bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accuracy of Direct Observation to Assess Physical Activity in Older Adults
Authors: Welch Whitney A. , Swartz Ann M. , Cho Chi C. , Strath Scott J.
Published: March 2016

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the accuracy of direct observation (DO) to estimate MET level and intensity category during laboratory-based and free-living activity in older adults. Older adults engaged in unstructured laboratory and free-living activity. Participants wore a portable metabolic system to measure energy expenditure and were directly observed. DO recorded MET-level point estimates. 32,401 in-laboratory and 87,715 free-living data points (9 participants, 67% male, 71.0 ± 6.9 years, 27.1 ± 4.3 kg·m–2) were included in final analysis. Results revealed 45.4% of in-laboratory and 61.1% of free-living mean DO activities fell within 0.5 METs of the measured MET values. DO accurately classified intensity category 45.0% of the time in-laboratory and 50.9% of free-living observations. DO-estimated activity cost resulted in low point estimate accuracy however there was low variability between the mean measured and estimated METs. This suggests, dependent on the desired outcome, DO could provide a viable option for activity assessment, however, the low point estimate accuracy presents a need for further research to continue to refine the approach to increase accuracy.
MYC regulates the antitumor immune response through CD47 and PD-L1
Authors: Casey Stephanie C. , Tong Ling , Li Yulin , Do Rachel , Walz Susanne , Fitzgerald Kelly N. , Gouw Arvin M. , Baylot Virginie , Gütgemann Ines , Eilers Martin , Felsher Dean W.
Published: March 2016

Oncogene control of antitumor immunity

Recent clinical success of cancer immunotherapy has intensified interest in how tumors normally evade the immune response. Whether and how oncogenes contribute to this process are not well understood. In a study of mice, Casey
et al.
found that the
MYC
oncogene, which is aberrantly activated in many human cancers, up-regulates the expression of genes encoding proteins that dampen the antitumor response. These include two proteins that are often overexpressed on tumor cells and that serve as immune checkpoints. One of them (PDL1) sends to the immune system a “don't find me” signal, and the other (CD47) sends a “don't eat me” signal. Thus, therapies aimed at suppressing
MYC
may help promote an immune response against tumors.

Science
, this issue p.
227
Structure and organization of heteromeric AMPA-type glutamate receptors
Authors: Herguedas Beatriz , García-Nafría Javier , Cais Ondrej , Fernández-Leiro Rafael , Krieger James , Ho Hinze , Greger Ingo H.
Published: March 2016

Signaling at the synapse

Neurons signal to each other at synapses using neurotransmitters. Glutamate is a key neurotransmitter, and AMPA-type glutamate receptors (AMPARs) mediate rapid responses to glutamate release. These receptors mainly occur as heteromers comprising GluA1-4 subunits. Herguedas
et al.
used electron microscopy and x-ray crystallography to determine the structure of GluA2/3 and GluA2/4 heteromers. The structures differ from those determined previously for GluA2 homomers but emphasize how signals may be transmitted through these dynamic receptors.

Science
, this issue p.
10.1126/science.aad3873
Draft Genome Sequence of
Mesorhizobium
sp. UFLA 01-765, a Multitolerant, Efficient Symbiont and Plant Growth-Promoting Strain Isolated from Zn-Mining Soil Using
Leucaena leucocephala
as a Trap Plant
Authors: Rangel Wesley Melo , Thijs Sofie , Moreira Fatima Maria de Souza , Weyens Nele , Vangronsveld Jaco , Van Hamme Jonathan D. , Bottos Eric M. , Rineau Francois
Published: March 2016

We report the 7.4-Mb draft genome sequence of
Mesorhizobium
sp. strain UFLA 01-765, a Gram-negative bacterium of the
Phyllobacteriaceae
isolated from Zn-mining soil in Minas Gerais, Brazil. This strain promotes plant growth, efficiently fixes N
2
in symbiosis with
Leucaena leucocephala
on multicontaminated soil, and has potential for application in bioremediation of marginal lands.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Escherichia coli
Strain SEC470, Isolated from a Piglet Experiencing Diarrhea
Authors: Liu Hongbin , Song Li , Cai Yinghua , Wang Yashan , Yu Lei
Published: March 2016

Escherichia coli
strain SEC470 is a diarrhea-causing strain, isolated from a piglet experiencing serious diarrhea in Jingxi Province, China. Here, we present the draft genome of this strain, which provides the genetic basis for exploring the mechanism of enterotoxigenic
E. coli
infections.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Kocuria rhizophila
RF, a Radiation-Resistant Soil Isolate
Authors: Mehrabadi Jalil Fallah , Mirzaie Amir , Ahangar Nahid , Rahimi Arian , Rokni-Zadeh Hassan
Published: March 2016

Kocuria rhizophila
RF, a soil isolate from Iran, is a radiation-resistant bacterium. Only a limited amount of genomic information for radiation-resistant bacteria is currently available. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of this bacterium, providing knowledge to aid in the discovery of the genomic basis of its resistance to radiation.
Draft Genome Sequence of Commercial Textile Dye-Decolorizing and -Degrading
Bacillus subtilis
Strain C3 Isolated in India
Authors: Kunadia Khushbu , Nathani Neelam M. , Kothari Vishal , Kotadia Rohit J. , Kothari Charmy R. , Joshi Anjali , Rank Jalpa K. , Faldu Priti R. , Shekar M. Chandra , Viroja Mitkumar J. , Patel Priyank A. , Jadeja Divyarajsinh , Reddy Bhaskar , Pal Singh Ravindra , Koringa Prakash G. , Joshi Chaitanya G. , Kothari Ramesh K.
Published: March 2016

Bacillus subtilis
C3, a commercial textile dye-decolorizing and -degrading bacterium, was isolated from the common effluent treatment plant (CEPT) of the Jetpur textile dyeing and printing industrial sector situated in the district of Rajkot, Gujarat, India. Here, we present the annotated 4.18-Mb draft genome sequence of
B. subtilis
C3, providing information about the metabolic pathways involved in decolorization and degradation of several commercial textile azo dyes. Thus, we confirm
B. subtilis
C3 as a potential candidate for bioremediation of textile effluents.
Spontaneous fistulisation and drainage of a pyogenic liver abscess into the stomach in an adult patient with sickle cell disease
Authors: Islam Shariful , Hosein Devin , Bheem Vinoo , Harnarayan Patrick
Published: March 2016

Spontaneous endoluminal drainage of a pyogenic liver abscess is a rare phenomenon. Similarly, there are only a few cases in the English literature describing hepatic abscesses as an unusual complication of sickle cell anaemia. Having these two phenomena occurring in the same patient is truly a rarity. We describe a case of a 45-year-old man with homozygous sickle cell anaemia who presented to our institution with a pyogenic liver abscess. He had spontaneous drainage of the abscess after spontaneous fistulisation, with the stomach obviating the need for percutaneous drainage.
Laryngeal schwannoma as an acute airway presentation
Authors: Markou Konstantinos , Dova Stamatia , Poulios Christos , Karkos Petros
Published: March 2016

A schwannoma is a neurogenic tumour arising from nerve sheaths. Between 25% and 45% of schwannomas occur in the head and neck region. Schwannomas of the larynx are extremely rare. They usually occur in women during the fourth and fifth decades of life. We present a case of a laryngeal schwannoma in a 76-year-old patient with acute stridor, hoarseness and dysphagia. Laryngeal conservation surgery was performed without the need for a tracheostomy. One year later, the patient remains symptom-free with no evidence of recurrence. Clinical presentation, diagnosis and management are discussed and the literature is reviewed.
Is there a role for a local inpatient CT coronary angiography service in selected patients with acute coronary syndrome? A cohort analysis of inpatient tertiary centre referrals for invasive coronary angiography
Authors: MacLachlan Hamish , Thomas Ranji , Langtree Jessica , Hare Chris , Mitchell Andrew R J
Published: March 2016

Objective

To conduct a retrospective analysis of inpatients referred for invasive coronary angiography (ICA) at a tertiary centre, with suspected or confirmed acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted at Jersey General Hospital. We evaluated 198 inpatients referred for ICA with suspected or confirmed ACS over a 3-year period. Patients presenting with ST elevation myocardial infarction were excluded. The primary outcome was to identify the number of patients who did not require subsequent coronary intervention following ICA. Patient variables were measured to establish those who met European Society of Cardiology (ESC) criteria for consideration of CT coronary angiography (CTCA) as an alternative to ICA. Cost of care for those referred for ICA was calculated.

Results

ICA demonstrated evidence of coronary heart disease requiring coronary intervention in 119 (60%) of the referred patients. 28 (35%) of the patients not requiring coronary intervention at ICA met ESC criteria for preassessment with CTCA. The cost of care for this subgroup was £9089 per patient. Inpatient CTCA was calculated at £376 per patient.

Conclusions

Low-intermediate risk patients presenting with suspected or confirmed ACS to hospitals without onsite coronary revascularisation should be considered for in-hospital CTCA before consideration of ICA. Using CTCA as a gatekeeper for targeted ICA appears cost-effective, particularly for hospitals without the required onsite facilities.
A primitive clupeomorph from the Albian Loon River Formation (Northwest Territories, Canada)
Authors: Vernygora Oksana , Murray Alison M. , Wilson Mark V.H.
Published: March 2016

Foreyclupea loonensis, gen. et sp. nov., is described from the early–middle Albian Loon River Formation of the Northwest Territories, Canada. The only specimen of the new species was originally described as a part of an enigmatic taxon Erichalcis arcta in 1975, which was assigned to the Clupeomorpha. Since then, E. arcta has proven to be a composite taxon, made up of clupeomorph and non-clupeomorph specimens. The non-clupeomorph material was redescribed as a Euteleostei incertae sedis and retained the species name. Described herein is the fossil clupeomorph specimen originally assigned to Erichalcis arcta. As in other members of the superorder Clupeomorpha, the ventral margin of the body in the specimen is covered with spiny scutes, and the supratemporal commissural sensory canal passes through the parietals. Along with these diagnostic characters, the new taxon also shows primitive traits of the basal members of the group, including a medioparietal skull roof, unfused halves of the neural spines of the abdominal vertebrae, and no evidence of presence of the recessus lateralis. When included in a phylogenetic analysis of the Early Cretaceous clupeomorphs, the new species forms a clade with the Early Cretaceous clupeomorphs from Mexico and Brazil, Ranulfoichthys dorsonudum and Scutatuspinosus itapagipensis, respectively.
Efficient production of Aschersonia placenta protoplasts for transformation using optimization algorithms
Authors: Wei Xiuyan , Song Xinyue , Dong Dong , Keyhani Nemat O. , Yao Lindan , Zang Xiangyun , Dong Lili , Gu Zijian , Fu Delai , Liu Xingzhong , Qiu Junzhi , Guan Xiong
Published: March 2016

The insect pathogenic fungus Aschersonia placenta is a highly effective pathogen of whiteflies and scale insects. However, few genetic tools are currently available for studying this organism. Here we report on the conditions for the production of transformable A. placenta protoplasts using an optimized protocol based on the response surface method (RSM). Critical parameters for protoplast production were modelled by using a Box–Behnken design (BBD) involving 3 levels of 3 variables that was subsequently tested to verify its ability to predict protoplast production (R2 = 0.9465). The optimized conditions resulted in the highest yield of protoplasts ((4.41 ± 0.02) × 107 cells/mL of culture, mean ± SE) when fungal cells were treated with 26.1 mg/mL of lywallzyme for 4 h of digestion, and subsequently allowed to recover for 64.6 h in 0.7 mol/L NaCl–Tris buffer. The latter was used as an osmotic stabilizer. The yield of protoplasts was approximately 10-fold higher than that of the nonoptimized conditions. Generated protoplasts were transformed with vector PbarGPE containing the bar gene as the selection marker. Transformation efficiency was 300 colonies/(μg DNA·107 protoplasts), and integration of the vector DNA was confirmed by PCR. The results show that rational design strategies (RSM and BBD methods) are useful to increase the production of fungal protoplasts for a variety of downstream applications.
First record of the Holarctic least shrew (Sorex minutissimus) and associated helminths from Canada: new light on northern Pleistocene refugia
Authors: Cook Joseph A. , McLean Bryan S. , Jackson Donavan J. , Colella Jocelyn P. , Greiman Stephen E. , Tkach Vasyl V. , Jung Thomas S. , Dunnum Jonathan L.
Published: March 2016

We report the first Canadian record of the Holarctic least shrew (Sorex minutissimus Zimmermann, 1780) and associated helminth worms, collected along the Dempster Highway in central Yukon in 2014. We identify the specimen based on morphological characters, characterize the habitat, report other mammals and helminth species associated with this specimen, and use mitochondrial DNA sequences to place the specimen within a phylogenetic context and address Pleistocene refugial hypotheses. Although long considered an Eurasian endemic, the diminutive least shrew was first reported from Alaska in 1994. Our new record for Canada indicates that the species may occur at least as far east as the MacKenzie River and DNA variation suggests this species persisted only in the Beringian refugium in North America during the Last Glacial Maximum. The discovery of a new mammal and associated parasites for Canada points to the urgent need for more detailed information on high-latitude biotas in North America, data that are best obtained through museum-based field surveys, particularly for small, cryptic species.
The Klein–Gordon equation of a rotating charged hairy black hole in (2 + 1) dimensions
Authors: Pourhassan B.
Published: March 2016

In this paper, we consider the Klein–Gordon equation in a 3D charged rotating hairy black hole background to study behavior of a massive scalar field. In the general case, we find periodic-like behavior for the scalar field which may vanish at the black hole horizon or far from the black hole horizon. For the special cases of non-rotating or near horizon approximation, we find radial solution of Klein–Gordon equation in terms of hypergeometric and Kummer functions. Also for the case of uncharged black hole, we find numerical solution of the Klein–Gordon equation as periodic function which may enhance out of the black hole or vanish at horizon. We find allowed boundary conditions which may yield to the identical bosons described by scalar field.
Chimera states in spatiotemporal systems: Theory and Applications
Authors: Yao Nan , Zheng Zhigang
Published: March 2016

In this paper, we propose a retrospective and summary on recent studies of chimera states. Chimera states demonstrate striking inhomogeneous spatiotemporal patterns emerging in homogeneous systems through unexpected spontaneous symmetry breaking, where the consequent spatiotemporal patterns are composed of both coherence and incoherence domains, respectively characterized by the synchronized and desynchronized motions of oscillators. Since the discovery of chimera states by Kuramoto and others, this striking collective behavior has attracted a great deal of research interest in the community of physics and related interdisciplinary fields from both theoretical and experimental viewpoints. In recent works exploring chimera states, rich phenomena such as the spiral wave chimera, multiple cluster chimera, amplitude chimera were observed from various types of model systems. Theoretical framework by means of self-consistency approach and Ott–Antonsen approach were proposed for further understanding to this symmetry-breaking-induced behavior. The stability and robustness of chimera states were also discussed. More importantly, experiments ranging from optical, chemical to mechanical designs successfully approve the existence of chimera states.
Hall and Nernst effects in monolayer MoS2
Authors: Zhang Yun-Hai , Zhang Ming-Hua
Published: March 2016

We study Hall and Nernst transports in monolayer MoS2based on Green’s function formalism. We have derived analytical results for spin and valley Hall conductivities in the zero temperature and spin and valley Nernst conductivities in the low temperature. We found that tuning of the band gap and spin-orbit splitting can drive system transition from spin Hall insulator (SHI) to valley Hall insulator (VHI). When the system is subjected to a temperature gradient, the spin and valley Nernst conductivities are dependent on Berry curvature.
MATHEMATICAL MODELING OF BACTERIAL RESISTANCE TO ANTIBIOTICS BY MUTATIONS AND PLASMIDS
Authors: IBARGÜEN-MONDRAGÓN EDUARDO , ROMERO-LEITON JHOANA P. , ESTEVA LOURDES , BURBANO-ROSERO EDITH MARIELA
Published: March 2016

Diversity of drugs against bacterial infections, and development of resistance to such drugs are increasing. We formulate and analyze a deterministic model for the population dynamics of sensitive and resistant bacteria to multiple bactericidal and bacteriostatic antibiotics, assuming that drug resistance is acquired through mutations and plasmid transmission. Model equilibria are determined from qualitative analysis, and numerical simulations are used to assess temporal dynamics of sensitive and drug-resistant bacteria. The model presents three possibilities: elimination of bacteria, persistence of only resistant bacteria, or coexistence of sensitive and resistant bacteria. Evolution to one of these scenarios depends on thresholds numbers involving sensitive and resistant bacteria.
Existence and regularity of the density for solutions of stochastic differential equations with boundary noise
Authors: Bonaccorsi Stefano , Zanella Margherita
Published: March 2016

We study the existence and regularity of densities for the solution of a nonlinear heat diffusion with stochastic perturbation of Brownian and fractional Brownian motion type: we use the Malliavin calculus in order to prove that, if the nonlinear term is suitably regular, then the law of the solution has a smooth density with respect to the Lebesgue measure.
Small-data shock formation in solutions to 3D quasilinear wave equations: An overview
Authors: Holzegel Gustav , Klainerman Sergiu , Speck Jared , Wong Willie Wai-Yeung
Published: March 2016

In his 2007 monograph, Christodoulou proved a remarkable result giving a detailed description of shock formation, for small [Formula: see text]-initial conditions (with [Formula: see text] sufficiently large), in solutions to the relativistic Euler equations in three space dimensions. His work provided a significant advancement over a large body of prior work concerning the long-time behavior of solutions to higher-dimensional quasilinear wave equations, initiated by John in the mid 1970’s and continued by Klainerman, Sideris, Hörmander, Lindblad, Alinhac, and others. Our goal in this paper is to give an overview of his result, outline its main new ideas, and place it in the context of the above mentioned earlier work. We also introduce the recent work of Speck, which extends Christodoulou’s result to show that for two important classes of quasilinear wave equations in three space dimensions, small-data shock formation occurs precisely when the quadratic nonlinear terms fail to satisfy the classic null condition.
Mutual Component Analysis for Heterogeneous Face Recognition
Authors: Li Zhifeng , Gong Dihong , Li Qiang , Tao Dacheng , Li Xuelong
Published: March 2016

Heterogeneous face recognition, also known as cross-modality face recognition or intermodality face recognition, refers to matching two face images from alternative image modalities. Since face images from different image modalities of the same person are associated with the same face object, there should be mutual components that reflect those intrinsic face characteristics that are invariant to the image modalities. Motivated by this rationality, we propose a novel approach called Mutual Component Analysis (MCA) to infer the mutual components for robust heterogeneous face recognition. In the MCA approach, a generative model is first proposed to model the process of generating face images in different modalities, and then an Expectation Maximization (EM) algorithm is designed to iteratively learn the model parameters. The learned generative model is able to infer the mutual components (which we call the
hidden factor
, where
hidden
means the factor is unreachable and invisible, and can only be inferred from observations) that are associated with the person’s identity, thus enabling fast and effective matching for cross-modality face recognition. To enhance recognition performance, we propose an MCA-based multiclassifier framework using multiple local features. Experimental results show that our new approach significantly outperforms the state-of-the-art results on two typical application scenarios: sketch-to-photo and infrared-to-visible face recognition.
Identifying Region-Wide Functions Using Urban Taxicab Trajectories
Authors: Zhang Daqiang , Wan Jiafu , He Zongjian , Zhao Shengjie , Fan Ke , Park Sang Oh , Jiang Zhibin
Published: March 2016

With the urban development and enlargement, various regions such as residential zones and administrative districts now appear as parts of cities. People exhibit different mobility patterns in each region, which is closely relevant to region-wide functions. In this article, we propose a scheme to discover region-wide functions using large-scale Shanghai taxicab trajectories that capture enormous traces for more than 13,000 taxicabs over a period of about 3 years. We investigate these taxicab trajectories and conduct an extensive preliminary study. Then, we divide the city into disjointed regions using Voronoi decomposition. By incorporating people's pick-up and drop-off information, we refine the Voronoi partitioning results to identify region-wide functional areas. Finally, we study people's movement frequency on weekdays and weekends for every kind of urban functional regions. We also look into human mobility within or across the identified urban functional regions. Experimental results show that human movement is bounded with the function of urban regions, and more than 90% of people visit neighboring (less than 20km travel distance) functional regions with high probability.
Optimizing the Lifetime of Sensor Networks with Uncontrollable Mobile Sinks and QoS Constraints
Authors: Restuccia Francesco , Das Sajal K.
Published: March 2016

In past literature, it has been demonstrated that the use of mobile sinks (MSs) increases dramatically the lifetime of wireless sensor networks (WSNs). In applications where the MSs are humans, animals, or transportation systems, the mobility of the MSs is often uncontrollable and could also be random and unpredictable. This implies the necessity of algorithms tailored to handle uncertainty on the MS mobility. In this article, we define the lifetime optimization of a WSN in the presence of uncontrollable sink mobility and Quality of Service (QoS) constraints. After defining an ideal scheme (calledOracle) which provably maximizes network lifetime, we present a novelSwarm-Intelligence-based Sensor Selection Algorithm(SISSA), which optimizes network lifetime and meets predefined QoS constraints. Then we mathematically analyze SISSA and derive analytical bounds on energy consumption, number of messages exchanged, and convergence time. The algorithm is experimentally evaluated on practical experimental setups, and its performances are compared to that by the optimalOraclescheme, as well as with the IEEE 802.15.4 MAC and TDMA schemes. Results conclude that SISSA provides on the average the 56% of the lifetime provided byOracleand outperforms IEEE 802.15.4 and TDMA in terms of yielded network lifetime.
Mobile Device-to-Device Video Distribution
Authors: Zhou Liang
Published: March 2016

As video traffic has dominated the data flow of smartphones, traditional cellular communications face substantial transmission challenges. In this work, we study mobile device-to-device (D2D) video distribution that leverages the storage and communication capacities of smartphones. In such a mobile distributed framework, D2D communication represents an opportunistic process to selectively store and transmit local videos to meet the future demand of others. The performance is measured by the service time, which denotes the elapsed period for fulfilling the demand, and the corresponding implementation of each device depends on the video’s demand, availability, and size. The main contributions of this work lie in (1) considering the impact of video size in a practical mobile D2D video distribution scenario and proposing a general global estimation of the video distribution based on limited and local observations; (2) designing a purely distributed D2D video distribution scheme without the monitoring of any central controller; and (3) providing a practical implementation of the scheme, which does not need to know the video availability, user demand, and device mobility. Numerical results have demonstrated the efficiency and robustness of the proposed scheme.
Building Wearables for Geology
Authors: Delabrida Saul , D'Angelo Thiago , Oliveira Ricardo A.R. , Loureiro Antonio A.F.
Published: March 2016

Wearable devices have emerged in the last years with new applications that provide user convenience. Healthcare, sports, safety are some examples of applications embedded in thousands of devices released in the last years. Wearable operating systems with different focus emerged together with wearable applications in order to make adjustments and optimizations of software and hardware. This paper presents a wearable operating systems discussion and shows the current challenges and wearable operating system inuence. We developed a wearable appliance for geology. The wearable contains a Head Mounted Display (HMD) assembled with Google Cardboard API and sensors connected to developments boards. For each system component was used different operating systems according to hardware and software available. The results indicate some trends for wearable operating systems.
Simvastatin Results in a Dose-Dependent Toxic Effect on Spiral Ganglion Neurons in anIn VitroOrganotypic Culture Assay
Authors: Leitmeyer Katharina , Glutz Andrea , Setz Cristian , Wieland Leonie , Egloff Sulamith , Bodmer Daniel , Brand Yves
Published: March 2016

Statins are inhibitors of the 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase, an enzyme necessary for the production of mevalonate. They are widely used as cholesterol-lowering drugs. However, conflicting data about the effect of statins on neuronal cells has been published. To explore the effect of simvastatin on spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs), SG explants of 5-day-old rats were treated with increasing concentrations of simvastatin. In addition, SG explants were treated with mevalonate and with the combination of simvastatin and mevalonate. SGN number, length of the neurites, area of nonneuronal supporting cells, and neuronal survival were analyzed. Simvastatin treatment results in a significant dose-dependent decrease of SG neurite number, length of neurites, area of supporting cells, and SG neuronal survival compared to control. Interestingly, treatment with mevalonate in addition to simvastatin increased SG neuronal survival compared to simvastatin treatment only. However, treatment with mevalonate in addition to simvastatin did not influence SG neurite number, length of neurites, and area of supporting cells compared to simvastatin treatment only. Our results suggest a neurotoxic effect of simvastatin on SGNsin vitro. Neurotoxicity seems to be at least partially mediated by the mevalonate pathway. Therefore, caution is warranted to use simvastatin as a potential otoprotective drug.
An Unexpected Complication after Headless Compression Screw Fixation of an Osteochondral Fracture of Patella
Authors: Aydoğmuş Suavi , Duymuş Tahir Mutlu , Keçeci Tolga
Published: March 2016

This study evaluated complications associated with implant depth in headless compression screw treatment of an osteochondral fracture associated with a traumatic patellar dislocation in a 21-year-old woman. Computed tomography and X-rays showed one lateral fracture fragment measuring 25 × 16 mm. Osteosynthesis was performed with two headless compression screws. Five months later, the screws were removed because of patella-femoral implant friction. We recommend that the screw heads be embedded to a depth of at least 3 mm below the cartilage surface. Further clinical studies need to examine the variation in cartilage thickness in the fracture fragment.
An Ultra-Lightweight Encryption Scheme in Underwater Acoustic Networks
Authors: Peng Chunyan , Du Xiujuan , Li Keqin , Li Meiju
Published: March 2016

We tackle a fundamental security problem in underwater acoustic networks (UANs). The S-box in the existing block encryption algorithm is more energy consuming and unsuitable for resources-constrained UANs. In this paper, instead of S-box, we present a lightweight, 8-round iteration block cipher algorithm for UANs communication based on chaotic theory and increase the key space by changing the number of iteration round. We further propose secure network architecture of UANs. By analysis, our algorithm can resist brute-force searches and adversarial attacks. Simulation results show that, compared with traditional AES-128 and PRESENT algorithms, our cryptographic algorithm can make a good trade-off between security and overhead, has better energy efficiency, and applies to UANs.
Increased Macular Pigment Optical Density and Visual Acuity following Consumption of a Buttermilk Drink Containing Lutein-Enriched Egg Yolks: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: van der Made Sanne M. , Kelly Elton R. , Kijlstra Aize , Plat Jogchum , Berendschot Tos T. J. M.
Published: March 2016

Purpose. To study the effect of 1-year daily consumption of a dairy drink containing lutein-enriched egg yolks on macular pigment optical density (MPOD) and visual function parameters in elderly subjects with ocular drusen and/or retinal pigment abnormalities.Methods. One hundred and one subjects were recruited to participate in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel intervention trial. Statistical analyses were performed with 46 subjects in the lutein group and 43 in the control group. MPOD, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA, logMAR), and dark adaptation were measured at the start of the study, after 6 months and after 12 months. Plasma lutein and zeaxanthin concentrations were assessed at baseline and at the end of the study.Results. In the lutein group, plasma lutein concentrations increased significantly from 205 ng/mL at baseline to 399 ng/mL after twelve months of intervention. MPOD increased significantly from 0.45 to 0.52 and BCVA improved significantly from −0.04 to −0.09 LogMar. Differences in rod dark adaptation rate between both groups were not significant.Conclusion. Daily consumption of a dairy drink containing lutein-enriched egg yolks for one year improves visual acuity, MPOD, and plasma lutein concentration in elderly subjects with drusen and/or retinal pigment epithelial abnormalities.
Grundlagen der Rehabilitation und Reaktivierung
Authors: Osadnik Christian R. , Rodrigues Fernanda M.M. , Camillo Carlos A. , Loeckx Matthias , Janssens Wim , Dooms Christophe , Troosters Thierry
Published: March 2016

Eine Dysfunktion der Skelettmuskulatur und Bewegungsmangel sind 2 klinisch bedeutsame Merkmale zahlreicher akuter und chronischer Atemwegserkrankungen. Die Optimierung dieser beiden Faktoren ist sehr wichtig dafür, die körperliche Funktionsfähigkeit zu verbessern, einer klinischen Verschlechterung vorzubeugen und die Teilhabe am Sozialleben zu maximieren. Zu den wirksamsten und am besten belegten Maßnahmen, mit denen diesen physischen Defiziten begegnet wird, zählt die pulmonale Rehabilitation (PR). Der Großteil der Studien zur PR ist zwar bei Patienten mit chronisch-obstruktiver Lungenerkrankung durchgeführt worden, doch es ist weithin anerkannt, dass die PR auch bei vielen anderen Atemwegserkrankungen hilfreich sein kann. Dies gilt beispielsweise für Patienten mit interstitieller Lungenerkrankung, Asthma, pulmonaler Hypertonie, vor/nach einer Lungenoperation (z.B. bei Lungenkarzinom, Transplantation) oder mit Mukoviszidose, um nur einige zu nennen. Ein körperliches Trainingsprogramm muss von kompetentem medizinischem Fachpersonal mit umfassender Kenntnis der Pathologie und Physiologie dieser Krankheiten und fundiertem Verständnis der Sportphysiologie und Grundlagen der Gestaltung, Überwachung und Steigerung eines Bewegungstrainings verordnet werden. Zunehmend wird auch anerkannt, dass Menschen mit - insbesondere chronischen - Atemwegserkrankungen körperlich erheblich weniger aktiv sind als Gesunde. Das Ziel einer PR sollte daher auch sein, Verhaltensumstellungen im Sinne der dauerhaften Annahme eines aktiven Lebensstils herbeizuführen. Außerdem sollte eine PR auch das psychische Wohlbefinden des Patienten und sein Selbstmanagement der Lungenkrankheit in all seinen Facetten berücksichtigen. Dazu sollten individualisierte interdisziplinäre Programme angeboten werden. Die vorliegende Übersichtsarbeit skizziert die Grundlagen der PR als Hintergrund für eine Serie von Artikeln, in denen einzelne Krankheiten behandelt werden, bei denen ähnlich wie bei chronisch-obstruktiver Lungenerkrankung die Rehabilitation einen klinisch bedeutsamen Aspekt der Versorgung über die medikamentöse Therapie hinaus darstellen kann.
Transposons, Genome Size, and Evolutionary Insights in Animals
Authors: Canapa Adriana , Barucca Marco , Biscotti Maria A. , Forconi Mariko , Olmo Ettore
Published: March 2016

The relationship between genome size and the percentage of transposons in 161 animal species evidenced that variations in genome size are linked to the amplification or the contraction of transposable elements. The activity of transposable elements could represent a response to environmental stressors. Indeed, although with different trends in protostomes and deuterostomes, comprehensive changes in genome size were recorded in concomitance with particular periods of evolutionary history or adaptations to specific environments. During evolution, genome size and the presence of transposable elements have influenced structural and functional parameters of genomes and cells. Changes of these parameters have had an impact on morphological and functional characteristics of the organism on which natural selection directly acts. Therefore, the current situation represents a balance between insertion and amplification of transposons and the mechanisms responsible for their deletion or for decreasing their activity. Among the latter, methylation and the silencing action of small RNAs likely represent the most frequent mechanisms.
Three-Year Follow-Up of a Prenatally Ascertained Apparently Non-Mosaic sSMC(10): Delineation of a Non-Critical Region
Authors: Barranco Laura , Costa Marta , Lloveras Elisabet , Ordóñez Elena , Maiz Nerea , Hernando Cristina , Villa Olaya , Cirigliano Vincenzo , Plaja Alberto
Published: March 2016

Small supernumerary marker chromosomes (sSMC) originating from chromosome 10 are rare and usually found in mosaic form. We present a de novo apparently non-mosaic sSMC(10) prenatally diagnosed in amniotic fluid and postnatally confirmed in peripheral blood. Characterization by array-CGH showed a pericentromeric duplication of 7.1 Mb of chromosome 10. The fetus did not show ultrasound abnormalities, and a normal female phenotype was observed during a 3-year postnatal follow-up. The absence of phenotypic abnormalities in the present case provides evidence of a non-critical pericentromeric region in 10p11.21q11.1 (hg19 35,355,570-42,448,569) associated with a duplication.
Validation of Hospital Performance Measures of Acute Stroke Care Quality. Riksstroke, the Swedish Stroke Register
Authors: Söderholm Anna , Stegmayr Birgitta , Glader Eva-Lotta , Asplund Kjell ,   for the Riksstroke Collaboration
Published: March 2016

Background: Registers are increasingly used to monitor stroke care performance. Fair benchmarking requires sufficient data quality. We have validated acute care data in Riksstroke, the Swedish Stroke Register. Methods: Completeness was assessed by comparisons with diagnoses at hospital discharge recorded in the compulsory National Patient Register and content validity by comparisons with (a) key variables identified by European stroke experts, and (b) items recorded in other European stroke care performance registers. Five test cases recorded by 67 hospitals were used to estimate inter-hospital reliability. Results: All 72 Swedish hospitals admitting acute stroke patients participated in Riksstroke. The register was estimated to cover at least 90% of acute stroke patients. It includes 18 of 22 quality indicators identified by international stroke experts and 14 of 15 indicators used by at least 2 stroke performance registers in other European countries. Inter-hospital reliability was high (≥85%) in 77 of 81 Riksstroke items. Conclusions: A nationwide stroke care register can be maintained with sufficient data quality to permit between-hospital performance benchmarking. Our experiences may serve as a model for other stroke registers while evaluating data quality.
Until Death Do Us Part: Necrosis and Oxidation Promote the Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Lotfi Ramin , Kaltenmeier Christof , Lotze Michael T. , Bergmann Christoph
Published: March 2016

Tumor proliferation is concomitant with autophagy, limited apoptosis, and resultant necrosis. Necrosis is associated with the release of damage-associated molecular pattern molecules (DAMPs), which act as ‘danger signals', recruiting inflammatory cells, inducing immune responses, and promoting wound healing. Most of the current treatment strategies for cancer (chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormonal therapy) promote DAMP release following therapy-induced tumor death by necroptosis and necrosis. Myeloid cells (monocytes, dendritic cells (DCs), and granulocytes), as well as mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) belong to the early immigrants in response to unscheduled cell death, initiating and modulating the subsequent inflammatory response. Responding to DAMPs, MSCs, and DCs promote an immunosuppressive milieu, while eosinophils induce oxidative conditions limiting the biologic activity of DAMPs over time and distance. Regulatory T cells are strongly affected by pattern recognition receptor signaling in the tumor microenvironment and limit immune reactivity coordinately with myeloid-derived suppressor cells. Means to ‘aerobically' oxidize DAMPs provide a novel strategy for limiting tumor progression. The present article summarizes our current understanding of the impact of necrosis on the tumor microenvironment and the influence of oxidative conditions found within this setting.
Functional Analysis of a Novel Genome-Wide Association Study Signal in
SMAD3
That Confers Protection From Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Turner Adam W. , Martinuk Amy , Silva Anada , Lau Paulina , Nikpay Majid , Eriksson Per , Folkersen Lasse , Perisic Ljubica , Hedin Ulf , Soubeyrand Sebastien , McPherson Ruth
Published: March 2016

Objective—

A recent genome-wide association study meta-analysis identified an intronic single nucleotide polymorphism in
SMAD3
, rs56062135C>T, the minor allele (T) which associates with protection from coronary artery disease. Relevant to atherosclerosis, SMAD3 is a key contributor to transforming growth factor-β pathway signaling. Here, we seek to identify ≥1 causal coronary artery disease–associated single nucleotide polymorphisms at the
SMAD3
locus and characterize mechanisms whereby the risk allele(s) contribute to coronary artery disease risk.

Approach and Results—

By genetic and epigenetic fine mapping, we identified a candidate causal single nucleotide polymorphism rs17293632C>T (D′, 0.97;
r
2
, 0.94 with rs56062135) in intron 1 of
SMAD3
with predicted functional effects. We show that the sequence encompassing rs17293632 acts as a strong enhancer in human arterial smooth muscle cells. The common allele (C) preserves an activator protein (AP)-1 site and enhancer function, whereas the protective (T) allele disrupts the AP-1 site and significantly reduces enhancer activity (
P
<0.001). Pharmacological inhibition of AP-1 activity upstream demonstrates that this allele-specific enhancer effect is AP-1 dependent (
P
<0.001). Chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments reveal binding of several AP-1 component proteins with preferential binding to the (C) allele. We show that rs17293632 is an expression quantitative trait locus for
SMAD3
in blood and atherosclerotic plaque with reduced expression of
SMAD3
in carriers of the protective allele. Finally, siRNA knockdown of
SMAD3
in human arterial smooth muscle cells increases cell viability, consistent with an antiproliferative role.

Conclusions—

The coronary artery disease–associated rs17293632C>T single nucleotide polymorphism represents a novel functional cis-acting element at the SMAD3 locus. The protective (T) allele of rs17293632 disrupts a consensus AP-1 binding site in a SMAD3 intron 1 enhancer, reduces enhancer activity and SMAD3 expression, altering human arterial smooth muscle cell proliferation.
Ablation of Persistent Atrial Fibrillation Targeting Low-Voltage Areas With Selective Activation Characteristics
Authors: Jadidi Amir S. , Lehrmann Heiko , Keyl Cornelius , Sorrel Jérémie , Markstein Viktor , Minners Jan , Park Chan-Il , Denis Arnaud , Jaïs Pierre , Hocini Mélèze , Potocnik Clemens , Allgeier Juergen , Hochholzer Willibald , Herrera-Siklody Claudia , Kim Steve , Omri Youssef El , Neumann Franz-Josef , Weber Reinhold , Haïssaguerre Michel , Arentz Thomas
Published: March 2016

Background—

Complex-fractionated atrial electrograms and atrial fibrosis are associated with maintenance of persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). We hypothesized that pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) plus ablation of selective atrial low-voltage sites may be more successful than PVI only.

Methods and Results—

A total of 85 consecutive patients with persistent AF underwent high-density atrial voltage mapping, PVI, and ablation at low-voltage areas (LVA<0.5 mV in AF) associated with electric activity lasting >70% of AF cycle length on a single electrode (fractionated activity) or multiple electrodes around the circumferential mapping catheter (rotational activity) or discrete rapid local activity (group I). The procedural end point was AF termination. Arrhythmia freedom was compared with a control group (66 patients) undergoing PVI only (group II). PVI alone was performed in 23 of 85 (27%) patients of group I with low amount (<10% of left atrial surface area) of atrial low voltage. Selective atrial ablation in addition to PVI was performed in 62 patients with termination of AF in 45 (73%) after 11±9 minutes radiofrequency delivery. AF-termination sites colocalized within LVA in 80% and at border zones in 20%. Single-procedural arrhythmia freedom at 13 months median follow-up was achieved in 59 of 85 (69%) patients in group I, which was significantly higher than the matched control group (31/66 [47%],
P
<0.001). There was no significant difference in the success rate of patients in group I with a low amount of low voltage undergoing PVI only and patients requiring PVI+selective low-voltage ablation (
P
=0.42).

Conclusions—

Ablation of sites with distinct activation characteristics within/at borderzones of LVA in addition to PVI is more effective than conventional PVI-only strategy for persistent AF. PVI only seems to be sufficient to treat patients with left atrial low voltage <10%.
Prediction of First Cardiovascular Disease Event in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Vistisen Dorte , Andersen Gregers Stig , Hansen Christian Stevns , Hulman Adam , Henriksen Jan Erik , Bech-Nielsen Henning , Jørgensen Marit Eika
Published: March 2016

Background—

Patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus are at increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD), but they are currently undertreated. There are no risk scores used on a regular basis in clinical practice for assessing the risk of CVD in type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Methods and Results—

From 4306 clinically diagnosed adult patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus, we developed a prediction model for estimating the risk of first fatal or nonfatal CVD event (ischemic heart disease, ischemic stroke, heart failure, and peripheral artery disease). Detailed clinical data including lifestyle factors were linked to event data from validated national registers. The risk prediction model was developed by using a 2-stage approach. First, a nonparametric, data-driven approach was used to identify potentially informative risk factors and interactions (random forest and survival tree analysis). Second, based on results from the first step, Poisson regression analysis was used to derive the final model. The final CVD prediction model was externally validated in a different population of 2119 patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus. During a median follow-up of 6.8 years (interquartile range, 2.9–10.9) a total of 793 (18.4%) patients developed CVD. The final prediction model included age, sex, diabetes duration, systolic blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, hemoglobin A
1c
, albuminuria, glomerular filtration rate, smoking, and exercise. Discrimination was excellent for a 5-year CVD event with a C-statistic of 0.826 (95% confidence interval, 0.807–0.845) in the derivation data and a C-statistic of 0.803 (95% confidence interval, 0.767–0.839) in the validation data. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test showed good calibration (
P
>0.05) in both cohorts.

Conclusions—

This high-performing CVD risk model allows for the implementation of decision rules in a clinical setting.
Heritability and Genome-Wide Association Analyses of Intracranial Carotid Artery Calcification
Authors: Adams Hieab H.H. , Ikram M. Arfan , Vernooij Meike W. , van Dijk Anouk C. , Hofman Albert , Uitterlinden André G. , van Duijn Cornelia M. , Koudstaal Peter J. , Franco Oscar H. , van der Lugt Aad , Bos Daniel
Published: March 2016

Background and Purpose—

Intracranial carotid artery calcification (ICAC) is one of the most important risk factors for stroke. Although several environmental risk factors for ICAC have been identified, its genetic background remains unclear.

Methods—

Between 2003 and 2006, 2034 participants from the prospective population-based Rotterdam study (mean age: 69.6±6.8 years; 51.7% female) underwent computed tomography to quantify vascular calcification in the intracranial internal carotid artery. Blood samples were drawn for genotyping. Genotypes of the participants were imputed to the 1000 Genomes reference panel to generate genetic relationship matrices for the estimation of the heritability of ICAC volume. Adjustments were made for age and sex. Subsequently, genome-wide association analyses were performed to identify specific variants.

Results—

The age- and sex-adjusted heritability (
h
2
) of ICAC was 47% [standard error (SE): 19%;
P
=0.009]. Genome-wide association analyses identified a variant on chromosome 9p21.3 (rs1537372; N=2034;
P
=4.75×10
−9
) and 1 variant on chromosome 11p11.2 (rs11038042, N=2034;
P
=3.27×10
−8
) that were significantly associated with ICAC volume. Rs1537372 replicated in an independent sample of 716 stroke patients (
P
combined
=1.38×10
−10
).

Conclusions—

ICAC volume is a heritable trait, which is partly explained by common genetic variation. We identified specific genetic variants associated with ICAC, which given the importance of ICAC in stroke risk, needs replication in larger-scale studies to further elucidate its genetic basis.