bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Magnetic resonance imaging of the anterior compartment of the lower leg is a biomarker for weakness, disability, and impaired gait in childhood Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease
Authors: Cornett Kayla M. D. , Wojciechowski Elizabeth , Sman Amy D. , Walker Terri , Menezes Manoj P. , Bray Paula , Halaki Mark , Burns Joshua ,   for the FAST Study Group
Published: September 2018

Introduction: Biomarkers of disease severity in Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease (CMT) are required to evaluate early responses to treatment. In this study we used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to evaluate the relationship between muscle volume and intramuscular fat accumulation with weakness, disability, and impaired gait in affected children and adolescents. Methods: Fifty‐five participants underwent MRI of the anterior compartment of the lower leg. Muscle and fat volumes were calculated. Strength was measured using hand‐held dynamometry, disability using the CMT Pediatric Scale, and 3‐dimensional gait analysis using an 8‐camera Vicon Nexus motion capture system. Results: Lower muscle volume was significantly associated with reduced dorsiflexion strength, increased disability, impaired gait profile score, and foot drop. Intramuscular fat accumulation was associated with reduced dorsiflexion strength and impaired gait profile score. Discussion: The MRI protocol described was feasible, reliable, and sensitive to the magnitude of weakness, disability, and walking difficulties in children with CMT. Muscle Nerve 59:213–217, 2019
Implementing an Online Weight‐Management Intervention to an Employee Population: Initial Experience with Real Appeal
Authors: Horstman Cecelia , Aronne Louis , Wing Rena , Ryan Donna H. , Johnson William D.
Published: September 2018

Objective

Given the disease burden and economic costs of obesity in the United States, scalable approaches to weight loss and weight management are needed. This study evaluated self‐reported weight‐loss outcomes associated with a commercial intensive lifestyle intervention marketed to employers and delivered electronically to employees.

Methods

Data were collected for participants who enrolled in an online intensive lifestyle intervention weight‐loss program from July 2015 through June 2016. An intent‐to‐treat analysis of participants who attended at least one session is reported.

Results

Ninety‐six companies, with approximately 437,215 eligible adult beneficiaries, launched Real Appeal in July 2015. In the first 12 months of the program, 69,598 adults enrolled and 87% met at‐risk criteria for prediabetes, diabetes, or cardiovascular disease. The intent‐to‐treat cohort (n = 52,461), all of whom attended at least one session, lost an average of 2.8% body weight, with 23% achieving 5% or more weight loss. Active participants (n = 38,836) lost an average of 3.5% body weight, with 29% achieving 5% weight loss. Program completers (n = 27,164) lost an average of 4.3% body weight, with 36% of the cohort achieving 5% weight loss.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that an employer‐offered, online, behavioral weight‐loss program was an effective, scalable solution for engaging more than 50,000 participants with overweight and obesity.
Darkness in the Human Gene and Protein Function Space: Widely Modest or Absent Illumination by the Life Science Literature and the Trend for Fewer Protein Function Discoveries Since 2000
Authors: Sinha Swati , Eisenhaber Birgit , Jensen Lars Juhl , Kalbuaji Bharata , Eisenhaber Frank
Published: September 2018

The mentioning of gene names in the body of the scientific literature 1901–2017 and their fractional counting is used as a proxy to assess the level of biological function discovery. A literature score of one has been defined as full publication equivalent (FPE), the amount of literature necessary to achieve one publication solely dedicated to a gene. It has been found that less than 5000 human genes have each at least 100 FPEs in the available literature corpus. This group of elite genes (4817 protein‐coding genes, 119 non‐coding RNAs) attracts the overwhelming majority of the scientific literature about genes. Yet, thousands of proteins have never been mentioned at all, ≈2000 further proteins have not even one FPE of literature and, for ≈4600 additional proteins, the FPE count is below 10. The protein function discovery rate measured as numbers of proteins first mentioned or crossing a threshold of accumulated FPEs in a given year has grown until 2000 but is in decline thereafter. This drop is partially offset by function discoveries for non‐coding RNAs. The full human genome sequencing does not boost the function discovery rate. Since 2000, the fastest growing group in the literature is that with at least 500 FPEs per gene.
Decreased Cry1Ac activation by midgut proteases associated with Cry1Ac resistance in Helicoverpa zea
Authors: Zhang Min , Wei Jizhen , Ni Xinzhi , Zhang Jie , Jurat‐Fuentes Juan L , Fabrick Jeffrey A , Carrière Yves , Tabashnik Bruce E , Li Xianchun
Published: September 2018

BACKGROUND

Field‐evolved resistance of Helicoverpa zea to Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxin Cry1Ac was first reported more than a decade ago, yet the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Towards understanding the mechanisms of resistance to Cry1Ac, we analyzed a susceptible (LAB‐S) and two resistant (GA and GA‐R) strains of H. zea. The GA strain was derived from Georgia and exposed to Bt toxins only in the field. The GA‐R strain was derived from the GA strain and selected for increased resistance to Cry1Ac in the laboratory.

RESULTS

Resistance to MVPII, a liquid formulation containing a hybrid protoxin similar to Cry1Ac, was 110‐fold for GA‐R and 7.8‐fold for GA relative to LAB‐S. In midgut brush border membrane vesicles, activity of alkaline phosphatase and aminopeptidase N did not vary significantly among strains. The activity of total proteases, trypsin‐like proteases and chymotrypsin‐like proteases was significantly lower for GA‐R and GA than LAB‐S, but did not differ between GA‐R and GA. When H. zea midgut cells were exposed to Cry1Ac protoxin that had been digested with midgut extracts, toxicity was significantly lower for extracts from GA‐R and GA relative to extracts from LAB‐S, but did not differ between GA‐R and GA. Transcriptional analysis showed that none of the five protease genes examined was associated with the decline in Cry1Ac activation in GA‐R and GA relative to LAB‐S.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that decreased Cry1Ac activation is a contributing field‐selected mechanism of resistance that helps explain the reduced susceptibility of the GA‐R and GA strains. Relative to the LAB‐S strain, the two Cry1Ac‐resistant strains had lower total protease, trypsin and chymotrypsin activities, a lower Cry1Ac activation rate, and Cry1Ac protoxin incubated with their midgut extracts was less toxic to H. zea midgut cells. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
A Strategy to Refine the Phenotyping Approach and Its Implementation to Predict Drug Clearance: A Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Simulation Study
Authors: Adiwidjaja Jeffry , Boddy Alan V. , McLachlan Andrew J.
Published: September 2018

The phenotyping approach to predict drug metabolism activity is often hampered by a lack of correlation between the probe and the drug of interest. In this article, we present a strategy to refine the phenotyping approach based on a physiologically based pharmacokinetic simulation (implemented in Simcyp Simulator version 17) using previously published models. The apparent clearance (CL/F) of erlotinib was better predicted by the sum of caffeine and i.v. midazolam CL/F (r2 = 0.60) compared to that of either probe drug alone. The clearance of atorvastatin and repaglinide had a strong correlation (r2 = 0.70 and 0.63, respectively) with that of pitavastatin (a SLCO1B1 probe). Use of multiple probes for drugs that are predominantly metabolized by more than one cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzyme should be considered. In a case in which hepatic uptake transporters play a significant role in the disposition of a drug, the pharmacokinetic of a transporter probe will provide better predictions of the drug clearance.
Adaptive prescribed performance control of switched MIMO uncertain nonlinear systems subject to unmodeled dynamics and input nonlinearities
Authors: Malek Sayyed Alireza , Shahrokhi Mohammad , Vafa Ehsan , Moradvandi Ali
Published: September 2018

In this paper, the design of an adaptive tracking control for a class of switched uncertain multiple‐input–multiple‐output nonlinear systems in the strict‐feedback form with unmodeled dynamics in the presence of three types of input nonlinearity under arbitrary switching has been addressed. By means of an intelligent approximator like a fuzzy logic system or a neural network, the unknown dynamics are estimated. The unmodeled dynamics have been tackled with a dynamic signal. A universal framework for describing different types of input nonlinearity including saturation, backlash, and dead zone has been utilized. By applying the backstepping approach and the common Lyapunov function method, virtual and actual controllers and the adaptive law for each subsystem have been constructed. Finally, it has been shown that the closed‐loop system is semiglobally uniformly ultimately bounded and the tracking errors converge to their predefined bounds. The effectiveness of the proposed control scheme has been shown through simulation study.
Common mechanisms for guidance efficiency of descending Atlantic salmon smolts in small and large hydroelectric power plants
Authors: Haraldstad Tormod , Höglund Erik , Kroglund Frode , Haugen Thrond Oddvar , Forseth Torbjørn
Published: September 2018

Dams and turbines associated with hydroelectric power plants (HEP) disrupt connectivity by affecting fish movement and survival. There has been an increasing focus on measures to facilitate downstream migration at HEPs. The fish guidance efficacy (FGE) of downstream mitigation measures largely remains suboptimal and calls for development of knowledge on factors influencing FGE. In this study, we analyse 6 years of wild Atlantic salmon smolt passive integrated transponder (PIT)‐telemetry data (N = 1,498) from a neighbouring small‐ and a large‐scale HEP. Timing of the smolt migration period was significantly different between the two rivers. Thus, river‐specific smolt‐run timing is imperative for proper measures management in regulated rivers aiming at maximizing smolt‐descent survival. A generalized linear model including additive effects of relative bypass discharge and scaled river discharge on the FGE for descending smolts received highest Akaike's information criterion support in the data and explained 74.2% of the FGE variation. This model, including no river effect, predicted high FGE (up to 90%) at low river flow (≤30% of HEP maximum capacity) when 7% of the water is allocated through the bypass. Many run‐of‐the‐river HEPs have highly variable river flow during the smolt‐run period. Our model suggests that these HEPs could utilize their manoeuvre flexibility to obtain water allocation routines between bypass and turbines that optimize both FGE and hydroelectric production.
OPTically‐based In situ Characterization System (OPTICS) to quantify concentrations and mass fluxes of mercury and methylmercury in South River, Virginia, USA
Authors: Chang Grace , Martin Todd , Spada Frank , Sackmann Brandon , Jones Craig , Whitehead Kenia
Published: September 2018

Historical releases of mercury to the South River (Virginia, USA) and mobilization of mercury from secondary sources (e.g., riverbed and riverbank sediments) is contributing to the redistribution of mercury to the water column. Therefore, in order to effectively remediate the South River, it is necessary to understand specific mechanisms for mercury contamination and transport in the system. An OPTically‐based In situ Characterization System (OPTICS) monitoring study was conducted to quantify concentrations and mass fluxes of mercury and methylmercury and to understand mechanisms of contaminant exchange between sediments and the water column. Storm flow and diel cycling (potentially related to nocturnal bioturbation activities) were identified as important mechanisms of particulate‐phase mercury and methylmercury exchange to the South River water column. It was determined that diel cycling contributed daily average mass transport of 0.01 kg of particulate mercury and 1.9E‐05 kg of particulate methylmercury, representing up to 13% and 16% of total mercury and methylmercury mass transported over the study period. Approximately 85% of the 3.6 and 0.01 kg total mass transport of particulate mercury and methylmercury over the study period was attributed to high storm flow, which likely resulted in resuspension of particle‐bound mercury and methylmercury and/or mobilization of fine‐grained channel margin deposits.
Microcapsule‐Containing Self‐Reporting Polymers
Authors: Calvino Céline , Weder Christoph
Published: September 2018

Self‐reporting polymers, which can indicate damage or exposure to excessive stress with a clearly perceptible optical signal, are potentially useful for several technological applications, including stress‐sensitive sensors that enable in situ monitoring of mechanical events and structural health monitoring systems. A versatile and simple concept to realize this function is the exploitation of microcapsules that are filled with solutions of dyes that are released and chemically or physically activated when the protective shell is damaged. Such microcapsules can readily be incorporated into polymers and the composites thus made can be processed into films, coatings, or other objects. Mechanochromic effects can be realized with different types of dyes and activation schemes. In this concept article, a selection of recent key studies is presented to provide an overview of the state of the field. Different architectures and operating principles and their advantages and drawbacks are reviewed. The parameters that influence the design of microcapsule‐based mechanochromic systems are considered and unexplored chromophore systems that might be useful to design future self‐reporting polymers are discussed. Finally, specific aspects of capsule design, fabrication, and integration into polymers are presented. Throughout the article, challenges and opportunities of the concept are highlighted and possible future directions are discussed.
Improving Performance of All‐Polymer Solar Cells Through Backbone Engineering of Both Donors and Acceptors
Authors: Duan Chunhui , Li Zhaojun , Pang Shuting , Zhu You‐Liang , Lin Baojun , Colberts Fallon J. M. , Leenaers Pieter J. , Wang Ergang , Sun Zhao‐Yan , Ma Wei , Meskers Stefan C. J. , Janssen René A. J.
Published: September 2018

All‐polymer solar cells (APSCs), composed of semiconducting donor and acceptor polymers, have attracted considerable attention due to their unique advantages compared to polymer‐fullerene‐based devices in terms of enhanced light absorption and morphological stability. To improve the performance of APSCs, the morphology of the active layer must be optimized. By employing a random copolymerization strategy to control the regularity of the backbone of the donor polymers (PTAZ‐TPDx) and acceptor polymers (PNDI‐Tx) the morphology can be systematically optimized by tuning the polymer packing and crystallinity. To minimize effects of molecular weight, both donor and acceptor polymers have number‐average molecular weights in narrow ranges. Experimental and coarse‐grained modeling results disclose that systematic backbone engineering greatly affects the polymer crystallinity and ultimately the phase separation and morphology of the all‐polymer blends. Decreasing the backbone regularity of either the donor or the acceptor polymer reduces the local crystallinity of the individual phase in blend films, affording reduced short‐circuit current densities and fill factors. This two‐dimensional crystallinity optimization strategy locates a PCE maximum at highest crystallinity for both donor and acceptor polymers. Overall, this study demonstrates that proper control of both donor and acceptor polymer crystallinity simultaneously is essential to optimize APSC performance.
MobSTer: A model‐based security testing framework for web applications
Authors: Peroli Michele , De Meo Federico , Viganò Luca , Guardini Davide
Published: September 2018

Web applications have become one of the preferred means for users to perform a number of crucial and security‐sensitive operations such as selling and buying goods or managing bank accounts, official documents, personal health records, and smart houses. The pervasive adoption of such web applications calls for an extensive security analysis in order to avoid attacks. Penetration testing is the most common approach for testing the security of web applications, but model‐based security testing has been steadily maturing into a viable alternative and/or complementary approach. Penetration testing is very efficient, but the experience of the security analyst is crucial; model‐based security testing relies on formal methods, but the security analyst has to first create a suitable model of the web application. In this paper, we introduce MobSTer, a formal and flexible model‐based security testing framework that contributes to filling the gap between these two security testing approaches. The main idea underlying this framework is that the use of model‐checking techniques can automate the search for possible vulnerable entry points in the web application, ie, it permits an analyst to perform security testing without missing important checks. Moreover, the framework also allows for reuse: The analyst can collect her expertise into the framework and (re)use it during future tests on possibly different web applications. We have implemented MobSTer as a prototype and applied it to test a number of case studies to assess its strength and concretely evaluate it with respect to four state‐of‐the‐art tools normally used by penetration testers.
Spatial patterns of seasonal level trends of groundwater in India during 2002–2016
Authors: Cao Yanping , Roy Shouraseni Sen
Published: September 2018

The Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) twin satellite provides an efficient method of assessing groundwater anomalies by measuring variations in terrestrial water storage (TWS) and its anomalies (TWSA). The TWS is the sum of all forms of water such as groundwater, soil moisture, surface water and snow water equivalent. We used CSR RL05 Mascon solutions (http://www.csr.utexas.edu/grace) to estimate the seasonal level regional scale groundwater depletion rates across India between 2002 and 2016. The groundwater storage showed substantial spatial variations at the seasonal scale. At the regional scale, our analysis revealed the steepest decline in the northwest and northeast regions of India. This has been caused by a significant increase of land under well and tube‐well irrigation. Furthermore, the rapid rates of urbanization associated with a lower recharge of the groundwater table due to increased runoff also contributed to depleted groundwaters across India.
The learning curve of endoscopic thyroid surgery for papillary thyroid microcarcinoma: CUSUM analysis of a single surgeon’s experience
Authors: Yu Jian , Rao Shangrui , Lin Zhe , Pan Zhongliang , Zheng Xiangjian , Wang Zhonglin
Published: September 2018

Background

With the development of surgical technics, endoscopic thyroid surgery has been gradually accepted and utilized in thyroid disease treatment, including thyroid carcinoma. This study aimed to evaluate the learning curve for endoscopic hemithyroidectomy (EHT) with ipsilateral central neck dissection (CND) and investigate how many cases must be performed before a surgeon becomes competent and proficient in this approach.

Methods

Ninety-nine consecutive patients who underwent EHT with ipsilateral CND for papillary thyroid microcarcinoma by a single surgeon between June 2015 and October 2017 were analyzed. Multidimensional cumulative summation (CUSUM) analysis was performed to evaluate the learning curve.

Results

The CUSUM graph showed the learning curve ascended in the first 31 cases and declined in the following cases. The number of lymph nodes removed in phase 2 (the following 68 cases) was significantly more than that in phase 1 (the first 31 cases) (5.06 ± 1.44 vs. 4.19 ± 1.51, P = 0.001). The operation time in phase 2 was shorter than that in phase 1 (123.38 ± 12.71 min vs. 132.90 ± 13.95 min, P = 0.008) and the rate of accidental removal of parathyroid gland decreased from 35.5% in phase 1 to 16.2% in phase 2 (P = 0.040). There was a declining trend but no significant difference in the rate of postoperative complications (9.7% in phase 2 vs. 4.4% in phase 1, P = 0.309).

Conclusion

EHT with ipsilateral CND performed by surgeons was mastered after 31 cases, and the safety and feasibility of this endoscopic approach can also be demonstrated.
Durable remission of a patient with primary cutaneous CD8+ aggressive epidermotropic cytotoxic T-cell lymphoma
Authors: Al Aoun Shaima M. , Iqbal Shahid , AlHalouli Tahani M. , Zaidi Syed Z. , Motabi Ibraheem H.
Published: September 2018

Primary cutaneous CD8+ aggressive epidermotropic cytotoxic T-cell lymphoma (CD8+ PCAETL) is a rare disease characterized by aggressive clinical course and short survival. All available data are extracted from case reports and case series. The outcome is dismal and only two reported cases were cured after several lines of therapies including stem cell transplant. We herein present the case of a patient with CD8+ PCAETL who presented with rapidly progressive skin lesions and systemic symptoms. He was treated with aggressive multiagent chemotherapy comprising cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin, and dexamethasone alternating with high-dose methotrexate and cytarabine (hyper-CVAD). The treatment resulted in durable complete remission with no evidence of disease recurrence after 58 months of follow-up. This is the first reported case of durable remission after first-line treatment.
Networks, Institutions, and Uncertainty: Information Exchange in Early-Modern Markets
Authors: Erikson Emily , Samila Sampsa
Published: September 2018

We analyze patterns of informal information exchange by the English East India Company’s captains to assess the role of relational and institutional governance systems and uncertainty in encouraging information exchange. Using archival data from the emerging early-modern global trade network, we show that uncertainty drove information exchange. Relational-based contract enforcement mechanisms such as small group exchange were largely absent, and increasing institutional strength was associated with decreasing rates of information exchange. The results suggest that opportunity and demand were more important determinants of information exchange than the emergence of formal and informal governance systems.
IPAtranscriptor: A Python program for narrow phonetic transcription for blind and sighted linguists
Authors: Braun Almut
Published: September 2018

IPAtranscriptor is a tool for creating narrow phonetic transcriptions. As it connects to the computer's default text-to-speech engine on demand, the program can be used not only by sighted but also by partially sighted and blind individuals. Sighted users can choose whether they prefer the mouse or the keyboard as their input device. In contrast to other programs, the full set of symbols and diacritics of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) is implemented and users can produce very narrow phonetic transcriptions as they can insert up to three diacritics above and three diacritics below each IPA symbol to modify it. Furthermore, the program can facilitate the collaboration between blind and sighted phoneticians (or students of linguistics in general) since they can easily exchange their phonetic transcriptions. A conversion of the transcriptions is not necessary as all transcribers can use the same system regardless of their visual abilities. IPAtranscriptor is freely available online and is believed to be the first audio-based program for narrow phonetic transcription that can be used by blind and sighted phoneticians.
Madurese
Authors: Misnadin  , Kirby James
Published: September 2018

Madurese (bhâsa Madhurâ) is a Malayo-Polynesian language spoken primarily on the island of Madura and a number of regions in East Java, Indonesia. Its further subgrouping has remained a matter of some dispute. Early work placed Madurese in a Malayo-Javanic subgroup containing Javanese, Sundanese, and Malay (Dyen 1963). Glottolog and Ethnologue use the more recent ‘Malayo-Sumbawan’ classification (Adelaar 2005a), which puts Malayic, Chamic, and the Balinese-Sasak-Sumbawa group into one branch with Madurese and Sundanese in two other branches, to the exclusion of Javanese. Robert Blust, rejecting the Malayo-Sumbawan hypothesis, tentatively places Madurese in a Malayo-Chamic subgroup (Blust 2009), but also suggests (Blust 2010) that, as Madurese is lexically similar to Malay but phonologically and morphologically quite different, it may once have subgrouped with Javanese and later underwent heavy relexicalization due to language contact (see also discussion in Kluge 2017: 3).
The articulation of /ɹ/ in New Zealand English
Authors: Heyne Matthias , Wang Xuan , Derrick Donald , Dorreen Kieran , Watson Kevin
Published: September 2018

This paper investigates the articulation of approximant /ɹ/ in New Zealand English (NZE), and tests whether the patterns documented for rhotic varieties of English hold in a non-rhotic dialect. Midsagittal ultrasound data for 62 speakers producing 13 tokens of /ɹ/ in various phonetic environments were categorized according to the taxonomy by Delattre & Freeman (1968), and semi-automatically traced and quantified using the AAA software (Articulate Instruments Ltd. 2012) and a Modified Curvature Index (MCI; Dawson, Tiede & Whalen 2016). Twenty-five NZE speakers produced tip-down /ɹ/ exclusively, 12 tip-up /ɹ/ exclusively, and 25 produced both, partially depending on context. Those speakers who produced both variants used the most tip-down /ɹ/ in front vowel contexts, the most tip-up /ɹ/ in back vowel contexts, and varying rates in low central vowel contexts. The NZE speakers produced tip-up /ɹ/ most often in word-initial position, followed by intervocalic, then coronal, and least often in velar contexts. The results indicate that the allophonic variation patterns of /ɹ/ in NZE are similar to those of American English (Mielke, Baker & Archangeli 2010, 2016). We show that MCI values can be used to facilitate /ɹ/ gesture classification; linear mixed-effects models fit on the MCI values of manually categorized tongue contours show significant differences between all but two of Delattre & Freeman's (1968) tongue types. Overall, the results support theories of modular speech motor control with articulation strategies evolving from local rather than global optimization processes, and a mechanical model of rhotic variation (see Stavness et al. 2012).
Remarkable morphological variation in the proboscis ofNeorhadinorhynchus nudus(Harada, 1938) (Acanthocephala: Echinorhynchida)
Authors: Li Liang , Wayland Matthew Thomas , Chen Hui-Xia , Yang Yue
Published: September 2018

The acanthocephalans are characterized by a retractible proboscis, armed with rows of recurved hooks, which serves as the primary organ for attachment of the adult worm to the intestinal wall of the vertebrate definitive host. Whilst there is a considerable variation in the size, shape and armature of the proboscis across the phylum, intraspecific variation is generally regarded to be minimal. Consequently, subtle differences in proboscis morphology are often used to delimit congeneric species. In this study, striking variability in proboscis morphology was observed among individuals ofNeorhadinorhynchus nudus(Harada, 1938) collected from the frigate tunaAuxis thazardLacépède (Perciformes: Scombridae) in the South China Sea. Based on the length of the proboscis, and number of hooks per longitudinal row, these specimens ofN. nuduswere readily grouped into three distinct morphotypes, which might be considered separate taxa under the morphospecies concept. However, analysis of nuclear and mitochondrial DNA sequences revealed a level of nucleotide divergence typical of an intraspecific comparison. Moreover, the three morphotypes do not represent three separate genetic lineages. The surprising, and previously undocumented level of intraspecific variation in proboscis morphology found in the present study, underscores the need to use molecular markers for delimiting acanthocephalan species.
Cultural trauma and epigenetic inheritance
Authors: Lehrner Amy , Yehuda Rachel
Published: September 2018

The question of whether and how the effects of cultural trauma can be transmitted intergenerationally from parents to offspring, or even to later generations, has evoked interest and controversy in academic and popular forums. Recent methodological advances have spurred investigations of potential epigenetic mechanisms for this inheritance, representing an exciting area of emergent research. Epigenetics has been described as the means through which environmental influences “get under the skin,” directing transcriptional activity and influencing the expression or suppression of genes. Over the past decade, this complex environment–biology interface has shown increasing promise as a potential pathway for the intergenerational transmission of the effects of trauma. This article reviews challenges facing research on cultural trauma, biological findings in trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder, and putative epigenetic mechanisms for transmission of trauma effects, including through social, intrauterine, and gametic pathways. Implications for transmission of cultural trauma effects are discussed, focused on the relevance of cultural narratives and the possibilities of resilience and adaptivity.
On the stochastic resonance phenomenon in parametrically excited systems
Authors: SOROKIN VLADISLAV , BLEKHMAN ILIYA
Published: September 2018

The stochastic resonance phenomenon implies “positive” changing of a system behaviour when noise is added to the system. The phenomenon has found numerous applications in physics, neuroscience, biology, medicine, mechanics and other fields. The present paper concerns this phenomenon for parametrically excited stochastic systems, i.e. systems that feature deterministic input signals that affect their parameters, e.g. stiffness, damping or mass properties. Parametrically excited systems are now widely used for signal sensing, filtering and amplification, particularly in micro- and nanoscale applications. And noise and uncertainty can be essential for systems at this scale. Thus, these systems potentially can exhibit stochastic resonance. In the present paper, we use a “deterministic” approach to describe the stochastic resonance phenomenon that implies replacing noise by deterministic high-frequency excitations. By means of the approach, we show that stochastic resonance can occur for parametrically excited systems and determine the corresponding resonance conditions.
Testing S isotopes as biomarkers for Mars
Authors: Chela-Flores Julian
Published: September 2018

We suggest testing S isotopes as biomarkers for Mars. An analogous robust biosignature has recently been proposed for the forthcoming exploration of the icy surface of Europa, and in the long term for the exploration of the surfaces of other icy moons of the outer solar system. We discuss relevant instrumentation for testing the presence of life itself in some sites, whether extinct or extant in order to complement a set of other independent biosignatures. We pay special attention to the possible early emergence of sulphate-metabolizing microorganisms, as it happened on the early Earth. Fortunately, possible sites happen to be at likely landing sites for future missions ExoMars and Mars 2020, including Oxia Planum and Mawrth Vallis. We suggest how to make additional feasible use of the instruments that have already been approved for future missions. With these instruments, the proposed measurements can allow testing S isotopes on Mars, especially with the Mars Organic Molecule Analyzer.
A carotid bifurcation pseudoaneurysm treated endovascularly in a patient with irradiated neck
Authors: Anastasiadou Christiana , Maltezos Chrisostomos , Galyfos George , Giannakakis Sotirios , Zannes Nikos , Makris Nikos , Sachsamanis Georgios , Papacharalambous Gerasimos
Published: September 2018

Abstract. A carotid artery pseudoaneurysm in an irradiated neck is a rare entity with possible devastating results and management should be multidisciplinary. We present a successful endovascular treatment of a late carotid artery pseudoaneurysm following patch endarterectomy and cervical radiotherapy.
Demografische Eigenschaften von Pflegefamilien in Deutschland
Authors: Chodura Sabrina , Lohaus Arnold , Symanzik Tabea , Möller Christine , Heinrichs Nina , Konrad Kerstin
Published: September 2018

Zusammenfassung. Fragestellung: Demografische Eigenschaften wie das Bildungsniveau oder die berufliche Stellung in Familien haben einen wesentlichen Einfluss auf die kindliche Entwicklung. Diese Studie behandelt Gemeinsamkeiten und Unterschiede zwischen für Forschung rekrutierten Pflegefamilien und der Allgemeinbevölkerung. Methodik: Hierfür wurde auf Daten des GROW&TREAT-Projektes zurückgegriffen, das die Entwicklung einer Pflegekindergruppe im Vergleich zu einer Gruppe von Kindern, die in ihren leiblichen Familien leben, betrachtet. Ergebnisse: Es wurden Unterschiede sowohl bei der Stichprobe der Pflegefamilien als auch bei der Stichprobe der Herkunftsfamilien im Vergleich mit Daten des Statistischen Bundesamtes bei den höchsten Bildungsabschlüssen der (Pflege-)Eltern, der Aufteilung der Erwerbstätigkeit und dem Nettoeinkommen der Familien gefunden. Im direkten Vergleich der beiden Stichproben wurde ein größerer Altersabstand zwischen Pflegemutter und -kind als in der Herkunftsfamilie und eine andere Verteilung der Bildungsabschlüsse festgestellt. Weiterhin wurde die Repräsentativität der rekrutierten Pflegefamilienstichprobe durch die Befragung von Pflegekinderdiensten analysiert. Schlussfolgerungen: Die vorliegende Stichprobe zeigte sich als wahrscheinlich repräsentativ für Stichproben von Pflegefamilien. Die Auswirkungen dieser Unterschiede auf mögliche Forschungsergebnisse und Rekrutierungsbesonderheiten werden diskutiert.
Applying the Burr Type XII Distribution to Decompose Remanent Magnetization Curves
Authors: Zhao Xiangyu , Fujii Masakazu , Suganuma Yusuke , Zhao Xiang , Jiang Zhaoxia
Published: September 2018

Discriminating magnetic minerals of different origins in natural samples is useful to reveal their associated geological and environmental processes, which can be achieved by the analysis of remanent magnetization curves. The analysis relies on the choice of the model distribution to unmix magnetic components. Three model distributions were proposed in past studies, namely, the lognormal, skew normal, and skewed generalized Gaussian distributions, which are related to the normal distribution. In this study, the Burr type XII distribution is tested and compared with existing model distributions. An automated protocol is proposed to assign parameters necessary to initiate the component analysis, which improves the efficiency and objectivity. Results show that the new model distribution exhibits similar flexibility to the skew normal and skewed generalized Gaussian distributions in approximating skewed coercivity distributions and can fit end‐member components better than the commonly used lognormal distribution. We demonstrate that the component analysis is sensitive to model distribution as well as measurement noise. As a consequence, the decomposition is subject to bias that is hard to identify due to the lack of ground‐truth data. It is therefore recommended to compare results derived from various model distributions to identify spurious components.
A Stable Southern Margin of Asia During the Cretaceous: Paleomagnetic Constraints on the Lhasa‐Qiangtang Collision and the Maximum Width of the Neo‐Tethys
Authors: Ma Yiming , Yang Tianshui , Bian Weiwei , Jin Jingjie , Wang Qiang , Zhang Shihong , Wu Huaichun , Li Haiyan , Cao Liwan
Published: September 2018

The timing of the north‐south collision between two terranes can be determined by the overlap of their paleolatitudes or the change of their convergence rate. For example, the overlapping paleolatitudes of the Lhasa terrane and Tethyan Himalaya and the dramatic decrease in the velocity of the Indian plate are usually ascribed to the India‐Asia collision at ~55 Ma. However, little is known about the paleolatitudinal evolution and velocity change of the Lhasa terrane resulting from the Lhasa‐Qiangtang collision during the Jurassic‐Cretaceous period. To better constrain the velocity change of the Lhasa terrane during this period, to constrain when and where the Lhasa‐Qiangtang collision occurred, and to assess the distribution of land and sea in the Tethyan realm, we provide a high‐quality Cretaceous paleomagnetic pole obtained from the limestone from the western part of the Lhasa terrane, which yields a paleolatitude of ~16.8° ± 1.9°N for the sampling area (32.2°N, 80.8°E) during the time interval of ~113–72 Ma. We compile existing paleomagnetic results from the Lhasa terrane, Qiangtang terrane, Tethyan Himalaya, and India and reveal that the Lhasa‐Qiangtang collision most likely occurred at or near the J/K boundary at ~19°N for the reference point at (32°N, 88°E) and that the Neo‐Tethys reached its maximum width (≥~7450 km) during this period.
Sketching the Contours of State Authenticity
Authors: Sedikides Constantine , Lenton Alison P. , Slabu Letitia , Thomaes Sander
Published: September 2018

We outline a program of research in which we examined state authenticity, the sense of being one’s true self. In particular, we describe its phenomenology (what it feels like to be experience authenticity), its correlates (e.g., emotions, needs), its nomological network (e.g., real-ideal self overlap, public and private self-consciousness), its cultural parameters (Easter and Western culture), its precursors or determinants (congruency, positivity, and hedonism), and its psychological health implications. We conclude by arguing that state authenticity deserves its own conceptual status, distinct from trait authenticity, and by setting an agenda for future research.
Tobacco smoking and the risk of abdominal aortic aneurysm: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies
Authors: Aune Dagfinn , Schlesinger Sabrina , Norat Teresa , Riboli Elio
Published: September 2018

Several studies have found that smoking increases the risk of abdominal aortic aneurysm, however, the strength of the association has differed between studies and data from cohort studies have not yet been summarized. A systematic review and meta-analysis was therefore conducted to clarify this association. We searched PubMed and Embase databases up to May 2nd 2018. A random effects model was used to estimate summary relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Twenty three prospective studies were included. Comparing current, former and ever smokers with never smokers the summary RRs were 4.87 (95% CI: 3.93–6.02, I2 = 92%, n = 20), 2.10 (95% CI: 1.76–2.50, I2 = 71%, n = 15) and 3.28 (95% CI: 2.60–4.15, I2 = 96%, n = 18), respectively. The summary RR was 1.87 (95% CI: 1.45–2.40, I2 = 97%) per 10 cigarettes per day, 1.78 (95% CI: 1.54–2.06, I2 = 83%) per 10 pack-years was and 0.45 (95% CI: 0.32–0.63, I2 = 92.3%) per 10 years of smoking cessation. There was evidence of nonlinearity for cigarettes per day and pack-years (pnonlinearity < 0.0001 and pnonlinearity = 0.02, respectively), but not for smoking cessation, pnonlinearity = 0.85. Among smokers who quit, the RR was similar to that of never smokers by 25 years of smoking cessation. These findings confirm a strong association between smoking and the risk of developing abdominal aortic aneurysms.
Earthquake-induced structural deformations enhance long-term solute fluxes from active volcanic systems
Authors: Hosono Takahiro , Hartmann Jens , Louvat Pascale , Amann Thorben , Washington Kirstin E. , West A. Joshua , Okamura Koki , Böttcher Michael E. , Gaillardet Jérôme
Published: September 2018

Evidence for relationships between seismotectonic activity and dissolved weathering fluxes remains limited. Motivated by the occurrence of new springs emerging after the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake and supported by historical groundwater data, this study focuses on the long-term effect of near-surface structural deformation on the contribution of deep, highly saline fluids to the solute fluxes from the Aso caldera, Kyushu, Japan. Available hydrologic and structural data suggest that concentrated, over-pressured groundwaters migrate to the surface when new hydraulic pathways open during seismic deformation. These new springs have a hydrochemical fingerprint (including δDH2O, δ18OH2O, δ7Li, δ11B, δ18OSO4, and δ34SSO4) indistinguishable from long-established confined groundwater that likely reflects a mixture of infiltrated meteoric water with high-sulfate hydrothermal fluids. A comparison of historical hydrochemistry data and patterns of past seismicity suggests that discharge of deep fluids is associated with similar deformation structures to those observed during the Kumamoto earthquake, and that seismic activity plays an important role over historic timescales in delivering the majority of the solutes to the caldera outlet, sustaining fluxes that are amongst the world’s highest. This upwelling mechanism might be relevant for other systems too, and could contribute to the over-proportional share of active volcanic areas in global weathering fluxes.
Positive Caricature Transcriptomic Effects Associated with Broad Genomic Aberrations in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Condorelli Daniele F. , Spampinato Giorgia , Valenti Giovanna , Musso Nicolò , Castorina Sergio , Barresi Vincenza
Published: September 2018

We re-examined the correlation between Broad Genomic Aberrations (BGAs) and transcriptomic profiles in Colorectal Cancer (CRC). Two types of BGAs have been examined: Broad Copy-Number Abnormal regions (BCNAs), distinguished in gain- and loss-type, and Copy-Neutral Loss of Heterozygosities (CNLOHs). Transcripts are classified as “OverT” or “UnderT” if overexpressed or underexpressed comparing CRCs bearing a specific BGA to CRCs not bearing it and as “UpT” or “DownT” if upregulated or downregulated in cancer compared to normal tissue. BGA-associated effects were evaluated by changes in the “Chromosomal Distribution Index” (CDI) of different transcript classes. Data show that UpT are more sensitive than DownT to BCNA-associated gene dosage effects. “Over-UpT” genes are upregulated in cancer and further overexpressed by gene dosage, defining the so called “positive caricature transcriptomic effect”. When Over-UpT genes are ranked according to overexpression, top positions are occupied by genes implicated at the functional and therapeutic level in CRC. We show that cancer-upregulated transcripts are sensitive markers of BCNA-induced effects and suggest that analysis of positive caricature transcriptomic effects can provide clues toward the identification of BCNA-associated cancer driver genes.
Synthesis and characterization of monodispersed water dispersible Fe3O4 nanoparticles and in vitro studies on human breast carcinoma cell line under hyperthermia condition
Authors: Sharma K. S. , Ningthoujam R. S. , Dubey A. K. , Chattopadhyay A. , Phapale S. , Juluri R. R. , Mukherjee S. , Tewari R. , Shetake Neena G. , Pandey B. N. , Vatsa R. K.
Published: September 2018

Monodispersed Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) having size of 7 nm have been prepared from iron oleate and made water dispersible by functionalization for biomedical applications. Three different reactions employing thioglycolic acid, aspartic acid and aminophosphonate were performed on oleic acid coated Fe3O4. In order to achieve a control on particle size, the pristine nanoparticles were heated in presence of ferric oleate which led to increase in size from 7 to 11 nm. Reaction parameters such as rate of heating, reaction temperature and duration of heating have been studied. Shape of particles was found to change from spherical to cuboid. The cuboid shape in turn enhances magneto-crystalline anisotropy (Ku). Heating efficacy of these nanoparticles for hyperthermia was also evaluated for different shapes and sizes. We demonstrate heat generation from these MNPs for hyperthermia application under alternating current (AC) magnetic field and optimized heating efficiency by controlling morphology of particles. We have also studied intra-cellular uptake and localization of nanoparticles and cytotoxicity under AC magnetic field in human breast carcinoma cell line.
Effect of central lesions on a spinal circuit facilitating human wrist flexors
Authors: Aguiar Stefane A. , Choudhury Supriyo , Kumar Hrishikesh , Perez Monica A. , Baker Stuart N.
Published: September 2018

A putative spinal circuit with convergent inputs facilitating human wrist flexors has been recently described. This study investigated how central nervous system lesions may affect this pathway. We measured the flexor carpi radialis H-reflex conditioned with stimulation above motor threshold to the extensor carpi radialis at different intervals in fifteen patients with stroke and nine with spinal cord injury. Measurements after stroke revealed a prolonged facilitation of the H-reflex, which replaced the later suppression seen in healthy subjects at longer intervals (30–60 ms). Measurements in patients with incomplete spinal cord injury at cervical level revealed heterogeneous responses. Results from patients with stroke could represent either an excessive facilitation or a loss of inhibition, which may reflect the development of spasticity. Spinal cord injury results possibly reflect damage to the segmental interneuron pathways. We report a straightforward method to assess changes to spinal circuits controlling wrist flexors after central nervous system lesion.
Oenological traits of Lachancea thermotolerans show signs of domestication and allopatric differentiation
Authors: Hranilovic Ana , Gambetta Joanna M. , Schmidtke Leigh , Boss Paul K. , Grbin Paul R. , Masneuf-Pomarede Isabelle , Bely Marina , Albertin Warren , Jiranek Vladimir
Published: September 2018

The yeastLachancea thermotolerans(previouslyKluyveromyces thermotolerans) is a species of large, yet underexplored, oenological potential. This study delivers comprehensive oenological phenomes of 94 L. thermotoleransstrains obtained from diverse ecological niches worldwide, classified in nine genetic groups based on their pre-determined microsatellite genotypes. The strains and the genetic groups were compared for their alcoholic fermentation performance, production of primary and secondary metabolites and pH modulation in Chardonnay grape juice fermentations. The common oenological features ofL. thermotoleransstrains were their glucophilic character, relatively extensive fermentation ability, low production of acetic acid and the formation of lactic acid, which significantly affected the pH of the wines. An untargeted analysis of volatile compounds, used for the first time in a population-scale phenotyping of a non-Saccharomycesyeast, revealed that 58 out of 90 volatiles were affected at anL. thermotoleransstrain level. Besides the remarkable extent of intra-specific diversity, our results confirmed the distinct phenotypic performance ofL. thermotoleransgenetic groups. Together, these observations provide further support for the occurrence of domestication events and allopatric differentiation inL. thermotoleranspopulation.