bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Klage der Natur
Authors: Prade‐Weiss Juliane
Published: October 2018

Die Studie analysiert die Rolle der Sprache des Klagens in Herders sowie Benjamins Überlegungen zum Sprachursprung, die der für das systematische Verständnis der Sprache ebenso grundlegenden wie vernachlässigten Frage nachgehen, wie wechselseitiger Austausch in der Struktur der Sprache verankert ist. Herder und Benjamin greifen das alte Motiv der Klage der Natur auf, das in der Dichtung seit der Antike eine phonetisch‐affektive Kontaktzone zwischen natürlichen Tönen sowie Äußerungen von Lebewesen einerseits und andererseits der artikulierten Wortsprache darstellt. HerdersAbhandlung über den Ursprung der Sprache(1772) und BenjaminsÜber Sprache überhaupt und über die Sprache des Menschen(1916) erschließen die phonetische Materialität und affektive Motivation der menschlichen Sprache in der Lektüre von SophoklesʾPhiloktetund der Genesis. In der Adaption von Szenen dieser Texte übernehmen sie auch die Maßgabe der Betrachtung aus der Distanz, die neben szenischen auch theoretischen Texten eingeschrieben ist. HerdersAbhandlungschildert die geniun menschliche Sprache just dadurch als Abstraktionsvermögen, dass sie Abstand nimmt von dem Affektausdruck, der durch Akzentuierung der wahrnehmbaren Materialität der Sprache Gehör und Erwiderung erheischt. Benjamins Diskurs stellt die apodiktische Gewaltsamkeit des theoretischen Vorgehens aus, den spezifisch menschlichen Zugang der Welt vermittels der Sprache zu begründen durch Absehen von der Natur.
Propofol pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile and its electroencephalographic interaction with remifentanil in children
Authors: Fuentes Ricardo , Cortínez Luis Ignacio , Contreras Víctor , Ibacache Mauricio , Anderson Brian J.
Published: October 2018

Background

Propofol and remifentanil are commonly combined during total intravenous anesthesia. The impact of remifentanil in this relationship is poorly quantified in children. Derivation of an integrated pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic propofol model, containing remifentanil pharmacodynamic interaction information, enables propofol effect‐site target‐controlled infusion in children with a better prediction of its hypnotic effect when both drugs are combined.

Aims

We designed this study to derive an integrated propofol pharmacokinetic‐pharmacodynamic model in children and to describe the pharmacodynamic interaction between propofol and remifentanil on the electroencephalographic bispectral index effect.

Methods

Thirty children (mean age: 5.45 years, range 1.3‐11.9; mean weight: 23.5 kg, range 8.5‐61) scheduled for elective surgery with general anesthesia were studied. After sevoflurane induction, maintenance of anesthesia was based on propofol and remifentanil. Blood samples to measure propofol concentration were collected during anesthesia maintenance and up to 6 hours in the postoperative period. Bispectral index data were continuously recorded throughout the study. A pharmacokinetic‐pharmacodynamic model was developed using population modeling. The Greco model was used to examine the pharmacokinetic‐pharmacodynamic interaction between propofol and remifentanil for BIS response

Results

Propofol pharmacokinetic data from a previous study in 53 children were pooled with current data and simultaneously analyzed. Propofol pharmacokinetics were adequately described by a three‐compartment distribution model with first‐order elimination. Theory‐based allometric relationships based on TBW improved the model fit. The Greco model supported an additive interaction between propofol and remifentanil. Remifentanil showed only a minor effect in BIS response.

Conclusion

We have developed an integrated propofol pharmacokinetic‐pharmacodynamic model that can describe the pharmacodynamic interaction between propofol and remifentanil for BIS response. An additive interaction was supported by our modeling analysis.
A novel glycerophosphodiester phosphodiesterase improves phosphate deficiency tolerance in rice
Authors: Mehra Poonam , Pandey Bipin K. , Verma Lokesh , Giri Jitender
Published: October 2018

Soil phosphate (Pi) deficiency is major constraint for rice cultivation worldwide. Cellular membranes account for one third of cellular organic phosphorus (P) in the form of phospholipids. Therefore, remobilization of Pi from membrane phospholipids under Pi deficiency can be an important strategy to improve phosphorus use efficiency. Glycerophosphodiester phosphodiesterases (GDPDs) hydrolyse intermediate product of phospholipid catabolism, glycerophosphodiesters to glycerol‐3‐phosphate, a precursor for P and non P‐lipid biosynthesis. Here, we show that OsGDPD2 is a Pi deficiency responsive gene, which is transcriptionally regulated by OsPHR2. In silico analysis of active site residues and enzymatic assays confirmed phosphodiesterase activity of OsGDPD2. All overexpression lines showed higher GDPD activity, Pi content, root growth, and biomass accumulation as compared with wild type. Conversely, silencing of OsGDPD2 led to decreased GDPD activity and Pi content. Notably, most of the P‐containing metabolites and fatty acids were elevated in transgenic lines. Further, quantitative analysis of polar lipids revealed higher accumulation of several classes of phospholipids and galactolipids in overexpression lines indicating a potential role of OsGDPD2 in de novo glycerolipid biosynthesis. Thus, present study provides insights into novel physiological roles of OsGDPD2 in low Pi acclimation in rice.
Modifiable life style factors and risk for incident endometriosis
Authors: Hemmert Rachael , Schliep Karen C. , Willis Sydney , Peterson Charles Matthew , Louis Germaine Buck , Allen‐Brady Kristina , Simonsen Sara E. , Stanford Joseph B. , Byun Jiyoung , Smith Ken R.
Published: October 2018

Background

Caffeine, alcohol, smoking and physical activity are known to alter sex steroid synthesis, which may affect hormone‐dependent gynaecologic disease risk, such as endometriosis; however, few studies have assessed life style factors prior to endometriosis diagnosis.

Methods

Four hundred and seventy three women, ages 18‐44 years, underwent laparoscopy or laparotomy, regardless of clinical indication, at 14 clinic sites, 2007‐2009. Women with prior surgically confirmed endometriosis were excluded. Life style factors were assessed prior to surgery. Adjusted risk ratios (RR) of endometriosis by caffeine, alcohol, smoking (serum cotinine), and physical activity were estimated, adjusting for age, marital status, education, race/ethnicity, age at menarche, gravidity, BMI, study site, and other life style factors.

Results

There were no associations between women with endometriosis and alcohol consumption (RR 0.9, 95% CI 0.7, 1.3), caffeine consumption (RR 1.1, 95% CI 0.8, 1.5), or smoking (serum cotinine <10 vs ≥10 ng/mL; RR 1.0, 95% CI 0.7, 1.6). Similar null findings were found between endometriosis and weekly occurrences of physical activity and total walking, moderate, and vigorous activity; a modest trend was found between total daily sitting time and increased endometriosis risk.

Conclusions

This study, which is unique in its capture of life style exposures prior to incident endometriosis diagnosis, largely found no association between alcohol, caffeine, smoking, and physical activity and risk of endometriosis.
Serum cytokine measurements and biological therapy of psoriasis – Prospects for personalized treatment?
Authors: Solberg Silje M. , Sandvik Lene F. , Eidsheim Marianne , Jonsson Roland , Bryceson Yenan T. , Appel Silke
Published: October 2018

Psoriasis is an immune‐mediated disease where the IL‐23/Th17 axis as well as TNF comprise main targets of biological therapy. Immune profiling has so far not been embraced as a clinical tool. We aimed to investigate relationships between individual serum cytokine levels in 40 psoriasis patients before and after receiving biological therapy and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) and Dermatological Life Quality Index (DLQI). Serum concentration of 25 cytokines was determined by Luminex technology. Mean PASI and DLQI decreased by 71% and 65%, respectively. Increase of IL‐2 positively correlated with improvement of PASI and DLQI. Moreover, increase of IL‐5, IL‐10, IL‐12, IL‐22 and GM‐CSF correlated with treatment effect. Notably, logistic regression revealed four times higher risk of having severe psoriasis when IL‐17A increased by 1 pg/mL (OR: 4.06, P < 0.05). Selected serum cytokines might constitute useful biomarkers for monitoring disease activity and optimizing therapeutic strategies in psoriasis patients.
Impulsivity, Painful and Provocative Events, and Suicide Intent: Testing the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide
Authors: Jordan Joshua T. , Samuelson Kristin W. , Tiet Quyen Q.
Published: October 2018

Objective

The Interpersonal Theory of Suicide (IPTS; Joiner, 2005.Why People Die by Suicide. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press) hypothesizes that repeated exposure to painful and provocative events (PPE) increases capability for suicide (CS), therefore facilitating the development of suicidal intent, and that impulsive individuals are more likely to experience these painful and provocative events, creating an indirect relationship between impulsivity andCS. Research to date largely supports this hypothesis but has not translated this theory to actual suicidal intent.

Method

The present study used data from the MacArthur Violence Risk Assessment Study to examine the relationship betweenPPEand intent, and the indirect relationship between impulsivity and intent among a sample of 245 recent suicide attempters, using the clinician‐rated Suicide Intent Scale as an objective measure of intent.

Results

Results supported the hypothesized direct relationship betweenPPEand intent, and the indirect relationship between impulsivity and intent throughPPE. There was no direct relationship between impulsivity and intent, suggesting that the relationship between impulsivity and intent occurs entirely through exposure toPPE.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that assessing exposure to painful and provocative events is critical in evaluating risk of suicide, and that impulsivity itself does not confer an increased risk of lethal or nearly lethal attempts.
Children’s reasoning about unequal gender‐based distributions
Authors: Conry‐Murray Clare
Published: October 2018

Children ages 7 (N = 56, Mage = 7.24, SD = 0.83), 9 (N = 55, Mage = 9.25, SD = 0.52), and 11 (N = 52, Mage = 11.60, SD = 0.79), and emerging adults (N = 50, Mage = 20.76, SD = 0.87) judged distributions of different items to boys and girls, when the items distributed varied by gender valence (related or unrelated to gender norms) and equivalency (equivalent or unequal). Distributions were judged to be acceptable most when the items were consistent with gender norms, especially for participants at ages 7 and 9, indicating that in middle childhood, children judge unequal treatment as fair when it is related to gender norms. Items were judged to be more likable when they were gendered, and likability judgments predicted more positive evaluations of the distributions, even when controlling for age.
Spatio‐temporal distribution of vertically transmitted dengue viruses by Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) from Arroyo Naranjo, Havana, Cuba
Authors: Gutiérrez‐Bugallo Gladys , Rodríguez‐Roche Rosmari , Díaz Gisell , Pérez Magaly , Mendizábal María Elena , Peraza Iris , Vázquez Antonio A. , Alvarez Mayling , Rodríguez Magdalena , Bisset Juan A. , Guzmán María G.
Published: October 2018

Objective

To study the distribution of vertical transmission of dengue viruses in field‐collected Aedes aegypti larvae in the municipality of Arroyo Naranjo in Havana, Cuba.

Methods

Aedes aegypti larvae and pupae were collected monthly between September 2013 and July 2014 in the seven Municipal Health Areas of Arroyo Naranjo. Pools formed of 30–55 larvae were examined through PCR and sequencing to detect the presence of each serotype.

Results

We analysed 111 pools of larvae and pupae (4102 individuals) of which 37 tested positive for at least one DENV. More than one DENV type was observed in 10 of the 37 positive pools. Infected pools were detected every month, except in January, suggesting a sustained circulation of DENV in the vector populations. DENV‐1 and DENV‐3 were the most frequent and dispersed, though all four DENV types were detected. Nucleotide sequencing from positive pools confirmed RT‐PCR results for DENV‐1 (genotype V), DENV‐3 (genotype III) and DENV‐4 (genotype II). DENV‐2 was detected by RT‐PCR but could not be confirmed by nucleotide sequencing.

Conclusion

Our study of the distribution of natural vertical transmission of dengue virus types highlights extrinsic virus activity patterns in the area and could be used as a new surveillance tool.
Environmental temperature and case fatality of patients with Ebola virus disease in Sierra Leone and Liberia, 2014–2015: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Peters Jillian L. , Cho Daniel K. , Aluisio Adam R. , Kennedy Stephen B. , Massaquoi Moses B. F. , Sahr Foday , Perera Shiromi M. , Levine Adam C.
Published: October 2018

Objective

Fluid loss during Ebola virus disease (EVD) infections from gastrointestinal dysfunction leads to volume depletion. It is possible that high environmental temperatures may exacerbate volume depletion or interfere with the provision of medical care by providers in full personal protective equipment. We investigated the effect of environmental temperature on case fatality.

Methods

The International Medical Corps (IMC) operated five Ebola Treatment Units (ETUs) in Liberia and Sierra Leone during the 2014–2016 epidemic. Demographic and outcomes variables for 465 patients with EVD were sourced from a de‐identified, quality‐checked clinical database collected by IMC. Daily environmental temperature data for Liberia and Sierra Leone were collected from a publicly available database (Weather Underground). Mean daily environmental temperatures were averaged across each patient's ETU stay and environmental temperature thresholds were determined. Multiple logistic regression was utilised, with forward variable selection and threshold for entry of P < 0.1. Statistical significance was defined as P < 0.05. The following variables were analysed as potential confounders: age, sex, ETU, length of ETU operation and date of treatment.

Results

Case fatality was 57.6% among patients diagnosed with EVD. Analysis of case fatality across environmental temperature quintiles indicated a threshold effect; the optimal threshold for average environmental temperature during a patient's ETU stay was determined empirically to be 27.4 °C (81.3 °F). Case fatality was significantly greater for patients with average environmental temperatures above the threshold (70.4%) vs. below (52.0%) (P < 0.001). In multiple regression, patients with average environmental temperature above the threshold during their ETU stay were significantly more likely to die than patients below the threshold (aOR = 2.5, 95% CI 1.6–3.8, P < 0.001). This trend was observed only among patients treated in white tent ETUs, and not in ETUs with aluminium roofs.

Discussion

These findings suggest that an average environmental temperature above 27.4 °C (81.3 °F) during patients’ ETU stay is associated with greater risk of death among patients with EVD. Further studies should investigate this effect. These results have potential implications for reducing case fatality through improved ETU construction or other temperature control methods within ETUs during future outbreaks.
Where can I get free? Everyday bordering, everyday incarceration
Authors: Cassidy Kathryn
Published: October 2018

This paper draws on the growing body of geographical literature on carceral spaces and carcerality to explore alternatives sites of incarceration in everyday life and also to look beyond the state as a carceral actor and agent. In particular, it focuses on “unfreedom” and the punitive elements of UK immigration controls from the perspective of those who have left violent domestic situations and in doing so have been forced to apply for leave to remain in the country. The paper highlights the ways in which, in enacting the spatial violence of immigration policies and controls, everyday actors, such as sales assistants and landlords, become agents in the “continuum of unfreedoms.” The discussion, therefore, seeks to define carcerality beyond the institution as not only linked to institutional carceralities but as existing in and of itself in and around us in everyday life. In particular, it is argued that from a feminist perspective there is a need to better understand these everyday carceralities in the process of seeking asylum, as women are less likely to be incarcerated in state institutions. The paper also demonstrates the complex roles of non and quasi‐state actors in shaping the “unfreedoms” of everyday life for those seeking leave to remain in the UK as a result of domestic violence.
Effectiveness of Two Different Methods for Pain Reduction During Insulin Injection in Children With Type 1 Diabetes: Buzzy and ShotBlocker
Authors: Canbulat Sahiner Nejla , Turkmen Ayse Sonay , Acikgoz Ayfer , Simsek Enver , Kirel Birgul
Published: October 2018

Background

Repeated injections may prevent children from performing insulin administration (skip dosing) and may cause anxiety.

Aims

To compare the effect of ShotBlocker and the combination of vibration and cold application (Buzzy) in reducing pain during insulin administration in children.

Methods

This research was designed as a randomized controlled experimental study. The study sample consisted of 60 children aged between 6 and 12 years who were diagnosed as having type 1 diabetes and received insulin from the Child Endocrinology Department of the medical faculty in Eskisehir Osmangazi University between May 2015 and June 2017. The children were randomized into the Buzzy (n = 20), ShotBlocker (n = 20), and control (n = 20) groups. Three instruments were used to obtain the research data: Interview and Observation Form, Children's Anxiety and Pain Scale (CAPS), and Faces Pain Scale—Revised (FPS‐R).

Results

The mean age of the children was 9.43 ± 2.18 years (range 6–12 years). There were no significant differences among preprocedural anxiety levels of the study groups in terms of self‐, parent‐, and observer‐reported levels (p = .935, p = .374, and p = .680, respectively). Children in the control group had higher levels of pain than children in the Buzzy and ShotBlocker groups (p = .008, p = .007, and p > .001, respectively). There was a significant difference between the groups with procedural anxiety levels reported by the family and observer (p = .006 and p = .002, respectively), favoring the intervention groups.

Linking Evidence to Action

Nurses should be aware of pain during insulin injection and use methods for pain relief accordingly. ShotBlocker is recommended as a helpful option in cases where a pain control method is required.
The effects of spirotetramat on the demographic parameters of Neoseiulus californicus (Phytoseiidae)
Authors: Bozhgani Niloufar Sangak Sani , Kheradmand Katayoon , Talebi Ali asghar
Published: October 2018

Knowledge of the effects of pesticides on biological control agents is mandatory for the successful implementation of IPM programs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of spirotetramat on the life table parameters of Neoseiulus californicus, under laboratory conditions [25 ± 2ºC, 70 ± 5% RH and 16:8 (L:D) h]. The experiments were carried out based on the leaf-dip technique. The experimental concentrations including 10000, 20000 and 30000 ppm of the spirotetramat were used in this study. The raw data was analyzed based on the age-stage, two-sex life table theory. The longevity, total life span, oviposition period, and total fecundity significantly decreased after exposure to concentrations of 20000 and 30000 ppm. The oviposition period was scored 26 days in the control cohort, which reduced to 22.87 days in the 30000 ppm. The total fecundity ranged between 29.45 and 39.46 (offspring/individual). Among the examined concentrations, the lowest values of the gross and net reproductive rates were 21.96 and 17.69 (offspring/individual), observed for the cohort treated with 30000 ppm concentration. Our findings showed the r and λ of N. californicus were not influenced by the different concentrations. The mean generation time (T) for control was the highest; the values for T varied from 18.35 days at control to 16.36 days at 30000 ppm. Therefore, it was concluded that spirotetramat can be introduced as a compatible pesticide alongside the predatory mite, N. californicus, which is an excellent tool that can be incorporated into the integrated pest management of T. urticae.
Three dimensional photoacoustic tomography in Bayesian framework
Authors: Tick Jenni , Pulkkinen Aki , Lucka Felix , Ellwood Robert , Cox Ben T. , Kaipio Jari P. , Arridge Simon R. , Tarvainen Tanja
Published: October 2018

The image reconstruction problem (or inverse problem) in photoacoustic tomography is to resolve the initial pressure distribution from detected ultrasound waves generated within an object due to an illumination by a short light pulse. Recently, a Bayesian approach to photoacoustic image reconstruction with uncertainty quantification was proposed and studied with two dimensional numerical simulations. In this paper, the approach is extended to three spatial dimensions and, in addition to numerical simulations, experimental data are considered. The solution of the inverse problem is obtained by computing point estimates, i.e., maximum a posteriori estimate and posterior covariance. These are computed iteratively in a matrix-free form using a biconjugate gradient stabilized method utilizing the adjoint of the acoustic forward operator. The results show that the Bayesian approach can produce accurate estimates of the initial pressure distribution in realistic measurement geometries and that the reliability of these estimates can be assessed.
Key-and-lock commodity self-healing copolymers
Authors: Urban Marek W. , Davydovich Dmitriy , Yang Ying , Demir Tugba , Zhang Yunzhi , Casabianca Leah
Published: October 2018

Simple routes to self-healing

Biology provides many routes for self-healing or repair, but this trait is hard to endow into engineering materials. Although self-repair has been demonstrated for some polymers, it usually required specialized monomers. Urban
et al.
demonstrate that for a very narrow range of compositions, simple vinyl polymers based on methyl methacrylate and
n
-butyl acrylate show repeatable self-healing properties (see the Perspective by Sumerlin). A key characteristic of this system is that it relies on van der Waals interactions rather than the reformation of hydrogen or covalent bonds for repair.

Science
, this issue p.
220
; see also p.
150
Structure and dynamics of the yeast SWR1-nucleosome complex
Authors: Willhoft Oliver , Ghoneim Mohamed , Lin Chia-Liang , Chua Eugene Y. D. , Wilkinson Martin , Chaban Yuriy , Ayala Rafael , McCormack Elizabeth A. , Ocloo Lorraine , Rueda David S. , Wigley Dale B.
Published: October 2018

From DNA unwrapping to histone exchange

The yeast SWR1 complex, a member of the INO80 family of nucleosome remodelers, exchanges the H2A-H2B histone dimer for the Htz1 variant–containing dimer. Unlike all other remodelers, SWR1 does not translocate the nucleosome. Willhoft
et al.
applied structural and single-molecule analyses to show that the interaction between SWR1 and the nucleosome destabilizes the DNA wrapped around the histone core. This SWR1-catalyzed partial unwrapping of the DNA was regulated by adenosine triphosphate (ATP) binding but did not require ATP hydrolysis.

Science
, this issue p.
eaat7716
Controlled crack propagation for atomic precision handling of wafer-scale two-dimensional materials
Authors: Shim Jaewoo , Bae Sang-Hoon , Kong Wei , Lee Doyoon , Qiao Kuan , Nezich Daniel , Park Yong Ju , Zhao Ruike , Sundaram Suresh , Li Xin , Yeon Hanwool , Choi Chanyeol , Kum Hyun , Yue Ruoyu , Zhou Guanyu , Ou Yunbo , Lee Kyusang , Moodera Jagadeesh , Zhao Xuanhe , Ahn Jong-Hyun , Hinkle Christopher , Ougazzaden Abdallah , Kim Jeehwan
Published: October 2018

Cleaving with a metal handle

Using adhesive tape to pull off monolayers of two-dimensional (2D) materials is now a well-established approach. However, the flakes tend to be micrometer scale, and the creation of multilayer stacks for device application can be challenging and time consuming. Shim
et al.
show that monolayers of a variety of 2D materials, including molybdenum disulfide and hexagonal boron nitride, can be cleaved from multilayers grown as 5-centimeter-diameter wafers. The multilayer is capped with a nickel layer, which can be used to pull off the entire grown stack. The bottom of the stack is again capped with nickel, and a second round of cleaving leaves the monolayer on the bottom nickel layer. The monolayers could be transferred to other surfaces, which allowed the authors to make field-effect transistors with high charge-carrier mobilities.

Science
, this issue p.
665
In vivo modeling of human neuron dynamics and Down syndrome
Authors: Real Raquel , Peter Manuel , Trabalza Antonio , Khan Shabana , Smith Mark A. , Dopp Joana , Barnes Samuel J. , Momoh Ayiba , Strano Alessio , Volpi Emanuela , Knott Graham , Livesey Frederick J. , De Paola Vincenzo
Published: October 2018

Development of human brain neurons

The earliest stages of human brain development are very difficult to monitor, but using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can help to elucidate the process. Real
et al.
transplanted neural progenitors derived from human iPSCs into the brains of adult mice. They used intravital imaging to visualize how resulting neurons grew and connected. The human cells produced neurons that integrated and developed synaptic networks with oscillatory activity. Dendritic pruning was observed and involved a process of branch retraction, not degeneration. Cells derived from individuals with Down syndrome, upon transplantation into the mouse brain, produced neurons that grew normally but showed reduced dendritic spine turnover and less network activity.

Science
, this issue p.
eaau1810
Identity inference of genomic data using long-range familial searches
Authors: Erlich Yaniv , Shor Tal , Pe’er Itsik , Carmi Shai
Published: October 2018

Detecting familial matches

Recent advances in DNA technology and companies that provide array-based testing have led to services that collect, share, and analyze volunteered genomic information. Privacy concerns have been raised, especially in light of the use of these services by law enforcement to identify suspects in criminal cases. Testing models of relatedness, Erlich
et al.
show that many individuals of European ancestry in the United States—even those that have not undergone genetic testing—can be identified on the basis of available genetic information. These results indicate a need for procedures to help maintain genetic privacy for individuals.

Science
, this issue p.
690
Thyroid hormone signaling specifies cone subtypes in human retinal organoids
Authors: Eldred Kiara C. , Hadyniak Sarah E. , Hussey Katarzyna A. , Brenerman Boris , Zhang Ping-Wu , Chamling Xitiz , Sluch Valentin M. , Welsbie Derek S. , Hattar Samer , Taylor James , Wahlin Karl , Zack Donald J. , Johnston Robert J.
Published: October 2018

Thyroid hormone in color vision development

Cone photoreceptors in the eye enable color vision, responding to different wavelengths of light according to what opsin pigments they express. Eldred
et al.
studied organoids that recapitulate the development of the human retina and found that differentiation of cone cells into their tuned subtypes was regulated by thyroid hormone. Cones expressing short-wavelength (S) opsin developed first, and cones expressing long- and medium-wavelength (L/M) opsin developed later. The switch toward development of L/M cones depended on thyroid hormone signaling through the nuclear thyroid hormone receptor.

Science
, this issue p.
eaau6348
An alternative urban green carpet
Authors: Ignatieva Maria , Hedblom Marcus
Published: October 2018

How can we move to sustainable lawns in a time of climate change?
Return of results and data to study participants
Authors: Wolf Susan M. , Evans Barbara J.
Published: October 2018

A recent report urges progress but builds barriers to research participants' access
Substrate-engaged 26
S
proteasome structures reveal mechanisms for ATP-hydrolysis–driven translocation
Authors: de la Peña Andres H. , Goodall Ellen A. , Gates Stephanie N. , Lander Gabriel C. , Martin Andreas
Published: October 2018

Molecular-motor coordination

The proteasome is a cytosolic molecular machine that recognizes and degrades unneeded or damaged proteins that have been tagged with ubiquitin. A heterohexameric adenosine triphosphatase motor pulls the substrate into the proteolytic chamber, while at the same time, a protein located at the entrance of this motor removes the ubiquitin. De la Peña
et al.
trapped the substrate inside the motor by inhibiting removal of ubiquitin. This allowed them to determine cryo–electron microscopy structures in the presence of substrate and adenosine triphosphate (ATP). The findings distinguish three sequential conformational states that show how ATP binding, hydrolysis, and phosphate release are coordinated between the six subunits of the motor to cause the conformational changes that translocate the substrate through the proteasome.

Science
, this issue p.
eaav0725
Defining HIV-1 Envelope N-Glycan Microdomains through Site-Specific Heterogeneity Profiles
Authors: Hargett Audra A. , Wei Qing , Knoppova Barbora , Hall Stacy , Huang Zhi-Qiang , Prakash Amol , Green Todd J. , Moldoveanu Zina , Raska Milan , Novak Jan , Renfrow Matthew B.
Published: October 2018

The Env protein of HIV is highly glycosylated, and the sites of glycosylation can change as the virus mutates during immune evasion. Due to these changes, the glycan location and heterogeneity of surrounding N-glycosylation sites can be altered, resulting in exposure of different glycan or proteoglycan surfaces while still producing a viable HIV variant. These changes present a need for vaccine developers to identify Env variants with epitopes most likely to induce durable protective responses. Here we describe a means of anticipating HIV-1 immune evasion by dividing Env into N-glycan microdomains that have a limited number of N-glycan sequon combinations.
When to include clinical study reports and regulatory documents in systematic reviews
Authors: Jefferson Tom , Doshi Peter , Boutron Isabelle , Golder Su , Heneghan Carl , Hodkinson Alex , Jones Mark , Lefebvre Carol , Stewart Lesley A
Published: October 2018

Reporting bias is a major threat to the validity and credibility of systematic reviews. This article outlines the rationale for accessing clinical study reports and other regulatory documents (regulatory data) as a means of addressing reporting bias and identifies factors that may help decide whether (or not) to include regulatory data in systematic reviews. The article also describes the origins and current state of regulatory data access and summarises a survey of current systematic reviewers’ practices in considering regulatory data for inclusion in systematic reviews. How to access and extract regulatory data is not addressed. Organisations and other stakeholders such as Cochrane should encourage the use of data from clinical study reports as an important source of data in reviews of pharmaceutical interventions particularly when the intervention in question is of high importance and the risk of reporting bias is great.
Collaborative governance of public health in low- and middle-income countries: lessons from research in public administration
Authors: Emerson Kirk
Published: October 2018

Multisectoral governance, one of many terms used to describe collaborative, cross-boundary approaches to solving complex public problems, is being applied broadly in several policy arenas, most notably in environmental and natural resource management, but increasingly in public health in multiple settings and scales around the globe. This paper explores how to transfer knowledge about collaborative governance to challenging public health settings found in low-income and moderate-income countries (LMICs). This paper presents a general background on collaborative governance, summarises some relevant empirical findings on the performance of collaborative governance and lays out some of the challenges and considerations for thinking about improving collaborative public health governance in LMICs.
Identifying health policy and systems research priorities on multisectoral collaboration for health in low-income and middle-income countries
Authors: Glandon Douglas , Meghani Ankita , Jessani Nasreen , Qiu Mary , Bennett Sara
Published: October 2018

Introduction

While efforts to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have reinvigorated interest in multisectoral collaborations (MSCs) among the global health and development community, there remains a plethora of questions about how best to conceptualise, plan, implement, evaluate and sustain MSCs. The objective of this paper is to present research priorities on MSC for health from researchers and policymakers around the globe, with an emphasis on low-income and middle-income countries.

Methods

The authors identified 30 priority research questions from two sources: (1) 38 review articles on MSC for health, and (2) interviews and focus groups with a total of 81 policymakers, including government officials (largely from ministries of health and state/provincial departments of health, but also offices of planning, public service, social development, the prime minister and others), large multilateral or bilateral organisations, and non-governmental organisations. In a third phase, questions were refined and ranked by a diverse group of researchers from around the globe using an online voting platform.

Results

The top-ranked questions focused predominantly on pragmatic questions, such as how best to structure, implement and sustain MSCs, as well as how to build stakeholder capacity and community partnerships. Despite substantial variation between review articles, policymakers’ reflections and online ranking by researchers, two topics emerged as research priorities for all three: (1) leadership, partnership and governance structures for MSCs; and (2) MSC implementation strategies and mechanisms. The review articles underscored the need for more guidance on appropriate study designs and methods for investigating MSCs, which may be a prerequisite for other identified research priorities.

Conclusion

These findings could inform efforts within and beyond the health sector to better align research objectives and funding with the evidence needs of policymakers grappling with questions about how best to leverage MSCs to achieve UHC and the SDGs.
Performance of the SteatoTest, ActiTest, NashTest and FibroTest in a multiethnic cohort of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Bril Fernando , McPhaul Michael J , Caulfield Michael P , Castille Jean-Marie , Poynard Thierry , Soldevila-Pico Consuelo , Clark Virginia C , Firpi-Morell Roberto J , Lai Jinping , Cusi Kenneth
Published: October 2018

Fibromax is a diagnostic tool composed of the combination of 4 non-invasive biomarker panels for the diagnosis of steatosis (SteatoTest), necrosis and inflammation (ActiTest and NashTest-2) and fibrosis (FibroTest). The purpose of this study was to assess the performance of these biomarker panels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). All patients underwent routine labs, a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test, a liver proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) to measure intrahepatic triglyceride content, and a percutaneous liver biopsy to establish the diagnosis of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and to grade and stage the disease in those patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) by 1H-MRS. For determination of the scores, plasma samples were blindly provided to establish the SteatoTest, ActiTest, NashTest-2 and FibroTest scores. A total of 220 patients with T2DM were included in this study. When the ability of the SteatoTest to identify patients with T2DM with NAFLD by 1H-MRS was assessed, the overall performance expressed as the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.73 (95% CI 0.65 to 0.81). The performance of the ActiTest and NashTest-2 to diagnose definite NASH among patients with T2DM was 0.70 (95% CI 0.63 to 0.77) and 0.69 (95% CI 0.62 to 0.76), respectively. Regarding the FibroTest score, its performance to identify patients with moderate or advanced fibrosis was 0.67 (95% CI 0.58 to 0.76) and 0.72 (95% CI 0.61 to 0.83), respectively. Non-invasive panels for the diagnosis of steatosis, NASH and/or fibrosis, which were developed and validated in non-diabetic cohorts, underperformed when applied to a large cohort of patients with T2DM. Results from non-diabetic populations should not be extrapolated to patients with T2DM.
The‘peacerole’of healthcare during war: understanding the importance of medical impartiality
Authors: Messelken Daniel
Published: October 2018

This article argues that medical personnel of armed forces occupy a‘peacerole’, which continues and dominates their professional ethos during armed conflict. The specific role and its associated legal and ethical obligations are elaborated, and on that basis arguments are provided why and how the work of military healthcare providers is interpreted as a continuation of peace during war.
No surge in illicit cigarettes after implementation of menthol ban in Nova Scotia
Authors: Stoklosa Michal
Published: October 2018

Background

In May 2015, the Canadian province of Nova Scotia became the first jurisdiction in the world to ban menthol cigarettes specifically. The tobacco industry warned that ‘the primary effect of this law will be to increase the illegal tobacco market in Nova Scotia’. This is the first attempt to examine the impact of the menthol ban on trends in illicit cigarettes.

Data and methods

Data on the number of illicit cigarettes seized in Nova Scotia covering the period from 2007/2008 to 2017/2018 was obtained from the Provincial Tax Commission. Data from before and after the ban are compared.

Results

According to the local authorities, while the enforcement efforts in Nova Scotia have not declined, the number of seized illicit cigarettes declined significantly, from >60 000 cartons in 2007/2008 to <10 000 cartons in 2017/2018. Since the menthol ban, the seizure volume remained stable, with no statistically significant difference in the number of cigarettes seized before and after the menthol ban (t=−0.71, p=0.55). There were only a few small seizures of menthol cigarettes in the year following the ban, after which there have been no further seizures of menthol cigarettes.

Discussion

Contrary to the tobacco industry’s assertions, there was no surge in illicit cigarettes after the 2015 ban on menthol cigarette sales in Nova Scotia. Credible, industry-independent evidence on illicit cigarette trade is desperately needed to support the implementation of tobacco control policies.
Characterization of model uncertainty in predicting axial resistance of piles driven into clay
Authors: Tang Chong , Phoon Kok-Kwang
Published: October 2018

This paper summarizes 239 static load tests to evaluate the performance of four static design methods for axial resistance of driven piles in clay. The methods are ISO 19901-4:2016, SHANSEP, ICP-05, and NGI-05. The database is categorized into four groups depending on the load type (compression or uplift) and pile tip condition (open or closed end). The model uncertainty in resistance prediction is quantified as a ratio between measured and calculated resistance, which is called a model factor. The measured resistance is interpreted as a load producing a settlement level of 10% pile diameter. Database studies show that the four methods present a similar accuracy, where the mean and coefficient of variation (COV) of the model factor are around 1 and 0.3, respectively. The COV values are smaller than those for driven piles in sand available in literature. The model statistics determined from the database are applicable to a simplified or full probabilistic form of reliability-based design (RBD) of driven piles in clay. As an illustration, the resistance factors in load and resistance factor design (LRFD, a simplified form of RBD) are calibrated by Monte Carlo simulations.
MWCNTs patterning by thermally enhanced and confined evaporation for transparent and conductive thin film
Authors: Li Xiangmeng , Shao Jinyou , Zhu Xijing , Wei Huifen
Published: October 2018

Conductive and transparent thin film structures are useful in flexible electronics. In this paper, we report multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) patterning into gradient regular patterns with large area of about several square centimeters on silicon or wafer glass slide via thermally enhanced evaporative self-assembly under wedge-shaped geometric confinement. The morphologies, electrical and optical properties of the MWCNTs thin film were characterized. The findings reveal that the conductance would increase with depositing times, meanwhile the transparency would decrease. The resistance of the grid patterning films of MWCNTs has a nearly linear relation to the transmittance in a relatively large range. The MWCNTs can be easily transferred to flexible substrate such as PET films or an adhesive tape. In comparison, SWCNTs could hardly be deposited into stripes or grid patterns, but the continuous thick films and discontinuous thin films could demonstrate better electrical and mechanical performance.
The rogue wave of the nonlinear Schrödinger equation with self-consistent sources
Authors: Huang Yehui , Jing Hongqing , Lin Runliang , Yao Yuqin
Published: October 2018

In this paper, we study the nonlinear Schrödinger equation with self-consistent sources, and obtain the rogue wave solution, the breather solution and their interactions by the generalized Darboux transformation. The dynamics of the rogue wave solution, the breather solution and their interactions are analyzed.
Enhanced gastrointestinal passive paracellular permeability contributes to the obesity-associated hyperoxaluria
Authors: Bashir Mohamed , Meddings Jon , Alshaikh Altayeb , Jung Daniel , Le Kim , Amin Ruhul , Ratakonda Sireesha , Sharma Sapna , Granja Ignacio , Satti Mustafa , Asplin John , Hassan Hatim
Published: October 2018

Most kidney stones (KS) are composed of calcium oxalate and small increases in urine oxalate enhance the stone risk. Obesity is a risk factor for KS, and urinary oxalate excretion increases with increased body size. We previously established the obese ob/ob ( ob) mice as a model (3.3-fold higher urine oxalate) to define the pathogenesis of obesity-associated hyperoxaluria (OAH). The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that the obesity-associated enhanced small intestinal paracellular permeability contributes to OAH by increasing passive paracellular intestinal oxalate absorption. ob Mice have significantly higher jejunal (1.6-fold) and ileal (1.4-fold) paracellular oxalate absorption ex vivo and significantly higher (5-fold) urine [13C]oxalate following oral gavage with [13C]oxalate, indicating increased intestinal oxalate absorption in vivo. The observation of higher oxalate absorption in vivo compared with ex vivo suggests the possibility of increased paracellular permeability along the entire gut. Indeed, ob mice have significantly higher fractions of the administered sucrose (1.7-fold), lactulose (4.4-fold), and sucralose (3.1-fold) excreted in the urine, reflecting increased gastric, small intestinal, and colonic paracellular permeability, respectively. The ob mice have significantly reduced gastrointestinal occludin, zonula occludens-1, and claudins-1 and -3 mRNA and total protein expression. Proinflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress, which are elevated in obesity, significantly enhanced paracellular intestinal oxalate absorption in vitro and ex vivo. We conclude that obese mice have significantly higher intestinal oxalate absorption and enhanced gastrointestinal paracellular permeability in vivo, which would likely contribute to the pathogenesis of OAH, since there is a transepithelial oxalate concentration gradient to drive paracellular intestinal oxalate absorption.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study shows that the obese ob/ob mice have significantly increased gastrointestinal paracellular oxalate absorption and remarkably enhanced paracellular permeability along the entire gut in vivo, which are likely mediated by the obesity-associated increased systemic and intestinal inflammation and oxidative stress. A transepithelial oxalate concentration gradient driving gastrointestinal paracellular oxalate absorption exists, and therefore, our novel findings likely contribute to the hyperoxaluria observed in the ob/ob mice and hence to the pathogenesis of obesity-associated hyperoxaluria.
Loading‐Rate Dependence of Rocks in Postfailure Region under Triaxial Compression
Authors: Tang Yang , Okubo Seisuke , Xu Jiang , Zhang Hailong , Peng Shoujian
Published: October 2018

To study the loading‐rate dependence of four types of rocks in the peak and postfailure regions, the alternative strain rate test method is employed in conducting triaxial compressive tests under different confining pressure and moisture conditions. An index of the loading‐rate dependence in the postfailure region is proposed, and the effects of confining pressure and moisture condition on the index are analyzed. The reliability of the test results is verified by comparing the experimental and calculated results of stress relaxation. Following are the results. (1) The peak strength and postfailure behavior significantly depend on the loading rate. The indices (nc and nd) of the loading‐rate dependence in the postfailure region obtained based on the elastic and unloading moduli show a good linear relationship. It is feasible to use nc to evaluate the loading‐rate dependence of rocks in the postfailure region. (2) The loading‐rate dependence of the rock strength increases with the increase in the confining pressure. The effect of confining pressure on the loading‐rate dependence in the postfailure region is related to the moisture condition state. (3) Water‐saturation treatment will increase the loading‐rate dependence in the peak and postfailure regions, and the effect of water is greater than that of the confining pressure. (4) The experimental and calculated results of stress relaxation in the postfailure region are in good agreement, thus validating the experimental results.
FRP‐Confined Concrete Columns: A New Procedure for Evaluating the Performance of Square and Circular Sections
Authors: Fossetti Marinella , Basone Francesco , D’Arenzo Giuseppe , Macaluso Giuseppe , Siciliano Alfio Francesco
Published: October 2018

In the last few decades, the upgrading of existing reinforced concrete columns with the use of FRP jackets has met with increasing interest for its effectiveness and ease of application. The use of these kinds of jackets ensures an improvement of the affected column in terms of strength and ductility; however, the prediction of behavior of columns wrapped with FRP jackets is still an open question because of the many parameters that influence the effectiveness of the upgrading technique, and several semiempirical models are proposed. Because these models are often only applicable to specific cases, in this paper, a generalized criterion for the determination of the increase in strength, in ductility, and in dissipated energy for varying corner radius ratios of the cross section and fiber volumetric ratios is shown. Numerical results using a finite element analysis, calibrated on the basis of experimental data available in the literature, are carried out to calibrate the new analytical models. A comparison with some available models confirms the reliability of the proposed procedure.