bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is an influencing factor for the association of SHBG with metabolic syndrome in diabetes patients
Authors: Hua Xiaomin , Li Man , Pan Fenghui , Xiao Yunyun , Cui Wenxia , Hu Yun 
Published: October 2017

AbstractMetabolic syndrome (MS) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) have been identified as risk factors affecting serum sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) levels. We conducted this cross-sectional study to delineate whether MS or NAFLD has more impact on circulating SHBG levels in type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients. Anthropometric and biochemical parameters including serums SHBG, testosterone (TT), liver enzymes, lipids, insulin, C-peptide and plasma glucose were measured. Regardless of the MS status, SHBG level was significantly lower in NAFLD patients than in non-NAFLD patients (P < 0.001). In the multiple linear regression analysis, lower serum SHBG level was strongly correlated with a higher incidence of NAFLD, but not MS components. In logistic regression analyses, after adjusted for age, sex, duration of diabetes, smoking status, and alcohol use, the ORs and 95%CI for presence of MS was 2.26 (95%CI 1.91–2.68) and for presence of NAFLD was 6.36 (95%CI 4.87–8.31) with per one SD decrease in serum SHBG (both P < 0.001). In conclusion, lower serum SHBG is associated with a higher prevalence of NAFLD, compared with MS and other metabolic disorders, in T2D patients. NAFLD might be an important influencing factor for the association of circulating SHBG with MS in T2D patients.
New Insights into PI3K Inhibitor Design using X-ray Structures of PI3Kα Complexed with a Potent Lead Compound
Authors: Yang Xiuyan , Zhang Xi , Huang Min , Song Kun , Li Xuefen , Huang Meilang , Meng Linghua , Zhang Jian 
Published: October 2017

AbstractPhosphatidylinositol 3-kinase α is an attractive target to potentially treat a range of cancers. Herein, we described the evolution of a reported PI3K inhibitor into a moderate PI3Kα inhibitor with a low molecular weight. We used X-ray crystallography to describe the accurate binding mode of the compound YXY-4F. A comparison of the p110α–YXY-4F and apo p110α complexes showed that YXY-4F induced additional space by promoting a flexible conformational change in residues Ser773 and Ser774 in the PI3Kα ATP catalytic site. Specifically, residue 773(S) in PI3Kα is quite different from that of PI3Kβ (D), γ (A), and δ (D), which might guide further optimization of substituents around the NH group and phenyl group to improve the selectivity and potency of PI3Kα.
New concept of pump-less forward osmosis (FO) and low-pressure membrane (LPM) process
Authors: Im Sung-Ju , Choi Jungwon , Jeong Sanghyun , Jang Am 
Published: October 2017

AbstractWe tested the possibility of energy-saving water treatment methods by using a pump-less forward osmosis (FO) and low-pressure membrane (LPM) hybrid process (FO-LPM). In this pump-less FO-LPM, permeate migrates from the feed solution (FS) to the draw solution (DS) through the FO membrane by use of osmotic pressure differences. At the same time, within the closed DS tank, inner pressure increases as the DS volume increases. By using the DS tank’s internal pressure, the LPM process works to re-concentrate the diluted DS, maintaining the DS concentration and producing clean water. In this study, a polymer - polystyrene sulfonate (PSS) was used as a draw solute. Based on the results of each individual portion of the process, the optimal range of the PSS DS was determined. The performance of the pump-less FO-LPM process was lower than that of a single process; however, we observed that the hybrid process can be operated without a pump for regeneration of a diluted DS. This research highlights the feasibility and applicability of pump-less FO-LPM processes using a polymeric DS for water treatment. Additionally, it is suggested that this novel process offers a breakthrough in FO technology that is often limited by operation and management cost.
Opto-electric investigation for Si/organic heterojunction single-nanowire solar cells
Authors: Yang Zhenhai , Liu Zhaolang , Sheng Jiang , Guo Wei , Zeng Yuheng , Gao Pingqi , Ye Jichun 
Published: October 2017

AbstractRecently, silicon single nanowire solar cells (SNSCs) serving as the sustainable self-power sources have been integrated into optoelectronic nanodevices under the driver of technology and economy. However, conventional SNSC cannot provide the minimum energy consumption for the operation of nanodevices due to its low power conversion efficiency (PCE). Here, we propose an innovative approach to combine the n-type silicon nanowires (SiNWs) with p-type poly(3,4-ethylthiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) to form the p+n heterojunction, which shows superior opto-electric performances. Besides, PEDOT:PSS also acts as a natural anti-reflection coating (ARC) with an excellent light-trapping capability, especially in the short-wavelength range. Importantly, the photovoltaic performances of Si/PEDOT:PSS SNSC can be well maintained even in large surface recombination velocity, due to the efficient field-effect passivation of PEDOT:PSS. The minority carrier concentration at outer surface of shallow p+n heterojunction is greatly reduced by the electric field, drastically suppressing the surface recombination compared to the conventional p-i-n homojunction SNSC. Furthermore, larger junction area of p+n heterojunction facilitates the separation of photo-generated charge carriers. These results demonstrate that the Si/PEDOT:PSS SNSC is a promising alternative for micro power application.
Dementia-related agitation: a review of non-pharmacological interventions and analysis of risks and benefits of pharmacotherapy
Authors: Ijaopo E O 
Published: October 2017

AbstractUnsurprisingly, the subject of dementia has been a rising matter of public health concerns as people now live longer. World Alzheimer Report 2015, estimate that about 46.8 million people worldwide have dementia. These numbers are projected to almost double every 20 years, reaching 74.7 million in 2030 and 131.5 million in 2050. The modality for treating agitation and other behavioral symptoms in dementia patients has been a challenge. Many years on, there has been no FDA-approved pharmacotherapy in treating dementia-related agitation. This review discusses the current knowledge of non-pharmacological interventions, and analyzes the risks and benefits of pharmacotherapy in the management of dementia-related agitation, as well as providing an anecdotal of the author's clinical experience. This article aims to provide opportunity for increase awareness for clinicians, particularly those with no specialty training in geriatrics medicine but see dementia patients with agitation and other behavioral symptoms from time to time. Likewise, it hopefully will benefit the readers of medical journals to update their existing knowledge on matters relating to the management of dementia-related agitation.
Deep brain stimulation for treatment-resistant major depressive disorder: a comparison of two targets and long-term follow-up
Authors: Raymaekers S , Luyten L , Bervoets C , Gabriëls L , Nuttin B 
Published: October 2017

AbstractWe previously found that electrical stimulation in the anterior limb of the internal capsule/bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (IC/BST) alleviates depressive symptoms in severe treatment-resistant obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) patients. Here we tested the hypothesis that electrical stimulation in either IC/BST or in the inferior thalamic peduncle (ITP) effectively reduces depressive symptoms in treatment-resistant major depressive disorder (TRD). In a double-blind crossover design, the effects of electrical stimulation at both targets were compared in TRD patients. The 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating scale (HAM-D) was the primary outcome measure. During the first crossover, patients received IC/BST stimulation versus no stimulation in random order (2 × 1 weeks). During the second crossover (3 × 2 months), patients received IC/BST versus ITP versus no stimulation. Patients and evaluators were blinded for stimulation conditions. All patients (n=7) were followed up for at least 3 years (3–8 years) after implantation. Six patients completed the first crossover and five patients completed the second. During the first crossover, mean (s.d.) HAM-D scores were 21.5 (2.7) for no stimulation and 11.5 (8.8) for IC/BST stimulation. During the second crossover, HAM-D scores were 15.4 (7.5) for no stimulation, 7.6 (3.8) for IC/BST stimulation and 11.2 (7.5) for ITP stimulation. The final sample size was too small to statistically analyze this second crossover. At last follow-up, only one patient preferred ITP over IC/BST stimulation. Two patients, with a history of suicide attempts before implantation, committed suicide during the follow-up phases of this study. Our data indicate that, in the long term, both ITP and IC/BST stimulation may alleviate depressive symptoms in patients suffering from TRD.
Language Outcomes in Children Who Are Deaf and Hard of Hearing: The Role of Language Ability Before Hearing Aid Intervention
Authors: Daub Olivia , Bagatto Marlene P. , Johnson Andrew M. , Cardy Janis Oram 
Published: October 2017

PurposeEarly auditory experiences are fundamental in infant language acquisition. Research consistently demonstrates the benefits of early intervention (i.e., hearing aids) to language outcomes in children who are deaf and hard of hearing. The nature of these benefits and their relation with prefitting development are, however, not well understood.MethodThis study examined Ontario Infant Hearing Program birth cohorts to explore predictors of performance on the Preschool Language Scale–Fourth Edition at the time of (N= 47) and after (N= 19) initial hearing aid intervention.ResultsRegression analyses revealed that, before the hearing aid fitting, severity of hearing loss negatively predicted 19% and 10% of the variance in auditory comprehension and expressive communication, respectively. After hearing aid fitting, children's standard scores on language measures remained stable, but they made significant improvement in their progress values, which represent individual skills acquired on the test, rather than standing relative to same-age peers. Magnitude of change in progress values was predicted by a negative interaction of prefitting language ability and severity of hearing loss for the Auditory Comprehension scale.ConclusionsThese findings highlight the importance of considering a child's prefitting language ability in interpreting eventual language outcomes. Possible mechanisms of hearing aid benefit are discussed.Supplemental Materialshttps://doi.org/10.23641/asha.5538868
Ductile dicing of LiNbO3 ridge waveguide facets to achieve 0.29 nm surface roughness in single process step
Authors: Carpenter L.G. , Berry S.A. , Gawith C.B.E. 
Published: October 2017

A single‐step ductile dicing process capable of manufacturing optical quality facets in lithium niobate (LiNbO3) ridge waveguides with an average surface roughness of 0.29 nm is reported. This result is comparable with surface roughnesses achieved by lapping and polishing and represents an order of magnitude improvement over the prior state of the art in LiNbO3 waveguide facet dicing.
Testing the neutral hypothesis of phenotypic evolution
Authors: Ho Wei-Chin , Ohya Yoshikazu , Zhang Jianzhi 
Published: October 2017

SignificanceDespite the universal recognition that adaptation by Darwinian selection can shape phenotypic variations within and between species, it remains unknown whether most phenotypic variations observed have adaptive values, in part because addressing this question requires examining a large, random set of traits while past studies were biased toward traits that are likely adaptive. Here, we study 210 yeast morphological traits chosen purely on the basis of experimental feasibility and expression levels of all yeast genes with reliable measurements. We find that morphological variations, but not expression variations, are largely adaptive, suggesting that different classes of phenotypic traits are subject to adaptive evolution to varying extents.
De novo prediction of human chromosome structures: Epigenetic marking patterns encode genome architecture
Authors: Di Pierro Michele , Cheng Ryan R. , Lieberman Aiden Erez , Wolynes Peter G. , Onuchic José N. 
Published: October 2017

Significance
In the nucleus of eukaryotic cells, the genome is organized in three dimensions in an architecture that depends on cell type. This organization is a key element of transcriptional regulation, and its disruption often leads to disease. We demonstrate that it is possible to predict how a genome will fold based on the epigenetic marks that decorate chromatin. Epigenetic marking patterns are used to predict the corresponding ensemble of 3D structures by leveraging both energy landscape theory and neural network-based machine learning. These predictions are extensively validated by the results of DNA-DNA ligation assays and fluorescence microscopy, which are found to be in exceptionally good agreement with theory.
A journal is a club: a new economic model for scholarly publishing
Authors: Potts Jason , Hartley John , Montgomery Lucy , Neylon Cameron , Rennie Ellie 
Published: October 2017

AbstractA new economic model for the analysis of scholarly publishing – journal publishing in particular – is proposed that draws on club theory. The standard approach builds on market failure in the private production (by research scholars) of a public good (new scholarly knowledge). In this model, publishing is communication, as the dissemination of information. But a club model views publishing differently: namely as group formation, where members form groups in order to confer externalities on each other, subject to congestion. A journal is a self-constituted group, endeavouring to create new knowledge. In this sense, a journal is a club. The knowledge club model of a journal seeks to balance the positive externalities of a shared resource (readers, citations, referees) against the negative externalities of crowding (decreased prospect of publishing in that journal). A new economic model of a journal as a knowledge club is elaborated. We suggest some consequences for the management of journals and financial models that might be developed to support them.
Was the Missing 2013 WASDE Missed?
Authors: Adjemian Michael K , Johansson Robert , McKenzie Andrew , Thomsen Michael 
Published: October 2017

AbstractGovernment crop data have been shown to contribute to the efficient operation of agricultural commodity markets. In 2013, the USDA curtailed its crop report publication for the first time in decades due to an appropriations lapse, thereby offering the chance to study the impact on markets of missing government data. As expected, derivatives markets for corn and soybeans did not display characteristic short‐run patterns in terms of uncertainty resolution and price changes that are normally observed around scheduled USDA release times. We are unable to detect evidence of a prolonged period of heightened uncertainty, realized volatility around the missing report, or abnormal pricing errors in the absence of government data. However, an unsurprisingly large 2013 corn and soybean crop could confound that attempt.
FunImageJ: a Lisp framework for scientific image processing
Authors: Harrington Kyle I S , Rueden Curtis T , Eliceiri Kevin W 
Published: October 2017

Abstract

Summary
FunImageJ is a Lisp framework for scientific image processing built upon the ImageJ software ecosystem. The framework provides a natural functional-style for programming, while accounting for the performance requirements necessary in big data processing commonly encountered in biological image analysis.

Availability and implementation
Freely available plugin to Fiji (http://fiji.sc/#download). Installation and use instructions available at http://imagej.net/FunImageJ.

Supplementary information
Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Influence of decreased biomass on the ogive of sex change of northern shrimp (Pandalus borealis)
Authors: Jónsdóttir Ingibjörg G , Thórarinsdóttir Gudrún G , Jonasson Jónas P 
Published: October 2017

Abstract
Northern shrimp (Pandalus borealis) are protandrous hermaphrodites that reproduce first as males, go through a transition phase and transform to females, and then spawn as such for the rest of their lives. No clear consensus exists as to which factors influence the activation of the sex change process, but one possible factor is population density. Here, we investigate whether changes in stock size can influence the ogive of sex change, and use a 26-year time series (i.e. 1990–2015) of survey data on shrimp biomass from three different stocks in Iceland as a test case. Two of the stocks experienced periods of high biomass during the 1990 s, with a pronounced and prolonged depletion observed after 2000. In contrast, stock biomass of the third stock decreased only slightly during the time series. We found that the ogives of sex change of the two stocks where the biomass decreased to very low levels have changed significantly, and that shrimp now change sex at a lower size compared to earlier. Furthermore, Lmax has decreased significantly.
Outcomes of Bleb Repair for Delayed Bleb Leaks and Sweating Blebs
Authors: Senthil Sirisha , Basia Arpita , Rao Harsha L. , Choudhari Nikhil , Dikshit Siddharth , Mandal Anil K. , Garudadri Chandra Sekhar 
Published: October 2017

Purpose:
To report the outcomes of bleb repair for delayed onset leaking blebs and sweating blebs following glaucoma filtering surgery.

Materials and Methods:
Medical records of 76 eyes of 76 subjects that underwent bleb repair for either leaking bleb or sweating bleb between 1990 and 2015 were reviewed. Complete success was resolution of bleb leak and or hypotony with intraocular pressure ≥5 and ≤21 mm Hg with no antiglaucoma medication.

Results:
There were 45 eyes with leaking bleb and 31 eyes with sweating bleb that underwent bleb repair by either conjunctival autograft or conjunctival advancement (P=0.11). Before bleb repair, complications like blebitis and hypotony maculopathy were significantly higher in sweating bleb group (13/31) compared with bleb leak group (5/45) (P=0.002). Median follow-up after bleb repair was >2 years in both groups (P=0.69). After repair, eyes in leaking bleb group had higher immediate (P=0.01) and long-term intraocular pressure elevation (P=0.06) compared with sweating bleb group. Complete success probability in sweating bleb group was significantly better (88%, 78%, and 71%) compared with leaking bleb group (54%, 45%, and 40%) at 1, 3, and 6 years, respectively (P=0.01). One eye in each group had blebitis, 2 eyes in leaking bleb group and 1 eye in sweating bleb group needed repeat glaucoma intervention.

Conclusions:
Higher complication rate before bleb repair in eyes with sweating bleb warrants early bleb repair. Bleb repair helped retain bleb function in majority of the eyes with sweating blebs, strengthening our recommendation.
Pertussis in California: A Tale of 2 Epidemics
Authors: Winter Kathleen , Zipprich Jennifer , Harriman Kathleen 
Published: October 2017

Introduction:
California experienced pertussis epidemics in 2010 and 2014, with more than 9000 and 11,000 reported cases, respectively. Using an ecologic study design, we compared age-specific pertussis incidence for persons ≤20 years of age in California in 2010 and 2014 to describe any changes in disease burden that may be attributable to changes in pertussis vaccination policy that occurred during interepidemic years.

Methods:
We evaluated California pertussis surveillance data for reported pertussis cases 20 years of age and younger with disease onset from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2010 or from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2014. Age-specific pertussis rates were calculated for each of the epidemic years. Characteristics of each age group were compared across epidemic years and age-specific rate ratios (RRs) and associated 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.

Results:
In both years, the highest disease rate was reported in infants <6 months of age; however, the incidence of pertussis declined significantly among infants <6 months of age in 2014 compared with 2010 (RR 0.58, 95% CI: 0.53–0.63). Incidence remained stable among infants ≥6 months of age, children and adolescents <12 years of age (RR 1.1, 95% CI: 0.5–1.3). Adolescents 12–18 years of age had significantly higher rates of pertussis in 2014 compared with 2010, with the highest rates observed among 14- to 16-year-olds (RR 6.5, 95% CI: 5.4–7.8).

Conclusions:
A 42% reduction (53%–63%) in pertussis incidence among infants <6 months of age in 2014 after the routine prenatal Tdap vaccination recommendation suggested that an increase in prenatal Tdap coverage has been having some impact on infant pertussis. The excess number of cases observed in 2014 compared with 2010 occurred almost exclusively among the 12- to 17-year-old age group. Among older children, the peak age of pertussis is shifting, consistent with aging of the acellular pertussis vaccine cohort.
Annual Versus Biannual Mass Azithromycin Distribution and Malaria Parasitemia During the Peak Transmission Season Among Children in Niger
Authors: Oldenburg Catherine E. , Amza Abdou , Kadri Boubacar , Nassirou Beido , Cotter Sun Y. , Stoller Nicole E. , West Sheila K. , Bailey Robin L. , Porco Travis C. , Keenan Jeremy D. , Lietman Thomas M. , Gaynor Bruce D. 
Published: October 2017

Background:
Azithromycin has modest efficacy against malaria, and previous cluster randomized trials have suggested that mass azithromycin distribution for trachoma control may play a role in malaria control. We evaluated the effect of annual versus biannual mass azithromycin distribution over a 3-year period on malaria prevalence during the peak transmission season in a region with seasonal malaria transmission in Niger.

Methods:
Twenty-four communities in Matameye, Niger, were randomized to annual mass azithromycin distribution (3 distributions to the entire community during the peak transmission season) or biannual-targeted azithromycin distribution (6 distributions to children <12 years of age, including 3 in the peak transmission season and 3 in the low transmission season). Malaria indices were evaluated at 36 months during the high transmission season.

Results:
Parasitemia prevalence was 42.6% (95% confidence interval: 31.7%–53.6%) in the biannual distribution arm compared with 50.6% (95% confidence interval: 40.3%–60.8%) in the annual distribution arm (P = 0.29). There was no difference in parasite density or hemoglobin concentration in the 2 treatment arms.

Conclusions:
Additional rounds of mass azithromycin distribution during low transmission may not have a significant impact on malaria parasitemia measured during the peak transmission season.