bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanical loading influences the viscoelastic performance of the resin-carious dentin complex
Authors: Toledano Manuel , Osorio Raquel , López-López Modesto T. , Aguilera Fátima S. , García-Godoy Franklin , Toledano-Osorio Manuel , Osorio Estrella
Published: April 2017

The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in the mechanical behavior and bonding capability of Zn-doped resin-infiltrated caries-affected dentin interfaces. Dentin surfaces were treated with 37% phosphoric acid (PA) followed by application of a dentin adhesive, single bond (SB) (PA+SB) or by 0.5 M ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) followed by SB (EDTA+SB). ZnO microparticles of 10 wt. % or 2 wt. % ZnCl2 was added into SB, resulting in the following groups: PA+SB, PA+SB-ZnO, PA+SB-ZnCl2, EDTA+SB, EDTA+SB-ZnO, EDTA+SB-ZnCl2. Bonded interfaces were stored for 24 h, and tested or submitted to mechanical loading. Microtensile bond strength was assessed. Debonded surfaces were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy and elemental analysis. The hybrid layer, bottom of the hybrid layer, and peritubular and intertubular dentin were evaluated using a nanoindenter. The load/displacement responses were used for the nanodynamic mechanical analysis III to estimate complex modulus, tan delta, loss modulus, and storage modulus. The modulus mapping was obtained by imposing a quasistatic force setpoint to which a sinusoidal force was superimposed. Atomic force microscopy imaging was performed. Load cycling decreased the tan delta at the PA+SB-ZnCl2 and EDTA+SB-ZnO interfaces. Tan delta was also diminished at peritubular dentin when PA+SB-ZnO was used, hindering the dissipation of energy throughout these structures. Tan delta increased at the interface after using EDTA+SB-ZnCl2, lowering the energy for recoil or failure. After load cycling, loss moduli at the interface decreased when using ZnCl2 as doping agent, increasing the risk of fracture; but when using ZnO, loss moduli was dissimilarly affected if dentin was EDTA-treated. The border between intertubular and peritubular dentin attained the highest discrepancy in values of viscoelastic properties, meaning a risk for cracking and breakdown of the resin–dentin interface. PA used on dentin provoked differences in complex and storage modulus values at the intertubular and peritubular structures, and these differences were higher than when EDTA was employed. In these cases, the long-term performance of the restorative interface will be impaired.
PCR-Dipstick Chromatography for Differential Detection of Carbapenemase Genes Directly in Stool Specimens
Authors: Shanmugakani Rathina Kumar , Akeda Yukihiro , Yamamoto Norihisa , Sakamoto Noriko , Hagiya Hideharu , Yoshida Hisao , Takeuchi Dan , Sugawara Yo , Kodera Takuya , Kawase Mitsuo , Laolerd Warawut , Chaihongsa Narong , Santanirand Pitak , Ishii Yoshikazu , Hamada Shigeyuki , Tomono Kazunori
Published: April 2017

A PCR-dipstick chromatography technique was designed and evaluated for differential identification of
bla
NDM
,
bla
KPC
,
bla
IMP
, and
bla
OXA-48
carbapenemase genes directly in stool specimens within 2 h. It is a DNA-DNA hybridization-based detection system where PCR products can be easily interpreted by visual observation without electrophoresis. The PCR-dipstick showed high sensitivity (93.3%) and specificity (99.1%) in directly detecting carbapenemase genes in stool specimens compared with multiplex PCR for genomic DNA of the isolates from those stool specimens.
Structural Modification of Lipopolysaccharide Conferred by
mcr-1
in Gram-Negative ESKAPE Pathogens
Authors: Liu Yi-Yun , Chandler Courtney E. , Leung Lisa M. , McElheny Christi L. , Mettus Roberta T. , Shanks Robert M. Q. , Liu Jian-Hua , Goodlett David R. , Ernst Robert K. , Doi Yohei
Published: April 2017

mcr-1
was initially reported as the first plasmid-mediated colistin resistance gene in clinical isolates of
Escherichia coli
and
Klebsiella pneumoniae
in China and has subsequently been identified worldwide in various species of the family
Enterobacteriaceae
.
mcr-1
encodes a phosphoethanolamine transferase, and its expression has been shown to generate phosphoethanolamine-modified bis-phosphorylated hexa-acylated lipid A in
E. coli
. Here, we investigated the effects of
mcr-1
on colistin susceptibility and on lipopolysaccharide structures in laboratory and clinical strains of the Gram-negative ESKAPE (
Enterococcus faecium
,
Staphylococcus aureus
,
K. pneumoniae
,
Acinetobacter baumannii
,
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
, and
Enterobacter
species) pathogens, which are often treated clinically by colistin. The effects of
mcr-1
on colistin resistance were determined using MIC assays of laboratory and clinical strains of
E. coli
,
K. pneumoniae
,
A. baumannii
, and
P. aeruginosa
. Lipid A structural changes resulting from MCR-1 were analyzed by mass spectrometry. The introduction of
mcr-1
led to colistin resistance in
E. coli
,
K. pneumoniae
, and
A. baumannii
but only moderately reduced susceptibility in
P. aeruginosa
. Phosphoethanolamine modification of lipid A was observed consistently for all four species. These findings highlight the risk of colistin resistance as a consequence of
mcr-1
expression among ESKAPE pathogens, especially in
K. pneumoniae
and
A. baumannii
. Furthermore, the observation that lipid A structures were modified despite only modest increases in colistin MICs in some instances suggests more sophisticated surveillance methods may need to be developed to track the dissemination of
mcr-1
or plasmid-mediated phosphoethanolamine transferases in general.
Efficacy, Safety, and Tolerability of Gepotidacin (GSK2140944) in the Treatment of Patients with Suspected or Confirmed Gram-Positive Acute Bacterial Skin and Skin Structure Infections
Authors: O'Riordan William , Tiffany Courtney , Scangarella-Oman Nicole , Perry Caroline , Hossain Mohammad , Ashton Teri , Dumont Etienne
Published: April 2017

Gepotidacin is a novel, first-in-class, triazaacenaphthylene antibacterial agent which has
in vitro
activity against causative pathogens of acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSIs). This phase 2, randomized, 2-part, multicenter, dose-ranging, response-adaptive study with optional intravenous-oral switch evaluated the efficacy and safety of gepotidacin for the treatment of Gram-positive ABSSSIs in 122 adult patients in the United States. The study had a double-blind phase (part 1; intravenous [750 mg or 1,000 mg every 12 h {q12h}]) and an open-label phase (part 2; intravenous [750 mg q12h, 1,000 mg q12h, or 1,000 q8h]). The primary endpoint was a composite of efficacy and safety which consisted of the early cure rate and the withdrawal rate due to drug-related adverse events and utilized a clinical utility index for dose selection. At the early efficacy visit (48 to 72 h after the first dose), the 750-mg q12h and 1,000-mg q8h groups met prespecified success criteria for clinical utility in terms of efficacy and safety; however, the 1,000-mg q12h group did not meet these criteria due to observed lower efficacy rates. The most frequently reported adverse events were nausea (20%) and diarrhea (13%). These encouraging phase 2 results demonstrate the potential for gepotidacin to meet the medical need for novel antibacterial agents to treat ABSSSIs due to drug-resistant pathogens through a unique mechanism of action. (This study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under registration no. NCT02045797.)
A New Natural Product Analog of Blasticidin S Reveals Cellular Uptake Facilitated by the NorA Multidrug Transporter
Authors: Davison Jack R. , Lohith Katheryn M. , Wang Xiaoning , Bobyk Kostyantyn , Mandadapu Sivakoteswara R. , Lee Su-Lin , Cencic Regina , Nelson Justin , Simpkins Scott , Frank Karen M. , Pelletier Jerry , Myers Chad L. , Piotrowski Jeff , Smith Harold E. , Bewley Carole A.
Published: April 2017

The permeation of antibiotics through bacterial membranes to their target site is a crucial determinant of drug activity but in many cases remains poorly understood. During screening efforts to discover new broad-spectrum antibiotic compounds from marine sponge samples, we identified a new analog of the peptidyl nucleoside antibiotic blasticidin S that exhibited up to 16-fold-improved potency against a range of laboratory and clinical bacterial strains which we named P10. Whole-genome sequencing of laboratory-evolved strains of
Staphylococcus aureus
resistant to blasticidin S and P10, combined with genome-wide assessment of the fitness of barcoded
Escherichia coli
knockout strains in the presence of the antibiotics, revealed that restriction of cellular access was a key feature in the development of resistance to this class of drug. In particular, the gene encoding the well-characterized multidrug efflux pump NorA was found to be mutated in 69% of all
S. aureus
isolates resistant to blasticidin S or P10. Unexpectedly, resistance was associated with inactivation of
norA
, suggesting that the NorA transporter facilitates cellular entry of peptidyl nucleosides in addition to its known role in the efflux of diverse compounds, including fluoroquinolone antibiotics.
Key Role of Capsular Polysaccharide in the Induction of Systemic Infection and Abortion by Hypervirulent Campylobacter jejuni
Authors: Sahin Orhan , Terhorst Samantha A. , Burrough Eric R. , Shen Zhangqi , Wu Zuowei , Dai Lei , Tang Yizhi , Plummer Paul J. , Ji Ju , Yaeger Michael J. , Zhang Qijing
Published: April 2017

Campylobacter jejuniis a zoonotic pathogen, and a hypervirulent clone, named clone SA, has recently emerged as the predominant cause of ovine abortion in the United States. To induce abortion, orally ingestedCampylobactermust translocate across the intestinal epithelium, spread systemically in the circulation, and reach the fetoplacental tissue. Bacterial factors involved in these steps are not well understood.C. jejuniis known to produce capsular polysaccharide (CPS), but the specific role that CPS plays in systemic infection and particularly abortion in animals remains to be determined. In this study, we evaluated the role of CPS in bacteremia using a mouse model and in abortion using a pregnant guinea pig model following oral challenge. Compared withC. jejuniNCTC 11168 and 81-176, a clone SA isolate (IA3902) resulted in significantly higher bacterial counts and a significantly longer duration of bacteremia in mice. The loss of capsule production via gene-specific mutagenesis in IA3902 led to the complete abolishment of bacteremia in mice and abortion in pregnant guinea pigs, while complementation of capsule expression almost fully restored these phenotypes. The capsule mutant strain was also impaired for survival in guinea pig sera and sheep blood. Sequence-based analyses revealed that clone SA possesses a unique CPS locus with a mosaic structure, which has been stably maintained in all clone SA isolates derived from various hosts and times. These findings establish CPS as a key virulence factor for the induction of systemic infection and abortion in pregnant animals and provide a viable candidate for the development of vaccines against hypervirulentC. jejuni.
Appropriate Regulation of the σ
E
-Dependent Envelope Stress Response Is Necessary To Maintain Cell Envelope Integrity and Stationary-Phase Survival in Escherichia coli
Authors: Nicoloff Hervé , Gopalkrishnan Saumya , Ades Sarah E.
Published: April 2017

The alternative sigma factor σ
E
is a key component of the
Escherichia coli
response to cell envelope stress and is required for viability even in the absence of stress. The activity of σ
E
increases during entry into stationary phase, suggesting an important role for σ
E
when nutrients are limiting. Elevated σ
E
activity has been proposed to activate a pathway leading to the lysis of nonculturable cells that accumulate during early stationary phase. To better understand σ
E
-directed cell lysis and the role of σ
E
in stationary phase, we investigated the effects of elevated σ
E
activity in cultures grown for 10 days. We demonstrate that high σ
E
activity is lethal for all cells in stationary phase, not only those that are nonculturable. Spontaneous mutants with reduced σ
E
activity, due primarily to point mutations in the region of σ
E
that binds the −35 promoter motif, arise and take over cultures within 5 to 6 days after entry into stationary phase. High σ
E
activity leads to large reductions in the levels of outer membrane porins and increased membrane permeability, indicating membrane defects. These defects can be counteracted and stationary-phase lethality delayed significantly by stabilizing membranes with Mg
2+
and buffering the growth medium or by deleting the σ
E
-dependent small RNAs (sRNAs) MicA, RybB, and MicL, which inhibit the expression of porins and Lpp. Expression of these sRNAs also reverses the loss of viability following depletion of σ
E
activity. Our results demonstrate that appropriate regulation of σ
E
activity, ensuring that it is neither too high nor too low, is critical for envelope integrity and cell viability.

IMPORTANCE
The Gram-negative cell envelope and cytoplasm differ significantly, and separate responses have evolved to combat stress in each compartment. An array of cell envelope stress responses exist, each of which is focused on different parts of the envelope. The σ
E
response is conserved in many enterobacteria and is tuned to monitor pathways for the maturation and delivery of outer membrane porins, lipoproteins, and lipopolysaccharide to the outer membrane. The activity of σ
E
is tightly regulated to match the production of σ
E
regulon members to the needs of the cell. In
E. coli
, loss of σ
E
results in lethality. Here we demonstrate that excessive σ
E
activity is also lethal and results in decreased membrane integrity, the very phenotype the system is designed to prevent.
Novel DNA Binding and Regulatory Activities for σ
54
(RpoN) in Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium 14028s
Authors: Bono Ashley C. , Hartman Christine E. , Solaimanpour Sina , Tong Hao , Porwollik Steffen , McClelland Michael , Frye Jonathan G. , Mrázek Jan , Karls Anna C.
Published: April 2017

The variable sigma (σ) subunit of the bacterial RNA polymerase (RNAP) holoenzyme, which is responsible for promoter specificity and open complex formation, plays a strategic role in the response to environmental changes.
Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhimurium utilizes the housekeeping σ
70
and five alternative sigma factors, including σ
54
. The σ
54
-RNAP differs from other σ-RNAP holoenzymes in that it forms a stable closed complex with the promoter and requires ATP hydrolysis by an activated cognate bacterial enhancer binding protein (bEBP) to transition to an open complex and initiate transcription. In
S.
Typhimurium, σ
54
-dependent promoters normally respond to one of 13 different bEBPs, each of which is activated under a specific growth condition. Here, we utilized a constitutively active, promiscuous bEBP to perform a genome-wide identification of σ
54
-RNAP DNA binding sites and the transcriptome of the σ
54
regulon of
S.
Typhimurium. The position and context of many of the identified σ
54
RNAP DNA binding sites suggest regulatory roles for σ
54
-RNAP that connect the σ
54
regulon to regulons of other σ factors to provide a dynamic response to rapidly changing environmental conditions.

IMPORTANCE
The alternative sigma factor σ
54
(RpoN) is required for expression of genes involved in processes with significance in agriculture, bioenergy production, bioremediation, and host-microbe interactions. The characterization of the σ
54
regulon of the versatile pathogen
S.
Typhimurium has expanded our understanding of the scope of the σ
54
regulon and how it links to other σ regulons within the complex regulatory network for gene expression in bacteria.
Electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) use during smoking cessation: a qualitative study of 40 Oklahoma quitline callers
Authors: Vickerman Katrina A , Beebe Laura A , Schauer Gillian L , Magnusson Brooke , King Brian A
Published: April 2017

Objectives

Approximately 10% (40 000) of US quitline enrollees who smoke cigarettes report current use of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS); however, little is known about callers' ENDS use. Our aim was to describe why and how quitline callers use ENDS, their beliefs about ENDS and the impact of ENDS use on callers' quit processes and use of FDA-approved cessation medications.

Design

Qualitative interviews conducted 1-month postregistration. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, double-coded and analysed to identify themes.

Setting

Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline.

Participants

40 callers aged ≥18 who were seeking help to quit smoking were using ENDS at registration and completed ≥1 programme calls.

Results

At 1-month postregistration interview, 80% of callers had smoked cigarettes in the last 7 days, almost two-thirds were using ENDS, and half were using cessation medications. Nearly all believed ENDS helped them quit or cut down on smoking; however, participants were split on whether they would recommend cessation medications, ENDS or both together for quitting. Confusion and misinformation about potential harms of ENDS and cessation medications were reported. Participants reported using ENDS in potentially adaptive ways (eg, using ENDS to cut down and nicotine replacement therapy to quit, and stepping down nicotine in ENDS to wean off ENDS after quitting) and maladaptive ways (eg, frequent automatic ENDS use, using ENDS in situations they did not previously smoke, cutting down on smoking using ENDS without a schedule or plan to quit), which could impact the likelihood of quitting smoking or continuing ENDS use.

Conclusions

These qualitative findings suggest quitline callers who use ENDS experience confusion and misinformation about ENDS and FDA-approved cessation medications. Callers also use ENDS in ways that may not facilitate quitting smoking. Opportunities exist for quitlines to educate ENDS users and help them create a coordinated plan most likely to result in completely quitting combustible tobacco.
Cardiovascular risk factors—using repeated cross-sectional surveys to assess time trends in socioeconomic inequalities in neighbouring countries
Authors: Hughes John , Kabir Zubair , Kee Frank , Bennett Kathleen
Published: April 2017

Objectives

This study compares trends in socioeconomic inequalities related to key cardiovascular risk factors in neighbouring countries Northern Ireland (NI) and the Republic of Ireland (RoI).

Design

Repeated cross-sectional studies.

Setting

Population based.

Participants

3500–4000 in national surveys in NI and 5000–9000 in RoI, aged 20–69 years.

Measures

Educational attainment was used as a socioeconomic indicator by which the magnitude and direction of trends in inequalities for smoking, diabetes, obesity and physical inactivity in NI and RoI were examined between 1997/1998 and 2007/2011. Gender-specific relative and absolute inequalities were calculated using the Relative Index of Inequality (RII) and Slope Index of Inequality (SII) for both countries.

Results

In both countries, the prevalence of diabetes and obesity increased whereas levels of smoking and physical inactivity decreased over time. In NI relative inequalities increased for obesity (RII 1.1 in males and 2.1 in females in 2010/2011) and smoking (RII 4.5 in males and 4.2 in females in 2010/2011) for both genders and absolute inequalities increased for all risk factors in men and increased for diabetes and obesity in women. In RoI greater inequality was observed in women, particularly for smoking (RII 2.8 in 2007) and obesity (RII 8.2 in 2002) and in men for diabetes (RII 3.2 in 2002).

Conclusions

Interventions to reduce inequalities in risk factors, particularly smoking, obesity and diabetes are encouraged across both countries.
Link between healthy lifestyle and psychological well-being in Lithuanian adults aged 45–72: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Sapranaviciute-Zabazlajeva Laura , Luksiene Dalia , Virviciute Dalia , Bobak Martin , Tamosiunas Abdonas
Published: April 2017

Objective

This study uses a cross-sectional study design to analyse the connection between psychological well-being (PWB) and components of a healthy lifestyle in the Lithuanian population aged 45–72. The purpose of our study is to establish the links between PWB and lifestyle factors such as physical activity, smoking, alcohol consumption and dietary patterns in people above the age of 44.

Participants

A stratified sample of 10 940 urban citizens aged 45–72 years were randomly selected from the National Population Register. The response rate was 65%.

Methods

PWB was evaluated by using a Control Autonomy Self-realization and Pleasure (CASP-12) questionnaire. The standard questionnaire included questions regarding the respondent's sociodemographic, socioeconomic and social status. The lifestyle questionnaire evaluated behavioural factors as smoking status, alcohol consumption, nutrition habits and physical activity. Objective measurements of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors were taken.

Results

Adjusted for sociodemographic, socioeconomic, social and biological CVD risk factors, the probability of higher PWB increased for physically active men and women and male former smokers. Higher PWB was directly associated with consumption of fresh vegetables and fruits. Responders who consumed potatoes, meat, boiled vegetables and eggs less frequently than average were more likely to have higher PWB. A direct association was ascertained between PWB and consumption of chicken and fish, as well as an inverse association between PWB and consumption of sweets in women.

Conclusions

Healthy lifestyle education efforts should focus on increasing physical activity, controlling smoking and improving diversity in healthy food consumption including the consumption of fresh vegetables and fruits, particularly among older adults with lower PWB.
Prognostic value of stromal tumour infiltrating lymphocytes and programmed cell death-ligand 1 expression in breast cancer
Authors: Polónia António , Pinto Regina , Cameselle-Teijeiro Jorge F , Schmitt Fernando C , Paredes Joana
Published: April 2017

Aim

The present work aims to evaluate the presence of stromal tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PDL1) expression in breast carcinomas and their correlation with available clinicopathological features.

Methods

Two independent series of invasive breast cancer (IBC), one including ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) pair-matched cases, were selected, and quantification of TILs was accomplished in each case. Immunohistochemistry was also performed to evaluate the expression of PDL1.

Results

In both cohorts evaluated, increased stromal TILs and PDL1 expression were present in about 10% of IBCs, being significantly associated with each other and both with grade 3 and triple-negative subtype. We observed a similar distribution of stromal TILs and PDL1 expression between DCIS and IBC. Finally, we observed that increased stromal TILs and PDL1 expression were significantly associated with cancer stem cell (CSC) markers, basal cell markers and vimentin expression. Interestingly, in IBC cases with vimentin expression, increased stromal TILs, as well as decreased PDL1 expression, disclosed a better clinical outcome, independently of the main classical BC prognostic factors.

Conclusions

We have confirmed the association of stromal TILs and PDL1 expression with aggressive forms of BC and that both are already found in in situ stages. We also showed that stromal TILs and PDL1 expression are associated with clinical outcome in cases enriched for a mesenchymal immunophenotype. We describe for the first time a close relationship between CSC markers and PDL1 expression.
Vitellogenin receptor selectively endocytoses female-specific and highly-expressed hemolymph proteins in the silkworm,Bombyx mori
Authors: Han Chaoshan , Chen Enxiang , Shen Guanwang , Peng Zhixin , Xu Yinying , Zhang Haiyan , Liu Hongling , Zhang Yandi , Wu Jinxin , Lin Ying , Xia Qingyou
Published: April 2017

VgR, a member of the LDLR family, functions to transport vitellogenin into the ovaries to protome ovarian growth and embryonic development. In insects, the only widely accepted ligand of VgR is Vg. Recently, BmVgR has been shown to interact with BmSP1 in vitro. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated whether BmVgR could transport BmSP1 into certain cells. Although BmVgR could combine with BmVg and BmSP1, BmVgR did not affect the amount of BmSP1 taken up by Sf9 cells. Parallel immunofluorescence showed that most BmVg and BmVgR were localized in the inner oocyte membrane, showing tissue localization similar to that of BmVg labeled with pHrodo Red absorbed by the ovaries on day 2 of pupation. Although BmSP1 showed localization similar to BmVgR during the same phase, little BmSP1 was present in the ovary. Additionally, BmSP1 did not exist in ovaries when the ovaries contained BmVgR on day 5 of pupation, suggesting that BmSP1 in the ovaries was not endocytosed by BmVgR. In summary, BmVgR could facilitate uptake of BmVg by developing oocytes, but did not modulate in the transport of BmSP1.
Vibration velocity of X-section cast-in-place concrete (XCC) pile–raft foundation model for a ballastless track
Authors: Sun Guangchao , Kong Gangqiang , Liu Hanlong , Amenuvor Andrew Cudzo
Published: April 2017

This paper presents two case studies of the dynamic response of a ballastless track, X-section cast-in-place concrete (XCC) pile–raft (referred to as BTXPR) foundation embedded in sand subsoil. Model tests were conducted at a scale of 1/5 using a 7 m deep box with cross-sectional dimensions of 5 m × 4 m. In one case the box was filled with subsoil consisting of air-dried sand, whereas in the other case the box was filled with saturated sand. The tests involved measurement and analysis of the response in velocity under different applied cyclic load frequencies. It has been shown that the magnitude and variation of vibration velocity in the BTXPR foundation are closely related to the degree of saturation of the subsoil. Due to the existence of pore water in the saturated sand subsoil, the first natural frequency of the BTXPR foundation embedded in saturated sand is 5 Hz lower than that in air-dried sand. In addition, the amplitude of vibration velocity of the BTXPR foundation embedded in the saturated sand is about 9%∼36% higher than that of the air-dried sand. The research results provide an insight into BTXPR foundations with respect to theoretical analysis and calculation.
Theoretical analysis of generalized Sagnac effect in the standard synchronization
Authors: Choi Yang-Ho
Published: April 2017

The Sagnac effect has been shown in inertial frames as well as rotating frames. We solve the problem of the generalized Sagnac effect in the standard synchronization of clocks. The speed of a light beam that traverses an optical fiber loop is measured with respect to the proper time of the light detector, and is shown to be other than the constant c, though it appears to be c if measured by the time standard-synchronized. The fiber loop, which can have an arbitrary shape, is described by an infinite number of straight lines such that it can be handled by the general framework of Mansouri and Sexl (MS). For a complete analysis of the Sagnac effect, the motion of the laboratory should be taken into account. The MS framework is introduced to deal with its motion relative to a preferred reference frame. Though the one-way speed of light is other than c, its two-way speed is shown to be c with respect to the proper time. The theoretical analysis of the generalized Sagnac effect corresponds to the experimental results, and shows the usefulness of the standard synchronization. The introduction of the standard synchrony can make mathematical manipulation easy and can allow us to deal with relative motions between inertial frames without information on their velocities relative to the preferred frame.
Query-Optimal Partially Persistent B-Trees with Constant Worst-Case Update Time
Authors: Lagogiannis George
Published: April 2017

In this paper we present the first data structure for partially persistent B-trees with constant worst-case update time, where deletions are handled in a symmetrical to insertions manner. Our structure matches the query times of optimal partially persistent B-trees that do not support constant update time thus, we have managed to reduce the worst-case update time to a constant, without a penalty in the query times. The new data structure is produced by mixing two other data structures, (a) the partially persistent B-tree and (b) the balanced search tree with constant worst-case update time.
IceCube in the era of multimessenger astrophysics
Authors: Halzen Francis
Published: April 2017

IceCube has discovered a flux of cosmic neutrinos with energies ranging from 10 TeV to 10,000 TeV. These are predominantly extragalactic in origin. The photons accompanying them represent an energy density that is similar to that of photons detected by astronomical telescopes.
From scalar field theories to supersymmetric quantum mechanics
Authors: Bazeia D. , Bemfica F. S.
Published: April 2017

In this work, we report a new result that appears when one investigates the route that starts from a scalar field theory and ends on a supersymmetric quantum mechanics. The subject has been studied before in several distinct ways and here, we unveil an interesting novelty, showing that the same scalar field model may describe distinct quantum mechanical problems.
A Combined Layer-Based Approach for the Segmentation of Document Images
Authors: Mtimet Jassem , Amiri Hamid
Published: April 2017

There are many challenges addressed in MRC compression, such as the segmentation of the document into foreground and background layers, represented as a binary mask. Usually, the resulting quality of a MRC compression method depends on the segmentation algorithm used to compute the binary mask. The aim of this work is to leverage state-of-the-art techniques in document segmentation allowing further content, such as text or images, to be exploited in an efficient way. Then, a novel methodology is proposed that leads to increasing document segmentation performance for MRC compression scheme.
Realization of Simple Electronic Functions Using EXCCII
Authors: Maheshwari Sudhanshu
Published: April 2017

The paper presents a simple circuit for the realization of two digital modulation schemes: BPSK and ASK simultaneously, with the advantage of high input impedance at the signal input nodes and use of grounded resistors. The new circuits are based on the use of extra-[Formula: see text] current conveyor. Detailed analysis is given and circuit verification is carried out through simulations with a supply voltage of [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]V and [Formula: see text]m CMOS parameters to support the proposed circuit. Nonideal study is also given. An extended application of the circuit in realizing precision half-wave and full-wave rectifiers is further proposed by incorporating a simple modification to the proposed topology. The new proposed CMOS compatible electronic circuits enrich the utility of extra-[Formula: see text] current conveyor for realizing diverse electronic functions.
Quantum correlations for two-qubit X states through the local quantum uncertainty
Authors: Jebli L. , Benzimoun B. , Daoud M.
Published: April 2017

Local quantum uncertainty is defined as the minimum amount of uncertainty in measuring a local observable for a bipartite state. It provides a well-defined measure of pairwise quantum correlations in quantum systems and has operational significance in quantum metrology. In this work, we analytically derive the expression of local quantum uncertainty for two-qubit [Formula: see text] states which are of paramount importance in various fields of quantum information. As an illustration, we consider two-qubit states extracted from even and odd spin coherent states.
Introduction to the Special Issue on Physics of Societies
Authors: Chatterjee Arnab , Coban Gul Unal , Flomenbom Ophir
Published: April 2017

How can we solve problems in the society that cause socio economic crises such as the one of 2008? Here we introduce the subject of this special issue, ‘physics of societies’, dealing with a general introduction to the subject, and the particular special issue projects’ presentation, explaining why this subject is important to the scientific community and to the society, what are the problems that we can deal better using these approaches, and what can be suggested to do next in practice. We emphasize the strength of physics of socio-economic systems to treat problems in nations that are not solved with other approaches, and that these results can indeed affect the people, in particular with intervention schemes that support creating managed organizations, including support from socio-economic-organizations, for instance.
Electric Fields and Enzyme Catalysis
Authors: Fried Stephen D. , Boxer Steven G.
Published: April 2017

What happens inside an enzyme's active site to allow slow and difficult chemical reactions to occur so rapidly? This question has occupied biochemists’ attention for a long time. Computer models of increasing sophistication have predicted an important role for electrostatic interactions in enzymatic reactions, yet this hypothesis has proved vexingly difficult to test experimentally. Recent experiments utilizing the vibrational Stark effect make it possible to measure the electric field a substrate molecule experiences when bound inside its enzyme's active site. These experiments have provided compelling evidence supporting a major electrostatic contribution to enzymatic catalysis. Here, we review these results and develop a simple model for electrostatic catalysis that enables us to incorporate disparate concepts introduced by many investigators to describe how enzymes work into a more unified framework stressing the importance of electric fields at the active site.
How α-Helical Motifs Form Functionally Diverse Lipid-Binding Compartments
Authors: Malinina Lucy , Patel Dinshaw J. , Brown Rhoderick E.
Published: April 2017

Lipids are produced site-specifically in cells and then distributed nonrandomly among membranes via vesicular and nonvesicular trafficking mechanisms. The latter involves soluble amphitropic proteins extracting specific lipids from source membranes to function as molecular solubilizers that envelope their insoluble cargo before transporting it to destination sites. Lipid-binding and lipid transfer structural motifs range from multi-β-strand barrels, to β-sheet cups and baskets covered by α-helical lids, to multi-α-helical bundles and layers. Here, we focus on how α-helical proteins use amphipathic helical layering and bundling to form modular lipid-binding compartments and discuss the functional consequences. Preformed compartments generally rely on intramolecular disulfide bridging to maintain conformation (e.g., albumins, nonspecific lipid transfer proteins, saposins, nematode polyprotein allergens/antigens). Insights into nonpreformed hydrophobic compartments that expand and adapt to accommodate a lipid occupant are few and provided mostly by the three-layer, α-helical ligand-binding domain of nuclear receptors. The simple but elegant and nearly ubiquitous two-layer, α-helical glycolipid transfer protein (GLTP)-fold now further advances understanding.
Aerogels in Chemical Engineering: Strategies Toward Tailor-Made Aerogels
Authors: Smirnova Irina , Gurikov Pavel
Published: April 2017

The present review deals with recent advances in the rapidly growing field of aerogel research and technology. The major focus of the review lies in approaches that allow tailoring of aerogel properties to meet application-driven requirements. The decisive properties of aerogels are discussed with regard to existing and potential application areas. Various tailoring strategies, such as modulation of the pore structure, coating, surface modification, and post-treatment, are illustrated by results of the last decade. In view of commercialization of aerogel-based products, a panorama of current industrial aerogel suppliers is given, along with a discussion of possible alternative sources for raw materials and precursors. Finally, growing points and perspectives of the aerogel field are summarized.
Panic Disorder Comorbidity with Medical Conditions and Treatment Implications
Authors: Meuret Alicia E. , Kroll Juliet , Ritz Thomas
Published: April 2017

Panic disorder (PD) is unique among the anxiety disorders in that panic symptoms are primarily of a physical nature. Consequently, comorbidity with medical illness is significant. This review examines the association between PD and medical illness. We identify shared pathophysiological and psychological correlates and illustrate how physiological activation in panic sufferers underlies their symptom experience in the context of the fight-or-flight response and beyond a situation-specific response pattern. We then review evidence for bodily symptom perception accuracy in PD. Prevalence of comorbidity for PD and medical illness is presented, with a focus on respiratory and cardiovascular illness, irritable bowel syndrome, and diabetes, followed by an outline for potential pathways of a bidirectional association. We conclude by illustrating commonalities in mediating mechanistic pathways and moderating risk factors across medical illnesses, and we discuss implications for diagnosis and treatment of both types of conditions.
Self-Regulation and Psychopathology: Toward an Integrative Translational Research Paradigm
Authors: Strauman Timothy J.
Published: April 2017

This article presents a general framework in which different manifestations of psychopathology can be conceptualized as dysfunctions in one or more mechanisms of self-regulation, defined as the ongoing process of managing personal goal pursuit in the face of internal, interpersonal, and environmental forces that would derail it. The framework is based on the assertion that self-regulation is a critical locus for the proximal influence on motivation, cognition, emotion, and behavior of more distal factors such as genetics, temperament, socialization history, and neurophysiology. Psychological theories of self-regulation are ideal platforms from which to integrate the study of self-regulation both within and across traditional disciplines. This article has two related goals: to elucidate how the construct of self-regulation provides a unique conceptual platform for the study of psychopathology and to illustrate that platform by presenting our research on depression as an example.
Predictive Processing, Source Monitoring, and Psychosis
Authors: Griffin Juliet D. , Fletcher Paul C.
Published: April 2017

A comprehensive understanding of psychosis requires models that link multiple levels of explanation: the neurobiological, the cognitive, the subjective, and the social. Until we can bridge several explanatory gaps, it is difficult to explain how neurobiological perturbations can manifest in bizarre beliefs or hallucinations, or how trauma or social adversity can perturb lower-level brain processes. We propose that the predictive processing framework has much to offer in this respect. We show how this framework may underpin and complement source monitoring theories of delusions and hallucinations and how, when considered in terms of a dynamic and hierarchical system, it may provide a compelling model of several key clinical features of psychosis. We see little conflict between source monitoring theories and predictive coding. The former act as a higher-level description of a set of capacities, and the latter aims to provide a deeper account of how these and other capacities may emerge.
Neuromodulation and Strategic Action Choice in Drosophila Aggression
Authors: Asahina Kenta
Published: April 2017

In this review, I discuss current knowledge and outstanding questions on the neuromodulators that influence aggressive behavior of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. I first present evidence that Drosophila exchange information during an agonistic interaction and choose appropriate actions based on this information. I then discuss the influence of several biogenic amines and neuropeptides on aggressive behavior. One striking characteristic of neuromodulation is that it can configure a neural circuit dynamically, enabling one circuit to generate multiple outcomes. I suggest a consensus effect of each neuromodulatory molecule on Drosophila aggression, as well as effects of receptor proteins where relevant data are available. Lastly, I consider neuromodulation in the context of strategic action choices during agonistic interactions. Genetic components of neuromodulatory systems are highly conserved across animals, suggesting that molecular and cellular mechanisms controlling Drosophila aggression can shed light on neural principles governing action choice during social interactions.
Can Water Quality Trading Fix the Agricultural Nonpoint Source Problem?
Authors: Stephenson Kurt , Shabman Leonard
Published: April 2017

Policy analysts and government agencies promote a particular form of what they term water quality trading as a means to address the most vexing obstacle to meeting water quality standards: reducing nutrient pollutants from agricultural nonpoint sources. However, agricultural nonpoint sources’ participation in water quality trading programs will only make limited contributions to lowering overall pollutant loads. We argue that economists need to more clearly articulate the limitations of current and proposed water quality trading programs as a water quality management strategy. A new generation of market-like incentive policies will be necessary to make significant progress in reducing agricultural nonpoint source loads.
Genetic Polymorphisms ofIL17and Chagas Disease in the South and Southeast of Brazil
Authors: Reis Pâmela Guimarães , Ayo Christiane Maria , Mattos Luiz Carlos de , Brandão de Mattos Cinara de Cássia , Sakita Karina Mayumi , Moraes Amarilis Giaretta de , Muller Larissa Pires , Aquino Julimary Suematsu , Conci Macedo Luciana , Mazini Priscila Saamara , Sell Ana Maria , Marques Divina Seila de Oliveira , Bestetti Reinaldo Bulgarelli , Visentainer Jeane Eliete Laguila
Published: April 2017

The aim of this study was to investigate possible associations between genetic polymorphisms ofIL17AG197A (rs2275913) andIL17FT7488C (rs763780) with Chagas Disease (CD) and/or the severity of left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) in patients with chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy (CCC). The study with 260 patients and 150 controls was conducted in the South and Southeast regions of Brazil. The genotyping was performed by PCR-RFLP. The A allele and A/A genotype ofIL17Awere significantly increased in patients and their subgroups (patients with CCC; patients with CCC and LVSD; and patients with CCC and severe LVSD) when compared to the control group. The analysis according to the gender showed that the A/A genotype ofIL17Awas more frequent in female with LVSD and mild to moderate LVSD and also in male patients with LVSD. The frequency ofIL17FT/C genotype was higher in male patients with CCC and severe LVSD and in female with mild to moderate LVSD. The results suggest the possible involvement of the polymorphisms ofIL17AandIL17Fin the susceptibility to chronic Chagas disease and in development and progression of cardiomyopathy.
Gradually Then Suddenly? Decline in Vision-Related Quality of Life as Glaucoma Worsens
Authors: Jones Lee , Bryan Susan R. , Crabb David P.
Published: April 2017

Purpose. To evaluate the relationship between self-reported vision-related quality of life (VRQL) and visual field (VF) loss in people from glaucoma clinics. Methods. A postal survey using the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI VFQ-25) was administered to people with a range of VF loss identified from a UK hospital-based glaucoma service database. Trends were assessed in a composite score from NEI VFQ-25 against better-eye mean deviation (BEMD) using linear regression and a spline-fitting method that can highlight where a monotonic relationship may have different stages. Results. A total of 636 patients (median [interquartile range] BEMD −2.1 [−5.2, −0.4] dB, median age 70 [60, 77] years) were analysed. Analysis of trends in the data revealed an average patient loses approximately 2 units (out of 100) on NEI VFQ-25 for every loss of 1 dB (BEMD) as VF defects first become bilateral, up to BEMD −5 dB. NEI VFQ-25 deterioration then appears to slow before a more rapid phase of change (4–5 units per 1 dB loss) after BEMD worsens beyond −15 dB. Conclusions. Relationship between decline in VRQL and VF worsening in glaucoma is unlikely to be linear; it more likely has different phases, and these should be further explored in longitudinal studies.
Deposition Dosages of Three Cromolyn Forms by Cascade Impactor
Authors: Murayama Norihide , Asai Kei , Murayama Kikuno , Kitatsuji Chihiro , Doi Satoru
Published: April 2017

Among inhaled asthma therapies, the present study aimed to identify factors for selecting the type of inhalation therapy for asthma. Three methods are used to deliver inhaled cromoglycate, and the airway deposition rate was evaluated using a cascade impactor with 3 dosage forms: dry powder (DP), pressurized metered dose inhaler (pMDI), and solution (jet- and mesh-types). The percentage of particles with diameters of 2–6 μm was 17.0% for the capsule, 51.8% for pMDI, 49.0% for jet-type NE-C28, and 40.4% for mesh-type NE-U22. The amounts of drug deposited in the bronchi were based on the particle distribution of the various dosage forms: 3.4 mg for the capsule, 1.0 mg for pMDI, 9.8 mg for one solution (jet-type NE-C28), and 8.1 mg for the other solution (mesh-type NE-U22). Jet-type or mesh-type electric nebulizers delivered 2-3 times more of the drug than capsules, and, compared with pMDI, 8-9 times more of the drug was deposited in the bronchi/bronchioles. Electric nebulizers are considered the best method. This study suggests that the size of particles deposited at sites of obstruction is larger than previously reported, and no obstruction of small airways occurs (<2 mm).
Positive Association betweenANKRD55Polymorphism 7731626 and Dermatomyositis/Polymyositis with Interstitial Lung Disease in Chinese Han Population
Authors: Li Liubing , Chen Si , Wen Xiaoting , Wang Qian , Lv Guanting , Li Jing , Yang Funing , Zhang Fengchun , Li Yongzhe
Published: April 2017

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) inTNFSF4andANKRD55genes have been shown to be associated with several autoimmune diseases, although whether these genes are susceptibility genes for dermatomyositis/polymyositis (DM/PM) has, to date, not been reported. This study aimed to investigate the potential associations of these SNPs with DM/PM in a Chinese Han population. Five SNPs inTNFSF4(rs2205960, rs844644, and rs844648) andANKRD55(rs6859219, rs7731626) genes were genotyped using the SequenomMassArray system in 2297 Chinese individuals. In total, 1017 DM/PM patients and 1280 gender-matched healthy controls were genotyped. No significant associations were observed in DM/PM patients for the five SNPs analyzed. The association between SNPs and interstitial lung disease (ILD) was also investigated. Both DM-ILD (Pc=0.030, OR = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.47–0.88) and DM/PM-ILD (Pc= 0.015, OR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.51–0.87) exhibited a significant association with the rs7731626-A allele. Rs7731626-A was less frequently found in DM-ILD and DM/PM-ILD patients compared with healthy controls. This is the first study to demonstrate a positive association betweenANKRD55polymorphism and DM-ILD and DM/PM-ILD. A decreased frequency of rs7731626-A in DM-ILD and DM/PM-ILD patients suggests that the A variant may be protective against DM/PM-ILD.