bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vitamin D and risk of preterm birth: Up‐to‐date meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials and observational studies
Authors: Zhou Shan‐Shan , Tao Yong‐Hao , Huang Kun , Zhu Bei‐Bei , Tao Fang‐Biao
Published: February 2017

Aim

We performed a meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCT) and observational studies to answer the two following questions: (i) whether low maternal circulating 25 hydroxyvitamin D (25‐OHD) is associated with an increased risk of preterm birth (PTB) or spontaneous PTB (sPTB); and (ii) whether vitamin D supplementation alone during pregnancy can reduce the risk of PTB.

Methods

Literature search was carried out using Pubmed, Web of Science and Embase databases up to June 2016. Pooled OR or relative risk (RR) with 95%CI were computed using fixed or random effects models depending on the size of heterogeneity. Subgroup analysis was used to explore potential sources of between‐study heterogeneity. Publication bias was evaluated using Egger's test and Begg's test.

Results

Twenty‐four articles (six RCT and 18 observational studies) were identified. Maternal circulating 25‐OHD deficiency (pooled OR, 1.25; 95%CI: 1.13–1.38) rather than insufficiency (pooled OR, 1.09; 95%CI: 0.89–1.35) was associated with an increased risk of PTB, and vitamin D supplementation alone during pregnancy could reduce the risk of PTB (pooled RR, 0.57; 95%CI: 0.36–0.91). This was also the case for the sPTB subgroup (circulating 25‐OHD <50 vs >50 nmol/L; pooled OR, 1.45; 95%CI: 1.20–1.75).

Conclusions

Maternal circulating 25‐OHD deficiency could increase PTB risk and vitamin D supplementation alone during pregnancy could reduce PTB risk. Extrapolation of the results, however, must be done with caution, and there is urgent need for larger, better‐designed RCT to confirm this effect.
Melatonin signaling in T cells: Functions and applications
Authors: Ren Wenkai , Liu Gang , Chen Shuai , Yin Jie , Wang Jing , Tan Bie , Wu Guoyao , Bazer Fuller W. , Peng Yuanyi , Li Tiejun , Reiter Russel J. , Yin Yulong
Published: February 2017

Melatonin affects a variety of physiological processes including circadian rhythms, cellular redox status, and immune function. Importantly, melatonin significantly influences T‐cell‐mediated immune responses, which are crucial to protect mammals against cancers and infections, but are associated with pathogenesis of many autoimmune diseases. This review focuses on our current understanding of the significance of melatonin in T‐cell biology and the beneficial effects of melatonin in T‐cell response‐based diseases. In addition to expressing both membrane and nuclear receptors for melatonin, T cells have the four enzymes required for the synthesis of melatonin and produce high levels of melatonin. Meanwhile, melatonin is highly effective in modulating T‐cell activation and differentiation, especially for Th17 and Treg cells, and also memory T cells. Mechanistically, the influence of melatonin in T‐cell biology is associated with membrane and nuclear receptors as well as receptor‐independent pathways, for example, via calcineurin. Several cell signaling pathways, including ERK1/2‐C/EBPα, are involved in the regulatory roles of melatonin in T‐cell biology. Through modulation in T‐cell responses, melatonin exerts beneficial effects in various inflammatory diseases, such as type 1 diabetes, systemic lupus erythematosus, and multiple sclerosis. These findings highlight the importance of melatonin signaling in T‐cell fate determination, and T cell‐based immune pathologies.
Identification and characterization of Rubisco activase genes in Oryza punctata
Authors: Xu Si , Qin Zong‐Yan , Gong Pi‐Chang , Dong Qian‐Li , Bao Ying
Published: February 2017

Rubisco activase (Rca), a specific chaperone, catalyzes the in vivo activation of Rubisco, and thus plays a major role in plant photosynthesis. Although the genes encoding Rubisco activase have been studied in many model or economic plants, few studies have analyzed their homologs in plants of closely related crop species. In this study, an Rca gene was identified and characterized in a wild relative of rice, Oryza punctata Kotschy ex Steud. The gene was 2747 bp long and possessed six exons and five introns with 47% GC content. Furthermore, cDNA sequencing produced two transcripts, RcaL and RcaS, that differed in the sequence by an inclusion of 99 bp at the carboxy terminus of RcaL. Sequence comparison between the two transcripts and the genomic DNA showed that there was a 20‐bp alternative splicing event that occurred at the fifth intron of the gene leading to the synthesis of a short polypeptide. The leaf transcriptome analysis showed that RcaS had a higher expression level than that of RcaL in a normal growth environment. In addition, the yeast two‐hybrid assays showed the small isoform of Rubisco activase in close contact with the large subunit of the Rubisco in this species, supporting the side‐on binding model of interaction between two proteins. This study broadens our understanding of the molecular characteristics of some essential genes in photosynthesis.
Daily activity patterns in the giant root rat (Tachyoryctes macrocephalus), a fossorial rodent from the Afro‐alpine zone of the Bale Mountains, Ethiopia
Authors: Vlasatá T. , Šklíba J. , Lövy M. , Meheretu Y. , Sillero‐Zubiri C. , Šumbera R.
Published: February 2017

Rodents adjust their activity to environmental conditions. The adjustment can be especially pronounced in climatically challenging environments. We studied activity patterns in the free‐living giant root rat (Tachyoryctes macrocephalus), a large fossorial rodent endemic to the Afro‐alpine ecosystem of the Bale Mountains, Ethiopia, by means of radio telemetry. We radio‐tracked 17 adults during two periods of a dry season differing in temperature and food supply. In both periods, root rats spent a large part of the day (around 79%) in their underground nests. The proportion of time the animals were active aboveground decreased from 6.9 to 3.8% between the early and late dry season, which contradicts our prediction that aboveground activity would increase under lower food supply. We propose that there are thermoregulation advantages of prolonged aboveground activity during warm hours in the colder early dry season. In both periods, the root rats displayed diurnal activity with a unimodal pattern positively related to the temperature at the soil surface. Unlike in some other burrowing rodents, there was no tendency to decrease activity in the warmest part of the day even in the relatively warm late dry season.
Three‐dimensional assessment of condylar position and joint spaces after maxillary first premolar extraction in skeletal Class II malocclusion
Authors: Alhammadi M. S. , Fayed M. S. , Labib A.
Published: February 2017

Structured Abstract

Objectives

This study sought to investigate the three‐dimensional (3D) changes in anteroposterior, vertical and mediolateral positions and orientations of the mandibular condyle as well as joint space parameters following maxillary first premolar extraction and incisor retraction in skeletal Class II patients.

Setting and Sample Population

Thirty patients were treated by orthodontic maxillary first premolar extraction at the Faculty of Oral and Dental Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt.

Materials and Methods

Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) analysis was performed in patients pre‐ and post‐treatment. Sixty joints were evaluated based on the volumetric images, and the following 3D measurements were evaluated: (i) mandibular condylar position relative to the cranial base and the joint itself, (ii) condylar inclination and (iii) anterior, posterior, superior and medial joint spaces.

Results

There was a statistically significant (P≤.05) posterior positioning of the condyle relative to the vertical plane. The distance increased significantly from 5.77 to 6.82 mm as this plane is anterior to the mandibular condyle. There was an increased anterior joint space (from 3.10 to 3.90 mm) and decreased posterior joint space (from 2.78 to 2.23 mm) following treatment. No changes were observed in mediolateral and vertical condylar positions.

Conclusions

Posterior positioning of the condyle after orthodontic extraction and incisor retraction may occur, but its clinical significance requires further assessment in future studies.
Refuge increases food chain length: modeled impacts of littoral structure in lake food webs
Authors: Ziegler Jacob P. , Gregory‐Eaves Irene , Solomon Christopher T.
Published: February 2017

Food chain length (FCL) represents a fundamental metric within ecology because it has implications for ecosystem function and responses to environmental change. Omnivory between linked food chains situated within large ecosystems can increase FCL, whereas overlap of food chains within small or spatially compressed ecosystems is generally thought to decrease FCL. Yet FCL varies widely in small ecosystems and the mechanisms underlying determinants of FCL in these systems is unclear. In small shallow lakes, littoral structure is a predictor of FCL but it is unclear whether this is due to productivity or refuge mechanisms. Here we provide evidence, using consumer resource food web modules parameterized with empirical data, that refuge in spatially compressed ecosystems has the ability on its own to increase the trophic position of top predators by increasing the biomass of top and intermediate predators across a range of common food web module structures. Our results suggest that refuge is an important driver of FCL in small ecosystems, which has implications for determining responses of these systems to environmental change.
Judicial Independence and US State Bond Ratings: An Empirical Investigation
Authors: Dove John A.
Published: February 2017

Significant research has assessed how judicial independence influences a number of economic outcomes, however, less has been done to evaluate how financial institutions perceive an independent judiciary. Therefore, this paper considers how greater judicial independence across US states may affect state bond ratings. Overall, the results suggest that states with relatively more independent judiciaries do in fact have higher bond ratings, which translates into lower borrowing costs. The results are robust to a number of specifications and suggest the role that an independent judiciary plays in contract enforcement along with several other important implications for future research.
Stem hydraulic capacitance decreases with drought stress: implications for modelling tree hydraulics in the Mediterranean oak Quercus ilex
Authors: Salomón Roberto L , Limousin Jean‐Marc , Ourcival Jean‐Marc , Rodríguez‐Calcerrada Jesús , Steppe Kathy
Published: February 2017

Hydraulic modelling is a primary tool to predict plant performance in future drier scenarios. However, as most tree models are validated under non‐stress conditions, they may fail when water becomes limiting. To simulate tree hydraulic functioning under moist and dry conditions, the current version of a water flow and storage mechanistic model was further developed by implementing equations that describe variation in xylem hydraulic resistance (RX) and stem hydraulic capacitance (CS) with predawn water potential (ΨPD). The model was applied in a Mediterranean forest experiencing intense summer drought, where six Quercus ilex trees were instrumented to monitor stem diameter variations and sap flow, concurrently with measurements of predawn and midday leaf water potential. Best model performance was observed when CS was allowed to decrease with decreasing ΨPD. Hydraulic capacitance decreased from 62 to 25 kg m−3 MPa−1 across the growing season. In parallel, tree transpiration decreased to a greater extent than the capacitive water release and the contribution of stored water to transpiration increased from 2.0 to 5.1%. Our results demonstrate the importance of stored water and seasonality in CS for tree hydraulic functioning, and they suggest that CS should be considered to predict the drought response of trees with models.
Blood donation and testosterone replacement therapy
Authors: Chin‐Yee Benjamin , Lazo‐Langner Alejandro , Butler‐Foster Terrie , Hsia Cyrus , Chin‐Yee Ian
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND

Polycythemia is the most common adverse effect of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and may predispose patients to adverse vascular events. Current Canadian guidelines recommend regular laboratory monitoring and discontinuing TRT or reducing the dose if the hematocrit exceeds 54% (hemoglobin ≥180 g/L). This threshold has been interpreted by some physicians and patients to indicate the need for phlebotomy or blood donation while on TRT.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

We reviewed all male blood donors in Southwestern Ontario at Canadian Blood Services from December 2013 to March 2016 who self‐identified or were found on donor screening to be on TRT. Hemoglobin concentration was measured at the time of donation or clinic visit and with each subsequent appointment in repeat donors.

RESULTS

We identified 39 patients on TRT who presented for blood donation over a 2‐year period. The mean hemoglobin level at all clinic visits was 173 g/L (range, 134‐205 g/L; n = 108). Hemoglobin concentrations of 180 g/L or more (calculated hematocrit, ≥54%) were measured at 25% of appointments. Of the 27 repeat donors, 12 (44%) had persistently elevated hemoglobin levels (≥180 g/L) at subsequent donations.

CONCLUSION

Hemoglobin concentrations were elevated in donors on TRT, and significant numbers had hemoglobin levels above those recommended by current guidelines. These data also suggest that repeat blood donation was insufficient to maintain a hematocrit below 54%. Our findings raise concerns about the persistent risk of vascular events in these donors, particularly when coupled with the misperception by patients and health care providers that donation has reduced or eliminated the risks of TRT‐induced polycythemia.
Improved outcomes and reduced costs associated with a health‐system–wide patient blood management program: a retrospective observational study in four major adult tertiary‐care hospitals
Authors: Leahy Michael F. , Hofmann Axel , Towler Simon , Trentino Kevin M. , Burrows Sally A. , Swain Stuart G. , Hamdorf Jeffrey , Gallagher Trudi , Koay Audrey , Geelhoed Gary C. , Farmer Shannon L.
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND

Patient blood management (PBM) programs are associated with improved patient outcomes, reduced transfusions and costs. In 2008, the Western Australia Department of Health initiated a comprehensive health‐system–wide PBM program. This study assesses program outcomes.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

This was a retrospective study of 605,046 patients admitted to four major adult tertiary‐care hospitals between July 2008 and June 2014. Outcome measures were red blood cell (RBC), fresh‐frozen plasma (FFP), and platelet units transfused; single‐unit RBC transfusions; pretransfusion hemoglobin levels; elective surgery patients anemic at admission; product and activity‐based costs of transfusion; in‐hospital mortality; length of stay; 28‐day all‐cause emergency readmissions; and hospital‐acquired complications.

RESULTS

Comparing final year with baseline, units of RBCs, FFP, and platelets transfused per admission decreased 41% (p < 0.001), representing a saving of AU$18,507,092 (US$18,078,258) and between AU$80 million and AU$100 million (US$78 million and US$97 million) estimated activity‐based savings. Mean pretransfusion hemoglobin levels decreased 7.9 g/dL to 7.3 g/dL (p < 0.001), and anemic elective surgery admissions decreased 20.8% to 14.4% (p = 0.001). Single‐unit RBC transfusions increased from 33.3% to 63.7% (p < 0.001). There were risk‐adjusted reductions in hospital mortality (odds ratio [OR], 0.72; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.67‐0.77; p < 0.001), length of stay (incidence rate ratio, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.84‐0.87; p < 0.001), hospital‐acquired infections (OR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.73‐0.86; p < 0.001), and acute myocardial infarction‐stroke (OR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.58‐0.82; p < 0.001). All‐cause emergency readmissions increased (OR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.02‐1.10; p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Implementation of a unique, jurisdiction‐wide PBM program was associated with improved patient outcomes, reduced blood product utilization, and product‐related cost savings.
Targeting canine mammary tumours via gold nanoparticles functionalized with promising Co(II) and Zn(II) compounds
Authors: Raposo L. R. , Roma‐Rodrigues C. , Jesus J. , Martins L. M. D. R. S. , Pombeiro A. J. , Baptista P. V. , Fernandes A. R.
Published: February 2017

Background

Despite continuous efforts, the treatment of canine cancer has still to deliver effective strategies. For example, traditional chemotherapy with doxorubicin and/or docetaxel does not significantly increase survival in dogs with canine mammary tumors (CMTs).

Aims

Evaluate the efficiency of two metal compounds [Zn(DION)2]Cl (TS262, DION = 1,10‐phenanthroline‐5,6‐dione) and [CoCl(H2O)(DION)2][BF4] (TS265) and novel nanovectorizations designed to improve the anti‐cancer efficacy of these compounds in a new CMT derived cell line (FR37‐CMT).

Materials and methods

FR37‐CMT cells were exposed to different concentrations of TS262 and TS265 and two new nanoparticle systems and cellular viability was determined. These nanosystems are composed of polyethylene‐glycol, bovine‐serum‐albumin and TS262 or TS265 (NanoTS262 or NanoTS265, respectively).

Results

In FR37‐CMT, TS262 and TS265 displayed IC50 values well below those displayed by doxorubicin and cisplatin. The nanovectorizations further decreased the IC50 values.

Discussion

TS262 and TS265 proved to be effective against FR37‐CMT cells and more effective than of doxorubicin and cisplatin. The Nanosystems efficiently delivered the cytotoxic cargo inducing a significant reduction of cell viability in FR37‐CMT cell line when compared to the free compounds.

Conclusions

TS262 and TS265 are compounds with potential in the treatment of CMTs. NanoTS262 and NanoTS265 demonstrate that such simple nanovectorization via gold nanoparticles shows tremendous potential as anti‐cancer formulations, which may easily be expanded to suit other cargo.
Negative pressure wound therapy using polyvinyl alcohol foam to bolster full‐thickness mesh skin grafts in dogs
Authors: Or Matan , Van Goethem Bart , Kitshoff Adriaan , Koenraadt Annika , Schwarzkopf Ilona , Bosmans Tim , de Rooster Hilde
Published: February 2017

Objective

To report the use of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) foam to bolster full‐thickness mesh skin grafts in dogs.

Study Design

Retrospective case series.

Animals

Client‐owned dogs (n = 8).

Material and Methods

Full‐thickness mesh skin graft was directly covered with PVA foam. NPWT was maintained for 5 days (in 1 or 2 cycles). Grafts were evaluated on days 2, 5, 10, 15, and 30 for graft appearance and graft take, granulation tissue formation, and complications.

Results

Firm attachment of the graft to the recipient bed was accomplished in 7 dogs with granulation tissue quickly filling the mesh holes, and graft take considered excellent. One dog had bandage complications after cessation of the NPWT, causing partial graft loss. The PVA foam did not adhere to the graft or damage the surrounding skin.

Conclusion

The application of NPWT with a PVA foam after full‐thickness mesh skin grafting in dogs provides an effective method for securing skin grafts, with good graft acceptance. PVA foam can be used as a primary dressing for skin grafts, obviating the need for other interposing materials to protect the graft and the surrounding skin.
Peridynamic Modeling of Hyperelastic Membrane Deformation
Authors: Bang D. J. , Madenci E.
Published: February 2017

This study concerns the development of peridynamic (PD) strain energy density functions for a Neo-Hookean type membrane under equibiaxial, planar, and uniaxial loading conditions. The material parameters for each loading case are determined by equating the PD strain energy density to that of the classical continuum mechanics. The PD equations of motion are derived based on the Neo-Hookean model under the assumption of incompressibility. Numerical results concern the deformation of a membrane with a defect in the form of a hole, a crack, and a rigid inclusion under equibiaxial, planar, and uniaxial loading conditions. The PD predictions are verified by comparison with those of finite element analysis.
Design of Mechanisms to Draw Trigonometric Plane Curves
Authors: Liu Yang , Michael McCarthy J.
Published: February 2017

This paper describes a mechanism design methodology that draws plane curves which have finite Fourier series parameterizations, known as trigonometric curves. We present three ways to use the coefficients of this parameterization to construct a mechanical system that draws the curve. One uses Scotch yoke mechanisms for each of the terms in the coordinate trigonometric functions, which are then added using a belt or cable drive. The second approach uses two-coupled serial chains obtained from the coordinate trigonometric functions. The third approach combines the coordinate trigonometric functions to define a single-coupled serial chain that draws the plane curve. This work is a version of Kempe's universality theorem that demonstrates that every plane trigonometric curve has a linkage which draws the curve. Several examples illustrate the method including the use of boundary points and the discrete Fourier transform to define the trigonometric curve.
Immigration order threatens overseas talent
Authors: Stone Richard , Wadman Meredith
Published: February 2017

Trump's rule barring U.S. entry from seven countries hits scientists—and science—hard.
U.S. observers seek a more perfect union
Authors: Clery Daniel
Published: February 2017

With an eye to Europe, U.S. astronomers plan national center to oversee three observatories.
Ultrastructural evidence for synaptic scaling across the wake/sleep cycle
Authors: de Vivo Luisa , Bellesi Michele , Marshall William , Bushong Eric A. , Ellisman Mark H. , Tononi Giulio , Cirelli Chiara
Published: February 2017

Synapse remodeling during sleep

General activity and information processing while an animal is awake drive synapse strengthening. This is counterbalanced by weakening of synapses during sleep (see the Perspective by Acsády). De Vivo
et al.
used serial scanning electron microscopy to reconstruct axon-spine interface and spine head volume in the mouse brain. They observed a substantial decrease in interface size after sleep. The largest relative changes occurred among weak synapses, whereas strong ones remained stable. Diering
et al.
found that synapses undergo changes in synaptic glutamate receptors during the sleep-wake cycle, driven by the immediate early gene
Homer1a.
In awake animals,
Homer1a
accumulates in neurons but is excluded from synapses by high levels of noradrenaline. At the onset of sleep, noradrenaline levels decline, allowing
Homer1a
to move to excitatory synapses and drive synapse weakening.

Science
, this issue p.
457
, p.
507
; see also p.
511
Homer1a drives homeostatic scaling-down of excitatory synapses during sleep
Authors: Diering Graham H. , Nirujogi Raja S. , Roth Richard H. , Worley Paul F. , Pandey Akhilesh , Huganir Richard L.
Published: February 2017

Synapse remodeling during sleep

General activity and information processing while an animal is awake drive synapse strengthening. This is counterbalanced by weakening of synapses during sleep (see the Perspective by Acsády). De Vivo
et al.
used serial scanning electron microscopy to reconstruct axon-spine interface and spine head volume in the mouse brain. They observed a substantial decrease in interface size after sleep. The largest relative changes occurred among weak synapses, whereas strong ones remained stable. Diering
et al.
found that synapses undergo changes in synaptic glutamate receptors during the sleep-wake cycle, driven by the immediate early gene
Homer1a.
In awake animals,
Homer1a
accumulates in neurons but is excluded from synapses by high levels of noradrenaline. At the onset of sleep, noradrenaline levels decline, allowing
Homer1a
to move to excitatory synapses and drive synapse weakening.

Science
, this issue p.
457
, p.
507
; see also p.
511
Our best shot
The Vaccine Race Science, Politics, and the Human Costs of Defeating Disease
Meredith Wadman
Viking, 2017. 448 pp.
Authors: Jonlin Erica C.
Published: February 2017

A well-researched tome reveals the people who helped make early vaccines possible
Data-driven predictions in the science of science
Authors: Clauset Aaron , Larremore Daniel B. , Sinatra Roberta
Published: February 2017

The desire to predict discoveries—to have some idea, in advance, of what will be discovered, by whom, when, and where—pervades nearly all aspects of modern science, from individual scientists to publishers, from funding agencies to hiring committees. In this Essay, we survey the emerging and interdisciplinary field of the “science of science” and what it teaches us about the predictability of scientific discovery. We then discuss future opportunities for improving predictions derived from the science of science and its potential impact, positive and negative, on the scientific community.
Formation of α-chiral centers by asymmetric β-C(sp
3
)–H arylation, alkenylation, and alkynylation
Authors: Wu Qing-Feng , Shen Peng-Xiang , He Jian , Wang Xiao-Bing , Zhang Forrest , Shao Qian , Zhu Ru-Yi , Mapelli Claudio , Qiao Jennifer X. , Poss Michael A. , Yu Jin-Quan
Published: February 2017

Expressed preferences among methyl groups

Targeting just one of the two equivalent branch ends in Y-shaped molecules is a particular challenge for catalysis. Enzymes manage to do it by grasping the whole molecule, octopus-like, but often enzymes cannot tolerate minor structural variations. Wu
et al.
produced an amide-directed palladium catalyst that, armed with oxazoline-derived chiral ligands, could reliably attack just one methyl member of isopropyl groups. The reaction successfully replaced C–H bonds with C–C bonds in a wide variety of aryl and vinyl coupling partners.

Science
, this issue p.
499
Animal Models of Zika Virus Infection, Pathogenesis, and Immunity
Authors: Morrison Thomas E. , Diamond Michael S.
Published: February 2017

Zika virus (ZIKV) is an emerging mosquito-transmitted flavivirus that now causes epidemics affecting millions of people on multiple continents. The virus has received global attention because of some of its unusual epidemiological and clinical features, including persistent infection in the male reproductive tract and sexual transmission, an ability to cross the placenta during pregnancy and infect the developing fetus to cause congenital malformations, and its association with Guillain-Barré syndrome in adults. This past year has witnessed an intensive effort by the global scientific community to understand the biology of ZIKV and to develop pathogenesis models for the rapid testing of possible countermeasures. Here, we review the recent advances in and utility and limitations of newly developed mouse and nonhuman primate models of ZIKV infection and pathogenesis.
Dinucleotide Composition in Animal RNA Viruses Is Shaped More by Virus Family than by Host Species
Authors: Di Giallonardo Francesca , Schlub Timothy E. , Shi Mang , Holmes Edward C.
Published: February 2017

Viruses use the cellular machinery of their hosts for replication. It has therefore been proposed that the nucleotide and dinucleotide compositions of viruses should match those of their host species. If this is upheld, it may then be possible to use dinucleotide composition to predict the true host species of viruses sampled in metagenomic surveys. However, it is also clear that different taxonomic groups of viruses tend to have distinctive patterns of dinucleotide composition that may be independent of host species. To determine the relative strength of the effect of host versus virus family in shaping dinucleotide composition, we performed a comparative analysis of 20 RNA virus families from 15 host groupings, spanning two animal phyla and more than 900 virus species. In particular, we determined the odds ratios for the 16 possible dinucleotides and performed a discriminant analysis to evaluate the capability of virus dinucleotide composition to predict the correct virus family or host taxon from which it was isolated. Notably, while 81% of the data analyzed here were predicted to the correct virus family, only 62% of these data were predicted to their correct subphylum/class host and a mere 32% to their correct mammalian order. Similarly, dinucleotide composition has a weak predictive power for different hosts within individual virus families. We therefore conclude that dinucleotide composition is generally uniform within a virus family but less well reflects that of its host species. This has obvious implications for attempts to accurately predict host species from virus genome sequences alone.

IMPORTANCE
Determining the processes that shape virus genomes is central to understanding virus evolution and emergence. One question of particular importance is why nucleotide and dinucleotide frequencies differ so markedly between viruses. In particular, it is currently unclear whether host species or virus family has the biggest impact on dinucleotide frequencies and whether dinucleotide composition can be used to accurately predict host species. Using a comparative analysis, we show that dinucleotide composition has a strong phylogenetic association across different RNA virus families, such that dinucleotide composition can predict the family from which a virus sequence has been isolated. Conversely, dinucleotide composition has a poorer predictive power for the different host species within a virus family and across different virus families, indicating that the host has a relatively small impact on the dinucleotide composition of a virus genome.
Cohort profile: the Scottish Research register SHARE. A register of people interested in research participation linked to NHS data sets
Authors: McKinstry Brian , Sullivan Frank M , Vasishta Shobna , Armstrong Roma , Hanley Janet , Haughney John , Philip Sam , Smith Blair H , Wood Amanda , Palmer Colin N A
Published: February 2017

Purpose

Recruitment to trials is often difficult. Many trials fail to meet recruitment targets resulting in underpowered studies which waste resources and the time of those who participated. While there is evidence that many people are willing to take part in research, particularly if it involves a condition from which they suffer, researchers are unable to easily contact such people often relying on busy clinicians to identify them. Many clinicians perceive themselves as too busy to take part in research activities. The Scottish Health Research Register SHARE adopts an approach which asks the public to consent to their data held in National Health Service databases to be used to determine their suitability for research projects. Additionally, participants can consent for spare blood, left after routine venepuncture to be automatically identified in the laboratory and stored for future research studies.

Participants

Anyone over the age of 16 years in Scotland can participate. Participants are approached through a range of methods including directly at outpatient clinics and general practitioners practices, leaflets with hospital letters and personal email from employers.

Findings to date

SHARE has recruited around 130 000 people. SHARE has demonstrated that it can quickly and efficiently recruit to studies, over 20 until now. In addition, it can be used to administer questionnaire studies by email and recruit to patient and public involvement groups.

Future plans

SHARE continues to steadily recruit with the ambition of eventually achieving 1 000 000 people in Scotland. We are steadily increasing the number of data sets we use for identifying participants. We are adding a mobile app which will facilitate dissemination about research and allow the collection of physiological and activity data if desired. We anticipate that SHARE will soon become the main source of health research recruitment in Scotland.
Ten‐minute chat
Authors: Boswood Adrian
Published: February 2017

Adrian Boswood is professor of cardiology at the Royal Veterinary College. He recently led a study on mitral valve disease, the findings of which will benefit many older dogs.
From pseudo-bosons to pseudo-Hermiticity via multiple generalized Bogoliubov transformations
Authors: Bagarello Fabio , Fring Andreas
Published: February 2017

We consider the special type of pseudo-bosonic systems that can be mapped to standard bosons by means of generalized Bogoliubov transformation and demonstrate that pseudo-Hermitian systems can be obtained from them by means of a second subsequent Bogoliubov transformation. We employ these operators in a simple model and study three different types of scenario for the constraints on the model parameters giving rise to a Hermitian system, a pseudo-Hermitian system in which the second Bogoliubov transformation is equivalent to the associated Dyson map and the one in which we obtain [Formula: see text]-quasi bases.
Chapter 1 Introduction and history of mapping and research
Authors: Bandopadhyay P. C.
Published: February 2017

This chapter examines the history of reconnaissance and geological mapping work on the Andaman and Nicobar islands. To understand early exploration it is necessary to review the driving forces for colonization, including the development of the Andaman Islands as a penal colony for political prisoners. Geological mapping conducted in the colonial era continued after India gained independence in 1947 and expanded in the 1980s to include hydrocarbon and mineral resources. More recent work has placed greater emphasis on supporting field observation data with geochronological, geochemical and petrological analyses.
Chapter 10 Provenance of Oligocene Andaman sandstones (Andaman–Nicobar Islands): Ganga–Brahmaputra or Irrawaddy derived?
Authors: Limonta Mara , Resentini Alberto , Carter Andrew , Bandopadhyay Pinaki C. , Garzanti Eduardo
Published: February 2017

Interpretation of the origin of Oligocene Flysch exposed in the Andaman–Nicobar Islands has been the subject of debate. Previous work on the provenance of the Andaman Flysch based on samples from South Andaman has indicated major contributions from Myanmar affected by the India–Asia collision, mixed with subordinate detritus from the nascent Himalayas. This study examines the provenance of a larger suite of samples that extend to North and Middle Andaman islands as well as Great Nicobar Island. Rather monotonous petrographic and heavy-mineral assemblages testify to strong diagenetic imprint, leading to a poorly constrained identification of the sediment source. U–Pb zircon ages provide more robust and diagnostic provenance discrimination between the Myanmar Arc and the growing Himalayan range. Combining petrographic and mineralogical data with detrital zircon U–Pb analyses, we find that most of the Andaman Flysch is dominated by a strong continental-crust signal with only a minor contribution from arc material. Statistical analyses of the data show that most of the samples have a provenance similar to Palaeogene Bengal Fan sediments, although the type section on South Andaman has a closer affinity to the provenance of the modern Irrawaddy.

Supplementary material:
Sample location (Table A1), the complete petrographic (Table A2), heavy mineral (Table A3) and U–Pb zircon-age datasets (Table A4) are all available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.3634328.v1
Chapter 11 The Archipelago Group: current understanding
Authors: Bandopadhyay P. C. , Carter A.
Published: February 2017

The geology and stratigraphy of the Archipelago Group are reviewed and new data presented to improve understanding. Major lithofacies are bioclastic limestones, bioturbated mottled marlstones, micritic limestones, trace fossil-bearing mudstones, quartzose sandstones and reworked volcanic material of Mio-Pliocene and Pleistocene age. The succession overlies the Pre-Neogene submarine fan turbidites and tectonic mélanges of ophiolite derivation and Mithakhari rocks, and is overlain by Quaternary deposits of late Pleistocene–Holocene age. The Neogene sequences were deposited in wave- and current-agitated shallow-marine intertidal and relatively deeper-water subtidal, nearshore and offshore shelfal environments. The existing stratigraphic framework is examined and suggestions made for improvement.
Chapter 5 Regional tectonics, structure and evolution of the Andaman–Nicobar Islands from ophiolite formation and obduction to collision and back-arc spreading
Authors: Morley Chris K. , Searle Mike
Published: February 2017

A wide range of tectonic models exist for the Cretaceous–Cenozoic development of the Sumatra–Andaman–Myanmar region, reflecting outstanding regional issues including: (1) suture zone correlation between Tibet and Myanmar; (2) understanding ophiolitic fragment emplacement; (3) timing of ophiolite emplacement; (4) tectonic setting of ophiolite formation; (5) post-emplacement ophiolite history; (6) number, distribution and accretion timing of different tectonic continental blocks in western SE Asia; (7) how the Andaman–Sumatra subduction zone developed during the Cenozoic, and location and timing of inactive, v. obliquely subducting segments; and (8) considerable variations in regional plate tectonic reconstructions (e.g. latitude of Lhasa Block at the time of collision, amount and direction of block rotation within SE Asia). Following reviews of these issues we propose a relatively simple model whose characteristics are continuity of a single continental mass between Myanmar and Sumatra during the Cenozoic, early Cenozoic ophiolite emplacement as imbricate slices within an accretionary complex and no emplacement of a major overthrusting oceanic slab. Subsequent collisional deformation further dismembered the ophiolites. Approximately 30° clockwise rotation of SE Asia occurred following Asia–India collision, accompanied by transition from a paired Andean-type magmatic belt to regional oblique-slip and strike-slip tectonics. During the Neogene the Andaman sea region became dominantly transtensional, while Myanmar in the Late Neogene became transpressional.
Divergent endothelial function but similar platelet microvesicle responses following eccentric and concentric cycling at a similar aerobic power output
Authors: Rakobowchuk Mark , Ritter Ophélie , Wilhelm Eurico Nestor , Isacco Laurie , Bouhaddi Malika , Degano Bruno , Tordi Nicolas , Mourot Laurent
Published: February 2017

Endothelial function and microvesicle concentration changes after acute bouts of continuous eccentric exercise have not been assessed previously nor compared with concentric exercise at similar aerobic power outputs. This method of training may be useful among some clinical populations, but acute responses are not well described. As such, 12 healthy males completed 2 experimental sessions of either 45 min of eccentric or concentric cycling at a matched aerobic power output below the ventilatory threshold. Brachial artery vascular function was assessed throughout 5 min of forearm ischemia and 3 min thereafter, before and at 5 and 40 min of recovery following each exercise session [flow-mediated dilation (FMD)]. Venous blood samples were acquired before each vascular function assessment. FMD significantly decreased after eccentric cycling by 40 min of recovery ( P < 0.05), but was unaltered after concentric exercise. No differences in peak hyperemic blood flow velocity occurred neither between modalities nor at any time point ( P > 0.05). Platelet-derived microvesicles increased by ~20% after both exercise modalities ( P < 0.05) while endothelial-derived microvesicles were unchanged ( P > 0.05). Moderate relationships with cardiac output, a surrogate for shear stress, and norepinephrine were apparent ( P < 0.05), but there were no relationships with inflammatory or acute phase proteins. In summary, eccentric endurance exercise induced macrovascular endothelial dysfunction; however, endothelial activation determined by endothelial microvesicles did not occur suggesting that this modality may induce oxidative stress but no significant endothelial damage. In addition, the increase in platelet microvesicle concentrations may induce beneficial microvascular adaptations as suggested by previous research.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Continuous eccentric cycling exercise induces substantial skeletal muscle, tendon, and bone strain providing a potentially beneficial stimulus among clinical populations. This modality also induces temporary endothelial dysfunction but no apparent damage or activation of the endothelium indicated by microvesicle production, whereas proangiogenic platelet microvesicles are released similarly following both concentric and eccentric cycling and may relate to the shear stress and catecholamine response to exercise.
Investigating Factors Associated with Depressive Symptoms of Chronic Kidney Diseases in China with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Wang Xu , Shen Biyu , Zhuang Xun , Wang Xueqin , Weng Weiqun
Published: February 2017

Aim.To assess the depressive symptoms status of chronic kidney diseases in Nantong, China, with type 2 diabetes and to identify factors associated with depressive symptoms.Methods.In this cross-sectional analytic study, 210 type 2 diabetic patients were recruited from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University. Depressive symptoms were assessed with the depression subscale of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD-D). The quality of life was measured with the RAND 36-Item Health Survey (SF-36). And the independent risk factors of depressive symptoms were assessed by using a stepwise forward model of logistic regression analysis.Results.The mean age of the study subjects was 57.66 years (SD: 11.68). Approximately 21.4% of subjects reported depressive symptoms (n=45). Forward stepwise logistic regression analysis showed that female gender (P=0.010), hypertension (P=0.022), Stage IV (P=0.003), and Stage V (P<0.001) were significant risk factors for depressive symptoms. The quality of life of individuals with HAD-D score <11 was significantly better compared with individuals with HAD-D score ≥ 11.Conclusions.These results indicate that clinicians should be aware that female patients with chronic kidney diseases with T2DM in their late stage with hypertension are at a marked increased risk of depressive symptoms. Providing optimal care for the psychological health of this population is vital.
CPAP Treatment Partly Normalizes Sleep Spindle Features in Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Saunamäki Tiia , Huupponen Eero , Loponen Juho , Himanen Sari-Leena
Published: February 2017

Objective. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) decreases sleep spindle density and frequency. We evaluated the effects of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment on different features of sleep spindles.Methods. Twenty OSA patients underwent two night polysomnographies in a diagnostic phase and one night polysomnography after 6 months of CPAP treatment. The control group comprised 20 healthy controls. Sleep spindles were analyzed by a previously developed automated method. Unilateral and bilateral spindles were identified in central and frontopolar brain locations. Spindle density and frequency were determined for the first and last half of the NREM time.Results. The density of bilateral central spindles, which did not change in the untreated OSA patients, increased towards the morning hours during CPAP treatment and in the controls. Central spindles did not become faster with sleep in OSA patients and the central spindles remained slow in the left hemisphere even with CPAP.Conclusion. CPAP treatment normalized spindle features only partially. The changes may be associated with deficits in thalamocortical spindle generating loops.Significance. This study shows that some sleep spindle changes persist after CPAP treatment in OSA patients. The association of these changes to daytime symptoms in OSA patients needs to be further evaluated.
Strictly Finite‐Time‐Convergent Missile Guidance Law Based on Adaptive‐Gain Observer
Authors: Zhou Jun , Wang Yang
Published: February 2017

In the absence of the upper bound of time‐varying target acceleration, the finite‐time‐convergent guidance (FTCG) problem for missile is addressed in this paper. Firstly, a novel adaptive finite‐time disturbance observer (AFDO) is developed based on adaptive‐gain super twisting (ASTW) algorithm to estimate the unknown target acceleration. Subsequently, a new FTCG law is proposed by using the output of AFDO. The newly proposed FTCG law has several advantages over existing FTCG laws. First, for time‐varying target acceleration, the proposed method can strictly guarantee the trajectory of the closed‐loop system is driven onto the sliding surface rather than a neighbourhood of sliding surface in the extended‐state‐observer‐based FTCG (ESOFTCG) law. Second, the proposed method requires no upper bound information on the target acceleration. Third, the chattering problem in the conventional FTCG (CFTCG) law is completely avoided in this paper. Simulation result demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed AFDO and the proposed FTCG law.
Cervical Cancer Cell Line Secretome Highlights the Roles of Transforming Growth Factor-Beta-Induced Protein ig-h3, Peroxiredoxin-2, and NRF2 on Cervical Carcinogenesis
Authors: Kontostathi Georgia , Zoidakis Jerome , Makridakis Manousos , Lygirou Vasiliki , Mermelekas George , Papadopoulos Theofilos , Vougas Konstantinos , Vlamis-Gardikas Alexios , Drakakis Peter , Loutradis Dimitrios , Vlahou Antonia , Anagnou Nicholas P. , Pappa Kalliopi I.
Published: February 2017

Cancer cells acquire unique secretome compositions that contribute to tumor development and metastasis. The aim of our study was to elucidate the biological processes involved in cervical cancer, by performing a proteomic analysis of the secretome from the following informative cervical cell lines: SiHa (HPV16+), HeLa (HPV18+), C33A (HPV−), and HCK1T (normal). Proteins were analyzed by 2D gel electrophoresis coupled to MALDI-TOF-MS. Enrichment of secreted proteins with characteristic profiles for each cell line was followed by the identification of differentially expressed proteins. Particularly, transforming growth factor-beta-induced protein ig-h3 (Beta ig-h3) and peroxiredoxin-2 (PRDX2) overexpression in the secretome of cancer cell lines was detected and confirmed by Western blot. Bioinformatics analysis identified the transcription factor NRF2 as a regulator of differentially expressed proteins in the cervical cancer secretome. NRF2 levels were measured by both Western blot and Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM) in the total cell extract of the four cell lines. NRF2 was upregulated in SiHa and C33A compared to HCK1T. In conclusion, the secreted proteins identified in cervical cancer cell lines indicate that aberrant NRF2-mediated oxidative stress response (OSR) is a prominent feature of cervical carcinogenesis.
A Newborn with Panhypopituitarism and Seizures
Authors: Kale Trupti , Patil Rachit , Pandit Ramesh
Published: February 2017

Interstitial deletions on the short arm of chromosome 20 are uncommon, and therefore the clinical phenotype is poorly defined. Very few cases have been reported in the literature so far. In this report, we describe a 4-month-old female with a heterozygous deletion at 20p11.21p12.1 with panhypopituitarism and cardiac, gastrointestinal, and genitourinary anomalies along with dysmorphic facial features. We compared and discussed similar cases with overlapping deletions in 20p11 region. We wish to report this rare occurrence as this may better define the phenotypes of the 20p interstitial deletion with certain dysmorphic features, multiorgan involvement, and related clinical characteristics in this patient population.