bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Arterial ageing: from endothelial dysfunction to vascular calcification
Authors: Tesauro M. , Mauriello A. , Rovella V. , Annicchiarico‐Petruzzelli M. , Cardillo C. , Melino G. , Di Daniele N.
Published: March 2017

Complex structural and functional changes occur in the arterial system with advancing age. The aged artery is characterized by changes in microRNA expression patterns, autophagy, smooth muscle cell migration and proliferation, and arterial calcification with progressively increased mechanical vessel rigidity and stiffness. With age the vascular smooth muscle cells modify their phenotype from contractile to ‘synthetic’ determining the development of intimal thickening as early as the second decade of life as an adaptive response to forces acting on the arterial wall. The increased permeability observed in intimal thickening could represent the substrate on which low‐level atherosclerotic stimuli can promote the development of advanced atherosclerotic lesions. In elderly patients the atherosclerotic plaques tend to be larger with increased vascular stenosis. In these plaques there is a progressive accumulation of both lipids and collagen and a decrease of inflammation. Similarly the plaques from elderly patients show more calcification as compared with those from younger patients. The coronary artery calcium score is a well‐established marker of adverse cardiovascular outcomes. The presence of diffuse calcification in a severely stenotic segment probably induces changes in mechanical properties and shear stress of the arterial wall favouring the rupture of a vulnerable lesion in a less stenotic adjacent segment. Oxidative stress and inflammation appear to be the two primary pathological mechanisms of ageing‐related endothelial dysfunction even in the absence of clinical disease. Arterial ageing is no longer considered an inexorable process. Only a better understanding of the link between ageing and vascular dysfunction can lead to significant advances in both preventative and therapeutic treatments with the aim that in the future vascular ageing may be halted or even reversed.
Effect of 1,25(OH)2D3and 20(OH)D3on interleukin‐1β‐stimulated interleukin‐6 and ‐8 production by human gingival fibroblasts
Authors: Nakashyan V. , Tipton D. A. , Karydis A. , Livada R. , Stein S. H.
Published: March 2017

Background and Objective

Vitamin D—1,25(OH)2D3or 1,25D3—maintains healthy osseous tissue, stimulates the production of the antimicrobial peptide cathelicidin and has anti‐inflammatory effects, but it can cause hypercalcemia. Evidence links diminished serum levels of 1,25D3 with increased gingival inflammation. Periodontitis progression is associated with increased local production of inflammatory mediators by immune cells and gingival fibroblasts. These include interleukin (IL)‐6, a regulator of osteoclastic bone resorption, and the neutrophil chemoattractantIL‐8, both regulated by signaling pathways, includingNF‐κBandMAPK/AP‐1. The objectives were to determine the effects of 1,25D3 or a non‐calcemic analog, 20‐hydroxyvitamin D3—20(OH)D3or 20D3—onIL‐1β‐stimulatedIL‐6 andIL‐8 production, andNF‐κBandMAPK/AP‐1 activation, by human gingival fibroblasts.

Material and Methods

Human gingival fibroblasts were incubated ±IL‐1β, with or without exposure to 1,25D3 or 20D3.IL‐6 andIL‐8 in culture supernatants were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.NF‐κB (p65) andAP‐1 (phospho‐cJun) and were measured in nuclear extracts via binding to specific oligonucleotides. Data were analyzed usingANOVAand Scheffe's F procedure for post hoc comparisons.

Results

IL‐1β‐stimulatedIL‐6 andIL‐8 levels were both significantly inhibited (40%‐60%) (P<.045) by 1,25D3, but not 20D3 (0%‐15% inhibition, not statistically significant). Both 1,25D3 and 20D3 significantly and similarly inhibitedIL‐1β‐stimulated nuclear levels of p65 and phospho‐cJun (P<.02).

Conclusion

Reduction of the activation ofNF‐κB andAP‐1 alone is not able to inhibit strongly theIL‐1β stimulatedIL‐6 andIL‐8 gene expression. 1,25D3 but not 20D3 may affect some of the many other factors/processes/pathways that in turn regulate the expression of these genes. However, the results suggest that topical application of ligands of the vitamin D receptor may be useful in the local treatment of periodontitis while reducing adverse systemic effects.
Entecavir maleate versus entecavir in Chinese chronic hepatitis B predominantly genotype B or C: Results at week 144
Authors: Xu J.‐H. , Wang S. , Xu Z.‐N. , Yu Y.‐Y. , Si C.‐W. , Zeng Z. , Li J. , Mao Q. , Zhang D.‐Z. , Tang H. , Sheng J.‐F. , Chen X.‐Y. , Ning Q. , Shi G.‐F. , Xie Q. , Zhang X.‐Q. , Dai J.
Published: March 2017

Reports on the efficacy and safety of long‐term entecavir treatment in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) predominantly genotype B or C are insufficient. This study presents the efficacy and safety of entecavir maleate in Chinese CHB patients. Patients were randomly assigned to receive 48‐week treatment with either 0.5 mg/day entecavir (group A) or 0.5 mg/day entecavir maleate (group B), and then all patients received treatment with 0.5 mg/day entecavir maleate from week 49. Two hundred and seventy‐five patients with CHB (HBeAg‐positive: 218) were analysed, predominantly (98.5%) with genotype B or C. Baseline characteristics were balanced. For the HBeAg‐positive CHB patients, the mean HBV DNA level decreased similarly (A: by 6.36 log10 IU/mL vs B: by 6.31 log10 IU/mL) between groups at week 144. The percentages of patients who achieved undetectable HBV DNA were similar (A: 70.59% vs B: 66.67%) between groups. Similar HBeAg loss rates (A: 43.53% vs B: 40.23%; P>.05) and HBeAg seroconversion rates (A: 21.52% vs B: 21.18%) were achieved. For the HBeAg‐negative CHB patients, similar reductions in HBV DNA levels from baseline (A: by 6.13 log10 IU/mL vs B: by 5.65 log10 IU/mL) and percentages of patients who achieved undetectable HBV DNA (A: 100% vs B: 100%) were achieved. The overall incidence of adverse events was comparable between groups. In conclusions, 48‐week administration of entecavir maleate and entecavir showed similar efficacy and safety in Chinese patients with CHB. Long‐term entecavir maleate treatment was effective and safe in CHB patients.
EASL and AASLD recommendations for the diagnosis of HCC to the test of daily practice
Authors: Aubé Christophe , Oberti Frédéric , Lonjon Julie , Pageaux Georges , Seror Olivier , N'Kontchou Giséle , Rode Agnes , Radenne Sylvie , Cassinotto Christophe , Vergniol Julien , Bricault Ivan , Leroy Vincent , Ronot Maxime , Castera Laurent , Michalak Sophie , Esvan Maxime , Vilgrain Valérie ,   The CHIC Group
Published: March 2017

Aims

To evaluate the diagnostic performance of CT, MRI and CEUS alone and in combination, for the diagnosis of HCC between 10 and 30 mm, in a large population of cirrhotic patients.

Patients and methods

In a multicentre prospective trial, 442 patients have been enrolled. Within a month, CEUS, CT and MRI were performed for all patients. A composite algorithm was defined to obtain the more accurate gold standard.

Results

A total of 544 nodules in 381 patients have been retained for the performance analysis. Eighty‐two percent of the patients were male, mean age was 62 years. For the 10‐20 mm nodules (n=342), the sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) for the diagnosis of HCC were, respectively, 70.6% and 83.2% for MRI, 67.9% and 76.8% for CT and 39.6% and 92.9% for CEUS. For the 20‐30 mm nodules (n=202), the Se and Sp were, respectively, 72.3% and 89.4% for MRI, 71.6% and 93.6% for CT and 52.9% and 91.5% for CEUS.

The best combination for the 10‐20 mm nodules was MRI + CT (Se: 55.1%, Sp: 100.0%).

After a first inconclusive technique, CEUS as second image technique allowed the highest specificity with only a slight drop of sensitivity for 10‐20 mm nodules and the highest sensitivity and specificity for 20‐30 mm nodules.

Conclusion

This large multicentre study validates the EASL/AASLD recommendations in daily practice. Specificity using CT or MRI in 10‐20 mm HCC was low, but we do not recommend combined imaging at first as sensitivity would be very low. The best sequential approach combined MRI and CEUS.
Audiovisual speech perception: A new approach and implications for clinical populations
Authors: Irwin Julia , DiBlasi Lori
Published: March 2017

This selected overview of audiovisual (AV) speech perception examines the influence of visible articulatory information on what is heard. Thought to be a cross‐cultural phenomenon that emerges early in typical language development, variables that influence AV speech perception include properties of the visual and the auditory signal, attentional demands, and individual differences. A brief review of the existing neurobiological evidence on how visual information influences heard speech indicates potential loci, timing, and facilitatory effects of AV over auditory only speech. The current literature on AV speech in certain clinical populations (individuals with an autism spectrum disorder, developmental language disorder, or hearing loss) reveals differences in processing that may inform interventions. Finally, a new method of assessing AV speech that does not require obvious cross‐category mismatch or auditory noise was presented as a novel approach for investigators.
Blood transcriptomes and de novo identification of candidate loci for mating success in lekking great snipe (Gallinago media)
Authors: Höglund Jacob , Wang Biao , Sæther Stein Are , Blom Mozes Pil Kyu , Fiske Peder , Halvarsson Peter , Horsburgh Gavin J. , Burke Terry , Kålås John Atle , Ekblom Robert
Published: March 2017

We assembled the great snipe blood transcriptome using data from fourteen lekking males, in order to de novo identify candidate genes related to sexual selection, and determined the expression profiles in relation to mating success. The three most highly transcribed genes were encoding different haemoglobin subunits. All tended to be overexpressed in males with high mating success. We also called single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from the transcriptome data and found considerable genetic variation for many genes expressed during lekking. Among these, we identified 14 polymorphic candidate SNPs that had a significant genotypic association with mating success (number of females mated with) and/or mating status (mated or not). Four of the candidate SNPs were found in HBAA (encoding the haemoglobin α‐chain). Heterozygotes for one of these and one SNP in the gene PABPC1 appeared to enjoy higher mating success compared to males homozygous for either of the alleles. In a larger data set of individuals, we genotyped 38 of the identified SNPs but found low support for consistent selection as only one of the zygosities of previously identified candidate SNPs and none of their genotypes were associated with mating status. However, candidate SNPs generally showed lower levels of spatial genetic structure compared to noncandidate markers. We also scored the prevalence of avian malaria in a subsample of birds. Males infected with avian malaria parasites had lower mating success in the year of sampling than noninfected males. Parasite infection and its interaction with specific genes may thus affect performance on the lek.
Narratives of the nation in the Olympic opening ceremonies: comparative analysis of Beijing 2008 and London 2012
Authors: Lee Jongsoo , Yoon Hyunsun
Published: March 2017

This paper examines the ways in which nationalism and the narratives of the nation were constructed in the Olympic opening ceremonies in Beijing 2008 and London 2012. The ritual of the opening ceremony represents a concentration of features, qualities and messages that combine the local and global, the culturally specific and universal, in a complex production. Using textual analysis of the telecast of the above two opening ceremonies, the study found that the Beijing 2008 opening ceremony used a grand narrative of progress, emphasising the unified identity of Chineseness, while privileging the official narrative of the nation and one collective identity. In contrast, the London 2012 opening ceremony highlighted the fragmented but diversified identity of Britishness, transpiring social inclusivity, cultural hybridity and multiculturalism. This may be related to the rise of different type of nationalism in the context of increasing globalisation. The Beijing opening ceremony represented the Sinocentric Chinese new nationalism, whereas the London 2012 counterpart, up to a point, highlighted civic‐based multicultural nationalism.
Cardiac iodine‐123‐metaiodobenzylguanidine scintigraphy may be useful to identify pathologic from physiologic sinus bradycardia
Authors: Sunaga Akihiro , Masuda Masaharu , Fujita Masashi , Iida Osamu , Kanda Takashi , Matsuda Yasuhiro , Morozumi Takakazu , Mano Toshiaki , Uematsu Masaaki
Published: March 2017

Background

Sinus bradycardia includes pathologic sick sinus syndrome (SSS) and physiologic bradycardia such as athletes’ heart. Pacemaker implantation is indicated for patients with symptomatic SSS; however, the indication remains difficult to determine in those with mild and/or unspecific symptoms. The sympathetic tone is increased in response to reduced cardiac output in SSS, whereas excessive vagal tone has been seen in physiological bradycardia. We sought to determine if cardiac iodine‐123‐metaiodobenzylguanidine scintigraphy (123I‐MIBG) was useful in differentiating pathologic from physiologic sinus bradycardia.

Methods

Twenty consecutive patients presenting with continuous sinus bradycardia (heart rate of <50 beats/min) in our outpatient clinic (male, eight patients; age, 70 ± 12 years old) were enrolled. The indication for a pacemaker implantation was determined by an experienced electrophysiologist in compliance with the international guidelines. The sympathetic nervous tone was assessed by cardiac123I‐MIBG.

Results

Eight patients (40%) were clinically diagnosed as SSS (type I) including four suffering from obvious symptoms (syncope or dizziness) and four suffering from mild symptoms (fatigue), and had an indication for a pacemaker implantation. The patients with SSS indicated for a pacemaker implantation had a lower early heart‐to‐mediastinum ratio (2.0 ± 0.6 vs 2.5 ± 0.2, P = 0.043), lower delayed heart to mediastinum ratio (2.0 ± 0.8 vs 2.8 ± 0.3, P = 0.026), and higher washout rate (34 ± 6.0 vs 26 ± 6.0, P = 0.008) than those without.

Conclusion

Excessive sympathetic tone detected by123I‐MIBG may serve as an adjunct to determine the indication for a pacemaker implantation in sinus bradycardia.
Effect of botulinum toxin on inducibility and maintenance of atrial fibrillation in ovine myocardial tissue
Authors: Nazeri Alireza , Ganapathy Anand V. , Massumi Ali , Massumi Mehran , Tuzun Egemen , Stainback Raymond , Segura Ana‐Maria , Elayda Macarthur A. , Razavi Mehdi
Published: March 2017

Background

Aberrant vagal stimulation may promote the generation and propagation of atrial fibrillation (AF). Researchers have suggested that botulinum toxin (BTX), a neurotoxin that decreases neural vagal stimulation, may decrease the incidence of postoperative AF. The exact electrophysiologic mechanism underlying the observations and histopathologic alterations associated with BTX are unclear.

Objective

To investigate the electrophysiologic, functional, and histopathologic effects of BTX on fibrillation induction in ovine atria.

Methods

Eight sheep underwent BTX injections into their pulmonary veins, atrial fat pads, and ventricular walls. Electrophysiology with pacing was performed at baseline and 7 days after injection to evaluate the atrial effective refractory period (ERP) and vulnerability to AF with and without vagal stimulation. Echocardiography was performed at baseline and day 7. After euthanasia, histopathologic analysis was performed.

Results

Seven sheep completed the study. For both atria, there was significant shortening in the ERP with vagal stimulation versus no stimulation on day 0 but not on day 7. More aggressive pacing was required to induce AF in the left atrium on day 7 than on day 0. Echocardiography on day 7 showed no significant changes in ejection fraction or new wall‐motion abnormalities of the left and right ventricle. Histopathologic analysis showed no significant adverse effects.

Conclusion

The subacute BTX effect reduced the vulnerability of atrial tissue to AF induction and reduced the vagal influence on atrial ERP shortening compared to baseline levels. Direct BTX injection did not cause myocardial dysfunction or histologic adverse effects.
The association between caudal anesthesia and increased risk of postoperative surgical complications in boys undergoing hypospadias repair
Authors: Taicher Brad M. , Routh Jonathan C. , Eck John B. , Ross Sherry S. , Wiener John S. , Ross Allison K.
Published: March 2017

Introduction

Recent reports have suggested that caudal anesthesia may be associated with an increased risk of postoperative surgical complications. We examined our experience with caudal anesthesia in hypospadias repair to evaluate for increased risk of urethrocutaneous fistula or glanular dehiscence.

Methods

All hypospadias repairs performed by a single surgeon in 2001–2014 were reviewed. Staged or revision surgeries were excluded. Patient age, weight, hypospadias severity, surgery duration, month and year of surgery, caudal anesthesia use, and postoperative complications were recorded. Bivariate and multivariate statistical analyses were performed.

Results

We identified 395 single‐stage primary hypospadias repairs. Mean age was 15.6 months; 326 patients had distal (83%) and 69 had proximal (17%) hypospadias. Caudal anesthetics were used in 230 (58%) cases; 165 patients (42%) underwent local penile block at the discretion of the surgeon and/or anesthesiologist. Complications of urethrocutaneous fistula or glanular deshiscence occurred in 22 patients (5.6%) and were associated with caudal anesthetic use (OR 16.5, 95% CI 2.2–123.8, P = 0.007), proximal hypospadias (OR 8.2, 95% CI 3.3–20.0, P < 0.001), increased surgical duration (OR 1.01, 95% CI 1.01–1.02, P < 0.001), and earlier year of practice (OR 3.0, 95% CI 1.2–7.9, P = 0.03 for trend). After adjusting for confounding variables via multivariable logistic regression, both caudal anesthetic use (OR 13.4, 95% CI 1.8–101.8, P = 0.01) and proximal hypospadias (OR 6.8, 95% CI 2.7–16.9, P < 0.001) remained highly associated with postoperative complications.

Conclusions

In our experience, caudal anesthesia was associated with an over 13‐fold increase in the odds of developing postoperative surgical complications in boys undergoing hypospadias repair even after adjusting for urethral meatus location. Until further investigation occurs, clinicians should carefully consider the use of caudal anesthesia for children undergoing hypospadias repair.
The Association Between Political Violence and the Connection Between Bullying and Suicidality Among Palestinian Youth
Authors: Abdeen Ziad , Brunstein‐Klomek Anat , Nakash Ora , Shibli Nabil , Nagar Maayan , Agha Hazem , Hallaq Sameh , Kanat‐Maymon Yaniv , Juerges Hendrik , Levav Itzhak
Published: March 2017

We examined the association between protracted political violence and the connection between bullying and suicidality among Palestinian adolescents. Data were collected from a representative sample of Palestinian students (N = 5,713) from 100 schools in the West Bank and East Jerusalem who completed an in‐class survey. Students who were victims of bullying or bully victims who were exposed to political violence were at higher risk for suicide attempts compared to students who were victims of bullying or bully victims but not exposed to political violence. Political violence moderated the association between bullying and suicide attempts after controlling for socio demographic and other mental health variables.
Emp10 encodes a mitochondrial PPR protein that affects the cis‐splicing of nad2 intron 1 and seed development in maize
Authors: Cai Manjun , Li Shuzhen , Sun Feng , Sun Qin , Zhao Hailiang , Ren Xuemei , Zhao Yanxin , Tan Bao‐Cai , Zhang Zuxin , Qiu Fazhan
Published: March 2017

In higher plants, many mitochondrial genes contain group II‐type introns that are removed from RNAs by splicing to produce mature transcripts that are then translated into functional proteins. However, the factors involved in the splicing of mitochondrial introns and their biological functions are not well understood in maize. Here, we isolated an empty pericarp 10 (emp10) mutant and identified the underlying gene by map‐based cloning. Emp10 encodes a P‐type mitochondria‐targeted pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) protein with 10 PPR motifs. Loss of Emp10 function results in splicing defect of the first intron of nad2, a gene encoding subunit 2 of NADH dehydrogenase (also called complex I). The emp10 mutant has undetectable activity of complex I and has arrested development of embryo and endosperm, and thus defective seeds with empty pericarp. Additionally, the basal endosperm transfer layer cells were severely affected, indicating the deficiency of cell wall ingrowths in the emp10 kernels. Moreover, the alternative respiratory pathway involving alternative oxidase was significantly induced in the emp10 mutant. These results suggest that EMP10 is specifically required for the cis‐splicing of mitochondrial nad2 intron 1, embryogenesis and endosperm development in maize.
The Arabidopsis thiamin‐deficient mutant pale green1 lacks thiamin monophosphate phosphatase of the vitamin B1 biosynthesis pathway
Authors: Hsieh Wei‐Yu , Liao Jo‐Chien , Wang Hsin‐Tzu , Hung Tzu‐Huan , Tseng Ching‐Chih , Chung Tsui‐Yun , Hsieh Ming‐Hsiun
Published: March 2017

Thiamin diphosphate (TPP, vitamin B1) is an essential coenzyme present in all organisms. Animals obtain TPP from their diets, but plants synthesize TPPde novo. We isolated and characterized an Arabidopsis pale green1 (pale1) mutant that contained higher concentrations of thiamin monophosphate (TMP) and less thiamin and TPP than the wild type. Supplementation with thiamin, but not the thiazole and pyrimidine precursors, rescued the mutant phenotype, indicating that the pale1 mutant is a thiamin‐deficient mutant. Map‐based cloning and whole‐genome sequencing revealed that the pale1 mutant has a mutation in At5g32470 encoding a TMP phosphatase of the TPP biosynthesis pathway. We further confirmed that the mutation of At5g32470 is responsible for the mutant phenotypes by complementing the pale1 mutant with constructs overexpressing full‐length At5g32470. Most plant TPP biosynthetic enzymes are located in the chloroplasts and cytosol, but At5g32470‐GFP localized to the mitochondrion of the root, hypocotyl, mesophyll and guard cells of the 35S:At5g32470‐GFP complemented plants. The subcellular localization of a functional TMP phosphatase suggests that the complete vitamin B1 biosynthesis pathway may involve the chloroplasts, mitochondria and cytosol in plants. Analysis of PALE1 promoter‐uidA activity revealed that PALE1 is mainly expressed in vascular tissues of Arabidopsis seedlings. Quantitative RT‐PCR analysis of TPP biosynthesis genes and genes encoding the TPP‐dependent enzymes pyruvate dehydrogenase, α‐ketoglutarate dehydrogenase and transketolase revealed that the transcript levels of these genes were upregulated in the pale1 mutant. These results suggest that endogenous levels of TPP may affect the expression of genes involved in TPP biosynthesis and TPP‐dependent enzymes.
Role of Professional Women in Conflict Resolution and Peace Building in Niger Delta Region of Nigeria
Authors: N. Iruloh Betty- Ruth , M. Uche Chineze
Published: March 2017

Oil and gas activities in Southern part of Nigeria have exposed the region to environmental degradation and social vices. This problem has caused conflicts among stakeholders (government, community, companies, institutions, individuals), which has led to community clashes. These conflicts have resulted to the loss of lives and properties. They are also responsible for youth restiveness, low level of women empowerment and lack of peaceful coexistence in the region. This makes the promotion of understanding and dialogue to be a prime issue in the management of conflict, community peace and security. Professional women belong to professional bodies that spread into all works of life; academia, government, industry, legal institution, health sector, financial institutions, NGOs, security sector.  This paper discussed issues on causes of conflict in Niger Delta, what roles should professional women play in attaining peace, global examples of professional women in conflict resolution, role of professional women in Niger Delta, way in which women engage in conflict resolution and challenges women face in conflict resolution and peace building. The paper concluded that time has come for everybody to be aware of gender equality and involvement in conflict resolution and peace building. Professional women need to intensify effort in achieving this.
Contribution of small conductance K+ channels to sinoatrial node pacemaker activity: insights from atrial‐specific Na+/Ca2+ exchange knockout mice
Authors: Torrente Angelo G. , Zhang Rui , Wang Heidi , Zaini Audrey , Kim Brian , Yue Xin , Philipson Kenneth D. , Goldhaber Joshua I.
Published: March 2017

Key points

Repolarizing currents through K+ channels are essential for proper sinoatrial node (SAN) pacemaking, but the influence of intracellular Ca2+ on repolarization in the SAN is uncertain.

We identified all three isoforms of Ca2+‐activated small conductance K+ (SK) channels in the murine SAN.

SK channel blockade slows repolarization and subsequent depolarization of SAN cells.

In the atrial‐specific Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX) knockout mouse, cellular Ca2+ accumulation during spontaneous SAN pacemaker activity produces intermittent hyperactivation of SK channels, leading to arrhythmic pauses alternating with bursts of pacing.

These findings suggest that Ca2+‐sensitive SK channels can translate changes in cellular Ca2+ into a repolarizing current capable of modulating pacemaking.

SK channels are a potential pharmacological target for modulating SAN rate or treating SAN dysfunction, particularly under conditions characterized by abnormal increases in diastolic Ca2+.

Small conductance K+ (SK) channels have been implicated as modulators of spontaneous depolarization and electrical conduction that may be involved in cardiac arrhythmia. However, neither their presence nor their contribution to sinoatrial node (SAN) pacemaker activity has been investigated. Using quantitative PCR (q‐PCR), immunostaining and patch clamp recordings of membrane current and voltage, we identified all three SK isoforms (SK1, SK2 and SK3) in mouse SAN. Inhibition of SK channels with the specific blocker apamin prolonged action potentials (APs) in isolated SAN cells. Apamin also slowed diastolic depolarization and reduced pacemaker rate in isolated SAN cells and intact tissue. We investigated whether the Ca2+‐sensitive nature of SK channels could explain arrhythmic SAN pacemaker activity in the atrial‐specific Na+/Ca2+ exchange (NCX) knockout (KO) mouse, a model of cellular Ca2+ overload. SAN cells isolated from the NCX KO exhibited higher SK current than wildtype (WT) and apamin prolonged their APs. SK blockade partially suppressed the arrhythmic burst pacing pattern of intact NCX KO SAN tissue. We conclude that SK channels have demonstrable effects on SAN pacemaking in the mouse. Their Ca2+‐dependent activation translates changes in cellular Ca2+ into a repolarizing current capable of modulating regular pacemaking. This Ca2+ dependence also promotes abnormal automaticity when these channels are hyperactivated by elevated Ca2+. We propose SK channels as a potential target for modulating SAN rate, and for treating patients affected by SAN dysfunction, particularly in the setting of Ca2+ overload.
Geometric Prepatterning-Based Tuning of the Period Doubling Onset Strain During Thin-Film Wrinkling
Authors: Saha Sourabh K.
Published: March 2017

Wrinkling of thin films is an easy-to-implement and low-cost technique to fabricate stretch-tunable periodic micro and nanoscale structures. However, the tunability of such structures is often limited by the emergence of an undesirable period-doubled mode at high strains. Predictively tuning the onset strain for period doubling via existing techniques requires one to have extensive knowledge about the nonlinear pattern formation behavior. Herein, a geometric prepatterning-based technique is introduced that can be implemented even with limited system knowledge to predictively delay period doubling. The technique comprises prepatterning the film/base bilayer with a sinusoidal pattern that has the same period as the natural period of the system. This technique has been verified via physical and computational experiments on the polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)/glass bilayer system. It is observed that the onset strain can be increased from the typical value of 20% for flat films to greater than 30% with a modest prepattern aspect ratio (2·amplitude/period) of 0.15. In addition, finite element simulations reveal that (i) the onset strain increases with increasing prepattern amplitude and (ii) the delaying effect can be captured entirely by the prepattern geometry. Therefore, one can implement this technique even with limited system knowledge, such as material properties or film thickness, by simply replicating pre-existing wrinkled patterns to generate prepatterned bilayers. Thus, geometric prepatterning is a practical scheme to increase the operating range of stretch-tunable wrinkle-based devices by at least 50%.
Fabrication of Mo microcones for volcano-structured double-gate Spindt-type emitter cathodes using triode high power pulsed magnetron sputtering
Authors: Nakano Takeo , Narita Tomoki , Oya Kei , Nagao Masayoshi , Ohsaki Hisashi
Published: March 2017

In this study, an array of Mo cones for volcano-structured Spindt-type microelectron emitters were fabricated. A recently developed triode high power pulsed magnetron sputtering system was used to control the positive plasma potential and efficiently accelerate ion species. By applying a proper positive voltage to the additional electrode, the authors obtained good cone shapes with high aspect ratios in a water-cooled microcavity structure made of two resist layers, which was previously impossible by conventional vacuum evaporation techniques. The effects of ion acceleration on the alignment of ions along the normal direction, as well as on the stress in the deposited film, are discussed. The former is important for the formation of sharp cones, while the latter is crucial for achieving stable fabrication.
Multiphoton photoemission of gold nanopillars fabricated by carbon nanotube templates
Authors: Monshipouri Mahta , Abdi Yaser , Darbari Sara , Tsujino Soichiro
Published: March 2017

High-aspect ratio metallic nanopillars are promising as electron emitters in frequency ranges of terahertz and higher. However, producing nanopillars with aspect ratio of more than a factor of 10 by lithographic methods is still a challenge. Here, the authors report the fabrication of Au nanopillars using carbon nanotube forests as templates and a study on their near infrared photocurrent characterization. The pillars had the diameter of 100 nm and the aspect ratio up to 28. The authors observed an increase in the photocurrent from Au nanopillars with the increase in the nanopillar height. The observed photocurrent is compatible with the multiphoton photoemission and is uncorrelated to the pillar density. The results indicate that our proposed method is promising to produce electron sources for high frequency vacuum nanoelectronic devices.
Polyethylenimine-mediated synthetic insertion of gold nanoparticles into mesoporous silica nanoparticles for drug loading and biocatalysis
Authors: Pandey Prem C. , Pandey Govind , Narayan Roger J.
Published: March 2017

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNPs) have been used as an efficient and safe carrier for drug delivery and biocatalysis. The surface modification of MSNPs using suitable reagents may provide a robust framework in which two or more components can be incorporated to give multifunctional capabilities (e.g., synthesis of noble metal nanoparticles within mesoporous architecture along with loading of a bioactive molecule). In this study, the authors reported on a new synthetic route for the synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) within (1) unmodified MSNPs and (2) 3-trihydroxysilylpropyl methylphosphonate-modified MSNPs. A cationic polymer, polyethylenimine (PEI), and formaldehyde were used to mediate synthetic incorporation of AuNPs within MSNPs. The AuNPs incorporated within the mesoporous matrix were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive x-ray analysis, and high-resolution scanning electron microscopy. PEI in the presence of formaldehyde enabled synthetic incorporation of AuNPs in both unmodified and modified MSNPs. The use of unmodified MSNPs was associated with an increase in the polycrystalline structure of the AuNPs within the MSNPs. The AuNPs within modified MSNPs showed better catalytic activity than those within unmodified MSNPs. MSNPs with an average size of 200 nm and with a pore size of 4–6 nm were used for synthetic insertion of AuNPs. It was found that the PEI coating enabled AuNPs synthesis within the mesopores in the presence of formaldehyde or tetrahydrofuran hydroperoxide at a temperature between 10 and 25 °C or at 60 °C in the absence of organic reducing agents. The as-made AuNP-inserted MSNPs exhibited enhanced catalytic activity. For example, these materials enabled rapid catalytic oxidation of the o-dianisidine substrate to produce a colored solution in proportion to the amount of H2O2 generated as a function of glucose oxidase-catalyzed oxidation of glucose; a linear concentration range from 80 to 800 μM and a detection limit as low as 80 μM were observed. The mesoscale pores of the as developed AuNP-inserted MSNPs were also used to entrap the hydrophobic drug paclitaxel. The results of this study indicate the potential use of the AuNP-inserted MSNPs in biocatalysis and drug delivery.
Race and the Deep Ball: Applying Stereotypes to NFL Quarterbacks
Authors: Ferrucci Patrick , Tandoc Edson C.
Published: March 2017

This study experimentally tested whether White participants (N = 274) applied stereotypes to Black and White professional quarterbacks. Using common stereotypical descriptors established in prior research, this between-subjects experiment found that while the participants did not stereotype White quarterbacks, they did apply the stereotypes of “physically strong” and “naturally gifted” to Black quarterbacks, thus othering, or using race to establish an out group. These results are interpreted through the framework of social-identity theory.
Understanding Fandom in the Multilingual Internet: A Study of “El Clásico” Fans’ Commenting Behavior on YouTube
Authors: Gil-Lopez Teresa , Ahmed Saifuddin , Taylor Laramie D.
Published: March 2017

“El Clásico,” the soccer competition between Real Madrid and Barcelona FC, is one of the most fervent events in Spanish popular culture. Over the years, the related fandom has acquired an increasingly global reach, in part due to the availability of Web 2.0 technologies that allow for the sharing of content and the creation of multilingual spaces for discussion. The structural and communicative affordances of Web 2.0 technologies allow scholars to investigate multilingual fandom irrespective of geopolitical boundaries; yet scholarly research on such soccer fandom behavior is limited. By analyzing 2,343 Spanish and English fan-posted comments on YouTube related to El Clásico, this study compares the similarities and differences between 2 distinct fan communities surrounding the same context. The findings indicate that, aside from some similarities, both communities differed in their degree of identification with teams and the presence of political references. Implications of the findings and limitations of the study are discussed.
Rare progression of cholangiocarcinoma: distal femoral metastasis
Authors: MacKenzie Sam A , Goffin Joaquim Stanislas Olivier , Rankin Conor , Carter Tom
Published: March 2017

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a rare cancer of the bile duct epithelial cells, with metastases to long bones rarely reported. We present the case of a woman aged 61 years, diagnosed with CCA 6 years previously. She presented with right thigh discomfort, rapidly progressing to immobility with severe pain. Radiological investigations revealed a lytic lesion in her right distal femur, most likely a metastatic deposit, at high risk of pathological fracture. This was managed with an en bloc resection and implantation of a distal femoral replacement. Pathology specimens from theatre confirmed metastatic CCA. Despite sustaining a subsequent fractured neck of femur on the operative side, she recovered well from surgery, with minimal pain and improved mobility on discharge. She restarted palliative chemotherapy. This case illustrates the option of definitive major surgery for the management of metastatic bone disease. As in this case, this can lead to improved symptom control and quality of remaining life.
Pure motor axonal neuropathy triggered by antituberculous therapy in an undiagnosed case of acute intermittent porphyria
Authors: Babar Masood Uz Zaman , Hakeem Haris , Khan Sara
Published: March 2017

A man aged 22 years misdiagnosed as suffering from recurrent abdominal tuberculosis, in view of recurrent abdominal pain was treated for abdominal tuberculosis in the past. The patient was prescribed antituberculous therapy. 2 months after starting treatment, he developed progressive weakness of all 4 limbs. Electrodiagnostic examination revealed an acute severe motor axonal neuropathy. Further workup revealed elevated porphyrin precursors in urine.
It's not what it looks like: atypical rash in cryoglobulinaemic vasculitis
Authors: Gleason Tyler , Ghimire Sushil , Paladugu Susmita
Published: March 2017

A 48-year-old man with a history of intravenous drug use and chronic, untreated hepatitis C presented to the emergency room with acute bilateral lower extremity swelling, erythema and maculopapular rash. Serum C4 levels were low, but dermatology felt the rash was due to venous stasis dermatitis. The patient was discharged with compression stockings, but returned to the hospital 5 days later with no improvement in his symptoms. A more extensive laboratory workup revealed hepatitis C viral load of 4 million, elevated serum cryoglobulins, and skin biopsy showing leucocytoclastic vasculitis. He was treated with oral prednisone, with complete resolution of his symptoms after 2 weeks. He was scheduled for follow-up in gastroenterology clinic for treatment of his hepatitis C for definitive cure of his mixed cryoglobulinaemia, but failed to get insurance authorisation to begin treatment with Harvoni. He presented to the hospital 4 months later with diffuse alveolar haemorrhage.
Dye rejection membranes prepared from oxidized graphite particles
Authors: Colomba Anastasia , Biesinger Mark C. , Divigalpitiya Ranjith , Brandys Frank A. , Gilroy Joe B.
Published: March 2017

This article reports the comparison of different chemical methods to produce graphite-based particles with varying degrees of oxidation, as well as graphene oxide (GO) and pristine graphite (PG). Detailed physicochemical characterization of the resulting materials was carried out, highlighting structural differences and variable oxygen content. The particles were then used to produce supported membranes that were tested for the rejection of three different organic dyes (Rhodamine B, Methyl Blue, and Congo Red), and their performance was rationalized in terms of a combination of properties of the membranes and dyes. In particular, membranes produced using edge-oxidized graphite (EOG) showed comparable performance with those derived from GO in the removal of Congo Red, providing a promising alternative to the aforementioned membranes.
Inactivation of Clostridium difficile spore outgrowth by synergistic effects of nisin and lysozyme
Authors: Chai Changhoon , Lee Kyung-Soo , Imm Goo-Sang , Kim Young Soon , Oh Se-Wook
Published: March 2017

Inactivating Clostridium difficile spores is difficult, as they are resistant to heat, chemicals, and antimicrobials. However, this note describes inactivation of C. difficile spore outgrowth by incubation in a solution containing a germinant (1% (m/v) sodium taurocholate), co-germinants (1% (m/v) tryptose and 1% (m/v) NaCl), and natural antimicrobials (20 nmol·L–1 nisin and 0.2 mmol·L–1 lysozyme). Clostridium difficile spores were resistant to nisin and lysozyme but became susceptible during germination and outgrowth triggered and promoted by sodium taurocholate, tryptose, and NaCl. The degree of inactivation of germinated and outgrowing C. difficile spores by both nisin and lysozyme was greater than the sum of that by nisin and lysozyme individually, suggesting synergistic inactivation of C. difficile spores. The germinant, co-germinants, and natural antimicrobials used in this study are safe for human contact and consumption. Therefore, these findings will facilitate the development of a safe and effective method to inactivate C. difficile spore.
Artificial floating islands for water quality improvement
Authors: Chang Yueya , Cui He , Huang Minsheng , He Yan
Published: March 2017

Artificial floating islands (AFIs) are a variation of wetland treatment systems for water quality improvement. This paper provides a review concerning AFIs in terms of their development, classification, and applications in the removal of nutrients, heavy metals, and chemical oxygen demand on waterways. The role of microorganisms, aquatic plants, and aquatic animals in AFIs for water decontamination and purification was also discussed. Additionally, some key factors influencing the AFIs’ performances were discussed and comparisons between AFIs and constructed wetlands were reviewed. Finally, further perspectives of artificial floating islands were identified to possibly improve their performances. The understanding of the mechanisms in AFIs that drive removal of various contaminants to improve water quality is crucial, and is also highlighted in this paper.
The Trump phenomenon: An explanation from sociophysics
Authors: Galam Serge
Published: March 2017

The Trump phenomenon is argued to depart from current populist rise in Europe. According to a model of opinion dynamics from sociophysics the machinery of Trump’s amazing success obeys well-defined counter-intuitive rules. Therefore, his success was in principle predictable from the start. The model uses local majority rule arguments and obeys a threshold dynamics. The associated tipping points are found to depend on the leading collective beliefs, cognitive biases and prejudices of the social group which undertakes the public debate. And here comes the open sesame of the Trump campaign, which develops along two successive steps. During a first moment, Trump’s statement produces a majority of voters against him. But at the same time, according to the model the shocking character of the statement modifies the prejudice balance. In case the prejudice is present even being frozen among voters, the tipping point is lowered at Trump’s benefit. Nevertheless, although the tipping point has been lowered by the activation of frozen prejudices it is instrumental to preserve enough support from openly prejudiced people to be above the threshold. Then, as infuriated voters launch intense debate, occurrence of ties will drive progressively hostile people to shift their voting intention without needing to endorse the statement which has infuriated them. The ongoing debate does drive towards a majority for Trump. The possible Trump victory at November Presidential election is discussed. In particular, the model shows that to eventually win the Presidential election, Trump must not modify his past shocking attitude but to appeal to a different spectrum of frozen prejudices, which are common to both Democrats and Republicans.
Nonrelativistic fermionic energy gap in the nonabelian gauge systems
Authors: Huang Bo-Jie , Chern Chyh-Hong
Published: March 2017

We demonstrate that the nonrelativistic fermions open the energy gap when the SU([Formula: see text]) gauge bosons, mediating the interaction between fermions, acquire the mass. Surprisingly, even though there is the SU([Formula: see text]) gauge symmetry, there is always one fermionic energy gap which is not degenerate to the rest of the [Formula: see text] fermions for [Formula: see text] in the fundamental representation.
GUP-corrected thermodynamics of accelerating and rotating black holes
Authors: Rizwan Muhammad , Saifullah K.
Published: March 2017

When quantum gravity effects, that are based on generalized uncertainty principle with a minimal measurable length, are incorporated into black hole physics the Klein–Gordon and Dirac equations get modified. Using these modified equations we investigate tunneling of scalar particles and fermions from event and acceleration horizons of accelerating and rotating black holes and obtain the modified Hawking temperature with quantum gravity effects. We see that Hawking temperature depends on black hole parameters as well as the quantum numbers of emitted fermions. The quantum corrections slow down black hole evaporation and leave a black hole remnant. This contradicts complete evaporation of a black hole which is presaged by the standard temperature formula for black holes. The modified Hawking temperatures presented here, in appropriate limits, are consistent with the previous results in the literature.
Scattering of α-particles and 3He on 16O nuclei and its excitation mechanism at energies near 50MeV
Authors: Burtebayev N. , Duysebayev A. , Duysebayev B. A. , Burtebayeva J. , Nassurlla M. , Sadykov B. , Zholdybayev T. K. , Saduev N. , Sakuta S. B. , Spitaleri C. , Novatsky B. G. , Stepanov D. N. , Sadykov T. Kh.
Published: March 2017

Elastic and inelastic scattering of [Formula: see text]-particles at 48.1[Formula: see text]MeV and 3He at 60[Formula: see text]MeV on [Formula: see text]O nuclei has been measured with excitation of states at 6.05 (0[Formula: see text])–6.13 (3[Formula: see text])[Formula: see text]MeV, 6.92 (2[Formula: see text])–7.12 (1[Formula: see text])[Formula: see text]MeV and 8.87 (2[Formula: see text])[Formula: see text]MeV. The center-of-mass beam momenta are the same for these two strongly absorbed particles. Analysis of angular distributions was performed in the frameworks of the optical model, the coupled channels method and the Distorted Wave Born Approximation (DWBA). A good description of experimental data was obtained over the full angular range without taking into account the spin-orbit interaction and the cluster transfer mechanism with real potentials that have volume integrals of about 400[Formula: see text]MeV fm3. Collective and microscopic models were used in the analysis of the inelastic scattering. The values of the octupole deformation lengths were extracted. It is shown that nuclear rainbow effects appear not only in the elastic, but also in the inelastic scattering with excitation of the 3[Formula: see text] state of [Formula: see text]O.