bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Glandular odontogenic cyst: An updated analysis of 169 cases reported in the literature
Authors: Chrcanovic B R , Gomez R S
Published: July 2017

Objective

To integrate the available data published on glandular odontogenic cyst (GOC) into a comprehensive analysis of its clinical/radiological and histopathological features.

Methods

An electronic search was undertaken in May/2017. Eligibility criteria included publications having enough clinical/radiological/histological information to confirm the diagnosis.

Results

Fifty‐eight publications (169 GOCs) were included. The lesion was slightly more prevalent in men than in women. There was a high prevalence in the fifty/sixth decades of life, in the anterior regions, and in mandibles. Lesions were commonly associated with bone expansion (73%) and unilocular radiological appearance (61.5%). GOC was found to be associated with tooth displacement or an unerupted tooth (30.9%), cortical bone perforation (26%), presence of clinical symptoms (24.3%), root resorption (13.9%). Microscopic parameters most commonly were observed in GOCs—in at least 95% of the lesions: presence of hobnail cells, intraepithelial microcysts, epithelial lining with variable thickness. The presence of apocrine snouting was the microscopic parameter less often found (40.4%).

Conclusion

Although the recurrence rate of GOCs is not as high as previously believed, it is a relevant phenomenon (21.6%). Adjunctive procedures after enucleation should be considered. None of the clinical/radiological and histopathological features evaluated had a statistically significant effect on the recurrence rate.
Myopia progression control lens reverses induced myopia in chicks
Authors: Irving Elizabeth L. , Yakobchuk‐Stanger Cristina
Published: July 2017

Purpose

To determine whether lens induced myopia in chicks can be reversed or reduced by wearing myopia progression control lenses of the same nominal (central) power but different peripheral designs.

Methods

Newly hatched chicks wore −10D Conventional lenses unilaterally for 7 days. The myopic chicks were then randomly divided into three groups: one fitted with Type 1 myopia progression control lenses, the second with Type 2 myopia progression control lenses and the third continued to wear Conventional lenses for seven more days. All lenses had −10D central power, but Type 1 and Type 2 lenses had differing peripheral designs; +2.75D and +1.32D power rise at pupil edge, respectively. Axial length and refractive error were measured on Days 0, 7 and 14. Analyses were performed on the mean differences between treated and untreated eyes.

Results

Refractive error and axial length differences between treated and untreated eyes were insignificant on Day 0. On Day 7 treated eyes were longer (T1; 0.44 ± 0.07 mm, T2; 0.27 ± 0.06 mm, C; 0.40 ± 0.06 mm) and more myopic (T1; −9.61 ± 0.52D, T2; −9.57 ± 0.61D, C; −9.50 ± 0.58D) than untreated eyes with no significant differences between treatment groups. On Day 14 myopia was reversed (+2.91 ± 1.08D), reduced (−3.83 ± 0.94D) or insignificantly increased (−11.89 ± 0.79D) in treated eyes of Type 1, Type 2 and Conventional treated chicks respectively. Relative changes in axial lengths (T1; −0.13 ± 0.09 mm, T2; 0.36 ± 0.09 mm, C; 0.56 ± 0.05 mm) were consistent with changes in refraction. Refractive error differences were significant for all group comparisons (p < 0.001). Type 1 length differences were significantly different from Conventional and Type 2 groups (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Myopia progression control lens designs can reverse lens‐induced myopia in chicks. The effect is primarily due to axial length changes. Different lens designs produce different effects indicating that lens design is important in modifying refractive error.
What endocardial right ventricular pacing site shows better contractility and synchrony in children and adolescents?
Authors: Silvetti Massimo Stefano , Ammirati Antonio , Palmieri Rosalinda , Pazzano Vincenzo , Placidi Silvia , Ravà Lucilla , Remoli Romolo , Saputo Fabio Anselmo , Verticelli Letizia , Drago Fabrizio
Published: July 2017

Aims

Right ventricular (RV) apical (RVA) pacing can induce left ventricular (LV) dyssynchrony, remodeling, and dysfunction in children with complete atrioventricular block (CAVB). We compared the functional outcome of RVA with RV alternative pacing sites (RVAPS), including para‐Hisian, septal, and outflow tract sites.

Methods

This is a single‐center, retrospective study. Data were collected before pacemaker implantation (transvenous leads), postoperatively, at 6 months, and at 1–2–3–4 years. Electrocardiogram evaluation included QRS duration, axis, QTc/JTc, and QTc dispersion. Echocardiographic evaluation included 2‐D/3‐D assessment of ventricular dimensions (Z‐score of LV end‐diastolic dimension), function (ejection fraction), and synchrony.

Results

From 2009 to 2015, 55 patients with CAVB, aged 3–17 years, with or without other congenital heart defects, underwent RVAPS (30 patients, median age 11 years) or RVA (25 patients, median 12 years). All leads were positioned into the septum. Before implantation, no significant differences in parameters were observed, except for higher Z‐score in RVAPS than in RVA. After implantation, at a median follow‐up of 2.5 (range 1–6) years, the two groups showed no significant differences in LV dimensions, contractility, and synchrony. QRS intervals of RVAPS were significantly shorter than RVA. Clinical status was good and contractility/synchrony indexes were normal or adequate in all patients.

Conclusions

In pediatric patients, RVAPS and RVA showed no significant differences in LV dimensions, contractility, and synchrony. Preimplantation dilated patients showed LV reverse remodeling. RVAPS demonstrated shorter QRS intervals. Therefore, septal pacing sites, either RVA or RVAPS, seem to determine good contractility and synchrony at a mid‐term follow‐up.
Orthotopic liver transplantation in a pediatric patient with iatrogenic Budd‐Chiari syndrome complicated by bronchobiliary fistula
Authors: Yang Lei , Guo Zhiyong , Yang Lu , Ju Weiqiang , Wang Dongping , He Xiaoshun
Published: July 2017

We report a clinical case of OLT in a 10‐year‐old boy with iatrogenic BCS and BBF following three operations because of traumatic liver rupture and pulmonary contusion caused by a traffic accident 4 years ago. On follow‐up, the child was asymptomatic.
High‐throughput Transcriptome Sequencing Reveals the Role of Anthocyanin Metabolism in Begonia semperflorens Under High Light Stress
Authors: Wang Jiawan , Guo Meili , Li Yonghua , Wu Ronghua , Zhang Kaiming
Published: July 2017

Begonia semperflorens is an ornamental perennial herb. The leaves of B. semperflorens turn red under increased light, which increases the ornamental value of the plant. The color of the leaves is determined by anthocyanin metabolism. In B. semperflorens leaves, anthocyanin metabolism is sensitive to external environmental conditions such as temperature, light and hormone levels. To explore this process in detail and to assess gene expression under high light stress, transcriptome analysis was performed by RNA sequencing using the sequencing‐by‐synthesis method. A total of 83 699 unigenes were isolated, and 51 754 unigenes were annotated using the NR, Swiss‐Prot, KEGG, COG, KOG, GO and Pfam databases. Furthermore, many of the differentially expressed genes were related to factors associated with anthocyanin metabolism, which influences the expression of leaf color.
Reasons for (not) discontinuing antipsychotics in dementia
Authors: Janus Sarah I.M. , van Manen Jeannette G. , Zuidema Sytse U. , Snijder Carina , Drossaert Constance H.C. , Ijzerman Maarten J.
Published: July 2017

Background

The gap between high antipsychotic prescription rates for patients with dementia and the guidelines’ advice to prescribe cautiously indicates that barriers to discontinuation exist. This exploratory study used the theory of planned behaviour to give a first overview of the factors that influence physicians to discontinue antipsychotics in nursing home patients with dementia.

Methods

Forty‐one physicians in the Netherlands completed an online survey based on the theory of planned behaviour.

Results

Half of the respondents agreed that antipsychotics have positive consequences for patients, such as calming effects. Physicians who indicated that they tend not to discontinue antipsychotics believe that antipsychotics are associated with positive consequences for nursing home staff. Physicians who tend to discontinue antipsychotics had a higher perceived behavioural control than those who indicated having a low intention.

Conclusion

To enhance discontinuation of antipsychotics, interventions should focus on both patient‐related factors and staff‐related factors. Prescribing decisions are influenced by staff‐related factors that need to be addressed as well.
Discrimination between patients with mild Alzheimer's disease and healthy subjects based on cerebral blood flow images of the lateral views in xenon‐enhanced computed tomography
Authors: Sase Shigeru , Yamamoto Homaro , Kawashima Ena , Tan Xin , Sawa Yutaka
Published: July 2017

Background

Quantitative cerebral blood flow (CBF) measurement is expected to help early detection of functional abnormalities caused by Alzheimer's disease (AD) and enable AD treatment to begin in its early stages. Recently, a technique of layer analysis was reported that allowed CBF to be analyzed from the outer to inner layers of the brain. The aim of this work was to develop methods for discriminating between patients with mild AD and healthy subjects based on CBF images of the lateral views created with the layer analysis technique in xenon‐enhanced computed tomography.

Methods

Xenon‐enhanced computed tomography using a wide‐volume CT was performed on 17 patients with mild AD aged 75 or older and on 15 healthy age‐matched volunteers. For each subject, we created CBF images of the right and left lateral views with a depth of 10–15 mm from the surface of the brain. Ten circular regions of interest (ROI) were placed on each image, and CBF was calculated for each ROI. We determined discriminant ROI that had CBF that could be used to differentiate between the AD and volunteer groups. AD patients’ CBF range (mean − SD to mean + SD) and healthy volunteers’ CBF range (mean − SD to mean + SD) were obtained for each ROI. Receiver–operator curves were created to identify patients with AD for each of the discriminant ROI and for the AD patients’ and healthy volunteers’ CBF ranges.

Results

We selected an ROI on both the right and left temporal lobes as the discriminant ROI. Areas under the receiver–operator curve were 93.3% using the ROI on the right temporal lobe, 95.3% using the ROI on the left temporal lobe, and 92.4% using the AD patients’ and healthy volunteers’ CBF ranges.

Conclusions

We could effectively discriminate between patients with mild AD and healthy subjects using ROI placed on CBF images of the lateral views in xenon‐enhanced computed tomography.
A Class of Weighted Estimating Equations for Semiparametric Transformation Models with Missing Covariates
Authors: Ning Yang , Yi Grace , Reid Nancy
Published: July 2017

In survival analysis, covariate measurements often contain missing observations; ignoring this feature can lead to invalid inference. We propose a class of weighted estimating equations for right‐censored data with missing covariates under semiparametric transformation models. Time‐specific and subject‐specific weights are accommodated in the formulation of the weighted estimating equations. We establish unified results for estimating missingness probabilities that cover both parametric and non‐parametric modelling schemes. To improve estimation efficiency, the weighted estimating equations are augmented by a new set of unbiased estimating equations. The resultant estimator has the so‐called ‘double robustness’ property and is optimal within a class of consistent estimators.
Authenticity in friendships and well‐being in adolescence
Authors: Peets Kätlin , Hodges Ernest V. E.
Published: July 2017

Only a handful of studies have focused on understanding how authenticity in close relationships may be related to individuals’ well‐being. In this study we examined whether authenticity in a friendship was related to greater adjustment during adolescence. Participants were 318 sixth‐ and ninth‐grade students (155 boys; Mage = 13.46, SDage = 1.51). Our results show that adolescents who feel more authentic have more positive self‐views, are less lonely at school, and more satisfied with their relationship. Importantly, authenticity–adjustment associations remained significant after controlling for positive friendship quality and conflict. These findings suggest that authenticity should be more often incorporated into the study of different friendship processes.
Human herpesvirus‐6 encephalitis following chemotherapy induction for acute myelogenous leukemia
Authors: Frey John W. , Cherabie Joseph N. , Assi Maha A.
Published: July 2017

We report a case of human herpesvirus‐6 (HHV‐6) encephalitis in a neutropenic patient who had undergone chemotherapy induction for acute myelogenous leukemia while on broad‐spectrum antimicrobial therapy. The patient displayed symptoms of confusion, amnesia, and lethargy. Diagnosis was made via polymerase chain reaction analysis of cerebrospinal fluid. Electroencephalogram and magnetic resonance imaging of the brain were unremarkable. Following diagnosis, the patient was successfully treated with ganciclovir. HHV‐6 encephalitis should be considered in immunocompromised patients who become encephalopathic.
Feasibility of a new model for early detection of patients with multidrug‐resistant tuberculosis in a developed setting of eastern China
Authors: Liu Zhengwei , Pan Aizhen , Wu BeiBei , Zhou Lin , He Haibo , Meng Qiong , Chen Songhua , Pang Yu , Wang Xiaomeng
Published: July 2017

Objectives

The poor detection rate of multidrug‐resistant tuberculosis (MDR‐TB) highlights the urgent need to explore new case finding model to improve the detection of MDR‐TB in China. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a new model that combines molecular diagnostics and sputum transportation for early detection of patients with MDR‐TB in Zhejiang.

Methods

From May 2014 to January 2015, TB suspects were continuously enrolled at six county‐level designated TB hospitals in Zhejiang. Each patient gave three sputum samples, which were submitted to laboratory for smear microscopy, solid culture and GeneXpert. The specimens from rifampin (RIF)‐resistant cases detected by GeneXpert, and positive cultures were transported from county‐level to prefecture‐level laboratories for line probe analysis (LPA) and drug susceptibility testing (DST). The performance and interval of MDR‐TB detection of the new model were compared with those of conventional model.

Results

A total of 3151 sputum specimens were collected from TB suspects. The sensitivity of GeneXpert for detecting culture‐positive cases was 92.7% (405/437), and its specificity was 91.3% (2428/2659). Of 16 RIF‐resistant cases detected by DST, GeneXpert could correctly identify 15 cases, yielding a sensitivity of 93.8% (15/16). The specificity of GeneXpert for detecting RIF susceptibility was 100.0% (383/383). The average interval to diagnosis of the conventional DST model was 56.5 days, ranging from 43 to 71 days, which was significantly longer than that of GeneXpert plus LPA (22.2 days, P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Our data demonstrate that the combination of improved molecular TB tests and sputum transportation could significantly shorten the time required for detection of MDR‐TB, which will bring benefits for preventing an epidemic of MDR‐TB in this high‐prevalence setting.
Stable megadalton TOC–TIC supercomplexes as major mediators of protein import into chloroplasts
Authors: Chen Lih‐Jen , Li Hsou‐min
Published: July 2017

Preproteins are believed to be imported into chloroplasts through membrane contact sites where the translocon complexes of the outer (TOC) and inner (TIC) envelope membranes are assembled together. However, a single TOC–TIC supercomplex containing preproteins undergoing active import has not yet been directly observed. We optimized the blue native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) (BN‐PAGE) system to detect and resolve megadalton (MD)‐sized complexes. Using this optimized system, the outer‐membrane channel Toc75 from pea chloroplasts was found in at least two complexes: the 880‐kD TOC complex and a previously undetected 1‐MD complex. Two‐dimensional BN‐PAGE immunoblots further showed that Toc75, Toc159, Toc34, Tic20, Tic56 and Tic110 were all located in the 880‐kD to 1.3‐MD region. During active preprotein import, preproteins were transported mostly through the 1‐MD complex and a smaller amount of preproteins was also detected in a complex of 1.25 MD. Antibody‐shift assays showed that the 1‐MD complex is a TOC–TIC supercomplex containing at least Toc75, Toc159, Toc34 and Tic110. Results from crosslinking and import with Arabidopsis chloroplasts suggest that the 1.25‐MD complex is also a supercomplex. Our data provide direct evidence supporting that chloroplast preproteins are imported through TOC–TIC supercomplexes, and also provide the first size estimation of these supercomplexes. Furthermore, unlike in mitochondria where translocon supercomplexes are only transiently assembled during preprotein import, in chloroplasts at least some of the supercomplexes are preassembled stable structures.
Interaction network of ABA receptors in grey poplar
Authors: Papacek Michael , Christmann Alexander , Grill Erwin
Published: July 2017

The plant hormone abscisic acid (ABA) is a key player in responses to abiotic stress. ABA regulates a plant's water status and mediates drought tolerance by controlling stomatal gas exchange, water conductance and differential gene expression. ABA is recognized and bound by the Regulatory Component of ABA Receptors (RCARs)/PYR1/PYL (Pyrabactin Resistance 1/PYR1‐like). Ligand binding stabilizes the interaction of RCARs with type 2C protein phosphatases (PP2C), which are ABA co‐receptors. While the core pathway of ABA signalling has been elucidated, the large number of different ABA receptors and co‐receptors within a plant species generates a complexity of heteromeric receptor complexes that has not functionally been resolved in any plant species to date. In this study, we characterized ABA receptors and co‐receptors of grey poplar (Populus x canescens [Ait.] Sm.) and their capacity to regulate ABA responses. We observed a high number of regulatory combinations of holo‐receptor complexes, but also some preferential and selective RCAR–PP2C interactions. Poplar and Arabidopsis ABA receptor components revealed a strong structural and functional conservation. Heterologous receptor complexes of poplar and Arabidopsis components showed functionality in vitro and regulated ABA‐responsive gene expression in cells of both species. ABA‐responsive promoters of Arabidopsis were also active in poplar, which was explored to generate poplar reporter lines expressing green fluorescent protein in response to ABA. The study presents a detailed analysis of receptor complexes of a tree species and shows high conservation of ABA receptor components between an annual and a perennial plant.
Divergent expression of cytokinin biosynthesis, signaling and catabolism genes underlying differences in feeding sites induced by cyst and root‐knot nematodes
Authors: Dowd Carola D. , Chronis Demosthenis , Radakovic Zoran S. , Siddique Shahid , Schmülling Thomas , Werner Tomáš , Kakimoto Tatsuo , Grundler Florian M. W. , Mitchum Melissa G.
Published: July 2017

Cyst and root‐knot nematodes are obligate parasites of economic importance with a remarkable ability to reprogram root cells into unique metabolically active feeding sites. Previous studies have suggested a role for cytokinin in feeding site formation induced by these two types of nematodes, but the mechanistic details have not yet been described. Using Arabidopsis as a host plant species, we conducted a comparative analysis of cytokinin genes in response to the beet cyst nematode (BCN), Heterodera schachtii, and the root‐knot nematode (RKN), Meloidogyne incognita. We identified distinct differences in the expression of cytokinin biosynthesis, catabolism and signaling genes in response to infection by BCN and RKN, suggesting differential manipulation of the cytokinin pathway by these two nematode species. Furthermore, we evaluated Arabidopsis histidine kinase receptor mutant lines ahk2/3, ahk2/4 and ahk3/4 in response to RKN infection. Similar to our previous studies with BCN, these lines were significantly less susceptible to RKN without compromising nematode penetration, suggesting a requirement of cytokinin signaling in RKN feeding site formation. Moreover, an analysis of ahk double mutants using CycB1;1:GUS/ahk introgressed lines revealed contrasting differences in the cytokinin receptors mediating cell cycle activation in feeding sites induced by BCN and RKN.
Comparison of biuret and refractometry methods for the serum total proteins measurement in ruminants
Authors: Katsoulos Panagiotis D. , Athanasiou Labrini V. , Karatzia Maria A. , Giadinis Nektarios , Karatzias Harilaos , Boscos Constantin , Polizopoulou Zoe S.
Published: July 2017

Background

Determination of serum total protein concentration is commonly performed by the biuret method. Refractometric measurement is a faster and less expensive alternative but its accuracy has not been determined in ruminants.

Objective

The purpose of the study was to compare the serum total protein concentrations in cattle, sheep, and goats measured by the biuret method with those obtained by refractometry.

Methods

Serum total protein concentration was determined in 120 cattle, 67 sheep, and 58 goat blood samples refractometrically and with the biuret method. The data were analyzed with a paired samplest‐test, and Passing and Bablok regression equations and Bland and Altman plots were generated.

Results

There was a strong linear relationship between the total protein values determined with the refractometer and the biuret method in cattle, sheep, and goats. The statistical accuracy, which represents a bias correction factor that measures the deviation of the best‐fit line from the 45° line through the origin, was 90.63% for cattle, 93.05% for sheep, and 91.76% for goats. The mean protein values determined with the refractometer were significantly lower than those measured with the biuret method in cattle and goats (P < .05) but not in sheep (P > .05).

Conclusions

The evaluated refractometer was sufficiently accurate for the determination of serum total proteins in cattle, sheep, and goats, although it cannot be used interchangeably with the biuret method. TheRIs should be corrected for negative bias based on the created equations.
Manyama Braya in Banjar Angansari, Bali in Foucault’s Genealogy Perspective
Authors: Agung Dewa A. G. , Kanto Sanggar , Wisadirana Darsono , Ruja I Nyoman
Published: July 2017

Religious conflict in Indonesia has been escalated since the fall of Suharto from the presidency in 1998. However, there is still a harmonious life among different religious such as in Banjar Angansari, a small village in Bali, which inhabited by Moslem and Hindus. This phenomenon caused by their local wisdom called “manyama braya”which means "good neighborliness". Local wisdom in this research means local values that inherited by the local community which become guidelines to live together. There are lots of studies about manyama braya, nevertheless no one study about the history of this local wisdom in a particular area, such as Banjar Angansari, yet. Banjar Angansari is a traditional society that embraced Hinduism and Islam. This study aimed to explore the history of manyama braya in Banjar Angansari and its function for the harmony of society. This study is qualitative research using Foulcault’s’s genealogy approach. We collected the data trough deep observation in people’s life in Banjar Angansari. We also collected the data from documents, such as ancient inscription, and interviewed numerous local people including the Moslems as well as the Hindus. There are several results of this study. Firstly, the manyama braya has been existed in Banjar Angansari long before they embraced Hinduism and Islam. The Sukawana Inscription (882 AD) proved that there was a harmonious live between Hindus and those who believed in Shiva Budha, long before Islam religion started to come in this region in 1982. Therefore, there’s a continuity of history because Banjar Angansari’s people can preserve the harmonious live between different religions up to now. Secondly, there is a discontinuity of history of Banjar Angansari. The discontinuity due to the difference of religious ideology across the time from animism and dynamism, Hinduism, and Islam. Therefore, it is hoped that this research can be seen as an attempt to reconstruct Foucault’s genealogy especially about the discontinuity in history.
Robust Fixed Low-Order Controller for Uncertain Decoupled MIMO Systems
Authors: Ben Hariz Maher , Bouani Faouzi
Published: July 2017

The design of a robust fixed low-order controller for uncertain decoupled multi-input multi-output (MIMO) systems is proposed in this paper. The simplified decoupling is used as a decoupling system technique. In this work, the real system behavior is described by a linear model with parametric uncertainties. The main objective of the control law is to satisfy, in presence of model uncertainties, some step response performances such as the settling time and the overshoot. The controller parameters are obtained by resolving a min–max nonconvex optimization problem. The resolution of this kind of problems using standard methods can generate a local solution. Thus, we propose, in this paper, the use of the generalized geometric programming (GGP) which is a global optimization method. Simulation results and a comparison study between the presented approach, a proportional integral (PI) controller, and a local optimization method are given in order to shed light the efficiency of the proposed controller.
The Right Invariant Nonlinear Complementary Filter for Low Cost Attitude and Heading Estimation of Platforms
Authors: De Silva Oscar , Mann George K. I. , Gosine Raymond G.
Published: July 2017

This paper presents a novel filter with low computational demand to address the problem of orientation estimation of a robotic platform. This is conventionally addressed by extended Kalman filtering (EKF) of measurements from a sensor suit which mainly includes accelerometers, gyroscopes, and a digital compass. Low cost robotic platforms demand simpler and computationally more efficient methods to address this filtering problem. Hence, nonlinear observers with constant gains have emerged to assume this role. The nonlinear complementary filter (NCF) is a popular choice in this domain which does not require covariance matrix propagation and associated computational overhead in its filtering algorithm. However, the gain tuning procedure of the complementary filter is not optimal, where it is often hand picked by trial and error. This process is counter intuitive to system noise based tuning capability offered by a stochastic filter like the Kalman filter. This paper proposes the right invariant formulation of the complementary filter, which preserves Kalman like system noise based gain tuning capability for the filter. The resulting filter exhibits efficient operation in elementary embedded hardware, intuitive system noise based gain tuning capability and accurate attitude estimation. The performance of the filter is validated using numerical simulations and by experimentally implementing the filter on an ARDrone 2.0 micro aerial vehicle (MAV) platform.
Generic Approach for Risk Assessment of Offshore Piping Subjected to
Vibration Induced Fatigue
Authors: Keprate Arvind , Chandima Ratnayake R. M.
Published: July 2017

Vibration induced fatigue (VIF) failure of topside piping is one of the most common causes of the hydrocarbon release on offshore oil and gas platforms operating in the North Sea region. An effective inspection plan for the identification of fatigue critical piping locations has the potential to minimize the hydrocarbon release. One of the primary challenges in preparation of inspection program for offshore piping is to identify the fatigue critical piping locations. At present, the three-staged risk assessment process (RAP) given in the Energy Institute (EI) guidelines is used by inspection engineers to determine the likelihood of failure (LoF) of process piping due to VIF. Since the RAP is afflicted by certain drawbacks, this paper presents an alternative risk assessment approach (RAA) to RAP for identification and prioritization of fatigue critical piping locations. The proposed RAA consists of two stages. The first stage involves a qualitative risk assessment using fuzzy-analytical hierarchy process (FAHP) methodology to identify fatigue critical systems (and the most dominant excitation mechanism) and is briefly discussed in the paper. The fatigue critical system identified during stage 1 of RAA undergoes further assessment in the second stage of the RAA. This stage employs a fuzzy-logic method to determine the LoF of the mainline piping. The outcome of the proposed RAA is the categorization of mainline piping, into high, medium, or low risk grouping. The mainline piping in the high-risk category is thereby prioritized for inspection. An illustrative case study demonstrating the usability of the proposed RAA is presented.
A General Model for Liquid and Gas Lubrication, Including Cavitation
Authors: Brunetière Noël
Published: July 2017

This paper presents a general formulation of the Reynolds equation for gas and liquid lubricants, including cavitation. A finite element solution of this equation is also given. The model is compared to those obtained in the previous literature on liquid and gas lubrication. One of the advantages of the model is the continuous description of cavitation in liquid lubrication. It is possible to deal with all lubricants by adjusting the amount of gas in the fluid.
Linguistic masking release in young and older adults with age-appropriate hearing status
Authors: Alageel Sarah , Sheft Stanley , Shafiro Valeriy
Published: July 2017

Past studies of speech-on-speech masking in young adults (YA) indicate that the intelligibility of masked speech can improve if the target and masker speech are in different languages. Current work investigated whether a linguistic masking release is obtained in older adults (OA) with age-typical hearing abilities. Participants listened to English sentences in the presence of two-talker Spanish or English maskers. A similar masking release with Spanish-language maskers was obtained for OA and YA listeners, despite greater accuracy by YA listeners. In speech-on-speech masking, older listeners can thus improve speech intelligibility by utilizing nonenergetic linguistic differences between the target and masker speech.
Repression of BET activity sensitizes homologous recombination–proficient cancers to PARP inhibition
Authors: Yang Lu , Zhang Youyou , Shan Weiwei , Hu Zhongyi , Yuan Jiao , Pi Jingjiang , Wang Yueying , Fan Lingling , Tang Zhaoqing , Li Chunsheng , Hu Xiaowen , Tanyi Janos L. , Fan Yi , Huang Qihong , Montone Kathleen , Dang Chi V. , Zhang Lin
Published: July 2017

PARP inhibitors can be combined with BET inhibitors to treat cancers with de novo or acquired resistance to PARP inhibition.
Metabolic Compensation of Fitness Costs Is a General Outcome for Antibiotic-Resistant
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Mutants Overexpressing Efflux Pumps
Authors: Olivares Pacheco Jorge , Alvarez-Ortega Carolina , Alcalde Rico Manuel , Martínez José Luis
Published: July 2017

It is generally assumed that the acquisition of antibiotic resistance is associated with a fitness cost. We have shown that overexpression of the MexEF-OprN efflux pump does not decrease the fitness of a resistant
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
strain compared to its wild-type counterpart. This lack of fitness cost was associated with a metabolic rewiring that includes increased expression of the anaerobic nitrate respiratory chain when cells are growing under fully aerobic conditions. It was not clear whether this metabolic compensation was exclusive to strains overexpressing MexEF-OprN or if it extended to other resistant strains that overexpress similar systems. To answer this question, we studied a set of
P. aeruginosa
mutants that independently overexpress the MexAB-OprM, MexCD-OprJ, or MexXY efflux pumps. We observed increased expression of the anaerobic nitrate respiratory chain in all cases, with a concomitant increase in NO
3
consumption and NO production. These efflux pumps are proton/substrate antiporters, and their overexpression may lead to intracellular H
+
accumulation, which may in turn offset the pH homeostasis. Indeed, all studied mutants showed a decrease in intracellular pH under anaerobic conditions. The fastest way to eliminate the excess of protons is by increasing oxygen consumption, a feature also displayed by all analyzed mutants. Taken together, our results support metabolic rewiring as a general mechanism to avoid the fitness costs derived from overexpression of
P. aeruginosa
multidrug efflux pumps. The development of drugs that block this metabolic “reaccommodation” might help in reducing the persistence and spread of antibiotic resistance elements among bacterial populations.

IMPORTANCE
It is widely accepted that the acquisition of resistance confers a fitness cost in such a way that in the absence of antibiotics, resistant populations will be outcompeted by susceptible ones. Based on this assumption, antibiotic cycling regimes have been proposed in the belief that they will reduce the persistence and spread of resistance among bacterial pathogens. Unfortunately, trials testing this possibility have frequently failed, indicating that resistant microorganisms are not always outcompeted by susceptible ones. Indeed, some mutations do not result in a fitness cost, and in case they do, the cost may be compensated for by a secondary mutation. Here we describe an alternative nonmutational mechanism for compensating for fitness costs, which consists of the metabolic rewiring of resistant mutants. Deciphering the mechanisms involved in the compensation of fitness costs of antibiotic-resistant mutants may help in the development of drugs that will reduce the persistence of resistance by increasing said costs.
Galectin-3 Inhibits Galectin-8/Parkin-Mediated Ubiquitination of Group A Streptococcus
Authors: Cheng Yi-Lin , Wu Yan-Wei , Kuo Chih-Feng , Lu Shiou-Ling , Liu Fu-Tong , Anderson Robert , Lin Chiou-Feng , Liu Yi-Ling , Wang Wan-Yu , Chen Ying-Da , Zheng Po-Xing , Wu Jiunn-Jong , Lin Yee-Shin
Published: July 2017

Group A streptococcus (GAS) is an important human pathogen that causes a wide variety of cutaneous and systemic infections. Although originally thought to be an extracellular bacterium, numerous studies have demonstrated that GAS can trigger internalization into nonimmune cells to escape from immune surveillance or antibiotic-mediated killing. Epithelial cells possess a defense mechanism involving autophagy-mediated targeting and killing of GAS within lysosome-fused autophagosomes. In endothelial cells, in contrast, we previously showed that autophagy is not sufficient for GAS killing. In the present study, we showed higher galectin-3 (Gal-3) expression and lower Gal-8 expression in endothelial cells than in epithelial cells. The recruitment of Gal-3 to GAS is higher and the recruitment of Gal-8 to GAS is lower in endothelial cells than in epithelial cells. We further showed that Gal-3 promotes GAS replication and diminishes the recruitment of Gal-8 and ubiquitin, the latter of which is a critical protein for autophagy sequestration. After knockdown of Gal-3 in endothelial cells, the colocalization of Gal-8, parkin, and ubiquitin-decorated GAS is significantly increased, as is the interaction of Gal-8 and parkin, an E3 ligase. Furthermore, inhibition of Gal-8 in epithelial cells attenuates recruitment of parkin; both Gal-8 and parkin contribute to ubiquitin recruitment and GAS elimination. Animal studies confirmed that Gal-3-knockout mice develop less-severe skin damage and that GAS replication can be detected only in the air pouch and not in organs and endothelial cells. These results demonstrate that Gal-3 inhibits ubiquitin recruitment by blocking Gal-8 and parkin recruitment, resulting in GAS replication in endothelial cells.

IMPORTANCE
In epithelial cells, GAS can be efficiently killed within the lysosome-fused autophaosome compartment. However, we previously showed that, in spite of LC-3 recruitment, the autophagic machinery is not sufficient for GAS killing in endothelial cells. In this report, we provide the first evidence that Gal-3, highly expressed in endothelial cells, blocks the tagging of ubiquitin to GAS by inhibiting recruitment of Gal-8 and parkin, leading to an enhancement of GAS replication. We also provide the first demonstration that Gal-8 can interact with parkin, the critical E3 ligase, for resistance to intracellular bacteria by facilitating the decoration of bacteria with ubiquitin chains. Our findings reveal that differential levels of Gal-3 and Gal-8 expression and recruitment to GAS between epithelial cells and endothelial cells may contribute to the different outcomes of GAS elimination or survival and growth of GAS in these two types of cells.
Penile Anaerobic Dysbiosis as a Risk Factor for HIV Infection
Authors: Liu Cindy M. , Prodger Jessica L. , Tobian Aaron A. R. , Abraham Alison G. , Kigozi Godfrey , Hungate Bruce A. , Aziz Maliha , Nalugoda Fred , Sariya Sanjeev , Serwadda David , Kaul Rupert , Gray Ronald H. , Price Lance B.
Published: July 2017

Sexual transmission of HIV requires exposure to the virus and infection of activated mucosal immune cells, specifically CD4+T cells or dendritic cells. The foreskin is a major site of viral entry in heterosexual transmission of HIV. Although the probability of acquiring HIV from a sexual encounter is low, the risk varies even after adjusting for known HIV risk factors. The genital microbiome may account for some of the variability in risk by interacting with the host immune system to trigger inflammatory responses that mediate the infection of mucosal immune cells. We conducted a case-control study of uncircumcised participants nested within a randomized-controlled trial of male circumcision in Rakai, Uganda. Using penile (coronal sulcus) swabs collected by study personnel at trial enrollment, we characterized the penile microbiome by sequencing and real-time PCR and cytokine levels by electrochemiluminescence assays. The absolute abundances of penile anaerobes at enrollment were associated with later risk of HIV seroconversion, with a 10-fold increase inPrevotella,Dialister,Finegoldia, andPeptoniphilusincreasing the odds of HIV acquisition by 54 to 63%, after controlling for other known HIV risk factors. Increased abundances of anaerobic bacteria were also correlated with increased cytokines, including interleukin-8, which can trigger an inflammatory response that recruits susceptible immune cells, suggesting a mechanism underlying the increased risk. These same anaerobic genera can be shared between heterosexual partners and are associated with increased HIV acquisition in women, pointing to anaerobic dysbiosis in the genital microbiome and an accompanying inflammatory response as a novel, independent, and transmissible risk factor for HIV infection.

IMPORTANCEWe found that uncircumcised men who became infected by HIV during a 2-year clinical trial had higher levels of penile anaerobes than uncircumcised men who remained HIV negative. We also found that having higher levels of penile anaerobes was also associated with higher production of immune factors that recruit HIV target cells to the foreskin, suggesting that anaerobes may modify HIV risk by triggering inflammation. These anaerobes are known to be shared by heterosexual partners and are associated with HIV risk in women. Therefore, penile anaerobes may be a sexually transmissible risk factor for HIV, and modifying the penile microbiome could potentially reduce HIV acquisition in both men and women.
Diagnosis of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder: current practices and future considerations
Authors: Chudley Albert E.
Published: July 2017

This paper discusses the current state of knowledge and practice for diagnosing fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). The strengths and challenges of different models of diagnosis are compared. Some models require a team approach for evaluation, while other approaches assume that a clinician in his or her office provides a diagnosis based on a review of the patient’s medical and social history, behaviour, and physical examination. The author reviews the emergence of new information from recent advances in genetics, imaging, and electrophysiology that has the potential to lead to changes in practice and improved reliability of an FASD diagnosis.
Hydropower plant adaptation strategies for climate change impacts on hydrological regime
Authors: Haguma Didier , Leconte Robert , Krau Stéphane
Published: July 2017

This study addresses the problem of the adaptation of hydropower plants to the future climate. A water resources optimization method was used to determine the optimum operating policy for the Manicouagan water system, Quebec, Canada, for the future hydrological regime and to establish hydropower adaptation strategies. The adaptation of the operating policy showed an increase in hydropower generation, an increase in unproductive spills, and a decrease in hydropower plant efficiency as consequences of the inflow increase, especially in winter and spring. Structural adaptation strategies, which consisted of either hydropower plant expansion or refurbishment, were analyzed. The plant expansion strategy was completely unsuccessful because the increase in inflow year-round in the future climate was too low to economically justify the installation of additional turbine-generator units. The refurbishment strategy was found to be a feasible structural adaptation measure for the Manicouagan system, under certain favorable economic and hydropower plant conditions.
Outlining the impact of second-order slip and multiple convective condition on nanofluid flow: A new statistical layout
Authors: Acharya Nilankush , Das Kalidas , Kundu Prabir Kumar
Published: July 2017

An analysis exploring the influence of second-order slip mechanism on nanofluid flow passing over a permeable stretching surface is investigated. Additionally we have captured the flow features including the presence of realistic thermal and solutal boundary conditions. Applying the similarity transformation procedure leads us to convert the partial differential flow related equations into nonlinear ordinary ones. After that we solved them numerically using the fourth-order Runge–Kutta method in conjunction with the shooting technique. Parametric study has been performed through tables and diagrams to highlight the consequence of velocity, temperature, and concentration profile. Moreover, a statistical attempt is made to illustrate the correlation of physical parameters within the flow system.
Beat-to-beat variability of cardiac action potential duration: underlying mechanism and clinical implications
Authors: Nánási Péter P. , Magyar János , Varró András , Ördög Balázs
Published: July 2017

Beat-to-beat variability of cardiac action potential duration (short-term variability, SV) is a common feature of various cardiac preparations, including the human heart. Although it is believed to be one of the best arrhythmia predictors, the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood at present. The magnitude of SV is basically determined by the intensity of cell-to-cell coupling in multicellular preparations and by the duration of the action potential (APD). To compensate for the APD-dependent nature of SV, the concept of relative SV (RSV) has been introduced by normalizing the changes of SV to the concomitant changes in APD. RSV is reduced by ICa, IKr, and IKswhile increased by INa, suggesting that ion currents involved in the negative feedback regulation of APD tend to keep RSV at a low level. RSV is also influenced by intracellular calcium concentration and tissue redox potential. The clinical implications of APD variability is discussed in detail.
The role of damage- and pathogen-associated molecular patterns in inflammation-mediated vulnerability of atherosclerotic plaques
Authors: Rai Vikrant , Agrawal Devendra K.
Published: July 2017

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease resulting in the formation of the atherosclerotic plaque. Plaque formation starts with the inflammation in fatty streaks and progresses through atheroma, atheromatous plaque, and fibroatheroma leading to development of stable plaque. Hypercholesterolemia, dyslipidemia, and hyperglycemia are the risk factors for atherosclerosis. Inflammation, infection with viruses and bacteria, and dysregulation in the endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells leads to advanced plaque formation. Death of the cells in the intima due to inflammation results in secretion of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) such as high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), alarmins (S100A8, S100A9, S100A12, and oxidized low-density lipoproteins), and infection with pathogens leads to secretion of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) such as lipopolysaccharides, lipoteichoic acids, and peptidoglycans. DAMPs and PAMPs further activate the inflammatory surface receptors such as TREM-1 and toll-like receptors and downstream signaling kinases and transcription factors leading to increased secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and interferon-γ and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). These mediators and cytokines along with MMPs render the plaque vulnerable for rupture leading to ischemic events. In this review, we have discussed the role of DAMPs and PAMPs in association with inflammation-mediated plaque vulnerability.
Diet of endangered Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) in the Aleutian Islands: new insights from DNA detections and bioenergetic reconstructions
Authors: Tollit Dominic , Fritz Lowell , Joy Ruth , Miller Kristi , Schulze Angela , Thomason James , Walker William , Zeppelin Tonya , Gelatt Thomas
Published: July 2017

The endangered western stock of Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus (Schreber, 1776)) still declines in the western Aleutian Islands and accurate diet information is vital to test leading hypotheses. We undertook the first bioenergetic diet reconstruction using both molecular and hard part prey identifications from >600 scats collected in March–April 2008 and 2012. Atka mackerel (Pleurogrammus monopterygius (Pallas, 1810)) remained a primary prey (17%–27% by energy), but large (mean 60 cm) Pacific cod (Gadus macrocephalus Tilesius, 1810) also emerged as important prey (20%–24%) in a more diverse diet than previously reported, with Cottidae and smooth lumpsucker (Aptocyclus ventricosus (Pallas, 1769)) also contributing ∼10%. DNA detections highlighted a potentially important and previously underestimated prey, giant Pacific octopus (Enteroctopus dofleini (Wülker, 1910) (diet contribution 2%–15%, dependent on prey size assumptions). Although 504 unique DNA identifications resulted in significant increases for cephalopods, Pacific cod, and smooth lumpsucker, hard part alone species rankings were similar to composite ones and bioenergetic species rankings similar to occurrence-based ones. Retention or regurgitation of large cephalopod beaks, the removal of large cod heads, and skeletal fragility of lumpsuckers may explain these differences. DNA identifications provide valuable comparative and complementary prey occurrence data for pinnipeds, but composite diet estimates are optimal.