bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of miR-143 during ischemia cerebral injury protects neurones through recovery of the hexokinase 2-mediated glucose uptake
Authors: Zeng Xianzhu , Liu Na , Zhang Jing , Wang Lei , Zhang Zhecheng , Zhu Ju , Li Qian , Wang Yuwen
Published: May 2017

Ischemic stroke, a major cause of death, is caused by occlusion of a blood vessel, resulting in significant reduction in regional cerebral blood flow. MiRNAs are a family of short noncoding RNAs (18–22 nts) and bind the 3′-UTR of their target genes to suppress the gene expression post-transcriptionally. In the present study, we report that miR-143 is down-regulated in rat neurones but highly expressed in astrocytes. In vivo middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and ex vivo oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) results showed that miR-143 was significantly induced by ischemia injury. Meanwhile, we observed suppression of glucose uptake and lactate product of rat brain and primary neurones after MCAO or OGD. The glycolysis enzymes hexokinase 2 (HK2), PKM2, and LDHA were inhibited by MCAO or OGD at protein and mRNA levels. In addition, overexpression of miR-143 significantly inhibited HK2 expression, glucose uptake, and lactate product. We report that HK2 is a direct target of miR-143. Importantly, restoration of HK2 in miR-143 overexpressing rat neurones recovered glucose uptake and lactate product. Our results demonstrated inhibition of miR-143 during OGD could protect rat neuronal cells from ischemic brain injury (IBI). In summary, the present study reveals a miRNA-mediated neuron protection during IBI, providing a new strategy for the development of therapeutic agents against IBI.
Moving Triadic Gaze Intervention Into Practice: Measuring Clinician Attitude and Implementation Fidelity
Authors: Feuerstein Julie , Olswang Lesley B. , Greenslade Kathryn , Pinder Gay Lloyd , Dowden Patricia , Madden Jodi
Published: May 2017

Purpose

This research investigated a first step in implementing the dynamic assessment (DA) component of Triadic Gaze Intervention (Olswang, Feuerstein, Pinder, & Dowden, 2013; Olswang et al., 2014), an evidence-based protocol for teaching early signals of communication to young children with physical disabilities. Clinician attitudes about adopting external evidence into practice and implementation fidelity in DA protocol delivery were examined following training.

Method

Seven early intervention clinicians from multiple disciplines were trained to deliver the four essential elements of the DA protocol: (a) provide communication
opportunity
, (b)
recognize
child's potentially communicative signal, (c)
shape
child's signal toward triadic gaze, and (d) reinforce with
play
. Clinician attitude regarding adopting evidence into practice was measured at baseline and follow-up, with the Evidence-Based Practice Attitude Scale (Aarons, 2004). Implementation fidelity in delivering the protocol was measured for adherence (accuracy) and competence (quality) during trial implementation.

Results

Clinicians' attitudes about trying new evidence that at first was perceived as incongruent with their practice improved over the course of the research. Clinicians demonstrated strong adherence to the DA protocol; however, competence varied across clinicians and appeared related to child performance.

Conclusions

The results provided insight into moving Triadic Gaze Intervention into practice and yielded valuable information regarding the implementation process, with implications for future research.
Social optimization inM/M/1 queue with working vacation andN-policy
Authors: Ma Qing-Qing , Li Ji-Hong , Liu Wei-Qi
Published: May 2017

This paper deals with theN-policyM/M/1 queueing system with working vacations. Once the system becomes empty, the server begins a working vacation and works at a lower service rate. The server resumes regular service when there areNor more customers in the system. By solving the balance equations, the stationary probability distribution and the mean queue length under observable and unobservable cases are obtained. Based on the reward-cost structure and the theory of Markov process, the social welfare function is constructed. Finally, the impact of several parameters and information levels on the mean queue length and social welfare is illustratedvianumerical examples, comparison work shows that queues with working vacations(WV) andN-policy have advantage in controlling the queue length and improving the social welfare.
Metastasis from Penile Squamous Cell Carcinoma to Brain: A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Chaudhary Ashwani , Batra Dipesh , Jindal Rohit , Bansal Hanish
Published: May 2017

We report a very rare case of a 63-year-old man with penile carcinoma who developed brain metastasis. Brain metastasis from penile carcinoma is very rare, and only six cases have been reported so far as per our literature review. In view of controlled primary tumor and absence of systemic disease, tumor was excised and the patient remained clinically controlled till 3 months after follow-up.
“Madura Head”—A Rare Case of Craniocerebral Maduromycosis
Authors: Behera Bikash , Mishra Sanjib , Dhir Manmath , Panda Rabi , Samantaray Sagarika
Published: May 2017

As maduromycosis is mostly confined to lower extremities. It was rightly named as “Madura foot” by John Gill in 1842, after the name of Madurai district, in Tamil Nadu state of India. Mycetoma is a chronic granulomatous infection mostly caused by a true fungus, Madurella mycetomatis (Eumycotic mycetoma). Craniocerebral involvement by eumycotic mycetoma is rare in world literature and confined to few case reports only. Here we present an interesting case of craniocerebral maduromycosis presenting with focal seizure, hemiparesis, and multiple discharging sinuses all over the scalp. The patient was diagnosed by histopathologic biopsy and managed conservatively with antifungal medications in view of widespread involvement of the scalp, not amenable to surgery.
Listeria monocytogenes Brain Abscess within a Metastatic Intracerebellar Space-Occupying Lesion in a Patient with Carcinoma Lung: First Case Report from India
Authors: Oommen Arun , Johny Molly , Pratap Thara , Paul Renu , Chinnan Jily , Jalal Muhammed
Published: May 2017

Listeria monocytogenes infections are rare. Neonates and geriatric population, pregnant women, and diabetic and immunocompromised patients are at higher risk for invasive listeriosis. Early recognition of Listeria brain abscess remains a major challenge. Here, we describe a case of intratumoral abscess with L. monocytogenes in a patient with intracerebellar metastasis from poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma lung. Right cerebellar tumor with a thick-walled purulent cavity was resected. Histopathologic examination revealed acute inflammation consistent with abscess and showed metastatic poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. Cultures of the abscess fluid grew L. monocytogenes. She responded well to ampicillin-gentamycin therapy and the surveillance imaging done on the seventh postoperative day showed clearance of the abscess. The patient is further being planned for radiotherapy in regard to metastasis. Listeria abscess within a metastatic tumor is very rare and only one case is reported as of our knowledge. Listeria abscess being reported within an intracerebellar metastatic space-occupying lesion is for the first time.
Parathyroid Hormone Levels Predict Long-Term Outcome After Operative Management of Parathyroid Cancer
Authors: Machens Andreas , Lorenz Kerstin , Dralle Henning
Published: May 2017

The role of parathyroid hormone (PTH) serum levels for prediction of outcome is ill defined for parathyroid cancer, which is a very rare disease. This investigation of 17 consecutive patients with parathyroid cancer, (re-)operated on at a tertiary referral center between 1994 and July 2016, with a mean follow-up of 179.6 months (15 years) aimed to clarify the suitability of PTH serum levels for prediction of clinical outcome after comprehensive operative management of parathyroid cancer. Cancer-specific mortality occurred significantly more often with the performance of sternotomy before or at first operation at this institution (80 vs. 0%; p=0.002); mean PTH serum levels before first operation (1 105 vs. 357 pg/ml; p=0.008; r=0.77) and at most recent follow-up (3 167 vs. 101 pg/ml; p=0.019; r=0.60); and normalization of PTH serum levels at most recent follow-up (0 vs. 64%; p=0.034). For cancer-specific survival, receiver-operating characteristics analysis identified as optimum cut-off point an initial PTH serum level of 700 pg/ml. For local recurrence, no significant associations were found. Kaplan-Meier analysis confirmed that the patients with initial PTH serum levels >700 pg/ml (plog-rank=0.011) and sternotomy (plog-rank<0.001), but not node or lung metastases, had worse cancer-specific survival. Parathyroid cancer is much more an endocrine disease with oncological features than an oncological disease with endocrine features. Operative intervention(s) should be comprehensive and directed at clearing all metabolically active parathyroid tumor deposits early. If surgical cure cannot be reached, it is pivotal to achieve metabolic control, obviating the need for, or facilitating, medical therapy of hypercalcemia, and preserve renal function.
Transient surface photovoltage measurement over 12 orders of magnitude in time
Authors: Dittrich Thomas , Fengler Steffen , Franke Michael
Published: May 2017

The measurement of transient surface photovoltage (SPV) signals in a fixed capacitor arrangement over 12 orders of magnitude in time has been demonstrated for a SnO2:F/TiO2/In2S3 layer system under high vacuum. For this purpose, a high impedance buffer with a bandwidth above 200 MHz and an effective input resistance of 200-700 TΩ has been developed. Fast separation of photo generated charge carriers within ns and very slow relaxation of SPV signals excited with short laser pulses and the measurement of SPV spectra under continuous illumination with a halogen lamp were demonstrated.
Double-shot MeV electron diffraction and microscopy
Authors: Musumeci P. , Cesar D. , Maxson J.
Published: May 2017

In this paper, we study by numerical simulations a time-resolved MeV electron scattering mode where two consecutive electron pulses are used to capture the evolution of a material sample on 10 ps time scales. The two electron pulses are generated by illuminating a photocathode in a radiofrequency photogun by two short laser pulses with adjustable delay. A streak camera/deflecting cavity is used after the sample to project the two electron bunches on two well separated regions of the detector screen. By using sufficiently short pulses, the 2D spatial information from each snapshot can be preserved. This “double-shot” technique enables the efficient capture of irreversible dynamics in both diffraction and imaging modes. In this work, we demonstrate both modes in start-to-end simulations of the UCLA Pegasus MeV microscope column.
Three-dimensional photonic confinement in imprinted liquid crystalline pillar microcavities
Authors: Dusel Marco , Betzold Simon , Brodbeck Sebastian , Herbst Stefanie , Würthner Frank , Friedrich Daniel , Hecht Bert , Höfling Sven , Dietrich Christof P.
Published: May 2017

We demonstrate the feasibility of a thermal imprint technology capable of structuring organic thin films with liquid crystalline properties forming feature sizes on a several micrometer scale. The imprint technique can directly be applied onto a variety of substrates including dielectric mirrors. The so fabricated three-dimensional microcavities have lateral extensions up to 20 μm and heights between 1 and 5 μm. Exemplarily, pillar microcavities were produced wherein three-dimensional photonic confinement is observed by the formation of 0D cavity mode patterns. The imprint technique further favors the formation of hemispherical pillar geometries rather than cylindrical pillars, resulting in equidistant mode spacings of transversal cavity modes.
Miniaturized thermocycler based on thermoelectric heating for diagnosis of sexually transmitted disease by DNA amplification
Authors: Lim Hyunjung , Jo Ga Eun , Kim Kyong Soo , Back Seung Min , Choi Hyuk
Published: May 2017

Sexually transmitted disease (STD) is among the most common infectious diseases; therefore, it is necessary to develop sensitive early diagnostic techniques. As the gold standard, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has been most widely employed for STD diagnosis; however, PCR requires large and expensive instruments. In this study, miniaturized thermal cycler using Peltier modules was developed for the PCR analysis. In comparison with the conventional PCR instrument, the Peltier-based micro-PCR (P-mPCR) device developed in this study enables one to amplify and successfully distinguish between DNA of different sizes. Furthermore, by using the clinical vaginal sample collected with the vaginal swab and tampon, different kinds of STD bacteria could be detected with high accuracy (∼94.19%) and high sensitivity (∼95.6%). Therefore, the P-mPCR device will be applicable in STD diagnosis as well as the detection of other bacteria/viruses using DNA amplification in regions including those with limited resources.
Piezoelectric peptide-based nanogenerator enhanced by single-electrode triboelectric nanogenerator
Authors: Nguyen Vu , Kelly Steve , Yang Rusen
Published: May 2017

Peptide has recently been demonstrated as a sustainable and smart material for piezoelectric energy conversion. Although the power output was improved compared to other biomaterials, the use of a piezoelectric device alone can only capture the energy from the minute deformation in materials. In comparison, the triboelectric effect can convert mechanical energy from large motion. Consequently, utilizing both piezoelectric and triboelectric effects is of significant research interest due to their complementary energy conversion mechanisms. Here we demonstrated a hybrid nanogenerator that combined a peptide-based piezoelectric nanogenerator with a single-electrode triboelectric nanogenerator. Our device structure enabled the voltage and current outputs of each individual type of nanogenerator to be superposed in the hybrid nanogenerator, producing overall constructive outputs. The design of our device also enabled a simplified configuration of hybrid nanogenerator. This study is important not only for the enhancement of peptide-based piezoelectric device but also for the future design of hybrid piezoelectric and triboelectric nanogenerators.
A-site ordering and its effect on tilting transition in perovskite La0.75Sr0.25FeO3-δ investigated by mechanical spectroscopy
Authors: Chen C. C. , Ying X. N.
Published: May 2017

La0.75Sr0.25FeO3-δ polycrystalline samples were prepared by the solid state reaction at different sintering temperatures. An octahedral tilting Pnma↔R3¯c transition in La0.75Sr0.25FeO3-δ was detected by mechanical spectroscopy, where a dip of reduced modulus was observed and accompanied by a sharp internal friction peak. The modulus softening is due to the strain/order parameters coupling at this improper ferroelastic transition. The tilting transition shifts toward lower temperature with reducing sintering temperature in La0.75Sr0.25FeO3-δ samples, which is due to the detriment of A-site ordering in the ABO3 perovskite. A higher degree of A-site ordering favors more homogenous structural modulation, which stabilizes the low temperature Pnma phase and results in the shift of the transition to higher temperature. Another internal friction peak just below the tilting transition was observed, which is attributed to domain wall motions. A correlation between the mobility of ferroelastic domain walls in Pnma perovskite and the existence of the high temperature R3¯c phase was suggested.
Optical readout of displacements of nanowires along two mutually perpendicular directions
Authors: Fu Chenghua
Published: May 2017

Nanowires are good force transducers due to their low mass. The singleness of the direction of the motion detection in a certain system is an existing limitation, and to overcome the limitation is the key point in this article. Optical methods, such as polarized light interferometry and light scattering, are generally used for detecting the displacement of nanowires. Typically, either light interference or light scattering is considered when relating the displacement of a nanowire with the photodetector’s measurements. In this work, we consider both the light interference along the optical axis and light scattering perpendicular to the optical axis of a micro-lens fiber optic interferometer. Identifying the displacement along the two directions and the corresponding vibration conversion efficiency coefficients for the nanowire is a significant part of our study. Our analysis shows that the optimal working point of the micro-lens fiber optic interferometer can realize the detection of displacement along the optical axis without the disturbance coming from the motion perpendicular to the optical axis, and vice versa. We use Mie scattering theory to calculate the scattering light for the reason that the size of the nanowire is comparable to the wavelength of light. Our results could provide a guide for optical readout experiments of the displacement of nanowires.
Identification of new metribuzin-tolerant wheat (Triticum spp.) genotypes
Authors: Bhoite Roopali N. , Si Ping , Stefanova Katia T. , Siddique Kadambot H. M. , Yan Guijun
Published: May 2017

Herbicide-tolerant wheats are preferred for effective weed management. Rapid phenotyping and effective differential dose are vital for the identification of tolerant genotypes among large quantities of genetic resources. A sand-tray system has been developed to enable rapid assessment of metribuzin damage in wheat seedlings. In total, 946 wheat genotypes were evaluated for metribuzin tolerance by using this system under control and metribuzin-treated conditions. SPAD chlorophyll content index (CCI) offered a non-destructive and rapid analysis of leaf chlorophyll content in wheat seedlings. The application rate for 50% reduction in SPAD CCI (I50) was 3.2-fold higher in the current tolerant genotype (Eagle Rock) than the susceptible genotype Spear. A confirmed dose of 800 g a.i. ha–1 could differentiate between metribuzin-tolerant and -susceptible lines. The experimental design with two-directional blocking followed by statistical analysis to model the spatial variation was instrumental in selecting potential tolerant or susceptible genotypes. Metribuzin reduced chlorophyll by 51.4% in treated seedlings. The overall adjusted mean SPAD CCI ranged from 13.5 to 42.7 for control (untreated) plants and from 0.1 to 29.9 for treated plants. Through repeated validation, nine genotypes had higher chlorophyll content after metribuzin treatment and significantly (P < 0.05) outperformed the tolerant Eagle Rock, whereas 18 genotypes had significantly (P < 0.05) higher chlorophyll reduction than the susceptible Spear. The top five tolerant and susceptible genotypes were selected for a genetic study of metribuzin tolerance. Domesticated forms of tetraploid and hexaploid wheats had higher tolerance to metribuzin, which suggests that the level of domestication and higher ploidy level contributes to metribuzin tolerance. The new sources of tolerance will accelerate breeding for metribuzin tolerance.
Differential gene expression in porcine oviduct during the oestrous cycle
Authors: Acuña O. S. , Avilés M. , López-Úbeda R. , Guillén-Martínez A. , Soriano-Úbeda C. , Torrecillas A. , Coy P. , Izquierdo-Rico M. J.
Published: May 2017

The oviduct undergoes changes under the influence of steroid hormones during the oestrous cycle. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying oviductal regulation are not fully understood. The aim of the present study was to identify the gene expression profile of the porcine oviduct in different stages of the cycle using microarray technology. A systematic study was performed on animals at four different stage: prepubertal gilts, and sows in the preovulatory, postovulatory and luteal phase of the oestrous cycle. The porcine oviduct expressed a total of 4929 genes. Moreover, significant differences in the expression of several genes were detected as the oestrous cycle progressed. Analysis of the differentially expressed genes indicated that a total of 86, 89 and 15 genes were upregulated in prepubertal gilts, preovulatory and luteal sows respectively compared with levels observed in postovulatory sows. Moreover, 80, 51 and 64 genes were downregulated in prepubertal, preovulatory and luteal animals respectively compared with the postovulatory sows. The concentrations of 10 selected transcripts were quantified by real-time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction to validate the cDNA array hybridisation data. Conversely, for some genes, localisation of corresponding protein expression in the oviduct was analysed by immunohistochemistry (i.e. cholecystokinin, glutathione peroxidase 2, mucin 1, phosphatidylethanolamine binding protein 4 and tachykinin 3) and mass spectrometry analysis of oviductal fluid allowed identification of peptides from all five proteins. The results of the present study demonstrate that gene expression in the porcine oviduct is clearly regulated during the oestrous cycle, with some oviductal proteins that could be related to several reproductive processes described here for the first time.
The agenda-setting function of mass media1
2
Authors: McCombs Maxwell E. , Shaw Donald L.
Published: May 2017

In choosing and displaying news, editors, newsroom staff, and broadcasters play an important part in shaping political reality. Readers learn not only about a given issue, but also how much importance to attach to that issue from the amount of information in a news story and its position. In reflecting what candidates are saying during a campaign, the mass media may well determine the important issues – that is, the media may set the "agenda" of the campaign.
Online agenda-setting research
Authors: Ariel Yaron , Elishar-Malka Vered , Weimann-Saks Dana , Avidar Ruth
Published: May 2017

Agenda-setting research has been performed for more than four decades, both in traditional and online media, and the tools employed for this task have been very much accepted by media researchers around the world. Nevertheless, analysis of the public agenda in new media, particularly across social networks, requires re-thinking these same tools, which creates a series of methodological and theoretical challenges. The present paper seeks to illuminate these challenges and propose possible solutions for some of them.
Do english-language newspapers make universities prestigious?
Authors: Tanikawa Miki , Lu Shuning
Published: May 2017

This study investigated whether English-language news media, which increased coverage of two large, well known private universities in Japan, increased their salience in the minds of international residents in Japan. Based on the agenda-setting theory of media influence, the authors made use of university enrollment trends as an indicator of public salience and found that the English-language media contributed to the growing prestige of the universities among the non-Japanese population. Academic reality in Japan underwent little change during that period with the top ranking government-funded universities, whose coverage in the English-language media did not increase, remained more prestigious within the local context, as is evident from local university rankings. This study also demonstrates that the media can exert an agenda-setting influence on institutions of higher learning, a domain that has not been traditionally investigated. The study also addresses the influences of the international, English-language press in the context of a non-English speaking country, Japan, and how the, “need for orientation” (NFO), might have been a factor.
News sources and the same sex marriage issue
Authors: Chen Victoria , Pain Paromita
Published: May 2017

Using agenda-setting theory, this study explores the effects of news sources on public opinion on the issue of the same-sex marriage over 10 years. It examines immediate substantive salience, immediate affective salience, cumulative substantive salience and cumulative affective salience of the news sources cited in news articles from The New York Times from 2003 to 2013 and compares the coverage to public opinion polls. Four findings merit notice. First, news sources with a clear standpoint had counter effects on public opinion. Second, the salience of news sources is as influential as the affective attribute salience of news sources on public opinion. Official sources had the power to influence public opinion the most. Thirdly, the influence of the media is stronger than the influence of news sources on influencing public opinion. Fourth, LGBTQ sources were the least used sources in the same-sex marriage coverage.
Intra-Annual Variability of Silver Carp Populations in the Des Moines River, USA
Authors: Sullivan Christopher J. , Camacho Carlos A. , Weber Michael J. , Pierce Clay L.
Published: May 2017

Since their introduction in the 1970s, Silver Carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix have spread throughout the Mississippi River basin. Management of any species relies on an accurate understanding of population characteristics and dynamics. However, Silver Carp seasonal sampling variation is unknown. Sampling during periods of peak catch rates would facilitate Silver Carp assessment and management, improving monitoring and removal techniques. The objective of this study was to evaluate adult Silver Carp seasonal sampling variation with boat electroshocking and trammel nets. Silver Carp were collected monthly (April–October) during 2014 and 2015 from four locations in the Des Moines River, Iowa. Trammel nets rarely captured Silver Carp (mean ± SE = 4.9 ± 1.6 fish/net; 60% of fish were captured in 6.3% of net sets) and therefore were not included in analyses. Electroshocking catch rates (CPUEs) exhibited a bimodal distribution, with peak CPUEs generally occurring in May, June, and September and lower catch rates observed during July and August. Catch rates were positively related to river discharge at upstream sites but not at downstream sites. Silver Carp size structure was similar among months and sites except at Cliffland, where fish were smaller during August and October compared to earlier in the year. Finally, Silver Carp condition peaked during April and May and decreased throughout the year except at Keokuk, where peaks were observed during both May and August. Although spatiotemporal variability was substantial, these results suggest that sampling of Silver Carp via electroshocking in May–June and September–October generally produces higher catch rates compared to July–August sampling and generates a more representative size structure. Using site-specific knowledge, monitoring and surveillance programs could more effectively sample during these periods of high vulnerability and densities in order to manage the spread and impacts of Silver Carp at statewide and regionwide scales.

Received December 7, 2016; accepted May 11, 2017Published online June 30, 2017
Data sharing in low-resourced research environments
Authors: Rappert Brian , Bezuidenhout Louise
Published: May 2017

‘Open data’ has recently emerged as a label for renewed attempts to promote scientific exchange. As part of such efforts, the posting of data online is often portrayed as commonly beneficial: individual scientists accrue greater prominence while at the same time fostering communal knowledge. Yet, how scientists in non-Western research settings assess such calls for openness has been the subject of little empirical study. Based on extended fieldwork with biochemistry laboratories in sub-Sahara Africa, this paper examines a variety of reasons why scientists opt for closure over openness with regard to their own data. We argue that the heterogeneity of research environments calls into question many of the presumptions made as part of open data. Inequalities in research environments can mean that moves towards sharing create binds and dilemmas. These observations suggest that those promoting openness must critically examine current research governance and funding systems that continue to perpetuate disparities. The paper proposes an innovative approach to facilitating openness: coupling the sharing of data with enabling scientists to redress their day-to-day research environment demands. Such a starting basis provides an alternative but vital link between the aspirations for science aired today as part of international discussions and the daily challenges of undertaking research in low-resourced environments.
Chemoenzymatic synthesis and characterization of N-glycolylneuraminic acid-carrying sialoglycopolypeptides as effective inhibitors against equine influenza virus hemagglutination
Authors: Ogata Makoto , Koizumi Ami , Otsubo Tadamune , Ikeda Kiyoshi , Sakamoto Mao , Aita Rena , Kato Tatsuya , Park Enoch Y , Yamanaka Takashi , Hidari Kazuya I P J
Published: May 2017

A series of novel sialoglycopolypeptides carrying N-glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc)-containing trisaccharides having α(2 → 3)- and α(2 → 6)-linkages in the side chains of γ-polyglutamic acid (γ-PGA) were designed as competitive inhibitors against equine influenza viruses (EIV), which critically recognize the Neu5Gc residue for receptor binding. Using horse red blood cells (HRBC) we successfully evaluated the binding activity of the multivalent Neu5Gc ligands to both equine and canine influenza viruses in the hemagglutination inhibition (HI) assay. Our findings show the multivalent α2,3-linked Neu5Gc-ligands (3a–c and 7) selectively inhibit hemagglutination mediated by both influenza viruses and display a strong inhibitory activity. Our results indicate that the multivalent Neu5Gc-ligands can be used as novel probes to elucidate the mechanism of infection/adhesion of Neu5Gc-binding influenza viruses.
The receptor-like cytoplasmic kinase BSR1 mediates chitin-induced defense signaling in rice cells
Authors: Kanda Yasukazu , Yokotani Naoki , Maeda Satoru , Nishizawa Yoko , Kamakura Takashi , Mori Masaki
Published: May 2017

Broad-Spectrum Resistance 1 (BSR1) encodes a rice receptor-like cytoplasmic kinase, and enhances disease resistance when overexpressed. Rice plants overexpressing BSR1 are highly resistant to diverse pathogens, including rice blast fungus. However, the mechanism responsible for this resistance has not been fully characterized. To analyze the BSR1 function, BSR1-knockout (BSR1-KO) plants were generated using a clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) system. Experiments using suspension-cultured cells revealed that defense responses including H2O2 production (i.e. oxidative burst) and expression of defense-related genes induced by autoclaved conidia of the rice blast fungus significantly decreased in BSR1-KO cells. Furthermore, a treatment with chitin oligomers which function as microbe-associated molecular patterns (MAMPs) of the rice blast fungus resulted in considerably suppressed defense responses in BSR1-KO cells. These results suggest that BSR1 is important for the rice innate immunity triggered by the perception of chitin.
Recommendations on the Use of Ecosystem Modeling for Informing Ecosystem-Based Fisheries Management and Restoration Outcomes in the Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Grüss Arnaud , Rose Kenneth A. , Simons James , Ainsworth Cameron H. , Babcock Elizabeth A. , Chagaris David D. , De Mutsert Kim , Froeschke John , Himchak Peter , Kaplan Isaac C. , O’Farrell Halie , Zetina Rejon Manuel J.
Published: May 2017

Ecosystem-based fisheries management (EBFM) and ecosystem restoration are gaining momentum worldwide, including in U.S. waters of the Gulf of Mexico (GOM). Ecosystem models are valuable tools for informing EBFM and restoration activities. In this paper, we provide guidance and a roadmap for ecosystem modeling in the GOM region, with an emphasis on model development and use of model products to inform EBFM and the increasing investments in restoration. We propose eight “best practices” for ecosystem modeling efforts, including (1) identification of priority management questions, (2) scenarios as simulation experiments, (3) calibration and validation needs, (4) sensitivity and uncertainty analyses, (5) ensuring transparency, (6) improving communication between ecosystem modelers and the various stakeholders, (7) documentation of modeling efforts, and (8) maintaining the ecosystem models and codes. Fisheries management in the USA adheres to a prescriptive set of calculations. Therefore, the use of ecosystem modeling in EBFM for the GOM will likely be incremental, starting with the incorporation of environmental variables into single-species assessments, the provision of background (stage-setting) information on environmental and food web effects (e.g., the impacts of lionfish Pterois spp. invasion), and strategic advice through management strategy evaluation. Management questions related to restoration in the GOM (e.g., the impacts of freshwater and sediment diversions as part of coastal restoration, habitat preservation, and rehabilitation; and measures to mitigate nutrient loading and hypoxia) have more flexibility in how they are addressed and thus are primed for immediate use of ecosystem modeling. The questions related to restoration are appropriate for ecosystem modeling, and data collection at the restoration project level can provide critical information for modeling to then scale up to regional responses. Ecosystem modeling efforts need to be initiated and advanced now in order for the tools to be ready in the near future. Addressing resource management issues and questions will benefit greatly from the proper use of ecosystem modeling.
Diabatic models with transferrable parameters for generalized chemical reactions
Authors: Reimers Jeffrey R , McKemmish Laura K , McKenzie Ross H , Hush Noel S
Published: May 2017

Diabatic models applied to adiabatic electron-transfer theory yield many equations involving just a few parameters that connect ground-state geometries and vibration frequencies to excited-state transition energies and vibration frequencies to the rate constants for electron-transfer reactions, utilizing properties of the conical-intersection seam linking the ground and excited states through the Pseudo Jahn-Teller effect. We review how such simplicity in basic understanding can also be obtained for general chemical reactions. The key feature that must be recognized is that electron-transfer (or hole transfer) processes typically involve one electron (hole) moving between two orbitals, whereas general reactions typically involve two electrons or even four electrons for processes in aromatic molecules. Each additional moving electron leads to new high-energy but interrelated conical-intersection seams that distort the shape of the critical lowest-energy seam. Recognizing this feature shows how conical-intersection descriptors can be transferred between systems, and how general chemical reactions can be compared using the same set of simple parameters. Mathematical relationships are presented depicting how different conical-intersection seams relate to each other, showing that complex problems can be reduced into an effective interaction between the ground-state and a critical excited state to provide the first semi-quantitative implementation of Shaik’s “twin state” concept. Applications are made (i) demonstrating why the chemistry of the first-row elements is qualitatively so different to that of the second and later rows, (ii) deducing the bond-length alternation in hypothetical cyclohexatriene from the observed UV spectroscopy of benzene, (iii) demonstrating that commonly used procedures for modelling surface hopping based on inclusion of only the first-derivative correction to the Born-Oppenheimer approximation are valid in no region of the chemical parameter space, and (iv), demonstrating the types of chemical reactions that may be suitable for exploitation as a chemical qubit in some quantum information processor.
Predicting accurate contacts in thousands of Pfam domain families using PconsC3
Authors: Michel Mirco , Skwark Marcin J , Menéndez Hurtado David , Ekeberg Magnus , Elofsson Arne
Published: May 2017

Motivation

A few years ago it was shown that by using a maximum entropy approach to describe couplings between columns in a multiple sequence alignment it is possible to significantly increase the accuracy of residue contact predictions. For very large protein families with more than 1000 effective sequences the accuracy is sufficient to produce accurate models of proteins as well as complexes. Today, for about half of all Pfam domain families no structure is known, but unfortunately most of these families have at most a few hundred members, i.e. are too small for such contact prediction methods.

Results

To extend accurate contact predictions to the thousands of smaller protein families we present PconsC3, a fast and improved method for protein contact predictions that can be used for families with even 100 effective sequence members. PconsC3 outperforms direct coupling analysis (DCA) methods significantly independent on family size, secondary structure content, contact range, or the number of selected contacts.

Availability and implementation

PconsC3 is available as a web server and downloadable version at http://c3.pcons.net. The downloadable version is free for all to use and licensed under the GNU General Public License, version 2. At this site contact predictions for most Pfam families are also available. We do estimate that more than 4000 contact maps for Pfam families of unknown structure have more than 50% of the top-ranked contacts predicted correctly.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Predictable spatiotemporal dynamics of a dense cuttlefish spawning aggregation increases its vulnerability to exploitation
Authors: Hall Karina C , Fowler Anthony J , Geddes Michael C , Taylor Julian D
Published: May 2017

The giant Australian cuttlefish, Sepia apama, forms a dense spawning aggregation at a single known location across its wide southern Australian distribution. After a rapid increase in fishing pressure on the aggregation in the late 1990s, a series of fishing closures were introduced before any biological information could be collected. We surveyed the habitats, timing, and spatial distribution of the spawning aggregation over 4 years, using underwater visual transects and passive tagging, to assess the suitability of the closures. We found that the annual aggregation was both temporally (April–August) and spatially (over 8 km of coastline) localized and predictable, with a consistent peak in abundances in late May–early June. Cuttlefish densities were generally highest over the shallow, broken bedrock habitat, which was more extensive in several sites left open to fishing. Although the original closure covered about 43% of the hard substrate, it accounted for only 23–37% of the total cuttlefish abundance. The extremely high densities recorded during this study verified that this is a massive spawning aggregation for cuttlefish species worldwide, and that it could be highly vulnerable to overexploitation in the absence of adequate protection, because it is so spatiotemporally predictable and localized.
Clinical Outcomes of Cervical Laminoplasty: Results at Two Years
Authors: Stamates Melissa M. , Cui Michael X. , Roitberg Ben Z.
Published: May 2017

BACKGROUND: Laminoplasty is an established treatment for cervical myelopathy. Multiple variations have emerged, many advocating the use of allograft, but controversy persists.

OBJECTIVE: To assess medium-term clinical outcomes in patients who underwent laminoplasty with autograft at our institution.

METHODS: Thirty-two consecutive patients (19 male, 13 female, average age 66 yr) from our prospective outcome registry that underwent cervical laminoplasty between 2009 and 2013 were reviewed. Computed tomography (CT) scan was performed immediately postoperatively and at 6-mo follow-up. Parameters included patient perception of outcome, Nurick score, Neck Disability Index (NDI), visual analog scale for neck pain, and SF-36.

RESULTS: On retrospective analysis, all patients felt improved at 3 mo postoperatively; at 2 yr, this rate was 91%. Improvements were seen in Nurick scores, from 3.16 ± 0.9 preoperatively to 1.94 ± 0.8 at 2 yr; NDI score from 28.7% ± 9% preoperatively to 20.8% ± 9.6% at 2 yr; visual analog scale from 2.8 ± 1.2 preoperatively to 1.7 ± 0.9 at 2 yr; and SF-36 physical component summary from 27.9 ± 10 preoperatively to 37.8 ± 11.9 at 2 yr. All values reached significance at all follow-up points (P < .05) with the exception of 6-mo NDI values (P = .062). No C5 palsy, graft complications, or reclosure was observed in any patient during the follow-up period.

CONCLUSION: Laminoplasty with autograft is a safe and effective method to treat cervical myelopathy, with good medium-term clinical outcome. No reclosures were observed. Bony fusion was seen in all cases on CT scan. Our study found good outcomes in the performance of open-door laminoplasty without hardware, in the treatment of cervical stenosis.
The Superior Cerebellar Artery Aneurysm: A Posterior Circulation Aneurysm with Favorable Microsurgical Outcomes
Authors: Rodríguez-Hernández Ana , Walcott Brian P. , Birk Harjus , Lawton Michael T.
Published: May 2017

BACKGROUND: Superior cerebellar artery (SCA) aneurysms are usually grouped with aneurysms that arise from the upper basilar artery or more broadly, the posterior circulation. However, the SCA aneurysm has distinctive anatomy that facilitates safe surgical management, notably few associated perforating arteries, and excellent exposure in the carotid-oculomotor triangle.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the outcomes of patients treated with microsurgery in a continuous surgical series.

METHODS: Sixty-two patients harboring 63 SCA aneurysms were retrospectively reviewed from a prospectively maintained database, focusing on clinical characteristics, surgical techniques, and clinical outcomes.

RESULTS: Of 31 patients (49%) presenting with subarachnoid hemorrhage, the SCA aneurysm was the source in 16 (25%). Thirty-three aneurysms were complex (52%) and 43 patients (59%) had multiple aneurysms. Fifty-seven SCA aneurysms (90.5%) were clipped and 5 were bypassed/trapped or wrapped. Complete angiographic occlusion was achieved in 91.7%. Permanent neurological morbidity occurred in 3 patients and 3 patients that presented in coma after subarachnoid hemorrhage died. All patients with “simple” aneurysms and without subarachnoid hemorrhage had improved or unchanged modified Rankin scale scores. Overall, outcomes were stable or improved in 82.5% of patients.

CONCLUSION: SCA aneurysms are favorable for microsurgical clipping with low rates of permanent morbidity and mortality. Microsurgery should be considered alongside endovascular techniques as a treatment option in many patients.
The Berlin International Consensus Meeting on Concussion in Sport
Authors: Davis Gavin A , Ellenbogen Richard G , Bailes Julian , Cantu Robert C , Johnston Karen M , Manley Geoffrey T , Nagahiro Shinji , Sills Allen , Tator Charles H , McCrory Paul
Published: May 2017

The Fifth International Conference on Concussion in Sport was held in Berlin in October 2016. A series of 12 questions and subquestions was developed and the expert panel members were required to perform a systematic review to answer each question. Following presentation at the Berlin meeting of the systematic review, poster abstracts and audience discussion, the summary Consensus Statement was produced. Further, a series of tools for the management of sport-related concussion was developed, including the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool Fifth edition (SCAT5), the Child SCAT5, and the Concussion Recognition Tool Fifth edition. This paper elaborates on this process, the outcomes, and explores the implications for neurosurgeons in the management of sport-related concussion.
CO Multi-line Imaging of Nearby Galaxies (COMING). II. Transitions between atomic and molecular gas, diffuse and dense gas, gas and stars in the dwarf galaxy NGC 2976
Authors: Hatakeyama Takuya , Kuno Nario , Sorai Kazuo , Kaneko Hiroyuki , Miyamoto Yusuke , Muraoka Kazuyuki , Takeda Miho , Yanagitani Kazuki , Kishida Nozomi , Umei Michiko , Tanaka Takahiro , Tomiyasu Yuto , Nakanishi Hiroyuki , Saita Chey , Ueno Saeko , Salak Dragan , Matsumoto Naoko , Morokuma-Matsui Kana , Pan Hsi-An , Nakai Naomasa
Published: May 2017

In this study, we present the results of 12CO(J = 1–0), 13CO(J = 1–0), and C18O(J = 1–0) simultaneous observations of the dwarf galaxy NGC 2976 conducted as a part of the CO Multi-line Imaging of Nearby Galaxies (COMING) project using the Nobeyama 45 m telescope. We investigated the properties of the molecular gas and star formation in NGC 2976. We found that the molecular gas fraction depends on the surface densities of the total gas and the star formation rate, according to the main stellar disks of spiral galaxies. The ratio of 12CO(J = 3–2) to 12CO(J = 1–0) implies that the temperature of the molecular gas increases with decreases in the surface density of molecular gas. We detected 13CO(J = 1–0) by using the stacking method. The ratio between the integrated intensities of 12CO(J = 1–0) and 13CO(J = 1–0) was 27 ± 11. These ratios imply that the diffuse gas phase is dominant in low surface density regimes. We obtained a lower limit of the ratio between the integrated intensities of 12CO(J = 1–0) and C18O(J = 1–0) of 21. The relation between the surface densities of the total gas and the star formation rate followed a power-law index of 2.08 ± 0.11, which was larger than that between the surface densities of the molecular gas and the star formation rate (1.62 ± 0.17). The steep slope in the relation between the surface densities of the total gas and the star formation rate can be attributed to the rapid increase in the fraction of molecular gas at the surface density of ∼ 10 M⊙. The kinematics of the molecular gas suggest that the bar-like feature rotates with a rigid-body rotation curve rather than a certain pattern speed.
Developmental dysplasia of the hip: a history of innovation
Authors: Tarpada Sandip P. , Girdler Steven J. , Morris Matthew T.
Published: May 2017

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a relatively common malady that has profound consequences in the infant if left untreated. Effective and early treatment of DDH has been praised as one of the most successful ventures of modern pediatric orthopedics. Yet, before the modern management of DDH came into existence, there were extensive technological developments in the field of harnesses, casts, and traction methods. This paper aims to identify the centuries-old history of advancement in DDH treatment and the many important people involved. Their devices, thoughts, and ideas continue to have a profound impact on the current practice of orthopedic surgery.
Hyponatremia in Guillain–Barré Syndrome
Authors: Rumalla Kavelin , Reddy Adithi Y. , Letchuman Vijay , Mittal Manoj K.
Published: May 2017

Objectives:

To evaluate incidence, risk factors, and in-hospital outcomes associated with hyponatremia in patients hospitalized for Guillain–Barré Syndrome (GBS).

Methods:

We identified adult patients with GBS in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (2002–2011). Univariate and multivariable analyses were used.

Results:

Among 54,778 patients hospitalized for GBS, the incidence of hyponatremia was 11.8% (compared with 4.0% in non-GBS patients) and increased from 6.9% in 2002 to 13.5% in 2011 (P < 0.0001). Risk factors associated with hyponatremia in multivariable analysis included advanced age, deficiency anemia, alcohol abuse, hypertension, and intravenous immunoglobulin (all P < 0.0001). Hyponatremia was associated with prolonged length of stay (16.07 vs. 10.41, days), increased costs (54,001 vs. 34,125, $USD), and mortality (20.5% vs. 11.6%) (all P < 0.0001). In multivariable analysis, hyponatremia was independently associated with adverse discharge disposition (odds ratio: 2.07, 95% confidence interval, 1.91–2.25, P < 0.0001).

Conclusions:

Hyponatremia is prevalent in GBS and is detrimental to patient-centered outcomes and health care costs. Sodium levels should be carefully monitored in high-risk patients.