bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Highly active and porous single-crystal In2O3 nanosheet for NOx gas sensor with excellent response at room temperature
Authors: Sun Li , Fang Wencheng , Yang Ying , Yu Hui , Wang Tingting , Dong Xiangting , Liu Guixia , Wang Jinxian , Yu Wensheng , Shi Keying
Published: July 2017

Porous single-crystal In2O3 nanosheet was well-designed and prepared through calcination after liquid reflux, then exhibited a distinguished response, fast response time to NOx with good selectivity and low detection limit at room temperature.
Manganese dioxide core–shell nanostructure to achieve excellent cycling stability for asymmetric supercapacitor applications
Authors: Liu Quanbing , Yang Juan , Wang Rongfang , Wang Hui , Ji Shan
Published: July 2017

This study present a facile and low-cost method to prepare core–shell nano-structured β-MnO2@δ-MnO2, in which β-MnO2@nano-wires act as the cores to form 3D networks and δ-MnO2 as the shells.
Correction: CuI assisted desulfurative Sonogashira reaction of mercapto N-heterocyclic derivatives with alkynes
Authors: Yang Zan , Li Jiao , Yang Tao , Zhou Congshan
Published: July 2017

Correction for ‘CuI assisted desulfurative Sonogashira reaction of mercapto N-heterocyclic derivatives with alkynes’ by Zan Yang et al., RSC Adv., 2016, 6, 65775–65778.
A new function for thermal phase transition-based polymer actuators: autonomous motion on a surface of constant temperature
Authors: Ge Feijie , Zhao Yue
Published: July 2017

A thermo-mechano-thermal feedback loop allows solid polymer actuators to undergo hour-long, autonomous motion on a substrate surface of constant temperature.
Rh-catalyzed aerobic oxidative cyclization of anilines, alkynes, and CO
Authors: Li Xinyao , Pan Jun , Wu Hao , Jiao Ning
Published: July 2017

We describe a novel Rh-catalyzed C–H cyclization of a wide range of anilines with alkynes and CO. Particularly, simple primary anilines and readily prepared tertiary anilines can be easily converted to quinolin-2(1H)-ones via C–N bond cleavage.
Luminescent Cd(ii)–organic frameworks with chelating NH2 sites for selective detection of Fe(iii) and antibiotics
Authors: Zhao Dan , Liu Xiao-Hui , Zhao Yue , Wang Peng , Liu Yi , Azam Mohammad , Al-Resayes Saud I. , Lu Yi , Sun Wei-Yin
Published: July 2017

Cd(ii) frameworks with amino functionalized sites show high sensitivity for the detection of Fe(iii) and antibiotics such as nitrofurazone.
Effect of synthesis temperature on the structural defects of integrated spinel-layered Li1.2Mn0.75Ni0.25O2+δ: a strategy to develop high-capacity cathode materials for Li-ion batteries
Authors: Vu Ngoc Hung , Arunkumar Paulraj , Im Jong Chan , Ngo Duc Tung , Le Hang T. T. , Park Chan-Jin , Im Won Bin
Published: July 2017

An integrated layered-spinel of (1 − x)Li1.2Mn0.6Ni0.2O2·xLiMn1.5Ni0.5O4 (0.15 < x < 0.3) was synthesized by a hydrothermal reaction followed by firing at different temperatures.
Zinc quinolate complex decorated CuInS2/ZnS core/shell quantum dots for white light emission
Authors: Pramanik Sabyasachi , Bhandari Satyapriya , Chattopadhyay Arun
Published: July 2017

Formation of a zinc-quinolate complex on the surface of CuInS2/ZnS core shell quantum dots leading to the fabrication of an advanced white light emitting nanocomposite.
Effects of a Conversation-Based Intervention on the Linguistic Skills of Children With Motor Speech Disorders Who Use Augmentative and Alternative Communication
Authors: Soto Gloria , Clarke Michael T.
Published: July 2017

Purpose

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of a conversation-based intervention on the expressive vocabulary and grammatical skills of children with severe motor speech disorders and expressive language delay who use augmentative and alternative communication.

Method

Eight children aged from 8 to 13 years participated in the study. After a baseline period, a conversation-based intervention was provided for each participant, in which they were supported to learn and use linguistic structures essential for the formation of clauses and the grammaticalization of their utterances, such as pronouns, verbs, and bound morphemes, in the context of personally meaningful and scaffolded conversations with trained clinicians. The conversations were videotaped, transcribed, and analyzed using the Systematic Analysis of Language Transcripts (SALT; Miller & Chapman, 1991).

Results

Results indicate that participants showed improvements in their use of spontaneous clauses, and a greater use of pronouns, verbs, and bound morphemes. These improvements were sustained and generalized to conversations with familiar partners.

Conclusion

The results demonstrate the positive effects of the conversation-based intervention for improving the expressive vocabulary and grammatical skills of children with severe motor speech disorders and expressive language delay who use augmentative and alternative communication. Clinical and theoretical implications of conversation-based interventions are discussed and future research needs are identified.

Supplemental Materials

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.5150113
Rates of Upper Facet Joint Violation in Minimally Invasive Percutaneous and Open Instrumentation: A Comparative Cohort Study of Different Insertion Techniques
Authors: Amr Nimer , Kantelhardt Sven , Giese Alf , Archavlis Eleftherios
Published: July 2017

Background Minimally invasive pedicle screw placement may have a higher incidence of violation of the superior cephalad unfused facet joint.

Study Aims We investigated the incidence and risk factors of upper facet joint violation in percutaneous robot-assisted instrumentation versus percutaneous fluoroscopy-guided and open transpedicular instrumentation.

Methods A retrospective study including all consecutive patients who underwent lumbar instrumentation, fusion, and decompression for spondylolisthetic stenosis and degenerative disk disease was conducted between January 2012 and January 2016. All operations were performed by the same surgeon; the patients were divided into three groups according to the method of instrumentation. Group 1 involved the robot-assisted instrumentation in 58 patients, group 2 consisted of 64 patients treated with a percutaneous transpedicular instrumentation using fluoroscopic guidance, and 72 patients in group 3 received an open midline approach for pedicle screw insertion.

Results Superior segment facet joint violation occurred in 2 patients in the robot-assisted group 1 (7%), in 22 of the percutaneous fluoroscopy-guided group 2 (34%), and in 6 cases of the open group (8%). The incidence of facet joint violation was present in 5% (3) of the screws in group 1, 22% (28) of the screws in group 2, and 3% (4) of the screws in group 3.

Conclusion Meticulous surgical planning of the appropriate entry site (Weinstein's method), trajectory planning, and proper robot-assisted instrumentation of pedicle screws reduced the risk of superior segment facet joint violation.
Akutes Koronarsyndrom in der Praxis – Was sollte der Hausarzt tun?
Authors: Stadler Stefan , Endemann Dierk , Maier Lars
Published: July 2017

Acute myocardial infarction is the second most common cause of mortality in Germany after chronic ischemic cardiac disease. It is essential to think of acute coronary syndrome also in patients who do not present with typical signs (pressure, tightness, pain, or a squeezing or aching sensation in the chest or arms that may spread to the neck, jaw or back) in the general practitioner’s practice. Vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen saturation) must be measured; an ECG should be recorded and analyzed within ten minutes of first medical contact. The patient should be sedated, head and shoulders should be supported and an intravenous access should be established. Emergency medication that should be administered in practice is acetylsalicylic acid, an ADP receptor antagonist, morphine, nitrates, low molecular weight heparin and where necessary tranquilizers and oxygen (if peripheral saturation is below 90%). Monitored transport to the nearest clinic with percutaneous coronary intervention standby must be organized and this clinic must be informed about the arriving patient.
Verordnung von Benzodiazepinen und Z-Drugs in hausärztlichen Praxen – eine Querschnittanalyse
Authors: Moßhammer Dirk , Haumann Hannah , Muche Rainer , Scheub David , Joos Stefanie , Laux Gunter
Published: July 2017

Ziel der Studie Benzodiazepine (BZ) und Nicht-Benzodiazepin-Agonisten (NBZ, so genannte Z-Drugs) werden überwiegend von Hausärzten verordnet. Genauere Daten über den hausärztlichen Bereich liegen nicht vor. Ziel war es, hausärztliche Daten zu Kollektiv, Menge von BZ-/NBZ-Verordnungen und Anteil von Privatrezepten zu analysieren.

Methoden Analyse von Personenjahren 2-jähriger Intervalle von 2009 bis 2014 des CONTENT-Registers mit 31 Hausarztpraxen. Einteilung von BZ/NBZ-Verordnungen nach Risikogruppen. Berechnung des Assoziationsausmaßes mit potenziellen Einflussgrößen auf Basis eines multiplen logistischen Regressionsmodells (adjustiert nach Alter, Geschlecht und Versicherungsart). Vergleich von Patienten mit Arzneimittelverordnungen mit und ohne BZ-/NBZ-Verordnungen.

Ergebnisse Rund 5% erhielten in einem Jahr BZ/NBZ verordnet. Diese Patienten waren im Mittel älter (67,5 bzw. 48 Jahre) und der Frauenanteil war höher als in der Vergleichsgruppe (69 bzw. 58%). Etwa ein Drittel dieser Patienten erhielt im Personenjahr mehr als 600 mg Diazepam-Äquivalenzdosis (entsprechend einer 2-monatigen täglichen Einnahme von mehr als 10 mg Diazepam). Rund ein Drittel der Rezepte waren Privatrezepte. Eine Reihe von Variablen war signifikant assoziiert mit der Verschreibung von BZ/NBZ (z. B. Alter, Geschlecht, Diagnosekodierungen, Praxen).

Schlußfolgerung Die vorliegenden Ergebnisse liefern wertvolle Informationen über die Verschreibungshäufigkeit von BZ/NBZ im hausärztlichen Bereich. Für Aus-, Weiter- und Fortbildung sowie bei der Entwicklung von Interventionen zur Reduktion von BZ/NBZ sollten patientenbezogene Spezifika (z. B. Geschlecht, Alter, Vorerkrankungen, Versicherungsart) und unterschiedliche Verschreibungspraktiken (z. B. Privatrezepte, Grund und Häufigkeit der Verordnungen, Orientierung an Leitlinien) berücksichtigt werden.
Unterschiedliche Subtypen von pathologischen Glücksspielerinnen und Glücksspielern: Empirische Befunde aus dem ambulanten Suchthilfesystem
Authors: Hayer Tobias , Brosowski Tim , Meyer Gerhard , Prkno Maria
Published: July 2017

Theoretische Überlegungen und empirische Befunde deuten darauf hin, dass pathologische Glücksspielerinnen und Glücksspieler keine homogene Gruppe darstellen. Mit der Pfadtypologie liegt ein biopsychosozialer Erklärungsansatz vor, der in Abhängigkeit von den jeweils vorherrschenden Einflussfaktoren in diesem Zusammenhang insgesamt 3 Subtypen voneinander abgrenzt. Hauptintention der vorliegenden Untersuchung ist es, die Kernaussagen dieser Taxonomie erstmals für den deutschen Sprachraum zu überprüfen und mithilfe von externen Normwerten flankierend zu hinterfragen, ob ein komorbid weitgehend unbelasteter Subtyp von Problemspielerinnen bzw. Problemspielern tatsächlich existiert. Zur Stichprobe zählen insgesamt N=146 Glücksspielerinnen und Glücksspieler aus dem ambulanten Suchthilfesystem. Die Datenerhebung zu den psychosozialen Auffälligkeiten erfolgte mittels standardisierter Messinstrumente. Clusteranalytische Verfahren bestätigen theoriekonform das Vorliegen von 3 distinkten Subtypen mit jeweils unterschiedlichen Pathologiegraden: Während Cluster 3 als genuin hochbelastet gilt, erinnert Cluster 2 im Wesentlichen an einen emotional anfälligen Subtyp. Individuen des ersten Clusters weisen zwar bei stichprobeninternen Vergleichen die geringsten psychosozialen Auffälligkeiten auf, zeigen aber unter Berücksichtigung externer Normen ebenfalls einige psychopathologische Besonderheiten. Entsprechend kann von einem komorbid weitgehend unbelasteten Spielertyp zumindest in der klinischen Versorgungspraxis nicht die Rede sein. Darüber hinaus verweisen die Befunde auf die Notwendigkeit, passgenaue, individuell zugeschnittene Beratungs- und Behandlungsangebote zu schalten.
New perspective on spring vegetation phenology and global climate change based on Tibetan Plateau tree-ring data
Authors: Yang Bao , He Minhui , Shishov Vladimir , Tychkov Ivan , Vaganov Eugene , Rossi Sergio , Ljungqvist Fredrik Charpentier , Bräuning Achim , Grießinger Jussi
Published: July 2017

Significance

Inconsistent results regarding the rate of change in spring phenology and its relation to climatic drivers on the Tibetan Plateau have been obtained in the past. We introduce and describe here an innovative approach based on tree-ring data, which converts daily weather data into indices of the start (and end) of the growing season. This method provides a unique long-term record of vegetation phenological variability over the period 1960–2014. This approach could further be extended to other forested regions of the world. Scaling up the analysis would provide additional information on phenological responses of terrestrial ecosystems to the ongoing climate change across the Northern Hemisphere.
Trust is heritable, whereas distrust is not
Authors: Reimann Martin , Schilke Oliver , Cook Karen S.
Published: July 2017

Significance

Social scientists have devoted much attention to studying the sources and consequences of the disposition to trust but have only recently begun to investigate the disposition to distrust. An increasing consensus is emerging that distrust is not merely the opposite of trust. This article provides initial empirical evidence indicating that the sources of the dispositions to trust and distrust indeed do differ in important ways. Notably, although both trust and distrust are strongly influenced by the individual’s unique environment, interestingly, trust shows significant genetic influences, whereas distrust does not. Rather, distrust appears to be primarily socialized, including influences within the family. These findings provide new support for the bidimensionality of trust and distrust by demonstrating their distinct antecedents.
Toll-like receptor pathway evolution in deuterostomes
Authors: Tassia Michael G. , Whelan Nathan V. , Halanych Kenneth M.
Published: July 2017

Significance

Innate immunity provides critical defense against pathogen invasion, and mutations in its cellular mechanisms have been implicated in autoimmunity, immune suppression, and other disease-producing conditions. However, knowledge of innate immunity pathways is largely biased toward model species. Thus, evolutionary interpretations suffer from large taxonomic gaps that ultimately weaken the strength of evolutionary inference. Our phylogenetic approach shows that the molecular machinery of the canonical TLR pathway was present in the last deuterostome ancestor before the rise of chordate lineages. Thus, TLR pathways with multiple gene–gene interactions have been conserved for more than 500 million years within vertebrates. Moreover, we provide evidence suggesting TLR3 may represent an ancient, evolutionarily conserved molecular interface for viral immune stimulation present across Deuterostomia.
G9a drives hypoxia-mediated gene repression for breast cancer cell survival and tumorigenesis
Authors: Casciello Francesco , Al-Ejeh Fares , Kelly Greg , Brennan Donal J. , Ngiow Shin Foong , Young Arabella , Stoll Thomas , Windloch Karolina , Hill Michelle M. , Smyth Mark J. , Gannon Frank , Lee Jason S.
Published: July 2017

Significance

The hypoxic microenvironment in solid tumors is known to increase the aggressiveness of cancer cells by enhancing proliferative and metastatic potential and reduces the efficacy of radiation and chemotherapy. Previous studies have shown that G9a protein accumulates in hypoxic conditions. However, neither a detailed molecular mechanism nor its functional role has been elucidated so far. This study investigates the role G9a plays in gene expression in hypoxic conditions and its impact on tumor growth. G9a inhibition studies and the metaanalysis of G9a-suppressed gene signature using several breast cancer gene expression databases revealed that G9a is a potential therapeutic target in breast cancer.
Δ20 IFITM2 differentially restricts X4 and R5 HIV-1
Authors: Wu Wan-Lin , Grotefend Christopher Robert , Tsai Ming-Ting , Wang Yi-Ling , Radic Vladimir , Eoh Hyungjin , Huang I-Chueh
Published: July 2017

Significance

Innate immunity plays an important role in control of viral infection. IFN-induced transmembrane (IFITM) proteins have been shown to inhibit several important human viruses. We identified an isoform of IFITM2, Δ20 IFITM2, which is highly expressed in innate and adaptive immune cells. Functionally, Δ20 IFITM2 preferentially suppresses infection of CXCR4 (X4)-tropic, but not CCR5 (R5)-tropic, HIV-1 and may contribute to restricting transmission of X4 viruses in the acute phase of HIV-1 infection. Our studies also revealed a role of CCR5 in HIV-1 infection. The C-terminal region of CCR5 is critical to the resistance of R5 viruses to Δ20 IFITM2-mediated restriction. Understanding the mechanism by which Δ20 IFITM2 restricts X4, but not R5, viruses may inspire novel approaches to treat HIV-1 diseases.
Green mamba peptide targets type-2 vasopressin receptor against polycystic kidney disease
Authors: Ciolek Justyna , Reinfrank Helen , Quinton Loïc , Viengchareun Say , Stura Enrico A. , Vera Laura , Sigismeau Sabrina , Mouillac Bernard , Orcel Hélène , Peigneur Steve , Tytgat Jan , Droctové Laura , Beau Fabrice , Nevoux Jerome , Lombès Marc , Mourier Gilles , De Pauw Edwin , Servent Denis , Mendre Christiane , Witzgall Ralph , Gilles Nicolas
Published: July 2017

Significance

Polycystic kidney diseases (PKDs) are genetic disorders in which multiple cysts grow in kidneys, leading to end-stage renal failure. Vasopressin antagonists (vaptans) currently used to treat PKDs have side effects due to liver toxicity. We report the characterization of Mambaquaretin-1, a Kunitz-fold polypeptide isolated from mamba venom that selectively and fully inhibits three major signaling pathways of the vasopressin type-2 receptor. Mambaquaretin-1 induces a purely aquaretic effect on mice and reduces cyst development in a mouse model. We produced mambaquaretin-1 by peptide synthesis and determined its X-ray structure, its binding mode, and functional properties. With high selectivity and without toxic metabolic byproducts associated with its peptidic nature, mambaquaretin-1 could become the preferential treatment for these disorders.
Synthesis of asymmetrical multiantennary human milk oligosaccharides
Authors: Prudden Anthony R. , Liu Lin , Capicciotti Chantelle J. , Wolfert Margreet A. , Wang Shuo , Gao Zhongwei , Meng Lu , Moremen Kelley W. , Boons Geert-Jan
Published: July 2017

Significance

Human breast milk is rich in a family of structurally diverse unconjugated glycans. These human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) can shape the intestinal microbiome, serve as soluble decoys for receptors of pathogens, and have immune-modulatory properties. Virtually nothing is known about the importance of the molecular complexity of HMOs for binding and biological activity, which hampers exploitation of their biomedical potential. We have developed a synthetic approach that can provide highly complex, asymmetrical, multiantennary HMOs. These compounds have been used in the development of a glycan microarray, which makes it possible to examine the biology of individual compounds. Binding studies with the array uncovered that the complex architecture of HMOs greatly affects protein–glycan binding.
Reconstruction and evolutionary history of eutherian chromosomes
Authors: Kim Jaebum , Farré Marta , Auvil Loretta , Capitanu Boris , Larkin Denis M. , Ma Jian , Lewin Harris A.
Published: July 2017

Significance

Determining the order and orientation of conserved chromosome segments in the genomes of extant mammals is important for understanding speciation events, and the lineage-specific adaptations that have occurred during ∼200 My of mammalian evolution. In this paper, we describe the computational reconstruction of chromosome organization for seven ancestral genomes leading to human, including the ancestor of all placental mammals. The evolutionary history of chromosome rearrangements that occurred from the time of the eutherian ancestor until the human lineage is revealed in detail. Our results provide an evolutionary basis for comparison of genome organization of all eutherians, and for revealing the genomic origins of lineage-specific adaptations.
The role of jet and film drops in controlling the mixing state of submicron sea spray aerosol particles
Authors: Wang Xiaofei , Deane Grant B. , Moore Kathryn A. , Ryder Olivia S. , Stokes M. Dale , Beall Charlotte M. , Collins Douglas B. , Santander Mitchell V. , Burrows Susannah M. , Sultana Camille M. , Prather Kimberly A.
Published: July 2017

Significance

Submicrometer sea spray aerosol (SSA) particles play a critical role in determining cloud properties in marine environments. Typically, it is assumed that submicrometer SSA particles mainly originate from bubble-cap films bursting at the sea surface. However, we show that in addition to this formation pathway, a substantial fraction of submicrometer SSA particles are also produced from jet drops. Using an experimental approach that relies on differences in the electrical mobility of jet and film drops, we show that jet drops contribute up to 43% of total submicrometer SSA number concentrations. As shown herein, these two different production pathways result in an externally mixed submicrometer SSA population with two distinct chemical compositions with significantly different ice nucleating activities.
Tetrahydrobiopterin regulates monoamine neurotransmitter sulfonation
Authors: Cook Ian , Wang Ting , Leyh Thomas S.
Published: July 2017

Significance

Human cytosolic sulfotransferases (SULTs) regulate hundreds of signaling small molecules, yet little is known regarding their small-molecule regulation. Members of the SULT1 family harbor a conserved allosteric site that we hypothesize allows independent regulation of sulfonation in the 11 metabolic areas in which these isoforms operate. This hypothesis is validated using SULT1A3, which sulfonates and inactivates monoamine neurotransmitters. During validation it was discovered that tetrahydrobiopterin (THB), an essential cofactor in monoamine neurotransmitter biosynthesis, allosterically inhibits SULT1A3 with high affinity (
K
i
, 23 nM) and isozyme selectivity. Monoamine neurotransmitter metabolism shapes human behavior and social interactions and is a therapeutic target. These findings provide a paradigm for regulating sulfonation and a target for controlling neurotransmitter activity.
A prokaryotic viral sequence is expressed and conserved in mammalian brain
Authors: Yeh Yang-Hui , Gunasekharan Vignesh , Manuelidis Laura
Published: July 2017

Significance

Circular SPHINX DNAs with significant homology to segments of
Acinetobacter
phage viruses were previously isolated from cytoplasmic particles in mammalian cells and brain.
Acinetobacter
are widespread opportunistic pathogens, and permanent transfer of prokaryotic viruses to mammals has not been reported. To find whether 324-aa ORF of SPHINX is translated into its cognate protein (spx1), an antibody was raised against an internal peptide with no homology to any known mammalian cellular or viral sequences. Western blots of cells and brains (rodent and human) displayed antigen-specific spx1 protein in cultured cells where spx1 was perinuclear. In brain, the protein concentrated in terminal synaptic boutons. Because brain is environmentally isolated, this SPHINX element is an antediluvian symbiont probably involved in sophisticated neural functions.
Distinguishing attosecond electron–electron scattering and screening in transition metals
Authors: Chen Cong , Tao Zhensheng , Carr Adra , Matyba Piotr , Szilvási Tibor , Emmerich Sebastian , Piecuch Martin , Keller Mark , Zusin Dmitriy , Eich Steffen , Rollinger Markus , You Wenjing , Mathias Stefan , Thumm Uwe , Mavrikakis Manos , Aeschlimann Martin , Oppeneer Peter M. , Kapteyn Henry , Murnane Margaret
Published: July 2017

Significance

Electron–electron interactions are among the fastest processes in materials that determine their fascinating properties, occurring on attosecond timescales on up (1 as = 10
−18
s). The recent development of attosecond angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (atto-ARPES) using high harmonic generation has opened up the possibility of probing electron–electron interactions in real time. In this paper, we distinguish electron–electron screening and charge scattering in the time domain in individual energy bands within a solid. These results open up new possibilities for probing fundamental electron–electron interactions in a host of materials including magnetic, superconducting, and advanced quantum materials.
On the Syntax of Missing Objects
Authors: Ruda Marta
Published: July 2017

Focusing on objects, this book aims at contributing to the on-going inquiry into modelling structures with missing arguments. In addition to offering detailed discussion and analyses of a unique combination of three very different systems (English, Polish, and Hungarian), a larger goal here is to provide a framework for deriving cross-linguistic and intra-linguistic variation in the domain of object drop. Variation of this type is hypothesised to follow, first and foremost, from the association of heads in the extended nominal projection with phonemic features and from the system of interpretation of nominal expressions in a language. The book will be of interest to both theoretically- and descriptively-oriented researchers, since, even though its focus is theoretical, a detailed discussion of the empirical facts, including some novel findings drawn from corpus studies and grammaticality judgements, is also offered.
Free‐weight resistance exercise on pulse wave reflection and arterial stiffness between sexes in young, resistance‐trained adults
Authors: Kingsley J. Derek , Tai Yu Lun , Mayo Xian , Glasgow Alaina , Marshall Erica
Published: July 2017

We sought to determine the sex‐specific effects of an acute bout of free‐weight resistance exercise (RE) on pulse wave reflection (aortic blood pressures, augmentation index (AIx), AIx at 75 bpm (AIx@75), augmentation pressure (AP), time of the reflected wave (Tr), subendocardial viability ratio (SEVR)), and aortic arterial stiffness in resistance‐trained individuals. Resistance‐trained men (n = 14) and women (n = 12) volunteered to participate in the study. Measurements were taken in the supine position at rest, and 10 minutes after 3 sets of 10 repetitions at 75% 1‐repetition maximum on the squat, bench press, and deadlift. A 2 × 2 × 2 ANOVA was used to analyse the effects of sex (men, women) across condition (RE, control) and time (rest, recovery). There were no differences between sexes across conditions and time. There was no effect of the RE on brachial or aortic blood pressures. There were significant condition × time interactions for AIx (rest: 12.1 ± 7.9%; recovery: 19.9 ± 10.5%, p = .003), AIx@75 (rest: 5.3 ± 7.9%; recovery: 24.5 ± 14.3%, p = .0001), AP (rest: 4.9 ± 2.8 mmHg; recovery: 8.3 ± 6.0 mmHg, p = .004), and aortic arterial stiffness (rest: 5.3 ± 0.6 ms; recovery: 5.9 ± 0.7 ms, p = .02) with significant increases during recovery from the acute RE. There was also a significant condition × time for time of the reflected wave (rest: 150 ± 7 ms; recovery: 147 ± 9 ms, p = .02) and SEVR (rest: 147 ± 17%; recovery: 83 ± 24%, p = .0001) such that they were reduced during recovery from the acute RE compared to the control. These data suggest that an acute bout of RE increases AIx, AIx@75, and aortic arterial stiffness similarly between men and women without significantly altering aortic blood pressures.
TITINdb—a computational tool to assess titin’s role as a disease gene
Authors: Laddach Anna , Gautel Mathias , Fraternali Franca
Published: July 2017

Large numbers of rare and unique titin missense variants have been discovered in both healthy and disease cohorts, thus the correct classification of variants as pathogenic or non-pathogenic has become imperative. Due to titin’s large size (363 coding exons), current web applications are unable to map titin variants to domain structures. Here, we present a web application, TITINdb, which integrates titin structure, variant, sequence and isoform information, along with pre-computed predictions of the impact of non-synonymous single nucleotide variants, to facilitate the correct classification of titin variants.

Availability and implementation

TITINdb can be freely accessed at http://fraternalilab.kcl.ac.uk/TITINdb

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
DeepLoc: prediction of protein subcellular localization using deep learning
Authors: Almagro Armenteros José Juan , Sønderby Casper Kaae , Sønderby Søren Kaae , Nielsen Henrik , Winther Ole
Published: July 2017

Motivation

The prediction of eukaryotic protein subcellular localization is a well-studied topic in bioinformatics due to its relevance in proteomics research. Many machine learning methods have been successfully applied in this task, but in most of them, predictions rely on annotation of homologues from knowledge databases. For novel proteins where no annotated homologues exist, and for predicting the effects of sequence variants, it is desirable to have methods for predicting protein properties from sequence information only.

Results

Here, we present a prediction algorithm using deep neural networks to predict protein subcellular localization relying only on sequence information. At its core, the prediction model uses a recurrent neural network that processes the entire protein sequence and an attention mechanism identifying protein regions important for the subcellular localization. The model was trained and tested on a protein dataset extracted from one of the latest UniProt releases, in which experimentally annotated proteins follow more stringent criteria than previously. We demonstrate that our model achieves a good accuracy (78% for 10 categories; 92% for membrane-bound or soluble), outperforming current state-of-the-art algorithms, including those relying on homology information.

Availability and implementation

The method is available as a web server at http://www.cbs.dtu.dk/services/DeepLoc. Example code is available at https://github.com/JJAlmagro/subcellular_localization. The dataset is available at http://www.cbs.dtu.dk/services/DeepLoc/data.php.
Miscellaneous topics in obstetrics
Authors: Doumouchtsis Stergios K. , Arulkumaran S. , Jibodu Olujimi , Mukhopadhyay Sambit , Penna Leonie , Simpson Paul , Rivicky Vladimir
Published: July 2017

This chapter outlines miscellaneous topics in obstetrics, including emergency cerclage, trauma in pregnancy, transfer and transport of pregnant women, pharmacotherapeutics in obstetrics (analgesics, morphine, antiemetics, antibiotics, anticoagulants, antihypertensives, anticonvulsives, corticosteroids, tocolytics, induction agents, and uterine stimulants), and obstetric collapse.
Postoperative complications
Authors: Doumouchtsis Stergios K. , Arulkumaran S. , Doumouchtsis Stergios K. , Iancu George , Nygaard Christiana , Talaulikar Vikram S.
Published: July 2017

This chapter explores postoperative complications, including postoperative collapse, chest pain, abdominal distension, pyrexia, oliguria, and anuria. It describes the causes and management of each of these complications.
Vaginal discharge
Authors: Doumouchtsis Stergios K. , Arulkumaran S. , Ojha Kamal
Published: July 2017

This chapter discusses vaginal discharge, abnormal vaginal discharge, perimenopausal and postmenopausal discharge. Abnormal vaginal discharge is one of the common symptoms encountered in the gynaecology clinic, while discharge occurring per vaginam in older women has different causes and merits separate attention from those occurring in younger women. This chapter outlines the causes and treatment of these different forms of vaginal discharge.
Vulval problems
Authors: Doumouchtsis Stergios K. , Arulkumaran S. , Nunns David
Published: July 2017

This chapter explores vulval problems, such as pruritus vulvae (lichen sclerosus, lichen simplex, contact dermatitis, and lichen planus), vulval pain, as well as malignant and benign vulval lumps and vulval ulcers (herpes, apthous ulcer, syphilis, vulval carcinoma, and Crohn's disease). The chapter looks at the differential diagnosis and management for each of these problems.
Diagnostic laparoscopy and emergencies following laparoscopic surgery
Authors: Doumouchtsis Stergios K. , Arulkumaran S. , Byrne Hugh
Published: July 2017

This chapter describes diagnostic laparoscopy in gynaecology (indications, contraindications, assessment, risks, consent), performing a diagnostic laparoscopy (safety advice, insufflation, secondary ports, diathermy/electrocautery) and emergencies following laparoscopic surgery (signs of laparoscopic injury, investigations, and management).
General issues in obstetrics and gynaecology
Authors: Doumouchtsis Stergios K. , Arulkumaran S. , Doumouchtsis Stergios K. , Haestier Anna , Morris Edward , Prosser-Snelling Edward , Rege Kanchan , Sims Hannah , Toeima Eman
Published: July 2017

This chapter outlines general issues in obstetrics and gynaecology. It describes haematological aspects of emergencies in obstetrics and gynaecology (thrombocytopenia, venous thromboembolism, pregnancy-induced exacerbations of pre-existing haematological conditions, and haemorrhage), the identification of very sick patients and options for monitoring, communication and handover between healthcare professionals, and preoperative assessment (risks, benefits, what to expect, and consent).
Gravitational wave sources from Pop III stars are preferentially located within the cores of their host Galaxies
Authors: Pacucci Fabio , Loeb Abraham , Salvadori Stefania
Published: July 2017

The detection of gravitational waves (GWs) generated by merging black holes has recently opened up a new observational window into the Universe. The mass of the black holes in the first and third Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory (LIGO) detections (36–29 M⊙ and 32–19 M⊙) suggests low-metallicity stars as their most likely progenitors. Based on high-resolution N-body simulations, coupled with state-of-the-art metal enrichment models, we find that the remnants of Pop III stars are preferentially located within the cores of galaxies. The probability of a GW signal to be generated by Pop III stars reaches ∼90 per cent at ∼0.5 kpc from the galaxy centre, compared to a benchmark value of ∼5 per cent outside the core. The predicted merger rates inside bulges is ∼60 × βIII Gpc−3 yr−1 (βIII is the Pop III binarity fraction). To match the 90 per cent credible range of LIGO merger rates, we obtain: 0.03 < βIII < 0.88. Future advances in GW observatories and the discovery of possible electromagnetic counterparts could allow the localization of such sources within their host galaxies. The preferential concentration of GW events within the bulge of galaxies would then provide an indirect proof for the existence of Pop III stars.
Spinal Fusion for Pediatric Spondylolisthesis: National Trends, Complications, and Short-Term Outcomes
Authors: Rumalla Kavelin , Yarbrough Chester K , Pugely Andrew J , Dorward Ian G
Published: July 2017

BACKGROUND

Current surgical management guidelines for pediatric spondylolisthesis (PS) are reliant on data from single-center cohorts.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze national trends and predictors of short-term outcomes in spinal fusion surgery for PS by performing a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of the Kids’ Inpatient Database (KID).

METHODS

The KID (sampled every 3 yr) was queried from 2003 to 2012 to identify all cases (age 5-17) of spinal fusion for PS (n = 2646). We analyzed trends in patient characteristics, surgical management, and short-term outcomes. Both univariate and multivariable analyses were utilized.

RESULTS

The 2646 spinal fusions for PS included posterior-only fusions (86.8%, PSF), anterior lumbar interbody fusions (4.8%, ALIF), and combined anterior and posterior fusions (8.4%, APLF) procedures. The utilization of APLF decreased over time (9.9%-6.4%, P = .023), whereas the number of total spinal fusions and the proportion of PSF and ALIF procedures have not changed significantly. Uptrends in Medicaid insured individuals (1.2%-18.9%), recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 insertion (8.8%-16.6%), decompression (34.7%-42.8%), and mean inflation-adjusted hospital costs ($21 855-$32 085) were identified (all P < .001). In multivariable analysis, Medicaid status (odds ratio [OR] = 1.93, P = .004), teaching hospitals (OR = 1.94, P = .01), decompression (OR = 1.78, P = .004), and the APLF procedure (OR = 2.47, P = .001) increased the likelihood of complication occurrence (all P < .001).

CONCLUSION

The addition of decompression during fusion and the APLF procedure were associated with more in-hospital complications, though this may have been indicative of greater surgical complexity. The utilization of the APLF procedure has decreased significantly, while costs associated with the treatment of PS have increased over time.
Cerebral Ischemic Reperfusion Injury Following Recanalization of Large Vessel Occlusions
Authors: Al-Mufti Fawaz , Amuluru Krishna , Roth William , Nuoman Rolla , El-Ghanem Mohammad , Meyers Philip M
Published: July 2017

Although stroke has recently dropped to become the nation's fifth leading cause of mortality, it remains the top leading cause of morbidity and disability in the US. Recent advances in stroke treatment, including intravenous fibrinolysis and mechanical thromboembolectomy, allow treatment of a greater proportion of stroke patients than ever before. While intra-arterial fibrinolysis with recombinant tissue plasminogen is an effective for treatment of a broad range of acute ischemic strokes, endovascular mechanical thromboembolectomy procedures treat severe strokes due to large artery occlusions, often resistant to intravenous drug. Together, these procedures result in a greater proportion of revascularized stroke patients than ever before, up to 88% in 1 recent trial (EXTEND-IA). Subsequently, there is a growing need for neurointensivists to develop more effective strategies to manage stroke patients following successful reperfusion. Cerebral ischemic reperfusion injury (CIRI) is defined as deterioration of brain tissue suffered from ischemia that concomitantly reverses the benefits of re-establishing cerebral blood flow following mechanical or chemical therapies for acute ischemic stroke. Herein, we examine the pathophysiology of CIRI, imaging modalities, and potential neuroprotective strategies. Additionally, we sought to lay down a potential treatment approach for patients with CIRI following emergent endovascular recanalization for acute ischemic stroke.
Systematics of the Culex coronator complex (Diptera: Culicidae): morphological and molecular assessment
Authors: Laurito Magdalena , Briscoe Andrew G , Almirón Walter R , Harbach Ralph E
Published: July 2017

The Culex coronator complex of the mosquito subgenus Culex includes five currently recognized species: Cx. camposi, Cx. coronator, Cx. ousqua, Cx. usquatissimus and Cx. usquatus. Because of the confusing taxonomic history of the complex, we aimed to clarify the specific status of these nominal forms based on an examination of holotypes and lectotypes and molecular data from other specimens. Critical assessment of published descriptions and study of type specimens revealed that the known distributions of the five species overlap considerably and exhibit biotic sympatry in some areas. Sequences from the COI barcode region and complete mitochondrial genomes were used to assess the relationships and degree of genetic divergence of the species and two newly discovered morphological forms, Cx. coronator Forms 1 and 2. Genetic distances in the COI dataset varied from 0.00 to 2.67%, with the largest relative divergence being 4.41 between specimens of Cx. coronator and Cx. coronator Form 1. Bayesian Poisson tree process analysis of the COI barcode region also failed to provide support for the nominal species. Evidence from the morphological and molecular data thus leads us to conclude (at least provisionally) that the Cx. coronator complex is a single polymorphic species. The forms constitute a monophyletic group but there is no support for the specific status of the five nominal forms.
Energy metabolites mediated cross-protection to heat, drought and starvation induced plastic responses in tropicalD.ananassaeof wet-dry seasons
Authors: Lambhod Chanderkala , Pathak Ankita , Munjal Ashok K , Parkash Ravi
Published: July 2017

Cross-tolerance effects for cold and drought stressors are well known for temperate and polar ectothermic organisms. However, less attention has been paid to plastic changes induced by wet-dry conditions for the tropical insect taxa.Drosophila ananassaeis abundant in wet habitats but its desiccation sensitivity is likely to make it vulnerable under expected drought conditions due to climate change. We tested plastic effects of heat hardening, acclimation to drought or starvation; and changes in trehalose, proline and body lipids inD. ananassaeflies reared under wet or dry season specific conditions. Wet season flies showed significant increase in heat knockdown, starvation resistance and body lipids after heat hardening. However, accumulation of proline was observed only after desiccation acclimation of dry season flies while wet season flies elicited no proline but trehalose only. Thus, drought induced proline can be a marker metabolite for dry season flies. Further, partial utilization of proline and trehalose under heat hardening reflects their possible thermoprotective effects. Heat hardening elicited cross-protection to starvation stress. Stressor specific accumulation or utilization as well as rates of metabolic change for each energy metabolite were significantly higher in wet season flies than dry season flies. Energy budget changes due to inter-related stressors (heat vs desiccation or starvation) resulted in possible maintenance of energetic homeostasis in wet or dry season flies. Thus, low or high humidity induced plastic changes in energy metabolites can provide cross-protection to seasonally varying climatic stressors.

Summary statement

In the tropicalDrosophila ananassae, low or high humidity induced plastic changes in energy metabolites provide cross-protection to seasonally varying climatic stressors
Repeat associated mechanisms of genome evolution and function revealed by theMus caroliandMus paharigenomes
Authors: Thybert David , Roller Maša , Navarro Fábio C.P. , Fiddes Ian , Streeter Ian , Feig Christine , Martin-Galvez David , Kolmogorov Mikhail , Janoušek Václav , Akanni Wasiu , Aken Bronwen , Aldridge Sarah , Chakrapani Varshith , Chow William , Clarke Laura , Cummins Carla , Doran Anthony , Dunn Matthew , Goodstadt Leo , Howe Kerstin , Howell Matthew , Josselin Ambre-Aurore , Karn Robert C. , Laukaitis Christina M. , Jingtao Lilue , Martin Fergal , Muffato Matthieu , Quail Michael A. , Sisu Cristina , Stanke Mario , Stefflova Klara , Oosterhout Cock Van , Veyrunes Frederic , Ward Ben , Yang Fengtang , Yazdanifar Golbahar , Zadissa Amonida , Adams David , Brazma Alvis , Gerstein Mark , Paten Benedict , Pham Son , Keane Thomas , Odom Duncan T , Flicek Paul
Published: July 2017

Understanding the mechanisms driving lineage-specific evolution in both primates and rodents has been hindered by the lack of sister clades with a similar phylogenetic structure having high-quality genome assemblies. Here, we have created chromosome-level assemblies of theMus caroliandMus paharigenomes. Together with theMus musculusandRattus norvegicusgenomes, this set of rodent genomes is similar in divergence times to the Hominidae (human-chimpanzee-gorilla-orangutan). By comparing the evolutionary dynamics between the Muridae and Hominidae, we identified punctate events of chromosome reshuffling that shaped the ancestral karyotype ofMus musculusandMus carolibetween 3 to 6 MYA, but that are absent in the Hominidae. In fact, Hominidae show between four-and seven-fold lower rates of nucleotide change and feature turnover in both neutral and functional sequences suggesting an underlying coherence to the Muridae acceleration. Our system of matched, high-quality genome assemblies revealed how specific classes of repeats can play lineage-specific roles in related species. For example, recent LINE activity has remodeled protein-coding loci to a greater extent across the Muridae than the Hominidae, with functional consequences at the species level such as reproductive isolation. Furthermore, we charted a Muridae-specific retrotransposon expansion at unprecedented resolution, revealing how a single nucleotide mutation transformed a specific SINE element into an active CTCF binding site carrier specifically inMus caroli. This process resulted in thousands of novel, species-specific CTCF binding sites. Our results demonstrate that the comparison of matched phylogenetic sets of genomes will be an increasingly powerful strategy for understanding mammalian biology.
Selection in response to community diversity alters plant performance and functional traits
Authors: van Moorsel Sofia J. , Schmid Marc W. , Hahl Terhi , Zuppinger-Dingley Debra , Schmid Bernhard
Published: July 2017

In grassland biodiversity experiments the positive biodiversity−ecosystem functioning relationship generally increases over time. However, we know little about the underlying short-term evolutionary processes. Using five plant species selected for twelve years in a biodiversity experiment in mixture or monoculture and plants without such a selection history, we assessed whether differential selection altered productivity, biodiversity effects, and functional trait differences within newly assembled monocultures and 2-species mixtures. Plants without past community selection history produced the lowest assemblage biomass and showed the weakest biodiversity effects. In newly assembled mixtures, plants with a selection history in mixtures produced more biomass than plants with a monoculture selection history. Biodiversity effects were generally positive and differed significantly between selection histories. However, contrary to our expectations, biodiversity effects were not stronger for mixture-type plants. Biodiversity effects were influenced by both trait differences between plants and community-weighted means, but these relationships were mostly independent of selection history. Our findings suggest that twelve years of selection history in monocultures or species mixtures differentiated plants of each species into monoculture-and mixture-types. Such rapid evolution of different community-types within grassland species and its effect on ecosystem services and functioning are likely to be important for species conservation practice.