bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Guideline‐Recommended Medications and Physical Function in Older Adults with Multiple Chronic Conditions
Authors: McAvay Gail , Allore Heather G. , Cohen Andrew B. , Gnjidic Danijela , Murphy Terrence E. , Tinetti Mary E.
Published: September 2017

Background/Objectives

The benefit or harm of a single medication recommended for one specific condition can be difficult to determine in individuals with multiple chronic conditions and polypharmacy. There is limited information on the associations between guideline‐recommended medications and physical function in older adults with multiple chronic conditions. The objective of this study was to estimate the beneficial or harmful associations between guideline‐recommended medications and decline in physical function in older adults with multiple chronic conditions.

Design

Prospective observational cohort.

Setting

National.

Participants

Community‐dwelling adults aged 65 and older from the Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey study (N = 3,273). Participants with atrial fibrillation, coronary artery disease, depression, diabetes mellitus, or heart failure were included.

Measurements

Self‐reported decline in physical function; guideline‐recommended medications; polypharmacy (taking <7 vs ≥7 concomitant medications); chronic conditions; and sociodemographic, behavioral, and health risk factors.

Results

The risk of decline in function in the overall sample was highest in participants with heart failure (35.4%, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 26.3–44.5) and lowest for those with atrial fibrillation (20.6%, 95% CI = 14.9–26.2). In the overall sample, none of the six guideline‐recommended medications was associated with decline in physical function across the five study conditions, although in the group with low polypharmacy exposure, there was lower risk of decline in those with heart failure taking renin angiotensin system blockers (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.40, 95% CI = 0.16–0.99) and greater risk of decline in physical function for participants with diabetes mellitus taking statins (HR = 2.27, 95% CI = 1.39–3.69).

Conclusions

In older adults with multiple chronic conditions, guideline‐recommended medications for atrial fibrillation, coronary artery disease, depression, diabetes mellitus, and heart failure were largely not associated with self‐reported decline in physical function, although there were associations for some medications in those with less polypharmacy.
Disjunctivism and the Epistemological Holy Grail
Authors: Dewhurst Tess
Published: September 2017

The grounding or motivating intuitions behind internalism and externalism seem to be fundamentally at odds. If there is ever to be a viable or satisfying solution to the problem, it must satisfy the grounding intuitions behind both sides of the debate. Duncan Pritchard claims his theory of epistemological disjunctivism (ED) does just this, arguing that it could be the holy grail we have all been waiting for. However, I believe the holy grail is already out there in the form of the theory that knowledge is a mental state (KMS). In this article, I defend the idea the KMS is far better able to satisfy the internalist and externalist intuitions than ED.
CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated efficient targeted mutagenesis in grape in the first generation
Authors: Wang Xianhang , Tu Mingxing , Wang Dejun , Liu Jianwei , Li Yajuan , Li Zhi , Wang Yuejin , Wang Xiping
Published: September 2017

The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats‐associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) system is a powerful tool for editing plant genomes. Efficient genome editing of grape (Vitis vinifera) suspension cells using the type II CRISPR/Cas9 system has been demonstrated; however, it has not been established whether this system can be applied to get biallelic mutations in the first generation of grape. In this current study, we designed four guide RNAs for the VvWRKY52 transcription factor gene for using with the CRISPR/Cas9 system, and obtained transgenic plants via Agrobacterium‐mediated transformation, using somatic embryos of the Thompson Seedless cultivar. Analysis of the first‐generation transgenic plants verified 22 mutant plants of the 72 T‐DNA‐inserted plants. Of these, 15 lines carried biallelic mutations and seven were heterozygous. A range of RNA‐guided editing events, including large deletions, were found in the mutant plants, while smaller deletions comprised the majority of the detected mutations. Sequencing of potential off‐target sites for all four targets revealed no off‐target events. In addition, knockout of VvWRKY52 in grape increased the resistance to Botrytis cinerea. We conclude that the CRISPR/Cas9 system allows precise genome editing in the first generation of grape and represents a useful tool for gene functional analysis and grape molecular breeding.
An Attitude Towards an Artificial Soul? Responses to the “Nazi Chatbot”
Authors: Beran Ondřej
Published: September 2017

The article discusses the case of Microsoft's Twitter chatbot Tay that “turned into a Nazi” after less than 24 hours from its release on the Internet. The first section presents a brief recapitulation of Alan Turing's proposal for a test for artificial intelligence and the way it influenced subsequent discussions in the philosophy of mind. In the second section, I offer a few arguments appealing for caution regarding the identification of an accomplished chatbot as a thinking being. These are motivated principally by Ludwig Wittgenstein's discussions of mind and soul and by some Wittgensteinian philosophers' criticisms of AI endeavours. I will try to show that it is very difficult, if not impossible, to make sense of AIs such as chatbots as thinking beings, rather independently of their technical perfection and accomplishment. In the third section, the case of the “Nazi chatbot” Tay will offer me material for some light to be shed on the peculiar (primitive) character of our interconnected concepts of thinking, soul and person and on the importance of their further ramified connections.
Minimally invasive small intestinal exploration and targeted abdominal organ biopsy with a wound retraction device in 42 cats (2005‐2015)
Authors: Baron Jessica , Giuffrida Michelle , Mayhew Philipp D. , Singh Ameet , Case J. Brad , Culp William T. N. , Holt David E. , Mayhew Kelli N. , Runge Jeffrey J.
Published: September 2017

Objective

To describe the surgical technique and evaluate short‐term outcome after minimally invasive small intestinal exploration and targeted organ biopsy with a wound retractor device (WRD) in cats.

Study design

Multi‐institutional retrospective study.

Animals

Forty‐two cats.

Methods

A wound retractor was inserted into the abdomen on the ventral midline through a 2‐4 cm incision at the level of the umbilicus. Short segments (6‐10 cm long) of intestinal tract were sequentially exteriorized and explored through the WRD. Full thickness, small intestinal biopsies were obtained extracorporeally via the WRD. A commercially available single‐port device was inserted through the WRD for laparoscopic exploration of the abdomen.

Results

The majority of the small intestine could be exteriorized and explored through the WRD. In all cases, full thickness biopsies of the small intestine of diagnostic quality were obtained. The most common histological findings were inflammatory bowel disease (n = 16), intestinal lymphoma (n = 14), and eosinophilic enteritis (n = 7). Two cases required conversion to a traditional open laparotomy due to abdominal pathology diagnosed after placement of the WRD (abdominal adhesions and need for a splenectomy). Postoperative complications occurred in 4 of 39 cats (10.3%), leading to 2 deaths after discharge from the hospital.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

MISIETB with a WRD alone or combined with laparoscopy is a safe technique for small intestinal exploration and targeted abdominal organ biopsy in cats. Single‐port laparoscopy can effectively be performed through the WRD for complete abdominal exploration and biopsy of abdominal organs.
Outbreak of tularaemia connected to a contaminated well in the Västra Götaland region in Sweden
Authors: Lindhusen Lindhé E. , Hjertqvist M. , Wahab T.
Published: September 2017

Tularaemia, is a zoonotic disease caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis. This disease has been reported in Sweden since 1931 and its wide distribution in the country poses a challenge for understanding the transmission, ecology and epidemiology of the disease. In Sweden, the disease is usually transmitted by mosquitoes, but in this study we could show that consumption of well water was epidemiologically linked to the outbreak, by isolating F. tularensis from the water. In this article, we describe an outbreak of tularaemia in the region of Västra Götaland in the southwest of Sweden in spring of 2013.
Response Surface Methodology (RSM) for analysing culture conditions of Acidocella facilis strain USBA-GBX-505 and Partial Purification and Biochemical Characterization of Lipase 505 LIP
Authors: Bernal Luisa Fernanda , Lopez Gina , Ruiz Monica , Vera-Bravo Ricardo , Reyes Alejandro , Baena Sandra
Published: September 2017

Using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) we evaluated the culture conditions (nitrogen source, carbon source, pH and agitation rate) that increase the biomass of Acidocella facilis strain USBA-GBX-505 and therefore enhance the production of its lipolytic enzyme, 505 LIP. RSM results revealed that yeast extract and agitation were key culture factors that increased the growth-associated lipolytic activity by 4.5-fold (from 0.13 U.mg-1 to 0.6 U.mg-1). The 505 LIP lipase was partially purified using size-exclusion chromatography and ion-exchange chromatography. Its molecular weight was >77 kDa. The enzyme shows its optimum catalytic activity at 55 °C and pH 7.5. EDTA, PMSF, 1-butanol and DMSO inhibited enzymatic activity, whereas Tween 20, acetone, glycerol and methanol increased it. Metallic ions are not required for the activity of 505 LIP, and even have an inhibitory effect on the enzyme. This study shows the potential use of A. facilis strain USBA-GBX-505 for the production of a newly identified lipolytic enzyme, 505 LIP, which is stable at moderate temperatures and in the presence of organic solvents. These are important characteristics for the synthesis of many useful products.
Screening of polyketide genes from Brazilian Atlantic Forest soil
Authors: Castillo Arteaga Roger David , Ichiwaki Simone , Massini Karen , Maza-Garrido Leandro , Burbano-Rosero Edith Mariela , Padilla Gabriel
Published: September 2017

Soil is a large source of microorganisms with potential to produce bioactive compounds. Since most of them cannot be cultured, metagenomics has become a useful tool in order to evaluate this potential. The aim of this study was to screen biosynthetic polyketide genes (PKS) present in a metagenomic library constructed from a soil sample isolated from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. The library comprises 5000 clones with DNA inserts between 40 and 50 Kb. The characterization of the biosynthetic gene clusters of these molecules is a promising alternative to elucidate the biotechnological potential of bioactive compounds in microbial communities. The PKS genes were screened using degenerated primers. The positive clones for PKS systems were isolated, and their nucleotide sequences analysed with bioinformatics tools. The screening yielded two positive clones for PKS II genes. Furthermore, variations in the sequences of the PKS II genes from the metagenomic library were observed when compared with sequences of ketosynthases’ databases. With these findings we gain insight into the possible relation between new biosynthetic genes and the production of new secondary metabolites.
Variations in β(T)-function due to addition of LiI-4AgI system
Authors: Lozano Zapata Carlos Alberto , Peña Lara Diego , Correa Gallego Hernando
Published: September 2017

Impedance spectroscopy measurements of the LiI-4AgI samples, in the frequency range 20 Hz{1 MHz, and in the temperature range between 353 K and 378 K were made. Both pure and lithium-doped silver iodide showed blocking phenomena in the electrodes and the grain boundary. The blocking phenomena allowed a change in the transport properties of the pure compound in respect to the doped compound as the temperature varied. The curves of electrical modulus in the LiI-4AgI system show asymmetric peaks corresponding with a weak correlation between mobile ions in the diusion process. The electrical conductivity in the AgI-LiI system can be described using a stretched relaxation function of the Kohlrausch-Williams-Watts (KWW) type. We speculat e that the phase of lithium dissolved in the silver iodide favors the formation of islands that disperses the conductivity due to the modication of the relationship among the microscopic energies: microscopic energy and migration energy.
A Rubber Bag for Liquid Cargo to Improve Ship Collision Resistance
Authors: Kubiczek Jan M. , Ehlers Sören , Molter Lars
Published: September 2017

Collisions and grounding accidents of ships, but also the failure of the hull-integrity, can lead to oil leakage. Examples are the Rena in 2011, the Hebei Spirit in 2007, and the much known accident of the Prestige in 2002. Consequently, research regarding the enhancement of the structural design to increase the safety-level of ships in case of accidents is important. In this paper, the use of a rubber bag as a second barrier is presented as an alternative concept to prevent oil leakage in case of accidents. The influence of the rubber bag is investigated using the exemplary simulation of a ship collision. A simplified tanker side structure as well as a box-shaped rubber bag is analyzed with the finite element (FE) method. The material model for the rubber bag is calibrated with tensile tests to obtain the required material parameters. The reaction forces and the associated penetration depth are analyzed. The comparison is done between the structure with and without the rubber bag. For the latter, the general behavior of an empty tank in a ship side structure is compared with the large-scale experimental results. Furthermore, an additional increase of the collision resistance of the ship due to the rubber bag without changing the common structural design is discussed.
Investigating Effect of Space Radiation Environment on Piezoelectric Sensors: Cobalt-60 Irradiation Experiment
Authors: Anderson Mary , Zagrai Andrei N. , Daniel Joshua D. , Westpfahl David J. , Henneke Dale
Published: September 2017

Piezoelectric sensors are used in many structural health monitoring (SHM) methods to interrogate the condition of the structure to which the sensors are affixed or embedded. Among SHM methods utilizing thin wafer piezoelectric sensors, embedded ultrasonics is seen as a promising approach to assess condition of space structures. If SHM is to be implemented in space vehicles, it is imperative to determine the effects of the extreme space environment on piezoelectric sensors in order to discern between actual structural damage and environmental effects. The near-Earth space environment comprises extreme temperatures, vacuum, atomic oxygen, microgravity, micrometeoroids and debris, and significant amounts of radiation. Gamma radiation can be used to emulate the space radiation environment. In this contribution, the effects of gamma radiation on piezoelectric ceramic sensors are investigated for equivalent gamma radiation exposure of more than a year on low Earth orbit (LEO). Two experiments were conducted in which cobalt-60 was utilized as the source of radiation. Freely supported piezoelectric sensors were exposed to increasing levels of gamma radiation. Impedance data were collected for the sensors after each radiation exposure. The results show that piezoelectric ceramic material is affected by gamma radiation. Over the course of increasing exposure levels to cobalt-60, the impedance frequencies of the free sensors increased with each absorbed dose. The authors propose that the mechanism causing these impedance changes is due to gamma rays affecting piezoelectric, electric, and elastic constants of the piezoelectric ceramic. A theoretical model describing observed effects is presented.
Breast cystic lesions: Not so simple after all? An ultrasonographic tactical approach
Authors: Ciurea Anca Ileana , Iacoban Cătălin George , Herţa Hanelore Argentina , Ciortea Cristiana Augusta
Published: September 2017

A wide spectrum of breast diseases breast diseases have or exhibit at some point in their natural history a complex cystic aspect. Through the lens of B-mode and Doppler ultrasound with sonoelastographic augmentation, conditions ranging from the utterly benign fibrocystic change to the most intricate encysted or cystically degenerated cancerous lesions, are covered in detail in this review. The aim of this paper is to familiarize the practitioner with the ultrasonographic aspects of complex breast cystic masses and to implement a gradual, strategic approach in the diagnostic algorithm.
Water on the surface of the Moon as seen by the Moon Mineralogy Mapper: Distribution, abundance, and origins
Authors: Li Shuai , Milliken Ralph E.
Published: September 2017

Spectral reflectance data are used to determine the formation, distribution, and variation of water across the lunar surface.
Webinar | Deciphering cancer: Understanding tumor invasion and the metastatic microenvironment
Authors: Lyden David C. , Rafii Shahin
Published: September 2017

Tumor metastasis is a multistep process that includes stimulation of angiogenesis, intravasation of tumor cells into blood or lymphatic vessels, and subsequent engraftment and extravasation to peripheral tissues where secondary tumors are seeded. It is known that metastatic progression is driven by mutational and epigenetic changes in tumor cells, but more recent efforts have focused on the evolving interplay between the tumor cell and the tumor microenvironment (TME) during invasion and transition from micrometastasis to macrometastasis. Whether the tumor cell or the subverted vascular niche/premetastatic niche is the driver of TME evolution remains the subject of debate. This webinar examines the role of tumor-secreted factors, including exosomes and tumor vascular niche—derived protumorigenic factors in tumor—environment interactions, and their implications for development of therapeutic interventions to arrest metastasis.
Without inclusion, diversity initiatives may not be enough
Authors: Puritty Chandler , Strickland Lynette R. , Alia Eanas , Blonder Benjamin , Klein Emily , Kohl Michel T. , McGee Earyn , Quintana Maclovia , Ridley Robyn E. , Tellman Beth , Gerber Leah R.
Published: September 2017

Focus on minority experiences in STEM, not just numbers
The refrigerant is also the pump
Authors: Zhang Q. M. , Zhang Tian
Published: September 2017

An electrocaloric polymer cooler efficiently pumps heat from cold to hot reservoirs
Papers of note in
Nature
545
(7655)
Authors: VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: September 2017

This week’s articles focus on cancer immunotherapy, the plant immune response, and the human protein interactome.
Dose of Retroviral Infection Determines Induction of Antiviral NK Cell Responses
Authors: Littwitz-Salomon Elisabeth , Schimmer Simone , Dittmer Ulf
Published: September 2017

Natural killer (NK) cells are part of the innate immune system and recognize virus-infected cells as well as tumor cells. Conflicting data about the beneficial or even detrimental role of NK cells in different infectious diseases have been described previously. While the type of pathogen strongly influences NK cell functionality, less is known about how the infection dose influences the quality of a NK cell response against retroviruses. In this study, we used the well-established Friend retrovirus (FV) mouse model to investigate the impact of virus dose on the induction of antiviral NK cell functions. High-dose virus inoculation increased initial virus replication compared to that with medium- or low-dose viral challenge and significantly improved NK cell activation. Antiviral NK cell activity, includingin vivocytotoxicity toward infected target cells, was also enhanced by high-dose virus infection. NK cell activation following high-dose viral challenge was likely mediated by activated dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages and the NK cell-stimulating cytokines interleukin 15 (IL-15) and IL-18. Neutralization of these cytokines decreased NK cell functions and increased viral loads, whereas IL-15 and IL-18 therapy improved NK cell activity. Here we demonstrate that virus dose positively correlates with antiviral NK cell activity and function, which are at least partly driven by IL-15 and IL-18. Our results suggest that NK cell activity may be therapeutically enhanced by administering IL-15 and IL-18 in virus infections that inadequately activate NK cells.

IMPORTANCEIn infections with retroviruses, like HIV and FV infection of mice, NK cells clearly mediate antiviral activities, but they are usually not sufficient to prevent severe pathology. Here we show that the initial infection dose impacts the induction of an antiviral NK cell response during an acute retroviral infection, which had not investigated before. High-dose infection resulted in a strong NK cell functionality, whereas no antiviral activities were detected after low- or medium-dose infection. Interestingly, DCs and macrophages were highly activated after high-dose FV challenge, which corresponded with increased levels of NK cell-stimulating cytokines IL-15 and IL-18. IL-15 and IL-18 neutralization decreased NK cell functions, whereas IL-15 and IL-18 therapy improved NK cell activity. Here we show the importance of cytokines for NK cell activation in retroviral infections; our findings suggest that immunotherapy combining the well-tolerated cytokines IL-15 and IL-18 might be an interesting approach for antiretroviral treatment.
Exploring the Human-Nipah Virus Protein-Protein Interactome
Authors: Martinez-Gil Luis , Vera-Velasco Natalia M. , Mingarro Ismael
Published: September 2017

Nipah virus is an emerging, highly pathogenic, zoonotic virus of the
Paramyxoviridae
family. Human transmission occurs by close contact with infected animals, the consumption of contaminated food, or, occasionally, via other infected individuals. Currently, we lack therapeutic or prophylactic treatments for Nipah virus. To develop these agents we must now improve our understanding of the host-virus interactions that underpin a productive infection. This aim led us to perform the present work, in which we identified 101 human-Nipah virus protein-protein interactions (PPIs), most of which (88) are novel. This data set provides a comprehensive view of the host complexes that are manipulated by viral proteins. Host targets include the PRP19 complex and the microRNA (miRNA) processing machinery. Furthermore, we explored the biologic consequences of the interaction with the PRP19 complex and found that the Nipah virus W protein is capable of altering p53 control and gene expression. We anticipate that these data will help in guiding the development of novel interventional strategies to counter this emerging viral threat.

IMPORTANCE
Nipah virus is a recently discovered virus that infects a wide range of mammals, including humans. Since its discovery there have been yearly outbreaks, and in some of them the mortality rate has reached 100% of the confirmed cases. However, the study of Nipah virus has been largely neglected, and currently we lack treatments for this infection. To develop these agents we must now improve our understanding of the host-virus interactions that underpin a productive infection. In the present work, we identified 101 human-Nipah virus protein-protein interactions using an affinity purification approach coupled with mass spectrometry. Additionally, we explored the cellular consequences of some of these interactions. Globally, this data set offers a comprehensive and detailed view of the host machinery's contribution to the Nipah virus's life cycle. Furthermore, our data present a large number of putative drug targets that could be exploited for the treatment of this infection.
Predictors of radio-induced visual impairment after radiosurgery for uveal melanoma
Authors: Gigliotti Carmen Rosaria , Modorati Giulio , Di Nicola Maura , Fiorino Claudio , Perna Lucia Alessia , Miserocchi Elisabetta , Franzin Alberto , Picozzi Piero , Bolognesi Angelo , Mortini Pietro , del Vecchio Antonella , Calandrino Riccardo
Published: September 2017

Aims

The aim of the present work is to assess the main predictors of the most clinically relevant radio-induced effects after Gamma Knife stereotactic radiosurgery (GKRS) for uveal melanoma (UM).

Materials and methods

Medical records and three-dimensional dosimetry data of critical structures of 66 patients were retrospectively reviewed. Cox’s proportional hazard model was used to identify clinical and dosimetric variables as independent risk factor for GKRS-related complications.

Results

The fraction of the posterior segment receiving more than 20Gy (V20), Bruch’s membrane rupture and tumour thickness were significant prognostic factors for neovascular glaucoma. A clear relationship with the dose received by 1% of the optic nerve (D1%) was found for radiation retinopathy and papillopathy. Multivariables models resulted for visual acuity (VA) reduction >20% of the basal value and for complete VA loss, both including largest tumour diameter and D1% to the optic nerve. The predictive model for complete VA loss includes also Bruch’s membrane rupture. An alternative model for complete visual acuity loss, including the optic nerve-prescription isodose minimum distance, was also suggested.

Conclusions

We found clinical and dosimetric variables to clearly predict the risk of the main side effects after GKRS for UM. These results may provide dose constraints to critical structures, potentially able to reduce side effects. Constraining D1% to the optic nerve below 12-13Gy may result in a dramatic reduction of blindness risk, while reducing V20 of the posterior segment of the bulb could limit the neovascular glaucoma onset.
What factors are associated with reporting lacking interest in sex and how do these vary by gender? Findings from the third British national survey of sexual attitudes and lifestyles
Authors: Graham Cynthia A , Mercer Catherine H , Tanton Clare , Jones Kyle G , Johnson Anne M , Wellings Kaye , Mitchell Kirstin R
Published: September 2017

Objectives

To investigate factors associated with reporting lacking interest in sex and how these vary by gender.

Setting

British general population.

Design

Complex survey analyses of data collected for a cross-sectional probability sample survey, undertaken 2010–2012, specifically logistic regression to calculate age-adjusted OR (AOR) to identify associated factors.

Participants

4839 men and 6669 women aged 16–74 years who reported ≥1 sexual partner (opposite-sex or same-sex) in the past year for the third National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles (Natsal-3).

Main outcome measure

Lacking interest in sex for ≥3 months in the past year.

Results

Overall, 15.0% (13.9–16.2) of men and 34.2% (32.8–35.5) of women reported lacking interest in sex. This was associated with age and physical and mental health for both men and women, including self-reported general health and current depression. Lacking interest in sex was more prevalent among men and women reporting sexually transmitted infection diagnoses (ever), non-volitional sex (ever) and holding sexual attitudes related to normative expectations about sex. Some gender similarities in associated relationship and family-related factors were evident, including partner having had sexual difficulties in the last year (men: AOR 1.41 (1.07–1.86); women: AOR 1.60 (1.32–1.94)), not feeling emotionally close to partner during sex (men: 3.74 (1.76–7.93); women: 4.80 (2.99–7.69) and ease of talking about sex (men: 1.53 (1.23–1.90);women: 2.06 (1.77–2.39)). Among women only, lack of interest in sex was higher among those in a relationship of >1 year in duration and those not sharing the same level of interest (4.57 (3.87–5.38)) or preferences (2.91 (2.22–3.83)) with a partner.

Conclusions

Both gender similarities and differences were found in factors associated with lacking interest in sex, with the most marked differences in relation to some relationship variables. Findings highlight the need to assess, and if appropriate, treat lacking interest in sex in a holistic and relationship-specific way.
The level of heparin-induced antibodies in correlation with the result of the flow cytometric functional assay in the patients with suspected HIT
Authors: Maličev Elvira , Maček Kvanka Marjeta , Klemenc Polona , Rožman Primož
Published: September 2017

Heparin can induce the formation of antibodies against a heparin complex with a platelet factor 4 (PF4), leading to platelet activation and the development of heparin-induced thrombocytopaenia (HIT). Because screening ELISA does not discriminate between platelet activating and non-activating anti-heparin/PF4 antibodies, each positive result is confirmed by an additional functional assay. We analysed 1004 sera of patients with suspected HIT. Optical density (OD) values of ELISA-positive results were correlated with the risk for a positive result with our functional flow cytometric assay. Only 10.7% were ELISA positive and 59.8% of those were positive with the functional assay. The positive functional assay was found in 23.4% of patients with OD<1.0, in 57.7% with 1.0<OD<2.0 and in 94.1% with OD>2.0. Although our results showed that higher ELISA OD values increasethe possibility of the presence of platelet-activating anti-heparin/PF4 antibodies , there is no need for improving ELISA cut-off value for positive result.
Muscular contraction frequency does not affect plasma homocysteine concentration in response to energy expenditure- and intensity-matched acute exercise in sedentary males
Authors: Úbeda Natalia , Carson Brian P. , García-González Ángela , Aguilar-Ros Antonio , Díaz-Martínez Ángel Enrique , Venta Rafael , Terrados Nicolás , O’Gorman Donal J. , Iglesias-Gutiérrez Eduardo
Published: September 2017

Acute exercise seems to increase total plasma homocysteine (tHcy); since this variable associated with cardiovascular risk, it is important to understand the determinants of its response to all types of exercise. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of cycling at 2 different rates of muscle contraction on the complete tHcy kinetics. Eight young sedentary males were required to complete 2 isocaloric (400 kcal) acute exercise trials at 50% peak oxygen uptake on separate occasions at 50 or 80 rpm. Blood samples were drawn at different points before (4 h before exercise and immediately before exercise), during (10, 20, 30, 45, and 60 min during exercise), and after exercise (immediately and 19 h after exercise). Dietary and lifestyle factors were controlled during the research. Maximum tHcy occurred during exercise for both conditions (50 rpm: 11.4 ± 2.7 μmol·L–1; 80 rpm: 10.8 ± 3.2 μmol·L–1). From this point onwards tHcy declined until the cessation of exercise and continued descending below pre-exercise values at 19 h postexercise (p < 0.05). No hyperhomocysteinemia were observed at any sampling point in both trials. In conclusion, the different muscular contraction frequency during exercise has no impact on tHcy during an acute bout of exercise in sedentary individuals, when at least 400 kcal are spent during exercise and the nutritional status for folate, B12, and B6is adequate. This information is relevant to further inform healthy exercise prescription, not only in terms of duration and intensity of exercise, but also taking into account frequency of contraction.
Does the number of genital organs matter? Case of the seal tapeworm Diphyllobothrium (syn. Diplogonoporus) tetrapterum (Cestoda: Diphyllobothriidea)
Authors: Hernández-Orts Jesús S. , Scholz Tomáš , Brabec Jan , Kuzmina Tetiana , Kuchta Roman
Published: September 2017

The seal tapeworm Diphyllobothrium tetrapterum (von Siebold, 1848) Baer, 1932 (syn. Diplogonoporus tetrapterus) is exceptional among cestodes because it possesses two types of the strobila, one with a multiple set of genitalia per proglottid and another with a single set of reproductive organs per proglottid. In this study, Diph. tetrapterum is redescribed on the basis of extensive, well-fixed material from the northern fur seal (Callorhinus ursinus (Linnaeus, 1758)) from Alaska, USA. A critical morphological and molecular study of comprehensive material from several hosts throughout the Northern Hemisphere is provided. As a result, Diplogonoporus mutabilis Belopolskaia, 1960 and Diplogonoporus violettae Yurakhno, 1986 become junior synonyms of Diph. tetrapterum. Our study provides evidence of intraspecific and even individual variability of Diph. tetrapterum in the number of genital complexes, thus making this generic feature questionable for circumscription of the diphyllobothriid genera. The seal tapeworm has been found exclusively in the Northern Hemisphere and exhibits a wide (euryxenous) specificity at the level of the definitive host, having been found in a number of seals, the sea otter (Enhydra lutris (Linnaeus, 1758)), and exceptionally, in other terrestrial mammals. Plerocercoids of Diph. tetrapterum are reported from the second (fish) intermediate host for the first time, in this case the pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha (Walbaum, 1792)) from Alaska.
Fradkin–Shenker continuity and “instead-of-confinement” phase
Authors: Shifman M. , Yung A.
Published: September 2017

In 1979, Fradkin and Shenker observed [Phys. Rev. D 19, 3682 (1979)] that if one considers a Yang–Mills theory fully Higgsed by virtue of scalar fields in the fundamental representation of the SU(N) gauge group there is no phase transition in passing from the Higgs regime (weak coupling) to the “QCD confinement” regime at strong coupling. The above two regimes are continuously connected. We combine this observations with lessons from supersymmetric gauge theories which show that the Higgs phase is continuously connected to what is called “instead-of-confinement” phase rather than the phase with quark confinement. In the “instead-of-confinement” phase monopoles are confined and play a role of “constituent” quarks inside hadrons. In contrast, the Seiberg–Witten phase of quark confinement is not analytically connected to the Higgs phase.

We propose dedicated lattice studies of Yang–Mills theories with scalar quarks.
Comparison study of the pT distributions of the charged particles in p–Pb interactions at LHC energies
Authors: Ali Y. , Tabassam U. , Suleymanov M. , Bhatti A. S.
Published: September 2017

Transverse momentum [Formula: see text] distributions of primary charged particles were compared to simulations using the Ultra Relativistic Quantum Molecular Dynamics (UrQMD) transport model and the HIJING 1.0 model in minimum bias p–Pb collisions at [Formula: see text] in the pseudorapidity [Formula: see text] regions: [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] and in the transverse momentum range [Formula: see text]. The simulated distributions were then compared with the ALICE data and it was observed that UrQMD predicts systematically higher yields than HIJING 1.0. Both codes cannot describe the experimental data in the range of [Formula: see text], though in the region of [Formula: see text] the model predictions are very close to the experimental results for particles with [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]. The ratio of the yield at forward pseudorapidity to that at [Formula: see text] was also studied. It was observed that the predictions of the models depend on [Formula: see text]. In the experiment there is no essential difference of yields for particles from the intervals of [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. The differences are significant for the models where the ratios are systematically less than 1. This means that the results are not connected to a medium effect but reflect the Cronin effect. We are led to conclude that the codes cannot take into account satisfactorily the leading effect due to the asymmetric p–Pb fragmentation.
BIST-Based Low Power Test Vector Generator and Minimizing Bulkiness of VLSI Architecture
Authors: Praveen J. , Shanmukha Swamy M. N.
Published: September 2017

In several pseudorandom built-in self-test (BIST) circuits, the applied test vectors will be generated by a linear feedback shift register (LFSR). This type of test pattern generator (TPG) may generate some repeated test patterns, which unnecessarily increases the test power without contributing much to the fault coverage. Based on the vast designs of TPG engine, the chip area also increases by contributing for the overall power consumption of the IC. This paper presents an approach called low power — bit complements test vector generation (LP-BCTVG) technique with bipartite (half fixed) and bit insertion (either 0 or 1) techniques. In order to reduce the test power, the LP-BCTVG inserts appropriate intermediate vectors in between consecutive test vectors generated by LFSR circuit. Hence, the application of final output vectors of LP-BCTVG circuit over circuit under test decreases the test power compared with LFSR-based BIST. By complementing the output bits of LP-BCTVG, we can reduce the bulkiness of TPG engine approximately by half. This further contributes to the reduced IC size. The obtained simulation results prove that this technique can reduce the overall test power consumption along with better fault coverage when compared with LFSR-based BIST and other recent methods. Here, the proposed approach has been tested on several ISCAS’85, ISCAS’89 and ITC’99 benchmark circuits.
A Power-Enhanced Active Rectifier with Offset-Controlled Comparator for Self-Powered PEH Systems
Authors: Liu Lianxi , Pang Yanbo , Liao Xufeng , Zhu Zhangming , Yang Yintang
Published: September 2017

In this paper, a power-enhanced active rectifier with high precision of current detection for piezoelectric energy harvesting (PEH) system is presented. A traditional two-stage active rectifier is adopted, which includes a first-stage negative voltage converter and an active diode. A comparator with offset control technique is proposed; thus the input-referred offset voltage of the proposed comparator can be less than 1[Formula: see text]mV. The current detected accuracy of the proposed offset-controlled comparator (OCC) is improved by more than 10 times over a traditional comparator. Output oscillations of the OCC are dramatically reduced attributing to the high precision of current detection. In addition, the OCC is also able to prevent the reverse leakage current. The design is implemented in an SMIC 0.18[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m standard CMOS technology with a chip area of 0.22[Formula: see text]mm2. The measurement results show that the maximum output power, power conversion efficiency and figure of merit are 23.3[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]W, 90%, and 0.9, respectively, when the open-circuit voltage is 2.4[Formula: see text]V. The proposed rectifier can be self-powered without the additional external supply.
Improved Algorithms for Grid-Unfolding Orthogonal Polyhedra
Authors: Chang Yi-Jun , Yen Hsu-Chun
Published: September 2017

An unfolding of a polyhedron is a single connected planar piece without overlap resulting from cutting and flattening the surface of the polyhedron. Even for orthogonal polyhedra, it is known that edge-unfolding, i.e., cuts are performed only along the edges of a polyhedron, is not sufficient to guarantee a successful unfolding in general. However, if additional cuts parallel to polyhedron edges are allowed, it has been shown that every orthogonal polyhedron of genus zero admits a grid-unfolding with quadratic refinement. Using a new unfolding technique developed in this paper, we improve upon the previous result by showing that linear refinement suffices. For 1-layer orthogonal polyhedra of genus [Formula: see text], we show a grid-unfolding algorithm using only [Formula: see text] additional cuts, affirmatively answering an open problem raised in a recent literature. Our approach not only requires fewer cuts but yields much simpler algorithms.
CORPORATE ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN SOUTH AFRICA: THE ROLE OF ORGANIZATIONAL FACTORS AND ENTREPRENEURIAL ALERTNESS IN ADVANCING INNOVATIVENESS
Authors: URBAN BORIS
Published: September 2017

The scope of corporate entrepreneurship (CE) is broadening as firms embrace CE to survive and succeed in dynamic, uncertain markets. Although scholars have focused on the organizational factors necessary to foster CE, it is important to understand not just what the organizational context must look like, but also to understand how entrepreneurial alertness may facilitate CE activity. Contrary to most studies on CE, this study takes place in a non-Western context, where a survey is used to collect data from 784 respondents at South African firms. Results reveal it is the organizational antecedents of reward and reinforcement, time and resource availability, and flexible organizational boundaries that positively influence CE innovativeness. Additionally, when entrepreneurial alertness is added into the equation, the amount of variance explained in CE innovativeness is increased substantially. These findings highlight the relevance of focusing on firm-based entrepreneurial behavior as opposed to only independent startups in an Africa context.
Influence of biases in numerical magnitude allocation on human prosocial decision making
Authors: Arshad Qadeer , Nigmatullina Yuliya , Siddiqui Shuaib , Franka Mustafa , Mediratta Saniya , Ramachandaran Sanjeev , Lobo Rhannon , Malhotra Paresh A. , Roberts R. E. , Bronstein Adolfo M.
Published: September 2017

Over the past decade neuroscientific research has attempted to probe the neurobiological underpinnings of human prosocial decision making. Such research has almost ubiquitously employed tasks such as the dictator game or similar variations (i.e., ultimatum game). Considering the explicit numerical nature of such tasks, it is surprising that the influence of numerical cognition on decision making during task performance remains unknown. While performing these tasks, participants typically tend to anchor on a 50:50 split that necessitates an explicit numerical judgement (i.e., number-pair bisection). Accordingly, we hypothesize that the decision-making process during the dictator game recruits overlapping cognitive processes to those known to be engaged during number-pair bisection. We observed that biases in numerical magnitude allocation correlated with the formulation of decisions during the dictator game. That is, intrinsic biases toward smaller numerical magnitudes were associated with the formulation of less favorable decisions, whereas biases toward larger magnitudes were associated with more favorable choices. We proceeded to corroborate this relationship by subliminally and systematically inducing biases in numerical magnitude toward either higher or lower numbers using a visuo-vestibular stimulation paradigm. Such subliminal alterations in numerical magnitude allocation led to proportional and corresponding changes to an individual’s decision making during the dictator game. Critically, no relationship was observed between neither intrinsic nor induced biases in numerical magnitude on decision making when assessed using a nonnumerical-based prosocial questionnaire. Our findings demonstrate numerical influences on decisions formulated during the dictator game and highlight the necessity to control for confounds associated with numerical cognition in human decision-making paradigms.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY We demonstrate that intrinsic biases in numerical magnitude can directly predict the amount of money donated by an individual to an anonymous stranger during the dictator game. Furthermore, subliminally inducing perceptual biases in numerical-magnitude allocation can actively drive prosocial choices in the corresponding direction. Our findings provide evidence for numerical influences on decision making during performance of the dictator game. Accordingly, without the implementation of an adequate control for numerical influences, the dictator game and other tasks with an inherent numerical component (i.e., ultimatum game) should be employed with caution in the assessment of human behavior.
Probing the Anomalous FCNC tqγ Couplings at Large Hadron Electron Collider
Authors: Turk Cakir I. , Yilmaz A. , Denizli H. , Senol A. , Karadeniz H. , Cakir O.
Published: September 2017

We investigate the anomalous flavour changing neutral current (FCNC) interactions of top quark through the process e-p→e-W±q+X. We calculate the signal and background cross sections in electron-proton collisions at Large Hadron electron Collider (LHeC) with a 7 TeV proton beam from the LHC and a new 60 GeV electron beam from energy recovery linac (ERL). We study the relevant background processes including one electron and three jets in the final state. The distributions of the invariant mass of two jets and an additional jet tagged as b-jet are used to account for signal and background events after the analysis cuts. We find upper bounds on anomalous FCNC couplings λ of the order of 10-2 at LHeC for a luminosity projection of 500 fb-1 together with the fast simulation of detector effects. As a matter of interest, we analyze the sensitivity to the couplings (λu, λc) and find an enhanced sensitivity to λc at the LHeC when compared to the results from the HERA.
Prognostic Significance of Preoperative and Postoperative Complement C3 Depletion in Gastric Cancer: A Three-Year Survival Investigation
Authors: Ye Jinning , Ren Yufeng , Chen Jianhui , Song Wu , Chen Chuangqi , Cai Shirong , Tan Min , Yuan Yujie , He Yulong
Published: September 2017

Objectives. The role of complement system in predicting prognosis of gastric cancer (GC) remains obscured. This study aims to explore the incidence of complement C3 depletion and associated outcomes in GC patients. Methods. between August 2013 and December 2013, 106 patients with gastric adenocarcinoma were prospectively analyzed. Plasma levels of complement C3 and C4 were detected at baseline, one day before surgery, and postoperative day 3, respectively. Patients with low C3 levels (<0.75 mg/mL) were considered as having complement depletion (CD), while others with normal C3 levels were included as control. The 3-year overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), and other outcomes were compared between both groups, with the CD incidence explored meanwhile. Results. The CD incidence was 28.3% before surgery but increased to 37.7% after surgery. Preoperative CD was related to prolonged hospital stay (22.7 versus 19.2 day, P=0.032) and increased postoperative complications (33.3% versus 14.5%, P=0.030) and hospital costs (P=0.013). Besides, postoperative C3 depletion was significantly associated with decreased 3-year OS (P=0.022) and DFS (P=0.003). Moreover, postoperative C3 depletion and advanced tumor stage were independent predictive factors of poor prognosis. Conclusions. Complement C3 depletion occurring in gastric cancer was associated with poor short-term and long-term outcomes.