bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In vitro cytotoxicity assessment of nanodiamond particles and their osteogenic potential
Authors: Ibrahim Mohamed , Xue Ying , Ostermann Melanie , Sauter Alexander , Steinmueller‐Nethl Doris , Schweeberg Sarah , Krueger Anke , Cimpan Mihaela R. , Mustafa Kamal
Published: February 2018

Scaffolds functionalized with nanodiamond particles (nDP) hold great promise with regard to bone tissue formation in animal models. Degradation of the scaffolds over time may leave nDP within the tissues, raising concerns about possible long‐term unwanted effects. Human SaOS‐2 osteoblast‐like cells and U937 monoblastoid cells were exposed to five different concentrations (0.002–2 mg/L) of nDP (size range: 2.36–4.42 nm) for 24 h. Cell viability was assessed by impedance‐based methods. The differential expression of stress and toxicity‐related genes was evaluated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) super‐array, while the expression of selected inflammatory and cell death markers was determined by reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR). Furthermore, the expression of osteogenic genes by SaOS‐2 cells, alkaline phosphatase activity and the extracellular calcium nodule deposition in response to nDP were determined in vitro. Cells responded differently to higher nDP concentrations (≥0.02 mg/L), that is, no loss of viability for SaOS‐2 cells and significantly reduced viability for U937 cells. Gene expression showed significant upregulation of several cell death and inflammatory markers, among other toxicity reporter genes, indicating inflammatory and cytotoxic responses in U937 cells. Nanodiamond particles improved the osteogenicity of osteoblast‐like cells with no evident cytotoxicity. However, concentration‐dependent cytotoxic and inflammatory responses were seen in the U937 cells, negatively affecting osteogenicity in co‐cultures. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 1697–1707, 2018.
Promotion of bone regeneration on titanium implants through a chemical treatment process using calcium phosphate slurry: Microscopic analysis, cellular response, and animal experiment
Authors: Ito Tatsuro , Ohtsu Naofumi , Tomozawa Masanari , Hirano Mitsuhiro , Takita Hiroko , Iizuka Tadashi , Yokoyama Atsuro
Published: February 2018

The present study provides scientific evidence that a new chemical treatment process using calcium phosphate slurry promotes bone regeneration on titanium (Ti) implants. The material's surface modified by the treatment was analyzed using microscopic observation and the bone regeneration efficacy was evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. Formation of a thin hydroxyapatite layer with a thickness of about 50 nm and an increase of surface roughness were confirmed by microscopic observations. Histological evaluation of rat femora implanted with the specimens showed that the areas of the specimens directly attached to bone tissue were significantly more extensive than those implanted with control Ti at 2 and 8 weeks. Likewise, on the treated Ti, ALP activity, osteopontin, osteocalcin, and calcium contents of rat bone marrow stromal cells were significantly higher than on the control Ti. Furthermore, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction showed greater expression of messenger ribonucleic acid encoding Cbfa1 and collagen type1 on the treated Ti at 2 weeks. Based on these results, we concluded that the new process was effective to enhance the osteoconductivity of Ti. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 2716–2724, 2018.
Pt–Co nanocluster in hollow carbon nanospheres
Authors: Akbarzadeh Hamed , Abbaspour Mohsen , Mehrjouei Esmat , Ramezanzadeh Samira
Published: February 2018

Recently, it has been reported that small Pt/Co bimetallic nanoclusters into hollow carbon spheres (HCS) show outstanding catalytic performances in deriving biomass fuels due to the small particle size and the homogeneous alloying. Thus, the knowledge about the thermal evolution and stability of the nanoclusters into the HCS has a great importance. We have simulated the heating process beyond the melting point for the bare and encapsulated Pt/Co clusters into the HCS with the different sizes of 55, 147, and 309. The different thermodynamic and structural properties of the nanoclusters have also been investigated in this work. Our results show that the nanoclusters are more stable into the HCS than the bare clusters. The melting points of the supported clusters are also higher than the unsupported clusters. The confined nanoclusters have also lower excess energy values than the bare clusters which means that the encapsulation of Pt/Co nanoclusters into the HCS is favorable. The structural investigations show that a core–shell structure cannot be observed for the different supported and unsupported clusters and the initial mixed structure of the different nanoclusters remains also at the melting points. To more investigate this claim, the radial chemical distribution function (RCDF) and radial distribution function (RDF) of the bare and encapsulated clusters have also been calculated and discussed. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prognostic comparison of the 7th and 8th editions of the American Joint Committee on Cancer staging system for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Kang Sang‐Hyun , Hwang Shin , Lee Young‐Joo , Kim Ki‐Hun , Ahn Chul‐Soo , Moon Deok‐Bog , Ha Tae‐Yong , Song Gi‐Won , Jung Dong‐Hwan , Lee Sung‐Gyu
Published: February 2018

Background

Several important changes were made to the 8th edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) tumor staging system for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). We assessed the prognostic impact of this new tumor staging system compared to the 7th edition.

Methods

A retrospective single‐institution study was performed with 626 patients who underwent R0 resection for ICC over 20‐year period.

Results

Anatomical resection and concurrent bile duct resection were performed in 571 (91.2%) and 62 (9.9%) patients, respectively. Cumulative tumor recurrence and patient survival rates were 40.6% and 73.3% at 1 year; 66.7% and 43.8% at 3 years; 73.6% and 30.4% at 5 years; and 74.4% and 20.3% at 10 years, respectively. Independent prognostic factors for tumor recurrence and patient survival were multiple tumors, carbohydrate antigen 19‐9 >200 U/ml, tumor size >5 cm, direct invasion to extrahepatic structure, and lymph node metastasis. For tumor‐node‐metastasis stages in the 7th versus the 8th editions, concordance index was 0.615 and 0.625 for tumor recurrence and 0.626 and 0.628 for patient survival, respectively.

Conclusions

The 8th edition of the AJCC staging system appears to provide high prognostic contrast for T stage categories, except for T3. However, overall prognostic performance of the 8th edition was not markedly improved over the 7th edition.
Modeling asthma: Pitfalls, promises, and the road ahead
Authors: Rosenberg Helene F , Druey Kirk M
Published: February 2018

Asthma is a chronic, heterogeneous, and recurring inflammatory disease of the lower airways, with exacerbations that feature airway inflammation and bronchial hyperresponsiveness. Asthma has been modeled extensively via disease induction in both wild-type and genetically manipulated laboratory mice (Mus musculus). Antigen sensitization and challenge strategies have reproduced numerous important features of airway inflammation characteristic of human asthma, notably the critical roles of type 2 T helper cell cytokines. Recent models of disease induction have advanced to include physiologic aeroallergens with prolonged respiratory challenge without systemic sensitization; others incorporate tobacco, respiratory viruses, or bacteria as exacerbants. Nonetheless, differences in lung size, structure, and physiologic responses limit the degree to which airway dynamics measured in mice can be compared to human subjects. Other rodent allergic airways models, including those featuring the guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) might be considered for lung function studies. Finally, domestic cats (Feline catus) and horses (Equus caballus) develop spontaneous obstructive airway disorders with clinical and pathologic features that parallel human asthma. Information on pathogenesis and treatment of these disorders is an important resource.

Review on the principles of in vivo modeling together with specific features of animal models for the study of human asthma.
Relationship between subchondral bone microstructure and articular cartilage in the osteoarthritic knee using 3T MRI
Authors: Liu Chenglei , Liu Chang , Si Liping , Shen Hao , Wang Qian , Yao Weiwu
Published: February 2018

Background

The importance of subchondral bone in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA) has drawn interest.

Purpose

To investigate subregional trabecular bone microstructural features and to determine the relationship between cartilage and trabecular bone in the osteoarthritic human knee.

Study Type

Prospective study.

Subjects

In all, 92 knees were enrolled and divided into three groups: without OA, mild OA, and severe OA.

Sequence

A sagittal 3D balanced fast field echo (3D B‐FFE) sequence and FatSat 3D fast field echo (3D‐FFE) sequence at 3T MRI.

Assessment

The trabecular bone in 12 sites of the knee joint was evaluated using digital topological analysis, and the cartilage thickness in four sites was calculated.

Statistical Test

Trabecular bone and cartilage parameters between groups were compared using analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Bonferroni adjustment, and their correlations were analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficient.

Results

Within both femoral condyles, the trabecular bone structure deteriorated in mild OA, showing a lower bone volume fraction (BVF) (0.15 to 0.12, P < 0.05), higher erosion index (EI) (2.25 to 2.28, P < 0.01), and a lower plate‐to‐rod ratio (SCR) (6.22 to 5.96, P < 0.05). Within medial and lateral tibia, deterioration in the trabecular bone was also observed, demonstrating a lower BVF (0.15 to 0.12 P < 0.05) and a higher EI (2.25 to 2.61, P < 0.05). Cartilage attrition mainly occurred in the medial joint. Extensive correlations were found between the medial cartilage thickness and subregional trabecular parameters. There was mainly a positive correlation with both femoral BVFs (r > 0.3, P < 0.05), and a negative correlation with the tibia SCR (r < –0.2, P < 0.05).

Data Conclusion

In the early stage of OA, trabecular bone osteoporotic changes were observed in both femoral condyles and the tibia. Based on a strong correlation with the medial cartilage thickness, the trabecular structural topological analysis may be useful for elucidating OA onset and progression.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;48:669–679.
Pazopanib effective for bevacizumab‐unresponsive epistaxis in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia
Authors: Parambil Joseph G. , Woodard Troy D. , Koc Omer N.
Published: February 2018

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) most commonly manifests with nasal mucosal telangiectasias, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a significant role in this angiodysplasia. We describe a patient with HHT with epistaxis recalcitrant to several endonasal procedures and six cycles of intravenous bevacizumab, for which he was dependent on iron infusions and packed red blood cells transfusions. He then started pazopanib at 100 mg with dramatic improvements in epistaxis and normalization of hemoglobin and iron levels, without replenishment needs for 12 months. This is the first report on the efficacy of pazopanib with high selectivity for abrogating VEGF receptor‐2 signaling in HHT, and needs to be explored further. Laryngoscope, 128:2234–2236, 2018
A long‐term comparative prospective study between reinnervation and injection laryngoplasty
Authors: Lee Seung Won , Park Ki Nam
Published: February 2018

Objectives

This study compared and assessed long‐term voice outcomes when thyroidectomy‐related unilateral vocal fold paralysis (VFP) was managed using injection laryngoplasty (IL) and recurrent laryngeal nerve reinnervation (RLNR).

Study Design

Prospective clinical study.

Methods

A prospective clinical trial was performed from March 2005 to January 2016 at Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital (Bucheon, South Korea). Nineteen patients who underwent ansa cervicalis to RLNR or direct reinnervation, and 43 patients who underwent IL to treat thyroidectomy‐related unilateral VFP, were enrolled.

Results

All voice parameters exhibited statistically significant improvement 12 months post‐IL, which persisted for 24 and 36 months (P < 0.05). However, at 36 months post‐IL, some voice parameters had deteriorated relative to the values at 24 months post‐IL. After RLNR, all voice parameters exhibited statistically significant improvement after 12 months, and the improvements remained stable until 36 months postsurgery without deterioration of voice parameters (P < 0.05). At 36 months, RLNR provided better voice results than IL (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Both RLNR and IL yielded statistically significant voice improvements at 36 months postoperatively. However, after 36 months, RLNR provided better results than IL.

Level of Evidence

3. Laryngoscope, 1893–1897, 2018
Enzymatic Continuous Flow Synthesis of Thiol‐Terminated Poly(δ‐Valerolactone) and Block Copolymers
Authors: Zhu Ning , Huang Weijun , Hu Xin , Liu Yihuan , Fang Zheng , Guo Kai
Published: February 2018

Thiol‐terminated poly(δ‐valerolactone) is directly synthesized via enzymatic 6‐mercapto‐1‐hexanol initiated ring‐opening polymerization in both batch and microreactor. By using Candida antartica Lipase B immobilized tubular reactor, narrowly dispersed poly(δ‐valerolactone) with higher thiol fidelity is more efficiently prepared in contrast to the batch reactor. Moreover, the integrated enzyme packed tubular reactor system is established to perform the chain extension experiments. Thiol‐terminated poly(δ‐valerolactone)‐block‐poly(ε‐caprolactone) and poly(ε‐caprolactone)‐block‐poly(δ‐valerolactone) are easily prepared by modulating the monomer introduction sequence.
Imaging Proton Transport in Giant Vesicles through Cyclic Peptide–Polymer Conjugate Nanotube Transmembrane Ion Channels
Authors: Binfield Jason G. , Brendel Johannes C. , Cameron Neil R. , Eissa Ahmed M. , Perrier Sébastien
Published: February 2018

Since their discovery in 1993, interest in various aspects of cyclic peptides (CPs) has expanded rapidly. Of particular note is their potential to form artificial ion channels in lipid membranes, an attractive characteristic in supramolecular chemistry and biological research. The design and synthesis of cyclic peptide–polymer conjugates (CPPCs) that can self‐assemble within lipid bilayers into nanotubes, mimicking naturally occurring membrane channels and pores, has been reported. However, methods that allow direct detection of the transport process with high levels of certainty are still lacking. This work focuses on the development of a simple but reliable approach to verify and quantify proton transport across a bilayer membrane. Giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) are created via the electroformation method and CPPCs are incorporated in GUV membranes at varying concentrations (0–10%). Confocal fluorescence microscopy is used to demonstrate full inclusion of fluorescein‐labeled CPPCs in the GUV membranes. The pH‐sensitive dye carboxyfluorescein is encapsulated within the water pool of the GUVs and used as an indicator of proton transport. This assay is versatile and can be exploited on other existing proton transporter systems, providing a consistent tool to compare their performances. It should also aid the development of novel antineoplastics and drug delivery systems.
Multimaterial Eulerian finite element formulation for pressure‐sensitive adhesives
Authors: Nishiguchi Koji , Okazawa Shigenobu , Tsubokura Makoto
Published: February 2018

A temperature‐dependent visco‐hyperelastic formulation is proposed based on a Eulerian finite element method for large‐deformation and multimaterial problems, which is pertinent in the application to pressure‐sensitive adhesives. All the basic equations are computed in the Eulerian description because it allows arbitrarily large deformations. This formulation employs Simo's finite‐strain viscoelastic model, where hyperelasticity is modeled as a novel strain‐energy function of the left Cauchy‐Green deformation tensor. The left Cauchy‐Green deformation tensor is temporally updated from the Eulerian velocity field. Temperature dependence is described with the time‐temperature superposition principle. To validate the proposed approach, we simulated tests of uniaxial tension with various tensile speeds and temperature conditions and performed a steel‐ball‐drop test on an acrylic pressure‐sensitive adhesive.
Poly(α‐methyleneglutarimide)s from radical polymerization of α‐methyleneglutarimides
Authors: Wang Yuanxian , Xu Shu , Hoye Thomas R.
Published: February 2018

α‐Methyleneglutaric acid, a metabolite of niacin (nicotinic acid), can be easily converted to its cyclic anhydride. We report here the first conversion of α‐methyleneglutaric anhydride to (a series of) α‐methyleneglutarimides. These monomers can be radically polymerized to the title polymers. These have relatively high glass transition properties compared to the lower homologs derived from itaconimides (α‐methylenesuccinimides). © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018, 56, 1020–1026
Risk factors for hospitalizations due to bacterial respiratory tract infections after tracheotomy
Authors: Russell Christopher J. , Thurm Cary , Hall Matt , Simon Tamara D. , Neely Michael N. , Berry Jay G.
Published: February 2018

Objective

Identify characteristics associated with hospital readmission due to bacterial respiratory tract infections (bRTI) after tracheotomy.

Study design

Retrospective study of 8009 children 0‐17 years undergoing tracheotomy from 2007 to 2013 at 48 children's hospitals in the Pediatric Health Information System database. The primary outcome was first hospital admission after tracheotomy for bRTI (ie, primary diagnosis of bRTI or a primary diagnosis of bRTI symptom and secondary diagnosis of bRTI). We used Cox‐proportional hazard modeling to assess associations between patient demographic and clinical characteristics and bRTI hospital readmission.

Results

Median age at tracheotomy admission was 5 months (interquartile range [IQR]: 1‐50 months). Thirty‐six percent (n = 2899) had at least one bRTI admission. Median time‐to‐readmission for bRTI was 275 days (IQR: 141‐530). Factors independently associated with increased risk for bRTI readmission were younger age (eg, age < 30 days vs 13‐17 years [aHR 1.32; 95%CI: 1.11‐1.58]), Hispanic race/ethnicity (vs non‐Hispanic White; aHR: 1.34; 95%CI: 1.20‐1.50), government insurance (vs private; aHR 1.21; 95%CI: 1.10‐1.33), >2 complex chronic conditions (vs zero; aHR 1.96; 95%CI: 1.34‐2.86) and discharge to home (vs post‐acute care setting; aHR 1.19; 95%CI: 1.08‐1.32). Trauma diagnosis at tracheotomy (aHR 0.83; 95%CI: 0.69‐1) and ventilator dependency (aHR 0.88; 95%CI: 0.81‐0.97) were associated with decreased risk.

Conclusions

Young, Hispanic children with multiple complex chronic conditions who use Medicaid insurance and are not discharged to post‐acute care are at the highest risk for hospital readmission for bRTI post‐tracheotomy. Future research should investigate strategies to mitigate this risk for these children.
Can dimedone be used to study selenoproteins? An investigation into the reactivity of dimedone toward oxidized forms of selenocysteine
Authors: Payne N. Connor , Barber Drew R. , Ruggles Erik L. , Hondal Robert J.
Published: February 2018

Dimedone is a widely used reagent to assess the redox state of cysteine‐containing proteins as it will alkylate sulfenic acid residues, but not sulfinic acid residues. While it has been reported that dimedone can label selenenic acid residues in selenoproteins, we investigated the stability, and reversibility of this label in a model peptide system. We also wondered whether dimedone could be used to detect seleninic acid residues. We used benzenesulfinic acid, benzeneseleninic acid, and model selenocysteine‐containing peptides to investigate possible reactions with dimedone. These peptides were incubated with H2O2 in the presence of dimedone and then the reactions were followed by liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC/ESI‐MS). The native peptide, H‐PTVTGCUG‐OH (corresponding to the native amino acid sequence of the C‐terminus of mammalian thioredoxin reductase), could not be alkylated by dimedone, but could be carboxymethylated with iodoacetic acid. However the “mutant peptide,” H‐PTVTGAUG‐OH, could be labeled with dimedone at low concentrations of H2O2, but the reaction was reversible by addition of thiol. Due to the reversible nature of this alkylation, we conclude that dimedone is not a good reagent for detecting selenenic acids in selenoproteins. At high concentrations of H2O2, selenium was eliminated from the peptide and a dimeric form of dimedone could be detected using LCMS and 1H NMR. The dimeric dimedone product forms as a result of a seleno‐Pummerer reaction with Sec‐seleninic acid. Overall our results show that the reaction of dimedone with oxidized cysteine residues is quite different from the same reaction with oxidized selenocysteine residues.
Factors affecting the occurrence of enteritis in 10‐ to 12‐month‐old eastern grey kangaroos (Macropus giganteus)
Authors: Kido Nobuhide , Tanaka Sohei , Wada Yuko , Sato Sumito
Published: February 2018

Eastern grey kangaroos (Macropus giganteus) younger than 19 months at Kanazawa Zoological Gardens, Japan, frequently died of enteritis. The main cause of death was coccidiosis. This study aimed to reveal retrospectively the clinical features of enteritis and factors contributing to its high occurrence. In addition, haematological and serum biochemical parameters in kangaroos younger than 24 months were analyzed. The findings suggested that enteritis occurrence was higher in 10‐ to 12‐month‐old kangaroos than other ages and during seasons with high temperature and humidity than during seasons with low temperature and humidity. The haematological and serum biochemical analyses showed decreases in glucose, total cholesterol, calcium, and triglyceride levels at approximately 10 months of age. Joeys emerge from their mother's pouch at 8 months of age and permanently leave it at approximately 10 months of age. Subsequently, the joeys are exposed to the external environment and infectious agents. Although the joeys continue suckling until 13–19 months of age, the joeys start to eat the similar feed to the adult and their nutritional status may change at approximately 10 months of age. Seasonal influences, species behavior, and shifts in dietary composition are proposed to be contributory to the increased occurrence of enteritis between 10 and 12 months of age.
Next‐generation metabolic screening: targeted and untargeted metabolomics for the diagnosis of inborn errors of metabolism in individual patients
Authors: Coene Karlien L. M. , Kluijtmans Leo A. J. , van der Heeft Ed , Engelke Udo F. H. , de Boer Siebolt , Hoegen Brechtje , Kwast Hanneke J. T. , van de Vorst Maartje , Huigen Marleen C. D. G. , Keularts Irene M. L. W. , Schreuder Michiel F. , van Karnebeek Clara D. M. , Wortmann Saskia B. , de Vries Maaike C. , Janssen Mirian C. H. , Gilissen Christian , Engel Jasper , Wevers Ron A.
Published: February 2018

The implementation of whole‐exome sequencing in clinical diagnostics has generated a need for functional evaluation of genetic variants. In the field of inborn errors of metabolism (IEM), a diverse spectrum of targeted biochemical assays is employed to analyze a limited amount of metabolites. We now present a single‐platform, high‐resolution liquid chromatography quadrupole time of flight (LC‐QTOF) method that can be applied for holistic metabolic profiling in plasma of individual IEM‐suspected patients. This method, which we termed “next‐generation metabolic screening” (NGMS), can detect >10,000 features in each sample. In the NGMS workflow, features identified in patient and control samples are aligned using the “various forms of chromatography mass spectrometry (XCMS)” software package. Subsequently, all features are annotated using the Human Metabolome Database, and statistical testing is performed to identify significantly perturbed metabolite concentrations in a patient sample compared with controls. We propose three main modalities to analyze complex, untargeted metabolomics data. First, a targeted evaluation can be done based on identified genetic variants of uncertain significance in metabolic pathways. Second, we developed a panel of IEM‐related metabolites to filter untargeted metabolomics data. Based on this IEM‐panel approach, we provided the correct diagnosis for 42 of 46 IEMs. As a last modality, metabolomics data can be analyzed in an untargeted setting, which we term “open the metabolome” analysis. This approach identifies potential novel biomarkers in known IEMs and leads to identification of biomarkers for as yet unknown IEMs. We are convinced that NGMS is the way forward in laboratory diagnostics of IEMs.
Potential impact of climate change on canopy tree species composition of cool‐temperate forests in Japan using a multivariate classification tree model
Authors: Matsui Tetsuya , Nakao Katsuhiro , Higa Motoki , Tsuyama Ikutaro , Kominami Yuji , Yagihashi Tsutomu , Koide Dai , Tanaka Nobuyuki
Published: February 2018

Climate change will likely change the species composition or abundance of plant communities, and it is important to anticipate these changes to develop climate change adaptation policies. We chose beech (Fagus crenata Blume) and its competitive tree species as target species to evaluate potential turnover in forest types under climate change using a multivariate classification tree model. To construct the model, geographical presence/absence data for nine target species were used as multivariate response variables, with five climatic factors were used as predictor variables. Current and future distribution probabilities for the target species were calculated, and the 15 dominant forest types were subjectively classified in approximately 1‐km2 grid cells within the area of the current beech forest distribution. All 16,398 grid cells of the beech‐dominant forest type (FCR‐QCR) were projected to be replaced in the future by five Quercus crispula‐dominant types (59% of FCR‐QCR grid cells), four Q. serrata types (22%), two Q. salicina types (8%), or two Abies firma types (0.1%). The FCR‐QCR type remained unchanged (stable) in only 11.4% of grid cells; these were mainly distributed at high elevations in snowy areas on the Sea of Japan side of the country. In contrast, vulnerable habitats (future probability of beech occurrence less than 1.0%) were found at low elevations on both the Sea of Japan and the Pacific Ocean sides. Northwards or upwards range expansions or increases of Quercus spp., in particular, need to be carefully monitored.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Computed Tomography of Cardiac Masses and Pseudomasses in the Atrioventricular Groove
Authors: Glockner James F.
Published: February 2018

The atrioventricular (AV) groove constitutes the anatomic space separating the atria and ventricles. The AV groove is often difficult to visualize at echocardiography, and suspected lesions can be further assessed with cardiac computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. AV groove lesions may originate from within the AV groove or extend into this space from adjacent structures. The differential diagnosis for AV groove lesions is often wide, but a precise diagnosis can sometimes be made. This pictorial essay illustrates the magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography appearance of common and uncommon AV groove lesions, and attempts to provide a logical framework for differential diagnosis when confronted with a known or suspected lesion at cross-sectional imaging.
Reconstrução da cápsula superior com Aloenxerto de fáscia lata para Roturas irreparáveis do tendão do músculo supraespinal
Authors: Gracitelli Mauro Emilio Conforto , Beraldo Rodrigo Alves , Malavolta Eduardo Angeli , Assunção Jorge Henrique , Oliveira Danilo Ricardo Okiishi de , Ferreira Neto Arnaldo Amado
Published: February 2018

A reconstrução da cápsula superior é um procedimento descrito recentemente para o tratamento das roturas irreparáveis do tendão do músculo supraespinal. Como opções de enxerto podemos citar o uso de fáscia lata autógena e enxerto dermal acelularizado. Nenhum estudo foi publicado com o uso de aloenxerto de fáscia lata. O objetivo desta nota é descrever a técnica cirúrgica da reconstrução da cápsula superior com aloenxerto de fáscia lata. O procedimento é feito por visão artroscópica, com o paciente posicionado em decúbito lateral. Os autores descrevem uma técnica baseada no uso do nó em dupla polia na glenoide e no tubérculo maior, que facilita o procedimento e permite que o enxerto seja levado para o espaço subacromial na posição definitiva e com a tensão adequada. Os aloenxertos usados são provenientes de banco de tecidos, onde são criopreservados e submetidos à avaliação microbiológica e histopatológica. A reconstrução da cápsula superior é uma cirurgia promissora. A técnica descrita mostra uma opção artroscópica viável, com uso de menor número de âncoras quando comparada com as demais descrições.
Semitic bound structures
Authors: Wevers John WM.
Published: February 2018

One of the distinctive structural characteristics of all Semitic languages is the so-called construct phrase. Two words are connected serially in this structure. The first of these, which for convenience I shall call an “A”-word, can have no suffixes, nor if the language in question marks determination of nouns can it have an article attached to it. If the particular Semitic language inflects noun for case the A-word is perfectly free thus to inflect. Furthermore many nouns inflect for A-ness, or to use traditional Latin terminology, for the construct state. Thus Modern Classical Arabic has albintu (the girl, daughter), but in A position it becomes bintu-s-sulṭāni (the daughter of the sultan). In Syrian Arabic and in most modern colloquials iljamhūrīya means “the republic,” but jamhūrīyet al-irāq is the phrase for “republic of Iraq.” It will be noted that throughout the various Arabic dialects the A-word of such a structure omits the article (i.e. the initial al- or il-).
Les unités linguistiques de base chez A. Martinet
Authors: Rondeau Guy
Published: February 2018

Dans son récent ouvrage, Eléments de linguistique générale, André Martinet expose sa conception des éléments linguistiques essentiels qui composent, sur le plan horizontal, la chaîne parlée d’un message. Son but manifeste — il le dit lui-même d’ailleurs — est de clarifier au bénéfice des débutants en linguistique l’extension et les limites des concepts habituellement utilisés et de préciser une terminologie encore flottante. Le vocabulaire linguistique employé pour représenter les unités constitutives de la chaîne parlée varient en effet non seulement d’une école à une autre, mais même, dans certains cas, d’un linguiste à un autre à l’intérieur d’une même école. Chacun sait que le terme MORPHèME, par exemple, se rattache à des réalités fort différentes, s’il est utilisé par un linguiste français ou par un linguiste américain. On trouvera exposé ici, aussi objectivement que possible, le point de vue de M. Martinet sur la question; suivront quelques observations et une suggestion de terminologie modifiée.
An approach to the theory of declension
Authors: Gallup John R.
Published: February 2018

It is strange to observe how many linguists do not know how to exploit an etymology properly. One of the sad consequences of this ignorance is the destructive and unjustifiable rejection of traditional vocabulary within the realm of grammar which linguistics is supposed to defend. The symptom indicates the more serious condition of an ignorance of profound grammatical truths that the ancient Romans and Greeks had discovered, but which, for the most part, have escaped our attention because often we do not know how to use words properly. As an illustration of this point, I ask you to reconsider with me the word “case.” Its grammatical meaning is almost always a source of confusion even though both English and French have cases. Since the word comes to us from Latin, I shall first examine what “case” is and how it works out in the Latin language.
The English present subjunctive
Authors: Hirtle W. H.
Published: February 2018

An examination of the comments by linguists on the present subjunctive in current English reveals a surprising degree of unanimity of opinion concerning it. Most grammarians consider its extinction either imminent or accomplished. Thus, for example, Whitehall states that “the subjunctive is gradually dying out of the language.” Close considers that “apart from a few archaic remains it has disappeared from English altogether.” And Kruisinga says flatly: “living English has no subjunctive at all.” Other writers say that it “has very little vital power left”; that it “has disappeared”; that it is “moribund”; that it is “extinct”; that it is “fossilized”; and so on. Several authors suggest that its death throes can be observed in “literary English.” It is the purpose of the first part of this article to examine the arguments supporting these conclusions and to comment on their validity. Two types of argument can be discerned: the historical and the morphological.
Meaning and meaning fulness in Fries
Authors: Wheatley Jon
Published: February 2018

This paper is an attempt to deal with some of the things C. C. Fries has to say about meaning and to offer criticisms of the meaningfulness of some of the words and concepts he introduces and dismisses. This requires a good deal of preliminary work which, however, also has the merit of showing the sort of systematic error I would claim Fries makes.
The inscription from Hamath 4.4.2 and 4.6.4
Authors: Wittmann Henri
Published: February 2018

When Barnett projected the connection of Greek eléphant- “ivory” with hieroglyphic Hittite ulubandas “bull,” he believed himself to be solving one of the minor puzzles of etymology, for the origin of Greek eléphant- was still unaccounted for. Since the Romans, when they first met the elephants of Pyrrhus in South Italy, called them Lucanian bulls, it seemed clear to Barnett that this hieroglyphic Hittite word for a bull had been used for what was supposed to be his horn. Kretschmer postulated an Indo-European equation with a particular significance: in addition to comparing Greek eléphant- and hieroglyphic Hittite ul(u)bandas, he compared Gothic ulbandus “camel” and Greek elephairmai “harm.” From this, he inferred an Indo-European appellative “noxious animal, destroyer” referring to “mammoth,” which preserved in Gothic ulbandus the evocation “big animal.” Kretschmer’s line of reasoning is especially definitive in his own words (p. 320), alleging the mammoth to be a species of animals which, though “schon längst ausgestorben…durch die grosse Menge ihrer fossilen Überreste und den kostbaren Stoff Elfenbein, den sie lieferte, sich dauernd im Gedächtnis der Menschen erhielt.”
Mediaeval grammatical theories
Authors: Bursill-Hall G. L.
Published: February 2018

This article is an essay by a modern linguist in one aspect of the history of grammar. Grammar was a compulsory subject in the curriculum of the mediaeval university, and the golden age of scholasticism produced a number of interesting theories of grammar; this article is concerned with the theory of one group in particular, i.e. the Modistae, speculative grammarians who were active in the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries. The Modistae wrote their treatises in Latin and drew upon Latin to illustrate their theories. In addition they made of Latin an idealized language, a kind of “second-order-” or metalanguage, and it was from the standpoint of this idealized language that all grammatical speculation and pedagogy were to be carried out. This is an attitude which has persisted up to the present day and one which has considerably influenced the teaching of grammar and foreign languages since the Middle Ages.
Island-Building in the South China Sea: Legality and Limits
Authors: DAVENPORT Tara
Published: February 2018

All the claimants in the South China Sea disputes have engaged in various degrees of island-building on many of the geographic features in the Spratly Islands. However, as noted by the Tribunal in the South China Sea Arbitration, none has been on the scale of Chinese island-building on the features which it occupies, which escalated after the Philippines initiated arbitral proceedings in 2013. While the most important aspect of the Award is that it clarified the extent of the respective maritime rights of China and the Philippines in the South China Sea, the Tribunal’s rulings on the reclamation and island-building activities of China are equally significant. To this end, this paper will examine the findings of the Tribunal on the legality of China’s island-building activities as well as legal constraints on such activities (if any). Last, it will explore the implications of these findings for the Southeast Asian claimants and island-building and fortification of the features that they occupy.
Arbitration of the Philippine Claim Against China
Authors: PINTO M.C.W.
Published: February 2018

This paper discusses the Tribunal’s decision to assume jurisdiction over the Philippine claim notwithstanding China’s publicly declared and law-based withholding of consent to the proceedings instituted by the Philippines. The Tribunal relied on its interpretation of China’s general commitment under Section 2 of Part XV (Settlement of Disputes) of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea,1 which was subjected to a Convention-authorized “exception” under Article 298 (China’s Declaration of 25 August 2006) that had selectively deprived any such proceeding of the essential element of China’s consent. The paper calls for inventive consideration of the methods available for resolving disputes, which might be seen currently as excessively influenced by procedures designed for resolving international trade disputes where only one party is a state.
The Erikson Psychosocial Stage Inventory in Adolescent	Samples
Authors: Dimitrova Radosveta , Hatano Kai , Sugimura Kazumi , Ferrer-Wreder Laura
Published: February 2018

Abstract. This study tested the factorial structure and equivalence of identity as measured by the Erikson Psychosocial Stage Inventory (EPSI; Rosenthal, Gurney, & Moore, 1981 ) in 2,666 adolescents ( Mage = 16.53, SD = 1.50, 55% girls) in the United States and Japan. The EPSI Identity Scale is a widely used measure of the Eriksonian conceptualization of personal identity (i.e., individual self-knowledge, synthesis, and consistency) and is measured with two factors: identity confusion and synthesis. A bi-factor model for the EPSI had a better fit than a single- and two-factor model. Moreover, the EPSI results showed configural and partial metric equivalence, but did not show scalar equivalence across samples. Future cross-national research with adolescents from the United States and Japan may investigate correlates between identity, as measured by the EPSI, with other measures of interest. However, group comparisons among these samples may be ill advised due to a lack of scalar equivalence.
Five Takeaways from Trump's Proposed Budget for NASA
Authors: Wendel JoAnna
Published: February 2018

Exploration and privatization dominate the president’s proposed budget for the space agency in the 2019 fiscal year, whereas a major cut to a flagship mission surprises scientists.
Altered TAOK2 activity causes autism-related neurodevelopmental and cognitive abnormalities through RhoA signaling
Authors: Richter Melanie , Murtaza Nadeem , Scharrenberg Robin , White Sean H. , Johanns Ole , Walker Susan , Yuen Ryan K. C. , Schwanke Birgit , Bedürftig Bianca , Henis Melad , Scharf Sarah , Kraus Vanessa , Dörk Ronja , Hellmann Jakob , Lindenmaier Zsuzsa , Ellegood Jacob , Hartung Henrike , Kwan Vickie , Sedlacik Jan , Fiehler Jens , Schweizer Michaela , Lerch Jason P. , Hanganu-Opatz Ileana L. , Morellini Fabio , Scherer Stephen W. , Singh Karun K. , Calderon de Anda Froylan
Published: February 2018

Atypical brain connectivity is a major contributor to the pathophysiology of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) including autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). TAOK2 is one of several genes in the 16p11.2 microdeletion region, but whether it contributes to NDDs is unknown. We performed behavioral analysis on Taok2 heterozygous (Het) and knockout (KO) mice and found gene dosage-dependent impairments in cognition, anxiety, and social interaction. Taok2 Het and KO mice also have dosage-dependent abnormalities in brain size and neural connectivity in multiple regions, deficits in cortical layering, dendrite and synapse formation, and reduced excitatory neurotransmission. Whole-genome and -exome sequencing of ASD families identified three de novo mutations in TAOK2 and functional analysis in mice and human cells revealed that all the mutations impair protein stability, but they differentially impact kinase activity, dendrite growth, and spine/synapse development. Mechanistically, loss of Taok2 activity causes a reduction in RhoA activation, and pharmacological enhancement of RhoA activity rescues synaptic phenotypes. Together, these data provide evidence that TAOK2 is a neurodevelopmental disorder risk gene and identify RhoA signaling as a mediator of TAOK2-dependent synaptic development.
Single-molecule theory of enzymatic inhibition
Authors: Robin Tal , Reuveni Shlomi , Urbakh Michael
Published: February 2018

The classical theory of enzymatic inhibition takes a deterministic, bulk based approach to quantitatively describe how inhibitors affect the progression of enzymatic reactions. Catalysis at the single-enzyme level is, however, inherently stochastic which could lead to strong deviations from classical predictions. To explore this, we take the single-enzyme perspective and rebuild the theory of enzymatic inhibition from the bottom up. We find that accounting for multi-conformational enzyme structure and intrinsic randomness should strongly change our view on the uncompetitive and mixed modes of inhibition. There, stochastic fluctuations at the single-enzyme level could make inhibitors act as activators; and we state—in terms of experimentally measurable quantities—a mathematical condition for the emergence of this surprising phenomenon. Our findings could explain why certain molecules that inhibit enzymatic activity when substrate concentrations are high, elicit a non-monotonic dose response when substrate concentrations are low.
Genetic contribution to ‘theory of mind’ in adolescence
Authors: Warrier Varun , Baron-Cohen Simon
Published: February 2018

Difficulties in ‘theory of mind’ (the ability to attribute mental states to oneself or others, and to make predictions about another’s behaviour based on these attributions) have been observed in several psychiatric conditions. We investigate the genetic architecture of theory of mind in 4,577 13-year-olds who completed the Emotional Triangles Task (Triangles Task), a first-order test of theory of mind. We observe a small but significant female-advantage on the Triangles Task (Cohen’s d = 0.19, P < 0.01), in keeping with previous work using other tests of theory of mind. Genome-wide association analyses did not identify any significant loci, and SNP heritability was non-significant. Polygenic scores for six psychiatric conditions (ADHD, anorexia, autism, bipolar disorder, depression, and schizophrenia), and empathy were not associated with scores on the Triangles Task. However, polygenic scores of cognitive aptitude, and cognitive empathy, a term synonymous with theory of mind and measured using the “Reading the Mind in the Eyes” Test, were significantly associated with scores on the Triangles Task at multiple P-value thresholds, suggesting shared genetics between different measures of theory of mind and cognition.
The EphA2 receptor is activated through induction of distinct, ligand-dependent oligomeric structures
Authors: Singh Deo R. , Kanvinde Pranjali , King Christopher , Pasquale Elena B. , Hristova Kalina
Published: February 2018

The EphA2 receptor tyrosine kinase is capable of activating multiple diverse signaling pathways with roles in processes such as tissue homeostasis and cancer. EphA2 is known to form activated oligomers in the presence of ephrin-A ligands. Here, we characterize the lateral interactions between full-length EphA2 molecules in the plasma membrane in the presence of three types of ligands (dimeric ephrinA1-Fc, monomeric ephrinA1, and an engineered peptide ligand) as well as in the absence of ligand, using a quantitative FRET technique. The data show that EphA2 forms higher-order oligomers and two different types of dimers that all lead to increased EphA2 tyrosine phosphorylation, which is indicative of increased kinase-dependent signaling. We find that different ligands stabilize conformationally distinct oligomers that are assembled through two different interfaces. Our results suggest that these different oligomeric assemblies could have distinct signaling properties, contributing to the diverse activities of the EphA2 receptor.
Correction: Corrigendum: Dynamics of supersonic microparticle impact on elastomers revealed by real–time multi–frame imaging
Authors: Veysset David , Hsieh Alex J. , Kooi Steven , Maznev Alexei A. , Masser Kevin A. , Nelson Keith A.
Published: February 2018

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 25577; published online: 09 May 2016; updated: 16 February 2018 This Article contains a typographical error in the legend of Figure 2: “The vertical scale bars are 20 μm.” should read: “The vertical scale bars are 24 μm.” The calculations and results were unaffected by this error.
A self-template synthesis of defect-rich WS2 as a highly efficient electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Ling Ying , Yang Zehui , Zhang Quan , Zhang Yunfeng , Cai Weiwei , Cheng Hansong
Published: February 2018

Defect-rich WS2 nanosheets prepared via a self-template method exhibit boosted hydrogen evolution reaction activity.
A fluorescent microporous crystalline dendrimer discriminates vapour molecules
Authors: Nakajima Sae , Albrecht Ken , Kushida Soh , Nishibori Eiji , Kitao Takashi , Uemura Takashi , Yamamoto Kimihisa , Bunz Uwe H. F. , Yamamoto Yohei
Published: February 2018

The surprising crystalline self-assembly of a conjugated dendrimer with exciting optical and sensing properties.
Cadmium sulfide as an efficient electron transport material for inverted planar perovskite solar cells
Authors: Jia Jinbiao , Wu Jihuai , Dong Jia , Fan Leqing , Huang Miaoliang , Lin Jianming , Lan Zhang
Published: February 2018

Dispersible cadmium sulfide (CdS) nanoparticles are synthesized by a facile solvothermal reaction and are used for the first time as an electron transport layer (ETL) in inverted planar perovskite solar cells.
Fabrication of [Cu2(bdc)2(bpy)]n thin films using coordination modulation-assisted layer-by-layer growth
Authors: Khajavian Ruhollah , Ghani Kamal
Published: February 2018

We take the advantage of the layer-by-layer process to adapt it to the coordination modulation method to fabricate highly oriented [Cu2(bdc)2(bpy)]n films.
Nucleation layer design for growth of a high-quality AlN epitaxial film on a Si(111) substrate
Authors: Li Yuan , Wang Wenliang , Li Xiaochan , Huang Liegen , Zheng Yulin , Chen Xiwu , Li Guoqiang
Published: February 2018

A high-quality AlN epitaxial film has been grown on a Si(111) substrate by metal–organic chemical vapor deposition through designing the AlN nucleation layer.
Molecular dynamics simulation on the mechanical properties of natural-rubber-graft-rigid-polymer/rigid-polymer systems
Authors: Wei Meng , Xu Pengxiang , Yuan Yizhong , Tian Xiaohui , Sun Jinyu , Lin Jiaping
Published: February 2018

Explanation of the experimental phenomenon of modified natural-rubber using a MD method.