bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
B.03 Registered EEG technologists can accurately identify ictal and interictal epileptiform patterns on routine EEG
Authors: Wu Y , Weiss S , Hahn C
Published: June 2018

Background: Registered EEG technologists (RETs) are trained in both the technical aspects of EEG and in preliminary EEG interpretation. However, there is little research evaluating the accuracy of EEG interpretation by RETs. Methods: Retrospective study of consecutive routine EEG recordings performed at SickKids Hospital. Preliminary reports by RETs and final reports by neurophysiologists were compared in 5 domains: background activity, focal abnormalities, ictal and inter-ictal epileptiform discharges and summary. Results: 500 EEG recordings were analyzed. Sensitivity and specificity of RET reports was high for the assessment of background (85%, 93%), focal slowing (84%, 93%) and inter-ictal epileptiform discharges (92%, 90%). RET reports identified ictal EEG patterns in 32 cases vs. 29 cases identified by neurophysiologists. RET reports were 100% accurate for noting no EEG change for all of 11 cases with non-epileptic events. Conclusions: Preliminary EEG reports by RETs were sensitive and specific for all EEG domains analyzed. In the majority of cases, the preliminary interpretation made by the RET was concordant with the final report of the neurophysiologist. Given these findings, RETs may be able to participate in the screening of routine EEG recordings in order to enhance the productivity of busy EEG laboratories.
C.02 Predictors of survival in a surgical series of Metastatic Spinal Cord Compression and a complete external validation of 8 models in a prospective multi-centre study
Authors: Nater A , Tetreault LA , Kopjar B , Arnold PM , Dekutoski MB , Finkelstein JA , Fisher CG , France JC , Gokaslan ZL , Rhines LD , Rose PS , Sahgal A , Schuster JM , Vaccaro AR , Fehlings MG
Published: June 2018

Background: We aimed to identify preoperative predictors of survival in Metastatic Epidural Spinal Cord Compression (MESCC) patients surgically treated, examine how these predictors relate to eight prognostic models, and to perform the first full external validation of these models in accordance with the TRIPOD statement. Methods: 142 surgically treated MESCC patients were enrolled in a prospective, multicenter cohort study and followed for 12 months or until death. Cox proportional hazards (PH) regressions were used. Non-collinear predictors with <10% missing data, ≥10 events per stratum and p<0.05 in univariable analysis were tested through a backward stepwise selection. For the original and revised Tokuhashi, Tomita, modified Bauer, van der Linden, Bartels, OSRI, Bartels and Bollen, we examined calibration and discrimination; survival stratified by risk groups with the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test. Results: Primary tumor, organ metastasis and SF-36v2 PC were associated with survival in multivariable analysis; corrected discrimination was 0.68. These three predictors were common to most current prognostic models. However, calibration was poor overall while discrimation was possibly helpful. Conclusions: Primary tumor type (breast, prostate and thyroid), absence of organ metastasis, and a lower degree of physical disability are preoperative predictors of longer survival in surgical MESCC patients. Clinicians should use these 8 prognostic models with caution.
C.04 A systematic review and meta-analysis of 7551 patients with post-operative radiation for the management of functioning and non-functioning pituitary adenomas
Authors: Khan OH , Samuel N , Alotaibi N
Published: June 2018

Background: Although surgery is the mainstay of treatment for most pituitary adenomas, post-operative radiotherapy has been shown to be of benefit in improving tumor control and recurrence-free survival. To understand potential side effects of radiotherapy we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the efficacy and safety of post-operative radiotherapy for pituitary adenoma. Methods: A systematic review was performed according to the Meta-analysis Of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) guidelines. We searched PubMed, MEDLINE and Cochrane databases with no language or publication date restrictions. Outcomes included 5- and 10-year progression-free survival and adverse events rates. Results: A total of 48 studies from 1986-2016 met the inclusion criteria, with 7551 cumulative patients. The cumulative 5- and 10-year s progression-free survival rates were 90.8% (95% CI 86-94%) and 88.6% (95% CI 81-93%), respectively. The overall adverse events rate was 8% (95% CI 5-12%). All outcomes were associated with significant heterogeneity (I2 ≥ 70%). No differences in survival rates or adverse events in relation to study date, tumor pathology, radiosurgery system used or dose of radiation. Conclusions: Post-operative radiotherapy for pituitary adenomas is effective and safe. Because of the significant heterogeneity and lack of matched controls in the literature, optimum timing and dosage are still unclear. Further prospective studies are needed.
ZHANG ZAI'S (1020–1077) CRITIQUE OF THE SENSES
Authors: Zuo Ya
Published: June 2018

Often termed aswenjian zhizhi聞見之知 (knowing from hearing and seeing), sensory knowing was a prominent topic in Song (960–1279) writings. Zhang Zai 張載 (1020–1077) developed a systematic critique of sense perception in the broad context of learning. While endorsing its utility, Zhang considered this way of knowing to be partial, superficial, and prone to error. He located the source of sensory errors inside the human body, arguing that the sense organs’ vulnerability to pathological changes constituted the cause for perceptual fallibility. This line of argument had solid corroborating evidence in contemporaneous medical knowledge, a field of study Zhang was interested in pursuing. In sum, Zhang's critique demonstrated the importance of the senses and the different ways in which middle-period Chinese literati conceptualized the problem of perception in comparison with Western epistemological traditions.
The stone and bone artifacts from Asx̂aana-x̂ Cave, Islands of the Four Mountains, Alaska
Authors: Johnson Lucille Lewis
Published: June 2018

Asx̂aana-x̂ Cave in the Islands of the Four Mountains, Alaska, was excavated in 1990. The cave contained the remains of Unangan mummies and their grave goods including textile, wood, bone and stone artifacts. These mummies were buried between AD 1250 and AD 1780-1790. The mummies were distributed in three distinct areas in the front, middle and back of the large cave. The textile and wooden artifacts and their distribution have been described in earlier publications. The stone artifacts include end blades, adzes, ulus and hammerstones plus an oil lamp and a small figurine; among the bone artifacts are whale bone planks and scapulae, rods and shafts, harpoon heads and labrets. These artifacts are typical of artifacts in the Aleutian Islands, while their distribution continues to strengthen the idea of a disjunct distribution of artifacts in the cave, which I interpret as being due to different social groups using the three areas of the cave for their burials.
Patterns of beverage consumption and risk of CHD among Mexican adults
Authors: Rivera-Paredez Berenice , Muñoz-Aguirre Paloma , Torres-Ibarra Leticia , Ramírez Paula , Hernández-López Rubí , Barrios Elizabeth , León-Maldonado Leith , Denova-Gutiérrez Edgar , Flores Mario , Salazar-Martínez Eduardo , Salmerón Jorge
Published: June 2018

CHD is becoming an increasing priority worldwide, as it is one of the main causes of death in low- and middle-income countries lately. This study aims to evaluate the association between beverage consumption patterns and the risk of CHD among Mexican adult population. We performed a cross-sectional analysis using data from 6640 adults participating in the Health Workers’ Cohort Study. Factor analysis was performed to identify beverage patterns using sex-specific Framingham prediction algorithms to estimate CHD risk. The prevalence of moderate to high CHD risk was 17·8 %. We identified four major beverage consumption patterns, which were categorised as alcohol, coffee/tea, soft drinks and low-fat milk. We observed a lower risk of CHD (OR=0·61; 95 % CI 0·46, 0·80; and OR=0·58; 95 % CI 0·43, 0·79, respectively) among participants in the upper quintile of alcohol or low-fat milk consumption compared with those in the bottom quintile. In contrast, a higher consumption of soft drinks was positively associated with CHD risk (OR=1·64; 95 % CI 1·21, 2·20) when compared with other extreme quintiles. Finally, coffee/tea consumption was not significantly associated with CHD risk. Our findings suggest that a beverage pattern characterised by a higher intake of sugar-sweetened beverages may be associated with an increased risk of CHD among the Mexican adult population, whereas patterns of moderate alcohol intake and low-fat milk may be associated with a reduced risk.
“It's your family that kills you”: Responsibility, Evidence, and Misfortune in the Making of Ndyuka History
Authors: Strange Stuart Earle
Published: June 2018

Questions of responsibility are central to the politics and metaphysics of history. This paper examines the creation of different histories from alternative formulations of personal and collective responsibility among urban Ndyuka Maroons in present-day Suriname. Tracing conflicting attempts to assign accountability for a senior man's sickness, I argue that a distinctly Ndyuka conception of history emerges from the dialectical relation between the material qualities of misfortunes and the practices Ndyuka use to affix responsibility. Ndyuka efforts to assuage history as embodied by ghosts and other spirits that seek revenge on corporate kin groups simultaneously use the symptoms of misfortune to make history and attempt to contain or deny the transmissibility of collective responsibility to future generations. Understanding this process demonstrates how distinct perceptions of historicity emerge from different conceptions of responsibility, and the extent to which intergenerational sociality is defined by conflicted attempts to redefine historical accountability as much as to acknowledge it.
Archaeology
Authors: Keur Dorothy Louise
Published: June 2018

Scant attention has been given to the archaeology of so inconspicuous a group as the nomadic Navaho in a land where great and imposing pueblos dominate the archaeological scene. Kidder was the first to point out what appeared to be remains of Navaho hogans in the upper San Juan Valley, New Mexico. As early as 1912 he reported visiting three ruins in the Gobernador and Largo canyons, consisting of settlements of pueblo type in association with a “number of ruined log structures closely resembling modern Navajo hogans.” One entire settlement in the San Rafael Canyon, including both Pueblo and Navaho type dwellings, was surrounded by high defense walls, without openings. These sites were recognizable as historic in time, due to the presence of metal axe marks on the timber, cow and sheep bones in the rubbish, and one fireplace of the “hood” type, alleged to be of Spanish derivation. Nelson, in 1916, reported similar types of ruins, not only in the Largo and Gobernador, but also in Carriso and Burns Canyons; and traces in the Puerco drainage.
Prevalence of human papillomavirus types in North and Central regions of Mexico
Authors: Luna-Aguirre C. M. , Reyes-Cortés L. M. , Torres-Grimaldo A. A. , Karr-de-León S. F. , Cerda-Flores R. M. , Melo-Nava B. , Aizpuru-Akel V. E. , Barrera-Saldaña H. A.
Published: June 2018

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a DNA virus linked to mucosal and cutaneous carcinogenesis. More than 200 different HPV types exist. We carried out a transversal study to investigate the prevalence of HPV types in two regions of Mexico. A total of 724 genital and non-genital samples from women (F) and men (M) were studied; 241 (33%) from North-Eastern (NE) and 483 (66%) from South-Central (SC) Mexico. The overall prevalence was 87%. In genital lesions from females, the NE group showed a prevalence of HPV types 16 (37%), 6 (13%), 59 (6%), 11, 18 and 66 (5.4% each); and the SC group showed types 6 (17%), 16 (15%), 11 (14.5%), 18 (12%) and 53 (6%). In the genital lesions from males, NE group showed types 16 (38%), 6 (21%), 11 (13%) and 59 plus 31 (7.5%) and the SC group showed types 6 (25%), 11 (22%), 18 (17%) and 16 (11.5%). When the two regions were compared, a higher prevalence of low-risk HPV 6 and 11 was found in the SC region and of high-risk HPV 59, 31 and 66 (the latter can also be present in benign lesions) in the NE region. Our findings complement efforts to understand HPV demographics as a prerequisite to guide and assess the impact of preventive interventions.
“Impossible” patients in oncology: Two unusual cases
Authors: Reich Michel , Tessier Williams , Lemaire Justine , Penel Nicolas
Published: June 2018

Objective

Cancer patients can present with impossible behavior, which can jeopardize their treatment and challenge healthcare professionals’ teamwork.

Method

Report of two unusual psychiatric cases, including Munchausen and Peter Pan syndromes, which occurred in a comprehensive cancer center.

Result

Guidelines in medical and surgical wards are suggested to address such situations regarding oncologic compliance.

Significance of results

Multidisciplinary collaboration between medical and surgical teams and the psycho-oncologic department is highly recommended.
Megalothorax laevis (Neelipleona, Neelidae): Account of a neglected springtail widely distributed in the intertropical zone
Authors: Schneider C. , Zon S. D. , D'Haese C. A.
Published: June 2018

The springtailMegalothorax laevisDenis, 1948 is redescribed from a broad sampling in the intertropical zone: Vietnam (including type locality), Ivory Coast, Gabon, Réunion island and French Guiana. Pseudopore-like elements are for the first time reported on the trunk and legs ofMegalothoraxspecies. New molecular data forM. laevis(16S rDNA, 28S rDNA d1 and d2 and COI Barcode) are provided. The phylogenetic position of the species within theMegalothoraxgenus is analysed.Megalothorax laevisbelongs to theincertusgroup but shares similitudes with theminimusgroup acquired through evolutionary convergences (such as smooth lamellae of the mucro). Those similitudes might have created confusion betweenM. minimusandM. laevis. WhileM. minimusused to be regarded cosmopolitan,M. laevishas been overlooked since its original discovery. However, the present sampling led us to believe thatM. laevisreplaceM. minimusas the commonest edaphicMegalothoraxspecies in the intertropical zone. A key to theMegalothoraxspecies with smooth mucro lamellae is provided.
Thriving or Dividing? The Women's Movement and the Independence Referenda in Scotland and Catalonia
Authors: Alonso Alba
Published: June 2018

Territorial debates have recently shaken the political systems in Scotland and Catalonia, leading to referenda on independence. This article engages with questions concerning whether this extraordinary process has affected the women's movement and why. Specifically, feminist scholars have often expressed concern regarding how strong territorial identities and nationalist projects might prove detrimental to the movement's unity and success. Here, I look for indications of engagement and revival within the frames of the Scottish and Catalan referendum campaigns. A comparative approach revealed the mobilizing potential of these contexts when certain conditions were present. While the women's movement in Scotland has thrived in the last couple of years, territorial debates in Catalonia have not provided fertile ground for feminist campaigning and have shown divisive potential. The specific dynamics of the women's movement in each setting and the presence of political and discursive opportunity structures account for the different outcomes.
Does government expenditure reduce inequalities in infant mortality rates in low- and middle-income countries?: A time-series, ecological analysis of 48 countries from 1993 to 2013
Authors: Baker Peter , Hone Thomas , Reeves Aaron , Avendano Mauricio , Millett Christopher
Published: June 2018

Inequalities in infant mortality rates (IMRs) are rising in some low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and decreasing in others, but the explanation for these divergent trends is unclear. We investigate whether government expenditures and redistribution are associated with reductions in inequalities in IMRs. We estimated country-level fixed-effects panel regressions for 48 LMICs (142 country observations). Slope and Relative Indices of Inequality in IMRs (SII and RII) were calculated from Demographic and Health Surveys between 1993 and 2013. RII and SII were regressed on government expenditure (total, health and non-health) and redistribution, controlling for gross domestic product (GDP), private health expenditures, a democracy indicator, country fixed effects and time. Mean SII and RII was 39.12 and 0.69, respectively. In multivariate models, a 1 percentage point increase in total government expenditure (% of GDP) was associated with a decrease in SII of −2.468 [95% confidence intervals (CIs): −4.190, −0.746] and RII of −0.026 (95% CIs: −0.048, −0.004). Lower inequalities were associated with higher non-health government expenditure, but not higher government health expenditure. Associations with inequalities were non-significant for GDP, government redistribution, and private health expenditure. Understanding how non-health government expenditure reduces inequalities in IMR, and why health expenditures may not, will accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.
Characterization of Xenotime From Datas (Brazil) as a Potential Reference Material for In Situ U‐Pb Geochronology
Authors: Vasconcelos A. D. , Gonçalves G. O. , Lana C. , Buick I. S. , Kamo S. L. , Corfu F. , Scholz R. , Alkmim A. , Queiroga G. , Nalini H. A.
Published: June 2018

This study investigates five megacrysts of xenotime (XN01, XN02, XN03, XN04, and XN05) as potential reference materials (RMs) for U‐Pb geochronology. These crystals belong to a 300 g xenotime assortment, collected from alluvial deposits in SE Brazil. Electron microprobe and Laser Ablation‐Inductively Coupled Plasma‐Mass Spectrometry (LA‐ICP‐MS) analyses show that the selected crystals are internally homogeneous for most rare earth element, (REE, except some light REE) but are relatively heterogeneous for U and Th. The xenotime REE patterns are consistent with an origin from hydrothermal quartz veins in the Datas area that cut greenschist‐facies metasediments and that locally contain other accessory phases such as rutile and monazite. High‐precision U‐Pb Isotope Dilution‐Thermal Ionization Mass Spectrometry (ID‐TIMS) analyses showed slight age heterogeneity for the XN01 crystal not observed in the XN02 sample. The two crystals have slightly different average 206Pb/238U ages of 513.4 ± 0.5 Ma (2 s) and 515.4 ± 0.2 Ma (2 s), respectively. In situ U‐Pb isotope data acquired via LA‐(Q,SF,MC)‐ICP‐MS are within the uncertainty of the ID‐TIMS data, showing homogeneity at the 1% precision of the laser ablation (and probably ion microprobe) technique. U‐Pb LA‐(MC, SF)‐ICP‐MS analyses, using XN01 as a primary RM, reproduced the ages of other established RMs within less than 1% deviation. Other Datas crystals (XN03‐05) also display a reproducibility in Pb/U dates better than 1% on LA‐ICP‐MS, making them good candidates for further testing by ID‐TIMS.
Roughness Characteristics of Oceanic Seafloor Prior to Subduction in Relation to the Seismogenic Potential of Subduction Zones
Authors: Lallemand Serge , Peyret Michel , van Rijsingen Elenora , Arcay Diane , Heuret Arnauld
Published: June 2018

We have developed a new approach to characterize the seafloor roughness seaward of the trenches, as a proxy for estimating the roughness of the subduction interface. We consider that abrupt elevation changes over given wavelengths play a larger role in the seismogenic behavior of the subduction interface than the amplitude of bathymetric variations alone. The new database, SubRough, provides roughness parameters at selected spatial wavelengths. Here we mainly discuss the spatial distribution of short‐ (12–20 km) and long‐wavelength (80–100 km) roughness, RSW and RLW, respectively, along 250‐km‐wide strips of seafloor seaward of the trenches. Compared with global trend, seamounts show distinct roughness signature of much larger amplitudes at both wavelengths, whereas aseismic ridges only differ from the global trend at long wavelengths. Fracture zones cannot be distinguished from the global trend, which suggests that their potential effect on rupture dynamics is not the consequence of their roughness, at least not at these wavelengths. Based on RLW amplitude, segments along subduction zones can be defined from rough to smooth. Subduction zones like the Solomons or the Ryukyus appear dominantly rough, whereas others like the Andes or Cascadia are dominantly smooth. The relative contribution of smooth versus rough areas in terms of respective lateral extents probably plays a role in multipatch rupture and thus in the final earthquake magnitude. We observe a clear correlation between high seismic coupling and relatively low roughness and conversely between low seismic coupling and relatively high seafloor roughness.
Photo-tautomerization of acetaldehyde as a photochemical source of formic acid in the troposphere
Authors: Shaw Miranda F. , Sztáray Bálint , Whalley Lisa K. , Heard Dwayne E. , Millet Dylan B. , Jordan Meredith J. T. , Osborn David L. , Kable Scott H.
Published: June 2018

Organic acids play a key role in the troposphere, contributing to atmospheric aqueous-phase chemistry, aerosol formation, and precipitation acidity. Atmospheric models currently account for less than half the observed, globally averaged formic acid loading. Here we report that acetaldehyde photo-tautomerizes to vinyl alcohol under atmospherically relevant pressures of nitrogen, in the actinic wavelength range, λ = 300–330 nm, with measured quantum yields of 2–25%. Recent theoretical kinetics studies show hydroxyl-initiated oxidation of vinyl alcohol produces formic acid. Adding these pathways to an atmospheric chemistry box model (Master Chemical Mechanism) demonstrates increased formic acid concentrations by a factor of ~1.7 in the polluted troposphere and a factor of ~3 under pristine conditions. Incorporating this mechanism into the GEOS-Chem 3D global chemical transport model reveals an estimated 7% contribution to worldwide formic acid production, with up to 60% of the total modeled formic acid production over oceans arising from photo-tautomerization.
Nanoscale imaging of charge carrier transport in water splitting photoanodes
Authors: Eichhorn Johanna , Kastl Christoph , Cooper Jason K. , Ziegler Dominik , Schwartzberg Adam M. , Sharp Ian D. , Toma Francesca M.
Published: June 2018

The performance of energy materials hinges on the presence of structural defects and heterogeneity over different length scales. Here we map the correlation between morphological and functional heterogeneity in bismuth vanadate, a promising metal oxide photoanode for photoelectrochemical water splitting, by photoconductive atomic force microscopy. We demonstrate that contrast in mapping electrical conductance depends on charge transport limitations, and on the contact at the sample/probe interface. Using temperature and illumination intensity-dependent current–voltage spectroscopy, we find that the transport mechanism in bismuth vanadate can be attributed to space charge-limited current in the presence of trap states. We observe no additional recombination sites at grain boundaries, which indicates high defect tolerance in bismuth vanadate. These findings support the fabrication of highly efficient bismuth vanadate nanostructures and provide insights into how local functionality affects the macroscopic performance.
Coherent modulation of the sea-level annual cycle in the United States by Atlantic Rossby waves
Authors: Calafat Francisco M. , Wahl Thomas , Lindsten Fredrik , Williams Joanne , Frajka-Williams Eleanor
Published: June 2018

Changes in the sea-level annual cycle (SLAC) can have profound impacts on coastal areas, including increased flooding risk and ecosystem alteration, yet little is known about the magnitude and drivers of such changes. Here we show, using novel Bayesian methods, that there are significant decadal fluctuations in the amplitude of the SLAC along the United States Gulf and Southeast coasts, including an extreme event in 2008–2009 that is likely (probability ≥68%) unprecedented in the tide-gauge record. Such fluctuations are coherent along the coast but decoupled from deep-ocean changes. Through the use of numerical and analytical ocean models, we show that the primary driver of these fluctuations involves incident Rossby waves that generate fast western-boundary waves. These Rossby waves project onto the basin-wide upper mid-ocean transport (top 1000 m) leading to a link with the SLAC, wherein larger SLAC amplitudes coincide with enhanced transport variability.
Fractal modes and multi-beam generation from hybrid microlaser resonators
Authors: Rivera José A. , Galvin Thomas C. , Steinforth Austin W. , Eden J. Gary
Published: June 2018

Fractals are ubiquitous in nature, and prominent examples include snowflakes and neurons. Although it has long been known that intricate optical fractal patterns can be realized with components such as gratings and reflecting spheres, generating fractal transverse modes from a laser has proven to be elusive. By introducing a 2D network of microspheres into a Fabry-Pérot cavity bounding a gain medium, we demonstrate a hybrid optical resonator in which the spheres enable the simultaneous generation of arrays of conventional (Gaussian) and fractal laser modes. Within the interstices of the microsphere crystal, several distinct fractal modes are observed, two of which resemble the Sierpinski Triangle. Coupling between adjacent fractal modes is evident, and fractal modes may be synthesized through design of the microsphere network. Owing to a unique synergy between the gain medium and the resonator, this optical platform is able to emit hundreds of microlaser beams and probe live motile cells.
Synthesis of polymers with on-demand sequence structures via dually switchable and interconvertible polymerizations
Authors: Zhang Ze , Zeng Tian-You , Xia Lei , Hong Chun-Yan , Wu De-Cheng , You Ye-Zi
Published: June 2018

The synthesis of polymers with on-demand sequence structures is very important not only for academic researchers but also for industry. However, despite the existing polymerization techniques, it is still difficult to achieve copolymer chains with on-demand sequence structures. Here we report a dually switchable and controlled interconvertible polymerization system; in this system, two distinct orthogonal polymerizations can be selectively switched ON/OFF independent of each other and they can be interconverted promptly and quantitatively according to external stimuli. Thus, the external stimuli can manipulate the insertion of distinct monomers into the resulting copolymer chains temporally, spatially, and orthogonally, allowing the on-demand precise arrangement of sequence structures in the resulting polymers. This dually switchable and interconvertible polymerization system provides a powerful tool for synthesizing materials that are not accessible by other polymerization methods.
Trapping of the transport-segment DNA by the ATPase domains of a type II topoisomerase
Authors: Laponogov Ivan , Pan Xiao-Su , Veselkov Dennis A. , Skamrova Galyna B. , Umrekar Trishant R. , Fisher L. Mark , Sanderson Mark R.
Published: June 2018

Type II topoisomerases alter DNA topology to control DNA supercoiling and chromosome segregation and are targets of clinically important anti-infective and anticancer therapeutics. They act as ATP-operated clamps to trap a DNA helix and transport it through a transient break in a second DNA. Here, we present the first X-ray crystal structure solved at 2.83 Å of a closed clamp complete with trapped T-segment DNA obtained by co-crystallizing the ATPase domain of S. pneumoniae topoisomerase IV with a nonhydrolyzable ATP analogue and 14-mer duplex DNA. The ATPase dimer forms a 22 Å protein hole occupied by the kinked DNA bound asymmetrically through positively charged residues lining the hole, and whose mutagenesis impacts the DNA decatenation, DNA relaxation and DNA-dependent ATPase activities of topo IV. These results and a side-bound DNA-ParE structure help explain how the T-segment DNA is captured and transported by a type II topoisomerase, and reveal a new enzyme–DNA interface for drug discovery.
Identification of novel ΔNp63α-regulated miRNAs using an optimized small RNA-Seq analysis pipeline
Authors: Sakaram Suraj , Craig Michael P. , Hill Natasha T. , Aljagthmi Amjad , Garrido Christian , Paliy Oleg , Bottomley Michael , Raymer Michael , Kadakia Madhavi P.
Published: June 2018

Advances in high-throughput sequencing have enabled profiling of microRNAs (miRNAs), however, a consensus pipeline for sequencing of small RNAs has not been established. We built and optimized an analysis pipeline using Partek Flow, circumventing the need for analyzing data via scripting languages. Our analysis assessed the effect of alignment reference, normalization method, and statistical model choice on biological data. The pipeline was evaluated using sequencing data from HaCaT cells transfected with either a non-silencing control or siRNA against ΔNp63α, a p53 family member protein which is highly expressed in non-melanoma skin cancer and shown to regulate a number of miRNAs. We posit that 1) alignment and quantification to the miRBase reference provides the most robust quantitation of miRNAs, 2) normalizing sample reads via Trimmed Mean of M-values is the most robust method for accurate downstream analyses, and 3) use of the lognormal with shrinkage statistical model effectively identifies differentially expressed miRNAs. Using our pipeline, we identified previously unrecognized regulation of miRs-149-5p, 18a-5p, 19b-1-5p, 20a-5p, 590-5p, 744-5p and 93-5p by ΔNp63α. Regulation of these miRNAs was validated by RT-qPCR, substantiating our small RNA-Seq pipeline. Further analysis of these miRNAs may provide insight into ΔNp63α’s role in cancer progression. By defining the optimal alignment reference, normalization method, and statistical model for analysis of miRNA sequencing data, we have established an analysis pipeline that may be carried out in Partek Flow or at the command line. In this manner, our pipeline circumvents some of the major hurdles encountered during small RNA-Seq analysis.
Expression of periaxin (PRX) specifically in the human cerebrovascular system: PDZ domain-mediated strengthening of endothelial barrier function
Authors: Wang Michael M. , Zhang Xiaojie , Lee Soo Jung , Maripudi Snehaa , Keep Richard F. , Johnson Allison M. , Stamatovic Svetlana M. , Andjelkovic Anuska V.
Published: June 2018

Regulation of cerebral endothelial cell function plays an essential role in changes in blood-brain barrier permeability. Proteins that are important for establishment of endothelial tight junctions have emerged as critical molecules, and PDZ domain containing-molecules are among the most important. We have discovered that the PDZ-domain containing protein periaxin (PRX) is expressed in human cerebral endothelial cells. Surprisingly, PRX protein is not detected in brain endothelium in other mammalian species, suggesting that it could confer human-specific vascular properties. In endothelial cells, PRX is predominantly localized to the nucleus and not tight junctions. Transcriptome analysis shows that PRX expression suppresses, by at least 50%, a panel of inflammatory markers, of which 70% are Type I interferon response genes; only four genes were significantly activated by PRX expression. When expressed in mouse endothelial cells, PRX strengthens barrier function, significantly increases transendothelial electrical resistance (~35%; p < 0.05), and reduces the permeability of a wide range of molecules. The PDZ domain of PRX is necessary and sufficient for its barrier enhancing properties, since a splice variant (S-PRX) that contains only the PDZ domain, also increases barrier function. PRX also attenuates the permeability enhancing effects of lipopolysaccharide. Collectively, these studies suggest that PRX could potentially regulate endothelial homeostasis in human cerebral endothelial cells by modulating inflammatory gene programs.
Motor-like DNA motion due to an ATP-hydrolyzing protein under nanoconfinement
Authors: Roushan Maedeh , Azad Zubair , Movahed Saeid , Ray Paul D. , Livshits Gideon I. , Lim Shuang Fang , Weninger Keith R. , Riehn Robert
Published: June 2018

We report that long double-stranded DNA confined to quasi-1D nanochannels undergoes superdiffusive motion under the action of the enzyme T4 DNA ligase in the presence of necessary co-factors. Inside the confined environment of the nanochannel, double-stranded DNA molecules stretch out due to self-avoiding interactions. In absence of a catalytically active enzyme, we see classical diffusion of the center of mass. However, cooperative interactions of proteins with the DNA can lead to directed motion of DNA molecules inside the nanochannel. Here we show directed motion in this configuration for three different proteins (T4 DNA ligase, MutS, E. coli DNA ligase) in the presence of their energetic co-factors (ATP, NAD+).
Identification of pathways and genes associated with synovitis in osteoarthritis using bioinformatics analyses
Authors: Huang Hui , Zheng Jiaxuan , Shen Ningjiang , Wang Guangji , Zhou Gang , Fang Yehan , Lin Jianping , Zhao Jianning
Published: June 2018

Synovitis in osteoarthritis (OA) is a very common condition. However, its underlying mechanism is still not well understood. This study aimed to explore the molecular mechanisms of synovitis in OA. The gene expression profile GSE82107 (downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database) included 10 synovial tissues of the OA patients and 7 synovial tissues of healthy people. Subsequently, differentially expressed gene (DEG) analysis, GO (gene ontology) enrichment analysis, pathway analysis, pathway network analysis, and gene signal network analysis were performed using Gene-Cloud of Biotechnology Information (GCBI). A total of 1,941 DEGs consisting of 1,471 upregulated genes and 470 downregulated genes were determined. Genes such as PSMG3, LRP12 MIA-RAB4B, ETHE1, SFXN1, DAZAP1, RABEP2, and C9orf16 were significantly regulated in synovitis of OA. In particular, the MAPK signalling pathway, apoptosis, and pathways in cancer played the most important roles in the pathway network. The relationships between these pathways were also analysed. Genes such as NRAS, SPHK2, FOS, CXCR4, PLD1, GNAI2, and PLA2G4F were strongly implicated in synovitis of OA. In summary, this study indicated that several molecular mechanisms were implicated in the development and progression of synovitis in OA, thus improving our understanding of OA and offering molecular targets for future therapeutic advances.
Optimization of growth and production parameters of walnut (Juglans regia) saplings with response surface methodology
Authors: Song Dagang , Pan Kaiwen , Zhang Aiping , Wu Xiaogang , Tariq Akash , Chen Wenkai , Li Zilong , Sun Feng , Sun Xiaoming , Olatunji Olusanya Abiodun , Zhang Lin
Published: June 2018

Straw mulching is an effective conservation tillage tool that utilizes waste resources and reduces environmental pollution. To determine the optimal levels of quality, placement and quantity of straw mulching, we performed a field experiment that used the Box–Behnken design combined with response surface methodology. The treatments designed for walnut saplings (Juglans regia) considered three independent variables: quality, placement, and quantity of straw mulching. Tree height of walnut saplings (THW) and net photosynthesis rate (NPR) were used as the response variables in a full, quadratic polynomial model. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) results showed that the selected models were significant (P < 0.05), expressing ideal relationships between the independent and dependent variables (R2 ≥ 0.9225). The optimum conditions for the THW and NPR responses were determined to be a straw mulching quality which mixed rice and rapeseed straws, a straw mulching placement which covered the entire soil surface of experimental plots, and a straw mulching quantity applied as 3 kg/m2(i.e., the low level). This optimized scheme of straw mulching combinations offers an alternate choice for optimizing the growth and potential yield of walnut saplings, but practical field experiments should also be carried out to obtain more site-specific results.
Changes in cognitive function in patients with intractable dizziness following vestibular rehabilitation
Authors: Sugaya Nagisa , Arai Miki , Goto Fumiyuki
Published: June 2018

The purpose of the present study was to investigate changes in cognitive functions, including visuospatial ability, attention, and executive function in patients with intractable dizziness following vestibular rehabilitation. The correlations between improvements in cognitive function and dizziness-related variables and emotional distress were also explored. During hospitalization for 5 days, participants were trained on a vestibular rehabilitation program. Participants completed questionnaires including the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and Trail Making Test (TMT), which were used to assess cognitive function. The center of gravity fluctuation measurement and timed up and go test (TUG), which were objective dizziness severity indexes, were performed before, 1 month after, and 4 months after hospitalization. Following vestibular rehabilitation, participants exhibited a significant improvement in the TMT, DHI, HADS, and TUG scores. Correlation analysis between the variables at each time point indicated that TMT scores positively correlated with TUG at baseline. The correlation between changes observed in the TUG and TMT scores was not significant. The degree of improvement of the TUG score did not bear a linear relationship with that of the TMT scores. However, these correlation results were not completely consistent with those in the multiply imputed dataset.
Different changes of microarchitectures of cortical and cancellous bones in sheep femoral head after long-term glucocorticoid interventions
Authors: Li Yuan-Hui , Gao Fu-Qiang , Cheng Li-Ming , Zeng Mian-Dong , Qiu Qin-Ye , Ding Ming
Published: June 2018

This study investigatedthe different effects of long-term glucocorticoid (GC) interventions on the microarchitectures of cortical and cancellous bones of the femoral head. Eighteen female skeletal mature sheep were randomly allocated into 3 groups, 6 each. Group 1 received prednisolone interventions (0.60 mg/kg/day, 5 times weekly) for 7 months. Group 2 received the same interventions as Group 1 and then further observed 3 months without interventions. Control Group was left nonintervention. After killing the animals, all femoral heads were scanned by micro-CT to determine their microstructural properties. In cancellous bone of femoral head, GC interventions led to significant decrease of bone volume fraction, trabecular thickness, trabecular separation, but increase of structure model index and bone surface density (p < 0.05). While in cortical bone, there were no differences between the Group 1 and in microstructural properties (p > 0.05) except greater trabecular thickness in the control group. In addition, three months after cessation of glucocorticoid interventions, most microstructural properties of cancellous bone were significant reversed, but not cortical thickness of femoral head. In contrast to cancellous bone, the microarchitectures of cortical bone were not changed obviously after long-term GC interventions.
Syntheses, crystal-solution structures and magnetic properties of a series of decanuclear heterometallic [LnIII2CoII4CoIII4] (Ln = Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy) clusters
Authors: Yu You-Zhu , Hu Yue-Qiao , Guo Yu-Hua , Niu Yong-Sheng , Yang Li-Guo , Song Hai-Xiang , Shen Yan-Hong , Zheng Xiao-Ming , Hou Shao-Gang , Feng Guo-Dong
Published: June 2018

Four unprecedented decanuclear heterometallic [Ln2Co8] clusters based on a diethanolamine ligand were synthesized through a facile solution method.
Random mixed-metal Co1−xNix single-chain magnets with simultaneous azide, carboxylate and tetrazolate bridges
Authors: Li Xiu-Bing , Cheng Ai-Ling , Gao En-Qing
Published: June 2018

A series of MOFs based on random ferromagnetic Co1−xNix chains with simultaneous azide, carboxylate and tetrazolate bridges show metamagnetism and slow magnetic relaxation with complicated composition dependence and synergistic effects on single-chain slow dynamics.
Rare-earth metal bis(aminobenzyl) complexes supported by pyrrolyl-functionalized arylamide ligands: synthesis, characterization and styrene polymerization performance
Authors: Li Min , Wang Chaopan , Xie Hongzhen , Mou Zehuai , Luo Yunjie
Published: June 2018

Acid–base reaction between Ln(CH2C6H4NMe2-o)3 and 2,5-Me2C4H2NCH2SiMe2NHC6H4R (R = H, (HL1); R = Cl-p, (HL2) in 1 : 1 molar ratio gave L1Ln(CH2C6H4NMe2-o)2 (Ln = Sc (1), La (2), Lu (3) and L2Ln(CH2C6H4NMe2-o)2 (Ln = Sc (4), La (5), Lu (6). The catalyst systems of 2 or 5/[Ph3C][B(C6F5)4] were active for syndio-specific styrene polymerization.
Synthesis and characterisation of fluorescent aminophosphines and their coordination to gold(i)
Authors: Groves Lara M. , Ward Benjamin D. , Newman Paul D. , Horton Peter N. , Coles Simon J. , Pope Simon J. A.
Published: June 2018

Fluorescent aminophosphine ligands were synthesised by reaction of chlorodiphenylphosphine and a suitable amine. The ligands coordinate to Au(i) to give a series of new complexes.
Tetranuclear and dinuclear phenoxido bridged copper complexes based on unsymmetrical thiosemicarbazone ligands
Authors: Isaac J. A. , Mansour A.-T. , David R. , Kochem A. , Philouze C. , Demeshko S. , Meyer F. , Réglier M. , Simaan A. J. , Caldarelli S. , Yemloul M. , Jamet H. , Thibon-Pourret A. , Belle C.
Published: June 2018

Dinuclear and tetranuclear copper(ii) complexes based on N,S ligand systems in the solid state and in solution are described.
Genome-wide survey of remote homologues for protein domain superfamilies of known structure reveals unequal distribution across structural classes
Authors: Iyer Meenakshi S. , Joshi Adwait G. , Sowdhamini Ramanathan
Published: June 2018

We report the homologues obtained at the SCOP superfamily, fold and class-level and analysis of domain architecture and taxonomic occurrence.
Construction of MOF-derived hollow Ni–Zn–Co–S nanosword arrays as binder-free electrodes for asymmetric supercapacitors with high energy density
Authors: Huang Youzhang , Quan Liang , Liu Tianqing , Chen Qidi , Cai Daoping , Zhan Hongbing
Published: June 2018

Mesoporous and hollow Ni–Zn–Co–S nanosword arrays (NSAs) have been successfully grown on nickel foam (NF) through a simple two-step method, which would hold great promise for high-performance supercapacitors.
Carbenium ion formation by fragmentation of electrochemically generated oxonium ions
Authors: Lielpetere Anna , Jirgensons Aigars
Published: June 2018

Fragmentation of electrochemically generated oxonium ions can be exploited to form carbenium ions at a low oxidation potential in the presence of a nucleophile such as allylsilane.
A multiscale hydrothermal carbon layer modified carbon fiber for composite fabrication
Authors: Xi Xianfeng , Chen Yousi , Wang Jie , Li Yaoyao , Shao Xiangdong , He Liu , Huang Qing , Pei Xueliang
Published: June 2018

A novel multiscale hydrothermal carbon layer (MHTCL) for carbon fiber (CF) surface modification was developed.
Membrane glycomics reveal heterogeneity and quantitative distribution of cell surface sialylation
Authors: Park Diane Dayoung , Xu Gege , Wong Maurice , Phoomak Chatchai , Liu Mingqi , Haigh Nathan E. , Wongkham Sopit , Yang Pengyuan , Maverakis Emanual , Lebrilla Carlito B.
Published: June 2018

Sialic acid distribution was quantified by LC-MS/MS. The number of sialylated glycoforms increases at sites nearest to the transmembrane domain.
Mitochondrial DNA replication: clinical syndromes
Authors: Almannai Mohammed , El-Hattab Ayman W. , Scaglia Fernando
Published: June 2018

Each nucleated cell contains several hundreds of mitochondria, which are unique organelles in being under dual genome control. The mitochondria contain their own DNA, the mtDNA, but most of mitochondrial proteins are encoded by nuclear genes, including all the proteins required for replication, transcription, and repair of mtDNA. MtDNA replication is a continuous process that requires coordinated action of several enzymes that are part of the mtDNA replisome. It also requires constant supply of deoxyribonucleotide triphosphates(dNTPs) and interaction with other mitochondria for mixing and unifying the mitochondrial compartment. MtDNA maintenance defects are a growing list of disorders caused by defects in nuclear genes involved in different aspects of mtDNA replication. As a result of defects in these genes, mtDNA depletion and/or multiple mtDNA deletions develop in affected tissues resulting in variable manifestations that range from adult-onset mild disease to lethal presentation early in life.
Die Darstellung von Sexualität im deutschen Reality-TV: Eine Inhaltsanalyse der Serie „Berlin – Tag und Nacht“
Authors: Lemke Richard , Tornow Tobias
Published: June 2018

Einleitung: Medien sind für Jugendliche eine wichtige Quelle bei der Aneignung von Vorstellungen über sexuelle Handlungsabläufe und Rollenverteilungen.
Als besonders wirkmächtig gilt das sogenannte Reality-TV: Die dortigen Darsteller_innen bieten im Sinne der sozial-kognitiven Lerntheorie hohes
Identifikationspotential, da sie etwa gleich alt und in ähnlichen Lebensumständen wie die Rezipient_innen sind. Zudem wird der Eindruck vermittelt, dort würden
nicht fiktionale, sondern dem realen Leben entsprechende Handlungsmuster und Situationen abgebildet.

Forschungsziele: Ziel der Studie war zu untersuchen, wie Sexualität in der reichweitenstarken Scripted-Reality-Soap „Berlin – Tag und Nacht“
(Sehbeteiligung 450.000 Jugendliche und junge Erwachsene) dargestellt wird.

Methoden: Mithilfe einer quantitativen Medieninhaltsanalyse wurden folgende Dimensionen erfasst: 1) sexuelle Lust bzw. sexuelles Verlangen, 2) sexuelle
Unlust bzw. fehlendes sexuelles Verlangen, 3) sexuelles Vorantreiben, 4) sexuelles Zögern, 5) sexuelles Vergnügen, 6) sexuelles Unbehagen bzw. fehlendes
sexuelles Vergnügen, 7) Bereuen von Sex.

Ergebnisse: Die Analyse von 123 Folgen (Vollerhebung von Juli 2015 bis Dezember 2015) erbrachte 65 sichtbare sexuelle Akte. Die untersuchten Dimensionen
wurden gleich häufig für Männer und für Frauen dargestellt mit zwei Ausnahmen: sexuelle Lust wurde etwas häufiger für Männer, Bereuen eines sexuellen Akts etwas
häufiger für Frauen dargestellt. Thematisierungen von Sexualität fanden überwiegend durch die betroffenen Akteur_innen selbst statt.

Schlussfolgerung: Insgesamt kann die Darstellung von Sexualität auf quantitativem Level als funktional für die psychosexuelle Entwicklung Jugendlicher
angesehen werden. Zum einen, weil das Bild vermittelt wird, dass Sexualität zwischen den Beteiligten verhandelt werden darf. Zum anderen, weil tradierte
sexuelle Geschlechterklischees entlang der untersuchten Dimensionen weitgehend vermieden werden.