bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phylogeny of the Homalotina (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae) based on morphology
Authors: KIM YOON‐HO , AHN KEE‐JEONG
Published: November 2015

The aleocharine subtribe Homalotina Heer represents one of the most diverse lineages of Staphylinidae. Despite its wide distribution and diversity, the phylogenetic relationships of the subtribe remain poorly understood. Here, we present the first cladistic analysis of the Homalotina based on morphological data. The subtribe is hypothesized to be a monophyletic group consisting of seven genera (Anomognathus Solier, Cephaloxynum Bernhauer, Holisomimus Cameron, Homalota Mannerheim, Neomalota Cameron, Stenomastax Cameron, and Thecturota Casey). The dataset for phylogenetic analysis comprised 83 characters representing 245 character states derived from adult morphology. These data were analysed using equal weighting and implied weighting schemes (k = 1–6) and results support the monophyly of the subtribe based on two synapomorphic characters (complete postoccipital sutures on head, posterolateral margin of metacoxae with macrosetae) and three homoplastic characters (medial setae on prementum not extended to apex of ligula, medial setae on labium contiguous, posterolateral angle of elytron slightly sinuate). Generic relationships differ in each analysis within the Homalotina (EW, IW with k = 1, 2–4, 5–6) although there are some identical topologies among the IW trees. Clades A, B, C, D, H, J and G were resolved as monophyletic in all weighting regimes. The monophyly of the genera is relatively well supported except for the genera Homalota and Stenomastax. Homalota species were recovered in four independent clades (clade C, D, I, K) and the Stenomastax species were recovered in two independent lineages. Candidates for the possible new genera are discussed. We herein transfer Homalota flavomaculata Bernhauer to the genus Stenomastax, resulting in the new combination [Stenomastax flavomaculata (Bernhauer)]. Our preliminary character correlation tests using phylogenetic pairwise comparisons did not support the hypothesis of association between flattened body form, and subcortical habitat and anterior shift of antennal insertion in Homalotini.
Albumin versus solvent/detergent–treated pooled plasma as replacement fluid for long‐term plasma exchange therapy in a patient with primary hypertriglyceridemia and recurrent hyperlipidemic pancreatitis
Authors: Di Bona Danilo , Cefalù Angelo B. , Scirè Elisabetta , Lima Giacomo M. , Rizzo Claudia Maria , Giammanco Antonina , Barbagallo Carlo M. , Averna Maurizio R. , Rizzo Sergio , Caruso Calogero
Published: November 2015

BACKGROUND

Chylomicronemia syndrome is a metabolic condition characterized by severe fasting hypertrigliceridemia (≥1000 mg/dL) and other clinical features including chronic abdominal pain and recurrent acute pancreatitis. In patients with acute or recurrent pancreatitis, plasma exchange (PEx) is indicated for the treatment of acute disease and prevention of recurrence. The use of plasma instead of albumin as replacement fluid has been suggested for its putative ability to replace the deficient enzyme possibly leading to better clinical improvement.

CASE REPORT

A 40‐year‐old man with chylomicronemia syndrome due to a newly identified loss‐of‐function mutation in the lipoprotein lipase (LPL) gene (IVS2, c.250‐1G/C) has been treated at our hospital since the age of 13. From age 18 to age 34, the patient had five episodes of acute pancreatitis while his triglyceride (TG) levels were extremely high (2500–4000 mg/dL). As the TG levels remained stable over 4000 mg/dL despite the maximum medical treatment, the patient started long‐term PEx treatment on a weekly basIs. Both albumin and plasma have been used as replacement solution. Thirty months from the beginning of this treatment, no episode of acute pancreatitis has been reported, and the chronic abdominal pain fully disappeared. No differences were observed between the use of albumin or plasma as replacement solution.

CONCLUSION

Long‐term PEx is effective in preventing the recurrence of acute pancreatitis and in treatment of chronic abdominal pain in this patient with chylomicronemia syndrome. Plasma is not more effective than albumin in lipid reduction, likely because of its extremely low enzyme content. Therefore, in patients with LPL deficiency serum albumin should be preferred to plasma as replacement fluid because of the low rate of side effects and reduced costs.
Measurement of circumferential Lamb waves using a line-focus poly(vinylidene fluoride) transducer and cross correlation waveform analysis
Authors: Lin Chun-I , Lu Yan , He Cunfu , Song Guorong , Lee Yung-Chun
Published: November 2015

This paper presents a method for measuring circumferential Lamb waves propagating on a cylindrically curved thin plate. The measurement is carried out using a wideband and line-focused poly(vinylidene fluoride) transducer along with a defocusing waveform measurement method. After synthesizing the acquired waveforms, interference patterns can be obtained and a cross correlation method is developed to accurately extract the wave velocity as a function of wave frequency. Using three stainless steel thin plates of different thicknesses (100, 150, and 300 μm) and a radius of curvature of 10 mm, dispersion curves for several fundamental and higher order modes of circumferential Lamb waves are simultaneously determined. Theoretical dispersion curves are also calculated and compared with their experimental counterparts. Very good agreements are observed, which concludes the measurement accuracy of this measurement method.
Poor Muscle Strength and Low Physical Activity Are the Most Prevalent Frailty Components in Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Papiol M. , Serra-Prat M. , Vico J. , Jerez N. , Salvador N. , Garcia M. , Camps M. , Alpiste X. , López J.
Published: November 2015

Objective:

To determine the prevalence of five physical frailty phenotype components and to assess the relationship between them and other clinical factors.

Method:

A population-based cross-sectional study was performed. Subjects 75 years and older were randomly selected from primary care databases (with sampling stratified by gender). Physical frailty phenotypes were assessed using Fried’s criteria. Sociodemographic data, comorbidities, nutritional status, and functional capacity were assessed.

Results:

126 subjects were recruited (47% women). Prevalence rates were poor muscle strength: 50%; low physical activity: 29%; slow gait: 28%; exhaustion: 27%; and weight loss: 5%. Prefrailty and frailty prevalence rates were 35.7% and 29.4%, respectively. Poor muscle strength and low physical activity showed a close relationship and concordance (kappa = 0.92). Most frailty components were associated with outdoor activity, hours walked daily, and certain comorbidities.

Conclusions:

Poor muscle strength was the most prevalent frailty component and was closely associated with physical activity, suggesting that training programs may revert or prevent the frailty process.
Correlates of Objectively Measured Physical Activity Among Norwegian Older Adults: The Generation 100 Study
Authors: Viken Hallgeir , Aspvik Nils Petter , Ingebrigtsen Jan Erik , Zisko Nina , Wisløff Ulrik , Stensvold Dorthe
Published: November 2015

The aim of this study was to identify how demographics, physical activity (PA) history, and environmental and biological correlates are associated with objectively measured PA among older adults. PA was assessed objectively in 850 older adults (70–77 years, 48% females) using the ActiGraph GT3X+ activity monitor. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was used to identify important PA correlates. The included correlates explained 27.0% of the variance in older adult’s PA. Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), gender, and season were the most important correlates, explaining 10.1%, 3.9%, and 2.7% of the variance, respectively. PA was positively associated with CRF, females were more physically active than males, and PA increased in warmer months compared with colder months. This is, to our knowledge, the largest study of PA correlates in older adults that has combined objectively measured PA and CRF. Our findings provide new knowledge about how different correlates are associated with PA.
Rhesus Macaque B-Cell Responses to an HIV-1 Trimer Vaccine Revealed by Unbiased Longitudinal Repertoire Analysis
Authors: Dai Kaifan , He Linling , Khan Salar N. , O’Dell Sijy , McKee Krisha , Tran Karen , Li Yuxing , Sundling Christopher , Morris Charles D. , Mascola John R. , Hedestam Gunilla B. Karlsson , Wyatt Richard T. , Zhu Jiang
Published: November 2015

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) has been used to investigate the diversity and maturation of broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) in HIV-1-infected individuals. However, the application of NGS to the preclinical assessment of human vaccines, particularly the monitoring of vaccine-induced B-cell responses in a nonhuman primate (NHP) model, has not been reported. Here, we present a longitudinal NGS analysis of memory B-cell responses to an HIV-1 trimer vaccine in a macaque that has been extensively studied by single B-cell sorting and antibody characterization. We first established an NHP antibodyomics pipeline using the available 454 pyrosequencing data from this macaque and developed a protocol to sequence the NHP antibody repertoire in an unbiased manner. Using these methods, we then analyzed memory B-cell repertoires at four time points of NHP immunization and traced the lineages of seven CD4-binding site (CD4bs)-directed monoclonal antibodies previously isolated from this macaque. Longitudinal analysis revealed distinct patterns of B-cell lineage development in response to an HIV-1 trimer vaccine. While the temporal B-cell repertoire profiles and lineage patterns provide a baseline for comparison with forthcoming HIV-1 trimer vaccines, the newly developed NHP antibody NGS technologies and antibodyomics tools will facilitate future evaluation of human vaccine candidates.

IMPORTANCE
The nonhuman primate model has been widely used in the preclinical assessment of human vaccines. Next-generation sequencing of B-cell repertoires provides a quantitative tool to analyze B-cell responses to a vaccine. In this study, the longitudinal B-cell repertoire analysis of a rhesus macaque immunized with an HIV-1 trimer vaccine revealed complex B-cell lineage patterns and showed the potential to facilitate the evaluation of future HIV-1 vaccines. The repertoire sequencing technologies and antibodyomics methods reported here can be extended to vaccine development for other human pathogens utilizing the nonhuman primate model.
Preclinical Evaluations To Identify Optimal Linezolid Regimens for Tuberculosis Therapy
Authors: Brown Ashley N. , Drusano George L. , Adams Jonathan R. , Rodriquez Jaime L. , Jambunathan Kalyani , Baluya Dodge L. , Brown David L. , Kwara Awewura , Mirsalis Jon C. , Hafner Richard , Louie Arnold
Published: November 2015

Linezolid is an oxazolidinone with potent activity against
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
. Linezolid toxicity in patients correlates with the dose and duration of therapy. These toxicities are attributable to the inhibition of mitochondrial protein synthesis. Clinically relevant linezolid regimens were simulated in the
in vitro
hollow-fiber infection model (HFIM) system to identify the linezolid therapies that minimize toxicity, maximize antibacterial activity, and prevent drug resistance. Linezolid inhibited mitochondrial proteins in an exposure-dependent manner, with toxicity being driven by trough concentrations. Once-daily linezolid killed
M. tuberculosis
in an exposure-dependent manner. Further, 300 mg linezolid given every 12 hours generated more bacterial kill but more toxicity than 600 mg linezolid given once daily. None of the regimens prevented linezolid resistance. These findings show that with linezolid monotherapy, a clear tradeoff exists between antibacterial activity and toxicity. By identifying the pharmacokinetic parameters linked with toxicity and antibacterial activity, these data can provide guidance for clinical trials evaluating linezolid in multidrug antituberculosis regimens.

IMPORTANCE
The emergence and spread of multidrug-resistant
M. tuberculosis
are a major threat to global public health. Linezolid is an oxazolidinone that is licensed for human use and has demonstrated potent activity against multidrug-resistant
M. tuberculosis
. However, long-term use of linezolid has shown to be toxic in patients, often resulting in thrombocytopenia. We examined therapeutic linezolid regimens in an
in vitro
model to characterize the exposure-toxicity relationship. The antibacterial activity against
M. tuberculosis
was also assessed for these regimens, including the amplification or suppression of resistant mutant subpopulations by the chosen regimen. Higher exposures of linezolid resulted in greater antibacterial activity, but with more toxicity and, for some regimens, increased resistant mutant subpopulation amplification, illustrating the trade-off between activity and toxicity. These findings can provide valuable insight for designing optimal dosage regimens for linezolid that are part of the long combination courses used to treat multidrug-resistant
M. tuberculosis.
Manipulation of the Gut Microbiota Reveals Role in Colon Tumorigenesis
Authors: Zackular Joseph P. , Baxter Nielson T. , Chen Grace Y. , Schloss Patrick D.
Published: November 2015

Mounting evidence indicates that alterations to the gut microbiota, the complex community of bacteria that inhabits the gastrointestinal tract, are strongly associated with the development of colorectal cancer. We used antibiotic perturbations to a murine model of inflammation-driven colon cancer to generate eight starting communities that resulted in various severities of tumorigenesis. Furthermore, we were able to quantitatively predict the final number of tumors on the basis of the initial composition of the gut microbiota. These results further bolster the evidence that the gut microbiota is involved in mediating the development of colorectal cancer. As a final proof of principle, we showed that perturbing the gut microbiota in the midst of tumorigenesis could halt the formation of additional tumors. Together, alteration of the gut microbiota may be a useful therapeutic approach to preventing and altering the trajectory of colorectal cancer.
Early recognition is the key to success: pulseless electrical activity (PEA) as a manifestation of heparin-induced anaphylactoid reaction
Authors: Jayarangaiah Apoorva , Epperla Narendranath
Published: November 2015

A 64-year-old man underwent mitral valve replacement. He was hospitalised 9 days later because of slurring of speech and left-sided facial weakness. During hospitalisation, unfractionated heparin (UFH) bolus and drip were initiated due to subtherapeutic international normalised ratio. Within 5 min of UFH bolus, the patient began to experience symptoms of dyspnoea, followed by pulseless electrical activity arrest. He was successfully resuscitated. A decline in platelet count >50% was noted immediately after UFH bolus and cardiac arrest. A diagnosis of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and anaphylactoid reaction was considered (4Ts score of 7). Heparin was discontinued and argatroban was started. A platelet factor 4 (PF4) assay was strongly positive. Platelet counts subsequently improved following discontinuation of heparin.
Stranded under the Prom: impacted gravid uterus presenting as acute urinary retention
Authors: Lam Kenneth , Li Wai Suen Christopher Foong Dhin
Published: November 2015

Acute urinary retention in pregnancy secondary to an impacted uterus is a rare occurrence. It can have non-specific presentations, leading to delay in diagnosis, hence potentially increasing maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. A number of risk factors for the condition have been identified. We describe the case of a 31-year-old woman presenting with urinary retention at 18 weeks’ gestation. Clinical examination revealed features consistent with a gravid uterus impacted in the pelvis. Management with urinary catheterisation followed by gentle manual disimpaction of the uterus was successful.
Diagnostic errors related to acute abdominal pain in the emergency department
Authors: Medford-Davis Laura , Park Elizabeth , Shlamovitz Gil , Suliburk James , Meyer Ashley ND , Singh Hardeep
Published: November 2015

Objective

Diagnostic errors in the emergency department (ED) are harmful and costly. We reviewed a selected high-risk cohort of patients presenting to the ED with abdominal pain to evaluate for possible diagnostic errors and associated process breakdowns.

Design

We conducted a retrospective chart review of ED patients >18 years at an urban academic hospital. A computerised ‘trigger’ algorithm identified patients possibly at high risk for diagnostic errors to facilitate selective record reviews. The trigger determined patients to be at high risk because they: (1) presented to the ED with abdominal pain, and were discharged home and (2) had a return ED visit within 10 days that led to a hospitalisation. Diagnostic errors were defined as missed opportunities to make a correct or timely diagnosis based on the evidence available during the first ED visit, regardless of patient harm, and included errors that involved both ED and non-ED providers. Errors were determined by two independent record reviewers followed by team consensus in cases of disagreement.

Results

Diagnostic errors occurred in 35 of 100 high-risk cases. Over two-thirds had breakdowns involving the patient–provider encounter (most commonly history-taking or ordering additional tests) and/or follow-up and tracking of diagnostic information (most commonly follow-up of abnormal test results). The most frequently missed diagnoses were gallbladder pathology (n=10) and urinary infections (n=5).

Conclusions

Diagnostic process breakdowns in ED patients with abdominal pain most commonly involved history-taking, ordering insufficient tests in the patient–provider encounter and problems with follow-up of abnormal test results.
Language, terminology and the readability of online cancer information
Authors: Peters Pam , Smith Adam , Funk Yasmin , Boyages John
Published: November 2015

Medical terms are a recognised problem in doctor–patient consultations. By contrast, the language difficulties of online healthcare documents are underestimated, even though patients are often encouraged to go to the internet for information. Literacy levels in the community vary, and for patients, carers and health workers with limited reading skills (including first- and second-language users of English), the language of web-based health documents may be challenging or impenetrable. Online delivery of health information is inherently problematic because it cannot provide two-way discussion; and amid the range of health documents on the web, the intended readership (whether general or specialist) is rarely indicated up front. In this research study, we focus on the language and readability of web-based cancer documents, using lexicostatistical methods to profile the vocabularies in two large test databases of breast cancer information, one consisting of material designed for health professionals, the other for the general public. They yielded significantly different word frequency rankings and keyness values, broadly correlating with their different readerships, that is, scientifically literate readers for the professional dataset, and non-specialist readers for the public dataset. The higher type/token ratio in the professional dataset confirms its greater lexical demands, with no concessions to the variable language and literacy skills among second-language health workers. Their language needs can, however, be addressed by a new online multilingual termbank of breast cancer vocabulary,HealthTermFinder,designed to sit alongside health documents on the internet, and provide postconsultation help for patients and carers at their point of need.
Farmers’ perception of the role of veterinary surgeons in vaccination strategies on British dairy farms
Authors: Richens I. F. , Hobson‐West P. , Brennan M. L. , Lowton R. , Kaler J. , Wapenaar W.
Published: November 2015

There is limited research investigating the motivators and barriers to vaccinating dairy cattle. Veterinary surgeons have been identified as important sources of information for farmers making vaccination and disease control decisions, as well as being farmers’ preferred vaccine suppliers. Vets’ perception of their own role and communication style can be at odds with farmers’ reported preferences. The objective of this study was to investigate how dairy farmers perceived the role of vets in implementing vaccination strategies on their farm. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 24 dairy farmers from across Britain. The data were analysed using thematic analysis. Analysis revealed that farmers perceive vets to have an important role in facilitating decision‐making in all aspects of vaccination, including the aspects of vaccine distribution and advice on implementation. This important role is acknowledged by farmers who have regular veterinary contact, but also farmers with solely emergency veterinary contact. Given this finding, future work should investigate the attitudes of vets towards vaccination and how they perceive their role. Combining this knowledge will enable optimisation of vaccination strategies on British dairy farms.
Comparing element composition of rock substratum with lichen communities and the fecundity of Arctoparmelia and Xanthoparmelia species
Authors: Deduke Chris , Halden Norman M. , Piercey-Normore Michele D.
Published: November 2015

Substratum plays an important role in saxicolous lichen communities, providing a stable growth surface for long-term attachment and influencing the relative abundance of species. Saxicolous lichen communities consisting of Xanthoparmelia and Arctoparmelia were previously characterized using thallus cover on the substratum as well as lichen fecundity, but it was not known whether the substratum influenced lichen fecundity. The objectives of this paper were to compare variation in element concentrations among lichen communities, and to examine the correlation between elemental composition and percent cover and fecundity (numbers of apothecia, ascospores, and percent germination) of each of three lichens Arctoparmelia centrifuga, Xanthoparmelia viriduloumbrina, and X. cumberlandia. Percent cover and fecundity features were compared with the rock type and 21 elements from 37 transects. Element concentrations varied among communities, but the grassy rock community had significantly higher concentrations of elements than the mossy or treed rock communities. Positive correlations were present between fecundity and particular elements for the three species. This study provides insight into the complexity of the relationship between the geological composition of the substratum and saxicolous lichen biology.
Early Devonian graptolites from the Qinzhou–Yulin region, southeast Guangxi, China
Authors: Chen Xu , Ni Yunan , Lenz Alfred C. , Zhang Linna , Chen Zhongyang , Tang Lan
Published: November 2015

Early Devonian graptolites are widely distributed within the 30°N and 30°S parallels of paleolatitude, with only a few known locations outside the 30° parallel. Only three early Devonian graptolite locations, i.e., west Yunnan, southeast Guangxi (in low paleolatitude), and south Xizang (Tibet) (in middle-high paleolatitude), have been reported in China. An Early Devonian graptolite fauna of moderate diversity, including three genera and 14 species, is described from the Qinzhou–Yulin region in southeast Guangxi, China, including Uncinatograptus jadae sp. nov. and Neomonograptus aequabilis latus subsp. nov. Based on these taxa, four biozones, the Uncinatograptus uniformis Biozone, the tentative Uncinatograptus praehercynicus Biozone, the tentative Neomonograptus falcarius Biozone, and the Uncinatograptus yukonensis Biozone, are erected in ascending order. The Lower Devonian graptolite biozonation in Guangxi agrees with the global standard. However, the graptolite biodiversity below the Uncinatograptus yukonensis Biozone in the Qinzhou–Yulin region is lower than those of the other parts of the world. In the present study, the tentatively recognized Neomonograptus falcarius Biozone has only the index species. In the study region, the species Uncinatograptus hercynicus (Perner) is absent. Thus, we tentatively employ the Uncinatograptus praehercynicus Biozone as a possible substitute for the Uncinatograptus hercynicus Biozone.
Characterization of gonadal transcriptomes from the turbot (Scophthalmus maximus)
Authors: Hu Yulong , Huang Meng , Wang Weiji , Guan Jiantao , Kong Jie
Published: November 2015

The mechanisms underlying sexual reproduction and sex ratio determination remains unclear in turbot, a flatfish of great commercial value. And there is limited information in the turbot database regarding genes related to the reproductive system. Here, we conducted high-throughput transcriptome profiling of turbot gonad tissues to better understand their reproductive functions and to supply essential gene sequence information for marker-assisted selection programs in the turbot industry. In this study, two gonad libraries representing sex differences in Scophthalmus maximus yielded 453 818 high-quality reads that were assembled into 24 611 contigs and 33 713 singletons by using 454 pyrosequencing, 13 936 contigs and singletons (CS) of which were annotated using BLASTx. GO (Gene Ontology) and KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) pathway analyses revealed that various biological functions and processes were associated with many of the annotated CS. Expression analyses showed that 510 genes were differentially expressed in males versus females; 80% of these genes were annotated. In addition, 6484 and 6036 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified in male and female libraries, respectively. This transcriptome resource will serve as the foundation for cDNA or SNP microarray construction, gene expression characterization, and sex-specific linkage mapping in turbot.
Diacylglycerol kinase-δ regulates AMPK signaling, lipid metabolism, and skeletal muscle energetics
Authors: Jiang Lake Q. , de Castro Barbosa Thais , Massart Julie , Deshmukh Atul S. , Löfgren Lars , Duque-Guimaraes Daniella E. , Ozilgen Arda , Osler Megan E. , Chibalin Alexander V. , Zierath Juleen R.
Published: November 2015

Decrease of AMPK-related signal transduction and insufficient lipid oxidation contributes to the pathogenesis of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Previously, we identified that diacylglycerol kinase-δ (DGKδ), an enzyme involved in triglyceride biosynthesis, is reduced in skeletal muscle from type 2 diabetic patients. Here, we tested the hypothesis that DGKδ plays a role in maintaining appropriate AMPK action in skeletal muscle and energetic aspects of contraction. Voluntary running activity was reduced in DGKδ+/−mice, but glycogen content and mitochondrial markers were unaltered, suggesting that DGKδ deficiency affects skeletal muscle energetics but not mitochondrial protein abundance. We next determined the role of DGKδ in AMPK-related signal transduction and lipid metabolism in isolated skeletal muscle. AMPK activation and signaling were reduced in DGKδ+/−mice, concomitant with impaired lipid oxidation and elevated incorporation of free fatty acids into triglycerides. Strikingly, DGKδ deficiency impaired work performance, as evident by altered force production and relaxation dynamics in response to repeated contractions. In conclusion, DGKδ deficiency impairs AMPK signaling and lipid metabolism, thereby highlighting the deleterious role of excessive lipid metabolites in the development of peripheral insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes pathogenesis. DGKδ deficiency also influences skeletal muscle energetics, which may lead to low physical activity levels in type 2 diabetes.
Advances in high-density lipoprotein physiology: surprises, overturns, and promises
Authors: Constantinou Caterina , Karavia Eleni A. , Xepapadaki Eva , Petropoulou Peristera-Ioanna , Papakosta Eugenia , Karavyraki Marilena , Zvintzou Evangelia , Theodoropoulos Vassilis , Filou Serafoula , Hatziri Aikaterini , Kalogeropoulou Christina , Panayiotakopoulos George , Kypreos Kyriakos E.
Published: November 2015

Emerging evidence strongly supports that changes in the HDL metabolic pathway, which result in changes in HDL proteome and function, appear to have a causative impact on a number of metabolic disorders. Here, we provide a critical review of the most recent and novel findings correlating HDL properties and functionality with various pathophysiological processes and disease states, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, inflammation and sepsis, bone and obstructive pulmonary diseases, and brain disorders.
ZnT4 (SLC30A4)-null (“lethal milk”) mice have defects in mammary gland secretion and hallmarks of precocious involution during lactation
Authors: McCormick Nicholas H. , Lee Sooyeon , Hennigar Stephen R. , Kelleher Shannon L.
Published: November 2015

During lactation, highly specialized secretory mammary epithelial cells (MECs) produce and secrete huge quantities of nutrients and nonnutritive factors into breast milk. The zinc (Zn) transporter ZnT4 ( SLC30A4) transports Zn into the trans-Golgi apparatus for lactose synthesis, and across the apical cell membrane for efflux from MECs into milk. This is consistent with observations in “lethal milk” ( lm/lm) mice, which have a truncation mutation in SLC30A4, and present with not only low milk Zn concentration, but also smaller mammary glands, decreased milk volume, and lactation failure by lactation day 2. However, the molecular underpinnings of these defects are not understood. Here, we used lactating C57BL/6J lm/lm (ZnT4-null) mice to explore the consequences of a ZnT4-null phenotype on mammary gland function during early lactation. Lactating C57BL/6J lm/lm mice had significantly fewer, smaller, and collapsed alveoli comprising swollen, lipid-filled MECs during early lactation. These defects were associated with decreased Akt expression and STAT5 activation, indicative of defects in MEC secretion. In addition, increased expression of ZnT2, TNF-α, and cleaved e-cadherin concomitant with increased activation of STAT3 implicated the loss of ZnT4 in precocious activation of involution. Collectively, our study indicates that the loss of ZnT4 has profound consequences on MEC secretion and may promote tissue remodeling in the mammary gland during early lactation.
Voluntary reaction time and long-latency reflex modulation
Authors: Forgaard Christopher J. , Franks Ian M. , Maslovat Dana , Chin Laurence , Chua Romeo
Published: November 2015

Stretching a muscle of the upper limb elicits short (M1) and long-latency (M2) reflexes. When the participant is instructed to actively compensate for a perturbation, M1 is usually unaffected and M2 increases in size and is followed by the voluntary response. It remains unclear if the observed increase in M2 is due to instruction-dependent gain modulation of the contributing reflex mechanism(s) or results from voluntary response superposition. The difficulty in delineating between these alternatives is due to the overlap between the voluntary response and the end of M2. The present study manipulated response accuracy and complexity to delay onset of the voluntary response and observed the corresponding influence on electromyographic activity during the M2 period. In all active conditions, M2 was larger compared with a passive condition where participants did not respond to the perturbation; moreover, these changes in M2 began early in the appearance of the response (∼50 ms), too early to be accounted for by voluntary overlap. Voluntary response latency influenced the latter portion of M2, with the largest activity seen when accuracy of limb position was not specified. However, when participants aimed for targets of different sizes or performed movements of various complexities, reaction time differences did not influence M2 period activity, suggesting voluntary activity was sufficiently delayed. Collectively, our results show that while a perturbation applied to the upper limbs can trigger a voluntary response at short latency (<100 ms), instruction-dependent reflex gain modulation remains an important contributor to EMG changes during the M2 period.
Case Report ofGranulicatella adiacensas a Cause of Bacterascites
Authors: Cincotta Molly C. , Coffey K. C. , Moonah Shannon N. , Uppal Dushant , Hughes Molly A.
Published: November 2015

Granulicatella adiacensis a Gram-positive coccus, formerly grouped with nutritionally variantStreptococcus, often found as commensal bacteria of the human oral cavity, urogenital tract, and gastrointestinal tract. Prior case reports have demonstratedGranulicatellaspp. as a pathogen that can cause bacteremia and infective endocarditis particularly of prosthetic valves and pacemaker leads. Here, we report on a unique case ofGranulicatella adiacensbacterascites in a 50-year-old male.
Exact Discrete Analogs of Derivatives of Integer Orders: Differences as Infinite Series
Authors: Tarasov Vasily E.
Published: November 2015

New differences of integer orders, which are connected with derivatives of integer orders not approximately, are proposed. These differences are represented by infinite series. A characteristic property of the suggested differences is that its Fourier series transforms have a power-law form. We demonstrate that the proposed differences of integer ordersnare directly connected with the derivatives∂n/∂xn. In contrast to the usual finite differences of integer orders, the suggested differences give the usual derivatives without approximation.
Depressive Symptoms: The Interaction between Rumination and Self-Reported Insomnia
Authors: Malmberg Monique , Larsen Junilla K.
Published: November 2015

Objective. Prior research has found consistent support that rumination and insomnia are important risk factors for depressive symptoms. The aim of the present cross-sectional study is to examine the interaction between these two previously well-established risk factors (i.e., rumination and insomnia) in the explanation of depressive symptoms.Design. A total of 417 participants (277 women) with a mean age of 39 (SD = 17.59; range 18–85) completed a cross-sectional survey.Main Outcome Measures. Participants filled out the Response Rumination Scale, the Athens Insomnia Scale, and the short version of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale.Results. It was predicted and found that self-reported insomnia moderated the relationship between rumination and depressive symptoms. We found that particularly participants who reported higher levels of rumination as well as insomnia had the highest depressive symptoms.Conclusion. This study is the first to suggest that particularly individuals exhibiting both self-reported insomnia and higher levels of rumination also report higher levels of depressive symptoms. Health professionals screening for mental problems should be aware of this specific combination of insomnia and rumination. Explanations for this moderation effect were discussed in light of study’s limitations.
Prognostic Significance of Serum Alkaline Phosphatase Level in Osteosarcoma: A Meta-Analysis of Published Data
Authors: Ren Hai-Yong , Sun Ling-Ling , Li Heng-Yuan , Ye Zhao-Ming
Published: November 2015

Background. Serum alkaline phosphatase (SALP) is commonly elevated in osteosarcoma patients. A number of studies have investigated the prognostic role of SALP level in patients with osteosarcoma but yielded inconsistent results.Method. Systematic computerized searches were performed in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases for relevant original articles. The pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and relative risks (RRs) with corresponding confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to assess the prognostic value of SALP level.Results. Finally, 21 studies comprising 3228 patients were included. Overall, the pooled HRs of SALP suggested that elevated level had an unfavorable impact on osteosarcoma patients’ overall survival (OS) (HR = 1.82; 95% CI: 1.61–2.06;p<0.001) and event-free survival (EFS) (HR = 1.97; 95% CI: 1.61–2.42;p<0.001). Combined RRs of SALP indicated that elevated level was associated with presence of metastasis at diagnosis (RR = 5.55; 95% CI: 1.61–9.49;p=0.006). No significantly different results were obtained after stratified by variables of age range, cancer stage, sample size, and geographic region.Conclusion. This meta-analysis demonstrated that high SALP level is significantly associated with poor OS or EFS rate and presence of metastasis at diagnosis. SALP level is a convenient and effective biomarker of prognosis for osteosarcoma.
Optimal Buildings’ Energy Consumption Calculus through a Distributed Experiment Execution
Authors: Fonseca i Casas Pau , Fonseca i Casas Antoni , Garrido-Soriano Nuria , Ortiz Joana , Casanovas Josep , Salom Jaume
Published: November 2015

The calculus of building energy consumption is a demanding task because multiple factors must be considered during experimentation. Additionally, the definition of the model and the experiments is complex because the problem is multidisciplinary. When we face complex models and experiments that require a considerable amount of computational resources, the application of solutions is imperative to reduce the amount of time needed to define the model and the experiments and to obtain the answers. In this paper, we first address the definition and the implementation of an environmental model that describes the behavior of a building from a sustainability point of view and enables the use of several simulations and calculus engines in a cosimulation scenario. Second, we define a distributed experimental framework that enables us to obtain results in an accurate amount of time. This methodology has been applied to the energy consumption calculation, but it can also be applied to other modeling problems that usually require a considerable amount of resources by reducing the amount of time needed to perform modeling, implementation, verification, and experimentation.
Drying Kinetics of Eggplant (Solanum melongena) in a Fluidized Bed Dryer: Experimental Evaluation and Modelling
Authors: ElKhodiry Mohamed A. , Suwaidi Shaima R. , Taheri Melika , Elwalid Hams , ElBaba Dina , Qasim Muhammad
Published: November 2015

The drying kinetics of eggplant were studied experimentally in a laboratory-scale fluidized bed dryer. Experiments were conducted at drying temperatures of 60, 70, and 80°C and at constant air velocity of 3.10 ms−1. The drying rate and moisture ratio were determined as a function of time. At any given temperature, only the falling rate period was observed during the drying process. Effective moisture diffusivity was in the range 2.667–4.311 × 10−8 m2/s while activation energy of 23.5 kJ mol−1 was obtained from the Arrhenius equation. The experimental moisture ratio data was fitted to ten mathematical models. Statistical analysis showed that the by Demir et al. has the best fit quality. In terms of product quality, the dried samples had low rehydration ratio of 4.889. In addition, compared to direct sunlight drying, the dried product from the fluidized bed dryer exhibited better color quality.
Case Study on Risk Evaluation of Silver Nanoparticle Exposure from Antibacterial Sprays Containing Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Kim Ellen , Lee Ji Hyun , Kim Jin Kwon , Lee Gun Ho , Ahn Kangho , Park Jung Duck , Yu Il Je
Published: November 2015

This study evaluated the risk of silver nanoparticle (AgNP) exposure from antibacterial sprays containing AgNPs. Using an exposure simulation chamber as the setting for the experiment, various instruments, including a scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS), condensation particle counter (CPC), dust monitor, and mixed cellulose esters (MCE) filters, are connected to the chamber to measure the exposure levels of AgNPs when using the sprays. To assess potential risks to consumers, margin of exposure (MOE) approach was used to assess risk in which a calculated MOE was compared with a target MOE. When evaluating the risk of antibacterial sprays to inhalation exposure using the MOE, spraying a whole can and spraying an air conditioner both resulted in a high‐risk concern level with a MOE ranging from 59 to 146 that was much lower than the no‐risk concern level of 1000, while some spray showed a MOE 2049 with no‐risk concern level. The dermal exposure levels with a single layer of clothing were estimated at 2–50 μg/kg/day with a MOE ranging from 20,000 to 500,000. Therefore, the current results showed the possibility of high‐risk inhalation exposure to AgNPs released when using antibacterial sprays.
Design of Joint Spatial and Power Domain Multiplexing Scheme for Massive MIMO Systems
Authors: Jiang Zheng , Han Bin , Chen Peng , Yang Fengyi , Bi Qi
Published: November 2015

Massive Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) is one of the key techniques in 5th generation wireless systems (5G) due to its potential ability to improve spectral efficiency. Most of the existing works on massive MIMO only consider Time Division Duplex (TDD) operation that relies on channel reciprocity between uplink and downlink channels. For Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) systems, with continued efforts, some downlink multiuser MIMO scheme was recently proposed in order to enable “massive MIMO” gains and simplified system operations with limited number of radio frequency (RF) chains in FDD system. However these schemes, such as Joint Spatial Division and Multiplexing (JSDM) scheme and hybrid precoding scheme, only focus on multiuser transmission in spatial domain. Different from most of the existing works, this paper proposes Joint Spatial and Power Multiplexing (JSPM) scheme in FDD systems. It extends existing FDD schemes from spatial division and multiplexing to joint spatial and power domain to achieve more multiplexing gain. The user grouping and scheduling scheme of JSPM is studied and the asymptotic expression for the sum capacity is derived as well. Finally, simulations are conducted to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
l0Sparsity for Image Denoising with Local and Global Priors
Authors: Gao Xiaoni , Yu Mei , Wang Jianrong , Wei Jianguo
Published: November 2015

We propose al0sparsity based approach to remove additive white Gaussian noise from a given image. To achieve this goal, we combine the local prior and global prior together to recover the noise-free values of pixels. The local prior depends on the neighborhood relationships of a search window to help maintain edges and smoothness. The global prior is generated from a hierarchicall0sparse representation to help eliminate the redundant information and preserve the global consistency. In addition, to make the correlations between pixels more meaningful, we adopt Principle Component Analysis to measure the similarities, which can be both propitious to reduce the computational complexity and improve the accuracies. Experiments on the benchmark image set show that the proposed approach can achieve superior performance to the state-of-the-art approaches both in accuracy and perception in removing the zero-mean additive white Gaussian noise.
Vertebral Body Stapling versus Bracing for Patients with High-Risk Moderate Idiopathic Scoliosis
Authors: Cuddihy Laury , Danielsson Aina J. , Cahill Patrick J. , Samdani Amer F. , Grewal Harsh , Richmond John M. , Mulcahey M. J. , Gaughan John P. , Antonacci M. Darryl , Betz Randal R.
Published: November 2015

Purpose. We report a comparison study of vertebral body stapling (VBS) versus a matched bracing cohort for immature patients with moderate (25 to 44°) idiopathic scoliosis (IS).Methods. 42 of 49 consecutive patients (86%) with IS were treated with VBS and followed for a minimum of 2 years. They were compared to 121 braced patients meeting identical inclusion criteria. 52 patients (66 curves) were matched according to age at start of treatment (10.6 years versus 11.1 years, resp. [P=0.07]) and gender.Results. For thoracic curves 25–34°, VBS had a success rate (defined as curve progression <10°) of 81% versus 61% for bracing(P=0.16). In thoracic curves 35–44°, VBS and bracing both had a poor success rate. For lumbar curves, success rates were similar in both groups for curves measuring 25–34°.Conclusion. In this comparison of two cohorts of patients with high-risk (Risser 0-1) moderate IS (25–44°), in smaller thoracic curves (25–34°) VBS provided better results as a clinical trend as compared to bracing. VBS was found not to be effective for thoracic curves ≥35°. For lumbar curves measuring 25–34°, results appear to be similar for both VBS and bracing, at 80% success.
Learning-Based QoS Control Algorithms for Next Generation Internet of Things
Authors: Kim Sungwook
Published: November 2015

The Internet has become an evolving entity, growing in importance and creating new value through its expansion and added utilization. The Internet of Things (IoT) is a new concept associated with the future Internet and has recently become popular in a dynamic and global network infrastructure. However, in an IoT implementation, it is difficult to satisfy different Quality of Service (QoS) requirements and achieve rapid service composition and deployment. In this paper, we propose a new QoS control scheme for IoT systems. Based on the Markov game model, the proposed scheme can effectively allocate IoT resources while maximizing system performance. In multiagent environments, a game theory approach can provide an effective decision-making framework for resource allocation problems. To verify the results of our study, we perform a simulation and confirm that the proposed scheme can achieve considerably improved system performance compared to existing schemes.
The Roots ofAtractylodes macrocephalaKoidzumi Enhanced Glucose and Lipid Metabolism in C2C12 Myotubes via Mitochondrial Regulation
Authors: Song Mi Young , Kang Seok Yong , Oh Tae Woo , Kumar Rethineswaran Vinoth , Jung Hyo Won , Park Yong-Ki
Published: November 2015

The root ofAtractylodes macrocephalaKoidzumi (Atractylodis Rhizoma Alba, ARA) is a Traditional Korean Medicine and has been commonly used for weight control. Mitochondrial dysfunction appears to be a key contributor to insulin resistance, and therefore mitochondrial targeting drugs represent an important potential strategy for the treatment of insulin resistance and obesity. In this study, the authors investigated the regulatory effects of ARA on mitochondrial function with respect to the stimulation of glucose and lipid metabolism in C2C12 myotubes. After differentiating C2C12 myotubes, cells were treated with or without different concentrations (0.2, 0.5, and 1.0 mg/mL) of ARA extract. ARA extract significantly increased the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor coactivator 1 alpha (PGC1α) and the downregulations of its targets, nuclear respiratory factor-1 (NRF-1), transcription factor A (TFAM), and total ATP content in C2C12 myotubes. ARA extract also increased the expressions of PGC1αactivator and of the metabolic sensors, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and acetyl-CoA carboxylase and sirtuin (SIRT) 1. Furthermore, it significantly increased glucose uptake by enhancing glucose consumption and subsequently decreased FFA contents and increased carnitine palmitoyltransferase (CPT) 1b expression. Our study indicates that ARA has a potential for stimulating mitochondrial function and energy metabolism in muscle.