bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns in Women with Positive Urine Culture: Does Menopausal Status Make a Significant Difference?
Authors: Miotla Pawel , Romanek-Piva Katarzyna , Bogusiewicz Michal , Markut-Miotla Ewa , Adamiak Aneta , Wróbel Andrzej , Zebrowska Małgorzata , Wawrysiuk Sara , Mendyk Katarzyna , Rechberger Ewa , Jakubczak Agata , Rechberger Tomasz
Published: April 2017

Aim. Urinary tract infection (UTI) is considered one of the most common bacterial infections in women. The aim of this study was to investigate the types of uropathogens present, as well as the degree of antimicrobial drug resistance seen among premenopausal (n=2748) and postmenopausal (n=1705) women with uncomplicated UTI. Methods. Urinary samples (n=4453) collected from women with UTI were analyzed in terms of uropathogens present. These were considered as positive if bacterial growth was ≥105 colony forming units (CFUs)/mL. Susceptibility and resistance testing for commonly used antibiotics was subsequently assessed. Results. The most common uropathogens cultured from urine samples were Escherichia coli (65.5%), followed by Enterococcus faecalis (12.2%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (4.7%), and Proteus mirabilis (4.2%). The resistance to ampicillin exceeded 40%, independently of menopausal status. Of note, resistance to ciprofloxacin exceeded 25% among postmenopausal patients. Moreover, resistance of all uropathogens to commonly used antimicrobials was significantly higher in postmenopausal women. Conclusion. Due to the high resistance rate, ampicillin, ciprofloxacin, and the trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole combination should be avoided in treating postmenopausal women affected by UTI without being indicated by initial urine culture report. Finally, cephalexin and cefuroxime are promising alternatives as initial treatment in postmenopausal women.
Intraoperative Injection of Technetium-99m Sulfur Colloid for Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Breast Cancer Patients: A Single Institution Experience
Authors: Berrocal Julian , Saperstein Lawrence , Grube Baiba , Horowitz Nina R. , Chagpar Anees B. , Killelea Brigid K. , Lannin Donald R.
Published: April 2017

Background. Most institutions require a patient undergoing sentinel lymph node biopsy to go through nuclear medicine prior to surgery to be injected with radioisotope. This study describes the long-term results using intraoperative injection of radioisotope. Methods. Since late 2002, all patients undergoing a sentinel lymph node biopsy at the Yale-New Haven Breast Center underwent intraoperative injection of technetium-99m sulfur colloid. Endpoints included number of sentinel and nonsentinel lymph nodes obtained and number of positive sentinel and nonsentinel lymph nodes. Results. At least one sentinel lymph node was obtained in 2,333 out of 2,338 cases of sentinel node biopsy for an identification rate of 99.8%. The median number of sentinel nodes found was 2 and the mean was 2.33 (range: 1–15). There were 512 cases (21.9%) in which a sentinel node was positive for metastatic carcinoma. Of the patients with a positive sentinel lymph node who underwent axillary dissection, there were 242 cases (54.2%) with no additional positive nonsentinel lymph nodes. Advantages of intraoperative injection included increased comfort for the patient and simplification of scheduling. There were no radiation related complications. Conclusion. Intraoperative injection of technetium-99m sulfur colloid is convenient, effective, safe, and comfortable for the patient.
Efficacy and Safety of L-Carnitine Treatment for Chronic Heart Failure: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Song Xiaolong , Qu Huiyan , Yang Zongguo , Rong Jingfeng , Cai Wan , Zhou Hua
Published: April 2017

Background. Whether additional benefit can be achieved with the use of L-carnitine (L-C) in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) remains controversial. We therefore performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the effects of L-C treatment in CHF patients. Methods. Pubmed, Ovid Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) database, Wanfang database, Chinese Biomedical (CBM) database, and Chinese Science and Technology Periodicals database (VIP) until September 30, 2016, were identified. Studies that met the inclusion criteria were systematically evaluated by two reviewers independently. Results. 17 RCTs with 1625 CHF patients were included in this analysis. L-C treatment in CHF was associated with considerable improvement in overall efficacy (OR = 3.47, P<0.01), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (WMD: 4.14%, P=0.01), strike volume (SV) (WMD: 8.21 ml, P=0.01), cardiac output (CO) (WMD: 0.88 L/min, P<0.01), and E/A (WMD: 0.23, P<0.01). Moreover, treatment with L-C also resulted in significant decrease in serum levels of BNP (WMD: −124.60 pg/ml, P=0.01), serum levels of NT-proBNP (WMD: −510.36 pg/ml, P<0.01), LVESD (WMD: −4.06 mm, P<0.01), LVEDD (WMD: −4.79 mm, P<0.01), and LVESV (WMD: −20.16 ml, 95% CI: −35.65 to −4.67, P<0.01). However, there were no significant differences in all-cause mortality, 6-minute walk, and adverse events between L-C and control groups. Conclusions. L-C treatment is effective for CHF patients in improving clinical symptoms and cardiac functions, decreasing serum levels of BNP and NT-proBNP. And it has a good tolerance.
Prevalence, Awareness, Treatment, and Control of Hypertension among Chinese First-Generation Migrants and Italians in Prato, Italy: The CHIP Study
Authors: Modesti Pietro A. , Calabrese Maria , Marzotti Ilaria , Bing Hushao , Malandrino Danilo , Boddi Maria , Castellani Sergio , Zhao Dong
Published: April 2017

Data on health needs of Chinese living in the South of Europe are lacking. To compare prevalence, awareness, treatment, control, and risk factors for hypertension between Chinese migrants and Italian adults, a sample of 1200 first-generation Chinese migrants and 291 native Italians aged 35–59 years living in Prato (Italy) was recruited in a community-based participatory cross-sectional survey. Primary outcome measure was hypertension, diagnosed for blood pressure values ≥ 140/90 mmHg or current use of antihypertensive medications. Associations with exposures (including age, gender, body mass index, waist, education level, total cholesterol, and triglycerides) were examined using logistic regression. When compared with Italians, Chinese had higher hypertension prevalence (27.2% versus 21.3%,p<0.01), with comparable levels of awareness (57.4% and 48.4%) but lower treatment rates (70.6% and 90.0%, resp.). In both ethnic groups age and parental history of hypertension were predictors of awareness and treatment, body mass index being predictor of hypertension diagnosis. In Chinese participants, where the optimum cut-off point for body mass index was ≥23.9 kg/m2, the sensibility and specificity prediction for hypertension were 61.7% and 59.8%, respectively (area under the ROC curve = 0.629). Implementation of specific, culturally adapted health programs for the Chinese community is now needed.
Application of Starch-Stabilized Silver Nanoparticles as a Colorimetric Sensor for Mercury(II) in 0.005 mol/L Nitric Acid
Authors: Vasileva Penka , Alexandrova Teodora , Karadjova Irina
Published: April 2017

A sensitive and selective Hg2+optical sensor has been developed based on the redox interaction of Hg2+with starch-coated silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in the presence of 0.005 mol L−1HNO3. The relative intensity of the localized surface plasmon absorption band of AgNPs at 406 nm is linearly dependent on the concentration of Hg2+with positive slope for the concentration range 0–12.5 μg L−1and negative slope for the concentration range 25–500 μg L−1. Experiments performed demonstrated that metal ions (Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Pb2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, Cd2+, Fe3+, Co2+, and Ni2+) do not interfere under the same conditions, due to the absence of oxidative activity of these ions, which guarantees the high selectivity of the proposed optical sensor towards Hg2+. The limits of detection and quantification were found to be 0.9 µg L−1and 2.7 µg L−1, respectively, and relative standard deviations varied in the range 9–12% for Hg content from 0.9 to 12.5 μg L−1and 5–9% for Hg levels from 25 to 500 μg L−1. The method was validated by analysis of CRM Estuarine Water BCR505. A possible mechanism of interaction between AgNPs and Hg2+for both concentration ranges was proposed on the basis of UV-Vis, TEM, and SAED analyses.
Data Transmission and Access Protection of Community Medical Internet of Things
Authors: Wang Xunbao , Chen Fulong , Ye Heping , Yang Jie , Zhu Junru , Zhang Ziyang , Huang Yakun
Published: April 2017

On the basis of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, Community Medical Internet of Things (CMIoT) is a new medical information system and generates massive multiple types of medical data which contain all kinds of user identity data, various types of medical data, and other sensitive information. To effectively protect users’ privacy, we propose a secure privacy data protection scheme including transmission protection and access control. For the uplink transmission data protection, bidirectional identity authentication and fragmented multipath data transmission are used, and for the downlink data protection, fine grained access control and dynamic authorization are used. Through theoretical analysis and experiment evaluation, it is proved that the community medical data can be effectively protected in the transmission and access process without high performance loss.
Mixed Fractional Heat Equation Driven by Fractional Brownian Sheet and Lévy Process
Authors: Xia Dengfeng , Yan Litan , Fei Weiyin
Published: April 2017

We consider the stochastic heat equation of the form where is the fractional noise, is a (pure jump) Lévy space‐time white noise, Δ is Laplacian, and Δα = −(−Δ) α/2 is the fractional Laplacian generator on , and are measurable functions. We introduce the existence and uniqueness of the solution by the fixed point principle under some suitable assumptions.
Dealing with the Empty Vehicle Movements in Personal Rapid Transit System with Batteries Constraints in a Dynamic Context
Authors: Fatnassi Ezzeddine , Chebbi Olfa , Chaouachi Jouhaina
Published: April 2017

The Personal Rapid Transit is a new emergent transportation tool. It relies on using a set of small driverless electric vehicles to transport people on demand. Because of the specific on-demand characteristic of the Personal Rapid Transit system, many Personal Rapid Transit vehicles would move empty which results in a high level of wasted transportation capacity. This is enhanced while using Personal Rapid Transit vehicles with limited electric battery capacity. This paper deals with this problem in a real time context while minimizing the set of empty vehicle movements. First, a mathematical formulation to benchmark waiting time of passengers in Personal Rapid Transit systems is proposed. Then, a simulation model that captures the main features of the Personal Rapid Transit system is developed. A decision support system which integrates several real time solution strategies as well as a simulation module is proposed. Our dispatching strategies are evaluated and compared based on our simulation model. The efficiency of our method is tested through extensive test studies.
NLOS Signal Detection Based on Single Orthogonal Dual-Polarized GNSS Antenna
Authors: Zhang Ke , Li Baiyu , Zhu Xiangwei , Chen Huaming , Sun Guangfu
Published: April 2017

Nowadays users have a high demand for the accuracy of position and velocity, but errors caused by non-line-of-sight (NLOS) signals cannot be removed effectively. Since the GNSS signal is right-hand circular polarized (RHCP), the axial ratio of the strong NLOS signal is larger than that of the Line-of-Sight (LOS) signal. Based on the difference of the axial ratio, a method for NLOS signal detection using single orthogonal dual-polarized antenna is proposed. The antenna has two channels to receive two orthogonal linear polarized components of the incoming signals. Parallel cross-cancellation is used to remove the LOS signal while maintaining most of the NLOS signals from the receiving signals. The residual NLOS signals are then detected by conventional GNSS digital processor in real time without any prior knowledge of their characteristics. The proposed method makes use of the polarization and spatial information and can detect long delay NLOS signal by miniature and inexpensive receiver GNSS. The effectiveness of the proposed method is confirmed by simulation data.
Severe Dilatation of Coronary Artery Ostium Complicating Sinus of Valsalva Aneurysm: Differential Diagnosis and Review of the Literature
Authors: Bamford Paul , Collins Nicholas
Published: April 2017

Coronary artery dilatation may be due to various aetiologies including congenital anomalies, atherosclerotic coronary disease, and Kawasakis disease. We describe a case characterised by apparent severe dilatation of the right coronary artery ostium in an asymptomatic male. Subsequent imaging and surgical intervention documented the presence of a sinus of Valsalva aneurysm extending into the ostium of the right coronary artery. This represents an unusual manifestation of a sinus of Valsalva aneurysm. The underlying pathophysiology, differential diagnosis, role of surgical management, and outcomes are discussed.
Robust Cyclic MUSIC Algorithm for Finding Directions in Impulsive Noise Environment
Authors: Li Sen , Chen Xiaojing , He Rongxi
Published: April 2017

This paper addresses the issue of direction finding of a cyclostationary signal under impulsive noise environments modeled byα-stable distribution. Sinceα-stable distribution does not have finite second-order statistics, the conventional cyclic correlation-based signal-selective direction finding algorithms do not work effectively. To resolve this problem, we define two robust cyclic correlation functions which are derived from robust statistics property of the correntropy and the nonlinear transformation, respectively. The MUSIC algorithm with the robust cyclic correlation matrix of the received signals of arrays is then used to estimate the direction of cyclostationary signal in the presence of impulsive noise. The computer simulation results demonstrate that the two proposed robust cyclic correlation-based algorithms outperform the conventional cyclic correlation and the fractional lower order cyclic correlation based methods.
Urban Expansion Assessment in Huaihe River Basin, China, from 1998 to 2013 Using Remote Sensing Data
Authors: Fan Yong , Zhu Xi , He Zongyi , Zhang Shengdi , Gao Junbo , Chen Feiyan , Peng Xiaolin , Li Junli
Published: April 2017

Urbanization reflects the overall behavior of human society; thus, characterization of its associated spatial and temporal trends has been extensively researched. This study examines the process of urban expansion in the Huaihe River Basin (HRB) which is a key transition region within China’s urban system. In order to grasp the urban expansion process in different temporal sequences objectively, rapidly, and accurately, we used remote sensing data to assess the urban expansion in time and space. Urban expansion rules were defined for the urban area, urbanization intensification, extended dynamic degree, and spatial pattern. The research findings show that the urban area expansion speed was at medium level throughout the entire HRB and within each province. Presently, the formation of a whole urban agglomeration or urban system is not complete in the HRB; urban expansion in the HRB displayed space-time disequilibrium tendencies during 1998–2013.
Synergistic Effect of Family History of Diabetes and Dietary Habits on the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes in Central China
Authors: Zhao Yanyan , Song Chunhua , Ma Xiaokun , Ma Xiaojun , Wang Qingzhu , Ji Hongfei , Guo Feng , Qin Guijun
Published: April 2017

Background. Family history of diabetes (FHD) and lifestyle are associated with type 2 diabetes (T2DM), but little is known about the FHD diet interactions. We aimed to analyze the interactions of FHD and lifestyle factors in Chinese T2DM onset.Methods. This was a cross-sectional survey in central urban China (n=1234patients with T2DM andn=8615non-T2DM subjects). The biological interactions, defined by Rothman interactions, between FHD and each dietary factor were analyzed by using the synergy index (S) scores.Results. After adjustment for age, gender, BMI, and WHR, a uniparental FHD (OR=2.84, 95% CI: 2.36–3.42,P<0.001), a paternal history of FHD (OR=2.53, 95% CI: 1.91–3.35,P<0.001), a maternal history of FHD (OR=3.27, 95% CI: 2.67–4.02,P<0.001), a biparental history of FHD (OR=5.26, 95% CI: 2.98–9.31,P<0.001), and a FHD, irrespective of the parent (OR=3.59, 95% CI: 3.08–4.17,P<0.001), were associated with T2DM onset. There were significant interactions between FHD and consuming <15 g/d of potatoes (S=1.54, 95% CI: 1.12–2.12), <8 g/d of poultry (S=1.51, 95% CI: 1.04–2.17), <85 g/d of fresh fruits (S=2.17, 95% CI: 1.63–2.88), and no freshly squeezed juice (S=2.25, 95% CI: 1.46–3.49).Conclusions. Risk of T2DM was synergistically affected by FHD and dietary habits. Nutrition educational intervention may decrease the prevalence of T2DM in the Chinese with FHD.
Risk of Malignancy and Risk of Neoplasia in the Bethesda Indeterminate Categories: Study on 4,532 Thyroid Fine-Needle Aspirations from a Single Institution in India
Authors: Mahajan Swati , Srinivasan Radhika , Rajwanshi Arvind , Radotra Bishan , Panda Naresh , Dey Pranab , Gupta Nalini , Nijhawan Raje
Published: April 2017

Objectives: To determine the frequency of category 3 (atypia of undetermined significance [AUS]/follicular lesion of undetermined significance [FLUS]), category 4 (follicular neoplasm), and category 5 (suspicious for malignancy) of The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology (TBSRTC), the risk of malignancy (ROM) and the risk of neoplasia (RON) in these categories. Study Design: A retrospective 6-year audit of 4,532 thyroid fine-needle aspirations (FNA) reported as per the TBSRTC from a single institution with cytohistological correlation in 335 cases. Results: The frequency of categories 3, 4, and 5 was 2.5, 3.9, and 0.5%, respectively; the upper and lower bound estimates of ROM being 58.3, 23.6, 75% and 5.1, 5, and 12.5%, respectively. AUS/FLUS (n = 116) cases were subcategorized as AUS, AUS-HC (Hürthle cell), AUS-PTC (AUS-papillary thyroid carcinoma not excluded), FLUS, FLUS-FH (favor hyperplasia), FLUS-HC, and FLUS-PTC. The AUS/FLUS malignancy ratio was 1:3.8. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and diagnostic accuracy of FNA thyroid was 80.5, 85.9, 80.7, 85.7, and 82.4%, respectively. Conclusion: Implementation of TBSRTC aided in achieving internal quality control in reporting thyroid FNA cytology. The AUS/FLUS frequency was 2.5%, which is at the lower range of the recommended rate and was associated with a higher than recommended upper bound estimate, but a comparable lower bound estimate of ROM.
Psychosocial Factors and 30-Day Hospital Readmission among Individuals Receiving Maintenance Dialysis: A Prospective Study
Authors: Flythe Jennifer E. , Hilbert Johnathan , Kshirsagar Abhijit V. , Gilet Constance A.
Published: April 2017

Background: Thirty-day hospital readmissions are common among maintenance dialysis patients. Prior studies have evaluated easily measurable readmission risk factors such as comorbid conditions, laboratory results, and hospital discharge day. We undertook this prospective study to investigate the associations between hospital-assessed depression, health literacy, social support, and self-rated health (separately) and 30-day hospital readmission among dialysis patients. Methods: Participants were recruited from the University of North Carolina Hospitals, 2014-2016. Validated depression, health literacy, social support, and self-rated health screening instruments were administered during index hospitalizations. Multivariable logistic regression models with 30-day readmission as the dependent outcome were used to examine readmission risk factors. Results: Of the 154 participants, 58 (37.7%) had a 30-day hospital readmission. In unadjusted analyses, individuals with positive screening for depression, lower health literacy, and poorer social support were more likely to have a 30-day readmission (vs. negative screening). Positive depression screening and poorer social support remained significantly associated with 30-day readmission in models adjusted for race, heart failure, admitting service, weekend discharge day, and serum albumin: adjusted OR (95% CI) 2.33 (1.02-5.15) for positive depressive symptoms and 2.57 (1.10-5.91) for poorer social support. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of the multivariable model adjusted for social support status was significantly greater than the AUC of the multivariable model without social support status (test for equality; p value = 0.04). Conclusion: Poor social support and depressive symptoms identified during hospitalizations may represent targetable readmission risk factors among dialysis patients. Our findings suggest that hospital-based assessments of select psychosocial factors may improve readmission risk prediction.
Predictors of oral cavity bleeding and clinical outcome after dental procedures in patients on vitamin K antagonists
Authors: Biedermann Joseph S. , Rademacher Willem M. H. , Hazendonk Hendrika C. A. M. , van Diermen Denise E. , Leebeek Frank W. G. , Rozema Frederik R. , Kruip Marieke J. H. A.
Published: April 2017

Patients on vitamin K antagonists (VKA) often undergo invasive dental procedures. International guidelines consider all dental procedures as low-risk procedures, while bleeding risk may differ between standard low-risk (e. g. extraction 1–3 elements) and extensive high-risk (e.g. extraction of >3 elements) procedures. Therefore current guidelines may need refinement. In this cohort study, we identified predictors of oral cavity bleeding (OCB) and evaluated clinical outcome after low-risk and highrisk dental procedures in patients on VKA. Perioperative management strategy, procedure risk, and 30-day outcomes were assessed for each procedure. We identified 1845 patients undergoing 2004 low-risk and 325 high-risk procedures between 2013 and 2015. OCB occurred after 67/2004 (3.3 %) low-risk and 21/325 (6.5 %) high-risk procedures (p=0.006). In low-risk procedures, VKA continuation with tranexamic acid mouthwash was associated with a lower OCB risk compared to continuation without mouthwash [OR=0.41, 95 %CI 0.23–0.73] or interruption with bridging [OR=0.49, 95 %CI 0.24–1.00], and a similar risk as interruption without bridging [OR=1.44, 95 %CI 0.62–3.64]. In high-risk procedures, VKA continuation was associated with an increased OCB risk compared to interruption [OR=3.08, 95 %CI 1.05–9.04]. Multivariate analyses revealed bridging, antiplatelet therapy, and a supratherapeutic or unobjectified INR before the procedure as strongest predictors of OCB. Non-oral cavity bleeding (NOCB) and thromboembolic event (TE) rates were 2.1 % and 0.2 %. Bridging therapy was associated with a two-fold increased risk of NOCB [OR=1.93, 95 %CI 1.03–3.60], but not with lower TE rates. In conclusion, predictors of OCB were mostly related to perioperative management and differed between low-risk and high-risk procedures. Perioperative management should be differentiated accordingly.
Gly74Ser mutation in protein C causes thrombosis due to a defect in protein S-dependent anticoagulant function
Authors: Chen Changming , Yang Likui , Villoutreix Bruno O. , Wang Xuefeng , Ding Qiulan , Rezaie Alireza R.
Published: April 2017

Protein C is a vitamin K–dependent serine protease zymogen in plasma which upon activation by thrombin in complex with thrombomodulin (TM) down-regulates the clotting cascade by a feedback loop inhibition mechanism. Activated protein C (APC) exerts its anticoagulant function through protein S-dependent degradation of factors Va and VIIIa. We recently identified a venous thrombosis patient whose plasma level of protein C antigen is normal, but its anticoagulant activity is only 34% of the normal level. Genetic analysis revealed that the proband and her younger brother carry a novel heterozygous mutation c.346G>A, p.Gly74Ser (G74S) in PROC. Thrombin generation assay indicated that the TM-dependent anticoagulant activity of the proband’s plasma has been significantly impaired. We expressed protein C-G74S in mammalian cells and characterised its properties in established coagulation assays. We demonstrate that the protein C variant can be normally activated by the thrombin-TM complex and the resulting APC mutant also exhibits normal amidolytic and proteolytic activities toward both FVa and FVIIIa. However, it was discovered the protein S-dependent catalytic activity of APC variant toward both procoagulant cofactors has been significantly impaired. Protein S concentration-dependence of FVa degradation revealed that the capacity of APC variant to interact with the cofactor has been markedly impaired. The same results were obtained for inactivation of FVa-Leiden suggesting that the protein S-dependent activity of APC variant toward cleavage of Arg-306 site has been adversely affected. These results provide insight into the mechanism through which G74S substitution in APC causes thrombosis in the proband carrying this mutation.
Multiphasic Regulation of Systemic and Peripheral Organ Metabolic Responses to Cardiac Hypertrophy
Authors: Liew Chong Wee , Xu Shanshan , Wang Xuerong , McCann Maximilian , Whang Kong Hyerim , Carley Andrew C. , Pang Jingbo , Fantuzzi Giamila , O’Donnell J. Michael , Lewandowski E. Douglas
Published: April 2017

Background—

Reduced fat oxidation in hypertrophied hearts coincides with a shift of carnitine palmitoyl transferase I from muscle to increased liver isoforms. Acutely increased carnitine palmitoyl transferase I in normal rodent hearts has been shown to recapitulate the reduced fat oxidation and elevated atrial natriuretic peptide message of cardiac hypertrophy.

Methods and Results—

Because of the potential for reduced fat oxidation to affect cardiac atrial natriuretic peptide, and thus, induce adipose lipolysis, we studied peripheral and systemic metabolism in male C57BL/6 mice model of transverse aortic constriction in which left ventricular hypertrophy occurred by 2 weeks without functional decline until 16 weeks (ejection fraction, −45.6%; fractional shortening, −22.6%). We report the first evidence for initially improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in response to 2 weeks transverse aortic constriction versus sham, linked to enhanced insulin signaling in liver and visceral adipose tissue (epididymal white adipose tissue [WAT]), reduced WAT inflammation, elevated adiponectin, mulitilocular subcutaneous adipose tissue (inguinal WAT) with upregulated oxidative/thermogenic gene expression, and downregulated lipolysis and lipogenesis genes in epididymal WAT. By 6 weeks transverse aortic constriction, the metabolic profile reversed with impaired insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance, reduced insulin signaling in liver, epididymal WAT and heart, and downregulation of oxidative enzymes in brown adipose tissue and oxidative and lipogenic genes in inguinal WAT.

Conclusions—

Changes in insulin signaling, circulating natriuretic peptides and adipokines, and varied expression of adipose genes associated with altered insulin response/glucose handling and thermogenesis occurred prior to any functional decline in transverse aortic constriction hearts. The findings demonstrate multiphasic responses in extracardiac metabolism to pathogenic cardiac stress, with early iWAT browning providing potential metabolic benefits.
Fractional Flow Reserve–Guided Complete Revascularization Improves the Prognosis in Patients With ST-Segment–Elevation Myocardial Infarction and Severe Nonculprit Disease
Authors: Lønborg Jacob , Engstrøm Thomas , Kelbæk Henning , Helqvist Steffen , Kløvgaard Lene , Holmvang Lene , Pedersen Frants , Jørgensen Erik , Saunamäki Kari , Clemmensen Peter , De Backer Ole , Ravkilde Jan , Tilsted Hans-Henrik , Villadsen Anton Boel , Aarøe Jens , Jensen Svend Eggert , Raungaard Bent , Køber Lars , Høfsten Dan Eik
Published: April 2017

Background—

The impact of disease severity on the outcome after complete revascularization in patients with ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction and multivessel disease is uncertain. The objective of this post hoc study was to evaluate the impact of number of diseased vessel, lesion location, and severity of the noninfarct-related stenosis on the effect of fractional flow reserve–guided complete revascularization.

Methods and Results—

In the DANAMI-3-PRIMULTI study (Primary PCI in Patients With ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction and Multivessel Disease: Treatment of Culprit Lesion Only or Complete Revascularization), we randomized 627 ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction patients to fractional flow reserve–guided complete revascularization or infarct-related percutaneous coronary intervention only. In patients with 3-vessel disease, fractional flow reserve–guided complete revascularization reduced the primary end point (all-cause mortality, reinfarction, and ischemia-driven revascularization; hazard ratio [HR], 0.33; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.17–0.64;
P
=0.001), with no significant effect in patients with 2-vessel disease (HR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.47–1.26;
P
=0.29;
P
for interaction =0.046). A similar effect was observed in patients with diameter stenosis ≥90% of noninfarct-related arteries (HR, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.18–0.62;
P
=0.001), but not in patients with less severe lesions (HR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.44–1.19;
P
=0.21;
P
for interaction =0.06). The effect was most pronounced in patients with 3-vessel disease and noninfarct-related stenoses ≥90%, and in this subgroup, there was a nonsignificant reduction in the end point of mortality and reinfarction (HR, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.08–1.32;
P
=0.09). Proximal versus distal location did not influence the benefit from complete revascularization.

Conclusions—

The benefit from fractional flow reserve–guided complete revascularization in ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction patients with multivessel disease was dependent on the presence of 3-vessel disease and noninfarct diameter stenosis ≥90% and was particularly pronounced in patients with both of these angiographic characteristics.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01960933.
Determinants of leadership in groups of female mallards
Authors: Bousquet Christophe A.H. , Ahr Noëlle , Sueur Cédric , Petit Odile
Published: April 2017

When moving in groups, social animals tend to follow a leader which successfully attracted them. Many variables are known to affect an individual’s propensity to act as a leader. Depending on their nature, these variables underlie two theoretical paradigms (i) ‘leadership according to social indifference’, characterised by differences in personality or sociability, or (ii) ‘leadership according to need’, characterised by differences in energetic requirements or information content. Currently, it is not clear under which circumstances each of the two paradigms plays a larger role. Here, we tried to understand these paradigms by observing collective movements in female mallards. Each of these mallards previously learned individually to associate one of four locations in a maze with food rewards. We then formed groups of various compositions (group size range: 2–5 individuals) with respect to personality, sociability, energetic requirements, motivation and information content. We found that groups remained cohesive, and that certain individuals were consistent leaders within and between trials. The order of entering the maze was mainly determined by energetic requirements. However, soon after entering the maze, the progression order changed. Then, more socially indifferent individuals took the lead and this new order remained constant until all individuals reached the final location, which was usually the one the leader had learned. In addition, we investigated the role of naïve individuals in group decision-making. In our setup, adding naïve individuals broke the leadership consistency between trials and increased fission events. Overall, our results show that the onset of collective movements may be driven by different mechanisms compared to the movement progression itself.
Exodus from Europe: Jewish Diaspora Immigration from Central and Eastern Europe to the United States (1820-1914)
Authors: Williams John P.
Published: April 2017

This article examines one of the largest exoduses in human history. In less than three decades, over five million Jews from Poland, Germany, and Russia journeyed to what they considered to be the “American Promised Land.” This study serves five main purposes: first, to identify social, political, and economic factors that encouraged this unprecedented migration; second, to examine the extensive communication and transportation networks that aided this exodus, highlighting the roles that mutual aid societies (especially the Alliance Israelite Universelle in Paris, the Mansion House Fund in London, and the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society in New York City) played in the success of these migrations; third, to analyze this diaspora’s impact on the cultural identity of the Jewish communities in which they settled; fourth, to discuss the cultural and economic success of this mass resettlement; and finally, fifth, identify incidents of anti-Semitism in employment, education, and legal realms that tempered economic and cultural gains by Jewish immigrants to America.
The Communist Roots of Zapatismo and the Zapatista Uprising
Authors: Gunderson Christopher
Published: April 2017

This study suggests that communist politics had much deeper roots in the larger indigenous-campesino movement that formed the social base of the Zapatista National Liberation Army (ezln) than has previously been acknowledged. Tracing the political development of the indigenous communities of Chiapas, Mexico from the late nineteenth century to the founding of the ezln in 1983, it examines the influence of several currents of revolutionary socialist and communist theory and practice on the Zapatistas. It concludes with a call for further investigation into the theoretical status of communism as a category of a critical theory of contentious politics.
Ideological Identities in Afghanistan: A Critical Examination of the Emergence of “Singular” Identities before the Soviet Occupation
Authors: Abid Mujib
Published: April 2017

People are multi-identited subject to multiple layers of identities, some more pronounced than others. The level of significance attached to each identity is dependent on different factors, among them spatiality and temporality. In extreme cases, one identity is brought to the forefront of all others, potentially at the expense of all others. For such shuffling and reshuffling to take place, often a choice is made by the subject/object. This space for choice and agency could be minimized, influenced by others, or simply rendered nonexistent by those who are willing and wield significant power. This article examines the adoption of singular identities by the Afghans who took part in the Jihad and became Mujahidin, an American-supported insurgency that resisted Soviet occupation and its satellite state in Kabul in the 1980s. This paper argues that the space for deliberation and critical engagement by potential recruits was organized in such a way that little to no scrutiny was allowed when inviting potential recruits to adopt the mantle of the Mujahid. Safeguarding Afghanistan’s independence, introduction of radical Islamism, and deliberate targeting of specific parts of the populace, is fundamental to that intervention.
Global Forest Governance, Poverty, and Expert Knowledge in Ecuador: The Case of un-redd
Authors: Cifuentes Sylvia
Published: April 2017

un-reddis a Global Forest Governance mechanism that aims to create financial value for the carbon stored in forests while offering incentives to forest inhabitants. This article studies the case ofun-reddin the Ecuadorian Amazon through documentary research and content analysis. The findings show that the initiative conforms with a ‘Washington consensus on Poverty’ that portrays potential aid recipients as unknowledgeable and hence unable to act positively on their environment. As such, the frameworks and perspectives for forest governance of governmental and international institutions are legitimized, and expert knowledge is prioritized for environmental solutions, neglecting that of local people.
A new edible bolete, Rubroboletus esculentus, from southwestern China
Authors: ZHAO KUAN , SHAO HUI M.
Published: April 2017

A new edible species, Rubroboletus esculentus, is described from southwestern China based on both morphological characters and molecular evidence. Morphologically, this species is characterized by its vivid red and shiny pileus, fresh yellow context, orange-red to brownish yellow granulose on the yellow background of the stipe, a bluish color change, an interwoven trichodermal pileipellis embedded in a gelatinized matrix, smooth spores, a distribution in a Quercus semecarpifolia forest and a fragrant odor. Our phylogenetic analyses based on five gene markers (ITS, nrLSU, tef1-α, rpb1 and rpb2) proved it to be a new independent taxon, which was distinct from the known Rubroboletus species. Its morphological illustrations and descriptions are provided.
A new species of Litsea (Lauraceae) from Kerala part of Western Ghats, India
Authors: ROBI ALOOR JOSE , UDAYAN PUNNAKKAL SREEDHARAN , LI HSI-WEN , LI JIE
Published: April 2017

A new species of Litsea from India is described and illustrated. Litsea indoverticillata is recognized from the Malabar Wildlife sanctuary of Nilgiri phytogeographical zone of southern Western Ghats. It is distinguished from the closely related L. quinqueflora and L. verticillata by straggling shrub habit; 7–15 mm long, glabrous petiole, chartaceous and glabrous leaves, glabrous midrib; 15–24 pairs of lateral veins; solitary, glabrous, and pruinose inflorescence; greenish-white to whitish flowers.
A Physical Interpretation of the Wind-Wave Instability as Interacting Waves
Authors: Carpenter J. R. , Guha A. , Heifetz E.
Published: April 2017

One mechanism for the growth of ocean surface waves by wind is through a shear instability that was first described by Miles in 1957. A physical interpretation of this wind-wave instability is provided in terms of the interaction of the surface gravity wave with perturbations of vorticity within the critical layer—a near-singularity in the airflow where the background flow speed matches that of the surface gravity wave. This physical interpretation relies on the fact that the vertical velocity field is slowly varying across the critical layer, whereas both the displacement and vorticity fields vary rapidly. Realizing this allows for the construction of a physically intuitive description of the critical layer vorticity perturbations that may be approximated by a simple vortex sheet model, the essence of the wind-wave instability can then be captured through the interaction of the critical layer vorticity with the surface gravity wave. This simple model is then extended to account for vorticity perturbations in the airflow profile outside of the critical layer and is found to lead to an exact description of the linear stability problem that is also computationally efficient. The interpretation allows, in general, for the incorporation of sheared critical layers into the “wave interaction theory” that is commonly used to provide a physical description and rationalization of results in the stability of stratified shear flows.
A New Radio Frequency Interference Filter for Weather Radars
Authors: Cho John Y. N.
Published: April 2017

A new radio frequency interference (RFI) filter algorithm for weather radars is proposed in the two-dimensional (2D) range-time/sample-time domain. Its operation in 2D space allows RFI detection at lower interference-to-noise or interference-to-signal ratios compared to filters working only in the sample-time domain while maintaining very low false alarm rates. Simulations and real weather radar data with RFI are used to perform algorithm comparisons. Results are consistent with theoretical considerations and show the 2D RFI filter to be a promising addition to the signal processing arsenal against interference with weather radars. Increased computational burden is the only drawback relative to filters currently used by operational systems.
Performance of Basin-Scale HWRF Tropical Cyclone Track Forecasts
Authors: Alaka Ghassan J. , Zhang Xuejin , Gopalakrishnan Sundararaman G. , Goldenberg Stanley B. , Marks Frank D.
Published: April 2017

The Hurricane Weather Research and Forecasting (HWRF) Model is a dynamical model that has shown annual improvements in its tropical cyclone (TC) track forecasts as a result of various modifications. This study focuses on an experimental version of HWRF, called the basin-scale HWRF (HWRF-B), configured with 1) a large, static outer domain to cover multiple TC basins and 2) multiple sets of high-resolution movable nests to produce forecasts for several TCs simultaneously. Although HWRF-B and the operational HWRF produced comparable average track errors for the 2011–14 Atlantic hurricane seasons, strengths of HWRF-B are identified and linked to its configuration differences. HWRF-B track forecasts were generally more accurate compared with the operational HWRF when at least one additional TC was simultaneously active in the Atlantic or east Pacific basins and, in particular, when additional TCs were greater than 3500 km away. In addition, at long lead times, HWRF-B average track errors were lower than for the operational HWRF for TCs initialized north of 25°N or west of 60°W, highlighting the sensitivity of TC track forecasts to the location of the operational HWRF’s outermost domain. A case study, performed on Hurricane Michael, corroborated these HWRF-B strengths. HWRF-B shows the potential to serve as an effective bridge between regional modeling systems and next-generational global efforts.
Monitor Polyimide Production from Diamine and Dianhydride Reactions Using a Combination of In Situ Infrared and Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Chen Xiaoyun , Wang Qing Min , Bu Luke
Published: April 2017

A two-step synthesis of polyimide reaction from dianhydride and diamine was followed by both infrared (IR) and Raman spectroscopy in situ in this case study. In the first step, the two reactants form poly(amide acid), which resulted in substantial spectral changes easily detected by both spectroscopic techniques. The reaction was found to occur rapidly and reached completion within tens of minutes at room temperature. In the second step, trimethylamine (catalyst) and acetic anhydride (dehydration agent) were added to form the five-member imide ring. Interestingly, different spectral changes were observed using IR and Raman spectroscopic methods due to their different responses toward the various functional groups involved. Conclusive evidence was also obtained based on the Raman results to demonstrate a long-lived intermediate species, which was harder to observe in the IR results. This work provides a good case study of the combined use of different vibrational spectroscopy techniques to extract maximum information from a reaction system.
Depletion of biotin using streptavidin-coated microparticles: a validated solution to the problem of biotin interference in streptavidin–biotin immunoassays
Authors: Trambas Christina , Lu Zhong , Yen Tina , Sikaris Ken
Published: April 2017

Background

Biotin interference in streptavidin-based immunoassays causes widespread analytical distortions that may lead to clinical confusion, inappropriate patient management and, ultimately, adverse events. Its prevalence has increased recently due to the increased use of high-dose biotin therapy in specific patient groups (notably multiple sclerosis) and possibly the general community.

Methods

We have developed a method to deplete biotin from samples using the streptavidin-coated magnetic microparticles that are a component of most susceptible assays.

Results

We show that high concentrations of spiked biotin can be adequately depleted from serum using this approach, and that gross biochemical derangements can be restored to normality. We also show that biotin in samples derived from multiple sclerosis patients receiving 300 mg biotin daily can be adequately depleted to remove associated analytical interference and restore normal results. The method is applicable to competitive and sandwich immunoassays and importantly, because it does not change the volume of the sample, suitable for the measurement of free thyroid hormone assays. Application of the method does not significantly change the precision of measurement, and for the majority of analytes, the accuracy is not substantially altered.

Conclusions

Adopting this method enables laboratories to confirm biotin interference in the appropriate clinical setting. Moreover, it enables laboratories to remove the interference and report accurate and reliable results, without the need for patients to withhold beneficial therapy prior to blood tests. Until the biotin tolerance of susceptible assays is improved, our method gives laboratories a safe alternative for reporting results using streptavidin-based methods.
High-dose vitamin D supplementation is associated with an improvement in several cardio-metabolic risk factors in adolescent girls: a nine-week follow-up study
Authors: Khayyatzadeh Sayyed Saeed , Mirmoosavi Seyed Jamal , Fazeli Mostafa , Abasalti Zahra , Avan Amir , Javandoost Ali , Rahmani Farzad , Tayefi Maryam , Hanachi Parichehr , Ferns Gordon A , Bahrami-Taghanaki Hamidreza , Ghayour-Mobarhan Majid
Published: April 2017

Background

Vitamin D deficiency is a prevalent and important global health problem. Because of its role in growth and development, vitamin D status is likely to be particularly important in adolescent girls. Here, we explored the effects of high-dose vitamin D supplementation on cardio-metabolic risk factors.

Methods

We have examined the effects of vitamin D supplementation on cardio-metabolic risk factors in 988 healthy adolescent girls in Iran. Fasting blood samples and anthropometric measurements were obtained at baseline and after supplementation with high-dose vitamin D. All individuals took a capsule of 50,000 IU vitamin D/week for nine weeks. The study was completed by 940 participants.

Results

The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was 90% at baseline, reducing to 16.3% after vitamin D supplementation. Vitamin supplementation was associated with a significant increase in serum concentrations of 25 (OH) vitamin D and calcium. There were significant reductions in diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, waist circumference and serum fasting blood glucose, total- and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol after the nine-week period on vitamin D treatment, but no significant effects were observed on body mass index, systolic blood pressure or serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride.

Conclusion

Vitamin D supplementation had beneficial effects on cardio-metabolic profile in adolescent girls.