bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sagittal plane analysis of the spine and pelvis in degenerative lumbar scoliosis
Authors: Han Fei , Weishi Li , Zhuoran Sun , Qingwei Ma , Zhongqiang Chen
Published: January 2017

Background:

Previous studies have reported the normative values of pelvic sagittal parameters, but no study has analyzed the sagittal spino-pelvic alignment in degenerative lumbar scoliosis (DLS) and its role in the pathogenesis.

Methods:

Retrospective analysis was applied to 104 patients with DLS, together with 100 cases of asymptomatic young adults as a control group and another control group consisting of 145 cases with cervical spondylosis. The coronal and sagittal parameters were measured on the anteroposterior and lateral radiograph of the whole spine in the DLS group as well as in the two control groups.

Results:

Statistical analysis showed that the DLS group had a higher pelvic incidence (PI) value (50.5° ± 10.2°), than the normal control group (with PI 47.2° ± 8.8°) and the cervical spondylosis group (46.9° ± 9.1°). In DLS group, there were 38 cases (36.5%) complicated with degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis, who had higher PI values than patients without it. Besides, the lumbar lordosis (LL) and sacral slope (SS) of DLS group were lower; the scoliosis Cobb’s angle was correlated with pelvic tilt (PT); thoracic kyphosis was correlated with LL, SS, and PT; and LL was correlated with other sagittal parameters.

Conclusion:

Patients with DLS may have a higher PI, which may impact the pathogenesis of DLS. A high PI value is probably associated with the high prevalence of degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis among DLS patients. In DLS patients, the lumbar spine maintains the ability of regulating the sagittal balance, and the regulation depends more on thoracic curve.
Revision of Failed Artroscopic Bankart Repairs
Authors: Muiño José María Silberberg , Gimenez Martín Alejandro , Salvucci Mauro Gabriel Maroa , Ferro Diego , Rullan Ramón Muiña
Published: January 2017

Objectives:

To present our functional outcomes from patients treated arthroscopically for a failed Bankart repair, using suture anchors and capsulolabral tissue only.

Methods:

Series of 22 patients presented with a recurrence of instability after a previous stabilization surgery (3 Latarjet, Bankart 19). We treated them by a an all-arthroscopic procedure, avoiding bone grafts, when glenoid track was found to be enough to proceed. The failure was associated with trauma in 11 patients, a non-anatomic repair in 6 patients, capsular laxity in 4 patients and a non-union of the coracoid graft in 1 patient. Revision surgery included: Bankart repair with anchors in 17 cases, a posterior-inferior capsulo-labral plication in one case, and 5 remplissages. In 4 cases subscapularis augmentation was used because of poor capsular quality. Screw removal was necessary when treating the non-union case. Patients were followed-up by a minimum of 23 months (range 23-26), and evaluated by the UCLA Test, SS test and Rowe score.

Results:

Thirteen patients had an excellent result, 6 good, 2 satisfactory and one bad result, according to UCLA score. The mean Rowe score was 90.4, at final follow up. The Simple Shoulder Test went from an 8 preoperative to an 11 postoperative, mean scores. 19 of 22 patients returned to the same level of activity prior to the injury. Complications: recurrence in 2 cases, subluxation in 2 and one shoulder stiffness that required an arthrolysis.

Conclusion:

An arthroscopic revision surgery, after a failed Bankart repair, presents satisfactory results in selected patients. Arthroscopic vision allows a correct diagnosis of injuries as possible causes of failure and subsequent treatment.
Comparison of the Clinical and Radiological Oucomes of Conventional Double row and Double row Suture Bridge Repairs in Rotator Cuff Tears
Authors: Muiño José María Silberberg , Gimenez Martín Alejandro , Salvucci Mauro Gabriel Maroa , Ferro Diego , Rullan Ramón Muiña , Blanchero Pablo
Published: January 2017

Objectives:

To compare clinical and radiological results of two types of rotator cuff (RC) repairs: the double row and double row-suture bridge.

Methods:

Forty-two patients with a complete tear (medium and large size) of the RC were repaired by a double row arthroscopic technique. Minimum follow-up was 19 months (range, 19-28 months). Clinical outcomes were assessed by the Modified Constant Scale and satisfaction rate by an independent observer; VAS, UCLA and ASES. Radiological results were assed by a postoperative MRI by a musculoskeletal radiologist.

Results:

Series of 22 patients in the double row technique (Group A) and 20 patients in the double-row suture bridge (Gruop B). Statistically there was a significant improvement in the Constant Scale, satisfaction rate, muscle assessment, VAS, UCLA and ASES in both groups after the surgical procedure. There were no significant clinical differences between both groups at any time after the surgical procedure. According to MRI postop, 19/22 shoulders in Group A and 18/20 in Group B remained intact, with no significant differences between the two groups.

Conclusion:

RC repairs with double row and double-row-suture bridge techniques provide clinical and radiological good and excelent results. In our retrospective, mid-size study, we have found no differences between these two repair techniques.
Lattisimus Dorsi Transfer assisted by arthroscopy for the treatment of irreparable posterolateral Rotator Cuff Tears
Authors: Muiño José María Silberberg , Gimenez Martín Alejandro , Salvucci Mauro Gabriel Maroa , Ferro Diego , Rullan Ramón Muiña
Published: January 2017

Objective:

To evaluate subjective and functional mid term results of patients treated by a lattisimus dorsi tendón transfer arthroscopically assisted for massive irreparable posterolateral injuries of the Rotator Cuff.

Methods:

Between 2009 and 2012, 17 Lattisimus Dorsi transfers (Paribelli technique) for irreparable posterolateral rotator cuff tears were performed. Distribution by sex: 12 men and 5 women with a mean age of 53 years old (range, 40-63). Thirteen right shoulders and 4 left shoulders. Average duration of symptoms prior to surgery was 8 months (range, 6-13 months). Mean follow-up was 28 months (range, 18-44). Patients were evaluated by the VAS, satisfaction rate, the Constant Modified Scale, postoperative range of motion and strength. Postoperative radiological studies included simple AP radiographs and MRI in order to measure AC distance and asses the integrity of the plasty.

Results:

Postoperative Constant Modified score averaged 63.54 points. (average increase of 13 points compared to preoperative score. (P ..05)). Active Mobility: a) Mean elevation: 142° postop vs. 119° preop (p <.001). b) Mean abduction: 138.24º postop vs. 112.35º preop (p <.001). c) Mean external rotation 40° postop vs. 20.29º preop (p <.004). Insert text.

Conclusion:

Lattisimus Dorsi transfer in patients with posterolateral massive irreparable injuries of the RC, is a highly demanding and palliative procedure for those cases with loss of active mobility, especially lifting and shoulder abduction.
Arthroscopic treatment of pincer-type femoroacetabular impingement performing acetabuloplasty without labral detachment
Authors: Comba Fernando , Slullitel Pablo , Bronenberg Pedro , Buttaro Martin , Zanotti Gerardo , Piccaluga Francisco
Published: January 2017

Objectives:

In order to access and resect the acetabular rim, arthroscopic acetabuloplasty was described with labral detachment. However, when the chondrolabral junction remains intact, acetabuloplasty and labral refixation can be performed maintaining an unharmed labrum. We aimed to evaluate the outcome of a group of patients treated with arthroscopic acetabuloplasty without labral detachment.

Methods:

During the study period, we retrospectively analyzed 44 patients with pincer-type o combined impingement and an intact chondroblabral junction, with an average followup of 32 months (range: 27-38). We excluded patients with CAM-type impingement and previous hip pathology. Radiographs were analyzed to define impingement and classify grade of osteoarthritis. Clinical evaluation consisted of preoperative and postoperative modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) and WOMAC as well as postoperative Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) of pain and satisfaction. Reoperations were considered surgical failures for purposes of survival analysis..

Results:

Mean preoperative anterior and lateral center-edge angles were 35º and 29º, respectively. Mean preoperative alfa angle was 52º. Crossover sign was found in 82% of cases. mHHS changed from 51.06 (SD 4.81) preoperatively to 84.97 (SD 12.79) postoperatively. Preoperative WOMAC was 29.18 (SD 8) and postoperative, 13.10 (SD 11). Postoperative VAS was 7.5 and 2.27 for satisfaction and pain, respectively. When comparing patients with Tönnis 0 to those with Tönnis 1, the former showed better results regarding postoperative mHHS (89.9s vs 77.85, p=0.03), pain VAS (1.5 vs 6.3, p=0.03) and satisfaction VAS (8.2 vs 6.3, p=0.01). Postoperative WOMAC was slightly better for Tönnis 0 patients (8.31 vs 19.3, p=0.05). No differences were found in preoperative WOMAC and mHHS. Three of 44 patients required a second surgical procedure and were considered failures. Survival was 100% at 24 months and 76% at 40 months (95%CI: 35%-98%).

Conclusion:

Arthroscopic acetabuloplasty without labral detachment achieved good clinical outcomes in all the evaluated scores. Slight degenerative changes on radiographs correlated with poorer clinical outcomes, exhibiting better results in patients without osteoarthritis.
Clinical results in reconstruction of medial patellofemoral ligament
Authors: Irigoitia Nicolas Alejandro , Catan Agustín Felipe , Arroquy Damián , Guiñazu Jorge , Vilaseca Tomas , Nazur Gabriel , Bisso Martín Carboni
Published: January 2017

Background:

The reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) is the most suitable treatment for the patellar instability at the present in patients with two or more episodes of dislocation or only one with condral lesion. This is because it is the principal medial stabilizer of the patella. This process could be supplemented with an osseous correction as tibial tuberosity transference.

Objectives:

assess the clinical results of the reconstruction of the MPLF in patients with patellar instability.

Study Design:

Case series, level of evidence IV.

Methods:

We enroll all patients with this procedure between form April 2011 to February 2015, the sample has 27 reconstruction in 25 patients, who has two or more episodes of patellar dislocation. The graft used was gracilis tendon, set with suture anchor, and tibial tuberosity transfer in 9 patients who need an osseous procedure.

Results:

The average Kujala score was 90,1 points ( 64-100). Was necessary tibial tuberosity transference in one third of se sample. And in those patients there no difference compared with the isolated reconstruction.There was no episode of patellar dislocation or a second surgical time in the sample.

Conclusion:

The reconstruction of MPLF show excellent clinical outcomes in a short and medium terms , with 0% of dislocation and no second surgical time, in this kind of patients.
Single-Stage Reconstruction of Both Cruciate Ligaments
Authors: Andreoli Mauro , Zicaro Juan Pablo , Yacuzzi Carlos , Costa-Paz Matias
Published: January 2017

Objectives:

Isolated Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) and Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL), or central pivot lesions are rare. These are frequently associated with collateral ligaments injuries. The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate clinical and functional outcomes of 4 patients with acute ACL and PCL injury who underwent a simultaneous single-stage arthroscopic reconstruction.

Methods:

The inclusion criteria were patients with isolated ACL and PCL injuries, with a minimum follow-up of 2 years. We evaluated the type of graft used, the surgical technique and postoperative complications. The scales used for clinical evaluation were the Knee Society Score (KSS), IKDC, Lysholm and Tegner. Knee stability was assessed using the KT-1000 arthrometer.

Results:

Three men and one woman, with an average age of 48 years (45 to 56 years) were evaluated. Three presented a sport injury and one a car accident. Mean follow-up was 8 years. In all patients allograft was used for ligament reconstruction. Average postoperative results were: KSS 74-82, Lysholm 76, IKDC 63 and Tegner 6. KT-1000 arthrometer showed an average difference of 4mm compared to the contralateral knee. One patient underwent reintervention due to meniscal injury.

Conclusion:

ACL and PCL simultaneous single-stage reconstruction is a really demanding surgery. We achieved good results using allograft for both ligaments reconstruction. No clinical or functional postoperative complications were recorded.
ACL Revision
Authors: Costa-Paz Matias , Dubois Julieta Puig , Zicaro Juan Pablo , Rasumoff Alejandro , Yacuzzi Carlos
Published: January 2017

Objectives:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a series of patients one year after an ACL revision with clinical evaluation and MRI, to consider their condition before returning to sports activities.

Methods:

A descriptive, prospective and longitudinal study was performed. A series of patients who underwent an ACL revision between March 2014 and March 2015 were evaluated after one year post surgery. They were evaluated using the Lysholm score, IKDC, Tegner, artrometry and MRI (3.0 t). A signal pattern and osteointegration was determined in the MRI. Graft signal intensity of the ACL graft using the signal/noise quotient value (SNQ) was also determined to evaluate the ligamentatization process state.

Results:

A total of 18 male patients were evaluated with a mean age of 31 years old.Average scores were: Lysholm 88 points, IKDC 80 points, Pre-surgical Tegner 9 points and postoperative 4 points. Artrhometry (KT1000) at 20 newtons showed a side to side difference of less than 3 mm in 88%. Only 44% of patients returned to their previous sport activity one year after revision.The MRI showed a heterogeneous signal in neoligaments in 34% of patients. SNQ showed graft integration in only 28%. Synovial fluid was found in bone-graft interphase in 44% of tunnels, inferring partial osteointegration. The heterogeneous signal was present in 50% of patients who did not return to the previous sport level activity. (Fisher statistics: p = 0.043) There were no meaningful differences in patients with auto or allografts.

Conclusion:

Although the clinical evaluation was satisfactory, only 44% of patients returned to the previous level of sport activity one year after the ACL surgery. The ligamentatization process was found in 28% of knees evaluated with MRI one year later. Partial osteointegration is inferred in 44%. Results showed a meaningful relation between the signal of neoligaments in the MRI and the return to sport activity in said series of patients. MRI is a useful tool to consider the return to sports one year after the ACL revision.
Anti-CD20-interleukin-21 fusokine targets malignant B cells via direct apoptosis and NK-cell–dependent cytotoxicity
Authors: Bhatt Shruti , Parvin Salma , Zhang Yu , Cho Hyun-Mi , Kunkalla Kranthi , Vega Francisco , Timmerman John M. , Shin Seung-Uon , Rosenblatt Joseph D. , Lossos Izidore S.
Published: January 2017

Key Points

Delivering IL-21 to tumor B cells by fusion with anti-CD20 antibody (αCD20-IL-21 fusokine) is a potent antilymphoma therapeutic strategy. αCD20-IL-21 fusokine demonstrated superior antilymphoma activity compared with its individual components.
Submicroscopic Plasmodium prevalence in relation to malaria incidence in 20 villages in western Cambodia
Authors: Tripura Rupam , Peto Thomas J. , Veugen Christianne C. , Nguon Chea , Davoeung Chan , James Nicola , Dhorda Mehul , Maude Richard J. , Duanguppama Jureeporn , Patumrat Krittaya , Imwong Mallika , von Seidlein Lorenz , Grobusch Martin P. , White Nicholas J. , Dondorp Arjen M.
Published: January 2017

Background

Cambodia has seen a marked reduction in the incidence of Plasmodium falciparum over the past decade without a corresponding decline in Plasmodium vivax incidence. It is unknown to what extent local transmission is sustained by a chain of clinical and sub-clinical infections or by continued re-introduction via migration. Using an ultrasensitive molecular technique, 20 villages in western Cambodia were surveyed to detect the low season prevalence of P. falciparum and P. vivax and local treatment records were reviewed.

Methods

During March to May 2015 cross-sectional surveys were conducted in 20 villages in Battambang, western Cambodia. Demographic and epidemiological data and venous blood samples were collected from 50 randomly selected adult volunteers in each village. Blood was tested for Plasmodium infections by rapid diagnostic test (RDT), microscopy and high volume (0.5 ml packed red blood cell) quantitative polymerase chain reaction (uPCR). Positive samples were analysed by nested PCR to determine the Plasmodium species. Malaria case records were collected from the Provincial Health Department and village malaria workers to determine incidence and migration status.

Results

Among the 1000 participants, 91 (9.1%) were positive for any Plasmodium infection by uPCR, seven (0.7%) by microscopy, and two (0.2%) by RDT. uPCR P. vivax prevalence was 6.6%, P. falciparum 0.7%, and undetermined Plasmodium species 1.8%. Being male (adjusted OR 2.0; 95% CI 1.2-3.4); being a young adult <30 years (aOR 2.1; 95% CI 1.3–3.4); recent forest travel (aOR 2.8; 95% CI 1.6–4.8); and, a history of malaria (aOR 5.2; 95% CI 2.5–10.7) were independent risk factors for parasitaemia. Of the clinical malaria cases diagnosed by village malaria workers, 43.9% (297/634) and 38.4% (201/523) were among migrants in 2013 and in 2014, respectively. Plasmodium vivax prevalence determined by uPCR significantly correlated with vivax malaria incidences in both 2014 and 2015 (p = 0.001 and 0.002, respectively), whereas no relationship was observed in falciparum malaria (p = 0.36 and p = 0.59, respectively).

Discussion

There was heterogeneity in the malaria parasite reservoir between villages, and Plasmodium prevalence correlated with subsequent malaria incidence. The association was attributable chiefly to P. vivax infections, which were nine-fold more prevalent than P. falciparum infections. In the absence of a radical cure with 8-aminoquinolines, P. vivax transmission will continue even as P. falciparum prevalence declines. Migration was associated with over a third of incident cases of clinical malaria.

Trial registration clinicaltrials.gov (NCT01872702). Registered 4 June 2013
Common coupled fixed point results for operators without mixed monotone type properties and application to nonlinear integral equations
Authors: Machrafi Nabil
Published: January 2017

We establish some new common coupled fixed point theorems for a pair of operators not assumed to satisfy mixed monotone type properties in the ordered Banach space setting. For that purpose, the notions of weakly inflationary and weakly deflationary operators are introduced in the two-dimensional setting, and existence and uniqueness common coupled fixed point theorems for such operators are established under certain condensing and contractive conditions involving the two-dimensional setting. As an application, we study the existence and uniqueness of nonnegative solutions for nonlinear integral equations.
Epigenetics of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma: Opportunities for novel chemotherapeutic targets
Authors: Lindsay Cameron , Seikaly Hadi , Biron Vincent L.
Published: January 2017

Epigenetic modifications are heritable changes in gene expression that do not directly alter DNA sequence. These modifications include DNA methylation, histone post-translational modifications, small and non-coding RNAs. Alterations in epigenetic profiles cause deregulation of fundamental gene expression pathways associated with carcinogenesis. The role of epigenetics in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) has recently been recognized, with implications for novel biomarkers, molecular diagnostics and chemotherapeutics. In this review, important epigenetic pathways in human papillomavirus (HPV) positive and negative OPSCC are summarized, as well as the potential clinical utility of this knowledge.

This material has never been published and is not currently under evaluation in any other peer-reviewed publication.
Draft genome sequences of eight bacteria isolated from the indoor environment: Staphylococcus capitis strain H36, S. capitis strain H65, S. cohnii strain H62, S. hominis strain H69, Microbacterium sp. strain H83, Mycobacterium iranicum strain H39, Plantibacter sp. strain H53, and Pseudomonas oryzihabitans strain H72
Authors: Lymperopoulou Despoina S. , Coil David A. , Schichnes Denise , Lindow Steven E. , Jospin Guillaume , Eisen Jonathan A. , Adams Rachel I.
Published: January 2017

We report here the draft genome sequences of eight bacterial strains of the genera Staphylococcus, Microbacterium, Mycobacterium, Plantibacter, and Pseudomonas. These isolates were obtained from aerosol sampling of bathrooms of five residences in the San Francisco Bay area. Taxonomic classifications as well as the genome sequence and gene annotation of the isolates are described. As part of the “Built Environment Reference Genome” project, these isolates and associated genome data provide valuable resources for studying the microbiology of the built environment.
Record technical program highlights SEG's 2016 Annual Meeting
Authors: Blythe Natalie
Published: January 2017

An industry downturn could not dampen the spirit of the geosciences community as 5791 people traveled from 86 different countries to attend SEG's International Exposition and 86th Annual Meeting, held 16–21 October 2016 at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, Texas. The 2016 SEG Annual Meeting built upon several successful initiatives from the previous year's event in New Orleans, Louisiana, to create an unforgettable six-day experience.
Introduction to this special section: Velocity-model uncertainty
Authors: Amaru Maisha , Hoelting Cory , Ivanova Natalia , Osypov Konstantin
Published: January 2017

Geophysical characterization of the subsurface is an integral part of the industry's effort to decrease ambiguity during exploration, development, and production. Over several decades, advances in geophysical technology (e.g., 3D seismic, AVO, depth imaging, 4D seismic, wide/full azimuth acquisition, etc.) have allowed geophysicists to routinely produce more accurate “best technical case” images of the subsurface. Given the impressive nature of these advances, our nongeophysical colleagues might be tempted to think that geophysicists have eliminated uncertainty from our subsurface images. Nothing could be further from the truth. Most (if not all) of the time, geophysical characterization of the subsurface involves estimating solutions to ill-posed inverse problems. This ill-posedness stems from a variety of sources, including insufficient measurements and physical phenomena like seismic anisotropy.
Subsalt imaging in the presence of salt-body uncertainty
Authors: Protasov Maxim , Kolyukhin Dmitriy , Rostomyan Semen , Landa Evgeny
Published: January 2017

The problem of subsalt imaging in the presence of salt-boundary uncertainty is considered. In this case, the salt-body model should be considered by a probability density function rather than by a unique deterministic function. We discuss a way to look at seismic imaging using the path-integral concept. The method computes the image by summing the contributions of individual images computed for different statistical realizations of the salt-body boundaries. It samples different realizations instead of relying on only one model derived from manual or automatic picking. The focusing mechanism is achieved by a weighting function (probability amplitude), which is designed to emphasize contributions from models close to the stationary one and to suppress contributions from unlikely models. The presented examples demonstrate principles and feasibility of the new concept.
Offshore imaging with complex overburden: Understanding gather complexity and resulting attribute accuracy through synthetics
Authors: O'Brien Gareth Shane , Igoe Mick , Doherty John , Mahob Patrice , Mecklenburgh Robin
Published: January 2017

The objectives of this study are to determine the effect of complex overburden in offshore continental settings on the seismic wavefield and on the resultant seismic images and attributes. Seismic waves exhibit complex wave paths when propagating through heterogeneous geologic structures. A key step in understanding the consequences for imaging and, more importantly, amplitude versus angle behavior is to model this complexity in a known earth-velocity model. The earth model used, represented by the seismic velocities, should exhibit similar behavior to the real data but still remain as simple as possible. This is also the case in velocity-model building. However, the inability to include subtle geologic features leads to inaccuracy and uncertainty in the velocity model. Understanding how this inaccuracy manifests itself is vital in any predictive exercise using seismic attributes. To improve this understanding, several synthetic data sets were simulated using full-wavefield synthetics. It is evident from the results that subtle velocity features are required in the imaging velocity field to ensure accurate angle gather behavior whether output is from a ray-based Kirchhoff migration or full-wave equation algorithm. If this requirement is met, seismic attributes from an amplitude-preserving migration can be used as a facies prediction in conjunction with the correct imaging algorithm.
What moved where?: The impact of velocity uncertainty on microseismic location and moment-tensor inversion
Authors: Poliannikov Oleg , Malcolm Alison , Fehler Michael
Published: January 2017

With the rise of unconventional resources, microseismic monitoring is becoming increasingly important because of its cost-effectiveness. This has led to significant research activity on how best to locate events and characterize their moment tensors. Locations tell us where fracturing is occurring, allow the tracking of fluid movement, and fracture propagation. Moment tensors help to determine the type of failure occurring, which is beneficial in planning and interpreting the results of hydraulic-fracturing jobs and in monitoring production. The rising number of methods to determine parameters raises important questions about how uncertainties in the input parameters are translated into uncertainties in the final locations and moment tensors. We present a framework for assessing these uncertainties and use it to demonstrate how velocity uncertainty — as well as uncertainties in arrival times and amplitudes — translates into uncertainties on the recovered quantities of location and moment-tensor parameters.
SEG China, Aramco BRC conclude technical forum on geophysical challenges
Authors: Wu Flora , Ma Amelie
Published: January 2017

On 14 November 2016, SEG China and the Saudi Aramco Beijing Research Center (Aramco BRC) jointly organized a technical forum with the theme “Geophysical challenges: New concepts and innovative solutions.” The forum, which took place at the Geosciences International Conference Centre (GICC) in Beijing, attracted nearly 200 attendees. Yibo Wang, professor, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Dinghui Yang, professor, Tsinghua University, cochaired the event.
Integrins are required for tissue organization and restriction of neurogenesis in regenerating planarians
Authors: Seebeck Florian , März Martin , Meyer Anna-Wiebke , Reuter Hanna , Vogg Matthias C. , Stehling Martin , Mildner Karina , Zeuschner Dagmar , Rabert Franziska , Bartscherer Kerstin
Published: January 2017

Tissue regeneration depends on proliferative cells and on cues that regulate cell division, differentiation, patterning and the restriction of these processes once regeneration is complete. In planarians, flatworms with high regenerative potential, muscle cells express some of these instructive cues. Here we show that members of the Integrin family of adhesion molecules are required for the integrity of regenerating tissues, including the musculature. Remarkably, in regenerating β1-integrin RNAi planarians, we detected increased numbers of mitotic cells and progenitor cell types, as well as a reduced ability of stem cells and lineage restricted progenitor cells to accumulate at wound sites. These animals also formed ectopic spheroid structures of neural identity in regenerating heads. Interestingly, those polarized assemblies comprised a variety of neural cells and underwent continuous growth. Our study indicates that Integrin-mediated cell adhesion is required for the regenerative formation of organized tissues and for restricting neurogenesis during planarian regeneration.
Formative pluripotency: the executive phase in a developmental continuum
Authors: Smith Austin
Published: January 2017

The regulative capability of single cells to give rise to all primary embryonic lineages is termed pluripotency. Observations of fluctuating gene expression and phenotypic heterogeneity in vitro have fostered a conception of pluripotency as an intrinsically metastable and precarious state. However, in the embryo and in defined culture environments the properties of pluripotent cells change in an orderly sequence. Two phases of pluripotency, called naïve and primed, have previously been described. In this Hypothesis article, a third phase, called formative pluripotency, is proposed to exist as part of a developmental continuum between the naïve and primed phases. The formative phase is hypothesised to be enabling for the execution of pluripotency, entailing remodelling of transcriptional, epigenetic, signalling and metabolic networks to constitute multi-lineage competence and responsiveness to specification cues.
Mouse Stbd1 is N-myristoylated and affects ER–mitochondria association and mitochondrial morphology
Authors: Demetriadou Anthi , Morales-Sanfrutos Julia , Nearchou Marianna , Baba Otto , Kyriacou Kyriacos , Tate Edward W. , Drousiotou Anthi , Petrou Petros P.
Published: January 2017

Starch binding domain-containing protein 1 (Stbd1) is a carbohydrate-binding protein that has been proposed to be a selective autophagy receptor for glycogen. Here, we show that mouse Stbd1 is a transmembrane endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-resident protein with the capacity to induce the formation of organized ER structures in HeLa cells. In addition to bulk ER, Stbd1 was found to localize to mitochondria-associated membranes (MAMs), which represent regions of close apposition between the ER and mitochondria. We demonstrate that N-myristoylation and binding of Stbd1 to glycogen act as major determinants of its subcellular targeting. Moreover, overexpression of non-myristoylated Stbd1 enhanced the association between ER and mitochondria, and further induced prominent mitochondrial fragmentation and clustering. Conversely, shRNA-mediated Stbd1 silencing resulted in an increase in the spacing between ER and mitochondria, and an altered morphology of the mitochondrial network, suggesting elevated fusion and interconnectivity of mitochondria. Our data unravel the molecular mechanism underlying Stbd1 subcellular targeting, support and expand its proposed function as a selective autophagy receptor for glycogen and uncover a new role for the protein in the physical association between ER and mitochondria.
Eligibility Recertification and Dynamic Opt-In Incentives in Income-Tested Social Programs: Evidence from Medicaid/CHIP
Authors: Pei Zhuan
Published: January 2017

Conventional labor supply studies assume constant eligibility monitoring of income-tested program participants, but the time between two consecutive eligibility certifications (the “recertification period”) can be as long as a year for Medicaid/CHIP recipients. In this paper, I study the optimal recertification period for this population. A long recertification period, while reducing monitoring costs, is predicted to induce program participation via temporary income adjustments. However, I find no support for this prediction using the 2001 and 2004 Survey of Income and Program Participation. Given this, I propose a simple framework to compute the optimal recertification period and find 12 months to be its lower bound. (JEL H75, I18, I38, J13, J22)
The Interest Rate Elasticity of Mortgage Demand: Evidence from Bunching at the Conforming Loan Limit
Authors: DeFusco Anthony A. , Paciorek Andrew
Published: January 2017

This paper provides novel estimates of the interest rate elasticity of mortgage demand by measuring the degree of bunching in response to a discrete jump in interest rates at the conforming loan limit—the maximum loan size eligible for purchase by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The estimates indicate that a 1 percentage point increase in the rate on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage reduces first mortgage demand by between 2 and 3 percent. One-third of this response is driven by borrowers who take out second mortgages, which implies that total mortgage debt only declines by 1.5 to 2 percent. (JEL D14, G21, R21, R31)
Eastern Mediterranean foraminiferal palaeoecological response to Mid-Late Pliocene climatic regime: A preliminary note.
Authors: Drinia H. , Antonarakou A. , Mihalakopoulos S. , Tsiolakis E.
Published: January 2017

The main objective of this work is to investigate the climatic influence on the sedimentation during mid to late Pliocene in Cyprus island. For this reason, a section located in Pissouri sub-basin, southern Cyprus, was chosen to be studied. The section comprises a nearly uninterrupted succession of marine sediments, dominated by grey marls, which are cyclically alternating with yellowish silty marls. The identification of age diagnostic planktonic foraminifera suggests a mid to upper Pliocene age. The calculated faunal parameters document cyclic fluctuations consistent with shifts in such climate belts. A good age resolution of the cycles and an indication of sedimentation rate would be required in order to connect cyclicity to orbital perturbations.
Multidimensional earthquake frequency distributions consistent with Non-Extensive statistical physics: The interdependence of magnitude, interevent time and interevent distance in North California
Authors: Tzanis A. , Vallianatos F. , Efstathiou A.
Published: January 2017

It is now accepted that the active tectonic grain comprises a self-organized complex system, therefore its expression (seismicity) should be manifested in the temporal and spatial statistics of energy release rates, and exhibit memory due to long-range interactions in a fractal-like space-time. Such attributes can be properly understood in terms of Non-Extensive Statistical Physics. In addition to energy release rates expressed by the magnitude M, measures of the temporal and spatial interactions are the time (Δt) and hypocentral distance (Δd)  between consecutive events. Recent work indicated that if the distributions of M, Δt and    Δd are independent so that the joint probability p(M, Δ  t, Δd)  factorizes as p(M) p(  Δt) p(  Δd),  earthquake frequency is related to M, Δt and    Δd by well defined power-laws consistent with NESP. The present work applies these concepts to investigate the self-organization and temporal/spatial dynamics of North Californian seismicity. The results indicate that the statistical behaviour of seismicity in this area is consistent with NESP predictions and has attributes of universality, as its holds for a very broad range of spatial, temporal and magnitude scales. They also indicate that the expression of the regional active tectonic grain comprises a mixture of processes significantly dependent on Δd, which include near (<100km) and far (>400km) field interactions.
Palaeobotanical study of Polichnitos region, southern part of Lesbos Island, Greece (preliminary results on angiosperm wood).
Authors: Mantzouka D. , Sakala J. , Kvaček Z. , Karakitsios V.
Published: January 2017

The present contribution brings new scientific data for the palaeoflora of Lesbos based on new collections of plant fossils which were discovered in 2011 at six new localities from the southern part of Lesbos Island. This study resumes the published data both on the palaeovegetation of the Petrified Forest and the palaeogeography of Lesbos Island during the Neogene. The new palaeobotanical study with more than seventy new samples of fossilized wood from the broader area of Polichnitos region gives new information about the palaeobotanical and palaeontological content of this area. It is reported for the first time here the existence of a diversified fossil wood assemblage from the southern part of the Island as long as the identification of three types of lauraceous wood according to their idioblasts characteristics.
A Markov model for seismic hazard analysis along the Hellenic subduction Zone (Greece)
Authors: Votsi I. , Tsaklidis G. , Limnios N. , Papadimitriou E. , Vallianatos F.
Published: January 2017

A homogeneous finite–state discrete–time Markov model is applied for the earthquake occurrence in the Hellenic Subduction Zone (Greece), a region accommodating high seismic activity, being a key structure from a seismotectonic point of view. An attempt is made to provide a stochastic representation of the earthquake process and to assess the seismic hazard through the application of the Markov model. The model is applied on a complete data sample comprising strong () eart  h-quakes that occurred in the study area since 1911 up to present. The continuous magnitude scale is divided into appropriate intervals to specify discrete states of the model. As the stochastic behavior of the model is governed by its transition probability matrix, we firstly estimate its well–known maximum likelihood estimator. The estimation of the transition probability matrix leads to the estimation of important indicators of the Markov chain, including hitting times and failure rate functions. The   mean number of steps for the first occurrence of an anticipated earthquake (belonging to the class with the stronger events, which we are more interested in) is estimated along with its variance. In a next step, we calculate the confidence interval of the   aforementioned estimators.
Landform classification using GIS techniques. The case of Kimi municipality area, Euboea Island, Greece.
Authors: Ilia I. , Rozos D. , Koumantakis I.
Published: January 2017

The main objective of this paper is to classify landforms in Kimi municipality area of Euboea Island, Greece using advanced spatial techniques. Landform categories were determined by conducting morphometric analysis through the use of advanced GIS functions. In particular, the process of classifying the landscape into landform categories was based on Topographic Position Index (TPI). The main topographic elements such as slope inclination, aspect, slope shape (curvature), topographic wetness index and stream power index were obtained from the DEM file of the study area. Landform classification was obtained using TPI grids and the classes were related with the geological pattern and the land cover by sophisticated spatial analysis function. The knowledge obtained from the present study could be useful in identifying areas prone to land degradation and instability problems in which landforms are identified as an essential parameter
Qualitative precursory pattern before several strong earthquakes in Greece.
Authors: Baskoutas I. , Papadopoulos G.
Published: January 2017

The temporal variation of the seismicity, based on the analysis of three seismic parameters i.e., number of earthquakes, b-value and energy released, were investigated before several strong earthquakes occurrence in Greece the time period 2000-2008. The seismic parameters estimates were obtained by the means of new tool, suited to analyze earthquake catalogue, and visualize their spatio-temporalvariation behaviour. The seismic data used were taken from the earthquake catalogue of the Geodynamic Institute of National Observatory of Athens, Greece. The obtained temporal variation series shows significant changes around their relative mean values, which specific phases can be related to the strong earthquakes preparation stages. This relation shows remarkable temporal regularity so that itcan be establish considered as a precursor seismicity pattern. These results suggest that identification of this behaviour, by the continuous monitoring of the temporal variation of the seismic parameters, can contribute to the assessment of the current seismic hazard and to the impending strong earthquake parameters evaluation, in a given area.
Ground deformation measurements over Lake Trichonis based on SAR interferometry.
Authors: Benekos G. , Parcharidis I. , Foumelis M. , Ganas A.
Published: January 2017

The aim of this study is to detect and measure ground deformation over the broader area of Lake Trichonis (Western Greece), focusing mainly on the April 2007 earthquake swarm which occurred at the vicinity of the Lake. The area, forming a pull-apart basin, presented historically an intense seismic activity along the two active normal faults at the northern and southern part of the Lake. The swarminitiated by small magnitude events on the 8th of April 2007 followed by the three strongest events of the entire sequence on the 10th of April 2007, with magnitudes ranging from 5.0 to 5.2 Mw. The seismic activity continued for longer with smaller seismic events. Based on seismological data this activity was attributed to two unmapped NW SE trending normal faults that bounds the SE bank of the Lake. Using a dataset of 28 ENVISAT ASAR scenes covering the period from February 2003 until February 2010 (~7 yr), different Interferometric Stacking techniques was applied in order to quantify the ground deformation induced by the earthquake swarm as well as its effect on the inter-seismic deformation pattern of the area. Our results indicate that co-seismic motion differs significantly from that observedduring the pre- and post- swarm periods. The co-seismic pattern reveals subsidence at the northern and uplift at the southern lake sides, consistent with the structural model already proposed for the area. For the pre- and post-seismic periods both sides of the Lake show stability or low rates of subsidence with higher deformationvelocity rates for the period after the seismic activity, possibly attributed to postseismic relaxation. Our findings imply that inter-seismic ground deformation does not necessary follow the deformation pattern observed during seismic triggering, thus, long-term geodetic observations such as those provided by SAR interferometry are valuable in order to fully characterize the geodynamic behavior of an active region.
Assessment of the susceptibility of the coast of Astypalaea Island (S.E. Aegean Sea) to sea level rise.
Authors: Papoulia M. , Karymbalis E. , Gaki-Papanastassiou K. , Maroukian H.
Published: January 2017

The aim of this paper is the classification of the coast of Astypalaea Island (S.E Aegean Sea) according to its susceptibility to an anticipated future sea-level rise, using the Coastal Sensitivity Index (CSI), and utilizing GIS technology. This index allows the following six physical variables: geomorphology, coastal slope, relative sea-level rise rate, shoreline erosion or accretion rate, mean tidal range and mean wave height, to be related in a semi-quantitative manner. Each variable is ranked on the basis of its potential contribution to physical changes on the coast as sea-level rises. Following the CSI calculation, a map is produced for the coastline of the island. This map showed that an extensive length of the coast (121.5 km, corresponding to 84.6% of the island’s coastline) is characterized as very low and low sensitive. Only 12.1 km of the coast, corresponding to 8.5% of the entire coastline, is characterized as very highly and highly sensitive to sea- level rise, primarily due to the low topography and the presence of highly erodible geological formations and landforms. Areas of high and very high CSI values host socioeconomically important land uses and activities as well as environmentally protected areas.
Various morphological types of thermogenic travertines in Northern Euboea and Eastern Central Greece
Authors: Kanellopoulos C.
Published: January 2017

In the northern part of Euboea Island and the neighbouring part of the mainland in eastern central Greece, many hot springs exist and some of them create travertine deposits. The objectives of the study were to identify and describe the various morphological types of the thermogenic travertine deposits. The samples were studied at the lab with optical microscopy, X-Ray Diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), in order to verify their main mineralogical composition and their mineral chemistry. The studied travertine deposits consist mainly of aragonite and calcite, but in some cases, as main mineral phase, an amorphous hydrous ferric oxyhydroxide (ferrihydrite), was also identified. The morphological types that were identified were of great variety (mounds, travertine caves etc) and some of them were quite rare (cascades, remora etc). Morphological data and field observations suggest possible inorganic and organic controls on carbonate precipitation. Similar morphological types have been recorded at large travertine systems like Mammoth hot springs, Yellowstone National Park in USA and at Rapolano Terme, Italy.
Analysis of relationships among coastal alluvial fans and their contributing catchments in North Evoikos Gulf (Central Greece).
Authors: Valkanou K. , Karymbalis E. , Papanastassiou D. , Gaki-Papanastassiou K. , Giles P.
Published: January 2017

This paper deals with the morphometric analysis of 42, late Holocene, coastal alluvial fans located along the coasts of the tectonically active North Evoikos Gulf in central Greece. Thirty six of the fans have been formed by streams that discharge along the east coast of the Gulf (Evia Island) while the rest are located on the opposite side (Continental Greece). Selected morphometric parameters of the drainage basins were measured using topographic maps at the scale of 1:50,000 while those of the fans were derived from detailed topographic diagrams at the scale of 1:5,000 utilizing ESRI’s ArcGIS9.3 software. Fans were classified into four groups according to the primary depositional processes (fluvial and/or debris flow). Another classification criterion was the relationship between the location of the fan-catchment system and the local tectonic patterns (active faults). Fan-basin morphometric relationships for each fan group were also investigated. A strong positive relation was found between the size of the fan and the drainage basin area while the correlation between drainage area and fan slope was negative. Large catchments located near fault terminations have formed gently sloping fans dominated by fluvial processes, whereas torrents with small rough drainage basins, developed on the footwall, have formed steep fans likely dominated by debris-flow along the east coast of the Gulf