bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can oral health education be delivered to high‐caries‐risk children and their parents using a computer game? – A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Aljafari Ahmad , Gallagher Jennifer Elizabeth , Hosey Marie Therese
Published: January 2017

Background

Families of children undergoing general anaesthesia (GA) for caries management requested that oral health advice is delivered using audio‐visual media.

Objective

To compare an oral health education computer game to one‐to‐one education.

Design

A blind randomised controlled trial of 4‐ to 10‐year‐old children scheduled for GA due to caries. Primary outcome measures were (1) parent and child satisfaction with education method; (2) improvements in child's dietary knowledge; and (3) changes in child's diet and toothbrushing habits. Measures were taken at baseline, post‐intervention, and three months later.

Results

One hundred and nine families took part. Both methods of education were highly satisfactory to children and parents. Children in both groups showed significant improvement in recognition of unhealthy foods immediately post‐education (P < 0.001). Fifty‐five per cent of all participants completed telephone follow‐up after 3 months and reported improvements in diet, including reducing sweetened drinks (P = 0.019) and non‐core foods (P = 0.046) intake, with no significant differences between the groups. Children reported twice‐daily toothbrushing but no changes in snack selection. Attendance for a 3‐month dental review was poor (11%).

Conclusion

Oral health education using a computer game can be as satisfactory and as effective in improving high‐risk‐children's knowledge as one‐to‐one education. The education received can lead to the positive dietary changes in some families.
Vocatives as rationalized politeness: Theoretical insights from emerging norms in call centre service encounters
Authors: Hultgren Anna Kristina
Published: January 2017

This study offers an extension of existing politeness theories by illuminating how changes in politeness conventions come about as a result of contextual specificities. Despite a surge in mediated service encounters, few studies to date have considered the linguistic enactment of politeness in call centres, mainly due to restrictions on access. Drawing on a linguistic ethnography of an onshore call centre in Scotland and data in the form of authentic service interactions, interviews, on‐site observations, and institutional documents, the study combines quantitative and qualitative discourse analytic techniques to explore how the call centre‐specific tension between efficiency and customer care is managed in theory and practice. It is found that while the institution accords equal importance to efficiency and customer care, in actual service interactions, agents prioritize efficiency. Furthermore, in the few cases where agents do orient to customer care, vocatives appear to be used as a shortcut evidencing the emergence of a novel – rationalized – type of politeness. The study contributes the theoretical insight that new politeness conventions may emerge, not so much because of the imposition of one culture on another, but because they are shaped by the particular context in which they arise.
Comparison of calculated and experimentally determined SID of CP and AA in complex diets differing in AA contents for grower finisher pigs
Authors: Büsing K. , Berk A. , Müller S. , Kieckhäven S. , Krüger K. , Zeyner A.
Published: January 2017

In practice, the content of standardized ileal digestible AA in complex feeds for pigs is calculated on the basis of tabulated values for individual feedstuffs. It comes into question, however, whether this truly reflects an accurate content based upon the estimate made for the individual feedstuffs. The objective of this study was to compare standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of crude protein (CP) and selected AA in complex feeds for grower and finisher pigs either calculated or experimentally determined. Six diets with increasing AA levels were prepared for grower (BW from 30 to 70 kg) and finisher (BW from 70 to 120 kg) feed. Crystalline L‐lys, DL‐met and L‐thr were added to both diets, L‐trp and L‐val only to the grower feed. SID of both CP and AA was calculated from feed tables and experimentally determined in six adult minipigs (MINILEWE) with ileorectal anastomosis. With increasing AA levels, experimentally determined SID of supplemented AA increased (p < 0.05), but SID of CP (p ≥ 0.05) was not affected. In both grower and finisher feed, calculated and experimentally determined SID of CP, Met, Cys, Trp, Ile and Tyr differed by more than 2% units, but those of Lys and His only in the finisher feed. Yet this effect was not directly consistent. The margin of error following estimation of SID of AA via tabulated values for individual feedstuffs, however, seems to be acceptable for practical use.
Computed Regioselectivity and Conjectured Biological Activity of Ene Reactions of Singlet Oxygen with the Natural Product Hyperforin
Authors: Abramova Inna , Rudshteyn Benjamin , Liebman Joel F. , Greer Alexander
Published: January 2017

Hyperforin is a constituent of St. John's wort and coexists with the singlet oxygen sensitizer hypericin. Density functional theory, molecular mechanics and Connolly surface calculations show that accessibility in the singlet oxygen “ene” reaction favors the hyperforin “southwest” and “southeast” prenyl (2‐methyl‐2‐butenyl) groups over the northern prenyl groups. While the southern part of hyperforin is initially more susceptible to oxidation, up to 4 “ene” reactions of singlet oxygen can take place. Computational results assist in predicting the fate of adjacent hydroperoxides in hyperforin, where the loss of hydrogen atoms may lead to the formation of a hydrotrioxide and a carbonyl instead of a Russell reaction.
Models with graphical representation for innovation management: a literature review
Authors: Bagno Raoni Barros , Salerno Mario Sergio , da Silva Débora Oliveira
Published: January 2017

In the last decades, the management of innovation has achieved increasing importance in both academic and business environments. For the companies, an effective engagement in innovation efforts involves the adoption of management models to guide the definition of organizational processes to conduct innovation opportunities throughout the organization. In this context, graphical representations can strongly communicate the central propositions of each model, accelerating the diffusion and influence of such models in both academic and business environments. Based on an academic database search, and snowball procedure, models were selected considering the unique characteristics of their graphical representation. This article contributes to the knowledge in the field by proposing a typology of innovation management models, highlighting model's biases, gaps, strengths and weaknesses, and by identifying important tensions among models that spillover to the innovation management field in both research and practice. This article discusses conflicts regarding the limits of the innovation process (events that start and end the process and complementary approaches), the limits of focusing on processes, the differentiation of research and development and new product development activities. In the end, the article addresses emerging approaches related to radical innovation, design thinking and startups, and stresses contributions for research and practice.
The Determinants of Foreign Direct Investment in Transition Economies: A Meta‐analysis
Authors: Tokunaga Masahiro , Iwasaki Ichiro
Published: January 2017

In this paper, we conduct a meta‐analysis of studies that empirically examine the relationship between economic transformation and foreign direct investment (FDI) performance in Central and Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union over the past quarter century. More specifically, we synthesise the empirical evidence reported in previous studies that deal with the determinants of FDI in transition economies, focusing on the impacts of transition factors. We also perform meta‐regression analysis to specify determinant factors of the heterogeneity among the relevant studies and the presence of publication‐selection bias. We find that the existing literature reports a statistically significant non‐zero effect as a whole, and a genuine effect is confirmed for some FDI determinants beyond the publication‐selection bias.
Ameroid mites (Acari; Oribatida) from northwest of Iran with description of a new species of Ctenobelba Balogh, 1943
Authors: Ahaniazad Mansoureh , Bagheri Mohammad , Akrami Mohammad Ali , Hugo-Coetzee Elizabeth
Published: January 2017

This study deals with ameroid mites (Acari: Oribatida: Ameroidea) from East Azerbaijan province, northwest of Iran. Also, a new species Ctenobelba (C.) mikaeeli sp. nov. is described and illustrated based on adult specimens. A table with selected characters of all known species of the subgenus Ctenobelba (Ctenobelba) Balogh, 1943 is provided.
LiNi0.8Co0.2O2-based high power lithium-ion battery positive electrodes analyzed by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy: 1. Fresh electrode
Authors: Haasch Richard T. , Abraham Daniel A.
Published: January 2017

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS) was used to analyze a fresh LiNi0.8Co0.2O2-based high power lithium-ion battery cathode. XP spectra were obtained using incident monochromatic AlKα radiation at 0.83401 nm. A survey spectrum together with F 1s, O 1s, C 1s, S 2p, P 2p, and Li 1s are presented. In addition, XP spectra were obtained using incident Mg Kα radiation at 0.98903 nm. A survey spectrum together with Ni 2p, Co 2p, and C 1s are presented. The spectra indicate the principal core level photoelectron and Auger electron signals and show only minor sulfur contamination.
LiNi0.8Co0.2O2-based high power lithium-ion battery positive electrodes analyzed by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy: 4. Following calendar-life test for 8 weeks at 50 °C, 60% state-of-charge (3.747 V)
Authors: Haasch Richard T. , Abraham Daniel A.
Published: January 2017

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS) was used to analyze rinsed and not rinsed LiNi0.8Co0.2O2-based high power lithium-ion battery cathodes following calendar-life testing at 50 °C, 60% state-of-charge. XP spectra were obtained using incident monochromatic AlKα radiation at 0.83401 nm. A survey spectrum together with F 1s, O 1s, C 1s, P 2p and Li 1s are presented. The spectra indicate the principal core level photoelectron and Auger electron signals.
LiNi0.8Co0.2O2-based high power lithium-ion battery positive electrodes analyzed by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy: 6. Following calendar-life test for 2 weeks at 70 °C, 60% state-of-charge (3.747 V)
Authors: Haasch Richard T. , Abraham Daniel A.
Published: January 2017

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS) was used to analyze rinsed and not rinsed LiNi0.8Co0.2O2-based high power lithium-ion battery cathodes following calendar-life testing at 70 °C, 60% state-of-charge. XP spectra were obtained using incident monochromatic AlKα radiation at 0.83401 nm. A survey spectrum together with F 1s, O 1s, C 1s, P 2p, and Li 1s are presented. The spectra indicate the principal core level photoelectron and Auger electron signals.
Industrial-scale sputter deposition of molybdenum oxide thin films: Microstructure evolution and properties
Authors: Pachlhofer Julia M. , Martín-Luengo Aitana Tarazaga , Franz Robert , Franzke Enrico , Köstenbauer Harald , Winkler Jörg , Bonanni Alberta , Mitterer Christian
Published: January 2017

The current work investigates the microstructure and property relations of molybdenum oxide thin films synthesized by reactive dc magnetron sputtering in an industrial-scale sputter deposition plant using a rotatable molybdenum target with varying oxygen/argon gas flow ratio. The evolution of microstructure and chemical bonds as a function of oxygen partial pressure was studied by x-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. With oxygen partial pressure raising from 0% to 100%, the film growth rate decreased from 350 to 50 nm/min, while the oxygen content within the films increased up to 75 at. %. The films were dominated by MoO2, polymorphs of Mo4O11 and Mo9O26, and MoO3 phases. The electrical properties changed from electrically conductive to insulating with increasing oxygen partial pressure. The optical properties are versatile, e.g., transmittance values up to 80%, absorbance values between 50% and 80% and reflectance values up to 55%, depending on the oxygen content. In general, it can be concluded that microstructure and properties of molybdenum oxide thin films can be adjusted by varying the oxygen/argon gas flow ratio and might thus enable their use in a wide range of optical and electronic applications.
Gouy Phase Advance with Microwaves
Authors: Carpenter Clinton Ray
Published: January 2017

The Gouy phase advance can now be measured with the use of microwaves with no more complex equipment than used for the standing-microwave experiment for an accuracy of 10%. Recordings have been made at focal lines and focal points along the axis of the focusing mirror for a distance of nine wavelengths. A homemade parabolic cylindrical mirror and a commerical 12-cm wavelength source can be used to demonstrate this phase advance. The nodes of intensity near the focus show the increase in wavelength and can be marked on a meterstick when detected by a crystal detector.
Environmental effects on seabed object bistatic scattering classification
Authors: Fischell Erin M. , Schmidt Henrik
Published: January 2017

One of the factors that significantly affects bistatic scattering from seabed targets is bottom type. This factor has the potential to impact classification, as models that do not take bottom composition into account could improperly characterize target type, geometry, or material. This paper looks at the impact of bottom composition and self-burial on scattering from spherical and cylindrical targets in a 6.5 m deep environment with a mud and sand bottom. Sphere and cylinder scattering data from an autonomous underwater vehicle-based bistatic scattering experiment are compared to scattering simulation models with a range of bottom compositions and target burial increments. Three different sets of sediment parameters were tested. Correlation between the real and simulated data are then used to assess the similarity of each simulated scattering data set to the experiment data. Robustness to bottom composition in classification was then tested by training a model using simulated data and classifying experiment target data using a machine learning method for each environment type. Combined-environment classification models, composed of different ranges of mud depths and target burial increments, were shown to be effective at classifying the experiment data.
Influence of Dietary Acid Load on Exercise Performance
Authors: Applegate Catherine , Mueller Mackenzie , Zuniga Krystle E.
Published: January 2017

Diet composition can affect systemic pH and acid-base regulation, which may in turn influence exercise performance. An acidic environment in the muscle impairs performance and contributes to fatigue; therefore, current trends in sports nutrition place importance on maximizing the alkalinity of the body with ergogenic aids and dietary strategies. This review examines the evidence on the effects of dietary manipulations on acid load and exercise performance. Ten studies that investigated the effect of high versus low dietary acid loads on athletic performance generally identified that low dietary acid loads increased plasma pH, but did not consistently improve exercise performance at maximal or submaximal exercise intensities. In addition, the few studies conducted have several limitations including lack of female subjects and use of exercise tests exclusive to cycling or treadmill running. Although the research does not strongly support a performance benefit from low dietary acid loads, a more alkaline dietary pattern may be beneficial for overall health, as dietary induced acidosis has been associated with greater risk of cardiovascular disease and bone disease. The review includes dietary recommendations for athletes to reduce dietary acid load while still meeting sports nutrition recommendations.
The Effects of Crushed Ice Ingestion Prior to Steady State Exercise in the Heat
Authors: Zimmermann Matthew , Landers Grant , Wallman Karen E. , Saldaris Jacinta
Published: January 2017

This study examined the physiological effects of crushed ice ingestion before steady state exercise in the heat. Ten healthy males with age (23 ± 3 y), height (176.9 ± 8.7 cm), body-mass (73.5 ± 8.0 kg), VO2peak (48.5 ± 3.6 mL∙kg∙min-1) participated in the study. Participants completed 60 min of cycling at 55% of their VO2peak preceded by 30 min of precooling whereby 7 g∙kg-1 of thermoneutral water (CON) or crushed ice (ICE) was ingested. The reduction in Tc at the conclusion of precooling was greater in ICE (-0.9 ± 0.3 °C) compared with CON (-0.2 ± 0.2 °C) (p ≤ .05). Heat storage capacity was greater in ICE compared with CON after precooling (ICE -29.3 ± 4.8 W∙m-2; CON -11.1 ± 7.3 W∙m-2, p < .05). Total heat storage was greater in ICE compared with CON at the end of the steady state cycle (ICE 62.0 ± 12.5 W∙m-2; CON 49.9 ± 13.4 W∙m-2, p < .05). Gross efficiency was higher in ICE compared with CON throughout the steady state cycle (ICE 21.4 ± 1.8%; CON 20.4 ± 1.9%, p < .05). Ice ingestion resulted in a lower thermal sensation at the end of precooling and a lower sweat rate during the initial stages of cycling (p < .05). Sweat loss, respiratory exchange ratio, heart rate and ratings of perceived exertion and thirst were similar between conditions (p > .05). Precooling with crushed ice led to improved gross efficiency while cycling due to an increased heat storage capacity, which was the result of a lower core temperature.
How Does Interval-Training Prescription Affect Physiological and Perceptual Responses?
Authors: Seiler Stephen , Sylta Øystein
Published: January 2017

The purpose of this study was to compare physiological responses and perceived exertion among well-trained cyclists (n = 63) performing 3 different high-intensity interval-training (HIIT) prescriptions differing in work-bout duration and accumulated duration but all prescribed with maximal session effort. Subjects (male, mean ± SD 38 ± 8 y, VO2peak 62 ± 6 mL · kg–1 · min–1) completed up to 24 HIIT sessions over 12 wk as part of a training-intervention study. Sessions were prescribed as 4 × 16, 4 × 8, or 4 × 4 min with 2-min recovery periods (8 sessions of each prescription, balanced over time). Power output, HR, and RPE were collected during and after each work bout. Session RPE was reported after each session. Blood lactate samples were collected throughout the 12 wk. Physiological and perceptual responses during >1400 training sessions were analyzed. HIIT sessions were performed at 95% ± 5%, 106% ± 5%, and 117% ± 6% of 40-min time-trial power during 4 × 16-, 4 × 8-, and 4 × 4-min sessions, respectively, with peak HR in each work bout averaging 89% ± 2%, 91% ± 2%, and 94% ± 2% HRpeak. Blood lactate concentrations were 4.7 ± 1.6, 9.2 ± 2.4, and 12.7 ± 2.7 mmol/L. Despite the common prescription of maximal session effort, RPE and sRPE increased with decreasing accumulated work duration (AWD), tracking relative HR. Only 8% of 4 × 16-min sessions reached RPE 19–20, vs 61% of 4 × 4-min sessions. The authors conclude that within the HIIT duration range, performing at “maximal session effort” over a reduced AWD is associated with higher perceived exertion both acutely and postexercise. This may have important implications for HIIT prescription choices.
Methodological Considerations When Quantifying High-Intensity Efforts in Team Sport Using Global Positioning System Technology
Authors: Varley Matthew C. , Jaspers Arne , Helsen Werner F. , Malone James J.
Published: January 2017

Purpose:

Sprints and accelerations are popular performance indicators in applied sport. The methods used to define these efforts using athlete-tracking technology could affect the number of efforts reported. This study aimed to determine the influence of different techniques and settings for detecting high-intensity efforts using global positioning system (GPS) data.

Methods:

Velocity and acceleration data from a professional soccer match were recorded via 10-Hz GPS. Velocity data were filtered using either a median or an exponential filter. Acceleration data were derived from velocity data over a 0.2-s time interval (with and without an exponential filter applied) and a 0.3-second time interval. High-speed-running (≥4.17 m/s2), sprint (≥7.00 m/s2), and acceleration (≥2.78 m/s2) efforts were then identified using minimum-effort durations (0.1–0.9 s) to assess differences in the total number of efforts reported.

Results:

Different velocity-filtering methods resulted in small to moderate differences (effect size [ES] 0.28–1.09) in the number of high-speed-running and sprint efforts detected when minimum duration was <0.5 s and small to very large differences (ES –5.69 to 0.26) in the number of accelerations when minimum duration was <0.7 s. There was an exponential decline in the number of all efforts as minimum duration increased, regardless of filtering method, with the largest declines in acceleration efforts.

Conclusions:

Filtering techniques and minimum durations substantially affect the number of high-speed-running, sprint, and acceleration efforts detected with GPS. Changes to how high-intensity efforts are defined affect reported data. Therefore, consistency in data processing is advised.
Assessment of a Supine-to-Stand (STS) Task in Early Childhood: A Measure of Functional Motor Competence
Authors: Nesbitt Danielle , Molina Sergio L. , Cattuzzo Maria Teresa , Robinson Leah E. , Phillips David , Stodden David
Published: January 2017

This paper examined relationships between qualitative (developmental sequences) and quantitative (time) performance in rising from a supine position in early childhood. One hundred twenty two children ranging in age from 3 to 5 years were videotaped for five trials of rising from a supine position. Children’s performance on the supine-to-stand (STS) task was quite variable in terms of both qualitative movement patterns and time (mean = 2.37 s, SD = .60). Results: Component sequences were moderately to strongly correlated with each other (r = .387 to .791). Upper-extremity (r = –.383) and axial (r = –.416) component levels also were inversely correlated with STS time. Results indicated a strong coordinative link between the development of trunk control (i.e., axial movement) and upper-extremity movement levels (r = .791), and together they demonstrated the strongest impact on the ability to rise quickly. These data provide important information relating to a child’s motor development that may have clinical relevance for diagnosis. It provides also a greater understanding on how to improve performance on this task. Future research should examine qualitative and quantitative aspects of STS performance to understand its predictive utility as a lifespan assessment of motor competence and its potential importance as a measure to predict healthrelated variables and functional capability across the lifespan.
Physical Activity Levels of Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes Physical Activity in T1D
Authors: de Lima Valderi Abreu , Mascarenhas Luis Paulo Gomes , Decimo Juliana Pereira , de Souza William Cordeiro , Monteiro Anna Louise Stellfeld , Lahart Ian , França Suzana Nesi , Leite Neiva
Published: January 2017

The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness in teenagers with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) in comparison with healthy scholar participants. Total of 154 teenagers (T1D = 45 and CON = 109). Height, weight, cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max), and the level of physical activity by the Bouchard’s Physical Activity Record were measured, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in T1D. The VO2max was lower in the T1D (38.38 ± 7.54) in comparison with the CON (42.44 ± 4.65; p < .05). The VO2max had correlation with the amount of time of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (r = .63; p = .0001) and an inverse correlation with sedentary activities (r= -0.46; p = .006). In the T1D the levels of HbA1c had an inverse correlation with the amount of time of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (r= -0.34; p = .041) and correlation with the BMI z-score (r = .43; p = .017). Only 37,8% of the participants in the T1D reached the adequate amount of daily moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity, in the CON 81,7% reached the WHO’s recommendation. Conclusion: T1D had less cardiorespiratory capacity then healthy controls, the teenagers of T1D with lower BMI z-score and that dedicated a greater time in moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity demonstrated a better glycemic control.
Acute Caffeine Ingestion on Performance in Young Judo Athletes
Authors: Astley Camilla , Souza Diego , Polito Marcos
Published: January 2017

Purpose:

To compare the acute effect of caffeine ingestion on performance in young judo athletes.

Method:

In a randomized double-blind design, eighteen judo athletes (16.1 ± 1.4 yrs.) were evaluated on three nonconsecutive days. On the first day, the special judo fitness test (SJFT) was used as a control session. On the second day, the sample was randomly divided into two equal groups. One group received 4 mg.kg-1 of caffeine (capsule) and the other group received a placebo. After resting for 60 min, the sample performed the SJFT. On the final day of testing, the same procedure was performed but the substance ingested was exchanged between the groups.

Results:

Heart rate (HR) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were recorded throughout the applications of the SJFTs. Caffeine ingestion did not induce changes in HR, but reduced the RPE compared with the placebo session (7.0 ± 1.1 vs 8.2 ± 2.0; p < .05), increased the number of throws applied (29.0 ± 2.6 vs 22.1 ± 3.4; p < .01) and reduced the SJFT index (12.2 ± 0.5 vs. 15.7 ± 0.9; p < .001).

Conclusion:

4 mg.kg-1 did not alter HR but improved performance on SJFT in young judo athletes and reduced the RPE.
Targeted clinical control of trauma patient coagulation through a thrombin dynamics model
Authors: Menezes Amor A. , Vilardi Ryan F. , Arkin Adam P. , Cohen Mitchell J.
Published: January 2017

A control-oriented dynamical system model of trauma coagulation helps tailor the resuscitation of severely injured patients.
Optimized temporal pattern of brain stimulation designed by computational evolution
Authors: Brocker David T. , Swan Brandon D. , So Rosa Q. , Turner Dennis A. , Gross Robert E. , Grill Warren M.
Published: January 2017

Computational evolution produces an improved pattern of brain stimulation to treat Parkinson’s disease in animals and patients.
Molecular Diffusion through Cyanobacterial Septal Junctions
Authors: Nieves-Morión Mercedes , Mullineaux Conrad W. , Flores Enrique
Published: January 2017

Heterocyst-forming cyanobacteria grow as filaments in which intercellular molecular exchange takes place. During the differentiation of N
2
-fixing heterocysts, regulators are transferred between cells. In the diazotrophic filament, vegetative cells that fix CO
2
through oxygenic photosynthesis provide the heterocysts with reduced carbon and heterocysts provide the vegetative cells with fixed nitrogen. Intercellular molecular transfer has been traced with fluorescent markers, including calcein, 5-carboxyfluorescein, and the sucrose analogue esculin, which are observed to move down their concentration gradient. In this work, we used fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) assays in the model heterocyst-forming cyanobacterium
Anabaena
sp. strain PCC 7120 to measure the temperature dependence of intercellular transfer of fluorescent markers. We find that the transfer rate constants are directly proportional to the absolute temperature. This indicates that the “septal junctions” (formerly known as “microplasmodesmata”) linking the cells in the filament allow molecular exchange by simple diffusion, without any activated intermediate state. This constitutes a novel mechanism for molecular transfer across the bacterial cytoplasmic membrane, in addition to previously characterized mechanisms for active transport and facilitated diffusion. Cyanobacterial septal junctions are functionally analogous to the gap junctions of metazoans.

IMPORTANCE
Although bacteria are frequently considered just as unicellular organisms, there are bacteria that behave as true multicellular organisms. The heterocyst-forming cyanobacteria grow as filaments in which cells communicate. Intercellular molecular exchange is thought to be mediated by septal junctions. Here, we show that intercellular transfer of fluorescent markers in the cyanobacterial filament has the physical properties of simple diffusion. Thus, cyanobacterial septal junctions are functionally analogous to metazoan gap junctions, although their molecular components appear unrelated. Like metazoan gap junctions, the septal junctions of cyanobacteria allow the rapid intercellular exchange of small molecules, without stringent selectivity. Our finding expands the repertoire of mechanisms for molecular transfer across the plasma membrane in prokaryotes.
Dissecting Bacterial Cell Wall Entry and Signaling in Eukaryotic Cells: an Actin-Dependent Pathway Parallels Platelet-Activating Factor Receptor-Mediated Endocytosis
Authors: Loh Lip Nam , Gao Geli , Tuomanen Elaine I.
Published: January 2017

The Gram-positive bacterial cell wall (CW) peptidoglycan-teichoic acid complex is released into the host environment during bacterial metabolism or death. It is a highly inflammatory Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) ligand, and previousin vivostudies have demonstrated its ability to recapitulate pathological features of pneumonia and meningitis. We report that an actin-dependent pathway is involved in the internalization of the CW by epithelial and endothelial cells, in addition to the previously described platelet-activating factor receptor (PAFr)-dependent uptake pathway. Unlike the PAFr-dependent pathway, which is mediated by clathrin and dynamin and does not lead to signaling, the alternative pathway is sensitive to 5-(N-ethyl-N-isopropyl) amiloride (EIPA) and engenders Rac1, Cdc42, and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling. Upon internalization by this macropinocytosis-like pathway, CW is trafficked to lysosomes. Intracellular CW trafficking is more complex than previously recognized and suggests multiple points of interaction with and without innate immune signaling.

IMPORTANCEStreptococcus pneumoniaeis a major human pathogen infecting the respiratory tract and brain. It is an established model organism for understanding how infection injures the host. During infection or bacterial growth, bacteria shed their cell wall (CW) into the host environment and trigger inflammation. A previous study has shown that CW enters and crosses cell barriers by interacting with a receptor on the surfaces of host cells, termed platelet-activating factor receptor (PAFr). In the present study, by using cells that are depleted of PAFr, we identified a second pathway with features of macropinocytosis, which is a receptor-independent fluid uptake mechanism by cells. Each pathway contributes approximately the same amount of cell wall trafficking, but the PAFr pathway is silent, while the new pathway appears to contribute to the host inflammatory response to CW insult.
Is haloperidol the wonder drug for cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome?
Authors: Inayat Faisal , Virk Hafeez Ul Hassan , Ullah Waqas , Hussain Qulsoom
Published: January 2017

Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) is a rare clinical syndrome characterised by nausea, cyclic vomiting and severe abdominal pain in association with chronic cannabis use. It is often under-recognised or misdiagnosed, resulting in the unnecessary workup and frequent hospitalisations. Long-term treatment of CHS is abstinence from cannabis, but acute symptomatic management has been a struggle for many clinicians. The present report highlights the use of haloperidol as an agent that successfully and safely treats the unrelenting symptoms of CHS.
Evidence that supports the prescription of low-carbohydrate high-fat diets: a narrative review
Authors: Noakes Timothy David , Windt Johann
Published: January 2017

Low-carbohydrate high-fat (LCHF) diets are a highly contentious current topic in nutrition. This narrative review aims to provide clinicians with a broad overview of the effects of LCHF diets on body weight, glycaemic control and cardiovascular risk factors while addressing some common concerns and misconceptions. Blood total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol concentrations show a variable, highly individual response to LCHF diets, and should be monitored in patients adhering to this diet. In contrast, available evidence from clinical and preclinical studies indicates that LCHF diets consistently improve all other markers of cardiovascular risk—lowering elevated blood glucose, insulin, triglyceride, ApoB and saturated fat (especially palmitoleic acid) concentrations, reducing small dense LDL particle numbers, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, blood pressure and body weight while increasing low HDL-cholesterol concentrations and reversing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This particular combination of favourable modifications to all these risk factors is a benefit unique to LCHF diets. These effects are likely due in part to reduced hunger and decreased ad libitum calorie intake common to low-carbohydrate diets, allied to a reduction in hyperinsulinaemia, and reversal of NAFLD. Although LCHF diets may not be suitable for everyone, available evidence shows this eating plan to be a safe and efficacious dietary option to be considered. LCHF diets may also be particularly beneficial in patients with atherogenic dyslipidaemia, insulin resistance, and the frequently associated NAFLD.
Multisite prospective investigation of psychological outcomes following cataract surgery in Vietnam
Authors: Berle David , Steel Zachary , Essue Beverley M , Keay Lisa , Jan Stephen , Tan Phuc Huynh , Hackett Maree L
Published: January 2017

Background

Cataract surgery is a low-cost and effective intervention. There is increasing evidence to suggest that cataract surgery is associated with improvements in mobility, overall functioning and reductions in psychological distress. Within low-income and middle-income countries, cataract surgery has also been documented to lead to reductions in psychological distress; however, differences in economic activity and engagement in paid and domestic work in these countries may moderate such reductions. We aimed to examine the psychological outcomes following cataract surgery among a diverse Vietnamese sample.

Methods

We report findings from the VISIONARY study, a 12-month multisite prospective study of cataract surgery outcomes conducted in Vietnam (N=462). Generalised estimating equations (GEEs) were used to identify the variables which were associated with reduced psychological distress.

Results

A high proportion of participants (56.6%) reported psychological distress before surgery and severity of psychological distress had decreased by 12 months following surgery (95% CI (4.13 to 4.95)). There were regional differences in the extent of improvement in psychological distress and change in paid and unpaid work. The extent of improvement in visual acuity, male gender, and increase in paid and unpaid work hours were significant predictors of reductions in psychological distress.

Conclusions

Cataract surgery appears to result in the greatest reductions in psychological distress in communities where work engagement is highest.

Funding

The VISIONARY study was funded by a grant provided by the Fred Hollows Foundation, Australia. During the course of this work, BME was in receipt of an Ian Potter Foundation Fellowship and a National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) fellowship (1072148), SJ received an NHMRC Senior Research Fellowship, MLH was in receipt of a National Heart Foundation Future Leader Fellowship 100034.
A carboxyfunctionalized (24)-1,6-pyrenophane-tetraene by glyoxylic Perkin condensation
Authors: Robert Antoine , Dechambenoit Pierre , Bock Harald , Durola Fabien
Published: January 2017

Without employing high dilution conditions, the fourfold 2+2 Perkin reaction of 1,6-pyrenylene-diglyoxylic acid with its reduction product 1,6-pyrenylene-diacetic acid yields the corresponding tetrameric conjugated macrocycle in 25% overall yield after in-situ esterification. The macrocycle adopts a square fourfold symmetry in the crystal, with near-vertical pyrene walls that alternatingly tilt upwards and downwards.
First documented large-scale horizontal movements of individual Arctic cod (Boreogadus saida)
Authors: Kessel S.T. , Hussey N.E. , Crawford R.E. , Yurkowski D.J. , Webber D.M. , Dick T.A. , Fisk A.T.
Published: January 2017

Arctic cod (Boreogadus saida) are a key component of the Arctic marine ecosystem. Understanding their movements and distribution is important for predicting future trends in response to climate change. It was commonly assumed that Arctic cod move horizontally throughout the Arctic, but this was so far unproven. In July 2012, 85 Arctic cod were implanted with acoustic transmitters at Resolute Bay, Nunavut, Canada. Five (5.9%) were subsequently detected ∼192 km due east along the Barrow Strait, between 67 and 215 days after last detection in Resolute Bay (mean ± SE = 161.4 ± 26.7 days). Minimum transition rates ranged between 0.89 and 2.87 km·day−1 (mean ± SE = 1.4 ± 0.4 km·day−1). A combination of factors, most notably sea ice extent, make it highly improbable that the detections were representative of predated or scavenged Arctic cod. This represents the first confirmed account of large-scale horizontal movements by this or any Arctic forage fish species. With continuing miniaturization of acoustic telemetry tags, increasing battery life, and expanded receiver coverage, it will be possible to gain a more comprehensive understanding of Arctic cod movements.
Fertilization can compensate for decreased water availability by increasing the efficiency of stem volume production per unit of leaf area for loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) stands
Authors: Maggard Adam O. , Will Rodney E. , Wilson Duncan S. , Meek Cassandra R. , Vogel Jason G.
Published: January 2017

Over half of the standing pine timber volume in the southeastern USA is composed of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.), making it the most important tree species in the region. Future climate variability may impact productivity of these forests due to reduced water availability. To determine the effects of nutrient availability and decreased water availability on stand-level water use efficiency and growth efficiency, we examined the interactive effects of fertilization and reduced throughfall on whole-tree water use, stand-level canopy transpiration, leaf area index (LAI), and stand-level stem volume growth. This study was conducted over the 6th and 7th growing seasons (2013–2014) of a loblolly pine plantation in southeastern Oklahoma. Across all plots, throughfall reduction reduced volumetric soil water content (VWC) from 13.6% to 10.9% for soil depths of 0–12 cm and from 22.3% to 19.9% for soil depths of 12–45 cm and reduced stand volume growth from 20.9 to 17.9 m3·ha−1. Across all plots, fertilization increased LAI by 12%, increased stand volume growth from 18.3 to 20.5 m3·ha−1, and increased water use efficiency of stem volume production by 18%. These results indicate that fertilization can benefit stand growth of loblolly pine plantations even when soil moisture is limiting, in part, by increasing the efficiency of water use.
mTORC1 inhibitors rapamycin and metformin affect cardiovascular markers differentially in ZDF rats
Authors: Nistala Ravi , Raja Ahmad , Pulakat Lakshmi
Published: January 2017

Mammalian target for rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) is a common target for the action of immunosuppressant macrolide rapamycin and glucose-lowering metformin. Inhibition of mTORC1 can exert both beneficial and detrimental effects in different pathologies. Here, we investigated the differential effects of rapamycin (1.2 mg/kg per day delivered subcutaneously for 6 weeks) and metformin (300 mg/kg per day delivered orally for 11 weeks) treatments on male Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats that mimic the cardiorenal pathology of type 2 diabetic patients and progress to insulin insufficiency. Rapamycin and metformin improved proteinuria, and rapamycin also reduced urinary gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) indicating improvement of tubular health. Metformin reduced food and water intake, and urinary sodium and potassium, whereas rapamycin increased urinary sodium. Metformin reduced plasma alkaline phosphatase, but induced transaminitis as evidenced by significant increases in plasma AST and ALT. Metformin also induced hyperinsulinemia, but did not suppress fasting plasma glucose after ZDF rats reached 17 weeks of age, and worsened lipid profile. Rapamycin also induced mild transaminitis. Additionally, both rapamycin and metformin increased plasma uric acid and creatinine, biomarkers for cardiovascular and renal disease. These observations define how rapamycin and metformin differentially modulate metabolic profiles that regulate cardiorenal pathology in conditions of severe type 2 diabetes.
Latitudinal temperature-dependent variation in timing of prey availability can impact Pacific seabird populations in Canada
Authors: Bertram D.F. , Harfenist A. , Cowen L.L.E. , Koch D. , Drever M.C. , Hipfner J.M. , Lemon M.J.F.
Published: January 2017

We modelled how nestling growth rates of Cassin’s Auklet (Ptychoramphus aleuticus (Pallas, 1811)) varied with timing of peak copepod prey availability at two breeding colonies in British Columbia: on Triangle Island, in the California Current Ecosystem, and Frederick Island, in the Gulf of Alaska Ecosystem. We used time series of nestling growth rates and estimated the seasonal timing of peak biomass of the copepod Neocalanus cristatus (Krøyer, 1848) using a temperature-dependent phenology equation. We developed a single model to examine intercolony differences in the effect of the timing of regional peak prey biomass on seabird nestling growth rates. This model indicated nestling growth rates on Triangle Island varied widely and were positively associated with timing of peak zooplankton biomass, such that higher growth rates were observed when the peak biomass occurred later in the breeding season. In contrast, nestling growth rates were consistently high at Frederick Island, where peak copepod biomass always occurred relatively late. If ocean climate warming results in a poleward shift of Neocalanus abundance and induces earlier and more narrow timing of availability, then episodes of poor nestling growth will increase in frequency on Triangle Island and could eventually affect auklets on more northerly colonies.
PROBABILITY DENSITY OF RESPONSE TIMES AND NEUROPHYSIOLOGY OF COGNITION
Authors: LIU Z. , HOLDEN J. G. , SEROTA R. A.
Published: January 2017

We discuss several markers of the probability densities of response times — specifically those with power-law tails — that allow us to gain insights into neurophysiology of cognition. We argue that combining individual subjects’ data into a single set for a distribution-function analysis allows for a better comparison of a group of interest to a control group. We illustrate our findings using time response trials with dyslexic children.
A Model-Driven Engineering Methodology to Design Parallel and Distributed Embedded Systems
Authors: Enrici Andrea , Apvrille Ludovic , Pacalet Renaud
Published: January 2017

In Model-Driven Engineering system-level approaches, the design of communication protocols and patterns is subject to the design of processing operations (computations) and to their mapping onto execution resources. However, this strategy allows us to capture simple communication schemes (e.g., processor-bus-memory) and prevents us from evaluating the performance of both computations and communications (e.g., impact of application traffic patterns onto the communication interconnect) in a single step. To solve these issues, we introduce a novel design approach—the Ψ-chart—where we design communication patterns and protocols independently of a system’s functionality and resources, via dedicated models. At the mapping step, both application and communication models are bound to the platform resources and transformed to explore design alternatives for both computations and communications. We present the Ψ-chart and its implementation (i.e., communication models and Design Space Exploration) in TTool/DIPLODOCUS, a Unified Modeling Language (UML)/SysML framework for the modeling, simulation, formal verification and automatic code generation of data-flow embedded systems. The effectiveness of our solution in terms of better design quality (e.g., portability, time) is demonstrated with the design of the physical layer of a ZigBee (IEEE 802.15.4) transmitter onto a multi-processor architecture.
NLRP3 inflammasome activation contributes to aldosterone-induced podocyte injury
Authors: Bai Mi , Chen Ying , Zhao Min , Zhang Yue , He John Ci-Jiang , Huang Songming , Jia Zhanjun , Zhang Aihua
Published: January 2017

Aldosterone (Aldo) has been shown as an important contributor of podocyte injury. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are still elusive. Recently, the pathogenic role of NOD-like receptor family, pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome in mediating renal tubular damage was identified while its role in podocyte injury still needs evidence. Thus the present study was undertaken to investigate the role of NLRP3 inflammasome in Aldo-induced podocyte damage. In vitro, exposure of podocytes to Aldo enhanced NLRP3, caspase-1, and IL-18 expressions in dose- and time-dependent manners, indicating an activation of NLRP3 inflammasome, which was significantly blocked by the mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist eplerenone or the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine. Silencing NLRP3 by a siRNA approach strikingly attenuated Aldo-induced podocyte apoptosis and nephrin protein downregulation in line with the blockade of caspase-1 and IL-18. In vivo, since day 5 of Aldo infusion, NLRP3 inflammasome activation and podocyte injury evidenced by nephrin reduction occurred concurrently. More importantly, immunofluorescence analysis showed a significant induction of NLRP3 in podocytes of glomeruli following Aldo infusion. In the mice with NLRP3 gene deletion, Aldo-induced downregulation of nephrin and podocin, podocyte foot processes, and albuminuria was remarkably improved, indicating an amelioration of podocyte injury. Finally, we observed a striking induction of NLRP3 in glomeruli and renal tubules in line with an enhanced urinary IL-18 output in nephrotic syndrome patients with minimal change disease or focal segmental glomerular sclerosis. Together, these results demonstrated an important role of NLRP3 inflammasome in mediating the podocyte injury induced by Aldo.