bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What is Clinical Efficacy of Transesophageal Echocardiography in Patients With Cryptogenic Stroke?
Authors: Christiansen Michael E. , Van Woerkom Ryan C. , Demaerschalk Bart M. , Wingerchuk Dean M. , O’Carroll Cumara B.
Published: December 2017

Background:

Adults with cryptogenic stroke often undergo transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) because this is the gold-standard for evaluation of potential proximal sources of emboli. The risks of performing this invasive test must be weighed against its clinical efficacy and limitations, determined by the rate of positive findings, and the impact on clinical outcome for the patient.

Objective:

To critically appraise current evidence regarding the rate of positive TEE findings in cryptogenic stroke patients, and analyze the implications of these findings on management decisions and outcomes.

Methods:

The objective was addressed through the development of a structured, critically appraised topic. We incorporated a clinical scenario, background information, a structured question, literature search strategy, critical appraisal, results, evidence summary, commentary, and bottom line conclusions. Participants included consultant and resident neurologists, a medical librarian, and vascular neurology and cardiology content experts.

Results:

TEE commonly identifies abnormalities, including aorta atherosclerosis in 51%, patent foramen ovale in 43%, and atrial septal aneurysm in 13% of patients. Findings such as left-sided chamber thrombus or intracardiac tumor that definitively warrant a change in management by guideline-supported use of anticoagulation are less common, occurring in ∼3% of patients.

Conclusions:

TEE identifies potential causal sources of embolus in patients with cryptogenic stroke that leads to changes in management and outcomes at least 3% of the time. Other findings, particularly aorta atherosclerosis, are identified much more commonly but the causal link to stroke is uncertain, thus changes in management in these cases is variable and data describing resulting outcomes are lacking.
The Efficacy of Therapeutic Plasma Exchange in Antiphospholipid Antibody-positive Patients With Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage and High D-dimer Levels
Authors: Li Chiao-Zhu , Liu Feng-Cheng , Li Chiao-Ching , Lin Meng-Chi , Hsieh Chih-Chuan , Lin Bon-Jour , Chen Nan-Fu , Chen Chun-Lin , Chung Tzu-Tsao , Tang Chi-Tun , Hueng Dueng-Yuan , Ju Da-Tong , Ma Hsin-I , Liu Ming-Ying , Lu Ching Hsiang , Chen Yuan-Hao
Published: December 2017

Objective:

We investigated the efficacy of plasma exchange (PE) in antiphospholipid antibody (aPL)-positive patients with a spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and high D-dimer levels.

Materials and Methods:

From May 2013 to May 2016, we evaluated 32 patients who were below the age of 50 and presented with spontaneous ICH. Five patients were positive for aPL antibody and 3 had a higher level of D-dimer. These 3 patients underwent 5 sessions of PE using fresh frozen plasma as replacement fluid. We analyzed the days postadmission until PE-start, the days of intensive care unit (ICU) hospitalization, D-dimer series, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores, and modified Rankin scale (mRS) scores. D-dimer levels and GCS scores were recorded at both pre-PE and post-PE stages. The mRS scores were recorded at pre-PE stage and 3 months post-PE.

Results:

The mean postadmission period until PE-start was 8.33 days. The mean ICU hospitalization was 17.33 days. The D-dimer level pre-PE ranged from 2.34 to 5.44 mg/L fibrinogen equivalent unit (FEU). The D-dimer level post-PE ranged from 1.05 to 3.30 mg/L FEU. The amount of decline of the D-dimer level between pre-PE and post-PE ranged from 0.65 to 2.14 mg/L FEU. The GCS score pre-PE was between 7 and 8. The highest post-PE GCS score was 14. The improved GCS scores post-PE ranged from 3 to 6. The improved mRS scores of 3 months post-PE ranged from 3 to 4.

Conclusions:

The concurrent presence of positive aPL and a higher D-dimer level may worsen the neurological outcome of patients with a spontaneous ICH. Aggressive PE is effective for the treatment of such patients, decreasing the extent of the ICU hospitalization.
T2 Mapping for Noninvasive Assessment of Interstitial Edema in Acute Cardiac Allograft Rejection in a Mouse Model of Heterotopic Heart Transplantation
Authors: Hartung Dagmar , Hueper Katja , Chen Rongjun , Gutberlet Marcel , Wacker Frank , Meier Martin , Rong Song , Jang Mi-Sun , Bräsen Jan H. , Gueler Faikah
Published: December 2017

Objectives

Heart transplantation (HTX) in mice is used to characterize gene-deficient mice and to test new treatment strategies. The purpose was to establish noninvasive magnetic resonance imaging techniques in mice to monitor pathophysiological changes of the allograft during rejection.

Materials and Methods

Magnetic resonance imaging was performed at baseline and days 1 and 6 after isogenic (n = 10, C57BL/6) and allogenic (n = 12, C57BL/6 to BALB/c) heterotopic HTX on a 7 T small animal scanner. Respiratory- and electrocardiogram-gated multislice multi-echo spin echo sequences were acquired, and parameter maps of T2 relaxation time were generated. T2 times in septal, anterior, lateral, and posterior myocardial segments as well as global T2 times were calculated and compared between groups. At day 7 animals were sacrificed and graft pathology was assessed by semiquantitative regional analysis and correlated with magnetic resonance imaging results.

Results

Myocardial T2 relaxation time was significantly increased in allogenic (33.4 ± 0.1 ms) and isogenic cardiac grafts (31.8 ± 1.8 ms) on day 1 after HTX compared with healthy donor hearts at baseline (23.1 ± 0.3 ms, P < 0.001). Until day 6 after HTX, myocardial T2 further increased markedly in allografts but not in isografts (43.4 ± 1.9 vs 31.2 ± 1.1 ms, P < 0.001). Mean segmental T2 values as well as mean global T2 values in allogenic compared with isogenic cardiac grafts on day 6 were significantly higher (P < 0.01). Histologically, isogenic grafts were almost normal besides small focal leukocyte infiltrates and signs of interstitial edema, most likely due to ischemia reperfusion injury (histological sum score, 0.9 ± 0.4). In allogenic HTX, histology revealed severe inflammation and tissue edema representing allograft rejection with increased histological scores (5.3 ± 0.7, P < 0.001). Higher histological scores of rejection were significantly associated with increased T2 times on a segmental and a global level.

Conclusions

We could show that T2 mapping is a suitable noninvasive imaging method to monitor global and regional HTX pathologies in experimental heart transplantation in mice. Progressive prolongation of T2 time was significantly associated with pathological signs of rejection.
Discordant Findings on 18F-NaF and 99mTc-HDP Bone Scans in a Patient With ATTR Cardiac Amyloidosis
Authors: Ng Quinn K.T. , Sethi Pooja , Saunders Tara A. , Pampaloni Miguel Hernandez , Flavell Robert R.
Published: December 2017

Cardiac amyloidosis is an important cause of restrictive cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure. Bone scintigraphy with [99mTc]hydroxymethylene diphosphonate (99mTc-HDP) and [18F]sodium fluoride (18F-NaF) have been investigated in the noninvasive diagnosis of transthyretin (ATTR)–related cardiac amyloidosis. We present a case of a 76-year-old man with metastatic prostate cancer who underwent 99mTc-HDP bone scintigraphy with an incidental finding of diffuse left ventricular abnormal uptake suggesting ATTR cardiac amyloidosis. Review of previous imaging showed a negative 18F-NaF PET/CT study. This example suggests that the mechanism of uptake of 99mTc-HDP and 18F-NaF may differ in patients with ATTR cardiac amyloidosis.
Subacute Cerebellar Infarction With Uptake on 68Ga–Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen PET/CT
Authors: Oh Geon , Miles Kenneth
Published: December 2017

We report a case of subacute cerebellar infarction mimicking metastasis on prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) PET/CT. A 77-year-old man with prostate cancer treated with androgen deprivation therapy and radiotherapy with rising prostate-specific antigen was referred for 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT. Apart from PSMA-expressing tumor of the left prostate, PSMA PET/CT demonstrated radiotracer uptake in the right cerebellar hemisphere, corresponding to a site of subacute infarction demonstrated on an MRI of the brain performed 35 days previously. As cerebellar infarcts are considerably less common than cerebral infarcts, they may not be anticipated as a potential cause for false-positive radiotracer uptake on PSMA PET.
Ventriculopleural Shunt Dysfunction Due to a Loculated Pleural Collection Demonstrated on SPECT/CT Imaging
Authors: Szajer Jeremy , Russo Roberto , Mansberg Robert
Published: December 2017

A 35-year-old woman presented with increasing drowsiness on a background of childhood meningitis and hydrocephalus managed with a ventriculopleural shunt. Her cerebral CT and chest radiograph were unchanged from previous imaging and did not identify significant pathology. Because of clinical suspicion of cerebrospinal fluid shunt dysfunction, she was referred for a cerebrospinal fluid shunt study, which demonstrated tracer accumulation within a loculated pleural collection in the left costophrenic recess.
Primary Aspergillosis of the Sphenoid Sinus Observed on Bone SPECT/CT
Authors: Son Seung Hyun , Jeong Shin Young , Lee Sang-Woo , Ahn Byeong-Cheol , Lee Jaetae
Published: December 2017

The bone SPECT/CT allows for precise anatomic delineation of bone activity, which can be valuable for diagnosis of nonmalignant bone diseases. We report an extremely rare case of sphenoid sinus aspergillosis, observed on bone SPECT/CT imaging, as an isolated disease in an immunocompetent individual. A 58-year-old woman with a history of plantar fasciitis was assessed for infection in the tarsal bones. Planar bone scan image revealed incidental focal lesion in skull base, which was considered to be the left sphenoid sinusitis by the bone SPECT/CT scan.
Identification of the first endogenous Ophiovirus sequence
Authors: Marsile-Medun Soledad , Debat Humberto Julio , Gifford Robert James
Published: December 2017

Endogenous viral elements (EVEs) are sequences in eukaryotic genomes that are derived from the ancestral integration of viral sequences into germline cells. Ophioviruses (family Ophioviridae) are a recently established family of viruses that infects plants. In this report, we describe the first example of an EVE derived from an ophiovirus, in the genome of eelgrass (Zostera marina). These findings extend the host range of ophioviruses to include seagrasses of the family Zosteraceae, and provide a potential time calibration for the evolution of the Ophioviridae family.
bioSyntax: Syntax Highlighting For Computational Biology
Authors: Babaian Artem , Ebou Anicet , Fegen Alyssa , Kam Ho Yin (Jeffrey) , Novakovsky German E. , Wong Jasper
Published: December 2017

Computational biology requires the reading and comprehension of biological data files. Plain-text formats such as SAM, VCF, GTF, PDB and FASTA, often contain critical information that is obfuscated by the complexity of the data structures. bioSyntax (http://bioSyntax.org) is a freely available suite of syntax highlighting packages for vim, gedit, Sublime, and less, which aids computational scientists to parse and work with their data more efficiently.
Assessment of patient-specific efficacy of chemo- and targeted-therapies: a micropharmacology approach
Authors: Karolak Aleksandra , Huffstutler Branton , Khan Zain , Rejniak Katarzyna A.
Published: December 2017

Both targeted and standard chemotherapy drugs are subject to various intratumoral barriers that impede their effectiveness. The tortuous vasculature, dense and fibrous extracellular matrix, irregular cellular architecture, and nonuniform expression of cell membrane receptors hinder drug molecule transport and perturb its cellular uptake. In addition, tumor microenvironments undergo dynamic spatio-temporal changes during tumor progression and treatment, which can also obstruct drug efficacy. To examine these aspects of drug delivery on a cell-to-tissue scale (single-cell pharmacology), we developed themicroPKPDmodels and coupled them with patient-specific data to test personalized treatments.
The compound topology of a continent-wide interaction network explained by an integrative hypothesis of specialization
Authors: Felix Gabriel Moreira , Pinheiro Rafael Barros Pereira , Poulin Robert , Krasnov Boris R. , de Mello Marco Aurelio Ribeiro
Published: December 2017

Is there a prevalent pattern among interaction networks: nestedness or modularity? Must consumers always trade-off generalism for average performance in resource exploitation? These two questions have been addressed in various systems, with contradictory results. A recent integrative hypothesis combines both questions within a common theoretical framework, proposing that ecological specialization is structured by different prevailing processes in smaller and larger network units. This should produce both a compound interaction network, formed by internally nested modules, and a scale-dependence on the relationship between consumer performance and generalism. Here, we confirm both predictions in a large dataset on host-parasite interactions. We show that modules indeed constrain nestedness at the whole network level, and that the relationship between parasite generalism and performance on their hosts changed from negative at large to positive at small scales. Our results shed light on both debates, and provide some clues to their integration and solution.
Real-value and confidence prediction of protein backbone dihedral angles through a hybrid method of clustering and deep learning
Authors: Gao Yujuan , Wang Sheng , Deng Minghua , Xu Jinbo
Published: December 2017

Background

Protein dihedral angles provide a detailed description of protein local conformation. Predicted dihedral angles can be used to narrow down the conformational space of the whole polypeptide chain significantly, thus aiding protein tertiary structure prediction. However, direct angle prediction from sequence alone is challenging.

Method

In this study, we present a novel method to predict realvalued angles by combining clustering and deep learning. That is, we first generate certain clusters of angles (each assigned a label) and then apply a deep residual neural network to predict the label posterior probability. Finally, we output real-valued prediction by a mixture of the clusters with their predicted probabilities. At the same time, we also estimate the bound of the prediction errors at each residue from the predicted label probabilities.

Result

In this article, we present a novel method (named RaptorX-Angle) to predict real-valued angles by combining clustering and deep learning. Tested on a subset of PDB25 and the targets in the latest two Critical Assessment of protein Structure Prediction (CASP), our method outperforms the existing state-of-art method SPIDER2 in terms of Pearson Correlation Coefficient (PCC) and Mean Absolute Error (MAE). Our result also shows approximately linear relationship between the real prediction errors and our estimated bounds. That is, the real prediction error can be well approximated by our estimated bounds.

Conclusions

Our study provides an alternative and more accurate prediction of dihedral angles, which may facilitate protein structure prediction and functional study.
Clustering of Circular Consensus Sequences: Accurate Error Correction and Assembly of Single Molecule Real-Time Reads from Multiplexed Amplicon Libraries
Authors: Francis Felix , Dumas Michael D. , Davis Scott B. , Wisser Randall J.
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND

Targeted resequencing with high-throughput sequencing (HTS) platforms can be used to efficiently interrogate the genomes of large numbers of individuals. A critical challenge for research and applications using HTS data, especially from long-read platforms, is errors arising from technological limits and bioinformatic algorithms.

RESULTS

A single molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing-error correction and assembly pipeline, C3S-LAA, was developed for libraries of pooled amplicons. By uniquely leveraging the structure of SMRT sequence data (comprised of multiple low quality subreads from which higher quality circular consensus sequences are formed) to cluster raw reads, C3S-LAA produced accurate consensus sequences and assemblies of overlapping amplicons from single sample and multiplexed libraries. In contrast, despite read depths in excess of 100X per amplicon, the standard long amplicon analysis module from Pacific Biosciences generated unexpected numbers of amplicon sequences with substantial inaccuracies in the consensus sequences. A bootstrap analysis showed that the C3S-LAA pipeline per se was effective at removing bioinformatic sources of error, but in rare cases a read depth of nearly 400X was not sufficient to overcome minor but systematic errors inherent to amplification or sequencing.

CONCLUSIONS

C3S-LAA uses a novel processing algorithm for SMRT amplicon-sequence data that produces accurate consensus sequences and local sequence assemblies. The community standard long amplicon analysis module from Pacific Biosciences is prone to substantial errors that raise concerns about findings based on this pipeline. The method developed here removed this confounding bioinformatics source of error, allowing for the identification of limited instances of errors due to DNA amplification or sequencing.
Developmental effects of maternal smoking during pregnancy on the human frontal cortex transcriptome
Authors: Semick Stephen A. , Collado-Torres Leonardo , Markunas Christina A. , Shin Joo Heon , Deep-Soboslay Amy , Tao Ran , Bierut Laura J. , Maher Brion S. , Johnson Eric O. , Hyde Thomas M. , Weinberger Daniel R. , Hancock Dana B. , Kleinman Joel E. , Jaffe Andrew E.
Published: December 2017

Cigarette smoking during pregnancy is a major public health concern. While there are well-described consequences in early child development, there is very little known about the effects of maternal smoking on human cortical biology during prenatal life. We therefore performed a genome-wide differential gene expression analysis using RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) on prenatal (N=33; 16 smoking-exposed) as well as adult (N=207; 57 active smokers) human post-mortem prefrontal cortices. Smoking exposure during the prenatal period was directly associated with differential expression of 14 genes; in contrast, during adulthood, despite a much larger sample size, only 2 genes showed significant differential expression (FDR<10%). Moreover, 1,315 genes showed significantly different exposure effects between maternal smoking during pregnancy and direct exposure in adulthood (FDR<10%) – these differences were largely driven by prenatal differences that were enriched for pathways previously implicated in addiction and synaptic function. Furthermore, prenatal and age-dependent differentially expressed genes were enriched for genes implicated in non-syndromic autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and were differentially expressed as a set between patients with ASD and controls in post-mortem cortical regions. These results underscore the enhanced sensitivity to the biological effect of smoking exposure in the developing brain and offer novel insight into the effects of maternal smoking during pregnancy on the prenatal human brain. They also begin to address the relationship between in utero exposure to smoking and the heightened risks for the subsequent development of neuropsychiatric disorders.

One Sentence Summary

Maternal smoking during pregnancy alters the expression of genes within the developing human cortex and these changes are enriched for genes implicated in neuropsychiatric disorders.
Structural basis of transcription inhibition by fidaxomicin (lipiarmycin A3)
Authors: Lin Wei , Das Kalyan , Degen David , Mazumder Abhishek , Duchi Diego , Wang Dongye , Ebright Yon W. , Ebright Richard Y. , Sineva Elena , Gigliotti Matthew , Srivastava Aashish , Mandal Sukhendu , Jiang Yi , Liu Yu , Yin Ruiheng , Zhang Zhening , Eng Edward T. , Thomas Dennis , Donadio Stefano , Zhang Haibo , Zhang Changsheng , Kapanidis Achillefs N. , Ebright Richard H.
Published: December 2017

Fidaxomicin is an antibacterial drug in clinical use in treatment ofClostridium difficilediarrhea1–2. The active pharmaceutical ingredient of fidaxomicin, lipiarmycin A3 (Lpm)1–4, is a macrocyclic antibiotic with bactericidal activity against Gram-positive bacteria and efflux-deficient strains of Gram-negative bacteria1–2, 5. Lpm functions by inhibiting bacterial RNA polymerase (RNAP)6–8. Lpm exhibits no cross-resistance with the classic RNAP inhibitor rifampin (Rif)7, 9and inhibits transcription initiation at an earlier step than Rif8–11, suggesting that the binding site and mechanism of Lpm differ from those of Rif. Efforts spanning a decade to obtain a crystal structure of RNAP in complex with Lpm have been unsuccessful. Here, we report a cryo-EM12–13structure ofMycobacterium tuberculosisRNAP holoenzyme in complex with Lpm at 3.5 Å resolution. The structure shows that Lpm binds at the base of the RNAP “clamp,” interacting with the RNAP switch region and the RNAP RNA exit channel. The binding site on RNAP for Lpm does not overlap the binding sites for other RNAP inhibitors, accounting for the absence of cross-resistance of Lpm with other RNAP inhibitors. The structure exhibits an open conformation of the RNAP clamp, with the RNAP clamp swung outward by ~17° relative to its position in catalytically competent RNAP-promoter transcription initiation complexes, suggesting that Lpm traps an open-clamp conformational state. Single-molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer14experiments confirm that Lpm traps an open-clamp conformational state and define effects of Lpm on clamp opening and closing dynamics. We propose that Lpm inhibits transcription initiation by trapping an open-clamp conformational state, thereby preventing simultaneous engagement of transcription initiation factor σ regions 2 and 4 with promoter -10 and -35 elements. The results provide information essential to understanding the mode of action of Lpm, account for structure-activity relationships of known Lpm analogs, and suggest modifications to Lpm that could yield new, improved Lpm analogs.
Characterization of the bHLH Family of Transcriptional Regulators in the ACOELS. roscoffensisand their Putative Role in Neurogenesis
Authors: Perea-Atienza E , Sprecher S.G. , Martínez P
Published: December 2017

Background

The basic Helix loop helix (bHLH) family of transcription factors is one of the largest superfamilies of regulatory transcription factors and are widely used in eukaryotic organisms. They play an essential role in a range of metabolic, physiological, and developmental processes, including the development of the nervous system (NS). These transcription factors have been studied in many metazoans, especially in vertebrates but also in early branching metazoan clades such as the cnidarians and sponges. However, currently very little is known about their expression in the most basally branching bilaterian group, the xenacoelomorphs. Recently, our laboratory has characterized the full complement of bHLH in the genome of two members of the Xenacoelomorpha, the xenoturbellidXenoturbella bockiand the acoelSymsagittifera roscoffensis. Understanding the patterns of bHLH gene expression in members of this phylum (in space and time) provides critical new insights into the conserved roles of the bHLH and their putative specificities in this group. Our focus is on deciphering the specific roles that these genes have in the process of neurogenesis.

Results

Here, we analyze the developmental expression of the whole complement of bHLH genes identified in the acoelS. roscoffensis.Based on their expression patterns several members of bHLH class A appear to have specific conserved roles in neurogenesis, while other class A genes (as well as members of other classes) have likely taken on more generalized functions. All gene expression patterns are described in embryos and early juveniles.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that the main roles of the bHLH genes ofS. roscoffensisare evolutionarily conserved, with a specific subset dedicated to patterning the nervous system: SrAscA, SrAscB, SrHes/Hey, SrNscl, SrSrebp, SrE12/E47 and SrOlig.
Nup98 recruits the Wdr82–Set1A/COMPASS complex to promoters to regulate H3K4 trimethylation in hematopoietic progenitor cells
Authors: Franks Tobias M. , McCloskey Asako , Shokhirev Maxim Nikolaievich , Benner Chris , Rathore Annie , Hetzer Martin W.
Published: December 2017

Recent studies have shown that a subset of nucleoporins (Nups) can detach from the nuclear pore complex and move into the nuclear interior to regulate transcription. One such dynamic Nup, called Nup98, has been implicated in gene activation in healthy cells and has been shown to drive leukemogenesis when mutated in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Here we show that in hematopoietic cells, Nup98 binds predominantly to transcription start sites to recruit the Wdr82–Set1A/COMPASS (complex of proteins associated with Set1) complex, which is required for deposition of the histone 3 Lys4 trimethyl (H3K4me3)-activating mark. Depletion of Nup98 or Wdr82 abolishes Set1A recruitment to chromatin and subsequently ablates H3K4me3 at adjacent promoters. Furthermore, expression of a Nup98 fusion protein implicated in aggressive AML causes mislocalization of H3K4me3 at abnormal regions and up-regulation of associated genes. Our findings establish a function of Nup98 in hematopoietic gene activation and provide mechanistic insight into which Nup98 leukemic fusion proteins promote AML.
The limit of application of the Scherrer equation
Authors: Miranda M. A. R. , Sasaki J. M.
Published: December 2017

The Scherrer equation is a widely used tool to obtain crystallite size from polycrystalline samples. Its limit of applicability has been determined recently, using computer simulations, for a few structures and it was proposed that it is directly dependent on the linear absorption coefficient (μ0) and Bragg angle (θB). In this work, a systematic study of the Scherrer limit is presented, where it is shown that it is equal to approximately 11.9% of the extinction length. It is also shown that absorption imposes a maximum value on it and that this maximum is directly proportional to sin θB/μ0.
Dialogue as a source of positive emotions during cross-border post-acquisition socio-cultural integration
Authors: Harikkala-Laihinen Riikka , Hassett Mélanie , Raitis Johanna , Nummela Niina
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse how dialogue can be used to promote post-acquisition socio-cultural integration. Specifically, it addresses questions regarding when and how companies can utilise dialogue to generate positivity regarding socio-cultural integration.

Design/methodology/approach

A single case study approach was adopted owing to its suitability for creating in-depth understanding in the context of socio-cultural integration. Primary data were collected via interviews, an employee satisfaction survey, and participant observation. Secondary data were obtained from the case company’s internal materials, such as strategies, integration workflows, and employee magazines. Analysis methods included descriptive statistics and thematic qualitative analysis.

Findings

The findings suggest that dialogue can be used to create positivity regarding socio-cultural integration throughout the stages of unfreezing, moving, and refreezing by actively engaging employees in voicing, listening, respecting, and suspending. It is proposed that cultural conflict during post-acquisition socio-cultural integration can be overcome through the generation of positivity; dialogue enables the collective management of emotions during post-acquisition integration by offering a platform for creating positivity and social cohesion; and due to its collaborative and engaging nature, dialogue provides an especially effective means of communication for overcoming cross-cultural conflict.

Originality/value

To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first attempt to showcase dialogue as a specific means of communication for creating positivity during cross-border socio-cultural integration. This study reached beyond comparative cultural research to offer views on positivity, emotion during socio-cultural integration, and dialogue as means for overcoming cross-cultural conflict.
Fracture analysis of a three-dimensional functionally graded beam
Authors: Rizov Victor
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to carry out a delamination fracture analysis of the three-dimensional functionally graded split cantilever beam (SCB) configuration.

Design/methodology/approach

The fracture behaviour was studied analytically in terms of the strain energy release rate by applying methods of linear elastic fracture mechanics. It was assumed that the material is functionally graded along the beam width, height and length. The strain energy release rate was derived by analysing the stress and strain state in the beam cross-sections ahead and behind the crack front. An additional analysis of the strain energy release rate was performed by considering the beam strain energy for verification.

Findings

The influence of material gradient along the beam width, height and length on the delamination fracture behaviour was investigated. The effect of crack length was analysed too. The analytical approach developed is very useful for parametric fracture investigations. The results obtained in the present study can be applied for optimisation of three-dimensional functionally graded beam systems in their design with respect to delamination fracture behaviour.

Originality/value

An analytical approach for studying the delamination fracture in the SCB configuration that is functionally graded along the beam width, height and length was developed.
Distribution of accumulated irrecoverable hysteretic energy in MDOF structures
Authors: Tu Bing Bing , Zhao Dong
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The study of the character of structural hysteretic energy under earthquake is an essential foundation for energy-based seismic design and evaluation method. The purpose of this paper is to explore the distribution law of the accumulative irrecoverable hysteretic energy for MDOF structures, a formula of the accumulated irrecoverable hysteretic energy ratio along the layers is derived.

Design/methodology/approach

The procedure is based on the energy balance principle and the concept of the equivalent single-degree-of-freedom system. Furthermore, sensitivity analysis is carried out for 16 working conditions, considering all these possibilities of local failure or damage. And then the sensitivity influencing rule is obtained and the proposed formula is simplified.

Findings

Finally, the validation of the proposed formula is investigated through comparisons with the nonlinear time-history analysis results.

Originality/value

The proposed formula can be effectively to estimate the distribution of the hysteretic energy under a given ground motion.
An Empirical Evaluation of Investment Income under the Equity Method of Accounting
Authors: Lai Cheng , Wu Jingjing , Mo Caihua , Zhou Hua
Published: December 2017

This study investigates the valuation implications of equity method earnings among Chinese listed firms, which are often perceived by the Chinese business press of employing the equity method to avoid reported losses. Our results show that firms with declining core earnings are more likely to have equity method investments than firms with increasing core earnings. Also, firms with lower core earnings report higher equity method earnings. Moreover, equity method earnings do not improve earnings persistence but are found to be relevant. Investors act as if they naively fixate on equity method earnings. A portfolio constructed on the basis of core earnings and equity method earnings generates a hedged return of 8%.
Marital Conflict Predicts Mother‐to‐Infant Adrenocortical Transmission
Authors: Hibel Leah C. , Mercado Evelyn
Published: December 2017

Employing an experimental design, mother‐to‐infant transmission of stress was examined. Mothers (N = 117) were randomized to either have a positive or conflictual discussion with their marital partners, after which infants (age = 6 months) participated in a fear and frustration task. Saliva samples were collected to assess maternal cortisol responses to the discussion and infant cortisol responses to the challenge task. Results indicate maternal cortisol reactivity and recovery to the conflict (but not positive) discussion predicted infant cortisol reactivity to the infant challenge. Mothers’ positive affect during the discussion buffered, and intrusion during the free‐play potentiated, mother‐to‐infant adrenocortical transmission. These findings advance our understanding of the social and contextual regulation of adrenocortical activity in early childhood.
Childhood epilepsy with centro‐temporal spikes (rolandic epilepsy) and written language
Authors: Roulet‐Perez Eliane , Mayor Claire
Published: December 2017

This commentary is on the original article by Currie et al. on pages 275–282 of this issue.
The attitudes of Turkish nurses towards the employment of internationally educated nurses
Authors: Harmanci Seren A.K. , Eskin Bacaksiz F. , Yildirim A.
Published: December 2017

Aim

To define the attitudes of nurses working in public hospitals towards the employment of internationally educated nurses.

Background

The employment of internationally educated nurses is expected to be an important strategy for solving the nursing shortage in Turkey and many other countries.

Methods

This descriptive and cross‐sectional study was conducted with nurses working in seven public university hospitals in different geographical regions of Turkey in September 2015. The data were collected from 1061 nurses in these hospitals using a self‐report questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, t‐test and the Mann–Whitney U test.

Results

The participants generally did not have positive attitudes towards the employment of internationally educated nurses citing the possibility of experiencing cultural and professional difficulties. They also indicated that the employment of internationally educated nurses is not a real solution for the nursing shortage unless working conditions for nurses are improved. However, younger nurses have more positive attitudes towards employment of internationally educated nurses than older ones.

Implications for nursing policy

Defining the attitudes of the nurses working in clinical fields towards the employment of internationally educated nurses is an important issue, because it provides data for reviewing the existing policies and evaluating the possible issues that require attention during implementation of these policies. Policymakers may focus on both creating better working environment conditions and helping both the native and internationally educated nurses during the recruiting process.
Integration of hepatitis B virus S gene impacts on hepatitis B surface antigen levels in patients with antiviral therapy
Authors: Hu Bobin , Wang Rongming , Fu Jiaxin , Su Minghua , Du Man , Liu Yu , Li Huijiao , Wang Huiwen , Lu Fengmin , Jiang Jianning
Published: December 2017

Background and Aim

The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of hepatitis B virus (HBV) S gene integration on serum hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) levels in chronic hepatitis B with long‐term nucleos(t)ide analogue (NUC) therapy.

Methods

Chronic hepatitis B patients who performed liver biopsy at baseline and treated with long‐term NUC therapy were recruited. The integration of HBV S gene in baseline liver biopsy specimen was detected by Alu polymerase chain reaction method. Serum HBsAg levels were measured at baseline and the second year and the fourth year after NUC therapy by Roche reagent, respectively. Serum HBsAg levels between HBV S gene integrated group and nonintegrated group were compared and analyzed.

Results

Seventy patients were eligible for this study. Among them, 11 (15.7%) were found to have HBV S gene integration in their baseline liver biopsy specimens. Similar significant decrease of HBsAg levels was found in both integrated and nonintegrated groups (2.63vs2.65 log IU/mL,P = 0.478) after the first 2 years of NUC therapy. Thereafter, the decrease of HBsAg level from 2 to 4 years after therapy was largely unchanged in integrated group as compared with that of nonintegrated group (0.1vs2.53 log IU/mL,P = 0.002), with statistical difference.

Conclusions

Serum HBsAg could be originated from the expression of the integrated HBV S gene in patients with S gene integration, which implicated the limitations when regarding HBsAg as a surrogate biomarker of covalently closed circular DNA activity and as an indicator of safe NUC discontinuation.
Dysphagia severity is related to the amplitude of distal contractile integral in patients with Jackhammer esophagus
Authors: Kristo I. , Schwameis K. , Paireder M. , Jomrich G. , Kainz A. , Schoppmann S. F.
Published: December 2017

Background

Dysphagia and non‐cardiac chest pain are common symptoms associated with a novel hypercontractile disorder, namely Jackhammer esophagus (JE). The aim of this study was to explore these symptoms in patients with JE and to elucidate associations with disease defining metrics, crucial for subsequent therapies.

Methods

All consecutive patients, who were referred between January 2014 and December 2016 and fulfilled the criteria for JE were included in this study. Exclusion criteria were opioid intake, previous gastrointestinal surgery, mechanical esophageal obstruction and diseases explaining their symptoms.

Key Results

Of 2205 examined subjects, thirty patients (females: n = 17, 56.7%) with a median age of 58 (51.6‐64.9) years were finally enrolled. Dysphagia was noted in 53.3% (n = 16), whereas non‐cardiac chest pain was specified within 40% (n = 12) with symptom duration of up to 10 years. Perception of dysphagia (P = .03) and presence of both symptoms (P = .008) increased to the end of the study period. Dysphagia was significantly associated with distal contractile integral (DCI) scores of all (P = .023), hypercontractile (P = .011) and maximum DCI swallows (P = .008). Symptoms duration influenced hypercontractile DCI scores (P = .015, r = .438) and significantly correlated with the intensity of perceived dysphagia (P = .01, r = .585). Presence of non‐cardiac chest pain was not associated with any of these metrics.

Conclusions & Interferences

The DCI mediates dysphagia in patients with JE. Duration of symptoms affected hypercontractile DCI scores and aggravated perception of dysphagia indicating a progressive character of disease.
Cardiorespiratory events in infants with gastroesophageal reflux symptoms: Is there any association?
Authors: Cresi F. , Martinelli D. , Maggiora E. , Locatelli E. , Liguori S. A. , Baldassarre M. E. , Cocchi E. , Bertino E. , Coscia A.
Published: December 2017

Background

Cardiorespiratory (CR) events (apnea, bradycardia, oxygen desaturation) and gastroesophageal reflux (GER) symptoms often coexist in infants admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, leading to over‐prescription of drugs and delayed discharge. We aimed to evaluate the relationships between CR and GER events.

Methods

The temporal associations between CR and GER events were analyzed in symptomatic infants who underwent synchronized CR and pH‐impedance monitoring. The symptom association probability (SAP) index was used to identify infants with a significant number of temporal associations. Gastroesophageal reflux characteristics and the chronological sequence of CR and GER events occurring within 30 seconds of each other were evaluated according to SAP index.

Key Results

Of the 66 infants enrolled, aged 29 (18‐45) days, 58 had CR events during monitoring. From these 58 patients, a total of 1331 CR events and 5239 GER (24% acidic) were detected. The SAP index was positive in seven (12%) infants. These infants had greater GER frequency, duration, and proximal extent (P < .05). The number of temporal associations was 10 times greater in the positive SAP group. Gastroesophageal reflux events preceded CR events in 83% of these associations. These GER events had a higher proximal extent (P = .004), but showed no differences in pH values.

Conclusions & Inferences

The simultaneous evaluation of CR and GER events could be useful to identify infants with severe GER and significant temporal associations between these events. Treatment of GER could be indicated in these infants, but as the GER events involved are mainly non‐acidic, empirical treatment with antacids is, often, inappropriate.
Pengaruh Budaya dan Lokasi Terhadap Persepsi dan Penggunaan Telefon Bimbit di Tempat-Tempat Awam: Satu Analisis Perbandingan Antara Beberapa Negara
Authors: Amir Hushin Siti Harnani , Mustafa Hasrina , Omar Bahiyah
Published: December 2017

This study aims to compare the level of perception of using mobile phones at public places among users of four different countries; Malaysia, Indonesia, China and Iran from the perspective of Social Interaction Theory. A survey was conducted on 100 university students from each country that makes up a sample of 400 respondents.  The findings of the study show 1) a significant difference in the perception of mobile phone and SMS usage in public places among respondents from different countries. Unlike Malaysian, Indonesian and Chinese respondents, the results of the study show that Iranian respondents are not too disturbed by the usage of mobile phones at public places. 2) The study also finds that Malaysian and Indonesian respondents seldom use mobile phone in public places, and that Chinese respondents often use mobile phone in public transport (i.e: bus). Meanwhile, Iranian respondents use mobile phone the most in four identified places – the supermarket, bus, pedestrian walkway and restaurant. 3) Most of the respondents in each category, however, prefer to use mobile phone – for making calls and SMS – in multi focused gathering compared to fully focused ones. The study concludes that cultural and geographical factors exert significant influence on the usage and perception of using mobile phone at public places.
Skin-like biosensor system via electrochemical channels for noninvasive blood glucose monitoring
Authors: Chen Yihao , Lu Siyuan , Zhang Shasha , Li Yan , Qu Zhe , Chen Ying , Lu Bingwei , Wang Xinyan , Feng Xue
Published: December 2017

Electrochemical twin channels make glucose in vessels measurable by noninvasive ultrathin skin-like highly sensitive biosensors.
Penetration mechanics of a beetle intromittent organ with bending stiffness gradient and a soft tip
Authors: Matsumura Yoko , Kovalev Alexander E. , Gorb Stanislav N.
Published: December 2017

An apical region of a hyper-long penis in a beetle has flexibility gradient aiding in penetration of a coiled female duct.
Deep Pacific cooled by ‘little ice age’waters
Authors: Voosen Paul
Published: December 2017

Cold waters from centuries ago may still be taking up modern heat
Comment on “Rapid cooling and cold storage in a silicic magma reservoir recorded in individual crystals”
Authors: Wilson Colin J. N. , Morgan Daniel J. , Charlier Bruce L. A. , Barker Simon J.
Published: December 2017

Rubin
et al
. (Reports, 16 June 2017, p. 1154) proposed that gradients in lithium abundance in zircons from a rhyolitic eruption in New Zealand reflected short-lived residence at magmatic temperatures interleaved with long-term “cold” (<650°C) storage. Important issues arise with the interpretation of these lithium gradients and consequent crystal thermal histories that raise concerns about the validity of this conclusion.
How seismic waves lose energy
Authors: Dalton Colleen A.
Published: December 2017

Energy loss varies with frequency in the lithosphere but not in the asthenosphere
Science, big and small
Authors: Berg Jeremy
Published: December 2017

The multidimensional, detailed observations of the collision of two neutron stars are recognized as
Science
's Breakthrough of the Year. This represents an exciting new phase of astronomy with tremendous potential for the future—and a great example of “big science.”
A whole-body support pose taxonomy for multi-contact humanoid robot motions
Authors: Borràs Júlia , Mandery Christian , Asfour Tamim
Published: December 2017

A taxonomy of whole-body support poses promotes representation and generation of multi-contact humanoid robot motions.
Antimicrobial Activity of Dalbavancin against Staphylococcus aureus with Decreased Susceptibility to Glycopeptides, Daptomycin, and/or Linezolid from U.S. Medical Centers
Authors: Sader Helio S. , Mendes Rodrigo E. , Duncan Leonard R. , Pfaller Michael A. , Flamm Robert K.
Published: December 2017

Dalbavancin activity was assessed against a large collection of
Staphylococcus aureus
isolates (
n
= 59,903), including isolates with decreased susceptibility to vancomycin (MIC, ≥2 mg/liter;
n
= 1,141), daptomycin (MIC, ≥2 mg/liter;
n
= 48), telavancin (MIC, ≥0.12 mg/liter;
n
= 52), teicoplanin (MIC, ≥4 mg/liter;
n
= 143), and/or linezolid (MIC, ≥8 mg/liter;
n
= 25). Dalbavancin displayed susceptibility rates ranging from 90.4% (isolates with telavancin MIC ≥0.12 mg/liter) to 100.0% (linezolid-resistant isolates) and lower MIC values than the comparators against these resistant subsets.
Prevalence of IgG and Neutralizing Antibodies against Staphylococcus aureus Alpha-Toxin in Healthy Human Subjects and Diverse Patient Populations
Authors: Wu Yuling , Liu Xu , Akhgar Ahmad , Li Jia J. , Mok Hoyin , Sellman Bret R. , Yu Li , Roskos Lorin K. , Esser Mark T. , Ruzin Alexey
Published: December 2017

Staphylococcus aureus
causes an array of serious infections resulting in high morbidity and mortality worldwide. This study evaluated naturally occurring serum anti-alpha-toxin (anti-AT) antibody levels in human subjects from various age groups, individuals with
S. aureus
dialysis and surgical-site infections, and
S. aureus
-colonized versus noncolonized subjects. Anti-AT immunoglobulin G (IgG) and neutralizing antibody (NAb) levels in infants (aged ≤1 year) were significantly lower than those in other populations. In comparison to adolescent, adult, and elderly populations, young children (aged 2 to 10 years) had equivalent anti-AT IgG levels but significantly lower anti-AT NAb levels. Therefore, the development of anti-AT NAbs appears to occur later than that of AT-specific IgG, suggesting a maturation of the immune response to AT. Anti-AT IgG levels were slightly higher in
S. aureus
-colonized subjects than in noncolonized subjects. The methicillin susceptibility status of colonizing isolates had no effect on anti-AT antibody levels in
S. aureus
-colonized subjects. The highest anti-AT IgG and NAb levels were observed in dialysis patients with acute
S. aureus
infection. Anti-AT IgG and NAb levels were well correlated in subjects aged >10 years, regardless of colonization or infection status. These data demonstrate that AT elicits a robust IgG humoral response in infants and young children that becomes stable prior to adolescence, matures into higher levels of NAbs in healthy adolescents, and becomes elevated during
S. aureus
infection. These findings may assist in identifying subjects and patient populations that could benefit from vaccination or immunoprophylaxis with anti-AT monoclonal antibodies.