bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Field capture, chemical immobilization, and morphometrics of a little‐studied South American carnivore, the lesser grison
Authors: Luengos Vidal Estela M. , Castillo Diego F. , Caruso Nicolas C. , Casanave Emma B. , Lucherini Mauro
Published: May 2016

We assessed chemical immobilization and success of trapping devices on a little‐known South American mustelid, the lesser grison (Galictis cuja). From December 1998 to June 2006, we live‐trapped (n = 23) and radiomarked (n = 9) free‐ranging lesser grisons in 2 areas of the Pampas grasslands of Argentina. Both box‐traps and rubber‐padded leg‐hold traps allowed us to capture lesser grisons. However, leg‐hold traps had greater capture efficiency. Although the liberation time was longer with tiletamine–zolazepam than ketamine–xylazine, field immobilization of lesser grisons with both drug combinations was effective and safe. The high frequency of thermal regulation problems suggests that body temperatures of chemically restrained lesser grisons should be routinely monitored. Neither collars nor backpack harnesses were effective methods for attachment of radiotransmitters. Trapped individuals showed male‐skewed sexual size dimorphism and sex ratio. Capture times suggest that lesser grisons are largely diurnal. Most of the data presented in this study are the first published on the lesser grison and provide baseline information for future research and conservation. © 2016 The Wildlife Society.
Do 3D Printing Models Improve Anatomical Teaching About Hepatic Segments to Medical Students? A Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Kong Xiangxue , Nie Lanying , Zhang Huijian , Wang Zhanglin , Ye Qiang , Tang Lei , Huang Wenhua , Li Jianyi
Published: May 2016

Background

It is a difficult and frustrating task for young surgeons and medical students to understand the anatomy of hepatic segments. We tried to develop an optimal 3D printing model of hepatic segments as a teaching aid to improve the teaching of hepatic segments.

Methods

A fresh human cadaveric liver without hepatic disease was CT scanned. After 3D reconstruction, three types of 3D computer models of hepatic structures were designed and 3D printed as models of hepatic segments without parenchyma (type 1) and with transparent parenchyma (type 2), and hepatic ducts with segmental partitions (type 3). These models were evaluated by six experts using a five‐point Likert scale. Ninety two medical freshmen were randomized into four groups to learn hepatic segments with the aid of the three types of models and traditional anatomic atlas (TAA). Their results of two quizzes were compared to evaluate the teaching effects of the four methods.

Results

Three types of models were successful produced which displayed the structures of hepatic segments. By experts’ evaluation, type 3 model was better than type 1 and 2 models in anatomical condition, type 2 and 3 models were better than type 1 model in tactility, and type 3 model was better than type 1 model in overall satisfaction (P < 0.05). The first quiz revealed that type 1 model was better than type 2 model and TAA, while type 3 model was better than type 2 and TAA in teaching effects (P < 0.05). The second quiz found that type 1 model was better than TAA, while type 3 model was better than type 2 model and TAA regarding teaching effects (P < 0.05). Only TAA group had significant declines between two quizzes (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The model with segmental partitions proves to be optimal, because it can best improve anatomical teaching about hepatic segments.
30 Years of Robotic Surgery
Authors: Leal Ghezzi Tiago , Campos Corleta Oly
Published: May 2016

The idea of reproducing himself with the use of a mechanical robot structure has been in man’s imagination in the last 3000 years. However, the use of robots in medicine has only 30 years of history. The application of robots in surgery originates from the need of modern man to achieve two goals: the telepresence and the performance of repetitive and accurate tasks. The first “robot surgeon” used on a human patient was the PUMA 200 in 1985. In the 1990s, scientists developed the concept of “master–slave” robot, which consisted of a robot with remote manipulators controlled by a surgeon at a surgical workstation. Despite the lack of force and tactile feedback, technical advantages of robotic surgery, such as 3D vision, stable and magnified image, EndoWrist instruments, physiologic tremor filtering, and motion scaling, have been considered fundamental to overcome many of the limitations of the laparoscopic surgery. Since the approval of the da Vinci® robot by international agencies, American, European, and Asian surgeons have proved its factibility and safety for the performance of many different robot‐assisted surgeries. Comparative studies of robotic and laparoscopic surgical procedures in general surgery have shown similar results with regard to perioperative, oncological, and functional outcomes. However, higher costs and lack of haptic feedback represent the major limitations of current robotic technology to become the standard technique of minimally invasive surgery worldwide. Therefore, the future of robotic surgery involves cost reduction, development of new platforms and technologies, creation and validation of curriculum and virtual simulators, and conduction of randomized clinical trials to determine the best applications of robotics.
Approaches to Teaching Race in Elementary Social Studies: A Case Study of Preservice Teachers
Authors: Martell Christopher C.
Published: May 2016

This interpretative case study examined the beliefs and practices of eight preservice elementary teachers as they learned to teach race in social studies. Using critical race theory as the lens, the researcher analyzed interview, observation, classroom artifact, and teacher preparation course data. The results showed that there was a division between those teachers who saw their role as working against racial prejudice (tolerance-oriented) and those who were working against racial inequity (equity-oriented). In practice, the teachers used three approaches to race-related topics in their classroom: avoiding, diminishing, and embracing. Furthermore, the teachers expressed the importance of courses on urban education, social studies methods, and student teaching in preparing them to teach about race. This study highlights the need for increased attention to teaching about race in teacher preparation programs.
Associated factors in Streptococcus bovis bacteremia and colorectal cancer
Authors: Tsai Cheng‐En , Chiu Cheng‐Tang , Rayner Christopher K. , Wu Keng‐Liang , Chiu Yi‐Chun , Hu Ming‐Luen , Chuah Seng‐Kee , Tai Wei‐Chen , Liang Chih‐Ming , Wang Hsin‐Ming
Published: May 2016

Reports suggest that between 25% and 80% of patients with Streptococcus bovis/gallolyticus bacteremia have concomitant colorectal tumors. This retrospective study was aimed to identify associations between clinical characteristics and a finding of colorectal neoplasm in patients with S. bovis bacteremia who had colonoscopy examination. We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients with S. bovis bacteremia from Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, between January 2004 and January 2014. Clinical data including age, sex, comorbidities, blood culture, and colonoscopy findings were collected and their relationship to a finding of colorectal cancer was examined. A total of 107 patients with S. bovis bacteremia were identified, of whom 49 (72% male; age 65 ± 12 years) were investigated with colonoscopy; 15 of these patients (30.6%) had colorectal adenocarcinoma. Female sex (p = 0.014) and a history of noncolorectal malignancy (p = 0.004) were associated with a finding of colorectal adenocarcinoma. There were no associations with age, percentage of blood cultures, or the presence of diabetes mellitus, chronic liver disease, heart disease, or end‐stage renal disease. Our results show that S. bovis bacteremia is associated with the presence of colorectal adenocarcinoma, especially in female patients, and concomitant existence of other malignancies.
Adaptive mesh refinement versus subgrid friction interpolation in simulations of Antarctic ice dynamics
Authors: Cornford S. L. , Martin D. F. , Lee V. , Payne A. J. , Ng E. G.
Published: May 2016

At least in conventional hydrostatic ice-sheet models, the numerical error associated with grounding line dynamics can be reduced by modifications to the discretization scheme. These involve altering the integration formulae for the basal traction and/or driving stress close to the grounding line and exhibit lower – if still first-order – error in the MISMIP3d experiments. MISMIP3d may not represent the variety of real ice streams, in that it lacks strong lateral stresses, and imposes a large basal traction at the grounding line. We study resolution sensitivity in the context of extreme forcing simulations of the entire Antarctic ice sheet, using the BISICLES adaptive mesh ice-sheet model with two schemes: the original treatment, and a scheme, which modifies the discretization of the basal traction. The second scheme does indeed improve accuracy – by around a factor of two – for a given mesh spacing, but $\lesssim 1$ km resolution is still necessary. For example, in coarser resolution simulations Thwaites Glacier retreats so slowly that other ice streams divert its trunk. In contrast, with $\lesssim 1$ km meshes, the same glacier retreats far more quickly and triggers the final phase of West Antarctic collapse a century before any such diversion can take place.
LONGEVITY VARIATIONS AND THE WELFARE STATE
Authors: Pestieau Pierre , Ponthiere Gregory
Published: May 2016

Life expectancy at birth has more than doubled in Europe since the early 19th century. This demographic trend constitutes a major victory against scarcity, but raises also deep challenges to the Welfare State, concerning the sustainability and the equity of the social protection system. This paper surveys recent developments in the economic analysis of longevity, both at the positive and the normative levels. Taking mortality risks into account is shown to affect the study of the life cycle model significantly, in particular concerning the strength of life horizon effects. It raises also, at the level of normative foundations for policy-making, a dilemma between ex ante and ex post valuations. Finally, we explore the design of policy reforms under varying longevity, in fields including preventive and curative policies, education, pension, and wealth taxation.
GENDER GAPS IN COMPLETED FERTILITY
Authors: Field Erica , Molitor Vera , Schoonbroodt Alice , Tertilt Michèle
Published: May 2016

The most common measure of reproductive behavior is the total fertility rate, which measures children born per woman. However, little work exists measuring male fertility behavior. We use survey data from several waves of the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) in eight Sub-Saharan African countries. We document several interesting differences in fertility outcomes of men and women. First, comparing completed fertility by birth cohorts, we find that on average men have more children than women in seven out of eight countries we consider. The gaps are large – reaching up to 4.6 children in Burkina Faso. Positive gaps are possible when populations are growing and men father children with younger women. Such a situation often coincides with polygyny. Indeed, we find that the fertility gap is positively related to the degree of polygyny. Second, we find a lower variance in completed fertility rates for women than for men, especially in high polygyny countries. Third, we find that differences in the desire to have children can largely be explained by differences in realized fertility. Finally, we find that for men, the demographic transition started earlier and was steeper than for women. These novel facts are useful when building theories of fertility behavior.
Quantifying volume loss from ice cliffs on debris-covered glaciers using high-resolution terrestrial and aerial photogrammetry
Authors: BRUN FANNY , BURI PASCAL , MILES EVAN S. , WAGNON PATRICK , STEINER JAKOB , BERTHIER ETIENNE , RAGETTLI SILVAN , KRAAIJENBRINK PHILIP , IMMERZEEL WALTER W. , PELLICCIOTTI FRANCESCA
Published: May 2016

Mass losses originating from supraglacial ice cliffs at the lower tongues of debris-covered glaciers are a potentially large component of the mass balance, but have rarely been quantified. In this study, we develop a method to estimate ice cliff volume losses based on high-resolution topographic data derived from terrestrial and aerial photogrammetry. We apply our method to six cliffs monitored in May and October 2013 and 2014 using four different topographic datasets collected over the debris-covered Lirung Glacier of the Nepalese Himalayas. During the monsoon, the cliff mean backwasting rate was relatively consistent in 2013 (3.8 ± 0.3 cm w.e. d−1) and more heterogeneous among cliffs in 2014 (3.1 ± 0.7 cm w.e. d−1), and the geometric variations between cliffs are larger. Their mean backwasting rate is significantly lower in winter (October 2013–May 2014), at 1.0 ± 0.3 cm w.e. d−1. These results are consistent with estimates of cliff ablation from an energy-balance model developed in a previous study. The ice cliffs lose mass at rates six times higher than estimates of glacier-wide melt under debris, which seems to confirm that ice cliffs provide a large contribution to total glacier melt.
TWISTED GALOIS STRATIFICATION
Authors: TOMAŠIĆ IVAN
Published: May 2016

We prove a direct image theorem stating that the direct image of a Galois formula by a morphism of difference schemes is equivalent to a Galois formula over fields with powers of Frobenius. As a consequence, we obtain an effective quantifier elimination procedure and a precise algebraic–geometric description of definable sets over fields with Frobenii in terms of twisted Galois formulas associated with finite Galois covers of difference schemes.
Trou du Renard and the Belgian Aurignacian
Authors: Dinnis Rob , Flas Damien
Published: May 2016

A wealth of cave sites makes southern Belgium the most important area for understanding the north-western European Early Upper Palaeolithic. However, despite their abundance, the interpretation of many assemblages remains problematic. Here we present a new study of lithic material from layer B of Trou du Renard (Furfooz, Namur Province) and consider its place in the Belgian Aurignacian. The assemblage is typical of Late Aurignacian assemblages found across western Europe, underscoring the contrast between the Aurignacian and the periods that pre- and post-date it, when we instead see profound differences between north and south. The assemblage is apparently unmixed, distinguishing Trou du Renard from other key Belgian Aurignacian cave sites. A large proportion of the site’s lithic assemblage documents the production of small bladelets from carinated/busquéburin cores, suggesting that Trou du Renard served as a short-term hunting camp. Radiocarbon dating cannot pinpoint the assemblage’s age, though here it is argued to be c. 32–33,000bp(c. 36–37,000 calbp) on the basis of its similarity to the well-dated Aurignacian assemblage from Maisières Canal (Atelier de Taille de la Berge Nord-Estarea). For the same reason a third assemblage – Trou Walou layer CI-1 – is also argued to be contemporaneous. Trou du Renard, Maisières Canal and Trou Walou may represent three points in the same Late Aurignacian landscape. Differences between their lithic assemblages can be explained by the acquisition and transport of flint, and by a desire to produce small bladelets of highly standardised form irrespective of the size and shape of available blanks.
Molecular genetics of thyroid cancer
Authors: REBAЇ MAHA , REBAЇ AHMED
Published: May 2016

The pathogenesis of the development and progression of thyroid cancer (TC) is far from being clear at present. Accumulated evidence suggests that it is a complex polygenic disorder for which genetic factors play an important role in disease aetiology. Here we review the literature to report the genetic variations and alterations that have been described in the aetiology of TC. The functional effects of some mutations and single nucleotide polymorphisms on TC are validated, establishing the role of sequence variations in this cancer. However, large prospective studies are still required to evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic value of these genetic determinants in clinical practice.
Ethnic associations in Katanga province, the Democratic Republic of Congo: multi-tier system, shifting identities and the relativity of autochthony
Authors: Gobbers Erik
Published: May 2016

This article unravels the world of ethnic associations in Katanga that emerged as a result of rural–urban migration. These associations constitute a multi-tier system reflecting ethnic, provincial and national identity levels. Primarily meant to organise mutual aid and foster cultural values, they have behaved as interest groups since democracy was re-established in the 1990s. Representing ethnic communities, they try to influence the distribution of spoils through lobbying activities, emphasising the right of ‘autochthons’ to be prioritised regarding employment and development. Political and socio-economic changes trigger identity shifts and ethnic associations adapt by inventing alternative ‘autochthony’/‘allochthony’ dichotomies, causing friction between communities. The multi-tier system provides forums where ethnic differences can be negotiated and ethnic communities can integrate. In its current manner of functioning it is only effective at mitigating acute crises. In order to resolve more complex political issues, it would benefit from a preventive approach within a permanent framework of consultation between associations and authorities.
A non-commercial approach for the generation of transgenicLeishmania tarentolaeand its application in antileishmanial drug discovery
Authors: PINEDA TATIANA , VALENCIA YESENIA , FLÓREZ MARÍA F. , PULIDO SERGIO A. , VÉLEZ IVÁN D. , ROBLEDO SARA M.
Published: May 2016

Leishmaniasis is a parasitic infection caused by several species of the genusLeishmaniathat is considered as a neglected disease. Drug development process requires a robust and updated high-throughput technology to the evaluation of candidate compounds that imply the manipulation of the pathogenic species of the parasite in the laboratory. Therefore, it is restricted to trained personal and level II biosafety environments. However, it has been established the utility ofLeishmania tarentolaeas a model forin vitroscreening of antileishmanial agents without the necessity of level II biosafety setups. In parallel the transfection ofLeishmaniaparasites with reporter genes as the eGFP using non-commercial integration vectors like the pIRmcs3(−) has proved to be a powerful tool for the implementation of semi automatized high-throughput platforms for the evaluation of antileishmanial compounds. Here we report the generation of a newL. tarentolaestrain overexpressing the eGFP gene harboured by the non-commercial vector pIR3(−). We also demonstrate its utility for the semi-automatized screening of antileshmanial compounds in intracellular forms of theL. tarentolaeparasite.
Diversifying forest communities may change Lyme disease risk: extra dimension to the dilution effect in Europe
Authors: RUYTS SANNE C. , AMPOORTER EVY , COIPAN ELENA C. , BAETEN LANDER , HEYLEN DIETER , SPRONG HEIN , MATTHYSEN ERIK , VERHEYEN KRIS
Published: May 2016

Lyme disease is caused by bacteria of theBorrelia burgdorferigenospecies complex and transmitted by Ixodid ticks. In North America only one pathogenic genospecies occurs, in Europe there are several. According to the dilution effect hypothesis (DEH), formulated in North America, nymphal infection prevalence (NIP) decreases with increasing host diversity since host species differ in transmission potential. We analysedBorreliainfection in nymphs from 94 forest stands in Belgium, which are part of a diversification gradient with a supposedly related increasing host diversity: from pine stands without to oak stands with a shrub layer. We expected changing tree species and forest structure to increase host diversity and decrease NIP. In contrast with the DEH, NIP did not differ between different forest types. Genospecies diversity however, and presumably also host diversity, was higher in oak than in pine stands. Infected nymphs tended to harbourBorrelia afzeliiinfection more often in pine stands whileBorrelia gariniiandBorrelia burgdorferiss. infection appeared to be more prevalent in oak stands. This has important health consequences, since the latter two cause more severe disease manifestations. We show that the DEH must be nuanced for Europe and should consider the response of multiple pathogenic genospecies.
Critical review evaluating the pig as a model for human nutritional physiology
Authors: Roura Eugeni , Koopmans Sietse-Jan , Lallès Jean-Paul , Le Huerou-Luron Isabelle , de Jager Nadia , Schuurman Teun , Val-Laillet David
Published: May 2016

The present review examines the pig as a model for physiological studies in human subjects related to nutrient sensing, appetite regulation, gut barrier function, intestinal microbiota and nutritional neuroscience. The nutrient-sensing mechanisms regarding acids (sour), carbohydrates (sweet), glutamic acid (umami) and fatty acids are conserved between humans and pigs. In contrast, pigs show limited perception of high-intensity sweeteners and NaCl and sense a wider array of amino acids than humans. Differences on bitter taste may reflect the adaptation to ecosystems. In relation to appetite regulation, plasma concentrations of cholecystokinin and glucagon-like peptide-1 are similar in pigs and humans, while peptide YY in pigs is ten to twenty times higher and ghrelin two to five times lower than in humans. Pigs are an excellent model for human studies for vagal nerve function related to the hormonal regulation of food intake. Similarly, the study of gut barrier functions reveals conserved defence mechanisms between the two species particularly in functional permeability. However, human data are scant for some of the defence systems and nutritional programming. The pig model has been valuable for studying the changes in human microbiota following nutritional interventions. In particular, the use of human flora-associated pigs is a useful model for infants, but the long-term stability of the implanted human microbiota in pigs remains to be investigated. The similarity of the pig and human brain anatomy and development is paradigmatic. Brain explorations and therapies described in pig, when compared with available human data, highlight their value in nutritional neuroscience, particularly regarding functional neuroimaging techniques.
The original Operation Twist: the War Finance Corporation's war bond purchases, 1918–1920
Authors: Butkiewicz James L. , Solcan Mihaela
Published: May 2016

In 1918 the United States Treasury delegated to the War Finance Corporation, a newly created off-budget federal agency, the task of buying Liberty bonds and later Victory notes in an effort to stabilize prices. Bayesian vector autoregression analysis of the security purchases indicates that the WFC purchases provided statistically significant price support, and marginally lowered bond yields while the program operated. Once WFC purchases ended, war bond yields increased substantially. Between bond issues, the Treasury financed its operations, including security purchases from the WFC, by issuing short-term debt, which affected the money market interest rate. The WFC's bond purchases are found to have a positive and significant impact on the call loan rate. Thus the WFC's bond purchases twisted the yield curve.
Development of the Spanish Healthy Food Reference Budget for an adequate social participation at the minimum
Authors: Carrillo Álvarez Elena , Cussó-Parcerisas Irene , Riera-Romaní Jordi
Published: May 2016

Objective

It has been observed that diet quality and food choices vary depending on socio-economic status (SES), especially when measured through income and educational level. Although the reasons behind these differences are multiple, diet cost is a critical determinant in those groups that spend a higher proportion of their budget on food. Reference budgets are priced baskets containing the minimum goods and services necessary for well-described types of families to have an adequate social participation. In the current paper we describe the development and content of the Spanish Healthy Food Basket (SHFB).

Design

National dietary guidelines were translated into monthly food baskets. Next, these baskets were validated in terms of acceptability and feasibility through focus group discussions, and finally they were priced.

Setting

The focus group discussions and the pricing were performed in Barcelona, Spain.

Subjects

Twenty adults aged 30–50 years from different SES backgrounds and their children aged 2–22 years participated in three discussion groups.

Results

The SHFB complies with the dietary recommendations for the Spanish population. The monthly cost of this basket ranges from 131·63 € to 573·80 € depending on the type of family.

Conclusions

The SHFB does not have the purpose of prescribing what people should eat, but of estimating a minimum budget threshold below which healthy eating is not possible for well-described types of families. Thus, the SHFB is an educative guide on how to plan a healthy food budget and orient policies designed to guarantee food access and reduce SES inequalities.
Focusing the debate on the humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons: An Indian perspective
Authors: Nayan Rajiv
Published: May 2016

The participation of nuclear India in the humanitarian impact of nuclear weapons conferences has generated curiosity in the global community. The world is bewildered to know that India simultaneously possesses nuclear weapons and participates in the humanitarian impact initiative. Even observers of the humanitarian impact movement often wonder what contribution India makes to the movement. Some historical insight into India's nuclear policy solves the puzzle. The humanitarian impact aspect of the nuclear debate has been an ingredient in India's policy because of India's strategic culture. The components of the Humanitarian Pledge are echoed in India's nuclear policy, and India maintains that a world without nuclear weapons will be more secure.
Creating Career Paths for African-American Students in Geosciences
Authors: Liebermann Robert , Ehm Lars , Gwanmesia Gabriel
Published: May 2016

A new initiative teaches marketable skills, engages students in research projects at Brookhaven National Laboratory, and fosters professional career tracks of underrepresented minorities.
Teaching Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder How to Sleep Better: A Pilot Educational Program for Parents
Authors: Malow Beth A. , MacDonald Lydia L. , Fawkes Diane B. , Alder Megan L. , Katz Terry
Published: May 2016

While many factors contribute to sleep difficulties in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), behavioral sleep education is often effective. However, providing families with the educational tools and the support they need to help their children sleep can be challenging given limited access to care. We piloted the use of a 5-week home sleep education program in 10 parents of children with ASD, ages 3–9 years. Parents read a sleep education manual (extracted from a book on sleep and ASD) and then implemented the suggested strategies with their children. The Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire, the Family Inventory of Sleep Habits, and actigraphy were completed prior to and after the intervention. Parents also completed a postintervention interview to assess understanding and comfort with implementation. Of 8 completers, 6 children showed improvement in sleep patterns, which included bedtime resistance, time to fall asleep, night wakings, and cosleeping. Actigraphy data showed improvements in sleep latency (time to fall asleep) for most of the children. Two children were able to discontinue supplemental melatonin. All parents reported good to excellent understanding of the manual and reported high comfort levels with implementation. Our pilot findings suggest that some parents can learn effective strategies for promoting sleep and teach them to their children with ASD without the guidance of a trained educator.
A Brief Behavioral Intervention for Insomnia in Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Loring Whitney A. , Johnston Rebecca , Gray Laura , Goldman Suzanne , Malow Beth
Published: May 2016

Behavioral sleep education has shown promise in young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but has received much less study in adolescents with ASD. We conducted a pilot study of a brief sleep intervention delivered to 18 adolescents, ages 11–18 years, and their parents. Adolescents had sleep onset delay, night wakings, or both. Actigraphy and parent and adolescent questionnaires were collected at baseline and 1 month after treatment. Sleep education, delivered in a 2-session format, was associated with improved sleep onset delay and sleep efficiency in adolescents with ASD as measured by actigraphy a month after the intervention. Parent and adolescent questionnaires also indicated improvements in other sleep parameters and sleep hygiene during that time period. Half of the sample was available for follow-up 3 months after completion of the study and, based on verbal parent and/or adolescent report, gains were maintained for those participants. Parents reported high satisfaction with the program and were able to implement recommendations discussed in the sessions at a high rate of understanding and comfort level. This brief behavioral sleep education program shows promising results in improving sleep hygiene and sleep onset latency for adolescents with ASD.
Managing Sleep or Managing Pain: A Case Report Detailing a Sleep Intervention in a Patient With Comorbid Pain
Authors: Knight Rachel , Sevecke Jessica , Hassan Fauziya , Dore-Stites Dawn
Published: May 2016

Pain and sleep exhibit a bidirectional relationship, leading to questions about how to prioritize treatment targets. This article illustrates the efficacy of a sleep intervention on functional outcomes for an adolescent with disrupted sleep patterns, chronic migraines, and a complex psychological and social history. Baseline data indicated that the patient’s sleep duration was well below recommendations for adolescents. Migraine headache, as well as fatigue secondary to sleep issues, resulted in missing 1–2 days of school per week. Ferritin evaluation and history of sleep irregularity warranted iron supplementation and actigraphy. Actigraphy data confirmed delayed sleep wake phase disorder (DSWPD), and chronotherapy was initiated. After the initial active chronotherapy phase, the patient maintained a regular sleep schedule and school attendance improved. Preexisting mental health issues remained, but symptoms were described as more manageable. After approximately 5 weeks in the maintenance phase of chronotherapy, drift to increased sleep onset latency was observed. Additional actigraphy data were collected during the maintenance phase, which supported an ongoing need for follow-up through the clinic, including use of other behavioral sleep interventions. This case study illustrates the efficacy of a sleep intervention (chronotherapy) on improving sleep regularity and daily functioning for an adolescent with DSWPD and chronic migraine pain. It also highlights the difficulty implementing this intervention over time, warranting the need for routine follow-up. Future research should focus on how to prioritize treatment targets in patients with comorbid pain conditions and sleep disruptions.
Characterization of pediatric Philadelphia-negative B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia with kinase fusions in Japan
Authors: Imamura T , Kiyokawa N , Kato M , Imai C , Okamoto Y , Yano M , Ohki K , Yamashita Y , Kodama Y , Saito A , Mori M , Ishimaru S , Deguchi T , Hashii Y , Shimomura Y , Hori T , Kato K , Goto H , Ogawa C , Koh K , Taki T , Manabe A , Sato A , Kikuta A , Adachi S , Horibe K , Ohara A , Watanabe A , Kawano Y , Ishii E , Shimada H
Published: May 2016

Recent studies revealed that a substantial proportion of patients with high-risk B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP-ALL) harbor fusions involving tyrosine kinase and cytokine receptors, such as ABL1, PDGFRB, JAK2 and CRLF2, which are targeted by tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). In the present study, transcriptome analysis or multiplex reverse transcriptase–PCR analysis of 373 BCP-ALL patients without recurrent genetic abnormalities identified 29 patients with kinase fusions. Clinically, male predominance (male/female: 22/7), older age at onset (mean age at onset: 8.8 years) and a high white blood cell count at diagnosis (mean: 94 200/μl) reflected the predominance of National Cancer Institute high-risk (NCI-HR) patients (NCI-standard risk/HR: 8/21). Genetic analysis identified three patients with ABL1 rearrangements, eight with PDGFRB rearrangements, two with JAK2 rearrangements, three with IgH-EPOR and one with NCOR1-LYN. Of the 14 patients with CRLF2 rearrangements, two harbored IgH-EPOR and PDGFRB rearrangements. IKZF1 deletion was present in 16 of the 22 patients. The 5-year event-free and overall survival rates were 48.6±9.7% and 73.5±8.6%, respectively. The outcome was not satisfactory without sophisticated minimal residual disease-based stratification. Furthermore, the efficacy of TKIs combined with conventional chemotherapy without allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in this cohort should be determined.
Short-course R-CHOP followed by 90Y-Ibritumomab tiuxetan in previously untreated high-risk elderly diffuse large B-cell lymphoma patients: 7-year long-term results
Authors: Stefoni V , Casadei B , Bottelli C , Gaidano G , Ciochetto C , Cabras M G , Ansuinelli M , Argnani L , Broccoli A , Gandolfi L , Pellegrini C , Zinzani P L
Published: May 2016

An update at 7 years was conceived for our multicenter phase II study in which 55 elderly high-risk untreated diffuse large B-cell lymphoma patients were treated with 90Y-ibritumomab tiuxetan after a short course of rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisolone (R-CHOP) as long-term follow-up analyses of this combined therapeutic modality are lacking. The overall response rate to the entire regimen was 80%, including 73% (40/55) of complete response (CR) rate and 7% (4/55) of partial response rate. At the time of writing, 24/55 (43.6%) patients experienced a progression disease and 20 of 40 (50%) patients who obtained a CR are still alive in continuous CR. With a median follow-up of 7 years, the disease-free survival was 43.3% and the progression-free survival was 36.1%. The overall survival at 7.9 years was 38.9% (27 deaths mainly because of lymphoma). Two patients developed secondary hematological malignancies, an acute myeloid leukemia and a myelodysplastic syndrome, at 4 and 3 years from radioimmunotherapy, respectively. Our data confirm the feasibility, efficacy and safety of four cycles of R-CHOP followed by radioimmunotherapy consolidation even in the long term: this combination allows dispensing less chemotherapy in a frail group of patients without invalidating response quality and duration.
Neural regulation of cancer: from mechanobiology to inflammation
Authors: Kim Tae‐Hyung , Rowat Amy C , Sloan Erica K
Published: May 2016

Despite recent progress in cancer research, the exact nature of malignant transformation and its progression is still not fully understood. Particularly metastasis, which accounts for most cancer death, is a very complex process, and new treatment strategies require a more comprehensive understanding of underlying regulatory mechanisms. Recently, the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) has been implicated in cancer progression and beta‐blockers have been identified as a novel strategy to limit metastasis. This review discusses evidence that SNS signaling regulates metastasis by modulating the physical characteristics of tumor cells, tumor‐associated immune cells and the extracellular matrix (ECM). Altered mechanotype is an emerging hallmark of cancer cells that is linked to invasive phenotype and treatment resistance. Mechanotype also influences crosstalk between tumor cells and their environment, and may thus have a critical role in cancer progression. First, we discuss how neural signaling regulates metastasis and how SNS signaling regulates both biochemical and mechanical properties of tumor cells, immune cells and the ECM. We then review our current knowledge of the mechanobiology of cancer with a focus on metastasis. Next, we discuss links between SNS activity and tumor‐associated inflammation, the mechanical properties of immune cells, and how the physical properties of the ECM regulate cancer and metastasis. Finally, we discuss the potential for clinical translation of our knowledge of cancer mechanobiology to improve diagnosis and treatment.
Targeted therapeutics in SLE: emerging strategies to modulate the interferon pathway
Authors: Oon Shereen , Wilson Nicholas J , Wicks Ian
Published: May 2016

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a prototypic autoimmune disease characterized by impaired immune tolerance, resulting in the generation of pathogenic autoantibodies and immune complexes. Although autoreactive B lymphocytes have been the first targets for biologic therapies in SLE, the importance of the innate immune system, and in particular, pathways involved in interferon (IFN) signaling, has emerged. There are now data supporting a central role for a plasmacytoid dendritic cell‐derived type I IFN pathway in SLE, with a number of biologic therapeutics and small‐molecule inhibitors undergoing clinical trials. Monoclonal antibodies targeting IFN‐α have completed phase II clinical trials, and an antibody against the type I IFN receptor is entering a phase III trial. However, other IFNs, such as IFN gamma, and the more recently discovered type III IFNs, are also emerging as targets in SLE; and blockade of upstream components of the IFN signaling pathway may enable inhibition of more than one IFN subtype. In this review, we discuss the current understanding of IFNs in SLE, focusing on emerging therapies.
Epstein–Barr virus dynamics in asymptomatic immunocompetent adults: an intensive 6‐month study
Authors: Johnson Kristin H , Webb Chiu‐Ho , Schmeling David O , Brundage Richard C , Balfour Henry H
Published: May 2016

Characterizing Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) dynamics in asymptomatic immunocompetent persons provides a baseline for defining quantitative thresholds associated with EBV disease. Studying latent membrane protein (LMP)‐1 sequence variation over time could establish the rates of reactivation and superinfection, and also trace transmission. Twelve asymptomatic adult subjects were evaluated prospectively nine times over 6 months. EBV serum antibodies were measured by enzyme immunoassay. EBV DNA in oral and whole‐blood samples was quantitated by real‐time (TaqMan) PCR and analyzed for LMP‐1 sequence variability. All 11 antibody positive subjects had EBV DNA detected in their oral compartment at least once during the 6‐month study. The quantities ranged from 1.70 to 4.91 log10 copies EBV per ml of oral cell pellet. One subject was continuously viremic for 79 days. Overall, EBV DNA was detected in 63 (24%) of 260 samples from 11 antibody‐positive subjects and in 0/27 samples from an antibody‐negative subject. The quantities in positive samples ranged from 1.7 to 4.9 log10 copies EBV per ml. EBV LMP‐1 gene sequence variations in subjects were constant over time regardless of the compartment sampled. Subjects 18–30 years old had EBV DNA detected more frequently than subjects >30 years old (38/108 positive samples versus 25/152; P<0.001). In conclusion, EBV DNA shedding is common in asymptomatic adults. The younger adults shed more frequently, which may reflect a shorter time from their primary EBV infection to sampling. The LMP‐1 sequence analysis method employed here could be used to trace person‐to‐person transmission because patterns remained almost identical over time.
miR-216b regulation of c-Jun mediates GADD153/CHOP-dependent apoptosis
Authors: Xu Zhenhua , Bu Yiwen , Chitnis Nilesh , Koumenis Costas , Fuchs Serge Y. , Diehl J. Alan
Published: May 2016

The ability of the unfolded protein response, UPR, to regulate cell homeostasis through both gene expression and protein synthesis has been well documented. One primary pro-apoptotic protein that responds to both PERK and Ire1 signalling is the CHOP/GADD153 transcription factor. Although CHOP deficiency delays onset of cell death, questions remain regarding how CHOP regulates apoptosis. Here, we provide evidence demonstrating that CHOP/GADD153-dependent apoptosis reflects expression of micro-RNA, miR-216b. MiR-216b accumulation requires PERK-dependent induction of CHOP/GADD153, which then directly regulates miR-216b expression. As maximal expression of miR-216b is antagonized by Ire1, miR-216b accumulation reflects the convergence of PERK and Ire1 activities. Functionally, miR-216b directly targets c-Jun, thereby reducing AP-1-dependent transcription and sensitizing cells to ER stress-dependent apoptosis. These results provide direct insight into the molecular mechanisms of CHOP/GADD153-dependent cell death.
Symmetric spike timing-dependent plasticity at CA3–CA3 synapses optimizes storage and recall in autoassociative networks
Authors: Mishra Rajiv K. , Kim Sooyun , Guzman Segundo J. , Jonas Peter
Published: May 2016

CA3–CA3 recurrent excitatory synapses are thought to play a key role in memory storage and pattern completion. Whether the plasticity properties of these synapses are consistent with their proposed network functions remains unclear. Here, we examine the properties of spike timing-dependent plasticity (STDP) at CA3–CA3 synapses. Low-frequency pairing of excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) and action potentials (APs) induces long-term potentiation (LTP), independent of temporal order. The STDP curve is symmetric and broad (half-width ∼150 ms). Consistent with these STDP induction properties, AP–EPSP sequences lead to supralinear summation of spine [Ca2+] transients. Furthermore, afterdepolarizations (ADPs) following APs efficiently propagate into dendrites of CA3 pyramidal neurons, and EPSPs summate with dendritic ADPs. In autoassociative network models, storage and recall are more robust with symmetric than with asymmetric STDP rules. Thus, a specialized STDP induction rule allows reliable storage and recall of information in the hippocampal CA3 network.
Van der Waals interactions and the limits of isolated atom models at interfaces
Authors: Kawai Shigeki , Foster Adam S. , Björkman Torbjörn , Nowakowska Sylwia , Björk Jonas , Canova Filippo Federici , Gade Lutz H. , Jung Thomas A. , Meyer Ernst
Published: May 2016

Van der Waals forces are among the weakest, yet most decisive interactions governing condensation and aggregation processes and the phase behaviour of atomic and molecular matter. Understanding the resulting structural motifs and patterns has become increasingly important in studies of the nanoscale regime. Here we measure the paradigmatic van der Waals interactions represented by the noble gas atom pairs Ar–Xe, Kr–Xe and Xe–Xe with a Xe-functionalized tip of an atomic force microscope at low temperature. Individual rare gas atoms were fixed at node sites of a surface-confined two-dimensional metal–organic framework. We found that the magnitude of the measured force increased with the atomic radius, yet detailed simulation by density functional theory revealed that the adsorption induced charge redistribution strengthened the van der Waals forces by a factor of up to two, thus demonstrating the limits of a purely atomic description of the interaction in these representative systems.
Direct observation of narrow mid-infrared plasmon linewidths of single metal oxide nanocrystals
Authors: Johns Robert W. , Bechtel Hans A. , Runnerstrom Evan L. , Agrawal Ankit , Lounis Sebastien D. , Milliron Delia J.
Published: May 2016

Infrared-responsive doped metal oxide nanocrystals are an emerging class of plasmonic materials whose localized surface plasmon resonances (LSPR) can be resonant with molecular vibrations. This presents a distinctive opportunity to manipulate light–matter interactions to redirect chemical or spectroscopic outcomes through the strong local electric fields they generate. Here we report a technique for measuring single nanocrystal absorption spectra of doped metal oxide nanocrystals, revealing significant spectral inhomogeneity in their mid-infrared LSPRs. Our analysis suggests dopant incorporation is heterogeneous beyond expectation based on a statistical distribution of dopants. The broad ensemble linewidths typically observed in these materials result primarily from sample heterogeneity and not from strong electronic damping associated with lossy plasmonic materials. In fact, single nanocrystal spectra reveal linewidths as narrow as 600 cm−1 in aluminium-doped zinc oxide, a value less than half the ensemble linewidth and markedly less than homogeneous linewidths of gold nanospheres.
Atomic-scale disproportionation in amorphous silicon monoxide
Authors: Hirata Akihiko , Kohara Shinji , Asada Toshihiro , Arao Masazumi , Yogi Chihiro , Imai Hideto , Tan Yongwen , Fujita Takeshi , Chen Mingwei
Published: May 2016

Solid silicon monoxide is an amorphous material which has been commercialized for many functional applications. However, the amorphous structure of silicon monoxide is a long-standing question because of the uncommon valence state of silicon in the oxide. It has been deduced that amorphous silicon monoxide undergoes an unusual disproportionation by forming silicon- and silicon-dioxide-like regions. Nevertheless, the direct experimental observation is still missing. Here we report the amorphous structure characterized by angstrom-beam electron diffraction, supplemented by synchrotron X-ray scattering and computer simulations. In addition to the theoretically predicted amorphous silicon and silicon-dioxide clusters, suboxide-type tetrahedral coordinates are detected by angstrom-beam electron diffraction at silicon/silicon-dioxide interfaces, which provides compelling experimental evidence on the atomic-scale disproportionation of amorphous silicon monoxide. Eventually we develop a heterostructure model of the disproportionated silicon monoxide which well explains the distinctive structure and properties of the amorphous material.
First-principles calculations of lattice dynamics and thermal properties of polar solids
Authors: Wang Yi , Shang Shun-Li , Fang Huazhi , Liu Zi-Kui , Chen Long-Qing
Published: May 2016

Although the theory of lattice dynamics was established six decades ago, its accurate implementation for polar solids using the direct (or supercell, small displacement, frozen phonon) approach within the framework of density-function-theory-based first-principles calculations had been a challenge until recently. It arises from the fact that the vibration-induced polarization breaks the lattice periodicity, whereas periodic boundary conditions are required by typical first-principles calculations, leading to an artificial macroscopic electric field. The article reviews a mixed-space approach to treating the interactions between lattice vibration and polarization, its applications to accurately predicting the phonon and associated thermal properties, and its implementations in a number of existing phonon codes.