bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthetic multi-line kymographic analysis: A spatiotemporal data reduction technique for high-speed videoendoscopy
Authors: Ikuma Takeshi , Kunduk Melda , Fink Daniel , McWhorter Andrew J.
Published: October 2016

High-speed videoendoscopy (HSV) enables observation of the true vibratory behavior of the vocal folds. To quantify the vocal fold vibration captured by the HSV, lateral movement features (e.g., glottal width and vocal fold edge displacements) have been extracted as functions of time. The most common analysis method is to extract the features on a lateral strip used to form digital kymogram. The weakness of this method is that it can only capture the vibrational behavior local to the strip location. While the multi-line kymographic approach has been utilized to capture the spatial diversity, the observation points are either fixed or manually positioned. Behaviors of pathological vocal folds, especially those with lesions, are expected to be spatially diverse and also diverse among speakers, making fixed observation points ineffective. This paper proposes a technique to synthesize kymographic waveforms from full spatiotemporal HSV feature data to extract distinctive behaviors automatically. Each synthesized waveform represents a non-overlapping section of the glottis, where vocal folds are locally behaving homogeneously. The efficacy of the algorithm is demonstrated with four HSV recordings (three pathological) and discussed, including mitigation of the known drawbacks.
Robustness of a compact endfire personal audio system against scattering effects (L)
Authors: Tu Zhen , Lu Jing , Qiu Xiaojun
Published: October 2016

Compact loudspeaker arrays have wide potential applications as portable personal audio systems that can project sound energy to specified regions. It is meaningful to investigate the scattering effects on the array performance since the scattering of the users' heads is inevitable in practice. A five-channel compact endfire array is established and the regularized acoustic contrast control method is evaluated for the scenarios of one moving listener and one listener fixed in the bright zone while another listener moves along the evaluation region. Both simulations and experiments verify that the scattering has limited influence on the directivity of the endfire array.
Delay-based ordered detection for layered space-time signals of underwater acoustic communications
Authors: Zhang Xin , Zhang Xiaoji , Chen Shaolu
Published: October 2016

The long relative propagation delays between the underwater acoustic channels poses a challenge to the detection of the multiple-input multiple-output signals but also gives a chance for a better space-time signal processing scheme. This paper proposes a detection ordering scheme for the layered space-time detection with the successive interference cancellation (SIC) algorithm, where the channel relative delays leading asynchronous arrival of the layered signals are utilized to arrange the detection order that is quite important for a SIC detection. This delay-based ordering is demonstrated as an optimal one for minimizing the detection error probability via the geometrically based model of the SIC detection. The complexity and calculation of the ordering procedure are significantly decreased by means of the delay estimations of the sub-channels. An iterative layered space-time detector combining the delay-base ordered SIC algorithm with the iterative block decision feedback equalizer is employed, where the iterative equalizer is utilized for the cancellation of the multipath interference and the asynchronous arrival interference. Numerical results show that up to 4 dB performance gain obtained by the delay-based ordered SIC detection for a 2 × 2 MIMO system.
In silico discovery of metal-organic frameworks for precombustion CO
2
capture using a genetic algorithm
Authors: Chung Yongchul G. , Gómez-Gualdrón Diego A. , Li Peng , Leperi Karson T. , Deria Pravas , Zhang Hongda , Vermeulen Nicolaas A. , Stoddart J. Fraser , You Fengqi , Hupp Joseph T. , Farha Omar K. , Snurr Randall Q.
Published: October 2016

A genetic algorithm was used to accelerate the computational discovery of new nanoporous materials for capturing CO
2
.
Dinitrogenase-Driven Photobiological Hydrogen Production Combats Oxidative Stress in Cyanothece sp. Strain ATCC 51142
Authors: Sadler Natalie C. , Bernstein Hans C. , Melnicki Matthew R. , Charania Moiz A. , Hill Eric A. , Anderson Lindsey N. , Monroe Matthew E. , Smith Richard D. , Beliaev Alexander S. , Wright Aaron T.
Published: October 2016

Photobiologically synthesized hydrogen (H
2
) gas is carbon neutral to produce and clean to combust, making it an ideal biofuel.
Cyanothece
sp. strain ATCC 51142 is a cyanobacterium capable of performing simultaneous oxygenic photosynthesis and H
2
production, a highly perplexing phenomenon because H
2
evolving enzymes are O
2
sensitive. We employed a system-level
in vivo
chemoproteomic profiling approach to explore the cellular dynamics of protein thiol redox and how thiol redox mediates the function of the dinitrogenase NifHDK, an enzyme complex capable of aerobic hydrogenase activity. We found that NifHDK responds to intracellular redox conditions and may act as an emergency electron valve to prevent harmful reactive oxygen species formation in concert with other cell strategies for maintaining redox homeostasis. These results provide new insight into cellular redox dynamics useful for advancing photolytic bioenergy technology and reveal a new understanding for the biological function of NifHDK.

IMPORTANCE
Here, we demonstrate that high levels of hydrogen synthesis can be induced as a protection mechanism against oxidative stress via the dinitrogenase enzyme complex in
Cyanothece
sp. strain ATCC 51142. This is a previously unknown feature of cyanobacterial dinitrogenase, and we anticipate that it may represent a strategy to exploit cyanobacteria for efficient and scalable hydrogen production. We utilized a chemoproteomic approach to capture the
in situ
dynamics of reductant partitioning within the cell, revealing proteins and reactive thiols that may be involved in redox sensing and signaling. Additionally, this method is widely applicable across biological systems to achieve a greater understanding of how cells navigate their environment and how redox chemistry can be utilized to alter metabolism and achieve homeostasis.
Host Range of the Conjugative Transfer System of IncP-9 Naphthalene-Catabolic Plasmid NAH7 and Characterization of Its
oriT
Region and Relaxase
Authors: Kishida Kouhei , Inoue Kei , Ohtsubo Yoshiyuki , Nagata Yuji , Tsuda Masataka
Published: October 2016

NAH7 and pWW0 from gammaproteobacterial
Pseudomonas putida
strains are IncP-9 conjugative plasmids that carry the genes for degradation of naphthalene and toluene, respectively. Although such genes on these plasmids are well-characterized, experimental investigation of their conjugation systems remains at a primitive level. To clarify these conjugation systems, in this study, we investigated the NAH7-encoded conjugation system by (i) analyzing the origin of its conjugative transfer (
oriT
)-containing region and its relaxase, which specifically nicks within the
oriT
region for initiation of transfer, and (ii) comparing the conjugation systems between NAH7 and pWW0. The NAH7
oriT
(
oriT
N
) region was located within a 430-bp fragment, and the strand-specific nicking (
nic
) site and its upstream sequences that were important for efficient conjugation in the
oriT
N
region were identified. Unlike many other relaxases, the NAH7 relaxase exhibited unique features in its ability to catalyze, in a conjugation-independent manner, the site-specific intramolecular recombination between two copies of the
oriT
N
region, between two copies of the pWW0
oriT
(
oriT
W
) region (which is clearly different from the
oriT
N
region), and between the
oriT
N
and
oriT
W
regions. The pWW0 relaxase, which is also clearly different from the NAH7 relaxase, was strongly suggested to have the ability to conjugatively and efficiently mobilize the
oriT
N
-containing plasmid. Such a plasmid was, in the presence of the NAH7Δ
nic
derivative, conjugatively transferable to alphaproteobacterial and betaproteobacterial strains in which the NAH7 replication machinery is nonfunctional, indicating that the NAH7 conjugation system has a broader host range than its replication system.

IMPORTANCE
Various studies have strongly suggested an important contribution of conjugative transfer of catabolic plasmids to the rapid and wide dissemination of the plasmid-loaded degradation genes to microbial populations. Degradation genes on such plasmids are often loaded on transposons, which can be inserted into the genomes of the recipient bacterial strains where the transferred plasmids cannot replicate. The aim was to advance detailed molecular knowledge of the determinants of host range for plasmids. This aim is expected to be easily and comprehensively achieved using an experimental strategy in which the
oriT
region is connected with a plasmid that has a broad host range of replication. Using such a strategy in this study, we showed that (i) the NAH7
oriT
-relaxase system has unique properties that are significantly different from other well-studied systems and (ii) the host range of the NAH7 conjugation system is broader than previously thought.
Post-traumatic fishtail deformity of distal humerus—is there a risk for refracture?
Authors: Luqman Iqra , Kurup Harish
Published: October 2016

We present the case of fishtail deformity of distal humerus in a 13-year-old boy presenting with a refracture 8 years after the original surgically treated lateral condyle fracture. This unusual incomplete vertical fracture of distal humerus starting at the apex of fishtail was treated non-surgically and went on to union but refractured yet again 12 months later. This also went on to full healing with conservative treatment, however the fishtail deformity persists. We discuss the possibility that fishtail deformity reflects an inherent weakness in the distal humerus. We suggest that children and parents should be warned about the potential risk for refracture, particularly if they participate in contact sports.
Requirements and access needs of patients with chronic disease to their hospital electronic health record: results of a cross-sectional questionnaire survey
Authors: White H , Gillgrass L , Wood A , Peckham D G
Published: October 2016

Objectives

To identify patient's views on the functionality required for personalised access to the secondary care electronic health record (EHR) and their priorities for development.

Design

Quantitative analysis of a cross-sectional self-complete survey of patient views on required EHR functionality from a secondary care EHR, including a patient ranking of functionality.

Setting

Secondary care patients attending a regional cystic fibrosis unit in the north of England.

Participants

201 adults (106 (52.7%) males), median age 29 years (range 17–58 years), entered and completed the study. Inclusion criteria are as follows: a confirmed diagnosis of cystic fibrosis, aged 16 years and over, at the time of clinical stability.

Outcome measures

Quantitative responses within 4 themes; (1) value placed on aspects of the EHR; (2) access requirements to functions of the EHR; (3) views on information sent to the EHR and (4) patient feedback entered into the EHR. A ranked score for 15 functions of the EHR was obtained.

Results

Highest ratings (% reporting item as very important/important) were reported for access to clinical measures (lung function (94%), C reactive protein (84%), sputum microbiology (81%) and blood results (80%)), medication changes (82%) and lists (83%) and sending repeat prescription (83%) and treatment requests (80%), while sending symptom diaries was less so (62%). Email contact with clinicians was the most valuable communication element of the EHR (84% very important/important). Of 15 features of the EHR (1=most desirable to 15=least desirable), patients identified ‘clinical measures’ (2.62 (CI 2.07 to 3.06)), and ‘access to medication lists’ (4.91 (CI 4.47 to 5.44)), as highest priority for development and the ability to comment on errors/omissions (11.0 (CI 10.6 to 11.5)) or experience of care (11.8 (CI 11.4 to 12.2)) as lowest.

Conclusions

Patients want extensive personal access to their hospital EHR, placing high importance on the viewing of practical clinical measures and medication management. These influence routine day-to-day care and are priorities for development.
Focused ultrasound examination of the chest on patients admitted with acute signs of respiratory problems: a study protocol for a pragmatic randomised controlled multicentre trial
Authors: Riishede M , Laursen C B , Teglbjærg L S , Lassen A T , Baatrup G
Published: October 2016

Introduction

Patients with acute respiratory problems poses a diagnostic challenge because similar symptoms can be caused by various pathological conditions. Focused ultrasound examination (f-US) of the heart and lungs has proven to increase the diagnostic accuracy in these patients. In this protocol of a randomised multicentre trial, we study the effect of f-US of the heart and lungs in patients with respiratory problems performed by emergency physicians (EP) as soon as the patient arrives to the emergency department (ED). The primary outcome is the number of patients with a correct presumptive diagnosis at 4 hours from admission.

Methods and analysis

This is a semiblinded randomised prospective study. 288 patients will be included and randomised into the control or intervention group. All patients receive a standard diagnostic evaluation by the EP to assess the primary presumptive diagnosis. Investigators are EP, with varying degrees of experience in f-US, who perform an f-US of the heart and lungs in patients in both treatment arms. f-US results in the intervention group are non-blinded to the treating EP to be included in the assessment of the 4-hour presumptive diagnosis. As standard for correct diagnosis, we perform a blinded journal audit after discharge. As primary analysis, we use the intention-to-treat analysis.

Conclusions

This study is the first multicentre trial in EDs to investigate whether f-US, in the hands of the EP, increases the proportion of correct diagnosis at 4 hours after arrival when performed on patients with respiratory problems.

Ethics and dissemination

This trial is conducted in accordance with the Helsinki II Declaration and approved by the Danish Data Protection Agency and the Committee on Biomedical Research Ethics for the Region of Southern Denmark. Results will be published in accordance with the CONSORT statement in a peer-reviewed scientific journal regardless of the outcome.

Trial registration number

NCT02550184; Pre-results.
New transfer of care initiative of electronic referral from hospital to community pharmacy in England: a formative service evaluation
Authors: Nazar Hamde , Brice Steven , Akhter Nasima , Kasim Adetayo , Gunning Ann , Slight Sarah P , Watson Neil W
Published: October 2016

Objectives

To evaluate an electronic patient referral system from one UK hospital Trust to community pharmacies across the North East of England.

Setting

Two hospital sites in Newcastle-upon-Tyne and 207 community pharmacies.

Participants

Inpatients who were considered to benefit from on-going support and continuity of care after leaving hospital.

Intervention

Electronic transmission of an information related to patient's medicines to their nominated community pharmacy. Community pharmacists to provide a follow-up consultation tailored to the individual patient needs.

Primary and secondary outcomes

Number of referrals made to and received by different types of pharmacies; reasons for referrals; accepted/completed and rejected referred rates; reasons for rejections by community pharmacists; time to action referrals; details of the follow-up consultations; readmission rates at 30, 60 and 90 days post referral and number of hospital bed days.

Results

2029 inpatients were referred over a 13-month period (1 July 2014–31 July 2015). Only 31% (n=619) of these patients participated in a follow-up consultation; 47% (n=955) of referrals were rejected by community pharmacies with the most common reason being ‘patient was uncontactable’ (35%, n=138). Most referrals were accepted/completed within 7 days of receipt and most rejections were made >2 weeks after referral receipt. Most referred patients were over 60 years of age and referred for a Medicines Use Review (MUR) or enrolment for the New Medicines Service (NMS). Those patients who received a community pharmacist follow-up consultation had statistically significant lower rates of readmissions and shorter hospital stays than those patients without a follow-up consultation.

Conclusions

Hospital pharmacy staff were able to use an information technology (IT) platform to improve the coordination of care for patients transitioning back home from hospital. Community pharmacists were able to contact the majority of patients and results indicate that patients receiving a follow-up consultation may have lower rates of readmission and shorter hospital stays.
Respiratory health screening for opiate misusers in a specialist community clinic: a mixed-methods pilot study, with integrated staff and service user feedback
Authors: Mitchell Caroline Anne , Pitt Alice , Hulin Joe , Lawson Rod , Ashby Fleur , Appelqvist Ivan , Delaney Brigitte
Published: October 2016

Objectives

Increased rates of illicit drug inhalation are thought to expose opiate misusers (OMUs) to an enhanced risk of respiratory health problems. This pilot study aimed to determine the feasibility of undertaking respiratory screening of OMUs in a community clinic.

Setting

Single-centre UK community substance misuse clinic.

Participants

All clinic attendees receiving treatment for opiate misuse were eligible to participate. 36 participants (mean age=37) were recruited over a 5-week period. The sample included 26 males and 10 females.

Outcome measures

Spirometry without bronchodilation; health related quality of life EQ-5D-3L; Asthma Control Test; Mini Asthma Quality of Life; Clinical COPD Questionnaire and the Treatment Outcome Profile were used to assess the respiratory health of participants. Findings were discussed with staff and service users in 2 patient and public involvement events and feedback was analysed thematically.

Results

34 participants reported that they had smoked heroin. 8 participants diagnosed with asthma, scored under 13 on the Asthma Control Test, suggesting poorly controlled asthma. Participants (n=28), without a diagnosis of asthma completed the Lung Function Questionnaire. Of these, 79% produced scores under 18, indicating symptoms associated with the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Spirometry showed 14% of all participants had forced expiratory volume in 1 s/forced vital capacity <0.7 (without bronchodilator), indicating potential obstructive lung disease. Feedback from service users and staff suggested a willingness and capacity to deliver respiratory health screening programmes. Insight towards the difficulties service users have in accessing services and the burden of respiratory health was also provided.

Conclusions

It is feasible to undertake respiratory health screening of OMUs in a community clinic. Larger screening studies are warranted to determine the prevalence of respiratory health problems in this population. Research regarding asthma medicines adherence and access to healthcare among OMUs is also required.
Conceptual model for early health technology assessment of current and novel heart valve interventions
Authors: Huygens Simone A , Rutten-van Mölken Maureen P M H , Bekkers Jos A , Bogers Ad J J C , Bouten Carlijn V C , Chamuleau Steven A J , de Jaegere Peter P T , Kappetein Arie Pieter , Kluin Jolanda , van Mieghem Nicolas M D A , Versteegh Michel I M , Witsenburg Maarten , Takkenberg Johanna J M
Published: October 2016

Objective

The future promises many technological advances in the field of heart valve interventions, like tissue-engineered heart valves (TEHV). Prior to introduction in clinical practice, it is essential to perform early health technology assessment. We aim to develop a conceptual model (CM) that can be used to investigate the performance and costs requirements for TEHV to become cost-effective.

Methods

After scoping the decision problem, a workgroup developed the draft CM based on clinical guidelines. This model was compared with existing models for cost-effectiveness of heart valve interventions, identified by systematic literature search. Next, it was discussed with a Delphi panel of cardiothoracic surgeons, cardiologists and a biomedical scientist (n=10).

Results

The CM starts with the valve implantation. If patients survive the intervention, they can remain alive without complications, die from non-valve-related causes or experience a valve-related event. The events are separated in early and late events. After surviving an event, patients can experience another event or die due to non-valve-related causes. Predictors will include age, gender, NYHA class, left ventricular function and diabetes. Costs and quality adjusted life years are to be attached to health conditions to estimate long-term costs and health outcomes.

Conclusions

We developed a CM that will serve as foundation of a decision-analytic model that can estimate the potential cost-effectiveness of TEHV in early development stages. This supports developers in deciding about further development of TEHV and identifies promising interventions that may result in faster take-up in clinical practice by clinicians and reimbursement by payers.
3D T1-weighted black blood sequence at 3.0 Tesla for the diagnosis of cervical artery dissection
Authors: Luo Yun , Guo Zhen-Ni , Niu Peng-Peng , Liu Yang , Zhou Hong-Wei , Jin Hang , Yang Yi
Published: October 2016

Objective

We aimed to investigate the value of three-dimensional (3D) T1 volumetric isotropic turbo spin echo acquisition (VISTA) in the diagnosis of cervical artery dissection (CAD).

Methods

We prospectively included patients who were suspected as having a CAD within 1 month of onset. For T1 VISTA, the diagnosis of the dissection was based on the presence of intramural high-signal, intimal flap, double lumen and aneurysmal dilation. The final diagnosis of dissection was based on the clinical history, physical examination, and all of the imaging tests.

Results

A total of 46 patients were included in this study. The final diagnosis of CAD was made for 21 patients. Diagnosis of dissection was made for 20 of the 21 patients after assessing T1 VISTA. A definitive diagnosis of dissection was not made for 5 patients (including 3 patients with digital subtraction angiography) before the T1 VISTA examination. The sensitivity and specificity for T1 VISTA were 95.2% (95% CI, 76.2% to 99.9%) and 100% (95% CI, 86.3% to 100%), respectively. The agreement between the two researchers for T1 VISTA for diagnosis of CAD was very good (k=0.91). For patients without acute artery occlusion, all of them had a definite conclusion with or without dissection by T1 VISTA (n=29). However, for 17 patients with acute artery occlusion, the possibility of dissection could not be excluded for 6 of them by T1 VISTA (p=0.001).

Conclusions

3D T1 VISTA at 3.0 Tesla was useful in the diagnosis of acute CAD. However, for some patients with total occlusion of the artery without typical imaging features of dissection, the unequivocal distinction between intramural haematoma and intraluminal thrombus may be not adequate by T1 VISTA alone. Future studies should investigate whether a follow-up scan, a contrast-enhanced imaging or an optimal VISTA technique could be useful.
Evaluation of stand-level hybrid PipeQual model with permanent sample plot data of Norway spruce
Authors: Kalliokoski Tuomo , Mäkinen Harri , Linkosalo Tapio , Mäkelä Annikki
Published: October 2016

The evaluation of process-based models (PBM) includes ascertaining their ability to produce results consistent with forest growth in the past. In this study, we parameterized and evaluated the hybrid model PipeQual with datasets containing traditional mensuration variables collected from permanent sample plots (PSP) of even-aged Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) stands in Finland. To initialize the model in the middle of stand development and reproduce observed changes in Norway spruce crown structure, the built-in empirical relationships of crown characteristics were made explicitly dependent on the light environment. After these modifications, the model accuracy at the whole dataset level was high, with slope values of linear regressions between the observations and simulations ranging from 0.77 to 0.99 depending on the variable. The average bias ranged between −0.72 and 0.07 m in stand dominant height, –0.68 and 0.57 cm in stand mean diameter, –2.62 and 1.92 m2in stand basal area, and 20 and 29 m3in stand total stem volume. Stand dynamics after thinning also followed reasonable closely the observed patterns. Accurate predictions illustrate the potential of the model for predicting forest stand growth and forest management effects in changing environmental conditions.
Witnessing entanglement between two atoms in dissipative cavities by the entropic uncertainty relation
Authors: Zou Hong-Mei , Fang Mao-Fa
Published: October 2016

Based on the entropic uncertainty relation in the presence of quantum memory, the entanglement witness of two atoms in dissipative cavities is investigated by using the time-convolutionless master-equation approach. We discuss in detail the influences of the non-Markovian effect and the atom–cavity coupling on the lower bound of the entropic uncertainty relation and entanglement witness. The results show that, with the coupling increasing, the number of the time zone witnessed will increase so that the entanglement can be repeatedly witnessed. Enhancing the non-Markovian effect can add the number of the time zone witnessed and lengthen the time of entanglement witness. The results can be applied in quantum measurement, entanglement detecting, quantum cryptography task, and quantum information processing.
Neuroimmune Cross Talk in the Gut. Neuroendocrine and neuroimmune pathways contribute to the pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: O'Malley Dervla
Published: October 2016

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder characterized by recurrent abdominal pain, bloating, and disturbed bowel habit, symptoms that impact the quality of life of sufferers. The pathophysiological changes underlying this multifactorial condition are complex and include increased sensitivity to luminal and mucosal factors, resulting in altered colonic transit and visceral pain. Moreover, dysfunctional communication in the bidirectional signaling axis between the brain and the gut, which involves efferent and afferent branches of the peripheral nervous system, circulating endocrine hormones, and local paracrine and neurocrine factors, including immune and perhaps even microbial signaling molecules, has a role to play in this disorder. This minireview will examine recent advances in our understanding of the pathophysiology of IBS and assess how cross talk between hormones, immune, and microbe-derived factors and their neuromodulatory effects on peripheral nerves may underlie IBS symptomatology.
Na+-K+-Cl−cotransporter (NKCC) maintains the chloride gradient to sustain pacemaker activity in interstitial cells of Cajal
Authors: Zhu Mei Hong , Sung Tae Sik , Kurahashi Masaaki , O'Kane Lauren E. , O'Driscoll Kate , Koh Sang Don , Sanders Kenton M.
Published: October 2016

Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) generate electrical slow waves by coordinated openings of ANO1 channels, a Ca2+-activated Cl−(CaCC) conductance. Efflux of Cl−during slow waves must be significant, as there is high current density during slow-wave currents and slow waves are of sufficient magnitude to depolarize the syncytium of smooth muscle cells and PDGFRα+cells to which they are electrically coupled. We investigated how the driving force for Cl−current is maintained in ICC. We found robust expression of Slc12a2 (which encodes an Na+-K+-Cl−cotransporter, NKCC1) and immunohistochemical confirmation that NKCC1 is expressed in ICC. With the use of the gramicidin permeabilized-patch technique, which is reported to not disturb [Cl−]i, the reversal potential for spontaneous transient inward currents ( ESTICs) was −10.5 mV. This value corresponds to the peak of slow waves when they are recorded directly from ICC in situ. Inhibition of NKCC1 with bumetanide shifted ESTICsto more negative potentials within a few minutes and reduced pacemaker activity. Bumetanide had no direct effects on ANO1 or CaV3.2 channels expressed in HEK293 cells or L-type Ca2+currents. Reducing extracellular Cl−to 10 mM shifted ESTICsto positive potentials as predicted by the Nernst equation. The relatively rapid shift in ESTICswhen NKCC1 was blocked suggests that significant changes in the transmembrane Cl−gradient occur during the slow-wave cycle, possibly within microdomains formed between endoplasmic reticulum and the plasma membrane in ICC. Recovery of Cl−via NKCC1 might have additional consequences on shaping the waveforms of slow waves via Na+entry into microdomains.
Density Functional Investigation of the Inclusion of Gold Clusters on a CH3S Self-Assembled Lattice on Au(111)
Authors: Allen Darnel J. , Archibald Wayne E. , Harper John A. , Saputo John C. , Torres Daniel
Published: October 2016

We employ first-principles density functional theoretical calculations to address the inclusion of gold (Au) clusters in a well-packed CH3S self-assembled lattice. We compute CH3S adsorption energies to quantify the energetic stability of the self-assembly and gold adsorption and dissolution energies to characterize the structural stability of a series of Au clusters adsorbed at the SAM-Au interface. Our results indicate that the inclusion of Au clusters with less than four Au atoms in the SAM-Au interface enhances the binding of CH3S species. In contrast, larger Au clusters destabilize the self-assembly. We attribute this effect to the low-coordinated gold atoms in the cluster. For small clusters, these low-coordinated sites have significantly different electronic properties compared to larger islands, which makes the binding with the self-assembly energetically more favorable. Our results further indicate that Au clusters in the SAM-Au interface are thermodynamically unstable and they will tend to dissolve, producing Au adatoms incorporated in the self-assembly in the form of CH3S-Au-SCH3 species. This is due to the strong S-Au bond which stabilizes single Au adatoms in the self-assembly. Our results provide solid insight into the impact of adatom islands at the CH3S-Au interface.
The Effect of Energy Densities on the Shear Bond Strength of Self-Adhering Flowable Composite to Er:YAG Pretreated Dentin
Authors: Nahas Paul , Zeinoun Toni , Majzoub Zeina , Corbani Karim , Nammour Samir
Published: October 2016

Objective. To investigate the shear bond strength of self-adhering flowable resin composite, to dentin, after exposing it to Er:YAG laser radiation, at different energy densities.Materials and Methods. Sixty freshly extracted human third molars were randomly divided into five groups (n=12). In the control group, dentin was left unirradiated, whereas, in the other four groups, dentin was irradiated with Er:YAG laser in noncontact mode (MSP mode = 100 µs; 10 Hz; beam diameter: 1.3 mm; speed of 1 mm/second; air 6 mL/min; and water 4 mL/min), and respectively, with the following level of energy (50 mJ, 60 mJ, 80 mJ, and 100 mJ). Then, self-adhering flowable resin composite was bonded to all prepared dentin surfaces. Shear bond strength (SBS) was applied and fractured surfaces were examined using scanning electron microscopy.Results. SBS values showed significant differences in 60 mJ (P<0.05) compared to other groups. Morphological evaluation revealed tags or plugs in dentinal tubules, especially when 60 mJ and 80 mJ were used. All four groups tended to leave more residues on the dentin surface, than the control group.Conclusion. Er:YAG dentin irradiation may enhance SBS of the self-adhering flowable resin composite when it is used at the appropriate low level of energy density.
Impacts of Wear and Geometry Response of the Cutting Tool on Machinability of Super Austenitic Stainless Steel
Authors: Alabdullah Mohanad , Polishetty Ashwin , Littlefair Guy
Published: October 2016

This paper presents a study of tool wear and geometry response when machinability tests were applied under milling operations on the Super Austenitic Stainless Steel alloy AL-6XN. Eight milling trials were executed under two cutting speeds, two feed rates, and two depths of cuts. Cutting edge profile measurements were performed to reveal response of cutting edge geometry to the cutting parameters and wear. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to inspect the cutting edges. Results showed the presence of various types of wear such as adhesion wear and abrasion wear on the tool rake and flank faces. Adhesion wear represents the formation of the built-up edge, crater wear, and chipping, whereas abrasion wear represents flank wear. The commonly formed wear was crater wear. Therefore, the optimum tool life among the executed cutting trails was identified according to minimum length and depth of the crater wear. The profile measurements showed the formation of new geometries for the worn cutting edges due to adhesion and abrasion wear and the cutting parameters. The formation of the built-up edge was observed on the rake face of the cutting tool. The microstructure of the built-up edge was investigated using SEM. The built-up edge was found to have the austenite shear lamellar structure which is identical to the formed shear lamellae of the produced chip.
A Fast Self-Planning Approach for Fractional Uplink Power Control Parameters in LTE Networks
Authors: Fernández-Segovia J. A. , Luna-Ramírez S. , Toril M. , Úbeda C.
Published: October 2016

Uplink Power Control (ULPC) is a key feature of mobile networks. Particularly, in LTE, Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) performance strongly depends on Uplink Power Control configuration. In this work, a methodology for the self-planning of uplink Fractional Power Control (FPC) settings is presented. Values for nominal power and channel path-loss compensation factor are proposed. The method is designed for the planning and operational (replanning) stages. A very fast solution for FPC setting can be achieved by the combination of several simple solutions obtained by assuming some simplifications. First, the FPC planning problem is formulated analytically on a cell basis through the combination of multiple regular scenarios built on a per-adjacency basis from a live scenario. Secondly, detailed inspection of the FPC parameter values aims to identify the most important variables in the scenario impacting optimal FPC settings. Finally, regression equations can be built based on those key variables for a simple FPC parameter calculation, so computational costs are extremely reduced. Results show that network performance with the proposed FPC parameter settings is good when compared with typical FPC configurations from operators.
Ubiquitous Release of Exosomal Tumor Suppressor miR-6126 from Ovarian Cancer Cells
Authors: Kanlikilicer Pinar , Rashed Mohammed H. , Bayraktar Recep , Mitra Rahul , Ivan Cristina , Aslan Burcu , Zhang Xinna , Filant Justyna , Silva Andreia M. , Rodriguez-Aguayo Cristian , Bayraktar Emine , Pichler Martin , Ozpolat Bulent , Calin George A. , Sood Anil K. , Lopez-Berestein Gabriel
Published: October 2016

Cancer cells actively promote their tumorigenic behavior by reprogramming gene expression. Loading intraluminal vesicles with specific miRNAs and releasing them into the tumor microenvironment as exosomes is one mechanism of reprogramming whose regulation remains to be elucidated. Here, we report that miR-6126 is ubiquitously released in high abundance from both chemosensitive and chemoresistant ovarian cancer cells via exosomes. Overexpression of miR-6126 was confirmed in healthy ovarian tissue compared with ovarian cancer patient samples and correlated with better overall survival in patients with high-grade serous ovarian cancer. miR-6126 acted as a tumor suppressor by directly targeting integrin-β1, a key regulator of cancer cell metastasis. miR-6126 mimic treatment of cancer cells resulted in increased miR-6126 and decreased integrin-β1 mRNA levels in the exosome. Functional analysis showed that treatment of endothelial cells with miR-6126 mimic significantly reduced tube formation as well as invasion and migration capacities of ovarian cancer cells in vitro. Administration of miR-6126 mimic in an orthotopic mouse model of ovarian cancer elicited a relative reduction in tumor growth, proliferating cells, and microvessel density. miR-6126 inhibition promoted oncogenic behavior by leading ovarian cancer cells to release more exosomes. Our findings provide new insights into the role of exosomal miRNA-mediated tumor progression and suggest a new therapeutic approach to disrupt oncogenic phenotypes in tumors. Cancer Res; 76(24); 7194–207. ©2016 AACR.
Chemoresistance in Pancreatic Cancer Is Driven by Stroma-Derived Insulin-Like Growth Factors
Authors: Ireland Lucy , Santos Almudena , Ahmed Muhammad S. , Rainer Carolyn , Nielsen Sebastian R. , Quaranta Valeria , Weyer-Czernilofsky Ulrike , Engle Danielle D. , Perez-Mancera Pedro A. , Coupland Sarah E. , Taktak Azzam , Bogenrieder Thomas , Tuveson David A. , Campbell Fiona , Schmid Michael C. , Mielgo Ainhoa
Published: October 2016

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) and myofibroblasts are key drivers in cancer that are associated with drug resistance in many cancers, including pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). However, our understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which TAM and fibroblasts contribute to chemoresistance is unclear. In this study, we found that TAM and myofibroblasts directly support chemoresistance of pancreatic cancer cells by secreting insulin-like growth factors (IGF) 1 and 2, which activate insulin/IGF receptors on pancreatic cancer cells. Immunohistochemical analysis of biopsies from patients with pancreatic cancer revealed that 72% of the patients expressed activated insulin/IGF receptors on tumor cells, and this positively correlates with increased CD163+ TAM infiltration. In vivo, we found that TAM and myofibroblasts were the main sources of IGF production, and pharmacologic blockade of IGF sensitized pancreatic tumors to gemcitabine. These findings suggest that inhibition of IGF in combination with chemotherapy could benefit patients with PDAC, and that insulin/IGF1R activation may be used as a biomarker to identify patients for such therapeutic intervention. Cancer Res; 76(23); 6851–63. ©2016 AACR.
Effects of Exercise on Insulin, IGF Axis, Adipocytokines, and Inflammatory Markers in Breast Cancer Survivors: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Kang Dong-Woo , Lee Junga , Suh Sang-Hoon , Ligibel Jennifer , Courneya Kerry S. , Jeon Justin Y.
Published: October 2016

Background: Insulin, IGF axis, adiponectin, and inflammatory markers are associated with breast cancer. Given that physical activity improves prognosis of breast cancer survivors, we investigated the effects of exercise on these markers as potential mediators between physical activity and breast cancer.

Methods: PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL, CINAHL, and SportDiscus were searched up to December 3, 2015, to identify randomized controlled trials (RCT) that investigated the effect of exercise on insulin, IGF axis, and cytokines in breast cancer survivors. Weighted mean difference (WMD) was calculated using either fixed- or random-effects models on the basis of the heterogeneity of the studies.

Results: A total of 18 studies involving 681 breast cancer survivors were included, and these numbers were reduced for individual biomarker analyses. We found that exercise significantly reduced fasting insulin levels [WMD, −3.46 μU/mL; 95% confidence interval (CI), −5.97 to −0.95; P = 0.007]. Furthermore, potentially meaningful but statistically nonsignificant changes were observed in insulin resistance (WMD, −0.73; 95% CI, −0.54 to 0.13; P = 0.23), adiponectin (WMD, 1.17 μg/mL; 95% CI, −0.87 to 3.20; P = 0.26), and C-reactive protein (WMD, −1.10 mg/L; 95% CI, −2.39 to 0.20; P = 0.10). Subgroup analyses showed that fasting insulin levels were significantly more impacted in studies in which intervention participants experienced a weight reduction (WMD, −7.10 μU/mL; 95% CI, −10.31 to −3.90; P < 0.001).

Conclusions: Exercise reduces fasting insulin levels in breast cancer survivors. This may be due to exercise-induced reductions in body weight.

Impact: Practitioners and clinicians may better help breast cancer prognosis be improved through exercise, anticipating physiological effects on cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 26(3); 355–65. ©2016 AACR.
The Accentual Phrase in Singapore English
Authors: Chong Adam J. , Sneed German James
Published: October 2016

This paper reports on a speech production experiment that explores whether the accentual phrase (AP) represents an abstract level of prosodic phrasing in Singapore English. Specifically, it tests whether the right edge of the AP is associated with phrase-final lengthening, the degree of which can be distinguished from lengthening associated with the intonational phrase (IP). Target words were produced in matched sentence contexts in 3 phrasal positions: AP-medial (wordfinal), AP-final, and IP-final. As predicted, target words in AP-final position were longer than those in AP-medial position and shorter than those in IP-final position. Analysis of target duration and f0 together shows that AP boundaries are well discriminated from medial positions. Together, these results strongly support an AP level of phrasing for Singapore English and highlight its role in predicting timing variability.
Clinical Usage of Different Guidelines in Routine Management, Therapy and Follow-Up of Patients with Renal Cell Cancer in Germany
Authors: Spek A. , Szabados B. , Ziegelmüller B. , Stief C. , D'Anastasi M. , Staehler M.
Published: October 2016

Objectives: To evaluate the usage of different guidelines and to estimate the impact of changed recommendation in routine management, therapy and follow-up of patients with renal cell cancer (RCC). Methods: An anonymous questionnaire was sent to 600 urologists in Germany. Twenty-seven percent of them were included in the analysis. The questions were about the practice setting, surgical and medical treatment of RCC, follow-up modalities, knowledge and usage of RCC guidelines. Results were correlated with the recommendations of the EAU-guideline. Results: Sixty-eight percent of the urologists were office based. Sixty percent were located in bigger cities. Ninety-eight percent of the colleagues reported to be knowledgeable about the EAU-guidelines, 62% reported to know the American Urological Association, 59% DGU/AWMF, 19% National Comprehensive Cancer Network, 19% European Society for Medical Oncology, 13% Onkopedia, and 3% British Association of Urological Surgeons-guidelines. Eighty-seven percent reported that partial nephrectomy (Nx) was performed in tumours with diameter <4 cm. Forty-one percent performed a radical Nx for tumours that were 4-7 cm. Follow-up of RCC was done in 99%. Fifty-nine percent underwent an abdominal CT scan after 6 months. Thirty-nine percent got a chest X-ray done. Among those with metastatic RCC, only 84% were offered systemic therapy. First-line therapy was predominantly advocated using sunitinib. Conclusion: Almost all urologists know and use the EAU-guidelines. Other guidelines are rarely used. Follow-up is performed in discordance with the EAU-recommendations. Interestingly, only 84% with metastatic disease are introduced to systemic therapy.
Pancreatic and Hepatic Metastasis of an Undiagnosed Choriocarcinoma: An Exceptional Cause of Haemoperitoneum in Young Women – Report of a Rare Case
Authors: Fatema Nishat , Arora Neeru Vinod , Al Abri Fatma Majid , Khan Yaseer Muhammad Tareq
Published: October 2016

Haemoperitoneum in women of reproductive age usually suggests either ruptured ectopic pregnancy or ruptured ovarian cysts. Metastatic choriocarcinoma is considered the least common cause of haemoperitoneum in women of childbearing age. We report a rare case of pancreatic and hepatic metastasis of choriocarcinoma in a young, 30-year-old female who had delivered 10 months prior at term gestation with no previous history of gestational trophoblastic disease or molar pregnancy. She had a short history of fever and pain in the right hypochondrium, with findings of hypovolaemic shock due to intraperitoneal haemorrhage. Unfortunately, the patient expired with massive uncontrolled bleeding from liver metastasis despite 2 emergency laparotomies within 12 h. This case report is an apt reminder to clinicians to include metastatic choriocarcinoma on the list of differential diagnoses for haemoperitoneum with a positive pregnancy test in women of reproductive age to diagnose early and to avoid life-threatening consequences.
Chronic Kidney Disease Progression and Cardiovascular Outcomes Following Cardiac Catheterization—A Population‐Controlled Study
Authors: Brown Jeremiah R. , Solomon Richard J. , Robey R. Brooks , Plomondon Meg E. , Maddox Thomas M. , Marshall Emily J. , Nichols Elizabeth L. , Matheny Michael E. , Tsai Thomas T. , Rumsfeld John S. , Lee Richard E. , Sarnak Mark J.
Published: October 2016

Background

Studies of kidney disease associated with cardiac catheterization typically rely on billing records rather than laboratory data. We examined the associations between percutaneous coronary interventions, acute kidney injury, and chronic kidney disease progression using comprehensive Veterans Affairs clinical and laboratory databases.

Methods and Results

Patients undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions between 2005 and 2010 (N=24 405) were identified in the Veterans Affairs Clinical Assessment, Reporting, and Tracking registry and examined for associated acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease development or progression relative to 24 405 matched population controls. Secondary outcomes analyzed included dialysis, acute myocardial infarction, and mortality. The incidence of chronic kidney disease progression following percutaneous coronary interventions complicated by acute kidney injury, following uncomplicated coronary interventions, and in matched controls were 28.66, 11.15, and 6.81 per 100 person‐years, respectively. Percutaneous coronary intervention also increased the likelihood of chronic kidney disease progression in both the presence and absence of acute injury relative to controls in adjusted analyses (hazard ratio [HR], 5.02 [95%
CI
, 4.68–5.39]; and
HR
, 1.76 [95% CI, 1.70–1.86]). Among patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min per 1.73 m
2
, acute kidney injury increased the likelihood of disease progression by 8‐fold. Similar results were observed for all secondary outcomes.

Conclusions

Acute kidney injury following percutaneous coronary intervention was associated with increased chronic kidney disease development and progression and mortality.