bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of a specific exercise strategy on strength and proprioception in volleyball players with infraspinatus muscle atrophy
Authors: Salles J. I. , Guimarães J. M. , Filho G. M. , Morrissey D.
Published: May 2018

Infraspinatus muscle atrophy is common in professional volleyball players, but it is unclear whether commonly observed strength and proprioception deficits can be reversed with training. Fifty‐four participants were recruited into an infraspinatus atrophy group (IAG, n = 18) and a non‐atrophy group (NAG, n = 18) of elite volleyballers plus a healthy non‐athletic control group (CG, n = 18). IAG were trained with a progressive, specific shoulder external rotator strengthening routine for 32 sessions over 8 weeks. Shoulder external rotation peak torque (SERPT) and threshold to detect passive movement (TTDPM) and joint position sense (JPS) were measured before and after the intervention. At baseline, no significant difference was detected in strength or proprioception between the injured and control groups, but the normal athletes were stronger and had better proprioception than either IAG or CG (P < .001). IAG (d = 2.78) and NAG (d = 0.442) improved strength significantly after training. IAG improved TTDM and JPS (P < .001, d = −0.719 and −2.942, respectively) but were still worse than NAG (P < .001). Elite volleyball players with Infraspinatus muscle atrophy have strength and proprioception deficits which can be improved by a specific exercise program to normal but not elite athlete control levels.
Activity behaviors in lean and morbidly obese pregnant women
Authors: Fazzi C. , Mohd‐Shukri N. , Denison F. C. , Saunders D. H. , Norman J. E. , Reynolds R. M.
Published: May 2018

Interventions to increase physical activity in pregnancy are challenging for morbidly obese women. Targeting sedentary behaviors may be a suitable alternative to increase energy expenditure. We aimed to determine total energy expenditure, and energy expended in sedentary activities in morbidly obese and lean pregnant women. We administered the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire (nonobjective) and the Actical accelerometer (objective) to morbidly obese (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m²) and lean (BMI ≤ 25 Kg/m²) pregnant women recruited in early (<24 weeks), and late (≥24 weeks) gestation. Data are mean (SD). Morbidly obese pregnant women reported expending significantly more energy per day in early (n = 140 vs 109; 3198.4 (1847.1) vs 1972.3 (10284.8) Kcal/d, P < .0001) and late (n = 104 vs 64; 3078.2 (1356.5) vs 1947.5 (652.0) Kcal/d, P < .0001) pregnancy, and expended significantly more energy in sedentary activities, in early (816.1 (423.5) vs 540.1 (244.9) Kcal/d, P < .0001) and late (881.6 (455.4) vs 581.1 (248.5) Kcal/d, P < .0001) pregnancy, than lean pregnant women. No differences were observed in the proportion of energy expended sedentary between lean and morbidly obese pregnant women. The greater total energy expenditure in morbidly obese pregnant women was corroborated by Actical accelerometer in early (n = 14 per group, obese 1167.7 (313.6) Kcal; lean 781.1 (210.1) Kcal, P < .05), and in late (n = 14 per group, obese 1223.6 (351.5) Kcal; lean 893.7 (175.9) Kcal, P < .05) pregnancy. In conclusion, non‐objective and objective measures showed morbidly obese pregnant women expended more energy per day than lean pregnant. Further studies are needed to determine whether sedentary behaviors are a suitable target for intervention in morbidly obese pregnancy.
Contrast enhanced imaging features of liver metastasis from a meningeal solitary fibrous tumor: a case report
Authors: Lu Beilei , Lu Qing , Huang Beijian , Yuan Haixia , Li Chaolun
Published: May 2018

A solitary fibrous tumor seldom originates from the meninges, and the accuracy of imaging modalities in the diagnosis of meningeal SFT metastasisis is perlexing. Contrast enhanced imaging modalities, such as contrast enhanced ultrasound and contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging are valuable in the differential diagnosis of hepatic neoplasms. This case report demonstrated the contrast enhanced ultrasound and enhanced magnetic resonance imaging features of one case of liver metastasis from a menigeal solitary fibrous tumor.
Monochorionic-diamniotic twin pregnancy complicated by twin reversed arterial perfusion sequence and retroplacental hematoma – a case report
Authors: Malutan Andrei Mihai , Dudea Marina , Albu Camelia , Ciortea Razvan , Diculescu Doru , Mocan-Hognogi Radu , Bucuri Carmen , Rada Maria , Mihu Dan
Published: May 2018

Twin reversed arterial perfusion (TRAP) sequence is a rare and severe complication specific to monochorionic twin pregnancies, involving the presence of an acardiac twin and a structurally normal co-twin (pump twin). We report on the case of a33-year-old female with a biamniotic monochorionic twin pregnancy complicated with TRAP sequence and polyhydramnios. The patient underwent fetoscopic termination of the acardiac twin and at 34 gestational weeks (GW) was readmitted with aretroplacental hematoma. The patient gave birth through caesarean section to a living female fetus, weighing 1480 g. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case reporting a twin pregnancy with TRAP sequence complicated with retroplacental hematoma.
An active-system approach for eliminating the wolf note on a cello
Authors: Neubauer Philipp , Tschesche Johannes , Bös Joachim , Melz Tobias , Hanselka Holger
Published: May 2018

Wolf notes are generally undesirable sounds that occur in string instruments, particularly in cellos. State-of-the-art passive wolf note eliminators affect the whole cello sound and can become ineffective when environmental conditions and, therefore, the cello's structural properties change. In this paper, an approach is presented that uses smart materials to eliminate the wolf note with little effects to the cello's sound. Based on preliminary measurements, a mathematical model of the cello for generating the wolf note and for developing a wolf note elimination controller is set up. The controller consists of a wolf detection criterion that triggers a velocity feedback controller to actively induce damping into the cello's body whenever a wolf note is detected. The controller setup is experimentally validated by an implementation on a test cello. The velocity feedback to induce the active damping is implemented by means of a piezoelectric patch actuator attached to the cello's body. Both the results of the mathematical model and the results of the experimental investigation show a good performance in eliminating the wolf note on a cello.
U.S. lawmakers float plan to regulate cultured meat
Authors: Servick Kelly
Published: May 2018

Should agency that regulates meat from farms also oversee tissue grown from cells in bioreactors?
Neutron stars' quark matter not so strange
Authors: Cho Adrian
Published: May 2018

Calculation also casts doubt on existence of Earth-gobbling strangelets.
Boycott highlights AI's publishing rebellion
Authors: Hutson Matthew
Published: May 2018

Researchers shun traditional journals for conference papers and open-review websites.
Improving support for young biomedical scientists
Authors: Alberts Bruce , Hyman Tony , Pickett Christopher L. , Tilghman Shirley , Varmus Harold
Published: May 2018

Expand grant programs to encourage innovative research
Narrowing pathways to a sustainable future
Authors: Midgley Guy
Published: May 2018

Limiting global warming to 1.5°C can protect species unless carbon sequestration threatens their habitats
Antibacterial Effects of Phage Lysin LysGH15 on Planktonic Cells and Biofilms of Diverse Staphylococci
Authors: Zhang Yufeng , Cheng Mengjun , Zhang Hao , Dai Jiaxin , Guo Zhimin , Li Xinwei , Ji Yalu , Cai Ruopeng , Xi Hengyu , Wang Xinwu , Xue Yibing , Sun Changjiang , Feng Xin , Lei Liancheng , Han Wenyu , Gu Jingmin
Published: May 2018

Most staphylococcal species are major causes of health care- and community-associated infections. In particular,
Staphylococcus aureus
is a common and dangerous pathogen, and
Staphylococcus epidermidis
is a ubiquitous skin commensal and opportunistic pathogen. Treatment of infections caused by staphylococci has become more difficult because of the emergence of multidrug-resistant strains as well as biofilm formation. In this study, we found that all tested
S. aureus
,
S. epidermidis
,
Staphylococcus haemolyticus
, and
Staphylococcus hominis
strains were sensitive to the phage lysin LysGH15 (MICs ranging from 8 to 32 μg/ml). More importantly, LysGH15 not only prevented biofilm formation by these staphylococci but also disrupted 24-h and 72-h biofilms. Furthermore, the
in vivo
efficacy of LysGH15 was demonstrated in a mouse model of
S. epidermidis
bacteremia. Thus, LysGH15 exhibits therapeutic potential for treating biofilm-related or non-biofilm-related infections caused by diverse staphylococci.
NHS constitution values for values-based recruitment: a virtue ethics perspective
Authors: Groothuizen Johanna Elise , Callwood Alison , Gallagher Ann
Published: May 2018

Values-based recruitment is used in England to select healthcare staff, trainees and students on the basis that their values align with those stated in the Constitution of the UK National Health Service (NHS). However, it is unclear whether the extensive body of existing literature within the field of moral philosophy was taken into account when developing these values. Although most values have a long historical tradition, a tendency to assume that they have just been invented, and to approach them uncritically, exists within the healthcare sector. Reflection is necessary. We are of the opinion that selected virtue ethics writings, which are underpinned by historical literature as well as practical analysis of the healthcare professions, provide a helpful framework for evaluation of the NHS Constitution values, to determine whether gaps exist and improvements can be made. Based on this evaluation, we argue that the definitions of certain NHS Constitution values are ambiguous. In addition to this, we argue that ’integrity' and ’practical wisdom', two important concepts in the virtue ethics literature, are not sufficiently represented within the NHS Constitution values. We believe that the NHS Constitution values could be strengthened by providing clearer definitions, and by integrating ’integrity' and ’practical wisdom'. This will benefit values-based recruitment strategies. Should healthcare policy-makers in other countries wish to develop a similar values-based recruitment framework, we advise that they proceed reflectively, and take previously published virtue ethics literature into consideration.
The ’bendy' basilar: progressive aneurysm tilting and arterial deformation can be a delayed outcome after coiling of large basilar apex aneurysms
Authors: Rai Ansaar T , Tarabishy Abdul R , Boo SoHyun , Carpenter Jeffrey S , Bhattia Sanjay
Published: May 2018

Background

Morphological changes in the basilar artery and the artery-aneurysm relationship following coiling of large basilar apex aneurysms may induce morbidity.

Methods

The basilar artery radius-of-curvature was measured along its center line on volumetrically reconstructed images formatted along the plane of curvature. The aneurysm-tilt-angle was measured between the distal basilar and the vertical long axis of the aneurysm. The measurements were compared between small (<10 mm) and large (≥10 mm) aneurysms on baseline and follow-up studies. The volume (mm3) and mass (g) of the deployed coils was also compared.

Results

Among 94 consecutive aneurysms, 62 (66%) were <10 mm and 32 (34%) were ≥10 mm. The mean aneurysm size and volume was 9 mm (±4) and 507 mm3(±1366) respectively. The median aneurysm follow-up was 24 months (IQR 6–59). There was no difference between the groups based on age, gender, or associated comorbidities. The coil mass was 0.4 g (±0.2) for aneurysms <10 mm and 1.9 g (±1.6) for aneurysms ≥10 mm (P<0.0001). The total coil volume was 32 (±20) mm3for aneurysms <10 mm and 187 (±172) mm3for aneurysms ≥10 mm (P<0.0001). Aneurysms ≥10 mm tilted 13.5o(±14.4) compared with 1.1o(±2.8) for aneurysms <10 mm (P<0.0001). The basilar artery became more curved by 1.3 (±9.4) mm for aneurysms ≥10 mm and 0.25 (±2.1) mm for aneurysms <10 mm (P=0.0002). Other than size of the coiled aneurysms no other factors correlated with the geometrical changes.

Conclusion

Large coiled basilar apex aneurysms may be more prone to aneurysm tilting and bending of the basilar artery. Speculative causes include the weight of the coil mass and the biomechanical forces exerted on the coiled aneurysm.
A Bayesian life-cycle model to estimate escapement at maximum sustained yield in salmon based on limited information
Authors: Ohlberger Jan , Brenkman Samuel J. , Crain Patrick , Pess George R. , Duda Jeffrey J. , Buehrens Thomas W. , Quinn Thomas P. , Hilborn Ray
Published: May 2018

Life-cycle models combine several strengths for estimating population parameters and biological reference points of harvested species and are particularly useful for those exhibiting distinct habitat shifts and experiencing contrasting environments. Unfortunately, time series data are often limited to counts of adult abundance and harvest. By incorporating data from other populations and by dynamically linking the life-history stages, Bayesian life-cycle models can be used to estimate stage-specific productivities and capacities as well as abundance of breeders that produce maximum sustained yield (MSY). Using coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) as our case study, we show that incorporating information on marine survival variability from nearby populations can improve model estimates and affect management parameters such as escapement at MSY. We further show that the expected long-term average yield of a fishery managed for a spawner escapement target that produces MSY strongly depends on the average marine survival. Our results illustrate the usefulness of incorporating information from other sources and highlight the importance of accounting for variation in marine survival when making inferences about the management of Pacific salmon.
Compact star model in Einstein–Gauss–Bonnet gravity within the framework of Finch Skea space–time
Authors: Sardar Iftikar Hossain
Published: May 2018

In this article we provide a new class of interior solutions of a five-dimensional compact star in Einstein–Gauss–Bonnet (EGB) gravity within the framework of Finch–Skea space–time. The exterior space–time is described by the EGB Schwarzschild solution. To check physical validity of our model we investigate various physical properties like causality of solutions, energy conditions, mass radius relations, Tolman–Oppenheimer–Volkov (TOV) equations, etc.
de Broglie clock, electron channeling, and time in quantum mechanics
Authors: Bauer M.
Published: May 2018

De Broglie’s association of a wave to particles is a fundamental concept in the quantum mechanical description of nature. The wave oscillation is referred to alternatively as the “de Broglie clock”, the “Compton clock”, or the “de Broglie periodic phenomenon”. In the present paper it is shown that Dirac’s relativistic quantum mechanics, complemented with the dynamical time operator recently introduced, provides a consistent theoretical description of: (i) the generation of the de Broglie wave through Lorentz boosts; and (ii) the characteristics of the resonance observed in electron channeling through thin crystals as responding to both the periodicity derived from the adjustment of the de Broglie period to the crystal interatomic distance (resonance energy) and the periodicity of the predicted trembling motion (Zitterbewegung). One can conclude that the channeling experiments provide the first direct evidence of the electron Zitterbewegung, and that the de Broglie period is an intrinsic property of matter arising from a self-adjoint dynamical time operator.
A Systematic Literature Review on the Application of Ontologies in Automatic Programming
Authors: Strmečki Daniel , Magdalenić Ivan , Radosević Danijel
Published: May 2018

One of the main goals of the Software Engineering discipline is to find higher abstraction levels and ways to reuse software in order to increase its productivity and quality. Ontologies, which are typically considered as a technique or an artifact used in one or more software lifecycle phases, may be used to help achieve that goal. This paper provides a systematic literature review of the proposed solutions for applying ontologies in automatic and generative programming. The paper aims to identify ontologies and software development tools, frameworks, prototypes, design patterns and methodologies that use them as development artifacts for source code generation or product derivation. The review provides researchers with the state of the art, while also identifying challenges and gaps that require further exploration and development.
Interactive Sand Art Drawing Using RGB-D Sensor
Authors: Wong Sai-Keung , Chen Kai-Min , Chen Ting-Yu
Published: May 2018

We present an interactive system using one RGB-D sensor, which allows a user to use bare hands to perform sand drawing. Our system supports the common sand drawing functions, such as sand erosion, sand spilling, and sand leaking. To use hands to manipulate the virtual sand, we design four key hand gestures. The idea is that the gesture of one hand controls the drawing actions. The motion and gesture of the other hand control the drawing positions. There are three major steps. First, our system adopts a vision-based bare-hand detection method which computes the hand position and recognizes the hand gestures. Second, the drawing positions and the drawing actions are sent to a sand drawing subsystem. Finally, the subsystem performs the sand drawing actions. Experimental results show that our system enables users to draw a rich variety of sand pictures.
Synthesis and characterization of meso-to-meso directly linked porphyrin-diazaporphyrin triads
Authors: Jia Yingying , Xu Ling , Yin Bangshao , Zhou Mingbo , Song Jianxin
Published: May 2018

Beginning with 5,10,15-triarylporphyrin-nickel complex, five meso-to-meso directly linked porphyrin-diazaporphyrin triads were successfully prepared for the first time through a series of reactions including formylation via Vilsmeier–Haack reaction, condensation with pyrrole, bromination with [Formula: see text]-Bromosuccinimide (NBS), oxidation with 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone (DDQ), metal-templated cyclization of dibromodipyrrin-metal complexes with NaN[Formula: see text] and demetalization. All these triads were comprehensively characterized by [Formula: see text]H NMR, high-resolution mass spectrometry and UV-vis absorption. In addition, the structure of compound 6Ni was unambiguously determined by X-ray diffraction analysis, which showed that the two dihedral angles are both 86.65 (4)[Formula: see text] between each mean plane of porphyrin and that of central diazaporphyrin The UV-vis absorption spectra disclosed that the longest wavelengths of Soret bands and Q bands for these triads were observed at 429 and 642 nm, respectively. In contrast to diazaporphyrin-porphyrin dyads, diazaporphyrin dimers and diazaporphyrin monomers reported previously the molar extinction coefficients, particularly for triad 8Ni are much higher.
Synthesis of a doubly SO2-fused phlorin: Tuning the structure and properties by the SO2 groups
Authors: Li Chengjie , Liu Xiujun , Shao Jiewei , Su Guangxian , Xie Yongshu
Published: May 2018

A doubly SO2-fused phlorin 4 has been synthesized by the [2 + 2] condensation of dipyrromethanecarbinol 2 and SO2-fused dipyrromenthane 3 in the presence of TFA, followed by DDQ oxidation. The SO2-fused phlorin 4 has been characterized by absorption, fluorescence, mass and NMR spectra, as well as X-ray analysis. Compared to the [Formula: see text]-unsubstituted phlorin 5, the SO2-fused phlorin 4 exhibits a red-shifted absorption spectrum (around 12 nm), a more distorted molecular conformation, as well as nice photostability even with an electron-donating meso-3,5-di-tert-butylphenyl group. The titration of 4 and 5 with TBAF has been monitored by absorption spectroscopy. The deprotonated phlorin 4 shows a peak at 870 nm which is red shifted by 26 nm compared to that of deprotonated 5.
Mountains of southernmost Norway: uplifted Miocene peneplains and re-exposed Mesozoic surfaces
Authors: Japsen Peter , Green Paul F. , Chalmers James A. , Bonow Johan M.
Published: May 2018

The origin of the Norwegian mountains (the Scandes) is a key controversy in modern geoscience. Are they remnants from the Caledonian Orogeny, modified shoulders of late Mesozoic rifts, or are they evidence of Neogene uplifts? Our synthesis of geological data, landscape analysis and new thermochronological data from Norway south of
c.
60°N, combined with previously published data from southern Sweden, reveals a four-stage history: (1) Middle Triassic and Middle Jurassic exhumation produced a weathered basement surface with a hilly relief; (2) after late Mesozoic rifting, Upper Jurassic–Oligocene sediments accumulated across most of the area; (3) early Miocene uplift and erosion to the base level of the adjacent ocean led to formation of a peneplain that extended across sedimentary basins and Caledonian rocks; the subhorizontal Hardangervidda plateau represents this peneplain; (4) early Pliocene uplift raised Hardangervidda to its present elevation of
c.
1200 m above sea-level and led to re-exposure of the tilted, Mesozoic surface at lower elevations. The Southern Scandes are thus, like other elevated passive continental margins around the world, the product of post-breakup uplift. Identification of the mechanisms driving these uplifts awaits geodynamic modelling constrained by observations such as those presented in this study.

Supplementary material:
Table S1: AFTA data, sample details and associated thermal history interpretations; southernmost Norway. S2: analytical details and thermal history reconstructions for all apatite fission-track analysis (AFTA) samples as well as analytical data for one vitrinite reflectance sample, together with background information on the AFTA technique, are available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.4085996
Spatial Patterns of Development: A Meso Approach
Authors: Michalopoulos Stelios , Papaioannou Elias
Published: May 2018

Over the past two decades, the literature on comparative development has moved from country-level to within-country analyses. The questions asked have expanded in scope as economists have used satellite images of light density at night and other big spatial data to proxy for development at the desired level. The focus has also shifted from uncovering correlations to identifying causal relations, using elaborate econometric techniques including spatial regression discontinuity designs. In this review, we show how the combination of geographic information systems with insights from disciplines ranging from the earth sciences to linguistics and history has transformed the research landscape on the roots of the spatial patterns of development. We discuss the limitations of the luminosity data and associated econometric techniques and conclude by offering some thoughts on future research.
Inhibition of ubiquitin-activating enzyme protects against organ injury after intestinal ischemia-reperfusion
Authors: Matsuo Shingo , Chaung Andrew , Liou Deanna , Wang Ping , Yang Weng-Lang
Published: May 2018

Intestinal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) occurs in various clinical settings, such as transplantation, acute mesenteric arterial occlusion, trauma, and shock. I/R injury causes severe systemic inflammation, leading to multiple organ dysfunction associated with high mortality. The ubiquitin proteasome pathway has been indicated in the regulation of inflammation, particularly through the NF-κB signaling pathway. PYR-41 is a small molecular compound that selectively inhibits ubiquitin-activating enzyme E1. A mouse model of intestinal I/R injury by clamping the superior mesenteric artery for 45 min was performed to evaluate the effect of PYR-41 treatment on organ injury and inflammation. PYR-41 was administered intravenously at the beginning of reperfusion. Blood and organ tissues were harvested at 4 h after reperfusion. PYR-41 treatment improved the morphological structure of gut and lung after I/R, as judged by hematoxylin and eosin staining. It also reduced the number of apoptotic terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end-labeling-positive cells and caspase-3 activity in the organs. PYR-41 treatment decreased the expression of proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-1β as well as chemokines keratinocyte chemoattractant and macrophage inflammatory protein-2 in the gut and lung, which leads to inhibition of neutrophils infiltrating into these organs. The serum levels of IL-6, aspartate aminotransferase, and lactate dehydrogenase were reduced by the treatment. The IκB degradation in the gut increased after I/R was inhibited by PYR-41 treatment. Thus, ubiquitination may be a potential therapeutic target for treating patients suffering from intestinal I/R.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Excessive inflammation contributes to organ injury from intestinal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) in many clinical conditions. NF-κB signaling is very important in regulating inflammatory response. In an experimental model of gut I/R injury, we demonstrate that administration of a pharmacological inhibitor of ubiquitination process attenuates NF-κB activation, leading to reduction of inflammation, tissue damage, and apoptosis in the gut and lungs. Therefore, ubiquitination process may serve as a therapeutic target for treating patients with intestinal I/R injury.
Achilles tendon structure differs between competitive distance runners and nonrunners despite no clinical signs or symptoms of midsubstance tendinopathy
Authors: Hullfish Todd J. , Hagan Kenton L. , Casey Ellen , Baxter Josh R.
Published: May 2018

Achilles tendinopathy affects many running athletes and often leads to chronic pain and functional deficits. Although changes in tendon structure have been linked with tendinopathy, the effects of distance running on tendon structure are not well understood. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to characterize structural differences in the Achilles tendons in healthy young adults and competitive distance runners using quantitative ultrasound analyses. We hypothesized that competitive distance runners with no clinical signs or symptoms of tendinopathy would have quantitative signs of tendon damage, characterized by decreased collagen alignment and echogenicity, in addition to previous reports of thicker tendons. Longitudinal ultrasound images of the right Achilles tendon midsubstance were acquired in competitive distance runners and recreationally active adults. Collagen organization, mean echogenicity, and tendon thickness were quantified using image processing techniques. Clinical assessments confirmed that runners had no signs or symptoms of tendinopathy, and controls were only included if they had no history of Achilles tendon pain or injuries. Runner tendons were 40% less organized, 48% thicker, and 41% less echogenic compared with the control tendons ( P < 0.001). Young adults engaged in competitive distance running have structurally different tendons than recreationally active young adults.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY In this study, we quantified the Achilles tendon substructure in distance runners, and a control group of young adults, to determine whether distance running elicits structural adaptations of the tendon. We found that competitive distance runners have structurally compromised Achilles tendons despite not showing any clinical signs or symptoms of tendon injury. These findings suggest that distance running may stimulate structural changes as a protective mechanism against tendon pain and dysfunction.
Improved motor unit number estimate when motor unit alternation is addressed
Authors: DeForest Bradley A. , Winslow Jeffrey , Thomas Christine K.
Published: May 2018

Motor unit number estimation (MUNE) is important for determining motoneuron survival with age or in conditions such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or spinal cord injury. The original incremental method and approaches that were introduced to minimize alternation (e.g., multiple-point stimulation) are most commonly used, but one must accept the limitation that alternation of motor units may still inflate the estimate. Alternation occurs because axon thresholds are probabilistic and overlap for different axons; therefore, different combination of motor units may respond at a given stimulus intensity. Our aims were to quantify motor unit alternation systematically in the thenar muscles of 35 healthy adults by digital subtraction of EMG and force, and to compare MUNE with and without alternation. Alternation was prevalent, with one to nine occurrences in the first 7 to 11 steps in EMG in 34 of 35 muscles. It occurred in the first 3 steps in EMG in 49% of muscles. This alternation resulted in fewer units than steps in EMG (3 to 10 units at step 7 to 11). Accounting for alternation using digital subtraction reduced MUNE by up to 50%, day-to-day, and between-participant variability in MUNE. These results highlight the need to quantify alternation to improve the reliability and precision of motor unit number estimates, which will allow for detection of smaller changes in motoneuron survival with age, various health conditions, and/or due to an intervention.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Motor unit alternation was quantified systematically for the first time, addressing a major limitation of motor unit number estimates. Accounting for alternation decreased motor unit number estimates, and improved the reliability and precision of the motor unit number estimate, which will allow smaller, clinically relevant changes in motoneuron survival to be detected.
A Hybrid Genetic Algorithm for Satellite Image Downlink Scheduling Problem
Authors: Song Bingyu , Yao Feng , Chen Yuning , Chen Yingguo , Chen Yingwu
Published: May 2018

The satellite image downlink scheduling problem (SIDSP) is included in satellite mission planning as an important part. A customer demand is finished only if the corresponding images are eventually downloaded. Due to the growing customer demands and the limited ground resources, SIDSP is an oversubscribed scheduling problem. In this paper, we investigate SIDSP with the case study of China’s commercial remote sensing satellite constellation (SuperView-1) and exploit the serial scheduling scheme for solving it. The idea is first determining a permutation of the downlink requests and then producing a schedule from the given ordered requests. A schedule generation algorithm (SGA) is proposed to assign the downlink time window for each scheduled request according to a given request permutation. A hybrid genetic algorithm (HGA) combined with neighborhood search is proposed to optimize the downlink request permutation with the purpose of maximizing the utility function. Experimental results on six groups of instances with different density demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Supplementation with Alpha-Tocopherol and Ascorbic Acid to Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease’s Statin Therapy in Men
Authors: Hadzi-Petrushev Nikola , Dimovska Katerina , Jankulovski Nikola , Mitrov Dine , Mladenov Mitko
Published: May 2018

Oxidative stress and inflammation contribute to the pathogenesis and progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and the control of lipid status by statins may help to stop the progression of NAFLD. We hypothesized that the addition of antioxidant vitamins C and E to atorvastatin therapy is associated with improved serum enzyme antioxidant status. NAFLD-related serum parameters and the activity of antioxidant enzymes, before and after 3 months of treatment, were determined in patients receiving atorvastatin alone or atorvastatin plus antioxidants. Compared to healthy controls, the patients, before receiving therapy, had increased catalase and glutathione reductase, with no significant difference in glutathione peroxidase activity. After the treatment, the levels of all three antioxidant markers were reduced to the same degree in both groups of patients, indicating therapy-induced lower level of reactive oxygen species production and/or improved nonenzymatic antioxidant mechanisms. Both therapies led to the normalization of the serum lipid profile and aminotransferase levels in the patients, but the reduction in CRP, although significant, did not reduce levels to those of the controls. The obtained results favor the notion that therapy with atorvastatin alone is equally efficient during the early stages of NAFLD, regardless of the addition of antioxidant vitamins. This trial is registered withTCTR20180425001.
Effects of 6 Months of Active Commuting and Leisure-Time Exercise on Fibrin Turnover in Sedentary Individuals with Overweight and Obesity: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Gram Anne Sofie , Petersen Martin Bæk , Quist Jonas Salling , Rosenkilde Mads , Stallknecht Bente , Bladbjerg Else-Marie
Published: May 2018

Obesity and exercise constitute important factors for cardiovascular disease risk, but the long-term effects of different exercise modalities on haemostatic biomarkers are not well elucidated. We investigated the effects of 6 months of active commuting or leisure-time exercise on measures of fibrin turnover in individuals who are overweight and obese. Ninety younger (20–40 years), sedentary, healthy women and men who are overweight and obese (BMI: 25–35 kg/m2) were randomised to 6 months of habitual lifestyle (CON,n=16), active commuting (BIKE,n=19), or leisure-time exercise of moderate (MOD, ∼50% VO2peak reserve,n=31) or vigorous intensity (VIG, ∼70% VO2peak reserve,n=24). Fasting blood samples (baseline and 3 and 6 months) were analysed for cholesterols and triglycerides, thrombin generation, prothrombin fragment 1 + 2, D-dimer, fibrin clot properties, and fibrinolytic activity. We observed no differences between CON, BIKE, MOD, and VIG during the intervention and no time effects for any of the variables measured despite increased VO2peak in all exercise groups. We found no difference between CON and all exercise groups combined and no gender-specific effects of exercise. Our findings suggest that thrombin generation capacity, coagulation activation, fibrin clot structure, and lysability are unaffected by long-term active commuting and leisure-time exercise in women and men who are overweight and obese.
Using CRISPR/Cas9 to Knock out Amylase in Acinar Cells Decreases Pancreatitis-Induced Autophagy
Authors: Yasunaga Kohei , Ito Tetsuhide , Miki Masami , Ueda Keijiro , Fujiyama Takashi , Tachibana Yuichi , Fujimori Nao , Kawabe Ken , Ogawa Yoshihiro
Published: May 2018

Pancreatic cancer is a malignant neoplasm that originates from acinar cells. Acinar cells get reprogrammed to become duct cells, resulting in pancreatic cancer. Pancreatitis is an acinar cell inflammation, leading to “impaired autophagy flux”. Pancreatitis promotes acinar-to-ductal transdifferentiation. Expression of amylase gets eliminated during the progression of pancreatic cancer. Amylase is considered as an acinar cell marker; however, its function in cells is not known. Thus, we investigated whether amylase affects the acinar cell autophagy and whether it plays any role in development of pancreatitis. Here, we knocked outATG12in a pancreatic cancer cells and acinar cells using CRISPR/Cas9. Autophagy inhibition led to an increase in the expression of duct cell markers and a simultaneous decrease in that of acinar cell markers. It also caused an increase in cell viability and changes in mitochondrial morphology. Next, we knocked out amylase in acinar cells. Amylase deficiency decreased autophagy induced by pancreatitis. Our results suggest that amylase controls pancreatitis-induced autophagy. We found that eliminating amylase expression contributes to pancreatic cancer etiology by decreasing autophagy. Furthermore, our results indicate that amylase plays a role in selective pancreatitis-induced autophagy of pancreatic enzyme vesicles.
Anticancer Effects of Dihydroartemisinin on Human Esophageal Cancer Cells In Vivo
Authors: Jiang Cailing , Li Shumin , Li Yanjing , Bai Yuxian
Published: May 2018

Despite recent advances in chemotherapy and surgical resection, the 5-year survival rate of esophageal cancer still remains at the low level. Therefore, it is very important to discover a new agent to improve the life expectancy of patients with esophageal cancer. Dihydroartemisinin (DHA), a semisynthetic derivative of artemisinin, has recently exhibited promising anticancer activity against various cancer cells. But so far, the specific mechanism remains unclear. We have previously demonstrated that DHA reduced viability of esophageal cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner in vitro and induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Here, we extended our study to further observe the efficacy of DHA on esophageal cancer cells in vivo. In the present study, for the first time, we found that DHA significantly inhibits cell proliferation in xenografted tumor compared with the control. The mechanism was that DHA induced cell apoptosis in both human esophageal cancer cell lines Eca109 and Ec9706 in vivo in a dose-dependent manner. The results suggested that DHA was a promising agent against esophageal cancer in the clinical treatment.
Therapeutic Potential of Pterostilbene and Resveratrol on Biomechanic, Biochemical, and Histological Parameters in Streptozotocin‐Induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Tastekin Bora , Pelit Aykut , Polat Sait , Tuli Abdullah , Sencar Leman , Alparslan Mustafa Muhlis , Daglioglu Yusuf Kenan
Published: May 2018

Aims. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of pterostilbene (PTS) (trans‐3,5‐dimethoxy‐4′‐hydroxystilbene) and resveratrol (RSV) (trans‐3,5,4′ trihydroxystilbene) applied at different doses for the treatment of streptozotocin‐ (STZ‐) induced diabetic rats. Materials and Methods. At the end of the 5‐week experimental period, the right gastrocnemius muscles of the rats were examined biomechanically, while the left ones were examined histologically. In addition, blood glucose, serum insulin, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were analyzed in blood samples taken from the rats. Results. The skeletal muscle isometric contraction forces, which showed a decrease with diabetes, were observed to increase with antioxidant applications. Blood glucose, serum insulin, and MDA levels in diabetic rats approached normal levels after applying PTS. When the electron microscopic images of the rat skeletal muscle were examined, those in the combination treatment group were observed to show a better enhancement in the skeletal muscle morphological structure compared to the other diabetic and treatment groups. Conclusion. According to the findings, we suggest that these antioxidant treatments might have good therapeutic nutraceutical potential for some muscle diseases that coexist with diabetes. These treatments should be comprehensively investigated in the future.
Validation of the 16-Gene Recurrence Score in Patients with Locoregional, High-Risk Renal Cell Carcinoma from a Phase III Trial of Adjuvant Sunitinib
Authors: Rini Brian I. , Escudier Bernard , Martini Jean-Francois , Magheli Ahmed , Svedman Christer , Lopatin Margarita , Knezevic Dejan , Goddard Audrey D. , Febbo Phillip G. , Li Rachel , Lin Xun , Valota Olga , Staehler Michael , Motzer Robert J. , Ravaud Alain
Published: May 2018

Purpose: Adjuvant sunitinib prolonged disease-free survival (DFS; HR, 0.76) in patients with locoregional high-risk renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in the S-TRAC trial (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00375674). The 16-gene Recurrence Score (RS) assay was previously developed and validated to estimate risk for disease recurrence in patients with RCC after nephrectomy. This analysis further validated the prognostic value of RS assay in patients from S-TRAC and explored the association of RS results with prediction of sunitinib benefit.

Patients and Methods: The analysis was prospectively designed with prespecified genes, algorithm, endpoints, and analytical methods. Primary RCC was available from 212 patients with informed consent; primary analysis focused on patients with T3 RCC. Gene expression was quantitated by RT-PCR. Time to recurrence (TTR), DFS, and renal cancer–specific survival (RCSS) were analyzed using Cox proportional hazards regression.

Results: Baseline characteristics were similar between patients with and those without RS results, and between the sunitinib and placebo arms among patients with RS results. RS results predicted TTR, DFS, and RCSS in both arms, with the strongest results observed in the placebo arm. When high versus low RS groups were compared, HR for recurrence was 9.18 [95% confidence interval (CI), 2.15–39.24; P < 0.001) in the placebo arm; interaction of RS results with treatment was not significant.

Conclusions: The strong prognostic performance of the 16-gene RS assay was confirmed in S-TRAC, and the RS assay is now supported by level IB evidence. RS results may help identify patients at high risk for recurrence who may derive higher absolute benefit from adjuvant therapy. Clin Cancer Res; 24(18); 4407–15. ©2018 AACR.
Automated CT Perfusion Prediction of Large Vessel Acute Stroke from Intracranial Atherosclerotic Disease
Authors: Haussen Diogo C. , Bouslama Mehdi , Dehkharghani Seena , Grossberg Jonathan A. , Bianchi Nicolas , Bowen Meredith , Frankel Michael R. , Nogueira Raul G.
Published: May 2018

Background and Purpose: We have observed that large vessel occlusion acute strokes (LVOS) due to intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD) present with more benign CT perfusion (CTP) profiles, which we presume to potentially represent enhanced collateralization compared to embolic LVOS. We aim to determine if CTP profiles can predict ICAD in LVOS. Methods: Retrospective review of a prospectively collected interventional stroke database from September 2010 to March 2015. Patients with intracranial ICA/MCA-M1/M2 occlusions and CTP were dichotomized into ICAD versus non-ICAD etiologies. Ischemic core (relative cerebral blood flow < 30%) and hypoperfusion volumes were estimated by automated CTP. Results: A total of 250 patients met the inclusion criteria, comprised of 21 (8%) ICAD and 229 non-ICAD etiologies. Baseline characteristics were similar between groups, except for higher HbA1c levels (p < 0.01), LDL cholesterol (p < 0.01), systolic blood pressure (p < 0.01), and lower rate of atrial fibrillation (p < 0.01) in ICAD patients. There were no significant differences in volumes of baseline ischemic core (p = 0.54) among groups. ICAD patients had smaller Tmax > 4 s, Tmax > 6 s, and Tmax > 10 s absolute lesions, and a higher ratio of Tmax > 4 s/Tmax > 6 s volumes (median 2 [1.6–2.3] vs. 1.6 [1.4–2.0]; p = 0.02). A Tmax > 4 s/Tmax > 6 s ratio ≥2 showed specificity = 73%/sensitivity = 52% for ICAD and was observed in 47.6% of ICAD versus 26.1% of non-ICAD patients (p = 0.07). Clinical outcomes were comparable amongst groups. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that Tmax > 4 s/Tmax > 6 s ratio ≥2 (OR 3.75, 95% CI 1.05–13.14, p = 0.04), higher LDL cholesterol (OR 1.1, 95% CI 1.01–1.03, p = 0.01), and higher systolic pressure (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01–1.04, p = 0.01) were independently associated with ICAD. Conclusion: An automated CTP Tmax > 4 s/Tmax > 6 s ratio ≥2 profile was found independently associated with underlying ICAD LVOS.
Further Evidence of an Association between NCAN rs1064395 and Bipolar Disorder
Authors: Wang Lu , Liu Weiqing , Li Xingxing , Xiao Xiao , Li Lingyi , Liu Fang , He Yuanfang , Bai Yan , Chang Hong , Zhou Dong-Sheng , Li Ming
Published: May 2018

Genome-wide association studies suggest that rs1064395 in the neurocan gene (NCAN) is a potential risk factor for bipolar disorder (BPD), and further replication analyses in larger independent samples are needed. We herein analyzed rs1064395 in a Han Chinese sample of 1,146 BPD cases and 2,031 controls, followed by a meta-analysis of BPD samples from worldwide populations including a total of 15,318 cases and 91,990 controls. The meta-analysis found that rs1064395 showed a genome-wide significant association with BPD (p = 4.92 × 10–9, OR = 1.126 for the A allele), although it did not reach the significance level in the Han Chinese sample (p = 0.415, OR = 1.070 for the A allele). We also examined the association between the single nucleotide polymorphisms and major depressive disorder (MDD) given the presumed genetic overlap between BPD and MDD, and rs1064395 was also associated with MDD (p = 0.0068, OR = 1.067 for the A allele) in a meta-analysis of 14,543 cases and 14,856 controls. Our data provide further evidence for the involvement of NCAN in the genetic susceptibility to BPD and also implicate its broader role in major mood disorders.
Treatment of Leptomeningeal Carcinomatosis in a Patient with Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Johnson William Rainey , Theeler Brett J. , Van Echo David , Young Patrick , Kwok Mary
Published: May 2018

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death with a median survival of 3–11 months when metastatic. We present a patient with metastatic pancreatic cancer and an exceptional response to initial systemic chemotherapy with FOLFIRINOX (fluorouracil, leucovorin, irinotecan, and oxaliplatin). Despite evidence of disease control on body imaging, he developed symptomatic leptomeningeal disease and brain metastases 29 months into treatment. He received aggressive treatment with capecitabine and irinotecan, intrathecal topotecan, and eventually bevacizumab. He did well for 36 weeks on this regimen until developing sepsis. This patient significantly outlived his expected survival and, moreover, did so with very good quality of life. This case demonstrates the natural history of pancreatic cancer progressing to involve the central nervous system when systemic disease is otherwise responsive to chemotherapy. It is the first case to demonstrate the potential effectiveness of intrathecal topotecan in combination with systemic chemotherapy for the treatment of leptomeningeal metastases of pancreatic cancer.
Chronic Prurigo: An Unusual Presentation of Hodgkin Lymphoma
Authors: Dumont Shireen , Péchère Marc , Toutous Trellu Laurence
Published: May 2018

Background: Prurigo nodularis is a condition of unknown origin defined by papulonodular eruption and intense pruritus. Hodgkin lymphoma often presents nonspecific initial symptoms. An association between systemic malignancy and cutaneous manifestations has long been documented. We report a case of prurigo nodularis as a first presentation of Hodgkin lymphoma. Case: A 35-year-old woman presented with a 2-year history of pruritus. Previously diagnosed with bedbugs, the pruritus persisted even after insect eradication, with the appearance of papulonodular lesions consistent with chronic prurigo. The pruritus and the pain were refractory to all treatments. She had no past medical history or clinical, radiological, or laboratory findings. A lymphadenopathy was revealed 2 years after onset of the symptoms. Lymph node biopsy showed a nodular sclerosis Hodgkin lymphoma. The patient was initiated on chemotherapy and the skin lesions decreased. Conclusion: This case report of chronic prurigo as the first manifestation of a systemic malignancy reminds us of the importance of a systematic diagnostic approach to this kind of patients initially and throughout time, especially if the symptoms do not respond to treatment. Our case may question the role of imaging examinations in the management and follow-up of a persistent prurigo nodularis.