early in their training. A previous qualitative study with foundation year doctors (junior doctors in their first 2 years postqualification) indicated significant lack of knowledge about this topic and appropriate management strategies. This study reviewed whether, and in what format, UK foundation training programmes for newly qualified doctors include any teaching about MUS and sought recommendations for further development of such training.

Design

Mixed-methods design comprising a web-based questionnaire survey and an expert consultation workshop.

Setting

Nineteen foundation schools in England, Wales and Northern Ireland

Participants

Questionnaire administered via email to 155 foundation training programme directors (FTPDs) attached to the 19 foundation schools, followed by an expert consultation workshop attended by 13 medical educationalists, FTPDs and junior doctors.

Results

The 53/155 (34.2%) FTPDs responding to the questionnaire represented 15 of the 19 foundation schools, but only 6/53 (11%) reported any current formal teaching about MUS within their programmes. However, most recognised the importance of providing such teaching, suggesting 2–3 hours per year. All those attending the expert consultation workshop recommended case-based discussions, role-play and the use of videos to illustrate positive and negative examples of doctor–patient interactions as educational methods of choice. Educational sessions should cover the skills needed to provide appropriate explanations for patients’ symptoms as well as avoid unnecessary investigations, and providing information about suitable treatment options.

Conclusions

There is an urgent need to improve foundation level training about MUS, as current provision is very limited. An interactive approach covering a range of topics is recommended, but must be delivered within a realistic time frame for the curriculum.
Quality of reporting in abstracts of RCTs published in emergency medicine journals: a protocol for a systematic survey of the literature
Authors: Germini Federico , Marcucci Maura , Fedele Marta , Galli Maria Giulia , Mbuagbaw Lawrence , Salvatori Valentina , Veronese Giacomo , Worster Andrew , Thabane Lehana
Published: April 2017

Introduction

The quality of reporting of abstracts of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in major general medical journals and in some category-specific journals was shown to be poor before the publication of the ConsolidatedStandards of ReportingTrials (CONSORT) extension for abstracts in 2008, and an improvement in the quality of reporting of abstracts was observed after its publication. The effect of the publication of the CONSORT extension for abstracts on the quality of reporting of RCTs in emergency medicine journals has not been studied. In this paper, we present the protocol of a systematic survey of the literature, aimed at assessing the quality of reporting in abstracts of RCTs published in emergency medicine journals and at evaluating the effect of the publication of the CONSORT extension for abstracts on the quality of reporting.

Methods and analysis

The Medline database will be searched for RCTs published in the years 2005–2007 and 2014–2015 in the top 10 emergency medicine journals, according to their impact factor. Candidate studies will be screened for inclusion in the review. Exclusion criteria will be the following: the abstract is not available, they are published only as abstracts, still recruiting, or duplicate publications. The study outcomes will be the overall quality of reporting (number of items reported) according to the CONSORT extension and the compliance with its individual items. Two independent reviewers will screen each article for inclusion and will extract data on the CONSORT items and on other variables, which can possibly affect the quality of reporting.

Ethics and dissemination

This is a library-based study and therefore exempt from research ethics board review. The review results will be disseminated through abstract submission to conferences and publication in a peer-reviewed biomedical journal.
Uncertainty in stock assessment estimates for New England groundfish and its impact on achieving target harvest rates
Authors: Wiedenmann John , Jensen Olaf P.
Published: April 2017

Overfishing continues for many stocks in the New England groundfish complex despite efforts to constrain harvest rates and rebuild populations. We evaluated the magnitude and sources of scientific uncertainty in catch targets for groundfish and found that since 2004, annual harvest rates have been 151% above the target while catches have been 29% below the target catch, on average, resulting from overly optimistic catch targets for the majority of stocks. Multiple sources of scientific uncertainty contributed to this overestimation, but the largest contributor was overestimated abundance. By evaluating sequential assessment estimates, we found previous assessments frequently overestimated terminal abundance. Additional uncertainty in catch targets resulted from recent recruitments often being below historical levels. The net effect of overly optimistic catch targets and declining recruitment is that rebuilding has been sluggish and potential yield (and revenue) has been forgone for many stocks. The causes of the overestimation of stock abundance and declines in recruitment remain unknown, but because these patterns were widespread, there may be common mechanisms in the region influencing assessment estimates and stock productivity.
Brownian motion and finite approximations of quantum systems over local fields
Authors: Bakken Erik Makino , Digernes Trond , Weisbart David
Published: April 2017

We give a stochastic proof of the finite approximability of a class of Schrödinger operators over a local field, thereby completing a program of establishing in a non-Archimedean setting corresponding results and methods from the Archimedean (real) setting. A key ingredient of our proof is to show that Brownian motion over a local field can be obtained as a limit of random walks over finite grids. Also, we prove a Feynman–Kac formula for the finite systems, and show that the propagator at the finite level converges to the propagator at the infinite level.
Detection of memory loss of symmetry in the blockage of a turbulent flow within a duct
Authors: Santos F. Rodrigues , da Silva Costa G. , da Cunha Lima A. T. , de Almeida M. P. , da Cunha Lima I. C.
Published: April 2017

This paper aims to detect memory loss of the symmetry of blockades in ducts and how far the information on the asymmetry of the obstacles travels in the turbulent flow from computational simulations with OpenFOAM. From a practical point of view, it seeks alternatives to detect the formation of obstructions in pipelines. The numerical solutions of the Navier–Stokes equations were obtained through the solver PisoFOAM of the OpenFOAM library, using the large Eddy simulation (LES) for the turbulent model. Obstructions were placed near the duct inlet and, keeping the blockade ratio fixed, five combinations for the obstacles sizes were adopted. The results show that the information about the symmetry is preserved for a larger distance near the ducts wall than in mid-channel. For an inlet velocity of 5[Formula: see text]m/s near the walls the memory is kept up to distance 40 times the duct width, while in mid-channel this distance is reduced almost by half. The maximum distance in which the symmetry breaking memory is preserved shows sensitivity to Reynolds number variations in regions near the duct walls, while in the mid channel that variations do not cause relevant effects to the velocity distribution.
Mass-independent area (or entropy) and thermodynamic volume products in conformal gravity
Authors: Pradhan Parthapratim
Published: April 2017

In this work, we investigate the thermodynamic properties of conformal gravity in four dimensions. We compute the area (or entropy) functional relation for this black hole (BH). We consider both de Sitter (dS) and anti-de Sitter (AdS) cases. We derive the Cosmic-Censorship-Inequality which is an important relation in general relativity that relates the total mass of a spacetime to the area of all the BH horizons. Local thermodynamic stability is studied by computing the specific heat. The second-order phase transition occurs at a certain condition. Various types of second-order phase structure have been given for various values of a and the cosmological constant [Formula: see text] in the Appendix. When a = 0, one obtains the result of Schwarzschild–dS and Schwarzschild–AdS cases. In the limit aM [Formula: see text] 1, one obtains the result of Grumiller spacetime, where a is nontrivial Rindler parameter or Rindler acceleration and M is the mass parameter. The thermodynamic volume functional relation is derived in the extended phase space, where the cosmological constant is treated as a thermodynamic pressure and its conjugate variable as a thermodynamic volume. The mass-independent area (or entropy) functional relation and thermodynamic volume functional relation that we have derived could turn out to be a universal quantity.
Remembering Stanley: From a source of inspiration to a fair strong competitor
Authors: Veneziano G.
Published: April 2017

I will recall my first indirect encounters with Stanley Mandelstam through courses and readings, the way he deeply inspired my research, how he supported a new scientific program in the middle of much skepticism, and how we became healthy and fair competitors.
Simplifying the one-loop five graviton amplitude in type IIB string theory
Authors: Basu Anirban
Published: April 2017

We consider the [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] terms in the low momentum expansion of the five graviton amplitude in type IIB string theory at one loop. They involve integrals of various modular graph functions over the fundamental domain of [Formula: see text]. Unlike the graphs which arise in the four graviton amplitude or at lower orders in the momentum expansion of the five graviton amplitude where the links are given by scalar Green functions, there are several graphs for the [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] terms where each of these two links are given by a derivative of the Green function. Starting with appropriate auxiliary diagrams, we show that these graphs can be expressed in terms of those which do not involve any derivatives. This results in considerable simplification of the amplitude.