bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Living Supramolecular Polymerization of DNA
Authors: Lanier Laura A. , Bermudez Harry
Published: July 2018

Recently there have been notable synthetic successes in supramolecular polymerization. By contrast, it has long been known that DNA can undergo supramolecular polymerization (concatemerization). Concatemerization is a step‐like polymerization and consequently suffers from broad molecular weight distributions and generally undesirable cyclization reactions. Here we demonstrate that another supramolecular polymerization of DNA, hybridization chain reaction (HCR), is in fact a living polymerization. After consumption of initial monomer, the polymerization can be continued with further addition of monomer, and the molecular weight can be varied by the ratio of monomer to initiator. In contrast to concatemerization, HCR produces polymers with narrow dispersity while avoiding cyclization. Identification of the living character of this supramolecular polymerization presents new opportunities in structural DNA nanotechnology and molecular biology.
Correction of complete thoracic duct obstruction with lymphovenous bypass: A case report
Authors: Miller Travis J. , Gilstrap Jarom N. , Maeda Katsuhide , Rockson Stanley , Nguyen Dung H.
Published: July 2018

Thoracic duct injury can be a devastating injury with disruption of lymphatic flow leading to potentially chylothorax and/or severe lymphedema. Standard treatment modalities include thoracic duct ligation or embolization for chylothorax, but treatment options to date are few for resultant lymphedema. In this case report, we describe lymphaticovenous bypass of the thoracic duct to the jugular venous system in a 21‐year‐old male with secondary lymphedema after iatrogenic thoracic duct injury. The patient experienced improvement of lymphedema symptoms including decreased weight and limb girth as well as normalization of serum markers indicating improved lymphatic delivery to the venous system. Lymphangiogram at 3 months post op demonstrated patency of the lymphaticovenous anastomoses. At 6‐month follow‐up, the patient had returned to his preoperative level of activity and showed continued improvement of his lymphedema symptoms. Lymphovenous bypass of the thoracic duct may be an effective technique to treat secondary lymphedema from thoracic duct obstruction, though further studies are required to determine long‐term efficacy.
Algorithm for Atomic Resolution Holography Using Modified L1‐Regularized Linear Regression and Steepest Descent Method
Authors: Matsushita Tomohiro
Published: July 2018

Atomic resolution holography techniques, including X‐ray fluorescence holography, photoelectron holography, and neutron holography, provide new knowledge about the local atomic structure around dopants in crystals and adsorbates on crystals. Three‐dimensional atomic images can be reconstructed from atomic resolution holograms using reconstruction calculation techniques. The development of appropriate algorithms is a critical first step in the reconstruction process. Barton's method, which is based on the Fourier transformation, is typically used. However, that approach requires multiple‐energy holograms, and it sometimes results in images with unexpected artifacts. This report presents the details of an algorithm developed on the basis of an iterative approach with regularized linear regression and a modified steepest descent method.
Toward Quantum Hall Effect in a Josephson Junction
Authors: Guiducci Stefano , Carrega Matteo , Biasiol Giorgio , Sorba Lucia , Beltram Fabio , Heun Stefan
Published: July 2018

Hybrid superconductor/semiconductor devices constitute a powerful platform where intriguing topological properties can be investigated. Here, we present fabrication methods and analysis of Josephson junctions formed by a high‐mobility InAs quantum‐well bridging two Nb superconducting contacts. We demonstrate supercurrent flow with transport measurements, critical temperature of 8.1 K, and critical fields of the order of 3 T. Modulation of supercurrent amplitude can be achieved by acting on two side gates lithographed close to the two‐dimensional electron gas. Low‐temperature measurements reveal also well‐developed quantum Hall plateaus, showing clean quantization of Hall conductance. Here, the side gates can be used to manipulate channel width and electron carrier density in the device. These findings demonstrate the potential of these hybrid devices to investigate the coexistence of superconductivity and Quantum Hall effect and constitute the first step in the development of new device architectures hosting topological states of matter.
Spatial Projection of Electronic Conductivity: The Example of Conducting Bridge Memory Materials
Authors: Prasai Kiran , Subedi Kashi N. , Ferris Kaelyn , Biswas Parthapratim , Drabold David A.
Published: July 2018

Conducting bridge random access memory materials have special promise for FLASH memory, other applications beside, and also special potential for continued miniaturization. They are electronic materials of unique flexibility. Here, we offer new models of Cu‐doped alumina, and reveal qualitative differences in the behavior of transition metal ions in chalcogenide and oxide hosts, showing that Cu clusters in an amorphous alumina host, in contrast with chalcogenides in which the metal atoms do not cluster. We further elucidate the processes of electron transport. To determine these, the Kubo–Greenwood formula is cast in a form to enable the estimate of a space‐projected conductivity. The method reveals those parts of the networks that may conduct a current (or absorb radiation at frequency ω).
On open innovation, platforms, and entrepreneurship
Authors: Nambisan Satish , Siegel Donald , Kenney Martin
Published: July 2018

Research Summary

In recent decades, two emergent phenomena have jointly transformed the nature and pursuit of entrepreneurship across industries and sectors: open innovation and platformization. Open innovation involves a shift toward more open and distributed models of innovation, while platformization refers to the increasing importance of digital platforms as a venue for value creation and capture. Together, open innovation and platforms have created numerous opportunities for entrepreneurs and their firms—from serving as inputs for innovation for established firms to participating as complementors on existing platforms. While these entrepreneurial opportunities (and conditions) have manifested themselves in rich and varied ways, our understanding of these new forms of entrepreneurship has lagged behind. In this essay, and in this special issue, our objective is to bring a sharper focus on the important research issues and questions that frame open innovation, platforms, and entrepreneurship.

Managerial Summary

Digital platforms and open innovation environments have unleashed numerous promising opportunities for entrepreneurs, in industries ranging from consumer software, entertainment, and home appliances to auto, health, and energy. To pursue those opportunities, however, entrepreneurs will need to gain a deeper understanding of the factors that facilitate and constrain them. In this essay, we identify and discuss several of these factors and the associated challenges and highlight the need for additional research. We also consider some of the broader contextual factors, including regulatory policies, digitization, and globalization that shape the emerging opportunities.
Investigation on Alloying Element Distribution in Cr8Mo2SiV Cold‐Work Die Steel Ingot during Homogenization
Authors: He Shuai , Li Changsheng , Ren Jinyi , Han Yahui
Published: July 2018

The effect of different homogenization parameters on the microstructure and element distribution of Cr8Mo2SiV cold‐work die steel ingot is investigated. Based on the Thermo‐Calc software and laser confocal microscopy, the optimal heat treatment temperature range from 1160 to 1230 °C is obtained for experimental steel. In order to improve dendritic segregation of as‐cast microstructure consisting of a large number of network eutectic carbides enriched in alloying elements, the homogenization treatment is carried out at the above determined temperatures for 0.5, 1, and 3 h, respectively. Then, according to the segregation ratio of Cr element, the homogenization at 1180 °C for 3 h successfully eliminates the microsegregation, which is in agreement with the calculation of the diffusion kinetic model of Cr element.
Effect of particulate matter 2.5 on gene expression profile and cell signaling in JEG‐3 human placenta cells
Authors: Kim Woong , Cho Yoon , Song Mi‐Kyung , Lim Jung‐hee , Kim Jin young , Gye Myung Chan , Ryu Jae‐Chun
Published: July 2018

Particulate matter the environmental toxicant, with a diameter less than or equal to 2.5 μm (PM2.5) is a common cause of several respiratory diseases. In recent years, several studies have suggested that PM2.5 can influence diverse diseases, such as respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic diseases, dementia, and female reproductive disorders, and unhealthy birth outcomes. In addition, several epidemiological studies have reported that adverse health effects of PM2.5 can differ depending on regional variations. In the present study, to evaluate specific adverse health effects of PM2.5, we collected two different PM2.5 samples from an underground parking lot and ambient air, and we evaluated cytotoxicity with eight different cell lines originating from human organs. Then, we selected JEG‐3 human placenta cells, which show high cytotoxicity to both PM samples. Through RNA sequencing, gene expression profiling, and a gene ontology (GO) analysis of JEG‐3 after exposure to two different PM2.5 samples, we identified 1021 commonly expressed genes involved in immune responses, the regulation of apoptosis, and so forth, which are known to induce several adverse health effects. In addition, we identified genes related to the calcium‐signaling pathway, steroid hormone biosynthesis, and the cytokine‐cytokine receptor interaction through a Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis. Then, we confirmed these gene expressions using qRT‐PCR, and the protein levels of mitogen‐activated protein kinases and COX‐2 with progesterone decreased using western blotting and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. In conclusion, this study suggests the possible toxic mechanism of human placenta that might be associated with PM2.5‐induced female reproductive disorders.
PRospective Imaging of CErvical cancer and neoadjuvant treatment (PRICE) study: role of ultrasound to assess residual tumor in locally advanced cervical cancer patients undergoing chemoradiation and radical surgery
Authors: Testa A. C. , Moro F. , Pasciuto T. , Moruzzi M. C. , Di Legge A. , Fuoco G. , Autorino R. , Collarino A. , Gui B. , Zannoni G. F. , Gambacorta A. , Miccò M. , Rufini V. , Scambia G. , Ferrandina G.
Published: July 2018

Objective

To determine the diagnostic performance of two‐dimensional (2D) ultrasound parameters, three‐dimensional (3D) power Doppler and contrast‐enhanced indices in detecting residual disease in locally advanced cervical cancer patients triaged to neoadjuvant treatment followed by radical surgery.

Methods

Between October 2010 and June 2014, we screened 108 women with histologically documented locally advanced cervical cancer Stage IB2–IVA, of whom 88 were included in the final analysis. 2D ultrasound parameters, 3D power Doppler and contrast‐ultrasound parameters were assessed 5 weeks after the end of neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy. The pathological response was defined as complete (absence of any residual tumor after treatment) or partial (including microscopic and/or macroscopic residual tumor at pathology examination). The two response groups were compared and receiver–operating characteristics (ROC) curves generated to determine the best cut‐off value of sonographic tumor diameter to predict residual disease. Histology was considered as reference.

Results

Complete pathological response to chemoradiation was observed in 40 (45.5%) patients and partial response in 48 (54.5%). The presence of residual disease, as confirmed at pathology examination, was detected by 2D grayscale ultrasound with a sensitivity of 64.6% and specificity of 65%. Color Doppler examination in the cases with lesions visualized on grayscale imaging detected the presence of residual disease, confirmed at pathology, with a sensitivity of 87.1% and specificity of 21.4%. The best area under the ROC curve (0.817) was for the detection of pathological residual disease of at least 6 mm in diameter, using a cut‐off value of 12 mm for the largest tumor diameter assessed using 2D grayscale ultrasound (sensitivity, 95%; specificity, 70.6%). Neither 3D vascular indices nor contrast‐ultrasound parameters obtained for lesions suspected at ultrasound following chemoradiation differed significantly between patients with histological complete and those with partial response.

Conclusions

Our results show that grayscale and color Doppler ultrasound have a low level of diagnostic performance in detecting residual disease after neoadjuvant chemoradiation in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer. The best performance was achieved in detection of macroscopic (≥ 6 mm) residual disease. Copyright © 2018 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Re: Small‐for‐gestational‐age babies after 37 weeks: impact study of risk‐stratification protocol. M. Veglia, A. Cavallaro, A. Papageorghiou, R. Black and L. Impey. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2018; 52: 66–71.
Authors: Boers K. E.
Published: July 2018

Linked Comment: Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2018; 52: 66–71
Twisted Flato-Fronsdal theorem for higher-spin algebras
Authors: Basile Thomas , Bekaert Xavier , Joung Euihun
Published: July 2018

Abstract

We explore the relation between the singleton and adjoint modules of higher-spin algebras via so(2, d) characters. In order to relate the tensor product of the singleton and its dual to the adjoint module, we consider a heuristic formula involving symmetrization over the variables of the character. We show that our formula reproduces correctly the adjoint-module character for type-A (and its high-order extensions) and type-B higher-spin gravity theories in any dimension. Implications and subtleties of this symmetrization prescription in other models are discussed.
Neutrino discovery limit of Dark Matter direct detection experiments in the presence of non-standard interactions
Authors: Gonzalez-Garcia M. C. , Maltoni Michele , Perez-Gonzalez Yuber F. , Funchal Renata Zukanovich
Published: July 2018

Abstract

The detection of coherent neutrino-nucleus scattering by the COHERENT collaboration has set on quantitative grounds the existence of an irreducible neutrino background in direct detection searches of Weakly Interacting Massive Dark Matter candidates. This background leads to an ultimate discovery limit for these experiments: a minimum Dark Matter interaction cross section below which events produced by the coherent neutrino scattering will mimic the Dark Matter signal, the so-called neutrino floor. In this work we study the modification of such neutrino floor induced by non-standard neutrino interactions within their presently allowed values by the global analysis of oscillation and COHERENT data. By using the full likelihood information of such global analysis we consistently account for the correlated effects of non-standard neutrino interactions both in the neutrino propagation in matter and in its interaction in the detector. We quantify their impact on the neutrino floor for five future experiments: DARWIN (Xe), ARGO (Ar), Super-CDMS HV (Ge and Si) and CRESST phase III (CaWO4). Quantitatively, we find that non-standard neutrino interactions allowed at the 3σ level can result in an increase of the neutrino floor of up to a factor ∼ 5 with respect to the Standard Model expectations and impact the expected sensitivities of the ARGO, CRESST phase III and DARWIN experiments.
Cutoff AdS3 versus the $$ T\overline{T} $$ deformation
Authors: Kraus Per , Liu Junyu , Marolf Donald
Published: July 2018

Abstract

A recent proposal relates two dimensional holographic conformal field theories deformed by the integrable

$$ T\overline{T} $$

T

T
¯

flow to AdS3 with a finite radial cutoff. We investigate this proposal by studying perturbative correlation functions on the two sides. For low point correlators of the stress tensor, we successfully match the deformed CFT results at large central charge to bulk results obtained in classical pure gravity. The deformed CFT also provides definite predictions for loop corrections in the bulk. We then include matter fields in the bulk. To reproduce the classical bulk two-point function of a scalar operator we show that the deformed CFT needs to be augmented with double trace scalar operators, with the

$$ T\overline{T} $$

T

T
¯

operator yielding corrections corresponding to loops in the bulk.
Father Absence and Accelerated Reproductive Development in Non-Hispanic White Women in the United States
Authors: Gaydosh Lauren , Belsky Daniel W. , Domingue Benjamin W. , Boardman Jason D. , Harris Kathleen Mullan
Published: July 2018

Girls who experience father absence in childhood also experience accelerated reproductive development in comparison with peers with present fathers. One hypothesis advanced to explain this empirical pattern is genetic confounding, wherein gene-environment correlation (rGE) causes a spurious relationship between father absence and reproductive timing. We test this hypothesis by constructing polygenic scores for age at menarche and first birth using recently available genome-wide association study results and molecular genetic data on a sample of non-Hispanic white females from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health. We find that young women’s accelerated menarche polygenic scores are unrelated to their exposure to father absence. In contrast, polygenic scores for earlier age at first birth tend to be higher in young women raised in homes with absent fathers. Nevertheless, father absence and the polygenic scores independently and additively predict reproductive timing. We find no evidence in support of the rGE hypothesis for accelerated menarche and only limited evidence in support of the rGE hypothesis for earlier age at first birth.
MicroRNA‐26b suppresses tumorigenicity and promotes apoptosis in small cell lung cancer cells by targeting myeloid cell leukemia 1 protein
Authors: Yu Jin‐Guo , Ji Cheng‐Hong , Shi Min‐Hua
Published: July 2018

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of microRNA‐26b (miR‐26b) in regulating the proliferation, migration, and apoptosis of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) cells. First, we examined the expression level of miR‐26b in human normal fetal lung fibroblasts (NFLFs) and three SCLC cell lines NCI‐H466, NCI‐H1688, and NCI‐H196. In the following experiments, the three SCLC cell lines were transfected with miR‐26b mimic and inhibitor. Cell growth and survival, as well as migration and invasion capacities were determined by MTT, colony formation, Transwell migration and invasion, and wound healing assays. Cell apoptosis, production of reactive oxygen species, and mitochondrial membrane potential were also measured in the three cell lines following various treatments. As a result, we found that the level of miR‐26b was significantly lower in SCLC cells than in NFLFs. Additionally, transfection with miR‐26b mimic could inhibit proliferation, colony formation, and migration, as well as induce apoptosis in these SCLC cell lines; while miR‐26b inhibitor showed the opposite effects. Further mechanistic experiment revealed that miR‐26b could suppress the expression of myeloid cell leukemia 1 protein (Mcl‐1) and the 3′‐untranslated region (3′‐UTR) of Mcl‐1 may be the direct binding site of miR‐26b, suggesting that the effect of miR‐26b may be mediated by targeting Mcl‐1. Collectively, our findings offer a new insight into the role of miR‐26b in the pathogenesis of SCLC, and provide primary evidence supporting the potential of miR‐26b‐based therapy for the treatment of SCLC.
Loess–paleosol carbonate clumped isotope record of late Pleistocene–Holocene climate change in the Palouse region, Washington State, USA
Authors: Lechler Alex R. , Huntington Katharine W. , Breecker Daniel O. , Sweeney Mark R. , Schauer Andrew J.
Published: July 2018

The Channeled Scabland–Palouse region of the Pacific Northwest (PNW) of the United States preserves geomorphic and pedosedimentary records that inform understanding of late Pleistocene–Holocene paleoclimate change in a region proximal to the last glacial period Cordilleran Ice Sheet. We present a clumped (Δ47) and conventional (δ18O, δ13C) isotopic study of Palouse loess–paleosol carbonates in combination with carbonate radiocarbon (14C) dating to provide new measures of regional late–last glacial (~31–20 cal ka BP) and Holocene soil conditions. Average clumped isotope temperatures (T(Δ47)) for last glacial Palouse loess–paleosol carbonates (9±4°C) are significantly lower than those for Holocene-aged carbonates (T(Δ47)=18±2°C) in study sections. Calculated soil water δ18OVSMOWvalues (−16±2‰) for last glacial carbonates are also offset relative to those for Holocene-aged samples (−11±1‰), whereas calculated soil CO2δ13CVPDBvalues are similar for the Holocene (−16.9±0.2‰) and late–last glacial (−16.7±1.1‰) periods. Together, these paleoclimate metrics indicate late–last glacial conditions of pedogenic carbonate formation in the C3grassland soils of the Palouse were measurably colder (9±5°C) than during the Holocene and potentially reflect a more arid last glacial paleoclimate across the Palouse, findings in agreement with previous proxy studies and climate model simulations for the region.
Credible Commitments and the Right to Bear Arms: Viewing the Second Amendment from a Game-Theoretic Perspective
Authors: LEVIN JAMIE
Published: July 2018

For most of its existence, the Second Amendment was largely ignored by Constitutional scholars. Recently, a veritable cottage industry has developed in which two distinct camps have surfaced: so-called “Standard Modelers,” who argue that individuals have a right to bear arms for self-defense, the defense of the state, and, in the most extreme examples, to overthrow the government should it become tyrannical, and those who view the Second Amendment as a collective right vested in the state militias for the purposes of law enforcement, to protect against foreign aggression, to quell domestic insurrection, and as a check against federal overreach. Despite the enormous gulf between them, both sides agree that the right to bear arms provides a counterbalance against the federal government. This paper uses insights from game theory to shed new light on the adoption of the Second Amendment. The states suffered a commitment problem. They wished to cooperate with each other by founding a new republic, but feared the consequences of doing so: losing their freedom to a powerful government. The Second Amendment militated against the need for a large federal army, acted to counterbalance federal forces, and created the offensive means with which to confront a tyrannical government.
What Is Mandarin? The Social Project of Language Standardization in Early Republican China
Authors: Weng Jeffrey
Published: July 2018

Scholars who study language often see standard or official languages as oppressive, helping the socially advantaged to entrench themselves as elites. This article questions this view by examining the Chinese case, in which early twentieth-century language reformers attempted to remake their society's language situation to further national integration. Classical Chinese, accessible only to a privileged few, was sidelined in favor of Mandarin, a national standard newly created for the many. This article argues that Mandarin's creation reflected an entirely new vision of society. It draws on archival sources on the design and promulgation of Mandarin from the 1910s to the 1930s to discuss how the way the language was standardized reflected the nature of the imagined future society it was meant to serve. Language reform thus represented a radical rethinking of how society should be organized: linguistic modernity was to be a national modernity, in which all the nation's people would have access to the new official language, and thus increased opportunities for advancement.
Is there any effect of neurotrophin-3 on the pathogenesis of non-allergic nasal polyps?
Authors: Ismi O , Kara T , Polat G , Bobusoglu O , Vayısoglu Y , Gorur K , Ozcan C
Published: July 2018

Background

Although the role of neurotrophins such as nerve growth factor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor in nasal polyps development has been studied, the contribution of neurotrophin-3 has not been evaluated yet. This study aimed to investigate the possible role of neurotrophin-3 in nasal polyps pathogenesis.

Methods

The study group comprised 70 non-allergic nasal polyps patients and the control group consisted of 53 patients with middle turbinate concha bullosa. Specimens were taken, during surgery, from the ethmoid sinus nasal polyps in the nasal polyps group and from the lateral part of the middle turbinate concha bullosa in the control group. Tissue and serum levels of neurotrophin-3 were assessed by immunohistochemistry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively.

Results

Nasal polyps patients had higher tissue neurotrophin-3 scores (p< 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference between groups regarding serum neurotrophin-3 levels (p= 0.417). Tissue neurotrophin-3 staining scores in the nasal polyps group had no statistically significant correlation with Lund–Mackay scores (p= 0.792).

Conclusion

Neurotrophin-3 may have a local effect in nasal polyps pathogenesis, without joining systemic circulation.
Contrasting Supply-side, Demand-side and Combined Approaches to Labour Market Integration
Authors: FRØYLAND KJETIL , ANDREASSEN TONE ALM , INNVÆR SIMON
Published: July 2018

In social policy discussions about activation or ALMP (Active Labour Market Policies), most attention is paid to supply-side approaches, directed towards jobless individuals. In these discussions, little attention is given to demand-side approaches aimed at activating employers, or combined workplace-oriented approaches that combine supply and demand-side elements. The aim of this article is to introduce demand-side and combined approaches developed within the fields of disability policy and vocational rehabilitation to scholarly discussions about activation and ALMP.

By comparing these three approaches, we show that demand-side and combined approaches challenge key assumptions underlying the dominant supply-side approaches. They do so by representing different views of a) work – as a right instead of a duty; b) the problem of reduced work capacity – not as individual failure, but rather as a prejudice in attitudes among employers or as a gap between capacities and demands; c) the employers and the labour market – as transformable instead of fixed.

Supply-side, demand-side and combined workplace-oriented approaches share the aim of labour market integration; however, their developments seem to have taken place largely in isolation from each other. We argue that when brought together they could form a more comprehensive base for further development of labour market integration.
Wicket Spikes: Clinical Correlates of a Previously Undescribed EEG Pattern
Authors: Reiher Jean , Lebel Michel
Published: July 2018

From an analysis of the electroencephalograms of 4,458 patients who underwent recording during both wakefulness and sleep, through the years 1969 to 1975, wicket spikes — recorded in 39 patients — may be described as follows:

They were found during both wakefulness and sleep, almost exclusively in adults. Their cardinal feature is a changing mode of occurrence through any single recording: from intermittent trains of more or less sustained, arciform, discharges resembling mu rhythm, to sporadic, unitary, single spikes. When occurring singly, wicket spikes can be mistaken for anterior or middle temporal spikes, since they predominate in either area, and since they share with them other characteristics such as amplitude (60 to 210 microvolts), polarity (surface negative) duration, and configuration.

Wicket spikes should not be considered interictal abnormalities; they do not correlate with epilepsy or with any particular symptom complex.
The relationship betweenInterleukin-27gene polymorphisms and Kawasaki disease in a population of Chinese children
Authors: Si Feifei , Wu Yao , Wang Xianmin , Gao Fang , Yang Dan , Liu Ruixi , Yi Qijian
Published: July 2018

Background

Kawasaki disease is the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children from developed countries. The Interleukin-6/ Interleukin-12 cytokine family has many members, including the paradoxical anti- and pro-inflammatory Interleukin-27. Recent studies have demonstrated that Interleukin-27 plays a role in immune diseases. Given this, we sought to evaluate the association betweenInterleukin-27genetic polymorphisms and Kawasaki disease in Chinese children.

Methods and results

Interleukin-27 was genotyped in 100 Kawasaki disease children and 98 healthy children (controls), resulting in the direct sequencing of eight Single-nucleotide Polymorphisms: rs17855750, rs40837, rs26528, rs428253, rs4740, rs4905, rs153109, and rs181206). There were no significant differences in Interleukin-27 genotypes between Kawasaki disease and control groups. Of the eight Single-nucleotide Polymorphisms, there was a significant increase in the risk of Kawasaki disease with coronary arterial lesions in children with the rs17855750 (T>G), rs40837 (A>G), rs4740 (G>A), rs4905 (A>G), rs153109 (T>C), and rs26528 (A>G) Single-nucleotide Polymorphisms. This was particularly true for rs17855750 (T>G), which had a greater frequency in Kawasaki disease children with coronary arterial aneurysm.

Conclusion

These findings may be used as risk factors when assessing a child’s likelihood of developing Kawasaki disease, as well as for the development of future therapeutic treatments for Kawasaki disease.
Life Charting of Affective Disorders
Authors: Leverich Gabriele S. , Post Robert M.
Published: July 2018

The recurrent and frequently chronic course of affective disorders requires careful delineation of the number, frequency, and pattern of prior and current episodes and their response to pharmacotherapies to help develop optimal assessment and treatment approaches for these Potentially lethal medical illnesses. To better track and monitor the longitudinal course of unipolar and bipolar illness and to promote more effective management, we developed the retrospective and prospective National Institute of Mental Health Life Chart Methodology (NIMH-LCM). The principles of retrospective and prospective life charting are the focus of this article. Following introductory background information on affective disorders, the influence of Kraepelin's work and his use of life charts are reviewed as the basis and framework for the NIMH-LCM. The use of life charting both retrospectively and prospectively is discussed, with examples of its utility and benefits.
Psychosocial Approaches to the Course and Treatment of Bipolar Disorder
Authors: Miklowitz David J.
Published: July 2018

The course of bipolar disorder is marked by relapses and remissions, even when patients are maintained on appropriate pharmacotherapy. This variability in illness course may occur in part because the disorder is affected by socioenvironmental stressors, particularly significant life events and high-conflict family relationships. Considering these factors, clinicians have focused more attention on psychosocial treatments as useful adjuncts to pharmacotherapy. In this article, a psychosocial treatment program known as family-focused psychoeducational treatment (FFT) is described. Delivered in combination with pharmacotherapy during the postepisode stabilization period, FFT begins with an assessment of the family or marital environment. Then, in three consecutive, modules, participants receive education about the nature, causes, and treatment of bipolar disorder, communication enhancement training, and problem-solving skills training. The overall goals of the program are to restore family equilibrium and improve the patient's clinical functioning after the acute-illness episode. A case study illustrating the approach is presented, and the future directions of FFT are reviewed.
Early executive function: The influence of culture and bilingualism
Authors: TRAN CRYSTAL D. , ARREDONDO MARIA M. , YOSHIDA HANAKO
Published: July 2018

Evidence suggests that cultural experiences and learning multiple languages have measurable effects on children's development of executive function (EF). However, the precise impact of how bilingualism and culture contribute to observed effects remains inconclusive. The present study aims to investigate how these factors shape the development of early EF constructs longitudinally, between monolingual and bilingual children at ages 3, 3½ and 4 years, with a set of EF tasks that are uniquely relevant to the effects of bilingualism and cultural practices. We hypothesize that the effects of bilingualism and cultural backgrounds (i.e., Eastern) are based on different, though related, cognitive control processes associated with different EF constructs. Results revealed a significant bilingualism effect on cognitive control processes measuring selective attention, switching, and inhibition; while an effect of culture was most pronounced on behavioral regulation/response inhibition. Contributions of bilingualism and cultural experiences on individual EF constructs across development are discussed.
Novel-word learning, executive control and working memory: A bilingual advantage
Authors: WARMINGTON MEESHA A. , KANDRU-POTHINENI SWATHI , HITCH GRAHAM J.
Published: July 2018

Studies of the effects of bilingualism on cognition have given results that do not consistently replicate, reflecting at least in part wide differences in criteria for bilingualism and heterogeneity of language combinations within studied samples. We examined the bilingual advantage in attention, working memory and novel-word learning in early sequential Hindi–English bilinguals. We sought to clarify the aspects of cognition that benefit from bilingualism by using multiple measures and a sample sufficiently well-defined to permit independent replication. Bilinguals outperformed monolinguals on response inhibition, novel-word learning and almost all working memory tasks. In contrast, both groups performed comparably on selective attention. Analyses of individual differences showed that bilingual novel-word learning was related to their verbal working memory and ability to inhibit an ongoing action, whereas this was not the case for monolinguals. Results indicate a specific bilingual advantage that is confined to some but not all aspects of cognition.
Jointed goatgrass (Aegilops cylindrica): A Review
Authors: Mallory-Smith Carol , Kniss Andrew R. , Lyon Drew J. , Zemetra Robert S.
Published: July 2018

In 1994, the National Jointed Goatgrass Research Program was initiated with funding from a special USDA grant. The 15-yr program provided $4.1 million to support jointed goatgrass (Aegilops cylindricaHost.) research and technology transfer projects in 10 western states. These projects resulted in approximately 80 refereed manuscripts, including journal articles and extension publications. The research covered various topics related to the biology and ecology of jointed goatgrass as well as its management and control in wheat (Triticum aestivumL.) production systems. This review summarizes the research on jointed goatgrass published after Donald and Ogg’s 1991 review, most of which was conducted as part of the USDA-funded National Jointed Goatgrass Research Program. Specific topics that were studied and reviewed here includeA. cylindricagenetics, especially as it relates to gene flow and hybridization rates with wheat and fertility of the resulting hybrids; vernalization requirements; seed dormancy, longevity, and germination requirements; competitiveness with wheat; and herbicide resistance acquired through evolution or gene flow from wheat. With respect to management, a wide variety of practices were evaluated, including various tillage types and frequencies; crop rotations, especially diversified wheat production systems that include spring-seeded annual crops; competitive wheat cultivars, seeding dates, seeding density, and row spacing; fertility management, including nitrogen application timing and placement; and field burning. Finally, many studies evaluated the use of herbicides, especially the introduction of imazamox in imidazolinone-resistant wheat cultivars, as well as comparison of adjuvant systems and application timings. In addition to the many management practices that were studied individually, several integrated management systems were evaluated that combined crop rotations, tillage, and herbicide programs. Between 1993 and 2013, weed scientists in 14 western states estimated that jointed goatgrass infestations decreased by 45% to 55% and attributed the reduction to the implementation of more diverse crop rotations, improved cultural practices, and use of imazamox-resistant wheat technology. This is evidence that the practical implications of the National Jointed Goatgrass Research Program have been successfully implemented by growers throughout the western United States.
Arf6-driven cell invasion is intrinsically linked to TRAK1-mediated mitochondrial anterograde trafficking to avoid oxidative catastrophe
Authors: Onodera Yasuhito , Nam Jin-Min , Horikawa Mei , Shirato Hiroki , Sabe Hisataka
Published: July 2018

Mitochondria dynamically alter their subcellular localization during cell movement, although the underlying mechanisms remain largely elusive. The small GTPase Arf6 and its signaling pathway involving AMAP1 promote cell invasion via integrin recycling. Here we show that the Arf6–AMAP1 pathway promote the anterograde trafficking of mitochondria. Blocking the Arf6-based pathway causes mitochondrial aggregation near the microtubule-organizing center, and subsequently induces detrimental reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, likely via a mitochondrial ROS-induced ROS release-like mechanism. The Arf6-based pathway promotes the localization of ILK to focal adhesions to block RhoT1–TRAK2 association, which controls mitochondrial retrograde trafficking. Blockade of the RhoT1–TRAK1 machinery, rather than RhoT1–TRAK2, impairs cell invasion, but not two-dimensional random cell migration. Weakly or non-invasive cells do not notably express TRAK proteins, whereas they clearly express their mRNAs. Our results identified a novel association between cell movement and mitochondrial dynamics, which is specific to invasion and is necessary for avoiding detrimental ROS production.
Deep-UV photoinduced chemical patterning at the micro- and nanoscale for directed self-assembly
Authors: Leuschel Benjamin , Gwiazda Agnieszka , Heni Wajdi , Diot Frédéric , Yu Shang-Yu , Bidaud Clémentine , Vonna Laurent , Ponche Arnaud , Haidara Hamidou , Soppera Olivier
Published: July 2018

Deep-UV (DUV) laser patterning has been widely used in recent years for micro- and nanopatterning, taking advantage of the specific properties of irradiation with high-energy photons. In this paper, we show the usefulness of DUV laser patterning for preparing surfaces with controlled chemical properties at the micro- and nanoscale. Our motivation was to develop a simple and versatile method for chemical patterning at multiscales (from mm to nm) over relatively wide areas (mm2 to cm2). The chemical properties were provided by self-assembled monolayers (SAMs), prepared on glass or silicon wafers. We first investigated their modification under our irradiation conditions (ArF laser) using AFM, XPS and contact angle measurements. Photopatterning was then demonstrated with minimum feature sizes as small as 75 nm, and we showed the possibility to regraft a second SAM on the irradiated regions. Finally, we used these chemically patterned surfaces for directed self-assembly of several types of objects, such as block copolymers, sol-gel materials and liquids by vapor condensation.
A Data Mining-based Prognostic Algorithm for NAFLD-related Hepatoma Patients: A Nationwide Study by the Japan Study Group of NAFLD
Authors: Kawaguchi Takumi , Tokushige Katsutoshi , Hyogo Hideyuki , Aikata Hiroshi , Nakajima Tomoaki , Ono Masafumi , Kawanaka Miwa , Sawada Koji , Imajo Kento , Honda Koichi , Takahashi Hirokazu , Mori Kohjiroh , Tanaka Saiyu , Seko Yuya , Nozaki Yuichi , Kamada Yoshihiro , Fujii Hideki , Kawaguchi Atsushi , Takehara Tetsuo , Yanase Mikio , Sumida Yoshio , Eguchi Yuichiro , Seike Masataka , Yoneda Masato , Suzuki Yasuaki , Saibara Toshiji , Karino Yoshiyasu , Chayama Kazuaki , Hashimoto Etsuko , George Jacob , Torimura Takuji
Published: July 2018

The prognosis of patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease-related hepatocellular carcinoma (NAFLD-HCC) is intricately associated with various factors. We aimed to investigate the prognostic algorithm of NAFLD-HCC patients using a data-mining analysis. A total of 247 NAFLD-HCC patients diagnosed from 2000 to 2014 were registered from 17 medical institutions in Japan. Of these, 136 patients remained alive (Alive group) and 111 patients had died at the censor time point (Deceased group). The random forest analysis demonstrated that treatment for HCC and the serum albumin level were the first and second distinguishing factors between the Alive and Deceased groups. A decision-tree algorithm revealed that the best profile comprised treatment with hepatectomy or radiofrequency ablation and a serum albumin level ≥3.7 g/dL (Group 1). The second-best profile comprised treatment with hepatectomy or radiofrequency ablation and serum albumin levels <3.7 g/dL (Group 2). The 5-year overall survival rate was significantly higher in the Group 1 than in the Group 2. Thus, we demonstrated that curative treatment for HCC and serum albumin level >3.7 g/dL was the best prognostic profile for NAFLD-HCC patients. This novel prognostic algorithm for patients with NAFLD-HCC could be used for clinical management.
Myosin X is required for efficient melanoblast migration and melanoma initiation and metastasis
Authors: Tokuo Hiroshi , Bhawan Jag , Coluccio Lynne M.
Published: July 2018

Myosin X (Myo10), an actin-associated molecular motor, has a clear role in filopodia induction and cell migrationin vitro, but its rolein vivoin mammals is not well understood. Here, we investigate the role of Myo10 in melanocyte lineage and melanoma induction. We found that Myo10 knockout (Myo10KO) mice exhibit a white spot on their belly caused by reduced melanoblast migration. Myo10KO mice crossed with available mice that conditionally express in melanocytes the BRAFV600Emutation combined with Pten silencing exhibited reduced melanoma development and metastasis, which extended medial survival time. Knockdown of Myo10 (Myo10kd) in B16F1 mouse melanoma cell lines decreased lung colonization after tail-vein injection. Myo10kd also inhibited long protrusion (LP) formation by reducing the transportation of its cargo molecule vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) to the leading edge of migrating cells. These findings provide the first genetic evidence for the involvement of Myo10 not only in melanoblast migration, but also in melanoma development and metastasis.
Inhibition of angiogenesis in endothelial cells by Human Lysyl oxidase propeptide
Authors: Nareshkumar Ragavachetty Nagaraj , Sulochana Konerirajapuram Natarajan , Coral Karunakaran
Published: July 2018

Angiogenesis is a critical process involved in normal physiology. Pathological angiogenesis is observed in vascular diseases and neoplasia. The propeptide domain of LOX (LOX-PP) has been shown to inhibit tumorigenesis in various cancers. In this study, we explored the role of both overexpressed and recombinant LOX-PP in naïve human umbilical vein endothelial cell with the addition of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Primarily, we observed a significant reduction in the angiogenesis signaling pathways upon LOX-PP overexpression by proteomic analysis. Further functional analysis showed that the VEGF induced cell proliferation, migration, adhesion and tube formation was inhibited by LOX-PP. Moreover, LOX-PP arrested cells at S-phase, reduced F-actin levels and decreased phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK). The anti-angiogenic effect of LOX-PP was further confirmed by the reduction in the vascular network formation in chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM). These results indicate that inhibition of angiogenesis events is not only achieved by overexpressing LOX-PP but also by addition of rLOX-PP. Taken together our findings discovered the anti-angiogenic role of LOX-PP in endothelial cells which suggests that harnessing this potential can be a promising strategy to inhibit angiogenesis.
Expression patterns and genetic variation of the ovine skeletal muscle transcriptome of sheep from five Spanish meat breeds
Authors: Noce A. , Cardoso T. F. , Manunza A. , Martínez A. , Cánovas A. , Pons A. , Bermejo L. A. , Landi V. , Sànchez A. , Jordana J. , Delgado J. V. , Adán S. , Capote J. , Vidal O. , Pazzola M. , Vacca G. M. , Casellas J. , Amills M.
Published: July 2018

The goal of the current study is to analyse the gene expression profile of the ovine skeletal muscle as well as to characterize the genetic variation of transcripts expressed in such tissue. This aim has been achieved by sequencing the longissimus dorsi transcriptomes of 50 sheep distributed in five pools representing the Canaria de Pelo, Roja Mallorquina, Gallega, Xisqueta and Ripollesa Spanish autochthonous breeds. Approximately, 363 million reads per pool have been produced and 71.9–82.9% have been successfully mapped to the ovine genome in a paired-end mode (2 × 75 bp). The 200 most expressed muscle transcripts (≈1% of the total transcript count) account for 51% (Canaria de Pelo) to 67% (Gallega) of the total ovine skeletal muscle mRNA expression. These highly expressed genes play key roles in pathways related with striated muscle contraction, gluconeogenesis, glycolysis, citric acid cycle and respiratory electron transport. RNA-Sequencing of muscle transcripts has also revealed that ~72% of the SNPs detected with this approach are shared by at least two pools, and 10% of them segregate in the five pools under analysis. Most of the substitutions detected by RNA-Seq are synonymous or missense and only a minority are predicted to have consequences on protein function.