bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complete and Assembled Genome Sequence of Bifidobacterium kashiwanohense PV20-2, Isolated from the Feces of an Anemic Kenyan Infant
Authors: Vazquez-Gutierrez Pamela , Lacroix Christophe , Chassard Christophe , Klumpp Jochen , Jans Christoph , Stevens Marc J. A.
Published: January 2015

The complete genome sequence of
Bifidobacterium kashiwanohense
strain PV20-2, an infant feces isolate, was determined using single-molecule real-time sequencing (SMRT). Hierarchical genome assembly resulted in a completely assembled genome of 2,370,978 bp. The B. kashiwanohense PV20-2 genome is the first completely sequenced and assembled genome of the species.
Draft Genome Sequence of Calothrix Strain 336/3, a Novel H
2
-Producing Cyanobacterium Isolated from a Finnish Lake
Authors: Isojärvi Janne , Shunmugam Sumathy , Sivonen Kaarina , Allahverdiyeva Yagut , Aro Eva-Mari , Battchikova Natalia
Published: January 2015

We announce the draft genome sequence of Calothrix strain 336/3, an N
2
-fixing heterocystous filamentous cyanobacterium isolated from a natural habitat. Calothrix 336/3 produces higher levels of hydrogen than
Nostoc punctiforme
PCC 73102 and Anabaena strain PCC 7120 and, therefore, is of interest for potential technological applications.
Do socioeconomic factors influence breast cancer screening practices among Arab women in Qatar?
Authors: Donnelly Tam Truong , Al Khater Al-Hareth , Al Kuwari Mohamed Ghaith , Al-Bader Salha Bujassoum , Al-Meer Nabila , Abdulmalik Mariam , Singh Rajvir , Chaudhry Sofia , Fung Tak
Published: January 2015

Objectives

Breast cancer incidence rates are rising in Qatar. Although the Qatari government provides subsidised healthcare and screening programmes that reduce cost barriers for residents, breast cancer screening (BCS) practices among women remain low. This study explores the influence of socioeconomic status on BCS among Arab women in Qatar.

Setting

A multicentre, cross-sectional quantitative survey was conducted with 1063 Arab women (87.5% response rate) in Qatar from March 2011 to July 2011. Women who were 35 years or older and had lived in Qatar for at least 10 years were recruited from seven primary healthcare centres and women's health clinics in urban and semiurban regions of Qatar. Associations between socioeconomic factors and BCS practice were estimated using χ2tests and multivariate logistic regression analyses.

Results

Findings indicate that less than one-third of the participants practised BCS appropriately, whereas less than half of the participants were familiar with recent BCS guidelines. Married women and women with higher education and income levels were significantly more likely to be aware of and to practise BCS than women who had lower education and income levels.

Conclusions

Findings indicate low levels of awareness and low participation rates in BCS among Arab women in Qatar. Socioeconomic factors influence these women's participation in BCS activities. The strongest predictors for BCS practice are higher education and higher income levels.

Recommendations

Additional research is needed to explore the impact of economic factors on healthcare seeking behaviours in the Middle Eastern countries that have a high national gross domestic product where healthcare services are free or heavily subsidised by the government; promotion of BCS and intervention strategies in these countries should focus on raising awareness about breast cancer, the cost and benefit of early screening for this disease, particularly among low-income women.
Prognostic role of microRNA-205 in multiple human malignant neoplasms: a meta-analysis of 17 studies
Authors: Zhang Jia-yi , Sun Meng-yan , Song Ning-hong , Deng Zhong-lei , Xue Chun-yu , Yang Jie
Published: January 2015

Objective

MicroRNA-205 (miRNA-205) was revealed as an attractive prognostic tumour biomarker in recent studies. However, the results of different studies have been inconsistent. We conducted a meta-analysis to elucidate the precise predictive value of miRNA-205 in various human malignant neoplasms.

Design

Meta-analysis.

Data sources

Qualified studies were identified up to 5 June 2014 by performing online searches in PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science, and additional quality evaluations.

Participants

Seventeen eligible studies with 4827 patients were ultimately enrolled in this meta-analysis.

Outcome measures

The heterogeneity between studies was assessed using I2statistics. Pooled HRs with 95% CIs for patient survival and disease recurrence were calculated to investigate the correlation between miRNA-205 expression and cancer prognosis.

Results

Our results indicate that elevated miRNA-205 was significantly associated with enhanced overall survival in the breast cancer subgroup (HR=0.78, 95% CI 0.67 to 0.91) and superior disease-free survival/recurrence-free survival in the adenocarcinoma subgroup (HR=0.68, 95% CI 0.49 to 0.94).

Conclusions

miRNA-205 is a promising biomarker for predicting the recurrence and progression of patients with adenocarcinomas or breast cancer. Owing to its complex roles, further relevant studies are warranted.
A volumetric and NMR study of cyclodextrin-inhalation anesthetic complexes in aqueous solutions
Authors: Wilson Lee D. , Verrall Ronald E.
Published: January 2015

The apparent molar volumes (Vϕ) of two anesthetics (halothane and forane) have been determined in water and in binary solvent (H2O + cyclodextrin) systems at 25 °C. The results show that the magnitudes of Vϕare greater in ternary solutions than in the binary aqueous systems. The apparent molar volumes at infinite dilution (Vϕo) of halothane in ternary solutions are observed to depend on the following factors: (i) the magnitude of the binding constant (K1:1), (ii) the lipophilicity of the anesthetic, (iii) the mole ratio of the host/halothane system, and (iv) the topology (i.e., facial vs. inclusion) of the host/guest complex. The volumetric properties of the ternary systems have been analyzed in terms of the complexed and uncomplexed species by application of Young’s rule. The formation of 1:1 CD–halothane complexes was successfully modeled using a two-state model. The binding affinity of the various cyclodextrins toward halothane is listed in descending order as follows: DM-β-CD > HP-β-CD > β-CD > α-CD > TM-β-CD.
Fabrication of a polymer nozzle array in a microstructured fibre as a nanoelectrospray emitter for mass spectrometry
Authors: Fu Yueqiao , Gibson Graham T.T. , McGregor Christine , Oleschuk Richard D.
Published: January 2015

We report a modified silica microstructured fibre (MSF) as a multiple electrospray (MES) emitter, with dimensional compatibility with conventional liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry equipment, to generate stable electrospray from a wide range of applied potentials and flow rates. An array of polymer nozzles is fabricated in the MSF by a procedure involving templated polymerization of microtubes and wet chemical etching of the silica at the tip. The structure of the emitting end of the MSF was optimized with respect to the etching process, and the morphology of the polymer nozzles was optimized with respect to polymerization conditions. The mechanisms of the etching and of the templated polymerization of the microtubes were explored. Optimization experiments were performed using commercially available MSF having 126 tubular air channels arranged in a hexagonal pattern with channel diameter of ∼5.6 μm. However, the flexibility and versatility in the pattern, shape, and size of channels in MSFs allowed a custom-designed MSF to be fabricated and tested for MES. In the new design, six channels were evenly spaced in a radial pattern, and when polymer nozzles were made, six stable electrosprays were observed over a wide range of electrospray conditions. Using these MES emitters, the spray current is enhanced by a factor related to the number of nozzles.
Genetic characterization, nickel tolerance, biosorption, kinetics, and uptake mechanism of a bacterium isolated from electroplating industrial effluent
Authors: Nagarajan N. , Gunasekaran P. , Rajendran P.
Published: January 2015

Electroplating industries in Madurai city produce approximately 49 000 L of wastewater and 1200 L of sludge every day revealing 687–5569 ppm of nickel (Ni) with other contaminants. Seventeen Ni-tolerant bacterial strains were isolated from nutrient-enriched effluents. Among them one hyper Ni accumulating strain was scored and identified as Bacillus cereus VP17 on the basis of morphology, biochemical tests, 16S rDNA gene sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis. Equilibrium data of Ni(II) ions using the bacterium as sorbent at isothermal conditions (37 °C) and pH 6 were best adjusted by Langmuir (R2= 0.6268) and Freundlich models (R2= 0.9505). Experimental validation reveals Ni sorption takes place on a heterogeneous surface of the biosorbent, and predicted metal sorption capacity is 434 ppm. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model fitted the biosorption kinetic data better than the pseudo-first-order kinetic model (R2= 0.9963 and 0.3625). Scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy studies of the bacterial strain with and without Ni(II) ion reveals the biosorption mechanism. The results conclude possibilities of using B. cereus VP17 for Ni bioremediation.
Remnants by fermions' tunneling from a Hořava–Lifshitz black hole
Authors: Li Guoping , Cheng Tianhu , Li Zhang , Feng Zhongwen , Zu Xiaotao
Published: January 2015

Adopting the Hamilton–Jacobi method, we investigated the tunneling radiation of a deform Hořava–Lifshitz black hole, and the original tunneling rate and Hawking temperature are obtained. Based on the generalized uncertainty principle, recent researches imply that the quantum gravity corrected the Dirac equation exactly. Hence, the corrected Dirac equation can express the tunneling behavior of fermions may be more suitable, and meanwhile, the corrected Hawking temperature of the Hořava–Lifshitz black hole is obtained. Comparing with previous results, we find that the Hawking temperature is not only related to the mass of black hole, but also related to the mass and energy of outgoing fermions. Finally, we inferred that the Hawking radiation would stop by the reason of the quantum gravity, and the remnant of the black hole exists naturally, also the singularity of the black hole is avoided.
Nonlinear Analysis of Masonry Buildings Under Seismic Actions with a Multifan Finite Element
Authors: Chen Zhixiong , Maruccio Claudio , Xiao Yang , Hu Ying
Published: January 2015

This paper presented an innovative method for nonlinear simulation of masonry structures under seismic loading conditions. The method is based on a macro-modeling formulation of a masonry panel. A new finite element (FE), called a “multi-fan” (MF) element, is developed on the macro scale, whereby the stress field within the panel is determined at each load step by minimizing the current complementary potential energy. Because only one element is required to model a single masonry panel in the structure, this approach enables a reduction in the total number of degrees of freedom (DOFs) of the system and the total computational effort. The ability of the proposed approach to estimate the ultimate capacity of masonry walls was analyzed both by comparing its predictions with available experimental results and through FE analyses based on a micro-modeling approach. The comparisons show satisfactory accuracy at both the global and local levels. Therefore, the new macro-element can be effectively used in safety assessments of masonry buildings.
Golden Ratio Autocorrelation Function and the Exponential Decay
Authors: Tsekov Roumen
Published: January 2015

An autocorrelation function is obtained on the base of the recurrence relation formalism, whose continued fraction form corresponds to that of the golden ratio. It turns out that this Golden Ratio (GR) autocorrelation is known in science and obeys all necessary conditions, in contrast to the exponential autocorrelation function. Using the Kubo approach it is shown how exponential correlations appear in the linear response theory as a result of non-Hermitian relaxation of the system.
Optical and Structural Investigations of Manganese Doped ZnS/SiO2 Core-Shell Nanostructure
Authors: Sana Prabha , Verma Shammi , Malik M. M.
Published: January 2015

The paper reports room temperature synthesis of wurtzite type manganese doped ZnS nanostructures via colloidal technique. The reaction procedure found to play an important role in the crystal growth of ZnS . Surface encapsulation of ZnS by silica ( SiO 2) provides effective approach for uniform coating, where 3-Mercaptopropyl Tri methoxysilane (MPS) has been used for silica source as a capping molecule. The obtained silica coated ZnS nanocrystals were well dispersed with hexagonal wurtzite structure of core-shell particles size of about 15 nm. Aggregation of these nanoparticles has been promoted to special shaped structures, which are crystals of 8H wurtzite with prominent pyramidal morphology with curved faces. Growth phenomena of this wurtzite polytype of homologous series 8H is based on screw dislocations and exhibited optimal photoluminescence (PL) spectra.
Cross-Border Process Innovations: Improving the Fit Between Information Processing Needs and Capabilities
Authors: Hazen Benjamin T. , Sankar Chetan
Published: January 2015

There is little guidance as to what general information processing capabilities are required to support organizations' cross-border business initiatives. We draw on the organizational information processing view to identify ways to enhance fit between information processing capabilities and needs, thereby reducing uncertainties. Using a multiple case study method, we examine four projects in an effort to uncover how organizations can innovate across borders to reduce these uncertainties.
Singularity and Lie group analyses for tuberculosis with exogenous reinfection
Authors: Matadi Maba Boniface
Published: January 2015

In this paper, the model of tuberculosis (TB) with exogenous reinfection by Feng et al. (2000) is analyzed from the symmetry and singularities perspective.
Global stability for multi-species Lotka–Volterra cooperative systems: One hyper-connected mutualistic-species
Authors: Vargas-De-León Cruz
Published: January 2015

We propose two models of one hyper-connected mutualistic-species described by delay differential equations of Lotka–Volterra type. An hyper-connected model comprises a central species interacting with a number of peripheral species around it, that is to say, one animal species (pollinators or dispersers) that interacts with several plant species (flowering plants or fruit trees), or several animal species that interact with one plant species. We derive a necessary and sufficient condition for the global asymptotic stability of the unique coexisting steady state of hyper-connected systems by means of novel Lyapunov functionals.
Differential evolution-based optimal placement of phase measurement unit considering measurement redundancy
Authors: Wang Zhong-Jie , Yuan Shu-Ying , Zhao Xuan , Lu Cheng-Chao
Published: January 2015

Phase measurement unit (PMU) is the key equipment for electric power system, which has been used to monitor and control power grid. But it is too expensive to deploy on each bus. So, we need to investigate how to deploy PMU to satisfy our observation requirements with minimum PMU numbers. This problem is called the optimal PMU placement (OPP). In this paper, we employ differential evolution (DE) algorithm to solve the OPP problem. Our optimization target is to make the power grid completely observable with maximum redundancy and minimum number of PMU. The proposed method is tested on IEEE 14-bus system, IEEE 30-bus system and IEEE 57-bus system respectively with considering the zero injection.
Local spectrum of truncations of Kronecker products of Haar distributed unitary matrices
Authors: Farrell Brendan , Nadakuditi Raj Rao
Published: January 2015

We address the local spectral behavior of the random matrix [Formula: see text] where U is a Haar distributed unitary matrix of size n × n, the factor k is at most c0 lg n for a small constant c0 > 0, and Π1, Π2 are arbitrary projections on [Formula: see text] of ranks proportional to nk. We prove that in this setting the k-fold Kronecker product behaves similarly to the well-studied case when k = 1.
An experimental assessment of the ignition of forest fuels by the thermal pulse generated by the Cretaceous–Palaeogene impact at Chicxulub
Authors: Belcher Claire M. , Hadden Rory M. , Rein Guillermo , Morgan Joanna V. , Artemieva Natalia , Goldin Tamara
Published: January 2015

A large extraterrestrial body hit the Yucatán Peninsula at the end of the Cretaceous period. Models suggest that a substantial amount of thermal radiation was delivered to the Earth’s surface by the impact, leading to the suggestion that it was capable of igniting extensive wildfires and contributed to the end-Cretaceous extinctions. We have reproduced in the laboratory the most intense impact-induced heat fluxes estimated to have reached different points on the Earth’s surface using a fire propagation apparatus and investigated the ignition potential of forest fuels. The experiments indicate that dry litter can ignite, but live fuels typically do not, suggesting that any ignition caused by impact-induced thermal radiation would have been strongly regional dependent. The intense, but short-lived, pulse downrange and at proximal and intermediate distances from the impact is insufficient to ignite live fuel. However, the less intense but longer-lasting thermal pulse at distal locations may have ignited areas of live fuels. Because plants and ecosystems are generally resistant to single localized fire events, we conclude that any fires ignited by impact-induced thermal radiation cannot be directly responsible for plant extinctions, implying that heat stress is only part of the end-Cretaceous story.
Onset of asphyxial state in nonrespiring interval between cord clamping and ventilation increases hemodynamic lability of birth transition in preterm lambs
Authors: Smolich Joseph J. , Kenna Kelly R. , Cheung Michael M.
Published: January 2015

Experimentally, a typical ∼2-min cord clamp-to-ventilation interval in preterm lambs is accompanied by increased hemodynamic lability of the birth transition. However, whether this lability is related to development of asphyxia after cord clamping, or can be avoided with a shorter clamp-to-ventilation interval, is unknown. To address these questions, anesthetized preterm fetal lambs (gestation 127 ± 2 days) were instrumented with ductus arteriosus and left pulmonary artery flow probes to obtain right ventricular (RV) output, brachiocephalic trunk and aortic isthmus flow probes to measure left ventricular (LV) output, and aortic trunk catheters for pressure measurement and blood gas analysis. With hemodynamics recorded continuously, fetuses were delivered onto the ewe's abdomen and the cord clamped for 1.5 min before ventilation ( n = 8), with aortic sampling at 15, 30, 45, and 60 s, or for 0.5 min, with sampling at 15 s ( n = 4). With 1.5-min cord clamping, an asphyxial state (Po2 < 10 mmHg) was evident at ≥45 s, with bradycardia and marked falls in LV and RV outputs (by 60% and 50%, P < 0.001), followed after ventilation onset by tachycardia and LV and RV output surges (4- and 3-fold, P < 0.001). By contrast, heart rate and outputs remained stable after 0.5-min cord clamping, with no postventilation change in heart rate or RV output, and a lesser rise in LV output (22%, P < 0.005). In preterm lambs, rapid development of an asphyxial state within 45 s in the cord clamp-to-ventilation interval increased hemodynamic lability of the birth transition, which was reduced with a shorter (∼0.5 min) cord clamp-to-ventilation interval.
Cell Division Patterns in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Stem-like Cells Determine Clinical Course: A Model to Predict Patient Survival
Authors: Stiehl Thomas , Baran Natalia , Ho Anthony D. , Marciniak-Czochra Anna
Published: January 2015

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous disease in which a variety of distinct genetic alterations might occur. Recent attempts to identify the leukemia stem-like cells (LSC) have also indicated heterogeneity of these cells. On the basis of mathematical modeling and computer simulations, we have provided evidence that proliferation and self-renewal rates of the LSC population have greater impact on the course of disease than proliferation and self-renewal rates of leukemia blast populations, that is, leukemia progenitor cells. The modeling approach has enabled us to estimate the LSC properties of 31 individuals with relapsed AML and to link them to patient survival. On the basis of the estimated LSC properties, the patients can be divided into two prognostic groups that differ significantly with respect to overall survival after first relapse. The results suggest that high LSC self-renewal and proliferation rates are indicators of poor prognosis. Nevertheless, high LSC self-renewal rate may partially compensate for slow LSC proliferation and vice versa. Thus, model-based interpretation of clinical data allows estimation of prognostic factors that cannot be measured directly. This may have clinical implications for designing treatment strategies. Cancer Res; 75(6); 940–9. ©2015 AACR.
Projecting Benefits and Harms of Novel Cancer Screening Biomarkers: A Study of PCA3 and Prostate Cancer
Authors: Birnbaum Jeanette K. , Feng Ziding , Gulati Roman , Fan Jing , Lotan Yair , Wei John T. , Etzioni Ruth
Published: January 2015

Background: New biomarkers for early detection of cancer must pass through several phases of development. Early phases provide information on diagnostic properties but not on population benefits and harms. Prostate cancer antigen 3 (PCA3) is a promising prostate cancer biomarker still in early development. We use simulation modeling to project the impact of adding PCA3 to prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening on prostate cancer detection and mortality in the United States.

Methods: We used data from a recent study of PCA3 in men referred for prostate biopsy to extend an existing simulation model of PSA growth, disease progression, and survival. We specified several PSA-PCA3 strategies designed to improve specificity and reduce overdiagnosis. Using these strategies to screen a cohort of men biennially between ages 50 and 74, we projected true- and false-positive tests, overdiagnoses, and lives saved relative to a PSA-based strategy with a cutoff of 4.0 ng/mL for biopsy referral.

Results: We identified several PSA-PCA3 strategies that substantially reduced false-positive tests and overdiagnoses while preserving the majority of lives saved. PCA3>35 for biopsy referral in men with PSA between 4.0 and 10.0 ng/mL retained 85% of lives saved while approximately halving false positives and reducing overdiagnoses by 25%.

Conclusions: Adding PCA3 to PSA screening can significantly reduce adverse screening outcomes. Strategies can be identified that preserve most of the lives saved relative to PSA-based screening.

Impact: Simulation modeling provides advance projections of population outcomes of new screening biomarkers and may help guide early detection research. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 24(4); 677–82. ©2015 AACR.
Low-Dose CT Lung Cancer Screening Practices and Attitudes among Primary Care Providers at an Academic Medical Center
Authors: Lewis Jennifer A. , Petty W. Jeffrey , Tooze Janet A. , Miller David P. , Chiles Caroline , Miller Antonius A. , Bellinger Christina , Weaver Kathryn E.
Published: January 2015

Background: Low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening reduces lung cancer–specific and overall mortality. We sought to assess lung cancer screening practices and attitudes among primary care providers (PCPs) in the era of new LDCT screening guidelines.

Methods: In 2013, we surveyed PCPs at an academic medical center (60% response) and assessed: lung cancer screening use, perceived screening effectiveness, knowledge of screening guidelines, perceived barriers to LDCT use, and interest in LDCT screening education.

Results: Few PCPs (n = 212) reported ordering lung cancer screening: chest X-ray (21%), LDCT (12%), and sputum cytology (3%). Only 47% of providers knew three or more of six guideline components for LDCT screening; 24% did not know any guideline components. In multiple logistic regression analysis, providers who knew three or more guideline components were more likely to order LDCT (OR, 7.1; 95% confidence intervals, 2.0–25.6). Many providers (30%) were unsure of the effectiveness of LDCT. Mammography, colonoscopy, and Pap smear were rated more frequently as effective in reducing cancer mortality compared with LDCT (all P values < 0.0001). Common perceived barriers included patient cost (86.9% major or minor barrier), harm from false positives (82.7%), patients' lack of awareness (81.3%), risk of incidental findings (81.3%), and insurance coverage (80.1%).

Conclusions: LDCT lung cancer screening is currently an uncommon practice at an academic medical center. PCPs report ordering chest X-ray, a nonrecommended screening test, more often than LDCT. PCPs had a limited understanding of lung cancer screening guidelines and LDCT effectiveness. Provider educational interventions are needed to facilitate shared decision-making with patients.

Impact: This study describes some of the first data available about PCPs' use of lung cancer screening tests since the publication of multiple professional guidelines endorsing LDCT. Knowledge gaps were identified that may hinder the uptake of evidence-based lung cancer screening guidelines. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 24(4); 664–70. ©2015 AACR.
Synovial Sarcoma: Recent Discoveries as a Roadmap to New Avenues for Therapy
Authors: Nielsen Torsten O. , Poulin Neal M. , Ladanyi Marc
Published: January 2015

Oncogenesis in synovial sarcoma is driven by the chromosomal translocation t(X,18; p11,q11), which generates an in-frame fusion of the SWI/SNF subunit SS18 to the C-terminal repression domains of SSX1 or SSX2. Proteomic studies have identified an integral role of SS18–SSX in the SWI/SNF complex, and provide new evidence for mistargeting of polycomb repression in synovial sarcoma. Two recent in vivo studies are highlighted, providing additional support for the importance of WNT signaling in synovial sarcoma: One used a conditional mouse model in which knockout of β-catenin prevents tumor formation, and the other used a small-molecule inhibitor of β-catenin in xenograft models.

Significance: Synovial sarcoma appears to arise from still poorly characterized immature mesenchymal progenitor cells through the action of its primary oncogenic driver, the SS18–SSX fusion gene, which encodes a multifaceted disruptor of epigenetic control. The effects of SS18–SSX on polycomb-mediated gene repression and SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling have recently come into focus and may offer new insights into the basic function of these processes. A central role for deregulation of WNT–β-catenin signaling in synovial sarcoma has also been strengthened by recent in vivo studies. These new insights into the the biology of synovial sarcoma are guiding novel preclinical and clinical studies in this aggressive cancer. Cancer Discov; 5(2); 124–34. ©2015 AACR.
Acute Ischemic Stroke (AIS) Patient Management in French Stroke Units and Impact Estimation of Thrombolysis on Care Pathways and Associated Costs
Authors: Schmidt Aurélie , Heroum Chérif , Caumette Didier , Le Lay Katell , Bénard Stève
Published: January 2015

Background: Stroke is the second leading cause of death and a first leading cause of acquired disability in adults worldwide. This study aims to evaluate the current management and associated costs of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) for patients admitted in stroke units in France and over a one-year follow-up period as well as to assess the impact of improved thrombolytic management in terms of increasing the proportion of patients receiving thrombolysis and/or treated within 3 h from the onset of symptoms. Methods: A decision model was developed, which comprises two components: the first corresponding to the acute hospital management phase of patients with AIS up until hospital discharge, extracted from the national hospital discharge database (PMSI 2011), and the second corresponding to the post-acute (post-discharge) phase, based on national treatment guidelines and stroke experts' advice. Five post-acute clinical care pathways were defined. In-hospital mortality and mortality at 3 months post-discharge was taken into account into the model. Patient journeys and costs were determined for both phases. Improved thrombolytic management was modeled by increasing the proportion of patients receiving thrombolysis from the current estimated level of 16.7 to 25% as well as subsequently increasing the proportion of patients treated within 3 h of the onset of symptoms post-stroke from 50 to 100%. The impact on care pathways was derived from clinical data. Results: Among 202,078 hospitalizations for a stroke or a transient ischemic attack (TIA), 90,528 were for confirmed AIS, and 33% (29,999) of them managed within a stroke unit. After hospitalization, 60% of discharges were to home, 25% to rehabilitative care and then home, 2% to rehabilitative care and then a nursing home, 7% to long-term care, and 6% of stays ended with patient death. Of a total cost over 1 year of €610 million (mean cost per patient of €20,326), 70% concern the post-acute phase. By increasing the proportion of patients being thrombolyzed, costs are reduced primarily by a decrease in rehabilitative care, with savings per additional treated patient of €1,462. By adding improved timing, savings are more than doubled (€3,183 per additional treated patient). Conclusions: This study confirms that the burden of AIS in France is heavy. By improving thrombolytic management in stroke units, patient journeys through care pathways can be modified, with increased discharges home, a change in post-acute resource consumption and net savings.
Cervical Artery Dissection in Young Adults in the Stroke in Young Fabry Patients (sifap1) Study
Authors: von Sarnowski Bettina , Schminke Ulf , Grittner Ulrike , Fazekas Franz , Tanislav Christian , Kaps Manfred , Tatlisumak Turgut , Putaala Jukka , Haeusler Karl Georg , Borges do Amaral e Silva Alexandre Décio , Kinsella Justin A. , McCabe Dominick J.H. , Tobin W. Oliver , Huber Roman , Willeit Johann , Furtner Martin , Bodechtel Ulf , Rolfs Arndt , Kessler Christof , Hennerici Michael G. ,   on behalf of the sifap1 Investigators
Published: January 2015

Background: Patients with carotid artery dissection (CAD) have been reported to have different vascular risk factor profiles and clinical outcomes to those with vertebral artery dissection (VAD). However, there are limited data from recent, large international studies comparing risk factors and clinical features in patients with cervical artery dissection (CeAD) with other TIA or ischemic stroke (IS) patients of similar age and sex. Methods: We analysed demographic, clinical and risk factor profiles in TIA and IS patients ≤55 years of age with and without CeAD in the large European, multi-centre, Stroke In young FAbry Patients 1 (sifap1) study. Patients were further categorised according to age (younger: 18-44 years; middle-aged: 45-55 years), sex, and site of dissection. Results: Data on the presence of dissection were available in 4,208 TIA and IS patients of whom 439 (10.4%) had CeAD: 196 (50.1%) had CAD, 195 (49.9%) had VAD, and 48 had multiple artery dissections or no information regarding the dissected artery. The prevalence of CAD was higher in women than in men (5.9 vs. 3.8%, p < 0.01), whereas the prevalence of VAD was similar in women and men (4.6 vs. 4.7%, n.s.). Patients with VAD were younger than patients with CAD (median = 41 years (IQR = 35-47 years) versus median = 45 years (IQR = 39-49 years); p < 0.01). At stroke onset, about twice as many patients with either CAD (54.0 vs. 23.1%, p < 0.001) or VAD (63.4 vs. 36.6%, p < 0.001) had headache than patients without CeAD and stroke in the anterior or posterior circulation, respectively. Compared to patients without CeAD, hypertension, concomitant cardiovascular diseases and a patent foramen ovale were significantly less prevalent in both CAD and VAD patients, whereas tobacco smoking, physical inactivity, obesity and a family history of cerebrovascular diseases were found less frequently in CAD patients, but not in VAD patients. A history of migraine was observed at a similar frequency in patients with CAD (31%), VAD (27.8%) and in those without CeAD (25.8%). Conclusions: We identified clinical features and risk factor profiles that are specific to young patients with CeAD, and to subgroups with either CAD or VAD compared to patients without CeAD. Therefore, our data support the concept that certain vascular risk factors differentially affect the risk of CAD and VAD.
Estimated GFR Is Biased by Non-Traditional Cardiovascular Risk Factors
Authors: Melsom Toralf , Fuskevåg Ole Martin , Mathisen Ulla Dorte , Strand Harald , Schei Jørgen , Jenssen Trond , Solbu Marit , Eriksen Bjørn Odvar
Published: January 2015

Background: Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) based on either cystatin C or creatinine performs similarly in estimating measured GFR, but associate differently with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality. This could be due to confounding by non-GFR-related traits associated with cystatin C and creatinine levels. We investigated non-GFR-related associations between eGFR and two types of nontraditional risk factors for CVD and death: L-arginine/dimethylarginine metabolism and insulin resistance. Methods: GFR was measured via iohexol clearance in a cross-sectional study of 1,624 middle-aged persons from the general population without CVD, diabetes or chronic kidney disease. The dimethylarginines were measured using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MSMS). Insulin resistance was determined by the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR). Results: Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA), the L-arginine/ADMA ratio and insulin resistance were associated with creatinine-based eGFR after accounting for measured GFR in multivariable adjusted analyses. The cystatin C-based eGFR showed a similar residual association with SDMA; an oppositely directed, borderline significant association with ADMA; and a stronger residual association with insulin resistance compared with eGFR based on creatinine. Conclusion: Both creatinine- and cystatin C-based eGFR are influenced by nontraditional risk factors, which may bias risk prediction by eGFR in longitudinal studies.
Diabetes, Smoking, Alcohol Use, and Family History of Cancer as Risk Factors for Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Haugvik Sven-Petter , Hedenström Per , Korsæth Emilie , Valente Roberto , Hayes Alastair , Siuka Darko , Maisonneuve Patrick , Gladhaug Ivar Prydz , Lindkvist Björn , Capurso Gabriele
Published: January 2015

Background and Aims: Risk factors for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) are not well understood. The aim of this systematic review was to assess if diabetes mellitus, smoking, alcohol use, and family history of cancer are risk factors for PNETs. Methods: MEDLINE and abstracts from the European and North American Neuroendocrine Tumor Societies (ENETS and NANETS) were searched for studies published until October 2013. Eligible studies were selected according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Results: Five studies evaluating 4 individual populations were included (study accrual period 2000-2011) into the meta-analysis, involving 827 cases (range 160-309 per study) and 2,407 controls (range 233-924 per study). All studies had a case-control design and described regional series. The pooled adjusted odds ratio was 2.74 (95% CI: 1.63-4.62; p < 0.01; I2 = 60.4%) for history of diabetes, 1.21 (95% CI: 0.92-1.58; p = 0.18; I2 = 45.8%) for ever smoking, 1.37 (95% CI: 0.99-1.91; p = 0.06; I2 = 0.0%) for heavy smoking, 1.09 (95% CI: 0.64-1.85; p = 0.75; I2 = 85.2%) for ever alcohol use, 2.72 (95% CI: 1.25-5.91; p = 0.01; I2 = 57.8%) for heavy alcohol use, and 2.16 (95% CI: 1.64-2.85; p < 0.01; I2 = 0.0%) for first-degree family history of cancer. Conclusions: Diabetes mellitus and first-degree family history of cancer are associated with an increased risk of sporadic PNET. There was also a trend for diagnosis of sporadic PNET associated with heavy smoking. Alcohol use may be a risk factor for PNET, but there was considerable heterogeneity in the meta-analysis. These results suggest the need for a larger, homogeneous, international study for the clarification of risk factors for the occurrence of PNET.
Role of Oral Anticoagulants in Patients After an Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Carreras Edward T. , Mega Jessica L.
Published: January 2015

After an acute coronary syndrome, patients continue to be at risk of adverse cardiovascular events despite treatment with the current standard of antithrombotic therapy. The risk may be in part secondary to thrombin, which remains elevated after an acute coronary syndrome event. Several studies have investigated the utility of adding oral anticoagulation to post-acute coronary syndrome medical regimens, with the most promising results coming from the addition of low-dose oral direct anticoagulants. Focusing on optimal dosing strategies and applying therapies to the appropriate populations provide the ability to maximize benefit and minimize risk.
Wnt16 Attenuates TGFβ-Induced Chondrogenic Transformation in Vascular Smooth Muscle
Authors: Beazley Kelly E. , Nurminsky Dmitry , Lima Florence , Gandhi Chintan , Nurminskaya Maria V.
Published: January 2015

Objective—

Phenotypic plasticity of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) contributes to cardiovascular disease. Chondrocyte-like transformation of VSMCs associates with vascular calcification and underlies the formation of aortic cartilaginous metaplasia induced in mice by genetic loss of matrix Gla protein (MGP). Previous microarray analysis identified a dramatic downregulation of Wnt16 in calcified MGP-null aortae, suggesting an antagonistic role for Wnt16 in the chondrogenic transformation of VSMCs.

Approach and Results—

Wnt16 is significantly downregulated in MGP-null aortae, before the histological appearance of cartilaginous metaplasia, and in primary MGP-null VSMCs. In contrast, intrinsic TGFβ is activated in MGP-null VSMCs and is necessary for spontaneous chondrogenesis of these cells in high-density micromass cultures. TGFβ3-induced chondrogenic transformation in wild-type VSMCs associates with Smad2/3-dependent Wnt16 downregulation, but Wnt16 does not suppress TGFβ3-induced Smad activation. In addition, TGFβ3 inhibits Notch signaling in wild-type VSMCs, and this pathway is downregulated in MGP-null aortae. Exogenous Wnt16 stimulates Notch activity and attenuates TGFβ3-induced downregulation of Notch in wild-type VSMCs, prevents chondrogenesis in MGP-null and TGFβ3-treated wild-type VSMCs, and stabilizes expression of contractile markers of differentiated VSMCs.

Conclusions—

We describe a novel TGFβ-Wnt16-Notch signaling conduit in the chondrocyte-like transformation of VSMCs and identify endogenous TGFβ activity in MGP-null VSMCs as a critical mediator of chondrogenesis. Our proposed model suggests that the activated TGFβ pathway inhibits expression of Wnt16, which is a positive regulator of Notch signaling and a stabilizer of VSMC phenotype. These data advance the comprehensive mechanistic understanding of VSMC transformation and may identify a novel potential therapeutic target in vascular calcification.
Clinically Significant Novel Biomarkers for Prediction of First Ever Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Wilsgaard Tom , Mathiesen Ellisiv Bøgeberg , Patwardhan Anil , Rowe Michael W. , Schirmer Henrik , Løchen Maja-Lisa , Sudduth-Klinger Julie , Hamren Sarah , Bønaa Kaare Harald , Njølstad Inger
Published: January 2015

Background—

Identification of individuals with high risk for first-ever myocardial infarction (MI) can be improved. The objectives of the study were to survey multiple protein biomarkers for association with the 10-year risk of incident MI and identify a clinically significant risk model that adds information to current common risk models.

Methods and Results—

We used an immunoassay platform that uses a sensitive, sample-efficient molecular counting technology to measure 51 proteins in samples from the fourth survey (1994) in the Tromsø Study, a longitudinal study of men and women in Tromsø, Norway. A case control design was used with 419 first-ever MI cases (169 females/250 males) and 398 controls (244 females/154 males). Of the proteins measured, 17 were predictors of MI when considered individually after adjustment for traditional risk factors either in men, women, or both. The 6 biomarkers adjusted for traditional risk factors that were selected in a multivariable model (odds ratios [OR] per standard deviation) using a stepwise procedure were apolipoprotein B/apolipoprotein A1 ratio (1.40), kallikrein (0.73), lipoprotein a (1.29), matrix metalloproteinase 9 (1.30), the interaction term IP-10/CXCL10×women (0.69), and the interaction term thrombospondin 4×men (1.38). The composite risk of these biomarkers added significantly to the traditional risk factor model with a net reclassification improvement of 14% (
P
=0.0002), whereas the receiver operating characteristic area increased from 0.757 to 0.791,
P
=0.0004.

Conclusions—

Novel protein biomarker models improve identification of 10-year MI risk above and beyond traditional risk factors with 14% better allocation to either high or low risk group.
Australatya obscura sp. nov., a new filter-feeding shrimp (Decapoda, Atyidae) from Taiwan and the Philippines
Authors: Han C. C. , Klotz W.
Published: January 2015

Filter-feeding shrimp with distinctive live colorations were collected from small streams draining to the east coast of Taiwan and from Panay Island, Philippines. Morphological examination revealed that these specimens belong to the genusAustralatya, Chace, 1983. In this paper the species is proposed as new to science and described in detail asAustralatya obscura, new species. Beside the striking banded live coloration, the new species could be differentiated fromAustralatya striolata(McCulloch & McNeill, 1923) by a smaller body size, the length of the rostrum, the shape of the pterygostomial margin of the carapace, a row of plumose setae on the outer margin of pereiopods 3-5 and biunguiculated dactyli of the fifth pereiopod. The separation of the genusAustralatyafromAtyopsisChace, 1983 andAtyoidaRandall, 1840 is confirmed and a revised diagnosis forAustralatyais given.
Indicator species and seasonal succession of planktonic copepod assemblages driven by the interplay of subtropical and temperate waters in the southern East China Sea
Authors: Tseng Li-Chun , Hung Jia-Jang , Molinero Juan Carlos , Chen Qing-Chao , Hwang Jiang-Shiou
Published: January 2015

The northeastern region off Taiwan exhibits a high marine diversity favoured by the influence of northern and subtropical water masses driven by the East China Sea Water and the Kuroshio current (KC), respectively. A total of 87 species of copepods representing 36 genera were identified in present study. Calanoida was the most dominant order, while Temora turbinata (Dana, 1849), Paracalanus parvus (Claus, 1863) and Ditrichocorycaeus affinis (McMurrich, 1916) appeared as most dominant species. However, we noticed the unusual presence of the copepod Calanoides philippinensis Kitou & Tanaka, 1969 in concurrence with the dominant influence of KC, which suggests a larger intrusion of South China Sea (SCS) waters into the northeast Taiwan region. C. philippinensis is an exclusive species of the warm subtropical Pacific waters. Its presence in the northern Taiwan region may reflect a larger intrusion of warm SCS waters. We therefore suggest its potential use as a bioindicator of southern, tropical waters in the northern Taiwan area.
A review of the leafhopper genus Subulatus Yang & Zhang (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Evacanthinae) , with description of a new species from China
Authors: LI YU-JIAN , LI ZI-ZHONG , YANG MAO-FA
Published: January 2015

The species of the Oriental leafhopper genus Subulatus Yang & Zhang are reviewed. A new species, Subulatus flavidus sp. nov., from Yunnan Province, China is described and a key to all known species of Subulatus is provided.
Revisiting the 26.5°C Sea Surface Temperature Threshold for Tropical Cyclone Development
Authors: McTaggart-Cowan Ron , Davies Emily L. , Fairman Jonathan G. , Galarneau Thomas J. , Schultz David M.
Published: January 2015

A high sea surface temperature is generally accepted to be one of the necessary ingredients for tropical cyclone development, indicative of the potential for surface heat and moisture fluxes capable of fueling a self-sustaining circulation. Although the minimum 26.5°C threshold for tropical cyclogenesis has become a mainstay in research and education, the fact that a nonnegligible fraction of storm formation events (about 5%) occur over cooler waters casts some doubt on the robustness of this estimate. Tropical cyclogenesis over subthreshold sea surface temperatures is associated with low tropopause heights, indicative of the presence of a cold trough aloft. To focus on this type of development environment, the applicability of the 26.5°C threshold is investigated for tropical transitions from baroclinic precursor disturbances in all basins between 1989 and 2013. Although the threshold performs well in the majority of cases without appreciable environmental baroclinicity, the potential for development is underestimated by up to 27% for systems undergoing tropical transition. An alternative criterion of a maximum 22.5°C difference between the tropopause-level and 850-hPa equivalent potential temperatures (defined as the coupling index) is proposed for this class of development. When combined with the standard 26.5°C sea surface temperature threshold for precursor-free environments, error rates are reduced to 3%–6% for all development types. The addition of this physically relevant representation of the deep-tropospheric state to the ingredients-based conceptual model for tropical cyclogenesis improves the representation of the important tropical transition-based subset of development events.
On the Dynamics of Flows Induced by Topographic Ridges
Authors: Chen Changheng , Kamenkovich Igor , Berloff Pavel
Published: January 2015

This study describes a nonlocal mechanism for the generation of oceanic alternating jets by topographic ridges. The dynamics of these jets is examined using a baroclinic quasigeostrophic model configured with an isolated meridional ridge. The zonal topographic slopes of the ridge lead to the formation of a system of currents, consisting of mesoscale eddies, meridional currents over the ridge, and multiple zonal jets in the far field. Dynamical analysis shows that transient eddies are vital in sustaining the deep meridional currents over the ridge, which in turn play a key role in the upper-layer potential vorticity (PV) balance. The zonal jets in the rest of the domain owe their existence to the eddy forcing over the ridge but are maintained by the local Reynolds and form stress eddy forcing. The analysis further shows that a broad stable current that either becomes locally nonzonal or encounters a topographic ridge tends to become unstable. This instability provides a vorticity source and generates multiple zonal jets in the far field through a nonlocal mechanism.