bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tracing dynamic linkages and spillover effect between Pakistani and leading foreign stock markets
Authors: Ghouse Ghulam , Khan Saud Ahmed
Published: August 2017

This study traces the degree of integration and volatility spillover effect between the Pakistani and leading foreign stock markets by analyzing the Meteor shower hypothesis. Daily data are used from nine worldly equity markets (KSE 100, NIKKEI 225, HIS, S&P 500, NASDAQ 100, DOW JONES, GADXI, FTSE 350 and DFMGI) for the period of 2005 to 2014. First, we used the whole data set and after that we split data set into two subsets, First subset of data contains the era of global financial crisis of 2008 from 2005 to 2009 and Second subset is after global financial crisis time period from 2010 to 2014 (The global crisis prevailed till end of 2009). By following the Hamao et al. (1990) technique the univariate GARCH type models are employed to explore the dynamic linkages between Pakistani and leading foreign stock markets. The results from whole data set illustrate that there is mixed co‐movements between leading foreign stock markets and Pakistani stock market. The results from both subsets provide an evidence that there is a unidirectional mean and volatility spillover effect from S&P 500, NASDAQ 100, DJI and DFMGI to KSE 100. Also we found bidirectional spillover effect between DFMGI and KSE 100 from both subsets of data. We concluded that there is only one indirect linkage through which may the information transmitted to KSE 100. This linkage is developed due to the co‐movement among KSE 100, DFMGI and NASDAQ 100 in crisis period. This integration between these markets may provide a sign of indirect linkage. It also exhibits the volatility in Pakistan stock market returns is instigated through direct effects as well as indirect effects. Our study brings important conclusions for financial institutions, portfolio managers, market players and academician to diagnose the nature and level of linkages between the financial markets.
Soft Skills for the Effective Lawyer
Authors: Kiser Randall
Published: August 2017

In this groundbreaking book, Randall Kiser presents a multi-disciplinary, practice-based introduction to the major soft skills for lawyers: self-awareness, self-development, social proficiency, wisdom, leadership, and professionalism. The work serves as both a map and a vehicle for developing the skills essential to self-knowledge and fulfillment, organizational respect and accomplishment, client satisfaction and appreciation, and professional improvement and distinction. It identifies the most important soft skills for attorneys, describes and applies hundreds of studies regarding psychology, law, and soft skills, and provides concrete steps and methods to improve soft skills. The book should be read by law students, attorneys, and anyone else interested in how lawyers should practice law.
Youth Activism and Contentious Politics in Egypt
Authors: Sika Nadine
Published: August 2017

During the Arab uprisings of late 2010 and early 2011, nine regimes throughout North Africa and the Middle East were confronted by major demonstrations and contentious events. When the uprisings began in Egypt, it became evident that youth movements were going to play a large part in the uprisings themselves, as well as the ensuing political and social changes. In this book, Nadine Sika demonstrates how youth movements initiated contestation, and how the regime in Egypt reacted through a display of authoritarian resilience, creating opportunities, threats to and constraints on the ability of youth movements to mobilize and to network. On the other hand, she explores how youth movement's repertoires can cause a regime to adapt, upgrade, or downgrade its authoritarian tools in an attempt to control, co-opt, or disempower the movement, highlighting how a regime's perception of a threat can propel it towards either defensive or offensive strategies.
Resisting War
Authors: Kaplan Oliver
Published: August 2017

In civil conflicts around the world, unarmed civilians take enormous risks to protect themselves and confront heavily armed combatants. This is not just counterintuitive - it is extraordinary. In this book, Oliver Kaplan explores cases from Colombia, with extensions to Afghanistan, Pakistan, Syria, and the Philippines, to show how and why civilians influence armed actors and limit violence. Based on fieldwork and statistical analysis, the book explains how local social organization and cohesion enable both covert and overt nonviolent strategies, including avoidance, cultures of peace, dispute resolution, deception, protest, and negotiation. These 'autonomy' strategies help civilians retain their agency and avoid becoming helpless victims by limiting the inroads of armed groups.
Culturomics and the history of psychiatry: testing the Google Ngram method
Authors: O’Sullivan O. P. , Duffy R. M. , Kelly B. D.
Published: August 2017

Objectives

Culturomics is the study of behaviour and culture through quantitative analysis of digitised text. We aimed to apply a modern technique in this field to examine trends related to the history of psychiatry. In doing so, we aimed to explore the nature of the Google Ngram methodology.

Methods

Using Google Ngram Viewer, we studied Google’s corpus of over 4% of all published books and explored relevant trends in word usage.

Results

An exponential growth in the use of ‘psychiatry’ between 1890 and 1984 was identified. ‘Sigmund Freud’ was mentioned more frequently than all other prominent figures in the history of psychiatry combined. Mentions of ‘suicide’ increased since 1820. The impact of several DSM editions is discussed.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated the potential application of the Ngram methodology to the study of the history of psychiatry. The role of textual analysis in this field merits careful, constructive consideration and is likely to expand with technological advances.
Breakfast consumption and nutrient intakes in 4–18-year-olds: UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey Rolling Programme (2008–2012)
Authors: Coulthard Janine D. , Palla Luigi , Pot Gerda K.
Published: August 2017

Although breakfast consumption is widely considered to be an important component of a healthy lifestyle, few UK studies have examined differences in nutrient intakes between breakfast consumers and breakfast skippers among children and adolescents. We investigated associations between breakfast skipping in 4–18-year-olds and their nutrient intakes using data from the UK’s National Diet and Nutrition Survey Rolling Programme. Dietary data were derived from 4-d estimated food diaries of 802 children aged 4–10 years and 884 children aged 11–18 years (1686 in total). Daily nutrient intakes of children with different breakfast habits were compared by one-way ANCOVA adjusting for relevant covariates (sex, age, ethnicity, equivalised household income and BMI). Within-person analysis was carried out on children with an irregular breakfast habit (n879) comparing nutrient intakes on breakfast days with those on non-breakfast days using repeated measures ANCOVA. We observed that the overall nutritional profile of the children in terms of fibre and micronutrient intake was superior in frequent breakfast consumers (micronutrients: folate, Ca, Fe and I (P<0·01)) and, for the 4–10 years age group, on breakfast days (micronutrients: folate, vitamin C, Ca and I (P<0·01)). Also, significantly higher proportions of breakfast-consuming children met their reference nutrient intakes of folate, vitamin C, Ca, Fe and I compared with breakfast skippers (χ2analysis,P<0·001). Our study adds to the body of data linking breakfast consumption with higher quality dietary intake in school-age children, supporting the promotion of breakfast as an important element of a healthy dietary pattern in children.
The Logic of “Offstage” Signaling: Domestic Politics, Regime Type, and Major Power-Protégé Relations
Authors: McManus Roseanne W. , Yarhi-Milo Keren
Published: August 2017

This paper explores the question of how major powers signal support for their protégés. We develop a theory that explains why major powers show support for some protégés using highly visible “frontstage” signals of support, while supporting other protégés through less visible, but nonetheless costly, “offstage” signals. From an international strategic perspective, it is puzzling that major powers do not always send the most visible signal possible. We argue that this can be explained by considering the domestic environments in which the leaders of major powers and protégés operate. Focusing particularly on the United States as we develop our theory, we argue that the US will prefer to send offstage signals of support for more autocratic protégés for several reasons. First, sending frontstage support signals for autocracies would expose US leaders to charges of hypocrisy. Second, frontstage signals of support for autocracies face an impediment to credibility because of the public backlash in the United States that overt support for dictators could generate. Third, many autocratic protégés would be reluctant to accept a frontstage signal of support from the US because it could undermine their regime stability. We test our theory in a data set that records various support signals sent by the United States for other countries between 1950 and 2008, finding strong support for our expectations. We also find evidence of the causal mechanisms posited by our theory in a case study of relations between the US and the Shah's Iran.
FIRE AND HEAT: YAḤYĀ B. ʿADĪ AND AVICENNA ON THE ESSENTIALITY OF BEING SUBSTANCE OR ACCIDENT
Authors: Benevich Fedor
Published: August 2017

Avicenna's analysis of the definition of substance and accident repeatedly emphasizes two points: one and the same essence cannot be substance in one instance and accident in another; whetherxis extrinsic or intrinsic for an underlying subject,ydoes not tell us anything as to whetherxis substance or not. Both points are development in an argument against certain unnamed people who claimed the opposite. In this article I will show that Avicenna's opponents are to be identified with the mainstream Baghdad Peripatetic School (Ibn Suwār, Ibn al-Ṭayyib) which based itself on the Late Antique rule that “parts of substances are substances”. As for Avicenna's own position, it was developed on the basis of the heterodox position of Yaḥyā b. ʿAdī, who anticipated Avicenna's first point. This is a further piece of evidence for something that has only recently begun to be appreciated: the influence of Ibn ʿAdī on Avicenna.
Annual Bluegrass (Poa annua) Control with Methiozolin and Nutrient Tank-Mixtures
Authors: Flessner Michael L. , McElroy J. Scott , McCurdy James D.
Published: August 2017

Methiozolin is a selective herbicide that has been reported to control annual bluegrass in creeping bentgrass putting greens. Golf course managers frequently tank-mix fertilizers with herbicides to reduce time and labor, but no information is available regarding such mixtures with methiozolin. Research was conducted to evaluate methiozolin for annual bluegrass control and creeping bentgrass safety when tank-mixed with ammonium sulfate or iron sulfate. Mixtures with ammonium sulfate did not influence annual bluegrass control while they did reduce creeping bentgrass injury in some instances. Mixtures with iron sulfate varied by experimental run but annual bluegrass control was either similar or increased while creeping bentgrass injury did not vary. Paclobutrazol was included as an alternative agrochemical comparison for annual bluegrass management; its application resulted in similar control and injury with and without iron sulfate addition, and injury and control were similar to methiozolin at appropriate rates. While some differences were observed, overall annual bluegrass and creeping bentgrass response to methiozolin was not affected by tank-mix nutrient partner relative to methiozolin applied alone.
Wirksamkeit der Eingliederungshilfe für Menschen mit Abhängigkeitserkrankungen nach SGB XII
Authors: Verthein Uwe , Degkwitz Peter , Oechsler Harald , Martens Marcus-Sebastian
Published: August 2017

Zusammenfassung. ﻿Hintergrund:﻿ Die Eingliederungshilfe Sucht ist als ein Leistungsbereich für Abhängigkeitserkrankte mit überwiegend stationären Einrichtungen in Hamburg und Umgebung eine wichtige Säule der Sozial- und Gesundheitspolitik. ﻿Fragestellung:﻿ Für neu in die Eingliederungshilfe eintretende Klienten wird die Wirksamkeit der Maßnahmen hinsichtlich der vereinbarten sucht- und teilhabebezogenen Zielsetzungen untersucht. ﻿Methodik:﻿ Im Rahmen der prospektiven Prä-post-Untersuchung wurden Klienten und betreuende Fachkräfte (klientenbezogen) zu Behandlungsbeginn und nach 6 Monaten (bei Maßnahmeende vorzeitig) schriftlich befragt. ﻿Ergebnisse:﻿ Insgesamt wurden 255 Klienten erreicht. Die sucht- und teilhabebezogenen Ziele konnten mehrheitlich überwiegend oder vollständig erreicht werden. Bei mehr als zwei Dritteln hat sich der Umgang mit Suchtmitteln verbessert. Die Beeinträchtigungen nach ICF sind zurückgegangen, psychische Belastungen (BSI-18) und die gesundheitsbezogene Lebensqualität (SF-12) haben sich verbessert. Eine längere Maßnahmedauer und eine höhere Intensität an Betreuungsaktivitäten wirken sich positiv auf solche Verbesserungen aus. ﻿Schlussfolgerung:﻿ Erstmalig konnte im Rahmen einer externen Evaluation für die Eingliederungshilfe nachgewiesen werden, dass die definierten Ziele zu einem großen Anteil vollständig erreicht werden. Die Aussagekraft ist aufgrund des einarmigen Studiendesigns allerdings eingeschränkt, weitere Untersuchungen in diesem Bereich sind notwendig. Die Eingliederungshilfe stellt eine wichtige Ergänzung für Menschen mit Abhängigkeitsproblemen dar, die im Rahmen der regulären Gesundheitsversorgung sowie dem Rehabilitationswesen nicht erreicht werden.
Anomalous Dirac point transport due to extended defects in bilayer graphene
Authors: Shallcross Sam , Sharma Sangeeta , Weber Heiko B.
Published: August 2017

Charge transport at the Dirac point in bilayer graphene exhibits two dramatically different transport states, insulating and metallic, that occur in apparently otherwise indistinguishable experimental samples. We demonstrate that the existence of these two transport states has its origin in an interplay between evanescent modes, that dominate charge transport near the Dirac point, and disordered configurations of extended defects in the form of partial dislocations. In a large ensemble of bilayer systems with randomly positioned partial dislocations, the distribution of conductivities is found to be strongly peaked at both the insulating and metallic limits. We argue that this distribution form, that occurs only at the Dirac point, lies at the heart of the observation of both metallic and insulating states in bilayer graphene.
Interfacial charge distributions in carbon-supported palladium catalysts
Authors: Rao Radhika G. , Blume Raoul , Hansen Thomas W. , Fuentes Erika , Dreyer Kathleen , Moldovan Simona , Ersen Ovidiu , Hibbitts David D. , Chabal Yves J. , Schlögl Robert , Tessonnier Jean-Philippe
Published: August 2017

Controlling the charge transfer between a semiconducting catalyst carrier and the supported transition metal active phase represents an elite strategy for fine turning the electronic structure of the catalytic centers, hence their activity and selectivity. These phenomena have been theoretically and experimentally elucidated for oxide supports but remain poorly understood for carbons due to their complex nanoscale structure. Here, we combine advanced spectroscopy and microscopy on model Pd/C samples to decouple the electronic and surface chemistry effects on catalytic performance. Our investigations reveal trends between the charge distribution at the palladium–carbon interface and the metal’s selectivity for hydrogenation of multifunctional chemicals. These electronic effects are strong enough to affect the performance of large (~5 nm) Pd particles. Our results also demonstrate how simple thermal treatments can be used to tune the interfacial charge distribution, hereby providing a strategy to rationally design carbon-supported catalysts.
Biodegradable elastic nanofibrous platforms with integrated flexible heaters for on-demand drug delivery
Authors: Tamayol Ali , Hassani Najafabadi Alireza , Mostafalu Pooria , Yetisen Ali K. , Commotto Mattia , Aldhahri Musab , Abdel-wahab Mohamed Shaaban , Najafabadi Zeynab Izadi , Latifi Shahrzad , Akbari Mohsen , Annabi Nasim , Yun Seok Hyun , Memic Adnan , Dokmeci Mehmet R. , Khademhosseini Ali
Published: August 2017

Delivery of drugs with controlled temporal profiles is essential for wound treatment and regenerative medicine applications. For example, bacterial infection is a key challenge in the treatment of chronic and deep wounds. Current treatment strategies are based on systemic administration of high doses of antibiotics, which result in side effects and drug resistance. On-demand delivery of drugs with controlled temporal profile is highly desirable. Here, we have developed thermally controllable, antibiotic-releasing nanofibrous sheets. Poly(glycerol sebacate)- poly(caprolactone) (PGS-PCL) blends were electrospun to form elastic polymeric sheets with fiber diameters ranging from 350 to 1100 nm and substrates with a tensile modulus of approximately 4-8 MPa. A bioresorbable metallic heater was patterned directly on the nanofibrous substrate for applying thermal stimulation to release antibiotics on-demand. In vitro studies confirmed the platform’s biocompatibility and biodegradability. The released antibiotics were potent against tested bacterial strains. These results may pave the path toward developing electronically controllable wound dressings that can deliver drugs with desired temporal patterns.
Changes in the intestinal microbiota following the administration of azithromycin in a randomised placebo-controlled trial among infants in south India
Authors: Parker Edward P. K. , Praharaj Ira , John Jacob , Kaliappan Saravanakumar Puthupalayam , Kampmann Beate , Kang Gagandeep , Grassly Nicholas C.
Published: August 2017

Macrolides are among the most widely prescribed antibiotics worldwide. However, their impact on the gut’s bacterial microbiota remains uncertain. We characterised the intestinal microbiota in 6–11 month-old infants in India who received a 3-day course of azithromycin or placebo during a randomised trial of oral poliovirus vaccine immunogenicity (CTRI/2014/05/004588). In 60 infants per study arm, we sequenced the V4 region of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene in stool samples collected before and 12 days after finishing treatment. We also tested for the presence of common bacterial, viral, and eukaryotic enteropathogens in the same samples using real-time PCR in a Taqman array card (TAC) format. Azithromycin induced a modest decline in microbiota richness and a shift in taxonomic composition driven by a reduction in the relative abundance of Proteobacteria and Verrucomicrobia (specificallyAkkermansia muciniphila). The former phylum includes pathogenic strains ofEscherichia coliandCampylobacterspp. that declined in prevalence based on the TAC assay. These findings differ from previous observations among older children and adults in Europe and North America, suggesting that the effects of azithromycin on the bacterial microbiota may be specific to the age and geographic setting of its recipients.
Homozygous p.Ser267Phe in SLC10A1 is associated with a new type of hypercholanemia and implications for personalized medicine
Authors: Liu Ruihong , Chen Chuming , Xia Xuefeng , Liao Qijun , Wang Qiong , Newcombe Paul J. , Xu Shuhua , Chen Minghui , Ding Yue , Li Xiaoying , Liao Zhihong , Li Fucheng , Du Minlian , Huang Huaiqiu , Dong Ruimin , Deng Weiping , Wang Ye , Zeng Binghui , Pan Qihao , Jiang Danhua , Zeng Hao , Sham Pak , Cao Yingnan , Maxwell Patrick H. , Gao Zhi-liang , Peng Liang , Wang Yiming
Published: August 2017

SLC10A1 codes for the sodium-taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP), which is a hepatocellular transporter for bile acids (BAs) and the receptor for hepatitis B and D viruses. NTCP is also a target of multiple drugs. We aimed to evaluate the medical consequences of the loss of function mutation p.Ser267Phe in SLC10A1. We identified eight individuals with homozygous p.Ser267Phe mutation in SLC10A1 and followed up for 8–90 months. We compared their total serum BAs and 6 species of BAs with 170 wild-type and 107 heterozygous healthy individuals. We performed in-depth medical examinations and exome sequencing in the homozygous individuals. All homozygous individuals had persistent hypercholanemia (P = 5.8 × 10–29). Exome sequencing excluded the involvement of other BA metabolism-associated genes in the hypercholanemia. Although asymptomatic, all individuals had low vitamin D levels. Of six adults that were subjected to bone mineral density analysis, three presented with osteoporosis/osteopenia. Sex hormones and blood lipids were deviated in all subjects. Homozygosity of p.Ser267Phe in SLC10A1 is associated with asymptomatic hypercholanemia. Individuals with homozygous p.Ser267Phe in SLC10A1 are prone to vitamin D deficiency, deviated sex hormones and blood lipids. Surveillance of these parameters may also be needed in patients treated with drugs targeting NTCP.
Elucidation of the molecular responses to waterlogging in Sesbania cannabina roots by transcriptome profiling
Authors: Ren Cheng-Gang , Kong Cun-Cui , Yan Kun , Zhang Hua , Luo Yong-Ming , Xie Zhi-Hong
Published: August 2017

Sesbania cannabina, a multipurpose leguminous crop, is highly resistant to waterlogging stress. However, the scant genomic resources in the genus Sesbania have greatly hindered further exploration of the mechanisms underlying its waterlogging tolerance. Here, the genetic basis of flooding tolerance in S. cannabina was examined by transcriptome-wide gene expression changes using RNA-Seq in seedlings exposed to short-term (3 h) and long-term (27 h) waterlogging. After de- novo assembly, 213990 unigenes were identified, of which 145162 (79.6%) were annotated. Gene Ontology and pathway enrichment analyses revealed that the glycolysis and fermentation pathways were stimulated to produce ATP under hypoxic stress conditions. Energy-consuming biosynthetic processes were dramatically repressed by short and long term waterlogging, while amino acid metabolism was greatly induced to maintain ATP levels. The expression pattern of 10 unigenes involved in phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, glycolysis, and amino acid metabolism revealed by qRT-PCR confirmed the RNA-Seq data. The present study is a large-scale assessment of genomic resources of Sesbania and provides guidelines for probing the molecular mechanisms underlying S. cannabina waterlogging tolerance.
Duality and quantum state engineering in cavity arrays
Authors: Meher Nilakantha , Sivakumar S. , Panigrahi Prasanta K.
Published: August 2017

A system of two coupled cavities with N − 1 photons is shown to be dynamically equivalent to an array of N coupled cavities containing one photon. Every transition in the two cavity system has a dual phenomenon in terms of photon transport in the cavity array. This duality is employed to arrive at the required coupling strengths and nonlinearities in the cavity array so that controlled photon transfer is possible between any two cavities. This transfer of photons between two of the cavities in the array is effected without populating the other cavities. The condition for perfect transport enables perfect state transfer between any two cavities in the array. Further, possibility of high fidelity generation of generalized NOON states in two coupled cavities, which are dual to the Bell states of the photon in the cavity array, is established.
Residual Risk Factors to Predict Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Patients with and without Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Lin Fang-Ju , Tseng Wei-Kung , Yin Wei-Hsian , Yeh Hung-I , Chen Jaw-Wen , Wu Chau-Chung
Published: August 2017

A prospective observational study was conducted to investigate the residual risk factors to predict recurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) patients with a high prevalence under lipid-lowering therapy, particularly in the subpopulations of diabetic and nondiabetic individuals. A total of 5,483 adults (with a mean age of 66.4 and 73.3% male) with established coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, or peripheral artery disease were identified from the T-SPARCLE multi-center registry. Of them, 38.6% had diabetes. The residual risk factors for MACE are divergent in these atherosclerotic patients with and without diabetes. In diabetic subpopulation, the risk of MACE was significantly increased with heart failure (HF), chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 4–5 (vs. stage 1–2), without beta blocker use, and higher non-HDL-C, after controlling for covariates including statin use and the intensity of therapy. Increased LDL-C and TG levels were also associated with increased risk, but to a much less extent. Among nondiabetic individuals, HF, CKD stage 4–5, and history of myocardial infarction were the significant independent predictors of MACE. It is suggested that ASCVD patients with concomitant diabetes need stricter control of lipid, particularly non-HDL-C levels, to reduce cardiovascular risk when on statin therapy.
iNOS promotes hypothalamic insulin resistance associated with deregulation of energy balance and obesity in rodents
Authors: Katashima Carlos Kiyoshi , Silva Vagner Ramon Rodrigues , Lenhare Luciene , Marin Rodrigo Miguel , Carvalheira José Barreto Campello
Published: August 2017

Inducible nitric oxide (iNOS)-mediated S-nitrosation of the metabolic signaling pathway has emerged as a post-translational modification that triggers insulin resistance in obesity and aging. However, the effects of S-nitrosation in controlling energy homeostasis are unknown. Thus, in the present study we aimed to evaluate the effects of S-nitrosation in insulin signaling pathway in the hypothalamus of rodents. Herein, we demonstrated that the intracerebroventricular infusion of the nitric oxide (NO) donor S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) promoted hypothalamic insulin signaling resistance and replicated the food intake pattern of obese individuals. Indeed, obesity induced S-nitrosation of hypothalamic IR and Akt, whereas inhibition of iNOS or S-nitrosation of insulin signaling pathway protected against hypothalamic insulin resistance and normalized energy homeostasis. Overall, these findings indicated that S-nitrosation of insulin signaling pathway is required to sustain hypothalamic insulin resistance in obesity.
Brain plasticity following MI-BCI training combined with tDCS in a randomized trial in chronic subcortical stroke subjects: a preliminary study
Authors: Hong Xin , Lu Zhong Kang , Teh Irvin , Nasrallah Fatima Ali , Teo Wei Peng , Ang Kai Keng , Phua Kok Soon , Guan Cuntai , Chew Effie , Chuang Kai-Hsiang
Published: August 2017

Brain-computer interface-assisted motor imagery (MI-BCI) or transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been used in stroke rehabilitation, though their combinatory effect is unknown. We investigated brain plasticity following a combined MI-BCI and tDCS intervention in chronic subcortical stroke patients with unilateral upper limb disability. Nineteen patients were randomized into tDCS and sham-tDCS groups. Diffusion and perfusion MRI, and transcranial magnetic stimulation were used to study structural connectivity, cerebral blood flow (CBF), and corticospinal excitability, respectively, before and 4 weeks after the 2-week intervention. After quality control, thirteen subjects were included in the CBF analysis. Eleven healthy controls underwent 2 sessions of MRI for reproducibility study. Whereas motor performance showed comparable improvement, long-lasting neuroplasticity can only be detected in the tDCS group, where white matter integrity in the ipsilesional corticospinal tract and bilateral corpus callosum was increased but sensorimotor CBF was decreased, particularly in the ipsilesional side. CBF change in the bilateral parietal cortices also correlated with motor function improvement, consistent with the increased white matter integrity in the corpus callosum connecting these regions, suggesting an involvement of interhemispheric interaction. The preliminary results indicate that tDCS may facilitate neuroplasticity and suggest the potential for refining rehabilitation strategies for stroke patients.
Differential responsiveness of MET inhibition in non-small-cell lung cancer with altered CBL
Authors: Tan Yi-Hung Carol , Mirzapoiazova Tamara , Won Brian M. , Zhu Li , Srivastava Minu K. , Vokes Everett E. , Husain Aliya N. , Batra Surinder K. , Sharma Sherven , Salgia Ravi
Published: August 2017

Casitas B-lineage lymphoma (CBL) is an E3 ubiquitin ligase and a molecule of adaptor that we have shown is important for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We investigated if MET is a target of CBL and if enhanced in CBL-altered NSCLC. We showed that CBL wildtype cells have lower MET expression than CBL mutant cells. Ubiquitination of MET was also decreased in CBL mutant cells compared to wildtype cells. Mutant cells were also more sensitive to MET inhibitor SU11274 than wild-type cells. sh-RNA-mediated knockdown of CBL enhanced cell motility and colony formation in NSCLC cells, and these activities were inhibited by SU11274. Assessment of the phospho-kinome showed decreased phosphorylation of pathways involving MET, paxillin, EPHA2, and VEGFR. When CBL was knocked down in the mutant cell line H1975 (erlotinib-resistant), it became sensitive to MET inhibition. Our findings suggest that CBL status is a potential positive indicator for MET-targeted therapeutics in NSCLC.
Evolution of regular geometrical shapes in fiber lumens
Authors: Le Ngoc Lieu , Kim Dooli , Nunes Suzana P.
Published: August 2017

The geometry of polymeric hollow fibers for hemodialysis or desalination is a key factor determining their performance. Deformations are frequently observed, but they are rather random. Here we were able to exactly control the shape evolution of the internal channels or lumens of polymeric hollow fibers, leading to polygonal geometries with increasing number of sides. The elasticity of the incipient channel skin and instabilities during fiber formation are affected by the internal coagulant fluid composition and flow rate; and highly influence the polygonal shape. We propose a holistic explanation by analyzing the thermodynamic, kinetic and rheological aspects involved in the skin formation and their synergy.
Topological superconductors from one-dimensional periodically modulated Majorana chains
Authors: Lin Yang , Hao Weichang , Wang Mei , Qian Jianqiang , Guo Huaiming
Published: August 2017

By analogy to the topological models of fermions in one-dimensional periodically modulated lattices, we provide a systematic method to construct topological superconductors in BDI class. We then create superlattices of Majorana fermions to interpolate several Majorana chains, and realize topological superconductors with arbitrary winding numbers. Two kinds of chiral symmetries are identified in the systems with multiple chains. Of the two winding numbers associated to the chiral symmetries, one counts the number of zero-energy modes, while the other counts the difference of the numbers of α- and β-type Majorana zero states. We also show that one α- and one β-type Majorana zero modes collapse into fractional charged zero states when they are spatially intertwined. In the systems with odd number of chains, it induces topological superconductors with coexistence of fractional charged zero states and Majorana zero states. Finally by introducing symmetry breaking term, we present an intuitive explanation of the Z2 nature of the topological invariant in the D class.
The role of transparency cues in afterimage color perception
Authors: On Zhi Xiang , van Boxtel Jeroen J. A.
Published: August 2017

Recent evidence has shown that afterimage perception and completion are amenable to contextual information. It has previously been shown that placing an outline around part of the afterimage can induce colors in areas that were uncolored. A thorough explanation of this effect is lacking, although this color completion was thought to be due to a diffusion-like filling-in of the uncolored patch with colors of the surrounding areas. Here, we show that an important step in visual completion is the decomposition of the visual scene into different depth layers, i.e. scission, which, we show, is guided by transparency cues in the van Lier et al. study. In three experiments, we show that when decomposition is prevented, color completion does not occur. We also show that this decomposition can induce color completion in real images. These results demonstrate that transparency information plays an important role in determining visual color completion processes.
Genetic basis of mycotoxin susceptibility differences between budding yeast isolates
Authors: Quispe Xtopher , Tapia Sebastián M. , Villarroel Carlos , Oporto Christian , Abarca Valentina , García Verónica , Martínez Claudio , Cubillos Francisco A.
Published: August 2017

Micophenolic acid (MPA) is an immunosuppressant mycotoxin which impairs yeast cell growth to variable degrees depending on the genetic background. Such variation could have emerged from several phenomena, including MPA gene resistance mutations and variations in copy number and localisation of resistance genes. To test this, we evaluated MPA susceptibility in fourS. cerevisiaeisolates and genetically dissected variation through the identification of Quantitative Trait Loci. Via linkage analysis we identified six QTLs, majority of which were located within subtelomeres and co-localised withIMD2, an inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase previously identified underlying MPA drug resistance in yeast cells. From chromosome end disruption and bioinformatics analysis, it was found that the subtelomere localisation ofIMD2within chromosome ends is variable depending on the strain, demonstrating the influence ofIMD2on the natural variation in yeast MPA susceptibility. Furthermore, GxE gene expression analysis of strains exhibiting opposite phenotypes indicated that ribosome biogenesis, RNA transport, and purine biosynthesis were impaired in strains most susceptible to MPA toxicity. Our results demonstrate that natural variation can be exploited to better understand the molecular mechanisms underlying mycotoxin susceptibility in eukaryote cells and demonstrate the role of subtelomeric regions in mediating interactions with the environment.
Association between Serum Folate and Insulin Resistance among U.S. Nondiabetic Adults
Authors: Li Jinchao , Goh Charlene E. , Demmer Ryan T. , Whitcomb Brian W. , Du Peng , Liu Zhenhua
Published: August 2017

Recent studies have suggested that epigenetic alterations, particularly DNA methylation, play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance. Folate is a key source of the one-carbon group for DNA methylation, whereas the association and mechanistic linkage between folate status and insulin resistance remains unclear with very limited experimental support. We performed a cross-sectional study of 1530 nondiabetic adults in the 2011–2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). We examined associations between serum folate and insulin resistance using multiple linear regression models adjusted for potential confounders. We detected a significant inverse relationship for serum folate, where a 25% increase in serum folate was associated with a 3.06% (95% CI, −4.72, −1.37) and 2.77% (95% CI, −4.36, −1.77) decline in HOMA-IR and insulin respectively, and a 2.55% (95% CI, 0.93, 4.21) increase in G/I ratio. Our findings demonstrate that serum folate was inversely associated with insulin resistance in U.S. nondiabetic adults.
The ERK-1 function is required for HSV-1-mediated G1/S progression in HEP-2 cells and contributes to virus growth
Authors: Colao Ivana , Pennisi Rosamaria , Venuti Assunta , Nygårdas Michaela , Heikkilä Outi , Hukkanen Veijo , Sciortino Maria Teresa
Published: August 2017

The herpes simplex virus 1 is able to readdress different cellular pathways including cell cycle to facilitate its replication and spread. During infection, the progression of the cell cycle from G1 to S phase makes the cellular replication machinery accessible to viral DNA replication. In this work we established that HSV-1, in asynchronized HEp-2 cells, strictly controls cell cycle progression increasing S-phase population from 9 hours post infection until the end of HSV-1 replication. The G1/S phases progression depends on two important proteins, cyclin E and CDK2. We demonstrate that their phosphorylated status and then their activity during the infection is strongly correlated to viral replication events. In addition, HSV-1 is able to recruit and distribute ERK1/2 proteins in a spatio-temporal fashion, highlighting its downstream regulatory effects on cellular processes. According with this data, using chemical inhibitor U0126 and ERK dominant negative cells we found that the lack of ERK1 activity affects cyclin E protein accumulation, viral gene transcription and percentage of the cells in S phase, during the viral replication. These data suggested a complex interaction between ERK, cell cycle progression and HSV-1 replication.
Simulative Global Warming Negatively Affects Cotton Fiber Length through Shortening Fiber Rapid Elongation Duration
Authors: Dai Yanjiao , Yang Jiashuo , Hu Wei , Zahoor Rizwan , Chen Binglin , Zhao Wenqing , Meng Yali , Zhou Zhiguo
Published: August 2017

Global warming could possibly increase the air temperature by 1.8–4.0 °C in the coming decade. Cotton fiber is an essential raw material for the textile industry. Fiber length, which was found negatively related to the excessively high temperature, determines yarn quality to a great extent. To investigate the effects of global warming on cotton fiber length and its mechaism, cottons grown in artificially elevated temperature (34.6/30.5 °C, Tday/Tnight) and ambient temperature (31.6/27.3 °C) regions have been investigated. Becaused of the high sensitivities of enzymes V-ATPase, PEPC, and genes GhXTH1 and GhXTH2 during fiber elongation when responding to high temperature stress, the fiber rapid elongation duration (FRED) has been shortened, which led to a significant suppression on final fiber length. Through comprehensive analysis, Tnight had a great influence on fiber elongation, which means Tn could be deemed as an ideal index for forecasting the degree of high temperature stress would happen to cotton fiber property in future. Therefore, we speculate the global warming would bring unfavorable effects on cotton fiber length, which needs to take actions in advance for minimizing the loss in cotton production.
Outcome switching in randomized controlled oncology trials reporting on surrogate endpoints: a cross-sectional analysis
Authors: Falk Delgado Alberto , Falk Delgado Anna
Published: August 2017

Inconsistent reporting of clinical trials is well-known in the literature. Despite this, factors associated with poor practice such as outcome switching in clinical trials are poorly understood. We performed a cross-sectional analysis to evaluate the prevalence of, and the factors associated with outcome switching. PubMed and Embase were searched for pharmaceutical randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in oncology reporting on a surrogate primary outcome published in 2015. Outcome switching was present in 18% (39/216). First-author male sex was significantly more likely associated with outcome switching compared to female sex with an OR of 3.05 (95% CI 1.07–8.64,p = 0.04) after multivariable adjustment. For-profit funded RCTs were less likely associated with outcome switching compared to non-profit funded research with an OR of 0.22 (95% CI 0.07–0.74,p = 0.01). First author male sex was more likely associated with outcome switching compared to female sex in drug oncology RCTs reporting on a primary surrogate endpoint. For-profit funded research was less likely associated with outcome switching compared to research funded by non-profit organizations. Furthermore, 18 percent of drug oncology trials reporting on a surrogate endpoint could have a higher risk of false positive results due to primary outcome switching.
Proteomic analysis of phytase transgenic and non-transgenic maize seeds
Authors: Tan Yanhua , Tong Zheng , Yang Qian , Sun Yong , Jin Xiang , Peng Cunzhi , Guo Anping , Wang Xuchu
Published: August 2017

Proteomics has become a powerful technique for investigating unintended effects in genetically modified crops. In this study, we performed a comparative proteomics of the seeds of phytase-transgenic (PT) and non-transgenic (NT) maize using 2-DE and iTRAQ techniques. A total of 148 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs), including 106 down-regulated and 42 up-regulated proteins in PT, were identified. Of these proteins, 32 were identified through 2-DE and 116 were generated by iTRAQ. It is noteworthy that only three proteins could be detected via both iTRAQ and 2-DE, and most of the identified DEPs were not newly produced proteins but proteins with altered abundance. These results indicated that many DEPs could be detected in the proteome of PT maize seeds and the corresponding wild type after overexpression of the target gene, but the changes in these proteins were not substantial. Functional classification revealed many DEPs involved in posttranscriptional modifications and some ribosomal proteins and heat-shock proteins that may generate adaptive effects in response to the insertion of exogenous genes. Protein-protein interaction analysis demonstrated that the detected interacting proteins were mainly ribosomal proteins and heat-shock proteins. Our data provided new information on such unintended effects through a proteomic analysis of maize seeds.
Development of a novel immunoassay to detect interactions with the transactivation domain of p53: application to screening of new drugs
Authors: Xiong Yufeng , Wu Yingsong , Luo Shuhong , Gao Yang , Xiong Yujing , Chen Daxiang , Deng Hao , Hao Wenbo , Liu Tiancai , Li Ming
Published: August 2017

Tumor protein p53 acts as a trans-activator that negatively regulates cell division by controlling a set of genes required for cell cycle regulation, making it a tumor suppressor in different types of tumors. Because the transcriptional activity of p53 plays an important role in the occurrence and development of tumors, reactivation of p53 transcriptional activity has been sought as a novel cancer therapeutic strategy. There is great interest in developing high-throughput assays to identify inhibitors of molecules that bind the transcription-activation domain of p53, especially for wt p53-containing tumors. In the present study, taking MDM2 as an example, a novel amplified luminescent proximity homogeneous assay (AlphaLISA) was modified from a binding competition assay to detect the interactions between the transcription-activation domain of p53 and its ligands. This assay can be adapted as a high-throughput assay for screening new inhibitors. A panel of well-known p53-MDM2 binding inhibitors was used to validate this method, and demonstrated its utility, sensitivity and robustness. In summary, we have developed a novel protein-protein interaction detection immunoassay that can be used in a high-throughput format to screen new drug candidates for reactivation of p53. This assay has been successfully validated through a series of p53-MDM2 binding inhibitors.
Potential inhibitors designed against NDM-1 type metallo-β-lactamases: an attempt to enhance efficacies of antibiotics against multi-drug-resistant bacteria
Authors: Khan Asad U. , Ali Abid , Danishuddin  , Srivastava Gaurava , Sharma Ashok
Published: August 2017

NDM-1 and its variants are the most prevalent types of metallo-β-lactamases, hydrolyze almost all antibiotics of β-lactam group leading to multiple-drug resistance in bacteria. No inhibitor has yet been obtained for NDM-1 or other class of metallo-β-lactamases. Therefore, strategies to identify novel anti-β-lactamase agents with specific mechanisms of action are the need of an hour. In this study, we have reported the discovery of novel non-β-lactam inhibitors against NDM-1 by multi-step virtual screening approach. The potential for virtually screened drugs was estimated through in vitro cell assays. Five chemical compounds were finally purchased and evaluated experimentally for their efficacies to inhibit NDM-1 producing bacterial cells, in vitro. The dissociation constants (Kd), association constant (Ka), stoichiometry (n) and binding energies (ΔG) of compounds with the respective targets were determined using isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). Molecular dynamic simulation carried out for 25 ns revealed that these complexes were stable throughout the simulation with relative RMSD in acceptable range. Moreover, Microbiological and kinetic studies further confirmed high efficacies of these inhibitors by reducing the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and catalysis of antibiotics by β-lactamases in the presence of inhibitors. Therefore, we conclude that these potential inhibitors may be used as lead molecules for future drug candidates.
Short and Long-Term Outcomes After Surgical Procedures Lasting for More Than Six Hours
Authors: Cornellà Natalia , Sancho Joan , Sitges-Serra Antonio
Published: August 2017

Long-term all-cause mortality and dependency after complex surgical procedures have not been assessed in the framework of value-based medicine. The aim of this study was to investigate the postoperative and long-term outcomes after surgical procedures lasting for more than six hours. Retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing a first elective complex surgical procedure between 2004 and 2013. Heart and transplant surgery was excluded. Mortality and dependency from the healthcare system were selected as outcome variables. Gender, age, ASA, creatinine, albumin kinetics, complications, benign vs malignant underlying condition, number of drugs at discharge, and admission and length of stay in the ICU were recorded as predictive variables. Some 620 adult patients were included in the study. Postoperative, <1year and <5years cumulative mortality was 6.8%, 17.6% and 45%, respectively. Of patients discharged from hospital after surgery, 76% remained dependent on the healthcare system. In multivariate analysis for postoperative, <1year and <5years mortality, postoperative albumin concentration, ASA score and an ICU stay >7days, were the most significant independent predictive variables. Prolonged surgery carries a significant short and long-term mortality and disability. These data may contribute to more informed decisions taken concerning major surgery in the framework of value-based medicine.