bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High quality semicontinuous deep reactive ion etching of silicon for the creation of x-ray lenses
Authors: Richter Karola , Mocker André , Bartha Johann-Wolfgang
Published: May 2017

In this work, the authors developed a deep reactive ion etching (DRIE) process to fabricate x-ray-nano-lenses and so-called adiabatic focusing lenses made of silicon. Based on the photolithographic fabrication of excellent etch masks, including a continued adjustment of the pattern layout and the application of a novel developed so-called semicontinuous DRIE process, the creation of several generations of silicon lenses was realized. This process enabled us to fulfill the extreme high demands on the pattern quality, which are an aspect ratio up to 10:1, a tilt angle of 90 ± 0.5°, a mask undercut ≤100 nm, parallelism of the sidewalls, and a surface roughness lower than 50 nm. Using this etching process, the authors successfully created patterns for x-ray-lenses in silicon with lateral dimensions from 20 μm down to 1 μm and etch depths of 19 μm for the 20-μm-lenses and 10 μm for the 1-μm-lenses.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Chryseobacterium
Strain CBo1 Isolated from
Bactrocera oleae
Authors: Blow Frances , Vontas John , Darby Alistair C.
Published: May 2017

Bacteria of the genus
Chryseobacterium
have previously been identified as mutualists of plants and insects.
Chryseobacterium
strain CBo1 was cultured from the gut of the agricultural pest
Bactrocera oleae
and its whole genome sequenced. This genomic resource will aid investigations into the transition of microbes between plant and invertebrate hosts.
Draft Genome Sequence and Assembly of a Lysobacter enzymogenes Strain with Biological Control Activity against Root Knot Nematodes
Authors: Hernández Iker , Fernàndez Carolina
Published: May 2017

Lysobacter enzymogenes
strain B25, an isolate from an agricultural field, acts as a biological control agent against root knot nematodes in tomato plants. B25 also controls several fungal diseases and promotes plant growth under abiotic stress. We hereby report on the draft genome sequence and assembly of B25.
Complete Genome Sequence of Riemerella anatipestifer Serotype 10 Strain HXb2
Authors: Hu Qinghai , Qi Jingjing , Bo Huimin , Liu Guangqing , Tao Minjie , Ding Yunzhu , Xue Yafei
Published: May 2017

The complete genome sequence of highly virulent
Riemerella anatipestifer
strain HXb2 was determined. The genome consisted of a single circular chromosome of 2,425,237 bp containing 2,383 putative open reading frames (ORFs), 9 rRNA operons, and 40 tRNA genes.
Draft Genome Sequence of Mycobacterium boenickei CIP 107829
Authors: Bouam Amar , Robert Catherine , Croce Olivier , Levasseur Anthony , Drancourt Michel
Published: May 2017

Mycobacterium boenickei
is a rapidly growing mycobacterium isolated for the first time from a leg wound in the United States. Its 6,506,908-bp draft genome exhibits a 66.77% G+C content, 6,279 protein-coding genes, and 59 predicted RNA genes.
In silico
DNA-DNA hybridization confirms its assignment to the
Mycobacterium fortuitum
complex.
A solitary fibrous tumour mimicking an aggressive angiomyxoma/liposarcoma
Authors: Tan Grace Hwei Ching , Ng Deanna , Hennedige Tiffany , Teo Melissa
Published: May 2017

We present a case of a solitary fibrous tumour (SFT) resembling an aggressive angiomyxoma/liposarcoma on radiological imaging, causing significant diagnostic challenges preoperatively. A 76-year-old male was incidentally found to have a large pelvic mass on a CT scan. Further evaluation with an MRI scan confirmed a presacral mass containing fat and soft tissue components. It was inseparable from the sacrococcygeal spine, rectal serosa and the posterior wall of the urinary bladder, but no evidence of invasion was seen. A prominent vascular pedicle arising from the epidural vasculature was also noted. Differentials discussed at the multidisciplinary tumour board were an aggressive angiomyxoma versus a liposarcoma. The patient underwent wide resection of the pelvic tumour, anterior resection and end colostomy. Intraoperatively, a large 20 cm pelvic mass involving the sigmoid mesocolon and presacral fascia was found. Final histology reported an SFT with extensive adipocytic metaplasia.
Oesophageal stent placement to treat a massive iatrogenic duodenal defect after laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Authors: Greenbaum Alissa , Parasher Gulshan , Demarest Gerald , Auyang Edward
Published: May 2017

Iatrogenic duodenal injury occurring during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is managed surgically, though rarely a large, persistent fistula is refractory to surgical interventions. We present the case of a 40-year-old woman transferred to our centre following elective LC for a reported perforated duodenal ulcer. An uncontained leak was found to originate from a 1.5 cm duodenal defect, with no evidence of ulceration. A duodenostomy tube was placed. One month after abdominal closure, the patient continued to have a persistent, large duodenal fistula. A through-the-scope covered oesophageal stent was placed under endoscopic and fluoroscopic guidance. Five weeks later, it was successfully retrieved and no subsequent extravasation of contrast from the duodenum was noted. Unrecognised iatrogenic duodenal injuries sustained during LC can be catastrophic. In cases of massive duodenal defects and high-output biliary fistula uncontrolled after surgical intervention, endoscopic-guided and fluoroscopic-guided placement of a fully covered oesophageal stent may be lifesaving.
The case of the mysterious vanishing spleen: autosplenectomy complicating pneumococcal sepsis
Authors: Moritz Georgina , Jenkins Megan , Shetty Dushyant , Blundell Julie
Published: May 2017

A 57-year-old previously healthy fisherman was admitted in fulminant pneumococcal septic shock, with disseminated intravascular coagulation, requiring aggressive management including bilateral below-knee amputations for ischaemic necrosis. He began to recover and was discharged for rehabilitation, however during his convalescence was found to be hypercalcaemic. No malignancy was found on CT scan, but it was noted that his spleen was absent, replaced by a 4 cm smooth-walled, fluid-filled lesion. This was unexpected as an ultrasound in intensive care 10 weeks previously had demonstrated a normal spleen. Functional hyposplenism was confirmed on a peripheral blood film with evidence of target cells, spherocytes and Howell-Jolly bodies. A diagnosis of autosplenectomy complicating pneumococcal sepsis was therefore made, of which there is just one case previously reported. The patient continues to recover well and was discharged on penicillin prophylaxis after receiving vaccinations for hyposplenism.
Does more education mean less disability in people with dementia? A large cross-sectional study in Taiwan
Authors: Huang Shih-Wei , Chi Wen-Chou , Yen Chia-Feng , Chang Kwang-Hwa , Liao Hua-Fang , Escorpizo Reuben , Chang Feng-Hang , Liou Tsan-Hon
Published: May 2017

Background

WHO Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0) is a feasible tool for assessing functional disability and analysing the risk of institutionalisation among elderly patients with dementia. However, the data for the effect of education on disability status in patients with dementia is lacking. The aim of this large-scale, population-based study was to analyse the effect of education on the disability status of elderly Taiwanese patients with dementia by using WHODAS 2.0.

Methods

From the Taiwan Data Bank of Persons with Disability, we enrolled 7698 disabled elderly (older than 65 years) patients diagnosed with dementia between July 2012 and January 2014. According to their education status, we categorised these patients with and without formal education (3849 patients each). We controlled for the demographic variables through propensity score matching. The standardised scores of these patients in the six domains of WHODAS 2.0 were evaluated by certified interviewers. Student’s t-test was used for comparing the WHODAS 2.0 scores of patients with dementia in the two aforementioned groups. Poisson regression was applied for analysing the association among all the investigated variables.

Results

Patients with formal education had low disability status in the domains of getting along and social participation than did patients without formal education. Poisson regression revealed that standardised scores in all domains of WHODAS 2.0—except self-care—were associated with education status.

Conclusions

This study revealed lower disability status in the WHODAS 2.0 domains of getting along and social participation for patients with dementia with formal education compared with those without formal education. For patients with disability and dementia without formal education, community intervention of social participation should be implemented to maintain better social interaction ability.
Is vaginal breech delivery associated with higher risk for perinatal death and cerebral palsy compared with vaginal cephalic birth? Registry-based cohort study in Norway
Authors: Bjellmo Solveig , Andersen Guro L , Martinussen Marit Petra , Romundstad Pål Richard , Hjelle Sissel , Moster Dag , Vik Torstein
Published: May 2017

Objective

This paper aims to study if vaginal breech delivery is associated with increased risk for neonatal mortality (NNM) or cerebral palsy (CP) in Norway where vaginal delivery accounts for 1/3 of all breech deliveries.

Design

Cohort study using information from the national Medical BirthRegister and Cerebral Palsy Register.

Setting

Births in Norway 1999–2009.

Participants

520 047 term-born singletons without congenital malformations.

Main outcome measures

NNM, CP and a composite outcome of these and death during birth.

Results

Compared with cephalic births, breech births had substantially increased risk for NNM but not for CP. Vaginal delivery was planned for 7917 of 16 700 fetuses in breech, while 5561 actually delivered vaginally. Among these, NNM was 0.9 per 1000 compared with 0.3 per 1000 in vaginal cephalic delivery, and 0.8 per 1000 in those actually born by caesarean delivery (CD) in breech. Compared with planned cephalic delivery, planned vaginal delivery was associated with excess risk for NNM (OR 2.4; 95% CI 1.2 to 4.9), while the OR associated with planned breech CD was 1.6 (95% CI 0.7 to 3.7). These risks were attenuated when NNM was substituted by the composite outcome. Vaginal breech delivery was not associated with excess risk for CP compared with vaginal cephalic delivery.

Conclusion

Vaginal breech delivery, regardless of whether planned or actual, and actual breech CD were associated with excess risk for NNM compared with vaginal cephalic delivery, but not with CP. The risk for NNM and CP in planned breech CD did not differ significantly from planned vaginal cephalic delivery. However, the absolute risk for these outcomes was low, and taking into consideration potential long-term adverse consequences of CD for the child and later deliveries, we therefore conclude that vaginal breech delivery may be recommended, provided competent obstetric care and strict criteria for selection to vaginal delivery.
The microstructure and mechanical properties of Ni–Co–ZrO2 nanocomposite coatings
Authors: Wang Yuxin , Hu Bo , Tay See Leng , Hou Fengyan , Gao Wei , Chen Weiwei
Published: May 2017

Ni–Co–ZrO2 nanocomposite coatings have been electroplated on mild steel by adding ZrO2 nanoparticles into an Ni–Co plating solution. The microstructure and mechanical properties of nanocomposite coatings were systematically investigated. The results show that the microhardness of Ni–Co–ZrO2 nanocomposite coatings varied significantly with the quantity of ZrO2 nanoparticles. Ni–Co–10 g/L ZrO2 nanocomposite coating exhibited the optimum mechanical properties due to the dispersion strengthening effect. Addition of ZrO2 nanoparticles beyond 10 g/L led to particle agglomeration and caused a porous coating structure, resulting in a deterioration of coating mechanical properties.
Investigation of PTCR effect and microdefects in Nb2O5-doped BaTiO3-based ceramics by positron annihilation techniques
Authors: Cheng Xuxin , Cui Haining , Li Xiaoxia , Deng Wen
Published: May 2017

The influence of Nb2O5-doped concentration on the positive temperature coefficient of resistance (PTCR) effect, electrical properties and microdefects of (Ba[Formula: see text]Sr[Formula: see text])(TiNb[Formula: see text])O3 (BSTN) ceramics were investigated. Firing was conducted at 1350[Formula: see text]C for 2 h in air. The donor-doped content affected the electrical properties, PTCR effect and formation of the microdefect type of the BSTN samples. The room temperature resistivity of the BSTN specimens first decreased and then increased with increasing donor-doped content in the range of 0.2 mol.% Nb[Formula: see text] to 0.5 mol.% Nb[Formula: see text]. Moreover, the information on microdefects in BSTN ceramics was demonstrated by coincidence Doppler broadening spectrum. The influence of the defects on the PTCR characteristics of the ceramics was also revealed.
Congestion relaxation due to density-dependent junction rules in TASEP network
Authors: Tannai Takahiro , Nishinari Katsuhiro
Published: May 2017

We now consider a small network module of Totally Asymmetric Simple Exclusion Process with branching and aggregation points, and rules of junctions dependent on the densities of segments of the network module. We also focus on the interaction among junctions which are branching and aggregation. The interaction among junctions with density-dependent rules possesses more complexity than those with density-independent rules studied in the previous papers. In conclusion, we confirm the result that density-dependent rules enable vehicles to move more effectively than the density-independent rules.
Mathematical models of self-propelled particles
Authors: Bellomo N. , Brezzi F.
Published: May 2017

This paper presents the papers published in two special issues devoted to the modeling of large systems of self-propelled particles. The contents of these papers are presented in the general framework of the conceptual analytic difficulties and of the computational problems that are met when dealing with this class of systems. In addition, some perspective ideas on possible objectives of future research are extracted from the contents of this issue and brought to the reader’s attention.
Continuous higher randomness
Authors: Bienvenu Laurent , Greenberg Noam , Monin Benoit
Published: May 2017

We investigate the role of continuous reductions and continuous relativization in the context of higher randomness. We define a higher analogue of Turing reducibility and show that it interacts well with higher randomness, for example with respect to van Lambalgen’s theorem and the Miller–Yu/Levin theorem. We study lowness for continuous relativization of randomness, and show the equivalence of the higher analogues of the different characterizations of lowness for Martin-Löf randomness. We also characterize computing higher [Formula: see text]-trivial sets by higher random sequences. We give a separation between higher notions of randomness, in particular between higher weak 2-randomness and [Formula: see text]-randomness. To do so we investigate classes of functions computable from Kleene’s [Formula: see text] based on strong forms of the higher limit lemma.
Geometrically Nonlinear Transient Response of Laminated Plates with Flexible Supports
Authors: Yang Shao-Chong , Yang Qing-Sheng
Published: May 2017

Laminated plates are loading-bearing components that are generally connected to flexible pads and exhibit complicated mechanical responses. To investigate the geometrically nonlinear transient responses of a laminated plate with flexible pad supports, a varied constraint reaction model and a systematic numerical procedure are presented in this paper. The flexible pad supports of the plate were treated as viscoelastic boundary conditions, wherein the strip-type pad per unit length was modeled as a cantilever beam. The nonlinear Kelvin–Voigt model was developed to simulate the nonlinear viscoelastic behaviors of the flexible pads. The dynamically varied constraint reactions generated by the viscoelastic supports, which depend upon the displacement and velocity of the nodes along the plate edge, were determined by the deflection and slope equations of the beam theory used, and they were applied on the plate edges by using the nonlinear load functions. Thus, the dynamical responses of the laminated plate with viscoelastic supports were obtained. Numerical results show that the present method can effectively treat the geometrically nonlinear transient response of the laminated plate with viscoelastic supports, and it is essential to consider the effects of non-ideal boundary conditions in the nonlinear transient analysis.
Sarcolemmal distribution of ICa and INCX and Ca2+ autoregulation in mouse ventricular myocytes
Authors: Gadeberg Hanne C. , Kong Cherrie H. T. , Bryant Simon M. , James Andrew F. , Orchard Clive H.
Published: May 2017

The balance of Ca2+ influx and efflux regulates the Ca2+ load of cardiac myocytes, a process known as autoregulation. Previous work has shown that Ca2+ influx, via L-type Ca2+ current ( ICa), and efflux, via the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX), occur predominantly at t-tubules; however, the role of t-tubules in autoregulation is unknown. Therefore, we investigated the sarcolemmal distribution of ICa and NCX current ( INCX), and autoregulation, in mouse ventricular myocytes using whole cell voltage-clamp and simultaneous Ca2+ measurements in intact and detubulated (DT) cells. In contrast to the rat, INCX was located predominantly at the surface membrane, and the hysteresis between INCX and Ca2+ observed in intact myocytes was preserved after detubulation. Immunostaining showed both NCX and ryanodine receptors (RyRs) at the t-tubules and surface membrane, consistent with colocalization of NCX and RyRs at both sites. Unlike INCX, ICa was found predominantly in the t-tubules. Recovery of the Ca2+ transient amplitude to steady state (autoregulation) after application of 200 µM or 10 mM caffeine was slower in DT cells than in intact cells. However, during application of 200 µM caffeine to increase sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ release, DT and intact cells recovered at the same rate. It appears likely that this asymmetric response to changes in SR Ca2+ release is a consequence of the distribution of ICa, which is reduced in DT cells and is required to refill the SR after depletion, and NCX, which is little affected by detubulation, remaining available to remove Ca2+ when SR Ca2+ release is increased.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study shows that in contrast to the rat, mouse ventricular Na+/Ca2+ exchange current density is lower in the t-tubules than in the surface sarcolemma and Ca2+ current is predominantly located in the t-tubules. As a consequence, the t-tubules play a role in recovery (autoregulation) from reduced, but not increased, sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release.
Exercise training and metformin, but not exercise training alone, decreases insulin production and increases insulin clearance in adults with prediabetes
Authors: Viskochil Richard , Malin Steven K. , Blankenship Jennifer M. , Braun Barry
Published: May 2017

Adding metformin to exercise does not augment the effect of training alone to boost whole body insulin sensitivity and lower circulating insulin concentrations. Although lower insulin concentrations (lower supply) following lifestyle and/or pharmacological interventions are primarily attributed to reductions in insulin secretion that match increases in peripheral insulin sensitivity (lower demand), it is unclear whether exercise and/or metformin exert direct effects on insulin production, extraction, or clearance. Thirty-six middle-aged, obese, sedentary adults with prediabetes were randomized to placebo (P), metformin (M), exercise and placebo (E+P), or exercise and metformin (E+M) for 12 wk. Fasting plasma proinsulin (an indicator of insulin production), C-peptide, insulin, and glucose were collected before and after the intervention. Peripheral insulin sensitivity (euglycemic clamp), hepatic insulin extraction, insulin clearance, body weight, and cardiorespiratory fitness were also measured. Fasting proinsulin was unchanged following P (19.4 ± 10.1 vs. 22.6 ± 15.0 pmol/l), E+P (15.1 ± 7.4 vs. 15.5 ± 7.4 pmol/l), or M (24.8 ± 18.9 vs. 16.7 ± 20.3 pmol/l) but was significantly reduced after E+M (18.6 ± 11.9 vs. 13.9 ± 6.7 pmol/l; P = 0.04). Insulin clearance was significantly greater following M (384.6 ± 19.4 vs. 477.4 ± 49.9; P = 0.03) and E+M (400.1 ± 32.0 vs. 482.9 ± 33.9; P = 0.02) but was unchanged in P or E+P. In this study, metformin combined with exercise training reduced circulating proinsulin, and both groups taking metformin increased insulin clearance. This suggests that adding metformin to exercise may augment or attenuate training effects depending on the outcome or organ system being assessed.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Exercise is increasingly viewed as medication, creating a need to understand its interactions with other common medications. Research suggests metformin, a widely prescribed diabetes medication, may diminish the benefits of exercise when used in combination. In this study, however, metformin combined with exercise training, but not exercise alone, lowered proinsulin concentrations and increased insulin clearance in adults with prediabetes. This may directly influence personalized prescriptions of lifestyle and/or pharmacology to reduce diabetes risk.
Combined Anti-VEGF and Anti–CTLA-4 Therapy Elicits Humoral Immunity to Galectin-1 Which Is Associated with Favorable Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Wu Xinqi , Li Jingjing , Connolly Erin M. , Liao Xiaoyun , Ouyang Jing , Giobbie-Hurder Anita , Lawrence Donald , McDermott David , Murphy George , Zhou Jun , Piesche Matthias , Dranoff Glenn , Rodig Scott , Shipp Margaret , Hodi F. Stephen
Published: May 2017

The combination of anti-VEGF blockade (bevacizumab) with immune checkpoint anti–CTLA-4 blockade (ipilimumab) in a phase I study showed tumor endothelial activation and immune cell infiltration that were associated with favorable clinical outcomes in patients with metastatic melanoma. To identify potential immune targets responsible for these observations, posttreatment plasma from long-term responding patients were used to screen human protein arrays. We reported that ipilimumab plus bevacizumab therapy elicited humoral immune responses to galectin-1 (Gal-1), which exhibits protumor, proangiogenesis, and immunosuppressive activities in 37.2% of treated patients. Gal-1 antibodies purified from posttreatment plasma suppressed the binding of Gal-1 to CD45, a T-cell surface receptor that transduces apoptotic signals upon binding to extracellular Gal-1. Antibody responses to Gal-1 were found more frequently in the group of patients with therapeutic responses and correlated with improved overall survival. In contrast, another subgroup of treated patients had increased circulating Gal-1 protein instead, and they had reduced overall survival. Our findings suggest that humoral immunity to Gal-1 may contribute to the efficacy of anti-VEGF and anti–CTLA-4 combination therapy. Gal-1 may offer an additional therapeutic target linking anti-angiogenesis and immune checkpoint blockade. Cancer Immunol Res; 5(6); 446–54. ©2017 AACR.
Elevated Levels of Selenium Species in Cerebrospinal Fluid of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Patients with Disease-Associated Gene Mutations
Authors: Mandrioli Jessica , Michalke Bernhard , Solovyev Nikolay , Grill Peter , Violi Federica , Lunetta Christian , Conte Amelia , Sansone Valeria Ada , Sabatelli Mario , Vinceti Marco
Published: May 2017

Background: Although an increasing role of genetic susceptibility has been recognized, the role of environmental risk factors in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) etiology is largely uncertain; among neurotoxic chemicals, epidemiological and biological plausibility has been provided for pesticides, the heavy metal lead, the metalloid selenium, and other persistent organic pollutants. Selenium involvement in ALS has been suggested on the basis of epidemiological studies, in vitro investigations, and veterinary studies in which selenium induced a selective toxicity against motor neurons. Objective: Hypothesizing a multistep pathogenic mechanism (genetic susceptibility and environmental exposure), we aimed to study selenium species in ALS patients carrying disease-associated gene mutations as compared to a series of hospital controls. Methods: Using advanced analytical techniques, we determined selenium species in cerebrospinal fluid sampled at diagnosis in 9 ALS patients carrying different gene mutations (C9ORF72, SOD1, FUS, TARDBP, ATXN2, and TUBA4A) compared to 42 controls. Results: In a patient with the tubulin-related TUBA4A mutation, we found highly elevated levels (in μg/L) of glutathione-peroxidase-bound selenium (32.8 vs. 1.0) as well as increased levels of selenoprotein-P-bound selenium (2.4 vs. 0.8), selenite (1.8 vs. 0.1), and selenate (0.9 vs. 0.1). In the remaining ALS patients, we detected elevated selenomethionine-bound selenium levels (0.38 vs. 0.06). Conclusions: Selenium compounds can impair tubulin synthesis and the cytoskeleton structure, as do tubulin-related gene mutations. The elevated selenium species levels in the TUBA4A patient may have a genetic etiology and/or represent a pathogenic pathway through which this mutation favors disease onset, though unmeasured confounding cannot be excluded. The elevated selenomethionine levels in the other patients are also of interest due to the toxicity of this nonphysiological selenium species. Our study is the first to assess selenium exposure in genetic ALS, suggesting an interaction between this environmental factor and genetics in triggering disease onset.
Chronic Autoimmune Meningoencephalitis and Periodic Fever Syndrome Treated with Anakinra
Authors: Novroski Alyssa-Rae , Baldwin Kelly J.
Published: May 2017

We report the case of a 63-year-old male diagnosed with chronic autoimmune mediated meningoencephalitis and periodic cyclical fever syndrome. After 2 years of failed conventional treatment and recurrent hospitalizations, anakinra treatment (an interleukin-1 [IL-1] receptor antagonist) was trialed which resulted in full recovery. As evidenced by this case, anakinra can be used to treat chronic autoimmune meningitis, which can often be refractory to treatment.
Performance of AHEAD Score in an Asian Cohort of Acute Heart Failure With Either Preserved or Reduced Left Ventricular Systolic Function
Authors: Chen Yu‐Jen , Sung Shih‐Hsien , Cheng Hao‐Min , Huang Wei‐Ming , Wu Chung‐Li , Huang Chi‐Jung , Hsu Pai‐Feng , Yeh Jong‐Shiuan , Guo Chao‐Yu , Yu Wen‐Chung , Chen Chen‐Huan
Published: May 2017

Background

AHEAD
(A: atrial fibrillation; H: hemoglobin; E: elderly; A: abnormal renal parameters; D: diabetes mellitus) score has been related to clinical outcomes of acute heart failure. However, the prognostic value of the
AHEAD
score in acute heart failure patients with either reduced or preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (
HF
r
EF
and
HF
p
EF
) remain to be elucidated.

Methods and Results

The study population consisted of 2143 patients (age 77±12 years, 68% men, 38%
HF
r
EF
) hospitalized primarily for acute heart failure with a median follow‐up of 23.75 months. The performance of the
AHEAD
score (atrial fibrillation, hemoglobin <13 mg/dL for men and 12 mg/dL for women, age >70 years, creatinine >130 μmol/L, and diabetes mellitus) was evaluated by Cox's regression analysis for predicting cardiovascular and all‐cause mortality. The mean
AHEAD
scores were 2.7±1.2 in the total study population, 2.6±1.3 in the
HF
r
EF
group, and 2.7±1.1 in the
HF
p
EF
group. After accounting for sex, sodium, uric acid, and medications, the
AHEAD
score remained significantly associated with all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality (hazard ratio and 95% CI: 1.49, 1.38–1.60 and 1.48, 1.33–1.64), respectively. The associations of
AHEAD
score with mortality remained significant in the subgroups of
HF
r
EF
(1.63, 1.47–1.82) and
HF
p
EF
(1.34, 1.22–1.48). Moreover, when we calculated a new
AHEAD
‐U score by considering uric acid (>8.6 mg/dL) in addition to the
AHEAD
score, the net reclassification was improved by 19.7% and 20.1% for predicting all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality, respectively.

Conclusions

The
AHEAD
score was useful in predicting long‐term mortality in the Asian acute heart failure cohort with either
HF
r
EF
or
HF
p
EF
. The new
AHEAD
‐U score may further improve risk stratification.
Atmospheric Boundary Layer Turbulence Closure Scheme for Wind-Following Swell Conditions
Authors: Wu Lichuan , Rutgersson Anna , Nilsson Erik
Published: May 2017

Over the ocean, atmospheric boundary layer turbulence can be altered by underlying waves. Under swell conditions, the impact of waves on the atmosphere is more complicated compared to that under wind-wave conditions. Based on large-eddy simulation (LES), the wind-following swell impact on the atmospheric boundary layer is investigated through three terms: swell-induced surface momentum flux, the vertical profile of swell-induced momentum flux, and the swell impact on atmospheric mixing. The swell-induced surface momentum flux displays a decreasing trend with increasing atmospheric convection. The swell-induced momentum flux decays approximately exponentially with height. Compared with atmospheric convection, the decay coefficient is more sensitive to wave age. Atmospheric mixing is enhanced under swell conditions relative to a flat stationary surface. The swell impact on the atmospheric boundary layer is incorporated into a turbulence closure parameterization through the three terms. The modified turbulence closure parameterization is introduced into a single-column atmospheric model to simulate LES cases. Adding only the swell impact on the atmospheric mixing has a limited influence on wind profiles. Adding both the impact of swell on the atmospheric mixing and the profile of swell-induced momentum flux significantly improves the agreement between the 1D atmospheric simulation results and the LES results, to some extent simulating the wave-induced low-level wind jet. It is concluded that the swell impact should be included in atmospheric numerical models.
Generation of Internal Solitary Waves by Lateral Circulation in a Stratified Estuary
Authors: Xie Xiaohui , Li Ming , Scully Malcolm , Boicourt William C.
Published: May 2017

Internal solitary waves are commonly observed in the coastal ocean where they are known to contribute to mass transport and turbulent mixing. While these waves are often generated by cross-isobath barotropic tidal currents, novel observations are presented suggesting that internal solitary waves result from along-isobath tidal flows over channel-shoal bathymetry. Mooring and ship-based velocity, temperature, and salinity data were collected over a cross-channel section in a stratified estuary. The data show that Ekman forcing on along-channel tidal currents drives lateral circulation, which interacts with the stratified water over the deep channel to generate a supercritical mode-2 internal lee wave. This lee wave propagates onto the shallow shoal and evolves into a group of internal solitary waves of elevation due to nonlinear steepening. These observations highlight the potential importance of three-dimensionality on the conversion of tidal flow to internal waves in the rotating ocean.
Brokerage as a Public Good: The Externalities of Network Hubs for Different Formal Roles in Creative Organizations
Authors: Clement Julien , Shipilov Andrew , Galunic Charles
Published: May 2017

Although much is known about how brokerage positions in social networks help individuals improve their own performance, we know little about the impact of brokers on those around them. Our study investigates brokerage as a public good. We focus on the positive and negative externalities of specific kinds of brokers: “hubs,” who act as the main interfaces between members of their own network community (“network neighbors”) and members of other communities. Because hubs access diverse knowledge and perspectives, they create positive externalities by providing novel ideas to their network neighbors. But hubs also generate negative externalities: extensive cross-community activity puts heavy demands on their attention and time, so that hubs may not provide strong commitment to their neighbors’ projects. Because of this, network neighbors experience different externalities from hubs depending on their own formal role in projects. We use insights from our fieldwork in the French television game show industry to illustrate the mechanisms at play, and we test our theory with archival data on this industry from 1995 to 2012. Results suggest that the positive externalities of hubs help their neighbors contribute to the success of projects when these neighbors hold creativity-focused roles; yet the negative externalities of hubs hinder their neighbors’ contributions when they hold efficiency-focused roles.
Effects of Anti- Versus Pro-Vaccine Narratives on Responses by Recipients Varying in Numeracy: A Cross-sectional Survey-Based Experiment
Authors: Bruine de Bruin Wändi , Wallin Annika , Parker Andrew M. , Strough JoNell , Hanmer Janel
Published: May 2017

Background. To inform their health decisions, patients may seek narratives describing other patients’ evaluations of their treatment experiences. Narratives can provide anti-treatment or pro-treatment evaluative meaning that low-numerate patients may especially struggle to derive from statistical information. Here, we examined whether anti-vaccine (v. pro-vaccine) narratives had relatively stronger effects on the perceived informativeness and judged vaccination probabilities reported among recipients with lower (v. higher) numeracy. Methods. Participants ( n = 1,113) from a nationally representative US internet panel were randomly assigned to an anti-vaccine or pro-vaccine narrative, as presented by a patient discussing a personal experience, a physician discussing a patient’s experience, or a physician discussing the experiences of 50 patients. Anti-vaccine narratives described flu experiences of patients who got the flu after getting vaccinated; pro-vaccine narratives described flu experiences of patients who got the flu after not getting vaccinated. Participants indicated their probability of getting vaccinated and rated the informativeness of the narratives. Results. Participants with lower numeracy generally perceived narratives as more informative. By comparison, participants with higher numeracy rated especially anti-vaccine narratives as less informative. Anti-vaccine narratives reduced the judged vaccination probabilities as compared with pro-vaccine narratives, especially among participants with lower numeracy. Mediation analyses suggested that low-numerate individuals’ vaccination probabilities were reduced by anti-vaccine narratives—and, to a lesser extent, boosted by pro-vaccine narratives—because they perceived narratives to be more informative. These findings were similar for narratives provided by patients and physicians. Conclusions. Patients with lower numeracy may rely more on narrative information when making their decisions. These findings have implications for the development of health communications and decision aids.
Prevalence and extent of right-to-left shunt on contrast-enhanced transcranial Doppler in Chinese patients with migraine in a multicentre case-control study
Authors: Wang Si-Bo , Liu Kang-Ding , Yang Yi , Li Ya-Jie , Hu Ming-Yi , Lin Pan , Guo Rong , Tian Qian , You Yong , Cui Ying-Hua , Zhang Guan-Ling , Dong Zhao , Gao Yong-Sheng , Xing Ying-Qi
Published: May 2017

Background

The association between RLS and migraine is still debated. The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence and grade of RLS in Chinese patients with migraine and to evaluate the relationship between RLS and migraine.

Methods

A multi-center case-control study of contrast-enhanced transcranial Doppler was conducted in 931 consecutive patients with migraine (240 of 931 had migraine with aura and 691 of 931 were in the migraine without aura group) and 282 were healthy adults. Clinical trial no. NCT02425696.

Results

The prevalence of RLS was 63.8% and 39.9% in the migraine with aura group (MA+) and migraine without aura group (MA−), respectively, significantly higher than that of the healthy group (29.4%, p < 0.001; p < 0.001). The positive rate of large RLS in the MA+ group and MA− group was 32.1% and 16.5%, respectively, significantly higher than healthy group (6.4%, p < 0.001; p < 0.001). There was no difference among groups in terms of positive rate of permanent RLS ( p = 0.704).

Conclusion

This multi-centre case-control study suggested that there is an association between RLS and migraine with and without aura, especially when the shunt is large.
The edTPA as an Occasion for Structuring Faculty Dialogue Across the Divide? A “Checklist Manifesto” for a More Inclusive Teacher Education
Authors: Pugach Marleen C.
Published: May 2017

Collaboration across teacher education in the service of a more inclusive preservice pedagogy is now taking place within a context of high intensity accountability that includes the widespread adoption of the edTPA. This analysis explores how teacher educators in special and general education might advance the preparation of preservice students for inclusive teaching when faculty are obliged to use the edTPA to measure candidate learning. Drawing on Atul Gawande’s (2009) work in the field of medicine related to the value of using checklists to improve outcomes among experts in practical settings, the author proposes the Teacher Education for Inclusion Checklist. This tool is designed to help overcome the underappreciated power of the historical divide between general and special education, which often serves as a default position for how teacher educators work together, and to provide guidance for how faculty might engage in dialogue across the assessments mandated by the edTPA.
The Role of Organizational Justice and Stress in Predicting Job Burnout
Authors: Dishon-Berkovits Miriam
Published: May 2017

This study explores how job-burnout dimensions—emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and personal accomplishment—relate to distributive justice and stress. Questionnaire data were collected in a cross-sectional design from 90 information technology professionals. Structural equation modeling analysis indicated that low levels of perceived justice are associated with higher exhaustion. Next, a parallel mechanism unfolds: High levels of exhaustion are directly related to low levels of personal accomplishment. At the same time, high levels of exhaustion are associated with high levels of cynicism, which are associated with higher levels of self-accomplishment. These findings are consistent with theories, suggesting that employees may utilize cynicism as a defense mechanism in an attempt to protect the self. Cynicism also mediated the relationship between stress and personal accomplishment. Cynicism may help employees cope with exhaustion and stress and thus may protect their sense of self-worth. Theoretical and applied implications for organizations, career development, and counseling are discussed.
Observer-based dynamic surface control for high-performance aircraft subjected to unsteady aerodynamics and actuator saturation
Authors: Zhou Chijun , Zhu Jihong , Lei Humin , Yuan Xiaming
Published: May 2017

In this article, a novel observer-based dynamic surface control scheme is designed for high-performance aircraft attitude tracking in the presence of model uncertainties, unsteady aerodynamics and actuator saturation. Attitude dynamics with unsteady effects is first established to improve model accuracy, of which properties are investigated via open-loop analysis. Based on the compound observer, precise estimation of model uncertainties and unsteady states are achieved simultaneously. The magnitude and rate saturation are approximated by sigmoid function and addressed separately in dynamic surface control synthesis, where two auxiliary subsystems are employed as well to describe the constrained actuator dynamics and solve the non-affine issue, respectively. By using adaptive laws and first-order filters, estimate and approximate errors are robust compensated and the “explosion of terms” problem is also eliminated. Moreover, tracking error can be adjusted to arbitrarily small by choosing proper design parameters. The robustness and effectiveness of the proposed control scheme are verified by numerical simulations.
Hypoxia induces oncogene yes-associated protein 1 nuclear translocation to promote pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma invasion via epithelial–mesenchymal transition
Authors: Wei Honglong , Xu Zongzhen , Liu Feng , Wang Fuhai , Wang Xin , Sun Xueying , Li Jie
Published: May 2017

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is one of the most lethal cancers. The Hippo pathway is involved in tumorigenesis and remodeling of tumor microenvironments. Hypoxia exists in the microenvironment of solid tumors, including pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and plays a vital role in tumor progression and metastasis. However, it remains unclear how hypoxia interacts with the Hippo pathway to regulate these events. In this study, expressions of yes-associated protein 1 and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α were found to be elevated in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma samples compared with those in matched adjacent non-tumor samples. Moreover, hypoxia-inducible factor-1α expression was positively correlated with yes-associated protein 1 level in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma tissues. The higher expression of nuclear yes-associated protein 1 was associated with poor histological grade and prognosis for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma patients. In vitro, yes-associated protein 1 was highly expressed in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells. Depletion of yes-associated protein 1 inhibited the invasion of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells via downregulation of Vimentin, matrix metalloproteinase-2, and matrix metalloproteinase-13, and upregulation of E-cadherin. In addition, hypoxia promoted the invasion of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells via regulating the targeted genes. Hypoxia also deactivated the Hippo pathway and induced yes-associated protein 1 nuclear translocation. Furthermore, depletion of yes-associated protein 1 or hypoxia-inducible factor-1α suppressed the invasion of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells under hypoxia. Mechanism studies showed that nuclear yes-associated protein 1 interacted with hypoxia-inducible factor-1α and activated Snail transcription to participate in epithelial–mesenchymal transition–mediated and matrix metalloproteinase–mediated remodeling of tumor microenvironments. Collectively, yes-associated protein 1 is an independent prognostic predictor that interacts with hypoxia-inducible factor-1α to enhance the invasion of pancreatic cancer cells and remodeling of tumor microenvironments. Therefore, yes-associated protein 1 may serve as a novel promising target to enhance therapeutic effects for treating pancreatic cancer.
The role of Sox6 and Netrin-1 in ovarian cancer cell growth, invasiveness, and angiogenesis
Authors: Li Yi , Xiao Ming , Guo Fangchun
Published: May 2017

SOX6 plays important roles in cell proliferation, differentiation, and cell fate determination. It has been confirmed that SOX6 is a tumor suppressor and downregulated in various cancers, including esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, and chronic myeloid leukemia. Netrin-1 is highly expressed in various human cancers and acts as an anti-apoptotic and proangiogenic factor to drive tumorigenesis. The role of SOX6 and netrin-1 in regulating the growth of ovarian tumor cells still remains unclear. Real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot were used to determine the SOX6 messenger RNA and protein levels, respectively, in ovarian cancer cells and tumor tissues. Stable transfection of SOX6 was conducted to overexpress SOX6 in PA-1 and SW626 cells. Cell viability was measured by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Invasion of ovarian cancer cells and migration of human umbilical vein endothelial cells were confirmed by Transwell assays. To overexpress netrin-1, ovarian cancer cells with SOX6 restoration was transduced with netrin-1 lentiviral particles. PA-1 xenografts in a nude mice model were used to conduct in vivo evaluation of the role of SOX6 and its relationship with netrin-1 in tumor growth and angiogenesis. In this study, we found significantly reduced SOX6 levels in PA-1, SW626, SK-OV-3, and CaoV-3 ovarian cancer cell lines and human tumor tissues in comparison with normal human ovarian epithelial cells or matched non-tumor tissues. SOX6 overexpression by stable transfection dramatically inhibited proliferation and invasion of PA-1 and SW626 cells. Also, conditioned medium from PA-1 and SW626 cells with SOX6 restoration exhibited reduced ability to induce human umbilical vein endothelial cells migration and tube formation compared with conditioned medium from the cells with transfection control. Furthermore, an inverse relationship between SOX6 and netrin-1 expression was observed in PA-1 and SW626 cells. Overexpression of netrin-1 in ovarian cancer cells with forced SOX6 expression remarkably abrogated the inhibitory effect of SOX6 on proliferation, invasion of the cells, and tumor xenograft growth and vascularity in vivo. Human umbilical vein endothelial cell migration and tube formation were enhanced in the conditioned medium from the ovarian cancer cells transduced with netrin-1 lentivirus particles. Our observations revealed that SOX6 is a tumor suppressor in ovarian cancer cells, and SOX6 exerts an inhibitory effect on the proliferation, invasion, and tumor cell-induced angiogenesis of ovarian cancer cells, whereas nerin-1 plays an opposite role and its expression is inversely correlated with SOX6. Moreover, our findings suggest a new role of SOX6 and netrin-1 for understanding the progression of ovarian cancer and have the potential for the development of new diagnosis and treatment strategies for ovarian cancer.
Discovery of small molecule inhibitors of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway by targeting β-catenin/Tcf4 interactions
Authors: Yan Maocai , Li Guanqun , An Jing
Published: May 2017

The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway typically shows aberrant activation in various cancer cells, especially colorectal cancer cells. This signaling pathway regulates the expression of a variety of tumor-related proteins, including c-myc and cyclin D1, and plays essential roles in tumorigenesis and in the development of many cancers. Small molecules that block the interactions between β-catenin and Tcf4, a downstream stage of activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, could efficiently cut off this signal transduction and thereby act as a novel class of anticancer drugs. This paper reviews the currently reported inhibitors that target β-catenin/Tcf4 interactions, focusing on the discovery approaches taken in the design of these inhibitors and their bioactivities. A brief perspective is then shared on the future discovery and development of this class of inhibitors.

Impact statement

This mini-review summarized the current knowledge of inhibitors of interactions of beta-catenin/Tcf4 published to date according to their discovery approaches, and discussed their in vitro and in vivo activities, selectivities, and pharmacokinetic properties. Several reviews presently available now in this field describe modulators of the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway, but are generally focused on the bioactivities of these inhibitors. By contrast, this review focused on the drug discovery approaches taken in identifying these types of inhibitors and provided our perspective on further strategies for future drug discoveries. This review also integrated many recently published and important works on highly selective inhibitors as well as rational drug design. We believe that the findings and strategies summarized in this review have broad implications and will be of interest throughout the biochemical and pharmaceutical research community.