bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of histological dynamics, kidney function and diabetes in liver transplant patients after antiviral treatment with direct‐acting antivirals: Therapy of HCV‐recurrence
Authors: Teegen Eva M. , Dürr Michael , Maurer Max M. , Eurich Franziska , Vollbort Antonia , Globke Brigitta , Bahra Marcus , Blaeker Hendrik , Pratschke Johann , Eurich Dennis
Published: October 2018

Background

Direct‐acting antivirals allow efficient and safe treatment of hepatitis C (HCV) before and after liver transplantation (LT). However, the impact of sofosbuvir on the graft, diabetes, and on kidney function is not answered yet. Primary endpoint of this analysis was the evaluation of kidney function after antiviral treatment (AVT). Secondary endpoints were the assessment of extrahepatic manifestation of HCV‐infection by diabetes mellitus and the histopathological changes in terms of inflammation, content of fat, and fibrosis stage.

Methods

From 2014 to 4/2015, 100 patients with HCV‐recurrence after LT were successfully treated with AVT. Ninety‐eight received a sofosbuvir‐based regimen. Indication was based on genotype, transplant fibrosis stage, and urgency. Biopsies were evaluated before and after treatment. Renal function and diabetes were assessed before, during, and after AVT.

Results

All patients achieved sustained virological response. A significant improvement of inflammation (P = 0.001) and fibrosis stage (P = 0.031) were observed. Significantly less insulin was required in 32 patients with diabetes (P < 0.001) to keep Hb1Ac unchanged after AVT. Kidney function was stable during, 12 weeks after and 48 weeks after antiviral therapy. Stages of renal insufficiency were comparable before and after AVT.

Conclusion

Successful sofosbuvir‐based AVT leads to a variety of positive development in transplant patients including a significant improvement of inflammation, fat content and fibrosis, a significant decrease in daily insulin dose and no significant impairment of kidney function.
The Role of Surprise in Learning: Different Surprising Outcomes Affect Memorability Differentially
Authors: Foster Meadhbh I. , Keane Mark T.
Published: October 2018

Surprise has been explored as a cognitive‐emotional phenomenon that impacts many aspects of mental life from creativity to learning to decision‐making. In this paper, we specifically address the role of surprise in learning and memory. Although surprise has been cast as a basic emotion since Darwin's () The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals, recently more emphasis has been placed on its cognitive aspects. One such view casts surprise as a process of “sense making” or “explanation finding”: metacognitive explanation‐based theory proposes that people's perception of surprise is a metacognitive assessment of the cognitive work done to explain a surprising outcome. Or, to put it more simply, surprise increases with the explanatory work required to resolve it. This theory predicts that some surprises should be more surprising than others because they are harder to explain. In the current paper, this theory is extended to consider the role of surprise in learning as evidenced by memorability. This theory is tested to determine how scenarios with differentially surprising outcomes impact the memorability of those outcomes. The results show that surprising outcomes (less‐known outcomes) that are more difficult to explain are recalled more accurately than less‐surprising outcomes that require little (known outcomes) or no explanation (normal).
Relationship Between Loneliness and Mental Health Among First- Year Undergraduate Students: Mediating Role of Timeline Browsing and Chatting on Facebook
Authors: Ahmed Oli
Published: October 2018

Better academic performance is associated with adjustment in the educational institution. Newly enrolled students at undergraduate programs face some adjustment related problems (i. e. – loneliness etc.) in the new environment. The present study was aimed to explore the mediating role of Facebook timeline browsing and chatting with friends on Facebook in the relationship between loneliness and mental health among first-year undergraduate students. The study sample comprised of 180 first-year students who were selected purposively from the University of Chittagong. Results suggested significant gender differences in feelings of loneliness, chatting on Facebook, Facebook timeline browsing. Results explored the mediating role of timeline browsing in the relationship between loneliness and mental health, and this relation also moderated by gender. Loneliness, timeline browsing, and gender explained 50% variance of the mental health.
An assemblage of predatory mites (Phytoseiidae) associated with a potential biocontrol agent (Cecidophyes rouhollahi; Eriophyidae) for weed Galium spurium (Rubiaceae)
Authors: Ma Min , Fan Qing-Hai , Zhang Zhi-Qiang
Published: October 2018

The weed Galium aparine L., commonly known as cleavers or goose grass, is an exotic plant in New Zealand (Webb et al. 1988; Reid 1998). Craemer et al. (1999) described a new gall mite species, Cecidophyes rouhollahi Craemer (Acari: Eriophyidae), from this weed in France and suggested that this new species might have potential as a biological control agent against G. spurium L. in Canada and western US where the weed was becoming more problematic (Malik & Vanden Born 1988; Whitson 1991). This mite species was later shown to result in severe stunting and complete prevention of seed production in a related weed G. spurium in greenhouse tests and was approved for field release against this weed in Canada (Sobhian et al. 2004). This mite species was recently reported on G. aparine from Auckland, New Zealand (Martin 2017). Mites prefer feeding on the young terminal leaves and can induce the leaf edges to roll inwards and curl (Fig. 1A, B, E). Martin (2017) noted: “No natural enemies of this species of mite have been recorded, but predatory mites may feed on these mites”. We report here on an assemblage of predatory mites (Phytoseiidae) associated with C. rouhollahi on G. aparine in Auckland.
Effect of magnetic field directionality on discharging characteristics of Hall effect thruster with azimuthal diversion rail
Authors: Ding Yongjie , Su Hongbo , Wang Lei , Li Hong , Wei Liqiu , Jia Boyang , Sun Hezhi , Li Peng , Yu Daren
Published: October 2018

The structure of an azimuthal diversion rail causes the neutral gas in the Hall effect thruster to possess a certain circumferential velocity. Two different directions of the magnetic field can be formed in the discharge channel, where the direction of the magnetic field depends on the direction of the excitation current. The aim of this work is to study the effect of magnetic field directionality on the discharging characteristics of a Hall effect thruster with an azimuthal diversion rail. The experimental results demonstrate that a change in the magnetic field direction corresponds to a change in the electronic Hall drift direction. When the electronic Hall drift direction is opposite to the circumferential velocity of the neutral gas, its thrust, specific impulse, and efficiency are higher than the case in which the electronic Hall drift direction is in the same direction as that of the circumferential velocity of neutral gas. The increase in performances is due to the increase in the propellant utilization. The reasons for the increase in the propellant utilization are explained. The experimental result provides a guide for the selection of the direction of excitation current of the Hall effect thruster with an azimuthal diversion rail.
Undergraduate Enrollments and Faculty Resources in Kinesiology at Selected U.S. Public Universities: 2008–2017
Authors: Bassett David R. , Fairbrother Jeffrey T. , Panton Lynn B. , Martin Philip E. , Swartz Ann M.
Published: October 2018

Undergraduate enrollments in kinesiology have grown over the past 20 years as the popularity of this major increased among students interested in the health professions. A panel discussion at the 2018 American Kinesiology Association workshop provided an overview of challenges facing kinesiology departments. Department leaders at four public universities discussed enrollment trends, faculty resources for teaching undergraduates, and budget models used at their universities. Comparisons were made with kinesiology departments at Big Ten universities to reflect more broadly on what is happening at U.S. public research institutions. At several universities, undergraduate kinesiology enrollments grew between 2008 and 2017, but at others, they leveled off or declined. In many cases, faculty resources have not kept pace with enrollments, leading to unhealthy student-to-faculty ratios. The panel discussed methods of coping with scarce resources for teaching undergraduates and how department leaders can use comparison data to stress the importance of adequate resources.
Beyond the Glass Ceiling: Sport Management Students’ Perceptions of the Leadership Labyrinth
Authors: Hancock Meg G. , Darvin Lindsey , Walker Nefertiti A.
Published: October 2018

Sport management undergraduate and graduate programs have gained popularity throughout the United States and around the world. Despite this, women are still underrepresented in sport leadership positions. Although women have made it to the highest levels of sport leadership roles, studies suggest that advancement to such roles is more challenging for women than for men. Extant literature examines perceptions of women employed in the sport industry but fails to consider perceptions of prospective employees, specifically women, with career aspirations in sport business. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate sport management students’ perceptions of barriers to women’s success and upward mobility in the sport industry using the Career Pathways Survey. Results suggest that female sport management students perceive barriers to advancement in the sport industry, whereas male students do not perceive that barriers exist for women. Practical implications for the sport management classroom include developing male advocates, gender diversity and inclusion in guest presentations, and intentional internship placement.
Emergence of Resistance to Macrolides and Rifampin in Clinical Isolates of Rhodococcus equi from Foals in Central Kentucky, 1995 to 2017
Authors: Huber Laura , Giguère Steeve , Slovis Nathan M. , Carter Craig N. , Barr Bonnie S. , Cohen Noah D. , Elam Justine , Erol Erdal , Locke Stephan J. , Phillips Erica D. , Smith Jacqueline L.
Published: October 2018

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of
Rhodococcus equi
strains resistant to macrolides and rifampin over time in clinical samples from foals submitted to diagnostic laboratories in central Kentucky. We performed a retrospective observational study of all clinical samples from foals that were submitted to veterinary diagnostic laboratories in Kentucky between January 1995 and December 2017.
Creating and Teaching Science Lessons in K–12 Schools Increases Undergraduate Students’ Science Identity
Authors: Gubbels Jennifer A. A. , Vitiello Seasson P.
Published: October 2018

Success and persistence in the life sciences is influenced by a student’s self-efficacy, sense of belonging, and science identity. It has already been demonstrated that outreach experiences and service learning by graduate students in K–12 schools aid in the graduate students’ confidence and intrinsic satisfaction. Others have shown the importance of engaging scientists in outreach activities, both for the benefit of the K–12 student and as a way to engage scientists with the community. We predicted it would also be beneficial for undergraduates to engage in service-learning activities during their coursework because working with K–12 students would solidify their scientific identity and sense of belonging while deepening their understanding of the course content. Consequently, we implemented service projects in our upper-level molecular biology and human physiology courses at a primarily undergraduate institution that focuses on five core values: Christian, Liberal Arts, Excellence, Community, and Service. Outcomes such as the undergraduate students’ value of service, confidence in their knowledge of course content, ability to create effective lesson plans, and science identity were measured using anonymous surveys. Overall, students reported that they highly valued and enjoyed this unique experience. This type of activity could be used to increase future scientists’ awareness of synergistic activities such as academic service and of the joy found in such activities. Future plans include measuring the effects on the participating high school and elementary school students and visiting schools with a high proportion of students from underserved populations.
Bacterial Survivor: An Interactive Game that Combats Misconceptions about Antibiotic Resistance
Authors: Govindan Brinda
Published: October 2018

The growing threat of antibiotic resistant infections remains a huge public health concern. While many people are aware of “superbugs”, the vast majority of the general public does not understand how antibiotic resistance arises in a population of bacteria, and how exactly over use or misuse of antibiotics contributes to this problem. We developed an active learning exercise called “Bacterial Survivor” in order to combat misconceptions about antibiotic resistance in a large undergraduate non-majors microbiology course. The game models the random nature of genetic change, the impact of environment on survival, and illustrates the basic principles of evolution. This hands-on approach has been effective in counteracting student misconceptions about this important topic.
A Nonribosomal Peptide Synthase Gene Driving Virulence in Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Bhatt Kiranmai , Machado Henrique , Osório Nuno S. , Sousa Jeremy , Cardoso Filipa , Magalhães Carlos , Chen Bing , Chen Mei , Kim John , Singh Albel , Ferreira Catarina M. , Castro António G. , Torrado Egidio , Jacobs William R. , Bhatt Apoorva , Saraiva Margarida
Published: October 2018

Over 10 million people developed tuberculosis (TB) in 2016, and over 1.8 million individuals succumbed to the disease. These numbers make TB the ninth leading cause of death worldwide and the leading cause from a single infectious agent. Therefore, finding novel therapeutic targets in
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
, the pathogen that causes most cases of human TB, is critical. In this study, we reveal a novel virulence factor in
M. tuberculosis
, the
nrp
gene. The lack of
nrp
highly attenuates the course of
M. tuberculosis
infection in the mouse model, which is particularly relevant in immune-deficient hosts. This is very relevant as TB is particularly incident in immune-suppressed individuals, such as HIV patients.
Novel Observations Concerning Differentiation of Bloodstream-Form Trypanosomes to the Form That Is Adapted for Growth in Tsetse Flies
Authors: Clayton Christine
Published: October 2018

Salivarian trypanosomes grow in mammals, where they depend on glucose, and as procyclic forms in tsetse flies, where they metabolize proline. Differentiation of bloodstream forms to nongrowing stumpy forms, and to procyclic forms, has been studied extensively, but reconciling the results is tricky because investigators have used parasites with various differentiation competences and different media for procyclic-form culture.
Rose geranium in sesame oil nasal spray: a treatment for nasal vestibulitis?
Authors: Cathcart-Rake Elizabeth J , Smith Deanne , Zahrieh David , Loprinzi Charles L
Published: October 2018

Objectives

As a rose geranium in sesame oil spray product has been anecdotally noted to improve nasal vestibulitis symptoms, this study was designed to assess whether patients with nasal vestibulitis associated with cancer-directed therapy experienced symptomatic improvements from it.

Methods

Patients with breast cancer, prescribed rose geranium nasal spray, were identified by looking at pharmacy records and patient diagnosis at Mayo Clinic Rochester. Patient medical information, as well as documentation of symptoms, were gleaned from medical charts. Questionnaires were sent to patients regarding their experiences.

Results

Of the 40 patients with breast cancer who were prescribed rose geranium nasal spray, 100% were receiving cancer-directed therapy: 58 % were receiving taxane chemotherapy; others received a variety of cytotoxic and targeted therapy treatments. Twenty patients who had used the spray product returned surveys. Patient-reported nasal symptoms included bleeding (90%), dryness (86%), pain (81%), scabbing (67%) and sores (52%); patients consistently reported symptoms at a higher proportion than did healthcare providers. All patients who used the rose geranium nasal spray reported symptomatic benefit; one reported a little benefit, 11 (55%) reported moderate benefit and eight (40%) reported dramatic or complete resolution of symptoms. The therapy was well tolerated in most patients.

Conclusions

Rose geranium in sesame oil nasal spray appears to improve patient-reported nasal symptoms associated with cancer-directed therapy.
Analgesia in the emergency department: why is it not administered?
Authors: Kant Joyce , Dombagolla Mahesha , Lai Fiona , Hendarto Andreas , Taylor David McDonald
Published: October 2018

Objective

Pain management in the ED is often suboptimal, with many patients not receiving analgesia. We aimed to determine why some patients refuse it, why others do not receive it, and whether these variables impact on patient satisfaction with their pain management.

Methods

We undertook a prospective, observational study in a large, Australian, tertiary referral ED (February–May 2017). A convenience sample of consecutive adult patients with a triage pain score of ≥4 were examined. Data were collected from the medical record and the treating nurses. At follow-up at least 48 hours postdischarge, patients were asked if they received analgesia in the ED (if not, then why not) and how satisfied they were with their pain management (very dissatisfied/dissatisfied/slightly dissatisfied/slightly satisfied/satisfied/very satisfied). The primary outcome was why patients refuse analgesia.

Results

Of the 651 enrolled patients, 171 (26.3%) did not receive analgesia; for 30 (17.5%), patients and their nurses agreed that analgesia was refused. Patients mainly refused analgesia because their pain was not bad enough, they had recent analgesia intake, and concerns about side effects and interactions. Patients who received analgesia were more likely to be ‘very satisfied’ with their pain management (difference in proportions 10.8%, 95% CI 2.1 to 19.4). The satisfaction of patients who refused analgesia and those who did not receive analgesia for other reasons did not differ.

Conclusion

Patient refusal is the most common reason for patients not receiving analgesia. Analgesia receipt is associated with greater patient satisfaction. However, a patient’s knowledge of their analgesia receipt status may be incorrect. Disregard of the reasons for patients not receiving analgesia may underestimate the number offered analgesia.
Cardiac implantable electronic devices in adults with tetralogy of Fallot
Authors: Egbe Alexander C , Miranda William R , Madhavan Malini , Ammash Naser M , Missula Venkata R , Al-Otaibi Mohammed , Fatola Ayotola , Kothapalli Srikanth , Connolly Heidi M
Published: October 2018

Background

Tachyarrhythmias and bradyarrhythmias affect 20%–50% of adult patients with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) and some of these patients will require cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) such as pacemaker and/or internal cardioverter defibrillator.

Methods

The Mayo Adult Congenital Heart Disease database was queried for patients with repaired TOF and history of CIED implantation, 1990–2017. The study objectives were: (1) determine the occurrence of device-related complications defined as lead failure, lead recall, device infection and lead thrombus; and (2) determine the occurrence and risk factors for defibrillator shock.

Results

There were 99 patients (age 46±14 years and 66 (66%) men) with CIED, and the CIEDs were 41 (41%) pacemakers and 73 (73%) defibrillators. Indication for defibrillator implantation was for primary prevention in 28 (38%) and secondary prevention in 45 (62%). Device-related complications occurred in 20 (20%) patients (lead failure 17, lead recall 4, device infection 12 and thrombus 3). Twenty-five per cent of all device infections occurred within 30 days from the time of device generator change. Annualised rates of appropriate and inappropriate shocks were 5.7% and 6.2%, respectively. The use of class III antiarrhythmic drug was protective against defibrillator shock.

Conclusion

The current study provides useful outcome data to aid patient counselling and clinical decision-making. Further studies are required to explore ways to decrease the risk of postprocedural infection after device generator change, and to determine which patients will benefit from empirical antiarrhythmic therapy as a strategy to decrease incidence of inappropriate defibrillator shock.
Are vegetation–soil systems drivers of ecosystem carbon contents along an elevational gradient in a highland temperate forest?
Authors: Jasso-Flores Isela , Galicia Leopoldo , García-Oliva Felipe , Martínez-Yrízar Angelina
Published: October 2018

Vegetation–soil systems differentially influence the ecosystem processes related to the carbon cycle, particularly when one tree species is dominant over wide geographic regions that are undergoing climate change. The objective of this study was to quantify the stocks of ecosystem carbon in three vegetation–soil systems along a highland elevational gradient in central Mexico. The vegetation–soil systems, from lower to higher elevation, were dominated by Alnus jorullensis Kunth, Abies religiosa (Kunth) Schltdl. & Cham., and Pinus hartwegii Lindl., respectively. Above- and below-ground tree biomass was determined in each system, along with the litter, coarse woody material, roots, and litterfall. The A. religiosa system had the greatest stock of aboveground biomass carbon (216 ± 31 Mg C·ha−1). The A. jorullensis system had the greatest production of litterfall (3.1 ± 0.08 Mg·ha−1·year−1); however, the carbon content of this litter layer (1.2 ± 0.32 Mg C·ha−1) was lower than that of P. hartwegii (10.1 ± 0.28 Mg C·ha−1). Thus, the litter layer in the A. jorullensis system had markedly the shortest residence time (8 years), suggesting high rates of litter decomposition. The soil carbon stock (at soil depth of 1 m) was greater in A. jorullensis (189 Mg C·ha−1) and P. hartwegii (137 Mg C·ha−1) than in A. religiosa (68 Mg C·ha−1). The A. religiosa and A. jorullensis systems had the highest and lowest total ecosystem C content (301 and 228 Mg C·ha−1, respectively). Upward migration of the A. religiosa system in response to global climate change, however, could cause losses by 2030 of 187 Mg C·ha−1 associated with aboveground biomass.
A Higgs boson below 125 GeV?!
Authors: Heinemeyer S.
Published: October 2018

We briefly summarize some searches for Higgs bosons with a mass of [Formula: see text] GeV at LEP and the LHC. We discuss a possible signal in the diphoton decay mode at [Formula: see text] GeV as reported by CMS, together with a [Formula: see text] hint in the [Formula: see text] final state at LEP. We briefly review possible interpretation of such a new particle in various BSM models. We focus on possible explanations as reported within the NMSSM and the [Formula: see text]SSM. Conclusions for future collider projects are briefly outlined.
Scale-genesis — Origin of gravitational waves
Authors: Kubo Jisuke
Published: October 2018

We consider two realistic models for a scale invariant extension of the standard model, which couples with a hidden non-Abelian gauge sector. At energies around TeV, the hidden sector becomes strongly interacting, thereby generating a robust energy scale, which is transferred to the standard model sector, triggering the electroweak symmetry breaking. At a finite temperature, i.e. in the early Universe, the generation of the robust energy scale appears as a strong first-order phase transition. We calculate the gravitational wave background spectrum for both models, which is produced by the first-order phase transition. We compare the results with the experimental sensitivity of LISA and DECIGO and find the gravitational wave signal may be detected at DECIGO.
Rényi entropy of highly entangled spin chains
Authors: Sugino Fumihiko , Korepin Vladimir
Published: October 2018

Entanglement is one of the most intriguing features of quantum theory and a main resource in quantum information science. Ground states of quantum many-body systems with local interactions typically obey an “area law” which means that the entanglement entropy is proportional to the boundary length. It is exceptional when the system is gapless, and the area law had been believed to be violated by at most a logarithm over two decades. Recent discovery of Motzkin and Fredkin spin chain models is striking, since these models provide significant violation of the entanglement beyond the belief, growing as a square root of the volume in spite of local interactions. In this paper, we first analytically compute the Rényi entropy of the Motzkin and Fredkin models by careful treatment of asymptotic analysis. The Rényi entropy is an important quantity, since the whole spectrum of an entangled subsystem is reconstructed once the Rényi entropy is known as a function of its parameter. We find nonanalytic behavior of the Rényi entropy with respect to the parameter, which is a novel phase transition never seen in any other spin chain studied so far. Interestingly, similar behavior is seen in the Rényi entropy of Rokhsar–Kivelson states in two dimensions.
11p15.4 Microdeletion Associates with Hemihypertrophy
Authors: Puvabanditsin Surasak , Sadiq Mehrin , Jacob Marianne , Jalil Maaz , Cabrera Kenya , Choudry Omer , Mehta Rajeev
Published: October 2018

We report a preterm female infant with intrauterine growth retardation, dysmorphic facies, missing rib, small hands and feet, and hemihypertrophy. The results of whole genome SNP microarray analysis showed approximately 77 Kb interstitial deletion of the short arm of chromosome 11 (11p15.4). We report novel clinical findings of this rare genetic condition.
Assessment of Pharmaceuticals, Personal Care Products, and Hormones in Wastewater Treatment Plants Receiving Inflows from Health Facilities in North West Province, South Africa
Authors: Kanama Kwangu M. , Daso Adegbenro P. , Mpenyana-Monyatsi Lizzy , Coetzee Marthie A. A.
Published: October 2018

The presence of 17 pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs) belonging to various therapeutic categories was investigated in two hospital wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in North West Province, South Africa. The compounds were extracted from wastewater samples by solid-phase extraction and analysed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The results showed that ofloxacin, chloramphenicol, and bezafibrate were generally below the limit of quantification (LOQ) in the analysed samples. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen were the dominant pharmaceuticals in the influent streams with corresponding concentrations ranging from 21 to 119 μg/L and 0.3 to 63 μg/L, respectively. Both WWTPs were shown to have the capability to remove some of the target PPCPs, including acetaminophen (76-98%), tetracycline (15-93%), ibuprofen (44-99%), and triclocarban (13-98%). The monitoring of the target PPCPs in both influent and effluent samples of the investigated WWTPs revealed that the discharge of inadequately treated effluents could be contributing to the possible increase in the concentrations of these contaminants in the receiving environmental compartments. Further studies must be focused on the broader characterisation of these matrices in order to assess the potential ecological impacts of this waste disposal practice.
The U-Shaped Association between Bilirubin and Diabetic Retinopathy Risk: A Five-Year Cohort Based on 5323 Male Diabetic Patients
Authors: Liu Miao , Wang Jianhua , He Yao
Published: October 2018

Aims. This study aimed at assessing the impact of baseline bilirubin (TBiL) on the incidence of diabetic retinopathy (DR) based on a five-year cohort study which consisted of 5323 Chinese male diabetic patients.Methods. A cohort study based on 5323 male diabetic patients was conducted in Beijing, from 2009 to 2013. Both baseline TBiL and follow-up changes were measured. Cox proportional risk model was used to calculate the hazard ratio (HR) of TBiL for DR risk.Results. During the follow-up period, there were 269 new DR cases. The incidence of five-year follow-up was 5.1% (95% CI: 4.5%~5.6%). The TBiL level of those who had diabetic retinopathy was lower than that of those without (12.51+ 1.20 mol/L and 13.11+ 1.32μmol/L,P=0.033). And more interestingly, along with the quintiles of baseline TBiL, there showed a U-shaped curve with DR incidence. And the RRs were 0.928 (95% CI: 0.646–1.331), 0.544 (95% CI: 0.365–0.811), 0.913 (95% CI: 0.629–1.324), and 1.035 (95% CI: 0.725–1.479) for the second, third, fourth, and fifth quintiles of baseline TBiL levels, respectively, compared with the first quintile. For follow-up TBiL changes, after being adjusted for related covariables and baseline TBiL levels (as continuous variable) in the model, the RRs for DR were 1.411 (95% CI: 1.081–1.842) for those who had decreased TBiL level and 0.858 (95% CI: 0.770–0.947) for those who had increased TBiL level during follow-up. And this association was more prominent among those with lower baseline TBiL level.Conclusions. Serum TBiL had a U-shaped relationship with DR incidence, which was independent of control status of diabetes and other related covariates.
Patient Preferences and Experiences in Hyperemesis Gravidarum Treatment: A Qualitative Study
Authors: van Vliet Relin , Bink Marieke , Polman Julian , Suntharan Amaran , Grooten Iris , Zwolsman Sandra E. , Roseboom Tessa J. , Painter Rebecca C.
Published: October 2018

Introduction. Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) medical therapies are currently of limited effect, which creates a larger role for patient preferences in the way HG care is arranged. This is the first study using in-depth interviews to investigate patients’ preferences and experiences of HG treatment. Materials and Methods. We conducted individual in-depth interviews among women who had been hospitalized for HG in North Holland at least once in the past 4 years. We asked them about their experiences, preferences, and suggestions for improvement regarding the HG treatment they received. The sample size was determined by reaching data saturation. Themes were identified from analysis of the interview transcripts. Results and Discussion. 13 women were interviewed. Interviewees emphasized the importance of early recognition of the severity of HG, increasing caregivers’ knowledge on HG, early medical intervention, and nasogastric tube feeding. They valued a single room in hospital, discussion of treatment options, more possibilities of home-treatment, psychological support during HG and after childbirth, and more uniform information and policies regarding HG treatment. Conclusion. Further research is needed to establish whether the suggestions can lead to more (cost) effective care and improve the course of HG and outcomes for HG patients and their children.
Euclidean Distance Analysis Enables Nucleotide Skew Analysis in Viral Genomes
Authors: van Hemert Formijn , Jebbink Maarten , van der Ark Andries , Scholer Frits , Berkhout Ben
Published: October 2018

Nucleotide skew analysis is a versatile method to study the nucleotide composition of RNA/DNA molecules, in particular to reveal characteristic sequence signatures. For instance, skew analysis of the nucleotide bias of several viral RNA genomes indicated that it is enriched in the unpaired, single-stranded genome regions, thus creating an even more striking virus-specific signature. The comparison of skew graphs for many virus isolates or families is difficult, time-consuming, and nonquantitative. Here, we present a procedure for a more simple identification of similarities and dissimilarities between nucleotide skew data of coronavirus, flavivirus, picornavirus, and HIV-1 RNA genomes. Window and step sizes were normalized to correct for differences in length of the viral genome. Cumulative skew data are converted into pairwise Euclidean distance matrices, which can be presented as neighbor-joining trees. We present skew value trees for the four virus families and show that closely related viruses are placed in small clusters. Importantly, the skew value trees are similar to the trees constructed by a “classical” model of evolutionary nucleotide substitution. Thus, we conclude that the simple calculation of Euclidean distances between nucleotide skew data allows an easy and quantitative comparison of characteristic sequence signatures of virus genomes. These results indicate that the Euclidean distance analysis of nucleotide skew data forms a nice addition to the virology toolbox.
Assessments of GMI-Derived Precipitable Water Vapor Products over the South and East China Seas Using Radiosonde and GNSS
Authors: Chen Biyan , Dai Wujiao , Liu Zhizhao , Wu Lixin , Xia Pengfei
Published: October 2018

Satellite remote sensing of the atmospheric water vapor distribution over the oceans is essential for both weather and climate studies. Satellite onboard microwave radiometer is capable of measuring the water vapor over the oceans under all weather conditions. This study assessed the accuracies of precipitable water vapor (PWV) products over the south and east China seas derived from the Global Precipitation Measurement Microwave Imager (GMI), using radiosonde and GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) located at islands and coasts as truth. PWV measurements from 14 radiosonde and 5 GNSS stations over the period of 2014–2017 were included in the assessments. Results show that the GMI 3-day composites have an accuracy of better than 5 mm. A further evaluation shows that RMS (root mean square) errors of the GMI 3-day composites vary greatly in the range of 3∼14 mm at different radiosonde/GNSS sites. GMI 3-day composites show very good agreements with radiosonde and GNSS measured PWVs with correlation coefficients of 0.896 and 0.970, respectively. The application of GMI products demonstrates that it is possible to reveal the weather front, moisture advection, transportation, and convergence during the Meiyu rainfall. This work indicates that the GMI PWV products can contribute to various studies such as climate change, hydrologic cycle, and weather forecasting.
Weighing In on mTOR Complex 2 Signaling: The Expanding Role in Cell Metabolism
Authors: Luo Yongting , Xu Wenyi , Li Guannan , Cui Wei
Published: October 2018

In all eukaryotes, the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling emerges as a master regulator of homeostasis, which integrates environmental inputs, including nutrients, energy, and growth factors, to regulate many fundamental cellular processes such as cell growth and metabolism. mTOR signaling functions through two structurally and functionally distinct complexes, mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) and mTOR complex 2 (mTORC2), which correspond to two major branches of signal output. While mTORC1 is well characterized for its structure, regulation, and function in the last decade, information of mTORC2 signaling is only rapidly expanding in recent years, from structural biology, signaling network, to functional impact. Here we review the recent advances in many aspects of the mTORC2 signaling, with particular focus on its involvement in the control of cell metabolism and its physiological implications in metabolic diseases and aging.
Survey of Scientific Programming Techniques for the Management of Data-Intensive Engineering Environments
Authors: Álvarez-Rodríguez Jose María , Alor-Hernández Giner , Mejía-Miranda Jezreel
Published: October 2018

The present paper introduces and reviews existing technology and research works in the field of scientific programming methods and techniques in data-intensive engineering environments. More specifically, this survey aims to collect those relevant approaches that have faced the challenge of delivering more advanced and intelligent methods taking advantage of the existing large datasets. Although existing tools and techniques have demonstrated their ability to manage complex engineering processes for the development and operation of safety-critical systems, there is an emerging need to know how existing computational science methods will behave to manage large amounts of data. That is why, authors review both existing open issues in the context of engineering with special focus on scientific programming techniques and hybrid approaches. 1193 journal papers have been found as the representative in these areas screening 935 to finally make a full review of 122. Afterwards, a comprehensive mapping between techniques and engineering and nonengineering domains has been conducted to classify and perform a meta-analysis of the current state of the art. As the main result of this work, a set of 10 challenges for future data-intensive engineering environments have been outlined.
Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes Reduce A1 Astrocytes via Downregulation of Phosphorylated NFκB P65 Subunit in Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Wang Lin , Pei Shuang , Han Linlin , Guo Bin , Li Yanfei , Duan Ranran , Yao Yaobing , Xue Bohan , Chen Xuemei , Jia Yanjie
Published: October 2018

Background/Aims: Neurotoxic A1 astrocytes are induced by inflammation after spinal cord injury (SCI), and the inflammation-related Nuclear Factor Kappa B (NFκB) pathway may be related to A1-astrocyte activation. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation is a promising therapy for SCI, where transplanted MSCs exhibit anti-inflammatory effects by downregulating proinflammatory factors, such as Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)-α and NFκB. MSC-exosomes (MSC-exo) reportedly mimic the beneficial effects of MSCs. Therefore, in this study, we investigated whether MSCs and MSC-exo exert inhibitory effects on A1 astrocytes and are beneficial for recovery after SCI. Methods: The effects of MSC and MSC-exo on SCIinduced A1 astrocytes, and the potential mechanisms were investigated in vitro and in vivo using immunofluorescence and western blot. In addition, we assessed the histopathology, levels of proinflammatory cytokines and locomotor function to verify the effects of MSC and MSC-exo on SCI rats. Results: MSC or MSC-exo co-culture reduced the proportion of SCIinduced A1 astrocytes. Intravenously-injected MSC or MSC-exo after SCI significantly reduced the proportion of A1 astrocytes, the percentage of p65 positive nuclei in astrocytes, and the percentage of TUNEL-positive cells in the ventral horn. Additionally, we observed decreased lesion area and expression of TNFα, Interleukin (IL)-1α and IL-1β, elevated expression of Myelin Basic Protein (MBP), Synaptophysin (Syn) and Neuronal Nuclei (NeuN), and improved Basso, Beattie & Bresnahan (BBB) scores and inclined-plane-test angle. In vitro assay showed that MSC and MSC-exo reduced SCI-induced A1 astrocytes, probably via inhibiting the nuclear translocation of the NFκB p65. Conclusion: MSC and MSC-exo reduce SCI-induced A1 astrocytes, probably via inhibiting nuclear translocation of NFκB p65, and exert antiinflammatory and neuroprotective effects following SCI, with the therapeutic effect of MSCexo comparable with that of MSCs when applied intravenously.
Os conceitos kantianos e a música
Authors: Justi Vicente de Paulo
Published: October 2018

No presente artigo discutimos os conceitos kantianos apresentados na Terceira Crítica como sensação, sentimento, comoção, afeto, prazer, forma, conformidade a fins, intuição, juízos e reflexão. O objetivo principal é verificar se estes conceitos, tal como apresentados por Kant, podem ainda contribuir para a nossa compreensão do fenômeno musical.
A difusão da tablatura para teclados e o exercício cortesão da arte da música no Renascimento
Authors: Porto Delphim Rezende
Published: October 2018

O presente artigo pretende examinar a produção de livros de partituras, manuais e tratados de música impressos ao longo do Renascimento, especialmente na Itália, na perspectiva do seu público leitor. Assunto celebrado por diversos e relevantes autores humanistas, a música goza naquela cultura de um múltiplo entendimento e finalidade. Seu exercício cortesão e profissional bem como seus respectivos meios e justificativas são analisados a partir das referidas edições – das quais se destacam as de musica prattica em partitura e tablatura. É relevante para tal empresa o conhecimento tanto do aparato retórico que as acompanha quanto do decoro das mesmas em função do seu estatuto liberal – ou não – e tais questões são o objeto da seguinte discussão.
A percepção do timbre em Farben Op. 16 n. 3 de Schoenberg: uma abordagem estética e psicoacústica
Authors: Rossetti Danilo
Published: October 2018

Farben Op. 16 nº3 é uma obra em que Arnold Schoenberg implementa seu modelo de melodia de timbres (Klangfarbenmelodie), modelo este que talvez nunca tenha sido repetido da mesma maneira em suas demais obras. Neste artigo investigamos os processos de composição e percepção do timbre nesta obra. Como referencial teórico abordamos a busca estética do compositor por uma relação entre cores e sons, fundamentada nas ideias Goethe (1840) e Helmholtz (1924, 1954). Baseamo-nos também em teorias sobre a percepção da altura por fusão de parciais e sobre a fusão de diferentes timbres por jitter. Sobre Farbenrealizamos uma análise da partitura baseada principalmente em trabalhos prévios de Förtig (1969) e Burkhart (1972). A seguir partimos para uma investigação psicoacústica da percepção do timbre, para tanto aplicamos ao áudio da obra os descritores croma, centroide, sharpness, loudness e inarmonicidade (através do programa Sonic Visualizer), os quais nos forneceram dados para realizar interpretações individuais destes parâmetros, bem como nos permitindo estabelecer relações entre eles.
Entrevista com Roberto Menescal
Authors: Ripke Juliana
Published: October 2018

Transcrição da entrevista realizada com Roberto Menescal no dia dezenove de setembro de 2017 em São Paulo.
OS LIMITES DA MÚSICA NO RENASCIMENTO SEGUNDO A PRECEPTIVA DE GIOSEFFO ZARLINO (1517-1590)
Authors: Porto Delphim Rezende
Published: October 2018

Esse artigo aborda a preceptiva elaborada por Gioseffo Zarlino, músico e tratadista ativo em Veneza no século XVI, a respeito da extensão e limite do conceito de ‘Música’ difundido literariamente especialmente nas “Instituições Harmônicas” – tratado publicado pelo autor entre 1558 e 1589. Encomiada pela perfeição alcançada em seu tempo, enquanto Arte e Ciência, a Música representa ali mais que o exercício dos sons, mas uma série de conhecimentos extrínsecos ao senso hodierno ligado quase que exclusivamente à performance. Coligindo e traduzindo as mais relevantes passagens referentes ao assunto, pretendemos oferecer um panorama epistemológico das chamadas “Divisões da Música”, que são os fundamentos genéticos da produção musical no Renascimento.
Long‐Term Time‐Varying Risk of Readmission After Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Khot Umesh N. , Johnson Michael J. , Wiggins Newton B. , Lowry Ashley M. , Rajeswaran Jeevanantham , Kapadia Samir , Menon Venu , Ellis Stephen G. , Goepfarth Pamela , Blackstone Eugene H.
Published: October 2018

Background

Readmission after myocardial infarction (
MI
) is a publicly reported quality metric with hospital reimbursement linked to readmission rates. We describe the timing and pattern of readmission by cause within the first year after
MI
in consecutive patients, regardless of revascularization strategy, payer status, or age.

Methods and Results

We identified patients discharged after an
MI
from April 2008 to June 2012. Readmission within 12 months was the primary end point. Readmissions were classified into 4 groups:
MI
related, other cardiovascular, noncardiovascular, and planned. A total of 3069 patients were discharged after an
MI
(average age, 65±13 years; and 1941 [63%] men). A total of 655 patients (21.3%) were readmitted at least once (897 total readmissions). A total of 147 patients (4.8%) were readmitted ≥2 times, accounting for 389 readmissions (43%). The instantaneous risk of all‐cause readmission was highest (15 readmissions/100 patients per month; 95% confidence interval, 12–19 readmissions/100 patients per month) immediately after discharge, decreased by almost half (8.1 readmissions/100 patients per month; 95% confidence interval, 7.2–9.0 readmissions/100 patients per month) within 15 days, and was substantially lower and relatively constant (1.4 readmissions/100 patients per month; 95% confidence interval, 1.2–1.6 readmissions/100 patients per month) out to 1 year. Cardiovascular causes of readmission were more common early after discharge.

Conclusions

Most patients with MI are never readmitted, whereas a small minority (≈5%) account for nearly half of 1‐year readmissions. The readmission pattern after
MI
is characterized by an early peak (first 15 days) of cardiovascular readmissions, followed by a middle period (months 1–4) of noncardiovascular readmissions, and ending with a low‐risk period (>4 months) during which the risk appears independent of cause.
Association Between a 20‐Year Cardiovascular Disease Risk Score Based on Modifiable Lifestyles and Total and Cause‐Specific Mortality Among US Men and Women
Authors: Sotos‐Prieto Mercedes , Mattei Josiemer , Cook Nancy R. , Hu Frank B. , Willett Walter C. , Chiuve Stephanie E. , Rimm Eric B. , Sesso Howard D.
Published: October 2018

Background

The previously validated Healthy Heart Score effectively predicted the 20‐year risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). We examine whether the Healthy Heart Score may extend to an association with total and cause‐specific mortality.

Methods and results

The prospective cohort study investigated 58 319 women (mean age 50.2 years) in the Nurses’ Health Study (1984–2010) and 29 854 in men (mean age 52.7 years) in the Health Professionals’ Follow‐up Study (1986–2010) free of cancer and CVD at baseline. The Healthy Heart Score included baseline current smoking; high body mass index; low physical activity; no or excessive alcohol intake; low intake of fruits and vegetables, cereal fiber, or nuts; and high intake of sugar‐sweetened beverages or red/processed meats. There were 19 122 total deaths. Compared with participants in the first quintile of the Healthy Heart Score (lowest CVD risk), participants in the fifth quintile (highest CVD risk) had a pooled hazard ratio of 2.26 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.53–3.33) for total mortality; 2.85 (95 % CI, 1.92–4.23) for CVD mortality, and 2.14 (95% CI, 1.56–2.95) for cancer mortality. Participants in the fifth versus the first quintile also had significantly greater risk of death due to coronary heart disease (3.37; 95% CI, 2.16–5.25), stroke (1.75; 95% CI, 1.02–2.99), lung cancer (6.04; 95% CI, 2.78–13.13), breast cancer (1.45; 95% CI, 1.14–1.86), and colon cancer (1.51; 95% CI, 1.18–1.93).

Conclusions

The Healthy Heart Score, composed of 9 self‐reported, modifiable lifestyle predictors of CVD, is a potentially useful tool for the counseling of healthy lifestyles that was strongly associated with greater risk of all‐cause, CVD, and cancer mortality.