bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Passive underwater acoustic markers for navigation and information encoding for high frequency sound navigation and ranging (SONAR) devices
Authors: Satish Aprameya , Nichols Brendan , Trivett David , Sabra Karim G.
Published: November 2017

AUV navigation requires accurate positioning information from the surrounding environment. Currently, several underwater navigation and surveying paradigms employ active transponders that assist in triangulation. These systems are expensive, require maintenance, and additional power sources. This paper presents a novel system that may be implemented to guide AUVs equipped with high frequency SONAR, using passive acoustic tags that are cost effective, and simple to deploy. The acoustic tags are constructed by layering multiple sheets of different acoustically reflective materials. When a deployed tag is ensonified by an encoded signal sent from a collocated source/receiver pair, the backscattered waveform by the tag yields a time-domain signature unique to the properties of the materials and geometry of the tag. The signature can be used to locate and identify any given tag within a known library of various tag designs. Numerical simulations and experimental results will demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed passive acoustic tag approach. The developed acoustic tags may find application in AUV navigation and docking exercises, swarm AUV vessel identification, AUV route planning, tagging undersea ecosystem boundaries, etc.
Rapid measurement method of hydrophone in reverberation pool
Authors: Sun Jundong
Published: November 2017

In this paper, a new method based on spatial averaging is proposed to measure hydrophone rapidly in reverberation pool. The method is to overcome the influence of acoustic normal mode by spatial averaging technique, get the reverberation sound RMS pressure in reverberation control area. It is according to the comparison principle to calibration of hydrophone rapidly. The tank is 15m×9m×6m, in the frequency range of 400–10 kHz. The free field voltage sensitivity of the four hydrophones is measured. The measurement results are compared with the free field comparison method of measurement results, the deviation is less than 1 dB, to verify the effectiveness of the method. The method can realize the simultaneous measurement of multiple hydrophones, improve the calibration efficiency, and the lower limit of measurement frequency is much lower than the lower limit frequency of the conventional pulse comparison technique, which improves the measurement capability of the anechoic tank.
Radiocarbon chronology of Manot Cave, Israel and Upper Paleolithic dispersals
Authors: Alex Bridget , Barzilai Omry , Hershkovitz Israel , Marder Ofer , Berna Francesco , Caracuta Valentina , Abulafia Talia , Davis Lauren , Goder-Goldberger Mae , Lavi Ron , Mintz Eugenia , Regev Lior , Bar-Yosef Mayer Daniella , Tejero José-Miguel , Yeshurun Reuven , Ayalon Avner , Bar-Matthews Mira , Yasur Gal , Frumkin Amos , Latimer Bruce , Hans Mark G. , Boaretto Elisabetta
Published: November 2017

Manot Cave radiocarbon dates establish Levantine chronology, which is critical for understanding Upper Paleolithic dispersals.
The Mediterranean Overflow in the Gulf of Cadiz: A rugged journey
Authors: Sánchez-Leal Ricardo F. , Bellanco María Jesús , Fernández-Salas Luis Miguel , García-Lafuente Jesús , Gasser-Rubinat Marc , González-Pola César , Hernández-Molina Francisco J. , Pelegrí Josep L. , Peliz Alvaro , Relvas Paulo , Roque David , Ruiz-Villarreal Manuel , Sammartino Simone , Sánchez-Garrido José Carlos
Published: November 2017

Bathymetric features determine the internal structure of the Mediterranean outflow plume west of Gibraltar.
Structural water as an essential comonomer in supramolecular polymerization
Authors: Dong Shengyi , Leng Jing , Feng Yexin , Liu Ming , Stackhouse Chloe J. , Schönhals Andreas , Chiappisi Leonardo , Gao Lingyan , Chen Wei , Shang Jie , Jin Lin , Qi Zhenhui , Schalley Christoph A.
Published: November 2017

Water is an essential comonomer in a supramolecular polymer that is used as a recyclable, water-activated glue.
The Amazon region
Authors: Lovejoy Thomas E.
Published: November 2017

This is an editorial for the special series.
The Food Contaminant Deoxynivalenol Exacerbates the Genotoxicity of Gut Microbiota
Authors: Payros Delphine , Dobrindt Ulrich , Martin Patricia , Secher Thomas , Bracarense Ana Paula F. L. , Boury Michèle , Laffitte Joelle , Pinton Philippe , Oswald Eric , Oswald Isabelle P.
Published: November 2017

An increasing number of human beings from developed countries are colonized by
Escherichia coli
strains producing colibactin, a genotoxin suspected to be associated with the development of colorectal cancers. Deoxynivalenol (DON) is the most prevalent mycotoxin that contaminates staple food—especially cereal products—in Europe and North America. This study investigates the effect of the food contaminant DON on the genotoxicity of the
E. coli
strains producing colibactin.
In vitro
, intestinal epithelial cells were coexposed to DON and
E. coli
producing colibactin.
In vivo
, newborn rats colonized at birth with
E. coli
producing colibactin were fed a DON-contaminated diet. Intestinal DNA damage was estimated by the phosphorylation of histone H2AX. DON exacerbates the genotoxicity of the
E. coli
producing colibactin in a time- and dose-dependent manner
in vitro
. Although DON had no effect on the composition of the gut microbiota, and especially on the number of
E. coli
, a significant increase in DNA damage was observed in intestinal epithelial cells of animals colonized by
E. coli
strains producing colibactin and coexposed to DON compared to animals colonized with
E. coli
strains unable to produce colibactin or animals exposed only to DON. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that the genotoxicity of
E. coli
strains producing colibactin, increasingly present in the microbiota of asymptomatic human beings, is modulated by the presence of DON in the diet. This raises questions about the synergism between food contaminants and gut microbiota with regard to intestinal carcinogenesis.

IMPORTANCE
An increasing number of human beings from developed countries are colonized by
Escherichia coli
strains producing colibactin, a genotoxin suspected to be associated with the development of colorectal cancers. Deoxynivalenol (DON) is the most prevalent mycotoxin that contaminates staple food—especially cereal products—in Europe and North America. Our
in vitro
and
in vivo
results demonstrate that the intestinal DNA damage induced by colibactin-producing
E. coli
strains was exacerbated by the presence of DON in the diet. This raises questions about the synergism between food contaminants and gut microbiota with regard to intestinal carcinogenesis.
Primary intraventricular haemorrhage due to rupture of giant varix of the basal vein of Rosenthal in a patient with long-standing direct CCF: angiographic features and treatment considerations
Authors: Nagesh Chinmay P , Mohimen Aneesh , Kannath Santhosh K , Rajan Jayadevan E
Published: November 2017

Direct carotid cavernous fistulae (CCF) are often detected early and treated promptly resulting in a paucity of literature regarding its long-term evolution. We present a case of high flow post-traumatic direct CCF that was neglected for over 6 years and presented with a rare manifestation of primary intraventricular haemorrhage. Occlusions of the primary venous outlets likely resulted in engorgement of the deep venous system. The segmental anatomy of the shunting basal vein is critical to the clinical presentation and may range from basal ganglia or brainstem oedema/infarctions to uniquely, as in our case, isolated intraventricular haemorrhage secondary to variceal rupture. Treatment in such chronic cases requires a consideration of cerebral hyperperfusion syndrome necessitating deconstructive techniques with subsequent anticoagulation to avoid accelerated thrombosis of the venous varices.
Natural history of primary paediatric optic nerve sheath meningioma: case series and review
Authors: Narayan Daniel S , Traber Ghislaine L , Figueira Edwin , Pirbhai Adnan , Landau Klara , Davis Garry , Crompton John , Selva Dinesh
Published: November 2017

Purpose

To study the natural history, clinical and radiological characteristics of primary paediatric optic nerve sheath meningioma (PPONSM).

Methods

Retrospective study of eight paediatric patients who were treated between 1994 and 2016 at the University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland and the Royal Adelaide Hospital, Australia. Clinical records and imaging studies were reviewed.

Results

The mean age at presentation was 11 years (range: 6–17 years). There were six female patients and two male patients. 2/8 patients had associated neurofibromatosis type 2. Patients were followed up for 71–297 months (mean 156±70 months). 6/8 patients were observed through the course of their disease and 2/8 patients were treated with radiotherapy. 2/8 patients who were observed had minimal change in vision and did not experience tumour growth after long-term follow-up.

Conclusions

This is the largest PPONSM case series with long-term data on patients treated conservatively. We highlight that a small subset of these tumours are indolent and can be managed using observation alone.
Is there consensus in defining childhood cerebral visual impairment? A systematic review of terminology and definitions
Authors: Sakki Hanna E A , Dale Naomi J , Sargent Jenefer , Perez-Roche Teresa , Bowman Richard
Published: November 2017

The childhood condition of visual difficulties caused by brain damage, commonly termed cortical or cerebral visual impairment (CVI), is well established but has no internationally accepted definition. Clarification of its core features is required to advance research and clinical practice. This systematic review aimed to identify the definitions of childhood CVI in the original scientific literature to describe and critically appraise a consensual definition of the condition. MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsychINFO, CINAHL and AMED databases were searched in January 2017. Studies were included if they (1) were published original research, (2) contained a childhood CVI sample, (3) contained a definition of CVI and (4) described their CVI identification/diagnostic method. Thematic analysis identified concepts within definitions and narrative synthesis was conducted. Of 1150 articles, 51 met inclusion criteria. Definitions were subdivided according to detail (descriptive definition, description not reaching definition status and diagnostic/operationalising criteria). Three themes concerning visual deficits, eye health and brain integrity were identified (each containing subthemes) and analysed individually across definitions. The most common themes were ‘visual impairment’ (n=20), ‘retrochiasmatic pathway damage’(n=13) and ‘normal/near normal eye health’ (n=15). The most consensual definition identified here may not be the best quality for advancing our understanding of CVI. We argue for the alternative definition: CVI is a verifiable visual dysfunction which cannot be attributed to disorders of the anterior visual pathways or any potentially co-occurring ocular impairment. We propose reporting guidelines to permit comparison across studies and increase the evidence base for more reliable clinical assessment and diagnosis.
Antibiotic use and bacterial complications following upper respiratory tract infections: a population-based study
Authors: Cars Thomas , Eriksson Irene , Granath Anna , Wettermark Björn , Hellman Jenny , Norman Christer , Ternhag Anders
Published: November 2017

Objectives

To investigate if use of antibiotics was associated with bacterial complications following upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs).

Design

Ecological time-trend analysis and a prospective cohort study.

Setting

Primary, outpatient specialist and inpatient care in Stockholm County, Sweden. All analyses were based on administrative healthcare data on consultations, diagnoses and dispensed antibiotics from January 2006 to January 2016.

Main outcome measures

Ecological time-trend analysis: 10-year trend analyses of the incidence of URTIs, bacterial infections/complications and respiratory antibiotic use.Prospective cohort study: Incidence of bacterial complications following URTIs in antibiotic-exposed and non-exposed patients.

Results

The utilisation of respiratory tract antibiotics decreased by 22% from 2006 to 2015, but no increased trend for mastoiditis (p=0.0933), peritonsillar abscess (p=0.0544), invasive group A streptococcal disease (p=0.3991), orbital abscess (p=0.9637), extradural and subdural abscesses (p=0.4790) and pansinusitis (p=0.3971) was observed. For meningitis and acute ethmoidal sinusitis, a decrease in the numbers of infections from 2006 to 2015 was observed (p=0.0038 and p=0.0003, respectively), and for retropharyngeal and parapharyngeal abscesses, an increase was observed (p=0.0214). Bacterial complications following URTIs were uncommon in both antibiotic-exposed (less than 1.5 per 10 000 episodes) and non-exposed patients (less than 1.3 per 10 000 episodes) with the exception of peritonsillar abscess after tonsillitis (risk per 10 000 tonsillitis episodes: 32.4 and 41.1 in patients with no antibiotic treatment and patients treated with antibiotics, respectively).

Conclusions

Bacterial complications following URTIs are rare, and antibiotics may lack protective effect in preventing bacterial complications. Analyses of routinely collected administrative healthcare data can provide valuable information on the number of URTIs, antibiotic use and bacterial complications to patients, prescribers and policy-makers.
Qualitative evaluation of a deferred consent process in paediatric emergency research: a PREDICT study
Authors: Furyk Jeremy , McBain-Rigg Kristin , Watt Kerrianne , Emeto Theophilus I , Franklin Richard C , Franklin Donna , Schibler Andreas , Dalziel Stuart R , Babl Franz E , Wilson Catherine , Phillips Natalie , Ray Robin
Published: November 2017

Background

A challenge of conducting research in critically ill children is that the therapeutic window for the intervention may be too short to seek informed consent prior to enrolment. In specific circumstances, most international ethical guidelines allow for children to be enrolled in research with informed consent obtained later, termed deferred consent (DC) or retrospective consent. There is a paucity of data on the attitudes of parents to this method of enrolment in paediatric emergency research.

Objectives

To explore the attitudes of parents to the concept of DC and to expand the knowledge of the limitations to informed consent and DC in these situations.

Method

Children presenting with uncomplicated febrile seizures or bronchiolitis were identified from three separate hospital emergency department databases. Parents were invited to participate in a semistructured telephone interview exploring themes of limitations of prospective informed consent, acceptability of the DC process and the most appropriate time to seek DC. Transcripts underwent inductive thematic analysis with intercoder agreement, using Nvivo 11 software.

Results

A total of 39 interviews were conducted. Participants comprehended the limitations of informed consent under emergency circumstances and were generally supportive of DC. However, they frequently confused concepts of clinical care and research, and support for participation was commonly linked to their belief of personal benefit.

Conclusion

Participants acknowledged the requirement for alternatives to prospective informed consent in emergency research, and were supportive of the concept of DC. Our results suggest that current research practice seems to align with community expectations.
The association between patient experience factors and likelihood of 30-day readmission: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Carter Jocelyn , Ward Charlotte , Wexler Deborah , Donelan Karen
Published: November 2017

Objective

Hospital care comprises nearly a third of US healthcare expenditures. Fifteen to 20 per cent of this spending is considered to be potentially preventable. Risk prediction models have suboptimal accuracy and typically exclude patient experience data. No studies have explored patient perceptions of the likelihood of readmission during index admission. Our objective was to examine associations between patient perceptions of care during index hospital admission and 30-day readmission.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Two inpatient adult medicine units at Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.

Participants

Eight hundred and forty-six patients admitted to study units between January 2012 and January 2016 who met eligibility criteria and consented to enrolment.

Main outcome

Odds of 30-day readmission.

Results

Of 1754 eligible participants, 846 (48%) were enrolled and 201 (23.8%) were readmitted within 30 days. Readmitted participants were less likely to have a high school diploma/GED (44.3% not readmitted vs 53.5% readmitted, P=0.02). In multivariable models adjusting for baseline differences, respondents who reported being ‘very satisfied’ with the care received during the index hospitalisation were less likely to be readmitted (adjusted OR 0.61, 95% CI 0.43 to 0.88, P=0.007). Participants reporting doctors ‘always listened to them carefully’ were less likely to be readmitted (adjusted OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.48 to 0.97, P=0.03). Participants reporting they were ‘very likely’ to be readmitted were not more likely to be readmitted (adjusted OR 1.35, 95% CI 0.83 to 2.19, P=0.22).

Conclusion

Participants reporting high satisfaction and good provider communication were less likely to be readmitted. Rates of readmission were increased among participants stating they were very likely to be readmitted though this association was not statistically significant. Incorporating patient-reported measures during index hospitalisations may improve readmission prediction.
Obesity and elevated blood pressure in suburban student athletes
Authors: Georgeson Andrew , Lebenthal Mark , Catania Raymond , Georgeson Steven
Published: November 2017

Objective

To assess the prevalence of obesity and elevated blood pressure in a suburban population of middle school and high school student athletes and examine the differences from the previously published populations.

Study design

The Student Athlete Cardiac Evaluation Registry Study is a single-centre, community hospital-based registry study, that provided free annual preparticipation physical examinations (PPE) from 2009 to 2017. The PPE on the 906 athletes included a history, a physical examination and body metrics including height, weight and blood pressure. The blood pressure was measured with an automated blood pressure cuff and, if elevated, was remeasured using a manual blood pressure cuff with aneroid manometer. The data from the PPE were collected and analysed for prevalence of obesity, overweight and elevated blood pressure measurements.

Results

The prevalence of obesity was 11%, and 19% of participants were overweight. Many of the athletes had an elevated blood pressure (15%). There was a significant association (P<0.001) between weight and elevated blood pressure. Among athletes with elevated blood pressure, 50% were either obese or overweight.

Conclusions

There was a similar prevalence of overweight athletes in our study compared with previously published populations, but there were a lower proportion of obese athletes, which may be explained by differences in demographics. Despite the differences in study populations and the lower rate of obesity, the proportion of athletes with elevated blood pressure in our study was similar to prior populations. Weight issues and elevated blood pressure affect athletes across a range of different populations.
Clinical outcomes in 1731 patients undergoing mitral valve surgery for rheumatic valve disease
Authors: Kim Wan Kee , Kim Ho Jin , Kim Joon Bum , Jung Sung-Ho , Choo Suk Jung , Chung Cheol Hyun , Lee Jae Won
Published: November 2017

Objective

Unlike degenerative mitral valve (MV) disease, the advantages of valve repair procedure over replacement have been debated in rheumatic MV disease. This study aims to evaluate the impact of procedural types on long-term outcomes through analyses on a large data set from an endemic area of rheumatic disease.

Methods

We evaluated 1731 consecutive patients (52.3±12.5 years; 1190 women) undergoing MV surgery for rheumatic MV disease between 1997 and 2015. Long-term survival and valve-related outcomes were compared between repair and replacement procedures. To adjust for selection bias, propensity score analyses were performed.

Results

Patients undergoing repair were younger and had more predominant mitral regurgitation than mechanical and bioprosthetic replacement groups (61.6% vs 15.6% vs 24.4%; P<0.001). During follow-up (130.9±27.7 months), 283 patients (16.3%) died and 256 patients (14.8%) experienced valve-related complications. Propensity score matching yielded 188 pairs of repair and replacement patients that were well balanced for baseline covariates. In the matched cohort, there was no significant difference in the mortality risk between the repair and replacement groups (HR, 1.24; 95% CI 0.62 to 2.48). The risk of composite valve-related complications, however, was significantly lower in repair group (HR, 0.57; 95% CI 0.33 to 0.99) principally derived by a lower risk of haemorrhagic events (HR, 0.23; 95% CI 0.07 to 0.70). The incidence of reoperation was not significantly different between groups in the matched cohort (HR, 1.62; 95% CI 0.49 to 5.28).

Conclusion

Valve repair in well-selected patients with severe rheumatic MV disease led to comparable survival, but superior valve-related outcomes compared with valve replacement surgery.
S100A4 Amplifies Tgf-β-Induced Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in a Pleural Mesothelial Cell Line
Authors: Ning Qian , Li Feiyan , Wang Lei , Li Hong , Yao Yan , Hu Tinghua , Sun Zhongmin
Published: November 2017

Pleural fibrosis can dramatically lower the quality of life. Numerous studies have reported that epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) regulated by transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is involved in fibrosis. However, the molecular mechanism is inadequately understood. Fibroblast-specific protein-1 (S100A4) is a target of TGF-β signaling. In our previous study, we have reported that S100A4 is highly expressed in pleural fibrosis. Thus, we suggest that S100A4 took part in the TGF-β-induced EMT in pleural fibrosis. In this study, we determined the expression of S100A4 and EMT-related markers in Met-5A cells (pleural mesothelial cells) treated with TGF-β or TGF-β inhibitor by real-time PCR and western blot. In order to explore the role of S100A4, we used siRNA to knock down the expression of S100A4 in cell model. We found that the expression of epithelial cell marker was decreased and the mesenchymal cell marker increased with S100A4 upregulation after treatment with TGF-β. Moreover, the changes of EMT-related event were restricted when the expression of S100A4 was knocked down. Conversely, S100A4 can partially rescue the EMT-related expression changes induced by TGF-β inhibitor. These findings suggest that S100A4 expression is induced by the TGF-β pathway, and silencing S100A4 expression can inhibit the process of TGF-β-induced EMT.
Rosiglitazone is superior to resveratrol in inducing the expression of glyceroneogenic genes in adipose tissue from obese participants
Authors: Beaudoin Marie-Soleil , Gaudio Nicholas , Reed John K. , Foute-Nelong Jules , Mutch David M. , Wright David C.
Published: November 2017

We compared the effects of resveratrol and rosiglitazone, alone and in combination, on indices of fatty acid re-esterification in cultured adipose tissue from obese participants (n = 17) undergoing gastric bypass. Rosiglitazone induced PDK4 and PEPCK gene expression to a greater extent than resveratrol. Co-treatment with both compounds induced PDK4 and PEPCK expression in parallel with reductions in the fatty acid to glycerol ratio. Our findings suggest beneficial effects of resveratrol and rosiglitazone co-treatment.
Distinct domains within the NITROGEN LIMITATION ADAPTATION protein mediate its subcellular localization and function in the nitrate-dependent phosphate homeostasis pathway
Authors: Hannam Carol , Gidda Satinder K. , Humbert Sabrina , Peng Mingsheng , Cui Yuhai , Dyer John M. , Rothstein Steven J. , Mullen Robert T.
Published: November 2017

The NITROGEN LIMITATION ADAPTATION (NLA) protein is a RING-type E3 ubiquitin ligase that plays an essential role in the regulation of nitrogen and phosphate homeostasis. NLA is localized to two different subcellular sites (the plasma membrane and the nucleus), and contains four distinct domains: (i) a RING domain that mediates degradation of phosphate transporters at the plasma membrane; (ii) an SPX domain that facilitates NLA’s interaction with the phosphate transporters, and also exists in other proteins that regulate the nuclear transcription factors that control the phosphate starvation response pathway; (iii) a linker domain that lies between the RING and SPX domains; and (iv) a C-terminal domain, which, like the linker region, is of unknown function. Here we carried out a mutational analysis of NLA, which indicated that all the domains are not only essential for proper functioning of the protein, but also mediate its localization to the plasma membrane and (or) nucleus, as well as to different subdomains within the nucleus. Overall, the results provide new insights to the distinct protein motifs within NLA and the role(s) that this protein serves at different subcellular sites with respect to the regulation of nitrogen-dependent phosphate homeostasis as well as other possible physiological functions.
Objective Triangle Functors in Adjoint Pairs
Authors: Zhang Pu , Zhu Lin
Published: November 2017

An additive functor [Formula: see text] → [Formula: see text] between additive categories is objective if any morphism f in [Formula: see text] with F(f) = 0 factors through an object K with F(K) = 0. We consider when a triangle functor in an adjoint pair is objective. We show that a triangle functor is objective provided that its adjoint (whatever left adjoint or right adjoint) is full or dense. We also give an example to show that the adjoint of a faithful triangle functor is not necessarily objective. In particular, the adjoint of an objective triangle functor is not necessarily objective. This is in contrast to the well-known fact that the adjoint of a triangle functor is always a triangle functor. Also, for an arbitrary adjoint pair (F, G) between categories which are not necessarily additive, we give a sufficient and necessary condition such that F (resp., G) is full or faithful.
The Number of Rational Points of a Family of Algebraic Varieties over Finite Fields
Authors: Hu Shuangnian , Zhao Junyong
Published: November 2017

Let 𝔽q stand for the finite field of odd characteristic p with q elements (q = pn, n ∈ ℕ) and [Formula: see text] denote the set of all the nonzero elements of 𝔽q. Let m and t be positive integers. By using the Smith normal form of the exponent matrix, we obtain a formula for the number of rational points on the variety defined by the following system of equations over [Formula: see text] where the integers t > 0, r0 = 0 < r1 < r2 < ⋯ < rt, 1 ≤ n1 < n2 <, ⋯ < nt and 0 ≤ j ≤ t − 1, bk ∊ 𝔽q, ak,i ∊ [Formula: see text] (k = 1, …, m, i = 1, …, rt), and the exponent of each variable is a positive integer. Further, under some natural conditions, we arrive at an explicit formula for the number of 𝔽q-rational points on the above variety. It extends the results obtained previously by Wolfmann, Sun, Wang, Hong et al. Our result gives a partial answer to an open problem raised in [The number of rational points of a family of hypersurfaces over finite fields, J. Number Theory 156 (2015) 135–153].
Strategies for Enhanced Crop Resistance to Insect Pests
Authors: Douglas Angela E.
Published: November 2017

Insect pests are responsible for substantial crop losses worldwide through direct damage and transmission of plant diseases, and novel approaches that complement or replace broad-spectrum chemical insecticides will facilitate the sustainable intensification of food production in the coming decades. Multiple strategies for improved crop resistance to insect pests, especially strategies relating to plant secondary metabolism and immunity and microbiome science, are becoming available. Recent advances in metabolic engineering of plant secondary chemistry offer the promise of specific toxicity or deterrence to insect pests; improved understanding of plant immunity against insects provides routes to optimize plant defenses against insects; and the microbiomes of insect pests can be exploited, either as a target or as a vehicle for delivery of insecticidal agents. Implementation of these advances will be facilitated by ongoing advances in plant breeding and genetic technologies.
Evolution of Alternative Adaptive Immune Systems in Vertebrates
Authors: Boehm Thomas , Hirano Masayuki , Holland Stephen J. , Das Sabyasachi , Schorpp Michael , Cooper Max D.
Published: November 2017

Adaptive immunity in jawless fishes is based on antigen recognition by three types of variable lymphocyte receptors (VLRs) composed of variable leucine-rich repeats, which are differentially expressed by two T-like lymphocyte lineages and one B-like lymphocyte lineage. The T-like cells express either VLRAs or VLRCs of yet undefined antigen specificity, whereas the VLRB antibodies secreted by B-like cells bind proteinaceous and carbohydrate antigens. The incomplete VLR germline genes are assembled into functional units by a gene conversion–like mechanism that employs flanking variable leucine-rich repeat sequences as templates in association with lineage-specific expression of cytidine deaminases. B-like cells develop in the hematopoietic typhlosole and kidneys, whereas T-like cells develop in the thymoid, a thymus-equivalent region at the gill fold tips. Thus, the dichotomy between T-like and B-like cells and the presence of dedicated lymphopoietic tissues emerge as ancestral vertebrate features, whereas the somatic diversification of structurally distinct antigen receptor genes evolved independently in jawless and jawed vertebrates.
Modern Systemic Therapy for Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma of the Clear Cell Type
Authors: Parikh Mamta , Lara Primo N.
Published: November 2017

In the last 30 years, there have been many advances in the treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma of the clear cell type. Renal cell carcinoma has long been understood to have a component of immune mediation and has been responsive to immune-based therapies; in addition to early cytokine therapy, newer checkpoint inhibition therapies have also demonstrated activity. Molecular characterization of the genome of clear cell renal cell carcinoma enabled identification of the roles of angiogenesis and hypoxic stress. This led to development of small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors and inhibitors of mammalian target of rapamycin that have provided additional benefit to patients. Ongoing strategies of combinations of immune and antiangiogenic therapies may lead to further advancements.
Salt, Hypertension, and Immunity
Authors: Rucker A. Justin , Rudemiller Nathan P. , Crowley Steven D.
Published: November 2017

The link between inappropriate salt retention in the kidney and hypertension is well recognized. However, growing evidence suggests that the immune system can play surprising roles in sodium homeostasis, such that the study of inflammatory cells and their secreted effectors has provided important insights into salt sensitivity. As part of the innate immune system, myeloid cells have diverse roles in blood pressure regulation, ranging from prohypertensive actions in the kidney, vasculature, and brain, to effects in the skin that attenuate blood pressure elevation. In parallel, T lymphocyte subsets, as key constituents of the adaptive immune compartment, have variable effects on renal sodium handling and the hypertensive response, accruing from the functions of the cytokines that they produce. Conversely, salt can directly modulate the phenotypes of myeloid and T cells, illustrating bidirectional regulatory mechanisms through which sodium and the immune system coordinately impact blood pressure. This review details the complex interplay between myeloid cells, T cells, and salt in the pathogenesis of essential hypertension.
Functional role and therapeutic targeting of microRNAs in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Soroosh Artin , Koutsioumpa Marina , Pothoulakis Charalabos , Iliopoulos Dimitrios
Published: November 2017

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are chronic inflammatory gastrointestinal diseases, primarily consisting of ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. The complex nature of the disease, as well as the limited therapeutic options characterized by low efficiency and major side effects, highlights the importance of developing novel strategies of therapeutic intervention in IBD. Susceptibility loci related to IBD are present only in a small percentage of IBD patients, implying that epigenetic modifications could influence the pathogenesis of the disease. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that regulate multiple molecular pathways involved in IBD pathobiology. MiRNA inhibitors targeting the IBD-activated miRNAs could have therapeutic value for IBD patients. This review provides an overview of the recent advances in miRNA biology related to IBD pathogenesis and the pharmacological development of miRNA-based therapeutics.
Mast cell-dependent IL-33/ST2 signaling is protective against the development of airway hyperresponsiveness in a house dust mite mouse model of asthma
Authors: Zoltowska Nilsson A. M. , Lei Y. , Adner M. , Nilsson G. P.
Published: November 2017

Interleukin-33 (IL-33) and its receptor ST2 have been influentially associated with the pathophysiology of asthma. Due to the divergent roles of IL-33 in regulating mast cell functions, there is a need to further characterize IL-33/ST2-dependent mast cell responses and their significance in the context of asthma. This study aimed to investigate how IL-33/ST2-dependent mast cell responses contribute to the development of airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and airway inflammation in a mouse model of house dust mite (HDM)-induced asthma. Mast cell-deficient C57BL/6-KitW-sh (Wsh) mice engrafted with either wild-type (Wsh + MC-WT) or ST2-deficient bone marrow-derived mast cells (Wsh + MC-ST2KO) were exposed to HDM delivered intranasally. An exacerbated development of AHR in response to HDM was seen in Wsh + MC-ST2KO compared with Wsh + MC-WT mice. The contribution of this IL-33/ST2-dependent mast cell response to AHR seems to reside within the smaller airways in the peripheral parts of the lung, as suggested by the isolated yet marked effect on tissue resistance. Considering the absence of a parallel increase in cellular inflammation in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung, the aggravated AHR in Wsh + MC-ST2KO mice seems to be independent of cellular inflammation. We observed an association between the elevated AHR and reduced PGE2 levels in BALF. Due to the protective properties of PGE2 in airway responses, it is conceivable that IL-33/ST2-dependent mast cell induction of PGE2 could be responsible for the dampening effect on AHR. In conclusion, we reveal that IL-33/ST2-dependent mast cell responses can have a protective, rather than causative role, in the development of AHR.
Potential Effect of Leukocyte-Platelet-Rich Fibrin in Bone Healing of Skull Base: A Pilot Study
Authors: Fredes Felipe , Pinto Jaime , Pinto Nelson , Rojas Pablo , Prevedello Daniel M. , Carrau Ricardo L. , Schmidt Thomas
Published: November 2017

Background. Reconstruction of surgical defects following cranial base surgery is challenging. Others have demonstrated that leukocyte-platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) stimulates tissue healing and bone regeneration. However, these studies have addressed mostly maxillofacial surgical wounds. Objective. The objective of this study was to assess the possible adjuvant role of L-PRF in inducing neoossification of the surgical bone defect in anterior skull base surgery. Methods. We identified patients who had undergone an endoscopic endonasal surgery of the anterior skull base in which L-PRF membranes were used for the reconstruction of the bone defect and who were followed up with postoperative CT scans. CT findings were then correlated with baseline scans and with the CT scans of a patient who had undergone imaging and histologic analysis after maxillofacial surgery in which L-PRF was used and in which we demonstrated bone formation. Results. Five patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. In four patients, the CT scan demonstrated closure of the bony defect by neoosteogenesis; however, the bone appeared less dense than the surrounding normal bone. A comparison with the control patient yielded similar radiological features. Conclusion. This case series suggests that L-PRF may induce bone healing and regeneration at the surgical site defect. Multi-institutional studies with a larger series of patients are required to confirm this possibility.
An Advanced Private Social Activity Invitation Framework with Friendship Protection
Authors: Tong Weitian , Chen Lei , Buglass Scott , Gao Weinan , Li Jeffrey
Published: November 2017

Due to the popularity of social networks and human-carried/human-affiliated devices with sensing abilities, like smartphones and smart wearable devices, a novel application was necessitated recently to organize group activities by learning historical data gathered from smart devices and choosing invitees carefully based on their personal interests. We proposed a private and efficient social activity invitation framework. Our main contributions are (1) defining a novel friendship to reduce the communication/update cost within the social network and enhance the privacy guarantee at the same time; (2) designing a strong privacy-preserving algorithm for graph publication, which addresses an open concern proposed recently; (3) presenting an efficient invitee-selection algorithm, which outperforms the existing ones. Our simulation results show that the proposed framework has good performance. In our framework, the server is assumed to be untrustworthy but can nonetheless help users organize group activities intelligently and efficiently. Moreover, the new definition of the friendship allows the social network to be described by a directed graph. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first work to publish a directed graph in a differentially private manner with an untrustworthy server.
Evaluation of Root Canal Morphology of Mandibular First and Second Premolars Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography in a Defined Group of Dental Patients in Iran
Authors: Hajihassani Neda , Roohi Neda , Madadi Karim , Bakhshi Mahin , Tofangchiha Maryam
Published: November 2017

Background. Successful dental root canal treatments require a complete knowledge of dental anatomy and root canal morphology. Materials and Methods. One hundred and forty-five cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images were used to assess the anatomy and morphology of mandibular premolars based on Vertucci’s classifications in a defined group of dental patients in Iran. The number of roots and root canals, root canal morphology, root and canal shape (curvature), existence of C-shaped canal, and influence of sex on each of these were evaluated. A chi-squared test was used for statistical analysis. Results. The mandibular first and second premolars had a single root in 95.97% and 100% cases, respectively. In the mandibular first premolars, 62.2% were of type I, 0.8% type II, 10.9% type III, 0.8% type IV, 20.3% type V, 4.2% type VI, and 0.8% type VII; in the second premolars, 78% of canals were of type I, 3% type II, 11% type III, 7% type V, and 1% type VI. C-shaped canals did not exist in either of the premolars. The most prevalent root and canal shape was straight. The most prevalent root curvature was a distal curvature in both premolars (71.4% and 74% of first and second premolars, resp.). The most prevalent canal curvature was lingual and buccal for the first premolars (7.6% each) and distal for the second premolars (11%). No significant difference was found between men and women in nearly all of the above (P>0.05). Conclusion. The results suggest that there is a need to conduct further evaluations on finding root and canal variations among more populations to gain better knowledge prior to root canal treatment.
Disentangling the Sleep-Pain Relationship in Pediatric Chronic Pain: The Mediating Role of Internalizing Mental Health Symptoms
Authors: Pavlova Maria , Ference Jennifer , Hancock Megan , Noel Melanie
Published: November 2017

Background. Pediatric chronic pain often emerges in adolescence and cooccurs with internalizing mental health issues and sleep impairments. Emerging evidence suggests that sleep problems may precede the onset of chronic pain as well as anxiety and depression. Studies conducted in pediatric populations with pain-related chronic illnesses suggest that internalizing mental health symptoms may mediate the sleep-pain relationship; however, this has not been examined in youth with primary pain disorders.Objective. To examine whether anxiety and depressive symptoms mediated relationships between sleep quality and pain outcomes among youth with chronic pain.Methods. Participants included 147 youth (66.7% female) aged 8–18 years who were referred to a tertiary-level chronic pain program. At intake, the youth completed psychometrically sound measures of sleep quality, pain intensity, pain interference, and anxiety and depressive symptoms.Results. As hypothesized, poor sleep quality was associated with increased pain intensity and pain interference, and anxiety and depressive symptoms mediated these sleep-pain relationships.Discussion. For youth with chronic pain, poor sleep quality may worsen pain through alterations in mood and anxiety; however, prospective research using objective measures is needed. Future research should examine whether targeting sleep and internalizing mental health symptoms in treatments improve pain outcomes in these youth.
DNA Methylation and the Potential Role of Methyl‐Containing Nutrients in Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Liu Gang , Bin Peng , Wang Tianwei , Ren Wenkai , Zhong Jin , Liang Jun , Hu Chien-An Andy , Zeng Zhaoying , Yin Yulong
Published: November 2017

Patients suffering from cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) experience a low quality of life and increase pressure on healthcare systems both nationally and globally. DNA methylation, which refers to the pathway by which DNA methyltransferase facilitates the addition of a methyl group to DNA, is of critical importance in this respect primarily because the epigenetic modification is implicated in a range of serious conditions including atherosclerosis, CVDs, and cancer. Research findings indicate that the number of epigenetic alterations can be elicited (both in utero and in adults) through the administration of certain nutritional supplements, including folic acid and methionine; this is partly attributable to the effect employed by methyl‐containing nutrients in DNA methylation. Thus, for the purpose of illuminating viable therapeutic measures and preventive strategies for CVDs, research should continue to explore the intricate associations that exist between epigenetic regulation and CVD pathogenesis. This review centers on an exposition of the mechanism by which DNA methylation takes place, the impact it has on a range of conditions, and the potential clinical value of nutrition, driven mainly by the observation that nutritional supplements such as folic acid can affect DNA methylation.
Constrains of Charge-to-Mass Ratios on Noncommutative Phase Space
Authors: Ma Kai
Published: November 2017

Based on recent measurements on the charge-to-mass ratios of proton and antiproton, we study constraints on the parameters of noncommutative phase space. We find that while the limit on the parameter of coordinate noncommutativity is weak, it is very strong on the parameter of momentum noncommutativity, ξ≲1 μeV. Therefore, the charge-to-mass ratio experiment has a strong sensitivity on the momentum noncommutativity, and enhancement of future experimental achievement can further pin down the momentum noncommutativity.
The Composition Analysis of Maca (Lepidium meyeniiWalp.) from Xinjiang and Its Antifatigue Activity
Authors: Li Jieying , Chen Longfei , Li Jinwei , Duan Zhenhua , Zhu Song , Fan Liuping
Published: November 2017

Environment would affect the nutritional composition of maca, especially its secondary metabolite. The chemical compositions and function of Xinjiang maca were not very clear. The chemical compositions and bioactivity of Xinjiang maca were determined. A mouse model was also used to evaluate the antifatigue activity of Xinjiang maca as a forced swimming test was performed and certain biochemical parameters related were estimated. The results show that the Xinjiang maca is rich in protein content and amino acids, especially branched chain amino acids such as Valine and Isoleucine related to the effect of antifatigue. It also has considerable minerals ions such as Ca and Mg. Besides, bioactive ingredients such as maca amide, glucosinolate, and alkaloid of Xinjiang maca are similar to those of maca from other areas, which qualify the biological value of Xinjiang maca. The results of mice model suggest that maca has a dose-dependent antifatigue activity by decreasing blood lactic acid, as well as increasing liver glycogen content and the forced swimming time.
Seismic Vulnerability Assessment of Site-Vicinity Infrastructure for Supporting the Accident Management of a Nuclear Power Plant
Authors: Katona T. J. , Vilimi A.
Published: November 2017

Nuclear power plants shall be designed to resist the effects of large earthquakes. The design basis earthquake affects large area around the plant site and can cause serious consequences that will affect the logistical support of the emergency actions at the plant, influence the psychological condition of the plant personnel, and determine the workload of the country’s disaster management personnel. In this paper the main qualitative findings of a study are presented that have been performed for the case of a hypothetical 10−4/a probability design basis earthquake for the Paks Nuclear Power Plant, Hungary. The study covers the qualitative assessment of the postearthquake conditions at the settlements around the plant site including quantitative evaluation of the condition of dwellings. The main goal of the recent phase of the study was to identify public utility vulnerabilities that define the outside support conditions of the nuclear power plant accident management. The results of the study can be used for the planning of logistical support of the plant accident management staff. The study also contributes to better understanding of the working conditions of the disaster management services in the region around the nuclear power plant.