bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interaction Between Lactate and Uric Acid is Associated With a Higher Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome: A Community-Based Study
Authors: Pan Hua , Yan Dan , Xu Mingtong , Li Feng , Ren Meng , Zhang Jin , Wu Muchao
Published: September 2018

Background Increased blood lactate or uric acid (UA) levels are associated with an increased risk of metabolic syndrome (MS). The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of an interactive association between blood lactate and UA levels on MS.

Methods This community-based cross-sectional study included 2584 Chinese subjects aged ≥ 18 years. Participants were classified into 3 groups based on lactate or UA level tertiles or into 9 groups based on a combination of lactate and UA level tertiles.

Results The serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) levels and odds ratios (ORs) for MS increased across the blood lactate or UA level tertiles (all P for trend<0.05). Interactions between lactate and UA with hs-CRP level, HOMA-IR level, and ORs for MS (P<0.05 for all interactions) were also observed. The adjusted ORs for MS in participants in the third tertile of lactate and UA levels, in the third tertile of lactate levels and first tertile of UA levels, and in the first tertile of lactate levels and third tertile of UA levels were 6.02 (95% CI 2.87–12.64, P<0.001), 2.92 (95% CI 1.39–6.10, P=0.005), and 2.70 (95% CI 1.23–5.96, P=0.014), respectively, compared with those in the first tertiles of both lactate and UA levels.

Conclusion The interaction between lactate and UA is associated with a higher prevalence of MS in the Chinese population.
7-O-Methylwogonin from Scutellaria baicalensis Disturbs Mitotic Progression by Inhibiting Plk1 Activity in Hep3B Cells
Authors: Woo Sang-Uk , Jang Hay-Ran , Chin Young-Won , Yim Hyungshin
Published: September 2018

Polo-like kinase 1, a mitotic Ser/Thr kinase, has emerged as a molecular target for the development of anticancer drugs. In this study, we found that polo-like kinase 1 activity was inhibited by 7-O-methylwogonin and related flavones, including baicalein, dihydrobaicalein, and viscidulin II, isolated from Scutellaria baicalensis. Although dihydrobaicalein exhibited the highest polo-like kinase 1 inhibitory activity among the four compounds, it also inhibited other kinases, such as vaccinia-related kinase 2 and polo-like kinase 2. Baicalein and viscidulin II also showed low selectivity to polo-like kinase 1 since they inhibited polo-like kinase 3 and polo-like kinase 2, respectively. However, 7-O-methylwogonin exhibited selective polo-like kinase 1 inhibitory activity, as evidenced from in vitro kinase assays based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer assays and ADP-Glo kinase assays. In addition, examination of mitotic morphology and immunostaining using specific antibodies for the mitotic markers, p-histone H3 and mitotic protein monoclonal 2, in Hep3B cells showed that 7-O-methylwogonin treatment increased mitotic cell populations due to inhibition of mitotic progression as a result of polo-like kinase 1 inhibition. The pattern of 7-O-methylwogonin-induced mitotic arrest was similar to that of BI 2536, a specific polo-like kinase 1 inhibitor. Thus, it was suggested that 7-O-methylwogonin disturbed mitotic progression by inhibiting polo-like kinase 1 activity. These data suggest that 7-O-methylwogonin, a polo-like kinase 1 inhibitor, may be a useful anticancer agent because of its polo-like kinase 1 selectivity and effectiveness.
Rechtskolumne: Schweigepflicht für Ärzte – quo vadis?
Authors: Weimer Tobias
Published: September 2018

Seit November 2017 ist das „Gesetz zur Neuregelung des Schutzes von Geheimnissen bei der Mitwirkung Dritter an der Berufsausübung schweigepflichtiger Personen“ in Kraft. Ärzte sollten die neuen Regeln kennen.
MDK-Prüfungen: Wie Misstrauen das Klima vergiftet
Authors: Mau Jens
Published: September 2018

Rund 2,8 Millionen Klinikabrechnungen hat der MDK 2017 geprüft, bei mehr als der Hälfte davon fordern die Kassen Geld zurück. Das sorgt für Dauerzoff zwischen Kliniken und Kassen. Einigkeit herrscht nur in einem Punkt: So kann es nicht weitergehen.
DRG-Rechnungskontrolle in der Schweiz: Experten fordern Reform nach Vorbild des MDK
Authors: Doelfs Guntram
Published: September 2018

Seit 2012 gibt es auch in der Schweiz ein DRG-System. Die Prüfungen bei den Eidgenossen verlaufen bislang konfliktärmer als in Deutschland, Kliniken ziehen sehr viel seltener vor Gericht. Doch der erste Eindruck täuscht: Auch in der Schweiz wächst der Druck auf die Kliniken.
Beteiligungsmanagement in Krankenhäusern: Von Müttern und Töchtern
Authors: Hochmuth Tim , Fischer Jessica , Döring Birgit , Rilk Robert , Stubendorff Kaspar
Published: September 2018

Das Thema Beteiligungsmanagement wird von deutschen Kliniken sehr unterschiedlich gehandhabt. Das Spektrum reicht von direkt beim Management angesiedelten, spezialisierten Einheiten bis zum völligen Fehlen entsprechender Strukturen. Prüfungen durch die Interne Revision finden – wie eine Erhebung zeigt – nur selten statt.
Vernetzung: Krankenhaus 4.0: Intranet of Everything
Authors: Jörg-Uwe Meyer
Published: September 2018

In den kommenden Jahren werden Geräte und Personen im Krankenhaus zunehmend miteinander vernetzt. In Lübeck konzipieren Forscher eine Plattform für das Internet der Dinge im Gesundheitswesen, die sektorübergreifend zum Einsatz kommen soll.
38. Tagung TK 2018 „Technik im Krankenhaus“: Personal und Prozesse: Warum nicht so weiter machen wie bisher?
Authors: Fouckhardt-Bradt Birgit , Brüning Cord
Published: September 2018

Diese Frage wollen hochkarätige Referenten im Detail beantworten. Prof. Dr. Dr. Wilfried von Eiff, Akademischer Direktor an der HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management, führt mit seiner Keynote zur Krankenhausführung in die tiefgreifenden Veränderungen ein, die im Krankenhaus notwendig sind. Eins wird klar: Weiterzumachen wie bisher, geht weder im Krankenhaus noch in der Krankenhaustechnik!
Retaining Alkyl Nucleophile Regiofidelity in Transition-Metal-Mediated Cross-Couplings to Aryl Electrophiles
Authors: Cornella Josep , O’Neill Matthew
Published: September 2018

While the advent of transition-metal catalysis has undoubtedly transformed synthetic chemistry, problems persist with the introduction of secondary and tertiary alkyl nucleophiles into C(sp2) aryl electrophiles. Complications arise from the delicate organometallic intermediates typically invoked by such processes, from which competition between the desired reductive elimination event and the deleterious β-H elimination pathways can lead to undesired isomerization of the incoming nucleophile. Several methods have integrated distinct combinations of metal, ligand, nucleophile, and electrophile to provide solutions to this problem. Despite substantial progress, refinements to current protocols will facilitate the realization of complement reactivity and improved functional group tolerance. These issues have become more pronounced in the context of green chemistry and sustainable catalysis, as well as by the current necessity to develop robust, reliable cross-couplings beyond less explored C(sp2)–C(sp2) constructs. Indeed, the methods discussed herein and the elaborations thereof enable an ‘unlocking’ of accessible topologically enriched chemical space, which is envisioned to influence various domains of application.

1 Introduction

2 Mechanistic Considerations

3 Magnesium Nucleophiles

4 Zinc Nucleophiles

5 Boron Nucleophiles

6 Other Nucleophiles

7 Tertiary Nucleophiles

8 Reductive Cross-Coupling with in situ Organometallic Formation

9 Conclusion
A De Novo Missense Variant in POU3F2 Identified in a Child with Global Developmental Delay
Authors: Riedhammer Korbinian , Kovacs-Nagy Reka , Meitinger Thomas , Hoefele Julia , Wagner Matias , Westphal Dominik
Published: September 2018

Many genetic and nongenetic causes for developmental delay in childhood could be identified. Often, however, the molecular basis cannot be elucidated. As next-generation sequencing is becoming more frequently available in a diagnostic context, an increasing number of genetic variations are found as causative in children with developmental delay.

We performed trio exome sequencing in a girl with developmental delay and minor dysmorphological features. Using a filter for de novo variants, the heterozygous missense variant c.812A>T, p.(Glu217Val) was found in the candidate gene POU3F2 in our patient.

POU3F2 plays an important role in neuronal differentiation and hormonal regulation. To date, it has not been associated with monogenic disorders. Studies on Pou3f2 knockout mice highlighted the importance of this protein in the development of the brain. Furthermore, microdeletions with an overlapping region including only POU3F2 and FBXL4 were linked to developmental delay in six unrelated families. Therefore, POU3F2 is a strong candidate gene for developmental delay, although functional assays proving this assumption still have to be done.
Stand der Therapiestrategien bei älteren Myelom-Patienten
Authors: Schmale Ine
Published: September 2018

In Turin trafen sich in diesem Jahr zum ersten Mal Ärzte und Wissenschaftler, die sich mit dem multiplen Myelom befassen, auf dem European Myeloma Network Meeting. Im Fokus standen unter anderem der Stellenwert der autologen Stammzelltransplantation und die Behandlung des älteren Patienten mit neu diagnostiziertem multiplen Myelom (NDMM).
Kontinenz und Potenz nach radikaler Prostatektomie
Authors: Schmale Ine
Published: September 2018

Gibt es einen Zusammenhang zwischen Kontinenz und erektiler Potenz nach radikaler Prostatektomie? Dr. Marius Cristian Butea-Bocu, Kliniken Hartenstein, Bad Wildungen, stellte auf dem Deutschen Krebskongress hierzu Ergebnisse einer Untersuchung vor, welche dieser Frage nachging.
Trends beim Ösophagus- und Magenkarzinom
Authors: Schmale Ine
Published: September 2018

Die Arbeitsgemeinschaft Deutsche Tumorzentren e. V. greift auf 19 klinische und epidemiologische Register aus 12 Bundesländern zu. In die Auswertung der Jahre 2000 bis 2016 wurden 101 559 Erstdiagnosen für Tumoren des Ösophagus und Magens auf-genommen. Richard Hummel, Lübeck, teilte im Rahmen des Deutschen Krebskongresses Erkenntnisse zur Versorgungsqualität in Deutschland.
Die kardiale Amyloidose – ein Krankheitsbild im Wandel
Authors: Mahrholdt Heiko , Klingel Karin , Sechtem Udo
Published: September 2018

A fast and reliable diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis requires a significant amount of clinical awareness. It is especially important to come to an early diagnosis in patients with cardiac AL amyloidosis in order to improve the otherwise unfavourable clinical course in these patients. There is a significant increase in the number of patients with cardiac amyloidosis of the ATTR wild-type variety. These patients are often elderly males presenting with predominantly right sided heart failure. We present a diagnostic pathway enabling a structured approach to these patients using multimodality cardiac imaging and endomyocardial biopsy. Early chemotherapy is the key to improving symptoms in patients with AL amyloidosis. In contrast, pharmacologic approaches for treating cardiac ATTR amyloidosis need further research and clinical trials.
Chronische Myeloische Leukämie
Authors: Hochhaus Andreas , Eigendorff Ekkehard , Ernst Thomas
Published: September 2018

The advent of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) has improved prognosis and outcome of patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) considerably. In comparison to imatinib, first line use of second generation inhibitors nilotinib, dasatinib and bosutinib lead to faster and deeper molecular remissions accompanied by a novel adverse event profile. Essential part of the management of CML patients is a consequent use of cytogenetic and molecular follow up with standardized methods to regularly assess the remission status. Long lasting remission without treatment in an important minority of patients prompted the hope for curability of CML. The use of interferon alpha in parallel with or after TKI therapy is associated with the induction of an immune response against the leukemic clone with further improved remission rate. The cooperative management of CML patients permits the early use of novel treatment options in patients at risk.
Aber klar! Das kann ich! – Selbstbewusstsein
stärken
Authors: Jürgens Ute
Published: September 2018

Mit mehr Selbstvertrauen klappt alles besser. Wie kann ich mein inneres Wachstum
und Bewusstsein fördern? Ein positives Selbstbild erleichtert das Leben
beruflich und privat. Weniger Mühsal und mehr Schwung resultieren.
Enhancement in electro-optic properties of dynamic scattering systems through addition of dichroic dyes
Authors: Shasti Mansoureh , Gleeson James. T. , Luchette Paul , Kosa Tamas , Munoz Antonio F. , Taheri Bahman
Published: September 2018

Electro-optic properties of dynamic scattering in homeotropically aligned pure and dichroic dye doped nematic liquid crystal samples are examined. The optical properties of the two systems are quantified using transmission properties of scattered and unscattered as a function of amplitude and frequency of an applied voltage. Auto-correlation of the scattered signal at different applied voltages is used to compare the decay times in the two systems. Lastly, histogram of the scattered signal reveals a wavevector dependent large light scattering event. The dye doped system shows a significant enhancement of light blocking property in both normal and off-axis light propagation. The characteristics of the system are compared to other scattering technologies. The results suggest that dye doped system can overcome shortcomings in scattering based devices used for near eye applications.
Gram-type differentiation of bacteria with 2D hollow photonic crystal cavities
Authors: Therisod R. , Tardif M. , Marcoux P. R. , Picard E. , Jager J.-B. , Hadji E. , Peyrade D. , Houdré R.
Published: September 2018

Fast and label-free techniques to analyze viruses and bacteria are of crucial interest in biological and bio-medical applications. For this purpose, optofluidic systems based on the integration of photonic structures with microfluidic layers were shown to be promising tools for biological analysis, thanks to their small footprint and to their ability to manipulate objects using low powers. In this letter, we report on the optical trapping of living bacteria in a 2D silicon hollow photonic crystal cavity. This structure allows for the Gram-type differentiation of bacteria at the single cell scale, in a fast, label-free, and non-destructive way.
Large negative differential resistance effect induced by boron-doping in zigzag phagraphene nanoribbon junctions
Authors: He Jun , Zhang Lifu , Fan Zhi-Qiang , Fan Dianyuan
Published: September 2018

By applying nonequilibrium Green’s function in combination with the density-functional theory, we investigate the electronic transport properties of boron or nitrogen doped zigzag phagraphene nanoribbon junctions. Our calculated results show that the negative differential resistance effect could be observed in zigzag phagraphene nanoribbon junction. Moreover, the peak to valley ratio of the negative differential resistance significantly increase from 1.6 to 111.32, when the junction is doped by boron atoms. We rationalize the mechanism leading to negative differential resistance by providing a detailed analysis of transmission spectra and transmission pathways.
Gamma electron vertex imaging forin-vivobeam-range measurement in proton therapy: Experimental results
Authors: Kim Chan Hyeong , Lee Han Rim , Kim Sung Hun , Park Jong Hoon , Cho Sungkoo , Jung Won Gyun
Published: September 2018

Proton therapy, thanks to the dose characteristics of the Bragg peak, according to which most of the radiation energy is delivered at the end of the beam with a very high dose gradient at the distal edge, can deliver a highly conformal radiation dose to the treatment volume. Currently, however, the benefit of this high dose gradient is not fully utilized in clinical practice due mainly to the dose-distribution uncertainty in the beam direction (i.e., the uncertainty of the beam range in the patient). In this paper, we present an imaging system based on gamma electron vertex imaging (GEVI), which is suitable for high-energy (1–30 MeV) gammas, and test its performance for therapeutic proton beams. GEVI images prompt gamma vertices, which are closely correlated with the dose distribution at the distal edge, by converting prompt gammas to electrons via Compton scattering and then tracking the recoiled electrons. Our experimental results show that the GEVI system can image the 2D vertices of the prompt gammas and, thus, can be utilized for the measurement of proton-beam ranges in patients. We believe, indeed, that GEVI makes possible real-time monitoring of in-vivo proton-beam ranges, whose utility significantly improves treatment effectiveness and enhances patient safety. We also expect that the GEVI system will find applications in other fields (e.g., gamma-ray astronomy, nuclear engineering, and high-energy physics) requiring high-energy-gamma (1–30 MeV) imaging.
Perspective: Biomedical sensing and imaging with optical fibers—Innovation through convergence of science disciplines
Authors: Li Jiawen , Ebendorff-Heidepriem Heike , Gibson Brant C. , Greentree Andrew D. , Hutchinson Mark R. , Jia Peipei , Kostecki Roman , Liu Guozhen , Orth Antony , Ploschner Martin , Schartner Erik P. , Warren-Smith Stephen C. , Zhang Kaixin , Tsiminis Georgios , Goldys Ewa M.
Published: September 2018

The probing of physiological processes in living organisms is a grand challenge that requires bespoke analytical tools. Optical fiber probes offer a minimally invasive approach to report physiological signals from specific locations inside the body. This perspective article discusses a wide range of such fiber probes developed at the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics. Our fiber platforms use a range of sensing modalities, including embedded nanodiamonds for magnetometry, interferometric fiber cavities for refractive index sensing, and tailored metal coatings for surface plasmon resonance sensing. Other fiber probes exploit molecularly sensitive Raman scattering or fluorescence where optical fibers have been combined with chemical and immunosensors. Fiber imaging probes based on interferometry and computational imaging are also discussed as emerging in vivo diagnostic devices. We provide examples to illustrate how the convergence of multiple scientific disciplines generates opportunities for the fiber probes to address key challenges in real-time in vivo diagnostics. These future fiber probes will enable the asking and answering of scientific questions that were never possible before.
Superconductivity in a multiorbital model for the Γ3 crystalline electric field state
Authors: Kubo Katsunori
Published: September 2018

Superconductivity in a three-orbital model for the Γ3 crystalline electric field (CEF) ground state is investigated by applying the random phase approximation. In this model, we assume an antiferromagnetic interaction between the Γ7 and Γ8 orbitals to stabilize the Γ3 CEF state among f2 states. This interaction may induce spin-singlet pairing between electrons in these orbitals. If we consider the onsite pairing state composed of the Γ7 and Γ8 orbitals, it has the Eg symmetry. Indeed, we find that the Eg spin-singlet superconducting state is realized in a wide parameter region. Possible coexistence of the superconductivity and quadrupole order is also discussed.
Novel constructive method for the quantum dimer model in spin-1/2 Heisenberg antiferromagnets with frustration on a diamond-like-decorated square lattice
Authors: Hirose Yuhei , Oguchi Akihide , Tamura Masafumi , Fukumoto Yoshiyuki
Published: September 2018

We study spin-1/2 Heisenberg antiferromagnets on a diamond-like-decorated square lattice. The diamond-like-decorated square lattice is a lattice in which the bonds in a square lattice are replaced with diamond units. The diamond unit has two types of antiferromagnetic exchange interactions, and the ratio λ of the diagonal bond strength to that of the other four edges controls the frustration strength. For 0.974 < λ < 2, the present system has a nontrivial macroscopic degeneracy, which is called the macroscopically degenerated tetramer-dimer (MDTD) states. The MDTD states are identical to the Hilbert space of the Rokhsar–Kivelson (RK) quantum dimer model (QDM). By introducing further neighbor couplings in the MDTD states, we calculate the second-order effective Hamiltonian, which is exactly the same as the square-lattice QDM with a finite hopping amplitude t and dimer-dimer interaction v. Furthermore, we calculate v/|t| as a function of the ratio λ in the Heisenberg model and examine which phases of the square-lattice QDM appear in our obtained states. Our obtained QDM has a region where λ exhibits a finite hopping amplitude (|t| > 0) and repulsive interaction between dimers (v > 0). This suggests the possibility of realizing the resonating valence bond (RVB) state because the RVB state is obtained at v = |t|, which is known as the RK point.
Optimizing the tight-binding parametrization of the quasi-one-dimensional superconductor K2Cr3As3
Authors: Cuono Giuseppe , Autieri Carmine , Forte Filomena , Busiello Gaetano , Mercaldo Maria Teresa , Romano Alfonso , Noce Canio , Avella Adolfo
Published: September 2018

We study the tight-binding dispersion of the recently discovered superconductor K2Cr3As3, obtained from Wannier projection of Density Functional Theory (DFT) results. In order to establish quantitatively the actual degree of quasi-one-dimensionality of this compound, we analyze the electronic band structure for two reduced sets of hopping parameters: one restricted to the Cr-As tubes and another one retaining a minimal number of in-plane hoppings. The corresponding total and local density of states of the compound are also computed with the aim of assessing the tight-binding results with respect to the DFT ones. We find a quite good agreement with the DFT results for the more extended set of hopping parameters, especially for what concerns the orbitals that dominate at the Fermi level. Therefore, we conclude that one cannot avoid taking into account in-plane hoppings up to the next-nearest-neighbors cells even only to describe correctly the Fermi surface cuts and the populations along the kz direction. Such a choice of a minimal number of hopping parameters directly reflects in the possibility of correctly describing correlations and magnetic interactions.
Quantitative analysis of charge transport in intrinsic and doped organic semiconductors combining steady-state and frequency-domain data
Authors: Jenatsch S. , Altazin S. , Will P.-A. , Neukom M. T. , Knapp E. , Züfle S. , Lenk S. , Reineke S. , Ruhstaller B.
Published: September 2018

Single-carrier devices are an excellent model system to study charge injection and charge transport properties of (doped) transport layers and to draw conclusions about organic electronics devices in which they are used. By combining steady-state and impedance measurements at varying temperatures of hole-only devices with different intrinsic layer thicknesses, we are able to determine all relevant material parameters, such as the charge mobility and the injection barrier. Furthermore, the correlation and sensitivity analyses reveal that the proposed approach to study these devices is especially well suited to extract the effective doping density, a parameter which cannot be easily determined otherwise. The effective doping density is crucial in organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) for realizing efficient injection, charge balance, and lateral conductivity in display or lighting applications. With the fitted drift-diffusion device model, we are further able to explain the extraordinary two-plateau capacitance–frequency curve of these hole-only devices, which originates from charges that flow into the intrinsic layer at zero applied offset voltage. We demonstrate that the observation of this behaviour is a direct indication for ideal charge injection properties and the observed capacitance–frequency feature is linked to the charge carrier mobility in the intrinsic layer. The extracted material parameters may directly be used to simulate and optimize full OLED devices employing the investigated hole-injection and -transport materials.
Reflection-mode continuous-wave 0.15λ-resolution terahertz solid immersion microscopy of soft biological tissues
Authors: Chernomyrdin N. V. , Kucheryavenko A. S. , Kolontaeva G. S. , Katyba G. M. , Dolganova I. N. , Karalkin P. A. , Ponomarev D. S. , Kurlov V. N. , Reshetov I. V. , Skorobogatiy M. , Tuchin V. V. , Zaytsev K. I.
Published: September 2018

We have developed a method of terahertz (THz) solid immersion (SI) microscopy for continuous-wave reflection-mode imaging of soft biological tissues with a sub-wavelength spatial resolution. In order to achieve strong reduction in the dimensions of the THz beam caustic, an electromagnetic wave is focused into the evanescent field volume behind a medium with a high refractive index. We have experimentally demonstrated a 0.15λ-resolution of the proposed imaging modality at λ = 500 μm, which is beyond the Abbe diffraction limit and represents a considerable improvement over the previously-reported arrangements of SI imaging setups. The proposed technique does not involve any sub-wavelength near-field probes and diaphragms, thus, avoiding the THz beam attenuation due to such elements. We have applied the developed method for THz imaging of various soft tissues: a plant leaf blade, cell spheroids, and tissues of the breast ex vivo. Our THz images clearly reveal sub-wavelength features in tissues, therefore, promising applications of THz SI microscopy in biology and medicine.
Western and Indigenous knowledge converge to explain Melaleuca forest dieback on Aboriginal land in northern Australia
Authors: Sloane Daniel R. , Ens Emilie , Wunungmurra Jimmy , Falk Andrew , Marika Gurrundul , Maymuru Mungurrapin , Towler Gillian , Preece Dave , the Yirralka Rangers
Published: September 2018

Involvement of Indigenous people and knowledge in conservation science has become a clear directive in international covenants. Currently, approximately one-third of Australia is owned and managed by Indigenous people, including 84% of the Northern Territory coastline, making Indigenous-led and cross-cultural research highly relevant. Recently, the Yolŋu Senior Knowledge Custodians of the Laynhapuy Indigenous Protected Area in northern Australia expressed concern about the dieback of culturally significant coastal Melaleuca (paperbark) stands. A partnership between Senior Knowledge Custodians and Western scientists was used to develop an ecocultural research framework to investigate the dieback. Semistructured interviews about the likely causes were conducted with Senior Knowledge Custodians of five coastal flood plain sites where dieback occurred. At these sites, comparative ecological assessments of paired dieback and healthy Melaleuca stands were conducted to explore relationships between Melaleuca stand health, salt water intrusion, acid sulfate soils and feral ungulate damage. Melaleuca dieback was observed in three species: nämbarra (M. viridiflora), raŋan (M. cajuputi) and gulun’kulun (M. acacioides). The sociocultural and ecological research approaches similarly suggested that ~70% of Melaleuca spp. dieback was attributed to combinations of salinity and feral ungulate damage. An ecocultural approach heightened understanding of Melaleuca dieback because we detected similarities and differences in likely causal factors.
Systematic mapping of free energy landscapes of a growing filamin domain during biosynthesis
Authors: Waudby Christopher A. , Wlodarski Tomasz , Karyadi Maria-Evangelia , Cassaignau Anaïs M. E. , Chan Sammy H. S. , Wentink Anne S. , Schmidt-Engler Julian M. , Camilloni Carlo , Vendruscolo Michele , Cabrita Lisa D. , Christodoulou John
Published: September 2018

Significance

Efficient synthesis and folding of proteins, avoiding misfolded states, are central to cell function. As folding may be initiated in parallel with translation, key experimental challenges are to map changes that occur in folding free energy landscapes as translation proceeds and to understand how these landscapes might be modulated by the ribosome and auxiliary factors. Here, we study the length-dependent folding of a domain from a tandem repeat protein and solve the structure of a stable folding intermediate. Although destabilized by the ribosome at equilibrium, modeling of the nonequilibrium folding pathway nevertheless indicates a significant role for proline isomerization during translation. We develop a simple model to explore the impact of cotranslational folding kinetics on misfolding hazards.
Interferon stimulation creates chromatin marks and establishes transcriptional memory
Authors: Kamada Rui , Yang Wenjing , Zhang Yubo , Patel Mira C. , Yang Yanqin , Ouda Ryota , Dey Anup , Wakabayashi Yoshiyuki , Sakaguchi Kazuyasu , Fujita Takashi , Tamura Tomohiko , Zhu Jun , Ozato Keiko
Published: September 2018

Epigenetic memory for signal-dependent transcription has remained elusive. So far, the concept of epigenetic memory has been largely limited to cell-autonomous, preprogrammed processes such as development and metabolism. Here we show that IFNβ stimulation creates transcriptional memory in fibroblasts, conferring faster and greater transcription upon restimulation. The memory was inherited through multiple cell divisions and led to improved antiviral protection. Of ∼2,000 IFNβ-stimulated genes (ISGs), about half exhibited memory, which we define as memory ISGs. The rest, designated nonmemory ISGs, did not show memory. Surprisingly, mechanistic analysis showed that IFN memory was not due to enhanced IFN signaling or retention of transcription factors on the ISGs. We demonstrated that this memory was attributed to accelerated recruitment of RNA polymerase II and transcription/chromatin factors, which coincided with acquisition of the histone H3.3 and H3K36me3 chromatin marks on memory ISGs. Similar memory was observed in bone marrow macrophages after IFNγ stimulation, suggesting that IFN stimulation modifies the shape of the innate immune response. Together, external signals can establish epigenetic memory in mammalian cells that imparts lasting adaptive performance upon various somatic cells.
Cross-cultural invariances in the architecture of shame
Authors: Sznycer Daniel , Xygalatas Dimitris , Agey Elizabeth , Alami Sarah , An Xiao-Fen , Ananyeva Kristina I. , Atkinson Quentin D. , Broitman Bernardo R. , Conte Thomas J. , Flores Carola , Fukushima Shintaro , Hitokoto Hidefumi , Kharitonov Alexander N. , Onyishi Charity N. , Onyishi Ike E. , Romero Pedro P. , Schrock Joshua M. , Snodgrass J. Josh , Sugiyama Lawrence S. , Takemura Kosuke , Townsend Cathryn , Zhuang Jin-Ying , Aktipis C. Athena , Cronk Lee , Cosmides Leda , Tooby John
Published: September 2018

Significance

This set of experiments shows that in 15 traditional small-scale societies there is an extraordinarily close correspondence between (i) the intensity of shame felt if one exhibited specific acts or traits and (ii) the magnitude of devaluation expressed in response to those acts or traits by local audiences, and even foreign audiences. Three important and widely acknowledged sources of cultural variation between communities—geographic proximity, linguistic similarity, and religious similarity—all failed to account for the strength of between-community correlations in the shame–devaluation link. This supplies a parallel line of evidence that shame is a universal system, part of our species’ cooperative biology, rather than a product of cultural evolution.
Intermediate step of cohesin’s ATPase cycle allows cohesin to entrap DNA
Authors: Çamdere Gamze Ö. , Carlborg Kristian K. , Koshland Douglas
Published: September 2018

Significance

Cohesin is an ATPase that organizes chromosome structure for chromosome segregation, gene expression, and DNA repair. Its function has been implicated in the prevention of cancer, birth defects, and several human disorders. Cohesin uses its ATPase, through elusive mechanisms, to tether DNA molecules and possibly translocate along them. Our analysis of cohesin with an active site mutation and an ATP analog suggest that a function of the ATPase is to generate an intermediate nucleotide state of cohesin ATPase, likely cohesin
ADP-Pi
, that is competent to stably tether two DNA molecules. This state is potentially a trapped intermediate derived from a DNA translocation activity. These results suggest how the regulation of cohesin ATPase may interconvert its tethering and putative motor activity.
Measurement invariance explains the universal law of generalization for psychological perception
Authors: Frank Steven A.
Published: September 2018

Significance

When an animal is presented with two stimuli, it may consider them similar or different. Similarity often expresses a generalized notion of a category, such as two circles with different sizes, shadings, and colors both being circles. In many studies, perception of similarity declines exponentially with the measure of separation, a pattern often called the universal law of generalization. This article shows that the universal exponential law can be explained by simple properties any reasonable perceptual scale must have. A shift of the scale by a constant amount, or a stretch by a constant amount, should not change the animal’s ability to perceive generalities or differences. Those invariant measurement properties by themselves explain why perceived generalization follows an exponential pattern.
Structure-specific DNA replication-fork recognition directs helicase and replication restart activities of the PriA helicase
Authors: Windgassen Tricia A. , Leroux Maxime , Satyshur Kenneth A. , Sandler Steven J. , Keck James L.
Published: September 2018

DNA replication restart, the essential process that reinitiates prematurely terminated genome replication reactions, relies on exquisitely specific recognition of abandoned DNA replication-fork structures. The PriA DNA helicase mediates this process in bacteria through mechanisms that remain poorly defined. We report the crystal structure of a PriA/replication-fork complex, which resolves leading-strand duplex DNA bound to the protein. Interaction with PriA unpairs one end of the DNA and sequesters the 3′-most nucleotide from the nascent leading strand into a conserved protein pocket. Cross-linking studies reveal a surface on the winged-helix domain of PriA that binds to parental duplex DNA. Deleting the winged-helix domain alters PriA’s structure-specific DNA unwinding properties and impairs its activity in vivo. Our observations lead to a model in which coordinated parental-, leading-, and lagging-strand DNA binding provide PriA with the structural specificity needed to act on abandoned DNA replication forks.
Mapping mammalian replication domains using the ion torrent semiconductor sequencing platform
Authors: Takebayashi Shin-ichiro , Ogata Shin , Ogata Masato , Okumura Katsuzumi
Published: September 2018

Here, we show that semiconductor-based sequencing technology can be used to map mammalian replication domains, chromosomal units with similar DNA replication timing. Replicating DNA purified from mammalian cells was successfully sequenced by the Ion Torrent platform. The resultant replication domain map of mouse embryonic stem cells is comparable to those obtained by the conventional microarray-based method.
Symmetry and solitude: Status and lessons learned from binational Areas of Concern
Authors: Child Matthew , Read Jennifer , Ridal Jeff , Twiss Michael
Published: September 2018

Areas of Concern are geographically distinct areas within the waters of the Great Lakes that are contaminated to the extent that they were originally identified by the International Joint Commission’s Water Quality Board and later codified in the 1987 Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement as areas requiring remedial actions. Five of the 43 Areas of Concern are binational (Canada, USA), and are located on every river or connecting channel that drains a Great Lake. Implementing an ecosystem approach, as called for in the Agreement, presents unique challenges for binational Areas of Concern due to multiple jurisdictions and communities, and hence greater institutional, program and participatory complexity. Our review of progress in each of the binational Areas of Concern suggests that a binational and ecosystem-oriented approach is underway in the St. Marys, St. Clair and Detroit River Areas of Concern, while the Niagara River and St. Lawrence River Areas of Concern are proceeding on decidedly more independent domestic tracks. Our case study analysis of the Detroit River and St. Lawrence River Areas of Concern suggest that well developed and formal governance frameworks, the establishment of informal networks, and maintaining flexibility within a science-focused approach create conditions better suited to a binational, ecosystem-oriented means of remediation.
At Play in the Republic of Letters: The Correspondence of Lapo da Castiglionchio the Younger
Authors: Kircher Timothy
Published: September 2018

This article examines the letter collection of Lapo da Castiglionchio the Younger (1406–38), an important translator of classical Greek. While scholars have edited the letters chronologically or analyzed them piecemeal, my study shows that as an ensemble the work artfully conveys a cultural and philosophical statement. By playing with time, circumstance, and persona, Lapo reveals the shortcomings of the humanist program, since it associated learning and virtue with public recognition; in addition, the letters elicit the readers’ empathy, as both patronage and Stoic self-reliance are found wanting. The humanist reawakening of the classics was witnessed here in conversation.
Leonardo and the Etruscan Tomb
Authors: Hillard Caroline S.
Published: September 2018

Leonardo da Vinci’s drawing of an Etruscan mausoleum has long puzzled scholars. Although they agree that the discovery of an Etruscan tomb at Castellina in Chianti inspired the work, questions remain about the master’s interpretation of Etruscan architecture and its place in his broader oeuvre. Through a reading of early documents related to the tomb discovery, this study offers a new interpretation of the work’s origin, content, and purpose. It situates the work within an epistolary exchange between some of Florence’s leading citizens, and posits that it reflects contemporary views of Etruscan architecture drawn from textual and archaeological sources.
The Role of Research in Economic Development
Authors: Okokpujie I. P. , Fayomi O.S.I. , Leramo R. O.
Published: September 2018

This study channels via the association between analysis utilizations, and financial advancement at the national level in creating country. Innovative works are basic driving advancement, national improvement and financial development, yet there likewise should be objective will to succeed. There must be a solid collaboration amongst the scholarly world and the industries. At the same time, hypothetical, as well as experimental writing has radically demanded that the thing of interests in examine is an irreplaceable part of economic development. The affiliation between inquire about uses and monetary execution has pulled in a lot of consideration in the scholastic field for a long while. Notwithstanding that, the subject has been for some time stressed by governments and private undertakings. The vast majority of the modern financial experts have ascribed the sustained development in developing nations to their escalated inquiresin research works. The dialog of the connection between economic development and research expenses has an uncommon direness, for instance Turkey’s aspiring financial targets. The emphasis on human capital as a driver of economic development for developing nations has prompted undue consideration on school accomplishment. Developing nations have made impressive advance in shutting the hole with regarding school accomplishment, yet ongoing exploration has underscored the significance of subjective aptitudes for economic development. This outcome shifts regard for issues of school quality around the developing nations has been significantly less fruitful in shutting the holes. Without enhancing school quality, developing nations will think that it is hard to enhance their long run financial performance. This paper exposes the impact of research in economic development of developing nations where it is taken in high-regard, shows where research has taken them to, influencing their GNP, NDP, new inventions, established standards.
Elevation of serum creatinine in a renal transplant patient following oral creatine supplementation
Authors: Law Jonathan Philip , Di Gerlando Saveria , Pankhurst Tanya , Kamesh Lavanya
Published: September 2018

We report the case of a renal transplant recipient presenting with elevated serum creatinine levels whilst taking oral creatine ethyl ester (CEE), but not creatine monohydrate (CM). Standard investigations for allograft dysfunction, including Doppler ultrasound and renal biopsy, were normal. Serum creatinine normalized following cessation of the supplement. CM is poorly absorbed and does not affect creatinine. In contrast, CEE is converted and absorbed as creatinine, elevating serum levels. In such cases, creatinine is not a valid surrogate for glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Alternate methods of GFR measurement should be considered and a rigorous clinical and drug history taken.
Impact of modelled PM2.5, NO2 and O3 annual air concentrations on some causes of mortality in Tuscany municipalities
Authors: Uccelli Raffaella , Mastrantonio Marina , Altavista Pierluigi , Pacchierotti Francesca , Piersanti Antonio , Ciancarella Luisella
Published: September 2018

Background

In 2014, the European Environment Agency estimated 59 630 premature deaths in Italy attributable to long-term exposure to PM2.5, 17 290 to NO2 and 2900 to O3. The aim of this study was to test an approach for assessing health impact of the above pollutants analyzing possible associations between annual municipal concentrations, estimated by the national dispersion model developed by ENEA, and mortality rates for trachea, bronchus and lung (TBL) cancer, total respiratory diseases (RD) and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD). Tuscany was selected as test case.

Methods

For the 287 municipalities, 2009–13 standardized mortality rates (SMRates) for each cause of death were calculated by the ENEA epidemiological database. The SMRates of municipalities, aggregated on the basis of the 2003 or 2010 estimated pollutant concentration tertiles, were also computed.

Results

TBL cancer SMRate in municipalities with 2003 PM2.5 levels >15.2 μg/m3 was significantly higher than the SMRates of the two lowest tertiles and COPD SMRates in the two highest O3 tertiles were significantly higher than that of the lower tertile. No association between PM2.5 or NO2 concentrations and RD and COPD was detected. Approximately 625 TBL cancer deaths attributable to PM2.5 levels above 10 μg/m3 in 2003 were estimated in the region. Smoking habits and deprivation index were homogeneously distributed among municipalities.

Conclusion

This methodological approach allowed detecting associations between mortality and specific air pollutants even at levels below the Italian normative limits and could be employed to evaluate the potential health impact of air pollution in areas where direct measures of concentration are unavailable.
Structure in a sea of sand: fish abundance in relation to man-made structures in the North Sea
Authors: Wright Serena R , Lynam Christopher P , Righton David A , Metcalfe Julian , Hunter Ewan , Riley Ainsley , Garcia Luz , Posen Paulette , Hyder Kieran
Published: September 2018

Artificial structures in the marine environment may have direct and/or indirect impact on the behaviour and space use of mobile foragers. This study explores whether environmental and physical features in the North Sea—including artificial structures (wrecks, wind turbines, cables, and oil and gas structures) were associated with local abundance of three fish species: cod (Gadus morhua), plaice (Pleuronectes platessa), and thornback ray (Raja clavata). Generalized additive models (GAMs) were used to compare distributions between data collected by fisheries surveys and electronic tags. Distributions of cod, plaice, and ray were correlated with environmental variables including temperature, depth, and substrate, matching findings from previous studies. All species showed seasonal increases in their abundance in areas with high densities of artificial structures, including oil and gas platforms and wrecks. Independent of whether fish purposefully associate with these features or whether structures happen to coincide with locations frequented by these populations, the strong association suggests that greater consideration needs to be given to regulation of habitat alterations, including decommissioning.
Hide and seek in the Bay of Biscay—a functional investigation of marine megafauna and small pelagic fish interactions
Authors: Lambert Charlotte , Authier Matthieu , Doray Mathieu , Dorémus Ghislain , Spitz Jérome , Ridoux Vincent
Published: September 2018

Prey and predator distributions influence one another. Understanding the scale and the orientation of predator–prey spatial correlations is crucial in foraging ecology. Growing evidence suggests that predator–prey interactions are more constrained by functional characteristics of both the predator and the prey. Unfortunately, in marine pelagic systems, the scale and orientation of spatial correlations between predators and prey have been only little explored from a functional point of view. We tested the existence of fine-scale association between predators and fish functional groups. Visual predator sightings and acoustic fish records were collected synchronously during oceanographic surveys from 2004 to 2014. Prey biomass was integrated by nautical miles and split into four size classes (<10 cm; 10–20 cm; 20–30 cm; >30 cm) and two depth layers (surface, deep). We computed the relative biomass by prey size and depth category from 0 to 12 nm around predator sightings to determine the predators’ proximity to local prey biomass. Two cetaceans (common, bottlenose dolphins) and three seabirds (northern gannets, auks, northern fulmars) were studied. No association was found in fulmars, indicating they probably do not feed on considered fishes in the area. Gannets and auks were positively correlated with local prey biomass for sizes <20 cm at both depth layers. Significant negative relationships were found between common dolphins and prey size classes <20 cm at both depth layers, and between bottlenose dolphins and all size ranges at the deeper layer. Our results suggest that the fine-scale spatial overlap of predator and prey is influenced by their functional traits, and that prey exhibit predator avoidance behaviour in presence of swimming predators but not of flying ones.