bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abnormal social behaviors and dysfunction of autism-related genes associated with daily agonistic interactions in mice
Authors: Kudryavtseva Natalia N. , Kovalenko Irina L. , Smagin Dmitry A. , Galyamina Anna G. , Babenko Vladimir N.
Published: April 2017

Background

The ability of people to communicate with each other is a necessary component of social behavior and the normal development of individuals who live in a community. An apparent decline in sociability may be the result of a negative social environment or the development of affective and neurological disorders, including autistic spectrum disorders. The behavior of these humans may be characterized by the deterioration of socialization, low communication, and repetitive and restricted behaviors. This study aimed to analyze changes in the social behaviors of male mice induced by daily agonistic interactions and investigate the involvement of genes, related with autistic spectrum disorders in the process of the impairment of social behaviors.

Methods

Abnormal social behavior is induced by repeated experiences of aggression accompanied by wins (winners) or chronic social defeats (losers) in daily agonistic interactions in male mice. The collected brain regions (the midbrain raphe nuclei, ventral tegmental area, striatum, hippocampus, and hypothalamus) were sequenced at JSC Genoanalytica (http://genoanalytica.ru/, Moscow, Russia). The Cufflinks program was used to estimate the gene expression levels. Bioinformatic methods were used for the analysis of differentially expressed genes in male mice.

Results

The losers exhibited an avoidance of social contacts toward unfamiliar conspecific, immobility and low communication on neutral territory. The winners demonstrated aggression and hyperactivity in this condition. The exploratory activity (rearing) and approaching behavior time towards the partner were decreased, and the number of episodes of repetitive self-grooming behavior was increased in both social groups. These symptoms were similar to the symptoms observed in animal models of autistic spectrum disorders. In an analysis of the RNA-Seq database of the whole transcriptome in the brain regions of the winners and losers, we identified changes in the expression of the following genes, which are associated with autism in humans:Tph2, Maoa, Slc6a4, Htr7,Gabrb3, Nrxn1, Nrxn2, Nlgn1, Nlgn2, Nlgn3, Shank2, Shank3, Fmr1, Ube3a, Pten, Cntn3, Foxp2, Oxtr, Reln, Cadps2, Pcdh10, Ctnnd2, En2, Arx, Auts2, Mecp2, andPtchd1.Common and specific changes in the expression of these genes in different brain regions were identified in the winners and losers.

Conclusions

This research demonstrates for the first time that abnormalities in social behaviors that develop under a negative social environment in adults may be associated with alterations in expression of genes, related with autism in the brain.
Hardwired synthetic lethality within the cohesin complex in human cancer cells
Authors: Lelij Petra van der , Lieb Simone , Jude Julian , Wutz Gordana , Santos Catarina P. , Falkenberg Katrina , Schlattl Andreas , Ban Jozef , Schwentner Raphaela , Kovar Heinrich , Real Francisco X. , Waldman Todd , Pearson Mark A. , Kraut Norbert , Peters Jan-Michael , Zuber Johannes , Petronczki Mark
Published: April 2017

Recent genome analyses have identified recurrent mutations in the cohesin complex in a wide range of human cancers. Here we demonstrate that the most frequently mutated subunit of the cohesin complex,STAG2, displays a strong synthetic lethal interaction with its paralogSTAG1. Mechanistically, STAG1 loss abrogates sister chromatid cohesion inSTAG2mutated but not in wild-type cells leading to mitotic catastrophe, defective cell division and apoptosis. STAG1 inactivation inhibits the proliferation of STAG2 mutated but not wild-type bladder cancer and Ewing sarcoma cell lines. Restoration of STAG2 expression in a mutated bladder cancer model alleviates the dependency on STAG1. Thus, STAG1 and STAG2 act redundantly to support sister chromatid cohesion and cell survival. STAG1 represents a hardwired, context independent vulnerability of cancer cells carrying mutations in the major emerging tumor suppressorSTAG2. Exploiting synthetic lethal interactions to target recurrent cohesin mutations in cancer, e.g. by inhibiting STAG1, holds the promise for the development of selective therapeutics.
The effect of a lifestyle intervention in obese pregnant women on change in gestational metabolic profiles: findings form the UK Pregnancies Better Eating and Activity Trial (UPBEAT) RCT.
Authors: Mills Harriet , Patel Nashita , White Sara , Pasupathy Dharmintra , Briley Annette L , dos Santos Ferreira Diana , Seed Paul T , Nelson Scott M , Sattar Naveed , Tilling Kate , Poston Lucilla , Lawlor Debbie A
Published: April 2017

Background: Pregnancy metabolic disruption is believed to be enhanced in obese women and lead to adverse outcomes in them and their offspring. The UK Pregnancies Better Eating and Activity Trial (UPBEAT), a randomised controlled trial of a lifestyle intervention in obese pregnant women, has already been shown to improve diet and physical activity. We used UPBEAT to determine (a) the magnitude of change in metabolic profiles in obese pregnant women and (b) the impact of a lifestyle intervention that successfully improved diet and physical activity on these profiles. Methods: Detailed targeted metabolic profiling, with quantification of 158 metabolic features (129 lipid measures, 9 glycerides and phospholipids, and 20 low-molecular weight metabolites) was completed on three occasions (~17-, 28- and 35-weeks of gestation) in the UPBEAT participants using NMR. Random intercept and random slope models were used to quantify metabolite changes in obese women using the control (usual care) group only (N = 577). The effect of the intervention was determined by comparing rates of metabolite change between those randomised to intervention and usual care, using intention to treat analyses (N = 1158). Results: There were adverse changes across pregnancy in most lipoprotein subclasses, lipids, glycerides, phospholipids, several fatty acids and glucose. All extremely large, very large, large, medium, small and very small VLDL particles increased by 2 to 3 standard deviation units (SD), with IDL, and large, medium and small LDL particles increasing by 1 to 2SD, between 16- and 36-weeks. Triglycerides increased by 3 to 4SD and glucose increased by 2SD, with more modest changes in other metabolites. The intervention reduced the rate of increase in extremely large, very large, large and medium VLDL, in particular those containing triglycerides. Triglyceride to phosphoglyceride ratio was reduced and there were improvements in fatty acid profiles (increases in the proportion of all fatty acids that were linoleic, omega-6 and polyunsaturated and decreases in the proportion of saturated). Conclusion: Systemic metabolism is markedly disrupted in obese pregnant women, but a lifestyle intervention that improved their diet and physical activity has beneficial effects on some of these profiles; these effects might have long-term benefit. Clinical trial registration ID #
ISRCTN89971375
.
A protein phosphatase network controls the temporal and spatial dynamics of differentiation commitment in human epidermis
Authors: Mishra Ajay , Pisco Angela Oliveira , Oules Benedicte , Ly Tony , Liakath-Ali Kifayathullah , Walko Gernot , Viswanathan Priyalakshmi , Nijjher Jagdeesh , Dunn Sara-Jane , Lamond Angus I. , Watt Fiona M.
Published: April 2017

Epidermal homeostasis depends on a balance between stem cell renewal and terminal differentiation. The transition between the two cell states, termed commitment, is poorly understood. Here we characterise commitment by integrating transcriptomic and proteomic data from disaggregated primary human keratinocytes held in suspension for up to 12h to induce differentiation. We find that cell detachment induces a network of protein phosphatases. The pro-commitment phosphatases – including DUSP6, PPTC7, PTPN1, PTPN13 and PPP3CA – promote differentiation by negatively regulating ERK MAPK and positively regulating AP1 transcription factors. Their activity is antagonised by concomitant upregulation of DUSP10. Boolean network modelling of phosphatase interactions identifies commitment as an inherently unstable biological switch between the stem and differentiated cell states. Furthermore, phosphatase expression is spatially regulated both in vivo and in vitro. We conclude that an auto-regulatory phosphatase network maintains epidermal homeostasis by controlling the onset and duration of commitment.
Comparative genomic evidence for self-domestication inHomo sapiens
Authors: Theofanopoulou Constantina , Gastaldon Simone , O’Rourke Thomas , Samuels Bridget D. , Messner Angela , Martins Pedro Tiago , Delogu Francesco , Alamri Saleh , Cedric Boeckx
Published: April 2017

This study identifies and analyzes statistically significant overlaps between selective sweep screens in anatomically modern humans and several domesticated species. The results obtained suggest that (paleo-) genomic data can be exploited to complement the fossil record and support the idea of self-domestication inHomo sapiens,a process that likely intensified as our species populated its niche. Our analysis lends support to attempts to capture the “domestication syndrome” in terms of alterations to certain signaling pathways and cell lineages, such as the neural crest.
New Zealand Theosophists in “New Education” networks, 1880s-1938
Authors: Middleton Sue C.
Published: April 2017

Purpose

It is well-known that Beatrice Ensor, who founded the New Education Fellowship (NEF) in 1921, was a Theosophist and that from 1915 the Theosophical Fraternity in Education she established laid the foundations for the NEF. However, little research has been performed on the Fraternity itself. The travels of Theosophists, texts, money and ideas between Auckland, India and London from the late nineteenth century offer insights into “New Education” networking in the British Commonwealth more broadly. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper draws on archival documents from the Adyar Library and Research Centre, International Theosophical Society (TS) headquarters, Chennai, India; the archive at the headquarters of the New Zealand Section of the TS, Epsom, Auckland; the NEF files at the archive of the London Institute of Education; papers past digital newspaper archive.

Findings

New Zealand’s first affiliated NEF group was set up by the principal of the Vasanta Gardens Theosophical School, Epsom, in 1933. She was also involved in the New Zealand Section of the Theosophical Fraternity, which held conferences from 1917 to 1927. New Zealand’s Fraternity and Theosophical Education Trust had close links with their counterparts in England and India. The setting up of New Zealand’s first NEF group was enabled by networks created between Theosophists in New Zealand, India and England from the late nineteenth century.

Originality/value

The contribution of Theosophists to the new education movement has received little attention internationally. Theosophical educational theory and Theosophists’ contributions to New Zealand Education have not previously been studied. Combining transnational historiography with critical geography, this case study of networks between New Zealand, Adyar (India) and London lays groundwork for a wider “spatial history” of Theosophy and new education.
Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in advanced cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Saruta Hiroshi , Ohata Chika , Muto Ikko , Imamura Taichi , Oku Eijiro , Ohshima Koichi , Nagafuji Koji , Nakama Takekuni
Published: April 2017

We retrospectively reviewed data pertaining to five patients with cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma (CTCL) who had received hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) between 2004 and 2015 at Kurume University Hospital, along with their clinical data until March 2016. For patients with advanced CTCL eligible for HSCT, autologous HSCT was performed when they responded well to chemotherapy, and allogeneic HSCT was selected for patients with advanced mycosis fungoides (MF)/Sézary syndrome (SS) and CTCL other than MF/SS with poor chemosensitivity. Two patients (primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma and primary cutaneous CD8+ aggressive epidermotropic cytotoxic T‐cell lymphoma) who responded well to chemotherapy received autologous HSCT: one patient was alive in partial remission and the other died due to therapy‐related acute myeloid leukemia without disease relapse. In the remaining three patients with MF or SS, allogeneic HSCT was performed. Although one patient with MF died due to disease progression, the remaining two patients were alive in complete remission. Although there were two deaths in this study, the outcomes were considered satisfactory.
Changing Attitudes to the Past: Lieux de Mémoire and Contested Histories
Authors: Catterall Peter
Published: April 2017

What societies choose to remember about the Past can pose challenges for professional gatekeepers in museums, archives and statutory bodies charged with managing national heritage. Recent examples examined in this article include the inauguration of the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, the 2016 Capability Brown Festival, changing attitudes towards poppies and the Rhodes Must Fall movement. These are explored through establishing a taxonomy of the eight functions that lieux de mémoire fulfil in the course of reflecting the Past to the Present. Drawing attention to the way in which the imperialism of the Past is buried beneath the pristine lawns of Capability Brown's gardens in the Present, this article concludes by warning that lieux de mémoire can provide an aesthetic veneer, glossing over aspects of the Past that societies, or elites within those societies, would, for their own purposes, rather forget.
HPV testing in first‐void urine provides sensitivity for CIN2+ detection comparable with a smear taken by a clinician or a brush‐based self‐sample: cross‐sectional data from a triage population
Authors: Leeman A , del Pino M , Molijn A , Rodriguez A , Torné A , de Koning M , Ordi J , van Kemenade F , Jenkins D , Quint W
Published: April 2017

Objective

To compare the sensitivity of high‐risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) and genotype detection in self‐collected urine samples in the morning (U1), and later on (U2), brush‐based self‐samples (SS), and clinician‐taken smears (CTS) for detecting cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2+ (CIN2+) in a colposcopic referral population.

Design

Cross‐sectional single‐centre study.

Setting

A colposcopy clinic in Spain.

Population

A cohort of 113 women referred for colposcopy after an abnormal Pap smear.

Methods

Women undergoing colposcopy with biopsy for abnormal Pap smears were sent a device (Colli‐Pee™, Novosanis, Wijnegem, Belgium) to collect U1 on the morning of colposcopy. U2, CTS, and SS (Evalyn brush™, Rovers Medical Devices B.V., Oss, the Netherlands) were also analysed. All samples were tested for HPV DNA using the analytically sensitive SPF10‐DEIA‐LiPA25 assay and the clinically validated GP5+/6+‐EIA‐LMNX.

Main outcome measures

Histologically confirmed CIN2+ and hrHPV positivity for 14 high‐risk HPV types.

Results

Samples from 91 patients were analysed. All CIN3 cases (n = 6) tested positive for hrHPV in CTS, SS, U1, and U2 with both HPV assays. Sensitivity for CIN2+ with the SPF10 system was 100, 100, 95, and 100%, respectively. With the GP5+/6+ assay, sensitivity was 95% in all sample types. The sensitivities and specificities for both tests on each of the sample types did not significantly differ. There was 10–14% discordance on hrHPV genotype.

Conclusions

CIN2+ detection using HPV testing of U1 shows a sensitivity similar to that of CTS or brush‐based SS, and is convenient. There was substantial to almost excellent agreement between all samples on genotype with both hrHPV assays. There was no advantage in testing U1 compared with U2 samples.

Tweetable abstract

Similar CIN2+ sensitivity for HPV testing in first‐void urine, physician‐taken smear and brush‐based self‐sample.
An Examination of the Statistical Significance and Economic Relevance of Profitability and Earnings Forecasts from Models and Analysts
Authors: Evans Mark E. , Njoroge Kenneth , Yong Kevin Ow
Published: April 2017

In this paper, we propose and empirically test a cross‐sectional profitability forecasting model which incorporates two major improvements relative to extant models. First, in terms of model construction, we incorporate mean reversion through the use of a two‐stage partial adjustment model and inclusion of a number of additional relevant determinants of profitability. Second, in terms of model estimation, we employ least absolute deviation (LAD) analysis instead of ordinary least squares because the former approach is able to better accommodate outliers. Results reveal that forecasts from our model are more accurate than three extant models at every forecast horizon considered and more accurate than consensus analyst forecasts at forecast horizons of two through five years. Further analysis reveals that LAD estimation provides the greatest incremental accuracy improvement followed by the inclusion of income subcomponents as predictor variables, and implementation of the two‐stage partial adjustment model. In terms of economic relevance, we find that forecasts from our model are informative about future returns, incremental to forecasts from other models, analysts’ forecasts, and standard risk factors. Overall, our results are important because they document the increased accuracy and economic relevance of a cross‐sectional profitability forecasting model which incorporates improvements to extant models in terms of model construction and estimation.
Effects of species and soil‐nitrogen availability on root system architecture traits – study on a set of weed and crop species
Authors: Moreau D. , Abiven F. , Busset H. , Matejicek A. , Pagès L.
Published: April 2017

Better managing crop : weed competition in cropping systems while reducing both nitrogen and herbicide inputs is a real challenge that requires a better understanding of crop and weed root architecture in relation to soil‐nitrogen availability. An original approach was used which considered the parameters of a simulation model of root architecture as traits to analyse (a) the interspecific diversity of root system architecture, and (b) its response to soil‐nitrogen availability. Two greenhouse experiments were conducted using three crop and nine weed species grown at two contrasted concentrations of soil‐nitrogen availability. Plant traits were measured to characterise both overall plant growth and root architecture, with a focus on primary root emergence, root elongation and branching. The studied root traits varied among species (from a twofold to a fourfold factor, depending on the trait), validating their use as indicators to analyse the interspecific variability of root architecture. The largest interspecies differences were for two traits: ‘maximal apical root diameter’ and ‘interbranch distance’ (distance between two successive laterals on the same root). Conversely, most of the studied root traits varied little with soil‐nitrogen availability (from no variation to a 1.1‐fold factor, depending on the trait) even though soil‐nitrogen availability varied with a 17‐fold factor and impacted the overall shoot and root biomass. So, the root traits used in this article are stable whatever soil‐nitrogen availability. As they reflect processes underlying root system architecture, this low effect of nitrogen suggests that the rules governing root architecture are little affected by plant nitrogen status and soil‐nitrogen availability. We propose that the determinants of differences in root system architecture between soils with contrasted nitrogen availability mainly originate from differences in the amount of carbon allocated to and within the root system. Characterising each plant species by a combination of root traits gave insights regarding the potential species competitive ability for soil resources in agroecosystems.
Embedded Clinical Decision Support in Electronic Health Record Decreases Use of High‐cost Imaging in the Emergency Department: EmbED study
Authors: Bookman Kelly , West David , Ginde Adit , Wiler Jennifer , McIntyre Robert , Hammes Andrew , Carlson Nichole , Steinbruner David , Solley Matthew , Zane Richard
Published: April 2017

Objective

The objective was to evaluate the impact of evidence‐based clinical decision support tools integrated directly into provider workflow in the electronic health record on utilization of computed tomography (CT) brain, C‐spine, and pulmonary embolism (PE).

Methods

Validated, well‐accepted scoring tools for head injury, C‐spine injury, and PE were embedded into the electronic health record in a manner minimally disruptive to provider workflow. This was a longitudinal, before/after study in five emergency departments (EDs) in a healthcare system with a common electronic health record. Attending ED physicians practicing during the entire study period were included. The main outcome measure was proportion of CTs ordered by provider (total number of CT scans of a given type divided by total patients seen by that provider) in aggregate in the pre‐ and post intervention period.

Results

There were 235,858 total patient visits analyzed in this study with an absolute decrease of 6,106 CT scan ordering for the three studies. Across all sites, there was greater than 6% decrease in utilization of CT brain and CT C‐spine (–10%, 95% CI = –13% to –7%, p < 0.001; and –6%, 95% CI =–11% to –1%, p = 0.03, respectively). The use of CT PE also decreased but was not significant (–2%, 95% CI = –9% to +5%, p = 0.42). For all CT types, high utilizers in the pre‐intervention period decreased usage over 14% in the post‐intervention period with CT brain (–18%, 95% CI = –22% to –15%, p < 0.001), CT C‐spine (–14%, 95% CI = –20% to –8%, p = 0.001), and CT PE (–23%, 95% CI = –31% to –14%, p < 0.001). For all three studies, the average utilizers did not change their usage practices. For CT brain, the low utilizers also did not increase usage but for CT C‐spine and CT PE usage was increased (+29%, 95% CI = 10% to 52%, p = 0.003; and +46%, 95% CI = 26% to 70%, p < 0.001, respectively).

Conclusion

Embedded clinical decision support is associated with decreased overall utilization of high‐cost imaging, especially among higher utilizers. It also affected low utilizers, increasing their usage consistent with improved adherence to guidelines, but this effect did not offset the overall decreased utilization for CT brain or CT C‐spine. Thus, integrating clinical decision support into the provider workflow promotes usage of validated tools across providers, which can standardize the delivery of care and improve compliance with evidence‐based guidelines.
Altered fatty acid metabolism and reduced stearoyl‐coenzyme a desaturase activity in asthma
Authors: Rodriguez‐Perez N. , Schiavi E. , Frei R. , Ferstl R. , Wawrzyniak P. , Smolinska S. , Sokolowska M. , Sievi N.A. , Kohler M. , Schmid‐Grendelmeier P. , Michalovich D. , Simpson K.D. , Hessel E.M. , Jutel M. , Martin‐Fontecha M. , Palomares O. , Akdis C.A. , O'Mahony L.
Published: April 2017

Background

Fatty acids and lipid mediator signaling play an important role in the pathogenesis of asthma, yet this area remains largely underexplored. The aims of this study were (i) to examine fatty acid levels and their metabolism in obese and nonobese asthma patients and (ii) to determine the functional effects of altered fatty acid metabolism in experimental models.

Methods

Medium‐ and long‐chain fatty acid levels were quantified in serum from 161 human volunteers by LC/MS. Changes in stearoyl‐coenzyme A desaturase (SCD) expression and activity were evaluated in the ovalbumin (OVA) and house dust mite (HDM) murine models. Primary human bronchial epithelial cells from asthma patients and controls were evaluated for SCD expression and activity.

Results

The serum desaturation index (an indirect measure of SCD) was significantly reduced in nonobese asthma patients and in the OVA murine model. SCD1 gene expression was significantly reduced within the lungs following OVA or HDM challenge. Inhibition of SCD in mice promoted airway hyper‐responsiveness. SCD1 expression was suppressed in bronchial epithelial cells from asthma patients. IL‐4 and IL‐13 reduced epithelial cell SCD1 expression. Inhibition of SCD reduced surfactant protein C expression and suppressed rhinovirus‐induced IP‐10 secretion, which was associated with increased viral titers.

Conclusions

This is the first study to demonstrate decreased fatty acid desaturase activity in humans with asthma. Experimental models in mice and human epithelial cells suggest that inhibition of desaturase activity leads to airway hyper‐responsiveness and reduced antiviral defense. SCD may represent a new target for therapeutic intervention in asthma patients.
Topographic analysis of eyelid position using digital image processing software
Authors: Chun Yeoun Sook , Park Hong Hyun , Park In Ki , Moon Nam Ju , Park Sang Joon , Lee Jeong Kyu
Published: April 2017

Purpose

To propose a novel analysis technique for objective quantification of topographic eyelid position with an algorithmatically calculated scheme and to determine its feasibility.

Methods

One hundred normal eyelids from 100 patients were segmented using a graph cut algorithm, and 11 shape features of eyelids were semi‐automatically quantified using in‐house software. To evaluate the intra‐ and inter‐examiner reliability of this software, intra‐class correlation coefficients (ICCs) were used. To evaluate the diagnostic value of this scheme, the correlations between semi‐automatic and manual measurements of margin reflex distance 1 (MRD1) and margin reflex distance 2 (MRD2) were analysed using a Bland–Altman analysis. To determine the degree of agreement according to manual MRD length, the relationship between the variance of semi‐automatic measurements and the manual measurements was evaluated using linear regression.

Results

Intra‐ and inter‐examiner reliability were excellent, with ICCs ranging from 0.913 to 0.980 in 11 shape features including MRD1, MRD2, palpebral fissure, lid perimeter, upper and lower lid lengths, roundness, total area, and medial, central, and lateral areas. The correlations between semi‐automatic and manual MRDs were also excellent, with better correlation in MRD1 than in MRD2 (R = 0.893 and 0.823, respectively). In addition, significant positive relationships were observed between the variance and the length of MRD1 and 2; the longer the MRD length, the more the variance.

Conclusion

The proposed novel optimized integrative scheme, which is shown to have high repeatability and reproducibility, is useful for topographic analysis of eyelid position.
Factors affecting signal strength in spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography
Authors: Lee Ryan , Tham Yih‐Chung , Cheung Carol Y. , Sidhartha Elizabeth , Siantar Rosalynn Grace , Lim Sing‐Hui , Wong Tien Yin , Cheng Ching‐Yu
Published: April 2017

Purpose

To identify ocular factors that affect signal strength in spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT).

Methods

Data from 1312 participants of the population‐based Singapore Malay Eye Study‐2 (SiMES‐2) were included in the analysis. All participants underwent standardized ophthalmic examination, including measurements of best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA), refractive error, axial length, corneal curvature and presence of cataracts. Optic disc and macular cube scans were acquired using the Cirrus HD‐OCT (software version 6.0, Carl Zeiss Meditec, Dublin, CA, USA). Signal strength of the optical coherence tomography (OCT) scan was recorded for each study eye. Multivariable linear regression analyses were performed to evaluate the associations between ocular factors and signal strength of the OCT scans.

Results

: The mean (±SD) age of our study participants was 61 ± 9 years, and 44.6% were male. Mean optic disc scan signal strength was 7.90 ± 1.25, range = 0–10, while mean macular scan signal strength was 8.80 ± 1.27, range = 0–10. In multivariable regression analyses, poorer signal strength in optic disc and macular cube scans was each associated with older age (per decade, β = −0.373, p < 0.001; β = −0.373, p < 0.001, respectively), poorer BCVA (per logMAR line; β = −0.123, p < 0.001; β = −0.156, p < 0.001, respectively), greater degree of myopia (per negative dioptre of spherical equivalent; β = −0.112, p < 0.001; β = −0.117, p < 0.001, respectively), presence of cortical cataracts (β = −0.331, p < 0.001; β = −0.314, p < 0.001, respectively) and presence of posterior subcapsular cataracts (β = −0.910, p < 0.001; β = −0.797, p < 0.001, respectively).

Conclusion

We found that older age, poorer BCVA, greater degree of myopia and presence of cortical and posterior subcapsular cataracts were associated with reduced signal strength in Cirrus SD‐OCT. Our findings provide information on the barriers to obtaining good image quality when using SD‐OCT, and allow clinicians to potentially identify individuals who are more likely to have unreliable OCT measurements.
Fundus imaging in newborn children with wide‐field scanning laser ophthalmoscope
Authors: Magnusdottir Vigdis , Vehmeijer Wouter B. , Eliasdottir Thorunn S. , Hardarson Sveinn H. , Schalij‐Delfos Nicoline E. , Stefánsson Einar
Published: April 2017

Purpose

Current fundus imaging in newborn babies requires mydriatics, eye specula and corneal contact. We propose that a scanning laser ophthalmoscope (SLO) allows ultra wide‐field imaging with reduced stress for the child.

Methods

This prospective observational single centre study was conducted in Landspítali, University Hospital, Reykjavik, Iceland. In this study, a noncontact wide‐field SLO (Optomap 200Tx) was used to image the retina in healthy full‐term newborns without the use of mydriatics or eye specula. The child was held by one of the parents, while one of the researchers supported the child's head in front of the SLO camera for alignment and opened the eye with either a finger or a cotton tip.

Results

Fifty‐nine participants were recruited (34 females). The mean age was 16 days, and the mean gestational age was 40 ± 1 weeks at the time of imaging. Ultra‐wide‐field (200°) images were obtained of 44 participants. Twenty‐seven participants (61%) had at least one ultra wide‐field image with the optic disc and vessel segments in all quadrants of the fundus visible and in focus. No retinal pathology was found in the participants with the exception of one participant with small retinal haemorrhages.

Conclusion

Scanning laser ophthalmoscope (SLO) ultra‐wide‐field fundus imaging is feasible in healthy full‐term newborns without corneal contact, eye speculum or mydriatics. This approach could be an improvement for retinal imaging in newborn infants. Eye movement of the infant, whether asleep or awake, influenced which part of the fundus was captured, but focus and image quality were generally good.
Enhancing Urban Façades via LiDAR‐Based Sculpting
Authors: Peethambaran Jiju , Wang Ruisheng
Published: April 2017

Buildings with symmetrical façades are ubiquitous in urban landscapes and detailed models of these buildings enhance the visual realism of digital urban scenes. However, a vast majority of the existing urban building models in web‐based 3D maps such as Google earth are either less detailed or heavily rely on texturing to render the details. We present a new framework for enhancing the details of such coarse models, using the geometry and symmetry inferred from the light detection and ranging (LiDAR) scans and 2D templates. The user‐defined 2D templates, referred to as coded planar meshes (CPMs), encodes the geometry of the smallest repeating 3D structures of the façades via face codes. Our encoding scheme, take into account the directions, type as well as the offset distance of the sculpting to be applied at the respective locations on the coarse model. In our approach, LiDAR scan is registered with the coarse models taken from Google earth 3D or Bing maps 3D and decomposed into dominant planar segments (each representing the frontal or lateral walls of the building). The façade segments are then split into horizontal and vertical tiles using a weighted point count function defined over the window or door boundaries. This is followed by an automatic identification of CPM locations with the help of a template fitting algorithm that respects the alignment regularity as well as the inter‐element spacing on the façade layout. Finally, 3D boolean sculpting operations are applied over the boxes induced by CPMs and the coarse model, and a detailed 3D model is generated. The proposed framework is capable of modelling details even with occluded scans and enhances not only the frontal façades (facing to the streets) but also the lateral façades of the buildings. We demonstrate the potentials of the proposed framework by providing several examples of enhanced Google earth models and highlight the advantages of our method when designing photo‐realistic urban façades.
Prevalence of proximal contact loss between implant‐supported fixed prostheses and adjacent natural teeth and its associated factors: a 7‐year prospective study
Authors: Pang Nan‐Sim , Suh Chang‐Sup , Kim Kee‐Deog , Park Wonse , Jung Bock‐Young
Published: April 2017

Objectives

The aim was to analyze the prevalence rate of proximal contact loss (PCL) between implant‐fixed prostheses (IFPs) and adjacent teeth and investigate the associated factors.

Material and methods

One hundred fifty participants were recruited for this prospective study from January 2009 to December 2014. Two hundred thirty‐four IFPs supported by 384 implants for the posterior region were followed up until June 2016. The contact tightness had been recorded using aluminum strips of different thicknesses with a regular interval after delivery. Proximal contact was considered as lost if the contact tightness was over 50 μm, and statistical analyses were performed to estimate the prevalence rate of PCL and its influential factors.

Results

Among the total 299 proximal contacts of 234 IFPs, 179 were observed as a PCL (59.9%). Bone level and root configuration of the adjacent teeth, the proximal contact position and jaw position of the implant prostheses were statistically significant factors, when analyzed by the cumulative PCL rate using the log‐rank test of the Kaplan–Meier method (P < 0.05) According to the Cox proportional hazard regression analysis, the proximal contact position, bone level of adjacent teeth and jaw position were revealed to be statistically significant (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

PCL should be considered an implant prosthesis complication to which various associated factors could be related. This study revealed that the lower alveolar bone support level of the adjacent teeth, maxillary position of IFPs and mesial site of IFPs were significantly associated with a higher incidence of PCL.
Climate‐influenced migration in Bangladesh: The need for a policy realignment
Authors: Martin Maxmillan , Kang Yi hyun , Billah Motasim , Siddiqui Tasneem , Black Richard , Kniveton Dominic
Published: April 2017

Recent research into migration in Bangladesh has highlighted that people migrate for better livelihoods, not necessarily in response to climatic stresses and shocks. If facilitated appropriately, internal and international migration can help build adaptive capacity to future environmental and climatic hazards. In this framing, migration happens in the context of a growing city‐centred economy that promotes remittances to villages. However, a textual analysis of current and recent policies concerning climate change, development and poverty alleviation, and disaster management shows that the economic and adaptive roles of internal migration are often not included in policy framing. We argue that if migration works as a positive step towards adaptation, then the key challenge is to align the policies with this new understanding.
Temporal properties of colour opponent receptive fields in the cat lateral geniculate nucleus
Authors: Kóbor Péter , Petykó Zoltán , Telkes Ildikó , Martin Paul R. , Buzás Péter
Published: April 2017

The primordial form of mammalian colour vision relies on opponent interactions between inputs from just two cone types, ‘blue’ (S‐) and ‘green’ (ML‐) cones. We recently described the spatial receptive field structure of colour opponent blue‐ON cells from the lateral geniculate nucleus of cats. Functional inputs from the opponent cone types were spatially coextensive and equally weighted, supporting their high chromatic and low achromatic sensitivity. Here, we studied relative cone weights, temporal frequency tuning and visual latency of cat blue‐ON cells and non‐opponent achromatic cells to temporally modulated cone‐isolating and achromatic stimuli. We confirmed that blue‐ON cells receive equally weighted antagonistic inputs from S‐ and ML‐cones whereas achromatic cells receive exclusive ML‐cone input. The temporal frequency tuning curves of S‐ and ML‐cone inputs to blue‐ON cells were tightly correlated between 1 and 48 Hz. Optimal temporal frequencies of blue‐ON cells were around 3 Hz, whereas the frequency optimum of achromatic cells was close to 10 Hz. Most blue‐ON cells showed negligible response to achromatic flicker across all frequencies tested. Latency to visual stimulation was significantly greater in blue‐ON than in achromatic cells. The S‐ and ML‐cone responses of blue‐ON cells had on average, similar latencies to each other. Altogether, cat blue‐ON cells showed remarkable balance of opponent cone inputs. Our results also confirm similarities to primate blue‐ON cells suggesting that colour vision in mammals evolved on the basis of a sluggish pathway that is optimized for chromatic sensitivity at a wide range of spatial and temporal frequencies.
Essential amino acid mixtures drive cancer cells to apoptosis through proteasome inhibition and autophagy activation
Authors: Bonfili Laura , Cecarini Valentina , Cuccioloni Massimiliano , Angeletti Mauro , Flati Vincenzo , Corsetti Giovanni , Pasini Evasio , Dioguardi Francesco S. , Eleuteri Anna Maria
Published: April 2017

Cancer cells require both energy and material to survive and duplicate in a competitive environment. Nutrients, such as amino acids (AAs), are not only a caloric source, but can also modulate cell metabolism and modify hormone homeostasis. Our hypothesis is that the environmental messages provided by AAs rule the dynamics of cancer cell life or death, and the alteration of the balance between essential amino acids (EAAs) and non‐essential amino acids (NEAAs) (lower and higher than 50%, respectively) present in nutrients may represent a key instrument to alter environment‐dependent messages, thus mastering cancer cells destiny. In this study, two AA mixtures, one exclusively consisting of EAAs and the other consisting of 85% EAAs and 15% NEAAs, were tested to explore their effects on the viability of both normal and cancer cell lines and to clarify the molecular mechanisms involved. Both mixtures exerted a cell‐dependent anti‐proliferative, cytotoxic effect involving the inhibition of proteasome activity and the consequent activation of autophagy and apoptosis. These results, besides further validating the notion of the peculiar interdependence and extensive crosstalk between the ubiquitin–proteasome system (UPS) and autophagy, indicate that variation in the ratio of EAAs and NEAAs can deeply influence cancer cell survival. Consequently, customization of dietary ratios among EAAs and NEAAs by specific AA mixtures may represent a promising anticancer strategy able to selectively induce death of cancer cells through the induction of apoptosis via both UPS inhibition and autophagy activation.
Flash sintering of a three‐phase alumina, spinel, and yttria‐stabilized zirconia composite
Authors: Kok David , Jha Shikhar Krishn , Raj Rishi , Mecartney Martha L.
Published: April 2017

Three‐phase ceramic composites constituted from equal volume fractions of α‐Al2O3, MgAl2O4 spinel, and cubic 8 mol% Y2O3‐stabilized ZrO2 (8YSZ) were flash‐sintered under the influence of DC electric fields. The temperature for the onset of rapid densification (flash sintering) was measured using a constant heating rate at fields of 50‐500 V/cm. The experiments were carried out by heating the furnace at a constant rate. Flash sintering occurred at a furnace temperature of 1350°C at a field of 100 V/cm, which dropped to 1150°C at a field of 500 V/cm. The sintered densities ranged from 90% to 96%. Higher electric fields inhibited grain growth due to the lowering of the flash temperature and an accelerated sintering rate. During flash sintering, alumina reacted with the spinel phase to form a high‐alumina spinel solid solution, identified by electron dispersive spectroscopy and from a decrease in the spinel lattice parameter as measured by X‐ray diffraction. It is proposed that the solid solution reaction was promoted by a combination of electrical field and Joule heating.
Production and thermomechanical characterization of wool–geopolymer composites
Authors: Natali Murri Annalisa , Medri Valentina , Landi Elena
Published: April 2017

Load‐bearing and thermal insulating wool waste/geopolymer composites with fire‐resistant properties were produced and characterized. Two formulations, with different amounts of wool fibers, corresponding in the final composites to about 23 vol% and 31 vol%, were tested. The composites exhibited an average density of 1.0 g/cm3, with a thermal conductivity of 0.2 W/mK, and compressive and flexural strength around 9 and 5 MPa, respectively. The flexural strength and fracture behavior were improved by the presence of the fibers, which promoted the onset of a toughening mechanism in the material. Results showed that a geopolymer matrix loaded with 23 vol% of wool fibers is suitable as flame‐resistant barrier, as reaction to fire is in class A2 (UNI‐EN13501‐1), and as insulating structural partition in buildings because it ensures a consistent load‐bearing ability coupled with thermal insulating properties, similarly to other man‐made fiber products, with a considerable gain in terms of cost and environmental impact.
Resistance of 2ZrO2·Y2O3 top coat in thermal/environmental barrier coatings to calcia‐magnesia‐aluminosilicate attack at 1500°C
Authors: Krause Amanda R. , Garces Hector F. , Herrmann Christine E. , Padture Nitin P.
Published: April 2017

Internally cooled, hollow SiC‐based ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) components that may replace metallic components in the hot section of future high‐efficiency gas‐turbine engines will require multilayered thermal/environmental barrier coatings (T/EBCs) for insulation and protection. In the T/EBC system, the thermally insulating outermost (top coat) ceramic layer must also provide resistance to attack by molten calcia‐magnesia‐aluminosilicate (CMAS) deposits. The interactions between a potential candidate for top coat made of air‐plasma‐sprayed (APS) 2ZrO2·Y2O3 solid‐solution (ss) ceramic and two different CMASs (sand and fly ash) are investigated at a relevant high temperature of 1500°C. APS 2ZrO2·Y2O3(ss) top coat was found to resist CMAS penetration at 1500°C for 24 hours via reaction products that block CMAS penetration pathways. In situ X‐ray diffraction (XRD) studies have identified the main reaction product to be an Ca‐Y‐Si apatite, and have helped elucidate the proposed mechanism for CMAS attack mitigation. Ex situ electron microscopy and analytical spectroscopy studies have identified the advantageous characteristics of the reaction products in helping the CMAS attack mitigation in the APS 2ZrO2·Y2O3(ss) coating at 1500°C. Finally, the Y3+ solubility limit and transport behavior are identified as potential comparative tools for assessing the CMAS resistance ability of top‐coat ceramics.
Phosphor‐in‐fluorescent‐glasses for high color rendering white light emitting diodes
Authors: Yi Seungryeol , Chung Woon Jin , Heo Jong
Published: April 2017

Fluorescent glass frits were prepared and used to synthesize phosphor‐in‐fluorescent glass composites (PiFGs) to realize stable white light emitting diodes with high color‐rendering properties. Commercial red, green, and blue phosphors were co‐sintered and red phosphors were partially replaced by Eu3+ in glass frits. Phosphor‐in‐glass composites were placed on UV‐light emitting diodes (UV‐LEDs) to generate white light. Pure white light with a luminous efficacy=58.4 lm/W, general color rendering index Ra=87 and special color rendering index for strong red R9=73 was realized with glass frits containing 7 mol% Eu2O3 and RGB ratio of 35:20:15. Luminous efficacy, Ra and R9 increased as red phosphors were replaced by red‐fluorescent glass frits.
Spruce growth responses to warming vary by ecoregion and ecosystem type near the forest‐tundra boundary in south‐west Alaska
Authors: Sherriff Rosemary L. , Miller Amy E. , Muth Kelly , Schriver Madelinn , Batzel Rebecca
Published: April 2017

Aim

A critical concern for boreal ecosystems centres on broad‐scale responses to warming, i.e. declining growth and mortality, or enhanced growth and greater productivity. However, few studies have synthesized tree growth along biogeographic gradients to address this issue. This study develops a broader understanding of how growth of a dominant conifer has responded to recent warming near the western forest margin of Alaska.

Location

Alaska, United States.

Methods

Thirty Picea glauca sites in south‐west Alaska (1216 trees ≥ 4 cm dbh) were evaluated for growth differences from the southern boreal forest to the western forest‐tundra margin across low‐elevation forests and woodlands, and altitudinal tree line. Regional climate records were used to evaluate (1) whether tree growth near western tree line showed greater sensitivity to temperature and/or precipitation than southern boreal sites, (2) if the climate–growth response varied through time, across ecoregions and ecosystems, with spruce beetle disturbance, and by tree age, and (3) if there was a temperature threshold that limited growth.

Results

Positive growth trends since the 1980s in many open stands were consistent with the predicted expansion of western and altitudinal tree line. However, growth levelled off with temperatures ≥ 13°C at all but altitudinal tree line. An increasingly positive effect of precipitation on growth occurred after 1985, particularly at boreal tree line and closed forest sites. Closed‐canopy forests showed lower rates of growth, greater spruce beetle activity and less potential for resiliency to warming than other ecosystem types.

Main Conclusions

Warming has led to markedly different growth responses according to ecosystem type and ecoregion near the forest‐tundra margin. Altitudinal tree line sites showed consistently positive growth with warmer temperatures in recent decades, whereas low‐elevation forests had reduced growth and greater beetle mortality. Strong positive correlations between growth and summer‐fall precipitation since the mid‐1980s suggest that precipitation will become an increasingly important factor with further warming.
Oral submucous fibrosis: An update on current theories of pathogenesis
Authors: Arakeri Gururaj , Rai Kirthi Kumar , Hunasgi Santosh , Merkx M.A.W. , Gao Shan , Brennan Peter A.
Published: April 2017

Over the last 40 years, many theories linking oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) to various risk factors have been proposed. Spicy, pungent foods and irritants such as supari (areca nut), paan (betel leaves), tobacco (through chewing or smoking)—the common Asian habits of chewing the aforementioned agents—have all been incriminated as causative agents. Systemic factors such as nutritional deficiency, genetic predisposition and autoimmunity have also been proposed in the pathogenesis of OSMF. However, the precise aetiology of OSMF is still unknown, and no conclusive evidence has been found despite many extensive investigations on implicated factors. Most of the ideas proposed have been derived from the existing clinical and epidemiological data. We present a comprehensive review of the various theories regarding the pathogenesis of the condition, but have not concentrated on malignant transformation in this article.