bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Theta-Positions and Binding in Balinese and Malagasy
Authors: Travis Lisa DeMena
Published: February 2018

In this article, an argument is made for representing theta-positions structurally through a UTAH-like mapping onto articulated VP structures. Further, an argument is made for giving these positions a distinct status. It is argued, using data from binding in Balinese and Malagasy, that binding may be sensitive to theta-positions (T-positions), which are a subset of A-positions. Specs of lexical categories must be T-positions, Specs of functional categories cannot be T-positions. It is argued further that, once it can be shown that binding may be sensitive to T-positions, one is forced to revise what can count as a T-position in order to account for raising constructions. Categories which bind event variables (such as Aspect) are seen to be non-distinct from lexical categories and from functional categories. As such, their Specs may count as T-positions, explaining why an NP in a derived position may act as an antecedent.
Le facteur sémantique dans l'attribution du genre aux inanimés en français
Authors: Surridge Marie E.
Published: February 2018

Dans deux articles récents, (Surridge 1985, 1986), l'auteur a examiné le rôle de la morphologie lexicale dans l'attribution du genre grammatical en français, ainsi que la relation des facteurs morphologiques avec les facteurs phonétiques identifiés par Tucker, Rigault et Lambert (1970). Parmi les linguistes et les grammairiens qui ont traité les facteurs déterminant le genre des noms en français, la majorité sinon tous attribuent un certain rôle à un autre facteur: c'est-à-dire l'élément sémantique. Jusquéà présent, cependant, ni le facteur sémantique en tant que tel ni la relation entre les facteurs sémantiques et les autres n'a été soumis à une étude formelle. Ceci résulte pour les intéressés (linguistes, enseignants et apprenants du français) en une image confuse du système d'attribution comme le fait, par exemple, la constatation suivante:

Les genres sont conditionnés par les suffixes, et peut-être motivés par les sens, à moins que les sens ne soient conditionnés par les genres … GLLF 1971(3): 2205
Of nouns, and kinds, and properties, and why one D is null or not
Authors: Guillemin Diana
Published: February 2018

This paper assumes that the basic denotation of nouns can be that of kind or property and that the determiner system of a language is a direct consequence of this cross-linguistic variation. An analysis of how definiteness and specificity are marked across three languages with different determiner systems, namely, English, French and Mauritian Creole (MC), provides evidence of the co-relation between noun denotation and determiner system. Languages with kind denoting nouns (English and MC) admit bare nominal arguments, which are barred in French, whose nouns denote properties. However, English and MC differ in that English has an overt definite article, which is a lacking in MC. This null element requires licensing by an overt specificity marker in some syntactic environments. The English and MC definite articles are analyzed as operators that quantify over sets of kind denoting nouns, and they serve a different function from the French definite article, which is specified for number and selects properties.
Vietnamese and the NP/DP parameter
Authors: Phan Trang , Lander Eric T.
Published: February 2018

This paper investigates the place of Vietnamese in the binary NP/DP typology as formulated by Bošković (2005, 2008, 2009, 2010). Vietnamese patterns with NP languages when it comes to its lack of a genuine definite determiner, the presence of radical pro-drop, and its lack of number morphology, but it patterns with DP languages when it comes to the presence of TP, subject expletives, and subject-object extraction asymmetries. The mixed status of Vietnamese suggests that the difference between article and article-less languages might not be as straightforward or clearcut as Bošković claims. In fact, the way these properties pattern in Vietnamese reveals that there are at least three smaller parameters (nominal, clausal, and quantificational) at stake, not just the presence or absence of DP, and that these three are independently fixed as [-DP], [+TP], and [-movement], respectively. Also important is the fact that Vietnamese is a topic-prominent language.
Reconciling Shared Rule: Liberal Theory, Electoral-Districting Law and “National Group” Representation in Canada
Authors: Spitzer Aaron John
Published: February 2018

Canada, like all representative democracies, apportions representation to individuals; also, like all federal states, it accords polity-based representation to federal subunits. But Canada is additionally a consociational state, comprising three constitutionally recognized “national groups”: anglophones, francophones and Indigenous peoples. These groups share power and bear rights beyond the bounds of the federal system. In recent decades, Indigenous peoples and francophones have appealed for representation as “national groups,” leading to constitutional challenges. Courts have either failed to address the constitutionality of “national group” representation or have rejected it as irreconcilable with individual voting rights. I suggest the former is unnecessary and the latter procedurally illogical. Drawing on the liberal principles of individualism, egalitarianism and universalism, I develop a framework contextualizing such representation within liberal theory. I then deploy this framework to analyze recent Canadian case law. I show that appeals for “national group” representation should be approached not through the lens of individual rights, but rather through the “constitutionally prior” lens of universalism.
A new species of Parapharyngodon Chatterji, 1933 (Oxyuroidea: Pharyngodonidae), parasitic in Osteocephalus taurinus (Anura: Hylidae) from Brazil
Authors: Santos T.A.P. , Argolo E.G.G. , Santos A.N. , Rodrigues A.R.O. , Gonzaléz C.E. , Santos J.N. , Melo F.T.V.
Published: February 2018

Parapharyngodon politoedi n. sp. is described here, based on specimens found in the large intestines of Osteocephalus taurinus from the Caxiuanã National Forest, State of Pará, Brazil. The new species is assigned to Parapharyngodon based on the presence of non-embryonated eggs with sub-terminal opercula, when in the ovijector. Parapharyngodon politoedi belongs to a group of species with three pairs of cloacal papillae and differs from its congeners by morphometric aspects, such as the length of the spicule, and the combination of the following morphological characters: ovaries never encircling the oesophagus, tail shape in females, cloacal lips, sharply pointed spicule and presence of genital cone. This is the second species of nematode reported to parasitize O. taurinus and the eleventh species of Parapharyngodon from hylids in the Neotropical region.
Nonlinear waves and instabilities leading to secondary reconnection in reconnection outflows
Authors: Lapenta Giovanni , Pucci Francesco , Olshevsky Vyacheslav , Servidio Sergio , Sorriso-Valvo Luca , Newman David L. , Goldman Martin V.
Published: February 2018

Reconnection outflows have been under intense recent scrutiny, from in situ observations and from simulations. These regions are host to a variety of instabilities and intense energy exchanges, often even superior to the main reconnection site. We report here a number of results drawn from an investigation of simulations. First, the outflows are observed to become unstable to drift instabilities. Second, these instabilities lead to the formation of secondary reconnection sites. Third, the secondary processes are responsible for large energy exchanges and particle energization. Finally, the particle distribution function are modified to become non-Maxwellian and include multiple interpenetrating populations.
Whistler precursor and intrinsic variability of quasi-perpendicular shocks
Authors: Granit Gilad , Gedalin Michael
Published: February 2018

The structure of a whistler precursor in a quasi-perpendicular shock is studied within two-fluid approach in one-dimensional case. The complete set of equations is reduced to the KdV equation, if no dissipation is included. With a phenomenological resistive dissipation the structure is described with the KdV–Burgers equation. The shock profile is intrinsically time dependent. For sufficiently strong dissipation, temporal evolution of a steepening profile results in generation of a stationary decaying whistler ahead of the shock front. With the decrease of the dissipation parameter, whistler wave trains begin to detach and propagate toward the upstream and the ramp is weakly time dependent. In the weakly dissipative regime the shock front experiences reformation.
Cryptic species and their utilization of indigenous and non-indigenous intermediate hosts in the acanthocephalanPolymorphus minutus sensu lato(Polymorphidae)
Authors: Zittel Maike , Grabner Daniel , Wlecklik Andre , Sures Bernd , Leese Florian , Taraschewski Horst , Weigand Alexander Martin
Published: February 2018

The bird-infecting acanthocephalanPolymorphus minutushas been suggested to comprise different lineages or even cryptic species using different intermediate hosts. To clarify this open question, we investigatedPolymorphuscf.minutuscystacanths originating from amphipod intermediate hosts from 27 sites in Germany and France. Parasites and hosts were identified using integrated datasets (COI and/or morphology for hosts and COI + ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 for parasites).

Mitochondrial and nuclear data (ITS1) strongly support the existence of three cryptic species inPolymorphuscf.minutus(type 1-3). These three types reveal a high degree of intermediate host specificity, withPolymorphustype 1 only encountered inGammarus fossarumtype B,Polymorphustype 2 inEchinogammarussp. andEchinogammarus berilloni, andPolymorphustype 3 inGammarus pulexandGammarus roeselii. Our results point to a so far neglected cryptic diversity of the genusPolymorphusin Central Europe. Furthermore,Polymorphustype 2 is most likely a non-native parasite in Germany that co-invaded withE. berillonifrom the Mediterranean area. Potentially, type 3 originates from South-East Europe and migrated to Germany byG. roeselii, where it might have capturedG. pulexas an intermediate host. Therefore, our findings can be seen in the context of ecological globalization in terms of the anthropogenic displacement of intermediate hosts and its impact on the genetic divergence of the parasites.
Autonomous weapons systems and changing norms in international relations
Authors: Bode Ingvild , Huelss Hendrik
Published: February 2018

Autonomous weapons systems (AWS) are emerging as key technologies of future warfare. So far, academic debate concentrates on the legal-ethical implications of AWS but these do not capture how AWS may shape norms through defining diverging standards of appropriateness in practice. In discussing AWS, the article formulates two critiques on constructivist models of norm emergence: first, constructivist approaches privilege the deliberative over the practical emergence of norms; and second, they overemphasise fundamental norms rather than also accounting for procedural norms, which we introduce in this article. Elaborating on these critiques allows us to respond to a significant gap in research: we examine how standards of procedural appropriateness emerging in the development and usage of AWS often contradict fundamental norms and public legitimacy expectations. Normative content may therefore be shaped procedurally, challenging conventional understandings of how norms are constructed and considered as relevant in International Relations. In this, we outline the contours of a research programme on the relationship of norms and AWS, arguing that AWS can have fundamental normative consequences by setting novel standards of appropriate action in international security policy.
INDUSTRY'S EXPERIENCES WITH THE SCIENTIFIC ADVICE OFFERED BY THE FEDERAL JOINT COMMITTEE WITHIN THE EARLY BENEFIT ASSESSMENT OF PHARMACEUTICALS IN GERMANY
Authors: Dintsios Charalabos-Markos , Schlenkrich Sara
Published: February 2018

Objectives: Optional scientific advice (SA) for the early benefit assessment of pharmaceuticals is offered by the German decision maker, the Federal Joint Committee (FJC). The aim of this study was to elicit manufacturers’ experiences with the SA procedures offered by the FJC to date.

Methods: A preliminary survey on a small sample size was conducted. Subsequently, a questionnaire comprising eight items, which was developed on the basis of that survey, was used. Data were analyzed using qualitative and quantitative approaches.

Results: The elicitation, including a sample of 25 percent of the completed advice, highlighted the following, regarding the process as well as to the content shortcomings of the SA procedures from an industrial perspective: inconsistencies, FJC's lack of expertise in conducting clinical trials, partially incomplete answers. and a low willingness of the FJC to engage in dialogue with industry were criticized. On the other hand, the majority of respondents expressed a positive attitude concerning unambiguousness, completeness, traceability, discussion atmosphere, and the protocol of the advice. Early SA, before pivotal trials start, showed a significantly higher completeness compared with late SA with respect to endpoints and study duration. Within 4 years the quality of FJC's propositions on some topics improved significantly.

Conclusions: Only a few statistically significant differences were detectable between early versus late SA. A positive trend in industry's perception of the SA can be observed over time. A more active involvement of additional stakeholders and the incorporation of procedural elements from other healthcare systems could improve the quality of the SA offered by the FJC.
Testing the effect of an arbitrary subject pronoun on relative clause comprehension: a study with Hebrew-speaking children
Authors: HAENDLER Yair , ADANI Flavia
Published: February 2018

Previous studies have found that Hebrew-speaking children accurately comprehend object relatives (OR) with an embedded non-referential arbitrary subject pronoun (ASP). The facilitation of ORs with embedded pronouns is expected both from a discourse-pragmatics perspective and within a syntax-based locality approach. However, the specific effect of ASP might also be driven by a mismatch in grammatical features between the head noun and the pronoun, or by its relatively undemanding referential properties. We tested these possibilities by comparing ORs whose embedded subject is either ASP, a referential pronoun, or a lexical noun phrase. In all conditions, grammatical features were controlled. In a referent-identification task, the matching features made ORs with embedded pronouns difficult for five-year-olds. Accuracy was particularly low when the embedded pronoun was referential. These results indicate that embedded pronouns do not facilitate ORs across the board, and that the referential properties of pronouns affect OR processing.
Association between TLR2 + 2477G/A polymorphism and bacterial meningitis: a meta-analysis
Authors: Jin Xiaochun , Yin Shuzhou , Zhang Youtao , Chen Xu
Published: February 2018

Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) is a key member of TLRs, which is crucial in the initial inflammatory response against bacteria. TLR2, is also the initial barrier against bacterial infection and plays an important role in recognising a variety of bacterial lipoproteins. Several studies have been performed to investigate the TLR2 + 2477G/A polymorphism and bacterial meningitis susceptibility. Unfortunately, the results of previous studies were controversial. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis to derive a more precise estimation of the association. The association between the TLR2 + 2477G/A polymorphism and bacterial meningitis susceptibility was assessed by odds ratios together with their 95% confidence intervals (CI). Six studies were enrolled in the present meta-analysis. Overall, no significant association between TLR2 + 2477G/A polymorphism and bacterial meningitis risk were found under allele contrast (A vs. G: OR = 1.15, 95% CI = 0.93–1.43, P = 0.202), recessive genetic model (AA vs. AG/GG: OR = 1.12, 95% CI = 0.90–1.41, P = 0.313). The significant association was found between TLR2 + 2477G/A polymorphism and pneumococcal meningitis risk under allele contrast (A vs. G: OR = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.01–2.36, P = 0.046), recessive genetic model (AA vs. AG/GG: OR = 1.63, 95% CI = 1.03–2.57, P = 0.035). We conclude that TLR2 + 2477G/A polymorphism is not associated with meningococcal meningitis risk but contributes an increased risk of pneumococcal meningitis.
Gentrification in Lagos, 1929–1990
Authors: DAVIES LANRE
Published: February 2018

Some scholars have argued that the process of gentrification can bring about development, attract businesses and even lower the crime rate in an area. However, no scholars have considered developments in a colonial situation where government policies sometimes produced unintended results, which have subsequently become a permanent feature of those socio-political situations. The experience of colonial Lagos shows that the colonial government policies of town planning and segregation forced the working-class residents of Lagos to the suburbs. As a result, both the population and housing rent of the area were increased with implications for the demography and physical development of metropolitan Lagos.
Existing Approaches to Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Education and Training for Health Professionals: Findings from an Integrative Literature Review
Authors: Kako Mayumi , Hammad Karen , Mitani Satoko , Arbon Paul
Published: February 2018

Objectives

This review was conducted to explore the literature to determine the availability, content, and evaluation of existing chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) education programs for health professionals.

Methods

An integrative review of the international literature describing disaster education for CBRN (2004-2016) was conducted. The following relevant databases were searched: Proquest, Pubmed, Science Direct, Scopus, Journals @ OVID, Google Scholar, Medline, and Ichuschi ver. 5 (Japanese database for health professionals). The search terms used were: “disaster,” “chemical,” “biological,” “radiological,” “nuclear,” “CBRN,” “health professional education,” and “method.” The following Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms, “education,” “nursing,” “continuing,” “disasters,” “disaster planning,” and “bioterrorism,” were used wherever possible and appropriate. The retrieved articles were narratively analyzed according to availability, content, and method. The content was thematically analyzed to provide an overview of the core content of the training.

Results

The literature search identified 619 potentially relevant articles for this study. Duplicates (n=104) were removed and 87 articles were identified for title review. In total, 67 articles were discarded, yielding 20 articles for all-text review, following 11 studies were retained for analysis, including one Japanese study. All articles published in English were from the USA, apart from the two studies located in Japan and Sweden. The most typical content in the selected literature was CBRN theory (n=11), followed by studies based on incident command (n=8), decontamination (n=7), disaster management (n=7), triage (n=7), personal protective equipment (PPE) use (n = 5), and post-training briefing (n=3).

Conclusion

While the CBRN training course requires the participants to gain specific skills and knowledge, proposed training courses should be effectively constructed to include approaches such as scenario-based simulations, depending on the participants’ needs.

KakoM, HammadK, MitaniS, ArbonP. Existing approaches to chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) education and training for health professionals: findings from an integrative literature review. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2018;33(2):182–190.
Developing Public Health Initiatives through Understanding Motivations of the Audience at Mass-Gathering Events
Authors: Hutton Alison , Ranse Jamie , Munn Matthew Brendan
Published: February 2018

This report identifies what is known about audience motivations at three different mass-gathering events: outdoor music festivals, religious events, and sporting events. In light of these motivations, the paper discusses how these can be harnessed by the event organizer and Emergency Medical Services. Lastly, motivations tell what kinds of interventions can be used to achieve an understanding of audience characteristics and the opportunity to develop tailor-made programs to maximize safety and make long-lasting public health interventions to a particular “cohort” or event population. A lot of these will depend on what the risks/hazards are with the particular populations in order to “target” them with public health interventions. Audience motivations tell the event organizer and Emergency Medical Services about the types of behaviors they should expect from the audience and how this may affect their health while at the event. Through these understandings, health promotion and event safety messages can be developed for a particular type of mass-gathering event based on the likely composition of the audience in attendance. Health promotion and providing public information should be at the core of any mass-gathering event to minimize public health risk and to provide opportunities for the promotion of healthy behaviors in the local population. Audience motivations are a key element to identify and agree on what public health information is needed for the event audience. A more developed understanding of audience behavior provides critical information for event planners, event risk managers, and Emergency Medical Services personnel to better predict and plan to minimize risk and reduce patient presentations at events. Mass-gathering event organizers and designers intend their events to be positive experiences and to have meaning for those who attend. Therefore, continual vigilance to improve public health effectiveness and efficiency can become best practice at events. Through understanding the motivations of the audience, event planners and designers, event risk managers, and emergency medical personnel may be better able to understand the motivation of the audience and how this might impact on audience behavior at the event.

HuttonA, RanseJ, MunnMB. Developing public health initiatives through understanding motivations of the audience at mass-gathering events. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2018;33(2):191–196.
Meaningful Ways of Understanding and Measuring Change for People with Borderline Personality Disorder: A Thematic Analysis
Authors: McCusker Louise , Turner Marie-Louise , Pike Georgina , Startup Helen
Published: February 2018

Background:The effective treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) presents healthcare providers with a significant challenge. The evidence base remains limited partially due to a lack of professional consensus and service user involvement regarding ways of measuring change. As a result, the limited evidence that is available draws on such a wide range of outcome measures, that comparison across treatment types is hindered, maintaining a lack of clarity regarding the clinical needs of this group.Aims:This investigation aimed to follow the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE, 2009) research recommendations by asking service users about meaningful change within their recovery. This forms a starting point for the future development of a tailored outcome measure.Method:Fifteen service users with a diagnosis of BPD participated in three focus groups across two specialist Personality Disorder services. The focus groups were analysed using Thematic Analysis.Results:Two superordinate themes were synthesized from the data: (1) recovery to what?: ‘How do you rewrite who you are?’; and (2) conditions for change. Each superordinate theme further consisted of three subordinate themes which elucidated the over-arching themes.Conclusion:This investigation highlights the complex nature of measuring change in people who have received a BPD diagnosis. Further research is needed to develop meaningful ways of measuring change according to the needs and priorities of people with BPD.
Patientensicherheit in der Anästhesiologie in der Schweiz
Authors: Staender Sven , Schumacher Philippe
Published: February 2018

Zusammenfassung. Obwohl die Anästhesiologie eine vergleichsweise junge Spezialdisziplin in der Medizin ist, hat sie sich vergleichsweise früh schon mit den Fragen um die Patientensicherheit beschäftigt. Dies zeigt sich eindrücklich an einer über die letzten Jahrzehnte markanten Verbesserung der Anästhesiebedingten Mortalität und Morbidität. Dennoch bleibt unter dem Blickwinkel der stetig zunehmenden Komplexität die Herausforderung, mit den Massnahmen zur Patientensicherheit nicht nachzulassen. In der Schweiz existieren entsprechend auch diverse Strategien zu Patientensicherheit, die ebenfalls auf eine vergleichsweise lange Tradition zurück blicken können.
Cooperation Between Strangers in Face-to-Face Dyads Produces More Cardiovascular Activation Than Competition or Working Alone
Authors: Sariñana-González Patricia , Romero-Martínez Ángel , Moya-Albiol Luis
Published: February 2018

Abstract. Individual and shared goals can be achieved through social interpersonal interaction, cooperation and competition being two different yet similar strategies to reach such aims and objectives. Nevertheless, there is a gap in the literature analyzing the effect of these types of social interactions, especially in cooperation, on autonomic nervous system responses using noninvasive measures, such as heart rate (HR). The regulation of HR and other cardiovascular variables of the central nervous system offers information about how to encourage or discourage social engagement and prosocial behaviors. In fact, a more flexible engagement with the environment and efficient emotions regulation is enabled by an efficient cardiac control. Hence, the main aim of this study was to investigate heart rate variability (HRV) in strangers (180 healthy young participants) who were set to cooperate or compete in face-to-face dyads (between same-gender participants) or to work alone (as the control condition), considering outcomes in these tasks (positive or negative) and gender as moderating variables. We found that participants who cooperated had higher HRs and lower high frequency (HF) HRV than those who competed and/or worked alone. Regarding gender and outcome, men who cooperate and lose have lower HF-HRV levels than men on the simple task with negative outcomes. Hence, our study indicates that cooperation between strangers in face-to-face dyads may produce less parasympathetic activation than competition or working on the task without any social interaction. Research in this field may help us understand the psychophysiological basis of social interaction, providing an opportunity to establish interaction strategies that would be physiologically desirable, in order to promote well-being.
Long-Term Effects of Concussions on Psychomotor Speed and Cognitive Control Processes During Motor Sequence Learning
Authors: Beaulieu Christelle , Turcotte-Giroux Alexandre , Carrier-Toutant Frédérike , Brisson Benoit , Jolicoeur Pierre , De Beaumont Louis
Published: February 2018

Abstract. In asymptomatic multiple-concussion athletes, studies evidenced long-term impairments in psychomotor speed, motor sequence learning, and cognitive control processes, as indexed by the Error Negativity (Ne), also commonly referred to as the Error-related Negativity (ERN). In healthy controls, motor sequence learning during a Serial Reaction Time (SRT) task is associated with an increase in Ne/ERN amplitude. The objective of this paper is to investigate whether concussion effects on cognitive control are associated with sequence learning changes in asymptomatic multi-concussion athletes. Thirty-seven athletes (18 nonconcussed; 19 concussed) completed a SRT task during which continuous electroencephalographic (EEG) activity was recorded. Ne/ERN amplitude modulation from early to late learning blocks of the task was measured. Median reaction times (RTs) were computed to assess psychomotor speed and motor sequence learning. Psychomotor speed was significantly reduced in concussed athletes. Accentuated Ne/ERN amplitude from early to late learning blocks significantly correlated with motor sequence learning in nonconcussed athletes. In contrast, Ne/ERN amplitude was found to decrease significantly with task progression in concussed athletes who nonetheless achieved normal motor sequence learning. Multiple concussions detrimentally affect psychomotor speed. Unlike nonconcussed athletes, motor sequence learning in multi-concussion athletes was not associated with Ne/ERN amplitude modulation, indicating that cognitive control processes do not centrally contribute to learning of a motor sequence after repeated concussions.
Inhibition of ATG12-mediated autophagy by miR-214 enhances radiosensitivity in colorectal cancer
Authors: Hu J. L. , He G. Y. , Lan X. L. , Zeng Z. C. , Guan J. , Ding Y. , Qian X. L. , Liao W. T. , Ding Y. Q. , Liang L.
Published: February 2018

Radioresistance hampers success in the treatment of patients with advanced colorectal cancer (CRC). Improving our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of radioresistance could increase patients’ response to irradiation (IR). MicroRNAs are a class of small RNAs involved in tumor therapy response to radiation. Here we found that miR-214 was markedly decreased in CRC cell lines and blood of CRC patients after IR exposure. Meanwhile, autophagy was enhanced in irradiated CRC cells. Mechanically, ATG12 was predicted and identified as a direct target of miR-214 by dual luciferase assay, qPCR, and Western blot. In vitro and in vivo experiments showed that miR-214 promoted radiosensitivity by inhibiting IR-induced autophagy. Restoration of ATG12 attenuated miR-214-mediated inhibition of cell growth and survival in response to IR. Importantly, miR-214 was highly expressed in radiosensitive CRC specimens and negatively correlated with plasma level of CEA. Moreover, ATG12 and LC3 expressions were increased in radioresistant CRC specimens. Our study elucidates that miR-214 promotes radiosensitivity by inhibition of ATG12-mediated autophagy in CRC. Importantly, miR-214 is a determinant of CRC irradiation response and may serve as a potential therapeutic target in CRC treatment.
Depth matters: effects of precipitation regime on soil microbial activity upon rewetting of a plant-soil system
Authors: Engelhardt Ilonka C , Welty Amy , Blazewicz Steven J , Bru David , Rouard Nadine , Breuil Marie-Christine , Gessler Arthur , Galiano Lucía , Miranda José Carlos , Spor Aymé , Barnard Romain L
Published: February 2018

Changes in frequency and amplitude of rain events, that is, precipitation patterns, result in different water conditions with soil depth, and likely affect plant growth and shape plant and soil microbial activity. Here, we used 18O stable isotope probing (SIP) to investigate bacterial and fungal communities that actively grew or not upon rewetting, at three different depths in soil mesocosms previously subjected to frequent or infrequent watering for 12 weeks (equal total water input). Phylogenetic marker genes for bacteria and fungi were sequenced after rewetting, and plant-soil microbial coupling documented by plant 13C-CO2 labeling. Soil depth, rather than precipitation pattern, was most influential in shaping microbial response to rewetting, and had differential effects on active and inactive bacterial and fungal communities. After rewetting, active bacterial communities were less rich, more even and phylogenetically related than the inactive, and reactivated throughout the soil profile. Active fungal communities after rewetting were less abundant and rich than the inactive. The coupling between plants and soil microbes decreased under infrequent watering in the top soil layer. We suggest that differences in fungal and bacterial abundance and relative activity could result in large effects on subsequent soil biogeochemical cycling.
Polycomb protein family member CBX7 regulates intrinsic axon growth and regeneration
Authors: Duan Run-Shan , Tang Gang-Bin , Du Hong-Zhen , Hu Yi-Wen , Liu Pei-Pei , Xu Ya-Jie , Zeng Yu-Qiang , Zhang Shuang-Feng , Wang Rui-Ying , Teng Zhao-Qian , Liu Chang-Mei
Published: February 2018

Neurons in the central nervous system (CNS) lose their intrinsic ability and fail to regenerate, but the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. Polycomb group (PcG) proteins, which include PRC1 and PRC2 complexes function as gene repressors and are involved in many biological processes. Here we report that PRC1 components (polycomb chromobox (CBX) 2, 7, and 8) are novel regulators of axon growth and regeneration. Especially, knockdown of CBX7 in either embryonic cortical neurons or adult dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons enhances their axon growth ability. Two important transcription factors GATA4 and SOX11 are functional downstream targets of CBX7 in controlling axon regeneration. Moreover, knockdown of GATA4 or SOX11 in cultured DRG neurons inhibits axon regeneration response from CBX7 downregulation in DRG neurons. These findings suggest that targeting CBX signaling pathway may be a novel approach for promoting the intrinsic regenerative capacity of damaged CNS neurons.
Light action spectrum on oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage in A2E-loaded retinal pigment epithelium cells
Authors: Marie Mélanie , Bigot Karine , Angebault Claire , Barrau Coralie , Gondouin Pauline , Pagan Delphine , Fouquet Stéphane , Villette Thierry , Sahel José-Alain , Lenaers Guy , Picaud Serge
Published: February 2018

Aims

Blue light is an identified risk factor for age-related macular degeneration (AMD). We investigated oxidative stress markers and mitochondrial changes in A2E-loaded retinal pigment epithelium cells under the blue–green part of the solar spectrum that reaches the retina to better understand the mechanisms underlying light-elicited toxicity.

Results

Primary retinal pigment epithelium cells were loaded with a retinal photosensitizer, AE2, to mimic aging. Using a custom-made illumination device that delivers 10 nm-wide light bands, we demonstrated that A2E-loaded RPE cells generated high levels of both hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and superoxide anion (O2•−) when exposed to blue–violet light. In addition, they exhibited perinuclear clustering of mitochondria with a decrease of both their mitochondrial membrane potential and their respiratory activities. The increase of oxidative stress resulted in increased levels of the oxidized form of glutathione and decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activities. Furthermore, mRNA expression levels of the main antioxidant enzymes (SOD2, catalase, and GPX1) also decreased.

Conclusions

Using an innovative illumination device, we measured the precise action spectrum of the oxidative stress mechanisms on A2E-loaded retinal pigment epithelium cells. We defined 415–455 nm blue–violet light, within the solar spectrum reaching the retina, to be the spectral band that generates the highest amount of reactive oxygen species and produces the highest level of mitochondrial dysfunction, explaining its toxic effect. This study further highlights the need to filter these wavelengths from the eyes of AMD patients.
Optimizing Parkinson’s disease diagnosis: the role of a dual nuclear imaging algorithm
Authors: Langston J. William , Wiley Jesse C. , Tagliati Michele
Published: February 2018

The diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease (PD) currently relies almost exclusively on the clinical judgment of an experienced neurologist, ideally a specialist in movement disorders. However, such clinical diagnosis is often incorrect in a large percentage of patients, particularly in the early stages of the disease. A commercially available, objective and quantitative marker of nigrostriatal neurodegeneration was recently provided by 123-iodine 123I-ioflupane SPECT imaging, which is however unable to differentiate PD from a variety of other parkinsonian syndromes associated with striatal dopamine deficiency. There is evidence to support an algorithm utilizing a dual neuroimaging strategy combining 123I-ioflupane SPECT and the noradrenergic receptor ligand 123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG), which assesses the post-ganglion peripheral autonomic nervous system. Evolving concepts regarding the synucleinopathy affecting the central and peripheral autonomic nervous systems as part of a multisystem disease are reviewed to sustain such strategy. Data are presented to show how MIBG deficits are a common feature of multisystem Lewy body disease and can be used as a unique feature to distinguish PD from atypical parkinsonisms. We propose that the combination of cardiac (MIBG) and cerebral 123I-ioflupane SPECT could satisfy one of the most significant unmet needs of current PD diagnosis and management, namely the early and accurate diagnosis of patients with typical Lewy body PD. Exemplary case scenarios will be described, highlighting how dual neuroimaging strategy can maximize diagnostic accuracy for patient care, clinical trials, pre-symptomatic PD screening, and special cases provided by specific genetic mutations associated with PD.
Valleytronics in thermoelectric materials
Authors: Xin Jiazhan , Tang Yinglu , Liu Yintu , Zhao Xinbing , Pan Hongge , Zhu Tiejun
Published: February 2018

The central theme of valleytronics lies in the manipulation of valley degree of freedom for certain materials to fulfill specific application needs. While thermoelectric (TE) materials rely on carriers as working medium to absorb heat and generate power, their performance is intrinsically constrained by the energy valleys to which the carriers reside. Therefore, valleytronics can be extended to the TE field to include strategies for enhancing TE performance by engineering band structures. This review focuses on the recent progress in TE materials from the perspective of valleytronics, which includes three valley parameters (valley degeneracy, valley distortion, and valley anisotropy) and their influencing factors. The underlying physical mechanisms are discussed and related strategies that enable effective tuning of valley structures for better TE performance are presented and highlighted. It is shown that valleytronics could be a powerful tool in searching for promising TE materials, understanding complex mechanisms of carrier transport, and optimizing TE performance.
Interaction of Glide Dislocations with Extended Precipitates in Mg-Nd alloys
Authors: Huang Zhihua , Allison John E. , Misra Amit
Published: February 2018

The unit processes of precipitate-dislocation interaction in dilute Mg-Nd alloys are elucidated through in situ indentation experiments in TEM. Results suggest that pinned dislocations can glide along the broad facets of extended β1 precipitates, a common strengthening phase in Mg- rare earth (RE) alloys. A dislocation-theory based analysis suggests that the shape, spacing and orientation (with respect to the glide plane) of β1 precipitates may favor glide of pinned dislocations along interfaces as opposed to the classical mechanism of bowing and looping around the precipitate.
Hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effect of S-allyl-cysteine sulfoxide (alliin) in DIO mice
Authors: Zhai Baiqiang , Zhang Chuanhai , Sheng Yao , Zhao Changhui , He Xiaoyun , Xu Wentao , Huang Kunlun , Luo Yunbo
Published: February 2018

Alliin (S-allyl cysteine sulfoxide) is a bioactive sulfoxide compound derived from garlic. To evaluate the preventive effect of alliin against metabolic risk factors in diet induced obese (DIO) mice, we treated the C57BL/6J DIO mice with drinking water with or without alliin (0.1 mg/ml) for 8 weeks. Results showed that alliin had no significant effect on the body weight, adiposity or energy balance. However, alliin treatment enhanced glucose homeostasis, increased insulin sensitivity and improved the lipid profile in the DIO mice. This was, at least partly, attributable to alliin induced modulation of the intestinal microbiota composition, typically decreasedLachnospiraceaeand increasedRuminococcaceae. From above, we conclude that alliin has nutraceutical or even medicinal potential in prevention of diabetes and lipid metabolic disorders.
mTOR-dependent alterations of Kv1.1 subunit expression in the neuronal subset-specific Pten knockout mouse model of cortical dysplasia with epilepsy
Authors: Nguyen Lena H. , Anderson Anne E.
Published: February 2018

Cortical dysplasia (CD) is a common cause for intractable epilepsy. Hyperactivation of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway has been implicated in CD; however, the mechanisms by which mTOR hyperactivation contribute to the epilepsy phenotype remain elusive. Here, we investigated whether constitutive mTOR hyperactivation in the hippocampus is associated with altered voltage-gated ion channel expression in the neuronal subset-specific Pten knockout (NS-Pten KO) mouse model of CD with epilepsy. We found that the protein levels of Kv1.1, but not Kv1.2, Kv1.4, or Kvβ2, potassium channel subunits were increased, along with altered Kv1.1 distribution, within the hippocampus of NS-Pten KO mice. The aberrant Kv1.1 protein levels were present in young adult (≥postnatal week 6) but not juvenile (≤postnatal week 4) NS-Pten KO mice. No changes in hippocampal Kv1.1 mRNA levels were found between NS-Pten KO and WT mice. Interestingly, mTOR inhibition with rapamycin treatment at early and late stages of the pathology normalized Kv1.1 protein levels in NS-Pten KO mice to WT levels. Together, these studies demonstrate altered Kv1.1 protein expression in association with mTOR hyperactivation in NS-Pten KO mice and suggest a role for mTOR signaling in the modulation of voltage-gated ion channel expression in this model.
Quantitative 3-D morphometric analysis of individual dendritic spines
Authors: Basu Subhadip , Saha Punam Kumar , Roszkowska Matylda , Magnowska Marta , Baczynska Ewa , Das Nirmal , Plewczynski Dariusz , Wlodarczyk Jakub
Published: February 2018

The observation and analysis of dendritic spines morphological changes poses a major challenge in neuroscience studies. The alterations of their density and/or morphology are indicators of the cellular processes involved in neural plasticity underlying learning and memory, and are symptomatic in neuropsychiatric disorders. Despite ongoing intense investigations in imaging approaches, the relationship between changes in spine morphology and synaptic function is still unknown. The existing quantitative analyses are difficult to perform and require extensive user intervention. Here, we propose a new method for (1) the three-dimensional (3-D) segmentation of dendritic spines using a multi-scale opening approach and (2) define 3-D morphological attributes of individual spines for the effective assessment of their structural plasticity. The method was validated using confocal light microscopy images of dendritic spines from dissociated hippocampal cultures and brain slices (1) to evaluate accuracy relative to manually labeled ground-truth annotations and relative to the state-of-the-art Imaris tool, (2) to analyze reproducibility of user-independence of the segmentation method, and (3) to quantitatively analyze morphological changes in individual spines before and after chemically induced long-term potentiation. The method was monitored and used to precisely describe the morphology of individual spines in real-time using consecutive images of the same dendritic fragment.
Shuang-Huang-Lian injection induces an immediate hypersensitivity reaction via C5a but not IgE
Authors: Gao Yuan , Hou Rui , Han Yixin , Fei Qiaoling , Cai Runlan , Qi Yun
Published: February 2018

Among traditional Chinese medicine injections, intravenous Shuang-Huang-Lian (IV-SHL) has the highest incidence of injection-induced immediate hypersensitivity reactions (IHRs). The precise mechanisms of IV-SHL-induced IHRs remain ambiguous. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms of SHL injection (SHLI)-induced IHRs. Our data showed that serum total IgE and mouse mast cell protease 1 (MMCP1) levels were higher in the SHLI antiserum; however, these effects of SHLI disappeared in the antibiotic-treated mice. SHLI caused intraplantar vasopermeability and shock during the first local or systemic injection. SHLI-induced nonallergic IHRs were attributed to its intermediate fraction F2 (the extract of Lonicerae Japonicae Flos and Fructus forsythiae), and could be blocked by antagonists for histamine or C5a, rather than PAF or C3a. Eight constituents of F2 were able to directly activate C5 to promote local vasopermeability at the mg/mL level. In conclusion, SHLI-induced IHRs are not mediated by IgE. SHLI or its F2 can directly activate blood C5. Subsequently, C5a is likely to provoke histamine release from its effector cells (e.g., mast cells and basophils), indicating that histamine is a principal effector of IHRs induced by SHLI.
Foxm1 controls a pro-stemness microRNA network in neural stem cells
Authors: Besharat Zein Mersini , Abballe Luana , Cicconardi Francesco , Bhutkar Arjun , Grassi Luigi , Le Pera Loredana , Moretti Marta , Chinappi Mauro , D’Andrea Daniel , Mastronuzzi Angela , Ianari Alessandra , Vacca Alessandra , De Smaele Enrico , Locatelli Franco , Po Agnese , Miele Evelina , Ferretti Elisabetta
Published: February 2018

Cerebellar neural stem cells (NSCs) require Hedgehog-Gli (Hh-Gli) signalling for their maintenance and Nanog expression for their self-renewal. To identify novel molecular features of this regulatory pathway, we used next-generation sequencing technology to profile mRNA and microRNA expression in cerebellar NSCs, before and after induced differentiation (Diff-NSCs). Genes with higher transcript levels in NSCs (vs. Diff-NSCs) included Foxm1, which proved to be directly regulated by Gli and Nanog. Foxm1 in turn regulated several microRNAs that were overexpressed in NSCs: miR-130b, miR-301a, and members of the miR-15~16 and miR-17~92 clusters and whose knockdown significantly impaired the neurosphere formation ability. Our results reveal a novel Hh-Gli-Nanog-driven Foxm1-microRNA network that controls the self-renewal capacity of NSCs.
Diversity and evolution of four-domain voltage-gated cation channels of eukaryotes and their ancestral functional determinants
Authors: Pozdnyakov Ilya , Matantseva Olga , Skarlato Sergei
Published: February 2018

Four-domain voltage-gated cation channels (FVCCs) represent a large family of pseudo-tetrameric ion channels which includes voltage-gated calcium (Cav) and sodium (Nav) channels, as well as their homologues. These transmembrane proteins are involved in a wide range of physiological processes, such as membrane excitability, rhythmical activity, intracellular signalling, etc. Information about actual diversity and phylogenetic relationships of FVCCs across the eukaryotic tree of life is scarce. We for the first time performed a taxonomically broad phylogenetic analysis of 277 FVCC sequences from a variety of eukaryotes and showed that many groups of eukaryotic organisms have their own clades of FVCCs. Moreover, the number of FVCC lineages in several groups of unicellular eukaryotes is comparable to that in animals. Based on the primary structure of FVCC sequences, we characterised their functional determinants (selectivity filter, voltage sensor, Nav-like inactivation gates, Cavβ-interaction motif, and calmodulin-binding region) and mapped them on the obtained phylogeny. This allowed uncovering of lineage-specific structural gains and losses in the course of FVCC evolution and identification of ancient structural features of these channels. Our results indicate that the ancestral FVCC was voltage-sensitive, possessed a Cav-like selectivity filter, Nav-like inactivation gates, calmodulin-binding motifs and did not bear the structure for Cavβ-binding.