bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identifying chemogenetic interactions from CRISPR knockout screens with drugZ
Authors: Colic Medina , Wang Gang , Zimmermann Michal , Mascall Keith , McLaughlin Megan , Bertolet Lori , Lenoir W. Frank , Moffat Jason , Angers Stephane , Durocher Daniel , Hart Traver
Published: December 2017

Chemogenetic profiling enables the identification of gene mutations that enhance or suppress the activity of chemical compounds. This knowledge provides insights into drug mechanism-of-action, genetic vulnerabilities, and resistance mechanisms, all of which may help stratify patient populations and improve drug efficacy. CRISPR-based screening enables sensitive detection of drug-gene interactions directly in human cells, but until recently has largely been used to screen only for resistance mechanisms. We present drugZ, an algorithm for identifying both synergistic and suppressor chemogenetic interactions from CRISPR screens. DrugZ identifies synthetic lethal interactions between PARP inhibitors and both known and novel members of the DNA damage repair pathway. Additionally, drugZ confirms KEAP1 loss as a resistance factor for ERK inhibitors in oncogenic KRAS backgrounds and identifies additional cell-specific mechanisms of drug resistance. The software is available at github.com/hart-lab/drugz.
Cryptic genetic variation defines the adaptive evolutionary potential of enzymes
Authors: Baier Florian , Hong Nansook , Yang Gloria , Pabis Anna , Barrozo Alexandre , Carr Paul D , Kamerlin Shina CL , Jackson Colin J , Tokuriki Nobuhiko
Published: December 2017

Genetic variation among orthologous proteins can cause cryptic phenotypic properties that only manifest in changing environments. Such variation may also impact the evolutionary potential of proteins, but the molecular basis for this remains unclear. Here we perform comparative directed evolution in which four orthologous metallo-β-lactamases were evolved toward a new function. We found that genetic variation between these enzymes resulted in distinct evolutionary outcomes. The ortholog with the lower initial activity reached a 20-fold higher fitness plateau exclusively via increasing catalytic activity. By contrast, the ortholog with the highest initial activity evolved to a less-optimal and phenotypically distinct outcome through changes in expression, oligomerization and activity. We show that the cryptic molecular properties and conformational variation of residues in the initial genotypes cause epistasis, thereby constraining evolutionary outcomes. Our work highlights that understanding the molecular details relating genetic variation to protein functions is essential to predicting the evolution of proteins.
Liberating cohesin from cohesion
Authors: Bloom Kerry
Published: December 2017

Cohesin was identified through its major role in holding sister chromatids together. We are learning through analysis of cohesin and other members of the protein family (SMC [structural maintenance of chromosomes]) and their regulators that these ring complexes contribute to chromosome organization and dynamics throughout the cell cycle. We need to consider not only how ring complexes are regulated but how they interact with their fluctuating chromatin substrate.
Who guarantees the quality of the quality assurance agencies? The exploration of the establishment and growth of the Asia-Pacific Quality Register (APQR)
Authors: Zhang Jianxin , Patil Jagannath
Published: December 2017

Purpose

After the “quantity era,” today higher education has entered into the “quality era” and as “the gate keepers of quality,” quality assurance agencies (QAAs) are playing more and more irreplaceable important roles and their social status are becoming more and more prominent. However, how to guarantee the quality of the QAAs? Who can review the QAAs? The purpose of this paper is based exploration of these questions.

Design/methodology/approach

Following the founding of the European Quality Assurance Register (EQAR) for Higher Education, the Asia Pacific Quality Register (APQR) became the second in the international quality assurance (QA) networks to implement QA register, in 2015 with initiative of Asia-Pacific Quality Network.

Findings

This paper first retrospects the history and process of APQR, and subsequently the implementation of APQR is described in detail from the two aspects of the criteria and the procedure, and at the end, the paper concludes with a summary of the three characteristics of this first formal implement of APQR: APQR is an international register open to all the QAAs; APQR emphasizes characteristics evaluation of diversity; and APQR highlights the combination of quantitative assessment and qualitative assessment.

Originality/value

Today on the international stage of QA, APQR has emerged as “the watchman of quality” in the Asia-Pacific region as counterpart of EQAR in Europe. How far away does such newly emerging form of guaranteeing the QAAs’ quality go forward, what is its future prospects and other concerning issues, are some of the question that need enthusiastic attention and contribution.
Ultrastructural observations of Beauveria bassiana infection in Xylotrechus rusticus larvae
Authors: Ding Jun‐Nan , Chi De‐Fu
Published: December 2017

In the present study we investigated the infection process of Beauveria bassiana on Xylotrechus rusticus larvae using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The SEM results showed that B. bassiana spores germinated on the surface of the larval body and invaded the larva as an appressorium. The hyphae then germinated from the spores and spread throughout the larval body. After the death of the larva, conidiophores formed at one end of the hypha on the surface of the larval body and prepared for a new round of infection. The TEM results showed severe damage to the larval cuticle after hyphae infection. The structure of the cuticle became thinner and eventually flocculent; muscle tissues were dissociated and eventually stuck to the hyphae, and the corpus adiposum was loose and deformed, and eventually degraded.
IFN‐γ against the 38‐kDa antigen of Mycobacterium tuberculosis discriminates pulmonary tuberculosis from infection and infection from exposure: evidence from a study of human population in a high endemic setting
Authors: Abebe Fekadu , Belay Mulugeta , Legesse Mengistu
Published: December 2017

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) 38‐kDa antigen is an immunogenic lipoprotein that induces strong T‐cell responses in experimental animals. However, there is limited information on the role of this antigen in human population. In this article, we present the dynamics of pro‐inflammatory (IFN‐γ and TNF‐α) and anti‐inflammatory cytokine (IL‐10) against the 38 kDa in cohorts of pulmonary TB (PTB) patients, household contacts (HHCs), and community controls (CCs) in a high endemic setting. Whole blood assay was used to determine the levels of cytokines in 149 patients, 149 HHCs, and 68 CCs at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. At baseline, the level of IFN‐γ was significantly (p < 0.0001) higher in CCs and HHCs than in untreated patients. CCs had significantly (p < 0.05) higher level of IFN‐γ than HHCs. There was no significant difference between treated and untreated patients, and there was no significant change in HHCs over 12 months. At baseline, the levels of IL‐10 and TNF‐α were significantly (p < 0.0001) higher in patients than in HHCs and CCs. No significant change was observed between treated patients and untreated patients and HHCs over time. The study shows that IFN‐γ against the 38 kDa discriminates clinical TB from infection and infection from exposure, suggesting its potential for immune protection and diagnosis.
Creepiness Creeps In: Uncanny Valley Feelings Are Acquired in Childhood
Authors: Brink Kimberly A. , Gray Kurt , Wellman Henry M.
Published: December 2017

The uncanny valley posits that very human‐like robots are unsettling, a phenomenon amply demonstrated in adults but unexplored in children. Two hundred forty 3‐ to 18‐year‐olds viewed one of two robots (machine‐like or very human‐like) and rated their feelings toward (e.g., “Does the robot make you feel weird or happy?”) and perceptions of the robot's capacities (e.g., “Does the robot think for itself?”). Like adults, children older than 9 judged the human‐like robot as creepier than the machine‐like robot—but younger children did not. Children's perceptions of robots’ mental capacities predicted uncanny feelings: children judge robots to be creepy depending on whether they have human‐like minds. The uncanny valley is therefore acquired over development and relates to changing conceptions about robot minds.
Response to the Correspondence by Sue Devereux regarding Clinical Commentary on electrical nerve stimulation for the management of equine trigeminal mediated headshaking by Dr K. J. Pickles
Authors: Pickles K. J.
Published: December 2017

See the original clinical commentary by K. J Pickles and correspondence by S. Devereux.
Investigating the genetic structure of trout from the Garden of Ninfa (central Italy): Suggestions for conservation and management
Authors: Fabiani A. , Gratton P. , Zappes I. A. , Seminara M. , D'Orsi A. , Sbordoni V. , Allegrucci G.
Published: December 2017

Mediterranean populations of brown trout (Salmo trutta L. complex) have lost a large part of their genetic distinctiveness, mostly due to massive restocking, and the waters of the Gardens of Ninfa (province of Latina, central Italy, Site of Community Importance since 2013) are regarded as one of a few potential reservoirs of autochthonous trout lineages in the Tyrrhenian drainage of the Italian peninsula. In this study, nuclear and mitochondrial markers were used on brown trout samples from Ninfa to estimate non‐Mediterranean influence in the population gene pool, potential changes of genetic structure over time and genetic relationships with other sites known (or suspected) to host native trout gene pools. Striking changes in both microsatellite and mtDNA allele frequencies over a 9‐year time span were found and provided evidence of unrecorded stocking from the nearby Lake Fibreno. Results are analysed in the light of potential ecological consequences of such events on a longer time scale and provide a scientific background for fisheries management and conservation programmes in the area.
Live attenuated influenza virus vaccine reduces virus shedding of newborn piglets in the presence of maternal antibody
Authors: Genzow Marika , Goodell Christa , Kaiser Troy J. , Johnson Wesley , Eichmeyer Marc
Published: December 2017

Background

Influenza A virus in swine (IAV‐S) causes an acute respiratory disease of swine which results in great economic losses in pig production. Major control strategies include the use of killed vaccines (KV) in breeding females to confer passive immunity to their offspring. A bivalent H1N1 and H3N2 NS1‐truncated live attenuated IAV‐S vaccine have recently become available, which showed promising results in young pigs.

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of an intranasal vaccination of newborn pigs with or without maternally derived antibodies (MDA) on virus shedding (via nasal swabs tested by virus isolation).

Methods

The study was performed as intratracheal challenge experiments with either a heterologous H1N2 or H3N2 viruses.

Results and conclusion

The results of this study showed a significant decrease in the incidence and duration of shedding viable virus for vaccinated newborn piglets with or without MDA, providing strong evidence that intranasal vaccination is overcoming passively acquired maternal immunity. This study indicates that intranasal vaccination with a truncated NS1 live attenuated IAV‐S vaccine of newborn piglets with maternal antibodies can be a valuable tool for reducing the prevalence of heterologous H1N2 and H3N2 IAV‐S in pig herds.
A Systematic Review of Meta‐Analyses of Research on Interpersonal Acceptance–rejection Theory: Constructs and Measures
Authors: Khaleque Abdul , Ali Sumbleen
Published: December 2017

This article is an overview of 12 meta‐analyses conducted to test the basic postulates of interpersonal acceptance–rejection theory (IPARTheory). These meta‐analyses are based on a total of 551 (48% unpublished and 52% published) studies on the theory. The studies were conducted over period of 42 years, from 1975 through 2016. They represent an aggregate sample of 149,440 respondents, including males and females, children and adults. Respondents were taken from 31 countries on five continents. The findings show that interpersonal acceptance and rejection have significant pan‐cultural associations with the psychological adjustment and personality dispositions of children and adults everywhere. The results reviewed also show that the principal measures used so far in IPARTheory research are reliable for cross‐cultural application.
Dual‐Sensitivity Multiple Sclerosis Lesion and CSF Segmentation for Multichannel 3T Brain MRI
Authors: Meier Dominik S. , Guttmann Charles R.G. , Tummala Subhash , Moscufo Nicola , Cavallari Michele , Tauhid Shahamat , Bakshi Rohit , Weiner Howard L.
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

A pipeline for fully automated segmentation of 3T brain MRI scans in multiple sclerosis (MS) is presented. This 3T morphometry (3TM) pipeline provides indicators of MS disease progression from multichannel datasets with high‐resolution 3‐dimensional T1‐weighted, T2‐weighted, and fluid‐attenuated inversion‐recovery (FLAIR) contrast. 3TM segments white (WM) and gray matter (GM) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to assess atrophy and provides WM lesion (WML) volume.

METHODS

To address nonuniform distribution of noise/contrast (eg, posterior fossa in 3D‐FLAIR) of 3T magnetic resonance imaging, the method employs dual sensitivity (different sensitivities for lesion detection in predefined regions). We tested this approach by assigning different sensitivities to supratentorial and infratentorial regions, and validated the segmentation for accuracy against manual delineation, and for precision in scan‐rescans.

RESULTS

Intraclass correlation coefficients of .95, .91, and .86 were observed for WML and CSF segmentation accuracy and brain parenchymal fraction (BPF). Dual sensitivity significantly reduced infratentorial false‐positive WMLs, affording increases in global sensitivity without decreasing specificity. Scan‐rescan yielded coefficients of variation (COVs) of 8% and .4% for WMLs and BPF and COVs of .8%, 1%, and 2% for GM, WM, and CSF volumes. WML volume difference/precision was .49 ± .72 mL over a range of 0–24 mL. Correlation between BPF and age was r = .62 (P = .0004), and effect size for detecting brain atrophy was Cohen's d = 1.26 (standardized mean difference vs. healthy controls).

CONCLUSIONS

This pipeline produces probability maps for brain lesions and tissue classes, facilitating expert review/correction and may provide high throughput, efficient characterization of MS in large datasets.
Hardiness as moderator of the relationship between structural and psychological empowerment on burnout in middle managers
Authors: Ayala Calvo Juan‐Carlos , García Guadalupe Manzano
Published: December 2017

Using a sample of 210 middle managers, a time‐lagged design with four data‐collection points was used to test whether hardiness moderates the relationship between structural empowerment (SE), psychological empowerment (PE), and burnout. The structural equation model analysed revealed an indirect effect of SE on burnout through PE. This indirect effect is moderated by hardiness. The results also show that this indirect effect is only significant when the subject shows medium or high levels of hardiness. Our findings suggest that work environment conditions are not enough to explain the levels of burnout.

Practitioner points

The propensity to experience burnout is linked to structural empowerment (SE). Therefore, employers should promote changes in the structural conditions of the working environment.

Hardiness modifies the influence of SE on psychological empowerment (PE). Hardiness helps taking better advantage of the conditions of SE. Therefore, employers should promote training programmes on hardiness.

Psychological empowerment mediates the relationship between SE and burnout. A moderate or high level of hardiness is needed for SE to raise PE and to diminish burnout symptoms. In the case of low hardiness middle managers, organizations must develop hardiness before enhancing SE.
Why price‐level dispersion went up in Europe after the financial crisis
Authors: Hoeberichts Marco , Stokman Ad
Published: December 2017

Persistent price differences across euro area countries are an indication of incomplete economic integration. We analyse long‐ and short‐run developments of price‐level dispersion in the euro area and compare the results with price dispersion across US cities. We find that monetary and economic integration in Europe has been successful in establishing a major downward trend in price‐level differences across countries since 1960. After the Global Financial Crisis and the European Sovereign Debt Crisis, diverging economic conditions across euro area countries led to higher income dispersion, which contributed to a widening of price‐level differences again.
Analytical and Semi-Analytical Methods for the Evaluation of Dynamic Thermo-Elastic Behavior of Structures Resting on a Pasternak Foundation
Authors: Liang Xu , Cao Zeng , Sun Hongyue , Zha Xing , Leng Jianxing
Published: December 2017

An analytical method and a semi-analytical method are proposed to analyze the dynamic thermo-elastic behavior of structures resting on a Pasternak foundation. The analytical method employs a finite Fourier integral transform and its inversion, as well as a Laplace transform and its numerical inversion. The semi-analytical method employs the state space method, the differential quadrature method (DQM), and the numerical inversion of the Laplace transform. To demonstrate the two methods, a simply supported Euler–Bernoulli beam of variable length is considered. The governing equations of the beam are derived using Hamilton's principle. A comparison between the results of analytical method and the results of semi-analytical method is carried out, and it is shown that the results of the two methods generally agree with each other, sometimes almost perfectly. A comparison of natural frequencies between the semi-analytical method and the experimental data from relevant literature shows good agreements between the two kinds of results, and the semi-analytical method is validated. Different numbers of sampling points along the axial direction are used to carry out convergence study. It is found that the semi-analytical method converges rapidly. The effects of different beam lengths and heights, thermal stress, and the spring and shear coefficients of the Pasternak medium are also investigated. The results obtained in this paper can serve as benchmark in further research.
Effect of population viral load on prospective HIV incidence in a hyperendemic rural African community
Authors: Tanser Frank , Vandormael Alain , Cuadros Diego , Phillips Andrew N. , de Oliveira Tulio , Tomita Andrew , Bärnighausen Till , Pillay Deenan
Published: December 2017

We propose HIV population viral load indices, which we demonstrate predict future risk of acquiring HIV in a rural South African population.
Vaccine and Therapeutic Options To Control Chikungunya Virus
Authors: Powers Ann M.
Published: December 2017

Beginning in 2004, chikungunya virus (CHIKV) went from an endemic pathogen limited to Africa and Asia that caused periodic outbreaks to a global pathogen. Given that outbreaks caused by CHIKV have continued and expanded, serious consideration must be given to identifying potential options for vaccines and therapeutics. Currently, there are no licensed products in this realm, and control relies completely on the use of personal protective measures and integrated vector control, which are only minimally effective. Therefore, it is prudent to urgently examine further possibilities for control. Vaccines have been shown to be highly effective against vector-borne diseases. However, as CHIKV is known to rapidly spread and generate high attack rates, therapeutics would also be highly valuable. Several candidates are currently being developed; this review describes the multiple options under consideration for future development and assesses their relative advantages and disadvantages.
Upon Infection, Cellular WD Repeat-Containing Protein 5 (WDR5) Localizes to Cytoplasmic Inclusion Bodies and Enhances Measles Virus Replication
Authors: Ma Dzwokai , George Cyril X. , Nomburg Jason L. , Pfaller Christian K. , Cattaneo Roberto , Samuel Charles E.
Published: December 2017

Replication of negative-strand RNA viruses occurs in association with discrete cytoplasmic foci called inclusion bodies. Whereas inclusion bodies represent a prominent subcellular structure induced by viral infection, our knowledge of the cellular protein components involved in inclusion body formation and function is limited. Using measles virus-infected HeLa cells, we found that the WD repeat-containing protein 5 (WDR5), a subunit of histone H3 lysine 4 methyltransferases, was selectively recruited to virus-induced inclusion bodies. Furthermore, WDR5 was found in complexes containing viral proteins associated with RNA replication. WDR5 was not detected with mitochondria, stress granules, or other known secretory or endocytic compartments of infected cells. WDR5 deficiency decreased both viral protein production and infectious virus yields. Interferon production was modestly increased in WDR5-deficient cells. Thus, our study identifies WDR5 as a novel viral inclusion body-associated cellular protein and suggests a role for WDR5 in promoting viral replication.

IMPORTANCE
Measles virus is a human pathogen that remains a global concern, with more than 100,000 measles-related deaths annually despite the availability of an effective vaccine. As measles continues to cause significant morbidity and mortality, understanding the virus-host interactions at the molecular level that affect virus replication efficiency is important for development and optimization of treatment procedures. Measles virus is an RNA virus that encodes six genes and replicates in the cytoplasm of infected cells in discrete cytoplasmic replication bodies, though little is known of the biochemical nature of these structures. Here, we show that the cellular protein WDR5 is enriched in the cytoplasmic viral replication factories and enhances virus growth. WDR5-containing protein complex includes viral proteins responsible for viral RNA replication. Thus, we have identified WDR5 as a host factor that enhances the replication of measles virus.
Transmission, Evolution, and Endogenization: Lessons Learned from Recent Retroviral Invasions
Authors: Greenwood Alex D. , Ishida Yasuko , O'Brien Sean P. , Roca Alfred L. , Eiden Maribeth V.
Published: December 2017

Viruses of the subfamily
Orthoretrovirinae
are defined by the ability to reverse transcribe an RNA genome into DNA that integrates into the host cell genome during the intracellular virus life cycle. Exogenous retroviruses (XRVs) are horizontally transmitted between host individuals, with disease outcome depending on interactions between the retrovirus and the host organism. When retroviruses infect germ line cells of the host, they may become endogenous retroviruses (ERVs), which are permanent elements in the host germ line that are subject to vertical transmission. These ERVs sometimes remain infectious and can themselves give rise to XRVs. This review integrates recent developments in the phylogenetic classification of retroviruses and the identification of retroviral receptors to elucidate the origins and evolution of XRVs and ERVs. We consider whether ERVs may recurrently pressure XRVs to shift receptor usage to sidestep ERV interference. We discuss how related retroviruses undergo alternative fates in different host lineages after endogenization, with koala retrovirus (KoRV) receiving notable interest as a recent invader of its host germ line. KoRV is heritable but also infectious, which provides insights into the early stages of germ line invasions as well as XRV generation from ERVs. The relationship of KoRV to primate and other retroviruses is placed in the context of host biogeography and the potential role of bats and rodents as vectors for interspecies viral transmission. Combining studies of extant XRVs and “fossil” endogenous retroviruses in koalas and other Australasian species has broadened our understanding of the evolution of retroviruses and host-retrovirus interactions.
Adaptation in a Fibronectin Binding Autolysin of Staphylococcus saprophyticus
Authors: Mortimer Tatum D. , Annis Douglas S. , O’Neill Mary B. , Bohr Lindsey L. , Smith Tracy M. , Poinar Hendrik N. , Mosher Deane F. , Pepperell Caitlin S.
Published: December 2017

Staphylococcus saprophyticus
is an important cause of urinary tract infections (UTI) in women; such UTI are common, can be severe, and are associated with significant impacts to public health. In addition to being a cause of human UTI,
S. saprophyticus
can be found in the environment, in food, and associated with animals. After discovering that UTI strains of
S. saprophyticus
are for the most part closely related to each other, we sought to determine whether these strains are specially adapted to cause disease in humans. We found evidence suggesting that a mutation in the gene
aas
is advantageous in the context of human infection. We hypothesize that the mutation allows
S. saprophyticus
to survive better in the human urinary tract. These results show how bacteria found in the environment can evolve to cause disease.
Generation of dispersive shock waves in nonextensive plasmas
Authors: Azarvand-Hassanfard B. , Esfandyari-Kalejahi A. , Akbari-Moghanjoughi M.
Published: December 2017

In this research we use a generalized hydrodynamic model to numerically investigate the quasi-neutral expansion and compression of an electron–ion plasma with nonextensive electron velocity distribution into or from vacuum. We study the effects of kinematic viscosity and electron–ion collisions on the expansion profile and compare our results to the numerical solutions of the standard Korteweg – de Vries (KdV) equation. It is found that the quasi-neutrality assumption in the hydrodynamic approach in the absence of viscosity and collisions, which leads to elimination of Poisson’s equation, sets the weak dispersion limit and becomes equivalent to the standard weakly dispersive KdV model. In the weak dispersion limit our model, as well as the KdV with small dispersion effect, predicts that a pulse-like initial profile evolves into solitary wave train. We further show that in a plasma expansion different shock profiles, such as purely dispersive, diffusive–dispersive, and dissipative ones, with significantly different characters may form. Finally, the effect of electron nonextensivity on oscillatory shock waves shows that the expansion profile is affected by changes of q-parameter. Our numerical solution is in qualitative agreement with some distinguished experiments showing the possibility of dispersive shock wave formation in rarefied plasma during an expansion into vacuum.
Interband transitions dependent on indium concentration in Ga1−xInxAs/GaAs asymmetric triple quantum wells
Authors: Alaydin B. O. , Ozturk E. , Elagoz S.
Published: December 2017

In this paper, the optical and electronic properties of asymmetric triple quantum well (ATQW) structures are studied depending on the indium concentrations while quantum well (QW) thicknesses and barrier widths are kept constant. Calculation of electronic properties are done within the framework of the effective mass approximation. The indium concentrations in left quantum well (LQW) and right quantum well (RQW) are varied in order to see the change of energy levels. Then, interband transition energies, wavelengths, oscillator strengths and radiative decay times are determined depending on barrier height. The scope of this study, for the first time in the literature, covers converged interband transition energies for the asymmetric quantum well structures.
Terahertz frequency superconductor-nanocomposite photonic band gap
Authors: Elsayed Hussein A. , Aly Arafa H.
Published: December 2017

In the present work, we discuss the transmittance properties of one-dimensional (1D) superconductor nanocomposite photonic crystals (PCs) in THz frequency regions. Our modeling is essentially based on the two-fluid model, Maxwell–Garnett model and the characteristic matrix method. The numerical results investigate the appearance of the so-called cutoff frequency. We have obtained the significant effect of some parameters such as the volume fraction, the permittivity of the host material, the size of the nanoparticles and the permittivity of the superconductor material on the properties of the cutoff frequency. The present results may be useful in the optical communications and photonic applications to act as tunable antenna in THz, reflectors and high-pass filter.
Optimizing Affine Control With Semantic Factorizations
Authors: Alias Christophe , Plesco Alexandru
Published: December 2017

Hardware accelerators generated by polyhedral synthesis techniques make extensive use of affine expressions (affine functions and convex polyhedra) in control and steering logic. Since the control is pipelined, these affine objects must be evaluated at the same time for different values, which forbids aggressive reuse of operators. In this article, we propose a method to factorize a collection of affine expressions without preventing pipelining. Our key contributions are (i) to use semantic factorizations exploiting arithmetic properties of addition and multiplication and (ii) to rely on a cost function whose minimization ensures correct usage of FPGA resources. Our algorithm is totally parameterized by the cost function, which can be customized to fit a target FPGA. Experimental results on a large pool of linear algebra kernels show a significant improvement compared to traditional low-level RTL optimizations. In particular, we show how our method reduces resource consumption by revealing hidden strength reductions.
A Herbal Medicine, Gongjindan, in Subjects with Chronic Dizziness (GOODNESS Study): Study Protocol for a Prospective, Multicenter, Randomized, Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled, Parallel‐Group, Clinical Trial for Effectiveness, Safety, and Cost‐Effectiveness
Authors: Shin Seungwon , Kim Jinyoung , Yu Ami , Seo Hyung-Sik , Shin Mi-Ran , Cho Jae-Heung , Yi Gilhee , Hong Seung-Ug , Lee Euiju
Published: December 2017

This study protocol aims to explore the effectiveness, safety, and cost‐effectiveness of a herbal medication, Gongjindan (GJD), in patients with chronic dizziness. This will be a prospective, multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, parallel‐group, clinical trial. Seventy‐eight patients diagnosed with Meniere’s disease, psychogenic dizziness, or dizziness of unknown cause will be randomized and allocated to either a GJD or a placebo group in a 1 : 1 ratio. Participants will be orally given 3.75 g GJD or placebo in pill form once a day for 56 days. The primary outcome measure will be the Dizziness Handicap Inventory score. Secondary outcome measures will be as follows: severity (mean vertigo scale and visual analogue scale) and frequency of dizziness, balance function (Berg Balance Scale), fatigue (Fatigue Severity Scale) and deficiency pattern/syndrome (qi blood yin yang‐deficiency questionnaire) levels, and depression (Korean version of Beck’s Depression Inventory) and anxiety (State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory) levels. To assess safety, adverse events, including laboratory test results, will be monitored. Further, the incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio will be calculated based on quality‐adjusted life years (from the EuroQoL five dimensions’ questionnaire) and medical expenses. Data will be statistically analyzed at a significance level of 0.05 (two‐sided). This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03219515, in July 2017.
A Study on the Diagnostic Elements of Cold‐Heat Pattern Identification by Korean Medicine Doctors: Association with Objective and Subjective Body Temperature
Authors: Park Young Joo , Nam Ji-Ho , Yim Mi Hong , Kim Honggie , Kim Jong Yeol
Published: December 2017

Although the Cold‐Heat Pattern is the most important diagnostic factor in Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), its relationship to body temperature and subjective temperature has not been clearly revealed. In this study, based on clinical data from 551 patients, we classified patients treated with herbal medicines into a Cold‐prescription group (CG) and a Heat‐prescription group (HG), and we compared the ordinary symptoms between the two groups. Subjective body temperature was higher in the HG than in the CG (OR = 1.68, p < 0.01) and digestive ability was better in the HG than in the CG (expert’s questionnaire, OR = 1.91, p < 0.001). However, objectively measured body temperature did not show any significant difference between the HG and CG in both gender groups (p = 0.383 and 0.181 for males and females, resp.). Our study suggests that the subjective body temperature and digestive ability may be the principal diagnostic elements of Cold‐Heat Pattern identification by Korean Medicine Doctors. These findings may contribute to the investigation of an objective method to measure the Cold‐Heat Pattern.
Very Small Left Atrial Volume as a Marker for Mortality in Patients Undergoing Nongated Computed Tomography Pulmonary Angiography
Authors: Rozenbaum Zach , Granot Yoav , Turkeltaub Paul , Cohen Dotan , Ziv-Baran Tomer , Topilsky Yan , Berliner Shlomo , Aviram Galit
Published: December 2017

Objectives: To evaluate the association between very small left atria (VSLA) on nongated computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) and mortality in patients without pulmonary embolism (PE). Methods: Patients who underwent nongated CTPA between 2011 and 2015 in order to rule out PE, and had an echocardiogram within 24 h of the CTPA, were retrospectively identified. The left atrial volume of nongated CTPA was calculated using automatic 4-chamber volumetric analysis software. The association between the lowest 5th percentile of the left atrial volume index, referred to as the VSLA group, and mortality was investigated after adjustment for age, gender, background diseases, and laboratory values. Results: The study cohort included 241 patients. Patients with VSLA had a left atrial volume index <24 mL/m2 (n = 11). Demographics and background diseases did not differ between the study groups. The median follow-up was 22.7 months (IQR 0.03-54.3). VSLA was an independent predictor of mortality (HRadj = 3.6; 95% CI 1.46-8.87; p = 0.005), along with malignancy (HRadj = 2.28; 95% CI 1.32-3.93; p = 0.003) and lower hemoglobin (HRadj = 0.86; 95% CI 0.76-0.99; p = 0.032). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that VSLA on nongated CTPA may serve as a marker for mortality. The use of CTPA volumetric analysis can help risk stratification in patients with dyspnea and no PE.
Health Behavior Change for Obesity Management
Authors: Teixeira Pedro J. , Marques Marta M.
Published: December 2017

Health behavior change is central in obesity management. Due to its complexity, there has been a growing body of research on: i) the factors that predict the adoption and maintenance of health behaviors, ii) the development and testing of theories that conceptualize relationships among these factors and with health behaviors, and iii) how these factors can be implemented in effective behavior change interventions, considering characteristics of the content (techniques) and delivery. This short review provides an overview of advances in behavior change science theories and methods, focusing on obesity management, and includes a discussion of the main challenges imposed by this research field.
Evaluation of the National Swiss Skin Cancer Screening Campaign 2013: Do We Do the Right Thing
Authors: Braun Ralph-Peter , Ulrich Karina , Hunger Robert , Gaide Olivier , Arnold Andreas , Merat Rastine , Dummer Reinhard , Hafner Jürg , French Lars E. , Cozzio Antonio
Published: December 2017

Background: Skin cancer prevention and screening programs are performed in many countries. Their benefit is discussed controversially. Objective: Our aim is to evaluate the Skin Cancer Screening Program 2013 in Switzerland by following up screenees upon interventions. Methods: Quality was assessed by personal follow-up via phone/e-mail of every patient that had been screened during this campaign and histological follow-up of all participants with suspicious skin lesions. Results: Of the 1,087 screenees requiring interventions, 263 agreed to participate in the follow-up. We were able to obtain 66 histology reports. During this campaign 33 malignant lesions (8 melanomas) were removed. Conclusion: The overall melanoma detection rate in our free Skin Cancer Screening Program is comparable to those in European public activities. The costs of free screening programs compare favorably with the prevented potential therapeutic costs of late-stage melanoma. The low response rate of screenees agreeing to be followed up limits conclusions of this study.
Cutaneous Metastases from Salivary Duct Carcinoma of the Submandibular Gland
Authors: Chakari Wahida , Andersen Luise , Andersen Jørgen Lock
Published: December 2017

Salivary duct carcinoma is a rare and highly aggressive malignant neoplasm that frequently metastasises to other organs, but cutaneous metastasis is uncommon. There are only 6 cases reported in the literature with metastases to the skin and in all cases the tumour originates from the parotid gland. We present a case of skin metastases from the submandibular gland that was mistaken for basal cell carcinoma. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of salivary duct carcinoma arising from the submandibular gland with cutaneous metastases.
Patrick Modiano – articulação entre o campo de difusão restrito e o campo da grande produção
Authors: Lévy Clara
Published: December 2017

Em 9 de outubro de 2014, o Prêmio Nobel de literatura foi concedido ao escritor francês Patrick Modiano pela “arte da memória com a qual ele se referiu aos destinos humanos mais difíceis e revelou o mundo da Ocupação”. Nosso texto analisará a posição de Modiano nos campos literários francês e internacional e como seu sucesso de crítica e comercial questiona e desafia parcialmente a teoria composta por P. Bourdieu acerca dos dois subcampos que compõem o campo cultural. Modiano tem sido hábil em reconciliar sua posição no campo da produção restrita (avaliação por críticos, pares, acadêmicos, sendo publicado em coleções de prestígio, obtendo vários prêmios literários, como o mais prestigioso – Prêmio Nobel etc.) com acesso direto ao campo da produção ampliada (grande visibilidade e altas cifras de vendas de seus trabalhos; visibilidade fora do campo literário, por meio de filmes e músicas). Em seguida, analisaremos o impacto da obtenção do Prêmio Nobel em números em termos de impressões e vendas, não só no mercado de livros francês, mas também nos mercados de literatura francesa no exterior.
Francesismo ou nacionalismo? Dilemas do modernismo brasileiro nas cartas dos anos 1920
Authors: Jobim José Luís
Published: December 2017

Neste trabalho, pretendemos explorar as questões das referências francesa e europeia, principalmente em cartas de Carlos Drummond de Andrade, Mário de Andrade e Manuel Bandeira, nos anos 1920, chamando a atenção para os imaginários construídos com as noções de “aqui” (Minas, São Paulo, Rio, Brasil, América Latina) e “lá” (França, Europa), na palavra que circula entre e através desses autores. Também formularemos uma hipótese sobre crítica literária “interna” e “externa”, envolvendo essa correspondência.
Radiomic Features Are Superior to Conventional Quantitative Computed Tomographic Metrics to Identify Coronary Plaques With Napkin-Ring Sign
Authors: Kolossváry Márton , Karády Júlia , Szilveszter Bálint , Kitslaar Pieter , Hoffmann Udo , Merkely Béla , Maurovich-Horvat Pál
Published: December 2017

Background—

Napkin-ring sign (NRS) is an independent prognostic imaging marker of major adverse cardiac events. However, identification of NRS is challenging because of its qualitative nature. Radiomics is the process of extracting thousands of quantitative parameters from medical images to create big-data data sets that can identify distinct patterns in radiological images. Therefore, we sought to determine whether radiomic analysis improves the identification of NRS plaques.

Methods and Results—

From 2674 patients referred to coronary computed tomographic angiography caused by stable chest pain, expert readers identified 30 patients with NRS plaques and matched these with 30 non-NRS plaques with similar degree of calcification, luminal obstruction, localization, and imaging parameters. All plaques were segmented manually, and image data information was analyzed using Radiomics Image Analysis package for the presence of 8 conventional and 4440 radiomic parameters. We used the permutation test of symmetry to assess differences between NRS and non-NRS plaques, whereas we calculated receiver-operating characteristics’ area under the curve values to evaluate diagnostic accuracy. Bonferroni-corrected
P
<0.0012 was considered significant. None of the conventional quantitative parameters but 20.6% (916/4440) of radiomic features were significantly different between NRS and non-NRS plaques. Almost half of these (418/916) reached an area under the curve value >0.80. Short- and long-run low gray-level emphasis and surface ratio of high attenuation voxels to total surface had the highest area under the curve values (0.918; 0.894 and 0.890, respectively).

Conclusions—

A large number of radiomic features are different between NRS and non-NRS plaques and exhibit excellent discriminatory value.
Revisionary systematics of the endemic soft coral fauna (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Alcyoniina) of the Agulhas Bioregion, South Africa
Authors: MCFADDEN CATHERINE S. , OFWEGEN LEEN P. VAN
Published: December 2017

The Agulhas Bioregion of southern South Africa supports a unique octocoral fauna that is entirely endemic to the region. Recent molecular phylogenetic studies indicate that this endemism extends to deeper taxonomic levels than had previously been recognized, and that most of these endemic species belong to genera and families that are also endemic to South Africa. Here we revise the taxonomy of soft corals (subordinal group Alcyoniina) that were previously assigned to the cosmopolitan families Alcyoniidae, Nephtheidae and Nidaliidae, describing three new families endemic to South Africa, along with four new genera and four new species. We reassign the endemic genera Acrophytum, Pieterfaurea and Lampophyton to Acrophytidae n. fam, and describe a new species of Lampophyton, L. spinatum n. sp. The endemic species Protodendron bruuni is reassigned to a new, monotypic genus, Corymbophyton bruuni n. comb., and family, Corymbophytidae n. fam. The endemic genus Leptophyton is placed in a third new family, Leptophytidae n. fam., along with three new genera that are established for species previously assigned to Alcyonium: Circularius wilsoni n. comb., Porphyrophyton distinctum n. comb., and Tenerodus fallax n. comb. In addition, we describe new species of Leptophyton, L. fustis n. sp.; Tenerodus, T. pollex n. gen. n. sp.; and Alcyonium, A. dolium n. sp.; reassign Protodendron verseveldti to Tenerodus verseveldti n. comb.; and reassign the endemic genus Dimorphophyton to family Paralcyoniidae. Although molecular phylogenetic analyses unite Acrophytidae, Corymbophytidae and Leptophytidae within a well-supported monophyletic group, both morphological and molecular distinctions support maintaining them as three separate families. These revisions increase the number of endemic species of shallow-water soft corals known from the Agulhas Bioregion to 40, and the number of endemic genera to 13.
Love Overflowing in Complete Knowledge at Corinth: Paul’s Message Concerning Idol Food
Authors: Moses Robert E.
Published: December 2017

Paul’s response to the issue concerning idol food at Corinth begins with two important cautions concerning knowledge (1 Cor 8:1–2) and praise for love (8:1, 3) that frame his argument concerning idol food in 8:1–11:1. Paul wants love to serve as a guide for how the Corinthians put their knowledge into practice, and he also shows that “the knowers” have incomplete knowledge. “The knowers” understand Jewish polemic against idolatry (that idols are nothing), but they have overlooked another view (that idols are the work of demons). This essay contends that Paul’s initial caution concerning knowledge at the beginning of his address of this issue serves as the foundation for understanding his stance on food sacrificed to idols. Any food explicitly identified as sacrificed to idols must be rejected by believers both for the sake of love and because of the threat that demons pose to believers.
The quest for improving soil fertility: Why an integrated approach is needed
Authors: van Beek Christy , Herold Nadine , Kessler Aad , Vonk Remko
Published: December 2017

Improving the productive capacity of lands has been on the international development agenda for many years. Yet, to date insufficient progress has been made. Although there have been successes, they tend to be of limited impact, and spontaneous spreading of good practices is low. In this article, different intervention paradigms are reviewed. It is concluded that interventions differ in their fundamental view of drivers for change. We found interventions that aim to increase the total amount of nutrients within the soil, either through increasing inputs or through increasing demands, but seldom both at the same time. We also found interventions that aim to increase the efficacy of existing soil nutrients through either increasing the nutrient holding capacity (e.g. through mulching) or the release of nutrients (e.g. through liming). The differentiation of these approaches has strong effects on the institutional organization of the intervention. This article makes the case for integrating these different approaches and for more collaboration at institutional levels to facilitate this process.
Using Prosopagnosia to Test and Modify Visual Recognition Theory
Authors: O’Brien Alexander M.
Published: December 2017

Biederman’s contemporary theory of basic visual object recognition (Recognition-by-Components) is based on structural descriptions of objects and presumes 36 visual primitives (geons) people can discriminate, but there has been no empirical test of the actual use of these 36 geons to visually distinguish objects. In this study, we tested for the actual use of these geons in basic visual discrimination by comparing object discrimination performance patterns (when distinguishing varied stimuli) of an acquired prosopagnosia patient (LB) and healthy control participants. LB’s prosopagnosia left her heavily reliant on structural descriptions or categorical object differences in visual discrimination tasks versus the control participants’ additional ability to use face recognition or coordinate systems (Coordinate Relations Hypothesis). Thus, when LB performed comparably to control participants with a given stimulus, her restricted reliance on basic or categorical discriminations meant that the stimuli must be distinguishable on the basis of a geon feature. By varying stimuli in eight separate experiments and presenting all 36 geons, we discerned that LB coded only 12 (vs. 36) distinct visual primitives (geons), apparently reflective of human visual systems generally.