bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microwave spectroscopy of 2-(trifluoromethyl)pyridine⋯water complex: Molecular structure and hydrogen bond
Authors: Li Xiaolong , Zheng Yang , Gou Qian , Feng Gang , Xia Zhining
Published: January 2018

In order to explore the –CF3 substitution effect on the complexation of pyridine, we investigated the 2-(trifluoromethyl)pyridine⋯water complex by using pulsed jet Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy complemented with quantum chemical calculations. Experimental assignment and ab initio calculations confirmed that the observed complex is stabilized through N⋯H–O and O⋯H–C hydrogen bonds forming a five-membered ring structure. The bonding distance in N⋯H–O is determined to be 2.027(2) Å, whilst that in O⋯H–C interaction is 2.728(2) Å. The quantum theory of atoms in molecules analysis indicates that the interaction energy of N⋯H–O hydrogen bond is ∼22 kJ mol−1 and that for O⋯H–C hydrogen bond is ∼5 kJ mol−1. The water molecule lies almost in the plane of the aromatic ring in the complex. The –CF3 substitution to pyridine quenches the tunneling splitting path of the internal motion of water molecule.
Born-Oppenheimer approximation for a singular system
Authors: Akbas Haci , Turgut O. Teoman
Published: January 2018

We discuss a simple singular system in one dimension, two heavy particles interacting with a light particle via an attractive contact interaction and not interacting among themselves. It is natural to apply the Born-Oppenheimer approximation to this problem. We present a detailed discussion of this approach; the advantage of this simple model is that one can estimate the error terms self-consistently. Moreover, a Fock space approach to this problem is presented where an expansion can be proposed to get higher order corrections. A slight modification of the same problem in which the light particle is relativistic is discussed in a later section by neglecting pair creation processes. Here, the second quantized description is more challenging, but with some care, one can recover the first order expression exactly.
Minimum Riesz energy problem on the hyperdisk
Authors: Bilogliadov Mykhailo
Published: January 2018

We consider the minimum Riesz s-energy problem on the unit disk D≔{(x1,…,xd)∈Rd:x1=0,x22+x32+⋯+xd2≤1} in the Euclidean space Rd, d ≥ 3, immersed into a smooth rotationally invariant external field Q. The charges are assumed to interact via the Riesz potential 1/rs, with d − 3 < s < d − 1, where r denotes the Euclidean distance. We solve the problem by finding the support of the extremal measure and an explicit expression for its density. We then consider applications to a monomial external field and an external field generated by a positive point charge, located at some distance above the disk on the polar axis. We obtain an equation describing the critical height for the location of the point charge, which guarantees that the support of the extremal measure occupies the whole disk D. We also show that under some mild restrictions on a general external field the support of the extremal measure will have a ring structure. Furthermore, we demonstrate how to reduce the problem of recovery of the extremal measure in this case to a Fredholm integral equation of the second kind.
Gibbs states of continuum particle systems with unbounded spins: Existence and uniqueness
Authors: Conache Diana , Daletskii Alexei , Kondratiev Yuri , Pasurek Tanja
Published: January 2018

We study an infinite system of particles chaotically distributed over a Euclidean space Rd. Particles are characterized by their positions x∈Rd and an internal parameter (spin) σx∈Rm and interact via position-position and (position dependent) spin-spin pair potentials. Equilibrium states of such system are described by Gibbs measures on a marked configuration space. Due to the presence of unbounded spins, the model does not fit the classical (super-) stability theory of Ruelle. The main result of the paper is the derivation of sufficient conditions of the existence and uniqueness of the corresponding Gibbs measures.
On the energy inequality for weak solutions to the three-dimensional compressible magnetohydrodynamic equations
Authors: Liu Xin
Published: January 2018

In this paper, we consider the isentropic compressible magnetohydrodynamic equations on an unbounded three-dimensional domain with a compact Lipschitz boundary and establish the existence of globally defined weak solutions satisfying the energy inequality in differential form.
Asymptotic stability of a fluid-particles interaction model with external forces
Authors: Jiang Zaihong , Geng Jinbo , Li Li , Zhong Ning
Published: January 2018

We consider the Cauchy problem of the Vlasov-Fokker-Planck equation for the dispersed phase coupled to the incompressible Euler equations with external forces deriving from a potential. Global existence and uniqueness of solution are established using classical energy estimate combined with macro-micro decomposition. With external forces, the asymptotic profile is inhomogeneous, and we estimate the decay rate of the solution to the background profile. The decay is optimal in the sense that it equals the decay rate for the corresponding system without forces {See: Carrillo, J. A., Duan, R. J., and Moussa, A. [“Global classical solutions close to equilibrium to the Vlasov-Euler-Fokker-Planck system,” Kinet. Relat. Models 4, 227–258 (2011)]}.
Beyond the Woodward-Hoffman Rules: What Controls Reactivity in Eliminative Aromatic Ring-Forming Reactions?
Authors: Wonanke A. D. Dinga , Crittenden Deborah L.
Published: January 2018

The Mallory (photocyclization) and Scholl (thermal cyclohydrogenation) reactions are widely used in the synthesis of extended conjugated π systems of high scientific interest and technological importance, including molecular wires, semiconducting polymers, and nanographenes. While simple electrocyclization reactions obey the Woodward-Hoffman rules, no such simple, general, and powerful model is available for eliminative cyclization reactions due to their increased mechanistic complexity. In this work, detailed mechanistic investigations of prototypical reactions reveal that there is no single rate-determining step for thermal oxidative dehydrogenation reactions, but they are very sensitive to the presence and distribution of heteroatoms around the photocyclizing ring system. Key aspects of reactivity are correlated to the constituent ring oxidation potentials. For photocyclization reactions, planarization occurs readily and/or spontaneously following photo-excitation, and is promoted by heteroatoms within 5-membered ring adjacent to the photocyclizing site. Oxidative photocyclization requires intersystem crossing to proceed to products, while reactants configured to undergo purely eliminative photocyclization could proceed to products entirely in the excited state. Overall, oxidative photocyclization seems to strike the optimal balance between synthetic convenience (ease of preparation of reactants, mild conditions, tolerant to chemical diversity in reactants) and favourable kinetic and thermodynamic properties.
BARD1 is necessary for ubiquitylation of nucleosomal histone H2A and for transcriptional regulation of estrogen metabolism genes
Authors: Stewart Mikaela D. , Zelin Elena , Dhall Abhinav , Walsh Tom , Upadhyay Esha , Corn Jacob E. , Chatterjee Champak , King Mary-Claire , Klevit Rachel E.
Published: January 2018

Significance

Loss-of-function mutations in
BRCA1
and its protein partner
BARD1
lead to high risks of breast and ovarian cancer. Both BRCA1 and BARD1 proteins harbor RING domains, and missense mutations in the critical residues of the BRCA1 RING domain are among those known to predispose to cancer. The BRCA1 RING domain is a ubiquitin ligase, but the function of the BARD1 RING domain and the consequences of mutations in it are unknown. Evaluation of missense mutations at evolutionarily conserved zinc-binding residues of BARD1, each identified in a family severely affected with breast cancer, revealed that BARD1 is necessary for two core functions of the BRCA1/BARD1 complex: ubiquitylation of histone 2A on nucleosomes and transcriptional regulation of genes of estrogen metabolism.
Chemotherapy induces enrichment of CD47
+
/CD73
+
/PDL1
+
immune evasive triple-negative breast cancer cells
Authors: Samanta Debangshu , Park Youngrok , Ni Xuhao , Li Huili , Zahnow Cynthia A. , Gabrielson Edward , Pan Fan , Semenza Gregg L.
Published: January 2018

Significance

Cytotoxic chemotherapy is frequently used in patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Although patients initially respond to the treatment, the cancer often comes back and kills the patient. Recent studies have demonstrated that cancer cells express genes that protect them from killing by immune cells, but the stimulus that prompts this response is unknown. We show that when TNBC cells are treated with chemotherapy, the surviving cells turn on genes that enable them to escape killing by the immune system. We identify hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs), which are known to promote metastasis of TNBC, as responsible for this countertherapeutic effect. We show that coadministration of an HIF inhibitor with chemotherapy blocks the ability of surviving TNBC cells to evade the immune system.
Rab18 promotes lipid droplet (LD) growth by tethering the ER to LDs through SNARE and NRZ interactions
Authors: Xu Dijin , Li Yuqi , Wu Lizhen , Li Ying , Zhao Dongyu , Yu Jinhai , Huang Tuozhi , Ferguson Charles , Parton Robert G. , Yang Hongyuan , Li Peng
Published: January 2018

Lipid incorporation from endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to lipid droplet (LD) is important in controlling LD growth and intracellular lipid homeostasis. However, the molecular link mediating ER and LD cross talk remains elusive. Here, we identified Rab18 as an important Rab guanosine triphosphatase in controlling LD growth and maturation. Rab18 deficiency resulted in a drastically reduced number of mature LDs and decreased lipid storage, and was accompanied by increased ER stress. Rab3GAP1/2, the GEF of Rab18, promoted LD growth by activating and targeting Rab18 to LDs. LD-associated Rab18 bound specifically to the ER-associated NAG-RINT1-ZW10 (NRZ) tethering complex and their associated SNAREs (Syntaxin18, Use1, BNIP1), resulting in the recruitment of ER to LD and the formation of direct ER–LD contact. Cells with defects in the NRZ/SNARE complex function showed reduced LD growth and lipid storage. Overall, our data reveal that the Rab18-NRZ-SNARE complex is critical protein machinery for tethering ER–LD and establishing ER–LD contact to promote LD growth.
The founding of Journal of General Physiology: Membrane permeation and ion selectivity
Authors: Hille Bertil
Published: January 2018

This essay begins with a description of the founding years of Journal of General Physiology (JGP) and a historical overview of the content of the journal. It then turns to key conceptual articles published in JGP that advanced the field of membrane permeation and ion selectivity. Much of this information comes from reading the online archives of JGP and searches in PubMed.
Temporomandibular Joint Septic Arthritis
Authors: Frojo Gianfranco , Tadisina Kashyap Komarraju , Shetty Vilaas , Lin Alexander Y.
Published: January 2018

Infection of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a rare pediatric condition resulting from the introduction of pathogens into the joint by hematogenous seeding, local extension, or trauma. Early recognition of the typical signs and symptoms including fever, trismus, preauricular swelling, and TMJ region tenderness are critical in order to initiate further evaluation and prevent feared complications of fibrosis, ankylosis, abnormal facial structure, or persistence of symptoms. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography with ancillary laboratory analysis including erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, and white blood cell count are beneficial in confirming the suspected diagnosis and monitoring response to therapy. Initial intervention should include empiric parenteral antibiotics, early mandibular mobilization, and joint decompression to provide synovial fluid for analysis including cultures. This report describes a case of TMJ bacterial arthritis in a healthy 6-year-old male who was promptly treated nonsurgically with intravenous antibiotics and localized needle joint decompression with return to normal function after completion of oral antibiotics and physical therapy.
AUTOSOMAL DOMINANT VITREORETINOCHOROIDOPATHY
Authors: Boulanger-Scemama Elise , Sahel Jose-Alain , Mohand-Said Saddek , Antonio Aline , Condroyer Christel , Zeitz Christina , Audo Isabelle
Published: January 2018

Purpose:

Autosomal dominant vitreoretinochoroidopathy is an extremely rare disease, which belongs to the BEST1-related disease spectrum.

Methods:

Report of five patients with an initial diagnosis of atypical rod–cone dystrophy, for whom autosomal dominant vitreoretinochoroidopathy was retrospectively diagnosed on genetic results using targeted next-generation sequencing. Each patient had a comprehensive ophthalmic examination including multimodal retinal imaging and functional evaluation.

Results:

Visual acuity ranged from <20/800 to 20/25. Two patients had narrowed angle with history of acute angle-closure glaucoma for one patient. Full-field electroretinogram showed severe reduction of both scotopic and photopic responses for 3/5 patients. Electrooculogram could be performed for one of the two patients with moderate alterations of full-field electroretinogram. It revealed severe light rise abnormalities with decreased Arden ratio (125% right eye, 145% left eye) in keeping with generalized severe dysfunction of the retinal pigment epithelium. On fundoscopy, the pathognomonic circumferential hyperpigmented band of the peripheral retina was totally absent in two patients.

Conclusion:

This report highlights the high phenotypic variability of autosomal dominant vitreoretinochoroidopathy, which may be misdiagnosed, especially in advanced forms with severe generalized photoreceptor dysfunction mimicking retinitis pigmentosa. Targeted next-generation sequencing can contribute to the proper clinical diagnosis, especially in case of atypical phenotypic features of autosomal dominant vitreoretinochoroidopathy.
Autologous Fat Graft for the Treatment of Sighted Posttraumatic Enophthalmos and Sunken Upper Eyelid
Authors: Chen Hui , Zhang Qian , Qiu Qiu , Yang Zhenglin
Published: January 2018

Purpose:

The treatment of enophthalmos and sunken upper eyelid is challenging. Although autologous fat graft has been widely used in breast augmentation, buttock contouring, and facial rejuvenation, its application in enophthalmos and sunken upper eyelid is not yet widely utilized. The clinical safety and value of autologous fat graft in sighted patients with enophthalmos and sunken upper eyelid are unclear. This study retrospectively analyzed the cosmetic results and safety of autologous fat graft in the correction of sighted traumatic enophthalmos and sunken upper eyelid.

Methods:

Autologous fat graft was performed in 9 patients with posttraumatic enophthalmos and sunken upper eyelid. The visual acuity, orbital swelling, eye movement, enophthalmos, and sunken upper eyelid were observed.

Results:

Eight to 24 months after autologous fat graft, enophthalmos and sunken upper eyelid in 9 patients improved significantly. Although orbital swelling occurred in the early postoperative period, no vision loss, eye movement limitation, or fat embolism had occurred.

Conclusion:

Autologous fat graft is an effective, predictable, scarless, and minimally invasive surgery for the correction of the sighted posttraumatic enophthalmos and sunken upper eyelid. The possible risk of fat embolization and blindness from the compression of the optic nerve should not be neglected. Further studies and more cases must be performed.
Deep Orbital Sub-Q Hyaluronic Acid Filler Injection for Enophthalmic Sighted Eyes in Parry–Romberg Syndrome
Authors: Feldman Ilan , Sheptulin Vladimir A. , Grusha Yaroslav O. , Malhotra Raman
Published: January 2018

Purpose:

The authors present a consecutive series of deep orbital Sub-Q injections to treat enophthalmic sighted eyes in Parry–Romberg syndrome patients.

Methods:

Retrospective, interventional case series in 2 centers. Data were collected on patient demographics, Parry–Romberg syndrome onset age, previous orbital and eyelid surgeries, diplopia, ocular movement restriction before and after the injection, number of injections, interval between injections, indication for any top-up or dissolution of filler, and any other complications. In all cases, the hyaluronic acid gel used was Restylane Sub-Q + Lidocaine.

Results:

A total of 8 injections on 3 patients with Parry–Romberg syndrome, and significant enophthalmos is reported. All injections were with deep orbital Sub-Q filler. All patients were females, aged 32, 24, and 52 years old while their symptoms started at 15, 16, and 30 years old, respectively. None had orbital surgery prior to the injection. Follow up period was 2, 7, and 5 years respectively. All presented a significant enophthalmos of 4 mm which reduced to 1 mm after the injection, and duration effect was 18, 24, and 20 months, respectively. We observed a significant improvement in enophthalmos, lagophthalmos, exposure keratopathy, and even ocular motility. Lagophthalmos improved from 1, 4, and 7 mm to 0, 1, and 2 mm post injection. Ocular motility improved with no onset of new limitation or diplopia. Lower eyelid retraction increased in 1 patient after orbital injection. No other complications occurred.

Conclusions:

Deep orbital Sub-Q hyaluronic injection for treatment of enophthalmos in Parry–Romberg syndrome is an useful option in sighted eyes.
Smartwatch feedback device for high-quality chest compressions by a single rescuer during infant cardiac arrest: a randomized, controlled simulation study
Authors: Lee Juncheol , Song Yeongtak , Oh Jaehoon , Chee Youngjoon , Ahn Chiwon , Shin Hyungoo , Kang Hyunggoo , Lim Tae Ho
Published: January 2018

Objective

According to the guidelines, rescuers should provide chest compressions (CC) ~1.5 inches (40 mm) for infants. Feedback devices could help rescuers perform CC with adequate rates (CCR) and depths (CCD). However, there is no CC feedback device for infant cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). We suggest a smartwatch-based CC feedback application for infant CPR.

Participants and methods

We created a smartwatch-based CC feedback application. This application provides feedback on CCD and CCR by colour and text for infant CPR. To evaluate the application, 30 participants were divided randomly into two groups on the basis of whether CC was performed with or without the assistance of the smartwatch application. Both groups performed continuous CC-only CPR for 2 min on an infant mannequin placed on a firm table. We collected CC parameters from the mannequin, including the proportion of correct depth, CCR, CCD and the proportion of correct decompression depth.

Results

Demographics between the two groups were not significantly different. The median (interquartile range) proportion of correct depth was 99 (97–100) with feedback compared with 83 (58–97) without feedback (P = 0.002). The CCR and proportion of correct decompression depth were not significantly different between the two groups (P = 0.482 and 0.089). The CCD of the feedback group was significantly deeper than that of the control group [feedback vs. control: 41.2 (39.8–41.7) mm vs. 38.6 (36.1–39.6) mm; P=0.004].

Conclusion

Rescuers who receive feedback of CC parameters from a smartwatch could perform adequate CC during infant CPR.
Population specific genetic heterogeneity of familial hypercholesterolemia in South Africa
Authors: Smyth Natalie , Ramsay Michèle , Raal Frederick J.
Published: January 2018

Purpose of review

To describe the prevalence and population-specific genetic heterogeneity of familial hypercholesterolemia in South Africa.

Recent findings

This review highlights the paucity of data on familial hypercholesterolemia in South Africa, and the urgent need to uncover the mutation profiles in lipid-associated genes, causing an increase in LDL-cholesterol in the different ethnic groups. Case reports and small studies have shown that familial hypercholesterolemia, although apparently uncommon, is present in black Africans.

Local founder effects have led to an increased prevalence of familial hypercholesterolemia in several South African populations: Afrikaner founder mutations (c.681 C>G, c.1285 G>A, c.523 G>A), Ashkenazi founder mutation (c.654_656del) and possible Indian founder mutation (c.2054 C>T). Preliminary data in black Africans with elevated LDL-cholesterol identified a possible common mutation, c.137_142del. The South African multiethnic society and well described founder effects emphasize the need for differential approaches to diagnosis and management of familial hypercholesterolemia. Studies involving larger cohorts and inclusive of different ethnicities are paramount to establishing an accurate prevalence of familial hypercholesterolemia in black Africans, not only in South Africa but in the Sub-Saharan African region. It is clear that the estimated world prevalence of one in 250 cannot be generally applied across African populations.
Regression of atherosclerosis: lessons learned from genetically modified mouse models
Authors: Burke Amy C. , Huff Murray W.
Published: January 2018

Purpose of review

Regression, or reversal, of atherosclerosis has become an important clinical objective. The development of consistent models of murine atherosclerosis regression has accelerated this field of research. The purpose of this review is to highlight recent mouse studies that reveal molecular mechanisms as well as therapeutics targeted for regression.

Recent findings

Atherosclerosis regression does not involve the same mechanisms as progression in reverse order. Distinct molecular processes within the plaque characterize regression. These processes remained elusive until the advent of murine regression models including aortic transplant, the Reversa mouse, gene complementation and dietary intervention. Studies revealed that depletion of plaque macrophages is a quintessential characteristic of regression, driven by reduced monocyte recruitment into plaques, increased egress of macrophages from plaques and reduced macrophage proliferation. In addition, regression results in polarization of remaining plaque macrophages towards an anti-inflammatory phenotype, smaller necrotic cores and promotion of an organized fibrous cap. Furthermore, type 1 diabetes hinders plaque regression, and several therapeutic interventions show promise in slowing plaque progression or inducing regression.

Mouse models of atherosclerosis regression have accelerated our understanding of the molecular mechanisms governing lesion resolution. These insights will be valuable in identifying therapeutic targets aimed at atherosclerosis regression.
Health Literacy, Health Disparities, and Sources of Health Information in U.S. Older Adults
Authors: Cutilli Carolyn Crane , Simko Lynn C. , Colbert Alison M. , Bennett Ian M.
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND:

Low health literacy in older adults has been associated with poor health outcomes (i.e., mortality, decreased physical and cognitive functioning, and less preventive care utilization). Many factors associated with low health literacy are also associated with health disparities. Interaction with healthcare providers and sources of health information are influenced by an individual's health literacy and can impact health outcomes.

PURPOSE:

This study examined the relationships between health literacy, sources of health information, and demographic/background characteristics in older adults (aged 65 years and older) related to health literacy and disparities.

METHODS:

This descriptive, correlational study is a secondary analysis of the 2003 National Assessment of Adult Literacy, a large-scale national assessment.

RESULTS:

Older adults with lower health literacy have less income and education, rate their health as poor or fair, have visual or auditory difficulties, need help filling out forms, reading newspaper, or writing notes, and use each source of health information less (print and nonprint). Many of these characteristics and skills are predictive of health literacy and associated with health disparities.

CONCLUSION:

The results expand our knowledge of characteristics associated with health literacy and sources of health information used by older adults. Interventions to improve health outcomes including health disparities can focus on recognizing and meeting the health literacy demands of older adults.
The Influence of Presurgical Factors on the Rehabilitation Outcome of Patients Following Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Simões João Lindo , Soares Soraia , Sa-Couto Pedro , Lopes Carla , Magina Daniela , Melo Elsa , Voegeli David , Bolhão Isabel
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The aims of this study were to evaluate the relationship between sociodemographic information, anthropometric values, clinical and presurgery factors, and length of stay (LOS) in older adult patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) and to predict which factors can delay the start of the rehabilitation program and increase the corresponding LOS.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was conducted in an orthopedic inpatient unit with 40 patients undergoing THA.

Findings

The Morse Fall Scale scores and pain intensity scores delayed the commencement of the rehabilitation program. Gender and social support were important determinants of LOS and rehabilitation outcome following THA. The weight of the lower limb without osteoarthritis followed by pain intensity and overweight patients also influenced LOS.

Conclusions/Clinical Relevance

Functional outcomes after THA are variable, and the rehabilitation process is an important factor to regain their normal level of physical functioning. This factor can have an impact in the discharge of patients, in resource allocation and in health care of older adult patients.
The Clinical Presentation and Nutritional Management of an Infant With Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome
Authors: Gottesman Kimberly , Chang Kaitlyn , Feldman Alexander , Ziegler Jane
Published: January 2018

Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) is a term used to describe postnatal withdrawal syndrome that occurs in infants as a result of fetal exposure to drugs. Signs of NAS include high-pitched cries, jitteriness, feeding difficulties, and low birth weight. If NAS is suspected, infant urine and/or meconium samples are sent for analysis. Management of NAS includes pharmacological treatment and nonpharmacological approaches. This case report highlights the management of an infant who presented with signs of NAS, had feeding difficulties and poor weight gain, was hospitalized for 6 months, and experienced delayed drug withdrawal.
Concomitant Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation With Ultrabrief Electroconvulsive Therapy
Authors: Mayur Prashanth , Howari Rasha , Byth Karen , Vannitamby Rameswaran
Published: January 2018

Objective

The feasibility and effectiveness of concomitant use of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has not been investigated. The study principally aimed at determining whether tDCS when combined with ECT improved the speed of antidepressant response. Secondarily, the ease of generation of seizures during electroconvulsive therapy and cognitive outcomes were investigated.

Methods

Consecutive patients referred for ECT to treat major depression were randomized to tDCS with dorsolateral prefrontal electrode placements (n = 8) or sham (n = 8) used daily and just before thrice weekly, 6 times threshold, right unilateral ultrabrief (0.3 ms) pulse width ECT. Change of depression severity was determined using the Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale along with cognitive assessments using Montreal Cognitive Assessment and visual memory testing at weeks 1 and 2, which were compared with baseline.

Results

Change of depression severity from baseline was similar in tDCS and ECT compared with sham tDCS and ECT at week1 (mean [standard deviation {SD}] = 16.00 [6.78]; 13.75 [7.83]; P = 0.89) and at week 2 (mean [SD] = 23.00 [4.96]; 19.75 [9.85], P = 0.08). No between-group differences were obtained in the cognitive tests at weeks 1 and 2. Combining tDCS with ECT resulted in higher restimulation: 62.5% requiring 3 stimulations to achieve threshold in contrast to 12.5% with sham tDCS and ECT (P = 0.04). The mean suprathreshold dose was higher in the tDCS and ECT group compared with sham tDCS and ECT: mean [SD] = 144.0 [43.54] and mean [SD] = 122.4 [20.36], P = 0.04, respectively.

Conclusions

Concomitant use of tDCS with ultrabrief right unilateral ECT is feasible and safe albeit with higher rates of restimulation when tDCS was combined with ECT. However, there were no statistically significant differences in the speed of antidepressant response or cognitive outcomes at weeks 1 and 2 after the commencement of treatments.
Investigation of nitrogen and phosphorus contents in water in the tributaries of Danjiangkou Reservoir
Authors: Liu Yan , Zhu Yuanyuan , Qiao Xiaocui , Zheng Binghui , Chang Sheng , Fu Qing
Published: January 2018

As part of the efforts to ensure adequate supply of quality water from Danjiangkou Reservoir to Beijing, surface water samples were taken from the tributaries of Danjiangkou Reservoir in the normal (May), flood (August) and dry (December) seasons of 2014, and characterized for nitrogen and phosphorus contents as specified in the applicable standards. Test results indicated that (i) the organic pollution in the Sihe and Shendinghe rivers was more serious than those in other tributaries, and the concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus favoured the growth of most algae; (ii) total phosphorus (TP), total nitrogen (TN) and dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) were in the forms of dissolved phosphorus (DTP), dissolved nitrogen (DTN) and nitrate nitrogen(NO3−-N), respectively, in these seasons; (iii) compared with nitrogen, phosphorus was more likely to block an overrun of phytoplankton; (iv) TN, TP, permanganate index (CODMn) and other ions were positively correlated. These findings are helpful for the government to develop effective measures to protect the source water in Danjingkou Reservoir from pollution.
The genomic ancestry, landscape genetics and invasion history of introduced mice in New Zealand
Authors: Veale Andrew J. , Russell James C. , King Carolyn M.
Published: January 2018

The house mouse (Mus musculus) provides a fascinating system for studying both the genomic basis of reproductive isolation, and the patterns of human-mediated dispersal. New Zealand has a complex history of mouse invasions, and the living descendants of these invaders have genetic ancestry from all three subspecies, although most are primarily descended fromM. m. domesticus. We used the GigaMUGA genotyping array (approximately 135 000 loci) to describe the genomic ancestry of 161 mice, sampled from 34 locations from across New Zealand (and one Australian city—Sydney). Of these, two populations, one in the south of the South Island, and one on Chatham Island, showed complete mitochondrial lineage capture, featuring two different lineages ofM. m. castaneusmitochondrial DNA but with onlyM. m. domesticusnuclear ancestry detectable. Mice in the northern and southern parts of the North Island had small traces (approx. 2–3%) ofM. m. castaneusnuclear ancestry, and mice in the upper South Island had approximately 7–8%M. m. musculusnuclear ancestry including some Y-chromosomal ancestry—though no detectableM. m. musculusmitochondrial ancestry. This is the most thorough genomic study of introduced populations of house mice yet conducted, and will have relevance to studies of the isolation mechanisms separating subspecies of mice.
Network analysis of the Viking Age in Ireland as portrayed inCogadh Gaedhel re Gallaibh
Authors: Yose Joseph , Kenna Ralph , MacCarron Máirín , MacCarron Pádraig
Published: January 2018

Cogadh Gaedhel re Gallaibh(‘The War of the Gaedhil with the Gaill’) is a medieval Irish text, telling how an army under the leadership of Brian Boru challenged Viking invaders and their allies in Ireland, culminating with the Battle of Clontarf in 1014. Brian’s victory is widely remembered for breaking Viking power in Ireland, although much modern scholarship disputes traditional perceptions. Instead of an international conflict between Irish and Viking, interpretations based on revisionist scholarship consider it a domestic feud or civil war. Counter-revisionists challenge this view and a long-standing and lively debate continues. Here, we introduce quantitative measures to the discussions. We present statistical analyses of network data embedded in the text to position its sets of interactions on a spectrum from the domestic to the international. This delivers a picture that lies between antipodal traditional and revisionist extremes; hostilities recorded in the text are mostly between Irish and Viking—but internal conflict forms a significant proportion of the negative interactions too.
Testing social learning of anti-predator responses in juvenile jackdaws: the importance of accounting for levels of agitation
Authors: McIvor Guillam E. , Lee Victoria E. , Thornton Alex
Published: January 2018

Social learning is often assumed to help young animals respond appropriately to potential threats in the environment. We brought wild, juvenile jackdaws briefly into captivity to test whether short exposures to conspecific vocalizations are sufficient to promote anti-predator learning. Individuals were presented with one of two models—a stuffed fox representing a genuine threat, or a toy elephant simulating a novel predator. Following an initial baseline presentation, juveniles were trained by pairing models with either adult mobbing calls, indicating danger, or contact calls suggesting no danger. In a final test phase with no playbacks, birds appeared to have habituated to the elephant, regardless of training, but responses to the fox remained high throughout, suggesting juveniles already recognized it as a predator before the experiment began. Training with mobbing calls did seem to generate elevated escape responses, but this was likely to be a carry-over effect of the playback in the previous trial. Overall, we found little evidence for social learning. Instead, individuals' responses were mainly driven by their level of agitation immediately preceding each presentation. These results highlight the importance of accounting for agitation in studies of anti-predator learning, and whenever animals are held in captivity for short periods.
Analysis of human immunoglobulin VDJ and DJ rearrangements shows N region synthesis by concatenation of cytosine-rich strands preferentially originating from trimmed germline gene segments
Authors: Funck Tina , Barnkob Mike Bogetofte , Holm Nanna , Ohm-Laursen Line , Mehlum Camilla Slot , Möller Sören , Barington Torben
Published: January 2018

The formation of non-templated (N) regions during immunoglobulin gene rearrangement is a major contributor to antibody diversity. To gain insights into the mechanisms behind this, we studied the nucleotide composition of N regions within 29,962 unique human VHDJH-rearrangements and 8,728 unique human DJH-rearrangements containing exactly one identifiable D-gene segment and thus two N regions, N1 and N2. We found a distinct decreasing content of cytosine (C) and increasing content of guanine (G) across each N region, suggesting that N regions are typically generated by concatenation of two 3’-overhangs synthesized by addition of nucleoside triphosphates with a preference for dCTP. This challenges the general assumption that the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase favors dGTPin vivo. Furthermore, we found that the G and C gradients depended strongly on whether the germline gene segments were trimmed or not. Our data show that C-enriched N addition preferentially happens at trimmed 3’-ends of VH-, D-, and JH-gene segments indicating a dependency of the transferase mechanism upon the nuclease mechanism.
Decoding digits and dice with Magnetoencephalography: Evidence for a shared representation of magnitude
Authors: Teichmann A. Lina , Grootswagers Tijl , Carlson Thomas , Rich Anina N.
Published: January 2018

Numerical format describes the way magnitude is conveyed, for example as a digit (‘3’) or Roman Numeral (‘III’). In the field of numerical cognition, there is an ongoing debate of whether magnitude representation is independent of numerical format. Here, we examine the time course of magnitude processing when using different symbolic formats. We presented participants with a series of digits and dice patterns corresponding to the magnitudes of 1 to 6 while performing a 1-back task on magnitude. Magnetoencephalography (MEG) offers an opportunity to record brain activity with high temporal resolution. Multivariate Pattern Analysis (MVPA) applied to MEG data allows us to draw conclusions about brain activation patterns underlying information processing over time. The results show that we can crossdecode magnitude when training the classifier on magnitude presented in one symbolic format and testing the classifier on the other symbolic format. This suggests similar representation of these numerical symbols. Additionally, results from a time-generalisation analysis show that digits were accessed slightly earlier than dice, demonstrating temporal asynchronies in their shared representation of magnitude. Together, our methods allow a distinction between format-specific signals and format-independent representations of magnitude showing evidence that there is a shared representation of magnitude accessed via different symbols.
2-APB arrests human keratinocyte proliferation and inhibits cutaneous squamous cell carcinomain vitro
Authors: Nelson Aislyn M. , Moayedi Yalda , Greenberg Sophie A. , Ruiz Marlon E. , Jensen Uffe B. , Owens David M. , Lumpkin Ellen A.
Published: January 2018

Background

The epidermis is a stratified epithelium whose differentiation program is triggered in part by calcium. Dysregulation of keratinocyte differentiation may lead to non-melanoma skin cancers, including cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). The compound 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2-APB) modulates calcium signaling by altering activity of calcium-permeable channels of the transient receptor potential (TRP) and ORAI families, and is therefore poised to govern signaling pathways that control the balance of keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation.

Objective

We sought to determine whether 2-APB alters differentiation of normal human keratinocytes and progression of human cSCCs modelsin vitro.

Methods

Primary human keratinocyte cultures were treated with 2-APB and levels of proliferation (EdU incorporation) and differentiation markers [quantitative PCR (qPCR)] were assessed. Human cSCC biopsies and cell lines were analyzed for TRP and ORAI gene expression via qPCR. cSCC cell lines were cultured in organtypic cultures and analyzed for growth and invasiveness after 2-APB or vehicle treatment.

Results

Culturing human keratinocytes with 2-APB arrested cell proliferation, triggered differentiation-gene expression and altered epidermal stratification, indicating that 2-APB application is sufficient to promote differentiation. In human organotypic cSCC cultures, 2-APB attenuated tumor growth and invasiveness. Finally, expression of a panel of 2-APB-targeted ion channels (TRPV3, TRPV1, TRPC1, OraI1, OraI2 and OraI3) was dysregulated in high-risk cSCC biopsies.

Conclusions

Collectively, these findings identify 2-APB as a potential therapeutic for high-risk cSCCs.
Transcriptomic analysis with the progress of symbiosis in ‘crack-entry’ legumeArachis hypogaeahighlights its contrast with ‘infection thread’ adapted legumes
Authors: Karmakar Kanchan , Kundu Anindya , Rizvi Ahsan Z , Dubois Emeric , Severac Dany , Czernic Pierre , Cartieaux Fabienne , DasGupta Maitrayee
Published: January 2018

In root-nodule symbiosis, rhizobial invasion and nodule organogenesis is host controlled. In most legumes, rhizobia enter through infection-threads and nodule primordium in the cortex is induced from a distance. But in dalbergoid legumes like Arachis hypogaea, rhizobia directly invade cortical cells through epidermal cracks to generate the primordia. Herein we report the transcriptional dynamics with the progress of symbiosis in A. hypogaea at 1dpi: invasion; 4dpi: nodule primordia; 8dpi: spread of infection in nodule-like structure; 12dpi: immature nodules containing rod-shaped rhizobia; and 21dpi: mature nodules with spherical symbiosomes. Expression of putative orthologue of symbiotic genes in ‘crack-entry’ legume A. hypogaea was compared with infection thread adapted model legumes. The contrasting features were (i) higher expression of receptors like LYR3, EPR3 as compared to canonical NFRs (ii) late induction of transcription factors like NIN, NSP2 and constitutive high expression of ERF1, EIN2, bHLH476 and (iii) induction of divergent pathogenesis responsive PR-1 genes. Additionally, symbiotic orthologues of SymCRK, FLOT4, ROP6, RR9, NOOT and SEN1 were not detectable and microsynteny analysis indicated the absence of RPG and DNF2 homologues in diploid parental genomes of A. hypogaea. The implications are discussed and a molecular framework that guide ‘crack-entry’ symbiosis in A. hypogaea is proposed.
A multi-omic atlas of the human frontal cortex for aging and Alzheimer's disease research
Authors: De Jager Phillip L , Ma Yiyi , McCabe Cristin , Xu Jishu , Vardarajan Badri N. , Felsky Daniel , Klein Hans-Ulrich , White Charles C. , Peters Mette A. , Lodgson Ben , Nejad Parham , Tang Anna , Mangravite Lara M. , Yu Lei , Gaiteri Chris , Mostafavi Sara , Schneider Julie A. , Bennett David A.
Published: January 2018

We initiated the systematic profiling of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex obtained from a subset of autopsied individuals enrolled in the Religious Orders Study (ROS) or the Rush Memory and Aging Project (MAP), which are jointly designed and belong to a very few prospective studies of aging and dementia with detailed, longitudinal cognitive phenotyping during life and a quantitative, structured neuropathologic examination after death for >3,322 subjects. Here, we outline the first generation of data including genome-wide genotypes (n=2,090), whole genome sequencing (n=1,179), DNA methylation (n=740), chromatin immunoprecipitation with sequencing using an anti-Histone 3 Lysine 9 acetylation (H3K9Ac) antibody (n=712), RNA sequencing (n=638), and miRNA profile (n=702). Generation of other omic data including ATACseq, proteomic and metabolomics profiles is ongoing. Thanks to its prospective design and recruitment of older, non-demented individuals, these data can be repurposed to investigate a large number of syndromic and quantitative neuroscience phenotypes. The many subjects that are cognitively non-impaired at death also offer insights into the biology of the human brain in older non-impaired individuals.
Latin Americans show wide-spread Converso ancestry and the imprint of local Native ancestry on physical appearance
Authors: Chacon-Duque Juan C. , Adhikari Kaustubh , Fuentes-Guajardo Macarena , Mendoza-Revilla Javier , Acunñ-Alonzo Victor , Barquera Lozano Rodrigo , Quinto-Sánchez Mirsha , Gómez-Valdés Jorge , Everardo Martínez Paola , Villamil-Ramírez Hugo , Hünemeier Tábita , Ramallo Virginia , Silva de Cerqueira Caio C. , Hurtado Malena , Villegas Valeria , Granja Vanessa , Villena Mercedes , Vásquez René , Llop Elena , Sandoval José R. , Salazar-Granara Alberto A. , Parolin Maria-Laura , Sandoval Karla , Peñaloza-Espinosa Rosenda I. , Rangel-Villalobos Hector , Winkler Cheryl , Klitz William , Bravi Claudio , Molina Julio , Corach Daniel , Barrantes Ramiro , Gomes Verónica , Resende Carlos , Gusmão Leonor , Amorim Antonio , Xue Yali , Dugoujon Jean-Michel , Moral Pedro , Gonzalez-José Rolando , Schuler-Faccini Lavinia , Salzano Francisco M. , Bortolini Maria-Cátira , Canizales-Quinteros Samuel , Poletti Giovanni , Gallo Carla , Bedoya Gabriel , Rothhammer Francisco , Balding David , Hellenthal Garrett , Ruiz-Linares Andres
Published: January 2018

Historical records and genetic analyses indicate that Latin Americans trace their ancestry mainly to the admixture of Native Americans, Europeans and Sub-Saharan Africans1. Using novel haplotype-based methods here we infer the sub-populations involved in admixture for over 6,500 Latin Americans and evaluate the impact of sub-continental ancestry on the physical appearance of these individuals. We find that pre-Columbian Native genetic structure is mirrored in Latin Americans and that sources of non-Native ancestry, and admixture timings, match documented migratory flows. We also detect South/East Mediterranean ancestry across Latin America, probably stemming from the clandestine colonial migration of Christian converts of non-European origin (Conversos). Furthermore, we find that Central Andean ancestry impacts on variation of facial features in Latin Americans, particularly nose morphology, possibly relating to environmental adaptation during the evolution of Native Americans.
Whole-genome resequencing and pan-transcriptome reconstruction highlight the impact of genomic structural variation on secondary metabolism gene clusters in the grapevine Esca pathogenPhaeoacremonium minimum
Authors: Massonnet Mélanie , Morales-Cruz Abraham , Minio Andrea , Figueroa-Balderas Rosa , Lawrence Daniel P. , Travadon Renaud , Rolshausen Philippe E. , Baumgartner Kendra , Cantu Dario
Published: January 2018

The Ascomycete fungusPhaeoacremonium minimumis one of the primary causal agents of Esca, a widespread and damaging grapevine trunk disease. Variation in virulence amongPm. minimumisolates has been reported, but the underlying genetic basis of the phenotypic variability remains unknown. The goal of this study was to characterize intraspecific genetic diversity and explore its potential impact on virulence functions associated with secondary metabolism, cellular transport, and cell wall decomposition. We generated a chromosome-scale genome assembly, using single molecule real-time sequencing, and resequenced the genomes and transcriptomes of multiple isolates to identify sequence and structural polymorphisms. Numerous insertion and deletion events were found for a total of about 1 Mbp in each isolate. Structural variation in this extremely gene dense genome frequently caused presence/absence polymorphisms of multiple adjacent genes, mostly belonging to biosynthetic clusters associated with secondary metabolism. Because of the observed intraspecific diversity in gene content due to structural variation we concluded that a transcriptome reference developed from a single isolate is insufficient to represent the virulence factor repertoire of the species. We therefore compiled a pan-transcriptome reference ofPm. minimumcomprising a non-redundant set of 15,245 protein-coding sequences. Using naturally infected field samples expressing Esca symptoms, we demonstrated that mapping of meta-transcriptomics data on a multi-species reference that included thePm. minimumpan-transcriptome allows the profiling of an expanded set of virulence factors, including variable genes associated with secondary metabolism and cellular transport.