bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Training mit Krebspatienten als Hochschulweiterbildung – ein Erfahrungsbericht
Authors: Hirschler Mario
Published: June 2018

Die Deutsche Hochschule für Prävention und Gesundheitsmanagement (DHfPG) in Saarbrücken bietet eine Hochschulweiterbildung „Lebensstilintervention und Krebs” an, mit einem Praktikum im Nationalen Centrum für Tumorerkrankungen (NCT) Heidelberg. Ein Erfahrungsbericht eines Trainers aus der ersten Stunde soll seine Sicht den bisherigen wissenschaftlichen Bestrebungen gegenüberstellen: Mario Hirschler (Master Gesundheitsmanagement) betreibt seit 35 Jahren in Rheinstetten bei Karlsruhe ein Personal-Fitness-Trainings Studio für Frauen. 2014 absolvierte er an der DHfPG als einer der ersten Trainer überhaupt die genannte Hochschulweiterbildung.
Karzinogenese: Tumorprävention mit der Pille?
Authors: Krome Susanne
Published: June 2018

Orale Kontrazeptiva (OC) beeinflussen das Malignomrisiko entitätsabhängig in beide Richtungen. Langzeitnutzerinnen erkrankten häufiger an Mammakarzinomen, aber seltener an Endometrium-, Ovarialund möglicherweise kolorektalen Karzinomen. Die Studien stratifizierten dabei nicht nach Lifestyle-Faktoren. Michels et al. untersuchten jetzt den Zusammenhang von Malignomen und OC unter Berücksichtigung von Nikotinabusus, Alkoholkonsum, BMI und Sport.
Kolonkarzinom: Das postoperative CEA ist besonders bedeutsam
Authors: Krome Susanne
Published: June 2018

Internationale Fachgesellschaften empfehlen bei Patienten mit nicht metastasierten Kolonkarzinomen die präoperative Bestimmung des carcinoembryonalen Antigens (CEA). Erhöhte Werte waren mit Rezidiven und Metastasen assoziiert. Deshalb schlugen Experten vor, das CEA als Staging-Kriterium zu berücksichtigen. Konishi et al. verglichen die Aussagekraft präoperativer CEA-Normalwerte, postoperativ normalisierter Werte und erhöhter postoperativer Befunde für die Rezidivwahrscheinlichkeit.
Endokrinologische Komplikationen durch Immun-Checkpoint-Inhibitoren
Authors: Krome Susanne
Published: June 2018

Die Beobachtung einer Überexpression von Immun-Checkpoint-Molekülen im Mikromilieu von soliden Malignomen hat die Tumortherapie revolutioniert. Immun-Checkpoint-Inhibitoren (ICI) sind bei verschiedenen Entitäten effektiv; zu dem Nebenwirkungsprofil gehörten endokrinologische Funktionsstörungen. Sie treten unter Kombinationstherapien mit Immun-Checkpoint-Inhibitoren signifikant häufiger auf als unter einer der beiden Immuntherapien allein. Eine aktuelle Metaanalyse zeigt die Häufigkeit einzelner Hormonstörungen in Abhängigkeit vom ICI-Typ.
Nonlinear structures of lower-hybrid waves driven by the ion beam
Authors: Koshkarov O. , Smolyakov A. I. , Kapulkin A. , Raitses Y. , Kaganovich I.
Published: June 2018

The lower-hybrid waves can be driven unstable by the transverse ion beam in a partially magnetized plasma of a finite length. This instability mechanism, which relies on the presence of fixed potential boundary conditions, is of particular relevance to axially propagating modes in a Hall effect thruster. The linear and nonlinear regimes of this instability are studied here with numerical simulations. In the linear regime, our results agree with analytical and numerical eigenvalue analysis conducted by Kapulkin and Behar [IEEE Trans. Plasma Sci. 43, 64 (2015)]. It is shown that in nonlinear regimes, the mode saturation results in coherent nonlinear structures. For the aperiodic instability [with Re(ω)=0—odd Pierce zones], the unstable eigen-function saturates into new stationary nonlinear equilibrium. In the case of oscillatory instability [Re(ω)≠0—even Pierce zones], the instability results in the nonlinear oscillating standing wave. It is also shown that finite Larmor radius effects stabilize instability for parameters corresponding to a large number of Pierce zones, and therefore, only few first zones remain relevant.
Apparent remote synchronization of amplitudes: A demodulation and interference effect
Authors: Minati Ludovico , Faes Luca , Frasca Mattia , Oświȩcimka Paweł , Drożdż Stanisław
Published: June 2018

A form of “remote synchronization” was recently described, wherein amplitude fluctuations across a ring of non-identical, non-linear electronic oscillators become entrained into spatially-structured patterns. According to linear models and mutual information, synchronization and causality dip at a certain distance, then recover before eventually fading. Here, the underlying mechanism is finally elucidated through novel experiments and simulations. The system non-linearity is found to have a dual role: it supports chaotic dynamics, and it enables the energy exchange between the lower and higher sidebands of a predominant frequency. This frequency acts as carrier signal in an arrangement resembling standard amplitude modulation, wherein the lower sideband and the demodulated baseband signals spectrally overlap. Due to a spatially-dependent phase relationship, at a certain distance near-complete destructive interference occurs between them, causing the observed dip. Methods suitable for detecting non-trivial entrainment, such as transfer entropy and the auxiliary system approach, nevertheless, reveal that synchronization and causality actually decrease with distance monotonically. Remoteness is, therefore, arguably only apparent, as also reflected in the propagation of external perturbations. These results demonstrate a complex mechanism of dynamical interdependence, and exemplify how it can lead to incorrectly inferring synchronization and causality.
Helical instability in MagLIF due to axial flux compression by low-density plasma
Authors: Seyler C. E. , Martin M. R. , Hamlin N. D.
Published: June 2018

The MagLIF (Magnetized Liner Inertial Fusion) experiment at Sandia National Labs is one of the three main approaches to inertial confinement fusion. Radiographic measurements of the imploding liner have shown helical structuring that was not included in MagLIF scaling calculations but that could fundamentally change the viability of the approach. We present the first MagLIF linear dynamics simulations, using extended magnetohydrodynamical (XMHD) as well as standard MHD modeling, that reproduce these helical structures, thus enabling a physical understanding of their origin and development. Specifically, it is found that low-density plasma from the simulated power flow surfaces can compress the axial flux in the region surrounding the liner, leading to a strong layer of axial flux on the liner. The strong axial magnetic field on the liner imposes helical magneto-Rayleigh-Taylor perturbations into the imploding liner. A detailed comparison of XMHD and MHD modeling shows that there are defects in the MHD treatment of low-density plasma dynamics that are remedied by inclusion of the Hall term that is included in our XMHD model. In order to obtain fair agreement between XMHD and MHD, great care must be taken in the implementation of the numerics, especially for MHD. Even with a careful treatment of low-density plasma, MHD exhibits significant shortcomings that emphasize the importance of using XMHD modeling in pulsed-power driven high-energy-density experiments. The present results may explain why past MHD modeling efforts have failed to produce the helical structuring without initially imposing helical perturbations.
Reconfigurable magnetic and microwave properties of a ferrimagnetic-type artificial crystal
Authors: Haldar Arabinda , Adeyeye Adekunle Olusola
Published: June 2018

We have demonstrated a ferrimagnetic-type anti-parallel remanent state of rhomboid shaped nanomagnets of two different widths alternated in a dipolar coupled nanomagnetic array. The anti-parallel state is reconfigured to a parallel remanent state by using a simple field initialization process. Magnetic states were directly visualized using the magnetic force microscopy technique. Due to a variation of the stray field distributions for the two different remanent states, distinct dynamic responses are found using the broadband ferromagnetic resonance spectroscopy technique without applying any external bias magnetic field. Experimental observations were supported by the micromagnetic simulations. The results are important in the context of bias-field-free and reprogrammable microwave magnetic devices and creation of artificial ferrimagnetic crystals.
How do hydrogen bonds break in supercooled water?: Detecting pathways not going through saddle point of two-dimensional potential of mean force
Authors: Kikutsuji Takuma , Kim Kang , Matubayasi Nobuyuki
Published: June 2018

Supercooled water exhibits remarkably slow dynamics similar to the behavior observed for various glass-forming liquids. The local order of tetrahedral structures due to hydrogen-bonds (H-bonds) increases with decreasing temperature. Thus, it is important to clarify the temperature dependence of the H-bond breakage process. This was investigated here using molecular dynamics simulations of TIP4P supercooled water. The two-dimensional (2D) potential of mean force (PMF) is presented using combinations of intermolecular distance and angle between two water molecules. The saddle point of the 2D PMF suggests the presence of the transition state that distinguishes between H-bond and non H-bond states. However, we observed pathways not going through this saddle point particularly at supercooled states, which are due to translational rather than rotational motions of the molecules. We quantified the characteristic time scales of rotational and translational H-bond breakages. The time scale of the translational H-bond breakage shows a non-Arrhenius temperature dependence comparable to that of the H-bond lifetime. This time scale is relevant for the temperature dependence of the transmission coefficient based on the transition state theory. The translational H-bond breakage is also related to cage-jumps observed in glass-forming liquids, which mostly involve spatially correlated molecules. Our findings warrant further exploration of an appropriate free-energy surface or reaction coordinates beyond the geometrical variables of the water dimer to describe a possible saddle point related to collective jump motions.
Boundary scattering effects on the dynamic magnetotransport of a ballistic quantum point contact
Authors: Liu Wei , He Jianhong , Guo Huazhong , Gao Jie
Published: June 2018

We report dynamic magnetotransport measurements in a ballistic quantum point contact (QPC) at gigahertz frequencies. We observed a gate-controlled crossover of the magnetoadmittance from the partially diffusive boundary scattering effect to weak localization. Moreover, the charge relaxation time of this mesoscopic circuit shows similar behaviors, indicating that the density of states of QPC channels is also sensitively adjusted by the boundary scattering in addition to their transmission. Our experiment demonstrates that boundary scattering plays a dominant role in the dynamic transport in a ballistic QPC and could influence the coherent dynamics in other QPC-based phase-coherent systems such as the quantum dots and qubits.
Swelling and aggregation of Leonardite upon pH change and PbII binding: an AFM study
Authors: Copello Federico dos Reis , Lizarraga Leonardo , Orsetti Silvia , Molina Fernando V.
Published: June 2018

Environmental contextNatural organic materials, such as humic substances, play key roles in the binding and environmental fate of metals. We study the interaction of protons and metal ions with humic acids, and show changes to the mechanical properties of the particles and their capability to fix metal pollutants. The results will help refine current models of metal behaviour in the environment.
AbstractThe swelling and aggregation of Leonardite humic acid, due to acid–base and PbII binding interactions, was studied through atomic force microscopy (AFM) tapping mode measurements and correlated with potentiometric experiments. These experiments allowed determination of parameters for the non-ideal competitive adsorption (NICA)-elastic polyelectrolyte network (EPN) model, which predicts size and electrostatic potential changes. AFM observations showed growth of agglomerates at low pH values. Height distribution analysis allowed discrimination of single particles from agglomerates. The size of individual particles increased slightly with pH increase. Agglomeration was evaluated through the dispersity, which increased at pH < 5, concomitant with a decrease of the electrostatic repulsion and an increase of protonated carboxylic groups, thus the agglomeration is attributed to both factors. In the presence of PbII, agglomeration is observed to rise strongly with the increase in metal concentration, which is attributed to bridging of humic particles by PbII ions. The AFM ex situ results suggest consistency between NICA-EPN predictions and experimental behaviour.
Nitric oxide activation by progesterone suppresses ATP-induced ciliary activity in oviductal ciliated cells
Authors: Kerr Bredford , Ríos Mariana , Droguett Karla , Villalón Manuel
Published: June 2018

Ciliary beat frequency (CBF) regulates the oviductal transport of oocytes and embryos, which are important components of the reproductive process. Local release of ATP transiently increases CBF by increasing [Ca2+]i. Ovarian hormones also regulate ciliary activity and oviductal transport. Progesterone (P4) induces nitric oxide (NO) production and high P4 concentrations induce ciliary dysfunction. However, the mechanism by which P4 affects CBF has not been elucidated. To evaluate the role of P4 in NO production and its effect on ATP-induced increases in CBF, we measured CBF, NO concentrations and [Ca2+]i in cultures of oviductal ciliated cells treated with P4 or NO signalling-related molecules. ATP induced a [Ca2+]i peak, followed by an increase in NO concentrations that were temporally correlated with the decreased phase of the transiently increased CBF. Furthermore, P4 increased the expression of nitric oxide synthases (iNOS and nNOS) and reduced the ATP-induced increase in CBF via a mechanism that involves the NO signalling pathway. These results have improved our knowledge about intracellular messengers controlling CBF and showed that NO attenuates oviduct cell functions. Furthermore, we showed that P4 regulates neurotransmitter (ATP) actions on CBF via the NO pathway, which could explain pathologies where oviductal transport is altered and fertility decreased.
An experimental assessment of the impact of drought and fire on western larch injury, mortality and recovery
Authors: Sparks Aaron M. , Talhelm Alan F. , Feltrin Raquel Partelli , Smith Alistair M. S. , Johnson Daniel M. , Kolden Crystal A. , Boschetti Luigi
Published: June 2018

Climate change is increasing drought and fire activity in many fire-prone regions including the western USA and circumpolar boreal forest. These changes highlight the need for improved understanding of how multiple disturbances impact trees in these regions. Recent studies linking fire behaviour to plant ecophysiology have improved understanding of how fire affects tree function and mortality but have not investigated interactions between drought stress and fire. In this study, Larix occidentalis saplings were subjected to different levels of water stress followed by low-intensity surface fires in a controlled laboratory setting. Post-fire mortality, recovery and growth were monitored for up to 1 year post fire. Generally, increased pre-fire water stress resulted in decreased post-fire stem diameter (up to 5% lower) and height (up to 19% lower) growth. However, severely water-stressed saplings whose foliage had senesced before the fires had lower 1-year mortality (14%) and significantly greater post-fire bud densities than moderately stressed saplings that did not senesce (86% mortality). The mortality patterns suggest that water-stressed western larch saplings exposed to low-intensity wildfires, or prescribed fires conducted as part of forest management activities, may exhibit lower mortality rates if stress-induced foliar senescence has occurred.
PIP30/FAM192A is a novel regulator of the nuclear proteasome activator PA28γ
Authors: Jonik-Nowak Beata , Menneteau Thomas , Fesquet Didier , Baldin Véronique , Bonne-Andrea Catherine , Méchali Francisca , Fabre Bertrand , Boisguerin Prisca , de Rossi Sylvain , Henriquet Corinne , Pugnière Martine , Ducoux-Petit Manuelle , Burlet-Schiltz Odile , Lamond Angus I. , Fort Philippe , Boulon Séverine , Bousquet Marie-Pierre , Coux Olivier
Published: June 2018

Significance

The 20S proteasome is a key actor of the control of protein levels and integrity in cells. To perform its multiple functions, it works with a series of regulators, among which is a nuclear complex called PA28γ. In particular, PA28γ participates in the regulation of cell proliferation and nuclear dynamics. We describe here the characterization of a protein, PIP30/FAM192A, which binds tightly to PA28γ and favors its interaction with the 20S proteasome while inhibiting its association with coilin, a central component of nuclear Cajal bodies. Thus, PIP30/FAM192A critically controls the interactome and, consequently, the functions of PA28γ, and appears to be a previously unidentified player in the fine regulation of intracellular proteostasis in the cell nucleus.
Relations between frames and constructions
Authors: Ohara Kyoko
Published: June 2018

This chapter discusses relations between frames and constructions, based on the constructicon-building project within the Japanese FrameNet (JFN) project. The aims are: to clarify distinctions between a framenet lexicon and a constructicon; and to contribute to the on-going discussion on whether all constructions are “meaning-bearing.” I will argue that a framenet analysis involves annotating frame-based syntactic/semantic structures of words (simple words and multiwords), while a constructicon annotation pertains to describing the internal and external syntax/semantics of linguistic objects that have complex structures. While maintaining that all constructions are meaning-bearing, I will point out that meaning structures of some constructions may not involve frames and propose a frame-based classification of constructions. Finally, I will suggest that a constructicon annotation needs both semantic frames and interactional frames.
The history of concatenative compounds in Spanish
Authors: Moyna María Irene
Published: June 2018

This article analyses Spanish concatenative compounds, whose constituents are of the same lexical category and structural
hierarchy (e.g., rojinegro ‘red-black’), focusing in particular on the evolution of their formal
features. The first issue considered is the relative frequency of various structural configurations, namely, overt
coordination ([XconjX]), linking vowel -i- ([XiX]), and
juxtaposition ([XX]). The second issue is whether the linking vowel -i- is etymologically
related to coordination. I propose that linking vowels can better be analysed as stem markers, distinguishing full lexemes
from combining stems. Support for this proposal comes from the fact that the linking vowel was attested earlier in head-final
compounds (barbirrapado ‘beardless’, lit. ‘beard-shaven’), where it generalised
before spreading to concatenatives.
IPM - a strategy since 1959 - mini review.
Authors: Matthews G. A.
Published: June 2018

A brief view on the importance of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is given by discussing the concept since it was first advocated in 1959 up to the adoption of IPM as a policy within the European Union. Reference is made to the need for crop monitoring and improved application techniques as well as non-chemical controls.
The study of political science in South Africa and beyond: the search for relevance
Authors: Napier Clive J. , Labuschagne Pieter
Published: June 2018

Political science as a field of study has been taught and researched in South Africa for nearly a hundred years and for a lesser period in other African countries. A diversity of approaches and theoretical focus areas and ideological orientations have been followed over the decades largely in response to the political evolution of the African state. The argument of the article citing historical and contemporary literature, is that political science in South Africa and beyond needs to engage anew with the state and its institutions. The discipline needs to refocus on teaching and research and, in particular, more firmly address the needs of diverse practitioners in state and governmental institutions in South Africa and beyond. Teaching and research interests of particular relevance and utility to government and opposition leaders and representatives – such as institutional design, democratic models, electoral systems and political party structures, candidate selection, decision making processes, election processes and oversight and accountability mechanisms – should be given increasing attention by political scientists at all spheres of government, that is, national, provincial or regional and local. It is argued that a new relevance should be sought to provide answers to the pressing contemporary political and developmental issues and problems facing the continent.
Immune suppression and reversal of the suppressive tumor microenvironment
Authors: Shimizu Kanako , Iyoda Tomonori , Okada Masahiro , Yamasaki Satoru , Fujii Shin-ichiro
Published: June 2018

Most tumors employ multiple strategies to attenuate T-cell-mediated immune responses. In particular, immune suppression surrounding the tumor is achieved by interfering with antigen-presenting cells and effector T cells. Controlling both the tumor and the tumor microenvironment (TME) is critical for cancer treatment. Checkpoint blockade therapy can overcome tumor-induced immune suppression, but more than half of the patients fail to respond to this treatment; therefore, more effective cancer immunotherapies are needed. Generation of an anti-tumor immune response is a multi-step process of immune activation against the tumor that requires effector T cells to recognize and exert toxic effects against tumor cells, for which two strategies are employed—inhibition of various types of immune suppressor cells, such as myeloid cells and regulatory T cells, and establishment of anti-tumor immune surveillance including, activation of natural killer cells and cytotoxic T cells. It was recently shown that anti-cancer drugs not only directly kill tumor cells, but also influence the immune response to cancer by promoting immunogenic cell death, enhancing antigen presentation or depleting immunosuppressive cells. Herein, we review the mechanisms by which tumors exert immune suppression as well as their regulation. We then discuss how the complex reciprocal interactions between immunosuppressive and immunostimulatory cells influence immune cell dynamics in the TME. Finally, we highlight the new therapies that can reverse immune suppression in the TME and promote anti-tumor immunity.
Correlation Between Use Rate of Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound (LIPUS) and Bone Healing for the Corrective Osteotomy
Authors: Yoshii Yuichi , Ishii Tomoo , Ichihara Takumi
Published: June 2018

Objective:

The objective of this study was to evaluate the correlation between use rate of low intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) and time to bone healing for corrective osteotomy.

Materials and Methods:

Nine patients treated with LIPUS after corrective osteotomy were evaluated. The diseases, osteotomy site, duration and use rate (= number of day used/number of day for rent, %) of LIPUS, and time to bone healing were investigated. The correlation between use rate and bone healing was analyzed. The use rates were compared with the patients who used LIPUS for the fracture treatments. For the hallux valgus and toe deformity cases, the term of bone healing was compared with the patients who were not treated with LIPUS.

Results:

Six cases of hallux valgus, 2 cases of distal radius malunion, and one case of carpometacarpal arthropathy of thumb were treated with LIPUS after corrective osteotomy. The osteotomy sites were healed in all cases. The terms for the LIPUS usage were 65.6 ± 28.5 days. The use rate was 91.4 ± 7.1%. The use rate for the fracture treatments was 81.7 ± 18.8%. There was a significant difference (P < 0.02). The term for the bone healing was 89.0 ± 12.8 days. The correlation coefficient between use rate and bone healing was 0.24. The terms of bone healings in the hallux valgus and toe deformity cases were 92.8 ± 6.0 days and 101.6 ± 35.0 days for the patients with and without LIPUS, respectively.

Discussion:

The use rate of LIPUS was higher in the patients who underwent osteotomy compared to the fracture patients. There was no significant correlation between the use rate and the term of bone healing.
The Effect of Combined Therapy, Percutaneous Concentrated Autologous Bone Marrow Transplantation, and Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound (LIPUS) in Treatment of Femoral Head Osteonecrosis
Authors: Sugaya Hisashi , Yoshioka Tomokazu , Aoto Katsuya
Published: June 2018

Objective:

We describe a novel, combined approach to the treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) based on concentrated autologous bone marrow aspirates (CABMAT) and low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS).

Patients and Methods:

The 7 male and 7 female patients (mean age: 40 years; 22 hips) underwent CABMAT followed by 6 months of continuous LIPUS. The mean follow-up period was 26 months. All patients were assessed using the visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain and the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) hip score. Clinical and plain radiographic evaluations were performed before transplantation and at the most recent follow-up. Computed tomography (CT) scans were obtained before and 12 months after grafting.

Results:

The VAS and JOA scores improved in all patients. Collapse progressed in 8 of the 22 hips, but none required total hip arthroplasty. The mean volume of new bone formation 12 months' post-transplantation as seen on CT was 1256 mm3. New bone formation was observed in all patients.

Discussion:

The multiple benefits of LIPUS include improved local blood flow, accelerated production of angiogenesis-inducing cytokines, accelerated differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells to form osteoblasts, and the inhibition of osteoclast production and differentiation. This combined therapy is noninvasive, feasible, and joint-preserving in most ONFH patients.
The Present Situation of the Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound Treatments According to the Japanese National Open Data
Authors: Jingushi Seiya
Published: June 2018

Objective:

The change of the current Japanese population structure due to an aging society with a low birthrate influences the status of fracture patients. This may cause the change about the usage of the low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) treatments to accelerate a fracture repair. The present situation was examined using the Japanese National open big data.

Materials and Methods:

The first open data since April 2015 till March 2016 was used from the homepage of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. Among the data about K-code of the various operations, the total number of K044, K045, K046, K046-2, K073 and K073-2 was used as the number of fracture treatments. The number of the LIPUS treatments was counted as K047-2 and K047-3.

Results:

LIPUS treatment was used most in the patients more than 20 year old. The ratio of the LIPUS treatments per the fracture treatments was approximately 6% in the male patients more than 20 year old. In the female patients more than 20 year old, the older they were, the higher the ratio was. The rate at more than 90 year old was over 7%.

Discussion:

The current change of the population structure may cause an increase of the necessity of LIPUS treatment for the fracture patients.
Differences in Morbidity and Mortality Rates in Black, White, and Hispanic Very Preterm Infants Among New York City Hospitals
Authors: Howell Elizabeth A. , Janevic Teresa , Hebert Paul L. , Egorova Natalia N. , Balbierz Amy , Zeitlin Jennifer
Published: June 2018

(Abstracted from JAMA Pediatr 2018;172:269–277)

Currently, 98% of neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) have a risk-adjusted rate of mortality equal to the best 10% of units in 2005, a statistic showcasing the significant improvements in neonatal care over the past decade. Despite improvements, research shows significant racial disparities in neonatal mortality and morbidity, with non-Hispanic black neonates and Hispanic neonates experiencing a disproportionate amount of these adverse events.
Congenital Heart Defects in IVF/ICSI Pregnancy: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Giorgione V. , Parazzini F. , Fesslova V. , Cipriani S. , Candiani M. , Inversetti A. , Sigismondi C. , Tiberio F. , Cavoretto P.
Published: June 2018

(Abstracted from Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2018;51:33–42)

Despite congenital heart disease (CHD) being the most common type of congenital defect, in the majority of cases, the etiology remains unclear. Previous studies analyzing the risk of CHD after in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) show a slightly elevated risk when compared with spontaneously conceived infants.
Ovarian Cancer Screening With the Risk Of Ovarian Cancer Algorithm (ROCA): Good, Bad, or Just Expensive?
Authors: Naumann R. Wendel , Brown Jubilee
Published: June 2018

(Abstracted from Gynecol Oncol 2018;149:117–120)

Although treatment of early-stage ovarian cancer has an excellent prognosis, the majority of women present with advanced disease. A minority of patients present with stage I disease and screening of these patients could potentially increase detection or detect patients with advanced disease at a point where surgery might be more effective.
Cancer Risk After Midurethral Sling Surgery Using Polypropylene Mesh
Authors: Altman Daniel , Rogers Rebecca G. , Yin Li , Tamussino Karl , Ye Weimin , Iglesia Cheryl B.
Published: June 2018

(Abstracted from Obstet Gynecol 2018;131:469–474)

The criterion standard surgery for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is the midurethral sling procedure. Since its introduction in 1997, this procedure has been widely used for pelvic reconstructive surgery.
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Parotitis Leading to Mortality in an Adolescent Male
Authors: Basinger Janet M. , Fiester Steven E. , Fulcher James W.
Published: June 2018

A case of toxic shock syndrome associated with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus parotitis in a 13-year-old male is presented. He was initially diagnosed with left-sided parotitis by his primary care physician, was started on sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim, and became severely ill the following day. He was transported to the hospital after a syncopal episode at home and was found to have altered mental status, hypotension, and hypoxia. He was transferred to a larger care facility and died en route despite aggressive resuscitation. At autopsy, he was found to have a severe left-sided parotitis, severe pulmonary congestion, edema, and pneumonia, as well as bilateral lower limb hemorrhagic lesions. Blood cultures from the time of admission and at autopsy grew methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, which is rarely reported as the sole cause of parotitis. In addition, although S. aureus bacteremia is not necessarily a rare complication of a parotid gland infection, it is exceedingly rare in an immunocompetent adolescent.
Andreev reflection spectroscopy in transition metal oxides
Authors: Yates Karen A. , Cohen Lesley F.
Published: June 2018

Here we review the literature concerning measurement of the Andreev reflection between a superconductor (S) and ferromagnet (F), with particular attention to the case where the ferromagnet is a transition metal oxide. We discuss the practicality of utilization of the current models for determination of the transport current spin polarization and examine the evidence for Andreev bound states.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Andreev bound states’.
Genome-wide CNV study and functional evaluation identified CTDSPL as tumour suppressor gene for cervical cancer
Authors: Chen Dan , Wang Shuai , Li Zhenli , Cui Tao , Chen Yao , Song Junjiao , Magnusson Patrik KE , Wang Huibo , Zhang Dandan , Gyllensten Ulf
Published: June 2018

We have investigated copy number variations (CNVs) in relation to cervical cancer by analyzing 731,422 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 1,034 cervical cancer cases and 3,948 controls, followed by replication in 1,396 cases and 1,057 controls. We found that a 6367bp deletion in intron 1 of the CTD small phosphatase like gene (CTDSPL) was associated with 2.54-fold increased risk of cervical cancer (odds ratio =2.54, 95% confidence interval =2.08-3.12, P=2.0×10−19). This CNV is one of the strongest genetic risk variants identified so far for cervical cancer. The deletion removes the binding sites of zinc finger protein 263, binding protein 2 and interferon regulatory factor 1, and hence downregulates the transcription of CTDSPL. HeLa cells expressing CTDSPL showed a significant decrease in colony-forming ability. Compared with control groups, mice injected with HeLa cells expressing CTDSPL exhibited a significant reduction in tumour volume. Furthermore, CTDSPL-depleted immortalized End1/E6E7 could form tumours in NOD-SCID mice.
Predicting bacterial growth conditions from mRNA and protein abundances
Authors: Caglar Mehmet U. , Hockenberry Adam J. , Wilke Claus O.
Published: June 2018

Cells respond to changing nutrient availability and external stresses by altering the expression of individual genes. Condition-specific gene expression patterns may provide a promising and low-cost route to quantifying the presence of various small molecules, toxins, or species-interactions in natural environments. However, whether gene expression signatures alone can predict individual environmental growth conditions remains an open question. Here, we used machine learning to predict 16 closely-related growth conditions using 155 datasets of E. coli transcript and protein abundances. We show that models are able to discriminate between different environmental features with a relatively high degree of accuracy. We observed a small but significant increase in model accuracy by combining transcriptome and proteome-level data, and we show that stationary phase conditions are typically more difficult to distinguish from one another than conditions under exponential growth. Nevertheless, with sufficient training data, gene expression measurements from a single species are capable of distinguishing between environmental conditions that are separated by a single environmental variable.
Miniscule differences between the sex chromosomes in the giant genome of a salamander,Ambystoma mexicanum
Authors: Keinath Melissa C. , Timoshevskaya Nataliya , Timoshevskiy Vladimir A. , Voss S. Randal , Smith Jeramiah J.
Published: June 2018

In the Mexican axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) sex is known to be determined by a single Mendelian factor, yet the sex chromosomes of this model salamander do not exhibit morphological differentiation that is typical of many vertebrate taxa that possess a single sex-determining locus. Differentiated sex chromosomes are thought to evolve rapidly in the context of a Mendelian sex-determining gene and, therefore, undifferentiated chromosomes provide an exceptional opportunity to reconstruct early events in sex chromosome evolution. Whole chromosome sequencing, whole genome resequencing (48 individuals from a backcross of axolotl and tiger salamander) andin situhybridization were used to identify a homomorphic chromosome that carries anA. mexicanumsex determining factor and identify sequences that are present only on the W chromosome. Altogether, these sequences cover ~300 kb, or roughly 1/100,000thof the ~32 Gb genome. Notably, these W-specific sequences also contain a recently duplicated copy of the ATRX gene: a known component of mammalian sex-determining pathways. This gene (designatedATRW) is one of the few functional (non-repetitive) genes in the chromosomal segment and maps to the tip of chromosome 9 near the markerE24C3, which was previously found to be linked to the sex-determining locus. These analyses provide highly predictive markers for diagnosing sex inA. mexicanumand identifyATRWas a strong candidate for the primary sex determining locus or alternately a strong candidate for a recently acquired, sexually antagonistic gene.

AUTHOR SUMMARY

Sex chromosomes are thought to follow fairly stereotypical evolutionary trajectories that result in differentiation of sex-specific chromosomes. In the salamander A. mexicanum (the axolotl), sex is determined by a single Mendelian locus, yet the sex chromosomes are essentially undifferentiated, suggesting that these sex chromosomes have recently acquired a sex locus and are in the early stages of differentiating. Although Mendelian sex determination was first reported for the axolotl more than 70 years ago, no sex-specific sequences have been identified for this important model species. Here, we apply new technologies and approaches to identify and validate a tiny region of female-specific DNA within the gigantic genome of the axolotl (1/100,000th of the genome). This region contains a limited number of genes, including a duplicate copy of the ATRX gene which, has been previously shown to contribute to mammalian sex determination. Our analyses suggest that this gene, which we refer to as ATRW, evolved from a recent duplication and presents a strong candidate for the primary sex determining factor of the axolotl, or alternately a recently evolved sexually antagonistic gene.
Epigenetic-scale comparison of human iPSCs generated by retrovirus, Sendai virus or episomal vectors
Authors: Nishino Koichiro , Arai Yoshikazu , Takasawa Ken , Toyoda Masashi , Yamazaki-Inoue Mayu , Sugawara Tohru , Akutsu Hidenori , Nishimura Ken , Ohtaka Manami , Nakanishi Mahito , Umezawa Akihiro
Published: June 2018

Human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are established by introducing several reprogramming factors, such as OCT3/4, SOX2, KLF4, c-MYC. Because of their pluripotency and immortality, iPSCs are considered to be a powerful tool for regenerative medicine. To date, iPSCs have been established all over the world by various gene delivery methods. All methods induced high-quality iPSCs, but epigenetic analysis of abnormalities derived from differences in the gene delivery methods has not yet been performed. Here, we generated genetically matched human iPSCs from menstrual blood cells by using three kinds of vectors, i.e., retrovirus, Sendai virus, and episomal vectors, and compared genome-wide DNA methylation profiles among them. Although comparison of aberrant methylation revealed that iPSCs generated by Sendai virus vector have lowest number of aberrant methylation sites among the three vectors, the iPSCs generated by non-integrating methods did not show vector-specific aberrant methylation. However, the differences between the iPSC lines were determined to be the number of random aberrant hyper-methylated regions compared with embryonic stem cells. These random aberrant hyper-methylations might be a cause of the differences in the properties of each of the iPSC lines.
Assessment of Metagenomic MinION and Illumina sequencing as an approach for the recovery of whole genome sequences of chikungunya and dengue viruses directly from clinical samples
Authors: Kafetzopoulou Liana E. , Efthymiadis Kyriakos , Lewandowski Kuiama , Crook Ant , Carter Dan , Osborne Jane , Aarons Emma , Hewson Roger , Hiscox Julian A. , Carroll Miles W. , Vipond Richard , Pullan Steven T.
Published: June 2018

The recent global emergence and re-emergence of arboviruses has caused significant human disease. Common vectors, symptoms and geographical distribution make differential diagnosis both important and challenging. We performed metagenomic sequencing using both the Illumina MiSeq and the portable Oxford Nanopore MinION to study the feasibility of whole genome sequencing from clinical samples containing chikungunya or dengue virus, two of the most important arboviruses. Direct metagenomic sequencing of nucleic acid extracts from serum and plasma without viral enrichment allowed for virus and coinfection identification, subtype determination and in the majority of cases elucidated complete or near-complete genomes adequate for phylogenetic analysis. This work demonstrates that metagenomic whole genome sequencing is feasible for over 90% and 80% of chikungunya and dengue virus PCR-positive patient samples respectively. It confirms the feasibility of field metagenomic sequencing for these and likely other RNA viruses, highlighting the applicability of this approach to front-line public health.
Lysophosphatidic acid provokes fibroblast chemotaxis through combinatorial regulation of myosin II
Authors: Asokan Sreeja B. , Johnson Heath E. , Sondek John , Shutova Maria S. , Svitkina Tatyana M. , Haugh Jason M. , Bear James E.
Published: June 2018

Lysophophatidic acid (LPA), a biologically active phospholipid that is ubiquitously present in tissues and organs, provokes cellular responses such as proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation and migration via activation of G-protein coupled receptors. These receptors activate a broad range of intracellular signaling cascades to mediate these responses. Using microfluidic chambers that generate and maintain stable gradients, we observed that chemotaxis of fibroblasts to LPA has higher directional fidelity than chemotaxis provoked by the receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) ligand platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF). Unlike fast moving amoeboid cells, mesenchymal cells such as fibroblasts do not require PI3K for chemotaxis to a GPCR ligand. In addition, the Arp2/3 complex is not required for fibroblast GPCR-based chemotaxis in either 2D or 3D environments. Our data indicate that combinatorial regulation of myosin II involving global activation by RhoA/ROCK and local inhibition of myosin II at the leading edge by PKC results in highly efficient chemotaxis of fibroblasts to LPA. Based on these observations, we develop a simple mathematical model to explain how dual regulation of myosin II is responsible for enhanced chemotaxis in LPA gradients relative to PDGF. Using pharmacological approaches, we test predictions of this model and modulate the fidelity of LPA and PDGF chemotaxis.
An Optically Decodable Bead Array for Linking Imaging and Sequencing with Single-Cell Resolution
Authors: Yuan Jinzhou , Sheng Jenny , Sims Peter A.
Published: June 2018

Optically decodable beads link the identity of an analyte or sample to a measurement through an optical barcode, enabling libraries of biomolecules to be captured on beads in solution and decoded by fluorescence. This approach has been foundational to microarray, sequencing, and flow-based expression profiling technologies. We have combined microfluidics with optically decodable beads to link phenotypic analysis of living cells to sequencing. As a proof-of-concept, we applied this to demonstrate an accurate and scalable tool for connecting live cell imaging to single-cell RNA-Seq called Single Cell Optical Phenotyping and Expression (SCOPE-Seq).
Ambidextrous organization and agility in big data era
Authors: Rialti Riccardo , Marzi Giacomo , Silic Mario , Ciappei Cristiano
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the effect of big data analytics-capable business process management systems (BDA-capable BPMS) on ambidextrous organizations’ agility. In particular, how the functionalities of BDA-capable BPMS may improve organizational dynamism and reactiveness to challenges of Big Data era will be explored.

Design/methodology/approach

A theoretical analysis of the potential of BDA-capable BPMS in increasing organizational agility, with particular attention to the ambidextrous organizations, has been performed. A conceptual framework was subsequently developed. Next, the proposed conceptual framework was applied in a real-world context.

Findings

The research proposes a framework highlighting the importance of BDA-capable BPMS in increasing ambidextrous organizations’ agility. Moreover, the authors apply the framework to the cases of consumer-goods companies that have included BDA in their processes management.

Research limitations/implications

The principal limitations are linked to the need to validate quantitatively the proposed framework.

Practical implications

The value of the proposed framework is related to its potential in helping managers to fully understand and exploit the potentiality of BDA-capable BPMS. Moreover, the implications show some guidelines to ease the implementation of such systems within ambidextrous organizations.

Originality/value

The research offers a model to interpret the effects of BDA-capable BPMS on ambidextrous organizations’ agility. In this way, the research addresses a significant gap by exploring the importance of information systems for ambidextrous organizations’ agility.
Firm-specific corporate governance and analysts’ earnings forecast characteristics
Authors: Yu Minna , Wang Yanming
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of corporate governance on the capital market participants’ abilities to forecast future performance, as measured by the properties of analysts’ earnings forecasts in Asian stock markets.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper hypothesizes that higher corporate governance is associated with lower forecast errors, lower forecast dispersion and lower forecast revision volatility.

Findings

These predictions are supported with a sample of companies across eleven Asian economies over 2004-2012. The results of this paper suggest that corporate governance plays a significant role in the predictability of firm’s future performance and, therefore, improves the financial environment in Asian stock markets. Furthermore, the impact of corporate governance on analysts’ forecast properties is more pronounced in countries with strong investor protection.

Research/limitations/implications

The authors acknowledge the following limitations of this paper. First, the results of this paper may be subject to omitted-variable bias and endogeneity issue. The authors have used control variables in the regressions to reduce the omitted variable bias. The authors have run lead-lag regressions to address causality issue. Second, CLSA corporate governance scores are collected for largest companies in each jurisdiction. Therefore, the sample is biased towards the largest companies in those jurisdictions and may not be representative of the average firm in the Asia.

Originality/value

The results of this paper speak to the benefit of having strong corporate governance in terms of reducing the information asymmetry between investors and corporate management.