bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Observation of inverse Edelstein effect in Rashba-split 2DEG between SrTiO
3
and LaAlO
3
at room temperature
Authors: Song Qi , Zhang Hongrui , Su Tang , Yuan Wei , Chen Yangyang , Xing Wenyu , Shi Jing , Sun Jirong , Han Wei
Published: March 2017

Gate-tunable inverse Edelstein effect is observed at room temperature in Rashba-split 2DEG at the complex oxide interface.
Chemical imaging of Fischer-Tropsch catalysts under operating conditions
Authors: Price Stephen W. T. , Martin David J. , Parsons Aaron D. , Sławiński Wojciech A. , Vamvakeros Antonios , Keylock Stephen J. , Beale Andrew M. , Mosselmans J. Frederick W.
Published: March 2017

Multimodal x-ray imaging techniques reveal insight into the structure-function relationships in cobalt Fischer-Tropsch catalysts.
Up-regulation of LFA-1 allows liver-resident memory T cells to patrol and remain in the hepatic sinusoids
Authors: McNamara H. A. , Cai Y. , Wagle M. V. , Sontani Y. , Roots C. M. , Miosge L. A. , O’Connor J. H. , Sutton H. J. , Ganusov V. V. , Heath W. R. , Bertolino P. , Goodnow C. G. , Parish I. A. , Enders A. , Cockburn I. A.
Published: March 2017

LFA-1 expression allows liver-resident CD8
+
T cells to patrol hepatic sinusoids yet remain in the liver.
Impact of Seasonal Hypoxia on Activity and Community Structure of Chemolithoautotrophic Bacteria in a Coastal Sediment
Authors: Lipsewers Yvonne A. , Vasquez-Cardenas Diana , Seitaj Dorina , Schauer Regina , Hidalgo-Martinez Silvia , Sinninghe Damsté Jaap S. , Meysman Filip J. R. , Villanueva Laura , Boschker Henricus T. S.
Published: March 2017

Seasonal hypoxia in coastal systems drastically changes the availability of electron acceptors in bottom water, which alters the sedimentary reoxidation of reduced compounds. However, the effect of seasonal hypoxia on the chemolithoautotrophic community that catalyzes these reoxidation reactions is rarely studied. Here, we examine the changes in activity and structure of the sedimentary chemolithoautotrophic bacterial community of a seasonally hypoxic saline basin under oxic (spring) and hypoxic (summer) conditions. Combined 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and analysis of phospholipid-derived fatty acids indicated a major temporal shift in community structure. Aerobic sulfur-oxidizing
Gammaproteobacteria
(
Thiotrichales
) and
Epsilonproteobacteria
(
Campylobacterales
) were prevalent during spring, whereas
Deltaproteobacteria
(
Desulfobacterales
) related to sulfate-reducing bacteria prevailed during summer hypoxia. Chemolithoautotrophy rates in the surface sediment were three times higher in spring than in summer. The depth distribution of chemolithoautotrophy was linked to the distinct sulfur oxidation mechanisms identified through microsensor profiling, i.e., canonical sulfur oxidation, electrogenic sulfur oxidation by cable bacteria, and sulfide oxidation coupled to nitrate reduction by
Beggiatoaceae
. The metabolic diversity of the sulfur-oxidizing bacterial community suggests a complex niche partitioning within the sediment, probably driven by the availability of reduced sulfur compounds (H
2
S, S
0
, and S
2
O
3
2−
) and electron acceptors (O
2
and NO
3
−
) regulated by seasonal hypoxia.

IMPORTANCE
Chemolithoautotrophic microbes in the seafloor are dependent on electron acceptors, like oxygen and nitrate, that diffuse from the overlying water. Seasonal hypoxia, however, drastically changes the availability of these electron acceptors in the bottom water; hence, one expects a strong impact of seasonal hypoxia on sedimentary chemolithoautotrophy. A multidisciplinary investigation of the sediments in a seasonally hypoxic coastal basin confirms this hypothesis. Our data show that bacterial community structure and chemolithoautotrophic activity varied with the seasonal depletion of oxygen. Unexpectedly, the dark carbon fixation was also dependent on the dominant microbial pathway of sulfur oxidation occurring in the sediment (i.e., canonical sulfur oxidation, electrogenic sulfur oxidation by cable bacteria, and sulfide oxidation coupled to nitrate reduction by
Beggiatoaceae
). These results suggest that a complex niche partitioning within the sulfur-oxidizing bacterial community additionally affects the chemolithoautotrophic community of seasonally hypoxic sediments.
ICARUS study: prevalence and clinical features of impulse control disorders in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Antonini Angelo , Barone Paolo , Bonuccelli Ubaldo , Annoni Karin , Asgharnejad Mahnaz , Stanzione Paolo , Avesani Mirko , Palandin Francesco
Published: March 2017

Background

Impulse control disorders/other compulsive behaviours (‘ICD behaviours’) occur in Parkinson’s disease (PD), but prospective studies are scarce, and prevalence and clinical characteristics of patients are insufficiently defined.

Objectives

To assess the presence of ICD behaviours over a 2-year period, and evaluate patients’ clinical characteristics.

Methods

A prospective, non-interventional, multicentre study (ICARUS (Impulse Control disorders And the association of neuRopsychiatric symptoms, cognition and qUality of life in ParkinSon disease); SP0990) in treated Italian PD outpatients. Study visits: baseline, year 1, year 2. Surrogate primary variable: presence of ICD behaviours and five ICD subtypes assessed by modified Minnesota Impulsive Disorder Interview (mMIDI).

Results

1069/1095 (97.6%) patients comprised the Full Analysis Set. Point prevalence of ICD behaviours (mMIDI; primary analysis) was stable across visits: 28.6% (306/1069) at baseline, 29.3% (292/995) at year 1, 26.5% (245/925) at year 2. The most prevalent subtype was compulsive eating, followed by punding, compulsive sexual behaviour, gambling and buying disorder. Patients who were ICD positive at baseline were more likely to be male, younger, younger at PD onset, have longer disease duration, more severe non-motor symptoms (including mood and sexual function), depressive symptoms, sleep impairment and poorer PD-related quality of life. However, they did not differ from the ICD-negative patients in their severity of PD functional disability, motor performance and cognitive function.

Conclusions

Prevalence of ICD behaviours was relatively stable across the 2-year observational period. ICD-positive patients had more severe depression, poorer sleep quality and reduced quality of life.
Umbilical infections in foals: microbiological investigation and management
Authors: Rampacci E. , Passamonti F. , Bottinelli M. , Stefanetti V. , Cercone M. , Nannarone S. , Gialletti R. , Beccati F. , Coletti M. , Pepe M.
Published: March 2017

This study aims to investigate the bacteria involved in equine omphalitis and their susceptibility to antimicrobial drugs, and consequently to provide guidelines concerning the most suitable treatment protocol in accordance with the clinical, ultrasound and laboratory findings. Forty foals aged between one and 30 days were evaluated in the course of this investigation. An ultrasound examination of all umbilical remnants was carried out carefully in all foals; umbilical swabs were collected for bacteriological examination, and blood samples were collected for blood culture from 19 foals with fever and abnormal blood values. Bacterial omphalitis was observed in 95 per cent of foals and bacterial septicaemia was diagnosed in 11 cases. Enterobacteria and coccoid Gram‐positive bacteria were isolated more frequently than Serratia marcescens, Pantoea agglomerans and Trueperella pyogenes. Omphalectomy was performed in 77.5 per cent of the foals examined; the remainder were treated only medically with antimicrobial drugs as recommended by antibiotic susceptibility testing performed for all bacteria isolated. Antibiotic therapy was successful in all foals that only received medical treatment; nevertheless, omphalectomy was performed in most cases particularly in situations of clinical decline despite antibiotic therapy and when involvement of umbilical vein, fever and joint disorders were observed.
Indication for differential sorting of the rat v-SNARE splice isoforms VAMP-1a and -1b
Authors: Rodepeter Fiona R. , Wiegand Susanne , Lüers Hans-Georg , Bonaterra Gabriel A. , Lowe Anson W. , Bette Michael , Jacob Ralf , Mandic Robert
Published: March 2017

Soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) proteins are essential constituents of the intracellular trafficking machinery. The variable C-terminus in the 2 rat VAMP-1 splice isoforms VAMP-1a and -1b potentially acts as a sorting signal, because similar changes at the C-terminal end of a human VAMP-1 splice isoform resulted in its sorting to mitochondria. To evaluate the differences in the subcellular localization of these two v-SNARE proteins, VAMP-1a and -1b proteins tagged with green fluorescent protein (GFP) and red fluorescent protein (RFP) were expressed in HeLa, COS-7, and MDCK cells and evaluated by conventional confocal as well as total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy. Regions consistent with the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus demonstrated a major overlap of both signals. In the periphery, vesicular structures were observed that mainly expressed one of the 2 isoforms. Within our experimental settings, we could not observe sorting of any of the 2 isoforms to mitochondria or peroxisomes, whereas both isoforms were found expressed in a minor subset of singular vesicles, which sporadically appeared to co-localize with the exocyst marker EXOC3/Sec6. Because vesicular structures were seen that expressed only one of the two splice variants, it is possible that VAMP-1a and VAMP-1b are sorted to distinct cellular compartments that require further characterization.
Theoretical investigation of properties of boron nitride nanocages and nanotubes as high-performance anode materials for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Najafi Meysam
Published: March 2017

In this paper, applications of B30N30, B36N36, BNNT(8, 0), and BNNT(10, 0) as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries were investigated by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Results show that the average values of voltage cell (Vcell) and adsorption energy (Ead) of BNNT(8, 0) and BNNT(10, 0) were higher than B30N30 and B36N36 by approximately 0.405 V and 5.25 kcal/mol, respectively. The F functionalization of studied nanostructures as a strategy to improve the performance of these systems as anode materials of lithium-ion batteries was investigated. Results show that the F functionalization of studied nanostructures increases the average values of Vcell and Ead by approximately 0.182 V and 8.89 kcal/mol, respectively. Obtained results propose that F functionalized B36N36 and BNNT(10, 0) have larger Vcell and Ead values, and therefore, these nanostructures have a higher potential as anode materials for the lithium-ion battery.
New and improved three and one-third parabolic channel and most efficient hydraulic section
Authors: Han Yan-Cheng , Easa Said M.
Published: March 2017

Several parabolic-shaped open channel sections are available in the literature, including quadratic and semi-cubic parabolic sections. This paper presents a three and one-third parabolic cross-section that has superior characteristics compared to those of previous parabolic-shaped sections. The section characteristics, including two approximate formulas for the wetted perimeter and a simple iterative formula for the normal water depth are presented. The exact solution for the most efficient hydraulic section is derived. The results show the width–depth ratio for the most efficient hydraulic section is 2.1273. Practical applications of the proposed most efficient hydraulic section are presented, including direct formulas for the discharge and explicit formulas of normal and critical depths. The results show that the proposed section improves the hydraulic characteristics compared with other parabolic sections and trapezoidal section.
Spectral decomposition: an aid in characterizing field architectures of the Laggan and Tormore fields, Faroe–Shetland Basin
Authors: Wright K. A. , Nice R. , Tazzi M. , Purnell K. , Penasse V.
Published: March 2017

Spectral decomposition analyses seismic reflectivity data in the frequency domain, providing images of the subsurface that complement conventional seismic interpretation. It is a highly visual tool that allows additional value to be extracted from seismic data, to aid in the identification of geological information and to be used in conjunction with more traditional methods such as amplitude extraction and attribute analysis. The methods of spectral decomposition chosen utilized a top reservoir seismic reflection surface, with the selected dominant frequency volumes coloured and recombined in a spatial context to produce various red–green–blue (RGB) blends. Application of spectral decomposition to the Laggan and Tormore fields revealed the varied distribution of turbiditic sands, as well as extensive east–west faults that have previously been inferred from seismic reflection data. These enhanced images of the reservoir provide a more detailed interpretation of the field architecture and have been captured in DONG E&P UK Ltd's own fault and reservoir models, leading to a greater understanding of potential field development outcomes and future well placement decisions. Attempts to distinguish hydrocarbon effects using spectral decomposition proved difficult, although interesting frequency variations around a known gas–oil contact (GOC) were noted.
Integrative Cancer Pharmacogenomics to Infer Large-Scale Drug Taxonomy
Authors: El-Hachem Nehme , Gendoo Deena M.A. , Ghoraie Laleh Soltan , Safikhani Zhaleh , Smirnov Petr , Chung Christina , Deng Kenan , Fang Ailsa , Birkwood Erin , Ho Chantal , Isserlin Ruth , Bader Gary D. , Goldenberg Anna , Haibe-Kains Benjamin
Published: March 2017

Identification of drug targets and mechanism of action (MoA) for new and uncharacterized anticancer drugs is important for optimization of treatment efficacy. Current MoA prediction largely relies on prior information including side effects, therapeutic indication, and chemoinformatics. Such information is not transferable or applicable for newly identified, previously uncharacterized small molecules. Therefore, a shift in the paradigm of MoA predictions is necessary toward development of unbiased approaches that can elucidate drug relationships and efficiently classify new compounds with basic input data. We propose here a new integrative computational pharmacogenomic approach, referred to as Drug Network Fusion (DNF), to infer scalable drug taxonomies that rely only on basic drug characteristics toward elucidating drug–drug relationships. DNF is the first framework to integrate drug structural information, high-throughput drug perturbation, and drug sensitivity profiles, enabling drug classification of new experimental compounds with minimal prior information. DNF taxonomy succeeded in identifying pertinent and novel drug–drug relationships, making it suitable for investigating experimental drugs with potential new targets or MoA. The scalability of DNF facilitated identification of key drug relationships across different drug categories, providing a flexible tool for potential clinical applications in precision medicine. Our results support DNF as a valuable resource to the cancer research community by providing new hypotheses on compound MoA and potential insights for drug repurposing. Cancer Res; 77(11); 3057–69. ©2017 AACR.
Noninvasive Imaging of Cycling Hypoxia in Head and Neck Cancer Using Intrinsic Susceptibility MRI
Authors: Panek Rafal , Welsh Liam , Baker Lauren C.J. , Schmidt Maria A. , Wong Kee H. , Riddell Angela M. , Koh Dow-Mu , Dunlop Alex , Mcquaid Dualta , d'Arcy James A. , Bhide Shreerang A. , Harrington Kevin J. , Nutting Christopher M. , Hopkinson Georgina , Richardson Cheryl , Box Carol , Eccles Suzanne A. , Leach Martin O. , Robinson Simon P. , Newbold Kate L.
Published: March 2017

Purpose: To evaluate intrinsic susceptibility (IS) MRI for the identification of cycling hypoxia, and the assessment of its extent and spatial distribution, in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) xenografts and patients.

Experimental Design: Quantitation of the transverse relaxation rate, R2*, which is sensitive to paramagnetic deoxyhemoglobin, using serial IS-MRI acquisitions, was used to monitor temporal oscillations in levels of paramagnetic deoxyhemoglobin in human CALR xenografts and patients with HNSCC at 3T. Autocovariance and power spectrum analysis of variations in R2* was performed for each imaged voxel, to assess statistical significance and frequencies of cycling changes in tumor blood oxygenation. Pathologic correlates with tumor perfusion (Hoechst 33342), hypoxia (pimonidazole), and vascular density (CD31) were sought in the xenografts, and dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRI was used to assess patient tumor vascularization. The prevalence of fluctuations within patient tumors, DCE parameters, and treatment outcome were reported.

Results: Spontaneous R2* fluctuations with a median periodicity of 15 minutes were detected in both xenografts and patient tumors. Spatially, these fluctuations were predominantly associated with regions of heterogeneous perfusion and hypoxia in the CALR xenografts. In patients, R2* fluctuations spatially correlated with regions of lymph nodes with low Ktrans values, typically in the vicinity of necrotic cores.

Conclusions: IS-MRI can be used to monitor variations in levels of paramagnetic deoxyhemoglobin, associated with cycling hypoxia. The presence of such fluctuations may be linked with impaired tumor vasculature, the presence of which may impact treatment outcome. Clin Cancer Res; 23(15); 4233–41. ©2017 AACR.
Identification of Glycopeptides as Posttranslationally Modified Neoantigens in Leukemia
Authors: Malaker Stacy A. , Penny Sarah A. , Steadman Lora G. , Myers Paisley T. , Loke Justin C. , Raghavan Manoj , Bai Dina L. , Shabanowitz Jeffrey , Hunt Donald F. , Cobbold Mark
Published: March 2017

Leukemias are highly immunogenic, but they have a low mutational load, providing few mutated peptide targets. Thus, the identification of alternative neoantigens is a pressing need. Here, we identify 36 MHC class I–associated peptide antigens with O-linked β-N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) modifications as candidate neoantigens, using three experimental approaches. Thirteen of these peptides were also detected with disaccharide units on the same residues and two contain either mono- and/or di-methylated arginine residues. A subset were linked with key cancer pathways, and these peptides were shared across all of the leukemia patient samples tested (5/5). Seven of the O-GlcNAc peptides were synthesized and five (71%) were shown to be associated with multifunctional memory T-cell responses in healthy donors. An O-GlcNAc-specific T-cell line specifically killed autologous cells pulsed with the modified peptide, but not the equivalent unmodified peptide. Therefore, these posttranslationally modified neoantigens provide logical targets for cancer immunotherapy. Cancer Immunol Res; 5(5); 376–84. ©2017 AACR.
An Analytic Solution to the Computation of Power and Sample Size for Genetic Association Studies under a Pleiotropic Mode of Inheritance
Authors: Gordon Derek , Londono Douglas , Patel Payal , Kim Wonkuk , Finch Stephen J. , Heiman Gary A.
Published: March 2017

Our motivation here is to calculate the power of 3 statistical tests used when there are genetic traits that operate under a pleiotropic mode of inheritance and when qualitative phenotypes are defined by use of thresholds for the multiple quantitative phenotypes. Specifically, we formulate a multivariate function that provides the probability that an individual has a vector of specific quantitative trait values conditional on having a risk locus genotype, and we apply thresholds to define qualitative phenotypes (affected, unaffected) and compute penetrances and conditional genotype frequencies based on the multivariate function. We extend the analytic power and minimum-sample-size-necessary (MSSN) formulas for 2 categorical data-based tests (genotype, linear trend test [LTT]) of genetic association to the pleiotropic model. We further compare the MSSN of the genotype test and the LTT with that of a multivariate ANOVA (Pillai). We approximate the MSSN for statistics by linear models using a factorial design and ANOVA. With ANOVA decomposition, we determine which factors most significantly change the power/MSSN for all statistics. Finally, we determine which test statistics have the smallest MSSN. In this work, MSSN calculations are for 2 traits (bivariate distributions) only (for illustrative purposes). We note that the calculations may be extended to address any number of traits. Our key findings are that the genotype test usually has lower MSSN requirements than the LTT. More inclusive thresholds (top/bottom 25% vs. top/bottom 10%) have higher sample size requirements. The Pillai test has a much larger MSSN than both the genotype test and the LTT, as a result of sample selection. With these formulas, researchers can specify how many subjects they must collect to localize genes for pleiotropic phenotypes.
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Ins/Del Polymorphism and Body Composition: The Intermediary Role of Hydration Status
Authors: Bordoni Laura , Napolioni Valerio , Marchegiani Francesca , Amadio Emilio , Gabbianelli Rosita
Published: March 2017

Background: The well-known insertion/deletion polymorphism (rs4646994) of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene has been previously associated with obesity, blood flow, muscular strength, and ACE enzyme activity. Despite the relevant role of ACE in homeostasis, few data are currently available on the relationship between rs4646994 and hydration status. Thus, we tested the association between the ACE Ins/Del polymorphism, body composition, and hydration status in a young Italian population. Methods: A total of 306 healthy children and adolescents who regularly practice sports were recruited. Anthropometric, bioimpedentiometric parameters, and urine samples were collected, while ACE rs4646994 genotyping was performed on DNA from buccal swabs. General linear models were used for association testing. Results: The ACE Ins/Del polymorphism was associated with body composition. Ins/Ins individuals had higher phase angle (PhA) and body cellular mass index (BCMI) values. A significant influence of the ACE rs4646994 according to hydration status on body composition was also identified. In particular, Ins/Ins individuals displayed higher PhA and BCMI values only if norm-hydrated, while they showed values similar to Del carriers if dehydrated. Conclusion: Our results confirm the relationship between the ACE Ins/Del polymorphism and body composition and suggest a role for hydration status in modulating this relationship. These interesting preliminary results warrant further investigation to disentangle the genetic role of ACE on hydration homeostasis.
The Risk Factors for Metastasis in Non-Ampullary Duodenal Neuroendocrine Tumors Measuring 20 mm or Less in Diameter
Authors: Hatta Waku , Koike Tomoyuki , Iijima Katsunori , Asanuma Kiyotaka , Asano Naoki , Musha Hiroaki , Inomata Yoshifumi , Sano Toshikazu , Endo Hiroyuki , Ikehata Atsushi , Horii Toru , Ohyauchi Motoki , Yokosawa Satoshi , Kasajima Atsuko , Fujishima Fumiyoshi , Sasano Hironobu , Nakaya Naoki , Nakamura Tomohiro , Shimosegawa Tooru
Published: March 2017

Background/Aims: The treatment strategy for non-ampullary duodenal neuroendocrine tumors (NAD-NETs) ≤20 mm in diameter has not been established. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the detailed characteristics of NAD-NETs ≤20 mm in diameter to clarify the risk factors of subsequent metastasis. Methods: The patients with NAD-NETs ≤20 mm in diameter who had been treated at 12 institutions between 1992 and 2013 were enrolled. Clinical records were retrieved, and histopathological findings of all cases were centrally reviewed by 2 pathologists. Results: We studied 49 patients with a mean follow-up period of 66.5 months. Thirty-five patients were initially treated with endoscopic resection (ER), and 14 with surgery. A univariate analysis revealed the ORs and 95% CIs of the risk factors for metastasis were lymphovascular invasion (12.5 [2.01-77.9]), multiple tumors (9.75 [1.46-65.4]), a tumor size of 11-20 mm (6.67 [1.21-36.6]), and World Health Organization grade G2 (7.13 [1.16-43.9]). Five-year overall and disease-specific survival rates were 86.1 and 97.2%, respectively. Conclusion: This is the first study to demonstrate the risk factors of metastasis in NAD-NETs ≤20 mm in diameter. These findings may be helpful for determining the appropriate therapeutic approach and the clinical strategy of treatment following ER.
Heteromorphism of “Homomorphic” Sex Chromosomes in Two Anole Species (Squamata, Dactyloidae) Revealed by Synaptonemal Complex Analysis
Authors: Lisachov Artem P. , Trifonov Vladimir A. , Giovannotti Massimo , Ferguson-Smith Malcolm A. , Borodin Pavel M.
Published: March 2017

Iguanians (Pleurodonta) are one of the reptile lineages that, like birds and mammals, have sex chromosomes of ancient origin. In most iguanians these are microchromosomes, making a distinction between the X and Y as well as between homeologous sex chromosomes in other species difficult. Meiotic chromosome analysis may be used to elucidate their differentiation, because meiotic prophase chromosomes are longer and less condensed than metaphase chromosomes, and the homologues are paired with each other, revealing minor heteromorphisms. Using electron and fluorescent microscopy of surface spread synaptonemal complexes (SCs) and immunolocalization of the proteins of the SC (SYCP3), the centromere, and recombination nodules (MLH1), we examined sex chromosome synapsis and recombination in 2 species of anoles (Dactyloidae), Anolis carolinensis and Deiroptyx coelestinus, in which the sex chromosomes represent the ancestral condition of iguanians. We detected clear differences in size between the anole X and Y microchromosomes and found an interspecies difference in the localization of the pseudoautosomal region. Our results show that the apparent homomorphy of certain reptile sex chromosome systems can hide a cryptic differentiation, which potentially may influence the evolution of sexual dimorphism and speciation.
The Hypermethylated Regions in Avian Chromosomes
Authors: Schmid Michael , Steinlein Claus
Published: March 2017

Chromosomal locations and amounts of 5-methylcytosine-rich chromosome regions were detected in the karyotypes of 13 bird species by indirect immunofluorescence using a monoclonal anti-5-methylcytosine antibody. These species belong to 7 orders and 10 families of modern (Neognathae) and primitive (Palaeognathae) birds and are characterized by macro- and microchromosomes as well as ZW sex chromosomes. In all 13 species, the hypermethylated chromosome segments are confined to constitutive heterochromatin. The chromosomal locations of hypermethylated DNA regions in the karyotypes are constant and species-specific. There is no general rule with regard to the distribution of these hypermethylated chromosome regions in the genomes of birds. In most instances, hypermethylated segments are located in the centromeric regions of chromosomes, but in the sex chromosomes, these can also be found in telomeric and interstitial postitions. In most of the species studied, the centromeric heterochromatin in many, if not all, of the microchromosomes is hypermethylated. However, in one species, the only detectable hypermethylated heterochromatic regions are located in one pair of macroautosomes and in the Z sex chromosome, but none of the microchromosomes contains visible quantities of 5-methylcytosine. The analysis of 5-methylcytosine-rich chromosome regions can be very helpful for the comparative cytogenetics of closely related species or subspecies. It also reflects the dynamic evolutionary process operating in the highly repetitive DNA of eukaryotic chromosomes.
Superior Vena Cava Syndrome in a Patient with Small-Cell Lung Cancer: A Case Report
Authors: Brzezniak Christina , Oronsky Bryan , Carter Corey A. , Thilagar Bennett , Caroen Scott , Zeman Karen
Published: March 2017

Superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome, a potential oncologic emergency, is closely associated with malignancy and right-sided lung cancer in particular. A case of SVC syndrome presenting with facial swelling, neck distension, and enlarged veins of the upper chest, which developed over a period of 5 weeks in a 46-year-old patient on a clinical trial with small-cell lung cancer, is reported. Computed tomography scan of the chest revealed slight enlargement of a superior conglomerate mediastinal lymphadenopathy and intramural thrombus of the SVC. The etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of the SVC syndrome are discussed.
Determinants and Duration of Impact of Early Gut Bacterial Colonization
Authors: Edwards Christine Ann
Published: March 2017

Background: An increasing number of studies show low diversity of the gut microbiome in those with chronic diseases such as obesity, inflammatory bowel disease, and allergy. Manipulation of the microbiota may promote health. However, the adult microbiota is stable and may be difficult to change. Understanding the fixed and modifiable factors, which determine colonization in early life, may provide strategies for acquisition of a health-promoting microbiome. Summary: Not enough is known about the long-term effects of established determinants of gut colonization, including delivery mode, perinatal antibiotics, and infant diet. It has been suggested that weaning onto solid diet containing non-digestible carbohydrates and cessation of breastfeeding are key stages in the colonization process. In addition, the microbiome of the placenta, amniotic fluid, and breast milk, alongside vaginal and fecal bacteria, may aid the transfer of maternal bacteria to the infant. However, methodological issues such as contamination during collection and/or analysis should be considered. Key Messages: The factors determining early colonization are becoming more evident. However, longitudinal studies of microbiome maturation into late childhood and adulthood are required. The nutrition and health status of the mother before, during, and after birth may be major factors in the early colonization of the infant.
Circulating miRNAs as Potential Biomarkers of Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Ren Chengda , Liu Qingyu , Wei Qingquan , Cai Wenting , He Mengmei , Du Yaru , Xu Ding , Wu Yan , Yu Jing
Published: March 2017

Backgroud: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness of the elder people. This research was intended to demonstrate the different expression of microRNAs (miRNA) in AMD patients and whether they can be used as biomarkers for AMD. Methods: MiRNAs expression was measured by microarray of 6 AMD cases and 6 gender matched controls. In a larger-sample case-control study with 126 AMD cases and 140 controls, whole blood samples were detected for the differences of miRNA expression. Results: A total of 216 differentially expressed miRNAs (111 increased and 105 decreased miRNAs) were detected from circulating miRNA microarray. Expanded case-control study results showed that the expression of miR-27a-3p, miR-29b-3p and miR-195-5p was increased significantly. Moreover, the level of miR-27a is higher in patients with wet AMD compared to patients with dry AMD. All 3 miRNAs showed a potential diagnostic value for AMD. Conclusion: Circulating miRNA levels were significantly varied in AMD patients. Three miRNAs, miR-27a-3p, miR-29b-3p and the miR-195-5p, might be potential diagnostic biomarkers for AMD.
Association of very Low-density Lipoprotein Cholesterol with All-cause and Cardiovascular Mortality in Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Xie Xishao , Zhang Xiaohui , Xiang Shilong , Yan Xingqun , Huang Haojie , Tian Yuanshi , Shou Zhangfei , Chen Jianghua
Published: March 2017

Background/Aims: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in dialysis patients. Little is known about the relationship between very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) and cardiovascular mortality in these patients. Methods: A total of 1324 incident patients who began continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) therapy at our hospital between January 1, 2005, and September 30, 2014, with baseline serum VLDL-C values were investigated. The associations of the VLDL-C levels with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality were assessed. Results: The mean age of the cohort was 50.2 ± 14.8 years, and the mean VLDL-C level was 33.6 ± 18.0 mg/dl. One hundred sixty-five (12.5%) patients died during the study period. Multivariable models revealed that the high VLDL-C group was associated with significantly higher all-cause (HR, 2.08, 95% CI, 1.13 to 3.29, P = 0.002) and cardiovascular mortality (HR, 1.92, 95% CI, 1.18 to 4.29, P = 0.013) compared with the low VLDL-C group even after adjusting for various covariates. Using the VLDL-C level as a continuous variable, the hazard ratios (HRs) of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality associated with a 10-mg/dl increase in VLDL-C level were 1.12 (95% CI, 1.02 to 1.26, P = 0.025) and 1.11 (95% CI, 1.02 to 1.22, P = 0.029), respectively. VLDL-C was associated more strongly to all-cause (e.g., Akaike information criteria of 1990.205 vs. 1994.451) and cardiovascular (e.g., Akaike information criteria of 984.146 vs. 985.634) mortality than triglyceride (TG) levels. Conclusions: An elevated VLDL-C level is an independent risk factor for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients.
Heart Rate Variability Predicts Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events and Hospitalization in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Huang Jiun-Chi , Kuo I-Ching , Tsai Yi-Chun , Lee Jia-Jung , Lim Lee-Moay , Chen Szu-Chia , Chiu Yi-Wen , Chang Jer-Ming , Chen Hung-hun
Published: March 2017

Background/Aims: Heart rate variability (HRV) has been linked to mortality in maintenance hemodialysis (HD) patients, but it is less clear whether HRV is associated with major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) and hospitalization. Methods: This study enrolled 179 maintenance HD patients. HRV was measured to assess its prognostic significance in relation to MACEs and hospitalization. Results: During the follow-up period of 33.3 ± 6.7 months, 36 (20.1%) patients had a MACE, and 98 (54.7%) experienced hospitalization. In multivariate adjusted Cox regression analysis, low very low frequency (VLF) power (hazard ratio [HR], 0.727; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.624–0.848; p < 0.001), a history of coronary artery disease, high ultrafiltration rate, the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers, and the use of beta-blockers were all significantly associated with MACEs. Low VLF power (HR, 0.873; 95% CI, 0.785–0.971; p = 0.012), low serum albumin, low serum creatinine, low Kt/V levels, and high serum calcium-phosphorus product levels significantly predicted hospitalization in maintenance HD patients. Conclusions: Reduced VLF power is linked to an increased risk of MACEs and hospitalization in maintenance HD patients. Assessing cardiac autonomic function through HRV is of pivotal prognostic significance for this patient population.
Analyzing Influence of the Transmission Medium on Timing Signals Transmitted by Hybrid Optical Transport Technologies
Authors: Róka Rastislav , Dolinayová Veronika
Published: March 2017

The contribution deals with synchronization aspects in SDH and Synchronous Ethernet timing networks utilizing optical transmission medium. First, it explains a hierarchical configuration of timing network elements, characterizes transmission features of the optical fiber, particularly its main negative influences influencing transmitted information signals. The main part is dedicated to the evaluation program created for analyzing influences of the optical transmission path on timing signals transmitted by SDH and SyncE transport technologies. At last, resultant values from the introduced evaluation program are presented and evaluated.
Effects of Late Sodium Current Blockade on Ventricular Refibrillation in a Rabbit Model
Authors: Azam Mohammed Ali , Zamiri Nima , Massé Stéphane , Kusha Marjan , Lai Patrick F.H. , Nair Govind K. , Tan Nigel S. , Labos Christopher , Nanthakumar Kumaraswamy
Published: March 2017

Background—

After defibrillation of initial ventricular fibrillation (VF), it is crucial to prevent refibrillation to ensure successful resuscitation outcomes. Inability of the late Na
+
current to inactivate leads to intracellular Ca
2+
dysregulation and arrhythmias. Our aim was to determine the effects of ranolazine and GS-967, inhibitors of the late Na
+
current, on ventricular refibrillation.

Methods and Results—

Long-duration VF was induced electrically in Langendorff-perfused rabbit hearts (n=22) and terminated with a defibrillator after 6 minutes. Fibrillating hearts were randomized into 3 groups: treatment with ranolazine, GS-967, or nontreated controls. In the treated groups, hearts were perfused with ranolazine or GS-967 at 2 minutes of VF. In control experiments, perfusion solution was supplemented with isotonic saline in lieu of a drug. Inducibility of refibrillation was assessed after initial long-duration VF by attempting to reinduce VF. Sustained refibrillation was successful in fewer ranolazine-treated (29.17%;
P
=0.005) or GS-967–treated (45.83%,
P
=0.035) hearts compared with that in nontreated control hearts (84.85%). In GS-967–treated hearts, significantly more spontaneous termination of initial long-duration VF was observed (66.67%;
P
=0.01). Ca
2+
transient duration was reduced in ranolazine-treated hearts compared with that in controls (
P
=0.05) and also Ca
2+
alternans (
P
=0.03).

Conclusions—

Late Na
+
current inhibition during long-duration VF reduces the susceptibility to subsequent refibrillation, partially by mitigating dysregulation of intracellular Ca
2+
. These results suggest the potential therapeutic use of ranolazine and GS-967 and call for further testing in cardiac arrest models.
Prognostic Implications of Nonsustained Ventricular Tachycardia in High-Risk Patients With Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Wang Weijia , Lian Zhesi , Rowin Ethan J. , Maron Barry J. , Maron Martin S. , Link Mark S.
Published: March 2017

Background—

The prognostic significance of nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT) in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is incompletely resolved.

Methods and Results—

The study group comprised 160 patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs), of whom 94 patients had 24- to 48-hour ambulatory monitoring preimplant. ICDs were interrogated and ambulatory ECGs monitored for NSVT episodes, with associations between NSVT- and ICD-treated ventricular arrhythmias examined. Eighty-six (54%) patients had runs of NSVT, including 17 before implant on ambulatory monitoring, 44 after ICD implantation, and 22 on both. Agreement between preimplant ambulatory monitoring and ICD interrogation for detecting NSVT was poor (κ=0.18). Eighteen of 86 patients (21%) with NSVT and 6 of 74 patients (8%) without NSVT experienced ICD-treated ventricular tachycardia (VT)/ventricular fibrillation (VF). NSVT was significantly associated with ICD-treated VT/VF (adjusted hazard ratio, 3.98; 95% confidence interval, 1.41–11.29;
P
=0.0093). ICD-treated VT/VF was associated with NSVT runs at a rate >200 beats per minute (adjusted hazard ratio, 15.63; 95% confidence interval, 4.01–60.89;
P
<0.0001) and >7 beats (adjusted hazard ratio, 6.26; 95% confidence interval, 2.02–19.41;
P
=0.0015). Repetitive runs of NSVT were also associated with ICD-treated VT/VF (adjusted hazard ratio, 9.22; 95% confidence interval, 2.53–33.60;
P
=0.0008). Slower (≤200 beats per minute), shorter (≤7), or a single run of NSVT were not associated with ICD-treated ventricular arrhythmias.

Conclusions—

On extended monitoring, NSVT was independently associated with ICD-treated ventricular arrhythmias, supporting the importance of NSVT in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy risk stratification. Faster rate (>200 beats per minutes), longer (>7 beats), and repetitive runs of NSVT were more highly predictive of ICD-treated VT/VF.
Temporal Trends and Temperature-Related Incidence of Electrical Storm
Authors: Guerra Federico , Bonelli Paolo , Flori Marco , Cipolletta Laura , Carbucicchio Corrado , Izquierdo Maite , Kozluk Edward , Shivkumar Kalyanam , Vaseghi Marmar , Patani Francesca , Cupido Claudio , Pala Salvatore , Ruiz-Granell Ricardo , Ferrero Angel , Tondo Claudio , Capucci Alessandro
Published: March 2017

Background—

The occurrence of ventricular tachyarrhythmias seems to follow circadian, daily, and seasonal distributions. Our aim is to identify potential temporal patterns of electrical storm (ES), in which a cluster of ventricular tachycardias or ventricular fibrillation, negatively affects short- and long-term survival.

Methods and Results—

The TEMPEST study (Circannual Pattern and Temperature-Related Incidence of Electrical Storm) is a patient-level, pooled analysis of previously published data sets. Study selection criteria included diagnosis of ES, absence of acute coronary syndrome as the arrhythmic trigger, and ≥10 patients included. At the end of the selection and collection processes, 5 centers had the data set from their article pooled into the present registry. Temperature data and sunrise and sunset hours were retrieved from Weather Underground, the largest weather database available online. Total sample included 246 patients presenting with ES (221 men; age: 65±9 years). Each ES episode included a median of 7 ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation episodes. Fifty-nine percent of patients experienced ES during daytime hours (
P
<0.001). The prevalence of ES was significantly higher during workdays, with Saturdays and Sundays registering the lowest rates of ES (10.4% and 7.2%, respectively, versus 16.5% daily mean from Monday to Friday;
P
<0.001). ES occurrence was significantly associated with increased monthly temperature range when compared with the month before (
P
=0.003).

Conclusions—

ES incidence is not homogenous over time but seems to have a clustered pattern, with a higher incidence during daytime hours and working days. ES is associated with an increase in monthly temperature variation.

Clinical Trial Registration—

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk
. Unique identifier: CRD42013003744.
Investigating the Practical Consequences of Model Misfit in Unidimensional IRT Models
Authors: Crişan Daniela R. , Tendeiro Jorge N. , Meijer Rob R.
Published: March 2017

In this article, the practical consequences of violations of unidimensionality on selection decisions in the framework of unidimensional item response theory (IRT) models are investigated based on simulated data. The factors manipulated include the severity of violations, the proportion of misfitting items, and test length. The outcomes that were considered are the precision and accuracy of the estimated model parameters, the correlations of estimated ability ([Formula: see text]) and number-correct ([Formula: see text]) scores with the true ability ([Formula: see text]), the ranks of the examinees and the overlap between sets of examinees selected based on either [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], or [Formula: see text] scores, and the bias in criterion-related validity estimates. Results show that the [Formula: see text] values were unbiased by violations of unidimensionality, but their precision decreased as multidimensionality and the proportion of misfitting items increased; the estimated item parameters were robust to violations of unidimensionality. The correlations between [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] scores, the agreement between the three selection criteria, and the accuracy of criterion-related validity estimates are all negatively affected, to some extent, by increasing levels of multidimensionality and the proportion of misfitting items. However, removing the misfitting items only improved the results in the case of severe multidimensionality and large proportion of misfitting items, and deteriorated them otherwise.
Graft Site Morbidity in Elbow Ligament Reconstruction Procedures: A Systematic Review
Authors: Hagemeijer Noortje C. , Claessen Femke M.A.P. , de Haan Roel , Riedijk Roeland , Eygendaal Denise E. , van den Bekerom Michel P.
Published: March 2017

Background:

It is unclear which tendon harvest for ulnar or lateral collateral ligament reconstruction has the lowest graft site morbidity rate.

Purposes:

To obtain graft site morbidity rates after tendon harvest for ulnar and lateral collateral ligament reconstruction procedures.

Study Design:

Systematic review/Meta-analysis.

Methods:

Studies were eligible if (1) patients had undergone elbow ligament reconstruction procedures; (2) original data for at least 5 patients were available; (3) the article was written in English, German, or Dutch; (4) a full-text article was available; and (5) information about graft site morbidity was available. The review excluded studies about complicated elbow ligament reconstruction procedures due to initial fractures, revision procedures, or circumferential graft techniques; animal studies; (systematic) reviews; and expert opinions. Because the majority of studies were case reports, no selection form or overall scoring system to evaluate methodological quality was used.

Results:

The review included 619 patients with an ulnar or lateral collateral ligament reconstruction procedure. The autograft types used included palmaris longus tendon (58%), gracilis tendon (24%), semitendinosus tendon (8%), triceps tendon (7%), toe extensor tendon (<2%), plantaris tendon (<2%), extensor carpi radialis longus tendon (<1%), and Achilles tendon (<1%).

Conclusion:

Graft site morbidity occurred in 1% of the patients after an ulnar or lateral collateral ligament reconstruction procedure. This study did not have enough samples of all the autograft types to conclude that autograft type and graft site morbidity are unrelated.
Testing for Construct Bias in the Differential Ability Scales, Second Edition: A Comparison Among African American, Asian, Hispanic, and Caucasian Children
Authors: Trundt Katherine M. , Keith Timothy Z. , Caemmerer Jacqueline M. , Smith Leann V.
Published: March 2017

Individually administered intelligence measures are commonly used in diagnostic work, but there is a continuing need for research investigating possible test bias among these measures. One current intelligence measure, the Differential Ability Scales, Second Edition (DAS-II), is a test with growing popularity. The issue of test bias, however, has not been thoroughly investigated with the DAS-II. The current study investigated whether the DAS-II demonstrates systematic construct bias when used with children from three racial and ethnic groups—African American, Asian, and Hispanic—when compared to non-Hispanic Caucasian children. Multi-group confirmatory factor analyses with data from the DAS-II standardization sample were used to assess whether the constructs and measurement of constructs were invariant across groups. Results indicate cross-group internal structure validity in the DAS-II, and thus a lack of construct bias. Minor differences were found, but these differences do not affect the calculation of composite scores on the DAS-II and thus would not result in unfair scoring for the groups involved. Results of this study support the appropriateness of the DAS-II for clinical use with these racial and ethnic groups.