bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Cytoplasmic RNA Virus Alters the Function of the Cell Splicing Protein SRSF2
Authors: Rivera-Serrano Efraín E. , Fritch Ethan J. , Scholl Elizabeth H. , Sherry Barbara
Published: January 2017

To replicate efficiently, viruses must create favorable cell conditions and overcome cell antiviral responses. We previously reported that the reovirus protein μ2 from strain T1L, but not strain T3D, represses one antiviral response: alpha/beta interferon signaling. We report here that T1L, but not T3D, μ2 localizes to nuclear speckles, where it forms a complex with the mRNA splicing factor SRSF2 and alters its subnuclear localization. Reovirus replicates in cytoplasmic viral factories, and there is no evidence that reovirus genomic or messenger RNAs are spliced, suggesting that T1L μ2 might target splicing of cell RNAs. Indeed, RNA sequencing revealed that reovirus T1L, but not T3D, infection alters the splicing of transcripts for host genes involved in mRNA posttranscriptional modifications. Moreover, depletion of SRSF2 enhanced reovirus replication and cytopathic effect, suggesting that T1L μ2 modulation of splicing benefits the virus. This provides the first report of viral antagonism of the splicing factor SRSF2 and identifies the viral protein that determines strain-specific differences in cell RNA splicing.

IMPORTANCE
Efficient viral replication requires that the virus create favorable cell conditions. Many viruses accomplish this by repressing specific antiviral responses. We demonstrate here that some mammalian reoviruses, RNA viruses that replicate strictly in the cytoplasm, express a protein variant that localizes to nuclear speckles, where it targets a cell mRNA splicing factor. Infection with a reovirus strain that targets this splicing factor alters splicing of cell mRNAs involved in the maturation of many other cell mRNAs. Depletion of this cell splicing factor enhances reovirus replication and cytopathic effect. Our results provide the first evidence of viral antagonism of this splicing factor and suggest that downstream consequences to the cell are global and benefit the virus.
Fungal Ligninolytic Enzymes and Their Applications
Authors: Mäkelä Miia R. , Bredeweg Erin L. , Magnuson Jon K. , Baker Scott E. , de Vries Ronald P. , Hildén Kristiina
Published: January 2017

The global push toward an efficient and economical biobased economy has driven research to develop more cost-effective applications for the entirety of plant biomass, including lignocellulosic crops. As discussed elsewhere (Karlsson M, Atanasova L, Funck Jensen D, Zeilinger S, in Heitman J et al. [ed],
Tuberculosis and the Tubercle Bacillus
, 2nd ed, in press), significant progress has been made in the use of polysaccharide fractions from lignocellulose, cellulose, and various hemicellulose types. However, developing processes for use of the lignin fraction has been more challenging. In this chapter, we discuss characteristics of lignolytic enzymes and the fungi that produce them as well as potential and current uses of lignin-derived products.
Fungal Cell Cycle: A Unicellular versus Multicellular Comparison
Authors: Dörter Ilkay , Momany Michelle
Published: January 2017

All cells must accurately replicate DNA and partition it to daughter cells. The basic cell cycle machinery is highly conserved among eukaryotes. Most of the mechanisms that control the cell cycle were worked out in fungal cells, taking advantage of their powerful genetics and rapid duplication times. Here we describe the cell cycles of the unicellular budding yeast
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
and the multicellular filamentous fungus
Aspergillus nidulans
. We compare and contrast morphological landmarks of G1, S, G2, and M phases, molecular mechanisms that drive cell cycle progression, and checkpoints in these model unicellular and multicellular fungal systems.
Amyloid Prions in Fungi
Authors: Saupe Sven J. , Jarosz Daniel F. , True Heather L.
Published: January 2017

Prions are infectious protein polymers that have been found to cause fatal diseases in mammals. Prions have also been identified in fungi (yeast and filamentous fungi), where they behave as cytoplasmic non-Mendelian genetic elements. Fungal prions correspond in most cases to fibrillary β-sheet-rich protein aggregates termed amyloids. Fungal prion models and, in particular, yeast prions were instrumental in the description of fundamental aspects of prion structure and propagation. These models established the “protein-only” nature of prions, the physical basis of strain variation, and the role of a variety of chaperones in prion propagation and amyloid aggregate handling. Yeast and fungal prions do not necessarily correspond to harmful entities but can have adaptive roles in these organisms.
Gastrointestinal Tuberculosis
Authors: Choi Eric H. , Coyle Walter J.
Published: January 2017

Gastrointestinal tuberculosis (TB) is a fascinating disease which can be observed both in the clinical context of active pulmonary disease and as a primary infection with no pulmonary involvement. It represents a significant clinical challenge because of the resurgence of TB as well as the diagnostic challenges it poses. A high clinical suspicion remains the most powerful tool in an era of medicine when reliance on diagnostic technology increases. Antimicrobial therapy is the mainstay of therapy, but surgical and endoscopic interventions are frequently required for intestinal TB. Gastrointestinal TB is truly the “great mimic” and continues to require the astute clinical acumen of skillful clinicians to diagnose and treat.
Tuberculous Otomastoiditis
Authors: Hand Jonathan M. , Pankey George A.
Published: January 2017

Tuberculous otitis media and mastoiditis, or tuberculous otomastoiditis, is a rare but well-described infectious process occasionally affecting individuals in the United States but more frequently seen in countries where tuberculosis is endemic. Infection may be primary and occur through mucus aspirated through the Eustachian tube. Alternatively, organisms may secondarily infect the nasopharynx when expectorated from the lungs and, less frequently, may be hematogenously spread. Chronic otorrhea and hearing loss are common symptoms, and extensive perforation of the tympanic membranes and facial nerve paralysis are routinely described. Diagnosis is made by direct culture of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
, although more recently, molecular techniques have been used. Successful treatment of tuberculous otomastoiditis routinely involves surgical intervention combined with prolonged antituberculosis therapy.
Urinary Tract Infections in Infants and Children
Authors: Schlager Theresa A.
Published: January 2017

Urinary tract infections (UTI) are one of the most common infections in children and symptoms may be nonspecific. The risk of renal scarring is highest in children under 1 year of age with febrile UTI and high-grade vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). Although treatment of UTI is usually straightforward, given increased rates of antimicrobial resistance worldwide, the choice of treatment for pediatric UTI should be guided by community resistance patterns whenever feasible. The benefit of antimicrobial prophylaxis after first UTI and/or in the presence of VUR remains controversial, but a recent meta-analysis supports continuous antimicrobial prophylaxis in children with VUR, indicating a need for more research in this area.
The Vaginal Microbiota and Urinary Tract Infection
Authors: Stapleton Ann E.
Published: January 2017

The vagina is a key anatomical site in the pathogenesis of urinary tract infection (UTI) in women, serving as a potential reservoir for infecting bacteria and a site at which interventions may decrease the risk of UTI. The vaginal microbiota is a dynamic and often critical factor in this pathogenic interplay, because changes in the characteristics of the vaginal microbiota resulting in the loss of normally protective
Lactobacillus
spp. increase the risk of UTI. These alterations may result from the influence of estrogen deficiency, antimicrobial therapy, contraceptives, or other causes. Interventions to reduce adverse effects on the vaginal microbiota and/or to restore protective lactobacilli may reduce the risks of UTI.
Electroacupuncture Alleviates the Inflammatory Response via Effects on M1 and M2 Macrophages after Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Zhao Jiagui , Wang Likui , Li Yuanhai
Published: January 2017

Background

Macrophages/microglia are important effector cells at the site of spinal cord injury (SCI). M1-type macrophages facilitate innate immunity to remove foreign microbes and wound debris from the injury site. M2-type macrophages exhibit tissue repair properties and attenuate production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Regulation of the polarisation of M1/M2 macrophages may affect the inflammatory response in SCI and may be related to neurotrophin-3 (NT-3). Electroacupuncture (EA) at GV acupuncture points can be used as an adjuvant therapy for SCI.

Aim

To investigate the effects of EA on Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan (BBB) functional evaluation and inflammatory cytokines (tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and IL-10), and on the proportions of M1/M2 macrophages, and to provide a greater understanding of the mechanisms underlying the potential clinical treatment of SCI.

Methods

A rat SCI model was induced by spinal segment transection at T10 in 16 Sprague-Dawley rats. A further eight rats were included as a Control group. Ten surviving SCI model rats were divided into two groups (n=5 each): an SCI group that remained untreated; and an SCI+EA group that received EA at GV6 and GV9.

Results

EA improved BBB scores, inhibited the proportion of M1 macrophages and TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 levels, and downregulated the M1 marker CD86. By contrast, EA enhanced IL-10, the proportion of M2 macrophages and upregulated the M2 marker CD206 and NT-3 expression.

Conclusions

EA had a positive impact on SCI model rats. This may be related to the neuroprotective effect of NT-3, which may increase the polarisation of M2 microglia/macrophages.
Health policies on dialysis modality selection: a nationwide population cohort study
Authors: Lin Yi-Chun , Lin Yen-Chung , Kao Chih-Chin , Chen Hsi-Hsien , Hsu Chih-Cheng , Wu Mai-Szu
Published: January 2017

Objectives

In Taiwan, peritoneal dialysis (PD) and haemodialysis are fully accessible to patients with end-stage renal disease. However, the usage of PD is considered low in Taiwan. Since 2005, 4 major policies have been implemented by Taiwan's Ministry of Health and Welfare, namely a multidisciplinary predialysis care programme and usage increasing the PD incidence as a key performance indicator (KPI) for hospital accreditation, both of which were implemented in 2006; reimbursement of the glucose-free dialysate, icodextrin that was implemented in 2007; and insurance reimbursement for renting automated PD machines that was implemented in 2008. The aim of this study was to analyse the associations between the PD promotional policies and the actual PD selection rates.

Setting

We analysed data within the Taiwan Renal Registry Data System from 2006 to 2013, focusing on the PD incidence in relation to the timings of the 4 PD promotional policies; then we stratified the results according to age, sex and the presence of diabetes mellitus.

Participants

From 2006 to 2013, 115 565 patients were enrolled in this study. The mean (SD) age of patients on PD was 54.6 (15.7) years.

Results

During the time frame in which the 4 PD promotional policies were implemented, the PD incidence increased from 12.8% in 2006 to 15.1% in 2009. The PD incidence started to decline in 2010 (13.8%) when the hospital accreditation policy was repealed. The 3 remaining policies were weakly associated with the PD incidence. The observational analysis determined that the patients' ages, sexes and diabetes mellitus incidence rates were relatively stable from 2006 to 2013.

Conclusions

Of the 4 health policies intended to promote PD usage, using increasing the PD incidence as a KPI for hospital accreditation had the strongest association with the PD incidence.
Microvascular Outcomes after Metabolic Surgery (MOMS) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and class I obesity: rationale and design for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Cohen Ricardo Vitor , Pereira Tiago Veiga , Aboud Cristina Mamédio , Caravatto Pedro Paulo de Paris , Petry Tarissa Beatrice Zanata , Correa José Luis Lopes , Schiavon Carlos Aurélio , Correa Mariangela , Pompílio Carlos Eduardo , Pechy Fernando Nogueira Quirino , Roux Carel le
Published: January 2017

Introduction

There are several randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that have already shown that metabolic/bariatric surgery achieves short-term and long-term glycaemic control while there are no level 1A of evidence data regarding the effects of surgery on the microvascular complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Purpose

The aim of this trial is to investigate the long-term efficacy and safety of the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) plus the best medical treatment (BMT) versus the BMT alone to improve microvascular outcomes in patients with T2DM with a body mass index (BMI) of 30–34.9 kg/m2.

Methods and analysis

This study design includes a unicentric randomised unblinded controlled trial. 100 patients (BMI from 30 to 34.9 kg/m2) will be randomly allocated to receive either RYGB plus BMT or BMT alone. The primary outcome is the change in the urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR) captured as the proportion of patients who achieved nephropathy remission (uACR<30 mg/g of albumin/mg of creatinine) in an isolated urine sample over 12, 24 and 60 months.

Ethics and dissemination

The study was approved by the local Institutional Review Board. This study represents the first RCT comparing RYGB plus BMT versus BMT alone for patients with T2DM with a BMI below 35 kg/m2.

Trial registration number

NCT01821508; Pre-results.
Cancer-related hospitalisations and ‘unknown’ stage prostate cancer: a population-based record linkage study
Authors: Luo Qingwei , Yu Xue Qin , Smith David Paul , Goldsbury David Eamon , Cooke-Yarborough Claire , Patel Manish Indravadan , O'Connell Dianne Lesley
Published: January 2017

Objectives

To identify reasons for prostate cancer stage being recorded as ‘unknown’ in Australia's largest population-based cancer registry.

Design

Prospective population-based cohort.

Setting

New South Wales (NSW) is the most populous state in Australia, with almost one third of the total national population.

Participants

NSW Cancer Registry (NSWCR) records for prostate cancer cases diagnosed in 2001–2009 were linked to the NSW Admitted Patient Data Collection (APDC) for 2000–2010. All patients in this study had a minimum of 12 months follow-up in the hospital episode records after their date of diagnosis as recorded by the NSWCR.

Main outcome measures

Incidence of ‘unknown’ stage prostate cancer and cancer-specific survival.

Results

Of 50 597 prostate cancer cases, 39.9% were recorded as having ‘unknown’ stage. Up to 4 months after diagnosis, 77.2% of cases without a hospital-reported cancer diagnosis were recorded as having ‘unknown’ stage. Among those patients with a hospital-reported cancer diagnosis, stage was ‘unknown’ for 7.6% of cases who received a radical prostatectomy (RP) and for 34.0% of cases who had procedures other than RP. In the latter group, the factors that were related to having ‘unknown’ stage were living in disadvantaged areas (adjusted OR (aOR) range: 1.13 to 1.20), attending a private hospital (aOR range: 1.25 to 2.13), having day-only admission for care (aOR=1.23, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.36), or having procedures other than multiple procedures with imaging (eg, biopsy only, aOR range: 1.11 to 1.45).

Conclusions

Over half of ‘unknown’ stage prostate cancer cases did not have a hospital-reported prostate cancer diagnosis within the 4 months after initial diagnosis. We identified differences in the likelihood of cases being recorded as ‘unknown’ stage based on socioeconomic status and facility type, which suggests that further investigation of reporting practices in relation to diagnostic and treatment pathways is required.
Effect of expertise on diagnosis accuracy, non-technical skills and thought processes during simulated high-fidelity anaesthetist scenarios
Authors: McRobert Allistair P , Mercer Simon J , Raw David , Goulding Jeff , Williams A Mark
Published: January 2017

Background

The expert performance approach can be used to examine expertise during representative field-based tasks, while collecting process-tracing measures such as think-aloud verbal reports. Collecting think-aloud verbal reports provides an insight into the cognitive mechanisms that support performance during tasks.

Method

We examined the thought processes and performance of anaesthetists during simulated environments. Verbal reports of thinking and the anaesthetists’ non-technical skills (ANTS) were recorded to examine cognitive processes, non-technical behaviours and diagnosis accuracy during fully immersive, high-fidelity medical scenarios. Skilled (n=6) and less skilled (n=9) anaesthetists were instructed to respond to medical scenarios experienced in theatre.

Results

Skilled participants demonstrated higher diagnosis accuracy and ANTS scores compared to less skilled participants. Furthermore, skilled participants engaged in deeper thinking and verbalised more evaluation, prediction and deep planning statements.

Conclusions

The ability to employ an effective cognitive processing strategy, more efficient non-technical behaviours and superior diagnosis is associated with superior performance in skilled participants.
Biotypes and ScM types of isolates of Streptococcus canis from diseased and healthy cats
Authors: Timoney J. F. , Velineni S. , Ulrich B. , Blanchard P.
Published: January 2017

Lancefield group G Streptococcus canis is a component of the normal urogenital and pharyngeal flora of the cat. It is also frequently implicated in epizootics of severe disease in closed cat colonies and animal shelters. Given the importance of S canis as a feline pathogen and relative lack of published information on characteristics potentially associated with virulence, the authors have compared isolates from healthy and diseased cats in New York and California using fermentation profiles (biotype) and ScM sequences. With few exceptions, isolates associated with disease were biotype 1. Four alleles of scm were identified of which type 1 dominated in diseased cats. Type 4 allelic variants were found only in healthy cats and all but one were biotype 2. Type 2 and 3 alleles showed extensive N‐terminal variation suggesting a plasminogen‐binding site as found on the type 1 allele was absent. Cat antisera to ScM were opsonobactericidal, and these potentially protective antibodies increased during convalescence.
Inter‐rater agreement in radiographic canine hip dysplasia evaluation
Authors: Geissbühler U. , Drazovic S. , Lang J. , Howard J.
Published: January 2017

The objective was to determine the agreement between scrutineers assessing canine hip dysplasia (CHD) within and between the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) and the Swiss (CH) grading schemes, and between first‐opinion and second‐opinion scrutineers using the CH scheme. 62 scrutineers, participating in a quality assessment programme, were asked to evaluate 12 sets of hip radiographs. All radiographs had been previously evaluated by a first‐opinion and 7 by both a first‐opinion and second‐opinion scrutineers using the CH scheme. Inter‐rater agreement (κ) and intraclass correlation (ICC) were evaluated for the Norberg angle and dysplasia grades, and ICC for the numerical CH scores. The κ and ICC were 0.290 and 0.471 for Norberg angles, 0.372 and 0.577 for FCI grades, and 0.417 and 0.567 for CH grades, respectively. The ICC for CH scores was 0.614. Total agreement for grades was found in a single case. For radiographs evaluated using both schemes, raters gave the same grade in 441 cases, a lower FCI than CH grade in 78 cases and a lower CH than FCI grade in 32 cases. Intrarater agreement between grades of the two schemes was 0.786. Agreement between the first‐opinion and second‐opinion scrutineers was 0.250 for Norberg angles and −0.286 for CH grades. Although agreement between the two schemes was good, agreement between scrutineers using either scheme was only fair to moderate, and no agreement was found between first‐opinion and second‐opinion scrutineers. Application of the FCI and CH schemes may impact the incidence of hip dysplasia in populations with both severe and moderate dysplasia, but is unlikely to impact populations with only mild dysplasia. The CH system of first‐opinion and second‐opinion examinations should be re‐evaluated.
Validation of a hidden Markov model for the geolocation of Atlantic cod
Authors: Liu Chang , Cowles Geoffrey W. , Zemeckis Douglas R. , Cadrin Steven X. , Dean Micah J.
Published: January 2017

Models developed to geolocate individual fish from data recorded by electronic tags often require major modification to be applied to new regions, species, or tag types due to variability in oceanographic conditions, fish behavior, and data resolution. We developed a model for geolocating Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) off New England that builds upon an existing hidden Markov model (HMM) framework and addresses region- and species-specific challenges. The HMM framework contains a likelihood model that compares tag-recorded environmental data (depth, temperature, tidal characteristics) with those derived from an oceanographic model and a behavior model that constrains the horizontal movement of the fish. Validation experiments were performed on stationary tags, double-electronic-tagged fish (archival and acoustic tags), and simulated tracks. Known data, including fish locations and activity metrics, showed good agreement with those estimated by the modified approach and improvements in performance of the modified method over the original. The modified geolocation approach will be applicable to additional species and regions to obtain valuable movement information that is not typically available for demersal fishes.
Stabilization by noise of a ℂ2-valued coupled system
Authors: Chen Joe P. , Ford Lance , Kielty Derek , Majumdar Rajeshwari , McCain Heather , O’Connell Dylan , Shum Fan Ny
Published: January 2017

D. Herzog and J. Mattingly have shown that a [Formula: see text]-valued polynomial ODE with finite-time blow-up solutions may be stabilized by the addition of [Formula: see text]-valued Brownian noise. In this paper, we extend their results to a [Formula: see text]-valued system of coupled ODEs with finite-time blow-up solutions. We show analytically and numerically that stabilization can be achieved in our setting by adding a suitable Brownian noise, and that the resulting system of SDEs is ergodic. The proof uses the Girsanov theorem to induce a time change from our [Formula: see text]-system to a quasi-[Formula: see text]-system similar to the one studied by Herzog and Mattingly.
On a nonlinear stochastic pseudo-differential equation driven by fractional noise
Authors: Liu Junfeng , Yan Litan
Published: January 2017

In this paper, we study the existence, uniqueness and Hölder regularity of the solution to a class of nonlinear stochastic pseudo-differential equation of the following form [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] is a pseudo-differential operator with negative definite symbol of variable order which generates a stable-like process with transition density, the coefficient [Formula: see text] is a measurable function, and [Formula: see text] is a double-parameter fractional noise. In addition, the existence and Gaussian type estimates for the density of the mild solution are proved via Malliavin calculus.
THE EMERGENCE OF HEALTH TECHNOLOGY FIRMS THROUGH THEIR SENSEGIVING ACTIVITIES AND COMPETITIVE ACTIONS
Authors: BEAULIEU M. , LEHOUX P.
Published: January 2017

Few studies have examined the process by which health technology innovators must socially construct their firm and share their ideas with economic and health system actors. To fill this gap, we intended to provide insights into the differences characterising the health technology startup (HTS) among other startups and test a conceptual model by characterising press releases and media coverage emanating from five firms (three HTS and one well-established firm, and one non-health information technology). Using a multiple case study design, with three embedded units of analysis composed of the startups’ sensegiving intentions, its competitive actions and its strategic responses to pressures, we observed marked difference in the use of marketing and symbolic actions as well as recourse to prominent actors. Besides, health startups were the only ones relying on cognition rather than actors’ self-interest or moral judgments. There were also differences depending on the startup status and the number of actors resulting in different response patterns to pressures. The findings are paving the way to further research on innovators and actor’s inner thinking, which may contribute to shaping business development programs targeted specifically for health tech startups, and may help emerging entrepreneurs compare their evolution to health and non-health tech startups.
The Renminbi Exchange Rate Reform and Its Implications for Asian Markets
Authors: Suzuki Takamoto
Published: January 2017

Up until now, the Renminbi (RMB) reform has been progressing gradually. With the RMB becoming a Special Drawing Right (SDR) component currency, China’s monetary policies will exert significant influence on the international marketplace. The year 2014 witnessed the weakening of the RMB against the U.S. dollar, yet thanks to China’s prudent economic policies, the RMB stopped depreciating further and remained quite stable for the first half of 2015, which benefited not only China itself, but also the United States, Japan, and other Asian economies. Asian markets used to be strongly influenced by the U.S. monetary policy and the performance of the U.S. dollar. However, since the RMB devaluation against U.S. dollar in the summer of 2015, Asian markets have been inclined to move in accordance with the market information from China rather than that from the United States. Although the RMB is not a currency like the euro that has been adopted by a number of countries, it can still exert great impacts on emerging economies in the world. For the RMB to take hold globally, improved fundamentals in emerging economies, an easing in the influence of the RMB-USD exchange rate, and a healthy financial system in China are all necessary. Meanwhile, both China and the United States need to enhance their coordination on macroeconomic policies and guarantee the stability of RMB-USD exchange rate.
Bidirectional crosstalk between the sensory and sympathetic motor systems innervating brown and white adipose tissue in male Siberian hamsters
Authors: Ryu Vitaly , Watts Alan G. , Xue Bingzhong , Bartness Timothy J.
Published: January 2017

The brain networks connected to the sympathetic motor and sensory innervations of brown (BAT) and white (WAT) adipose tissues were originally described using two transneuronally transported viruses: the retrogradely transported pseudorabies virus (PRV), and the anterogradely transported H129 strain of herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1 H129). Further complexity was added to this network organization when combined injections of PRV and HSV-1 H129 into either BAT or WAT of the same animal generated sets of coinfected neurons in the brain, spinal cord, and sympathetic and dorsal root ganglia. These neurons are well positioned to act as sensorimotor links in the feedback circuits that control each fat pad. We have now determined the extent of sensorimotor crosstalk between interscapular BAT (IBAT) and inguinal WAT (IWAT). PRV152 and HSV-1 H129 were each injected into IBAT or IWAT of the same animal: H129 into IBAT and PRV152 into IWAT. The reverse configuration was applied in a different set of animals. We found single-labeled neurons together with H129+PRV152 coinfected neurons in multiple brain sites, with lesser numbers in the sympathetic and dorsal root ganglia that innervate IBAT and IWAT. We propose that these coinfected neurons mediate sensory-sympathetic motor crosstalk between IBAT and IWAT. Comparing the relative numbers of coinfected neurons between the two injection configurations showed a bias toward IBAT-sensory and IWAT-sympathetic motor feedback loops. These coinfected neurons provide a neuroanatomical framework for functional interactions between IBAT thermogenesis and IWAT lipolysis that occurs with cold exposure, food restriction/deprivation, exercise, and more generally with alterations in adiposity.
Stability and plasticity in neural encoding of linguistically relevant pitch patterns
Authors: Xie Zilong , Reetzke Rachel , Chandrasekaran Bharath
Published: January 2017

While lifelong language experience modulates subcortical encoding of pitch patterns, there is emerging evidence that short-term training introduced in adulthood also shapes subcortical pitch encoding. Here we use a cross-language design to examine the stability of language experience-dependent subcortical plasticity over multiple days. We then examine the extent to which behavioral relevance induced by sound-to-category training leads to plastic changes in subcortical pitch encoding in adulthood relative to adolescence, a period of ongoing maturation of subcortical and cortical auditory processing. Frequency-following responses (FFRs), which reflect phase-locked activity from subcortical neural ensembles, were elicited while participants passively listened to pitch patterns reflective of Mandarin tones. In experiment 1, FFRs were recorded across three consecutive days from native Chinese-speaking ( n = 10) and English-speaking ( n = 10) adults. In experiment 2, FFRs were recorded from native English-speaking adolescents ( n = 20) and adults ( n = 15) before, during, and immediately after a session of sound-to-category training, as well as a day after training ceased. Experiment 1 demonstrated the stability of language experience-dependent subcortical plasticity in pitch encoding across multiple days of passive exposure to linguistic pitch patterns. In contrast, experiment 2 revealed an enhancement in subcortical pitch encoding that emerged a day after the sound-to-category training, with some developmental differences observed. Taken together, these findings suggest that behavioral relevance is a critical component for the observation of plasticity in the subcortical encoding of pitch.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY We examine the timescale of experience-dependent auditory plasticity to linguistically relevant pitch patterns. We find extreme stability in lifelong experience-dependent plasticity. We further demonstrate that subcortical function in adolescents and adults is modulated by a single session of sound-to-category training. Our results suggest that behavioral relevance is a necessary ingredient for neural changes in pitch encoding to be observed throughout human development. These findings contribute to the neurophysiological understanding of long- and short-term experience-dependent modulation of pitch.
A Comparative Evaluation of Algorithms in the Implementation of an Ultra-Secure Router-to-Router Key Exchange System
Authors: Parmar Nishaal J. , Verma Pramode K.
Published: January 2017

This paper presents a comparative evaluation of possible encryption algorithms for use in a self-contained, ultra-secure router-to-router communication system, first proposed by El Rifai and Verma. The original proposal utilizes a discrete logarithm-based encryption solution, which will be compared in this paper to RSA, AES, and ECC encryption algorithms. RSA certificates are widely used within the industry but require a trusted key generation and distribution architecture. AES and ECC provide advantages in key length, processing requirements, and storage space, also maintaining an arbitrarily high level of security. This paper modifies each of the four algorithms for use within the self-contained router-to-router environment system and then compares them in terms of features offered, storage space and data transmission needed, encryption/decryption efficiency, and key generation requirements.
The Social Relationship Based Adaptive Multi-Spray-and-Wait Routing Algorithm for Disruption Tolerant Network
Authors: Guan Jianfeng , Chu Qi , You Ilsun
Published: January 2017

The existing spray-based routing algorithms in DTN cannot dynamically adjust the number of message copies based on actual conditions, which results in a waste of resource and a reduction of the message delivery rate. Besides, the existing spray-based routing protocols may result in blind spots or dead end problems due to the limitation of various given metrics. Therefore, this paper proposes a social relationship based adaptive multiple spray-and-wait routing algorithm (called SRAMSW) which retransmits the message copies based on their residence times in the node via buffer management and selects forwarders based on the social relationship. By these means, the proposed algorithm can remove the plight of the message congestion in the buffer and improve the probability of replicas to reach their destinations. The simulation results under different scenarios show that the SRAMSW algorithm can improve the message delivery rate and reduce the messages’ dwell time in the cache and further improve the buffer effectively.
Evolution of Positioning Techniques in Cellular Networks, from 2G to 4G
Authors: Campos Rafael Saraiva
Published: January 2017

This review paper presents within a common framework the mobile station positioning methods applied in 2G, 3G, and 4G cellular networks, as well as the structure of the related 3GPP technical specifications. The evolution path through the generations is explored in three steps at each level: first, the new network elements supporting localization features are introduced; then, the standard localization methods are described; finally, the protocols providing specific support to mobile station positioning are studied. To allow a better understanding, this paper also brings a brief review of the cellular networks evolution paths.
Hypercalcemia of Malignancy in Thymic Carcinoma: Evolving Mechanisms of Hypercalcemia and Targeted Therapies
Authors: Cheng Cheng , Kuzhively Jose , Baim Sanford
Published: January 2017

Here we describe, to our knowledge, the first case where an evolution of mechanisms responsible for hypercalcemia occurred in undifferentiated thymic carcinoma and discuss specific management strategies for hypercalcemia of malignancy (HCM). Case Description. We report a 26-year-old male with newly diagnosed undifferentiated thymic carcinoma associated with HCM. Osteolytic metastasis-related hypercalcemia was presumed to be the etiology of hypercalcemia that responded to intravenous hydration and bisphosphonate therapy. Subsequently, refractory hypercalcemia persisted despite the administration of bisphosphonates and denosumab indicative of refractory hypercalcemia. Elevated 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D was noted from the second admission with hypercalcemia responding to glucocorticoid administration. A subsequent PTHrP was also elevated, further supporting multiple mechanistic evolution of HCM. The different mechanisms of HCM are summarized with the role of tailoring therapies based on the particular mechanism underlying hypercalcemia discussed. Conclusion. Our case illustrates the importance of a comprehensive initial evaluation and reevaluation of all identifiable mechanisms of HCM, especially in the setting of recurrent and refractory hypercalcemia. Knowledge of the known and possible evolution of the underlying mechanisms for HCM is important for application of specific therapies that target those mechanisms. Specific targeting therapies to the underlying mechanisms for HCM could positively affect patient outcomes.
Novel Fractional Order Calculus Extended PN for Maneuvering Targets
Authors: Ye Jikun , Lei Humin , Li Jiong
Published: January 2017

Based on the theory of fractional order calculus (FOC), a novel extended proportional guidance (EPN) law for intercepting the maneuvering target is proposed. In the first part, considering the memory function and filter characteristic of FOC, the novel extended PN guidance algorithm is developed based on the conventional PN after introducing the properties and operation rules of FOC. Further, with the help of FOC theory, the average load and ballistics characteristics of proposed guidance law are analyzed. Then, using the small offset kinematic model, the robustness of the new guidance law against autopilot parameters is studied theoretically by analyzing the sensitivity of the closed loop guidance system. At last, representative numerical results show that the designed guidance law obtains a better performance than the traditional PN for maneuvering target.
Energy-Efficient Train Operation Using Nature-Inspired Algorithms
Authors: Keskin Kemal , Karamancioglu Abdurrahman
Published: January 2017

A train operation optimization by minimizing its traction energy subject to various constraints is carried out using nature-inspired evolutionary algorithms. The optimization process results in switching points that initiate cruising and coasting phases of the driving. Due to nonlinear optimization formulation of the problem, nature-inspired evolutionary search methods, Genetic Simulated Annealing, Firefly, and Big Bang-Big Crunch algorithms were employed in this study. As a case study a real-like train and test track from a part of Eskisehir light rail network were modeled. Speed limitations, various track alignments, maximum allowable trip time, and changes in train mass were considered, and punctuality was put into objective function as a penalty factor. Results have shown that all three evolutionary methods generated effective and consistent solutions. However, it has also been shown that each one has different accuracy and convergence characteristics.
A Hybrid Chaotic and Number Theoretic Approach for Securing DICOM Images
Authors: Chandrasekaran Jeyamala , Thiruvengadam S. J.
Published: January 2017

The advancements in telecommunication and networking technologies have led to the increased popularity and widespread usage of telemedicine. Telemedicine involves storage and exchange of large volume of medical records for remote diagnosis and improved health care services. Images in medical records are characterized by huge volume, high redundancy, and strong correlation among adjacent pixels. This research work proposes a novel idea of integrating number theoretic approach with Henon map for secure and efficient encryption. Modular exponentiation of the primitive roots of the chosen prime in the range of its residual set is employed in the generation of two-dimensional array of keys. The key matrix is permuted and chaotically controlled by Henon map to decide the encryption keys for every pixel of DICOM image. The proposed system is highly secure because of the randomness introduced due to the application of modular exponentiation key generation and application of Henon maps for permutation of keys. Experiments have been conducted to analyze key space, key sensitivity, avalanche effect, correlation distribution, entropy, and histograms. The corresponding results confirm the strength of the proposed design towards statistical and differential crypt analysis. The computational requirements for encryption/decryption have been reduced significantly owing to the reduced number of computations in the process of encryption/decryption.
On Killing Forms and Invariant Forms of Lie-Yamaguti Superalgebras
Authors: Zoungrana Patricia L. , Issa A. Nourou
Published: January 2017

The notions of the Killing form and invariant form in Lie algebras are extended to the ones in Lie-Yamaguti superalgebras and some of their properties are investigated. These notions are alsoZ2-graded generalizations of the ones in Lie-Yamaguti algebras.
Research on Fault Diagnosis Method Based on Rule Base Neural Network
Authors: Ni Zheng , Lin Zhang , Wenfeng Wang , Bo Zhang , Yongjin Liu , Dajiang Zhang
Published: January 2017

The relationship between fault phenomenon and fault cause is always nonlinear, which influences the accuracy of fault location. And neural network is effective in dealing with nonlinear problem. In order to improve the efficiency of uncertain fault diagnosis based on neural network, a neural network fault diagnosis method based on rule base is put forward. At first, the structure of BP neural network is built and the learning rule is given. Then, the rule base is built by fuzzy theory. An improved fuzzy neural construction model is designed, in which the calculated methods of node function and membership function are also given. Simulation results confirm the effectiveness of this method.
H∞ Sampled‐Data Control for Singular Neutral System
Authors: Zheng Minjie , Zhou Yujie , Yang Shenhua , Li Lina , Suo Yongfeng
Published: January 2017

This study is concerned with the H∞ control problem for singular neutral system based on sampled‐data. By input delay approach and a composite state‐derivative control law, the singular system is turned into a singular neutral system with time‐varying delay. Less conservative result is derived for the resultant system by incorporating the delay decomposition technique, Wirtinger‐based integral inequality, and an augmented Lyapunov‐Krasovskii functional. Sufficient conditions are derived to guarantee that the resulting system is regular, impulse‐free, and asymptotically stable with prescribed H∞ performance. Then, the H∞ sampled‐data controller is designed by means of linear matrix inequalities. Finally, two simulation results have shown that the proposed method is effective.
A Chaos-Based Authenticated Cipher with Associated Data
Authors: Teh Je Sen , Samsudin Azman
Published: January 2017

In recent years, there has been a rising interest in authenticated encryption with associated data (AEAD) which combines encryption and authentication into a unified scheme. AEAD schemes provide authentication for a message that is divided into two parts: associated data which is not encrypted and the plaintext which is encrypted. However, there is a lack of chaos-based AEAD schemes in recent literature. This paper introduces a new 128-bit chaos-based AEAD scheme based on the single-key Even-Mansour and Type-II generalized Feistel structure. The proposed scheme provides both privacy and authentication in a single-pass using only one 128-bit secret key. The chaotic tent map is used to generate whitening keys for the Even-Mansour construction, round keys, and random s-boxes for the Feistel round function. In addition, the proposed AEAD scheme can be implemented with true random number generators to map a message to multiple possible ciphertexts in a nondeterministic manner. Security and statistical evaluation indicate that the proposed scheme is highly secure for both the ciphertext and the authentication tag. Furthermore, it has multiple advantages over AES-GCM which is the current standard for authenticated encryption.
Influence of School Year on Seasonality of Norovirus Outbreaks in Developed Countries
Authors: Kraut Roni Y. , Snedeker Kate G. , Babenko Oksana , Honish Lance
Published: January 2017

Factors affecting the seasonal distribution of norovirus outbreaks are not well understood. This study examined whether grade school settings at the start of the school year may be a factor. We searched Ovid Medline from January 2002 to June 2014 for studies that provided all reported norovirus outbreaks in a developed country by month for a minimum of three years. Historical school years were obtained from verifiable sources. The start of the norovirus seasonal outbreak peak and peak outbreak month were determined for each study and compared to the start month of school. Northern hemisphere and southern hemisphere countries had a different norovirus seasonality and different school year structures (traditional compared to year round). In the two studies that provided outbreaks by age, outbreaks among children started several months before outbreaks in the adult population. The median number of months between school start and start of the seasonal outbreak peak was two months (interquartile range [IQR] = 2.0–3.0), while the median number of months between school start and peak outbreak month was four months (IQR = 3.0–4.0). These findings suggest the possibility the school setting at the start of the school year may be a factor in the seasonality of norovirus.
The Degeneration and Apoptosis Patterns of Cone Photoreceptors in rd11 Mice
Authors: Zhang Hua , Li Xia , Dai Xufeng , Han Juanjuan , Zhang Yangyang , Qi Yan , He Ying , Liu Yan , Chang Bo , Pang Ji-jing
Published: January 2017

The retinal degeneration 11 (rd11) mouse is a new animal model with rapid photoreceptor degeneration. The long-term efficacy of gene therapy has a direct relationship with the onset of photoreceptor degeneration or apoptosis, whereas the degeneration or apoptosis patterns of photoreceptors are still unclear in rd11 mice. The distribution patterns of cone function-related L- and S-opsin were examined by immunofluorescence staining, and the apoptosis was performed by TUNEL assay in rd11 mice. The expression pattern of L-opsin or S-opsin in rd11 retina at postnatal day (P) 14 was similar to the pattern observed in wildtype retina. With increasing age, the expression of L-opsin and S-opsin, especially S-opsin, decreased significantly in rd11 mice. The degeneration of L-opsin began around the optic nerve and expanded to the periphery of the retina, from the ventral/nasal to dorsal/temporal retina, whereas the expression of S-opsin gradually decreased from the dorsal/temporal to ventral/nasal retina. Apoptotic signal appeared at P14 and was strongest at P28 of rd11 mice. The key genes associated with apoptosis confirmed those changes. These indicated that the degeneration and apoptosis of cone photoreceptors began at P14 of rd11 mice, which was a key point for gene therapy.
Neurodevelopmental Perspectives on Wnt Signaling in Psychiatry
Authors: Mulligan Kimberly A. , Cheyette Benjamin N.R.
Published: January 2017

Mounting evidence indicates that Wnt signaling is relevant to pathophysiology of diverse mental illnesses including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and autism spectrum disorder. In the 35 years since Wnt ligands were first described, animal studies have richly explored how downstream Wnt signaling pathways affect an array of neurodevelopmental processes and how their disruption can lead to both neurological and behavioral phenotypes. Recently, human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) models have begun to contribute to this literature while pushing it in increasingly translational directions. Simultaneously, large-scale human genomic studies are providing evidence that sequence variation in Wnt signal pathway genes contributes to pathogenesis in several psychiatric disorders. This article reviews neurodevelopmental and postneurodevelopmental functions of Wnt signaling, highlighting mechanisms, whereby its disruption might contribute to psychiatric illness, and then reviews the most reliable recent genetic evidence supporting that mutations in Wnt pathway genes contribute to psychiatric illness. We are proponents of the notion that studies in animal and hiPSC models informed by the human genetic data combined with the deep knowledge base and tool kits generated over the last several decades of basic neurodevelopmental research will yield near-term tangible advances in neuropsychiatry.