bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
General Synod of the Anglican Church of Australia
Authors: Blake Garth
Published: December 2015

The 16th General Synod of the Anglican Church of Australia was held in Adelaide from 29 June to 3 July 2014. This report covers the major pieces of legislation dealt with at this session, as well as resolutions relating to the Anglican Communion, Church discipline and the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
AZD8797 is an allosteric non-competitive modulator of the human CX3CR1 receptor
Authors: Cederblad Linda , Rosengren Birgitta , Ryberg Erik , Hermansson Nils-Olov
Published: December 2015

The chemokine receptor CX3CR1 has been implicated as an attractive therapeutic target in several diseases, including atherosclerosis and diabetes. However, there has been a lack of non-peptide CX3CR1 inhibitors to substantiate these findings. A selective small-molecule inhibitor of CX3CR1, AZD8797, was recently reported and we present here an in-depth in vitro characterization of that molecule. In a flow adhesion assay, AZD8797 antagonized the natural ligand, fractalkine (CX3CL1), in both human whole blood (hWB) and in a B-lymphocyte cell line with IC50 values of 300 and 6 nM respectively. AZD8797 also prevented G-protein activation in a [35S]GTPγS (guanosine 5′-[γ-thio]triphosphate) accumulation assay. In contrast, dynamic mass redistribution (DMR) experiments revealed a weak Gαi-dependent AZD8797 agonism. Additionally, AZD8797 positively modulated the CX3CL1 response at sub-micromolar concentrations in a β-arrestin recruitment assay. In equilibrium saturation binding experiments, AZD8797 reduced the maximal binding of 125I-CX3CL1 without affecting Kd. Kinetic experiments, determining the kon and koff of AZD8797, demonstrated that this was not an artefact of irreversible or insurmountable binding, thus a true non-competitive mechanism. Finally we show that both AZD8797 and GTPγS increase the rate with which CX3CL1 dissociates from CX3CR1 in a similar manner, indicating a connection between AZD8797 and the CX3CR1-bound G-protein. Collectively, these data show that AZD8797 is a non-competitive allosteric modulator of CX3CL1, binding CX3CR1 and effecting G-protein signalling and β-arrestin recruitment in a biased way.
The mechanistic study of Leishmania major dihydro-orotate dehydrogenase based on steady- and pre-steady-state kinetic analysis
Authors: Reis Renata A.G. , Ferreira Patricia , Medina Milagros , Nonato M. Cristina
Published: December 2015

Leishmania major dihydro-orotate dehydrogenase (DHODHLm) has been considered as a potential therapeutic target against leishmaniasis. DHODHLm, a member of class 1A DHODH, oxidizes dihydro-orotate (DHO) to orotate (ORO) during pyrimidine biosynthesis using fumarate (FUM) as the oxidizing substrate. In the present study, the chemistry of reduction and reoxidation of the flavin mononucleotide (FMN) cofactor in DHODHLm was examined by steady- and pre-steady state kinetics under both aerobic and anaerobic environments. Our results provide for the first time the experimental evidence of co-operative behaviour in class 1A DHODH regulated by DHO binding and reveal that the initial reductive flavin half-reaction follows a mechanism with two steps. The first step is consistent with FMN reduction and shows a hyperbolic dependence on the DHO concentration with a limiting rate (kred) of 110±6 s−1 and a KDHOd of 180±27 μM. Dissociation of the reduced flavin–ORO complex corresponds to the second step, with a limiting rate of 6 s−1. In the oxidative half-reaction, the oxygen-sensitive reoxidation of the reduced FMN cofactor of DHODHLm by FUM exhibited a hyperbolic saturation profile dependent on FUM concentration allowing estimation of KFUMd and the limiting rate (kreox) of 258±53 μM and 35±2 s−1, respectively. Comparison between steady- and pre-steady-state parameters together with studies of interaction for DHODHLm with both ORO and succinate (SUC), suggests that ORO release is the rate-limiting step in overall catalysis. Our results provide evidence of mechanistic differences between class 1A and class 2 individual half-reactions to be exploited for the development of selective inhibitors.
Surface deformations and wave generation by wind blowing over a viscous liquid
Authors: Paquier A. , Moisy F. , Rabaud M.
Published: December 2015

We investigate experimentally the early stage of the generation of waves by a turbulent wind at the surface of a viscous liquid. The spatio-temporal structure of the surface deformation is analyzed by the optical method Free Surface Synthetic Schlieren, which allows for time-resolved measurements with a micrometric accuracy. Because of the high viscosity of the liquid, the flow induced by the turbulent wind in the liquid remains laminar, with weak surface drift velocity. Two regimes of deformation of the liquid-air interface are identified. In the first regime, at low wind speed, the surface is dominated by rapidly propagating disorganized wrinkles, elongated in the streamwise direction, which correspond to the surface response to the pressure fluctuations advected by the turbulent airflow. The amplitude of these deformations increases approximately linearly with wind velocity and are essentially independent of the fetch (distance along the channel). Above a threshold in wind speed, we observe the growth of well defined gravity-capillary waves with crests nearly perpendicular to the wind direction. In this second regime, the wave amplitude increases with wind speed but far more quickly than in the first regime.
Semiclassical initial value representation for the quantum propagator in the Heisenberg interaction representation
Authors: Petersen Jakob , Pollak Eli
Published: December 2015

One of the challenges facing on-the-fly ab initio semiclassical time evolution is the large expense needed to converge the computation. In this paper, we suggest that a significant saving in computational effort may be achieved by employing a semiclassical initial value representation (SCIVR) of the quantum propagator based on the Heisenberg interaction representation. We formulate and test numerically a modification and simplification of the previous semiclassical interaction representation of Shao and Makri [J. Chem. Phys. 113, 3681 (2000)]. The formulation is based on the wavefunction form of the semiclassical propagation instead of the operator form, and so is simpler and cheaper to implement. The semiclassical interaction representation has the advantage that the phase and prefactor vary relatively slowly as compared to the “standard” SCIVR methods. This improves its convergence properties significantly. Using a one-dimensional model system, the approximation is compared with Herman-Kluk’s frozen Gaussian and Heller’s thawed Gaussian approximations. The convergence properties of the interaction representation approach are shown to be favorable and indicate that the interaction representation is a viable way of incorporating on-the-fly force field information within a semiclassical framework.
Structural basis for specificity and promiscuity in a carrier protein/enzyme system from the sulfur cycle
Authors: Grabarczyk Daniel B. , Chappell Paul E. , Johnson Steven , Stelzl Lukas S. , Lea Susan M. , Berks Ben C.
Published: December 2015

Significance

Certain metabolic pathways use a carrier protein to shuttle covalently attached intermediates between the active sites of enzymes. However, the details of the carrier protein–partner interactions have only been elucidated in a few cases. We have used biophysical methods and crystallography to obtain a molecular-level description of the interactions between a carrier protein and an enzyme involved in bacterial sulfur oxidation. Characterization of the contact sites between the two proteins suggests a basis for the promiscuous, but specific, binding interactions of the carrier protein. We also infer that the enzyme discriminates between the substrate- and product-bound forms of the carrier protein based on different interaction kinetics and link this behavior to a structural change at the enzyme active site.
Detection of secondary binding sites in proteins using fragment screening
Authors: Ludlow R. Frederick , Verdonk Marcel L. , Saini Harpreet K. , Tickle Ian J. , Jhoti Harren
Published: December 2015

Significance

The regulation of proteins in biological systems is essential to their function and nature has evolved a diverse array of mechanisms by which to achieve such regulation. Indeed, the primary function of a protein may be regulated by interaction with endogenous ligands or other protein partners binding at secondary sites. In this study, we report that fragment screening using X-ray crystallography can identify such secondary sites that may have a biological function, which in turn implies that the opportunities for modulating protein function with small molecules via such sites are far more widespread than previously assumed. Many of the secondary sites we discovered were previously unknown and therefore offer potential for novel approaches to modulate these protein targets.
Identification of MEDIATOR16 as the
Arabidopsis
COBRA suppressor MONGOOSE1
Authors: Sorek Nadav , Szemenyei Heidi , Sorek Hagit , Landers Abigail , Knight Heather , Bauer Stefan , Wemmer David E. , Somerville Chris R.
Published: December 2015

Significance

The
cobra
mutants of
Arabidopsis
, such as
cob-6
, have impaired growth associated with a defect in cellulose synthesis. Mutations in
MEDIATOR16
(
MED16
) reduce the number of misregulated genes in
cob-6
mutants and suppress the phenotypes. This observation implicates
MED16
in transcriptional responses to cell wall defects. Ectopic expression of two pectin methylesterase inhibitors (PMEIs) identified in a suppressor screen partially suppressed the growth defect in the
cob-6
mutant. The results confirm that the PMEIs have significant in vivo activity, and provide evidence that pectin esterification can modulate cell wall properties.
Football experts versus sports economists: Whose forecasts are better?
Authors: Frick Bernd , Wicker Pamela
Published: December 2015

Given the uncertainty of outcome in sport, predicting the outcome of sporting contests is a major topic in sport sciences. This study examines the accuracy of expert predictions in the German Bundesliga and compares their predictions to those of sports economists. Prior to the start of each season, a set of distinguished experts (head coaches and players) express their subjective evaluations of the teams in school grades. While experts may be driven by irrational sentiments and may therefore systematically over‐ or underestimate specific teams, sports economists use observable characteristics to predict season outcomes. The latter typically use team wage bills given the positive pay–performance relationship as well as other factors (average team age, tenure, appearances on national team, and attendance). Using data from 15 consecutive Bundesliga seasons, the predictive accuracy of expert evaluations and sports economists is analysed. The results of separate estimations show that relative grade and relative wage bill significantly affect relative points, while age, tenure, appearances, and attendance are insignificant. In a joint model, relative grade and relative wage bill are still statistically significant, suggesting that the two types of predictions are complements rather than substitutes. Consequently, football experts and sports economists seem to rely on completely different sources of information when making their predictions.
The effect of β‐alanine supplementation on cycling time trials of different length
Authors: Bellinger Phillip M. , Minahan Clare L.
Published: December 2015

The varying results reported in response to β‐alanine supplementation may be related to the duration and nature of the exercise protocol employed. We investigated the effects of β‐alanine supplementation on a wide range of cycling performance tests in order to produce a clear concise set of criteria for its efficacy. Fourteen trained cyclists (Age = 24.8 ± 6.7 years; VO2max = 65.4 ± 10.2 mL·kg·min−1) participated in this placebo‐controlled, double‐blind study. Prior to supplementation, subjects completed two (familiarization and baseline) supramaximal cycling bouts until exhaustion (120% pre‐supplementation VO2max) and two 1‐, 4‐ and 10‐km cycling time trial (TT). Subjects then supplemented orally for 4 weeks with 6.4 g/d placebo or β‐alanine and repeated the battery of performance tests. Blood lactate was measured pre‐exercise, post‐exercise and 5  min post‐exercise. β‐alanine supplementation elicited significant increases in time to exhaustion (TTE) (17.6 ± 11.5 s; p = 0.013, effect compared with placebo) and was likely to be beneficial to 4‐km TT performance time (−7.8 ± 8.1 s; 94% likelihood), despite not being statistically different (p = 0.060). Performance times in the 1‐ and 10‐km TT were not affected by treatment. For the highly trained cyclists in the current study, β‐alanine supplementation significantly extended supramaximal cycling TTE and may have provided a worthwhile improvement to 4‐km TT performance. However, 1‐ and 10‐km cycling TT performance appears to be unaffected by β‐alanine supplementation.
Obsessive compulsive features predict cautious decision strategies
Authors: Erhan Ceyla , Balcı Fuat
Published: December 2015

Introduction: Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is occasionally characterized by decision-making deficits. Compared to the isolated analysis of the choice and response times, characterizing decision outputs at the level of latent processes can be a more powerful approach in revealing differences, even in subclinical cases. We hypothesized that participants with higher obsessive compulsive (OC) features would set their decision thresholds higher and thus make more cautious decisions. Method: We used a perceptual two-alternative forced-choice (2AFC) task (dot motion discrimination) to test this hypothesis in a non-clinical sample ( N = 74). We fitted the data with the diffusion model and evaluated the optimality of decision outputs. We also conducted exploratory analyses to reveal which subscales best predicted the differences at the level of latent decision processes. Results: Higher OC total scores in Maudsley and Padua scales significantly predicted higher threshold settings (cautiousness). The follow-up exploratory analyses with subscale scores showed that checking and rumination tendencies predicted higher threshold settings whereas washing tendency predicted faster non-decision times. Conclusions: Our primary results showed that participants with higher degrees of OC features exhibit more cautious decision making. Our exploratory analyses also revealed distinctions based on different types of OC features in both controlled (cautiousness in decision making) and automatic (faster non-decision times) elements of the decision process.
Reading Span Task Performance, Linguistic Experience, and the Processing of Unexpected Syntactic Events
Authors: Farmer Thomas A. , Fine Alex B. , Misyak Jennifer B. , Christiansen Morten H.
Published: December 2015

Accounts of individual differences in online language processing ability often focus on the explanatory utility of verbal working memory, as measured by reading span tasks. Although variability in reading span task performance likely reflects individual differences in multiple underlying traits, skills, and processes, accumulating evidence suggests that reading span scores also reflect variability in the linguistic experiences of an individual. Here, through an individual differences approach, we first demonstrate that reading span scores correlate significantly with measures of the amount of experience an individual has had with written language (gauged by measures that provide “proxy estimates” of print exposure). We then explore the relationship between reading span scores and online language processing ability. Individuals with higher reading spans demonstrated greater sensitivity to violations of statistical regularities found in natural language—as evinced by higher reading times (RTs) on the disambiguating region of garden-path sentences—relative to their lower span counterparts. This result held after statistically controlling for individual differences in a non-linguistic operation span task. Taken together, these results suggest that accounts of individual differences in sentence processing can benefit from a stronger focus on experiential factors, especially when considered in relation to variability in perceptual and learning abilities that influence the amount of benefit gleaned from such experience.
Saudi regime resilience after the 2011 Arab popular uprisings
Authors: Al-Rasheed Madawi
Published: December 2015

Although all Arab monarchies (Gulf Cooperation Council countries, Jordan and Morocco) witnessed varying degrees of mass protest during the Arab uprisings of 2011, none of the kings and princes has thus far been deposed. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia saw pockets of sporadic protest in many cities in the early months of 2011, but those failed to evolve into a mass protest movement across the country. This paper analyzes the conditions that led to Saudi stability, attributing it to a combination of domestic and regional factors. The paper also highlights how the conditions that led to monarchical resilience over the last five years may result in unexpected upheavals in the future.
Can the Economy Explain the Explosion in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Caseload? An Assessment of the Local‐level Approach
Authors: Klerman Jacob Alex , Danielson Caroline
Published: December 2015

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has grown rapidly in recent years—by about 50% in the seven years between 2000 and 2007, and by another 70% in the four years between 2007 and 2011—such that in 2011, SNAP served 14% of the U.S. population. Contributing to our understanding of the causes of this very rapid increase in the caseload, this article extends the time period of analysis through and past the official end of the Great Recession, analyzes more geographically disaggregated caseloads and the impact of substate economic conditions, and considers the impact of recent major, state‐level SNAP policy changes. In models that exploit substate‐level data, we find consistent evidence of significant impacts of both the substate level and statewide economy on local area SNAP caseloads. Surprisingly, while one might have expected more geographically disaggregated data to improve the alignment of the measurement with the concept of interest (i.e., the labor market opportunities of an individual), and therefore lead to larger estimates of the impact of the economy, in fact estimates fall—perhaps due to measurement error. We find at best mixed evidence of policy impacts. Simulations indicate that the economy can account for most of the 2007 to 2011 increase in the caseload, although relatively less of the 2000 to 2007 increase. Nonetheless, the role of the economy in driving caseloads appears to be substantial in both periods.
Prediction of the permeability of neutral drugs inferred from their solvation properties
Authors: Milanetti Edoardo , Raimondo Domenico , Tramontano Anna
Published: December 2015

Motivation: Determination of drug absorption is an important component of the drug discovery and development process in that it plays a key role in the decision to promote drug candidates to clinical trials. We have developed a method that, on the basis of an analysis of the dynamic distribution of water molecules around a compound obtained by molecular dynamics simulations, can compute a parameter-free value that correlates very well with the compound permeability measured using the human colon adenocarcinoma (Caco-2) cell line assay.

Results: The method has been tested on twenty-three neutral drugs for which a consistent set of experimental data is available. We show here that our method reproduces the experimental data better than other existing tools. Furthermore it provides a detailed view of the relationship between the hydration and the permeability properties of molecules.

Contact:  anna.tramontano@uniroma1.it

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
SpotCaliper: fast wavelet-based spot detection with accurate size estimation
Authors: Püspöki Zsuzsanna , Sage Daniel , Ward John Paul , Unser Michael
Published: December 2015

Motivation: SpotCaliper is a novel wavelet-based image-analysis software providing a fast automatic detection scheme for circular patterns (spots), combined with the precise estimation of their size. It is implemented as an ImageJ plugin with a friendly user interface. The user is allowed to edit the results by modifying the measurements (in a semi-automated way), extract data for further analysis. The fine tuning of the detections includes the possibility of adjusting or removing the original detections, as well as adding further spots.

Results: The main advantage of the software is its ability to capture the size of spots in a fast and accurate way.

Availability and implementation:  http://bigwww.epfl.ch/algorithms/spotcaliper/

Contact:  zsuzsanna.puspoki@epfl.ch

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Dramatic effect of elasticity on thermal softening and strain localization during lithospheric shortening
Authors: Jaquet Yoann , Duretz Thibault , Schmalholz Stefan M.
Published: December 2015

We present two-dimensional numerical simulations for shortening a viscoelastoplastic lithosphere to quantify the impact of elasticity on strain localization due to thermal softening. The model conserves energy and mechanical work is converted into heat or stored as elastic strain energy. For a shear modulus G = 1010 Pa, a prominent lithospheric shear zone forms and elastic energy release increases the localization intensity (strain rate amplification). For G = 5 × 1010 Pa shear zones still form but deformation is less localized. For G = 1012 Pa, the lithosphere behaves effectively viscoplastic and no shear zones form during homogeneous thickening. Maximal shearing-related increase of surface heat flux is 15–25 mW m−2 and of temperature at lower crustal depth is ∼150 °C, whereby these peak values are transient (0.1–1 My). Elasticity and related energy release can significantly contribute to strain localization and plate-like behaviour of the lithosphere required for plate tectonics.
VLBI observation of the M 81 core with the CVN in X-band and the Pseudo-Closure Analysis
Authors: Kawaguchi Noriyuki , Jiang Wu , Shen Zhi-Qiang
Published: December 2015

The Chinese Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) Network (CVN) is now operating as part of the Chinese Lunar Project to track the lunar orbiter and to trace the motion of the lunar rover. The network works on radio astronomy observations as well. The galaxy core of M 81 was observed at 8.3 GHz by three Chinese VLBI stations; the Nanshan 25-m, Sheshan 25-m, and Tianma 65-m radio telescopes. In the data analysis, we introduce a new parameter, the Pseudo-Closure Amplitude, to remove uncertainties in the sensitivity of the large dish telescope of the Tianma 65-m. The large dish is susceptible to gravitational loading and may show a large change of efficiency with a change of elevation angle. By introducing the Pseudo-Closure Amplitude we have successfully detected a jet in the core of M 81 and measured the position angle.
Significant gas-to-dust ratio asymmetry and variation in the disk of HD 142527 and the indication of gas depletion
Authors: Muto Takayuki , Tsukagoshi Takashi , Momose Munetake , Hanawa Tomoyuki , Nomura Hideko , Fukagawa Misato , Saigo Kazuya , Kataoka Akimasa , Kitamura Yoshimi , Takahashi Sanemichi Z. , Inutsuka Shu-ichiro , Takeuchi Taku , Kobayashi Hiroshi , Akiyama Eiji , Honda Mitsuhiko , Fujiwara Hideaki , Shibai Hiroshi
Published: December 2015

We investigate the dust and gas distribution in the disk around HD 142527 based on ALMA observations of dust continuum emissions, 13CO J = 3–2 and C18O J = 3–2. The disk shows strong azimuthal asymmetry in the dust continuum emission, while gas emission is more symmetric. In this paper, we investigate how gas and dust are distributed in the dust-bright northern part of the disk and in the dust-faint southern part. We construct two axisymmetric disk models. One reproduces the radial profiles of the continuum and the velocity moments 0 and 1 of CO lines in the north, and the other reproduces those in the south. We have found that the dust is concentrated in a narrow ring of ∼50 au width (in FWHM; wd = 30 au in our parameter definition), located at ∼170–200 au from the central star. The dust particles are strongly concentrated in the north. We have found that the dust surface density contrast between the north and the south amounts to ∼70. Compared to the dust, the gas distribution is more extended in the radial direction. We find that the gas component extends at least from ∼100 au to ∼250 au from the central star, and there should also be tenuous gas remaining inside and outside of these radii. The azimuthal asymmetry of gas distribution is much smaller than dust. The gas surface density differs only by a factor of ∼3–10 between the north and south. Hence, the gas-to-dust ratio strongly depends on the location of the disk: ∼30 at the location of the peak of dust distribution in the south and ∼3 at the location of the peak of dust distribution in the north. Despite large uncertainties, we infer that the overall gas-to-dust ratio is ∼10–30, indicating that the gas depletion may already have been under way.
The Use of Prosodic Cues in Sentence Processing by Prelingually Deaf Users of Cochlear Implants
Authors: Holt Colleen M. , Demuth Katherine , Yuen Ivan
Published: December 2015

Objectives:

The purpose of this study is to assess the use of prosodic and contextual cues to focus by prelingually deaf adolescent users of cochlear implants (CIs) when identifying target phonemes. We predict that CI users will have slower reaction times to target phonemes compared with a group of normally-hearing (NH) peers. We also predict that reaction times will be faster when both prosodic and contextual (semantic) cues are provided.

Design:

Eight prelingually deaf adolescent users of CIs and 8 adolescents with NH completed 2 phoneme-monitoring experiments. Participants were aged between 13 and 18 years. The mean age at implantation for the CI group was 1.8 years (SD: 1.0). In the prosodic condition, reaction times to a target phoneme in a linguistically focused (i.e., stressed) word were compared between the two groups. The semantic condition compared reaction time with target phonemes when contextual cues to focus were provided in addition to prosodic cues.

Results:

Reaction times of the CI group were slower than those of the NH group in both the prosodic and semantic conditions. A linear mixed model was used to compare reaction times using Group as a fixed factor and Phoneme and Subject as random factors. When only prosodic cues (prosodic condition) to focus location were provided, the mean reaction time of the CI group was 512 msec compared with 317 msec for the NH group, and this difference was significant (p < 0.001). The provision of contextual cues speeded reaction times for both groups (semantic condition), indicating that top–down processing aided both groups in their search for a focused item. However, even with both prosodic and contextual cues, the CI users’ processing times remained slower, compared with the NH group, with mean reaction times of 385 msec for the CI users but 232 msec for the NH listeners (p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

Prelingually deaf CI users’ processing of prosodic cues is less efficient than that of their NH peers, as evidenced by slower reaction times to targets in phoneme monitoring. The provision of contextual cues speeded reaction times for both NH and CI groups, although the CI users were slower in responding than the NH group. These findings contribute to our understanding of how CI users employ/integrate prosodic and semantic cues in speech processing.
Does Aldosterone Play a Significant Role for Regulation of Vascular Tone?
Authors: Lyngsø Kristina S. , Assersen Kasper , Dalgaard Emil G. , Skott Ole , Jensen Boye L. , Hansen Pernille B. L.
Published: December 2015

Besides the well-known renal effects of aldosterone, the hormone is now known to have direct vascular effects. Clinical observations underline substantial adverse effects of aldosterone on cardiovascular function. The source of systemic circulating aldosterone is the adrenal gland zona glomerulosa cells through stimulus-secretion coupling involving depolarization, opening of L- and T-type calcium channels and aldosterone synthase activation. Local formation and release in peripheral tissues such as perivascular fat is recognized. Where does aldosterone affect the vasculature? Mineralocorticoid receptors (MRs) are present in endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells, and MR-independent pathways are also involved. The vascular effects of aldosterone are complex, both concentration and temporal and spatial aspects are relevant. The acute response includes vasodilation through endothelial nitric oxide formation and vasoconstrictor effects through endothelial-contracting cyclooxygenase-derived factors and a changed calcium handling. The response to aldosterone can change within the same blood vessels depending on the exposure time and status of the endothelium. Chronic responses involve changed levels of reactive oxygen radicals, endothelial Na-influx and smooth muscle calcium channel expression. Furthermore, perivascular cells for example mast cells have also been suggested to participate in the chronic response. Moreover, the vascular effect of aldosterone depends on the status of the endothelium which is likely the cause of the very different responses to aldosterone and MR treatment observed in human studies going from increased to decreased flow depending on whether the patient had prior cardiovascular disease with endothelial dysfunction or not. A preponderance of constrictor versus dilator responses to aldosterone could therefore be involved in the detrimental vascular actions of the hormone in the setting of endothelial dysfunction and contribute to explain the beneficial action of MR blockers on blood pressure and target organ injury.
The Use of Bandage Contact Lenses in Adenoviral Keratoconjunctivitis
Authors: Uçakhan Ömür , Yanik Özge
Published: December 2015

Purpose:

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the use of the bandage contact lenses (BCLs) in adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis-related ocular surface problems.

Methods:

Fifteen eyes of 15 consecutive patients presenting at the Ankara University Medical Center, Cornea and Contact Lens Service, and requiring BCL use for adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis-related ocular surface problems were enrolled. Visual acuity, slitlamp examination findings, indication and duration of the BCL use, the total follow-up, and any adjuvant medication were recorded. All patients were followed regarding the success of treatment and adverse effects associated with BCL use.

Results:

The average age at the time of presentation was 26.8±15.5 years. The major reasons for BCL use included epithelial defect (7 eyes), filamentous keratopathy (5 eyes), epithelial edema (1 eyes), and filamentous keratopathy together with epithelial defect (2 eyes). After the first appearance of conjunctivitis symptoms, the mean time to BCL application was 9.0±3.9 days. The mean duration of contact lens wear was 9.9±6.5 days, and the mean follow-up was 26.4±15.8 days. Preservative-free artificial tears and topical antibiotics were used in all cases. Besides, topical ganciclovir 0.15% gel (8 eyes), topical 0.4% povidone–iodine solution (9 eyes), and topical steroids (11 eyes) were used in various combinations. At the end of the follow-up period, the mean visual acuity improved from 0.23±0.32 logMAR units (∼0.6 Snellen line) to 0.0l±0.04 logMAR units (∼1.0 Snellen line) (P=0.042). No sight-threatening complication related to contact lens wear was encountered.

Conclusion:

Adjuvant use of BCLs seems to be safe and effective in the treatment of adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis-related ocular surface problems. Close follow-up and prophylactic use of topical antibiotics are rationalistic for prevention of secondary infections.
Global Teleophthalmology With the Smartphone for Microscopic Ocular Surgery
Authors: Ye Yufeng , Wang Jianhua , Xie Yanan , Jiang Hong , Zhong Jianguang , He Xiaojian , Zhang Huicheng
Published: December 2015

Purpose:

This study aimed to determine the feasibility and quality of real-time video transferring in global teleophthalmology using two smartphones during microscopic ocular surgery.

Methods:

An iPhone 4S (Apple) was adapted into a surgical microscope in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China to capture video during microscopic ocular surgery. An iPhone 5 (Apple), an iPad2 (Apple), and a desktop computer were used as the receptor on the other side of the globe (Miami, FL). A standard resolution test card and the three surgeries of human eyes were captured. During the global video teleconferencing, the real-time video was transferred through Skype from Hangzhou to Miami. A standard resolution test card and the surgery of human eyes were captured. The real-time image resolutions captured and displayed on both phones at different places were measured. Real-time vocal communications concurrent between two parties took place during video conferencing when the ocular surgery was performed in Hangzhou.

Results:

The video sequences were transferred in real time between the two cities while two parties conversed smoothly without any difficulty. The viewer in Miami clearly visualized the surgical procedure performed in Hangzhou without lagging and distortion. The spatial resolution observed on the video in real time was similar for both phones.

Conclusions:

The study demonstrated that global video teleophthalmology for microscopic ocular surgery is feasible using two smartphones. The simple, portable, and affordable add-on attachment to the surgical microscope transfers high-quality video for real-time global teleophthalmology.
Femtosecond-Assisted LASIK Versus PRK: Comparison of 6-Month Visual Acuity and Quality Outcome for High Myopia
Authors: Hashemi Hassan , Miraftab Mohammad , Ghaffari Reza , Asgari Soheila
Published: December 2015

Objective:

To compare the results of femtosecond-assisted laser in situ keratomileusis (femto-LASIK) and photorefractive keratectomy with mitomycin C (PRK-MMC) for the correction of myopia more than 7.0 diopters (D).

Methods:

In this comparative nonrandomized trial, 60 eyes (30 eyes in each group) were enrolled. Patients were tested for uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), manifest refraction spherical equivalent, ocular and corneal aberrations, and contrast sensitivity (CS) before surgery and at 3 and 6 months postoperatively.

Results:

Mean preoperative myopia was −8.65±1.51 and −8.04±1.70 D in the femto-LASIK and PRK-MMC groups, respectively (P=0.149). Intergroup differences in baseline indices were not statistically significant. At 6 months after surgery, UDVA showed an improving trend, but it was better in the femto-LASIK group (P=0.026). CDVA in the two groups remained similarly unchanged (P=0.170). For the femto-LASIK and PRK-MMC groups, the safety indices were 1.01±0.05 and 1.01±0.14 (P=0.949), respectively, and the efficacy indices were 0.99±0.07 and 0.93±0.22 (P=0.192), respectively. Comparing CS, only CS18 showed a significantly greater decrease in the femto-LASIK group compared with the PRK-MMC group (P=0.016). Intergroup differences were not statistically significant in other spatial frequencies. Changes in the ocular and corneal higher order aberrations were not statistically different between the two groups except ocular coma, which increased in the femto-LASIK group (P=0.041).

Conclusion:

Femto-LASIK improves UDVA better than PRK-MMC in high myopia. However, because of increased coma, the quality of vision is reduced. In other words, visual acuity outcome is better with femto-LASIK and visual quality outcome is better with PRK-MMC.
The Effect of Dehydration and Fasting on Corneal Biomechanical Properties and Intraocular Pressure
Authors: Oltulu Refik , Satirtav Gunhal , Ersan Ismail , Soylu Erkan , Okka Mehmet , Zengin Nazmi
Published: December 2015

Purpose:

To evaluate the changes in corneal biomechanical properties and intraocular pressure (IOP) during fasting period in healthy subjects.

Methods:

Seventy-two eyes of 72 fasting subjects (study group), and 62 eyes of 62 nonfasting subjects (control group) were enrolled in this prospective study undertaken at a single university hospital. All subjects underwent complete ophthalmologic examination including ocular biomechanical evaluation with ocular response analyzer. Ocular response analyzer measurement was performed on the right eyes of the subjects between 5.00 and 6.00 pm after approximately 14 hr of fasting for the study group and after a nonfasting period for the control group. The corneal hysteresis, corneal resistance factor, mean corneal compensated IOP (IOPcc), and Goldmann-correlated IOP (IOPg) values were measured with a patented dynamic bidirectional applanation process.

Results:

Goldmann-correlated IOP and IOPcc measurements in the study group and the control group were found as 13.8±2.8 mm Hg, 14.6±2.6 mm Hg and 16.3±2.2 mm Hg, 15.7±2.4 mm Hg, respectively. There was statistically significant difference within the two groups in IOPg and IOPcc (P<0.001). In addition, corneal hysteresis and corneal resistance factor significantly decreased in study group compared with control group (P<0.001, P=0.012, respectively).

Conclusion:

Prolonged fasting causes a significant decrease in IOPg, IOPcc, corneal hysteresis, and corneal resistance factor in healthy subjects, altering the biomechanical properties of the cornea.
Indications for Keratoplasty at 3 Academic Centers from 2002 to 2012
Authors: Hsu Kimberly M. , Chang Shu-Hong , Brothers Whitney , Edelstein Sean L. , Hsu Hugo Y. , Harocopos George J.
Published: December 2015

Objectives:

To determine whether indications for keratoplasty differ between academic centers and the Eye Bank Association of America (EBAA) annual statistics from 2002 to 2012.

Methods:

A retrospective review was performed for the indications for keratoplasty from 2002 to 2012 based on surgical specimens originating from three different academic centers. Data were compared with statistical reports obtained from the EBAA for the corresponding years.

Results:

From 2002 to 2007, at Washington University in St Louis (WU), the most common indication for keratoplasty was graft failure at 31.6%. At St Louis University, the most common indications for keratoplasty were pseudophakic and aphakic bullous keratopathy (PBK/ABK) at 34.6% followed closely by graft failure at 32.7%. Combining the 2002 to 2007 EBAA data, the most common indication for keratoplasty was PBK/ABK at 19.5%, whereas regrafts accounted for only 13.0% of keratoplasties. From 2008 to 2012, regrafts accounted for 41.9% of keratoplasties at WU and 33.1% of keratoplasties at University of California, Davis. In contrast, the EBAA data showed that only 11.4% of keratoplasties were regrafts.

Conclusions:

Graft failure accounted for approximately 30% to 40% of indications for keratoplasties at three academic centers from 2002 to 2012, which was more than double and in some cases triple that of the EBAA data during this period. These higher frequencies of regrafting may represent a referral bias of patients with complicated cases to academic centers who then require multiple keratoplasties.
Transareolar Robotic-Assisted Access to the Mitral Valve
Authors: Musumeci Francesco , Mariscalco Giovanni , Ranocchi Federico , Tosi Daniele , Persichetti Paolo
Published: December 2015

During the past years, a rapid development and refinements of robotic heart valve techniques have led to consider robotic mitral valve (MV) surgery safe, effective, and durable. Robotic MV surgery has proven to be a cost-effective and cost-saving strategy in MV operations, being associated with reduced morbidity and mortality rates. We present a novel video-assisted transareolar approach to access the MV using the da Vinci Si HD telemanipulation system (Intuitive Surgical, Inc, Sunnyvale, CAUSA). This technique is effective and reproducible, providing maximum patient satisfaction from both the clinical and cosmetic points of view.
Robotically Assisted Bilateral Bronchoplasty for Tracheobronchomalacia
Authors: Lazar John F. , Posner David H. , Palka Wojciech , Spier Laurence N. , Lazzaro Richard S.
Published: December 2015

We describe the technique for the first robotically assisted bilateral bronchoplasty for the treatment of tracheobronchomalacia. Since 1954, this disease process has been treated with a right thoracotomy and posterior splinting of the tracheal membrane with mesh to restore the C-shape of the trachea. Traditional video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery has been of limited benefit in these cases owing to technical challenges. A robotically assisted technique offers the dual benefit of a minimally invasive port-based system while reproducing an open surgical technique.
Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Followed by Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Surgery in Ischemic Mitral Regurgitation
Authors: Mihos Christos G. , Santana Orlando , Pineda Andrés M. , Stone Gregg W. , Hasty Frederick , Beohar Nirat
Published: December 2015

Objective

The optimal treatment strategy in patients with coronary artery disease and ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR) remains controversial. A staged approach of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) followed by minimally invasive valve surgery, rather than combined median sternotomy coronary artery bypass and valve surgery, may be a viable alternative.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated 31 consecutive patients with coronary artery disease and severe IMR who underwent a staged procedure at our institution between February 2009 and April 2014.

Results

The mean ± SD age, preoperative left ventricular ejection fraction, and mitral regurgitation grade were 72 ± 7 years, 35% ± 11%, and 3.6 ± 0.6, respectively. The mean ± SD Society of Thoracic Surgeons-predicted mortality score was 5.1% ± 4.2%. Percutaneous coronary intervention was performed for 1- and 2-vessel disease in 22 patients (71%) and 9 patients (29%), respectively, with 23 patients (74%) having drug-eluting stents placed. Minimally invasive valve surgery was performed within a median of 36 days after PCI, with 61% of the patients being on dual antiplatelet therapy. Post-operatively, there was 1 case of acute kidney injury, 1 case of reoperation for bleeding, and no cerebrovascular accidents. The 30-day mortality was 3%. The median total hospital length of stay was 8 days (interquartile range, 7–10). At a mean ± SD follow-up of 2.4 ± 1.6 years, 2 patients required PCI for target-vessel revascularization. Actuarial survival at 1 and 5 years was 84% and 80%, respectively.

Conclusions

A staged approach in patients with coronary artery disease and IMR can be performed with a low perioperative morbidity and good midterm survival.
Simplified Transapical Aortic Valve Implantation Using the SAPIEN 3 Valve without Preballooning
Authors: Van Linden Amaud , Kim Won-Keun , Liebetrau Christoph , Doss Mirko , Hecker Florian , Arsalan Mani , Blumenstein Johannes , Möllmann Helge , Walther Thomas
Published: December 2015

Objective

Preballooning (PB) of the stenotic aortic valve can be considered common standard during transcatheter aortic valve implantation (T-AVI). Transcatheter aortic valve implantation without preballooning (noPB) using the Edwards SAPIEN XT prosthesis has been described previously. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of next-generation SAPIEN 3 valve implantation without PB.

Methods

Since January 2013, a total of 66 patients received SAPIEN 3 valve implantation at our center using the transapical approach. Patients were treated using the standard PB technique (n = 17 [25.8%]) or no PB (n = 49 [74.2%]).

Results

Baseline characteristics of patient groups were comparable (38% women; mean age, 83 years; STS score, 8%, logistic EuroSCORE I and II, 30% and 8%, respectively). Patients in the PB group were exclusively treated in our earlier experience with this device. Overall 30-day mortality was 4.5% (6.1% for noPB vs. 0% PB; P=ns). Aortic regurgitation was grade 1 or less in 100% (PB) versus 93.9% (noPB); P = ns Median contrast use was 70 (60–95) mL (PB) versus 50 (40–50) mL (noPB); P < 0.001; and median radiation dose was 32.0(17–57) Gy × cm2 (PB) versus 26.6 (16–36) Gy × cm2 (noPB); P < 0.001. Postdilatation was required in one patient only (noPB). The rate of new pacemaker implantations was 41.2% (PB) versus 12.2% (noPB); P = 0.03. Periprocedural stroke occurred in one patient in each group (6% PB vs 2.0% no-PB); P = ns.

Conclusions

Direct transapical SAPIEN 3 valve implantation without PB is feasible and safe. The no-PB technique leads to further simplification of the procedures.
Drug safety at admission to emergency department: an innovative model for PRIOritizing patients for MEdication Reconciliation (PRIOMER)
Authors: Damlien Lisbeth , Davidsen Nina , Nilsen Merethe , Godø Aasmund , Moger Tron A. , Viktil Kirsten K.
Published: December 2015

Objective

This study aimed to develop an innovative prioritizing model for conducting medication reconciliation (MR) at a fast-paced workflow emergency department (ED) and to implement an efficient working model for MR.

Patients and methods

A total of 276 patients were included at the ED, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Norway, and medication discrepancies (MDs) between hospital admission records and information on prehospital medication use were recorded. Clinically relevant medication discrepancies (crMDs) were assessed by a multidisciplinary panel. Binary logistic regression was used to construct the prioritizing model from patient characteristics correlated to crMDs, and patient characteristics included in the model should be easily available in the acute situation. A survey among the physicians made up the basis for the working model for conducting MR.

Results

In total, 62% of the patients had one or more crMD. The following turned out to be risk factors for having a crMD suitable for inclusion in the model: sex (woman), age (≥60), one or more admission to hospital in the last 12 months and admission causes: surgical, malfunction, cancer. The prioritizing model correctly classified 76.1% of the patients as high-risk patients for having a crMD. In the new working model, in which clinical pharmacists/trained nurses perform MR before the physician did the medication history, was perceived to be more time efficient and also clarified questions related to the medication history early in the admission process.

Conclusion

This innovative prioritizing model is designed to be practical in the fast-paced workflow at the ED and can identify what patients are at increased risk of having crMDs. The multidisciplinary working model was proven time efficient and could contribute towards increased patient safety.