bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Generating explanations for biomedical queries
Authors: ERDEM ESRA , OZTOK UMUT
Published: December 2013

We introduce novel mathematical models and algorithms to generate (shortest or k different) explanations for biomedical queries, using answer set programming. We implement these algorithms and integrate them in BioQuery-ASP. We illustrate the usefulness of these methods with some complex biomedical queries related to drug discovery, over the biomedical knowledge resources PharmGKB, DrugBank, BioGRID, CTD, SIDER, Disease Ontology, and Orphadata.
ACTS AND INTENTIONS
Authors: Hyman John
Published: December 2013

What is the difference between the changes in your body that you yourself cause personally, such as the movements of your legs when you walk, or your lips when you speak, and the ones you do not cause personally, such as the contraction of your heart, or your foot bobbing up and down when your legs are crossed? Since the seventeenth century, most philosophers have said that will or intention makes the difference. I reject this answer and propose an alternative that doesn't just apply to animals capable of having intentions, but to all agents with functionally differentiated parts.
YOU'RE AN ANIMAL, PLAIN AND SIMPLE
Authors: Licon Jimmy Alfonso
Published: December 2013

In this essay, I argue that we are merely biological organisms. This view (animalism) explains everyday practices like watching ourselves in the mirror. The claim that we are psychological in nature – i.e. wherever our conscious experience goes, we follow – cannot explain something as trivial as watching ourselves in the mirror. Thus, we should accept animalism.
THE MEANING AND THE MYSTERY OF LIFE: RESPONSE TO AN ARTICLE BY LAURENCE PEDDLE (THINK 33)
Authors: Watson Brenda
Published: December 2013

Laurence Peddle's article ‘the Meaning and the Mystery of Life’ poses fascinating questions concerning the purpose or non-purpose of life and the interpretation of experience. My response questions his use of terms such as meaning, mystery and life-after-death, and his appeal to Hume on personal identity. Reason per se cannot take us all the way, nevertheless I enumerate reasons for caution in dismissing other people's self-understanding. The link between interpretation of experience and assumptions already held argues strongly for accepting the limits to human knowledge, thus enabling an openness which avoids premature foreclosure whether atheistic or religious.
Epidemiology in a changing world: implications for population-based research on mental disorders
Authors: Cooper B.
Published: December 2013

Introduction and objectives.

Population-based research on mental disorders needs to keep pace with trends in general epidemiology. At present, this requirement is complicated by uncertainty within the parent discipline about its future development. The present study examines proposals for new directions in strategy and methods and considers their significance for psychiatric epidemiology.

Method.

Narrative review, cross-checked by search of English-language journals of epidemiology for new trends and developments reported in the years from 2000 onwards.

Results.

The proposals reviewed here are divided into three groups:

1.

A new research paradigm of ‘eco-epidemiology’, which includes both individual risk factors and macro-environmental systems that mediate population levels of health and sickness.

2.

Improved ‘translation’ of research findings – i.e. more rapid and effective implementation of epidemiological evidence into health policy and practice.

3.

Adaptation of epidemiology to a globalised economy, with firmer regulation of funding and resources.

Conclusions.

Each of these proposals has implications for psychiatric epidemiology. Workers in this field, however, are still preoccupied by relatively specific problems of definition, measurement and classification, and so far the current debates in general epidemiology are scarcely reflected. The proposals outlined above call for:

•

a working model of eco-epidemiology as it relates to psychiatric disorders;

•

implementation strategies to encourage more active participation in epidemiological research by community health services and caregiver organisations;

•

international collaborative projects that offer practical benefits in training and service facilities for the countries taking part.
Obsessive-Compulsive Symptoms among Spanish Adolescents: Prevalence and Association with Depressive and Anxious Symptoms
Authors: Noorian Zahra , Granero Roser , Ferreira Estrella , Romero-Acosta Kelly , Domenèch-Llaberia Edelmira
Published: December 2013

The present study examines the prevalence of obsessive-compulsive symptoms (OCS) in a population 1,061 adolescents (mean age 13.92) in Spain. The association between OCS and anxiety symptoms severity (panic attacks, separation anxiety, social phobia, generalized anxiety and school phobia) and depressive symptom severity has also been studied. Two distinct groups of subjects were defined and analyzed as being ‘positive’ on the obsessive-compulsive screen: The first group (calledHigh interference) included all of the subjects who scored 25 or more in Leyton Obsessional Inventory-Child Version (LOI-CV) interference score regardless of symptom presence score, and the second group (labeledHigh symptom presence)consisted of all subjects with a symptom presence score equal to or above 15 and an interference score of 10 or less. Females scored higher than did males both on the symptom presence and interference scores. Forty- one subjects (3.9%) showed an interference score of 25 or more (high interference group) while eight students (0.8%) were included in the high symptom presence group. The most prevalent and interfering symptoms were: fussy about hands, hating dirt and contamination and going over things a lot. In addition, the association between LOI and depressive symptom severity was significant, while the association between LOI and anxiety symptoms severity was insignificant.
A Differential Item Functioning Analysis of the German Academic Self-Regulation Questionnaire for Adolescents
Authors: Gnambs Timo , Hanfstingl Barbara
Published: December 2013

The German Academic Self-Regulation Questionnaire (SRQ-A[G]) for adolescents assesses four regulatory styles within Deci and Ryan’s (1985) self-determination theory: intrinsic, identified, introjected, and external regulation. The study on N = 2,123 students (1,057 girls) from secondary schools in Austria analyzes the effects of differential item functioning (DIF) on individual and group-level estimates of the latent regulatory styles. The scale demonstrated small DIF for sex and the ages from 10 to 17. The DIF items favored, if anything, younger students and lead to a slight overestimation of their introjected motivation level. However, the practical impact on group-level means was negligible. The SRQ-A[G] represents a reliable instrument to capture sex- and age-related differences in the four regulatory styles throughout adulthood.
Personality in Action
Authors: Poorthuis Astrid M. G. , Thomaes Sander , Denissen Jaap J. A. , van Aken Marcel A. G. , Orobio de Castro Bram
Published: December 2013

Personality research has mainly relied on self-report measures, more than on behavioral assessments. In the present study, brief behavioral personality tests were developed to measure behavior that is prototypical for the Big Five traits of conscientiousness and agreeableness. A longitudinal study (N = 322; mean age = 12.2 years) examined the predictive value of these newly developed personality tests on changes in academic and social adjustment across the transition to secondary school. Conscientiousness and agreeableness were measured before the transition to secondary school using both the behavioral personality tests and a self-report questionnaire. Academic achievement and social acceptance were measured both pre- and post-transition. The behavioral test of conscientiousness predicted changes in children’s school achievement across the transition to secondary school, above and beyond self-reported conscientiousness. Similarly, the behavioral test of agreeableness predicted change in social acceptance, whereas self-reported agreeableness did not. Behavioral personality tests index unique aspects of children’s behavioral dispositions that are not fully captured by traditional self-report personality questionnaires, and that have predictive power over time.
High individual consistency in fear of humans throughout the adult lifespan of rural and urban burrowing owls
Authors: Carrete Martina , Tella José L.
Published: December 2013

Human-induced rapid environmental changes challenge individuals by creating evolutionarily novel scenarios, where species encounter novel enemies, the new species sometimes being humans themselves. However, little is known about how individuals react to human presence, specifically whether they are able to habituate to human presence, as frequently assumed, or are selected based on their fear of humans. We tested whether fear of humans (measured as flight initiation distance in a diurnal owl) is reduced through habituation to human presence (plasticity) or whether it remains unchanged throughout the individuals' life. Results show an unusually high level of individual consistency in fear of humans throughout the adult lifespan of both rural (r = 0.96) and urban (r = 0.90) birds, lending no support to habituation. Further research should assess the role of inter-individual variability in fear of humans in shaping the distribution of individuals and species in an increasingly humanized world.
Biases in ketone measurements using DNPH-coated solid sorbent cartridges
Authors: Ho Steven Sai Hang , Chow Judith C. , Watson John G. , Ip Ho Sai Simon , Ho Kin Fai , Dai Wen Ting , Cao Junji
Published: December 2013

This paper examines the collection efficiencies of acetone and methyl ethyl ketone under different relative humidities, flow rates, and sample durations, for ambient sampling and laboratory experiments.
Screening glycosynthase libraries with a fluoride chemosensor assay independently of enzyme specificity: identification of a transitional hydrolase to synthase mutant
Authors: Andrés Eduardo , Aragunde Hugo , Planas Antoni
Published: December 2013

Glycosynthases have become efficient tools for the enzymatic synthesis of oligosaccharides, glycoconjugates and polysaccharides. Enzyme-directed evolution approaches are applied to improve the performance of current glycosynthases and engineer specificity for non-natural substrates. However, simple and general screening methods are required since most of the reported assays are specific for each particular enzyme. In the present paper, we report a general screening assay that is independent of enzyme specificity, and implemented in an HTS (high-throughput screening) format for the screening of cell extracts in directed evolution experiments. Fluoride ion is a general by-product released in all glycosynthase reactions with glycosyl fluoride donors. The new assay is based on the use of a specific chemical sensor (a silyl ether of a fluorogenic methylumbelliferone) to transduce fluoride concentration into a fluorescence signal. As a proof-of-concept, it has been applied to a nucleophile saturation mutant library of Bacillus licheniformis 1,3-1,4-β-glucanase. Beyond the expected mutations at the glutamic acid (catalytic) nucleophile, other variants have been shown to acquire glycosynthase activity. Surprisingly, an aspartic acid for glutamic acid replacement renders a highly active glycosynthase, but still retains low hydrolase activity. It appears as an intermediate state between glycosyl hydrolase and glycosynthase.
A combination of SILAC and nucleotide acyl phosphate labelling reveals unexpected targets of the Rsk inhibitor BI-D1870
Authors: Edgar Alexander J. , Trost Matthias , Watts Colin , Zaru Rossana
Published: December 2013

Protein kinase inhibitors frequently have interesting effects that cannot be fully ascribed to the intended target kinase(s) but identifying additional targets that might explain the effects is not straightforward. By comparing two different inhibitors of the Rsk (p90 ribosomal S6 kinase) kinases, we found that the increasingly used compound BI-D1870 had biological effects in murine DCs (dendritic cells) that could not be solely ascribed to Rsk or other documented targets. We assessed the ability of BI-D1870 and a second Rsk inhibitor, BIX 02565 to protect enzyme active sites from reaction with biotinylated nucleotide acyl phosphates. Using SILAC (stable isotope labelling by amino acids in cell culture)-labelled DC lysates as a source of enzyme targets, we identify several kinases that interact with BI-D1870 but not with BIX 02565. We confirmed that these kinases, including Slk, Lok and Mst1, are inhibited by BI-D1870 but to a much lesser extent by BIX 02565 and that phosphorylation of some of their substrates is blocked by BI-D1870 in living cells. Our results suggest that the BI-D1870 inhibitor should be used with caution. The SILAC-based methodology we used should be useful for further comparative unbiased profiling of the target spectrum of kinase inhibitors with interesting biological effects under conditions that closely mimic those found in cells.
Design of lowpass filter using novel stepped impedance resonator
Authors: Dehghani K. , Karimi G. , Lalbakhsh A. , Maki S.V.
Published: December 2013

A new type of lowpass filter with an ultra‐wide stopband, sharp transition and compact size is proposed. To reduce the circuit size, a bended transmission line is adopted in the stepped impedance resonators. To achieve a sharp roll‐off, a pendulum‐shaped resonator is implemented in the filter. The transition band is from 1.30 to 1.45 GHz with −3 and −20 dB, respectively. The stopband with an attenuation level better than 20 dB is from 1.45 up to 23.4 GHz, hence an ultra‐wide stopband with 18th‐harmonic suppression is achieved. Furthermore, the proposed filter exhibits an extremely small size of 0.09λg × 0.11λg where λg is the guided wavelength at the cutoff frequency.
Channel estimation relying on the minimum bit‐error‐ratio criterion for BPSK and QPSK signals
Authors: Dutta Amit Kumar , Hari K.V.S. , Hanzo Lajos
Published: December 2013

The authors consider the channel estimation problem in the context of a linear equaliser designed for a frequency selective channel, which relies on the minimum bit‐error‐ratio (MBER) optimisation framework. Previous literature has shown that the MBER‐based signal detection may outperform its minimum‐mean‐square‐error (MMSE) counterpart in the bit‐error‐ratio performance sense. In this study, they develop a framework for channel estimation by first discretising the parameter space and then posing it as a detection problem. Explicitly, the MBER cost function (CF) is derived and its performance studied, when transmitting binary phase shift keying (BPSK) and quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK) signals. It is demonstrated that the MBER based CF aided scheme is capable of outperforming existing MMSE, least square‐based solutions.
Alloreactive cytotoxic T cells provide means to decipher the immunopeptidome and reveal a plethora of tumor-associated self-epitopes
Authors: Kumari Shraddha , Wälchli Sébastien , Fallang Lars-Egil , Yang Weiwen , Lund-Johansen Fridtjof , Schumacher Ton N. , Olweus Johanna
Published: December 2013

Significance

T cells recognize fragments of cellular peptides when presented at the cell surface by HLA molecules. Knowledge of which peptides derived from cellular proteins that are available at the cell surface for T-cell recognition is central to our understanding of T-cell tolerance and immunity. Here, we used alloreactive T cells as tools for detection of self-peptides bound to foreign HLA-A2. Our results indicate that the self-immunopeptidome is far more diverse than previously estimated. Furthermore, our data demonstrate that such self-peptides represent highly attractive targets for T-cell–based cancer immunotherapy.
A mechanism for retromer endosomal coat complex assembly with cargo
Authors: Harrison Megan S. , Hung Chia-Sui , Liu Ting-ting , Christiano Romain , Walther Tobias C. , Burd Christopher G.
Published: December 2013

Significance

The endosomal system is a network of organelles that play key roles in nutrient uptake, protein and lipid sorting, and signal transduction. Integral membrane proteins are delivered to endosomes via trafficking from the plasma membrane and the secretory pathway, and many of these proteins are then returned from the endosome for reuse. The selection and packaging of many integral membrane proteins into transport carriers that export cargo from the endosome requires a protein complex called “retromer,” whose function protects organisms from metabolic defects, Charcot–Marie–Tooth neuropathy 2B, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. We elucidate the minimal requirements for targeting of retromer to the endosome membrane and show that this mechanism facilitates retromer recognition of a cargo protein.
Autocatalytically generated Thr-Gln ester bond cross-links stabilize the repetitive Ig-domain shaft of a bacterial cell surface adhesin
Authors: Kwon Hanna , Squire Christopher J. , Young Paul G. , Baker Edward N.
Published: December 2013

Significance

We describe an unprecedented type of intramolecular cross-link in a protein molecule, which we have found in the repetitive domains of a cell surface adhesin from the Gram-positive organism
Clostridium perfringens
. From high-resolution crystal structures of the protein, coupled with MS, we show that these domains contain intramolecular ester bonds joining Thr and Gln side chains. These bonds are generated autocatalytically by a serine protease-like mechanism and provide the long, thin protein with greatly enhanced mechanical strength and protection from proteolytic attack. The bonds provide an intriguing parallel with the internal isopeptide bonds that stabilize Gram-positive pili. Bioinformatics analysis suggests that these intramolecular ester bonds are widespread and common in cell surface adhesion proteins from Gram-positive bacteria.
TALEN-mediated single-base-pair editing identification of an intergenic mutation upstream of
BUB1B
as causative of PCS (MVA) syndrome
Authors: Ochiai Hiroshi , Miyamoto Tatsuo , Kanai Akinori , Hosoba Kosuke , Sakuma Tetsushi , Kudo Yoshiki , Asami Keiko , Ogawa Atsushi , Watanabe Akihiro , Kajii Tadashi , Yamamoto Takashi , Matsuura Shinya
Published: December 2013

Significance

A single nucleotide substitution in an intergenic region upstream of
BUB1B
(encoding BUBR1) was identified as a candidate mutation for premature chromatid separation with mosaic variegated aneuploidy [PCS (MVA) syndrome], a cancer-prone genetic disorder. To prove that this is the causal mutation, we designed a unique genome editing strategy, transcription activator-like effector nuclease–mediated two-step single-base-pair editing, to biallelically introduce this substitution into cultured human cells. The cell clones showed chromosomal instability in the form of PCS and MVA, which are cellular hallmarks of the syndrome, suggesting that this is indeed the underlying mutation. This single-base-pair editing technique will be useful for investigations of noncoding variants of unknown functional relevance.
Automatic Classification of Cellular Expression by Nonlinear Stochastic Embedding (ACCENSE)
Authors: Shekhar Karthik , Brodin Petter , Davis Mark M. , Chakraborty Arup K.
Published: December 2013

Significance

Mass cytometry enables the measurement of nearly 40 different proteins at the single-cell level, providing an unprecedented level of multidimensional information. Because of the complexity of these datasets across diverse populations of cells, new computational tools are needed to glean useful biological insights. Here we describe ACCENSE (Automatic Classification of Cellular Expression by Nonlinear Stochastic Embedding), a tool that computes a two-dimensional nonlinear distillation of the raw data, and automatically stratifies cells into phenotypic subpopulations based on their distribution of markers. Applying this tool to murine CD8
+
T-cell data recovers known naive and memory subpopulations, and reveals additional diversity within these. In particular, we identify a novel subpopulation with a distinct multivariate phenotype, but which is not distinguishable on a biaxial plot of conventional markers.
Poverty, grants, revolution and ‘real Utopias’: society must be defended by any and all means necessary!
Authors: Khan Firoz
Published: December 2013

The South African social security system is globally lauded for pioneering new conceptions of society and social assistance, and is celebrated as offering the world an alternative to mainstream social policy. What then accounts for better outcomes in poverty and inequality reduction in countries with similar social security systems? The paper locates the ‘diminishing progressivity’ of the South African system in the interlocking dynamics of structural violence, structural exclusion, racialised nationalism, financialisation and the subversion of democracy. The massive rebellion in the streets against the rule of rich and property is a reflection of the poor losing hope and patience.
KNL1 facilitates phosphorylation of outer kinetochore proteins by promoting Aurora B kinase activity
Authors: Caldas Gina V. , DeLuca Keith F. , DeLuca Jennifer G.
Published: December 2013

Aurora B kinase phosphorylates kinetochore proteins during early mitosis, increasing kinetochore–microtubule (MT) turnover and preventing premature stabilization of kinetochore–MT attachments. Phosphorylation of kinetochore proteins during late mitosis is low, promoting attachment stabilization, which is required for anaphase onset. The kinetochore protein KNL1 recruits Aurora B–counteracting phosphatases and the Aurora B–targeting factor Bub1, yet the consequences of KNL1 depletion on Aurora B phospho-regulation remain unknown. Here, we demonstrate that the KNL1 N terminus is essential for Aurora B activity at kinetochores. This region of KNL1 is also required for Bub1 kinase activity at kinetochores, suggesting that KNL1 promotes Aurora B activity through Bub1-mediated Aurora B targeting. However, ectopic targeting of Aurora B to kinetochores does not fully rescue Aurora B activity in KNL1-depleted cells, suggesting KNL1 influences Aurora B activity through an additional pathway. Our findings establish KNL1 as a requirement for Aurora B activity at kinetochores and for wild-type kinetochore–MT attachment dynamics.
Higher-order unfolding of satellite heterochromatin is a consistent and early event in cell senescence
Authors: Swanson Eric C. , Manning Benjamin , Zhang Hong , Lawrence Jeanne B.
Published: December 2013

Epigenetic changes to chromatin are thought to be essential to cell senescence, which is key to tumorigenesis and aging. Although many studies focus on heterochromatin gain, this work demonstrates large-scale unraveling of peri/centromeric satellites, which occurs in all models of human and mouse senescence examined. This was not seen in cancer cells, except in a benign senescent tumor in vivo. Senescence-associated distension of satellites (SADS) occurs earlier and more consistently than heterochromatin foci formation, and SADS is not exclusive to either the p16 or p21 pathways. Because Hutchinson Guilford progeria syndrome patient cells do not form excess heterochromatin, the question remained whether or not proliferative arrest in this aging syndrome involved distinct epigenetic mechanisms. Here, we show that SADS provides a unifying event in both progeria and normal senescence. Additionally, SADS represents a novel, cytological-scale unfolding of chromatin, which is not concomitant with change to several canonical histone marks nor a result of DNA hypomethylation. Rather, SADS is likely mediated by changes to higher-order nuclear structural proteins, such as LaminB1.
Arrayed BUB recruitment modules in the kinetochore scaffold KNL1 promote accurate chromosome segregation
Authors: Vleugel Mathijs , Tromer Eelco , Omerzu Manja , Groenewold Vincent , Nijenhuis Wilco , Snel Berend , Kops Geert J.P.L.
Published: December 2013

Fidelity of chromosome segregation relies on coordination of chromosome biorientation and the spindle checkpoint. Central to this is the kinetochore scaffold KNL1 that integrates the functions of various mitotic regulators including BUB1 and BUBR1. We show that KNL1 contains an extensive array of short linear sequence modules that encompass TxxΩ and MELT motifs and that can independently localize BUB1. Engineered KNL1 variants with few modules recruit low levels of BUB1 to kinetochores but support a robust checkpoint. Increasing numbers of modules concomitantly increase kinetochore BUB1 levels and progressively enhance efficiency of chromosome biorientation. Remarkably, normal KNL1 function is maintained by replacing all modules with a short array of naturally occurring or identical, artificially designed ones. A minimal array of generic BUB recruitment modules in KNL1 thus suffices for accurate chromosome segregation. Widespread divergence in the amount and sequence of these modules in KNL1 homologues may represent flexibility in adapting regulation of mitotic processes to altered requirements for chromosome segregation during evolution.
Arp2/3-deficient cells share their problems
Authors: Short Ben
Published: December 2013

Loss of the actin-nucleating complex activates a stress response that nonautonomously inhibits chemotaxis.
EndoU is a novel regulator of AICD during peripheral B cell selection
Authors: Poe Jonathan C. , Kountikov Evgueni I. , Lykken Jacquelyn M. , Natarajan Abirami , Marchuk Douglas A. , Tedder Thomas F.
Published: December 2013

Balanced transmembrane signals maintain a competent peripheral B cell pool limited in self-reactive B cells that may produce pathogenic autoantibodies. To identify molecules regulating peripheral B cell survival and tolerance to self-antigens (Ags), a gene modifier screen was performed with B cells from CD22-deficient C57BL/6 (CD22−/−[B6]) mice that undergo activation-induced cell death (AICD) and fail to up-regulate c-Myc expression after B cell Ag receptor ligation. Likewise, lysozyme auto-Ag–specific B cells in IgTg hen egg lysozyme (HEL) transgenic mice inhabit the spleen but undergo AICD after auto-Ag encounter. This gene modifier screen identified EndoU, a single-stranded RNA-binding protein of ancient origin, as a major regulator of B cell survival in both models. EndoU gene disruption prevents AICD and normalizes c-Myc expression. These findings reveal that EndoU is a critical regulator of an unexpected and novel RNA-dependent pathway controlling peripheral B cell survival and Ag responsiveness that may contribute to peripheral B cell tolerance.
Hiatal Hernia Repair with or without Esophageal Lengthening
Authors: Puri Varun , Jacobsen Kyle , Bell Jennifer M. , Crabtree Traves D. , Kreisel Daniel , Krupnick Alexander S. , Patterson G. Alexander , Meyers Bryan F.
Published: December 2013

Objective

The need for esophageal lengthening (EL) as part of hiatal hernia (HH) repair is perceived to elevate perioperative risk and provide functionally inferior outcomes. Our objectives were to determine the risk factors of undergoing EL and to compare outcomes between operations with and without EL. We hypothesized that operative and functional outcomes for HH repair were similar in patients whether they required EL or not.

Methods

We reviewed institutional experience with EL as part of HH repair. The patients underwent symptom evaluation before and after surgery using a validated tool.

Results

Between 1999 and 2009, a total of 375 patients underwent HH repair. The operative approach was thoracotomy, 153 (41%); laparotomy, 18 (5%); laparoscopy, 167 (44%); or combined, 37 (10%). Of these, 168 (45%) required EL. There was a higher need for thoracotomy in the patients undergoing EL (79/168 vs 74/207, χ2 = 4.88, P = 0.034). The incidence of perioperative complications (leak, pneumonia, ileus, respiratory failure, and bleeding) was similar between the groups. Sixty-five selected patients undergoing EL were compared with 63 patients with comparable demographics not requiring EL. In a well-validated questionnaire that assessed symptoms before and after surgery, the patients undergoing EL showed significant improvement in their heartburn (76.8%), dysphagia (67.6%), regurgitation (71.7%), chest pain (91.9%), and nausea (86.5%) ( P < 0.05). The patients not undergoing EL also showed significant improvement in their heartburn (81.1%), dysphagia (71.1%), regurgitation (64.4%), chest pain (64.1%), and nausea (61.0%) ( P < 0.05). Improvement in symptoms, the continued use of antacid medications, and overall surgery satisfaction score were statistically similar between the two groups.

Conclusions

Operative and functional outcomes for HH repair with or without EL are acceptable and comparable. Thoracic surgeons should use EL without reservations for appropriate indications.
Implantable Loop Recorders after Atrial Ablation
Authors: Schlingloff Friederike , Oberhoffer Martin M. , Quasdorff Ines , Schmoeckel Michael , Geidel Stephan
Published: December 2013

Objective

Recent data suggest continuous monitoring by implanted loop recorder (ILR) to be the criterion standard for rhythm surveillance after atrial ablation. Studies describing patient compliance and pitfalls in the perioperative period are lacking. It was the aim of this study to evaluate patient compliance and time invested by physicians for obtaining data during the follow-up period after implanting an ILR.

Methods

We prospectively collected data of 70 consecutive patients undergoing concomitant cardiac surgery, atrial ablation, and implantation of an ILR. Patient compliance was calculated as the ratio of incoming/expected data transmission. We documented total time spent by physicians with preoperative and postoperative supervision.

Results

Between February 2012 and February 2013, a total of 70 patients had an ILR implanted; 49 of 70 patients were eligible for evaluation of data at 3-month follow-up. The ratio of incoming/ expected data transmission was 12/49 (24%). The mean ± SD time spent with ILR-related issues during hospital stay was 88 ± 19 minutes. Assessment of incoming data and information of the patient and the general practitioner took 132 ± 13 minutes per patient. Overall, a mean ± SD of 220 ± 16 minutes per patient was needed for appropriate data acquisition, from implantation to first data transmission.

Conclusions

In the patients having an ILR after surgical atrial ablation, initial compliance regarding data transmission was low. A substantial time effort was necessary to obtain sufficient data on cardiac rhythm. Device-related complications were observed. Patient selection should therefore be handled with care. Beneficial therapeutic decisions can be expected only when reliable data are obtained by efficient management.
Defining the Learning Curve for Robotic-Assisted Endoscopic Harvesting of the Left Internal Mammary Artery
Authors: Hemli Jonathan M. , Henn Lucas W. , Panetta Christopher R. , Suh Jenny S. , Shukri Scott R. , Jennings Joan M. , Fontana Gregory P. , Patel Nirav C.
Published: December 2013

Objective

Robotic-assisted techniques are continuing to cement their role in coronary surgery, particularly in facilitating the endoscopic harvesting of the left internal mammary artery (LIMA), regardless of how the subsequent bypass grafting is performed. As more surgeons attempt to become trained in robotic-assisted procedures, we sought to better define the learning curve associated with robotic-assisted endoscopic LIMA harvest.

Methods

Between January 2011 and July 2012, a total of 77 patients underwent robotic-assisted minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass surgery at our institution. The LIMA was harvested endoscopically in all patients, using standard robotic instruments, followed by direct grafting to anterior wall myocardial vessels via a small thoracotomy. Intraoperative times for various components of the procedure were collated and analyzed.

Results

The mean ± SD time taken to insert and position the ports for the robotic instruments was 3.9 ± 1.4 minutes. The mean ± SD LIMA harvest time was 31.8 ± 10.1 minutes, and the mean ± SD total robotic time was 44.2 ± 12.9 minutes. All time variables consistently continued to decrease as the experience of the operating surgeon increased, with the greatest magnitude of improvement being evident within the first 20 cases. The logarithmic learning curves for LIMA harvest time and total robot time during our entire experience were both calculated as 90%, correlating to an expected 10% improvement in performance for each doubling of cases completed.

Conclusions

Coronary surgeons can rapidly become proficient in robotic-assisted endoscopic LIMA harvest, with significant improvement in operative times evident within the first 20 cases completed. These data may be useful in designing appropriate training programs for newer surgeons seeking to gain experience in robotic-assisted coronary surgery.
Outcome of Patients Treated with Engager Transapical Aortic Valve Implantation
Authors: Sündermann Simon H. , Grünenfelder Jürg , Corti Roberto , Rastan Ardawan J. , Linke Axel , Lange Rüdiger , Falk Volkmar , Bleiziffer Sabine
Published: December 2013

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the short-term and midterm outcome of the Engager transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) system, a transapical self-expanding valve device with anatomic orientation.

Methods

Transapical aortic valve implantation with the Engager valve prosthesis was performed in 10 patients. Endpoints were defined according to the Valve Academic Research Consortium recommendations for reporting outcomes of TAVI in clinical trials. Follow-up has been completed after 30 days and 1 year.

Results

All patients underwent the implantation procedure successfully. No device-related or delivery system–related complications were observed. One patient died of non–device-related reasons at postoperative day 23 in multiorgan failure. At 30-day follow-up, no more than mild transvalvular and paravalvular aortic regurgitation were seen. After 1 year, no transvalvular regurgitation was observed as assessed by transthoracic echocardiography. None of the patients had more than mild paravalvular leakage. The mean ± SD gradient was 15.3 ± 4.2 mm Hg. New York Heart Association class decreased one degree in mean and sustained until 1-year follow-up. No more patients died until 1-year follow-up.

Conclusions

Application of the Engager TAVI system is safe and reliable. Prosthesis deployment in an anatomically correct position was facilitated by the design of the valve prosthesis and successful in all patients. No device-related or delivery system–related complications occurred. Procedural, short-term, and midterm results up to 1 year concerning the aortic valve performance are promising, with stable mean gradients and low rates of even mild regurgitation.
Epicardial Surgical Ligation of the Left Atrial Appendage is Safe, Reproducible, and Effective by Transesophageal Echocardiographic Follow-up
Authors: Zapolanski Alex , Johnson Christopher K. , Dardashti Omid , O'Keefe Ryan M. , Rioux Nancy , Ferrari Giovanni , Shaw Richard E. , Brizzio Mariano E. , Grau Juan B.
Published: December 2013

Objective

The left atrial appendage (LAA) is the source of 90% of thrombi in patients with atrial fibrillation. Our double LAA ligation (LLAA) technique was shown to be 96% successful in a small study. However, the outcomes of these patients have yet to be compared with a set of nonligated patients.

Methods

From 2005 to 2012, a total of 808 patients received LAA using our double ligation technique using both a polydioxanone (PDS) II endosnare and a running 4-0 Prolene pledgeted suture. The 30-day outcomes of these patients were compared with that of nonligated patients. Fifty-six of the ligated patients had a postoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). An echocardiographer reviewed the follow-up TEEs for LAA remnant and/or residual flow into the LAA using color Doppler imaging. The patients with LAA flow and/or remnant depth of 1 cm or greater were deemed to have an unsuccessful exclusion.

Results

The ligated group had a trend of less postoperative atrial fibrillation (19.4% vs 22.9%, P = 0.07) and an overall significantly lower in-hospital mortality (0.7% vs 3.0%, P < 0.001) and lower 30-day mortality (0.7% vs 3.4%, P < 0.0001). The LAA was successfully excluded in 53 (94.7%) of the 56 patients with TEE.

Conclusions

Double LAA ligation correlates with lower rates of in-hospital and 30-day mortality. This advantage comes without an increase in perioperative complications. This technique can easily be performed off or on pump, is very reproducible, and comes at a very low cost compared with LAA occlusion devices. Stroke has a multifactorial etiology; successful LLAA removes one potential source of thrombi perioperatively and in the long-term.
Survival, Predictive Factors, and Causes of Mortality following Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation
Authors: Alassar Aiman , Roy David , Valencia Oswaldo , Brecker Stephen , Jahangiri Marjan
Published: December 2013

Objective

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is considered the standard of care for patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis unsuitable for surgery. However, short- and long-term mortality after TAVI are still relatively high. The aim of this study was to establish survival, predictive factors, and causes of mortality after TAVI at early and midterm follow-up.

Methods

Between December 2007 and May 2012, a total of 119 patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis underwent 121 TAVI procedures. The mean ± SD age was 81 ± 9 years, and 59% were men. The mean ± SD logistic European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation was 22 ± 15. Seventy-five patients (63%) were in New York Heart Association functional class III to IV. The transfemoral approach was used in 76% of the patients. One hundred ten patients (91%) had the CoreValve prosthesis, and 11 (9%) had an Edwards SAPIEN valve. Baseline characteristics, procedural complications, and outcomes were collected prospectively. Clinical outcomes were defined according to the Valve Academic Research Consortium criteria. Follow-up was completed for 100% of the patients at a median of 1.3 years (range, 0–4.5).

Results

The total number of deaths was 36 (30%). One-month mortality was 4.2%. Actuarial survival was 83.2%, 76.5%, and 68.2% at 1, 2, and 3 years, respectively. Acute kidney injury occurred in 12.3% of the patients, none of whom required dialysis during hospitalization. Twenty-one patients (17.6%) had new conduction abnormalities that required permanent pacemaker implantation before hospital discharge. The incidence of major vascular injury and stroke was 2.4% and 4.1%, respectively. Survival was significantly adversely affected by preprocedural left ventricular dysfunction ( P = 0.04), history of atrial fibrillation ( P = 0.03), prior heart block ( P < 0.01), and critical preoperative state ( P < 0.01). Twelve (33%) of the 36 deaths were due to bronchopneumonia. In 12 (33%) of the 36 patients who died, mortality was related to cardiac causes. When a death occurred within the first 30 days, it was mainly cardiac in nature (80%). Twelve patients (34%) died because of a variety of other reasons such as pulmonary embolism, stroke, cancer, renal failure, and sepsis.

Conclusions

Preprocedural left ventricular dysfunction, atrial fibrillation, and heart block are independent predictive factors of all-cause mortality. Early mortality was mainly cardiac in origin. Most of the late deaths were caused by noncardiac reasons, with bronchopneumonia being reported as the most common cause of late mortality.
Design Characteristics of a Three-Dimensional Geometric Aortic Valve Annuloplasty Ring
Authors: Crooke Philip S. , Beavan L. Alan , Griffin Charles D. , Mazzitelli Domenico , Rankin J. Scott
Published: December 2013

Objective

A full geometric annuloplasty ring could facilitate aortic valve repair. The purpose of this report was to document the design of such a ring using mathematical analyses of normal human aortic valve computed tomographic angiograms.

Methods

One-millimeter axial slices of high-resolution computed tomographic angiograms from 11 normal aortic roots were used to generate high-density x, y, and z coordinates of valve structures in Mathematica. Three-dimensional least squares regression analyses of leaflet-sinus coordinates were used to assess geometry of aortic valve and root structures.

Results

Normal valve geometry could be represented as three leaflet-sinus general ellipsoids nested within an elliptical aortic root. Minor-major diameter ratio of the valve base was 0.60 ± 0.07, and elliptical geometry extended vertically up the commissures. By contrast, leaflet-sinus horizontal circumferences were fairly circular (diameter ratios, 0.82–0.87), and the left coronary/noncoronary commissural post was located at the posterior base minor diameter-circumference junction, with the center of the right coronary leaflet opposite. Post location on the circumference was symmetrical, with a deviation of only ±2% to ±3% from 33.3% symmetry. Commissural posts flared outward by 5 to 10 degrees, and leaflet areas were statistically equivalent ( P > 0.10). From end diastole to midsystole, the aortic root became less elliptical (diameter ratio increased by 0.15), but root area expanded minimally (less than +5%). A one-piece rigid annuloplasty ring was designed with 2:3 base ellipticality, three 10-degree outwardly flaring symmetrical posts, and post height = base circumference/2π.

Conclusions

A three-dimensional aortic annuloplasty ring was designed that could prove useful for enhancing applicability and stability of aortic valve repair.
Stability of eigenvalues of quantum graphs with respect to magnetic perturbation and the nodal count of the eigenfunctions
Authors: Berkolaiko Gregory , Weyand Tracy
Published: December 2013

We prove an analogue of the magnetic nodal theorem on quantum graphs: the number of zeros
ϕ
of the
n
th eigenfunction of the Schrödinger operator on a quantum graph is related to the stability of the
n
th eigenvalue of the perturbation of the operator by magnetic potential. More precisely, we consider the
n
th eigenvalue as a function of the magnetic perturbation and show that its Morse index at zero magnetic field is equal to
ϕ
−(
n
−1).
Stress reduces the incorporation of misinformation into an established memory
Authors: Schmidt Pia-Isabell , Rosga Kristin , Schatto Celina , Breidenstein Anja , Schwabe Lars
Published: December 2013

Memory can be distorted by misleading post-event information. These memory distortions may have serious consequences, for example in eyewitness testimony. Many situations in which memory reports are solicited, and suggestive or misleading information is presented, are highly stressful for the respondent, yet little is known about how stress affects people's susceptibility to misinformation. Here, we exposed participants to a stressor or a control manipulation before they were presented misinformation about a previous event. We report that stressed participants endorsed misinformation in a subsequent memory test less often than control participants, suggesting that stress reduces distortions of memory by misleading information.
Gibberellic Acid-Induced Aleurone Layers Responding to Heat Shock or Tunicamycin Provide Insight into theN-Glycoproteome, Protein Secretion, and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress
Authors: Barba-Espín Gregorio , Dedvisitsakul Plaipol , Hägglund Per , Svensson Birte , Finnie Christine
Published: December 2013

The growing relevance of plants for the production of recombinant proteins makes understanding the secretory machinery, including the identification of glycosylation sites in secreted proteins, an important goal of plant proteomics. Barley (Hordeum vulgare) aleurone layers maintained in vitro respond to gibberellic acid by secreting an array of proteins and provide a unique system for the analysis of plant protein secretion. Perturbation of protein secretion in gibberellic acid-induced aleurone layers by two independent mechanisms, heat shock and tunicamycin treatment, demonstrated overlapping effects on both the intracellular and secreted proteomes. Proteins in a total of 22 and 178 two-dimensional gel spots changing in intensity in extracellular and intracellular fractions, respectively, were identified by mass spectrometry. Among these are proteins with key roles in protein processing and secretion, such as calreticulin, protein disulfide isomerase, proteasome subunits, and isopentenyl diphosphate isomerase. Sixteen heat shock proteins in 29 spots showed diverse responses to the treatments, with only a minority increasing in response to heat shock. The majority, all of which were small heat shock proteins, decreased in heat-shocked aleurone layers. Additionally, glycopeptide enrichment and N-glycosylation analysis identified 73 glycosylation sites in 65 aleurone layer proteins, with 53 of the glycoproteins found in extracellular fractions and 36 found in intracellular fractions. This represents major progress in characterization of the barley N-glycoproteome, since only four of these sites were previously described. Overall, these findings considerably advance knowledge of the plant protein secretion system in general and emphasize the versatility of the aleurone layer as a model system for studying plant protein secretion.
Bis(μ2-benzoato-κ2
O:O′)bis[(benzoato-κ2
O,O′)bis(4,4′-bipyridine-κN)cobalt(II)]–benzoic acid (1/6)
Authors: Peña-Rodríguez Rodolfo , Rivera José María , Colorado-Peralta Raúl , Duarte-Hernández Angélica María , Flores-Parra Angelina
Published: December 2013

In the title compound, [Co2(C7H5O2)4(C10H8N2)4]·6C6H5COOH, the centrosymmetric cobalt dimer co-crystallizes with six molecules of benzoic acid. Each CoII atom is coordinated by four O atoms in a distorted square-planar arrangement while the N atoms are located in apical positions. The dihedral angles between the rings comprising each of the 4,4′-bipyridyl ligands are 25.2 (2) and 22.8 (2)°. In the crystal, the three-dimensional network is assembled by O—H...O and C—H...O hydrogen bonds.
5-Chloro-5′′-[4-(dimethylamino)benzylidene]-4′-[4-(dimethylamino)phenyl]-1′,1′′-dimethyldispiro[indoline-3,2′-pyrrolidine-3′,3′′-piperidine]-2,4′′-dione
Authors: Farag I. S. Ahmed , Girgis Adel S. , Ramadan A. A. , Moustafa A. M. , Tiekink Edward R. T.
Published: December 2013

The title compound, C34H38ClN5O2, has spiro links connecting the pyrrolidine ring and indole residue, as well as the piperidine and pyrrolidine rings. A half-chair conformation is found for the piperidine ring with the C atom connected to the spiro-C atom lying 0.738 (4) Å out of the plane of the remaining five atoms (r.m.s. deviation = 0.0407 Å). The methylene C atom is the flap in the envelope conformation for the pyrrolidine ring. In the crystal, supramolecular chains are sustained by alternating eight-membered {...HNCO}2 and 14-membered {...HC5O}2 synthons. Chains are connected into a three-dimensional network by (pyrrolidine-bound phenyl-methyl)C—H...π(pyrrolidine-bound phenyl) edge-to-face interactions.