bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Persistent cross-species transmission systems dominate Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O157:H7 epidemiology in a high incidence region: a genomic epidemiology study
Authors: Tarr Gillian AM , Chui Linda , Stanford Kim , Bumunang Emmanuel W , Zaheer Rahat , Li Vincent , Freedman Stephen B , Laing Chad R , McAllister Tim A
Published: August 2024

Several areas of the world suffer notably high incidence of Shiga toxin-producing
Escherichia coli
, among them Alberta, Canada. We assessed the role of persistent cross-species transmission systems in Alberta’s
E. coli
O157:H7 epidemiology.We sequenced and assembled 229
E. coli
O157:H7 isolates originating from collocated cattle (n=108) and human (n=121) populations from 2007-2015 in Alberta. We constructed a timed phylogeny using BEAST2 using a structured coalescent model. We then extended the tree with human isolates through 2019 (n=432) to assess the long-term disease impact of local persistent lineages. Shiga toxin gene (
stx
) profile was determined for all isolates.During 2007 to 2015, we estimated 107 (95% HPD 101, 111) human lineages arose from cattle lineages, and 31 (95% HPD 22, 43) from other human lineages; i.e., 77.5% of human lineages arose from cattle lineages. We identified 11 persistent lineages local to Alberta, which were associated with 36.4% (95% CI 27.8%, 45.6%) of human isolates. Of 115 isolates in local persistent lineages, 6.1% carried only
stx2a
and the rest
stx1a/stx2a
. During the later period, six local persistent lineages continued to be associated with human illness, including 74.7% (95% CI 68.3%, 80.3%) of reported cases in 2018 and 2019. The
stx
profile of isolates in local persistent lineages shifted from the earlier period, with 51.2% encoding only
stx2a
.Our study identified multiple locally evolving lineages transmitted between cattle and humans persistently associated with
E. coli
O157:H7 illnesses for up to 13 years. Of concern, there was a dramatic shift in the local persistent lineages toward strains with the more virulent
stx2a
-only profile. We hypothesize that the large proportion of disease associated with local transmission systems is a principal cause of Alberta’s high
E. coli
O157:H7 incidence.
Escape problem of magnetotactic bacteria - physiological magnetic field strengths help magnetotactic bacteria navigate in simulated sediments
Authors: Codutti Agnese , Charsooghi Mohammad A , Marx Konrad , Cerdá-Doñate Elisa , Munoz Omar , Zaslansky Paul , Telezki Vitali , Robinson Tom , Faivre Damien , Klumpp Stefan
Published: August 2024

Bacterial motility is typically studied in bulk solution, while their natural habitats often are complex environments. Here, we produced microfluidic channels that contained sediment-mimicking obstacles to study swimming of magnetotactic bacteria in a near-realistic environment. Magnetotactic bacteria are microor-ganisms that form chains of nanomagnets and that orient in Earth’s magnetic field. The obstacles were produced based on micro-computer tomography reconstructions of bacteria-rich sediment samples. We characterized the swimming of the cells through these channels and found that swimming throughput was highest for physiological magnetic fields. This observation was confirmed by extensive computer simulations using an active Brownian particle model, which were parameterized based on experimental trajectories, in particular with the trajectories near the sediment-mimicking obstacles, from which the interactions of the swimming bacteria with the obstacles were determined. The simulations were used to quantify the swimming throughput in detail. They showed the behavior seen in experiments, but also exhibited considerable variability between different channel geometries. The simulations indicate that swimming at strong fields is impeded by the trapping of bacteria in “corners” that require transient swimming against the magnetic field for escape. At weak fields, the direction of swimming is almost random, making the process inefficient as well. We confirmed the trapping effect in our experiments and showed that lowering the field strength allows the bacteria to escape. We hypothesize that over the course of evolution, magnetotactic bacteria have thus evolved to produce magnetic properties that are adapted to the geomagnetic field in order to balance movement and orientation in such crowded environments.
Engineering PEG10 assembled endogenous virus-like particles with genetically encoded neoantigen peptides for cancer vaccination
Authors: Tang Ruijing , Guo Luobin , Wei Tingyu , Chen Tingting , Yang Huan , Ye Honghao , Lin Fangzhou , Zeng Yongyi , Yu Haijun , Cai Zhixiong , Liu Xiaolong
Published: August 2024

Tumor neoantigen peptide vaccines hold potential for boosting cancer immunotherapy, yet efficiently co-delivering peptides and adjuvants to antigen-presenting cells in vivo remains challenging. Virus-like particle (VLP), which is a kind of multiprotein structure organized as virus, can deliver therapeutic substances into cells and stimulate immune response. However, the weak targeted delivery of VLP in vivo and its susceptibility to neutralization by antibodies hinder their clinical applications. Here, we firstly designed a novel protein carrier using the mammalian-derived capsid protein PEG10, which can self-assemble into endogenous VLP (eVLP) with high protein loading and transfection efficiency. Then, an engineered tumor vaccine, named ePAC, was developed by packaging genetically encoded neoantigen into eVLP with further modification of CpG-ODN on its surface to serve as an adjuvant and targeting unit to dendritic cells (DCs). Significantly, ePAC can efficiently target and transport neoantigens to DCs, and promote DCs maturation to induce neoantigen-specific T cells. Moreover, in mouse orthotopic liver cancer and humanized mouse tumor models, ePAC combined with anti-TIM-3 exhibited remarkable antitumor efficacy. Overall, these results support that ePAC could be safely utilized as cancer vaccines for antitumor therapy, showing significant potential for clinical translation.
Changes in Soil Properties During Smoldering Fire Caused by Wildfire
Authors: Bang Seonghyeok
Published: August 2024

This study experimentally investigates the changes in soil internal temperature, color, pH, and EC caused by smoldering fire arising from forest fire. The soil surface temperature reaches approximately 300 ℃, and the soil temperature in the lower section increases continuously owing to heat transfer from the upper section, thus confirming that smoldering fire can occur in the lower section of the soil. The soil internal temperature differs depending on the composition ratio of sand and clay, which is attributed to the difference in the thermal conductivity of sand and clay and the pore size between the soil particles. The soil pH decreases as heating progresses. Meanwhile, the soil electrical conductivity is higher than that before the experiment, although no change is observed as heating progresses. The lethal time of the soil increases with the soil depth; furthermore, under the same depth, the lethal time is longer for higher clay contents.
Differences in Stakeholder Behavioral Intentions Arising from Introduction of Smart Seoul Communal District Disaster-Management Information System
Authors: Byeon In-Seok , Geum Donggeun , Park Inseon
Published: August 2024

This study aims to measure, analyze, and identify the factors that affect the introduction of the Smart Disaster-Management Information System in Seoul district in terms of system quality, satisfaction, and behavioral intentions, as well as to derive effective implementation directions for expanding similar systems in the future. The subjects of the study are stakeholders of the Smart Seoul Communal District Disaster-Management Information System, in addition to 400 people selected via random sampling from October 23 to November 11, 2023. A mean difference test (t-test) and the one-way analysis of variance are conducted to determine whether the behavioral intentions of the system stakeholders are affected by the introduction of the smart disaster-management information system. The result shows that when introducing a smart disaster-management information system to a utility, one must consider not only the quality of the system but also the external environment of the utility-management agency’s system, the development of related resources, the service quality of the software used, and the behavioral intentions to maintain the service quality. In this study, the representativeness of the sample is not secured because of restricted access to facilities arising from the associated security management. However, the quality of the disaster-management information system differs depending on the characteristics of the stakeholders. This study is meaningful as it presents a model that can measure and analyze the relationship between customer satisfaction and behavioral intention based on the external environment of the system and service quality.
Characteristics of Polyurethane Foam Smoke Particles Formed during Initial Fire Stages
Authors: Ha Yejin , Noh Jung-Hun , Jeon Joonho
Published: August 2024

When exposed to an external heat source, a solid fuel generates condensed and gaseous phases on its surface through pyrolysis. The pyrolysis products can determine ignition and fire development, as well as smoke release. Elucidating the pyrolysis process is essential for predicting complex fire phenomena such as flame propagation and spread. In this study, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and an optical particle counter (OPC) were used to investigate smoke particle formation based on pyrolysis. The TGA results revealed that polyurethane foam pyrolyzed in two stages and then oxidized in three stages. The OPC results confirmed that smoke particle formation depended on the presence of an ignition source at low temperatures. Additionally, methods are provided to account for the behavior of particulate matter during pyrolysis modeling.
Articulating the Problems Encountered of Pre-service Mathematics Teachers in Conceptual Teaching Training
Authors: Teng Yufang , Yang Zezhong
Published: August 2024

This study’s participants consisted of 31 master students in a university.  Open-ended interviews were used to collect data to investigate the challenges they face in their conceptual teaching training.  The method of data processing is as follows: first, the interview audio is transcribed to textual data. Then, the text data is analyzed and encoded. Finally, the detailed table is generated through Excel. It was found that the problems existing in the conceptual teaching training of pre-service mathematics teachers were related to their mathematical knowledge reserve, teaching and external conditions. It was found that specific challenges they face included: 1.a poor grasp of the system of mathematical concepts; 2. difficulties in explanation the relationship and application of concepts; 3. problems in the use of teaching language; 4. difficulties in integrating technology and teaching; 5. lack of understanding of the learning situation; 6.choice of methods, selection and organization of materials; 7. problems in introducing concepts; 8.lack of professional teacher guidance. Based on the findings, it is suggested that:1. Pre-service mathematics teachers need to work hard to learn mathematical concepts and gain a deeper understanding of the conceptual network system; 2. In the training process of conceptual teaching, pre-service mathematics teachers should ensure the accuracy of the teaching language and avoid over-emphasis the abstract definition language of concepts, and endeavor to learn relevant knowledge of technology and try to integrate it with the conceptual teaching; 3. Through the knowledge of psychology, the externship and mathematics exercises in senior high school, etc. to understand the learning situation and analyze the test points; 4. In the specific process of concept teaching, pre-service teachers can select materials from the history of mathematics and real life that can be linked to the concepts, and introduce concepts from examples, activities and relationships between concepts; 5. Colleges and universities should be equipped with professional teachers to provide guidance for pre-service teachers, increase the investment in micro classrooms and improve the efficiency of their use.
Predictors of Morbidity and Mortality of Gastrointestinal Perforation in Children
Authors: Tarafder Mohammad Farhad Ali , Mahmud Abdullah Al , Ray Upendra Nath , Sheuli Naznin Aktar
Published: August 2024

Background: Gastrointestinal perforation is a common surgical problem in paediatric surgical ward in our country. It carries a high morbidity and mortality in children. The predictors of postoperative morbidity and mortality are still not well established.
Objectives: The objective of this study was to identify the predictors of morbidity and mortality following surgery for gastrointestinal perforation in children.
Methods: This was a single centre cross sectional type of descriptive observational study carried out in the Department of Paediatric Surgery, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital with 16-month duration from 1st January, 2017 to April 30, 2018, in children aged from 2-12 years. Predictors related to postoperative morbidity and mortality were investigated.
Results: A total of 40 patients were selected for this study with mean age of 8.92±2.61 years. Male: female was 1.5:1. Analysis indicated that factors associated with postoperative morbidity and mortality were low BMI, poor nutritional status, low serum total protein and albumin, delay in seeking treatment and contaminated peritoneal collection. Appendicular perforation was the highest number perforation in 23(57.5%) patients. Ileal perforation was the second highest number 8(20%). Appendectomy was the highest surgical procedure 21(52.5%), followed by resection-anastomosis and wound excision & repair 3(7.5%) each.  Serum total protein and albumin were below normal limit among 15(37.5%) and 35(87.5%) patients respectively. 13(32.5%) patients received treatment 72 hours after onset of symptom and 18(45%) patients undergone operation within 24-48 hours of admission. Postoperative complications developed in 30 patients. Among them SSI were in 20(66.66%), SIRS in 9(30%) and leakage of repair in 1(3.33%) patient. Mortality rate was 5%. Conclusion: Poor nutritional status, low total serum protein and albumin, delay in initiation of treatment, and contaminated peritoneal fluid are the predictors of morbidity and mortality of gastrointestinal perforation in children.
Assessing the Nutritional Impact of Cannabinoids in Patients with Advanced Cancer
Authors: Preethi Vusolla Anisha , Devi T. Sucharita , Kumari B. Anila , Preethi M. , Suvvari Praneeth , Sai Vanumu Divya , Balakrishna N.
Published: August 2024

Aim: Patients with Advanced Cancer suffer with poor quality of life, nutritional issues and they suffer with various symptom burden. Cannabinoids are implicated in relieving various symptoms and pain in cancer patients. There are also reports that starting Cannabinoids could improve their Nutritional status in these patients with advanced cancer.
Methodology: Forty advanced cancer patients are assessed at Basavatarakam Hospital (BIACH&RI), and nutritional status were measured through structured tools like Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA), Nutritional risk screening tool (NRS). Data was collected through telephonic interviews/ patient reviews. Patients were given CannaBliss in a thick paste or oil-like substance, was administered through transmucosal application or by applying it on the gums above the teeth using fingers. Patients were assessed at two time points for their Nutritional status, (T1=At the time of Recruitment, T2=At three weeks) Confounding variables, such as age, sex, were controlled by setting strict inclusion criteria and collecting detailed baseline data, which allowed for statistical adjustments. To test the hypothesis, paired t-tests, Chi- square tests were likely applied, comparing nutritional status between the two time points (T1 and T2) to determine the impact of the cannabinoids.
Results: Patients who were treated with Cannabis showed Moderate improvement in the PG-SGA and stable in NRS Scores, there was some amount of difference which was not statistically significant.
Conclusion: The study highlights due to the complex nature of nutritional status in patients with advanced cancer, evaluation by NRS Score may not be alone sufficient and for comprehensive assessment PG-SGA Scale may be better scale, because even though patients are having severe feeding related issues they are still in low risk with NRS Score. The NRS Tool, which assesses nutritional status and illness severity, may not be ideal for short-term studies like this three-week follow-up. It may not fully capture the nutritional challenges of advanced-stage cancer patients who are unable to eat, indicating the need for a more detailed tool like PG-SGA scale.
Global output‐feedback control of systems with dynamic nonlinear input uncertainties through singular perturbation‐based dynamic scaling
Authors: Krishnamurthy P. , Khorrami F.
Published: September 2015

A general class of uncertain nonlinear systems with dynamic input nonlinearities is considered. The system structure includes a core nominal subsystem of triangular structure with additive uncertain nonlinear functions, coupled uncertain nonlinear appended dynamics, and uncertain nonlinear input unmodeled dynamics. The control design is based on dual controller/observer dynamic high‐gain scaling with an additional dynamic scaling based on a singular perturbation‐like redesign to address the non‐affine and uncertain nature of the input appearance in the system dynamics. The proposed approach yields a constructive global robust adaptive output‐feedback control design that is robust to the dynamic input uncertainties and to uncertain nonlinear functions allowed throughout the system structure. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Giant Spherical Cluster with I‐C140 Fullerene Topology
Authors: Heinl Sebastian , Peresypkina Eugenia , Sutter Jörg , Scheer Manfred
Published: September 2015

We report on an effective cluster expansion of CuBr‐linked aggregates by the increase of the steric bulk of the CpR ligand in the pentatopic molecules [CpRFe(η5‐P5)]. Using [CpBIGFe(η5‐P5)] (CpBIG=C5(4‐nBuC6H4)5), the novel multishell aggregate [{CpBIGFe(η5:2:1:1:1:1:1‐P5)}12(CuBr)92] is obtained. It shows topological analogy to the theoretically predicted I‐C140 fullerene molecule. The spherical cluster was comprehensively characterized by various methods in solution and in the solid state.
The 2015 IWGDF guidance documents on prevention and management of foot problems in diabetes: development of an evidence‐based global consensus
Authors: Bakker K. , Apelqvist J. , Lipsky B.A. , Van Netten J.J. ,   on behalf of the International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot (IWGDF)
Published: September 2015

Foot problems complicating diabetes are a source of major patient suffering and societal costs. Investing in evidence‐based, internationally appropriate diabetic foot care guidance is likely among the most cost‐effective forms of healthcare expenditure, provided it is goal‐focused and properly implemented. The International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot (IWGDF) has been publishing and updating international Practical Guidelines since 1999. The 2015 updates are based on systematic reviews of the literature, and recommendations are formulated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment Development and Evaluation system. As such, we changed the name from ‘Practical Guidelines’ to ‘Guidance’. In this article we describe the development of the 2015 IWGDF Guidance documents on prevention and management of foot problems in diabetes. This Guidance consists of five documents, prepared by five working groups of international experts. These documents provide guidance related to foot complications in persons with diabetes on: prevention; footwear and offloading; peripheral artery disease; infections; and, wound healing interventions. Based on these five documents, the IWGDF Editorial Board produced a summary guidance for daily practice. The resultant of this process, after reviewed by the Editorial Board and by international IWGDF members of all documents, is an evidence‐based global consensus on prevention and management of foot problems in diabetes. Plans are already under way to implement this Guidance. We believe that following the recommendations of the 2015 IWGDF Guidance will almost certainly result in improved management of foot problems in persons with diabetes and a subsequent worldwide reduction in the tragedies caused by these foot problems. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantity over quality: light intensity, but not red/far‐red ratio, affects extrafloral nectar production in Senna mexicana var. chapmanii
Authors: Jones Ian M. , Koptur Suzanne
Published: September 2015

Extrafloral nectar (EFN) mediates food‐for‐protection mutualisms between plants and insects and provides plants with a form of indirect defense against herbivory. Understanding sources of variation in EFN production is important because such variations affect the number and identity of insect visitors and the effectiveness of plant defense. Light represents a potentially crucial tool for regulating resource allocation to defense, as it not only contributes energy but may help plants to anticipate future conditions. Low red/far‐red (R/FR) light ratios can act as a signal of the proximity of competing plants. Exposure to such light ratios has been shown to promote competitive behaviors that coincide with reduced resource allocation to direct chemical defenses. Little is known, however, about how such informational light signals might affect indirect defenses such as EFN, and the interactions that they mediate. Through controlled glasshouse experiments, we investigated the effects of light intensity, and R/FR light ratios, on EFN production in Senna mexicana var. chapmanii. Plants in light‐limited conditions produced significantly less EFN, and leaf damage elicited increased EFN production regardless of light conditions. Ratios of R/FR light, however, did not appear to affect EFN production in either damaged or undamaged plants. Understanding the effects of light on indirect defenses is of particular importance for plants in the threatened pine rockland habitats of south Florida, where light conditions are changing in predictable ways following extensive fragmentation and subsequent mismanagement. Around 27% of species in these habitats produce EFN and may rely on insect communities for defense.
Symmetry and range limits in importance indices
Authors: Seifan Tal , Seifan Merav
Published: September 2015

Recently, Mingo has analyzed the properties of Iimp, an importance index, and demonstrated that its range is not symmetrical. While agreeing with this comment, we believe that more light needs to be shed on the issue of symmetry in relation to such indices. Importance indices are calculated using three values: performance of the organism in the absence and in the presence of neighbors and maximum performance of the organism in ideal conditions. Because of this structure, importance indices can hardly ever achieve symmetry along the whole range of potential performances. We discuss the limitation of the symmetry range for different symmetry types and for both additive and multiplicative indices. We conclude that importance indices, as other interactions indices, are practical tools for interpreting ecological outcomes, especially while comparing between studies. Nevertheless, the current structure of importance indices prevents symmetry along their whole range. While the lack of “perfect” symmetry may call for the development of more sophisticated importance metrics, the current indices are still helpful for the understanding of biological systems and should not be discarded before better alternatives are well established. To prevent potential confusion, we suggest that ecologists present the relevant index symmetry range in addition to their results, thus minimizing the probability of misinterpretation.
Estimating occupancy dynamics for large‐scale monitoring networks: amphibian breeding occupancy across protected areas in the northeast United States
Authors: Miller David A. W. , Grant Evan H. Campbell
Published: September 2015

Regional monitoring strategies frequently employ a nested sampling design where a finite set of study areas from throughout a region are selected and intensive sampling occurs within a subset of sites within the individual study areas. This sampling protocol naturally lends itself to a hierarchical analysis to account for dependence among subsamples. Implementing such an analysis using a classic likelihood framework is computationally challenging when accounting for detection errors in species occurrence models. Bayesian methods offer an alternative approach for fitting models that readily allows for spatial structure to be incorporated. We demonstrate a general approach for estimating occupancy when data come from a nested sampling design. We analyzed data from a regional monitoring program of wood frogs (Lithobates sylvaticus) and spotted salamanders (Ambystoma maculatum) in vernal pools using static and dynamic occupancy models. We analyzed observations from 2004 to 2013 that were collected within 14 protected areas located throughout the northeast United States. We use the data set to estimate trends in occupancy at both the regional and individual protected area levels. We show that occupancy at the regional level was relatively stable for both species. However, substantial variation occurred among study areas, with some populations declining and some increasing for both species. In addition, When the hierarchical study design is not accounted for, one would conclude stronger support for latitudinal gradient in trends than when using our approach that accounts for the nested design. In contrast to the model that does not account for nesting, the nested model did not include an effect of latitude in the 95% credible interval. These results shed light on the range‐level population status of these pond‐breeding amphibians, and our approach provides a framework that can be used to examine drivers of local and regional occurrence dynamics.
Light emitting diode, photodiode‐based fluorescence detection system for DNA analysis with microchip electrophoresis
Authors: Hall Gordon H. , Glerum D. Moira , Backhouse Christopher J.
Published: September 2015

Electrophoretic separation of fluorescently end‐labeled DNA after a PCR serves as a gold standard in genetic diagnostics. Because of their size and cost, instruments for this type of analysis have had limited market uptake, particularly for point‐of‐care applications. This might be changed through a higher level of system integration and lower instrument costs that can be realized through the use of LEDs for excitation and photodiodes for detection—if they provide sufficient sensitivity. Here, we demonstrate an optimized microchip electrophoresis instrument using polymeric fluidic chips with fluorescence detection of end‐labeled DNA with a LOD of 0.15 nM of Alexa Fluor 532. This represents orders of magnitude improvement over previously reported instruments of this type. We demonstrate the system with an electrophoretic separation of two PCR products and their respective primers. We believe that this is the first LED‐induced fluorescence microchip electrophoresis system with photodiode‐based detection that could be used for standard applications of PCR and electrophoresis.
A Bayesian Approach to the Overlap Analysis of Epidemiologically Linked Traits
Authors: Asimit Jennifer L. , Panoutsopoulou Kalliope , Wheeler Eleanor , Berndt Sonja I. ,   the GIANT consortium, the arcOGEN consortium, Cordell Heather J. , Morris Andrew P. , Zeggini Eleftheria , Barroso Inês
Published: September 2015

Diseases often cooccur in individuals more often than expected by chance, and may be explained by shared underlying genetic etiology. A common approach to genetic overlap analyses is to use summary genome‐wide association study data to identify single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that are associated with multiple traits at a selected P‐value threshold. However, P‐values do not account for differences in power, whereas Bayes’ factors (BFs) do, and may be approximated using summary statistics. We use simulation studies to compare the power of frequentist and Bayesian approaches with overlap analyses, and to decide on appropriate thresholds for comparison between the two methods. It is empirically illustrated that BFs have the advantage over P‐values of a decreasing type I error rate as study size increases for single‐disease associations. Consequently, the overlap analysis of traits from different‐sized studies encounters issues in fair P‐value threshold selection, whereas BFs are adjusted automatically. Extensive simulations show that Bayesian overlap analyses tend to have higher power than those that assess association strength with P‐values, particularly in low‐power scenarios. Calibration tables between BFs and P‐values are provided for a range of sample sizes, as well as an approximation approach for sample sizes that are not in the calibration table. Although P‐values are sometimes thought more intuitive, these tables assist in removing the opaqueness of Bayesian thresholds and may also be used in the selection of a BF threshold to meet a certain type I error rate. An application of our methods is used to identify variants associated with both obesity and osteoarthritis.
Genetic Prediction
Authors: Turkheimer Eric
Published: September 2015

The fundamental reason that the genetics of behavior has remained so controversial for so long is that the layer of theory between data and their interpretation is thicker and more opaque than in more established areas of science. The finding that variations in tiny snippets of DNA have small but detectable relations to variation in behavior surprises no one, at least no one who was paying attention to the twin studies. How such snippets of DNA are related to differences in behavior—known as the gene‐to‐behavior pathway—is the great theoretical problem of modern behavioral genetics.

Given that intentional human breeding is a horrific prospect, what kind of technology might we want (or fear) out of human behavioral genetics? One possibility is a technology that could predict important behavioral characteristics of humans based on their genomes alone. A moment's thought suggests significant benefits and risks that might be associated with such a possibility, but for the moment, just consider how convincing it would be if on the day of a baby's birth we could make meaningful predictions about whether he or she would become a concert pianist or an alcoholic. This article will consider where we are right now as regards that possibility, using human height and intelligence as the primary examples.
Connectivity‐based parcellation: Critique and implications
Authors: Eickhoff Simon B. , Thirion Bertrand , Varoquaux Gaël , Bzdok Danilo
Published: September 2015

Regional specialization and functional integration are often viewed as two fundamental principles of human brain organization. They are closely intertwined because each functionally specialized brain region is probably characterized by a distinct set of long‐range connections. This notion has prompted the quickly developing family of connectivity‐based parcellation (CBP) methods in neuroimaging research. CBP assumes that there is a latent structure of parcels in a region of interest (ROI). First, connectivity strengths are computed to other parts of the brain for each voxel/vertex within the ROI. These features are then used to identify functionally distinct groups of ROI voxels/vertices. CBP enjoys increasing popularity for the in‐vivo mapping of regional specialization in the human brain. Due to the requirements of different applications and datasets, CBP has diverged into a heterogeneous family of methods. This broad overview critically discusses the current state as well as the commonalities and idiosyncrasies of the main CBP methods. We target frequent concerns faced by novices and veterans to provide a reference for the investigation and review of CBP studies. Hum Brain Mapp 36:4771–4792, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Drug‐Drug Interaction Studies of Paliperidone and Divalproex Sodium Extended‐Release Tablets in Healthy Participants and Patients with Psychiatric Disorders
Authors: Remmerie Bart , Ariyawansa Jay , De Meulder Marc , Coppola Danielle , Berwaerts Joris
Published: September 2015

The objective of these 2 phase 1, open‐label, 2‐treatment, single‐sequence studies was to evaluate the effect of repeated oral doses of divalproex sodium extended‐release (ER) on the pharmacokinetics (PK) of a single dose of paliperidone ER in healthy participants (study 1), and the effect of multiple doses of paliperidone ER on the steady‐state PK of valproic acid (VPA) in patients with psychiatric disorders (study 2), respectively. In study 1 healthy participants received, in a fixed sequential order, treatment A, paliperidone ER 12 mg (day 1); treatment B, VPA 1000 mg (2 × 500 mg divalproex sodium ER) once daily (days 5 to 18) and paliperidone ER 12 mg (day 15). In study 2 patients received treatment A, VPA (days 1–7); treatment B, VPA + paliperidone ER 12 mg (days 8–12). Divalproex sodium ER doses (study 2) were individualized such that systemic therapeutic VPA exposure from prior treatment was maintained on entry into the study. PK assessments were performed at prespecified time points (paliperidone days 1 and 15 [study 1]; VPA days 7 and 12 [study 2]). The oral bioavailability of paliperidone was increased by an estimated 51% (Cmax) and 51%–52% (AUCs) when coadministered with divalproex sodium ER. No effect on the steady‐state plasma concentration of VPA was observed following repeated coadministration with paliperidone ER: the 90%CI around the VPA exposure ratios for the 2 treatments was within the 80%–125% bioequivalence criteria for Cmax,ss and AUCτ. Both VPA and paliperidone ER were well tolerated, and no new safety concerns were identified.
Assessment of Disease‐Related Therapeutic Protein Drug‐Drug Interaction for Etrolizumab in Patients With Moderately to Severely Active Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Wei Xiaohui , Kenny Jane R. , Dickmann Leslie , Maciuca Romeo , Looney Caroline , Tang Meina T.
Published: September 2015

The efficacy and safety of etrolizumab, a humanized IgG1 mAb, were evaluated in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) in a phase 2 study (EUCALYPTUS). The current study assessed the risk of therapeutic protein drug‐drug interaction (TP‐DDI) of etrolizumab on CYP3A activity in patients with UC. Literature review was performed to compare serum proinflammatory cytokine levels and pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters of CYP3A substrate drugs between patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and healthy subjects. Treatment effect of etrolizumab on CYP3A activity was evaluated by measuring colonic CYP3A4 mRNA expression and serum C‐reactive protein (CRP) in EUCALYPTUS patients. Literature data suggested similar levels between IBD patients and healthy subjects for serum proinflammatory cytokines and PK parameters of CYP3A substrate drugs. Additionally, treatment with etrolizumab did not change colonic CYP3A4 mRNA expression or serum CRP levels in UC patients. In conclusion, our results indicate a low TP‐DDI risk for etrolizumab in UC patients, particularly on medications metabolized by CYP3A.
The influence of sulphate‐reducing bacteria on heterogeneous electrochemical corrosion behavior of Q235 carbon steel in seawater
Authors: Chen S.‐Q. , Wang P. , Zhang D.
Published: September 2015

In this article, wire beam electrode (WBE) technique, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to investigate heterogeneous electrochemical corrosion behavior of Q235 carbon steel in seawater containing sulphate‐reducing bacteria (SRB). The presence of SRB in seawater results in the change of corrosion form of Q235 carbon steel from uniform corrosion to localized corrosion. Meanwhile, current distribution of Q235 carbon steel surface changes from homogeneity to heterogeneity in SRB medium, which is opposite to the trend in sterile medium. The localized corrosion process of Q235 carbon steel in SRB medium is indicated by increasing anodic area, and it centralizes in some local areas along with increasing of immersion time. In SRB medium, cathodic and anodic areas present different morphological characteristics. The corrosion products film on cathodic area is compact, whereas that in anodic area is loose. The corrosion products of Q235 carbon steel in SRB medium are mainly composed of FeS, FeO, and FeSO4 and it is hard to find the difference in composition between cathodic and anodic areas.
Incorporating known malware signatures to classify new malware variants in network traffic
Authors: Ismail Ismahani , Marsono Muhammad Nadzir , Khammas Ban Mohammed , Nor Sulaiman Mohd
Published: September 2015

Content‐based malware classification technique using n‐gram features required high computational overhead because of the size of feature space. This paper proposes the augmentation of domain knowledge in the form of known Snort malware signatures to machine learning techniques to reduce resources (in terms of the time to generate machine learning model and the memory usage to store generative model). Although current malware can be encrypted or mutated, these malware still exhibit prevalent contents or payloads as their predecessors. Using a dataset of traffic captured from a campus network, our approach is able to reduce initial generated million n‐gram features to only around 90000 features, which significantly reduces processing time to generate naive Bayes model by 95%. The generated model that has been trained by the most descriptive features (4‐gram Snort signatures with high information gain) produces lower false negative, about 2% compared with other models. Moreover, the proposed method is capable of detecting 10 new malware variants with 0% false negative. The findings from this paper can be the basis for improving malware classification based on content classification to detect known and new malware. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cyclization and dispersity of poly(alkylene isophthalate)s
Authors: Weidner Steffen M. , Kricheldorf Hans R. , Scheliga Felix
Published: September 2015

Poly(alkylene isophthalate)s were prepared by different methods, either in solution or in bulk. The SEC measurements were evaluated in such a way that all oligomers were included. In solution (monomer conc. 0.1–0.7 mol/L) large fractions of rings were formed and high dispersities (up to 12) were obtained, which disagree with theoretical predictions. Polycondensations in bulk did neither generate cyclics by “back‐biting” nor by end‐to‐end cyclization, when the maximum temperature was limited to 210 °C. The dispersities of these perfectly linear polyesters were again higher than the theoretical values. Regardless of the synthetic method monomeric cycles were never observed. Furthermore, SEC measurements performed in tetrahydrofuran and in chloroform and SEC measurements performed in three different institutes were compared. Finally, SEC measurements of five samples were performed with universal calibration and a correction factor of 0.71 ± 0.02 was found for normal calibration with polystyrene. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016, 54, 197–208
The perspective of prostate cancer patients and patients' partners on the psychological burden of androgen deprivation and the dyadic adjustment of prostate cancer couples
Authors: Hamilton Lisa Dawn , Van Dam Dexter , Wassersug Richard J.
Published: September 2015

Objective

Prostate cancer and its treatments, particularly androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), affect both patients and partners. This study assessed how prostate cancer treatment type, patient mood, and sexual function related to dyadic adjustment from patient and partner perspectives.

Methods

Men with prostate cancer (n = 206) and partners of men with prostate cancer (n = 66) completed an online survey assessing the patients' mood (profile of mood states short form), their dyadic adjustment (dyadic adjustment scale), and sexual function (expanded prostate cancer index composite).

Results

Analyses of covariance found that men on ADT reported better dyadic adjustment compared with men not on ADT. Erectile dysfunction was high for all patients, but a multivariate analysis of variance found that those on ADT experienced greater bother at loss of sexual function than patients not on ADT, suggesting that loss of libido when on ADT does not mitigate the psychological distress associated with loss of erections. In a multiple linear regression, patients' mood predicted their dyadic adjustment, such that worse mood was related to worse dyadic adjustment. However, more bother with patients' overall sexual function predicted lower relationship scores for the patients, while the patients' lack of sexual desire predicted lower dyadic adjustment for partners.

Conclusions

Both patients and partners are impacted by the prostate cancer treatment effects on patients' psychological and sexual function. Our data help clarify the way that prostate cancer treatments can affect relationships and that loss of libido on ADT does not attenuate distress about erectile dysfunction. Understanding these changes may help patients and partners maintain a co‐supportive relationship. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Traceability of different apple varieties by multivariate analysis of isotope ratio mass spectrometry data
Authors: Mimmo Tanja , Camin Federica , Bontempo Luana , Capici Calogero , Tagliavini Massimo , Cesco Stefano , Scampicchio Matteo
Published: September 2015

Rationale

The awareness of customers of the origin of foods has become an important issue. The growing demand for foods that are healthy, safe and of high quality has increased the need for traceability and clear labelling. Thus, this study investigates the capability of C and N stable isotope ratios to determine the geographical origin of several apple varieties grown in northern Italy.

Methods

Four apple varieties (Cripps Pink, Gala, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith) have been sampled in orchards located in the Districts of Bolzano, Ferrara, Verona and Udine (northern Italy). Carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotope values of the whole apple fruits and three sub‐fractions (peel, pulp and seed) have been determined simultaneously by isotope ratio mass spectrometry.

Results

The δ13C and δ15N values of apples and apple sub‐fractions, such as peel, seed and pulp, were significantly affected by the geographical origin and the fruit variety. The four varieties could be distinguished to a certain extent only within each district. A 99% correct identification of the samples according to their origin was, however, achieved by cross validation with the 'leave‐one‐out' method.

Conclusions

This study proves the potential of stable isotopes to discriminate the geographical origin of apples grown in orchards located only a few hundreds of kilometres apart. Stable isotopes were also able to discriminate different apple varieties, although only within small geographical areas. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On Non‐Linear Ordinary Differential Equations of Boundary Layer Type
Authors: PEARSON CARL E.
Published: September 2015

A numerical method previously applied to linear two‐point boundary
value problems of boundary layer type is extended to some non‐linear problems.
Discretization of the differential equation leads to a set of non‐linear algebraic
equations, which is solved by a modified Newton's method; both the mesh
spacing and the boundary layer parameter are iteratively adjusted during the
solution process. Several examples are discussed; one of these concerns the
problem of shock wave formation in a supersonic nozzle.
The Stability of Flows in a Differentially Heated Rotating Fluid System with Rigid Bottom and Free Top
Authors: O'Neil Elizabeth J.
Published: September 2015

The stability of certain steady flows in a rotating system with rigid bottom and free top surfaces is investigated. The simplest flow states having the essential spatial variations of steady responses of a rotating fluid system to differential heating in the horizontal are studied, that is, those with a constant gradient temperature distribution with both horizontal and vertical components, and the accompanying Coriolis‐balanced constant velocity shear (thermal wind). Ekman boundary layers and intermediate boundary layers are encountered in a systematic asymptotic analysis in two small parameters, the Ekman number and an inverse Richardson number. The resulting neutral stability curves indicate the possibility of instabilities above the inviscid stability criterion due to Eady, for some mean flow configurations. The estimate of the critical Taylor number is numerically close to the values obtained in the most nearly applicable experiments.
Stellar Hydrodynamic Equations for a Thin Disk Galaxy
Authors: Hunter C.
Published: September 2015

Assuming that the motions of stars depart only slightly from circular, finite closed systems of stellar hydrodynamic equations are obtained for a disk galaxy by taking moments of the collisionless Boltzmann equation. The usual closure problem is avoided in that explicit expressions are obtained for the highest moments arising.
A Fast Implicit Numerical Method for Time Dependent Viscous Flows
Authors: Israeli M.
Published: September 2015

The iterative method used by Esch (1964) and Pearson (1964, 1965a, b), for the solution of an implicit finite difference approximation to the Navier Stokes equation, is analysed. A more general iteration method is suggested that may require many iteration parameters, and it is shown how these parameters can be computed. It was found that when the non‐dimensional number vΔt/2L2 is small, a single optimum iteration parameter exists (v being the kinematic viscosity, Δt the time step and L a characteristic length). An approximate expression for the “best” parameter is developed, and a procedure is described for improving that estimate. With the improved estimate and extrapolation in time, convergence is achieved in one or two iterations per time step on the average. In some cases the time step used was 200 times bigger than the time step required for stability of explicit schemes.
On Necessary and Sufficient Global Stability Criteria for Axisymmetric Perturbations of the Stellar Dynamic Disk
Authors: Mark James W‐K.
Published: September 2015

Necessary and sufficient global stability criteria are obtained which govern the stellar‐dynamic stability to axisymmetric perturbations for disk models of galaxies. They are more complicated and difficult to apply than Toomre's criterion because they are global and allow general orbits of disk equilibria. If local and epicyclic assumptions are added, they then reduce to Toomre's criterion. But unlike the latter, in these new criteria, stability is determined by some average velocity dispersion rather than its local values, thus local variations in Toomre's Q parameter appears possible."
Location of the Zeros of the Grand Partition Function of Certain Classes of Lattice Gases
Authors: Heilmann Ole J.
Published: September 2015

It is proved that there exist lattices in any dimension such that the grand partition function of the corresponding repulsive lattice gas has all the zeros in the fugacity on the negative real axis. The argument also furnishes a new proof of the Lee‐Yang circle theorem.