bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Habitual exercise training in older adults offsets the age-related prolongation in leg vasodilator kinetics during single-limb lower body exercise
Authors: Hughes William E. , Kruse Nicholas T. , Ueda Kenichi , Casey Darren P. 
Published: June 2018

We tested the hypothesis that aging is associated with prolonged leg vasodilator kinetics and habitual exercise training in older adults improves these responses relative to untrained older adults. Additionally, we examined the relationship between contraction-induced rapid onset vasodilation (ROV) and vasodilator kinetics. Young ( n = 10), older untrained ( n = 13), and older trained ( n = 14) adults performed single and rhythmic knee-extension contractions at 20% and 40% work-rate maximum (WRmax). Femoral artery diameter and mean blood velocity were measured by Doppler ultrasound. Vascular conductance (VC; ml·min−1·mmHg−1) was calculated using blood flow (ml/min) and mean arterial pressure (mmHg). The primary outcome was the kinetic response (mean response time; MRT), modeled using an exponential model, expressed as the number of duty cycles to change 63% of the steady-state amplitude. There were no age- or training-related differences in VC MRT between the groups at 20% WRmax. Older untrained adults exhibited prolonged VC MRT at 40% WRmaxrelative to young (37 ± 16 vs. 24 ± 10 duty-cycles; P < 0.05) and older trained adults (37 ± 16 vs. 23 ± 14 duty-cycles; P < 0.05). There were no differences in VC MRT between young and older trained adults at 40% WRmax( P = 0.96). There were no associations between peak ROV and VC MRT at 20% or 40% WRmax( r = −0.08 and 0.22; P = 0.67 and 0.20, respectively) in the group as a whole. Our data suggest 1) advancing age prolongs leg vasodilator kinetics; 2) habitual exercise training in older adults offsets this age-related prolongation; and 3) contraction-induced ROV is not related to vasodilator kinetics within a group of young and older adults.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Aging is associated with reductions in exercise hyperemia and vasodilation at the onset of exercise, as well as during steady-state exercise. Habitual endurance exercise training offsets these age-related reductions. We found that aging prolongs vasodilator kinetics in the leg of older untrained but not older trained adults. Finally, our results demonstrate that contraction-induced rapid vasodilation is not associated with vasodilator kinetics within the leg of young and older adults.
Understanding the Histone DNA Repair Code: H4K20me2 Makes Its Mark
Authors: Paquin Karissa L. , Howlett Niall G. 
Published: June 2018

Abstract
Chromatin is a highly compact structure that must be rapidly rearranged in order for DNA repair proteins to access sites of damage and facilitate timely and efficient repair. Chromatin plasticity is achieved through multiple processes, including the posttranslational modification of histone tails. In recent years, the impact of histone posttranslational modification on the DNA damage response has become increasingly well recognized, and chromatin plasticity has been firmly linked to efficient DNA repair. One particularly important histone posttranslational modification process is methylation. Here, we focus on the regulation and function of H4K20 methylation (H4K20me) in the DNA damage response and describe the writers, erasers, and readers of this important chromatin mark as well as the combinatorial histone posttranslational modifications that modulate H4K20me recognition. Finally, we discuss the central role of H4K20me in determining if DNA double-strand breaks (DSB) are repaired by the error-prone, nonhomologous DNA end joining pathway or the error-free, homologous recombination pathway. This review article discusses the regulation and function of H4K20me2 in DNA DSB repair and outlines the components and modifications that modulate this important chromatin mark and its fundamental impact on DSB repair pathway choice. Mol Cancer Res; 16(9); 1335–45. ©2018 AACR.
Molecular Signature and Mechanisms of Hepatitis D Virus–Associated Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Diaz Giacomo , Engle Ronald E. , Tice Ashley , Melis Marta , Montenegro Stephanie , Rodriguez-Canales Jaime , Hanson Jeffrey , Emmert-Buck Michael R. , Bock Kevin W. , Moore Ian N. , Zamboni Fausto , Govindarajan Sugantha , Kleiner David E. , Farci Patrizia 
Published: June 2018

Abstract
There is limited data on the molecular mechanisms whereby hepatitis D virus (HDV) promotes liver cancer. Therefore, serum and liver specimens obtained at the time of liver transplantation from well-characterized patients with HDV-HCC (n = 5) and with non-HCC HDV cirrhosis (n = 7) were studied using an integrated genomic approach. Transcriptomic profiling was performed using laser capture–microdissected (LCM) malignant and nonmalignant hepatocytes, tumorous and nontumorous liver tissue from patients with HDV-HCC, and liver tissue from patients with non-HCC HDV cirrhosis. HDV-HCC was also compared with hepatitis B virus (HBV) HBV-HCC alone, and hepatitis C virus (HCV) HCV-HCC. HDV malignant hepatocytes were characterized by an enrichment of upregulated transcripts associated with pathways involved in cell-cycle/DNA replication, damage, and repair (Sonic Hedgehog, GADD45, DNA-damage-induced 14-3-3σ, cyclins and cell-cycle regulation, cell cycle: G2–M DNA-damage checkpoint regulation, and hereditary breast cancer). Moreover, a large network of genes identified functionally relate to DNA repair, cell cycle, mitotic apparatus, and cell division, including 4 cancer testis antigen genes, attesting to the critical role of genetic instability in this tumor. Besides being overexpressed, these genes were also strongly coregulated. Gene coregulation was high not only when compared with nonmalignant hepatocytes, but also to malignant hepatocytes from HBV-HCC alone or HCV-HCC. Activation and coregulation of genes critically associated with DNA replication, damage, and repair point to genetic instability as an important mechanism of HDV hepatocarcinogenesis. This specific HDV-HCC trait emerged also from the comparison of the molecular pathways identified for each hepatitis virus–associated HCC. Despite the dependence of HDV on HBV, these findings suggest that HDV and HBV promote carcinogenesis by distinct molecular mechanisms.
Implications: This study identifies a molecular signature of HDV-associated hepatocellular carcinoma and suggests the potential for new biomarkers for early diagnostics. Mol Cancer Res; 16(9); 1406–19. ©2018 AACR.
Unraveling the Underlying Arrhythmia Mechanism in Persistent Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Child Nicholas , Clayton Richard H. , Roney Caroline H. , Laughner Jacob I. , Shuros Allan , Neuzil Petr , Petru Jan , Jackson Tom , Porter Bradley , Bostock Julian , Niederer Steven A. , Razavi Reza S. , Rinaldi Christopher A. , Taggart Peter , Wright Matthew J. , Gill Jaswinder 
Published: June 2018

Background:
The mechanisms that initiate and sustain persistent atrial fibrillation are not well characterized. Ablation results remain significantly worse than in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in which the mechanism is better understood and subsequent targeted therapy has been developed. The aim of this study was to characterize and quantify patterns of activation during atrial fibrillation using contact mapping.

Methods:
Patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (n=14; mean age, 61±8 years; ejection fraction, 59±10%) underwent simultaneous biatrial contact mapping with 64 electrode catheters. The atrial electrograms were transformed into phase, and subsequent spatiotemporal mapping was performed to identify phase singularities (PSs).

RESULTS:

PSs were located in both atria, but we observed more PSs in the left atrium compared with the right atrium (779±302, 552±235;
P
=0.015). Although some PSs of duration sufficient to complete >1 rotation were detected, the maximum PS duration was only 1150 ms, and the vast majority (97%) of PSs persisted for too short a period to complete a full rotation. Although in selected patients there was evidence of PS local clustering, overall, PSs were distributed globally throughout both chambers with no clear anatomic predisposition. In a subset of patients (n=7), analysis was repeated using an alternative established atrial PS mapping technique, which confirmed our initial findings.

Conclusions:
No sustained rotors or localized drivers were detected, and instead, the mechanism of arrhythmia maintenance was consistent with the multiple wavelet hypothesis, with passive activation of short-lived rotational activity.

Clinical Trial Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01765075.
Impact of Intima–Media Thickness Progression in the Common Carotid Arteries on the Risk of Incident Cardiovascular Disease in the Suita Study
Authors: Kokubo Yoshihiro , Watanabe Makoto , Higashiyama Aya , Nakao Yoko M. , Nakamura Fumiaki , Miyamoto Yoshihiro 
Published: June 2018

Background

No prospective study of the relationship between intima–media thickness (
IMT
) progression and incident cardiovascular disease (
CVD
) has been performed.

Methods and Results

We studied 4724 participants (mean age: 59.7±11.9 years; without
CVD
at the baseline) who had carotid ultrasonographic measurement of
IMT
on both sides of the entire carotid artery area (ie, the entire scanned common carotid artery [CCA], carotid artery bulb, internal carotid artery, and external carotid artery areas for both sides) between April 1994 and August 2001. Carotid ultrasonographic follow‐up was performed every 2 years between April 1994 and March 2005 in 2722 of these participants, newly revealing 193
CCA
plaques (maximum
IMT
in the CCA >1.1 mm). We followed up for incident
CVD
until December 2013. Statistical analyses were performed using a Cox proportional hazards regression model, evaluated using C statistics, and net reclassification improvement. During the 59 909 person‐years of follow‐up, we observed 221 strokes and 154 coronary heart disease events.
CCA
plaque and maximum
IMT
in the whole carotid artery area >1.7 mm were risk factors for
CVD
.
CCA
plaque presented an increased risk of
CVD
based on C statistics and the reclassification improvement of the current risk prediction model. After adding the new incident
CCA
plaques, during the 23 702 person‐years of follow‐up, 69 strokes and 43 coronary heart disease events occurred. The adjusted hazard ratios for incident
CCA
plaque were 1.95 (95% confidence interval, 1.14–3.30) in
CVD
and 2.01 (95% confidence interval, 1.01–3.99) in stroke.

Conclusions

Maximum
IMT
in the CCA contributed significantly but modestly to the predictive power of incident
CVD
used in calculating traditional risk factors. This study provides the first demonstration that new progression of incident
CCA
plaque is a
CVD
risk.
Extended Playing Techniques on an Augmented Virtual Percussion Instrument
Authors: Zappi Victor , Allen Andrew , Fels Sidney 
Published: June 2018

Abstract
Innovation and tradition are two fundamental factors in the design of new digital musical instruments. Although apparently mutually exclusive, novelty does not imply a total disconnection from what we have inherited from hundreds of years of traditional design, and the balance of these two factors often determines the overall quality of an instrument. Inspired by this rationale, in this article we introduce the Hyper Drumhead, a novel augmented virtual instrument whose design is deeply rooted in traditional musical paradigms, yet aimed at the exploration of unprecedented sounds and control. In the first part of the article we analyze the concepts of designing an augmented virtual instrument, explaining their connection with the practice of augmenting traditional instruments. Then we describe the design of the Hyper Drumhead in detail, focusing on its innovative physical modeling implementation. The finite-difference time-domain solver that we use runs on the parallel cores of a commercially available graphics card and permits the simulation of real-time 2-D wave propagation in massively sized domains. Thanks to the modularity of this implementation, musicians can create several 2-D virtual percussive instruments that support realistic playing techniques but whose affordances can be enhanced beyond most of the limits of traditional augmentation.
Interactive Learning of Timbral Rhythms for Percussion Robots
Authors: Krzyzaniak Michael 
Published: June 2018

Abstract
This article presents a machine-learning technique to analyze and produce statistical patterns in rhythm through real-time observation of human musicians. Here, timbre is considered an integral part of rhythm, as might be exemplified by hand-drum music. Moreover, this article considers challenges (such as mechanical timing delays, that are negligible in digitally synthesized music) that arise when the algorithm is executed on percussion robots. The algorithm's performance is analyzed in a variety of contexts, such as learning specific rhythms, learning a corpus of rhythms, responding to signal rhythms that signal musical transitions, improvising in different ways with a human partner, and matching the meter and the “syncopicity” of improvised music.
An Evaluation of On-Call Otolaryngology Consultations: Assessing an Increasing Workload
Authors: Smith Kristine A , Hinther Ashley V , Brookes James , Matthews Thomas Wayne , Dort Joseph C 
Published: June 2018

Objective: This study compares the volume of on-call otolaryngology consultations in a tertiary care center over a 5-year period. The objective of this study was to identify changes in the volume of consultations in an inpatient setting. Methods: A cross-sectional retrospective study was performed to determine the volume of consultations. The years 2010 and 2015 were the timepoints for the cross-sectional analysis. A review of electronic medical records was performed to identify all patients associated with the otolaryngology service from the emergency department, inpatient wards, and intensive care units. The primary outcome was the number of otolaryngology consultations per year. Results: The number of on-call consultations in 2010 was 992. In 2015, the number of on-call consultations was 2174. This represents a 120% increase in the number of consultations over a 5-year period ( P < .001). Conclusion: There has been a significant increase in the volume of on-call otolaryngology consultations at our tertiary care center. This increase has the potential to adversely affect patient care. A better understanding of the cause of this increase may allow policymakers and health care practitioners to improve patient access, physician workloads, and resource allocation.
The Relationship Between Modified Mallampati Score, Müller’s Maneuver and Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy Regarding Retrolingual Obstruction
Authors: Wang Wei-Min , Hsu Yen-Bin , Lan Ming-Ying , Yang Mei-Chen , Huang Tung-Tsun , Liu Chia-Jung , Lan Ming-Chin 
Published: June 2018

Objectives: This study explored the correlation between clinical explorations, including modified Mallampati score and Müller’s maneuver, with drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) findings regarding retrolingual obstruction. Methods: One hundred forty-two obstructive sleep apnea patients were enrolled in this prospective study. All of the patients received clinical explorations including modified Mallampati scoring and Müller’s maneuver in the clinic. Drug-induced sleep endoscopy was further evaluated in the operating room. Results: A significant relationship was noted between modified Mallampati score and retrolingual obstruction during DISE. In contrast, no significant relationship was noted between Müller’s maneuver and DISE findings regarding retrolingual obstruction. Conclusions: A significant discrepancy existed between retrolingual airway collapse evaluated by modified Mallampati score and Müller’s maneuver. Modified Mallampati score is more correlated with DISE regarding retrolingual obstruction compared to Müller’s maneuver. It should therefore be used as an initial evaluation of retrolingual obstruction when DISE is unavailable.
Socially transformative wellbeing practices in flexible learning environments: Invoking an education of hope
Authors: MacDonald Fiona J , Bottrell Dorothy , Johnson Bethany 
Published: June 2018

Objectives: Student wellbeing is closely linked to young people’s satisfaction with life at school. Wellbeing practices in an alternative learning environment take on a particularly significant role as they aim to re-engage young people who are disenfranchised from Australia’s education system. The Wellbeing Project, which is described and reported on here, aimed to capture young people’s perceptions to strengthen and create a Youth+ model of wellbeing in participating centres. Design: A mixed methods approach was employed to explore student experiences of wellbeing. A quantitative methodology informed the development of surveys, and focus groups adopted a semi-structured qualitative approach. Setting: Youth+ Flexible Learning Centres (Flexis) in various parts of Australia. Method: Students in the flexible learning centres were invited to complete a survey during class time. Young people from each centre were then invited to participate in focus group discussions. Four groups were held in Melbourne, two in Geelong and Adelaide and one each in Hobart, St Mary’s, Alice Springs, Wollongong and Geraldton. Results: Thematic analysis revealed that being supported by staff to learn and working towards long-term goals in an individual way were central to the development of wellbeing among young people involved in the centres. Relationships with staff were highly valued. Conclusion: Findings demonstrate that wellbeing for young people in flexible learning centres is associated with staff support and respect. There is value in giving young people the opportunity to engage in a socially transformative education, enabling them to envision new learning and work opportunities.
Evaluating the effectiveness of faith-based breast health education
Authors: Brown Maria T , Cowart Luvenia W 
Published: June 2018

Objective: In an effort to evaluate the effectiveness of faith-based health promotion programmes in educating African American women about breast cancer knowledge and risks, the local affiliate of a national breast cancer research foundation funded the Genesis Health Project (GHP) Network, a community-designed, culturally competent intervention, to develop, implement and evaluate the Breast Cancer Awareness and Education Program. This article reports on the faith-based education model used and uses evaluation data to determine whether the intervention improved awareness of breast cancer risk, methods for reducing risk, the importance of early detection and the availability of low-cost or free mammograms. Design: Pastoral health messaging and culturally appropriate strategies were used to heighten awareness of breast cancer risks and prevention, promote mammography and early detection, increase awareness of free/low-cost mammography and encourage the adoption of healthier behaviours. Setting: African American churches and collaborators targeting African American women in a mid-sized city in the northeastern USA. Method: Summative evaluations used paper and pencil pre- and post-event surveys, with measures for objectives targeted by the programme to evaluate the impact of activities. Results: Overall, participants in the Breast Cancer Awareness and Education Program showed improvements in general knowledge about breast cancer, higher breast cancer mortality among African American women, warning signs, risks and ways to mitigate risk, and the availability of low-cost or free mammograms. Conclusion: Findings confirm that faith-based health promotion programmes can be effective in helping to educate inner-city African American women about breast cancer and associated risk factors.
Discrete Event System Specification-based framework for modeling and simulation of propagation phenomena in social networks: application to the information spreading in a multi-layer social network
Authors: Bouanan Youssef , Zacharewicz Gregory , Ribault Judicael , Vallespir Bruno 
Published: June 2018

The diffusion of information is defined as the communication process by which an idea or information spreads within a social system and impacts the behavior of social actors (individuals). The social interaction plays an important role in studying the propagation of information and how it influences people. When an informational event occurs, it can either die out quickly or have significant impact on a population. The interactions could be supported by physical proximity contact, remote collaboration, any type of social meetings, and some forms of verbal or written communication, depending on the situations. Institutions and firms search to understand and predict the impact of information propagation on individuals. Agent-based modeling is a powerful approach for studying such a collective process. However, existing models oversimplify the cultural attributes, the different types of links, and information content, despite the evidence of their central role in the diffusion process. In this context, great benefits could be derived from the exploitation of an individual’s personality and cultural values in the diffusion models. In this paper, we describe a new architecture for an agent-based model using the DEVS (Discrete Event System Specification) framework and show how this architecture is flexible and can support the simulation of the dissemination process. In more detail, we define a set of models of individuals characterized by a set of state variables to represent the behavior of an individual and the individual’s network within a multi-layer social network. Then, we start by introducing the platform architecture, specifically designed to simulate message propagation in a multi-layer network. Finally, a military scenario of message diffusion during a stabilization phase is used to test our DEVS models on the platform and the relevancy of the simulation results.
How are balance and mobility problems after stroke treated in England? An observational study of the content, dose and context of physiotherapy
Authors: Tyson Sarah F , Woodward-Nutt Kate , Plant Sarah 
Published: June 2018

Objective: To describe the dose, intensity and context of physiotherapy for balance and mobility problems after stroke. Design: Process mapping to describe the context and non-participant observation of therapy sessions to describe the dose and content of therapy. Setting: Four inpatient stroke units in North-West England. Participants: Therapy staff and previously mobile stroke survivors who were treating, or receiving treatment for balance and mobility problems in the participating units. Results: Two units were stand-alone rehabilitation units; two offered a service at the weekends. One had no access to community-based rehabilitation. All had dedicated treatment facilities but often did not use them because of lack of space and difficulty transporting patients. Twenty-two patients participated and 100 treatment sessions were observed. Practicing walking, sit-to-stand and transfers were the most frequent objectives and interventions usually with the therapist(s) physically facilitating the patient’s movements. The dose of practise was low; mean repetitions of sit-to-stand per session was 5 (SD 6.4); mean time spent upright per session was 11.24 (SD = 7) minutes, and mean number of steps per session was 202 (SD 118). The mean number of staff per patient was 2.1 (SD = 0.6, mode = 2), usually involving two qualified therapists. Falls prevention or management, wheelchair skills and bed mobility were not practised. Conclusion: Stroke physiotherapy for balance and mobility problems features low-dose, low-intensity therapist-led practice, mainly of walking and sit-to-stand. Staff:patient ratios were high. Therapists need to organize treatment sessions to maximize the intensity of functional task practice.