bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feasibility of 24-Hr Urine Collection for Measurement of Biomarkers in Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Stuver Sherri O. , Lyons Jennifer , Coviello Andrea , Fredman Lisa
Published: January 2016

Biologic markers are becoming a key part of gerontological research, including their measurement at multiple intervals to detect changes over time. This report examined the feasibility and quality of 24-hr urine collection to measure neuroendocrine biomarkers in a community-based sample of older caregivers and non-caregivers. At each interview, participants were instructed on the correct method to collect and store the sample. As incentives, participants selected a day for urine collection within 5 days of the interview, received a reimbursement, and study staff travelled to their home to retrieve the specimen. Between 2008 and 2013, 256 participants were enrolled; all but two participants (99%) provided a baseline urine specimen, of which 93% were considered adequate. Urine collection and quality remained high over three annual follow-up interviews and did not vary by caregiver status or perceived stress level. Our results indicate that 24-hr urine collection is feasible in active, community-dwelling older adults.
Autism in Phenylketonuria Patients
Authors: Khemir Sameh , Halayem Soumeyya , Azzouz Hatem , Siala Hajer , Ferchichi Maherzia , Guedria Asma , Bedoui Amel , Abdelhak Sonia , Messaoud Taieb , Tebib Neji , Belhaj Ahlem , Kaabachi Naziha
Published: January 2016

Autism has been reported in untreated patients with phenylketonuria. The authors aimed to explore autism in 15 Tunisian and 4 Algerian phenylketonuria patients, and report their clinical, biochemical and molecular peculiarities. The Childhood Autism Rating Scale and the Autism Diagnostic Interview–Revised were used for the diagnosis of autism. Five exons of phenylalanine hydroxylase gene (7, 6, 10, 11, and 5) were amplified by polymerase chain reaction and directly sequenced. Among these patients, 15 were suffering from autism at the time of evaluation. Six mutations were identified: p.E280K, p.G352Vfs, IVS10nt11, p.I224T, p.R261Q, and p.R252W. There was no correlation between autism and mutations affecting the phenylalanine hydroxylase gene, but the age of diet onset was the determining factor in autistic symptoms’ evolution.
Functionalized graphene oxide-based thermosensitive hydrogel for near-infrared chemo-photothermal therapy on tumor
Authors: Zhu Xiali , Zhang Yingjie , Huang Heqing , Zhang Huijuan , Hou Lin , Zhang Zhenzhong
Published: January 2016

Purpose

A functionalized graphene oxide-based thermosensitive hydrogel loaded with docetaxel for intratumoral delivery was designed to enhance therapeutic efficacy and alleviate system toxicity.

Methods

First, graphene oxide was functionalized with chitosan to acquire high stability in physiological solutions. And then docetaxel–graphene oxide/chitosan gel was formed by mixed docetaxel–graphene oxide/chitosan suspension with hydrogel which was made from Poloxamer 407 and Poloxamer 188. Cellular uptake, antitumor effect in vitro and in vivo, cell apoptosis, and biodistribution of docetaxel–graphene oxide/chitosan gel were investigated, compared with the docetaxel solution.

Results

Graphene oxide/chitosan was stable in physiological solution, and docetaxel released much slower from docetaxel–graphene oxide/chitosan gel with a pH-responsive feature. Compared with free docetaxel, docetaxel–graphene oxide/chitosan could afford higher antitumor efficacy in Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 (MCF-7) cells in vitro. Furthermore, docetaxel–grapheme oxide/chitosan gel which was injected within tumor could afford higher concentration and longer resident time in tumor tissues of mice in vivo, without obvious toxic effects to normal organs. Meanwhile, the combination of near-infrared laser irradiation at 808 nm significantly enhanced tumor inhibition in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusions

Docetaxel–graphene oxide/chitosan gel in combination with 808 nm near-infrared laser irradiation had great potential for cancer chemo-photothermal therapy.
‘If you are having a go at me, I am going to have a go at you’: the changing nature of social relationships of bank work under performance management
Authors: Laaser Knut
Published: January 2016

Over the last three decades work and employment in the private and public sector are increasingly subject to marketization processes. A defining feature of marketized employment is the rise of performance management systems (PMS). This article utilizes a novel framework of Sayer’s moral economy approach and labour process theory to explore the changing nature of bank work and social relationships between branch managers and branch workers before and after the implementation of PMS in UK banks. This article illustrates how the social and moral texture of the social relationships between branch workers and their managers deteriorated after the implementation of PMS, resulting in the rise of hostile forms of engagement.
Optimization-based radial active magnetic bearing controller design and verification for flexible rotors
Authors: Liu Bin , Sjöberg Johan , Laiho Antti
Published: January 2016

Engineering costs, especially cost for controller design, are substantial and obstruct active magnetic bearings for broader industrial applications. An optimization-based active magnetic bearing controller design method is developed to solve this problem. Optimization criteria are selected to describe active magnetic bearing practical performance. Controller components are chosen considering that the parameters can be manually interpreted and modified on-site for commissioning. A multi-objective optimization toolbox can be used to tune the controller parameters automatically by minimizing the optimization criteria. The method has been verified within a controller design process for an active magnetic bearing levitated machine. With this method, engineering effort for controller design can be reduced significantly.
The isotopic response of Lake Chenghai, SW China, to hydrologic modification from human activity
Authors: Hillman Aubrey L , Abbott Mark B , Yu JunQing , Steinman Byron A , Bain Daniel J
Published: January 2016

The human modification of lake hydrology is widespread in the industrial era; however, anthropogenic impacts have occurred for thousands of years in regions of the world with long histories of human occupation. Here, we use geochemical analyses of lake sediment to document the isotopic and geochemical response of Cheng Lake (Chenghai) in southwestern China to catchment modification, including the construction of a downstream dam. The Chenghai record indicates that land-use changes affected the lake/catchment by at least AD 1150 as evidenced by an increased flux of terrestrial organic matter, sediment with high concentrations of sorbed metals, and variations in stable isotopes of oxygen in precipitated aragonite. Decreases in magnetic susceptibility and metal concentrations after AD 1360 indicate a change in sediment basin dynamics. The construction of a downstream dam between AD 1573 and 1620 caused positive shifts in the isotopic composition of aragonite, indicative of increased evaporative loss and a longer water residence time. A lake-level drop by AD 1779 is accompanied by a decrease in organic carbon and a lighter nitrogen isotopic composition that suggests the oxidation of organic matter and/or reduced primary productivity. These changes closely coincide with shifts in climate variability (such as the termination of the ‘Little Ice Age’) inferred from other, regional paleoclimate records, highlighting the challenges in distinguishing between natural and anthropogenically driven environmental variations. This study demonstrates the importance of historical and cultural context in the interpretation of lake sediment records with substantial human settlement proximal to the lake system.
Josef Hammar (1868–1927) – a Swedish physician in the Anglo-Boer War (1899–1902)
Authors: Bro Tomas
Published: January 2016

It is well-known that the Anglo-Boer War attracted support and sympathy for the Boer cause from all over Europe. One topic that has not received much scholarly attention, however, is the contribution of Scandinavian medical doctors and nurses in the conflict. One of them was the Swedish surgeon Josef Hammar. This article argues that his participation was for both idealistic and pragmatic reasons. Further, it presents new sources for understanding the day-to-day work in military medicine in the Boer war from an outside perspective and discusses the issue of medical neutrality in a conflict that has been called the rehearsal for the First World War.
Illustrating Motion, Music, and Story
Authors: Cardany Audrey Berger
Published: January 2016

In this article, the author reviews Flora and the Flamingo by Molly Idle, a unique wordless picture book of friendship, movement, and music. Included is a brief discussion of Johann Strauss II and The Blue Danube Waltz, Idle’s musical inspiration for the book. The author shares related general music activities using Strauss’s popular Viennese waltz. Created for young children 3 through 6 years old, the activities address beat, rhythm, triple meter, and timbre through listening, moving, and playing instruments.
Network-Based Leadership Development
Authors: Cullen-Lester Kristin L. , Woehler Meredith L. , Willburn Phil
Published: January 2016

Management education and leadership development has traditionally focused on improving human capital (i.e., knowledge, skills, and abilities). Social capital, networks, and networking skills have received less attention. When this content has been incorporated into learning and development experiences, it has often been more ad hoc and has overlooked how gender affects individuals’ ability to build and use networks effectively. To address these limitations, we present a three-step framework designed to guide management educators in helping others to (1) address misconceptions they have about networks and networking, (2) learn whether their current network is effective, and (3) identify networking strategies they can use to change their network and improve its effectiveness. In each stage, we discuss challenges that both men and women face and identify challenges that are particularly salient for women. Beyond providing this framework as a guide for incorporating networks, networking, and social capital into leadership development, we offer resources management educators can use at each step to create positive learning and development experiences. Finally, we discuss specific considerations for implementing network-based leadership development in women’s only and mixed gender courses and leadership development programs.
Application of the equivalent material concept to ductile failure prediction of blunt V-notches encountering moderate-scale yielding
Authors: Torabi AR , Alaei M
Published: January 2016

The equivalent material concept, proposed originally by the first author for predicting tensile load-carrying capacity of ductile metallic materials weakened by V-notches, was employed together with two well-known brittle fracture criteria, namely the point-stress and the mean-stress criteria, to estimate theoretically the tensile load-carrying capacity of rectangular plates made of Al 7075-T6 and weakened by blunt V-notches encountering moderate-scale yielding at failure. With average discrepancies of 12.4 and 9.7%, it was found that both the equivalent material concept–point-stress and the equivalent material concept–mean-stress criteria could provide satisfactory predictions to the experimental results. Also, found in this research was that for large notch radii, the equivalent material concept–point-stress criterion could predict the test results better than the equivalent material concept–mean-stress criterion and vice versa.
Plasma ADAMTS13, von Willebrand Factor (VWF), and VWF Propeptide Profiles in Patients With Connective Tissue Diseases and Antiphospholipid Syndrome
Authors: Habe Koji , Wada Hideo , Matsumoto Takeshi , Ohishi Kohshi , Ikejiri Makoto , Tsuda Kenshiro , Kondo Makoto , Kamimoto Yuki , Ikeda Tomoaki , Katayama Naoyuki , Mizutani Hitoshi
Published: January 2016

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) frequently develops in patients with connective tissue diseases (CTDs). ADAMTS13 and von Willebrand factor (VWF) are closely related to the onset of TTP. We investigated the roles of ADAMTS13 and VWF in thrombotic events of patients with CTD. ADAMTS13 activity and VWF and VWF propeptide (VWFpp) levels in CTD, primary antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (pAPS), and controls were measured to examine their relationship with thrombosis. ADAMTS13 activity levels were significantly low in the patients with CTD but not in the patients with pAPS. No significant difference in the ADAMTS13 activity levels among the various CTD subgroups was found. The levels of VWF and VWFpp were significantly elevated in the patients with pAPS and CTD compared with that of control groups. Eleven patients with CTD developed TTP, and their ADAMTS13 activity levels were significantly lower than patients having CTD without TTP. However, the ADAMTS13 activity levels showed no difference between the patients having CTD with and without thrombotic events. The VWF antigen levels were significantly high in the patients having CTD with TTP. There were no significant differences in the VWF levels of the patients having CTD with TTP and thrombosis. The VWFpp levels were significantly high in the patients having CTD with TTP and thrombosis. The VWF and VWFpp levels were significantly high in the patients with pAPS. Decreased ADAMTS13 activity and elevated VWF and VWFpp levels were observed in patients with CTD. These abnormalities in patients with CTD may represent the increased risk of thrombosis in CTD.
Higher CHA2DS2-VASc Score Is Associated With Increased Mortality in Acute Pulmonary Embolism
Authors: Onuk Tolga , Karataş Mehmet Baran , İpek Göktürk , Güngör Barış , Akyüz Şükrü , Çanga Yiğit , Uzun Ahmet Okan , Avcı İlhan İlker , Ösken Altuğ , Kaşıkçıoğlu Hülya , Çam Neşe
Published: January 2016

Background:

CHA2DS2-VASc score has been validated in risk prediction for stroke and thromboembolism in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Association of CHA2DS2-VASc score with higher risk of venous thromboembolism and pulmonary embolism (PE) has also been shown. In this study, we investigated the long-term prognostic value of CHA2DS2-VASc score in patients with acute pulmonary embolism (APE).

Methods:

Consecutive patients with APE presenting to our emergency department were retrospectively recruited. Patients with AF and who died secondary to causes other than PE were excluded from the study. The CHA2DS2-VASc score and pulmonary embolism severity index (PESI) were calculated.

Results:

Two hundred seventy seven participants were included in the study. The mortality rate was 18.7%. Twenty-two cases died within 30 days, and 30 cases died during the follow-up period (median: 13 months). The mean CHA2DS2-VASc score was significantly higher in dead patients compared to survivors (3.61 ± 1.35 vs 1.95 ± 1.52, P < .01). In multivariate regression analysis, systolic pulmonary artery pressure (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.03, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01-1.06, P = .02), PESI score (HR: 1.010, 95% CI: 1.004-1.017, P < .01), and CHA2DS2-VASc score (HR: 1.67, 95% CI: 1.19-2.16, P < .01) were found to be independently correlated with mortality. The patients whose CHA2DS2-VASc score was between 1 and 3 had 5.67 times and patients whose CHA2DS2-VASc score was ≥4 had 16.8 times higher risk of mortality compared to patients with CHA2DS2-VASc score = 0.

Conclusion:

Patients with higher CHA2DS2-VASc scores had higher rates of mortality after APE.
Noteworthy Articles in 2015 for Cardiothoracic Critical Care
Authors: Evans Adam S. , Mazzeffi Michael , Ivascu Natalia S. , Dickerson Shane , Gutsche Jacob T.
Published: January 2016

In 2015, the demand for the presence of cardiothoracic anesthesiologists outside of the cardiac operating rooms continues to expand. Most notably, cardiothoracic anesthesiologists now find themselves called on to care for patients postoperatively in the cardiothoracic surgical intensive care unit. This article is the first in this annual series to review relevant contributions in postoperative cardiac critical care that may influence the cardiac anesthesiologist. We explore the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, management of postoperative atrial fibrillation and coagulopathy, metabolic support of the critically ill cardiothoracic surgical patient, and new insights into delirium and acute kidney injury.
Why Tax Effort Falls Short of Tax Capacity in Indian States
Authors: Garg Sandhya , Goyal Ashima , Pal Rupayan
Published: January 2016

This article attempts to measure tax capacity and tax effort of fourteen major Indian states from 1991–1992 to 2010–2011 using stochastic frontier analysis. It shows that the variation across states in tax effort is wide and increasing over time. While per capita gross state domestic product, literacy rate, and labor force participation have positive association with tax capacity, a greater share of agriculture has negative association. Furthermore, intergovernmental transfers, given tax capacity, have negative association with tax effort of states. Expenditure on debt repayment is also adversely associated with tax effort but to a lower extent than outstanding liabilities. Enactment of Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act is associated with improvement in states’ tax effort. Both within-state political competition and governance indicators have positive association on tax effort.
Dynamic response of circular metallic sandwich panels under projectile impact
Authors: Zhang Peiwen , Li Xin , Jin Tao , Wang Zhihua , Zhao Longmao
Published: January 2016

The dynamic response of circular sandwich panels with aluminium honeycomb and corrugated cores under projectile impact was investigated experimentally and numerically. Impulse loaded on the panel was controlled by projectile launching velocity and the deformation process of sandwich panels was recorded by a high-speed camera in the experiments. Typical deformation/failure modes of face-sheets and cores were obtained and analysed. The back face-sheet deflections and strain histories of face-sheets were measured and discussed. A parametric study was conducted by LS-DYNA 3D to analyse the effect of geometrical configuration on energy absorption mechanism and back face-sheet permanent deflection of circular sandwich panels. The results indicated that the impact resistance of the structure was sensitive to geometrical configuration. Increasing face-sheet thickness and core relative density significantly improved sandwich structure impact resistance. Increasing foil thickness improved the panel impact resistance more efficiently than decreasing wall side length. The results have important reference value to guide engineering application of the sandwich structure subjected to impact loading.
Reading the Human Brain
Authors: Rose Nikolas
Published: January 2016

The human body was made legible long ago. But what of the human mind? Is it possible to ‘read’ the mind, for one human being to know what another is thinking or feeling, their beliefs and intentions. And if I can read your mind, how about others – could our authorities, in the criminal justice system or the security services? Some developments in contemporary neuroscience suggest the answer to this question is ‘yes’. While philosophers continue to debate the mind-brain problem, a range of novel technologies of brain imaging have been used to argue that specific mental states, and even specific thoughts, can be identified by characteristic patterns of brain activation; this has led some to propose their use in practices ranging from lie detection and security screening to the assessment of brain activity in persons in persistent vegetative states. This article reviews the history of these developments, sketches their scientific and technical bases, considers some of the epistemological and ontological mutations involved, explores the ecological niches where they have found a hospitable environment, and considers some implications of this materialization of the readable, knowable, transparent mind.
A Partisan Model of Electoral Reform: Voter Identification Laws and Confidence in State Elections
Authors: Bowler Shaun , Donovan Todd
Published: January 2016

We propose a model of public response to politicized election reform. In this model, rival partisan elites send signals on the need and consequences of a proposed reform, with partisans in public adopting those positions. We apply this to test how state use of voter identification laws corresponded with public evaluations of the conduct of a state's elections. We find that the relationship between photo identification laws and confidence in state elections was polarized and conditioned by party identification in 2014. Democrats in states with strict photo identification laws were less confident in their state's elections. Republicans in states with strict identification laws were more confident than others. Results suggest strict photo identification laws are failing to instill broad-based confidence in elections, and that the reform could correspond with diminished confidence among some.
Potentially Driver-Impairing Medications
Authors: Ivers Timothy , White Nicole D.
Published: January 2016

Impaired driving is a major cause of motor vehicle accidents, injury, and fatality. Several classes of medication have been found to affect a driver’s cognition, judgment, and reaction time and may put patients at increased risk for accidents and injury. This article will explore medications with side effects posing a potential threat to drivers, including anxiolytics, sedative hypnotics, antihistamines, and antidepressants, as well as describe potential strategies for mitigating or minimizing such risks.
Rolling bearing fault diagnosis method based on data-driven random fuzzy evidence acquisition and Dempster–Shafer evidence theory
Authors: Sun Xianbin , Tan Jiwen , Wen Yan , Feng Chunsheng
Published: January 2016

Rolling bearing is of great importance in rotating machinery, so the fault diagnosis of rolling bearing is essential to ensure safe operations. The traditional diagnosis approach based on characteristic frequency was shown to be not consistent with experimental data in some cases. Furthermore, two data sets measured under the same circumstance gave different characteristic frequency results, and the harmonic frequency was not linearly proportional to the fundamental frequency. These indicate that existing fault diagnosis is inaccurate and not reliable. This work introduced a new method based on data-driven random fuzzy evidence acquisition and Dempster–Shafer evidence theory, which first compared fault sample data with fuzzy expert system, followed by the determination of random likelihood value and finally obtained diagnosis conclusion based on the data fusion rule. This method was proved to have high accuracy and reliability with a good agreement with experimental data, thus providing a new theoretical approach to fuzzy information processing in complicated numerically controlled equipments.
Effects of direct-current electric fields on flame shape and combustion characteristics of ethanol in small scale
Authors: Gan Yunhua , Wang Mei , Luo Yanlai , Chen Xiaowen , Xu Jinliang
Published: January 2016

The aim of this work is to investigate the effects of direct-current electric fields on the behavior of the small-scale diffusion ethanol flame. The flow rate of liquid ethanol, the flame temperatures, and the flame shapes were measured. The results showed that the stable working ranges of a small-scale combustor became narrower under the direct-current electric field. The main reason was that the evaporation velocity of liquid ethanol limited by great heat loss effect cannot keep up with the increasing of combustion velocity by the ionic wind effect. The movements of those charged particles in flame enhanced the combustion process, resulting in higher flame temperatures under positive or negative direct-current electric field. The flame heights decreased with increasing applied voltages, due to the ionic wind effect increasing the flame temperature and the diffusivity. The flame voltage–current characteristic was also examined. Three regions can be divided: the subsaturation region, the saturation region, and the supersaturation region. Finally, the ratios of electric active power to actual burning thermal power of ethanol flame were calculated. It can be inferred that using the external direct-current electric field with little power consumption to control combustion and flame is a feasible method.
Corrosion behavior in heat pipe
Authors: Rodbumrung Anurak , Rittidech Sampan , Bubphachot Bopit
Published: January 2016

The aim of this study was to perform life testing and determine the effect of working fluid on the corrosion of a heat pipe with a sintered wick. The heat pipe was made from a copper tube. The inner heat pipe was filled with 99.97% pure copper powder as a dendritic for the sintering process. The heat pipe had an outer diameter of 6 mm with a length of 200 mm, and distilled water and ethanol were the working fluids. The operating temperature at the evaporator was 125°C. The analysis consisted of using a scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry and atomic absorption spectroscopy. The results of the scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry analysis showed that the corrosion of the heat pipe was uniform. The result of the atomic absorption spectroscopy indicated that the concentration of the copper in the ethanol as the working fluid was greater than in the distilled water as the working fluid, and the highest concentration of copper particles in the ethanol was 22.7499 ppm or 0.0409 mg after testing for 3000 h. The concentration of copper was higher when the length of the life test increased due to corrosion of the heat pipe.
Doing justice today: A welcoming embrace for LGBT students in Christian schools
Authors: Joldersma Clarence W
Published: January 2016

The article argues for welcoming LGBT students in Christian schools. The article develops an idea of justice based on Nicholas Wolterstorff's idea of claim-rights of vulnerable groups that have been wronged, and applies this to the security and recognition of LGBT students in Christian schools. The article presents empirical evidence about the harm faced by such students, concluding that Christian LGBT students suffer wrongs that call out for doing justice today. The article argues that doing justice means welcoming LGBT students, and ends with a description of what that might entail in Christian schools.
Posttraumatic Growth—An Antecedent and Outcome of Posttraumatic Stress
Authors: Blix Ines , Birkeland Marianne Skogbrott , Hansen Marianne Bang , Heir Trond
Published: January 2016

There is a gap in the literature concerning the temporal course, and the bidirectional nature, of the relationship between posttraumatic growth (PTG) and posttraumatic stress symptoms. This longitudinal study investigated PTG and posttraumatic stress in individuals directly exposed to the 2011 Oslo bombing ( N = 240). To investigate the relationships between PTG and posttraumatic stress 10 (T1) and 22 (T2) months after the bombing, a cross-lagged autoregressive model was applied. High levels of PTG at T1 were associated with high levels of posttraumatic stress at T2. Furthermore, high levels of posttraumatic stress at T1 were associated with high levels of PTG at T2. The association between PTG and stress declined from 10 to 22 months and was not significant after 22 months. These findings indicate that PTG may be both a consequence and antecedent of posttraumatic stress.
Role of Bupropion Plus Naltrexone for the Management of Obesity
Authors: Booth Kemper , Clements Jennifer N.
Published: January 2016

Objective. The pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety of bupropion plus naltrexone for weight loss were reviewed. Data Sources. A MEDLINE search (1970 to November 2015) was conducted for English-language articles using specific MESH terms. Study Selection and Data Extraction. Published Phase 3 clinical trials with primary endpoints related to weight loss were included and critiqued in this review. Study Selection and Data Extraction. Five trials were retrieved and reviewed regarding the efficacy and safety of bupropion plus naltrexone among obese and overweight patients. Data Synthesis. Bupropion is a dopamine/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, and naltrexone is an opioid receptor antagonist. The combination of these agents has led to increased weight loss, compared to placebo, among overweight and obese patients with a body mass index (BMI) at or above 30 or BMI at or above 27 with a comorbid condition. The combination of bupropion and naltrexone can produce an average placebo-subtracted weight loss of 4.25% over 56 weeks. Gastrointestinal (ie, nausea, vomiting, constipation) and central nervous system adverse events (ie, headache, dizziness) were commonly reported, and there was a high dropout rate among participants. Conclusions. Bupropion plus naltrexone has demonstrated effective weight loss, in conjunction with lifestyle modifications, among overweight and obese patients with and without comorbidities. Bupropion plus naltrexone has not been studied among special patient populations, such as those with sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, or extreme BMIs. Additional clinical trials and postmarketing data will provide a better understanding of this medication for weight loss.
Neuroscience, Music, and Culture: Finding Pathways to Effective Multicultural Music Education
Authors: Halick Mary E.
Published: January 2016

There is a long-standing belief in U.S. music education that students should learn music from other cultures. Research that incorporates elements of neuroscience, music, and culture can provide evidence teachers need to improve the design and implementation of multicultural music education curricula. The purpose of this short-form literature review is to discuss recent quantitative research in neuroscience, music, and culture to further the integration and application of neuroscientific evidence into the daily practices of music educators. This literature review includes three avenues of inquiry: (a) studies of infants’ musical perception, (b) studies from Finland highlighting the neuroplasticity of the brain, and (c) a series of experiments from the University of Washington investigating culture and the recall of music. Recommendations focus on four concepts: (a) uncovering innate musical potential, (b) developing a framework for understanding music, (c) teaching focused listening strategies, and (d) adjusting expectations in learning outcomes.
Central nervous system complications and management in sickle cell disease
Authors: DeBaun Michael R. , Kirkham Fenella J.
Published: January 2016

With advances in brain imaging and completion of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) for primary and secondary stroke prevention, the natural history of central nervous system (CNS) complications in sickle cell disease (SCD) is evolving. In order of current prevalence, the primary CNS complications include silent cerebral infarcts (39% by 18 years), headache (both acute and chronic: 36% in children with sickle cell anemia [SCA]), ischemic stroke (as low as 1% in children with SCA with effective screening and prophylaxis, but ∼11% in children with SCA without screening), and hemorrhagic stroke in children and adults with SCA (3% and 10%, respectively). In high-income countries, RCTs (Stroke Prevention in Sickle Cell Anemia [STOP], STOP II) have demonstrated that regular blood transfusion therapy (typically monthly) achieves primary stroke prevention in children with SCA and high transcranial Doppler (TCD) velocities; after at least a year, hydroxycarbamide may be substituted (TCD With Transfusions Changing to Hydroxyurea [TWiTCH]). Also in high-income countries, RCTs have demonstrated that regular blood transfusion is the optimal current therapy for secondary prevention of infarcts for children with SCA and strokes (Stroke With Transfusions Changing to Hydroxyurea [SWiTCH]) or silent cerebral infarcts (Silent Infarct Transfusion [SIT] Trial). For adults with SCD, CNS complications continue to be a major cause of morbidity and mortality, with no evidence-based strategy for prevention.
Characterization of vitamin K–dependent carboxylase mutations that cause bleeding and nonbleeding disorders
Authors: Tie Jian-Ke , Carneiro Jorge D. A. , Jin Da-Yun , Martinhago Ciro D. , Vermeer Cees , Stafford Darrel W.
Published: January 2016

Key Points

CRISPR-Cas9–mediated GGCX knockout cell–based assay clarifies the correlation between GGCX genotypes and their clinical phenotypes. A GGCX mutation decreases clotting factor carboxylation and abolishes MGP carboxylation, causing 2 distinct clinical phenotypes.
The leukocyte-stiffening property of plasma in early acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) revealed by a microfluidic single-cell study: the role of cytokines and protection with antibodies
Authors: Preira Pascal , Forel Jean-Marie , Robert Philippe , Nègre Paulin , Biarnes-Pelicot Martine , Xeridat Francois , Bongrand Pierre , Papazian Laurent , Theodoly Olivier
Published: January 2016

Background

Leukocyte-mediated pulmonary inflammation is a key pathophysiological mechanism involved in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Massive sequestration of leukocytes in the pulmonary microvasculature is a major triggering event of the syndrome. We therefore investigated the potential role of leukocyte stiffness and adhesiveness in the sequestration of leukocytes in microvessels. 

Methods

This study was based on in vitro microfluidic assays using patient sera. Cell stiffness was assessed by measuring the entry time (ET) of a single cell into a microchannel with a 6 × 9–μm cross-section under a constant pressure drop (ΔP = 160 Pa). Primary neutrophils and monocytes, as well as the monocytic THP-1 cell line, were used. Cellular adhesiveness to human umbilical vein endothelial cells was examined using the laminar flow chamber method. We compared the properties of cells incubated with the sera of healthy volunteers (n = 5), patients presenting with acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema (ACPE; n = 6), and patients with ARDS (n = 22), of whom 13 were classified as having moderate to severe disease and the remaining 9 as having mild disease. 

Results

Rapid and strong stiffening of primary neutrophils and monocytes was induced within 30 minutes (mean ET >50 seconds) by sera from the ARDS group compared with both the healthy subjects and the ACPE groups (mean ET <1 second) (p < 0.05). Systematic measurements with the THP-1 cell line allowed for the establishment of a strong correlation between stiffening and the severity of respiratory status (mean ET 0.82 ± 0.08 seconds for healthy subjects, 1.6 ± 1.0 seconds for ACPE groups, 10.5 ± 6.1 seconds for mild ARDS, and 20.0 ± 8.1 seconds for moderate to severe ARDS; p < 0.05). Stiffening correlated with the cytokines interleukin IL-1β, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor TNF-α, and IL-10 but not with interferon-γ, transforming growth factor-β, IL-6, or IL-17. Strong stiffening was induced by IL-1β, IL-8, and TNF-α but not by IL-10, and incubations with sera and blocking antibodies against IL-1β, IL-8, or TNF-α significantly diminished the stiffening effect of serum. In contrast, the measurements of integrin expression (CD11b, CD11a, CD18, CD49d) and leukocyte–endothelium adhesion showed a weak and slow response after incubation with the sera of patients with ARDS (several hours), suggesting a lesser role of leukocyte adhesiveness compared with leukocyte stiffness in early ARDS. 

Conclusions

The leukocyte stiffening induced by cytokines in the sera of patients might play a role in the sequestration of leukocytes in the lung capillary beds during early ARDS. The inhibition of leukocyte stiffening with blocking antibodies might inspire future therapeutic strategies.
The cell cycle as a brake for β-cell regeneration from embryonic stem cells
Authors: El-Badawy Ahmed , El-Badri Nagwa
Published: January 2016

The generation of insulin-producing β cells from stem cells in vitro provides a promising source of cells for cell transplantation therapy in diabetes. However, insulin-producing cells generated from human stem cells show deficiency in many functional characteristics compared with pancreatic β cells. Recent reports have shown molecular ties between the cell cycle and the differentiation mechanism of embryonic stem (ES) cells, assuming that cell fate decisions are controlled by the cell cycle machinery. Both β cells and ES cells possess unique cell cycle machinery yet with significant contrasts. In this review, we compare the cell cycle control mechanisms in both ES cells and β cells, and highlight the fundamental differences between pluripotent cells of embryonic origin and differentiated β cells. Through critical analysis of the differences of the cell cycle between these two cell types, we propose that the cell cycle of ES cells may act as a brake for β-cell regeneration. Based on these differences, we discuss the potential of modulating the cell cycle of ES cells for the large-scale generation of functionally mature β cells in vitro. Further understanding of the factors that modulate the ES cell cycle will lead to new approaches to enhance the production of functional mature insulin-producing cells, and yield a reliable system to generate bona fide β cells in vitro.
On best proximity points of upper semicontinuous multivalued mappings
Authors: AlNemer Ghada , Markin Jack , Shahzad Naseer
Published: January 2016

In this paper we study the existence of best proximity points of a nonself upper semicontinuous multivalued mapping $T:A\rightarrow2^{B}$
T
:
A
→

2
B

in a strictly convex Banach space. This multivalued mapping commutes with affine, noncyclic, and relatively u-continuous single-valued mapping $f:A \cup B\rightarrow A\cup B$
f
:
A
∪
B
→
A
∪
B
. Also, we study the case when T commutes with a family of commuting, affine, noncyclic, and relatively u-continuous single-valued mappings on $A\cup B$
A
∪
B
. Moreover, we present some examples to illustrate our results.
Fixed point theorems and endpoint theorems for $(\alpha,\psi)$-Meir-Keeler-Khan multivalued mappings
Authors: Wang Zhigang , Li Huilai
Published: January 2016

As an extension of the class of $(\alpha,\psi)$
(
α
,
ψ
)
-Meir-Keeler-Khan single-valued mappings defined by Redjel et al., a new type of $(\alpha,\psi)$
(
α
,
ψ
)
-Meir-Keeler-Khan multivalued mappings is presented. Fixed point theorems and endpoints theorems are established on such mappings. Some main results by Redjel et al. and Khan et al. are extended and generalized.
Efficient conservative ADER schemes based on WENO reconstruction and space-time predictor in primitive variables
Authors: Zanotti Olindo , Dumbser Michael
Published: January 2016

We present a new version of conservative ADER-WENO finite volume schemes, in which both the high order spatial reconstruction as well as the time evolution of the reconstruction polynomials in the local space-time predictor stage are performed in primitive variables, rather than in conserved ones. To obtain a conservative method, the underlying finite volume scheme is still written in terms of the cell averages of the conserved quantities. Therefore, our new approach performs the spatial WENO reconstruction twice: the first WENO reconstruction is carried out on the known cell averages of the conservative variables. The WENO polynomials are then used at the cell centers to compute point values of the conserved variables, which are subsequently converted into point values of the primitive variables. This is the only place where the conversion from conservative to primitive variables is needed in the new scheme. Then, a second WENO reconstruction is performed on the point values of the primitive variables to obtain piecewise high order reconstruction polynomials of the primitive variables. The reconstruction polynomials are subsequently evolved in time with a novel space-time finite element predictor that is directly applied to the governing PDE written in primitive form. The resulting space-time polynomials of the primitive variables can then be directly used as input for the numerical fluxes at the cell boundaries in the underlying conservative finite volume scheme. Hence, the number of necessary conversions from the conserved to the primitive variables is reduced to just one single conversion at each cell center. We have verified the validity of the new approach over a wide range of hyperbolic systems, including the classical Euler equations of gas dynamics, the special relativistic hydrodynamics (RHD) and ideal magnetohydrodynamics (RMHD) equations, as well as the Baer-Nunziato model for compressible two-phase flows. In all cases we have noticed that the new ADER schemes provide less oscillatory solutions when compared to ADER finite volume schemes based on the reconstruction in conserved variables, especially for the RMHD and the Baer-Nunziato equations. For the RHD and RMHD equations, the overall accuracy is improved and the CPU time is reduced by about 25 %. Because of its increased accuracy and due to the reduced computational cost, we recommend to use this version of ADER as the standard one in the relativistic framework. At the end of the paper, the new approach has also been extended to ADER-DG schemes on space-time adaptive grids (AMR).
Frequency of Bone Mineral Density Testing in Adult Kidney Transplant Recipients from Ontario, Canada: A Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Naylor Kyla L. , Zou Guangyong , Leslie William D. , McArthur Eric , Lam Ngan N. , Knoll Gregory A. , Kim S. Joseph , Fraser Lisa-Ann , Adachi Jonathan D. , Hodsman Anthony B. , Garg Amit X.
Published: January 2016

Background:

We lack consensus on the clinical value, frequency, and timing of bone mineral density (BMD) testing in kidney transplant recipients. This study sought to determine practice patterns in BMD testing across kidney transplant centres in Ontario, Canada, and to compare the frequency of testing in kidney transplant recipients to non-transplant reference groups.

Methods:

Using healthcare databases from Ontario, Canada we conducted a population-based cohort study of adult kidney transplant recipients who received a transplant from 1994-2009. We used logistic regression to determine if there was a statistically significant difference across transplant centres in the decision to perform at least one BMD test after transplantation, adjusting for covariates that may influence a physician's decision to order a BMD test. We used the McNemar's test to compare the number of recipients who had at least one BMD test to non-transplant reference groups (matching on age, sex, and date of cohort entry).

Results:

In the first 3 years after transplant, 4821 kidney transplant recipients underwent 4802 BMD tests (median 1 test per recipient, range 0 to 6 tests), costing $600,000 (2014 CAD equivalent dollars). Across the six centres, the proportion of recipients receiving at least one BMD test varied widely (ranging from 15.6 to 92.1 %; P < 0.001). Over half (58 %) of the recipients received at least one BMD test post-transplant, a value higher than two non-transplant reference groups (general population with a previous non-vertebral fracture [hip, forearm, proximal humerus], 13.8 %; general population with no previous non-vertebral fracture, 8.5 %; P value <0.001 for each of the comparisons).

Conclusions:

There is substantial practice variability in BMD testing after transplant. New high-quality information is needed to inform the utility, optimal timing, and frequency of BMD testing in kidney transplant recipients.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Biocontrol and Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacterium Pseudomonas fluorescens strain UM270
Authors: Hernández-Salmerón Julie E. , Hernández-León Rocio , Orozco-Mosqueda Ma. Del Carmen , Valencia-Cantero Eduardo , Moreno-Hagelsieb Gabriel , Santoyo Gustavo
Published: January 2016

The Pseudomonas fluorescens strain UM270 was isolated form the rhizosphere of wild Medicago spp. A previous work has shown that this pseudomonad isolate was able to produce diverse diffusible and volatile compounds involved in plant protection and growth promotion. Here, we present the draft genome sequence of the rhizobacterium P. fluorescens strain UM270. The sequence covers 6,047,974 bp of a single chromosome, with 62.66 % G + C content and no plasmids. Genome annotations predicted 5,509 genes, 5,396 coding genes, 59 RNA genes and 110 pseudogenes. Genome sequence analysis revealed the presence of genes involved in biological control and plant-growth promoting activities. We anticipate that the P. fluorescens strain UM270 genome will contribute insights about bacterial plant protection and beneficial properties through genomic comparisons among fluorescent pseudomonads.
Permanent draft genome sequence of Desulfurococcus mobilis type strain DSM 2161, a thermoacidophilic sulfur-reducing crenarchaeon isolated from acidic hot springs of Hveravellir, Iceland
Authors: Susanti Dwi , Johnson Eric F. , Lapidus Alla , Han James , Reddy T. B. K. , Pilay Manoj , Ivanova Natalia N. , Markowitz Victor M. , Woyke Tanja , Kyrpides Nikos C. , Mukhopadhyay Biswarup
Published: January 2016

This report presents the permanent draft genome sequence of Desulfurococcus mobilis type strain DSM 2161, an obligate anaerobic hyperthermophilic crenarchaeon that was isolated from acidic hot springs in Hveravellir, Iceland. D. mobilis utilizes peptides as carbon and energy sources and reduces elemental sulfur to H2S. A metabolic construction derived from the draft genome identified putative pathways for peptide degradation and sulfur respiration in this archaeon. Existence of several hydrogenase genes in the genome supported previous findings that H2 is produced during the growth of D. mobilis in the absence of sulfur. Interestingly, genes encoding glucose transport and utilization systems also exist in the D. mobilis genome though this archaeon does not utilize carbohydrate for growth. The draft genome of D. mobilis provides an additional mean for comparative genomic analysis of desulfurococci. In addition, our analysis on the Average Nucleotide Identity between D. mobilis and Desulfurococcus mucosus suggested that these two desulfurococci are two different strains of the same species.