bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anti–3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl‐coenzyme a reductase necrotizing myopathy masquerading as a muscular dystrophy in a child
Authors: Mohassel Payam , Foley A. Reghan , Donkervoort Sandra , Fequiere Pierre R. , Pak Katherine , Bönnemann Carsten G. , Mammen Andrew L.
Published: January 2017

Introduction

Immune‐mediated necrotizing myopathies (IMNMs) are characterized by progressive weakness, elevated serum creatine kinase levels, and necrotizing myopathic features on muscle biopsy. Presence of highly specific autoantibodies against signal recognition particle (SRP) or 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl‐ coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR) can aid in recognition and confirmation of IMNMs.

Methods

In this study we describe a boy with HMGCR‐positive necrotizing myopathy and highlight the clinical features of the patient.

Results

In contrast to most adults, the patient described had a more indolent disease course, reminiscent of a muscular dystrophy. Intravenous immunoglobulin monotherapy resulted in a dramatic clinical response with return to normal strength.

Conclusions

Systematic consideration of IMNMs and testing for relevant autoantibodies in children with suspected but genetically unconfirmed muscular dystrophy may help improve diagnostic accuracy and allow timely treatment with potentially highly effective immunotherapies.Muscle Nerve56: 175–179, 2017
Crystallographic analysis of murine p24γ2 Golgi dynamics domain
Authors: Nagae Masamichi , Liebschner Dorothee , Yamada Yusuke , Morita‐Matsumoto Kana , Matsugaki Naohiro , Senda Toshiya , Fujita Morihisa , Kinoshita Taroh , Yamaguchi Yoshiki
Published: January 2017

The p24 family proteins form homo‐ and hetero‐oligomeric complexes for efficient transport of cargo proteins from the endoplasmic reticulum to the Golgi apparatus. It consists of four subfamilies (p24α, p24β, p24γ, and p24δ). p24γ2 plays crucial roles in the selective transport of glycosylphosphatidylinositol‐anchored proteins. Here, we determined the crystal structure of mouse p24γ2 Golgi dynamics (GOLD) domain at 2.8 Å resolution by the single anomalous diffraction method using intrinsic sulfur atoms. In spite of low sequence identity among p24 family proteins, p24γ2 GOLD domain assumes a β‐sandwich fold, similar to that of p24β1 or p24δ1. An additional short α‐helix is observed at the C‐terminus of the p24γ2 GOLD domain. Intriguingly, p24γ2 GOLD domains crystallize as dimers, and dimer formation seems assisted by the short α‐helix. Dimerization modes of GOLD domains are compared among p24 family proteins. Proteins 2017; 85:764–770. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Burnout and depressive symptoms in teachers: Factor structure and construct validity of the Maslach Burnout inventory‐educators survey among elementary and secondary school teachers in Hungary
Authors: Szigeti Réka , Balázs Noémi , Bikfalvi Réka , Urbán Róbert
Published: January 2017

This study validated the Hungarian version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory–Educators Survey on a sample of n = 211 elementary and secondary teachers. To test factorial validity, we ran a series of confirmatory analysis with eight models. The best fitting model was the bifactor model with general burnout and three specific factors: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment. Analyzing the covariates revealed that gender and age were not associated with burnout, but depressive symptoms and overcommitment had a significant relationship with general burnout, and overcommitment was related to emotional exhaustion as well.
Single Nucleobase Identification Using Biophysical Signatures from Nanoelectronic Quantum Tunneling
Authors: Korshoj Lee E. , Afsari Sepideh , Khan Sajida , Chatterjee Anushree , Nagpal Prashant
Published: January 2017

Nanoelectronic DNA sequencing can provide an important alternative to sequencing‐by‐synthesis by reducing sample preparation time, cost, and complexity as a high‐throughput next‐generation technique with accurate single‐molecule identification. However, sample noise and signature overlap continue to prevent high‐resolution and accurate sequencing results. Probing the molecular orbitals of chemically distinct DNA nucleobases offers a path for facile sequence identification, but molecular entropy (from nucleotide conformations) makes such identification difficult when relying only on the energies of lowest‐unoccupied and highest‐occupied molecular orbitals (LUMO and HOMO). Here, nine biophysical parameters are developed to better characterize molecular orbitals of individual nucleobases, intended for single‐molecule DNA sequencing using quantum tunneling of charges. For this analysis, theoretical models for quantum tunneling are combined with transition voltage spectroscopy to obtain measurable parameters unique to the molecule within an electronic junction. Scanning tunneling spectroscopy is then used to measure these nine biophysical parameters for DNA nucleotides, and a modified machine learning algorithm identified nucleobases. The new parameters significantly improve base calling over merely using LUMO and HOMO frontier orbital energies. Furthermore, high accuracies for identifying DNA nucleobases were observed at different pH conditions. These results have significant implications for developing a robust and accurate high‐throughput nanoelectronic DNA sequencing technique.
One‐step transvaginal three‐dimensional hysterosalpingo‐foam sonography (3D‐HyFoSy) confirmation test for Essure® follow‐up: a multicenter study
Authors: Zizolfi B. , Lazzeri L. , Franchini M. , Di Spiezio Sardo A. , Nappi C. , Piccione E. , Exacoustos C.
Published: January 2017

Objective

To evaluate, in patients who underwent Fallopian‐tube sterilization by hysteroscopic insertion of an Essure® device, the feasibility and accuracy of three‐dimensional (3D) transvaginal sonography (TVS) to check the position of the device and 3D hysterosalpingo‐foam sonography (3D‐HyFoSy) using contrast‐enhanced gel foam to assess consequent tubal occlusion.

Methods

This was a prospective multicenter study conducted from June 2012 to July 2014 in four Italian centers, which included 50 women who underwent hysteroscopic Essure microinsert placement in a total of 95 Fallopian tubes. Placement of the microinserts was performed in an outpatient setting following standard procedure recommendations. All patients underwent transvaginal 3D‐HyFoSy and hysterosalpingography (HSG) approximately 12–14 weeks after the procedure. The position of the devices was first checked on 3D‐TVS and classified according to specific criteria (Positions A, B, C and D). Then, 3D‐HyFoSy with ExEm® gel foam as the ultrasound contrast agent was performed to confirm tubal occlusion by the absence of contrast agent within the tubes and/or around the ovaries. To evaluate the feasibility of 3D‐HyFoSy, consecutive volume acquisitions were performed while injecting the gel foam. After sonographic evaluation, women underwent HSG to assess the success of sterilization, as standard methodology. Side effects and pain evoked during and after 3D‐HyFoSy and HSG were evaluated using a numeric pain rating scale.

Results

On 3D‐TVS, 10 devices (10.5%) were in Position A, two (2.1%) in Position B, 59 (62.1%) in Position C and 24 (25.3%) in Position D. During 3D‐HyFoSy, tubal occlusion was observed in 89 of 95 tubes (93.7%). In the six cases in which the passage of the contrast was observed, one device (16.7%) was in Position B, one device (16.7%) in Position D and four devices (66.7%) were found to lie in Position C. Tubal patency was confirmed at HSG with a concordance rate of 100%. The mean pain score associated with 3D‐HyFoSy was significantly lower than that on HSG.

Conclusions

3D‐TVS with HyFoSy allows accurate assessment of the position of Essure microinserts and tubal occlusion. It can be considered a safe, reliable, non‐invasive alternative to HSG. Copyright © 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Development of a Measure of Attachment to God for Muslims
Authors: Miner Maureen , Ghobary-Bonab Bagher , Dowson Martin
Published: January 2017

Attachment to God has received theoretical and theological warrant for its applicability to Christian and Muslim populations. However, existing measures of attachment to God have been developed within Christian contexts and do not necessarily constitute the best instruments for measuring attachment to God amongst Muslims. This paper addresses the lack of a religiously sensitive measure of attachment to God amongst Muslims by describing the development of the Muslim Spiritual Attachment Scale (M-SAS), the psychometric properties of the M-SAS, and its use in an Australian study of psychological health amongst Muslims. Implications for understanding Muslim attachment styles, and for future research into attachment to God amongst Christian and Muslim populations using culturally sensitive measures are discussed.
Random Graphs and Complex Networks
Authors: Hofstad Remco van der
Published: January 2017

This rigorous introduction to network science presents random graphs as models for real-world networks. Such networks have distinctive empirical properties and a wealth of new models have emerged to capture them. Classroom tested for over ten years, this text places recent advances in a unified framework to enable systematic study. Designed for a master's-level course, where students may only have a basic background in probability, the text covers such important preliminaries as convergence of random variables, probabilistic bounds, coupling, martingales, and branching processes. Building on this base - and motivated by many examples of real-world networks, including the Internet, collaboration networks, and the World Wide Web - it focuses on several important models for complex networks and investigates key properties, such as the connectivity of nodes. Numerous exercises allow students to develop intuition and experience in working with the models.
Gap resonance and higher harmonics driven by focused transient wave groups
Authors: Zhao W. , Wolgamot H. A. , Taylor P. H. , Eatock Taylor R.
Published: January 2017

The first and higher harmonic components of the resonant fluid response in the gap between two identical fixed rectangular boxes are experimentally investigated in a wave basin. Gap response is excited by transient wave groups (being based on scaled versions of the autocorrelation function of sea-state spectra, representing NewWaves, the average shape of large waves in a sea state). Several different wave groups with different maximum surface elevations, spectral peak frequencies and bandwidths are used, while the bilge shape of the boxes and approach angle of the waves are also varied. Unlike a simple regular wave, it is complicated to separate the harmonic components for a transient wave group due to nonlinear wave–wave and wave–structure interactions. A four-phase combination methodology is used to separate the first four harmonic components, and this also allows higher harmonic components to be isolated with simple digital frequency filtering. Harmonic components up to 14th order in the incident wave amplitude have been extracted. It is shown that for an incident group with appropriate frequency content, the linear gap response may be substantially smaller than the second harmonic component, which is strongly driven via quadratic coupling of the linear terms from the incident wave and occurs in the gap resonant modes. Double frequency excitation may have important practical implications for offshore operations. Fourth and zeroth (long-wave) harmonics in the gap are further driven via quadratic coupling of the second harmonic itself. Linear damping coefficients for the first few modes of the gap resonant response are derived from measured time series using a numerical fit and shown to be higher than those from linear diffraction calculations.
Flavanone-rich citrus beverages counteract the transient decline in postprandial endothelial function in humans: a randomised, controlled, double-masked, cross-over intervention study
Authors: Rendeiro Catarina , Dong Honglin , Saunders Caroline , Harkness Laura , Blaze Melvin , Hou Yanpeng , Belanger Ronald L. , Corona Giulia , Lovegrove Julie A. , Spencer Jeremy P. E.
Published: January 2017

Specific flavonoid-rich foods/beverages are reported to exert positive effects on vascular function; however, data relating to effects in the postprandial state are limited. The present study investigated the postprandial, time-dependent (0–7 h) impact of citrus flavanone intake on vascular function. An acute, randomised, controlled, double-masked, cross-over intervention study was conducted by including middle-aged healthy men (30–65 years, n 28) to assess the impact of flavanone intake (orange juice: 128·9 mg; flavanone-rich orange juice: 272·1 mg; homogenised whole orange: 452·8 mg; isoenergetic control: 0 mg flavanones) on postprandial (double meal delivering a total of 81 g of fat) endothelial function. Endothelial function was assessed by flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) of the brachial artery at 0, 2, 5 and 7 h. Plasma levels of naringenin/hesperetin metabolites (sulphates and glucuronides) and nitric oxide species were also measured. All flavanone interventions were effective at attenuating transient impairments in FMD induced by the double meal (7 h post intake; P<0·05), but no dose–response effects were observed. The effects on FMD coincided with the peak of naringenin/hesperetin metabolites in circulation (7 h) and sustained levels of plasma nitrite. In summary, citrus flavanones are effective at counteracting the negative impact of a sequential double meal on human vascular function, potentially through the actions of flavanone metabolites on nitric oxide.
Examples of K-Unstable Fano Manifolds with the Picard Number 1
Authors: Fujita Kento
Published: January 2017

We show that the pair (X, –KX) is K-unstable for a del Pezzo manifold X of degree 5 with dimension 4 or 5. This disproves a conjecture of Odaka and Okada.
Richard Baxter and the Savoy Conference (1661)
Authors: COOPER TIM
Published: January 2017

The 1661 Savoy Conference has generally been seen as a failure for which Richard Baxter is principally to blame. While it is true that he must share in the responsibility, it should be shared more widely. This article argues that the failure at the Savoy was the end result of tactical errors made a year earlier by the wider Presbyterian leadership who then left Baxter to shoulder the blame alone; and that the restored bishops never had any intention of offering any meaningful concessions at the Savoy.
Hospital-acquired listeriosis linked to a persistently contaminated milkshake machine
Authors: MAZENGIA E. , KAWAKAMI V. , RIETBERG K. , KAY M. , WYMAN P. , SKILTON C. , ABERRA A. , BOONYARATANAKORNKIT J. , LIMAYE A. P. , PERGAM S. A. , WHIMBEY E. , OLSEN-SCRIBNER R. J. , DUCHIN J. S.
Published: January 2017

One case of hospital-acquired listeriosis was linked to milkshakes produced in a commercial-grade shake freezer machine. This machine was found to be contaminated with a strain ofListeria monocytogenesepidemiologically and molecularly linked to a contaminated pasteurized, dairy-based ice cream product at the same hospital a year earlier, despite repeated cleaning and sanitizing. Healthcare facilities should be aware of the potential for prolongedListeriacontamination of food service equipment. In addition, healthcare providers should consider counselling persons who have an increased risk forListeriainfections regarding foods that have causedListeriainfections. The prevalence of persistentListeriacontamination of commercial-grade milkshake machines in healthcare facilities and the risk associated with serving dairy-based ice cream products to hospitalized patients at increased risk for invasiveL. monocytogenesinfections should be further evaluated.
Economically irrational pricing of nineteenth-century British government bonds
Authors: Odlyzko Andrew
Published: January 2017

British government bonds formed the deepest, most liquid and most transparent financial market of the nineteenth century. This article shows that those bonds had long periods, extending over decades, of anomalous behavior, in which Consols, the largest and best known of these instruments, were noticeably overpriced relative to equivalent securities which offered the same interest rate and the same guarantee of payment. This finding and similar ones for other comparable pairs of British gilts appear to provide the most extreme counterexamples documented so far to the Efficient Markets Hypothesis and to the Law of One Price, and point the way to further investigations on the origins and nature of the modern economy.
Iowa Gambling Task Performance Prospectively Predicts Changes in Glycemic Control among Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Suchy Yana , Queen Tara L. , Huntbach Bryce , Wiebe Deborah J. , Turner Sara L. , Butner Jonathan , Kelly Caitlin S. , White Perrin C. , Murray Mary , Swinyard Michael , Berg Cynthia A.
Published: January 2017

Objectives:Good glycemic control is an important goal of diabetes management. Late adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) are at risk for poor glycemic control as they move into young adulthood. For a subset of these patients, this dysregulation is extreme, placing them at risk for life-threatening health complications and permanent cognitive declines. The present study examined whether deficiency in emotional decision making (as measured by the Iowa Gambling Task; IGT) among teens with T1D may represent a neurocognitive risk factor for subsequent glycemic dysregulation.Methods:As part of a larger longitudinal study, a total of 241 high-school seniors (147 females, 94 males) diagnosed with T1D underwent baseline assessment that included the IGT. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), which reflects glycemic control over the course of the past 2 to 3 months, was also assessed at baseline. Of the 241,189 (127 females, 62 males, mean age=17.76, mean HbA1c=8.11) completed HbA1c measurement 1 year later.Results:Baseline IGT performance in the impaired range (per norms) was associated with greater dysregulation in glycemic control 1 year later, as evidenced by an average increase in HbA1c of 2%. Those with normal IGT scores (per norms) exhibited a more moderate increase in glycemic control, with an HbA1c increase of 0.7%. Several IGT scoring approaches were compared, showing that the total scores collapsed across all trials was most sensitive to change in glycemic control.Conclusions:IGT assessment offers promise as a tool for identifying late adolescents at increased risk for glycemic dysregulation. (JINS, 2017,23, 204–213)
Aligning guidelines and medical practice: Literature review on pediatric palliative care guidelines
Authors: De Clercq Eva , Rost Michael , Pacurari Nadia , Elger Bernice S. , Wangmo Tenzin
Published: January 2017

Objective:

Palliative care for children is becoming an important subspecialty of healthcare. Although concurrent administration of curative and palliative care is recommended, timely referral to pediatric palliative care (PPC) services remains problematic. This literature review aims to identify barriers and recommendations for proper implementation of palliative care for children through the looking glass of PPC guidelines.

Method:

To identify studies on PPC guidelines, five databases were searched systematically between 1960 and 2015: Scopus, PubMed, PsycINFO, the Web of Science, and CINAHL. No restrictions were placed on the type of methodology employed in the studies.

Results:

Concerning barriers, most of the papers focused on gaps within medical practice and the lack of evidence-based research. Common recommendations therefore included: training and education of healthcare staff, formation of a multidisciplinary PPC team, research on the benefits of PPC, and raising awareness about PPC. A small number of publications reported on the absence of clear guidance in PPC documents regarding bereavement care, as well as on the difficulties and challenges involved in multidisciplinary care teams.

Significance of results:

Our results indicate that a critical assessment of both the research guidelines and medical practice is required in order to promote timely implementation of PPC for pediatric patients.
Nonlinear detection of secondary isotopic chemical shifts in NMR through spin noise
Authors: Pöschko Maria Theresia , Rodin Victor V. , Schlagnitweit Judith , Müller Norbert , Desvaux Hervé
Published: January 2017

The detection of minor species in the presence of large amounts of similar main components remains a key challenge in analytical chemistry, for instance, to obtain isotopic fingerprints. As an alternative to the classical NMR scheme based on coherent excitation and detection, here we introduce an approach based on spin-noise detection. Chemical shifts and transverse relaxation rates are determined using only the detection circuit. Thanks to a nonlinear effect in mixtures with small chemical shift dispersion, small signals on top of a larger one can be observed with increased sensitivity as bumps on a dip; the latter being the signature of the main magnetization. Experimental observations are underpinned by an analytical theory: the coupling between the magnetization and the coil provides an amplified detection capability of both small static magnetic field inhomogeneities and small NMR signals. This is illustrated by two-bond 12C/13C isotopic measurements.
Updating temporal expectancy of an aversive event engages striatal plasticity under amygdala control
Authors: Dallérac Glenn , Graupner Michael , Knippenberg Jeroen , Martinez Raquel Chacon Ruiz , Tavares Tatiane Ferreira , Tallot Lucille , El Massioui Nicole , Verschueren Anna , Höhn Sophie , Bertolus Julie Boulanger , Reyes Alex , LeDoux Joseph E. , Schafe Glenn E. , Diaz-Mataix Lorenzo , Doyère Valérie
Published: January 2017

Pavlovian aversive conditioning requires learning of the association between a conditioned stimulus (CS) and an unconditioned, aversive stimulus (US) but also involves encoding the time interval between the two stimuli. The neurobiological bases of this time interval learning are unknown. Here, we show that in rats, the dorsal striatum and basal amygdala belong to a common functional network underlying temporal expectancy and learning of a CS–US interval. Importantly, changes in coherence between striatum and amygdala local field potentials (LFPs) were found to couple these structures during interval estimation within the lower range of the theta rhythm (3–6 Hz). Strikingly, we also show that a change to the CS–US time interval results in long-term changes in cortico-striatal synaptic efficacy under the control of the amygdala. Collectively, this study reveals physiological correlates of plasticity mechanisms of interval timing that take place in the striatum and are regulated by the amygdala.
Syntrophic anaerobic photosynthesis via direct interspecies electron transfer
Authors: Ha Phuc T. , Lindemann Stephen R. , Shi Liang , Dohnalkova Alice C. , Fredrickson James K. , Madigan Michael T. , Beyenal Haluk
Published: January 2017

Microbial phototrophs, key primary producers on Earth, use H2O, H2, H2S and other reduced inorganic compounds as electron donors. Here we describe a form of metabolism linking anoxygenic photosynthesis to anaerobic respiration that we call ‘syntrophic anaerobic photosynthesis’. We show that photoautotrophy in the green sulfur bacterium Prosthecochloris aestaurii can be driven by either electrons from a solid electrode or acetate oxidation via direct interspecies electron transfer from a heterotrophic partner bacterium, Geobacter sulfurreducens. Photosynthetic growth of P. aestuarii using reductant provided by either an electrode or syntrophy is robust and light-dependent. In contrast, P. aestuarii does not grow in co-culture with a G. sulfurreducens mutant lacking a trans-outer membrane porin-cytochrome protein complex required for direct intercellular electron transfer. Syntrophic anaerobic photosynthesis is therefore a carbon cycling process that could take place in anoxic environments. This process could be exploited for biotechnological applications, such as waste treatment and bioenergy production, using engineered phototrophic microbial communities.
Tubules of plant reoviruses exploit tropomodulin to regulate actin-based tubule motility in insect vector
Authors: Chen Qian , Zhang Linghua , Zhang Yanshuang , Mao Qianzhuo , Wei Taiyun
Published: January 2017

Plant reoviruses are known to exploit virion-packaging tubules formed by virus-encoding non-structural proteins for viral spread in insect vectors. Tubules are propelled by actin-based tubule motility (ABTM) to overcome membrane or tissue barriers in insect vectors. To further understand which insect factors mediate ABTM, we utilized yeast two-hybrid and bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays to test interactions between tubule protein Pns10 of rice dwarf virus (RDV), a plant reovirus, and proteins of its insect vector, the leafhopper Nephotettix cincticeps. Tropomodulin (Tmod), vitellogenin, and lipophorin precursor of N. cincticep displayed positive and strong interaction with Pns10, and actin-associated protein Tmod interacted with Pns10 in pull-down assay and the co-immunoprecipitation system. Further, we determined Pns10 tubules associated with Tmod in cultured cells and midgut of N. cincticep. The expression dynamic of Tmod was consistent with that of Pns10 and the fluctuation of RDV accumulation. Knockdown of Tmod inhibited the Pns10 expression and viral accumulation, thus decreasing the viruliferous rates of leafhopper. These results suggested that Tmod was involved in viral spread by directly interacting with Pns10 tubules, finally promoting RDV infection. This study provided direct evidence of plant reoviruses utilizing an actin-associated protein to manipulate ABTM in insect vectors, thus facilitating viral spread.
Validation of reference genes for cryopreservation studies with the gorgonian coral endosymbiont Symbiodinium
Authors: Chong Gabriella , Kuo Fu-Wen , Tsai Sujune , Lin Chiahsin
Published: January 2017

Quantification by real-time RT-PCR requires a stable internal reference known as a housekeeping gene (HKG) for normalising the mRNA levels of target genes. The present study identified and validated stably expressed HKGs in post-thawSymbiodiniumclade G. Six potential HKGs, namely,pcna, gapdh, 18S rRNA, hsp90, rbcl, andps1, were analysed using three different algorithms, namely, GeNorm, NormFinder, and BestKeeper. The GeNorm algorithm ranked the candidate genes as follows in the order of decreasing stability:pcnaandgapdh > ps1 > 18S rRNA > hsp90 > rbcl.Results obtained using the NormFinder algorithm also showed thatpcnawas the most stable HKG andps1was the second most stable HKG. We found that the candidate HKGs examined in this study showed variable stability with respect to the three algorithms. These results indicated that bothpcnaandps1were suitable for normalising target gene expression determined by performing real-time RT-PCR in cryopreservation studies onSymbiodiniumclade G. The results of the present study would help future studies to elucidate the effect of cryopreservation on gene expression in dinoflagellates.
DynOmics to identify delays and co-expression patterns across time course experiments
Authors: Straube Jasmin , Huang Bevan Emma , Cao Kim-Anh Lê
Published: January 2017

Dynamic changes in biological systems can be captured by measuring molecular expression from different levels (e.g., genes and proteins) across time. Integration of such data aims to identify molecules that show similar expression changes over time; such molecules may be co-regulated and thus involved in similar biological processes. Combining data sources presents a systematic approach to study molecular behaviour. It can compensate for missing data in one source, and can reduce false positives when multiple sources highlight the same pathways. However, integrative approaches must accommodate the challenges inherent in ‘omics’ data, including high-dimensionality, noise, and timing differences in expression. As current methods for identification of co-expression cannot cope with this level of complexity, we developed a novel algorithm called DynOmics. DynOmics is based on the fast Fourier transform, from which the difference in expression initiation between trajectories can be estimated. This delay can then be used to realign the trajectories and identify those which show a high degree of correlation. Through extensive simulations, we demonstrate that DynOmics is efficient and accurate compared to existing approaches. We consider two case studies highlighting its application, identifying regulatory relationships across ‘omics’ data within an organism and for comparative gene expression analysis across organisms.
Efficient implementation of a real-time estimation system for thalamocortical hidden Parkinsonian properties
Authors: Yang Shuangming , Deng Bin , Wang Jiang , Li Huiyan , Liu Chen , Fietkiewicz Chris , Loparo Kenneth A.
Published: January 2017

Real-time estimation of dynamical characteristics of thalamocortical cells, such as dynamics of ion channels and membrane potentials, is useful and essential in the study of the thalamus in Parkinsonian state. However, measuring the dynamical properties of ion channels is extremely challenging experimentally and even impossible in clinical applications. This paper presents and evaluates a real-time estimation system for thalamocortical hidden properties. For the sake of efficiency, we use a field programmable gate array for strictly hardware-based computation and algorithm optimization. In the proposed system, the FPGA-based unscented Kalman filter is implemented into a conductance-based TC neuron model. Since the complexity of TC neuron model restrains its hardware implementation in parallel structure, a cost efficient model is proposed to reduce the resource cost while retaining the relevant ionic dynamics. Experimental results demonstrate the real-time capability to estimate thalamocortical hidden properties with high precision under both normal and Parkinsonian states. While it is applied to estimate the hidden properties of the thalamus and explore the mechanism of the Parkinsonian state, the proposed method can be useful in the dynamic clamp technique of the electrophysiological experiments, the neural control engineering and brain-machine interface studies.
The mechanism of catalysis by type-II NADH:quinone oxidoreductases
Authors: Blaza James N. , Bridges Hannah R. , Aragão David , Dunn Elyse A. , Heikal Adam , Cook Gregory M. , Nakatani Yoshio , Hirst Judy
Published: January 2017

Type II NADH:quinone oxidoreductase (NDH-2) is central to the respiratory chains of many organisms. It is not present in mammals so may be exploited as an antimicrobial drug target or used as a substitute for dysfunctional respiratory complex I in neuromuscular disorders. NDH-2 is a single-subunit monotopic membrane protein with just a flavin cofactor, yet no consensus exists on its mechanism. Here, we use steady-state and pre-steady-state kinetics combined with mutagenesis and structural studies to determine the mechanism of NDH-2 from Caldalkalibacillus thermarum. We show that the two substrate reactions occur independently, at different sites, and regardless of the occupancy of the partner site. We conclude that the reaction pathway is determined stochastically, by the substrate/product concentrations and dissociation constants, and can follow either a ping-pong or ternary mechanism. This mechanistic versatility provides a unified explanation for all extant data and a new foundation for the development of therapeutic strategies.
Cumulative Resting Heart Rate Exposure and Risk of All-Cause Mortality: Results from the Kailuan Cohort Study
Authors: Zhao Quanhui , Li Haibin , Wang Anxin , Guo Jin , Yu Junxing , Luo Yanxia , Chen Shuohua , Tao Lixin , Li Yuqing , Li Aiping , Guo Xiuhua , Wu Shouling
Published: January 2017

The relationship between cumulative exposure to resting heart rate (cumRHR) and mortality remain unclear in the general population. In the Kailuan cohort study, resting heart rate (RHR) was repeatedly measured at baseline and at years 2 and 4 by electrocardiogram among 47,311 adults aged 48.70 ± 11.68. The cumRHR was defined as the summed average RHR between two consecutive examinations multiplied by the time interval between with two examinations [(beats/min) * year]. A higher RHR was defined as ≥80 beats/min, and the number of visits with a higher RHR was counted. During a median of 4.06 years of follow-up, a total of 1,025 participants died. After adjusting for major traditional cardiovascular risk factors and baseline RHR, the hazard ratio for the highest versus lowest quartile of cumRHR was 1.39 (95% CI: 1.07–1.81) for all-cause mortality. Each 1-SD increment in cumRHR was associated with a 37% (HR: 1.37, 95% CI: 1.23–1.52) increased risk of death and displayed a J-shaped relationship. Compared with no exposure, adults who had a higher RHR at all 3 study visits were associated with a 1.86-fold higher risk (95% CI: 1.33–2.61) of mortality. In summary, cumulative exposure to higher RHR is independently associated with an increased risk of mortality.
Observation of Transient Overcritical Currents in YBCO Thin Films using High-Speed Magneto-Optical Imaging and Dynamic Current Mapping
Authors: Wells Frederick S. , Pan Alexey V. , Golovchanskiy Igor A. , Fedoseev Sergey A. , Rozenfeld Anatoly
Published: January 2017

The dynamics of transient current distributions in superconducting YBa2Cu3O7−δ thin films were investigated during and immediately following an external field ramp, using high-speed (real-time) Magneto-Optical Imaging and calculation of dynamic current profiles. A number of qualitatively unique and previously unobserved features are seen in this novel analysis of the evolution of supercurrent during penetration. As magnetic field ramps up from zero, the dynamic current profile is characterized by strong peaks, the magnitude of which exceed the conventional critical current density (as determined from static current profiles). These peaks develop close to the sample edges, initially resembling screening currents but quickly growing in intensity as the external field increases. A discontinuity in field and current behaviour is newly observed, indicating a novel transition from increasing peak current toward relaxation behaviour. After this transition, the current peaks move toward the centre of the sample while reducing in intensity as magnetic vortices penetrate inward. This motion slows exponentially with time, with the current distribution in the long-time limit reducing to the expected Kim-model profile.
Development of a Recombinase Polymerase Amplification Assay for Detection of Epidemic Human Noroviruses
Authors: Moore Matthew D. , Jaykus Lee-Ann
Published: January 2017

Human norovirus is a leading cause of viral gastroenteritis worldwide. Rapid detection could facilitate control, however widespread point-of-care testing is infrequently done due to the lack of robust and portable methods. Recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) is a novel isothermal method which rapidly amplifies and detects nucleic acids using a simple device in near real-time. An RT-RPA assay targeting a recent epidemic human norovirus strain (GII.4 New Orleans) was developed and evaluated in this study. The assay successfully detected purified norovirus RNA from multiple patient outbreak isolates and had a limit of detection of 3.40 ± 0.20 log10 genomic copies (LGC), which is comparable to most other reported isothermal norovirus amplification methods. The assay also detected norovirus in directly boiled stool, and displayed better resistance to inhibitors than a commonly used RT-qPCR assay. The assay was specific, as it did not amplify genomes from 9 non-related enteric viruses and bacteria. The assay detected norovirus in some samples in as little as 6 min, and the entire detection process can be performed in less than 30 min. The reported RT-RPA method shows promise for sensitive point-of-care detection of epidemic human norovirus, and is the fastest human norovirus amplification method to date.
Investigating the Bidirectional Associations of Adiposity with Sleep Duration in Older Adults: The English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA)
Authors: Garfield Victoria , Llewellyn Clare H. , Steptoe Andrew , Kumari Meena
Published: January 2017

Cross-sectional analyses of adiposity and sleep duration in younger adults suggest that increased adiposity is associated with shorter sleep. Prospective studies have yielded mixed findings, and the direction of this association in older adults is unclear. We examined the cross-sectional and potential bi-directional, prospective associations between adiposity and sleep duration (covariates included demographics, health behaviours, and health problems) in 5,015 respondents from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA), at baseline and follow-up. Following adjustment for covariates, we observed no significant cross-sectional relationship between body mass index (BMI) and sleep duration [(unstandardized) B = −0.28 minutes, (95% Confidence Intervals (CI) = −0.012; 0.002), p = 0.190], or waist circumference (WC) and sleep duration [(unstandardized) B = −0.10 minutes, (95% CI = −0.004; 0.001), p = 0.270]. Prospectively, both baseline BMI [B = −0.42 minutes, (95% CI = −0.013; −0.002), p = 0.013] and WC [B = −0.18 minutes, (95% CI = −0.005; −0.000), p = 0.016] were associated with decreased sleep duration at follow-up, independently of covariates. There was, however, no association between baseline sleep duration and change in BMI or WC (p > 0.05). In older adults, our findings suggested that greater adiposity is associated with decreases in sleep duration over time; however the effect was very small.
Spatial competition dynamics between reef corals under ocean acidification
Authors: Horwitz Rael , Hoogenboom Mia O. , Fine Maoz
Published: January 2017

Climate change, including ocean acidification (OA), represents a major threat to coral-reef ecosystems. Although previous experiments have shown that OA can negatively affect the fitness of reef corals, these have not included the long-term effects of competition for space on coral growth rates. Our multispecies year-long study subjected reef-building corals from the Gulf of Aqaba (Red Sea) to competitive interactions under present-day ocean pH (pH 8.1) and predicted end-of-century ocean pH (pH 7.6). Results showed coral growth is significantly impeded by OA under intraspecific competition for five out of six study species. Reduced growth from OA, however, is negligible when growth is already suppressed in the presence of interspecific competition. Using a spatial competition model, our analysis indicates shifts in the competitive hierarchy and a decrease in overall coral cover under lowered pH. Collectively, our case study demonstrates how modified competitive performance under increasing OA will in all likelihood change the composition, structure and functionality of reef coral communities.
Variant Ionotropic Receptors in the Malaria Vector Mosquito Anopheles gambiae Tuned to Amines and Carboxylic Acids
Authors: Pitts R. Jason , Derryberry Stephen L. , Zhang Zhiwei , Zwiebel Laurence J.
Published: January 2017

The principal Afrotropical human malaria vector mosquito, Anopheles gambiae, remains a significant threat to global health. A critical component in the transmission of malaria is the ability of An. gambiae females to detect and respond to human-derived chemical kairomones in their search for blood meal hosts. The basis for host odor responses resides in olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) that express chemoreceptors encoded by large gene families, including the odorant receptors (ORs) and the variant ionotropic receptors (IRs). While ORs have been the focus of extensive investigation, functional IR complexes and the chemical compounds that activate them have not been identified in An. gambiae. Here we report the transcriptional profiles and functional characterization of three An. gambiae IR (AgIr) complexes that specifically respond to amines or carboxylic acids - two classes of semiochemicals that have been implicated in mediating host-seeking by adult females but are not known to activate An. gambiae ORs (AgOrs). Our results suggest that AgIrs play critical roles in the detection and behavioral responses to important classes of host odors that are underrepresented in the AgOr chemical space.
Prevalence of antepartum hemorrhage in women with placenta previa: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Fan Dazhi , Wu Song , Liu Li , Xia Qing , Wang Wen , Guo Xiaoling , Liu Zhengping
Published: January 2017

Antepartum hemorrhage (APH) is an important cause of perinatal mortality and maternal morbidity in pregnant women with placenta previa in the world. However, the epidemiological characteristics are not completely understood. We performed an initial systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the prevalence of APH in pregnant women with placenta previa. It was totally performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis statement. PubMed, Elsevier Science Direct, and the Cochrane Library were searched before April 2016. A meta-analysis with a random-effects model based on a proportions approach was performed to determine the prevalence. Stratified analyses, meta-regression method, and sensitivity analysis were utilized to analyze the heterogeneity. A total of 29 articles were included. The pooled overall prevalence of APH among pregnant women with placenta previa was 51.6% (95% CI 42.7–60.6) in a heterogeneous set of studies (I2 = 97.9). Correlation analysis found that there was a positive correlation between prevalence and percentage of multiparous (r = 0.534, P = 0.027) and a negative correlation between prevalence and survey year (r = −0.400, P = 0.031). In conclusion, the prevalence of APH was a high condition among pregnant women with placenta previa.
Accessing the impacts of bamboo expansion on NPP and N cycling in evergreen broadleaved forest in subtropical China
Authors: Song Qing-ni , Lu Hui , Liu Jun , Yang Jun , Yang Guang-yao , Yang Qing-pei
Published: January 2017

Bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens) expansion into adjacent forests is a widespread phenomenon in subtropical regions, and it has greatly changed the dominance hierarchy from trees to bamboos. This process may be accompanied by changes in productivity, nutrients accumulation and biogeochemical cycles. We compared the net primary production (NPP) and major pools and fluxes of nitrogen (N) in bamboo-dominant forest (BDF) and neighboring secondary evergreen broadleaved forest (EBF) in South China using the space-for-time substitution method. We found that the mean NPP of the BDF was 30.0 t ha−1yr−1, which was 51.5% greater than that of the EBF (19.8 t ha−1yr−1). The plant N pool for the BDF was 37.5% larger than that of the EBF, whereas the soil inorganic N pool significantly decreased by 31.2% with conversion of the EBF to BDF. Additionally, the ratio of N return to N uptake was 0.69 in the BDF and 0.88 in the EBF because of the lower litter N return of the BDF compared with that of the EBF. These results indicated that the expansion ofP. pubescenssignificantly increased the NPP and plant N accumulation but reduced the soil N available pool and slowed the N cycling rate, which could lead to soil degradation.
Fabrication and characterization of dual-functional ultrafine composite fibers with phase-change energy storage and luminescence properties
Authors: Xi Peng , Zhao Tianxiang , Xia Lei , Shu Dengkun , Ma Menjiao , Cheng Bowen
Published: January 2017

Ultrafine composite fibers consisting of a thermoplastic polyurethane solid-solid phase-change material and organic lanthanide luminescent materials were prepared through a parallel electrospinning technique as an innovative type of ultrafine, dual-functional fibers containing phase-change and luminescent properties. The morphology and structure, thermal energy storage, and luminescent properties of parallel electrospun ultrafine fibers were investigated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed that the parallel electrospun ultrafine fibers possessed the desired morphologies with smaller average fiber diameters than those of traditional mixed electrospun ultrafine fibers. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images revealed that the parallel electrospun ultrafine fibers were composed of two parts. Polymeric phase-change materials, which can be directly produced and spun, were used to provide temperature stability, while a mixture of polymethyl methacrylate and an organic lanthanide complex acted as the luminescent unit. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and luminescence measurements indicated that the unique structure of the parallel electrospun ultrafine fibers provides the products with good thermal energy storage and luminescence properties. The fluorescence intensity and the phase-change enthalpy values of the ultrafine fibers prepared by parallel electrospinning were respectively 1.6 and 2.1 times those of ultrafine fibers prepared by mixed electrospinning.
Fc microparticles can modulate the physical extent and magnitude of complement activity
Authors: Holt Brandon Alexander , Bellavia Michael C. , Potter Daniel , White David , Stowell Sean R. , Sulchek Todd
Published: January 2017

Biomaterials that exploit Fc presentation will provide new possibilities to functionally modulate complement activation to achieve a desired clinical result.
Antibacterial properties of nanostructured Cu–TiO2surfaces for dental implants
Authors: Rosenbaum Jonathan , Versace Davy Louis , Abbad-Andallousi Samir , Pires Remi , Azevedo Christophe , Cénédese Pierre , Dubot Pierre
Published: January 2017

The influence of copper derived TiO2surfaces (nCu–nT-TiO2) on the death of nosocomialStaphylococcus aureus(Sa) andEscherichia coli(Ec), was investigated.
A RaPID way to discover nonstandard macrocyclic peptide modulators of drug targets
Authors: Passioura Toby , Suga Hiroaki
Published: January 2017

Discovery of tRNA-aminoacylating ribozymes and their use for genetic code reprogramming and peptide drug discovery.
Fluorescence turn-on hairpin-probe PCR
Authors: Takei F. , Nakatani K.
Published: January 2017

A new fluorescence turn-on type of PCR monitoring system (Hpro-PCR) using a hairpin probe and a primer having a tag sequence at the 5′ end with the fluorescent molecule 2,7-diamino-1,8-naphthyridine derivative (DANP) has been developed.
Molecular hydrogen production from amorphous solid water during low energy electron irradiation
Authors: Gadallah Kamel A. K. , Marchione Demian , Koehler Sven P. K. , McCoustra Martin R. S.
Published: January 2017

This work investigates the production of molecular hydrogen isotopologues (H2, HD, and D2) during low energy electron irradiation of layered and isotopically labelled thin films of amorphous solid water (ASW) in ultrahigh vacuum.
A study of the effect of sonication time on the catalytic performance of layered WS2 from various sources
Authors: Leong Shi Xuan , Mayorga-Martinez Carmen C. , Sofer Zdeněk , Luxa Jan , Tan Shu Min , Pumera Martin
Published: January 2017

Sonication time affects the HER electrocatalytic performance across WS2 materials from different sources but not their HET performance.
Layered structure of the near-surface region of oxidized chalcopyrite (CuFeS2): hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray absorption spectroscopy and DFT+U studies
Authors: Mikhlin Yuri , Nasluzov Vladimir , Romanchenko Alexander , Tomashevich Yevgeny , Shor Alexey , Félix Roberto
Published: January 2017

Metal-depleted layers with different S species are found, and mechanisms for their formation and metal sulfide ‘passivation’ are proposed.
WO3/W:BiVO4/BiVO4 graded photoabsorber electrode for enhanced photoelectrocatalytic solar light driven water oxidation
Authors: Choi Junghyun , Sudhagar Pitchaimuthu , Kim Joo Hyun , Kwon Jiseok , Kim Jeonghyun , Terashima Chiaki , Fujishima Akira , Song Taeseup , Paik Ungyu
Published: January 2017

We demonstrate the advantages of graded photoabsorber interfaces in improving charge carrier (e−/h+) separation for the solar light-driven water-oxidation process.