bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cortical drive to breathe in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a dyspnoea-worsening defence?
Authors: Georges Marjolaine , Morawiec Elise , Raux Mathieu , Gonzalez-Bermejo Jésus , Pradat Pierre-François , Similowski Thomas , Morélot-Panzini Capucine
Published: April 2016

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease causing diaphragm weakness that can be partially compensated by inspiratory neck muscle recruitment. This disappears during sleep, which is compatible with a cortical contribution to the drive to breathe. We hypothesised that ALS patients with respiratory failure exhibit respiratory-related cortical activity, relieved by noninvasive ventilation (NIV) and related to dyspnoea.

We studied 14 ALS patients with respiratory failure. Electroencephalographic recordings (EEGs) and electromyographic recordings of inspiratory neck muscles were performed during spontaneous breathing and NIV. Dyspnoea was evaluated using the Multidimensional Dyspnea Profile.

Eight patients exhibited slow EEG negativities preceding inspiration (pre-inspiratory potentials) during spontaneous breathing. Pre-inspiratory potentials were attenuated during NIV (p=0.04). Patients without pre-inspiratory potentials presented more advanced forms of ALS and more severe respiratory impairment, but less severe dyspnoea. Patients with pre-inspiratory potentials had stronger inspiratory neck muscle activation and more severe dyspnoea during spontaneous breathing.

ALS-related diaphragm weakness can engage cortical resources to augment the neural drive to breathe. This might reflect a compensatory mechanism, with the intensity of dyspnoea a negative consequence. Disease progression and the corresponding neural loss could abolish this phenomenon. A putative cognitive cost should be investigated.
Predicting drug target interactions using meta-path-based semantic network analysis
Authors: Fu Gang , Ding Ying , Seal Abhik , Chen Bin , Sun Yizhou , Bolton Evan
Published: April 2016

Background

In the context of drug discovery, drug target interactions (DTIs) can be predicted based on observed topological features of a semantic network across the chemical and biological space. In a semantic network, the types of the nodes and links are different. In order to take into account the heterogeneity of the semantic network, meta-path-based topological patterns were investigated for link prediction.

Results

Supervised machine learning models were constructed based on meta-path topological features of an enriched semantic network, which was derived from Chem2Bio2RDF, and was expanded by adding compound and protein similarity neighboring links obtained from the PubChem databases. The additional semantic links significantly improved the predictive performance of the supervised learning models. The binary classification model built upon the enriched feature space using the Random Forest algorithm significantly outperformed an existing semantic link prediction algorithm, Semantic Link Association Prediction (SLAP), to predict unknown links between compounds and protein targets in an evolving network. In addition to link prediction, Random Forest also has an intrinsic feature ranking algorithm, which can be used to select the important topological features that contribute to link prediction.

Conclusions

The proposed framework has been demonstrated as a powerful alternative to SLAP in order to predict DTIs using the semantic network that integrates chemical, pharmacological, genomic, biological, functional, and biomedical information into a unified framework. It offers the flexibility to enrich the feature space by using different normalization processes on the topological features, and it can perform model construction and feature selection at the same time.
How electromagnetic fields can influence adult stem cells: positive and negative impacts
Authors: Maziarz Aleksandra , Kocan Beata , Bester Mariusz , Budzik Sylwia , Cholewa Marian , Ochiya Takahiro , Banas Agnieszka
Published: April 2016

The electromagnetic field (EMF) has a great impact on our body. It has been successfully used in physiotherapy for the treatment of bone disorders and osteoarthritis, as well as for cartilage regeneration or pain reduction. Recently, EMFs have also been applied in in vitro experiments on cell/stem cell cultures. Stem cells reside in almost all tissues within the human body, where they exhibit various potential. These cells are of great importance because they control homeostasis, regeneration, and healing. Nevertheless, stem cells when become cancer stem cells, may influence the pathological condition. In this article we review the current knowledge on the effects of EMFs on human adult stem cell biology, such as proliferation, the cell cycle, or differentiation. We present the characteristics of the EMFs used in miscellaneous assays. Most research has so far been performed during osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells. It has been demonstrated that the effects of EMF stimulation depend on the intensity and frequency of the EMF and the time of exposure to it. However, other factors may affect these processes, such as growth factors, reactive oxygen species, and so forth. Exploration of this research area may enhance the development of EMF-based technologies used in medical applications and thereby improve stem cell-based therapy and tissue engineering.
Multiple job holding, local labor markets, and the business cycle
Authors: Hirsch Barry T. , Husain Muhammad M. , Winters John V.
Published: April 2016

About 5 % of US workers hold multiple jobs, which can exacerbate or mitigate employment changes over the business cycle. Theory is ambiguous and prior literature is not fully conclusive. We examine the relationship between multiple job holding and local unemployment rates using a large Current Population Survey data set of workers in urban labor markets during 1998–2013. Labor markets with high unemployment have moderately lower rates of multiple job holding. Yet no relationship between multiple job holding and unemployment is found within markets over time, with near-zero estimates being precisely estimated. Multiple job holding is largely acyclic.

JEL Classification: J21
Supporting self-employment and small-scale entrepreneurship: potential programs to improve livelihoods for vulnerable workers
Authors: Cho Yoonyoung , Robalino David , Watson Samantha
Published: April 2016

This paper provides a review of the profiles of the subsistence entrepreneurs and their constraints, and the landscape of current entrepreneurship programs and the evidence on impacts, and discusses the potential role of public policies for the livelihoods of subsistence entrepreneurs. Worldwide over a half of workers are self-employed, but a significant fraction of these self-employed jobs are of low productivity subsistence entrepreneurs. The focus of the entrepreneurship programs to support these self-employed in poverty is to improve their livelihoods rather than promoting cutting-edge innovation and business growth. Evidence of successful programs is limited and program designs often seem ill suited to the needs and characteristics of these subsistence entrepreneurs. Given the market failures faced by subsistence entrepreneurs, interventions that complement safety net programs with well-targeted support to promote productive self-employment may hold some promise.

Jel codes: O12, O16, J24
Regional Citrate Anticoagulation in Hemodialysis: An Observational Study of Safety, Efficacy, and Effect on Calcium Balance during Routine Care
Authors: Singer Richard F. , Williams Oliver , Mercado Chari , Chen Bonny , Talaulikar Girish , Walters Giles , Roberts Darren M.
Published: April 2016

Background:

Regional citrate hemodialysis anticoagulation is used when heparin is contraindicated, but most protocols require large infusions of calcium and frequent intradialytic plasma ionized calcium measurements.

Objectives:

The objective of this study was to determine the safety, efficacy, and effect on calcium balance of regional citrate anticoagulation using sparse plasma ionized calcium sampling.

Design:

The design of this study was observational.

Setting:

The setting of this study was the hospital hemodialysis center.

Patients:

The subjects of this study were the hospital hemodialysis patients.

Measurements:

Dialysate calcium concentration by atomic absorption spectroscopy and total dialysate weight were used as measurements.

Methods:

Regional citrate anticoagulation was introduced using zero calcium dialysate, pre-dialyzer citrate infusion, and post-dialyzer calcium infusion. Infusions were adjusted based on pre- and post-dialyzer calcium measurements obtained at least twice during a 4-h dialysis. The protocol was simplified after the first 357 sessions to dispense with post-dialyzer calcium measurements. Heparin-anticoagulated sessions were performed using acetate-acidified 1.25 mmol/L calcium or citrate-acidified 1.5 mmol/L calcium dialysate. Calcium balance assessment was by complete dialysate recovery. Safety and efficacy were assessed prospectively using a point-of-care database to record ionized calcium and clinical events. Groups were compared using t test, ANOVA, Wilcoxon rank sum, or Kruskal-Wallis as appropriate.

Results:

Seventy-five patients received regional citrate-anticoagulated dialysis over 1051 dialysis sessions. Of these, 357 dialysis sessions were performed using the original citrate anticoagulation protocol and 694 using the simplified protocol. Dialysis was effective and safe. Only 3 dialyzers clotted; 1 patient suffered symptomatic hypercalcemia and none suffered symptomatic hypocalcemia. Calcium balance was assessed in 15 regional citrate-anticoagulated dialysis sessions and 30 heparin-anticoagulated sessions. The median calcium loss was 0.8 mmol/h dialyzed in both groups ( p = 0.43), and end of treatment ionized calcium was the same in both groups (1.07 ± 0.04 mmol/L).

Limitations:

Our findings for calcium balance, efficacy, and safety are valid only for the protocol studied, which excluded patient with severe liver dysfunction.

Conclusions:

Regional citrate dialysis can be performed safely and effectively using a sparse plasma calcium sampling protocol. The calcium balance induced by this protocol is not different to that seen in standard heparin-anticoagulated dialysis, but in the absence of prospective studies, it is unknown whether this is optimal for patient care.
Reduction in New-Onset Diabetes Mellitus after Renal Transplant with Erythropoietin-Stimulating Agents: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Montada-Atin Tess , Choi Diana , Woo Minna , Retnakaran Ravi , Huang Michael , Prasad G. V. Ramesh , Zaltzman Jeffrey S.
Published: April 2016

Background:

Studies have shown that erythropoietin-stimulating agents (ESAs) protect mice against the development of diabetes through direct effects on pancreatic ß cells. However, the effect of ESAs on the incidence of diabetes in humans has not been well studied. It is unknown whether exposure to ESAs is associated with a reduced incidence of new-onset diabetes after transplant (NODAT).

Objective:

The objective of this study is to examine the relationship between ESA exposure post-renal transplant and the development of NODAT.

Design:

We performed a single center, retrospective cohort analysis.

Patients:

We compared patients who received a first live or deceased donor renal allograft, with any exposure to an ESA vs. those without such exposure and who developed NODAT and who did not. Patients with a prior history of diabetes mellitus or multi-organ transplant, including a second renal transplant were excluded.

Measurements and methods:

NODAT was defined based on the 2008 Canadian Diabetes Association criteria. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine factors independently associated with NODAT.

Results:

One hundred thirty-two (29 %) patients were exposed to an ESA, four of which developed NODAT compared to 128 who did not develop NODAT ( p < 0.0001). Of those not exposed to an ESA, 15 % (48/319) developed NODAT. By Fisher's exact test, exposure to an ESA at any time post-transplant reduced the risk of developing NODAT; odds ratio (OR) = 0.08, 95 % confidence interval (CI) (0.018–0.352), p = 0.0008. Older age; OR = 1.41, 95 % CI (1.036–1.933), p < 0.02, higher random blood sugar at discharge; OR = 1.30, 95 % CI (1.077–1.57), p < 0.006 and deceased donor; OR 2.18 CI (1.009–4.729), p = 0.04 were associated with an increased risk of NODAT.

Limitations:

The limitations of this study include its retrospective nature, single center, and homogenous population; thus, generalizability of the results must be approached with caution.

Conclusion:

ESA exposure may be associated with a reduced incidence of NODAT in the post-renal transplant population. The role of ESA in preventing NODAT requires further investigation.
High-quality draft genome sequence and description of Haemophilus massiliensis sp. nov.
Authors: Lo Cheikh Ibrahima , Sankar Senthil Alias , Fall Bécaye , Sambe-Ba Bissoume , Diawara Silman , Gueye Mamadou Wague , Mediannikov Oleg , Blanc-Tailleur Caroline , Wade Boubacar , Raoult Didier , Fournier Pierre-Edouard , Fenollar Florence
Published: April 2016

Strain FF7T was isolated from the peritoneal fluid of a 44-year-old woman who suffered from pelvic peritonitis. This strain exhibited a 16S rRNA sequence similarity of 94.8 % 16S rRNA sequence identity with Haemophilus parasuis, the phylogenetically closest species with a name with standing in nomenclature and a poor MALDI-TOF MS score (1.32 to 1.56) that does not allow any reliable identification. Using a polyphasic study made of phenotypic and genomic analyses, strain FF7T was a Gram-negative, facultatively anaerobic rod and member of the family Pasteurellaceae. It exhibited a genome of 2,442,548 bp long genome (one chromosome but no plasmid) contains 2,319 protein-coding and 67 RNA genes, including 6 rRNA operons. On the basis of these data, we propose the creation of Haemophilus massiliensis sp. nov. with strain FF7T (= CSUR P859 = DSM 28247) as the type strain.
Complete genome sequences of Francisella noatunensis subsp. orientalis strains FNO12, FNO24 and FNO190: a fish pathogen with genomic clonal behavior
Authors: Gonçalves Lucas Amorim , de Castro Soares Siomar , Pereira Felipe Luiz , Dorella Fernanda Alves , de Carvalho Alex Fiorini , de Freitas Almeida Gabriel Magno , Leal Carlos Augusto Gomes , Azevedo Vasco , Figueiredo Henrique César Pereira
Published: April 2016

The genus Francisella is composed of Gram-negative, pleomorphic, strictly aerobic and non-motile bacteria, which are capable of infecting a variety of terrestrial and aquatic animals, among which Francisella noatunensis subsp. orientalis stands out as the causative agent of pyogranulomatous and granulomatous infections in fish. Accordingly, F. noatunensis subsp. orientalis is responsible for high mortality rates in freshwater fish, especially Nile Tilapia. In the current study, we present the genome sequences of F. noatunensis subsp. orientalis strains FNO12, FNO24 and FNO190. The genomes include one circular chromosome of 1,859,720 bp, consisting of 32 % GC content, 1538 coded proteins and 363 pseudogenes for FNO12; one circular chromosome of 1,862,322 bp, consisting of 32 % GC content, 1537 coded proteins and 365 pseudogenes for FNO24; and one circular chromosome of 1,859,595 bp, consisting of 32 % GC content, 1539 coded proteins and 362 pseudogenes for FNO190. All genomes have similar genetic content, implicating a clonal-like behavior for this species.
Cooperative and independent roles of the Drp1 adaptors Mff, MiD49 and MiD51 in mitochondrial fission
Authors: Osellame Laura D. , Singh Abeer P. , Stroud David A. , Palmer Catherine S. , Stojanovski Diana , Ramachandran Rajesh , Ryan Michael T.
Published: April 2016

Cytosolic dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1, also known as DNM1L) is required for both mitochondrial and peroxisomal fission. Drp1-dependent division of these organelles is facilitated by a number of adaptor proteins at mitochondrial and peroxisomal surfaces. To investigate the interplay of these adaptor proteins, we used gene-editing technology to create a suite of cell lines lacking the adaptors MiD49 (also known as MIEF2), MiD51 (also known as MIEF1), Mff and Fis1. Increased mitochondrial connectivity was observed following loss of individual adaptors, and this was further enhanced following the combined loss of MiD51 and Mff. Moreover, loss of adaptors also conferred increased resistance of cells to intrinsic apoptotic stimuli, with MiD49 and MiD51 showing the more prominent role. Using a proximity-based biotin labeling approach, we found close associations between MiD51, Mff and Drp1, but not Fis1. Furthermore, we found that MiD51 can suppress Mff-dependent enhancement of Drp1 GTPase activity. Our data indicates that Mff and MiD51 regulate Drp1 in specific ways to promote mitochondrial fission.
The impact of the economic crisis on the quality of life for residents of Attiki area. The experience from the City of Marousi
Authors: Spyridakis Manos , Feronas Andreas
Published: April 2016

This paper attempts to shed light on the impact of the economic recession upon several dimensions of quality of life, based on data collected from an ongoing smallscale qualitative empirical research in the Municipality of Maroussi, Attica. It attempts to incorporate both, elements relating to certain objective conditions of living and, mostly, subjective opinions, perceptions and representations about the economic crisis in Greece. The picture gained so far reveals that the economic crisis and the policies of memoranda have caused deep wounds, not only in terms of disposable income and material resources of individuals and households but also to the overall quality of life, with serious implications for social cohesion as such.
Greek farm households: income inequality, poverty and distributional impact of farm income
Authors: Karanikolas Pavlos , Zografakis Stavros
Published: April 2016

This paper examines the incidence of income
inequality and poverty, and the impact of farm
income on inequality. A detailed typology of farm
households (FHs) is developed, based on Household
Budget Survey micro-data. Research findings
reveal enormous variations among households
with respect to income inequality and poverty.
While Marginal- and Pluriactive- FHs do not seem
to have an income problem, this is not the case
for Farm Households. Poverty is a widespread
phenomenon among Retired FHs. Farm income
and non-farm income generate a combined stabilization
effect, mitigating the overall inequality
within households. Policy implications of these
findings are discussed in the context of welfare
aspects of agricultural policy.
Ευελιξία και ασφάλεια (flexicurity): μία κριτική προσέγγιση
Authors: Κουζής Γιάννης
Published: April 2016

The combination of flexibility and security entails
an inherent contradiction between these
two competing poles, to such a degree that –as
evidenced by the practices related to the recognition
of the rights of those working under
flexible terms– the so-called balance between
them remains a mere declaration. Furthermore,
the liberalization of dismissals counterbalanced
by ensured reintegration of the unemployed,
based on the Danish example, cannot be universally
applied due to its specificities. Lastly,
questions arise relating to the nature of security
following reintegration and the possibility
of passing the responsibility from firms to society,
thereby widening social inequalities and
deregulating industrial relations and labor law
under re-regulation.
Η επίδραση της νόμιμης διαμονής στην κοινωνική ένταξη των μεταναστών στην Ελλάδα
Authors: Παπαδοπούλου Δέσποινα
Published: April 2016

This article examines how legal immigrants
integrate in the Greek labor market. The
analysis is based on the results of an
empirical research which was carried out in
three Greek cities, namely, Athens, Saloniki
and Ioannina, in 2006 and 2007. The research
took place in the framework of a research
programme evaluating the migrant policy in
Greece as an implementation of the European
Strategy for Employment. This article focuses
on the ultimate role of legitimization in the
processes of the immigrants’ entrance in the
labour market and their integration in Greek
society. The fi ndings show that stay permits
plays little infl uence or no infl uence on the
work and employment integration, but a
strong infl uence on the family re-unifi cation.
That is, the title of stay infl uences family
existence and maintenance, as well as child
achievement at school, but it does not help at
changing the occupational status or fi nding a
better job in the labor market. In the end, the
title of stay affects social integration in the
long run.
Φύλο, μετανάστευση και το χάσμα της φροντίδας
Authors: Λυμπεράκη Αντιγόνη
Published: April 2016

What are the key characteristics of the market
supplying care services to families in Greece
today? What is the role played by female
migrants in the emerging rearrangement of
roles and obligations? This article examines
the care activities performed by migrant
women. It attempts to evaluate the size of the
market for care (demand), its implicit cost as
well as possible ways to reorganize it in a fair
manner.
Ιορδάνης Ψημμένος (επιμ.) Εργασία και κοινωνικές ανισότητες, Προσωπικές υπηρεσίες και υπηρετικό δυναμικό Εκδόσεις Αλεξάνδρεια, Αθήνα 2013
Authors: Ασπρούλης Αριστείδης Ν.
Published: April 2016

Δεν διατίθεται περίληψη.
The ageing of population as a factor of configuration of demand for hospital care in the Greek region. The case of Kalamata΄s General Hospital
Authors: Droumbalis Fotis
Published: April 2016

The present paper examines the quantitative
characteristics of the burden that a local
hospital (General Hospital of Kalamata)
bears as a result of the ageing of the local
population (Messenia pre- fecture), taking
into thorough consideration the excessive
demand for hospital care services required
by the aged. The analysis is based on primary
data of patient flow of the General Hospital
of Kalamata during the period 1991-2009.
The findings show that there are explicit
indica- tions of “hospitalization of the aged’’,
while the extent of burden that the hospital
system bears from the ageing population of
the Messenia prefe-cture depends on the
measures used for identify- ing the demand.
At any rate, in the present case, it seems
that the relationship existing between the
ageing population and hospital care services
is at a part, a matter of modernization and
reformation of the “mix” of care offered to
the aged by the local health care system.
Η δικτύωση των κοινωνικών υπηρεσιών και ο ρόλος της Tοπικής Aυτοδιοίκησης
Authors: Κοντιάδης Ξενοφών Ι.
Published: April 2016

The article aims to highlight the fact that social and economic restructuring and new forms of social solidarity imply a new social role for local government. The working hypothesis is that the fight against social exclusion can be effectively
achieved through the activities of social services at the level of local government. The primary reform priority in the field of social policy should not be limited to the planning and financing of new programmes and structures for social protection and employment promotion, but instead should aim at the coordination and networking of existing, fragmented services and activities, in order to address overlapping and occasionally competing interventions, supervised or implemented by different units of central social administration.
The Europeanisation of social protection
Authors: Eichenhofer Eberhard
Published: April 2016

The present paper argues that the European integration process has eroded the competence of member states in the social policy field. This process is discerned both in primary and secondary legislation, as well as in growing impact of soft policy instruments, such as the open method of coordination (OMC). However, this influence will not result in the formation of a European welfare state, but will be based on strengthened action within a supranational organization.
Να ξανασκεφτούμε τις αξίες της κοινωνικής ασφάλισης
Authors: Στεργίου Άγγελος
Published: April 2016

Lately, the economy seems cut off from society. Instead of satisfying needs, it is devoted to an endless race for profit increase. Every attempt to recalibrate social insurance is subordinated to this «unified thought». In the absence of a social perspective, reform attempts view social insurance predominantly as a burden for the economy. The present article puts forward a social-centered approach for the reform of social security systems. In order to do so, it is important to focus once
again on the values that brought about and strengthened social insurance.
Συλλογικές διαπραγματεύσεις και κοινωνικός διάλογος στη Γαλλία: σύγχρονες εξελίξεις, νέα ζητήματα
Authors: Jobert Annette
Published: April 2016

Recently, changes in the processes of social bargaining and social dialogue, such as the decentralization of bargaining, the emergence of new issues and actors, challenge the approaches undertaken thus far for their study. Current analysis focus on the processes of decision making and the methods of state operation using the most recent approaches in political science. Notions such as “political exchange”, “governance” and “cognitive action framework” are being used more frequently than ever as analytical tools for industrial relations research. The paper examines two examples of these new trends; working time which constitutes an important issue within the French bargaining agenda and territorial social dialogue, where public actors are also involved, though indirectly.
Nathalie Morel, Bruno Palier and Joakim Palme (eds.), Towards a Social Investment Welfare State? Ideas, Policies and Challenges, Bristol, Policy Press, 2012
Authors: Angelaki Marina
Published: April 2016

No abstract (available). 
Flagellar membrane fusion and protein exchange in trypanosomes; a new form of cell-cell communication?
Authors: Imhof Simon , Fragoso Cristina , Hemphill Andrew , von Schubert Conrad , Li Dong , Legant Wesley , Betzig Eric , Roditi Isabel
Published: April 2016

Diverse structures facilitate direct exchange of proteins between cells, including plasmadesmata in plants and tunnelling nanotubes in bacteria and higher eukaryotes.  Here we describe a new mechanism of protein transfer, flagellar membrane fusion, in the unicellular parasiteTrypanosoma brucei. When fluorescently tagged trypanosomes were co-cultured, a small proportion of double-positive cells were observed. The formation of double-positive cells was dependent on the presence of extracellular calcium and was enhanced by placing cells in medium supplemented with fresh bovine serum. Time-lapse microscopy revealed that double-positive cells arose by bidirectional protein exchange in the absence of nuclear transfer.  Furthermore, super-resolution microscopy showed that this process occurred in ≤1 minute, the limit of temporal resolution in these experiments. Both cytoplasmic and membrane proteins could be transferred provided they gained access to the flagellum. Intriguingly, a component of the RNAi machinery (Argonaute) was able to move between cells, raising the possibility that small interfering RNAs are transported as cargo. Transmission electron microscopy showed that shared flagella contained two axonemes and two paraflagellar rods bounded by a single membrane. In some cases flagellar fusion was partial and interactions between cells were transient. In other cases fusion occurred along the entire length of the flagellum, was stable for several hours and might be irreversible. Fusion did not appear to be deleterious for cell function: paired cells were motile and could give rise to progeny while fused. The motile flagella of unicellular organisms are related to the sensory cilia of higher eukaryotes, raising the possibility that protein transfer between cells via cilia or flagella occurs more widely in nature.
dbVar structural variant cluster set for data analysis and variant comparison
Authors: Phan Lon , Hsu Jeffrey , Tri Le Quang Minh , Willi Michaela , Mansour Tamer , Kai Yan , Garner John , Lopez John , Busby Ben
Published: April 2016

dbVar houses over 3 million submitted structural variants (SSV) from 120 human studies including copy number variations (CNV), insertions, deletions, inversions, translocations, and complex chromosomal rearrangements. Users can submit multiple SSVs to dbVAR  that are presumably identical, but were ascertained by different platforms and samples,  to calculate whether the variant is rare or common in the population and allow for cross validation. However, because SSV genomic location reporting can vary – including fuzzy locations where the start and/or end points are not precisely known – analysis, comparison, annotation, and reporting of SSVs across studies can be difficult. This project was initiated by the Structural Variant Comparison Group for the purpose of generating a non-redundant set of genomic regions defined by counts of concordance for all human SSVs placed on RefSeq assembly GRCh38 (RefSeq accession GCF_000001405.26). We intend that the availability of these regions, called structural variant clusters (SVCs), will facilitate the analysis, annotation, and exchange of SV data and allow for simplified display in genomic sequence viewers for improved variant interpretation. Sets of SVCs were generated by variant type for each of the 120 studies as well as for a combined set across all studies. Starting from 3.64 million SSVs, 2.5 million and 3.4 million non-redundant SVCs with count >=1 were generated by variant type for each study and across all studies, respectively. In addition, we have developed utilities for annotating, searching, and filtering SVC data in GVF format for computing summary statistics, exporting data for genomic viewers, and annotating the SVC using external data sources.
Management Control of Identification of Hypertension in High-Risk and Question Decision of Prevention
Authors: Манойлов  , Manoylov A. , Теринова  , Terinova V. , Воронцов  , Vorontsov T. , Тюков  , Tyukov Yu. , Котов  , Kotov A.
Published: April 2016

The authors present the results of the examination of 289 patients randomly selected from among 2516 people who are under therapist´s and cardiologist´s supervision on arterial hypertension for more than three years. Arterial hypertension is associated with severe chronic ischemic heart disease (IHD) in 102 patients and with severe chronic heart failure in 80 patients. In other cases, the disease is combined with atrial fibrillation. The research base is a municipal clinic of Chelyabinsk, providing services for 80.5 thousand adults. Research data tool is developed unified card with instructions for use. The audit results of clinical observations show there is an insufficient volume of measures taken to reduce the risk of complications. Full control of blood pressure has been reached 54.7% of patients, slightly more than half of patients taking the statins regularly (52,9%). Instrumental diagnostics is limited: ultrasound of the carotid arteries - in 11.1%, echocardiography - in 62.3% of patients. Correction to prevent complications of hypertension in patients is carried out. The authors propose a method to improve the quality of medical services to patients.
The Use of Minimally Invasive Methods of Treatment of Obstructive Jaundice with Calculous Etiology
Authors: Курманбаев  , Kurmanbaev A.
Published: April 2016

The effectiveness of isolated retrograde endoscopic interventions and combined manipulations by the method «Randevu», also surgical operations for the purpose of elimination of choledocholithiasis, complicated by mechanical jaundice was defined on a large clinical material. It was identified a significant decline in hyperbilirubinemia in all used methods of treatment. Liver enzymes alanineaminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase significantly reduced in the application of minimally invasive retrograde endoscopic and combined manipulations by the method «Randevu». There was a significant decrease in the diameter of the common bile duct by ultrasound only at the use of combined interventions by the method «Randevu». There was the greatest number of complications at the use of surgical methods of treatment of choledocholithiasis, complicated by mechanical jaundice, reaching 20% of cases. The rate of complications at the use of minimally invasive retrograde resolution methods of choledocholithiasis averaged 3% of cases. Postoperative complications are not observed at the use of the combined manipulations by the method "Randevu". Based on the analysis of the above data, the author determines the best treatment outcomes in patients with concomitant minimally invasive operations on the method of «Randevu», manifested a significant decrease in indicators of bilirubi-nemia, hepatic enzymes, diameter of the common bile duct. Also, this two-step tactic can be recommended for the extreme severity of the patient´s state, complicated by obstructive jaundice.
Scaling observations of surface waves in the Beaufort Sea
Authors: Smith Madison , Thomson Jim
Published: April 2016

The rapidly changing Arctic sea ice cover affects surface wave growth across all scales. Here, in situ measurements of waves, observed from freely-drifting buoys during the 2014 open water season, are interpreted using open water distances determined from satellite ice products and wind forcing time series measured in situ with the buoys. A significant portion of the wave observations were found to be limited by open water distance (fetch) when the wind duration was sufficient for the conditions to be considered stationary. The scaling of wave energy and frequency with open water distance demonstrated the indirect effects of ice cover on regional wave evolution. Waves in partial ice cover could be similarly categorized as distance-limited by applying the same open water scaling to determine an ‘effective fetch’. The process of local wave generation in ice appeared to be a strong function of the ice concentration, wherein the ice cover severely reduces the effective fetch. The wave field in the Beaufort Sea is thus a function of the sea ice both locally, where wave growth primarily occurs in the open water between floes, and regionally, where the ice edge may provide a more classic fetch limitation. Observations of waves in recent years may be indicative of an emerging trend in the Arctic Ocean, where we will observe increasing wave energy with decreasing sea ice extent.
Developing an Algorithm to Identify History of Cancer Using Electronic Medical
Records
Authors: Clarke Christina L. , Feigelson Heather S.
Published: April 2016

Introduction/Objective: The objective of this study was to develop an algorithm to
identify Kaiser Permanente Colorado (KPCO) members with a history of cancer.Background:
Tumor registries are used with high precision to identify incident cancer, but are not
designed to capture prevalent cancer within a population. We sought to identify a cohort
of adults with no history of cancer, and thus, we could not rely solely on the tumor
registry.Methods: We included all KPCO members between the ages of 40-75 years who were
continuously enrolled during 2013 (N=201,787). Data from the tumor registry,
chemotherapy files, inpatient and outpatient claims were used to create an algorithm to
identify members with a high likelihood of cancer. We validated the algorithm using
chart review and calculated sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV)
and negative predictive value (NPV) for occurrence of cancer.Findings: The final version
of the algorithm achieved a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 84.6% for identifying
cancer. If we relied on the tumor registry alone, 47% of those with a history of cancer
would have been missed.Discussion: Using the tumor registry alone to identify a cohort
of patients with prior cancer is not sufficient. In the final version of the algorithm,
the sensitivity and PPV were improved when a diagnosis code for cancer was required to
accompany oncology visits or chemotherapy administration.Conclusion: EMR data can be
used effectively in combination with data from the tumor registry to identify health
plan members with a history of cancer.
First report and spore ultrastructure of Vairimorpha plodiae (Opisthokonta: Microspora) from Plodia interpunctella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) in Turkey
Authors: Yaman Mustafa , Pınar Güngör F. , Gonca Güner Beyza , Radek Renate , Linde Andreas
Published: April 2016

The present study describes the first isolation and characterization of
Evaluation of immuno diagnostic assay for the exposure of stage specific filarial infection
Authors: Ravishankaran Rajendran , Shridharan Radhika Nagamangalam , Vishal Lawrence Ansel , Meenakshisundaram Sankaranarayanan , Karande Anjali Anoop , Kaliraj Perumal
Published: April 2016

Lymphatic filariasis is a debilitating diseases caused by filarial parasitic nematodes. The infection may be acquired in childhood but the symptoms become apparent only in later life. To evaluate the success of any intervention, sensitive diagnostics were used to identify infection among endemic normals that are likely to develop microfilaremia in due course of time. Capture assay was standardized using the recombinant protein
CIAS detection of Fasciola hepatica/F. gigantica intermediate forms in bovines from Bangladesh
Authors: Ahasan Syed Ali , Valero M. Adela , Chowdhury Emdadul Haque , Islam Mohammad Taohidul , Islam Mohammad Rafiqul , Hussain Mondal Mohammad Motahar , Peixoto Raquel V. , Berinde Lavinia , Panova Miroslava , Mas-Coma Santiago
Published: April 2016

Fascioliasis is an important food-borne parasitic zoonosis caused by two trematode species,
Molecular characterization of Giardia duodenalis from white yaks in China
Authors: Song Guang-Yao , Qin Si-Yuan , Zhao Guang-Hui , Zhu Xing-Quan , Zhou Dong-Hui , Song Ming-Xin
Published: April 2016

is one of the most common enteric parasites of humans and animals, including companion animals, livestock and wildlife. To date, the information about the prevalence and molecular characterization of
Dynamics of Theileria orientalis genotype population in cattle in a year-round grazing system
Authors: Masatani Tatsunori , Yoshihara Shunpei , Matsubara Atsuko , Gotoh Takafumi , Takahashi Hideyuki , Tanaka Tetsuya , Andoh Masako , Endo Yasuyuki , Matsuo Tomohide
Published: April 2016

is a tick-borne haemoprotozoan parasite, and infection with this parasite is one of the most important diseases for grazing cattle. Co-infection of cattle with different genotypes of
Growth and non-regular employment
Authors: Miyamoto Hiroaki
Published: April 2016

The share of non-regular employment has been increasing in many developed countries during the past two decades. The objective of this paper is to study a cause of the upward trend in non-regular employment by focusing on productivity growth. Data from Japan shows that the slowdown in productivity growth increases both unemployment and the proportion of non-regular workers to total employed workers. In order to study the impact of long-run productivity growth on unemployment and non-regular employment, I develop a search and matching model with disembodied technological progress and two types of jobs, regular and non-regular jobs. The numerical analysis demonstrates that the slowdown in productivity growth increases the share of non-regular employment and the unemployment rate, which is consistent with empirical facts.
Evaluating and Reducing the Envelope Fluctuations of OFDM Signals Based on Distortion Prediction
Authors: Zhang Xiangyin , Zhu Xiaodong , Tang Youxi
Published: April 2016

Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) signals with large envelope fluctuations are prone to be affected by power amplifier (PA), resulting in degradation of system performance. Peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) and cubic metric (CM) are commonly used as the reduction criteria of envelope fluctuations of OFDM signals. However, our analysis shows that minimizing the PAPR or CM does not necessarily mean the optimization of system performance, since both metrics are inadequate to quantify the distortion in nonlinear OFDM transmission. In this paper, we fully discuss the effects of PA nonlinearity on OFDM signals and propose a new metric called distortion component metric (DCM), which is closely related to the nonlinear distortion caused by the PA. We compare the system performance when several metrics are respectively used as the reduction criterion for the selective mapping scheme. It is shown that in the presence of memoryless or memory PA, the usage of DCM can provide better inband and out-of-band performance than PAPR and CM.
Physical activity and fitness of adults aged 20–59 years
Authors: Jopkiewicz Andrzej , Gawron Jacek , Nowak Stanisław
Published: April 2016

Purpose

The aim of the study was to check whether and to what extent leisure-time physical activity and commuting activity constitute a factor differentiating physical fitness in a selected group of females and males aged 20-59 years.

Methods

The study was performed in the Świętokrzyskie region of Poland in the spring of 2010. The sample included 1032 adults (517 females and 515 males) employed and at the same time completing extramural education or attending vocational improvement programs. Four age groups were delineated (20-29, 30-39, 40-49 and 50-59). A self-report questionnaire assessed physical activity level whereas physical fitness was determined by tests assessing handgrip strength, upper (dynamic) and lower (explosive) extremity strength, agility, hand movement speed, and endurance.

Results

A significant relationship was found between leisure-time physical activity and all the performance-based measures in both females and males. With regard to commuting activity, statistically significant relationships were observed only in the females with regard to handgrip strength, lower extremity strength and endurance.

Conclusions

A significant positive relationship between leisure-time physical activity and physical fitness was demonstrated in both females and males aged 20-59 years while commuting activity should significant correlations only in females.
Sex differences in limb and joint stiffness in recreational runners
Authors: Sinclair Jonathan , Shore Hannah Frances , Taylor Paul J. , Atkins Stephen
Published: April 2016

Purpose

Female runners are known to be at greater risk from chronic running injuries than age-matched males, although the exact mechanisms are often poorly understood. The aim of the current investigation was to determine if female recreational runners exhibit distinct limb and joint stiffness characteristics in relation to their male counterparts.

Methods

Fourteen male and fourteen female runners ran over a force platform at 4.0 m • s-1. Lower limb kinematics were collected using an eight-camera optoelectric motion capture system operating at 250 Hz. Measures of limb and joint stiffness were calculated as a function of limb length and joint moments divided by the extent of limb and joint excursion. All stiffness and joint moment parameters were normalized to body mass. Sex differences in normalized limb and knee and ankle joint stiffness were examined statistically using independent samples t tests.

Results

The results indicate that normalized limb (male = 0.18 ± 0.07, female = 0.37 ± 0.10 kN • kg • m-1) and knee stiffness (male = 5.59 ± 2.02, female = 7.34 ± 1.78 Nm • kg • rad-1) were significantly greater in female runners.

Conclusions

On the basis that normalized knee and limb stiffness were shown to be significantly greater in female runners, the findings from the current investigation may provide further insight into the aetiology of the distinct injury patterns observed between sexes.
Switching LPV Control with Double-Layer LPV Model for Aero-Engines
Authors: Tang Lili , Huang Jinquan , Pan Muxuan
Published: April 2016

To cover the whole range of operating conditions of aero-engine, a double-layer LPV model is built so as to take into account of the variability due to the flight altitude, Mach number and the rotational speed. With this framework, the problem of designing LPV state-feedback robust controller that guarantees desired bounds on both
Protein Crowding within the Postsynaptic Density Can Impede the Escape of Membrane Proteins
Authors: Li Tuo P. , Song Yu , MacGillavry Harold D. , Blanpied Thomas A. , Raghavachari Sridhar
Published: April 2016

Mechanisms regulating lateral diffusion and positioning of glutamate receptors within the postsynaptic density (PSD) determine excitatory synaptic strength. Scaffold proteins in the PSD are abundant receptor binding partners, yet electron microscopy suggests that the PSD is highly crowded, potentially restricting the diffusion of receptors regardless of binding. However, the contribution of macromolecular crowding to receptor retention remains poorly understood. We combined experimental and computational approaches to test the effect of synaptic crowding on receptor movement and positioning in Sprague Dawley rat hippocampal neurons. We modeled AMPA receptor diffusion in synapses where the distribution of scaffold proteins was determined from photoactivated localization microscopy experiments, and receptor–scaffold association and dissociation rates were adjusted to fit single-molecule tracking and fluorescence recovery measurements. Simulations predicted that variation of receptor size strongly influences the fractional synaptic area the receptor may traverse, and the proportion that may exchange in and out of the synapse. To test the model experimentally, we designed a set of novel transmembrane (TM) probes. A single-pass TM protein with one PDZ binding motif concentrated in the synapse as do AMPARs yet was more mobile there than the much larger AMPAR. Furthermore, either the single binding motif or an increase in cytoplasmic bulk through addition of a single GFP slowed synaptic movement of a small TM protein. These results suggest that both crowding and binding limit escape of AMPARs from the synapse. Moreover, tight protein packing within the PSD may modulate the synaptic dwell time of many TM proteins important for synaptic function.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTSmall alterations to the distribution within synapses of key transmembrane proteins, such as receptors, can dramatically change synaptic strength. Indeed, many diseases are thought to unbalance neural circuit function in this manner. Processes that regulate this in healthy synapses are unclear, however. By combining computer simulations with imaging methods that examined protein dynamics at multiple scales in space and time, we showed that both steric effects and protein–protein binding each regulate the mobility of receptors in the synapse. Our findings extend our knowledge of the synapse as a crowded environment that counteracts molecular diffusion, and support the idea that both molecular collisions and biochemical binding can be involved in the regulation of neural circuit performance.