bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variability of core microbiota in newly diagnosed treatment-naïve paediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease patients
Authors: de Meij T.G.J. , de Groot E.F.J. , Peeters C.F.W. , de Boer N.K.H , Kneepkens C.M.F. , Eck A. , Benninga M.A. , Savelkoul P.H.M. , van Bodegraven A.A. , Budding A.E
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Intestinal microbiota is considered to play a crucial role in the aetiology of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We aimed to describe faecal microbiota composition and dynamics in a large cohort of children with de novo (naïve) IBD, in comparison to healthy paediatric controls (HC).

METHODS

In this prospective study, performed at two tertiary centres, faecal samples from newly diagnosed, treatment-naïve paediatric IBD patients were collected prior to bowel cleansing for colonoscopy (t0) and 1, 3 and 6 weeks and 3 months after initiation of therapy. The microbial profiles of Crohn’s disease (CD) and Ulcerative colitis (UC) patients were compared with HC and linked to therapeutic response. Microbiota composition was analysed by IS-pro technology.

RESULTS

Microbial profiles of 104 new IBD-patients (63 CD, 41 UC, median age 14.0 years) were compared to 61 HC (median 7.8 years). IBD was mainly characterised by decreased abundance of Alistipes finegoldi and Alistipes putredinis, which characterize a healthy state microbial core. The classifier including these core species as predictors achieved an AUC of the ROC curve of .87. Core bacteria tended to regain abundance during treatment, but did not reach healthy levels.

CONCLUSION

Faecal microbiota profiles of children with de novo CD and UC can be discriminated from HC with high accuracy, mainly driven by a decreased abundance of species shaping the microbial core in the healthy state. Paediatric IBD can therefore be characterized by decreased abundance of certain bacterial species reflecting the healthy state rather than by the introduction of pathogens.
Misfolded proteins share a common capacity in disrupting LLPS organizing membrane-less organelles
Authors: Kang Jian , Lim Liangzhong , Song Jianxing
Published: May 2018

Profilin-1 mutants cause ALS by gain of toxicity but the underlying mechanism remains unknown. Here we showed that three PFN1 mutants have differential capacity in disrupting dynamics of FUS liquid droplets underlying the formation of stress granules (SGs). Subsequently we extensively characterized conformations, dynamics and hydrodynamic properties of C71G-PFN1, FUS droplets and their interaction by NMR spectroscopy. C71G-PFN1 co-exists between the folded (55.2%) and unfolded (44.8%) states undergoing exchanges at 11.7 Hz, while its unfolded state non-specifically interacts with FUS droplets. Results together lead to a model for dynamic droplets to recruit misfolded proteins, which functions seemingly at great cost: simple accumulation of misfolded proteins within liquid droplets is sufficient to reduce their dynamics. Further aggregation of misfolded proteins within droplets might irreversibly disrupt/destroy structures and dynamics of droplets, as increasingly observed on SGs, an emerging target for various neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, our study implies that other misfolded proteins might also share the capacity in disrupting LLPS.
BZLF1 interacts with the chromatin remodeler INO80 promoting escape from latent infections with Epstein-Barr virus
Authors: Schaeffner Marisa , Mrozek-Gorska Paulina , Woellmer Anne , Tagawa Takanobu , Buschle Alexander , Krietenstein Nils , Lieleg Corinna , Korber Philipp , Hammerschmidt Wolfgang
Published: May 2018

A hallmark of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infections is its latent phase, when all viral lytic genes are repressed. Repression results from a high nucleosome occupancy and epigenetic silencing by cellular factors such as the Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) and DNA methyltransferases that respectively introduce repressive histone marks and DNA methylation. The viral transcription factor BZLF1 acts as molecular switch to induce the transition from the latent to the lytic or productive phase of EBV’s life cycle. It is unknown how BZLF1 can bind to the epigenetically silenced viral DNA and whether it directly reactivates the viral genome through chromatin remodeling. We addressed these fundamental questions and found that BZLF1 binds to nucleosomal DNA motifs bothin vivoandin vitro, a property characteristic ofbona fidepioneer factors. BZLF1 co-precipitates with cellular chromatin remodeler ATPases, and the knock-down of one of them, INO80, impaired lytic reactivation and virus synthesis. We conclude that BZLF1 reactivates the EBV genome by directly binding to silenced chromatin and recruiting cellular chromatin remodeling enzymes, which implement a permissive state for viral transcription. BZLF1 shares this mode of action with a limited number of cellular pioneer factors, which are instrumental in transcriptional activation, differentiation, and reprogramming in all eukaryotic cells.
Amycomicin: a potent and specific antibiotic discovered with a targeted interaction screen
Authors: Pishchany Gleb , Mevers Emily , Ndousse-Fetter Sula , Horvath Dennis J. , R. Paludo Camila , Silva-Junior Eduardo A. , Koren Sergey , Skaar Eric P. , Clardy Jon , Kolter Roberto
Published: May 2018

The rapid emergence of antibiotic-resistant pathogenic bacteria has accelerated the search for new antibiotics. Many clinically used antibacterials were discovered through culturing a single microbial species under nutrient-rich conditions, but in the environment, bacteria constantly encounter poor nutrient conditions and interact with neighboring microbial species. In an effort to recapitulate this environment we generated a nine-strain Actinomycete community and used 16S rDNA sequencing to deconvolute the stochastic production of antimicrobial activity that was not observed from any of the axenic cultures. We subsequently simplified the community to just two strains and identified Amycolatopsis sp. AA4 as the producing strain and Streptomyces coelicolor M145 as an inducing strain. Bioassay-guided isolation identified amycomicin, a highly modified fatty acid containing an epoxide isonitrile warhead as a potent and specific inhibitor of Staphylococcus aureus. Amycomicin targets an essential enzyme in fatty acid biosynthesis (FabH) and reduces S. aureus infection in a mouse skin infection model. The discovery of amycomicin demonstrates the utility of screening complex communities against specific targets to discover small-molecule antibiotics.

Significance

Bacteria, especially actinomycetes, produce the majority of our clinically useful small-molecule antibiotics. Genomic analyses of antibiotic-producing strains indicate that earlier discovery efforts found only a fraction of the likely antibiotic candidates. In an effort to uncover these previously missed candidates we developed an approach that utilizes the ability of microbial communities to produce antibiotics that are not produced by any single member in isolation. Successful communities were established and deconvoluted to identify both producers and inducers of antibiotic activity. One inducer-producer pair made amycomicin, a potent and specific antibiotic against Staphylococcus aureus, an important human pathogen. Amycomicin targets fatty acid biosynthesis and exhibits in vivo efficacy against skin infections in a mouse model.
Nuclear decoupling is part of a rapid protein-level cellular response to high-intensity mechanical loading
Authors: Gilbert Hamish T.J. , Mallikarjun Venkatesh , Dobre Oana , Jackson Mark R. , Pedley Robert , Gilmore Andrew P. , Richardson Stephen M. , Swift Joe
Published: May 2018

Our current understanding of cellular mechano-signalling is based on static models, which do not replicate the dynamics of living tissues. Here, we examined the time-dependent response of primary human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) to cyclic tensile strain (CTS). At low-intensity strain (1 hour, 4% CTS at 1 Hz) morphological changes mimicked responses to increased substrate stiffness. As the strain regime was intensified (frequency increased to 5 Hz), we characterised rapid establishment of a broad, structured and reversible protein-level response, even as transcription was apparently downregulated. Protein abundance was quantified coincident with changes to protein conformation and post transcriptional modification. Furthermore, we characterised changes within the linker of nucleo- and cytoskeleton (LINC) complex of proteins that bridges the nuclear envelope, and specifically to levels of SUN domain-containing protein 2 (SUN2). The result of this regulation was to decouple mechano-transmission between the cytoskeleton and the nucleus, thus conferring protection to chromatin.
Synthesis, structural characterization and luminescence properties of 1-carboxymethyl-3-ethylimidazolium chloride
Authors: Prodius Denis , Wilk-Kozubek Magdalena , Mudring Anja-Verena
Published: May 2018

A microcrystalline carboxyl-functionalized imidazolium chloride, namely 1-carboxymethyl-3-ethylimidazolium chloride, C7H11N2O2
+·Cl−, has been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform IR spectroscopy (ATR-FT-IR), single-crystal X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis (TGA/DSC), and photoluminescence spectroscopy. In the crystal structure, cations and anions are linked by C—H...Cl and C—H...O hydrogen bonds to create a helix along the [010] direction. Adjacent helical chains are further interconnected through O—H...Cl and C—H...O hydrogen bonds to form a (10\overline{1}) layer. Finally, neighboring layers are joined together via C—H...Cl contacts to generate a three-dimensional supramolecular architecture. Thermal analyses reveal that the compound melts at 449.7 K and is stable up to 560.0 K under a dynamic air atmosphere. Photoluminescence measurements show that the compound exhibits a blue fluorescence and a green phosphorescence associated with spin-allowed (1π←1π*) and spin-forbidden (1π←3π*) transitions, respectively. The average luminescence lifetime was determined to be 1.40 ns for the short-lived (1π←1π*) transition and 105 ms for the long-lived (1π←3π*) transition.
Dinuclear neodymium and lanthanum bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl) phosphate complexes bearing a hydroxide ligand: catalytic activity of the Nd complex in 1,3-diene polymerization
Authors: Minyaev Mikhail E. , Korchagina Sof'ya A. , Tavtorkin Alexander N. , Churakov Andrei V. , Nifant'ev Ilya E.
Published: May 2018

The reactions of K[(2,6-iPr2C6H3-O)2POO] either with LaCl3(H2O)7 or with Nd(NO3)3(H2O)6 in a 3:1 molar ratio, followed by vacuum drying and recrystallization from alkanes, have led to the formation of diaquapentakis[bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl) phosphato]-μ-hydroxido-dilanthanum hexane disolvate, [La2(C24H34O4P)5(OH)(H2O)2]·2C6H14, (1)·2(hexane), and tetraaquatetrakis[bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl) phosphato]-μ-hydroxido-dineodymium bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl) phosphate heptane disolvate, [Nd2(C24H34O4P)4(OH)(H2O)4]·2C6H14, (2)·2(heptane). The compounds crystalize in the P21/n and P\overline{1} space groups, respectively. The diaryl-substituted organophosphate ligand exhibits three different coordination modes, viz. κ2
O,O′-terminal [in (1) and (2)], κO-terminal [in (1)] and μ2-κ1
O:κ1
O′-bridging [in (1) and (2)]. Binuclear structures (1) and (2) are similar and have the same unique Ln2(μ-OH)(μ-OPO)2 core. The structure of (2) consists of an [Nd2{(2,6-iPr2C6H3-O)2POO}4(OH)(H2O)4]+ cation and a [(2,6-iPr2C6H3-O)2POO]− anion, which are bound via four intermolecular O—H...O hydrogen bonds. The molecular structure of (1) displays two O—H...O hydrogen bonds between OH/H2O ligands and a κ1
O-terminal organophosphate ligand, which resembles, to some extent, the `free' [(2,6-iPr2C6H3-O)2POO]− anion in (2). NMR studies have shown that the formation of (1) undoubtedly occurs due to intramolecular hydrolysis during vacuum drying of the aqueous La tris(phosphate) complex. Catalytic experiments have demonstrated that the presence of the coordinated hydroxide anion and water molecules in precatalyst (2) substantially lowered the catalytic activity of the system prepared from (2) in butadiene and isoprene polymerization compared to the catalytic system based on the neodymium tris[bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl) phosphate] complex, which contains neither OH nor H2O ligands.
Generating story problems via controlled parameters in a web-based intelligent tutoring system
Authors: Khodeir Nabila Ahmed , Elazhary Hanan , Wanas Nayer
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an algorithm to generate story problems via controlled parameters in the domain of mathematics. The generation process is performed in the problem generation module in the context of an intelligent tutoring system suggested in this paper. Controlling the question parameters allows for adapting the generated questions according to the specific student needs. Story problems are selected since they are one of the most important types of problems in mathematics, as they help train students to apply their knowledge to real-world problems. Such problems target improving different student’s skills including literacy skills through reading the problem, recognizing the embedded mathematical information, and applying the required arithmetic operators.

Design/methodology/approach

Natural language generation (NLG) techniques are used to control the difficulty level of the generated story problem header in addition to effecting variations from the natural language point of view. The proposed NLG technique is based on different separated knowledge categories to provide flexibility in the generation process and allow porting the module to other contexts, domains, and to other natural languages without a complete redesign.

Findings

The approach has been empirically evaluated, and the results show that the generated problems are sound, clear, and naturally readable. This is in addition to the usability of the tutoring system itself.

Research limitations/implications

The generation technique is confined to the problem described using rhetorical schemas. Nevertheless, it can generate any problem provided that the rhetorical schema is available.

Originality/value

Most story problems generation systems limit the variation of the story problems to formulating the sentences that describe the story problem and the associated mathematical operations. In contrast, this paper presents a story problems generation technique that allows variations in the structure of the narrative story as well as the context, sentences, wordings, and mathematical operations. This variability allows assessing different student skills along different dimensions with gradually increasing difficulty levels.
Faculty mentoring faculty: career stages, relationship quality, and job satisfaction
Authors: Lunsford Laura , Baker Vicki , Pifer Meghan
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand faculty mentoring experiences across career stages and the influence of mentoring relationship quality on job satisfaction. The study participants were faculty members from a consortium of liberal arts colleges in the USA. The theoretical lens draws from scholarship on career stages, developmental networks, and working alliances.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis is based on a subset of 415 faculty member responses about mentoring from a larger data set on faculty development. The online survey was conducted in Spring 2014. Frequencies,χ2, regression equations, and confirmatory factor analysis were computed usingRstatistical software.

Findings

Over half the faculty members were both mentors and protégés; although, a sizable minority of faculty members did not engage in mentoring. Early-career faculty members were significantly more likely to have a mentor than were mid- or late-career faculty members. For both mentors and protégés, the higher they rated the quality of the mentoring relationship, the more job satisfaction they reported; this finding was greatest for mid-career (associate rank) faculty members. Participants reported significantly higher relationship quality with their mentors than with their protégés.

Research limitations/implications

The results may not generalize to faculty members who work at other institution types, for example, research-intensive or two-year schools, or to non-US higher education contexts. Statements made regarding those who do not participate in mentoring are speculative on the part of the authors.

Practical implications

Institutions may need to develop support for faculty members who may not desire to engage in mentoring. More attention may be warranted to create individual and institutional supports focused on high-quality mentoring.

Originality/value

This study extends the literature on mentoring by establishing that many employees serve in mentor and protégé roles simultaneously. Further, employees engage in mentoring relationships across career stages as mentors and as protégés. The authors developed a reliable measure of mentoring relationship quality that may be used in future mentoring studies. Higher quality mentoring relationships were associated with significantly greater job satisfaction.
A framework for understanding managerial responses to supply chain complexity
Authors: Turner Neil , Aitken James , Bozarth Cecil
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the nature of supply chain complexity and extend this with literature developed within the project domain. The authors use the lens of ambidexterity (the ability both to exploit and explore) to analyse responses to complexity, since this enables the authors to understand the application of known solutions in conjunction with innovative ones to resolve difficulties. This research also seeks to investigate how managers respond to supply chain complexities that can either be operationally deleterious or strategically beneficial.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors develop a descriptive framework based on the project management (PM) literature to understand response options to complexity, and then use interviews with supply chain managers in six organisations to examine the utility of this framework in practice. The authors ask the research question “How do managers in supply chains respond to complexities”?

Findings

The case study data show first that managers faced with structural, socio-political, or emergent supply chain complexities use a wide range of responses. Second, over a third of the instances of complexity coded were actually accommodated, rather than reduced, by the study firms, suggesting that adapting to supply chain complexity in certain instances may be strategically appropriate. Third, the lens of ambidexterity allows a more explicit assessment of whether existing PM solutions can be considered or if novel methods are required to address supply chain complexities.

Practical implications

The descriptive framework can aid managers in conceptualising and addressing supply chain complexity. Through exploiting current knowledge, managers can lessen the impact of complexity while exploring other innovative approaches to solve new problems and challenges that evolve from complexity growth driven by business strategy.

Originality/value

This study addresses a gap in the literature through the development of a framework which provides a structure on ways to address supply chain complexity. The authors evaluate an existing project complexity concept and demonstrate that it is both applicable and valuable in non-project, ongoing operations. The authors then extend it using the lens of ambidexterity, and develop a framework that can support practitioners in analysing and addressing both strategically necessary supply complexities, together with unwanted, negative complexities within the organisation and across the supply chain.
Coordination in temporary organizations
Authors: Fernandes Aline , Spring Martin , Tarafdar Monideepa
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore intra-firm coordination in temporary organizations (TOs). Specifically, it identifies and explains how operational coordination evolves over time in a particular TO: the 2016 Olympic Games Organizing Committee.

Design/methodology/approach

This is an immersive case study based on qualitative analysis and longitudinal fieldwork, which allowed the observation of operational coordination in real time. The main sources of data are participant observation, semi-structured interviews, and internal documents of the TO.

Findings

The findings suggest that operational coordination in TOs dealing with multiple and decentralized operations takes place through the combination of both formal and informal coordination mechanisms. Further analysis indicates a contingency logic in using these mechanisms, shaped by the presence of specific coordination challenges in different phases of work. Three main aspects influencing coordination are explored. First, it is suggested that TOs are inherently “hybrid.” That is, they comprise enduring as well as temporary and centralized as well as decentralized elements. These elements change over time. Second, a formal transition phase is explored: “venueization” – a phase between planning and operation in which centralized structural elements and processes are translated to operational units. Third, since TOs present emergence and dynamism, and related challenges across various phases of work, coordination is arguably contingent on the phase of the project.

Research limitations/implications

Although the findings are limited to a particular empirical context, this paper offers theoretically new insights concerning the hybrid nature of processes in TOs, the contingent use of complementary coordination mechanisms, and the importance of the venueization phase, and provides a basis for future research into operational coordination in TOs.

Practical implications

The findings can help practitioners understand and identify the challenges embedded in temporary contexts and develop coordination strategies accordingly.

Originality/value

This study explains how operational coordination takes place in TOs enabled by formal and informal mechanisms, which are contingently combined over time through particular coordination strategies.
The growing permanence of pop-up outlets within the international location strategies of fashion retailers
Authors: Alexander Bethan , Nobbs Karinna , Varley Rosemary
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is threefold: first, to establish the role of the pop-up store within the international location strategy of fashion retailers, second, to identify the factors influencing pop-up store location choice and the importance retailers ascribe to it and third, to assess how pop-up locations are sourced and selected.

Design/methodology/approach

A multiple case study was adopted. Research was conducted using secondary data sources, observation and semi-structured interviews with senior executives with strategic responsibility for store/brand development internationally. Manual content analysis was conducted.

Findings

Key findings cover the role of Pop-up stores within international retail location strategy, notably features, forms and function, with the latter highlighting the importance of opportunistic market testing and trial, reduced risk, regeneration, ROI- and CRM-driven decisions; the factors impacting location choice and selection, specifically the trade-offs between reactive and proactive approaches and the importance of networks and intuition, and future pop-up directions.

Research limitations/implications

Due to the chosen research approach, the results may lack generalization outside of the given sector and marketplaces. Several avenues for future research are elucidated including exploration of pop-up transformations including pop-up rebrand, technology enabled, experiential and third place.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the nascent field of research by providing new insight into the role of pop-ups within international location strategy, the factors influencing location choice and selection and offers a pop-up location taxonomy.
How leader networking, external monitoring, and representing are relevant for effective leadership
Authors: Hassan Shahidul , Prussia Gregory , Mahsud Rubina , Yukl Gary
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the individual and joint influence of three distinct external leadership behaviors (i.e. networking, representing, and external monitoring) on workgroup performance and managerial effectiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were gathered by surveying subordinates of 233 managers in various types of organizations.

Findings

The results of multiple regression analyses indicated that external monitoring and representing were positively related to subordinate perceptions of workgroup performance and managerial effectiveness. The effects of networking depended on a leader’s use of the other two external behaviors.

Originality/value

Understanding why a leader is effective in a particular context requires examining joint effects and different patterns of external behavior (Yukl, 2012). Past research on external leader behavior only examined one of the specific behaviors or examined a broadly defined behavior that included more than one of the three specific behaviors. The study provides new insight into the independent and joint effects of the three external leadership behaviors on managerial effectiveness and workgroup performance.
Contaminating microorganisms in quark‐type cheese and their capability of biogenic amine production
Authors: Pachlová Vendula , Buňková Leona , Purkrtová Sabina , Němečková Irena , Havlíková Šárka , Purevdorj Khatantuul , Buňka František
Published: May 2018

The aim of this study was to characterise the contaminating microorganisms during individual stages of manufacture of quark‐type cheese and also describe their capability of biogenic amine production. We isolated and identified 118 contaminating microorganisms for which the production of biogenic amines has been established. Over half of the isolates were capable of significantly producing at least one biogenic amine and, in some cases, multiple amines (content values for a particular biogenic amine exceeding 200 mg/L of broth). The strongest production ability of the isolated microorganisms was for putrescine and tyramine.
The Impact of Dementia Special Care Units on Quality of Care: An Instrumental Variables Analysis
Authors: Joyce Nina R. , McGuire Thomas G. , Bartels Stephen J. , Mitchell Susan L. , Grabowski David C.
Published: May 2018

Objective

To compare the quality of care following admission to a nursing home (NH) with and without a dementia special care unit (SCU) for residents with dementia.

Data Sources/Study Setting

National resident‐level minimum dataset assessments (MDS) 2005–2010 merged with Medicare claims and provider‐level data from the Online Survey, Certification, and Reporting database.

Study Design

We employ an instrumental variable approach to address the endogeneity of selection into an SCU facility controlling for a range of individual‐level covariates. We use “differential distance” to a nursing home with and without an SCU as our instrument.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

Minimum dataset assessments performed at NH admission and every quarter thereafter.

Principal Findings

Admission to a facility with an SCU led to a reduction in inappropriate antipsychotics (−9.7 percent), physical restraints (−9.6 percent), pressure ulcers (−3.3 percent), feeding tubes (−8.3 percent), and hospitalizations (−14.7 percent). We found no impact on the use of indwelling urinary catheters. Results held in sensitivity analyses that accounted for the share of SCU beds and the facilities' overall quality.

Conclusions

Facilities with an SCU provide better quality of care as measured by several validated quality indicators. Given the aging population, policies to promote the expansion and use of dementia SCUs may be warranted.
Association between H3K4 methylation and cancer prognosis: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Li Simin , Shen Luyan , Chen Ke‐Neng
Published: May 2018

Background

Histone H3 lysine 4 methylation (H3K4 methylation), including mono‐methylation (H3K4me1), di‐methylation (H3K4me2), or tri‐methylation (H3K4me3), is one of the epigenetic modifications to histone proteins, which are related to the transcriptional activation of genes. H3K4 methylation has both tumor inhibiting and promoting effects, and the prognostic value of H3K4 methylation in cancer remains controversial. Therefore, we performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis to examine the association between H3K4 methylation and cancer prognosis.

Methods

A comprehensive search of PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Embase, and Ovid databases was conducted to identify studies investigating the association between H3K4 methylation and prognosis of patients with malignant tumors. The data and characteristics of each study were extracted, and the hazard ratio (HR) at a 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated to estimate the effect.

Results

A total of 1474 patients in 10 studies were enrolled in this meta‐analysis. The pooled HR of 1.52 (95% CI 1.02–2.26) indicated that patients with a lower level of H3K4me2 expression were expected to have shorter overall survival, while the pooled HR of 0.45 (95% CI 0.27–0.74) indicated that patients with a lower level of H3K4me3 expression were expected to have longer overall survival.

Conclusion

This meta‐analysis indicates that increased H3K4me3 expression and decreased H3K4me2 expression might be predictive factors of poor prognosis in cancer. Further large cohort studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Clonally‐related primary ALK rearranged adenocarcinoma and associated metastatic lesions
Authors: Zhu You‐cai , Deng Yun‐te , Wang Wen‐xian , Xu Chun‐wei , Zhuang Wu , Du Kai‐qi
Published: May 2018

ALK rearrangement is a driver gene in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). ALK‐positive tumors are sensitive to ALK‐tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). The detection of key driver genes is crucial to enable personalized treatment. Different histomorphological patterns have different driver genes. Herein, we report the case of a 42‐year‐old male patient diagnosed with adenocarcinoma with different histomorphologies in the primary lung site (mucinous type) and lymph node metastasis (solid type), of the same genotype, both presenting with ALK rearrangement but negative for EGFR mutation. This histological heterogeneity did not necessarily indicate a genomic difference. Genomic analysis may be a supplement to the histological features of ALK‐rearranged tumors. These gene alterations could aid the choice of an appropriate TKI and predict therapeutic response.
Morphofunctional description of mucous cells in the gills of the Arapaimidae Arapaima gigas (Cuvier) during its development
Authors: Ramos C. A. , da Costa O. T. F. , Duncan W. L. P. , Fernandes M. N.
Published: May 2018

The gill structure of the Amazonian fish Arapaima gigas (Cuvier 1829) shows ontogenetic changes during development, particularly due the transition from the aquatic to the obligatory air breathing mode of respiration. However, three main cell types can be found in the gills: mitochondrial rich cells, pavement cells and mucous cells (MCs). The MCs are involved in the secretory pathway. The functions of the secreted molecules include mechanical protection of epithelia, protection against parasites and bacterial infection, and role on ion regulation. In this study, we analysed mucous cell location and mucous cell type, based on pH, during the development of A. gigas. Using samples obtained from the environment, gills were collected and fixed in buffered solution. Histological techniques for the identification of MCs were performed Alcian Blue (AB) and periodic acid‐Schiff (PAS). The results showed the presence of PAS+ and AB+ cells in the whole filament in all examined fish. In animals less than 50 g, few MCs were present, and no differences were observed in AB+ and PAS+ cells. In animals weighing close to 500 g, more PAS+ cells than AB+ cells were observed, and in animals that weighed more than 1,000 g, more AB+ cells than PAS+ cells were observed. These observations may be a result of the ontogenetic changes in the gill epithelia, which can change the osmorespiratory compromise in ion regulation functions as well the glycosaminoglycans secreted by PAS cells, which in large animals can play a role in the protection against parasites and bacterial infection.
Chest‐lead ST‐J amplitudes using arm electrodes as reference instead of the Wilson central terminal in smartphone ECG applications: Influence on ST‐elevation myocardial infarction criteria fulfillment
Authors: Lindow Thomas , Engblom Henrik , Khoshnood Ardavan , Ekelund Ulf , Carlsson Marcus , Pahlm Olle
Published: May 2018

Background

“Smartphone 12‐lead ECG” for the assessment of acute myocardial ischemia has recently been introduced. In the smartphone 12‐lead ECG either the right or the left arm can be used as reference for the chest electrodes instead of the Wilson central terminal. These leads are labeled “CR leads” or “CL leads.” We aimed to compare chest‐lead ST‐J amplitudes, using either CR or CL leads, to those present in the conventional 12‐lead ECG, and to determine sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of STEMI for CR and CL leads.

Methods

Five hundred patients (74 patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), 66 patients with nonischemic ST deviation and 360 controls) were included. Smartphone 12‐lead ECG chest‐lead ST‐J amplitudes were calculated for both CR and CL leads.

Results

ST‐J amplitudes were 9.1 ± 29 μV larger for CR leads and 7.7 ± 42 μV larger for CL leads than for conventional chest leads (V leads). Sensitivity and specificity were 94% and 95% for CR leads and 81% and 97% for CL leads when fulfillment of STEMI criteria in V leads was used as reference. In ischemic patients who met STEMI criteria in V leads, but not in limb leads, STEMI criteria were met with CR or CL leads in 91%.

Conclusion

By the use of CR or CL leads, smartphone 12‐lead ECG results in slightly lower sensitivity in STEMI detection. Therefore, the adjustment of STEMI criteria may be needed before application in clinical practice.
Work, love, and death‐thought accessibility: A terror management investigation
Authors: McCabe Simon , Daly Michael
Published: May 2018

Terror management theory suggests that following culturally derived scripts for valued behaviour protects people from death concerns, and conversely, not meeting standards for cultural value can weaken this protection, heightening mortality concerns. Using this conceptual framework, we examine (1) how considerations of loss of employment, a source of cultural value for many, relates to the accessibility of death‐related cognition, and (2) the moderating role of job market health, and (3) involvement in close relationships. Study 1 found that writing about being unemployed (vs. a control topic) led to greater mortality‐related cognition. Study 2 found that considering unemployment heightened death cognition, but only when participants were led to perceive the job market as unhealthy. Finally, Study 3 found that considering unemployment led to greater death cognition, but not for those involved in a close relationship. Findings offer insight into a previously overlooked consequence of unemployment, and factors that may serve a protective function.
Young Children From Three Diverse Cultures Spontaneously and Consistently Prepare for Alternative Future Possibilities
Authors: Redshaw Jonathan , Suddendorf Thomas , Neldner Karri , Wilks Matti , Tomaselli Keyan , Mushin Ilana , Nielsen Mark
Published: May 2018

This study examined future‐oriented behavior in children (3–6 years; N = 193) from three diverse societies—one industrialized Western city and two small, geographically isolated communities. Children had the opportunity to prepare for two alternative versions of an immediate future event over six trials. Some 3‐year‐olds from all cultures demonstrated competence, and a majority of the oldest children from each culture prepared for both future possibilities on every trial. Although there were some cultural differences in the youngest age groups that approached ceiling performance, the overall results indicate that children across these communities become able to prepare for alternative futures during early childhood. This acquisition period is therefore not contingent on Western upbringing, and may instead indicate normal cognitive maturation.
Experiences of “I” and “we” among former looked‐after children in South Africa
Authors: Nurcombe‐Thorne Amanda , Nadesan Varoshini , van Breda Adrian DuPlessis
Published: May 2018

This article examines the care experiences of former looked‐after children from a residential care setting in South Africa. There is only limited research among care leavers in South Africa, and even less on their experiences of being in care. Six young adults who had been in residential care participated in individual and focus group interviews. The research was informed by Rogers' person‐centred approach. Two central themes emerged from the data, namely, experiences concerning the “I”—the self of the young person—and experiences concerning the “we”—the young person in relationship with her or his social environment. Within each of these themes, participants raised both positive and negative experiences, many of which continued to shape them well after leaving care. The findings emphasize the importance of the self‐in‐context and the need for childcare settings to strike a balance between the individual and communal needs of looked‐after children. These findings have implications both for child and youth care practice and for the management of child and youth care facilities.
Cytological diagnosis of cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis in two siblings presenting with bilateral ankle swellings and neurological decline
Authors: Nambirajan A. , Sashidharan A. , Garg A. , Dash D. , Bhatia R. , Sharma M. C. , Mathur S. R.
Published: May 2018

A rare cytological diagnosis of tendon xanthomas leading to a final diagnosis of cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis in two female siblings presenting with bilateral ankle swellings and neurological decline.
Nutritional status in children with cerebral palsy: figuring out feeding
Authors: Molyneux Elizabeth
Published: May 2018

This commentary is on the original article by Polack et al. on pages 914–921 of this issue.
Neuronal connections of direct and indirect pathways for stable value memory in caudal basal ganglia
Authors: Amita Hidetoshi , Kim Hyoung F. , Smith Mitchell K. , Gopal Atul , Hikosaka Okihide
Published: May 2018

Direct and indirect pathways in the basal ganglia work together for controlling behavior. However, it is still a controversial topic whether these pathways are segregated or merged with each other. To address this issue, we studied the connections of these two pathways in the caudal parts of the basal ganglia of rhesus monkeys using anatomical tracers. Our previous studies showed that the caudal basal ganglia control saccades by conveying long‐term values (stable values) of many visual objects toward the superior colliculus. In experiment 1, we injected a tracer in the caudate tail (CDt), and found local dense plexuses of axon terminals in the caudal‐dorsal‐lateral part of substantia nigra pars reticulata (cdlSNr) and the caudal‐ventral part of globus pallidus externus (cvGPe). These anterograde projections may correspond to the direct and indirect pathways, respectively. To verify this in experiment 2, we injected different tracers into cdlSNr and cvGPe, and found many retrogradely labeled neurons in CDt and, in addition, the caudal‐ventral part of the putamen (cvPut). These cdlSNr‐projecting and cvGPe‐projecting neurons were found intermingled in both CDt and cvPut (which we call “striatum tail”). A small but significant proportion of neurons (<15%) were double‐labeled, indicating that they projected to both cdlSNr and cvGPe. These anatomical results suggest that stable value signals (good vs. bad) are sent from the striatum tail to cdlSNr and cvGPe in a biased (but not exclusive) manner. These connections may play an important role in biasing saccades toward higher valued objects and away from lower valued objects.
Home Environment and Self‐Efficacy Beliefs among Native American, African American, and Latino Adolescents
Authors: Bradley Robert H.
Published: May 2018

Context helps determine what individuals experience in the settings they inhabit. Context also helps determine the likelihood that those experiences will promote adaptive development. Theory suggests likely interplay between various aspects of home context and development of ideas about self that influence patterns of development for children. This study addressed relations between two aspects of home life (companionship and investment, modeling and encouragement) and three types of self‐efficacy beliefs (enlisting social resources, independent learning, self‐regulatory behavior) considered important for long‐term adaptive functioning. The study focused on three groups of minority adolescents (Native American, African American, Latino). Relations were examined using regression models that also included four aspects of household risk that often hinder the development of self‐efficacy. Although findings varied somewhat across the three groups, significant relations emerged between the two domains of home life examined and self‐efficacy beliefs in all three groups, even controlling for overall household risk. Companionship and investment appeared particularly relevant for African American adolescents, while modeling and encouragement appeared particularly relevant for Native American adolescents. Both were relevant for Latino adolescents.
Uniaxial ratcheting behavior and fatigue life models of commercial pure titanium
Authors: Chang Le , Wen Jian‐Bin , Zhou Chang‐Yu , Zhou Bin‐Bin , Li Jian
Published: May 2018

The uniaxial fatigue and ratcheting behavior of commercial pure titanium (CP‐Ti) was investigated by asymmetric cyclic stress‐controlled experiments at room temperature. The effects of mean stress, stress amplitude, stress ratio, and peak stress on ratcheting behavior and fatigue life were discussed. It was found that increasing mean stress, stress amplitude, and peak stress or decreasing stress ratio reduced fatigue life and promoted ratcheting behavior. The applicability of different fatigue life models was analyzed, and a new stress ratio‐related failure model was proposed based on the exponential increase of fatigue life with stress ratio. Among all the models investigated in this study, the exponential stress ratio‐related model has more advantage in fatigue life predictions for CP‐Ti under ratcheting‐fatigue interaction.
St Francis: the world's worst dam site
Authors: Waltham Tony
Published: May 2018

Lying just north of Los Angeles, the total collapse of the St Francis Dam in 1928 has been described as America's worst civil engineering disaster of the twentieth century. Although poorly remembered among today's residents of Los Angeles, the event is better known to engineering geologists. The dam's failure was largely due to the geology of its site, which was inappropriate to the point of disastrous, in more ways than one.
Zeolite zones in East Greenland: use of native copper by pre‐contact Inuit?
Authors: Brooks Kent
Published: May 2018

Zeolites are a diverse group of calcium and sodium aluminosilicate minerals. They are tectosilicates (3‐D arrays of SiO4 tetrahedra), but vary in chemistry and crystal symmetry. Some readily exchange sodium for calcium and are used as water softeners. They also find applications as molecular sieves in petroleum refining, although the bulk of zeolites used industrially today are synthetic. These minerals form at low temperatures under well‐defined conditions and can be used as indicators of palaeotemperatures. In the same environment, but at higher temperatures, other minerals form including quartz, calcite, prehnite and even native copper. The Inuit of East Greenland, a Stone Age people, may have utilized native copper from this environment as did the Copper Inuit of the central Canadian Arctic.
Pembrokeshire, South Wales
Authors: Falcon‐Lang Howard
Published: May 2018

Unravelling the geology of Pembrokeshire (southwest Wales) has been a rite of passage for British undergraduate students for generations. A favourite destination for an Easter fieldtrip, this complex region contains diverse geology of late Precambrian to Carboniferous age. In the course of a five‐day excursion, a student can uncover evidence for two plate tectonic cycles: the birth of the early Palaeozoic Iapetus Ocean and its death in the Caledonian Orogen, and the reworking of the late Palaeozoic Rheic back‐arc basins on the northern margins of the Variscides. In doing so, there is an opportunity to examine highly variable palaeoenvironments including the deposits of alluvial fans, flood plains, deltas, estuaries, carbonate shelves and deeper marine settings, as well as developing fundamental field skills in geological mapping, structural analysis and sedimentary logging. In this article, I introduce the fascinating story of the geological evolution of Pembrokeshire and describe some of the classic localities useful for basic geological training.
Monitoring the HIV continuum of care in key populations across Europe and Central Asia
Authors: Brown AE , Attawell K , Hales D , Rice BD , Pharris A , Supervie V , Van Beckhoven D , Delpech VC , An der Heiden M , Marcus U , Maly M , Noori T
Published: May 2018

Objectives

The aim of the study was to measure and compare national continuum of HIV care estimates in Europe and Central Asia in three key subpopulations: men who have sex with men (MSM), people who inject drugs (PWID) and migrants.

Methods

Responses to a 2016 European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) survey of 55 European and Central Asian countries were used to describe continuums of HIV care for the subpopulations. Data were analysed using three frameworks: Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) 90‐90‐90 targets; breakpoint analysis identifying reductions between adjacent continuum stages; quadrant analysis categorizing countries using 90% cut‐offs for continuum stages.

Results

Overall, 29 of 48 countries reported national data for all HIV continuum stages (numbers living with HIV, diagnosed, receiving treatment and virally suppressed). Six countries reported all stages for MSM, seven for PWID and two for migrants. Thirty‐one countries did not report data for MSM (34 for PWID and 41 for migrants). In countries that provided key‐population data, overall, 63%, 40% and 41% of MSM, PWID and migrants living with HIV were virally suppressed, respectively (compared with 68%, 65% and 68% nationally, for countries reporting key‐population data). Variation was observed between countries, with higher outcomes in subpopulations in Western Europe compared with Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

Conclusions

Few reporting countries can produce the continuum of HIV care for the three key populations. Where data are available, differences exist in outcomes between the general and key populations. While MSM broadly mirror national outcomes (in the West), PWID and migrants experience poorer treatment and viral suppression. Countries must develop continuum measures for key populations to identify and address inequalities.