bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Formation of vacuum‐formed and pressure‐formed mouthguards
Authors: Mizuhashi Fumi , Koide Kaoru
Published: March 2017

Background/Aim

The method used to form mouthguards should be carefully selected in order to obtain their full preventive benefits. The aim of this study was to examine the differences of mouthguard characteristics according to the forming methods.

Materials and Methods

Mouthguard sheets of 3.8‐mm ethylene vinyl acetate were vacuum‐formed and pressure‐formed on a working model. The sheets were formed when heating causing them to displace 15 mm from baseline. Mouthguard thickness was measured at the labial surface of the central incisor, the buccal surface of the first molar, and the occlusal surface of the first molar. The fit of the mouthguard was measured at the central incisor and the first molar. Differences in the thickness and fit between the vacuum‐formed and pressure‐formed mouthguards were analyzed by two‐way analysis of variance and the Bonferroni method.

Results

Mouthguard thickness varied between the central incisors and first molars (P<.01). The thicknesses at the labial surface of the central incisor and the buccal surface of the first molar were greater in the vacuum‐formed mouthguards than in the pressure‐formed mouthguards (P<.01). The fit was better in the pressure‐formed mouthguards than that in the vacuum‐formed mouthguards (P<.01).

Conclusions

The vacuum‐forming method maintained the mouthguard thickness, while the pressure‐forming method obtained better fit.
Fingolimod (Gilenya®) in multiple sclerosis: bradycardia, atrioventricular blocks, and mild effect on the QTc interval. Something to do with the L‐type calcium channel?
Authors: Pilote Sylvie , Simard Chantale , Drolet Benoit
Published: March 2017

Cardiac arrhythmias and ECG abnormalities including bradycardia, prolongation of the QT interval, and atrioventricular (AV) conduction blocks have been extensively observed with fingolimod, the first marketed oral drug for treating the relapsing‐remitting form of multiple sclerosis. This study was aiming to further elucidate the effects of fingolimod on cardiac electrophysiology at three different levels: (i) in vitro, (ii) ex vivo, and (iii) in vivo. (i) Patch‐clamp experiments in whole cell configuration were performed on Cav1.2‐transfected tsA201 cells exposed to fingolimod‐phosphate 100 or 500 nmol/L (n = 27 cells, total) to measure drug effect on L‐type calcium current (ICaL). (ii) Langendorff perfusion experiments were undertaken on male Hartley guinea‐pigs isolated hearts (n = 4) exposed to fingolimod 10 and 100 nmol/L to evaluate drug‐induced effects on monophasic action potential duration measured at 90% repolarization (MAPD90). (iii) Implanted cardiac telemeters were used to record ECGs in guinea‐pigs (n = 7) treated with a single dose of fingolimod 0.0625 mg/kg suspension, administered as an oral gavage. (i) In vitro cellular experiments showed that fingolimod‐phosphate causes a concentration‐dependent reduction in ICaL. (ii) Ex vivo Langendorff experiments revealed that fingolimod had no significant effect on MAPD90. (iii) Fingolimod caused significant prolongations of the RR, PR, QT, and QTcF intervals in vivo. Reversible AV blocks were also observed in 7/7 animals. Fingolimod possesses ICaL‐blocking properties, further contributing to its AV conduction‐slowing effects. These properties are also consistent with its mitigated effect on the QT interval in humans, despite previously shown HERG‐blocking effect.
The role of interleukin‐1b and its antagonist (diacerein) in estradiol benzoate‐induced endometrial hyperplasia and atypia in female rats
Authors: Refaie Marwa M.M. , El‐Hussieny Maram
Published: March 2017

Endometrial hyperplasia (EH) is a common gynecological condition and may progress to carcinoma. We investigated the effect of diacerein (DIA) on estradiol benzoate (EB)‐induced EH and atypia. DIA (50 mg/kg/day) was administered orally to rats for 4 weeks, in the presence or absence of EH induced by intramuscular injection of EB (60 μg/100 g) three times per week for 4 weeks. We measured levels of serum total cholesterol, uterine tissue malondialdehyde (MDA), total nitrites (NOx), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, caspase‐3, interleukin‐1b (IL‐1b) immunoexpressions, and histopathology. Results showed that EB‐induced EH and atypia manifested by significant increase in serum total cholesterol with increase in MDA and NOxlevels. EB showed the typical histopathological changes of EH and atypia. In addition, there was reduction in SOD activity and decrease in caspase‐3 immunoexpressions but increase in IL‐1b immunoexpressions. DIA was able to reduce EB‐induced pathological changes.
Psychoeducation for bipolar disorder: A discourse analysis
Authors: Wilson Lynere , Crowe Marie , Scott Anne , Lacey Cameron
Published: March 2017

Psychoeducation has become a common intervention within mental health settings. It aims to increase people's ability to manage a life with a long‐term illness. For people with bipolar disorder, psychoeducation is one of a range of psychosocial interventions now considered part of contemporary mental health practice. It has taken on a ‘common sense’ status that results in little critique of psychoeducation practices. Using a published manual on psychoeducation and bipolar disorder as its data, Foucauldian discourse analysis was used in the present study for a critical perspective on psychoeducation in order to explore the taken‐for‐granted assumptions on which it is based. It identifies that the text produces three key subject positions for people with bipolar disorder. To practice self‐management, a person must: (i) accept and recognize the authority of psychiatry to know them; (ii) come to see that they can moderate themselves; and (iii) see themselves as able to undertake a reflexive process of self‐examination and change. These findings highlight the circular and discursive quality to the construct of insight that is central to how psychoeducation is practiced. Using Foucault's construct of pastoral power, it also draws attention to the asymmetrical nature of power relations between the clinician and the person with bipolar disorder. An effect of the use of medical discourse in psychoeducation is to limit its ability to work with ambivalence and contradiction. A critical approach to psychotherapy and education offers an alternate paradigm on which to basis psychoeducation practices.
Pre‐conditions for eliminating mitochondrial dysfunction and maintaining liver function after hepatic ischaemia reperfusion
Authors: Hu Chenxia , Li Lanjuan
Published: March 2017

The liver, the largest organ with multiple synthesis and secretion functions in mammals, consists of hepatocytes and Kupffer, stem, endothelial, stellate and other parenchymal cells. Because of early and extensive contact with the external environment, hepatic ischaemia reperfusion (IR) may result in mitochondrial dysfunction, autophagy and apoptosis of cells and tissues under various pathological conditions. Because the liver requires a high oxygen supply to maintain normal detoxification and synthesis functions, it is extremely susceptible to ischaemia and subsequent reperfusion with blood. Consequently, hepatic IR leads to acute or chronic liver failure and significantly increases the total rate of morbidity and mortality through multiple regulatory mechanisms. An increasing number of studies indicate that mitochondrial structure and function are impaired after hepatic IR, but that the health of liver tissues or liver grafts can be effectively rescued by attenuation of mitochondrial dysfunction. In this review, we mainly focus on the subsequent therapeutic interventions related to the conservation of mitochondrial function involved in mitigating hepatic IR injury and the potential mechanisms of protection. Because mitochondria are abundant in liver tissue, clarification of the regulatory mechanisms between mitochondrial dysfunction and hepatic IR should shed light on clinical therapies for alleviating hepatic IR‐induced injury.
Using Web‐Based Technology to Bring Hands‐On Urban Material Flow Analysis to the Classroom
Authors: Villalba Gara , Hoekman Paul
Published: March 2017

The main objective of this article is to introduce an open‐source, online software tool called OMAT as a teaching tool for performing economy wide‐material flow analysis (EW‐MFA) at urban or regional level in industrial ecology curricula. To that intent, we present a classroom and project activity that was developed for a masters‐level industrial ecology course offered by the Autonomous University of Barcelona. Insights are provided with regards to the outcome of the classroom exercise as well as lessons learned from both an academic and a software development point of view.

The OMAT software provides users with a specialized tool to enter and process MFA data in a simple, intuitive way. The usefulness of OMAT as a teaching tool was tested by engaging students in a classroom activity that entailed using OMAT as a tool to perform an EW‐MFA applied to the Metropolitan Area of Barcelona for the years 2005‐2011. The aim of this exercise was to teach students specific skills required in performing an EW‐MFA, not through theory classes, but hands‐on through a learn‐as‐you‐go approach. The exercise not only equipped the students with knowledge about MFA, but also introduced them to solving problems as a team, meeting project deadlines, and communicating effectively with colleagues from different disciplines and backgrounds. Even though there is room for further improvements, this exercise showed that OMAT provided a useful addition to traditional methods that allowed students to get a more practical and thorough understanding of the MFA methodology.
Serum biochemical profile, enzymatic activity and lipid peroxidation in organs of laying hens fed diets containing cashew nut shell liquid
Authors: Braz N. M. , Freitas E. R. , Trevisan M. T. S. , do Nascimento G. A. J. , Salles R. P. R. , Cruz C. E. B. , Farias N. N. P. , da Silva I. N. G. , Watanabe P. H.
Published: March 2017

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of feeding laying hens diets containing cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) as a source of anacardic acid on the blood biochemical parameters as well as the enzymatic activity and lipid peroxidation of liver and tissues of the reproductive system (ovary, magnum, and uterus). A total of 216 Hisex White commercial laying hens were distributed randomly into six treatments, with six replicates of six birds. Treatments consisted of a diet without growth promoter (GP); a diet with GP; and diets without GP, with addition of increasing levels of CNSL (0.25, 0.50, 0.75 and 1.0%). Addition of CNSL to the diet did not affect the blood biochemical parameters (uric acid, creatinine, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, total cholesterol, high density lipoproteins, low‐density lipoproteins and triglycerides), the enzymatic activity (superoxide dismutase and nonprotein sulphydryl groups) in the organs (liver, ovary, magnum and uterus) or the peroxidation of lipids from the blood serum, liver, magnum and uterus (p > 0.05). However, the addition of 0.75% and 1.00% CNSL provided a lower thiobarbituric acid reactive substances content in the birds' ovary (p < 0.001) compared to birds of other treatments, whereas the treatment without the GP provided a higher value. Addition of up to 1% of the CNSL as a source of anacardic acid in the laying hens' diets does not influence blood biochemical parameters or the endogenous enzymatic activity in the liver, ovary, magnum and uterus, but affects the lipid peroxidation in the ovary, although the problem is reduced from the inclusion of 0.75% CNSL.
Effects of Moringa oleifera silage on milk yield, nutrient digestibility and serum biochemical indexes of lactating dairy cows
Authors: Zeng B. , Sun J. J. , Chen T. , Sun B. L. , He Q. , Chen X. Y. , Zhang Y. L. , Xi Q. Y.
Published: March 2017

This study investigated the effects of Moringa oleifera (MO) as a partial substitute of alfalfa hay on milk yield, nutrient apparent digestibility and serum biochemical indexes of dairy cows. MO was harvested at 120 days post‐seeding. Fresh MO was cut, mixed with chopped oat hay (425:575 on a DM basis), ensiled and stored for 60 days. Sixty healthy Holstein dairy cows were allocated to one of three groups: NM (no MO or control), LM (low MO; 25% alfalfa hay and 50% maize silage were replaced by MO silage) or HM (high MO; 50% alfalfa hay and 100% maize silage were replaced by MO silage). The feeding trial lasted 35 days. The LM and HM diets did not affect dry matter (DM) intake, milk yield or milk composition (lactose, milk fat, milk protein and somatic cell count). The apparent digestibility of DM and NDF was lower for HM group than NM group. Additionally, there were no significant differences in serum biochemical indexes between the LM and NM groups. The HM group had lower serum concentrations of total cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and higher serum concentrations of urea than the NM group. The partial replacement of alfalfa hay (≤50%) and maize silage with MO silage had no negative effects on milk yield, in vivo nutrient apparent digestibility or serum biochemical indexes of lactating cows.
Robust inference of genetic architecture in mapping studies
Authors: Slate Jon
Published: March 2017

The genetic architecture of a trait usually refers to the number and magnitude of loci that explain phenotypic variation. A description of genetic architecture can help us to understand how genetic variation is maintained, how traits have evolved and how phenotypes might respond to selection. However, linkage mapping and association studies can suffer from problems of bias, especially when conducted in natural populations where the opportunity to perform studies with very large sample sizes can be limited. In this issue of Molecular Ecology, Li and colleagues perform an association study of brain traits in ninespine sticklebacks Pungitius pungitius. They use a sophisticated approach that models all of the genotyped markers simultaneously; conventional approaches fit each marker individually. Although the single‐marker and multi‐marker approaches find similar regions of the genome that explain phenotypic variation, the overall conclusions about trait architecture are somewhat different, depending on the approach used. Single‐marker methods identify regions that explain quite large proportions of genetic variation, whereas the multi‐marker approach suggests the traits are far more polygenic. Simulations suggest the multi‐marker approach is robust. This study highlights how molecular quantitative genetics in wild populations can be used to address hypothesis‐driven questions, without making unrealistic assumptions about effect sizes of individual quantitative trait loci.
Intramedullary Nailing Combined with Bone Grafting for Benign Lesions of the Proximal Femur
Authors: Zhang Yan , Li Jia‐zhen , Lu Xin‐chang , Zhang Yi , Zhang Huai‐shuan , Shi Hai‐long , Lei Zheng , Feng Guang , Fu Wei‐ping
Published: March 2017

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of intramedullary nailing for benign lesions of the proximal femur.

Method

A retrospective analysis was carried out on 68 cases of benign lesions in the proximal femur at our hospital from April 2002 to April 2013 (38 men and 30 women). Mean age at surgery was 35.5 years (range, 22–56 years). The cases were divided into two groups: curettage of the lesion with bone grafting only as the grafting group (32 cases) and internal fixation after removal of the lesion as the fixation group (36 cases). For the grafting group, lesions were scraped out, deactivated and washed thoroughly with normal saline, then the allogeneic bone was implanted. For the fixation group, after the lesions were scraped, the intramedullary nails were implanted, and allogeneic bone was implanted into the scraped cavity with compaction.

Results

Pathological examination showed that 24 out of 68 cases (35.3%) had simple bone cysts (suffered from pathological fracture in 2 cases); 21 (30.9%) fibrous dysplasia; 18 (26.5%) aneurysmal bone cysts; 3 (4.4%) chondroblastoma, 2 (2.9%) out of which were combined with aneurysmal bone cysts. All patients were followed up for 12–96 months (56 months for mean). In the grafting group, 4 patients had postoperative complications (1 pathological bone fractures and 3 deep vein thrombosis), but only 1 patient of the fixation group (deep vein thrombosis) (P < 0.05). The average bedridden time after surgery was 11.4 ± 7.6 days for the grafting group, and for the other group was 7.5 ± 5.4 days (
P
< 0.05).

Conclusion

Both treatments are effective for benign lesions in the proximal femur, but the fixation group facilitated the functional recovery of patients and reduced postoperative complications.
Decreased blood product usage during extracorporeal life support with reduced circuit volumes
Authors: Addison Samuel D. , Buck Marcia L. , Fang Gary Y. , Gangemi James J. , Kaufman David A.
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUND

Activation and consumption of platelets (PLT) and clotting factors along with hemolysis occurs when blood contacts the extracorporeal life support (ECLS) circuit and its components.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

The objective was to examine the effects of reducing ECLS circuit volume by decreasing tubing length and changing components on blood product usage in neonatal and pediatric patients. Blood product administration was analyzed in 40 consecutive patients who required ECLS for respiratory or cardiac failure before (PRE) and after (POST) changes in circuit design and components.

RESULTS

The total circuit volume was reduced from 500 mL (PRE) to 275 mL (POST). In the POST group, total blood product volume usage was 58% lower compared to the PRE group (81 mL/kg/day vs. 191 mL/kg/day, p = 0.003), 65% lower for fresh‐frozen plasma (FFP; 15 mL/kg/day vs. 43 mL/kg/day, p = 0.001), and PLT volumes trended lower. In the subgroup of infants with respiratory or cardiac failure, there was a 55% reduction of a total blood product replacement (61 mL/kg/day vs. 136 mL/kg/day, p = 0.008), red blood cell (RBC) use was 61% lower (28 mL/kg/day vs. 71 mL/kg/day, p < 0.049), and there was a 73% reduction in FFP use (11 mL/kg/day vs. 41 mL/kg/day, p < 0.001). In the subgroup of postoperative infants, there was a 25% decrease in RBC use (86 mL/kg/day vs. 115 mL/kg/day, p = 0.03).

CONCLUSION

Decreasing the ECLS circuit volume by reducing the tubing length and changing the components was associated with a significant reduction in blood product usage.
Quantum-based Decision Making Under Uncertainty in the Presence of Entanglement for the Development of Optimal Strategies in Engineering Design
Authors: Papageorgiou Evangelos , Kamperi Eleni-Eleftheria
Published: March 2017

The work presented concerns the development of a quantum-based decision making model utilised in the identification of optimal strategies in engineering design under uncertainty in a quantum-like entangled decision making, assessing intention interference. Several experiments and decision making paradoxes have manifested the deficiency of rationality assumption employed by classical decision making theory, with humans often violating the hypotheses of the expected utility theory and Game Theory by making irrational choices. Quantum Decision Theory (QDT) is the basis of the proposed decision making model, since only this theory can be employed to develop an operational tool in any social interplay, given the preferences of the individuals/players, to assess the quantum probabilities of their strategies. The decision makers’ brain is assumed of a dual nature, with brain processes divided to conscious and subconscious constituent parts and the computed quantum strategic probabilities consisted of two parts, the first one being rationality related and the other one capturing biases, emotions and feelings. Hence, given a priori the preferences of the decision makers, this model can be utilised as an operational tool for decision making under uncertainty in the presence of entanglement assessing the quantum probabilities of the players’ strategies in any engineering design. This quantum-based decision making model, identifying the optimal strategic choices of the stakeholders involved, is employed in the presented conceptual design of an Unmanned Air System (UAS), based on both the stakeholders’ rationality, personal intuitive feelings and behavioural biases.
Anomalies in Hyalomma marginatum larvae (Acari: Ixodidae) in relation to taxonomic studies
Authors: Buczek Alicja , Bartosik Katarzyna , Buczek Sebastian , Zając Zbigniew
Published: March 2017

Morphological anomalies are most frequently noted in adult ticks. Therefore, in this paper, we describe interesting morphological anomalies in Hyalomma marginatum larvae from a laboratory-reared colony of Syrian specimens. Specimens with abnormalities were found among many thousands of larvae and analysed using scanning electron microscopy. Additionally, we analysed changes in the morphological traits (length and width of tarsi I and III; length and width of coxae I, II, and III) in abnormal specimens of H. marginatum larvae. Teratological changes were noted in the larval gnathosoma (reduction or elongation of chelicerae and change in the location of chelicerae on the basis capituli; abnormal shape and size of the palpal segment) and legs (fusion of four segments of adjacent legs and deformations of leg segments). The investigations have shown low variability of the morphometric traits of tarsi I and III as well as coxae I, II, and III in the H. marginatum larvae from the Syrian population, which can be used in the diagnostics of this species. Knowledge of different types of anomalies in tick larvae can prevent mistakes in identification of abnormal specimens collected in natural conditions.
High-resolution x-ray reflection Fourier analysis of metamorphic Si/SiGe quantum wells
Authors: Richardson Christopher J. K. , Jackson Clayton A. , Edge Lisa F. , Deelman Peter W.
Published: March 2017

Graded buffer metamorphic epitaxial heterostructures are extraordinarily difficult to analyze using x-ray diffraction because of large signal contributions from the buffer. As an alternative, Fourier signal processing is applied to x-ray reflectivity data such that layer thickness and reflectivity strength are readily extracted. This analysis is applied to two strained silicon quantum wells grown inside relaxed silicon germanium barriers. Analysis of the x-ray reflectivity data directly determines that the quantum wells are 8.5 and 8.7 nm spaced by a 22.0-nm thick barrier. These values agree with those extracted from transmission electron microscopy to better than 0.5 nm.
Abundant off-fault seismicity and orthogonal structures in the San Jacinto fault zone
Authors: Ross Zachary E. , Hauksson Egill , Ben-Zion Yehuda
Published: March 2017

Distinct on-fault and off-fault seismicity in the trifurcation area of the San Jacinto fault zone.
Bend, stretch, and touch: Locating a finger on an actively deformed transparent sensor array
Authors: Sarwar Mirza Saquib , Dobashi Yuta , Preston Claire , Wyss Justin K. M. , Mirabbasi Shahriar , Madden John David Wyndham
Published: March 2017

A stretchable, transparent touch pad and proximity sensor made using silicone and gel operates while being bent and stretched.
A battle over the ‘best science’
Authors: Malakoff David
Published: March 2017

In separate moves, Congress sets out to shape how regulators use science, and whose advice they listen to.
How plants learned to breathe
Authors: Pennisi Elizabeth
Published: March 2017

Even early plants likely had sophisticated pores to regulate water and swap gases with their environment.
Earth science a ‘no-brainer’ for NASA's science chief
Authors: Voosen Paul
Published: March 2017

Thomas Zurbuchen talks risk, trust, and small satellites.
African Swine Fever Virus NP868R Capping Enzyme Promotes Reovirus Rescue during Reverse Genetics by Promoting Reovirus Protein Expression, Virion Assembly, and RNA Incorporation into Infectious Virions
Authors: Eaton Heather E. , Kobayashi Takeshi , Dermody Terence S. , Johnston Randal N. , Jais Philippe H. , Shmulevitz Maya
Published: March 2017

Reoviruses, like many eukaryotic viruses, contain an inverted 7-methylguanosine (m7G) cap linked to the 5′ nucleotide of mRNA. The traditional functions of capping are to promote mRNA stability, protein translation, and concealment from cellular proteins that recognize foreign RNA. To address the role of mRNA capping during reovirus replication, we assessed the benefits of adding the African swine fever virus NP868R capping enzyme during reovirus rescue. C3P3, a fusion protein containing T7 RNA polymerase and NP868R, was found to increase protein expression 5- to 10-fold compared to T7 RNA polymerase alone while enhancing reovirus rescue from the current reverse genetics system by 100-fold. Surprisingly, RNA stability was not increased by C3P3, suggesting a direct effect on protein translation. A time course analysis revealed that C3P3 increased protein synthesis within the first 2 days of a reverse genetics transfection. This analysis also revealed that C3P3 enhanced processing of outer capsid μ1 protein to μ1C, a previously described hallmark of reovirus assembly. Finally, to determine the rate of infectious-RNA incorporation into new virions, we developed a new recombinant reovirus S1 gene that expressed the fluorescent protein UnaG. Following transfection of cells with UnaG and infection with wild-type virus, passage of UnaG through progeny was significantly enhanced by C3P3. These data suggest that capping provides nontraditional functions to reovirus, such as promoting assembly and infectious-RNA incorporation.

IMPORTANCE
Our findings expand our understanding of how viruses utilize capping, suggesting that capping provides nontraditional functions to reovirus, such as promoting assembly and infectious-RNA incorporation, in addition to enhancing protein translation. Beyond providing mechanistic insight into reovirus replication, our findings also show that reovirus reverse genetics rescue is enhanced 100-fold by the NP868R capping enzyme. Since reovirus shows promise as a cancer therapy, efficient reovirus reverse genetics rescue will accelerate production of recombinant reoviruses as candidates to enhance therapeutic potency. NP868R-assisted reovirus rescue will also expedite production of recombinant reovirus for mechanistic insights into reovirus protein function and structure.
Clear cell adenocarcinoma of cervix in 1-year-old girl without in utero exposure to diethylstilbestrol: an uncommon tumour at an uncommon age and site
Authors: Arora Aditi , Rastogi Anurag , Neyaz Azfar , Husain Nuzhat
Published: March 2017

Adenocarcinoma of cervix constitutes about 10–15% cases of carcinoma cervix. Clear cell variant is even a rarer variant of adenocarcinoma. It rarely occurs in the paediatric age group and a known risk factor is in utero exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES). We report here a case of primary cervical tumour in a 1-year-old girl, which was initially suspected to be an embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma botryoides. Histopathology with immunohistochemical analysis revealed clear cell adenocarcinoma. There was no maternal history of DES intake during pregnancy. We discuss the histopathological characteristics and clinical course of this unusual tumour.
Fruit and vegetable consumption and psychological distress: cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses based on a large Australian sample
Authors: Nguyen Binh , Ding Ding , Mihrshahi Seema
Published: March 2017

Objectives

Growing evidence suggests a link between diet and mental health. This study aimed to investigate the association between fruit and vegetable consumption and the prevalence and incidence of psychological distress in middle-aged and older Australians.

Design

Cross-sectional and prospective.

Setting

New South Wales, Australia.

Methods

A sample of 60 404 adults aged ≥45 years completed baseline (2006–2008) and follow-up (2010) questionnaires. Psychological distress was assessed at baseline and follow-up using the validated Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), a 10-item questionnaire measuring general anxiety and depression. Psychological distress was defined as the presence of high-to-very high levels of distress (K10 score ≥22). Usual fruit and vegetable consumption was assessed using short validated questions. The association between baseline fruit and vegetable consumption and the prevalence or incidence of psychological distress was examined using logistic regression models.

Results

At baseline, 5.6% reported psychological distress. After a mean 2.7 years of follow-up, 4.0% of those who did not report distress at baseline reported distress at follow-up. Baseline fruit and vegetable consumption considered separately or combined, was associated with a lower prevalence of psychological distress even after adjustment for sociodemographic characteristics and lifestyle risk factors. Baseline fruit and vegetable consumption, measured separately or combined, was associated with a lower incidence of psychological distress in minimally adjusted models. Most of these associations remained significant at medium levels of intake but were no longer significant at the highest intake levels in fully adjusted models.

Conclusions

Increasing fruit and vegetable consumption may help reduce psychological distress in middle-aged and older adults. However, the association of fruit and vegetable consumption with the incidence of psychological distress requires further investigation, including the possibility of a threshold effect between medium and higher consumption levels.
Active immunization against transforming growth factor beta1 prevents hepatic fibrosis in a rat model of liver disease
Authors: Ji Hong , Minuk Gerald Y. , Peng Zhikang , Chen Yongping , Pan Chenwei , Gong Yuewen
Published: March 2017

Transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-β1) plays an important role in hepatic fibrogenesis. In this study, we documented the effects of active immunization against TGF-β1 on hepatic fibrosis in an animal model of chronic liver disease. BALB/c mice were immunized against 3 different peptides of TGF-β1 ligated into hepatitis B virus core protein (HBVc). Titers of TGF-β1 antibodies were documented by enzyme linked immunoassays and antibody activity by cell membrane receptor binding and proliferation assays. The most immunogenic recombinant HBVc + TGF-β1 peptide (HBVc + C) then served as a vaccine in Sprague-Dawley rats with dimethylnitrosamine-induced chronic liver disease. Hepatic fibrosis was documented by serum hyaluronic acid levels, liver histology, and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction for hepatic collagen I (α1) and smooth muscle alpha actin mRNA expression. Relative to control rats vaccinated with HBVc alone, recombinant HBVc + C vaccinated animals had significantly lower serum hyaluronic acid levels, less histologic evidence of hepatic fibrosis, and reduced expression of collagen I (α1) and smooth muscle alpha actin mRNA in the liver. The results of this proof-of-concept study suggest that active immunization against TGF-β1 is a worthwhile strategy to pursue in efforts to prevent hepatic fibrosis associated with chronic liver disease.
The Künneth theorem for the Fukaya algebra of a product of Lagrangians
Authors: Amorim Lino
Published: March 2017

Given a compact Lagrangian submanifold [Formula: see text] of a symplectic manifold [Formula: see text], Fukaya, Oh, Ohta and Ono construct a filtered [Formula: see text]-algebra [Formula: see text], on the cohomology of [Formula: see text], which we call the Fukaya algebra of [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we describe the Fukaya algebra of a product of two Lagrangians submanifolds [Formula: see text]. Namely, we show that [Formula: see text] is quasi-isomorphic to [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is the tensor product of filtered [Formula: see text]-algebras defined in [L. Amorim, Tensor product of filtered [Formula: see text]-algebras, J. Pure Appl. Algebra 220(12) (2016) 3984–4016]. As a corollary of this quasi-isomorphism, we obtain a description of the bounding cochains on [Formula: see text] and of the Floer cohomology of [Formula: see text].
Prospects of direct search for dark photon and dark Higgs in SeaQuest/E1067 experiment at the Fermilab main injector
Authors: Liu Ming Xiong
Published: March 2017

In this review, we present the current status and prospects of the dark sector physics search program of the SeaQuest/E1067 fixed target dimuon experiment at Fermilab Main Injector. There has been tremendous excitement and progress in searching for new physics in the dark sector in recent years. Dark sector refers to a collection of currently unknown particles that do not directly couple with the Standard Model (SM) strong and electroweak (EW) interactions but assumed to carry gravitational force, thus could be candidates of the missing Dark Matter (DM). Such particles may interact with the SM particles through “portal” interactions. Two of the simple possibilities are being investigated in our initial search: (1) dark photon and (2) dark Higgs. They could be within immediate reach of current or near future experimental search. We show there is a unique opportunity today at Fermilab to directly search for these particles in a highly motivated but uncharted parameter space in high-energy proton–nucleus collisions in the beam-dump mode using the 120 GeV proton beam from the Main Injector. Our current search window covers the mass range 0.2–10 GeV/c2, and in the near future, by adding an electromagnetic calorimeter (EMCal) to the spectrometer, we can further explore the lower mass region down to about [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]1 MeV/c2 through the di-electron channel. If dark photons (and/or dark Higgs) were observed, they would revolutionize our understanding of the fundamental structures and interactions of our universe.
A General Method on Establishing Fatigue Test Specification of Torsion Beam Rear Axle
Authors: Chen Tie , Zheng Songlin , Feng Jinzhi
Published: March 2017

A general method is proposed for establishing the fatigue test specification of torsion beam rear axle (TBRA) in the car. The main characteristic parameters of entire vehicle are analyzed by using ADAMS simulation, to study which vehicle parameter is associated with the load, and figured out the relationship between the testing load and the key vehicle parameter based on the existing test specifications. An illustrative comparison in theoretical fatigue lifetime of the TBRA is presented to demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed fatigue test specification. The proposed method of establishing fatigue test specification can provide a reference for durability evaluation of chassis components and help suppliers achieve the synchronous development with OEMs.
Time-Dependent Series System Reliability Analysis Method and Application to Gear Transmission Systems
Authors: Xie Liyang , Bai Enjun , Qian Wenxue , Wu Ningxiang
Published: March 2017

A gear transmission system such as a gear train is a series system in sense of reliability evaluation, while it is different from a traditional series system such as a chain. Therefore, the conventional series system reliability model is not appropriate for gear transmission system. Based on the time-dependent configuration and the time-dependent loading path of a gear train, system specific reliability modeling technique is presented, by which a gear train is taken as a time-dependent series system, consisting of different components (gear teeth) in different time intervals. To illustrate the application of the reliability analysis method, several time-dependent series system reliability models are developed for different types of gear trains, the reliability estimation results are compared with those obtained by traditional series system reliability model.
Modules cofinite and weakly cofinite with respect to an ideal
Authors: Bahmanpour Kamal , Naghipour Reza , Sedghi Monireh
Published: March 2017

The purpose of the present paper is to continue the study of modules cofinite and weakly cofinite with respect to an ideal [Formula: see text] of a Noetherian ring [Formula: see text]. It is shown that an [Formula: see text]-module [Formula: see text] is cofinite with respect to [Formula: see text], if and only if, [Formula: see text] is finitely generated for all [Formula: see text], whenever [Formula: see text]. In addition, we show that if [Formula: see text] is finitely generated and [Formula: see text] are weakly Laskerian for all [Formula: see text], then [Formula: see text] are [Formula: see text]-cofinite for all [Formula: see text] and for any minimax submodule [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text], the [Formula: see text]-modules [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are finitely generated, where [Formula: see text] is a non-negative integer. Finally, we explore a criterion for weakly cofiniteness of modules with respect to an ideal of dimension one. Namely, for such ideals it suffices that the two first [Formula: see text]-modules in the definition for weakly cofiniteness are weakly Laskerian. As an application of this result, we deduce that the category of all [Formula: see text]-weakly cofinite modules over [Formula: see text] forms a full Abelian subcategory of the category of modules.
The search for a Hamiltonian whose energy spectrum coincides with the Riemann zeta zeroes
Authors: Aschheim Raymond , Perelman Carlos Castro , Irwin Klee
Published: March 2017

Inspired by the Hilbert–Polya proposal to prove the Riemann Hypothesis we have studied the Schroedinger QM equation involving a highly nontrivial potential, and whose self-adjoint Hamiltonian operator has for its energy spectrum one which approaches the imaginary parts of the zeta zeroes only in the asymptotic (very large [Formula: see text]) region. The ordinates [Formula: see text] are the positive imaginary parts of the nontrivial zeta zeroes in the critical line :[Formula: see text]. The latter results are consistent with the validity of the Bohr–Sommerfeld semi-classical quantization condition. It is shown how one may modify the parameters which define the potential, and fine tune its values, such that the energy spectrum of the (modified) Hamiltonian matches not only the first two zeroes but the other consecutive zeroes. The highly nontrivial functional form of the potential is found via the Bohr–Sommerfeld quantization formula using the full-fledged Riemann–von Mangoldt counting formula (without any truncations) for the number [Formula: see text] of zeroes in the critical strip with imaginary part greater than [Formula: see text] and less than or equal to [Formula: see text].
The Effectiveness of Reward and Punishment in Spatial Social Games
Authors: Wang Xiaoyang , Zhang Lei , Du Xiaorong
Published: March 2017

Punishment and reward are usually regarded as two potential mechanisms to explain the evolution of cooperation especially among multiple participators. However, the performance of these two scenarios in spatial environment needs to be discussed. To figure out this issue, we resort to the [Formula: see text]-player Iterated Snowdrift Dilemma (ISD) game and Iterated Prisoner’s Dilemma (IPD) game. More importantly, the evolution of punishment and reward in social network-structured populations has not been formally addressed. The numerical results show the equilibrium cooperation frequency can be influenced by cost-to-benefit ratio [Formula: see text], the punishment-to-benefit ratio [Formula: see text] and the reward-to-benefit ratio [Formula: see text]. And one intriguing observation is that under the same situation, the punishment is more effective than reward to the population. Then we further probe the effectiveness of neighborhood relationship to the cooperation, which is reflected by the random rewired probability [Formula: see text]. From the distribution of the four roles of the participator we can find that individuals can cooperate easily when they have close relationship. The results of this paper may be helpful to understand the cooperation in complex project or among industry–university–research cooperation project.
Eigenvalue Approach in a Generalized Thermal Shock Problem for a Transversely Isotropic Half-Space
Authors: Abbas Ibrahim A. , Hobiny Aatef D.
Published: March 2017

In the present work, the investigating of the disturbances in a homogeneous, transversely isotropic elastic medium with generalized thermoelastic theory has been concerned. The formulation is applied to generalized thermoelasticity based on three different theories. Laplace and Fourier transforms are used to solve the problem analytically. The essential equations have been written as a vector-matrix differential equation in the Laplace transform domain, then solved by an eigenvalue approach. The inverses of Fourier transforms are obtained analytically. The result is used to solve a specific two-dimensional problem. The technique is illustrated by means of several numerical experiments performed. The results were verified numerically and are plotted.
Sizing Up Protein–Ligand Complexes: The Rise of Structural Mass Spectrometry Approaches in the Pharmaceutical Sciences
Authors: Eschweiler Joseph D. , Kerr Richard , Rabuck-Gibbons Jessica , Ruotolo Brandon T.
Published: March 2017

Capturing the dynamic interplay between proteins and their myriad interaction partners is critically important for advancing our understanding of almost every biochemical process and human disease. The importance of this general area has spawned many measurement methods capable of assaying such protein complexes, and the mass spectrometry–based structural biology methods described in this review form an important part of that analytical arsenal. Here, we survey the basic principles of such measurements, cover recent applications of the technology that have focused on protein–small-molecule complexes, and discuss the bright future awaiting this group of technologies.
A Review of Biorefinery Separations for Bioproduct Production via Thermocatalytic Processing
Authors: Nguyen Hannah , DeJaco Robert F. , Mittal Nitish , Siepmann J. Ilja , Tsapatsis Michael , Snyder Mark A. , Fan Wei , Saha Basudeb , Vlachos Dionisios G.
Published: March 2017

With technological advancement of thermocatalytic processes for valorizing renewable biomass carbon, development of effective separation technologies for selective recovery of bioproducts from complex reaction media and their purification becomes essential. The high thermal sensitivity of biomass intermediates and their low volatility and high reactivity, along with the use of dilute solutions, make the bioproducts separations energy intensive and expensive. Novel separation techniques, including solvent extraction in biphasic systems and reactive adsorption using zeolite and carbon sorbents, membranes, and chromatography, have been developed. In parallel with experimental efforts, multiscale simulations have been reported for predicting solvent selection and adsorption separation. We discuss various separations that are potentially valuable to future biorefineries and the factors controlling separation performance. Particular emphasis is given to current gaps and opportunities for future development.
Reward Processing, Neuroeconomics, and Psychopathology
Authors: Zald David H. , Treadway Michael T.
Published: March 2017

Abnormal reward processing is a prominent transdiagnostic feature of psychopathology. The present review provides a framework for considering the different aspects of reward processing and their assessment, and highlights recent insights from the field of neuroeconomics that may aid in understanding these processes. Although altered reward processing in psychopathology has often been treated as a general hypo- or hyperresponsivity to reward, increasing data indicate that a comprehensive understanding of reward dysfunction requires characterization within more specific reward-processing domains, including subjective valuation, discounting, hedonics, reward anticipation and facilitation, and reinforcement learning. As such, more nuanced models of the nature of these abnormalities are needed. We describe several processing abnormalities capable of producing the types of selective alterations in reward-related behavior observed in different forms of psychopathology, including (mal)adaptive scaling and anchoring, dysfunctional weighting of reward and cost variables, competition between valuation systems, and reward prediction error signaling.
Computational Analysis of Vibrational Sum Frequency Generation Spectroscopy
Authors: Ishiyama Tatsuya , Morita Akihiro
Published: March 2017

Vibrational sum frequency generation (VSFG) spectroscopy is a widely used probe of interfaces and, having ideal surface sensitivity and selectivity, is particularly powerful when applied to wet and soft interfaces. Although VSFG spectroscopy can sensitively detect molecular details of interfaces, interpretation of observed spectra has, until recently, been challenging and often ambiguous. The situation has been greatly improved by remarkable advances in computational VSFG analysis on the basis of molecular modeling and molecular dynamics simulation. This article reviews the basic idea of computational VSFG analysis and recent applications to both aqueous and organic interfaces.
Neuropeptide Y3-36 incorporated into PVAX nanoparticle improves functional blood flow in a murine model of hind limb ischemia
Authors: Eshun Derek , Saraf Rabya , Bae Soochan , Jeganathan Jelliffe , Mahmood Feroze , Dilmen Serkan , Ke Qingen , Lee Dongwon , Kang Peter M. , Matyal Robina
Published: March 2017

We generated a novel nanoparticle called PVAX, which has intrinsic antiapoptotic and anti-inflammatory properties. This nanoparticle was loaded with neuropeptide Y3–36 (NPY3–36), an angiogenic neurohormone that plays a central role in angiogenesis. Subsequently, we investigated whether PVAX-NPY3–36 could act as a therapeutic agent and induce angiogenesis and vascular remodeling in a murine model of hind limb ischemia. Adult C57BL/J6 mice ( n = 40) were assigned to treatment groups: control, ischemia PBS, ischemia PVAX, ischemia NPY3–36, and Ischemia PVAX-NPY3–36. Ischemia was induced by ligation of the femoral artery in all groups except control and given relevant treatments (PBS, PVAX, NPY3–36, and PVAX-NPY3–36). Blood flow was quantified using laser Doppler imaging. On days 3 and 14 posttreatment, mice were euthanized to harvest gastrocnemius muscle for immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting. Blood flow was significantly improved in the PVAX-NPY3–36 group after 14 days. Western blot showed an increase in angiogenic factors VEGF-R2 and PDGF-β ( P = 0.0035 and P = 0.031, respectively) and antiapoptotic marker Bcl-2 in the PVAX-NPY3–36 group compared with ischemia PBS group ( P = 0.023). Proapoptotic marker Smad5 was significantly decreased in the PVAX-NPY3–36 group as compared with the ischemia PBS group ( P = 0.028). Furthermore, Y2 receptors were visualized in endothelial cells of newly formed arteries in the PVAX-NPY3–36 group. In conclusion, we were able to show that PVAX-NPY3–36 can induce angiogenesis and arteriogenesis as well as improve functional blood flow in a murine model of hind limb ischemia.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Our research project proposes a novel method for drug delivery. Our patented PVAX nanoparticle can detect areas of ischemia and oxidative stress. Although there have been studies about delivering angiogenic molecules to areas of ischemic injury, there are drawbacks of nonspecific delivery as well as short half-lives. Our study is unique because it can specifically deliver NPY3–36 to ischemic tissue and appears to extend the amount of time therapy is available, despite NPY3–36’s short half-life.