bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Toward integrating citizen science and radar data for migrant bird conservation
Authors: Shipley Jeremy Ryan , Kelly Jeffrey F. , Frick Winifred F.
Published: September 2017

Migrating birds face an array of challenging conditions and hazards during their annual movements, including novel threats of mortality from anthropogenic structures, such as wind energy turbines and buildings. There is a need for new data sources that can be used to create risk assessments across a wide range of spatial and temporal scales, and weather radar data have shown promise in this regard. A primary limitation on the use of weather radar data in macroscale ecology has been the difficulty in data access and processing to make real‐time assessments, and the lack of species‐level information. We compared two weather radar products, Level II and UNQC‐CREF that differ in several aspects. We found the 2D UNQC‐CREF product provides similar information to Level II data regarding spatial and temporal patterns of bioscatter, although not without caveats. Due to its rapid availability and ease of use, we combined UNQC‐CREF data with eBird daily species counts to quantify autumnal migration along one of North America's major migratory routes. During their autumn migration southward, we predicted birds would use prevailing winds and favorable atmospheric conditions to time their migratory movements. Wind direction and ordinal date were strong predictors as were variables associated with inclement weather, including barometric pressure and ambient temperature. These patterns suggest that at a coarse scale, migratory birds avoid headwinds during their southerly movements during autumn, and more broadly indicate that local weather conditions can be used to predict pulses of migratory activity in the aerosphere. Our results suggest that similar methods could be used to measure the temporal and spatial components of avian migration at greater spatial scales – providing crucial information for conservation and management for migratory faunas. Specifically, future algorithms should focus on real‐time implementation for bird strike mitigation, by altering wind energy facility operation on nights of peak migratory flow, in addition to timing “lights‐out” events to minimize collisions with existing infrastructure such as buildings.
Selective Synthesis of Fluorine‐Containing Cyclic β‐Amino Acid Scaffolds
Authors: Kiss Loránd , Fülöp Ferenc
Published: September 2017

Fluorine‐containing organic molecules have generated increasing impact in drug research over the past decade. Their preparation and development of novel synthetic methods towards new types of fluorinated molecules among them of β‐amino acid derivatives has received large interest. Our research group have designed various highly selective and stereocontrolled methods for the construction of fluorine‐containing cyclic β‐amino acid derivatives. The synthetic approaches developed for the synthesis of various pharmacologically interesting cyclic β‐amino acid derivatives as monomers with multiple stereogenic centers might be valuable protocols for the access of other classes of organic compounds.
Engaging with the politics of water governance
Authors: Zwarteveen Margreet , Kemerink‐Seyoum Jeltsje S. , Kooy Michelle , Evers Jaap , Guerrero Tatiana Acevedo , Batubara Bosman , Biza Adriano , Boakye‐Ansah Akosua , Faber Suzanne , Cabrera Flamini Andres , Cuadrado‐Quesada Gabriela , Fantini Emanuele , Gupta Joyeeta , Hasan Shahnoor , ter Horst Rozemarijn , Jamali Hameed , Jaspers Frank , Obani Pedi , Schwartz Klaas , Shubber Zaki , Smit Hermen , Torio Phil , Tutusaus Mireia , Wesselink Anna
Published: September 2017

The goal of the study is to strengthen the analytical purchase of the term water governance and improve the utility of the concept for describing and analyzing actual water distribution processes. We argue this is necessary as most writing on water governance is more concerned with promoting particular politically inspired agendas of what water governance should be than with understanding what it actually is. We believe that water governance at heart is about political choices as to where water should flow; about the norms, rules and laws on which such choices should be based; about who is best able or qualified to decide about this; and about the kind of societal future such choices support. We identify distributions—of water, voice and authority, and expertise—as the empirical anchor and entry‐point of our conceptualization of water governance. This usefully allows foregrounding questions of equity in water governance discussions and provides the empirical foundation for a meaningful engagement with the politics of water governance. WIREs Water 2017, 4:e1245. doi: 10.1002/wat2.1245

This article is categorized under:

Engineering Water > Planning Water

Human Water > Rights to Water

Human Water > Water Governance
Influence of genetic background of engineered xylose-fermenting industrial Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains for ethanol production from lignocellulosic hydrolysates
Authors: Lopes Daiane Dias , Rosa Carlos Augusto , Hector Ronald E , Dien Bruce S , Mertens Jeffrey A , Ayub Marco Antônio Záchia
Published: September 2017

An industrial ethanol-producing Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain with genes of fungal oxido-reductive pathway needed for xylose fermentation integrated into its genome (YRH1415) was used to obtain haploids and diploid isogenic strains. The isogenic strains were more effective in metabolizing xylose than YRH1415 strain and able to co-ferment glucose and xylose in the presence of high concentrations of inhibitors resulting from the hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass (switchgrass). The rate of xylose consumption did not appear to be affected by the ploidy of strains or the presence of two copies of the xylose fermentation genes but by heterozygosity of alleles for xylose metabolism in YRH1415. Furthermore, inhibitor tolerance was influenced by the heterozygous genome of the industrial strain, which also showed a marked influenced on tolerance to increasing concentrations of toxic compounds, such as furfural. In this work, selection of haploid derivatives was found to be a useful strategy to develop efficient xylose-fermenting industrial yeast strains.
Self‐Assembly Behaviors of Anionic–Cationic Binary Surfactant Systems in Poly(ethylene glycol) 200
Authors: Zhang Qian , Li Sha , Zhang Fanglei , Wei Xilian , Liu Min , Liu Jie , Sun Dezhi
Published: September 2017

The self‐assembly behaviors of mixtures of sodium bis(2‐ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate (AOT) and didodecyl dimethylammonium bromide (DDAB) in polyethylene glycol 200 (PEG 200) and in water were investigated by surface tension, conductivity, steady‐state fluorescence and dynamic light scattering (DLS) methods. The results show that the oppositely charged binary surfactant system can form micelles in PEG 200; the critical micellization concentration (CMC) decreases for the binary system versus those of either surfactant alone. Although there is no charge screening in the PEG 200 system, the CMC values significantly increase and the system does not precipitate or show turbidity at any proportion of AOT to DDAB, while a multiphase composition gap exists in water due to the strong electrostatic attraction. It is speculated that the weak polarity of PEG 200, the decreased solvophobic interaction between the alkyl chain and PEG 200, and the loose structure of the resulting micelles might explain the experimental phenomena. Observed from the values of the interaction parameter, it is found that there are a strong attractive interaction and a synergistic effect between AOT and DDAB in aqueous solution, in comparison, the synergy between them in PEG 200 is very weak.
Chronic low back pain and the transdiagnostic process: How do cognitive and emotional dysregulations contribute to the intensity of risk factors and pain?
Authors: Borgne Margaux Le , Boudoukha Abdel Halim , Petit Audrey , Roquelaure Yves
Published: September 2017

Background and aims

Based on a transdiagnostic approach, this study assesses the impact of cognitive and emotional processes (difficulties in emotional regulation, impulsiveness, rumination and somatosensory amplification) on the psychological risk factors of chronic low-back pain.

Methods

The study was carried out with 256 patients with chronic low-back pain. All the variables were assessed through a booklet of 10 validated questionnaires. Multiple regression analysis and moderation analysis were performed.

Results

Predictors included in multiple regression models explain 3%-42% (adjusted R
2) of the variance in psychological risk factors. Moreover, analyses reveal a significant moderator effect of somatosensory amplification on the link between fear-avoidance beliefs linked to work and pain intensity (F
(3;250) = 12.33; p = .00), of somatosensory amplification and brooding on the link between depression and functional repercussions (FR) on everyday life (F
(3;252) = 13.36; p = .000; F
(1;252) = 12.42; p = .00), of the reflection dimension of rumination on the link between the helplessness dimension of catastrophizing and FRs on sociability (F
(3;252) = 37.02; p = .00). There is also a moderation analysis with a significant trend concerning the lack of emotional awareness and the difficulties in controlling impulsive behaviours.

Conclusions

Our results indicate an important role of some dimensions of difficulties in emotional regulation, somatosensory amplification and rumination in the increase in negative affects and dysfunctional beliefs, and in the links between those psychological risk factors and pain/disability.

Implications

This study identifies some cognitive and emotional dysregulations substantially involved in work-related chronic pain. This contribute to put in place psychotherapeutic protocols to tackle these deficits and dysregulations in a relevant way.
The Christian Idea of God
Authors: Ward Keith
Published: September 2017

In this book, eminent theologian Keith Ward takes a fresh look at the ancient philosophy of Idealism, connects it with findings in modern science, and shows that a combination of good science, good philosophy, and a passion for truth and goodness, can underpin religious faith. Going back to first principles, he argues for the Idealist view that all knowledge begins with experience. Critically examining the idealism of Plato, Kant, and Hegel, Ward shows how this philosophy is strengthened by a knowledge of modern physics, and how it can lead to a new and vivid presentation of Christian faith. A work of philosophical rigour that makes clear the rational nature of belief in God, this book challenges the easy assumptions of materialism and the relativity of truth that undermine both science and religion. Ward writes in an accessible and readable style that gives new life and practical usefulness to idealist philosophy.
Effect of fish oil and vitamin E on sperm lipid peroxidation in dogs
Authors: Risso Analía Lorena , Pellegrino Francisco J. , Corrada Yanina , Marmunti Mónica , Gavazza Mariana , Palacios Alejandro , Relling Alejandro E.
Published: September 2017

The objective was to evaluate the effects of dietary fish oil (FO) and vitamin E (VE) supplementation on sperm sensitivity to lipid peroxidation (LP) in dogs. Using an incomplete replicate 3 × 3 Latin square design, five dogs were allocated into three groups. One of the squares was incomplete and had two dogs that were used with three treatments. The dogs were assigned to three different treatments, fed a control diet of balanced commercial food (control group; CG), control diet supplemented with 54 mg FO/kg body weight0·75per d (FO group; FG) and FO plus 400 mg VE per d (FO and VE group; FEG) for 60 d. Semen samples were collected on days 0 and 60 and divided into two halves, peroxidised and control, with or without ascorbate–Fe2+, respectively. LP was measured in both halves by chemiluminescence as counts per min/mg protein. Fatty acid profile was determined by GC. Data were analysed using the mixed procedure (SAS). On day 0, LP increased in all groups in the peroxidised samples (P< 0·05). However, on day 60 LP decreased in peroxidised samples of both the FG and FEG (P< 0·05), but there were no differences between the FG and FEG (P> 0·1). Additionally, on day 60 totaln-3 was higher in the FG and FEG compared with the CG (P< 0·05). Supplementation with FO alone or together with VE decreased LP in peroxidised samples. These results could indicate a protective effect ofn-3 on sperm. More studies are needed to understand the mechanism whereby FO and/or FO plus VE decrease LP in dogs’ sperm.
Aspects of intraseasonal variability of Antarctic sea ice in austral winter related to ENSO and SAM events
Authors: BABA KENJI , RENWICK JAMES
Published: September 2017

We performed an Empirical Orthogonal Function (EOF) analysis to assess the intraseasonal variability of 5–60 day band-pass filtered Antarctic sea-ice concentration in austral winter using a 20-year daily dataset from 1995 to 2014. Zonal wave number 3 dominated in the Antarctic, especially so across the west Antarctic. Results showed the coexistence of stationary and propagating wave components. A spectral analysis of the first two principal components (PCs) showed a similar structure for periods up to 15 days but generally more power in PC1 at longer periods. Regression analysis upon atmospheric fields using the first two PCs of sea-ice concentration showed a coherent wave number 3 pattern. The spatial phase delay between the sea-ice and mean sea-level pressure patterns suggests that meridional flow and associated temperature advection are important for modulating the sea-ice field. EOF analyses carried out separately for El Niño, La Niña and neutral years, and for Southern Annular Mode positive, negative and neutral periods, suggest that the spatial patterns of wave number 3 shift between subsets. The results also indicate that El Niño-Southern Oscillation and Southern Annular Mode affect stationary wave interactions between sea-ice and atmospheric fields on intraseasonal timescales.
Cash Reserves as a Hedge against Supply-Chain Risk
Authors: Kulchania Manoj , Thomas Shawn
Published: September 2017

Deregulation of the trucking industry and significantly lowered transportation costs led to large, widespread, and plausibly exogenous reductions in inventory for U.S. firms, with consequent increased supply-chain disruption (SCD) costs. We find evidence that increased SCD costs help explain the puzzling long-term trend of increasing average U.S. firm cash holdings. We also find that firms facing higher expected costs of disruptions generally save more cash from capital freed up via supply-chain management innovations. Finally, we document significant postdisruption declines in cash holdings consistent with cash as a primary source of financing during disruptions.
Copepod assemblages as a bioindicator of environmental quality in three coastal areas under contrasted anthropogenic inputs (Gulf of Gabes, Tunisia)
Authors: Drira Zaher , Kmiha-Megdiche Salma , Sahnoun Houda , Tedetti Marc , Pagano Marc , Ayadi Habib
Published: September 2017

The study of copepod assemblages indicated the presence of 22 species and 12 families in the southern coast of Sfax, 20 species and 13 families in the northern coast and 14 species and 8 families in the Ghannouch area, with a dominance of Oithonidae (79, 51 and 43% in the southern, northern and Ghannouch coasts, respectively). The relative abundance and the richness diversity of Oithonidae were found to be the most relevant indicators of anthropogenic pollution. Oithona nana, Euterpina acutifrons and Acartia clausi differed significantly in abundance between these three areas under differing degrees of pollution. The study of the structure, composition and density of the copepod fauna showed that the southern coast was a pollution-resistant ecosystem (H′ = 1.49 ± 0.33 bits ind−1; 22 species; density = 51.375 ± 4.340 × 103 ind m−3) followed by Ghannouch area (H′ = 1.74 ± 0.28 bits ind−1; 15 species; density = 11.979 ± 5.651 × 103 ind m−3) and the northern coast, considered as a restored area (H′ = 1.95 ± 0.26 bits ind−1; 21 species; density = 6.516 ± 4.304 × 103 ind m−3). The three ecosystems can thus be classified according to their degree of resistance to the anthropogenic inputs based on the results of the physico-chemical parameters and the species diversity as follows: southern coast > Ghannouch area > northern coast.
The relationship between obesity and cognitive health and decline
Authors: Dye Louise , Boyle Neil Bernard , Champ Claire , Lawton Clare
Published: September 2017

The relationship between obesity and cognitive impairment is important given the globally ageing population in whom cognitive decline and neurodegenerative disorders will carry grave individual, societal and financial burdens. This review examines the evidence for the link between obesity and cognitive function in terms of both the immediate effects on cognitive performance, and effects on the trajectory of cognitive ageing and likelihood of dementia. In mid-life, there is a strong association between obesity and impaired cognitive function. Anthropometric measures of obesity are also associated with reduced neural integrity (e.g. grey and white matter atrophy). Increasing age coupled with the negative metabolic consequences of obesity (e.g. type 2 diabetes mellitus) are likely to significantly contribute to cognitive decline and incidence of dementia. Stress is identified as a potential risk factor promoting abdominal obesity and contributing to impaired cognitive function. However, the potentially protective effects of obesity against cognitive decline in older age require further examination. Finally, surgical and whole diet interventions, which address obesity may improve cognitive capacity and confer some protection against later cognitive decline. In conclusion, obesity and its comorbidities are associated with impaired cognitive performance, accelerated cognitive decline and neurodegenerative pathologies such as dementia in later life. Interventions targeting mid-life obesity may prove beneficial in reducing the cognitive risks associated with obesity.
Prevalence and clinical relevance of interview-assessed psychosis-risk symptoms in the young adult community
Authors: Schultze-Lutter Frauke , Michel Chantal , Ruhrmann Stephan , Schimmelmann Benno G.
Published: September 2017

Background

An efficient indicated prevention of psychotic disorders requires valid risk criteria that work in both clinical and community samples. Yet, ultra-high risk and basic symptom criteria were recently recommended for use in clinical samples only. Their use in the community was discouraged for lack of knowledge about their prevalence, clinical relevance and risk factors in non-clinical, community settings when validly assessed with the same instruments used in the clinic.

Methods

Using semi-structured telephone interviews with established psychosis-risk instruments, we studied the prevalence of psychosis-risk symptoms and criteria, their clinical relevance (using presence of a non-psychotic mental disorder or of functional deficits as proxy measures) and their risk factors in a random, representative young adult community sample (N=2683; age 16–40 years; response rate: 63.4%).

Results

The point-prevalence of psychosis-risk symptoms was 13.8%. As these mostly occurred too infrequent to meet frequency requirements of psychosis-risk criteria, only 2.4% of participants met psychosis-risk criteria. A stepwise relationship underlay the association of ultra-high risk and basic symptoms with proxy measures of clinical relevance, this being most significant when both occurred together. In line with models of their formation, basic symptoms were selectively associated with age, ultra-high risk symptoms with traumatic events and lifetime substance misuse.

Conclusions

Psychosis-risk criteria were uncommon, indicating little risk of falsely labelling individuals from the community at-risk for psychosis. Besides, both psychosis-risk symptoms and criteria seem to possess sufficient clinical relevance to warrant their broader attention in clinical practice, especially if ultra-high risk and basic symptoms occur together.
Issues with the measurement of informal care in social surveys: evidence from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing
Authors: RUTHERFORD ALASDAIR C. , BU FEIFEI
Published: September 2017

Informal care plays a significant role in the care system for older people in the United Kingdom, and this is projected to increase considerably in the next three decades as the population ages. Understanding these trends requires a good quality measurement of informal care. In this study, we compare care-givers’ responses to different informal care questions from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA) to investigate the influence of question design on the self-reporting of informal care. We also analyse spousal care dyads in order to model discrepancies in the reporting of care provision between spouses to provide an insight into the reliability of informal care measurements. We find that the most common measures used are likely to be under-estimating both the scale and scope of informal care, and we recommend careful consideration of the content of informal care survey questions in order to operationalise the measures of informal care activities.
Household changes and diversity in housing consumption at older ages in Scotland
Authors: FIORI FRANCESCA , GRAHAM ELSPETH , FENG ZHIQIANG
Published: September 2017

This paper contributes to understanding housing adjustments in later life by investigating the role of four key lifecourse transitions experienced by older individuals and their households, namely changes in health, retirement, union transitions and adult children leaving the household. Using data from a representative sample of the Scottish population for the decade 2001–2011, the study examines who moves and, for movers, whether they adjust their housing size in response to changes in their personal and household circumstances. In particular, the study explores diversity in housing consumption at older ages by investigating whether the triggers of upsizing or downsizing differ across tenure groups. The majority of older adults in Scotland do not change their place of residence during the study decade. For the minority who do move, all four lifecourse transitions are significant triggers for residential relocation but there is considerable diversity across the two major tenure groups in the influence of household changes on their housing consumption adjustments. In both tenure groups, however, the presence of children in the household is associated with upsizing and is a significant impediment to downsizing. Given the relative rootedness of older parents with co-resident adult children and their propensity to upsize rather than downsize if they move, our findings raise concerns over the interdependencies between younger and older generations in the housing market.
Dementia in rural settings: examining the experiences of former partners in care
Authors: HERRON RACHEL V. , ROSENBERG MARK W.
Published: September 2017

Informal carers, also referred to as partners in care, provide the bulk of care to people living with dementia across a range of community settings; however, the changing experiences and contexts of providing informal care for people with dementia in rural settings are under-studied. Drawing on 27 semi-structured interviews with former partners in care in Southwestern and Northern Ontario, Canada, we examine experiences of providing and accessing care over the course of the condition and across various settings. Our findings illustrate the challenges associated with navigating the system of care, finding people who understand dementia in the surrounding community, negotiating hours of home support, facing resistance to respite from the person with dementia, and feeling pressured into long-term care. We argue that partners' time, bodies and choices are spatially constrained within rural and small-town settings and the current systems of home, community and long-term care.
Enhancement of extreme ultraviolet emission from laser irradiated targets by surface nanostructures
Authors: Barte E. F. , Lokasani R. , Proska J. , Maresova L. , Kos D. , Maguire O. , Joseph G. , Sheil J. , O'Reilly F. , McCormack T. , Sokell E. , O'Sullivan G. , Limpouch J. , Dunne P.
Published: September 2017

The effects of shape and thickness of a tin surface layer and of the energy of a 170 ps neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser pulse on the conversion efficiency (CE) into extreme ultraviolet emission in the 13.5 nm region is investigated. Whereas a CE of up to 1.16% into the 2% reflection band of multilayer Mo/Si optics was measured for a bulk Sn target at a laser energy of 25 mJ, significant CE enhancement up to 1.49% is demonstrated for a 200-nm-thick Sn layer on a microstructured porous alumina substrate.
Current prevalence of chronic hepatitis B and C virus infection in the general population, blood donors and pregnant women in the EU/EEA: a systematic review
Authors: HOFSTRAAT S. H. I. , FALLA A. M. , DUFFELL E. F. , HAHNÉ S. J. M. , AMATO-GAUCI A. J. , VELDHUIJZEN I. K. , TAVOSCHI L.
Published: September 2017

This systematic review aimed at estimating chronic hepatitis B (HBV) and C virus (HCV) prevalence in the European Union (EU) and Economic Area (EEA) countries in the general population, blood donors and pregnant women. We searched PubMed©, Embase© and Cochrane Library databases for reports on HBV and HCV prevalence in the general population and pregnant women in EU/EEA countries published between 2005 and 2015. Council of Europe data were used for HBV and HCV blood donor prevalence. HBV general population estimates were available for 13 countries, ranging from 0·1% to 4·4%. HCV general population estimates were available for 13 countries, ranging from 0·1% to 5·9%. Based on general population and blood donor estimates, the overall HBV prevalence in the EU/EEA is estimated to be 0·9% (95% CI 0·7–1·2), corresponding to almost 4·7 million HBsAg-positive cases; and the overall HCV prevalence to be 1·1% (95% CI 0·9–1·4), equalling 5·6 million anti-HCV-positive cases. We found wide variation in HCV and HBV prevalence across EU/EEA countries for which estimates were available, as well as variability between groups often considered a proxy for the general population. Prevalence estimates are essential to inform policymaking and public health practice. Comparing to other regions globally, HBV and HCV prevalence in the EU/EEA is low.
Epidemiology of seasonal influenza infection in pregnant women and its impact on birth outcomes
Authors: REGAN A. K. , MOORE H. C. , SULLIVAN S. G. , DE KLERK N. , EFFLER P. V.
Published: September 2017

Seasonal influenza can cause significant morbidity in pregnant women. Much of the existing epidemiological evidence on influenza during pregnancy has focused on the 2009 A/H1N1 pandemic. To measure the epidemiological characteristics of seasonal influenza infection among pregnant women and the impact on infant health, a cohort of 86 779 pregnancies during the influenza season (2012–2014) was established using probabilistic linkage of notifiable infectious disease, hospital admission, and birth information. A total of 192 laboratory-confirmed influenza infections were identified (2·2 per 1000 pregnancies), 14·6% of which were admitted to hospital. There was no difference in the proportion of infections admitted to hospital by trimester or subtype of infection. Influenza B infections were more likely to occur in second trimester compared with influenza A/H3N2 and influenza A/H1N1 infections (41·3%, 23·6%, and 33·3%, respectively), and on average, infants born to women with influenza B during pregnancy had 4·0% (95% CI 0·3–7·6%) lower birth weight relative to optimal compared with infants born to uninfected women (P = 0·03). Results from this linked population-based study suggest that there are differences in maternal infection by virus type and subtype and support the provision of seasonal influenza vaccine to pregnant women.
Conviviality and the Life of Soil
Authors: Given Michael
Published: September 2017

Soils provide a striking demonstration of conviviality, thanks to the intensity and abundance of lively interaction seething within them. Soils constitute and generate life precisely through the symbiotic interaction, collaboration and competition of an enormous range of partners. Engaging with some specific soils in central Cyprus demonstrates how this conviviality works. Soil-places are created by very precise combinations of soil players, both non-human and human. Humans can join these partners in helping the soil to grow, through constructions of check dams to catch sediments and moisture. They can use soil to construct houses, demonstrating deep local knowledge and close partnership with the soils, and often recognizing the conviviality that provides a foundation for their lives in the landscape. As our soils today are catastrophically degraded and lost, the need to engage with the conviviality of soil is all the more urgent.
Absorption, Theatricality and the Image in Deep Time
Authors: Fowles Severin
Published: September 2017

For well over a century, archaeology has been animated by the construction—and, increasingly, the critique—of grand narratives surveying the evolution of politics, economics, technologies, religion and so on. Deep histories of ‘art’ have not been pursued with comparable energy. This essay explores why this is so, and it considers what might be gained from extending the distinctively archaeological approach to human history to include analyses of long-term shifts in the organization and functions of images. In doing so, it proposes that notions of ‘absorption’ and ‘theatricality’ drawn from art-historical conversations might profitably be redeployed to examine deeper cross-cultural patterns.
First-stage palliation strategy for univentricular heart disease may impact risk for acute kidney injury
Authors: Goldstein Bryan H. , Goldstein Stuart L. , Devarajan Prasad , Zafar Farhan , Kwiatkowski David M. , Marino Bradley S. , Morales David L. S. , Krawczeski Catherine D. , Cooper David S.
Published: September 2017

Objective

Norwood palliation for patients with single ventricle heart disease is associated with a significant risk for acute kidney injury, which portends a worse prognosis. We sought to investigate the impact of hybrid stage I palliation (Hybrid) on acute kidney injury risk.

Design

This study is a single-centre prospective case–control study of seven consecutive neonates with single ventricle undergoing Hybrid palliation. Levels of serum creatinine and four novel urinary biomarkers, namely neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, interleukin-18, liver fatty acid-binding protein, and kidney injury molecule-1, were obtained before and after palliation. Acute kidney injury was defined as a ⩾50% increase in serum creatinine within 48 hours after the procedure. Data were compared with a contemporary cohort of 12 neonates with single ventricle who underwent Norwood palliation.

Results

Patients who underwent Hybrid were more likely to be high-risk candidates (86 versus 25%, p=0.01) compared with those who underwent Norwood. Despite similar preoperative serum creatinine levels, there was a trend towards higher levels of postoperative peak serum creatinine (0.7 [0.63, 0.94] versus 0.56 [0.47, 0.74], p=0.06) and rate of acute kidney injury (67 versus 29%, p=0.17) in the Norwood cohort. Preoperative neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (58.4 [11, 86.3] versus 6.3 [5, 16.2], p=0.07) and interleukin-18 (30.6 [9.6, 167.2] versus 6.3 [6.3, 16.4], p=0.03) levels were higher in the Hybrid cohort. Nevertheless, longitudinal mixed-effect models demonstrated Hybrid palliation to be a protective factor against increased postoperative levels of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (estimate −1.8 [−3.0, −9.0], p<0.001) and liver fatty acid-binding protein (−49.3 [−89.7, −8.8], p=0.018).

Conclusions

In this single-centre case–control study, postoperative acute kidney injury risk did not differ significantly by single ventricle stage I treatment strategy; however, postoperative elevation in novel urinary biomarkers, consistent with subclinical kidney injury, was encountered in the Norwood cohort but not in the Hybrid cohort.
Comparison of an interviewer-administered with an automated self-administered 24 h (ASA24) dietary recall in adolescents
Authors: Hughes Ashley R , Summer Suzanne S , Ollberding Nicholas J , Benken Laura A , Kalkwarf Heidi J
Published: September 2017

Objective

The current pilot study aimed to assess whether reporting quality would decline materially in adolescents completing weekly web-based Automated Self-Administered 24-Hour dietary recalls (ASA24-Kids-2014) and interviewer-administered 24 h dietary recalls for six weeks. We also aimed to assess method preference.

Design

We conducted two studies. Study 1 (n 20) randomized participants to complete either one ASA24-Kids-2014 or one interviewer-administered recall weekly, for six weeks. Energy intake and number of foods reported were described for each method over time. Differences between recall methods for each measure were tested using mixed-effects regression. Study 2 (n 10) employed a randomized crossover design to describe method preference.

Setting

Dietary intake was collected either by telephone (interviewer-administered dietary recalls) or via the Internet (ASA24-Kids-2014 dietary recalls).

Subjects

Adolescents aged 12–17 years with no prior diet recording experience were enrolled.

Results

In Study 1, mean (sd) total energy and number of foods reported decreased by 50 (222) kJ (12 (53) kcal) and 0·05 (0·31) items v. 38 (138) kJ (9 (33) kcal) and 0·17 (0·14) items per recall for participants randomized to the ASA24-Kids-2014 v. interviewer-administered recalls, respectively. There was no difference between groups for either measure (P > 0·57). In Study 2, eight of ten participants preferred the interviewer-administered recall over the ASA24-Kids-2014. Overall, seven of twenty participants experienced technical difficulties with the ASA24-Kids-2014.

Conclusions

No appreciable decay in reporting quality was seen for either method. However, participants reported a preference for the interviewer-administered recall. Our findings can help inform and support larger studies to further characterize the performance of the ASA24 in adolescents.
Catholic Politicians and the Politics of Abortion Position Taking
Authors: Marchetti Kathleen , O'Connell David
Published: September 2017

Four decades after the Court's landmark decision inRoe v. Wade, the issue of abortion persists as a point of contention for elected officials. The Catholic Church has taken a leading role in the pro-life movement, putting many Catholic representatives in a difficult position as they can be cross-pressured by their party, their constituents, and their own beliefs. Given these pressures, how do Catholic legislators explain their positions on abortion? We address this question via an analysis of public statements about abortion made by Catholic representatives and senators in the 108thCongress. We examine which members comment on abortion and use automated text analysis to measure legislators' certainty and use of moral and religious terms when discussing abortion. Multivariate analysis shows that gender, ethnicity, and an interaction between a member's position on abortion and the number of Catholics in their constituency shape how Catholic legislators discuss abortion.
Mitochondrial DNA haplotypes induce differential patterns of DNA methylation that result in differential chromosomal gene expression patterns
Authors: Lee William T , Sun Xin , Tsai Te-Sha , Johnson Jacqueline L , Gould Jodee A , Garama Daniel J , Gough Daniel J , McKenzie Matthew , Trounce Ian A , St. John Justin C
Published: September 2017

Mitochondrial DNA copy number is strictly regulated during development as naive cells differentiate into mature cells to ensure that specific cell types have sufficient copies of mitochondrial DNA to perform their specialised functions. Mitochondrial DNA haplotypes are defined as specific regions of mitochondrial DNA that cluster with other mitochondrial sequences to show the phylogenetic origins of maternal lineages. Mitochondrial DNA haplotypes are associated with a range of phenotypes and disease. To understand how mitochondrial DNA haplotypes induce these characteristics, we used four embryonic stem cell lines that have the same set of chromosomes but possess different mitochondrial DNA haplotypes. We show that mitochondrial DNA haplotypes influence changes in chromosomal gene expression and affinity for nuclear-encoded mitochondrial DNA replication factors to modulate mitochondrial DNA copy number, two events that act synchronously during differentiation. Global DNA methylation analysis showed that each haplotype induces distinct DNA methylation patterns, which, when modulated by DNA demethylation agents, resulted in skewed gene expression patterns that highlight the effectiveness of the new DNA methylation patterns established by each haplotype. The haplotypes differentially regulateα-ketoglutarate, a metabolite from the TCA cycle that modulates the TET family of proteins, which catalyse the transition from 5-methylcytosine, indicative of DNA methylation, to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine, indicative of DNA demethylation. Our outcomes show that mitochondrial DNA haplotypes differentially modulate chromosomal gene expression patterns of naive and differentiating cells by establishing mitochondrial DNA haplotype-specific DNA methylation patterns.
Synergistic anti-AML effects of the LSD1 inhibitor T-3775440 and the NEDD8-activating enzyme inhibitor pevonedistat via transdifferentiation and DNA rereplication
Authors: Ishikawa Y , Nakayama K , Morimoto M , Mizutani A , Nakayama A , Toyoshima K , Hayashi A , Takagi S , Dairiki R , Miyashita H , Matsumoto S , Gamo K , Nomura T , Nakamura K
Published: September 2017

Lysine-specific demethylase 1A (LSD1, KDM1A) specifically demethylates di- and monomethylated histones H3K4 and K9, resulting in context-dependent transcriptional repression or activation. We previously identified an irreversible LSD1 inhibitor T-3775440, which exerts antileukemic activities in a subset of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cell lines by inducing cell transdifferentiation. The NEDD8-activating enzyme inhibitor pevonedistat (MLN4924, TAK-924) is an investigational drug with antiproliferative activities in AML, and is also reported to induce cell differentiation. We therefore tested the combination of these two agents in AML models. The combination treatment resulted in synergistic growth inhibition of AML cells, accompanied by enhanced transdifferentiation of an erythroid leukemia lineage into granulomonocytic-like lineage cells. In addition, pevonedistat-induced rereplication stress during the S phase was greatly augmented by concomitant treatment with T-3775440, as reflected by the increased induction of apoptosis. We further demonstrated that the combination treatment was markedly effective in subcutaneous tumor xenograft models as well as in a disseminated model of AML, leading to tumor eradication or prolonged survival in T-3775440/pevonedistat cotreated mice. Our findings indicate the therapeutic potential of the combination of LSD1 inhibitors and pevonedistat for the treatment of AML.
Identification of the S100 fused-type protein hornerin as a regulator of tumor vascularity
Authors: Gutknecht Michael F. , Seaman Marc E. , Ning Bo , Cornejo Daniel Auger , Mugler Emily , Antkowiak Patrick F. , Moskaluk Christopher A. , Hu Song , Epstein Frederick H. , Kelly Kimberly A.
Published: September 2017

Sustained angiogenesis is essential for the development of solid tumors and metastatic disease. Disruption of signaling pathways that govern tumor vascularity provide a potential avenue to thwart cancer progression. Through phage display-based functional proteomics, immunohistochemical analysis of human pancreatic ductal carcinoma (PDAC) specimens, and in vitro validation, we reveal that hornerin, an S100 fused-type protein, is highly expressed on pancreatic tumor endothelium in a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-independent manner. Murine-specific hornerin knockdown in PDAC xenografts results in tumor vessels with decreased radii and tortuosity. Hornerin knockdown tumors have significantly reduced leakiness, increased oxygenation, and greater apoptosis. Additionally, these tumors show a significant reduction in growth, a response that is further heightened when therapeutic inhibition of VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2) is utilized in combination with hornerin knockdown. These results indicate that hornerin is highly expressed in pancreatic tumor endothelium and alters tumor vessel parameters through a VEGF-independent mechanism.
An injectable hydrogel enhances tissue repair after spinal cord injury by promoting extracellular matrix remodeling
Authors: Hong Le Thi Anh , Kim Young-Min , Park Hee Hwan , Hwang Dong Hoon , Cui Yuexian , Lee Eun Mi , Yahn Stephanie , Lee Jae K. , Song Soo-Chang , Kim Byung Gon
Published: September 2017

The cystic cavity that develops following injuries to brain or spinal cord is a major obstacle for tissue repair in central nervous system (CNS). Here we report that injection of imidazole-poly(organophosphazenes) (I-5), a hydrogel with thermosensitive sol–gel transition behavior, almost completely eliminates cystic cavities in a clinically relevant rat spinal cord injury model. Cystic cavities are bridged by fibronectin-rich extracellular matrix. The fibrotic extracellular matrix remodeling is mediated by matrix metalloproteinase-9 expressed in macrophages within the fibrotic extracellular matrix. A poly(organophosphazenes) hydrogel lacking the imidazole moiety, which physically interacts with macrophages via histamine receptors, exhibits substantially diminished bridging effects. I-5 injection improves coordinated locomotion, and this functional recovery is accompanied by preservation of myelinated white matter and motor neurons and an increase in axonal reinnervation of the lumbar motor neurons. Our study demonstrates that dynamic interactions between inflammatory cells and injectable biomaterials can induce beneficial extracellular matrix remodeling to stimulate tissue repair following CNS injuries.
The interdependent network of gene regulation and metabolism is robust where it needs to be
Authors: Klosik David F. , Grimbs Anne , Bornholdt Stefan , Hütt Marc-Thorsten
Published: September 2017

Despite being highly interdependent, the major biochemical networks of the living cell—the networks of interacting genes and of metabolic reactions, respectively—have been approached mostly as separate systems so far. Recently, a framework for interdependent networks has emerged in the context of statistical physics. In a first quantitative application of this framework to systems biology, here we study the interdependent network of gene regulation and metabolism for the model organism Escherichia coli in terms of a biologically motivated percolation model. Particularly, we approach the system’s conflicting tasks of reacting rapidly to (internal and external) perturbations, while being robust to minor environmental fluctuations. Considering its response to perturbations that are localized with respect to functional criteria, we find the interdependent system to be sensitive to gene regulatory and protein-level perturbations, yet robust against metabolic changes. We expect this approach to be applicable to a range of other interdependent networks.
Caloric restriction delays age-related methylation drift
Authors: Maegawa Shinji , Lu Yue , Tahara Tomomitsu , Lee Justin T. , Madzo Jozef , Liang Shoudan , Jelinek Jaroslav , Colman Ricki J. , Issa Jean-Pierre J.
Published: September 2017

In mammals, caloric restriction consistently results in extended lifespan. Epigenetic information encoded by DNA methylation is tightly regulated, but shows a striking drift associated with age that includes both gains and losses of DNA methylation at various sites. Here, we report that epigenetic drift is conserved across species and the rate of drift correlates with lifespan when comparing mice, rhesus monkeys, and humans. Twenty-two to 30-year-old rhesus monkeys exposed to 30% caloric restriction since 7–14 years of age showed attenuation of age-related methylation drift compared to ad libitum-fed controls such that their blood methylation age appeared 7 years younger than their chronologic age. Even more pronounced effects were seen in 2.7–3.2-year-old mice exposed to 40% caloric restriction starting at 0.3 years of age. The effects of caloric restriction on DNA methylation were detectable across different tissues and correlated with gene expression. We propose that epigenetic drift is a determinant of lifespan in mammals.
Taming active turbulence with patterned soft interfaces
Authors: Guillamat P. , Ignés-Mullol J. , Sagués F.
Published: September 2017

Active matter embraces systems that self-organize at different length and time scales, often exhibiting turbulent flows apparently deprived of spatiotemporal coherence. Here, we use a layer of a tubulin-based active gel to demonstrate that the geometry of active flows is determined by a single length scale, which we reveal in the exponential distribution of vortex sizes of active turbulence. Our experiments demonstrate that the same length scale reemerges as a cutoff for a scale-free power law distribution of swirling laminar flows when the material evolves in contact with a lattice of circular domains. The observed prevalence of this active length scale can be understood by considering the role of the topological defects that form during the spontaneous folding of microtubule bundles. These results demonstrate an unexpected strategy for active systems to adapt to external stimuli, and provide with a handle to probe the existence of intrinsic length and time scales.
Serial millisecond crystallography for routine room-temperature structure determination at synchrotrons
Authors: Weinert Tobias , Olieric Natacha , Cheng Robert , Brünle Steffen , James Daniel , Ozerov Dmitry , Gashi Dardan , Vera Laura , Marsh May , Jaeger Kathrin , Dworkowski Florian , Panepucci Ezequiel , Basu Shibom , Skopintsev Petr , Doré Andrew S. , Geng Tian , Cooke Robert M. , Liang Mengning , Prota Andrea E. , Panneels Valerie , Nogly Przemyslaw , Ermler Ulrich , Schertler Gebhard , Hennig Michael , Steinmetz Michel O. , Wang Meitian , Standfuss Jörg
Published: September 2017

Historically, room-temperature structure determination was succeeded by cryo-crystallography to mitigate radiation damage. Here, we demonstrate that serial millisecond crystallography at a synchrotron beamline equipped with high-viscosity injector and high frame-rate detector allows typical crystallographic experiments to be performed at room-temperature. Using a crystal scanning approach, we determine the high-resolution structure of the radiation sensitive molybdenum storage protein, demonstrate soaking of the drug colchicine into tubulin and native sulfur phasing of the human G protein-coupled adenosine receptor. Serial crystallographic data for molecular replacement already converges in 1,000–10,000 diffraction patterns, which we collected in 3 to maximally 82 minutes. Compared with serial data we collected at a free-electron laser, the synchrotron data are of slightly lower resolution, however fewer diffraction patterns are needed for de novo phasing. Overall, the data we collected by room-temperature serial crystallography are of comparable quality to cryo-crystallographic data and can be routinely collected at synchrotrons.