bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Altered DNA Methylation of Long Noncoding RNA
H19
in Calcific Aortic Valve Disease Promotes Mineralization by Silencing
NOTCH1
Authors: Hadji Fayez , Boulanger Marie-Chloé , Guay Simon-Pierre , Gaudreault Nathalie , Amellah Soumiya , Mkannez Guada , Bouchareb Rihab , Marchand Joël Tremblay , Nsaibia Mohamed Jalloul , Guauque-Olarte Sandra , Pibarot Philippe , Bouchard Luigi , Bossé Yohan , Mathieu Patrick
Published: October 2016

Background:

Calcific aortic valve disease is characterized by an abnormal mineralization of the aortic valve. Osteogenic activity in the aortic valve is under the control of
NOTCH1
, which regulates the expression of key pro-osteogenic genes such as
RUNX2
and
BMP2
. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) may reprogram cells by altering the gene expression pattern.

Methods:

Multidimensional genomic profiling was performed in human aortic valves to document the expression of lncRNAs and the DNA methylation pattern in calcific aortic valve disease. In-depth functional assays were carried out to document the impact of lncRNA on the mineralization of the aortic valve.

Results:

We documented that lncRNA
H19 (H19
) was increased in calcific aortic valve disease. Hypomethylation of the promoter region was observed in mineralized aortic valves and was inversely associated with
H19
expression. Knockdown and overexpression experiments showed that
H19
induces a strong osteogenic phenotype by altering the NOTCH1 pathway. Gene promoter analyses showed that
H19
silenced
NOTCH1
by preventing the recruitment of p53 to its promoter. A knockdown of
H19
in valve interstitial cells (VICs) increased the expression of
NOTCH1
and decreased the level of
RUNX2
and
BMP2
, 2 downstream targets repressed by
NOTCH1
. In rescue experiments, the transfection of a vector encoding for the active Notch intracellular domain prevented
H19
-induced mineralization of valve interstitial cells.

Conclusions:

These findings indicate that a dysregulation of DNA methylation in the promoter of
H19
during calcific aortic valve disease is associated with a higher expression of this lncRNA, which promotes an osteogenic program by interfering with the expression of
NOTCH1.
Intermodal Attention Shifts in Multimodal Working Memory
Authors: Katus Tobias , Grubert Anna , Eimer Martin
Published: October 2016

Attention maintains task-relevant information in working memory (WM) in an active state. We investigated whether the attention-based maintenance of stimulus representations that were encoded through different modalities is flexibly controlled by top–down mechanisms that depend on behavioral goals. Distinct components of the ERP reflect the maintenance of tactile and visual information in WM. We concurrently measured tactile (tCDA) and visual contralateral delay activity (CDA) to track the attentional activation of tactile and visual information during multimodal WM. Participants simultaneously received tactile and visual sample stimuli on the left and right sides and memorized all stimuli on one task-relevant side. After 500 msec, an auditory retrocue indicated whether the sample set's tactile or visual content had to be compared with a subsequent test stimulus set. tCDA and CDA components that emerged simultaneously during the encoding phase were consistently reduced after retrocues that marked the corresponding (tactile or visual) modality as task-irrelevant. The absolute size of cue-dependent modulations was similar for the tCDA/CDA components and did not depend on the number of tactile/visual stimuli that were initially encoded into WM. Our results suggest that modality-specific maintenance processes in sensory brain regions are flexibly modulated by top–down influences that optimize multimodal WM representations for behavioral goals.
Molecular and morphological characterisation of Paurodontella persica n. sp. (Hexatylina: Sphaerulariidae) from soil in Iran
Authors: Esmaeili Mehrab , Heydari Ramin , Ye Weimin
Published: October 2016

A new species ofPaurodontella,P. persican. sp., collected from the Alborz rangelands of Iran, is described and illustrated. The new species is characterised by its body length of 506 (416-599) μm and 424 (388-461) μm in female and male, respectively, four incisures in lateral field, lip region annulated and continuous with body contour, total stylet 6.2 (5.5-7.0) μm long. Basal pharyngeal bulb with small posterior extension projecting reaching to the intestine. Excretory pore situated at the level of basal pharyngeal bulb region. Post-uterine sac short, 4.5 (3.0-6.0) μm long and uterus with an offset diverticulum. Tail of both sexes similar, conoid pointed, terminus tapering into a long pointed mucron. Male with adanal bursa and spicules 16.5 (16.0-17.0) μm long. The new species comes close in morphology and morphometrics to four known species of the genus, namelyP. auriculata,P. myceliophaga,P. minutaandP. niger. Molecular analyses of the partial small subunit rDNA gene (SSU), D2-D3 expansion segments of the large subunit rDNA gene (LSU) and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) revealed this to be a new species.
The Authority Dilemma
Authors: Schultz-Bergin Marcus
Published: October 2016

Thomas Hobbes’s attempt to resolve the problem of commanded blasphemy in Leviathan results in a dilemma for his theory. According to what I call the Authority Dilemma, Hobbes is simultaneously committed to subjects being the authors of all that the sovereign does and commands as well as to the sovereign being the sole author of commanded blasphemy, meaning the subjects are not the authors of that command. I review a variety of ways Hobbes and various commentators have attempted to resolve this tension, but ultimately suggest that the tension persists. I spell out the implications of both horns of the authority dilemma: if subjects authorize all actions and commands, then the possibility of commanded blasphemy risks the stability of the commonwealth; if subjects do not authorize all actions and commands, then the commonwealth is not properly unified and thus cannot be stable. Thus, either way, Hobbes fails to establish how individuals can form a stable commonwealth. I conclude with a Hobbesian inspired solution that accepts that subjects authorize all actions and commands, including blasphemy. However, I leverage two recent lines of scholarship – one regarding the inalienable right of self-preservation and the other regarding the fear of eternal damnation – to provide a means for disobedience without the risk of instability.
Three new species of Pleroma (Melastomataceae) from Inselbergs of Espírito Santo, Brazil
Authors: MEYER FABRÍCIO SCHMITZ , GOLDENBERG RENATO , KOLLMANN LUDOVIC J.C.
Published: October 2016

Three new species of Pleroma are described: Pleroma costatocalyx, P. kollmanniana and P. subsessilis. All three species are morphologically similar to Tibouchina heteromalla and related species, especially due to the shrubby habit, elongated inflorescences, flowers with purple petals, but white at their bases, antesepalous stamens with the connective covered with glandular trichomes, and by the short (ca. 4–5 mm long), curved style. All three species differ from T. heteromalla by the styles with trichomes (vs. glabrous in T. heteromalla). Pleroma costatocalyx also differs from T. heteromalla by the longitudinally costate hypanthium, P. kollmanniana by the strongly winged branches, bigger leaves, and shorter petioles, and P. subsessilis by the concolorous leaves and antepetalous stamens with glabrous connective and appendages. All new species grow in vegetation associated with inselbergs and are endemic to Espírito Santo state, despite the fact that one of them (P. costatocalyx) was collected very close to the border with Minas Gerais, where it probably occurs. We present descriptions, taxonomic comments, illustrations, and conservation status assignments for the new species.
A survey of East Palaearctic Gnaphosidae (Araneae). 5. On Synaphosus from Central Asia
Authors: MARUSIK YURI M. , FOMICHEV ALEXANDER A.
Published: October 2016

Four new species of Synaphosus are described from Central Asia: S. shmakovi sp. n. (♀, Western Mongolia), S. ovtsharenkoi sp. n. (♂♀, Central Mongolia), S. mongolicus sp. n. (♀, South-Western Mongolia) and S. saidovi sp. n. (♀, Tajikistan). New faunistic records and illustrations of S. palearcticus Ovtsharenko, Levy & Platnick, 1994 and S. turanicus Ovtsharenko, Levy & Platnick, 1994 are provided. Synaphosus with three named species is recorded for the first time from Mongolia, and S. palearcticus is reported for the first time from Tajikistan.
Revision of the genus Morphosphaera Baly (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Galerucinae)
Authors: LEE CHI-FENG , BEZDĔK JAN
Published: October 2016

The genus Morphosphaera Baly, 1861 is revised. Eleven species are considered as valid, including, M. takizawai sp. nov. (Mt. Basor, 90 km N of Gua Musang, Malaysia, W. Kelantan), described from Malaysia and Indonesia. Color photos of habitus and drawings of diagnostic characters from eleven species are presented. The following synonymies are proposed: M. sodalis Chen, 1935 and M. brunnea Maulik, 1936 are junior synonyms of M. albipennis Allard, 1889; M. margaritacea Laboissière, 1930, M. viridipennis Laboissière, 1930, and M. prava Maulik, 1936 are junior synonyms of M. coomani Laboissière, 1930; M. gracilicornis Chen, 1963 is a junior synonym of M. maculicollis Baly, 1861; M. cavaleriei Laboissière, 1930, M. cincticollis Laboissière, 1930, M. marginata Laboissière, 1930, M. purpurea Laboissière, 1930, M. gingkoae Gressitt & Kimoto, 1963, and M. metallescens Gressitt & Kimoto, 1963 are junior synonyms of M. sumatrana Jacoby, 1886. The type material of M. impunctata Allard, 1890 from the Philippines was not found and its taxonomic status remains uncertain. Morphosphaera peregrina Weise, 1913 is transferred to the genus Borneola Mohamedsaid, 1998 nov. comb. A neotype is designated for Chrysomela japonica Hornstedt, 1788. Lectotypes are designated for the following species: Adorium chrysomeloides Bates, 1866, A. japonicum Baly, 1874, Morphosphaera albipennis Allard, 1889, M. bimaculata Chûjô, 1938, M. caerulea Jacoby, 1896, M. cavaleriei Laboissière, 1930, M. collaris Laboissière, 1930, M. formosa Laboissière, 1930, M. marginata Laboissière, 1930, M. montivaga Maulik, 1936, M. prava Maulik, 1936, M. purpurea Laboissière, 1930, M. sumatrana Jacoby, 1886, M. viridipennis Laboissière, 1930, and Galerucida simplex Weise, 1922.
A new species of genus Nishada Moore, 1878 (Lepidoptera, Erebidae, Arctiinae) from India
Authors: JOSHI RAHUL , KIRTI JAGBIR S. , SINGH NAVNEET
Published: October 2016

Genus Nishada Moore (1878) was proposed as a monotypic genus, under subfamily Lithosiinae, family Lithosiidae (now Lithosiini), including only Nishada flabrifera Moore (1878) from Calcutta (now as Kolkata), India. The genus is distributed from China to India, Thailand, Malaysia and up to Australia. The Indian fauna of Nishada is reported from North-East Himalayas, West Bengal (Kolkata) and South India. Members of this genus are unmarked, yellow to brown with short and broad wings. Genus Nishada has been taxonomically dealt by many authors but awaits thorough revision.History: Hampson (1900) included a total of ten species: Nishada niveola Hampson, 1900, Nishada syntomioides (Walker, 1862), Nishada impervia (Walker, 1865), Nishada marginalis (Felder 1875), Nishada tula Swinhoe, 1900, Nishada nodicornis (Walker 1862), Nishada rotundipennis (Walker 1862), Nishada flabrifera Moore, 1878, Nishada sambara (Moore 1859) and Nishada xantholoma (Snellen 1879). Swinhoe (1902) and Hampson (1911) then described two new species, Nishada melanistis and Nishada brunneipennis, respectively, followed by Rothschild (1912, 1913) who described a further seven new species, Nishada brunnea, Nishada flavens, Nishada testacea, Nishada griseoflava, Nishada fuscofascia, Nishada louisiadensis and Nishada aurantiaca, bringing the total to 19 species. Strand (1922) catalogued only 13 of these species in Nishada, transferring N. brunnea and N. fuscofascia to genus Scoliacma Meyrick (1886); N. testacea, N.griseoflava and N. louisiadensis Rothschild to Eilema Hübner (1819) and synonymising N. flavens with N. sambara. Next, Matsumura (1927) described N. formosibia, followed by two more species, N. aureocincta Debauche, 1938 and N. benjaminea Roepke, 1946. Holloway (2001) synonymised N. nodicornis with N. rotundipennis and added the description of a new subspecies, Nishada chilomorpha adunca Holloway, 2001 from Borneo, indicating a distributional range as far as North East India. The nominotypical subspecies, N. c. chilomorpha was suggested to be restricted to its type locality of Java. Bucsek (2012) added Nishada cameronensis, Dubatolov & Bucsek (2013) described Nishada schintlmeisteri and Bucsek (2016) described Nishada temenggora. So, at present, Nishada comprises19 species, of which three are known from India (Singh et al. 2014). Herein, we describe one further species, Nishada pseudochilomorpha Joshi & Singh sp. nov., from Jatinga (Assam, India). In addition, new distributional records are reported for N. flabrifera.
A classification of the penial microsetae of Gonyleptoidea (Opiliones: Laniatores)
Authors: KURY ADRIANO B.
Published: October 2016

The macrosetae of the ventral plate of Laniatores penis have been occasionally described and used for systematic purposes in the literature, to the point of having a whole system created for them in the recent study Of Kury & Villarreal (2015), in a paper where a phylogenetic analysis of the subfamily Gonyleptoidea was performed. Contrastingly, the microsetae of ventral plate of Gonyleptoidea are left undescribed in descriptive works, where the penis is often illustrated without a ventral view of the ventral plate. In some works with SEM images microsetae do appear, although they remain undescribed and/or unacknowledged (e.g., Townsend et al., 2010 figs 8–10; Coronato-Ribeiro & Pinto-da-Rocha 2015, where microsetae are visible in photos, but only barely mentioned). In the case of line drawings, exceptionally a few microsetae are shown mainly in the lateral view of the penis ventral plate (Acosta 2001, figs 17–21; Weber 1988, fig 6b). Exceptions to this treatment are Kury (2012: 41, figs 14–15) in which besides microsetae are illustrated their distribution pattern is described and Kury (2014), where even a subgroup of Gonyleptoidea was created and named—Microsetata—for species possessing a mat of microsetae on the ventral surface of ventral plate. Furthermore, among the characters used for the analysis in Kury & Villarreal (2015), the authors listed one containing five types of microsetae, which were not explained. Here, these types and their topology are described to make up for that omission.
Supplement to the knowledge of the genus Batraxis Reitter (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Pselaphinae) of China
Authors: WANG DAN , YIN ZI-WEI
Published: October 2016

Following our previous contributions to the knowledge of Chinese Batraxis Reitter (Wang et al. 2016; Wang & Yin 2016), here we describe two more species from Yunnan, and provide new collecting records for two previously described species, based on the newly available material deposited in the National Museum, Prague, Czech Republic. The number of Batraxis species now reaches 63 species, 19 of them are known to occur in China.
A common name for the bat family Rhinonycteridae—the Trident Bats
Authors: ARMSTRONG KYLE N. , GOODMAN STEVEN M. , BENDA PETR , HAND SUZANNE J.
Published: October 2016

Recent elevation in the rank of J.E. Gray’s (1866) ‘Leaf-nosed Bats’ the Rhinonycterina to family level recognised the phylogenetic uniqueness of bats in the extant genera Cloeotis, Paratriaenops, Rhinonicteris and Triaenops, and the fossil genera Brachipposideros and Brevipalatus (Foley et al. 2015). In the systematic summary of that paper, attention was drawn to the issue of correct nomenclature because of past ambiguity around the appropriate spelling of the type genus Rhinonicteris (see also Simmons 2005; Armstrong 2006). However, no suggestion was made for the common name of the Rhinonycteridae, and that used for the Hipposideridae was simply duplicated—‘Old World Leaf-nosed Bats’. It would be helpful for this newly distinguished family to have its own appellation—to avoid unnecessary confusion in the wider literature, and to recognise its distinctiveness and evolutionary history.
Wind-Driven Atlantic Water Flow as a Direct Mode for Reduced Barents Sea Ice Cover
Authors: Lien Vidar S. , Schlichtholz Pawel , Skagseth Øystein , Vikebø Frode B.
Published: October 2016

Variability in the Barents Sea ice cover on interannual and longer time scales has previously been shown to be governed by oceanic heat transport. Based on analysis of observations and results from an ocean circulation model during an event of reduced sea ice cover in the northeastern Barents Sea in winter 1993, it is shown that the ocean also plays a direct role within seasons. Positive wind stress curl and associated Ekman divergence causes a coherent increase in the Atlantic water transport along the negative thermal gradient through the Barents Sea. The immediate response connected to the associated local winds in the northeastern Barents Sea is a decrease in the sea ice cover due to advection. Despite a subsequent anomalous ocean-to-air heat loss on the order of 100 W m−2 due to the open water, the increase in the ocean heat content caused by the circulation anomaly reduced refreezing on a time scale of order one month. Furthermore, it is found that coherent ocean heat transport anomalies occurred more frequently in the latter part of the last five decades during periods of positive North Atlantic Oscillation index, coinciding with the Barents Sea winter sea ice cover decline from the 1990s and onward.
Which party members participate in direct political action? A cross-national analysis
Authors: Wauters Bram
Published: October 2016

As a reaction to the erosion of political parties, citizens increasingly engage in participation independently from parties (such as boycotts, petitions and street demonstrations). Looking beyond the often-stated contradiction between party membership and these forms of non-institutionalized participation, we tried to determine whether party members participate in non-institutionalized participation as a complement or an alternative to their party membership activities. Based on the relative deprivation and civic voluntarism model, three party variables were selected: activity rate in the party, government status and ideological orientation of the party. The results of our analysis conducted on party members in 22 European countries show that the government status and the ideological position of a party have the largest effects on the propensity to participate in direct action. Activity rate does not have a significant effect, except a positive one for street demonstrations. In sum, direct action is not an alternative for dissatisfied party members, but rather a complement.
Research Data Services at ETH-Bibliothek
Authors: Sesartic Ana , Töwe Matthias
Published: October 2016

The management of research data throughout its life-cycle is both a key prerequisite for effective data sharing and efficient long-term preservation of data. This article summarizes the data services and the overall approach to data management as currently practised at ETH-Bibliothek, the main library of ETH Zürich, the largest technical university in Switzerland. The services offered by service providers within ETH Zürich cover the entirety of the data life-cycle. The library provides support regarding conceptual questions, offers training and services concerning data publication and long-term preservation. As research data management continues to play a steadily more prominent part in both the requirements of researchers and funders as well as curricula and good scientific practice, ETH-Bibliothek is establishing close collaborations with researchers, in order to promote a mutual learning process and tackle new challenges.
Acknowledging Female Victims of Green Crimes: Environmental Exposure of Women to Industrial Pollutants
Authors: Lynch Michael J.
Published: October 2016

Green criminology has drawn attention to the widespread forms of green victimization. However, green criminology has neglected female victims of green crimes, and area to which feminist criminologists can contribute. To draw attention to these issues, this article examines the medical and epidemiological literature published since 2010 related to the forms of green victimization women experience. Implications for examining the green victimization of economically marginalized female populations, the need to integrate feminist and green criminological research, and suggests that feminist analysis can also inform ecofeminist studies by more fully elaborating a position of the environmental/green victimization of women are presented.
Long-term course of patients with primary ocular adnexal MALT lymphoma: a large single-institution cohort study
Authors: Desai Amrita , Joag Madhura G. , Lekakis Lazaros , Chapman Jennifer R. , Vega Francisco , Tibshirani Robert , Tse David , Markoe Arnold , Lossos Izidore S.
Published: October 2016

Key Points

POAML (specifically Ann Arbor stage I disease) has an excellent clinical outcome, with only a few patients succumbing to lymphoma. POAML patients face a continuous risk of distant relapse, including in the central nervous system, and transformation to aggressive lymphoma.
Basophil tryptase mMCP-11 plays a crucial role in IgE-mediated, delayed-onset allergic inflammation in mice
Authors: Iki Misako , Tanaka Kensei , Deki Hayato , Fujimaki Mio , Sato Shingo , Yoshikawa Soichiro , Yamanishi Yoshinori , Karasuyama Hajime
Published: October 2016

Key Points

Mice deficient for basophil tryptase mMCP-11 showed ameliorated IgE-mediated allergic inflammation with reduced leukocyte infiltration. This is the first demonstration that the basophil-derived protease plays a crucial role in allergic inflammation.
BIGMAC : breaking inaccurate genomes and merging assembled contigs for long read metagenomic assembly
Authors: Lam Ka-Kit , Hall Richard , Clum Alicia , Rao Satish
Published: October 2016

Background

The problem of de-novo assembly for metagenomes using only long reads is gaining attention. We study whether post-processing metagenomic assemblies with the original input long reads can result in quality improvement. Previous approaches have focused on pre-processing reads and optimizing assemblers. BIGMAC takes an alternative perspective to focus on the post-processing step.

Results

Using both the assembled contigs and original long reads as input, BIGMAC first breaks the contigs at potentially mis-assembled locations and subsequently scaffolds contigs. Our experiments on metagenomes assembled from long reads show that BIGMAC can improve assembly quality by reducing the number of mis-assemblies while maintaining or increasing N50 and N75. Moreover, BIGMAC shows the largest N75 to number of mis-assemblies ratio on all tested datasets when compared to other post-processing tools.

Conclusions

BIGMAC demonstrates the effectiveness of the post-processing approach in improving the quality of metagenomic assemblies.
MEvoLib v1.0: the first molecular evolution library for Python
Authors: Álvarez-Jarreta Jorge , Ruiz-Pesini Eduardo
Published: October 2016

Background

Molecular evolution studies involve many different hard computational problems solved, in most cases, with heuristic algorithms that provide a nearly optimal solution. Hence, diverse software tools exist for the different stages involved in a molecular evolution workflow.

Results

We present MEvoLib, the first molecular evolution library for Python, providing a framework to work with different tools and methods involved in the common tasks of molecular evolution workflows. In contrast with already existing bioinformatics libraries, MEvoLib is focused on the stages involved in molecular evolution studies, enclosing the set of tools with a common purpose in a single high-level interface with fast access to their frequent parameterizations. The gene clustering from partial or complete sequences has been improved with a new method that integrates accessible external information (e.g. GenBank’s features data). Moreover, MEvoLib adjusts the fetching process from NCBI databases to optimize the download bandwidth usage. In addition, it has been implemented using parallelization techniques to cope with even large-case scenarios.

Conclusions

MEvoLib is the first library for Python designed to facilitate molecular evolution researches both for expert and novel users. Its unique interface for each common task comprises several tools with their most used parameterizations. It has also included a method to take advantage of biological knowledge to improve the gene partition of sequence datasets. Additionally, its implementation incorporates parallelization techniques to enhance computational costs when handling very large input datasets.
Comparison of dementia recorded in routinely collected hospital admission data in England with dementia recorded in primary care
Authors: Brown Anna , Kirichek Oksana , Balkwill Angela , Reeves Gillian , Beral Valerie , Sudlow Cathie , Gallacher John , Green Jane
Published: October 2016

Background

Electronic linkage of UK cohorts to routinely collected National Health Service (NHS) records provides virtually complete follow-up for cause-specific hospital admissions and deaths. The reliability of dementia diagnoses recorded in NHS hospital data is not well documented.

Methods

For a sample of Million Women Study participants in England we compared dementia recorded in routinely collected NHS hospital data (Hospital Episode Statistics: HES) with dementia recorded in two separate sources of primary care information: a primary care database [Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD), n = 340] and a survey of study participants’ General Practitioners (GPs, n = 244).

Results

Dementia recorded in HES fully agreed both with CPRD and with GP survey data for 85% of women; it did not agree for 1 and 4%, respectively. Agreement was uncertain for the remaining 14 and 11%, respectively; and among those classified as having uncertain agreement in CPRD, non-specific terms compatible with dementia, such as ‘memory loss’, were recorded in the CPRD database for 79% of the women. Agreement was significantly better (p < 0.05 for all comparisons) for women with HES diagnoses for Alzheimer’s disease (95 and 94% agreement with any dementia for CPRD and GP survey, respectively) and for vascular dementia (88 and 88%, respectively) than for women with a record only of dementia not otherwise specified (70 and 72%, respectively). Dementia in the same woman was first mentioned an average 1.6 (SD 2.6) years earlier in primary care (CPRD) than in hospital (HES) data. Age-specific rates for dementia based on the hospital admission data were lower than the rates based on the primary care data, but were similar if the delay in recording in HES was taken into account.

Conclusions

Dementia recorded in routinely collected NHS hospital admission data for women in England agrees well with primary care records of dementia assessed separately from two different sources, and is sufficiently reliable for epidemiological research.
A novel method of measuring passive quasi‐stiffness in the first metatarsophalangeal joint
Authors: Heng Marabelle L. , Chua Yaohui K. , Pek Hong K. , Krishnasamy Priathashini , Kong Pui W.
Published: October 2016

Background

First metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) mobility is commonly assessed by its angular displacement (joint angle) or subjectively rated as ‘hypermobile’, ‘normal’ or ‘stiff’ by a clinician. Neither of these methods is ideal because displacement alone does not take into account the force required to displace the joint and subjective evaluation is not always reliable. This study presented a novel method to determine the passive quasi‐stiffness of the first MTPJ. The reliability of the proposed method was also assessed. The first MTPJ passive quasi‐stiffness of 13 healthy subjects were measured at two occasions, 7 days apart, by two testers (experienced and inexperienced). A tactile pressure sensing system was used to measure the force applied to dorsiflex the first toe by the testers. The torque (in Nmm) about the first MTPJ was calculated as the applied force (in N) multiplied by a moment arm (in mm), where moment arm was the length of the first proximal phalanx. A video camera recorded the motion of the first MTPJ, simultaneously with force measurements, to determine the joint angular displacement (in degrees) using the Dartfish software. The quasi‐stiffness (in Nmm/degrees) was calculated as the slope of a graph where torque was plotted against first MTPJ angular displacement. Descriptive statistics of the first MTPJ quasi‐stiffness were calculated. Intra‐rater and inter‐rater reliability were assessed using Bland and Altman plot, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), and standard error of measurement (SEM).

Results

First MTPJ quasi‐stiffness of the subjects ranged widely from 0.66 to 53.4 Nmm/degrees. Intra‐rater reliability for experienced tester was moderate (Session 1: 14.9 ± 14.6 Nmm/degrees, Session 2: 14.2 ± 8.5 Nmm/degrees, ICC = .568, SEM = 7.71 Nmm/degrees). Inter‐rater reliability between experienced (12.6 ± 8.4 Nmm/degrees) and non‐experienced (19.9 ± 9.2 Nmm/degrees) testers was poor (ICC = ‐.447, SEM = 11.29 Nmm/degrees).

Conclusions

First MTPJ passive quasi‐stiffness can be quantified from torque and angular displacement measurements using simple equipment in a clinical setting. The tester's experience affected the consistency in joint quasi‐stiffness measurements.
Skin appendage-derived stem cells: cell biology and potential for wound repair
Authors: Xie Jiangfan , Yao Bin , Han Yutong , Huang Sha , Fu Xiaobing
Published: October 2016

Stem cells residing in the epidermis and skin appendages are imperative for skin homeostasis and regeneration. These stem cells also participate in the repair of the epidermis after injuries, inducing restoration of tissue integrity and function of damaged tissue. Unlike epidermis-derived stem cells, comprehensive knowledge about skin appendage-derived stem cells remains limited. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of skin appendage-derived stem cells, including their fundamental characteristics, their preferentially expressed biomarkers, and their potential contribution involved in wound repair. Finally, we will also discuss current strategies, future applications, and limitations of these stem cells, attempting to provide some perspectives on optimizing the available therapy in cutaneous repair and regeneration.
At the Bench: Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy for the treatment of B cell malignancies
Authors: Daniyan Anthony F O , Brentjens Renier J
Published: October 2016

The chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) represents the epitome of cellular engineering and is one of the best examples of rational biologic design of a synthetic molecule. The CAR is a single polypeptide with modular domains, consisting of an antibody-derived targeting moiety, fused in line with T cell-derived signaling domains, allowing for T cell activation upon ligand binding. T cells expressing a CAR are able to eradicate selectively antigen-expressing tumor cells in a MHC-independent fashion. CD19, a tumor-associated antigen (TAA) present on normal B cells, as well as most B cell-derived malignancies, was an early target of this technology. Through years of experimental refinement and preclinical optimization, autologously derived CD19-targeting CAR T cells have been successfully, clinically deployed, resulting in dramatic and durable antitumor responses but not without therapy-associated toxicity. As CD19-targeted CAR T cells continue to show clinical success, work at the bench continues to be undertaken to increase further the efficacy of this therapy, while simultaneously minimizing the risk for treatment-related morbidities. In this review, we cover the history and evolution of CAR technology and its adaptation to targeting CD19. Furthermore, we discuss the future of CAR T cell therapy and the need to ask, as well as answer, critical questions as this treatment modality is being translated to the clinic.
Application of bi-Gaussian S-transform in high-resolution seismic time-frequency analysis
Authors: Cheng Zixiang , Chen Wei , Chen Yangkang , Liu Ying , Liu Wei , Li Huijian , Yang Runfei
Published: October 2016

The S-transform is one of the most widely used methods of time-frequency analysis. It combines the respective advantages of the short-time Fourier transform and wavelet transforms with scale-dependent resolution using Gaussian windows, scaled inversely with frequency. One of the problems with the traditional symmetric Gaussian window is the degradation of time resolution in the time-frequency spectrum due to the long front taper. We have studied the performance of an improved S-transform with an asymmetric bi-Gaussian window. The asymmetric bi-Gaussian window can obtain an increased time resolution in the front direction. The increased time resolution can make event picking high resolution, which will facilitate an improved time-frequency characterization for oil and gas trap prediction. We have applied the slightly modified bi-Gaussian S-transform to a synthetic trace, a 2D seismic section, and a 3D seismic cube to indicate the superior performance of the bi-Gaussian S-transform in analyzing nonstationary signal components, hydrocarbon reservoir predictions, and paleochannels delineations with an obviously higher resolution.
Distinct capacity for differentiation to inner ear cell types by progenitor cells of the cochlea and vestibular organs
Authors: McLean Will J. , McLean Dalton T. , Eatock Ruth Anne , Edge Albert S. B.
Published: October 2016

Disorders of hearing and balance are most commonly associated with damage to cochlear and vestibular hair cells or neurons. Although these cells are not capable of spontaneous regeneration, progenitor cells in the hearing and balance organs of the neonatal mammalian inner ear have the capacity to generate new hair cells after damage. To investigate whether these cells are restricted in their differentiation capacity, we assessed the phenotypes of differentiated progenitor cells isolated from three compartments of the mouse inner ear – the vestibular and cochlear sensory epithelia and the spiral ganglion – by measuring electrophysiological properties and gene expression. Lgr5+ progenitor cells from the sensory epithelia gave rise to hair cell-like cells, but not neurons or glial cells. Newly created hair cell-like cells had hair bundle proteins, synaptic proteins and membrane proteins characteristic of the compartment of origin. PLP1+ glial cells from the spiral ganglion were identified as neural progenitors, which gave rise to neurons, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes, but not hair cells. Thus, distinct progenitor populations from the neonatal inner ear differentiate to cell types associated with their organ of origin.
A Practical One-Pot Electrochemical Synthesis of Pyrimido[4,5-b]indole Derivatives
Authors: Shabani-Nooshabadi Mehdi , Moradian Mohsen , Dadkhah-Tehrani Samira
Published: October 2016

In the present work, electrochemical synthesis of novel pyrimido[4,5-b]indoles was directly carried out via the electrochemical oxidation of catechols in the presence of 2,4-diamino-6-hydroxypyrimidine in an aqueous media. The results suggested that electrogenerated o-benzoquinone moieties participated in the Michael-type addition reaction with 2,4-diamino-6-hydroxypyrimidine via the ECEC mechanism. These new compounds were synthesized in high yields and purity in an aqueous solution without toxic reagents or catalyst and with high atom economy in ambient conditions.
Mechanisms and Mediators of the Skeletal Muscle Repeated Bout Effect
Authors: Hyldahl Robert D. , Chen Trevor C. , Nosaka Kazunori
Published: October 2016

Skeletal muscle adapts to exercise-induced damage by orchestrating several but still poorly understood mechanisms that endow protection from subsequent damage. Known widely as the repeated bout effect, we propose that neural adaptations, alterations to muscle mechanical properties, structural remodeling of the extracellular matrix, and biochemical signaling work in concert to coordinate the protective adaptation.
Quality Estimation of Agave Tequilana Leaf for Bioethanol Production
Authors: Rijal Deepa , Walsh Kerry B. , Subedi Phul P. , Ashwath Nanjappa
Published: October 2016

Agave tequilana is a potential biofuel crop, for which the characters of juice total soluble sugar content (TSS), dry matter content (DM), cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin content are quality criteria. Spectra of leaves were obtained using a hand-held silicon photodiode array (Si PDA)-based spectrometer with a wavelength range of 300–1100 nm and an InGaAs-based Fourier transform near infrared (FT-NIR) spectrometer with a wavelength range of 1100–2500 nm. Fresh leaves were harvested at different maturity stages, in different seasons and from two locations in Queensland during 2012–2014. Partial least square regression models were developed for DM and TSS of fresh leaf, and for cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin of dried material, with models tested on populations of independent samples collected in different years, seasons and locations. Prediction statistics for DM of fresh leaf using the Si PDA spectrometer (729–975 nm) were r2 = 0.49–0.87 and root mean square error of prediction ( RMSEP) = 2.36–1.44%, while with the use of the FT-NIR spectrometer, the prediction statistics were r2 = 0.53–0.66 and RMSEP = 2.63–2.18% (across different years, seasons and locations). Prediction statistics for TSS in fresh leaf using the Si PDA spectrometer (729–975 nm) were r2 = 0.53–0.69 and RMSEP = 1.70–1.91%, with poorer results obtained using the FT-NIR spectrometer ( r2 = 0.33–0.56; RMSEP = 1.88–2.45%). With increased sample diversity in the calibration set, NIR technology is recommended for estimation of DM and TSS in fresh Agave leaves. FT-NIR-based prediction of cellulose, hemicellulose or lignin of independent sets (of different years or cultivars) was unsatisfactory, with r2 < 0.75 and bias >10% of mean. These results may be improved with increased sample range, and attention to laboratory (reference method) error. However, leaf cellulose and hemicellulose content may be more easily estimated through correlation to leaf DM level ( R2 of 0.77 across all sampling events).
Two-Dimensional Thickness Distribution Measurement Using near Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Riemeier Milan , Lienig Jens , Reifegerste Frank , Pfeil Lutz , Zierke Fritz
Published: October 2016

We report on the development of a measuring method based on near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy, which is able to determine the thickness as well as the homogeneity of polyurethane lacquer coatings in two dimensions in the field of wind turbine blades. The typical thicknesses of these polyurethane lacquer coatings (50–350 μm) were investigated. NIR spectra were recorded in reflection mode. Quantitative analysis of the spectral data was carried out with partial least squares regression. Measurements were performed on a scanning device developed in-house at scanning speeds up to 0.05 m2 s −1. It was shown that quantitative data with excellent precision (standard derivation below 10%) can be obtained.
Near Infrared Spectroscopy for Rapid Estimation of Somatic Cell Counts in Human Breast Milk
Authors: Rackov Andrien A. , Koski Kristine G. , Wren Hilary M. , Scott Marilyn E. , Solomons Noel W. , Burns David H.
Published: October 2016

Elevated somatic cell counts (SCC) in human milk are associated with mastitis, an inflammation of the breast. However, the presence of fat globules can make the direct measurement of cells in milk challenging. We showed that near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy, a technique that has previously been used in the dairy industry for direct measurement of SCC in bovine milk, can be used for estimating SCC in human milk. Binary classification models were developed using multilinear regression with genetic algorithm searching for selection of wavelets. After correcting NIR frequency spectra for scatter contributions by fat globules and applying a Haar wavelet transform to the data, we found that multivariate classification allowed for separation of samples with low SCC (?150 K cells mL−1) from those with high SCC (?600 K cells mL−1). Sensitivity and specificity for cross-validated NIR estimates were 85% and 84%, respectively. The NIR method had very low rates of misclassification, with a model that used only two wavelets for classification. Additionally, this technique required no sample preparation and has potential as a rapid screening method for identifying elevated SCC in milk of nursing mothers.
Household air pollution and its effects on health
Authors: Apte Komalkirti , Salvi Sundeep
Published: October 2016

Household air pollution is a leading cause of disability-adjusted life years in Southeast Asia and the third leading cause of disability-adjusted life years globally. There are at least sixty sources of household air pollution, and these vary from country to country. Indoor tobacco smoking, construction material used in building houses, fuel used for cooking, heating and lighting, use of incense and various forms of mosquito repellents, use of pesticides and chemicals used for cleaning at home, and use of artificial fragrances are some of the various sources that contribute to household air pollution.

Household air pollution affects all stages of life with multi-systemic health effects, and its effects are evident right from pre-conception to old age. In utero exposure to household air pollutants has been shown to have health effects which resonate over the entire lifetime. Exposures to indoor air pollutants in early childhood also tend to have repercussions throughout life. The respiratory system bears the maximum brunt, but effects on the cardiovascular system, endocrine system, and nervous system are largely underplayed. Household air pollutants have also been implicated in the development of various types of cancers.

Identifying household air pollutants and their health implications helps us prepare for various health-related issues. However, the real challenge is adopting changes to reduce the health effects of household air pollution and designing innovative interventions to minimize the risk of further exposure.

This review is an attempt to understand the various sources of household air pollution, the effects on health, and strategies to deal with this emergent risk factor of global mortality and morbidity.
The notion of inclusive education and challenges for the teacher in kindergartens and the first stage of school
Authors: Häidkind Pille , Oras Kaja
Published: October 2016

Kaasava hariduse eesmärk on suurendada haridussüsteemi võimekust jõuda kõikide õppijateni, põhiliseks sihtgrupiks on enamikus riikides hariduslike erivajadustega õppijad. Siinse uurimuse eesmärk on selgitada välja, kuidas mõistetakse kaasavat haridust Eesti lasteaedades ja koolides (esimene kooliaste) ning millised on õpetajate ees seisvad ülesanded ja asutuste võimalused erivajadustega õppijate kaasamisel tavaharidussüsteemi. Andmeid kogusime küsitluse ja vaatluse teel, lisaks analüüsisime kaasamise edendamise kavasid. Saadud tulemused võimaldavad käsitleda erivajadustega õppija teemat sügavuti ja tõhustada õpetajakoolitust. Hädavajalik on valmistada õpetajaid ette erivajadustega õppija ja ülejäänud laste koosõpetamiseks (grupiprotsessid, -juhtimine), laiendada arusaamu keskkonna kohandamise võimalustest ning suurendada valmisolekut meeskonnatööks.
 Summary
Construction of the meaning of giftedness as a special educational need in the context of the changed learning approach in Estonia
Authors: Põlda Halliki , Aava Katrin
Published: October 2016

Eesti uus haridusstrateegia rõhutab muutunud õpikäsituse raames vajadust toetada õppija individuaalset ja sotsiaalset arengut, tuues samas kitsaskohana välja, et õppijate erivajadusi, sh eri tüüpi andekust, ei märgata ega väärtustata. Samuti on PISA uuringutes Eesti probleemina nimetatud vähest tööd andekatega. Siinse uurimuse eesmärk on kirjeldada, milliste keeleliste valikutega konstrueerivad hariduslikke erivajadusi, eriti andekust, haridusvaldkonna sidusrühmad. Fookusgrupi intervjuudega kogutud materjali analüüsist kriitilise diskursuseanalüüsi meetodil selgub, et hariduslikke erivajadusi seostatakse eelkõige eri- ja erakoolidega, mitte muutunud õpikäsitusega ehk individuaalse lähenemisega õppijale. Andekust nähakse pigem kaasasündinud isikuomadusena kui arengulise protsessina. Andekad paigutatakse sotsiaalse hierarhia tippu (geeniused) või kõige madalamale positsioonile (nohikud, tõrjutud). Neid käsitletakse teistest õppijatest eraldatud rühmana, kelle jaoks pole ressursse, kes saadetakse olümpiaadile, klassiruumist välja.
 Summary
The impact of an educational game on participants’ acculturation attitudes
Authors: Männamaa Ivar , Komsaare Aurika , Leijen Äli
Published: October 2016

Euroopa põgenikekriis nõuab Eesti koolisüsteemilt valmisolekut sisserändajatest õpilaste vastuvõtmiseks. Elanikkonna hoiakud mõnest muust religioossest või kultuurilisest grupist pärinevate sisserändajate suhtes pole alati pooldavad (Beilmann, 2016; Laineste, Raus, Timmi, Vetik, & Vihalemm, 2011), ent sisserändajate peredest pärit õpilaste kohanemist kooliga mõjutab ka kaasõpilaste suhtumine. Koolikaaslaste suhtumise ja hoiakute kujundamisel on mitmes valdkonnas edukalt rakendatud mänge, ent pole teada, kuivõrd mõjutavad nende käigus omandatud kogemused õpilase hoiakuid väljaspool mängu (Chin, Dukes, & Gamson, 2009; Wouters, van Nimwegen, van Oostendorp, & van der Spek, 2013). Praegune uuring võimaldab hinnata mängu mõju põlisrahvusest osalejate akulturatsioonihoiakute muutumisele. Uuringus kasutati sekkumisvahendina mudeldusmängu „Allikad” (Männamaa, 2015; Männamaa, Vetik, & Liiv, 2011), akulturatsioonihoiakuid hinnati 12 väitest koosneva küsimustiku abil. Analüüs näitas erinevust mängus osalenud õpilaste eel- ja järeltesti tulemustes (p < 0,05). Tulemused osutavad sellele, et eesmärgipäraselt loodud mäng võib aidata kaasa õpilaste akulturatsioonihoiakute muutumisele.
 Summary
Tõenduspõhisest eripedagoogikast
Authors: Kõrgesaar Jaan
Published: October 2016

Uus-Meremaa Canterbury ülikooli professor David Mitchell analüüsib ja esitleb raamatus "What really works in special and inclusive education" John Hattie metauuringute vaimus pealt kahtekümmet tõendatult õpisoodsat strateegiat (sekkumist, lähenemist, tehnikat, metoodikat). Mõnigi neist sekkumistest seostub kaasava õppega. Ühtlasi avab autor kaasava õppe mõtet ja sisu ning osutab, et tõetruult rakendatuna saab ühe tõenduspõhise sekkumisega ületada edukalt ühte, teisega aga mõnda teist erivajadust. Mitchell üritab lähendada hariduspoliitikat praktikale ja tõenduspõhisust kogemuskesksusele. Peale paberraamatu on väljaandest olemas ka digiversioon, mõlemal kirjastuse veebitugi.
Progress cargo spacecraft observed with the AZT-33IK optical telescope
Authors: Клунко Евгений , Klunko Evgeny , Еселевич Максим , Eselevich Maxim , Тергоев Владимир , Tergoev Vladimir
Published: October 2016

In this paper, we describe a telescope and measuring equipment used for optical observations of Progress cargo spacecraft (PCS), which were made during Radar–Progress space experiment sessions. We also demonstrate object tracking and measurement techniques. The observations were made with the optical telescope AZT-33IK at the Sayan Solar Observatory of ISTP SB RAS. During many of the sessions, we registered optical phenomena that occurred in regions of space surrounding the PCS and appeared due to the work of PCS onboard engines. The data we obtained can be used to independently control the geometry of the experiment and to analyze physical conditions in outer space.