bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Within-Person Dynamics of Older Adults’ Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, and Sit-to-Stand Transitions
Authors: Maher Jaclyn P. , Conroy David E.
Published: December 2018

This study evaluated how older adults’ daily physical activity covaries with naturally occurring variation in both the duration and patterning of daily sedentary behavior. Older adults (n = 95) wore activPAL3 monitors for 15 consecutive days. Multilevel modeling regressed daily step counts on the frequency of sit-to-stand transitions and the duration of sedentary behavior. At the person-level, older adults who sat less (b = −14.31, p < .001) and stood up more frequently (b = 41.08, p = .01) took more steps on average. At the within-person level, older adults took more steps on days when they sat less than usual (b = −8.29, p < .001) and stood up more frequently than usual (b = 52.75, p < .001). Older adults’ daily physical activity may be influenced by interrupting sedentary behavior more frequently as well as reducing total sedentary behavior. It may be easier to monitor the frequency of discrete behaviors, like standing up, than it is to monitor the duration of continuous behaviors (e.g., walking, sitting).
New Isolates of Pandoraviruses: Contribution to the Study of Replication Cycle Steps
Authors: Pereira Andrade Ana Cláudia dos Santos , Victor de Miranda Boratto Paulo , Rodrigues Rodrigo Araújo Lima , Bastos Talita Machado , Azevedo Bruna Luiza , Dornas Fábio Pio , Oliveira Danilo Bretas , Drumond Betânia Paiva , Kroon Erna Geessien , Abrahão Jônatas Santos
Published: December 2018

The emerging Pandoraviridae family is composed of some of the most complex viruses known to date. Only a few pandoravirus isolates have been described until now, and many aspects of their life cycle remain to be elucidated. A comprehensive description of the replication cycle is pivotal to a better understanding of the biology of the virus. For this report, we describe new pandoraviruses and used different methods to better characterize the steps of the replication cycle of this new group of viruses. Our results provide new information about the diversity and biology of these giant viruses.
A 33-Year-Old Plant Sample Contributes the First Complete Genomic Sequence of
Potato Virus U
Authors: Adams Ian P. , Boonham Neil , Jones Roger A. C.
Published: December 2018

A
Potato virus U
isolate detected in a Peruvian potato sample collected in 1977 produced the first genome sequence of this virus. When this genome sequence was compared with those of other nepoviruses, the amino acid sequences of RNA1 and RNA2 were most similar to those of subgroup C nepoviruses.
Closed Genome Sequence of Salmonella enterica Serovar Richmond Strain CFSAN000191, Obtained with Nanopore Sequencing
Authors: González-Escalona Narjol , Yao Kuan , Hoffmann Maria
Published: December 2018

Here we report the genome sequence of
Salmonella enterica
serovar Richmond strain CFSAN000191, isolated from tilapia from Thailand in 2005. The genome was determined by a combination of long-read and short-read sequencing.
Association of occupational exposures with cardiovascular disease among US Hispanics/Latinos
Authors: Bulka Catherine M , Daviglus Martha L , Persky Victoria W , Durazo-Arvizu Ramon A , Lash James P , Elfassy Tali , Lee David J , Ramos Alberto R , Tarraf Wassim , Argos Maria
Published: December 2018

Objective

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in the USA. The role of occupational exposures to chemicals in the development of CVD has rarely been studied even though many agents possess cardiotoxic properties. We therefore evaluated associations of self-reported exposures to organic solvents, metals and pesticides in relation to CVD prevalence among diverse Hispanic/Latino workers.

Methods

Cross-sectional data from 7404 employed individuals, aged 18–74 years, enrolled in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL) were analysed. Participants from four US cities provided questionnaire data and underwent clinical examinations, including ECGs. CVD was defined as the presence of at least one of the following: coronary heart disease, atrial fibrillation, heart failure or cerebrovascular disease. Prevalence ratios reflecting the relationship between each occupational exposure and CVD as well as CVD subtypes were calculated using Poisson regression models.

Results

Hispanic/Latino workers reported exposures to organic solvents (6.5%), metals (8.5%) and pesticides (4.7%) at their current jobs. Overall, 6.1% of participants had some form of CVD, with coronary heart disease as the most common (4.3%) followed by cerebrovascular disease (1.0%), heart failure (0.8%) and atrial fibrillation (0.7%). For individuals who reported working with pesticides, the prevalence ratios for any CVD were 2.18 (95% CI 1.34 to 3.55), coronary heart disease 2.20 (95% CI 1.31 to 3.71), cerebrovascular disease 1.38 (95% CI 0.62 3.03), heart failure 0.91 (95% CI 0.23 to 3.54) and atrial fibrillation 5.92 (95% CI 1.89 to 18.61) after adjustment for sociodemographic, acculturation, lifestyle and occupational characteristics. Metal exposures were associated with an almost fourfold (3.78, 95% CI 1.24 to 11.46) greater prevalence of atrial fibrillation. Null associations were observed for organic solvent exposures.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that working with metals and pesticides could be risk factors for CVD among Hispanic/Latino workers. Further work is needed to evaluate these relationships prospectively.
Scale hierarchies, supersymmetry and cosmology
Authors: Antoniadis Ignatios
Published: December 2018

I discuss a general class of models where the inflation is driven by supersymmetry breaking with the superpartner of the goldstino (sgoldstino) playing the role of the inflaton. Imposing an R-symmetry allows to satisfy easily the slow-roll conditions, avoiding the so-called [Formula: see text]-problem, and leads to two different classes of small field inflation models; they are characterized by an inflationary plateau around the maximum of the scalar potential, where R-symmetry is either restored or spontaneously broken, with the inflaton rolling down to a minimum describing the present phase of our universe. Inflation can be driven by either an F- or a D-term, while the minimum has a positive tuneable vacuum energy. The models agree with cosmological observations and in the simplest case predict a tensor-to-scalar ratio of primordial perturbations [Formula: see text] and an inflation scale [Formula: see text].
Integrable structures in low-dimensional holography and cosmologies
Authors: Rashkov Radoslav
Published: December 2018

We focus on the integrable properties in low-dimensional holography. The motivation is that most of the integrable structures underlying holographic duality survive weak-strong coupling transition. We found relation between certain integrable structures in low-dimensional holography and key characteristics of the theories. We propose generalizations to higher spin (HS) theories including Sachdev–Ye–Kitaev (SYK) model. We comment on some of the intriguing relations found in this study.
Topological surprises in de Sitter QFT in two-dimensions
Authors: Epstein Henri , Moschella Ugo
Published: December 2018

Motivated by the study of soluble models of quantum field theory, we illustrate a new type of topological effect by comparing the constructions of canonical Klein–Gordon quantum fields on the two-dimensional de Sitter spacetime as opposed to its double covering. We show that while the commutators of the two fields coincide locally, the global topological differences make the theories drastically different. Many of the well-known features of de Sitter quantum field theory disappear. In particular, there is nothing like a Bunch–Davies vacuum. Correspondingly, even though the local horizon structure is the same for the two universes, there is no Hawking–Gibbons thermal state. Finally, there is no complementary series of fields.
Dark matter is a genuine spin-2 field
Authors: Urban Federico R.
Published: December 2018

We know about Dark Matter (DM) only thanks to Gravity. I will review the idea that this must be the case because DM is nothing else than a manifestation of Gravity itself, in the guise of an additional, massive, spin-2 particle.
Astrophysics with Weyl gravity
Authors: Deliduman Cemsinan , Kaşıkçı Oğuzhan , Yapışkan Barış
Published: December 2018

We aim to explain some astrophysical phenomena in low density astronomical regions without invoking dark matter. We propose that the effective theory of gravity could have individual terms which become dominant in respective regions, and effectively describe the gravitational phenomena there. In the outer region of galaxies, the effective theory of gravity could be the Weyl gravity, which is the unique local scale symmetric metric theory. Inside the bulge, however, general relativity is the effective description of gravity. Hence, we propose the Einstein–Weyl gravity as a scale-dependent effective description of the gravitational phenomena. At high densities or high curvature regions, the effective description for gravity is provided by Einstein’s general relativity, whereas in the low density regions it is provided by the Weyl gravity. We then solve the field equations of Weyl gravity in the outer region of galaxies and determine the geometry in which stars move with the same rotational velocity independent of their distance from the center of the galaxy. We then utilize this metric solution to calculate the deflection angle of light from a distant source by a galaxy cluster. The deflection angle calculated in Schwarzschild–de Sitter-like space includes contributions from both the cosmological constant [Formula: see text] and the Mannheim–Kazanas parameter [Formula: see text]. There are conflicting results on the deflection angle for light in Weyl gravity in the literature. Our result agrees with some and disagrees with many. We point out possible reasons for this discrepancy.
The shape of Fe Kα line emitted from relativistic accretion disc around AGN black holes
Authors: Milošević Milan , Pursiainen Miika A. , Jovanović Predrag , Popović Luka Č.
Published: December 2018

The relativistically broadened Fe K[Formula: see text] line, originating from the accretion disc in a vicinity of a super massive black hole, is observed in only less than 50% of type 1 Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN). In this study, we investigate could this lack of detections be explained by the effects of certain parameters of the accretion disc and black hole, such as the inclination, the inner and outer radius of disc and emissivity index. In order to determine how these parameters affect the Fe K[Formula: see text] line shape, we simulated about 60,000 Fe K[Formula: see text] line profiles emitted from the relativistic disc.

Based on simulated line profiles, we conclude that the lack of the Fe K[Formula: see text] line detection in type 1 AGN could be caused by the specific emitting disc parameters, but also by the limits in the spectral resolution and sensitivity of the X-ray detectors.
Voice conversion based on Gaussian processes by using kernels modeling the spectral density with Gaussian mixture models
Authors: Bao Jingyi , Xu Ning
Published: December 2018

Voice conversion (VC) is a technique that aims to transform the individuality of a source speech so as to mimic that of a target speech while keeping the message unaltered. In our previous work, Gaussian process (GP) was introduced into the literature of VC for the first time, for the sake of overcoming the “over-fitting” problem inherent in the state-of-the-art VC methods, which gives very promising results. However, standard GP usually acts as somewhat a smoothing device more than a universal approximator. In this paper, we further attempt to improve the flexibility of GP-based VC by resorting to the expressive kernels that are derived to model the spectral density with Gaussian mixture model (GMM). Our new method benefits from the expressiveness of the new kernel while the inference of GP remains simple and analytic as usual. Experiments demonstrate both objectively and subjectively that the individualities of the converted speech are much more closer to those of the target while speech quality obtained is comparable to the standard GP-based method.
Application of the sparse decomposition algorithm in the film defect denoising
Authors: Chen Gong , Wu Shuai , Qian Chong , Dou Xiaoming
Published: December 2018

This paper aims to extract the exact defect characteristics of the thin film surface of the lithium battery by sparse decomposition algorithm. An appropriate atomic function was selected and the sparse decomposition iteration was conducted on the defect images in the overcomplete dictionary. This value from observation method was taken as the empirical value and applied as the iteration termination condition of the sparse decomposition. Then, the denoised defect images were obtained. The results reveal that the sparse decomposition has a far superior denoising performance to that of the median filtering technique, and can better restore the thin film defects of the lithium battery.
Dendrites and Chaos
Authors: Drwięga Tomasz
Published: December 2018

We answer the two questions left open in [Kočan, 2012] i.e. whether there is a relation between [Formula: see text]-chaos and distributional chaos and whether there is a relation between an infinite LY-scrambled set and distributional chaos for dendrite maps. We construct a continuous self-map of a dendrite without any DC3 pairs but containing an uncountable [Formula: see text]-scrambled set. To answer the second question we construct a dendrite [Formula: see text] and a continuous dendrite map without an infinite LY-scrambled set but with DC1 pairs.
Analysis of Mode-I crack growth arresting mechanism in curved laminated joint
Authors: Jeevan Kumar N.
Published: December 2018

The critical damage for carbon fiber structures, which are being employed in aircraft structures, is known as delamination/crack. Fasteners are commonly installed to arrest the delamination by clamping the laminate together. Fasteners are installed in each corner of the delaminated zone to provide significant arrest capability, shifting the failure mode away from delamination under most conditions. The Finite Element Analysis (FEA) model is constructed to study the effectiveness of the fastener as crack arrest mechanism. The FEA results show that the fastener provides significant crack retardation capability in Mode-I condition.

An analytical model is developed for the delamination embedded between the skin and stiffener interface of the joint. The fasteners are modeled with spring elements. The analysis is solved with Virtual Crack Closure Technique (VCCT) approach. The primary objective of the current research work is to enhance the safety of bonded joint by providing arrest mechanisms.
Mechanisms for the Resolution of Organ Fibrosis
Authors: Horowitz Jeffrey C. , Thannickal Victor J.
Published: December 2018

Fibrosis is a dynamic process with the potential for reversibility and restoration of near-normal tissue architecture and organ function. Herein, we review mechanisms for resolution of organ fibrosis, in particular that involving the lung, with an emphasis on the critical roles of myofibroblast apoptosis and clearance of deposited matrix.
Efficacy and Safety of the Combination Treatment of Rituximab and Dexamethasone for Adults with Primary Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP): A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wang Jia , Li Ya , Wang Chong , Zhang Yayue , Gao Chong , Lang Haiyan , Chen Xinyi
Published: December 2018

Objective.To conduct a meta-analysis, assessing the efficacy and safety of the combination treatment of dexamethasone and rituximab for adults with ITP (primary immune thrombocytopenia).Methods.Randomized controlled trials that compared rituximab and dexamethasone combination treatment to dexamethasone monotherapy in the treatment of adults with ITP were collected by searching Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane, China National Knowledge (CNKI), Wanfang database, and Sino Med. We conducted pooled analyses on OR (overall response) rate, CR (complete response) rate, PR (partial response) rate, SR (sustained response) rate, R (relapse) rate, change in Treg cell count (mean [SD]), and AE (adverse event). GRADE pro scale was used to assess the quality of the evidence. Publication bias was assessed with Egger’s test method.Results.A total of 11 randomized controlled trials were eligible for inclusion. The overall efficacy estimates favored combination arm in terms of OR rate at month 3, CR rate at week 4 and month 3, SR rate, and Treg cell count at week 2. Subgroup analysis showed that females obtained a higher OR rate than males did at week 4. No significant difference was found in pooled analysis of relapse rate between combination arm and monotherapy arm. The comparison of serious AE and other AEs showed no significant difference either. A total of 19 outcomes were assessed by GRADE pro software, of which 79% (15/19) was scaled as moderate-to-high level. Publication bias existed in studies on OR at week 4 (P=0.025), CR at week 4 (P=0.017), infection (P=0.006), and rash (P=0.028) of the AEs.Conclusion.Dexamethasone combined with rituximab can provide a better long-term response in the treatment of adults with ITP and will not increase the risk of adverse effects.
The Effect of Factors on the Radiation Noise of High‐Speed Full Ceramic Angular Contact Ball Bearings
Authors: Yan Haipeng , Wu Yuhou , Li Songhua , Zhang Lixiu , Zhang Ke
Published: December 2018

Ceramic angular contact ball bearing is widely used in a high‐speed motorised spindle because of their excellent properties such as wear resistance, high temperature resistance, and corrosion resistance. In this study, the characteristics and influencing factors of the radiation noise for a full ceramic angular contact ball bearing applied in the motorised spindle are investigated. Based on a single factor test method, the variations of bearing noise with preload, oil supply, and rotation speed were investigated, and then, the optimal preload and oil supply under the specific speed were obtained. The sound field directivity in the circumferential distribution of the bearing noise was discussed, and the reasons for the uneven distribution of the sound field were elucidated. According to the experimental results, a prediction model on the radiation noise of a full ceramic angular contact ball bearing under certain conditions was proposed. The conclusions will provide a reference for reducing the radiation noise of full ceramic angular contact ball bearings in high‐speed operation and improving the bearing performance.
Xm2Scores for Estimating Total Exposure to Multimodal Strategies Identified by Pharmacists for Managing Pain: Validity Testing and Clinical Relevance
Authors: Axon David Rhys , Bhattacharjee Sandipan , Warholak Terri L. , Slack Marion K.
Published: December 2018

Objective. To assess the validity of an exposure score obtained from the Xm2tool for all pharmacological and nonpharmacological strategies used by individuals to manage chronic pain.Methods. Using data from individuals with chronic pain, eXposuremultimodal (Xm2) scores were calculated by assigning one point for every 100 mg of morphine equivalent used (opioid medications); 25% of the maximum recommended exposure used (nonopioid medications); and any use of another strategy then summed. Content, criterion, construct, and convergent validity were assessed.Results. The sample of 149 individuals used a mean of 12.6 (SD = 4.6) strategies to manage pain and had a mean Xm2score of 16.8 (SD = 9.1). Content validity was established by demonstrating that the pain management strategies identified were also reported in the literature. Criterion validity was established by the positive association of exposure scores with the following: interference with work (odds ratio (OR) = 2.23, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.14–4.36), daily activities (OR = 2.10, CI = 1.07–4.13), relationships (OR = 1.98, CI = 1.01–3.88), and leisure activities (OR = 2.31, CI = 1.18–4.50); workdays missed (OR = 5.10, CI = 1.92–13.58); emergency department visits (OR = 3.40, CI = 1.17–9.91); hospitalizations (OR = 4.18, CI = 0.86–20.37); and by a negative association with satisfaction (OR = 0.40, CI = 0.18–0.88). Construct validity was established by the positive association of exposure with baseline pain intensity (p<0.01) and odds of experiencing an adverse event (OR = 2.31, CI = 1.18–4.52). Convergent validity was established through correlations of pain intensity from the Xm2score and existing quantitative analgesic questionnaire (QAQ) score.Discussion. Xm2scores represent a valid estimate of total exposure to multimodal strategies used and provide clinically relevant information for deciding what strategies to use at what level.
Effectiveness of Foot Biomechanical Orthoses to Relieve Patients Suffering from PlantarFasciitis: Is the Reduction of Pain Related to Change in Neural Strategy?
Authors: Moyne-Bressand Sébastien , Dhieux Carole , Dousset Erick , Decherchi Patrick
Published: December 2018

Plantarfasciitisis a cause of chronic pain under the heel and bottom of the foot. One of the treatments to reduce pain consists of using plantar orthoses to address specific imbalances during foot placement or gait. The aim of the present study was to determine if reduction of pain with a treatment based on plantar orthoses is related to changes in reflexes and muscle activity of the muscles of the lower limbs. Ten patients (51.0±3.5 years, 76.0±2.38 kg, 171.9±1.8 cm, 3 women and 7 men) with plantarfasciitisfor less than 1 year were followed up during nine weeks.SoleusM, H, and V waves recorded at rest and during voluntary contraction and Root Mean Square-Electromyogram from four leg muscles recorded during walking and static position were analyzed in patients before and 3, 6, and 9 weeks after wearing orthoses. Pain level and gait and posture parameters were also analyzed. Results were compared to five healthy participants exhibiting no pain (30.6±2.1 years, 60.0±3.5 kg, 167.0±3.4 cm, 3 women and 2 men). Results indicated that pain was significantly reduced after 3 weeks.Hmax/MmaxandHsup/Msupratios were significantly higher andMHmax/MmaxandMHsup/Msupwere significantly lower in healthy participants compared to patients with plantarfasciitis. No difference in the V/Msupratio was found between groups. Furthermore, all other measured locomotor, stabilometric, and electromyographic parameters remained unchanged throughout the entire protocol. The reduction of pain is not related to change in neural activity suggesting that, after 9 weeks of wearing plantar orthoses, patients are not yet cured and return to physical activity should be delayed.
Usefulness of a Cannula with a Flexible Tip (Swing Tip) for Managing Severe Biliary Stricture
Authors: Uchida Daisuke , Kato Hironari , Saragai Yosuke , Takada Saimon , Muro Shinichiro , Tomoda Takeshi , Matsumoto Kazuyuki , Horiguchi Shigeru , Okada Hiroyuki
Published: December 2018

Background and Aims. Biliary stenting for the treatment of biliary stricture is the most common indication of ERCP, but the procedure is sometimes unsuccessful because of severe strictures. The Swing Tip is useful for passing through severe strictures because it has a manually operable tip. The efficacy of using a Swing Tip was retrospectively evaluated. Methods. The 2353 patients who underwent ERCP for biliary stenting at our facility between January 2012 and July 2018 were enrolled. In all patients, procedures were begun using tapered tip-catheters, and Swing Tips were used if the procedure was found to be difficult with other devices. The indication for switching to the Swing Tip and the technical success rate were retrospectively evaluated. Results. A total of 99 patients (4.2%) underwent ERCP using the Swing Tip, including 49 patients for the selection of biliary branches and 50 for exchanging guidewires for rigid ones. In these patients, biliary stenting was successful in 22 patients (44.9%) and 45 patients (90%), respectively. The other 32 patients with failed endoscopic biliary drainage were treated via alternative approaches, such as percutaneous procedures, surgeries, or conservative treatments. There were no adverse events associated with the Swing Tip. Conclusion. The Swing Tip was technically feasible especially for exchanging guidewires during ERCP. Percutaneous procedures or surgical treatments can be avoided by using the Swing Tip. Ethical Statements. This study was approved by the institutional review board of Okayama University. All subjects provided informed consent. The study was registered in the UMIN protocol registration system (identification number UMIN 000033692).
Long-Term Storage of Vegetable Juices Treated by High Hydrostatic Pressure: Assurance of the Microbial Safety
Authors: Nasiłowska Justyna , Sokołowska Barbara , Fonberg-Broczek Monika
Published: December 2018

Food business operators search for new, mild technologies, which extend the shelf life of product without changing the sensory and nutritional properties. High hydrostatic pressure (HHP) meets these requirements; however it also triggers sublethal injury of bacterial cells. Sublethal injuries could spoil the product during storage and potentially pose major public health concerns. This study aims to examine the changes of sublethally injured pathogens cells in two vegetable juices: carrot juice (pH 6.0-6.7) and beetroot juice (pH 4.0-4.2) that are induced by HHP (300-500 MPa). The possibilities of recovery of bacterial cells during 28 days of juices storage at two different temperatures (5°C and 25°C) were determined using plate count methods. During the entire period of storage of carrot juice at refrigerated temperature, the propagation and regeneration ofL. innocuastrains were observed. Storage at 25°C showed that the number of these bacteria drastically decreased between 14 and 21 days. The above phenomenon was not detected inE. colicase. There was no cells recovery during long-term refrigerated storage for all strains in beetroot juice. However, in some cases spoiling of this product intermittently occurred at 25°C storage temperature. This work demonstrates that carrot juice supports growth and regeneration of HHP-sublethally injuredL. innocua, while beetroot juice can be classified as a safe product.
Alzheimer’s Disease Mortality according to Socioeconomic Factors: Country Study
Authors: Tóth Peter , Gavurová Beáta , Barták Miroslav
Published: December 2018

Aim of the paper is to quantify effects of socioeconomic factors on Alzheimer’s Disease Mortality in the Slovak Republic. We applied potential gains in life expectancy (PGLE) method to measure the impact of elimination of Alzheimer’s disease on life expectance in Slovak regions. PGLE is based on life table adjustment according to elimination of mortality caused by specific diagnosis. Our dataset consists of all deceased from Slovak Republic from 2001 to 2015. We analyse the impact of unemployment rate, GDP per capita, average wage, and education on life expectance in Slovak regions. To estimate that impact, ordinary least squares (OLS) is applied. According to our model, gross domestic product, average wage, and education influence mortality caused by Alzheimer’s disease.
Association of Strength and Physical Functions in People with Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Clael Sacha , Brandão Elaine , Caland Liana , Techmeier Raquel , de Paiva Tamara , Rodrigues Jhonatan , Wells Camila , Bezerra Lídia
Published: December 2018

Background. Parkinson’s disease is responsible for decrease of activities of daily living and mobility limitations. Association of strength with physical capacities and disease time can improve training methodologies and predict changes in physical fitness for this population, since the control center of movements and strength is the same. Objective. Therefore, the aim of this study is to analyze if there are correlation between strength with functional tests (the sit-to-stand, the six-minute walk, and the timed-up-go) and disease time in people with Parkinson’s disease. Results. All functional tests correlations are significant, p < 0.05. The strength is positively correlated with the sit-to-stand and the six-minute walk. The strength is negatively correlated with the timed-up-go. Conclusion. There are a correlation between strength with functional tests in people with PD, and changes in strength assessment can be used as predictor to changes in aerobic capacity.
Exome Sequencing: Mutilating Sensory Neuropathy with Spastic Paraplegia due to a Mutation in FAM134B Gene
Authors: Wakil Salma M. , Monies Dorota , Hagos Samya , Al-Ajlan Fahad , Finsterer Josef , Al Qahtani Aisha , Ramzan Khushnooda , Al Humaidy Rawan , Al-Muhaizea Mohamed A. , Meyer Brian , Bohlega Saeed A.
Published: December 2018

Hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathies (HSANs) are a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of disorders involving various sensory and autonomic dysfunctions. The most common symptoms of HSANs include loss of sensations of pain and temperature that frequently lead to chronic ulcerations in the feet and hands of the patient. In this case study, we present the clinical features and genetic characteristics of two affected individuals from two unrelated Saudi families presenting mutilating sensory loss and spastic paraplegia. We employed homozygosity mapping and exome sequencing which is an efficient strategy to characterize the recessive genes, thus obtaining a rapid molecular diagnosis for genetically heterogeneous disorders like HSAN. Subsequently, a nonsense mutation (c.926 C>G; p.S309⁎) in FAM134B was identified. In addition, we confirmed that the mutant FAM134B transcripts were reduced in these patients presumably disrupting the receptors of the degradative endoplasmic reticulum pathways that facilitate the autophagy processes.
FDA Approval Summary: (Daunorubicin and Cytarabine) Liposome for Injection for the Treatment of Adults with High-Risk Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Krauss Aviva C. , Gao Xin , Li Liang , Manning Michael L. , Patel Paresma , Fu Wentao , Janoria Kumar G. , Gieser Gerlie , Bateman David A. , Przepiorka Donna , Shen Yuan Li , Shord Stacy S. , Sheth Christopher M. , Banerjee Anamitro , Liu Jiang , Goldberg Kirsten B. , Farrell Ann T. , Blumenthal Gideon M. , Pazdur Richard
Published: December 2018

On August 3, 2017, the FDA granted regular approval to Vyxeos (also known as CPX-351; Jazz Pharmaceuticals), a liposomal formulation of daunorubicin and cytarabine in a fixed combination, for the treatment of adults with newly diagnosed therapy-related acute myeloid leukemia (t-AML) or acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with myelodysplasia-related changes (AML-MRC). Approval was based on data from Study CLTR0310-301, a randomized, multicenter, open-label, active-controlled trial comparing Vyxeos with a standard combination of daunorubicin and cytarabine (“7+3”) in 309 patients 60–75 years of age with newly diagnosed t-AML or AML-MRC. Because of elemental copper concerns with the Vyxeos formulation, patients with Wilson disease were excluded from the study. Vyxeos demonstrated an improvement in overall survival (HR 0.69; 95% confidence interval, 0.52–0.90; P = 0.005) with an estimated median overall survival of 9.6 months compared with 5.9 months for the “7+3” control arm. The toxicity profile of Vyxeos was similar to that seen with standard “7+3” with the exception of more prolonged neutropenia and thrombocytopenia on the Vyxeos arm. Because the pharmacology of Vyxeos differs from that of other formulations of daunorubicin and cytarabine, labeling includes a warning against interchanging formulations during treatment. This is the first FDA-approved treatment specifically for patients with t-AML or AML-MRC.
Characterizing the Motor Skills in Children with Specific Language Impairment
Authors: Sanjeevan Teenu , Mainela-Arnold Elina
Published: December 2018

Background/Aims: Specific language impairment (SLI) is characterized by deficits in language ability. However, studies have also reported motor impairments in SLI. It has been proposed that the language and motor impairments in SLI share common origins. This exploratory study compared the gross, fine, oral, and speech motor skills of children with SLI and children with typical development (TD) to determine whether children with SLI would exhibit difficulties on particular motor tasks and to inform us about the underlying cognitive deficits in SLI. Methods: A total of 13 children with SLI (aged 8–12 years) and 14 age-matched children with TD were administered the Movement Assessment Battery for Children – Second Edition and the Verbal Motor Production Assessment for Children to examine gross and fine motor skills and oral and speech motor skills, respectively. Results: Children with SLI scored significantly lower on gross, fine, and speech motor tasks relative to children with TD. In particular, children with SLI found movements organized into sequences and movement modifications challenging. On oral motor tasks, however, children with SLI were comparable to children with TD. Conclusion: Impairment of the motor sequencing and adaptation processes may explain the performance of children with SLI on these tasks, which may be suggestive of a procedural memory deficit in SLI.
Measurements of Trunk Sway for Stance and Gait Tasks 2 Years after Vestibular Neurectomy
Authors: Vibert Dominique , Allum John H.J. , Kompis Martin , Wiedmer Simona , Stieger Christof , Häusler Rudolf , Caversaccio Marco
Published: December 2018

The aim of this study was to investigate changes in balance control for stance and gait tasks in patients 2 years before and after vestibular neurectomy (VN) performed to alleviate intractable Meniere’s disease. Amplitudes of trunk sway in roll and pitch directions were measured for stance and gait tasks in 19 patients using gyroscopes mounted at the lower-back. Measurements before VN and 2 years later were compared to those of healthy age-matched controls (HC). We also examined if changes in trunk sway amplitudes were correlated with patients’ subjective assessment of disability using the AAO-HNS scale. For patients with low AAO-HNS scores 0–2 (n = 14), trunk roll and pitch sway velocities, standing eyes closed on foam, increased 2 years post VN compared to HC values (p < 0.01). Trunk sway amplitudes remained at levels of HC for simple gait tasks, but task durations were longer and therefore gait slower. For complex gait tasks (stairs), balance control remained impaired at 2 years. In patients with AAO-HNS high scores level 6 (n = 5), balance control remained abnormal, compared to HC, 2 years postoperatively for all stance, several simple and all complex gait tasks. Trunk sway in the pitch and roll directions for stance tasks was correlated with clinical (AAO-HNS) scores (p ≤ 0.05). These results indicate that VN leads to chronic balance problems for stance and complex gait tasks. The problems are greater for patients with high compared to low AAO-HNS scores, thereby explaining the different symptoms reported by these patients. The lack of balance recovery in VN patients to levels of HCs after 2 years contrasts with the 3 months average recovery period for acute vestibular neuritis patients and is indicative of the effects of neurectomy on central compensation processes.
Influence of Nutritional Management and Rehabilitation on Physical Outcome in Japanese Intensive Care Unit Patients: A Multicenter Observational Study
Authors: Yatabe Tomoaki , Egi Moritoki , Sakaguchi Masahiko , Ito Takashi , Inagaki Nobuhiro , Kato Hiromi , Kaminohara Jun , Konishi Amane , Takahashi Michiko , Tatsumi Hiroomi , Tobe Masaru , Nakashima Ikue , Nakamoto Naoki , Nishimura Takeshi , Nitta Masakazu , Nishimura Masaji
Published: December 2018

Background: There is lack of evidence regarding nutritional management among intensive care unit (ICU) patients in a population with relatively low body mass index. Therefore, we conducted an observational study to assess the nutritional management in Japanese ICUs. Also, we investigated the impact of nutritional management and rehabilitation on physical outcome. Methods: The study population comprised 389 consecutive patients who received mechanical ventilation for at least 24 h and those admitted to the ICU for > 72 h in 13 hospitals. The primary outcomes were caloric and protein intake in ICU on days 3 and 7, and at ICU discharge. The secondary outcome was the impact of nutritional management and rehabilitation on physical status at ICU discharge. We defined good physical status as more than end sitting and poor physical status as bed rest and sitting. We divided the participants into 2 groups, namely, the good physical status group (Good group) and poor physical status group (Poor group) for analysis of the secondary outcome. Data were expressed as median (interquartile range). Results: The median amount of caloric intake on days 3 and 7, and at ICU discharge via enteral and parenteral routes were 8.4 (3.1–15.6), 14.9 (7.5–22.0), and 11.2 (2.5–19.1) kcal/kg/day, respectively. The median amount of protein intake on days 3 and 7, and at ICU discharge were 0.2 (0–0.5), 0.4 (0.1–0.8), and 0.3 (0–0.7) g/kg/day, respectively. The amount of caloric intake on day 3 in the Poor group was significantly higher than that of the Good group (10.1 [5.8, 16.2] vs. 5.2 [1.9, 12.4] kcal/kg/day, p < 0.001). The proportion of patients who were received rehabilitation in ICU in the Good group was significantly higher than that of the Poor group (92 vs. 63%, p < 0.001). The multivariate analysis revealed that caloric intake on day 3 and rehabilitation in ICU were considered independent factors that affect physical status (OR 1.19; 95% CI 1.05–1.34; p = 0.005 and OR 0.07; 95% CI 0.01–0.34; p = 0.001). Conclusions: The caloric and protein intakes in Japanese ICUs were 15 kcal/kg/day and 0.4 g/kg/day, respectively. In addition, critically ill patients might benefit from low caloric intake (less than 10 kcal/kg/day) until day 3 and rehabilitation during ICU stay.
Os anos de aprendizado de Wilhelm Meister: “Um magnífico arco-íris” na história do romance
Authors: Mazzari Marcus Vinicius
Published: December 2018

Este ensaio enfoca Os anos de aprendizado de Wilhelm Meister como obra fundadora da mais significativa contribuição alemã à história do romance europeu: o chamado “romance de formação e desenvolvimento” (Bildungs- und Entwicklungsroman). A discussão de algumas especificidades desse subgênero leva também a comentários sobre a influência que a viagem de Goethe pela Itália, entre setembro de 1786 e abril de 1788, exerceu sobre a reelaboração do projeto original, tal como se apresenta no manuscrito da Missão teatral de Wilhelm Meister, redigido de 1777 a 1785. Por fim, são tecidas algumas considerações sobre as subsequente reverberações do paradigma goethiano em romancistas do século XIX e XX.
O Bildungsroman proletário de Jorge Amado
Authors: Duarte Eduardo De Assis
Published: December 2018

Publicado em 1935, Jubiabá narra o crescimento e a formação da consciência de classe do trabalhador descendente de escravos, no contexto de emergência do proletariado urbano no Brasil. O romance dialoga com a tradição do Bildungsroman europeu para construir um dos primeiros heróis negros de nossa literatura. O artigo aborda o enredo, os procedimentos adotados e a combinação de modelos que resulta em grande empatia com o público leitor.
Bildungsroman feminino: uma leitura de Balada de amor ao vento, de Paulina Chiziane
Authors: Kütter Cíntia Acosta
Published: December 2018

O presente trabalho pretende desenvolver uma reflexão sobre o romance Balada de amor ao vento, de Paulina Chiziane, e analisá-lo sob a perspectiva do romance de formação, especificamente do Bildungsroman feminino, a partir de referências africanas, destacando-se a representação feminina no espaço moçambicano. Nesse sentido, pretendemos revelar as implicações do uso de tal conceito na literatura moçambicana e as pontes, bem como as diferenças, que o romance de Chiziane estabelece com o modelo europeu desse gênero. Para tanto, como anteparo teórico as questões levantadas por Mikhail Bakhtin, ao estudar o romance de formação, bem como as leituras mais recentes do tema, propostas por Wilma Patricia Maas, Cristina Ferreira Pinto e Marcus Vinicius Mazzari.
O rito iniciático e o romance de formação: uma análise mitopoética de Uma História Comum
Authors: Bonavina Rafael , Gomide Bruno
Published: December 2018

O artigo discute a ligação entre o rito iniciático e o romance de formação Uma História Comum, de Ivan Aleksándrovitch Gontcharóv. A análise centra-se, principalmente, na relação do indivíduo com o tempo e a característica intergeracional da formação do protagonista.
Crise do romance – crise de um país: Berlin Alexanderplatz, de Alfred Döblin
Authors: Bolle Willi
Published: December 2018

A obra principal de Döblin, publicada em 1929, é analisada simultaneamente como um romance de formação e uma epopeia moderna. Ao acompanhar o caminho de vida do protagonista Franz Biberkopf, passamos a conhecer a praça central que simboliza a capital da Alemanha. A metrópole moderna é apresentada através de uma montagem de elementos múltiplos, em que se destacam os botecos como lugares de encontro e os jornais, proporcionando uma imersão na atmosfera social e política da República de Weimar, na época da grande crise econômica de 1929, que acabou levando o país para a ditadura nazista. Paralelamente aos crimes cotidianos comuns, nos quais se envolve também o protagonista, são evocados os crimes na esfera política. A narração do assassinato de uma moça tem como pano de fundo a visão de um ataque aéreo, sugerindo que a guerra de 1914-1918 teria continuidade numa segunda guerra mundial. Com base no principal traço de caráter de Franz Biberkopf – a burrice, ligada à soberba e à ingenuidade – é estabelecida uma analogia com a burrice de um povo, descrita por Robert Musil, em 1937. A análise termina com uma discussão crítica da postura moralizante do narrador de Döblin.
“Uma história das ideias em vez de uma história do mundo” – a dimensão da formação em O homem sem qualidades
Authors: De Castro Érica Gonçalves
Published: December 2018

Para Robert Musil, “o Bildungsroman de uma ideia é o romance enquanto tal”. Partindo dessa premissa, o artigo demonstra como sua obra principal, o romance O homem sem qualidades, redimensiona a noção tradicional de formação (Bildung) à luz das exigências do presente, atribuindo ao processo reflexivo da personagem uma importância muito maior do que a mera narração de eventos. Ao acompanhar a aventura intelectual de uma personagem que procura ampliar as possibilidades de existência a partir da representação de uma experiência real de vida, o leitor é convidado a participar do esforço formativo do herói, e a engajar-se numa nova modalidade de reflexão.
Synergistic Pressor Effect of Atomoxetine and Pyridostigmine in Patients With Neurogenic Orthostatic Hypotension
Authors: Okamoto Luis E. , Shibao Cyndya A. , Gamboa Alfredo , Diedrich André , Raj Satish R. , Black Bonnie K. , Robertson David , Biaggioni Italo
Published: December 2018

Patients with autonomic failure are characterized by disabling orthostatic hypotension because of impaired sympathetic activity, but even severely affected patients have residual sympathetic tone which can be harnessed for their treatment. For example, norepinephrine transporter blockade with atomoxetine raises blood pressure (BP) in autonomic failure patients by increasing synaptic norepinephrine concentrations; acetylcholinesterase inhibition with pyridostigmine increases BP by facilitating ganglionic cholinergic neurotransmission to increase sympathetic outflow. We tested the hypothesis that pyridostigmine will potentiate the pressor effect of atomoxetine and improve orthostatic tolerance and symptoms in patients with severe autonomic failure. Twelve patients received a single oral dose of either placebo, pyridostigmine 60 mg, atomoxetine 18 mg or the combination on separate days in a single blind, crossover study. BP was assessed seated and standing before and 1-hour postdrug. In these severely affected patients, neither pyridostigmine nor atomoxetine improved BP or orthostatic tolerance compared with placebo. The combination, however, significantly increased seated BP in a synergistic manner (133±9/80±4 versus 107±6/66±4 mm Hg for placebo, 105±5/67±3 mm Hg for atomoxetine, and 99±6/64±4 mm Hg for pyridostigmine;
P
<0.001); the maximal increase in seated BP with the combination was 33±8/18±3 mm Hg at 60 minutes postdrug. Only the combination showed a significant improvement of orthostatic tolerance and symptoms. In conclusion, the combination pyridostigmine and atomoxetine had a synergistic effect on seated BP which was associated with improvement in orthostatic tolerance and symptoms. This pharmacological approach could be useful in patients with severe autonomic failure but further safety and long-term efficacy studies are needed.
Gaussian Process Surrogate Models for the CMA Evolution Strategy
Authors: Bajer Lukáš , Pitra Zbyněk , Repický Jakub , Holeňa Martin
Published: December 2018

This article deals with Gaussian process surrogate models for the Covariance Matrix Adaptation Evolutionary Strategy (CMA-ES)—several already existing and two by the authors recently proposed models are presented. The work discusses different variants of surrogate model exploitation and focuses on the benefits of employing the Gaussian process uncertainty prediction, especially during the selection of points for the evaluation with a surrogate model. The experimental part of the article thoroughly compares and evaluates the five presented Gaussian process surrogate and six other state-of-the-art optimizers on the COCO benchmarks. The algorithm presented in most detail, DTS-CMA-ES, which combines cheap surrogate-model predictions with the objective function evaluations in every iteration, is shown to approach the function optimum at least comparably fast and often faster than the state-of-the-art black-box optimizers for budgets of roughly 25–100 function evaluations per dimension, in 10- and less-dimensional spaces even for 25–250 evaluations per dimension.
Diversity of Australasian freshwater turtles, with an annotated synonymy and keys to species
Authors: GEORGES ARTHUR , THOMSON SCOTT
Published: December 2018

There have been many substantial advances in our knowledge of Australasian freshwater turtle biodiversity in the last three decades, but the classification of genera and species is in dire need of review. The proliferation of names in unpublished manuscripts and in taxonomic works published in ephemeral (often privately printed) magazines, journals or books, without the benefits of peer review and often with little justification and scant diagnoses, many of which are not allowable nomenclatural actions under the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature, has led to considerable confusion. Taxonomy is punctuated by timely and rigorous revisions that bring a check on the proliferation of names for unsubstantiated taxa. This paper is not a comprehensive revision, but in it we provide an assessment of the current taxonomy of Australasian freshwater turtles, focusing on information available to establish the validity of taxa as biological entities (as opposed to the validity of the names). We include an annotated list of species, an outline of the taxonomic issues for those taxa that are controversial (leading in some cases to synonymies), keys to the identification of genera and species, and updated information on their distributions. We call upon the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature to incorporate effective measures into the Code to prevent the destabilizing influence of the proliferation of names for taxa that have not been established as real biological entities through the normal processes of peer reviewed publication. The provision by the ICZN of a list of journals in which nomenclatural acts must appear in order to be valid, in addition to meeting the other provisions of the Code, is suggested as such a measure. Without such action, destabilization of our taxonomy will continue, the traditional Linnaean binominal nomenclature will be undermined, and credibility will build for other forms of nomenclature that are on a firmer scientific footing, but in other ways inferior.