bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pretransplant functional imaging and outcome in pediatric patients with relapsed/refractory Hodgkin lymphoma undergoing autologous transplantation
Authors: Ozuah Nmazuo W. , Dahmoush Hisham M. , Grant Frederick D. , Lehmann Leslie E. , LaCasce Ann S. , Billett Amy L. , Margossian Steven P.
Published: July 2017

Background

Pretransplant functional imaging (FI), particularly a negative positron emission tomography (PET), is a strong predictor of outcome in adults with relapsed or refractory Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), but data in pediatrics are limited.

Methods

The medical records of 49 consecutive pediatric patients, who received autologous transplant at a single institution, were retrospectively analyzed. All patients had either gallium or PET scan before transplant and were conditioned with carmustine, etoposide, cytarabine, and melphalan (BEAM). Deauville scores were retrospectively assigned for patients with PET (score ≥ 4 positive).

Results

Of the 49 patients (median age, 16.2 years), 41 (84%) were pretransplant FI negative and eight (16%) were pretransplant FI positive, after first‐ to fourth‐line salvage therapy, and a median of two salvage cycles. Eighteen patients (37%) received posttransplant radiation. At a median follow up of 46 months, 45 patients (92%) were alive and disease free, and there were three nonrelapse deaths and only one relapse death (Deauville score of 5). The 4‐year progression‐free survival (PFS) for the entire cohort was 92% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 78–97), and PFS based on pretransplant disease status was 95% (95% CI: 82–99%) in the negative FI group versus 75% (95% CI: 31–93) if positive FI (P = 0.057).

Conclusion

Our analysis revealed outstanding outcomes for children and adolescents with relapsed/refractory HL. There were too few relapses to identify the predictive value of pretransplant metabolic status, but pediatric patients with relapsed/refractory HL and a negative pretransplant FI had excellent survival.
Complete durable response of a pediatric anaplastic oligodendroglioma to temozolomide alone: Case report and review of literature
Authors: Sorge Caryn , Li Rong , Singh Sumit , Reddy Alyssa T. , Solomon David A. , Perry Arie , Friedman Gregory K.
Published: July 2017

Anaplastic oligodendroglioma (AO) is rare in children. Treatment typically consists of varying combinations of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. We present a pediatric case of frontal lobe AO with periventricular subcallosal extension and local leptomeningeal involvement. The isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) wild‐type tumor was MGMT methylated and contained an ATRX mutation, BRAF alteration, and 1p/19q co‐deletion; a combination of alterations mostly encountered in pediatric oligodendrogliomas. The patient underwent a near total resection and had a complete, durable response to temozolomide alone, suggesting that conservative management without radiation may be appropriate in some cases. We review the literature of this uncommon subtype of glioma in children.
Central nervous system relapse of rhabdomyosarcoma
Authors: De Brian , Kinnaman Michael D. , Wexler Leonard H. , Kramer Kim , Wolden Suzanne L.
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The optimal management of central nervous system (CNS) relapse of rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is unclear. We examined diagnosis, management, and outcomes of patients with RMS developing CNS relapse.

Methods

Records of 23 patients diagnosed with CNS relapse between 1999 and 2016 were reviewed. Median age at presentation of CNS relapse was 15 years (range, 1–34 years). High‐risk features at initial presentation were as follows: 16 alveolar patients, 13 Stage IV, and 13 with primary tumor in parameningeal locations.

Results

CNS relapse occurred at a median 12 months (range, 1–23 months) from diagnosis and most common presenting symptoms were headache (n = 9), nausea/vomiting (n = 8), visual difficulty (n = 5), and none (n = 5). Leptomeningeal metastases were detected in 21 patients while only 2 developed parenchymal metastases without leptomeningeal involvement. Fifteen patients received CNS‐directed radiation therapy (RT), including craniospinal irradiation to a median 36 Gy (range, 18–36 Gy) and/or whole brain radiotherapy to a median 30 Gy (range, 6–41.4 Gy). Three patients received concurrent chemotherapy. Follow‐up magnetic resonance imaging was conducted in 13 patients after RT initiation with 8 demonstrating improvement, 2 with stable disease, and 3 with progression. Twelve patients were tested for reactivity to I‐131‐labeled monoclonal antibody 8H9, and three tested positive and received at least one intra‐Ommaya dose; all three lived >12 months post‐CNS relapse. Twenty‐one patients died of CNS disease and two of metastatic disease at other sites. Median survival post‐CNS relapse was 5 months (range, 0.1–49 months).

Conclusions

The prognosis for patients with RMS developing CNS relapse remains poor. Treatment including CNS‐directed RT should be considered and investigation into preventative therapies is warranted.
Screening of antigenic vesicular fluid proteins of Echinococcus multilocularis as potential viability biomarkers to monitor drug response in alveolar echinococcosis patients
Authors: Valot Benoît , Rognon Bénédicte , Prenel Anais , Baraquin Alice , Knapp Jenny , Anelli Mathilde , Richou Carine , Bresson‐Hadni Solange , Grenouillet Frederic , Wang Junhua , Vuitton Dominique Angèle , Gottstein Bruno , Millon Laurence
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The only drugs available to treat alveolar echinococcosis (AE) are mostly parasitostatic and in many cases prescribed for life. Decision criteria for discontinuation rely on the absence of parasitic viability. The aim of the present study is to search for candidate proteins that may exhibit good potential as biomarkers for viability.

Experimental design

Sixteen serum samples (five healthy controls, 11 patients with AE), are used. AE‐patients are classified into three groups “Cured” (n = 2), “ABZ‐responders” (n = 4) and “ABZ‐nonresponders” (n = 5). Immunoreactive proteins from vesicular fluid (VF) are identified and quantified by LC‐MS/MS analysis after immunoprecipitation (IP) using all 16 serum samples.

Results

Shotgun analysis of VF lead to the identification of 107 E. multilocularis proteins. Comparative proteomics reveal nine proteins more abundant in IP eluates from ABZ‐nonresponder patients (cathepsin b, prosaposin a preprotein, actin modulator protein, fucosidase alpha L1 tissue, gluthatione‐S‐tranferase, beta galactosidase, elongation factor 2, H17g protein tegumental antigen, and NiemannPick C2 protein).

Conclusions and clinical relevance

Detection of antibodies against these proteins by ELISA could be helpful to monitor the course of alveolar echinococcosis under albendazole (ABZ) treatment.
Synthesis of Hybrid to Inorganic Quasi 2D‐Layered Perovskite Nanoparticles
Authors: Aamir Muhammad , Khan Malik Dilshad , Sher Muhammad , Malik Mohammad Azad , Akhtar Javeed , Revaprasadu Neerish
Published: July 2017

Metal halide perovskites have emerged as a potential candidate for photovoltaic and light emitting applications. Tuning the optical properties by tailoring the perovskite nanostructures could enhance the efficiency of these devices. Herein, we report the synthesis of hybrid to inorganic quasi‐2D perovskites, by using different ratios of PhNH3Br and CsI, to prepare (Cs)x(PhNH3)2‐2xPbBr4‐xIx nanomaterials. The as‐prepared nanostructures were characterized by powder X‐ray diffraction (p‐XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and ultraviolet‐visible spectroscopy (UV/Vis). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed that the shape of the as‐prepared nanostructures can be tuned from rectangle/rods to sheet like structures. It was observed that the ratio of the organic cation (anilinium ion) plays a crucial role in the development of the perovskite crystallites size and shape. This is the first such study on the conversion of hybrid 2D perovskite to inorganic quasi‐2D perovskite by using inorganic cation (Cs+) and could be a potential material for optoelectronic applications.
Molecular Hyperthermia: Spatiotemporal Protein Unfolding and Inactivation by Nanosecond Plasmonic Heating
Authors: Kang Peiyuan , Chen Zhuo , Nielsen Steven O. , Hoyt Kenneth , D'Arcy Sheena , Gassensmith Jeremiah J. , Qin Zhenpeng
Published: July 2017

Spatiotemporal control of protein structure and activity in biological systems has important and broad implications in biomedical sciences as evidenced by recent advances in optogenetic approaches. Here, this study demonstrates that nanosecond pulsed laser heating of gold nanoparticles (GNP) leads to an ultrahigh and ultrashort temperature increase, coined as “molecular hyperthermia”, which causes selective unfolding and inactivation of proteins adjacent to the GNP. Protein inactivation is highly dependent on both laser pulse energy and GNP size, and has a well‐defined impact zone in the nanometer scale. It is anticipated that the fine control over protein structure and function enabled by this discovery will be highly enabling within a number of arenas, from probing the biophysics of protein folding/unfolding to the nanoscopic manipulation of biological systems via an optical trigger, to developing novel therapeutics for disease treatment without genetic modification.
Fast Dynamic Visualizations in Microfluidics Enabled by Fluorescent Carbon Nanodots
Authors: Huang Yi , Xiao Lian , An Tingting , Lim Wenxiang , Wong Teckneng , Sun Handong
Published: July 2017

Microfluidic systems have become a superior platform for explorations of fascinating fluidic physics at microscale as well as applications in biomedical devices, chemical reactions, drug delivery, etc. Exploitations of this platform are built upon the fundamental techniques of flow visualizations. However, the currently employed fluorescent materials for microfluidic visualization are far from satisfaction, which severely hinders their widespread applications. Here fluorescent carbon nanodots are documented as a game‐changer, applicable in versatile fluidic environment for the visualization in microfluidics with unprecedented advantages. One of the fastest fluorescent imaging speeds up to 2500 frames per second under a normal contionous wave (CW) laser line is achieved by adopting carbon nanodots in microfluidics. Besides better visualizations of the fluid or interface, fluorescent carbon nanodots‐based microparticles enable quantitative studies of high speed dynamics in fluids at microscale with a more than 90% lower cost, which is inaccessible by traditionally adopted fluorescent dye based seeding particles. The findings hold profound influences to microfluidic investigations and may even lead to revolutionary changes to the relevant industries.
Dimension‐Controllable Microtube Arrays by Dynamic Holographic Processing as 3D Yeast Culture Scaffolds for Asymmetrical Growth Regulation
Authors: Ji Shengyun , Yang Liang , Hu Yanlei , Ni Jincheng , Du Wenqiang , Li Jiawen , Zhao Gang , Wu Dong , Chu Jiaru
Published: July 2017

Transparent microtubes can function as unique cell culture scaffolds, because the tubular 3D microenvironment they provide is very similar to the narrow space of capillaries in vivo. However, how to realize the fabrication of microtube‐arrays with variable cross‐section dynamically remains challenging. Here, a dynamic holographic processing method for producing high aspect ratio (≈20) microtubes with tunable outside diameter (6–16 µm) and inside diameter (1–10 µm) as yeast culture scaffolds is reported. A ring‐structure Bessel beam is modulated from a typical Gaussian‐distributed femtosecond laser beam by a spatial light modulator. By combining the axial scanning of the focused beam and the dynamic display of holograms, dimension‐controllable microtube arrays (straight, conical, and drum‐shape) are rapidly produced by two‐photon polymerization. The outside and inside diameters, tube heights, and spatial arrangements are readily tuned by loading different computer‐generated holograms and changing the processing parameters. The transparent microtube array as a nontrivial tool for capturing and culturing the budding yeasts reveals the significant effect of tube diameter on budding characteristics. In particular, the conical tube with the inside diameter varying from 5 to 10 µm has remarkable asymmetrical regulation on the growth trend of captured yeasts.
Novel Co2VO4 Anodes Using Ultralight 3D Metallic Current Collector and Carbon Sandwiched Structures for High‐Performance Li‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhu Chao , Liu Ziqiang , Wang Jian , Pu Jun , Wu Wenlu , Zhou Qingwen , Zhang Huigang
Published: July 2017

A novel spinel Co2VO4 is studied as the Li‐ion battery anode material and it is sandwiched with a 3D ultralight porous current collector (PCC) and amorphous carbon. Co2VO4 demonstrates the high capacity and excellent cyclability because of the mixed lithium storage mechanisms. The 3D composite structure requires no binders and replaces the conventional current collector (Cu foil) with a 3D ultralight porous metal scaffold, yielding the high electrode‐based capacity. Such a novel composite anode also enables the close adhesion of Co2VO4 to the PCC scaffold. The resulting monolithic electrode has the rapid electron pathway and stable mechanical properties, which lead to the excellent rate capabilities and cycling properties. At a current density of 1 A g−1, the PCC and carbon sandwiched Co2VO4 anode is able to deliver a stable reversible capacity of about 706.8 mAh g−1 after 1000 cycles. Generally, this study not only develops a new Co2VO4 anode with high capacity and good cyclability, but also demonstrates an alternative approach to improve the electrochemical properties of high capacity anode materials by using ultralight porous metallic current collector instead of heavy copper foil.
Microstructure Design of Lightweight, Flexible, and High Electromagnetic Shielding Porous Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube/Polymer Composites
Authors: Zeng Zhihui , Jin Hao , Chen Mingji , Li Weiwei , Zhou Licheng , Xue Xiao , Zhang Zhong
Published: July 2017

Multiwalled carbon nanotube/polymer composites with aligned and isotropic micropores are constructed by a facile ice‐templated freeze‐drying method in a wide density range, with controllable types and contents of the nanoscale building blocks, in order to tune the shielding performance together with the considerable mechanical and electrical properties. Under the mutual promotion of the frame and porous structure, the lightweight high‐performance shielding is achieved: a 2.3 mm thick sample can reach 46.7 and 21.7 dB in the microwave X‐band while the density is merely 32.3 and 9.0 mg cm−3, respectively. The lowest density corresponds to a value of shielding effectiveness divided by both the density and thickness up to 104 dB cm2 g−1, far beyond the conductive polymer composites with other fillers ever reported. The shielding mechanism of the flexible porous materials is further demonstrated by an in situ compression experiment.
Solution‐Grown CsPbBr3/Cs4PbBr6 Perovskite Nanocomposites: Toward Temperature‐Insensitive Optical Gain
Authors: Wang Yue , Yu Dejian , Wang Zeng , Li Xiaoming , Chen Xiaoxuan , Nalla Venkatram , Zeng Haibo , Sun Handong
Published: July 2017

With regards to developing miniaturized coherent light sources, the temperature‐insensitivity in gain spectrum and threshold is highly desirable. Quantum dots (QDs) are predicted to possess a temperature‐insensitive threshold by virtue of the separated electronic states; however, it is never observed in colloidal QDs due to the poor thermal stability. Besides, for the classical II–VI QDs, the gain profile generally redshifts with increasing temperature, plaguing the device chromaticity. Herein, this paper addresses the above two issues simultaneously by embedding ligands‐free CsPbBr3 nanocrystals in a wider band gap Cs4PbBr6 matrix by solution‐phase synthesis. The unique electronic structures of CsPbBr3 nanocrystals enable temperature‐insensitive gain spectrum while the lack of ligands and protection from Cs4PbBr6 matrix ensure the thermal stability and high temperature operation. Specifically, a color drift‐free stimulated emission irrespective of temperature change (20–150 °C) upon two‐photon pumping is presented and the characteristic temperature is determined to be as high as ≈260 K. The superior gain properties of the CsPbBr3/Cs4PbBr6 perovskite nanocomposites are directly validated by a vertical cavity surface emitting laser operating at temperature as high as 100 °C. The results shed light on manipulating optical gain from the advantageous CsPbBr3 nanocrystals and represent a significant step toward the temperature‐insensitive frequency‐upconverted lasers.
Organic‐Inorganic Hybrid Supramolecular Assemblies Based on Isomers [HxAs2Mo6O26](6–x)– Clusters
Authors: Zhao Zhi‐Feng , Su Zhan‐Hua , Cong Bo‐Wen , Zhao Wen‐Qi , Ma Xiu‐Juan
Published: July 2017

The arsenomolybdates [H2As2Mo6O26(H2O)]·(H2biyb)2·2H2O (1) and [H3As2Mo6O26]·(H3pt)2 (2) [biyb = 1,4‐bis(imidazol‐1‐ylmethyl)benzene, pt = 4′‐(3′′‐pyridyl)‐2,3′:6′3′′‐terpyridine] were synthesized via hydrothermal method. The structures of the compounds were characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analyses, elemental analyses, IR spectroscopy, and TG analysis. Compounds 1 and 2 exhibit two isomeric forms of [HxAs2Mo6O26](6–x)–. The structure of 1 is constructed from the B‐type [H2As2Mo6O26(H2O)]4– polyanions and free biyb ligands via weak interactions to form 3D supramolecular framework with a {3·4·53·6}{3·43·52}{3·5·6}2{3·52}2 topology structure. In compound 2, the A‐type [H3As2Mo6O26]3– clusters are surrounded by pt ligands through hydrogen bond interactions forming 3D supramolecular framework with a {43·63}2{46·66·83} topology structure. The electrochemical behaviors, electrocatalytic and photocatalytic activities of 1 and 2 are detected.
Patients come from populations and populations contain patients. A two‐stage scientific and ethics review: The next adaptation for single institutional review boards
Authors: Knopman David , Alford Eli , Tate Kaitlin , Long Mark , Khachaturian Ara S.
Published: July 2017

Introduction

For nearly 50 years, institutional review boards (IRB) and independent ethics committees have featured local oversight as a core function of research ethics reviews. However growing complexity in Alzheimer's clinical research suggests current approaches to research volunteer safety is hampering development of new therapeutics. As a partial response to this challenge, the NIH has mandated that all NIH‐funded multi‐site studies will use a single Institutional Review Board. The perspective describes a joint program to provide a single IRB of record (sIRB) for phases of multi‐site studies.

Methods

The approach follows two steps. One, an expert Scientific Review Committee (SRC) of senior researchers in the field will conduct the review principally of scientific merit, significance, feasibility, and the likelihood of meaningful results. The second step will be the IRB's regulatory and ethics review. The IRB will apply appropriate regulatory criteria for approval including minimization of risks to subjects and risks reasonable in relation to anticipated benefits, equitable subject selection, informed consent, protections for vulnerable populations, and application of local context considerations, among others.

Results

There is a steady demand for scientific, ethical and regulatory review of planned Alzheimer's studies. As of January 15, 2017, there are nearly 400 open studies, Phase II and III, industry and NIH sponsored trials on disease indications affecting memory, movement and mood in the US.

Conclusions

The effort will initially accept protocols for studies of Alzheimer's disease, dementia, and related disorders effecting memory, movement and mood. Future aims will be to provide scientific review and, where applicable, regulatory and ethical review in an international context outside North America with sites possibly in Asia, Europe and Australia.
Randomized controlled trial of emergency department initiated smoking cessation counselling and referral to a community counselling service
Authors: Cheung Ka Wai , Wong Ian WH. , Fingrut Warren , Tsai Amy Po Yu , Ke Sally R. , Shojaie Shayan , Brubacher Jeffrey R. , Stewart Lauren C. , Erdelyi Shannon
Published: July 2017

Objective

Worldwide, tobacco smoke is still the leading cause of preventable morbidity and mortality. Many smokers develop chronic smoking-related conditions that require emergency department (ED) visits. However, best practices for ED smoking cessation counselling are still unclear.

Methods

A randomized controlled trial was conducted to determine whether an “ask, advise, and refer” approach increases 12-month, 30-day quit rates in the stable adult ED smoking population compared to usual care. Patients in the intervention group were referred to a community counselling service that offers a quitline, a text-based program, and a Web-based program. Longitudinal intention-to-treat analyses were performed.

Results

From November 2011 to March 2013, 1,295 patients were enrolled from one academic tertiary care ED. Six hundred thirty-five were allocated to usual care, and 660 were allocated to intervention. Follow-up data were available for 70% of all patients at 12 months. There was no statistically significant difference in 12-month, 30-day quit rates between the two groups. However, there was a trend towards higher 7-day quit attempts, 7-day quit rates, and 30-day quit rates at 3, 6, and 12 months in the intervention group.

Conclusion

In this study, there was a trend towards increased smoking cessation following referral to a community counselling service. There was no statistically significant difference. However, if ED smoking cessation efforts were to provide even a small positive effect, such an intervention may have a significant public health impact given the extensive reach of emergency physicians.
All-terrain vehicle–related injuries and deaths in Newfoundland and Labrador between 2003 and 2013: a retrospective trauma registry review
Authors: Black Holly , Whalen Desmond , Alani Sabrina , Rogers Peter , MacLean Cathy
Published: July 2017

Background

Injury and death involving all-terrain vehicles (ATV) has been reported in a number of Canadian provinces. The objective of this study is to describe the frequency, nature, severity, population affected, immediate health costs, efficacy of related legislation, and helmet use in ATV related injuries and deaths in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL).

Methods

A retrospective review of injured or deceased ATV riders of all ages entered in the Newfoundland and Labrador Trauma Registry from 2003 to 2013 was conducted. Variables studied included demographics, injury type and severity, use of helmets, admission/discharge dates, and referring/receiving institution. Data was also obtained from the Newfoundland and Labrador Center for Health Information (NLCHI) and included all in-hospital deaths and hospitalizations due to ATVs between 1995 and 2013.

Results

There were a total of 298 patients registered in the trauma registry, resulting in 2759 admission days, nine deaths, and a total estimated immediate healthcare system cost in excess of $1.6 million. More males (N=253, 84.9%) than females (N=45, 15.1%) were injured in ATV related incidents, t(20)=7.12, p<.0001. Head and thorax injuries were the most serious. 38.6% of patients were confirmed to be wearing helmets. Mean injury severity scores are as follows: head injury (M=11, SD=9.51), thorax (M=10, SD=8.3), abdominal/pelvis (M=9, SD=7.62), upper extremity (M=9, SD=8.53), other injuries (M=9, SD=10.56) lower extremity (M=8, SD=8.34), and spine (M=8, SD=6.52).

Conclusions

This study describes ATV related injuries and deaths in NL. Information from this study may guide physician practice, public education, and future legislation.
Patient Hand Colonization With MDROs Is Associated with Environmental Contamination in Post-Acute Care
Authors: Patel Payal K. , Mantey Julia , Mody Lona
Published: July 2017

We assessed multidrug-resistant organism (MDRO) patient hand colonization in relation to the environment in post-acute care to determine risk factors for MDRO hand colonization. Patient hand colonization was significantly associated with environmental contamination. Risk factors for hand colonization included disability, urinary catheter, recent antibiotic use, and prolonged hospital stay.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2017;38:1110–1113
Acquisition of Clostridium difficile Colonization and Infection After Transfer From a Veterans Affairs Hospital to an Affiliated Long-Term Care Facility
Authors: Ponnada Suresh , Guerrero Dubert M. , Jury Lucy A. , Nerandzic Michelle M. , Cadnum Jennifer L. , Alam M. Jahangir , Donskey Curtis J.
Published: July 2017

BACKGROUND

Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) and asymptomatic carriage of toxigenic C. difficile are common in long-term care facilities (LTCFs). However, whether C. difficile is frequently acquired in the LTCF versus during acute-care admissions remains unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To test the hypothesis that LTCF residents often acquire C. difficile colonization and infection in the LTCF

DESIGN

This 5-month cohort study was conducted to determine the incidence of acquisition of C. difficile colonization and infection in asymptomatic patients transferred from a Veterans Affairs hospital to an affiliated LTCF.

METHODS

Rectal swabs were cultured for toxigenic C. difficile at the time of transfer to the LTCF and weekly for up to 6 weeks. We calculated the proportion of LTCF-onset CDI cases within 1 month of transfer that occurred in residents colonized on admission versus those with new acquisition in the LTCF.

RESULTS

Of 110 patients transferred to the LTCF, 12 (11%) were asymptomatically colonized with toxigenic C. difficile upon admission, and 4 of these 12 patients (33%) developed CDI within 1 month, including 3 recurrent and 1 initial CDI episode. Of 82 patients with negative cultures on transfer and at least 1 follow-up culture, 22 (27%) acquired toxigenic C. difficile colonization, and 4 developed CDI within 1 month, including 1 recurrent and 3 initial CDI episodes.

CONCLUSION

LTCF residents frequently acquired colonization with toxigenic C. difficile after transfer from the hospital, and 3 of 4 initial CDI cases with onset within 1 month of transfer occurred in residents who acquired colonization in the LTCF.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2017;38:1070–1076
James Eadie Todd and the school of history at the Queen’s University of Belfast
Authors: Clarkson L. A.
Published: July 2017

James Eadie Todd was appointed to the chair of modern history in Queen’s University, Belfast in 1919, aged thirty-four, having previously held academic posts in Edinburgh, Montreal and Halifax, Nova Scotia. Todd published almost nothing but spent his career as a teacher, and his carefully prepared formal lectures guided generations of Queen’s students to a pass degree. But he also had the ability to inspire a minority of students to the further study of history and several of his pupils went on to occupy chairs of history in Ireland and Great Britain. During the 1930s, with his former pupil T. W. Moody, he created an honours and graduate school with a strong emphasis on Irish history. Todd stressed the importance of the objective study of the sources. Behind the scenes he was instrumental, with others, in founding the Ulster Society for Irish Historical Studies and establishing Irish Historical Studies. His later years were plagued by ill health and personal bereavement. He retired in 1945 and died four years later. The article concludes with an assessment of Todd’s importance to the professionalisation of Irish historical scholarship.
Can American Courts Respect Religious Reasoning?
Authors: Stoner James R.
Published: July 2017

In 1977, legal philosopher Ronald Dworkin published Taking Rights Seriously, and it quickly received wide notice. At the time recently appointed H.L.A. Hart's successor at Oxford, Dworkin combined jurisprudential analysis with pointed commentary on United States Supreme Court cases, the latter developed principally in essays in the New York Review of Books. Defining law through its aspiration to justice and defining justice in terms of rights, Dworkin argued that judges were entitled to use moral philosophy both to interpret legal rules through the principles they instantiate and to fill in gaps in the law by leveraging general legal concepts into more precise conceptions. Often paired with his contemporary John Rawls's Theory of Justice, Dworkin's theory that judges should rework the law when possible to insure “equal concern and respect” was seen to elaborate the practical meaning of Rawls's first principle of justice (equal rights to basic liberties) as well as to boost the activism of judges, whom he encouraged to model “Hercules.”
Was Martha of Bethany Added to the Fourth Gospel in the Second Century?—CORRIGENDUM
Authors: Schrader Elizabeth
Published: July 2017

There are two errors in footnote 1 of the article by Elizabeth Schrader, published online on 8 September 2016 and also appearing in print in this issue of Harvard Theological Review.
Being occupied: supporting ‘meaningful activity’ in care homes for older people in England
Authors: SMITH NICK , TOWERS ANN-MARIE , PALMER SINEAD , BEECHAM JENNIFER , WELCH ELIZABETH
Published: July 2017

The benefits of meaningful activity in later life are well documented. Studies show that being occupied contributes to both physical and mental health as well as quality of life. Research also suggests that activity may be beneficial to people residing in care homes, including people living with dementia. This paper presents findings from a study which used the Adult Social Care Outcomes Toolkit (ASCOT) to measure quality of life in six care homes located in the south-east of England. The study found, like previous ones, that care home residents’ days were characterised by a lack of activity. Drawing on observations, interviews and focus groups with residents and staff from these homes, this paper attempts to understand why care home residents do not engage in meaningful activities. We reject the idea that these low levels of activity are a natural part of the ageing process or that they can be explained by notions of resident choice. Instead, the findings point to both insufficient funding and working practices within care homes as more substantive explanations. These explanations inform a discussion of how the low levels of engagement in meaningful activity could be addressed and residents’ quality of life improved.
Lutein and Zeaxanthin Influence Brain Function in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Lindbergh Cutter A. , Renzi-Hammond Lisa M. , Hammond Billy R. , Terry Douglas P. , Mewborn Catherine M. , Puente Antonio N. , Miller L. Stephen
Published: July 2017

Objectives:The present study constitutes the first randomized controlled trial to investigate the relation of lutein (L) and zeaxanthin (Z) to brain function using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). It was hypothesized that L and Z supplementation in older adults would enhance neural efficiency (i.e., reduce activation) and cognitive performance on a verbal learning task relative to placebo.Methods:A total of 44 community-dwelling older adults (mean age=72 years) were randomly assigned to receive either placebo or L+Z supplementation (12 mg/daily) for 1 year. Neurocognitive performance was assessed at baseline and post-intervention on an fMRI-adapted task involving learning and recalling word pairs. Imaging contrasts of blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) signal were created by subtracting active control trials from learning and recall trials. A flexible factorial model was employed to investigate the expected group (placebovs. supplement) by time (baselinevs. post-intervention) interaction in pre-specified regions-of-interest.Results:L and Z appeared to buffer cognitive decline on the verbal learning task (Cohen’sd=.84). Significant interactions during learning were observed in left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and anterior cingulate cortex (p< .05, family-wise-error corrected). However, these effects were in the direction of increased rather than decreased BOLD signal. Although the omnibus interaction was not significant during recall, within-group contrasts revealed significant increases in left prefrontal activation in the supplement group only.Conclusions:L and Z supplementation appears to benefit neurocognitive function by enhancing cerebral perfusion, even if consumed for a discrete period of time in late life. (JINS, 2018,24, 77–90)
INNOVATION AND IMITATION: EFFECTS OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS IN A PRODUCT-CYCLE MODEL OF SKILLS ACCUMULATION
Authors: Chen Hung-Ju
Published: July 2017

This paper analyzes the effects of stronger intellectual property rights (IPR) protection in the South on innovation, imitation, the pattern of production, and wage inequality based on a North–South product-cycle model with foreign direct investment (FDI) and skills accumulation. This quality-ladder model features innovative R&D in the North and imitative R&D in the South. Two types of innovations are considered: innovation targeting all products and innovation targeting only imitated products. We find that for both types of innovations, strengthening IPR protection reduces the innovation rate and raises the imitation rate. There is also an increase in the proportion of Northern unskilled labor and a decrease in Northern wage inequality. As for the pattern of production, strengthening IPR protection may reduce the extent of FDI.
FISCAL POLICY MULTIPLIERS IN AN RBC MODEL WITH LEARNING
Authors: Mitra Kaushik , Evans George W. , Honkapohja Seppo
Published: July 2017

Using the standard real business cycle model with lump-sum taxes, we analyze the impact of fiscal policy when agents form expectations using adaptive learning rather than rational expectations (RE). The output multipliers for government purchases are significantly higher under learning, and fall within empirical bounds reported in the literature, which is in sharp contrast to the implausibly low values under RE. Positive effects of fiscal policy are demonstrated during times of economic stress like the recent Great Recession. Finally, it is shown how learning can lead to consumption and investment dynamics empirically documented during some episodes of “fiscal consolidations.”
Organic farmer perceptions of reduced tillage: A Michigan farmer survey
Authors: Lowry Carolyn J. , Brainard Daniel C.
Published: July 2017

A common critique of organic farming is that it is very tillage intensive, and therefore deleterious to soil quality. However, little information is available on the tillage practices currently employed by organic farmers, as well as organic farmers’ attitudes toward reduced tillage (RT). To address these knowledge gaps, a detailed written survey of Michigan organic field crop and vegetable farmers was conducted to investigate their current tillage practices, as well as their perceptions of the barriers and benefits to adoption of RT. Respondents reported a wide range in tillage frequency and intensity, both across and within production of specific crops, with operations split evenly between field preparation and cultivation. Compared with field crop growers, vegetable growers were generally smaller scale and relied more heavily on a limited set of tillage (e.g., rototiller) and cultivation tools. Interest in adoption of RT practices among respondents was low to moderate with median Likert scale ratings (0–7 scale with 0 representing no interest and 7 extreme interest) of 4 or less for all forms of RT. Vegetable growers were most interested in permanent beds, rotational tillage and strip tillage, whereas field crop growers were most interested in rotational tillage and strip tillage. The greatest perceived benefits to adoption of RT were improved soil quality and fuel savings. Both groups ranked weeds, impacts on yields, residue management and crop establishment as high barriers to RT adoption. Vegetable growers also cited lack of scale appropriate equipment as a major barrier. Survey results suggest that future research efforts should focus on overcoming key barriers to adoption, such as weed management and access to low-cost adaptable RT equipment rather than reiterating relatively well-known soil quality benefits. Our results also suggest that promotion of incremental reductions in the frequency and intensity of tillage operations on organic farms may be more realistic and equally valuable compared with promotion of more extreme forms of RT such as no-till.
Metagenomic binning of a marine sponge microbiome reveals unity in defense but metabolic specialization
Authors: Slaby Beate M , Hackl Thomas , Horn Hannes , Bayer Kristina , Hentschel Ute
Published: July 2017

Marine sponges are ancient metazoans that are populated by distinct and highly diverse microbial communities. In order to obtain deeper insights into the functional gene repertoire of the Mediterranean sponge Aplysina aerophoba, we combined Illumina short-read and PacBio long-read sequencing followed by un-targeted metagenomic binning. We identified a total of 37 high-quality bins representing 11 bacterial phyla and two candidate phyla. Statistical comparison of symbiont genomes with selected reference genomes revealed a significant enrichment of genes related to bacterial defense (restriction-modification systems, toxin-antitoxin systems) as well as genes involved in host colonization and extracellular matrix utilization in sponge symbionts. A within-symbionts genome comparison revealed a nutritional specialization of at least two symbiont guilds, where one appears to metabolize carnitine and the other sulfated polysaccharides, both of which are abundant molecules in the sponge extracellular matrix. A third guild of symbionts may be viewed as nutritional generalists that perform largely the same metabolic pathways but lack such extraordinary numbers of the relevant genes. This study characterizes the genomic repertoire of sponge symbionts at an unprecedented resolution and it provides greater insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying microbial-sponge symbiosis.
A neural link between generosity and happiness
Authors: Park Soyoung Q. , Kahnt Thorsten , Dogan Azade , Strang Sabrina , Fehr Ernst , Tobler Philippe N.
Published: July 2017

Generous behaviour is known to increase happiness, which could thereby motivate generosity. In this study, we use functional magnetic resonance imaging and a public pledge for future generosity to investigate the brain mechanisms that link generous behaviour with increases in happiness. Participants promised to spend money over the next 4 weeks either on others (experimental group) or on themselves (control group). Here, we report that, compared to controls, participants in the experimental group make more generous choices in an independent decision-making task and show stronger increases in self-reported happiness. Generous decisions engage the temporo-parietal junction (TPJ) in the experimental more than in the control group and differentially modulate the connectivity between TPJ and ventral striatum. Importantly, striatal activity during generous decisions is directly related to changes in happiness. These results demonstrate that top–down control of striatal activity plays a fundamental role in linking commitment-induced generosity with happiness.
Dual loss of human POLQ and LIG4 abolishes random integration
Authors: Saito Shinta , Maeda Ryo , Adachi Noritaka
Published: July 2017

Homologous recombination-mediated gene targeting has greatly contributed to genetic analysis in a wide range of species, but is highly inefficient in human cells because of overwhelmingly frequent random integration events, whose molecular mechanism remains elusive. Here we show that DNA polymerase θ, despite its minor role in chromosomal DNA repair, substantially contributes to random integration, and that cells lacking both DNA polymerase θ and DNA ligase IV, which is essential for non-homologous end joining (NHEJ), exhibit 100% efficiency of spontaneous gene targeting by virtue of undetectable levels of random integration. Thus, DNA polymerase θ-mediated end joining is the sole homology-independent repair route in the absence of NHEJ and, intriguingly, their combined absence reveals rare Alu-Alu recombination events utilizing a stretch of homology. Our findings provide new insights into the mechanics of foreign DNA integration and the role of DNA polymerase θ in human genome maintenance.
Reciprocal carbonyl–carbonyl interactions in small molecules and proteins
Authors: Rahim Abdur , Saha Pinaki , Jha Kunal Kumar , Sukumar Nagamani , Sarma Bani Kanta
Published: July 2017

Carbonyl-carbonyl n→π* interactions where a lone pair (n) of the oxygen atom of a carbonyl group is delocalized over the π* orbital of a nearby carbonyl group have attracted a lot of attention in recent years due to their ability to affect the 3D structure of small molecules, polyesters, peptides, and proteins. In this paper, we report the discovery of a “reciprocal” carbonyl-carbonyl interaction with substantial back and forth n→π* and π→π* electron delocalization between neighboring carbonyl groups. We have carried out experimental studies, analyses of crystallographic databases and theoretical calculations to show the presence of this interaction in both small molecules and proteins. In proteins, these interactions are primarily found in polyproline II (PPII) helices. As PPII are the most abundant secondary structures in unfolded proteins, we propose that these local interactions may have implications in protein folding.
Rapid production of human liver scaffolds for functional tissue engineering by high shear stress oscillation-decellularization
Authors: Mazza Giuseppe , Al-Akkad Walid , Telese Andrea , Longato Lisa , Urbani Luca , Robinson Benjamin , Hall Andrew , Kong Kenny , Frenguelli Luca , Marrone Giusi , Willacy Oliver , Shaeri Mohsen , Burns Alan , Malago Massimo , Gilbertson Janet , Rendell Nigel , Moore Kevin , Hughes David , Notingher Ioan , Jell Gavin , Del Rio Hernandez Armando , De Coppi Paolo , Rombouts Krista , Pinzani Massimo
Published: July 2017

The development of human liver scaffolds retaining their 3-dimensional structure and extra-cellular matrix (ECM) composition is essential for the advancement of liver tissue engineering. We report the design and validation of a new methodology for the rapid and accurate production of human acellular liver tissue cubes (ALTCs) using normal liver tissue unsuitable for transplantation. The application of high shear stress is a key methodological determinant accelerating the process of tissue decellularization while maintaining ECM protein composition, 3D-architecture and physico-chemical properties of the native tissue. ALTCs were engineered with human parenchymal and non-parenchymal liver cell lines (HepG2 and LX2 cells, respectively), human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), as well as primary human hepatocytes and hepatic stellate cells. Both parenchymal and non-parenchymal liver cells grown in ALTCs exhibited markedly different gene expression when compared to standard 2D cell cultures. Remarkably, HUVEC cells naturally migrated in the ECM scaffold and spontaneously repopulated the lining of decellularized vessels. The metabolic function and protein synthesis of engineered liver scaffolds with human primary hepatocytes reseeded under dynamic conditions were maintained. These results provide a solid basis for the establishment of effective protocols aimed at recreating human liver tissue in vitro.
Differential electron emission from polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon molecules under fast ion impact
Authors: Biswas Shubhadeep , Champion Christophe , Weck P. F. , Tribedi Lokesh C.
Published: July 2017

Interaction between polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) molecule and energetic ion is a subject of interest in different areas of modern physics. Here, we present measurements of energy and angular distributions of absolute double differential electron emission cross section for coronene (C24H12) and fluorene (C13H10) molecules under fast bare oxygen ion impact. For coronene, the angular distributions of the low energy electrons are quite different from that of simpler targets like Ne or CH4, which is not the case for fluorene. The behaviour of the higher electron energy distributions for both the targets are similar to that for simple targets. In case of coronene, a clear signature of plasmon resonance is observed in the analysis of forward-backward angular asymmetry of low energy electron emission. For fluorene, such signature is not identified probably due to lower oscillator strength of plasmon compared to the coronene. The theoretical calculation based on the first-order Born approximation with correct boundary conditions (CB1), in general, reproduced the experimental observations qualitatively, for both the molecules, except in the low energy region for coronene, which again indicates the role of collective excitation. Single differential and total cross sections are also deduced. An overall comparative study is presented.
Barcoding utility in a mega-diverse, cross-continental genus: keeping pace with Cyrtodactylus geckos
Authors: Brennan Ian G. , Bauer Aaron M. , Van Tri Ngo , Wang Yun-yu , Wang Wen-zhi , Zhang Ya-Ping , Murphy Robert W.
Published: July 2017

Over the past decade, DNA barcoding has become a staple of low-cost molecular systematic investigations. The availability of universal primers and subsidized sequencing projects (PolarBOL, SharkBOL, SpongeBOL) have driven this popularity, often without appropriate investigation into the utility of barcoding data for the taxonomic group of interest. Here, our primary aim is to determine the phylogenetic value of DNA barcoding (mitochondrial locus COI) within the gecko genus Cyrtodactylus. With >40 new species described since last systematic investigation, Cyrtodactylus represents one of the most diverse extant squamate genera, and their contemporary distribution spans the Indian subcontinent, eastward through Indochina, and into AustraloPapua. The complex biogeographic history of this group, and morphology-only designation of many species have complicated our phylogenetic understanding of Cyrtodactylus. To highlight the need for continued inclusive molecular assessment, we use Vietnamese Cyrtodactylus as a case study showing the geopolitically paraphyletic nature of their history. We compare COI to the legacy marker ND2, and discuss the value of COI as an interspecific marker, as well as its shortcomings at deeper evolutionary scales. We draw attention back to the Cold Code as a subsidized method for incorporating molecular methods into species descriptions in the effort to maintain accurate phylogenies.
Projection of American dustiness in the late 21st century due to climate change
Authors: Pu Bing , Ginoux Paul
Published: July 2017

Climate models project rising drought risks over the southwestern and central U.S. in the twenty-first century due to increasing greenhouse gases. The projected drier regions largely overlay the major dust sources in the United States. However, whether dust activity in U.S. will increase in the future is not clear, due to the large uncertainty in dust modeling. This study found that changes of dust activity in the U.S. in the recent decade are largely associated with the variations of precipitation, soil bareness, and surface winds speed. Using multi-model output under the Representative Concentration Pathways 8.5 scenario, we project that climate change will increase dust activity in the southern Great Plains from spring to fall in the late half of the twenty-first century – largely due to reduced precipitation, enhanced land surface bareness, and increased surface wind speed. Over the northern Great Plains, less dusty days are expected in spring due to increased precipitation and reduced bareness. Given the large negative economic and societal consequences of severe dust storms, this study complements the multi-model projection on future dust variations and may help improve risk management and resource planning.