bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cerebral palsy, non‐communicable diseases, and lifespan care
Authors: Murphy Kevin P
Published: April 2018

This commentary is on the systematic review by Ryan et al. on pages 753–764 of this issue.
Molecular definition of the transplantation antigens
Authors: Parham Peter
Published: April 2018

In the first half of the 20th century, the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) of the laboratory mouse, the H‐2 complex, was defined by a combination of serology and genetics. In the second half of the 20th century, its human counterpart, the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) complex was similarly defined and shown to mediate rejection of allogeneic kidney grafts. The clinical relevance of the transplantation antigens created the field of transplant immunology, which aimed to reduce graft rejection by HLA matching of transplant donors and recipients, and to use immunosuppressive drugs to prevent and treat rejection. Because tissue transplantation is not a natural phenomenon, the relevance of the MHC for immunology and immune defense against microbial pathogens was frequently questioned. In the 1970s, the general observation that cytotoxic T‐cell responses to viral infection required recognition of both a viral antigen and a transplantation antigen argued for the immunological importance of the MHC. Proving this point was not achieved until close to the end of the 20th century. This required detailed biochemical and structural analysis of the transplantation antigens, the viral antigens, and the T‐cell receptors that recognized them. This century of research culminated in 1996 with the three‐dimensional crystallographic structure of the complex of these three components. In this complex is MAC, the very first HLA antigen to be detected and now more formally known as HLA‐A*02:01.
Conflicts over knowledge transfer across the border: Korean international students and the conversion of cultural capital
Authors: PARK SUNG‐CHOON
Published: April 2018

It is common knowledge that international students are a major conduit of international knowledge transfer and that they become transnational managerial elites and highly skilled migrants. However, few studies show how this transfer occurs. Moreover, people often assume that knowledge transfer is a smooth process. Drawing on in‐depth interviews of former and current Korean international students and non‐migrant Koreans in the United States and South Korea, my study shows that knowledge transfer can, in fact, be highly conflictual. I argue that conflicts in the country of origin between international students (the transferors) and non‐migrants (the recipients) mediate knowledge transfer. I see the conflicts as struggles over the conversion of cultural capital from the Global North into local power and wealth, which reworks Bourdieu's theory of cultural capital for transnational social fields. In so doing, I develop a framework that links knowledge transfer and transnational social reproduction.
Hisonotus devidei, a new species from the São Francisco basin, Brazil (Siluriformes: Loricariidae)
Authors: Roxo F. F. , Silva G. S. C. , Melo B. F.
Published: April 2018

A recent expedition to headwaters of the Rio Pandeiros, a left‐bank tributary of the Rio São Francisco revealed the presence of a fourth species of Hisonotus from that basin. Hisonotus devidei sp. nov. differs from congeners by the presence of conspicuous dark blotches of distinct shapes irregularly arranged along lateral and dorsal surfaces of the body and scattered throughout all fins, by possessing small plates in lateral portions of the abdomen and adjacent areas between pelvic fins without development of dermal plates and by morphometric ratios. The putative phylogenetic placement of the new species is discussed based on morphological comparisons with species of related Hypoptopomatinae genera and the Hisonotus species diversity within the Rio São Francisco Basin is compared with that of adjacent basins.
From the inside out: a new species of armoured catfish Corydoras with the description of poorly‐explored character sources (Teleostei, Siluriformes, Callichthyidae)
Authors: Espíndola V. C. , Tencatt L. F. C. , Pupo F. M. , Villa‐Verde L. , Britto M. R.
Published: April 2018

A new species of the armoured catfish genus Corydoras is described from the Xingu–Tapajos ecoregion, Brazilian Amazon. The new species can be distinguished from its congeners by having the following combination of features: short mesethmoid, with anterior tip poorly developed, smaller than 50% of bone length; posterior margin of pectoral spine with serrations directed towards spine tip or perpendicularly oriented; infraorbital 2 only in contact with sphenotic; ventral laminar expansion of infraorbital 1 poorly or moderately developed; flank midline covered by small dark brown or black saddles with similar size to remaining markings on body; relatively larger, scarcer and more sparsely distributed dark brown or black spots on body; absence of stripe on flank midline; caudal fin with conspicuous dark brown or black spots along its entire surface; slender body; and strongly narrow frontals. A more comprehensive description of poorly‐explored internal character sources, such as the gross morphology of the brain, Weberian apparatus and swimbladder capsule elements is presented.
Prenatal diagnosis of premature chromatid separation/mosaic variegated aneuploidy (PCS/MVA) syndrome
Authors: Yamaguchi Tomoko , Yamaguchi Masatoshi , Akeno Keiko , Fujisaki Midori , Sumiyoshi Kaeko , Ohashi Masanao , Sameshima Hiroshi , Ozaki Mamoru , Kato Maki , Kato Takema , Hosoba Eriko , Kurahashi Hiroki
Published: April 2018

Premature chromatid separation/mosaic variegated aneuploidy (PCS/MVA) syndrome is a rare genetic disorder. In this case report, we describe the prenatal diagnosis of PCS/MVA syndrome in a 24‐year‐old, gravida 1, para 1, woman who was referred to us in her second trimester due to fetal growth restriction and extreme microcephaly (−5.0 standard deviations). Amniocentesis and chromosomal analysis confirmed PCS in 80% of cultured fetal cells. PCS findings were positive in 9% of paternal cells and 11% of maternal cells, indicative that both were PCS carriers. Genetic analysis confirmed that the fetus carried a combined heterozygote of maternal G > A point mutation of the promoter area of the BUB1B gene and a paternal Alu sequence insertion between intron 8 and exon 9 of the BUB1B gene. As PCS/MVA syndrome is associated with the development of various malignancies in early life, prenatal diagnosis is important for effective planning of post‐natal care.
Sexual activity and quality of life in Japanese pelvic organ prolapse patients after transvaginal mesh surgery
Authors: Kinjo Manami , Yoshimura Yasukuni , Kitagawa Yasuhide , Okegawa Takatsugu , Nutahara Kikuo
Published: April 2018

Aim

This study aimed to evaluate sexual activity and quality of life (QOL) after transvaginal mesh (TVM) surgery in Japanese patients with pelvic organ prolapse (POP). The objective cure rate and associated complications were also investigated.

Methods

The cases of patients who underwent TVM surgery were retrospectively analyzed. QOL was assessed using the Prolapse Quality of Life Questionnaire (P‐QOL), and sexual function was evaluated using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) before surgery and 12 months after surgery.

Results

A total of 237 patients completed the planned follow‐up examinations. All P‐QOL domains were significantly improved after surgery. In total, 6 (2.5%), 5 (2.1%), 13 (5.5%), 4 (1.7%) and 1 (0.4%) patients developed recurrent POP, mesh extrusion, de novo stress urinary incontinence, inguinal pain and de novo dyspareunia, respectively. Before surgery, 124 of the 237 patients (52.3%) refused to complete the FSFI because they had not engaged in any sexual activity. Among the 113 patients who completed the FSFI, 13 (11.5%) were sexually active. After surgery, 79 patients completed the FSFI, and 14 (17.7%) were sexually active. The overall scores for sexual function and arousal were significantly improved after surgery.

Conclusion

Patients who underwent TVM surgery at our institution exhibited quite low sexual activity levels both before and after the operation. But TVM surgery achieved good QOL outcomes, a high success rate and a low complications rate at 12 months in Japanese POP patients. TVM implantation for POP is safe and effective in sexually inactive patients.
Screen time exposure and sleep among children with developmental disabilities
Authors: Aishworiya Ramkumar , Kiing Jennifer SH , Chan Yiong Huak , Tung Serena SW , Law Evelyn
Published: April 2018

Aim

Children with developmental disabilities are at risk of excessive screen time and are more vulnerable to sleep problems. The aim of this study was to determine the extent of screen time use in children with developmental disabilities and its relationship with sleep duration.

Methods

Consecutive children aged 6–15 years diagnosed with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth or Fifth Edition (DSM‐IV or DSM‐5) developmental disabilities were recruited for this study from December 2014 to April 2015. Of those recruited, 87.0% of families gave consent and provided questionnaire information on demographics and child's screen time use and completed the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire.

Results

Parents of 102 children in a tertiary‐care developmental clinic completed the study. The mean age of children was 10 years, 1 month (standard deviation (SD), 22.7 months). The mean daily total screen time exposure was 2 h, 52.7 min (172.7 min, SD 120.8 min), with a median of 150.0 min. The mean amount of sleep per weekday was 8 h, 23.3 min (SD 64.6 min). Linear regression showed that, for every additional 9.17 min of screen time per day, sleep was reduced by 1 min (β = −0.11, P = 0.04). Older age (β = −0.64, P = 0.02) and living with a single parent (β = −69.29, P = 0.003) were also associated with less sleep.

Conclusions

Among children with developmental disabilities, greater daily screen time is associated with lower sleep duration. Older children and those from single‐parent families are at risk of lower sleep duration. Clinicians should routinely ask about screen time exposure and sleep habits in order to provide appropriate anticipatory guidance.
Ain’t misbehavin? Monogamy maintenance strategies in heterosexual romantic relationships
Authors: Lee Brenda H. , O'Sullivan Lucia F.
Published: April 2018

Monogamy is a near universal expectation in intimate relationships in Western societies and is typically defined as sexual and romantic exclusivity to one partner. This research informs the paradox between monogamy intentions and high rates of infidelity. Monogamy maintenance (MM) strategies used in response to relationship threats posed by attraction to extradyadic others were identified and characterized. Across three samples, 741 U.S. adults in intimate relationships completed surveys addressing MM. Twenty‐four strategies emerged in three factors—Proactive Avoidance (of attractive alternatives), Relationship Enhancement, and Low Self‐Monitoring and Derogation (in the face of extradyadic attraction). All MM factors were commonly endorsed, yet were largely unsuccessful at forestalling infidelity.
Hume on mental representation and intentionality
Authors: Cottrell Jonathan David
Published: April 2018

The past two decades have seen an explosion of literature on Hume's views about mental representation and intentionality. This essay gives a roadmap of this literature, while arguing for two main interpretive claims. First, Hume aims to naturalize all forms of mental representation and intentionality, that is, to explain them in terms of properties and relations that are found throughout the natural world (not just in minds) and that are not, individually, peculiar to representational or intentional things. Second, Hume holds that the passions are not representational but do have intentionality extrinsically.
Reasons, Coherence, and Group Rationality
Authors: Hedden Brian
Published: April 2018

If groups can have beliefs and other attitudes of their own, what determines which such attitudes the group rationally ought to have? A widespread presupposition is that group‐level beliefs should be a function of the beliefs of the group's members, and similarly for other attitudes. But a host of impossibility theorems show that no such aggregation function can satisfy intuitively attractive constraints while ensuring coherent group‐level attitudes. I argue that this presupposition is false. Group‐level attitudes should be a function of group‐level reasons (evidence, in the epistemic case), not individual‐level attitudes. This allows for a theory of group rationality that (i) bypasses a host of pessimistic results in the literature on judgment aggregation and (ii) treats rational individual‐level attitudes and rational group‐level attitudes in parallel.
Encapsulation for delivering bioactives in aquaculture
Authors: Masoomi Dezfooli Seyedehsara , Gutierrez‐Maddox Noemi , Alfaro Andrea , Seyfoddin Ali
Published: April 2018

The exploitation of wild fisheries has driven the seafood industry to develop more sustainable resources and high‐intensity aquaculture. However, high‐density aquaculture is prone to outbreaks of diseases. The use of chemicals and antimicrobial drugs in aquaculture is common practice, but such chemicals can have serious detrimental environmental impacts and antibiotics may result in bacterial resistance in many species. The development of non‐antibiotic and green strategies, such as using probiotics and immunostimulants, aims for a more sustainable practice for health maintenance in aquaculture. Although the efficacy of such strategies has been demonstrated in cultivations settings, the effective delivery of bioactives remains a challenge. Conventional delivery methods are often ineffective in terms of dosage, stability and species specificity, and can possibly cause widespread environmental contamination. However, recently developed drug delivery systems may provide innovative ways to improve delivery with minimal waste and improved environmental protection. Indeed, such cutting‐edge drug delivery systems have already provided measurable benefits in human medicine over the past two decades. New technologies, such as encapsulation and controlled release systems, can be used readily in scaled‐up operations to improve the delivery of bioactives and ultimately increase production and profitability in aquaculture. This review critically analyses the use of encapsulation technology with a focus on microparticles for delivery of bioactive agents to farmed aquatic animals. This review discusses various potential encapsulation materials, their properties and a range of methods that can be applied and scaled‐up for aquaculture. Finally, practical considerations for designing an efficient delivery system for aquaculture are discussed.
A rights‐based approach to indigenous women and gender inequities in resource development in northern Canada
Authors: Koutouki Konstantia , Lofts Katherine , Davidian Giselle
Published: April 2018

In recent years, there has been an influx of investment in the Arctic, particularly in relation to the extractive industries. Yet in spite of their economic potential, extractive industry projects come with considerable social and environmental risks for northern indigenous communities. Within these communities, the associated challenges of resource development are felt most acutely by women; however, there is a lack of research and analysis concerning the gendered dimension of resource development in northern Canada through the lens of indigenous women's human rights. This article proposes the adoption of a rights‐based approach to address this issue, suggesting that such an approach can provide a coherent framework for enhancing the inclusion and well‐being of indigenous women in resource development, helping to ensure that Canada meets its human rights and constitutional obligations while furthering its commitment to reconciliation with indigenous peoples.
Does providing informal elderly care hasten retirement? Evidence from Japan
Authors: Niimi Yoko
Published: April 2018

This paper examines the implications of providing care to elderly parents for adult children's retirement plans using micro data from a Japanese survey. We find no significant effect of caregiving on family caregivers’ planned retirement age if we do not take into account caregiving intensity but find a negative and significant effect on retirement plans for intensive caregivers, particularly among women. These findings suggest that relying on family members to provide elderly care can pose a serious challenge to the ongoing efforts of the government to promote the labor supply of women and the elderly as a way of addressing the shrinkage of the working‐age population in Japan. The estimation results suggest that ensuring access to formal care services can help family members reconcile their paid work with caregiving requirements, thereby alleviating the adverse effect of caregiving on their retirement plans. The results also suggest that the financial burden of formal care services could require caregivers to postpone retirement in some cases.
Remodeling of muscle fibers approaching the human myotendinous junction
Authors: Jakobsen J. R. , Jakobsen N. R. , Mackey A. L. , Koch M. , Kjaer M. , Krogsgaard M. R.
Published: April 2018

The myotendinous junction (MTJ) is at high risk of strain injuries, due to high amounts of energy that is transferred through this structure. The risk of strain injury is significantly reduced by heavy resistance training (HRT), indicating a remodeling capacity of MTJ. We investigated the degree of remodeling of muscle fibers near the human MTJ. In 8 individuals, samples were taken from the semitendinosus and gracilis MTJ and they were stained immunohistochemically for myonuclei (DAPI), fibroblasts (TCF7L2), and satellite cells (CD56). A high portion of the muscle fibers adjacent to the MTJ contained a centrally located myonucleus (47 ± 8%, mean ± SD) and half of the muscle fibers were CD56 positive. The number of satellite cells and fibroblasts were not higher than what has previously been reported from muscle bellies. The immunohistochemical findings suggest that the rate of remodeling of muscle fibers near the MTJ is very high. The finding that there was no increased number of satellite cells and fibroblasts could be explained as a dynamic phenomenon. The effect of HRT should be evaluated in a randomized setting.
PCA‐based discrimination of partially observed functional data, with an application to AneuRisk65 data set
Authors: Stefanucci Marco , Sangalli Laura M. , Brutti Pierpaolo
Published: April 2018

Functional data are usually assumed to be observed on a common domain. However, it is often the case that some portion of the functional data is missing for some statistical unit, invalidating most of the existing techniques for functional data analysis. The development of methods able to handle partially observed or incomplete functional data is currently attracting increasing interest. We here briefly review this literature. We then focus on discrimination based on principal component analysis and illustrate a few possible methods via simulation studies and an application to the AneuRisk65 data set. We show that carrying out the analysis over the full domain, where at least one of the functional data is observed, may not be the optimal choice for classification purposes.
Biomechanical Effects on Cervical Spinal Cord and Nerve Root Following Laminoplasty for Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament in the Cervical Spine: A Comparison Between Open-Door and Double-Door Laminoplasty Using Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Khuyagbaatar Batbayar , Kim Kyungsoo , Purevsuren Tserenchimed , Lee Sang-Hun , Kim Yoon Hyuk
Published: April 2018

Many clinical case series have reported the predisposing factors for C5 palsy and have presented comparisons of the two types of laminoplasty. However, there have been no biomechanical studies focusing on cervical spinal cord and nerve root following laminoplasty. The purpose of this study is to investigate biomechanical changes in the spinal cord and nerve roots following the two most common types of laminoplasty, open-door and double-door laminoplasty, for cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). A finite element (FE) model of the cervical spine and spinal cord with nerve root complex structures was developed. Stress changes in the spinal cord and nerve roots, posterior shift of the spinal cord, and displacement of the cervical nerve roots were analyzed with two types of cervical laminoplasty models for variations in the degree of canal occupying ratio and shape of the OPLL. The shape and degree of spinal cord compression caused by the OPLL had more influence on the changes in stress, posterior shift of the spinal cord, and displacement of the nerve root than the type of laminoplasty. The lateral-type OPLL resulted in imbalanced stress on the nerve roots and the highest nerve root displacement. Type of laminoplasty and shape and degree of spinal cord compression caused by OPLL were found to influence the changes in stress and posterior displacement of the cervical spinal cord and nerve roots. Lateral-type OPLL might contribute to the development of C5 palsy due to the imbalanced stress and tension on the nerve roots after laminoplasty.
Relativistic jets: An astrophysical laboratory for the Doppler effect
Authors: Zakamska Nadia L.
Published: April 2018

Special Relativity is one of the most abstract courses in the standard curriculum for physics majors, and therefore practical applications or laboratory exercises are particularly valuable for providing real-world experiences with this subject. This course poses a challenge for lab development because relativistic effects manifest themselves only at speeds close to the speed of light. The laboratory described in this paper constitutes a low-cost, low-barrier exercise suitable for students whose only background is the standard mechanics-plus-electromagnetism sequence. The activity uses research-quality astronomical data on SS433—a fascinating Galactic X-ray binary consisting of a compact object (a neutron star or a black hole) and a normal star. A pair of moderately relativistic jets moving with v∼0.3c in opposite directions emanate from the vicinity of the compact object and are clearly detected in optical and radio observations. Following step-by-step instructions, students develop a full kinematic model of a complex real-world source, use the model to fit the observational data, obtain best-fit parameters, and understand the limitations of the model. The observations are in exquisite agreement with the Doppler effect equations of Special Relativity. The complete lab manual, the dataset and the solutions are available in online supplemental materials; this paper presents the scientific and pedagogical background for the exercise.
Newtonian Analysis of a Folded Chain Drop
Authors: Mungan Carl E.
Published: April 2018

Consider a chain of length L that hangs in a U shape with end A fixed to a rigid support and free end E released from rest starting from the same initial height (call it y = 0) as A. Figure 1 sketches the chain after end E has fallen a distance y. Points O and A are assumed to be close enough to each other and the chain flexible enough that the radius of curvature r at the bottom point C can be taken to be negligibly small (compared to the length of the chain). The problem is to compare the speed of descent v(y) = dy/dt of the free end E of the chain to the speed vfree(y)=2gy of a free-falling point mass that has descended the same distance y. If v(y) > vfree (y) for all y > 0, then, in a race to fall any arbitrary distance Y (where 0 < Y < L), the chain end E will always beat a simultaneously released point mass, because the fall time t for E will be shorter than tfree for the point mass, t=∫0Ydyv(y)<tfree=∫0Ydyvfree(y).(1)Experimentally, this outcome of the race is observed in a “Veritasium” video.
Using the Cycloid as an Introduction to Transformations of E and B Fields
Authors: Frodyma Marc , Le My Phuong
Published: April 2018

The transformations of electric and magnetic fields are usually introduced by viewing systems such as a long, straight current-carrying wire and a parallel plate capacitor in two different reference frames. These well-known examples show that magnetism is a necessary consequence of augmenting electrostatics with relativity. Because they require the full apparatus of Lorentz contraction and Lorentz transformation of forces, they are often postponed until the upper-division undergraduate electrodynamics course.
Cell type atlas and lineage tree of a whole complex animal by single-cell transcriptomics
Authors: Plass Mireya , Solana Jordi , Wolf F. Alexander , Ayoub Salah , Misios Aristotelis , Glažar Petar , Obermayer Benedikt , Theis Fabian J. , Kocks Christine , Rajewsky Nikolaus
Published: April 2018

Mapping the planarian transcriptome

A cell type's transcriptome defines the active genes that control its biology. Two groups used single-cell RNA sequencing to define the transcriptomes for essentially all cell types of a complete animal, the regenerative planarian
Schmidtea mediterranea.
Because pluripotent stem cells constantly differentiate to rejuvenate any part of the body of this species, all developmental lineages are active in adult animals. Fincher
et al.
determined the transcriptomes for most, if not all, planarian cell types, including some that were previously unknown. They also identified transition states and genes governing positional information. Plass
et al.
used single-cell transcriptomics and computational algorithms to reconstruct a lineage tree capturing the developmental progressions from stem to differentiated cells. They could then predict gene programs that are specifically turned on and off along the tree, and they used this approach to study how the cell types behaved during regeneration. These whole-animal transcriptome “atlases” are a powerful way to study metazoan biology.

Science
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eaaq1736
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eaaq1723
The p85 isoform of the kinase S6K1 functions as a secreted oncoprotein to facilitate cell migration and tumor growth
Authors: Zhang Jianjun , Guo Jianping , Qin Xing , Wang Bin , Zhang Linli , Wang Yingnan , Gan Wenjian , Pandolfi Pier Paolo , Chen Wantao , Wei Wenyi
Published: April 2018

Breast cancer cells may release the p85 isoform of S6K1 to act in surrounding cells and promote tumor growth.
Hydrophobic patches on SMAD2 and SMAD3 determine selective binding to cofactors
Authors: Miyazono Ken-ichi , Moriwaki Saho , Ito Tomoko , Kurisaki Akira , Asashima Makoto , Tanokura Masaru
Published: April 2018

Multiple hydrophobic patches on the surfaces of SMAD2 and SMAD3 mediate their interactions with cofactors.
Transfusion-Transmitted Infections: an Update on Product Screening, Diagnostic Techniques, and the Path Ahead
Authors: Dean Christina L. , Wade Jenna , Roback John D.
Published: April 2018

The mandated testing of blood components for infectious diseases, to prevent transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs), began in the 1950s. Since then, changes in predonation questionnaires and advances in testing techniques have afforded more sensitive and specific tests for pathogens, in addition to allowing earlier detection. Given that these approaches have very low but detectable failure rates, the recent development and implementation of proactive pathogen reduction approaches is the new forefront of TTI prevention strategies. With globalization and the ability of pathogens to evolve rapidly, continuous redefining of testing standards and laboratory techniques is paramount for maintaining a safe blood supply.
Arenaviral Nucleoproteins Suppress PACT-Induced Augmentation of RIG-I Function To Inhibit Type I Interferon Production
Authors: Shao Junjie , Huang Qinfeng , Liu Xiaoying , Di Da , Liang Yuying , Ly Hinh
Published: April 2018

RIG-I is a major cytoplasmic sensor of viral pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP) RNA and induces type I interferon (IFN) production upon viral infection. A double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-binding protein, PACT, plays an important role in potentiating RIG-I function. We have shown previously that arenaviral nucleoproteins (NPs) suppress type I IFN production via their RNase activity to degrade PAMP RNA. We report here that NPs of arenaviruses block the PACT-induced enhancement of RIG-I function to mediate type I IFN production and that this inhibition is dependent on the RNase function of NPs, which is different from that of a known mechanism of other viral proteins to abolish the interaction between PACT and RIG-I. To understand the biological roles of PACT and RIG-I in authentic arenavirus infection, we analyze growth kinetics of recombinant Pichinde virus (PICV), a prototypical arenavirus, in RIG-I knockout (KO) and PACT KO mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) cells. Wild-type (WT) PICV grew at higher titers in both KO MEF lines than in normal MEFs, suggesting the important roles of these cellular proteins in restricting virus replication. PICV carrying the NP RNase catalytically inactive mutation could not grow in normal MEFs but could replicate to some extent in both KO MEF lines. The level of virus growth was inversely correlated with the amount of type I IFNs produced. These results suggest that PACT plays an important role in potentiating RIG-I function to produce type I IFNs in order to restrict arenavirus replication and that viral NP RNase activity is essential for optimal viral replication by suppressing PACT-induced RIG-I activation.

IMPORTANCE
We report here a new role of the nucleoproteins of arenaviruses that can block type I IFN production via their specific inhibition of the cellular protein sensors of virus infection (RIG-I and PACT). Our results suggest that PACT plays an important role in potentiating RIG-I function to produce type I IFNs in order to restrict arenavirus replication. This new knowledge can be exploited for the development of novel antiviral treatments and/or vaccines against some arenaviruses that can cause severe and lethal hemorrhagic fever diseases in humans.
Infant weight gain and adolescent body mass index: comparison across two British cohorts born in 1946 and 2001
Authors: Johnson William , Bann David , Hardy Rebecca
Published: April 2018

Objective

To investigate how the relationship of infant weight gain with adolescent body mass index (BMI) differs for individuals born during and before the obesity epidemic era.

Design

Data from two British birth cohorts, the 1946 National Survey of Health and Development (NSHD, n=4199) and the 2001 Millennium Cohort Study (MCS, n=9417), were used to estimate and compare associations of infant weight gain between ages 0 and 3 years with adolescent outcomes.

Main outcome measures

BMI Z-scores and overweight/obesity at ages 11 and 14 years.

Results

Infant weight gain, in Z-scores, was positively associated with adolescent BMI Z-scores in both cohorts. Non-linearity in the MCS meant that associations were only stronger than in the NSHD when infant weight gain was above −1 Z-score. Using decomposition analysis, between-cohort differences in association accounted for 20%–30% of the differences (secular increases) in BMI Z-scores, although the underlying estimates were not precise with 95% CIs crossing 0. Conversely, between-cohort differences in the distribution of infant weight gain accounted for approximately 9% of the differences (secular increases) in BMI Z-scores, and the underlying estimates were precise with 95% CI not crossing 0. Relative to normal weight gain (change of −0.67 to +0.67 Z-scores between ages 0 and 3 years), very rapid infant weight gain (>1.34), but not rapid weight gain (+0.67 to +1.34), was associated with higher BMI Z-scores more strongly in the MCS (β=0.790; 95% CI 0.717 to 0.862 at age 11 years) than in the NSHD (0.573; 0.466 to 0.681) (p<0.001 for between-cohort difference). The relationship of slow infant weight gain (<−0.67) with lower adolescent BMI was also stronger in the MCS. Very rapid or slow infant weight gain was not, however, more strongly associated with increased risk of adolescent overweight/obesity or thinness, respectively, in the more recently born cohort.

Conclusions

Greater infant weight gain, at the middle/upper end of the distribution, was more strongly associated with higher adolescent BMI among individuals born during (compared with before) the obesity epidemic. Combined with a secular change towards greater infant weight gain, these results suggest that there are likely to be associated negative consequences for population-level health and well-being in the future, unless effective interventions are developed and implemented.
Effect of a single prophylactic preoperative oral antibiotic dose on surgical site infection following complex dermatological procedures on the nose and ear: a prospective, randomised, controlled, double-blinded trial
Authors: Rosengren Helena , Heal Clare F , Buttner Petra G
Published: April 2018

Objectives

There is limited published research studying the effect of antibiotic prophylaxis on surgical site infection (SSI) in dermatological surgery, and there is no consensus for its use in higher-risk cases. The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a single oral preoperative 2 g dose of cephalexin in preventing SSI following flap and graft dermatological closures on the nose and ear.

Design

Prospective double-blinded, randomised, placebo-controlled trial testing for difference in infection rates.

Setting

Primary care skin cancer clinics in North Queensland, Australia, were randomised to 2 g oral cephalexin or placebo 40–60 min prior to skin incision.

Participants

154 consecutive eligible patients booked for flap or graft closure following skin cancer excision on the ear and nose.

Intervention

2 g dose of cephalexin administered 40–60 min prior to surgery.

Results

Overall 8/69 (11.6%) controls and 1/73 (1.4%) in the intervention group developed SSI (p=0.015; absolute SSI reduction 10.2%; number needed to treat (NNT) for benefit 9.8, 95% CI 5.5 to 45.5). In males, 7/44 controls and 0/33 in the intervention group developed SSI (p=0.018; absolute SSI reduction 15.9%; NNT for benefit 6.3, 95% CI 3.8 to 19.2). SSI was much lower in female controls (1/25) and antibiotic prophylaxis did not further reduce this (p=1.0). There was no difference between the study groups in adverse symptoms attributable to high-dose antibiotic administration (p=0.871).

Conclusion

A single oral 2 g dose of cephalexin given before complex skin closure on the nose and ear reduced SSI.

Trial registration number

ANZCTR 365115; Post-results.
Bleomycin sclerotherapy for eyelid venous malformations as an alternative to surgery or laser therapy
Authors: Shigematsu Tomoyoshi , Sorscher Michelle , Dier Evelyn C , Berenstein Alejandro
Published: April 2018

Purpose

To evaluate the clinical outcome of patients with venous malformation (VM) involving the eyelid treated with bleomycin sclerotherapy.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed of 18 consecutive patients with VM involving the eyelid who underwent bleomycin sclerotherapy. Patients’ clinical presentation, details of sclerotherapy, and post-sclerotherapy resolution of the lesion as well as any procedure-related complications were evaluated.

Results

Twelve women and six men of mean age 34.3±20.4 years underwent sclerotherapy with bleomycin. Chief complaints were cosmetic disfigurations with or without hemifacial deformity (n=2), pain in engorgement area (n=2), pain and swelling from venous thrombosis (n=2), swelling or engorgement obstructing their eyesight (n=2), or eyelid dysfunction (n=1). The lesions were only in the eyelid in three patients; otherwise they were extended out of the eyelid either superiorly (n=3), laterally (n=8), inferiorly (n=8), and/or posteriorly to the orbit (n=8) to various extents. Conjunctival involvement was present in 13 patients. 14 patients had received prior treatments including surgery, laser therapy, or non-bleomycin sclerotherapy. With an average three sessions of bleomycin sclerotherapy (average total dose 34.5 mg), more than 80% shrinkage was observed in seven patients (38.9%), 50–80% shrinkage in eight patients (44.4%), and 30–50% shrinkage in two patients (11.1%). One patient had recurrence, which was successfully treated again with bleomycin. No procedure-related complications were noted.

Conclusions

The use of bleomycin appears to be a simple, safe, and effective treatment for venous malformations involving the eyelid, avoiding more elaborate and challenging surgical or laser interventions, and is even effective in full thickness lesions.
Nonhistone targets of KAT2A and KAT2B implicated in cancer biology
Authors: Bondy-Chorney Emma , Denoncourt Alix , Sai Yuka , Downey Michael
Published: April 2018

Lysine acetylation is a critical post-translation modification that can impact a protein’s localization, stability, and function. Originally thought to only occur on histones, we now know thousands of nonhistone proteins are also acetylated. In conjunction with many other proteins, lysine acetyltransferases (KATs) are incorporated into large protein complexes that carry out these modifications. In this review we focus on the contribution of two KATs, KAT2A and KAT2B, and their potential roles in the development and progression of cancer. Systems biology demands that we take a broad look at protein function rather than focusing on individual pathways or targets. As such, in this review we examine KAT2A/2B-directed nonhistone protein acetylations in cancer in the context of the 10 “Hallmarks of Cancer”, as defined by Hanahan and Weinberg. By focusing on specific examples of KAT2A/2B-directed acetylations with well-defined mechanisms or strong links to a cancer phenotype, we aim to reinforce the complex role that these enzymes play in cancer biology.
Effect of immune modulators and lactation number on in vitro proliferation of lymphocytes from nonpregnant dairy heifers and cows
Authors: Meese Susanne , Gimsa Ulrike , Röntgen Monika , Weitzel Joachim M. , Tuchscherer Armin , Miersch Claudia , Vernunft Andreas , Viergutz Torsten , Kreuzer Michael , Schwarm Angela
Published: April 2018

The proliferation of blood lymphocytes from nonpregnant, nonlactating heifers was comparable with that of nonpregnant cows in their first lactation. Both low and high levels of β-hydroxybutyrate and low levels of prolactin, but not isoproterenol, reduced the proliferative response of dairy heifers and cows in their first or second lactation.
Vegetation and climate history of Quebec’s mixed boreal forest suggests greater abundance of temperate species during the early- and mid-Holocene
Authors: Larochelle Émilie , Lavoie Martin , Grondin Pierre , Couillard Pierre-Luc
Published: April 2018

Today, scattered disjunct stands of two temperate species, yellow birch and white pine, are present north of their continuous distributional range in southern Quebec (Canada) at topographical locations that offer protection from severe fires. This study tested whether these species had populations more numerous and widespread millennia ago when the climate was presumably warmer. Specifically, this research involved the analyses of pollen, plant macrofossils, and charcoal fragments of two sites within the western part of Quebec’s balsam fir – paper birch bioclimatic domain: a forest humus deposit from a yellow birch stand (local scale), and a peatland (regional scale). Fossil data suggest that white pine was more abundant regionally between 7500 and 5000 cal. BP, before coming rare under subsequent cooler conditions. Likewise, yellow birch was more abundant regionally between 7700 and 1500 cal BP. Its subsequent decline and the local disappearance of white pine by ∼200 cal. BP may both be explained by the severe fires that occurred in recent centuries, as well as the rarity of suitable habitats for these species. The sustained presence of temperate species in mixed boreal forests is the result of the combined action of climate, natural disturbances and habitat characteristics.
Diversity in geoscience: Participation, behaviour, and the division of scientific labour at a Canadian geoscience conference
Authors: King Leonora , MacKenzie Lucy , Tadaki Marc , Cannon Sara , McFarlane Kiely , Reid David , Koppes Michele
Published: April 2018

Effective policies promoting diversity in geoscience require understanding of how the values and practices of the community support the inclusion of different social groups. As sites of knowledge exchange and professional development, academic conferences are important culturing institutions that can alleviate or reproduce barriers to diversity in geoscience. This study examines diversity at a 2017 geoscience conference, the joint Canadian Geophysical Union and Canadian Society of Agricultural and Forest Meteorology annual meeting, through observation of participation, presentation content, and behaviour in conference sessions. Across 256 observed presentations, women constituted 28% of speakers, whereas women of colour made up only 5%. Participation rates differed between disciplinary sections, with the most populous sessions (Hydrology and Earth Surface) having the lowest percentage of women. Examination of presentation content reveals that the methods and scholarly contributions of both women and people of colour differed from the majority, suggesting an intellectual division of labour in geoscience. Examination of audience behaviours between presenters reveals how a “chilly climate” can be experienced by women and other marginalized demographics in conferences. We argue that there is more to be done than simply increasing numbers of women or other minorities in geoscientific spaces, and we suggest pathways to making geoscience a more inclusive and democratic pursuit.
Response to Loads of Flat-Faced Flanged Connections and Reliability of Some Design Methods
Authors: Pindera Jerzy T. , Sze Yulun
Published: April 2018

Paper presents some characteristic patterns of the elastic response of a typical flat-faced flanged pressure pipe connection, which is loaded by a quasistatically varying system of forces. An actual 300 psi rated pipe connection and several plastic models of the connection were investigated. The obtained results were compared with each other and with the predications of the recent PVRC Design Code and of related theories. The correlation between experimental results obtained for all models and for the actual connection was satisfactory. The correlation between the experimental results and the predictions of the recommended design procedure is not satisfactory in a wide range of loads for some major parameters (e.g. bolt force, flange deformation, interface contact area, response of the bolt assembly, etc.). In a narrow range of loads, the correlation can be considered acceptable for some parameters only.
A Modified Computation Scheme for Beam Grid Systems with Intermediate Discontinuities
Authors: Massoud M.F.
Published: April 2018

The presence of rigid supports and releases in intermediate positions in an elastic system of a chain beam topology introduces zero elements and an equal number of complementary discontinuous elements in the complete state vector at the corresponding positions. The rank of the transfer matrix for the beam segment between these discontinuities is reduced by twice the number of these zero elements. The corresponding reduction of the transfer matrix size is executed(1) by choosing a lengthy reduced transfer matrix form arranged in table form. The note suggests a method of reduction depending upon the manipulation of partitioned rectangular matrices, and finally associates each type of discontinuity to a boolean-type matrix, which is easier to handle and adapted to computer programming. The proposed scheme can be used for any n-order problem and for any number of different zero elements in the state vectors of the discontinuities. Special arrangement is suggested for desk calculator operations. The vibration analysis of structures, the analysis of space mechanisms and the analysis of indeterminate structures are applications for which the formulation is helpful.
A Note on the Finite Elastic Inflation of a Thin Spherical Shell
Authors: Haddow J. B. , Faulkner M. G.
Published: April 2018

The finite elastic inflation of a thin spherical shell is considered for compressible isotropic materials. A numerical method is used which allows the inflation problem to be done for any strain energy function. This method reduces to the solution of two nonlinear algebraic equations which can be solved on a desk-type programmable calculator.
On the Finite Element Formulation of Navier–Stokes Equations
Authors: Bilgen E. , Too J.J.M.
Published: April 2018

A variational formulation of the Navier-Stokes equation for steady flow of an incompressible fluid is presented and the limitations of the resulting equation are discussed. The finite element formulation based on the minimizing of functionals of the velocity and pressure fields is presented and a simple problem is treated to illustrate the method.
Thermal Sleeve Design For Pressure Vessels
Authors: Venkatasubbu S. , Desrochers P. , Baronet C. N.
Published: April 2018

The maximum stresses induced at the welded joint between a tube carrying a hot fluid and a vessel wall can be reduced by welding a thermal sleeve between them. The design stresses far various combinations of the sleeve and the tube of different mean pipe radius/thickness (R/t) ratios are presented independently for unit pressure and unit temperature of the fluid. The thermo-elastic methods used involved thick and thin shell analyses depending on the R/t ratio of the sleeve. The finite element method was used for the solution of the transient temperature and stress distributions. An experimental investigation was carried out to verify thermal boundary conditions and stress distribution.
The Effect of Stress Rate on Plastic Deformation
Authors: Faucher B. , Aggarwal M. L. , Krausz A. S.
Published: April 2018

Experimental results obtained in dislocation velocity measurements were applied to the investigation of the deformation behavior under constant stress rate condition over a wide range of variables and, as an illustration, the results Hulse and Pask obtained in MgO Single crystals have been fitted with the proposed theoretical relation.

The effect of stress rate on manufacturing processes is shown to be a critical factor for materials of low stress sensitivity parameter.
Use of a Hydrostatic Balance Principle in a New Class of Sliding Valves
Authors: Vincett P.S. , McDermott M.J. , Barlow W.A.
Published: April 2018

A new class of sliding valves is described. These valves use a hydrostatic balance principle to obtain much lower seal wear and operating torque than is found in previous sliding valves; moreover, a means of automatically compensating for residual wear and for manufacturing tolerances is incorporated. The valves would be simple to mould in thermoplastics. Results are given of extensive tests of prototypes of the new devices; the seal lifetimes for cold-water use, and the percussion (water-hammer) performance, are particularly remarkable. Finally, various refinements to the basic ideas are proposed.
Combined Convective Heat Transfer from Vertical Cylinders in a Horizontal Air-Stream
Authors: Oosthuizen P. H. , Leung R.
Published: April 2018

Mean heat transfer rates from a series of circular cylinders mounted vertically in a horizontal air-stream have been measured. Five cylinders were used, having diameters of approximately 19 to 25 mm and heights of approximately 150 to 300 mm. Heat transfer rates from these cylinders were measured at a number of different air velocities ranging from zero to about 1.6 m/s.

The results indicate that the heat transfer rate in the combined convection range is higher than it would be under the same conditions with purely free convection or purely forced convection. An attempt has been made to correlate the combined convective heat transfer rates in terms of the heat transfer rates that would exist under the same conditions in these two limiting cases of purely forced and purely free convection.