bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Propos des Crues du Capibaribe.
Authors: OTTMANN François
Published: April 2017

Esse trabalho constitui uma complementação do artigo sobre o Capibaribe, publicado no Vol1 - Dezembro 1959 dos "TRABALHOS DO INSTITUTO DE BIOLOGIA MARITIMA E OCEANOGRAFIA", no qual trata-se do material em suspensão durante o verão.
Milagros Fernández Pérez (coord.): Lingüística y déficit comunicativos. ¿Cómo abordar las disfunciones verbales? (Madrid: Síntesis, 2014. 288 páginas)
Authors:   Universidad de Oviedo (España), Fernández-Urquiza Maite
Published: April 2017

NO PRESENTA RESUMEN
Funciones discursivas de las estructuras parentéticas coordinadas
Authors:   Universidad de Sevilla (España), Fuentes Rodríguez Catalina
Published: April 2017

El trabajo realiza un estudio macrosintáctico sobre las estructuras parentéticas que interrumpen la linealidad sintáctica y lo hacen por medio de las conjunciones y, o. La metodología seguida es la lingüística pragmática, que busca identificar las funciones discursivas de estos enunciados y el ámbito de actuación de la coordinación. El análisis nos lleva a la conclusión de que la presencia de las conjunciones en los parentéticos obedece a la necesidad de marcar relaciones macroestructurales: fuerza argumentativa (y) o reformulación (o).
William H. Calvin y Derek Bickerton: Lingua ex machina: La conciliación de las teorías de Darwin y Chomsky sobre el cerebro humano Traducción de Tomas Fernández Aúz (Barcelona: Gedisa, 2001. 360 páginas)
Authors:   Universidad de las Américas (Chile), Bargetto Fernández Miguel Ángel
Published: April 2017

NO PRESENTA RESUMEN
Análisis de la plasticidad funcional y posicional del marcador discursivo o sea (que) en una historia de vida
Authors:   Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas Universidad de Buenos Aires (Argentina), Soich Matías
Published: April 2017

Este artículo analiza detalladamente los diversos usos que el marcador discursivo o sea (que) reviste en un texto oral del género “historia de vida” producido en la ciudad de Buenos Aires en 2013. El objetivo es clasificar y aclarar dichos usos según dos criterios: su función semántico-pragmática y su posición en la emisión. Se analizan conjuntamente seis funciones principales (aclarativo-explicativa, conclusiva, restrictiva, continuativa, reforzadora y atenuadora de cierre) y tres posiciones (inicial, media y final). Como resultado constatamos no sólo la alta frecuencia de aparición de este marcador en la oralidad, sino también la gran diversidad y plasticidad, tanto posicional como funcional, que puede adoptar a lo largo de un mismo texto. Esta versatilidad es atribuida en parte a la persistencia del sentido disyuntivo “original” de o tras un proceso de gramaticalización.
Fully nonlinear statistical and machine‐learning approaches for hydrological frequency estimation at ungauged sites
Authors: Ouali D. , Chebana F. , Ouarda T. B. M. J.
Published: April 2017

The high complexity of hydrological systems has long been recognized. Despite the increasing number of statistical techniques that aim to estimate hydrological quantiles at ungauged sites, few approaches were designed to account for the possible nonlinear connections between hydrological variables and catchments characteristics. Recently, a number of nonlinear machine‐learning tools have received attention in regional frequency analysis (RFA) applications especially for estimation purposes. In this paper, the aim is to study nonlinearity‐related aspects in the RFA of hydrological variables using statistical and machine‐learning approaches. To this end, a variety of combinations of linear and nonlinear approaches are considered in the main RFA steps (delineation and estimation). Artificial neural networks (ANNs) and generalized additive models (GAMs) are combined to a nonlinear ANN‐based canonical correlation analysis (NLCCA) procedure to ensure an appropriate nonlinear modeling of the complex processes involved. A comparison is carried out between classical linear combinations (CCAs combined with linear regression (LR) model), semilinear combinations (e.g., NLCCA with LR) and fully nonlinear combinations (e.g., NLCCA with GAM). The considered models are applied to three different data sets located in North America. Results indicate that fully nonlinear models (in both RFA steps) are the most appropriate since they provide best performances and a more realistic description of the physical processes involved, even though they are relatively more complex than linear ones. On the other hand, semilinear models which consider nonlinearity either in the delineation or estimation steps showed little improvement over linear models. The linear approaches provided the lowest performances.
Space geodetic tools provide early warnings for earthquakes and volcanic eruptions
Authors: Aoki Yosuke
Published: April 2017

Development of space geodetic techniques such as Global Navigation Satellite System and Synthetic Aperture Radar in last few decades allows us to monitor deformation of Earth's surface in unprecedented spatial and temporal resolution. These observations, combined with fast data transmission and quick data processing, enable us to quickly detect and locate earthquakes and volcanic eruptions and assess potential hazards such as strong earthquake shaking, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions. These techniques thus are key parts of early warning systems, help identify some hazards before a cataclysmic event, and improve the response to the consequent damage.
Controllable Superhydrophobic Coating on Cotton Fabric by UV Induced Thiol‐ene Reaction for Wettability Patterning and Device Metallization
Authors: Deng Shu , Huang Jianying , Chen Zhong , Lai Yuekun
Published: April 2017

Superhydrophobic surfaces in nature have attracted a great deal of interest not only for fundamental understanding but also for practical applications through mimicking the nature. Fluorochemicals, due to their intrinsic low surface energy, have been widely applied as artificial superhydrophobic functionalization materials with excellent performance. However, the use of these materials for practical applications might be restricted due to the relative high cost and potential hazards to human health. In this work, a low‐cost and environmentally friendly short silane chain material is developed for fabricating superhydrophobic surfaces. A transparent photoactive coating is obtained by polycondensation of trichlorovinylsilane on cotton fabrics. The coating shows excellent superhydrophobicity. After being grafted with vinyl group, the coating can be easily functionalized using a photoclick thiol‐ene reaction. The thiol‐ene reaction has resulted in highly uniform polymer networks, which makes it possible to realize the rapid wettability switch from superhydrophobic to superhydrophilic state. Such ability makes it potentially viable to prepare well‐defined cotton patterning by printing, and realize flexible electronic devices when electrodes are printed on the fabrics.
An Efficient One–pot Procedure for the Direct Preparation of 4,5‐Dihydroisoxazoles from Amides
Authors: Slagbrand Tove , Kervefors Gabriella , Tinnis Fredrik , Adolfsson Hans
Published: April 2017

A Mo(CO)6 (molybdenumhexacarbonyl) catalyzed reductive functionalization of amides to afford 5‐amino substituted 4,5‐dihydroisoxazoles is presented. The reduction of amides generates reactive enamines, which upon the addition of hydroximinoyl chlorides and base undergoes a 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition reaction that gives access to the desired heterocyclic compounds. The transformation of amides is highly chemoselective and tolerates functional groups such as nitro, nitriles, esters, and ketones. Furthermore, a versatile scope of 4,5‐dihydroisoxazoles derived from a variety of hydroximinoyl chlorides and amides is demonstrated.

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Brief Report: Blockade of TANK‐Binding Kinase 1/IKKɛ Inhibits Mutant Stimulator of Interferon Genes (STING)–Mediated Inflammatory Responses in Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells
Authors: Frémond Marie‐Louise , Uggenti Carolina , Van Eyck Lien , Melki Isabelle , Bondet Vincent , Kitabayashi Naoki , Hertel Christina , Hayday Adrian , Neven Bénédicte , Rose Yoann , Duffy Darragh , Crow Yanick J. , Rodero Mathieu P.
Published: April 2017

Objective

Gain‐of‐function mutations in TMEM173, encoding the stimulator of interferon (IFN) genes (STING) protein, underlie a novel type I interferonopathy that is minimally responsive to conventional immunosuppressive therapies and associated with high frequency of childhood morbidity and mortality. STING gain‐of‐function causes constitutive oversecretion of IFN. This study was undertaken to determine the effects of a TANK‐binding kinase 1 (TBK‐1)/IKKɛ inhibitor (BX795) on secretion and signaling of IFN in primary peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from patients with mutations in STING.

Methods

PBMCs from 4 patients with STING‐associated disease were treated with BX795. The effect of BX795 on IFN pathways was assessed by Western blotting and an IFNβ reporter assay, as well as by quantification of IFNα in cell lysates, staining for STAT‐1 phosphorylation, and measurement of IFN‐stimulated gene (ISG) messenger RNA (mRNA) expression.

Results

Treatment of PBMCs with BX795 inhibited the phosphorylation of IFN regulatory factor 3 and IFNβ promoter activity induced in HEK 293T cells by cyclic GMP‐AMP or by genetic activation of STING. In vitro exposure to BX795 inhibited IFNα production in PBMCs of patients with STING‐associated disease without affecting cell survival. In addition, BX795 decreased STAT‐1 phosphorylation and ISG mRNA expression independent of IFNα blockade.

Conclusion

These findings demonstrate the effect of BX795 on reducing type I IFN production and IFN signaling in cells from patients with gain‐of‐function mutations in STING. A combined inhibition of TBK‐1 and IKKɛ therefore holds potential for the treatment of patients carrying STING mutations, and may also be relevant in other type I interferonopathies.
Don't be deceived: Using linguistic analysis to learn how to discern online review authenticity
Authors: Banerjee Snehasish , Chua Alton Y. K. , Kim Jung‐Jae
Published: April 2017

This article uses linguistic analysis to help users discern the authenticity of online reviews. Two related studies were conducted using hotel reviews as the test case for investigation. The first study analyzed 1,800 authentic and fictitious reviews based on the linguistic cues of comprehensibility, specificity, exaggeration, and negligence. The analysis involved classification algorithms followed by feature selection and statistical tests. A filtered set of variables that helped discern review authenticity was identified. The second study incorporated these variables to develop a guideline that aimed to inform humans how to distinguish between authentic and fictitious reviews. The guideline was used as an intervention in an experimental setup that involved 240 participants. The intervention improved human ability to identify fictitious reviews amid authentic ones.
Inactivation kinetics and residual activity of CYP3A4 after treatment with erythromycin
Authors: Ishikawa Yuko , Akiyoshi Takeshi , Imaoka Ayuko , Ohtani Hisakazu
Published: April 2017

This study aimed to characterize the inactivation kinetics of cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) by erythromycin, which involves mechanism‐based inhibition (MBI), in detail. In addition to an MBI assay based on the conventional method in which erythromycin and recombinant CYP3A4 were pre‐incubated for 15 min, the study also evaluated the long‐term MBI kinetics of this reaction by pre‐incubation for 120 min. Mechanism‐based inhibition profiles were obtained using three typical substrates, testosterone, midazolam and nifedipine. In the long‐term assay, erythromycin evoked a time‐dependent biphasic reduction in enzyme activity, but some residual activity (α) was detected in the terminal phase. The inactivation rate constant obtained in the presence of 30 μm erythromycin using nifedipine as a substrate was 1.44‐fold higher than that acquired using testosterone, while there was no difference among the α values obtained with the three substrates. In the short‐term assay, time‐dependent monophasic inactivation was observed. To extrapolate these data to in vivo, the extent of the increase in the area under the curve (AUC ratio) induced by erythromycin was estimated from the results of the conventional short‐term experiment and the long‐term experiment examining residual activity. The AUC ratio estimated from the long‐term kinetics (2.92) was closer to the clinically reported values (3.3–4.42). In conclusion, the relatively long‐term evaluation of the kinetics of CYP3A4 inactivation revealed that the enzyme was not fully inactivated by erythromycin. To improve the estimation of the extent of the drug–drug interactions induced by MBI from in vitro data, longer‐term investigations of the target enzyme's inactivation profile might be necessary.
Identification of dynamic load for prosthetic structures
Authors: Zhang Dequan , Han Xu , Zhang Zhongpu , Liu Jie , Jiang Chao , Yoda Nobuhiro , Meng Xianghua , Li Qing
Published: April 2017

Dynamic load exists in numerous biomechanical systems, and its identification signifies a critical issue for characterizing dynamic behaviors and studying biomechanical consequence of the systems. This study aims to identify dynamic load in the dental prosthetic structures, namely, 3‐unit implant‐supported fixed partial denture (I‐FPD) and teeth‐supported fixed partial denture. The 3‐dimensional finite element models were constructed through specific patient's computerized tomography images. A forward algorithm and regularization technique were developed for identifying dynamic load. To verify the effectiveness of the identification method proposed, the I‐FPD and teeth‐supported fixed partial denture structures were investigated to determine the dynamic loads. For validating the results of inverse identification, an experimental force‐measuring system was developed by using a 3‐dimensional piezoelectric transducer to measure the dynamic load in the I‐FPD structure in vivo. The computationally identified loads were presented with different noise levels to determine their influence on the identification accuracy. The errors between the measured load and identified counterpart were calculated for evaluating the practical applicability of the proposed procedure in biomechanical engineering. This study is expected to serve as a demonstrative role in identifying dynamic loading in biomedical systems, where a direct in vivo measurement may be rather demanding in some areas of interest clinically.
Numerical analysis of crimping and inflation process of balloon‐expandable coronary stent using implicit solution
Authors: Bukala Jakub , Kwiatkowski Piotr , Malachowski Jerzy
Published: April 2017

The paper presents an applied methodology for numerical finite element analysis of coronary stent crimping and the free inflation process with the use of a folded noncompliant angioplasty balloon. The use of an implicit scheme is considered as the most original part of the work, as an explicit finite element procedure is very often preferred. Hitherto, when the implicit solution was used for the finite element solution, the simulated issue was largely simplified. Therefore, the authors focused on the modelling methodology with minimum possible simplification, ie, a full load path (compression and inflation in single analysis), solid element discretization, and sophisticated contact models (bodies with highly different stiffness). The obtained results are partially compared with experimental data (radial force during the crimping procedure) and present satisfactory compliance. The authors believe that presented methodology allow for significant improvement of the obtained results, as well as potential extension of the research scope, compared to previous efforts performed using the explicit integration scheme. Moreover, the presented methodology is believed to be suitable for sensitivity and optimization studies.
Probiotic supplementation promotes a reduction in T‐cell activation, an increase in Th17 frequencies, and a recovery of intestinal epithelium integrity and mitochondrial morphology in ART‐treated HIV‐1‐positive patients
Authors: d'Ettorre Gabriella , Rossi Giacomo , Scagnolari Carolina , Andreotti Mauro , Giustini Noemi , Serafino Sara , Schietroma Ivan , Scheri Giuseppe Corano , Fard Saeid Najafi , Trinchieri Vito , Mastromarino Paola , Selvaggi Carla , Scarpona Silvia , Fanello Gianfranco , Fiocca Fausto , Ceccarelli Giancarlo , Antonelli Guido , Brenchley Jason M. , Vullo Vincenzo
Published: April 2017

Introduction

HIV infection is characterized by a persistent immune activation associated to a compromised gut barrier immunity and alterations in the profile of the fecal flora linked with the progression of inflammatory symptoms. The effects of high concentration multistrain probiotic (Vivomixx®, Viale del Policlinico 155, Rome, Italy in EU; Visbiome®, Dupont, Madison, Wisconsin in USA) on several aspects of intestinal immunity in ART‐experienced HIV‐1 patients was evaluated.

Methods

A sub‐study of a longitudinal pilot study was performed in HIV‐1 patients who received the probiotic supplement twice a day for 6 months (T6). T‐cell activation and CD4+ and CD8+ T‐cell subsets expressing IFNγ (Th1, Tc1) or IL‐17A (Th17, Tc17) were stained by cytoflorimetric analysis. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses were performed on intestinal biopsies while enterocytes apoptosis index was determined by TUNEL assay.

Results

A reduction in the frequencies of CD4+ and CD8+ T‐cell subsets, expressing CD38+, HLA‐DR+, or both, and an increase in the percentage of Th17 cell subsets, especially those with central or effector memory phenotype, was recorded in the peripheral blood and in gut‐associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) after probiotic intervention. Conversely, Tc1 and Tc17 levels remained substantially unchanged at T6, while Th1 cell subsets increase in the GALT. Probiotic supplementation was also associated to a recovery of the integrity of the gut epithelial barrier, a reduction of both intraepithelial lymphocytes density and enterocyte apoptosis and, an improvement of mitochondrial morphology sustained in part by a modulation of heat shock protein 60.

Conclusions

These findings highlight the potential beneficial effects of probiotic supplementation for the reconstitution of physical and immunological integrity of the mucosal intestinal barrier in ART‐treated HIV‐1‐positive patients.
Targeted Disruption of NF1 in Osteocytes Increases FGF23 and Osteoid With Osteomalacia-like Bone Phenotype
Authors: Kamiya Nobuhiro , Yamaguchi Ryosuke , Aruwajoye Olumide , Kim Audrey J , Kuroyanagi Gen , Phipps Matthew , Adapala Naga Suresh , Feng Jian Q , Kim Harry KW
Published: April 2017

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1, OMIM 162200), caused by NF1 gene mutations, exhibits multi-system abnormalities, including skeletal deformities in humans. Osteocytes play critical roles in controlling bone modeling and remodeling. However, the role of neurofibromin, the protein product of the NF1 gene, in osteocytes is largely unknown. This study investigated the role of neurofibromin in osteocytes by disrupting Nf1 under the Dmp1-promoter. The conditional knockout (Nf1 cKO) mice displayed serum profile of a metabolic bone disorder with an osteomalacia-like bone phenotype. Serum FGF23 levels were 4 times increased in cKO mice compared with age-matched controls. In addition, calcium-phosphorus metabolism was significantly altered (calcium reduced; phosphorus reduced; parathyroid hormone [PTH] increased; 1,25(OH)2D decreased). Bone histomorphometry showed dramatically increased osteoid parameters, including osteoid volume, surface, and thickness. Dynamic bone histomorphometry revealed reduced bone formation rate and mineral apposition rate in the cKO mice. TRAP staining showed a reduced osteoclast number. Micro-CT demonstrated thinner and porous cortical bones in the cKO mice, in which osteocyte dendrites were disorganized as assessed by electron microscopy. Interestingly, the cKO mice exhibited spontaneous fractures in long bones, as found in NF1 patients. Mechanical testing of femora revealed significantly reduced maximum force and stiffness. Immunohistochemistry showed significantly increased FGF23 protein in the cKO bones. Moreover, primary osteocytes from cKO femora showed about eightfold increase in FGF23 mRNA levels compared with control cells. The upregulation of FGF23 was specifically and significantly inhibited by PI3K inhibitor Ly294002, indicating upregulation of FGF23 through PI3K in Nf1-deficient osteocytes. Taken together, these results indicate that Nf1 deficiency in osteocytes dramatically increases FGF23 production and causes a mineralization defect (ie, hyperosteoidosis) via the alteration of calcium-phosphorus metabolism. This study demonstrates critical roles of neurofibromin in osteocytes for osteoid mineralization. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Ski areas affect Pacific marten movement, habitat use, and density
Authors: Slauson Keith M. , Zielinski William J. , Schwartz Michael K.
Published: April 2017

Alpine ski recreation is one of the most popular outdoor winter sports globally but often involves habitat modification and dense human activity, both of which can harm wildlife. We investigated the effects of ski area development and winter recreation activities on movement, occupancy, and density of Pacific martens (Martes caurina) in the Lake Tahoe region of California and Nevada, USA by comparing 3 ski and 3 control study areas. We systematically surveyed martens using live traps and hair snares during spring–summer and winter seasons from 2009 through 2011 to identify how martens responded to the year‐round effects of habitat fragmentation from ski area development and the seasonal effects of winter recreation activities. Martens selectively moved between remnant forest patches with the shortest crossing distances across open, non‐forested ski runs in both seasons, with the effect more pronounced in females. Overall, habitat connectivity was reduced by 41% in ski areas compared to habitat not fragmented by ski runs. During spring–summer, occupancy rates were not different between habitat within or outside of ski operations areas. During winter, however, occupancy was significantly lower inside (52%) ski area boundaries than outside (88%) them. Reduced detection probability in ski areas indicated martens also reduced the frequency of use of operations areas in winter. Using spatially explicit capture‐recapture models, we found that marten density did not differ between ski areas and controls during spring, but during winter female density declined at ski areas by 63% compared to spring–summer and was <50% of female density compared to controls. This suggests that females seasonally avoid habitat in ski areas by shifting their habitat use to areas outside ski operations boundaries during winter. Although male marten density did not differ, the lack of resident males >3 years old coupled with higher annual turnover rates suggests male densities at ski areas may be reliant on annual male immigration. In winter, martens avoided using habitat in ski operations areas when recreation activity was greatest. Winter ski recreation may not be incompatible with marten use of habitat in ski areas, but habitat fragmentation from ski areas affects marten movement and recreation activities affect seasonal habitat occupancy and female density. Maintaining functional habitat connectivity, via networks of short ski run crossings that link habitat in and out of ski areas, will be important for maintaining or improving marten use of remnant habitat in developed ski areas. © 2017 The Wildlife Society
A comment on “temporal variation in survival and recovery rates of lesser scaup”
Authors: Lindberg Mark S. , Boomer G. Scott , Schmutz Joel A. , Walker Johann A.
Published: April 2017

Concerns about declines in the abundance of lesser scaup (Aythya affinis) have promoted a number of analyses to understand reasons for this decline. Unfortunately, most of these analyses, including that of Arnold et al. (2016 Journal of Wildlife Management 80: 850–861), are based on observational studies leading to weak inference. Although we commend the efforts of Arnold et al. (2016 Journal of Wildlife Management 80: 850–861), we think their conclusions are over‐stated given their retrospective analysis. Further, we note a number of inconsistencies in their reasoning and offer alternative conclusions that can be drawn from their analysis. Given the uncertainty still surrounding management of lesser scaup, we do not believe it is prudent to abandon or greatly modify adaptive management approaches designed specifically to make optimal decisions in the face of uncertainty. The current learning‐based and recursive approach to management appears to be providing adequate guidance for harvest without punctuated changes to harvest levels, as Arnold et al. (2016 Journal of Wildlife Management 80: 850–861) recommend. © 2017 The Wildlife Society.
Myringoplasty Outcomes From the Swedish National Quality Registry
Authors: Berglund Malin , Florentzson Rut , Fransson Mattias , Hultcrantz Malou , Eriksson Per O. , Englund Erling , Westman Eva
Published: April 2017

Objectives/Hypothesis

Data from patients registered for myringoplasty during 2002 to 2012 in the Swedish National Quality Registry for Myringoplasty.

Study Design

Both conventional myringoplasty and fat‐graft techniques were used aimed at healing the tympanic membrane in noninfected ears.

Methods

Analysis was performed on data in a national database collected from 32 ear, nose, and throat clinics. Surgical procedures and outcomes, and patient satisfaction from a questionnaire were studied.

Results

The database was comprised of 3,775 surgical procedures, with follow‐up available for analysis. One‐third were children under the age of 15 years. The most common indication for surgery was infection prophylaxis. The overall healing rate of the tympanic membrane after surgery was 88.5%, with a high mean patient satisfaction. Complications registered were postoperative infection, tinnitus, or taste disturbance that occurred in 5.8% of patients.

Conclusions

Swedish results for a large number of patients who completed myringoplasty are presented. The success rate in this study is comparable to other studies, and good patient‐reported outcome measures of myringoplasty are presented. Databases for surgical procedures and clinical audits are systematic processes for continuous learning in healthcare. This study shows that clinical databases can be utilized to analyze national results of surgical procedures.

Level of Evidence

2b Laryngoscope, 127:2389–2395, 2017
Differences in interregional brain connectivity in children with unilateral hearing loss
Authors: Jung Matthew E. , Colletta Miranda , Coalson Rebecca , Schlaggar Bradley L. , Lieu Judith E. C.
Published: April 2017

Objectives

To identify functional network architecture differences in the brains of children with unilateral hearing loss (UHL) using resting‐state functional‐connectivity magnetic resonance imaging (rs‐fcMRI).

Study Design

Prospective observational study.

Methods

Children (7 to 17 years of age) with severe to profound hearing loss in one ear, along with their normal hearing (NH) siblings, were recruited and imaged using rs‐fcMRI. Eleven children had right UHL; nine had left UHL; and 13 had normal hearing. Forty‐one brain regions of interest culled from established brain networks such as the default mode (DMN); cingulo‐opercular (CON); and frontoparietal networks (FPN); as well as regions for language, phonological, and visual processing, were analyzed using regionwise correlations and conjunction analysis to determine differences in functional connectivity between the UHL and normal hearing children.

Results

When compared to the NH group, children with UHL showed increased connectivity patterns between multiple networks, such as between the CON and visual processing centers. However, there were decreased, as well as aberrant connectivity patterns with the coactivation of the DMN and FPN, a relationship that usually is negatively correlated.

Conclusion

Children with UHL demonstrate multiple functional connectivity differences between brain networks involved with executive function, cognition, and language comprehension that may represent adaptive as well as maladaptive changes. These findings suggest that possible interventions or habilitation, beyond amplification, might be able to affect some children's requirement for additional help at school.

Level of Evidence

3b. Laryngoscope, 127:2636–2645, 2017
Significance of measured intraoperative portal vein flows after thrombendvenectomy in deceased donor liver transplantations with portal vein thrombosis
Authors: Draoua Mark , Titze Nicole , Gupta Amar , Fernandez Hoylan T. , Ramsay Michael , Saracino Giovanna , McKenna Gregory , Testa Giuliano , Klintmalm Goran B. , Kim Peter T. W.
Published: April 2017

Adequate portal vein (PV) flow in liver transplantation is essential for a good outcome, and it may be compromised in patients with portal vein thrombosis (PVT). This study evaluated the impact of intraoperatively measured PV flow after PV thrombendvenectomy on outcomes after deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT). The study included 77 patients over a 16‐year period who underwent PV thrombendvenectomy with complete flow data. Patients were classified into 2 groups: high PV flow (>1300 mL/minute; n = 55) and low PV flow (≤1300 mL/minute; n = 22). Postoperative complications and graft survival were analyzed according to the PV flow. The 2 groups were similar in demographic characteristics. Low PV flow was associated with higher cumulative rates of biliary strictures (P = 0.02) and lower 1‐, 2‐, and 5‐year graft survival (89%, 85%, and 68% versus 64%, 55%, and 38%, respectively; P = 0.002). There was no difference in the incidence of postoperative PVT between the groups (1.8% versus 9.1%; P = 0.19). No biliary leaks or hepatic artery thromboses were reported in either group. By multivariate analyses, age >60 years (hazard ratio [HR], 3.04, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.36‐6.82; P = 0.007) and low portal flow (HR, 2.31; 95% CI, 1.15‐4.65; P = 0.02) were associated with worse survival. In conclusion, PV flow <1300 mL/minute after PV thrombendvenectomy for PVT during DDLT was associated with higher rates of biliary strictures and worse graft survival. Consideration should be given to identifying reasons for low flow and performing maneuvers to increase PV flow when intraoperative PV flows are <1300 mL/minute. Liver Transplantation 23 1032–1039 2017 AASLD.
Molecular dynamics simulations of early steps in RNA‐mediated conversion of prions
Authors: Alred Erik J. , Nguyen Michael , Martin Maggie , Hansmann Ulrich H. E.
Published: April 2017

The rate‐limiting step in prion diseases is the initial transition of a prion protein from its native form into a mis‐folded state in which the protein not only forms cell‐toxic aggregates but also becomes infectious. Recent experiments implicate polyadenosine RNA as a possible agent for generating the initial seed. In order to understand the mechanism of RNA‐mediated mis‐folding and aggregation of prions, we dock polyadenosine RNA to mouse and human prion models. Changes in stability and secondary structure of the prions upon binding to polyadenosine RNA are evaluated by comparing molecular dynamics simulations of these complexes with that of the unbound prions.
Temperature dependence of the radiative recombination coefficient in crystalline silicon by spectral and modulated photoluminescence
Authors: Brüggemann Rudolf , Xu Ming , Alvarez José , Boutchich Mohamed , Kleider Jean‐Paul
Published: April 2017

By the combination of temperature‐dependent spectral photoluminescence with modulated photoluminescence measurements the band‐to‐band radiative recombination coefficient is determined for crystalline silicon without the requirement to model the temperature dependence of the intrinsic carrier density, thus eliminating a source of error. By application of this approach we reproduce the variation of the radiative recombination coefficient in crystalline silicon with temperature reported in the literature for temperatures ≥77 K. Above all, we extend the measured range for the radiative recombination coefficient to a temperature of 20 K. In this extended temperature range between 20 and 70 K the recombination coefficient increases with decreasing temperature by about three orders of magnitude.
Nanocarrier mediated retinal drug delivery: overcoming ocular barriers to treat posterior eye diseases
Authors: Bisht Rohit , Mandal Abhirup , Jaiswal Jagdish K. , Rupenthal Ilva D.
Published: April 2017

Effective drug delivery to the retina still remains a challenge due to ocular elimination mechanisms and complex barriers that selectively limit the entry of drugs into the eye. To overcome these barriers, frequent intravitreal injections are currently used to achieve high drug concentrations in vitreous and retina. However, these repetitive injections may result in several side effects. Recent advancements in the field of nanoparticle‐based drug delivery could overcome some of these unmet needs and various preclinical studies conducted to date have demonstrated promising results of nanotherapies in the treatment of retinal diseases. Compared to the majority of commercially available ocular implants, the biodegradable nature of most nanoparticles (NPs) avoids the need for surgical implantation and removal after the release of the payload. In addition, the sustained drug release from NPs over an extended period of time reduces the need for frequent intravitreal injections and the risk of associated side effects. The nanometer size and highly modifiable surface properties make NPs excellent candidates for targeted ocular drug delivery. Studies have shown that nanocarriers enhance the intravitreal half‐life and thus bioavailability of a number of drugs including proteins and peptides. In addition, they have shown promising results in delivering genetic material to the retinal tissues by protecting it from possible intravitreal degradation. This review covers the various challenges associated with drug delivery to the posterior segment of the eye, particularly the retina, and highlights the application of nanocarriers to overcome these challenges in context with recent advances in preclinical studies. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2018, 10:e1473. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1473

This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies

Implantable Materials and Surgical Technologies > Nanomaterials and Implants
Spasticity Management: The Current State of Transcranial Neuromodulation
Authors: Leo Antonino , Naro Antonino , Molonia Francesco , Tomasello Provvidenza , Saccà Ileana , Bramanti Alessia , Russo Margherita , Bramanti Placido , Quartarone Angelo , Calabrò Rocco Salvatore
Published: April 2017

This narrative review aims to provide an objective view of the noninvasive neuromodulation (NINM) protocols available for treating spasticity, including repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). On the basis of the relevant randomized controlled trials, we infer that NINM is more effective in reducing spasticity when combined with the conventional therapies than used as a stand‐alone treatment. However, the magnitude of NINM after‐effects depends significantly on the applied hemisphere and the underlying pathology. Being in line with these arguments, low‐frequency rTMS and cathodal‐tDCS over the unaffected hemisphere are more effective in reducing spasticity than high‐frequency rTMS and anodal‐tDCS over the affected hemisphere in chronic poststroke. However, most of the studies are heterogeneous in the stimulation setup, patient selection, follow‐up duration, and the availability of the sham operation. Therefore, the available data on the usefulness of NINM in reducing spasticity need to be confirmed by larger and multicentric randomized controlled trials to gather evidence on the efficiency of NINM regimens in reducing spasticity in various neurologic conditions.

Level of Evidence

V
HeimatIs Where the Heart Is; or, What Kind of Hungarian was Goldmark?
Authors: Brodbeck David
Published: April 2017

On2 January1915, during the first winter of the First World War, the celebrated composer Carl Goldmark died in Vienna at the ripe old age of eighty-four. The Viennese press gave the story of his passing the kind of coverage that one would expect for a figure who was described as the “rector of Austrian music,” even its “epicenter.” The notice in theNeue Freie Pressewas particularly striking in its imagery: “We, musical Vienna and the entire musical world, stand shaken around the funeral bier of the great composer and Austrian Carl Goldmark.” As the report goes on, the writer makes a clear reference to the growing war effort: “Many of our best and brightest must now die on the battlefield for the fatherland. Goldmark lived for his fatherland, and by creating art touched by the breadth of eternity, he honored the fatherland in his own way and greatly increased the cultural heritage of humanity.” Meanwhile, in the other great capital of the Dual Monarchy, the composer's death was covered very differently. To read the obituaries that appeared in Budapest is to be told that Hungary, not Austria, was Goldmark's fatherland. Here, in effect, both halves of the monarchy were fighting over the same man's legacy—the one, primarily on the basis of his Hungarian birth and childhood; the other, on the basis of his long residency in Austria and the central role he played in the musical culture of late Habsburg Vienna.
Early maturation and substance use across adolescence and young adulthood: A longitudinal study of Finnish twins
Authors: Savage Jeanne E. , Rose Richard J. , Pulkkinen Lea , Silventoinen Karri , Korhonen Tellervo , Kaprio Jaakko , Gillespie Nathan , Dick Danielle M.
Published: April 2017

Early maturation, indexed by pubertal development (PD), has been associated with earlier initiation and greater frequency of adolescent substance use, but this relationship may be biased by confounding factors and effects that change across development. Using a population-based Finnish twin sample (N = 3,632 individuals), we conducted twin modeling and multilevel structural equation modeling of the relationship between PD and substance use at ages 12–22. Shared environmental factors contributed to early PD and heavier substance use for females. Biological father absence was associated with early PD for boys but not girls, and did not account for the relationship between PD and substance use. The association between early PD and heavier substance use was partially due to between-family confounds, although early PD appeared to qualitatively alter long-term trajectories for some substances (nicotine), but not others (alcohol). Mediation by peer and parental factors did not explain this relationship within families. However, higher peer substance use and lower parental monitoring were themselves associated with heavier substance use, strengthening the existing evidence for these factors as targets for prevention/intervention efforts. Early maturation was not supported as a robust determinant of alcohol use trajectories in adolescence and young adulthood, but may require longer term follow-up. Subtle effects of early PD on nicotine and illicit drug use trajectories throughout adolescence and adulthood merit further investigation.
Household fuel choice in urban China: evidence from panel data
Authors: Zhang Xiao-Bing , Hassen Sied
Published: April 2017

Using eight rounds of household survey data that span two decades, this paper analyzes the determinants of household fuel choice in urban China. Using the correlated random effects generalized ordered probit model, the authors find that household fuel choice in urban China is related to fuel prices, households’ economic status and size and household head's gender and education. The results suggest that policies and interventions that increase households’ income, reduce the price advantage of dirty fuels (e.g., taxing coal) and empower women in the household are of great significance in encouraging the use of clean energy sources.
Identification of key proteins and pathways in cadmium tolerance of Lactobacillus plantarum strains by proteomic analysis
Authors: Zhai Qixiao , Xiao Yue , Zhao Jianxin , Tian Fengwei , Zhang Hao , Narbad Arjan , Chen Wei
Published: April 2017

Our previous study confirmed the protective potential of Lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) strains in alleviation of cadmium (Cd) toxicity in vivo and demonstrated that the observed protection largely depended on the tolerance of the strains to Cd-induced stress. It was also observed that there were significant intra-species differences in Cd tolerance of L. plantarum strains. In this study, we investigated the mechanism of Cd induced stress response of L. plantarum strains using the isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) based comparative proteomics. L. plantarum CCFM8610 (strongly resistant to Cd) and L. plantarum CCFM191 (sensitive to Cd) were selected as target strains, and their proteomic profiles in the presence and absence of Cd exposure were compared. We propose that the underlying mechanism of the exceptional Cd tolerance of CCFM8610 may be attributed to the following: (a) a specific energy-conservation survival mode; (b) mild induction of its cellular defense and repair system; (c) an enhanced biosynthesis of hydrophobic amino acids in response to Cd; (d) inherent superior Cd binding ability and effective cell wall biosynthesis ability; (e) a tight regulation on ion transport; (f) several key proteins, including prophage P2b protein 18, CadA, mntA and lp_3327.
Changes in the Prevalence of HBsAg and HBeAg: a Study of 8696 Parturients in a Well Vaccinated Area
Authors: Wu Chen-Hsuan , Hsu Te-Yao , Kung Fu-Tsai , ChangChien Chan-Chao , Tsai Ching-Chang , Lu Sheng-Nan
Published: April 2017

To elucidate the impact of a hepatitis B (HB) vaccination program on the prevalence of HB surface antigen (HBsAg) and HB envelope antigen (HBeAg) as well as the success rate of HBeAg clearance among parturients, we collected data on parturients who gave birth between 2000 and 2010, and recorded the HB status postpartum of those with positive HBeAg before birth. A total of 8696 parturients were enrolled, of whom 113 with prenatal positive HBeAg were invited back. The prevalence of HBsAg decreased over the study period, particularly in the vaccinated cohort, while there was no change in the prevalence of HBeAg. Foreign parturients had a higher HBeAg-positive rate and delayed HBeAg clearance, and those with a higher body mass index (>24 kg/m2) had earlier HBeAg clearance (51.9% vs. 23.9%, p = 0.005). Only 30% of the subjects who were positive for HBeAg before birth became negative 5 years after delivery. In conclusion, the downward trend in HB infection with more significance among vaccinated parturients reflects effective prevention and the impact of universal HB immunization. Nonetheless, aggressive follow-up is necessary for parturients who are persistently positive for HBeAg postpartum, as well as developing different public health policies for foreign parturients from endemic areas.
Up Scalable Full Colour Plasmonic Pixels with Controllable Hue, Brightness and Saturation
Authors: Mudachathi Renilkumar , Tanaka Takuo
Published: April 2017

It has long been the interests of scientists to develop ink free colour printing technique using nano structured materials inspired by brilliant colours found in many creatures like butterflies and peacocks. Recently isolated metal nano structures exhibiting preferential light absorption and scattering have been explored as a promising candidate for this emerging field. Applying such structures in practical use, however, demands the production of individual colours with distinct reflective peaks, tunable across the visible wavelength region combined with controllable colour attributes and economically feasible fabrication. Herein, we present a simple yet efficient colour printing approach employing sub-micrometer scale plasmonic pixels of single constituent metal structure which supports near unity broadband light absorption at two distinct wavelengths, facilitating the creation of saturated colours. The dependence of these resonances on two different parameters of the same pixel enables controllable colour attributes such as hue, brightness and saturation across the visible spectrum. The linear dependence of colour attributes on the pixel parameters eases the automation; which combined with the use of inexpensive and stable aluminum as functional material will make this colour design strategy relevant for use in various commercial applications like printing micro images for security purposes, consumer product colouration and functionalized decoration to name a few.
Dual-cavity feedback assisted DFB narrow linewidth laser
Authors: Huang Shihong , Zhu Tao , Yin Guolu , Lan Tianyi , Li Fuhui , Huang Ligang , Liu Min
Published: April 2017

Single longitudinal mode (SLM) distributed feedback (DFB) lasers with a linewidth lower than a few kHz find applications in many coherent detection systems. In this paper, we proposed and experimentally demonstrated a novel method to compress the linewidth of a SLM DFB laser by utilizing a dual-cavity feedback structure (DCFS). The DCFS first provides optical self-injection feedback to compress the laser linewidth, and then the two feedback lengths are carefully optimized to achieve SLM output via the Vernier principle and the suppression of modes overlapping between two cavities. The linewidthes of 1 MHz and 200 kHz were successfully compressed to ~2.7 and 1.5 kHz with a side mode suppression ratio of 38 and 45 dB, respectively. The stability of the DCFS output power can be controlled within ~0.21%. Our method provides a simple, effective, low cost way to achieve DFB linewidth compression, which will greatly improve the performance of coherent detection systems using DFB laser as sources.
Irradiation-induced β to α SiC transformation at low temperature
Authors: Parish Chad M. , Koyanagi Takaaki , Kondo Sosuke , Katoh Yutai
Published: April 2017

We observed that β-SiC, neutron irradiated to 9 dpa (displacements per atom) at ≈1440 °C, began transforming to α-SiC, with radiation-induced Frank dislocation loops serving as the apparent nucleation sites. 1440 °C is a far lower temperature than usual β → α phase transformations in SiC. SiC is considered for applications in advanced nuclear systems, as well as for electronic or spintronic applications requiring ion irradiation processing. β-SiC, preferred for nuclear applications, is metastable and undergoes a phase transformation at high temperatures (typically 2000 °C and above). Nuclear reactor concepts are not expected to reach the very high temperatures for thermal transformation. However, our results indicate incipient β → α phase transformation, in the form of small (~5–10 nm) pockets of α-SiC forming in the β matrix. In service transformation could degrade structural stability and fuel integrity for SiC-based materials operated in this regime. However, engineering this transformation deliberately using ion irradiation could enable new electronic applications.
Metabolic profile and underlying improved bio-activity of Fructus aurantii immaturus by human intestinal bacteria
Authors: Liu Xing Yan , Fan Meng Lin , Wang Huai You , Yu Bo yang , Liu Ji Hua
Published: April 2017

Fructus aurantii immaturus (FAI) is the dried young fruit of Citrus aurantium L. or Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck.
Chemodynamics of metal ion complexation by charged nanoparticles: a dimensionless rationale for soft, core–shell and hard particle types
Authors: Duval Jérôme F. L.
Published: April 2017

This study clarifies the contributions of nanoparticle properties and aqueous metal ion dehydration kinetics to chemodynamics of nanoparticulate metal complexes.