bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human papilloma virus E7 oncoprotein abrogates the p53-p21-DREAM pathway
Authors: Fischer Martin , Uxa Sigrid , Stanko Clara , Magin Thomas M. , Engeland Kurt
Published: May 2017

High risk human papilloma viruses cause several types of cancer. The HPV oncoproteins E6 and E7 are essential for oncogenic cell transformation. E6 mediates the degradation of the tumor suppressor p53, and E7 can form complexes with the retinoblastoma pRB tumor suppressor. Recently, it has been shown that HPV E7 can also interfere with the function of the DREAM transcriptional repressor complex. Disruption of DREAM-dependent transcriptional repression leads to untimely early expression of central cell cycle regulators. The p53-p21-DREAM pathway represents one important means of cell cycle checkpoint activation by p53. By activating this pathway, p53 can downregulate transcription of genes controlled by DREAM. Here, we present a genome-wide ranked list of genes deregulated by HPV E7 expression and relate it to datasets of cell cycle genes and DREAM targets. We find that DREAM targets are generally deregulated after E7 expression. Furthermore, our analysis shows that p53-dependent downregulation of DREAM targets is abrogated when HPV E7 is expressed. Thus, p53 checkpoint control is impaired by HPV E7 independently of E6. In summary, our analysis reveals that disruption of DREAM through the HPV E7 oncoprotein upregulates most, if not all, cell cycle genes and impairs p53’s control of cell cycle checkpoints.
Young children display an increase in prosocial donating in response to an upwards shift in generosity by a same-aged peer
Authors: Messer Emily J. E. , Burgess Vanessa , Sinclair Michael , Grant Sarah , Spencer Danielle , McGuigan Nicola
Published: May 2017

Adult humans frequently engage in the reciprocal exchange of resources with other individuals. However, despite the important role that reciprocity plays in maintaining co-operative exchange we know relatively little of when, and how, reciprocity develops. We first asked whether pairs of young children (M = 74 months) would engage in direct reciprocity in a ‘prosocial choice test’ where a donor could select either a higher, or a lower, value reward (1v 2) for a partner at no cost to themselves (1v 1). In a subsequent retest we asked, for the first time, whether young children increase their level of prosocial donating in response to an upwards shift in generosity from an initially selfish partner. In order to determine whether interacting with another child was fundamental to the development of reciprocity we included a novel yoked non-agent condition. The results suggest that the children were engaging in a calculated form of reciprocity where the prior behavior of their child partner influenced their subsequent level of donation days after the initial exchange. Crucially we show that the children were not influenced by the value of the rewards received per se, rather selection by a human agent was key to reciprocity.
VEGF-A Stimulates STAT3 Activity via Nitrosylation of Myocardin to Regulate the Expression of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Differentiation Markers
Authors: Liao Xing Hua , Xiang Yuan , Li Hui , Zheng De Liang , Xu Yao , Xi Yu Cheng , Li Jia Peng , Zhang Xiao Yu , Xing Wei Bin , Cao Dong Sun , Bao Le Yuan , Zhang Tong Cun
Published: May 2017

Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) is a pivotal player in angiogenesis. It is capable of influencing such cellular processes as tubulogenesis and vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation, yet very little is known about the actual signaling events that mediate VEGF-A induced VSMC phenotypic switch. In this report, we describe the identification of an intricate VEGF-A-induced signaling cascade that involves VEGFR2, STAT3, and Myocardin. We demonstrate that VEGF-A promotes VSMC proliferation via VEGFR2/STAT3-mediated upregulating the proliferation of markers like Cyclin D1 and PCNA. Specifically, VEGF-A leads to nitrosylation of Myocardin, weakens its effect on promoting the expression of contractile markers and is unable to inhibit the activation of STAT3. These observations reinforce the importance of nitric oxide and S-nitrosylation in angiogenesis and provide a mechanistic pathway for VEGF-A-induced VSMC phenotypic switch. In addition, Myocardin, GSNOR and GSNO can create a negative feedback loop to regulate the VSMC phenotypic switch. Thus, the discovery of this interactive network of signaling pathways provides novel and unexpected therapeutic targets for angiogenesis-dependent diseases.
Treating Raw Data: Software for SPR Applications
Authors: Ditto Noah T. , Eckman Joshua
Published: May 2017

The use of modern, commercial biosensors is dependent on software tools for experimental design, execution, and analysis of data. In order to appreciate the experimental outputs from surface plasmon resonance (SPR) studies, a brief discussion on the implications of assay setup is first covered. Next, a review of some common software tools for analysis is presented, followed by a description of general practices used in the processing of SPR data. Lastly, a step-by-step illustration of data processing routines for epitope binning and kinetic experiments is provided. Collectively, this demonstrates how software tools are applied to developing and understanding robust and carefully controlled SPR experiments.
Aliphatic Mn–PNP complexes for the CO2 hydrogenation reaction: a base free mechanism
Authors: Rawat Kuber Singh , Pathak Biswarup
Published: May 2017

Aliphatic amido Mn–PNP-based complexes were found to be promising for CO2 hydrogenation reaction.
Study on electro-kinetic remediation of heavy metals in municipal solid waste incineration fly ash with a three-dimensional electrode
Authors: Zhang Yuewei , Huang Tao , Huang Xiao , Faheem Muhammad , Yu Lin , Jiao Binquan , Yin Guangzhi , Shiau YanChyuan , Li Dongwei
Published: May 2017

Heavy metals of fly ash from incinerated municipal solid waste were removed by electro-kinetic remediation with three-dimensional electrode.
NH2- or PPh2-functionalized linkers for the immobilization of palladium on magnetite nanoparticles?
Authors: Caparrós Francisco J. , Guarnizo Anderson , Rossell Marta D. , Angurell Inmaculada , Seco Miquel , Muller Guillermo , Llorca Jordi , Rossell Oriol
Published: May 2017

The influence of the linker in the immobilization of Pd NPs on magnetic NPs has been demonstrated.
Destabilisation of Ca(BH4)2 and Mg(BH4)2via confinement in nanoporous Cu2S hollow spheres
Authors: Lai Qiwen , Aguey-Zinsou Kondo-Francois
Published: May 2017

Complex borohydrides of calcium (Ca(BH4)2) and magnesium (Mg(BH4)2) have the potential to store significant amounts of hydrogen. However, the temperature for hydrogen release is high >300 °C and reversibility difficult to achieve. Nanoconfinement of these hydrides in Cu2S hollow spheres provides an effective approach to achieve a low temperature for hydrogen release with some partial reversibility.
Gauging the Auditory Dimensions of Dysarthric Impairment: Reliability and Construct Validity of the Bogenhausen Dysarthria Scales (BoDyS)
Authors: Ziegler Wolfram , Staiger Anja , Schölderle Theresa , Vogel Mathias
Published: May 2017

Purpose

Standardized clinical assessment of dysarthria is essential for management and research. We present a new, fully standardized dysarthria assessment, the Bogenhausen Dysarthria Scales (BoDyS). The measurement model of the BoDyS is based on auditory evaluations of connected speech using 9 scales (traits) assessed by 4 elicitation methods. Analyses of the BoDyS' reliability and construct validity were performed to test this model, with the aim of gauging the auditory dimensions of speech impairment in dysarthria.

Method

Interrater agreement was examined in 70 persons with dysarthria. Construct validity was examined in 190 persons with dysarthria using a multitrait-multimethod design with confirmatory factor analysis.

Results

Interrater agreement of < 1 on a 5-point scale was found in 91% of cases across listener pairs and scales. Average reliability was .85. Inspection of the multitrait-multimethod matrix pointed at a high convergent and discriminant validity. Modeling of the BoDyS trait and method factors using confirmatory factor analysis yielded high goodness of fit. Model coefficients confirmed high discriminant and convergent validity and revealed meaningful relationships between scales and methods.

Conclusions

The 9 auditory scales of the BoDyS provide a reliable and valid profile of dysarthric impairment. They permit standardized measurement of clinically relevant dimensions of dysarthric speech.
Motor Examination in the Diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Authors: Neral Mithun , Imbriglia Joseph , Carlson Lois , Wollstein Ronit
Published: May 2017

The relative importance and use of motor evaluation to diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is not clear. Because the ulnar nerve is not affected in CTS, we evaluated comparing the strength of the median-nerve innervated muscles to the ulnar innervated muscles in the same patient, through manual muscle testing (MMT) and a handheld dynamometer. Our purpose was to evaluate whether this method, which takes into account patient-dependent factors that would affect both groups of muscles equally, can provide better assessment of CTS. A retrospective case-control review of MMT and dynamometer-measured strength for CTS was performed. The study was performed retrospectively but prior to surgery or other treatment. There were 28 cases (CTS) and 14 controls (without CTS). Positive nerve conduction tests defined cases. MMT of the thenar musculature was found to be unreliable as a test for CTS. Comparisons to ulnar nerve innervated muscle strength did not improve sensitivity or specificity of the MMT examination. Use of the dynamometer improved sensitivity and specificity of motor testing in CTS over MMT. Motor evaluation is important for the diagnosis of CTS, but further study is warranted, specifically to define the method of motor evaluation and delineate the subgroup of patients (predominantly thenar motor presentation) that would benefit most from motor testing and motor-focused treatment.
Single-Epileptic Spasms with or without Hypsarrhythmia: A Study of 16 Patients
Authors: Falsaperla Raffaele , Gutierrez Robinson , Valenzuela Gabriela , Pavone Piero , Fortini Sebastian , Pociecha Juan , Caraballo Roberto
Published: May 2017

Objective We evaluated the electroclinical features, etiology, treatment, and outcome of 16 patients with single-epileptic spasms (ESs) with or without hypsarrhythmia (WoH).

Methods Nine boys and seven girls had single-ESs. ESs were considered as single epileptic spasm variants when no other spasm occurred for 1 minute before and after each spasm. Age at the onset of ESs was between 2 and 84 months, with a mean age of 11 months.

Results We recognized a group of 15 patients with single-ESs as the main type of seizure; 6 patients with WoH and 9 patients with hypsarrhythmia, respectively. Nine of these 15 patients had other types of seizures before the onset of single-ESs, and 12 patients had other types of seizures during the period in which the ESs occurred. Nine of 15 patients had a structural and seven had an unknown etiology. In 10 cases, the ESs were refractory to antiepileptic drugs, while 4 patients responded well to adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), 1 to pyridoxine, and 2 to the ketogenic diet (KD). The remaining patient (patient.16) had single-ESs and electroclinical features of Lennox–Gastaut syndrome (LGS).

Conclusion In this article, we present a series of infants who had daily single-ESs with or WoH. Those with single-ESs with hypsarrhythmia evolved to an epileptic encephalopathy. Video-electroencephalogram (EEG) and polygraphic-EEG recordings are crucial to identify the single-ESs.
The Effect of Payer Type, Disposition, and Day of Surgery on Resource Consumption following Hip Fracture Care
Authors: Barinaga Gonzalo , Sayeed Zain , Anoushiravani Afshin , Wright Erik , El-Othmani Mouhanad , Cagle Paul , Saleh Khaled
Published: May 2017

As we shift from a fee-for-service to value-based reimbursement system, it is critical that orthopaedic surgeons assess all characteristics of the patient prior to surgical intervention. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship of payer type and disposition on direct and indirect measures of resource consumption (length-of-stay [LOS], hospital cost, and 30-day readmission). Patients equal to or more than 55 years of age with radiographic evidence of hip fracture necessitating surgical intervention were included. Initially, baseline characteristics, including age, body mass index (BMI), American Society of Anesthesiologist (ASA) score, fracture type, and instrumentation, were reported by payer type (private versus Medicare) and disposition (skilled nursing facility [SNF], home, and home health). In the second phase, the independent effects of payer type and disposition on resource consumption were evaluated. Lastly, the impact of payer type and day of admission on disposition were assessed. A total of 478 patients met the inclusion criteria. Evaluation of baseline characteristics demonstrated that age and ASA scores were significantly higher within the Medicare and SNF cohorts, when compared with private payers and home/home health, respectively. Medicare as a payer type resulted in an increased LOS (5.6 versus 4.5 days) and greater hospital cost (12.1%) than private payers. Moreover, payer type was not predictive of 30-day readmission. Disposition following operative fixation resulted in an average LOS of 5.8, 4.4, and 4 days for patients discharged to SNF, home, and home health, respectively. No significant difference in hospital stay was noted between home and home health patients. Compared with patients discharged home, in-hospital cost was 33.9 and 12.3% greater for the SNF and home heath cohorts, respectively. Finally, 21.6% of patients discharged to a SNF were readmitted within 30 days. Our results indicate Medicare patients and those discharged to a SNF are more likely to have longer LOS and incur greater costs. Additionally, 30-day readmission is significantly higher in patients discharged to SNF. Thus, patients with hip fracture should be rigorously optimized within the preoperative setting to enhance clinical outcomes. Moreover, additional resources should be allocated to the higher risk patients.
Akzidentielle Selbstverletzung eines Zahnarztes durch Flusssäure
Authors: Müller Lena-Katharina
Published: May 2017

Flusssäure penetriert bei ausgeprägter Hydrophobie zügig durch die Haut und wirkt hochgradig ätzend auch in tiefen Gewebsschichten. Nach Resorption werden körpereigene Kalzium- und Magnesium-Ionen gebunden und es kann zu einem gravierenden Abfall der Serumspiegel kommen. Eine Eindämmung der lokalen Schädigung wird durch externe Applikation und/oder Unterspritzen des kontaminierten Gewebes mit Kalziumglukonat-Lösung erreicht 1. Die systemischen Auswirkungen werden durch intravenöse Substitution von Kalzium und Magnesium korrigiert 2.
Steigender Konsum von Crystal Meth in Sachsen und dessen Risiken für Mutter und Kind – Erfahrungen an einem Perinatalzentrum Level I aus pädiatrischer Sicht
Authors: Dinger Jürgen , Näther Nicole , Wimberger Pauline , Zimmermann Ulrich , Schmitt Jochen , Reichert Jörg , Rüdiger Mario
Published: May 2017

Die Anzahl bekannter Erstkonsumenten von Methamphetamin ist in Sachsen in den zurückliegenden Jahren sprunghaft angestiegen. Unter ihnen finden sich gehäuft auch junge Frauen im gebärfähigen Alter. Eine Unterstützung mit dem Ziel, die Auswirkungen des Drogenmissbrauches auf das Kind zu minimieren, sollte rechtzeitig, spätestens während der Schwangerschaft, besser noch davor beginnen. Zur Entwicklung entsprechender Angebote sind genauere Kenntnisse hinsichtlich der persönlichen Bedingungen der Frauen sowie der Besonderheiten der kindlichen Entwicklung nach fetaler Drogenexposition erforderlich. Hierzu wurden ausgewählte Daten von allen 129 Frauen sowie ihren neugeborenen Kindern analysiert, die von 2007 bis 2015 unmittelbar postnatal stationär an einem Perinatalzentrum Level 1 wegen des mütterlichen Drogenkonsums aufgenommen wurden. Etwa zwei Drittel der Frauen waren zum Zeitpunkt der Entbindung zwischen 20 und 30 Jahren alt und nur 48% nahmen die erste Vorsorgeuntersuchung bis zur vollendeten 12. Schwangerschaftswoche wahr. Bei den Kindern fielen pathologische Befunde u. a. an Herz, Urogenitalsystem und ZNS sowie eine heterogene klinische Entzugssymptomatik auf. Die vorgestellten Daten sollen die im Bereich der Geburtshilfe und Kindermedizin Tätigen sensibilisieren, um rechtzeitig adäquate Hilfen anbieten zu können. Ein Modell einer im Klinikverbund (Frauenklinik, Kinderklinik, Klinik für Psychiatrie) organisierten zeitgleichen Entzugs-Komplexbehandlung von Mutter und Kind – „Dresdner Versorgungspfad Crystal“ – wird vorgestellt.
Langzeitverordnungen von Benzodiazepinen und Z-Substanzen – deskriptive Analysen über einen 3-jährigen Zeitraum
Authors: Verthein Uwe , Holzbach Rüdiger , Martens Marcus-S. , Buth Sven
Published: May 2017

Fragestellung Die Mehrheit der Medikamentenabhängigen entwickelt Probleme mit Schlaf- bzw. Beruhigungsmitteln. Das Ausmaß von Langzeitverordnungen von Benzodiazepine (BZD) und Z-Substanzen ist kaum untersucht und dürfte bei der Entwicklung einer Medikamentenabhängigkeit eine entscheidende Rolle spielen.

Methode Auf Basis der GKV-Abrechnungsdaten des Norddeutschen Apotheken-Rechenzentrums (NARZ) für die Bundesländer Niedersachsen, Schleswig-Holstein, Hamburg und Bremen wurden für die Jahre 2006–2008 Verschreibungsmuster von BZD und Z-Substanzen prospektiv analysiert.

Ergebnisse Im Zeitraum vom 1.1.2006 bis 31.12.2008 erhielten etwa 1,2 Millionen Patienten Benzodiazepine und/oder Z-Substanzen, was 13,1% aller GKV-Versicherten der hier untersuchten Bundesländer entspricht. 64,4% der Betroffenen sind Frauen. Nach der anhand von Verschreibungsdauer und Dosishöhe entwickelten Risikoklassifikation lassen sich – bezogen auf das erste Beobachtungsjahr – drei Viertel der Patienten in den „grünen Bereich“, d. h. mit leitliniengerechter Verschreibung unter 2 Monaten, einstufen. Patienten mit problematischen bzw. riskanten Verschreibungsmustern, die auf einen Missbrauch oder eine Abhängigkeit verweisen (Risikoklassen „rot“ und „schwarz“), umfassen zusammengenommen 16,7% aller Personen mit BZD/Z-Substanz-Verschreibungen. 84,9% der Patienten der „grünen Stufe“ erhalten im zweiten Patientenjahr keine BZD/Z-Substanzen mehr. Im dritten Jahr erhöht sich diese Quote geringfügig auf 86,7%. Demgegenüber verbleibt jeweils ein großer Teil der als „rot“ (36,2%) und „schwarz“ (41,2%) klassifizierten Patienten noch im dritten Jahr in ihrer riskanten Gruppe, was auf die Entwicklung einer Niedrig- oder sogar Hochdosisabhängigkeit hinweist.

Schlussfolgerung Patienten mit leitliniengerechten Verschreibungen bekommen zum weit überwiegenden Teil in den 2 Folgejahren keine BZD oder Z-Substanzen mehr verschrieben. Bei Patientengruppen mit riskanteren Verschreibungsmustern ist die Wahrscheinlichkeit groß, auch über längere Zeit mit leitlinienabweichenden Verordnungen zu leben.
Dynamic susceptibility of concentric permalloy rings with opposite chirality vortices
Authors: McKeever C. , Ogrin F. Y. , Aziz M. M.
Published: May 2017

The high frequency dynamic behaviour of concentric permalloy nanorings with vortex domain structures with a thickness of 20 nm, a width in the range of 100 nm–250 nm, and a separation in the range of 10 nm–600 nm is investigated by micromagnetic simulations. The aim is to explore the ferromagnetic resonance of the concentric ring structure as a function of geometric parameters of the system. The dynamic susceptibility spectrum and spatial localization of the ferromagnetic resonance mode are investigated for varying ring widths and separations. The frequency of oscillation is significantly impacted by the presence of the magnetostatic interaction between each ring and can be modulated by a variation in the ring width and separation. The spatial localization of the uniform mode is found to vary as a function of ring separation, which corresponds to a large variation in amplitude of the real and imaginary components of the dynamic susceptibility.
Barium content study and properties characterization of lead zirconate stannate titanate antiferroelectric ceramics using thermally stimulated depolarization current technique
Authors: Li Ze , Song Xiaozhen , Zhang Yong , Chen Yongzhou , Shen Ziqin , Baturin Ivan
Published: May 2017

Thermally stimulated depolarization current (TSDC) and highly accelerated lifetime testing studies of (Pb0.925-xLa0.05Bax)(Zr0.52Sn0.39Ti0.09)O3 (PLBZST) antiferroelectric ceramics have been performed for three compositions with different barium contents. These studies have revealed that barium substitution increases the failure time and improves the resistance degradation behavior. As a result of the variations of peak current intensity and peak temperature with different polarization temperatures in the TSDC curves, three successive relaxation peaks with different origins have been found to occur: a low-temperature defect dipole peak, an intermediate-temperature in-grain oxygen vacancy migration peak, and a high-temperature transgranular oxygen vacancy migration peak. These results demonstrate that the improved resistance degradation process with the increase of barium substitution is related to the decrease in oxygen vacancy concentration.
Enhanced information content for three-dimensional localization and tracking using the double-helix point spread function with variable-angle illumination epifluorescence microscopy
Authors: Wang Dapeng , Agrawal Anurag , Piestun Rafael , Schwartz Daniel K.
Published: May 2017

The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and three-dimensional localization precision of a double helix point spread function (DH-PSF) can be significantly improved by applying variable-angle illumination epifluorescence microscopy (VAI, also commonly known as “pseudo-TIRF” or “quasi-TIRF”). Here, we performed a quantitative analysis of the dependence of SNR and localization precision on the number of measured photons and the incident angle for static particles under both low (at a planar index-matched interface) and high (within a porous silica matrix) fluorescent background conditions. We found that under noisier imaging conditions, the SNR and localization precision obtained using VAI are up to fivefold and threefold greater, respectively, than those obtained using epi-illumination. Moreover, we demonstrate that the combination of DH-PSF and VAI can significantly improve the accuracy of the measured diffusion coefficient for mobile particles, even at a relatively large distance (50 μm) from the boundary of the optical cell.
Linear-optical access to topological insulator surface states
Authors: Panna Dmitry , Marjieh Raja , Sabag Evyatar , Rybak Leonid , Ribak Amit , Kanigel Amit , Hayat Alex
Published: May 2017

We demonstrate efficient linear-optical access to surface-state spin dynamics in Bi2Se3 by probing transitions between two surface-state Dirac cones, providing a practical technique for spin-current dynamics studies in topological-insulator devices. Using broadband transient-reflectivity pump-probe measurements, we distinguish bulk and surface state-responses, by controlling photon energy and circular polarization at oblique incidence. For pump-photon energies corresponding to bulk-state transitions, the probe polarized co-circularly with the pump shows stronger reflectivity change, compared to the anti-circularly polarized probe. However, pump photon energies corresponding to surface-state transitions result in an opposite effect, with the anti-circularly polarized probe exhibiting stronger reflectivity change. This surprising behavior stems from the surface-state in-plane spin orientation near the Dirac point, and the surface-state spin population remains at the injected energy for several ps. These results enable an efficient approach for studying spin current dynamics in topological-insulator based technologies.
Control of crystal-domain orientation in multiferroic Ga0.6Fe1.4O3 epitaxial thin films
Authors: Katayama Tsukasa , Yasui Shintaro , Hamasaki Yosuke , Itoh Mitsuru
Published: May 2017

In multiferroic GaFeO3 (GFO)-type iron oxides, spontaneous polarization and magnetization coexist at room temperature along the [001]GFO and [100]GFO directions, respectively. Due to the large magnetocrystalline anisotropy and polarization direction in GFO, controlling the domain configuration and orientation is crucial when designing the ferroelectric and ferrimagnetic properties. In this study, we fabricate Ga0.6Fe1.4O3 epitaxial thin films on various substrates to investigate the substrate effect on the structural, ferroelectric, and magnetic properties. Multiple domains and their orientations in the films can be controlled in four ways through variations in the substrate. Additionally, decreasing the number of domains reduces the leakage current, allowing ferroelectric measurements for the film at room temperature. Furthermore, tilting the easy magnetic axis from the in-plane direction causes the in-plane magnetic anisotropy of the film to vary from 1.1 × 106 to 1.8 × 105 erg/cm3 at 300 K. Domain control is important when designing the multiferroic property because the domain structure and ferroelectric and magnetic properties are strongly related to each other.
A microsphere suspension model of metamaterial fluids
Authors: Duan Qian , Li Sucheng , Hou Bo
Published: May 2017

Drawing an analogy to the liquid phase of natural materials, we theoretically propose a microsphere suspension model to realize a metamaterial fluid with artificial electromagnetic indexes. By immersing high-ε, micrometer-sized dielectric spheres in a low-ε insulating oil, the structured fluid exhibits liquid-like properties from dispersing phase as well as the isotropic negative electromagnetic parameters caused by Mie resonances from dispersed microspheres. The work presented here will benefit the development of structured fluids toward metamaterials.
Effect of supplementing milk replacer with aromatic oregano (Oreganum onites L.) water on performance, immunity and general health profiles of Holstein calves
Authors: Ozkaya Serkan , Erbas Sabri , Ozkan Oktay , Baydar Hasan , Aksu Taylan
Published: May 2017

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of supplementing milk replacer (MR) with aromatic oregano (Origanum onite L.) water on weaning age, performance during the pre- and post-weaning periods, immune systems, blood parameters and general health of 40 Holstein Friesian calves. The calves fed with oregano water (OW)-supplemented MR were weaned earlier than those in the Control group. There were no statistical differences in the liveweight and body measurements among the groups at the weaning age and post-weaning period. The feed intake of the calves fed with OW was higher than that of calves in the Control group in the pre-weaning period. The OW supplementation significantly increased the faecal firmness of calves (P < 0.05). It also decreased the number of E. coli, Coliforms and Enterobacteriaceae pathogens, but only the amount of Enterobacteriaceae was significantly decreased (P < 0.05). Non-pathogens, such as Lactic acid bacteria, were not affected by OW supplementation. The OW supplementation had no significant effect on hematologic and biochemical blood values. There was significant interaction between age and groups in gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (P < 0.05). The immunoglobulins (IgA, IgG and IgM) values of calves were steadily higher than those of the calves in the Control group. The general health profiles of the calves improved. It can be concluded that MR containing 1–2% OW fed to calves in the early weaning period is a promising treatment to improve their wellbeing and shorten the weaning period.
GOP-1: Helping phagosomes pass the acid test
Authors: Stuart Lynda M. , Lacy-Hulbert Adam
Published: May 2017

Phagosomes form during engulfment of large particles and become increasingly acidic and proteolytic, ultimately fusing with lysosomes, in a process termed “phagosome maturation.” In this issue, Yin et al. (2017. J. Cell Biol. https://doi.org/10.1083/jcb.201610001) identify GOP-1 as essential for the maturation of phagosomes containing apoptotic cells, through recruitment of the Rab GTPase UNC108.
Harmonizable stable fields: Regularity and Wold-type decompositions
Authors: Redett David
Published: May 2017

In this article, we examine the structure of harmonizable stable fields. We start by examining horizontal and vertical regularity. We find equivalent conditions for horizontal and vertical regularity in terms of the harmonizable stable field’s spectral measure. We then give a Wold-type decomposition in this setting. After that, we consider strong regularity. Here too, we give equivalent conditions for strong regularity in terms of the field’s spectral measure. In addition, we show that strong regularity is equivalent to the field’s ability to be represented by a moving average random field. We finish this article with a four-fold Wold-type decomposition.
Bounds on the Green function for integral operators and fractional harmonic measure with applications to boundary Harnack
Authors: Caffarelli Luis , Sire Yannick
Published: May 2017

We prove a priori bounds on the Green function for general integral operators in divergence form in the spirit of Littman, Stampacchia and Weinberger’s result. For general linear integral operators with bounded measurable coefficients, we introduce the so-called fractional harmonic measure and prove several estimates on it. As an application, we prove a new boundary Harnack principle for these operators. Once the bounds on the Green function are known, the proof follows the approach of Caffarelli-Fabes-Mortola-Salsa and K. Bogdan.
Medicine, Spirituality, Religion, and Psychology
Authors: Trevino Kelly M. , Pargament Kenneth I.
Published: May 2017

The current chapter examines the relationship between religion/spirituality (R/S) and medicine through the psychological lens of a religious coping framework. This relationship is considered at the theoretical, patient, caregiver, and care team levels. The R/S beliefs, practices, and coping strategies of patients, informal caregivers, and health care providers in the context of illness is then discussed. A large body of research demonstrates the important role of R/S in how patients and caregivers understand and cope with illness. Similarly, many health care providers view illness and their clinical care through a R/S lens and believe that attending to patients’ spiritual needs is part of their professional role. The chapter concludes with a brief review of psycho-spiritual interventions in medical populations.
Philosophical Perspectives on Medicine and Religion
Authors: Marcum James A.
Published: May 2017

In this chapter, I survey the literature concerning selected metaphysical, epistemological, and ethical issues surrounding the intersection of spirituality and religion with medicine. The metaphysical issues concern what constitutes spirituality and its distinction from religion, especially with respect to medical research and practice; the nature of the causal relationship, particularly in mechanistic terms, between spirituality and clinical outcomes; and, the presuppositions animating clinical studies. The epistemological issues pertain to empirical evidence from clinical trials. The main issue is whether the evidence from these trials justifies an impact of spirituality and religion on health and clinical outcomes. The ethical issues involve how best to incorporate spirituality and religion into clinical practice, if they should be incorporated at all. Finally, the fundamental philosophical issue addressed in this chapter is whether the intersection of spirituality and religion with medicine has led to a humanized medicine that achieves medicine’s primary goal of relieving or reducing human suffering associated with illness.
Circumferential Wall Enhancement on Magnetic Resonance Imaging is Useful to Identify Rupture Site in Patients with Multiple Cerebral Aneurysms
Authors: Omodaka Shunsuke , Endo Hidenori , Niizuma Kuniyasu , Fujimura Miki , Endo Toshiki , Sato Kenichi , Sugiyama Shin-ichiro , Inoue Takashi , Tominaga Teiji
Published: May 2017

BACKGROUND

Identification of rupture sites in patients with multiple intracranial aneurysms is largely based on aneurysm size, location, and shape. Finding circumferential enhancement along the aneurysm wall (CEAW) on magnetic resonance (MR) vessel wall imaging was recently shown to be indicative of ruptured aneurysm.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the hypothesis that a higher degree of CEAW would identify the site of rupture in patients with multiple aneurysms.

METHODS

We prospectively performed quantitative analysis of CEAW in consecutive patients with both aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage and multiple aneurysms (26 patients with a total of 62 aneurysms), using MR vessel wall imaging. Three-dimensional T1-weighted fast spin-echo sequences were obtained before and after injection of contrast media, and the wall enhancement index (WEI) was calculated. Aneurysm characteristics (size, location, irregular shape, aspect ratio [neck-to-dome length/neck width], and WEI) were compared between ruptured and unruptured aneurysms. Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals for ruptures were calculated with conditional univariable logistic regression analysis. Analyses were repeated after adjustment for aneurysm size.

RESULTS

Large aneurysm size, high aspect ratio, WEI (above the median values), and irregular shape were significantly associated with aneurysm rupture. After adjustment for aneurysm size, WEI (adjusted odds ratio: 8.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-72.6) as well as irregular shape and aspect ratio showed a strong association with rupture.

CONCLUSION

CEAW is associated with rupture of intracranial aneurysm independent of aneurysm size and patient characteristics. Contrast-enhanced MR vessel wall imaging helps to identify the site of rupture in patients with multiple aneurysms.
SPY Elite’s Ability to Predict Nipple Necrosis in Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy and Immediate Tissue Expander Reconstruction
Authors: Venturi Mark L. , Mesbahi Ali N. , Copeland-Halperin Libby R. , Suh Victoria Y. , Yemc Louisa
Published: May 2017

Background:

Nipple-sparing techniques have improved the aesthetics of reconstruction following mastectomy, but nipple necrosis complicates up to 37% of procedures, distressing patients, delaying adjuvant therapy, and compromising outcomes. No method reliably detects nipple necrosis better than clinical assessment of tissue perfusion. We prospectively assessed the accuracy of intraoperative indocyanine green laser angiography to predict nipple necrosis.

Methods:

Twenty consecutive women undergoing immediate tissue expander breast reconstruction following 32 nipple-sparing mastectomies underwent indocyanine green fluorescence imaging to assess nipple perfusion immediately before and after intraoperative tissue expansion. Imaging findings were correlated with postoperative nipple viability.

Results:

Among the 32 nipple-sparing mastectomies (8 unilateral, 12 bilateral) in 20 women (mean age, 48 years), partial or full-thickness necrotic changes developed in 3 breasts of 2 patients (10%). Imaging identified impaired perfusion and predicted necrosis in these cases.

Conclusions:

In this initial series, intraoperative indocyanine green laser angiography correctly identified patients who developed nipple necrosis during mastectomy and tissue expander breast reconstruction.
Corneal Breakthrough Haze After Photorefractive Keratectomy With Mitomycin C: Incidence and Risk Factors
Authors: Kaiserman Igor , Sadi Na'ava , Mimouni Michael , Sela Tzahi , Munzer Gur , Levartovsky Shmuel
Published: May 2017

Purpose:

To identify preoperative and intraoperative factors affecting breakthrough corneal haze incidence after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) with mitomycin C (MMC).

Methods:

In this retrospective study of PRK performed at the Care Vision Refractive Laser Center, Tel Aviv, Israel, a total of 7535 eyes (n = 3854 patients; mean age ± SD, 26 ± 6 years; 55% men) underwent PRK with intraoperative MMC application. Patients with histories of corneal pathology or surgery were excluded. Incidence, time of onset, and corneal haze severity were documented on follow-up of 118 ± 110 days. Eyes were grouped by preoperative refraction [low (≤−3D), moderate (−3D to −6D), or high (>−6D) myopia; low (≤3D) or high (>3D) astigmatism; low or high hyperopia]; by intraoperative time (above or below 40 seconds); and by MMC application time (above or below 40 seconds). The main outcome measures were incidence, onset time, and severity of corneal haze.

Results:

The haze incidence was 2.1% in eyes with high myopia versus 1.1% in those with low to moderate myopia (P = 0.002), and 3.5 times higher in eyes with high than with low astigmatism (P < 0.05). The overall incidence was higher in eyes treated for hyperopia (10.8%) than for myopia (1.3%) (P = 0.0001). In eyes with moderate myopia, the haze incidence was lower in MMC application time ≥40 seconds (0%) than in <40 seconds (1.3%) (P = 0.03). After surgery, a mild early haze incidence peaked at 68.8 ± 6 days and severe late haze at 115 ± 17 days (P = 0.02).

Conclusions:

Hyperopic and large myopic or astigmatic corrections carry higher risk of haze. Longer MMC application might have beneficial haze prevention.
Effects of vestibular rehabilitation on gait performance in poststroke patients: a pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Mitsutake Tsubasa , Sakamoto Maiko , Ueta Kozo , Oka Shinichiro , Horikawa Etsuo
Published: May 2017

The effects of vestibular rehabilitation on poststroke patients are unknown. This study aimed to investigate whether or not vestibular rehabilitation would improve both the vestibulo–ocular reflex and gait performance of patients with poststroke hemiparesis. Twenty-eight patients with stroke were assigned randomly to either an experimental group (N=14) or a control group (N=14). The experimental group performed the conventional physical therapy for 40 min and vestibular rehabilitation for 20 min, as a 60 min session, during the first 3 weeks and then completed only the conventional intervention for 60 min for the following 3 weeks. The control group performed only the 60 min conventional physical therapy for 6 weeks. Both groups were measured using the gaze stabilization test, the 10 m walking test, the timed up and go test, and the dynamic gait index. Patients were assessed at baseline, and at 3 and 6 weeks. Although the control group showed no significant difference in any outcome measures, the experimental group showed an improvement in gaze stabilization test scoring, which increased significantly after 3 weeks compared with the baseline (P=0.030). The dynamic gait index was also significantly increased after 3 and 6 weeks compared with the baseline (P=0.049 and 0.024, respectively). This study indicated that vestibular rehabilitation might improve poststroke patients’ vestibulo–ocular reflex. Moreover, patients might show improved gait performance at least up to 3 weeks after the vestibular intervention by the sensory reweight to coordinate vestibular input.
The York buildings dragons: Desaguliers, Arbuthnot and attitudes towards the scientific community
Authors: Rogers Pat
Published: May 2017

The growing public awareness of natural philosophy and technology in the eighteenth century brought with it unintended consequences, including an enlarged space for satiric treatments of scientific issues, which have not always been recognized for what they are. A pamphlet entitled
The York Buildings Dragons
appeared in December 1725, with a second, augmented, edition in January 1726. It has generally been attributed to John Theophilus Desaguliers FRS (1683–1744), the Huguenot engineer, Newtonian expositor and leading Freemason. This article throws fresh light on the pamphlet: to provide more extensive background to the work, to describe its aims and methods, to define its mode as entirely satiric, to analyse its contents in greater detail, to show that Desaguliers cannot possibly have been the author and to suggest as a more plausible candidate the mathematician, physician and satiric author John Arbuthnot FRS (1667–1735). Historians of science and technology need to take care in assessing the pamphlet literature surrounding controversial innovations.
Sexual conflict and correlated evolution between male persistence and female resistance traits in the seed beetle
Callosobruchus maculatus
Authors: Dougherty Liam R. , van Lieshout Emile , McNamara Kathryn B. , Moschilla Joe A. , Arnqvist Göran , Simmons Leigh W.
Published: May 2017

Traumatic mating (or copulatory wounding) is an extreme form of sexual conflict whereby male genitalia physically harm females during mating. In such species females are expected to evolve counter-adaptations to reduce male-induced harm. Importantly, female counter-adaptations may include both genital and non-genital traits. In this study, we examine evolutionary associations between harmful male genital morphology and female reproductive tract morphology and immune function across 13 populations of the seed beetle
Callosobruchus maculatus
. We detected positive correlated evolution between the injuriousness of male genitalia and putative female resistance adaptations across populations. Moreover, we found evidence for a negative relationship between female immunity and population productivity, which suggests that investment in female resistance may be costly due to the resource trade-offs that are predicted between immunity and reproduction. Finally, the degree of female tract scarring (harm to females) was greater in those populations with both longer aedeagal spines and a thinner female tract lining. Our results are thus consistent with a sexual arms race, which is only apparent when both male and female traits are taken into account. Importantly, our study provides rare evidence for sexually antagonistic coevolution of male and female traits at the within-species level.
The LOTUS domain is a conserved DEAD-box RNA helicase regulator essential for the recruitment of Vasa to the germ plasm and nuage
Authors: Jeske Mandy , Müller Christoph W. , Ephrussi Anne
Published: May 2017

DEAD-box RNA helicases play important roles in a wide range of metabolic processes. Regulatory proteins can stimulate or block the activity of DEAD-box helicases. Here, we show that LOTUS (Limkain, Oskar, and Tudor containing proteins 5 and 7) domains present in the germline proteins Oskar, TDRD5 (Tudor domain-containing 5), and TDRD7 bind and stimulate the germline-specific DEAD-box RNA helicase Vasa. Our crystal structure of the LOTUS domain of Oskar in complex with the C-terminal RecA-like domain of Vasa reveals that the LOTUS domain occupies a surface on a DEAD-box helicase not implicated previously in the regulation of the enzyme's activity. We show that, in vivo, the localization of Drosophila Vasa to the nuage and germ plasm depends on its interaction with LOTUS domain proteins. The binding and stimulation of Vasa DEAD-box helicases by LOTUS domains are widely conserved.
Phosphate-binding protein fromPolaromonasJS666: purification, characterization, crystallization and sulfur SAD phasing
Authors: Pegos Vanessa R. , Hey Louis , LaMirande Jacob , Pfeffer Rachel , Lipsh Rosalie , Amitay Moshe , Gonzalez Daniel , Elias Mikael
Published: May 2017

Phosphate-binding proteins (PBPs) are key proteins that belong to the bacterial ABC-type phosphate transporters. PBPs are periplasmic (or membrane-anchored) proteins that capture phosphate anions from the environment and release them to the transmembrane transporter. Recent work has suggested that PBPs have evolved for high affinity as well as high selectivity. In particular, a short, unique hydrogen bond between the phosphate anion and an aspartate residue has been shown to be critical for selectivity, yet is not strictly conserved in PBPs. Here, the PBP fromPolaromonasJS666 is focused on. Interestingly, this PBP is predicted to harbor different phosphate-binding residues to currently known PBPs. Here, it is shown that the PBP fromPolaromonasJS666 is capable of binding phosphate, with a maximal binding activity at pH 8. Its structure is expected to reveal its binding-cleft configuration as well as its phosphate-binding mode. Here, the expression, purification, characterization, crystallization and X-ray diffraction data collection to 1.35 Å resolution of the PBP fromPolaromonasJS666 are reported.
The challenge of preserving Hong Kong’s successful anti-corruption system
Authors: Scott Ian
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the factors explaining the success of Hong Kong’s Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) and the challenges which it faces in maintaining that success.

Design/methodology/approach

Utilising a review of primary and secondary sources, a syndrome of success characteristics is developed and analysed against a backdrop of recent high-level scandals involving corruption and unethical behaviour.

Findings

The paper concludes that the institutionalisation of key structures and processes has enabled the ICAC to perform successfully to date but that the prospect of political interference may represent a significant future challenge.

Originality/value

Although there has been widespread attention to ICAC success factors, some important features have been neglected and little academic attention has been devoted to recent political challenges to its position.
Studying where the jobs are: Mainland Chinese students in Hong Kong
Authors: Yuen Timothy Wai Wa , Cheung Alan Chi Keung , Wong Ping Man
Published: May 2017

Purpose

Mainland Chinese students (hereafter called Mainland students) are a major source of international student applications. Some countries have initiated policies to enable Mainland students to stay and work after graduation. Additions to the literature, particularly more country-specific studies, are much needed to cast light on the employment issues for such Mainland students overseas. The purpose of this paper is to fill this gap by focussing on Mainland students who have completed teacher education programmes in Hong Kong and then served as teachers in Hong Kong schools (Mainland teachers). The incentives that attracted them to stay and work in Hong Kong and the challenges they faced were examined. Their future plans were also probed.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted a mixed methodology. Data collection comprised both a questionnaire survey and interviews. The semi-structured interviews provided opportunities for respondents to explain their answers, to narrate and widen the scope of data to areas hitherto unanticipated by the researchers.

Findings

Mainland teachers were attracted to stay on in Hong Kong to work for both intrinsic and extrinsic reasons. They were in fact settlers. They found the programmes they had taken to be practical and believed that they had acquired a niche situation in the teaching profession. Working and living in Hong Kong was satisfying, but some experienced social distance from local colleagues.

Originality/value

The paper can be read with reference to countries that recruit Mainland students and there is a possibility that some of them may stay behind to work. It sheds light on the selection criteria of such students, on ways to enrich their programmes, as well as their employment, living and social integration issues.