bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resistance training‐induced changes in integrated myofibrillar protein synthesis are related to hypertrophy only after attenuation of muscle damage
Authors: Damas Felipe , Phillips Stuart M. , Libardi Cleiton A. , Vechin Felipe C. , Lixandrão Manoel E. , Jannig Paulo R. , Costa Luiz A. R. , Bacurau Aline V. , Snijders Tim , Parise Gianni , Tricoli Valmor , Roschel Hamilton , Ugrinowitsch Carlos
Published: May 2016

Key points

Skeletal muscle hypertrophy is one of the main outcomes from resistance training (RT), but how it is modulated throughout training is still unknown.

We show that changes in myofibrillar protein synthesis (MyoPS) after an initial resistance exercise (RE) bout in the first week of RT (T1) were greater than those seen post‐RE at the third (T2) and tenth week (T3) of RT, with values being similar at T2 and T3.

Muscle damage (Z‐band streaming) was the highest during post‐RE recovery at T1, lower at T2 and minimal at T3.

When muscle damage was the highest, so was the integrated MyoPS (at T1), but neither were related to hypertrophy; however, integrated MyoPS at T2 and T3 were correlated with hypertrophy.

We conclude that muscle hypertrophy is the result of accumulated intermittent increases in MyoPS mainly after a progressive attenuation of muscle damage.

Skeletal muscle hypertrophy is one of the main outcomes of resistance training (RT), but how hypertrophy is modulated and the mechanisms regulating it are still unknown. To investigate how muscle hypertrophy is modulated through RT, we measured day‐to‐day integrated myofibrillar protein synthesis (MyoPS) using deuterium oxide and assessed muscle damage at the beginning (T1), at 3 weeks (T2) and at 10 weeks of RT (T3). Ten young men (27 (1) years, mean (SEM)) had muscle biopsies (vastus lateralis) taken to measure integrated MyoPS and muscle damage (Z‐band streaming and indirect parameters) before, and 24 h and 48 h post resistance exercise (post‐RE) at T1, T2 and T3. Fibre cross‐sectional area (fCSA) was evaluated using biopsies at T1, T2 and T3. Increases in fCSA were observed only at T3 (P = 0.017). Changes in MyoPS post‐RE at T1, T2 and T3 were greater at T1 (P < 0.03) than at T2 and T3 (similar values between T2 and T3). Muscle damage was the highest during post‐RE recovery at T1, attenuated at T2 and further attenuated at T3. The change in MyoPS post‐RE at both T2 and T3, but not at T1, was strongly correlated (r ≈ 0.9, P < 0.04) with muscle hypertrophy. Initial MyoPS response post‐RE in an RT programme is not directed to support muscle hypertrophy, coinciding with the greatest muscle damage. However, integrated MyoPS is quickly ‘refined’ by 3 weeks of RT, and is related to muscle hypertrophy. We conclude that muscle hypertrophy is the result of accumulated intermittent changes in MyoPS post‐RE in RT, which coincides with progressive attenuation of muscle damage.
Transcriptome Profiling of Antimicrobial Resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Khaledi Ariane , Schniederjans Monika , Pohl Sarah , Rainer Roman , Bodenhofer Ulrich , Xia Boyang , Klawonn Frank , Bruchmann Sebastian , Preusse Matthias , Eckweiler Denitsa , Dötsch Andreas , Häussler Susanne
Published: May 2016

Emerging resistance to antimicrobials and the lack of new antibiotic drug candidates underscore the need for optimization of current diagnostics and therapies to diminish the evolution and spread of multidrug resistance. As the antibiotic resistance status of a bacterial pathogen is defined by its genome, resistance profiling by applying next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies may in the future accomplish pathogen identification, prompt initiation of targeted individualized treatment, and the implementation of optimized infection control measures. In this study, qualitative RNA sequencing was used to identify key genetic determinants of antibiotic resistance in 135 clinicalPseudomonas aeruginosaisolates from diverse geographic and infection site origins. By applying transcriptome-wide association studies, adaptive variations associated with resistance to the antibiotic classes fluoroquinolones, aminoglycosides, and β-lactams were identified. Besides potential novel biomarkers with a direct correlation to resistance, global patterns of phenotype-associated gene expression and sequence variations were identified by predictive machine learning approaches. Our research serves to establish genotype-based molecular diagnostic tools for the identification of the current resistance profiles of bacterial pathogens and paves the way for faster diagnostics for more efficient, targeted treatment strategies to also mitigate the future potential for resistance evolution.
Absence of the
cbb
3
Terminal Oxidase Reveals an Active Oxygen-Dependent Cyclase Involved in Bacteriochlorophyll Biosynthesis in Rhodobacter sphaeroides
Authors: Chen Guangyu E. , Canniffe Daniel P. , Martin Elizabeth C. , Hunter C. Neil
Published: May 2016

The characteristic green color associated with chlorophyll pigments results from the formation of an isocyclic fifth ring on the tetrapyrrole macrocycle during the biosynthesis of these important molecules. This reaction is catalyzed by two unrelated cyclase enzymes employing different chemistries. Oxygenic phototrophs such as plants and cyanobacteria utilize an oxygen-dependent enzyme, the major component of which is a diiron protein named AcsF, while BchE, an oxygen-sensitive [4Fe-4S] cluster protein, dominates in phototrophs inhabiting anoxic environments, such as the purple phototrophic bacterium
Rhodobacter sphaeroides
. We identify a potential
acsF
in this organism and assay for activity of the encoded protein in a strain lacking
bchE
under various aeration regimes. Initially, cells lacking
bchE
did not demonstrate AcsF activity under any condition tested. However, on removal of a gene encoding a subunit of the
cbb
3
-type respiratory terminal oxidase, cells cultured under regimes ranging from oxic to micro-oxic exhibited cyclase activity, confirming the activity of the oxygen-dependent enzyme in this model organism. Potential reasons for the utilization of an oxygen-dependent enzyme in anoxygenic phototrophs are discussed.

IMPORTANCE
The formation of the E ring of bacteriochlorophyll pigments is the least well characterized step in their biosynthesis, remaining enigmatic for over 60 years. Two unrelated enzymes catalyze this cyclization step; O
2
-dependent and O
2
-independent forms dominate in oxygenic and anoxygenic phototrophs, respectively. We uncover the activity of an O
2
-dependent enzyme in the anoxygenic purple phototrophic bacterium
Rhodobacter sphaeroides
, initially by inactivation of the high-affinity terminal respiratory oxidase, cytochrome
cbb
3
. We propose that the O
2
-dependent form allows for the biosynthesis of a low level of bacteriochlorophyll under oxic conditions, so that a rapid initiation of photosynthetic processes is possible for this bacterium upon a reduction of oxygen tension.
Usage-Specific Semantic Integration for Cyber-Physical Robot Systems
Authors: Li Fang , Wan Jiafu , Zhang Ping , Li Di , Zhang Daqiang , Zhou Keliang
Published: May 2016

The multidisciplinary nature and time criticality of computing in Cyber-Physical Robot Systems (CPRS) makes it significantly different from traditional computer systems. This article attempts to create a usage-specific language called Cyber-Physical Robot Language (CPRL), which supports the CPRS design and implementation in an integrative and swift way. Multiview description and integration strategies as well as formal execution semantics for usage-specific simulation and verification are outlined. A graphic unified environment for CPRS modeling is supplied, in which several tools are integrated. A 6-DOF distributed robot system development in the environment is presented. The approach is an attempt to support CPRS design in an effective way, at the same time guaranteeing the system function and performance requirements.
Necessary and Sufficient Conditions for Thermal Schedulability of Periodic Real-Time Tasks Under Fluid Scheduling Model
Authors: Ahmed Rehan , Ramanathan Parameswaran , Saluja Kewal K.
Published: May 2016

With the growing need to address the thermal issues in modern processing platforms, various performance throttling schemes have been proposed in literature (DVFS, clock gating, and so on) to manage temperature. In real-time systems, such methods are often unacceptable, as they can result in potentially catastrophic deadline misses. As a result, real-time scheduling research has recently focused on developing algorithms that meet the compute deadline while satisfying power and thermal constraints. Basic bounds that can determine if a set of tasks can be scheduled or not were established in the 1970s based on computation utilization. Similar results for thermal bounds have not been forthcoming. In this article, we address the problem of thermal constraint schedulability of tasks and derive necessary and sufficient conditions for thermal feasibility of periodic tasksets on a unicore system. We prove that a GPS-inspired fluid scheduling scheme is thermally optimal when context switch/preemption overhead is ignored. Extension of sufficient conditions to a nonfluid model is still an open problem. We also extend some of the results to a multicore processing environment. We demonstrate the efficacy of our results through extensive simulations. We also evaluate the proposed concepts on a hardware testbed.
Hybrid Montgomery Reduction
Authors: Seo Hwajeong , Liu Zhe , Nogami Yasuyuki , Choi Jongseok , Kim Howon
Published: May 2016

In this article, we present a hybrid method to improve the performance of the Montgomery reduction by taking advantage of the Karatsuba technique. We divide the Montgomery reduction into two sub-parts, including one for the conventional Montgomery reduction and the other one for Karatsuba-aided multiplication. This approach reduces the multiplication complexity of
n
-limb Montgomery reduction from θ(
n
2
+
n
) to asymptotic complexity θ (7
n
2
/8 +
n
). Our practical implementation results over an 8-bit microcontroller also show performance enhancements by 11%.
Understanding Graph-Based Trust Evaluation in Online Social Networks
Authors: Jiang Wenjun , Wang Guojun , Bhuiyan Md Zakirul Alam , Wu Jie
Published: May 2016

Online Social Networks (OSNs) are becoming a popular method of meeting people and keeping in touch with friends. OSNs resort to trust evaluation models and algorithms to improve service quality and enhance user experiences. Much research has been done to evaluate trust and predict the trustworthiness of a target, usually from the view of a source. Graph-based approaches make up a major portion of the existing works, in which the trust value is calculated through a trusted graph (or trusted network, web of trust, or multiple trust chains). In this article, we focus on graph-based trust evaluation models in OSNs, particularly in the computer science literature. We first summarize the features of OSNs and the properties of trust. Then we comparatively review two categories of graph-simplification-based and graph-analogy-based approaches and discuss their individual problems and challenges. We also analyze the common challenges of all graph-based models. To provide an integrated view of trust evaluation, we conduct a brief review of its pre- and postprocesses (i.e., the preparation and validation of trust models, including information collection, performance evaluation, and related applications). Finally, we identify some open challenges that all trust models are facing.
A Collaborative Energy-Aware Sensor Management System Using Team Theory
Authors: Hilal Allaa R. , Basir Otman
Published: May 2016

With limited battery supply, power is a scarce commodity in wireless sensor networks. Thus, to prolong the lifetime of the network, it is imperative that the sensor resources are managed effectively. This task is particularly challenging in heterogeneous sensor networks for which decisions and compromises regarding sensing strategies are to be made under time and resource constraints. In such networks, a sensor has to reason about its current state to take actions that are deemed appropriate with respect to its mission, its energy reserve, and the survivability of the overall network. Sensor Management controls and coordinates the use of the sensory suites in a manner that maximizes the success rate of the system in achieving its missions. This article focuses on formulating and developing an autonomous energy-aware sensor management system that strives to achieve network objectives while maximizing its lifetime. A team-theoretic formulation based on the Belief-Desire-Intention (BDI) model and the Joint Intention theory is proposed as a mechanism for effective and energy-aware collaborative decision-making. The proposed system models the collective behavior of the sensor nodes using the Joint Intention theory to enhance sensors’ collaboration and success rate. Moreover, the BDI modeling of the sensor operation and reasoning allows a sensor node to adapt to the environment dynamics, situation-criticality level, and availability of its own resources. The simulation scenario selected in this work is the surveillance of the Waterloo International Airport. Various experiments are conducted to investigate the effect of varying the network size, number of threats, threat agility, environment dynamism, as well as tracking quality and energy consumption, on the performance of the proposed system. The experimental results demonstrate the merits of the proposed approach compared to the state-of-the-art centralized approach adapted from Atia et al. [2011] and the localized approach in Hilal and Basir [2015] in terms of energy consumption, adaptability, and network lifetime. The results show that the proposed approach has 12 × less energy consumption than that of the popular centralized approach.
Plant Diseases and Management Approaches in Organic Farming Systems
Authors: van Bruggen A.H.C. , Finckh M.R.
Published: May 2016

Organic agriculture has expanded worldwide. Numerous papers were published in the past 20 years comparing plant diseases in organic and conventional crops. Root diseases are generally less severe owing to greater soil health, whereas some foliar diseases can be problematic in organic agriculture. The soil microbial community and nitrogen availability play an important role in disease development and yield. Recently, the focus has shifted to optimizing organic crop production by improving plant nutrition, weed control, and plant health. Crop-loss assessment relating productivity to all yield-forming and -reducing factors would benefit organic production and sustainability evaluation.
Nocardia transvalensisDisseminated Infection in an Immunocompromised Patient with Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura
Authors: García-Méndez Jorge , Carrillo-Casas Erika M. , Rangel-Cordero Andrea , Leyva-Leyva Margarita , Xicohtencatl-Cortes Juan , Arenas Roberto , Hernández-Castro Rigoberto
Published: May 2016

Nocardia transvalensiscomplex includes a wide range of microorganisms with specific antimicrobial resistance patterns. N. transvalensisis an unusualNocardiaspecies. However, it must be differentiated due to its natural resistance to aminoglycosides while otherNocardiaspecies are susceptible. The present report describes aNocardiaspecies involved in an uncommon clinical case of a patient with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura and pulmonary nocardiosis. Microbiological and molecular techniques based on the sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene allowed diagnosis ofNocardia transvalensissensu stricto. The successful treatment was based on trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and other drugs. We conclude that molecular identification ofNocardiaspecies is a valuable technique to guide good treatment and prognosis and recommend its use for daily bases diagnosis.
FSGS: Diagnosis and Diagnostic Work-Up
Authors: Sprangers Ben , Meijers Björn , Appel Gerald
Published: May 2016

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis is a histologic lesion, rather than a clinical disease. FSGS is common cause of nephrotic syndrome in both adults and children worldwide. In the United States it is the most common primary glomerular disease resulting in end-stage renal disease and recent reports have suggested that its incidence might be on the rise. Currently the incidence is estimated to be 7 per million. The podocyte is the cellular target cell in FSGS and in recent years substantial insight in the pathogenesis and genetics of FSGS have accumulated. Furthermore the discovery of potential novel biomarkers to diagnose FSGS and monitor disease activity has renewed interest in this disease. In this review article we will focus on the clinical presentation and diagnosis of FSGS.
Lake Baikal Ecosystem Faces the Threat of Eutrophication
Authors: Kobanova Galina I. , Takhteev Vadim V. , Rusanovskaya Olga O. , Timofeyev Maxim A.
Published: May 2016

Recently there have been reports about large accumulations of algae on the beaches of Lake Baikal, the oldest and deepest freshwater body on earth, near major population centers and in areas with large concentrations of tourists and tourism infrastructure. To evaluate the observations indicating the ongoing process of eutrophication of Lake Baikal, a field study in July 2012 in the two largest bays of Lake Baikal, Barguzinsky and Chivyrkuisky, was organized. The study of phytoplankton using the sedimentary method and quantitative records of accumulations of macrophytes in the surf zone was made. In Chivyrkuisky Bay, we found the massive growth of colorless flagellates and cryptomonads as well as the aggregations ofElodea canadensisalong the sandy shoreline (up to 26 kg/m2). Barguzinsky Bay registered abundantly cyanobacterialAnabaenaspecies, cryptomonads, and extremely high biomass ofSpirogyraspecies (up to 70 kg/m3). The results show the presence of local but significant eutrophication of investigated bays. To prevent further extensions of this process in unique ecosystem of Lake Baikal, the detailed study and monitoring of the coastal zone, the identification of the sources of eutrophication, and the development of measures to reduce nutrient inputs in the waters are urgently needed.
S-nitrosylation of the Mitochondrial Chaperone TRAP1 Sensitizes Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells to Inhibitors of Succinate Dehydrogenase
Authors: Rizza Salvatore , Montagna Costanza , Cardaci Simone , Maiani Emiliano , Di Giacomo Giuseppina , Sanchez-Quiles Virginia , Blagoev Blagoy , Rasola Andrea , De Zio Daniela , Stamler Jonathan S. , Cecconi Francesco , Filomeni Giuseppe
Published: May 2016

S-nitrosoglutathione reductase (GSNOR) represents the best-documented denitrosylase implicated in regulating the levels of proteins posttranslationally modified by nitric oxide on cysteine residues by S-nitrosylation. GSNOR controls a diverse array of physiologic functions, including cellular growth and differentiation, inflammation, and metabolism. Chromosomal deletion of GSNOR results in pathologic protein S-nitrosylation that is implicated in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here we identify a metabolic hallmark of aberrant S-nitrosylation in HCC and exploit it for therapeutic gain. We find that hepatocyte GSNOR deficiency is characterized by mitochondrial alteration and by marked increases in succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) levels and activity. We find that this depends on the selective S-nitrosylation of Cys501 in the mitochondrial chaperone TRAP1, which mediates its degradation. As a result, GSNOR-deficient cells and tumors are highly sensitive to SDH inhibition, namely to α-tocopheryl succinate, an SDH-targeting molecule that induced RIP1/PARP1-mediated necroptosis and inhibited tumor growth. Our work provides a specific molecular signature of aberrant S-nitrosylation in HCC, a novel molecular target in SDH, and a first-in-class therapy to treat the disease. Cancer Res; 76(14); 4170–82. ©2016 AACR.
Multiregion Whole-Exome Sequencing Uncovers the Genetic Evolution and Mutational Heterogeneity of Early-Stage Metastatic Melanoma
Authors: Harbst Katja , Lauss Martin , Cirenajwis Helena , Isaksson Karolin , Rosengren Frida , Törngren Therese , Kvist Anders , Johansson Maria C. , Vallon-Christersson Johan , Baldetorp Bo , Borg Åke , Olsson Håkan , Ingvar Christian , Carneiro Ana , Jönsson Göran
Published: May 2016

Cancer genome sequencing has shed light on the underlying genetic aberrations that drive tumorigenesis. However, current sequencing-based strategies, which focus on a single tumor biopsy, fail to take into account intratumoral heterogeneity. To address this challenge and elucidate the evolutionary history of melanoma, we performed whole-exome and transcriptome sequencing of 41 multiple melanoma biopsies from eight individual tumors. This approach revealed heterogeneous somatic mutations in the range of 3%–38% in individual tumors. Known mutations in melanoma drivers BRAF and NRAS were always ubiquitous events. Using RNA sequencing, we found that the majority of mutations were not expressed or were expressed at very low levels, and preferential expression of a particular mutated allele did not occur frequently. In addition, we found that the proportion of ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation-induced C>T transitions differed significantly (P < 0.001) between early and late mutation acquisition, suggesting that different mutational processes operate during the evolution of metastatic melanoma. Finally, clinical history reports revealed that patients harboring a high degree of mutational heterogeneity were associated with more aggressive disease progression. In conclusion, our multiregion tumor-sequencing approach highlights the genetic evolution and non-UVB mutational signatures associated with melanoma development and progression, and may provide a more comprehensive perspective of patient outcome. Cancer Res; 76(16); 4765–74. ©2016 AACR.
Prolonged Dynamic Changes in Autonomic Heart Rate Modulation Induced by Acid Laryngeal Stimulation in Non-Sedated Lambs
Authors: Beuchée Alain , Nsegbe Elise , St Hilaire Marie , Carrault Guy , Branger Bernard , Pladys Patrick , Praud Jean-Paul
Published: May 2016

Background: Exaggerated laryngeal chemoreflexes (LCR) have been implicated in the occurrence and prolongation of apnea in premature and term neonates. Objectives: To test the hypothesis that the cardiovascular component of the LCR can occur and be prolonged in the absence of apnea. Methods: Bolus injections of 0.5 ml of citric acid (CitAc) and serum saline were administered onto the larynx in seven non-sedated lambs, aged 4–5 days, during quiet sleep. Blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) variability measurements were taken and compared with results obtained prior to stimulation and with saline. Results: Apneas were rare and occurred consistently in the 32-beat period (10 s) following stimulation. The increase in BP and decrease in HR were consistent after CitAc and saline. All the studied components of HR variability significantly increased after CitAc, but not after saline. The low frequency estimates were significantly increased during a 480-beat period (133 ± 6.6 s) following CitAc stimulation. Analysis of gains and respiration showed that bradycardia and HR variability changes were neither related to an apnea nor a vagal arterial baroreflex. Conclusion: This long-lasting increase in HR variability indicates a prolonged disturbance of the cardiovascular regulatory systems, consisting in increased sympathetic and parasympathetic tones following CitAc stimulation.
Relationships between the Autonomic Nervous System, Humoral Factors and Immune Functions in the Intestine
Authors: Kiba Takayoshi
Published: May 2016

The mammalian intestinal epithelium is a unique model for studying cellular differentiation since it undergoes continuous and rapid renewal. Substantial new information has accumulated on the mechanisms of regulation of the gene expression (e.g. Wnt, Hedgehog, bone morphogenic proteins), and the cell proliferation and apoptosis of the intestine. New knowledge has been gained in areas of genetics, central nervous system and enteric nervous system neurotransmitters (e.g. serotonin, corticotrophin-releasing factor, endogenous cannabinoid system, pathogen associated molecular patterns) of motility, sensitivity and secretion, the effect of altered mucosal inflammation on cytokine and paracrine activation, and neural sensitization, postinfectious disorders, the influence of psychologic stress on gut functioning through alterations in regulatory pathways, and improved accuracy of diagnosis both at the gut and brain level. In addition, knowledgement of these mechanisms might help to develop strategies for therapy of neuronal abnormalities, which cause different gastrointestinal disease (e.g. irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease). The present review focuses on the relationships between the gene expression and the intestine, and furthermore, presents the evidence and gastrointestinal diseases of the autonomic nervous system, the humoral factors, and the immune functions related intestinal proliferation and apoptosis.
Peripheral Blood Markers of Oxidative Stress in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Younes-Mhenni S. , Frih-Ayed M. , Kerkeni A. , Bost M. , Chazot G.
Published: May 2016

Oxidative stress and generation of reactive oxygen species are believed to be implicated in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Erythrocyte activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase, the blood glutathione system, and plasma levels of thiobarbituric-acid-reactive substances (TBARS) were measured in 80 PD patients. These biochemical parameters were also measured in 29 age-matched controls. Patients with PD had significantly higher red blood corpuscle (RBC) activity of SOD. The mean RBC activity of catalase in PD patients did not differ significantly from those of controls. RBC catalase activity was significantly lower in advanced cases of PD compared to early cases. Oxidized glutathione was significantly higher in RBCs of PD patients, although there were no changes in total glutathione and reduced glutathione compared to controls. TBARS content was increased in patients with PD. Levodopa therapy, age and duration of illness did not significantly influence the measured parameters. Our study supports the previous hypothesis that oxidative stress is implicated in the pathogenesis of PD. Perspectives for treatment of PD in the future could include antioxidant therapy.
Akt and c-Jun N-Terminal Kinase Are Regulated in Response to Moderate Noise Exposure in the Cochlea of Guinea Pigs
Authors: Selivanova Oxana , Brieger Jürgen , Heinrich Ulf-Rüdiger , Mann Wolf
Published: May 2016

The molecular mechanisms induced in the inner ear after noise exposure are not well understood. Akt and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) are key factors of signaling pathways balancing cellular survival and apoptosis. Therefore, we analyzed the spatial distribution of Akt, JNK, their respective activated (i.e. phosphorylated) forms, p-Akt and p-JNK, as well as NFĸB by immunohistochemistry after 70- and 90-dB noise exposure in an animal model. Alterations of the expression patterns compared to unexposed animals were quantified by a computer-based image analysis method. In unexposed specimens, Akt, p-Akt, JNK, p-JNK were found to be commonly expressed in different regions of the cochlea, whereas NFĸB was exclusively restricted to the lateral wall. After noise stimulation, the expression of the different molecules was downregulated with the exception of JNK. JNK remained largely unchanged or increased JNK levels were identified in ganglion cells and Schwann cells after 70 dB as well as in the unstained nerve fibers. The stable or increasing levels of JNK might be indicative of a preapoptotic state. The downregulation of Akt in the cochlea might support these activities. p-Akt was not reduced in the spiral ganglion cells after 90-dB exposure and was upregulated in the unstained nerve fibers, probably indicating a counteracting prosurvival cellular reaction in these tissues. In conclusion, we suggest that the observed alterations in both the Akt and JNK pathways are part of a noise distress-induced response indicating pro- and antiapoptotic activities in the different tissues of the cochlea.
Roles of ZO-1 and Epidermal Growth Factor in Esophageal Epithelial Defense against Acid
Authors: Okuyama Masatsugu , Fujiwara Yasuhiro , Tanigawa Tetsuya , Watanabe Kenji , Shiba Masatsugu , Tominaga Kazunari , Watanabe Toshio , Oshitani Nobuhide , Higuchi Kazuhide , Arakawa Tetsuo
Published: May 2016

Background: The tight junction plays a crucial role in structural esophageal epithelial defenses that maintain esophageal epithelial integrity. We examined the roles of ZO-1 and epidermal growth factor (EGF) in esophageal epithelial defense against acid using human esophageal epithelial cells. Methods: Human esophageal epithelial cells (TE-1) were incubated with acidified medium in the presence or absence of various doses of EGF. We examined cell viability, expression and localization of ZO-1, and epithelial barrier functions such as transepithelial resistance and paracellular flux using fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-conjugated dextran. Results: TE-1 cells expressed ZO-1 and immunofluorescence detection ofZO-1 revealed continuous pericellular labeling of the epithelialmonolayer. Acidified medium, which did not affect cell viability, reduced ZO-1 expression and yielded a discontinuous and fragmented pattern of expression, and also reduced transepithelial resistance and increased paracellular flux of FITC-dextran. EGF did not affect ZO-1 expression and epithelial barrier function under normal condition, while EGF significantly inhibited reduction of ZO-1 expression in a dose-dependent manner, and also inhibited impairment of barrier functions by acid exposure. Conclusion: EGF and ZO-1 play significant roles in esophageal epithelial defense against acid.
Hyperemesis Gravidarum in Eastern Asian Population
Authors: Matsuo Koji , Ushioda Norichika , Nagamatsu Masaaki , Kimura Tadashi
Published: May 2016

Objective: To investigate the clinical features of hyperemesis gravidarum in Eastern Asian women. Method: Retrospective cohort study was conducted based on delivery records. Hyperemesis gravidarum was defined as a pregnancy with severe nausea and vomiting necessitating hospitalization with a body weight loss of over 5% from pre-pregnancy weight with ketonuria. The onset is at 10 weeks of gestation or less. Maternal and neonatal variables were compared. Result: There were 3,350 singleton deliveries in the study period. All subjects were Eastern Asian women. Hyperemesis gravidarum was observed in 119 cases (3.6%). Hyperemesis gravidarum subjects had a smaller pre-pregnancy body weight (50.5 ± 0.64 kg vs. 51.8 ± 0.16 kg, p = 0.046) and a smaller pre-pregnancy body mass index compared to non-hyperemetic subjects (20.2 ± 0.21 kg/m2 vs. 20.8 ± 0.06 kg/m2, p = 0.02). Conclusion: The Eastern Asian population had a significantly higher incidence of hyperemesis gravidarum. Small pre-pregnancy body habitus increased the risk of hyperemesis gravidarum.
Newborn Resuscitation Training Programmes Reduce Early Neonatal Mortality
Authors: Pammi Mohan , Dempsey Eugene M. , Ryan C. Anthony , Barrington Keith J.
Published: May 2016

Background: Substantial health care resources are expended on standardised formal neonatal resuscitation training (SFNRT) programmes, but their effectiveness has not been proven. Objectives: To determine whether SFNRT programmes reduce neonatal mortality and morbidity, improve acquisition and retention of knowledge and skills, or change teamwork and resuscitation behaviour. Methods: We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, PREMEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science and the Oxford Database of Perinatal Trials, ongoing trials and conference proceedings in April 2015, and included randomised or quasi-randomised trials that reported at least one of our specified outcomes. Results: SFNRT in low- and middle-income countries decreased early neonatal mortality [risk ratio (RR) 0.85 (95% CI 0.75-0.96)]; the number needed to treat for benefit [227 (95% CI 122-1,667; 3 studies, 66,162 participants, moderate-quality evidence)], and 28-day mortality [RR 0.55 (95% CI 0.33-0.91); 1 study, 3,355 participants, low-quality evidence]. Decreasing trends were noted for late neonatal mortality [RR 0.47 (95% CI 0.20-1.11)] and perinatal mortality [RR 0.94 (95% CI 0.87-1.00)], but there were no differences in fresh stillbirths [RR 1.05 (95% CI 0.93-1.20)]. Teamwork training with simulation increased the frequency of teamwork behaviour [mean difference (MD) 2.41 (95% CI 1.72-3.11)] and decreased resuscitation duration [MD -149.54 (95% CI -214.73 to -84.34); low-quality evidence, 2 studies, 130 participants]. Conclusions: SFNRT in low- and middle-income countries reduces early neonatal mortality, but its effects on birth asphyxia and neurodevelopmental outcomes remain uncertain. Follow-up studies suggest normal neurodevelopment in resuscitation survivors.
Seronegative Neuromyelitis Optica: A Case Report of a Hispanic Male
Authors: Badri Nabeel , Teleb Mohamed , Syed Saad , Wardi Miraie , Porres-Aguilar Mateo , Cruz-Flores Salvador
Published: May 2016

Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is a rare disease, common in white females and rarely reported in Hispanic males. It is usually associated with recurrent demyelinating spectrum that is autoimmune in nature. The diagnosis is usually confirmed by antibody biomarkers; however, they can be negative and lead to more dilemma in diagnosis. Furthermore, the course of disease and prognosis are different in seronegative as compared to seropositive NMO. Treatment is similar in both subgroups with new approaches under investigation for seronegative NMO patients. We present an interesting case of a 37-year-old Hispanic male who presented with sudden onset of lower extremity weakness, numbness, blurry vision, and urinary retention. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the thoracic spine showed multiphasic demyelinating process involving the thoracic spinal cord. His brain MRI also revealed changes suggesting optic neuritis. The patient met the criteria for diagnosis of NMO by having optic neuritis and myelitis by imaging studies despite having negative aquaporin-4 antibodies (AQP4-Ab). His condition improved after plasma exchange. NMO can be difficult to distinguish from acute multiple sclerosis in the early stages of the disease. Having AQP4-Ab testing is important for diagnosis with imaging studies; however, negative antibody results cannot exclude the diagnosis, but rather group it in seronegative subtype. Ongoing studies and research suggest that seronegative NMO might have a different pathophysiology, manifestation, and prognosis.
Responsiveness and Minimally Important Difference of the 6-Minute Stepper Test in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Pichon Romain , Couturaud Francis , Mialon Philippe , Le Ber-Moy Catherine , Péran Loïc , Lochon Chantal , Nowak Emmanuel , Beaumont Marc
Published: May 2016

Background: The validity and reproducibility of the 6-minute stepper test (6MST) have already been demonstrated in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the responsiveness of the 6MST to pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) in patients with COPD, to determine a minimal important difference (MID) for the 6MST, and to compare the 6MST and the 6-minute walk test (6MWT). Methods: Sixty-two patients with COPD were included in a prospective experimental study. Participants underwent a 3-week inpatient PR program. The primary outcome was the change in the number of steps during the 6MST measured before and after PR. The secondary outcome included the change in the 6-minute walking distance (6MWD) pulse oximetry, heart rate, dyspnea, and leg discomfort during the tests measured before and after PR. MID was determined by anchor-based and distribution approaches. Results: After PR, we observed a significant increase in the number of steps during the 6MST (22.5 steps; 95% CI 13.8-31.3; p < 0.0001) and in the 6MWD (26.6 m; 95% CI 17.6-35.5; p < 0.0001). The 6MST and 6MWT were improved by 10.1 and 6.5%, respectively. The number of steps during the 6MST was significantly correlated with the 6MWD before (r = 0.72; p < 0.0001) and after PR (r = 0.66; p < 0.0001). MID was estimated to be around 20 steps. Conclusion: The 6MST appears to be as responsive as the 6MWT in assessing functional improvement during PR in patients with COPD. The 6MST is a low-cost assessment and requires limited space.
Ivabradine
Authors: Psotka Mitchell A. , Teerlink John R.
Published: May 2016

Ivabradine is approved to reduce hospitalizations for patients with symptomatic heart failure, reduced ejection fraction, and persistently elevated heart rate despite otherwise maximal medical therapy. However, the eligible patient population is a small fraction of those with heart failure overall. This review summarizes the major clinical evidence supporting the use of ivabradine, identifies and discusses areas of uncertainty from the clinical trial data, helps describe the population most likely to benefit, and attempts to place ivabradine within the multifaceted treatment scheme currently used for patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction.
Activation of Human T Cells in Hypertension
Authors: Itani Hana A. , McMaster William G. , Saleh Mohamed A. , Nazarewicz Rafal R. , Mikolajczyk Tomasz P. , Kaszuba Anna M. , Konior Anna , Prejbisz Aleksander , Januszewicz Andrzej , Norlander Allison E. , Chen Wei , Bonami Rachel H. , Marshall Andrew F. , Poffenberger Greg , Weyand Cornelia M. , Madhur Meena S. , Moore Daniel J. , Harrison David G. , Guzik Tomasz J.
Published: May 2016

Emerging evidence supports an important role for T cells in the genesis of hypertension. Because this work has predominantly been performed in experimental animals, we sought to determine whether human T cells are activated in hypertension. We used a humanized mouse model in which the murine immune system is replaced by the human immune system. Angiotensin II increased systolic pressure to 162 versus 116 mm Hg for sham-treated animals. Flow cytometry of thoracic lymph nodes, thoracic aorta, and kidney revealed increased infiltration of human leukocytes (CD45
+
) and T lymphocytes (CD3
+
and CD4
+
) in response to angiotensin II infusion. Interestingly, there was also an increase in the memory T cells (CD3
+
/CD45RO
+
) in the aortas and lymph nodes. Prevention of hypertension using hydralazine and hydrochlorothiazide prevented the accumulation of T cells in these tissues. Studies of isolated human T cells and monocytes indicated that angiotensin II had no direct effect on cytokine production by T cells or the ability of dendritic cells to drive T-cell proliferation. We also observed an increase in circulating interleukin-17A producing CD4
+
T cells and both CD4
+
and CD8
+
T cells that produce interferon-γ in hypertensive compared with normotensive humans. Thus, human T cells become activated and invade critical end-organ tissues in response to hypertension in a humanized mouse model. This response likely reflects the hypertensive milieu encountered in vivo and is not a direct effect of the hormone angiotensin II.
Can Precipitation and Temperature from Meteorological Reanalyses Be Used for Hydrological Modeling?
Authors: Essou Gilles R. C. , Sabarly Florent , Lucas-Picher Philippe , Brissette François , Poulin Annie
Published: May 2016

This paper investigates the potential of reanalyses as proxies of observed surface precipitation and temperature to force hydrological models. Three global atmospheric reanalyses (ERA-Interim, CFSR, and MERRA), one regional reanalysis (NARR), and one global meteorological forcing dataset obtained by bias-correcting ERA-Interim [Water and Global Change (WATCH) Forcing Data ERA-Interim (WFDEI)] were compared to one gridded observation database over the contiguous United States. Results showed that all temperature datasets were similar to the gridded observation over most of the United States. On the other hand, precipitation from all three global reanalyses was biased, especially in summer and winter in the southeastern United States. The regional reanalysis precipitation was closer to observations since it indirectly assimilates surface precipitation. The WFDEI dataset was generally less biased than the reanalysis datasets. All datasets were then used to force a global conceptual hydrological model on 370 watersheds of the Model Parameter Estimation Experiment (MOPEX) database. River flows were computed for each watershed, and results showed that the flows simulated using NARR and gridded observations forcings were very similar to the observed flows. The simulated flows forced by the global reanalysis datasets were also similar to the observations, except in the humid continental and subtropical climatic regions, where precipitation seasonality biases degraded river flow simulations. The WFDEI dataset led to better river flows than reanalysis in the humid continental and subtropical climatic regions but was no better than reanalysis—and sometimes worse—in other climatic zones. Overall, the results indicate that global reanalyses have good potential to be used as proxies to observations to force hydrological models, especially in regions with few weather stations.
Change and Continuity in Taiwan’s Public Opinion on the Cross-Strait Economic Interactions
Authors: Lin Yitzu , Hsieh John Fuh-sheng
Published: May 2016

The Sunflower Student Movement was a significant event in Taiwan’s political history. Contrary to the conventional wisdom, we argue that the effect of the movement on the attitude of the general public, particularly the young, toward the cross-Strait economic interactions and the perception that Taiwan may be forced to make political concessions resulting from such ties is limited. Based on the Taiwan National Security surveys, we find out that the movement, to a certain extent, reflected public sentiment already existing in the society, and did not push the sentiment further. Compared to the attitude toward national identity, which is more long-lasting, the views on the cross-Strait economic ties may be more volatile, and are thus less predictable.
Talking Pieces
Authors: Majekodunmi Norda
Published: May 2016

Archives are not neutral spaces; the memories and stories of minority communities are often overlooked and underrepresented. Narratives are symbolic representations of the past, and it is vital that a diversity of stories and memories is represented. Likewise, ephemeral artifacts, such as political buttons, are largely marginalized as objects of study because researchers tend to favor evidence found through written, textual documents. However, political buttons are significant because of their role as political memorabilia, marking a nation’s socio-political past, and their role as a narrative tool. Behind every political button, there is a potential narrative or story that is not often told. This article will attempt to address the lack of literature on political buttons in a Canadian context as well as give voice to counter-memory of the women’s movement in Canada and the experience of Blacks organizing for racial equality. Using a case study of selected political buttons from the archival collection of Jean Augustine, the first Black female Member of Parliament in Canada, stories of gender and racial equality rights activism in Canada, told by Jean Augustine, will be examined and contextualized. In particular, buttons representing stories about the National Black Coalition of Canada, the Congress of Black Women of Canada, and the anti-apartheid movement will be explored.
Drug testing in the Australian workplace: Still a contested terrain
Authors: Holland Peter
Published: May 2016

This article examines ongoing issues associated with workplace drug testing through a recent case which has resulted in revaluation of the customs, practices and standards around the use of illicit drugs inside and outside the workplace. These changes have seen the issue of workplace drug testing remain a contentious issue in the Australian employee relations landscape.
Social Science
Authors: Dupré John
Published: May 2016

This article argues, in opposition to a common interpretation of Wittgenstein deriving from Winch, that there is nothing especially problematic about the social sciences. Familiar Wittgensteinian theses about language, notably on the open-endedness of linguistic rules and on the importance of family resemblance concepts, have great relevance not only to the social sciences but also to much of the natural sciences. The differences between scientific and ordinary language are much less sharp than Winch, and probably Wittgenstein, supposed.
Book Review: Manoranjan Mohanty, Red and Green: Five Decades of the Indian Maoist Movement
Authors: Rai Dhananjay
Published: May 2016

Manoranjan Mohanty, Red and Green: Five Decades of the Indian Maoist Movement, Kolkata, Setu Prakashani, vii + 498 pp., ₹950, ISBN: 9789380677699.
Producing Pleasure, Minimizing Harm
Authors: Mandler Tait
Published: May 2016

This paper addresses the lacuna in research on chemical use by nightlife workers by exploring harm reduction strategies among queer nightlife workers in Brooklyn, NY. Based on interviews and ethnographic research, my findings suggest that harm reduction can be effectively imagined and implemented by individuals and social groups themselves. Chemical use enables queer nightlife workers in Brooklyn to perform and produce pleasure for others, challenging the notion that functional chemical use is opposed to or separate from pleasurable chemical use. Just as nightlife workers see chemical use as made meaningful through how it enables or inhibits productivity and pleasure in specific circumstances, they often view risk and harm as conditional and emergent. Night workers already practice their own, tacitly informed harm reduction strategies, such as being self-reflective about their use, moderation and dosing, scheduling use around other responsibilities, only using chemicals at work that aid productivity, getting enough sleep, avoiding chemicals they don’t enjoy, and taking breaks from use when they feel it is necessary. Future harm reduction research and policy should begin by examining what practices of harm reduction from below already exist and attempt to strengthen them.
Fabrication of a biomimetic piezoelectric polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) fibre with a metal core and its application in vibration sensors
Authors: Bian Yixiang , Liu Rongrong
Published: May 2016

The fabrication is described of a vibration sensor based on the structure of the sensitive hair of some insects. The biomimetic hair has a metal core wrapped with a polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) layer. Two surface electrodes were coated on the PVDF surface of the fibre. A single SMPF (symmetric electrodes of metal core piezoelectric fibre) pasted on a matrix can be used as a vibration sensor. We propose a theoretical model describing the cantilever beam structure of the vibration sensor. The SMPF can detect both vibration amplitude and direction of the matrix. It can also detect the matrix harmonic excitation frequency and amplitude. We prepared PVDF fibres with metal cores (diameter: 230 µm) with the mould drawing method and used the surface electrodes and the metal core to polarize the PVDF layer. When the SMPF is used as a sensor, we only use the output signal of the two surface electrodes. Our experiments indicate that the SMPF can detect both vibration amplitude and direction of the matrix as well as the harmonic excitation frequency and the vibration direction. Our experimental results are consistent with the theoretical considerations.