bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do hyperabundant Arctic-nesting geese pose a problem for sympatric species?
Authors: Flemming Scott A. , Calvert Anna , Nol Erica , Smith Paul A.
Published: June 2016

Arctic-breeding geese are at record high population levels and are causing significant changes to some of their breeding and staging habitats. These changes could influence sympatric wildlife, but the nature and strength of these effects are unknown. Here, we review the interactions between geese and sympatric species and propose future research that could help to fill important knowledge gaps. We suggest that geese may be indirectly affecting other species through changes to nesting habitat, prey availability, and predator–prey interactions. Many ground-nesting Arctic birds prefer vegetated wet tundra habitats that offer concealed nest sites; areas also heavily used by breeding and staging geese. Where goose foraging exceeds the capacity of the plants to regenerate, habitats have shorter graminoids and more exposed substrate, potentially reducing the availability of concealed nest sites for other birds. Studies have documented local reductions in the abundance of these concealed-nesting species, such as shorebirds. Despite the nutrient enrichment contributed by goose feces, habitats heavily altered by geese have also been shown to host a reduced diversity and abundance of some invertebrate groups. In contrast, generalist predators show positive functional and numerical responses to the presence of breeding geese. Therefore, the risk of predation for alternative or incidental prey (e.g., lemmings or small bird nests) is likely elevated within or near breeding colonies. Studies have demonstrated a reduced abundance of small mammals in areas heavily used by geese, but it is unknown whether this is related to shared predators or habitat alteration. Sympatric wildlife could be further affected through higher stress-levels, altered body condition, or other physiological effects, but there is currently no evidence to demonstrate such impacts. Few studies have explored the potential effects of geese at larger spatial scales, but we suggest that hyperabundant geese could result in regional declines in the abundance and diversity of shorebirds and passerines. We recommend coordinated studies across multiple regions to quantify nesting habitat, arthropod communities, and predator–prey interactions in response to nearby goose colonies. To align with current multispecies approaches to conservation, adequate knowledge of the potential effects of hyperabundant goose populations on other wildlife should be a priority.
Identification and analysis of copine/BONZAI proteins among evolutionarily diverse plant species
Authors: Zou Baohong , Hong Xuexue , Ding Yuan , Wang Xiang , Liu He , Hua Jian
Published: June 2016

Copines are evolutionarily conserved calcium-dependent membrane-binding proteins with potentially critical biological functions. In plants, the function of these proteins has not been analyzed except for in Arabidopsis thaliana where they play critical roles in development and disease resistance. To facilitate functional studies of copine proteins in crop plants, genome-wide identification, curation, and phylogeny analysis of copines in 16 selected plant species were conducted. All the identified 32 plant copines have conserved features of the two C2 domains (C2A and C2B) and the von Willebrand factor A (vWA) domain. Different from animal and protozoa copines, plant copines have glycine at the second residue potentially acquiring a unique protein myristoylation modification. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that copine was present as one copy when evolving from green algae to basal flowering plants, and duplicated before the divergence of monocots and dicots. In addition, gene expression and protein localization study of rice copines suggests both conserved and different properties of copines in dicots and monocots. This study will contribute to uncovering the role of copine genes in different plant species.
Minimal Non-nilpotent and Locally Nilpotent Fusion Systems
Authors: Liao Jun , Liu Yanjun
Published: June 2016

The main purpose of this note is to show that there is a one-to-one correspondence between minimal non-nilpotent (resp., locally nilpotent) saturated fusion systems and finite p′-core-free p-constrained minimal non-nilpotent (resp., locally p-nilpotent) groups.
Modules with Finitely Many Submodules
Authors: Akbari S. , Ghezelahmad S. Khalashi , Yaraneri E.
Published: June 2016

In this paper, we study modules having only finitely many submodules over any ring which is not necessarily commutative. We try to understand how such a module decomposes as a direct sum. We justify that any module V having only finitely many submodules over any ring A is an extension of a cyclic A-module by a finite A-module. Under some assumptions on A, such as commutativity of A, we prove that an A-module V has finitely many submodules if and only if V can be written as a direct sum of a cyclic A-module having only finitely many A-submodules and a finite A-module.
Co-stability of Radicals and Its Applications to PI-Theory
Authors: Gordienko A. S.
Published: June 2016

We prove that if A is a finite-dimensional associative H-comodule algebra over a field F for some involutory Hopf algebra H not necessarily finite-dimensional, where either char F = 0 or char F > dim A, then the Jacobson radical J(A) is an H-subcomodule of A. In particular, if A is a finite-dimensional associative algebra over such a field F, graded by any group, then the Jacobson radical J(A) is a graded ideal of A. Analogous results hold for nilpotent and solvable radicals of finite-dimensional Lie algebras over a field of characteristic 0. We use the results obtained to prove the analog of Amitsur's conjecture for graded polynomial identities of finite-dimensional associative algebras over a field of characteristic 0, graded by any group. In addition, we provide a criterion for graded simplicity of an associative algebra in terms of graded codimensions.
Maps Preserving Commutators on the Standard Borel Subgroup of the Unitary Group over a Field
Authors: You Hong , Zhou Xuemei
Published: June 2016

Let F be a field with char F ≠ 2 and |F| > 9, and let B2n(F) be the standard Borel subgroup of the unitary group U2n(F) over F. For n ≥ 3, we obtain a complete description of all bijective maps preserving commutators on B2n(F).
Squarefree Monomial Modules and Extremal Betti Numbers
Authors: Crupi Marilena , Ferrò Carmela
Published: June 2016

Let K be a field and let S=K[x1,…,xn] be a polynomial ring over K. Let [Formula: see text] be a finitely generated graded free S-module with basis {e1,…,er} in degrees f1,…,fr such that f1 ≤ f2 ≤ ⋯ ≤ fr. We examine some classes of squarefree monomial submodules of F. Hence, we focalize our attention on the Betti table of such classes in order to analyze the behavior of their extremal Betti numbers.
Changes in the expression of the type 2 diabetes-associated gene VPS13C in the β-cell are associated with glucose intolerance in humans and mice
Authors: Mehta Zenobia B. , Fine Nicholas , Pullen Timothy J. , Cane Matthew C. , Hu Ming , Chabosseau Pauline , Meur Gargi , Velayos-Baeza Antonio , Monaco Anthony P. , Marselli Lorella , Marchetti Piero , Rutter Guy A.
Published: June 2016

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) close to the VPS13C, C2CD4A and C2CD4B genes on chromosome 15q are associated with impaired fasting glucose and increased risk of type 2 diabetes. eQTL analysis revealed an association between possession of risk (C) alleles at a previously implicated causal SNP, rs7163757, and lowered VPS13C and C2CD4A levels in islets from female ( n = 40, P < 0.041) but not from male subjects. Explored using promoter-reporter assays in β-cells and other cell lines, the risk variant at rs7163757 lowered enhancer activity. Mice deleted for Vps13c selectively in the β-cell were generated by crossing animals bearing a floxed allele at exon 1 to mice expressing Cre recombinase under Ins1 promoter control (Ins1Cre). Whereas Vps13cfl/fl:Ins1Cre (βVps13cKO) mice displayed normal weight gain compared with control littermates, deletion of Vps13c had little effect on glucose tolerance. Pancreatic histology revealed no significant change in β-cell mass in KO mice vs. controls, and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion from isolated islets was not altered in vitro between control and βVps13cKO mice. However, a tendency was observed in female null mice for lower insulin levels and β-cell function (HOMA-B) in vivo. Furthermore, glucose-stimulated increases in intracellular free Ca2+ were significantly increased in islets from female KO mice, suggesting impaired Ca2+ sensitivity of the secretory machinery. The present data thus provide evidence for a limited role for changes in VPS13C expression in conferring altered disease risk at this locus, particularly in females, and suggest that C2CD4A may also be involved.
Targeted overexpression of mitochondrial catalase protects against cancer chemotherapy-induced skeletal muscle dysfunction
Authors: Gilliam Laura A. A. , Lark Daniel S. , Reese Lauren R. , Torres Maria J. , Ryan Terence E. , Lin Chien-Te , Cathey Brook L. , Neufer P. Darrell
Published: June 2016

The loss of strength in combination with constant fatigue is a burden on cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Doxorubicin, a standard chemotherapy drug used in the clinic, causes skeletal muscle dysfunction and increases mitochondrial H2O2. We hypothesized that the combined effect of cancer and chemotherapy in an immunocompetent breast cancer mouse model (E0771) would compromise skeletal muscle mitochondrial respiratory function, leading to an increase in H2O2-emitting potential and impaired muscle function. Here, we demonstrate that cancer chemotherapy decreases mitochondrial respiratory capacity supported with complex I (pyruvate/glutamate/malate) and complex II (succinate) substrates. Mitochondrial H2O2-emitting potential was altered in skeletal muscle, and global protein oxidation was elevated with cancer chemotherapy. Muscle contractile function was impaired following exposure to cancer chemotherapy. Genetically engineering the overexpression of catalase in mitochondria of muscle attenuated mitochondrial H2O2 emission and protein oxidation, preserving mitochondrial and whole muscle function despite cancer chemotherapy. These findings suggest mitochondrial oxidants as a mediator of cancer chemotherapy-induced skeletal muscle dysfunction.
Fabella Syndrome as an Uncommon Cause of Posterolateral Knee Pain after Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Okano Eriko , Yoshioka Tomokazu , Yanai Takaji , Kohyama Sho , Kanamori Akihiro , Yamazaki Masashi , Tanaka Toshikazu
Published: June 2016

The fabella is a sesamoid bone that is located in the lateral head of the gastrocnemius muscle and has been identified on magnetic resonance imaging in 31% of Japanese people. In the present case, a 65-year-old woman experienced posterolateral knee pain, accompanied by a clicking “sound” during active knee flexion, after undergoing total knee arthroplasty for knee osteoarthritis. Eight months of conservative therapy failed to produce an improvement, with progressive osteoarthritic change of the fabella identified on plain radiography. Based on this evidence, a diagnosis of fabella syndrome was made and the patient underwent a fabellectomy. Fabellectomy provided immediate resolution of posterolateral knee pain and the clicking sound with knee flexion, with the patient remaining symptom-free 18 months after fabellectomy and with no limitations in knee function. Fabellectomy eliminated symptoms in all of five case reports that have been previously published and is regarded as an effective first choice for treating fabella syndrome after total knee arthroplasty.
A Corotational Formulation for Large Displacement Analysis of Functionally Graded Sandwich Beam and Frame Structures
Authors: Nguyen Dinh Kien , Tran Thi Thom
Published: June 2016

A corotational finite element formulation for large displacement analysis of planar functionally graded sandwich (FGSW) beam and frame structures is presented. The beams and frames are assumed to be formed from a metallic soft core and two symmetric functionally graded skin layers. The Euler-Bernoulli beam theory and von Kármán nonlinear strain-displacement relationship are adopted for the local strain. Exact solution of nonlinear equilibrium equations for a beam segment is employed to interpolate the displacement field for avoiding the membrane locking. An incremental-iterative procedure is used in combination with the arc-length control method to compute the equilibrium paths. Numerical examples show that the proposed formulation is capable of evaluating accurately the large displacement response with just several elements. A parametric study is carried out to highlight the effect of the material distribution, the core thickness to height ratio on the large displacement behaviour of the FGSW beam, and frame structures.
EOG-sEMG Human Interface for Communication
Authors: Tamura Hiroki , Yan Mingmin , Sakurai Keiko , Tanno Koichi
Published: June 2016

The aim of this study is to present electrooculogram (EOG) and surface electromyogram (sEMG) signals that can be used as a human-computer interface. Establishing an efficient alternative channel for communication without overt speech and hand movements is important for increasing the quality of life for patients suffering from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, or other illnesses. In this paper, we propose an EOG-sEMG human-computer interface system for communication using both cross-channels and parallel lines channels on the face with the same electrodes. This system could record EOG and sEMG signals as “dual-modality” for pattern recognition simultaneously. Although as much as 4 patterns could be recognized, dealing with the state of the patients, we only choose two classes (left and right motion) of EOG and two classes (left blink and right blink) of sEMG which are easily to be realized for simulation and monitoring task. From the simulation results, our system achieved four-pattern classification with an accuracy of 95.1%.
Insights into the Genetic Basis of the Renal Cell Carcinomas from The Cancer Genome Atlas
Authors: Haake Scott M. , Weyandt Jamie D. , Rathmell W. Kimryn
Published: June 2016

The renal cell carcinomas (RCC), clear cell, papillary, and chromophobe, have recently undergone an unmatched genomic characterization by The Cancer Genome Atlas. This analysis has revealed new insights into each of these malignancies and underscores the unique biology of clear cell, papillary, and chromophobe RCC. Themes that have emerged include distinct mechanisms of metabolic dysregulation and common mutations in chromatin modifier genes. Importantly, the papillary RCC classification encompasses a heterogeneous group of diseases, each with highly distinct genetic and molecular features. In conclusion, this review summarizes RCCs that represent a diverse set of malignancies, each with novel biologic programs that define new paradigms for cancer biology. Mol Cancer Res; 14(7); 589–98. ©2016 AACR.
Salt Sensitivity Determined From Capillary Blood
Authors: Oberleithner Hans , Wilhelmi Marianne
Published: June 2016

Background/Aims: A significant rise of blood pressure in response to a given salt load is a weak indication of high salt sensitivity, supposed to foster the development of arterial hypertension and related diseases in later life. In search of an alternative method we recently developed the salt blood test (SBT), a new concept for quantifying salt sensitivity (SS). Based on this concept, namely that red blood cells (RBC) report on salt sensitivity, the SBT-mini was developed. Methods: The SBT-mini utilizes a droplet of capillary blood mixed with a ‘smart' Na+ cocktail. Red blood cells (RBC) of this mixture are allowed to sediment by gravity in a glass tube. SS is quantified by measuring RBC sedimentation rate. 90 healthy volunteers (39 males, 51 females; mean age: 23±0.5 years) were evaluated and ‘standard values' for males and females were derived. Results: Sodium buffer capacity of female blood is about 20 % smaller as compared to male blood due to the lower hematocrit of females. SS of an individual is related to the mean standard value (set to 100 %) of the respective male/female cohort. High SS (> 120 %) has been found in 31 % of males and 28 % of females. Conclusions: SS can be estimated derived from the individual RBC sodium buffer capacity as measured by the SBT-mini. About one third of a healthy test cohort exhibits a high sensitivity to salt. Reduction of sodium consumption to at least two grams per day (equals five grams of NaCl per day as suggested by the WHO) is recommended, particularly for individuals with high salt sensitivity.
Relationship Between Type of Hypertension and Renal Arteriolosclerosis in Chronic Glomerular Disease
Authors: Kono Keiji , Fujii Hideki , Nakai Kentaro , Goto Shunsuke , Watanabe Shuhei , Watanabe Kentaro , Nishi Shinichi
Published: June 2016

Background/Aims: Hypertension (HT) is a common complication in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, the relationship between circadian rhythm disorder of blood pressure (BP) and intra-renal damage remains unclear. Methods: Ninety patients with chronic glomerular disease (CGD) were included in the present study. On the basis of the clinic BP (CBP) and 24 h-ambulatory BP (ABP) measurements, the patients were divided into the following groups; normotension (NT), white coat HT (WHT), masked HT (MHT), and sustained HT (SHT). For renal histopathological assessment, we evaluated each biopsy specimen for sclerotic glomeruli (SG), interstitial fibrosis (IF), intimal thickening of intra-lobular arteries (ILA), and arteriolar hyalinosis (AH). Results: The prevalence of NT, WHT, MHT and SHT was 60.0%, 3.3%, 23.3%, and 13.4%, respectively. Compared with circadian BP pattern, all-day HT was most prevalent in the SHT group, whereas nighttime HT was most prevalent in the MHT group. The results of histological analysis showed that the SHT group had more severe SG and IF and the MHT group had more severe IF compared to the NT group. As for renal arteriolosclerosis, the MHT and SHT groups had more severe AH compared with the NT group, whereas ILA was comparable among all four groups. Furthermore, multivariate analysis revealed that ILA was significantly correlated only with age, whereas AH was significantly correlated with age and HT based on ABP, but not HT based on CBP. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that renal AH was severe not only in the SHT group, but also in the MHT group. Careful ABP monitoring should be recommended in patients with CGD.
Clinical Experience amongst Surgeons in the Asymptomatic Carotid Surgery Trial-1
Authors: Huibers Anne , de Waard Djurre , Bulbulia Richard , de Borst Gert Jan , Halliday Alison ,   on behalf of the ACST collaborative group
Published: June 2016

Introduction: Hospital volume may influence the outcomes of carotid revascularization, but in trials the effect of the clinical experience of individual surgeons on procedural outcome is less certain. We assessed perioperative event rates amongst centers with different trial entry volumes and also the effects of individual operator experience in the first Asymptomatic Carotid Surgery Trial-1 (ACST-1). Methods: In 126 centers participating in ACST-1, surgeons were classified according to their in-trial experience (group A: 50 cases; group B: 51-100 cases; group C: >100 cases), center enrolment volume (group I: <30 patients; group II: 30-75 patients; group III: >75 patients) and center annual hospital volume (group 1: <40 carotid endarterectomies (CEAs); group 2: 40-75 CEAs; group 3: >75 cases). Differences in perioperative event rates were compared using logistic regression analysis. Results: In centers with the most clinical experience compared with those with least experience (groups C vs. A), the number of strokes or deaths was 8 of 275 (2.9%) versus 24 of 810 (3.0%) with OR 0.99 (95% CI 0.44-2.25, p = 0.986). Numbers of strokes or death in high enrolment centers compared with those in low enrolment centers (groups III vs. I) was 20 of 680 (2.9%) versus 21 of 580 (3.6%) with OR 0.81 (95% CI 0.43-1.51, p = 0.921). In centers with a high annual volume compared with those of low annual volume (groups 3 vs. 1), numbers of strokes and death were non-significantly lower, 26 of 823 (3.2%) versus 19 of 422 (4.5%) with OR 0.68 (95% CI 0.37-1.26, p = 0.386). Cumulative stroke risk at 5 and 10 years were similar among different levels of reported clinical experience, enrolment volume and annual hospital volume. Conclusion: Although our data did not demonstrate an association between perioperative complications and operators' experience, enrolment volume or annual hospital volume, rates of stroke or death were numerically lower in both high enrolment and high annual volume centers. This lack of association could be explained by an overall low procedural risk in ACST-1.
Plasma Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Psychopathology in Attempted Suicide
Authors: Ambrus Livia , Sunnqvist Charlotta , Ekman Rolf , Träskman-Bendz Lil , Westrin Åsa
Published: June 2016

Background/Aims: Increasing evidence suggests a link between brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and suicidal behaviour (SB). Furthermore, decreased peripheral BDNF levels have been associated with clinical symptoms in various psychiatric disorders as well as with personality dimensions in healthy individuals. However, the relationship between BDNF and psychopathology is poorly investigated regarding SB. Methods: Plasma BDNF concentrations were analysed in 61 recent suicide attempters. Clinical symptoms were evaluated using the Comprehensive Psychopathological Rating Scale. Personality dimensions were assessed using the Marke-Nyman Temperament Scale. Results: Plasma BDNF correlated positively and significantly with the personality dimension Solidity but not with the other personality dimensions or with clinical symptoms. Conclusion: BDNF plays an important role in the regulation of neuroplasticity and neurogenesis in humans. Our results indicate that lower BDNF concentrations are associated with higher levels of impulsiveness and changeability (low scores on the Solidity scale). Furthermore, low plasma BDNF levels may be proposed as a trait marker rather than a state marker for attempted suicide.
True Effects or Bias? MMP-2 and MMP-9 Serum Concentrations after Acute Stroke
Authors: Kreisel Stefan H. , Stroick Mark , Griebe Martin , Alonso Angelika , Reuter Björn , Hennerici Michael G. , Fatar Marc
Published: June 2016

Background: Average serum matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) concentrations in patients with acute stroke have shown to be varying across studies. Possibly, next to true effects, other factors may influence MMP levels. The aim of this study was to investigate the dynamics of these enzymes in repeated measurements in the acute post-stroke period, in respect to different stroke etiologies, and highlight potential sources for variability. Methods: Serum in 233 patients with acute ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke (stroke cohort; SC) was ascertained within 24 h after onset and then 1, 3 and 7 days thereafter. One hundred five controls (control cohort; Co) were recruited. Multi-variable adjustment was carried out using salient extraneous covariates including stroke etiology, clinical severity and lesion size next to a set of routine laboratory parameters. Results: Unadjusted SC MMP-2 concentrations are significantly lower (SC 165.4, 95% CI 158.5-172.4; Co 203.7 ng/ml, 95% CI 190.7-216.5; p < 0.001) and MMP-9 concentrations significantly higher than in controls (SC 608.5 ng/ml, 95% CI 555.3-661.8; Co 475.6 ng/ml, 95% CI 413.6-537.6; p < 0.001). Adjustment mitigates associations between MMP concentrations and stroke etiology, clinical severity, lesion size or differences in temporal profile shown present without adjustment. Salient covariates absorb much of the effect: age, leukocyte count and albumin concentrations are associated significantly with MMP-2 concentrations; only leukocyte count is significantly associated with MMP-9. Conclusions: Concentrations of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in serum in humans measured after acute stroke are potentially influenced by extraneous covariates rather than being directly associated with characteristics of the underlying stroke.
Multidimensional Contribution of Matrix Metalloproteinases to Atherosclerotic Plaque Vulnerability: Multiple Mechanisms of Inhibition to Promote Stability
Authors: Ruddy Jean Marie , Ikonomidis John S. , Jones Jeffrey A.
Published: June 2016

The prevalence of atherosclerotic disease continues to increase, and despite significant reductions in major cardiovascular events with current medical interventions, an additional therapeutic window exists. Atherosclerotic plaque growth is a complex integration of cholesterol penetration, inflammatory cell infiltration, vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) migration, and neovascular invasion. A family of matrix-degrading proteases, the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), contributes to all phases of vascular remodeling. The contribution of specific MMPs to endothelial cell integrity and VSMC migration in atherosclerotic lesion initiation and progression has been confirmed by the increased expression of these proteases in plasma and plaque specimens. Endogenous blockade of MMPs by the tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) may attenuate proteolysis in some regions, but the progression of matrix degeneration suggests that MMPs predominate in atherosclerotic plaque, precipitating vulnerability. Plaque neovascularization also contributes to instability and, coupling the known role of MMPs in angiogenesis to that of atherosclerotic plaque growth, interest in targeting MMPs to facilitate plaque stabilization continues to accumulate. This article aims to review the contributions of MMPs and TIMPs to atherosclerotic plaque expansion, neovascularization, and rupture vulnerability with an interest in promoting targeted therapies to improve plaque stabilization and decrease the risk of major cardiovascular events.
Awareness of Chronic Kidney Disease and Depressive Symptoms: National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys 2005-2010
Authors: Shirazian Shayan , Diep Robert , Jacobson Alan M. , Grant Candace D. , Mattana Joseph , Calixte Rose
Published: June 2016

Background: Depressive symptoms are common in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and may stem from distress associated with CKD awareness. So far, no studies have examined this association. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between awareness of CKD and depressive symptoms. Methods: We included adults with stages 1-4 CKD (estimated glomerular filtration rate 15-60 ml/min/1.73 m2 or urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio ≥30 mg/g) using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys from 2005 to 2010. Depressive symptoms were categorized as minimal (9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) score 0-4), subthreshold (PHQ-9 score 5-14) and severe (PHQ-9 score ≥15). Participants were classified as aware of CKD if they answered yes to the question: ‘Have you ever been told you have weak or failing kidneys?' Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify variables independently associated with at least subthreshold depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 ≥5). Results: In 2,500 participants with CKD, the weighted prevalence was 21.4% for subthreshold and 3.1% for severe depressive symptoms. The weighted prevalence of CKD awareness was 6.4%. Independent predictors of depressive symptoms included younger age, female gender, never been married, less than high-school education, annual family income <$20,000, obesity, smoking, cardiovascular comorbidity and mental health visit in the past year. CKD awareness was independently associated with a 1.66 greater odds of depressive symptoms (95% CI 1.01-2.74, p < 0.05). Conclusions: Awareness of CKD is significantly associated with depressive symptoms independent of known confounding factors. Future studies should examine mediators of this association, especially in light of national efforts to promote CKD awareness.
Brain Natriuretic Peptide and Body Fluid Composition in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study to Evaluate the Relationship between Volume Overload and Malnutrition
Authors: Ohashi Yasushi , Saito Akinobu , Yamazaki Keisuke , Tai Reibin , Matsukiyo Tatsuru , Aikawa Atsushi , Sakai Ken
Published: June 2016

Background/Aim: Fluid volume overload occurs in chronic kidney disease (CKD), leading to the compensatory release of natriuretic peptides. However, the elevated cardiac peptides may also be associated with malnutrition as well as volume overload. Methods: Body fluid composition was measured in 147 patients with CKD between 2009 and 2015, and its relationship to brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels was examined. Body fluid composition was separated into three components: (a) a water-free mass consisting of muscle, fat, and minerals; (b) intracellular water (ICW) content, and (c) extracellular water (ECW) content. Excess fluid mass was calculated using Chamney's formula. Results: The measured BNP levels in the tertile groups were 10.9 ± 5.4, 36.3 ± 12.5, and 393 ± 542 pg/ml, respectively. Patients in a higher log-transformed BNP level tertile were more likely to be older, to have a higher frequency of cardiac comorbidities, pulse pressure, C-reactive protein levels, and proteinuria, and to have lower serum sodium, kidney function, and serum albumin (p < 0.05). In body fluid composition, decreased body mass was significantly associated with the ECW-to-ICW ratio in relation to the downward ICW slope (r = -0.235, p = 0.004) and was strongly correlated with excess fluid mass (r = -0.701, p < 0.001). The ECW-to-ICW ratio and excess fluid mass was independently associated with the BNP levels. Conclusion: Fluid volume imbalance between intra- and extracellular water regulated by decreased cell mass was independently associated with BNP levels, which may explain the reserve capacity for fluid accumulation in patients with CKD.
Effects of High-Frequency Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on Cerebral Hemodynamics in Patients with Disorders of Consciousness: A Sham-Controlled Study
Authors: Liu Ping , Gao Jian , Pan Siwei , Meng Fanxia , Pan Gang , Li Jingqi , Luo Benyan
Published: June 2016

Objective: This study aimed to determine the effects of high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on cerebral hemodynamics in patients with disorders of consciousness (DOC). Methods: In this sham-controlled study, 20-Hz and sham rTMS were applied over the left primary motor cortex (M1) of 5 patients in a vegetative state (VS) and 5 patients in a minimally conscious state (MCS). The clinical behavior and cerebral blood flow (CBF) velocity in the bilateral middle cerebral artery (MCA) of the patients were evaluated before and after rTMS. Results: Compared with the VS group, the MCS group exhibited significant increases in peak systolic velocity (PSV; p = 0.024) and mean flow velocity (MFV) of the left MCA that were temporally related to the rTMS (p = 0.042). There were no significant effects on CBF velocity in the sham-stimulation group or the right MCA. Conclusions: High-frequency rTMS exerts different effects on CBF depending on the level of consciousness in patients with DOC such that it increased PSV and MFV in patients in a MCS. These effects may be related to the varying degrees of disrupted neurovascular coupling and the autonomic control of the cerebral hemodynamics in patients in a VS or MCS.
Effectiveness of Ivabradine Treatment in Different Subpopulations with Stable Angina in Clinical Practice: A Pooled Analysis of Observational Studies
Authors: Werdan Karl , Perings Stefan , Köster Ralf , Kelm Malte , Meinertz Thomas , Stöckl Georg , Müller-Werdan Ursula
Published: June 2016

Objectives: The efficacy of ivabradine has been demonstrated in different subpopulations of stable angina patients in randomized clinical trials. This study explored its effectiveness in subpopulations seen in clinical practice as they often differ from those of randomized trials. Methods: Data were pooled from three German observational studies with similar inclusion criteria (stable angina and heart rate ≥60 bpm). All patients received 2.5, 5, or 7.5 mg b.i.d. of ivabradine for 4 months, with or without concomitant beta-blocker. Antianginal effectiveness was analyzed in subpopulations defined by gender, age, heart rate, angina severity, use of concomitant beta-blocker, previous percutaneous coronary intervention procedure, and comorbidities (including previous myocardial infarction and diabetes). Results: Treatment data were available on 8,555 patients, where therapy with ivabradine was associated with a significant reduction in the frequency of angina attacks and consumption of short-acting nitrates of 87%. Effectiveness was maintained in all investigated subpopulations, with a reduction in antianginal parameters of 82-90%. Clinical status (Canadian Cardiovascular Society class) and quality of life were also improved. Ivabradine was well tolerated in all subgroups. Conclusions: Ivabradine is effective and safe in all subpopulations of angina patients seen in clinical practice, independent of age, comorbidities, and use of beta-blocker.
Pesquisas em design, gestão e tecnologia de têxtil e moda: 1º semestre de 2014
Authors: Sanches Regina Aparecida
Published: June 2016

Este livro, segundo da coleção “Pesquisas em Design, Gestão e Tecnologia de Têxtil e Moda”, uma iniciativa da Universidade de São Paulo (USP), por meio da Escola de Artes, Ciências e Humanidades, é um real contributo investigativo que vem dar corpo a um trabalho sistemático e cuidado, que tem sido uma aposta da Escola na construção de um saber de base epistemológica de design, da criação ou reforço de linhas de pesquisa, de contribuição para uma construção sólida da área disciplinar do Design Têxtil e da Moda.
Associations Between Common and Rare Exonic Genetic Variants and Serum Levels of 20 Cardiovascular-Related Proteins
Authors: Solomon Terry , Smith Erin N. , Matsui Hiroko , Braekkan Sigrid K. ,   INVENT Consortium, Wilsgaard Tom , Njølstad Inger , Mathiesen Ellisiv B. , Hansen John-Bjarne , Frazer Kelly A.
Published: June 2016

Background—

Genetic variation can be used to study causal relationships between biomarkers and diseases. Here, we identify new common and rare genetic variants associated with cardiovascular-related protein levels (protein quantitative trait loci [pQTLs]). We functionally annotate these pQTLs, predict and experimentally confirm a novel molecular interaction, and determine which pQTLs are associated with diseases and physiological phenotypes.

Methods and Results—

As part of a larger case–control study of venous thromboembolism, serum levels of 51 proteins implicated in cardiovascular diseases were measured in 330 individuals from the Tromsø Study. Exonic genetic variation near each protein’s respective gene (
cis
) was identified using sequencing and arrays. Using single site and gene-based tests, we identified 27 genetic associations between pQTLs and the serum levels of 20 proteins: 14 associated with common variation in
cis
, of which 6 are novel (ie, not previously reported); 7 associations with rare variants in
cis
, of which 4 are novel; and 6 associations in
trans
. Of the 20 proteins, 15 were associated with single sites and 7 with rare variants.
cis
-pQTLs for kallikrein and F12 also show
trans
associations for proteins (uPAR, kininogen) known to be cleaved by kallikrein and with NTproBNP. We experimentally demonstrate that kallikrein can cleave proBNP (NTproBNP precursor) in vitro. Nine of the pQTLs have previously identified associations with 17 disease and physiological phenotypes.

Conclusions—

We have identified
cis
and
trans
genetic variation associated with the serum levels of 20 proteins and utilized these pQTLs to study molecular mechanisms underlying disease and physiological phenotypes.
Impact of Vitamin K Antagonists on Quality of Life in a Prospective Cohort of 807 Atrial Fibrillation Patients
Authors: Kooistra Hilde A.M. , Piersma-Wichers Margriet , Kluin-Nelemans Hanneke C. , Veeger Nic J.G.M. , Meijer Karina
Published: June 2016

Background—

Vitamin K antagonists (VKA) use is challenging because of frequent blood monitoring and complex dosing. Therefore, many patients and physicians are reluctant to start VKA. However, it is unclear whether VKA use actually lowers quality of life. We aimed to determine the impact of VKA initiation on quality of life and to analyze the correlation between patient and treatment characteristics and VKA perception in atrial fibrillation patients.

Methods and Results—

In a prospective cohort of 240 new and 567 long-term VKA users, general quality of life and VKA perception (satisfaction and convenience) were measured at inclusion and at 3 months by the validated Study Short-Form 36 and Perception of Anticoagulant Treatment Questionnaire. Scores were converted to a 0 to 100 scale. Higher scores are more favorable. In the new patients, Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form 36 scores improved during the initial 3 months to a level comparable with the general population. At 3 months, the median convenience score was 95 (Q1–Q3, 88–98) and was higher in older patients (regression coefficient, 0.47 per year; 95% confidence interval, 0.25–0.69) and lower after bleeding (regression coefficient, −12; 95% confidence interval, −20 to −4.7). The median satisfaction score was 64. For the long-term patients, VKA perception scores were highly comparable with the new patients. The convenience score mildly improved in patients with increased individual time in therapeutic range (regression coefficient, 0.03; 95% confidence interval, 0.01–0.05;
r
2
=0.01), and satisfaction scores decreased in patients with new comedication (regression coefficient, −7.0; 95% confidence interval, −12 to −1.9;
r
2
=0.02).

Conclusions—

VKA were well tolerated in real-life, and the influences of patient and treatment related factors on VKA perception were very limited.
Die Suche nach einem Pasquill von Sixt Birck bei der Bearbeitung von Heinrich Bullingers Briefwechsel
Authors: Steiniger Judith
Published: June 2016

Heinrich Bullinger’s 1546 correspondence mentions a pasquil by the Augsburg scholar and poet Six Birck, which the editors identified as Ain neüwer Römischer Pasquillus […]. However, this work is commonly attributed to Martin Schrot, as an analysis of its content and form confirms. To Sixt Birck’s oeuvre, a pasquil can be added now, which has yet to be identified.

Bei der Arbeit an der Edition von Heinrich Bullingers Briefwechsel des Jahres 1546 wurde nach einem Pasquill des Augsburger Gelehrten und Dichters Sixt Birck gesucht und die Hypothese aufgestellt, dass es sich dabei um Ain neüwer Römischer Pasquillus […] gehandelt haben könnte. Doch wird dieses Werk gemeinhin Martin Schrot zugeschrieben. Aus inhaltlichen und formalen Gründen ist die Zuweisung dieses Werks an Schrot berechtigt. Dem Schaffen Sixt Bircks ist neu ein Pasquill hinzuzurechnen, über das jedoch bislang nichts Näheres ermittelt werden konnte.
Retrieval of Snow Properties for Ku- and Ka-Band Dual-Frequency Radar
Authors: Liao Liang , Meneghini Robert , Tokay Ali , Bliven Larry F.
Published: June 2016

The focus of this study is on the estimation of snow microphysical properties and the associated bulk parameters such as snow water content and water equivalent snowfall rate for Ku- and Ka-band dual-frequency radar. This is done by exploring a suitable scattering model and the proper particle size distribution (PSD) assumption that accurately represent, in the electromagnetic domain, the micro-/macrophysical properties of snow. The scattering databases computed from simulated aggregates for small-to-moderate particle sizes are combined with a simple scattering model for large particle sizes to characterize snow-scattering properties over the full range of particle sizes. With use of the single-scattering results, the snow retrieval lookup tables can be formed in a way that directly links the Ku- and Ka-band radar reflectivities to snow water content and equivalent snowfall rate without use of the derived PSD parameters. A sensitivity study of the retrieval results to the PSD and scattering models is performed to better understand the dual-wavelength retrieval uncertainties. To aid in the development of the Ku- and Ka-band dual-wavelength radar technique and to further evaluate its performance, self-consistency tests are conducted using measurements of the snow PSD and fall velocity acquired from the Snow Video Imager/Particle Image Probe (SVI/PIP) during the winter of 2014 at the NASA Wallops Flight Facility site in Wallops Island, Virginia.
Effect of Snow Grain Shape on Snow Albedo
Authors: Dang Cheng , Fu Qiang , Warren Stephen G.
Published: June 2016

Radiative transfer models of snow albedo have usually assumed a spherical shape for the snow grains, using Mie theory to compute single-scattering properties. The scattering by more realistic nonspherical snow grains is less in the forward direction and more to the sides, resulting in a smaller asymmetry factor g (the mean cosine of the scattering angle). Compared to a snowpack of spherical grains with the same area-to-mass ratio, a snowpack of nonspherical grains will have a higher albedo, thin snowpacks of nonspherical grains will more effectively hide the underlying surface, and light-absorbing particles in the snowpack will be exposed to less sunlight. These effects are examined here for nonspherical snow grains with aspect ratios from 0.1 to 10. The albedo of an opaque snowpack with equidimensional (i.e., aspect ratio 1) nonspherical snow grains is higher than that with spherical snow grains by 0.032 and 0.050, for effective grain radii of 100 and 1000 μm, respectively. For an effective radius of 100 μm, the albedo reduction caused by 100 ng g−1 of black carbon is 0.019 for spherical snow grains but only 0.012 for equidimensional nonspherical snow grains. The albedo of a snowpack consisting of nonspherical snow grains can be mimicked by using a smaller grain of spherical shape; this is why radiative transfer models using spherical grains were able to match measurements of spectral albedo. The scaling factor for snow grain radius is different for nonspherical grains with different aspect ratios and is about 2.4 for equidimensional snow grains.
Vertical Structure and Energetics of the Western Pacific Teleconnection Pattern
Authors: Tanaka Sho , Nishii Kazuaki , Nakamura Hisashi
Published: June 2016

The western Pacific (WP) pattern, characterized by north–south dipolar anomalies in pressure over the Far East and western North Pacific, is known as one of the dominant teleconnection patterns in the wintertime Northern Hemisphere. Composite analysis reveals that monthly height anomalies exhibit baroclinic structure with their phase lines tilting southwestward with height in the lower troposphere. The anomalies can thus yield not only a poleward heat flux across the climatological thermal gradient across the strong Pacific jet but also a westward heat flux across the climatological thermal gradient between the North Pacific and the cooler Asian continent. The resultant baroclinic conversion of available potential energy (APE) from the climatological-mean flow contributes most efficiently to the APE maintenance of the monthly WP pattern, acting against strong thermal damping effects by anomalous heat exchanges with the underlying ocean and anomalous precipitation in the subtropics and by the effect of anomalous eddy heat flux under modulated storm-track activity. Kinetic energy (KE) of the pattern is maintained through barotropic feedback forcing associated with modulated activity of transient eddies and the conversion from the climatological-mean westerlies, both of which act against frictional damping. The net feedback forcing by transient eddies is therefore not particularly efficient. The present study suggests that the WP pattern has a characteristic of a dynamical mode that can maintain itself through efficient energy conversion from the climatological-mean fields even without external forcing, including remote influence from the tropics.
Assessment of the Influences of Different Potential Evapotranspiration Inputs on the Performance of Monthly Hydrological Models under Different Climatic Conditions
Authors: Bai Peng , Liu Xiaomang , Yang Tiantian , Li Fadong , Liang Kang , Hu Shanshan , Liu Changming
Published: June 2016

Potential evapotranspiration (PET), which determines the upper limit of actual evapotranspiration (AET), is a necessary input in monthly hydrological models. In this study, the sensitivities of monthly hydrological models to different PET inputs are investigated in 37 catchments under different climatic conditions. Four types of PET estimation methods (i.e., Penman–Monteith, Hargreaves–Samani, Jensen–Haise, and Hamon) give significantly different PET values in the 37 catchments. However, similar runoff simulations are produced based on different PET inputs in both nonhumid and humid regions. It is found that parameter calibration of the hydrological model can eliminate the influences of different PET inputs on runoff simulations in both nonhumid and humid regions. However, the influences of parameter calibration on the simulated water balance components, including AET and water storage change (WSC), are different in nonhumid and humid regions. In nonhumid regions, simulated runoff, AET, and WSC are similar using different PET inputs. In humid regions, simulated AET and WSC using different PET inputs are significantly different, and simulated runoff and the sums of AET and WSC are similar to each other. It is suggested that the choice of PET inputs for monthly hydrological models be based on the selected region and the relevant hydrological practices. In runoff modeling, different PET inputs can produce similar runoff simulations in both nonhumid and humid regions. However, when estimating AET and WSC in humid regions, different PET inputs will result in significantly different AET and WSC simulations, which should be noted by model users.
Prediction of the 14 June 2010 Oklahoma City Extreme Precipitation and Flooding Event in a Multiphysics Multi-Initial-Conditions Storm-Scale Ensemble Forecasting System
Authors: Dahl Nathan , Xue Ming
Published: June 2016

Prolonged heavy rainfall produced widespread flooding in the Oklahoma City area early on 14 June 2010. This event was poorly predicted by operational models; however, it was skillfully predicted by the Storm-Scale Ensemble Forecast produced by the Center for Analysis and Prediction of Storms as part of the Hazardous Weather Testbed 2010 Spring Experiment. In this study, the quantitative precipitation forecast skill of ensemble members is assessed and ranked using a neighborhood-based threat score calculated against the stage IV precipitation data, and Oklahoma Mesonet observations are used to evaluate the forecast skill for surface conditions. Statistical correlations between skill metrics and qualitative comparisons of relevant features for higher- and lower-ranked members are used to identify important processes. The results demonstrate that the development of a cold pool from previous convection and the movement and orientation of the associated outflow boundary played dominant roles in the event. Without assimilated radar data from this earlier convection, the modeled cold pool was too weak and too slow to develop. Furthermore, forecast skill was sensitive to the choice of microphysics parameterization; members that used the Thompson scheme produced initial cold pools that propagated too slowly, substantially increasing errors in the timing and placement of later precipitation. The results also suggest important roles played by finescale, transient features in the period of outflow boundary stalling and reorientation associated with the heaviest rainfall. The unlikelihood of a deterministic forecast reliably predicting these features highlights the benefit of using convection-allowing/convection-resolving ensemble forecast methods for events of this kind.