bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complete Genome Sequence of Campylobacter jejuni subsp.
jejuni
ATCC 35925
Authors: Gardner Susan P. , Kendall Kevin J. , Taveirne Michael E. , Olson Jonathan W.
Published: July 2017

Here, we report the complete genome sequence of
Campylobacter jejuni
ATCC 35925, an avian isolate from Sweden. The genome gives insight into the ATCC 35925 strain’s remarkable ability to tolerate copper and its permissiveness to plasmid transformation.
A Matter of Scale and Dimensions: Chromatin of Chromosome Landmarks in the Fungi
Authors: Erlendson Allyson A. , Friedman Steven , Freitag Michael
Published: July 2017

Chromatin and chromosomes of fungi are highly diverse and dynamic, even within species. Much of what we know about histone modification enzymes, RNA interference, DNA methylation, and cell cycle control was first addressed in
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
,
Schizosaccharomyces pombe
,
Aspergillus nidulans
, and
Neurospora crassa
. Here, we examine the three landmark regions that are required for maintenance of stable chromosomes and their faithful inheritance, namely, origins of DNA replication, telomeres and centromeres. We summarize the state of recent chromatin research that explains what is required for normal function of these specialized chromosomal regions in different fungi, with an emphasis on the silencing mechanism associated with subtelomeric regions, initiated by sirtuin histone deacetylases and histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27) methyltransferases. We explore mechanisms for the appearance of “accessory” or “conditionally dispensable” chromosomes and contrast what has been learned from studies on genome-wide chromosome conformation capture in
S. cerevisiae
,
S. pombe
,
N. crassa
, and
Trichoderma reesei
. While most of the current knowledge is based on work in a handful of genetically and biochemically tractable model organisms, we suggest where major knowledge gaps remain to be closed. Fungi will continue to serve as facile organisms to uncover the basic processes of life because they make excellent model organisms for genetics, biochemistry, cell biology, and evolutionary biology.
Postoperative gluteal compartment syndrome following microsurgical free-flap hand reconstruction: the importance of early recognition and treatment
Authors: Sarwar Umran , Ting Jason
Published: July 2017

Compartment syndrome, a surgical emergency, is caused by an increase in pressure within a closed osseofascial space, often due to trauma. This causes a decrease in tissue perfusion and ultimately tissue necrosis and multiorgan failure if not treated in a timely fashion. Gluteal compartment syndrome is a rare variant and often caused by a period of immobilisation secondary to intoxication with alcohol or drugs or during long operations, typically in the supine position. We report on a case of gluteal compartment syndrome developing in a patient postoperatively following a long microsurgical procedure to a hand, which has not been documented before. Although rare, we highlight the clinical course and diagnostic criteria, which are essential for early identification and treatment.
Intraparotid ductal ectasia: rare cause of parotid swelling
Authors: Chahed Houda , Meherzi Samia , Mediouni Azza , Ben Amor Mohamed
Published: July 2017

A 41-year-old patient was hospitalised for a chronic right parotid mass. A cervical ultrasound revealed a cystic mass of the parotid. Cervical MRI found a ductal ectasia of the parotid and submandibular glands associated with a retention cyst of the right parotid. He had a right total parotidectomy. Histopathological examination of the lesion revealed a multilocular cystic mass with a diffuse glandular ectasia of salivary ducts. The patient had an uneventful postoperative course without any recurrence of symptoms.
Herbal medications for surgical patients: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Arruda Ana Paula Nappi , Ayala Ana Patricia , Lopes Luciane C , Bergamaschi Cristiane C , Guimarães Caio , Grossi Mariana Del , Righesso Leonardo A R , Agarwal Arnav , Dib Regina El
Published: July 2017

Introduction

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) affect approximately 80% of surgical patients and is associated with increased length of hospital stay and systemic costs. Preoperative and postoperative pain, anxiety and depression are also commonly reported. Recent evidence regarding their safety and effectiveness has not been synthesised. The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of herbal medications for the treatment and prevention of anxiety, depression, pain and PONV in patients undergoing laparoscopic, obstetrical/gynaecological and cardiovascular surgical procedures.

Methods and analysis

The following electronic databases will be searched up to 1 October 2016 without language or publication status restrictions: CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science and LILACS. Randomised clinical trials enrolling adult surgical patients undergoing laparoscopic, obstetrical/gynaecological and cardiovascular surgeries and managed with herbal medication versus a control group (placebo, no intervention or active control) prophylactically or therapeutically will be considered eligible. Outcomes of interest will include the following: anxiety, depression, pain, nausea and vomiting. A team of reviewers will complete title and abstract screening and full-text screening for identified hits independently and in duplicate. Data extraction, risk of bias assessments and evaluation of the overall quality of evidence for each relevant outcome reported will be conducted independently and in duplicate using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment Development and Evaluation classification system. Dichotomous data will be summarised as risk ratios; continuous data will be summarised as standard average differences with 95% CIs.

Ethics and dissemination

This is one of the first efforts to systematically summarise existing evidence evaluating the use of herbal medications in laparoscopic, obstetrical/gynaecological and cardiovascular surgical patients. The findings of this review will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO CRD42016042838.
Liver allograft biopsies with histological cholestasis: a clinicopathological study of 254 cases from a single centre
Authors: Lo Regina Cheuk-lam , Chan Kristy Kwan-shuen , Chok Kenneth Siu-ho , Ng Irene Oi-lin
Published: July 2017

Aims

Liver allograft biopsy is important in the management of liver transplant (LT) recipients. Cholestasis is an indicator of liver dysfunction, and histological evidence of cholestasis can be observed in a wide range of pathological entities in the post-LT setting. In this study, we describe the clinicopathological features and significance of liver allograft biopsies with histological cholestasis over 11 years in our centre.

Methods

Liver allograft biopsies performed in Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong from 2004 to 2014 showing histological cholestasis were retrieved from the pathology archive. Clinical and pathological data were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed.

Results

Among the 254 biopsies from 167 patients, large duct obstruction (LDO) and acute cellular rejection (ACR) were the two main aetiologies associated with cholestasis. There was a decrease in sepsis as a cause over the study duration. In cases showing cholestasis at 6 months or more after LT, LDO was more common than ACR. Over half (61%) of the 254 biopsies showed mild cholestasis. Severe panacinar cholestasis was more often observed in LDO. Mild cholestasis was most commonly observed regardless of the severity of ACR. Severe cholestasis was associated with poorer 1-year and 3-year graft survival and patient survival, as well as higher 3-month and 6-month post-biopsy mortality.

Conclusion

Histological cholestasis and its severity in liver allograft biopsies has clinical and prognostic significance. Our study summarizes our previous experience and provides further insights into the management of post-LT patients.
Physical activity patterns and socio-demographic correlates of physical activity among medical undergraduates in Sri Lanka: an observational study
Authors: Medagama Arjuna , Galgomuwa Manoj , De Silva Chinthani
Published: July 2017

Background

Physical inactivity is the fourth leading risk factor for mortality worldwide and a leading risk factor for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Medical undergraduates are a group of young adults expected to have a sound knowledge of the benefits of physical activity (PA) and have an active lifestyle.

Objective

To quantifyPA levels among medical undergraduates of a Sri Lankan university and to determine the socio-demographic correlates of physical inactivity.

Methods

Medical undergraduates in their third, fourth and fifth years of study were recruited for this quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study using a self-administered questionnaire.

Results

A total of 421 students were recruited. Overall 41% were physically inactive. Females (47%) were more inactive than males (34%). The total mean weekly metabolic equivalent (MET)-minutes was 1468.2±1873. Males (1676.2±1629) had a higher mean weekly MET minutes than females (1319±20102), p=0.05. 88% owned a portable internet device such as a smartphone or tablet. Students using health-related apps on their devices had significantly higherPA (p=0.01) and lower body mass index (BMI) (p=0.04), than those who did not. Binary logistic regression revealed physical inactivity to be significantly associated with gender (p=0.01), not using a health-promoting app on their portable device (p=0.01) and the year of study (p=0.03).

Conclusion

Physical inactivity is a significant problem among medical undergraduates. The use of health applications was associated with a higher PA and lower BMI. The reasons for inactivity and the discrepancy in activity levels between males and females needs to be explored in greater detail.
Surgical management of a coccygeal intervertebral discal hernia in a dog
Authors: Cariou Matthieu Pierre , Denning Andrew
Published: July 2017

A case of paresis of the tail and associated pain arising from caudal intervertebral disc disease in a six‐year‐old cocker spaniel is described. The dog had a chronic history of low tail carriage, decreased mobility and episodes of acute pain. Neurological evaluation was consistent with a lesion involving the caudal part of the cauda equina. CT evaluation was consistent with a disc herniation at the intervertebral disc space Cd1‐Cd2. Surgical decompression was performed by a combination of hemilaminectomy and lateral corpectomy. The dog had a successful long‐term outcome with complete resolution of its presenting clinical signs.
Arctic science education using public museum collections from the University of Alaska Museum: an evolving and expanding landscape
Authors: Anderson Katherine L. , Kaden Ute , Druckenmiller Patrick S. , Fowell Sarah , Spangler Mark A. , Huettmann Falk , Ickert-Bond Stefanie M.
Published: July 2017

Alaska faces unique challenges in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education, including limited accessibility to resources and learning opportunities, and a lack of place-based education resources. Museum education programs, traditionally focused on public outreach through docent-led tours, are playing an increasingly important role in both formal and informal aspects of STEM education to help address these challenges. The University of Alaska Museum (UAM) stands as a model in the Arctic region exemplifying how public natural history museum collections can be utilized to create active place-based learning experiences with the aim of increasing engagement in STEM literacy and building connections between museums and communities. These efforts take many forms, including the development of teaching materials involving physical objects and (or) online data from the open-access database ARCTOS, training preservice teachers, and implementing citizen science projects. Because many UAM specimens and objects are from Alaska, they are easily incorporated into place-based education, thereby demonstrating how the Arctic environment is unique at local and regional scales. Here, we showcase several programs that are either unique to UAM or part of larger national projects and include exemplar teaching modules in order to provide learning opportunities in the Arctic region and other rural settings.
optPBE-vdW density functional theory study of liquid water and pressure-induced structural evolution in ice Ih
Authors: Yong Xue , Tse John S. , English Niall J.
Published: July 2017

The accuracy of several local and non-local van der Waals (vdW) corrected exchange correlation functionals on the description of the effect of pressure on ice has been investigated. In a preliminary survey, the non-local vdW correction used in conjunction with the optPBE functional was shown to provide the best overall agreement on the structural parameters of ice Ih with experiments. More importantly, this combination reproduced correctly the recently observed crystal → crystal transformation in ice Ih at 80 K prior to amorphisation. The predicted transition pressure of 1.9 GPa is somewhat higher, showing that the current generation of vdW functionals are still not sufficiently accurate for the ice system. The existence of an intermediate crystalline state with a shear-hexagonal structure confirms the earlier prediction that the collapse of crystalline structure under compression originates from the softening of phonon modes in ice Ih’s basal plane.
Embeddings of right-angled Artin groups into higher-dimensional Thompson groups
Authors: Kato Motoko
Published: July 2017

In this paper, we show that every right-angled Artin group embeds into the [Formula: see text]-dimensional Thompson group [Formula: see text] for some [Formula: see text], by constructing a set of embeddings. This is an improvement of the previous result of Belk, Bleak and Matucci, which gives a different set of embeddings from right-angled Artin groups into higher-dimensional Thompson groups. Compared to their construction, the dimension [Formula: see text] of the target group is always smaller with our construction.
Optical investigations reveal the effects of 2-aminoethyldiphenyl borate on STIM1 puncta formation
Authors: Yu Tao , Chen Shangbin , Pan Jingying , Su Conglin , He Jun
Published: July 2017

2-Aminoethyldiphenyl borate (2-APB) is the most commonly used pharmacological agent in the study of calcium release-activated channels (CRACs); however, its inhibitory mechanism to CRACs remains unclear. To address this issue, we systematically employed confocal imaging, dual-wavelength excitation photometry and FRET to examine the effects of 2-APB on the dynamic activities and function of STIM1 and Orai1, two key components of CRACs. Imaging results support that there are two signaling pathways (Orai1-independent and Orai1-dependent) for the formation of STIM1 puncta. 2-APB could dose dependently block Orai1-independent but not Orai1-dependent STIM1 puncta formation, despite its obvious inhibition effect on store-operated Ca[Formula: see text] entry (SOCE). In addition, we found that although 2-APB could not visibly alter near plasma membrane CAD-eYFP localization, it could completely block CAD-YFP-induced constitutive Ca[Formula: see text] entry and promote the interaction between Orai1 and CAD by FRET measurements. Therefore, we proposed that inhibitory action of 2-APB on SOCE might attribute to its direct inhibitory effects on Orai1 channel itself, but not the interference on puncta formation between STIM1 and Orai1.
Geographical origin discrimination and polysaccharides quantitative analysis of Radix codonopsis with micro near-infrared spectrometer engine
Authors: Wang Jiayue , Li Tongtong , Yang Hailong , Hu Tian , Nie Lei , Wang Fei , Alcalà Manel , Zang Hengchang
Published: July 2017

At present, Tradition Chinese Medicine (TCM) industry in China is in the stage from the empirical development to industrial production. Near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy has been widely used in the quality control of TCM’s modernization with its characteristics including rapidness, nondestruction, simplicity, economy, and so on. In this study, as one type of a portable micro NIR spectrometer, Micro NIR 1700 was used to establish the qualitative models for identification of geographical region and authenticity of Radix codonopsis based on discriminant analysis (DA) method. Both of the DA models had better predictive ability with 100% accuracy. In addition, a method for rapid quantitative analysis of polysaccharide in Radix codonopsis was also developed based on Micro NIR 1700 spectrometer with partial least-squares (PLS) algorithm. In the PLS calibration model, the NIR spectra of samples were pretreated with different preprocessing methods and the spectral region was selected with different variable selection methods as well. The performance of the final PLS model was evaluated according to correlation coefficient of calibration ([Formula: see text]), correlation coefficient of prediction ([Formula: see text]), root mean squared error of cross validation (RMSECV), and root mean squared of prediction (RMSEP). The values of [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], RMSECV, and RMSEP were 0.9775, 0.9602, 2.496, and 2.734[Formula: see text]g/mL, respectively. This work demonstrated that micro infrared spectrometer could be more convenient and rapid for quality control of Radix codonopsis, and the presented models would be a useful reference for quality control of other similar raw materials of TCM.
Characterization of Fe3O4@CS@NMDP magnetic nanoparticles with core–shell structure prepared by chemical cross-linking method
Authors: Shao Huiping , Qi Jiangcong , Lin Tao , Zhou Yuling , Yu Fucheng
Published: July 2017

The core–shell structure composite magnetic nanoparticles (NPs), Fe3O4@chitosan@nimodipine (Fe3O4@CS@NMDP), were successfully synthesized by a chemical cross-linking method in this paper. NMDP is widely used for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease prevention and treatment, while CS is of biocompatibility. The composite particles were characterized by an X-ray diffractometer (XRD), a Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), a transmission electron microscopy (TEM), a vibrating sample magnetometers (VSM) and a high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The results show that the size of the core–shell structure composite particles is ranging from 12[Formula: see text]nm to 20[Formula: see text]nm and the coating thickness of NMDP is about 2[Formula: see text]nm. The saturation magnetization of core–shell composite NPs is 46.7[Formula: see text]emu/g, which indicates a good potential application for treating cancer by magnetic target delivery. The release percentage of the NMDP can reach 57.6% in a short time of 20[Formula: see text]min in the PBS, and to 100% in a time of 60[Formula: see text]min, which indicates the availability of Fe3O4@CS@NMDP composite NPs for targeting delivery treatment.
Horizontal variogram inference in the presence of widely spaced well data
Authors: Rezvandehy Mehdi , Deutsch Clayton V.
Published: July 2017

The variogram is a key parameter for geostatistical modelling. Inferring a stable variogram model from widely spaced well data is a longstanding challenge due to an often unreliable experimental horizontal variogram. The main aim of this paper is to improve the horizontal variogram inference in the presence of limited data by quantifying variogram uncertainty and reducing this uncertainty with secondary data. A new approach of variogram uncertainty is presented by computing the number of independent variogram pairs (degrees of freedom) for each lag. A methodology to improve the horizontal variogram uncertainty is developed considering the horizontal variogram of the seismic data and the vertical well variogram since these variograms are well defined in most cases. Seismic data provide constraints on the horizontal variogram of the well data. The constraints are inferred from the covariance between the well and seismic data. The vertical variogram of the well data can be scaled to scenarios of the horizontal variogram. Improved horizontal variogram realizations honouring the correlation between lags are attained by merging variogram distributions for each lag distance considering the constraints from the horizontal seismic variogram. A realistic case study is presented.
Engineering geomorphology of the Koshi Highway, east Nepal
Authors: Hearn G. J.
Published: July 2017

The design and construction of the 240 km Koshi Highway in east Nepal between Dharan on the Terai Plain and Num in the Middle Himalaya commenced in the early 1970s and was completed in 2012 when the first vehicles were able to drive to Num. In a region where difficult terrain and geohazards pose severe challenges to highway engineering, geomorphological assessments have played an important and successful role in assisting route selection, detailed design of alignments, and the management of earthworks and drainage. These geomorphological assessments have also included the monitoring of slopes and watercourses to quantify geomorphological processes and assess the impact that road construction and operation have had on them. From an engineering geomorphological perspective, the Koshi Highway has proved a success and it demonstrates how careful design and control of construction operations can help limit physical impacts on the terrain, even in the most unstable parts of the landscape.
Assessing Human Error Against a Benchmark of Perfection
Authors: Anderson Ashton , Kleinberg Jon , Mullainathan Sendhil
Published: July 2017

An increasing number of domains are providing us with detailed trace data on human decisions in settings where we can evaluate the quality of these decisions via an algorithm. Motivated by this development, an emerging line of work has begun to consider whether we can characterize and predict the kinds of decisions where people are likely to make errors.

To investigate what a general framework for human error prediction might look like, we focus on a model system with a rich history in the behavioral sciences: the decisions made by chess players as they select moves in a game. We carry out our analysis at a large scale, employing datasets with several million recorded games, and using
chess tablebases
to acquire a form of ground truth for a subset of chess positions that have been completely solved by computers but remain challenging for even the best players in the world.

We organize our analysis around three categories of features that we argue are present in most settings where the analysis of human error is applicable: the skill of the decision-maker, the time available to make the decision, and the inherent difficulty of the decision. We identify rich structure in all three of these categories of features, and find strong evidence that in our domain, features describing the inherent difficulty of an instance are significantly more powerful than features based on skill or time.
Interview with Peter Dolog
Authors: Atzenbeck Claus
Published: July 2017

Peter Dolog is associate professor at the department of computer science, Aalborg University in Denmark where he works since September 2006. His main research interests are applied machine learning, personalization, recommender systems, user modeling, and web science and engineering. Peter Dolog is a general chair of ACM Hypertext 2017 conference. He was also a general chair of ICWE 2013 and UMAP 2014 conferences. He served on steering committee for ICWE conferences between 2013 and 2016. He participated in various roles in many conference and workshops. He also participated in several research and management roles in several EU project and networks. Peter Dolog received his doctoral degree in computer science from Leibniz University of Hannover in 2006 where he was employed at L3S Research Center between 2002 and 2006.
News from the SIGs
Authors: Walker Ellen , Settle Amber , Zilora Steve
Published: July 2017

In this issue of News from the SIGs, we focus on conferences, specifically SIGCSE and SIGITE conferences. Our SIGCSE reporter, Amber Settle, reviews the SIGCSE 2017 conference and invites volunteers to participate in future conferences and other SIGCSE activities. Our SIGITE reporter, Steve Zilora, introduces the theme of the upcoming SIGITE conference.
MPEG column: 116th MPEG meeting
Authors: Timmerer Christian
Published: July 2017

At its 116th meeting, MPEG successfully organised a workshop on its 5-year standardisation roadmap. Various industry representatives presented their views and reflected on the need for standards for new services and applications, specifically in the area of immersive media. The results of the workshop (roadmap, presentations) and the planned phases for the standardisation of "immersive media" are available at http://mpeg.chiariglione.org/. A follow-up workshop will be held on 18 January 2017 in Geneva, co-located with the 117th MPEG meeting. The workshop is open to all interested parties and free of charge. Details on the program and registration will be available at http://mpeg.chiariglione.org/.
MPEG column: 117th MPEG Meeting
Authors: Timmerer Christian
Published: July 2017

The 117th MPEG meeting was held in Geneva, Switzerland and its press release highlights the following aspects:

•MPEG issues Committee Draft of the Omnidirectional Media Application Format (OMAF)

•MPEG-H 3D Audio Verification Test Report

•MPEG Workshop on 5-Year Roadmap Successfully Held in Geneva

•Call for Proposals (CfP) for Point Cloud Compression (PCC)

•Preliminary Call for Evidence on video compression with capability beyond HEVC

•MPEG issues Committee Draft of the Media Orchestration (MORE) Standard

•Technical Report on HDR/WCG Video Coding
JPEG column: 74th JPEG meeting
Authors: Pinheiro Antonio
Published: July 2017

The 74th JPEG meeting was held at ITU Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, from 15 to 20 January featuring the following highlights:

•A Final Call for Proposals on JPEG Pleno was issued focusing on light field coding;

•Creation of a test model for the upcoming JPEG XS standard;

•A draft Call for Proposals for JPEG Privacy & Security was issued;

•JPEG AIC technical report finalized on Guidelines for image coding system evaluation;

•An AHG was created to investigate the evidence of high throughput JPEG 2000;

•An AHG on next generation image compression standard was initiated to explore a future image coding format with superior compression efficiency.
Computational approaches in cancer genomics
Authors: Ciccarelli Francesca
Published: July 2017

Large-scale cancer genome projects provide an extraordinary mine of molecular information on a vast range of cancer types and samples and offer the exciting potential of understanding the molecular mechanisms of cancer. Much knowledge is however still hidden in the data and this significantly reduces the effective contribution of cancer molecular profiling to the personalised medicine agenda. In my lecture I will review some of the technical, analytical and scientific challenges in cancer genomic data analysis. I will also provide examples of how this type of analysis can contribute effectively to unravel cancer driver mechanisms and potential targets for anti-cancer therapy.
Evolving brains in evolving environments
Authors: Purves Drew , Fernando Chrisantha
Published: July 2017

The spectacular and headline-grabbing recent successes in deep learning have made little or no use of evolutionary algorithms. Has this left Darwin turning in his grave, like one of the Earthworms he was so fond of studying? Or is he flying high, like a Galapagos Finch, safe in the knowledge that the inferior land-borne creatures below him will soon reach the edge of their harsh island and realize that, to go any further without drowning, they will need evolution?
Curious and Creative Machines
Authors: Lipson Hod
Published: July 2017

Can machines ask questions and generate hypotheses? Despite the prevalence of big data, the process of distilling data into scientific laws has resisted automation. Particularly challenging are situations with small amounts of data that is difficult or expensive to collect, such as in robotics and other physical sciences. This talk will outline a series of recent research projects, starting with self-reflecting robotic systems, and ending with machines that can formulate hypotheses, design experiments, and interpret the results, to discover new scientific laws. We will see examples from geology to cosmology, from classical physics to modern physics, from big science to small science.
RESPECT '18
Authors: Payton Jamie , Stukes Felesia , Thiruvathul George K. , Thomas Jakita O.
Published: July 2017

Understanding how to apply fundamental computer science problem solving skills is quickly becoming a required competency for 21st century learners. To address the emergent gap in skill supply and demand, it is critical to examine issues of equity and inclusion to engage all people in learning key computing concepts.
The Datafication of Health
Authors: Ruckenstein Minna , Schüll Natasha Dow
Published: July 2017

Over the past decade, data-intensive logics and practices have come to affect domains of contemporary life ranging from marketing and policy making to entertainment and education; at every turn, there is evidence of “datafication” or the conversion of qualitative aspects of life into quantified data. The datafication of health unfolds on a number of different scales and registers, including data-driven medical research and public health infrastructures, clinical health care, and self-care practices. For the purposes of this review, we focus mainly on the latter two domains, examining how scholars in anthropology, sociology, science and technology studies, and media and communication studies have begun to explore the datafication of clinical and self-care practices. We identify the dominant themes and questions, methodological approaches, and analytical resources of this emerging literature, parsing these under three headings: datafied power, living with data, and data–human mediations. We conclude by urging scholars to pay closer attention to how datafication is unfolding on the “other side” of various digital divides (e.g., financial, technological, geographic), to experiment with applied forms of research and data activism, and to probe links to areas of datafication that are not explicitly related to health.
Primate Positional Behavior Development and Evolution
Authors: Bezanson Michelle
Published: July 2017

Positional behavior (posture and locomotion) studies are a category of primatological and anthropological field research that attempts to describe movement capabilities and expressed behavior within an evolutionary, ecological, and/or morphological context. This area of research is appealing because it allows the integration of morphological data (capabilities) with expressed behaviors and provides a basis for understanding fossil reconstruction. Because positional behavior acts as a mediator between the biology and the environment, it offers information about virtually all aspects of a primate's life. We are currently undergoing an increase in the number of field projects focusing on the development of positional behaviors in immature primates, and results suggest that in many species positional competence develops relatively early. In this review, I present information on recent positional behavior studies with a focus on how positional behavior develops in young primates. Research on immature primates suggests that natural selection operates at all life stages to influence survival and that the adult positional repertoire likely reflects the challenges confronted by younger individuals.
Electrical Stimulation of Visual Cortex: Relevance for the Development of Visual Cortical Prosthetics
Authors: Bosking William H. , Beauchamp Michael S. , Yoshor Daniel
Published: July 2017

Electrical stimulation of the cerebral cortex is a powerful tool for exploring cortical function. Stimulation of early visual cortical areas is easily detected by subjects and produces simple visual percepts known as phosphenes. A device implanted in visual cortex that generates patterns of phosphenes could be used as a substitute for natural vision in blind patients. We review the possibilities and limitations of such a device, termed a visual cortical prosthetic. Currently, we can predict the location and size of phosphenes produced by stimulation of single electrodes. A functional prosthetic, however, must produce spatial temporal patterns of activity that will result in the perception of complex visual objects. Although stimulation of later visual cortical areas alone usually does not lead to a visual percept, it can alter visual perception and the performance of visual behaviors, and training subjects to use signals injected into these areas may be possible.
Wearable technology for compensatory reserve to sense hypovolemia
Authors: Convertino Victor A. , Sawka Michael N.
Published: July 2017

Traditional monitoring technologies fail to provide accurate or early indications of hypovolemia-mediated extremis because physiological systems (as measured by vital signs) effectively compensate until circulatory failure occurs. Hypovolemia is the most life-threatening physiological condition associated with circulatory shock in hemorrhage or sepsis, and it impairs one’s ability to sustain physical exertion during heat stress. This review focuses on the physiology underlying the development of a novel noninvasive wearable technology that allows for real-time evaluation of the cardiovascular system’s ability to compensate to hypovolemia, or its compensatory reserve, which provides an individualized estimate of impending circulatory collapse. Compensatory reserve is assessed by real-time changes (sampled millions of times per second) in specific features (hundreds of features) of arterial waveform analog signals that can be obtained from photoplethysmography using machine learning and feature extraction techniques. Extensive experimental evidence employing acute reductions in central blood volume (using lower-body negative pressure, blood withdrawal, heat stress, dehydration) demonstrate that compensatory reserve provides the best indicator for early and accurate assessment for compromises in blood pressure, tissue perfusion, and oxygenation in resting human subjects. Engineering challenges exist for the development of a ruggedized wearable system that can measure signals from multiple sites, improve signal-to-noise ratios, be customized for use in austere conditions (e.g., battlefield, patient transport), and be worn during strenuous physical activity.
Toward Precision Radiotherapy for Use with Immune Checkpoint Blockers
Authors: Vanpouille-Box Claire , Formenti Silvia C. , Demaria Sandra
Published: July 2017

The first evidence that radiotherapy enhances the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockers (ICB) was obtained a dozen years ago in a mouse model of metastatic carcinoma refractory to anti–CTLA-4 treatment. At the time, ICBs had just entered clinical testing, an endeavor that culminated in 2011 with the approval of the first anti–CTLA-4 antibody for use in metastatic melanoma patients (ipilimumab). Thereafter, some patients progressing on ipilimumab showed systemic responses only upon receiving radiation to one lesion, confirming clinically the proimmunogenic effects of radiation. Preclinical data demonstrate that multiple immunomodulators synergize with radiotherapy to cause the regression of irradiated tumors and, less often, nonirradiated metastases. However, the impact of dose and fractionation on the immunostimulatory potential of radiotherapy has not been thoroughly investigated. This issue is extremely relevant given the growing number of clinical trials testing the ability of radiotherapy to increase the efficacy of ICBs. Recent data demonstrate that the recruitment of dendritic cells to neoplastic lesions (and hence the priming of tumor-specific CD8+ T cells) is highly dependent on radiotherapy dose and fractionation through a mechanism that involves the accumulation of double-stranded DNA in the cytoplasm of cancer cells and consequent type I IFN release. The molecular links between the cellular response to radiotherapy and type I IFN secretion are just being uncovered. Here, we discuss the rationale for an optimized use of radiotherapy as well as candidate biomarkers that may predict clinical responses to radiotherapy combined with ICBs. Clin Cancer Res; 24(2); 259–65. ©2017 AACR.
Dual Src Kinase/Pretubulin Inhibitor KX-01, Sensitizes ERα-negative Breast Cancers to Tamoxifen through ERα Reexpression
Authors: Anbalagan Muralidharan , Sheng Mei , Fleischer Brian , Zhang Yifang , Gao Yuanjun , Hoang Van , Matossian Margarite , Burks Hope E. , Burow Matthew E. , Collins-Burow Bridgette M. , Hangauer David , Rowan Brian G.
Published: July 2017

Unlike breast cancer that is positive for estrogen receptor-α (ERα), there are no targeted therapies for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). ERα is silenced in TNBC through epigenetic changes including DNA methylation and histone acetylation. Restoring ERα expression in TNBC may sensitize patients to endocrine therapy. Expression of c-Src and ERα are inversely correlated in breast cancer suggesting that c-Src inhibition may lead to reexpression of ERα in TNBC. KX-01 is a peptide substrate–targeted Src/pretubulin inhibitor in clinical trials for solid tumors. KX-01 (1 mg/kg body weight-twice daily) inhibited growth of tamoxifen-resistant MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-157 TNBC xenografts in nude mice that was correlated with Src kinase inhibition. KX-01 also increased ERα mRNA and protein, as well as increased the ERα targets progesterone receptor (PR), pS2 (TFF1), cyclin D1 (CCND1), and c-myc (MYC) in MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468, but not MDA-MB-157 xenografts. MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 tumors exhibited reduction in mesenchymal markers (vimentin, β-catenin) and increase in epithelial marker (E-cadherin) suggesting mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET). KX-01 sensitized MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 tumors to tamoxifen growth inhibition and tamoxifen repression of the ERα targets pS2, cyclin D1, and c-myc. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) of the ERα promoter in KX-01–treated tumors demonstrated enrichment of active transcription marks (acetyl-H3, acetyl-H3Lys9), dissociation of HDAC1, and recruitment of RNA polymerase II. Methylation-specific PCR and bisulfite sequencing demonstrated no alteration in ERα promoter methylation by KX-01. These data demonstrate that in addition to Src kinase inhibition, peptidomimetic KX-01 restores ERα expression in TNBC through changes in histone acetylation that sensitize tumors to tamoxifen.

Implications: Src kinase/pretubulin inhibitor KX-01 restores functional ERα expression in ERα– breast tumors, a novel treatment strategy to treat triple-negative breast cancer. Mol Cancer Res; 15(11); 1491–502. ©2017 AACR.
Selective MET Kinase Inhibition in MET-Dependent Glioma Models Alters Gene Expression and Induces Tumor Plasticity
Authors: van den Heuvel Corina N.A.M. , Navis Anna C. , de Bitter Tessa , Amiri Houshang , Verrijp Kiek , Heerschap Arend , Rex Karen , Dussault Isabelle , Caenepeel Sean , Coxon Angela , Span Paul N. , Wesseling Pieter , Hendriks Wiljan , Leenders William P.J.
Published: July 2017

The receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) MET represents a promising tumor target in a subset of glioblastomas. Most RTK inhibitors available in the clinic today, including those inhibiting MET, affect multiple targets simultaneously. Previously, it was demonstrated that treatment with cabozantinib (MET/VEGFR2/RET inhibitor) prolonged survival of mice carrying orthotopic patient-derived xenografts (PDX) of the MET-addicted glioblastoma model E98, yet did not prevent development of recurrent and cabozantinib-resistant tumors. To exclude VEGFR2 inhibition-inflicted blood–brain barrier normalization and diminished tumor distribution of the drug, we have now investigated the effects of the novel MET-selective inhibitor Compound A in the orthotopic E98 xenograft model. In vitro, Compound A proved a highly potent inhibitor of proliferation of MET-addicted cell lines. In line with its target selectivity, Compound A did not restore the leaky blood–brain barrier and was more effective than cabozantinib in inhibiting MET phosphorylation in vivo. Compound A treatment significantly prolonged survival of mice carrying E98 tumor xenografts, but did not prevent eventual progression. Contrasting in vitro results, the Compound A–treated xenografts displayed high levels of AKT phosphorylation despite the absence of phosphorylated MET. Profiling by RNA sequencing showed that in vivo transcriptomes differed significantly from those in control xenografts.

Implications: Collectively, these findings demonstrate the plasticity of paracrine growth factor receptor signaling in vivo and urge for prudency with in vitro drug-testing strategies to validate monotherapies. Mol Cancer Res; 15(11); 1587–97. ©2017 AACR.
Novel Aberrations Uncovered in Barrett's Esophagus and Esophageal Adenocarcinoma Using Whole Transcriptome Sequencing
Authors: Maag Jesper L.V. , Fisher Oliver M. , Levert-Mignon Angelique , Kaczorowski Dominik C. , Thomas Melissa L. , Hussey Damian J. , Watson David I. , Wettstein Antony , Bobryshev Yuri V. , Edwards Melanie , Dinger Marcel E. , Lord Reginald V.
Published: July 2017

Esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) has one of the fastest increases in incidence of any cancer, along with poor five-year survival rates. Barrett's esophagus (BE) is the main risk factor for EAC; however, the mechanisms driving EAC development remain poorly understood. Here, transcriptomic profiling was performed using RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) on premalignant and malignant Barrett's tissues to better understand this disease. Machine-learning and network analysis methods were applied to discover novel driver genes for EAC development. Identified gene expression signatures for the distinction of EAC from BE were validated in separate datasets. An extensive analysis of the noncoding RNA (ncRNA) landscape was performed to determine the involvement of novel transcriptomic elements in Barrett's disease and EAC. Finally, transcriptomic mutational investigation of genes that are recurrently mutated in EAC was performed. Through these approaches, novel driver genes were discovered for EAC, which involved key cell cycle and DNA repair genes, such as BRCA1 and PRKDC. A novel 4-gene signature (CTSL, COL17A1, KLF4, and E2F3) was identified, externally validated, and shown to provide excellent distinction of EAC from BE. Furthermore, expression changes were observed in 685 long noncoding RNAs (lncRNA) and a systematic dysregulation of repeat elements across different stages of Barrett's disease, with wide-ranging downregulation of Alu elements in EAC. Mutational investigation revealed distinct pathways activated between EAC tissues with or without TP53 mutations compared with Barrett's disease. In summary, transcriptome sequencing revealed altered expression of numerous novel elements, processes, and networks in EAC and premalignant BE.

Implications: This study identified opportunities to improve early detection and treatment of patients with BE and esophageal adenocarcinoma. Mol Cancer Res; 15(11); 1558–69. ©2017 AACR.
CYLD Deubiquitinates Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate Oxidase 4 Contributing to Adventitial Remodeling
Authors: Yu Bing , Liu Ziyi , Fu Yi , Wang Yingbao , Zhang Lu , Cai Zeyu , Yu Fang , Wang Xian , Zhou Jun , Kong Wei
Published: July 2017

Objective—

Transdifferentiation of adventitial fibroblasts (AFs) into myofibroblasts plays a critical role during the vascular remodeling that occurs during atherosclerosis, restenosis, and aortic aneurysm. The ubiquitination/deubiquitination regulatory system is essential for the quality control of proteins. The involvement of ubiquitination/deubiquitination during AF transdifferentiation remains largely unknown. In this study, we determined the role of cylindromatosis (CYLD), a deubiquitinase, in the process of AF differentiation and activation in vitro and in vivo.

Approach and Results—

Transforming growth factor-β1 and homocysteine, 2 known inducers of AF transdifferentiation, greatly upregulated CYLD expression in a time- and dose-dependent manner. The silencing of CYLD significantly inhibited AF transdifferentiation and activation as evidenced by the expression of contractile proteins, the production of the proinflammatory cytokines MCP-1 (monocyte chemotactic protein 1) and IL-6 (interleukin-6), the deposition of extracellular matrix, and cell migration. We further asked whether CYLD mediates AF activation via the regulation of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 4 (Nox4) as it is an essential factor during AF transdifferentiation. Indeed, the silencing of CYLD repressed transforming growth factor-β1–induced and homocysteine-induced Nox4 upregulation and reactive oxygen species production, whereas Nox4 overexpression greatly rescued the inhibitory effect on AF activation by CYLD silencing. Most interestingly, transforming growth factor-β1 and homocysteine repressed Nox4 ubiquitination and prolonged the half-life of Nox4. Moreover, Nox4 was deubiquitinated via a direct interaction with the ubiquitin-specific protease domain of CYLD. In accordance, hyperhomocysteinemia significantly increased adventitial CYLD and Nox4 expression, promoted AF transdifferentiation, and aggravated CaPO
4
-induced abdominal aortic aneurysm in mice. These effects were abolished in CYLD
−/−
mice.

Conclusions—

CYLD contributes to the transdifferentiation of AFs via deubiquitinating Nox4 and may play a role in vascular remodeling.
Kinetics of Circulating MicroRNAs in Response to Cardiac Stress in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Jansen Felix , Schäfer Lisa , Wang Han , Schmitz Theresa , Flender Anna , Schueler Robert , Hammerstingl Christoph , Nickenig Georg , Sinning Jan‐Malte , Werner Nikos
Published: July 2017

Background

Circulating micro
RNA
s (mi
RNA
s/miRs) are regulated in patients with coronary artery disease. The impact of transient coronary ischemia on circulating mi
RNA
levels is unknown. We aimed to investigate circulating mi
RNA
kinetics in response to cardiac stress in patients with or without significant coronary stenosis.

Methods and Results

Eighty of 105 screened patients with stable coronary artery disease underwent dobutamine stress echocardiography before coronary angiography. Nine circulating vascular mi
RNA
s (mi
RNA
‐21, mi
RNA
‐26, mi
RNA
‐27a, mi
RNA
‐92a, mi
RNA
‐126‐3p, mi
RNA
‐133a, mi
RNA
‐222, mi
RNA
‐223, and mi
RNA
‐199‐5p) were quantified in plasma by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction before, immediately after, and 4 and 24 hours after dobutamine stress echocardiography. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction revealed increased mi
RNA
‐21, miRNA‐126‐3p, and miRNA‐222 levels at 24 hours after dobutamine stress echocardiography in all patients. On coronary angiography, significant coronary artery stenoses (>80% diameter stenosis) were found in 41 patients. Stratifying patients according to the prevalence of significant stenoses, patients with stenosis showed an increase of circulating mi
RNA
‐21, mi
RNA
‐126‐3p, and mi
RNA
‐222 in response to cardiac stress. In patients without significant stenoses (<50% diameter stenosis), mi
RNA
‐92a levels gradually increased in response to cardiac stress.

Conclusions

mi
RNA
s are distinctly released into the circulation in response to cardiac stress depending on the prevalence of significant coronary stenoses.