bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Description of Resident (Alto Focus) Pottery
Authors: Krieger Alex D.
Published: June 2018

The various potteries supposedly made at the Davis site are described below, as (1) types, and (2) descriptive groups of uncertain typological affiliation. The statistics cited are taken from Tables 3-11 and the summaries in Tables 13-14.

Descriptions of each major type have been made in the approved outline form of the Southeastern Archaeological Conference and are on file in the Anthropology Department of the University of Texas. They are not published here because I regard the pottery typology of this site, and the whole lower Mississippi region in general, as still in a state of experimentation. There may be many changes before we can be satisfied with the full ranges of variation (especially local variations) in many present types; there may be considerable shifting in the composition of known types, in conferences for that purpose or by other means, And, no matter how good and complete the formal outline descriptions are in any area, one cannot positively identify pottery types with them.
Presumed Trade and Aberrant Pottery
Authors: Krieger Alex D.
Published: June 2018

The pottery in the following sections is not considered to belong to the Alto Focus complex, but to occur with it at different points in the Davis site occupation by trade or other means. If the writer appears to vacillate over what is and what is not trade pottery here, it is due in part to the problem of separating what could have been produced at the site (as extreme variations of resident styles) from what probably was not (because of some distinctive attribute which would mark it as foreign). In certain cases of pronounced deviation, a foreign origin is obvious enough, particularly when the source areas are well known. But where the whole tradition is similar as in the clay-tempered pottery of the lower Mississippi Valley region, and a great range of decorative techniques was employed for long periods of time, the problem is not easy.
Collective quality improvement in the paediatric cardiology acute care unit: establishment of the Pediatric Acute Care Cardiology Collaborative (PAC3)
Authors: Kipps Alaina K. , Cassidy Steven C. , Strohacker Courtney M. , Graupe Margaret , Bates Katherine E. , McLellan Mary C. , Harahsheh Ashraf S. , Hanke Samuel P. , Tanel Ronn E. , Schachtner Susan K. , Gaies Michael , Madsen Nicolas
Published: June 2018

Collaborative quality improvement and learning networks have amended healthcare quality and value across specialities. Motivated by these successes, the Pediatric Acute Care Cardiology Collaborative (PAC3) was founded in late 2014 with an emphasis on improving outcomes of paediatric cardiology patients within cardiac acute care units; acute care encompasses all hospital-based inpatient non-intensive care. PAC3aims to deliver higher quality and greater value care by facilitating the sharing of ideas and building alignment among its member institutions. These aims are intentionally aligned with the work of other national clinical collaborations, registries, and parent advocacy organisations. The mission and early work of PAC3is exemplified by the formal partnership with the Pediatric Cardiac Critical Care Consortium (PC4), as well as the creation of a clinical registry, which links with the PC4registry to track practices and outcomes across the entire inpatient encounter from admission to discharge. Capturing the full inpatient experience allows detection of outcome differences related to variation in care delivered outside the cardiac ICU and development of benchmarks for cardiac acute care. We aspire to improve patient outcomes such as morbidity, hospital length of stay, and re-admission rates, while working to advance patient and family satisfaction. We will use quality improvement methodologies consistent with the Model for Improvement to achieve these aims. Membership currently includes 36 centres across North America, out of which 26 are also members of PC4. In this report, we describe the development of PAC3, including the philosophical, organisational, and infrastructural elements that will enable a paediatric acute care cardiology learning network.
Mid-term follow-up study of neonatal isolated aberrant right subclavian artery
Authors: Jan Sheng-Ling , Lin Ming-Chih , Chan Sheng-Ching
Published: June 2018

Background

Aberrant right subclavian artery is the most common congenital aortic arch anomaly. There are a few reports concerning the clinical manifestations and follow-up of this CHD detected by echocardiographic screening.

Methods

A total of 1737 full-term neonates, with a male-to-female ratio of 900:837, received echocardiographic screening. Neonates with or without isolated aberrant right subclavian artery were studied during infancy.

Results

Among the 1737 cases, a total of 15 (0.86%) female-predominant neonates, with a male-to-female ratio of 6:9, had isolated aberrant right subclavian artery. They were compared with 20 age- and gender-matched normal neonates. There were no significant differences in maternal age, gestational age, or para gravity between the two groups, except for birth size (birth length- and weight-for-age percentiles, p = 0.006 and 0.045, respectively), which was smaller in the aberrant right subclavian artery group. Although there were no significant differences in developmental history, gastrointestinal, or respiratory symptoms, neonates with aberrant right subclavian artery had a higher incidence of mild developmental delay and feeding difficulty than normal infants (21 versus 0%, p = 0.061; 36 versus 20%, p = 0.264, respectively). The growth rates of body length and weight during infancy were not significantly different between the two groups.

Conclusions

Echocardiography can be applied as a first-line investigation in the diagnostic work-up for aberrant right subclavian artery. Neonates with aberrant right subclavian artery had a smaller size at birth, although growth rates were not significantly different from those of normal infants. This study does not support an active surgical policy for asymptomatic infants with isolated aberrant right subclavian artery. A larger study and longer follow-up of affected infants is recommended.
“THE BRIDES OF DECONSTRUCTION AND CRITICISM” AND THE TRANSFORMATION OF FEMINISM IN THE NORTH AMERICAN ACADEMY
Authors: JONES-KATZ GREGORY
Published: June 2018

“The Brides of Deconstruction and Criticism,” an informal group of feminist literary critics active at Yale University during the 1970s, were inspired by second-wave feminist curriculum, activities, and thought, as well as by the politics of the women's and gay liberation movements, in their effort to intervene into patterns of female effacement and marginalization. By the early 1980s, while helping direct deconstructive reading away from the self-subversiveness of French and English prose and poetry, the Brides made groundbreaking contributions to—and in several cases founded—fields of scholarly inquiry. During the late 1980s, these feminist deconstructionists, having overcome resistance from within Yale's English Department and elsewhere, used their works as social and political acts to help pave the way for the successes of cultural studies in the North American academy. Far from a supplément to what Barbara Johnson boldly called the “Male School,” the Brides of Deconstruction and Criticism arguably were the Yale school. Examining the distinct but interrelated projects of Yale's feminist deconstructive moment and how local and contingent events as well as the national climate, rather than the importation of so-called French theory, informed this moment gives us a clearer rendering of the story of deconstruction.
A 1 to 32 GHz broadband multi-octave receiver for monolithic integrated vector network analyzers in SiGe technology
Authors: Dietz Marco , Bauch Andreas , Aufinger Klaus , Weigel Robert , Hagelauer Amelie
Published: June 2018

A multi-octave receiver chain is presented for the use in a monolithic integrated vector network analyzer. The receiver exhibits a very wide frequency range of 1–32 GHz, where the gain meets the 3 dB-criterion. The differential receiver consists of an ultra-wideband low noise amplifier, an active mixer and an output buffer and exhibits a maximum conversion gain (CG) of 16.6 dB. The main design goal is a very flat CG over five octaves, which eases calibration of the monolithic integrated vector network analyzer. To realize variable gain functionality, without losing much input matching, an extended gain control circuit with additional feedback branch is shown. For the maximum gain level, a matching better than −10 dB is achieved between 1–28 GHz, and up to 30.5 GHz the matching is better than −8.4 dB. For both, the input matching and the gain of the LNA, the influence of the fabrication tolerances are investigated. A second gain control is implemented to improve isolation. The measured isolations between RF-to-LO and LO-to-RF are better than 30 dB and 60 dB, respectively. The LO-to-IF isolation is better than 35 dB. The noise figure of the broadband receiver is between 4.6 and 5.8 dB for 4–32 GHz and the output referred 1-dB-compression-point varies from 0.1 to 4.3 dBm from 2–32 GHz. The receiver draws a current of max. 66 mA at 3.3 V.
Erfassung des Lesevolumens in Large-Scale Studien
Authors: Locher Franziska M. , Pfost Maximilian
Published: June 2018

Zusammenfassung. In diesem Beitrag werden 2 Möglichkeiten der Erfassung des Lesevolumens, wie sie in Large-Scale-Studien meist verwendet werden, verglichen – zum einen ein differenziertes textsortenspezifisches Urteil und zum anderen ein häufig angewendetes Globalurteil zur Einschätzung des Lesevolumens. Zum Vergleich der beiden Urteile liegen Daten des Nationalen Bildungspanels (NEPS) mit einer Stichprobe von N = 5 475 Schülerinnen und Schülern der 5. Klassenstufe und N = 16 425 Schülerinnen und Schülern der 9. Klassenstufe sowie eine Stichprobe aus PISA 2009 von N = 4 979 Schülerinnen und Schülern im Alter von 15 Jahren vor. Insgesamt zeigt sich, dass im NEPS (insbesondere in Klassenstufe 5) das Globalurteil das verlässlichere Instrument darstellt. Für die textsortenspezifischen Urteile zeigen sich u. a. deutliche Bodeneffekte und nur geringe Zusammenhänge mit den Kriteriumsmaßen Lesefreude und Lesekompetenz. Im Vergleich der beiden textsortenspezifischen Urteile in NEPS und PISA zeigt sich ein Vorteil für die in PISA verwendeten Items. Es werden Empfehlungen für den Umgang mit den NEPS-Daten aus den entsprechenden Scientific-Use-Files abgeleitet.
Normierung des SF-12 Version 2.0 zur Messung der gesundheitsbezogenen Lebensqualität in einer deutschen bevölkerungsrepräsentativen Stichprobe
Authors: Wirtz Markus Antonius , Morfeld Matthias , Glaesmer Heide , Brähler Elmar
Published: June 2018

Zusammenfassung. Der Short-Form-Health Survey (SF-12) ist ein Screeninginstrument zur Erfassung der gesundheitsbezogenen Lebensqualität. Der Körperliche Skalenwert repräsentiert Allgemeine Gesundheitswahrnehmung, Körperliche Funktionsfähigkeit und Rollenfunktion sowie Schmerzen. Der Psychische Skalenwert bildet Emotionale Rollenfunktion, Psychisches Wohlbefinden, Negativen Affekt und Soziale Funktionsfähigkeit ab. Alternativ kann die Emotionale Rollenfunktion getrennt ermittelt werden. Die Daten entstammen einer schriftlichen Befragung einer für Deutschland repräsentativen Normstichprobe von N = 2 524 Personen. Der Körperliche Skalenwert kann mit R2 = .305 besser prädiziert werden als die Skalenwerte des psychischen Bereichs (R2 = .094 – .110). Das Alter determiniert den höchsten Varianzanteil. Zudem sind Geschlecht, Einkommen, Familienstand und Beruf prädiktiv. Die Normdaten werden für die Gesamtstichprobe sowie getrennt für Geschlechts- und Altersgruppen berichtet. Erwartungsgemäß treten in der nicht-klinischen Stichprobe Deckeneffekte am positiven Pol der Skalen auf. Einschränkungen der gesundheitsbezogenen Lebensqualität werden differenziert abgebildet.
„Emotionale Intelligenz“ mit einem Fragebogen messen?
Authors: Amrhein Annelie , Breuker Julia J. , Rost Detlef H.
Published: June 2018

Zusammenfassung. Die faktorielle Validität des Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire – Adolescent Short Form (TEIQue-ASF) und der Beitrag der damit erfassten „Emotionalen Intelligenz“ (EI) zur Aufklärung von Schulerfolg wurden an N = 711 deutschen Schülerinnen und Schüler der 6., 7. und 8. Jahrgangsstufe überprüft. Explorative und konfirmatorische Faktorenanalysen ergaben, dass weder das zugrundeliegende theoretische Vier-Faktoren-Modell noch der für die Kurzform vorgesehene globale EI-Wert mit den Daten vereinbar waren. Stattdessen resultierte eine dreifaktorielle Lösung mit 9 Items, welche auch im Vergleich zu Alternativmodellen am besten auf die Daten passte. Jenseits von verbaler Intelligenz und klassischen Persönlichkeitsvariablen lieferte der TEIQue-ASF keinen bedeutsamen Beitrag zur Varianzaufklärung der Schulleistung (Notendurchschnitt). Die Nützlichkeit des TEIQue-ASF wird diskutiert, weitere Validitätsüberprüfungen werden dringend empfohlen.
Inversion of Structural Geology Data for Fold Geometry
Authors: Grose L. , Laurent G. , Aillères L. , Armit R. , Jessell M. , Cousin‐Dechenaud T.
Published: June 2018

Recent developments in structural modeling techniques have dramatically increased the capability to incorporate fold‐related data into the modeling workflow. However, these techniques are lacking a mathematical framework for properly addressing structural uncertainties. Previous studies investigating structural uncertainties have focused on the sensitivity of the interpolator to perturbing the input data. These approaches do not incorporate conceptual uncertainty about the geological structures and interpolation process to the overall uncertainty estimate. In this work, we frame structural modeling as an inverse problem and use a Bayesian framework to reconcile structural parameters and data uncertainties. Bayesian inference is applied for determining the posterior probability distribution of fold parameters given a set of structural observations and prior distributions based on general geological knowledge and regional observations. This approach allows for an inversion of structural geology data, where each realization can differ in the structural description of the fold geometries, instead of finding only a single best fit solution. We show that analyzing the variability between the resulting models highlights uncertainties associated with the geometry of regional structures. These areas can be used to target where additional data would be most beneficial for improving the model quality and efficiently reducing structural uncertainty.
Seafloor Topography Estimation From Gravity Gradients Using Simulated Annealing
Authors: Yang Junjun , Jekeli Christopher , Liu Lintao
Published: June 2018

Inferring seafloor topography from gravity anomaly currently is the dominant method to obtain a global view of the oceans. Standard techniques rely on an approximate, linear relationship between topography and gravity, which is valid only if the local topography is smooth compared with the regional topography, so the estimation accuracy in the very rugged areas is low. Current methods can be improved by removing the linear approximation and estimating the topography through simulated annealing and by using gravity gradiometry that is more sensitive to topography at short wavelengths than the gravity anomaly. Simulated annealing is a global optimization technique that can process nonlinear inverse problems. It is developed to estimate the seafloor depths by minimizing the difference between the observed and forward‐computed vertical gravity gradients. The method is tested on altimetry‐derived gravity gradients in a 2∘×2∘ area of rugged seafloor topography in the West Pacific Ocean and results in estimates with a root‐mean‐square error of ±236 m. Compared to estimates from an existing model obtained by standard techniques this represents an accuracy improvement of 22%.
Spatial Distribution of Channel and Floodplain Large Wood in Forested River Corridors of the Northern Rockies
Authors: Wohl Ellen , Scott Daniel N. , Lininger Katherine B.
Published: June 2018

Planform geometry, spatial heterogeneity, and large wood abundance and distribution were characterized using combined remote imagery and field surveys along lengths of 20–28 km in four river corridors (channels and floodplains) in northwestern Montana. Study sites included four planform geometries: meandering, straight, braided, and multichannel. Planform spatial heterogeneity of channels and floodplains, such as proportion of the active channel in bars, sinuosity, braiding index, and the number of active channels, differs in relation to channel planform type. Braided and multichannel rivers have significantly greater spatial heterogeneity of channels and floodplains and store significantly greater volumes of wood in the channel. Wood is preferentially stored in jams, and jams are preferentially stored in shallow areas of the active channel (midchannel bars, inner bends, and secondary channels) and in abandoned channels on the floodplain. We interpret these results using a conceptual model in which boundary conditions create sufficient valley‐bottom width for the development of planform spatial heterogeneity, which then promotes storage of large wood. The results of this study can inform management that protects or restores spatial heterogeneity.
Mechanically robust stretchable organic optoelectronic devices built using a simple and universal stencil-pattern transferring technology
Authors: Yin Da , Jiang Nai-Rong , Liu Yue-Feng , Zhang Xu-Lin , Li Ai-Wu , Feng Jing , Sun Hong-Bo
Published: June 2018

Stretchable electronic and optoelectronic devices based on controllable ordered buckling structures exhibit superior mechanical stability by retaining their buckling profile without distortion in repeated stretch-release cycles. However, a simple and universal technology to introduce ordered buckling structures into stretchable devices remains a real challenge. Here, a simple and general stencil-pattern transferring technology was applied to stretchable organic light-emitting devices (SOLEDs) and polymer solar cells (SPSCs) to realize an ordered buckling profile. To the best of our knowledge, both the SOLEDs and SPSCs with periodic buckles exhibited the highest mechanical robustness by operating with small performance variations after 20,000 and 12,000 stretch-release cycles between 0% and 20% tensile strain, respectively. Notably, in this work, periodic-buckled structures were introduced into SPSCs for the first time, with the number of stretch-release cycles for the SPSCs improved by two orders of magnitude compared to that for previously reported random-buckled stretchable organic solar cells. The simple method used in this work provides a universal solution for low-cost and high-performance stretchable electronic and optoelectronic devices and promotes the commercial development of stretchable devices in wearable electronics.
High-throughput analysis of the RNA-induced silencing complex in myotonic dystrophy type 1 patients identifies the dysregulation of miR-29c and its target ASB2
Authors: Cappella Marisa , Perfetti Alessandra , Cardinali Beatrice , Garcia-Manteiga Jose Manuel , Carrara Matteo , Provenzano Claudia , Fuschi Paola , Cardani Rosanna , Renna Laura Valentina , Meola Giovanni , Falcone Germana , Martelli Fabio
Published: June 2018

Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a multi-systemic disorder caused by abnormally expanded stretches of CTG DNA triplets in theDMPKgene, leading to mutated-transcript RNA-toxicity. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNAs that, after maturation, are loaded onto the RISC effector complex that destabilizes target mRNAs and represses their translation. In DM1 muscle biopsies not only the expression, but also the intracellular localization of specific miRNAs is disrupted, leading to the dysregulation of the relevant mRNA targets. To investigate the functional alterations of the miRNA/target interactions in DM1, we analyzed by RNA-sequencing the RISC-associated RNAs in skeletal muscle biopsies derived from DM1 patients and matched controls. The mRNAs found deregulated in DM1 biopsies were involved in pathways and functions relevant for the disease, such as energetic metabolism, calcium signaling, muscle contraction and p53-dependent apoptosis. Bioinformatic analysis of the miRNA/mRNA interactions based on the RISC enrichment profiles, identified 24 miRNA/mRNA correlations. Following validation in 21 independent samples, we focused on the couple miR-29c/ASB2 because of the role of miR-29c in fibrosis (a feature of late-stage DM1 patients) and of ASB2 in the regulation of muscle mass. Luciferase reporter assay confirmed the direct interaction between miR-29c and ASB2. Moreover, decreased miR-29c and increased ASB2 levels were verified also in immortalized myogenic cells and primary fibroblasts, derived from biopsies of DM1 patients and controls. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated deletion of CTG expansions rescued normal miR-29c and ASB2 levels, indicating a direct link between the mutant repeats and the miRNA/target expression. In conclusion, functionally relevant miRNA/mRNA interactions were identified in skeletal muscles of DM1 patients, highlighting the dysfunction of miR-29c and ASB2.
Targeting sphingolipid metabolism as an approach for combination therapies in haematological malignancies
Authors: Lewis Alexander C. , Wallington-Beddoe Craig T. , Powell Jason A. , Pitson Stuart M.
Published: June 2018

Conventional chemotherapy-based drug combinations have, until recently, been the backbone of most therapeutic strategies for cancer. In a time of emerging rationale drug development, targeted therapies are beginning to be added to traditional chemotherapeutics to synergistically enhance clinical responses. Of note, the importance of pro-apoptotic ceramide in mediating the anti-cancer effects of these therapies is becoming more apparent. Furthermore, reduced cellular ceramide in favour of pro-survival sphingolipids correlates with tumorigenesis and most importantly, drug resistance. Thus, agents that manipulate sphingolipid metabolism have been explored as potential anti-cancer agents and have recently demonstrated exciting potential to augment the efficacy of anti-cancer therapeutics. This review examines the biology underpinning these observations and the potential use of sphingolipid manipulating agents in the context of existing and emerging therapies for haematological malignancies.
Co-occurrence of frameshift mutations in SMAD6 and TCF12 in a child with complex craniosynostosis
Authors: Timberlake Andrew T. , Wu Robin , Nelson-Williams Carol , Furey Charuta G. , Hildebrand Kristi I. , Elton Scott W. , Wood Jeyhan S. , Persing John A. , Lifton Richard P.
Published: June 2018

Non-syndromic craniosynostosis (CS) affects 1 in 2350 live births. Recent studies have shown that a significant fraction of cases are caused by de novo or rare transmitted mutations that promote premature osteoblast differentiation in cranial sutures. Rare heterozygous loss-of-function (LOF) mutations in SMAD6 and TCF12 are highly enriched in patients with non-syndromic sagittal and coronal CS, respectively. Interestingly, both mutations show striking incomplete penetrance, suggesting a role for modifying alleles; in the case of SMAD6, a common variant near BMP2 drastically increases penetrance of sagittal CS. Here, we report a proband presenting with both sagittal and coronal craniosynostosis with the highly unusual recurrence of CS within two months of initial surgery, requiring a second operation to re-establish suture patency at six months of age. Exome sequencing revealed a rare transmitted frameshift mutation in SMAD6 (p. 152 fs*27) inherited from an unaffected parent, absence of the common BMP2 risk variant, and a de novo frameshift mutation in TCF12 (p.E548fs*14). SMAD6 and TCF12 independently inhibit transcriptional targets of BMP signaling. The findings are consistent with epistasis of these mutations, increasing penetrance and severity of CS in this proband. They also add to the list of composite phenotypes resulting from two Mendelian mutations, and support the utility of exome sequencing in atypical CS cases.
Peptide density targets and impedes triple negative breast cancer metastasis
Authors: Liu Daxing , Guo Peng , McCarthy Craig , Wang Biran , Tao Yu , Auguste Debra
Published: June 2018

The C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4, CD184) pathway is a key regulator of cancer metastasis. Existing therapeutics that block CXCR4 signaling are dependent on single molecule-receptor interactions or silencing CXCR4 expression. CXCR4 localizes in lipid rafts and forms dimers therefore CXCR4 targeting and signaling may depend on ligand density. Herein, we report liposomes presenting a CXCR4 binding peptide (DV1) as a three-dimensional molecular array, ranging from 9k to 74k molecules μm−2, target triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). TNBC cells exhibit a maxima in binding and uptake of DV1-functionalized liposomes (L-DV1) in vitro at a specific density, which yields a significant reduction in cell migration. This density inhibits metastasis from a primary tumor for 27 days, resulting from peptide density dependent gene regulation. We show that complementing cell membrane receptor expression may be a strategy for targeting cells and regulating signaling.
Large second harmonic generation in alloyed TMDs and boron nitride nanostructures
Authors: Lucking Michael C. , Beach Kory , Terrones Humberto
Published: June 2018

First principles methods are used to explicitly calculate the nonlinear susceptibility (χ(2)(2ω, ω, ω)) representing the second harmonic generation (SHG) of two dimensional semiconducting materials, namely transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) and Boron Nitride (BN). It is found that alloying TMDs improves their second harmonic response, with MoTeS alloys exhibiting the highest of all hexagonal alloys at low photon energies. Moreover, careful examination of the relationship between the concentration of Se in MoxSeySz alloys shows that the SHG intensity can be tuned by modifying the stoichiometry. In addition, materials with curvature can have large second harmonic susceptibility. Of all the calculated monolayer structures, the hypothetical TMD Haeckelites NbSSe and Nb0.5Ta0.5S2 exhibit the highest χ(2), while one of the porous 3D structures constructed from 2D hBN exhibits a larger χ(2) than known large band gap 3-D materials.
MicroRNA interactome analysis predicts post-transcriptional regulation of ADRB2 and PPP3R1 in the hypercholesterolemic myocardium
Authors: Ágg Bence , Baranyai Tamás , Makkos András , Vető Borbála , Faragó Nóra , Zvara Ágnes , Giricz Zoltán , Veres Dániel V. , Csermely Péter , Arányi Tamás , Puskás László G. , Varga Zoltán V. , Ferdinandy Péter
Published: June 2018

Little is known about the molecular mechanism including microRNAs (miRNA) in hypercholesterolemia-induced cardiac dysfunction. We aimed to explore novel hypercholesterolemia-induced pathway alterations in the heart by an unbiased approach based on miRNA omics, target prediction and validation. With miRNA microarray we identified forty-seven upregulated and ten downregulated miRNAs in hypercholesterolemic rat hearts compared to the normocholesterolemic group. Eleven mRNAs with at least 4 interacting upregulated miRNAs were selected by a network theoretical approach, out of which 3 mRNAs (beta-2 adrenergic receptor [Adrb2], calcineurin B type 1 [Ppp3r1] and calcium/calmodulin-dependent serine protein kinase [Cask]) were validated with qRT-PCR and Western blot. In hypercholesterolemic hearts, the expression of Adrb2 mRNA was significantly decreased. ADRB2 and PPP3R1 protein were significantly downregulated in hypercholesterolemic hearts. The direct interaction of Adrb2 with upregulated miRNAs was demonstrated by luciferase reporter assay. Gene ontology analysis revealed that the majority of the predicted mRNA changes may contribute to the hypercholesterolemia-induced cardiac dysfunction. In summary, the present unbiased target prediction approach based on global cardiac miRNA expression profiling revealed for the first time in the literature that both the mRNA and protein product of Adrb2 and PPP3R1 protein are decreased in the hypercholesterolemic heart.
The extensive networks of frequent population mobility in the Samoan Islands and their implications for infectious disease transmission
Authors: Xu Zhijing , Lau Colleen L. , Zhou Xiaoyan , Fuimaono Saipale , Soares Magalhães Ricardo J. , Graves Patricia M.
Published: June 2018

Population mobility has been demonstrated to contribute to the persistent transmission and global diffusion of epidemics. In the Pacific Islands, population mobility is particularly important for emerging infectious diseases, disease elimination programs, and diseases spread by close contact. The extent of population mobility between American Samoa villages, Samoa districts and other countries was investigated based on travel data collected during community surveys in American Samoa in 2010 and 2014. Within American Samoa, workers commuted daily across the whole of the main island of Tutuila, with work hubs drawing from villages across the island. Of the 670 adult workers surveyed, 37% had traveled overseas in the past year, with 68% of trips to Samoa. Of children aged 8–13 years (n = 337), 57% had traveled overseas, with 55% of trips to Samoa. An extensive network of connections between American Samoa villages and Samoa districts was demonstrated, with most trips lasting one week to one month. Our study showed that populations in the Samoan islands are highly mobile, and quantified the extent and destinations of their travels. Our findings offer insight into the impact of population mobility on the transmission of infectious diseases and data to refine existing models of disease transmission in the Pacific islands.
Identifying Recrudescent Plasmodium falciparum in Treated Malaria Patients by Real-time PCR and High Resolution Melt Analysis of Genetic Diversity
Authors: Beshir Khalid B. , Diallo Nouhoum , Sutherland Colin J.
Published: June 2018

Recurrent parasitaemia during follow up of clinical trials of antimalarial drug efficacy results from either recrudescence of parasites surviving treatment or from parasites newly emerging from the hepatic stage of infection. Nested PCR is used to distinguish these two possibilities and the technique is difficult to standardise. There is risk of both false positive and false negative results, leading to misclassification errors. The high-resolution melt (HRM) assay was developed with pairs of conserved primers targeting blocks of merozoite surface protein 1 and 2 (msp1 and msp2) genes, and polymorphisms were compared using sequence-confirmed Plasmodium falciparum DNA samples from laboratory isolates. In this study, the HRM dissociation profiles of msp1 and msp2 amplicons were determined and validated against parasite isolates from malaria patients. The msp1 and msp2 profiles of both laboratory and clinical isolates were reproducibly differentiated by HRM. These rapid assays are performed in a closed-tube system, and so avoid cross-contamination while increasing throughput, which are two major advantages. The HRM assays offer significant gains in simplicity, speed and interpretation of results, and reduced analysis cost, for studies that require discrimination of parasite clones. Assay performance in large-scale studies utilizing DNA samples derived from filter-paper bloodspots should now be evaluated.
Flow of CO2 from soil may not correspond with CO2 concentration in soil
Authors: Frouz Jan , Bujalský Luděk
Published: June 2018

The relationship between CO2flow from soil and soil CO2concentration was investigated at 72 permanent sampling points at two forested post-mining sites in the northwest of the Czechia. Based on the entire data set (72 points sampled monthly during the growing season), CO2flow from the soil was positively correlated with soil CO2concentration. CO2concentration in deeper soil layers was positively correlated with root biomass and negatively correlated with soil microbial respiration. In individual sampling points relationship between CO2flow and soil CO2concentration varied from being significantly positive (30% of points) to significantly negative (7%) but mostly being non-significant (63%). The positive correlation occurred at points with high root biomass in deeper soil layers, while the negative correlation occurred at points with high soil microbial respiration per cm3of soil. Laboratory experiments showed that the CO2produced by microbial respiration can reduce microbial respiration but that CO2produced by root respiration did not reduce root respiration. The results indicate that when soil ventilation is poor, microbial respiration can sufficiently increase soil CO2concentration so as to reduce microbial respiration, which greatly increases the variability in the relationship between CO2flow from soil and soil CO2concentration.
Processing and Structure of the Lantibiotic Peptide Nso From the Human Gut Bacterium Blautia obeum A2-162 analysed by Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Gherghisan-Filip Cristina , Saalbach Gerhard , Hatziioanou Diane , Narbad Arjan , Mayer Melinda J.
Published: June 2018

A previously reported gene cluster encoding four nisin-like peptides, three with the same sequence (NsoA1-3) and the unique NsoA4, produced antimicrobial activity in the presence of trypsin after heterologous expression in Lactococcus lactis. Protein extracts were separated by SDS gel electrophoresis or immunoprecipitation using an antibody to the NsoA2 leader. Tryptic peptides observed by LC-MS/MS covered the complete sequence of preNsoA1-3 and part of the leader sequence of preNsoA4 and confirmed the expression and the predicted sequences of the preNsoA peptides. Further, the data revealed that the preNsoA1-3 peptides were partly modified with dehydrations and formation of lanthionine rings. A certain amount of fully modified preNsoA1-3 was observed. Details of modifications of the core peptide and the C-terminal tryptic peptide TATCGCHITGK covering rings D and E indicated that 22% of these preNsoA1-3 peptides were completely modified. A lower amount of ring formation is estimated for rings A-C. Intact masses of immunoprecipitation-derived peptides determined by LC-MS accurately matched the expected preNsoA precursor peptides. The most abundant peptides detected were preNsoA2-3-8H2O followed by preNsoA1-8H2O and other states of dehydration. The results confirm incomplete processing of preNsoA peptides in the heterologous system, with the formation of a certain amount of fully modified peptides.
Combing signal processing methods with algorithm priori information to produce synergetic improvements on continuous imaging of brain electrical impedance tomography
Authors: Li Haoting , Chen Rongqing , Xu Canhua , Liu Benyuan , Dong Xiuzhen , Fu Feng
Published: June 2018

Dynamic electrical impedance tomography (EIT) promises to be a valuable technique for monitoring the development of brain injury. But in practical long-term monitoring, noise and interferences may cause insufficient image quality. To help unveil intracranial conductivity changes, signal processing methods were introduced to improve EIT data quality and algorithms were optimized to be more robust. However, gains for EIT image reconstruction can be significantly increased if we combine the two techniques properly. The basic idea is to apply the priori information in algorithm to help de-noise EIT data and use signal processing to optimize algorithm. First, we process EIT data with principal component analysis (PCA) and reconstruct an initial CT-EIT image. Then, as the priori that changes in scalp and skull domains are unwanted, we eliminate their corresponding boundary voltages from data sets. After the two-step denoising process, we finally re-select a local optimal regularization parameter and accomplish the reconstruction. To evaluate performances of the signal processing-priori information based reconstruction (SPR) method, we conducted simulation and in-vivo experiments. The results showed SPR could improve brain EIT image quality and recover the intracranial perturbations from certain bad measurements, while for some measurement data the generic reconstruction method failed.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis CarD, an essential global transcriptional regulator forms amyloid-like fibrils
Authors: Kaur Gundeep , Kaundal Soni , Kapoor Srajan , Grimes Jonathan M. , Huiskonen Juha T. , Thakur Krishan Gopal
Published: June 2018

CarD is an essential global transcription regulator from Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) that binds RNA polymerase and activates transcription by stabilizing the transcription initiation complex. Available crystal structures have captured two distinct, monomeric and domain-swapped homodimeric, oligomeric states of CarD. However, the actual oligomeric state of CarD in solution and its biological relevance has remained unclear. Here, we confirm the presence of the homodimeric state of CarD in solution by using synchrotron-based small-angle X-ray scattering. Furthermore, by using biochemical and biophysical experiments, in addition to mass-spectrometry, transmission electron microscopy, and confocal imaging, we show that CarD is the first soluble cytosolic protein in Mtb which displays the tendency to form amyloid-like fibrils both in vitro as well as in vivo. We demonstrate that the deletion of the fourteen N-terminal residues involved in domain-swapping hampers amyloid formation, thus, suggesting that domain-swapping is crucial in amyloidogenesis. The discovery of the amyloidogenic property of an essential cytosolic global transcription regulator, CarD, in a pathogenic bacteria will further open up new frontiers in research.
Across-subject offline decoding of motor imagery from MEG and EEG
Authors: Halme Hanna-Leena , Parkkonen Lauri
Published: June 2018

Long calibration time hinders the feasibility of brain-computer interfaces (BCI). If other subjects’ data were used for training the classifier, BCI-based neurofeedback practice could start without the initial calibration. Here, we compare methods for inter-subject decoding of left- vs. right-hand motor imagery (MI) from MEG and EEG. Six methods were tested on data involving MEG and EEG measurements of healthy participants. Inter-subject decoders were trained on subjects showing good within-subject accuracy, and tested on all subjects, including poor performers. Three methods were based on Common Spatial Patterns (CSP), and three others on logistic regression with l1- or l2,1-norm regularization. The decoding accuracy was evaluated using (1) MI and (2) passive movements (PM) for training, separately for MEG and EEG. With MI training, the best accuracies across subjects (mean 70.6% for MEG, 67.7% for EEG) were obtained using multi-task learning (MTL) with logistic regression and l2,1-norm regularization. MEG yielded slightly better average accuracies than EEG. With PM training, none of the inter-subject methods yielded above chance level (58.7%) accuracy. In conclusion, MTL and training with other subject’s MI is efficient for inter-subject decoding of MI. Passive movements of other subjects are likely suboptimal for training the MI classifiers.
MicroRNA expression analysis identifies a subset of downregulated miRNAs in ALS motor neuron progenitors
Authors: Rizzuti Mafalda , Filosa Giuseppe , Melzi Valentina , Calandriello Luca , Dioni Laura , Bollati Valentina , Bresolin Nereo , Comi Giacomo Pietro , Barabino Silvia , Nizzardo Monica , Corti Stefania
Published: June 2018

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurological disorder that is characterized by a progressive degeneration of motor neurons (MNs). The pathomechanism underlying the disease is largely unknown, even though increasing evidence suggests that RNA metabolism, including microRNAs (miRNAs) may play an important role. In this study, human ALS induced pluripotent stem cells were differentiated into MN progenitors and their miRNA expression profiles were compared to those of healthy control cells. We identified 15 downregulated miRNAs in patients’ cells. Gene ontology and molecular pathway enrichment analysis indicated that the predicted target genes of the differentially expressed miRNAs were involved in neurodegeneration-related pathways. Among the 15 examined miRNAs, miR-34a and miR504 appeared particularly relevant due to their involvement in the p53 pathway, synaptic vesicle regulation and general involvement in neurodegenerative diseases. Taken together our results demonstrate that the neurodegenerative phenotype in ALS can be associated with a dysregulation of miRNAs involved in the control of disease-relevant genetic pathways, suggesting that targeting entire gene networks can be a potential strategy to treat complex diseases such as ALS.
Reversible mislocalization of a disease-associated MRE11 splice variant product
Authors: Hartlerode Andrea J. , Regal Joshua A. , Ferguson David O.
Published: June 2018

Ataxia-telangiectasia (AT) and related disorders feature cancer predisposition, neurodegeneration, and immunodeficiency resulting from failure to respond to DNA damage. Hypomorphic mutations in MRE11 cause an AT-like disorder (ATLD) with variable clinical presentation. We have sought to understand how diverse MRE11 mutations may provide unique therapeutic opportunities, and potentially correlate with clinical variability. Here we have undertaken studies of an MRE11 splice site mutation that was found in two ATLD siblings that died of pulmonary adenocarcinoma at the young ages of 9 and 16. The mutation, termed MRE11 alternative splice mutation (MRE11ASM), causes skipping of a highly conserved exon while preserving the protein’s open reading frame. A new mouse model expressing Mre11ASM from the endogenous locus demonstrates that the protein is present at very low levels, a feature in common with the MRE11ATLD1 mutant found in other patients. However, the mechanisms causing low protein levels are distinct. MRE11ASM is mislocalized to the cytoplasm, in contrast to MRE11ATLD1, which remains nuclear. Strikingly, MRE11ASM mislocalization is corrected by inhibition of the proteasome, implying that the protein undergoes strict protein quality control in the nucleus. These findings raise the prospect that inhibition of poorly understood nuclear protein quality control mechanisms might have therapeutic benefit in genetic disorders causing cytoplasmic mislocalization.
Fungi in perennial ice from Scărișoara Ice Cave (Romania)
Authors: Brad Traian , Itcus Corina , Pascu Madalina-Denisa , Perșoiu Aurel , Hillebrand-Voiculescu Alexandra , Iancu Lavinia , Purcarea Cristina
Published: June 2018

Screening of 1,000-years old ice layers from the perennial ice block of Scărișoara Ice Cave (NW Romania) revealed the presence of fungal communities. Using culture-dependent methods and molecular techniques based on DGGE fingerprinting of 18S rRNA gene fragments and sequencing, we identified 50 cultured and 14 uncultured fungi in presently-forming, 400 and 900 years old ice layers, corresponding to 28 distinct operational taxonomic units (OTUs). The dominant ice-contained fungal OTUs were related to Ascomycota, Basidiomycota and Cryptomycota phyla. Representatives of Mucoromycota and Chytridiomycota were also isolated from recent and 400 years old ice samples. The cryophilic Mrakia stokesii was the most abundant fungal species found in the cave ice samples of all prospected ages, alongside other cryophilic fungi also identified in various glacial environments. Ice deposits formed during the Little Ice Age (dated between AD 1,250 and 1,850) appeared to have a higher fungal diversity than the ice layer formed during the Medieval Warm Period (prior to AD 1,250). A more complex fungal community adapted to low temperatures was obtained from all analyzed ice layers when cultivated at 4 °C as compared to 15 °C, suggesting the dominance of cold-adapted fungi in this glacial habitat. The fungal distribution in the analyzed cave ice layers revealed the presence of unique OTUs in different aged-formed ice deposits, as a first hint for putative further identification of fungal biomarkers for climate variations in this icy habitat. This is the first report on fungi from a rock-hosted cave ice block.
Dual role of SND1 facilitates efficient communication between abiotic stress signalling and normal growth in Arabidopsis
Authors: Jeong Chan Young , Lee Won Je , Truong Hai An , Trịnh Cao Sơn , Jin Joo Yeon , Kim Sulhee , Hwang Kwang Yeon , Kang Chon-Sik , Moon Joon-Kwan , Hong Suk-Whan , Lee Hojoung
Published: June 2018

Certain plant cells synthesize secondary cell walls besides primary cell walls. This biosynthesis is strictly controlled by an array of transcription factors. Here, we show that SND1, a regulator of cell-wall biosynthesis, regulates abscisic acid (ABA) biosynthesis to ensure optimal plant growth. In Arabidopsis, the lack of SND1 and its homolog NST1 leads to the deficiency of secondary cell walls, preventing snd1nst1 double mutant seedlings from growing upright. Compared to wild type seedlings, the snd1 knockout mutant seedlings accumulated less anthocyanin and exhibited low tolerance to salt stress. Compared to wild type seedlings, the snd1 knockout seedlings were more sensitive to salt stress. Although SND1 can bind to the promoter of Myb46, we observed that SND1 binds directly to the promoter of the ABI4 gene, thereby reducing ABA levels under normal growth conditions. Thus, plants adjust secondary cell wall thickening and growth via SND1. SND1 has a dual function: it activates the Myb46 pathway, fostering lignin biosynthesis to produce sufficient cell wall components for growth, while maintaining a low ABA concentration, as it inhibits growth. This dual function of SND1 may help plants modulate their growth efficiently.
Role of neuritin in retinal ganglion cell death in adult mice following optic nerve injury
Authors: Azuchi Yuriko , Namekata Kazuhiko , Shimada Tadayuki , Guo Xiaoli , Kimura Atsuko , Harada Chikako , Saito Atsuko , Yamagata Kanato , Harada Takayuki
Published: June 2018

Neuritin is a small extracellular protein that plays important roles in the process of neural development, synaptic plasticity, and neural cell survival. Here we investigated the function of neuritin in a mouse model of optic nerve injury (ONI). ONI induced upregulation of neuritin mRNA in the retina of WT mice. The retinal structure and the number of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) were normal in adult neuritin knockout (KO) mice. In vivo retinal imaging and histopathological analyses demonstrated that RGC death and inner retinal degeneration following ONI were more severe in neuritin KO mice. Immunoblot analyses revealed that ONI-induced phosphorylation of Akt and ERK were suppressed in neuritin KO mice. Our findings suggest that neuritin has neuroprotective effects following ONI and may be useful for treatment of posttraumatic complication.
Physical Insight on Mechanism of Photoinduced Charge Transfer in Multipolar Photoactive Molecules
Authors: Li Yuanzuo , Sun Chaofan , Song Peng , Ma Fengcai , Kungwan Nawee , Sun Mengtao
Published: June 2018

Two series of novel dyes were designed based on the multipolar structures of the red dye D35 and blue dye DB, by introducing the furan (F), benzene ring (B) and benzo[c]thiophene (BT) groups into the conjugated bridge of D35 in proper order and adjusting the position of diketopyrrolopyrrole(DPP) unit and the incorporation of fluorine in the conjugated bridge of DB, respectively. We performed the quantum chemistry calculation to investigate the ground state and excited properties in a direct correlation with the spectra properties and abilities of losing or accepting electron for the original and designed molecules. Furthermore, the absorption spectra characteristics in consideration of the aggregation of dyes on the TiO2 layer and intermolecular charge transfer rate of the dimers were calculated. The obtained results indicate that the larger intermolecular charge transfer rate leads to the poor photoelectrical properties of the dyes, and the designed dyes D35-3 and DB-2 would exhibit the best photoelectrical properties among the investigated dyes due to their lower energy gaps, widened absorption spectra and prominent charge transfer properties.