bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impaired decision‐making and impulse control in Internet gaming addicts: evidence from the comparison with recreational Internet game users
Authors: Wang Yifan , Wu Lingdan , Wang Lingxiao , Zhang Yifen , Du Xiaoxia , Dong Guangheng
Published: September 2016

Although Internet games have been proven to be addictive, only a few game players develop online gaming addiction. A large number of players play online games recreationally without being addicted to it. These individuals are defined as recreational Internet gaming users (RGU). So far, no research has investigated decision‐making and impulse control in RGU. In the current study, we used delay discounting (DD) task and probabilistic discounting (PD) task to examine decision‐making and impulse control in 20 healthy controls, 20 subjects with Internet gaming disorder (IGD) and 23 RGU during fMRI scanning. At the behavioral level, RGU showed lower DD rate and higher PD rate than subjects with IGD and there was no significant difference between RGU and healthy controls on the DD and PD rates. At the neural level, RGU showed increased neural response in the parahippocampal gyrus, the anterior cingulate cortex, the medial frontal gyrus and the inferior frontal gyrus as compared with subjects with IGD. These brain regions may play an important role in preventing RGU from developing addiction. The results suggest that the RGU are capable of inhibiting impulse due to additional cognitive endeavor and the subjects with IGD have deficit in decision‐making and impulsive control, which are associated with brain dysfunction.
A thicker intima‐media carotid wall was found in a cohort of children with recent onset migraine
Authors: Parmeggiani Lucio , Salandin Michela , Egger Flavio , Lupi Fiorenzo , Primerano Marco , Radetti Giorgio
Published: September 2016

Aim

Migraine affects approximately 10–20% of the general population, including children and adolescents, and an association between migraine and increased risks for cardiovascular disease and stroke have been reported in adult patients. This study aimed to address the lack of data on children with migraine.

Methods

This study comprised 30 children and adolescents (16 male) with migraine. We evaluated their biochemical profile, glucose homeostasis, vascular function by flow‐mediated dilatation and arterial structure by carotid intima‐media thickness (cIMT). A group of 32 age, sex and auxologically matched children (17 male) served as controls.

Results

The group of children with migraine had a normal biochemical profile and glucose homeostasis, but presented with significantly thicker cIMT than the control group (0.48 ± 0.07 mm versus 0.45 ± 0.04, p < 0.05).

Conclusion

We observed a significantly thicker cIMT in children with migraine compared with the controls. The brief time interval between the onset of the disease and the time of the study makes it unlikely that repetitive migraine attacks could be responsible for the thickening of the cIMT. Thus, it may be speculated that primitive vascular function abnormalities were wholly or partly responsible for the development of migraine in this paediatric cohort.
A Critique of Henrik Friberg‐Fernros's Defense of the Substance View
Authors: Simkulet William
Published: September 2016

Proponents of the substance view contend that abortion is seriously morally wrong because it is killing something with the same inherent value and right to life as you or I. Rob Lovering offers two innovative criticisms of the anti‐abortion position taken by the substance view – the rescue argument and the problem of spontaneous abortion. Henrik Friberg‐Fernros offers an interesting response to Lovering, but one I argue would be inconsistent with the anti‐abortion stance taken by most substance view theorists.
Modulation of inflammation and disease tolerance by DNA damage response pathways
Authors: Neves‐Costa Ana , Moita Luis F.
Published: September 2016

The accurate replication and repair of DNA is central to organismal survival. This process is challenged by the many factors that can change genetic information such as replication errors and direct damage to the DNA molecule by chemical and physical agents. DNA damage can also result from microorganism invasion as an integral step of their life cycle or as collateral damage from host defense mechanisms against pathogens. Here we review the complex crosstalk of DNA damage response and immune response pathways that might be evolutionarily connected and argue that DNA damage response pathways can be explored therapeutically to induce disease tolerance through the activation of tissue damage control processes. Such approach may constitute the missing pillar in the treatment of critical illnesses caused by multiple organ failure, such as sepsis and septic shock.
Tapping the archives: the sterol composition of marine sponge species, as determined non‐invasively from museum‐preserved specimens, reveals biogeographical features
Authors: Lengger S. K. , Fromont J. , Grice K.
Published: September 2016

Over 8600 species are currently recorded in the phylum Porifera (sponges). They produce a large diversity of biochemical compounds including sterols, with more than 250 different sterols identified. Some of these sterols are of great interest, due to their use for fingerprinting in ecological and biomarker (molecular fossil) studies. As a large number of identified extant species from biodiversity surveys are housed in museum collections, preserved in ethanol, these present a potentially rich source of identified specimens for comparative lipid analyses. Here, we show that, in at least one species, sterol distributions obtained from the ethanol used to preserve specimens of sponges were representative, and comparable to the sterol distribution obtained from wet‐frozen and from freeze‐dried tissue from the same species. We employed both GC‐MS and two‐dimensional gas chromatography—time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (GC×GC‐TOFMS), with an improved signal‐to‐noise ratio for even minor constituents. Analysis of two additional specimens of the same species, but of different provenance, resulted in detection of marked differences in sterol composition, which could be attributed to variations in geography, environmental conditions, microbial communities, diet or cryptic speciation. The possibility of using ethanol from identified, preserved museum sponges could drastically increase the number of available samples. This could enable the study of their sterol complements, and the detailed investigation of differences due to geographical and oceanographic, phylogenetic, and other factors in unprecedented detail.
Decision making about Pap test use among Korean immigrant women: A qualitative study
Authors: Kim Kyounghae , Kim Soohyun , Gallo Joseph J. , Nolan Marie T. , Han Hae‐Ra
Published: September 2016

Background

Understanding how individuals make decisions about Pap tests concerning their personal values helps health‐care providers offer tailored approaches to guide patients’ decision making. Yet research has largely ignored decision making about Pap tests among immigrant women who experience increased risk of cervical cancer.

Objective

To explore decision making about Pap tests among Korean immigrant women.

Methods

We conducted a qualitative descriptive study using 32 semi‐structured, in‐depth interviews with Korean immigrant women residing in a north‐eastern metropolitan area. Data were audio‐recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using inductive coding.

Results

Although most women with positive decisions made their own decisions, some women deferred to their providers, and others made decisions in collaboration with their providers and significant others. While women making positive decisions tended to consider both barriers to and facilitators of having Pap tests, women making negative decisions predominantly discussed the barriers to having Pap tests, such as modesty and differences between the South Korean and US health‐care systems. The women's reflections on their decisions differed regarding their Pap test decisions.

Conclusions

Women's desired roles in the decision‐making process and reflection on their decision outcome appeared to vary, although most participants with positive decisions made their own decisions and were satisfied with their decisions. Future research should conduct longitudinal, quantitative studies to test our findings regarding decision‐making processes and outcomes about Pap tests.

Implications

The findings should be incorporated into cervical cancer screening practices to fulfil the unmet needs of immigrant women in patient‐provider communication and to facilitate women's decision making about Pap tests.
Fabrication and properties of (Ba0.85Ca0.15)(Ti0.9Zr0.1)O3 ceramics and their multilayer piezoelectric actuators
Authors: Long Peiqing , Yi Zhiguo
Published: September 2016

The lead‐free ceramics with nominal composition (Ba0.85Ca0.15)(Ti0.9Zr0.1)O3 (BCTZ) were prepared by a conventional solid‐state reaction combined with a liquid precursor mixing method. Structural, dielectric, piezoelectric, and ferroelectric properties of the ceramics were systematically investigated. Excellent electrical properties of Tc ~ 101°C, tanδ ~ (0.003–0.05), kp ~ 0.46, d33 ~ 560 pC/N, Ps ~17 μC/cm2 and a large strain of 0.43% were reproducibly obtained for the BCTZ ceramics. In addition, BCTZ‐based monolithic multilayer piezoelectric actuators were successfully fabricated by alternately laminating the claimed piezoelectric ceramics and internal‐binder. The actuators show large displacements under low driven voltage. These results highlight that the BCTZ ceramics are excellent candidate for multilayer piezoelectric devices.
Distribution and Diversity of Microbial Eukaryotes in Bathypelagic Waters of the South China Sea
Authors: Xu Dapeng , Jiao Nianzhi , Ren Rui , Warren Alan
Published: September 2016

Little is known about the biodiversity of microbial eukaryotes in the South China Sea, especially in waters at bathyal depths. Here, we employed SSU rDNA gene sequencing to reveal the diversity and community structure across depth and distance gradients in the South China Sea. Vertically, the highest alpha diversity was found at 75‐m depth. The communities of microbial eukaryotes were clustered into shallow‐, middle‐, and deep‐water groups according to the depth from which they were collected, indicating a depth‐related diversity and distribution pattern. Rhizaria sequences dominated the microeukaryote community and occurred in all samples except those from less than 50‐m deep, being most abundant near the sea floor where they contributed ca. 64–97% and 40–74% of the total sequences and OTUs recovered, respectively. A large portion of rhizarian OTUs has neither a nearest named neighbor nor a nearest neighbor in the GenBank database which indicated the presence of new phylotypes in the South China Sea. Given their overwhelming abundance and richness, further phylogenetic analysis of rhizarians were performed and three new genetic clusters were revealed containing sequences retrieved from the deep waters of the South China Sea. Our results shed light on the diversity and community structure of microbial eukaryotes in this not yet fully explored area.
Sitting duck or scaredy‐cat? Effects of shot execution strategy on anxiety and police officers’ shooting performance under high threat
Authors: Nieuwenhuys Arne , Weber Jeroen , van der Hoeve Roy , Oudejans Raôul R. D.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

Law enforcement may require police officers to inhibit intuitive responses to high threat and thereby affect their emotional reaction and operational effectiveness. Upon this premise, the current study reports two experiments which compare the impact of two relevant shot execution strategies on police officers’ shooting performance under high threat, including (1) fire at an armed assailant and then step away from the assailant's line of fire (‘fire‐step’) or (2) step away from the assailant's line of fire and then fire (‘step‐fire’).

Method

In Experiment 1, 15 experienced police officers performed both shot execution strategies against a stationary assailant who occasionally shot back with coloured soap cartridges (high threat), while we measured their state anxiety, movement times and shot accuracy. In Experiment 2, the same 15 officers remained stationary and fired at the assailant who now performed both shot execution strategies in random order, thereby providing an indication of the risk (i.e., chance to get hit) associated with performing either strategy.

Results

Experiment 1 showed that officers preferred using the step‐fire strategy and that using this strategy resulted in lower levels of anxiety, increased time for aiming and more accurate shooting than the fire‐step strategy. Experiment 2, however, indicated that the step‐fire strategy also increases one's chance of getting hit.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that inhibition of preferred responses under high threat (as in the fire‐step strategy) may increase state anxiety and negatively affect shooting performance in police officers. Future work is needed to reveal underlying mechanisms and explore implications for practice.
Organogenesis and foetal haemodynamics during the normal gestation of healthy black‐rumped agoutis (Dasyprocta prymnolopha, Wagler, 1831) bred in captivity
Authors: Sousa FCA , Pessoa GT , Moura LS , Araújo JR , Rodrigues RPS , Barbosa MAPS , Diniz AN , Souza AB , Silva EG , Lucena LU , Sanches MP , Silva‐Filho OF , Guerra PC , Sousa JM , Neves WC , Alves FR
Published: September 2016

Contents

The objective of this study was to define the patterns of organogenesis and foetal haemodynamics during the normal gestation of healthy agoutis (Dasyprocta prymnolopha) kept in captivity. Thirty pregnant agoutis that ranged in size from small to medium and weighed between 2.5 and 3 kg underwent B‐mode and Doppler ultrasonography for the biometric evaluation of the foetal organs. The foetal aortic blood flow proved to be predominantly systolic, and the measured flow velocity was 78.89 ± 2.95 cm/s, with a maximum pressure gradient of 2.12 ± 0.27 mmHg. The liver was characterized by its large volume, occupying the entire cranial aspect of the abdominal cavity, and it was associated cranially with the diaphragm and caudally with the stomach. The flow velocity in the portal vein was estimated to equal 12.17 ± 2.37 cm/s, with a resistivity index of 0.82 ± 0.05. The gallbladder was centrally located and protruded cranially towards the diaphragm. The spleen was visualized as an elongated structure with tapered cranial and caudal extremities, and the foetal kidneys were visualized bilaterally in the retroperitoneal region, with the right kidney positioned slightly more cranially than the left. The morphological characterization and hemodynamic analysis of the foetal organs of black‐rumped agoutis via B‐mode and Doppler ultrasonography allow determination of the vascular network and of reference values for the blood flow required for perfusing the anatomical elements essential for maintaining the viability of foetuses at different gestational ages.
Differences in alexithymia and emotional awareness in exhaustion syndrome and chronic fatigue syndrome
Authors: Maroti Daniel , Molander Peter , Bileviciute‐Ljungar Indre
Published: September 2016

Symptoms of Exhaustion Syndrome (ES) and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) are overlapping and create difficulties of differential diagnosis. Empirical studies comparing ES and CFS are scarce. This study aims to investigate if there are any emotional differences between ES and CFS. This cross‐sectional study compared self‐reported alexithymia and observer‐rated emotional awareness in patients with ES (n = 31), CFS (n = 38) and healthy controls (HC) (n = 30). Self‐reported alexithymia was measured with the Toronto Alexithymia Scale‐20 (TAS‐20) and emotional awareness with an observer‐rated performance test, the Level of Emotional Awareness Scale (LEAS). Additionally, depression and anxiety were scored by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Results show that patients with ES expressed higher self‐reported alexithymia in the TAS‐20 compared to HC, but had similar emotional awareness capacity in the observer‐rated performance test, the LEAS. Patients with CFS expressed more difficulties in identifying emotions compared to HCs, and performed significantly worse in the LEAS‐total and spent more time completing the LEAS as compared to HC. Correlation and multiple regressions analyses revealed that depression and anxiety positively correlated with and explained part of the variances in alexithymia scores, while age and group explained the major part of the variance in LEAS. Findings of this study indicate that emotional status is different in patients with ES and CFS with respect to both self‐reported alexithymia and observer‐rated emotional awareness. Emotional parameters should be approached both in clinical investigation and psychotherapy for patients with ES and CFS.
The Nanosyntax of Spatial Deixis
Authors: Lander Eric , Haegeman Liliane
Published: September 2016

This paper provides a fine‐grained morphosyntactic analysis of spatial deixis. We propose that the universal core of spatial deixis is a three‐way contrast: Proximal ‘close to speaker’, Medial ‘close to hearer’, and Distal ‘far from speaker and hearer’. This system arises from three features merged as heads in a single universal functional sequence: Dx3 > Dx2 > Dx1. The hierarchy is understood in terms of superset‐subset relations, such that Proximal [Dx1] is a subset of Medial [Dx2 [Dx1]], which in turn is a subset of Distal [Dx3 [Dx2 [Dx1]]]. Evidence comes from patterns of syncretism and morphological containment in the demonstrative systems of a number of genetically diverse languages. Regarding syncretisms, languages can show a transparent three‐way morphological contrast, or some sort of syncretism: Medial/Proximal vs. Distal, Distal/Medial vs. Proximal, or a totally syncretic Distal/Medial/Proximal (i.e. a neutral demonstrative). These syncretisms entail that the features responsible for the Proximal and Medial readings be adjacent and that the features responsible for the Distal and Medial readings be adjacent in the fseq. Regarding containment, we show that Proximal can be structurally contained within Medial and that Medial can be structurally contained within Distal, meaning that Medial structures are larger than Proximal structures, and that Distal structures are larger than Medial structures, confirming our hierarchy. We show that these facts are naturally accounted for by nanosyntactic principles of spellout. We end the paper by accounting for potential counterexamples and other issues.
Why do within‐firm–product export prices differ across markets? Evidence from Hungary
Authors: Görg Holger , Halpern László , Muraközy Balázs
Published: September 2016

In this study, we analyse the relationship between distance and f.o.b. export unit values using firm–product–destination data from Hungarian manufacturing. Using 10‐digit Harmonized System data, we show that a doubling of distance is associated with about 7.5 per cent increase in the average product‐level price, from which five percentage points can be attributed to within‐firm–product variation. We run a number of tests to look for heterogeneity in this pattern. Interestingly, the measured effect is very similar for domestic and foreign firms but distance seems to matter somewhat more for EU countries than outside the EU. We do not find much evidence for heterogeneity across product categories based on measures of vertical differentiation. The level of product aggregation matters; the distance coefficient is larger when products are aggregate to the eight or six‐digit level.
Piezoelectric cylindrical discs and solid rods: Dependence of the resonance frequencies and effective coupling coefficients on aspect ratio
Authors: Aronov Boris S. , Bachand Corey L.
Published: September 2016

Dependencies of the resonance frequencies and effective coupling coefficients for solid circular cylindrical piezoelements (discs) of finite size are considered as a function of their height-to-diameter aspect ratios, h/2a. At aspect ratios in the range of approximately 0.5 < h/2a < 1.5 the piezoelements are treated analytically, as a two degree-of-freedom coupled system by applying the coupled mode theory approach [Aronov, Bachand, and Brown, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 126(6), 2983–2990 (2009)]. Results are presented as plots of resonance frequencies and effective coupling coefficients vs aspect ratios. Experimental verification showed good agreement with the analytical predictions and allowed sufficiently reliable characterization of the trends of parameters in the range of aspect ratios, for which the analytical treatment could not be applied. The equivalent parameters that characterize energy relations in the course of coupled vibration are determined, and the equivalent electromechanical circuit is introduced for calculating frequency response of the transducers.
A fractional calculus model of anomalous dispersion of acoustic waves
Authors: Wharmby Andrew W.
Published: September 2016

An empirical formula based on viscoelastic analysis techniques that employs concepts from the fractional calculus that was used to model the dielectric behavior of materials exposed to oscillating electromagnetic fields in the radiofrequency, terahertz, and infrared bands. This work adapts and applies the formula to model viscoelastic behavior of materials that show an apparent increase of phase velocity of vibration with an increase in frequency, otherwise known as anomalous dispersion. A fractional order wave equation is derived through the application of the classic elastic-viscoelastic correspondence principle whose analytical solution is used to describe absorption and dispersion of acoustic waves in the viscoelastic material displaying anomalous dispersion in a specific frequency range. A brief discussion and comparison of an alternative fractional order wave equation recently formulated is also included.
Genome Sequences of 14
Firmicutes
Strains Isolated from the Human Vagina
Authors: Deitzler Grace E. , Ruiz Maria J. , Weimer Cory , Park SoEun , Robinson Lloyd , Hallsworth-Pepin Kymberlie , Wollam Aye , Mitreva Makedonka , Lewis Amanda L. , Lewis Warren G.
Published: September 2016

Research on vaginal infections is currently limited by a lack of available fully sequenced bacterial reference strains. Here, we present strains (now available through BEI Resources) and genome sequences for a set of 14 vaginal isolates from the phylum
Firmicutes
. These genome sequences provide a valuable resource for future research in understanding the role of Gram-positive bacteria in vaginal health and disease.
A New Catalog of Microbiological Tools for Women's Infectious Disease Research
Authors: Lewis Amanda L. , Lewis Warren G.
Published: September 2016

Genitourinary infections pose serious health risks. But, little is known about how genitourinary bacteria attach, maintain colonization, compete for resources, and cause pathology. In this issue, we introduce a new set of 62 genitourinary reference strains of bacteria and their genomes to spur experimental research on infectious diseases that impact women.
Complete Genome Sequence of Enterococcus faecalis Strain W11 Isolated from an Algal Food Product
Authors: Doi Yuki , Takizawa Noboru
Published: September 2016

Here, we report the complete genome sequence of
Enterococcus faecalis
strain W11 isolated from an algal food product in Japan. This study should facilitate the identification of a novel mechanism of glycerol metabolic control in lactic acid bacteria.
First Complete Genome Sequence of
Bean common mosaic necrosis virus
from East Timor
Authors: Maina Solomon , Edwards Owain R. , de Almeida Luis , Ximenes Abel , Jones Roger A. C.
Published: September 2016

We present here the first complete
Bean common mosaic necrosis virus
(BCMNV) genomic sequence isolated from virus-infected common bean (
Phaseolus vulgaris
) in East Timor, and compare it with six complete BMCNV genomes from the Netherlands, and one each from the United States, Tanzania, and an unspecified country. It most resembled the Netherlands strain NL-8 genome.
Central corneal thickness changes in bevel-up versus bevel-down phacoemulsification cataract surgery: study protocol for a randomised, triple-blind, parallel group trial
Authors: Kaup Soujanya , Shivalli Siddharudha , KS Divyalakshmi , Arunachalam Cynthia , Varghese Rejitha Chinnu
Published: September 2016

Introduction

Corneal endothelial damage following phacoemulsification is still one of the major concerns of modern day cataract surgery. Although many techniques have been proposed, the risks of posterior capsular rupture and corneal endothelium damage persist. In theory, damage to the corneal endothelium is minimised by delivering the lowest phaco energy only in the direction necessary to emulsify the lens nucleus. Hence, it is believed that the bevel of the needle should be turned towards the nucleus or the nuclear fragment (ie, bevel-down. However, there is a difference of opinion among ophthalmologists with reference to the phaco tip's position (bevel-up vs bevel-down) during phacoemulsification. This subject has not been extensively studied earlier.

Methods and analysis

This is a prospective, triple-blinded (trial participant, outcome assessor and the data analyst), randomised controlled trial with 2 parallel groups and with an allocation ratio of 1:1. It will be conducted in a tertiary care hospital, Mangaluru, India. The objective is to compare the postoperative central corneal thickness changes between the bevel-up and bevel-down techniques of phacoemulsification. Patients aged >18 years with immature cataract undergoing phacoemulsification will be selected for the study. The important exclusion criteria are the history of previous significant ocular trauma or intraocular surgery, corneal pathology, pseudoexfoliation syndrome, intraocular inflammation, a preoperative fully dilated pupil <6 mm, anterior chamber depth <2.5 mm and nuclear sclerosis grade >4. After randomisation, patients will undergo phacoemulsification surgery either by a bevel-up or bevel-down procedure. With an estimated power of 80%, the calculated sample size is 55 patients in each group. The recruitment will start from April 2016.

Ethics and dissemination

Yenepoya University Ethics Committee, India has approved the study protocol (YUEC/148/2016 on 18 February 2016). It complies with the Declaration of Helsinki, local laws and the International Council for Harmonization-good clinical practices.

Trial registration number

CTRI/2016/02/006691; Pre-results.
Value and usability of unpublished data sources for systematic reviews and network meta-analyses
Authors: Halfpenny Nicholas James Anthony , Quigley Joan Mary , Thompson Juliette Catherine , Scott David Alexander
Published: September 2016

Peer-reviewed publications and conference proceedings are the mainstay of data sources for systematic reviews and network meta-analyses (NMA), but access to informative unpublished data is now becoming commonplace. To explore the usefulness of three types of ‘grey’ literature-clinical trials registries, clinical study reports and data from regulatory authorities-we conducted four case studies. The reporting of outcome data in peer-reviewed publications, the clinical trials registries and the clinical study reports for two clinical trials—one in melanoma, one in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)—was examined. In addition, we assessed the value of including unpublished data from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in evidence syntheses of hepatitis C virus (HCV) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), respectively. For the clinical trials in melanoma and JIA, we identified outcome parameters on ClinicalTrials.gov additional to those reported in the peer-reviewed publications: subgroup data and additional efficacy end points/extended follow-up, respectively. The clinical study report also provided results for several subgroups unavailable elsewhere. For HCV and COPD, additional outcome data were obtained from the EMA European Public Assessment Report (EPAR) and the FDA, respectively, including data on subgroups and mortality. We conclude that data from these grey literature sources have the potential to influence results of systematic reviews and NMAs, and may thus have implications for healthcare decisions. However, it is important to consider carefully the availability, reliability and consequent usability of these data sources in systematic reviews and NMAs.
Fluorescent quantitative PCR detection ofMycobacterium tuberculosisin tissue sections from granulomatous lesions retrieved using EDTA
Authors: Wang Xuzhou , Xie Feilai , Zheng Qiaoling , Qi Xingfeng , Li Min , Zhou Xiaoling , Zheng Zhiyong
Published: September 2016

Aims

This study aimed to use EDTA to retrieve paraffin-embedded tissue sections of inflammatory granulomatous lesions and increase the detection rate of tuberculosis (TB)/non-tuberculous mycobacteria. Due to the influence of chemical reagents during the fixation process, the amplification of fluorescent quantitative PCR was blocked after DNA extraction, and the results were not ideal.

Methods

Special staining technologies (acid-fast and Auramine O) and fluorescent quantitative PCR were used to detect TB/non-tuberculous mycobacteria in 125 cases of inflammatory granulomatous lesions in paraffin-embedded tissue sections with and without EDTA retrieval.

Results

In 125 cases of inflammatory granulomatous lesions, 75 cases (60%) were positive for mycobacteria using fluorescent quantitative PCR without EDTA retrieval, of which 74 cases (59.2%) were detected with TB mycobacteria and 1 case (0.8%) with non-tuberculous mycobacteria. The average cycle threshold value of positive specimens ranged from 29 to 32 (30.5). However, 88 cases (70.4%) were positive for mycobacteria using fluorescent quantitative PCR with EDTA retrieval, of which 83 cases (66.4%) were detected with TB mycobacteria and 5 cases (4%) with non-tuberculous mycobacteria. The average Ct value of positive specimens ranged from 27 to 30 (28.0). Statistical differences were found between the two groups (p<0.05; p<0.01).

Conclusions

This study showed that compared with special staining technologies (acid-fast and Auramine O) and molecular pathology detection, fluorescent quantitative PCR with EDTA retrieval could greatly improve the detection rate of TB/non-tuberculous mycobacteria and increase the sensitivity of the fluorescent quantitative PCR.
Synthesis and reactivity of tetraalkoxyl[60]fullerene epoxides, C60(O)(OR)4
Authors: Lou Ning , Gan Liangbing
Published: September 2016

Hexachloro[60]fullerene, C60Cl6, was reacted with a mixture of ROH/H2O (R = Me, Et, n-Pr, (CH2)2C≡CH) to form both C60Cl(OH)(OR)4 and C60Cl(OR)5. Only the C60Cl(OH)(OR)4 were isolated with bulky alcohols, ROH (R = (CH2)3C≡CH, (CH2)4C≡CH). Tetrahydro[60]fullerene epoxides, C60(O)(OR)4, were prepared by treating C60Cl(OH)(OR)4 with CuI. The epoxy moiety could be hydrolyzed to the vicinal diol derivatives, C60(OH)2(OR)4, and then oxidized to form dicarbonyl open-cage fullerenes, C60O2(OR)4. CuI was found to convert the terminal alkynyl addends into iodoalkynyl addends on the C60 cage.
Seeking sanctuary: the neonatal calving period among central mountain woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou)
Authors: Nobert B.R. , Milligan S. , Stenhouse G.B. , Finnegan L.
Published: September 2016

Woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou (Gmelin, 1788)) populations have declined throughout their range. With the goal of better understanding habitat selection and fidelity during the neonatal calving period (0–4 weeks), we applied a noninvasive method that estimates calving events and subsequent survival based on changes in movement rates among GPS-collared female caribou. We examined a long-term GPS-collar data set (1998–2014) collected from 81 adult female caribou in two central mountain herds in Alberta and British Columbia, Canada. Although we were unable to validate our results with aerial surveys and pregnancy tests, our estimates of parturition rates, survival rates, calving dates, and habitat selection were consistent with previous studies. We identified 83 calving sites. Female caribou selected calving sites and postparturition habitat on high-elevation ridgetops with gradual slopes and avoided anthropogenic linear features. Female caribou displayed low fidelity to interannual calving ranges with a mean distance of 8.7 km between calving ranges. Fidelity was lower in areas with high seismic-line density. Conservation of high-elevation habitat with limited anthropogenic disturbance is likely to provide the greatest benefit to central mountain caribou during the neonatal calving period, and represents a potential management strategy for population recovery efforts.
Diphoton channel at the LHC experiments to find a hint for a new heavy gauge boson
Authors: Kaneta Kunio , Kang Subeom , Lee Hye-Sung
Published: September 2016

Recently there has been a huge interest in the diphoton excess around 750 GeV reported by both ATLAS and CMS collaborations, although the newest analysis with more statistics does not seem to support the excess. Nevertheless, the diphoton channel at the LHC experiments are a powerful tool to probe a new physics. One of the most natural explanations of a diphoton excess, if it occurs, could be a new scalar boson with exotic colored particles. In this setup, it would be legitimate to ask what is the role of this new scalar in nature. A heavy neutral gauge boson [Formula: see text] is one of the traditional targets of the discovery at the collider experiments with numerous motivations. While the Landau–Yang theorem dictates the diphoton excess cannot be this spin-1 gauge boson, there is a strong correlation of a new heavy gauge boson and a new scalar boson which provides a mass to the gauge boson being at the same mass scale. In this paper, we point out a simple fact that a new scalar with a property similar to the recently highlighted 750 GeV would suggest an existence of a TeV scale [Formula: see text] gauge boson that might be within the reach of the LHC Run 2 experiments. We take a scenario of the well-motivated and popular gauged [Formula: see text] symmetry and require the gauge coupling unification to predict the mass and other properties of the [Formula: see text] and illustrate the discovery of the [Formula: see text] would occur during the LHC experiments.
Separating Indic Scripts with matra for Effective Handwritten Script Identification in Multi-Script Documents
Authors: Obaidullah Sk Md , Goswami Chitrita , Santosh K. C. , Das Nibaran , Halder Chayan , Roy Kaushik
Published: September 2016

We present a novel approach for separating Indic scripts with ‘matra’, which is used as a precursor to advance and/or ease subsequent handwritten script identification in multi-script documents. In our study, among state-of-the-art features and classifiers, an optimized fractal geometry analysis and random forest are found to be the best performer to distinguish scripts with ‘matra’ from their counterparts. For validation, a total of 1204 document images are used, where two different scripts with ‘matra’: Bangla and Devanagari are considered as positive samples and the other two different scripts: Roman and Urdu are considered as negative samples. With this precursor, an overall script identification performance can be advanced by more than 5.13% in accuracy and 1.17 times faster in processing time as compared to conventional system.
Fuzzy Brain Storm Optimization and Adaptive Thresholding for Multimodal Vein-Based Recognition System
Authors: Verma Dipti , Dubey Sipi
Published: September 2016

Nowadays, conventional security method of using passwords can be easily forged by unauthorized person. Hence, biometric cues such as fingerprints, voice, palm print, and face are more preferable for recognition but to preserve the liveliness, another one important biometric trait is vein pattern, which is formed by the subcutaneous blood vessels that contain all the achievable recognition properties. Accordingly, in this paper, we propose a multibiometric system using palm vein, hand vein, and finger vein. Here, Holoentropy-based thresholding mechanism is newly developed for extracting the vein patterns. Also, Fuzzy Brain Storm Optimization (FBSO) method is proposed for score level fusion to achieve the better recognition performance. These two contributions are effectively included in the biometric recognition system and the performance analysis of the proposed method is carried out using the benchmark datasets of palm vein image, finger vein image, and hand vein image. The quantitative results are analyzed with the help of FAR, FRR, and accuracy. From outcome, we proved that the proposed FBSO approach attained a higher accuracy of 81.3% than the existing methods.
Quantum gravity effects around Sagittarius A*
Authors: Haggard Hal M. , Rovelli Carlo
Published: September 2016

Recent VLBI observations have resolved Sagittarius A* at horizon scales. The event horizon telescope is expected to provide increasingly good images of the region around the Schwarzschild radius [Formula: see text] of Sgr A* soon. A number of authors have recently pointed out the possibility that nonperturbative quantum gravitational phenomena could affect the space surrounding a black hole. Here, we point out that the existence of a region around [Formula: see text], where these effects should be maximal.
Coloring of a non-zero component graph associated with a finite dimensional vector space
Authors: Nikandish R. , Maimani H. R. , Khaksari A.
Published: September 2016

A graph is called weakly perfect if its vertex chromatic number equals its clique number. Let [Formula: see text] be a vector space over a field [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] as a basis and [Formula: see text] as the null vector. The non-zero component graph of [Formula: see text] with respect to [Formula: see text], denoted by [Formula: see text], is a graph with the vertex set [Formula: see text] and two distinct vertices [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are adjacent if and only if there exists at least one [Formula: see text] along which both [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] have non-zero components. In this paper, it is shown that [Formula: see text] is a weakly perfect graph. Also, we give an explicit formula for the vertex chromatic number of [Formula: see text]. Furthermore, it is proved that the edge chromatic number of [Formula: see text] is equal to the maximum degree of [Formula: see text].
phraSED-ML: A paraphrased, human-readable adaptation of SED-ML
Authors: Choi Kiri , Smith Lucian P. , Medley J. Kyle , Sauro Herbert M.
Published: September 2016

Motivation: Model simulation exchange has been standardized with the Simulation Experiment Description Markup Language (SED-ML), but specialized software is needed to generate simulations in this format. Text-based languages allow researchers to create and modify experimental protocols quickly and easily, and export them to a common machine-readable format. Results: phraSED-ML language allows modelers to use simple text commands to encode various elements of SED-ML (models, tasks, simulations, and results) in a format easy to read and modify. The library can translate this script to SED-ML for use in other softwares. Availability: phraSED-ML language specification, libphrasedml library, and source code are available under BSD license from http://phrasedml.sourceforge.net/ .
Multiply-warped product metrics and reduction of Einstein equations
Authors: Gholami Fateme , Darabi Farhad , Haji-Badali Ali
Published: September 2016

It is shown that for every multidimensional metric in the multiply-warped product form [Formula: see text] with warp functions [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], associated to the submanifolds [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] of dimensions [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] respectively, one can find the corresponding Einstein equations [Formula: see text], with cosmological constant [Formula: see text], which are reducible to the Einstein equations [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] on the submanifolds [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], with cosmological constants [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], respectively, where [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are functions of [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text].
Accuracy Analysis of Interpolating Element-Free Galerkin (IEFG) Method in Solving Transient Heat Conduction Problems
Authors: Zhang Guoda , Zhang Fei , Ren Hongping
Published: September 2016

For the interpolating element-free Galerkin (IEFG) method set up by combining the shape function constructed with interpolating moving least-squares (IMLS) approximation and Galerkin integral weak form of partial differential equation, we show that the task of accuracy analysis of the IEFG method in solving transient heat conduction problems can be reduced to the estimation of errors in the procedure of IMLS approximation and the integral weak form of heat conduction equation. Following this practice, accuracy analysis of IEFG method is derived. To illustrate our results, numerical tests are discussed by two examples and give an optimal convergence rate with respect to two types of norm.
A Study of Hierarchical Biological Composite Structures Via a Coarse-Grained Molecular Dynamics Simulation Approach
Authors: Gao Lei , Nie Guohua , Zhang Teng
Published: September 2016

A coarse-grained molecular dynamics (MD) simulation approach based on a widely used fuse model is developed to study the mechanical behaviors of hierarchical brick and mortar bio-composites made from hard minerals and soft polymers. Massively parallel MD simulations are performed to investigate the toughness enhancement and the effect of stochastic variations in brick strength in representative bio-composites. Our simulations indicate that the hierarchical structure of bio-composites not only plays a key role in toughness optimization, but also reduces the sensitivity of the structure to biomineral imperfections. This work demonstrates a simple and efficient simulation platform for designing novel biomimetic materials.
Structure and Photocatalytic Activity of Nitrogen-doped HTiNbO5 Nanosheet Aggregation
Authors: Lv Wei , He Jie , Xu Andong , Hu Lifang , Da Liangguo
Published: September 2016

Nitrogen-doped HTiNbO5 nanosheet (N-HTiNbO5-NS) aggregation was successfully obtained through a series of process, including preparation of nitrogen-doped precursor (N-KTiNbO5), proton-exchange of N-KTiNbO5 and exfoliation of N-HTiNbO5. The structures of the as-prepared samples are characterized by means of powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scan electron microscopy (SEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-Vis-DRS), Laser Raman spectroscopy (LRS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Thermogravimetric analysis-differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC). The catalytic activities of the as-prepared samples are evaluated by the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) aqueous solution under visible light irradiation. The results reveal that N-HTiNbO5-NS due to the large specific surface area and brilliant visible light response exhibits a relatively excellent photocatalytic activity in the decomposition of MB under visible light irradiation.
Nonlinear Pricing
Authors: Armstrong Mark
Published: September 2016

I examine the use of nonlinear pricing as a method of price discrimination, both with monopoly and oligopoly supply. Topics covered include an analysis of when it is profitable to offer quantity discounts and bundle discounts, connections between second- and third-degree price discrimination, the use of market demand functions to calculate nonlinear tariffs, the impact of consumers with bounded rationality, bundling arrangements between separate sellers, and the choice of prices for quality upgrades and add-on products.
The Challenge of Sign Language Phonology
Authors: Sandler Wendy
Published: September 2016

Comparing phonology in spoken language and sign language reveals that core properties, such as features, feature categories, the syllable, and constraints on form, exist in both naturally occurring language modalities. But apparent ubiquity can be deceptive. The features themselves are quintessentially different, and key properties, such as linearity and arbitrariness, although universal, occur in inverse proportions to their counterparts, simultaneity and iconicity, in the two modalities. Phonology does not appear full blown in a new sign language, but it does gradually emerge, accruing linguistic structure over time. Sign languages suggest that the phonological component of the language faculty is a product of the ways in which the physical system, cognitive structure, and language use among people interact over time.
Management of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus During Pregnancy
Authors: Sammaritano Lisa R.
Published: September 2016

Reproductive issues including contraception, fertility, and pregnancy are important components of the comprehensive care of women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). SLE pregnancies are complicated due to risk for maternal disease exacerbation and potential for fetal and neonatal complications. Pre-pregnancy assessment is important to identify patients with severe disease-related damage who should avoid pregnancy, counsel patients to conceive when disease has been stable and inactive on appropriate medications, and assess relevant risk factors including renal disease, antiphospholipid antibody, and anti-Ro/SS-A and anti-La/SS-B antibodies. With careful planning, monitoring, and care, most women with SLE can anticipate a successful pregnancy.
FOXO3a regulates BNIP3 and modulates mitochondrial calcium, dynamics, and function in cardiac stress
Authors: Chaanine Antoine H. , Kohlbrenner Erik , Gamb Scott I. , Guenzel Adam J. , Klaus Katherine , Fayyaz Ahmed U. , Nair K. Sreekumaran , Hajjar Roger J. , Redfield Margaret M.
Published: September 2016

The forkhead box O3a (FOXO3a) transcription factor has been shown to regulate glucose metabolism, muscle atrophy, and cell death in postmitotic cells. Its role in regulation of mitochondrial and myocardial function is not well studied. Based on previous work, we hypothesized that FOXO3a, through BCL2/adenovirus E1B 19-kDa protein-interacting protein 3 (BNIP3), modulates mitochondrial morphology and function in heart failure (HF). We modulated the FOXO3a-BNIP3 pathway in normal and phenylephrine (PE)-stressed adult cardiomyocytes (ACM) in vitro and developed a cardiotropic adeno-associated virus serotype 9 encoding dominant-negative FOXO3a (AAV9.dn-FX3a) for gene delivery in a rat model of HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). We found that FOXO3a upregulates BNIP3 expression in normal and PE-stressed ACM, with subsequent increases in mitochondrial Ca2+, leading to decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, mitochondrial fragmentation, and apoptosis. Whereas dn-FX3a attenuated the increase in BNIP3 expression and its consequences in PE-stressed ACM, AAV9.dn-FX3a delivery in an experimental model of HFpEF decreased BNIP3 expression, reversed adverse left ventricular remodeling, and improved left ventricular systolic and, particularly, diastolic function, with improvements in mitochondrial structure and function. Moreover, AAV9.dn-FX3a restored phospholamban phosphorylation at S16 and enhanced dynamin-related protein 1 phosphorylation at S637. Furthermore, FOXO3a upregulates maladaptive genes involved in mitochondrial apoptosis, autophagy, and cardiac atrophy. We conclude that FOXO3a activation in cardiac stress is maladaptive, in that it modulates Ca2+ cycling, Ca2+ homeostasis, and mitochondrial dynamics and function. Our results suggest an important role of FOXO3a in HF, making it an attractive potential therapeutic target.

Listen to this article's corresponding podcast at http://ajpheart.podbean.com/e/role-of-foxo3a-in-heart-failure/ .