bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inhibitory effect of 660‐nm LED on melanin synthesis in in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Oh Chang Taek , Kwon Tae‐Rin , Choi Eun Ja , Kim Soon Re , Seok Joon , Mun Seog Kyun , Yoo Kwang Ho , Choi Yeon Shik , Choi Sun Young , Kim Beom Joon
Published: October 2016

Background

Skin hyperpigmentary disorders including postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, melasma, solar lentigines, and conditions like freckles are common. The light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) are the latest category of nonthermal and noninvasive phototherapy to be considered in skin pigmentation disorder treatment.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of 660‐nm LED on inhibition of melanogenesis. We investigated whether a 660‐nm LED affected melanin synthesis in in vitro and in vivo models, and we explored the mechanisms involved.

Methods

The inhibitory effect of 660‐nm LED on melanin synthesis was evaluated in B16F10 cells and HRM‐2 melanin‐possessing hairless mice were used to evaluate the antimelanogenic effects of 660‐nm LED.

Results

Interestingly, 660‐nm LED inhibited alpha‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone‐induced tyrosinase activity in B16F10 cells. We also found that 660‐nm LED decreased MITF and tyrosinase expression and induced the activation of ERK. These findings suggest that the depigmenting effects of 660‐nm LED result from downregulation of MITF and tyrosinase expression due to increased ERK activity. The 660‐nm LED reduced UVB‐induced melanogenesis in the skin of HRM‐2 via downregulation of tyrosinase and MITF.

Conclusion

These findings suggest 660‐nm LED is a potentially depigmentation strategy.
Effect of narrow band ultraviolet B phototherapy as monotherapy or combination therapy for vitiligo: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Li Ronghua , Qiao Meng , Wang Xiaoyan , Zhao Xintong , Sun Qing
Published: October 2016

Background

The treatment of vitiligo is still one of the most difficult dermatological challenges, although there are many therapeutic options. Narrow band ultraviolet B (NB‐UVB) phototherapy is considered to be a very important modality for generalized vitiligo.

Objective

The aim of this study was to explore whether a combination of NB‐UVB and topical agents would be superior to NB‐UVB alone for treating vitiligo.

Methods

We searched the electronic databases such as PUBMED, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. The primary outcome was the proportion of ≥50% repigmentation (a clinical significance), and secondary outcome was the proportion of ≥75% repigmentation (an excellent response).

Results

Seven randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 240 patients (413 lesions) were included in this meta‐analysis. The study showed no significant difference between NB‐UVB combination therapy (NB‐UVB and topical calcineurin inhibitor or vitamin D analogs) and NB‐UVB monotherapy in the outcomes of ≥50% repigmentation and ≥75% repigmentation. However, lesions located on the face and neck had better results in ≥50% repigmentation (RR = 1.40, 95% CI 1.08–1.81) and ≥75% repigmentation (RR = 1.88, 95% CI 1.10–3.20) with NB‐UVB and topical calcineurin inhibitor combination therapy vs. NB‐UVB monotherapy.

Conclusions

The meta‐analysis suggested that adding neither topical calcineurin inhibitors nor topical vitamin‐D3 analogs on NB‐UVB can yield significantly superior outcomes than NB‐UVB monotherapy for treatment of vitiligo. However, addition of topical calcineurin inhibitors to NB‐UVB may increase treatment outcomes in vitiligo affecting face and neck.
Generation of RUNX3 knockout pigs using CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated gene targeting
Authors: Kang J‐T , Ryu J , Cho B , Lee E‐J , Yun Y‐J , Ahn S , Lee J , Ji D‐Y , Lee K , Park K‐W
Published: October 2016

Contents

Pigs are an attractive animal model to study the progression of cancer because of their anatomical and physiological similarities to human. However, the use of pig models for cancer research has been limited by availability of genetically engineered pigs which can recapitulate human cancer progression. Utilizing genome editing technologies such as CRISPR/Cas9 system allows us to generate genetically engineered pigs at a higher efficiency. In this study, specific CRISPR/Cas9 systems were used to target RUNX3, a known tumour suppressor gene, to generate a pig model that can induce gastric cancer in human. First, RUNX3 knockout cell lines carrying genetic modification (monoallelic or biallelic) of RUNX3 were generated by introducing engineered CRISPR/Cas9 system specific to RUNX3 into foetal fibroblast cells. Then, the genetically modified foetal fibroblast cells were used as donor cells for somatic cell nuclear transfer, followed by embryo transfer. We successfully obtained four live RUNX3 knockout piglets from two surrogates. The piglets showed the lack of RUNX3 protein in their internal organ system. Our results demonstrate that the CRISPR/Cas9 system is effective in inducing mutations on a specific locus of genome and the RUNX3 knockout pigs can be useful resources for human cancer research and to develop novel cancer therapies.
Physical activity and lung function decline in adults with asthma: The HUNT Study
Authors: Brumpton Ben M. , Langhammer Arnulf , Henriksen Anne H. , Camargo Carlos A. , Chen Yue , Romundstad Pål R. , Mai Xiao‐Mei
Published: October 2016

Background and objective

People with asthma may seek advice about physical activity. However, the benefits of leisure time physical activity on lung function are unclear. We investigated the association between leisure time physical activity and lung function decline in adults with asthma.

Methods

In a population‐based cohort study in Norway, we used multiple linear regressions to estimate the annual mean decline in lung function (and 95% CI) in 1329 people with asthma over a mean follow‐up of 11.6 years. The durations of light and hard physical activity per week in the last year were collected by questionnaire. Inactive participants did not report any light or hard activity, while active participants reported light or hard activity.

Results

The mean decline in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1
) was 37 mL/year among inactive participants and 32 mL/year in active participants (difference: −5 mL/year (95% CI: −13 to 3)). The mean decline in forced vital capacity (FVC) was 33 mL/year among inactive participants and 31 mL/year in active participants (difference: −2 mL/year (95% CI: −11 to 7)). The mean decline in FEV1
/FVC ratio was 0.36%/year among inactive participants and 0.22%/year in active participants (difference: −0.14%/year (95% CI: −0.27 to −0.01)). The mean decline in peak expiratory flow (PEF) was 14 mL/year among the inactive participants and 10 mL/year in active participants (difference: −4 mL/year (95% CI: −9 to 1)).

Conclusion

We observed slightly less decline in lung function in physically active than inactive participants with asthma, particularly for FEV1, FEV1/FVC ratio and PEF.
Trade and civil conflict: Revisiting the cross‐country evidence
Authors: Calì Massimiliano , Mulabdic Alen
Published: October 2016

We revisit and expand the evidence on the impact of trade shocks on intra‐state conflict by using a large sample of developing countries in the 1960–2010 period. The results suggest that increases in the price of a country's exported commodities raise the country's risk of civil conflict and its duration. The effect on conflict risk is mainly driven by the price of point‐source commodities, in line with the rapacity effect theory of conflict. Intense trading with contiguous countries is associated with lower duration of conflict, consistent with the idea that such trade reduces the incentive of these countries to fuel conflict in their neighbor. Trading with neighbors is also associated with a lower risk of conflict when such trade occurs under trade agreements. On the other hand, we find no support for the opportunity cost theory via exported and imported commodities, nor via the economic cycle in export markets. We also identify a number of conditions under which the changes in the value of exported commodities cease to matter for conflict probability.
Lusi, a clastic‐dominated geysering system in Indonesia recently explored by surface and subsurface observations
Authors: Karyono Karyono , Obermann Anne , Lupi Matteo , Masturyono Masturyono , Hadi Soffian , Syafri Ildrem , Abdurrokhim Abdurrokhim , Mazzini Adriano
Published: October 2016

The spectacular eruption of Lusi began in NE Java, Indonesia, on 29 May 2006 and is still ongoing. Since its birth, Lusi has presented a pulsating activity marked by frequent eruptions of gas, water, mud and clasts. The aim of this study was to bridge subsurface and surface observations to describe Lusi's behaviour. Based on visual observations from 2014 to 2015, Lusi's erupting activity is characterised by four recurrent phases: (1) regular bubbling activity; (2) clastic geysering; (3) clastic geysering with mud bursts and intense vapour discharge; (4) quiescent phase. With a temporary network of five seismic stations deployed around the crater, we could identify tremor events related to phases 2 and 3. One of the tremor types shows periodic overtones that we associate with mud wagging in the feeder conduit. On the basis of our observations, we would describe Lusi as a sedimentary‐hosted hydrothermal system with clastic‐dominated geysering activity.
Dynamics of Epstein‐Barr viral load after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and effect of preemptive rituximab therapy
Authors: Raberahona Mihaja , Wackenheim Chloe , Germi Raphaele , Carré Martin , Bulabois Claude‐Eric , Thiébaut Anne , Lupo Julien , Semenova Touyana , Cahn Jean‐Yves , Morand Patrice , Epaulard Olivier
Published: October 2016

Background

Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) displays oncogenic properties, particularly in the immunocompromised host. Notably, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) recipients with a detectable blood EBV viral load (BEBVL) are considered at higher risk of post‐transplant lymphoproliferative diseases (PTLD). Therefore, BEBVL is monitored after HSCT, and preemptive rituximab may be used in patients with high values. However, little is known about post‐HSCT BEBVL dynamics, and the threshold that should lead to anti‐CD20 therapy is poorly defined.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the post‐HSCT BEBVL of 332 adult HSCT recipients in our center from 2005 to 2013, including the effect of rituximab.

Results

Detection of BEBVL >100, 1000, 5000, 10 000, and 50 000 copies/mL occurred in, respectively, 77.7%, 69.6%, 37.0%, 27.1%, and 7.5% of the patients after a respective median time of 9, 14, 15, 16, and 14 weeks. No BEBVL threshold was associated with an overall survival difference. Seventy‐eight patients received rituximab, with a BEBVL decrease in most. Among patients with detectable BEBVL, long‐term survival did not differ in rituximab treated and non‐treated, except for patients with BEBVL ≥50 000. Only one case of PTLD was observed.

Conclusions

BEBVL is frequently detectable after HSCT, but suggests no strong association with survival. Preemptive rituximab therapy threshold remains to be defined.
Gastrointestinal histoplasmosis in a patient after autologous stem cell transplant for multiple myeloma
Authors: Mohan Meera , Fogel Bradley , Eluvathingal Thomas , Schinke Carolina , Kothari Atul
Published: October 2016

A 59‐year‐old patient with multiple myeloma on maintenance chemotherapy presented with fever, weight loss, and night sweats. An F‐18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) computed tomography (CT) showed intra‐abdominal lymphadenopathy with a mesenteric mass that led to further workup and diagnosis of histoplamosis. The patient was treated with amphotericin B and subsequently switched to itraconazole. This exemplifies the usefulness of FDG PET CT in diagnosis of infectious complications.
BK polyomavirus encephalitis in a patient with thrombotic microangiopathy after an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant
Authors: Jun Jae‐Bum , Choi Yunsuk , Kim Hawk , Lee Sun Ho , Jeong Joseph , Jung Jiwon
Published: October 2016

To date, only one case of BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) encephalitis combined with transplant‐associated thrombotic microangiopathy has been reported in an hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) recipient. We report the case of an HCT recipient who developed thrombotic microangiopathy and subsequent BKPyV encephalitis. She died despite treatment with cidofovir, ciprofloxacin, and intravenous immunoglobulin without improvement in mental status. Early suspicion of BKPyV encephalitis in an HCT recipient presenting with altered mental status and hemorrhagic cystitis is important.
Association between HIV infection and socio‐economic status: evidence from a semirural area of southern Mozambique
Authors: Pons‐Duran Clara , González Raquel , Quintó Llorenç , Munguambe Khatia , Tallada Joan , Naniche Denise , Sacoor Charfudin , Sicuri Elisa
Published: October 2016

Objectives

To analyse the association between socio‐economic status (SES) and HIV in Manhiça, a district of Southern Mozambique with one of the highest HIV prevalences in the world.

Methods

Data were gathered from two cross‐sectional surveys performed in 2010 and 2012 among 1511 adults and from the household census of the district's population. Fractional polynomial logit models were used to analyse the association between HIV and SES, controlling for age and sex and taking into account the nonlinearity of covariates. The inequality of the distribution of HIV infection with regard to SES was computed through a concentration index.

Results

Fourth and fifth wealth quintiles, the least poor, were associated with a reduced probability of HIV infection compared to the first quintile (OR = 0.595, P‐value = 0.009 and OR = 0.474, P‐value < 0.001, respectively). Probability of HIV infection peaked at 36 years and then fell, and was always higher for women regardless of age and SES. HIV infection was unequally distributed across the SES strata.

Conclusions

Despite the high HIV prevalence across the entire population of Manhiça, the poorest are at greatest risk of being HIV infected. While women have a higher probability of being HIV positive than men, both sexes showed the same infection reduction at higher levels of SES. HIV interventions in the area should particularly focus on the poorest and on women without neglecting anyone else, as the HIV risk is high for everyone.
Evaluation of acute traumatic coagulopathy in dogs and cats following blunt force trauma
Authors: Gottlieb Dara L. , Prittie Jennifer , Buriko Yekaterina , Lamb Kenneth E.
Published: October 2016

Objective

To evaluate the presence of acute traumatic coagulopathy (ATC) in dogs and cats following blunt trauma and to relate coagulation variables with injury severity and admission variables.

Design

Prospective, single center, observational study from 2013 to 2014.

Setting

Urban private referral hospital.

Animals

Eighteen and 19 client‐owned dogs and cats, respectively, sustaining blunt trauma within 8 hours of presentation without prior resuscitation; 17 healthy staff and client‐owned control cats

Methods

Blood samples were collected upon presentation for measurement of blood gas, lactate, blood glucose, ionized calcium, PCV, total plasma protein, prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), fibrinogen, platelet count, and thromboelastography.

Results

ATC was diagnosed in 1 dog and 1 cat on presentation. Hypercoagulability was documented in 4/18 (22%) of dogs and 1/19 (5.3%) of cats. In dogs, prolongation of PT (P = 0.018), aPTT (P = 0.013) and decrease in maximum amplitude (MA) (P = 0.027) were significantly associated with injury severity as measured by the animal trauma triage (ATT) score. In cats, PT, aPTT, MA, and clot strength (G) were not associated with injury severity. In cats, increasing blood glucose and lactate were significantly associated with decreasing MA (P = 0.041, P = 0.031) and G (P = 0.014, P = 0.03). In both dogs (P = 0.002) and cats (P = 0.007), fibrinogen concentration was significantly correlated with G.

Conclusions

ATC is rare in minimally injured dogs and cats following blunt trauma. In dogs, ATT score is significantly associated with PT, aPTT, and MA, suggesting an increased risk of ATC in more severely injured animals. ATT score does not appear to predict coagulopathies in cats. Future studies including more severely injured animals are warranted to better characterize coagulation changes associated with blunt trauma.
Methods and Variables Associated with the Risk of Septic Arthritis Following Intra‐Articular Injections in Horses: A Survey of Veterinarians
Authors: Gillespie Caroline C. , Adams Stephen B. , Moore George E.
Published: October 2016

Objective

To determine common methods for intra‐articular injections and variables associated with the risk of septic arthritis following intra‐articular injection in the horse.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional survey.

Sample Population

Equine veterinarians.

Methods

A link to an online survey was distributed to equine practitioners in 2014. Responses for descriptive data were tabulated. Data on infection rates obtained from medical records were analyzed. Variables associated with the risk of septic arthritis were determined using χ2 or Fisher's exact tests and logistic regression.

Results

Common current methods for intra‐articular injections were determined from 241 surveys. Sixty‐four of 241 surveys (26.6%) contained data with numbers of joints injected and number of infections obtained from review of medical records. Eight different injection methods were used by more than 2/3 of responding veterinarians. A total of 67 out of 319,760 injected joints reported became septic following injection, giving an incidence of 2.10 septic joints per 10,000 intra‐articular injections. Based on multivariate analysis, infection rates were significantly lower when veterinarians prepared their own injection sites (OR=0.10) and had <20 years of practice experience (OR=0.025), whereas infection rates were significantly higher when hair was removed at the injection site (OR=19.70).

Conclusion

There is a low incidence of septic arthritis following intra‐articular injection and a large number of injection methods reported by responding veterinarians. The low reported incidence of infection may be related to the large number of practitioners frequently using common methods.
Thermal and Thermomechanical Performances of Pyramidal Core Sandwich Panels Under Aerodynamic Heating
Authors: Xie Gongnan , Zhang Ruiping , Manca Oronzio
Published: October 2016

According to the particular aerodynamic heating loads which hypersonic aerospace aircrafts suffered from in-service environment, a lightweight integrated thermal protection system (ITPS) named pyramidal core sandwich panel is designed. This is considered not only as an insulation structure but also a load-bearing structure. Compared to traditional thermal protection systems (TPSs), the sandwich panel has simultaneous lightweight, load-bearing, and excellent thermal protection property. The finite-element heat transfer analysis for the pyramidal core sandwich structure is performed, and the distributions of temperature in the structure are presented. Then sequential coupling method is adopted to analyze the thermomechanical performance of the structure and presentations of field of stress and displacement under aerodynamic and thermal load are provided. A comparison between corrugated-core sandwich panels and pyramidal core sandwich panels from the perspectives of heat insulation, strength, and mass is carried out. The results indicate that the particular performance of pyramidal-core structure is superior to that of corrugated-core structure.
Overlay improvement in nanoimprint lithography for 1×-nm patterning
Authors: Fukuhara Kazuya , Suzuki Masato , Mitsuyasu Masaki , Komukai Toshiaki , Hatano Masayuki , Kono Takuya , Nakasugi Tetsuro , Lim Yonghyun , Jung Wooyung , Nakamae Koji
Published: October 2016

Nanoimprint lithography (NIL) is becoming a promising technique for fine-patterning with a lower cost than other lithography techniques. High overlay accuracy is one of the issues in NIL. Using die-by-die alignment with moiré fringe detection, an NIL alignment measurement accuracy below 1 nm and an overlay accuracy below 5 nm have been reported. On the other hand, the requirement for overlay in 2020 is estimated to be 3–4 nm for dynamic random access memory, flash and logic devices. In order to make the overlay accuracy requirement qualify from the semiconductor industry, a lot of technology enhancements, such as the improvement of overlay control accuracy for NIL-tools, image placement accuracy improvement for NIL templates, mix and match technique of NIL, and other lithography tools such as immersion exposure ones, are needed. In this paper, the authors describe the evaluation of the NIL overlay performance using up-to-date NIL tools, and discuss the potentials of NIL overlay in the future. Alignment accuracy, precision, and overlay correction performance of NIL tools, NIL-to-NIL and NIL-to-optical lithography tool distortion matching performance and overlay error structure analysis, are discussed. From these analyses based on NIL overlay data, the authors discuss the possibility of NIL overlay evolution to realize the adaptation to mass production for the 1×-nm device.
Lithography via electrospun fibers with quantitative morphology analysis
Authors: Beisel Joshua D. , Murphy John P. , Andriolo Jessica M. , Kooistra-Manning Emily A. , Nicolaysen Sean , Boese Orrin , Fleming Jake , Nakagawa Wataru , Skinner Jack L.
Published: October 2016

Electrospun fibers have been used to enhance material properties, as drug delivery devices, and for physical filtration systems. However, the use of electrospinning as a viable method for lithographic patterning and subsequent pattern transfer has not been demonstrated. As with traditional lithography methods, feature position and size are critical to the performance and repeatability of resultant structures. The placement of electrospun fibers is driven by the electrostatic field strength. In the present research, the electrostatic field strength between the spinneret (capillary) and the substrate (collection electrode) is controlled by modifying the voltage applied to two electrodes on or adjacent to the substrate. Such manipulation modifies the applied electrostatic field, creating a stronger field strength directed at one electrode as compared to the other. The fiber will preferentially be directed to the electrode along the path of highest field strength, resulting in deposition to the desired electrode. Two methods to control the voltage applied to the two electrodes during electrospinning are presented: (1) electronic control of the applied electrode voltage and (2) electromechanical control of the applied electrode voltage. The use of an electromechanical commutator resulted in an increase in deposition (and associated lithographic write) speed. Both methods of voltage control result in the deposition of aligned fibers onto the substrate. Additional studies examine the relationship between shape of the electrodes and subsequent alignment achieved. Image analysis quantifying image analysis via fast Fourier transform is used to quantify fiber alignment. Resultant fibers are used to transfer the fiber pattern into an underlying silicon substrate via lift-off and subsequent plasma etching. Results demonstrate the potential of electrospun fiber masks for future use in the economical fabrication of electronic and optical devices where nanoscale features over large areas are suitable.
Evening choruses in the Perth Canyon and their potential link with Myctophidae fishes
Authors: McCauley Robert D. , Cato Douglas H.
Published: October 2016

An evening chorus centered at near 2.2 kHz was detected across the years 2000 to 2014 from seabed receivers in 430–490 m depth overlooking the Perth Canyon, Western Australia. The chorus reached a maximum level typically 2.1 h post-sunset and normally ran for 2.1 h (between 3 dB down points). It was present at lower levels across most of the hours of darkness. Maximum chorus spectrum levels were 74–76 dB re 1 μPa2/Hz in the 2 kHz 1/3 octave band, averaging 6–12 dB and up to 30 dB greater than pre-sunset levels. The chorus displayed highest levels over April to August each year with up to 10 dB differences between seasons. The spatial extent of the chorus was not determined but exceeded the sampling range of 13–15 km offshore from the 300 m depth contour and 33 km along the 300 m depth contour. The chorus comprised short damped pulses. The most likely chorus source is considered to be fishes of the family Myctophidae foraging in the water column. The large chorus spatial extent and its apparent correlation with regions of high productivity suggest it may act as an acoustic beacon to marine fauna indicating regions of high biomass.
Whole-Genome Sequence of the Nitrogen-Fixing Symbiotic Rhizobium Mesorhizobium loti Strain TONO
Authors: Shimoda Yoshikazu , Hirakawa Hideki , Sato Shusei , Saeki Kazuhiko , Hayashi Makoto
Published: October 2016

Mesorhizobium loti
is the nitrogen-fixing microsymbiont for legumes of the genus
Lotus
. Here, we report the whole-genome sequence of a
Mesorhizobium loti
strain, TONO, which is used as a symbiont for the model legume
Lotus japonicus
. The whole-genome sequence of the strain TONO will be a solid platform for comparative genomics analyses and for the identification of genes responsible for the symbiotic properties of
Mesorhizobium
species.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Curtobacterium
sp. Strain UCD-KPL2560 (Phylum
Actinobacteria
)
Authors: Klein Brian A. , Lemon Katherine P. , Faller Lina L. , Jospin Guillaume , Eisen Jonathan A. , Coil David A.
Published: October 2016

Here, we present the draft genome sequence of the actinobacterium
Curtobacterium
sp. strain UCD-KPL2560, which was isolated from the running surface of an indoor track field house in Medford, MA, USA (42.409716°N, -71.115169°W). The genome assembly contains 3,480,487 bp in 156 contigs.
Draft Genome Sequences of Two Novel
Pseudomonas
Strains Exhibiting Differential Hypersensitivity Reactions on Tobacco and Corn Seedlings
Authors: Tchagang Caetanie Fometeu , Xu Renlin , Mehrtash Shima , Rahimi Shabnam , Sidibé Aïssata , Li Xiang , Bromfield Eden S. P. , Tambong James Tabi
Published: October 2016

Two novel
Pseudomonas
strains (S1E40 and S3E12) isolated from corn roots are antagonistic to
Rhizoctonia solani
and exhibit differential hypersensitivity reactions on tobacco and corn seedlings. We report here the draft genome sequences of strains S1E40 and S3E12, consisting of 6.98 and 7.06 Mb with 6,150 and 6,129 predicted protein-coding sequences, respectively.
Draft Genome Sequence of Ureolytic Environmental Isolate Bacillus galactosidilyticus PL133
Authors: Gaiero Jonathan R. , Formusa Philip A. , Hsiang Tom , Nicol Rob W. , Habash Marc
Published: October 2016

We report here the 5.19-Mb draft genome sequence of
Bacillus galactosidilyticus
PL133 isolated from poultry litter. The isolate was an important member of the cultivable aerobic bacteria identified to have ureolytic activity, which is responsible for ammonia generation in poultry litter residue.
Draft Genome Sequences of Five Novel Polyketide Synthetase-Containing Mouse Escherichia coli Strains
Authors: Mannion Anthony , Shen Zeli , Feng Yan , Garcia Alexis , Fox James G.
Published: October 2016

We report herein the draft genomes of five novel
Escherichia coli
strains isolated from surveillance and experimental mice housed at MIT and the Whitehead Institute and describe their genomic characteristics in context with the polyketide synthetase (PKS)-containing pathogenic
E. coli
strains NC101, IHE3034, and A192PP.
Draft Genome Sequence of Brazilian Escherichia coli Uropathogenic Strain E2
Authors: Paim Thiago G. S. , Pieta Luiza , Prichula Janira , Sambrano Gustavo E. , Soares Renata , Caierão Juliana , Frazzon Jeverson , d'Azevedo Pedro A.
Published: October 2016

Escherichia coli
is a common pathogen recovered from cystitis infections. In this report, we announce the draft genome sequence of strain E2 isolated from the urine specimen from a female patient in South Brazil. The genome assembly has 5,081,209 bp, a G+C content of 50.57%, and virulence factors associated with both enteroaggregative and uropathogenic
E. coli
strains.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Bacterium Representing a Deep Uncultivated Lineage within the
Gammaproteobacteria
Associated with the Degradation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
Authors: Singleton David R. , Dickey Allison N. , Scholl Elizabeth H. , Wright Fred A. , Aitken Michael D.
Published: October 2016

The bacterial strain TR3.2, representing a novel deeply branching lineage within the
Gammaproteobacteria
, was isolated and its genome sequenced. This isolate is the first cultivated representative of the previously described “Pyrene Group 2” (PG2) and represents a variety of environmental sequences primarily associated with petrochemical contamination and aromatic hydrocarbon degradation.
Complete Chloroplast Genome Sequence of
Dendrobium nobile
from Northeastern India
Authors: Konhar Ruchishree , Biswal Devendra Kumar , Debnath Manish , Parameswaran Sriram , Sundar Durai , Tandon Pramod
Published: October 2016

The orchid species
Dendrobium nobile
belonging to the family
Orchidaceae
and genus
Dendrobium
(a vast genus that encompasses nearly 1,200 species) has an herbal medicinal history of about 2000 years in east and south Asian countries. Here, we report the complete chloroplast genome sequence of
D. nobile
from northeastern India for the first time.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Recombinant GII.P16-GII.4 Norovirus Detected in Kawasaki City, Japan, in 2016
Authors: Matsushima Yuki , Shimizu Tomomi , Ishikawa Mariko , Komane Ayako , Okabe Nobuhiko , Ryo Akihide , Kimura Hirokazu , Katayama Kazuhiko , Shimizu Hideaki
Published: October 2016

A recombinant norovirus, GII.P16-GII.4_Sydney2012, was first detected from nine patients with gastroenteritis in Kawasaki City, Japan, in 2016. The viral genome showed nucleotide sequence identities of 95.1% and 97.2% to the closest strains in the regions of 5′ terminus to ORF1 and ORF2 to 3′ terminus, respectively.
Complete Genomic Sequence of Campylobacter jejuni subsp.
jejuni
HS:19 Strain RM1285 Isolated from Packaged Chicken
Authors: Parker Craig T. , Huynh Steven , Heikema Astrid P.
Published: October 2016

Poultry products serve as the main source of
Campylobacter jejuni
subsp.
jejuni
infections in humans.
C. jejuni
subsp.
jejuni
infections are a leading cause of foodborne gastroenteritis and are a prevalent antecedent to Guillain-Barré syndrome. This study describes the genome of
C. jejuni
subsp.
jejuni
HS:19 strain RM1285, isolated from packaged chicken in California.
Athletic groin pain (part 2): a prospective cohort study on the biomechanical evaluation of change of direction identifies three clusters of movement patterns
Authors: Franklyn-Miller A , Richter C , King E , Gore S , Moran K , Strike S , Falvey E C
Published: October 2016

Background

Athletic groin pain (AGP) is prevalent in sports involving repeated accelerations, decelerations, kicking and change-of-direction movements. Clinical and radiological examinations lack the ability to assess pathomechanics of AGP, but three-dimensional biomechanical movement analysis may be an important innovation.

Aim

The primary aim was to describe and analyse movements used by patients with AGP during a maximum effort change-of-direction task. The secondary aim was to determine if specific anatomical diagnoses were related to a distinct movement strategy.

Methods

322 athletes with a current symptom of chronic AGP participated. Structured and standardised clinical assessments and radiological examinations were performed on all participants. Additionally, each participant performed multiple repetitions of a planned maximum effort change-of-direction task during which whole body kinematics were recorded. Kinematic and kinetic data were examined using continuous waveform analysis techniques in combination with a subgroup design that used gap statistic and hierarchical clustering.

Results

Three subgroups (clusters) were identified. Kinematic and kinetic measures of the clusters differed strongly in patterns observed in thorax, pelvis, hip, knee and ankle. Cluster 1 (40%) was characterised by increased ankle eversion, external rotation and knee internal rotation and greater knee work. Cluster 2 (15%) was characterised by increased hip flexion, pelvis contralateral drop, thorax tilt and increased hip work. Cluster 3 (45%) was characterised by high ankle dorsiflexion, thorax contralateral drop, ankle work and prolonged ground contact time. No correlation was observed between movement clusters and clinically palpated location of the participant's pain.

Conclusions

We identified three distinct movement strategies among athletes with long-standing groin pain during a maximum effort change-of-direction task These movement strategies were not related to clinical assessment findings but highlighted targets for rehabilitation in response to possible propagative mechanisms.

Trial registration number

NCT02437942, pre results.
Interventions to reduce sedentary behaviour in 0–5-year-olds: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Downing Katherine L , Hnatiuk Jill A , Hinkley Trina , Salmon Jo , Hesketh Kylie D
Published: October 2016

Aim or objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of behavioural interventions that report sedentary behaviour outcomes during early childhood.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Data sources

Academic Search Complete, CINAHL Complete, Global Health, MEDLINE Complete, PsycINFO, SPORTDiscus with Full Text and EMBASE electronic databases were searched in March 2016.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

Inclusion criteria were: (1) published in a peer-reviewed English language journal; (2) sedentary behaviour outcomes reported; (3) randomised controlled trial (RCT) study design; and (4) participants were children with a mean age of ≤5.9 years and not yet attending primary/elementary school at postintervention.

Results

31 studies were included in the systematic review and 17 studies in the meta-analysis. The overall mean difference in screen time outcomes between groups was −17.12 (95% CI −28.82 to −5.42) min/day with a significant overall intervention effect (Z=2.87, p=0.004). The overall mean difference in sedentary time between groups was −18.91 (95% CI −33.31 to −4.51) min/day with a significant overall intervention effect (Z=2.57, p=0.01). Subgroup analyses suggest that for screen time, interventions of ≥6 months duration and those conducted in a community-based setting are most effective. For sedentary time, interventions targeting physical activity (and reporting changes in sedentary time) are more effective than those directly targeting sedentary time.

Summary/conclusions

Despite heterogeneity in study methods and results, overall interventions to reduce sedentary behaviour in early childhood show significant reductions, suggesting that this may be an opportune time to intervene.

Trial registration number

CRD42015017090.
Diagnostic rules and algorithms for the diagnosis of non-acute heart failure in patients 80 years of age and older: a diagnostic accuracy and validation study
Authors: Smeets Miek , Degryse Jan , Janssens Stefan , Matheï Catharina , Wallemacq Pierre , Vanoverschelde Jean-Louis , Aertgeerts Bert , Vaes Bert
Published: October 2016

Objectives

Different diagnostic algorithms for non-acute heart failure (HF) exist. Our aim was to compare the ability of these algorithms to identify HF in symptomatic patients aged 80 years and older and identify those patients at highest risk for mortality.

Design

Diagnostic accuracy and validation study.

Setting

General practice, Belgium.

Participants

365 patients with HF symptoms aged 80 years and older (BELFRAIL cohort). Participants underwent a full clinical assessment, including a detailed echocardiographic examination at home.

Outcome measures

The diagnostic accuracy of 4 different algorithms was compared using an intention-to-diagnose analysis. The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) definition of HF was used as the reference standard for HF diagnosis. Kaplan-Meier curves for 5-year all-cause mortality were plotted and HRs and corresponding 95% CIs were calculated to compare the mortality risk predicting abilities of the different algorithms. Net reclassification improvement (NRI) was calculated.

Results

The prevalence of HF was 20% (n=74). The 2012 ESC algorithm yielded the highest sensitivity (92%, 95% CI 83% to 97%) as well as the highest referral rate (71%, n=259), whereas the Oudejans algorithm yielded the highest specificity (73%, 95% CI 68% to 78%) and the lowest referral rate (36%, n=133). These differences could be ascribed to differences inN-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide cut-off values (125 vs 400 pg/mL). The Kelder and Oudejans algorithms exhibited NRIs of 12% (95% CI 0.7% to 22%, p=0.04) and 22% (95% CI 9% to 32%, p<0.001), respectively, compared with the ESC algorithm. All algorithms detected patients at high risk for mortality (HR 1.9, 95% CI 1.4 to 2.5; Kelder) to 2.3 (95% CI 1.7 to 3.1; Oudejans). No significant differences were observed among the algorithms with respect to mortality risk predicting abilities.

Conclusions

Choosing a diagnostic algorithm for non-acute HF in elderly patients represents a trade-off between sensitivity and specificity, mainly depending on differences between cut-off values for natriuretic peptides.
Who cares? The lost legacy of Archie Cochrane
Authors: Askheim Clemet , Sandset Tony , Engebretsen Eivind
Published: October 2016

Over the last 20 years, the evidence-based medicine (EBM) movement has sought to develop standardised approaches to patient treatment by drawing on research results from randomised controlled trials (RCTs). The Cochrane Collaboration and its eponym, Archie Cochrane, have become symbols of this development, and Cochrane's bookEffectiveness and Efficiencyfrom 1972 is often referred to as the first sketch of what was to become EBM. In this article, we claim that this construction of EBM's historical roots is based on a selective reading of Cochrane's text. Through a close reading of this text, we show that the principal aim of modern EBM, namely to warrant clinical decisions based on evidence drawn from RCTs, isnotpart of Cochrane's original project. He had more modest ambitions for what RCTs can accomplish, and, more importantly, he was more concerned with care and equality than are his followers in the EBM movement. We try to reconstruct some of Cochrane's lost legacy and to articulate some of the important silences inEffectiveness and Efficiency. From these clues it might be possible, we argue, to remodel EBM in a broader, more pluralistic, more democratic and less authoritarian manner.
Sphericity of a real hypersurface via projective geometry
Authors: Kossovskiy Ilya
Published: October 2016

In this work, we obtain an unexpected geometric characterization of sphericity of a real-analytic Levi-nondegenerate hypersurface [Formula: see text]. We prove that [Formula: see text] is spherical if and only if its Segre(-Webster) varieties satisfy an elementary combinatorial property, identical to a property of straight lines on the plane and known in Projective Geometry as the Desargues Theorem.
Multistage Latency Adders Architecture Employing Approximate Computing
Authors: Yang Xinghua , Xing Yue , Qiao Fei , Yang Huazhong
Published: October 2016

This paper proposed an energy efficient adder employing multistage latency and approximate computing technology. The delay of the adder decreases after the critical path of the adder is divided into multiple short stages with series of predictors, then the approximate computing technology is exploited to make a tradeoff between output quality and energy efficiency. The proposed design is applied into discrete cosine transformation (DCT) in image processing and support vector machine (SVM) algorithm in machine learning to verify its availability, the simulation results demonstrate that the proposed approximate adder provides 25.6% power-delay-product (PDP) reduction and 2 orders of magnitude reduction in output error than the recent counterpart designs. Compared with the conventional accurate ripple carry adder (RCA) and Kogge stone adde (KSA), the proposed design presents 66.5% to 37.6% PDP reduction, at the cost of negligible output quality reduction, which are qualified as peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) for DCT (decreases from 33.88dB to 33.84dB) and classification accuracy for SVM (decreases from 80.46% to 79.19%).
Implementation on the FPGA of DTC-SVM Based Proportional Integral and Sliding Mode Controllers of an Induction Motor: A Comparative Study
Authors: Krim Saber , Gdaim Soufien , Mtibaa Abdellatif , Mimouni Mohamed Faouzi
Published: October 2016

The conventional direct torque control (DTC), based on the hysteresis controllers and the switching table, operates with a variable switching frequency, which decreases the conventional DTC performances, like the torque and flux ripples. Thus, the space vector modulation (SVM), used in the DTC, ensures a constant switching frequency and improves the DTC performances. The first aim of this paper is to present a comparison study between the DTC with an SVM (DTC-SVM) based on the Proportional Integral regulators (DTC-SVM-PI) and the DTC-SVM based on the sliding mode controllers (DTC-SVM-SMC). These two approaches are complex control algorithms which require faster micro-controllers; therefore the second objective of this paper is to present the implementation of the DTC-SVM-PI and the DTC-SVM-SMC on the Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), due to the parallel processing capability of the FPGAs. The two approaches are designed and simulated using the Xilinx System Generator (XSG) and implemented using an FPGA Virtex 5. The simulation results in the transient behavior and the steady state of the induction motor controlled by these two approaches are compared and discussed. The hardware FPGA implementation results show the effectiveness of the FPGA relative to the digital signal processor in terms of execution time.
Resistor-Less Single-Purpose or Reconfigurable Biquads Utilizing Single z-Copy Controlled-Gain Voltage Differencing Current Conveyor
Authors: Jerabek Jan , Sotner Roman , Polak Josef , Langhammer Lukas , Herencsar Norbert , Prokop Roman , Vrba Kamil
Published: October 2016

Presented work deals with applications of the single [Formula: see text]-copy controlled-gain voltage differencing current conveyor (ZC-CG-VDCC) in single purpose and multifunctional biquadratic voltage- and current-mode active resistor-less filters. Electronically adjustable features of the active device (intrinsic current input resistance [Formula: see text], current gain [Formula: see text] and transconductance [Formula: see text]) are controlled by DC bias current. These mentioned adjustable features allow interesting possibilities of control of the pole frequency and quality factor. Four voltage-mode solutions realizing low-pass, band-pass, high-pass and band-reject filtering solutions were designed together with two current-mode filters. The current-mode solutions have curious multifunctional capability based on full utilization of electronically controllable parameters of the ZC-CG-VDCC. Two adjustable parameters of the ZC-CG-VDCC (intrinsic current input resistance and transconductance) are used for electronic setting of features of the filter (pole frequency, quality factor, tuning). Control of the third adjustable parameter (current gain) causes reconnection-less change of the transfer function between iAP (inverting all-pass response) and iBR (inverting band-reject responses). Simulation results in PSPICE and Cadence CDS 6 are used to show characteristics of the proposed circuits.
The digraphs arising by the power maps of generalized quaternion groups
Authors: Ahmad Uzma , Moeen Muqadas
Published: October 2016

We attach a diagraph with generalized Quaternion group of order [Formula: see text] by utilizing the power map [Formula: see text] defined by [Formula: see text] for all [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is a fixed natural number. We examine the structure of these power digraphs and establish numerous results encapsulating the existence of cycle vertices, derivation of different formulae concerning the number of cycles, length of cycles and most importantly in-degree of vertices. Moreover, we categorize the regular and semi-regular power digraphs.
Sur une forme faible de la conjecture de Greenberg II
Authors: Nguyen Quang Do Thong
Published: October 2016

For a totally real number field which is abelian over Q, in which an odd prime [Formula: see text] is totally split, and which verifies certain rather mild conditions on the cohomology of the circular units, we show that a weak form of Greenberg’s conjecture for [Formula: see text] holds true. This fills a gap — pointed out by René Schoof — in a previous proof (see Sur la conjecture faible de Greenberg dans le cas abélien [Formula: see text]-décomposé, Int. J. Number Theory 2(1) (2006) 49–64), and also extends the original result (semi-simplicity is no longer required).
Cherenkov radiation from electrons passing through human tissue
Authors: Lukin Pavel , Batkin Izmail , Almaliev Alexandr N. , Churakova Tatyana A. , Dolgopolov Mikhail A. , Kopytin Igor V.
Published: October 2016

A method for investigating the optical properties of human tissues is suggested. The method is based on the measurement of Cherenkov radiation produced by relativistic electrons passing through the tissue. Monte-Carlo simulation of visible photon emission and propagation is carried out taking into account multiple electron and photon scattering processes. Sensitivity of the Cherenkov radiation to the optical characteristics of human tissues is demonstrated.
Hemodynamic Control of Endothelial Cell Fates in Development
Authors: García-Cardeña Guillermo , Slegtenhorst Bendix R.
Published: October 2016

Biomechanical forces are emerging as critical regulators of embryogenesis, particularly in the developing cardiovascular system. From the onset of blood flow, the embryonic vasculature is continuously exposed to a variety of hemodynamic forces. These biomechanical stimuli are key determinants of vascular cell specification and remodeling and the establishment of vascular homeostasis. In recent years, major advances have been made in our understanding of mechano-activated signaling networks that control both spatiotemporal and structural aspects of vascular development. It has become apparent that a major site for mechanotransduction is situated at the interface of blood and the vessel wall and that this process is controlled by the vascular endothelium. In this review, we discuss the hemodynamic control of endothelial cell fates, focusing on arterial-venous specification, lymphatic development, and the endothelial-to-hematopoietic transition, and present some recent insights into the mechano-activated pathways driving these cell fate decisions in the developing embryo.