bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and dental implant failure—A significant concern in elders?
Authors: Gupta Bhumija , Acharya Aneesha , Pelekos Georgios , Gopalakrishnan Dharmarajan , Kolokythas Antonia
Published: July 2017

Objective

Depression is a significantly prevalent health concern in geriatric populations. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor drugs (SSRI) are the most commonly prescribed antidepressant agents, with increasing rates of prescription. The present report aimed to present a concise review of the current understanding regarding SSRI effects on bone and dental implant outcomes.

Materials and methods

A broad‐based review and summary of literature pertaining to the effects of SSRI on bone metabolism and on dental implant survival was performed.

Results

The available literature indicates that serotonin plays a significant role in bone metabolism and experimental reports demonstrate adverse impacts of SSRI on multiple pathways of bone metabolism. Early clinical reports suggest detrimental effects of SSRI on dental implant survival. The type of SSRI drug, dosage and host‐related genetic and metabolic factors could be potential modulating factors. There is a paucity of data regarding SSRI usage and dental implant survival specific to geriatric cohorts.

Conclusion

As older individuals comprise a high‐risk group for both high oral rehabilitation and SSRI use, clinicians should be aware the potential association between SSRI and dental implant failures. Well‐designed investigations specific to geriatric cohorts are essential to understand the implications of SSRI use on dental implant prognosis.
The association between clinical outcome and CD8+ lymphocytic infiltration in advanced stages of colorectal cancer differs by latent virus infection in tumour tissue
Authors: Kleist Britta , Bagdonas Marius , Oommen Prakash , Schoenhardt Irina , Levermann Janina , Poetsch Micaela
Published: July 2017

Aims

In the near future, an immunoscore based on the quantification of lymphocytic populations can be expected as a fundamental supplement of colorectal cancer (CRC) classification. This study explored whether latent viral infection has an influence on prognostically relevant host immunity in CRC.

Methods and results

CD8+ lymphocytic infiltration in three tumour compartments of 121 CRC was compared with clinical data and occurrence of latent infection with herpes simplex virus (HSV1, HSV2), cytomegalovirus (CMV), human papillomavirus (HPV16 and HPV18) in the tumour tissue, which was determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Intraepithelial CD8+ lymphocytic infiltration (IECD8+) showed a trend towards correlation with clinical stage (P = 0.073), significant differences between CRC with and without metastases (P = 0.001) and a significant correlation with overall survival (OS, P = 0.001). Each of these three clinical parameters showed a significant link to IECD8+ in the virus DNA‐negative (P‐values: 0.001–0.036), but no significant differences in the virus DNA‐positive subgroup, which is consistent with a moderating effect of virus DNA on these associations. A significant correlation of CD8+ infiltration in the invasive margin (IMCD8+) with OS (P = 0.016) was also moderated by virus DNA.

Conclusion

Our data suggest a possible influence of latent viral infection on the association between clinical outcome and CD8+ lymphocytic infiltration in CRC tissue. After confirmation of these results by large cohort studies, a potential interaction between microbial pathogens and host immunity in CRC and its impact on prognostic immunoscores and/or new therapeutic strategies should be investigated further.
Age has a role in driving host immunopathological response to alphavirus infection
Authors: Chan Yi‐Hao , Ng Lisa F. P.
Published: July 2017

Alphaviruses are a group of arthropod‐borne pathogens capable of causing a wide spectrum of clinical symptoms, ranging from milder symptoms like rashes, fever and polyarthralgia, to life‐threatening encephalitis. This genus of viruses is prevalent globally, and can infect patients across a wide age range. Interestingly, disease severity of virus‐infected patients is wide‐ranging. Definitions of the pathogenesis of alphaviruses, as well as the host factors influencing disease severity, remain limited. The innate and adaptive immune systems are important host defences against alphavirus infections. Several reports have highlighted the roles of specific immune subsets in contributing to the immune pathogenesis of these viruses. However, immunosenescence, a gradual deterioration of the immune system brought about by the natural advancement of age, affects the functional roles of these immune subsets. This phenomenon compromises the host's ability to defend against alphavirus infection and pathogenesis. In addition, the lack of maturity in the immune system in newborns and infants also results in more severe disease outcomes. In this review, we will summarize the subtle yet diverse physiological changes in the immune system during aging, and how these changes underlie the differences in disease severity for common alphaviruses.
Bias for Vocalic Over Consonantal Information in 6‐Month‐Olds
Authors: Hochmann Jean‐Rémy , Benavides‐Varela Silvia , Fló Ana , Nespor Marina , Mehler Jacques
Published: July 2017

Human languages rely on the ability to learn and produce an indefinite number of words by combining consonants and vowels in a lawful manner. The categorization of speech representations into consonants and vowels is evidenced by the tendency of adult speakers, attested in many languages, to use consonants and vowels for different tasks. Consonants are favored in lexical tasks, while vowels are favored to learn structural regularities. Recent results suggest that this specialization is already observable at 12 months of age in Italian participants. Here, we investigated the representations of younger infants. In a series of anticipatory looking experiments, we showed that Italian 6‐month‐olds rely more on vowels than on consonants when learning the predictions made by individual words (Experiment 1) and are better at generalizing a structure when it is implemented over vowels than when it is implemented over consonants (Experiments 2 and 3). Until 6 months of age, infants thus show a general vocalic bias, which contrasts with the specialization previously observed at 12 months. These results suggest the format of speech representations changes during the second semester of life.
Considering the possibility of bonding utilizing cold sintering for ceramic adhesives
Authors: Chen Wei‐Ting , Gurdal Ahmet Erkan , Tuncdemir Safakcan , Guo Jing , Guo Hanzheng , Randall Clive A.
Published: July 2017

Here, we introduce a new bonding technique that enables the joining of different materials at low temperatures and provides a bond superior to that of polymer adhesives at high temperatures, in temperature ranges between 250°C and 500°C. This technique involves a low temperature sintering process that is termed the “Cold Sintering Process,” where a dielectric composite powder material is sintered to function as the adhesive between two other materials being bonded. In order to characterize and further discuss the potential of this new bonding methodology, which we call Cold Sintering Ceramic Bonding (CSCB), we demonstrate the initial mechanical characteristics of samples with sandwich structures of mesh/CSCB/mesh, including four‐point bending, micro‐indentation, and adhesion pull tests. Where appropriate, we compare mechanical properties against low and high temperature epoxies and demonstrate that the CSCB matches up competitively with the epoxies at low temperatures and remains strong at temperatures well above those where standard polymer adhesives fail. Transmission electron microscopy show a high quality interface between a stainless steel plate and the ceramic after the CSCB.
Kava‐241 reduced periodontal destruction in a collagen antibody primed Porphyromonas gingivalis model of periodontitis
Authors: Alshammari Abdulsalam , Patel Jayesh , Al‐Hashemi Jacob , Cai Bin , Panek James , Huck Olivier , Amar Salomon
Published: July 2017

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Kava‐241, an optimized Piper methysticum Kava compound, on periodontal destruction in a collagen antibody primed oral gavage model of periodontitis.

Methods

Experimental periodontitis was induced by oral gavage of Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) + type II collagen antibody (AB) in mice during 15 days. Mice were treated with Kava‐241 concomitantly or prior to P. gingivalis gavage and compared to untreated mice. Comprehensive histomorphometric analyses were performed.

Results

Oral gavage with P. gingivalis induced mild epithelial down‐growth and alveolar bone loss, while oral gavage with additional AB priming had greater tissular destruction in comparison with gavage alone (p < .05). Kava‐241 treatment significantly (p < .05) reduced epithelial down‐growth (72%) and alveolar bone loss (36%) in P. gingivalis+AB group. This Kava‐241 effect was associated to a reduction in inflammatory cell counts within soft tissues and an increase in fibroblasts (p < .05).

Conclusion

Priming with type II collagen antibody with oral gavage is a fast and reproducible model of periodontal destruction adequate for the evaluation of novel therapeutics. The effect of Kava‐241 shows promise in the prevention and treatment of inflammation and alveolar bone loss associated with periodontitis. Further experiments are required to determine molecular pathways targeted by this therapeutic agent.
Incretin concept revised: The origin of the insulinotropic function of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 – the gut, the islets or both?
Authors: Yabe Daisuke , Seino Yusuke , Seino Yutaka
Published: July 2017

Incretins comprise a pair of gut hormones, glucose‐dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1), which are secreted in response to food ingestion and enhance glucose‐dependent insulin secretion from pancreatic β‐cells. Immediately after secretion, GLP‐1 is degraded by dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 more rapidly than GIP, and circulating levels of biologically intact GLP‐1 are substantially lower than those of biologically intact GIP. Therefore, there has been a debate on how the gut‐derived GLP‐1 exerts insulinotropic actions. Recent publications have revealed two novel mechanisms by which GLP‐1 exerts insulinotropic actions: (i) the gut‐derived GLP‐1 activates receptors expressed in nodose ganglions, thereby potentiating glucose‐dependent insulin secretion through the vagus nerves; and (ii) the pancreatic α‐cell‐derived GLP‐1 activates receptors expressed in β‐cells in a paracrine manner. While the relative contributions of the two mechanisms under normal and pathological conditions remain unknown and mechanisms regulating GLP‐1 secretion from α‐cells need to be investigated, the available data strongly indicate that the effects of GLP‐1 on insulin secretion are far more complex than previously believed, and the classical incretin concept regarding GLP‐1 should be revised.
Hyphessobrycon platyodus (Teleostei: Characiformes), a new species from the Rio Madeira basin, Brazil, with comments on how multicuspid teeth relate to feeding habits in Characidae
Authors: Ohara W. M. , Abrahão V. P. , Espíndola V. C.
Published: July 2017

A new species of Hyphessobrycon is described from the Rio Juma, a tributary of the lower Rio Aripuanã–Rio Madeira basin, Amazonas, Brazil. Hyphessobrycon platyodus can be distinguished from its congeners by the: presence of an elongated dorsal fin in adult males, 25–28 branched anal‐fin rays and absence of dark blotches from the dorsal fin and caudal peduncle. The presence of multicuspid teeth in species of Characidae and its relation with feeding habits are briefly commented on.
Aggregating behaviour, social interactions and possible spawning in the deep‐water fish Coryphaenoides rupestris
Authors: Neat F. C.
Published: July 2017

A dense aggregation of the roundnose grenadier Coryphaenoides rupestris was observed with a towed camera at a depth of 1500 m in the Rockall Trough during September. The density of fish was 100 times greater than other sites. Within the aggregation the fish showed directional alignment, rapid swimming actions, mid‐water swimming and social interactions similar to those associated with spawning in other Gadiformes.
First record of epizootic ulcerative syndrome from the Upper Congo catchment: An outbreak in the Bangweulu swamps, Zambia
Authors: Huchzermeyer C F , Huchzermeyer K D A , Christison K W , Macey B M , Colly P A , Hang'ombe B M , Songe M M
Published: July 2017

We report on the first outbreak of epizootic ulcerative syndrome (EUS) amongst wild fish populations in the Bangweulu swamps, an inland delta, in the north of Zambia during 2014. The area supports a large and diverse fish fauna related to, but distinct from, that of the Zambezi River system where EUS outbreaks have occurred since 2006. A sizeable artisanal fishery, based on extensive fish weirs, is sustained by the annual flooding of the swamps, and observations of the disease outbreak by fishermen were recorded. Signs typical of infection with Aphanomyces invadans were observed in a number of species. Clinical observations, histology and molecular diagnostic methods were used to confirm infection with A. invadans in two of the most commonly and severely affected species. Several features of the wetland may have contributed to the outbreak and the annual recurrence of the disease. Modes by which the disease may have been introduced into the swamps are discussed. The outbreak is of great significance as the Bangweulu swamps drain into the Congo River in neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo, Africa's largest drainage system with an extensive and diverse fish fauna previously unaffected by EUS.
Coupling Input‐Output Tables with Macro‐Life Cycle Assessment to Assess Worldwide Impacts of Biofuels Transport Policies
Authors: Somé Audrey , Dandres Thomas , Gaudreault Caroline , Majeau‐Bettez Guillaume , Wood Richard , Samson Réjean
Published: July 2017

Many countries see biofuels as a replacement to fossil fuels to mitigate climate change. Nevertheless, some concerns remain about the overall benefits of biofuels policies. More comprehensive tools seem required to evaluate indirect effects of biofuel policies. This article proposes a method to evaluate large‐scale biofuel policies that is based on life cycle assessment (LCA), environmental extensions of input‐output (I‐O) tables, and a general equilibrium model. The method enables the assessment of indirect environmental effects of biofuels policies, including land‐use changes (LUCs), in the context of economic and demographic growth. The method is illustrated with a case study involving two scenarios. The first one describes the evolution of the world economy from 2006 to 2020 under business as usual (BAU) conditions (including demographic and dietary preferences changes), and the second integrates biofuel policies in the United States and the European Union (EU). Results show that the biofuel scenario, originally designed to mitigate climate change, results in more greenhouse gas emissions when compared to the BAU scenario. This is mainly due to emissions associated with global LUCs. The case study shows that the method enables a broader consideration for environmental effects of biofuel policies than usual LCA: Global economic variations calculated by a general equilibrium economic model and LUC emissions can be evaluated. More work is needed, however, to include new biofuel production technologies and reduce the uncertainty of the method.
A comparison between linguistic skills and socio‐communicative abilities in Williams syndrome
Authors: Alfieri P. , Menghini D. , Marotta L. , De Peppo L. , Ravà L. , Salvaguardia F. , Varuzza C. , Vicari S.
Published: July 2017

Background

Individuals with Williams syndrome (WS) show a disharmonic linguistic profile with a clear pattern of strengths and weaknesses. Despite their sociable nature, atypical socio‐communicative abilities and deficits in communication and relationship with others have been found.

Aim

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether linguistic skills (LS) were in line with the pragmatic and social use of language and the cognitive development of 32 individuals with WS (18 boys and 14 girls) with a mean chronological age of 12.3 (±4.4) years. To examine the relationship between language and mental age (MA) at different ages, the issue was investigated in children and adolescents/young adults with WS.

Method

Measures of LS, including lexical and morphosyntactic competences, and adaptive socio‐communicative abilities (ASCA), pertaining to the use of language in daily living social context, were compared with the MA of participants. In a second step, participants with WS were split into two subgroups based on age, and the relationship between LS, ASCA and MA was studied.

Results

Although expressive and receptive LS were generally found to be in line with or better than would be expected for MA, specific deficits in receptive ASCA were documented. LS and ASCA appeared to have a different evolution during the different time windows considered.

Conclusions

Our results underlined the importance of assessing linguistic abilities in the context of adaptive functioning, to guide educational and rehabilitative strategies for individuals with WS.
Effect of moderate, 30 percent global maternal nutrient reduction on fetal and postnatal baboon phenotype
Authors: Li Cun , Jenkins Susan , Mattern Vicki , Comuzzie Anthony G. , Cox Laura A. , Huber Hillary F. , Nathanielsz Peter W.
Published: July 2017

Background

Most developmental programming studies on maternal nutrient reduction (MNR) are in altricial rodents whose maternal nutritional burden and offspring developmental trajectory differ from precocial non‐human primates and humans.

Methods

Control (CTR) baboon mothers ate ad libitum; MNR mothers ate 70% global control diet in pregnancy and lactation.

Results

We present offspring morphometry, blood cortisol, and adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) during second half of gestation (G) and first three postnatal years. Moderate MNR produced intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). IUGR males (n=43) and females (n=28) were smaller than CTR males (n=50) and females (n=47) in many measurements at many ages. In CTR, fetal ACTH increased 228% and cortisol 48% between 0.65G and 0.9G. IUGR ACTH was elevated at 0.65G and cortisol at 0.9G. 0.9G maternal gestational weight gain, fetal weight, and placenta weight were correlated.

Conclusions

Moderate IUGR decreased body weight and morphometric measurements at key time points and altered hypothalamo‐pituitary‐adrenal function.
A statistical study of the short‐ and long‐term drivers of crude oil prices
Authors: Hassani Hossein , Moudassir Mouhamad , Christodoulides Pantelis , Odulaja Adedapo
Published: July 2017

The paper statistically examines whether the fluctuations in crude oil prices over the last 10 years are due to speculative activities or changes in market fundamentals. Following a brief review of the oil market developments and speculative activities in recent years, the paper employs two multivariate time series models—the vector autoregressive model (VAR) and the vector error correction model (VECM)—to evaluate observed fluctuations in crude oil prices. The VAR and its granger test allow for the detection of factors responsible for fluctuations in crude oil prices, while the VECM tests the co‐integration of the variables. The VAR includes both fundamental and non‐fundamental variables as covariates. The VECM results show that in both the short‐ and long‐term the significant variables of the VAR model are co‐integrated. The empirical results confirm that in the long‐term the fundamentals are the main drivers of crude oil prices. However, in the short term, both fundamentals and speculative positions in the oil futures market differentially cause fluctuations in crude oil prices. The effect of the fundamentals is more than double in the long term, when compared to the short‐term.
Monetary policy decisions in selected Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries economies: does Taylor's principle matter?
Authors: Akinkunmi Mustapha A.
Published: July 2017

Many OPEC countries heavily rely on the hydrocarbon sector as the lifeblood of their economies. The uncertainty of crude oil price environment makes them vulnerable to external shocks. Therefore, knowledge about drivers of economic policies especially monetary policy designed to accommodate shocks calls for empirical research with the recent global oil environment. This study examines the drivers of monetary policy rate in selected OPEC economies and tests whether these factors follow Taylor's rule using monthly time series data from 1990 to 2015. Its finding reveals that inflation gap and output gap are effective in influencing policy rate in Indonesia, whereas only inflation gap influences the policy rate in Nigeria. In addition, the level of policy rate in Saudi Arabia and Venezuela is determined by the level of output gap in the baseline Taylor model. The outcome of the augmented Taylor model supports the smoothing behaviour of the monetary authorities in the economies. In conclusion, none of these economies follow Taylor's principle in their monetary policy decisions.
Does energy efficiency enhance total factor productivity in case of India?
Authors: Haider Salman , Ganaie Aadil Ahmad
Published: July 2017

The aim of this study is to explore the dynamic linkage between energy efficiency and total factor productivity (TFP) using carbon emission and trade openness as control variables for the period of 1971–2013. For this purpose, vector error correction mechanism (VECM) is employed to determine the direction of causality. A popular and simple measure of energy efficiency, GDP per unit of energy use and trade as a percentage of GDP are used for the proxy of trade openness. The result shows negative impact of energy efficiency on TFP, in other way energy intensity has a positive impact on the growth of TFP. Hence, the negative sign indicates a trade‐off between energy efficiency and TFP. There is a unidirectional causality running from energy efficiency to TFP. Whenever energy intensity increases, the TFP level increases as well. So, in the long run, a higher TFP implies higher energy consumption. Further, TFP and carbon emission Granger cause trade openness, and there is unidirectional causality from TFP to CO2 emission.
Application of operations management modelling towards optimising research and development performance processes in the oil and gas industry: the case of SINOPEC Corp. and NNPC
Authors: Habib Mukhtar , Jakada Hamza , Salihu Danlami Musa , Kabiru Jibril Hafsah
Published: July 2017

This work intends to optimise research and development performance in the oil and gas industry based on theoretical framework on the principles of structural equation modelling (SEM). We define the bases of the model by six different structural constructs derived from literature and there interdependence in the form of hypotheses. The constructs consist of one latent exogenous variable and five latent endogenous variables. Furthermore, five independent operational variables were established with respect to the latent exogenous variable while 20 dependent operational variables were also established with respect to the latent endogenous variables. The evidence of interdependence among the constructs and their respective operational variables were provided by five different hypotheses carried out on the path diagrams. As a result, the interaction between each construct and its variables defines its individual measurement model, which translates into some sets of linear equations. Having obtained the measurement for each construct, there interaction can then be applied to define other sets of linear equations that represent the behaviour of the organisation of the entire process which is expected to yield the proposed research and development programme. The developed model can easily be adopted by interested parties for application on similar projects.
Analysis of the Electronic Structure of the Special Pair of a Bacterial Photosynthetic Reaction Center by 13C Photochemically Induced Dynamic Nuclear Polarization Magic‐Angle Spinning NMR Using a Double‐Quantum Axis
Authors: Najdanova Marija , Gräsing Daniel , Alia A. , Matysik Jörg
Published: July 2017

The origin of the functional symmetry break in bacterial photosynthesis challenges since several decades. Although structurally very similar, the two branches of cofactors in the reaction center (RC) protein complex act very differently. Upon photochemical excitation, an electron is transported along one branch, while the other remains inactive. Photochemically induced dynamic nuclear polarization (photo‐CIDNP) magic‐angle spinning (MAS) 13C NMR revealed that the two bacteriochlorophyll cofactors forming the “Special Pair” donor dimer are already well distinguished in the electronic ground state. These previous studies are relying solely on 13C‐13C correlation experiments as radio‐frequency‐driven recoupling (RFDR) and dipolar‐assisted rotational resonance (DARR). Obviously, the chemical‐shift assignment is difficult in a dimer of tetrapyrrole macrocycles, having eight pyrrole rings of similar chemical shifts. To overcome this problem, an INADEQUATE type of experiment using a POST C7 symmetry‐based approach is applied to selectively isotope‐labeled bacterial RC of Rhodobacter (R.) sphaeroides wild type (WT). We, therefore, were able to distinguish unresolved sites of the macromolecular dimer. The obtained chemical‐shift pattern is in‐line with a concentric assembly of negative charge within the common center of the Special Pair supermolecule in the electronic ground state.
Diagnostic utility of automated SureFISH (Dako Omnis) in the diagnosis of musculoskeletal translocation‐related sarcomas
Authors: Sugita Shintaro , Aoyama Tomoyuki , Ito Yoshimasa , Asanuma Hiroko , Sugawara Taro , Segawa Keiko , Ito Yumika , Kikuchi Noriaki , Tsujiwaki Mitsuhiro , Fujita Hiromi , Ono Yusuke , Hasegawa Tadashi
Published: July 2017

Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) is an essential tool for genetic diagnosis in daily pathological work. Almost full automation of FISH can be achieved with the recently released automated SureFISH platform (Dako Omnis, Agilent Technologies, Santa Clara, CA, USA). Its utility has been reported in HER2 amplification of breast and gastric carcinoma and ALK‐rearranged lung cancer. Here, we examined the utility of automated SureFISH for the identification of rearrangement signals in translocation‐related sarcomas (TRSs), including 11 EWSR1‐rearranged and 10 synovial sarcoma cases, compared with non‐automated conventional FISH using the same specimens. The percentages of EWSR1 or SS18 split signals were higher in automated SureFISH than in conventional FISH in 13 of the 21 cases. On the other hand, 8 of the 21 cases showed the same or lower percentage of split signals in automated SureFISH. Both FISH approaches detected EWSR1 and SS18 split signals in more than 10% of tumor cells in all cases. The strongest advantage of automated SureFISH is its ability to reduce running time without sacrificing quality. Other advantages include improved signal sharpness with oligo probes and reduced ecological toxicity by avoiding formamide use. Automated SureFISH is an excellent tool for the genetic diagnosis of TRSs and contributes to their rapid definitive diagnosis.
Constraining Presidential Ambition: Controversy and the Decline of Signing Statements
Authors: Sievert Joel , Ostrander Ian
Published: July 2017

Although signing statements have been touted as a powerful addition to the president's toolkit, their use has dropped off considerably in recent years. We argue that this decrease can be explained by the changing costs of using signing statements. In particular, we posit that Congress' response to signing statements, which included committee hearings on the use of signing statements, raised the costs of this tool above any potential benefits. Investigating over 650 presidential signing statements among over 1,800 public laws, we find that public and congressional outcry influenced the issuance of signing statements and helps explain their decreased use.
Effects of early life factors on the health and quality of life of older adults
Authors: Yilmaz Fikriye , N. Tekin Rukiye
Published: July 2017

Background

Few studies on the effects of early life factors on the health and quality of life of adults have been conducted in Turkey. We aimed to investigate the effects of early life factors on the health and quality of life of older adults.

Methods

We administered a questionnaire to 350 adults, aged 50–89 years, living in Cankaya, Ankara. The questionnaire covered sociodemographic characteristics, early life characteristics, health status, and the World Health Organization Quality of Life–Ageing scale. Data were analyzed using χ
2 tests, independent samples t‐tests, one‐way anova, and binary logistic regression analysis.

Results

The analyses showed that the most important risk factors for chronic disease were being ≥65 years (odds ratio (OR) = 2.34), having a chronic health problem before 18 years of age (OR = 2.48), experiencing prolonged hospitalization or bed rest before 18 years of age (OR = 2.65), and experiencing parental unconcern during early life (OR = 2.13) (P < 0.05). In addition, having a high school education or less includes people who have primary or secondary or high school diploma (OR = 1.65), having lived in a village (OR = 1.65), having a low family economic status (OR = 2.40), and having experienced one negative event (OR = 1.41) or two or more negative events (OR = 1.39) during their early lives were identified as important risk factors for low quality of life (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Early life factors are among the important determinants of the health and quality of life of older adults in Turkey.
Conceptual models for short‐eccentricity‐scale climate control on peat formation in a lower Palaeocene fluvial system, north‐eastern Montana (USA)
Authors: Noorbergen Lars J. , Abels Hemmo A. , Hilgen Frederik J. , Robson Brittany E. , de Jong Edwin , Dekkers Mark J. , Krijgsman Wout , Smit Jan , Collinson Margaret E. , Kuiper Klaudia F.
Published: July 2017

Fluvial systems in which peat formation occurs are typified by autogenic processes such as river meandering, crevasse splaying and channel avulsion. Nevertheless, autogenic processes cannot satisfactorily explain the repetitive nature and lateral continuity of many coal seams (compacted peats). The fluvial lower Palaeocene Tullock Member of the Fort Union Formation (Western Interior Williston Basin; Montana, USA) contains lignite rank coal seams that are traceable over distances of several kilometres. This sequence is used to test the hypothesis that peat formation in the fluvial system was controlled by orbitally forced climate change interacting with autogenic processes. Major successions are documented with an average thickness of 6·8 m consisting of ca 6 m thick intervals of channel and overbank deposits overlain by ca 1 m thick coal seam units. These major coal seams locally split and merge. Time‐stratigraphic correlation, using a Cretaceous–Palaeogene boundary event horizon, several distinctive volcanic ash‐fall layers, and the C29r/C29n magnetic polarity reversal, shows consistent lateral recurrence of seven successive major successions along a 10 km wide fence panel perpendicular to east/south‐east palaeo‐flow. The stratigraphic pattern, complemented by stratigraphic age control and cyclostratigraphic tests, suggests that the major peat‐forming phases, resulting in major coal seams, were driven by 100 kyr eccentricity‐related climate cycles. Two distinct conceptual models were developed, both based on the hypothesis that the major peat‐forming phases ended when enhanced seasonal contrast, at times of minimum precession during increasing eccentricity, intensified mire degradation and flooding. In model 1, orbitally forced climate change controls the timing of peat compaction, leading to enhancement of autogenic channel avulsions. In model 2, orbitally forced climate change controls upstream sediment supply and clastic influx determining the persistence of peat‐forming conditions. At the scale of the major successions, model 2 is supported because interfingering channel sandstones do not interrupt lateral continuity of major coal seams.
Overt Coordination in Additive Numerals of Minority Languages in South China
Authors: He Chuansheng , Her One‐Soon , Hu Xiaoshi , Zhu Weijing
Published: July 2017

This paper explores a typology of overt coordination in additive numerals in a number of minority languages in South China. Among approximately 100 minority languages surveyed, 26 languages feature different coordinators for additive numerals and noun phrases. We show that these two types of coordinators are not semantically, etymologically, or morphologically related. This phenomenon presents a serious challenge to the proposal that additive numerals do not form constituents and that numeral coordination is derived from underlying nominal coordination in such languages.
An automated quantitative image analysis tool for the identification of microtubule patterns in plants
Authors: Faulkner Christine , Zhou Ji , Evrard Alexandre , Bourdais Gildas , MacLean Dan , Häweker Heidrun , Eckes Peter , Robatzek Silke
Published: July 2017

High throughput confocal imaging poses challenges in the computational image analysis of complex subcellular structures such as the microtubule cytoskeleton. Here, we developed CellArchitect, an automated image analysis tool that quantifies changes to subcellular patterns illustrated by microtubule markers in plants. We screened microtubule‐targeted herbicides and demonstrate that high throughput confocal imaging with integrated image analysis by CellArchitect can distinguish effects induced by the known herbicides indaziflam and trifluralin. The same platform was used to examine 6 other compounds with herbicidal activity, and at least 3 different effects induced by these compounds were profiled. We further show that CellArchitect can detect subcellular patterns tagged by actin and endoplasmic reticulum markers. Thus, the platform developed here can be used to automate image analysis of complex subcellular patterns for purposes such as herbicide discovery and mode of action characterisation. The capacity to use this tool to quantitatively characterize cellular responses lends itself to application across many areas of biology.
Nevus of Ota (oculodermal melanocytosis) in a dog
Authors: Malho Pedro , Shea Anita , Donaldson David
Published: July 2017

A 5‐year‐old, female, spayed Rhodesian Ridgeback presented with ocular melanocytosis and skin hyperpigmentation involving the distribution of the first and second divisions of the trigeminal nerve on the right side of the face. The dermatomal pattern of the hyperpigmentation was similar to nevus of Ota or oculodermal melanocytosis reported in humans. This condition has been associated with increased risk of developing secondary glaucoma and melanoma transformation in skin, ocular, orbital tissues, and the central nervous system. The clinical investigation and description of oculodermal melanocytosis (nevus of Ota) are presented for the first time in the dog.
Eriophyoidea and allies: where do they belong?
Authors: Zhang Zhi-Qiang
Published: July 2017

The eriophyoid mites are tiny but ancient and very diverse—over 5000 species have been named and described so far (Chetverikov et al. 2015; Bolton et al. 2017; Xue et al. 2017). They have received tremendous attention from acarologists over the last two decades or so.
Au cluster formation on a pore containing membrane under the various surface treatments
Authors: Choi Seong Soo , Oh Sae-Joong , Han Chul Hee , Park Doo Jae , Choi Soo Bong , Kim Yong-Sang , Park Nam Kyou
Published: July 2017

In this report, the authors will investigate the formation of Au clusters on the nanoscale membrane formed during various surface treatments such as electron beam irradiations, Ga ion focused ion beam (FIB) technique, and thermal treatment. Nanoapertures on the freestanding Au film were fabricated by using FIB technique, and a nanometer scale membrane created in the aperture by various surface treatments. Transmission electron microscopy reveals that Au clusters has formed on the membrane after the sample storage at room temperature for several months. In addition, Au clusters on the carbon-containing membrane were also observed after surface treatments of Ga ion beam etching, and thermal heating of freestanding 40 nm thick Au film at temperatures ranging from 400 to 800 °C. Spinodal decomposition, spinodal dewetting, and coalescence of the Au particles on the carbon-containing membrane were also observed.
A soft robotic exosuit improves walking in patients after stroke
Authors: Awad Louis N. , Bae Jaehyun , O’Donnell Kathleen , De Rossi Stefano M. M. , Hendron Kathryn , Sloot Lizeth H. , Kudzia Pawel , Allen Stephen , Holt Kenneth G. , Ellis Terry D. , Walsh Conor J.
Published: July 2017

Soft exosuits facilitate more normal walking after stroke.
Redundant and diverse intranodal pacemakers and conduction pathways protect the human sinoatrial node from failure
Authors: Li Ning , Hansen Brian J. , Csepe Thomas A. , Zhao Jichao , Ignozzi Anthony J. , Sul Lidiya V. , Zakharkin Stanislav O. , Kalyanasundaram Anuradha , Davis Jonathan P. , Biesiadecki Brandon J. , Kilic Ahmet , Janssen Paul M. L. , Mohler Peter J. , Weiss Raul , Hummel John D. , Fedorov Vadim V.
Published: July 2017

Multiple redundant and diverse intranodal pacemakers and conduction pathways allow the human sinoatrial node to robustly maintain cardiac rhythm.
Horizontal Gene Transfer of Functional Type VI Killing Genes by Natural Transformation
Authors: Thomas Jacob , Watve Samit S. , Ratcliff William C. , Hammer Brian K.
Published: July 2017

Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) can have profound effects on bacterial evolution by allowing individuals to rapidly acquire adaptive traits that shape their strategies for competition. One strategy for intermicrobial antagonism often used by
Proteobacteria
is the genetically encoded contact-dependent type VI secretion system (T6SS), a weapon used to kill heteroclonal neighbors by direct injection of toxic effectors. Here, we experimentally demonstrate that
Vibrio cholerae
can acquire new T6SS effector genes via horizontal transfer and utilize them to kill neighboring cells. Replacement of one or more parental alleles with novel effectors allows the recombinant strain to dramatically outcompete its parent. Using spatially explicit modeling, we examine how this process could affect the ecology and evolution of surface-attached microbial populations. HGT of T6SS effector-immunity pairs is risky: transformation brings a cell into conflict with its former clone mates but can be adaptive when superior T6SS alleles are acquired. More generally, we find that these costs and benefits are not symmetric and that high rates of HGT can act as a hedge against competitors with unpredictable T6SS efficacy. We conclude that antagonism and horizontal transfer drive successive rounds of weapon optimization and selective sweeps, dynamically shaping the composition of microbial communities.

IMPORTANCE
The contact-dependent type VI secretion system (T6SS) is frequently used by
Proteobacteria
to kill adjacent competitors. While DNA released by T6 killing can be horizontally acquired, it remains untested whether T6 genes themselves can be horizontally acquired and then utilized to compete with neighboring cells. Using naturally transformable
Vibrio cholerae
, we provide the first direct empirical support for the hypothesis that T6 genes are exchanged horizontally (e.g., from dead competitors) and functionally deployed to compete with neighboring cells. Using computational simulations, we also demonstrate that high rates of HGT can be adaptive, allowing
V. cholerae
to improve upon existing T6 weaponry and survive direct encounters with otherwise superior competitors. We anticipate that our evolutionary results are of broad microbiological relevance, applying to many bacteria capable of HGT that utilize the T6SS or similar antagonistic systems, and highlight the profound impact of HGT in shaping microbial community structure.
Curative Treatment of Severe Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections by a New Class of Antibiotics Targeting LpxC
Authors: Lemaître Nadine , Liang Xiaofei , Najeeb Javaria , Lee Chul-Jin , Titecat Marie , Leteurtre Emmanuelle , Simonet Michel , Toone Eric J. , Zhou Pei , Sebbane Florent
Published: July 2017

The infectious diseases caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria pose serious threats to humankind. It has been suggested that an antibiotic targeting LpxC of the lipid A biosynthetic pathway in Gram-negative bacteria is a promising strategy for curing Gram-negative bacterial infections. However, experimental proof of this concept is lacking. Here, we describe our discovery and characterization of a biphenylacetylene-based inhibitor of LpxC, an essential enzyme in the biosynthesis of the lipid A component of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria. The compound LPC-069 has no known adverse effects in mice and is effective
in vitro
against a broad panel of Gram-negative clinical isolates, including several multiresistant and extremely drug-resistant strains involved in nosocomial infections. Furthermore, LPC-069 is curative in a murine model of one of the most severe human diseases, bubonic plague, which is caused by the Gram-negative bacterium
Yersinia pestis
. Our results demonstrate the safety and efficacy of LpxC inhibitors as a new class of antibiotic against fatal infections caused by extremely virulent pathogens. The present findings also highlight the potential of LpxC inhibitors for clinical development as therapeutics for infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria.

IMPORTANCE
The rapid spread of antimicrobial resistance among Gram-negative bacilli highlights the urgent need for new antibiotics. Here, we describe a new class of antibiotics lacking cross-resistance with conventional antibiotics. The compounds inhibit LpxC, a key enzyme in the lipid A biosynthetic pathway in Gram-negative bacteria, and are active
in vitro
against a broad panel of clinical isolates of Gram-negative bacilli involved in nosocomial and community infections. The present study also constitutes the first demonstration of the curative treatment of bubonic plague by a novel, broad-spectrum antibiotic targeting LpxC. Hence, the data highlight the therapeutic potential of LpxC inhibitors against a wide variety of Gram-negative bacterial infections, including the most severe ones caused by
Y. pestis
and by multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant carbapenemase-producing strains.
Stringent Expression Control of Pathogenic R-body Production in Legume Symbiont
Azorhizobium caulinodans
Authors: Matsuoka Jun-ichi , Ishizuna Fumiko , Kurumisawa Keigo , Morohashi Kengo , Ogawa Tetsuhiro , Hidaka Makoto , Saito Katsuharu , Ezawa Tatsuhiro , Aono Toshihiro
Published: July 2017

R bodies are insoluble large polymers consisting of small proteins encoded by
reb
genes and are coiled into cylindrical structures in bacterial cells. They were first discovered in
Caedibacter
species, which are obligate endosymbionts of paramecia.
Caedibacter
confers a killer trait on the host paramecia. R-body-producing symbionts are released from their host paramecia and kill symbiont-free paramecia after ingestion. The roles of R bodies have not been explained in bacteria other than
Caedibacter
.
Azorhizobium caulinodans
ORS571, a microsymbiont of the legume
Sesbania rostrata
, carries a
reb
operon containing four
reb
genes that are regulated by the repressor PraR. Herein, deletion of the
praR
gene resulted in R-body formation and death of host plant cells. The
rebR
gene in the
reb
operon encodes an activator. Three PraR binding sites and a RebR binding site are present in the promoter region of the
reb
operon. Expression analyses using strains with mutations within the PraR binding site and/or the RebR binding site revealed that PraR and RebR directly control the expression of the
reb
operon and that PraR dominantly represses
reb
expression. Furthermore, we found that the
reb
operon is highly expressed at low temperatures and that 2-oxoglutarate induces the expression of the
reb
operon by inhibiting PraR binding to the
reb
promoter. We conclude that R bodies are toxic not only in paramecium symbiosis but also in relationships between other bacteria and eukaryotic cells and that R-body formation is controlled by environmental factors.

IMPORTANCE
Caedibacter
species, which are obligate endosymbiotic bacteria of paramecia, produce R bodies, and R-body-producing endosymbionts that are released from their hosts are pathogenic to symbiont-free paramecia. Besides
Caedibacter
species, R bodies have also been observed in a few free-living bacteria, but the significance of R-body production in these bacteria is still unknown. Recent advances in genome sequencing technologies revealed that many Gram-negative bacteria possess
reb
genes encoding R-body components, and interestingly, many of them are animal and plant pathogens.
Azorhizobium caulinodans
, a microsymbiont of the tropical legume
Sesbania rostrata
, also possesses
reb
genes. In this study, we demonstrate that
A. caulinodans
has ability to kill the host plant cells by producing R bodies, suggesting that pathogenicity conferred by an R body might be universal in bacteria possessing
reb
genes. Furthermore, we provide the first insight into the molecular mechanism underlying the expression of R-body production in response to environmental factors, such as temperature and 2-oxoglutarate.
Transcriptional Variation of Diverse Enteropathogenic
Escherichia coli
Isolates under Virulence-Inducing Conditions
Authors: Hazen Tracy H. , Daugherty Sean C. , Shetty Amol C. , Nataro James P. , Rasko David A.
Published: July 2017

Recent studies have demonstrated that there is considerable genomic diversity among EPEC isolates; however, it is unknown if this genomic diversity leads to differences in their global transcription. This study used RNA-Seq to compare the global transcriptomes of EPEC isolates from diverse phylogenomic lineages. We demonstrate that there are lineage- and isolate-specific differences in the transcriptomes of genomically diverse EPEC isolates during growth under
in vitro
virulence-inducing conditions. This study addressed biological variation among isolates of a single pathovar in an effort to demonstrate that while each of these isolates is considered an EPEC isolate, there is significant transcriptional diversity among members of this pathovar. Future studies should consider whether this previously undescribed transcriptional variation may play a significant role in isolate-specific variability of EPEC clinical presentations.
Pathovar Transcriptomes
Authors: Platenkamp Amy , Mellies Jay L.
Published: July 2017

Archetypal pathogenic bacterial strains are often used to elucidate regulatory networks of an entire pathovar, which encompasses multiple lineages and phylogroups. With enteropathogenic
Escherichia coli
(EPEC) as a model system, Hazen and colleagues (mSystems 6:e00024-17, 2017,
https://doi.org/10.1128/mSystems.00024-17
) used 9 isolates representing 8 lineages and 3 phylogroups to find that isolates with similar genomic sequences exhibit similarities in global transcriptomes under conditions of growth in medium that induces virulence gene expression, and they found variation among individual isolates.