bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of the Envelope gp120 Phe 43 Cavity on HIV-1 Sensitivity to Antibody-Dependent Cell-Mediated Cytotoxicity Responses
Authors: Prévost Jérémie , Zoubchenok Daria , Richard Jonathan , Veillette Maxime , Pacheco Beatriz , Coutu Mathieu , Brassard Nathalie , Parsons Matthew S. , Ruxrungtham Kiat , Bunupuradah Torsak , Tovanabutra Sodsai , Hwang Kwan-Ki , Moody M. Anthony , Haynes Barton F. , Bonsignori Mattia , Sodroski Joseph , Kaufmann Daniel E. , Shaw George M. , Chenine Agnès L. , Finzi Andrés
Published: January 2017

HIV-1-infected cells presenting envelope glycoproteins (Env) in the CD4-bound conformation on their surface are preferentially targeted by antibody-dependent cellular-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC). HIV-1 has evolved sophisticated mechanisms to avoid the exposure of Env ADCC epitopes by downregulating CD4 and by limiting the overall amount of Env on the cell surface. In HIV-1, substitution of large residues such as histidine or tryptophan for serine 375 (S375H/W) in the gp120 Phe 43 cavity, where Phe 43 of CD4 contacts gp120, results in the spontaneous sampling of an Env conformation closer to the CD4-bound state. While residue S375 is well conserved in the majority of group M HIV-1 isolates, CRF01_AE strains have a naturally occurring histidine at this position (H375). Interestingly, CRF01_AE is the predominant circulating strain in Thailand, where the RV144 trial took place. In this trial, which resulted in a modest degree of protection, ADCC responses were identified as being part of the correlate of protection. Here we investigate the influence of the Phe 43 cavity on ADCC responses. Filling this cavity with a histidine or tryptophan residue in Env with a natural serine residue at this position (S375H/W) increased the susceptibility of HIV-1-infected cells to ADCC. Conversely, the replacement of His 375 by a serine residue (H375S) within HIV-1 CRF01_AE decreased the efficiency of the ADCC response. Our results raise the intriguing possibility that the presence of His 375 in the circulating strain where the RV144 trial was held contributed to the observed vaccine efficacy.

IMPORTANCEHIV-1-infected cells presenting Env in the CD4-bound conformation on their surface are preferentially targeted by ADCC mediated by HIV-positive (HIV+) sera. Here we show that the gp120 Phe 43 cavity modulates the propensity of Env to sample this conformation and therefore affects the susceptibility of infected cells to ADCC. CRF01_AE HIV-1 strains have an unusual Phe 43 cavity-filling His 375 residue, which increases the propensity of Env to sample the CD4-bound conformation, thereby increasing susceptibility to ADCC.
Glutathione and Glutathione Transferase Omega 1 as Key Posttranslational Regulators in Macrophages
Authors: Hughes Mark M. , McGettrick Anne F. , O’Neill Luke A. J.
Published: January 2017

Macrophage activation during phagocytosis or by pattern recognition receptors, such as Toll-like receptor 4, leads to the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS act as a microbicidal defense mechanism, promoting clearance of infection, allowing for resolution of inflammation. Overproduction of ROS, however, overwhelms our cellular antioxidant defense system, promoting oxidation of protein machinery, leading to macrophage dysregulation and pathophysiology of chronic inflammatory conditions, such as atherosclerosis. Here we will describe the role of the antioxidant tripeptide glutathione (GSH). Until recently, the binding of GSH, termed glutathionylation, was only considered to maintain the integrity of cellular components, limiting the damaging effects of an aberrant oxidative environment. GSH can, however, have positive and negative regulatory effects on protein function in macrophages. GSH regulates protein secretion, driving tumor necrosis factor α release, hypoxia-inducible factor-1α stability, STAT3 phosphorylation, and caspase-1 activation in macrophages. GSH also plays a role in host defense against
Listeria monocytogenes
, modifying the key virulence protein PrfA in infected macrophages. We will also discuss glutathione transferase omega 1, a deglutathionylating enzyme recently shown to play a role in many aspects of macrophage activity, including metabolism, NF-κB activation, and cell survival pathways. Glutathionylation is emerging as a key regulatory event in macrophage biology that might be susceptible to therapeutic targeting.
Investigation of the degree of organisational influence on patient experience scores in acute medical admission units in all acute hospitals in England using multilevel hierarchical regression modelling
Authors: Sullivan Paul , Bell Derek
Published: January 2017

Objectives

Previous studies found that hospital and specialty have limited influence on patient experience scores, and patient level factors are more important. This could be due to heterogeneity of experience delivery across subunits within organisations. We aimed to determine whether organisation level factors have greater impact if scores for the same subspecialty microsystem are analysed in each hospital.

Setting

Acute medical admission units in all NHS Acute Trusts in England.

Participants

We analysed patient experience data from the English Adult Inpatient Survey which is administered to 850 patients annually in each acute NHS Trusts in England. We selected all 8753 patients who returned the survey and who were emergency medical admissions and stayed in their admission unit for 1–2 nights, so as to isolate the experience delivered during the acute admission process.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

We used multilevel logistic regression to determine the apportioned influence of host organisation and of organisation level factors (size and teaching status), and patient level factors (demographics, presence of long-term conditions and disabilities). We selected ‘being treated with respect and dignity’ and ‘pain control’ as primary outcome parameters. Other Picker Domain question scores were analysed as secondary parameters.

Results

The proportion of overall variance attributable at organisational level was small; 0.5% (NS) for respect and dignity, 0.4% (NS) for pain control. Long-standing conditions and consequent disabilities were associated with low scores. Other item scores also showed that most influence was from patient level factors.

Conclusions

When a single microsystem, the acute medical admission process, is isolated, variance in experience scores is mainly explainable by patient level factors with limited organisational level influence. This has implications for the use of generic patient experience surveys for comparison between Trusts and should prompt further research to explore if more discriminant surveys can be developed.
Healthcare organisation and delivery for people with dementia and comorbidity: a qualitative study exploring the views of patients, carers and professionals
Authors: Bunn Frances , Burn Anne-Marie , Robinson Louise , Poole Marie , Rait Greta , Brayne Carol , Schoeman Johan , Norton Sam , Goodman Claire
Published: January 2017

Objectives

People living with dementia (PLWD) have a high prevalence of comorbidty. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of dementia on access to non-dementia services and identify ways of improving service delivery for this population.

Design

Qualitative study involving interviews and focus groups. Thematic content analysis was informed by theories of continuity of care and access to care.

Setting

Primary and secondary care in the South and North East of England.

Participants

PLWD who had 1 of the following comorbidities—diabetes, stroke, vision impairment, their family carers and healthcare professionals (HCPs) in the 3 conditions.

Results

We recruited 28 community-dwelling PLWD, 33 family carers and 56 HCPs. Analysis resulted in 3 overarching themes: (1) family carers facilitate access to care and continuity of care, (2) the impact of the severity and presentation of dementia on management of comorbid conditions, (3) communication and collaboration across specialities and services is not dementia aware. We found examples of good practice, but these tended to be about the behaviour of individual practitioners rather than system-based approaches; current systems may unintentionally block access to care for PLWD.

Conclusions

This study suggests that, in order to improve access and continuity for PLWD and comorbidity, a significant change in the organisation of care is required which involves: coproduction of care where professionals, PLWD and family carers work in partnership; recognition of the way a patient's diagnosis of dementia affects the management of other long-term conditions; flexibility in services to ensure they are sensitive to the changing needs of PLWD and their family carers over time; and improved collaboration across specialities and organisations. Research is needed to develop interventions that support partnership working and tailoring of care for PLWD and comorbidity.
Ageing and mental health: changes in self-reported health due to physical illness and mental health status with consecutive cross-sectional analyses
Authors: Lorem Geir Fagerjord , Schirmer Henrik , Wang Catharina E A , Emaus Nina
Published: January 2017

Objectives

It is known that self-reported health (SRH) declines with increasing age and that comorbidity increases with age. We wished to examine how age transfers its effect to SRH through comorbid disease and mental illness and whether these processes remained stable from 1994 until 2008. The hypothesis is that ageing and/or the increased age-related burden of pathology explains the declining SRH.

Setting

The Tromsø Study (TS) is a cohort study using a survey approach with repeated physical examinations. It was conducted in the municipality of Tromsø, Norway, from 1974 to 2008.

Participants

A total of 21 199 women and 19 229 men participated.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

SRH is the outcome of interest. We calculated and compared the effect sizes of age, comorbidity and mental health symptoms using multimediator analysis based on OLS regression.

Results

Ageing had a negative impact on SRH, but the total effect of age decreased from 1994 to 2007. We assessed the direct effect of age and then the proportion of indirect age-related effects through physical illness and mental health symptoms on the total effect. The direct effect of age represented 79.3% of the total effect in 1994 and decreased to 58.8% in 2007. Physical illness emerged as an increasingly important factor and increased its influence from 15.7% to 41.2% of the total effect. Age alone had a protective effect on mental health symptoms and this increased (2.5% to 17.3%), but we found a stronger association between mental health symptoms and physical disease in the later waves of the study (increasing from 3.7% to 14.8%).

Conclusions

The results suggest that the effect on SRH of mental health symptoms caused by physical illness is an increasing public health problem. Treatment and care for specific medical conditions must therefore focus more strongly on how these conditions affect the patient's mental health and address these concerns accordingly.
Vacuum aspiration for induced abortion could be safely and legally performed by nurses and midwives
Authors: Sheldon Sally , Fletcher Joanne
Published: January 2017

Background

Some 40% of abortions carried out in England and Wales are done by vacuum aspiration. It is widely assumed that, in order to be lawful, these procedures must be performed by doctors.

Aim and design

This study aimed to provide a detailed reassessment of the relevant law and the clinical evidence that supports this assumption.

Conclusions

A close reading of relevant law reveals that this assumption is unfounded. On the contrary, it would be lawful for appropriately trained nurses or midwives, acting as part of a multidisciplinary team, to carry out vacuum aspiration procedures. This interpretation of the law offers the potential for developing more streamlined, cost-effective abortion services, which would be both safe and highly acceptable to patients.
Effects of season on bull sperm quality in thawed samples in northern Spain
Authors: Sabés‐Alsina M. , Johannisson A. , Lundeheim N. , Lopez‐Bejar M. , Morrell J. M.
Published: January 2017

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the possible effects of climate factors on sperm quality of Holstein dairy bulls housed in northern Spain. Semen samples from 11 Holstein dairy bulls were collected and cryopreserved in winter, spring and summer. Sperm quality parameters such as motility, morphology, plasma membrane integrity, acrosome status, mitochondrial membrane potential, DNA fragmentation index and reactive oxygen species were assessed. Samples collected in spring showed higher mean values of total and progressive motility compared with samples collected in winter. Mean values of average path velocity and straight‐line velocity were higher in spring than in summer. The proportion of viable spermatozoa was higher in spring than in winter as was the proportion of viable spermatozoa with non‐reacted acrosome. The proportion of live cells that were not producing superoxide or hydrogen peroxide was higher in samples collected in spring than in winter. No differences were found in sperm morphology or the DNA fragmentation index among seasons. In conclusion, results suggest that sperm quality of bulls housed in northern Spain is affected by season. Samples collected in spring appear to have better sperm quality than samples collected in other seasons.
Herbarium specimens as tools to assess the impact of large herbivores on plant species
Authors: Beauvais Marie-Pierre , Pellerin Stéphanie , Dubé Jean , Lavoie Claude
Published: January 2017

Herbarium specimens can be used to reconstruct spatiotemporal changes in plant morphology caused by environmental pressures. The reliability of herbarium-derived data requires evaluation, because specimen collection is subject to biases. We used herbarium and field data to investigate the impact of large herbivore browsing on the size of a forb. White trillium (Trillium grandiflorum (Michaux) Salisbury) was studied because the impacts of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus Zimmermann) browsing on this species are well-known. A total of 692 herbarium specimens collected in Quebec (Canada) were used to evaluate leaf area. Leaf area values of herbarium specimens were compared with those of modern (2013, 2014) specimens collected in sites either with >8 deer per square kilometre or without deer. Flowering individuals in modern sites with deer had a significantly lower leaf area than herbarium specimens and modern specimens collected in sites without deer. The distribution of white trillium individuals in deer sites was also skewed towards plants with a smaller leaf area. Herbarium specimens may offer unique and inexpensive data, compared with methods traditionally used to assess the impacts of herbivores on plants, such as exclosures or clipping experiments. Unfortunately, this rich data source is seriously jeopardized by the downtrend in specimen collecting.
An improved canopy wind model for predicting wind adjustment factors and wildland fire behavior
Authors: Massman W.J. , Forthofer J.M. , Finney M.A.
Published: January 2017

The ability to rapidly estimate wind speed beneath a forest canopy or near the ground surface in any vegetation is critical to practical wildland fire behavior models. The common metric of this wind speed is the “mid-flame” wind speed, UMF. However, the existing approach for estimating UMF has some significant shortcomings. These include the assumptions that both the within-canopy wind speed and the canopy structure are uniform with depth (z) throughout the canopy and that the canopy roughness length (z0) and displacement height (d) are the same regardless of canopy structure and foliage density. The purpose of this study is to develop and assess a model of canopy wind and Reynolds stress that eliminates these shortcomings and thereby provide a more physically realistic method for calculating UMF. The present model can be used for canopies of arbitrary plant surface distribution and leaf area, and the single function that describes the within-canopy wind speed is shown to reproduce observed canopy wind speed profiles across a wide variety of canopies. An equally simple analytical expression for the within-canopy Reynolds stress, [Formula: see text], also provides a reasonable description of the observed vertical profiles of Reynolds stress. In turn, [Formula: see text] is used to calculate z0 and d. Tests of operational performance are also discussed.
Sporicidal efficacy of thermal-sprayed copper alloy coating
Authors: Shafaghi Romina , Mostaghimi Javad , Pershin Valerian , Ringuette Maurice
Published: January 2017

Approximately 200 000 Canadians acquire healthcare-associated bacterial infections each year and several-fold more acquire food-borne bacterial illnesses. Bacterial spores are particularly problematic because they can survive on surfaces for several months. Owing to its sporicidal activity, copper alloy sheet metal is sometimes used in hospital settings, but its widespread use is limited by cost and incompatibility with complex furniture and instrument designs and topographies. A potential alternative is the use of thermal spray technology to coat surfaces with copper alloys. We compared the sporicidal activity of thermally sprayed copper alloy on stainless steel with that of copper alloy sheet metal against Bacillus subtilis spores. Spores remained intact for at least 1 week on uncoated stainless steel, whereas spore fragmentation was initiated within 2 h of exposure to either copper surface. Less than 15% of spores were viable 2 h after exposure to either copper surface, as compared with stainless steel. By day 7, only degraded spores and petal-like nanoflowers were present on the copper surfaces. Nanoflowers, which are laminar arrangements of thin crystal sheets composed of carbon – copper phosphate, appeared to be derived from the degraded spores. Altogether, these results indicate that a thermal-sprayed copper alloy coating on stainless steel provides sporicidal activity similar to that afforded by copper alloy sheet metal.
Do Well-Financial Holding Company Organized Banks in Taiwan Take More Risk?
Authors: Lai Li-Hua , Hung Li-Chin , Kuo Chau-Jung
Published: January 2017

This paper employs panel data regression analysis to explore the measurable differences in risk-capitalization relationship between FHC and non-FHC organized Banks. The main contribution of this paper is in explaining some rethinking which shows the business of FHCBs take more risk than that of NFHCBs, and high degree of capitalization is negatively associated with asset risk and has higher interest rate spread increased bank’s asset risk in FHCBs only. It obviously has its strong anti-incentives domination for high capital banks group in NFHCHs, which a high degree of loans ratio, loans ratio is positively associated with asset risk in NFHCBs only. A large degree of bank size, bank size is negatively associated with asset risk in FHCBs only. The prior studies and previous hypothesis indicate that risk level increases when the bank capital size is high but the finding in this paper is inconsistent with the previous research.
The Global Financial Crisis and Retail Interest Rate Pass-Through in Australia
Authors: Liu Ming-Hua , Margaritis Dimitris , Qiao Zhuo
Published: January 2017

In this paper, we examine the impact of the global financial crisis (GFC) on the interest rate pass-through for four types of loans in Australia: mortgages, residentially secured small business lending, nonsecured small business lending and personal loans. Australia is an interesting case study since its central bank lowered but also raised interest rates during the GFC. We find that after the onset of the crisis, there has been a shift in the way banks adjust their lending rates in response to changes in market interest rates; the markup has increased and there has been a drop in both short- and long-term pass-through from funding costs to lending rates. Closer analysis indicates that the drop in short-term pass-through is due to the slower response of banks to increases in funding costs. We also find asymmetries in the way banks adjust lending rates in relation to funding costs in the long-run for nonsecured small business lending and personal loans. The evidence shows that banks in Australia tightened lending standards and competed less aggressively for loans but more for deposits in response to heightened default risks following the global financial crisis. The wider margin allows banks to adjust their lending rates more slowly and asymmetrically.
Study on Cat Robot Utilization for Treatment of Autistic Children
Authors: Lee Jin-Gyu , Lee Bo-Hee , Jang Ju-Yeong , Kwon Ja-Young , Mun Keum-Hi , Jung Jin-Soun
Published: January 2017

This study deals with language therapy and play therapy using a cat robot for children with autistic spectrum disorders (ASDs) and verifies the effects of such therapy. Two versions of cat character robots, so-called Semyung robot (SERO) I and II, are suggested. First, SERO I is applied in the field test, which indicated some effective tendancy of ASD children. The robot design was improved accordingly, and the second field test was performed. Through the two field tests, we verified that this robot can be used effectively in the treatment of ASD children.
Discotic liquid crystals of transition metal complexes 52: Synthesis and homeotropic alignment of liquid crystalline phthalocyanine-fullerene dyad bridged by vanillin
Authors: Watarai Ayumi , Ohta Kazuchika , Yasutake Mikio
Published: January 2017

We have synthesized a novel liquid crystalline phthalocyanine(Pc)-fullerene(C[Formula: see text] dyad (C[Formula: see text]S)[Formula: see text]PcCu-VAN-C[Formula: see text] (3a) bridged by an inexpensive natural product of vanillin (VAN), instead of the previous long [Formula: see text]-alkylene chain spacer. We have also synthesized a comparative dyad (C[Formula: see text]S)[Formula: see text]PcCu-OPh-C[Formula: see text] (3b) bridged by [Formula: see text]-hydroxybenzaldehyde (OPh), in order to investigate the influence of the methoxy group in the vanillin moiety on homeotropic alignment between two glass plates. Very interestingly, homeotropic alignment could be observed only for the dyad (C[Formula: see text]S)[Formula: see text]PcCu-VAN-C[Formula: see text] (3a) having a methoxy group in the vanillin moiety, whereas it could not be observed for the dyad (C[Formula: see text]S)[Formula: see text]PcCu-OPh-C[Formula: see text] (3b) having no methoxy group at the phenoxy group. It is very noteworthy that such a slight difference in these molecular structures between 3a and 3b becomes a crucial point to show the homeotropic alignment. Each of the dyads, 3a and 3b, showed two hexagonal ordered columnar (Col[Formula: see text] mesophases. Each of the Col[Formula: see text] mesophases in 3a and 3b gave an additional very strong reflection peak named as Peak H in a very low angle region of the SAXS (small angle X-ray scattering) pattern. Peak H could be established, from two different SAXS measurement methods, as one pitch in a helical structure of the fullerenes around the Pc column.
Age and origin of thin discontinuous gneiss sheets in the distal domain of the magma-poor hyperextended pre-Caledonian margin of Baltica, southern Norway
Authors: Jakob Johannes , Alsaif Manar , Corfu Fernando , Andersen Torgeir B.
Published: January 2017

The vestiges of the pre-Caledonian magma-poor hyperextended margin of Baltica are preserved in a mélange zone in southern Norway. The rock assemblage in the distal domains of magma-poor hyperextended margins includes extensional allochthons and basement slivers, which share a pre-rift tectonometamorphic history with the non-rifted basement. After incorporation into an orogenic belt, these distinct fingerprints may be used to test whether such heterogeneous mélange units were derived from the basement units below or have been transported to the orogen from elsewhere. Later magmatic additions and tectonometamorphic events may provide additional information on the geological evolution of the margin. We present U–Pb results from 12 gneisses and meta-igneous rocks from the mélange zone. We find Proterozoic gneisses of Telemarkian affinity over the length of the mélange zone that support the formation of the mélange along the ancient Baltican margin. We also find latest Cambrian–early Ordovician meta-igneous rocks that may be linked either to shortening of transitional crust formed in the Ediacaran or, alternatively, to an episode of extension in the Ordovician. Scandian thrusting initiated between 438 and 427 Ma and was followed by the emplacement of syntectonic ‘Scandian’ granitoids at 421 Ma; that emplacement coincides with peak metamorphism.

Supplementary material:
A high-resolution photomicrograph of the chlorite schist from Stølsheimen is available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.3592064
.
The detrital record of Cretaceous to Pliocene sandstones across the NE South American margin
Authors: Vincent Hasley , Wach Grant
Published: January 2017

The Cretaceous to Pliocene erosional history of the NE South American margin depicts the increasing influence of the uplifting Caribbean Mountain belt. Petrographic analyses of 59 Cretaceous to Late Pliocene sandstone samples derived from across the islands of Trinidad and Barbados, demonstrate systematic mineralogical changes whereby Early Cretaceous arkosic arenites gave way to mature quartz arenites by the Late Cretaceous and Caribbean Mountain-derived lithic-rich arenites during the Neogene. Changes in the framework compositions are accompanied by changes in textural attributes, with Caribbean Mountain detritus being notably finer grained than cratonic input. Silica cements predominate in quartzose sandstones and sericitic and clay cements within litharenites. The changing mineralogical compositions record the gradual deformation of the northern South American passive margin and initiation of the Andean–Caribbean Mountain foreland basin system, with incipient orogenic detritus evident from the latest Eocene and unambiguous orogenic input by the Late Oligocene. The preponderance of finer grain sizes within deltaic Pliocene sandstones records the later fill of an established foredeep with sediments sourced primarily from erosion of the Andean hinterland. These interpretations agree with heavy mineral compositional changes and the timing of uplift from geo- and thermo-chronological data across the margin.

Supplementary material
: Qualitative descriptions, sample coordinates and raw point counts are available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.3659381
Effects of obesity and exercise on testicular leptin signal transduction and testosterone biosynthesis in male mice
Authors: Yi Xuejie , Gao Haining , Chen Dequan , Tang Donghui , Huang Wanting , Li Tao , Ma Tie , Chang Bo
Published: January 2017

To explore the role of the testicular leptin and JAK-STAT[leptin (LEP)-JAK-STAT] pathway in testosterone biosynthesis during juvenile stages and exercise for weight loss, male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into normal-diet and high-fat diet groups. After 10 wk, mice in the high-fat diet-fed group were further divided randomly into obese control, obese moderate-volume exercise, and obese high-volume exercise groups. Mice in the obese moderate-volume exercise group were provided with 2 h/day, 6 days/wk swimming exercise for 8 wk, and mice in the obese high-volume exercise group underwent twice the amount of daily exercise intervention as the obese moderate-volume exercise group. The results showed that a high-fat diet causes obesity, leptin resistance, inhibition of the testicular LEP-JAK-STAT pathway, decreased mRNA and protein expression of steroidogenic factor-1, steroidogenic acute regulatory protein, and the P-450 side-chain cleavage enzyme, a decrease in the serum testosterone-to-estradiol ratio, and declines in sperm quality parameters. Both moderate and high-volume exercise were able to reduce body fat and increase the mRNA and protein expression of LEP-JAK-STAT, but only moderate exercise significantly increased the mRNA and protein expression of steroidogenic factor-1, steroidogenic acute regulatory protein, and P-450 side-chain cleavage enzyme and significantly reversed the serum testosterone-to-estradiol ratio and sperm quality parameters. These findings suggest that by impairing the testicular LEP-JAK-STAT pathway, early-stage obesity inhibits the biosynthesis of testosterone and sexual development and reduces male reproductive potential. Long-term moderate and high-volume exercise can effectively reduce body fat and improve obesity-induced abnormalities in testicular leptin signal transduction, whereas only moderate-volume exercise can reverse the negative impacts of obesity on male reproductive function.
Dissociation between sustained single-neuron spiking and transient β-LFP oscillations in primate motor cortex
Authors: Rule Michael E. , Vargas-Irwin Carlos E. , Donoghue John P. , Truccolo Wilson
Published: January 2017

Determining the relationship between single-neuron spiking and transient (20 Hz) β-local field potential (β-LFP) oscillations is an important step for understanding the role of these oscillations in motor cortex. We show that whereas motor cortex firing rates and beta spiking rhythmicity remain sustained during steady-state movement preparation periods, β-LFP oscillations emerge, in contrast, as short transient events. Single-neuron mean firing rates within and outside transient β-LFP events showed no differences, and no consistent correlation was found between the beta oscillation amplitude and firing rates, as was the case for movement- and visual cue-related β-LFP suppression. Importantly, well-isolated single units featuring beta-rhythmic spiking (43%, 125/292) showed no apparent or only weak phase coupling with the transient β-LFP oscillations. Similar results were obtained for the population spiking. These findings were common in triple microelectrode array recordings from primary motor (M1), ventral (PMv), and dorsal premotor (PMd) cortices in nonhuman primates during movement preparation. Although beta spiking rhythmicity indicates strong membrane potential fluctuations in the beta band, it does not imply strong phase coupling with β-LFP oscillations. The observed dissociation points to two different sources of variation in motor cortex β-LFPs: one that impacts single-neuron spiking dynamics and another related to the generation of mesoscopic β-LFP signals. Furthermore, our findings indicate that rhythmic spiking and diverse neuronal firing rates, which encode planned actions during movement preparation, may naturally limit the ability of different neuronal populations to strongly phase-couple to a single dominant oscillation frequency, leading to the observed spiking and β-LFP dissociation.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY We show that whereas motor cortex spiking rates and beta (~20 Hz) spiking rhythmicity remain sustained during steady-state movement preparation periods, β-local field potential (β-LFP) oscillations emerge, in contrast, as transient events. Furthermore, the β-LFP phase at which neurons spike drifts: phase coupling is typically weak or absent. This dissociation points to two sources of variation in the level of motor cortex beta: one that impacts single-neuron spiking and another related to the generation of measured mesoscopic β-LFPs.
Structural Study of Heterogeneous Biological Samples by Cryoelectron Microscopy and Image Processing
Authors: White H. E. , Ignatiou A. , Clare D. K. , Orlova E. V.
Published: January 2017

In living organisms, biological macromolecules are intrinsically flexible and naturally exist in multiple conformations. Modern electron microscopy, especially at liquid nitrogen temperatures (cryo-EM), is able to visualise biocomplexes in nearly native conditions and in multiple conformational states. The advances made during the last decade in electronic technology and software development have led to the revelation of structural variations in complexes and also improved the resolution of EM structures. Nowadays, structural studies based on single particle analysis (SPA) suggests several approaches for the separation of different conformational states and therefore disclosure of the mechanisms for functioning of complexes. The task of resolving different states requires the examination of large datasets, sophisticated programs, and significant computing power. Some methods are based on analysis of two-dimensional images, while others are based on three-dimensional studies. In this review, we describe the basic principles implemented in the various techniques that are currently used in the analysis of structural conformations and provide some examples of successful applications of these methods in structural studies of biologically significant complexes.
Utility of the CT Scan in Diagnosing Midgut Volvulus in Patients with Chronic Abdominal Pain
Authors: Shahverdi Ehsan , Morshedi Mehdi , Allahverdi Khani Maryam , Baradaran Jamili Mohammad , Shafizadeh Barmi Fatemeh
Published: January 2017

Symptomatic intestinal malrotation first presenting in the adults is rare. Midgut volvulus is the most common complication of malrotation in the adults. Because of more differential diagnosis, Computed Tomography (CT) scan can play an important role in the evaluation of patients with this abnormality. The whirl pattern around the superior mesenteric artery found on CT scan in patients with midgut volvulus is pathognomonic and diagnostic. We describe a case of intestinal malrotation complicated by midgut volvulus in an adult patient. The preoperative CT findings were pathognomonic.
Fatigue Crack Propagation Behavior of RC Beams Strengthened with CFRP under High Temperature and High Humidity Environment
Authors: Li Dongyang , Huang Peiyan , Qin Guang , Zheng Xiaohong , Guo Xinyan
Published: January 2017

Numerical and experimental methods were applied to investigate fatigue crack propagation behavior of reinforced concrete (RC) beams strengthened with a new type carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) named as carbon fiber laminate (CFL) subjected to hot-wet environment. J-integral of a central crack in the strengthened beam under three-point bending load was calculated by ABAQUS. In finite element model, simulation of CFL-concrete interface was based on the bilinear cohesive zone model under hot-wet environment and indoor atmosphere. And, then, fatigue crack propagation tests were carried out under high temperature and high humidity (50°C, 95% R · H) environment pretreatment and indoor atmosphere (23°C, 78% R · H) to obtain a-N curves and crack propagation rate, da/dN, of the strengthened beams. Paris-Erdogan formula was developed based on the numerical analysis and environmental fatigue tests.
MG-63 Cell Proliferation with Static or Dynamic Compressive Stimulation on an Auxetic PLGA Scaffold
Authors: Kim Myeong Jin , Choi Hong Jin , Cho Jongman , Lee Jung Bok , Sung Hak-Joon , Kim Jeong Koo
Published: January 2017

The effect of dynamic compressive stimulation on MG-63 cell proliferation on an auxetic PLGA scaffold was investigated. The estimated Poisson ratio of the prepared auxetic scaffold specimens was approximately (−)0.07, while the Poisson ratio estimated for conventional scaffold specimens was (+)0.12 under 10% strain compression on average. Three stimulus groups were examined: control (no stimulation), static compression, and dynamic compression. In preparation for proliferation testing, cells were seeded at 2.2 × 105 cells/80 μL on each scaffold specimen. The average proliferation rates of the static and dynamic groups were higher than those of the control group: 13.4% and 25.5% higher at culture day 1, 34.7% and 56.2% at culture day 3, and 17.5% and 43.0% at culture day 5, respectively. The static and dynamic group results at culture day 5 were significantly different (p<0.01). Moreover, proliferation rate of the dynamic stimulation group was 1.22 times higher than that of the static group (p<0.01). Conclusively, proliferation of osteoblast-like cells was enhanced through compressive stimulation, but the enhancement was maximal with dynamic compressive stimulation of auxetic scaffolds.
Adherence to Follow-Up Recommendations by Triathlon Competitors Receiving Event Medical Care
Authors: Joslin Jeremy D. , Lloyd Jarem B. , Copeli Nikoli , Cooney Derek R.
Published: January 2017

Introduction. We sought to investigate triathlete adherence to recommendations for follow-up for participants who received event medical care. Methods. Participants of the 2011 Ironman Syracuse 70.3 (Syracuse, NY) who sought evaluation and care at the designated finish line medical tent were contacted by telephone approximately 3 months after the initial encounter to measure adherence with the recommendation to seek follow-up care after event. Results. Out of 750 race participants, 35 (4.6%) athletes received event medical care. Of these 35, twenty-eight (28/35; 80%) consented to participate in the study and 17 (61%) were available on telephone follow-up. Of these 17 athletes, 11 (11/17; 65%) of participants reported that they had not followed up with a medical professional since the race. Only 5 (5/17; 29%) confirmed that they had seen a medical provider in some fashion since the race; of these, only 2 (2/17; 12%) sought formal medical follow-up resulting from the recommendation whereas the remaining athletes merely saw their medical providers coincidentally or as part of routine care. Conclusion. Only 2 (2/17; 12%) of athletes who received event medical care obtained postrace follow-up within a one-month time period following the race. Event medical care providers must be aware of potential nonadherence to follow-up recommendations.
Experimental and Numerical Studies on Residual Stress in Wide Butt Welds
Authors: Ding Yang , Liu Zhe , Yan Jia-Bao , Zong Liang
Published: January 2017

The presence of residual stress in steel members can significantly compromise the stiffness and fatigue life of steel structural components. This influence becomes more serious for the wide butt welds in the construction of large-sized steel members due to the different residual stress distribution from the normal size butt welds. This paper experimentally studied the residual stress in the wide butt welds through an 8-experiment test program. High residual stress was produced during the wide butt welding and this stress was observed to be even higher than the yield strength of the steel. Moreover, this residual stress in the steel plate was firstly compressive and then transferred into tensile stress with the increase in the distance away from the butt weld line. The magnitude of the residual stress increased with the increase in the width of the welding seams. This paper also developed a finite element model by SYSWELD to simulate the residual stress produced by the wide butt welding. The accuracy of the FE simulation was checked by the reported test results. In order to reduce the residual stress, the ultrasonic peening method was adopted. The analysis results indicated that ultrasonic peening method effectively reduced the residual stress caused by the wide butt welding during the construction.
Practical Implementation of an Adaptive Detection-Defense Unit against Link Layer DoS Attacks for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Dener Murat , Bay Omer Faruk
Published: January 2017

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) have become a very popular subject in both industrial and academic fields of study due to the fact that they can operate on their own, do not require extra maintenance, and can be utilized in a wide variety of applications. In addition, the sensor nodes having limited hardware resources and power units cause certain security problems awaiting to be resolved. The Denial-of-Service (DoS) attacks, which cause disrupts in the communication of sensor nodes or abnormal situations, thus resulting in the decrease of the lifespan of the network, constitute a serious threat against the WSN security. Especially in military applications in which security is the most important design criterion, the WSN used in chemical and biological intrusion detection applications must be resistant against all forms of attacks. In this study, an adaptive detection-defense unit has been developed against the DoS attacks (packet collision, exhaustion, and unfairness) which occur in the data link layer. The developed unit has also been implemented on the TelosB nodes. Due to the new unit that was designed the lifespan of the nodes has been extended without the need for additional hardware by making them more secure against DoS attacks in the data link layer of the WSN.
Costello Syndrome and Umbilical Ligament Rhabdomyosarcoma in Two Pediatric Patients: Case Reports and Review of the Literature
Authors: Sánchez-Montenegro Carlos , Vilanova-Sánchez Alejandra , Barrena-Delfa Saturnino , Tenorio Jair , Santos-Simarro Fernando , García-Miñaur Sixto , Lapunzina Pablo , Martínez-Martínez Leopoldo
Published: January 2017

Costello syndrome is caused by heterozygous de novo missense mutations in the protooncogene HRAS with tumor predisposition, especially rhabdomyosarcoma. We here report two pediatric patients with Costello syndrome and umbilical ligament rhabdomyosarcoma. A review of the literature published in English in MEDLINE from January 1971 to June 2016 using the search terms “Costello syndrome” and “rhabdomyosarcoma” was performed, including two new cases that we describe. Twenty-six patients with Costello syndrome and rhabdomyosarcoma were recorded with mean age of diagnosis of 2 years and 8 months. The most common tumor location was the abdomen/pelvis, including four out of ten of those in the umbilical ligament. The most common histological subtype was embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma. Overall survival was 43%. A total of 17 rhabdomyosarcomas in pediatric patients arising in the umbilical ligament were recorded with mean age of diagnosis of 3 years and 4 months. Overall survival was 69%. Costello syndrome is a poorly known disorder in pediatric oncology but their predisposition to malignancies implies the need for a new perspective on early diagnosis and aggressive medical and surgical treatment.
Hierarchical Group Based Mutual Authentication and Key Agreement for Machine Type Communication in LTE and Future 5G Networks
Authors: Roychoudhury Probidita , Roychoudhury Basav , Saikia Dilip Kumar
Published: January 2017

In view of the exponential growth in the volume of wireless data communication among heterogeneous devices ranging from smart phones to tiny sensors across a wide range of applications, 3GPP LTE-A has standardized Machine Type Communication (MTC) which allows communication between entities without any human intervention. The future 5G cellular networks also envisage massive deployment of MTC Devices (MTCDs) which will increase the total number of connected devices hundredfold. This poses a huge challenge to the traditional cellular system processes, especially the traditional Mutual Authentication and Key Agreement (AKA) mechanism currently used in LTE systems, as the signaling load caused by the increasingly large number of devices may have an adverse effect on the regular Human to Human (H2H) traffic. A solution in the literature has been the use of group based architecture which, while addressing the authentication traffic, has their share of issues. This paper introduces Hierarchical Group based Mutual Authentication and Key Agreement (HGMAKA) protocol to address those issues and also enables the small cell heterogeneous architecture in line with 5G networks to support MTC services. The aggregate Message Authentication Code based approach has been shown to be lightweight and significantly efficient in terms of resource usage compared to the existing protocols, while being robust to authentication message failures, and scalable to heterogeneous network architectures.
Pricing of Vehicle‐to‐Grid Services in a Microgrid by Nash Bargaining Theory
Authors: Sarparandeh Mohammad Hossein , Ehsan Mehdi
Published: January 2017

Owners of electric vehicles (EVs) can offer the storage capacity of their batteries to the operator of a microgrid as a service called vehicle‐to‐grid (V2G) to hold the balance between supply and demand of electricity, particularly when the microgrid has intermittent renewable energy sources. Literature review implies that V2G has economic benefits for both microgrid operator and EV owners, but it is unclear how these benefits are divided between them. The challenge grows when the policy makers rely on the V2G revenue as an incentive for expanding the penetration of EVs in the automotive market. This paper models the interaction between microgrid operator and EV owners as a bargaining game to determine how the benefits of V2G should be divided. The method has been implemented on a hybrid power system with high wind penetration in addition to diesel generators in Manjil, Iran. The results indicate that, in addition to V2G benefits, government subsidies are necessary to promote the use of EVs.
The Use of Laparoscopy Simulation to Explore Gender Differences in Resident Surgical Confidence
Authors: Flyckt Rebecca L. , White Eliza E. , Goodman Linnea R. , Mohr Catherine , Dutta Sanjeev , Zanotti Kristine M.
Published: January 2017

Background.The objective of this study was to determine whether female surgical residents underestimate their surgical abilities relative to males on a standardized test of laparoscopic skill.Methods.Twenty-six male and female general surgery residents and 25 female obstetrics and gynecology residents at two academic centers were asked to predict their score prior to undergoing the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery standardized skills exam. Actual and predicted score as well as delta values (predicted score minus actual score) were compared between residents. Multivariate linear regression was used to determine variables associated with predicted score, actual score, and delta scores.Results.There was no difference in actual score based on residency or gender. Predicted scores, however, were significantly lower in female versus male general surgery residents (25.8 ± 13.3 versus 56.0 ± 16.0;p<0.01) and in female obstetrics and gynecology residents versus male general surgery residents (mean difference 20.9, 95% CI 11.6–34.8;p<0.01). Male residents more accurately predicted their scores while female residents significantly underestimated their scores.Conclusion.Gender differences in estimating surgical ability exist that do not reflect actual differences in performance. This finding needs to be considered when structuring mentorship in surgical training programs.
Small-Scale Fading Analysis of the Vehicular-to-Vehicular Channel inside Tunnels
Authors: Loredo Susana , del Castillo Adrián , Fernández Herman , Rodrigo-Peñarrocha Vicent M. , Reig Juan , Rubio Lorenzo
Published: January 2017

We present a small-scale fading analysis of the vehicular-to-vehicular (V2V) propagation channel at 5.9 GHz when both the transmitter (Tx) and the receiver (Rx) vehicles are inside a tunnel and are driving in the same direction. This analysis is based on channel measurements carried out at different tunnels under real road traffic conditions. The Rice distribution has been adopted to fit the empirical cumulative distribution function (CDF). A comparison of theKfactor values inside and outside the tunnels shows differences in the small-scale fading behavior, with theKvalues derived from the measurements being lower inside the tunnels. Since there are so far few published results for these confined environments, the results obtained can be useful for the deployment of V2V communication systems inside tunnels.