bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Laser Discoverers” – Web‐based User‐generated Content in Heritage Detection in Poland
Authors: Stereńczak Krzysztof , Zapłata Rafal , Sztampke Maciej , Bałazy Radomir
Published: May 2016

This article presents the results and potential of using volunteered geographic information (VGI) in heritage detection. Research was completed under the project entitled “Laser Discoverers – non‐invasive examination and documentation of archeological and historical objects in the Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship”, carried out as a part of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education program entitled “The Paths of Copernicus”. Within the project, strong emphasis was placed on promotional and awareness‐raising activities, to involve as many voluntary users as possible. Project participants had at their disposal a web application, which provided access to a digital terrain model (DTM) where they identified possible heritage objects. All samples of data were additionally available in eight variants of sunshine, based on the simulation of sunlight from eight directions and at a constant angle. In total, 5,989 elementary areas with dimensions of 100 × 100 m were used for the project. After conducting a field inventory, Internet users together with specialists were able to recognize several thousands of potential archaeological and historic objects. During the project, approximately 10% of those features were verified through non‐invasive (field survey) work, with 75% success.
A significantly lower potency observed for the 3rd WHO International Standard for Parvovirus B19V DNA with the cobas TaqScreen DPX test
Authors: Pisani G. , Cristiano K. , Fabi S. , Simeoni M. , Marino F. , Gaggioli A.
Published: May 2016

Background

In the context of the Official Medicines Control Laboratories plasma pool testing for Parvovirus B19 DNA, we use the cobas TaqScreen DPX test. When we re‐evaluated this method using the 3rd B19 DNA WHO IS at the final concentration of 4 log IU/mL, we observed a titre lower than expected, i.e. 3.79 log IU/mL. Therefore, we further investigated the accuracy of the DPX test.

Materials & Methods

The following B19V DNA materials were tested by using both the DPX test and an in‐house real‐time PCR:

The 1st, 2nd and 3rd WHO ISs for B19V DNA

The Non WHO B19V DNA Reference Material for NAT

The Biological Reference Preparation B19 virus DNA for NAT testing, batch 1

.

Results

The DPX test showed a good accuracy for all B19V DNA materials with the exception of the 3rd WHO IS for B19V DNA. In fact, an underestimation of about 38% was observed for all dilutions of this standard with respect to the nominal titre. With the B19V in‐house real‐time PCR, all four materials proved to be well calibrated against the 1st WHO IS for B19V DNA, used as external standard curve.

Conclusion

In this study, we demonstrated that the DPX test underestimates the B19V DNA content of the 3rd WHO IS for B19V DNA and that this is not due to an incorrect potency assigned to the standard but, most probably, to a mismatch between the primers/probe and the sequence of the target region in the 3rd WHO IS for B19V DNA.
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Young James
Published: May 2016

International Journal of Social Science Studies (IJSSS) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether IJSSS publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue.Reviewers for Volume 4, Number 3     Abdul Azim Akhtar Amb. J. Morales Dr. Abdul Zahoor Khan Jangraiz Khan Jenny Tonsing K.O. Aramide, Katja Eman Małgorzata Haładewicz Maria Virginia G Aguilar Ombretta Caldarice Patricia Wiener Paula Hanasz Priyono Rachael Walsh Rachita Shrivastava Roy Sharif Alghazo         James Young Editorial Assistant On behalf of, The Editorial Board of International Journal of Social Science Studies Redfame Publishing 9450 SW Gemini Dr. #99416 Beaverton, OR 97008, USA URL: http://ijsss.redfame.com       This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
Modified Vaccinia Ankara Virus Vaccination Provides Long-Term Protection against Nasal Rabbitpox Virus Challenge
Authors: Jones Dorothy I. , McGee Charles E. , Sample Christopher J. , Sempowski Gregory D. , Pickup David J. , Staats Herman F.
Published: May 2016

Modified vaccinia Ankara virus (MVA) is a smallpox vaccine candidate. This study was performed to determine if MVA vaccination provides long-term protection against rabbitpox virus (RPXV) challenge, an animal model of smallpox. Two doses of MVA provided 100% protection against a lethal intranasal RPXV challenge administered 9 months after vaccination.
Broad Cross-Protection Is Induced in Preclinical Models by a Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Composed of L1/L2 Chimeric Virus-Like Particles
Authors: Boxus Mathieu , Fochesato Michel , Miseur Agnès , Mertens Emmanuel , Dendouga Najoua , Brendle Sarah , Balogh Karla K. , Christensen Neil D. , Giannini Sandra L.
Published: May 2016

At least 15 high-risk human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are linked to anogenital preneoplastic lesions and cancer. Currently, there are three licensed prophylactic HPV vaccines based on virus-like particles (VLPs) of the L1 major capsid protein from HPV-2, -4, or -9, including the AS04-adjuvanted HPV-16/18 L1 vaccine. The L2 minor capsid protein contains HPV-neutralizing epitopes that are well conserved across numerous high-risk HPVs. Therefore, the objective of our study was to assess the capacity to broaden vaccine-mediated protection using AS04-adjuvanted vaccines based on VLP chimeras of L1 with one or two L2 epitopes. Several chimeric VLPs were constructed by inserting L2 epitopes within the DE loop and/or C terminus of L1. Based on the shape, yield, size, and immunogenicity, one of seven chimeras was selected for further evaluation in mouse and rabbit challenge models. The chimeric VLP consisted of HPV-18 L1 with insertions of HPV-33 L2 (amino acid residues 17 to 36; L1 DE loop) and HPV-58 L2 (amino acid residues 56 to 75; L1 C terminus). This chimeric L1/L2 VLP vaccine induced persistent immune responses and protected against all of the different HPVs evaluated (HPV-6, -11, -16, -31, -35, -39, -45, -58, and -59 as pseudovirions or quasivirions) in both mouse and rabbit challenge models. The degree and breadth of protection in the rabbit were further enhanced when the chimeric L1/L2 VLP was formulated with the L1 VLPs from the HPV-16/18 L1 vaccine. Therefore, the novel HPV-18 L1/L2 chimeric VLP (alone or in combination with HPV-16 and HPV-18 L1 VLPs) formulated with AS04 has the potential to provide broad protective efficacy in human subjects.

IMPORTANCE
From evaluations in human papillomavirus (HPV) protection models in rabbits and mice, our study has identified a prophylactic vaccine with the potential to target a wide range of HPVs linked to anogenital cancer. The three currently licensed vaccines contain virus-like particles (VLPs) of the L1 major capsid protein from two, four, or nine different HPVs. Rather than increasing the diversity of L1 VLPs, this vaccine contains VLPs based on a recombinant chimera of two highly conserved neutralizing epitopes from the L2 capsid protein inserted into L1. Our study demonstrated that the chimeric L1/L2 VLP is an effective vehicle for displaying two different L2 epitopes and can be used in a quantity equivalent to what is used in the licensed vaccines. Hence, using the chimeric L1/L2 VLP may be a more cost-effective approach for vaccine formulation than adding different VLPs for each HPV.
Simultaneous Antibiofilm and Antiviral Activities of an Engineered Antimicrobial Peptide during Virus-Bacterium Coinfection
Authors: Melvin Jeffrey A. , Lashua Lauren P. , Kiedrowski Megan R. , Yang Guanyi , Deslouches Berthony , Montelaro Ronald C. , Bomberger Jennifer M.
Published: May 2016

Antimicrobial-resistant infections are an urgent public health threat, making development of novel antimicrobials able to effectively treat these infections extremely important. Chronic and polymicrobial infections further complicate antimicrobial therapy, often through the development of microbial biofilms. Here, we describe the ability of an engineered antimicrobial peptide to disrupt biofilms formed by the ESKAPE (
Enterococcus faecium
,
Staphylococcus aureus
,
Klebsiella pneumoniae
,
Acinetobacter baumannii
,
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
, and
Enterobacter
species) pathogen
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
during coinfection with respiratory syncytial virus. We also observed antiviral activity, indicating the ability of engineered antimicrobial peptides to act as cross-kingdom single-molecule combination therapies.
Fatal disseminated varicella zoster infection following zoster vaccination in an immunocompromised patient
Authors: Costa E , Buxton J , Brown J , Templeton K E , Breuer J , Johannessen I
Published: May 2016

A 79-year-old man with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia presented with fever and a widespread vesicular rash on 19 November 2014. The patient had not been under immunosuppressive regime for 6 months. He had received a shingles vaccine on 14th October and developed flu-like symptoms after 2 weeks. Intravenous antimicrobial therapy including aciclovir was started. He remained stable with no evidence of systemic involvement. On day 5, he developed respiratory and renal failure that required transfer to intensive care unit. Vesicle fluid, bronchoalveolar lavage and plasma were positive for varicella zoster virus by PCR. Slight clinical improvement allowed extubation on day 16. He subsequently deteriorated and died on day 25. Multiorgan failure was considered the immediate cause of death whereas disseminated varicella zoster infection was stated in the medical certificate as the other condition leading to this outcome. Varicella zoster Oka vaccine strain was detected in vesicle fluid, using PCR.
Vibrio vulnificusinfection and liver cirrhosis: a potentially lethal combination
Authors: Nazir Salik , Brown Krysta , Shin Ann Kyungwohn , Donato Anthony A
Published: May 2016

We present a case of a 40-year-old man with decompensated alcoholic liver cirrhosis presenting with atraumatic cellulitis of one extremity and severe sepsis that rapidly progressed to compartment syndrome despite broad-spectrum antibiotics. Local cultures following debridement revealedVibrio vulnificus, and subsequent history revealed consumption of raw oysters 48 h before presentation. Our case points out the unique susceptibility of those with cirrhosis and elevated iron saturation toVibriosepticaemia, as well as the rapidity and severity of the disease progression.
Chronic anorexia and weight loss due to extensive fibroid compression of the bowel: an unusual complication of uterine fibroids in a patient with a twin pregnancy
Authors: Narayan Bhaskar , McCarthy Fergus , Nelson-Piercy Catherine
Published: May 2016

A 36-year-old homeless Eritrean nulliparous woman was admitted to hospital, with abdominal pain, nausea and loss of appetite. She was found to be 17 weeks pregnant with dichorionic diamniotic twins. She was cachectic and had large palpable uterine fibroids. An extensive search for infection and malignancy did not yield any significant results. She was managed with enteral nutritional support and delivered healthy twins by emergency caesarean section at 36 weeks' gestation. She re-presented 19 days postpartum, with fever and abdominal pain. Imaging revealed multiple abdominal collections and large degenerating fibroids. At laparotomy, the fibroids were found to be adherent to, compressing and enveloping large sections of bowel. The patient required a right hemicolectomy, small bowel resection and total abdominal hysterectomy. Histology confirmed an infarcted leiomyoma and the patient made a good postoperative recovery.
Orthotics and taping in the management of vertebral fractures in people with osteoporosis: a systematic review
Authors: Goodwin Victoria A , Hall Abigail J , Rogers Emily , Bethel Alison
Published: May 2016

Objective

To establish the current evidence base for the use of orthotics and taping for people with osteoporotic vertebral fracture (OVF).

Design

Systematic review of quantitative and qualitative studies.

Data sources

Medline, Medline-In Process, EMBASE, AMED, CINAHL, PEDro, TRIP, EThOS, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses and Cochrane (CDSR, DARE, CMR, HTA, EED) plus Cochrane Central, UK Clinical Research Network portfolio, Controlled Clinical Trials register and the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials register.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

All study designs were considered if they reported in English and evaluated the impact of using an external support, such as a spinal brace, orthosis or postural tape, with adults with OVF. All outcomes were considered.

Results

Nine studies were included comprising two parallel-group randomised controlled trials, four randomised cross-over trials, two before-after (single arm) studies and a parallel group observational study. No qualitative studies were identified. A wide range of outcomes assessing impairments, activities and participation were assessed but the findings were mixed. The quality of studies was limited.

Conclusions

The current evidence for using orthotic devices or taping for people with OVF is inconsistent and of limited quality and therefore careful consideration should be taken by clinicians before prescribing them in practice.

Systematic review registration number

CRD42015020893.
Protocol for a process evaluation of a cluster randomised controlled trial to improve management of multimorbidity in general practice: the 3D study
Authors: Mann Cindy , Shaw Alison , Guthrie Bruce , Wye Lesley , Man Mei-See , Hollinghurst Sandra , Brookes Sara , Bower Peter , Mercer Stewart , Salisbury Chris
Published: May 2016

Introduction

As an increasing number of people are living with more than 1 long-term condition, identifying effective interventions for the management of multimorbidity in primary care has become a matter of urgency. Interventions are challenging to evaluate due to intervention complexity and the need for adaptability to different contexts. A process evaluation can provide extra information necessary for interpreting trial results and making decisions about whether the intervention is likely to be successful in a wider context. The 3D (dimensions of health, drugs and depression) study will recruit 32 UK general practices to a cluster randomised controlled trial to evaluate effectiveness of a patient-centred intervention. Practices will be randomised to intervention or usual care.

Methods and analysis

The aim of the process evaluation is to understand how and why the intervention was effective or ineffective and the effect of context. As part of the intervention, quantitative data will be collected to provide implementation feedback to all intervention practices and will contribute to evaluation of implementation fidelity, alongside case study data. Data will be collected at the beginning and end of the trial to characterise each practice and how it provides care to patients with multimorbidity. Mixed methods will be used to collect qualitative data from 4 case study practices, purposively sampled from among intervention practices. Qualitative data will be analysed using techniques of constant comparison to develop codes integrated within a flexible framework of themes. Quantitative and qualitative data will be integrated to describe case study sites and develop possible explanations for implementation variation. Analysis will take place prior to knowing trial outcomes.

Ethics and dissemination

Study approved by South West (Frenchay) National Health Service (NHS) Research Ethics Committee (14/SW/0011). Findings will be disseminated via a final report, peer-reviewed publications and practical guidance to healthcare professionals, commissioners and policymakers.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN06180958.
Novel application of a discrete choice experiment to identify preferences for a national healthcare-associated infection surveillance programme: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Russo Philip L , Chen Gang , Cheng Allen C , Richards Michael , Graves Nicholas , Ratcliffe Julie , Hall Lisa
Published: May 2016

Objective

To identify key stakeholder preferences and priorities when considering a national healthcare-associated infection (HAI) surveillance programme through the use of a discrete choice experiment (DCE).

Setting

Australia does not have a national HAI surveillance programme. An online web-based DCE was developed and made available to participants in Australia.

Participants

A sample of 184 purposively selected healthcare workers based on their senior leadership role in infection prevention in Australia.

Primary and secondary outcomes

A DCE requiring respondents to select 1 HAI surveillance programme over another based on 5 different characteristics (or attributes) in repeated hypothetical scenarios. Data were analysed using a mixed logit model to evaluate preferences and identify the relative importance of each attribute.

Results

A total of 122 participants completed the survey (response rate 66%) over a 5-week period. Excluding 22 who mismatched a duplicate choice scenario, analysis was conducted on 100 responses. The key findings included: 72% of stakeholders exhibited a preference for a surveillance programme with continuous mandatory core components (mean coefficient 0.640 (p<0.01)), 65% for a standard surveillance protocol where patient-level data are collected on infected and non-infected patients (mean coefficient 0.641 (p<0.01)), and 92% for hospital-level data that are publicly reported on a website and not associated with financial penalties (mean coefficient 1.663 (p<0.01)).

Conclusions

The use of the DCE has provided a unique insight to key stakeholder priorities when considering a national HAI surveillance programme. The application of a DCE offers a meaningful method to explore and quantify preferences in this setting.
Common ECG abnormalities in the perioperative period
Authors: Gurney Matthew , Bradbrook Carl
Published: May 2016

Electrocardiography is a useful tool for monitoring all patients during the perioperative period to determine heart rate, the presence of arrhythmias and conduction defects. It may be argued that routine monitoring of an electrocardiogram (ECG) of a healthy patient is unnecessary; however, unexpected, more malignant arrhythmias – some of which can be life threatening – may be present and would remain undiagnosed and therefore untreated if the ECG was not monitored. This article describes how to interpret abnormal ECG rhythms in healthy and sick dogs and cats, and considers conditions in which it is advised to monitor the ECG in the perioperative period. An understanding of common ECG abnormalities can assist practitioners when planning a patient's treatment perioperatively.
Refusing to take part in euthanasia
Authors: Magalhães‐Sant'Ana Manuel
Published: May 2016

THIS series gives readers the opportunity to consider and contribute to discussion of some of the ethical dilemmas that can arise in veterinary practice. Each month, a case scenario is presented, followed by discussion of some of the issues involved.

In addition, a possible way forward is suggested; however, there is rarely a cut‐and‐dried answer in such cases, and readers may wish to suggest an alternative approach. This month's dilemma, ‘Refusing to take part in euthanasia’, was submitted and is discussed by Manuel Magalhães‐Sant'Ana. Readers with comments to contribute are invited to send them as soon as possible, so that they can be considered for publication in the next issue. Discussion of the dilemma ‘Too feral to save?’, which was published in the April issue of In Practice, appears on page 254.

The series is being coordinated by Steven McCulloch, a practising vet with a PhD in the ethics of veterinary policy. It is hoped it will provide a framework that will help practitioners find solutions when facing similar dilemmas.
Effect of soy on faecal dry matter content and excretion of Brachyspira hyodysenteriae in pigs
Authors: Grahofer Alexander , Overesch Gudrun , Nathues Heiko , Zeeh Friederike
Published: May 2016

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a soy diet on the excretion of Brachyspira hyodysenteriae in five farms with subclinically infected pigs. The effects on general health, faecal consistency and dry matter were analysed. In total, 200 pigs of different ages (group 1 <100 days of age (n=120) and group 2 ≥100 days (n=80)) were randomly assigned to the control (C) and the treatment (T) groups. Group C received the farm's standard diet. In group T half of the daily feed ration was replaced by pure soy on two consecutive days. Faecal scores were used to determine faecal consistency and a microwave method to assess faecal dry matter content (FDMC). In age group 1, soy feeding resulted in a statistically significant decrease of the FDMC of 2.5 per cent compared with group C and in age group 2 in a significant increase of 2.2 per cent compared with group C at day 2. Overall seven (T: 5, C: 2) out of 597 faecal samples tested positive for B hyodysenteriae by PCR.

In conclusion, a high soy diet applied over two days influenced the faecal consistency and the FDMC in growers, finishers and sows under field conditions. Further investigations with more sensitive diagnostic methods are needed to prove a potential influence of a high soy diet on the detection rate of B hyodysenteriae in subclinically infected herds.
CLOCK-BMAL1 regulate the cardiac L-type calcium channel subunit CACNA1C through PI3K-Akt signaling pathway
Authors: Chen Yanhong , Zhu Didi , Yuan Jiamin , Han Zhonglin , Wang Yao , Qian Zhiyong , Hou Xiaofeng , Wu Tingting , Zou Jiangang
Published: May 2016

The heterodimerized transcription factors CLOCK-BMAL1 regulate the cardiomyocyte circadian rhythms. The L-type calcium currents play important role in the cardiac electrogenesis and arrhythmogenesis. Whether and how the CLOCK-BMAL1 regulate the cardiac L-type calcium channels are yet to be determined. The functions of the L-type calcium channels were evaluated with patch clamping techniques. Recombinant adenoviruses of CLOCK and BMAL1 were used in the expression experiments. We reported that the expressions and functions of CACNA1C (the α-subunit of the L-type calcium channels) showed circadian rhythms, with the peak at zeitgeber time 3 (ZT3). The endocardial action potential durations 90 (APD90) were correspondingly longer at ZT3. The protein levels of the phosphorylated Akt at threonine 308 (pAkt T308) also showed circadian rhythms. Overexpressions of CLOCK-BMAL1 significantly reduced the levels of CACNA1C while increasing the levels of pAkt T308 and pik3r1. Furthermore, the inhibitory effects of CLOCK-BMAL1 on CACNA1C could be abolished by the Akt inhibitor MK2206 or the PDK1 inhibitor GSK2334470. Collectively, our findings suggested that the expressions of the cardiac CACNA1C were under the CLOCK-BMAL1 regulation, probably through the PI3K-Akt signal pathway.
Saddle-Node Bifurcations in Classical and Memristive Circuits
Authors: García de la Vega Ignacio , Riaza Ricardo
Published: May 2016

This paper addresses a systematic characterization of saddle-node bifurcations in nonlinear electrical and electronic circuits. Our approach is a circuit-theoretic one, meaning that the bifurcation is analyzed in terms of the devices’ characteristics and the graph-theoretic properties of the digraph underlying the circuit. The analysis is based on a reformulation of independent interest of the saddle-node theorem of Sotomayor for semiexplicit index one differential-algebraic equations (DAEs), which define the natural context to set up nonlinear circuit models. The bifurcation is addressed not only for classical circuits, but also for circuits with memristors. The presence of this device systematically leads to nonisolated equilibria, and in this context the saddle-node bifurcation is shown to yield a bifurcation of manifolds of equilibria; in cases with a single memristor, this phenomenon describes the splitting of a line of equilibria into two, with different stability properties.
Stability, Instability and Bifurcation Modes of a Delayed Small World Network with Excitatory or Inhibitory Short-Cuts
Authors: Zhou Jing , Xu Xu , Yu Dongyuan , Zheng Zhuoqun
Published: May 2016

This paper presents a detailed analysis on the stability and instability of a coupled oscillator network with small world connections. This network consists of regular connections, excitatory short-cuts or inhibitory short-cuts. By using the perturbation theory of matrix, we give the upper and lower bounds of maximum and minimum eigenvalues of the coupling strength matrix, and then give the generalized sufficient conditions that guarantee the system complete stability or complete instability. In addition, we analyze the effects of the short-cut possibility, excitatory or inhibitory short-cut strength and time delay on the system stability. We also analyze the instability mechanism and bifurcation modes. In addition, the studies on the robustness stability show that the stability of this network is more robust to change of short-cut connections than the regular network. Compared to the mean-field theory, the stability conditions from the proposed method are more conservational. However, the proposed method can guarantee the complete stability even if the randomness is in the system. They are more useful and adaptive than mean-field theory especially when the excitatory and inhibitory connections exist simultaneously.
Heteroclinic, Homoclinic and Closed Orbits in the Chen System
Authors: Tigan G. , Llibre J.
Published: May 2016

Bounded orbits such as closed, homoclinic and heteroclinic orbits are discussed in this work for a Lorenz-like 3D nonlinear system. For a large spectrum of the parameters, the system has neither closed nor homoclinic orbits but has exactly two heteroclinic orbits, while under other constraints the system has symmetrical homoclinic orbits.
Image Restoration Using Adaptive Region-Wise p-Norm Filter with Local Constraints
Authors: Bini A. A. , Jidesh P.
Published: May 2016

In this work, we introduce a feature adaptive second-order p-norm filter with local constraints for image restoration and texture preservation. The p-norm value of the filter is chosen adaptively between 1 and 2 in a local region based on the regional image characteristics. The filter behaves like a mean curvature motion (MCM) [A. Marquina and S. Osher, SIAM Journal of Scientific Computing 22, 387–405 (2000)] in the regions where the p-norm value is 1 and switches to a Laplacian filter in the rest of the regions (where the p-norm value is 2). The proposed study considerably reduces stair-case effect and effectively removes noise from images while deblurring them. The noise is assumed as Gaussian distributed (with zero mean and variance [Formula: see text]) and blur is linearly shift invariant (out-of-focus). The filter converges at a faster rate with semi-implicit Crank–Nicholson scheme. The regularization parameter is initialized and updated based on the local image features and therefore this filter preserves edges, structures, textures and fine details present in images very well. The method is applied on different kinds of images with different image characteristics. We show the response of the filter to various kinds of images and numerically quantify the performance in terms of standard statistical measures.
Perona–Malik Model with a New Diffusion Coefficient for Image Denoising
Authors: Yuan Jianjun , Wang Jianjun
Published: May 2016

This paper presents a new diffusion coefficient which is based on second order derivative and local entropy information for image denoising. In the proposed model, a second order derivative term is introduced, which reduces the staircasing effect and preserves edge in a processed image. The local entropy information can preserve texture. The Perona–Malik model with a new diffusion coefficient improves the denoised effects, and prevents edges from being over-smoothed. Comparative experiments show that the proposed model obtains more satisfied results than the other two existing models.
Inequalities for gamma and q-gamma functions of complex arguments
Authors: Ismail Mourad E. H.
Published: May 2016

We prove that the function [Formula: see text] and its [Formula: see text]-analogue are of the form [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is completely monotonic in [Formula: see text]. In particular both [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are Laplace transforms of infinitely divisible distributions. We also extend Lerch’s inequality to the [Formula: see text]-gamma function.
Two novel schemes for probabilistic remote state preparation and the physical realization via the linear optics
Authors: Wei Jiahua , Dai Hong-Yi , Zhang Ming , Yang Le , Kuang Jingsong
Published: May 2016

In this paper, we put forward two novel schemes for probabilistic remote preparation of an arbitrary quantum state with the aid of appropriate local unitary operations when the sender and the receiver only have partial information of non-maximally entangled state, respectively. The concrete implementation procedures of the novel proposals are given in detail. Additionally, the physical realizations of our proposals are discussed based on the linear optics. Because of that neither the sender nor the receiver need to know fully the information of the partially entangled state, our schemes are useful to not only expand the application range of quantum entanglement, but also enlarge the research field of probabilistic remote state preparation (RSP).
The scope of the β-halogenation of triarylcorroles
Authors: Nardis Sara , Pomarico Giuseppe , Stefanelli Manuela , Lentini Sara , Cicero Daniel O. , Fronczek Frank R. , Smith Kevin M. , Paolesse Roberto
Published: May 2016

Functionalization of corrole at its peripheral positions is an intriguing field of research, since the unusual reactivity of this macrocycle usually makes it difficult to predict the reaction products. We have investigated the introduction of halogen atoms at the corrole β-positions by using haloacids as reagents. Different behavior, in terms of number and position of the units introduced, was observed: chlorination yielded mono and disubstituted corrole, whereas bromination only afforded mono-substitution, even if on different positions. Iodination did not occur on the corrole free base, while the protection of the inner core by chelation with silver ion gave better results and a symmetric diiodinated corrole was isolated. 2D NMR analysis and X-ray crystallography provided useful information about the site of these corrole functionalizations.
INNOVATION IN FAMILY FIRMS — EXAMINING THE INVENTORY AND MAPPING THE PATH
Authors: FILSER MATTHIAS , BREM ALEXANDER , GAST JOHANNA , KRAUS SASCHA , CALABRÒ ANDREA
Published: May 2016

Over the past decade, research on innovation in family firms has received growing attention by scholars and practitioners around the globe with a wide range of aspects explored within the current body of literature. Despite the constantly growing number of scientific publications, research lacks a comprehensive and critical review of past and present research achievements. First, conducting a bibliometric analysis with a focus on innovation in family firms, we identify five topical clusters that help to understand the foundations of recent findings: namely ownership and governance, structural settings, organizational culture and behaviour, resources, and innovation and strategy. Second, based on a thorough literature review the major research avenues are reflected. The comparison of the results of both analyses showed the following areas for future research on family firm innovation: members‘ individual human capital and their leadership behaviour, openness to externals, cross-country comparisons, and finally the family‘s functional integrity on innovation performance.
Commentary on the Special Issue Continuation on “Single File Dynamics and Generalizations in Interdisciplinary Sciences”
Authors: Flomenbom Ophir , Baraban Larysa , Misko Vyacheslav
Published: May 2016

This is a commentary on the Special Issue continuation involving “Single File Dynamics and Generalizations in Interdisciplinary Sciences”.
All in my Head? The Play of Exclusion and Discrimination in the Labor Market
Authors: Das Maitreyi Bordia
Published: May 2016

Labor market discrimination is very difficult to pinpoint, even more difficult to measure and almost impossible to “prove”. This paper reviews the literature and makes two main contributions: first, it builds a four-fold typology to think about discrimination — overt or covert; conscious or unconscious; legal or illegal and real or perceived. Second, it identifies screens and filters — devices through which discrimination plays out in the labor market. Unless more empirical studies identify the play of discrimination and exclusion, subordinate groups may well be told that discrimination is actually in their heads — that they are imagining it.
Understanding the Chemistry and Biology of Glycosylation with Glycan Synthesis
Authors: Krasnova Larissa , Wong Chi-Huey
Published: May 2016

Glycoscience research has been significantly impeded by the complex compositions of the glycans present in biological molecules and the lack of convenient tools suitable for studying the glycosylation process and its function. Polysaccharides and glycoconjugates are not encoded directly by genes; instead, their biosynthesis relies on the differential expression of carbohydrate enzymes, resulting in heterogeneous mixtures of glycoforms, each with a distinct physiological activity. Access to well-defined structures is required for functional study, and this has been provided by chemical and enzymatic synthesis and by the engineering of glycosylation pathways. This review covers general methods for preparing glycans commonly found in mammalian systems and applying them to the synthesis of therapeutically significant glycoconjugates (glycosaminoglycans, glycoproteins, glycolipids, glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored proteins) and the development of carbohydrate-based vaccines.
The p53 Pathway: Origins, Inactivation in Cancer, and Emerging Therapeutic Approaches
Authors: Joerger Andreas C. , Fersht Alan R.
Published: May 2016

Inactivation of the transcription factor p53, through either direct mutation or aberrations in one of its many regulatory pathways, is a hallmark of virtually every tumor. In recent years, screening for p53 activators and a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of oncogenic perturbations of p53 function have opened up a host of novel avenues for therapeutic intervention in cancer: from the structure-guided design of chemical chaperones to restore the function of conformationally unstable p53 cancer mutants, to the development of potent antagonists of the negative regulators MDM2 and MDMX and other modulators of the p53 pathway for the treatment of cancers with wild-type p53. Some of these compounds have now moved from proof-of-concept studies into clinical trials, with prospects for further, personalized anticancer medicines. We trace the structural evolution of the p53 pathway, from germ-line surveillance in simple multicellular organisms to its pluripotential role in humans.
Imaging Specific Genomic DNA in Living Cells
Authors: Chen Baohui , Guan Juan , Huang Bo
Published: May 2016

The three-dimensional organization of the genome plays important roles in regulating the functional output of the genome and even in the maintenance of epigenetic inheritance and genome stability. Here, we review and compare a number of newly developed methods—especially those that utilize the CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat)-Cas9 (CRISPR-associated protein 9) system—that enable the direct visualization of specific, endogenous DNA sequences in living cells. We also discuss the practical considerations in implementing the CRISPR imaging technique to achieve sufficient signal-to-background levels, high specificity, and high labeling efficiency. These DNA labeling methods enable tracking of the copy number, localization, and movement of genomic elements, and we discuss the potential applications of these methods in understanding the searching and targeting mechanism of the Cas9-sgRNA complex, investigating chromosome organization, and visualizing genome instability and rearrangement.
Elastic Properties of Nucleic Acids by Single-Molecule Force Spectroscopy
Authors: Camunas-Soler Joan , Ribezzi-Crivellari Marco , Ritort Felix
Published: May 2016

We review the current knowledge on the use of single-molecule force spectroscopy techniques to extrapolate the elastic properties of nucleic acids. We emphasize the lesser-known elastic properties of single-stranded DNA. We discuss the importance of accurately determining the elastic response in pulling experiments, and we review the simplest models used to rationalize the experimental data as well as the experimental approaches used to pull single-stranded DNA. Applications used to investigate DNA conformational transitions and secondary structure formation are also highlighted. Finally, we provide an overview of the effects of salt and temperature and briefly discuss the effects of contour length and sequence dependence.
Forensic Stable Isotope Biogeochemistry
Authors: Cerling Thure E. , Barnette Janet E. , Bowen Gabriel J. , Chesson Lesley A. , Ehleringer James R. , Remien Christopher H. , Shea Patrick , Tipple Brett J. , West Jason B.
Published: May 2016

Stable isotopes are being used for forensic science studies, with applications to both natural and manufactured products. In this review we discuss how scientific evidence can be used in the legal context and where the scientific progress of hypothesis revisions can be in tension with the legal expectations of widely used methods for measurements. Although this review is written in the context of US law, many of the considerations of scientific reproducibility and acceptance of relevant scientific data span other legal systems that might apply different legal principles and therefore reach different conclusions. Stable isotopes are used in legal situations for comparing samples for authenticity or evidentiary considerations, in understanding trade patterns of illegal materials, and in understanding the origins of unknown decedents. Isotope evidence is particularly useful when considered in the broad framework of physiochemical processes and in recognizing regional to global patterns found in many materials, including foods and food products, drugs, and humans. Stable isotopes considered in the larger spatial context add an important dimension to forensic science.
Host Factors in Ebola Infection
Authors: Rasmussen Angela L.
Published: May 2016

Ebola virus (EBOV) emerged in West Africa in 2014 to devastating effect, and demonstrated that infection can cause a broad range of severe disease manifestations. As the virus itself was genetically similar to other Zaire ebolaviruses, the spectrum of pathology likely resulted from variable responses to infection in a large and genetically diverse population. This review comprehensively summarizes current knowledge of the host response to EBOV infection, including pathways hijacked by the virus to facilitate replication, host processes that contribute directly to pathogenesis, and host-pathogen interactions involved in subverting or antagonizing host antiviral immunity.
The Properties of Long Noncoding RNAs That Regulate Chromatin
Authors: Rutenberg-Schoenberg Michael , Sexton Alec N. , Simon Matthew D.
Published: May 2016

Beyond coding for proteins, RNA molecules have well-established functions in the posttranscriptional regulation of gene expression. Less clear are the upstream roles of RNA in regulating transcription and chromatin-based processes in the nucleus. RNA is transcribed in the nucleus, so it is logical that RNA could play diverse and broad roles that would impact human physiology. Indeed, this idea is supported by well-established examples of noncoding RNAs that affect chromatin structure and function. There has been dramatic growth in studies focused on the nuclear roles of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs). Although little is known about the biochemical mechanisms of these lncRNAs, there is a developing consensus regarding the challenges of defining lncRNA function and mechanism. In this review, we examine the definition, discovery, functions, and mechanisms of lncRNAs. We emphasize areas where challenges remain and where consensus among laboratories has underscored the exciting ways in which human lncRNAs may affect chromatin biology.
Phenome-Wide Association Studies as a Tool to Advance Precision Medicine
Authors: Denny Joshua C. , Bastarache Lisa , Roden Dan M.
Published: May 2016

Beginning in the early 2000s, the accumulation of biospecimens linked to electronic health records (EHRs) made possible genome-phenome studies (i.e., comparative analyses of genetic variants and phenotypes) using only data collected as a by-product of typical health care. In addition to disease and trait genetics, EHRs proved a valuable resource for analyzing pharmacogenetic traits and developing reverse genetics approaches such as phenome-wide association studies (PheWASs). PheWASs are designed to survey which of many phenotypes may be associated with a given genetic variant. PheWAS methods have been validated through replication of hundreds of known genotype-phenotype associations, and their use has differentiated between true pleiotropy and clinical comorbidity, added context to genetic discoveries, and helped define disease subtypes, and may also help repurpose medications. PheWAS methods have also proven to be useful with research-collected data. Future efforts that integrate broad, robust collection of phenotype data (e.g., EHR data) with purpose-collected research data in combination with a greater understanding of EHR data will create a rich resource for increasingly more efficient and detailed genome-phenome analysis to usher in new discoveries in precision medicine.
Architected Cellular Materials
Authors: Schaedler Tobias A. , Carter William B.
Published: May 2016

Additive manufacturing enables fabrication of materials with intricate cellular architecture, whereby progress in 3D printing techniques is increasing the possible configurations of voids and solids ad infinitum. Examples are microlattices with graded porosity and truss structures optimized for specific loading conditions. The cellular architecture determines the mechanical properties and density of these materials and can influence a wide range of other properties, e.g., acoustic, thermal, and biological properties. By combining optimized cellular architectures with high-performance metals and ceramics, several lightweight materials that exhibit strength and stiffness previously unachievable at low densities were recently demonstrated. This review introduces the field of architected materials; summarizes the most common fabrication methods, with an emphasis on additive manufacturing; and discusses recent progress in the development of architected materials. The review also discusses important applications, including lightweight structures, energy absorption, metamaterials, thermal management, and bioscaffolds.
Effect of formoterol, a long-acting β2-adrenergic agonist, on muscle strength and power output, metabolism, and fatigue during maximal sprinting in men
Authors: Kalsen Anders , Hostrup Morten , Backer Vibeke , Bangsbo Jens
Published: May 2016

The aim was to investigate the effect of the long-acting β2-adrenergic agonist formoterol on muscle strength and power output, muscle metabolism, and phosphorylation of CaMKII Thr287and FXYD1 during maximal sprinting. In a double-blind crossover study, 13 males [V̇o2 max: 45.0 ± 0.2 (means ± SE) ml·min−1·kg−1] performed a 30-s cycle ergometer sprint after inhalation of either 54 μg of formoterol (FOR) or placebo (PLA). Before and after the sprint, muscle biopsies were collected from vastus lateralis and maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), and contractile properties of quadriceps were measured. Oxygen uptake was measured during the sprint. During the sprint, peak power, mean power, and end power were 4.6 ± 0.8, 3.9 ± 1.1, and 9.5 ± 3.2% higher ( P < 0.05) in FOR than in PLA, respectively. Net rates of glycogenolysis and glycolysis were 45.7 ± 21.0 and 28.5 ± 13.4% higher ( P < 0.05) in FOR than in PLA, respectively, and the decrease in ATP content was lower ( P < 0.05) in FOR than in PLA (3.7 ± 1.5 vs. 8.0 ± 1.6 mmol/kg dry weight). There was no difference in breakdown of phosphocreatine and oxygen uptake between treatments. Before and after the sprint, MVC and peak twitch force were higher ( P < 0.05) in FOR than in PLA. No differences were observed in phosphorylation of CaMKII Thr287and FXYD1 between treatments before the sprint, whereas phosphorylation of CaMKII Thr287and FXYD1 was greater ( P < 0.05) in FOR than in PLA after the sprint. In conclusion, formoterol-induced enhancement in power output during maximal sprinting is associated with increased rates of glycogenolysis and glycolysis that may counteract development of fatigue.
Pathophysiology of gadolinium-associated systemic fibrosis
Authors: Wagner Brent , Drel Viktor , Gorin Yves
Published: May 2016

Systemic fibrosis from gadolinium-based magnetic resonance imaging contrast is a scourge for the afflicted. Although gadolinium-associated systemic fibrosis is a rare condition, the threat of litigation has vastly altered clinical practice. Most theories concerning the etiology of the fibrosis are grounded in case reports rather than experiment. This has led to the widely accepted conjecture that the relative affinity of certain contrast agents for the gadolinium ion inversely correlates with the risk of succumbing to the disease. How gadolinium-containing contrast agents trigger widespread and site-specific systemic fibrosis and how chronicity is maintained are largely unknown. This review highlights experimentally-derived information from our laboratory and others that pertain to our understanding of the pathophysiology of gadolinium-associated systemic fibrosis.
Rare human nerve growth factor-β mutation reveals relationship between C-afferent density and acute pain evaluation
Authors: Perini Irene , Tavakoli Mitra , Marshall Andrew , Minde Jan , Morrison India
Published: May 2016

The rare nerve growth factor-β (NGFB) mutation R221W causes a selective loss of thinly myelinated fibers and especially unmyelinated C-fibers. Carriers of this mutation show altered pain sensation. A subset presents with arthropathic symptoms, with the homozygous most severely affected. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between peripheral afferent loss and pain evaluation by performing a quantification of small-fiber density in the cornea of the carriers, relating density to pain evaluation measures. In vivo corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) was used to quantify C-fiber loss in the cornea of 19 R221W mutation carriers (3 homozygous) and 19 age-matched healthy control subjects. Pain evaluation data via the Situational Pain Questionnaire (SPQ) and the severity of neuropathy based on the Neuropathy Disability Score (NDS) were assessed. Homozygotes, heterozygotes, and control groups differed significantly in corneal C-nerve fiber density, with the homozygotes showing a significant afferent reduction. Importantly, peripheral C-fiber loss correlated negatively with pain evaluation, as revealed by SPQ scores. This study is the first to investigate the contribution of small-fiber density to the perceptual evaluation of pain. It demonstrates that the lower the peripheral small-fiber density, the lower the degree of reported pain intensity, indicating a functional relationship between small-fiber density and higher level pain experience.