bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increased Postoperative Bleeding Risk among Patients with Local Flap Surgery under Continued Clopidogrel Therapy
Authors: Eichhorn Wolfgang , Haase Martina , Kluwe Lan , Zeuch Jürgen , Smeets Ralf , Hanken Henning , Wehrmann Manfred , Gröbe Alexander , Heiland Max , Birkelbach Moritz , Rendenbach Carsten
Published: August 2015

Purpose. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the influence of a continued antiplatelet therapy with clopidogrel on postoperative bleeding risk in patients undergoing skin tumor resection and reconstruction with local flaps or skin grafts under outpatient conditions.Patients and Methods. The authors designed and implemented a retrospective clinical cohort study at the General Hospital Balingen. The primary endpoint was the bleeding ratio in patients with clopidogrel treatment in comparison to patients without any anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy. Wound healing was evaluated on days 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, and 14.Results. 650 procedures were performed, 123 of them under continued clopidogrel therapy. There were significantly more postoperative bleeding complications among patients with continued antiplatelet therapy. Regarding the whole study population, malignant lesions, a larger defect size, and skin grafts were accompanied by a higher rate of bleeding incidents. However, there were no significant findings in the univariate analysis of the clopidogrel group. All bleeding incidents were easily manageable.Conclusion. Despite an increased bleeding ratio among patients under continued clopidogrel therapy, the performance of simple surgical procedures can be recommended. However, cautious preparation and careful hemostasis are indispensable.
Dual Circularly Polarized Omnidirectional Antenna with Slot Array on Coaxial Cylinder
Authors: Zhou Bin , Geng Junping , Li Zhe , Wang Wenzhi , Liang Xianling , Jin Ronghong
Published: August 2015

A dual circularly polarized (CP) omnidirectional antenna based on slot array in coaxial cylinder structure is presented in this paper. It is constructed by perpendicular slot pairs around and along the axis of the coaxial cylinder to realize the omnidirectional CP property, and two ports are assigned in its two sides as left hand circularly polarized (LHCP) port and right hand circularly polarized (RHCP) port, respectively. The proposed antenna achieves a bandwidth of 16.4% ranging from 5.05 to 5.95 GHz with an isolation higher than 15 dB between the two CP ports, and the return loss (RL) is higher than 10 dB within the bandwidth in both of the two ports. From the measured results, the average axial ratio (AR) of the proposed antenna in omnidirectional plane is lower than 1.5 dB.
Differential Telomere Shortening in Blood versus Arteries in an Animal Model of Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Tajbakhsh Samira , Aliakbari Kamelya , Hussey Damian J. , Lower Karen M. , Donato Anthony J. , Sokoya Elke M.
Published: August 2015

Vascular dysfunction is an early feature of diabetic vascular disease, due to increased oxidative stress and reduced nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability. This can lead to endothelial cell senescence and clinical complications such as stroke. Cells can become senescent by shortened telomeres and oxidative stress is known to accelerate telomere attrition. Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) has been linked to vascular health by upregulating endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), suppressing oxidative stress, and attenuating telomere shortening. Accelerated leukocyte telomere attrition appears to be a feature of clinical type 2 diabetes (T2D) and therefore the telomere system may be a potential therapeutic target in preventing vascular complications of T2D. However the effect of T2D on vascular telomere length is currently unknown. We hypothesized that T2D gives rise to shortened leukocyte and vascular telomeres alongside reduced vascular SIRT1 expression and increased oxidative stress. Accelerated telomere attrition was observed in circulating leukocytes, but not arteries, in T2D compared to control rats. T2D rats had blunted arterial SIRT1 and eNOS protein expression levels which were associated with reduced antioxidant defense capacity. Our findings suggest that hyperglycemia and a deficit in vascular SIRT1per seare not sufficient to prematurely shorten vascular telomeres.
A Survey of Medical Students’ Use of Nutrition Resources and Perceived Competency in Providing Basic Nutrition Education
Authors: Connor Rebecca , Cialdella-Kam Lynn , Harris Stephanie R.
Published: August 2015

Purpose. The aims of this study were to assess where medical students obtain their nutrition information and their self-perceived level of competency in providing basic nutrition education to patients. Methods. A survey was distributed to all first through fourth year medical students at Case Western Reserve University (n=657). For statistical analysis, data was expressed as percentages of total responses and binomial regression was used to answer the study hypotheses. Results. The survey response rate was 47%. Forty-two percent of respondents selected a majority of professional nutrition resources (n=132) as their most commonly used nutrition resources, 38% selected a majority of consumer resources (n=119), and 20% selected “I do not use nutrition resources” (n=61). The most popular nutrition resource selected was consumer websites. Seventy percent of respondents reported feeling competent in their ability to provide basic nutrition education to patients (n=219). Conclusion. Medical students seem to feel competent in their ability to give basic nutrition education to patients, but they may be obtaining nutrition information from unreliable consumer-based resources. To help increase the provision of sound nutritional guidance, medical students should be taught to use reliable nutrition resources, as well as the value of referring patients to registered dietitians.
Invasive versus Non Invasive Methods Applied to Mummy Research: Will This Controversy Ever Be Solved?
Authors: Moissidou Despina , Day Jasmine , Shin Dong Hoon , Bianucci Raffaella
Published: August 2015

Advances in the application of non invasive techniques to mummified remains have shed new light on past diseases. The virtual inspection of a corpse, which has almost completely replaced classical autopsy, has proven to be important especially when dealing with valuable museum specimens. In spite of some very rewarding results, there are still many open questions. Non invasive techniques provide information on hard and soft tissue pathologies and allow information to be gleaned concerning mummification practices (e.g., ancient Egyptian artificial mummification). Nevertheless, there are other fields of mummy studies in which the results provided by non invasive techniques are not always self-explanatory. Reliance exclusively upon virtual diagnoses can sometimes lead to inconclusive and misleading interpretations. On the other hand, several types of investigation (e.g., histology, paleomicrobiology, and biochemistry), although minimally invasive, require direct contact with the bodies and, for this reason, are often avoided, particularly by museum curators. Here we present an overview of the non invasive and invasive techniques currently used in mummy studies and propose an approach that might solve these conflicts.
An Evaluation Method of Underwater Ocean Environment Safety Situation Based on D-S Evidence Theory
Authors: Zhao Yuxin , Jia Renfeng , Liu Chang
Published: August 2015

Because of complex ocean environment, underwater vehicles are facing many challenges in navigation safety and precise navigation. Aiming at the requirements of underwater navigation safety, this paper presents an evaluation method of underwater ocean environment safety situation based on Dempster-Shafer (D-S) evidence theory. Firstly, the vital ocean environment factors which affect the underwater navigation safety are taken into account, and a novel basic probability assignment (BPA) construction method of ocean environment factors is proposed according to their characteristics. Then, a new transformation method of BPA to decision-making probability is put forward to deal with the uncertainty degree. Furthermore, the super-standard weight is applied to preprocess the BPA, and D-S combination rule is used to acquire the evaluation result by fusing the preprocessed BPA. Ocean environment safety situation index is obtained by quantizing the evaluation grades. Finally, experimental results show that the method proposed has the superior practicability and reliability in actual applications.
Assessment of the Carbon Monoxide Metabolism of the Hyperthermophilic Sulfate-Reducing ArchaeonArchaeoglobus fulgidusVC-16 by Comparative Transcriptome Analyses
Authors: Hocking William P. , Roalkvam Irene , Magnussen Carina , Stokke Runar , Steen Ida H.
Published: August 2015

The hyperthermophilic, sulfate-reducing archaeon,Archaeoglobus fulgidus, utilizes CO as an energy source and it is resistant to the toxic effects of high CO concentrations. Herein, transcription profiles were obtained fromA. fulgidusduring growth with CO and sulfate or thiosulfate, or without an electron acceptor. This provided a basis for a model of the CO metabolism ofA. fulgidus. The model suggests proton translocation by “Mitchell-type” loops facilitated by Fqo catalyzing aFdred:menaquinone oxidoreductase reaction, as the major mode of energy conservation, rather than formate or H2cycling during respiratory growth. The bifunctional CODH (cdhAB-2) is predicted to play an ubiquitous role in the metabolism of CO, and a novel nitrate reductase-associated respiratory complex was induced specifically in the presence of sulfate. A potential role of this complex in relation toFdredand APS reduction is discussed. Multiple membrane-bound heterodisulfide reductase (DsrMK) could promote both energy-conserving and non-energy-conserving menaquinol oxidation. Finally, the FqoF subunit may catalyze aFdred:F420oxidoreductase reaction. In the absence of electron acceptor, downregulation of F420H2dependent steps of the acetyl-CoA pathway is linked to transient formate generation. Overall, carboxidotrophic growth seems as an intrinsic capacity ofA. fulgiduswith little need for novel resistance or respiratory complexes.
Optimal Bandwidth Selection for Kernel Density Functionals Estimation
Authors: Chen Su
Published: August 2015

The choice of bandwidth is crucial to the kernel density estimation (KDE) and kernel based regression. Various bandwidth selection methods for KDE and local least square regression have been developed in the past decade. It has been known that scale and location parameters are proportional to density functionals∫γ(x)f2(x)dxwith appropriate choice ofγ(x)and furthermore equality of scale and location tests can be transformed to comparisons of the density functionals among populations.∫γ(x)f2(x)dxcan be estimated nonparametrically via kernel density functionals estimation (KDFE). However, the optimal bandwidth selection for KDFE of∫γ(x)f2(x)dxhas not been examined. We propose a method to select the optimal bandwidth for the KDFE. The idea underlying this method is to search for the optimal bandwidth by minimizing the mean square error (MSE) of the KDFE. Two main practical bandwidth selection techniques for the KDFE of∫γ(x)f2(x)dxare provided: Normal scale bandwidth selection (namely, “Rule of Thumb”) and direct plug-in bandwidth selection. Simulation studies display that our proposed bandwidth selection methods are superior to existing density estimation bandwidth selection methods in estimating density functionals.
The Intramolecular Pressure and the Extension of the Critical Point’s Influence Zone on the Order Parameter
Authors: Rivera Jose Luis , Nicanor-Guzman Homero , Guerra-Gonzalez Roberto
Published: August 2015

The critical point affects the coexistence behavior of the vapor-liquid equilibrium densities. The length of the critical influence zone is under debate because for some properties, like shear viscosity, the extension is only a few degrees, while for others, such as the density order parameter, the critical influence zone covers up to hundreds of degrees below the critical temperature. Here we show that, for ethane, the experimental critical influence zone covers a wide zone of tens of degrees (below the critical temperature) down to a transition temperature, at which the apparent critical influence zone vanishes, and the transition temperature can be predicted through a pressure analysis of the coexisting bulk liquid phase, using a simple molecular potential. The liquid phases within the apparent critical influence zone show low densities, making them behave internally like their corresponding vapor phases. Therefore, Molecular Dynamics simulations reveal that the experimentally observed wide extension of the critical influence zone is the result of a vapor-like effect due to low bulk liquid phase densities.
New Zealand Medical Students Have Positive Attitudes and Moderate Confidence in Providing Nutrition Care: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Crowley Jennifer , Ball Lauren , Han Dug Yeo , Arroll Bruce , Leveritt Michael , Wall Clare
Published: August 2015

Throughout the world, medical students and doctors report inadequate nutrition education and subsequently lack of knowledge, attitude, and skills to include nutrition in patient care. This study described New Zealand’s students’ attitudes to and self-perceived skills in providing nutrition care in practice as well as perceived quantity and quality of nutrition education received in training. 183 medical students from New Zealand’s largest medical school (response rate 52%) completed a 65-item questionnaire, partially validated, using 5-point Likert scales. Students believed incorporating nutrition care into practice is important, yet they were less confident patients improve nutrition behaviours after receiving this care. Students were confident in skills related to nutrition in health and disease but less confident in skills related to general food knowledge. Greater quantity and quality of nutrition education received was associated with greater self-perceived skills in providing nutrition care to patients but not with attitudes towards incorporating nutrition care into practice. This cohort of New Zealand medical students places similarly high importance on nutrition care as students and doctors from other countries. Further investigations beyond graduation are required to inform whether additional nutrition education is warranted for these doctors.
Reconstructing Ancient Egyptian Diet through Bone Elemental Analysis Using LIBS (Qubbet el Hawa Cemetery)
Authors: Al-Khafif Ghada Darwish , El-Banna Rokia
Published: August 2015

One of the most important advantages of LIBS that make it suitable for the analysis of archeological materials is that it is a quasi-nondestructive technique. Archeological mandibles excavated from Qubbet el Hawa Cemetery, Aswan, were subjected to elemental analysis in order to reconstruct the dietary patterns of the middle class of the Aswan population throughout three successive eras: the First Intermediate Period (FIP), the Middle Kingdom (MK), and the Second Intermediate Period (SIP). The bone Sr/Ca and Ba/Ca ratios were significantly correlated, so the Sr/Ca ratios are considered to represent the ante-mortem values. It was suggested that the significantly low FIP Sr/Ca compared to that of both the MK and the SIP was attributed to the consumption of unusual sorts of food and imported cereals during years of famine, while the MK Sr/Ca was considered to represent the amelioration of climatic, social, economic, and political conditions in this era of state socialism. The SIP Sr/Ca, which is nearly the same as that of the MK, was considered to be the reflection of the continuity of the individualism respect and state socialism and a reflection of agriculture conditions amelioration under the reign of the 17th Dynasty in Upper Egypt.
The Binding of EGFR to GM1(3) Hosted in Lipid Raft-Like Biomembranes Insighted by Plasmonic Resonance Techniques
Authors: Margheri Giancarlo , Trigari Silvana , Sottini Stefano , D’Agostino Riccardo , Del Rosso Tommaso , Del Rosso Mario
Published: August 2015

We exploit Au/SiO2plasmonic structures to check the effective binding activity of GM1(3) gangliosides hosted in physiological-like biomembranes, in presence of the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR). To this aim, we used bilayers that support the propagation of optical surface plasmon modes (plasmonic transducers, PTs) or guided modes (Plasmon Waveguide Resonators, PWRs). First, we measured the binding of EGFR to GM1(3) by using PTs. Indeed, effective interactions were evidenced, but with faint signals that prevented resolving dissociation kinetics. In order to enhance the optical responses, we turned our attention to PWRs. We first refined the design of a previously adopted Au/SiO2PWR, finding that the nominal sensitivity is independent on SiO2thickness but strongly dependent on its residual losses, due typically to a nonoptimal deposition process. We fabricated an improved Au/SiO2resonator and tested the predicted signal enhancement by monitoring the binding of EGFR to GM3-enriched biomembranes. The measured signal was ~12-fold higher than that one measured using a PT, close to the maximum theoretical enhancement. The higher PWR response enabled us to detect the dissociation of EGFR from GM3, and the value of the apparent dissociation constant of the GM3-EGFR complex could be obtained.
Dual-Polarized Planar Phased Array Analysis for Meteorological Applications
Authors: Pang Chen , Hoogeboom Peter , Le Chevalier François , Russchenberg Herman W. J. , Dong Jian , Wang Tao , Wang Xuesong
Published: August 2015

This paper presents a theoretical analysis for the accuracy requirements of the planar polarimetric phased array radar (PPPAR) in meteorological applications. Among many factors that contribute to the polarimetric biases, four factors are considered and analyzed in this study, namely, the polarization distortion due to the intrinsic limitation of a dual-polarized antenna element, the antenna pattern measurement error, the entire array patterns, and the imperfect horizontal and vertical channels. Two operation modes, the alternately transmitting and simultaneously receiving (ATSR) mode and the simultaneously transmitting and simultaneously receiving (STSR) mode, are discussed. For each mode, the polarimetric biases are formulated. As the STSR mode with orthogonal waveforms is similar to the ATSR mode, the analysis is mainly focused on the ATSR mode and the impacts of the bias sources on the measurement of polarimetric variables are investigated through Monte Carlo simulations. Some insights of the accuracy requirements are obtained and summarized.
Nonstenotic Culprit Plaque: The Utility of High-Resolution Vessel Wall MRI of Intracranial Vessels after Ischemic Stroke
Authors: de Havenon Adam , Yuan Chun , Tirschwell David , Hatsukami Thomas , Anzai Yoshimi , Becker Kyra , Sultan-Qurraie Ali , Mossa-Basha Mahmud
Published: August 2015

Intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD) accounts for 9–15% of ischemic stroke in the United States. Although highly stenotic ICAD accounts for most of the strokes, it is assumed that nonstenotic ICAD (nICAD) can result in stroke, despite being missed on standard luminal imaging modalities. We describe a patient with nICAD who suffered recurrent thromboembolic stroke and TIA but had a negative conventional stroke workup. As a result, they were referred for high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HR-MRI) of the arterial vessel wall, which identified a nonstenotic plaque with multiple high-risk features, identifying it as the etiology of the patient’s thromboembolic events. The diagnosis resulted in a transition from anticoagulation to antiplatelet therapy, after which the patient’s clinical events resolved. HR-MRI is an imaging technique that has the potential to guide medical management for patients with ischemic stroke, particularly in cryptogenic stroke.
Plotting of Ethylene Glycol Blood Concentrations Using Linear Regression before and during Hemodialysis in a Case of Intoxication and Pharmacokinetic Review
Authors: Kim Youngho
Published: August 2015

Introduction. As blood concentration measurement of commonly abused alcohol is readily available, the equation was proposed in previous publication to predict the change of their concentration. The change of ethylene glycol (EG) concentrations was studied in a case of intoxication to estimate required time for hemodialysis (HD) using linear regression.Case Report. A 55-year-old female with past medical history of seizure disorder, bipolar disorder, and chronic pain was admitted due to severe agitation. The patient was noted to have metabolic acidosis with elevated anion gap and acute kidney injury, which prompted blood concentration measurement of commonly abused alcohol. Her initial EG concentration was 26.45 mmol/L. Fomepizole therapy was initiated, soon followed by HD to enhance clearance.Discussion. Plotting of natural logarithm of EG concentrations over time showed that EG elimination follows first-order kinetics and predicts the change of its concentration well. Pharmacokinetic review revealed minimal elimination of EG by alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) which could be related to genetic predisposition for ADH activity and home medications as well as presence of propylene glycol. Pharmacokinetics of EG is relatively well studied with published parameters. Consideration and application of pharmacokinetics could assist in management of EG intoxication including HD planning.
Detecting Prediabetes and Diabetes: Agreement between Fasting Plasma Glucose and Oral Glucose Tolerance Test in Thai Adults
Authors: Aekplakorn Wichai , Tantayotai Valla , Numsangkul Sakawduan , Sripho Wilarwan , Tatsato Nutchanat , Burapasiriwat Tuanjai , Pipatsart Rachada , Sansom Premsuree , Luckanajantachote Pranee , Chawarokorn Pongpat , Thanonghan Anek , Lakhamkaew Watchira , Mungkung Aungsumalin , Boonkean Rungnapa , Chantapoon Chanidsa , Kungsri Mayuree , Luanseng Kasetsak , Chaiyajit Kornsinun
Published: August 2015

Aim. To evaluate an agreement in identifying dysglycemia between fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and the 2 hr postprandial glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in a population with high risk of diabetes.Methods. A total of 6,884 individuals aged 35–65 years recruited for a community-based diabetes prevention program were tested for prediabetes including impaired fasting glucose (IFG) or impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), and diabetes. The agreement was assessed by Kappa statistics. Logistic regression was used to examine factors associated with missed prediabetes and diabetes by FPG.Results. A total of 2671 (38.8%) individuals with prediabetes were identified. The prevalence of prediabetes identified by FPG and OGTT was 32.2% and 22.3%, respectively. The proportions of diabetes classified by OGTT were two times higher than those identified by FPG (11.0% versus 5.4%, resp.). The Kappa statistics for agreement of both tests was 0.55. Overall, FPG missed 46.3% of all prediabetes and 54.7% of all diabetes cases. Prediabetes was more likely to be missed by FPG among female, people aged <45 yrs, and those without family history of diabetes.Conclusion. The detection of prediabetes and diabetes using FPG only may miss half of the cases. Benefit of adding OGTT to FPG in some specific groups should be confirmed.
Using Adjoint-Based Forecast Sensitivity Method to Evaluate TAMDAR Data Impacts on Regional Forecasts
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyan , Wang Hongli , Huang Xiang-Yu , Gao Feng , Jacobs Neil A.
Published: August 2015

This study evaluates the impact of Tropospheric Airborne Meteorological Data Reporting (TAMDAR) observations on regional 24-hour forecast error reduction over the Continental United States (CONUS) domain using adjoint-based forecast sensitivity to observation (FSO) method as the diagnostic tool. The relative impact of TAMDAR observations on reducing the forecast error was assessed by conducting the WRFDA FSO experiments for two two-week-long periods, one in January and one in June 2010. These experiments assimilated operational TAMDAR data and other conventional observations, as well as GPS refractivity (GPSREF). FSO results show that rawinsonde soundings (SOUND) and TAMDAR exhibit the largest observation impact on 24 h WRF forecast, followed by GeoAMV, aviation routine weather reports (METAR), GPSREF, and synoptic observations (SYNOP). At 0000 and 1200 UTC, TAMDAR has an equivalent impact to SOUND in reducing the 24-hour forecast error. However, at 1800 UTC, TAMDAR has a distinct advantage over SOUND, which has the sparse observation report at these times. In addition, TAMDAR humidity observations at lower levels of the atmosphere (700 and 850 hPa) have a significant impact on 24 h forecast error reductions. TAMDAR and SOUND observations present a qualitatively similar observation impact between FSO and Observation System Experiments (OSEs).
Temporary Mental Nerve Paresthesia Originating from Periapical Infection
Authors: Genc Sen Ozgur , Kaplan Volkan
Published: August 2015

Many systemic and local factors can cause paresthesia, and it is rarely caused by infections of dental origin. This report presents a case of mental nerve paresthesia caused by endodontic infection of a mandibular left second premolar. Resolution of the paresthesia began two weeks after conventional root canal treatment associated with antibiotic therapy and was completed in eight weeks. One year follow-up radiograph indicated complete healing of the radiolucent periapical lesion. The tooth was asymptomatic and functional.
Road Impedance Model Study under the Control of Intersection Signal
Authors: Luo Yunlin , Wang Na , Xiang Huaikun , Wang Jinhu
Published: August 2015

Road traffic impedance model is a difficult and critical point in urban traffic assignment and route guidance. The paper takes a signalized intersection as the research object. On the basis of traditional traffic wave theory including the implementation of traffic wave model and the analysis of vehicles’ gathering and dissipating, the road traffic impedance model is researched by determining the basic travel time and waiting delay time. Numerical example results have proved that the proposed model in this paper has received better calculation performance compared to existing model, especially in flat hours. The values of mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) and mean absolute deviation (MAD) are separately reduced by 3.78% and 2.62 s. It shows that the proposed model has feasibility and availability in road traffic impedance under intersection signal.
Investigation of Three-Dimensional Evolution of East Asian Dust Storm by Modeling and Remote Sensing Measurements
Authors: Li Jiawei , Han Zhiwei
Published: August 2015

The three-dimensional evolution of an East Asian dust storm during 23–26 April 2009 was investigated by utilizing a regional air quality model system (RAQMS) and satellite measurements. This severe dust storm hit Mt. Tai in east China with daily mean PM10concentration reaching 1400 μg/m3and the model captured the PM10variation reasonably well. Modeled spatial distributions of AOD and vertical profiles of aerosol extinction coefficient during the dust storm were compared with MODIS and CALIPSO data, demonstrating that RAQMS was able to reproduce the 3D structure and the evolution of the dust storm reasonably well. During early days of the dust storm, daily mean dust-induced AOD exceeded 2.0 over dust source regions (the Gobi desert and the Taklamakan desert) and was in a range of 1.2–1.8 over the North China Plain, accounting for about 98% and up to 90% of total AOD over corresponding areas, respectively. The top of the dust storm reached about 8 km over east China, with high dust concentration locating at around 40°N. Dust aerosol below 2 km was transported southeastward off the Gobi desert while dust above 2 km was transported out of China along 40°–45°N.
Paleopathology and Nutritional Analysis of a South German Monastery Population
Authors: Nerlich Andreas G. , Riepertinger Alfred , Gillich Ralph , Panzer Stephanie
Published: August 2015

The monastery of Attel, Upper Bavaria, which was founded in AD 1030, harbours a series of crypt burials from the time period between AD 1700 and 1750. Due to a restoration of the church, 16 crypts had to be removed and were subjected to an extensive anthropological-paleopathological and isotope analysis. The 16 crypts contained 19 burials in open wooden coffins. All bodies were covered by an extensive layer of calcium carbonate. Despite this “treatment,” bone and teeth were excellently preserved (mean degree of conservation > 75%, completeness > 85%). The anthropological investigation revealed a mean age of 38.5 years and a body height of 1.71 m. Paleopathologically, a surprisingly high rate of trauma was seen (13 injuries in 7 different individuals, i.e., 36.8% of individuals affected), 2 cases presented signs of extensive arthritis urica (gout), and several monks were affected by arthrosis of shoulder and knee joints. Extensive dental attrition, numerous foci of dental caries, and dentogenic abscesses coincided with considerable dental calculus indicating poor oral hygienic conditions. Stable isotope analysis showed adequate mixed carnivore-herbivore nutrition, comparable to that of contemporaneous upper class individuals. This extensive combined analysis provides considerable insight into the nutrition and disease pattern of a middle-class monastery of early 18th century South Germany.
New Ancient Egyptian Human Mummies from the Valley of the Kings, Luxor: Anthropological, Radiological, and Egyptological Investigations
Authors: Rühli Frank , Ikram Salima , Bickel Susanne
Published: August 2015

The Valley of the Kings (arab.Wadi al Muluk; KV) situated on the West Bank near Luxor (Egypt) was the site for royal and elite burials during the New Kingdom (ca. 1500–1100 BC), with many tombs being reused in subsequent periods. In 2009, the scientific project “The University of Basel Kings’ Valley Project” was launched. The main purpose of this transdisciplinary project is the clearance and documentation of nonroyal tombs in the surrounding of the tomb of Pharaoh Thutmosis III (ca. 1479–1424 BC; KV 34). This paper reports on newly discovered ancient Egyptian human mummified remains originating from the field seasons 2010–2012. Besides macroscopic assessments, the remains were conventionally X-rayed by a portable X-ray unitin situinside KV 31. These image data serve as basis for individual sex and age determination and for the study of probable pathologies and embalming techniques. A total of five human individuals have been examined so far and set into an Egyptological context. This project highlights the importance of ongoing excavation and science efforts even in well-studied areas of Egypt such as the Kings’ Valley.
Resilience at the Transition to Agriculture: The Long-Term Landscape and Resource Development at the Aceramic Neolithic Tell Site of Chogha Golan (Iran)
Authors: Riehl S. , Asouti E. , Karakaya D. , Starkovich B. M. , Zeidi M. , Conard N. J.
Published: August 2015

The evidence for the slow development from gathering and cultivation of wild species to the use of domesticates in the Near East, deriving from a number of Epipalaeolithic and aceramic Neolithic sites with short occupational stratigraphies, cannot explain the reasons for the protracted development of agriculture in the Fertile Crescent. The botanical and faunal remains from the long stratigraphic sequence of Chogha Golan, indicate local changes in environmental conditions and subsistence practices that characterize a site-specific pathway into emerging agriculture. Our multidisciplinary approach demonstrates a long-term subsistence strategy of several hundred years on wild cereals and pulses as well as on hunting a variety of faunal species that were based on relatively favorable and stable environmental conditions. Fluctuations in the availability of resources after around 10.200 cal BP may have been caused by small-scale climatic fluctuations. The temporary depletion of resources was managed through a shift to other species which required minor technological changes to make these resources accessible and by intensification of barley cultivation which approached its domestication. After roughly 200 years, emmer domestication is apparent, accompanied by higher contribution of cattle in the diet, suggesting long-term intensification of resource management.
Identification of Type II Interferon Receptors in Geese: Gene Structure, Phylogenetic Analysis, and Expression Patterns
Authors: Zhou Hao , Chen Shun , Qi Yulin , Zhou Qin , Wang Mingshu , Jia Renyong , Zhu Dekang , Liu Mafeng , Liu Fei , Chen Xiaoyue , Cheng Anchun
Published: August 2015

Interferonγreceptor 1 (IFNGR1) and IFNGR2 are two cell membrane molecules belonging to class II cytokines, which play important roles in the IFN-mediated antiviral signaling pathway. Here, goose IFNGR1 and IFNGR2 were cloned and identified for the first time. Tissue distribution analysis revealed that relatively high levels of goose IFNγmRNA transcripts were detected in immune tissues, including the harderian gland, cecal tonsil, cecum, and thymus. Relatively high expression levels of both IFNGR1 and IFNGR2 were detected in the cecal tonsil, which implicated an important role of IFNγin the secondary immune system of geese. No specific correlation between IFNγ, IFNGR1, and IFNGR2 expression levels was observed in the same tissues of healthy geese. IFNγand its cognate receptors showed different expression profiles, although they appeared to maintain a relatively balanced state. Furthermore, the agonist R848 led to the upregulation of goose IFNγbut did not affect the expression of goose IFNGR1 or IFNGR2. In summary, trends in expression of goose IFNγand its cognate receptors showed tissue specificity, as well as an age-related dependency. These findings may help us to better understand the age-related susceptibility to pathogens in birds.
A Second-Order Method for the Numerical Integration of a Size-Structured Cell Population Model
Authors: Angulo O. , López-Marcos J. C. , López-Marcos M. A.
Published: August 2015

We consider the numerical integration of a size-structured cell population model. We propose a new second-order numerical method to attain its solution. The scheme is analyzed and the optimal rate of convergence is derived. We show experimentally the predicted accuracy of the scheme.
Cognitive Impairments inLRRK2-Related Parkinson’s Disease: A Study in Chinese Individuals
Authors: Zheng Yifan , Pei Zhong , Liu Yanmei , Zhou Hongyan , Xian Wenbiao , Fang Yingying , Chen Ling , Wu Qi
Published: August 2015

Background.LRRK2S1647T has been identified as a polymorphic risk variant for Parkinson’s disease (PD) in Chinese individuals. AsLRRK2is the most common genetic cause for PD, it has drawn great interest regarding whether cognitive impairments in PD are related withLRRK2.Purpose. This study aimed to explore the effects ofLRRK2S1647T polymorphism on cognitive function in PD.Method. 90 PD patients were randomly recruited. They underwent a series of clinical evaluations and genetic testing for theLRRK2S1647T polymorphism. Global intellect and five cognitive domains (language fluency, visuospatial function, attention, memory, and executive function) were compared between S1647T carriers and noncarriers.Results. No differences in motor features were found between two groups, but the executive function evaluation showed that Stroop word colour test time (SWCT-TIME) scores were lower inLRRK2S1647T carriers than in noncarriers (P=0.017). However, multiple linear regression analysis indicated that the correlation between S1647T polymorphism and SWCT-TIME scores did not reach significant level (P=0.051).Conclusion. Our findings suggest that cognitive impairments are not correlated with differentLRRK2S1647T polymorphisms in Chinese PD individuals.
Some Aspects of Sensitivity Analysis in Variational Data Assimilation for Coupled Dynamical Systems
Authors: Soldatenko Sergei , Steinle Peter , Tingwell Chris , Chichkine Denis
Published: August 2015

Variational data assimilation (VDA) remains one of the key issues arising in many fields of geosciences including the numerical weather prediction. While the theory of VDA is well established, there are a number of issues with practical implementation that require additional consideration and study. However, the exploration of VDA requires considerable computational resources. For simple enough low-order models, the computational cost is minor and therefore models of this class are used as simple test instruments to emulate more complex systems. In this paper, the sensitivity with respect to variations in the parameters of one of the main components of VDA, the nonlinear forecasting model, is considered. For chaotic atmospheric dynamics, conventional methods of sensitivity analysis provide uninformative results since the envelopes of sensitivity functions grow with time and sensitivity functions themselves demonstrate the oscillating behaviour. The use of sensitivity analysis method, developed on the basis of the theory of shadowing pseudoorbits in dynamical systems, allows us to calculate sensitivity functions correctly. Sensitivity estimates for a simple coupled dynamical system are calculated and presented in the paper. To estimate the influence of model parameter uncertainties on the forecast, the relative error in the energy norm is applied.
Impact of Argo Observation on the Regional Ocean Reanalysis of China Coastal Waters and Adjacent Seas: A Twin-Experiment Study
Authors: Shao Caixia , Xuan Lili , Cao Yingzhi , Cui Xiaojian , Gao Siyu
Published: August 2015

A regional ocean reanalysis system of China coastal waters and adjacent seas, called CORA (China ocean reanalysis), has been recently developed at the National Marine Data and Information Service (NMDIS). In this study, based on CORA, the impact of Argo profiles on the regional reanalysis is evaluated using a twin-experiment approach. It is found that, by assimilating Argo observations, the reanalysis quality is much improved: the root mean square (RMS) error of temperature and salinity can be further reduced by about 10% and the RMS error of current can be further reduced by 18%, compared to the case only assimilating conventional in situ temperature and salinity observations. Consistent with the unique feature of Argo observations, the temperature is improved in all levels and the largest improvement of salinity happens in the deep ocean. Argo profile data have a significant impact on the regional ocean reanalysis through improvements of both hydrographic and dynamic fields.
Modeling Clinical States and Metabolic Rhythms in Bioarcheology
Authors: Qualls Clifford , Bianucci Raffaella , Spilde Michael N. , Phillips Genevieve , Wu Cecilia , Appenzeller Otto
Published: August 2015

Bioarcheology is cross disciplinary research encompassing the study of human remains. However, life’s activities have, up till now, eluded bioarcheological investigation. We hypothesized that growth lines in hair might archive the biologic rhythms, growth rate, and metabolism during life. Computational modeling predicted the physical appearance, derived from hair growth rate, biologic rhythms, and mental state for human remains from the Roman period. The width of repeat growth intervals (RI’s) on the hair, shown by confocal microscopy, allowed computation of time series of periodicities of the RI’s to model growth rates of the hairs. Our results are based on four hairs from controls yielding 212 data points and the RI’s of six cropped hairs from Zweeloo woman’s scalp yielding 504 data points. Hair growth was, ten times faster than normal consistent with hypertrichosis. Cantú syndrome consists of hypertrichosis, dyschondrosteosis, short stature, and cardiomegaly. Sympathetic activation and enhanced metabolic state suggesting arousal was also present. Two-photon microscopy visualized preserved portions of autonomic nerve fibers surrounding the hair bulb. Scanning electron microscopy found evidence that a knife was used to cut the hair three to five days before death. Thus computational modeling enabled the elucidation of life’s activities 2000 years after death in this individual with Cantu syndrome. This may have implications for archeology and forensic sciences.
Glucocorticoid-Responsive Cold Agglutinin Disease in a Patient with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Honne Kyoko , Nagashima Takao , Iwamoto Masahiro , Kamesaki Toyomi , Minota Seiji
Published: August 2015

A 57-year-old man with rheumatoid arthritis developed severe anemia during treatment with adalimumab plus methotrexate. Cold agglutinin disease was diagnosed because haptoglobin was undetectable, cold agglutinin was positive (1 : 2048), and the direct Coombs test was positive (only to complement). Although the cold agglutinin titer was normalized (1 : 64) after treatment with prednisolone (0.7 mg/kg/day for two weeks), the patient’s hemoglobin did not increase above 8 g/dL. When cold agglutinins were reexamined using red blood cells suspended in bovine serum albumin, the titer was still positive at 1 : 1024. Furthermore, the cold agglutinin had a wide thermal amplitude, since the titer was 1 : 16 at 30°C and 1 : 1 at 37°C. This suggested that the cold agglutinin would show pathogenicity even at body temperature. After the dose of prednisolone was increased to 1 mg/kg/day, the patient’s hemoglobin rapidly returned to the normal range. The thermal amplitude test using red blood cells suspended in bovine serum albumin is more sensitive than the standard test for detecting pathogenic cold agglutinins.
The Use and Effectiveness of Triple Multiplex System for Coding Region Single Nucleotide Polymorphism in Mitochondrial DNA Typing of Archaeologically Obtained Human Skeletons from Premodern Joseon Tombs of Korea
Authors: Oh Chang Seok , Lee Soong Deok , Kim Yi-Suk , Shin Dong Hoon
Published: August 2015

Previous study showed that East Asian mtDNA haplogroups, especially those of Koreans, could be successfully assigned by the coupled use of analyses on coding region SNP markers and control region mutation motifs. In this study, we tried to see if the same triple multiplex analysis for coding regions SNPs could be also applicable to ancient samples from East Asia as the complementation for sequence analysis of mtDNA control region. By the study on Joseon skeleton samples, we know that mtDNA haplogroup determined by coding region SNP markers successfully falls within the same haplogroup that sequence analysis on control region can assign. Considering that ancient samples in previous studies make no small number of errors in control region mtDNA sequencing, coding region SNP analysis can be used as good complimentary to the conventional haplogroup determination, especially of archaeological human bone samples buried underground over long periods.
Diversity and Distribution of Archaea in the Mangrove Sediment of Sundarbans
Authors: Bhattacharyya Anish , Majumder Niladri Shekhar , Basak Pijush , Mukherji Shayantan , Roy Debojyoti , Nag Sudip , Haldar Anwesha , Chattopadhyay Dhrubajyoti , Mitra Suparna , Bhattacharyya Maitree , Ghosh Abhrajyoti
Published: August 2015

Mangroves are among the most diverse and productive coastal ecosystems in the tropical and subtropical regions. Environmental conditions particular to this biome make mangroves hotspots for microbial diversity, and the resident microbial communities play essential roles in maintenance of the ecosystem. Recently, there has been increasing interest to understand the composition and contribution of microorganisms in mangroves. In the present study, we have analyzed the diversity and distribution of archaea in the tropical mangrove sediments of Sundarbans using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. The extraction of DNA from sediment samples and the direct application of 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing resulted in approximately 142 Mb of data from three distinct mangrove areas (Godkhali, Bonnie camp, and Dhulibhashani). The taxonomic analysis revealed the dominance of phyla Euryarchaeota and Thaumarchaeota (Marine Group I) within our dataset. The distribution of different archaeal taxa and respective statistical analysis (SIMPER, NMDS) revealed a clear community shift along the sampling stations. The sampling stations (Godkhali and Bonnie camp) with history of higher hydrocarbon/oil pollution showed different archaeal community pattern (dominated by haloarchaea) compared to station (Dhulibhashani) with nearly pristine environment (dominated by methanogens). It is indicated that sediment archaeal community patterns were influenced by environmental conditions.
Association of Cortical Thickness and Neurological Soft Signs in Patients with Chronic Schizophrenia and Healthy Controls
Authors: Kong Li , Herold Christina J. , Lässer Marc M. , Schmid Lena A. , Hirjak Dusan , Thomann Philipp A. , Essig Marco , Schröder Johannes
Published: August 2015

Background: Neurological soft signs (NSS), i.e. subtle neurological abnormalities, have been frequently found in schizophrenia. Neuroimaging studies in schizophrenia have shown abnormal cortical thickness changes across the cortical mantle. However, few studies have examined relationships between NSS and cortical thickness abnormalities in schizophrenia. Method: A sample of 18 patients with chronic schizophrenia and 20 age-matched healthy controls were included. Cortical thickness was assessed on high-resolution 3-tesla magnetic resonance imaging by using FreeSurfer software and NSS were rated on the Heidelberg Scale. Results: Significant negative correlations between NSS and cortical thickness were found in the prefrontal, inferior temporal, superior parietal, postcentral, and supramarginal cortices in the schizophrenia patients. In the controls, however, this negative correlation was found in the anterior cingulate, pericalcarine and superior/middle temporal regions. Conclusion: Our results not only confirmed the association between NSS and cortical thickness in chronic schizophrenia but also indicated that patients and controls have different anatomical substrates of NSS.
Relationship between Plasma Homovanillic Acid and Outcome in Patients with Psychosis Spectrum Disorders
Authors: van de Kerkhof Nora W.A. , Fekkes Durk , van der Heijden Frank M.M.A. , Egger Jos I.M. , Verhoeven Willem M.A.
Published: August 2015

Background: Psychosis spectrum disorders, especially schizophrenia, have been linked to disturbed dopaminergic activity in the brain. Plasma homovanillic acid (pHVA) levels partly represent dopaminergic metabolism in the central nervous system. In the present study associations between (changes in) pHVA levels, symptom severity and symptomatic improvement in patients with psychoses were investigated. Methods: From a total of 80 patients, 58 fulfilled all inclusion criteria and their symptom profile and severity were assessed by means of the Comprehensive Assessment of Symptoms and History (CASH), the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and the Clinical Global Impression Scale for Severity and Improvement (CGI-S/CGI-I) at baseline and after 6 weeks of antipsychotic treatment. After inclusion, all patients were prescribed first- or second-generation antipsychotics by their treating psychiatrist. A total of 12 patients had first-episode psychosis (FEP). At both time points, pHVA levels were measured. Subsequently, pHVA levels were compared with an age-matched control sample and changes in pHVA levels (ΔpHVA) after treatment were associated with clinical parameters. Results: Before analyses, data were scrutinized for possible confounders, particularly gender, smoking, medication status (including antipsychotic class), and recent drug use. The pHVA levels in patients were not different from those in controls. Treatment resulted in a significant decrease of all parameters. Symptomatic improvement as well as ΔpHVA was most pronounced in FEP patients. Conclusion: These findings show that patients with FEP have a more favourable outcome than non-FEP patients and that greater ΔpHVA also suggests that FEP patients still have the capacity to adjust dopaminergic neurotransmission.