bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thrombocytopenia in bacteraemia and association with bacterial species
Authors: Johansson D. , Rasmussen M. , Inghammar M. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThrombocytopenia is common in patients with invasive bacterial infections. Bacteria can activate platelets, but it is unclear if this affects platelet count. The aim of this study was to examine whether bacteraemia withStaphylococcus aureus, which readily activate human platelets, was more likely to be complicated by thrombocytopenia than bacteraemia withEscherichia coliorStreptococcus pneumoniaewith different abilities to activate platelets.We compared information from 600 adult patients with community-acquired bacteraemia withS. aureus(n= 140),E. coli(n= 420) andS. pneumoniae(n= 40) in Southern Sweden, 2012, linking information on positive blood cultures from microbiological databases and medical charts. The proportion of patients with thrombocytopenia (platelet count <150 × 109/ml) was calculated. Logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratios (OR) for thrombocytopenia according to bacterial species adjusted for confounders.The proportion of thrombocytopenia was 29% inS. aureus, 28% inE. coliand 20% inS. pneumoniabacteraemia (P= 0.50), corresponding to an OR of 1.2 (95% confidence interval 0.7–1.9) for thrombocytopenia forS. aureusas compared withE. coliorS. pneumoniae, adjusted for confounders.This study indicates that platelet activation by bacteria is not a major causative mechanism in sepsis-associated thrombocytopenia.
Denotational semantics of recursive types in synthetic guarded domain theory
Authors: MØGELBERG RASMUS E. , PAVIOTTI MARCO 
Published: May 2018

Just like any other branch of mathematics, denotational semantics of programming languages should be formalised in type theory, but adapting traditional domain theoretic semantics, as originally formulated in classical set theory to type theory has proven challenging. This paper is part of a project on formulating denotational semantics in type theories with guarded recursion. This should have the benefit of not only giving simpler semantics and proofs of properties such as adequacy, but also hopefully in the future to scale to languages with advanced features, such as general references, outside the reach of traditional domain theoretic techniques.Working inGuarded Dependent Type Theory(GDTT), we develop denotational semantics for Fixed Point Calculus (FPC), the simply typed lambda calculus extended with recursive types, modelling the recursive types of FPC using the guarded recursive types ofGDTT. We prove soundness and computational adequacy of the model inGDTTusing a logical relation between syntax and semantics constructed also using guarded recursive types. The denotational semantics is intensional in the sense that it counts the number of unfold-fold reductions needed to compute the value of a term, but we construct a relation relating the denotations of extensionally equal terms, i.e., pairs of terms that compute the same value in a different number of steps. Finally, we show how the denotational semantics of terms can be executed inside type theory and prove that executing the denotation of a boolean term computes the same value as the operational semantics of FPC.
Giant left ventricular rhabdomyoma treated successfully with everolimus: case report and review of literature
Authors: Martínez-García Alfonso , Michel-Macías Carolina , Cordero-González Guadalupe , Escamilla-Sánchez Karla I. , Aguinaga-Ríos Mónica , Coronado-Zarco Alejandra , Cardona-Pérez Jorge A. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractIntroductionIntracardiac rhabdomyomas can cause severe ventricular dysfunction and outflow tract obstruction.Case reportA term newborn infant with antenatal diagnosis of giant left ventricle rhabdomyoma presented with cardiac failure and duct-dependent systemic circulation after birth. She was treated successfully with everolimus, showing decrease in tumour size and improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction.DiscussionTumour regression rate was 0.32 cm2/day and improved to 0.80 cm2/day with the use of everolimus. Herein we report a newborn with inoperable giant left ventricular cardiac rhabdomyoma and significant regression of the tumour. To our knowledge, this is the largest left ventricular rhabdomyoma reported. A review of the literature was undertaken for comparison.ConclusionEverolimus has proven to be efficacious in size reduction of cardiac rhabdomyomas in cases when surgical resection is not possible.
The effect of proportional v. value pricing on fountain drink purchases: results from a field experiment
Authors: Gollust Sarah E , Tang Xuyang , Runge Carlisle Ford , French Simone A , Rothman Alexander J 
Published: May 2018

AbstractObjectiveReducing sugar-sweetened beverage consumption is a public health priority, yet finding an effective and acceptable policy intervention is challenging. One strategy is to use proportional pricing (a consistent price per fluid ounce) instead of the typical value-priced approach where large beverages offer better value. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate whether proportional pricing affects the purchasing of fountain beverages at a university cinema concession stand.DesignFour price strategies for beverages were evaluated over ten weekends of film screenings. We manipulated two factors: the price structure (value pricing v. proportional pricing) and the provision of information about the price per fluid ounce (labels v. no labels). The key outcomes were the number and size of beverages purchased. We analysed data using regression analyses, with standard errors clustered by film and controlling for the day and time of purchase.SettingA university cinema concession stand in Minnesota, USA, in spring 2015.SubjectsUniversity students.ResultsOver the study period (360 beverages purchased) there were no significant effects of the proportional pricing treatment. Pairing a label with the standard value pricing increased the likelihood of purchasing large drinks but the label did not affect purchasing when paired with proportional pricing.ConclusionsProportional prices did not significantly affect the size of beverages purchased by students at a university cinema, but adding a price-per-ounce label increased large drink purchases when drinks were value-priced. More work is needed to address whether pricing and labelling strategies might promote healthier beverage purchases.
Perceived Discrimination and Emotional Reactions in People with Different Types of Disabilities: A Qualitative Approach
Authors: Pérez-Garín Daniel , Recio Patricia , Magallares Alejandro , Molero Fernando , García-Ael Cristina 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe purpose of this study is to assess the discourse of people with disabilities regarding their perception of discrimination and stigma. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten adults with physical disabilities, ten with hearing impairments and seven with visual impairments. The agreement between the coders showed an excellent reliability for all three groups, with kappa coefficients between .82 and .96. Differences were assessed between the three groups regarding the types of discrimination they experienced and their most frequent emotional responses. People with physical disabilities mainly reported being stared at, undervalued, and subtly discriminated at work, whereas people with hearing impairments mainly reported encountering barriers in leisure activities, and people with visual impairments spoke of a lack of equal opportunities, mockery and/or bullying, and overprotection. Regarding their emotional reactions, people with physical disabilities mainly reported feeling anxious and depressed, whereas people with hearing impairments reported feeling helpless, and people with visual impairments reported feeling anger and self-pity. Findings are relevant to guide future research and interventions on the stigma of disability.
Pay Rates and Subject Performance in Social Science Experiments Using Crowdsourced Online Samples
Authors: Andersen David J. , Lau Richard R. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractMechanical Turk has become an important source of subjects for social science experiments, providing a low-cost alternative to the convenience of using undergraduates while avoiding the expense of drawing fully representative samples. However, we know little about how the rates we pay to “Turkers” for participating in social science experiments affects their participation. This study examines subject performance using two experiments – a short survey experiment and a longer dynamic process tracing study of political campaigns – that recruited Turkers at different rates of pay. Looking at demographics and using measures of attention, engagement and evaluation of the candidates, we find no effects of pay rates upon subject recruitment or participation. We conclude by discussing implications and ethical standards of pay.
A Statistical Survey of the 630.0‐nm Optical Signature of Periodic Auroral Arcs Resulting From Magnetospheric Field Line Resonances
Authors: Gillies D. Megan , Knudsen David , Rankin Robert , Milan Stephen , Donovan Eric 
Published: May 2018

AbstractAdvances in networks of ground‐based optical instrumentation have enabled us to identify over 400 examples of auroral arcs with an infrequently observed, temporally periodic auroral morphology. This study focuses on these arcs observed via the 630‐nm (“redline”) auroral emission wavelength and connects them to global magnetospheric wave modes known as field line resonances (FLRs). We show that optical redline FLR auroral arcs occur most frequently near 20 and 4 magnetic local time, in contrast to nonperiodic redline arcs, which occur most frequently near midnight. We find that this periodic type of auroral arc is rare, occurring in approximately 5% of redline aurora observed by the Redline Emission Geospace Observatory all‐sky imagers. We also show Swarm satellite observations of two separate instances of 630‐nm FLR arcs with strong upward field‐aligned currents of the order of 3–6 μA/m2.
Band Formation and Ocean‐Surface Interaction on Europa and Ganymede
Authors: Howell Samuel M. , Pappalardo Robert T. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractGeologic activity in the outer H2O ice shells of Europa and Ganymede, Galilean moons of Jupiter, may facilitate material exchange between global water oceans and the icy surface, fundamentally affecting potential habitability and the future search for life. Spacecraft imagery reveals surfaces rich with tectonic bands, predominantly attributed to the extension of brittle ice overlaying a convecting ice layer. However, the details of band‐forming processes and links to potential ocean‐surface exchange have remained elusive. We simulate ice shell faulting and convection with two‐dimensional numerical models and track the movement of “fossil” ocean material frozen into the base of the ice shell and deformed through geologic time. We find that distinct band types form within a spectrum of extensional terrains correlated to lithosphere strength, governed by lithosphere thickness and cohesion. Furthermore, we find that smooth bands formed in weak lithosphere promote exposure of fossil ocean material at the surface.
Reconfigurable, graphene-coated, chalcogenide nanowires with a sub-10-nm enantioselective sorting capability
Authors: Cao Tun , Tian Long , Liang Huawei , Qin Kai-Rong 
Published: May 2018

AbstractChiral surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) produced by plasmonic nanowires can be used to enhance molecular spectroscopy for biosensing applications. Nevertheless, the switchable stereoselectivity and detection of various analytes are limited by a lack of switchable, chiral SPPs. Using both finite-element method simulations and analytic calculations, we present a graphene-coated chalcogenide (GCC) nanowire that produces mid-infrared, chiral SPPs. The chiral SPPs can be reversibly switched between “on” (transparent) and “off” (opaque) by non-volatile structural state transitions in the dielectric constants of the chalcogenide glass Ge2Sb2Te5. Furthermore, by controlling the Fermi energy of the graphene-coating layer, the nanowire can output either non-chiral or chiral SPPs. A thermal-electric model was built to illustrate the possibility of ultrafast on/off switching of the SPPs at the terminus of the nanowire. Finally, we show that a selective, lateral sorting of sub-10-nm enantiomers can be achieved via the GCC nanowire. Chiral nanoparticles with opposite handedness experience transverse forces that differ in both their sign and magnitude. Our design may pave the way for plasmonic nanowire networks and tunable nanophotonic devices, which require the ultrafast switching of SPPs, and provide a possible approach for a compact, enantiopure synthesis.
Reply to ‘Thomson scattering in inhomogeneous plasmas: The Role of the Fluctuation-Dissipation Theorem’
Authors: Kozlowski P. M. , Gericke D. O. , Regan S. P. , Gregori G. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractIn a comment on our article “Theory of Thomson scattering in inhomogeneous media”, V. V. Belyi asserts that there is an inconsistency in our method of applying gradient effects via the dielectric superposition principle, in violation of the fluctuation-dissipation theorem; and that his Klimontovich-Langevin formulation would be more appropriate to our application. While we agree that a generalization, along the lines of Belyi’s work, would be required for strongly coupled systems, for the weakly coupled systems which we considered, these corrections are not necessary and our approach is still appropriate.Replying to: V. Belyi, Sci. Rep. 8 (2018); https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-25319-6.
Prognosis and nomogram for predicting postoperative survival of duodenal adenocarcinoma: A retrospective study in China and the SEER database
Authors: Jiang Sujing , Zhao Rongjie , Li Yiran , Han Xufeng , Liu Zhen , Ge Weiting , Dong Ying , Han Weidong 
Published: May 2018

AbstractAs primary duodenal adenocarcinoma is rare, the prognostic factors of this disease remain insufficiently explored, especially in China. We identified postoperative duodenal adenocarcinoma patients at a Chinese double-center (from 2006 to 2016) or who were registered with the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database (from 2004 to 2014). Clinicopathological features and significant prognostic factors for cancer-specific survival (CSS) were reviewed and analyzed by using univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression. Then, a nomogram predicting CSS was constructed based on the SEER database and validated externally by using the separate Chinese cohort. Totally, 137 patients from the Chinese double-center and 698 patients from the SEER database were included for analysis. The multivariate analyses showed that age, tumor grade and TNM stage were independent prognostic factors. The nomogram constructed using these factors showed a clear prognostic superiority to the AJCC-TNM classification, 7th ed. (C-index: SEER cohort, 0.693 vs 0.625, P < 0.001; Chinese cohort, 0.677 vs 0.659, P < 0.001, respectively). In summary, the valuable prognostic factors in patients with duodenal adenocarcinoma were age, tumor grade and TNM stage. This study developed a nomogram that can precisely predict the CSS for postoperative duodenal adenocarcinoma patients.
Regulation of chromatin states and gene expression during HSN neuronal maturation is mediated by EOR-1/PLZF, MAU-2/cohesin loader, and SWI/SNF complex
Authors: Shinkai Yoichi , Kuramochi Masahiro , Doi Motomichi 
Published: May 2018

AbstractNewborn neurons mature by distinct and sequential steps through the timely induction of specific gene expression programs in concert with epigenetic changes. However, it has been difficult to investigate the relationship between gene expression and epigenetic changes at a single-cell resolution during neuronal maturation. In this study, we investigated the maturation of hermaphrodite-specific neurons (HSNs) in C. elegans, which provided the link between chromatin dynamics, gene expression, and the degree of neuronal maturation at a single-cell resolution. Our results demonstrated that chromatin composition in the promoter region of several genes acting for neuronal terminal maturation was modulated at an early developmental stage, and is dependent on the function of the transcription factor EOR-1/PLZF and the cohesin loader MAU-2/MAU2. Components of the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex were also required for the proper expression of terminal maturation genes. Epistasis analyses suggested that eor-1 functions with mau-2 and swsn-1 in the same genetic pathway to regulate the maturation of HSNs. Collectively, our study provides a novel approach to analyze neuronal maturation and proposes that predefined epigenetic modifications, mediated by EOR-1, MAU-2, and the SWI/SNF complex, are important for the preparation of future gene expression programs in neuronal terminal maturation.
Exercise ameliorates endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated vascular dysfunction in mesenteric arteries in atherosclerosis
Authors: Hong Junyoung , Kim Kwangchan , Park Eunkyung , Lee Jonghae , Markofski Melissa M. , Marrelli Sean P. , Park Yoonjung 
Published: May 2018

AbstractEndoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is closely associated with atherosclerosis, but the effects of exercise on ER stress-mediated endothelial dysfunction in atherosclerosis is not yet fully understood. We assessed endothelium-dependent vasodilation in isolated mesenteric arteries from wild type (WT), WT with exercise (WT-EX), ApoE knockout (ApoE KO), and ApoE KO mice with exercise (ApoE KO-EX). Vasodilation to acetylcholine (ACh) was elicited in the presence of inhibitors of ER stress, eNOS, caspase-1, and UCP-2 (Tudca, L-NAME, AC-YVARD-cmk, and Genipin, respectively) and the ER stress inducer (Tunicamycin). Immunofluorescence was used to visualize the expression of CHOP, as an indicator of ER stress, in superior mesenteric arteries (SMA). Dilation to ACh was attenuated in ApoE KO but was improved in ApoE KO-EX. Incubation of Tudca and AC-YVARD-cmk improved ACh-induced vasodilation in ApoE KO. L-NAME, tunicamycin, and Genipin attenuated vasodilation in WT, WT-EX and ApoE KO-EX, but not in ApoE KO. Exercise training reversed the increase in CHOP expression in the endothelium of SMA of ApoE KO mice. We conclude that ER stress plays a significant role in endothelial dysfunction of resistance arteries in atherosclerosis and that exercise attenuates ER stress and regulates its critical downstream signaling pathways including eNOS, UCP-2 and caspase-1.
Video-rate volumetric neuronal imaging using 3D targeted illumination
Authors: Xiao Sheng , Tseng Hua-an , Gritton Howard , Han Xue , Mertz Jerome 
Published: May 2018

AbstractFast volumetric microscopy is required to monitor large-scale neural ensembles with high spatio-temporal resolution. Widefield fluorescence microscopy can image large 2D fields of view at high resolution and speed while remaining simple and costeffective. A focal sweep add-on can further extend the capacity of widefield microscopy by enabling extended-depth-of-field (EDOF) imaging, but suffers from an inability to reject out-of-focus fluorescence background. Here, by using a digital micromirror device to target only in-focus sample features, we perform EDOF imaging with greatly enhanced contrast and signal-to-noise ratio, while reducing the light dosage delivered to the sample. Image quality is further improved by the application of a robust deconvolution algorithm. We demonstrate the advantages of our technique for in vivo calcium imaging in the mouse brain.
Nanopore sequencing technology: a new route for the fast detection of unauthorized GMO
Authors: Fraiture Marie-Alice , Saltykova Assia , Hoffman Stefan , Winand Raf , Deforce Dieter , Vanneste Kevin , De Keersmaecker Sigrid C. J. , Roosens Nancy H. C. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractIn order to strengthen the current genetically modified organism (GMO) detection system for unauthorized GMO, we have recently developed a new workflow based on DNA walking to amplify unknown sequences surrounding a known DNA region. This DNA walking is performed on transgenic elements, commonly found in GMO, that were earlier detected by real-time PCR (qPCR) screening. Previously, we have demonstrated the ability of this approach to detect unauthorized GMO via the identification of unique transgene flanking regions and the unnatural associations of elements from the transgenic cassette. In the present study, we investigate the feasibility to integrate the described workflow with the MinION Next-Generation-Sequencing (NGS). The MinION sequencing platform can provide long read-lengths and deal with heterogenic DNA libraries, allowing for rapid and efficient delivery of sequences of interest. In addition, the ability of this NGS platform to characterize unauthorized and unknown GMO without anya prioriknowledge has been assessed.
Reduced peak stimulated growth hormone is associated with hyperuricemia in obese children and adolescents
Authors: Liang Shuang , Zhang Dejian , Qi Jianhong , Song Xiaobo , Xue Jiang 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe purpose of the study is to investigate whether reduced peak GH response to arginine-levodopa test is associated with hyperuricemia in obese children and adolescents. The study population consisted of a total sample of 78 obese and 30 normal-weight children and adolescents without known hypopituitarism. All participants underwent clinical examination and GH stimulation testing. IGF-1, lipid profile and other metabolic markers were assessed. The obese subjects were then divided into two groups according to the serum levels of uric acid. Results show that obese subjects had significantly lower peak GH, lower IGF-1 and similar height SDS than those in the control group. Children with hyperuricemia had significantly lower peak stimulated GH compared with non-hyperuricemia obese subjects. Results from logistic regression model showed that peak GH were negatively associated with hyperuricemia after controlling for age, gender, tanner stage, BMI SDS, IGF-1, blood pressure, HOMA-IR, lipids status. These data indicate that lower peak GH is positively associated with hyperuricemia in obese children and adolescents without known hypothalamic/pituitary disease after controlling BMI and insulin resistance, as well as other cardiometabolic risk factors.
The anti-cancer activity of an andrographolide analogue functions through a GSK-3β-independent Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in colorectal cancer cells
Authors: Reabroi Somrudee , Saeeng Rungnapha , Boonmuen Nittaya , Kasemsuk Teerapich , Saengsawang Witchuda , Suksen Kanoknetr , Zhu Weiming , Piyachaturawat Pawinee , Chairoungdua Arthit 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway plays a key role in the progression of human colorectal cancers (CRCs) and is one of the leading targets of chemotherapy agents developed for CRC. The present study aimed to investigate the anti-cancer effects and molecular mechanisms of 19-O-triphenylmethyl andrographolide (RS-PP-050), an andrographolide analogue and determine its activity in the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. RS-PP-050 was found to potently inhibit the proliferation and survival of HT-29 CRC cells. It induces cell cycle arrest and promotes apoptotic cell death which was associated with the activation of PARP-1 and p53. Furthermore, RS-PP-050 exerts inhibitory effects on β-catenin transcription by suppressing T-cell factor/lymphocyte enhancer factor (TCF/LEF) activity in cells overexpressing β-catenin and by down-regulating the endogenous expression of Wnt target genes. RS-PP-050 also decreased the protein expression of the active form of β-catenin but functions independently of GSK-3β, a negative regulator of Wnt. Interestingly, RS-PP-050 extensively blocks phosphorylation at Ser675 of β-catenin which links to interference of the nuclear translocation of β-catenin and might contribute to Wnt inactivation. Collectively, our findings reveal the underlying anti-cancer mechanism of an andrographolide analogue and provide useful insight for exploiting a newly chemotherapeutic agent in Wnt/β-catenin-overexpressing CRC cells.