bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gold Nanorod‐Assembled PEGylated Graphene‐Oxide Nanocomposites for Photothermal Cancer Therapy
Authors: Dembereldorj Uuriintuya , Choi Seon Young , Ganbold Erdene‐Ochir , Song Nam Woong , Kim Doseok , Choo Jaebum , Lee So Yeong , Kim Sehun , Joo Sang‐Woo
Published: November 2013

Gold nanorod‐attached PEGylated graphene‐oxide (AuNR‐PEG‐GO) nanocomposites were tested for a photothermal platform both in vitro and in vivo. Cytotoxicity of AuNR was reduced after encapsulation with PEG‐GO along with the removal of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) from AuNR by HCl treatment. Cellular internalization of the CTAB‐eliminated AuNR‐PEG‐GO nanocomposites was examined using dark‐field microscopy (DFM), confocal Raman microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). To determine the photothermal effect of the AuNR‐PEG‐GO nanocomposites, A431 epidermoid carcinoma cells were irradiated with Xe‐lamp light (60 W cm−2) for 5 min after treatment with the AuNR‐PEG‐GO nanocomposites for 24 h. Cell viability significantly decreased by ~40% when the AuNR‐PEG‐GO‐encapsulated nanocomposites were irradiated with light as compared with the cells treated with only the AuNR‐PEG‐GO nanocomposites without any illumination. In vivo tumor experiments also indicated that HCl‐treated AuNR‐PEG‐GO nanocomposites might efficiently reduce tumor volumes via photothermal processes. Our graphene and AuNR nanocomposites will be useful for an effective photothermal therapy.
Phototherapy, psoriasis, and the age of biologics
Authors: Richard Elisabeth G. , Hönigsmann Herbert
Published: November 2013

Over 10 years have passed since the first approval of a biologic agent for the treatment of psoriasis. No one can argue that the arrival of this entirely new, highly effective class of medications has not forever changed the therapeutic landscape for psoriasis. Traditional treatments such as phototherapy, however, remain both viable and effective therapies, both as standalone treatments and in combination with biologics. In general, synergistic effects are noted for combinations utilizing phototherapy; however, the long‐term impact of these combinations on skin cancer development has yet to be fully determined. Increasing financial pressures for cost‐effective therapies augment the appeal of phototherapy and other traditional treatments as compared with the more costly biologics. Phototherapy also remains strong outside the realm of psoriasis, in the management of atopic dermatitis, vitiligo, and cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma, among other conditions. Phototherapy will remain a cornerstone in the management of psoriasis as well as nonpsoriatic skin conditions, as its efficacy is well known, its financial cost is reasonable, it is readily compatible with other therapeutics, and its utility is historically proven.
Towards standardization of UV eye protection: what can be learned from photodermatology?
Authors: Krutmann Jean , Béhar‐Cohen Francine , Baillet Gilles , de Ayguavives Tito , Ortega Garcia Paula , Peña‐García Pablo , Remé Charlotte , Wolffsohn James
Published: November 2013

While knowledge about standardization of skin protection against ultraviolet radiation (UVR) has progressed over the past few decades, there is no uniform and generally accepted standardized measurement for UV eye protection. The literature provides solid evidence that UV can induce considerable damage to structures of the eye. As well as damaging the eyelids and periorbital skin, chronic UV exposure may also affect the conjunctiva and lens. Clinically, this damage can manifest as skin cancer and premature skin ageing as well as the development of pterygia and premature cortical cataracts. Modern eye protection, used daily, offers the opportunity to prevent these adverse sequelae of lifelong UV exposure. A standardized, reliable and comprehensive label for consumers and professionals is currently lacking. In this review we (i) summarize the existing literature about UV radiation‐induced damage to the eye and surrounding skin; (ii) review the recent technological advances in UV protection by means of lenses; (iii) review the definition of the Eye‐Sun Protection Factor (E‐SPF®), which describes the intrinsic UV protection properties of lenses and lens coating materials based on their capacity to absorb or reflect UV radiation; and (iv) propose a strategy for establishing the biological relevance of the E‐SPF.
Detection and correction of assembly errors of rice Nipponbare reference sequence
Authors: Deng Y. , Pan Y. , Luo M.
Published: November 2013

A complete and high‐quality genome reference sequence of an organism provides a solid foundation for a wide research community and determines the outcomes of relevant genomic, genetic, molecular and evolutionary research. Rice is an important food crop and a model plant for grasses, and therefore was the first chosen crop plant for whole genome sequencing. The genome of the japonica representative rice variety, Nipponbare, was sequenced using a gold standard, map‐based clone‐by‐clone strategy. However, although the Nipponbare reference sequence (RefSeq) has the best quality for existing crop genome sequences, it still contains many assembly errors and gaps. To improve the Nipponbare RefSeq, first a robust method is required to detect the hidden assembly errors. Through alignments between BAC‐end sequences (BESs) embedded in the Nipponbare bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) physical map and the Nipponbare RefSeq, we detected locations on the Nipponbare RefSeq that were inversely matched with BESs and could therefore be candidates for spurious inversions of assembly. We performed further analysis of five potential locations and confirmed assembly errors at those locations; four of them, two on chr4 and two on chr11 of the Nipponbare RefSeq (IRGSP build 5), were found to be caused by reverse repetitive sequences flanking the locations. Our approach is effective in detecting spurious inversions in the Nipponbare RefSeq and can be applied for improving the sequence qualities of other genomes as well.
Self‐Reported Maternal Cigarette Smoke Exposure during the Periconceptional Period and the Risk for Omphalocoele
Authors: Feldkamp Marcia L. , Srisukhumbowornchai Sivithee , Romitti Paul A. , Olney Richard S. , Richardson Sandra D. , Botto Lorenzo D. ,   National Birth Defects Prevention Study
Published: November 2013

Background

We investigated whether maternal exposure to cigarette smoke was associated with omphalocoele and whether periconceptional folic acid modified the association.

Methods: 

We analysed data from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study on omphalocoele case (n = 301) and control (n = 8135) mothers for infants born from 1997 through 2007. Mothers who reported active smoking or exposure to second‐hand smoke during the periconceptional period (1 month before conception to 3 months after) were considered exposed. Those who reported use of folic acid supplements during the same period were considered supplement users. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were estimated using multivariable logistic regression adjusted for alcohol use, preconception body mass index, and race/ethnicity.

Results

One hundred fifteen (38.2%) case and 2592 (31.9%) control mothers reported exposure to cigarette smoke during the periconceptional period. Adjusted odds ratios [95% confidence intervals] were 1.19 [0.94, 1.53] for any smoke exposure, 0.87 [0.54, 1.40] for active smoking, 1.38 [1.00, 1.90] for second‐hand smoke exposure, and 1.16 [0.80, 1.67] for both exposures combined. No dose–response relationship was observed. Folic acid‐containing supplements did not reduce the risk for omphalocoele among women with active or second‐hand smoke exposure.

Conclusions

Self‐reported active maternal smoking, with or without exposure to second‐hand smoke, during the periconceptional period was not associated with omphalocoele. In contrast, there was a possible association with periconceptional exposure to second‐hand smoke.
Variation by Diagnostic Subtype in Risk for Autism Spectrum Disorders Associated with Maternal Parity among Finnish Births
Authors: Cheslack‐Postava Keely , Jokiranta Elina , Suominen Auli , Lehti Venla , Sourander Andre , Brown Alan S.
Published: November 2013

Background

Associations between maternal parity and outcomes in offspring may provide evidence for involvement of prenatal exposures. The objective of this study was to determine whether risk for autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is associated with maternal parity.

Methods

Diagnoses of childhood autism, Asperger syndrome, and pervasive developmental disorder, not otherwise specified (PDD‐NOS) were examined separately and as a group. The study was conducted in the Finnish Prenatal Study of Autism, which is based in a national birth cohort. Children born in Finland in 1987–2005 and diagnosed with ASD by 2007 were identified through the Finnish Hospital Discharge Register. Four matched controls were selected for each case using the Finnish Medical Birth Register. The association between parity and each ASD was determined using conditional logistic regression and adjusted for number of children in the sibship and other potential confounders.

Results

ASDs combined showed a pattern of decreasing risk with increasing parity (odds ratio OR for fourth or greater vs. first‐born children, 0.43 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.35, 0.51]). For childhood autism, an adjusted OR of 1.51 [95% CI 1.27, 1.81] was observed for second vs. first‐born children. Associations for Asperger syndrome and PDD‐NOS were consistent with those for all ASDs.

Conclusions

Differences in patterns of association between maternal parity and ASD subtypes may indicate varying contributions of specific environmental factors to risk; however, differences in diagnosis or in treatment seeking for childhood behavioural problems cannot be ruled out, particularly for higher functioning cases.
Individual and community perceptions of surgical care in Sierra Leone
Authors: Groen Reinou S. , Sriram Veena M. , Kamara Thaim B. , Kushner Adam L. , Blok Lucie
Published: November 2013

Objectives

To determine themes and beliefs that influence health‐seeking behaviour and barriers to accessing surgical care.

Methods

In January 2012 in Western Area Province of Sierra Leone, six Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were conducted. The FDGs consisted of three male only and three female only groups in an urban, a slum and a rural setting. Researchers investigated a wide range of topics including definitions of surgery, types of surgical procedures, trust, quality of care, human resources, post‐operative care, permission‐seeking and traditional beliefs.

Results

Although many individual beliefs were expressed, common fears were as follows: becoming half human after surgery; complications from procedures; stigma from having a scar; and financial burdens resulting from the cost of care. Participants also expressed concern about the quality of the care available in Sierra Leone.

Conclusions

The concept of being half human after surgery, previously not documented in the literature, is noteworthy and should be explored more fully. Qualitative research in other parts of Sierra Leone and other LMICs into beliefs of the local population could improve programmes for access and delivery of surgical care.
Short‐chain dehydrogenase/reductase catalyzing the final step of noscapine biosynthesis is localized to laticifers in opium poppy
Authors: Chen Xue , Facchini Peter J.
Published: November 2013

The final step in the biosynthesis of the phthalideisoquinoline alkaloid noscapine involves a purported dehydrogenation of the narcotinehemiacetal keto moiety. A short‐chain dehydrogenase/reductase (SDR), designated noscapine synthase (NOS), that catalyzes dehydrogenation of narcotinehemiacetal to noscapine was identified in opium poppy and functionally characterized. The NOS gene was isolated using an integrated transcript and metabolite profiling strategy and subsequently expressed in Escherichia coli. Noscapine synthase is highly divergent from other characterized members of the NADPH‐dependent SDR superfamily involved in benzylisoquinoline alkaloid metabolism, and it exhibits exclusive substrate specificity for narcotinehemiacetal. Kinetic analyses showed that NOS exhibits higher catalytic efficiency with NAD+ as the cofactor compared with NADP+. Suppression of NOS transcript levels in opium poppy plants subjected to virus‐induced gene silencing resulted in a corresponding reduction in the accumulation of noscapine and an increase in narcotinehemiacetal levels in the latex. Noscapine and NOS transcripts were detected in all opium poppy organs, but both were most abundant in stems. Unlike other putative biosynthetic genes clustered in the opium poppy genome, and their corresponding proteins, NOS transcripts and the cognate enzyme were abundant in latex, indicating that noscapine metabolism is completed in a distinct cell type compared with the rest of the pathway.
SKB1/PRMT5‐mediated histone H4R3 dimethylation of Ib subgroup bHLH genes negatively regulates iron homeostasis in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Fan Huajie , Zhang Zhaoliang , Wang Ning , Cui Yan , Sun Hua , Liu Yi , Wu Huilan , Zheng Shusong , Bao Shilai , Ling Hong‐Qing
Published: November 2013

Histone modifications play critical roles in the perception of environmental cues by plants. Here, we report that Shk1 binding protein 1 (SKB1/AtPRMT5), which catalyzes the symmetric dimethylation of histone H4R3 (H4R3sme2), is involved in iron homeostasis in Arabidopsis. The SKB1 lesion mutant exhibited higher iron accumulation in shoots and greater tolerance to iron deficiency than the wild type. The expression of SKB1 was not affected by iron, but the level of H4R3sme2 mediated by SKB1 was related to iron status in plants. We showed by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and genome‐wide ChIP‐seq that SKB1 associated with the chromatin of the Ib subgroup bHLH genes (AtbHLH38, AtbHLH39, AtbHLH100 and AtbHLH101), and symmetrically dimethylated histone H4R3. The quantity of SKB1 that associated with chromatin of the Ib subgroup bHLH genes and the level of H4R3sme2 corresponded to the iron status of plants (higher with increased iron supply and lower when iron was removed). We conclude that SKB1‐mediated H4R3sme2 regulates iron homeostasis in Arabidopsis in the context of increasing or decreasing expression of Ib subgroup bHLH genes. Iron deficiency may cause an increase in the disassociation of SKB1 from chromatin of the bHLH genes and a decrease in the level of H4R3sme2, thereby elevating their transcription and enhancing iron uptake. Our findings provide new insight into the molecular mechanisms of iron homeostasis in strategy I plants.
Saflufenacil efficacy on horseweed and its interaction with glyphosate
Authors: Eubank Thomas W. , Nandula Vijay K. , Reddy Krishna N. , Poston Daniel H. , Shaw David R.
Published: November 2013

Saflufenacil is a new herbicide on the market and its effectiveness on horseweed, several populations of which have evolved resistance to glyphosate, is not clear. In this research, the effect of adjuvants on the control of horseweed with saflufenacil in the field, the effect of the interaction between glyphosate and saflufenacil on glyphosate‐resistant and glyphosate‐susceptible horseweed and the patterns of uptake and translocation of glyphosate applied alone and in combination with saflufenacil in horseweed were evaluated. The addition of methylated seed oil to saflufenacil provided the best control of horseweed, with crop oil concentrate being intermediate in effect and non‐ionic surfactant ranking as the least‐effective adjuvant. The interaction between glyphosate and saflufenacil was additive with regards to the control of glyposate‐resistant horseweed. The glyphosate‐susceptible horseweed population absorbed 6–13% more 14C‐glyphosate than the glyphosate‐resistant population. The addition of saflufenacil reduced 14C‐glyphosate translocation in both the glyphosate‐resistant and the glyphosate‐susceptible horseweed populations by at least 6%; however, due to the exceptional efficacy of saflufenacil, these reductions did not reduce the level of control. Saflufenacil holds great potential as an alternative control option for glyphosate‐resistant horseweed and is a valuable tool in the management of resistant weeds.
Perception and production of English stops by tonal and non-tonal Korean dialect speakers
Authors: Choi Tae-Hwan , Kim Gyung-Ho , Han Jeong-Im
Published: November 2013

This study examines whether relative weightings of voice onset time and onset F0 in Korean tonal vs non-tonal dialects affect the production and perception of English voiced and voiceless stops. Following Shultz et al. [(2012). J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 132, EL95–EL101], discriminant function analysis and logistic regression were conducted to calculate each speaker's relative weightings of these two cues in the production of target words and the labeling of the synthesized tokens according to these cues, respectively. The results demonstrated that the acquisition of second language (L2) contrasts is influenced by native language dialects, and production and perception are not developed in parallel in L2 acquisition.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Plant Pathogen Dickeya zeae DZ2Q, Isolated from Rice in Italy
Authors: Bertani Iris , Passos da Silva Daniel , Abbruscato Pamela , Piffanelli Pietro , Venturi Vittorio
Published: November 2013

Dickeya zeae
is an emerging rice (
Oryza sativa
) pathogen causing bacterial foot rot. Related pathogens affect maize (
Zea mays
) and potato (
Solanum tuberosum
) and a variety of important ornamental and floral plants. Here, we present the draft genome sequence of
D. zeae
DZ2Q, an isolate obtained from rice grown in Italy.
A Novel Ambisense Densovirus,
Acheta domesticus
Mini Ambidensovirus, from Crickets
Authors: Pham Hanh T. , Yu Qian , Bergoin Max , Tijssen Peter
Published: November 2013

The genome structure of
Acheta domesticus
mini ambidensovirus, isolated from crickets, resembled that of ambisense densoviruses from
Lepidoptera
but was 20% smaller. It had the highest (<25%) protein sequence identity with the nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) of
Iteravirus
and VP of
Densovirus
members (both with 25% coverage) and smaller (0.2- versus 0.55-kb) Y-shaped inverted terminal repeats.
Draft Genome Sequence of Psychrobacter aquaticus Strain CMS 56
T
, Isolated from a Cyanobacterial Mat Sample Collected from Water Bodies in the McMurdo Dry Valley Region of Antarctica
Authors: Reddy Gundlapally Satyanarayana , Ara Sreenivas , Singh Aditya , Kumar Pinnaka Anil , Shivaji S.
Published: November 2013

We report the 3.2-Mb draft genome sequence of
Psychrobacter aquaticus
strain CMS 56
T
, isolated from a cyanobacterial mat sample collected from a water body in the McMurdo Dry Valley region of Antarctica.
Draft Genome Sequence of Corynebacterium pseudodiphtheriticum Strain 090104 “Sokolov”
Authors: Karlyshev Andrey V. , Melnikov Vyacheslav G.
Published: November 2013

This report describes the first draft genome sequence of a
Corynebacterium pseudodiphtheriticum
strain. The information on the genome organization and putative gene products will assist in better understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in the beneficial probiotic effects of this bacterium.
Draft Genome Sequence of an Anaerobic and Extremophilic Bacterium,
Caldanaerobacter yonseiensis
, Isolated from a Geothermal Hot Stream
Authors: Lee Sang-Jae , Lee Yong-Jik , Park Gun-Seok , Kim Byoung-Chan , Lee Sang Jun , Shin Jae-Ho , Lee Dong-Woo
Published: November 2013

Caldanaerobacter yonseiensis
is a strictly anaerobic, thermophilic, spore-forming bacterium, which was isolated from a geothermal hot stream in Indonesia. This bacterium utilizes xylose and produces a variety of proteases. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
C. yonseiensis
, which reveals insights into the pentose phosphate pathway and protein degradation metabolism in thermophilic microorganisms.
Draft Genome Sequence of an Extensively Drug-Resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis Clinical Isolate of the Ural Strain OSDD493
Authors: Karuthedath Vellarikkal Shamsudheen , Vir Singh Ajay , Kumar Singh Pravin , Garg Parul , Mohan Katoch Viswa , Katoch Kiran ,   Open Source Drug Discovery Consortium, Chauhan D. S. , Scaria Vinod , Sivasubbu Sridhar
Published: November 2013

We describe the genome sequencing and analysis of a clinical isolate of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
belonging to the Ural strain OSDD493 from India.
Behçet's disease with major vascular involvement
Authors: Geng Linda N , Conway Delaney , Barnhart Scott , Nowatzky Johannes
Published: November 2013

A 40-year-old Chinese man was admitted for haemoptysis and progressive deep vein thrombosis involving the inferior vena cava (IVC) despite anticoagulation. An IVC filter had been placed earlier at an outside hospital. CT angiography revealed two pulmonary artery aneurysms. The patient was found to have a history of oral and genital ulcers, uveitis and erythema nodosum, thus meeting criteria for Behçet's disease. Other causes of the haemoptysis and thrombophilia were excluded. He underwent successful coil embolisation of the pulmonary artery aneurysms and responded well to immunosuppressive therapy with cyclophosphamide and steroids. Anticoagulation was cautiously continued to limit the long-term risk of secondary thrombosis from his IVC filter. The patient remains well 5 months after initiation of immunosuppressive therapy. Making a diagnosis of Behçet's disease in the setting of thrombosis is crucial, as treatment must include immunosuppression, and, thus, fundamentally differs from the management of most other thrombotic disorders.
Treatment of anxiety from musical obsessions with a cognitive behaviour therapy tool
Authors: Liikkanen Lassi A , Raaska Kari
Published: November 2013

Musical obsessions and hallucinations are disturbing experiences of repeating internal music. Antipsychotic medication can sometimes reduce these symptoms but can also trigger or augment them. We report the case of a female patient with schizophrenia with drug-resistant obsessive musical hallucinations. The patient volunteered to participate in a 9-month pilot study to follow the development of the condition using an involuntary music and mood inventory. The patient perceived benefits from the intervention, including reduced anxiety, increased feeling of being in control and understanding the condition better. Findings from this case study suggest that cognitive therapy can be a useful complementary method of care for persons with musical obsessions. The presented tool requires further investigations among those with this rare condition.
An unusual cause of sustained ventricular tachycardia in a 27-year-old man
Authors: Ali Sabiha , Rathod Krishnaraj Sinhji , Deaner Andrew , Farooqi Fahad
Published: November 2013

We present an interesting, unusual and complex case of a young man who initially presented with symptoms suggestive of tuberculosis and later developed malignant ventricular arrhythmias. A diagnosis of cardiac sarcoidosis was made only after histological evidence was paired with his presentation of monomorphic ventricular tachycardia. In this case we highlight the current challenges faced in the choice of investigations and diagnostic criteria. Additionally, we have identified the difficulties in treatment and long-term management of such a multisystem disorder. Ultimately by doing so, we hope to encourage clinicians to be aware of making a diagnosis of cardiac sarcoidosis.
Statin treatment and risk of recurrent venous thromboembolism: a nationwide cohort study
Authors: Nguyen Cu Dinh , Andersson Charlotte , Jensen Thomas Bo , Gjesing Anne , Schjerning Olsen Anne-Marie , Malta Hansen Carolina , Büller Harry , Torp-Pedersen Christian , Gislason Gunnar H
Published: November 2013

Objectives

Statins may decrease the risk of primary venous thromboembolism (VTE), that is, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) but the effect of statins in preventing recurrent VTE is less clear. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate the association between statin therapy and risk of recurrent VTE.

Design

A prospective cohort study.

Setting

All hospitals in Denmark.

Participants

All patients with a hospital diagnosis of VTE in Denmark during 1997–2009 associated with a warfarin or heparin prescription were identified.

Main outcome measures

Adjusted HR of recurrent hospitalised VTE (ie, fatal or non-fatal DVT or PE) associated with use of statins.

Results

44 330 patients with VTE were included in the study. Of these 3914 were receiving statin therapy at baseline. Patients receiving statins were older (68±11 compared to 62±18 years), had more comorbidity and used more medications. The incidence rate for recurrent VTE was 24.4 (95% CI 22.8 to 26.2) per 1000 person-years among statin users and 48.5 (95% CI 47.4 to 49.7) per 1000 person-years among non-statin users. Statin use was associated with a significantly lower risk of a recurrent VTE, adjusted HR 0.74 (95% CI 0.68 to 0.80), compared with no statin use. The association between statin use and risk of recurrent VTE was significantly affected by age. Among younger individuals (≤80 years), statin use was associated with lower risk of recurrent VTE, HR 0.70 (95% CI 0.65 to 0.76) whereas in older individuals (>80 years) statin use was significantly associated with higher risk of recurrent VTE, HR 1.28 (95% CI 1.02 to 1.60), p for interaction=<0.0001.

Conclusions

Statin use was associated with a decreased risk of recurrent VTE.
Effectiveness and uptake of screening programmes for coronary heart disease and diabetes: a realist review of design components used in interventions
Authors: Holland Carol , Cooper Yvonne , Shaw Rachel , Pattison Helen , Cooke Richard
Published: November 2013

Objective

To evaluate behavioural components and strategies associated with increased uptake and effectiveness of screening for coronary heart disease and diabetes with an implementation science focus.

Design

Realist review.

Data sources

PubMed, Web of Knowledge, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register and reference chaining. Searches limited to English language studies published since 1990.

Eligibility criteria

Eligible studies evaluated interventions designed to increase the uptake of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes screening and examined behavioural and/or strategic designs. Studies were excluded if they evaluated changes in risk factors or cost-effectiveness only.

Results

In 12 eligible studies, several different intervention designs and evidence-based strategies were evaluated. Salient themes were effects of feedback on behaviour change or benefits of health dialogues over simple feedback. Studies provide mixed evidence about the benefits of these intervention constituents, which are suggested to be situation and design specific, broadly supporting their use, but highlighting concerns about the fidelity of intervention delivery, raising implementation science issues. Three studies examined the effects of informed choice or loss versus gain frame invitations, finding no effect on screening uptake but highlighting opportunistic screening as being more successful for recruiting higher CVD and diabetes risk patients than an invitation letter, with no differences in outcomes once recruited. Two studies examined differences between attenders and non-attenders, finding higher risk factors among non-attenders and higher diagnosed CVD and diabetes among those who later dropped out of longitudinal studies.

Conclusions

If the risk and prevalence of these diseases are to be reduced, interventions must take into account what we know about effective health behaviour change mechanisms, monitor delivery by trained professionals and examine the possibility of tailoring programmes according to contexts such as risk level to reach those most in need. Further research is needed to determine the best strategies for lifelong approaches to screening.
The economic burden of visual impairment and blindness: a systematic review
Authors: Köberlein Juliane , Beifus Karolina , Schaffert Corinna , Finger Robert P
Published: November 2013

Objectives

Visual impairment and blindness (VI&B) cause a considerable and increasing economic burden in all high-income countries due to population ageing. Thus, we conducted a review of the literature to better understand all relevant costs associated with VI&B and to develop a multiperspective overview.

Design

Systematic review: Two independent reviewers searched the relevant literature and assessed the studies for inclusion and exclusion criteria as well as quality.

Eligibility criteria for included studies

Interventional, non-interventional and cost of illness studies, conducted prior to May 2012, investigating direct and indirect costs as well as intangible effects related to visual impairment and blindness were included.

Methods

We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement approach to identify the relevant studies. A meta-analysis was not performed due to the variability of the reported cost categories and varying definition of visual impairment.

Results

A total of 22 studies were included. Hospitalisation and use of medical services around diagnosis and treatment at the onset of VI&B were the largest contributor to direct medical costs. The mean annual expenses per patient were found to be US$ purchasing power parities (PPP) 12 175–14 029 for moderate visual impairment, US$ PPP 13 154–16 321 for severe visual impairment and US$ PPP 14 882–24 180 for blindness, almost twofold the costs for non-blind patients. Informal care was the major contributor to other direct costs, with the time spent by caregivers increasing from 5.8 h/week (or US$ PPP 263) for persons with vision >20/32 up to 94.1 h/week (or US$ PPP 55 062) for persons with vision ≤20/250. VI&B caused considerable indirect costs due to productivity losses, premature mortality and dead-weight losses.

Conclusions

VI&B cause a considerable economic burden for affected persons, their caregivers and society at large, which increases with the degree of visual impairment. This review provides insight into the distribution of costs and the economic impact of VI&B.
Impact of faecal haemoglobin concentration on colorectal cancer mortality and all-cause death
Authors: Chen Li-Sheng , Yen Amy Ming-Fang , Fraser Callum G , Chiu Sherry Yueh-Hsia , Fann Jean Ching-Yuan , Wang Po-En , Lin Sheng-Che , Liao Chao-Sheng , Lee Yi-Chia , Chiu Han-Mo , Chen Hsiu-Hsi
Published: November 2013

Objective

To assess the effect of an incremental increase in faecal haemoglobin (f-Hb) concentration on colorectal cancer (CRC) mortality and all-cause death.

Design

We conducted an observational study of cohorts over time based on two population-based CRC screening programmes.

Setting

Two cities of Taiwan.

Participants

1233 individuals with CRC (217 prevalent cases and 1016 incident cases) and 2640 with colorectal adenoma (1246 prevalent cases and 1394 incident cases) found in the two cohorts of 59 767 and 125 976 apparently healthy individuals, aged 40 years and above, who had been invited to participate in screening since 2001 and 2003, respectively.

Main outcome measures

Death from CRC and all-cause death ascertained by following up from the entire two cohorts over time until 2009.

Results

The effect of an incremental increase in f-Hb on the risk for CRC mortality was noted, increasing from a slightly increased risk for the category of f-Hb of 20–49 ng Hb/mL (adjusted HR (aHR)=1.09; 95% CI 0.68 to 1.75) to 11.67 (95% CI 7.71 to 17.66) for the group with f-Hb≥450 ng Hb/mL as compared with the group considered baseline with f-Hb of 1–19 ng Hb/mL (p<0.001). A similar but less marked increasing trend was found for all-cause mortality, aHR increasing from 1.15 (95% CI 1.07 to 1.24) for the group with f-Hb of 20–49 ng Hb/mL to 1.67 (95% CI 1.54 to 2.07) for the group with f-Hb≥450 ng Hb/mL.

Conclusions

We substantiated the impacts of an incremental increase in f-Hb on the risk for death from CRC and all-cause death, consistently showing a significant gradient relationship. Both discoveries suggest that f-Hb may not only make contribution to facilitating individually tailored screening for CRC but also can be used as a significant predictor for life expectancy.
Moving forward in tackling antimicrobial resistance: WHO actions
Authors: Lusti-Narasimhan Manjula , Pessoa-Silva Carmem L , Temmerman Marleen
Published: November 2013

Although the key focus of this supplement is related to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in a sexually transmitted infection,Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the purpose of this article is to highlight the wider public health impact of AMR and the need for different disciplines of health to coordinate and collaborate in their selection and use of antimicrobial agents. AMR is being detected in health areas ranging from simple drugs used to treat common bacterial infections to the complex formulations used to treat tuberculosis, malaria and HIV infection, and on all continents. Tackling and containing AMR present an ordeal to international and national health authorities on many fronts. In June 2012, WHO launched the WHO Global Action Plan to Control the Spread and Impact of Antimicrobial Resistance inNeisseria gonorrhoeaewith a vision to enhance the global response to the prevention, diagnosis and control ofN gonorrhoeaeinfection and mitigate the health impact of AMR through enhanced, sustained, evidence-based and collaborative multisectoral action. This global action plan is positioned within a long-standing commitment of WHO to the issue of AMR with the launch of the Global Strategy on AMR in 2001 and World Health Day on AMR in 2011.
Morphoanatomy of Schultesia pachyphylla (Gentianaceae): a discordant pattern in the genus
Authors: Guimarães Elsie Franklin , Dalvi Valdnéa Casagrande , Azevedo Aristéa Alves
Published: November 2013

Schultesia Mart. comprises 21 closely related taxa. The revision of the genus showed that Schultesia pachyphylla Griseb. and Xestaea lisianthoides Griseb. are different from other species. The aim of this study was to describe the morphoanatomy of S. pachyphylla, comparing it with other Schultesia species and X. lisianthoides, and to provide data on their geographical distribution and habitat. Morphological and anatomical data were subjected to multivariate analysis. Schultesia pachyphylla is endemic to the state of Bahia, Brazil, and is separated from the other species by having 5-merous flowers, 5-winged calyx, wings between the calyx lobes, loss of interveinal tissue on sepals during fruit maturation, dark red colored immature calyces, capsules opening from base to apex, 3-anaporate pollen grains, and epidermal papillae evident in the field. Schultesia pachyphylla has amphistomatic leaves with anisocytic stomata, uniseriate epidermis, dorsiventral mesophyll, and bicollateral vascular bundles. The stem has small wings, cortical and medullary parenchyma, and internal phloem. Foliar colleters and nectaries on leaves and stem were observed. We believe that morphological and anatomical data could support the creation of a monotypic genus or the relocation of this species into another genus. Phylogenetic analyses are in progress to define the species’ positioning.
DETECTION OF DRIVING FATIGUE BY USING NONCONTACT EMG AND ECG SIGNALS MEASUREMENT SYSTEM
Authors: FU RONGRONG , WANG HONG
Published: November 2013

Driver fatigue can be detected by constructing a discriminant mode using some features obtained from physiological signals. There exist two major challenges of this kind of methods. One is how to collect physiological signals from subjects while they are driving without any interruption. The other is to find features of physiological signals that are of corresponding change with the loss of attention caused by driver fatigue. Driving fatigue is detected based on the study of surface electromyography (EMG) and electrocardiograph (ECG) during the driving period. The noncontact data acquisition system was used to collect physiological signals from the biceps femoris of each subject to tackle the first challenge. Fast independent component analysis (FastICA) and digital filter were utilized to process the original signals. Based on the statistical analysis results given by Kolmogorov–Smirnov Z test, the peak factor of EMG (p < 0.001) and the maximum of the cross-relation curve of EMG and ECG (p < 0.001) were selected as the combined characteristic to detect fatigue of drivers. The discriminant criterion of fatigue was obtained from the training samples by using Mahalanobis distance, and then the average classification accuracy was given by 10-fold cross-validation. The results showed that the method proposed in this paper can give well performance in distinguishing the normal state and fatigue state. The noncontact, onboard vehicle drivers' fatigue detection system was developed to reduce fatigue-related risks.
MULTI-STRATEGY COEVOLVING AGING PARTICLE OPTIMIZATION
Authors: IACCA GIOVANNI , CARAFFINI FABIO , NERI FERRANTE
Published: November 2013

We propose Multi-Strategy Coevolving Aging Particles (MS-CAP), a novel population-based algorithm for black-box optimization. In a memetic fashion, MS-CAP combines two components with complementary algorithm logics. In the first stage, each particle is perturbed independently along each dimension with a progressively shrinking (decaying) radius, and attracted towards the current best solution with an increasing force. In the second phase, the particles are mutated and recombined according to a multi-strategy approach in the fashion of the ensemble of mutation strategies in Differential Evolution. The proposed algorithm is tested, at different dimensionalities, on two complete black-box optimization benchmarks proposed at the Congress on Evolutionary Computation 2010 and 2013. To demonstrate the applicability of the approach, we also test MS-CAP to train a Feedforward Neural Network modeling the kinematics of an 8-link robot manipulator. The numerical results show that MS-CAP, for the setting considered in this study, tends to outperform the state-of-the-art optimization algorithms on a large set of problems, thus resulting in a robust and versatile optimizer.
REGULARIZED MAXIMUM OF STRICTLY PLURISUBHARMONIC FUNCTIONS ON AN ALMOST COMPLEX MANIFOLD
Authors: SUKHOV ALEXANDRE
Published: November 2013

We prove that the maximum of two smooth strictly plurisubharmonic functions on an almost complex manifold can be uniformly approximated by smooth strictly plurisubharmonic functions.
ON PERIODIC POINTS OF FREE INVERSE MONOID HOMOMORPHISMS
Authors: RODARO EMANUELE , SILVA PEDRO V.
Published: November 2013

It is proved that the periodic point submonoid of a free inverse monoid endomorphism is always finitely generated. Using Chomsky's hierarchy of languages, we prove that the fixed point submonoid of an endomorphism of a free inverse monoid can be represented by a context-sensitive language but, in general, it cannot be represented by a context-free language.
The Micropolar Navier–Stokes equations: A priori error analysis
Authors: Nochetto Ricardo H. , Salgado Abner J. , Tomas Ignacio
Published: November 2013

The unsteady Micropolar Navier–Stokes Equations (MNSE) are a system of parabolic partial differential equations coupling linear velocity and pressure with angular velocity: material particles have both translational and rotational degrees of freedom. We propose and analyze a first-order semi-implicit fully-discrete scheme for the MNSE, which decouples the computation of the linear and angular velocities, is unconditionally stable and delivers optimal convergence rates under assumptions analogous to those used for the Navier–Stokes equations. With the help of our scheme, we explore some qualitative properties of the MNSE related to ferrofluid manipulation and pumping. Finally, we propose a second order scheme and show that it is almost unconditionally stable.
A degenerating PDE system for phase transitions and damage
Authors: Rocca Elisabetta , Rossi Riccarda
Published: November 2013

In this paper, we analyze a PDE system arising in the modeling of phase transition and damage phenomena in thermoviscoelastic materials. The resulting evolution equations in the unknowns ϑ (absolute temperature), u (displacement), and χ (phase/damage parameter) are strongly nonlinearly coupled. Moreover, the momentum equation for u contains χ-dependent elliptic operators, which degenerate at the pure phases (corresponding to the values χ = 0 and χ = 1), making the whole system degenerate.

That is why, we have to resort to a suitable weak solvability notion for the analysis of the problem: it consists of the weak formulations of the heat and momentum equation, and, for the phase/damage parameter χ, of a generalization of the principle of virtual powers, partially mutuated from the theory of rate-independent damage processes.

To prove an existence result for this weak formulation, an approximating problem is introduced, where the elliptic degeneracy of the displacement equation is ruled out: in the framework of damage models, this corresponds to allowing for partial damage only. For such an approximate system, global-in-time existence and well-posedness results are established in various cases. Then, the passage to the limit to the degenerate system is performed via suitable variational techniques.
Emergent phenomena in an ensemble of Cucker–Smale particles under joint rooted leadership
Authors: Li Zhuchun , Ha Seung-Yeal , Xue Xiaoping
Published: November 2013

We present an emergent flocking estimate in a group of interacting Cucker–Smale particles under the joint rooted leadership via the discrete-time Cucker–Smale model. It is well known that the network topology regulates the emergence of flocking, and the rooted leadership topology is the most general topology with a leader–follower structure. When the network topology satisfies a weaker rooted leadership, in which the union of neighbor graphs on infinite time-blocks is under rooted leadership, we show that the asymptotic flocking can be achieved from some class of initial configurations by generalizing the earlier result of Li and Xue using the (sp) matrix theory in Ref. 36.
The Abelian distribution
Authors: Levina Anna , Herrmann J. Michael
Published: November 2013

We define the Abelian distribution and study its basic properties. Abelian distributions arise in the context of neural modeling and describe the size of neural avalanches in fully-connected integrate-and-fire models of self-organized criticality in neural systems.
FINITE GROUPS WITH SOME NON-CYCLIC SUBGROUPS HAVING SMALL INDICES IN THEIR NORMALIZERS
Authors: KUTNAR KLAVDIJA , MARUŠIČ DRAGAN , SHI JIANGTAO , ZHANG CUI
Published: November 2013

In this paper, it is shown that a finite group G is always supersolvable if |NG(H) : H| ≤ 2 for every non-cyclic subgroup H of G of prime-power order. Also, finite groups with all supersolvable non-cyclic subgroups being self-normalizing, and finite p-groups with all non-cyclic proper subgroups being of prime index in their normalizers are completely classified.
FILIFORM LIE ALGEBRAS OF DIMENSION 8 AS DEGENERATIONS
Authors: HERRERA-GRANADA JOAN FELIPE , TIRAO PAULO
Published: November 2013

For each complex 8-dimensional filiform Lie algebra we find another nonisomorphic Lie algebra that degenerates to it. Since this is already known for nilpotent Lie algebras of rank ≥ 1, only the characteristically nilpotent ones should be considered.
ON THE TAKETA BOUND FOR NORMALLY MONOMIAL p-GROUPS OF MAXIMAL CLASS II
Authors: BONNER TIM , WILSON LAWRENCE
Published: November 2013

We discuss the relationship between the derived length and the number of character degrees in the restricted setting of a normally monomial p-group, G, of maximal class. We continue the Lie algebra approach implemented by Keller, Ragan, and Tims. With a number of technical results, we improve the existing bound, [Formula: see text], to obtain, [Formula: see text].
GENERALIZED HOM-LIE STRUCTURE OF MONOIDAL HOM-ALGEBRAS IN A CATEGORY
Authors: DONG LIHONG , HUANG RUIFANG , WANG SHENGXIANG
Published: November 2013

In this paper, we study the structure of monoidal Hom-Lie algebras in the category Hℳ of H-modules for a triangular Hopf algebra (H, R) and in particular the H-Lie structure of a monoidal Hom-algebra in Hℳ by analogy with that of generalized Lie algebras.
MINIMAL NON-ABELIAN GROUPS AS AUTOMORPHISM GROUPS OF FINITE GROUPS
Authors: FOULADI S. , ORFI R.
Published: November 2013

In this paper, we classify all finite groups whose automorphism group is minimal non-abelian.
LUMINOUS HOT ACCRETION FLOW AND THE MODELING OF THE MULTI-BAND SPECTRUM OF IGR J17177-3656
Authors: MA RENYI
Published: November 2013

A recently discovered transient X-ray source, IGR J17177-3656, has received many observations, including a quasi-simultaneous multi-waveband observations. The source is modeled with the coupled accretion-jet model around a black hole. It is found that the multi-waveband spectrum can be successfully modeled with the luminous hot accretion flow (LHAF) rather than advection dominated accretion flow (ADAF). The modeled luminosity is about 5% of the Eddington luminosity, and the source may be as far as 25 kpc. Our detailed modeling result confirms the point that LHAF can explain steep radio-X-ray correlation.
THE LAUE PROJECT FOR BROADBAND GAMMA-RAY FOCUSING LENSES
Authors: VIRGILLI E. , FRONTERA F. , VALSAN V. , LICCARDO V. , CAROLI E. , STEPHEN J. B. , CASSESE F. , RECANATESI L. , PECORA M. , ATTINÁ P. , MOTTINI S. , NEGRI B.
Published: November 2013

We present the LAUE project devoted to develop an advanced technology for building a high focal length Laue lens for hard X and soft gamma–ray astronomy (80-600 keV). The final goal of the project, supported by the Italian Space Agency, is to build and test a focusing optics that can improve the current sensitivity in the above energy band by 2 orders of magnitude.
BLAZAR ANTI-SEQUENCE OF SPECTRAL VARIABILITY FOR INDIVIDUAL TeV BLAZARS
Authors: ZHANG JIN , ZHANG SHUANG-NAN , LIANG EN-WEI
Published: November 2013

We compile from literature the broadband SEDs of twelve TeV blazars observed simultaneously or quasi-simultaneously with Fermi/LAT and other instruments. Two SEDs are available for each of the objects and the state is identified as a low or high state according to its flux density at GeV/TeV band. The observed SEDs of BL Lac objects (BL Lacs) are fitted well with the synchrotron + synchrotron-self-Compton (syn+SSC) model, whereas the SEDs of the two flat spectrum radio quasars (FSRQs) need to include the contributions of external Compton scattering. In this scenario, it is found that the Doppler factor δ of FSRQs is smaller than that of BL Lacs, but the magnetic field strength B of FSRQs is larger than that of BL Lacs. The increase of the peak frequency of the SEDs is accompanied with the increase of the flux for the individual sources, which seems opposite to the observational phenomena of the blazar sequence. We refer this phenomenonto blazar anti-sequence of spectral variability for individual TeV blazars. However, both the blazar sequence from FSRQs to BL Lacs and blazar anti-sequence of the spectral variability from low state to high state are accompanied by an increase of the break Lorentz factor of the electron's spectrum γ b and a decrease of B. We propose a model in which the mass accretion rate Ṁ is the driving force behind both the blazar sequence for ensembles of blazars and the blazar anti-sequence for individual blazars. Specifically we suggest that the differences in 〈Ṁ〉 of different blazars produce the observed blazar sequence, but ΔṀ in each blazar results in the observed blazar anti-sequence.