bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Functional changes in the neural retina occur in the absence of mitochondrial dysfunction in a rodent model of diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Masser Dustin R. , Otalora Laura , Clark Nicholas W. , Kinter Michael T. , Elliott Michael H. , Freeman Willard M. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractDiabetic retinopathy is a neurovascular diabetes complication resulting in vision loss. A wealth of literature reports retinal molecular changes indicative of neural deficits, inflammation, and vascular leakage with chronic diabetes, but the mechanistic causes of disease initiation and progression are unknown. Microvascular mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) damage leading to mitochondrial dysfunction has been proposed to drive vascular dysfunction in retinopathy. However, growing evidence suggests that neural retina dysfunction precedes and may cause vascular damage. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that neural mtDNA damage and mitochondrial dysfunction are an early initiating factor of neural diabetic retinopathy development in a rat streptozotocin‐induced, Type I diabetes model. Mitochondrial function (oxygen consumption rates) was quantified in retinal synaptic terminals from diabetic and non‐diabetic rats with paired retinal structural and function assessment (optical coherence tomography and electroretinography, respectively). Mitochondrial genome damage was assessed by identifying mutations and deletions across the mtDNA genome by high depth sequencing and absolute mtDNA copy number counting through digital PCR. Mitochondrial protein expression was assessed by targeted mass spectrometry. Retinal functional deficits and neural anatomical changes were present after 3 months of diabetes and prevented/normalized by insulin treatment. No marked dysfunction of mitochondrial activity, maladaptive changes in mitochondrial protein expression, alterations in mtDNA copy number, or increase in mtDNA damage was observed in conjunction with retinal functional and anatomical changes. These results demonstrate that neural retinal dysfunction with diabetes begins prior to mtDNA damage and dysfunction, and therefore retinal neurodegeneration initiation with diabetes occurs through other, non‐mitochondrial DNA damage, mechanisms.
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INFORMATION THEORETIC APPROACHES IN ECONOMICS
Authors: Yang Jangho 
Published: September 2017

AbstractEconomics has seen a recent rise in interest in information theory as an alternative framework to the conventional notion of equilibrium as a fixed state, such as Walrasian market‐clearing general equilibrium. The information theoretic approach is predicated on the notion of statistical equilibrium (SE) that takes a distribution over all possible states as an equilibrium, and therefore predicts the endogenous fluctuations of the system along with its central tendency simultaneously. For this reason, SE approaches can explain the observed data without relying on arbitrary assumptions about random noise and provide useful insights for many interesting economic problems that conventional methods have not been able to satisfactorily deal with. In this paper, we review the key elements of information theory focusing on the notions and applications of entropy and SE in economics, particularly paying attention to how entropy concepts open up a new frontline of economic research.
Preterm birth rates in Japan from 1979 to 2014: Analysis of national vital statistics
Authors: Sakata Soyoko , Konishi Shoko , Ng Chris Fook Sheng , Watanabe Chiho 
Published: September 2017

AbstractAimSecular trends of preterm birth in Japan between 1979 and 2014 were examined to determine whether changes could be explained by a shift in the distribution of maternal age at delivery and parity and/or by changes in age‐specific preterm birth rates.MethodsLive birth data for 1979 to 2014 were obtained from the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. Analyses were limited to singleton children born in Japan (n = 43 632 786). Preterm birth was defined using two cut‐offs at < 37 or < 34 weeks of gestation. Crude and standardized rates of preterm birth were calculated for firstborn and later‐born singletons by maternal age at delivery for specific time periods.ResultsThroughout the study period, the rates of preterm birth (both at < 37 and < 34 weeks of gestation) were higher among mothers aged 20 and younger, and mid‐30s and older, compared to mothers in their 20s or early 30s. The rates of preterm birth at < 37 (but not at < 34) weeks decreased for mothers aged in their late 30s and 40s, and increased for mothers in their 20s and early 30s. Standardized rates of preterm birth showed a secular increase for preterm births at < 37 but not < 34 weeks of gestation.ConclusionThe rates of preterm birth among mothers aged in their 20s and early 30s increased between 1979 and 2014, which contributed to the secular increase in rates of preterm birth at < 37 weeks.
The effects of seasonal affective disorder and alcohol abuse on sleep and snoring functions in a population‐based study in Finland
Authors: Morales‐Muñoz Isabel , Koskinen Seppo , Partonen Timo 
Published: September 2017

SummarySeasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a recurrent depressive disorder with a seasonal pattern. In addition to some specific symptoms such as sad mood, low energy or carbohydrate craving, this mood disorder is also characterized by the presence of sleeping problems and alcohol disorders. Interestingly, there is a strong link between alcohol use and sleeping deficits. Although previous studies have focused extensively on the sleep patterns in SAD patients and patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD), no research has yet been conducted on subjects with comorbid SAD and AUD. The aim of this study was to examine the differences in sleep functioning between subjects with SAD, AUD and SAD+AUD. A total of 4554 Finnish subjects from the population‐based Health 2011 survey were interviewed, and of these 2430 individuals completed all the questionnaires. We selected those participants who fulfilled the criteria for SAD (n = 298), AUD (n = 359), SAD+AUD (n = 69), controls 1 (no current alcohol use, n = 226) and controls 2 (current alcohol use but not AUD, n = 1445). Controls with a history of alcohol abuse were excluded (n = 33). All the participants completed the EuroQoL five‐dimensions questionnaire (EQ‐5), the Seasonal Pattern Assessment Questionnaire (SPAQ), the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and several questions about sleeping, based on the Basic Nordic Sleep Questionnaire (BNSQ). Our results showed that those subjects with SAD+AUD reported the highest levels of subjective sleeping problems compared to controls, SAD and AUD. These findings suggest the relevance of examining the comorbidity of SAD and AUD when studying sleep functioning in these groups of patients.
Psychodynamic day treatment programme for patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders: Dynamics and predictors of therapeutic change
Authors: Pec Ondrej , Bob Petr , Pec Jan , Hrubcova Adela 
Published: September 2017

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to test whether a psychodynamically based group psychotherapeutic programme might improve symptoms, social functions, or quality of life in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders and to investigate factors that might predict clinical improvement or dropouts from the programme.DesignA quantitative prospective cohort study.MethodsWe have investigated 81 patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders who participated in a 9‐month psychodynamically based psychotherapeutic day programme. The patients were assessed at the beginning and end of the programme, and then at 1‐year follow‐up. The assessment included psychotic manifestations (HoNOS), quality of life (WHOQOL‐BREF), demographic data, and daily doses of medication. 21 patients dropped out from the programme, and 46 patients succeeded in undergoing follow‐up assessment.ResultsThe psychotic manifestations (self‐rating version of HoNOS) and quality of life measured with WHOQOL‐BREF (domains of social relationships and environment) were significantly improved at the end of the programme and at follow‐up. However, the manifestations on the version for external evaluators of HoNOS were improved only at follow‐up. Years of psychiatric treatment, number of hospitalizations or suicide attempts, and experience of relationships with a partner were negatively related to clinical improvement, whereas symptom severity, current working, or study activities were related positively.ConclusionsThe results show that a group psychodynamic programme may improve the clinical status and quality of life of patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. This type of programme is more beneficial for patients with higher pre‐treatment symptom severity and the presence of working or study activities.Practitioner points

A psychodynamically based group programme improves the clinical status and quality of life in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Data indicate that changes on the subjective level are detectable by the end of the programme, while changes on the objective level are detectable at follow‐up assessment.

Symptom severity and working or study activities are positively related to the clinical improvement in this type of programme, while a high number of years in psychiatric treatment or psychiatric hospitalizations are negatively related.

The doses of medication (antipsychotics or antidepressants) show no significant relationship to clinical improvement.
Genotyping‐by‐sequencing through transcriptomics: implementation in a range of crop species with varying reproductive habits and ploidy levels
Authors: Malmberg M. Michelle , Pembleton Luke W. , Baillie Rebecca C. , Drayton Michelle C. , Sudheesh Shimna , Kaur Sukhjiwan , Shinozuka Hiroshi , Verma Preeti , Spangenberg German C. , Daetwyler Hans D. , Forster John W. , Cogan Noel O.I. 
Published: September 2017

SummaryThe application of genomics in crops has the ability to significantly improve genetic gain for agriculture. Many marker‐dense tools have been developed, but few have seen broad adoption in plant genomics due to issues of significant variations of genome size, levels of ploidy, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) frequency and reproductive habit. When combined with limited breeding activities, small research communities and scant sequence resources, the suitability of popular systems is often suboptimal and routinely fails to effectively balance cost‐effectiveness and sample throughput. Genotyping‐by‐sequencing (GBS) encompasses a range of protocols including resequencing of the transcriptome. This study describes a skim GBS‐transcriptomics (GBS‐t) approach developed to be broadly applicable, cost‐effective and high‐throughput while still assaying a significant number of SNP loci. A range of crop species with differing levels of ploidy and degree of inbreeding/outbreeding were chosen, including perennial ryegrass, a diploid outbreeding forage grass; phalaris, a putative segmental allotetraploid outbreeding forage grass; lentil, a diploid inbreeding grain legume; and canola, an allotetraploid partially outbreeding oilseed. GBS‐t was validated as a simple and largely automated, cost‐effective method which generates sufficient SNPs (from 89 738 to 231 977) with acceptable levels of missing data and even genome coverage from c. 3 million sequence reads per sample. GBS‐t is therefore a broadly applicable system suitable for many crops, offering advantages over other systems. The correct choice of subsequent sequence analysis software is important, and the bioinformatics process should be iterative and tailored to the specific challenges posed by ploidy variation and extent of heterozygosity.
Point cloud refinement with self‐calibration of a mobile multibeam lidar sensor
Authors: Nouira Houssem , Deschaud Jean‐Emmanuel , Goulette François 
Published: September 2017

AbstractLidar sensors are widely used in mobile mapping systems. With recent developments, these sensors provide large volumes of data which are necessary for some applications that require a high level of detail. Multibeam lidar sensors can provide this level of detail, but need a specific calibration routine to provide the best precision possible. Because they have multiple beams, the calibration of such sensors is difficult and is not well represented in the literature. This work presents an automatic method for the optimisation of the calibration parameters of a multibeam lidar sensor mounted on a mobile platform. The proposed approach does not require any calibration target, and only uses information from the acquired point clouds, which makes it simple to use. The goal of the optimisation is to find calibration parameters that will improve the structure of the data. At the end of the automatic process, a confidence value is provided for the calibration parameters found.
“Authentically Black, and Truly Catholic”: A survey of the study on Black Catholics
Authors: Winstead Kevin 
Published: September 2017

AbstractBlack Roman Catholics have been a contributing community to American culture as far back as the nation's founding. Despite nearly three million Black Catholics in the United States today, sociological research has given little consideration to this community. This review makes a case for more sociological focus on Black Catholicism. I review the available sociological research on Black Catholics and include a review of scholarship on Black Catholics from outside the discipline. I argue for the sociological importance of Black Catholicism to the examination of race, religion, and identity formation.
Genome Sequence of Staphylococcus aureus PX03, an Acetoin-Producing Strain with a Small-Sized Genome
Authors: Zhang Ge , Wang Qian , Su Yulong , Li Shugui , Liu Haobao 
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACT

Staphylococcus aureus
PX03 can produce acetoin efficiently. Here, we present a 2.38-Mb assembly of its genome sequence, which might provide further insights into the molecular mechanism of its acetoin biosynthesis to further improve its biotechnological applications.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Human-Pathogenic Fungus Scedosporium boydii
Authors: Duvaux Ludovic , Shiller Jason , Vandeputte Patrick , Dugé de Bernonville Thomas , Thornton Christopher , Papon Nicolas , Le Cam Bruno , Bouchara Jean-Philippe , Gastebois Amandine 
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACT

The opportunistic fungal pathogen
Scedosporium boydii
is the most common
Scedosporium
species in French patients with cystic fibrosis. Here we present the first genome report for
S. boydii
, providing a resource which may enable the elucidation of the pathogenic mechanisms in this species.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Corynebacterium kefirresidentii
SB, Isolated from Kefir
Authors: Blasche Sonja , Kim Yongkyu , Patil Kiran R. 
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACT

The genus
Corynebacterium
includes Gram-positive species with a high G+C content. We report here a novel species,
Corynebacterium kefirresidentii
SB, isolated from kefir grains collected in Germany. Its draft genome sequence was remarkably dissimilar (average nucleotide identity, 76.54%) to those of other
Corynebacterium
spp., confirming that this is a unique novel species.
Complete Genome Sequence of Nervous Necrosis Virus Isolated from Orange-Spotted Grouper (
Epinephelus coioides
) in Taiwan
Authors: Chien Ming-Hui , Vo Thi Tuyet Minh , Wu Shaw-Yun , Lin Cheng-Hui 
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACT

The genome sequence of nervous necrosis virus strain KS1 isolated from orange-spotted grouper (
Epinephelus coioides
) was cloned and analyzed. The viral genome is composed of two single-stranded positive-sense RNA molecules, RNA1 and RNA2. Phylogenetic analysis shows that the virus strain KS1 belongs to the red-spotted grouper nervous necrosis virus genotype.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Streptomyces
sp. XY006, an Endophyte Isolated from Tea (
Camellia sinensis
)
Authors: Shan Wenna , Liu Huihui , Zhou Ying , Yu Xiaomin 
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACT

Streptomyces
sp. XY006 is an endophytic bacterium isolated from the young leaf material of the tea plant (
Camellia sinensis
). The draft genome consists of 8.2 Mb and encodes 7,415 putative open reading frames. This strain is found to contain a high capacity for the production of natural products.
Complete Genome Sequences of Bordetella pertussis Isolates with Novel Pertactin-Deficient Deletions
Authors: Weigand Michael R. , Peng Yanhui , Cassiday Pamela K. , Loparev Vladimir N. , Johnson Taccara , Juieng Phalasy , Nazarian Elizabeth J. , Weening Keeley , Tondella M. Lucia , Williams Margaret M. 
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACT

Clinical isolates of the respiratory pathogen
Bordetella pertussis
in the United States have become predominantly deficient for the acellular vaccine immunogen pertactin through various independent mutations. Here, we report the complete genome sequences for four
B. pertussis
isolates that harbor novel deletions responsible for pertactin deficiency.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Novel Subgenotype of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus Strain JX/CH/2016, Isolated in Jiangxi, China
Authors: Zhang Fanfan , Song Deping , Ye Yu , Guo Nannan , Zhang Min , Li Hao , Lei Dan , Gong Wang , Luo Suxian , Huang Dongyan , Tang Yuxin 
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACT
We sequenced the complete genome of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) strain JX/CH/2016. Phylogenetic analysis based on the sequences of the open reading frame 5 (ORF5) gene revealed that this strain belongs to subgenotype IV. This is the first report of the complete genome sequence of PRRSV-IV.
Caveolin-1 expression as a prognostic marker in triple negative breast cancers of Asian women
Authors: Yeong Joe , Thike Aye Aye , Ikeda Murasaki , Lim Jeffrey Chun Tatt , Lee Bernett , Nakamura Seigo , Iqbal Jabed , Tan Puay Hoon 
Published: September 2017

BackgroundTriple-negative breast cancers (TNBCs) are defined by their lack of oestrogen receptor, progesterone receptor and epidermal growth factor receptor 2. Although heterogeneous, the majority are aggressive and treatment options are limited. Caveolin acts as tumour suppressor or promoter depending on the cancer type.AimIn this study, we aimed to determine if the expression levels of the candidate biomarker caveolin-1 on stromal or tumour cells were associated with clinicopathological parameters and disease outcomes in TNBCs from an ethnically diverse cohort of Asian women.MethodsTumour specimens from 699 women with TNBC were subjected to immunohistochemical analysis of the frequency and intensity of caveolin-1 expression in tumour and stromal cells. A subset of 141 tumour samples also underwent Nanostring measurement ofCAV1mRNA. Results were correlated with clinicopathological parameters and disease outcomes.ResultsExpression of caveolin-1 in stromal cells was observed in 14.4% of TNBC cases. TNBCs of the basal-like phenotype (85% of samples) were significantly more likely to exhibit stromal cell caveolin-1 expression (p=0.028), as were those with a trabecular growth pattern (p=0.007). Lack of stromal caveolin-1 expression in both TNBCs and those with the basal-like phenotype was significantly associated with worse overall survival (p=0.009 and p=0.026, respectively): accordingly, increasing mRNA levels ofCAV1in TNBC samples predicted better overall survival. Caveolin-1 expression on TNBC tumour cells was not associated with clinical outcome.ConclusionStromal, but not tumoural, caveolin-1 expression is significantly associated with survival in Asian women with TNBC.
HIV seroconversion among Baltimore City residents tested at a mobile van programme
Authors: Puryear Sarah , Burnett Phyllis , Page Kathleen R , Muvva Ravikiran , Chaulk Patrick , Ghanem Khalil G , Monroe Anne 
Published: September 2017

BackgroundMany individuals with HIV in the USA are unaware of their diagnosis, and therefore cannot be engaged in treatment services, have worse clinical outcomes and are more likely to transmit HIV to others. Mobile van testing may increase HIV testing and diagnosis. Our objective was to characterise risk factors for HIV seroconversion among individuals using mobile van testing.MethodsA case cohort study (n=543) was conducted within an HIV surveillance dataset of mobile van testing users with at least two HIV tests between September 2004 and August 2009 in Baltimore, Maryland. A subcohort (n=423) was randomly selected; all additional cases were added from the parent cohort. Cases (n=122 total, two from random subcohort) had documented seroconversion at the follow-up visit. A unique aspect of the analysis was use of Department of Corrections data to document incarceration between the times of initial and subsequent testing. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were used to compare HIV transmission risk factors between individuals who seroconverted and those who did not.ResultsOne hundred and twenty-two HIV seroconversions occurred among 8756 individuals (1.4%), a rate higher than that in Baltimore City Health Department’s STD Clinic clients (1%). Increased HIV seroconversion risk was associated with men who have sex with men (MSM) (HR 32.76, 95% CI 5.62 to 191.12), sex with an HIV positive partner (HR 70.2, 95% CI 9.58 to 514.89), and intravenous drug use (IDU) (HR 5.65, 95% CI 2.41 to 13.23).ConclusionsHIV testing is a crucial first step in the HIV care continuum and an important HIV prevention tool. This study confirmed the need to reach high-risk populations (MSM, sex with HIV-positive individuals, individuals with IDU) and to increase comprehensive prevention services so that high-risk individuals stay HIV uninfected. HIV testing in mobile vans may be an effective outreach strategy for identifying infection in certain populations at high risk for HIV.
Temperature diagnostics of plasma under optically-thin conditions
Authors: Zhen Zhiqiang , He Jian 
Published: September 2017

For temperature diagnostics of plasma, using the silicon spectral lines emitted from the solar transition region, under the optically-thin conditions, we discuss temperature diagnostics of the quiet sun in some typical features. For the silicon IV 112.8325 nm and 140.2770 nm spectral lines, using the observed intensity ratio, we calculate the temperature of faint cell center, average cell center, average quiet sun, average network, bright network and very bright network of the quiet sun, and results are in good agreement with those predicted at the [Formula: see text] ionization equilibrium temperature of formation of the silicon IV, and we discuss the temperature when the observed intensity varies from 0.05 to 0.2. This investigation will be significant for temperature diagnostics of plasma under the optically-thin conditions.
Introducing Team Learning in a Developing Economy: Students’ Experiences of Experiential Entrepreneurship Education in Namibia
Authors: Arpiainen Riitta-Liisa , Tynjälä Päivi 
Published: September 2017

Entrepreneurship is considered to be a driving force behind nations’ economic development, and entrepreneurship education’s role is essential in shaping entrepreneurial attitudes, skills and culture. The objective of this study was to investigate students’ experiences of entrepreneurship education in a developing economy, especially as regards learning in and through teams. The research project was conducted in Namibia, where the challenges to breaking out of poverty are huge. Methodologically, the study was based on qualitative thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews (2009–2014) of higher education students ([Formula: see text]) taking part in an action-based, experiential entrepreneurship programme. In the analysis of students’ teamwork experiences, five main themes related to learning in and through teams emerged — the first three relating to individuals, the fourth to the team, and the fifth to wider social relations: (i) psychological safety, (ii) tolerance of uncertainty, (iii) strengthening of self-efficacy, (iv) strengthening of team-efficacy, and (v) understanding of others and other cultures. The outcomes may be utilised in establishing, developing and planning similar entrepreneurship education programmes across different cultural settings in developing economies.