bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synchronized vector solutions to an elliptic system
Authors: He Qihan , Peng Shuangjie
Published: March 2016

In this paper, we establish a relationship between the elliptic system
\[
<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" alttext="StartLayout Enlarged left-brace 1st Row minus normal upper Delta u plus lamda u equals mu 1 StartAbsoluteValue u EndAbsoluteValue Superscript 2 p Baseline u plus beta 1 StartAbsoluteValue v EndAbsoluteValue Superscript q 1 Baseline StartAbsoluteValue u EndAbsoluteValue Superscript p 1 minus 1 Baseline u comma x element-of normal upper Omega comma 2nd Row minus normal upper Delta v plus lamda v equals mu 2 StartAbsoluteValue v EndAbsoluteValue Superscript 2 p Baseline v plus beta 2 StartAbsoluteValue u EndAbsoluteValue Superscript q 2 Baseline StartAbsoluteValue v EndAbsoluteValue Superscript p 2 minus 1 Baseline v comma x element-of normal upper Omega comma 3rd Row u equals v equals 0 on partial-differential normal upper Omega comma EndLayout">

{

−
Δ
u
+
λ
u
=

μ
1

|

u

|

2
p

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+

β
1

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v

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q
1

|

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−
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,
 
 
x
∈
Ω
,

−
Δ
v
+
λ
v
=

μ
2

|

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p

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q
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|

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|

p
2

−
1

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,
 
 
x
∈
Ω
,

u
=
v
=
0
 
 

on

 
∂
Ω
,

\left \{ \begin {array}{ll} -\Delta u +\lambda u=\mu _1 |u|^{2p}u+\beta _1 |v|^{q_1} |u|^{p_1-1}u,~~x\in \Omega ,\\ -\Delta v +\lambda v=\mu _2 |v|^{2p}v+\beta _2 |u|^{q_2} |v|^{p_2-1}v,~~x\in \Omega ,\\ u=v=0~~\hbox {on}~ \partial \Omega ,\\ \end {array} \right .

\]
and its corresponding single elliptic problem, where

λ
∈

R

\lambda \in \mathbb {R}

,
<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" alttext="beta Subscript i Baseline greater-than 0 comma mu Subscript i Baseline greater-than 0 comma p Subscript i Baseline comma q Subscript i Baseline greater-than-or-equal-to 0 comma 1 greater-than p Subscript i Baseline plus q Subscript i Baseline equals 2 p plus 1">

β
i

>
0
,

μ
i

>
0
,

p
i

,

q
i

≥
0
,
1
>

p
i

+

q
i

=
2
p
+
1

\beta _i>0, \mu _i>0, p_i,q_i\ge 0, 1>p_i+q_i =2p+1

for

i
=
1
,
2

i=1,2

, and

Ω
⊂

R

N

(
N
≥
1
)

\Omega \subset \mathbb {R}^N\,(N\ge 1)

can be a bounded or unbounded domain. By using this fact, we can obtain many results on the existence, non-existence and uniqueness of classical vector solutions to this system via the related single elliptic problem.
The left side of Cichoń’s diagram
Authors: Goldstern Martin , Mejía Diego , Shelah Saharon
Published: March 2016

Using a finite support iteration of ccc forcings, we construct a model of
<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" alttext="normal alef 1 greater-than normal a normal d normal d left-parenthesis script upper N right-parenthesis greater-than normal c normal o normal v left-parenthesis script upper N right-parenthesis greater-than German b greater-than normal n normal o normal n left-parenthesis script upper M right-parenthesis greater-than normal c normal o normal v left-parenthesis script upper M right-parenthesis equals German c">

ℵ
1

>

a
d
d

(

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>

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o
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(

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v

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)
=

c

\aleph _1>\mathrm {add}(\mathcal {N})>\mathrm {cov}(\mathcal {N})>\mathfrak {b}> \mathrm {non}(\mathcal {M})>\mathrm {cov}(\mathcal {M})=\mathfrak {c}

.
Isomonodromic deformation of 𝑞-difference equations and confluence
Authors: Dreyfus Thomas
Published: March 2016

We study isomonodromic deformation of Fuchsian linear

q
q

- difference systems. Furthermore, we are looking at the behaviour of the Birkhoff connection matrix when

q
q

goes to

1
1

. We use our results to study the convergence of the Birkhoff connection matrix that appears in the definition of the

q
q

-analogue of the sixth Painlevé equation.
PAR3-aPKC regulates Tiam1 by modulating suppressive internal interactions
Authors: Matsuzawa Kenji , Akita Hiroki , Watanabe Takashi , Kakeno Mai , Matsui Toshinori , Wang Shujie , Kaibuchi Kozo
Published: March 2016

Tiam1 is one of the most extensively analyzed activators of the small GTPase Rac. However, fundamental aspects of its regulation are poorly understood. Here we demonstrate that Tiam1 is functionally suppressed by internal interactions and that the PAR complex participates in its full activation. The N-terminal region of Tiam1 binds to the protein-binding and catalytic domains to inhibit its localization and activation. Atypical PKCs phosphorylate Tiam1 to relieve its intramolecular interactions, and the subsequent stabilization of its interaction with PAR3 allows it to exert localized activity. By analyzing Tiam1 regulation by PAR3-aPKC within the context of PDGF signaling, we also show that PAR3 directly binds PDGF receptor β. Thus we provide the first evidence for the negative regulation of Tiam1 by internal interactions, elucidate the nature of Tiam1 regulation by the PAR complex, and reveal a novel role for the PAR complex in PDGF signaling.
Prolonged survival after bevacizumab rechallenge in glioblastoma patients with previous response to bevacizumab†
Authors: Balaña Carmen , Estival Anna , Pineda Estela , Sepúlveda Juan , Mesía Carles , del Barco Sonia , Gil-Gil Miguel , Hardy Max , Indacoechea Alberto , Cardona Andrés Felipe
Published: March 2016

Background.

The use of bevacizumab for recurrent glioblastoma is controversial. Here we show data on patients who responded to bevacizumab, then stopped bevacizumab for any reason other than progression and were rechallenged with bevacizumab at the time of subsequent progression.

Methods.

This retrospective study included 28 patients, classified in 2 cohorts: those for whom the first exposure to bevacizumab (BEV-1) was first-line treatment for newly diagnosed glioblastoma (Bev-F; N = 12) and those for whom BEV-1 was second- or third-line treatment for recurrent disease after standard treatment (Bev-S; N = 16).

Results.

All patients received standard radiotherapy plus temozolomide. Bev-F patients also received concomitant bevacizumab. All 28 patients received a total of 57 treatment lines with bevacizumab (12 first-line and 45 second- or further-line). Twenty-nine lines were rechallenges (BEV-2 [N = 26] or BEV-3 [N = 3]). Objective response to rechallenge was 58.6% and clinical benefit was 89.6%. Overall survival (OS) was 55 months for RPA class IV and 26.7 months for RPA class V patients (P = .01). OS was 26.7 months for Bev-F patients and 52.1 months for Bev-S patients (P = .004). Post-progression survival was 20 months for Bev-F patients and 39.6 months for Bev-S patients (HR = 0.26; P = .007).

Conclusion.

This is the largest study to examine the impact of a bevacizumab rechallenge in glioblastoma patients who had responded to previous bevacizumab treatment but who stopped before progression. Our findings indicate that these patients can attain a second response or clinical benefit from re-introduction of bevacizumab. The potential benefit from intermittent versus continuous treatment warrants comparison in clinical trials.
Absence of Active Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Clinics in Zambia and Mozambique
Authors: Wandeler Gilles , Mulenga Lloyd , Hobbins Michael , Joao Candido , Sinkala Edford , Hector Jonas , Aly Musa , Chi Benjamin H. , Egger Matthias , Vinikoor Michael J.
Published: March 2016

Few studies have evaluated the prevalence of replicating hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in sub-Saharan Africa. Among 1812 individuals infected with human immunodeficiency virus, no patient in rural Mozambique and 4 patients in urban Zambia were positive for anti-HCV antibodies. Of these, none had confirmed HCV replication.
Lipid-free Fluoropolymer-based Propofol Emulsions and Lipid Reversal of Propofol Anesthesia in Rats
Authors: Parks Colby L. , Tucker William , Amlong Corey A. , Mecozzi Sandro , Pearce Robert A.
Published: March 2016

AbstractAbstract

Three propofol nanoemulsions prepared using novel semifluorinated surfactants were as effective and as potent as Diprivan in impairing the righting reflex of rats with bolus dosing, without apparent toxic effects. A bolus of lipid emulsion accelerated clearance of propofol from its effect site after an induction dose of either lipid-based Diprivan or lipid-free fluoropolymer-based emulsions but was more effective for the lipid-free emulsion.

Background

Propofol, as a lipid-based emulsion, is effective at inducing anesthesia. It does, however, suffer from several drawbacks, including microbial growth, hyperlipidemia, and pain on injection. In this study, the authors examined the ability of four lipid-free propofol nanoemulsions to induce anesthesia in rats and tested whether a subsequent lipid bolus would accelerate emergence from anesthesia.

Methods

The authors administered five formulations of propofol intravenously to six rats, delivering five different doses five times each, in a repeated-measures randomized crossover design and measured time to loss and recovery of righting reflex. The formulations included (1) Diprivan (AstraZeneca, United Kingdom); (2) L3, incorporating a semifluorinated surfactant plus egg lecithin; (3) B8, incorporating a semifluorinated surfactant only; (4) F8, incorporating a semifluorinated surfactant plus perfluorooctyl bromide; and (5) L80, incorporating egg lecithin only. In a second phase of the study, the authors administered a lipid bolus immediately after a dose of B8 or Diprivan.

Results

All formulations except L80 impaired the righting reflex without apparent toxic effects. The authors estimated the threshold dose for induction by determining the x-intercept of the linear regression between time to recovery versus log dose. Threshold doses ranged from 5.8 (95% CI, 5.5 to 6.2) to 8.6 (95% CI, 7.2 to 10.2) mg/kg. A 15 ml/kg lipid bolus resulted in an accelerated clearance.

Conclusions

Three of the four novel lipid-free fluoropolymer-based formulations showed efficacy in producing anesthesia, which was comparable to that of Diprivan, and a lipid bolus hastened recovery. These novel propofol formulations have the potential to avoid complications seen with the existing lipid-based formulation.
OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY ANGIOGRAPHY FEATURES OF BRANCH RETINAL VEIN OCCLUSION
Authors: Shahlaee Abtin , Hong Bryan K. , Ho Allen C.
Published: March 2016

Purpose:

Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) is a novel technology that uses motion contrast instead of dye to generate angiographic images. Using several modalities of OCTA, the authors describe and compare changes observed in branch retinal vein occlusion.

Methods:

A case series of three patients with OCTA imaging.

Results:

Despite presenting at different time frames, the authors found common imaging findings consisting of vascular hypoperfusion, increased tortuosity, and telangiectasia in all their cases. Furthermore, macular edema and intraretinal fluid were noted on the en-face angiograms. The extent of vascular and structural alterations could clearly be delineated in superficial and deep retinal networks. However, fine capillary alterations were better appreciated on smaller-size scans.

Conclusion:

With the ability to noninvasively visualize vascular flow, OCTA could serve as a new diagnostic tool for current ophthalmic research and clinical practice. Such findings can help supplement other imaging modalities in establishing a diagnosis and monitoring disease progression over time. This would potentially be useful in regard to ischemic processes such as branch retinal vein occlusion and diseases affecting different layers of the retinal vasculature.
Patterns of Self-care in Adults With Heart Failure and Their Associations With Sociodemographic and Clinical Characteristics, Quality of Life, and Hospitalizations
Authors: Vellone Ercole , Fida Roberta , Ghezzi Valerio , D’Agostino Fabio , Biagioli Valentina , Paturzo Marco , Strömberg Anna , Alvaro Rosaria , Jaarsma Tiny
Published: March 2016

Background:

Self-care is important in heart failure (HF) treatment, but patients may have difficulties and be inconsistent in its performance. Inconsistencies in self-care behaviors may mirror patterns of self-care in HF patients that are worth identifying to provide interventions tailored to patients.

Objectives:

The aims of this study are to identify clusters of HF patients in relation to self-care behaviors and to examine and compare the profile of each HF patient cluster considering the patient’s sociodemographics, clinical variables, quality of life, and hospitalizations.

Methods:

This was a secondary analysis of data from a cross-sectional study in which we enrolled 1192 HF patients across Italy. A cluster analysis was used to identify clusters of patients based on the European Heart Failure Self-care Behaviour Scale factor scores. Analysis of variance and χ
2 test were used to examine the characteristics of each cluster.

Results:

Patients were 72.4 years old on average, and 58% were men. Four clusters of patients were identified: (1) high consistent adherence with high consulting behaviors, characterized by younger patients, with higher formal education and higher income, less clinically compromised, with the best physical and mental quality of life (QOL) and lowest hospitalization rates; (2) low consistent adherence with low consulting behaviors, characterized mainly by male patients, with lower formal education and lowest income, more clinically compromised, and worse mental QOL; (3) inconsistent adherence with low consulting behaviors, characterized by patients who were less likely to have a caregiver, with the longest illness duration, the highest number of prescribed medications, and the best mental QOL; (4) and inconsistent adherence with high consulting behaviors, characterized by patients who were mostly female, with lower formal education, worst cognitive impairment, worst physical and mental QOL, and higher hospitalization rates.

Conclusion:

The 4 clusters identified in this study and their associated characteristics could be used to tailor interventions aimed at improving self-care behaviors in HF patients.
Care-Seeking for Stress Incontinence and Overactive Bladder Among Parous Women in the First Two Decades After Delivery
Authors: Fitzgerald Jocelyn , Pierce Christopher , Nugent Joann , Blomquist Joan , Handa Victoria L.
Published: March 2016

Objective

This study aimed to establish the extent to which care-seeking for urinary incontinence is a function of symptom bother; and to identify bother-score thresholds that predict care-seeking in the first 2 decades after delivery.

Methods

In this longitudinal cohort, women were assessed annually for symptom bother related to stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and overactive bladder (OAB), as well as for recent episodes of care-seeking for urinary symptoms. Because the goal was to model care-seeking as a function of the woman's characteristics at her prior visit, women who completed 2 or more consecutive visits were included. The population was randomly divided into “training” (model development) and “testing” (model validation) sets. The predictive model was developed in the training set. For SUI and OAB bother scores, we identified thresholds to define statistically distinct probabilities of care-seeking. A multivariable model was created, including SUI and OAB bother categories as well as characteristics associated with care seeking at the P < 0.05 level. The resultant prediction model was then applied to the “testing set”; predicted and observed care-seeking frequencies were compared.

Results

Care-seeking was strongly associated with SUI and OAB bother. We defined 3 categories for OAB score and 4 categories for SUI score. The resulting 12 risk categories were then collapsed into 5 distinct risk-groups. These groups accurately predicted care-seeking in the testing set (area under the receiver operating curve, 0.760; 95% confidence interval, 0.713–0.807). Inclusion of other risk factors did not improve the model.

Conclusions

Symptom bother is a strong determinant of care-seeking in the first 2 decades after delivery. These results define 5 ordinal categories that predict seeking care for urinary symptoms in a community population.
Investor sentiment and share returns: evidence on family firms
Authors: Vieira Elisabete F. Simões
Published: March 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of investor sentiment on share returns, exploring whether this effect is different for public family and non-family firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The author uses the European Economic Sentiment Indicator data, from Directorate General for Economic and Financial Affairs as a proxy for investor sentiment and focused on the share returns of family and non-family firms, using panel data methodology.

Findings

Using data from listed family and non-family firms for the period between 1999 and 2011, in accordance with behavioural finance theory, the results indicate that there is a negative relationship between sentiment and share returns. In addition, the author found no difference between family and non-family firms in what concerns the effect of sentiment on share returns. The evidence also suggests that young, large and medium growth firms are most affected by sentiment. Finally, the results suggest that the evidence concerning the relationship between sentiment and returns is sensitive to the proxy used to measure the sentiment.

Research limitations/implications

A limitation of this study is the small size of the sample, which is due to the small size of the Portuguese stock market, the Euronext Lisbon.

Originality/value

This paper offers some insights into the effect of investor sentiment on the share returns in the context of public family firms, a strand of finance that is scarcely developed. It also contributes to the analysis of a small European country, with a high concentration of equity ownership.
Feedback-based coaching towards school leaders’ professional development
Authors: Nicolaidou Maria , Karagiorgi Yiasemina , Petridou Alexandra
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to discuss feedback-based group coaching as a strategy towards school leaders’ development. On the basis of data collected within the framework of the project “Professional Learning through Feedback and Reflection” (PROFLEC), this case study explores the Cypriot school leaders’ views about feedback and coaching as developmental tools. The PROFLEC project was implemented in participating countries during 2013-2015 and involved completing an online leadership self-assessment inventory, training as well as coaching sessions.

Design/methodology/approach

– Observations and interviews with coachees and coaches illustrate participants’ views on feedback-based group coaching, the critical conditions of its implementation and the perceived value of the particular model.

Findings

– The study concludes that feedback-based group coaching can enhance school leaders’ organisational socialisation and learning; yet, certain aspects, such as the nature of the feedback, the role of the coaches, the establishment of trust as well as voluntary participation are required to enhance reflection towards action for school leaders.

Originality/value

– This paper supports the importance of feedback-based group coaching as a developmental strategy for school leaders.
Configuration of supply chain integration and delivery performance
Authors: Samaranayake Premaratne , Laosirihongthong Tritos
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to develop a conceptual framework of integrated supply chain model that can be used to measure, evaluate and monitor operational performance under dynamic and uncertain conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

– The research methodology consists of two stages: configuration of a conceptual framework of integrated supply chain model linked with performance measures and illustration of the integrated supply chain model and delivery performance using a case of dairy industry. The integrated supply chain model is based on a unitary structuring technique and forms the basis for measuring and evaluating supply chain performance. Delivery performance with variation of demand (forecast and actual) is monitored using a fuzzy-based decision support system, based on three inputs: capacity utilization (influenced by production disruption), raw materials shortage and quality of dairy products.

Findings

– Integration of supply chain components (materials, resources, operations, activities, suppliers, etc.) of key processes using unitary structuring approach enables information integration in real time for performance evaluation and monitoring in complex supply chain situations. In addition, real-time performance monitoring is recognized as being of great importance for supply chain management in responding to uncertainties inherent in the operational environment.

Research limitations/implications

– Implementation of an integrated model requires maintenance of supply chain components with all necessary data and information in a system environment such as enterprise resource planning.

Practical implications

– The integrated model provides decision-makers with an overall view of supply chain components and direct links that need to be maintained for supply chain performance evaluation and monitoring. Wider adaptation and diffusion of the proposed model require further validation of the model and feasibility of implementation, using real-time data and information on selected performance measures.

Originality/value

– Integration of supply chain components across supply chain processes directly linked with performance measures is a novel approach for effective supply chain performance evaluation and monitoring in complex supply chains under dynamic and uncertain conditions.
Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games
Authors: Medcalfe Simon , Frentzel Caroliegh
Published: March 2016

Synopsis

This case requires students to analyze the economic impact of a sporting mega-event. Mega-events are defined as infrequent events (maybe spread over several days) that attract a large crowd of visitors. Economic impact studies are becoming ubiquitous in analyzing the impact of sporting events, universities and other businesses. Properly constructed these reports can be valuable tools for decision makers. Unfortunately, many impact studies are not constructed accurately and may mislead and misrepresent information. This case raises these issues so that students may be better placed to critically analyze the impact of mega-events.

Research methodology

There are a number of academic articles that have analyzed these types of events and they are referred to in this case and instructor’s manual. The academic articles are complemented by one of the author’s firsthand knowledge of the event through working at the World Equestrian Games, a third-party economic impact study and media reports.

Relevant courses and levels

The case would be appropriate for a variety of undergraduate courses including upper-level economics (particularly regional economics or local economic development), marketing, sport management as well as some finance courses such as public finance. Outside of business courses, it would be well suited to a course in political economy or public policy. The case could potentially be used in a graduate course in sports management or a course in local economic development (in an MBA or MPA program).
Making a tough personnel decision at Nova Waterfront Hotel
Authors: Foster Mary Kuchta
Published: March 2016

Synopsis

Laura Green, Director of Event Planning at the Nova Waterfront Hotel in Baltimore, had been through the hiring process many times. She was comfortable with Nova's selection and behavioral interviewing processes. They had only interviewed two candidates for the open senior event manager position, yet they had been discussing what decision to make for two and a half hours. Normally, these kinds of meetings wrapped up in 30 minutes with a clear consensus. Today, they were gridlocked, unable to agree on a path forward. Green suggested that they all “sleep on it.” They would get together first thing in the morning, when they were fresh, and decide what to do.

Research methodology

The data for this case were collected via personal interviews with employees of the hotel and from information on the company's website, other company resources, and publicly available information about the company. Only the hotel's name, parent company's name, and people's names have been disguised to protect the confidentiality and anonymity of the individuals. The author has no relationship to the host organization or protagonist.

Relevant courses and levels

This case is appropriate for an undergraduate or graduate course in Human Resources Management, Organizational Behavior, or Recruiting and Selection.

Theoretical bases

This case may be used to illustrate, analyze, and evaluate the selection process and interviewing approaches (e.g. behavioral interviewing). The importance of selection, best practices for selection, candidate assessment methods, best practices for candidate interviews, and common biases which affect the fairness of selection processes are reviewed.
The historic Hawthorne hotel: improving customer service
Authors: Landau Jacqueline C. , Little Lillian , Jeon Myunghee Mindy
Published: March 2016

Synopsis

This case focusses on management and customer service issues at a historic hotel, the Hawthorne, in Salem, Massachusetts. By 1999, when Juli Lederhaus was hired as the new general manager, the Hawthorne had a reputation of being well past its prime and customers were dissatisfied with the quality of service and outdated physical facilities. This case describes the actions she took, up to 2012, to improve service. The case ends with Lederhaus contemplating whether more changes are needed given that she had just heard a rumor that a company was considering building a new hotel just a few blocks away. The case gives students the opportunity to analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the Hotel in relation to customer service, and propose recommendations for future improvements.

Research methodology

A qualitative, interview based, methodology was used. The researchers held numerous, face-to-face interviews with the owner and employees of various ranks. Information was also gathered from archival data and traveler review sites such as TripAdvisor.com and Yelp.com.

Relevant courses and levels

The case is targeted to undergraduate business and hospitality students at a sophomore or junior level. Classes in which this case could be used include: Organizational Behavior, Human Resource Management, and Hospitality Management.
Stanton Convention Centre
Authors: Anderson Joe , Williams Susan K.
Published: March 2016

Synopsis

Used hypodermic needles were found in Stanton Convention Centre. The Centre’s department heads suggested installing secure needle receptacles. June Patterson, General Manager, quickly learned this was a divisive issue. Heated arguments focussed on two opinions: first, the Centre owed employees a safe working environment and needles constituted a significant risk to safety. Second, other department heads believed that presence of needle boxes would diminish customers’ perceptions of the Centre. According to one, “You wouldn’t find needle boxes in nice restaurants or golf courses.” Having promised a decision by the next meeting, Patterson mulled the question over and wondered how to proceed.

Research methodology

This case was written based on information obtained in interviews with the manager described in the case. The manager’s name, the name of the organization, and the city where it is located have all been disguised.

Relevant courses and levels

The authors use this case as the first contact with cases for our incoming MBA cohort in the summer pre-session to acquaint them with the basics of case analysis. However, this compact case could be used in many management courses, graduate or undergraduate, to illustrate difficulties in management decision making for different stakeholder groups.

Theoretical bases

The concepts most central to our discussions of the case are management decision making and the influences of diverse stakeholder opinions on those decisions.
Suppressive effect of topoisomerase inhibitors on JC polyomavirus propagation in human neuroblastoma cells
Authors: Nukuzuma Souichi , Nakamichi Kazuo , Kameoka Masanori , Sugiura Shigeki , Nukuzuma Chiyoko , Tasaki Takafumi , Takegami Tsutomu
Published: March 2016

JC polyomavirus (JCPyV) causes progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a fatal demyelinating disease of the central nervous system, in immunocompromised patients. Because no drugs have been approved for treating PML, many antiviral agents are currently being investigated for this purpose. The inhibitory effects of the topoisomerase I inhibitors topotecan and β‐lapachone were assessed by investigating viral replication, propagation and viral protein 1 (VP1) production in cultured cells. JCPyV replication was assayed using the human neuroblastoma cell line IMR‐32 transfected with the JCPyV plasmid and RT‐ PCR combined with Dpn I treatment. Dpn I digests the input plasmid DNA containing methylated adenosine, but not newly replicated JCPyV DNA, in IMR‐32 cells. It was found that JCPyV replicates less in IMR‐32 cells treated with topotecan or β‐lapachone than in untreated cells. Moreover, drug treatment of JCI cells, which are IMR‐32 cells persistently infected with JCPyV, led to a reduction in the amount of JCPyV DNA and population of VP1‐positive cells. These results demonstrate that topotecan and β‐lapachone affects JCPyV propagation in human neuroblastoma cell lines, suggesting that topotecan and β‐lapachone could potentially be used to treat PML.
Host contact and shedding patterns clarify variation in pathogen exposure and transmission in threatened tortoiseGopherus agassizii: implications for disease modelling and management
Authors: Aiello Christina M. , Nussear Kenneth E. , Esque Todd C. , Emblidge Patrick G. , Sah Pratha , Bansal Shweta , Hudson Peter J.
Published: March 2016

Most directly transmitted infections require some form of close contact between infectious and susceptible hosts to spread. Often disease models assume contacts are equal and use mean field estimates of transmission probability for all interactions with infectious hosts.

Such methods may inaccurately describe transmission when interactions differ substantially in their ability to cause infection. Understanding this variation in transmission risk may be critical to properly model and manage some infectious diseases. In this study, we investigate how varying exposure and transmission may be key to understanding disease dynamics in the threatened desert tortoiseGopherus agassizii.

We created heterogeneity inMycoplasma agassiziiexposure (the putative bacterial agent of a respiratory disease) by varying the duration of interactions between naturally infected and uninfected captive desert tortoises. UsingqPCR, we identified new infections and compared models of transmission probability as a function of contact duration and pathogen load. We then examined the contact patterns of a wild tortoise population using proximity loggers to identify heterogeneity in contact duration.

The top‐ranked model predictingM. agassiziitransmission included a dose term defined as the product of the number of days in proximity to an infected host and the infection level of that host. Models predicted low transmission probability for short interactions, unless the infectious host had a high load ofM. agassizii: such hosts were predicted to transmit infection at higher rates with any amount of contact. We observed predominantly short‐lived interactions in a free‐ranging tortoise population and thus, expect transmission patterns in this population to vary considerably with the frequency and duration of high infection levels.

Mean field models may misrepresent natural transmission patterns in this and other populations depending on the distribution of high‐risk contact and shedding events. Rapid outbreaks in generally solitary species may result from changes to their naturally low‐risk contact patterns or due to increases in the frequency of severe infections or super‐shedding events – population characteristics that should be further investigated to develop effective management strategies.
Narrative competence in children with pragmatic language impairment: a longitudinal study
Authors: Ketelaars Mieke P. , Jansonius Kino , Cuperus Juliane , Verhoeven Ludo
Published: March 2016

Background: Children with pragmatic language impairment (PLI) show impairments in the use of language in social contexts. Although the issue has been gaining attention in recent literature, not much is known about the developmental trajectories of children who experience pragmatic language problems. Since narrative competence is an important predictor of both academic and social success, evaluating narrative competence in children with PLI is deemed important.

Aims: To examine the development of narrative competence of children with PLI compared with typically developing (TD) children using a prognostic longitudinal design.

Methods & Procedures: Using the Dutch adaptation of the Renfrew Bus Story Test, narrative competence was assessed at ages 5–7 for a group of 84 children with PLI and a group of 81 TD children. Groups were compared on measures of narrative productivity, organization of story content and cohesion.

Outcomes & Results: Results showed an increase in narrative competence for both groups across most time points. The PLI group obtained lower scores on measures of narrative productivity and story content organization compared with their TD peers at all time points, but did not show more problems related to narrative cohesion. Most problems in the domain of narrative productivity and story content organization were shown to be independent of lower non‐verbal intelligence. The developmental trajectory for the PLI group was largely similar to that of their TD peers, and showed a persistent developmental delay of approximately one year. Furthermore, qualitative differences were visible in the proportion of irrelevant T‐units, which was consistently higher in the PLI group. The different narrative measures were found to be relatively stable over time.

Conclusions & Implications: The results of this study suggest that narrative difficulties of children identified as pragmatically impaired persist at least until middle childhood. The persistence of the measured developmental delay, combined with the finding of qualitative differences, support the view of PLI as a deficit, which is consistent with the addition of social communication disorder (SCD) to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM‐5).
Evaluating the Imbalance Between Increasing Hemodialysis Patients and Medical Staff Shortage After the Great East Japan Earthquake: Report From a Hemodialysis Center Near the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plants
Authors: Koshiba Takaaki , Nishiuchi Takamitsu , Akaihata Hidenori , Haga Nobuhiro , Kojima Yoshiyuki , Kubo Hajime , Kasahara Masato , Hayashi Masayuki
Published: March 2016

The Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011 caused an unprecedented imbalance between an increasing number of hemodialysis patients and medical staff shortage in the Sousou area, the site of the Fukushima nuclear power plants. In 2014, capacity of our hemodialysis center reached a critical limit due to such an imbalance. We attempted to evaluate the effort of medical staff to clarify to what extent their burden had increased post‐disaster. The ratio of total dialysis sessions over total working days of medical staff was determined as an approximate indicator of effort per month. The mean value of each year was compared. Despite fluctuations of the ratio, the mean value did not differ from 2010 to 2013. However, the ratio steadily increased in 2014, and there was a significant increase in the mean value. This proposed indicator of the effort of medical staff appears to reflect what we experienced, although its validity must be carefully examined in future studies.
Influenza Vaccination and Other Factors Related to the Development of Influenza‐Like Illness Among Patients on Chronic Hemodialysis in a Japanese Dialysis Facility
Authors: Washio Masakazu , Higashi Harumichi , Sugawara Koji , Tsusumi Chiyo , Sakita Mayumi , Ide Yuichiro , Tsuruya Kazuhiko , Kitazono Takanari , Kondo Kyoko , Ide Saburo
Published: March 2016

The present study was conducted to evaluate the protective effect of seasonal influenza vaccination on the development of influenza‐like illness (ILI), as well as to investigate factors related to the development of ILI among patients in a Japanese dialysis facility. One hundred eighty‐three hemodialysis (HD) patients were followed up from November 2008 to March 2009. During the follow‐up period, 17 patients developed ILI. We compared the characteristics of these 17 patients to patients without ILI. Compared to the non‐ILI group (N = 166), the ILI group (N = 17) showed a non‐significantly lower rate of influenza vaccination (70.6% vs. 86.7%, P = 0.07), while any other factor did not differ between the two groups. Influenza vaccination tended to reduce the risk of ILI (Odds ratio = 0.37, 95% CI = 0.12 to 1.14, P = 0.07). The findings of the present study suggested that the influenza vaccine was 60% effective to prevent ILI among HD patients, although the effectiveness was not statistically significant.
Multilocus genotyping of a ‘CandidatusPhytoplasma aurantifolia’‐related strain associated with cauliflower phyllody disease in China
Authors: Cai H. , Wang L. , Mu W. , Wan Q. , Wei W. , Davis R.E. , Chen H. , Zhao Y.
Published: March 2016

A new cauliflower disease characterised by the formation of leaf‐like inflorescences and malformed flowers occurred in a seed production field located in Yunnan, a southwest province of China. Detection of phytoplasma‐characteristic 16S rRNA gene sequences in DNA samples from diseased plants linked the cauliflower disease to phytoplasmal infection. Results from phylogenetic and virtual restriction fragment length polymorphism analyses of the 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that the cauliflower‐infecting agent is a ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma aurantifolia’‐related strain and is a new member of the peanut witches'‐broom phytoplasma group, subgroup A (16SrII‐A). Multilocus genotyping showed close genetic relationship between this cauliflower phytoplasma and a broad host range phytoplasma lineage found only in East Asia thus far. Molecular markers present in the secY and rp loci distinguished this phytoplasma from other members of the subgroup 16SrII‐A.
Gambling problems and comorbidity with alcohol use disorders in Chinese‐, Korean‐, and White‐American college students
Authors: Luczak Susan E. , Wall Tamara L.
Published: March 2016

Background and Objectives

This study examined gambling behaviors and the relationship between gambling problems and alcohol use disorders (AUDs) among Chinese‐, Korean‐, and White‐American college students.

Methods

Participants were 678 (179 Chinese, 194 Korean, and 305 White; 50% female) 21–26 year‐old (M = 22.0 ± 1.36) students attending one university in California. The South Oaks Gambling Screen was administered to assess gambling behavior and the Semi‐Structured Assessment for the Genetics of Alcoholism was administered to diagnose lifetime AUDs. Chi‐squares and multinomial logistic regressions were conducted to test our hypotheses.

Results

Rates of lifetime ever gambling and weekly gambling were similar across the three ethnic groups, but participation in five types of gambling behavior differed. Chinese had the highest rates of gambling problems followed by Koreans and then Whites. Univariate odds ratios determined being Chinese or Korean, being male, and having an AUD were risk factors for gambling problems. When stratified by gender and ethnicity, having an AUD was not related to gambling problems in women, but was strongly associated with gambling problems in Chinese and White men and modestly associated in Korean men. This was true despite low rates of AUDs in Chinese men.

Discussion and Conclusions

Gambling problems were strongly comorbid with AUDs in Chinese‐ and White‐American men, and moderately comorbid in Korean‐American men. No relationship of AUD with gambling problems was found in women.

Scientific Significance

The results highlight the importance of assessing disaggregated Asian‐American subgroups with respect to addictive behaviors and their comorbidity. (Am J Addict 2016;25:195–202)
Effect of micronized pea seeds (Pisum sativum L.) as a substitute of soybean meal on tissue fatty acid composition and quality of broiler chicken meat
Authors: Kiczorowska Bożena , Samolińska Wioletta , Andrejko Dariusz
Published: March 2016

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of micronized pea seeds introduced into feed mixes for broilers on the slaughter yield, blood lipid parameters, content of fatty acids in selected tissues, and meat quality. The studies involved 150 1‐day‐old Ross 308 chicks split into three groups (for 42 days). The feed rations differed in terms of the source of proteins: in the control group (C), it was post‐extraction soybean meal (SBM) 100%; in group I, SBM 50% and micronized peas 50%; and in group II, micronized peas only, 100%. Irradiated pea seeds added to the feed ration for chicks reduced the fattening grade of carcasses (P < 0.05). Additionally, significant improvement of blood lipid indices was recorded. The share of the irradiated pea seeds in feed mixes decreased the share of saturated fatty acids in the muscles and abdominal fat and had a positive effect on the n‐6/n‐3 ratio, hypocholesterolemic / hypercholesterolemic ratio, as well as the atherogenic and thrombogenic indices (P < 0.05).
Direct comparison of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results with final histopathology in patients with proven prostate cancer in MRI/ultrasonography‐fusion biopsy
Authors: Borkowetz Angelika , Platzek Ivan , Toma Marieta , Renner Theresa , Herout Roman , Baunacke Martin , Laniado Michael , Baretton Gustavo , Froehner Michael , Zastrow Stefan , Wirth Manfred
Published: March 2016

Objective

To compare multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) of the prostate and histological findings of both targeted MRI/ultrasonography‐fusion prostate biopsy (PBx) and systematic PBx with final histology of the radical prostatectomy (RP) specimen.

Patients and Methods

A total of 105 patients with prostate cancer (PCa) histopathologically proven using a combination of fusion Pbx and systematic PBx, who underwent RP, were investigated. All patients had been examined using mpMRI, applying the European Society of Urogenital Radiology criteria. Histological findings from the RP specimen were compared with those from the PBx. Whole‐mount RP specimen and mpMRI results were directly compared by a uro‐pathologist and a uro‐radiologist in step‐section analysis.

Results

In the 105 patients with histopathologically proven PCa by combination of fusion PBx and systematic PBx, the detection rate of PCa was 90% (94/105) in fusion PBx alone and 68% (72/105) in systematic PBx alone (P = 0.001). The combination PBx detected 23 (22%) Gleason score (GS) 6, 69 (66%) GS 7 and 13 (12%) GS ≥8 tumours. Fusion PBx alone detected 25 (26%) GS 6, 57 (61%) GS 7 and 12 (13%) GS ≥8 tumours. Systematic PBx alone detected 17 (24%) GS 6, 49 (68%) GS 7 and 6 (8%) GS ≥8 tumours. Fusion PBx alone would have missed 11 tumours (4% [4/105] of GS 6, 6% [6/105] of GS 7 and 1% [1/105] of GS ≥8 tumours). Systematic PBx alone would have missed 33 tumours (10% [10/105] of GS 6, 20% [21/105] of GS 7 and 2% [2/105] of GS ≥8 tumours). The rates of concordance with regard to GS between the PBx and RP specimen were 63% (n = 65), 54% (n = 56) and 75% (n = 78) in fusion, systematic and combination PBx (fusion and systematic PBx combined), respectively. Upgrading of the GS between PBx and RP specimen occurred in 33% (n = 34), 44% (n = 46) and 18% (n = 19) in fusion, systematic and combination PBx, respectively. γ‐correlation for detection of any cancer was 0.76 for combination PBx, 0.68 for fusion PBx alone and 0.23 for systematic PBx alone. In all, 84% (n = 88) of index tumours were identified by mpMRI; 86% (n = 91) of index lesions on the mpMRI were proven in the RP specimen.

Conclusions

Fusion PBx of tumour‐suspicious lesions on mpMRI was associated with a higher detection rate of more aggressive PCa and a better tumour prediction in final histopathology than systematic PBx alone; however, combination PBx had the best concordance for the prediction of GS. Furthermore, the additional findings of systematic PBx reflect the multifocality of PCa, therefore, the combination of both biopsy methods would still represent the best approach for the prediction of the final tumour grading in PCa.
Constrained Convex Space Partition for Ray Tracing in Architectural Environments
Authors: Maria M. , Horna S. , Aveneau L.
Published: March 2016

This paper explores constrained convex space partition (CCSP) as a new acceleration structure for ray tracing. A CCSP is a graph, representing a space partition made up of empty convex volumes. The scene geometry is located on the boundary of the convex volumes. Therefore, each empty volume is bounded with two kinds of faces: occlusive ones (belonging to the scene geometry), and non‐occlusive ones. Given a ray, ray casting is performed by traversing the CCSP one volume at a time, until it hits the scene geometry. In this paper, this idea is applied to architectural scenes. We show that CCSP allows to cast several hundreds of millions of rays per second, even if they are not spatially coherent. Experiments are performed for large furnished buildings made up of hundreds of millions of polygons and containing thousands of light sources.
“Because It's Hers”: When Preschoolers Use Ownership in Their Explanations
Authors: Nancekivell Shaylene E. , Friedman Ori
Published: March 2016

Young children show competence in reasoning about how ownership affects object use. In the present experiments, we investigate how influential ownership is for young children by examining their explanations. In three experiments, we asked 3‐ to 5‐year‐olds (N = 323) to explain why it was acceptable (Experiments 1–3) or unacceptable (Experiment 2 and 3) for a person to use an object. In Experiments 1 and 2, older preschoolers referenced ownership more than alternative considerations when explaining why it was acceptable or unacceptable for a person to use an object, even though ownership was not mentioned to them. In Experiment 3, ownership was mentioned to children. Here, younger preschoolers frequently referenced ownership when explaining unacceptability of using an object, but not when explaining why using it was acceptable. These findings suggest that ownership is influential in preschoolers' explanations about the acceptability of using objects, but that the scope of its influence increases with age.