bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Small heat shock protein B3 (HSPB3) mutation in an axonal Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth disease family
Authors: Nam Da E. , Nam Soo H. , Lee Ah J. , Hong Young B. , Choi Byung‐Ok , Chung Ki W.
Published: January 2018

Heat shock protein B3 (HSPB3) gene encodes a small heat‐shock protein 27‐like protein which has a high sequence homology with HSPB1. A mutation in the HSPB3 was reported as the putative underlying cause of distal hereditary motor neuropathy 2C (dHMN2C) in 2010. We identified a heterozygous mutation (c.352T>C, p.Tyr118His) in the HSPB3 from a Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth disease type 2 (CMT2) family by the method of targeted next generation sequencing. The mutation was located in the well conserved alpha‐crystalline domain, and several in silico predictions indicated a pathogenic effect of the mutation. Clinical and electrophysiological features of the patients indicated the axonal type of CMT. Clinical symptoms without sensory involvements were similar between the present family and the previous family. Mutations in the HSPB1 and HSPB8 genes have been reported to be relevant with both types of CMT2 and dHMN. Our findings will help in the molecular diagnosis of CMT2 by expanding the phenotypic range due to the HSPB3 mutations.
Pharmacokinetics, disposition, and plasma concentrations of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) in the horse following topical, oral, and intravenous administration
Authors: Soma L. R. , Robinson M. A. , You Y. , Boston R. C. , Rudy J.
Published: January 2018

Compartmental models were used to investigate the pharmacokinetics of intravenous (i.v.), oral (p.o.), and topical (TOP) administration of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). The plasma concentration–time curve following a 15‐min i.v. infusion ofDMSOwas described by a two‐compartment model. Median and range of alpha (t1/2α) and beta (t1/2β) half‐lives were 0.029 (0.026–0.093) and 14.1 (6.6–16.4) hr, respectively. Plasma concentration–time curves ofDMSOfollowing p.o. andTOPadministration were best described by one‐compartment absorption and elimination models. Following the p.o. administration, median absorption (t1/2ab) and elimination (t1/2e) half‐lives were 0.15 (0.01–0.77) and 15.5 (8.5–25.2) hr, respectively. The plasma concentrations ofDMSOwere 47.4–129.9 μg/ml, occurring between 15 min and 4 hr. The fractional absorption (F) during a 24‐hr period was 47.4 (22.7–98.1)%. FollowingTOPadministrations, the mediant1/2abandt1/2ewere 1.2 (0.49–2.3) and 4.5 (2.1–11.0) hr, respectively. Plasma concentrations were 1.2–8.2 μg/ml occurring at 2–4 hr. Fractional absorption followingTOPadministration was 0.48 (0.315–4.4)% of the dose administered. Clearance (Cl) ofDMSOfollowing the i.v. administration was 3.2 (2.2–6.7) ml hr−1 kg−1. The corrected clearances (ClF) for p.o. andTOPadministrations were 2.9 (1.1–5.5) and 4.5 (0.52–18.2) ml hr−1 kg−1.
Beneficial actions of microbiota‐derived tryptophan metabolites
Authors: Galligan J. J.
Published: January 2018

Tryptophan is an important dietary amino acid and it is the precursor for 5‐hydroxytryptamine synthesis in the nervous system and by enterochromaffin cells in the gut mucosa. Tryptophan is also metabolized by enzymes in the gut mucosa and also by enzymes produced by the gut microbiome. Diet and the microbiome can contribute to metabolic disease in part by causing intestinal inflammation and increased permeability. In this issue of Neurogastroenterology and Motility, Jennis et al. test the hypothesis that indole tryptophan metabolites produced by gut bacteria might be responsible for the anti‐inflammatory and beneficial metabolic effects of the gut microbiome and Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass surgery for weight loss by obese patients. The authors identified indole‐3‐propionic acid as the beneficial metabolite. A review of the literature also revealed the beneficial effects of tryptophan metabolites on diabetes and metabolic disease and on inflammatory bowel disease. Taken together, these data highlight another health benefit of the intestinal microbiome, which produces beneficial products from dietary amino acids especially tryptophan.
Cervical spine training in first on‐call trainees in oral & maxillofacial surgery
Authors: Walker T.W.M. , Bowey A.J. , Jenkyn I. , Buckley D. , Thomas S.J.
Published: January 2018

Aim

This study aims to determine the training and confidence in the management of cervical spine (c‐spine) injuries amongst first on‐call trainees in oral & maxillofacial surgery(OMFS) units working in the UK. The dental training curricula pertaining to these trainees shall be reviewed to determine the relevant knowledge and skills currently deemed appropriate.

Materials & Methods

A questionnaire was sent to 100 UK OMFS first on call trainees. This determined their primary qualification(s), previous experience in OMFS, prior training and confidence in the management of C‐spine injuries. Dental training curricula were analysed for sections relating to cervical spine injuries.

Results

Sixty‐six questionnaires were returned. 70% were from singly qualified dental graduates. The mean experience in OMFS was 16.3 months. 59% of respondents had no cervical spine training. Of those who had received training, 66.7% received this by an advanced trauma life support (ATLS) course. 63% of oral & maxillofacial trainees were not confident in assessing and managing potential cervical spine injuries. 95% stated that training in the assessment and management of cervical spine injuries would be useful. Dental training curricula do not mention the initial assessment and management of patients with cervical spine injury.

Conclusion

There is a knowledge and confidence deficit in OMFS first on call trainees in management of cervical spine injury. Dental foundation curricula do not specifically mention the management of patients with cervical spine injury. Most (95%) first on call trainees in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery felt that cervical spine teaching would be useful to them.
Identification of perioperative pulmonary aspiration in children using quality assurance and hospital administrative billing data
Authors: Eisler Lisa , Huang Grace , Lee Ka‐Eun M. , Busse Jennifer A. , Sun Ming , Lin Albert Y. , Sun Lena S. , Ing Caleb
Published: January 2018

Background

Perioperative aspiration is a rare but potentially devastating complication, occurring in 1‐10 per 10 000 anesthetics based on studies of quality assurance databases. Quality assurance reporting is known to underestimate the incidence of adverse outcomes, but few large studies use supplementary data sources. This study aims to identify the incidence of and risk factors for perioperative aspiration in children using quality assurance data supplemented by administrative billing records, and to examine the utility of billing data as a supplementary data source.

Methods

Aspiration events for children receiving anesthesia at a tertiary care pediatric hospital between 2008 and 2014 were identified using (i) a perioperative quality assurance database and (ii) hospital administrative billing records with International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision Clinical Modification coded diagnoses of aspiration. Records were subject to review by pediatric anesthesiologists. Following identification of all aspiration events, the incidence of perioperative aspiration was calculated and risk factors were assessed.

Results

47 272 anesthetic cases were evaluated over 7 years. The quality assurance database identified 20 cases of perioperative aspiration occurring in surgical inpatients, same‐day admissions, and outpatients. Using hospital administrative data (which excludes outpatients with shorter than a 24‐hour stay), 9 cases of perioperative aspiration were identified of which 6 had not been found through quality assurance data. Overall, International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision coding demonstrated a positive predictive value of 94.5% for any aspiration event; however, positive predictive value was <4% for perioperative aspiration. A total incidence of 5.5 perioperative aspirations per 10 000 (95% CI: 3.7‐8.0 per 10 000) anesthetics was found.

Conclusion

Quality assurance data offer an efficient way to measure the incidence of rare events, but may underestimate perioperative complications. International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes for aspiration used as a secondary data source were nonspecific for perioperative aspiration, but when combined with record review yielded a 30% increase in identified cases of aspiration over quality assurance data alone. The use of administrative data therefore holds potential for supplementing quality assurance studies of rare complications.
The prediction probabilities for emergence from sevoflurane anesthesia in children: A comparison of the perfusion index and the bispectral index
Authors: Liu Pei‐Pei , Wu Chi , Wu Jun‐Zheng , Zhang Ma‐Zhong , Zheng Ji‐Jian , Shen Yang , He Pan , Sun Ying
Published: January 2018

Background

Predicting recovery of consciousness is one of the most essential functions of anesthesia depth monitors in anesthesia practice. Perfusion index and bispectral index are 2 indicators of the anesthesia depth monitoring with different working principles. The progression of the anesthesia emergence stages reflected by those monitors has not been well understood, especially in pediatric patients. The goals of this study were to compare the prediction probabilities of perfusion index and bispectral index in predicting awakening and in differentiating the different levels of arousal during emergence after sevoflurane anesthesia in children undergoing open inguinal hernia repairs.

Methods

Forty‐five patients, aged 1 to 5 years, ASA Status I or II and scheduled for elective open inguinal hernia repairs under general anesthesia were enrolled. The perfusion index and bispectral index were monitored simultaneously during anesthesia recovery. The University of Michigan Sedation Scale was applied to evaluate the clinical arousal levels during emergence. The prediction probability was used to assess the performance of perfusion index and bispectral index in predicting awakening and distinguishing different levels of arousal corresponding to the University of Michigan Sedation Scale during recovery.

Results

The prediction probability of perfusion index (PkPI‐Awakening = .81, 95% CI 0.73‐0.89) in differentiating full consciousness from unconsciousness during recovery was comparable to that of bispectral index (PkBIS‐ Awakening = .86, 95% CI 0.79‐0.92) (P = .47). The prediction probability for perfusion index (PkPI‐UMSS = .61, 95% CI 0.55‐0.73) and bispectral index (PkBIS‐UMSS = .64, 95% CI 0.53‐0.69) had similar performance in distinguishing different University of Michigan Sedation Scale levels.

Conclusion

Both the perfusion index and bispectral index performed comparably well in predicting awakening and different arousal levels when emerging from sevoflurane anesthesia in children.
Arabidopsis MLO2 is a negative regulator of sensitivity to extracellular reactive oxygen species
Authors: Cui Fuqiang , Wu Hongpo , Safronov Omid , Zhang Panpan , Kumar Rajeev , Kollist Hannes , Salojärvi Jarkko , Panstruga Ralph , Overmyer Kirk
Published: January 2018

The atmospheric pollutant ozone (O3) is a strong oxidant that causes extracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, has significant ecological relevance, and is used here as a non‐invasive ROS inducer to study plant signalling. Previous genetic screens identified several mutants exhibiting enhanced O3 sensitivity, but few with enhanced tolerance. We found that loss‐of‐function mutants in Arabidopsis MLO2, a gene implicated in susceptibility to powdery mildew disease, exhibit enhanced dose‐dependent tolerance to O3 and extracellular ROS, but a normal response to intracellular ROS. This phenotype is increased in a mlo2 mlo6 mlo12 triple mutant, reminiscent of the genetic redundancy of MLO genes in powdery mildew resistance. Stomatal assays revealed that enhanced O3 tolerance in mlo2 mutants is not caused by altered stomatal conductance. We explored modulation of the mlo2‐associated O3 tolerance, powdery mildew resistance, and early senescence phenotypes by genetic epistasis analysis, involving mutants with known effects on ROS sensitivity or antifungal defence. Mining of publicly accessible microarray data suggests that these MLO proteins regulate accumulation of abiotic stress response transcripts, and transcript accumulation of MLO2 itself is O3 responsive. In summary, our data reveal MLO2 as a novel negative regulator in plant ROS responses, which links biotic and abiotic stress response pathways.
Use of antiviral medications in drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS): A case of infantile DRESS
Authors: Chow Maggie L. , Kim David , Kamath Sonia , Peng David , Luu Minnelly
Published: January 2018

A 3‐month‐old girl with Sturge‐Weber syndrome presented with a morbilliform rash, eosinophilia, and fulminant liver failure to our tertiary pediatric hospital. She was diagnosed with drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms complicated by viremia and evidence of viral hepatitis on liver biopsy. We discuss the role of viral reactivation in drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms and the relevance of antiviral therapy in management.
Severe ectropion in lamellar ichthyosis managed medically with oral acitretin
Authors: Singh Manpreet , Kaur Manpreet , Kaur Ripanjeet , Singh Shakeen
Published: January 2018

Congenital ectropion is commonly associated with lamellar ichthyosis. Severe eyelid ectropion may cause corneal exposure, keratopathy, and permanent corneal scarring. We report a neonate with severe, bilateral, congenital ectropion and eclabium managed using oral retinoids. Both corneas were protected with topical antibiotics and lubricating eyedrops and eye ointments. At 12‐month follow‐up, the child was doing well, with no ectropion or corneal opacity.
Policy Expansion in Local Government Environmental Policy Making
Authors: Arnold Gwen , Long Le Anh Nguyen
Published: January 2018

Relatively little is known about when, why, and how some jurisdictions “double down” on policy priorities, rapidly adopting multiple measures tackling the same issue. Rapid policy expansion can emerge in fast‐evolving, uncertain, and contested policy arenas in which pressures for policy making are not satisfied, and even may be strengthened, by initial policy innovation. This article analyzes local government policy making on high‐volume hydraulic fracturing by New York State municipalities from 2008 to 2012. Policy path dependence, peer influence, and policy design appear to play a critical role in determining whether public officials respond to these pressures with policy expansion. Initial policy innovations can open windows for policy participants to secure additional measures that strengthen or enlarge the scope of action. Public officials and stakeholders seeking particular policy outcomes should take a long view of the policy process while simultaneously remaining alert for opportunities afforded by pressurized policy dilemmas.
Validation of a portable monitor for assessment of cerebrospinal fluid lactate in dogs
Authors: Nye Carolyn J. , Mariani Christopher L.
Published: January 2018

Background

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) lactate concentration may be a useful diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in dogs. Previous studies have used methods requiring relatively large sample volumes or prolonged storage prior to analysis. An effective method to immediately quantify lactate in smaller CSF volumes would be beneficial.

Objectives

The main objectives were to evaluate the utility, accuracy, and precision of a portable meter for CSF lactate analysis in dogs and to develop a provisional RI using this device. A secondary objective was to assess the effects of different storage conditions on lactate concentrations.

Methods

The Lactate Plus device was used to analyze CSF samples. Device accuracy and precision were assessed by spiking CSF samples with concentrated sodium lactate solutions and by repeated analysis of samples, respectively. The provisional RI was generated using CSF samples from dogs with unremarkable laboratory data, central nervous system imaging, and conventional cytologic and chemical CSF analysis. Select samples were analyzed before and after storage at 4°C, −20°C, and −80°C.

Results

Spiked samples showed lactate concentrations comparable to expected concentrations. The CV of immediate repeated measurements was 0–9.69%. Sample storage at 4°C for 24 hours showed similar results but variation was higher with other storage conditions. The provisional RI was 1.02–2.49 mmol/L.

Conclusions

The Lactate Plus has acceptable accuracy and precision for the quantification of CSF lactate in dogs. Lactate in CSF is ideally quantified immediately after collection as a subset of samples show variation with storage although most stored samples show acceptable variation.
Trends in Automation and Control
Authors: Burns Doug
Published: January 2018

The amount of Automation in citrus processing and packaging is increasing dramatically. At the same time, technology is changing very rapidly. Communication networks, Control Architecture and software tools dominate these technology changes.

When done properly, new control technology can improve application performance as well as provide the critical view of what is happening on the production floor.

Paper published with permission.
Citrus Flavor Technologies: Citrus Oils — Processing, Separation, Application
Authors: Berdis Elizabeth , Buckley John , Kraft John
Published: January 2018

Citrus flavors play a significant role in the beverage industry. Citrus-based beverages and those containing citrus flavor components lead the flavor category for beverages today. The essential oils used in flavors are obtained during fruit juice processing. In order to process these essential oils for flavor applications, various separation technologies are used.

The purpose of this paper is to present an overview of various aspects of citrus flavor technology. It will give a brief review of factors that affect oil quality during processing operations. Basic distillation principles and factors affecting distillation are presented as well as flavor application, separation technology and alternative process technologies.

Paper published with permission.
Successful CIP Cleaning
Authors: Vaughn Cliff
Published: January 2018

Cleaning and sanitation play key roles in ensuring that the final product from the manufacturing process achieves the desired quality standard. Clean-in-place (CIP) is becoming common in food, beverage, and dairy facilities as the most cost effective method for cleaning. This paper will provide a concise overview of the operation and principles of CIP cleaning, an introduction into managing equipment fouling, and the role that cleaning chemicals play in the cleaning process.

Paper published with permission.
Commercial Ethanol Production From Cellulosic Biomass in South Florida
Authors: Evans Craig
Published: January 2018

Alico Energy, LLC, a subsidiary of Alico, Inc., has been awarded a grant from the State of Florida under the Florida Energy Act and a grant and loan guarantee from the U.S. Department of Energy to construct one of the nation’s first cellulosic ethanol facilities in South Florida. The Alico Energy biorefinery will be capable of co-producing ethanol and electricity from any carbon-based feedstock or waste, including citrus peel, and trimmings from citrus trees. The initial plant will produce only ethanol. The capacity to produce electricity will be added at a later date.

Paper published with permission.
A Scoping Review of Inclusive Out-of-School Time Physical Activity Programs for Children and Youth With Physical Disabilities
Authors: Arbour-Nicitopoulos Kelly P. , Grassmann Viviane , Orr Krystn , McPherson Amy C. , Faulkner Guy E. , Wright F. Virginia
Published: January 2018

The objective of this study was to comprehensively evaluate inclusive out-of-school time physical activity programs for children/youth with physical disabilities. A search of the published literature was conducted and augmented by international expertise. A quality appraisal was conducted; only studies with quality ratings ≥60% informed our best practice recommendations. Seventeen studies were included using qualitative (n = 9), quantitative (n = 5), or mixed (n = 3) designs. Programs had a diversity of age groups, group sizes, and durations. Most programs were recreational level, involving both genders. Rehabilitation staff were the most common leaders. Outcomes focused on social skills/relationships, physical skill development, and psychological well-being, with overall positive effects shown in these areas. The best practice recommendations are consistent with an abilities-based approach emphasizing common group goals and interests; cooperative activities; mastery-oriented, individualized instruction; and developmentally appropriate, challenging activities. Results indicate that inclusive out-of-school time physical activity programs are important for positive psychosocial and physical skill development of children/youth with physical disabilities.
Identifying DNA methylation biomarkers for non-endoscopic detection of Barrett’s esophagus
Authors: Moinova Helen R. , LaFramboise Thomas , Lutterbaugh James D. , Chandar Apoorva Krishna , Dumot John , Faulx Ashley , Brock Wendy , De la Cruz Cabrera Omar , Guda Kishore , Barnholtz-Sloan Jill S. , Iyer Prasad G. , Canto Marcia I. , Wang Jean S. , Shaheen Nicholas J. , Thota Prashanti N. , Willis Joseph E. , Chak Amitabh , Markowitz Sanford D.
Published: January 2018

Combining DNA methylation markers with a swallowable device for sampling the distal esophagus effectively detects Barrett’s neoplasias.
Early Clinical Assessment of the Antimicrobial Activity of Finafloxacin Compared to Ciprofloxacin in Subsets of Microbiologically Characterized Isolates
Authors: Vente Andreas , Bentley Christine , Lückermann Mark , Tambyah Paul , Dalhoff Axel
Published: January 2018

Two phase II studies were performed with patients with uncomplicated urinary tract infections (uUTIs) and complicated urinary tract infections (cUTIs) or acute pyelonephritis (PN) to compare finafloxacin (300 mg twice a day [b.i.d.] orally for uUTI and 800 mg once a day [q.d.] intravenously [i.v.] for cUTI/PN) and ciprofloxacin (250 mg b.i.d. orally for uUTI and 400 mg b.i.d. i.v. for cUTI/PN). The early response to the study medications was evaluated in the microbiological intent-to-treat population (mITT) at day 3. A total of 21% of the isolates were ciprofloxacin resistant, 13.7% were primed pathogens carrying a mutation(s) potentially fostering fluoroquinolone resistance development, and 7.1% produced extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs). Finafloxacin demonstrated very good early clinical activity, with microbiological eradication rates of 88.6% (
n
= 132), compared to 78.7% (
n
= 61) for ciprofloxacin, and 69.6% (
n
= 23), compared to 35.7% (
n
= 14) for ciprofloxacin, in patients with ciprofloxacin-resistant uropathogens; 94.1% (
n
= 17), compared to 80.0% (
n
= 10) for ciprofloxacin, in patients infected with uropathogens primed for fluoroquinolone resistance uropathogens; and 91.7% (
n
= 11), compared to 0% for ciprofloxacin, in patients infected with ESBL producers. Finafloxacin demonstrated early and rapid activity against uropathogens, including fluoroquinolone-resistant and/or multiresistant pathogens or ESBL producers, while ciprofloxacin was less active against this subset of resistant pathogens. Susceptibilities of pathogens were quantitated by broth microdilution. Isolates were subgrouped according to their susceptibility patterns, in particular first-step quinolone resistance, quinolone resistance, and ESBL production. Eradication was defined as the elimination or reduction of study entry pathogens to <10
3
CFU/ml in urine culture. (The studies described in this paper have been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under identifiers NCT00722735 and NCT01928433.)
Draft Genome Sequences of Phenotypically Distinct
Janthinobacterium
sp. Isolates Cultured from the Hudson Valley Watershed
Authors: Bettina Alexandra M. , Doing Georgia , O’Brien Kelsey , Perron Gabriel G. , Jude Brooke A.
Published: January 2018

Investigation of the Hudson Valley watershed reveals many violacein-producing bacteria. These are of interest for their biotherapeutic potential in treating chytrid infections of amphibians. The draft whole-genome sequences for seven
Janthinobacterium
isolates with a variety of phenotypes are provided in this study.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Crude Oil-Degrading and Biosurfactant-Producing Strain
Cobetia
sp. QF-1
Authors: Guo Ping , Cao Binxia , Qiu Xue , Lin Jianguo
Published: January 2018

We report here the draft genome of
Cobetia
sp. QF-1, a cold-adapted bacterium isolated from crude oil-contaminated seawater of the Yellow Sea, China. This genome is approximately 4.1 Mb (G+C content, 57.44%) with 3,513 protein-coding sequences.
Cobetia
sp. QF-1 shows crude oil degradation and biosurfactant production activity at low temperature.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Bacillus subtilis
2C-9B, a Strain with Biocontrol Potential against Chili Pepper Root Pathogens and Tolerance to Pb and Zn
Authors: Muñoz-Moreno Claudia Y. , De La Cruz-Rodríguez Yumiko , Vega-Arreguín Julio , Alvarado-Rodríguez Miguel , Gómez-Soto José Manuel , Alvarado-Gutiérrez Alejandro , Fraire-Velázquez Saúl
Published: January 2018

Bacillus subtilis
2C-9B, obtained from the rhizosphere of wild grass, exhibits inhibition against root rot causal pathogens in
Capsicum annuum
, Pb and Zn tolerance, and plant growth promotion in medium supplemented with Pb. The genome of
B. subtilis
2C-9B was sequenced and the draft genome assembled, with a length of 4,215,855 bp and 4,723 coding genes.
Exploring the (Almost) Unknown: Archaeal Two-Component Systems
Authors: Krell Tino
Published: January 2018

Two-component systems (TCS) exist in bacteria and archaea. In contrast to the knowledge of bacterial TCSs, little information is available on their archaeal counterparts. In the current issue of
Journal of Bacteriology
, Galperin and coworkers present a bioinformatics analysis of TCS genes from archaeal genome sequences (M. Y. Galperin, K. S. Makarova, Y. I. Wolf, and E. V. Koonin, J Bacteriol 200:e00681-17, 2018,
https://doi.org/10.1128/JB.00681-17
). This study identifies different aspects in which TCS-mediated signaling differs in bacteria and archaea and forms a sound basis for the experimental design of studies to increase our knowledge of this poorly investigated protein family.
Deregulation of HDAC5 by Viral Interferon Regulatory Factor 3 Plays an Essential Role in Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus-Induced Lymphangiogenesis
Authors: Lee Hye-Ra , Li Fan , Choi Un Yung , Yu Hye Ryun , Aldrovandi Grace M. , Feng Pinghui , Gao Shou-Jiang , Hong Young-Kwon , Jung Jae U.
Published: January 2018

Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is the etiologic agent for Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS), which is one of the most common HIV-associated neoplasms. The endothelium is the thin layer of squamous cells where vascular blood endothelial cells (BECs) line the interior surface of blood vessels and lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) are in direct contact with lymphatic vessels. The KS lesions contain a prominent compartment of neoplastic spindle morphology cells that are closely related to LECs. Furthermore, while KSHV can infect both LECs and BECs
in vitro
, its infection activates genetic programming related to lymphatic endothelial cell fate, suggesting that lymphangiogenic pathways are involved in KSHV infection and malignancy. Here, we report for the first time that viral interferon regulatory factor 3 (vIRF3) is readily detected in over 40% of KS lesions and that vIRF3 functions as a proangiogenic factor, inducing hypersprouting formation and abnormal growth in a LEC-specific manner. Mass spectrometry analysis revealed that vIRF3 interacted with histone deacetylase 5 (HDAC5), which is a signal-responsive regulator for vascular homeostasis. This interaction blocked the phosphorylation-dependent cytosolic translocation of HDAC5 and ultimately altered global gene expression in LECs but not in BECs. Consequently, vIRF3 robustly induced spindle morphology and hypersprouting formation of LECs but not BECs. Finally, KSHV infection led to the hypersprouting formation of LECs, whereas infection with a ΔvIRF3 mutant did not do so. Collectively, our data indicate that vIRF3 alters global gene expression and induces a hypersprouting formation in an HDAC5-binding-dependent and LEC-specific manner, ultimately contributing to KSHV-associated pathogenesis.

IMPORTANCE
Several lines of evidences indicate that KSHV infection of LECs induces pathological lymphangiogenesis and that the results resemble KS-like spindle morphology. However, the underlying molecular mechanism remains unclear. Here, we demonstrated that KSHV vIRF3 is readily detected in over 40% of various KS lesions and functions as a potent prolymphangiogenic factor by blocking the phosphorylation-dependent cytosolic translocation of HDAC5, which in turn modulates global gene expression in LECs. Consequently, vIRF3-HDAC5 interaction contributes to virus-induced lymphangiogenesis. The results of this study suggest that KSHV vIRF3 plays a crucial role in KSHV-induced malignancy.
Limited recycling of crustal osmium in forearc mantle during slab dehydration
Authors: Liu Chuan-Zhou , Xu Yang , Wu Fu-Yuan
Published: January 2018

Elevated 187Os/188Os ratios compared to ambient oceanic mantle, i.e., 187Os/188Os > 0.13, have been reported for both arc lavas and mantle wedge xenoliths, which have been attributed to the addition of crustal Os through slab dehydration or melting. By contrast, much lower 187Os/188Os ratios of spinels from Izu-Bonin-Mariana (western Pacific Ocean) boninites indicate that slight or no crustal Os was transferred from the slab to the forearc mantle. Here we report Os isotopic compositions of peridotites from New Caledonia (southwest Pacific Ocean) ophiolites, which represent relics of a forearc mantle. Some New Caledonia peridotites are characterized by Os concentrations of <1 ppb, yet have 187Os/188Os ratios comparable to those of the ambient oceanic mantle (i.e., 187Os/188Os < 0.13). This confirms that little crustal Os was transported to the forearc mantle via slab dehydration. Contrasting Os isotopes between forearc peridotites and mantle wedge xenoliths may reflect the changing behavior of Os in diverse agents released from the descending slab as a function of depth; this is mainly controlled by the stability of sulfides in the slabs. During dehydration at shallow depths, sulfides keep stable and thus little Os is transported to the overlying mantle. In comparison, sulfides become unstable and tend to break down at deeper depths where slab melting or supercritical fluid generation occurs, and thus Os behaves like a mobile element.
Estimating consumption rate of Atlantic salmon smolts (Salmo salar) by striped bass (Morone saxatilis) in the Miramichi River estuary using acoustic telemetry
Authors: Daniels Jason , Chaput Gérald , Carr Jonathan
Published: January 2018

Differentiating detections of a telemetered fish from those of predators that may have consumed that telemetered fish presents problems and opportunities. Previous efforts to classify predation events quantitatively have had to rely on data from unknown states of fish (i.e., unsupervised learning techniques) with the consequence that model performance cannot be refined or compared with alternate models. We circumvent this limitation by analysing acoustic telemetry track data to differentiate movement patterns of tagged striped bass (Morone saxitilis) from those of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) smolts, which were known to not have been predated by striped bass over a 3-year period in the Miramichi River estuary. A random forests classification model (i.e., supervised learning technique) was used to differentiate the movement patterns of these two species and the model was applied to Atlantic salmon smolt movement characteristics to provide an index of striped bass predation-derived mortality. The optimized random forests model inferred that predation rates by striped bass were highly variable between years for two smolt stocks, ranging from 1.9% to 17.5%. Spatial and temporal overlap of the two species is a likely factor defining the between stock and annual variation of predation rate estimates.
Theoretical study of third virial coefficient with Kihara potential
Authors: Somuncu E. , Mamedov B.A. , Askerov I.M.
Published: January 2018

In this paper, a new formula has been presented for accurate calculation of the third virial coefficient with Kihara potential. The obtained formula allows us to the determination of thermodynamic properties of imperfect gases. The validity of the formula has been tested by application to some gases C2H6, C3H8, C(CH3)4, and n – C5H12. The obtained results have been compared with the other studies. These comparisons show that the formula developed in this study is in good agreement with the data available in the literature.
Costs of Franklin’s ground squirrel (Poliocitellusfranklinii) ectoparasitism reveal adaptive sex allocation
Authors: Pero Ellen M. , Hare James F.
Published: January 2018

Parasite infestation may impose direct costs of blood, nutrient, and energy depletion, along with indirect costs of increased immune response upon hosts. We investigated how ectoparasitism influences body mass and reproduction in a free-living population of Franklin’s ground squirrels (Poliocitellus franklinii (Sabine, 1822)) located near Delta Marsh, Manitoba, Canada. We experimentally reduced ectoparasite burden by treating seven reproductive females with an insecticide following breeding and contrasted body mass and reproductive performance of those individuals to seven sham-treated control females. Insecticide-treated dams did not differ from sham-treated dams in body mass, litter size, or juvenile mass, and thus, dam growth and reproduction were not compromised by ectoparasite defense at the infestation levels experienced in this study. However, litter sex ratio differed significantly between insecticide-treated and control females, with a higher proportion of male offspring produced among females with reduced ectoparasite load. Our findings are thus consistent with the Trivers–Willard model for adaptive sex allocation, yet they provide novel comparative insight into how sociality may modulate the expression of adaptive sex allocation among small mammals given the differential payoff associated with the production of high-quality female versus male offspring in more social versus less social species.
An Adaptive Parameter Choosing Approach for Regularization Model
Authors: Xu Xiaowei , Bu Ting
Published: January 2018

The choice of regularization parameters is a troublesome issue for most regularization methods, e.g. Tikhonov regularization method, total variation (TV) method, etc. An appropriate parameter for a certain regularization approach can obtain fascinating results. However, general methods of choosing parameters, e.g. Generalized Cross Validation (GCV), cannot get more precise results in practical applications. In this paper, we consider exploiting the more appropriate regularization parameter within a possible range, and apply the estimated parameter to Tikhonov model. In the meanwhile, we obtain the optimal regularization parameter by the designed criterions and evaluate the recovered solution. Moreover, referred parameter intervals and designed criterions of this method are also presented in the paper. Numerical experiments demonstrate that our method outperforms GCV method evidently for image deblurring application. Especially, the parameter estimation algorithm can also be applied to many regularization models related to pattern recognition, artificial intelligence, computer vision, etc.
Representativity and waist of cable knots
Authors: Aranda Román , Kim Seungwon , Tomova Maggy
Published: January 2018

We study the essential surfaces in the exterior of a cable knot to compute the representativity and waist of most cable knots. Our computation answers Ozawa’s question [5] about the relationship between the representativity and the waist of a knot in the negative.
Differential effects of inhibitory G protein isoforms on G protein-gated inwardly rectifying K+ currents in adult murine atria
Authors: Nobles Muriel , Montaigne David , Sebastian Sonia , Birnbaumer Lutz , Tinker Andrew
Published: January 2018

G protein-gated inwardly rectifying K+ (GIRK) channels are the major inwardly rectifying K+ currents in cardiac atrial myocytes and an important determinant of atrial electrophysiology. Inhibitory G protein α-subunits can both mediate activation via acetylcholine but can also suppress basal currents in the absence of agonist. We studied this phenomenon using whole cell patch clamping in murine atria from mice with global genetic deletion of Gαi2, combined deletion of Gαi1/Gαi3, and littermate controls. We found that mice with deletion of Gαi2 had increased basal and agonist-activated currents, particularly in the right atria while in contrast those with Gαi1/Gαi3 deletion had reduced currents. Mice with global genetic deletion of Gαi2 had decreased action potential duration. Tissue preparations of the left atria studied with a multielectrode array from Gαi2 knockout mice showed a shorter effective refractory period, with no change in conduction velocity, than littermate controls. Transcriptional studies revealed increased expression of GIRK channel subunit genes in Gαi2 knockout mice. Thus different G protein isoforms have differential effects on GIRK channel behavior and paradoxically Gαi2 act to increase basal and agonist-activated GIRK currents. Deletion of Gαi2 is potentially proarrhythmic in the atria.
Molecular Association Studies on Polyvinyl Alcohol at Different Concentrations
Authors: Saxena Richa , Bhatt S. C.
Published: January 2018

Ultrasonic velocities, densities, and viscosities have been measured for the solution of polyvinyl alcohol in water at concentration range of 0.3% to 1% at temperature 35°C. Ultrasonic velocities have been measured using variable path ultrasonic interferometer at 1 MHz frequency. The acoustical parameters like adiabatic compressibility, acoustic impedance, intermolecular free length, and relaxation time have been calculated by using above‐mentioned values of ultrasonic velocities, densities, and viscosities. The variation of these acoustical parameters is explained in terms of solute‐solvent interaction in a polymer solution.
Investigating the Differences of Single-Vehicle and Multivehicle Accident Probability Using Mixed Logit Model
Authors: Dong Bowen , Ma Xiaoxiang , Chen Feng , Chen Suren
Published: January 2018

Road traffic accidents are believed to be associated with not only road geometric feature and traffic characteristic, but also weather condition. To address these safety issues, it is of paramount importance to understand how these factors affect the occurrences of the crashes. Existing studies have suggested that the mechanisms of single-vehicle (SV) accidents and multivehicle (MV) accidents can be very different. Few studies were conducted to examine the difference of SV and MV accident probability by addressing unobserved heterogeneity at the same time. To investigate the different contributing factors on SV and MV, a mixed logit model is employed using disaggregated data with the response variable categorized as no accidents, SV accidents, and MV accidents. The results indicate that, in addition to speed gap, length of segment, and wet road surfaces which are significant for both SV and MV accidents, most of other variables are significant only for MV accidents. Traffic, road, and surface characteristics are main influence factors of SV and MV accident possibility. Hourly traffic volume, inside shoulder width, and wet road surface are found to produce statistically significant random parameters. Their effects on the possibility of SV and MV accident vary across different road segments.
Noninvasive Glioblastoma Testing: Multimodal Approach to Monitoring and Predicting Treatment Response
Authors: Verduin Maikel , Compter Inge , Steijvers Danny , Postma Alida A. , Eekers Daniëlle B. P. , Anten Monique M. , Ackermans Linda , ter Laan Mark , Leijenaar Ralph T. H. , van de Weijer Tineke , Tjan-Heijnen Vivianne C. G. , Hoeben Ann , Vooijs Marc
Published: January 2018

Glioblastoma is the most aggressive adult primary brain tumor which is incurable despite intensive multimodal treatment. Inter- and intratumoral heterogeneity poses one of the biggest barriers in the diagnosis and treatment of glioblastoma, causing differences in treatment response and outcome. Noninvasive prognostic and predictive tests are highly needed to complement the current armamentarium. Noninvasive testing of glioblastoma uses multiple techniques that can capture the heterogeneity of glioblastoma. This set of diagnostic approaches comprises advanced MRI techniques, nuclear imaging, liquid biopsy, and new integrated approaches including radiogenomics and radiomics. New treatment options such as agents targeted at driver oncogenes and immunotherapy are currently being developed, but benefit for glioblastoma patients still has to be demonstrated. Understanding and unraveling tumor heterogeneity and microenvironment can help to create a treatment regime that is patient-tailored to these specific tumor characteristics. Improved noninvasive tests are crucial to this success. This review discusses multiple diagnostic approaches and their effect on predicting and monitoring treatment response in glioblastoma.
The Therapeutic Effects of a Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula Wuzi Yanzong Pill for the Treatment of Oligoasthenozoospermia: A Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Zhao Ming Peng , Shi Xiao , Kong Grace Wing Shan , Wang Chi Chiu , Wu Justin Che Yuen , Lin Zhi Xiu , Li Tin Chiu , Chan David Yiu Leung
Published: January 2018

Oligoasthenozoospermia is a crucial factor in male infertility. Wuzi Yanzong (WZYZ) pill is a popular traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula which has been used for male infertility treatment for years. However, its effects on semen quality remain controversial. We conducted a preregistered meta‐analysis to assess the effect of WZYZ pill for the therapeutic effects on oligoasthenozoospermia. Five randomized controlled trials including 960 participants were selected from databases of domains in North‐East Asian regions, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library. WZYZ pill group yielded a greater mean increment on sperm concentration (5 trials: MD 5.99, 95% CI 2.12–9.85, P = 0.002), sperm motility (5 trials: MD 4.57, 95% CI 0.47–8.68, P = 0.03), sperm morphology (2 trials: MD −1.93, 95% CI −4.87–1.01, P = 0.20), activity of acrosomal enzyme (2 trials: MD 28.27, 95% CI 12.41–44.14, P < 0.01), volume of semen (2 trials: MD 0.56, 95% CI 0.21–0.91, P = 0.002), and a decrement of sperm DNA fragmentation index (2 trials: MD −3.82, 95% CI −6.45–−1.19, P = 0.004). However, qualities of selected studies were generally unsatisfactory, and there was inherent heterogeneity among some of the outcomes. Despite these limitations, the WZYZ pill improved sperm quality by improving several semen parameters and decreasing DNA damage in oligoasthenozoospermia patients.
An Improved Test Selection Optimization Model Based on Fault Ambiguity Group Isolation and Chaotic Discrete PSO
Authors: Lv Xiaofeng , Zhou Deyun , Tang Yongchuan , Ma Ling
Published: January 2018

Sensor data‐based test selection optimization is the basis for designing a test work, which ensures that the system is tested under the constraint of the conventional indexes such as fault detection rate (FDR) and fault isolation rate (FIR). From the perspective of equipment maintenance support, the ambiguity isolation has a significant effect on the result of test selection. In this paper, an improved test selection optimization model is proposed by considering the ambiguity degree of fault isolation. In the new model, the fault test dependency matrix is adopted to model the correlation between the system fault and the test group. The objective function of the proposed model is minimizing the test cost with the constraint of FDR and FIR. The improved chaotic discrete particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is adopted to solve the improved test selection optimization model. The new test selection optimization model is more consistent with real complicated engineering systems. The experimental result verifies the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Ceramic Laminate Veneers for Reestablishment of Esthetics in Case of Lateral Incisor Agenesis
Authors: Silva Geórgia , Normandes Ana Cristina , Barros Júnior Edson , Gatti Joyce , Maranhão Kalena , Reis Ana Cássia , Jassé Fernanda , Moura Lucas , Barros Thaís
Published: January 2018

The increasing demand of patients looking for esthetics has resulted in the development of several techniques to restore anterior teeth. Conservative treatments should always be the first therapeutic option for the solution of aesthetic problems involving morphological changes and usually provide the result that the patient expects. In this context, ceramic laminate veneers, also known as “contact lenses,” are capable to provide an extremely faithful reproduction of natural teeth with great color stability and periodontal biocompatibility. Minimal or no preparation veneers are heavily advertised as the answer to patients’ cosmetic needs, when properly indicated by the dentist. This paper reports a clinical case where lateral incisor agenesis was aesthetically corrected using ceramic laminates.
FAS: Using FPGA to Accelerate and Secure SDN Software Switches
Authors: Fu Wenwen , Li Tao , Sun Zhigang
Published: January 2018

Software-Defined Networking (SDN) promises the vision of more flexible and manageable networks but requires certain level of programmability in the data plane to accommodate different forwarding abstractions. SDN software switches running on commodity multicore platforms are programmable and are with low deployment cost. However, the performance of SDN software switches is not satisfactory due to the complex forwarding operations on packets. Moreover, this may hinder the performance of real-time security on software switch. In this paper, we analyze the forwarding procedure and identify the performance bottleneck of SDN software switches. An FPGA-based mechanism for accelerating and securing SDN switches, named FAS (FPGA-Accelerated SDN software switch), is proposed to take advantage of the reconfigurability and high-performance advantages of FPGA. FAS improves the performance as well as the capacity against malicious traffic attacks of SDN software switches by offloading some functional modules. We validate FAS on an FPGA-based network processing platform. Experiment results demonstrate that the forwarding rate of FAS can be 44% higher than the original SDN software switch. In addition, FAS provides new opportunity to enhance the security of SDN software switches by allowing the deployment of bump-in-the-wire security modules (such as packet detectors and filters) in FPGA.
Distance Measurement Methods for Improved Insider Threat Detection
Authors: Lo Owen , Buchanan William J. , Griffiths Paul , Macfarlane Richard
Published: January 2018

Insider threats are a considerable problem within cyber security and it is often difficult to detect these threats using signature detection. Increasing machine learning can provide a solution, but these methods often fail to take into account changes of behaviour of users. This work builds on a published method of detecting insider threats and applies Hidden Markov method on a CERT data set (CERT r4.2) and analyses a number of distance vector methods (Damerau–Levenshtein Distance, Cosine Distance, and Jaccard Distance) in order to detect changes of behaviour, which are shown to have success in determining different insider threats.