bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dual‐antenna selection with distributed space–time block codes in two‐way relaying networks
Authors: Li Guo , Gong Feng‐Kui , Chen Xiang
Published: January 2017

Based on the criterion of maximising the end‐to‐end receiving signal‐to‐noise power ratio, a dual‐antenna selection scheme combining with distributed space–time block code is proposed for two‐way relaying networks with amplify‐and‐forward protocol in Rayleigh fading channels. To facilitate the performance analysis, the authors derive the lower bound and asymptotic expressions for the network outage probability performance. Moreover, a concise solution for optimal power allocation is also determined to minimise the outage probability under a total power constraint. From the asymptotic outage probability analysis, the authors demonstrate that the proposed dual‐antenna selection scheme can achieve full outage diversity. Finally, numerical results verify the accuracy of the authors’ analysis. Notably, the proposed scheme achieves competitive performance improvement compared with the beamforming scheme and the existing antenna selection schemes in the state of the arts.
Wideband DOA estimation for SOBFN
Authors: Wu Liu‐Li , Liu. Zhang‐Meng , Huang Zhi‐Tao
Published: January 2017

This study considers the problem of wideband direction of arrival (DOA) estimation for spatial optical beam‐forming network (SOBFN). Since its system configuration is different from that of the traditional microwave beam‐forming networks, the authors first establish the observation model of SOBFN when multiple broadband signals are received. Two kinds of DOA estimation strategies are proposed for wideband direction finding based on the established signal model. The proposed methods decompose the wideband array output into narrowband outputs in several discrete frequency bins. Then, they take advantages of the spatial sparsity of the discrete narrowband observation models to estimate the spatial power spectrum, either coherently or non‐coherently. A coarse DOA estimate is obtained via peak‐searching in the reconstructed spectrum. The preliminary result is then refined by a linear interpolation procedure. Profound experiments are carried out to demonstrate and compare the performance of the two strategies. Simulation results show that the proposed approaches can achieve wideband DOA estimation of high precision and super‐resolution for SOBFN. Moreover, coherent process is proved to have superior performance than the non‐coherent strategy.
Robust adaptive joint tracking of GNSS signal code phases in urban canyons
Authors: Tabatabaei Amir , Mosavi Mohammad Reza
Published: January 2017

Despite rapid developments in global navigation satellite system (GNSS), positioning in urban canyons is a big challenge for civil receivers. Low accessibility to the sky, multipath, weak signal and blocking incidents are the major problems of positioning in these environments. This study proposes a robust adaptive joint tracking architecture to improve the tracking and positioning results of the receiver. In this architecture beside the conventional tracking architecture, one adaptive tracking method works to aid the computation of the code phase error in weak channels. To increase the availability of the satellites above the receiver, global positioning system and Russian GLobal NAvigation satellite system integration is utilised. Different tests in static mode including blocking, multipath and weak‐signal scenarios and a dynamic test in an urban environment are included. Experimental results show that the joint adaptive receiver could find the position with more than 31 and 14% improvements in RMS error rather than conventional receiver during the static multipath and dynamic tests, respectively. How the proposed method solves the fault propagation problem of vector tracking is also shown using a simulated scenario.
Investigation of severity of voltage flicker caused by second harmonic
Authors: Goh Zai Peng , Radzi Mohd Amran Mohd , Hizam Hashim , Abdul Wahab Noor Izzri
Published: January 2017

Second harmonic produces asymmetrical waveform which leads to fluctuation of root‐means‐square (rms) value with certain frequency. Meanwhile, function of weighting filter in flickermeter is designed for sixth‐order low‐pass filtering function with frequency to be limited to 35 Hz, signal with frequency ranging from 35 to 100 Hz, at certain gain, still can pass through. Since the second harmonic produces fluctuation of rms value with 50 Hz, there is high possibility that it can be passed by this filter and thus resulting in flicker detection. Therefore, this study points out a worthwhile research gap to justify that the presence of the second harmonic can directly increase severity of voltage flicker. In addition, further simulation work using semi‐converter has been carried out, as one of main even harmonic sources, in order to justify the concept. To practically validate the concept, Fluke power analyser 435 series II and programmable alternative current source are utilised in the experimental setup. In the main finding, it is confirmed that severity of the voltage flicker increases directly with the presence of the second harmonic and it also formed a clear relationship between short‐term perceptibility (Pst) and percentage of the second harmonic component.
Imaging proteins at the single-molecule level
Authors: Longchamp Jean-Nicolas , Rauschenbach Stephan , Abb Sabine , Escher Conrad , Latychevskaia Tatiana , Kern Klaus , Fink Hans-Werner
Published: January 2017

Significance

We report a method to image and reveal structural details of proteins on a truly single-molecule level. Low-energy electron holography is used to image individual proteins electrospray deposited on freestanding graphene. In contrast to the current state of the art in structural biology, we do away with the need for averaging over many molecules. This is crucial because proteins are flexible objects that can assume distinct conformations often associated with different functions. Proteins are also the targets of almost all the currently known and available drugs. The design of new and more effective drugs relies on the knowledge of the targeted proteins structure in all its biologically significant conformations at the best possible resolution.
Final report on the torque comparison EURAMET.M.T-S2, measurand torque: 10 N·m, 20 N·m, 40 N·m, 60 N·m, 80 N·m, and 100 N·m
Authors: Röske Dirk
Published: January 2017

The purpose of the EURAMET comparison EURAMET.M.T-S2 was to compare the measuring capabilities up to 100 N·m of a reference-type torque calibration machine of ZAG, Slovenia, with the torque standard machine of the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB, Braunschweig, Germany) acting as pilot laboratory. A very stable TT1 torque transducer with well-known properties and two torque measuring bridges was used as travelling standard.

According to the technical protocol, torque steps of at least 10 N·m, 20 N·m, 40 N·m, 60 N·m, 80 N·m, and 100 N·m had to be measured both in clockwise and anticlockwise directions. For each of the torque steps and both senses of direction of the torque vector, En values were calculated.

The results are in general in good agreement with the claimed measurement uncertainties except for the very first measurement at ZAG with additional support and four plate couplings. It seems to be sufficient in a vertical set-up (vertical torque axis) to use only two flexible couplings and there is no need for a further support between the transducers. The measurements with two couplings fulfill the requirement to the En value and support ZAG's claimed uncertainties of measurement.

Main text

To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/.

The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
Characterizing the magnetic field and spectral variability of the rigidly rotating magnetosphere star HD 345439
Authors: Hubrig S. , Kholtygin A. F. , Schöller M. , Ilyin I.
Published: January 2017

A team involved in the Apache Point Observatory Galactic Evolution Experiment (APOGEE), one of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey III programmes, recently announced the discovery of two rare rigidly rotating magnetosphere stars, HD 345439 and HD 23478. Near-infrared spectra of these objects revealed emission-line behaviour identical to that previously discovered in the helium-strong star σ Ori E, which has a strong magnetic field and rotates fast. A single spectropolarimetric observation of HD 345439 with the FOcal Reducer low dispersion Spectrograph (FORS 2) at the Very Large Telescope (VLT) in 2014 over 88 min indicated that HD 345439 may host a strong, rapidly varying magnetic field. In this work, we present the results of our spectropolarimetric monitoring of this star with FORS 2, which revealed the presence of a strong longitudinal magnetic field dominated by a dipolar component. The analysis of spectral variability indicates an opposite behaviour of He and Si lines, which is usually attributed to differences in the distribution of surface He and Si abundance spots.
Premature Coronary Artery Disease and ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction in a 24-Year-Old Man With Perinatally Acquired Human Immunodeficiency Virus: A Case Report
Authors: Griffith David C. , Aronis Konstantinos N. , Orozco Angela M. , Traill Thomas A. , Manabe Yukari C. , Agwu Allison L.
Published: January 2017

Patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Although evidence of subclinical atherosclerosis in perinatally acquired HIV (PHIV) is available, myocardial infarction has not been described in this population. We report a case of myocardial infarction in a patient with PHIV with a brief literature review.
Infection-Related Hospital Admissions After Prostate Biopsy in United States Men
Authors: Evans Richard , Loeb Aram , Kaye Keith S. , Cher Michael L. , Martin Emily T.
Published: January 2017

Antibiotic prophylaxis during prostate biopsy is widespread; however, rates of postbiopsy infections have been rising. In an analysis of insurance claims data for 515045 prostate biopsies, 1.55% were hospitalized with infectious complications, with a mean total payment $14498.96. Infection was the second most common reason for 30-day hospital readmission.
Diethylstilbestrol
Authors: Conlon J. Leocadia
Published: January 2017

Diethylstilbestrol (DES) is a synthetic estrogen given to pregnant women to prevent miscarriages and preterm labor; the drug was used between 1941 and 1971 in the United States and into the 1980s in other countries. DES exposure is associated with significant long-term health effects, including increased risk for breast cancer, cervical and vaginal clear cell adenocarcinoma, reproductive tract abnormalities, infertility, poor pregnancy outcomes, and early menopause. This article reviews the potential health risks associated with DES exposure, how to assess which patients are at risk, and management recommendations for patients exposed to DES.
Childhood Traumatic Brain Injury and the Associations With Risk Behavior in Adolescence and Young Adulthood: A Systematic Review
Authors: Kennedy Eleanor , Cohen Miriam , Munafò Marcus
Published: January 2017

Objective:

To systematically review the evidence that childhood traumatic brain injury (TBI) is associated with risk behavior in adolescence and young adulthood. Risk behavior included one or more of the following: use of substances, including alcohol, tobacco, and illicit substances; involvement in criminal behavior; and behavioral issues with conduct.

Methods:

A literature search was conducted using these terms: child, pediatric, traumatic brain injury, head injury, adolescent, psychosocial, antisocial, conduct, substance use. Studies describing original research were included if they reported outcomes over the age of 13 years in participants who sustained a TBI between birth and age 13 years.

Results:

Six journal articles were reviewed based on 4 separate studies. Three articles indicated a relationship between childhood TBI and increased problematic substance use in adolescence and young adulthood. Three articles supported an association between childhood TBI and later externalizing behavior; however, 2 articles did not support this link.

Conclusion:

More research is warranted to explore the association between childhood TBI and later risk behavior as the relationship is not currently understood. Future research should build on existing longitudinal research with continued use of medical records for identifying TBI and inclusion of a non-brain-related trauma group to control for general injury effects.
Outcomes of a Combined Approach of Percutaneous Coronary Revascularization and Cardiac Valve Surgery
Authors: Santana Orlando , Singla Sandeep , Mihos Christos G. , Pineda Andres M. , Stone Gregg W. , Kurlansky Paul A. , George Isaac , Kirtane Ajay J. , Smith Craig R. , Beohar Nirat
Published: January 2017

A subset of patients requiring coronary revascularization and valve surgery may benefit from a combined approach of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and valve surgery, as opposed to the standard median sternotomy approach of combined coronary artery bypass and valve surgery. To evaluate its potential benefits and limitations, a literature search was performed using PubMed EMBASE, Ovid, and the Cochrane library, through March 2016 to identify all studies involving a combined approach of PCI and valve surgery in patients with coronary artery and valvular disease. There were five studies included in the study with a total of 324 patients, of which 75 (23.1%) had a history of previous cardiac surgery. The interval between PCI and surgery ranged from simultaneous intervention to a median of 38 days (interquartile range, 18–65 days). The surgical approach performed consisted of a minimally invasive one or median sternotomy. There were 275 single valve surgery (84.9%) and 49 double-valve surgery (15.1%) with a 30-day mortality ranging from 0% to 5.5%. The 1-year survival ranged from 78% to 96%, and the follow-up period ranged from 1.3 to 5 years. Herein, we present a review of the literature using this technique.
Brain substrates of reward processing and the μ-opioid receptor: a pathway into pain?
Authors: Nees Frauke , Becker Susanne , Millenet Sabina , Banaschewski Tobias , Poustka Luise , Bokde Arun , Bromberg Uli , Büchel Christian , Conrod Patricia J. , Desrivières Sylvane , Frouin Vincent , Gallinat Jürgen , Garavan Hugh , Heinz Andreas , Ittermann Bernd , Martinot Jean-Luc , Papadopoulos Orfanos Dimitri , Paus Tomáš , Smolka Michael N. , Walter Henrik , Whelan Rob , Schumann Gunter , Flor Herta ,   the IMAGEN consortium
Published: January 2017

The processing of reward and reinforcement learning seems to be important determinants of pain chronicity. However, reward processing is already altered early in life and if this is related to the development of pain symptoms later on is not known. The aim of this study was first to examine whether behavioural and brain-related indicators of reward processing at the age of 14 to 15 years are significant predictors of pain complaints 2 years later, at 16 to 17 years. Second, we investigated the contribution of genetic variations in the opioidergic system, which is linked to the processing of both, reward and pain, to this prediction. We used the monetary incentive delay task to assess reward processing, the Children's Somatization Inventory as measure of pain complaints and tested the effects of 2 single nucleotide polymorphisms (rs1799971/rs563649) of the human μ-opioid receptor gene. We found a significant prediction of pain complaints by responses in the dorsal striatum during reward feedback, independent of genetic predisposition. The relationship of pain complaints and activation in the periaqueductal gray and ventral striatum depended on the T-allele of rs563649. Carriers of this allele also showed more pain complaints than CC-allele carriers. Therefore, brain responses to reward outcomes and higher sensitivity to pain might be related already early in life and may thus set the course for pain complaints later in life, partly depending on a specific opioidergic genetic predisposition.
β-Adrenergic Receptor Blockers Reduce the Occurrence of Keloids and Hypertrophic Scars after Cardiac Device Implantation: A Single-Institution Case-Control Study
Authors: Enoshiri Tatsuki , Naitoh Motoko , Yamawaki Satoko , Kawaguchi Atsushi , Aya Rino , Noda Kazuo , Katayama Yasuhiro , Doi Takahiro , Kawaji Tetsuma , Suzuki Shigehiko
Published: January 2017

Background:

Keloids and hypertrophic scars are characterized by excessive proliferation of fibroblasts; abnormal accumulation of extracellular matrix; and clinical findings of raised, red, itchy, and painful lesions. There are few sufficient interventions for keloids, and the development of new therapeutic agents is urgently needed. Several studies suggest that a therapeutic possibility is β-adrenergic receptor blocker treatment.

Methods:

In this single-center case-control study, patients who had undergone cardiac device implantation 7 to 23 months earlier were identified. The implantation incision scars of the patients were deemed to be normal or abnormal depending on their redness. The cases (abnormal scars) and controls (normal scars) were compared in terms of their β-blocker use rates.

Results:

Of the 45 eligible patients, 12 and 33 patients were cases and controls, respectively. The cases tended to be less likely to have taken blockers than the controls (25 percent versus 45.5 percent). This difference became significant when the patients whose scars were diagnosed 7 or 8 months after implantation were excluded from the analysis: the age-adjusted odds ratios of the patients who were diagnosed 8 to 23 and 9 to 23 months after implantation were 0.10 (95 percent CI, 0.00 to 0.83; p = 0.0309) and 0.11 (95 percent CI, 0.00 to 0.98; p = 0.047), respectively.

Conclusions:

β-Blockers may be an effective alternative modality for preventing and treating keloids and hypertrophic scars. Large-scale multicenter prospective studies that use histology to diagnose scars and diagnose the postoperative scars at the most suitable period are needed to confirm the effectiveness of blockers for abnormal scars.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic, III.
Distribution Pattern of the Superior and Inferior Labial Arteries: Impact for Safe Upper and Lower Lip Augmentation Procedures
Authors: Cotofana Sebastian , Pretterklieber Bettina , Lucius Runhild , Frank Konstantin , Haas Maximilian , Schenck Thilo L. , Gleiser Corinna , Weyers Imke , Wedel Thilo , Pretterklieber Michael
Published: January 2017

Background:

Understanding the precise position and course of the superior and inferior labial arteries within the upper lip and the lower lip is crucial for safe and complication-free applications of volumizing materials.

Methods:

One hundred ninety-three anatomical head specimens (56.5 percent female cadavers) of Caucasian ethnicity were investigated in this large multicenter anatomical study. In total, six 3-cm-long vertical incisions were performed on each lip (midline and 1 cm medial to the angles of the mouth) to identify the position of the superior and inferior labial arteries in relation to the orbicularis oris muscle.

Results:

Three different positions of the superior and inferior labial arteries were identified: submucosal (i.e., between the oral mucosa and the orbicularis oris muscle in 78.1 percent of the cases), intramuscular (i.e., between the superficial and deep layers of the orbicularis oris muscle in 17.5 percent of the cases), and subcutaneous (i.e., between the skin and the orbicularis oris muscle in 2.1 percent of the cases). The variability in changing the respective position along the labial course was 29 percent for the total upper and 32 percent for the total lower lip. The midline location was identified in both the upper and lower lips to be the most variable.

Conclusions:

Based on the results of this investigation, a safer location for the application of volumizing material is the subcutaneous plane in the paramedian location of both the upper lip and the lower lip. Care has to be taken when aiming to inject in the midline, as the artery can be identified more frequently in superficial positions.
Hebbian plasticity requires compensatory processes on multiple timescales
Authors: Zenke Friedemann , Gerstner Wulfram
Published: January 2017

We review a body of theoretical and experimental research on Hebbian and homeostatic plasticity, starting from a puzzling observation: while homeostasis of synapses found in experiments is a slow compensatory process, most mathematical models of synaptic plasticity use rapid compensatory processes (RCPs). Even worse, with the slow homeostatic plasticity reported in experiments, simulations of existing plasticity models cannot maintain network stability unless further control mechanisms are implemented. To solve this paradox, we suggest that in addition to slow forms of homeostatic plasticity there are RCPs which stabilize synaptic plasticity on short timescales. These rapid processes may include heterosynaptic depression triggered by episodes of high postsynaptic firing rate. While slower forms of homeostatic plasticity are not sufficient to stabilize Hebbian plasticity, they are important for fine-tuning neural circuits. Taken together we suggest that learning and memory rely on an intricate interplay of diverse plasticity mechanisms on different timescales which jointly ensure stability and plasticity of neural circuits.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘Integrating Hebbian and homeostatic plasticity’.
Interactions between ecological, evolutionary, and environmental processes unveil complex dynamics of island biodiversity
Authors: Sarmento Cabral Juliano , Wiegand Kerstin , Kreft Holger
Published: January 2017

Aims

Understanding how biodiversity emerges and varies in space and time is central to ecology and biogeography. Multiple processes affect biodiversity at different scales and organizational levels, hence progress in understanding biodiversity dynamics requires the integration of these underlying processes. Here we present BioGEEM (BioGeographical Eco-Evolutionary Model), a spatially-explicit, process-based model that integrates all processes hypothesized to be relevant for biodiversity dynamics and that can be used to evaluate their relative roles.

Location

Hypothetical oceanic islands

Methods

The model is stochastic, grid-based, and integrates ecological (metabolic constraints, demography, dispersal, and competition), evolutionary (mutation and speciation), and environmental (geo-climatic dynamics) processes. Plants on oceanic islands served as model system. We used the full model to test hypotheses about emergent patterns at different spatio-temporal scales and organizational levels (populations, species, communities, and assemblages), switching off processes to assess the importance 1) of competition for realistic population and range dynamics; 2) metabolic constraints for endemism and community composition; 3) environmental dynamics and 4) speciation for biogeographical patterns.

Results

The full model generated multiple patterns matching empirical and theoretical expectations. For example, populations were largest on young, species-poor islands. Species, particularly endemics, were better able to fill their potential range on small, species-poor islands. Richness gradients peaked at mid-elevations. The proportion of endemics was highest on old, large, and isolated environments within the islands. Species and trait richness showed unimodal temporal trends. Switching off selected processes affected these patterns, and we found most of our hypotheses supported.

Main conclusions

Integrating ecological, evolutionary, and environmental processes is essential to simultaneously generate realistic spatio-temporal dynamics at population, species, community, and assemblage level. Finally, large-scale biodiversity dynamics emerged directly from biological processes which make this mechanistic model a valuable ‘virtual long-term field station’ to study the linkages between biogeography and ecology.
Specific T cell factors exist
Authors: Hoffmann Geoffrey W. , Gorczynski Reginald M.
Published: January 2017

The symmetrical immune network theory has been developed since 1975 and is based on the existence of specific T cell factors. The existence of specific T cell factors is controversial. We confirm the existence of these specific immune system components by demonstrating that a rigorous 1975 experiment by Takemori and Tada can be reproduced. We also briefly review how specific T cell factors play a role in the induction of specific tolerance and in the induction of immunity according to the symmetrical immune network theory.
Non-annual seasonality of influenza-like illness in a tropical urban setting
Authors: Lam Ha Minh , Wesolowski Amy , Hung Ngyuyen Thanh , Nguyen Tran Dang , Nhat Nguyen Thi Duy , Todd Stacy , Vinh Dao Nguyen , Vy Nguyen Ha Thao , Thao Tran Thi Nhu , Thanh Nguyen Thi Le , Tin Phan Tri , Minh Ngo Ngoc Quang , Bryant Juliet E , Buckee Caroline O , Ngoc Tran Van , Chau Nguyen Van Vinh , Thwaites Guy E , Farrar Jeremy , Tam Dong Thi Hoai , Vinh Ha , Boni Maciej F
Published: January 2017

In temperate countries, influenza and other viral respiratory diseases often have distinct seasonal peaks occurring during colder, wintertime months. However, little is known about the dynamics of influenza and viral respiratory disease dynamics in the tropics, despite high morbidity and a clear epidemiological link between tropical and temperate countries. In temperate countries, the dynamics of influenza and other respiratory diseases are often analyzed using syndromic surveillance data describing influenza-like illness (ILI) as ILI is highly correlated with virological surveillance for influenza. To obtain a detailed picture of respiratory disease incidence patterns in a large tropical city, we established an mHealth study in community outpatient clinics in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (11N latitude). From August 2009 through December 2015, clinics reported daily case numbers of ILI using standard mobile-phone SMS messaging. A subset of these clinics performed molecular diagnostics for influenza A and B viruses. Unlike the annual patterns seen in temperate countries, ILI activity in Ho Chi Minh City exhibited strong non-annual periodicity and was not correlated with PCR-confirmed influenza. The dominant periodicity in the data was approximately 200 days. This was confirmed by a time series decomposition, a step-wise regression analysis on annual and non-annual covariates, and a forecasting exercise showing that forecasting was 30% to 40% more accurate when a 200-day non-annual cycle was included in the forecast. This suggests, for the first-time, that a non-annual cycle may be an essential driver of ILI dynamics in the tropics. This raises new questions about the seasonality and drivers of respiratory disease transmission in tropical countries.
Histone H4 acetylation regulates behavioral inter-individual variability in zebrafish
Authors: Román Angel-Carlos , Vicente-Page Julián , Pérez-Escudero Alfonso , Carvajal-González Jose M. , Fernández-Salguero Pedro M. , de Polavieja Gonzalo G.
Published: January 2017

Animals can show very different behaviors even in isogenic populations, but the underlying mechanisms to generate this variability remain elusive. We found that laboratory and isogenic zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae showed consistent individual behaviors when swimming freely in identical wells or in reaction to stimuli. We also found that this behavioral inter-individual variability was reduced when we impaired the histone deacetylation pathway. Individuals with high levels of histone H4 acetylation, and specifically H4K12, behaved similar to the average of the population, but those with low levels deviated from it. More precisely, we found a set of genomic regions whose histone H4 acetylation is reduced with the distance between the individual and the average population behavior. We found evidence that this modulation depends on a complex of Yin-yang 1 (YY1) and histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) that binds to and deacetylates these regions. These changes were not only maintained at the transcriptional level but also amplified, as most target regions were located near genes encoding transcription factors. We suggest that stochasticity in the histone deacetylation pathway participates the generation of genetic-independent behavioral inter-individual variability.
Identification of a novel, NF-κB nucleolar stress response pathway
Authors: Chen Jingyu , Lobb Ian T , Morin Pierre , Novo Sonia M , Simpson James , Kennerknecht Kathrin , Oakley Fiona , Stark Lesley A.
Published: January 2017

p53 as an effector of nucleolar stress is well defined, but p53 independent mechanisms are largely unknown. Like p53, the NF-κB transcription factor plays a critical role in maintaining cellular homeostasis under stress. Many stresses that stimulate NF-κB also disrupt nucleoli. However, the link between nucleolar function and activation of the NF-κB pathway is as yet unknown. Here we demonstrate that siRNA silencing of PolI complex components stimulates NF-κB signalling. Unlike p53 nucleolar stress response, this effect does not appear to be linked to inhibition of rDNA transcription. We show that specific stress stimuli of NF-κB induce degradation of a critical component of the PolI complex, TIF-IA. This degradation precedes activation of the NF-κB pathway and is associated with an atypical nucleolar architecture. It is mimicked by CDK4 inhibition and is dependent upon upstream binding factor (UBF) and p14ARF. We show that blocking stress effects on TIF-IA blocks their ability to activate the NF-κB pathway. Finally, usingex vivoculture, we show a strong correlation between degradation of TIF-IA and activation of NF-κB in freshly resected, human colorectal tumours exposed to the chemopreventative agent, aspirin. Together, our study provides compelling evidence for a new, NF-κB nucleolar stress response pathway that has in vivo relevance and therapeutic implications.
Large-scale rewiring in a yeast hybrid
Authors: Herbst Rebecca H. , Bar-Zvi Dana , Reikhav Sharon , Soifer Ilya , Breker Michal , Jona Ghil , Shimoni Eyal , Schuldiner Maya , Levy Avraham , Barkai Naama
Published: January 2017

The merging of genomes in inter-specific hybrids can result in novel phenotypes, including increased growth rate and biomass yield, a phenomenon known as heterosis. We describe a budding yeast hybrid that grows faster than its parents under different environments. Phenotypically, the hybrid progresses more rapidly through cell cycle checkpoints, relieves the repression of respiration in fast growing conditions, does not slow down its growth when presented with ethanol stress, and shows increasing signs of DNA damage. A systematic genetic screen identified hundreds of alleles affecting hybrid growth whose identity vastly differed between the hybrid and its parent and between growth conditions. This large-scale rewiring of allele effects suggests that despite showing clear heterosis, the hybrid is perturbed in multiple regulatory processes. We discuss the possibility that incompatibilities contribute to hybrid vigor by perturbing safeguard mechanisms that limit growth in the parental background.
Estimating Genetic Kin Relationships in Prehistoric Populations
Authors: Kuhn Jose Manuel Monroy , Jakobsson Mattias , Günther Torsten
Published: January 2017

Archaeogenomic research has proven to be a valuable tool to trace migrations of historic and prehistoric individuals and groups, whereas relationships within a group or burial site have not been investigated to a large extent. Knowing the genetic kinship of historic and prehistoric individuals would give important insights into social structures of ancient and historic cultures. Most archaeogenetic research concerning kinship has been restricted to uniparental markers, while studies using genome-wide information were mainly focused on comparisons between populations. Applications which infer the degree of relationship based on modern-day DNA information typically require diploid genotype data. Low concentration of endogenous DNA, fragmentation and other post-mortem damage to ancient DNA (aDNA) makes the application of such tools unfeasible for most archaeological samples. To infer family relationships for degraded samples, we developed the software READ (Relationship Estimation from Ancient DNA). We show that our heuristic approach can successfully infer up to second degree relationships with as little as 0.1x shotgun coverage per genome for pairs of individuals. We uncover previously unknown relationships among prehistoric individuals by applying READ to published aDNA data from several human remains excavated from different cultural contexts. In particular, we find a group of five closely related males from the same Corded Ware culture site in modern-day Germany, suggesting patrilocality, which highlights the possibility to uncover social structures of ancient populations by applying READ to genome-wide aDNA data.
Value computations underlying human proposer behaviour in the Ultimatum Game
Authors: Pulcu Erdem , Haruno Masahiko
Published: January 2017

Interacting with others to decide how finite resources should be allocated between parties which may have competing interests is an important part of social life. Considering that not all of our proposals to others are always accepted, the outcomes of such social interactions are, by their nature, probabilistic and risky. Here, we highlight cognitive processes related to value computations in human social interactions, based on mathematical modelling of the proposer behavior in the Ultimatum Game. Our results suggest that the perception of risk is an overarching process across non-social and social decision-making, whereas nonlinear weighting of others’ acceptance probabilities is unique to social interactions in which others’ valuation processes needs to be inferred. Despite the complexity of social decision-making, human participants make near-optimal decisions by dynamically adjusting their decision parameters to the changing social value orientation of their opponents through influence by multidimensional inferences they make about those opponents (e.g. how prosocial they think their opponent is relative to themselves).
Female Chemical Warfare Drives Fitness Effects of Group Sex Ratio
Authors: Khan Imroze , Prakash Arun , Issar Swastika , Umarani Mihir , Sasidharan Rohit , Jagadeesh N. , Lama Prakash , Venkatesan Radhika , Agashe Deepa
Published: January 2017

In animals, skewed sex ratios can affect individual fitness either via sexual interactions (e.g. intersexual conflict or intrasexual mate competition) or non-sexual interactions (e.g. sex-specific resource competition). Because most analyses of sex ratio focus on sexual interactions, the relative importance of these mechanisms remains unclear. We addressed this problem using the flour beetleTribolium castaneum, where male-biased sex ratios increase female fitness relative to unbiased or female-biased groups. Although flour beetles show both sexual and non-sexual (resource) competition, we found that sexual interactions did not explain female fitness. Instead, female fecundity was dramatically reduced even after a brief exposure to flour conditioned by other females. Earlier studies suggested that quinones (secreted toxins) might mediate density-dependent population growth in flour beetles. We identified ethyl- and methyl-benzoquinone (EBQ and MBQ) as the primary components of adult stink glands that regulate female fecundity. In female-biased groups (i.e. at high female density), females upregulated quinones and suppressed each other’s reproduction. In male-biased groups, low female density lead to low quinone levels, allowing higher fecundity. Thus, quinones serve both as indicators and mediators of female competition, resulting in the observed fitness decline in female-biased groups. Our results underscore the importance of non-sexual interference competition that may often underlie the fitness consequences of skewed sex ratios.
A method for extracting angle information of direct P wave in shallow burst point localization based on wireless sensor array
Authors: Li Jian , Wu Dan , Han Yan , Xu Lina
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to extract the angle information of direct P wave within multidimensional vibration signals obtained through the sensor array, and to realize high precision shallow burst point localization based on direct of angle (DOA).

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a method which combines adaptive covariance matrix (ACM) algorithm with geometric constraint conditions for extracting the angle information of direct P wave by using its polarization characteristics. First, modify the obtained three-dimensional vibration data by using attitude rotation matrix and unify the coordinate system of vibration field. Next, construct the beam model of direct P wave by making use of ACM algorithm and extract its angle information. Finally, modify P wave beam model by taking advantage of the space geometric constraint relations between nodes.

Findings

The results of numerical simulation show that this method not only can extract the angle information of direct P wave arriving at each node effectively, but also can evaluate the quality of extracted angle information of direct P wave. Meanwhile, the results of underground shallow explosion experiment show that this method can extract the angle information of direct P wave of each node significantly and can realize underground shallow explosion source localization based on DOA by using this information, the location error can be limited less than 50 cm and satisfies the location requirements of shallow burst point.

Originality/value

This paper provides a method for various problems of underground localization based on the sensor array, such as directional demolition blasting, underground damage assessment, earth-penetrating projectile burst point positioning in weaponry industry testing plant, etc., and has definite value to engineering application in underground space positioning field.
National audit of the quality of pain relief provided in emergency departments in Aotearoa, New Zealand: The PRiZED 1 Study
Authors:   The New Zealand Emergency Medicine Network and The Shorter Stays in Emergency Department National Research Project Group
Published: January 2017

Objective

Pain is a common feature of ED presentations and the timely provision of adequate analgesia is important for patient care. However, there is currently no New Zealand data with respect to this indicator of care quality. The present study aimed to provide a baseline for the quality of care with respect to the provision of timely and adequate analgesia in New Zealand EDs.

Methods

The present study is a secondary analysis of data initially collected for the Shorter Stays in Emergency Department Study, using a retrospective chart review of 1685 randomly selected ED presentations (2006–2012) from 26 New Zealand public hospital EDs.

Results

Of the 1685 charts randomly selected, 1547 (91%) were reviewed from 21 EDs. There were 866 ED presentations with painful conditions, of whom 132 (15%) did not have pain recorded, 205 (24%) did not receive pain relief and 19 (2%) did not have time of analgesia documented leaving 510 (59%) for the analysis of time to analgesia. Four hundred and fifty‐seven (53%) did not have pain well documented sufficiently to assess adequacy, leaving 277 (32%) for the analysis of adequacy of analgesia. The median (interquartile range) time to analgesia was 62 (30–134) min and the provision of adequate analgesia was 141/277 (51%, 95% CI: 45–57%); however, there was some variation between hospitals for both outcomes.

Conclusion

Although these outcomes are on a par with other countries, this baseline audit has shown both poor documentation and variation in the provision of timely and adequate pain relief in New Zealand EDs, with room for improvement with respect to this quality indicator.
Public cardiopulmonary resuscitation training rates and awareness of hands‐only cardiopulmonary resuscitation: a cross‐sectional survey of Victorians
Authors: Bray Janet E , Smith Karen , Case Rosalind , Cartledge Susie , Straney Lahn , Finn Judith
Published: January 2017

Objectives

To provide contemporary Australian data on the public's training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and awareness of hands‐only CPR.

Methods

A cross‐sectional telephone survey in April 2016 of adult residents of the Australian state of Victoria was conducted. Primary outcomes were rates of CPR training and awareness of hands‐only CPR.

Results

Of the 404 adults surveyed (mean age 55 ± 17 years, 59% female, 73% metropolitan residents), 274 (68%) had undergone CPR training. Only 50% (n = 201) had heard of hands‐only CPR, with most citing first‐aid courses (41%) and media (36%) as sources of information. Of those who had undergone training, the majority had received training more than 5 years previously (52%) and only 28% had received training or refreshed training in the past 12 months. Most received training in a formal first‐aid class (43%), and received training as a requirement for work (67%). The most common reasons for not having training were: they had never thought about it (59%), did not have time (25%) and did not know where to learn (15%). Compared to standard CPR, a greater proportion of respondents were willing to provide hands‐only CPR for strangers (67% vs 86%, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

From an Australian perspective, there is still room for improvement in CPR training rates and awareness of hands‐only CPR. Further promotion of hands‐only CPR and self‐instruction (e.g. DVD kits or online) may see further improvements in CPR training and bystander CPR rates.
Lack of effect of oral cabotegravir on the pharmacokinetics of a levonorgestrel/ethinyl oestradiol‐containing oral contraceptive in healthy adult women
Authors: Trezza Christine , Ford Susan L. , Gould Elizabeth , Lou Yu , Huang Chuyun , Ritter James M. , Buchanan Ann M. , Spreen William , Patel Parul
Published: January 2017

Aims

This study aimed to investigate whether cabotegravir (CAB), an integrase inhibitor in development for treatment and prevention of human immunodeficiency virus‐1, influences the pharmacokinetics (PK) of a levonorgestrel (LNG) and ethinyl oestradiol (EO)–containing oral contraceptive (OC) in healthy women.

Methods

In this open‐label, fixed‐sequence crossover study, healthy female subjects received LNG 0.15 mg/EO 0.03 mg tablet once daily Days 1–10 alone and with oral CAB 30 mg once daily Days 11–21. At the end of each treatment period, subjects underwent predose sampling for concentrations of follicle‐stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and progesterone and serial PK sampling for plasma LNG, EO, and CAB concentrations.

Results

Twenty women were enrolled, and 19 completed the study. One subject was withdrawn due to an adverse event unrelated to study medications. Geometric least squares mean ratios (90% confidence interval) of LNG + CAB vs. LNG alone for LNG area under the plasma concentration–time curve over the dosing interval of duration τ and maximum observed plasma concentration were 1.12 (1.07–1.18) and 1.05 (0.96–1.15), respectively. Geometric least squares mean ratio (90% confidence interval) of EO + CAB vs. EO alone for EO area under the plasma concentration–time curve over the dosing interval of duration τ and maximum observed plasma concentration were 1.02 (0.97–1.08) and 0.92 (0.83–1.03), respectively. Steady‐state CAB PK parameters were comparable to historical values. There was no apparent difference in mean luteinizing hormone, follicle‐stimulating hormone, and progesterone concentrations between periods. No clinically significant trends in laboratory values, vital signs, or electrocardiography values were observed.

Conclusions

Repeat doses of oral CAB had no significant effect on LNG/EO PK or pharmacodynamics, which supports CAB coadministration with LNG/EO OCs in clinical practice.
Does Stock Liquidity Affect Accrual‐based Earnings Management?
Authors: Huang Kelly , Lao Brent , McPhee Gregory
Published: January 2017

This study investigates the effects of stock liquidity on earnings management. While prior research finds that liquidity has mixed effects on corporate governance, our baseline regression results show that an increase in stock liquidity is associated with an increase in discretionary accruals and revenues. To establish causality, we use two quasi‐natural experiments that exploit exogenous increases in stock liquidity resulting from regulatory changes to the minimum tick size. The results of our difference‐in‐differences approach indicate that stock liquidity increases accrual‐based earnings management. Additional analysis suggests that liquidity affects earnings management by magnifying the effects of takeover pressure and equity compensation.
The significance of glypican‐3 expression profiling in the tumor cellular origin theoretical system for hepatocellular carcinoma progression
Authors: Xue Ran , Feng Jiliang , Meng Qinghua , Lv Fudong , Zhu Yueke , Yu Hongwei , Zhang Shijie , Song Chenzhao , Sun Lin , Yue Zhujun , Feng Shuai , Che Ruiwen , Xiang Qian , Jing Xiaodan
Published: January 2017

Background and Aim

Glypican‐3 (GPC3) expression is correlated with poor prognosis and progression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HCC progression can be associated with the differentiation status of tumor cell before malignant transformation. Our aim was to investigate the dynamic expression of GPC3 during tumor cells differentiation and to explore the role and theoretical significance of GPC3 in malignant essence of HCC.

Methods

The expressions of tissue GPC3 and alpha fetoprotein (AFP) were detected by immunohistochemical staining. The tumor size, lymph node involvement, and metastasis were determined by pathological and imaging studies. HepG2 cells were induced to differentiate by all‐trans retinoic acid (ATRA). Differentiation was evaluated by cytokeratin 19, gamma glutamyl transferase, and AFP through reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction and real‐time polymerase chain reaction. GPC3 staining was analyzed through flow cytometry.

Results

Based on the immunohistochemical staining, the enrolled 316 cases were divided into two subtypes, namely, GPC3+ HCC and GPC3− HCC. Significant differences in morphology, histology variations, AFP expression, TNM staging, and overall survival curves were observed between two subtypes. During HCC differentiation induced by ATRA, the mean value of GPC3 expression treated with ATRA was much lower than the ones in placebo. There were significant differences between GPC3+ HCC and GPC3− HCC for cumulative intrahepatic and extrahepatic recurrence in early stage HCC (P = 0.009, P = 0.010).

Conclusions

Glypican‐3 is correlated with the clinical malignant behavior of HCC. Moreover, GPC3 phenotype changes from positive to negative during tumor cells differentiation. Meanwhile, GPC3 plays a significant role in tumor cellular origin theoretical system, which can better reflect the malignant essence of tumors.