bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adaptive phase‐singular‐unit restoration with entire‐spectrum‐processing complex‐valued neural networks in interferometric SAR
Authors: Oyama K. , Hirose A.
Published: November 2017

A singular‐unit restoration filter based on complex‐valued neural networks that deal with spatial spectrum in interferometric synthetic aperture radar is proposed. This filter utilises more neural generalisation ability than conventional methods. In experiments, it shows a higher accuracy as well as shorter processing time than conventional real‐space filters and shorter learning time than previous spectral‐domain learning filters.
Robust multipath channel estimation in the presence of impulsive noise
Authors: Yan Kun , Zhang Huawei , Wu Hsiao‐Chun
Published: November 2017

Power‐line communications (PLCs) endure a severe transmission channel distortion due to Gaussian noise, impulsive noise, and multipath self‐interference. Conventional transmission models with white Gaussian noise would be very inappropriate and impair the necessary channel estimation drastically to the PLC receivers. In this study, a statistical model for impulsive noise, namely Middleton Class A model, is employed for Gaussian information sources. Robust channel estimation algorithms based on a novel parameter estimation scheme are established thereby. Superior to the conventional robust‐least‐square estimation algorithms, the authors' proposed new adaptive robust‐least‐square estimation methods can take advantage of the statistical parameter estimation for impulsive noise. The studies on the theoretical and practical aspects of their proposed new parameter estimator are also presented.
Combined commutation optimisation strategy for brushless DC motors with misaligned hall sensors
Authors: Zhang Qian , Feng Ming
Published: November 2017

Brushless direct current (BLDC) motors with Hall sensors are widely used in various applications. Installation errors for Hall sensors may lead to inaccuracy regarding the commutation position, which can lower the motor efficiency. To improve the performance of the BLDC motors, this study presents a new combined commutation optimisation strategy for obtaining the ideal commutation position. The new strategy consists of two procedures: averaging the misaligned Hall signals and compensating for the averaged Hall signals. A mathematical relationship between the DC‐link current and overall deviation error was established, and a proportional‐integral controller was built to compensate the commutation position. Several experiments were conducted to verify the effectiveness of the new combined commutation optimisation strategy.
Modified easy to fabricate E‐shaped compact patch antenna with wideband and multiband functionality
Authors: Koutinos Anastasios G. , Anagnostou Dimitris E. , Joshi Rahil , Podilchak Symon K. , Kyriacou George A. , Chryssomallis Michael T.
Published: November 2017

A flexible E‐shaped patch antenna that is particularly easy to fabricate is presented. E‐shaped patch antennas traditionally act as wideband microstrips. Here, first a novel folded L‐shaped feed is used for improved wideband operation. Then, multiband operation is enabled through scaling and tight packing with low mutual coupling. The antenna equivalent circuit is presented, and the principles of operation at the two modes of the antenna are discussed. The traditional design undergoes a clever modification to allow it for particularly easy fabrication, which minimises the need for complex tools and enables a low budget manufacturing, and the methodology for this modification is presented. The fabricated prototype exhibits fractional bandwidth larger than 20% with extremely small total antenna dimensions 18 mm × 19 mm (about λ0/4 × λ0/4 at the centre frequency). The proposed design can be particularly useful in multiband array configurations through the demonstrated scaling and tight packing, as well as for wearable applications.
Behavioural digital modelling of lossy frequency‐periodic microwave passive filters
Authors: Muñoz‐Ferreras José‐María , Gómez‐García Roberto , Psychogiou Dimitra
Published: November 2017

The theoretically synthesised power transmission response of several classes of RF/microwave passive filters is frequency periodic. Examples of these filters include those exploiting signal‐interference techniques as well as those consisting of stub‐loaded circuit networks. A behavioural z‐plane digital modelling of these ideally synthesised frequency‐periodic high‐frequency filters has been recently proposed. It led to innovative explanations for commonly observed spurious resonant peaks and circuit redundancies in suboptimal designs. This work reports on a novel behavioural discrete‐time modelling methodology for frequency‐periodic microwave lossy filters. It considers for the first time the effect of high‐frequency losses by introducing a parameter on the originally lossless transfer function. For practical‐validation purposes, the manufacturing and characterisation of a new type of generalised stub‐loaded‐based extended‐upper‐stopband bandpass filter along with its lossy digital modelling are shown.
Framework of intentional islanding operation of active distribution network based on self‐healing perspective
Authors: Oboudi Mohammad Hossein , Hooshmand Rahmat‐Allah , Faramarzi Farshad , Amroony Boushehri Mohammad Javad
Published: November 2017

Intentional islanding operation (IIO) is a feasible solution to improve the reliability of active distribution network (ADN) by supplying critical loads through the local DG when a fault occurs. Aiming at this goal, a new two‐stage methodology is proposed to supply critical loads based on cost‐effective improvement. In the first stage, the interruption cost is proposed as the load priority and the ON/OFF status of switches are considered as the binary decision variables. Therefore, IIO is considered as a mixed integer linear programming (MILP) problem to minimise the interruption cost. At the second stage, the power flow calculation is performed on the initial islands for the real‐time operation. The proposed method can be utilised for both long‐ and short‐term studies. In the long‐term study, the inherent uncertainty of ADN is considered in MILP by using a Monte‐Carlo simulation. This concept is used for clustering ADN into self‐sufficient microgrids. Moreover, by taking a snapshot of the ADN status and performing operational feasibility, the proposed method can be considered as a real‐time power regulation method. The proposed methodology is implemented on the IEEE 33‐bus distribution network, and the results are discussed in detail.
Activin A in Inflammation, Tissue Repair, and Fibrosis: Possible Role as Inflammatory and Fibrotic Mediator of Uterine Fibroid Development and Growth
Authors: Protic Olga , Islam Md , Greco Stefania , Giannubilo Stefano , Lamanna Pasquale , Petraglia Felice , Ciavattini Andrea , Castellucci Mario , Hinz Boris , Ciarmela Pasquapina
Published: November 2017

The growth factor activin A belongs to the transforming growth factor-β superfamily and was initially isolated as an inducer of follicle-stimulating hormone secretion. Activin A was later found to play roles in cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and metabolism. More recently, activin A has also been recognized as a novel player in mediating inflammation, immunity, wound repair, and fibrosis. Elevated levels of activin A during inflammation are responsible for the increased production of extracellular matrix in different pathological conditions, including fibroids. Our group has demonstrated a profibrotic role of activin A in leiomyoma growth. Uterine leiomyoma can be considered as a fibrotic disorder that initiates from myometrial smooth muscle layer of uterus in reproductive-age women and that is driven by a strong inflammatory component. In fertile women, transient inflammation is a physiological and essential process during menstruation, ovulation, and parturition. However, tissue injury from extravasated menstrual blood and/or an altered response to harmful stimuli, such as pathogens, damaged cells, or irritants, can establish chronic inflammation in the uterus, ultimately leading to dysregulated tissue repair. Myofibroblasts are key cells in normal repair and the chronic tissue remodeling characteristic for fibrosis and uterine leiomyoma. In this review, we discuss the role of activin A in inflammation, tissue repair, and fibrosis and we elaborate the hypothesis that it plays a central role in myofibroblast activation and leiomyoma development and growth.
A Cross-sectional Survey of the North American Skull Base Society: Current Practice Patterns of Vestibular Schwannoma Evaluation and Management in North America
Authors: Van Gompel Jamie , Wiet R. , Tombers Nicole , Devaiah Anand , Lal Devyani , Morcos Jacques , Link Michael , Carlson Matthew
Published: November 2017

Background Very few studies have examined vestibular schwannoma (VS) management trends across centers and between providers. The objective of this study is to examine current practice trends, variance in treatment philosophies, and nuanced or controversial aspects of VS care across North America.

Methods This is a cross-sectional survey of North American Skull Base Society (NASBS) members who report regular involvement in VS care.

Results A total of 57 completed surveys were returned. Most respondents claimed to have over 20 years of experience and the majority reported working in an academic practice with an affiliated otolaryngology and/or neurosurgery residency program. Sixty-three percent of respondents claimed to evaluate VS patients in clinic with both an otolaryngologist and neurosurgeon involved. Eighty-six percent of respondents claimed to operate on VS with both an otolaryngologist and neurosurgeon involved, while only 18% of neurosurgeons and 9% of otolaryngologists performed surgery alone. There was a wide range in the number of cases evaluated at each center annually. Similarly, there was wide variation in the number of patients treated with microsurgery and radiation at each center. Additional details regarding management preferences for microsurgery, stereotactic radiosurgery, stereotactic radiotherapy, and conservative observation are presented.

Conclusion VS management practices vary between providers and centers. Overall, most centers employ a multidisciplinary approach to management with collaboration between otolaryngology and neurosurgery. Overall, survey responses concur with previous studies suggesting a shift toward conservatism in management.
Long-Term Facial Nerve Outcomes after Microsurgical Resection of Vestibular Schwannomas in Patients with Preoperative Facial Nerve Palsy
Authors: Mooney Michael , Hendricks Benjamin , Sarris Christina , Spetzler Robert , Porter Randall , Almefty Kaith
Published: November 2017

Objectives This study aimed at evaluating facial nerve outcomes in vestibular schwannoma patients presenting with preoperative facial nerve palsy.

Design A retrospective review.

Setting Single-institution cohort.

Participants Overall, 368 consecutive patients underwent vestibular schwannoma resection. Patients with prior microsurgery or radiosurgery were excluded.

Main Outcome Measures Incidence, House–Brackmann grade.

Results Of 368 patients, 9 had confirmed preoperative facial nerve dysfunction not caused by prior treatment, for an estimated incidence of 2.4%. Seven of these nine patients had Koos grade 4 tumors. Mean tumor diameter was 3.0 cm (range: 2.1–4.4 cm), and seven of nine tumors were subtotally resected. All nine patients were followed up clinically for ≥ 6 months. Of the six patients with a preoperative House–Brackmann grade of II, two improved to grade I, three were stable, and one patient worsened to grade III. Of the three patients with grade III or worse, all remained stable at last follow-up.

Conclusions Preoperative facial nerve palsy is rare in patients with vestibular schwannoma; it tends to occur in patients with relatively large lesions. Detailed long-term outcomes of facial nerve function after microsurgical resection for these patients have not been reported previously. We followed nine patients and found that eight (89%) of the nine patients had either stable or improved facial nerve outcomes after treatment. Management strategies varied for these patients, including rates of subtotal versus gross-total resection and the use of stereotactic radiosurgery in patients with residual tumor. These results can be used to help counsel patients preoperatively on expected outcomes of facial nerve function after treatment.
Anticipatory Corticosteroid Administration to Asymptomatic Women with a Short Cervix
Authors: Wong Luchin , Esplin M. , Collingridge Dave , Richards Douglas
Published: November 2017

Objective A short cervix is an important risk factor for spontaneous preterm birth. There is substantial evidence that antenatal exposure to corticosteroids significantly benefits infants that are born when delivery occurs between 24 and 34 weeks' gestation and after 48 hours but within 7 days of their administration. Our study was to evaluate whether asymptomatic women who are given a course of antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) at the time a short cervix is identified deliver within the window of proven steroid benefit.

Study Design This was a retrospective chart review of patients who had a cervical length of < 2.5 cm between 23 and 34 weeks and who did not have cervical dilation or significant symptoms of preterm labor.

Results Of 367 asymptomatic patients with a short cervix, only two (0.5%) delivered within 7 days of the time a short cervix was identified. With a policy of giving ACS at the time an ultrasound shows a short cervix, 184 patients would have to be treated for each one who realizes a steroid benefit by delivering within 7 days.

Conclusion We conclude that unless future studies show that neonates benefit from ACS given more than 7 days before delivery, giving ACS to asymptomatic women solely because the cervix is short is not advised.
A Cross-sectional Survey of the North American Skull Base Society on Vestibular Schwannoma, Part 2: Perioperative Practice Patterns of Vestibular Schwannoma in North America
Authors: Carlson Matthew , Wiet R. , Tombers Nicole , Devaiah M Anand , Lal Devyani , Morcos Jacques , Link Michael , Van Gompel Jamie
Published: November 2017

Introduction Perioperative care of vestibular schwannoma (VS) patients is extremely variable across surgeons and institutions making practice patterns difficult to standardize. No data currently exist detailing this practice variability.

Methods The North American Skull Base Society membership was electronically surveyed regarding perioperative care of surgically operated VS patients.

Results There were 87 respondents to the survey. Surgical positioning, surgical approach utilized, and perioperative medical adjuncts are quite variable. However, of those performing retrosigmoid approaches, 49% perform this in the supine position, while 33% use a park-bench position with only 2% using the sitting position. In those performing translabyrinthine approaches, 86% perform this in supine position. Although the use of neuromonitoring appears to be standard of care (98%), other than the seventh nerve, there is substantial variability between respondents regarding monitoring of additional cranial nerves. Postoperative antibiotics are used by 65%, postoperative steroids 81%, and postoperative chemical deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis in 68% of survey respondents.

Conclusion Although the perioperative adjuncts to VS surgery are variable, there does appear to be a trend in common practice. Therefore, making surgeons aware of these trends may lead to standardized practice or alternatively trials of these variances to instruct which truly improve patient outcomes.
Guidelines Regarding §16 of the German Transplantation Act – Initial Experiences with Structured Reporting
Authors: Pinto dos Santos Daniel , Arnhold Gordon , Mildenberger Peter , Düber Christoph , Kloeckner Roman
Published: November 2017

Purpose To transfer the report sheet from the guidelines regarding the German Transplantation Act to a standards-compliant report template and to evaluate it in the clinical routine.

Materials and Methods The template was developed using the freely available software brackets.io. It was implemented in the clinical routine using a reporting platform developed in-house. Interfaces to the department RIS and PACS allowed for integration into the usual reporting workflow. The evaluation period was 70 days.

Results Developing the template for implementation of the guidelines was possible without any difficulties. The content of the report sheet provided in the guidelines was transferred one to one. Additionally, a text field was included to allow for further remarks. In the period under review, 7 radiologists performed 44 evaluations in line with § 16 of the German Transplantation Act. Users of the template, referring physicians and the employees of the transplantation office reported a high degree of satisfaction.

Conclusion Implementing report sheets that are required by law (e. g. in the guidelines regarding § 16 of the German Transplantation Act) in the clinical routine electronically is easy and achieves a high degree of acceptance. The standard supported by the German Radiological Society (IHE – "Management of radiology report templates") allows for a quick response to the growing demand for structured and standardized reporting.

Key Points 

Citation Format
Prävention durch Ernährung
Authors: Friedrichsen Hans-Peter
Published: November 2017

In den letzten 100 Jahren hat sich die Ernährung grundlegend verändert. Zahlreiche Zivilisationskrankheiten werden durch die fehlende Anpassung des Stoffwechsels an diese moderne Nahrung mitverursacht. Im Vergleich zu heute zeichnete sich die Ernährung der Jäger und Sammler aus durch deutlich höhere Aufnahme von Fettsäuren mit günstigen Stoffwechseleigenschaften wie ALA, EPA und DHA sowie von hochwertigen Eiweißen, Obst und Gemüse bei gleichzeitig fehlendem Konsum von Getreide, Zucker und Kuhmilch. Eine stoffwechseladaptierte Ernährung zur Prävention orientiert sich an der Steinzeiternährung.
Longer Telomere Length in Elite Master Sprinters: Relationship to Performance and Body Composition
Authors: Simoes Herbert , Sousa Caio , dos Santos Rosa Thiago , da Silva Aguiar Samuel , Deus Lysleine , Rosa Erica , Amato Angelica , Andrade Rosangela
Published: November 2017

Emergent evidence suggests that the long-term healthy lifestyle of master athletes may attenuate aging. We compared telomere length (TL) of high-level master sprinters and non-athlete age-matched controls, and analyzed the relationships of TL with performance and body fat. Elite master sprinters (n=11; aged 50.1±9.2yrs) and healthy untrained controls (n=10; aged 45.4±10.9yrs) had blood samples collected for biochemical and biomolecular analyses. Master sprinters had longer TL, lower body fat and BMI, and a better lipid profile than age-matched controls (p<0.05). A large effect size was verified comparing TL between athletes vs. controls (Cohen’s d=1.039), with a significant negative correlation between TL and performance decline per decade (r=−0.624, p<0.01) and a positive correlation of TL and actual performance level (r=0.641, p<0.01). In conclusion, TL of elite master sprinters was longer than their untrained peers, and seems to be not only a marker of health status, but also an indicator of sports longevity since both actual performance level and its decrease over years were related to TL. Further research might assess the TL of elite master endurance athletes for comparison with sprinters, and also investigate the underlying mechanisms by which the attenuation of telomere shortening occurs in master athletes.
Multidetector Computed Tomography Angiography (MD-CTA) of Coronary Artery Bypass Grafts – Update 2017
Authors: Jungmann Florian , Emrich Tilman , Mildenberger Peter , Emrich Anna , Düber Christoph , Kreitner K.
Published: November 2017

Background Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is still an important therapeutic approach in the treatment especially of advanced coronary artery disease. In this study, we elucidate the current role of multidetector computed tomography angiography (MD-CTA) in imaging patients after CABG surgery.

Method This study is based on recent reports in the literature (2007 – 2016) on imaging of CABG using 64-slice MD-CT scanners and beyond. We included 13 reports that compared ECG-gated MD-CTA with conventional invasive coronary angiography (ICA) as the reference standard for the assessment of graft patency and for the detection of > 50 % stenoses. These studies had to provide absolute values for true-positive, true-negative, false-positive and false-negative results or at least allow calculation of these numbers. In total, 1002 patients with 2521 bypass grafts were the basis for this review.

Results and Conclusion The sensitivity and specificity for the assessment of graft patency or the detection of > 50 % graft stenosis were 97.2 % and 97.5 %, respectively. The negative and positive predictive values were 93.6 % and 99 %, respectively. By using prospective ECG-gating and an increasing pitch factor, the radiation dose exposure declined to 2.4 mSv in the latest reports. ECG-gated MD-CTA provides a fast and reliable, noninvasive method for assessing patients after CABG. The most substantial benefit of the newest CT scanner generations is a remarkable reduction of radiation dose exposure while maintaining a still excellent diagnostic accuracy during recent years.

Key Points 

Citation Format
Structural Searching of Biosynthetic Enzymes to Predict Protein Targets of Natural Products
Authors: Sturm Noé , Quinn Ronald , Kellenberger Esther
Published: November 2017

Recently, we have demonstrated that site comparison methodology using flavonoid biosynthetic enzymes as the query could automatically identify structural features common to different flavonoid-binding proteins, allowing for the identification of flavonoid targets such as protein kinases. With the aim of further validating the hypothesis that biosynthetic enzymes and therapeutic targets can contain a similar natural product imprint, we collected a set of 159 crystallographic structures representing 38 natural product biosynthetic enzymes by searching the Protein Databank. Each enzyme structure was used as a query to screen a repository of approximately 10 000 ligandable sites by active site similarity. We report a full analysis of the screening results and highlight three retrospective examples where the natural product validates the method, thereby revealing novel structural relationships between natural product biosynthetic enzymes and putative protein targets of the natural product. From a prospective perspective, our work provides a list of up to 64 potential novel targets for 25 well-characterized natural products.
Electrodeless plasma acceleration system using rotating magnetic field method
Authors: Furukawa T. , Takizawa K. , Kuwahara D. , Shinohara S.
Published: November 2017

We have proposed Rotating Magnetic Field (RMF) acceleration method as one of electrodeless plasma accelerations. In our experimental scheme, plasma generated by an rf (radio frequency) antenna, is accelerated by RMF antennas, which consist of two-pair, opposed, facing coils, and these antennas are outside of a discharge tube. Therefore, there is no wear of electrodes, degrading the propulsion performance. Here, we will introduce our RMF acceleration system developed, including the experimental device, e.g., external antennas, a tapered quartz tube, a vacuum chamber, external magnets, and a pumping system. In addition, we can change RMF operation parameters (RMF applied current IRMF and RMF current phase difference ϕ, focusing on RMF current frequency fRMF) by adjusting matching conditions of RMF, and investigate the dependencies on plasma parameters (electron density ne and ion velocity vi); e.g., higher increases of ne and vi (∼360 % and 55 %, respectively) than previous experimental results were obtained by decreasing fRMF from 5 MHz to 0.7 MHz, whose RMF penetration condition was better according to Milroy’s expression. Moreover, time-varying component of RMF has been measured directly to survey the penetration condition experimentally.
The hate that dare not speak its name?
Authors: Love Robbie , Baker Paul
Published: November 2017

This chapter uses corpus-based methods to explore how British Parliamentary arguments against LGBT equality have changed in response to decreasing social acceptability of discriminatory language against minority groups. A comparison of the language of opposition to the equalisation of the age of consent for anal sex (1998–2000) is made to the oppositional language in debates to allow same-sex marriage (2013). Keyword, collocation and concordance analyses were used to identify differences in overall argumentation strategies, assessing the extent to which previously explicit homophobic speech (e.g. homosexuality as unnatural) has been replaced by more indirect strategies (e.g. less use of personalised argumentation via the pronoun I). We argue that while homophobic language appears to be on the decrease in such contexts, there is a mismatch between words and acts, requiring analysts to acknowledge the presence of more subtle indications of homophobic discourse in the future.
Representing “terrorism”
Authors: Evans Matthew , Schuller Simone
Published: November 2017

This chapter uses critical stylistics to analyse the British press’s use of the term “terrorism” in their reporting of the murder of Fusilier Lee Rigby outside the military barracks in Woolwich, London on 22nd May 2013. It considers academic definitions of “terrorism” and compares these to the use of the term in newspaper reports on the attack. The authors seek to understand how the Woolwich attack is fit into a complex and contested concept such as terrorism. A close reading of a small corpus of national newspaper articles was used to identify common themes in the way the incident is portrayed, with critical stylistic analysis being applied to investigate how the term “terrorism” is used in context. The study highlights how the application of the “terrorism” label is justified within the articles despite the scarcity of information regarding the attack and persons involved at the time of their publication.
Political crisis and the rise of the far right in Greece
Authors: Sotiris Panagiotis
Published: November 2017

The electoral rise of Golden Dawn from obscurity to parliamentary representation has drawn attention to its particular neo-fascist discourse. In sharp contrast to the tendency of most far-right movements in Europe to present themselves as being part of the political mainstream, Golden Dawn has never disavowed its openly neo-Nazi references. Its political and ideological discourse combines extreme racism, nationalism and authoritarianism along with traditional conservative positions in favour of traditional family roles and values and the Greek Orthodox Church. The aim of this chapter is twofold: on the one hand to situate the ideology and discourse of Golden Dawn in a conjuncture of economic and social crisis, a crisis of the project of European Integration, and examine it as part of a broader authoritarian post-democratic and post-hegemonic transformation of the State in contemporary capitalism; on the other hand to criticize the position suggested recently that Golden Dawn was also the result of the supposedly “national-populist” discourse of the anti-austerity movement. On the contrary, we will insist on the opposition between the discourses and practices of Golden Dawn and the anti-austerity movement in Greece.
“I want a real apology”
Authors: Rieger Caroline L.
Published: November 2017

Research on the apology spans over half a century and has been quite prolific. Yet, a major issue with numerous studies on apologies is a lack of findings from naturally occurring interaction. Instead many studies examine written elicitations. As a result they research how respondents think they apologize, not how they do apologize. This project, in contrast, stresses the importance of studying the apology as a dynamically constructed politeness strategy in situated interaction. Apologies are part of the ever-present relational work, i.e., co-constructed and co-negotiated, emergent relationships in a situated social context. Hence, the focus is not on the illocutionary force indicating device (IFID) alone, nor on the turn in which the IFID is produced, but on the interactional exchange in situ.

Naturally, data eliciting produces a larger sample size of apologies than the taping and transcribing of naturally occurring interaction does. To remedy the issue, this study uses interactions from situation comedies, which provide a large sample of apologies in their interactional context. Sitcom interactions constitute a valid focus of pragmatic research as they share fundamental elements of natural interactions (B. Mills 2009;Quaglio 2009). The validity of this approach is tested using findings from published conversation analytic studies on apologies. The analysis is set within the framework of discursive pragmatics and leads to new insights on apologies and responses to apologies.
Discovering the assignment
Authors: de Groot Casper
Published: November 2017

This introductory chapter presents a search into the realm of the essive markers indicating impermanent state in the Uralic languages. It turns out that full or even partial descriptions of the distribution of the essive markers in most Uralic languages are lacking. Overall studies of the essive in Uralic describing similarities and differences among the languages are not available. In order to fill this gap the chapter presents a typological questionnaire which makes the appropriate description and comparison of the distribution of the essive in the various Uralic languages possible.
Identifying structural variants using linked-read sequencing data
Authors: Elyanow Rebecca , Wu Hsin-Ta , Raphael Benjamin J
Published: November 2017

Motivation

Structural variation, including large deletions, duplications, inversions, translocations and other rearrangements, is common in human and cancer genomes. A number of methods have been developed to identify structural variants from Illumina short-read sequencing data. However, reliable identification of structural variants remains challenging because many variants have breakpoints in repetitive regions of the genome and thus are difficult to identify with short reads. The recently developed linked-read sequencing technology from 10X Genomics combines a novel barcoding strategy with Illumina sequencing. This technology labels all reads that originate from a small number (∼5 to 10) DNA molecules ∼50 Kbp in length with the same molecular barcode. These barcoded reads contain long-range sequence information that is advantageous for identification of structural variants.

Results

We present Novel Adjacency Identification with Barcoded Reads (NAIBR), an algorithm to identify structural variants in linked-read sequencing data. NAIBR predicts novel adjacencies in an individual genome resulting from structural variants using a probabilistic model that combines multiple signals in barcoded reads. We show that NAIBR outperforms several existing methods for structural variant identification—including two recent methods that also analyze linked-reads—on simulated sequencing data and 10X whole-genome sequencing data from the NA12878 human genome and the HCC1954 breast cancer cell line. Several of the novel somatic structural variants identified in HCC1954 overlap known cancer genes.

Availability and implementation

Software is available at compbio.cs.brown.edu/software.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Atheroprone flow activates inflammation via endothelial ATP-dependent P2X7-p38 signalling
Authors: Green Jack P , Souilhol Celine , Xanthis Ioannis , Martinez-Campesino Laura , Bowden Neil P , Evans Paul C , Wilson Heather L
Published: November 2017

Objective

Atherosclerosis is a focal disease occurring at arterial sites of disturbed blood flow that generates low oscillating shear stress. Endothelial inflammatory signalling is enhanced at sites of disturbed flow via mechanisms that are incompletely understood. The influence of disturbed flow on endothelial adenosine triphosphate (ATP) receptors and downstream signalling was assessed.

Methods and results

Cultured human endothelial cells were exposed to atheroprotective (high uniform) or atheroprone (low oscillatory) shear stress for 72 h prior to assessment of ATP responses. Imaging of cells loaded with a calcium-sensitive fluorescent dye revealed that atheroprone flow enhanced extracellular calcium influx in response to 300 µM 2'(3')-O-(4-Benzoylbenzoyl) adenosine-5'-triphosphate. Pre-treatment with pharmacological inhibitors demonstrated that this process required purinergic P2X7 receptors. The mechanism involved altered expression of P2X7, which was induced by atheroprone flow conditions in cultured cells. Similarly, en face staining of the murine aorta revealed enriched P2X7 expression at an atheroprone site. Functional studies in cultured endothelial cells showed that atheroprone flow induced p38 phosphorylation and up-regulation of E-selectin and IL-8 secretion via a P2X7-dependent mechanism. Moreover, genetic deletion of P2X7 significantly reduced E-selectin at atheroprone regions of the murine aorta.

Conclusions

These findings reveal that P2X7 is regulated by shear forces leading to its accumulation at atheroprone sites that are exposed to disturbed patterns of blood flow. P2X7 promotes endothelial inflammation at atheroprone sites by transducing ATP signals into p38 activation. Thus P2X7 integrates vascular mechanical responses with purinergic signalling to promote endothelial dysfunction and may provide an attractive potential therapeutic target to prevent or reduce atherosclerosis.
Cost-Effectiveness of Primary and Revision Surgery for Adult Spinal Deformity
Authors: Raman Tina , Nayar Suresh K. , Liu Shuiqing , Skolasky Richard L. , Kebaish Khaled M.
Published: November 2017

Study Design.

Retrospective comparative study.

Objective.

The purpose of this study is to compare functional outcomes, hospital resource utilization, and spine-related costs during 2 years in patients who had undergone primary or revision surgery for adult spinal deformity (ASD).

Summary of Background Data.

After surgery for ASD, patients may require revision for pseudarthrosis, implant complications, or deformity progression. Data evaluating cost-effectiveness of primary and, in particular, revision surgery, for ASD are sparse.

Methods.

We retrospectively reviewed records for 119 consecutive patients who had undergone primary or revision surgery for ASD. Two-year total spine-related medical costs were derived from hospital charge data. Functional outcome scores were extracted from prospectively collected patient data. Cost utility ratios (cost/quality-adjusted life-year [QALY]) at 2 years were calculated and assessed against a threshold of $154,458/QALY gained (three times the 2015 US per-capita gross domestic product).

Results.

The primary surgery cohort (n = 56) and revision cohort (n = 63) showed significant improvements in health-related quality-of-life scores at 2 years. Median surgical and spine-related 2-year follow-up costs were $137,990 (interquartile range [IQR], $84,186) for primary surgery and $115,509 (IQR, $63,753) for revision surgery and were not significantly different between the two groups (P = 0.12). We report 2-year QALY gains of 0.36 in the primary surgery cohort and 0.40 in the revision group (P = 0.71). Primary instrumented fusion was associated with a median 2-year cost per QALY of $197,809 (IQR, $187,350) versus $129,950 (IQR, $209,928) for revision surgery (P = 0.31).

Conclusion.

Revision surgery had lower total 2-year costs and higher QALY gains than primary surgery for ASD, although the differences were not significant. Although revision surgery for ASD is known to be technically challenging and to have a higher rate of major complications than primary surgery, revision surgery was cost-effective at 2 years. The cost/QALY ratio for primary surgery for ASD exceeded the threshold for cost effectiveness at 2 years.

Level of Evidence: 3
Simultaneous monitoring of electroencephalographic characteristics in animals subjected to behavioral tests: a preclinical investigation
Authors: Nirogi Ramakrishna , Daripelli Saivishal , Benade Vijay , Tirumalasetty Chaitanya , Bhyrapuneni Gopinadh , Jayarajan Pradeep
Published: November 2017

Drug-induced changes in electroencephalographic (EEG) characteristics in animals may be used to predict central activity of drugs in humans. Previous studies have established that drugs affect EEG characteristics in humans and rodents in a similar manner. However, there has been little work to establish correlations between drug effects on behavioral and EEG characteristics in rats. In the current study, we have simultaneously monitored EEG characteristics during a novel object recognition task (NORT) or open field (OF) test in rats. EEG was monitored using telemetric device from epidural and hippocampal regions during the choice trial in the NORT after treatment with scopolamine (0.1 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) alone or in combination with donepezil (0.3 mg/kg, subcutaneous). Power changes across spectral frequency bands during exploration of novel and familiar object were assessed separately. Amphetamine (2 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) was used to monitor effects on locomotor activity and EEG changes in the OF test. In the NORT, scopolamine impaired object recognition, but no differences were observed in the power densities across spectral bands during exploration of novel and familiar objects. Treatment with donepezil reversed scopolamine-induced cognitive impairment, and the power density in the theta frequency band was increased during exploration of the novel object. In OF, amphetamine increased locomotion and produced an overall decrease in the power densities of all frequency bands. Overall, the results indicate that EEG characteristics are closely related to behavioral changes in the NORT and OF in rodents.
Comparisons of Self-reported Glaucoma Medication Adherence With a New Wireless Device: A Pilot Study
Authors: Gatwood Justin D. , Johnson Jordan , Jerkins Brian
Published: November 2017

Purpose:

To compare use of topical medications between a wireless monitoring device and validated self-reported measures of glaucoma medication adherence.

Patients and Methods:

This study involved adults from a group ophthalmology practice diagnosed with and being medicinally treated for glaucoma who were not scheduled for a surgery during the study period. Subjects were required to use a new wireless device to dispense their glaucoma medication for 2 months, and were surveyed at baseline and immediately following the study to assess mobile phone use, glaucoma-related self-efficacy, and medication adherence.

Results:

Complete data (survey and accurate device recordings) were available for 23 subjects at both baseline and endpoint. Median adherence, as measured by the device, was 82% and dropped slightly between 30-day periods, from 83% to 77%. Similarly, the percent adherent (dosing at least 75% of the time) dropped significantly between months according to both the device (78.3% and 52.2%) and a self-reported measure (63% and 56%). Kappa statistics indicated low agreement between the device and self-report when classifying adherent status. A majority of subjects interviewed found the device easy to use, indicated that it did not interfere with medication-taking or normal activities, and were not bothered by their physician knowing when medication was dispensed.

Conclusion:

In this pilot, nearly all Kali Drop devices performed as expected, providing real-time data on medication use over a 60-day period. Data suggested that self-reported and electronic estimates of glaucoma medication use differ, but additional testing of this new device is needed to corroborate the data observed.
Isotretinoin-induced Angle Closure and Myopic Shift
Authors: Park Young-myoung , Lee Tae-Eun
Published: November 2017

Purpose:

To report and describe the management a rare case of transient bilateral angle closure with increased intraocular pressure (IOP) and myopic shift while on isotretinoin therapy for acne.

Methods:

A 28-year-old woman presented with bilateral myopic shift, angle closure with IOP increase, and supraciliary effusion 1 week after acne therapy with isotretinoin. Two weeks after stopping isotretinoin, and treatment with topical prednisolone acetate, atropine, and fixed combination of timolol and dorzolamide, refraction, IOP returned to normal and supraciliary effusions was decreased on ultrasound biomicroscopy.

Conclusions:

Oral isotretinoin for acne treatment may be associated with an adverse reaction, resulting in bilateral transient myopia and angle closure with IOP elevation.
Assessment of a Health Promotion Model on Obese Turkish Children
Authors: Eren Fidanci Berna , Akbayrak Nalan , Arslan Filiz
Published: November 2017

Background:

Studies of childhood obesity have shown that fostering healthy life behaviors is more important than losing weight. However, studies reporting this result did not use a theoretical nursing model, which offers a systematic approach and scientific basis for studying the concepts and principles of nursing practice.

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of an intervention that is based on Nola J. Pender’s Health Promotion Model (HPM) on the healthy life behaviors and self-confidence of obese children.

Methods:

This quasi-experimental study enrolled 86 obese children and their parents (48 in the experimental group and 38 in the control group) as participants. The data collection tool was composed of an adaptation of a Pender’s model-based evaluation form and the “Piers–Harris Self Confidence Scale.” The experimental group received HPM-based individual and group education, whereas the control group received routine follow-up only. Whereas qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis, quantitative data were analyzed using a paired t test and Mann–Whitney U or Wilcoxon test.

Results:

At the end of the education and follow-up program, experimental group participants showed a significant increase in healthy eating habits such as noting food portions (Z = 5.231, p < .001) and choosing water instead of sugary drinks (Z = 4.130, p < .001) and spent significantly less time per day in front of a television or computer (Z = 5.085, p < .001). Furthermore, after the intervention, experimental group participants had reduced their total body mass index standard deviation score (Z = 6.031, p < .001) and had an average self-confidence score that differed significantly from the control group (Z = 3.796, p < .001) and that was significantly higher than the average preintervention score (Z = 5.971, p < .01).

Conclusions:

Health professionals must recognize the physical, psychological, and social risks of obesity in children and focus on these problems to identify appropriate solutions. It is recommended that education and nursing follow-up programs be developed based on nursing models. This study found that patient education based on Pender’s HPM increased healthy life behaviors (e.g., healthy nutrition and increased exercise time) and decreased sedentary activity substantially in the experimental group. This study further suggests that, although Pender’s HPM has not been tested on obese children, this model offers effective guidelines for nursing activities that are targeted on developing healthy life behaviors in children.
Social Support and Health-Related Quality of Life Among Elderly Individuals Living Alone in South Korea: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: KIM Jiyun , LEE Jong-Eun
Published: November 2017

Background:

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is an important component of healthy aging. Elderly individuals living alone with health risks have rapidly increased in South Korea. Inadequate social support has been associated with poor HRQoL in elderly individuals who are currently living alone. Although studies of HRQoL in elderly subjects who live alone have been conducted, studies of the relationships between social support and HRQoL have rarely targeted the elderly individuals living alone.

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to identify the factors that are related to HRQoL among the elderly individuals living alone in South Korea.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study design was used. Five hundred seventeen elderly individuals who were living alone in community dwellings and aged 65 years or older were included. The structured questionnaires included the 12-item Short-Form Health Survey, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, demographic characteristics, health status, and behavior factors. A descriptive analysis and hierarchical multivariate logistic regression were conducted to examine significant correlations between the variables.

Results:

The mean score of the Physical Component Summary was 43.00 (± 4.82), and the mean score of the Mental Component Summary (MCS) was 45.94 (± 7.21). After controlling for demographic characteristics, health status, and behavior factors, support from significant others was negatively associated with the Physical Component Summary scores, whereas support from significant others, family, and friends was positively associated with the MCS scores.

Conclusions:

Social support emerged as an important factor in the HRQoL domains of the MCS of the participants. Future interventions should focus more on implementing effective social support strategies to improve HRQoL in elderly individuals who live alone.
Association of Proton Pump Inhibitor Use With Serum Biomarkers of Inflammation, Insulin Resistance, Cardiovascular Risk, and Renal Function
Authors: Austin Gregory L. , Weiskopf Jennifer R. , Czwornog Jennifer L.
Published: November 2017

Background and Goals:

Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use has been associated with cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, and dementia. Prior studies did not account for key confounders and little is known about the association of PPIs with serum biomarkers of inflammation, insulin resistance, cardiovascular risk, and renal function. Our aims were to investigate differences in these biomarkers between PPI users and nonusers.

Methods:

Our data are from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), a complex cross-sectional multistage probability sample of the US civilian population. We used data on 5189 eligible adults aged 18 to 85 years. Appropriate survey commands were used and potential confounding variables (including BMI, duration of PPI use, use of other non-PPI medications, and health behaviors) were included in multivariable regression models assessing biomarker outcomes.

Results:

PPI use was associated with differences in mean (±SE) fasting low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (by 11.7±3.7 mg/dL; P=0.006), and apolipoprotein B (by 7.6±2.6 mg/dL; P=0.01). PPI use was not associated with significant differences in total cholesterol (P=0.13), high-density lipoprotein (P=0.27), triglycerides (P=0.70), c-reactive protein (P=0.52), the homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance (P=0.48), hemoglobin A1c (P=0.39), or homocysteine (P=0.87). PPI use was associated with a decrease in blood urea nitrogen (by 1.0±0.3 mg/dL; P=0.008) but not creatinine (P=0.38) or uric acid (P=0.34).

Conclusion:

PPI was not associated with clinically significant differences in serum biomarkers of inflammation, insulin resistance, cardiovascular risk, and renal function. Rather, increasing BMI was strongly associated with PPI use and clinically significant differences in these biomarkers.