bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Building and utilizing fault tolerance support tools for the GASPI applications
Authors: Shahzad Faisal , Kreutzer Moritz , Zeiser Thomas , Machado Rui , Pieper Andreas , Hager Georg , Wellein Gerhard
Published: November 2016

Today’s high performance computing systems are made possible by multiple increases in hardware parallelity. This results in the decrease of mean time to failures of the systems with each newer generation, which is an alarming trend. Therefore, it is not surprising that a lot of research is going on in the area of fault tolerance and fault mitigation. Applications should survive a failure and/or be able to recover with minimal cost.

We have used Global Address Space Programming Interface (GASPI), which is a relatively new communication library based on the PGAS model. It fulfills the basic requirement of a fault tolerant communication library, i.e. the failure of a process does not cause the remaining processes to fail. This work is focused on extending the fault tolerance features of GASPI in the form of a supporting health-check library that applications can benefit from. These features include failure detection, its information propagation, recovery management, communication recovery, etc. To reinforce its utility, we have also developed a fault tolerant neighbor node-level checkpoint/restart library.

Instead of introducing algorithm-based fault tolerance in its true sense, we demonstrate how (using these supplementary fault tolerance functions) one can build applications to allow integrate a low cost fault detection/recovery mechanism and, if necessary, recover the application on the fly. We showcase the usage of these tools by implementing them in three different applications. Two of the applications fall in the category of linear sparse solvers, whereas the third application is based on a fluid flow solver. We also analyze the overheads involved in failure-free cases as well as various failure cases. Our fault detection mechanism causes no overhead in failure-free cases, whereas in case of failure(s), the failure detection and recovery cost is of reasonably acceptable order and shows good scalability.
Primer in Genetics and Genomics, Article 1
Authors: Dorman Janice S. , Schmella Mandy J. , Wesmiller Susan W.
Published: November 2016

Precision medicine refers to the practice of determining a patient’s unique genetic, biomarker, and other characteristics for the purpose of improving his or her clinical outcomes. Not all patients with the same clinical diagnosis respond equally to identical treatment regimens. By examining patients at the molecular level, health-care providers will be better able to apply the most effective therapies that each individual requires. To understand precision medicine, nurses must have a solid understanding of genomics and proteomics. The purpose of this article is to (1) provide a historical review of what and how we have learned about the genome, particularly in the past century, (2) explain the processes whereby genetic information in cellular DNA is transcribed to messenger RNA and translated to protein, and (3) introduce genetic and epigenetic mechanisms that regulate gene expression.
A Review of the Pacific Media Landscape: A Baseline Study
Authors: Papoutsaki Evangelia , Thomas Verena , Horst Heather , Tacchi Jo , Noske-Turner Jessica , Eggins Joys
Published: November 2016

This article draws upon the Pacific Media Assistance Scheme (PACMAS) State of Media and Communication Report to examine the implications of a changing media landscape for journalism practice in the Pacific region. The report contributes to an understanding of the diverse media and communications environments in the Pacific Islands (PI) region and captures aspects of the variations both in media, and in context, across and within the 14 Pacific Islands countries. This article highlights the need for synergies in the Pacific Islands to strengthen legislation, capacity-building initiatives and content production in a fast-changing digital environment.
Evolution of manifestos in a developing parliamentary democracy with proportional representation and multiparty coalition governments
Authors: Kropivnik Samo , Lipicer Simona Kustec
Published: November 2016

In exploring the first two decades of evolution of political programmes applied for the electoral processes in Slovenia, a young European multiparty parliamentary democracy with a proportional electoral system and multiparty government coalitions, the article contributes to a rich tradition of studying the programmes of political parties as relevant narrators of the development of democratic systems and suggests an answer to ‘why do parties write manifestos?’ The main findings include the distinct issue emphasis of parliamentary and non-parliamentary parties’ manifestos and convergence in issue emphasis over time among parliamentary parties who go on to form coalition governments. Regarding the ‘why’, these and other findings indicate that the manifestos considered here are intended more for post-election purposes – in particular, for the formation of alliances and negotiating and running a coalition government – than for attracting voters in the pre-election period. Party programmes are seen more as self-intended tools for political struggle than as promoters or control mechanisms for the further development of the democratic political system.
Delaying and seeking care for obstructive sleep apnea: The role of gender, family, and morality
Authors: Zarhin Dana
Published: November 2016

Social scientists have proposed various theories as to when, why, and how people come to seek medical care for multiple conditions. Yet, there is still little empirical research to illustrate the pathways into and out of care, especially for chronic illness. This article contributes to this body of work by exploring individuals’ reasons for delaying and seeking care for obstructive sleep apnea, which despite being the most diagnosed sleep disorder, has been largely neglected by social scientists. Drawing upon in-depth interviews with 65 Jewish-Israeli obstructive sleep apnea patients, this study shows how intersections of gender, family, and morality shape and are shaped by care-seeking behavior. The analysis reveals that married men claim they do not do health, thereby reaffirming their masculinity, but they maintain moral status because their wives do much of their illness work for them. Unmarried men, however, claim to be more vigilant in their pursuit of health and present it as one of their responsibilities. Women acknowledge they have the double burden of protecting their own health as well as that of their loved ones, and often feel that they are incapable of meeting these social expectations. However, men and women are able to maintain moral status by explaining their neglect of health as resulting from their attempts to care for significant others. Finally, married women differ from men and unmarried women in their motivations for seeking care. In keeping with their gender roles, married women emphasize disturbance to others whereas men stress disturbance to self.
Interaction and common ground in dementia: Communication across linguistic and cultural diversity in a residential dementia care setting
Authors: Strandroos Lisa , Antelius Eleonor
Published: November 2016

Previous research concerning bilingual people with a dementia disease has mainly focused on the importance of sharing a spoken language with caregivers. While acknowledging this, this article addresses the multidimensional character of communication and interaction. As using spoken language is made difficult as a consequence of the dementia disease, this multidimensionality becomes particularly important. The article is based on a qualitative analysis of ethnographic fieldwork at a dementia care facility. It presents ethnographic examples of different communicative forms, with particular focus on bilingual interactions. Interaction is understood as a collective and collaborative activity. The text finds that a shared spoken language is advantageous, but is not the only source of, nor a guarantee for, creating common ground and understanding. Communicative resources other than spoken language are for example body language, embodiment, artefacts and time. Furthermore, forms of communication are not static but develop, change and are created over time. Ability to communicate is thus not something that one has or has not, but is situationally and collaboratively created. To facilitate this, time and familiarity are central resources, and the results indicate the importance of continuity in interpersonal relations.
The Heil v Rankin approach to law-making
Authors: Campbell David
Published: November 2016

In a remarkably frank paper, Professor Andrew Burrows has shed some light on the process by which awards for non-pecuniary loss in personal injury cases were uplifted in Heil v Rankin, a process in which he played a leading role as a Law Commissioner. In apparent disregard of the criticisms to which this process has been subjected, Burrows regards it as an example of a valuable ‘methodology’ of common law law reform. These criticisms are reviewed in this paper and to them is added a criticism of the concept of ‘normal decision-making’ by the courts that is the basis of Burrows’ views. Heil v Rankin was far from normal decision-making, but in this it was merely of a piece with all awards of damages for non-pecuniary loss, for such damages have no grounding in the common law adjudication of awards of compensation. The further development in Simmons v Castle of the judicial legislation effected in Heil v Rankin is also considered.
Does the Threat of Suspension Curb Dangerous Behavior in Soccer? A Case Study From the Premier League
Authors: VanDerwerken Douglas N. , Rothert Jacek , Nguelifack Brice M.
Published: November 2016

Using data from the 2011-2012 season of the Premier League, we study empirically and theoretically the impact of soccer suspension rules on the behavior of players and referees. For players facing a potential one-game suspension, being one versus two yellow cards away from the suspension limit results in an approximate 12% reduction in fouling, while for those facing a potential two-game suspension, the reduction is approximately 23%. The probability such players receive a yellow card is also reduced. In addition, we find some evidence of slight referee bias for the home team in the dispensing of penalty cards, but not in the calling of fouls. Finally, we develop a theoretical framework for investigating the effects of suspension rules on the number of fouls committed. Within this framework, we investigate how policy instruments such as referees’ propensity to give out yellow cards or their consistency in giving them out affect the impact of suspension rules.
Availability of endovascular therapies for cerebrovascular disease at primary stroke centers
Authors: Alberts Mark J , Range Jean , Spencer William , Cantwell Vicki , Hampel MJ
Published: November 2016

Background

Endovascular therapies (EVTs) are useful for treating cerebrovascular disease. There are few data about the availability of such services at primary stroke centers (PSCs). Our hypothesis was that some of these services may be available at some PSCs.

Methods

We conducted an internet-based survey of hospitals certified as PSCs by the Joint Commission. The survey inquired about EVTs such as intra-arterial (IA) lytics, IA mechanical clot removal, coiling of aneurysms, and cervical arterial stenting, physician training, coverage models, hospital type, and outcomes. Chi-square analyses were used to detect differences between academic and community PSCs.

Results

Data were available from 352 PSCs, of which 75% were community hospitals, 23% academic medical centers, and 80% were non-profit; almost half (48%) see 300 or more patients annually with ischemic stroke. A majority (60%) provided some or all EVTs on site, while 29% had none on site and no plans to add them. Among the respondents offering EVTs, 95% offered stenting of neck vessels, 86% IA lytics, 80% IA mechanical, and 74% aneurysm coiling. The majority (>55%) that did offer such services provided them 24/7/365. Most endovascular coverage was provided by interventional neuroradiologists (60%), fellowship trained endovascular neurosurgeons (42%), and interventional radiologists (41%). The majority of hospitals (81%) did not participate in an audited national registry.

Conclusions

A variety of EVT services are offered at many PSCs by interventionalists with diverse types of training. The availability of such services is clinically relevant now with the proven efficacy of mechanical thrombectomy for ischemic stroke.
Height control for a two-mass hopping robot based on stable limit cycle
Authors: Zhang Taihui , An Honglei , Wei Qing , Hou Wenqi , Ma Hongxu
Published: November 2016

Differing from the commonly used spring loaded inverted pendulum model, this paper makes use of a two-mass spring model considering impact between the foot and ground which is closer to the real hopping robot. The height of upper mass which includes the upper leg and body is the main control objective. Then we develop a new kind of control algorithm acting on two levels: The upper level aims to achieve the desired velocity of the upper mass based on a stable limit cycle, where three different controllers are used to regulate the limit cycle; the target of the lower level is to drive the system to converge to the desired state and control the contact force between the foot and ground within an appropriate range based on the inner force control at the same time. Simulation results presented in this paper confirm the efficiency of this control algorithm.
Inverse kinematics for the variable geometry truss manipulator via a Lagrangian dual method
Authors: Zhao Yanchun , Hu Shiqiang , Yang Yongsheng
Published: November 2016

This article studies the inverse kinematics problem of the variable geometry truss manipulator. The problem is cast as an optimization process which can be divided into two steps. Firstly, according to the information about the location of the end effector and fixed base, an optimal center curve and the corresponding distribution of the intermediate platforms along this center line are generated. This procedure is implemented by solving a non-convex optimization problem that has a quadratic objective function subject to quadratic constraints. Then, in accordance with the distribution of the intermediate platforms along the optimal center curve, all lengths of the actuators are calculated via the inverse kinematics of each variable geometry truss module. Hence, the approach that we present is an optimization procedure that attempts to generate the optimal intermediate platform distribution along the optimal central curve, while the performance index and kinematic constraints are satisfied. By using the Lagrangian duality theory, a closed-form optimal solution of the original optimization is given. The numerical simulation substantiates the effectiveness of the introduced approach.
Ego-motion estimation using sparse SURF flow in monocular vision systems
Authors: Wang Yan , Fan Jingzhe , Qian Chen , Guo Lei
Published: November 2016

The multilayer bucketing screener has proved to be effective to tune the sparse Speeded-Up Robust Features (SURF) flow. It not only reduces the influence of illumination changes but also makes the distribution of optical flow more uniform. Based on sparse SURF flow with multilayer bucketing screener, a complete scheme for the ego-motion estimation in monocular vision systems is proposed. Taking the advantage of two-view estimation to obtain the relative scale, we use the ground plane estimation to calculate the absolute scale. Random sample consensus-based outlier rejection schemes are applied to reduce the scale drift. Then experiments are implemented to evaluate our method in real environments. We tested four data sets, and the results show that our method gains smaller average errors than the other two.
Acquisition of a space representation by a naive agent from sensorimotor invariance and proprioceptive compensation
Authors: Le Clec’H Gurvan , Gas Bruno , O’Regan J. Kevin
Published: November 2016

In this article, we present a simple agent which learns an internal representation of space without a priori knowledge of its environment, body, or sensors. The learned environment is seen as an internal space representation. This representation is isomorphic to the group of transformations applied to the environment. The model solves certain theoretical and practical issues encountered in previous work in sensorimotor contingency theory. Considering the mathematical description of the internal representation, analysis of its properties and simulations, we prove that this internal representation is equivalent to knowledge of space.
Evolution of Sex Differences in Trait- and Age-Specific Vulnerabilities
Authors: Geary David C.
Published: November 2016

Traits that facilitate competition for reproductive resources or that influence mate choice generally have a heightened sensitivity to stressors. They have evolved to signal resilience to infectious disease and nutritional and social stressors, and they are compromised by exposure to man-made toxins. Although these traits can differ from one species or sex to the next, an understanding of the dynamics of competition and choice can in theory be used to generate a priori predictions about sex-, age-, and trait-specific vulnerabilities for any sexually reproducing species. I provide a review of these dynamics and illustrate associated vulnerabilities in nonhuman species. The age- and sex-specific vulnerability of such traits is then illustrated for stressor-related disruptions of boys’ and girls’ physical growth and play behavior, as well as for aspects of boys’ and girls’ and men’s and women’s personality, language, and spatial abilities. There is much that remains to be determined, but enough is now known to reframe trait sensitivity in ways that will allow scientists and practitioners to better identify and understand vulnerable human traits, and eventually ameliorate or prevent their expression.
Giving Credit Where Credit’s Due
Authors: Simonton Dean Keith
Published: November 2016

More than a century of scientific research has shed considerable light on how a scientist’s contributions to psychological science might be best assessed and duly recognized. This brief overview of that empirical evidence concentrates on recognition for lifetime career achievements in psychological science. After discussing both productivity and citation indicators, the treatment turns to critical precautions in the application of these indicators to psychologists. These issues concern both predictive validity and interjudge reliability. In the former case, not only are the predictive validities for standard indicators relatively small, but the indicators can exhibit important non-merit-based biases that undermine validity. In the latter case, peer consensus in the evaluation of scientific contributions is appreciably lower in psychology than in the natural sciences, a fact that has consequences for citation measures as well. Psychologists must therefore exercise considerable care in judging achievements in psychological science—both their own and those of others.
Intrinsic and Extrinsic Science
Authors: Feist Gregory J.
Published: November 2016

In this article, I argue that scientific fame and impact exists on a continuum from the mundane to the transformative/revolutionary. Ideally, one achieves fame and impact in science by synthesizing two extreme career prototypes: intrinsic and extrinsic research. The former is guided by interest, curiosity, passion, gut, and intuition for important untapped topics. The latter is guided by money, grants, and/or what is being published in top-tier journals. Assessment of fame and impact in science ultimately rests on productivity (publication) and some variation of its impact (citations). In addition to those traditional measures of impact, there are some relatively new metrics (e.g., the h index and altmetrics). If psychology is to achieve consensual cumulative progress and better rates of replication, I propose that upcoming psychologists would do well to understand that success is not equal to fame and that individual career success is not necessarily the same as disciplinary success. Finally, if one is to have a successful and perhaps even famous career in psychological science, a good strategy would be to synthesize intrinsic and extrinsic motives for one’s research.
Eminence and Omniscience
Authors: Foss Donald J.
Published: November 2016

In this article, I review, comment upon, and assess some of the suggestions for evaluating scientific merit as suggested by contributors to this symposium. I ask the reader to take the perspective of the individual who has the final say in making a tenure, promotion, or hiring decision. I also ask that one imagine the difference between the fallible human state we are in on such an occasion and what it would be like to be omniscient when making such decisions. After adopting the terminology of “deep” and “surface” eminence, I consider what an omniscient being would take into account to determine eminence and to guide decision-making. After discussing how some proposed improvements in assessing merit might move us closer to wise decisions, I conclude by noting that both data and judgment are, and will continue to be, necessary. A clerk cannot determine eminence.
Reflective practice and professional autonomy
Authors: Sanfey John
Published: November 2016

Reflective practice is the core competency required to retain a licence to practice under current medical revalidation regulations. The concept of reflection, however, is often misunderstood. Much of the confusion arises from context. In terms of professional regulation, doctors are considered safe when they demonstrate the ability to self-correct. Self-correction requires both reflection and action. In some contexts reflection without action is entirely appropriate, but in many professional contexts the quality of reflection is judged by the effectiveness of actions arising from it. This article explores the nature of reflective practice and its relationship to professional freedom and regulation.
Intraorbital wooden foreign body detected by computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Di Gaeta Alfredo , Giurazza Francesco , Capobianco Eugenio , Diano Alvaro , Muto Mario
Published: November 2016

To identify and localize an intraorbital wooden foreign body is often a challenging radiological issue; delayed diagnosis can lead to serious adverse complications. Preliminary radiographic interpretations are often integrated with computed tomography and magnetic resonance, which play a crucial role in reaching the correct definitive diagnosis. We report on a 40 years old male complaining of pain in the right orbit referred to our hospital for evaluation of eyeball pain and double vision with an unclear clinical history. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance scans supposed the presence of an abscess caused by a foreign intraorbital body, confirmed by surgical findings.
The digital “lure”: Small businesses and Pokémon Go
Authors: Frith Jordan
Published: November 2016

Most of the discussion about Pokémon Go has focused on the end-user and the playful nature of the game. Experts have mentioned the game’s commercialism, but they have done so mostly by talking about the data collection practices of the app developers. This commentary piece takes a different approach by examining how businesses have used Pokémon Go’s “lures” to attract foot traffic. The main goal of the article is to show how the ludic, digital wayfaring of location-based games can be used by individual places to attract players. While the focus is on business owners, I will also address how game mechanics could also be used to encourage prosocial behaviors such as voting (in noncompulsory voting countries).
Pokémon GO as distributed imagination
Authors: Giddings Seth
Published: November 2016

The appeal of Pokémon GO is in large part due to the game’s introduction of locative augmented reality to popular media culture, as players’ mobile phones summon virtual creatures and overlay them on the immediate environment. The significance of this novel device (within popular children’s culture at least) is open to question however. The workings of imagination in children’s lives have always populated mundane experience with nonactual actions and characters, and these processes have been mechanized and monetized by commercial children’s culture over decades, not least in the transmedia system of Pokémon itself. What can critical attention to imagination and technology in pre- and postdigital play tell us about the hybrid realities of Pokémon GO today?
Educational Decision Making With Visual Data and Graphical Interpretation
Authors: Alverson Charlotte Y. , Yamamoto Scott H.
Published: November 2016

In this study, we used a paper–pencil questionnaire to investigate whether teachers, administrators, and parents differed in their preferences and accuracy when interpreting visual data displays for decision making. For the data analysis, we used nonparametric tests due to violations of distributional assumptions for using parametric tests. We found no significant differences between the three groups on graph preference, but within two groups, we found statistically significant differences in preference. We also found statistically significant differences in accuracy between parents and administrators for two graphs—grouped columns and stacked columns. Implications for researchers and education stakeholders, and recommendations for further research are provided.
Communication and Sport
Authors: Wenner Lawrence A.
Published: November 2016

In this editorial essay, Communication and Sport Editor-in-Chief Lawrence Wenner reflects on the trajectory and role of the journal since its inception in 2012 and first publication in 2013. Considered are how the contours of Communication and Sport as a scholarly project were defined in important ways by an inaugural double issue in 2013 that featured key figures in the development of communication and sport as an articulated and important area of inquiry and have been given further shape by key studies, special issues and research forums published in the journal’s first three years. The latter part of the essay considers the maturation and rising interest in the journal over its first four years of publication and how this drove the move, in year five, to publish six issues a year beginning in 2017.
A functional magnetic resonance imaging investigation of visual hallucinations in the human striate cortex
Authors: Abid Hina , Ahmad Fayyaz , Lee Soo Y. , Park Hyun W. , Im Dongmi , Ahmad Iftikhar , Chaudhary Safee U.
Published: November 2016

Purpose

Human beings frequently experience fear, phobia, migraine and hallucinations, however, the cerebral mechanisms underpinning these conditions remain poorly understood. Towards this goal, in this work, we aim to correlate the human ocular perceptions with visual hallucinations, and map them to their cerebral origins.

Methods

An fMRI study was performed to examine the visual cortical areas including the striate, parastriate and peristriate cortex in the occipital lobe of the human brain. 24 healthy subjects were enrolled and four visual patterns including hallucination circle (HCC), hallucination fan (HCF), retinotopy circle (RTC) and retinotopy cross (RTX) were used towards registering their impact in the aforementioned visual related areas. One-way analysis of variance was used to evaluate the significance of difference between induced activations. Multinomial regression and and K-means were used to cluster activation patterns in visual areas of the brain.

Results

Significant activations were observed in the visual cortex as a result of stimulus presentation. The responses induced by visual stimuli were resolved to Brodmann areas 17, 18 and 19. Activation data clustered into independent and mutually exclusive clusters with HCC registering higher activations as compared to HCF, RTC and RTX.

Conclusions

We conclude that small circular objects, in rotation, tend to leave greater hallucinating impressions in the visual region. The similarity between observed activation patterns and those reported in conditions such as epilepsy and visual hallucinations can help elucidate the cortical mechanisms underlying these conditions.

Trial Registration 1121_GWJUNG
MYSM1-dependent checkpoints in B cell lineage differentiation and B cell–mediated immune response
Authors: Förster Michael , Farrington Kyo , Petrov Jessica C , Belle Jad I , Mindt Barbara C , Witalis Mariko , Duerr Claudia U , Fritz Jörg H , Nijnik Anastasia
Published: November 2016

MYSM1 is a chromatin-binding histone deubiquitinase. MYSM1 mutations in humans result in lymphopenia whereas loss of Mysm1 in mice causes severe hematopoietic abnormalities, including an early arrest in B cell development. However, it remains unknown whether MYSM1 is required at later checkpoints in B cell development or for B cell–mediated immune responses. We analyzed conditional mouse models Mysm1fl/flTg.mb1-cre, Mysm1fl/flTg.CD19-cre, and Mysm1fl/flTg.CD21-cre with inactivation of Mysm1 at prepro-B, pre-B, and follicular B cell stages of development. We show that loss of Mysm1 at the prepro-B cell stage in Mysm1fl/flTg.mb1-cre mice results in impaired B cell differentiation, with an ∼2-fold reduction in B cell numbers in the lymphoid organs. Mysm1fl/flTg.mb1-cre B cells also showed increased expression of activation markers and impaired survival and proliferation. In contrast, Mysm1 was largely dispensable from the pre-B cell stage onward, with Mysm1fl/flTg.CD19-cre and Mysm1fl/flTg.CD21-cre mice showing no alterations in B cell numbers and largely normal responses to stimulation. MYSM1, therefore, has an essential role in B cell lineage specification but is dispensable at later stages of development. Importantly, MYSM1 activity at the prepro-B cell stage of development is important for the normal programming of B cell responses to stimulation once they complete their maturation process
Increased VLDL-TG Fatty Acid Storage in Skeletal Muscle in Men With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Andersen Iben R. , Søndergaard Esben , Sørensen Lars P. , Nellemann Birgitte , Gormsen Lars C. , Jensen Michael D. , Nielsen Søren
Published: November 2016

Context:

Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity is considered the rate-limiting step of very-low-density-lipoprotein triglycerides (VLDL-TG) tissue storage, and has been suggested to relate to the development of obesity as well as insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.

Objective:

The objective of the study was to assess the relationship between the quantitative storage of VLDL-TG fatty acids and LPL activity and other storage factors in muscle and adipose tissue. In addition, we examine whether such relations were influenced by type 2 diabetes.

Design:

We recruited 23 men (12 with type 2 diabetes, 11 nondiabetic) matched for age and body mass index. Postabsorptive VLDL-TG muscle and subcutaneous adipose tissue (abdominal and leg) quantitative storage was measured using tissue biopsies in combination with a primed-constant infusion of ex vivo triolein labeled [1-14C]VLDL-TG and a bolus infusion of ex vivo triolein labeled [9,10-3H]VLDL-TG. Biopsies were analyzed for LPL activity and cellular storage factors.

Results:

VLDL-TG storage rate was significantly greater in men with type 2 diabetes compared with nondiabetic men in muscle tissue (P = 0.02). We found no significant relationship between VLDL-TG storage rate and LPL activity or other storage factors in muscle or adipose tissue. However, LPL activity correlated with fractional VLDL-TG storage in abdominal fat (P = 0.04).

Conclusions:

Men with type 2 diabetes have increased VLDL-TG storage in muscle tissue, potentially contributing to increased intramyocellular triglyceride and ectopic lipid deposition. Neither muscle nor adipose tissue storage rates were related to LPL activity. This argues against LPL as a rate-limiting step in the postabsorptive quantitative storage of VLDL-TG.
The Effect of Implementation of Preoperative and Postoperative Care Elements of a Perioperative Surgical Home Model on Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Hip Arthroplasty or Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Vetter Thomas R. , Barman Joydip , Hunter James M. , Jones Keith A. , Pittet Jean-Francois
Published: November 2016

BACKGROUND:

The Perioperative Surgical Home (PSH) seeks to remedy the currently highly fragmented and expensive perioperative care in the United States. The 2 specific aims of this health services research study were to assess the association between the preoperative and postoperative elements of an initial PSH model and a set of (1) clinical, quality, and patient safety outcomes and (2) operational and financial outcomes, in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) or total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

METHODS:

A 2-group before-and-after study design, with a nonrandomized preintervention PSH (PRE-PSH group, N = 1225) and postintervention PSH (POST-PSH group, N = 1363) data-collection strategy, was applied in this retrospective observational study. The 2 study groups were derived from 2 sequential 24-month time periods. Conventional inferential statistical tests were applied to assess group differences and associations, including regression modeling.

RESULTS:

Compared with the PRE-PSH group, there was a 7.2% (95% confidence interval [CI], 4.0%–10.4%, P < .001) increase in day of surgery on-time starts (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.54; 95% CI, 1.70–3.80; P < .001); a 5.8% (95% CI, 3.1%–8.5%, P < .001) decrease in day of surgery anesthesia-related delays (aOR 0.66; 95% CI, 0.52–0.84, P < .001); and a 2.2% (95% CI, 0.5%–3.9%, P = .011) decrease in ICU admission rate (aOR 0.45; 95% CI, 0.31–0.66, P < .001) in the POST-PSH group. There was a 0.6 (95% CI, 0.5–0.7) decrease in the number of ICU days in the POST-PSH group compared with the PRE-PSH group (P = .028); however, there was no significant difference (0.1 day; 95% CI, −0.03 to 0.23) in the total hospital length of stay between the 2 study groups (P = .14). There was also no significant difference (1.2%; 95% CI, −0.6 to 3.0) in the all-cause readmission rate between the study groups (P = .18). Compared with the PRE-PSH group, the entire POST-PSH group was associated with a $432 (95% CI, 270–594) decrease in direct nonsurgery costs for the THA (P < .001) and a $601 (95% CI, 430–772) decrease in direct nonsurgery costs for the TKA (P < .001) patients.

CONCLUSIONS:

On the basis of our preliminary findings, it appears that a PSH model with its expanded role of the anesthesiologist as the “perioperativist” can be associated with improvements in the operational outcomes of increased on-time surgery starts and reduced anesthesia-related delays and day-of-surgery case cancellations, and decreased selected costs in patients undergoing THA and TKA.
Gene silencing of Nox4 by CpG island methylation during hepatocarcinogenesis in rats
Authors: López-Álvarez Guadalupe S. , Wojdacz Tomasz K. , García-Cuellar Claudia M. , Monroy-Ramírez Hugo C. , Rodríguez Segura Miguel A. , Pacheco Rivera Ruth A. , Valencia-Antúnez Carlos A. , Cervantes-Anaya Nancy C. , Soto-Reyes Ernesto , Vázquez-Garzón Verónica R. , Sánchez-Pérez Yesennia , Villa Treviño Saúl
Published: November 2016

The association between the downregulation of genes and DNA methylation in their CpG islands has been extensively studied as a mechanism that favors carcinogenesis. The objective of this study was to analyze the methylation of a set of genes selected based on their microarray expression profiles during the process of hepatocarcinogenesis. Rats were sacrificed at: 24 Hours, 7, 11, 16 and 30 days and 5, 9, 12 and 18 months post-treatment. We evaluated the methylation status in the CpG islands of four deregulated genes (Casp3, Cldn1, Pex11a and Nox4) using methylation-sensitive high-resolution melting technology for the samples obtained from different stages of hepatocarcinogenesis. We did not observe methylation in Casp3, Cldn1 or Pex11a. However, Nox4 exhibited altered methylation patterns, reaching a maximum of 10%, even during the early stages of hepatocarcinogenesis. We observed downregulation of mRNA and protein of Nox4 (97.5% and 40%, respectively) after the first carcinogenic stimulus relative to the untreated samples. Our results suggest that Nox4 downregulation is associated with DNA methylation of the CpG Island in its promoter. We propose that methylation is a mechanism that can silence the expression of Nox4, which could contribute to the acquisition of neoplastic characteristics during hepatocarcinogenesis in rats.
Utilising polymorphisms to achieve allele-specific genome editing in zebrafish
Authors: Capon Samuel J. , Baillie Gregory J. , Bower Neil I. , da Silva Jason A. , Paterson Scott , Hogan Benjamin M. , Simons Cas , Smith Kelly A.
Published: November 2016

The advent of genome editing has significantly altered genetic research, including research using the zebrafish model. To better understand the selectivity of the commonly used CRISPR/Cas9 system, we investigated single base pair mismatches in target sites and examined how they affect genome editing in the zebrafish model. Using two different zebrafish strains that have been deep sequenced, CRISPR/Cas9 target sites containing polymorphisms between the two strains were identified. These strains were crossed (creating heterozygotes at polymorphic sites) and CRISPR/Cas9 complexes that perfectly complement one strain injected. Sequencing of targeted sites showed biased, allele-specific editing for the perfectly complementary sequence in the majority of cases (14/19). To test utility, we examined whether phenotypes generated by F0 injection could be internally controlled with such polymorphisms. Targeting of genes bmp7a and chordin showed reduction in the frequency of phenotypes in injected “heterozygotes” compared with injecting the strain with perfect complementarity. Next, injecting CRISPR/Cas9 complexes targeting two separate sites created deletions, but deletions were biased to selected chromosomes when one CRISPR/Cas9 target contains a polymorphism. Finally, integration of loxP sequences occurred preferential in alleles with perfect complementarity. These experiments demonstrate that SNPs present throughout the genome can be utilised to increase the efficiency of in cis genome editing using CRISPR/Cas9 in the zebrafish model.
Metabolism and antioxidant defense in the larval chironomidTanytarsus minutipalpus: Adjustments to diel variations in the extreme conditions of Lake Magadi
Authors: Bianchini Lucas F. , Wood Chris M. , Bergman Harold L. , Johannsson Ora E. , Laurent Pierre , Chevalier Claudine , Kisipan Mosiany L. , Kavembe Geraldine D. , Papah Michael B. , Brix Kevin V. , De Boeck Gudrun , Maina John N. , Ojoo Rodi O. , Bianchini Adalto
Published: November 2016

Insect larvae are reported to be a major component of the simple but highly productive trophic web found in Lake Magadi (Kenya, Africa), which is considered to be one of the most extreme aquatic environments on Earth. Previous studies show that fish must display biochemical and physiological adjustments to thrive under the extreme conditions of the lake. However, information for invertebrates is lacking. In the present study, the occurrence of the larval chironomid Tanytarsus minutipalpus is reported in Lake Magadi for the first time. Additionally, changes in larval metabolism and antioxidant defense correlated with diel variations in the extremely hostile environmental conditions of the lake are described. Wide variations in water temperature (20.2-29.3oC) and dissolved oxygen content (3.2-18.6 mg O2 L−1) were observed at different times of day, without significant change in water pH (10.0±0.03). Temperature and dissolved oxygen were higher at 1:00 pm (29.3±0.4oC and 18.6±1.0 mg O2 L−1) and 7:00 pm (29.3±0.8oC and 16.2±1.6 mg O2 L−1) and lower at 1:00 am (21.1±0.1oC and 10.7±0.03 mg O2 L−1) and 7:00 am (20.2±0.4oC and 3.2±0.7 mg O2 L−1). Significant and parallel increases in parameters related to metabolism (cholinesterase, glucose, cholesterol, urea, creatinine and hemoglobin) and the antioxidant system (SOD, GPx, GR, GSH and GSSG) were observed in larvae collected at 1:00 pm. In contrast, no significant changes were observed in pro-oxidants (ROS and NO), TOSC and oxidative damage parameters (LPO and DNA damage). Therefore, the observed increases in temperature and dissolved O2 content in Lake Magadi were associated with changes in the antioxidant system of T. minutipalpus larvae. Adjustments performed by the chironomid larvae were efficient in maintaining body homeostasis, as well as protecting biomolecules against oxidative damage, so that oxidative stress did not occur. GSH-GSSG and GPx-GR systems appeared to play an essential role in the adjustments displayed by the chironomid larvae during the diel changes in the extreme conditions of Lake Magadi.
Optimized inducible shRNA and CRISPR/Cas9 platforms for in vitro studies of human development using hPSCs
Authors: Bertero Alessandro , Pawlowski Matthias , Ortmann Daniel , Snijders Kirsten , Yiangou Loukia , Cardoso de Brito Miguel , Brown Stephanie , Bernard William G. , Cooper James D. , Giacomelli Elisa , Gambardella Laure , Hannan Nicholas R. F. , Iyer Dharini , Sampaziotis Fotios , Serrano Felipe , Zonneveld Mariëlle C. F. , Sinha Sanjay , Kotter Mark , Vallier Ludovic
Published: November 2016

Inducible loss of gene function experiments are necessary to uncover mechanisms underlying development, physiology and disease. However, current methods are complex, lack robustness and do not work in multiple cell types. Here we address these limitations by developing single-step optimized inducible gene knockdown or knockout (sOPTiKD or sOPTiKO) platforms. These are based on genetic engineering of human genomic safe harbors combined with an improved tetracycline-inducible system and CRISPR/Cas9 technology. We exemplify the efficacy of these methods in human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), and show that generation of sOPTiKD/KO hPSCs is simple, rapid and allows tightly controlled individual or multiplexed gene knockdown or knockout in hPSCs and in a wide variety of differentiated cells. Finally, we illustrate the general applicability of this approach by investigating the function of transcription factors (OCT4 and T), cell cycle regulators (cyclin D family members) and epigenetic modifiers (DPY30). Overall, sOPTiKD and sOPTiKO provide a unique opportunity for functional analyses in multiple cell types relevant for the study of human development.
A common framework for EMT and collective cell migration
Authors: Campbell Kyra , Casanova Jordi
Published: November 2016

During development, cells often switch between static and migratory behaviours. Such transitions are fundamental events in development and are linked to harmful consequences in pathology. It has long been considered that epithelial cells either migrate collectively as epithelial cells, or undergo an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and migrate as individual mesenchymal cells. Here, we assess what is currently known about in vivo cell migratory phenomena and hypothesise that such migratory behaviours do not fit into alternative and mutually exclusive categories. Rather, we propose that these categories can be viewed as the most extreme cases of a general continuum of morphological variety, with cells harbouring different degrees or combinations of epithelial and mesenchymal features and displaying an array of migratory behaviours.
An interview with David McClay
Authors: Maartens Aidan
Published: November 2016

David McClay is the Arthur S. Pearse Professor of Biology at Trinity College of Arts and Sciences, Duke University, North Carolina. His lab works on the transcriptional control of morphogenesis in the sea urchin embryo. We caught up with David at the 2016 Society for Developmental Biology – International Society of Differentiation joint meeting in Boston, where he received the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Influence of cardiac motion on stent lumen visualization in third generation dual-source CT employing a pulsatile heart model
Authors: Petri Nils , Gassenmaier Tobias , Allmendinger Thomas , Flohr Thomas , Voelker Wolfram , Bley Thorsten A
Published: November 2016

Objective:

To detect an in-stent restenosis, an invasive coronary angiography is commonly performed. Owing to the risk associated with this procedure, a non-invasive method to detect or exclude an in-stent restenosis is desirable. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of cardiac motion on stent lumen visibility in a third-generation dual-source CT scanner (SOMATOM Force; Siemens Healthcare, Forchheim, Germany), employing a pulsatile heart model (CoroSim®; Mecora, Aachen, Germany).

Methods:

13 coronary stents with a diameter of 3.0 mm were implanted in plastic tubes filled with a contrast medium and then fixed onto the pulsatile phantom heart model. The scans were performed while the heart model mimicked the heartbeat. Coronary stents were scanned in an orientation parallel to the scanner z-axis. The evaluation of the stents was performed by employing a medium sharp convolution kernel optimized for vascular imaging.

Results:

The mean visible stent lumen was reduced from 65.6 ± 5.7% for the stents at rest to 60.8 ± 4.4% for the stents in motion (p-value: <0.001).

Conclusion:

While the difference in lumen visibility between stents in motion and at rest was significant, the use of this third-generation dual-source CT scanner enabled a high stent lumen visibility under the influence of cardiac motion. Whether this translates into a clinical setting has to be evaluated in further patient studies.

Advances in knowledge:

The employed modern CT scanner enables a high stent lumen visibility even under the influence of cardiac motion, which is important to detect or exclude an in-stent restenosis.
Η ψυχολογική επίδραση του ελεύθερου και κατευθυνόμενου παιχνιδιού σε παιδιά προσχολικής ηλικίας
Authors: Στεφανοπούλου Χρυσάνθη
Published: November 2016

Η εισήγηση προσεγγίζει την ιστορία του παιχνιδιού και την σημασιολογική και ειδολογική εξέλιξη του. Αρχικά, επισημαίνονται οι έννοιες, τα χαρακτηριστικά αλλά και οι αξίες του παιχνιδιού. Είναι αξιοσημείωτο, πόσες ψυχολογικές και κοινωνικές θεωρίες έχουν αναπτυχθεί από σπουδαίους επιστήμονες όσον αφορά στη συσχέτιση της ψυχολογίας του παιδιού με το παιχνίδι. Στη συνέχεια, σημαντική θεωρείται η ανάλυση του ελεύθερου και κατευθυνόμενου παιχνιδιού και η επίδραση αυτών στη ψυχολογία του παιδιού. Σκοπός της εργασίας, είναι μέσα από το ελεύθερο και κατευθυνόμενο παιχνίδι να γίνει αντιληπτή η ψυχολογική επίδραση τους στα παιδιά. Είναι φανερό πως οι θεωρίες σχετικά με την αναγκαιότητα ύπαρξης του παιχνιδιού στη ζωή του παιδιού για την άρτια ψυχολογική και συναισθηματική ανάπτυξη του έχουν ισχυρότατη βάση. Όπως διαπιστώθηκε από τις δραστηριότητες που πραγματοποιήθηκαν, τα ελεύθερα παιχνίδια βοηθούν τα παιδιά στην ανάληψη πρωτοβουλιών και στην ελεύθερη έκφραση των συναισθημάτων τους. Παράλληλα, δια μέσου των κατευθυνόμενων παιχνιδιών, οικειοποιήθηκαν τους κανόνες, τους οποίους και τήρησαν, με ένα πιο χαρούμενο και παιγνιώδη τρόπο. Συμπερασματικά, από την εργασία, προκύπτει ότι ανάμεσα στο ελεύθερο και κατευθυνόμενο παιχνίδι πρέπει να υπάρχει ισορροπία , αφού αυτό βοηθά το παιδί να αναπτυχθεί ολοκληρωτικά και ολόπλευρα. Επομένως, το ελεύθερο και κατευθυνόμενο παιχνίδι αλληλοεπικαλύπτονται και αλληλοσυμπληρώνονται ενισχύοντας το ένα το άλλο, δίνοντας έτσι τη δυνατότητα στα παιδιά να εκφραστούν μέσω του ενός ή μέσω του άλλου. Εν κατακλείδι, το ελεύθερο και κατευθυνόμενο παιχνίδι ανατροφοδοτούνται και αλληλεπιδρούν.