bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The plant‐specific protein FEHLSTART controls male meiotic entry, initializing meiotic synchronization in Arabidopsis
Authors: Li Junhua , Dukowic‐Schulze Stefanie , Lindquist Ingrid E. , Farmer Andrew D. , Kelly Bridget , Li Tao , Smith Alan G. , Retzel Ernest F. , Mudge Joann , Chen Changbin
Published: September 2015

Meiosis marks the transition from the sporophyte to the gametophyte generation in the life cycle of flowering plants, and creates genetic variations through homologous recombination. In most flowering plants, meiosis is highly synchronized within each anther, which is significant for efficient fertilization. To date, little is known about the molecular mechanisms of entry into meiosis and exit from it, and only a few genes in Arabidopsis have been characterized with a role in regulating meiotic progression. In this study, we report the functional characterization of a plant‐specific basic helix–loop–helix (bHLH) protein, FEHLSTART (FST), a defect in which leads to premature meiotic entry and asynchronous meiosis, and results in decreased seed yield. Investigation of the time course of meiosis showed that the onset of leptotene, the first stage of prophase I, frequently occurred earlier in fst‐1 than in the wild type. Asynchronous meiosis followed, which could manifest in the disruption of regular spindle structures and symmetric cell divisions in fst‐1 mutants during the meiosis I/II transition. In accordance with frequently accelerated meiotic entry, whole‐transcriptome analysis of fst‐1 anthers undergoing meiosis revealed that 19 circadian rhythm genes were affected and 47 pollen‐related genes were prematurely expressed at a higher level. Taken together, we propose that FST is required for normal meiotic entry and the establishment of meiotic synchrony.
Detection of Epstein–Barr virus in leucoreduced blood products
Authors: Trottier H. , Delage G. , Hu J. , Robitaille N. , Buteau C. , Tucci M. , Lacroix J. , Alfieri C.
Published: September 2015

This study examined the prevalence of three human herpesviruses (HHV), namely HHV‐4 (Epstein–Barr virus/EBV), HHV‐6b and HHV‐7 in leucoreduced blood products obtained from the Sainte‐Justine Hospital blood bank. A total of 100 specimens, including 34 red blood cell concentrates, 33 platelet bags and 33 plasma units, were collected and screened by a sensitive PCR assay using virus‐specific primers. Positive units were then retested by quantitative PCR. Of the 100 specimens, one platelet unit tested positive for EBV.
Coagulation profile after plasma exchange using albumin as a replacement solution measured by thromboelastometry
Authors: Blasi A. , Cid J. , Beltran J. , Taurà P. , Balust J. , Lozano M.
Published: September 2015

Background

Significant decrease in fibrinogen and other coagulation proteins is observed after plasma exchange when albumin is used as a replacement fluid. Little is known about how those changes impact on thromboelastometry (TEM). The aim of this study was to describe the changes in TEM after performing plasma exchange procedures using 5% albumin as a replacement fluid and its correlation with the standard coagulation tests.

Study Design and Methods

Consecutive patients treated with plasma exchange were prospectively recorded. We performed laboratory and TEM assays extrinsec patway [EXTEM and fibrin‐based TEM (fibTEM)] from patient's blood sampled immediately before starting and immediately after finishing each procedure. Bleeding events during and after the procedure were monitored. Mann–Whitney U‐test and Spearman's correlation test were used when needed.

Results

After plasma exchange, all TEM parameters decreased under normal limits, especially the clotting time (CT): 62% reduction (range: 35–84%) and the fibTEM: 50% (range: 62–27%); maximum clot firmness (MCF) decreased to a lesser extent, 23% (range: 29–21%). Main TEM parameters showed a strong correlation with fibrinogen values: CT, r = −0·81; MCF, r = 0·85; and fibTEM, r = 0·79. No bleeding complications were observed.

Conclusion

A profound derangement of TEM parameters was observed after PE, evidenced by delay in the clot formation and reduction in the clot firmness. More studies are warranted to elucidate the clinical implications of derangement in TEM parameters in patients without concomitant coagulopathy.
Caudal Mandibular Bone Height and Buccal Cortical Bone Thickness Measured by Computed Tomography in Healthy Dogs
Authors: Snyder Christopher J. , Soukup Jason W. , Drees Randi , Tabone Tom J.
Published: September 2015

Objective

To characterize bone height and buccal cortical bone thickness of the caudal mandible of healthy dogs.

Study Design

Prospective original study.

Sample Population

Client‐owned dogs (n = 36).

Methods

Dogs were distributed by weight into 3 groups (<10, 10–20, >20 kg). Thirteen transverse plane computed tomography images were selected for each dog based on anatomic landmarks from the 4th premolar (PM4) through the 2nd molar. On each image, bone thickness was measured along the buccal surface of both mandibles from the alveolar margin to the ventral border in 3 mm increments. The number of 3 mm increments were recorded as an estimation of mandibular height.

Results

Buccal bone was generally thicker ventrally in the area studied with decreasing bone thickness over both roots of PM4 and the mesial root of the 1st molar (M1). Cortical bone thickness of <2.0 mm was measured across all groups at most locations 3 mm ventral from the alveolar margin. Mandibular bone height demonstrated significantly fewer (P < .05) 3 mm increments over the distal root of M1 in dogs >10 kg compared with the number of observations at the immediately mesial and distal locations.

Conclusion

Thin cortical bone overlying the mesial and distal roots of PM4 and the mesial root of M1 limits use of these areas for application of monocortical anchorage devices. Decreased mandibular bone height at mandibular M1 may create a stress riser at this location, which along with thin cortical bone may explain why this is a common area for mandibular fracture.
Beneficial effect of a nitric oxide donor in an ex vivo model of pig‐to‐human pulmonary xenotransplantation
Authors: Park Hee Sue , Kim Ji‐Eun , You Hyun Ju , Gu Jayoon , Yoo Byungsu , Lee Saebom , Lee Hyun Joo , Hwang Ho Young , Hwang Yoohwa , Kim Hyun Kyung , Kim Young Tae
Published: September 2015

Background

Nitric oxide (NO) can reduce platelet adhesion and vascular resistance. Tempol can scavenge the reactive oxygen species (ROS) that induce tissue injury. As xenograft rejection attenuates endogenous NO production and generates ROS, we evaluated the potential effect of an NO donor (SIN‐1, 3‐morpholinosydnonimine) and tempol on hyperacute xenograft dysfunction using an ex vivo porcine lung perfusion model.

Methods

For the evaluation of von Willebrand factor (vWF) secretion, human endothelial cells were stimulated with thrombin. Porcine lungs were perfused with either fresh human whole blood (unmodified control group [n = 4]), SIN‐1 (n = 4), or SIN and tempol (n = 4).

Results

SIN‐1 and tempol significantly inhibited vWF secretion from endothelial cells in vitro. However, they did not suppress xenogeneic complement activation. In an ex vivo pulmonary perfusion model, SIN‐1 improved pulmonary xenograft function by reducing pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), inhibiting complement activation, and inhibiting thrombin generation. Combined treatment with tempol and SIN‐1 potentiated PVR reduction, but slightly enhanced complement activation.

Conclusions

An NO donor is expected to improve pulmonary xenograft function through inhibition of vWF secretion, vasoconstriction, thrombin generation, and indirectly through inhibition of complement activation. The additional effects of tempol on an NO donor were not considered significant in an ex vivo xenograft system.
Justifying clinical trials for porcine islet xenotransplantation
Authors: Ellis Cara E. , Korbutt Gregory S.
Published: September 2015

The development of the Edmonton Protocol encouraged a great deal of optimism that a cell‐based cure for type I diabetes could be achieved. However, donor organ shortages prevent islet transplantation from being a widespread solution as the supply cannot possibly equal the demand. Porcine islet xenotransplantation has the potential to address these shortages, and recent preclinical and clinical trials show promising scientific support. Consequently, it is important to consider whether the current science meets the ethical requirements for moving toward clinical trials. Despite the potential risks and the scientific unknowns that remain to be investigated, there is optimism regarding the xenotransplantation of some types of tissue, and enough evidence has been gathered to ethically justify clinical trials for the most safe and advanced area of research, porcine islet transplantation. Researchers must make a concerted effort to maintain a positive image for xenotransplantation, as a few well‐publicized failed trials could irrevocably damage public perception of xenotransplantation. Because all of society carries the burden of risk, it is important that the public be involved in the decision to proceed. As new information from preclinical and clinical trials develops, policy decisions should be frequently updated. If at any point evidence shows that islet xenotransplantation is unsafe, then clinical trials will no longer be justified and they should be halted. However, as of now, the expected benefit of an unlimited supply of islets, combined with adequate informed consent, justifies clinical trials for islet xenotransplantation.
Voltage‐gated Ca2+ influx through L‐type channels contributes to sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ loading in skeletal muscle
Authors: Robin Gaëlle , Allard Bruno
Published: September 2015

Key points

Muscle contraction is triggered by Ca2+ ions released from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) in response to depolarization of skeletal muscle fibres. Muscle activation is also known to be associated with a voltage‐activated trans‐sarcolemmal Ca2+ influx.

Because removal of external Ca2+ does not impede fibres from contracting, a negligible role has been initially attributed to this Ca2+ entry. Furthermore, it is not clearly established whether Ca2+ exclusively flows through L‐type channels.

By monitoring the quenching of fura‐2 fluorescence resulting from Mn2+ influx in voltage‐controlled mouse and zebrafish muscle fibres, we show that the L‐type current is the only contributor to Ca2+ influx during long‐lasting depolarizations.

Calibration of the Mn2+ quenching signal allowed us to estimate an Mn2+ current of 0.31 A F–1 flowing during a train of action potentials.

Measurements of SR Ca2+ changes with fluo‐5N in response to depolarization indicated that voltage‐activated Ca2+/Mn2+ influx contributes to SR Ca2+/Mn2+ loading.

Muscle contraction is triggered by Ca2+ ions released from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) in response to depolarization of skeletal muscle fibres. Muscle activation is also associated with a voltage‐activated trans‐sarcolemmal Ca2+ influx early identified as a current flowing through L‐type Ca2+ channels. Because removal of external Ca2+ does not impede fibres from contracting, a negligible role was given to this voltage‐activated Ca2+ entry, although the decline of Ca2+ release is more pronounced in the absence of Ca2+ during long‐lasting activation. Furthermore, it is not clearly established whether Ca2+ exclusively flows through L‐type channels or in addition through a parallel voltage‐activated pathway distinct from L‐type channels. Here, by monitoring the quenching of fura‐2 fluorescence resulting from Mn2+ influx in voltage‐controlled mouse and zebrafish isolated muscle fibres, we show that the L‐type current is the only contributor to Ca2+ influx during long‐lasting depolarizations in skeletal muscle. Calibration of the Mn2+ quenching signal allowed us to estimate a mean Mn2+ current of 0.31 ± 0.06 A F–1 flowing through L‐type channels during a train of action potentials. Measurements of SR Ca2+ changes with fluo‐5N in response to depolarization revealed that an elevated voltage‐activated Ca2+ current potentiated SR Ca2+ loading and addition of external Mn2+ produced quenching of fluo‐5N in the SR, indicating that voltage‐activated Ca2+/Mn2+ influx contributes to SR Ca2+/Mn2+ loading.
Feedback Control of Self-Sustained Nonlinear Combustion Oscillations
Authors: Li Xinyan , Zhao Dan
Published: September 2015

Detrimental combustion instability is unwanted in gas turbines, aeroengines, rocket motors, and many other combustion systems. In this work, we design and implement a sliding mode controller (SMC) to mitigate self-sustained combustion oscillations in an open-ended thermoacoustic system. An acoustically compact heat source is confined and modeled by using a modified form of King's Law. Coupling the heat source model with a Galerkin series expansion of flow disturbances provides a platform to conduct pseudospectra analysis to gain insight on the system stability behaviors, and to evaluate the performance of the SMC. Two thermoacoustic systems with monopole-like actuators implemented are considered. One is associated with 1 mode and the other is with four modes. Both systems are shown to be controllable. Furthermore, it is found that self-sustained limit cycle oscillations can be successfully generated in both systems, when the actuators are not actuated. In order to gain insight on the thermoacoustic mode selection and triggering, the acoustical energy exchange between neighboring eigenmodes are studied and discussed. As the controller-driven actuators are actuated, the nonlinear limit cycle oscillations are quickly dampened. And both thermoacoustic systems are stabilized by reducing the sound pressure level by approximately 40 dB. Comparison is then made between the performance of the SMC and that of the classical LQR (linear-quadratic-regulator) one. The successful demonstration indicates that the SMC can be applied to stabilize unstable thermoacoustic systems, even with multiple unstable modes.
Losses Due to Conduit Components: An Optimization Strategy and Its Application
Authors: Schmandt Bastian , Herwig Heinz
Published: September 2015

In the present study, we introduce a method which we call the glass box optimization (GBO) method as a strategy how to reduce flow losses whenever numerical data based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD)-results are available. Based on local values of the velocity and entropy generation fields, a systematic analysis of the loss mechanisms involved is used in order to develop control mechanisms for the reduction of losses due to a conduit component. Furthermore, it is shown how the losses are distributed between a component itself and the adjacent flow field. Since often a large amount of the losses occurs outside of the actual component, it is discussed under which circumstances an optimized component leads to improved efficiency of an entire fluid flow network. The method is exemplified for turbulent flow through a 90 deg bend.
Experimental Study on Identification Diffusion Pores, Permeation Pores and Cleats of Coal Samples
Authors: Zou Mingjun , Wei Chongtao , Huang Zhiquan , Zhang Miao , Lv Xiaochun
Published: September 2015

Coal pore systems can be commonly classified as diffusion pores, permeation pores and cleats. The classification accuracy influences the coalbed methane (CBM) migration processes from diffusion to permeation and then to outflow, and finally affects the predicted CBM recoverability. To classify coal pore systems precisely, measurements of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), and nitrogen adsorption isotherm (NAI) are conducted in this paper, and then a comprehensive classification method is proposed. The following cognitions are achieved. NMR spectra can be divided into three categories of three-peak, single narrow peak, and non-three/non-single-narrow peak spectra. The former two categories can be directly used to identify coal pore systems as one peak representing one pore system, and pore systems of the last category can be distinguished by using cumulative amplitudes at the fully water-saturated and centrifuged conditions. Fractal theory suggests that the dividing radii of diffusion–permeation pores obtained by MIP and NAI are quite close, which indicates that the two methods are both effective and accurate. Comparisons between mercury intrusive and cumulative amplitudes indicate that the classification results obtained by measurements of MIP and NMR are similar, which can be a base for transforming transverse relaxation time to pore radius. As a result, the dividing radius of diffusion–permeation pores is about 65 nm, and that of permeation–cleat pores is approximately 600–700 nm.
Lift Augmentation Based on Flap Deflection With Dielectric Barrier Discharge Plasma Flow Control Over Multi-Element Airfoils
Authors: Yang Leilei , Li Jiang , Cai Jinsheng , Wang Guangqiu , Zhang Zhengke
Published: September 2015

The effect of the lift augmentation of multi-element airfoils with increased flap deflection and dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma flow control on the flap at several angles of attack (AOAs) is investigated numerically and experimentally. A phenomenological body force model is employed to simulate the DBD actuators at Re = 1.03 × 106. The simulation results show that the atmospheric plasma generated by the DBD actuators completely suppresses the flow separation over the flap at several AOAs, and consequently, the lift augmentation of a multi-element airfoil can be achieved over the entire prestall AOA range. A corresponding flow control experiment on a multi-element airfoil performed in a low-speed wind tunnel at a freestream velocity of 30 m/s is presented; in this experiment, particle image velocimetry (PIV) was employed for flow visualization over the upper surface of the flap. The PIV results demonstrate that the flow separation on the flap is suppressed completely by the same DBD actuators used in the simulation.
Energy band alignments of Al2O3–HfO2/Al2O3 nanolaminates–SiO2–p-type Si structures
Authors: Rifai Abdulloh , Maikap Siddheswar , Nakamura Yoshio
Published: September 2015

The energy band alignments of Al2O3–HfO2/Al2O3 nanolaminates–SiO2–p-type Si structures were constructed based on the measurement of the band parameters by reflection electron energy-loss spectroscopy and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The valence band offset at HfO2/Al2O3 interface was obtained to be 0.17 ± 0.05 eV, while the valence band offset of 0.98 ± 0.05 eV was observed at HfO2/SiO2 interface. The binding energy shifts in the structures indicate that band bending occurs due to Fermi level alignment built by charge transfer across heterojunctions. From the schematic band diagrams of the structures, it is suggested that more negative charges are present on HfO2-side, which also means there are more negative charges in HfO2/Al2O3 nanolaminates, causing upward band bending in the middle part of the structures.
Local respiratory motion correction for PET/CT imaging: Application to lung cancer
Authors: Lamare F. , Fayad H. , Fernandez P. , Visvikis D.
Published: September 2015

Purpose:

Despite multiple methodologies already proposed to correct respiratory motion in the whole PET imaging field of view (FOV), such approaches have not found wide acceptance in clinical routine. An alternative can be the local respiratory motion correction (LRMC) of data corresponding to a given volume of interest (VOI: organ or tumor). Advantages of LRMC include the use of a simple motion model, faster execution times, and organ specific motion correction. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of LMRC using various motion models for oncology (lung lesion) applications.

Methods:

Both simulated (NURBS based 4D cardiac‐torso phantom) and clinical studies (six patients) were used in the evaluation of the proposed LRMC approach. PET data were acquired in list‐mode and synchronized with respiration. The implemented approach consists first in defining a VOI on the reconstructed motion average image. Gated PET images of the VOI are subsequently reconstructed using only lines of response passing through the selected VOI and are used in combination with a center of gravity or an affine/elastic registration algorithm to derive the transformation maps corresponding to the respiration effects. Those are finally integrated in the reconstruction process to produce a motion free image over the lesion regions.

Results:

Although the center of gravity or affine algorithm achieved similar performance for individual lesion motion correction, the elastic model, applied either locally or to the whole FOV, led to an overall superior performance. The spatial tumor location was altered by 89% and 81% for the elastic model applied locally or to the whole FOV, respectively (compared to 44% and 39% for the center of gravity and affine models, respectively). This resulted in similar associated overall tumor volume changes of 84% and 80%, respectively (compared to 75% and 71% for the center of gravity and affine models, respectively). The application of the nonrigid deformation model in LRMC led to over an order of magnitude gain in computational efficiency of the correction relative to the application of the deformable model to the whole FOV.

Conclusions:

The results of this study support the use of LMRC as a flexible and efficient correction approach for respiratory motion effects for single lesions in the thoracic area.
Technical Note: Characterization of custom 3D printed multimodality imaging phantoms
Authors: Bieniosek Matthew F. , Lee Brian J. , Levin Craig S.
Published: September 2015

Purpose:

Imaging phantoms are important tools for researchers and technicians, but they can be costly and difficult to customize. Three dimensional (3D) printing is a widely available rapid prototyping technique that enables the fabrication of objects with 3D computer generated geometries. It is ideal for quickly producing customized, low cost, multimodal, reusable imaging phantoms. This work validates the use of 3D printed phantoms by comparing CT and PET scans of a 3D printed phantom and a commercial “Micro Deluxe” phantom. This report also presents results from a customized 3D printed PET/MRI phantom, and a customized high resolution imaging phantom with sub‐mm features.

Methods:

CT and PET scans of a 3D printed phantom and a commercial Micro Deluxe (Data Spectrum Corporation, USA) phantom with 1.2, 1.6, 2.4, 3.2, 4.0, and 4.8 mm diameter hot rods were acquired. The measured PET and CT rod sizes, activities, and attenuation coefficients were compared. A PET/MRI scan of a custom 3D printed phantom with hot and cold rods was performed, with photon attenuation and normalization measurements performed with a separate 3D printed normalization phantom. X‐ray transmission scans of a customized two level high resolution 3D printed phantom with sub‐mm features were also performed.

Results:

Results show very good agreement between commercial and 3D printed micro deluxe phantoms with less than 3% difference in CT measured rod diameter, less than 5% difference in PET measured rod diameter, and a maximum of 6.2% difference in average rod activity from a 10 min, 333 kBq/ml (9 μCi/ml) Siemens Inveon (Siemens Healthcare, Germany) PET scan. In all cases, these differences were within the measurement uncertainties of our setups. PET/MRI scans successfully identified 3D printed hot and cold rods on PET and MRI modalities. X‐ray projection images of a 3D printed high resolution phantom identified features as small as 350 μm wide.

Conclusions:

This work shows that 3D printed phantoms can be functionally equivalent to commercially available phantoms. They are a viable option for quickly distributing and fabricating low cost, customized phantoms.
Difference in electrodynamic transduction between speaker and alternator in thermoacoustic applications
Authors: Gonen Eran , Grossman Gershon
Published: September 2015

Conventional reciprocating pistons, normally found in thermoacoustic engines, tend to introduce complex impedance characteristics, including acoustic, mechanical, and electrical portions. System behavior and performance usually rely on proper tuning processes and selection of an optimal point of operation, affected substantially by complementary hardware, typically adjusted for the specific application. The present study proposes an alternative perspective on the alternator behavior, by considering the relative motion between gas and piston during the engine mode of operation. Direct analytical derivation of the velocity distribution inside a tight seal gap and the associated impedance is employed to estimate the electro-acoustic conversion efficiency, thus indicating how to improve the system performance. The influence of acoustic phase, gap dimensions, and working conditions is examined, suggesting the need to develop tighter and longer seal gaps, having increased impedance, to allow optimization for use in upcoming sustainable power generation solutions and smart grids.
Toddlers' comprehension of degraded signals: Noise-vocoded versus sine-wave analogs
Authors: Newman Rochelle S. , Chatterjee Monita , Morini Giovanna , Remez Robert E.
Published: September 2015

Recent findings suggest that development changes the ability to comprehend degraded speech. Preschool children showed greater difficulties perceiving noise-vocoded speech (a signal that integrates amplitude over broad frequency bands) than sine-wave speech (which maintains the spectral peaks without the spectrum envelope). In contrast, 27-month-old children in the present study could recognize speech with either type of degradation and performed slightly better with eight-channel vocoded speech than with sine-wave speech. This suggests that children's identification performance depends critically on the degree of degradation and that their success in recognizing unfamiliar speech encodings is encouraging overall.
Physical Activity and Lung Cancer: A Case-Control Study in Brazil
Authors: Brizio Maria Laura Resem , Hallal Pedro C. , Lee I-Min , Domingues Marlos Rodrigues
Published: September 2015

Background:

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between lifetime physical activity and risk of lung cancer.

Methods:

A case-control study was conducted in southern Brazil. Case subjects were recruited from oncology services of 4 hospitals. Control subjects were selected from the same hospitals, but from different services (traumatology and emergency). Both case subjects (n = 81) and control subjects (n = 168) were interviewed using a questionnaire about sociodemographic characteristics, anthropometric information and family history of cancer. Control subjects were matched to case subjects according to sex and age (± 5 years). Detailed information on smoking was collected. Physical activity was measured using the Lifetime Physical Activity Questionnaire.

Results:

Of the case subjects, 89% were either current or former smokers; among control subjects, this value was 57%. Participants in the second, third, and fourth quartiles of all-domains physical activity had odds ratios of 0.54 (95% CI, 0.21–1.40), 0.25 (95% CI, 0.08–0.72), and 0.24 (95% CI, 0.07–0.83) for lung cancer, compared with the lowest quartile, after adjusting for confounding. In the fully adjusted models, leisure-time physical activity was not associated with lung cancer risk.

Conclusion:

Lifetime all-domains physical activity may reduce the risk of lung cancer.
Exercise on Prescription: A Cross-sectional Study With Self-reported Outcome
Authors: Pedersen Helene Buch , Helmer-Nielsen Morten , Dieperink Karin Brochstedt , Østergaard Birte
Published: September 2015

Background:

Exercise on prescription (EOP) is an attempt to increase physical activity among sedentary adults with signs of lifestyle diseases. Until now, no studies have focused on patients with chronic diseases and how they assess the long-term effect of participating in EOP consisting of supervised interventions of different intensities. This study aimed to describe and compare self-reported physical activity in the long term among participants in 3 EOP modules of different intensities.

Methods:

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 1152 former participants in EOP between July 2005 and May 2007 in 2 Danish counties. Physical activity was measured as number of days with a minimum 30 minutes of moderate/vigorous activity.

Results:

Seventy-five percent (n = 854) returned the questionnaire. Of these, 36% reported being physically active ≥ 5 days/week. Comparing leisure-time activities before EOP 29% was sedentary vs. 15% (P < 0 .01) after, moderate + hard leisure-time activities was 7% before vs. 19% after EOP (P < 0 .01). Time postintervention did not influence the numbers reporting to be physical active negatively.

Conclusions:

This study in community-dwelling adults with chronic diseases participating in EOP finds that approximately one-third reported being physically active in the long term postintervention, but no differences between the modalities were found.
Comparison of Subjective and Objective Measures of Sedentary Behavior Using the Yale Physical Activity Survey and Accelerometry in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Gilbert Abigail L. , Lee Jungwha , Ma Madeleine , Semanik Pamela A. , DiPietro Loretta , Dunlop Dorothy D. , Chang Rowland W.
Published: September 2015

Background:

Sedentary behavior is associated with increased risk of functional decline and disability. Individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) spend more time sedentary than healthy adults. Self-reported assessment of sedentary behavior has not been well-developed in this patient population.

Methods:

172 adults with RA wore an accelerometer for 7 days and completed a modified version of the Yale Physical Activity Survey (YPAS). YPAS-derived sedentary estimates included 1) daily sitting categories (<3, 3 to 6, 6 to 8, >8 hours/day), 2) continuous daily sedentary time calculated by subtracting hours spent sleeping or in physical activity from a 24-hour day, and 3) rank order of YPAS-derived continuous daily sedentary time. Each estimate was compared with objective accelerometer-derived sedentary time using linear regression and Bland-Altman analysis.

Results:

A significant relationship was observed between accelerometer-derived sedentary time and all 3 estimates. Bland-Altman plot demonstrated systematic bias, however Bland-Altman plot of rank-order demonstrated that the ranked YPAS-derived continuous estimate was an unbiased predictor of ranked accelerometer sedentary time though limits of agreement were wide.

Conclusions:

This patient-reported approach using the YPAS shows promise to be a useful tool to identify the most sedentary patients. Providing a practical and accurate tool may increase the frequency sedentary behavior is assessed by clinicians.
GOP legislators choke on ozone standards
Authors: Mervis Jeffrey
Published: September 2015

Correlation may not mean causation when statistical trends point in opposite directions.
Cave was lasting home to Denisovans
Authors: Gibbons Ann
Published: September 2015

Dates and DNA solidify presence of elusive human relative in Siberia.
Ebola vaccines face daunting path to approval
Authors: Cohen Jon , Enserink Martin
Published: September 2015

Triumph in a clinical trial is no guarantee a vaccine stock will be available in the next outbreak.
A Trial for the ages
Authors: Hall Stephen S.
Published: September 2015

Nir Barzilai wants to launch the first rigorous test of a drug that could put the brakes on aging.
Cryo-EM shows the polymerase structures and a nonspooled genome within a dsRNA virus
Authors: Liu Hongrong , Cheng Lingpeng
Published: September 2015

Caught in the act of copying

The genomes of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) viruses consist of about a dozen dsRNA segments enclosed by a protein coat. Inside the host cell, the coat remains intact, and the dsRNAs have to replicate within the coat. Liu and Cheng used cryo–electron microscopy of cypovirus particles to catch the dsRNAs in the act of being copied. The structures revealed that the RNA formed a liquid-crystalline array on which viral enzymes carry out multiple rounds of transcription to replicate the viral genome.

Science
, this issue p.
1347
The distributional preferences of an elite
Authors: Fisman Raymond , Jakiela Pamela , Kariv Shachar , Markovits Daniel
Published: September 2015

Few thoughts for those with the most

A weighty scholarly tome has sparked a year-long public discussion of the unevenness of income and wealth distributions in the United States. In essence, a few people have a lot of both. Moral philosophers and economists have argued for centuries about the tradeoffs in life strategy that might explain wealth imbalance: between fairness and selfishness, and equality and efficiency. Fisman
et al.
describe the preferences of a group of elite students at Yale Law School. These elites lean toward selfishness and efficiency more than the average American, and these preferences are reflected in their job choices.

Science
, this issue p.
10.1126/science.aab0096
Fractal atomic-level percolation in metallic glasses
Authors: Chen David Z. , Shi Crystal Y. , An Qi , Zeng Qiaoshi , Mao Wendy L. , Goddard William A. , Greer Julia R.
Published: September 2015

Percolating cluster, factal structure

Metallic glasses are appealing materials because they are strong and can bend without breaking. These materials are disordered but possess none of the defects seen in crystalline counterparts. Chen
et al.
developed a model for metallic glasses in which clusters of atoms float free in the liquid, begin to jam, and finally organize into a short-range fractal structure below the glass transition temperature. This model also accounted for the density and high strength characteristics of bulk samples.

Science
, this issue p.
1306
The Ro60 autoantigen binds endogenous retroelements and regulates inflammatory gene expression
Authors: Hung T. , Pratt G. A. , Sundararaman B. , Townsend M. J. , Chaivorapol C. , Bhangale T. , Graham R. R. , Ortmann W. , Criswell L. A. , Yeo G. W. , Behrens T. W.
Published: September 2015

An Aluring new autoantibody target

Autoimmunity is the immune system's ultimate act of betrayal. Cells designed to protect against invading microbes suddenly target the host instead. In the autoimmune disease systemic lupus erythematosus, antibodies target DNA and host proteins, including the RNA binding protein Ro60. Hung
et al.
discovered that Ro60 bound to endogenous Alu retroelements. They detected antibody-Ro60-Alu RNA immune complexes in the blood of individuals with lupus and an enrichment of Alu transcripts. Ro60 bound to Alu probably primes RNA-binding innate immune receptors within B cells, leading these cells to make antibodies that target Ro60-Alu RNA and drive disease-causing inflammation.

Science
, this issue p.
455
A mechanism for the segregation of age in mammalian neural stem cells
Authors: Moore D. L. , Pilz G. A. , Araúzo-Bravo M. J. , Barral Y. , Jessberger S.
Published: September 2015

Youthful damage limitation in stem cells

Every day brings more risk of damage to stem cells, which could have consequences for the whole organism. Moore
et al.
observed that dividing neural stem cells in rodents establish a diffusion barrier that restricts damaged proteins to one daughter cell, leaving the other with intact molecules. But with age this diffusion barrier weakens, so that replicating stem cells of older animals are less able to exclude damaged proteins than are the stem cells of younger rodents.

Science
, this issue p.
1334
Enchained by visible light–mediated photoredox catalysis
Authors: Kärkäs Markus D. , Matsuura Bryan S. , Stephenson Corey R. J.
Published: September 2015

Radical-chain processes can dominate the kinetics of photogenerated radical catalysis
Cooling down ceramic fuel cells
Authors: Gorte Raymond J.
Published: September 2015

Simplified processing and improved performance may lead to low-temperature fuel cells

[Also see Report by

Duan
et al.

]
Strength in small numbers
Authors: Tishkoff Sarah
Published: September 2015

A small-scale genome study of an indigenous population elucidates the genetics that influence height and weight

[Also see Report by

Fumagalli
et al.

]
Draft Genome Sequence of Non-Vibrio parahaemolyticus Acute Hepatopancreatic Necrosis Disease Strain KC13.17.5, Isolated from Diseased Shrimp in Vietnam
Authors: Kondo Hidehiro , Van Phan Thi , Dang Lua T. , Hirono Ikuo
Published: September 2015

A strain of
Vibrio
(KC13.17.5) causing acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND) in shrimp in northern Vietnam was isolated. Normally, AHPND is caused by
Vibrio parahaemolyticus
, but the genomic sequence of the strain indicated that it belonged to
Vibrio harveyi
. The sequence data included plasmid-like sequences and putative virulence genes.
Complete DNA Sequence of Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae, the Causal Agent of Kiwifruit Canker Disease
Authors: Templeton Matthew D. , Warren Benjamin A. , Andersen Mark T. , Rikkerink Erik H. A. , Fineran Peter C.
Published: September 2015

Pseudomonas syringae
pv. actinidiae is the causal agent of bacterial canker of kiwifruit, a disease that has rapidly spread worldwide. We have fully sequenced and assembled the chromosomal and plasmid DNA from
P. syringae
pv. actinidiae ICMP 18884 using the PacBio RS II platform.
Draft Genome Sequences of the Fish Pathogen Vibrio harveyi Strains VH2 and VH5
Authors: Castillo Daniel , D’Alvise Paul , Middelboe Mathias , Gram Lone , Liu Siyang , Kalatzis Panos G. , Kokkari Constantina , Katharios Pantelis
Published: September 2015

Vibrio harveyi
is an important marine pathogen that is responsible for vibriosis outbreaks in cultured fish and invertebrates worldwide. Here, we announce the draft genome sequences of
V. harveyi
strains VH2 and VH5, isolated from farmed juvenile
Seriola dumerili
during outbreaks of vibriosis in Crete, Greece.
Genome Sequence of Virgibacillus pantothenticus DSM 26
T
(ATCC 14576), a Mesophilic and Halotolerant Bacterium Isolated from Soil
Authors: Wang Jie-ping , Liu Bo , Liu Guo-hong , Chen De-ju , Zhu Yu-jing , Chen Zheng , Che Jian-mei
Published: September 2015

Virgibacillus pantothenticus
DSM 26
T
is a Gram-positive, spore-forming, aerobic, mesophilic, and halotolerant bacterium. Here, we report its 4.76-Mb draft genome sequence, which is the first genome information of
V. pantothenticus
and will promote biological research and biotechnological application for the species.
Complete Genome Sequence of Hyperthermophilic Piezophilic Archaeon Palaeococcus pacificus DY20341
T
, Isolated from Deep-Sea Hydrothermal Sediments
Authors: Zeng Xiang , Jebbar Mohamed , Shao Zongze
Published: September 2015

We report the genome sequence of
Palaeococcus pacificus
DY20341
T
, isolated from a sediment sample collected from eastern Pacific Ocean hydrothermal fields, which is the first report of a complete genome for a
Palaeococcus
species. The genome sequence will help to better understand differentiation phylogenetic relationships and evolution of several
Thermococcales
species.
Complete Genome Sequence of Campylobacter gracilis ATCC 33236
T
Authors: Miller William G. , Yee Emma
Published: September 2015

The human oral pathogen
Campylobacter gracilis
has been isolated from periodontal and endodontal infections, and also from nonoral head, neck, or lung infections. This study describes the whole-genome sequence of the human periodontal isolate ATCC 33236
T
(=FDC 1084), which is the first closed genome for
C. gracilis
.
Life-threatening Q fever infection following exposure to kangaroos and wallabies
Authors: Stevenson Sarah , Gowardman John , Tozer Sarah , Woods Marion
Published: September 2015

A 28-year-old woman, a park ranger, developed acute Q fever with associated sepsis, profound jaundice, disseminated intravascular coagulation and multiorgan failure necessitating prolonged admission to the intensive care unit for ventilatory support. She recovered fully and remains well 4 years later.
Streptococcal pharyngitis: an uncommon cause of subdural empyema
Authors: Walden Jeffrey Howard , Hess Bryan , Rigby Michael
Published: September 2015

A 7-year-old girl with an unremarkable medical history presented to a local paediatric emergency department with a 7-day history of fever, sore throat and vomiting, and a 1-day history of rash. She was admitted to the hospital, with presumed Kawasaki disease. A few hours after admission, the patient had sudden onset of two witnessed tonic–clonic seizures and subsequent decreased mental status. She was transferred to the paediatric intensive care unit and started on broad-spectrum antibiotics. On hospital day 2, cerebral spinal fluid cultures and blood cultures grewStreptococcus pyogenes, and repeat physical examination was consistent with acute streptococcal pharyngitis. On hospital day 3, the patient developed left-sided hemiparesis and had another witnessed seizure. A CT scan was obtained and revealed a subdural abscess. She was transferred to a tertiary care centre and underwent craniotomy with evacuation of her subdural abscess. Surgical cultures eventually grewS. pyogenes.
Effects of fish predation on density and size spectra of prey fish communities in lakes
Authors: Mehner Thomas , Keeling Caroline , Emmrich Matthias , Holmgren Kerstin , Argillier Christine , Volta Pietro , Winfield Ian J. , Brucet Sandra
Published: September 2015

Planktivorous and benthivorous fish have been documented to influence the density and size structure of their prey communities in lakes. We hypothesized that piscivorous fish modify their prey fish communities in the same way and sought to find evidence for such predation effects from a comparison across 356 lakes located in nine European ecoregions. We categorized individual fish as being piscivore, nonpiscivore, or prey of piscivores, depending on species and individual size. We calculated piscivore, nonpiscivore, and piscivore prey densities, respectively, and fit linear abundance size spectra (SS) on lake-specific piscivore, nonpiscivore, and piscivore-prey size distributions. Multiple linear regressions were calculated to quantify the effect of piscivore density and SS slopes on nonpiscivore and piscivore-prey densities and SS slopes by accounting for potentially confounding factors arising from lake morphometry, productivity, and local air temperature. Piscivore density correlated positively with piscivore-prey density but was uncorrelated with density of nonpiscivores. Across a subset of 76 lakes for which SS slopes of piscivores were statistically significant, SS slopes of piscivores were uncorrelated with SS slopes of either nonpiscivores or piscivore prey. However, densities of piscivores, nonpiscivores, or piscivore prey were a significant negative predictor of SS slopes of the respective groups. Our analyses suggest that direct predation effects by piscivorous fish on density and size structure of prey fish communities are weak in European lakes, likely caused by low predator–prey size ratios and the resulting size refuges for prey fish. In contrast, competition may substantially contribute to between-lake variability in fish density and size.
A microscopic derivation of nuclear collective rotation–vibration model, axially symmetric case
Authors: Gulshani P.
Published: September 2015

We derive a microscopic version of the successful phenomenological hydrodynamic model of Bohr–Davydov–Faessler–Greiner for collective rotation–vibration motion of an axially symmetric deformed nucleus. The derivation is not limited to small oscillation amplitudes. The nuclear Schrödinger equation is canonically transformed to collective coordinates, and then linearized using a constrained variational method. The associated constraints are imposed on the wavefunction rather than on the particle coordinates. This approach yields three self-consistent, time-reversal invariant, cranking-type Schrödinger equations for the rotation–vibration and intrinsic motions, and a self-consistency equation. For harmonic oscillator mean-field potentials, these equations are solved in closed forms and applied to the ground-state rotational bands in some axially symmetric nuclei. The results are compared with those of other models and related measured data.
Nandrolone decanoate negatively reverses the beneficial effects of exercise on cardiac muscle via sarcolemmal, but not mitochondrial KATP channel
Authors: Bayat Gholamreza , Javan Mohammad , Safari Fatemeh , Khalili Azadeh , Shokri Saeed , Goudarzvand Mahdi , Salimi Mehdi , Hajizadeh Sohrab
Published: September 2015

ATP-sensitive potassium channels are supposed to have a substantial role in improvement of cardiac performance. This study was performed to evaluate whether nandrolone decanoate (ND) and (or) exercise training could affect the expression of cardiac KATP channel subunits. Thirty-five male albino Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups, including sedentary control (SC), sedentary vehicle (SV), sedentary ND (SND), exercise control (EC), and exercise and ND (E+ND). Exercise training was performed on a treadmill 5 times per week. ND was injected (10 mg/kg/week, i.m.) to the rats in the SND and E+ND groups. Following cardiac isolation, the expression of both sarcolemmal and mitochondrial subunits of KATP channel was measured using Western blot method. The expression of sarcolemmal, but not mitochondrial, subunits of KATP channel (Kir6.2 and SUR2) of EC group was significantly higher compared with SC group while ND administration (SND group) did not show any change in their expression. In the E+ND group, ND administration led to decrease of the over-expression of sarcolemmal Kir6.2 and SUR2 which was previously induced by exercise. There was no significant association between the mitochondrial expression of either Kir6.2 or SUR2 proteins and administration of ND or exercise. Supra-physiological dosage of ND negatively reverses the effects of exercise on the cardiac muscle expression of sarcolemmal, but not mitochondrial, KATP channel subunits.
HOW THE 1978 FOREIGN DOMESTIC WORKERS LAW INCREASED THE LABOR SUPPLY OF SINGAPOREAN WOMEN
Authors: FREIRE TIAGO
Published: September 2015

In 1978, Singapore became the first country to introduce legislation allowing foreign domestic workers to work in the country under special visas. Although Singapore is often cited in the literature as a success story, no studies have quantified the impact of this legislation. In this paper, we use data derived from the Singapore Yearbook of Manpower Statistics between 1974 and 1985 to determine the influence of the 1978 legislation on the labor supply of Singaporean women. We find that the labor supply of women affected by this policy increased by between 3.1% and 6.2%.
New Design of Scan Flip-Flop to Increase Speed and Reduce Power Consumption
Authors: Razmdideh Ramin , Mahani Ali , Saneei Mohsen
Published: September 2015

In this paper, a novel low-power and high-speed pulse triggered scan flip-flop is presented, in which short circuit current is controlled. Switching activity is decreased to reduce the consumed power of the scan flip-flop. Also, the total number of transistors through the path from input to the output is reduced and so the delay of the proposed scan flip-flop is decreased. Simulation results show 12% and 29% reduction in power consumption and delay of the proposed scan flip-flop, respectively. The results are given by comparison of our work with other scan flip-flops at 50% data switching activity.