bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the synchronization error measurement via non-collinear cross-correlation
Authors: Mu J. , Wang X. , Jing F. , Zhu Q.H. , Su J.Q. , Zhang J.W. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe method for measuring synchronization error of ultra-short pulses was introduced based on the principle of non-collinear cross-correlation. The analytical expression for the measurement was deduced according to the cross-correlation signal. The influences of angular error on the measurement were analyzed by simulated experiments. The incident angle and the angular error tolerance were both required to be considered and determined for the synchronization error measurement of ultra-short pulses. The results provide a theoretical basis for the measurement and control of the synchronization error in the coherent beam combination, plasma parameter diagnosis, etc.
Geometric design of planar mechanisms based on virtual guides for manipulation
Authors: Robson Nina , Ghosh Shramana 
Published: April 2015

SUMMARYThis paper presents recent results and applications of our planar kinematic synthesis of serial and parallel linkages to guide a rigid body, such that it does not violate normal direction and curvature constraints imposed by contact with objects in the environment. The paper briefly reviews the recently developed theory on transforming contact direction and curvature constraints into conditions on velocity and acceleration of certain points in the moving body to obtain synthesis equations which can, subsequently be solved to find the dimensions of a mechanical linkage. The main contribution of the paper is in demonstrating the applicability of the proposed theory to the kinematic synthesis of both open and closed-loop kinematic linkages. We provide preliminary results on the synthesis of kinematic chains based on novel task specifications that incorporate curvature constraints with a variety of applications, such as passive suspensions for small rovers, assistive technologies, as well as grasping.
The epidemiology, microbiology and clinical impact of Shiga toxin-producingEscherichia coliin England, 2009–2012
Authors: BYRNE L. , JENKINS C. , LAUNDERS N. , ELSON R. , ADAK G. K. 
Published: April 2015

SUMMARYBetween 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2012 in England, a total of 3717 cases were reported with evidence of Shiga toxin-producingE. coli(STEC) infection, and the crude incidence of STEC infection was 1·80/100 000 person-years. Incidence was highest in children aged 1–4 years (7·63/100 000 person-years). Females had a higher incidence of STEC than males [rate ratio (RR) 1·24,P< 0·001], and white ethnic groups had a higher incidence than non-white ethnic groups (RR 1·43,P< 0·001). Progression to haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) was more frequent in females and children. Non-O157 STEC strains were associated with higher hospitalization and HUS rates than O157 STEC strains. In STEC O157 cases, phage type (PT) 21/28, predominantly indigenously acquired, was also associated with more severe disease than other PTs, as were strains encodingstx2genes. Incidence of STEC was over four times higher in people residing in rural areas than urban areas (RR 4·39,P< 0·001). Exposure to livestock and/or their faeces was reported twice as often in cases living in rural areas than urban areas (P< 0·001). Environmental/animal contact remains an important risk factor for STEC transmission and is a significant driver in the burden of sporadic STEC infection. The most commonly detected STEC serogroup in England was O157. However, a bias in testing methods results in an unquantifiable under-ascertainment of non-O157 STEC infections. Implementation of PCR-based diagnostic methods designed to detect all STEC, to address this diagnostic deficit, is therefore important.
Hospital readmissions in frail older people
Authors: Craven Emily , Conroy Simon 
Published: April 2015

SummaryThe majority of hospital in-patients are older people, and many of these are at increased risk of readmission, which can be an adverse outcome for the patient. Currently there is poor understanding as to how best to reduce the risk of readmission. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane library for high quality review articles about readmissions. Each review was quality assessed by two reviewers. Grouped data and evidence from original papers is cited with 95% confidence intervals when possible. Nine review studies of sufficient quality were included. Two addressed risk factors for readmission, which included: age, poor functional status prior to admission, length of stay during the index admission, depression, cognitive impairment, malnutrition, social support and social networks/support. The seven other reviews addressed interventions to reduce readmission, which included: discharge planning, post-discharge support, post-discharge case management, and nutritional supplementation. It is possible to identify older people at risk of readmission using well-established risk factors; discharge planning, post-discharge support and nutritional interventions appear to be effective in reducing readmission. Combined interventions appear to be more effective than isolated interventions.
Ageing, exercise and the chemistry of inflammation
Authors: Allen SC 
Published: April 2015

SummaryExercise has a complex influence on the biochemical markers of inflammation that includes suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and promotion of anti-inflammatory cytokines. The magnitude of this effect is large for prolonged activity at high work rates. People who are able to perform regular mild–moderate exercise have lower baseline pro-inflammatory cytokine levels that appear to be associated with a number of health benefits, including reduced all-cause mortality. These effects extend into old age. Interleukin-6 (IL-6), a pleiotropic myokine released by active muscle cells, appears to play a central role in these observed phenomena, though the mechanisms of action are intricate and incompletely understood. The minimum threshold of the exercise–cytokine dose–response, if any, has not been clearly characterized. Therefore, the potential to influence cytokine activity and reduce age-associated inflammation in very aged or frail people able to perform only very low levels of physical activity is unknown.
Urban chronicle writing in late medieval Flanders: the case of Bruges during the Flemish Revolt of 1482–1490 – CORRIGENDUM
Authors: DEMETS LISA , DUMOLYN JAN 
Published: April 2015

The authors regret that the following acknowledgment was omitted from the first footnote:This article was written in the context of the project ‘El poder de la comunidad? Lenguaje y practicas politicas populares a fines de la Edad Media’ (HAR 2011–30035), funded by the Spanish Government, Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness.
Expression and functional activity of neurotransmitter system components in sea urchins’ early development
Authors: Nikishin Denis A. , Milošević Ivan , Gojković Milorad , Rakić Ljubisav , Bezuglov Vladimir V. , Shmukler Yuri B. 
Published: April 2015

SummaryReverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) investigation of the expression of the components supposedly taking part in serotonin regulation of the early development ofParacentrotus lividushas shown the presence of transcripts of five receptors, one of which has conservative amino acid residues characteristic of monoaminergic receptors. At the early stages of embryogenesis the expressions of serotonin transporter (SERT) and noradrenaline transporter (NET) were also recognized. The activities of the enzymes of serotonin synthesis and serotonin transporter were shown using immunohistochemistry and incubation with para-chlorophenylalanine (PСРА) and 5-hydroxytryptophan (HTP). Pharmacological experiments have shown a preferential cytostatic activity of ligands characterized as mammalian 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)1-antagonists. On the basis of the sum of the data from molecular biology and embryo physiological experiments, it is suggested that metabotropic serotonin receptors and membrane transporters take part in the regulatory processes of early sea urchin embryogenesis.
Gastro-Enteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor Cell Dynamics in Liver Microvasculature
Authors: Goswamee Priyodarshan , Arunachalam Sasi , Mehta Saurabh , Nasim Riaz , Gunning William T. , Giovannucci David R. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractFor many cancers, liver metastasis is common and usually indicates poor prognosis. Gastro-enteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEPNETs) of the midgut are a heterogeneous group of cancers that typically remain asymptomatic until they metastasize to the liver. However, the mechanisms by which these usually indolent cancers establish distal metastasis remain unclear.To begin to elucidate this process, we performed standard in vitro assays to assess cell motility, transendothelial migration, and invasion using BON cells, a widely used model GEPNET cell line. In addition, transmission electron microscopy was used in combination with a novel ex vivo organ slice xenograft model to reveal ultrastructural details of the initial events of BON cell extravasation and re-distribution within the liver. The ultrastructural resolution of the extravasation process revealed the route, sequence, and time course by which tumor cells migrated from the sinusoidal lumen into the hepatic parenchyma in this organ slice model. Both standard in vitro assays and our organ slice model indicated that tumor cells migrated through the discontinuous sinusoidal endothelium to invade the liver parenchyma.
Id1 suppresses anti-tumour immune responses and promotes tumour progression by impairing myeloid cell maturation
Authors: Papaspyridonos Marianna , Matei Irina , Huang Yujie , do Rosario Andre Maria , Brazier-Mitouart Helene , Waite Janelle C. , Chan April S. , Kalter Julie , Ramos Ilyssa , Wu Qi , Williams Caitlin , Wolchok Jedd D. , Chapman Paul B. , Peinado Hector , Anandasabapathy Niroshana , Ocean Allyson J. , Kaplan Rosandra N. , Greenfield Jeffrey P. , Bromberg Jacqueline , Skokos Dimitris , Lyden David 
Published: April 2015

AbstractA central mechanism of tumour progression and metastasis involves the generation of an immunosuppressive ‘macroenvironment’ mediated in part through tumour-secreted factors. Here we demonstrate that upregulation of the Inhibitor of Differentiation 1 (Id1), in response to tumour-derived factors, such as TGFβ, is responsible for the switch from dendritic cell (DC) differentiation to myeloid-derived suppressor cell expansion during tumour progression. Genetic inactivation of Id1 largely corrects the myeloid imbalance, whereas Id1 overexpression in the absence of tumour-derived factors re-creates it. Id1 overexpression leads to systemic immunosuppression by downregulation of key molecules involved in DC differentiation and suppression of CD8 T-cell proliferation, thus promoting primary tumour growth and metastatic progression. Furthermore, advanced melanoma patients have increased plasma TGFβ levels and express higher levels of ID1 in myeloid peripheral blood cells. This study reveals a critical role for Id1 in suppressing the anti-tumour immune response during tumour progression and metastasis.
Si-rich SiNx based Kerr switch enables optical data conversion up to 12 Gbit/s
Authors: Lin Gong-Ru , Su Sheng-Pin , Wu Chung-Lun , Lin Yung-Hsiang , Huang Bo-Ji , Wang Huai-Yung , Tsai Cheng-Ting , Wu Chih-I , Chi Yu-Chieh 
Published: April 2015

AbstractSilicon photonic interconnection on chip is the emerging issue for next-generation integrated circuits. With the Si-rich SiNx micro-ring based optical Kerr switch, we demonstrate for the first time the wavelength and format conversion of optical on-off-keying data with a bit-rate of 12 Gbit/s. The field-resonant nonlinear Kerr effect enhances the transient refractive index change when coupling the optical data-stream into the micro-ring through the bus waveguide. This effectively red-shifts the notched dip wavelength to cause the format preserved or inversed conversion of data carried by the on-resonant or off-resonant probe, respectively. The Si quantum dots doped Si-rich SiNx strengthens its nonlinear Kerr coefficient by two-orders of magnitude higher than that of bulk Si or Si3N4. The wavelength-converted and cross-amplitude-modulated probe data-stream at up to 12-Gbit/s through the Si-rich SiNx micro-ring with penalty of −7 dB on transmission has shown very promising applicability to all-optical communication networks.
Discerning mechanistically rewired biological pathways by cumulative interaction heterogeneity statistics
Authors: Cotton Travis B. , Nguyen Hien H. , Said Joseph I. , Ouyang Zhengyu , Zhang Jinfa , Song Mingzhou 
Published: April 2015

AbstractChanges in response of a biological pathway could be a consequence of either pathway rewiring, changed input, or a combination of both. Most pathway analysis methods are not designed for mechanistic rewiring such as regulatory element variations. This limits our understanding of biological pathway evolution. Here we present a Q-method to discern whether changed pathway response is caused by mechanistic rewiring of pathways due to evolution. The main innovation is a cumulative pathway interaction heterogeneity statistic accounting for rewiring-specific effects on the rate of change of each molecular variable across conditions. The Q-method remarkably outperformed differential-correlation based approaches on data from diverse biological processes. Strikingly, it also worked well in differentiating rewired chaotic systems, whose dynamics are notoriously difficult to predict. Applying the Q-method on transcriptome data of four yeasts, we show that pathway interaction heterogeneity for known metabolic and signaling pathways is indeed a predictor of interspecies genetic rewiring due to unbalanced TATA box-containing genes among the yeasts. The demonstrated effectiveness of the Q-method paves the way to understanding network evolution at the resolution of functional biological pathways.
Influenza A virus-dependent remodeling of pulmonary clock function in a mouse model of COPD
Authors: Sundar Isaac K. , Ahmad Tanveer , Yao Hongwei , Hwang Jae-woong , Gerloff Janice , Lawrence B. Paige , Sellix Michael T. , Rahman Irfan 
Published: April 2015

AbstractDaily oscillations of pulmonary function depend on the rhythmic activity of the circadian timing system. Environmental tobacco/cigarette smoke (CS) disrupts circadian clock leading to enhanced inflammatory responses. Infection with influenza A virus (IAV) increases hospitalization rates and death in susceptible individuals, including patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). We hypothesized that molecular clock disruption is enhanced by IAV infection, altering cellular and lung function, leading to severity in airway disease phenotypes. C57BL/6J mice exposed to chronic CS, BMAL1 knockout (KO) mice and wild-type littermates were infected with IAV. Following infection, we measured diurnal rhythms of clock gene expression in the lung, locomotor activity, pulmonary function, inflammatory, pro-fibrotic and emphysematous responses. Chronic CS exposure combined with IAV infection altered the timing of clock gene expression and reduced locomotor activity in parallel with increased lung inflammation, disrupted rhythms of pulmonary function, and emphysema. BMAL1 KO mice infected with IAV showed pronounced detriments in behavior and survival, and increased lung inflammatory and pro-fibrotic responses. This suggests that remodeling of lung clock function following IAV infection alters clock-dependent gene expression and normal rhythms of lung function, enhanced emphysematous and injurious responses. This may have implications for the pathobiology of respiratory virus-induced airway disease severity and exacerbations.
Tunable bandpass filters based on π‐shifted mechanical long‐period fibre gratings in two‐mode fibres
Authors: Sakata H. , Komori K. , Ono Y. 
Published: April 2015

A phase‐shifted tunable long‐period fibre grating in which a passband can be tuned over a wide spectral range is presented. This device is operated with an electromagnet in combination with a coil spring that includes a shift ring inserted in the middle. The passband wavelength is changed between 1520 and 1630 nm by actuating the coil spring. The minimum transmittance of the rejection band is controlled down to −15 dB by turning on the electromagnet.
Impact of Preoperative Hematocrit Level on Length of Stay after Surgery on the Lumbar Spine
Authors: Guan Jian , Karsy Michael , Schmidt Meic H. , Bisson Erica F. 
Published: April 2015

Study Design Retrospective case series. Objective Recent studies suggest that baseline hematocrit (Hct) levels may affect the surgical outcomes after orthopedic procedures. The authors examined whether preoperative Hct values had a significant effect on the hospital length of stay (LoS) after lumbar spinal procedures. Methods We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent routine lumbar spine procedures from November 2012 through September 2013. Patients were included if they had both a baseline Hct and hospital LoS recorded. Patients were divided into two groups: those with an Hct ≥ 40% (nonanemic) and those with an Hct < 40% (anemic). LoS after surgery was evaluated for each group. Results One hundred seventeen patients underwent lumbar spine procedures for lumbar stenosis ( n = 34), symptomatic lumbar disk herniation ( n = 39), lumbar spondylolisthesis ( n = 26), lumbar adjacent segment disease ( n = 8), or symptomatic recurrent lumbar disk herniation ( n = 10). Mean LoS was 3.3 and 2.4 days in anemic (27 patients) and nonanemic groups (90 patients), respectively ( p = 0.02). The linear regression analysis demonstrated that a decrease in Hct was associated with a longer stay. A decrease from preoperative to postoperative day 1 Hct of 3.5 points resulted in an increased LoS of 1 day ( R2 = 0.145; p = 0.002). The correlation of Hct decrease with longer LoS remained (β = 0.167, p = 0.006) after adjusting for other variables with multivariate regression analysis. Conclusions Lower preoperative Hct or a substantial decrease in Hct may contribute to longer hospitalization after lumbar spine surgery. These findings should prompt an investigation into the strategies for optimizing Hct levels in patients with preoperative anemia prior to lumbar spine procedures.
Traumatic Spondylolisthesis of the Axis Vertebra in Adults
Authors: Schleicher Philipp , Scholz Matti , Pingel Andreas , Kandziora Frank 
Published: April 2015

Study Design Narrative review. Objective To elucidate the current concepts in diagnosis and treatment of traumatic spondylolisthesis of the axis. Methods Literature review using PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane databases. Results The traumatic spondylolisthesis of the axis accounts to 5% of all cervical spine injuries and is defined by a bilateral separation of the C2 vertebral body from the neural arch. The precise location of the fracture line may vary widely. For understanding the pathobiomechanics, the involvement of the C2–C3 disk is essential. Although its synonym “hangman's fracture” suggests an extension moment as primary injury mechanism, flexion moments are also proven to cause such fracture morphology. The axial force vector (distraction versus compression) is thought to have a significant effect on the neurologic involvement. The most widely accepted classifications, according to Effendi and modified by Levine, regard the displacement of the C2 vertebral body and possible locking of the facet joints. For decisions on conservative versus surgical therapy, a definitive statement about the stability is essential. The stability is determined by involvement of the C2–C3 disk and longitudinal ligaments, which frequently cannot be assessed by X-ray or computed tomography alone. The assessment of this soft tissue injury therefore requires additional imaging either by magnetic resonance imaging to display the disk and longitudinal ligaments or dynamic fluoroscopy to assess functional behavior of the C2–C3 motion segment. If stability is proven, an immobilization of the cervical spine in a semirigid cervical collar is sufficient. Unstable lesions require surgical stabilization. The standard procedure is an anterior C2–C3 diskectomy and fusion, because of the lower morbidity of the anterior approach and the motion preservation between C1 and C2. In rare cases (irreducible locked facet joints, the necessity of decompression of the vertebral artery, contraindication for anterior approach), a posterior approach is sometimes necessary. Isolated direct screw osteosynthesis is of little value, because it only makes sense in cases with an intact C2–C3 disk, which is usually regarded as stable and therefore might be treated conservatively. Conclusions Overall, the clinical evidence regarding traumatic spondylolisthesis of the axis is very low and mainly based on small case series, expert opinion, laboratory findings, and theoretical considerations.
Neural crest cell-derived VEGF promotes embryonic jaw extension
Authors: Wiszniak Sophie , Mackenzie Francesca E. , Anderson Peter , Kabbara Samuela , Ruhrberg Christiana , Schwarz Quenten 
Published: April 2015

Significance
Craniofacial development is a complex morphogenic event that relies on highly orchestrated interactions between multiple cell types. Since the first description of Meckel’s cartilage in the lower jaw more than 180 years ago, we have come to realize that expansion of this specialized structure underpins correct mandible development. Here we demonstrate that an intricate association between neural crest cells and blood vessels plays an important role in promoting chondrocyte proliferation and expansion of Meckel’s cartilage as a prerequisite of correct mandibular morphogenesis. These findings provide direct insight into the origins and potential treatments of highly prevalent disorders affecting the mandible.
Plastid-produced interorgannellar stress signal MEcPP potentiates induction of the unfolded protein response in endoplasmic reticulum
Authors: Walley Justin , Xiao Yanmei , Wang Jin-Zheng , Baidoo Edward E. , Keasling Jay D. , Shen Zhouxin , Briggs Steven P. , Dehesh Katayoon 
Published: April 2015

Significance
A defining characteristic of living organisms is dynamic alignment of cellular responses to stress through activation of signal transduction pathways essential for fine-tuning of interorgannellar communication. Uncovering these communication signals is one of the prime challenges of biology. We have identified a chloroplast-produced retrograde signal, methylerythritol cyclodiphosphate (MEcPP), as a trigger of unfolded protein response (UPR) required for restoration of protein-folding homeostasis in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Increased levels of MEcPP via genetic manipulation or exogenous application potentiate expression of a sub-set of UPR genes, and alter plant’s resistance to the ER stress inducing agent. These findings provide a link between a plastidial retrograde signal and transcriptional reprogramming of ER genes critical for readjustment of protein-folding capacity in stressed cells.