bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and validation of a real‐time reverse transcriptase PCR assay for sensitive detection of SFTSV
Authors: Zeng Peibin , Yang Zhendong , Bakkour Sonia , Wang Bingjun , Qing Shuli , Wang Jingxing , Chen Limin , Busch Michael , Shan Hua , Liu Jing , Lee Tzong‐Hae ,   for the International Component of the NHLBI Recipient Epidemiology Donor Evaluation Study‐III (REDS‐III)
Published: December 2016

Background: Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome bunyavirus (sftsv) is an emerging tick‐borne rna virus recently identified as the pathogen that causes severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (sfts) in china. the existing commercial nucleic acid testing (comnat) assay with a relatively high claimed limit of quantitative detection (loqd) is not capable of sensitive detection and quantitation of sftsv. Thus, a new real‐time reverse transcriptase (rt)‐pcr assay with improved sensitivity is needed for clinical diagnosis; it could also be used to screen blood donors if necessary. Materials and methods: We developed a new sftsv rt‐pcr nat assay (newnat). About 129 plasma samples from 93 suspected sfts patients with typical clinical symptoms were tested using an anti‐sftsv total antibody elisa and both comnat and newnat. The test performance of the two nat assays was evaluated and compared. Results: The newnat had a lower limit for quantitative testing compared to comnat. Twelve samples were comnat negative but newnat positive. Out of 35 suspected sfts patients who were comnat negative and anti‐sftsv total antibody negative, four tested positive by the newnat assay and one of these four seroconverted within 2–4 days after testing newnat positive. A high correlation was observed between the cts of the newnat and comnat assays. Conclusion: The newnat assay was sensitive for quantitative detection of sftsv and may be applicable to clinical diagnosis and studies of the need for blood donor screening.
Genetic characterization and phylogenic analysis of H5N1 avian influenza virus detected in peafowl in Kirkuk province, Iraq
Authors: Rashid Peshnyar M.A. , Saeed Nahla M. , Dyary Hiewa Othman
Published: December 2016

A highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), H5N1, was detected for the first time in peafowls in Kirkuk province, Iraq in 2015. Genetic analysis of the Kirkuk H5N1 indicated molecular markers for avian‐type receptors. The Kirkuk H5N1 hemagglutinin gene had an infrequent amino acid cleavage site (SPQREKRRKRGLF), and neuraminidase genes showed sensitive molecular markers for antiviral drugs. Additionally, the phylogenetic analysis found that the Kirkuk H5N1 belonged to subclade 2.3.2.1c. Our results showed that the 2015 H5N1 from the Iraqi city of Kirkuk exhibited new genetic characterization and was different from the 2006 H5N1 isolate from Iraq.
Hepatic IFNL4 expression is associated with non‐response to interferon‐based therapy through the regulation of basal interferon‐stimulated gene expression in chronic hepatitis C patients
Authors: Murakawa Miyako , Asahina Yasuhiro , Kawai‐Kitahata Fukiko , Nakagawa Mina , Nitta Sayuri , Otani Satoshi , Nagata Hiroko , Kaneko Shun , Asano Yu , Tsunoda Tomoyuki , Miyoshi Masato , Itsui Yasuhiro , Azuma Seishin , Kakinuma Sei , Tanaka Yasuhito , Iijima Sayuki , Tsuchiya Kaoru , Izumi Namiki , Tohda Shuji , Watanabe Mamoru
Published: December 2016

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within or near interferon lambda 4 (IFNL4) gene located upstream of IFNL3 are associated with response to anti‐HCV therapy both in interferon (IFN)‐based and IFN‐free regimens. IFNL4 encodes IFNλ4, a newly discovered type III IFN, and its expression is controlled by rs368234815‐TT/ΔG, which is in strong linkage disequilibrium (LD) with other tag SNPs within or near IFNL4 such as rs12979860 and rs8099917. Intrahepatic expression levels of IFN‐stimulated genes (ISGs) affect the responsiveness to IFNα and are also associated with IFNL4 genotype. However, IFNL4 expressions and its role in intrinsic antiviral innate immunity remain unclear. This study evaluated the effect of IFNL4 on intrahepatic ISG expression and investigated its relationship with treatment outcomes in liver samples obtained from 49 chronic hepatitis C patients treated with pegylated (PEG)‐IFN/ribavirin therapy. IFNL4 mRNA was detected in 11 of 22 patients with IFNL4‐unfavorable SNPs but not in patients with favorable genotypes. IFNL4 expression was associated with non‐response to PEG‐IFN/ribavirin therapy. Intrahepatic expression of antiviral ISGs (ISG15 and MX1) was significantly higher in IFNL4‐unfavorable patients with detectable IFNL4 mRNA than in patients with undetectable IFNL4 mRNA, whereas the expression of suppressive ISGs (RNF125, SOCS1, SOCS3, and RNF11) was lower in patients with detectable IFNL4 mRNA. In summary, intrahepatic expression of IFNL4 was associated with increased antiviral ISG expression and decreased suppressive ISG expression at baseline, resulting in poor responsiveness to IFNα‐based therapy in HCV infection.
Improving the Thermal Properties of Poly(2,5‐furandicarboxylate)s Using Cyclohexylene Moieties: A Comparative Study
Authors: Matos Marina , Sousa Andreia F. , Silvestre Armando J. D.
Published: December 2016

The search for new polymers from renewable origin is a sparkling field in polymer chemistry, especially those having promising properties, for example, in terms of their thermal performance. In this vein, in this study, an original renewable 2,5‐furandicarboxylic acid‐based cycloaliphatic homopolyester, poly(1,4‐cyclohexylene 2,5‐furandicarboxylate) (PCdF), is synthesized from dimethyl‐2,5‐furandicarboxylate and 1,4‐cyclohexanediol. Poly(1,4‐cyclohexanedimethylene 2,5‐furandicarboxylate) is also prepared for comparison purposes, since it is the direct renewable substitute of poly(1,4‐cyclohexanedimethylene terephthalate) and they are structurally related. The resulting homopolyesters are characterized in detail by using attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared, 1H, 13C and 2D NMR, X‐ray and elemental analysis, and thermal properties are assessed by thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis. PCdF shows to have a semicrystalline character, exhibiting an extremely high glass transition temperature around 175 °C. Moreover, this polyester also shows to be a high thermally stable material with a degradation temperature of 380.0 °C.

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Signatures for ‐hermitians and ‐unitaries on Krein spaces with Real structures
Authors: Schulz‐Baldes Hermann , Villegas‐Blas Carlos
Published: December 2016

For J‐hermitian operators on a Krein space satisfying an adequate Fredholm property, a global Krein signature is shown to be a homotopy invariant. It is argued that this global signature is a generalization of the Noether index. When the Krein space has a supplementary Real structure, the sets of J‐hermitian Fredholm operators with Real symmetry can be retracted to certain of the classifying spaces of Atiyah and Singer. Secondary ‐invariants are introduced to label their connected components. Related invariants are also analyzed for J‐unitary operators.
Targeted metabolomics reveals differences in the extended postprandial plasma metabolome of healthy subjects after intake of whole‐grain rye porridges versus refined wheat bread
Authors: Shi Lin , Brunius Carl , Lindelöf Magnus , Shameh Souad Abou , Wu Huaxing , Lee Isabella , Landberg Rikard , Moazzami Ali A.
Published: December 2016

Scope

We previously found that whole‐grain (WG) rye porridges suppressed appetite and improved glucose metabolism. This study aimed to investigate potential plasma metabolites that may be related to differences in those appetite and glucose responses.

Methods and results

Twenty‐one health subjects consumed six isocaloric breakfasts in a randomized cross‐over study. Plain WG rye porridges (40 and 55 g), rye porridge enriched with different inulin: gluten proportions (9:3 g; 6:6 g; 3:9 g), and a 55 g refined wheat bread (control) were served as part of complete breakfast, followed by a standardized lunch. NMR metabolomics assessed 36 plasma metabolites and short chain fatty acids were measured by GC‐MS from baseline up to 8 h. Pre‐lunch plasma essential amino acids reflected protein composition and post‐lunch plasma short chain fatty acids varied with fiber content in breakfasts. No correlations were observed between measured metabolites and glucose, insulin, or appetite responses.

Conclusions

Differences in protein and fiber contents in breakfasts altered postprandial plasma amino acids and short chain fatty acids, respectively, but were unrelated to appetite and glucose responses. Further studies are warrant to identify the underlying mechanisms for the beneficial effects on appetite and second meal glucose responses after rye‐based foods.
Effects of low energy shock wave therapy on inflammatory moleculars, bladder pain, and bladder function in a rat cystitis model
Authors: Wang Hung‐Jen , Lee Wei‐Chia , Tyagi Pradeep , Huang Chao‐Cheng , Chuang Yao‐Chi
Published: December 2016

Aims

Low energy shock wave (LESW) is known to facilitate tissue regeneration with analgesic and anti‐inflammatory effects. We examined the effects of LESW on the expression of inflammatory molecules, pain behavior, and bladder function in a rat cystitis model.

Methods

Control and experimental animals were injected with saline or cyclophosphamide (CYP; 75 mg/kg intraperitoneally) on day 1 and 4. After lower midline incision, the bladders were exposed to LESW (300 pulses, 0.12 mJ/mm2) or sham operation on day 2. In study 1 (N = 12, 4 for each group), the nociceptive effects of CYP were evaluated for 30 min by behavioral assessment on day 4 one hour after CYP injection. In study 2 (N = 21, 7 for each group), continuous cystometry (CMG) was performed on day 8. The bladder was harvested after behavioral assessment or CMG for histology and Western blotting.

Results

CYP‐induced upregulation of COX2 and IL6 expression, caused pain behavior (eye closing and hypolocomotion), and bladder inflammation was noted on days 4 and 8 along with bladder hyperactivity. LESW treatment reduced pain behavior and downregulated the NGF expression (33.3%, P < 0.05) on day 4 and IL6 (40.9%, P < 0.05). LESW treatment suppressed bladder overactivity (intercontraction interval 77.8% increase, P < 0.05) by decreasing inflammation and COX2 (38.6%, P < 0.05) expression and NGF expression (25.2%, P = 0.0812).

Conclusions

CYP‐induced bladder pain, inflammation, and overactivity involves activation of IL6, NGF, and COX2 expression. These changes are suppressed by LESW, indicating it as a potential candidate for relieving bladder inflammatory conditions and overactivity.
Molecular insights into tumour metastasis: tracing the dominant events
Authors: Jin Ke , Li Tong , van Dam Hans , Zhou Fangfang , Zhang Long
Published: December 2016

Metastasis of malignant cells to vital organs remains the major cause of mortality in many types of cancers. The tumour invasion–metastasis cascade is a stepwise and multistage process whereby tumour cells disseminate from primary sites and spread to colonize distant sites through the systemic haematogenous or lymphatic circulations. The general steps of metastasis may be similar in almost all tumour types, but metastasis to different tissues seems to require distinct sets of regulators and/or an ‘educated’ microenvironment which may facilitate the infiltration and colonization of tumour cells to specific tissues. Moreover, interactions of tumour cells with stromal cells, endothelial cells, and immune cells that they encounter will also aid them to gain survival advantages, evade immune surveillance, and adapt to the new host microenvironment. Due to the high correlation between tumour metastasis and survival rate of patients, a deeper understanding of the molecular participants and processes involved in metastasis could pave the way towards novel, more effective and targeted approaches to prevent and treat tumour metastasis. In this review, we provide an update on the regulation networks orchestrated by the dominant regulators of different stages throughout the metastatic process including, but not limited to, epithelial–mesenchymal transition in local invasion, resistance to anoikis during migration, and colonization of different distant sites. We also put forward some suggestions and problems concerning the treatment of tumour metastasis that should be solved and/or improved for better therapies in the near future. Copyright © 2016 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nuclear inclusion bodies of mutant and wild‐type p53 in cancer: a hallmark of p53 inactivation and proteostasis remodelling by p53 aggregation
Authors: De Smet Frederik , Saiz Rubio Mirian , Hompes Daphne , Naus Evelyne , De Baets Greet , Langenberg Tobias , Hipp Mark S , Houben Bert , Claes Filip , Charbonneau Sarah , Delgado Blanco Javier , Plaisance Stephane , Ramkissoon Shakti , Ramkissoon Lori , Simons Colinda , van den Brandt Piet , Weijenberg Matty , Van England Manon , Lambrechts Sandrina , Amant Frederic , D'Hoore André , Ligon Keith L , Sagaert Xavier , Schymkowitz Joost , Rousseau Frederic
Published: December 2016

Although p53 protein aggregates have been observed in cancer cell lines and tumour tissue, their impact in cancer remains largely unknown. Here, we extensively screened for p53 aggregation phenotypes in tumour biopsies, and identified nuclear inclusion bodies (nIBs) of transcriptionally inactive mutant or wild‐type p53 as the most frequent aggregation‐like phenotype across six different cancer types. p53‐positive nIBs co‐stained with nuclear aggregation markers, and shared molecular hallmarks of nIBs commonly found in neurodegenerative disorders. In cell culture, tumour‐associated stress was a strong inducer of p53 aggregation and nIB formation. This was most prominent for mutant p53, but could also be observed in wild‐type p53 cell lines, for which nIB formation correlated with the loss of p53's transcriptional activity. Importantly, protein aggregation also fuelled the dysregulation of the proteostasis network in the tumour cell by inducing a hyperactivated, oncogenic heat‐shock response, to which tumours are commonly addicted, and by overloading the proteasomal degradation system, an observation that was most pronounced for structurally destabilized mutant p53. Patients showing tumours with p53‐positive nIBs suffered from a poor clinical outcome, similar to those with loss of p53 expression, and tumour biopsies showed a differential proteostatic expression profile associated with p53‐positive nIBs. p53‐positive nIBs therefore highlight a malignant state of the tumour that results from the interplay between (1) the functional inactivation of p53 through mutation and/or aggregation, and (2) microenvironmental stress, a combination that catalyses proteostatic dysregulation. This study highlights several unexpected clinical, biological and therapeutically unexplored parallels between cancer and neurodegeneration. Copyright © 2017 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Investigating subsurface damages in semiconductor–insulator–semiconductor solar cells with THz spectroscopy
Authors: Blumröder Ulrike , Hempel Hannes , Füchsel Kevin , Hoyer Patrick , Bingel Astrid , Eichberger Rainer , Unold Thomas , Nolte Stefan
Published: December 2016

The influence of near‐surface crystal damage on carrier dynamics in silicon has been investigated with optical‐pump THz‐probe and THz emission studies. The surface damage is caused by a plasma process used for the fabrication of the ultrathin insulator within semiconductor–insulator–semiconductor (SIS) solar cells. The ion bombardment during the plasma process introduces a highly damaged subsurface region. Furthermore, the integration of positive interface charges leads to the formation of a depletion region that can be detected via the emitted THz radiation. The results are compared with classic I–U‐characterization demonstrating that THz spectroscopy can be used as a supplementary tool for the investigation of process‐induced surface damages.
Analysis of soluble components in coals and interpretations for the complex mass spectra
Authors: Fan Xing , Yu Ya‐Ru , Xia Jun‐Liu , Zhao Yun‐Peng , Cao Jing‐Pei , Lu Yao , Yue Xiao‐Ming , Zhu Teng‐Gao , Wei Xian‐Yong , Lu Jin‐Li
Published: December 2016

Rationale

The deduction of useful information from the mass spectra of a complex mixture like coals remains difficult, which limits the clean and efficient utilization of coals. It is necessary to explore the data interpretation methods for mass spectra and visualize the analytical data of coals for industrial utilization such as feedstock selection.

Methods

Coal sample and methanol were mixed and heated to 310 °C and kept at that temperature for 2 h. The solvent was under supercritical state at 310 °C and the solubility for the solid mixture increased. Soluble products from thermal dissolution of two Chinese coals were analyzed by high‐performance liquid chromatography/atmospheric pressure chemical ionization orbitrap mass spectrometry.

Results

The iso‐abundance plot for molecules in coals was upgraded to display the distributions of isomers which are indicated as concentric circles or triangles with the same carbon number and value of double‐bond equivalent. The concentration ratio was introduced from economics to describe the content inequality of organic species within the same class of coal molecules.

Conclusions

Interpretation methods for mass spectra visualize and simplify the understanding of complex components in coals for industrial utilization. Coals with a high concentration ratio for a specific class should take priority as a feedstock for chemicals and receive more attention. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Skew and heavy‐tail effects on firm performance
Authors: Makino Shige , Chan Christine M.
Published: December 2016

Research summary: Most strategic management studies adopt an average‐centered view that uses the central tendency to explain between‐group variation in performance (i.e., performance differences between business units, firms, industries, and countries). In this study, we explain within‐group variation using a variance‐centered view that focuses on the peripheral characteristics of performance distributions as defined by skew and heavy tails (i.e., variance and kurtosis). Drawing on performance feedback theory, we hypothesize that successful firms tend to develop a positive skew in their performance distributions, which we call a “positive skew effect” in this study, and that heavy tails moderate this effect. Our analysis of the performance of a group of foreign affiliates provides general support for our hypotheses at both the firm and segment (industry and country) levels.

Managerial summary: Managers of multi‐business firms use various approaches to improve the aggregate performance of their business units. Some expand the range of upper performance outliers (exploration) or reduce the range of lower outliers (downsizing); others improve the performance of current business units (exploitation). We find that firms with superior performance tend to have a balanced mix of the three approaches. We also find that segments (countries and industries) with higher mean performances provide environments that facilitate the entry of productive firms and the exit of unproductive firms and provide environments in which incumbents can further improve their performance by learning from others. We observe that successful firms and segments have a positive skew in their performance distributions, which we call a “positive skew effect.” Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cu2ZnSnSe4 Photovoltaic Absorber Layers Evaluated by Transmission X‐Ray Microscopy Tomography: Composition Fluctuations on the Length Scale of Grains
Authors: Pruzan Dennis S. , Caruso Anna E. , Liu Yijin , Lin Yu , Beall Carolyn , Repins Ingrid , Toney Michael F. , Scarpulla Michael A.
Published: December 2016

The origins of open‐circuit voltage deficits in Cu2ZnSnS(e)4‐based solar cells have been an intense topic of research over the past few years as device efficiencies have never approached those of CuInGaSe2 based cells despite the materials sharing similar crystal and electronic structures. In this work, we use transmission X‐ray microscopy tomography to investigate the length scales over which elemental fluctuations occur. We find and show evidence of micron‐scale Cu to Zn anti‐correlations over a previously inaccessible combination of resolution and sample size that is consistent with the length scale of grains in this material. This result yields further insight into the causes of the large open‐circuit voltage deficits regularly seen in these devices as well as the challenges of achieving compositional homogeneity in this material.
Negotiating with the future: incorporating imaginary future generations into negotiations
Authors: Kamijo Yoshio , Komiya Asuka , Mifune Nobuhiro , Saijo Tatsuyoshi
Published: December 2016

People to be born in the future have no direct influence on current affairs. Given the disconnect between people who are currently living and those who will inherit the planet left for them, individuals who are currently alive tend to be more oriented toward the present, posing a fundamental problem related to sustainability. In this study, we propose a new framework for reconciling the disconnect between the present and the future whereby some individuals in the current generation serve as an imaginary future generation that negotiates with individuals in the real-world present. Through a laboratory-controlled intergenerational sustainability dilemma game (ISDG), we show how the presence of negotiators for a future generation increases the benefits of future generations. More specifically, we found that when faced with members of an imaginary future generation, 60% of participants selected an option that promoted sustainability. In contrast, when the imaginary future generation was not salient, only 28% of participants chose the sustainable option.
Optimization of the Functional Characteristics of Cleaning Products Through Experimental Design
Authors: Ochoa Douglas Herlemann , Braga Jez Willian Batista , Machado Fabricio
Published: December 2016

To optimize a benchmark commercial dishwashing formulation, this paper presents a fractional factorial design procedure coupled with a mixture design in order to obtain a formulation with better properties and cost, as well as to provide an example of quick formula optimization that may also be useful for other cleaning and personal hygiene sectors. First, a fractional factorial design was performed to determine the significant effects for each response variable: viscosity, performance, foaming, and Krafft temperature. Then, a mixture design was used to determine the compositions that feature the best results for each property of interest. The determined compositions that meet the requirements with 90–95% confidence showed that improvements in the compositions can be adopted. It was possible to estimate compositions based on commercial formulations that meet the same cost per kilogram of product but with gains in detergency, foaming, and viscosity volume.
Disorganization at the stage of schizophrenia clinical outcome: Clinical–biological study
Authors: Nestsiarovich A. , Obyedkov V. , Kandratsenka H. , Siniauskaya M. , Goloenko I. , Waszkiewicz N.
Published: December 2016

Background

According to the multidimensional model of schizophrenia, three basic psychopathological dimensions constitute its clinical structure: positive symptoms, negative symptoms and disorganization. The latter one is the newest and the least studied. Our aim was to discriminate disorganization in schizophrenia clinical picture and to identify its distinctive biological and socio-psychological particularities and associated genetic and environmental factors.

Methods

We used SAPS/SANS psychometrical scales, scales for the assessment of patient's compliance, insight, social functioning, life quality. Neuropsychological tests included Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), Stroop Color-Word test. Neurophysiological examination included registration of P300 wave of the evoked cognitive auditory potentials. Environmental factors related to patient's education, family, surrounding and nicotine use, as well as subjectively significant traumatic events in childhood and adolescence were assessed. Using PCR we detected SNP of genes related to the systems of neurotransmission (COMT, SLC6A4 and DRD2), inflammatory response (IL6, TNF), cellular detoxification (GSTM1, GSTT1), DNA methylation (MTHFR, DNMT3b, DNMT1).

Results

Disorganization is associated with early schizophrenia onset and history of psychosis in family, low level of insight and compliance, high risk of committing delicts, distraction errors in WCST, lengthened P300 latency of evoked cognitive auditory potentials, low-functional alleles of genes MTHFR (rs1801133) and DNMT3b (rs2424913), high level of urbanicity and psychotraumatic events at early age.

Conclusions

Severe disorganization at the stage of schizophrenia clinical outcome is associated with the set of specific biological and social–psychological characteristics that indicate its epigenetic nature and maladaptive social significance.
Propionic acid metabolism, ASD, and vitamin B12: Is there a role for environmental nitrous oxide?
Authors: Fluegge Keith
Published: December 2016

Foley et al. (2014) published their findings in this journal on the role of prenatal exposure to propionic acid (PPA) and behavioral outcomes in treated rat pups. The authors show that PPA treated pups displayed subtle differences in behavior including nest seeking, novel object recognition, and locomotor activity. Others have previously proposed that PPA infusion in rat could represent a valid animal model of ASD since many of the diagnostic criteria for the disorder spectrum manifest under such conditions. A pathogenic makeover of gut microbiome to facilitate the growth of microbes capable of producing PPA, like Clostridia species, has been proposed as an infectious contributing etiology to the PPA model of ASD, however the reason for this pathogenic microbial overgrowth is not clear. This discussion highlights a previously identified novel environmental factor (i.e., nitrous oxide, N2O) in the etiopathogenesis of ASD and related neuropathology and posits that altered PPA metabolism in ASD may represent a key manifestation of this particular exposure. Trace environmental exposure to N2O may induce release of endogenous opioid peptides that have been shown to confer a virulence advantage to certain microbes, like Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Pathogenic overproduction of PPA in ASD may be a compensatory mechanism to curb this enhanced virulence potential. Therefore, future research on the PPA model of ASD should consider its role as a consequence of environmental exposure to N2O.
Is Pelvic Floor Dysfunction an Independent Threat to Sexual Function? A Cross-Sectional Study in Women with Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Authors: Li-Yun-Fong Ryan J. , Larouche Maryse , Hyakutake Momoe , Koenig Nicole , Lovatt Catherine , Geoffrion Roxana , Brotto Lori A. , Lee Terry , Cundiff Geoffrey W.
Published: December 2016

Introduction

Prior studies have reported an association of sexual dysfunction with pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD), but without defining causation.

Aim

To investigate predictors of sexual function in women with PFD, including pelvic organ prolapse, stress urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, obstructed defecation, and fecal incontinence.

Methods

This retrospective cross-sectional study included 755 women (mean age = 56 years, 68% postmenopausal) referred for PFD (2008–2013). Subjects underwent standardized history and examination, including demographics and assessment of pelvic floor function and sexual function using validated quality-of-life instruments. The physical examination included body mass index, Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification measurements, and pelvic muscle strength (Oxford scale). Proportional odds regression analysis tested patient characteristics, PFD, and other determinants of sexual dysfunction as predictors of sexual function.

Main Outcome Measures

The Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI-20) and Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire (PFIQ-7) to assess PFD and the Short Personal Experiences Questionnaire to assess sexual function.

Results

The prevalence of PFD included pelvic organ prolapse (72%), stress urinary incontinence (66%), overactive bladder (78%), fecal incontinence (41%), and obstructed defecation (70%). Most subjects (74%) had a sexual partner and most (56%) reported recent sexual intercourse. Participants reported a low level of sexual desire and sexual enjoyment and moderate levels of sexual arousal and orgasm. When stratified by sexual enjoyment, 46% enjoyed sex and this group had lower PFDI and PFIQ scores, reflecting less quality-of-life burden. Pelvic organ prolapse, obstructed defecation, and fecal incontinence were associated with not enjoying sex. However, when adjusted for other determinants of sexual dysfunction (eg, aging, dyspareunia, atrophy, and partner issues), these associations disappeared.

Conclusion

Women with PFD also have a large burden of sexual dysfunction, although this appears to be mediated by factors not unique to PFD.
A meta‐analysis of three identified single nucleotide polymorphisms at 1p13.3 and 1q41 and their associations with lipid levels and coronary artery disease
Authors: He Qian‐Chao , Hu Yu‐Ying , Zhang Qing‐Ping , Tan Lu‐Lu , Liu Yong‐Hui , Liu Tai , Hu Yue‐Qiang , Li Qing , Liang Ni
Published: December 2016

The aim of this meta‐analysis was to detect whether three identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs646776, rs599839, and rs17465637) at 1p13.3 and 1q41 are associated with lipid levels and the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). Databases of MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and BIOSIS were systematically searched. The pooled effects were expressed as odds ratio or standardized mean difference or mean difference with 95% confidence intervals. A total of 14 studies with 57,916 patients were included in the meta‐analysis. Pooled effects showed that the AA group of 1p13.3 rs599839 had higher total cholesterol (TC) and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC), and lower high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) levels than the GA/GG group, and the CAD group had higher AA genotype frequency than the control group. The TT group of 1p13.3 rs646776 had higher TC and LDLC levels and lower HDLC levels than the CT/CC group. The CAD group also had higher CC genotype frequency of 1q41 rs17465637 than the control group. The SNPs of 1p13 rs599839 and rs646776 were associated with serum lipid levels. The genetic variants of 1p13 rs599839 and 1q41 rs17465637 SNPs were prominently related to CAD, and the genetic variants of chromosome 1p13 promote the risk of CAD by increased TC and LDLC levels and decreased HDLC levels.
Achyranthes bidentate saponins protect rat articular chondrocytes against interleukin‐1β‐induced inflammation and apoptosis in vitro
Authors: Xu Xian‐Xiang , Zhang Xiao‐Hong , Diao Yong , Huang Yu‐Xiang
Published: December 2016

Achyranthes bidentate Blume (Niuxi) is often employed for treatment of arthritis in Traditional Chinese Medicine and possesses anti‐inflammatory properties. Phytochemical and pharmacological studies proved the oleanane‐type saponins to be the main bioactive principles. In the present study, protective effects of A. bidentata saponins (ABS) on inflammation and apoptosis in interleukine‐1β (IL‐1β)‐induced chondrocytes were investigated. Rat chondrocytes were pretreated with ABS at 3 μg/mL, 10 μg/mL, and 30 μg/mL, and subsequently stimulated with IL‐1β (10 ng/mL). Methylthiazolyldiphenyl‐tetrazolium bromide assay and annexin V/propidium iodide dual staining demonstrated that ABS could protect IL‐1β‐induced chondrocyte injury. ABS suppressed IL‐1β‐induced apoptosis by suppressing the activation of caspase‐3, inhibiting levels of proapoptotic proteins Bax and Bad, decreasing p53 protein phosphorylation, and promoting the expression of antiapoptotic protein Bcl‐xL and proliferating cell nuclear antigen. IL‐1β‐induced inflammation and matrix degradation were also alleviated by ABS through the downregulation of the expressions of matrix metalloproteinases 3 and 9 and cyclooxygenase‐2. Moreover, ABS inhibited IL‐1β‐induced nuclear factor κB activation in rat chondrocytes. We demonstrated, for the first time, the protective effects of ABS on IL‐1β‐stimulated chondrocytes and their molecular mechanisms. Thus, it is suggested that ABS might be a potential drug in the treatment of osteoarthritis.
GÖDEL’S NOTRE DAME COURSE
Authors: ADŽIĆ MILOŠ , DOŠEN KOSTA
Published: December 2016

This is a companion to a paper by the authors entitled “Gödel’s natural deduction,” which presented and made comments about the natural deduction system in Gödel’s unpublished notes for the elementary logic course he gave at the University of Notre Dame in 1939. In that earlier paper, which was itself a companion to a paper that examined the links between some philosophical views ascribed to Gödel and general proof theory, one can find a brief summary of Gödel’s notes for the Notre Dame course. In order to put the earlier paper in proper perspective, a more complete summary of these interesting notes, with comments concerning them, is given here.
Bifactor and Item Response Theory Analyses of Health Care	Workers’ Attitudes Toward HIV-Infected People
Authors: Prati Gabriele , Pietrantoni Luca
Published: December 2016

Abstract. Health care workers’ attitudes toward people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) can play an important role in the quality of life of PLWHA as well as in public health efforts in HIV prevention and treatment. The main aim of this study was to develop and evaluate the psychometric properties of an instrument to measure health care workers’ attitudes toward PLWHA using bifactor and IRT analyses. We applied bifactor and Item Response Theory (IRT) analyses to questionnaire development, evaluation, and refinement. A sample of 836 Italian health care workers was recruited in 2013, including medical practitioners, nurses, health care assistants, social workers, and psychologists. We tested a hierarchical item response model (bifactor model) with model fit comparisons with one-dimensional and five-dimensional models. The bifactor model was found to provide the best fit to the observed data. The results were used to construct a 15-item short form. The test information function showed that the scale was slightly more precise at higher levels of negative attitudes. Finally, the differential item functioning (DIF) analysis revealed that the items did not function differently across gender or professional groups. The instrument was found to have good criterion validity with regard to discriminatory practices toward HIV-infected patients.
Context-Related Sense of Adulthood
Authors: Vosylis Rimantas , Klimstra Theo , Raižienė Saulė
Published: December 2016

Abstract. Emerging adulthood theory highlights ambivalence about one’s adult status as a distinctive feature of this period. However, most studies that addressed this ambivalence employed rather limited, single-item measures, or measures that focused on specific life domains but addressed them separately. Although existing literature suggests that various life situations are likely to contribute differently to a sense of adulthood, no attempt has been made to date to conceptualize these situations as contexts and to develop a measure that takes them into account. The first study of the present research aims at unveiling the contexts that shape a sense of adulthood by conducting a multiple group exploratory factor analysis on the self-perceived adulthood scale ( Shanahan, Porfeli, & Mortimer, 2005 ). The analyses revealed two factors contributing to a sense of adulthood, which were interpreted as adult and peer contexts. The second study aims at developing a new measure designed to address sense of adulthood in these two contexts. This measure was proven reliable, valid, and stable across three age groups. The present research demonstrates that sense of adulthood is a context-specific feeling. Thus, adult and peer contexts ought to be considered and addressed separately, which has been made possible with our proposed measure.
Factorial Structure, Gender Invariance, and Predictive Validity of	the Students’ Conceptions of Assessment-VI Inventory
Authors: Michaelides Michalis P. , Solomonidou Georgia
Published: December 2016

Abstract. Student conceptions about assessment may be positive or negative, exemplify various beliefs and expectations, and are hypothesized to relate to student outcomes, for example, grades. The current study investigates the factorial structure of the Students’ Conceptions of Assessment-VI inventory using data from Gymnasium students, that is, 7th- to 9th-graders, in Cyprus. Acceptable fit was found for a multidimensional hierarchical model with four second-order factors relating to assessment conceptions: improvement of teaching and learning, external motives, affective/social activity, and a negative, unfair, or valueless practice. Strong evidence of measurement invariance with respect to gender was found, with higher endorsement of some positive beliefs about assessment by females. The conception of assessment for improvement positively predicted language grades, while the other three assessment conceptions had negative regression coefficients. The adaptation of the inventory in Greek demonstrated good psychometric properties. Findings suggest that conceptions about assessment can be adaptive or maladaptive and relate to achievement outcomes.
Audience Prototypes and Asymmetric Efficacy Beliefs
Authors: Rosenthal Sonny
Published: December 2016

Abstract. Prior research suggests that the third-person effect is related to media schemas, for example, that general audiences are vulnerable to influence. The current study evaluates whether the effect of media schemas depends on more specific audience schemas. Participants read vignettes of four “actors” in a 2 (gullible vs. critical-minded) × 2 (heavy vs. light Internet users) repeated measures experiment and rated how much the actors can resist the influence of media and how much they benefit from censorship. For comparison, participants rated themselves on the same dependent variables. Results show that gullible heavy Internet users are perceived to have the greatest self-regulatory inefficacy and benefit the most from censorship, while the opposite outcome is true for critical-minded light Internet users. These patterns remain when evaluating self–other asymmetric efficacy beliefs, which I discuss in relation to motivational and cognitive processes underlying the third-person effect.
The Effectiveness of Using Sexual Appeals in	Advertising
Authors: Samson Lelia
Published: December 2016

Abstract. This study empirically investigates the effectiveness of using visual sexual appeals on the memory of men and women. It examines memory for the commercials activated by sexual versus nonsexual visual appeals. A mixed-factorial experiment was conducted. Visual recognition and free recall were recorded in 146 participants (males = 71 and females = 75). The results substantiate the evolutionary psychology claims. Support for the motivational information-processing and the distraction hypothesis was found in male viewers. The results indicate that sexual appeals enhance memory for the advertisements themselves, but they distract men from processing brand-related information. Male participants encoded and recalled less brand-related information from advertisements with sexual appeals. The study offers guidelines for advertisers and marketing producers while also providing insight into gender/sex differences in processing sexual stimuli. It also makes a key theoretical contribution to the field by parsing out the influence of sexual versus nonsexual visual content from the confounding impact of visual sexual versus verbal nonsexual memory.
Synthesis, reactivity and characterization of Pt(ii) complexes with N,N′ chelating ligands; structure and dimethylsulfoxide reactivity relationship
Authors: Ypsilantis Konstantinos , Tsolis Theodoros , Kourtellaris Andreas , Manos Manolis J. , Plakatouras John C. , Garoufis Achilleas
Published: December 2016

Chelated N-heterocycles can be replaced from the coordination sphere of square planar Pt(ii) complexes by DMSO.
Highly efficient formic acid-mediated oxidation of renewable furfural to maleic acid with H2O2
Authors: Li Xiukai , Ho Ben , Lim Diane S. W. , Zhang Yugen
Published: December 2016

Maleic acid is produced from biomass-derived furfural or 5-hydroxymethylfurfural under metal catalyst-free conditions employing H2O2 as an oxidant in formic acid.
An efficient CoS2/CoSe2 hybrid catalyst for electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution
Authors: Guo Yaxiao , Shang Changshuai , Wang Erkang
Published: December 2016

The CoS2/CoSe2 hybrid catalyst exhibits superior HER electrocatalytic activity as well as excellent electrochemical durability. CoSe2/DETA nanobelts not only afford an interconnected conducting network, but also demonstrate superior HER electrocatalytic activity. High dispersion and smaller CoS2 nanoparticles on the surface can provide abundant active sites for the HER.
Enhancing stability of Eu2+ in La10−xSrx(Si6−xPxO22N2)O2 phosphors by the design of apatite structures with an ([Si/P][O/N]4) framework and tunable luminescence properties
Authors: Wang Yichao , Ding Jianyan , Wang Yuhua
Published: December 2016

A series of novel oxynitride apatite structure phosphors La10−xSrx(Si6−xPxO22N2)O2 (x = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4):Eu2+, with an ([Si/P][O/N]4) structure, were engineered and synthesized for enhancing Eu2+ stability.
Dimethylsilyl-linked anthracene–pyrene dimers and their efficient triplet–triplet annihilation in organic light emitting diodes
Authors: Sung Min Jae , Chubachi Hiroya , Sato Ryo , Shin Min-Ki , Kwon Soon-Ki , Pu Yong-Jin , Kim Yun-Hi
Published: December 2016

New deep blue emitters containing an sp3-hybridised tetrahedral silicon core with dimethyl groups, 9,10-biarylanthracene, and pyrene were synthesised.
Cervicomedullary Junction Ependymoma Associated with Neurofibromatosis Type II: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Silva Otavio , Miranda Carlos , Joaquim Andrei , Queiroz Luciano , Ghizoni Enrico , Tedeschi Helder
Published: December 2016

Neurofibromatosis type II (NF2) is a rare autosomal dominant inherited disease caused by a mutation in chromosome 22q12 and associated with multiple central nervous system tumors. In this paper, we describe a rare case of cervicomedullary junction ependymoma associated with NF2 in a 25-year-old man who underwent surgical treatment with total resection and had a good clinical outcome. We discussed the nuances of the surgical resection and the literature concerning this rare form of presentation of NF2.
Intermittent Bolus versus Continuous Infusion of Propofol for Deep Sedation during ABR/Nuclear Medicine Studies
Authors: Ahmed Sheikh , Slaven James , Nitu Mara , Hicks Shawn
Published: December 2016

Objective A comparison of intermittent bolus (IB) versus continuous infusion of propofol for deep sedation.

Material and Methods A retrospective review of patients sedated for Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR)/nuclear medicine studies between September 2008 and February 2015. A ketamine bolus (0.5 mg/kg < 20 kg, 0.25 mg/kg > 20 kg) followed by propofol bolus of 1 mg/kg over 2 minutes. In the IB group, maintenance of deep sedation was with incremental bolus of 10 to 20 mg of propofol. In continuous infusion group (CG), maintenance was with a continuous infusion of 83 mcg/kg/min of propofol.

Results Of the 326 cases completed, 181 were in CG group and 145 were in IB group. There were no statistical differences in patient's age, weight, and American Society of Anesthesiologist (ASA) classification. The cardiovascular and respiratory parameters in the two groups were not different statistically. Mean total propofol dose was higher in CG group versus IB group (CG 7.6 mg ± 3.6 mg, IB 6.5 mg ± 3.6 mg; p = 0.008). Procedure time in CG group was longer by 8 minutes compared with IB group (CG 49.8 min ± 25.4 min versus 42.3 min ± 19.2 min; p = .003). CG group has both shorter recovery time (CG 8.1 min ± 4.7 min versus IB 10.0 min ± 8.5 min; p = 0.01) and discharge time.

Conclusion Satisfactory sedation and completion of the procedure was accomplished with both sedation protocols.
Conditions for optimal input states for discrimination of quantum channels
Authors: Jenčová Anna , Plávala Martin
Published: December 2016

We find optimality conditions for testers in discrimination of quantum channels. These conditions are obtained using semidefinite programming and are similar to optimality conditions for discrimination of quantum states. We get a simple condition for existence of an optimal tester with any given input state with maximal Schmidt rank, in particular with a maximally entangled input state. In the case when maximally entangled state is not optimal, an upper bound on the optimal success probability is obtained. The results for discrimination of two channels are applied to covariant channels, qubit channels, unitary channels, and simple projective measurements.
Wireless gas sensing based on a passive piezoelectric resonant sensor array through near-field induction
Authors: Duan Yu , Chang Ye , Liang Ji , Zhang Hongxiang , Duan Xuexin , Zhang Hao , Pang Wei , Zhang Menglun
Published: December 2016

We developed a wireless and passive piezoelectric resonant sensor for contimuous volatile organic compound detection. An equivalent circuit is proposed to model the sensing system, and Lamb wave resonators are adopted to demonstrate the wireless interrogation achieved by near-field inductive coupling. The wireless sensing system is employed to monitor the ethanol vapor concentration, and the sensitivity of the wireless sensor barely degrades compared to that of the wired one. Further, we simultaneously and wirelessly tracked several resonance frequencies of a monolithic sensor array, which demonstrates its potential for high-throughput and real-time point-of-care test.
All-electron Gaussian basis sets of double zeta quality for the actinides
Authors: Martins L. S. C. , Jorge F. E. , Franco M. L. , Ferreira I. B.
Published: December 2016

For the actinides, two segmented all-electron basis sets of valence double zeta quality plus polarization functions (DZP) are developed. One of them must be used along with the non-relativistic Hamiltonian, whereas the other with the Douglas-Kroll-Hess (DKH) one. Adding diffuse functions of s, p, d, f, and g symmetries to the non-relativistic and relativistic sets, augmented basis sets are developed. These functions are essential to describe correctly electrons far away from the nuclei. For some compounds, geometric parameters, atomic charges and valence orbital populations of the actinides, and bond dissociation energies are calculated using the Becke 3-parameter (exchange) and the Lee, Yang, and Parr (correlation) functional in conjunction with the DZP-DKH basis set. For Am and No, the static electric mean dipole polarizabilities are also reported. Comparison with benchmark theoretical and experimental values found in the literature is carried out. It is verified that the performances of the relativistic compact size basis sets generated in this work are regular, efficient, and reliable. They will be extremely helpful in molecular property calculations that need explicitly to consider the core electrons.