bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of semilocal convergence for ameliorated super-Halley methods with less computation for inversion
Authors: Wang Xiuhua , Kou Jisheng
Published: October 2016

In this paper, the semilocal convergence for ameliorated super-Halley methods in Banach spaces is considered. Different from the results in [J. M. Gutiérrez and M. A. Hernández, Comput. Math. Appl. 36 (1998) 1–8], these ameliorated methods do not need to compute a second derivative, the computation for inversion is reduced and the $R$-order is also heightened. Under a weaker condition, an existence–uniqueness theorem for the solution is proved.
A Human-Centered Design of Electric Wheelchair Controller With Dual Control Access for Both Drivers of Disabled People and Caregiver
Authors: Ma Kuang , Qi Ziming
Published: October 2016

This paper presents a design process of a novel electric wheelchair controller to enable a dual control access for both the users in the wheelchair and their caregivers. This design applied human-centered design frameworks, processes, and tools: Kumar's seven modes of the design innovation process and IDEO, Palo Alto, CA, design method cards. After such design process, a design of dual control access controller of an electric wheelchair is established. A real-size prototype has been built to prove the design concept; and further, the method of control switching between people in and behind the wheelchair has been optimized with the established prototype.
A Reverse Compensation Framework for Shape Deformation Control in Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Xu Kai , Kwok Tsz-Ho , Zhao Zhengcai , Chen Yong
Published: October 2016

Shape deformation is a well-known problem in additive manufacturing (AM). For example, in the stereolithography (SL) process, some of the factors that lead to part deformation including volumetric shrinkage, thermal cooling, added supporting structures, and the layer-by-layer building process. Variant sources of deformation and their interactions make it difficult to predict and control the shape deformation to achieve high accuracy that is comparable to numerically controlled machining. In this paper, a computational framework based on a general reverse compensation approach is presented to reduce the shape deformation in AM processes. In the reverse compensation process, the shape deformation is first calculated by physical measurements. A novel method to capture the physical deformation by finding the optimal correspondence between the deformed shape and the given nominal model is presented. The amount of compensation is determined by a compensation profile that is established based on nominal and offset models. The compensated digital model can be rebuilt using the same building process for a part with significantly less part deformation than the built part related to the nominal model. Two test cases have been performed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the presented computational framework. There is a 40–60% improvement in terms of L2- and L∞-norm measurements on geometric errors.
Microbial synthesis of highly dispersed PdAu alloy for enhanced electrocatalysis
Authors: Liu Jiawei , Zheng Yue , Hong Zilan , Cai Kai , Zhao Feng , Han Heyou
Published: October 2016

A biosynthetic strategy is proposed to fabricate highly dispersed bimetallic electrocatalysts for efficient energy conversion.
Evolution of anatase surface active sites probed by in situ sum-frequency phonon spectroscopy
Authors: Cao Yue , Chen Shiyou , Li Yadong , Gao Yi , Yang Deheng , Shen Yuen Ron , Liu Wei-Tao
Published: October 2016

Vibrational signature reveals the structure around, and evolution of, active sites on anatase (101) in real ambient.
Risk Factors, Outcomes, and Mechanisms of Tigecycline-Nonsusceptible Klebsiella pneumoniae Bacteremia
Authors: Juan Chih-Han , Huang Yi-Wei , Lin Yi-Tsung , Yang Tsuey-Ching , Wang Fu-Der
Published: October 2016

A rise in tigecycline resistance in
Klebsiella pneumoniae
has been reported recently worldwide. We sought to identify risk factors, outcomes, and mechanisms for adult patients with tigecycline-nonsusceptible
K. pneumoniae
bacteremia in Taiwan. We conducted a matched case-control study (ratio of 1:1) in a medical center in Taiwan from January 2011 through June 2015. The cases were patients with tigecycline-nonsusceptible
K. pneumoniae
bacteremia, and the controls were patients with tigecycline-susceptible
K. pneumoniae
bacteremia. Logistic regression was performed to evaluate the potential risk factors for tigecycline-nonsusceptible
K. pneumoniae
bacteremia. Quantitative reverse transcription-PCR was performed to analyze
acrA
,
oqxA
,
ramA
,
rarA
, and
kpgA
expression among these isolates. A total of 43 cases were matched with 43 controls. The 14-day mortality of patients with tigecycline-nonsusceptible
K. pneumoniae
bacteremia was 30.2%, and the 28-day mortality was 41.9%. The attributable mortalities of tigecycline-nonsusceptible
K. pneumoniae
at 14 and 28 days were 9.3 and 18.6%, respectively. Fluoroquinolone use within 30 days prior to bacteremia was the only independent risk factor for tigecycline-nonsusceptible
K. pneumoniae
bacteremia. The tigecycline-nonsusceptible
K. pneumoniae
bacteremia was mostly caused by overexpression of AcrAB and/or OqxAB efflux pumps, together with the upregulation of RamA and/or RarA, respectively. One isolate demonstrated isolated overexpression of
kpgA
. In conclusion, tigecycline-nonsusceptible
K. pneumoniae
bacteremia was associated with high mortality, and prior fluoroquinolone use was the independent risk factor for the acquisition of tigecycline-nonsusceptible
K. pneumoniae
. The overexpression of AcrAB and/or OqxAB contributes to tigecycline nonsusceptibility in
K. pneumoniae
.
Breaking the Permeability Barrier of Escherichia coli by Controlled Hyperporination of the Outer Membrane
Authors: Krishnamoorthy Ganesh , Wolloscheck David , Weeks Jon W. , Croft Cameron , Rybenkov Valentin V. , Zgurskaya Helen I.
Published: October 2016

In Gram-negative bacteria, a synergistic relationship between slow passive uptake of antibiotics across the outer membrane and active efflux transporters creates a permeability barrier, which efficiently reduces the effective concentrations of antibiotics in cells and, hence, their activities. To analyze the relative contributions of active efflux and the passive barrier to the activities of antibiotics, we constructed
Escherichia coli
strains with controllable permeability of the outer membrane. The strains expressed a large pore that does not discriminate between compounds on the basis of their hydrophilicity and sensitizes cells to a variety of antibacterial agents. We found that the efficacies of antibiotics in these strains were specifically affected by either active efflux or slow uptake, or both, and reflect differences in the properties of the outer membrane barrier, the repertoire of efflux pumps, and the inhibitory activities of antibiotics. Our results identify antibiotics which are the best candidates for the potentiation of activities through efflux inhibition and permeabilization of the outer membrane.
Pharmacokinetics of the Antischistosomal Lead Ozonide OZ418 in Uninfected Mice Determined by Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Leonidova Anna , Vargas Mireille , Huwyler Jörg , Keiser Jennifer
Published: October 2016

One of the major neglected tropical diseases, schistosomiasis, is currently treated and controlled with a single drug, praziquantel. The quest for an alternative drug is fueled by the lack of activity of praziquantel against juvenile
Schistosoma
worms and the fear of emerging resistance. The synthetic ozonide OZ418 has shown high activity against
Schistosoma mansoni
,
S. haematobium
, and
S. japonicum
in vivo
, but its drug disposition remains unknown. To bridge this gap, our study determined the basic pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters of a single oral dose (400 mg/kg of body weight) of OZ418 in uninfected mice. First, a simple liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method to quantify OZ418 concentrations in mouse plasma was successfully developed and validated according to U.S. FDA guidelines. This method proved to be selective, accurate (93 to 103%), precise (5 to 16%), and devoid of significant matrix effects (90 to 102%) and provided excellent recovery (101 to 102%). A median peak concentration of 190 (range, 185 to 231) μg/ml was reached at 2 h (2 to 3 h) posttreatment. A naive pooled noncompartmental PK analysis estimated a mean area under the plasma concentration-versus-time curve (AUC) of 9,303 μg h/ml (7,039.2 to 11,908.5 μg h/ml) and a half-life of 38.7 h (20 to 64.6 h). Thus, the OZ418 level in plasma remained well above its
in vitro
50% inhibitory concentrations (IC
50
s) of 27.4 μg/ml (adult
S. mansoni
worms at 72 h) for at least 75 h. Consistently, OZ418 degraded little in plasma at 37°C (<20% in 121 h) and weakly inhibited cytochrome P450 (CYP450) metabolism (IC
50
of 37 to 144 μM). Our results provide a first insight into the disposition of OZ418, paving the way for further studies of its biological fate and effect.
Aag Hypoxanthine-DNA Glycosylase Is Synthesized in the Forespore Compartment and Involved in Counteracting the Genotoxic and Mutagenic Effects of Hypoxanthine and Alkylated Bases in DNA during Bacillus subtilis Sporulation
Authors: Ayala-García Víctor M. , Valenzuela-García Luz I. , Setlow Peter , Pedraza-Reyes Mario
Published: October 2016

Aag from
Bacillus subtilis
has been implicated in
in vitro
removal of hypoxanthine and alkylated bases from DNA. The regulation of expression of
aag
in
B. subtilis
and the resistance to genotoxic agents and mutagenic properties of an Aag-deficient strain were studied here. A strain with a transcriptional
aag-lacZ
fusion expressed low levels of β-galactosidase during growth and early sporulation but exhibited increased transcription during late stages of this developmental process. Notably,
aag-lacZ
expression was higher inside the forespore than in the mother cell compartment, and this expression was abolished in a
sigG
-deficient background, suggesting a forespore-specific mechanism of
aag
transcription. Two additional findings supported this suggestion: (i) expression of an
aag-yfp
fusion was observed in the forespore, and (ii)
in vivo
mapping of the
aag
transcription start site revealed the existence of upstream regulatory sequences possessing homology to σ
G
-dependent promoters. In comparison with the wild-type strain, disruption of
aag
significantly reduced survival of sporulating
B. subtilis
cells following nitrous acid or methyl methanesulfonate treatments, and the Rif
r
mutation frequency was significantly increased in an
aag
strain. These results suggest that Aag protects the genome of developing
B. subtilis
sporangia from the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of base deamination and alkylation.

IMPORTANCE
In this study, evidence is presented revealing that
aag
, encoding a DNA glycosylase implicated in processing of hypoxanthine and alkylated DNA bases, exhibits a forespore-specific pattern of gene expression during
B. subtilis
sporulation. Consistent with this spatiotemporal mode of expression, Aag was found to protect the sporulating cells of this microorganism from the noxious and mutagenic effects of base deamination and alkylation.
Interactions between the Cytoplasmic Domains of PspB and PspC Silence the Yersinia enterocolitica Phage Shock Protein Response
Authors: Flores-Kim Josué , Darwin Andrew J.
Published: October 2016

The phage shock protein (Psp) system is a widely conserved cell envelope stress response that is essential for the virulence of some bacteria, including
Yersinia enterocolitica
. Recruitment of PspA by the inner membrane PspB-PspC complex characterizes the activated state of this response. The PspB-PspC complex has been proposed to be a stress-responsive switch, changing from an OFF to an ON state in response to an inducing stimulus. In the OFF state, PspA cannot access its binding site in the C-terminal cytoplasmic domain of PspC (PspC
CT
), because this site is bound to PspB. PspC has another cytoplasmic domain at its N-terminal end (PspC
NT
), which has been thought to play a role in maintaining the OFF state, because its removal causes constitutive activation. However, until now, this role has proved recalcitrant to experimental investigation. Here, we developed a combination of approaches to investigate the role of PspC
NT
in
Y. enterocolitica
. Pulldown assays provided evidence that PspC
NT
mediates the interaction of PspC with the C-terminal cytoplasmic domain of PspB (PspB
CT
)
in vitro
. Furthermore, site-specific oxidative cross-linking suggested that a PspC
NT
-PspB
CT
interaction occurs only under noninducing conditions
in vivo
. Additional experiments indicated that mutations in
pspC
might cause constitutive activation by compromising this PspC
NT
binding site or by causing a conformational disturbance that repositions PspC
NT
in vivo
. These findings have provided the first insight into the regulatory function of the N-terminal cytoplasmic domain of PspC, revealing that its ability to participate in an inhibitory complex is essential to silencing the Psp response.

IMPORTANCE
The phage shock protein (Psp) response has generated widespread interest because it is linked to important phenotypes, including antibiotic resistance, biofilm formation, and virulence in a diverse group of bacteria. Therefore, achieving a comprehensive understanding of how this response is controlled at the molecular level has obvious significance. An integral inner membrane protein complex is believed to be a critical regulatory component that acts as a stress-responsive switch, but some essential characteristics of the switch states are poorly understood. This study provides an important advance by uncovering a new protein interaction domain within this membrane protein complex that is essential to silencing the Psp response in the absence of an inducing stimulus.
Therapeutic Effects of Dry Needling in Patients with Upper Trapezius Myofascial Trigger Points
Authors: Abbaszadeh-Amirdehi Maryam , Ansari Noureddin Nakhostin , Naghdi Soofia , Olyaei Gholamreza , Nourbakhsh Mohammad Reza
Published: October 2016

Background

Active myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) are major pain generators in myofascial pain syndrome. Dry needling (DN) is an effective method for the treatment of MTrPs.

Objective

To assess the immediate neurophysiological and clinical effects of DN in patients with upper trapezius MTrPs.

Methods

This was a prospective, clinical trial study of 20 patients with upper trapezius MTrPs and 20 healthy volunteers (matched for height, weight, body mass index and age), all of whom received one session of DN. Primary outcome measures were neuromuscular junction response (NMJR) and sympathetic skin response (SSR). Secondary outcomes were pain intensity (PI) and pressure pain threshold (PPT). Data were collected at baseline and immediately post-intervention.

Results

At baseline, SSR amplitude was higher in patients versus healthy volunteers (p<0.003). With respect to NMJR, a clinically abnormal increment and normal reduction was observed in patients and healthy volunteers, respectively. Moreover, PPT of patients was less than healthy volunteers (p<0.0001). After DN, SSR amplitude decreased significantly in patients (p<0.01), but did not change in healthy volunteers. A clinically important reduction in the NMJR of patients and increment in healthy volunteers was demonstrated after DN. PPT increased after DN in patients, but decreased in healthy volunteers (p<0.0001). PI improved after DN in patients (p<0.001).

Conclusions

The results of this study showed that one session of DN targeting active MTrPs appears to reduce hyperactivity of the sympathetic nervous system and irritability of the motor endplate. DN seems effective at improving symptoms and deactivating active MTrPs, although further research is needed.

Trial registration number

IRCT20130316128.
Predicting Software Maintenance Effort by Mining Software Project Reports Using Inter-Version Validation
Authors: Jindal Rajni , Malhotra Ruchika , Jain Abha
Published: October 2016

Changes in the software are unavoidable due to an ever changing dynamic and active environment wherein expectations and requirements of the users tend to change rapidly. As a result, software needs to upgrade itself from its previous version to the next version in order to meet expectations of the user. The upgradation of the software is in terms of total number of Lines of Code (LOC) that might have been inserted, deleted or modified in moving from one version of software to the next. These changes are maintained in the change reports which constitute of the defect ID and defect description. Defect description describes the cause of defect which might have occurred in the previous version of the software due to which either new LOC needs to be inserted or existing LOC need to be deleted or modified. A lot of effort is required to correct the defects identified in software at the maintenance phase i.e., when software is delivered at the customers end. Thus, in this paper, we intend to predict maintenance effort by analyzing the defect reports using text mining techniques and thereafter developing the prediction models using suitable machine learning algorithms viz. Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP), Radial-Basis Function (RBF) network and Decision Tree (DT). We have considered the changes between three successive versions of ‘MMS’ application package of Android operating system and have performed inter-version validation where the model predicted using the version ‘v’ is validated on the subsequent version i.e., ‘v+1’. The performance of the model was evaluated using Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) analysis. The results indicated that the model predicted on ‘MMS’ 4.0 version using MLP algorithm has shown good results when validated on ‘MMS’ 4.1 version. On the other hand, the performance of RBF and DT algorithms has been consistently average in predicting the maintenance effort.
A fresh approach to classical Eisenstein series and the newer Hilbert–Eisenstein series
Authors: Butzer Paul L. , Pogány Tibor K.
Published: October 2016

This paper is concerned with new results for the circular Eisenstein series [Formula: see text] as well as with a novel approach to Hilbert–Eisenstein series [Formula: see text], introduced by Michael Hauss in 1995. The latter turns out to be the product of the hyperbolic sinh function with an explicit closed form linear combination of digamma functions. The results, which include differentiability properties and integral representations, are established by independent and different argumentations. Highlights are new results on the Butzer–Flocke–Hauss Omega function, one basis for the study of Hilbert–Eisenstein series, which have been the subject of several recent papers.
Geology and geochemistry of Late Quaternary volcanism in northern Harrat Rahat, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: implications for eruption dynamics, regional stratigraphy and magma evolution
Authors: Murcia H. , Lindsay J. M. , Németh K. , Smith I. E. M. , Cronin S. J. , Moufti M. R. H. , El-Masry N. N. , Niedermann S.
Published: October 2016

Harrat Rahat (<10 Ma) is one of the largest volcanic fields on western Arabia. In the north of the field, some of the youngest volcanic centres evolved through either point-like, complex or multiple aligned vents (i.e. along fissures), and have pyroclastic cones, lapilli fall deposits and/or lava flows associated with them. The products reflect dominantly Hawaiian eruptions, and only one centre experienced phreatomagmatism. Results from new
3
He surface-exposure dating provide constraints on stratigraphy of the youngest (<0.3 Ma) products.

The rocks are compositionally alkali-basalt and hawaiite, with intra-plate basalt (prevalent mantle (PREMA)) affinity. Each eruption displays a distinct whole-rock composition in an overall linear trend. We suggest that the magma source for each centre is similar, and that composition of the products is different due to different degrees of fractionation. In a single eruption, the magma that reaches the surface first is the least evolved, with the most evolved magma erupting last. We also found that the most primitive magmas erupt less explosively. We think that the degree of magma evolution might correlate with ascent times, assuming that the more evolved magma spent more time en route. We suggest that magma ascent time is likely to be longer than that of other more primitive intra-plate basalts.

Supplementary material:
Whole-rock chemistry results, mineral chemistry results and fractional crystallization modeling data are available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.3488988
Fabrication and Characterization of Porous CdS/Dye Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Abdulelah Haider , Ali Basil , Mahdi M. A. , Abdullah Ali Q. , Hassan J. J. , Al-Taay H. F. , Jennings P.
Published: October 2016

Dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are fabricated from porous cadmium sulfide (CdS) nanocrystalline thin films. The porous CdS nanostructured thin films are deposited onto FTO/glass substrates by the chemical bath deposition (CBD) method. The surface morphology, crystalline structure, and optical properties of the prepared nanocrystalline thin films are investigated. Rhodamine B, Malachite green, Eosin methylene blue, and Cresyl violet dyes are used to fabricate the DSSC devices. Comparing the absorption spectra of porous CdS nanocrystalline films, all dyes show an absorption peak in the transparent range of CdS thin films indicating that they are suitable for the preparation of DSSCs with CdS. Current-voltage (I-V) characteristics show that the solar cell that is fabricated using Malachite green dye shows the highest conversion efficiency of 0.83% while using Rhodamine B dye produces a solar cell with lowest efficiency of 0.38%. However, heat treatment of the fabricated solar cells causes significant enhancement in the output of all devices.
Environmental and Ecological Risk Assessment of Trace Metal Contamination in Mangrove Ecosystems: A Case from Zhangjiangkou Mangrove National Nature Reserve, China
Authors: Wang Jun , Du Huihong , Xu Ye , Chen Kai , Liang Junhua , Ke Hongwei , Cheng Sha-Yen , Liu Mengyang , Deng Hengxiang , He Tong , Wang Wenqing , Cai Minggang
Published: October 2016

Zhangjiangkou Mangrove National Nature Reserve is a subtropical wetland ecosystem in southeast coast of China, which is of dense population and rapid development. The concentrations, sources, and pollution assessment of trace metals (Cu, Cd, Pb, Cr, Zn, As, and Hg) in surface sediment from 29 sites and the biota specimen were investigated for better ecological risk assessment and environmental management. The ranges of trace metals in mg/kg sediment were as follows: Cu (10.79–26.66), Cd (0.03–0.19), Pb (36.71–59.86), Cr (9.67–134.51), Zn (119.69–157.84), As (15.65–31.60), and Hg (0.00–0.08). The sequences of the bioaccumulation of studied metals are Zn > Cu > As > Cr > Pb > Cd > Hg with few exceptions. Cluster analysis and principal component analysis revealed that the trace metals in the studied area mainly derived from anthropogenic activities, such as industrial effluents, agricultural waste, and domestic sewage. Pollution load index and geoaccumulation index were calculated for trace metals in surface sediments, which indicated unpolluted status in general except Pb, Cr, and As.
Trajectories of Physical Activity Predict the Onset of Depressive Symptoms but Not Their Progression: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Kaseva Kaisa , Rosenström Tom , Hintsa Taina , Pulkki-Råback Laura , Tammelin Tuija , Lipsanen Jari , Yang Xiaolin , Hintsanen Mirka , Hakulinen Christian , Pahkala Katja , Hirvensalo Mirja , Hutri-Kähönen Nina , Raitakari Olli T. , Keltikangas-Järvinen Liisa
Published: October 2016

This prospective, community-based study examined trajectories of physical activity from childhood to adulthood and whether these trajectories contributed to depressive symptoms in adulthood to a greater degree than adulthood physical activity. Participants (n=3596) were from the ongoing Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study which started in 1980. Depressive symptoms were measured with Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) in 2012, and physical activity was assessed from 1980 to 2011 with self-reports. Analyses were adjusted for age, sex, childhood negative emotionality, socioeconomic factors, previous depressive symptoms, social support, body mass index, and smoking status (1980–2007). Highly, moderately, and lightly physically active trajectory groups were identified. Highly active participants reported lower levels of depressive symptoms compared to lightly active ones (p<0.001) and compared to moderately active ones (p=0.001). Moderately active participants had less symptoms than lightly active ones (p<0.001). High levels of adulthood physical activity associated with lower levels of depressive symptoms (p<0.001). The findings did not withstand adjustment for previous depressive symptoms (p>0.05). Lifelong physical activity trajectories or adulthood physical activity was not associated with the progression of depressive symptoms in adulthood. Thus, physical activity history does not contribute to the progression of the depressive symptoms to a greater degree than adulthood physical activity.
Acquired FVIII and FIX Inhibitors after Pregnancy: A Case Report
Authors: Kose Murat , Bakkaloglu Oguz Kagan , Amikishiyev Shirkhan , Akpınar Timur Selcuk , Saracoglu Basak , Akcan Tugce , Oktem Melike , Yenerel Mustafa Nuri , Güler Kerim , Tükek Tufan
Published: October 2016

Acquired hemophilia is a relatively rare clinical presentation, and most cases present with acquired FVIII inhibitor. The co-occurrence of inhibitors to multiple coagulation factors is uncommon. These autoantibodies may induce spontaneous life-threatening bleeding in patients who have had no previous bleeding disorder. Herein, we present a patient with postpartum acquired FVIII and FIX inhibitors who developed intramuscular hematoma and hemothorax during follow-up. She was then treated with activated prothrombin complex concentrate and methylprednisolone.
Engineering Biomaterials to Influence Oligodendroglial Growth, Maturation, and Myelin Production
Authors: Russell Lauren N. , Lampe Kyle J.
Published: October 2016

Millions of people suffer from damage or disease to the nervous system that results in a loss of myelin, such as through a spinal cord injury or multiple sclerosis. Diminished myelin levels lead to further cell death in which unmyelinated neurons die. In the central nervous system, a loss of myelin is especially detrimental because of its poor ability to regenerate. Cell therapies such as stem or precursor cell injection have been investigated as stem cells are able to grow and differentiate into the damaged cells; however, stem cell injection alone has been unsuccessful in many areas of neural regeneration. Therefore, researchers have begun exploring combined therapies with biomaterials that promote cell growth and differentiation while localizing cells in the injured area. The regrowth of myelinating oligodendrocytes from neural stem cells through a biomaterials approach may prove to be a beneficial strategy following the onset of demyelination. This article reviews recent advancements in biomaterial strategies for the differentiation of neural stem cells into oligodendrocytes, and presents new data indicating appropriate properties for oligodendrocyte precursor cell growth. In some cases, an increase in oligodendrocyte differentiation alongside neurons is further highlighted for functional improvements where the biomaterial was then tested for increased myelination both in vitro and in vivo.
Cognitive Impairment Is Associated with a Low Omega-3 Index in the Elderly: Results from the KORA-Age Study
Authors: Lukaschek Karoline , von Schacky Clemens , Kruse Johannes , Ladwig Karl-Heinz
Published: October 2016

Background: Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) may affect the risk of cognitive decline in older adults. Methods: Cross-sectional analysis was conducted among 720 (50.4% women) participants aged 68-92 years (mean age: 77.6, SD ±6.2) of the population-based KORA-Age study. Eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid (omega-3 index) were measured in erythrocytes as a percentage of total fatty acids. The categories low (<5.7), intermediate (5.7-6.8), and high (>6.8) levels of the omega-3 index were built using tertiles. The association between cognitive status and omega-3 levels was assessed by logistic regression analyses with adjustments for important concurrent risk factors of cognitive decline. Results: In the sex- and age-adjusted model (model 1), subjects with a low omega-3 index were at a significantly higher risk for cognitive impairment (OR: 1.77, 95% CI: 1.15-2.73, p = 0.009). This association remained stable after further adjusting for educational level (model 2; OR: 1.75, 95% CI: 1.13-2.71, p = 0.01) and metabolic risk factors (model 3; OR: 1.77, 95% CI: 1.14-2.75, p = 0.01). After further controlling for affective disorders (model 4), the association did not attenuate (OR: 1.77, 95% CI: 1.14-2.76, p = 0.01). Conclusion: A robust association was found between low omega-3 levels and cognitive impairment in an elderly population. Further research is needed to understand the link between omega-3 PUFA and cognitive functioning.
A Case of Therapy-Resistant Folliculitis due to Adrenal Insufficiency
Authors: Stausholm Kirsten Rønholt , Spaun Eva , Koppelhus Uffe
Published: October 2016

A report on a 40-year-old patient with recalcitrant, suppurative folliculitis is presented. After years of unsuccessful treatment with conventional therapies, the patient was diagnosed with adrenal insufficiency with a low level of circulating cortisol. A few weeks after the patient was subjected to substitution therapy with hydrocortisone, his folliculitis resolved. We discuss the role of plasma cortisol level in the pathogenesis of folliculitis.
Comparative Characterization of Biomechanical Behavior and Healing Profile of a Novel Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Amorphous Poly-
l
-Lactic Acid Sirolimus-Eluting Bioresorbable Coronary Scaffold
Authors: Cheng Yanping , Gasior Pawel , Shibuya Masahiko , Ramzipoor Kamal , Lee Chang , Estrada Edward A. , Dokko Daniell , McGregor Jenn C. , Conditt Gerard B. , Kaluza Greg L. , Granada Juan F.
Published: October 2016

Background—

Clinically available bioresorbable scaffolds (BRS) rely on polymer crystallinity to achieve mechanical strength resulting in limited overexpansion capabilities and structural integrity when exposed to high-loading conditions. We aimed to evaluate the biomechanical behavior and vascular healing profile of a novel, sirolimus-eluting, high-molecular-weight, amorphous poly-
l
-lactic acid–based BRS (Amaranth BRS).

Methods and Results—

In vitro biomechanical testing was performed under static and cyclic conditions. A total of 99 devices (65 Amaranth BRS versus 34 Absorb bioresorbable vascular scaffold [BVS]) were implanted in 99 coronary arteries of 37 swine for pharmacokinetics and healing evaluation at various time points. In the Absorb BVS, the number of fractures per scaffold seen on light microscopy was 6.0 (5.0–10.5) when overexpanded 1.0 mm above nominal values (≈34%). No fractures were observed in the Amaranth BRS group at 1.3 mm above nominal values (≈48% overexpansion). The number of fractures was higher in the Absorb BVS on accelerated cycle testing over time (at 24K cycles=5.0 [5.0–9.0] Absorb BVS versus 0.0 [0.0–0.5] Amaranth BRS). Approximately 90% of sirolimus was found to be eluted by 90 days. Optical coherence tomography analysis demonstrated lower percentages of late scaffold recoil in the Amaranth BRS at 3 months (Amaranth BRS=−10±16.1% versus Absorb BVS=10.7±13.2%;
P
=0.004). Histopathology analysis revealed comparable levels of vascular healing and inflammatory responses between both BRSs up to 6 months.

Conclusions—

New-generation high-molecular-weight amorphous poly-
l
-lactic acid scaffolds have the potential to improve the clinical performance of BRS and provide the ideal platform for the future miniaturization of the technology.
Notch-Mediated Epigenetic Regulation of Voltage-Gated Potassium Currents
Authors: Khandekar Aditi , Springer Steven , Wang Wei , Hicks Stephanie , Weinheimer Carla , Diaz-Trelles Ramon , Nerbonne Jeanne M. , Rentschler Stacey
Published: October 2016

Rationale:

Ventricular arrhythmias often arise from the Purkinje–myocyte junction and are a leading cause of sudden cardiac death. Notch activation reprograms cardiac myocytes to an induced Purkinje-like state characterized by prolonged action potential duration and expression of Purkinje-enriched genes.

Objective:

To understand the mechanism by which canonical Notch signaling causes action potential prolongation.

Methods and Results:

We find that endogenous Purkinje cells have reduced peak K
+
current, I
to
, and I
K,slow
when compared with ventricular myocytes. Consistent with partial reprogramming toward a Purkinje-like phenotype, Notch activation decreases peak outward K
+
current density, as well as the outward K
+
current components I
to,f
and I
K
,
slow
. Gene expression studies in Notch-activated ventricles demonstrate upregulation of Purkinje-enriched genes
Contactin-2
and
Scn5a
and downregulation of K
+
channel subunit genes that contribute to I
to,f
and I
K,slow
. In contrast, inactivation of Notch signaling results in increased cell size commensurate with increased K
+
current amplitudes and mimics physiological hypertrophy. Notch-induced changes in K
+
current density are regulated at least in part via transcriptional changes. Chromatin immunoprecipitation demonstrates dynamic RBP-J (recombination signal binding protein for immunoglobulin kappa J region) binding and loss of active histone marks on K
+
channel subunit promoters with Notch activation, and similar transcriptional and epigenetic changes occur in a heart failure model. Interestingly, there is a differential response in Notch target gene expression and cellular electrophysiology in left versus right ventricular cardiac myocytes.

Conclusions:

In summary, these findings demonstrate a novel mechanism for regulation of voltage-gated potassium currents in the setting of cardiac pathology and may provide a novel target for arrhythmia drug design.
Fluid Shear Stress Promotes Placental Growth Factor Upregulation in Human Syncytiotrophoblast Through the cAMP–PKA Signaling Pathway
Authors: Lecarpentier Edouard , Atallah Anthony , Guibourdenche Jean , Hebert-Schuster Marylise , Vieillefosse Sarah , Chissey Audrey , Haddad Bassam , Pidoux Guillaume , Evain-Brion Daniele , Barakat Abdul , Fournier Thierry , Tsatsaris Vassilis
Published: October 2016

The effects of fluid shear stress (FSS) on the human syncytiotrophoblast and its biological functions have never been studied. During pregnancy, the syncytiotrophoblast is the main source of placental growth factor (PlGF), a proangiogenic factor involved in the placental angiogenesis and the vascular adaptation to pregnancy. The role of FSS in regulating PlGF expression in syncytiotrophoblasts is unknown. We investigated the impact of FSS on the production and secretion of the PlGF by the human syncytiotrophoblasts in primary cell culture. Laminar and continuous FSS (1 dyn cm
−2
) was applied to human syncytiotrophoblasts cultured in a parallel-plate flow chambers. Secreted levels of PlGF, sFlt-1 (soluble fms-like tyrosin kinase-1), and prostaglandin E2 were tested by immunologic assay. PlGF levels of mRNA and intracellular protein were examined by RT-PCR and Western blot, respectively. Intracellular cAMP levels were examined by time-resolved fluorescence resonance energy transfer cAMP accumulation assay. Production of cAMP and PlGF secretion was significantly increased in FSS conditions compared with static conditions. Western blot analysis of cell extracts exposed to FSS showed an increased phosphorylation of protein kinase A substrates and cAMP response element-binding protein on serine 133. FSS-induced phosphorylation of cAMP response element-binding protein and upregulation of PlGF were prevented by inhibition of protein kinase A with H89 (3 μmol/L). FSS also triggers intracellular calcium flux, which increases the synthesis and release of prostaglandin E2. The enhanced intracellular cAMP in FSS conditions was blocked by COX1/COX2 (cyclooxygenase) inhibitors, suggesting that the increase in prostaglandin E2 production could activate the cAMP/protein kinase A pathway in an autocrine/paracrine fashion. FSS activates the cAMP/protein kinase A pathway leading to upregulation of PlGF in human syncytiotrophoblast.
Conceptual and Aesthetic Dimensions of an ECG/RESP Sensor
Artwork
Authors: Chen Yi-Huei , Lai Wen-Shu
Published: October 2016

This article aims to explore an innovative application pairing optical fibers with an electrocardiography (ECG)/respiration (RESP) sensor in art. The constructed interactive work Clock Inside Out not only reflects multifaceted human life but also coexists with the body in the world. Thus, the body is extended to take on a technological character and portrayed as a heteromerous embodiment. Following an analysis of the artwork, the article elaborates on the aesthetic and corporeal phenomena arising from it and concludes with the new meanings and implications carried by the artwork.
Structuralizing the Fluxus Way of Life: The Social Network of
Fluxus
Authors: Lee Rooni , Sohn Yunkyu , Lee Wonjae
Published: October 2016

Fluxus is often understood as an avant-garde art movement led by George Maciunas in the 1960s. Such a narrative, however, is limiting as it overlooks the contribution of other prominent Fluxus artists. This article aims to challenge what is referred to as the Maciunas-based paradigm in its temporal scope and ideological homogeneity through the adoption of social network analysis.
Molding the Signifier: Codesculpting the Possible Shapes of a Future Consciousness
Authors: Diosi Ivor “ID”
Published: October 2016

This article introduces the art/science/transmedia project Molding the Signifier and maps out its wider cultural and societal connotations, reach and significance, with specific reference to its staging within the Trust Me, I’m an Artist event (an EU Creative Europe-funded project) that took place in Prague in 2015. As the work itself strives to artistically bridge and synthesize recent—in the opinion of the authoring artist group—existentially highly relevant results in science, so the article provides an overview and synthesis of their art/science fusion approach and methods.
Physoschistura chhimtuipuiensis, a new species of loach (Teleostei: Nemacheilidae) from Mizoram, north-eastern India
Authors: LALRAMLIANA LALRAMLIANA , LALHLIMPUIA DENIS VAN , SOLO BEIHROSA , VANRAMLIANA VANRAMLIANA
Published: October 2016

Physoschistura chhimtuipuiensis, new species, from a tributary of the Kaladan River in Mizoram, northeastern India, is distinguished from all other species of Physoschistura by a combination of the following characters: scales between pectoral- and pelvic-fin bases deeply embedded and sparsely set, lateral line incomplete with 56–63 pores, reaching slightly beyond the base of the last anal-fin ray, a suborbital flap in male, 8½ branched dorsal-fin rays and 8+7 branched caudal-fin rays.
Establishment of a new genus for Abraximorpha heringi and A. pieridoides
(Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae: Pyrginae: Tagiadini)
Authors: HUANG ZHEN-FU , CHIBA HIDEYUKI , WANG MIN , FAN XIAO-LING
Published: October 2016

A new hesperiid genus, Albiphasma gen. nov., is described with Abraximorpha heringi as the type species. The new genus consists of two species: Al. heringi comb. nov. and Al. pieridoides comb. nov. The genitalia and hair tuft on the hind tibiae suggest that the new genus is related to the genus Pintara rather than the genus Abraximorpha to which the two species have been assigned. The geographic distribution is currently restricted to southern China and Vietnam. The adult, hind leg, wing venation and male genitalia of Al. heringi as well as relevant species are illustrated.
Microscydmus trianguliceps Franz and Pseudoeudesis sulcata Franz transferred to Afroeudesis Franz (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Scydmaeninae)
Authors: JAŁOSZYŃSKI PAWEŁ
Published: October 2016

Afroeudesis Franz was described as a subgenus of Pseudoeudesis Binaghi (Scydmaenini), with a single species from Tanzania. Recently, Afroeudesis was transferred to Glandulariini and elevated to generic rank, and the sub-Himalayan Nanoscydmus Jałoszyński was reduced to a subgenus of Afroeudesis. New surprising findings concerning Afroeudesis are presented here, extending the known geographic range of this enigmatic genus. Microscydmus trianguliceps Franz (Ivory Coast) and Pseudoeudesis sulcata Franz (SE Brazil) are transferred to Afroeudesis, each to a newly established subgenus: Eburneus subgen. n. and Eudesoides subgen. n., respectively. Afroeudesis (Eburneus) trianguliceps comb. n. and Afroeudesis (Eudesoides) sulcata comb. n. are redescribed. The genus name Eudesis is interpreted here as feminine; consequently Afroeudesis (Nanoscydmus) baoshanus is corrected to baoshana. The disjunct and possibly relict Gondwanan distribution of Afroeudesis is discussed.
A Coupled-Mode Shallow-Water Model for Tidal Analysis: Internal Tide Reflection and Refraction by the Gulf Stream
Authors: Kelly Samuel M. , Lermusiaux Pierre F. J. , Duda Timothy F. , Haley Patrick J.
Published: October 2016

A hydrostatic, coupled-mode, shallow-water model (CSW) is described and used to diagnose and simulate tidal dynamics in the greater Mid-Atlantic Bight region. The reduced-physics model incorporates realistic stratification and topography, internal tide forcing from a priori estimates of the surface tide, and advection terms that describe first-order interactions of internal tides with slowly varying mean flow and mean buoyancy fields and their respective shear. The model is validated via comparisons with semianalytic models and nonlinear primitive equation models in several idealized and realistic simulations that include internal tide interactions with topography and mean flows. Then, 24 simulations of internal tide generation and propagation in the greater Mid-Atlantic Bight region are used to diagnose significant internal tide interactions with the Gulf Stream. The simulations indicate that locally generated mode-one internal tides refract and/or reflect at the Gulf Stream. The redirected internal tides often reappear at the shelf break, where their onshore energy fluxes are intermittent (i.e., noncoherent with surface tide) because meanders in the Gulf Stream alter their precise location, phase, and amplitude. These results provide an explanation for anomalous onshore energy fluxes that were previously observed at the New Jersey shelf break and linked to the irregular generation of nonlinear internal waves.
Becoming Sociological: Disciplinarity and a Sense of ‘Home’
Authors: Burton Sarah
Published: October 2016

This short reflective piece uses the concept of ‘home’ to explore sociology as an intellectual and disciplinary pursuit. Drawing on autobiographical reflections and ethnographic study of sociology writing, I consider some of the trajectories of academics into sociology and what these tell us about the discipline itself. In light of increasing incursions by audit culture and marketisation of academia, Holmwood has drawn attention to a lack of clear internal identity as being ‘sociology’s misfortune’ – that sociology loses out, and is weakened by lacking theories and methodologies specific to the discipline. This essay takes a more optimistic view of sociology’s position, and instead argues that it is this very ambiguity which keeps the discipline a lively and vital space for explorations of the social.
Changing Fortunes: Criminology and the Sociological Condition
Authors: Carrabine Eamonn
Published: October 2016

Criminology and its relationships with sociology are today at a crossroads, and this article explores the changing fortunes of each as they have evolved over the last 50 years. The separation has occurred as criminology has successfully established itself as an independent subject with an impressive ability to attract students, scholars and research grants. Some see the striking expansion of criminology and move away from the basic disciplines as an indication of success and impressive achievement, while others are more sceptical and highlight the costs such isolation brings. The article examines the consequences of these changes, then it focuses on the fates of some of the key concepts in sociological criminology, before concluding that social theory can be a unifying force, capable of reinvigorating the ties between the two disciplines.
Looking back on media reports on the nuclear accident
Authors: Ohmori M.
Published: October 2016

The accident at Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in the wake of the Great East Japan Earthquake received considerable media coverage. However, a leaning towards sensationalism and a proclivity for denouncing those in power resulted in articles that were, in several instances, scientifically inaccurate, causing anxiety among disaster victims and delaying recovery efforts. Individuals working for the local media in Fukushima had the task of reporting the disaster while being victims of the disaster at the same time. Therefore, many individuals studied and deepened their knowledge about radiation and its effects, and were pained to see inaccurate media coverage of the disaster. Should they have been more forthright in opposing such false media coverage?
Informed consent in research on second language acquisition
Authors: Thomas Margaret , Pettitt Nicole
Published: October 2016

The practice of securing informed consent from research participants has a relatively low profile in second language (L2) acquisition research, despite its prominence in the biomedical and social sciences. This review article analyses the role that informed consent now typically plays in L2 research; discusses an example of an L2 study where complex issues of informed consent surfaced; and summarizes debates about informed consent that are underway in other disciplines, but which so far have been little recognized in scholarship on L2 acquisition.
The effectiveness of exercise therapy for temporomandibular dysfunction: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Dickerson Shantil M , Weaver Jarod M , Boyson Ashley N , Thacker Jared A , Junak Andrew A , Ritzline Pamela D , Donaldson Megan B
Published: October 2016

Objective:

To investigate the effectiveness of exercise therapy on pain, function, and mobility outcomes in patients with temporomandibular joint dysfunction.

Study design:

Systematic review with meta-analysis.

Methods:

A systematic review and meta-analysis undertaken following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Studies that met the inclusion criteria: (1) randomized controlled trials; (2) a population with the diagnosis of temporomandibular joint dysfunction; and (3) interventions that included exercise therapy were considered for review. When studies demonstrated homogeneity on outcome measures, the mean differences or standardized mean differences with 95% confidence interval were calculated and pooled in a meta-analysis for pooled synthesis.

Results:

Six articles with a total of 419 participants were included in the review and only four studies were included in the meta-analysis. Mobility and mixed exercise therapy approaches appear to be the most common exercise approaches utilized for management of temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Exercise therapy and the associated dosage provide moderate short-term and varying long-term benefits in reduction of pain and improvement of range of motion of the in patients with temporomandibular joint dysfunction.

Conclusion:

Included studies suggest a mobility or a mixed approach to exercise therapies have impact on reducing pain, significant impact for increasing range of motion, but lack a significant impact for functional improvement.

Level of evidence:

Therapy, level 1a-.