bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conservative surgery of diffuse adenomyosis with TOUA: Single surgeon experience of one hundred sixteen cases and report of fertility outcomes
Authors: Kwack Jae‐Young , Kwon Yong‐Soon
Published: January 2018

The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical outcomes of conservative adenomyomectomy with TOUA for diffuse uterine adenomyosis and to determine the feasibility and safety. One hundred and sixteen patients with symptomatic diffuse uterine adenomyosis underwent adenomyomectomy with TOUA by a single surgeon at Ulsan University Hospital between May 2011 and March 2016. Surgical outcomes included operative time, intraoperative injury and operative blood loss. We assessed the degree of improvement in dysmenorrhea and menorrhagia at the 7‐month follow‐up visit after the operation. The mean age of patients was 37.49 years (range: 26–49). The mean total surgical time was 116.12 min (range: 60–300, SD: 37.27). The mean estimated blood loss was 207.22 mL (range: 30–1200, SD: 161.08) and there were no cases of injury to the uterine arteries or pelvic nerves. The mean duration of hospital stay was 5.05 days (range: 4–7, SD: 0.68) and the mean follow‐up period of 16.67 months (range: 6–49, SD: 12.77). At the 7‐month follow‐up after adenomyomectomy with TOUA, dysmenorrhea and menorrhagia were improved in 100% and 89% of the patients, respectively. In patients with diffuse uterine adenomyosis, even when the whole uterus is involved, for relief of severe adenomyosis‐related symptoms, adenomyomectomy with TOUA could be a safe and effective surgical treatment option for those who want to preserve their fertility.
OnabotulinumtoxinA for the Treatment of Poststroke Distal Lower Limb Spasticity: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Wein Theodore , Esquenazi Alberto , Jost Wolfgang H. , Ward Anthony B. , Pan Grace , Dimitrova Rozalina
Published: January 2018

Background

Poststroke distal lower limb spasticity impairs mobility, limiting activities of daily living and requiring additional caregiver time.

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy, safety, and sustained benefit of onabotulinumtoxinA in adults with poststroke lower limb spasticity (PSLLS).

Design

A multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, phase 3, placebo‐controlled trial (NCT01575054).

Setting

Sixty study centers across North America, Europe, Russia, the United Kingdom, and South Korea.

Patients

Adult patients (18‐65 years of age) with PSLLS (Modified Ashworth Scale [MAS] ≥3) of the ankle plantar flexors and the most recent stroke ≥3 months before study enrollment.

Interventions

During the open‐label phase, patients received ≤3 onabotulinumtoxinA treatments (≤400 U) or placebo at approximately 12‐week intervals. Treatments were into the ankle plantar flexors (onabotulinumtoxinA 300 U into ankle plantar flexors; ≤100 U, optional lower limb muscles).

Main Outcome Measurements

The double‐blind primary endpoint was MAS change from baseline (average score at weeks 4 and 6). Secondary measures included physician‐assessed Clinical Global Impression of Change (CGI), MAS change from baseline in optional muscles, Goal Attainment Scale (GAS), and pain scale.

Results

Of 468 patients enrolled, 450 (96%) completed the double‐blind phase and 413 (88%) completed the study. Small improvements in MAS observed with onabotulinumtoxinA during the double‐blind phase (onabotulinumtoxinA, –0.8; placebo, –0.6, P = .01) were further enhanced with additional treatments through week 6 of the third open‐label treatment cycle (onabotulinumtoxinA/onabotulinumtoxinA, –1.2; placebo/onabotulinumtoxinA, –1.4). Small improvements in CGI observed during the double‐blind phase (onabotulinumtoxinA, 0.9; placebo, 0.7, P = .01) were also further enhanced through week 6 of the third open‐label treatment cycle (onabotulinumtoxinA/onabotulinumtoxinA, 1.6; placebo/onabotulinumtoxinA, 1.6). Physician‐ and patient‐assessed GAS scores improved with each subsequent treatment. No new safety signals emerged.

Conclusions

OnabotulinumtoxinA significantly improved ankle MAS, CGI, and GAS scores compared with placebo; improvements were consistent and increased with repeated treatments of onabotulinumtoxinA over 1 year in patients with PSLLS.

Level of Evidence

I
Empire of Sentiment
Authors: Lewis Joanna
Published: January 2018

This is the first emotional history of the British Empire. Joanna Lewis explores how David Livingstone's death tied together British imperialism and Victorian humanitarianism and inserted it into popular culture. Sacrifice and death; Superman like heroism; the devotion of Africans; the cruelty of Arab slavery; and the sufferings of the 'ordinary man', generated waves of sentimental feeling. These powerful myths, images and feelings incubated down the generations - through grand ceremonies, further exploration, humanitarianism, Christian teaching, narratives of masculine endeavour and heroic biography - inspiring colonial rule in Africa, white settler pioneers, missionaries and Africans. Empire of Sentiment demonstrates how this central African story shaped Britain's romantic perception of itself as a humane power overseas when the colonial reality fell far short. Through sentimental humanitarianism, Livingstone helped sustain a British Empire in Africa that remained profoundly Victorian, polyphonic and ideological; whilst always understood at home as proudly liberal on race.
Intermestic security challenges: Managing transnational bonds
Authors: Friedrichs Jörg
Published: January 2018

Intermestic security challenges arise when there is concern in a country that a dissatisfied minority relies on transnational bonds with a foreign kin group for support. They result from ethnic and/or ideological affinities translating into foreign support seen as problematic, and they are aggravated when the dissatisfied minority is able to raise territorial claims. This can lead to complications not only in domestic politics, but also in international relations (hence, the term ‘intermestic’). Intermestic challenges can escalate into civil war and other political calamities, but they can also be managed by governments. This article develops a theoretical model and discusses it with regard to China and its Muslim-majority neighbouring countries. To the west of China, transnational bonds of Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang with co-ethnics and coreligionists in Central Asia, Pakistan, and Afghanistan complicate Chinese relations with those countries. In the southeast, transnational bonds of ethnic Chinese in Indonesia and Malaysia with their ancestral homeland have complicated Indonesian and Malaysian relations with China. While the cases have followed different trajectories, Beijing has managed either challenge rather successfully. The theoretical model developed and the management strategies discussed are likely to be useful in other contexts.
The impact of the 2014 Ebola virus disease outbreak in Liberia on parent preferences for harsh discipline practices: a quasi-experimental, pre-post design
Authors: Green Eric , Chase Rhea M , Zayzay John , Finnegan Amy , Puffer Eve S.
Published: January 2018

Background.

This paper uses data from a cohort of parents and guardians of young children living in Monrovia, Liberia collected before and after the 2014 outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD) to estimate the impact of EVD exposure on implicit preferences for harsh discipline. We hypothesized that parents exposed to EVD-related sickness or death would exhibit a stronger preference for harsh discipline practices compared with non-exposed parents.

Methods.

The data for this analysis come from two survey rounds conducted in Liberia as part of an intervention trial of a behavioral parenting skills intervention. Following a baseline assessment of 201 enrolled parents in July 2014, all program and study activities were halted due to the outbreak of EVD. Following the EVD crisis, we conducted a tracking survey with parents who completed the baseline survey 12 months prior. In both rounds, we presented parents with 12 digital comic strips of a child misbehaving and asked them to indicate how they would react if they were the parent in the stories.

Results.

Parents from households with reported EVD sickness or death became more ‘harsh’ (Glass's delta = 1.41) in their hypothetical decision-making compared with non-exposed parents,t(167)=−2.3,p  <  0.05. Parents from households that experienced EVD-related sickness or death not only reported significantly more household conflict and anxiety, but also reported that their child exhibited fewer difficulties.

Conclusions.

Results support the need for family-based interventions, including strategies to help parents learn alternatives to harsh punishment.
AMERICA'S ROLE IN THE MAKING OF JAPAN'S ECONOMIC MIRACLE
Authors: Beckley Michael , Horiuchi Yusaku , Miller Jennifer M.
Published: January 2018

Japan's remarkable postwar growth spurt in the 1960s would not have been possible without Japan's alliance with the United States. Policy makers, political scientists, economists, historians, and journalists on both sides of the Pacific have made this claim, but no study has yet tested it with modern statistical methods. In this article, we compare the economic growth trajectories of Japan and a statistically constructed “synthetic” Japan, which had a similar profile until the late 1950s but did not experience the consolidation of the US–Japan alliance, a process that began in 1958 and culminated with the signing of a formal defense pact in January 1960. We find that Japan's per capita gross domestic product (GDP) grew much faster than the synthetic Japan's from 1958 to 1968. We substantiate these results with in-depth historical analyses on how the United States facilitated Japan's economic miracle.
Review of the status and mass changes of Himalayan-Karakoram glaciers
Authors: AZAM MOHD FAROOQ , WAGNON PATRICK , BERTHIER ETIENNE , VINCENT CHRISTIAN , FUJITA KOJI , KARGEL JEFFREY S.
Published: January 2018

We present a comprehensive review of the status and changes in glacier length (since the 1850s), area and mass (since the 1960s) along the Himalayan-Karakoram (HK) region and their climate-change context. A quantitative reliability classification of the field-based mass-balance series is developed. Glaciological mass balances agree better with remotely sensed balances when we make an objective, systematic exclusion of likely flawed mass-balance series. The Himalayan mean glaciological mass budget was similar to the global average until 2000, and likely less negative after 2000. Mass wastage in the Himalaya resulted in increasing debris cover, the growth of glacial lakes and possibly decreasing ice velocities. Geodetic measurements indicate nearly balanced mass budgets for Karakoram glaciers since the 1970s, consistent with the unchanged extent of supraglacial debris-cover. Himalayan glaciers seem to be sensitive to precipitation partly through the albedo feedback on the short-wave radiation balance. Melt contributions from HK glaciers should increase until 2050 and then decrease, though a wide range of present-day area and volume estimates propagates large uncertainties in the future runoff. This review reflects an increasing understanding of HK glaciers and highlights the remaining challenges.
A Vocational Rehabilitation Index and Return to Work after Compensable Occupational Injuries in Australia
Authors: Athanasou James A.
Published: January 2018

This study examined the personal factors as measured by the Vocational Rehabilitation Index and their influence on returning to work after compensable occupational injuries. The participants comprised 462 patients (335 males; 127 females) who underwent a vocational assessment. The length of time since the injury occurred varied from less than 1 year to 15 years with a mean of 3 years (SD = 2). Results indicated that only 23% had returned to work. Just on 30% of the patients had not worked at all since the accident and some 48% had returned to work but were now not working. The major influences on return to work following an occupational injury that were statistically significant (p < 0.001) were (a) the length of treatment (i.e., time since the injury), and (b) whether there was a psychological problem. The findings support the validity of the Vocational Rehabilitation Index for predicting the probability of return to work following an accident.
MEASURING DEPENDENCE IN METRIC ABSTRACT ELEMENTARY CLASSES WITH PERTURBATIONS
Authors: HIRVONEN ÅSA , HYTTINEN TAPANI
Published: January 2018

We define and study a metric independence notion in a homogeneous metric abstract elementary class with perturbations that is dp-superstable (superstable wrt. the perturbation topology), weakly simple and has complete type spaces and we give a new example of such a class based on B. Zilber’s approximations of Weyl algebras. We introduce a way to measure the dependence of a tuple a from a set B over another set A. We prove basic properties of the notion, e.g., that a is independent of B over A in the usual sense of homogeneous model theory if and only if the measure of dependence is < ε for all ε > 0. In well behaved situations, the measure corresponds to the distance to a free extension. As an example of our measure of dependence we show a connection between the measure and entropy in models from quantum mechanics in which the spectrum of the observable is discrete. As an application, we show that weak simplicity implies a very strong form of simplicity and study the question of when the dependence inside a set of all realisations of some type can be seen to arise from a pregeometry in cases when the type is not regular. In the end of the paper, we demonstrate our notions and results in one more example: a class built from the p-adic integers.
A SYNTACTIC CHARACTERIZATION OF MORITA EQUIVALENCE
Authors: TSEMENTZIS DIMITRIS
Published: January 2018

We characterize Morita equivalence of theories in the sense of Johnstone in terms of a new syntactic notion of a common definitional extension developed by Barrett and Halvorson for cartesian, regular, coherent, geometric and first-order theories. This provides a purely syntactic characterization of the relation between two theories that have equivalent categories of models naturally in any Grothendieck topos.
The past of dreams: gender, memory and Tuareg oneiric inspiration
Authors: Dragani Amalia
Published: January 2018

This article is built upon both an observation and a paradox. The observation is that the dream is nowhere to be found – at least at first glance – as a theme in Tuareg oral sources and ancient poetic tradition. The paradox expresses itself in the visceral relationship poets maintain with the dream, because oneiric inspiration – from the creative and visionary dreams of poets of the past – is pervasive in their work. Using an interdisciplinary approach at the crossroads of psychological anthropology, oral history and the ‘archival turn’, the article explores the theme of the dream in Tuareg historical sources and in relation to contemporary practices.
Ja’a Kumiai
Authors: Mai Anna , Aguilar Andrés , Caballero Gabriela
Published: January 2018

Kumiai (Kumeyaay, formerly known as Diegueño; ISO code: DIH) is an endangered Yuman language of the Delta-California subgroup spoken across the Mexico–US border by approximately 150 people (Golla 2011). There are two major sets of Kumiai varieties: Northern Kumiai (Ipai/’Iipay) and Southern Kumiai (Tipai/Tiipay) (Golla 2011). A third cluster of varieties, located in southeastern San Diego County, is proposed in Langdon (1991) and Miller (2001). The speech illustrated below is representative of Ja’a, a Southern Kumiai dialect spoken in Juntas de Nejí, Baja California, Mexico (see Figure 1 below). There are currently only four fluent speakers of Ja’a Kumiai (Miller 2016b). Recordings were made over a six-month period with a 48-year-old female speaker born and raised in Juntas de Nejí. Quantitative data reported in this paper are taken from a subset of the current corpus, from recordings made with the speaker in a soundproof booth. Only the speech of this single speaker is reported here given the severe endangerment of the language.
Chronic obsessive–compulsive disorder: prognostic factors
Authors: van Oudheusden Lucas J. B. , Eikelenboom Merijn , van Megen Harold J. G. M. , Visser Henny A. D. , Schruers Koen , Hendriks Gert-Jan , van der Wee Nic , Hoogendoorn Adriaan W. , van Oppen Patricia , van Balkom Anton J. L. M.
Published: January 2018

Background

The course of illness in obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) varies significantly between patients. Little is known about factors predicting a chronic course of illness. The aim of this study is to identify factors involved in inducing and in maintaining chronicity in OCD.

Methods

The present study is embedded within the Netherlands Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Association (NOCDA) study, an ongoing multicenter naturalistic cohort study designed to identify predictors of long-term course and outcome in OCD. For this study, 270 subjects with a current diagnosis of OCD were included. Chronicity status at 2-year follow-up was regressed on a selection of baseline predictors related to OCD, to comorbidity and to stress and support.

Results

Psychotrauma [odds ratio (OR) 1.98, confidence interval (CI) 1.22–3.22,p= 0.006], recent negative life events (OR 1.42, CI 1.01–2.01,p= 0.043), and presence of a partner (OR 0.28, CI 0.09–0.85,p= 0.025) influenced the risk of becoming chronic. Longer illness duration (OR 1.46, CI 1.08–1.96,p= 0.013) and higher illness severity (OR 1.09, CI 1.03–1.16,p= 0.003) increased the risk of remaining chronic.

Conclusions

External influences increase the risk of becoming chronic, whereas the factors involved in maintaining chronicity are illness-related. As the latter are potentially difficult to modify, treatment should be devoted to prevent chronicity from occurring in the first place. Therapeutic strategies aimed at alleviating stress and at boosting social support might aid in achieving this goal.
Nurse practitioner’s perceptions of the impact of the nurse practitioner-led clinic model on the quality of care of complex patients
Authors: Heale Roberta , James Susan , Wenghofer Elizabeth , Garceau Marie-Luce
Published: January 2018

Aim

To evaluate the organizational processes that influence the quality of care for patients with multimorbidity at nurse practitioner-led clinics (NPLCs).

Background

People are living longer, most with one or more chronic diseases (mulitmorbidity) and primary healthcare for these patients has become increasingly complex. One response was the establishment of new models of primary healthcare. NPLCs are an example of a model developed in Ontario, Canada, which feature nurse practitioners as the primary care providers practicing within an interprofessional team. Evaluation of the extent to which the processes within NPLC model addressed the needs of patients with multimorbidity is warranted.

Methods

Eight nurse practitioners were interviewed to determine their perception of the quality of care provided to patients with multimorbidity at NPLCs. Interpretive description guided the analysis and themes were identified.

Findings

Three themes arose from the analysis, each of which has an impact on the quality of care. The level of patient vulnerability at the NPLCs was high resulting in the need to address social and financial issues before the care of chronic conditions. Dynamics within the interprofessional team impacted the quality of patient care, including NP recruitment and retention, leaves of absence and turnover in staff at the NPLCs had an effect on interprofessional team functioning and patient care. Finally, coordination of care at the NPLCs, such as length of appointments, determined the extent to which attention was given to individual clinical issues was a factor. Strategies to address social determinants of health and for recruitment and retention of NPs is essential for improved quality of care. Comprehensive orientation to the interprofessional team as well as flexibility in care processes may also have positive effects on the quality of care of patients with complex clinical issues.
A new Eocene Dicranomyia Stephens, 1829 (Diptera: Limoniidae) from Baltic amber
Authors: Krzemiński Wiesław , Kania Iwona , Wojtoń Maciej
Published: January 2018

A new species of the genus Dicranomyia Stephens, 1829 (Diptera: Limoniidae) from Baltic amber is characterised, illustrated and described. This finding represents the second fossil of the subgenus Melanolimonia. The morphological features of the new species and the morphology comparison with its closest fossil relatives are discussed.
A peculiar leg structure in the first non-biting midge described from Cambay amber, India (Diptera: Chironomidae)
Authors: Zakrzewska Marta , Stebner Frauke , Puchalski Mateusz , Singh Hukam , Giłka Wojciech
Published: January 2018

We present the first specific record of a chironomid of the tribe Tanytarsini from early Eocene Cambay amber, India (52–53 Ma). The oldest known extinct tanytarsine genus, Gujaratomyia Giłka & Zakrzewska, gen. nov., is described on the basis of adult males of G. miripes Giłka & Zakrzewska, sp. nov. The species displays an unusual leg structure with unique leg ratios and tibial armature. The combination of the head and genital apparatus characters supports the hypothesis that Gujaratomyia and Cladotanytarsus are members of a common group within the subtribe Tanytarsina.
Differential methylation of insulin-like growth factor 2 in offspring of physically active pregnant women
Authors: Marshall M. R. , Paneth N. , Gerlach J. A. , Mudd L. M. , Biery L. , Ferguson D. P. , Pivarnik J. M.
Published: January 2018

Several studies have suggested that maternal lifestyle during pregnancy may influence long-term health of offspring by altering the offspring epigenome. Whether maternal leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) during pregnancy might have this effect is unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between maternal LTPA during pregnancy and offspring DNA methylation. Participants were recruited from the Archive for Research on Child Health study. At enrollment, participants’ demographic information and self-reported LTPA during pregnancy were determined. High active participants (averaged 637.5 min per week of LTPA; n=14) were matched by age and race to low active participants (averaged 59.5 min per week LTPA; n=28). Blood spots were obtained at birth. Pyrosequencing was used to determine methylation levels of long interspersed nucleotide elements (LINE-1) (global methylation) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARγ), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator (PGC1-α), insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2), pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase, isozyme 4 (PDK4) and transcription factor 7-like 2 (TCF7L2). We found no differences between offspring of high active and low active groups for LINE-1 methylation. The only differences in candidate gene methylation between groups were at two CpG sites in the P2 promoter of IGF2; the offspring of low active group had significantly higher DNA methylation (74.70±2.25% methylation for low active v. 72.83±2.85% methylation for high active; P=0.045). Our results suggest no effect of maternal LTPA on offspring global and candidate gene methylation, with the exception of IGF2. IGF2 has been previously associated with regulation of physical activity, suggesting a possible role of maternal LTPA on regulation of offspring physical activity.
Patrimony Lost: Hispanic-American Treasures in Foreign Collections
Authors: Lovell W. George
Published: January 2018

The greatest thrill that any researcher can experience is coming across, quite unforeseen, priceless documents long given up as lost. In the case of myself and two close colleagues, Wendy Kramer and Christopher H. Lutz, the documents that have come to light and that have so delighted us include Libros de Cabildo numbers two and three of the city of Santiago de Guatemala, the capital of Spanish Central America. Libro Segundo is a register of events that took place between 1530 and 1541; Libro Tercero is a log spanning the years 1541 to 1553. Our incredulity at learning the whereabouts of these two volumes was matched, if not surpassed, by the anticipation of verifying their existence and thereafter consulting them, something that has not occurred (as best we can determine) in over a century. Far more than the minutes of mundane municipal affairs, these two Libros de Cabildo contain valuable information about Spanish conquest and colonization, and indigenous resistance to it, that will enhance considerably our understanding of the early colonial period, not only in Guatemala but throughout Central America. Furthermore, the Libros de Cabildo have proven to be the proverbial tip of the iceberg, for the cache of which they form part contains other treasures perhaps not quite so unique but nonetheless of significant historical worth.
Osteoprotegerin concentration is associated with the presence and severity of peripheral arterial disease in type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Demková Katarína , Kozárová Miriam , Malachovská Zuzana , Javorský Martin , Tkáč Ivan
Published: January 2018

Abstract. Background: Osteoprotegerin plays a role in the development of several bone diseases. In addition, osteoprotegerin may contribute to the development of vascular disease. Little is known about the association between serum osteoprotegerin levels and the presence or severity of peripheral arterial disease (PAD). The aim of this study was to examine the association between serum osteoprotegerin levels and both the presence as well as the severity of lower extremity arterial disease in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Patients and methods: The study included 165 consecutive patients with T2DM (57 % males, mean age 65.0 ± 0.7 years). PAD was diagnosed by measurement of the toe-brachial index (TBI). Serum osteoprotegerin was measured using ELISA. Results: The mean osteoprotegerin level was significantly higher in patients with PAD in comparison to patients without PAD (18.2 ± 1.0 vs. 13.1 ± 2.0 pmol/L, p = 0.014). Significant univariate correlations between TBI and osteoprotegerin level (r = –0.308; p < 0.001), age, body mass index, and HDL cholesterol were observed. In the multivariate linear regression analysis, serum osteoprotegerin (β = –0.005; p = 0.020), higher age, and male gender were significant predictors of TBI. When 25(OH) vitamin D was introduced into the mentioned model, OPG was no longer a significant predictor of TBI and was replaced in the model with vitamin D (β = 0.009, p = 0.001). This finding suggests a role of OPG as a mediator of the effects of 25(OH) vitamin D. Conclusions: Serum osteoprotegerin level is significantly associated with both the presence and severity of PAD in patients with T2D. Osteoprotegerin might be a biomarker for the presence of atherosclerotic disease in patients with T2DM.
Working Together Toward Better Volcanic Forecasting
Authors: Manga Michael
Published: January 2018

A National Academies report highlights challenges and opportunities in volcano science.
Geobacteraceae are important members of mercury-methylating microbial communities of sediments impacted by waste water releases
Authors: Bravo Andrea G , Zopfi Jakob , Buck Moritz , Xu Jingying , Bertilsson Stefan , Schaefer Jeffra K , Poté John , Cosio Claudia
Published: January 2018

Microbial mercury (Hg) methylation in sediments can result in bioaccumulation of the neurotoxin methylmercury (MMHg) in aquatic food webs. Recently, the discovery of the gene hgcA, required for Hg methylation, revealed that the diversity of Hg methylators is much broader than previously thought. However, little is known about the identity of Hg-methylating microbial organisms and the environmental factors controlling their activity and distribution in lakes. Here, we combined high-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA and hgcA genes with the chemical characterization of sediments impacted by a waste water treatment plant that releases significant amounts of organic matter and iron. Our results highlight that the ferruginous geochemical conditions prevailing at 1–2 cm depth are conducive to MMHg formation and that the Hg-methylating guild is composed of iron and sulfur-transforming bacteria, syntrophs, and methanogens. Deltaproteobacteria, notably Geobacteraceae, dominated the hgcA carrying communities, while sulfate reducers constituted only a minor component, despite being considered the main Hg methylators in many anoxic aquatic environments. Because iron is widely applied in waste water treatment, the importance of Geobacteraceae for Hg methylation and the complexity of Hg-methylating communities reported here are likely to occur worldwide in sediments impacted by waste water treatment plant discharges and in iron-rich sediments in general.
Clearcutting alters decomposition processes and initiates complex restructuring of fungal communities in soil and tree roots
Authors: Kohout Petr , Charvátová Markéta , Štursová Martina , Mašínová Tereza , Tomšovský Michal , Baldrian Petr
Published: January 2018

Forest management practices often severely affect forest ecosystem functioning. Tree removal by clearcutting is one such practice, producing severe impacts due to the total reduction of primary productivity. Here, we assessed changes to fungal community structure and decomposition activity in the soil, roots and rhizosphere of a Picea abies stand for a 2-year period following clearcutting compared to data from before tree harvest. We found that the termination of photosynthate flow through tree roots into soil is associated with profound changes in soil, both in decomposition processes and fungal community composition. The rhizosphere, representing an active compartment of high enzyme activity and high fungal biomass in the living stand, ceases to exist and starts to resemble bulk soil. Decomposing roots appear to separate from bulk soil and develop into hotspots of decomposition and important fungal biomass pools. We found no support for the involvement of ectomycorrhizal fungi in the decomposition of roots, but we found some evidence that root endophytic fungi may have an important role in the early stages of this process. In soil, activity of extracellular enzymes also decreased in the long term following the end of rhizodeposition by tree roots.
Saving seed microbiomes
Authors: Berg Gabriele , Raaijmakers Jos M
Published: January 2018

Plant seeds are home to diverse microbial communities whose composition is determined by plant genotype, environment, and management practices. Plant domestication is now recognized as an important driver of plant-associated microbial diversity. To what extent and how domestication affects seed microbiomes is less well studied. Here we propose a ‘back-to-the-future’ approach to harness seed microbiomes of wild relatives of crop cultivars to save and re-instate missing beneficial seed microbes for improved plant tolerance to biotic and abiotic stress.
Benefit from decline: the primary transcriptome of Alteromonas macleodii str. Te101 during Trichodesmium demise
Authors: Hou Shengwei , López-Pérez Mario , Pfreundt Ulrike , Belkin Natalia , Stüber Kurt , Huettel Bruno , Reinhardt Richard , Berman-Frank Ilana , Rodriguez-Valera Francisco , Hess Wolfgang R
Published: January 2018

Interactions between co-existing microorganisms deeply affect the physiology of the involved organisms and, ultimately, the function of the ecosystem as a whole. Copiotrophic Alteromonas are marine gammaproteobacteria that thrive during the late stages of phytoplankton blooms in the marine environment and in laboratory co-cultures with cyanobacteria such as Trichodesmium. The response of this heterotroph to the sometimes rapid and transient changes in nutrient supply when the phototroph crashes is not well understood. Here, we isolated and sequenced the strain Alteromonas macleodii str. Te101 from a laboratory culture of Trichodesmium erythraeum IMS101, yielding a chromosome of 4.63 Mb and a single plasmid of 237 kb. Increasing salinities to ≥43 ppt inhibited the growth of Trichodesmium but stimulated growth of the associated Alteromonas. We characterized the transcriptomic responses of both microorganisms and identified the complement of active transcriptional start sites in Alteromonas at single-nucleotide resolution. In replicate cultures, a similar set of genes became activated in Alteromonas when growth rates of Trichodesmium declined and mortality was high. The parallel activation of fliA, rpoS and of flagellar assembly and growth-related genes indicated that Alteromonas might have increased cell motility, growth, and multiple biosynthetic activities. Genes with the highest expression in the data set were three small RNAs (Aln1a-c) that were identified as analogs of the small RNAs CsrB-C in E. coli or RsmX-Z in pathogenic bacteria. Together with the carbon storage protein A (CsrA) homolog Te101_05290, these RNAs likely control the expression of numerous genes in responding to changes in the environment.
The expression of inhibitor of bruton’s tyrosine kinase gene is progressively up regulated in the clinical course of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia conferring resistance to apoptosis
Authors: Albano Francesco , Chiurazzi Federico , Mimmi Selena , Vecchio Eleonora , Pastore Arianna , Cimmino Clementina , Frieri Camilla , Iaccino Enrico , Pisano Antonio , Golino Gaetanina , Fiume Giuseppe , Mallardo Massimo , Scala Giuseppe , Quinto Ileana
Published: January 2018

Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is the most common B-cell malignancy with a variable clinical outcome. Biomarkers of CLL progression are required for optimising prognosis and therapy. The Inhibitor of Bruton’s tyrosine kinase—isoform α (IBTKα) gene encodes a substrate receptor of Cullin 3-dependent E3 ubiquitin ligase, and promotes cell survival in response to the reticulum stress. Searching for novel markers of CLL progression, we analysed the expression ofIBTKα in the peripheral blood B-cells of CLL patients, before and after first line therapy causing remission. The expression ofIBTKα was significantly increased in disease progression, and decreased in remission after chemotherapy. Consistently with a pro-survival action, RNA interference ofIBTKα increased the spontaneous and Fludarabine-induced apoptosis of MEC-1 CLL cells, and impaired the cell cycle of DeFew B-lymphoma cells by promoting the arrest in G0/G1 phase and apoptosis. Consistently, RNA interference ofIBTKα up regulated the expression of pro-apoptotic genes, includingTNF,CRADD, CASP7, BNIP3 and BIRC3. Our results indicate thatIBTKα is a novel marker of CLL progression promoting cell growth and resistance to apoptosis. In this view,IBTKα may represent an attractive cancer drug target for counteracting the therapy-resistance of tumour cells.
Author Correction: Spiraling pathways of global deep waters to the surface of the Southern Ocean
Authors: Tamsitt Veronica , Drake Henri F. , Morrison Adele K. , Talley Lynne D. , Dufour Carolina O. , Gray Alison R. , Griffies Stephen M. , Mazloff Matthew R. , Sarmiento Jorge L. , Wang Jinbo , Weijer Wilbert
Published: January 2018

The original version of this Article contained errors in Fig. 6. In panel a, the grey highlights obscured the curves for CESM, CM2.6 and SOSE, and the labels indicating SWIR, KP, MR, PAR, and DP were inadvertently omitted. These have now been corrected in both the PDF and HTML versions of the Article.
Radical asymmetric intramolecular α-cyclopropanation of aldehydes towards bicyclo[3.1.0]hexanes containing vicinal all-carbon quaternary stereocenters
Authors: Ye Liu , Gu Qiang-Shuai , Tian Yu , Meng Xiang , Chen Guo-Cong , Liu Xin-Yuan
Published: January 2018

The development of a general catalytic method for the direct and stereoselective construction of cyclopropanes bearing highly congested vicinal all-carbon quaternary stereocenters remains a formidable challenge in chemical synthesis. Here, we report an intramolecular radical cyclopropanation of unactivated alkenes with simple α-methylene group of aldehydes as C1 source via a Cu(I)/secondary amine cooperative catalyst, which enables the single-step construction of bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane skeletons with excellent efficiency, broad substrate scope covering various terminal, internal alkenes as well as diverse (hetero)aromatic, alkenyl, alkyl-substituted geminal alkenes. Moreover, this reaction has been successfully realized to an asymmetric transformation, providing an attractive approach for the construction of enantioenriched bicyclo[3.1.0]hexanes bearing two crucial vicinal all-carbon quaternary stereocenters with good to excellent enantioselectivity. The utility of this method is illustrated by facile transformations of the products into various useful chiral synthetic intermediates. Preliminary mechanistic studies support a stepwise radical process for this formal [2 + 1] cycloaddition.
Causal associations between risk factors and common diseases inferred from GWAS summary data
Authors: Zhu Zhihong , Zheng Zhili , Zhang Futao , Wu Yang , Trzaskowski Maciej , Maier Robert , Robinson Matthew R. , McGrath John J. , Visscher Peter M. , Wray Naomi R. , Yang Jian
Published: January 2018

Health risk factors such as body mass index (BMI) and serum cholesterol are associated with many common diseases. It often remains unclear whether the risk factors are cause or consequence of disease, or whether the associations are the result of confounding. We develop and apply a method (called GSMR) that performs a multi-SNP Mendelian randomization analysis using summary-level data from genome-wide association studies to test the causal associations of BMI, waist-to-hip ratio, serum cholesterols, blood pressures, height, and years of schooling (EduYears) with common diseases (sample sizes of up to 405,072). We identify a number of causal associations including a protective effect of LDL-cholesterol against type-2 diabetes (T2D) that might explain the side effects of statins on T2D, a protective effect of EduYears against Alzheimer’s disease, and bidirectional associations with opposite effects (e.g., higher BMI increases the risk of T2D but the effect of T2D on BMI is negative).
Monitoring single-cell gene regulation under dynamically controllable conditions with integrated microfluidics and software
Authors: Kaiser Matthias , Jug Florian , Julou Thomas , Deshpande Siddharth , Pfohl Thomas , Silander Olin K. , Myers Gene , van Nimwegen Erik
Published: January 2018

Much is still not understood about how gene regulatory interactions control cell fate decisions in single cells, in part due to the difficulty of directly observing gene regulatory processes in vivo. We introduce here a novel integrated setup consisting of a microfluidic chip and accompanying analysis software that enable long-term quantitative tracking of growth and gene expression in single cells. The dual-input Mother Machine (DIMM) chip enables controlled and continuous variation of external conditions, allowing direct observation of gene regulatory responses to changing conditions in single cells. The Mother Machine Analyzer (MoMA) software achieves unprecedented accuracy in segmenting and tracking cells, and streamlines high-throughput curation with a novel leveraged editing procedure. We demonstrate the power of the method by uncovering several novel features of an iconic gene regulatory program: the induction of Escherichia coli’s lac operon in response to a switch from glucose to lactose.
Experimental quantum simulation of fermion-antifermion scattering via boson exchange in a trapped ion
Authors: Zhang Xiang , Zhang Kuan , Shen Yangchao , Zhang Shuaining , Zhang Jing-Ning , Yung Man-Hong , Casanova Jorge , Pedernales Julen S. , Lamata Lucas , Solano Enrique , Kim Kihwan
Published: January 2018

Quantum field theories describe a variety of fundamental phenomena in physics. However, their study often involves cumbersome numerical simulations. Quantum simulators, on the other hand, may outperform classical computational capacities due to their potential scalability. Here we report an experimental realization of a quantum simulation of fermion–antifermion scattering mediated by bosonic modes, using a multilevel trapped ion, which is a simplified model of fermion scattering in both perturbative and non-perturbative quantum electrodynamics. The simulated model exhibits prototypical features in quantum field theory including particle pair creation and annihilation, as well as self-energy interactions. These are experimentally observed by manipulating four internal levels of a 171Yb+ trapped ion, where we encode the fermionic modes, and two motional degrees of freedom that simulate the bosonic modes. Our experiment establishes an avenue towards the efficient implementation of field modes, which may prove useful in studies of quantum field theories including non-perturbative regimes.
Publisher Correction: A cdk1 gradient guides surface contraction waves in oocytes
Authors: Bischof Johanna , Brand Christoph A. , Somogyi Kálmán , Májer Imre , Thome Sarah , Mori Masashi , Schwarz Ulrich S. , Lénárt Péter
Published: January 2018

A Supplementary Information file from a different paper was inadvertently published with the original version of this Article. This file was replaced with the correct Supplementary Information file on 24 October 2017.
High-resolution TADs reveal DNA sequences underlying genome organization in flies
Authors: Ramírez Fidel , Bhardwaj Vivek , Arrigoni Laura , Lam Kin Chung , Grüning Björn A. , Villaveces José , Habermann Bianca , Akhtar Asifa , Manke Thomas
Published: January 2018

Despite an abundance of new studies about topologically associating domains (TADs), the role of genetic information in TAD formation is still not fully understood. Here we use our software, HiCExplorer (hicexplorer.readthedocs.io) to annotate >2800 high-resolution (570 bp) TAD boundaries in Drosophila melanogaster. We identify eight DNA motifs enriched at boundaries, including a motif bound by the M1BP protein, and two new boundary motifs. In contrast to mammals, the CTCF motif is only enriched on a small fraction of boundaries flanking inactive chromatin while most active boundaries contain the motifs bound by the M1BP or Beaf-32 proteins. We demonstrate that boundaries can be accurately predicted using only the motif sequences at open chromatin sites. We propose that DNA sequence guides the genome architecture by allocation of boundary proteins in the genome. Finally, we present an interactive online database to access and explore the spatial organization of fly, mouse and human genomes, available at http://chorogenome.ie-freiburg.mpg.de.
Tumor-derived exosomal miR-1247-3p induces cancer-associated fibroblast activation to foster lung metastasis of liver cancer
Authors: Fang Tian , Lv Hongwei , Lv Guishuai , Li Ting , Wang Changzheng , Han Qin , Yu Lexing , Su Bo , Guo Linna , Huang Shanna , Cao Dan , Tang Liang , Tang Shanhua , Wu Mengchao , Yang Wen , Wang Hongyang
Published: January 2018

The communication between tumor-derived elements and stroma in the metastatic niche has a critical role in facilitating cancer metastasis. Yet, the mechanisms tumor cells use to control metastatic niche formation are not fully understood. Here we report that in the lung metastatic niche, high-metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells exhibit a greater capacity to convert normal fibroblasts to cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) than low-metastatic HCC cells. We show high-metastatic HCC cells secrete exosomal miR-1247-3p that directly targets B4GALT3, leading to activation of β1-integrin–NF-κB signaling in fibroblasts. Activated CAFs further promote cancer progression by secreting pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-6 and IL-8. Clinical data show high serum exosomal miR-1247-3p levels correlate with lung metastasis in HCC patients. These results demonstrate intercellular crosstalk between tumor cells and fibroblasts is mediated by tumor-derived exosomes that control lung metastasis of HCC, providing potential targets for prevention and treatment of cancer metastasis.
Chronic alcohol exposure disrupts top-down control over basal ganglia action selection to produce habits
Authors: Renteria Rafael , Baltz Emily T. , Gremel Christina M.
Published: January 2018

Addiction involves a predominance of habitual control mediated through action selection processes in dorsal striatum. Research has largely focused on neural mechanisms mediating a proposed progression from ventral to dorsal lateral striatal control in addiction. However, over reliance on habit striatal processes may also arise from reduced cortical input to striatum, thereby disrupting executive control over action selection. Here, we identify novel mechanisms through which chronic intermittent ethanol exposure and withdrawal (CIE) disrupts top-down control over goal-directed action selection processes to produce habits. We find CIE results in decreased excitability of orbital frontal cortex (OFC) excitatory circuits supporting goal-directed control, and, strikingly, selectively reduces OFC output to the direct output pathway in dorsal medial striatum. Increasing the activity of OFC circuits restores goal-directed control in CIE-exposed mice. Our findings show habitual control in alcohol dependence can arise through disrupted communication between top-down, goal-directed processes onto basal ganglia pathways controlling action selection.
Intelligent image-based in situ single-cell isolation
Authors: Brasko Csilla , Smith Kevin , Molnar Csaba , Farago Nora , Hegedus Lili , Balind Arpad , Balassa Tamas , Szkalisity Abel , Sukosd Farkas , Kocsis Katalin , Balint Balazs , Paavolainen Lassi , Enyedi Marton Z. , Nagy Istvan , Puskas Laszlo G. , Haracska Lajos , Tamas Gabor , Horvath Peter
Published: January 2018

Quantifying heterogeneities within cell populations is important for many fields including cancer research and neurobiology; however, techniques to isolate individual cells are limited. Here, we describe a high-throughput, non-disruptive, and cost-effective isolation method that is capable of capturing individually targeted cells using widely available techniques. Using high-resolution microscopy, laser microcapture microscopy, image analysis, and machine learning, our technology enables scalable molecular genetic analysis of single cells, targetable by morphology or location within the sample.
Reconfiguring crystal and electronic structures of MoS2 by substitutional doping
Authors: Suh Joonki , Tan Teck Leong , Zhao Weijie , Park Joonsuk , Lin Der-Yuh , Park Tae-Eon , Kim Jonghwan , Jin Chenhao , Saigal Nihit , Ghosh Sandip , Wong Zicong Marvin , Chen Yabin , Wang Feng , Walukiewicz Wladyslaw , Eda Goki , Wu Junqiao
Published: January 2018

Doping of traditional semiconductors has enabled technological applications in modern electronics by tailoring their chemical, optical and electronic properties. However, substitutional doping in two-dimensional semiconductors is at a comparatively early stage, and the resultant effects are less explored. In this work, we report unusual effects of degenerate doping with Nb on structural, electronic and optical characteristics of MoS2 crystals. The doping readily induces a structural transformation from naturally occurring 2H stacking to 3R stacking. Electronically, a strong interaction of the Nb impurity states with the host valence bands drastically and nonlinearly modifies the electronic band structure with the valence band maximum of multilayer MoS2 at the Γ point pushed upward by hybridization with the Nb states. When thinned down to monolayers, in stark contrast, such significant nonlinear effect vanishes, instead resulting in strong and broadband photoluminescence via the formation of exciton complexes tightly bound to neutral acceptors.