bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What drives productivity loss in chronic rhinosinusitis? A SNOT‐22 subdomain analysis
Authors: Chowdhury Naweed I. , Mace Jess C. , Smith Timothy L. , Rudmik Luke
Published: June 2017

Objectives/Hypothesis

Previous studies have shown declines in productivity due to chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) are correlated with disease‐specific quality‐of‐life (QOL) measures. However, it is unclear which symptom domains contribute primarily to productivity loss. This investigation sought to assess the association between CRS‐specific QOL subdomain impairment and productivity loss.

Study Design

Prospective, multi‐institutional, observational cohort study.

Methods

There were 198 patients with refractory CRS enrolled between August 2012 and June 2015. Baseline QOL measures were obtained across five subdomains of the 22‐item SinoNasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22). Lost productivity time was determined from patient‐reported measures of annual absenteeism, presenteeism, and lost leisure time, and then monetized using annual daily wage rates from the 2012 US National Census and 2013 Department of Labor statistics.

Results

Productivity losses correlated with impairments in both SNOT‐22 psychological dysfunction (Spearman correlation coefficient [Rs] = 0.428, P < .001), and sleep dysfunction domain scores (Rs = 0.355, P < .001). Higher SNOT‐22 total scores also significantly correlated with increased monetized productivity losses (Rs = 0.366, P < .001). The mean annual productivity cost was $11,820/patient, whereas patients with comorbid immunodeficiency ($23,285/patient), tobacco use ($23,195/patient), and steroid dependency ($18,910/patient) reported higher than average annual productivity costs. Multivariate linear regression found maximum annual productivity costs in adjusted psychological ($13,300/patient, P < .001) and sleep dysfunction ($9,275/patient, P < .001) domains.

Conclusions

Impairments in sleep and psychological SNOT‐22 domains correlate with productivity losses. Patients with comorbid immunodeficiency, smoking, and steroid dependency had higher than average productivity losses. Targeted management of psychological and sleep dysfunction in combination with standard symptom control may improve patient‐centered care and reduce the annual economic burden of CRS.

Level of Evidence

2c. Laryngoscope, 128:23–30, 2018
Whole exome sequencing and DNA methylation analysis in a clinical amyotrophic lateral sclerosis cohort
Authors: Garton Fleur C. , Benyamin Beben , Zhao Qiongyi , Liu Zhijun , Gratten Jacob , Henders Anjali K. , Zhang Zong‐Hong , Edson Janette , Furlong Sarah , Morgan Sarah , Heggie Susan , Thorpe Kathryn , Pfluger Casey , Mather Karen A. , Sachdev Perminder S. , McRae Allan F. , Robinson Matthew R. , Shah Sonia , Visscher Peter M. , Mangelsdorf Marie , Henderson Robert D. , Wray Naomi R. , McCombe Pamela A.
Published: June 2017

Background

Gene discovery has provided remarkable biological insights into amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). One challenge for clinical application of genetic testing is critical evaluation of the significance of reported variants.

Methods

We use whole exome sequencing (WES) to develop a clinically relevant approach to identify a subset of ALS patients harboring likely pathogenic mutations. In parallel, we assess if DNA methylation can be used to screen for pathogenicity of novel variants since a methylation signature has been shown to associate with the pathogenic C9orf72 expansion, but has not been explored for other ALS mutations. Australian patients identified with ALS‐relevant variants were cross‐checked with population databases and case reports to critically assess whether they were “likely causal,” “uncertain significance,” or “unlikely causal.”

Results

Published ALS variants were identified in >10% of patients; however, in only 3% of patients (4/120) could these be confidently considered pathogenic (in SOD1 and TARDBP). We found no evidence for a differential DNA methylation signature in these mutation carriers.

Conclusions

The use of WES in a typical ALS clinic demonstrates a critical approach to variant assessment with the capability to combine cohorts to enhance the largely unknown genetic basis of ALS.
Modified ideal observer model (MIOM) for high‐contrast and high‐spatial resolution CT imaging tasks
Authors: Cruz‐Bastida Juan P. , Gomez‐Cardona Daniel , Garrett John , Szczykutowicz Timothy , Chen Guang‐Hong , Li Ke
Published: June 2017

Purpose

Although a variety of mathematical observer models have been developed to predict human observer performance for low contrast lesion detection tasks, their predictive power for high contrast and high spatial resolution discrimination imaging tasks, including those in CT bone imaging, could be limited. The purpose of this work was to develop a modified observer model that has improved correlation with human observer performance for these tasks.

Methods

The proposed observer model, referred to as the modified ideal observer model (MIOM), uses a weight function to penalize components in the task function that have less contribution to the actual human observer performance for high contrast and high spatial resolution discrimination tasks. To validate MIOM, both human observer and observer model studies were performed, each using exactly the same CT imaging task [discrimination of a connected component in a high contrast (1000 HU) high spatial resolution bone fracture model (0.3 mm)] and experimental CT image data. For the human observer studies, three physicist observers rated the connectivity of the fracture model using a five‐point Likert scale; for the observer model studies, a total of five observer models, including both conventional models and the proposed MIOM, were used to calculate the discrimination capability of the CT images in resolving the connected component. Images used in the studies encompassed nine different reconstruction kernels. Correlation between human and observer model performance for these kernels were quantified using the Spearman rank correlation coefficient (ρ). After the validation study, an example application of MIOM was presented, in which the observer model was used to select the optimal reconstruction kernel for a High‐Resolution (Hi‐Res, GE Healthcare) CT scan technique.

Results

The performance of the proposed MIOM correlated well with that of the human observers with a Spearman rank correlation coefficient ρ of 0.88 (P = 0.003). In comparison, the value of ρ was 0.05 (P = 0.904) for the ideal observer, 0.05 (P = 0.904) for the non‐prewhitening observer, −0.18 (P = 0.634) for the non‐prewhitening observer with eye filter and internal noise, and 0.30 (P = 0.427) for the prewhitening observer with eye filter and internal noise. Using the validated MIOM, the optimal reconstruction kernel for the Hi‐Res mode to perform high spatial resolution and high contrast discrimination imaging tasks was determined to be the HD Ultra kernel at the center of the scan field of view (SFOV), or the Lung kernel at the peripheral region of the SFOV. This result was consistent with visual observations of nasal CT images of an in vivo canine subject.

Conclusion

Compared with other observer models, the proposed modified ideal observer model provides significantly improved correlation with human observers for high contrast and high spatial resolution CT imaging tasks.
On the accuracy factors and computational cost of the GIAO–DFT calculation of 15N NMR chemical shifts of amides
Authors: Samultsev Dmitry O. , Semenov Valentin A. , Krivdin Leonid B.
Published: June 2017

The main factors affecting the accuracy and computational cost of Gauge‐independent Atomic Orbital–density functional theory (GIAO–DFT) calculation of 15N NMR chemical shifts in the benchmark series of 16 amides are considered. Among those are the choice of the DFT functional and basis set, solvent effects, internal reference conversion factor and applicability of the locally dense basis set (LDBS) scheme. Solvent effects are treated within the polarizable continuum model (PCM) scheme as well as at supermolecular level with solvent molecules considered in explicit way. The best result is found for Keal and Tozer's KT3 functional used in combination with Jensen's pcS‐3 basis set with taking into account solvent effects within the polarizable continuum model. The proposed LDBS scheme implies pcS‐3 on nitrogen and pc‐2 elsewhere in the molecule. The resulting mean average error for the calculated 15N NMR chemical shifts is about 6 ppm. The application of the LDBS approach tested in a series of 16 amides results in a dramatic decrease in computational cost (more than an order of magnitude in time scale) with insignificant loss of accuracy.
Rates and predictors of psychotherapy utilization after psychosocial evaluation for stem cell transplant
Authors: Penalba Valentina , Asvat Yasmin , Deshields Teresa L. , Vanderlan Jessica R. , Chol Nyadow
Published: June 2017

Objective

Although standard of care prior to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) includes a psychosocial evaluation, little is known about the rate and predictors of psychotherapy utilization among patients presenting for pre‐HSCT evaluations. This study aimed to examine the proportion of patients undergoing pre‐HSCT evaluations who subsequently utilize psychotherapy services and to explore predictive factors, including distress, anxiety, depression, and quality of life (QoL).

Methods

Participants were a cross‐sectional sample of 351 HSCT candidates at an NCI‐designated comprehensive cancer center. Questionnaires assessing distress, anxiety, depression, and QoL were administered using validated instruments.

Results

A subset of patients, representing 14% of the sample, utilized psychotherapy services. Relative to patients who did not utilize psychological services, patients who followed‐up with psychotherapy reported significantly more depressive and anxious symptoms (P < .001) and endorsed worse QoL on the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy—General. (P = .04). Of note, a subset of patients who utilized psychotherapy services reported low levels of distress (67%), depression (13%), or anxiety (13%); on the other hand, a subset of patients reported moderate‐to‐high levels of distress (25%), depression (71%), or anxiety (60%) but did not utilize services.

Conclusions

Results indicate that only a small subset of patients presenting for pre‐HSCT psychosocial evaluation subsequently utilized psychotherapy services. Most patients who reported psychosocial concerns and who could potentially benefit from intervention did not use psychotherapy services. Further research is necessary to help clarify barriers to psychotherapy service utilization among HSCT patients and to help improve uptake among high‐need patients.
Follow‐up on the characterization of peptidic markers in hair and fur for the identification of common North American species
Authors: Solazzo Caroline
Published: June 2017

Rationale

Species identification of hair is routinely done by microscopic analysis. Following previous studies that used protein analysis to characterize species markers in hair and wool, the present work aims at covering a larger number of species and to ultimately offer a method for rapid hair identification in forensics and archaeology.

Methods

Hair is mostly made of alpha‐keratins; these proteins have only been sequenced in a handful of species and most animal families are under‐represented. Using a methodology developed for the characterization of peptidic markers in tissues such as bone (peptide mass fingerprinting or PMF) and commonly applied on collagen, hair from common North American fur‐bearing species was analyzed by MALDI‐TOF‐MS to obtain peptidic profiles.

Results

Alpha‐keratin peptides that are typically dominant on peptide mass profiles of hair were chosen as markers. Matching peaks were identified for each species tested and compared to known sequences from related organisms whenever possible. The markers were used to create a flowchart to narrow down identification to the family level.

Conclusions

The methodology was developed on a limited numbers of markers chosen for their variability and reliability on the peptide mass fingerprint. In the absence of genetic sequences, this strategy is a quick way to compare species from a common geographic origin. The work presented here was focused on North American species but could be applied to other animal families.
Real‐time hybrid control of electrohydraulic active suspension
Authors: Shaer Bassel , Kenné Jean‐Pierre , Kaddissi Claude , Mintsa Honorine Angue
Published: June 2017

Electrohydraulic actuators are an attractive choice for active suspension, because these systems provide a high power‐to‐weight ratio. However, their dynamics are highly nonlinear. In addition, the use of one simple controller for both position and force is complicated, because there is a compromise between them in the case of active suspension. Most existing controllers do not efficiently fulfill the requirements, because only one state variable is considered.

In this paper, we address these problems by developing a new hybrid controller for both position and force and implementing it in a real‐time test bench. Our goal is to control the vertical position of the passenger seat while tracking the force transmitted to passengers and keeping it within tolerable and comfortable limits. Therefore, the proposed controller is a combination of two controllers. Its flexible structure redirects the control signal to control the proper controlled state variable. The real‐time results of the newly designed hybrid controller are compared with those obtained using a classical proportional integral derivative controller, because this is the most widely used controller in the industry. As expected, the proposed controller demonstrates better performance in real‐time operation. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cognitive and Motivational Challenges in Writing: Studying the Relation With Writing Performance Across Students' Gender and Achievement Level
Authors: De Smedt Fien , Merchie Emmelien , Barendse Mariska , Rosseel Yves , De Naeghel Jessie , Van Keer Hilde
Published: June 2017

In the past, several assessment reports on writing repeatedly showed that elementary school students do not develop the essential writing skills to be successful in school. In this respect, prior research has pointed to the fact that cognitive and motivational challenges are at the root of the rather basic level of elementary students' writing performance. Additionally, previous research has revealed gender and achievement‐level differences in elementary students' writing. In view of providing effective writing instruction for all students to overcome writing difficulties, the present study provides more in‐depth insight into (a) how cognitive and motivational challenges mediate and correlate with students' writing performance and (b) whether and how these relations vary for boys and girls and for writers of different achievement levels. In the present study, 1,577 fifth‐ and sixth‐grade students completed questionnaires regarding their writing self‐efficacy, writing motivation, and writing strategies. In addition, half of the students completed two writing tests, respectively focusing on the informational or narrative text genre. Based on multiple group structural equation modeling (MG‐SEM), we put forward two models: a MG‐SEM model for boys and girls and a MG‐SEM model for low, average, and high achievers. The results underline the importance of studying writing models for different groups of students in order to gain more refined insight into the complex interplay between motivational and cognitive challenges related to students' writing performance.
Allogeneic MSCs and Recycled Autologous Chondrons Mixed in a One-Stage Cartilage Cell Transplantion: A First-in-Man Trial in 35 Patients
Authors: de Windt Tommy S. , Vonk Lucienne A. , Slaper-Cortenbach Ineke C. M. , Nizak Razmara , van Rijen Mattie H. P. , Saris Daniel B. F.
Published: June 2017

MSCs are known as multipotent mesenchymal stem cells that have been found capable of differentiating into various lineages including cartilage. However, recent studies suggest MSCs are pericytes that stimulate tissue repair through trophic signaling. Aimed at articular cartilage repair in a one-stage cell transplantation, this study provides first clinical evidence that MSCs stimulate autologous cartilage repair in the knee without engrafting in the host tissue. A phase I (first-in-man) clinical trial studied the one-stage application of allogeneic MSCs mixed with 10% or 20% recycled defect derived autologous chondrons for the treatment of cartilage defects in 35 patients. No treatment-related serious adverse events were found and statistically significant improvement in clinical outcome shown. Magnetic resonance imaging and second-look arthroscopies showed consistent newly formed cartilage tissue. A biopsy taken from the center of the repair tissue was found to have hyaline-like features with a high concentration of proteoglycans and type II collagen. DNA short tandem repeat analysis delivered unique proof that the regenerated tissue contained patient-DNA only. These findings support the hypothesis that allogeneic MSCs stimulate a regenerative host response. This first-in-man trial supports a paradigm shift in which MSCs are applied as augmentations or “signaling cells” rather than differentiating stem cells and opens doors for other applications.
Uncovering Ways of Thinking, Practicing, and Being through Decoding across Disciplines
Authors: Miller‐Young Janice , Boman Jennifer
Published: June 2017

This chapter presents the bottlenecks identified by seven faculty members from diverse disciplines and an inductive content analysis of their Decoding interviews. Representative quotations illustrate themes in the interviews and we consider the implications for both faculty development and pedagogical research.
Species distributions models in wildlife planning: agricultural policy and wildlife management in the great plains
Authors: Fontaine Joseph J. , Jorgensen Christopher F. , Stuber Erica F. , Gruber Lutz F. , Bishop Andrew A. , Lusk Jeffrey J. , Zach Eric S. , Decker Karie L.
Published: June 2017

We know economic and social policy has implications for ecosystems at large, but the consequences for a given geographic area or specific wildlife population are more difficult to conceptualize and communicate. Species distribution models, which extrapolate species‐habitat relationships across ecological scales, are capable of predicting population changes in distribution and abundance in response to management and policy, and thus, are an ideal means for facilitating proactive management within a larger policy framework. To illustrate the capabilities of species distribution modeling in scenario planning for wildlife populations, we projected an existing distribution model for ring‐necked pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) onto a series of alternative future landscape scenarios for Nebraska, USA. Based on our scenarios, we qualitatively and quantitatively estimated the effects of agricultural policy decisions on pheasant populations across Nebraska, in specific management regions, and at wildlife management areas. Published 2017. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
The Genetics Journey: A Case Report of a Genetic Diagnosis Made 30 Years Later
Authors: Williams Linford A. , Quinonez Shane C. , Uhlmann Wendy R.
Published: June 2017

Mandibulofacial dysostosis with microcephaly (MFDM) is a rare autosomal dominant condition that was first described in 2006. The causative gene, EFTUD2, identified in 2012. We report on a family that initially presented to a pediatric genetics clinic in the 1980s for evaluation of multiple congenital anomalies. Re‐evaluation of one member thirty years later resulted in a phenotypic and molecularly confirmed diagnosis of MFDM. This family's clinical histories and the novel EFTUD2 variant identified, c.1297_1298delAT (p.Met433Valfs*17), add to the literature about MFDM. This case presented several genetic counseling challenges and highlights that “the patient” can be multiple family members. We discuss testing considerations for an unknown disorder complicated by the time constraint of the patient's daughter's pregnancy and how the diagnosis changed previously provided recurrence risks. Of note, 1) the 1980s clinic visit letters provided critical information about affected family members and 2) the patient's husband's internet search of his wife's clinical features also yielded the MFDM diagnosis, illustrating the power of the internet in the hands of patients. Ultimately, this case emphasizes the importance of re‐evaluation given advances in genetics and the value of a genetic diagnosis for both patient care and risk determination for family members.
Up to 21 Different Sulfur‐Heterocyclic Fatty Acids in Rapeseed and Mustard Oil
Authors: Eibler Dorothee , Hammerschick Tim , Buck Leonie , Vetter Walter
Published: June 2017

Three sulfur‐heterocyclic fatty acids (SHFA) had been tentatively identified in rapeseed oil in the late 1980s. In this study we aimed to enrich and verify the presence of potential SHFA in one sample of native rapeseed oil, refined rapeseed oil and mustard seed oil. Fifty‐gram samples of the three oils were individually saponified and converted into methyl esters. The resulting samples were hydrogenated and subjected three times to urea complexation. The resulting extracts of native rapeseed oil and mustard oil contained 21 different SHFA with 18, 20, 22 or 24 carbons. The refined rapeseed oil contained only nine C18‐SHFA. Structure investigation of the SHFA was performed by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC/MS) using methyl esters and also 3‐pyridylcarbinol esters. A direct screening of non‐enriched samples by GC/MS in the selected ion monitoring mode and by GC with flame photometric detector (sulfur‐selective) verified that the SHFA were native compounds of the oils and no artefacts of the sample preparation. Similar abundances of the four isomer groups of SHFA with monoenoic fatty acids of the same carbon number in these and five further rapeseed and mustard samples indicated that these could be the precursors of the SHFA.
Brief note: Applying developmental intergroup perspectives to the social ecologies of bullying: Lessons from developmental social psychology☆
Authors: Brenick Alaina , Halgunseth Linda C.
Published: June 2017

Over the past decades, the field of bullying research has seen dramatic growth, notably with the integration of the social‐ecological approach to understanding bullying. Recently, researchers (Hymel et al., 2015; Hawley & Williford, 2015) have called for further extension of the field by incorporating constructs of group processes into our investigation of the social ecologies of bullying. This brief note details the critical connections between power, social identity, group norms, social and moral reasoning about discrimination and victimization, and experiences of, evaluations of, and responses to bullying. The authors highlight a parallel development in the bridging of developmental social‐ecological and social psychological perspectives utilized in the field of social exclusion that provides a roadmap for extending the larger field of bullying research.

This article is part of a Special Issue entitled [VSI: Bullying] IG000050.
Brachial Plexus Injury in a 6‐Year‐Old Boy with 100% Displaced Proximal Humeral Metaphyseal Fracture: A Case Presentation
Authors: Jovanovich Elizabeth Nora , Howard James F.
Published: June 2017

Posttraumatic brachial plexopathies can occur following displaced proximal humeral fractures, causing profound functional deficits. Described here is an unusual case of a displaced proximal humeral metaphyseal fracture in a young child. The patient underwent closed reduction and serial casting, but hand weakness and forearm sensory loss persisted. Needle electromyography localized the injury to the mid/proximal arm near the fracture site, resulting in damage to the posterior and medial cords of the brachial plexus with profound involvement of the radial, ulnar, and median nerves and sparing of the axillary nerve. After months of occupational therapy, hand strength improved, with a nearly full return of function.

Level of Evidence

V
Where Are the Women? The Underrepresentation of Women Physicians Among Recognition Award Recipients From Medical Specialty Societies
Authors: Silver Julie K. , Slocum Chloe S. , Bank Anna M. , Bhatnagar Saurabha , Blauwet Cheri A. , Poorman Julie A. , Villablanca Amparo , Parangi Sareh
Published: June 2017

Membership in medical societies is associated with a number of benefits to members that may include professional education, opportunities to present research, scientific and/or leadership training, networking, and others. In this perspective article, the authors address the value that medical specialty society membership and inclusion have in the development of an academic physician's career and how underrepresentation of women may pose barriers to their career advancement. Because society membership itself is not likely sufficient to support the advancement of academic physicians, this report focuses on one key component of advancement that also can be used as a measure of inclusion in society activities—the representation of women physicians among recipients of recognition awards. Previous reports demonstrated underrepresentation of women physicians among recognition award recipients from 2 physical medicine and rehabilitation specialty organizations, including examples of zero or near‐zero results. This report investigated whether zero or near‐zero representation of women physicians among recognition award recipients from medical specialty societies extended beyond the field of physical medicine and rehabilitation. Examples of the underrepresentation of women physicians, as compared with their presence in the respective field, was found across a range of additional specialties, including dermatology, neurology, anesthesiology, orthopedic surgery, head and neck surgery, and plastic surgery. The authors propose a call for action across the entire spectrum of medical specialty societies to: (1) examine gender diversity and inclusion data through the lens of the organization's mission, values, and culture; (2) transparently report the results to members and other stakeholders including medical schools and academic medical centers; (3) investigate potential causes of less than proportionate representation of women; (4) implement strategies designed to improve inclusion; (5) track outcomes as a means to measure progress and inform future strategies; and (6) publish the results to engage community members in conversation about the equitable representation of women.
Prevention of Friction Blisters in Outdoor Pursuits: A Systematic Review
Authors: Worthing Robert M. , Percy Raechel L. , Joslin Jeremy D.
Published: June 2017

The purpose of this systematic review was to determine if sock, antiperspirant, or barrier strategies were effective in prevention of friction blisters in wilderness and outdoor pursuits. A search of PubMed and EMBASE was conducted. Title, abstract, and full text articles were screened by 2 authors using predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria to identify prospective controlled trials investigating prevention methods for friction blisters involving the foot. Only blisters associated with wilderness and outdoor pursuits (running, hiking, marching, etc.) were considered. Extraction of a predetermined data set was accomplished using a piloted form. Confidence in effect estimates were determined utilizing the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network methodology checklist. Literature search resulted in 806 discrete articles. After screening, 11 studies were identified for inclusion in systematic review. Included studies investigated 5 sock, 3 antiperspirant, and 3 barrier strategies. Only 2 articles were determined to have moderate confidence in effect estimate. Clinical and methodologic diversity precluded meta-analysis. Despite the high frequency, discomfort, and associated cost there is a paucity of high-quality quality evidence in support of socks, antiperspirants, or barriers for the prevention of friction blisters. Moderate confidence in effect estimate suggests that paper tape may be an effective form of barrier prevention.
Transoral robotic surgery for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome: Principles and technique
Authors: Vicini Claudio , Montevecchi Filippo , Gobbi Riccardo , De Vito Andrea , Meccariello Giuseppe
Published: June 2017

Objective

The present study is a review of transoral robotic surgery (TORS) for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea‐hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS).

Methods

The review presents the experience of the robotic center that developed the technique with regards to patient selection, surgical method, and post‐operative care. In addition, the review provides results of a systematic review and meta‐analysis of the complications and clinical outcomes of TORS when applied in the management of OSAHS.

Results

The rate of success, defined as 50% reduction of pre‐operative AHI and an overall AHI <20 events/h, is achieved in up to 76.6% of patients with a range between 53.8% and 83.3%. The safety of this approach is reasonable as the main complication (bleeding) affected 4.2% of patients (range 4.2%–5.3%). However, transient dysphagia (7.2%; range 5%–14%) does compromise the quality of life and must be discussed with patients preoperatively.

Conclusions

TORS for the treatment of OSAHS appears to be a promising and safe procedure for patients seeking an alternative to traditional therapy. Appropriate patient selection remains an important consideration for successful implementation of this novel surgical approach requiring further research.
Writing a linguistic symphony: Analyzing variation while doing language documentation
Authors: Meyerhoff Miriam
Published: June 2017

Typically, a study of variation starts from the known and works its way into the unknown. But what happens when you are analyzing variation at the same time as you are grappling with the fundamental structure of the language? Whereas variationist methods often involve doing strategic violence to the data, isolating single variables, documentation tends to encourage a broader perspective. This article shows how documentation of Nkep (Central Eastern Oceanic, Vanuatu) has progressed when guided by a focus on internal and social variation. Three variables are discussed (the near merger of two front vowels, lexical borrowing, and the expression of subject agreement) to highlight the rewards and challenges associated with drawing together two subdisciplines (variation and documentation) that have not traditionally had much to say to each other. Analyzing variation alongside documentation encourages us to write ‘symphonies of variation’, as opposed to ‘sonatas’ of individual variables.
Dynamical Monte Carlo Simulations of 3-D Galactic Systems in Axisymmetric and Triaxial Potentials
Authors: Taani Ali , Vallejo Juan C.
Published: June 2017

We describe the dynamical behavior of isolated old ( ⩾ 1Gyr) objects-like Neutron Stars (NSs). These objects are evolved under smooth, time-independent, gravitational potentials, axisymmetric and with a triaxial dark halo. We analysed the geometry of the dynamics and applied the Poincaré section for comparing the influence of different birth velocities. The inspection of the maximal asymptotic Lyapunov (λ) exponent shows that dynamical behaviors of the selected orbits are nearly the same as the regular orbits with 2-DOF, both in axisymmetric and triaxial when (ϕ, qz)= (0,0). Conversely, a few chaotic trajectories are found with a rotated triaxial halo when (ϕ, qz)= (90, 1.5). The tube orbits preserve direction of their circulation around either the long or short axis as appeared in the triaxial potential, even when every initial condition leads to different orientations. The Poincaré section shows that there are 2-D invariant tori and invariant curves (islands) around stable periodic orbits that bound to the surface of 3-D tori. The regularity of several prototypical orbits offer the means to identify the phase-space regions with localized motions and to determine their environment in different models, because they can occupy significant parts of phase-space depending on the potential. This is of particular importance in Galactic Dynamics.
-SPHERICAL FUNCTIONS ON ABELIAN SEMIGROUPS
Authors: ŁUKASIK RADOSŁAW
Published: June 2017

We present the form of the solutions$f:S\rightarrow \mathbb{C}$of the functional equation$$\begin{eqnarray}\mathop{\sum }_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D706}\in K}f(x+\unicode[STIX]{x1D706}y)=|K|f(x)f(y)\quad \text{for }x,y\in S,\end{eqnarray}$$where$f$satisfies the condition$f(\sum _{\unicode[STIX]{x1D706}\in K}\unicode[STIX]{x1D706}x)\neq 0$for all$x\in S$,$(S,+)$is an abelian semigroup and$K$is a subgroup of the automorphism group of$S$.
X-ray powder diffraction data for 1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-7-oxo-6-[4-(2-oxopiperidin-1-yl)phenyl]-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-c]pyridine-3-carboxylic acid ethyl ester, C27H28N4O5
Authors: Wang Qing , Suo Zi Li , Zhang Yong Kui , Hou Quan , Li Hui
Published: June 2017

1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-7-oxo-6-[4-(2-oxopiperidin-1-yl)phenyl]-4,5,6,7- tetrahydro-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-c]pyridine-3-carboxylic acid ethyl ester is an important intermediate in the synthesis of the anticoagulant, apixaban. X-ray powder diffraction data for this compound are reported [a = 14.101(4) Å, b = 10.105(6) Å, c = 9.532(7) Å, α = 72.774(1)°, β = 97.356(3)°, γ = 108.237(3)°, unit-cell volume V = 1231.45 Å3, Z = 2, and space group P-1]. No detectable impurities were observed.
Current and future strategies for the nutritional management of cardiometabolic complications of androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer
Authors: Turner Lauren , Poole Karen , Faithfull Sara , Griffin Bruce A.
Published: June 2017

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is used widely as part of a combined modality for the treatment of prostate cancer. However, ADT has also been associated with the development of cardiometabolic complications that can increase mortality from cardiovascular events. There is emerging evidence to suggest that ADT-related cardiometabolic risk can be mitigated by diet and lifestyle modification. While the clinical focus for a nutritional approach for achieving this effect is unclear, it may depend upon the timely assessment and targeting of dietary changes to the specific risk phenotype of the patient. The present review aims to address the metabolic origins of ADT-related cardiometabolic risk, existing evidence for the effects of dietary intervention in modifying this risk, and the priorities for future dietary strategies.
An Assessment of Climate Change Impacts on Los Angeles (California USA) Hospitals, Wildfires Highest Priority
Authors: Adelaine Sabrina A. , Sato Mizuki , Jin Yufang , Godwin Hilary
Published: June 2017

Introduction

Although many studies have delineated the variety and magnitude of impacts that climate change is likely to have on health, very little is known about how well hospitals are poised to respond to these impacts.

Hypothesis/Problem

The hypothesis is that most modern hospitals in urban areas in the United States need to augment their current disaster planning to include climate-related impacts.

Methods

Using Los Angeles County (California USA) as a case study, historical data for emergency department (ED) visits and projections for extreme-heat events were used to determine how much climate change is likely to increase ED visits by mid-century for each hospital. In addition, historical data about the location of wildfires in Los Angeles County and projections for increased frequency of both wildfires and flooding related to sea-level rise were used to identify which area hospitals will have an increased risk of climate-related wildfires or flooding at mid-century.

Results

Only a small fraction of the total number of predicted ED visits at mid-century would likely to be due to climate change. By contrast, a significant portion of hospitals in Los Angeles County are in close proximity to very high fire hazard severity zones (VHFHSZs) and would be at greater risk to wildfire impacts as a result of climate change by mid-century. One hospital in Los Angeles County was anticipated to be at greater risk due to flooding by mid-century as a result of climate-related sea-level rise.

Conclusion

This analysis suggests that several Los Angeles County hospitals should focus their climate-change-related planning on building resiliency to wildfires.

AdelaineSA, SatoM, JinY, GodwinH. An assessment of climate change impacts on Los Angeles (California USA) hospitals, wildfires highest priority. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2017;32(5):556–562.
REPUBLICAN MONARCHY: THE NEO-ROMAN CONCEPT OF LIBERTY AND THE NORWEGIAN CONSTITUTION OF 1814
Authors: NILSEN HÅVARD FRIIS
Published: June 2017

The Norwegian Constitution of 1814 was the last in a series of European constitutions inspired by the American and French examples between 1776 and 1814 of which today the American and the Norwegian examples are the only two left. This paper revisits the debates preceding the Norwegian 17 May 1814 Constitution and argues that republican ideas of liberty as independence from arbitrary power formed the intellectual background and context of the debates. This breaks with standard narratives in Norwegian history where the constitution is described as an early example of liberalism. The republican influence forces us to revise the conventional reading of the Norwegian Constitution, and may further provide us with new keys to interpret the intellectual roots of the “Nordic model.” The author suggests that the present high levels of economic equality, egalitarianism and trust in the Scandinavian countries may have their intellectual origins in a particular “Scandinavian republicanism,” inspired by the example of the American republicans in the late eighteenth century.
PRIDE OR PREJUDICE?
Authors: Strother Logan , Piston Spencer , Ogorzalek Thomas
Published: June 2017

Debates about the meaning of Southern symbols such as the Confederate battle emblem are sweeping the nation. These debates typically revolve around the question of whether such symbols represent “heritage or hatred:” racially innocuous Southern pride or White prejudice against Blacks. In order to assess these competing claims, we first examine the historical reintroduction of the Confederate flag in the Deep South in the 1950s and 1960s; next, we analyze three survey datasets, including one nationally representative dataset and two probability samples of White Georgians and White South Carolinians, in order to build and assess a stronger theoretical account of the racial motivations underlying such symbols than currently exists. While our findings yield strong support for the hypothesis that prejudice against Blacks bolsters White support for Southern symbols, support for the Southern heritage hypothesis is decidedly mixed. Despite widespread denials that Southern symbols reflect racism, racial prejudice is strongly associated with support for such symbols.
Ostafrika: Ultraschalldiagnostik ist wenig verbreitet und Ausbildungsmöglichkeiten fehlen
Authors: Gysel Walter , Villabruna Karin
Published: June 2017

Zusammenfassung. Die SmW Stiftung für medizinischen Wissenstransfer wurde 2010 als private Kleinstiftung gegründet mit dem Ziel, in Ostafrika in grösseren und mittleren Spitälern (Referral Hospitals und District Hospitals) hochwertige Ultraschalldiagnostik einzuführen und ein modulares Kurssystem mit drei- bis viertägigen Kursen anzubieten.
Sonografie der Schilddrüse – Update 2017
Authors: Blank Wolfgang , Schuler Andreas
Published: June 2017

Zusammenfassung. Die Sonografie der Schilddrüse mit hochauflösenden Schallsonden ist das erste und meist einzige bildgebende Untersuchungsverfahren zur Beurteilung der Schilddrüse. Schilddrüsenerkrankungen können bei Darstellung einer normal volumigen und homogen strukturierten sowie unauffällig vaskularisierten Schilddrüse weitgehend ausgeschlossen werden. Die B-Bild-sonografische Real-time-Beobachtung der Schilddrüse (Pulsatilität, Kompressibilität, Schluckverschieblichkeit) ermöglicht in vielen Fällen nicht nur die Beurteilung der Morphologie, sondern gibt auch, zusammen mit klinischen Befunden, einschliesslich basalem TSH, Hinweise auf die Funktion. Weitere Informationen werden durch die Farbdopplersonografie mit Darstellung der Vaskularisation erhalten. Die Mehrzahl der detektierten Knoten werden als Zufallsbefund entdeckt und sind harmlos. Unter der grossen Zahl von benignen Schilddrüsenknoten müssen die sehr seltenen Malignome herausgefunden werden [1-11–4]. Die sonografisch gesteuerte Feinnadelpunktion trägt zur Sicherung der Diagnose Malignom bei. Interventionell besteht zudem die Möglichkeit der sonografisch gesteuerten Sklerosierung von Zysten und autonomen Schilddrüsenadenomen [5-15].
Multiple truncated isoforms of MAVS prevent its spontaneous aggregation in antiviral innate immune signalling
Authors: Qi Nan , Shi Yuheng , Zhang Rui , Zhu Wenting , Yuan Bofeng , Li Xiaoyan , Wang Changwan , Zhang Xuewu , Hou Fajian
Published: June 2017

In response to virus infection, RIG-I-like receptors (RLRs) sense virus RNA and induce MAVS to form prion-like aggregates to further propagate antiviral signalling. Although monomeric MAVS recombinant protein can assemble into prion-like filaments spontaneously in vitro, endogenous MAVS in cells is prevented from aggregation until viral infection. The mechanism preventing cellular MAVS from spontaneous aggregation is unclear. Here we show that multiple N-terminal truncated isoforms of MAVS are essential in preventing full-length MAVS from spontaneous aggregation through transmembrane domain-mediated homotypic interaction. Without these shorter isoforms, full-length MAVS is prone to spontaneous aggregation and Nix-mediated mitophagic degradation. In the absence of N-terminally truncated forms, blocking Nix-mediated mitophagy stabilizes full-length MAVS, which aggregates spontaneously and induces the subsequent expression of type I interferon and other proinflammatory cytokines. Our data thus uncover an important mechanism preventing spontaneous aggregation of endogenous MAVS to avoid accidental activation of antiviral innate immune signalling.
Correction: Corrigendum: mTORC1-independent TFEB activation via Akt inhibition promotes cellular clearance in neurodegenerative storage diseases
Authors: Palmieri Michela , Pal Rituraj , Nelvagal Hemanth R. , Lotfi Parisa , Stinnett Gary R. , Seymour Michelle L. , Chaudhury Arindam , Bajaj Lakshya , Bondar Vitaliy V. , Bremner Laura , Saleem Usama , Tse Dennis Y. , Sanagasetti Deepthi , Wu Samuel M. , Neilson Joel R. , Pereira Fred A. , Pautler Robia G. , Rodney George G. , Cooper Jonathan D. , Sardiello Marco
Published: June 2017

Nature Communications 8: Article number: 14338 (2017); Published: 6 February 2017; Updated: 13 June 2017 This Article contains errors in Figs 2 and 3, for which we apologize. In Fig. 2c, the four images were inadvertently duplicated from the images in Fig. 2b. In Fig. 3g, the image at the upper right corner, corresponding to the condition UT_ Cln3Δex7-8 was inadvertently duplicated from the image in the lower right corner of Fig.
The role of Antibody Vκ Framework 3 region towards Antigen binding: Effects on recombinant production and Protein L binding
Authors: Su Chinh Tran-To , Ling Wei-Li , Lua Wai-Heng , Poh Jun-Jie , Gan Samuel Ken-En
Published: June 2017

Antibody research has traditionally focused on heavy chains, often neglecting the important complementary role of light chains in antibody formation and secretion. In the light chain, the complementarity-determining region 3 (VL-CDR3) is specifically implicated in disease states. By modulating VL-CDR3 exposure on the scaffold through deletions in the framework region 3 (VL-FWR3), we further investigated the effects on secretion in recombinant production and antigen binding kinetics. Our random deletions of two residues in the VL-FWR3 of a Trastuzumab model showed that the single deletions could impact recombinant production without significant effect on Her2 binding. When both the selected residues were deleted, antibody secretion was additively decreased, and so was Her2 binding kinetics. Interestingly, we also found allosteric effects on the Protein L binding site at VL-FWR1 elicited by these deletions in VL- FWR3. Together, these findings demonstrate the importance of light chain FWR3 in antigen binding, recombinant production, and antibody purification using Protein L.
The down-regulation of SLC7A11 enhances ROS induced P-gp over-expression and drug resistance in MCF-7 breast cancer cells
Authors: Ge Chun , Cao Bei , Feng Dong , Zhou Fang , Zhang Jingwei , Yang Na , Feng Siqi , Wang Guangji , Aa Jiye
Published: June 2017

Adriamycin (ADR) induces the over-expression of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and multiple drug resistance in breast cancer cells. However, the biochemical process and underlying mechanisms are not clear. Our previous study revealed that ADR increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and decreased glutathione (GSH) biosynthesis, while N-acetylcysteine, the ROS scavenger, reversed the over-expression of P-gp. The present study showed that ADR inhibited the influx of cystine (the source material of GSH) and the activity of the SLC7A11 transporter (in charge of cystine uptake) in MCF-7 cells. For the first time, we showed that the down-regulation/silence of SLC7A11, or cystine deprivation, or enhanced ROS exposure significantly increased P-gp expression in MCF-7 cells. The down-regulation of SLC7A11 markedly enhanced ROS induced P-gp over-expression and drug resistance in MCF-7 cells; a combination of either an inhibited/silenced SLC7A11 or cystine deprivation and increased ROS dramatically promoted P-gp expression, which could be reversed by N-acetylcysteine. In contrast, the over-expression of SLC7A11, or supplementation with sufficiently cystine, or treatment with N-acetylcysteine significantly decreased P-gp expression and activity. It was suggested that ROS and SLC7A11/cystine were the two relevant factors responsible for the expression and function of P-gp, and that SLC7A11 might be a potential target modulating ADR resistance.
Mechanical characterization and cleaning of CVD single-layer h-BN resonators
Authors: Cartamil-Bueno Santiago J. , Cavalieri Matteo , Wang Ruizhi , Houri Samer , Hofmann Stephan , van der Zant Herre S. J.
Published: June 2017

Hexagonal boron nitride is a 2D material whose single-layer allotrope has not been intensively studied despite being the substrate for graphene electronics. Its transparency and stronger interlayer adhesion with respect to graphene makes it difficult to work with, and few applications have been proposed. We have developed a transfer technique for this extra-adhesive material that does not require its visual localization, and fabricated mechanical resonators made out of chemical vapor-deposited single-layer hexagonal boron nitride. The suspended material was initially contaminated with polymer residues from the transfer, and the devices showed an unexpected tensioning when cooling them to 3 K. After cleaning in harsh environments with air at 450 °C and ozone, the temperature dependence changed with f0Q products reaching 2 × 1010 Hz at room temperature. This work paves the way to the realization of highly sensitive mechanical systems based on hexagonal boron nitride, which could be used as an alternative material to SiN for optomechanics experiments at room temperature.
Facile fabrication of robust 3D Fe–NiSe nanowires supported on nickel foam as a highly efficient, durable oxygen evolution catalyst
Authors: Zhao Qiang , Zhong Dazhong , Liu Lin , Li Dandan , Hao Genyan , Li Jinping
Published: June 2017

Robust 3D nanostructured Fe–NiSe/NF as a highly efficient, durable oxygen evolution catalyst is fabricated by a simple dipping method.