bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sounding out Sonority
Authors: Parker Steve
Published: September 2017

This metastudy summarizes 264 recent experimental works involving sonority. The discussion here centers around an accompanying appendix that lists several details of each study, including the research question or hypothesis, outcome, language of focus, stimuli used to probe for the effect of sonority, methodology used to present test items and/or obtain results, participants' task, variables measured, and keywords. These metadata are presented in an Excel spreadsheet in order to give users flexibility to search and sort by details of interest, either alone or in various combinations. The overall findings of the 264 studies are naturally somewhat mixed but in general provide moderate support for the linguistic relevance of sonority.
Strigolactone‐triggered stomatal closure requires hydrogen peroxide synthesis and nitric oxide production in an abscisic acid‐independent manner
Authors: Lv Shuo , Zhang Yonghong , Li Chen , Liu Zhijun , Yang Nan , Pan Lixia , Wu Jinbin , Wang Jiajing , Yang Jingwei , Lv Yanting , Zhang Yutao , Jiang Wenqian , She Xiaoping , Wang Guodong
Published: September 2017

Accumulating data indicate that strigolactones (SLs) are implicated in the response to environmental stress, implying a potential effect of SLs on stomatal response and thus stress acclimatization. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanism underlying the effect of SLs on stomatal response and their interrelation with abscisic acid (ABA) signaling.

The impact of SLs on the stomatal response was investigated by conducting SL‐feeding experiments and by analyzing SL‐related mutants. The involvement of endogenous ABA and ABA‐signaling components in SL‐mediated stomatal closure was physiologically evaluated using genetic mutants. Pharmacological and genetic approaches were employed to examine hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and nitric oxide (NO) production.

SL‐related mutants exhibited larger stomatal apertures, while exogenous SLs were able to induce stomatal closure and rescue the more widely opening stomata of SL‐deficient mutants. The SL‐biosynthetic genes were induced by abiotic stress in shoot tissues. Disruption of ABA‐biosynthetic genes, as well as genes that function in guard cell ABA signaling, resulted in no impairment in SL‐mediated stomatal response. However, disruption of MORE AXILLARY GROWTH2 (MAX2), DWARF14 (D14), and the anion channel gene SLOW ANION CHANNEL‐ASSOCIATED 1 (SLAC1) impaired SL‐triggered stomatal closure. SLs stimulated a marked increase in H2O2 and NO contents, which is required for stomatal closure.

Our results suggest that SLs play a prominent role, together with H2O2/NO production and SLAC1 activation, in inducing stomatal closure in an ABA‐independent mechanism.
Double burden of diseases worldwide: coexistence of undernutrition and overnutrition‐related non‐communicable chronic diseases
Authors: Min Jungwon , Zhao Yaling , Slivka Lauren , Wang Youfa
Published: September 2017

Objective

This systematic examination and meta‐analysis examined the scope and variation of the worldwide double burden of diseases and identified related socio‐demographic factors.

Design

We searched PubMed for studies published in English from January 1, 2000, through September 28, 2016, that reported on double disease burden. Twenty‐nine studies from 18 high‐income, middle‐income and low‐income countries met inclusion criteria and provided 71 obesity–undernutrition ratios, which were included in meta‐regression analysis.

Results

All high‐income countries had a much higher prevalence of obesity than undernutrition (i.e. all the obesity/undernutrition ratios >1); 55% of the ratios in lower middle‐income and low‐income countries were <1, but only 28% in upper middle‐income countries. Meta‐analysis showed a pooled obesity–undernutrition ratio of 4.3 (95% CI = 3.1–5.5), which varied by country income level, subjects' age and over time. The average ratio was higher in high‐income rather than that in lower middle‐income and low‐income countries (β [SE] = 10.8 [2.6]), in adults versus children (7.1 [2.2]) and in data collected since 2000 versus before 2000 (5.2 [1.5]; all P values < 0.05).

Conclusions

There are considerable differences in the obesity versus undernutrition ratios and in their prevalence by country income level, age groups and over time, which may be a consequence of the cumulative exposure to an obesogenic environment.
Satoyoshi syndrome—A case report from India
Authors: Mani Venkatraman , George Renu
Published: September 2017

Satoyoshi syndrome was first reported in Japan in 1967. It is a rare multisystem disorder of presumed autoimmune etiology that is characterized by alopecia, intermittent painful muscle spasms, diarrhea, and antinuclear antibody positivity. We report an 11‐year‐old girl with Satoyoshi syndrome who presented to the dermatology department for treatment of alopecia universalis. We present this case to emphasize the importance of recognizing Satoyoshi syndrome, which could go unnoticed if not suspected.
A Time‐varying Covariate Approach for Survival Analysis of Paediatric Outcomes
Authors: Zhao Jian , Zhao Yun , Lee Andy H , Binns Colin W
Published: September 2017

Background

Conventional survival analysis is commonly applied in the analysis of time‐to‐event data in paediatric studies, where the exposure variables of interest are often treated as time‐fixed. However, the values of these exposure variables can vary over time and time‐fixed analysis may introduce time‐dependent bias.

Methods

Time‐dependent bias is illustrated graphically considering two scenarios in longitudinal study settings for paediatric time‐to‐event outcomes. As an illustrative example, the time‐varying covariate approach was applied to survival analysis of breast‐feeding data (n = 695) collected in China between 2010 and 2011, with an emphasis on the effects of covariates ‘solid foods introduction’ and ‘maternal return to work’ on breast‐feeding duration up to 12 months postpartum.

Results

Time‐varying exposures could occur before or after the occurrence of an event of interest so that time‐fixed analysis can lead to biased and imprecise parameter estimates. In the illustrative example, the reduced risk of ‘solid foods introduction’ (hazard ratio (HR) 0.61, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.50, 0.75) on breast‐feeding cessation and an absence of an association with ‘maternal return to work’ (HR 0.99, 95% CI 0.73, 1.36) from the time‐fixed analysis reversed (HR 1.50, 95% CI 1.17, 1.93) and became significant (HR 1.45, 95% CI 1.06, 2.00), respectively, based on the time‐varying covariate model.

Conclusions

The time‐varying covariate approach is preferable for survival analysis of time‐to‐event data in the presence of time‐varying exposures.
Managerial Ambivalence and Electronic Civic Engagement: The Role of Public Manager Beliefs and Perceived Needs
Authors: Zhang Fengxiu , Feeney Mary K.
Published: September 2017

This article addresses an important yet often neglected component of electronic civic engagement efforts: managerial ambivalence about public participation. We examine how managers’ beliefs about public participation and their perceived needs for participation in agency decision making work together to shape electronic engagement efforts. Based on observational data collected in 2010 and 2014 and data from a 2014 survey of managers in 500 U.S. municipal governments, we find that managerial beliefs about participation and their perceived needs for participation are two valid and separate constructs. There is a positive relationship between managerial beliefs and electronic engagement. Perceived needs for participation interact with managers’ beliefs to affect electronic civic engagement. A high level of perceived needs for participation reinforces the effect of managerial beliefs on electronic engagement efforts, but a low level does not offset the effect of managerial beliefs on electronic engagement.
Assessing and modeling seed germination of Mediterranean wildflowers for low input landscape restoration
Authors: Toscano Stefania , Romano Daniela , Tribulato Alessandro , Cavallaro Valeria
Published: September 2017

Native species are recommended for use in landscape restoration because they adapt well to the local pedo‐climatic conditions. Despite the high biodiversity in the Mediterranean, the use of native plants is hampered by the limited knowledge of their seed germination. This is particularly true for a number of plants which are appropriate for creating species‐rich herbaceous communities. In this study, seeds of 35 species were collected in different roadside and degraded sites in rural and urban areas. Two experiments were carried out to determine the influence of light and thermal conditions on seed germination. In the first experiment, seeds of 17 species were tested at different temperatures (5, 15, and 25°C). At 15°C, seed germination was tested under both dark and light conditions. In the second experiment, the germination of 30 species was tested under alternating temperatures (25/15°C) and dark/light conditions. The responses of the various species differed in relation to thermal levels and light conditions, e.g., Bartsia trixago did not germinate in the dark at constant temperatures (5, 15, and 25°C), while in the light (15°C) and at alternating temperatures (25/15°C) in light and dark conditions, germination was over 60%. In both experiments, Tragopogon porrifolius and Triticum ovatum showed the highest germination rate (≥88%). With the sole exception of Medicago orbicularis, all members of the Fabaceae showed no or low germination. The definition of the germination requirements of some Mediterranean species, highlighted in these experiments, provides useful information for the creation of low input green areas and environmental restoration using these species.
Quality screening and trade intermediaries: Evidence from China
Authors: Poncet Sandra , Xu Meina
Published: September 2017

We examine the quality‐screening role played by intermediaries in international trade, exploiting export data at the product level for Chinese exporters. We uncover substantial heterogeneity among intermediaries, and distinguish two types: generalized and specialized intermediaries. We find strong evidence of a quality‐verification role for specialized intermediaries: they are more prevalent in products with greater quality dispersion among local exporters, and export goods of higher quality than do generalized intermediaries. Our results suggest that specialized intermediaries have the capacity to reduce the incidence of quality problems.
An enhanced approach for surface flow routing over drainage‐constrained triangulated irregular networks
Authors: Zhang Fangli , Zhou Qiming , Li Qingquan , Wu Guofeng , Liu Jun
Published: September 2017

The accuracy and efficiency of the simulations in distributed hydrological models must depend on the proper estimation of flow directions and paths. Numerous studies have been carried out to delineate the drainage patterns based on gridded digital elevation models (DEMs). The triangulated irregular network (TIN) has been increasingly applied in hydrological applications due to the advantages of high storage efficiency and multi‐scale adaptive performance. Much of the previous literature focuses mainly on filling the depressions on gridded DEMs rather than treating the special cases in TIN structures, which has hampered its applications to hydrological models. This study proposes a triangulation‐based solution for the removal of flat areas and pits to enhance the simulation of flow routing on triangulated facet networks. Based on the drainage‐constrained TIN generated from only a gridded DEM by the compound point extraction (CPE) method, the inconsistent situations including flat triangles, V‐shape flat edges and sink nodes are respectively identified and rectified. The optimization algorithm is an iterative process of TIN reconstruction, in which the flat areas are generalized into their center points and the pits are rectified by embedding break lines. To verify the proposed algorithm and investigate the potential for flow routing, flow paths of steepest descent are derived by the vector‐based tracking algorithm based on the optimized TIN. A case study of TIN optimization and flow path tracking was performed on a real‐world DEM. The outcomes indicate that the proposed approach can effectively solve the problem of inconsistencies without a significant loss in accuracy of the terrain model.
Inferring the home locations of Twitter users based on the spatiotemporal clustering of Twitter data
Authors: Lin Jie , Cromley Robert G.
Published: September 2017

Residential locations play an important role in understanding the form and function of urban systems. However, it is impossible to release this detailed information publicly, due to the issue of privacy. The rapid development of location‐based services and the prevalence of global position system (GPS)‐equipped devices provide an unprecedented opportunity to infer residential locations from user‐generated geographic information. This article compares different approaches for predicting Twitter users' home locations at a precise point level based on temporal and spatial features extracted from geo‐tagged tweets. Among the three deterministic approaches, the one that estimates the home location for each user by finding the weighted most frequently visited (WMFV) cluster of that user always provides the best performance when compared with the other two methods. The results of a fourth approach, based on the support vector machine (SVM), are severely affected by the threshold value for a cluster to be identified as the home.
Quasi-closed phase forward-backward linear prediction analysis of speech for accurate formant detection and estimation
Authors: Gowda Dhananjaya , Airaksinen Manu , Alku Paavo
Published: September 2017

Recently, a quasi-closed phase (QCP) analysis of speech signals for accurate glottal inverse filtering was proposed. However, the QCP analysis which belongs to the family of temporally weighted linear prediction (WLP) methods uses the conventional forward type of sample prediction. This may not be the best choice especially in computing WLP models with a hard-limiting weighting function. A sample selective minimization of the prediction error in WLP reduces the effective number of samples available within a given window frame. To counter this problem, a modified quasi-closed phase forward-backward (QCP-FB) analysis is proposed, wherein each sample is predicted based on its past as well as future samples thereby utilizing the available number of samples more effectively. Formant detection and estimation experiments on synthetic vowels generated using a physical modeling approach as well as natural speech utterances show that the proposed QCP-FB method yields statistically significant improvements over the conventional linear prediction and QCP methods.
Frequency domain synthetic aperture focusing technique for variable-diameter cylindrical components
Authors: Jin Haoran , Wu Eryong , Han Ye , Yang Keji , Chen Jian
Published: September 2017

Ultrasonic non-destructive testing (UNDT) plays an important role in ensuring the quality of cylindrical components of equipment such as pipes and axles. As the acoustic beam width widens along propagation depths, the diffraction of acoustic wave becomes serious and the images of defects will be interfered with. To precisely evaluate the dimensions of defects and flaws concealed in components, the synthetic aperture focusing technique (SAFT) is introduced to enhance the image resolutions. Conventional SAFTs have been successfully implemented for the ultrasonic imaging of normal cylinders, while solutions for complex ones, such as variable-diameter cylinders, are still lacking. To overcome this problem, a frequency-domain SAFT for variable-diameter cylindrical components is proposed. This algorithm is mainly based on acoustic field extrapolation, which is modified from cylindrical phase shift migration with the aid of split-step Fourier. After a series of extrapolations, a high-resolution ultrasound image can be reconstructed using a particular imaging condition. According to the experimental results, the proposed method yields low side lobes and high resolutions for flat transducers. Its attainable angular resolution relies on the transducer diameter D and scanning radius R and approximates D/(2R).
Speech recognition error patterns for steady-state noise and interrupted speech
Authors: Smith Kimberly G. , Fogerty Daniel
Published: September 2017

Listening in various types of adverse listening conditions may lead to different errors in speech recognition. Young adults repeated sentences degraded by steady-state noise or periodically interrupted by noise preserved at varying proportions. Recognition errors were analyzed according to the noise type and speech proportion. Across noise types, as word recognition decreased, the occurrence of phonemic substitutions and whole word omissions increased. Listeners made more whole word omission and substitution errors during steady-state noise. Part word errors occurred most frequently when listening to speech presented in steady-state noise or interrupted by noise with the smallest speech proportion preserved.
MOF-derived cobalt nanoparticles catalyze a general synthesis of amines
Authors: Jagadeesh Rajenahally V. , Murugesan Kathiravan , Alshammari Ahmad S. , Neumann Helfried , Pohl Marga-Martina , Radnik Jörg , Beller Matthias
Published: September 2017

A MOF sets the stage to make amines

Reductive amination is a common method that chemists use to make carbon-nitrogen bonds. The reaction, which often requires precious metal catalysts, couples ammonia or other amines with carbonyl compounds and then with hydrogen. Jagadeesh
et al.
report a class of nonprecious cobalt nanoparticles that catalyze this reaction across a very broad range of substrates, including complex molecules of pharmaceutical interest (see the Perspective by Chen and Xu). The cobalt was first embedded in a metal-organic framework (MOF), which, upon heating, transformed into a graphitic shell. The catalyst could be conveniently separated from products and recycled up to six times.

Science
, this issue p.
326
; see also p.
304
Genome and Plasmid Sequences of Escherichia coli KV7, an Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase Isolate Derived from Feces of a Healthy Pig
Authors: Bateman Michael D. , de Vries Stefan P. W. , Gupta Srishti , Guardabassi Luca , Cavaco Lina M. , Grant Andrew J. , Holmes Mark A.
Published: September 2017

We present single-contig assemblies for
Escherichia coli
strain KV7 (serotype O27, phylogenetic group D) and its six plasmids, isolated from a healthy pig, as determined by PacBio RS II and Illumina MiSeq sequencing. The chromosome of 4,997,475 bp and G+C content of 50.75% harbored 4,540 protein-encoding genes.
Small Circular Rep-Encoding Single-Stranded DNA Genomes in Peruvian Diarrhea Virome
Authors: Altan Eda , Del Valle Mendoza Juana , Deng Xutao , Phan Tung G. , Sadeghi Mohammadreza , Delwart Eric L.
Published: September 2017

Metagenomic analysis of diarrhea samples revealed the presence of numerous human enteric viruses and small circular Rep-encoding single-stranded DNA (CRESS-DNA) genomes. One such genome was related to smacoviruses, while eight others were related to genomes reported in the feces of different mammals. The tropism of these CRESS-DNA viruses remains unknown.
Complete Genome Sequence of Ureibacillus thermosphaericus A1, a Thermophilic Bacillus Isolated from Compost
Authors: Akita Hironaga , Kimura Zen-ichiro , Matsushika Akinori
Published: September 2017

Ureibacillus thermosphaericus
A1 was isolated from compost collected in Munakata City, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. Here, we report the first complete genome sequence of
U. thermosphaericus
. The complete genome of this strain consists of 3,488,104 bp with a GC content of 36.3% and comprises 3,362 predicted coding sequences.
Draft Genome Sequence of Pantoea agglomerans JM1, a Strain Isolated from Soil Polluted by Industrial Production of Beta-Lactam Antibiotics That Exhibits Valacyclovir-Like Hydrolase Activity
Authors: Zahradník Jiří , Plačková Martina , Palyzová Andrea , Marešová Helena , Kyslíková Eva , Kyslík Pavel
Published: September 2017

Strain
Pantoea agglomerans
JM1 was isolated from the soil of a microbiome that had been exposed to polluting pharmaceuticals. The bacterium exhibited enzymatic activities useful for the biotransformation of beta-lactams. The genome of the strain was assembled and described, and the gene encoding valacyclovir-like hydrolase was identified.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Aspergillus persii
NIBRFGC000004109, Which Has Antibacterial Activity against Plant-Pathogenic Bacteria
Authors: Kim Jung A. , Jeon Jongbum , Park Sook-Young , Kim Ki-Tae , Choi Gobong , Nguyen Hoa Thi , Jeon Sun Jeong , Lee Hyang Burm , Bae Chang-Hwan , Yang Hee-sun , Yeo Joo-Hong , Kim Jin-Cheol , Lee Yong-Hwan , Kim Soonok
Published: September 2017

The fungus
Aspergillus persii
strain NIBRFGC000004109 is capable of producing penicillic acid and showed antibacterial activity against various plant-pathogenic bacteria, including
Xanthomonas arboricola
pv. pruni. Here, we report the first draft whole-genome sequence of
A. persii
. The assembly comprises 38,414,373 bp, with 12 scaffolds.
Genome Sequence of an H9N2 Avian Influenza Virus Strain with Hemagglutinin-Neuraminidase Combination, Isolated from a Quail in Guangxi, Southern China
Authors: Xie Liji , Xie Zhixun , Li Dan , Luo Sisi , Zhang Minxiu , Huang Li , Xie Zhiqin , Huang Jiaoling , Zhang Yanfang , Zeng Tingting , Deng Xianwen
Published: September 2017

We isolated a strain of H9N2 avian influenza virus from a quail in southern China in May 2015 and named it A/quail/Guangxi/198Q39/2015. All eight gene segments of the strain were sequenced. Sequence analysis indicated that the amino acid motif of the hemagglutinin cleavage site of this H9N2 virus was RSSR↓GLF, which is a typical characteristic of the low pathogenic avian influenza virus. This study will help in better understanding the epidemiology and molecular characteristics of avian influenza virus in wild birds.
Draft Genome Sequence of Zoonotic Streptococcus canis Isolate G361
Authors: Eichhorn Inga , van der Linden Mark , Jarek Michael , Fulde Marcus
Published: September 2017

Here, we report the draft genome sequence of an SCM-positive
Streptococcus canis
strain, G361, isolated from a vaginal swab of a 40-year-old woman. The draft genome comprises 2,045,931 bp in 62 contigs.
Insights into the Genome of the Anaerobic Acetogen Sporomusa silvacetica DSM 10669
Authors: Humphreys Jonathan R. , Daniel Rolf , Poehlein Anja
Published: September 2017

Sporomusa silvacetica
is a spore-forming, anaerobic acetogen isolated from soil derived from east central Germany. The genome contains genes of the Wood-Ljungdahl pathway required for carbon fixation and genes involved in the biosynthesis of the amino acid pyrrolysine. The genome (5.92 Mb) harbors 4,355 predicted protein-encoding genes.
Draft Genome Sequences of Three Coxiella burnetii Strains Isolated from Q Fever Patients
Authors: Beare Paul A. , Jeffrey Brendan M. , Martens Craig A. , Heinzen Robert A.
Published: September 2017

In the current study, we determined the draft genome sequences of three
Coxiella burnetii
human disease isolates. The
Coxiella burnetii
Turkey (RSA315) and Dyer (RSA345) strains were isolated from acute Q fever patients, while the Ko (Q229) strain was isolated from a Q fever endocarditis patient.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Novel Bioflocculant-Producing Strain, Microbacterium paludicola CC3
Authors: Liu Weijie , Liu Cong , Sun Di
Published: September 2017

Microbacterium paludicola
CC3 exhibits the capability to produce polysaccharide bioflocculants. Here, we report the whole-genome sequence of
M. paludicola
CC3, which may be helpful in understanding the genetic basis of the biosynthesis of polysaccharide bioflocculants as well as in promoting its production and application in industrial fields.
Genome Sequence of Bacillus safensis Strain Ingolstadt Isolated from the Pectoralis Pouch of a Patient with Defibrillator-Related Surgery
Authors: Dematheis Flavia , Antwerpen Markus H. , Grass Gregor , Walter Mathias C. , Borgmann Stefan
Published: September 2017

We report the draft genome sequence of clindamycin-resistant
Bacillus safensis
strain Ingolstadt isolated from a patient with bacterial colonization after heart surgery. The draft genome comprises 3.75 Mbp and harbors 3,793 predicted protein-encoding genes and a small plasmid.
Control of
Clostridium difficile
Infection by Defined Microbial Communities
Authors: Collins James , Auchtung Jennifer M.
Published: September 2017

Each year in the United States, billions of dollars are spent combating almost half a million
Clostridium difficile
infections (CDIs) and trying to reduce the ∼29,000 patient deaths in which
C. difficile
has an attributed role. In Europe, disease prevalence varies by country and level of surveillance, though yearly costs are estimated at €3 billion. One factor contributing to the significant health care burden of
C. difficile
is the relatively high frequency of recurrent CDIs. Recurrent CDI, i.e., a second episode of symptomatic CDI occurring within 8 weeks of successful initial CDI treatment, occurs in ∼25% of patients, with 35 to 65% of these patients experiencing multiple episodes of recurrent disease. Using microbial communities to treat recurrent CDI, either as whole fecal transplants or as defined consortia of bacterial isolates, has shown great success (in the case of fecal transplants) or potential promise (in the case of defined consortia of isolates). This review will briefly summarize the epidemiology and physiology of
C. difficile
infection, describe our current understanding of how fecal microbiota transplants treat recurrent CDI, and outline potential ways that knowledge can be used to rationally design and test alternative microbe-based therapeutics.
Sources of Fungal Genetic Variation and Associating It with Phenotypic Diversity
Authors: Taylor John W. , Branco Sara , Gao Cheng , Hann-Soden Chris , Montoya Liliam , Sylvain Iman , Gladieux Pierre
Published: September 2017

The first eukaryotic genome to be sequenced was fungal, and there continue to be more sequenced genomes in the kingdom Fungi than in any other eukaryotic kingdom. Comparison of these genomes reveals many sources of genetic variation, from single nucleotide polymorphisms to horizontal gene transfer and on to changes in the arrangement and number of chromosomes, not to mention endofungal bacteria and viruses. Population genomics shows that all sources generate variation all the time and implicate natural selection as the force maintaining genome stability. Variation in wild populations is a rich resource for associating genetic variation with phenotypic variation, whether through quantitative trait locus mapping, genome-wide association studies, or reverse ecology. Subjects of studies associating genetic and phenotypic variation include model fungi, e.g.,
Saccharomyces
and
Neurospora
, but pioneering studies have also been made with fungi pathogenic to plants, e.g.,
Pyricularia
(=
Magnaporthe
),
Zymoseptoria
, and
Fusarium
, and to humans, e.g.,
Coccidioides
,
Cryptococcus
, and
Candida
.
Foot orthoses for plantar heel pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Whittaker Glen A , Munteanu Shannon E , Menz Hylton B , Tan Jade M , Rabusin Chantel L , Landorf Karl B
Published: September 2017

Objective

To investigate the effectiveness of foot orthoses for pain and function in adults with plantar heel pain.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis. The primary outcome was pain or function categorised by duration of follow-up as short (0 to 6 weeks), medium (7 to 12 weeks) or longer term (13 to 52 weeks).

Data sources

Medline, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, Embase and the Cochrane Library from inception to June 2017.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

Studies must have used a randomised parallel-group design and evaluated foot orthoses for plantar heel pain. At least one outcome measure for pain or function must have been reported.

Results

A total of 19 trials (1660 participants) were included. In theshort term, there was very low-quality evidence that foot orthoses do not reduce pain or improve function. In themedium term, there was moderate-quality evidence that foot orthoses were more effective than sham foot orthoses at reducing pain (standardised mean difference −0.27 (−0.48 to −0.06)). There was no improvement in function in the medium term. In thelonger term, there was very low-quality evidence that foot orthoses do not reduce pain or improve function. A comparison of customised and prefabricated foot orthoses showed no difference at any time point.

Conclusion

There is moderate-quality evidence that foot orthoses are effective at reducing pain in the medium term, however it is uncertain whether this is a clinically important change.
Wnt Signaling and Podocyte Dysfunction in Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Bose Madhura , Almas Sadia , Prabhakar Sharma
Published: September 2017

Nephropathy is a major microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus and often leads to terminal renal failure in addition to contributing significantly to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Despites continuous advances, the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy remains poorly understood. Recent studies have underscored the significance of structural and functional changes in podocytes in the development and progression of diabetic nephropathy. The role of podocytes in health and diabetic nephropathy and abnormalities including podocyte hypertrophy, effacement, and apoptosis, and a detailed discussion on the role played by the Wnt-β-catenin signaling pathway in podocyte injury and dysfunction are the focus of this review. In addition, the role played by Wnt signaling in mediating the effects of known therapeutic strategies for diabetic nephropathy is also discussed.
Serpinb3 is Overexpressed in the Liver in Presence of Iron Overload
Authors: Turato Cristian , Kent Patricia , Sebastiani Giada , Cannito Stefania , Morello Elisabetta , Terrin Liliana , Biasiolo Alessandra , Simonato Davide , Parola Maurizio , Pantopoulos Kostas , Pontisso Patrizia
Published: September 2017

Iron overload results in cellular toxicity, tissue injury, organ fibrosis and increased risk of neoplastic transformation. SerpinB3 is a serine protease inhibitor overexpressed in the liver in oxidative stress conditions, able to induce fibrosis and increased risk of malignant transformation. Aim of the present study was to assess the effect of iron overload on SerpinB3 expression in the liver using in vivo and in vitro models.

The expression of Serpinb3 was assessed in the liver of hemojuvelin knockout mice (Hjv–/–), an established model of hereditary hemochromatosis, and of wild type control mice, following dietary or pharmacological iron manipulation. To assess the direct effect of iron in vitro, cell lines were treated with different concentration of hemin or with an iron chelator.

Hepatic Serpinb3 mRNA and protein were highly expressed in Hjv–/– mice, but not in wild type controls fed with a standard diet. Serpinb3 became detectable in wild type mice fed with a high iron diet or injected with iron dextran; these treatments further induced Serpinb3 expression in Hjv–/– mice. Livers expressing Serpinb3 showed a positive staining also for HIF-2α in the same areas. Hemin promoted induction of SerpinB3 mRNA in HeLa and HA22T/VGH cells, but a mild stimulation of SerpinB3 promoter activity in HeLa and Huh7 cells. In conclusion, Serpinb3 is strongly induced by iron in the mouse liver. The molecular link between iron, ROS and SerpinB3 seems to be HIF-2α, which is induced by iron overload and was previously found capable of up-regulating SerpinB3 at the transcriptional level.
Assessment of Left Ventricular Function and Peripheral Vascular Arterial Stiffness in Patients with Dipper and Non-Dipper Hypertension
Authors: Chen Yan , Liu Ju-Hua , Zhen Zhe , Zuo Yuan , Lin Qingshan , Liu Mingya , Zhao Chunting , Wu Min , Cao Gaozhen , Wang Run , Tse Hung-Fat , Yiu Kai-Hang
Published: September 2017

A non-dipper pattern of high blood pressure is associated with increased risk of organ damage and cardiovascular disease in patients with hypertension. The aim of the study was to evaluate the left ventricular (LV) remodeling and function and arterial stiffness in a dipper/non-dipper pattern of high blood pressure in patients with hypertension. A total of 183 hypertensive patients with no history of adverse cardiovascular events were divided into two groups based on 24 hours ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM): 66 patients with a dipper pattern and 117 patients with non-dipper pattern. Detailed transthoracic echocardiogram was performed and analyzed with advance speckle tracking 3-orthogonal direction strain analysis to assess LV systolic function and tissue Doppler-derived E/E′ for LV diastolic function assessment. Cardio ankle vascular index (CAVI) was used to evaluate arterial stiffness. Compared with patients with dipper hypertension, those with non-dipper hypertension had increased LV mass index, higher prevalence of eccentric and concentric LV hypertrophy, more impaired LV diastolic and systolic function and peripheral arterial stiffness. Multivariable analysis revealed that a non-dipper pattern was independently associated with LV systolic dysfunction evaluated by speckle tracking-derived strain analysis. In conclusion, a non-dipper pattern of hypertension is an independent risk factor for LV systolic dysfunction. Treatment that could reverse this non-dipper pattern may reduce cardiac damage in these patients.
Biological Tapering and Sonographic Flare in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Ko Chi-Hua , Chen Jia-Feng , Cheng Tien-Tsai , Lai Han-Ming , Chen Ying-Chou
Published: September 2017

This study aimed to evaluate the risk of ultrasound-detected synovitis after antitumor necrosis factor (TNF) tapering in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. We recruited patients with rheumatoid arthritis who accepted TNF tapering. Gray-scale synovitis and power Doppler score in bilateral wrists at the dorsal radiolunate joint were evaluated. We defined a sum of bilateral wrist scores of ≥2 as sonographic inflammation. Logistical regression analysis was used to adjust for confounding factors. One hundred and twenty-two patients who received a tapered dose of anti-TNF were enrolled, of whom 96 (78%) had ultrasound-detected synovitis and 26 had no inflammation. There were no significant differences in age, gender, body mass index, antinuclear antibodies, rheumatoid factor or anticitrullinated protein antibodies between the inflammation and non-inflammation groups. Moderate tapering of anti-TNF (tapering 50%) was more common in the patients with ultrasound-detected synovitis than mild tapering (tapering 25%) (68.8% vs 38.5%, p=0.005). After adjusting for age, body mass index, gender and a 28-joint Disease Activity Score, the moderate tapering group still had a higher risk of ultrasound-detected synovitis (OR 5.786, 95% CI 1.986 to 16.852; p=0.001); that is, the moderate tapering group had a 5.786 times higher risk of developing sonographic inflammation than the mild tapering group. The dose of biological tapering was the major determinant of ultrasound synovitis. Patients with moderate tapering had a higher risk of synovitis than those with mild tapering. We recommend not tapering by more than 25% to reduce subclinical inflammation and future joint damage.
Anti-inflammatory approaches to ischaemic stroke prevention
Authors: Kelly Peter J , Murphy Sean , Coveney Sarah , Purroy Francisco , Lemmens Robin , Tsivgoulis Georgios , Price Chris
Published: September 2017

Stroke is a major cause of neurological morbidity and mortality. Atherosclerosis is a major contributor to first and recurrent stroke. A growing evidence base indicates that inflammation is a key process in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, leading to thromboembolic events. In this review, we summarise the evidence linking inflammation to stroke risk and discuss clinical trials addressing the ’inflammation hypothesis' in coronary disease and stroke.

Trial registration numberCONVINCE trial ClinicalTrials.gov number; NCT 02898610; Pre-results.
Polysomnographic phenotypes and their cardiovascular implications in obstructive sleep apnoea
Authors: Zinchuk Andrey V , Jeon Sangchoon , Koo Brian B , Yan Xiting , Bravata Dawn M , Qin Li , Selim Bernardo J , Strohl Kingman P , Redeker Nancy S , Concato John , Yaggi Henry K
Published: September 2017

Background

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a heterogeneous disorder, and improved understanding of physiologic phenotypes and their clinical implications is needed. We aimed to determine whether routine polysomnographic data can be used to identify OSA phenotypes (clusters) and to assess the associations between the phenotypes and cardiovascular outcomes.

Methods

Cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses of a multisite, observational US Veteran (n=1247) cohort were performed. Principal components-based clustering was used to identify polysomnographic features in OSA’s four pathophysiological domains (sleep architecture disturbance, autonomic dysregulation, breathing disturbance and hypoxia). Using these features, OSA phenotypes were identified by cluster analysis (K-means). Cox survival analysis was used to evaluate longitudinal relationships between clusters and the combined outcome of incident transient ischaemic attack, stroke, acute coronary syndrome or death.

Results

Seven patient clusters were identified based on distinguishing polysomnographic features: ‘mild’, ‘periodic limb movements of sleep (PLMS)’, ‘NREM and arousal’, ‘REM and hypoxia’, ‘hypopnoea and hypoxia’, ‘arousal and poor sleep’ and ‘combined severe’. In adjusted analyses, the risk (compared with ‘mild’) of the combined outcome (HR (95% CI)) was significantly increased for ‘PLMS’, (2.02 (1.32 to 3.08)), ‘hypopnoea and hypoxia’ (1.74 (1.02 to 2.99)) and ‘combined severe’ (1.69 (1.09 to 2.62)). Conventional apnoea–hypopnoea index (AHI) severity categories of moderate (15≤AHI<30) and severe (AHI ≥30), compared with mild/none category (AHI <15), were not associated with increased risk.

Conclusions

Among patients referred for OSA evaluation, routine polysomnographic data can identify physiological phenotypes that capture risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes otherwise missed by conventional OSA severity classification.
Some generalized coupled nonlinear Schrödinger equations and conservation laws
Authors: Liu Wei , Geng Xianguo , Xue Bo
Published: September 2017

Based on zero-curvature equation, a series of new four-component nonlinear Schrödinger-type equations related to a [Formula: see text] matrix problem are proposed by using the polynomial expansion of the spectral parameter. As two special reductions, a generalized coupled nonlinear Schrödinger equation and a generalized coupled derivative nonlinear Schrödinger equation are obtained. And then, the infinite conservation laws for each of these four-component nonlinear Schrödinger-type equations are constructed with the aid of the Riccati-type equations.
Toward an ideal nanomaterial for on-chip Raman laser
Authors: Sirleto L. , Ferrara M. A. , Vergara A.
Published: September 2017

One of the most important applications of stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) is the realization of amplifiers or laser sources in bulk materials, in fiber and in integrated optic format as well. We note that, as a general rule, in all laser gain bulk materials, there is a tradeoff between gain and bandwidth: line width may be increased at the expense of peak gain. This tradeoff is a fundamental limitation toward the realization of micro/nano-sources with large emission spectra. In this paper, in order to clarify the possibility of obtaining new materials with both large Raman gain coefficients and spectral bandwidth, SRS investigations in nanostructures, spanning from nanometrically heterogeneous K2O–Nb2O5SiO2 (KNS) glasses to Si nanocrystals, are reported and discussed.
Differential Games for Weakly Coupled Large-Scale Linear Stochastic Systems with an H∞-Constraint
Authors: Mukaidani Hiroaki , Xu Hua
Published: September 2017

A differential game approach for the finite-horizon stochastic control problem with an [Formula: see text]-constraint is considered for a class of large-scale linear systems. First, necessary conditions for the existence of a control strategy set are established by means of cross-coupled stochastic Riccati differential equations (CSRDEs). Second, an efficient design method to obtain a reduced-order parameter-independent approximate strategy set is proposed. Moreover, the performance degradation is estimated. Infinite-horizon case is also discussed. Finally, a numerical example is provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed design scheme.
Frictional magnetic curves in 3D Riemannian manifolds
Authors: Korpinar Talat , Demirkol Ridvan Cem
Published: September 2017

In this study, we investigate the special type of magnetic trajectories associated with a magnetic field [Formula: see text] defined on a 3D Riemannian manifold. First, we consider a moving charged particle under the action of a frictional force, [Formula: see text], in the magnetic field [Formula: see text]. Then, we assume that trajectories of the particle associated with the magnetic field [Formula: see text] correspond to frictional magnetic curves ([Formula: see text]-magnetic curves[Formula: see text] of magnetic vector field [Formula: see text] on the 3D Riemannian manifold. Thus, we are able to investigate some geometrical properties and physical consequences of the particle under the action of frictional force in the magnetic field [Formula: see text] on the 3D Riemannian manifold.
How Many Species of Insects and Other Terrestrial Arthropods Are There on Earth?
Authors: Stork Nigel E.
Published: September 2017

In the last decade, new methods of estimating global species richness have been developed and existing ones improved through the use of more appropriate statistical tools and new data. Taking the mean of most of these new estimates indicates that globally there are approximately 1.5 million, 5.5 million, and 7 million species of beetles, insects, and terrestrial arthropods, respectively. Previous estimates of 30 million species or more based on the host specificity of insects to plants now seem extremely unlikely. With 1 million insect species named, this suggests that 80% remain to be discovered and that a greater focus should be placed on less-studied taxa such as many families of Coleoptera, Diptera, and Hymenoptera and on poorly sampled parts of the world. DNA tools have revealed many new species in taxonomically intractable groups, but unbiased studies of previously well-researched insect faunas indicate that 1–2% of species may be truly cryptic.
The Evolving Understanding of Dopamine Neurons in the Substantia Nigra and Ventral Tegmental Area
Authors: Gantz Stephanie C. , Ford Christopher P. , Morikawa Hitoshi , Williams John T.
Published: September 2017

In recent years, the population of neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and substantia nigra (SN) has been examined at multiple levels. The results indicate that the projections, neurochemistry, and receptor and ion channel expression in this cell population vary widely. This review centers on the intrinsic properties and synaptic regulation that control the activity of dopamine neurons. Although all dopamine neurons fire action potentials in a pacemaker pattern in the absence of synaptic input, the intrinsic properties that underlie this activity differ considerably. Likewise, the transition into a burst/pause pattern results from combinations of intrinsic ion conductances, inhibitory and excitatory synaptic inputs that differ among this cell population. Finally, synaptic plasticity is a key regulator of the rate and pattern of activity in different groups of dopamine neurons. Through these fundamental properties, the activity of dopamine neurons is regulated and underlies the wide-ranging functions that have been attributed to dopamine.
Role of eosinophils in the initiation and progression of pancreatitis pathogenesis
Authors: Manohar Murli , Verma Alok K. , Venkateshaiah Sathisha Upparahalli , Mishra Anil
Published: September 2017

Eosinophilic pancreatitis (EP) is reported in humans; however, the etiology and role of eosinophils in EP pathogenesis are poorly understood and not well explored. Therefore, it is interesting to examine the role of eosinophils in the initiation and progression of pancreatitis pathogenesis. Accordingly, we performed anti-major basic protein immunostaining, chloroacetate esterase, and Masson’s trichrome analyses to detect eosinophils, mast cells, and collagen in the tissue sections of mouse and human pancreas. Induced eosinophils accumulation and degranulation were observed in the tissue sections of human pancreatitis, compared with no eosinophils in the normal pancreatic tissue sections. Similarly, we observed induced tissue eosinophilia along with mast cells and acinar cells atrophy in cerulein-induced mouse model of chronic pancreatitis. Additionally, qPCR and ELISA analyses detected induced transcript and protein levels of proinflammatory and profibrotic cytokines, chemokines like IL 5, IL-18, eotaxin-1, eotaxin-2, TGF-β1, collagen-1, collagen-3, fibronectin, and α-SMA in experimental pancreatitis. Mechanistically, we show that eosinophil-deficient GATA1 and endogenous IL-5-deficient mice were protected from the induction of proinflammatory and profibrotic cytokines, chemokines, tissue eosinophilia, and mast cells in a cerulein-induced murine model of pancreatitis. These human and experimental data indicate that eosinophil accumulation and degranulation may have a critical role in promoting pancreatitis pathogenesis including fibrosis. Taken together, eosinophil tissue accumulation needs appropriate attention to understand and restrict the progression of pancreatitis pathogenesis in humans.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY The present study for the first time shows that eosinophils accumulate in the pancreas and promote disease pathogenesis, including fibrosis in earlier reported cerulein-induced experimental models of pancreatitis. Importantly, we show that GATA-1 and IL-5 deficiency protects mice form the induction of eosinophil active chemokines, and profibrotic cytokines, including accumulation of tissue collagen in an experimental model of pancreatitis. Additionally, we state that cerulein-induced chronic pancreatitis is independent of blood eosinophilia.