bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Achievement motivation in early schizophrenia: Relationship with symptoms, cognition and functional outcome
Authors: Fervaha Gagan , Takeuchi Hiroyoshi , Foussias George , Hahn Margaret K. , Agid Ofer , Remington Gary
Published: February 2017

Background

Individuals with schizophrenia engage in goal‐directed activities significantly less often compared to healthy individuals in the community. There is ample evidence documenting the presence of motivational deficits in schizophrenia using observer‐based ratings; however, purely self‐reported accounts of patients’ motivation are less well understood. This study examined subjective accounts of trait achievement motivation among relatively young, clinically stable, early‐course outpatients with schizophrenia.

Methods

Thirty‐nine early‐course patients and 39 healthy comparison subjects completed clinical and cognitive assessments in addition to a self‐report inventory measuring achievement motivation.

Results

Patients were found to endorse significantly lower levels of motivation, a mean difference which translated to a large effect size (Cohen's d = 1.1). Patients’ self‐reported motivation was significantly related to clinician ratings of motivational deficits which were based on behavioural output, and to vocational functioning. Within the patient sample, 33.3% of individuals were found to experience prominent or clinically significant levels of amotivation based on patients’ own self‐report. Self‐reported achievement motivation was not associated with other clinical variables such as positive symptom severity or expressive negative symptoms.

Conclusions

Our results serve to highlight the occurrence and prevalence of motivational deficits in patients with schizophrenia who are in the early stages of their illness. Subjective accounts of motivation in this population were found to be related to important outcomes such as community functioning, highlighting the importance of this domain of illness. Targeting these deficits early in the course of the illness offers the potential to curb potential prospective poor outcomes and sets the stage for recovery.
Emergency department utilization by haemophilia patients in United States
Authors: Zakieh A. , Siddiqui A. H.
Published: February 2017

Introduction

Patients with haemophilia are prone to medical emergencies. Emergency departments (ED) often do not have a haematologist on‐call for consultation.

Aim

The aim of this study was to determine the utilization of ED by patients with haemophilia.

Methods

Retrospective review of the ‘National ED Database Sample’ for years 2006–2013 was performed. Patient and hospital demographics were collected. Hospital charges were projected to national levels using discharge‐weighted variables.

Results

During the 8‐year study period, haemophilia patients made 162 982 ED visits. This represents 0.016% of total ED visits nationwide. Children utilized ED the most. More than half of patients resided in metropolitan cities; 20% had over $63 000 annual household income. Government insurances were the largest primary payers; 30% had private insurance. In the year 2012, 4488 ED visits with 21 000 diagnoses codes were recorded. Mean age was 29 years. Cardiovascular were the most frequently reported complaints followed by injuries, haemorrhages and sepsis. Seventy percent patients were treated and released from the ED. Two patients died in ED, whereas 35 after admission to hospital. Cause of death included Sepsis (n = 26) and brain haemorrhage (n = 4). Among children, injuries were the most frequent complaints followed by joint/soft tissue disorders; fevers and central line complications. Average charge per visit at private vs. public hospital was $2988 and $2254 respectively (P = 0.03). National estimate of total charges was $60 million.

Conclusion

Patients with haemophilia have tendency to utilize ED. Hypertension was the single most common presenting complaint in adults. No deaths were reported in children from brain haemorrhage.
Evaluating the effectiveness of RNA in‐situ hybridization for detecting lung adenocarcinoma with anaplastic lymphoma kinase rearrangement
Authors: Nakajima Naoki , Yoshizawa Akihiko , Kondo Kyoko , Rokutan‐Kurata Mariyo , Hirata Masahiro , Furuhata Ayako , Sumiyoshi Shinji , Sonobe Makoto , Menju Toshi , Momose Masanobu , Fujimoto Masakazu , Date Hiroshi , Haga Hironori
Published: February 2017

Aims

An easy and rapid assay for detecting mRNA in formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded samples [RNA in‐situ hybridization (ISH)] has been reported recently. The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of RNA ISH in detecting lung adenocarcinoma (LA) with anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene rearrangement.

Methods and results

We tested ALK RNA ISH on 11 resected LAs for which ALK fusion was confirmed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and/or fluorescence in‐situ hybridization (FISH). ALK mRNA expression was detected by RNA ISH in all 11 ALK‐positive LAs, with a mean positive cell proportion of 68.4% (median, 75.3%; range, 3–98.8%), by counting 100 tumour cells at 10 different loci; RNA ISH did not detect ALK mRNA expression in the normal surrounding lung cells. Next, we explored the concordance between ALK RNA ISH and IHC/FISH tests by using tissue microarrays (TMAs) containing 294 LAs. In the TMA slides, we found five ALK‐positive cases with IHC and/or FISH. The mean proportion of ALK RNA ISH‐positive cells in these five cases was 75.6% (median, 82%; range, 40–94%), whereas the proportion of ALK RNA ISH‐positive cells in the remaining 289 cases was 0.3% (median 0%; range, 0–15%). When the cutoff value was set at 15%, ALK RNA ISH‐positive and ALK RNA ISH‐negative cases were distinguishable with 100% sensitivity and specificity relative to the IHC/FISH tests.

Conclusions

Our findings show that RNA ISH is useful for detecting ALK rearrangement with high sensitivity and specificity relative to conventional IHC/FISH tests. Thus, RNA ISH, which is an easy and rapid assay, could be an alternative method to IHC and FISH.
Timescale of magma chamber processes revealed by U–Pb ages, trace element contents and morphology of zircons from the Ishizuchi caldera, Southwest Japan Arc
Authors: Takehara Mami , Horie Kenji , Tani Kenichiro , Yoshida Takeyoshi , Hokada Tomokazu , Kiyokawa Shoichi
Published: February 2017

U–Pb geochronology and trace element chemistry of zircons in a microscale analysis were applied to the Ishizuchi caldera in the Outer Zone of Southwest Japan in order to estimate the timescale of the magma process, in particular, the magma differentiation. This caldera is composed mainly of ring fault complexes, major pyroclastic flow deposits, and felsic intrusion including central plutons. Using SHRIMP‐IIe, our new U–Pb zircon ages obtained from the major pyroclastic flow deposits (Tengudake pyroclastic flow deposits), granitic rocks from central plutons (Soushikei granodiorite and Teppoishigawa quartz monzonite), and rhyolite from the outer ring dike (Tenchuseki rhyolite) and the inner ring dike (Bansyodani rhyolite) are 14.80 ±0.11 Ma, 14.56 ±0.10 Ma, 14.53 ±0.12 Ma, 14.55 ±0.11 Ma and 14.21 ±0.19 Ma, respectively. Based on the U–Pb ages, the Hf contents and the REE patterns of the zircons, three stages are recognized in the evolutionary history of the magma chamber beneath the Ishizuchi caldera: (i) climactic Tengudake pyroclastic flow eruption; (ii) Tenchuseki rhyolite intrusion into the outer ring dike and central pluton intrusion; and (iii) Bansyodani rhyolite intrusion in the inner ring dike. These results indicate a magma evolution history of the Ishizuchi caldera system which took at least ca 600 kyr from the climatic caldera‐forming eruption to the post‐caldera intrusions. Our new geochronological data suggest that the Ishizuchi caldera formed as part of the voluminous and episodic magmatism that occurred in the wide zone along the Miocene forearc basin of Southwest Japan during the inception of the young Philippine Sea Plate subduction.
Audit of anticholinergic medication changes in older hospitalised patients using the Anticholinergic Drug Scale
Authors: Lee Michele S. S. , Hanger Hugh C.
Published: February 2017

Background/Aim

In patients discharged from an Older Person's Health hospital, we assessed (i) the prevalence of anticholinergic medications (ACM) in this study population and (ii) changes in anticholinergic drug burden during admission using the Anticholinergic Drug Scale (ADS).

Methods

Cases were identified between September 2010 and January 2011 using discharge coding data. Clinical notes were reviewed to determine which regular oral medications were commenced, altered or ceased during admission with their respective ADS level. The anticholinergic drug burden was measured using the total ADS score for each patient on presentation and at discharge. The difference in these two values was defined as the overall change in ADS.

Results

There was a total of 224 cases. Median age was 83 years (interquartile range 78–87). Median total number of medications per patient on both admission and discharge was 6. Most (168/224, 75%) patients were discharged on ACM, including 25% (56/224) with a high total ADS score. The medications most commonly commenced and ceased were laxatives and diuretics respectively. These medications had ADS level 0–1. There was no significant change in ADS score between admission and discharge (P = 0.50).

Conclusion

The total number of medications prescribed and the overall anticholinergic drug burden did not change significantly despite geriatric assessment.
Prevalence of nursing diagnoses as a measure of nursing complexity in a hospital setting
Authors: D'Agostino Fabio , Sanson Gianfranco , Cocchieri Antonello , Vellone Ercole , Welton John , Maurici Massimo , Alvaro Rosaria , Zega Maurizio
Published: February 2017

Aims

To describe the prevalence of nursing diagnoses on admission among inpatient units and medical diagnoses and to analyse the relationship of nursing diagnoses to patient characteristics and hospital outcomes.

Background

Nursing diagnoses classify patients according to nursing dependency and can be a measure of nursing complexity. Knowledge regarding the prevalence of nursing diagnoses on admission and their relationship with hospital outcomes is lacking.

Design

Prospective observational study.

Methods

Data were collected for 6 months in 2014 in four inpatient units of an Italian hospital using a nursing information system and the hospital discharge register. Nursing diagnoses with prevalence higher or equal to 20% were considered as ‘high frequency.’ Nursing diagnoses with statistically significant relationships with either higher mortality or length of stay were considered as ‘high risk.’ The high‐frequency/high‐risk category of nursing diagnoses was identified.

Results

The sample included 2283 patients. A mean of 4·5 nursing diagnoses per patient was identified; this number showed a statistically significant difference among inpatient units and medical diagnoses. Six nursing diagnoses were classified as high frequency/high risk. Nursing diagnoses were not correlated with patient gender and age. A statistically significant perfect linear association (Spearman's correlation coefficient) was observed between the number of nursing diagnoses and both the length of stay and the mortality rate.

Conclusion

Nursing complexity, as described by nursing diagnoses, was shown to be associated with length of stay and mortality. These results should be confirmed after considering other variables through multivariate analyses. The concept of high‐frequency/high‐risk nursing diagnoses should be expanded in further studies.
Reproductive strategy as a piece of the biogeographic puzzle: a case study using Antarctic sea stars (Echinodermata, Asteroidea)
Authors: Moreau Camille , Saucède Thomas , Jossart Quentin , Agüera Antonio , Brayard Arnaud , Danis Bruno
Published: February 2017

Aim

To describe and analyse asteroid biogeographic patterns in the Southern Ocean (SO) and test whether reproductive strategy (brooder versus broadcaster) can explain distribution patterns at the scale of the entire class. We hypothesize that brooding and broadcasting species display different biogeographic patterns.

Location

Southern Ocean, south of 45 °S.

Methods

Over 14,000 asteroid occurrences are analysed using bootstrapped spanning network (BSN), non‐metrical multidimensional scaling (nMDS) and clustering to uncover the spatial structure of faunal similarities among 25 bioregions.

Results

Main biogeographic patterns are congruent with previous works based on other taxa and highlight the isolation of New Zealand, the high richness in the Scotia Arc area particularly of brooding species, an East/West Antarctic differentiation, and the faunal affinities between South America and sub‐Antarctic Islands. Asteroids show lower endemism levels than previously reported with 29% of species occurring in Antarctica only. In particular, asteroids from Tierra del Fuego showed affinities with those of West Antarctica at the species level, suggesting a recent mixing of assemblages. Biogeographic patterns are highly linked to reproductive strategy. Patterns also differ according to the taxonomic level, revealing the underlying role of historical factors.

Main conclusions

Patterns of sea star biogeography are consistent with results obtained for other marine groups and are strongly linked to reproductive strategy.
Adolescent daytime sleepiness as a risk factor for adult crime
Authors: Raine Adrian , Venables Peter H.
Published: February 2017

Background

While recent cross‐sectional research has documented a relationship between sleep problems and antisocial behavior, the longitudinal nature of this relationship is unknown. This study tests both the hypothesis that adolescent daytime sleepiness is associated with later adult criminal offending, and also tests a biopsychosocial mediation model in which social adversity predisposes to sleepiness, which in turn predisposes to attentional impairment, and to adult crime.

Methods

Schoolboys aged 15 years rated themselves on self‐report sleepiness. Age 15 antisocial behavior was assessed by teacher ratings and self‐reports, while convictions for crime were assessed at age 29. Attentional capacity at age 15 was assessed by autonomic orienting, with arousal assessed by the electroencephalogram (EEG).

Results

Sleepy adolescents were more likely to be antisocial during adolescence, and were 4.5 times more likely to commit crime by age 29. The sleepiness–adult crime relationship withstood control for adolescent antisocial behavior. Self‐report sleepiness predicted to adult crime over and above objective measures of daytime sleepiness (EEG theta activity) and age 15 antisocial behavior. Poor daytime attention partly mediated the sleep–crime relationship. Mediation analyses also showed that social adversity predisposed to daytime sleepiness which was associated with reduced attention which in turn predisposed to adult crime.

Conclusions

Findings are the first to document a longitudinal association between sleepiness in adolescence and crime in adulthood. The longitudinal nature of this relationship, controlling for age 15 antisocial behavior, is consistent with the hypothesis that adolescent sleepiness predisposes to later antisociality. Findings are also consistent with the notion that the well‐established link between social adversity and adult crime is partly explained by sleepiness. Results suggest that a very brief and simple assessment of subjective daytime sleepiness may have prognostic clinical value, and that interventions to reduced sleepiness could be a useful avenue for future crime prevention.
Transient receptor potential vanilloid 5 (TRPV5), a highly Ca2+‐selective TRP channel in the rat brain: relevance to neuroendocrine regulation
Authors: Kumar S. , Singh U. , Goswami C. , Singru P. S.
Published: February 2017

Recent studies suggest an important role for transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV) ion channels in neural and neuroendocrine regulation. The TRPV subfamily consists of six members: TRPV1‐6. While the neuroanatomical and functional correlates of TRPV1‐4 have been studied extensively, relevant information about TRPV5 and TRPV6, which are highly selective for Ca2+, is limited. We detected TRPV5 mRNA expression in the olfactory bulb, cortex, hypothalamus, hippocampus, midbrain, brainstem and cerebellum of the rat. TRPV5‐immunoreactive neurones were conspicuously seen in the hypothalamic paraventricular (PVN), supraoptic (SON), accessory neurosecretory (ANS), supraoptic nucleus, retrochiasmatic part (SOR), arcuate (ARC) and medial tuberal nuclei, hippocampus, midbrain, brainstem and cerebellum. Glial cells also showed TRPV5‐immunoreactivity. To test the neuroendocrine relevance of TRPV5, we focused on vasopressin, oxytocin and cocaine‐ and amphetamine‐regulated transcript (CART) as representative candidate markers with which TRPV5 may co‐exist. In the hypothalamic neurones, co‐expression of TRPV5 was observed with vasopressin (PVN: 50.73±3.82%; SON: 75.91±2.34%; ANS: 49.12±4.28%; SOR: 100%) and oxytocin (PVN: 6.88±1.21; SON: 63.34±5.69%; ANS: 20.4±4.14; SOR: 86.5±1.74%). While ARC neurones express oestrogen receptors, 17β‐oestradiol regulates TRPV5, as well as CART neurones and astrocytes, in the ARC. Furthermore, ARC CART neurones are known to project to the preoptic area, and innervate and regulate GnRH neurones. Using double‐immunofluorescence, glial fibrillary acidic protein‐labelled astrocytes and the majority of CART neurones in the ARC showed TRPV5‐immunoreactivity. Following iontophoresis of retrograde neuronal tracer, cholera toxin β (CtB) into the anteroventral periventricular nucleus and median preoptic nucleus, retrograde accumulation of CtB was observed in most TRPV5‐equipped ARC CART neurones. Next, we determined the response of TRPV5‐elements in the ARC during the oestrous cycle. Compared to pro‐oestrus, a significant increase (P<.001) in the percentage of TRPV5‐expressing CART neurones was observed during oestrus, metoestrus, and dioestrus. TRPV5‐immunoreactivity in the astrocytes, however, showed a significant increase during metoestrus and dioestrus. We suggest that the TRPV5 ion channel may serve as an important regulator of neural and neuroendocrine pathways in the brain.
User participation is a family matter: A multiple case study of the experiences of older, hospitalised people and their relatives
Authors: Nyborg Ingrid , Danbolt Lars J , Kirkevold Marit
Published: February 2017

Aims and objectives

The purpose of this multiple case study was to compare and contrast older people's and their relatives’ experiences of participation in decision‐making processes regarding the planning of everyday life after discharge from hospital.

Background

Internationally, patient involvement in health services is established to benefit patient health and to improve quality of the services. The literature shows that at hospital discharge, older people would benefit from better communication and more active participation of relatives in the discharge planning. Little research has been carried out on the experiences of patients and relatives as a family in this context, and even less has investigated their participation.

Design

This study used a qualitative design with a comparative multicase approach. Participants were recruited from two hospitals in Norway using a purposive sampling strategy.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with five patients and with six of their relatives.

Results

Three patterns of experiences were identified: contradicting experiences; consistent experiences of nonpreferred participation; similar, but separate experiences of user participation.

Conclusions

User participation in the planning of everyday life following discharge appeared to be random and limited for both patients and their relatives, and conflicting for the families as a whole. The decision‐making processes seemed to be limited to the hospital context and did not include the broader context of everyday life following discharge.

Relevance to clinical practice

The results underscore the importance of taking a family perspective when caring for older people. Family meetings might be a useful tool to ensure systematic assessment and integration of the perspectives of both older people and their family in the planning of follow‐up care.
The lived experience of recovery during the first 6 months after colorectal cancer surgery
Authors: Jakobsson Jenny , Idvall Ewa , Kumlien Christine
Published: February 2017

Aims and objectives

To describe the lived experience of recovery during the first 6 months after colorectal cancer surgery.

Background

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosis worldwide. Early discharge places demands on healthcare professionals to prepare patients for their return home and to provide them with appropriate support throughout the recovery process. This requires knowledge of what it is like to recover from colorectal cancer surgery.

Design

A qualitative phenomenological design was used to describe the structure of recovery after colorectal cancer surgery.

Methods

Ten patients recovering from colorectal cancer surgery were interviewed at one month and six months after surgery. The descriptive phenomenological method by Giorgi was used throughout the study.

Results

Postoperative recovery was described as a progressive process. This process was accompanied by experiences of physical powerlessness, difficulties with food intake, altered bowel function and dependency on others. The experiences were most intense at the beginning of the recovery but disappeared as time went by and normality in life returned.

Conclusion

While recovering from colorectal cancer surgery, patients experience obstacles that impede their ability to live life as normal. Six months after surgery, those experiences disappear or become adjusted to being part of normal life.

Relevance to clinical practice

Patients should be provided with information about the expected postoperative recovery before discharge from hospital. The need for professional support appears to be most frequently needed in early recovery, but it should be considered on an individual basis.
Comment on JIM‐16‐0640.R1. ‘Mortality from aortic stenosis – prospective study of serum calcium and phosphate’ by D. Wald
Authors: Lind L.
Published: February 2017

Click here to view the Original Article by D.S. Wald et al.
Consequence‐based communication about adolescent romantic experience between parents and adolescents: A qualitative study underpinned by social constructionism
Authors: Liu Ting , Fuller Jeffrey , Hutton Alison , Grant Julian
Published: February 2017

Chinese adolescents are increasingly engaging in romantic experiences and high‐risk sexual behaviors within a rapidly‐changing cultural and socio‐economic context. Parental communication about sexuality has been recognized as protective for adolescents to make informed decisions about sexual practice. In this study, we explored what was discussed about adolescent romantic experience between parents and adolescents in China. Twenty‐seven parents and 38 adolescents from a northern–eastern city of China were interviewed. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and thematically analyzed using a social constructionism framework. Four themes were identified: (i) detriments of romantic experience to education and future prospect; (ii) health and sociocultural risks of romantic and sexual engagement; (iii) ways of handling romantic experience; and (iv) marriage and family building. The messages were mainly prohibitive and consequence oriented in nature, and lacked specific romantic and sexual information. These messages reflected sociocultural beliefs in education, sexuality, marriage, and family in China, but did not meet the needs of current adolescents. External support from health professionals, such as nurses, is important for parents and adolescents to improve their sexual knowledge and communication skills.
Human capital gaps in vaccine development: an issue for global vaccine development and global health
Authors: Cawein Andrea , Emini Emilio , Watson Michael , Dailey Joanna , Donnelly John , Tresnan Dina , Evans Tom , Plotkin Stanley , Gruber William
Published: February 2017

Despite the success of vaccines in reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with infectious diseases, many infectious diseases, both newly emerging and well known, lack vaccines. The global capability for beginning‐to‐end vaccine development has become limited, primarily owing to a scarcity of human capital necessary to guide the development of novel vaccines from the laboratory to the marketplace. Here, we identify and discuss the gaps in human capital necessary for robust vaccine development and make recommendations to begin to address these deficiencies.
Allergen sensitization affected the change trend of prevalence of symptoms of rhinitis coexisting with wheeze among adolescents in Guangzhou City from 1994 to 2009
Authors: Chen Yan , Wang Hongyu , Wong Gary W. K. , Zhong Nanshan , Li Jing
Published: February 2017

Background

Few studies have assessed the time trends of prevalence of symptoms of rhinitis (SR) with wheezing and their associations in Chinese adolescents.

Objective

To explore the trend of prevalence of SR with wheezing and allergen sensitization in adolescents during the past 15 years.

Methods

A total of 6928 adolescents aged 13–14 years in 2009 were recruited for the study using the Phase III Protocol of the International Study of Asthma and Allergic disease in Childhood (ISAAC) and allergic sensitization to seven inhalant allergens in 2531 was assessed by skin prick test in 2010. The results were compared to those obtained in the Phase I (1994/95) and III (2001/02) ISAAC studies.

Results

The prevalence of ‘SR ever’ and ‘current symptoms of rhino‐conjunctivitis’ increased from 46.3% and 8.7% in 1994 to 53.2% and 11.1% in 2001 (p < 0.001), respectively, and remained stable at 52.6% and 10.4% in 2009 (p > 0.05). The prevalence of ‘SR ever and wheeze ever’ and ‘SR ever and current wheeze’ increased from 6.2% and 3.4% in 1994 to 8.6% and 4.8% in 2001 (p < 0.001) to 10.9% and 5.9% in 2009 (p < 0.05). The sensitization rate to common inhaled allergens was higher in 2010 than in 2002 (p < 0.001). Sensitization to house dust mites (HDMs) was associated with increases in the prevalence of SR (OR, 2.06–2.86), especially with coexistence of wheeze (OR, 6.07–7.43).

Conclusion

The prevalence of symptoms of rhinitis and coexistence with wheezing has increased significantly since 1994. Sensitization to HDMs is the main risk factor associated with this increase.
A Multivariate Space–Time Model for Analysing County Level Heart Disease Death Rates by Race and Sex
Authors: Quick Harrison , Waller Lance A. , Casper Michele
Published: February 2017

Although death rates from heart disease have declined sharply over the past 50 years, the rate of decline varies by location, race and sex. Despite these declines, heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death in the USA. We propose a non-separable multivariate spatiotemporal Bayesian model to obtain a clearer picture of the temporally varying trends in county level heart disease death rates for men and women of different races in the USA. After verifying the effectiveness of our model via simulation, we apply our model to a data set of over 230000 county level heart disease death rates.
Accurate measurement of transgene copy number in crop plants using droplet digital PCR
Authors: Collier Ray , Dasgupta Kasturi , Xing Yan‐Ping , Hernandez Bryan Tarape , Shao Min , Rohozinski Dominica , Kovak Emma , Lin Jeanie , de Oliveira Maria Luiza P. , Stover Ed , McCue Kent F. , Harmon Frank G. , Blechl Ann , Thomson James G. , Thilmony Roger
Published: February 2017

Genetic transformation is a powerful means for the improvement of crop plants, but requires labor‐ and resource‐intensive methods. An efficient method for identifying single‐copy transgene insertion events from a population of independent transgenic lines is desirable. Currently, transgene copy number is estimated by either Southern blot hybridization analyses or quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) experiments. Southern hybridization is a convincing and reliable method, but it also is expensive, time‐consuming and often requires a large amount of genomic DNA and radioactively labeled probes. Alternatively, qPCR requires less DNA and is potentially simpler to perform, but its results can lack the accuracy and precision needed to confidently distinguish between one‐ and two‐copy events in transgenic plants with large genomes. To address this need, we developed a droplet digital PCR‐based method for transgene copy number measurement in an array of crops: rice, citrus, potato, maize, tomato and wheat. The method utilizes specific primers to amplify target transgenes, and endogenous reference genes in a single duplexed reaction containing thousands of droplets. Endpoint amplicon production in the droplets is detected and quantified using sequence‐specific fluorescently labeled probes. The results demonstrate that this approach can generate confident copy number measurements in independent transgenic lines in these crop species. This method and the compendium of probes and primers will be a useful resource for the plant research community, enabling the simple and accurate determination of transgene copy number in these six important crop species.
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Young James
Published: February 2017

International Journal of Social Science Studies (IJSSS) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether IJSSS publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue.Reviewers for Volume 5, Number 3 Agboola O. Paul, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, MalaysiaAnastasia Panagakos, Cosumnes River College, USAEmanuele Achino, C. D. T. O., ItalyHenry Poduthas, West Texas A&M University, USAJianquan Cheng, Manchester Metropolitan University, UKJosé María Fernandez-Crehuet, Universidad Politecnica de Madrid, SpainJulia M. Mack, Gannon University, USAK.O. Aramide, The Polytechnic Ibadan, NigeriaKatja Eman, Univerza v Mariboru, SloveniaLaura Diaconu Maxim, "Alexandru Ioan Cuza University" of Iasi, RomaniaPriyono, Economics Faculty Universities, IndonesiaRachita Shrivastava Roy, Department of Higher Education, Chhatisgarh-India, IndiaRasa Poceviciene, Siauliai University, LithuaniaSandro Serpa, University of the Azores, PortugalSerkan Cicek, Mugla Sitki Kocman University, TurkeySharif Alghazo, University of Jordan, JordanSudershan Pasupuleti, The University of Texas, USAZafer İbrahimoglu, Marmara University Faculty of Education, Turkey   James YoungEditorial AssistantOn behalf of,The Editorial Board of International Journal of Social Science StudiesRedfame Publishing9450 SW Gemini Dr. #99416Beaverton, OR 97008, USAURL: http://ijsss.redfame.com
Non‐coding RNAs in cardiac hypertrophy
Authors: Ottaviani Lara , da Costa Martins Paula A.
Published: February 2017

Heart failure is one of the largest contributors to disease burden and healthcare outflow in the Western world. Despite significant progress in the treatment of heart failure, disease prognosis remains very poor, with the only curative therapy still being heart transplantation. To counteract the current situation, efforts have been made to better understand the underlying molecular pathways in the progression of cardiac disease towards heart failure, and to link the disease to novel therapeutic targets such as non‐coding RNAs. The non‐coding part of the genome has gained prominence over the last couple of decades, opening a completely new research field and establishing different non‐coding RNAs species as fundamental regulators of cellular functions. Not surprisingly, their dysregulation is increasingly being linked to pathology, including to cardiac disease. Pre‐clinically, non‐coding RNAs have been shown to be of great value as therapeutic targets in pathological cardiac remodelling and also as diagnostic/prognostic biomarkers for heart failure. Therefore, it is to be expected that non‐coding RNA‐based therapeutic strategies will reach the bedside in the future and provide new and more efficient treatments for heart failure. Here, we review recent discoveries linking the function and molecular interactions of non‐coding RNAs with the pathophysiology of cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure.

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Exercise is Medicine for the Aging Brain
Authors: Liu-Ambrose Teresa , Best John R.
Published: February 2017

Cognitive decline is a common feature of aging. Physical activity is a modifiable lifestyle factor that has been identified as positively impacting cognitive health of older adults. Here, we review the current evidence from epidemiological (i.e., longitudinal cohort) and intervention studies on the role of physical activity and exercise in promoting cognitive health in older adults both with and without cognitive impairment. We highlight some of the potential underlying mechanisms and discuss some of the potential modifying factors, including exercise type and target population, by reviewing recent converging behavioral, neuroimaging, and biomarker evidence linking physical activity with cognitive health. We conclude with limitations and future directions for this rapidly expanding line of research.
School Physical Activity: Policy Matters
Authors: Lounsbery Monica A.F.
Published: February 2017

For children, schools play an important role in providing and promoting physical activity, yet growing school pressure to produce academic achievement gains have limited the priority of physical activity producing programs. The Institute of Medicine, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Heart Association, and others have developed recommendations for school physical activity policy and there is growing interest in examining the relationship between existing school physical activity policies, school practices, and physical activity. Given that research on school physical activity policy is in its infancy, my goal in writing this paper is to introduce readers to key aspects of school physical activity policy while simultaneously outlining existing research efforts and highlighting the many critical research gaps that still exist. I conclude the paper by linking policy to advocacy and outlining considerations for formulating effective advocacy efforts while emphasizing the need for advocacy research.
Fragmentation of wall rock garnets during deep crustal earthquakes
Authors: Austrheim Håkon , Dunkel Kristina G. , Plümper Oliver , Ildefonse Benoit , Liu Yang , Jamtveit Bjørn
Published: February 2017

Deep crustal earthquakes cause fragmentation of wall rocks.
Response to Comments on “Ducklings imprint on the relational concept of ‘same or different’”
Authors: Martinho Antone , Kacelnik Alex
Published: February 2017

Two Comments by Hupé and by Langbein and Puppe address our choice of statistical analysis in assigning preference between sets of stimuli to individual ducklings in our paper. We believe that our analysis remains the most appropriate approach for our data and experimental design.
Thomas Crombie Schelling (1921–2016)
Authors: Zeckhauser Richard
Published: February 2017

A pioneering game theorist who made the world a safer place
The SWI/SNF Chromatin Regulator BRG1 Modulates the Transcriptional Regulatory Activity of the Epstein-Barr Virus DNA Polymerase Processivity Factor BMRF1
Authors: Su Mei-Tzu , Wang Ya-Ting , Chen Yen-Ju , Lin Su-Fang , Tsai Ching-Hwa , Chen Mei-Ru
Published: February 2017

During the lytic phase of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), binding of the transactivator Zta to the origin of lytic replication (oriLyt) and the BHLF1 transcript, forming a stable RNA-DNA hybrid, is required to initiate viral DNA replication. EBV-encoded viral DNA replication proteins form complexes to amplify viral DNA. BMRF1, the viral DNA polymerase accessory factor, is essential for lytic DNA replication and also known as a transcriptional regulator of the expression of BHLF1 and BALF2 (single-stranded DNA [ssDNA]-binding protein). In order to determine systematically how BMRF1 regulates viral transcription, a BMRF1 knockout bacmid was generated to analyze viral gene expression using a viral DNA microarray. We found that a subset of Rta-responsive late genes, including BcLF1, BLLF1, BLLF2, and BDLF3, were downregulated in cells harboring a BMRF1 knockout EBV bacmid (p2089ΔBMRF1). In reporter assays, BMRF1 appears to transactivate a subset of viral late promoters through distinct pathways. BMRF1 activates the BDLF3 promoter in an SP1-dependent manner. Notably, BMRF1 associates with the transcriptional regulator BRG1 in EBV-reactivated cells. BMRF1-mediated transactivation activities on the BcLF1 and BLLF1 promoters were attenuated by knockdown of BRG1. In BRG1-depleted EBV-reactivated cells, BcLF1 and BLLF1 transcripts were reduced in number, resulting in reduced virion secretion. BMRF1 and BRG1 bound to the adjacent upstream regions of the BcLF1 and BLLF1 promoters, and depletion of BRG1 attenuated the recruitment of BMRF1 onto both promoters, suggesting that BRG1 is involved in BMRF1-mediated regulation of these two genes. Overall, we reveal a novel pathway by which BMRF1 can regulate viral promoters through interaction with BRG1.

IMPORTANCE
The cascade of viral gene expression during Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) replication is exquisitely regulated by the coordination of the viral DNA replication machinery and cellular factors. Upon lytic replication, the EBV immediate early proteins Zta and Rta turn on the expression of early proteins that assemble into viral DNA replication complexes. The DNA polymerase accessory factor, BMRF1, also is known to transactivate early gene expression through its interaction with SP1 or Zta on specific promoters. Through a global analysis, we demonstrate that BMRF1 also turns on a subset of Rta-regulated, late structural gene promoters. Searching for BMRF1-interacting cellular partners revealed that the SWI/SNF chromatin modifier BRG1 contributes to BMRF1-mediated transactivation of a subset of late promoters through protein-protein interaction and viral chromatin binding. Our findings indicate that BMRF1 regulates the expression of more viral genes than thought previously through distinct viral DNA replication-independent mechanisms.
Global prevalence of, and risk factors for, gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms: a meta-analysis
Authors: Eusebi Leonardo H , Ratnakumaran Raguprakash , Yuan Yuhong , Solaymani-Dodaran Masoud , Bazzoli Franco , Ford Alexander C
Published: February 2017

Objectives

Gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms are common in the community, but there has been no definitive systematic review and meta-analysis of data from all studies to estimate their global prevalence, or potential risk factors for them.

Design

Medline, Embase and Embase Classic were searched (until September 2016) to identify population-based studies that reported the prevalence of gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms in adults (≥15 years); gastro-oesophageal reflux was defined using symptom-based criteria or questionnaires. The prevalence was extracted for all studies, and according to the criteria used to define it. Pooled prevalence, according to study location and certain other characteristics, OR and 95% CIs were calculated.

Results

Of the 14 132 citations evaluated, 102 reported the prevalence of gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms in 108 separate study populations, containing 460 984 subjects. Prevalence varied according to country (from 2.5% in China to 51.2% in Greece) and criteria used to define gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms. When only studies using a weekly frequency of heart burn or regurgitation to define presence were considered, pooled prevalence was 13.3% (95% CI 12.0% to 14.6%). Prevalence was higher in subjects ≥50 years (OR 1.32; 95% CI 1.12 to 1.54), smokers (OR 1.26; 95% CI 1.04 to 1.52), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)/aspirin users (OR 1.44; 95% CI 1.10 to 1.88) and obese individuals (OR 1.73; 95% CI 1.46 to 2.06).

Conclusions

The prevalence of gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms varied strikingly among countries, even when similar definitions were used to define their presence. Prevalence was significantly higher in subjects ≥50 years, smokers, NSAID users and obese individuals, although these associations were modest.
Blog Recommendation and Management Implications in an Emergency Context: An Information Entropy Perspective
Authors: Shan Siqing , Shi Jihong , Yan Qi
Published: February 2017

A modeling methodology for blog recommendation and forecasting based on information entropy is presented. With the increasing popularity of smartphones and the rapid development of the mobile Internet, the amount of user-generated content such as blogs is increasing daily. Valuable information, such as bloggers’ opinions, feelings, and attitudes, is often part of this content. Particularly in the context of an emergency, this information should also be used to facilitate decision making. The current blog recommendation model examines primarily users’ interests or content similarity, whereas in this paper, the value of the blog is considered. The primary contribution of this paper is the proposal of an information-entropy-based blog recommendation model for finding valuable blogs to facilitate decision-making in an emergency context. A series of indicators for evaluating a blog in an emergency context are proposed. Using the method of information entropy, a blog recommendation model is developed. The model can also be used to forecast the value of emergency blogs in the future. The model has been tested and validated using crawled data from the Sina Blog, and the results have demonstrated that the proposed model can effectively determine the value of emergency-related blogs.
Probing phase- and frequency-dependent characteristics of cortical interneurons using combined transcranial alternating current stimulation and transcranial magnetic stimulation
Authors: Hussain Sara J. , Thirugnanasambandam Nivethida
Published: February 2017

Paired-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and peripheral stimulation combined with TMS can be used to study cortical interneuronal circuitry. By combining these procedures with concurrent transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS), Guerra and colleagues recently showed that different cortical interneuronal populations are differentially modulated by the phase and frequency of tACS-imposed oscillations (Guerra A, Pogosyan A, Nowak M, Tan H, Ferreri F, Di Lazzaro V, Brown P. Cerebral Cortex 26: 3977–2990, 2016). This work suggests that different cortical interneuronal populations can be characterized by their phase and frequency dependency. Here we discuss how combining TMS and tACS can reveal the frequency at which cortical interneuronal populations oscillate, the neuronal origins of behaviorally relevant cortical oscillations, and how entraining cortical oscillations could potentially treat brain disorders.
New Concepts and Mechanisms of Platelet Activation Signaling
Authors: Estevez Brian , Du Xiaoping
Published: February 2017

Upon blood vessel injury, platelets are exposed to adhesive proteins in the vascular wall and soluble agonists, which initiate platelet activation, leading to formation of hemostatic thrombi. Pathological activation of platelets can induce occlusive thrombosis, resulting in ischemic events such as heart attack and stroke, which are leading causes of death globally. Platelet activation requires intracellular signal transduction initiated by platelet receptors for adhesion proteins and soluble agonists. Whereas many platelet activation signaling pathways have been established for many years, significant recent progress reveals much more complex and sophisticated signaling and amplification networks. With the discovery of new receptor signaling pathways and regulatory networks, some of the long-standing concepts of platelet signaling have been challenged. This review provides an overview of the new developments and concepts in platelet activation signaling.
A Metaheuristic Algorithm Based on Chemotherapy Science: CSA
Authors: Salmani Mohammad Hassan , Eshghi Kourosh
Published: February 2017

Among scientific fields of study, mathematical programming has high status and its importance has led researchers to develop accurate models and effective solving approaches to addressing optimization problems. In particular, metaheuristic algorithms are approximate methods for solving optimization problems whereby good (not necessarily optimum) solutions can be generated via their implementation. In this study, we propose a population-based metaheuristic algorithm according to chemotherapy method to cure cancers that mainly search the infeasible region. As in chemotherapy, Chemotherapy Science Algorithm (CSA) tries to kill inappropriate solutions (cancers and bad cells of the human body); however, this would inevitably risk incidentally destroying some acceptable solutions (healthy cells). In addition, as the cycle of cancer treatment repeats over and over, the algorithm is iterated. To align chemotherapy process with the proposed algorithm, different basic terms and definitions including Infeasibility Function (IF), objective function (OF), Cell Area (CA), and Random Cells (RCs) are presented in this study. In the terminology of algorithms and optimization, IF and OF are mainly applicable as criteria to compare every pair of generated solutions. Finally, we test CSA and its structure using the benchmark Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP).
Effects of Apolipoprotein E Isoforms in Diabetic Nephropathy of Chinese Type 2 Diabetic Patients
Authors: Jiang YongWei , Ma Liang , Han ChengWu , Liu Qian , Cong Xiao , Xu YaPing , Zhao TingTing , Li Ping , Cao YongTong
Published: February 2017

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the major chronic complications of diabetes. Genetic polymorphism of Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) has been proposed to participating in DN. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the relationship between ApoE genetic polymorphism and the presence of DN in Chinese type 2 diabetic patients. We studied 845 diabetic patients who were divided into DN group (n=429) and control group (n=416). ApoE genotype was determined by ApoE genotyping chip and the plasmatic biochemical characterization was performed on all subjects. There were differences (P<0.001) in HbA1c, creatinine, and urinary albumin between the two groups. The ApoEε2 allelic frequency was 7.69% in DN group versus 3.49% in control group (OR = 2.22, 95% CI = 1.41–3.47, andP<0.05), as expected, ApoE E2/E2 and E2/E3 genotype frequency were higher in DN group (13.75% versus 6.49%,P<0.05). The ApoEε4 allelic frequency was 7.93% in DN group versus 11.54% in control group (OR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.50–0.97, andP<0.05), and DN group presented a lower frequency of ApoE E3/E4 and E4/E4 genotype frequency (14.91% versus 19.96%,P<0.05). These results suggest ApoEε2 allele may be a risk factor; however ApoEε4 allele may play a protective role of DN in Chinese type 2 diabetic patients.