bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conformational dynamics of dynamin-like MxA revealed by single-molecule FRET
Authors: Chen Yang , Zhang Lei , Graf Laura , Yu Bing , Liu Yue , Kochs Georg , Zhao Yongfang , Gao Song
Published: May 2017

Human myxovirus resistance protein 1 (MxA) restricts a wide range of viruses and is closely related to the membrane-remodelling GTPase dynamin. The functions of MxA rely on domain rearrangements coupled with GTP hydrolysis cycles. To gain insight into this process, we studied real-time domain dynamics of MxA by single-molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer. We find that the GTPase domain-bundle-signalling-element (BSE) region can adopt either an ‘open’ or a ‘closed’ conformation in all nucleotide-loading conditions. Whereas the open conformation is preferred in nucleotide-free, GDP·AlF4−-bound and GDP-bound forms, loading of GTP activates the relative movement between the two domains and alters the conformational preference to the ‘closed’ state. Moreover, frequent relative movement was observed between BSE and stalk via hinge 1. On the basis of these results, we suggest how MxA molecules within a helical polymer collectively generate a stable torque through random GTP hydrolysis cycles. Our study provides mechanistic insights into fundamental cellular events such as viral resistance and endocytosis.
A decadal analysis of bioeroding sponge cover on the inshore Great Barrier Reef
Authors: Ramsby Blake D. , Hoogenboom Mia O. , Whalan Steve , Webster Nicole S. , Thompson Angus
Published: May 2017

Decreasing coral cover on the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) may provide opportunities for rapid growth and expansion of other taxa. The bioeroding sponges Cliona spp. are strong competitors for space and may take advantage of coral bleaching, damage, and mortality. Benthic surveys of the inshore GBR (2005–2014) revealed that the percent cover of the most abundant bioeroding sponge species, Cliona orientalis, has not increased. However, considerable variation in C. orientalis cover, and change in cover over time, was evident between survey locations. We assessed whether biotic or environmental characteristics were associated with variation in C. orientalis distribution and abundance. The proportion of fine particles in the sediments was negatively associated with the presence-absence and the percent cover of C. orientalis, indicating that the sponge requires exposed habitat. The cover of corals and other sponges explained little variation in C. orientalis cover or distribution. The fastest increases in C. orientalis cover coincided with the lowest macroalgal cover and chlorophyll a concentration, highlighting the importance of macroalgal competition and local environmental conditions for this bioeroding sponge. Given the observed distribution and habitat preferences of C. orientalis, bioeroding sponges likely represent site-specific – rather than regional – threats to corals and reef accretion.
Segmental Duplication of Chromosome 11 and its Implications for Cell Division and Genome-wide Expression in Rice
Authors: Zhang Rong , Xue Chao , Liu Guanqing , Liu Xiaoyu , Zhang Mingliang , Wang Xiao , Zhang Tao , Gong Zhiyun
Published: May 2017

Segmental duplication is a major structural variation that occurs in chromosomes. Duplication leads to the production of gene copies with increased numbers of related repeat segments, causing the global genome to be in a state of imbalance. In addition, if the added segment contains a centromeric specific DNA, the duplicated chromosome will have structural multiple centromeres. We identified a segmental duplication containing structurally tricentric regions derived from the short arm of chromosome 11 (11L∙ + 11L∙ + 11S∙11S∙11S∙11S, “∙” represents the centromeric DNA repeat loci), and analyzed its implications for cell division and genome-wide expression. In the variant, only the middle centromere of 11S∙11S∙11S∙11S is functionally active. As a result, the structurally tricentric chromosome was stable in mitosis, because it is actually a functional monocentric chromosome. However, the structurally tricentric chromosome, which usually formed a bivalent, was either arranged on the equatorial plane or was lagging, which affected its separation during meiosis. Furthermore, RNA-seq and RT-qPCR analysis showed that the segmental duplication affected genome-wide expression patterns. 34.60% of genes in repeat region showed positive dosage effect. Thus, the genes on chromosome arm 11S-2 didn’t exhibit obviously dosage compensation, as illustrated by no peak around a ratio of 1.00. However, the gene dosage effect will reduce after sexual reproduction of a generation.
Oscillations in networks of networks stem from adaptive nodes with memory
Authors: Goldental Amir , Uzan Herut , Sardi Shira , Kanter Ido
Published: May 2017

We present an analytical framework that allows the quantitative study of statistical dynamic properties of networks with adaptive nodes that have memory and is used to examine the emergence of oscillations in networks with response failures. The frequency of the oscillations was quantitatively found to increase with the excitability of the nodes and with the average degree of the network and to decrease with delays between nodes. For networks of networks, diverse cluster oscillation modes were found as a function of the topology. Analytical results are in agreement with large-scale simulations and open the horizon for understanding network dynamics composed of finite memory nodes as well as their different phases of activity.
RNA-sequencing Identifies Novel Pathways in Sarcoidosis Monocytes
Authors: Talreja Jaya , Farshi Pershang , Alazizi Adnan , Luca Francesca , Pique-Regi Roger , Samavati Lobelia
Published: May 2017

Sarcoidosis is a complex systemic granulomatous disorder of unknown etiology. Genome-wide association studies have not been able to explain a causative role for nucleotide variation in its pathogenesis. The goal of the present study was to identify the gene expression profile and the cellular pathways altered in sarcoidosis monocytes via RNA-sequencing. Peripheral blood monocytes play a role in sarcoidosis inflammation. Therefore, we determined and compared the transcriptional signature of monocytes from peripheral blood from sarcoidosis patients and healthy controls via RNA-sequencing. We found 2,446 differentially expressed (DE) genes between sarcoidosis and healthy control monocytes. Analysis of these DE genes showed enrichment for ribosome, phagocytosis, lysosome, proteasome, oxidative phosphorylation and metabolic pathways. RNA-sequencing identified upregulation of genes involved in phagocytosis and lysosomal pathway in sarcoidosis monocytes, whereas genes involved in proteasome degradation and ribosomal pathways were downregulated. Further studies are needed to investigate the role of specific genes involved in the identified pathways and their possible interaction leading to sarcoidosis pathology.
Palaeoclimatic conditions in the Mediterranean explain genetic diversity of Posidonia oceanica seagrass meadows
Authors: Chefaoui Rosa M. , Duarte Carlos M. , Serrão Ester A.
Published: May 2017

Past environmental conditions in the Mediterranean Sea have been proposed as main drivers of the current patterns of distribution of genetic structure of the seagrass Posidonia oceanica, the foundation species of one of the most important ecosystems in the Mediterranean Sea. Yet, the location of cold climate refugia (persistence regions) for this species during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) is not clear, precluding the understanding of its biogeographical history. We used Ecological Niche Modelling together with existing phylogeographic data to locate Pleistocene refugia in the Mediterranean Sea and to develop a hypothetical past biogeographical distribution able to explain the genetic diversity presently found in P. oceanica meadows. To do that, we used an ensemble approach of six predictive algorithms and two Ocean General Circulation Models. The minimum SST in winter and the maximum SST in summer allowed us to hindcast the species range during the LGM. We found separate glacial refugia in each Mediterranean basin and in the Central region. Altogether, the results suggest that the Central region of the Mediterranean Sea was the most relevant cold climate refugium, supporting the hypothesis that long-term persistence there allowed the region to develop and retain its presently high proportion of the global genetic diversity of P. oceanica.
Antibody blockade of CLEC12A delays EAE onset and attenuates disease severity by impairing myeloid cell CNS infiltration and restoring positive immunity
Authors: Sagar Divya , Singh Narendra P. , Ginwala Rashida , Huang Xiaofang , Philip Ramila , Nagarkatti Mitzi , Nagarkatti Prakash , Neumann Konstantin , Ruland Jürgen , Andrews Allison M. , Ramirez Servio H. , Khan Zafar K. , Jain Pooja
Published: May 2017

The mechanism of dendritic cells (DCs) recruitment across the blood brain barrier (BBB) during neuroinflammation has been the least explored amongst all leukocytes. For cells of myeloid origin, while integrins function at the level of adhesion, the importance of lectins remains unknown. Here, we identified functions of one C-type lectin receptor, CLEC12A, in facilitating DC binding and transmigration across the BBB in response to CCL2 chemotaxis. To test function of CLEC12A in an animal model of multiple sclerosis (MS), we administered blocking antibody to CLEC12A that significantly ameliorated disease scores in MOG35–55-induced progressive, as well as PLP138–151-induced relapsing-remitting experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mice. The decline in both progression and relapse of EAE occurred as a result of reduced demyelination and myeloid cell infiltration into the CNS tissue. DC numbers were restored in the spleen of C57BL/6 and peripheral blood of SJL/J mice along with a decreased TH17 phenotype within CD4+T-cells. The effects of CLEC12A blocking were further validated using CLEC12A knockout (KO) animals wherein EAE disease induction was delayed and reduced disease severity was observed. These studies reveal the utility of a DC-specific mechanism in designing new therapeutics for MS.
Disilametallacyclic chemistry for efficient catalysis
Authors: Sunada Yusuke , Nagashima Hideo
Published: May 2017

Disilametallacyclic species of late transition metals behave as key intermediates for efficient catalytic reactions proceeding through new mechanisms.
A co-culture microtunnel technique demonstrating a significant contribution of unmyelinated Schwann cells to the acceleration of axonal conduction in Schwann cell-regulated peripheral nerve development
Authors: Sakai Koji , Shimba Kenta , Kotani Kiyoshi , Jimbo Yasuhiko
Published: May 2017

The authors developed a co-culture technique inside a microtunnel and demonstrated that Schwann cells increase axonal conduction velocity before myelination.
Antireflective coatings with enhanced adhesion strength
Authors: Khan Sadaf Bashir , Wu Hui , Fei Zhu , Ning Shuai , Zhang Zhengjun
Published: May 2017

We report HfO2antireflective (AR) coating, which exhibits omnidirectional performance with good adhesion strength and thermal stability for their potential applications in optoelectronic devices.
Compartmentalization of an ABC triblock copolymer single-chain nanoparticle via coordination-driven orthogonal self-assembly
Authors: Cui Zhigang , Cao Hui , Ding Yi , Gao Pan , Lu Xinhua , Cai Yuanli
Published: May 2017

We present coordination-driven intramolecular orthogonal self-assembly of ABC triblock copolymer into protein-like compartmentalized SCNP, whose sub-10 nm ultrafine subdomains are discrete and can respond to aqueous surroundings individually.
Metabonomic analysis of metastatic lung tissue in breast cancer mice by an integrated NMR-based metabonomics approach
Authors: Yang Yongxia , Zhang Jingli , Liu Ying , Li Binglin , Li Jiangchao , Zheng Lingyun , Wang Lijing
Published: May 2017

This study identified the common potential biomarkers for early lung metastasis of breast cancer in two models.
Semisynthesis of esters and oxime esters/sulfonates from furyl-ring-based acetylation derivatives of fraxinellone as insecticidal agents
Authors: Guo Yong , Yang Ruige , Xu Hui
Published: May 2017

Two compounds 9a and 10i exhibited the most promising pesticidal activity against early 3rd-instar larvae of Mythimna separata. Their structure–activity relationships were also observed.
A novel catalytic route for hydrogenation–dehydrogenation of 2LiH + MgB2via in situ formed core–shell LixTiO2nanoparticles
Authors: Puszkiel J. A. , Castro Riglos M. V. , Ramallo-López J. M. , Mizrahi M. , Karimi F. , Santoru A. , Hoell A. , Gennari F. C. , Larochette P. Arneodo , Pistidda C. , Klassen T. , Bellosta von Colbe J. M. , Dornheim M.
Published: May 2017

Aiming to improve the hydrogen storage properties of 2LiH + MgB2(Li-RHC), the effect of thein situformed and low cost LixTiO2is investigated.
Coupling of nitroxyl radical as an electrochemical charging catalyst and ionic liquid for calcium plating/stripping toward a rechargeable calcium–oxygen battery
Authors: Shiga Tohru , Kato Yuichi , Hase Yoko
Published: May 2017

Nitroxyl radical (TEMPO) and ionic liquid with a bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl) amide anion lead to novel rechargeable non-aqueous Ca–O2 batteries.
H-Bond assisted mechanoluminescence of borylated aryl amines: tunable emission and polymorphism
Authors: Sudhakar Pagidi , Neena Kalluvettukuzhy K. , Thilagar Pakkirisamy
Published: May 2017

Bright tunable solid state emission, intriguing mechanochromism and polymorphism dependent optical characteristics of a series of borylated aryl amines were demonstrated.
Conversion efficiency assessment for novel HSUDC with dual semiconductor switches for interleaved operation
Authors: Shen C.‐L. , Shen Y.‐S.
Published: May 2017

A novel high‐step‐up DC/DC converter (HSUDC) is proposed and then the expression of power‐loss calculation to estimate the efficiency of the converter is derived. The HSUDC can work at interleaved manner and mainly includes two power switches, four diodes, two coupled inductors and three capacitors. It can step up a low voltage to a much higher level for further grid‐connection applications, which are therefore suitable to process the power generated by distrusted energy resources. Magnitude of power loss dominates the power density of a converter. Therefore, a theoretical and systematic estimation for HSUDC is developed, advancing the compact design towards converter building. Estimated results are compared with the practical measurements from a prototype to verify the correctness of the estimation.
Experimental detection of quantum oscillations of anomalous Hall resistance in mercury selenide crystals with cobalt impurities
Authors: Lonchakov A. T. , Bobin S. B. , Deryushkin V. V. , Okulov V. I. , Govorkova T. E. , Neverov V. N. , Pamyatnykh E. A. , Paranchich L. D.
Published: May 2017

Quantum oscillations of the anomalous component of Hall resistance with an amplitude exceeding the amplitude of the Shubnikov-de Haas oscillations of transverse magnetoresistance are observed in mercury selenide crystals doped with low concentrations of cobalt impurity. In accordance with the predictions of the Hall effect theory for systems with spontaneous spin polarization of hybridized donor electrons, the observed oscillations correspond to magnetic quantum oscillations caused by the thermodynamic anomalous Hall effect.
Significant enhancement of metal heat dissipation from mechanically exfoliated graphene nanosheets through thermal radiation effect
Authors: Hu Junxiong , Xu Jianbao , Zhu Chao , Li Qi , Ullah Zaka , Liu Fengkui , Li Weiwei , Guo Yufen , Zhao Xinluo , Liu Liwei
Published: May 2017

We demonstrate a facile approach to significantly enhance the heat dissipation potential of conventional aluminum (Al) heat sinks by mechanically coating graphene nanosheets. For Al and graphene-coated Al heat sinks, the change in temperature with change in coating coverage, coating thickness and heat flux are studied. It is found that with the increase in coating coverage from 0 to 100%, the steady-state temperature is decreased by 5 °C at a heat flux of 1.8 W cm-1. By increasing the average thickness of graphene coating from 480 nm to 1900 nm, a remarkable temperature reduction up to 7 °C can be observed. Moreover, with the increase in heat flux from 1.2 W cm-1 to 2.4 W cm-1, the temperature difference between uncoated and graphene-coated samples increases from 1 °C to 6 °C. The thermal analysis and finite element simulation reveal that the thermal radiation plays a key role in enhancing the heat dissipation performance. The effect of heat convection remains weak owing to the low air velocity at surface-air boundary. This work provides a technological innovation in improving metal heat dissipation using graphene nanosheets.
Improving temporal resolution of ultrafast electron diffraction by eliminating arrival time jitter induced by radiofrequency bunch compression cavities
Authors: Franssen J. G. H. , Luiten O. J.
Published: May 2017

The temporal resolution of sub-relativistic ultrafast electron diffraction (UED) is generally limited by the radio frequency (RF) phase and amplitude jitter of the RF lenses that are used to compress the electron pulses. We theoretically show how to circumvent this limitation by using a combination of several RF compression cavities. We show that if powered by the same RF source and with a proper choice of RF field strengths, RF phases, and distances between the cavities, the combined arrival time jitter due to RF phase jitter of the cavities is cancelled at the compression point. We also show that the effect of RF amplitude jitter on the temporal resolution is negligible when passing through the cavity at a RF phase optimal for (de)compression. This will allow improvement of the temporal resolution in UED experiments to well below 100 fs.
Monitoring nonadiabatic avoided crossing dynamics in molecules by ultrafast X-ray diffraction
Authors: Kowalewski Markus , Bennett Kochise , Mukamel Shaul
Published: May 2017

We examine time-resolved X-ray diffraction from molecules in the gas phase which undergo nonadiabatic avoided-crossing dynamics involving strongly coupled electrons and nuclei. Several contributions to the signal are identified, representing (in decreasing strength) elastic scattering, contributions of the electronic coherences created by nonadiabatic couplings in the avoided crossing regime, and inelastic scattering. The former probes the charge density and delivers direct information on the evolving molecular geometry. The latter two contributions are weaker and carry spatial information through the transition charge densities (off-diagonal elements of the charge-density operator). Simulations are presented for the nonadiabatic harpooning process in the excited state of sodium fluoride.
Tissue-specific network-based genome wide study of amygdala imaging phenotypes to identify functional interaction modules
Authors: Yao Xiaohui , Yan Jingwen , Liu Kefei , Kim Sungeun , Nho Kwangsik , Risacher Shannon L. , Greene Casey S. , Moore Jason H. , Saykin Andrew J. , Shen Li ,   for the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: May 2017

Motivation

Network-based genome-wide association studies (GWAS) aim to identify functional modules from biological networks that are enriched by top GWAS findings. Although gene functions are relevant to tissue context, most existing methods analyze tissue-free networks without reflecting phenotypic specificity.

Results

We propose a novel module identification framework for imaging genetic studies using the tissue-specific functional interaction network. Our method includes three steps: (i) re-prioritize imaging GWAS findings by applying machine learning methods to incorporate network topological information and enhance the connectivity among top genes; (ii) detect densely connected modules based on interactions among top re-prioritized genes; and (iii) identify phenotype-relevant modules enriched by top GWAS findings. We demonstrate our method on the GWAS of [18F]FDG-PET measures in the amygdala region using the imaging genetic data from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative, and map the GWAS results onto the amygdala-specific functional interaction network. The proposed network-based GWAS method can effectively detect densely connected modules enriched by top GWAS findings. Tissue-specific functional network can provide precise context to help explore the collective effects of genes with biologically meaningful interactions specific to the studied phenotype.

Availability and implementation

The R code and sample data are freely available at http://www.iu.edu/shenlab/tools/gwasmodule/

Contact

shenli@iu.edu

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Diverse Aging and Health Inequality by Race and Ethnicity
Authors: Ferraro Kenneth F , Kemp Blakelee R , Williams Monica M
Published: May 2017

Although gerontologists have long embraced the concept of heterogeneity in theories and models of aging, recent research reveals the importance of racial and ethnic diversity on life course processes leading to health inequality. This article examines research on health inequality by race and ethnicity and identifies theoretical and methodological innovations that are transforming the study of health disparities. Drawing from cumulative inequality theory, we propose greater use of life course analysis, more attention to variability within racial and ethnic groups, and better integration of environmental context into the study of accumulation processes leading to health disparities.
Optical excess of dim isolated neutron stars
Authors: Ertan Ü. , Çalışkan Ş. , Alpar M. A.
Published: May 2017

The optical excess in the spectra of dim isolated neutron stars (XDINs) is a significant fraction of their rotational energy loss rate. This is strikingly different from the situation in isolated radio pulsars. We investigate this problem in the framework of the fallback disc model. The optical spectra can be powered by magnetic stresses on the innermost disc matter, as the energy dissipated is emitted as blackbody radiation mainly from the inner rim of the disc. In the fallback disc model, XDINs are the sources evolving in the propeller phase with similar torque mechanisms. In this model, the ratio of the total magnetic work that heats up the inner disc matter is expected to be similar for different XDINs. Optical luminosities that are calculated consistently with the optical spectra and the theoretical constraints on the inner disc radii give very similar ratios of the optical luminosity to the rotational energy loss rate for all these sources. These ratios indicate that a significant fraction of the magnetic torque heats up the disc matter while the remaining fraction expels disc matter from the system. For XDINs, the contribution of heating by X-ray irradiation to the optical luminosity is negligible in comparison with the magnetic heating. The correlation we expect between the optical luminosities and the rotational energy loss rates of XDINs can be a property of the systems with low X-ray luminosities, in particular those in the propeller phase.
On the discrepancy between asteroseismic and Gaia DR1 TGAS parallaxes
Authors: Gontcharov George A. , Mosenkov Aleksandr V.
Published: May 2017

Recently, a deviation of the Gaia Tycho–Gaia Astrometric Solution (TGAS) parallaxes from the asteroseismic ones for giants was found. We show that for parallaxes ϖ < 1.5 mas it can be explained by a selection effect in favour of bright and luminous giants in the Tycho-2 and TGAS catalogues. Another explanation of this deviation seems to be valid for ϖ > 1.5 mas based on the best extinction estimates: The deviation may be caused not by a bias of parallax, but by an underestimation of the extinction (and, consequently, an overestimation of the calculated absolute magnitude) in the asteroseismic results. We demonstrate that the reliable estimates of the reddening and extinction (about 0.22 mag of the visual extinction for the Kepler field) better fit both the giants and main-sequence stars to the PARSEC, MIST and YaPSI isochrones.
Temozolomide therapy for aggressive functioning pituitary adenomas refractory to surgery and radiation: a case series
Authors: Jordan Justin T , Miller Julie J , Cushing Tucker , Seijo Marlon , Batchelor Tracy T , Arrillaga-Romany Isabel C , Shih Helen A , Nachtigall Lisa B , Loeffler Jay S , Dietrich Jorg
Published: May 2017

Background

Treatment of aggressive pituitary adenomas typically involves a multimodality approach based on histopathological features and may include pharmacotherapy, surgery, and occasionally radiation therapy. In cases of treatment-refractory tumor progression, chemotherapy may be considered; however, no standard chemotherapeutic regimen has been established. Literature review suggests that temozolomide may have a beneficial role in a subset of cases. To understand the efficacy of temozolomide in progressive pituitary tumors, we reviewed the outcomes of cases at our center.

Methods

We performed a retrospective chart review to report the outcome and unique features of 7 patients with aggressive functioning pituitary adenomas or carcinomas treated with temozolomide. Tumor pathology included somatotroph (n = 1), corticotroph (n = 3), and lactotroph (n = 3) tumors.

Results

Four of the 7 patients had at least 2 prior resections, and all had prior radiation and surgery before treatment with temozolomide. Notably, all patients showed response to therapy, defined as either stable disease (43%) or partial response (57%). Median progression-free survival was 1.66 years, and median overall survival was 4 years.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that temozolomide has an important role in the management of aggressive functioning pituitary tumors that are resistant to standard therapies, and that optimization of therapy with temozolomide may involve individualized regimens. Future prospective clinical trials should be considered.
Crus Atrophy
Authors: Sukkasem Warawut , Moftah Sherine G. , Kicska Gregory , Godwin J. David , Pipavath Sudhakar , Stern Eric
Published: May 2017

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to measure the association between crus atrophy as depicted by computed tomography (CT) and fluoroscopic diagnosis of hemidiaphragmatic paralysis in patients with suspected diaphragmatic dysfunction.

Materials and Methods:

A retrospective review of patient data was approved by our institutional review board and was HIPPA-compliant. We reviewed 90 patients who had undergone diaphragmatic fluoroscopy; 72 had CT scans available for measurement of crus thickness at the levels of the celiac and superior mesenteric arteries and the L1 vertebral body. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was used to determine the threshold of crus thinning that best distinguished a paralyzed hemidiaphragm from a nonparalyzed one.

Results:

Hemidiaphragmatic paralysis caused significant crus thinning at the celiac artery level (mean±SD, 1.7±0.6 vs. 3.6±1.3 mm, P=0.017, on the right; 1.1±0.4 vs. 3.0±1.4 mm, P=0.001, on the left) and the L1 vertebral level (mean±SD, 1.5±0.7 vs. 4.4±1.6 mm, P=0.018, on the right; 1.5±0.6 vs. 3.6+1.7 mm, P=0.017, on the left). On axial CT, thinning to ≤2.5 mm at the celiac artery level identified paralysis of the hemidiaphragm with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 86% on the right and with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 64% on the left. On coronal CT, thinning to ≤2.5 mm at the L1 vertebral level identified paralysis of the hemidiaphragm with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 88% on the right and with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 77% on the left.

Conclusions:

Atrophy of the crus assessed by CT is a good discriminator of paralyzed versus nonparalyzed hemidiaphragm in patients with suspected diaphragmatic dysfunction.
Long-term trends in the contribution of major causes of death to the black-white life expectancy gap by US state
Authors: Riddell Corinne A , Morrison Kathryn T , Harper Sam , Kaufman Jay S
Published: May 2017

States have fared differently in their progress towards eliminating the black-white life expectancy gap. Our objective is to describe the pattern of contributions of each of six major causes of deaths to the sex-specific black-white life expectancy gap across states over the last half-century, and identify divergent states.

Using vital statistics and census data, we extracted the number of deaths and population sizes for the years 1969 to 2013, by state, gender, race, 19 age groups, and six major causes of death.

Although mortality from cardiovascular disease has decreased dramatically, its contribution to the life expectancy gap increased over time for men (from 0.9 to 1.2 years), but decreased for women (from 2.4 to 1 years). The contribution of non-communicable diseases to the gap was stable over time for men (approximately 0.4 years) but decreased for women (from 0.7 to 0.2 years), while cancers exhibited an inverted-U trend for men (peaking at 1.1 years in 1988) and a stable contribution for women (approximately 0.5 years). Both genders exhibited a decreased contribution from injuries (men: 2.2 to 0.4 years), that became negative for women (women: 0.5 to -0.1 years). Several states diverged from these general trends.

Life expectancy for both races has improved substantially in the US. For men, much of this improvement was due to narrowing differences in injury-related mortality, but these contributions were rivaled by an increasing gap in CVD-related mortality. In women, a crossover in injury-related mortality led to a narrower gap, realized partially by increasing mortality among whites.
Achieving better than 3 Å resolution by single particle cryo-EM at 200 keV
Authors: Herzik Mark A. , Wu Mengyu , Lander Gabriel C.
Published: May 2017

Technical and methodological advances in single-particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) have expanded the technique into a resolution regime that was previously only attainable by X-ray crystallography. Although single-particle cryo-EM has proven to be a useful technique for determining the structures of biomedically relevant molecules at near-atomic resolution, nearly 98% of the structures resolved to better than 4 Å resolution have been determined using 300 keV transmission electron microscopes (TEMs). We demonstrate that it is possible to obtain cryo-EM reconstructions of macromolecular complexes at a range of sizes to better than 3 Å resolution using a 200 keV TEM. These structures are of sufficient quality to unambiguously assign amino acid rotameric conformations and identify ordered water molecules, features previously thought only to be resolvable using TEMs operating at 300 keV.
Use of RetroNectin in studies requiring in vitro HIV-1 infection of human hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells
Authors: Tsukamoto Tetsuo , Okada Seiji
Published: May 2017

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) causes damage, directly or indirectly, to the whole hematopoietic system including CD34+hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPC). CXCR4-tropic strains of HIV-1 may be potent to affect the function of CD34+CXCR4+progenitor cells either by infecting the cells or by modifying the dynamics of more differentiated hematopoietic cells. However, CD34+cells are known for the resistance to HIV-1 infection in vitro, restricting the detailed analysis of the impact of HIV upon HSPC. Here the authors report a use of RetroNectin, a recombinant fibronectin fragment used for gene transfer with lentiviral vectors, to overcome the limitation.
Sepsis Increases Perioperative Metastases in a Murine Model
Authors: Tai Lee-Hwa , Ananth Abhirami A. , Seth Rashmi , Alkayyal Almohanad , Zhang Jiqing , de Souza Christiano Tanese , Staibano Phillip , Kennedy Michael A. , Auer Rebecca C.
Published: May 2017

Background

Cancer surgery can promote tumour metastases and worsen prognosis, but the effects of perioperative complications such as sepsis, blood loss, and hypothermia on subsequent cancer metastases have not been addressed.

Objective

To evaluate the effect of common perioperative factors on postoperative tumour metastases in murine models of cancer surgery. We hypothesize that perioperative blood loss, hypothermia, and sepsis facilitate tumour metastases in these murine models.

Methods

Prior to surgery, pulmonary metastases were established by intravenous challenge of CT26LacZ colon cancer cells in Balb/c mice or B16LacZ melanoma cells in C57Bl/6 mice. Surgical stress was generated through partial hepatectomy (PH) or left nephrectomy (LN). Sepsis was induced by puncturing the cecum to express stool into the abdomen. Hemorrhagic shock was induced by removal of 30% of total blood volume via saphenous vein. Hypothermia was induced by removing the heating apparatus during surgery and lowering core body temperatures to 30°C. Lung tumour burden was quantified 3 days following surgery.

Results

Surgically stressed mice subjected to Stage 3 hemorrhagic shock or hypothermia did not show an additional increase in lung tumour burden. In contrast, surgically stressed mice subjected to intraoperative sepsis demonstrated an additional 2-fold increase in the number of tumour metastases. Furthermore, natural killer (NK) cell function, as assessed by YAC-1 tumour cell lysis, was significantly attenuated in surgically stressed mice subjected to intraoperative sepsis. Both NK cell-mediated cytotoxic function and lung metastases were improved with perioperative administration of polyI:C, which is a ligand for toll-like receptor (TLR)-3

Conclusions

Perioperative sepsis, but not hemorrhagic shock or hypothermia, enhances the prometastatic effect of surgery in murine models of cancer. Identification of the mechanisms underlying perioperative immune suppression will be critical in the development of immunomodulation strategies that aim to attenuate perioperative metastatic disease.
Human resting-state electrophysiological networks in the alpha frequency band: Evidence from magnetoencephalographic source imaging
Authors: Hindriks R. , Micheli C. , Mantini D. , Deco G.
Published: May 2017

In the resting-state, extended regions of the human cortex engage in electrical oscillations within the alpha-frequency band (7–14 Hz) that can be measured outside the head by magnetoencephalography (MEG). Given the accumulating evidence that alpha oscillations play a fundamental role in attentional processing and working memory, it becomes increasingly important to characterize their cortical organization. Event-related studies have demonstrated that attentional allocation can modulate alpha power selectively within the visual, auditory, and somatosensory cortices, as well as in higher-level regions. Such studies demonstrate the existence of multiple generators by exploiting experimental contrasts and trial-averaging. The identification of alpha generators from resting-state data alone has proven much harder and, consequently, relatively little is known about their organization: Apart from the classical visual, somatosensory, and auditory rhythms, it is unclear how many more generators can be observed with MEG and how they are organized into functional networks. Such knowledge, however, possibly enables to delineate separate cognitive, perceptual, and motor processes that co-occur in the resting-state and is therefore important. In this study we use the resting-state MEG data-set provided by the Human Connectome Project to identify cortical alpha generators and to characterize their organization into functional networks. The large number of subjects (N= 94), multiple scans per subject, and state-of-the-art surface-based cortical registration enable a detailed characterization of alpha in human cortex. By applying non-negative matrix factorization to source-projected power fluctuations, we identify 16 reliable cortical generators in each hemisphere. These include the classical sensory alpha rhythms as well as several additional ones in the lateral occipital and temporal lobes and in inferior parietal cortex. We show that the generators are coordinated across hemispheres and hence form resting-state networks (RSNs), two of which are the default mode network (DMN) and the ventral attention network (VAN). Our study hence provides a further subdivision of RSNs within the alpha frequency band and shows that these RSNs are supported by alpha generators. As such, it links the classical literature on human alpha with more recent research into electrophysiological RNSs.
The SIAH E3 ubiquitin ligases promote Wnt/β-catenin signaling through mediating Wnt-induced Axin degradation
Authors: Ji Lei , Jiang Bo , Jiang Xiaomo , Charlat Olga , Chen Amy , Mickanin Craig , Bauer Andreas , Xu Wenqing , Yan Xiaoxue , Cong Feng
Published: May 2017

The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway plays essential roles in embryonic development and adult tissue homeostasis. Axin is a concentration-limiting factor responsible for the formation of the β-catenin destruction complex. Wnt signaling itself promotes the degradation of Axin. However, the underlying molecular mechanism and biological relevance of this targeting of Axin have not been elucidated. Here, we identify SIAH1/2 (SIAH) as the E3 ligase mediating Wnt-induced Axin degradation. SIAH proteins promote the ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of Axin through interacting with a VxP motif in the GSK3-binding domain of Axin, and this function of SIAH is counteracted by GSK3 binding to Axin. Structural analysis reveals that the Axin segment responsible for SIAH binding is also involved in GSK3 binding but adopts distinct conformations in Axin/SIAH and Axin/GSK3 complexes. Knockout of SIAH1 blocks Wnt-induced Axin ubiquitination and attenuates Wnt-induced β-catenin stabilization. Our data suggest that Wnt-induced dissociation of the Axin/GSK3 complex allows SIAH to interact with Axin not associated with GSK3 and promote its degradation and that SIAH-mediated Axin degradation represents an important feed-forward mechanism to achieve sustained Wnt/β-catenin signaling.
A new phosphorescent heteroleptic cuprous complex with a neutral 2-methylquinolin-8-ol ligand: synthesis, structure characterization, properties and TD–DFT calculations
Authors: Shou Rong-Er , Song Li , Chai Wen-Xiang , Qin Lai-Shun , Wang Tian-Gen
Published: May 2017

Luminescent CuI complexes have emerged as promising substitutes for phosphorescent emitters based on Ir, Pt and Os due to their abundance and low cost. The title heteroleptic cuprous complex, [9,9-dimethyl-4,5-bis(diphenylphosphanyl)-9H-xanthene-κ2
P,P](2-methylquinolin-8-ol-κ2
N,O)copper(I) hexafluorophosphate, [Cu(C10H9NO)(C39H32OP2)]PF6, conventionally abbreviated as [Cu(Xantphos)(8-HOXQ)]PF6, where Xantphos is the chelating diphosphine ligand 9,9-dimethyl-4,5-bis(diphenylphosphanyl)-9H-xanthene and 8-HOXQ is the N,O-chelating ligand 2-methylquinolin-8-ol that remains protonated at the hydroxy O atom, is described. In this complex, the asymmetric unit consists of a hexafluorophosphate anion and a whole mononuclear cation, where the CuI atom is coordinated by two P atoms from the Xantphos ligand and by the N and O atoms from the 8-HOXQ ligand, giving rise to a tetrahedral CuP2NO coordination geometry. The electronic absorption and photoluminescence properties of this complex have been studied on as-synthesized samples, whose purity had been determined by powder X-ray diffraction. In the detailed TD–DFT (time-dependent density functional theory) studies, the yellow emission appears to be derived from the inter-ligand charge transfer and metal-to-ligand charge transfer (M+L′)→LCT excited state (LCT is ligand charge transfer).
Rurality or distance to care and the risk of homelessness among Afghanistan and Iraq veterans
Authors: Nelson Richard E. , Gundlapalli Adi , Carter Marjorie , Brignone Emily , Pettey Warren , Byrne Thomas H. , Montgomery Ann Elizabeth , Rupper Randall , Fargo Jamison
Published: May 2017

Purpose

Several risk factors have been identified in ongoing efforts by the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to mitigate high rates of homelessness among veterans. To date, no studies have examined the relationship of rurality and distance to nearest VA facility to risk of homelessness. Due to challenges in accessing available services, the hypothesis was that rural-residing veterans are at greater risk for homelessness. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The cohort consisted of veterans who had separated from the military between 2001 and 2011. The authors used a forwarding address provided by the service member at the time of separation from the military to determine rurality of residence and distance to care. The authors examined differences in the rate of homelessness within a year of a veteran’s first encounter with the VA following last military separation based on rurality and distance to the nearest VA facility using multivariable log-binomial regressions.

Findings

In the cohort of 708,318 veterans, 84.3 percent were determined to have a forwarding address in urban areas, 60.4 and 88.7 percent lived within 40 miles of the nearest VA medical center (VAMC), respectively. Veterans living in a rural area (RR=0.763; 95 percent CI=0.718-0.810) and those living between 20 and 40 miles (RR=0.893; 95 percent CI=0.846-0.943) and 40+ miles away from the nearest VAMC (RR=0.928; 95 percent CI=0.879-0.979) were at a lower risk for homelessness.

Originality/value

The unique data set allowed the authors to explore the relationship between geography and homelessness. These results are important to VA and national policy makers in understanding the risk factors for homelessness among veterans and planning interventions.
What matters in student-centered learning? Managing conditions for students to appropriate the object of learning
Authors: Msonde Sydney Enock , Msonde Charles Enock
Published: May 2017

Purpose

There have been ideological variations in the understanding of student-centered learning (SCL), culminating in varied practices of SCL across the world. The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of learning study on teachers’ appropriation of the conditions for learning in SCL lessons.

Design/methodology/approach

Three secondary school mathematics teachers in Tanzania formed a learning study group, guided by the theory of variation, to share their experience of how to engage learners in experiencing critical aspects of the object of learning. In-depth interviews, records of teachers’ lesson preparation meetings, and students’ tests were tools used to collect data. All of the qualitative data were analyzed using a phenomenographic variation framework and coding strategies. Moreover, a paired sample t-test was used to analyze the students’ pre- and post-test results.

Findings

The results show that teachers were able to identify critical aspects of two objects of learning for mathematics and create conditions for engaging learners in experiencing those aspects sequentially and simultaneously. There was strong evidence that the theory of variation as a framework helps teachers to learn effective ways of creating conditions for students to appropriate features of the objects of learning for mathematics as well as developing a new SCL pedagogical framework.

Originality/value

This study suggests that using learning study guided by the theory of variation supports teachers’ appropriation of the conditions for student learning within an SCL framework.
The effect of internal control on earnings quality in Iran
Authors: Salehi Mahdi , Bahrami Mostafa
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of the present research is to examine the effect of internal control and risk management on earnings quality of companies listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange (TSE).

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 560 listed firms on TSE, which were selected using systematic sampling. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation and panel data regression were used for data analysis during 2009-2014.

Findings

The results showed that earnings management reduces earnings relevance and book value relevance through short-term and long-term discretionary accruals.

Originality/value

The outcomes of the current study are quite interesting to academia and practitioners.
Hospital performance dashboards: a literature review
Authors: Buttigieg Sandra C. , Pace Adriana , Rathert Cheryl
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to give a comprehensive and updated analysis of the available literature on hospital dashboards.

Design/methodology/approach

A search of the current literature was performed by searching electronic databases, including Google Scholar, EBSCO and Medline, as well as books.

Findings

In all, 48 manuscripts consisting of peer reviewed articles, conference proceedings, case reports and text books were included in this review.

Practical implications

Despite the numerous advantages of performance dashboards, several authors have mentioned a number of challenges. It was evident from the literature that any setting requires significant effort, especially to ensure the quality of data being collected. In fact, significant investment, both in terms of financial and human resources, is required to achieve an effective dashboard. Furthermore, most of the studies available in the literature were individual case reports or anecdotal accounts rather than empirical studies. Thus, further research is required to ascertain the effectiveness of performance dashboards. In view of these findings, each organisation should make its own decisions whether or not to adopt performance dashboards.

Originality/value

Most of the literature is fragmented as it reports the use of different types of dashboards, namely strategic, tactical and operational, as separate tools. This literature review contributes to knowledge as it brings together the different types of dashboards and the cascading effect of one dashboard onto another in order to achieve and retain organisational alignment with the overall strategic goals.
An analysis of the changing role of systems librarians
Authors: Ratledge David , Sproles Claudene
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze technology-related librarian advertisements to examine the changing role of the systems librarian in today’s modern, technology-filled libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors examined 70 advertisements for technology-focused librarians posted on ALA’s JobList in 2014. The ads were examined for area of focus and required knowledge and experiences.

Findings

The ads revealed three main areas of focus: traditional systems, digital initiatives, and web services. In addition to traditional computer and library systems skills, employers were seeking candidates with project management, digital collection, customer service, technology implementation, and problem solving skills and experience.

Practical implications

This study highlights how the adoption and expansion of library technology has altered the roles and responsibilities of systems librarians. Instead of solely focusing on maintaining library databases and ILSs, technology librarians have branched out and become more integrated within the library.

Originality/value

This study has implications for those entering the library field and LIS programs, as well as gaining insight into the expanding role of technology librarians today’s library.