bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Cognitive Training on Cognition and Quality of Life of Older Persons with Dementia
Authors: Kallio Eeva‐Liisa , Öhman Hannareeta , Hietanen Marja , Soini Helena , Strandberg Timo E. , Kautiainen Hannu , Pitkälä Kaisu H.
Published: January 2018

Objectives

To evaluate the effect of cognitive training on cognition and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in community‐dwelling persons with dementia.

Design

Single‐blind randomized controlled trial with 3‐ and 9‐month follow‐up.

Setting

Adult day care centers in Helsinki, Finland.

Participants

Older individuals with mild to moderate dementia living at home and attending adult day care twice a week (N = 147; mean age 83, 72% female, 63% at mild stage of dementia).

Intervention

A systematic 12‐week training program focused on subskills of executive function: attention, working memory, cognitive flexibility, and planning. The intervention group (n = 76) underwent cognitive training twice a week for 45 minutes, and the control group (n = 71) attended day care as usual.

Measurements

Primary outcomes were the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale—Cognitive subscale (ADAS‐Cog) for global cognition and the 15‐dimensional instrument (15D) for HRQoL. The outcomes were measured at baseline and 3 and 9 months.

Results

Both groups deteriorated in global cognition and HRQoL during follow‐up, and there were no differences between the two groups in change on the ADAS‐Cog (P = .43) or 15D (P = .61) over time (adjusted for age and sex). At 3 months, changes were 0.8 (95% confidence interval (CI) = −0.2–1.8) for the intervention group and 1.7 (95% CI = 0.6–2.7) for the control group on the ADAS‐Cog and −0.040 (95% CI = −0.058 to −0.021) for the intervention group and −0.037 (95% CI = −0.056 to −0.018) for the control group on the 15D.

Conclusion

Systematic cognitive training had no effect on global cognition or HRQoL in community‐living persons with mild to moderate dementia.
Cognitive Training for Older Adults: What Works?
Authors: Lenze Eric J. , Bowie Christopher R.
Published: January 2018

This editorial comments on the article by Kallio et al.
Cryolipolysis for the treatment of submental fat: Review of the literature
Authors: Lipner Shari R
Published: January 2018

Background

Submental fat accumulation is a common cosmetic concern. Cryolipolysis utilizes noninvasive cooling to lyse adipocytes. A cryolipolysis device was recently approved for treatment of submental fat.

Objective

This manuscript provides a review of the preclinical work and clinical trials related to cryolipolysis for the treatment of submental fat. Settings, efficacy, and side effects are also discussed.

Materials and Methods

A literature search was performed through Pubmed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and CINAHL, using the search terms “cryolipolysis,” “submental,” and “paradoxical adipose hyperplasia”. Additional sources from the original source bibliographies were used to further supplement this review.

Results

There are 4 clinical trials and one case series (total 101 patients) that evaluated the use of cryolipolysis for treatment of submental fat. In these studies, there was a statistically significant reduction in submental fat and patients expressed high satisfaction with the treatment. Adverse effects were mild and transient.

Conclusions

Cryolipolysis is a noninvasive cooling technique that is safe and effective for treatment of submental fat. To date, there are no reports of marginal mandibular nerve injury or paradoxical adipose hyperplasia following treatment with this device.
Reliability and criterion‐related validity testing (construct) of the Endotracheal Suction Assessment Tool (ESAT©)
Authors: Davies Kylie , Bulsara Max K. , Ramelet Anne‐Sylvie , Monterosso Leanne
Published: January 2018

Aims and objectives

To establish criterion‐related construct validity and test–retest reliability for the Endotracheal Suction Assessment Tool© (ESAT©).

Background

Endotracheal tube suction performed in children can significantly affect clinical stability. Previously identified clinical indicators for endotracheal tube suction were used as criteria when designing the ESAT©. Content validity was reported previously. The final stages of psychometric testing are presented.

Design

Observational testing was used to measure construct validity and determine whether the ESAT© could guide “inexperienced” paediatric intensive care nurses’ decision‐making regarding endotracheal tube suction. Test–retest reliability of the ESAT© was performed at two time points.

Methods

The researchers and paediatric intensive care nurse “experts” developed 10 hypothetical clinical scenarios with predetermined endotracheal tube suction outcomes. “Experienced” (n = 12) and “inexperienced” (n = 14) paediatric intensive care nurses were presented with the scenarios and the ESAT© guiding decision‐making about whether to perform endotracheal tube suction for each scenario. Outcomes were compared with those predetermined by the “experts” (n = 9). Test–retest reliability of the ESAT© was measured at two consecutive time points (4 weeks apart) with “experienced” and “inexperienced” paediatric intensive care nurses using the same scenarios and tool to guide decision‐making.

Results

No differences were observed between endotracheal tube suction decisions made by “experts” (n = 9), “inexperienced” (n = 14) and “experienced” (n = 12) nurses confirming the tool's construct validity. No differences were observed between groups for endotracheal tube suction decisions at T1 and T2.

Conclusion

Criterion‐related construct validity and test–retest reliability of the ESAT© were demonstrated. Further testing is recommended to confirm reliability in the clinical setting with the “inexperienced” nurse to guide decision‐making related to endotracheal tube suction.

Relevance to clinical practice

The ESAT© is the first validated tool to systematically guide endotracheal nursing practice for the “inexperienced” nurse.
MiRNA‐320a inhibits trophoblast cell invasion by targeting estrogen‐related receptor‐gamma
Authors: Gao Tian , Deng Mou , Wang Qian
Published: January 2018

Aim

MicroRNAs (miRs) play an essential role in the modulation of trophoblast function. We explored miR‐320a expression in the human placenta. In addition, we report the promising effect and target functional loop of miR‐320a in trophoblasts.

Methods

MiR‐320a expression was investigated in both pre‐eclamptic and healthy placenta tissues by quantitative real time‐polymerase chain reaction to determine how miR‐320a affected invasion, proliferation and migration in trophoblasts. A lipopolysaccharide (LPS) model was established in trophoblasts to reveal how LPS supplementation stimulated miR‐320a expression. Western blot was applied to measure protein expression, which was involved in pathways modulated by miR‐320a in pre‐eclamptic placentas.

Results

MiR‐320a expression was enhanced in the placental specimens of pre‐eclamptic patients. Excessive miR‐320a expression remarkably suppressed trophoblast invasion but did not affect migration or proliferation. However, transfection with miR‐320a inhibitor reinforced trophoblast invasion in vitro. Luciferase assays verified that estrogen‐related receptor‐gamma (ERRγ) served as a direct target of miR‐320a. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot demonstrated that excessive miR‐320a expression downregulated ERRγ transcription and translation. Additionally, LPS supplementation showed excessive miR‐320a expression and ERRγ downregulation. Impaired ERRγ and enhanced miR‐320a expression occurred in PE placentas compared to controls. Pearson correlation and linear regression analysis revealed that miR‐320a expression was negatively related to ERRγ expression in normal and pre‐eclamptic placentas.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that miR‐320a overexpression causes anomalous placentation by targeting ERRγ. Our research reveals the promising effect of miR‐320a and the ERRγ functional loop on placentation.
An immunohistochemical score to predict the outcome for oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Monteiro Luís Silva , Diniz‐Freitas Márcio , Warnakulasuriya Saman , Garcia‐Caballero Tomás , Forteza Jerónimo , Fraga Máximo
Published: January 2018

Background

Oral cancer is a major public health problem worldwide, with a poor survival. Our aim was to evaluate several protein markers in oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC) and analyse their prognostic value on patient′s survival.

Methods

We analysed the expression of EGFR, p53, p27, p16, cyclin D1, cyclin A2, COX‐2, Ki‐67, Bcl‐2, VEGFR‐1 and VEGFR‐2, by immunohistochemistry on 67 primary OSCC. Cancer‐specific survival (CSS) analysis was evaluated by the Cox regression model.

Results

Markers showed variable expression between 27.9% and 95.2%. In univariate analysis for CSS, we found that four of the tested markers, namely high expression of p53 (P = .001), EGFR (P = .003), cyclin A2 (P = .005) and low expression of p16 (P = .019), along with clinical stage (P < .001), tumour size (P < .001), presence of nodal metastasis (P < .001) and perineural permeation (P = .039) were related to decreased survival. On the basis of these results, we constructed an immunohistochemical score hinging on the possibility that any tumour could express none of these four markers (score 0), one or two markers (score 1) and three or more markers (score 2). In multivariable analysis, this immunohistochemical score revealed an independent prognostic value on cancer‐specific survival (P = .001; HR: 3.7: 95%CI 1.7‐7.9). Moreover, we confirmed that in early‐stage tumours (stage I or II) this score maintained its independent prognostic value (P = .025; HR: 7.9, 95%CI 1.3‐49.1) on CSS.

Conclusion

The expression of the markers p53, p16, EGFR and cyclin A in OSCC, combined to give an immunohistochemical score, may identify high‐risk subgroups for decreased survival and to further guide therapeutic decisions.
Bibliometric analysis of a century of research on oral erythroplakia and leukoplakia
Authors: Foy Jean‐Philippe , Bertolus Chloé , Goudot Patrick , Deneuve Sophie , Blanc Ellen , Lasset Christine , Pérol David , Saintigny Pierre
Published: January 2018

Background

Oral squamous cell carcinoma is a major cause of cancer‐associated morbidity and mortality and may develop from oral erythroplakia and leukoplakia (OEL), the most common oral potentially malignant lesions. Our objective was to provide a descriptive overview of the global research activity on OEL over the past decades.

Methods

We performed a systematic bibliometric analysis of articles and reviews on OEL up to December 31st 2016 using the SCOPUS database. Contribution of each country was analyzed by density‐equalizing mapping (DEMP). The overall scientific productivity was analyzed for each journal and country.

Results

A total of 5098 published items (articles or reviews) were identified. They are expected to double by 2040, with an expected number of 400 items per year. Only 4% of all research on oral oncology is focused on OEL. Together with the increasing number of publications since 1980s, an increasing number of international collaborative studies were observed. Journal of Oral Pathology and Medicine and Oral Oncology are the leading journals in terms of number of published items. The US, India, and the UK were the most prolific countries in terms of publications overtime.

Conclusions

We identified the leading journals as well as the leading authors and countries contributing to the research on OEL. International collaborative studies in the field are to be encouraged to refine strategies of oral cancer prevention.
The influence of packaging on consumers’ quality perception of carrots
Authors: Nørgaard Olesen Sebastian , Giacalone Davide
Published: January 2018

The aim of the present research was to investigate the influence of packaging design on consumers' perception of quality of fresh carrots. We adopted a conjoint analytic approach in which 251 Danish consumers rated the perceived quality and value (expected price) of nine packaging images, obtained by systematically varying packaging type (plastic bag, plastic box, cardboard paper) and label color (blue, brown, grey). The results revealed that the main attribute influencing the perceptions of the consumer was packaging type. Specifically, the box packages (both plastic and cardboard) were associated to carrots of significantly higher perceived value and quality compared to the plastic bag packages. Furthermore, the study identified the most important aspects consumers attend to when purchasing carrots. A transparent packaging, allowing consumers to inspect the produce, was mentioned as the most important aspect. Being organic and local were identified as the second and third most important, respectively.

Practical applications

Packaging is an important extrinsic product attribute that can influence consumer perceptions of fresh produce. The results have implications for retailers and producers with respect to the choice of packaging and label design. Specifically, consumers associated box packages to higher quality produce, suggesting that carrots in this type of package may command higher price and/or be preferred to bagged alternatives at a similar price point. The study further indicated the importance of using a transparent packaging that clearly allow consumers to inspect the produce, and also suggest that “organic” and “local” are important drivers of purchase for this product category.
Identification of phytoplasmas from Neoaliturus haematoceps associated with sesame phyllody disease in southwestern Turkey
Authors: Özdemir Zahide
Published: January 2018

Phytoplasmas were detected based on nested PCR of the F2nR2 region of the 16S rDNA from Neoaliturus haematoceps (Mulsant and Rey) (Family: Cicadellidae). A total of 65 insect samples collected from sesame fields in Antalya, Turkey, during 2012–2014 were tested for phytoplasma detection. Phytoplasmas detected in fifteen samples showed an amplicon approximately 1250 bp in size using the universal primers of P1/P7 and R16F2n/R16R2. Identification of the phytoplasmas by sequence analysis revealed three different 16S rDNA phytoplasma groups: the peanut witches’‐broom, group II; clover proliferation, group VI; and pigeon pea witches’‐broom, group IX. The molecular characterization of subgroups was determined by sequence analysis and PCR‐RFLP using the restriction enzymes RsaI and TaqI. Restriction profiles of the subgroups were also confirmed using the iPhyclassifier program. BLAST and PCR‐RFLP analyses classified the subgroups as II‐D, VI‐A and IX‐C. This is the first report of molecular detection of three 16S rDNA subgroups of phytoplasmas, II‐D, VI‐A and IX‐C, from N. haematoceps in Turkey. This study also supports earlier studies of sesame phyllody phytoplasmas by N. haematoceps.
Performance, rumen fermentation and blood metabolites of dairy calves fed starter mixtures supplemented with herbal plants, essential oils or monensin
Authors: Akbarian‐Tefaghi M. , Ghasemi E. , Khorvash M.
Published: January 2018

This study evaluated the supplementation effects of three herbal plants (thyme [THY], eucalyptus [EUC] and celery [CEL]), a commercial phytogenic additive ‎containing essential oils (PFA‐EO, Digestarom® P.E.P.) and monensin (MON) in calf starter on performance, rumen fermentation and blood metabolites during pre‐ (days 3–55) and post‐weaning (days 56–70). Sixty‐six Holstein dairy calves (3 days of age, 41.2 ± 3 kg of BW) were allocated to one of six starters supplemented with: (i) no additives (CON), (ii) MON (30 mg/kg), (iii) THY (23 g/kg), (iv) CEL (23 g/kg), (v) EUC (23 g/kg) and (vi) PFA‐EO (3 g/kg). All the calves were offered starters ad libitum plus 6 L of whole milk daily. Starter intake tended to be the highest in calves fed PFA‐EO and THY; intermediate in calves fed CON, MON and EUC; and the lowest in those fed CEL. Average daily gain (ADG) and feed efficiency (FE) remained unaffected by dietary treatments during the pre‐weaning. During the post‐weaning period, ADG and FE ‎were greatest in calves fed EUC followed by those fed CON, MON, PFA‐EO and THY, and then in those fed CEL. No differences were observed among the treatments in skeletal growth, faecal score, rumen pH or ammonia‐N concentration. Compared to calves fed CON and MON, those fed the herbal plants or PFA‐EO tended to recorded higher molar proportions of acetate and butyrate, and the acetate: propionate ratio. Blood malondialdehyde level did not differ among treatments, but calves on CON had the highest glucose concentration, and those fed PFA‐EO recorded the highest value for β‐hydroxyl butyrate on day 70. In conclusion, the results indicate that the three herbs and PFA‐EO are capable of modulating some of the rumen fermentation parameters and blood metabolites as well as eucalyptus could potentially be a better alternative to monensin for improving post‐weaning performance.
Increased oestradiol in hepatitis E virus‐infected pregnant women promotes viral replication
Authors: Yang C. , Yu W. , Bi Y. , Long F. , Li Y. , Wei D. , Hao X. , Situ J. , Zhao Y. , Huang F.
Published: January 2018

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection causes subclinical diseases, leading to high mortality (>25%) in pregnant women. HEV replication is aggressively escalated in pregnant women, especially in the third trimester of pregnancy. Oestrogen plays an important role in pregnancy. However, the pathogenesis of HEV in pregnant women or immunosuppressive pregnant women (such as HIV‐infected or organ‐transplanted pregnant women) remains unclear. We investigated the role of oestradiol in HEV infection in a cell culture system. HEV‐infected pregnant women had significantly higher oestradiol levels compared with uninfected individuals. HEV infection was significantly increased in cells treated with analogues of oestradiol, diethylstilbestrol (DES) or 17β‐oestradiol in a dose‐dependent way. However, tamoxifen, an antagonist oestrogen, inhibited HEV replication. HEV infection inhibits oestrogen receptor (ER‐α) expression. Immunofluorescence and co‐immunoprecipitation assays indicated that ER‐α interacted with the helicase of HEV ORF1 indirectly. More importantly, HEV infection was exacerbated in immunosuppressive cells treated with an inhibitor of PI3K‐AKT‐mTOR signal pathway (LY296004) and supplemented with pregnant women serum with high oestradiol simultaneously. These results strongly suggest that pregnant women with high oestradiol and/or immunosuppression will be vulnerable to HEV infection.
Regional pattern of microgliosis in sporadic Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease in relation to phenotypic variants and disease progression
Authors: Franceschini A. , Strammiello R. , Capellari S. , Giese A. , Parchi P.
Published: January 2018

Aims

The aim of this study was to describe the regional profiles of microglial activation in sporadic Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease (sCJD) subtypes and analyse the influence of prion strain, disease duration and codon 129 genotype.

Methods

We studied the amount/severity and distribution of activated microglia, protease‐resistant prion protein (PrPSc) spongiform change, and astrogliosis in eight regions of 57 brains, representative of the entire spectrum of sCJD subtypes.

Results

In each individual subtype, the regional extent and distribution of microgliosis significantly correlated with PrPSc deposition and spongiform change, leading to subtype‐specific ‘lesion profiles’. However, large differences in the ratio between PrPSc load or the score of spongiform change and microglial activation were seen among disease subtypes. Most significantly, atypical sCJD subtypes such as VV1 and MM2T showed a degree of microglial activation comparable to other disease variants despite the relatively low PrPSc deposition and the less severe spongiform change. Moreover, the mean microglial total load was significantly higher in subtype MM1 than in MM2C, whereas the opposite was true for the PrPSc and spongiform change total loads. Finally, some sCJD subtypes showed distinctive regional cerebellar profiles of microgliosis characterized by a high granular/molecular layer ratio (MV2K) and/or a predominant involvement of white matter (MVK and MM2T).

Conclusions

Microglial activation is an early event in sCJD pathogenesis and is strongly influenced by prion strain, PRNP codon 129 genotype and disease duration. Microglial lesion profiling, by highlighting strain‐specific properties of prions, contributes to prion strain characterization and classification of human prion diseases, and represents a valid support to molecular and histopathologic typing.
Carbon allocation to major metabolites in illuminated leaves is not just proportional to photosynthesis when gaseous conditions (CO2 and O2) vary
Authors: Abadie Cyril , Bathellier Camille , Tcherkez Guillaume
Published: January 2018

In gas‐exchange experiments, manipulating CO2 and O2 is commonly used to change the balance between carboxylation and oxygenation. Downstream metabolism (utilization of photosynthetic and photorespiratory products) may also be affected by gaseous conditions but this is not well documented.

Here, we took advantage of sunflower as a model species, which accumulates chlorogenate in addition to sugars and amino acids (glutamate, alanine, glycine and serine). We performed isotopic labelling with 13CO2 under different CO2/O2 conditions, and determined 13C contents to compute 13C‐allocation patterns and build‐up rates.

The 13C content in major metabolites was not found to be a constant proportion of net fixed carbon but, rather, changed dramatically with CO2 and O2. Alanine typically accumulated at low O2 (hypoxic response) while photorespiratory intermediates accumulated under ambient conditions and at high photorespiration, glycerate accumulation exceeding serine and glycine build‐up. Chlorogenate synthesis was relatively more important under normal conditions and at high CO2 and its synthesis was driven by phosphoenolpyruvate de novo synthesis.

These findings demonstrate that carbon allocation to metabolites other than photosynthetic end products is affected by gaseous conditions and therefore the photosynthetic yield of net nitrogen assimilation varies, being minimal at high CO2 and maximal at high O2.
Systematic review and meta‐analysis of left ventricular endocardial pacing in advanced heart failure: Clinically efficacious but at what cost?
Authors: Graham Adam J. , Providenica Rui , Honarbakhsh Shohreh , Srinivasan Neil , Sawhney Vinit , Hunter Ross , Lambiase Pier
Published: January 2018

Introduction

Cardiac resynchronization using a left ventricular (LV) epicardial lead placed in the coronary sinus is now routinely used in the management of heart failure patients. LV endocardial pacing is an alternative when this is not feasible, with outcomes data sparse.

Objective

To review the available evidence on the efficacy and safety of endocardial LV pacing via meta‐analysis.

Methods

EMBASE, MEDLINE, and COCHRANE databases with the search term “endocardial biventricular pacing” or “endocardial cardiac resynchronization” or “left ventricular endocardial” or “endocardial left ventricular.” Comparisons of pre‐and post‐QRS width, LV ejection fraction (LVEF), and New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional classification was performed, and mean differences (and respective 95% confidence interval [CI]) applied as a measurement of treatment effect.

Results

Fifteen studies, including 362 patients, were selected. During a mean follow‐up of 40 ± 24.5 months, death occurred in 72 patients (11 per 100 patient‐years). Significant improvements in LVEF (mean difference 7.9%, 95% CI 5–10%, P < 0.0001; I2 = 73%), QRS width (mean difference: –41% 95% –75 to –7%; P < 0.0001; I2 = 94%), and NYHA class (mean difference: –1.06, 95% CI –1.2 to –0.9, P < 0.0001; I2 = 60%), (all P < 0.0001) occurred. Stroke rate was 3.3–4.2 per 100 patient‐years, which is higher than equivalent heart failure trial populations and recent meta‐analysis that included small case series.

Conclusion

LV endocardial lead implantation is a potentially efficacious alternative to CS lead placement, but preliminary data suggest a potentially higher risk of stroke during follow‐up when compared to the expected incidence of stroke in similar cohorts of patients.
Haplotype‐based genotyping‐by‐sequencing in oat genome research
Authors: Bekele Wubishet A. , Wight Charlene P. , Chao Shiaoman , Howarth Catherine J. , Tinker Nicholas A.
Published: January 2018

In a de novo genotyping‐by‐sequencing (GBS) analysis of short, 64‐base tag‐level haplotypes in 4657 accessions of cultivated oat, we discovered 164741 tag‐level (TL) genetic variants containing 241224 SNPs. From this, the marker density of an oat consensus map was increased by the addition of more than 70000 loci. The mapped TL genotypes of a 635‐line diversity panel were used to infer chromosome‐level (CL) haplotype maps. These maps revealed differences in the number and size of haplotype blocks, as well as differences in haplotype diversity between chromosomes and subsets of the diversity panel. We then explored potential benefits of SNP vs. TL vs. CL GBS variants for mapping, high‐resolution genome analysis and genomic selection in oats. A combined genome‐wide association study (GWAS) of heading date from multiple locations using both TL haplotypes and individual SNP markers identified 184 significant associations. A comparative GWAS using TL haplotypes, CL haplotype blocks and their combinations demonstrated the superiority of using TL haplotype markers. Using a principal component‐based genome‐wide scan, genomic regions containing signatures of selection were identified. These regions may contain genes that are responsible for the local adaptation of oats to Northern American conditions. Genomic selection for heading date using TL haplotypes or SNP markers gave comparable and promising prediction accuracies of up to r = 0.74. Genomic selection carried out in an independent calibration and test population for heading date gave promising prediction accuracies that ranged between r = 0.42 and 0.67. In conclusion, TL haplotype GBS‐derived markers facilitate genome analysis and genomic selection in oat.
Growing through trade in intermediate goods: the role of foreign growth and domestic tariffs
Authors: Álvarez‐Albelo Carmen D. , Manresa Antonio , Pigem‐Vigo Mònica
Published: January 2018

We show that pure Ricardian trade can account for the empirical evidence that domestic growth is more affected by foreign growth than by trade openness. To do this, we develop a two‐country model involving a backward economy that exchanges intermediate goods with a faster growing country. We obtain three main results regarding growth and welfare of the backward economy: (i) the growth‐enhancing comparative advantage is facilitated by faster foreign growth; (ii) the growth rate may be negatively affected or unaffected by a domestic tariff, while it is always positively impacted by foreign growth; and (iii) a domestic tariff could be welfare‐improving.
Integrative taxonomy of the neotropical genus Omalonyx (Elasmognatha: Succineidae)
Authors: Vidigal Teofânia H. D. A. , Coscarelli Daniel , Paixão Hugo , Bernardes Samuel , Montresor Lângia C. , Pepato Almir R.
Published: January 2018

The genus Omalonyx d'Orbigny, 1837, includes neotropical semi‐aquatic succineid slugs and comprises six recognized species to date. Field surveys across continental South America recovered five of the six recognized species. According to the morphological characters traditionally included in Omalonyx descriptions, the specimens were tentatively identified as O. matheroni, O. pattersonae, O. convexus, O. geayi and O. unguis. Employing sequences of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) alone or combined with the nuclear second internal transcribed spacer (ITS2) in discovery methods of species delimitation (GMYC and STACEY) led to species delimitation hypotheses that, except for unambiguously supporting O. convexus, have no correspondence to morphologically based assignments. To choose the delimitation model that best fit our data, the hypotheses recovered by GMYC, STACEY and morphology and created by merging species recovered by those methods had their marginal likelihood estimated and compared using the Bayes factors. The best‐supported hypothesis distinguished two species besides O. convexus: one widespread over most of South America and the other restricted to Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. Furthermore, the pattern of genetic structuring supports pathways connecting the Amazonian and Atlantic forests. This pattern is similar to that observed in terrestrial taxa (e.g., forest‐dwelling small mammals) and is different from the pattern for fully aquatic taxa.
Strategies to Manage Risk and their Role in Impacting Economic Performance among Farm Households
Authors: El-Osta Hisham S.
Published: January 2018

Data from the 2015 ARMS and a multinomial probit regression model were used in an attempt to discern the impact of socio-economic factors on the likelihood of a farm household falling in a favorable income-wealth category delineated by above-median income and wealth levels. A primary determinant considered was the number of risk management strategies utilized by the farm household. Findings indicate that farmers who layer up the adoption of risk management strategies are most likely to secure an economic performance status characterized by ‘low-income, high-wealth’. Aging farm operators and those with college education and who operate larger sized farms are found more likely to be in the top economic performance category of ‘high-income, high-wealth’.
Rosalind Franklin's X-ray photo of DNA as an undergraduate optical diffraction experiment
Authors: Thompson J. , Braun G. , Tierney D. , Wessels L. , Schmitzer H. , Rossa B. , Wagner H. P. , Dultz W.
Published: January 2018

Rosalind Franklin's X-ray diffraction patterns of DNA molecules rendered the important clue that DNA has the structure of a double helix. The most famous X-ray photograph, Photo 51, is still printed in most Biology textbooks. We suggest two optical experiments for undergraduates that make this historic achievement comprehensible for students by using macromodels of DNA and visible light to recreate a diffraction pattern similar to Photo 51. In these macromodels, we replace the double helix both mathematically and experimentally with its two-dimensional (flat) projection and explain why this is permissible. Basic optical concepts are used to infer certain well-known characteristics of DNA from the diffraction pattern.
Changes in seasonal snow water equivalent distribution in High Mountain Asia (1987 to 2009)
Authors: Smith Taylor , Bookhagen Bodo
Published: January 2018

Changes (1987 to 2009) in snow-water storage in High Mountain Asia are highly spatially and seasonally heterogeneous.
Tensions flare over electric fishing in Europeanwaters
Authors: Stokstad Erik
Published: January 2018

European Parliament calls for total ban of a techniquethat saves fuel and reduces damage to marine life
Genome-wide identification of interferon-sensitive mutations enables influenza vaccine design
Authors: Du Yushen , Xin Li , Shi Yuan , Zhang Tian-Hao , Wu Nicholas C. , Dai Lei , Gong Danyang , Brar Gurpreet , Shu Sara , Luo Jiadi , Reiley William , Tseng Yen-Wen , Bai Hongyan , Wu Ting-Ting , Wang Jieru , Shu Yuelong , Sun Ren
Published: January 2018

Avoiding interferon avoidance

Interferon (IFN) expression is a mammal's first response to viral infection. Many viruses have thus evolved mechanisms to evade IFN. Du
et al.
developed a method to systematically ablate IFN evasion genes from live, attenuated influenza virus (see the Perspective by Teijaro and Burton). A combination of mutants was assembled to construct a virus that triggered transient IFN responses in mice but that was unable to replicate effectively. The transient IFN responses led to robust antibody and memory responses that protected against subsequent challenge with different influenza viruses. This approach could be adapted to improve other RNA virus vaccines.

Science
, this issue p.
290
; see also p.
277
Digitization of multistep organic synthesis in reactionware for on-demand pharmaceuticals
Authors: Kitson Philip J. , Marie Guillaume , Francoia Jean-Patrick , Zalesskiy Sergey S. , Sigerson Ralph C. , Mathieson Jennifer S. , Cronin Leroy
Published: January 2018

A plastic plan for organic synthesis

The infrastructure for chemical synthesis typically lies at either end of a spectrum: small-scale studies in ad hoc assemblies of glassware or large-scale production in capital-intensive custom reactors. Kitson
et al.
report a hybrid protocol that customizes a blueprint for synthesis of a target compound in a series of interconnected plastic modules, which can be assembled en masse by 3D printing (see the Perspective by Hornung). The approach, demonstrated for the commercial muscle relaxant baclofen, establishes a systematic workflow that is potentially amenable to automation: All that is necessary for synthesis and purification is the introduction of stock solutions and variation of temperature or pressure.

Science
, this issue p.
314
; see also p.
273
A self-assembled nanoscale robotic arm controlled by electric fields
Authors: Kopperger Enzo , List Jonathan , Madhira Sushi , Rothfischer Florian , Lamb Don C. , Simmel Friedrich C.
Published: January 2018

Electrically driving a DNA arm

Most nanoelectromechanical systems are formed by etching inorganic materials such as silicon. Kopperger
et al.
improved the precision of such machines by synthesizing a 25-nm-long arm defined by a DNA six-helix bundle connected to a 55 nm-by-55 nm DNA origami plate via flexible single-stranded scaffold crossovers (see the Perspective by Hogberg). When placed in a cross-shaped electrophoretic chamber, the arms could be driven at angular frequencies of up to 25 Hz and positioned to within 2.5 nm. The arm could be used to transport fluorophores and inorganic nanoparticles.

Science
, this issue p.
296
; see also p.
279
Defining the physiological role of SRP in protein-targeting efficiency and specificity
Authors: Costa Elizabeth A. , Subramanian Kelly , Nunnari Jodi , Weissman Jonathan S.
Published: January 2018

When do you really need SRP?

Proteins destined for the cell exterior are recruited during synthesis to the surface of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) by the signal recognition particle (SRP). The classic view suggests that SRP recognizes signal sequences at the beginning of proteins. Working in yeast, Costa
et al.
found that many proteins with cleavable signal peptides were efficiently targeted during synthesis in the absence of SRP. In contrast, proteins with internal targeting signals universally depended on SRP and were susceptible to aberrant mitochondrial targeting in its absence. These studies establish the full physiological role of SRP in ensuring accurate and efficient protein targeting in the secretory pathway.

Science
, this issue p.
689
Structures of human PRC2 with its cofactors AEBP2 and JARID2
Authors: Kasinath Vignesh , Faini Marco , Poepsel Simon , Reif Dvir , Feng Xinyu Ashlee , Stjepanovic Goran , Aebersold Ruedi , Nogales Eva
Published: January 2018

Complete architecture of PRC2

Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) methylates lysine 27 in histone H3 to achieve gene silencing. Kasinath
et al.
report multiple structures of complete human PRC2 with its four core subunits (EZH2, EED, SUZ12, and RBAP48) and two cofactors (AEBP2 and JARID2) in different active states. These structures describe the molecular mimicry of H3 tails by AEBP2 and JARID2 to regulate PRC2 activity and reveal the organizational role of SUZ12 in maintaining the integrity and stability of the complex.

Science
, this issue p.
940
History of CRISPR-Cas from Encounter with a Mysterious Repeated Sequence to Genome Editing Technology
Authors: Ishino Yoshizumi , Krupovic Mart , Forterre Patrick
Published: January 2018

Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)-Cas systems are well-known acquired immunity systems that are widespread in archaea and bacteria. The RNA-guided nucleases from CRISPR-Cas systems are currently regarded as the most reliable tools for genome editing and engineering. The first hint of their existence came in 1987, when an unusual repetitive DNA sequence, which subsequently was defined as a CRISPR, was discovered in the
Escherichia coli
genome during an analysis of genes involved in phosphate metabolism. Similar sequence patterns were then reported in a range of other bacteria as well as in halophilic archaea, suggesting an important role for such evolutionarily conserved clusters of repeated sequences. A critical step toward functional characterization of the CRISPR-Cas systems was the recognition of a link between CRISPRs and the associated Cas proteins, which were initially hypothesized to be involved in DNA repair in hyperthermophilic archaea. Comparative genomics, structural biology, and advanced biochemistry could then work hand in hand, not only culminating in the explosion of genome editing tools based on CRISPR-Cas9 and other class II CRISPR-Cas systems but also providing insights into the origin and evolution of this system from mobile genetic elements denoted casposons. To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the discovery of CRISPR, this minireview briefly discusses the fascinating history of CRISPR-Cas systems, from the original observation of an enigmatic sequence in
E. coli
to genome editing in humans.
Absence epilepsy beyond adolescence: an outcome analysis after 45 years of follow-up
Authors: Holtkamp Martin , Janz Dieter , Kirschbaum Andrea , Kowski Alexander B , Vorderwülbecke Bernd J
Published: January 2018

Objectives

Depending on patient age at onset, absence epilepsy is subdivided into childhood and juvenile forms. Absence seizures can occur several times per day (pyknoleptic course) or less frequently than daily (non-pyknoleptic course). Seizures typically terminate before adulthood, but a quarter of patients need ongoing treatment beyond adolescence. Little is known about their long-term seizure and psychosocial outcome.

Methods

Files of 135 outpatients with absence epilepsy (76 females; 123 had additional generalised tonic–clonic seizures) were retrospectively analysed after a median follow-up of 45.4 years (IQR: 31.9–56.2). Eighty-two subjects completed an additional interview. Patients were dichotomised according to age at epilepsy onset (childhood: n=82; juvenile: n=53) and course of absence seizures (pyknoleptic: n=80; non-pyknoleptic: n=55).

Results

Among all patients, 53% achieved 5-year terminal seizure remission, 16% without antiepileptic medication. Median age at last seizure was lower in patients with childhood onset of absence epilepsy (37.7 years) versus juvenile onset (44.4 years; P≤0.01). However, rates and duration of terminal seizure remission were similar. Pyknoleptic versus non-pyknoleptic course of absence seizures made no difference for long-term seizure outcome. Multivariate analysis identified only higher age at investigation to be associated with terminal 5-year seizure remission. Regarding aspects of psychosocial outcome, there were no significant differences between the respective subgroups.

Conclusions

These data indicate that if absence epilepsy persists beyond adolescence, long-term seizure and psychosocial outcome do not differ between childhood and juvenile onset or between pyknoleptic and non-pyknoleptic course of absence epilepsy. However, higher patient age increases the chance of terminal seizure remission.
Predicting the presence of macrovascular causes in non-traumatic intracerebral haemorrhage: the DIAGRAM prediction score
Authors: Hilkens Nina A , van Asch Charlotte J J , Werring David J , Wilson Duncan , Rinkel Gabriël J E , Algra Ale , Velthuis Birgitta K , de Kort Gérard A P , Witkamp Theo D , van Nieuwenhuizen Koen M , de Leeuw Frank-Erik , Schonewille Wouter J , de Kort Paul L M , Dippel Diederik W J , Raaymakers Theodora W M , Hofmeijer Jeannette , Wermer Marieke J H , Kerkhoff Henk , Jellema Korné , Bronner Irene M , Remmers Michel J M , Bienfait Henri Paul , Witjes Ron J G M , Jäger H Rolf , Greving Jacoba P , Klijn Catharina J M
Published: January 2018

Objective

A substantial part of non-traumatic intracerebral haemorrhages (ICH) arises from a macrovascular cause, but there is little guidance on selection of patients for additional diagnostic work-up. We aimed to develop and externally validate a model for predicting the probability of a macrovascular cause in patients with non-traumatic ICH.

Methods

The DIagnostic AngioGRAphy to find vascular Malformations (DIAGRAM) study (n=298; 69 macrovascular cause; 23%) is a prospective, multicentre study assessing yield and accuracy of CT angiography (CTA), MRI/ magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) and intra-arterial catheter angiography in diagnosing macrovascular causes in patients with non-traumatic ICH. We considered prespecified patient and ICH characteristics in multivariable logistic regression analyses as predictors for a macrovascular cause. We combined independent predictors in a model, which we validated in an external cohort of 173 patients with ICH (78 macrovascular cause, 45%).

Results

Independent predictors were younger age, lobar or posterior fossa (vs deep) location of ICH, and absence of small vessel disease (SVD). A model that combined these predictors showed good performance in the development data (c-statistic 0.83; 95% CI 0.78 to 0.88) and moderate performance in external validation (c-statistic 0.66; 95% CI 0.58 to 0.74). When CTA results were added, the c-statistic was excellent (0.91; 95% CI 0.88 to 0.94) and good after external validation (0.88; 95% CI 0.83 to 0.94). Predicted probabilities varied from 1% in patients aged 51–70 years with deep ICH and SVD, to more than 50% in patients aged 18–50 years with lobar or posterior fossa ICH without SVD.

Conclusion

The DIAGRAM scores help to predict the probability of a macrovascular cause in patients with non-traumatic ICH based on age, ICH location, SVD and CTA.
Deterministic and probabilistic stability analysis of a mining rock slope in the vicinity of a major public road — case study of the LAB Chrysotile mine in Canada
Authors: Amoushahi Sina , Grenon Martin , Locat Jacques , Turmel Dominique
Published: January 2018

In recent years, several large open-pit mines have started operating in the province of Quebec in Canada, and some of the largest planned pits are located close to public infrastructure. Historically, large open-pit mining has seldom been done in many mining regions, such as the Abitibi region, where underground mines are the norm. As an integral part of achieving social acceptability of open-pit mining, the stability of mining slopes must be carefully analyzed during the design process and the presence of public infrastructure near the slopes must be adequately considered. The province of Quebec does not have specific guidelines regarding such design considerations. This paper provides a short overview of the literature on some current practices regarding mining slope design close to public infrastructure. To demonstrate its applicability in the Quebec provincial context, the paper then investigates the stability of the west wall of the LAB Chrysotile open-pit mine in Thetford Mines (Quebec) near the new Road 112. Deterministic and probabilistic analyses were conducted using finite element shear strength reduction and limit equilibrium methods to investigate slope stability. The impact of pit infilling and rapid dewatering as well as long-term stability of the slope were investigated. The results of all analyses reveal that the current mining slopes at LAB Chrysotile are within acceptable design criteria limits.
Effect of geographic location and sexual dimorphism on shield shape of the Red Sea hermit crabClibanarius signatususing the geometric morphometric approach
Authors: Ismail Tarek G.
Published: January 2018

The hermit crab Clibanarius signatus Heller, 1861 inhabits varied intertidal habitats of the Red Sea coast, such as rocky shores and mangrove littoral salt marshes. Shield-shape variation among three populations of C. signatus was analyzed with geometric morphometric methods. Shape variation was studied through multivariate analyses using configurations aligned by the generalized Procrustes analysis. Shape variation was explored through principal component analysis. The ordination of the populations and the sexes was investigated using discriminant analysis of canonical variables. Centroid size, as a measure of overall size, was used to estimate size variation among the three populations and the sexes. The results revealed the presence of shield-size variation among the three populations and confirmed the size sexual dimorphism in two populations. Moreover, the analysis revealed the occurrence of two morphotypes based on a covariation between shield shape and shape of occupied shells. The geographic distance was not a good predictor of shield shape. Cross-validation analyses correctly reclassified more than 70% of individuals and 66% of sexes to their correct group. It was suggested that association in shield-shell shape could be the result of the phenotypic plasticity of this species.
An SQP-type Method with Superlinear Convergence for Nonlinear Semidefinite Programming
Authors: Zhao Qi , Chen Zhongwen
Published: January 2018

A sequentially semidefinite programming method is proposed for solving nonlinear semidefinite programming problem (NLSDP). Inspired by the sequentially quadratic programming (SQP) method, the algorithm generates a search direction by solving a quadratic semidefinite programming subproblem at each iteration. The [Formula: see text] exact penalty function and a line search strategy are used to determine whether the trial step can be accepted or not. Under mild assumptions, the proposed algorithm is globally convergent. In order to avoid the Maratos effect, we present a modified SQP-type algorithm with the second-order correction step and prove that the fast local superlinear convergence can be obtained under the strict complementarity and the second-order sufficient condition with the sigma term. Finally, some numerical experiments are given to show the effectiveness of the algorithm.
Interior volume of (1 + D)-dimensional Schwarzschild black hole
Authors: Bhaumik Nilanjandev , Majhi Bibhas Ranjan
Published: January 2018

We calculate the maximum interior volume, enclosed by the event horizon, of a [Formula: see text]-dimensional Schwarzschild black hole. Taking into account the mass change due to Hawking radiation, we show that the volume increases towards the end of the evaporation. This fact is not new as it has been observed earlier for four-dimensional case. The interesting point we observe is that this increase rate decreases towards the higher value of space dimensions [Formula: see text]; i.e. it is a decelerated expansion of volume with the increase of spatial dimensions. This implies that for a sufficiently large [Formula: see text], the maximum interior volume does not change. The possible implications of these results are also discussed.