bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CA1 Nampt knockdown recapitulates hippocampal cognitive phenotypes in old mice which nicotinamide mononucleotide improves
Authors: Johnson Sean , Wozniak David F. , Imai S.
Published: November 2018

Cognitive dysfunction is one of the most concerning outcomes in global population aging. However, the mechanisms by which cognitive functions are impaired during aging remain elusive. It has been established that NAD+ levels are reduced in multiple tissues and organs, including the brain. We found that NAD+ levels declined in the hippocampus of mice during the course of aging, and whereas we observed minimal age-related effects on spatial learning/memory capabilities in old mice, we discovered that they developed cognitive hypersensitivity in response to aversive stimulation during contextual fear conditioning tests. This cognitive hypersensitivity appears to be associated with alterations in emotionality (fear/anxiety) and sensory processing (shock sensitivity), rather than reflect genuine conditioning/retention effects, during aging. Supplementation of nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) improved the sensory processing aspect of the hypersensitivity and possibly other related behaviors. Specific knockdown of nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (Nampt) in the CA1 region, but not in the dentate gyrus, recapitulates this cognitive hypersensitivity observed in old mice. We identified calcium/calmodulin-dependent serine protein kinase (Cask) as a potential downstream effector in response to age-associated NAD+ reduction in the hippocampus. Cask expression is responsive to NAD+ changes and also reduced in the hippocampus during aging. Short-term NMN supplementation can enhance Cask expression in the hippocampus of old mice. Its promoter activity is regulated in a Sirt1-dependent manner. Taken together, NAD+ reduction in the CA1 region contributes to development of age-associated cognitive dysfunction, aspects of which may be prevented or treated by enhancing NAD+ availability through supplementation of NAD+ intermediates, such as NMN.
Voxel-Based Morphometry Correlates of an Agitated-Aggressive Syndrome in the At-Risk Mental State for Psychosis and First Episode Psychosis
Authors: Huber Christian G. , Widmayer Sonja , Smieskova Renata , Egloff Laura , Riecher-Rössler Anita , Stieglitz Rolf-Dieter , Borgwardt Stefan
Published: November 2018

There are mixed reports on structural neuroimaging correlates of aggression in schizophrenia with weak evidence due to cohort overlaps and lack of replications. To our knowledge, no study examined volumetric neuroimaging correlates of aggression in early stages of psychosis. An agitated-aggressive syndrome is present in at-risk mental state (ARMS) and in first-episode psychosis (FEP) – it is unclear whether this syndrome is associated with structural brain abnormalities in early stages of psychosis. Using three-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging and a whole brain voxel-based morphometry approach, we examined 56 ARMS patients, 55 FEP patients and 25 healthy controls. We operationalized aggression using the Excited Component of the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS-EC) and dichotomized our patient group by median split into “BPRS-EC high” (n = 49) and “BPRS-EC low” groups (n = 62). The “BPRS-EC high” group had significantly smaller left lingual gyrus volume than HC. This finding was not present in the “BPRS-EC low” group. In addition, grey matter volume in the left lingual gyrus showed a negative linear correlation with BPRS-EC over all subjects (ρ = −0.318; p = 0.0001) and in the patient group (ρ = −0.202; p = 0.033). These findings provide first hints on structural brain abnormalities associated with an agitated-aggressive syndrome in ARMS and FEP patients.
The ALS-inducing factors, TDP43A315T and SOD1G93A, directly affect and sensitize sensory neurons to stress
Authors: Vaughan Sydney K. , Sutherland Natalia M. , Zhang Sihui , Hatzipetros Theo , Vieira Fernando , Valdez Gregorio
Published: November 2018

There is increased recognition that sensory neurons located in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) are affected in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, it remains unknown whether ALS-inducing factors, other than mutant superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1G93A), directly affect sensory neurons. Here, we examined the effect of mutant TAR DNA-binding protein 1 (TDP43A315T) on sensory neurons in culture and in vivo. In parallel, we reevaluated sensory neurons expressing SOD1G93A. We found that cultured sensory neurons harboring either TDP43A315T or SOD1G93A grow neurites at a slower rate and elaborate fewer neuritic branches compared to control neurons. The presence of either ALS-causing mutant gene also sensitizes sensory neurons to vincristine, a microtubule inhibitor that causes axonal degeneration. Interestingly, these experiments revealed that cultured sensory neurons harboring TDP43A315T elaborate shorter and less complex neurites, and are more sensitive to vincristine compared to controls and to SOD1G93A expressing sensory neurons. Additionally, levels of two molecules involved in stress responses, ATF3 and PERK are significantly different between sensory neurons harboring TDP43A315T to those with SOD1G93Ain vitro and in vivo. These findings demonstrate that sensory neurons are directly affected by two ALS-inducing factors, suggesting important roles for this neuronal subpopulation in ALS-related pathogenesis.
Bleomycin-induced genome structural variations in normal, non-tumor cells
Authors: Quispe-Tintaya Wilber , Lee Moonsook , Dong Xiao , Weiser Daniel A. , Vijg Jan , Maslov Alexander Y.
Published: November 2018

Many anticancer drugs are genotoxic agents inducing DNA breaks in actively proliferating cancer cells. However, these same drugs also induce mutations, mostly genome structural variations (GSVs). The detection of GSVs in normal cells and tissues is a major challenge due to the very low abundance of these mutations, which are essentially only detectable in clonal outgrowths, such as tumors. Previously we developed Structural Variant Search (SVS) – an NGS-based assay for the quantitative detection of somatic GSVs in normal cells. Using an improved version of SVS we now demonstrate that the same dose of the anti-cancer drug bleomycin induces about 5 times more somatic GSVs in quiescent primary human fibroblasts than in proliferating cells. GVS induction in non-dividing, normal cells was subsequently confirmed in vivo by demonstrating that a single dose of bleomycin leads to a significant increase of GSV frequency in mouse liver and heart, two postmitotic tissues. Our findings suggest that normal non-cycling differentiated cells may serve as a reservoir of iatrogenically induced mutations. These results provide more insight into the possible molecular mechanisms that underlie late-life morbidities in cancer survivors exposed to chemotherapy.
A complete Leishmania donovani reference genome identifies novel genetic variations associated with virulence
Authors: Lypaczewski Patrick , Hoshizaki Johanna , Zhang Wen-Wei , McCall Laura-Isobel , Torcivia-Rodriguez John , Simonyan Vahan , Kaur Amanpreet , Dewar Ken , Matlashewski Greg
Published: November 2018

Leishmania donovaniis responsible for visceral leishmaniasis, a neglected and lethal parasitic disease with limited treatment options and no vaccine. The study ofL.donovanihas been hindered by the lack of a high-quality reference genome and this can impact experimental outcomes including the identification of virulence genes, drug targets and vaccine development. We therefore generated a complete genome assembly by deep sequencing using a combination of second generation (Illumina) and third generation (PacBio) sequencing technologies. Compared to the currentL.donovaniassembly, the genome assembly reported within resulted in the closure over 2,000 gaps, the extension of several chromosomes up to telomeric repeats and the re-annotation of close to 15% of protein coding genes and the annotation of hundreds of non-coding RNA genes. It was possible to correctly assemble the highly repetitive A2 and Amastin virulence gene clusters. A comparative sequence analysis using the improved reference genome confirmed 70 published and identified 15 novel genomic differences between closely related visceral and atypical cutaneous disease-causingL.donovanistrains providing a more complete map of genes associated with virulence and visceral organ tropism. Bioinformatic tools including protein variation effect analyzer and basic local alignment search tool were used to prioritize a list of potential virulence genes based on mutation severity, gene conservation and function. This complete genome assembly and novel information on virulence factors will support the identification of new drug targets and the development of a vaccine forL.donovani.
Contrasting streamflow regimes induced by melting glaciers across the Tien Shan – Pamir – North Karakoram
Authors: Luo Yi , Wang Xiaolei , Piao Shilong , Sun Lin , Ciais Philippe , Zhang Yiqing , Ma Changkun , Gan Rong , He Chansheng
Published: November 2018

The glacierized Tien Shan – Pamir – Karakoram mountain complex supplies water to about 42 million people. Yet, the knowledge about future glacial runoff in response to future climate is limited. Here, we address this issue using a hydrological model, that includes the three components of glacial runoff: ice melt, snowmelt and the runoff of rainfall over ice. The model is forced by climate projections of the CMIP5 models. We find that the three components exhibit different long-term trajectories, sometimes opposite in sign to the long-term trend in glacier impacts. For the eastern slope basins, streamflow is projected to increase by 28% (ranging from 9 to 44%, from climate model variation (CMV)) by the late 21st century, under the representative concentration pathway, RCP8.5. Ice melt contributes 39% (25 to 65%, CMV) of the total streamflow increase. However, streamflow from the western slopes is projected to decrease by 5% (−24 to 16%, CMV), due to the smaller contribution of ice melt, less precipitation and higher evapotranspiration. Increasing water supply from the eastern slopes suggests more water availability for currently degraded downstream ecosystems in the Xinjiang province of China, while the likely decreasing streamflow in Central Asian rivers on the western slopes indicates new regulations will be needed.
Derivation and Numerical analysis of an Attenuation Operator for non-relativistic waves
Authors: Manzetti Sergio
Published: November 2018

Quantum mechanical models for particles are strictly dependent on the Schrödinger equation, where the solutions and the Hermitian polynomials form a mathematical foundation to derive expectation values for observables. As for all quantum systems, the solutions are derived in discrete energy levels, and yield probability density, the kinetic energy and average momentum. In this study however, an attenuation Hamiltonian is derived by the algebraic relation of the momentum and position operators, and the derived equation, where the attenuation of kinetic energy is the eigenvalue, is studied numerically. The numerical solutions suggest that the change in kinetic energy from one transition to the next proceeds in an undular fashion, and not in a definite manner. This suggests that any sub-atomic particle which experiences a transition from one level to the next, does so by both gaining and losing energy in an undular manner before reaching an equilibrium with a new and stabilized kinetic energy. The results show also that the phase of the change in kinetic energy between transitions differs between high and low momenta and that higher levels of momentum attenuate more smoothly than transitions between lower energy levels. The investigated attenuation operator may be important for future pinning and quasipinning approaches and play a role in future quantum information processing. Future research is required on the spectrum of the operator and on its potential analytical solutions.
A practical protocol for measurements of spinal cord functional connectivity
Authors: Barry Robert L. , Conrad Benjamin N. , Smith Seth A. , Gore John C.
Published: November 2018

Resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has been used to study human brain function for over two decades, but only recently has this technique been successfully translated to the human spinal cord. The spinal cord is structurally and functionally unique, so resting state fMRI methods developed and optimized for the brain may not be appropriate when applied to the cord. This report therefore investigates the relative impact of different acquisition and processing choices (including run length, echo time, and bandpass filter width) on the detectability of resting state spinal cord networks at 3T. Our results suggest that frequencies beyond 0.08 Hz should be included in resting state analyses, a run length of ~8–12 mins is appropriate for reliable detection of the ventral (motor) network, and longer echo times – yet still shorter than values typically used for fMRI in the brain – may increase the detectability of the dorsal (sensory) network. Further studies are required to more fully understand and interpret the nature of resting state spinal cord networks in health and in disease, and the protocols described in this report are designed to assist such studies.
Structural, electronic and magnetic properties of MnxGa/Co2MnSi (x = 1, 3) bilayers
Authors: Chen Ting , Wang Junhao , Cheng Zhenxiang , Wang Xiaotian , Chen Hong
Published: November 2018

Directly coupled hard and soft ferromagnets were popularly used as the hybridized electrodes to enhance tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR) ratio in the perpendicular magnetic tunnel junction (pMTJ). In this paper, we employ the density functional theory (DFT) with general gradient approximation (GGA) to investigate the interfacial structure and magnetic behavior of tetragonal Heusler-type MnGa (MG)/L21-Co2MnSi (CMS) Heusler alloy bilayers with the MnGa being D022-MnGa alloy (Mn3Ga) and L10-MnGa alloy (MnGa). The MM-MS_B interface with the bridge (B) connection of MnMn termination (MM) of D022- and L10-MnGa layers to MnSi termination (MS) of CMS layers is found to be most stable in the energy point of view. Also, a strong antiferromagnetic coupling and relatively higher spin polarization can be observed in the MM-MS_B interface. Further, a remarkable potential difference to derive electrons to transfer from MG layer to CMS layer appears at the interface. These theoretical results indicate that the MG/CMS bilayers are promising candidates as coupled composites, and moreover, the D022-MG/CMS bilayer is better than L10-MG/CMS bilayer due to its larger spin polarization and built-in field at the interface.
High carnivore population density highlights the conservation value of industrialised sites
Authors: Loock Daan J. E. , Williams Samual T. , Emslie Kevin W. , Matthews Wayne S. , Swanepoel Lourens H.
Published: November 2018

As the environment becomes increasingly altered by human development, the importance of understanding the ways in which wildlife interact with modified landscapes is becoming clear. Areas such as industrial sites are sometimes presumed to have little conservation value, but many of these sites have areas of less disturbed habitats around their core infrastructure, which could provide ideal conditions to support some species, such as mesocarnivores. We conducted the first assessments of the density of serval (Leptailurus serval) at the Secunda Synfuels Operations plant, South Africa, using camera trap surveys analysed within a spatially explicit capture recapture framework. We show that servals occurred at densities of 76.20–101.21 animals per 100 km², which are higher than previously recorded densities for this species, presumably due to high abundance of prey and the absence of persecution and/or competitor species. Our findings highlight the significant conservation potential of industrialised sites, and we suggest that such sites could help contribute towards meeting conservation goals.
K-variant BCHE and pesticide exposure: Gene-environment interactions in a case–control study of Parkinson’s disease in Egypt
Authors: Rösler Thomas W. , Salama Mohamed , Shalash Ali S. , Khedr Eman M. , El-Tantawy Abdelhalim , Fawi Gharib , El-Motayam Amal , El-Seidy Ehab , El-Sherif Mohamed , El-Gamal Mohamed , Moharram Mohamed , El-Kattan Mohammad , Abdel-Naby Muhammad , Ashour Samia , Müller Ulrich , Dempfle Astrid , Kuhlenbäumer Gregor , Höglinger Günter U.
Published: November 2018

Pesticide exposure is associated with increased risk of Parkinson’s disease (PD). We investigated in Egypt whether common variants in genes involved in pesticide detoxification or transport might modify the risk of PD evoked by pesticide exposure. We recruited 416 PD patients and 445 controls. Information on environmental factors was collected by questionnaire-based structured interviews. Candidate single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 15 pesticide-related genes were genotyped. We analyzed the influence of environmental factors and SNPs as well as the interaction of pesticide exposure and SNPs on the risk of PD. The risk of PD was reduced by coffee consumption [OR = 0.63, 95% CI: 0.43–0.90, P = 0.013] and increased by pesticide exposure [OR = 7.09, 95% CI: 1.12–44.01, P = 0.036]. The SNP rs1126680 in the butyrylcholinesterase gene BCHE reduced the risk of PD irrespective of pesticide exposure [OR = 0.38, 95% CI: 0.20–0.70, P = 0.002]. The SNP rs1803274, defining K-variant BCHE, interacted significantly with pesticide exposure (P = 0.007) and increased the risk of PD only in pesticide-exposed individuals [OR = 2.49, 95% CI: 1.50–4.19, P = 0.0005]. The K-variant BCHE reduces serum activity of butyrylcholinesterase, a known bioscavenger for pesticides. Individuals with K-variant BCHE appear to have an increased risk for PD when exposed to pesticides.
Retinal micro-vascular and aortic macro-vascular changes in postmenopausal women with primary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Pepe Jessica , Cipriani Cristiana , Tedeschi Massimiliano , Curione Mario , Parravano Mariacristina , Varano Monica , Biamonte Federica , Colangelo Luciano , Minisola Salvatore
Published: November 2018

Aim of the study was to evaluate the micro and macro-vascular changes in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) compared to controls. 30 postmenopausal PHPT women (15 hypertensive and 15 normotensive) and 30 normotensive controls underwent biochemical evaluation of mineral metabolism and measurements of arterial stiffness by 24 hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. Retinal microcirculation was imaged by a Retinal Vessel Analyzer. PHPT patients also underwent bone mineral density measurements and kidney ultrasound. PHPT patients had higher mean calcium and parathyroid hormone values compared to controls. Evaluating macro-vascular compartment, we found higher values of 24 hours-systolic, diastolic blood pressure, aortic pulse wave velocity (aPWV) and aortic augmentation index (Aix) in hypertensive PHPT, but not in normotensive PHPT compared to controls. The eye examination showed narrowing arterial and venular diameters of retinal vessels in both hypertensive and normotensive PHPT compared to controls. In hypertensive PHPT, 24 hours systolic blood pressure was associated only with parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels (beta = 0.36, p = 0.04). aPWV was associated with retinal diameter (beta = −0.69, p = 0.003), but not with PTH. Retinal artery diameter was associated with PTH (beta = −0.6, p = 0.008). In the normotensive PHPT, only PTH was associated with retinal artery diameter (beta = −0.60, p = 0.01) and aortic AIx (beta = 0.65, p = 0.02). In conclusion, we found macro-vascular impairment in PHPT and that micro-vascular impairment is negatively associated with PTH, regardless of hypertension in PHPT.
Tetanus toxin C-fragment protects against excitotoxic spinal motoneuron degeneration in vivo
Authors: Netzahualcoyotzi Citlalli , Tapia Ricardo
Published: November 2018

The tetanus toxin C-fragment is a non-toxic peptide that can be transported from peripheral axons into spinal motoneurons. Inin vitroexperiments it has been shown that this peptide activates signaling pathways associated with Trk receptors, leading to cellular survival. Because motoneuron degeneration is the main pathological hallmark in motoneuron diseases, and excitotoxicity is an important mechanism of neuronal death in this type of disorders, in this work we tested whether the tetanus toxin C-fragment is able to protect MN in the spinal cordin vivo. For this purpose, we administered the peptide to rats subjected to excitotoxic motoneuron degeneration induced by the chronic infusion of AMPA in the rat lumbar spinal cord, a well-established model developed in our laboratory. Because the intraspinal infusion of the fragment was only weakly effective, whereas the i.m. administration was remarkably neuroprotective, and because the i.m. injection of an inhibitor of Trk receptors diminished the protection, we conclude that such effects require a retrograde signaling from the neuromuscular junction to the spinal motoneurons. The protection after a simple peripheral route of administration of the fragment suggests a potential therapeutic use of this peptide to target spinal MNs exposed to excitotoxic conditionsin vivo.
Nitroxide spin labels: fabulous spy spins for biostructural EPR applications
Authors: Martinho Marlène , Fournier Eugénie , Le Breton Nolwenn , Mileo Elisabetta , Belle Valérie
Published: November 2018

Characterizing proteins in action requires appropriate biophysical techniques sensitive to protein motions. One of the technique dedicated to monitor protein dynamics is Site-Directed Spin Labelling combined with EPR spectroscopy (SDSL-EPR). The main purpose of this chapter is to describe and illustrate the different strategies based on the use of nitroxide spin labels either as reporters or as a means to measure inter-label distances. The complementarity of these different approaches to answer biological questions will be addressed. The objective is also to give non-specialist readers an overview of the recent developments in the field of SDSL-EPR dedicated to the study of protein dynamics. A particular emphasis will be devoted to describe the design and application of new nitroxide spin labels that allow overcoming the limitations of the classical ones.
A facile electrochemical aptasensing platform based on a polydopamine@graphene composite for protein detection
Authors: Zhang Fenglin , Liu Zhiguang , Han Yujie , Fan Lifang , Guo Yujing
Published: November 2018

In this article, we demonstrated a facile electrochemical aptasensing platform based on a polydopamine@graphene (PDA@Gr) composite using thrombin as a model.
The influence of ZnII coordination sphere and chemical structure over the reactivity of metallo-β-lactamase model compounds
Authors: de Arruda Eduardo Guimarães Ratier , Rocha Bruno Alves , Barrionuevo Manoel Victor Frutuoso , Aðalsteinsson Heiðar Már , Galdino Flávia Elisa , Loh Watson , Lima Frederico Alves , Abbehausen Camilla
Published: November 2018

The first coordination sphere influences the reactivity of metallo-β-lactamase monozinc model complexes.
Maltol, a food flavor enhancer, attenuates diabetic peripheral neuropathy in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats
Authors: Guo Nan , Li Caina , Liu Quan , Liu Shuainan , Huan Yi , Wang Xing , Bai Guoliang , Yang Miaomiao , Sun Sujuan , Xu Caimin , Shen Zhufang
Published: November 2018

Maltol improved the MNCV, thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia, Na+–K+-ATPase activity and anti-oxidative ability in diabetic rats, suggesting an improvement of DPN.
Carbon dots produced via space-confined vacuum heating: maintaining efficient luminescence in both dispersed and aggregated states
Authors: Zhou Ding , Jing Pengtao , Wang Yi , Zhai Yuechen , Li Di , Xiong Yuan , Baranov Alexander V. , Qu Songnan , Rogach Andrey L.
Published: November 2018

A space-confined vacuum heating method has been developed to produce carbon dots which do not experience aggregation-induced luminescence quenching.
Transition-metal-free radical cleavage of a hydrazonyl N–S bond: tosyl radical-initiated cascade C(sp3)–OAr cleavage, sulfonyl rearrangement and atropisomeric cyclopropanation
Authors: Chen Yao-Zhong , Liu Teng , Zhu Jie , Zhang Hui , Wu Lei
Published: November 2018

Combination of 1,10-phenanthroline and potassium carbonate enables a radical cleavage of a hydrazonyl N–S bond, allowing a coupling reaction of N-tosylhydrazone and phosphinyl allene via cascade C–O cleavage, sulfonyl rearrangement and atropisomeric cyclopropanation.
Bioinspired interconnected hydrogel capsules for enhanced catalysis
Authors: Chen Jiayao , Li Minfeng , Hong Wei , Xia Yuanjun , Lin Jingjing , Chen Xudong
Published: November 2018

Polysaccharide-based hydrogel capsules with cristae-like internal membranes loaded with Ag nanoparticles exhibited effective catalytic activity as micro-reaction systems.
Antimicrobial peptide based magnetic recognition elements and Au@Ag-GO SERS tags with stable internal standards: a three in one biosensor for isolation, discrimination and killing of multiple bacteria in whole blood
Authors: Yuan Kaisong , Mei Qingsong , Guo Xinjie , Xu Youwei , Yang Danting , Sánchez Beatriz Jurado , Sheng Bingbing , Liu Chusheng , Hu Ziwei , Yu Guangchao , Ma Hongming , Gao Hao , Haisch Christoph , Niessner Reinhard , Jiang Zhengjing , Zhou Haibo
Published: November 2018

A SERS based biosensor has been developed for isolation, detection and killing of multiple bacterial pathogens.
Overexpression of a serine hydroxymethyltransferase increases biomass production and reduces recalcitrance in the bioenergy crop Populus
Authors: Zhang Jin , Li Mi , Bryan Anthony C. , Yoo Chang Geun , Rottmann William , Winkeler Kimberly A. , Collins Cassandra M. , Singan Vasanth , Lindquist Erika A. , Jawdy Sara S. , Gunter Lee E. , Engle Nancy L. , Yang Xiaohan , Barry Kerrie , Tschaplinski Timothy J. , Schmutz Jeremy , Pu Yunqiao , Ragauskas Arthur J. , Tuskan Gerald A. , Muchero Wellington , Chen Jin-Gui
Published: November 2018

Cell wall recalcitrance is the major obstacle for plant biomass conversion to biofuels.
Rhotekin 2 silencing inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis in human osteosarcoma cells
Authors: Wang Xiong , Zhang Lei , Wang Wenji , Wang Yuchen , Chen Ye , Xie Ruimin , Li Xiang , Wang Yongping
Published: November 2018

Human osteosarcoma is the most frequent primary malignant of bone, and often occurs in adolescents. However, molecular mechanism of this disease remains unclear. In the present study, we found that the level of Rhotekin 2 (RTKN2) was up-regulated in osteosarcoma tissues and cell lines. In addition, silencing of RTKN2 of human osteosarcoma cell lines U2OS, inhibited proliferation, and induced G1 phase cell cycle arrest via reducing the level of the cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2). Furthermore, RTKN2 knockdown in the U2OS cells induced apoptosis by increasing the level of Bax and decreasing the level of Bcl2. These results suggested that RTKN2 is involved in the progression of human osteosarcoma, and may be a potential therapeutic target.
Wideband Absorbance and 226-Hz Tympanometry in the Prediction of Optimal Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emission Primary Tone Levels
Authors: Marcrum Steven C. , Steffens Thomas , Zeman Florian , Kummer Peter
Published: November 2018

Purpose

Distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) amplitude is sensitive to the primary tone level separation effective within the cochlea. Despite potential for middle ear sound transmission characteristics to affect this separation, no primary tone level optimization formula accounts for its influence. This study was conducted to determine if inclusion of ear- and frequency-specific immittance features improves primary tone level optimization formula performance beyond that achieved using a univariate,L2-based formula.

Method

For 30 adults with normal hearing, DPOAE, wideband absorbance, and 226-Hz tympanometry measures were completed. A mixed linear modeling technique, incorporating both primary tone and acoustic immittance features, was used to generate a multivariable formula for the middle ear–specific recommendation of primary tone level separations forf2= 1–6 kHz. The accuracy with whichL1OPT, or theL1observed to maximize DPOAE level for each givenL2, could be predicted using the multivariable formula was then compared with that of a traditional,L2-based univariate formula for each individual ear.

Results

Use of the multivariable formulaL1= 0.47L2+ 2.40A+f2param+ 38 [dB SPL] resulted in significantly more accurateL1OPTpredictions than did the univariate formulaL1= 0.49L2+ 41 [dB SPL]. Although average improvement was small, meaningful improvements were identified within individual ears, especially forf2= 1 and 6 kHz.

Conclusion

Incorporation of a wideband absorbance measure into a primary tone level optimization formula resulted in a minor average improvement inL1OPTprediction accuracy when compared with a traditional univariate optimization formula. Further research is needed to identify characteristics of ears that might disproportionately benefit from the additional measure.
Orthographic Learning in Children Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
Authors: Wass Malin , Ching Teresa Y. C. , Cupples Linda , Wang Hua-Chen , Lyxell Björn , Martin Louise , Button Laura , Gunnourie Miriam , Boisvert Isabelle , McMahon Catherine , Castles Anne
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of the current study was to investigate the relationship between orthographic learning and language, reading, and cognitive skills in 9-year-old children who are deaf or hard of hearing (DHH) and to compare their performance to age-matched typically hearing (TH) controls.

Method

Eighteen children diagnosed with moderate-to-profound hearing loss who use hearing aids and/or cochlear implants participated. Their performance was compared with 35 age-matched controls with typical hearing. Orthographic learning was evaluated using a spelling task and a recognition task. The children were assessed on measures of reading ability, language, working memory, and paired-associate learning.

Results

On average, the DHH group performed more poorly than the TH controls on the spelling measure of orthographic learning, but not on the recognition measure. For both groups of children, there were significant correlations between orthographic learning and phonological decoding and between visual–verbal paired-associate learning and orthographic learning.

Conclusions

Although the children who are DHH had lower scores in the spelling test of orthographic learning than their TH peers, measures of their reading ability revealed that they acquired orthographic representations successfully. The results are consistent with the self-teaching hypothesis in suggesting that phonological decoding is important for orthographic learning.
Predicting Reading Problems 6 Years Into the Future: Dynamic Assessment Reduces Bias and Increases Classification Accuracy
Authors: Petersen Douglas B. , Gragg Shelbi L. , Spencer Trina D.
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine how well a kindergarten dynamic assessment of decoding predicts future reading difficulty at 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade and to determine whether the dynamic assessment improves the predictive validity of traditional static kindergarten reading measures.

Method

With a small variation in sample size by grade, approximately 370 Caucasian and Hispanic students were administered a 3-min dynamic assessment of decoding and static measures of letter identification and phonemic awareness at the beginning of kindergarten. Oral reading fluency was then assessed at the end of Grades 2–5. In this prospective, longitudinal study, predictive validity was estimated for the Caucasian and Hispanic students by examining the amount of variance the static and dynamic assessments explained and by referring to area under the curve and sensitivity and specificity values.

Results

The dynamic assessment accounted for variance in reading ability over and above the static measures, with fair to good area under the curve values and sensitivity and specificity. Classification accuracy worsened when the static measures were included as predictor measures. The results of this study indicate that a very brief dynamic assessment can predict with approximately 75%–80% accuracy, which kindergarten students will have difficulty in learning to decode up to 6 years into the future.

Conclusions

Dynamic assessment of decoding is a promising approach to identifying future reading difficulty of young kindergarten students, mitigating the cultural and linguistic bias found in traditional static early reading measures.
Suppression of harmonic current in permanent magnet synchronous motors using improved repetitive controller
Authors: Wu Yongliao , Song Xinda , Li Hong , Chen Baodong
Published: November 2018

This Letter proposes an improved repetitive controller based on Lagrangian interpolation method to suppress harmonic current in the permanent magnet synchronous motor. Harmonic current suppression performance is degraded drastically if the ratio of the sampling rate to the fundamental frequency of harmonic current is fractional. The fractional‐order delay link based on Lagrange interpolation is used to approximate the delay link which is composed of the fractional part of the frequency ratio. In order to further reduce the tracking error of the current harmonics, the low‐pass filter located inside the traditional repetitive controller is removed and the stability of the system is ensured by adding a phase compensator. Finally, the experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Parallel current‐fed resonant converter with balance current sharing and no input ripple current
Authors: Lin Bor‐Ren , Lin Yue
Published: November 2018

This studies a parallel current‐fed resonant converter with the advantages of the balance current sharing and no input ripple current. The basic structure of the developed circuit includes a boost converter and half‐bridge resonant converter with the same power switches to reduce switch counts. Two boost‐type converters with an interleaved pulse with modulation are used in the front stage to eliminate input ripple current and reduce the size of boost inductor. Parallel resonant converter with magnetic coupling current balancing cell is adopted in the rear stage to automatically balance two resonant circuits and realise the zero‐voltage turn‐on switching for power devices. The voltage doubler circuit is employed on the secondary‐side to achieve high‐voltage output. The developed converter can be used for current‐type input source and voltage‐type output. Finally, experiments with 1 kW laboratory prototype are provided to confirm the feasibility of the proposed converter.
Polynomial phase signal parameter estimates refinement
Authors: Dallil Ahmed , Ouldali Abdelaziz
Published: November 2018

In this study, the authors focus on time frequency based approach for polynomial phase signal parameter estimation. Previous authors in the above approach combined the intersection of confidence interval rule and O'Shea refinement procedure to get final estimates. This paper proposes an alternative to the refinement procedure. Simulations show that the proposed approach performs better in the case of real polynomial phase signal.
Beamforming in SAR satellites for nadir echo suppression
Authors: Khosravi Mahdi , Fakharzadeh Mohammad , Bastani Muhammad Hasan
Published: November 2018

Here, nadir echo suppression (NES) in synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites is studied in detail. Moreover, advantages of suppressing the nadir echo in space domain, by beamforming, rather than in time domain, which imposes stringent restrictions on radar timing, are addressed. Performing NES in time domain restricts the swath width, as well as the selection of the pulse repetition frequency (PRF). It is shown that the spatial NES could increase the swath width by ∼25%. It also increases the freedom in PRF selection, which is useful in multiple‐swath imaging modes and high‐resolution wide‐swath satellites. Furthermore, it is useful in confining the operating PRF range of SAR satellites, which offers several advantages, such as better thermal stability, more predictability of power consumption, and efficient use of downlink bandwidth. Simulation results show the effectiveness of beamforming‐based NES under different situations, namely different off‐nadir angles, and land types. Additionally, the conventional formula used for calculation of range ambiguity to signal ratio (RASR) neglects the nadir echo, so it could not be used in the performance assessment. Therefore, the authors derive a generalised formulation for RASR and prove that it converges to the conventional formula at medium‐to‐high off‐nadir angles.
Passive multi‐static SAR – experimental results
Authors: Nithirochananont Ussanai , Antoniou Michail , Cherniakov Mikhail
Published: November 2018

This article experimentally explores the potential of passive multi‐static synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imaging. An experimental campaign was conducted with navigation satellites (e.g. Global Positioning System (GPS)) as transmitters of opportunity. During the experiment, a single receiver recorded satellite signal reflections of a target area from four satellites in its field of view. Based on the total recording time and the number of signals processed, a total of 46 bistatic images were obtained. Subsequently, those bistatic images were non‐coherently combined into a single multi‐static image. The obtained results show that the multi‐static image enhances target area information space and can additionally be used to reveal object geometric features such as edges, shape, and dimensions, which are otherwise difficult to observe in passive SAR with its modest spatial resolution. In addition, information obtained from individual images was combined to understand whether or not different object types can be classified based on variations of their bistatic reflections, with promising first results.
Robust TOA source localisation algorithm using prior location
Authors: Park Chee‐Hyun , Chang Joon‐Hyuk
Published: November 2018

This study considers robust time‐of‐arrival (TOA) source localisation algorithms. Range measurements are used to estimate the location parameter for TOA source localisation and previous information on the position of the source is employed to improve the existing measurement‐based method. The proposed methods are categorised into two types. First, the mean square error between the true parameter and estimate is minimised. Second, the cost function where the penalty function is combined with the squared error function between the measurement and estimate is minimised. The positioning accuracy of the proposed algorithm is much higher than that of the conventional methods in regimes of large noise variances.
Analysis of ground transmitter interference range for GPS L1 signals in the ground test‐bed environment of a navigation satellite system
Authors: Kim Hyeong‐Pil , Won Jong‐Hoon
Published: November 2018

To minimise the problems associated with the development of navigation satellite systems, the authors need to verify the suitability of the system and operation technology by constructing a ground test‐bed in advance. When operating a ground test‐bed, they must take extra care to prevent the ground transmission signal from interfering with very‐low‐power satellite signals received within the service area. Therefore, in this study, they first explain the concepts necessary to analyse the interference level between ground transmission signals and satellite signals, and then discuss the simulation results of the analysis of the interrelation between the ground transmitter power output and the interference range for Global Positioning System (GPS) L1 signals in the ground test‐bed environment. The results confirmed that, as the ground transmitter power output increases, the maximum interference range for GPS L1 signals increases. Moreover, considering a ground test‐bed environment where six transmitters with the same transmit power were arranged at equal distances, they conclude that, as the altitudes and distances of the transmitters increase, the service area becomes wider under certain conditions.
So Now My Patient Has Squamous Cell Cancer: Diagnosis, Staging, and Treatment of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Anal Canal and Anal Margin
Authors: Kin Cindy
Published: November 2018

Squamous cell carcinomas of the anal canal and the anal margin are rare malignancies that are increasing in incidence. Patients with these tumors often experience delayed treatment due to delay in diagnosis or misdiagnosis of the condition. Distinguishing between anal canal and anal margin tumors has implications for staging and treatment. Chemoradiation therapy is the mainstay of treatment for anal canal squamous cell, with abdominoperineal resection reserved for salvage treatment in cases of persistent or recurrent disease. Early anal margin squamous cell carcinoma can be treated with wide local excision, but more advanced tumors require a combination of chemoradiation therapy and surgical excision.
Vasoactive Inotropic Score and Outcome Assessment in Cyanotic Infants after Cardiovascular Surgery
Authors: Talwar Sachin , Bansal Ashwani , Sahu Manoj , Singh Sarvesh , Choudhary Shiv , Airan Balram
Published: November 2018

Objective Prospective assessment of vasoactive inotropic score (VIS) for predicting postoperative outcomes in cyanotic infants following open-heart surgery.

Methods In this prospective observational study, postoperative outcomes were analyzed in 100 cyanotic infants operated between September 2014 and April 2016. Inotropic score and VIS were calculated at 1 hour, 24 hours, and 48 hours following surgery.

Results Mean age at surgery was 7.39 ± 4.4 months (3 days–12 months, median 9 months). Surgical procedures included repair of total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (n = 40), tetralogy of Fallot (n = 24), double outlet right ventricle with pulmonary stenosis (n = 4), bidirectional superior cavopulmonary anastomosis (n = 19), and miscellaneous (n = 13). On regression analysis, prolonged intensive care unit and hospital stay correlated best with VIS at 48-hour interval (R
2 = 0.67 and 0.50 respectively, p > 0.001). Low birth weight (< 2.5 kg), preoperative ventilation and high first-hour VIS score (> 25) were predictive of higher postoperative mortality. Maximum VIS at 24 and 48 hours were positively correlated with adverse postoperative outcomes (p < 0.001).

Conclusion In cyanotic infants undergoing open-heart surgery, higher 48-hour VIS was associated with poor postoperative outcome indicating its utility as a valuable tool in predicting postoperative outcomes.
Surgical Clipping of a Petrosal Tentorial Dural Arteriovenous Fistula (Lawton's Type 5)
Authors: Ros de San Pedro Javier , Cuartero-Pérez Beatriz
Published: November 2018

Objectives To demonstrate the surgical clipping of a lateral petrosal tentorial dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF), located in the cerebellopontine angle (CPA), through a retrosigmoid approach.

Method A previously healthy 49-year-old man presented a sudden episode of headache, photophobia, and dizziness. Due to the persistence of his symptoms despite proper analgesic treatment, he sought medical attention. The initial computed tomography (CT) scan showed a hyperdense lesion in the left CPA. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated the vascular nature of the lesion, corresponding to an engorged superior petrosal vein (SPV) and Rosenthal's vein. The preoperative angiography showed a lateral tentorial DAVF (Lawton's type 5), fed by multiple transpetrous branches coming off the external carotid artery, and draining into the SPV. A standard retrosigmoid approach was planned for clipping and exclusion of the DAVF.

Results Through a left retrosigmoid craniotomy the DAVF was approached, along with the different neurovascular structures of the CPA. The DAVF originated at the tentorial petrosal junction. The fistulous vein was closely attached to the trigeminal nerve and the anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA). The fistulous vein was dissected and clipped close to its base at the lateral tentorium, achieving complete occlusion of the DAVF. The patient fully recovered after surgery with neither relapse of his symptoms nor postoperative complications.

Conclusion The retrosigmoid craniotomy is the best surgical approach for lateral tentorial DAVFs, as it provides a direct way to the fistula origin and permits a successful clipping of the draining vein.

The link to the video can be found at: https://youtu.be/Fj3uqrTPX5c.
Maternal Epidural Steroids to Prevent Neonatal Exposure to Hyperthermia and Inflammation
Authors: Goodier Christopher , Newman Roger , Hebbar Latha , Ross Julie , Schandl Cynthia , Goetzl Laura
Published: November 2018

Background Epidural analgesia is associated with a fourfold increased rate of intrapartum fever. The likely pathophysiology is a noninfectious maternal inflammatory activation. Safe interventions to reduce maternal and neonatal exposures to intrapartum fever and inflammation are needed.

Objective The purpose of this study was to determine if prophylactic epidural steroids decrease fetal exposure to hyperthermia and inflammatory cytokines following epidural analgesia.

Study Design This is a randomized, double-blinded, placebo controlled trial. Term nulliparous women requesting epidural analgesia received 80 mg methylprednisolone or preservative-free normal saline via the epidural catheter at placement. The primary outcome was maternal temperature >100.4°F. Secondary outcomes included fetal exposure to inflammation as assessed by cord blood interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels and rates of funisitis. Power analysis estimated a sample size requirement of 276, but new Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommendations advising a black box warning on epidural steroids resulted in early study termination.

Results A total of 116 subjects were enrolled: 58 treatments and 58 placebos. There was no difference in the rate of maternal intrapartum fever or cord blood IL-6 levels between treatment arms. No complications listed in the FDA warning occurred.

Conclusion Prophylactic epidural methylprednisolone was not effective in reducing intrapartum fever or neonatal inflammation following epidural analgesia. Alternate mechanisms and preventative strategies should be considered.
Induction of Labor for Maternal Indications at a Periviable Gestational Age; Survey on Management, Reporting and Auditing amongst Dutch Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialists and Neonatologists
Authors: van Eerden Leonoor , de Groot Christianne , Page-Christiaens Godelieve , Pajkrt Eva , Zeeman Gerda , Bolte Antoinette
Published: November 2018

Background In cases of life-threatening maternal conditions in the periviable period, professionals may consider immediate delivery with fetal demise as a consequence of the treatment. We sought the opinion of involved medical professionals on management, reporting, and auditing in these cases.

Methods We performed an online survey amongst all registered maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) specialists and neonatologists in the Netherlands. The survey presented two hypothetical cases of severe early-onset pre-eclampsia at periviable gestational ages. Management consisted of immediate termination or expectant management directed towards newborn survival.

Findings In the case managed by immediate termination, 62% percent answered that fetal demise resulting from induction of labor for maternal indications should be audited only within the medical profession. In the case of expectant management, 17% of the participants agreed with this management. Some answers revealed a significant difference in opinion between the medical specialists.

Conclusion Perspective of MFM specialists and neonatologists differs with regard to counseling prospect parents in case of severe early onset pre-eclampsia. The majority of professionals is willing to report late termination (after 24 weeks' gestation) for severe maternal disease to medical experts for internal audits but not for legal auditing.