bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Miller Fisher syndrome associated with polymyoclonus
Authors: Inoue Manabu , Yamamoto Masayoshi , Tsuzaki Koji , Murakata Kenji , Hamano Toshiaki , Shibasaki Hiroshi
Published: November 2015

We described a 35‐year‐old man who presented with diplopia, dysarthria, loss of deep tendon reflexes, and rapidly progressive unsteadiness in standing and walking. Two days after admission, frequent, irregular, and shock‐like movements appeared in the hands and abdomen. On laboratory examination, serum immunoglobulin G antibodies against GQ1b, GT1a and GD1b were all positive. Electrophysiologically, recording of the involuntary movements with surface electromyography showed irregular sharp discharges especially during weak muscle contraction. The clinical diagnosis of Miller Fisher syndrome associated with polymyoclonus was made, and all neurological symptoms including myoclonus improved after intravenous injection of immunoglobulin. The distribution of myoclonus and electrophysiological data suggested that the myoclonus, though different from propriospinal or spinal segmental myoclonus in the distribution and propagation, might still be of spinal cord origin.
Quantitative relationships of graded motor symptoms with thalamic activities monitored during thalamotomy for a population of patients with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Narabayashi Yohsuke , Oshima Tomokazu
Published: November 2015

Background

On the basis of analytical monitoring in thalamotomy for Parkinson's disease, we hypothesize that thalamic 13–27‐Hz (β‐band) and the 3–7‐Hz (τ‐range) hyperactivities drive rigidity and tremor, respectively.

Aim

To test the causality from these thalamic activities to symptoms, we examined quantitative relationships of rigidity, tremor and bradykinesia with the thalamic activities in 170 patients with Parkinson's disease.

Methods

We classified the patients by the maximum preoperative points of unified Parkinson's disease rating scale in each of rigidity, tremor and bradykinesia; estimated their postoperative points and reductions; and measured the case‐representative β‐band and τ‐range activities (Vβ, Vτ) by their time integrals of thalamic local field potentials.

Results

Case‐by‐case variability was eminent in the ages at onset and on surgery, disease duration, scores of symptoms, Vβ and Vτ, and their mutual relations. Yet, the relationships between the point reductions and preoperative points of rigidity and tremor were respectively positive, but non‐linear because of the postoperatively spared severest part of symptoms. The preoperative points of rigidity with Vβ and the preoperative points of tremor with Vτ were positively related, but non‐linearly, because of decreasing Vβ and Vτ for the highest preoperative points of rigidity and tremor, respectively.

Conclusion

Riding on the case variability, Vβ and Vτ represented the grades of rigidity and tremor, respectively, but with non‐linear parts for the severe symptoms. Pathophysiology relevant to non‐linearity was at least partly attributed to other brain regions beyond the thalamus in the advanced stage of the disease.
Has photosynthetic capacity increased with 80 years of soybean breeding? An examination of historical soybean cultivars
Authors: Koester Robert P. , Nohl Brittany M. , Diers Brian W. , Ainsworth Elizabeth A.
Published: November 2015

Crop biomass production is a function of the efficiencies with which sunlight can be intercepted by the canopy and then converted into biomass. Conversion efficiency has been identified as a target for improvement to enhance crop biomass and yield. Greater conversion efficiency in modern soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] cultivars was documented in recent field trials, and this study explored the physiological basis for this observation. In replicated field trials conducted over three successive years, diurnal leaf gas exchange and photosynthetic CO2 response curves were measured in 24 soybean cultivars with year of release dates (YOR) from 1923 to 2007. Maximum photosynthetic capacity, mesophyll conductance and nighttime respiration have not changed consistently with cultivar release date. However, daily carbon gain was periodically greater in more recently released cultivars compared with older cultivars. Our analysis suggests that this difference in daily carbon gain primarily occurred when stomatal conductance and soil water content were high. There was also evidence for greater chlorophyll content and greater sink capacity late in the growing season in more recently released soybean varieties. Better understanding of the mechanisms that have improved conversion efficiency in the past may help identify new, promising targets for the future.
The effects of adult attachment style on post‐transgression response
Authors: VAN MONSJOU ELIZABETH , STRUTHERS C. WARD , KHOURY CAREEN , GUILFOYLE JOSHUA R. , YOUNG REBECCA , HODARA OSHRAT , MULLER ROBERT T.
Published: November 2015

Two studies examined the relation between adult attachment styles and post‐transgression responses. Secure participants were predicted to be forgiving, preoccupied participants to be grudge oriented, fearful participants to be avoidant, and dismissing participants to be vengeful. Study 1 was nonexperimental, using a community sample of adults (N = 565). Participants wrote about a moderately severe past transgression. Results supported the predictions. In Study 2, undergraduates' (N = 134) attachment styles were manipulated by varying working models of self and other. Model of self was manipulated with false performance feedback. Model of other was manipulated by altering a confederate's availability and responsiveness during a bonding exercise. Response trends replicated Study 1 with the exception of avoidance. Dismissing individuals were the most avoidant.
“I Won't Back Down?” Complexity and Courage in Government Executive Decision Making
Authors: Kelman Steven , Sanders Ronald , Pandit Gayatri
Published: November 2015

Senior government executives make many difficult decisions, but research suggests that individual cognitive limitations and the pathologies of “groupthink” impede their ability to make value‐maximizing choices. From this literature has emerged a normative model that Irving Janis calls “vigilant problem solving,” a process intended for the most complex decisions. To explore its use by senior public officials, the authors interviewed 20 heads of subcabinet‐level organizations in the U.S. federal government, asking how they made their most difficult decisions. The initial focus was on whether they employed a vigilant approach to making decisions that were informationally, technically, or politically complex. Most executives identified their single most‐difficult decision as one that required courage; they often made such courageous decisions after personal reflection and/or consultation with a small number of trusted advisors rather in ways that could be described as vigilant. The different approaches for making complex decisions, compared with those involving courage, are discussed and a contingency model of effective executive decision making is proposed that requires leaders (and their advisors) to be “ambidextrous” in their approach.
Gay‐related name‐calling among Norwegian adolescents – harmful and harmless
Authors: Slaatten Hilde , Anderssen Norman , Hetland Jørn
Published: November 2015

Being called names such as “gay,” “faggot,” “lezzie” may be experienced as both harmful or harmless by adolescents, depending on the situation in which the name‐calling occurs. The aim of this study was to explore how being called gay‐related names by agents with whom the relationship is differentiated by friendship, acquaintance status and perceived likeability is associated with depressive symptoms, and to explore associations between gay‐related name‐calling, bullying and depressive symptoms. The participants were 921 ninth grade pupils (450 boys) with an age range from 14 to 15 years from 15 schools. The study reveals that the participants' depressive symptoms were more associated with being called gay‐related names by someone who did not like them or someone they did not know, than with being called gay‐related names by a friend. Being called gay‐related names was associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms, even when controlling for bullying. Boys who were bullied and called gay‐related names had even higher levels of depressive symptoms, as indicated by an interaction effect found between being called gay‐related names and bullying. Because of the potential harmfulness of gay‐related name‐calling, anti‐bullying programmes should address this topic as a part of their regular anti‐bullying strategy.
Using Spanish Surname Ratios to Estimate Proportion Hispanic in California Cities via Bayes Theorem*
Authors: Grofman Bernard , Garcia Jennifer
Published: November 2015

Objectives

To generate, via application of Bayes Theorem, accurate estimates about the size of Hispanic populations in California cities from very limited data on the surnames of those living in the cities.

Methods

We make use here of the ratio of those with the name “GARCIA” to those with the name “ANDERSON” in those cities, one of which is far more likely to be Hispanic and one of which is far more likely to be non‐Hispanic.

Results

For four cities that vary dramatically in their Hispanic populations, using only two common names we are able to estimate the Hispanic population in the cities.

Conclusions

We lay the background for our surprising results by underscoring common fallacies in using surnames for purposes of ethnic identification, such as the belief that the proportion of bearers of a given name who are Hispanic can be specified as a unique percentage. We show that how “Hispanic” any given name will turn out to be is a function of the overall demography of the subpopulation being analyzed, which will also affect the distribution of names within that subpopulation.
Government Performance, Corruption, and Political Trust in East Asia*
Authors: Wang Ching‐Hsing
Published: November 2015

Objective

This study examines the effects of government performance and corruption on political trust in three East Asian democracies—Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan—using the empirical implications of theoretical models (EITM) framework.

Methods

I argue that political trust is a function of evaluation of government performance, perception of corruption, and their interaction, and provide an empirical test using the data from the Asian Barometer.

Results

Empirically, I find that assessment of government performance is positively associated with political trust, whereas perception of corruption is negatively related to political trust. Furthermore, evaluation of government performance interacts with perception of corruption to negatively influence political trust.

Conclusions

The findings demonstrate that the effects of evaluation of government performance and perception of corruption on political trust depend on the level of each other. Specifically, corruption can exacerbate the positive effect of government performance on political trust, but government performance cannot ameliorate the negative association between corruption and political trust. This study implies that in a democracy, the public expects its government to be not only competent but also ethical, and put more weight on ethics than on competence.
A further HLA‐A*23 family allele – HLA‐A*23:68
Authors: Street J. , Lemin A. J. , Darke C.
Published: November 2015

HLA‐A*23:68 differs from A*23:01:01 by one base (518C > A) in exon 3 resulting in an amino acid substitution of A149E.
European Integration and Spatial Wage Structure in Poland
Authors: Cieślik Andrzej , Rokicki Bartłomiej
Published: November 2015

In this paper we examine the relationship between average wages and market potential across Polish 16 NUTS 2 administrative units during the 1995–2009 period to study the effects of increased international market access using the new economic geography approach. In particular, we estimate the relationship between average regional wages and the market‐potential function derived from the modified Helpman‐Hanson theoretical model. We demonstrate that both before and after Poland's entry into the European Union the regional economic potential is positively related to the regional level of wages. The magnitude of the estimated parameters on the market potential after Poland's entry into the EU is lower compared to the estimates obtained for the period before the entry but the difference does not seem significant.
Risk Factors for Dehiscence of Stapled Functional End‐to‐End Intestinal Anastomoses in Dogs: 53 Cases (2001–2012)
Authors: Snowdon Kyle A. , Smeak Daniel D. , Chiang Sharon
Published: November 2015

Objective

To identify risk factors for dehiscence in stapled functional end‐to‐end anastomoses (SFEEA) in dogs.

Study Design

Retrospective case series.

Animals

Dogs (n = 53) requiring an enterectomy.

Methods

Medical records from a single institution for all dogs undergoing an enterectomy (2001–2012) were reviewed. Surgeries were included when gastrointestinal (GIA) and thoracoabdominal (TA) stapling equipment was used to create a functional end‐to‐end anastomosis between segments of small intestine or small and large intestine in dogs. Information regarding preoperative, surgical, and postoperative factors was recorded.

Results

Anastomotic dehiscence was noted in 6 of 53 cases (11%), with a mortality rate of 83%. The only preoperative factor significantly associated with dehiscence was the presence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Surgical factors significantly associated with dehiscence included the presence, duration, and number of intraoperative hypotensive periods, and location of anastomosis, with greater odds of dehiscence in anastomoses involving the large intestine.

Conclusion

IBD, location of anastomosis, and intraoperative hypotension are risk factors for intestinal anastomotic dehiscence after SFEEA in dogs. Previously suggested risk factors (low serum albumin concentration, preoperative septic peritonitis, and intestinal foreign body) were not confirmed in this study.
Effects of unsaturated fatty acids on the kinetics of voltage‐gated proton channels heterologously expressed in cultured cells
Authors: Kawanabe Akira , Okamura Yasushi
Published: November 2015

Key points

Arachidonic acid (AA) greatly enhances the activity of the voltage‐gated proton (Hv) channel, although its mechanism of action and physiological function remain unclear.

In the present study, we analysed the effects of AA on proton currents through Hv channels heterologously expressed in HEK293T cells.

The dramatic increase in proton current amplitude elicited by AA was accompanied by accelerated activation kinetics and a leftward shift in the voltage‐dependence of activation.

Mutagenesis studies suggest the two aforementioned effects of AA reflect two distinct structural mechanisms.

Application of phospholipase A2, which liberates AA from phospholipids in the membrane, also enhances Hv channel activity, supporting the idea that AA modulates Hv channel activity within physiological contexts.

Unsaturated fatty acids are key components of the biological membranes of all cells, and precursors of mediators for cell signalling. Arachidonic acid (AA) is an unsaturated fatty acid known to modulate the activities of various ion channels, including the voltage‐gated proton (Hv) channel, which supports the rapid production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in phagocytes through regulation of pH and membrane potential. However, the molecular mechanisms and physiological functions of the effects of AA on Hv channels remain unclear. In the present study, we report an electrophysiological analysis of the effects of AA on the mouse Hv channel (mHv1) heterologously expressed in HEK293T cells. Application of AA to excised inside‐out patch membranes rapidly induced a robust increase in the amplitude of the proton current through mHv1. The current increase was accompanied by accelerated activation kinetics and a small leftward shift of the current–voltage relationship. In monomeric channels lacking the coiled‐coil region of the channel protein, the shift in the current–voltage relationship was diminished but activation and deactivation remained accelerated. Studies with several AA derivatives showed that double bonds and hydrophilic head groups are essential for the effect of AA, although charge was not important. The application of phospholipase A2 (PLA2), which generates AA from cell membrane phospholipids, stimulated mHv1 activity to a similar extent as direct application of ∼20 μm AA, suggesting that endogenous AA may regulate Hv channel activity.
Long-Term Effects of CO2 Sequestration on Rock Mechanical Properties
Authors: AL-Ameri Wahbi Abdulqader , Abdulraheem Abdulazeez , Mahmoud Mohamed
Published: November 2015

The long-term geological sequestration of carbon dioxide (CO2) in underground formations (deep saline aquifers) is the most economically viable option to decrease the emissions of this greenhouse gas in the atmosphere. The injection of CO2 in carbonate aquifers dissolves some of the calcite rock due to the formation of carbonic acid as a result of the interaction between CO2 and brine. This rock dissolution may affect the rock integrity and in turn will affect the rock mechanical properties. The effect of CO2 on the rock mechanical properties is a key parameter to be studied to assess the aquifer performance in the process of geological sequestration and to get a safe and effective long-term storage. The main objective of this study is to address the impact of geological sequestration of CO2 on the mechanical properties of carbonate aquifer and caprocks. In addition, the effect of the storage time on these properties is investigated. In this study, CO2 was injected into the brine-soaked core samples under simulated downhole conditions of high pressure and high temperature (2000 psi and 100 °C). The mechanical properties of these core samples were analyzed using indirect tensile strength (ITS), unconfined compression, and acoustics testing machines. The effect of CO2 sequestration on the engineering operations such as well instability and aquifer compaction will be investigated based on the experimental results. Results showed that CO2 sequestration affected the mechanical properties of the carbonate rocks as well as the caprocks. Long time soaking of CO2 in brine allowed for the formation of enough carbonic acid to react with the cores and this greatly impacted the rock mechanical and acoustic properties. The significant impact of CO2 storage was noted on Khuff limestone (KL), and the good candidate among the carbonate rocks studied here for geological sequestration of CO2 is found to be Indiana limestone (IL). The stress calculations based on the experimental results showed that CO2 may affect the wellbore stability and care should be taken during drilling new wells in the sequestration area. Aquifer compaction based on KL measurements showed that the aquifer will compact 1.25 ft for a 500 ft thick carbonate formation due the CO2 sequestration for 90 days.
Improved Viscoelastic Analysis of Laminated Composite and Sandwich Plates With an Enhanced First-Order Shear Deformation Theory
Authors: Han Jang-Woo , Kim Jun-Sik , Nguyen Sy-Ngoc , Cho Maenghyo
Published: November 2015

An enhanced first-order shear deformation theory (EFSDT) is developed for linear viscoelastic analysis of laminated composite and sandwich plates. Improved strain energy expression of the conventional Reissner/Mindlin first-order shear deformation theory (FSDT) through strain energy transformation is derived in the Laplace domain by minimizing the strain energy difference between FSDT and an efficient higher-order zigzag theory (EHOPT). The convolution theorem of Laplace transformation is applied to circumvent the complexity of dealing with linear viscoelastic materials. The present EFSDT with the Laplace domain approach has the same computational advantage of the conventional FSDT while improving upon the accuracy of the viscoelastic response by utilizing the postprocess recovery procedure. The accuracy and efficiency of the proposed theory are demonstrated through the numerical results obtained herein by comparing to those available in the open literature.
The Effect of Thermal Treatment of Hematite Ore for Chemical Looping Combustion of Methane
Authors: Breault Ronald W. , Yarrington Cory S. , Weber Justin M.
Published: November 2015

For chemical looping processes to become an economically viable technology, an inexpensive carrier that can endure repeated reduction and oxidation cycles needs to be identified or developed. Unfortunately, the reduction of hematite ore with methane in both batch and fluidized beds has revealed that the performance (methane conversion) decreases with time. Previous analysis had shown that the grains within the particle grew with the net effect of reducing the surface area of the particles and thereby reducing the rate and net conversion for a fixed reduction time. To improve the lifespan of hematite ore, it is hypothesized that if the grain size could be stabilized, then the conversion could be stabilized. In this work, series of tests were conducted in an electrically heated fluidized bed. The hematite ore was first pretreated at a temperature higher than the subsequent reduction temperatures. After pretreatment, the hematite ore was subjected to a series of cyclic reduction/oxidation experiments. The results show that the ore can be stabilized for cycles at different conditions up to the pretreatment temperature without any degradation. Details of the pretreatment process and the test results will be presented.
A patient‐specific aperture system with an energy absorber for spot scanning proton beams: Verification for clinical application
Authors: Yasui Keisuke , Toshito Toshiyuki , Omachi Chihiro , Kibe Yoshiaki , Hayashi Kensuke , Shibata Hiroki , Tanaka Kenichiro , Nikawa Eiki , Asai Kumiko , Shimomura Akira , Kinou Hideto , Isoyama Shigeru , Fujii Yusuke , Takayanagi Taisuke , Hirayama Shusuke , Nagamine Yoshihiko , Shibamoto Yuta , Komori Masataka , Mizoe Jun‐etsu
Published: November 2015

Purpose:

In the authors’ proton therapy system, the patient‐specific aperture can be attached to the nozzle of spot scanning beams to shape an irradiation field and reduce lateral fall‐off. The authors herein verified this system for clinical application.

Methods:

The authors prepared four types of patient‐specific aperture systems equipped with an energy absorber to irradiate shallow regions less than 4 g/cm2. The aperture was made of 3‐cm‐thick brass and the maximum water equivalent penetration to be used with this system was estimated to be 15 g/cm2. The authors measured in‐air lateral profiles at the isocenter plane and integral depth doses with the energy absorber. All input data were obtained by the Monte Carlo calculation, and its parameters were tuned to reproduce measurements. The fluence of single spots in water was modeled as a triple Gaussian function and the dose distribution was calculated using a fluence dose model. The authors compared in‐air and in‐water lateral profiles and depth doses between calculations and measurements for various apertures of square, half, and U‐shaped fields. The absolute doses and dose distributions with the aperture were then validated by patient‐specific quality assurance. Measured data were obtained by various chambers and a 2D ion chamber detector array.

Results:

The patient‐specific aperture reduced the penumbra from 30% to 70%, for example, from 34.0 to 23.6 mm and 18.8 to 5.6 mm. The calculated field width for square‐shaped apertures agreed with measurements within 1 mm. Regarding patient‐specific aperture plans, calculated and measured doses agreed within −0.06% ± 0.63% (mean ± SD) and 97.1% points passed the 2%‐dose/2 mm‐distance criteria of the γ‐index on average.

Conclusions:

The patient‐specific aperture system improved dose distributions, particularly in shallow‐region plans.
Depth‐resolved registration of transesophageal echo to x‐ray fluoroscopy using an inverse geometry fluoroscopy system
Authors: Hatt Charles R. , Tomkowiak Michael T. , Dunkerley David A. P. , Slagowski Jordan M. , Funk Tobias , Raval Amish N. , Speidel Michael A.
Published: November 2015

Purpose:

Image registration between standard x‐ray fluoroscopy and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) has recently been proposed. Scanning‐beam digital x‐ray (SBDX) is an inverse geometry fluoroscopy system designed for cardiac procedures. This study presents a method for 3D registration of SBDX and TEE images based on the tomosynthesis and 3D tracking capabilities of SBDX.

Methods:

The registration algorithm utilizes the stack of tomosynthetic planes produced by the SBDX system to estimate the physical 3D coordinates of salient key‐points on the TEE probe. The key‐points are used to arrive at an initial estimate of the probe pose, which is then refined using a 2D/3D registration method adapted for inverse geometry fluoroscopy. A phantom study was conducted to evaluate probe pose estimation accuracy relative to the ground truth, as defined by a set of coregistered fiducial markers. This experiment was conducted with varying probe poses and levels of signal difference‐to‐noise ratio (SDNR). Additional phantom and in vivo studies were performed to evaluate the correspondence of catheter tip positions in TEE and x‐ray images following registration of the two modalities.

Results:

Target registration error (TRE) was used to characterize both pose estimation and registration accuracy. In the study of pose estimation accuracy, successful pose estimates (3D TRE < 5.0 mm) were obtained in 97% of cases when the SDNR was 5.9 or higher in seven out of eight poses. Under these conditions, 3D TRE was 2.32 ± 1.88 mm, and 2D (projection) TRE was 1.61 ± 1.36 mm. Probe localization error along the source‐detector axis was 0.87 ± 1.31 mm. For the in vivo experiments, mean 3D TRE ranged from 2.6 to 4.6 mm and mean 2D TRE ranged from 1.1 to 1.6 mm. Anatomy extracted from the echo images appeared well aligned when projected onto the SBDX images.

Conclusions:

Full 6 DOF image registration between SBDX and TEE is feasible and accurate to within 5 mm. Future studies will focus on real‐time implementation and application‐specific analysis.
Theory and investigation of acoustic multiple-input multiple-output systems based on spherical arrays in a room
Authors: Morgenstern Hai , Rafaely Boaz , Zotter Franz
Published: November 2015

Spatial attributes of room acoustics have been widely studied using microphone and loudspeaker arrays. However, systems that combine both arrays, referred to as multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems, have only been studied to a limited degree in this context. These systems can potentially provide a powerful tool for room acoustics analysis due to the ability to simultaneously control both arrays. This paper offers a theoretical framework for the spatial analysis of enclosed sound fields using a MIMO system comprising spherical loudspeaker and microphone arrays. A system transfer function is formulated in matrix form for free-field conditions, and its properties are studied using tools from linear algebra. The system is shown to have unit-rank, regardless of the array types, and its singular vectors are related to the directions of arrival and radiation at the microphone and loudspeaker arrays, respectively. The formulation is then generalized to apply to rooms, using an image source method. In this case, the rank of the system is related to the number of significant reflections. The paper ends with simulation studies, which support the developed theory, and with an extensive reflection analysis of a room impulse response, using the platform of a MIMO system.
Localization of acoustic sensors from passive Green's function estimation
Authors: Nowakowski Thibault , Daudet Laurent , de Rosny Julien
Published: November 2015

A number of methods have recently been developed for passive localization of acoustic sensors, based on the assumption that the acoustic field is diffuse. This article presents the more general case of equipartition fields, which takes into account reflections off boundaries and/or scatterers. After a thorough discussion on the fundamental differences between the diffuse and equipartition models, it is shown that the method is more robust when dealing with wideband noise sources. Finally, experimental results show, for two types of boundary conditions, that this approach is especially relevant when acoustic sensors are close to boundaries.
The Use of Multimedia Demonstration on the Test of Gross Motor Development–Second Edition: Performance and Participant Preference
Authors: Robinson Leah E. , Palmer Kara K. , Irwin Jacqueline M. , Webster Elizabeth Kipling , Dennis Abigail L. , Brock Sheri J. , Rudisill Mary E.
Published: November 2015

This study examined the effect of demonstration conditions (multimedia and live) in school-age children on performance of the Test of Gross Motor Development—Second Edition (TGMD-2) locomotor and object control subscale raw scores, and participants’ enjoyment in the preoperational and operational stages of cognitive development. Forty-five children ages 5–10 years were divided into two age groups: younger (n = 21, Mage = 5.95 years, SD = .80) and older (n = 24, Mage = 8.96 years, SD = .86). Children completed the TGMD-2 under two counterbalanced conditions: live and multimedia demonstration. Immediately following each testing condition, children ranked their enjoyment and completed a semistructured interview. Paired sample t tests examined motor skill and enjoyment differences in each age group. For both groups, no statistically significant differences were present for motor skill performance or participants’ enjoyment between the two demonstration conditions (p ≥ .05). Overall, 44.5% of participants preferred the multimedia demonstration, while 32.5% preferred the live demonstration. Mixed responses were reported by 22.5% of participants. Within age groups, younger participants preferred the multimedia demonstration more than older participants (multimedia = 50%, 41%; live = 23%, 41%, respectively). This study provides evidence that multimedia demonstration may be suitable for administration of the TGMD-2.
Attentional Demand of a Virtual Reality-Based Reaching Task in Nondisabled Older Adults
Authors: Chen Yi-An , Chung Yu-Chen , Proffitt Rachel , Wade Eric , Winstein Carolee
Published: November 2015

Attention during exercise is known to affect performance; however, the attentional demand inherent to virtual reality (VR)-based exercise is not well understood. We used a dual-task paradigm to compare the attentional demands of VR-based and non-VR-based (conventional, real-world) exercise: 22 older adults (with no diagnosed disabilities) performed a primary reaching task to virtual and real targets in a counterbalanced block order while verbally responding to an unanticipated auditory tone in one third of the trials. The attentional demand of the primary reaching task was inferred from the voice response time (VRT) to the auditory tone. Participants’ engagement level and task experience were also obtained using questionnaires. The virtual target condition was more attention demanding (significantly longer VRT) than the real target condition. Secondary analyses revealed a significant interaction between engagement level and target condition on attentional demand. For participants who were highly engaged, attentional demand was high and independent of target condition. However, for those who were less engaged, attentional demand was low and depended on target condition (i.e., virtual > real). These findings add important knowledge to the growing body of research pertaining to the development and application of technology-enhanced exercise for older adults and for rehabilitation purposes.
Genome Sequence of Salmonella enterica subsp.
enterica
Serovar Typhi Isolate PM016/13 from Untreated Well Water Associated with a Typhoid Outbreak in Pasir Mas, Kelantan, Malaysia
Authors: Muhamad Harish Salwani , Sim Kee-Shin , Najimudin Nazalan , Aziah Ismail
Published: November 2015

Salmonella enterica
subsp.
enterica
serovar Typhi is a human-restricted pathogen that causes typhoid fever. Even though it is a human-restricted pathogen, the bacterium is also isolated from environments such as groundwater and pond water. Here, we describe the genome sequence of the
Salmonella enterica
subsp.
enterica
serovar Typhi PM016/13 which was isolated from well water during a typhoid outbreak in Kelantan, Malaysia, in 2013.
Full-Length Genome Sequences of Senecavirus A from Recent Idiopathic Vesicular Disease Outbreaks in U.S. Swine
Authors: Zhang Jianqiang , Piñeyro Pablo , Chen Qi , Zheng Ying , Li Ganwu , Rademacher Christopher , Derscheid Rachel , Guo Baoqing , Yoon Kyoung-Jin , Madson Darin , Gauger Phillip , Schwartz Kent , Harmon Karen , Linhares Daniel , Main Rodger
Published: November 2015

Since July 2015, vesicular lesions affecting growing pigs and sows accompanied with neonatal mortality have been reported in multiple U.S. states. Senecavirus A has been consistently detected from these cases. The complete genome sequences of 3 recent U.S. Senecavirus A isolates were determined to further characterize this virus.
Genome Sequence of Bacillus anthracis Larissa, Associated with a Case of Cutaneous Anthrax in Greece
Authors: Grass Gregor , Hanczaruk Matthias , Antwerpen Markus
Published: November 2015

We report the genome sequence of
Bacillus anthracis
strain Larissa, isolated from a diseased sheep associated with a human case of cutaneous anthrax in Central Greece from 2012. Genome sequence analysis of strain Larissa may aid in describing phylogenetic relationships of
B. anthracis
isolates in Southeastern European countries.
A Novel Member of
Chitinophagaceae
Isolated from a Human Peritoneal Tumor
Authors: Lo Alexander S. , Merrell D. Scott , Lei Haiyan , Sardi Armando , McAvoy Thomas , Testerman Traci L.
Published: November 2015

Peritoneal tumors from a rare malignancy, pseudomyxoma peritonei, frequently contain bacteria. Evidence suggests that tumor-associated bacteria contribute to pseudomyxoma peritonei development and/or progression. One unique isolate (PMP191F) was characterized via whole-genome sequencing using the Illumina MiSeq platform. PMP191F shows similarities to the
Chitinophaga, Niastella
, and
Flavitalea
genera.
Draft Genome Sequence of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens XK-4-1, a Plant Growth-Promoting Endophyte with Antifungal Activity
Authors: Sun Zhengxiang , Hsiang Tom , Zhou Yi , Zhou Jinglong
Published: November 2015

Here, we report the draft genome sequence of a bacterial plant-growth-promoting endophyte,
Bacillus amyloliquefaciens
XK-4-1, which consists of one circular chromosome of 3,941,805 bp with 3,702 coding sequences (CDSs). The data presented highlight multiple sets of functional genes associated with its plant-beneficial characteristics.
Genome Sequence of a Clinical Klebsiella pneumoniae Sequence Type 6 Strain
Authors: Guilhen Cyril , Iltis Agnès , Forestier Christiane , Balestrino Damien
Published: November 2015

We report here the genome sequence of
Klebsiella pneumoniae
CH1034, a sequence type 6 (ST6) strain isolated in 2012 from a central venous catheter of a hospitalized patient.
Draft Genome Sequence of Burkholderia cenocepacia Strain 869T2, a Plant-Beneficial Endophytic Bacterium
Authors: Ho Ying-Ning , Huang Chieh-Chen
Published: November 2015

An endophytic bacterium,
Burkholderia cenocepacia
869T2, isolated from vetiver grass, has shown its abilities for both
in planta
biocontrol and plant growth promotion. Its draft genome sequence was determined to provide insights into those metabolic pathways involved in plant-beneficial activity. This is the first genome report for endophytic
B. cenocepacia
.
Draft Genome Sequence of a Benzo[
a
]pyrene-Degrading Bacterium,
Olleya
sp. Strain ITB9
Authors: Okai Masahiko , Watanabe Akihiro , Ishida Masami , Urano Naoto
Published: November 2015

Olleya
sp. ITB9 is a benzo[
a
]pyrene-degrading bacterium, isolated from surface water near a waste treatment plant at Tokyo Bay, Japan. Here, we present the draft genome sequence of this strain, which consists of 58 contigs corresponding to 3.4 Mb and a G+C content of 31.2%.
Draft Genome Sequence of Thermus scotoductus Strain K1, Isolated from a Geothermal Spring in Karvachar, Nagorno Karabakh
Authors: Saghatelyan Ani , Poghosyan Lianna , Panosyan Hovik , Birkeland Nils-Kåre
Published: November 2015

The 2,379,636-bp draft genome sequence of
Thermus scotoductus
strain K1, isolated from geothermal spring outlet located in the Karvachar region in Nagorno Karabakh is presented. Strain K1 shares about 80% genome sequence similarity with
T. scotoductus
strain SA-01, recovered from a deep gold mine in South Africa.
Opioid-induced constipation reversal in response to placebo in a patient with a history of IBS receiving methadone maintenance therapy
Authors: Samokhvalov Andriy V , Rehm Jürgen
Published: November 2015

Opioid-induced constipation (OIC) is one of the major side effects in patients receiving methadone maintenance treatment (MMT). Quite often, constipation becomes a factor significantly affecting therapeutic options and choices. Currently used approaches are symptomatic and in many cases ineffective. At the same time, it is well known that the gastrointestinal system is a subject for psychosomatic influences. In this case report, we describe an unexpected outcome of placebo administration in a patient suffering from OIC since her participation in MMT. The patient participated in a triple-blind randomised placebo-controlled trial of naloxone for treatment of OIC. As part of the study crossover design, the patient received 1 week of placebo followed by 1 week of naloxone, and had significant improvement in her bowel functioning when receiving placebo, then returned to baseline during the second week of the study.
Experience based co-design reduces formal complaints on an acute mental health ward
Authors: Springham Neil , Robert Glenn
Published: November 2015

An acute mental health triage ward at Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust was attracting high levels of formal service user and family complaints. The Trust used experience based co-design to examine the issues and redesign procedures. This resulted in an immediate eradication of formal complaints for a period of 23 months. This paper describes two outcomes: firstly, the successful adaptations made to the experience based co-design methodology from its origins in physical care, in order to ensure it was safe and effective in an acute mental health setting; and, secondly, the changes made to the ward as a result of this quality improvement intervention.
Factors associated with pain coping and catastrophising in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: a cross-sectional study of the LuLa-cohort
Authors: Fischin Julia , Chehab Gamal , Richter Jutta G , Fischer-Betz Rebecca , Winkler-Rohlfing Borgi , Willers Reinhart , Schneider Matthias
Published: November 2015

Objective

The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with pain coping and catastrophising in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Methods

All patients were participants of the lupus erythematosus long-term study, which is based on patient-reported data assessed among members of the German Lupus Erythematosus Self-Help Organization. Assessments were performed by means of a questionnaire. Among self-reported clinical data the Pain-Related Self Statements Scale (PRSS) was included. To depict significant differences univariable analyses were carried out using non-parametrical rank tests. To examine factors influencing our outcome variables, we performed a multivariable stepwise regression model including variables that presented significantly in the univariable analysis.

Results

447 cases (94.9% female) were analysed showing a mean catastrophising score of 1.1 (SD 0.8) and a mean coping score of 2.8 (SD 0.9) in the PRSS subscales. Higher catastrophising quartiles went along with higher experienced pain, lupus activity, fatigue, damage and decreased health related quality of life, whereas they presented inversely for coping. In our multivariable model, factors associated with catastrophising were: number of lupus-specific drugs (p value 0.004), pain in the last 7 days (p value 0.034), the Short Form 12 Health Survey Mental Component Summary (p value <0.001) and disease activity measured by the Systemic Lupus Activity Questionnaire (p value 0.042). Social participation reflected by performed leisure activities such as dancing or bowling had a positive association with coping (p value 0.006). In contrast, other health related physical activities and their extent had no impact on coping. A direct association between the amount of pain coping and catastrophising, as well as a great impact of the catastrophising, respectively, coping level on physical and mental functioning could be shown.

Conclusions

Reduction or increase of detected factors might lead to a modification of pain coping and catastrophising and offer an approach to more effective care in patients with SLE.
Seasonal resource selection of woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) across a gradient of anthropogenic disturbance
Authors: Hornseth Megan L. , Rempel Robert S.
Published: November 2015

Resource selection functions are useful tools for land-use planning, especially for wide-ranging species with sensitivity to anthropogenic disturbance. We evaluated five a priori hypotheses describing seasonal habitat selection of woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou (Gmelin, 1788)) across three regions in northern Ontario. Two regions were Boreal Shield dominated, one area with relatively high anthropogenic disturbance (due to commercial forestry) and the other with relatively low anthropogenic disturbance. The final region was located on the wetland-dominated Hudson Bay Lowlands. Each region encompassed two caribou management ranges: one was used for model development and the other for model evaluation. We developed seasonal resource selection probability functions using seasonal utilization distributions and isopleths derived from GPS collar data (from 212 caribou) to identify high- and low-use areas. We explored selection across five spatial scales; selection patterns were strongest at the 10 000 ha scale. We found temporal and spatial variations in all environmental predictors across ranges and seasons, especially in the Hudson Bay Lowlands. Our results consistently supported the integrated global model (with common variables but range-specific coefficients) where caribou habitat use is related to minimizing apparent competition with moose (Alces alces (L., 1758)) while avoiding disturbed areas, and utilizing areas with adequate forage.
The 3-I framework: a framework for developing public policies regarding pharmacogenomics (PGx) testing in Canada
Authors: Bashir Naazish S. , Ungar Wendy J.
Published: November 2015

The 3-I framework of analyzing the ideas, interests, and institutions around a topic has been used by political scientists to guide public policy development. In Canada, there is a lack of policy governing pharmacogenomics (PGx) testing compared to other developed nations. The goal of this study was to use the 3-I framework, a policy development tool, and apply it to PGx testing to identify and analyze areas where current policy is limited and challenges exist in bringing PGx testing into wide-spread clinical practice in Canada. A scoping review of the literature was conducted to determine the extent and challenges of PGx policy implementation at federal and provincial levels. Based on the 3-I analysis, contentious ideas related to PGx are (i) genetic discrimination, (ii) informed consent, (iii) the lack of knowledge about PGx in health care, (iv) the value of PGx testing, (v) the roles of health care workers in the coordination of PGx services, and (vi) confidentiality and privacy. The 3-I framework is a useful tool for policy makers, and applying it to PGx policy development is a new approach in Canadian genomics. Policy makers at every organizational level can use this analysis to help develop targeted PGx policies.
The connection between vortex-like topological excitations and conventional excitations in quantum ferromagnetic spin systems on two-dimensional lattice and their stability
Authors: Sarkar Subhajit , Chaudhury Ranjan , Paul Samir K.
Published: November 2015

In this paper, we present a scheme for the construction of quantum states of vortex-like topological excitations corresponding to spin-1/2 strongly XY-anisotropic nearest neighbor Heisenberg ferromagnet on two-dimensional lattice. The procedure involving Pauli spin basis states is carried out corresponding to both infinite dilute limit and finite density limit of vortex/anti-vortex. It is found that the corresponding quantum mechanical states representing charge 1 quantum vortices/anti-vortices can be expressed as linear combinations of single magnon states, composite multi-magnon states and the ground state. Detailed calculations show that these states are quantum mechanically stable states of the Hamiltonian only when the system size exceeds certain threshold value. Our analysis indicates that the interactions between different magnon modes can very well generate these topological excitations. Possible applications of our calculations to real magnetic systems are also discussed. Magnetic measurements probing spin dynamics may be undertaken to verify the existence of the threshold size for the stability of vortices.
Study on the intrinsic defects in ZnO by combing first-principle and thermodynamic calculations
Authors: Ma Changmin , Liu Tingyu , Chang Qiuxiang
Published: November 2015

In this paper, the intrinsic point defects in ZnO crystal have been studied by the approach that integrates first-principles, thermodynamic calculations and the contributions of vibrational entropy. With temperature increasing and oxygen partial pressure decreasing, the formation energies of oxygen vacancy [Formula: see text], zinc interstitial [Formula: see text] and zinc anti-site [Formula: see text] are decreasing, while it increases for zinc vacancy [Formula: see text], oxygen interstitial [Formula: see text] and oxygen anti-site [Formula: see text]. They are more sensitive to temperature than oxygen partial pressure. There are two interesting phenomena. First, [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text] have the lowest formation energies for whole Fermi level at special environment condition (such as at [Formula: see text], about [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text], about [Formula: see text]) and intrinsic [Formula: see text]-type doping of ZnO is possible by [Formula: see text] at these special conditions. Second, [Formula: see text] as donors have lowest formation energy for all Fermi level at high temperature and low oxygen partial pressure [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]. According to our analysis, the [Formula: see text] could produce [Formula: see text]-type doping in ZnO at these special conditions and change [Formula: see text]-type ZnO to [Formula: see text]-type ZnO at condition from low temperature and high oxygen partial pressure to high temperature and low oxygen partial pressure.
A Note on the b-Chromatic Number of Corona of Graphs
Authors: LISNA P. C. , SUNITHA M. S.
Published: November 2015

A b-coloring of a graph G is a proper coloring of the vertices of G such that there exists a vertex in each color class joined to at least one vertex in each other color classes. The b-chromatic number of a graph G, denoted by [Formula: see text], is the maximal integer k such that G has a b-coloring with k colors. In this paper, the b-chromatic numbers of the coronas of cycles, star graphs and wheel graphs with different numbers of vertices, respectively, are obtained. Also the bounds for the b-chromatic number of corona of any two graphs is discussed.