bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AHP‐IFM Target: An Innovative Method to Define Reliability Target in an Aerospace Prototype Based on Analytic Hierarchy Process
Authors: Di Bona Gianpaolo , Silvestri Alessandro , Forcina Antonio , Falcone Domenico
Published: February 2017

Reliability target definition is a crucial aspect of any reliability analysis. In literature, there are two types of analysis. The first one, called ‘bottom‐up’, goes back to the system's target using data of units through a fault tree analysis. Reliability data of components could be only partially available, particularly in the case of innovative systems. In the second type of analysis, called ‘top‐down’, starting from similar systems, the target of each unit is defined, by applying allocation techniques. Also, in this case, reliability data of similar systems might not be available, and the choice of the most appropriate technique could be tricky. The purpose of the present research is to combine the advantages of both usual approaches. The newly developed approach is based on the integrated factors method, whose values are adjusted trough a multicriteria method, the analytic hierarchy process, depending on the importance of each factor and each unit. The innovation of the proposed model consists in its dynamism, as most of the literature methods use constant weights for the factors involved in reliability allocation. No method takes into account the assignment of a different level of significance (weight) to different units of the system, simultaneously with the considered factors. The developed approach has been applied on an aerospace prototype system. The results show the goodness of the new method and its ability to overcome the problems noted in literature. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Developing a Robust Disaster Response Robot: CHIMP and the Robotics Challenge
Authors: Haynes G. Clark , Stager David , Stentz Anthony , Vande Weghe J. Michael , Zajac Brian , Herman Herman , Kelly Alonzo , Meyhofer Eric , Anderson Dean , Bennington Dane , Brindza Jordan , Butterworth David , Dellin Chris , George Michael , Gonzalez‐Mora Jose , Jones Morgan , Kini Prathamesh , Laverne Michel , Letwin Nick , Perko Eric , Pinkston Chris , Rice David , Scheifflee Justin , Strabala Kyle , Waldbaum Mark , Warner Randy
Published: February 2017

CHIMP, the CMU Highly Intelligent Mobile Platform, is a humanoid robot capable of executing complex tasks in dangerous, degraded, human‐engineered environments, such as those found in disaster response scenarios. CHIMP is uniquely designed for mobile manipulation in challenging environments, as the robot performs manipulation tasks using an upright posture, yet it uses more stable prostrate postures for mobility through difficult terrain. In this paper, we report on the improvements made to CHIMP—both in its mechanical design and its software systems—in preparation for the DARPA Robotics Challenge Finals in June 2015. These include details on CHIMP's novel mechanical design, actuation systems, robust construction, all‐terrain mobility, supervised autonomy approach, and unique user interfaces utilized for the challenge. Additionally, we provide an overview of CHIMP's performance, and we detail the various lessons learned over the course of the challenge. CHIMP was one of the winners of the DARPA Robotics Challenge, completing all tasks and finishing in 3rd place out of 23 teams. Notably, CHIMP was the only robot to stand back up after accidentally falling over, a testament to the robustness engineered into the robot and a remote operator's ability to execute complex tasks using a highly capable robot. We present CHIMP as a concrete engineering example of a successful disaster response robot.
Efficient private subset computation
Authors: Dou Jiawei , Gong Linming , Li Shundong , Ma Li
Published: February 2017

We consider how to privately determine whether a private set owned by Bob is a subset of another private set owned by Alice. This problem has many applications in online collaboration. We first propose an encoding method to encode a set to a vector, which can reduce a set computation problem to a vector computation. Based on this encoding scheme and two different homomorphic encryption schemes, we present two efficient protocols for private subset problem in case where both private sets are subsets of a known universal set. These protocols are secure both in the semi‐honest model and in the malicious model. We then show how to use these protocols to privately determine whether a private number is a factor of another private number. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells Coculture on Calcium-Induced Differentiation of Normal Human Keratinocytes
Authors: Sah Shyam Kishor , Kim Hae Young , Lee Ji Hae , Lee Seong-Wook , Kim Hyung-Sik , Kim Yeon-Soo , Kang Kyung-Sun , Kim Tae-Yoon
Published: February 2017

The influence of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on keratinocytes in altered microenvironments is poorly understood. Here, we cocultured umbilical cord blood-derived MSCs with normal human epidermal keratinocytes to evaluate their paracrine effect in the presence of high extracellular calcium (Ca2+) concentration. High Ca2+ environment to keratinocytes can disrupt normal skin barrier function due to abnormal/premature differentiation of keratinocytes. Surprisingly, we found that MSCs suppress both proliferation and differentiation of keratinocytes under a high Ca2+ environment in transforming growth factors β1 (TGFβ1)-dependent manner. Furthermore, we determined that MSCs can regulate the mitogen-activated protein kinases, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B, and protein kinase C pathways in Ca2+-induced differentiated keratinocytes. Knockdown of TGFβ1 from MSCs results in decreased suppression of differentiation with significantly increased proliferation of keratinocytes compared with control MSCs. MSCs-derived TGFβ1 further induced growth inhibition of keratinocyte in high extracellular Ca2+ environment as analyzed by a decrease in DNA synthesis, accumulation of phosphorylated retinoblastoma protein, cdc2, and increased mRNA level of p21, and independent of TGFβ1/SMAD pathway. Taken together, we found that MSCs-derived TGFβ1 is a critical regulator of keratinocyte function, and involves multiple proximal signaling cascades.
New insights and changing paradigms in the regulation of vitamin A metabolism in development
Authors: Shannon Stephen R. , Moise Alexander R. , Trainor Paul A.
Published: February 2017

Vitamin A and its active metabolite retinoic acid are essential for embryonic development and adult homeostasis. Surprisingly, excess or deficiency of vitamin A and retinoic acid can cause similar developmental defects. Therefore, strict feedback and other mechanisms exist to regulate the levels of retinoic acid within a narrow physiological range. The oxidation of vitamin A to retinal has recently been established as a critical nodal point in the synthesis of retinoic acid, and over the past decade, RDH10 and DHRS3 have emerged as the predominant enzymes that regulate this reversible reaction. Together they form a codependent complex that facilitates negative feedback maintenance of retinoic acid levels and thus guard against the effects of dysregulated vitamin A metabolism and retinoic acid synthesis. This review focuses on advances in our understanding of the roles of Rdh10 and Dhrs3 and their impact on development and disease. WIREs Dev Biol 2017, 6:e264. doi: 10.1002/wdev.264

This article is categorized under:

Signaling Pathways > Global Signaling Mechanisms

Birth Defects > Craniofacial and Nervous System Anomalies

Birth Defects > Organ Anomalies
A set of isomeric episomal plasmids for systematic examination of mitotic stability in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Hohnholz Ruben , Pohlmann Kim Julia , Achstetter Tilman
Published: February 2017

Yeast episomal shuttle vectors (YEp type) are commonly used in fundamental research and biotechnology whenever elevated product levels are desired. Their instability, however, poses an impediment not only in industrial scale fermentation. In order to analyse instability which might be linked to plasmid structure, a series of YEp type plasmids that are identical in size has been assembled, differing only in the overall arrangement of the fragments used. The performance of the eight plasmid isoforms was studied with respect to mitotic stability. While transformation efficiency in two laboratory strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae does not differ dramatically between the eight plasmids, the plasmids do not, however, perform equally well in terms of segregational stability. Although stable at about 90% plasmid‐bearing cells in selective medium, under non‐selective conditions, three plasmid forms performed better than the other five with an up to 5.7‐fold higher stability as compared with the least favourable isoform. In a subset of four plasmids (including stable and unstable isoforms) copy numbers were determined. Furthermore the functionality of the selection marker was characterized with respect to plasmid‐derived relative HIS3 transcript levels. No significant differences in HIS3 transcript levels could be observed between strains carrying any one of the four plasmids. Ruling out copy number and performance of HIS3, the results indicate nevertheless that plasmid architecture has an impact on mitotic segregation in yeast and that construction of an expression vector should take into account that the plasmid backbone itself might already show a more or less favourable arrangement of its segments. © 2017 The Authors. Yeast published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A multi‐zoo investigation of nutrient provision for captive red‐crested turacos
Authors: Hulbert Alexander J. , Hunt Kerry A. , Rose Paul E.
Published: February 2017

Turacos (Musophagidae) are common zoo birds; the 14 species of Tauraco being most often exhibited. Turacos possess unique non‐structural, copper‐based feather pigments, and a specialized dietary strategy. Tauraco inhabit tropical woodlands, foraging for predominantly folivorous and/or frugivorous food items. Using a study population of 16 red‐crested turacos (T. erythrolophus) at seven zoos in the United Kingdom, the nutrient composition of diets from diet sheets was calculated, using Zootrition v.2.6, Saint Louis Zoo, USA for analyses of important nutrients within each diet, and compared against an example of currently available literature. For all nutrients analyzed, significant differences were noted between amounts presented in each zoo's diet (as fed). Turacos are presented with a wide range of ingredients in diets fed, and all zoos use domestic fruits to a large extent in captive diets. Similarities exist between zoos when comparing amounts of as‐fed fiber. Analysis of the calcium to phosphorous ratio for these diets showed there to be no significant difference from the published ratio available. While this is a small‐scale study on only a limited number of zoos, it provides useful information on current feeding practice for a commonly‐housed species of bird and highlights potential areas of deviation away from standard practice, as well as identifying ways of reducing wastage of food. Data on wild foraging behavior and food selection, or collaboration with tauraco keepers from institutions in the tropics, is recommended as a way of improving feeding regimes and updating feeding practice for this and other Tauraco species.
Refractory Long‐Term Cholangitis After Pancreaticoduodenectomy: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Ueda Hiroki , Ban Daisuke , Kudo Atsushi , Ochiai Takanori , Tanaka Shinji , Tanabe Minoru
Published: February 2017

Background

Postoperative cholangitis is one of the major late complications after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD), and recurrent cholangitis has a negative impact on patients’ quality of life. However, detailed reports are scarce. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical features of postoperative cholangitis after PD.

Methods

Between January 2007 and December 2013, 155 consecutive patients underwent PD. Of these, 113 patients were included in this study. Cholangitis was diagnosed according to the criteria in the revised Tokyo Guidelines 2013, and repeated cholangitis with three or more episodes was defined as ‘refractory cholangitis’. Data from patients with refractory cholangitis were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

Refractory cholangitis was observed in 21 patients (18.6%). Of these, 17 patients experienced cholangitis within 1 year after PD, and 10 patients had biliary strictures. These patients required an average of two interventional or endoscopic treatments for stricture dilatation, which led to remission. The 2‐year cumulative incidence rate for refractory cholangitis was 18.9% (95% CI 11.65–26.15). Multivariate analysis revealed five risk factors for developing refractory cholangitis: benign disease (odds ratio [OR] 18.52; P = 0.001), long operation time (OR 18.73; P = 0.002), elevated C‐reactive protein (OR 6.55; P = 0.014), elevated alkaline phosphatase (OR 6.03; P = 0.018), and the presence of pneumobilia (OR 28.81; P = 0.009).

Conclusions

Postoperative refractory cholangitis after PD usually developed within a year. Almost half of the patients had biliary strictures, and aggressive dilatation might be effective to achieve remission in these patients.
Seasonal change in sexual size dimorphism of the major cheliped in the hermit crab Pagurus minutus
Authors: Yasuda Chiaki I. , Otoda Masaya , Nakano Reiko , Takiya Yuki , Koga Tsunenori
Published: February 2017

Sexual size dimorphism is a common phenomenon in the animal kingdom, and its seasonal change has been reported in some species that possess traits dimorphic only in males and specialized for male mating success. However, few studies have examined seasonal change in sexual dimorphism of traits possessed by both sexes. Here, we examined the reproductive biology of the hermit crab Pagurus minutus, at a sandflat in the Waka River estuary, Japan, with special reference to seasonal changes in sexual dimorphism of the large claw (major cheliped) size by conducting population and precopulatory guarding‐pair sampling. Previous investigation demonstrated that the major cheliped is used as a weapon, and its size, more than body size, determines the winner in male–male contests of this species. We found ovigerous females from November to April, peaking in January, when 80% of females were ovigerous. Sexual size dimorphism of the major cheliped was observed; the degree of dimorphism increased in the reproductive season, when only males possessed an enlarged major cheliped. In addition, in the reproductive season, precopulatory guarding males had a larger body and larger relative size of the major cheliped than did solitary males, although the major cheliped size in guarding males seemed to reach an upper limit. These results suggest that seasonal change in sexual dimorphism of the major cheliped size in P. minutus strongly reflects sexual selection favoring the development of this natural weaponry, and that the degree of the dimorphism might be limited through natural selection.
Quantification and Determination of Composition of Steryl Ferulates in Refined Rice Bran Oils Using an UPLC‐MS Method
Authors: Cuevas Maitê S. , de Souza Patricia T. , da Costa Rodrigues Christianne E. , Meirelles Antonio J. A.
Published: February 2017

Gamma‐oryzanol contains a mixture of steryl ferulates found in rice bran oil. Several studies have attributed nutraceutical properties to this mixture, such as hypocholesterolemic and anti‐inflammatory activities. A method based on ultra‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry was developed and evaluated for the simultaneous quantification of gamma‐oryzanol and identification of five major steryl ferulates directly in refined rice bran oils (RBO) samples. The proposed method was evaluated according to linearity by obtaining standard curves with R2 values above 0.990, and limit of detection values ranged from 1.9 to 5.9 µg/mL, whereas limits of quantification ranged from 5.9 to 17.9 µg/mL; inter‐ and intraday accuracy and precision were within the range required by the US Food and Drug Administration guidelines; recovery levels ranged from 78 to 85% for gamma‐oryzanol, and from 84 to 119% for steryl ferulates. The method can be considered robust in relation to the NH4OH (ammonium hydroxide) content and cone voltage variations, with coefficient of variation and average relative percentage deviation values lower than 7.0 and 4.4%, respectively. The stability during the storage test was maintained in concentrated samples (18.5 µg/mL), with recovered values between 93 and 113%. This method was successfully applied to the analysis of RBO samples, demonstrating that it could be easily used for quality control purposes.
Montaigne et la « vanité» des utopies
Authors: Scholar Richard
Published: February 2017

Cet article étudie la contribution de Montaigne au débat qui a lieu au XVIesiècle sur l'utopie comme forme de réflexion en sciences politiques. Nous montrons qu'il s'agit d'un apport à la fois important et marginal, dans la mesure où l'auteur desEssaisreste visiblement en retrait du débat, ainsi que d'autres controverses politiques. C'est précisément le lieu de retrait qu'il invente qui nous intéressera surtout ici. Notre hypothèse est qu'il s'agit d'un lieu textuel dont l'auteur espère qu'il sera capable d'abriter une communauté virtuelle de personnes qui ont en commun une culture de la dispute comme « exercice de notre esprit ». Or, cet exercice met Montaigne aussi souvent en désaccord avec lui-même qu'avec les autres, d'où l'ambivalence dont il témoigne à l'égard des utopies dans lesEssais.
Former le citoyen de la république naissante retour sur une controverse aux origines de l'école républicaine
Authors: Miqueu Christophe
Published: February 2017

Cet article s'intéresse à l'approche conflictuelle originelle de l'école républicaine, comprise comme lieu de formation à la citoyenneté. La séparation entre ceux qui souhaitent que se développe une école réellement démocratique, et ceux qui ne voient pas dans cet objectif une priorité politique pour la république naissante, est le débat le plus profond de ce moment de fondation politique del'école républicaine. Mais ce sont bien derrière ces deux visions de l'école républicaine (éducation vs instruction) deux visions de la société républicaine qui en fait s'affrontent. Aussi, à travers l'école, ce sont les rudiments d'une opposition qui prendra ensuite bien plus d'ampleur entre républicains sociaux, et républicains libéraux qui se fait jour.
Examining cross-cultural differences in autism spectrum disorder: A multinational comparison from Greece, Italy, Japan, Poland, and the United States
Authors: Matson J.L. , Matheis M. , Burns C.O. , Esposito G. , Venuti P. , Pisula E. , Misiak A. , Kalyva E. , Tsakiris V. , Kamio Y. , Ishitobi M. , Goldin R.L.
Published: February 2017

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by social and communication impairments as well as restricted, repetitive behavior patterns. Despite the fact that ASD is reported worldwide, very little research exists examining ASD characteristics on a multinational scale. Cross-cultural comparisons are especially important for ASD, since cultural differences may impact the perception of symptoms. Identifying behaviors that are similarly reported as problematic across cultures as well as identifying behaviors in which there is cultural variation could aid in the development and refinement of more universally effective measures. The present study sought to examine similarities and differences in caregiver endorsement of symptom severity through scores on the Baby Infant Screen for Children with aUtIsm Traits (BISCUIT). The BISCUIT was utilized to examine ASD core symptomology in 250 toddlers diagnosed with ASD from Greece, Italy, Japan, Poland, and the United States. Significant differences in overall ASD symptom severity and endorsement were found between multinational groups. Implications of the results are discussed.
Electromyographic Activity of the Upper Limb in Three Hand Function Tests
Authors: Silva Natália Sanches , de Almeida Pedro Henrique Tavares Queiroz , Mendes Paulo Vinicius Braga , Komino Caio Sadao Medeiros , Jùnior José Marques Novo , Da Cruz Daniel Marinho Cezar
Published: February 2017

Objective/Background

Occupational therapists usually assess hand function through standardised tests, however, there is no consensus on how the scores assigned to hand dexterity can accurately measure hand function required for daily activities and few studies evaluate the movement patterns of the upper limbs during hand function tests. This study aimed to evaluate the differences in muscle activation patterns during the performance of three hand dexterity tests.

Methods

Twenty university students underwent a surface electromyographic (sEMG) assessment of eight upper limb muscles during the performance of the box and blocks test (BEST), nine-hole peg test (9HPT), and functional dexterity test (FDT). The description and comparison of each muscle activity during the test performance, gender differences, and the correlation between individual muscles’ sEMG activity were analysed through appropriate statistics.

Results

Increased activity of proximal muscles was found during the performance of BEST (p < .001). While a higher activation of the distal muscles occurred during the FDT and 9HPT performance, no differences were found between them. Comparisons of the sEMG activity revealed a significant increase in the muscle activation among women (p = .05). Strong and positive correlations (r > .5; p < .05) were observed between proximal and distal sEMG activities, suggesting a coordinate pattern of muscle activation during hand function tests.

Conclusion

The results suggested the existence of differences in the muscle activation pattern during the performance of hand function evaluations. Occupational therapists should be aware of unique muscle requirements and its impact on the results of dexterity tests during hand function evaluation.
MEASURING PUBLIC PREFERENCES FOR MULTIFUNCTIONAL ATTRIBUTES OF AGRICULTURE IN THE UNITED STATES
Authors: MOON WANKI , CHANG JAE BONG , ASIRVATHAM JEBARAJ
Published: February 2017

The paper examines U.S. citizens' attitudes toward the concept of multifunctional agriculture and their perceptions about its various attributes. While the concept has emerged as a major narrative shaping agricultural policies and WTO trade rules, there are considerable disagreements among researchers and policy-makers about what should be considered legitimate attributes of multifunctional agriculture, preventing WTO negotiations from moving forward. Results show that U.S. citizens rated national food security and environmental services as the most important multifunctional roles of U.S. agriculture, and national food security makes the largest contribution to explaining U.S. citizens' attitudes toward multifunctional agriculture.
Preliminary paleoenvironmental analysis of permafrost deposits at Batagaika megaslump, Yana Uplands, northeast Siberia
Authors: Murton Julian B. , Edwards Mary E. , Lozhkin Anatoly V. , Anderson Patricia M. , Savvinov Grigoriy N. , Bakulina Nadezhda , Bondarenko Olesya V. , Cherepanova Marina V. , Danilov Petr P. , Boeskorov Vasiliy , Goslar Tomasz , Grigoriev Semyon , Gubin Stanislav V. , Korzun Julia A. , Lupachev Alexei V. , Tikhonov Alexei , Tsygankova Valeriya I. , Vasilieva Galina V. , Zanina Oksana G.
Published: February 2017

A megaslump at Batagaika, in northern Yakutia, exposes a remarkable stratigraphic sequence of permafrost deposits ~50–80 m thick. To determine their potential for answering key questions about Quaternary environmental and climatic change in northeast Siberia, we carried out a reconnaissance study of their cryostratigraphy and paleoecology, supported by four rangefinder 14C ages. The sequence includes two ice complexes separated by a unit of fine sand containing narrow syngenetic ice wedges and multiple paleosols. Overall, the sequence developed as permafrost grew syngenetically through an eolian sand sheet aggrading on a hillslope. Wood remains occur in two forest beds, each associated with a reddened weathering horizon. The lower bed contains high amounts of Larix pollen (>20%), plus small amounts of Picea and Pinus pumila, and is attributed to interglacial conditions. Pollen from the overlying sequence is dominated by herbaceous taxa (~70%–80%) attributed to an open tundra landscape during interstadial climatic conditions. Of three hypothetical age schemes considered, we tentatively attribute much of the Batagaika sequence to Marine Oxygen Isotope Stage (MIS) 3. The upper and lower forest beds may represent a mid–MIS 3 optimum and MIS 5, respectively, although we cannot discount alternative attributions to MIS 5 and 7.
Independent prescriber physiotherapist led balance clinic: the Southport and Ormskirk pathway
Authors: Burrows L , Lesser T H , Kasbekar A V , Roland N , Billing M
Published: February 2017

Objective:

To report the introduction and impact of non-medical prescribing, initiated to improve patient pathways for those presenting with dizziness and balance disorders.

Methods:

The Southport and Ormskirk physiotherapy-led vestibular clinic sees and treats all patients with dizziness and balance disorders referred to the ENT department. Letters are triaged by an audiologist, who also performs an otological examination and hearing test; this is followed by an assessment with the independent prescriber physiotherapist. An ENT consultant is nearby if joint consultation is needed. Diagnoses, treatments and patient satisfaction were studied, with an analysis of the impact of medication management (stopping or starting medicines) on patients and service.

Results:

In 12 months, 413 new patients with dizziness and balance disorders had appointments. The most common diagnoses were benign paroxysmal positional vertigo and vestibular migraine. Eighty-four per cent of patients required self-management strategies, 50 per cent exercise therapy, 48 per cent medication management and 24 per cent a particle repositioning manoeuvre. Patient satisfaction was high (99 per cent).

Conclusion:

Having an independent prescriber physiotherapist leading the balance clinic has reduced the number of hospital visits and onward referrals. Nearly half of all patients required medication management as part of their dizziness or balance treatment.
Enhanced harmonic generation by propagation of two-color p-polarized laser beams in plasma
Authors: Agrawal E. , Verma N.K. , Jha P.
Published: February 2017

A theoretical model is developed for studying the generation of third-harmonic radiation by the interaction of obliquely incident, two-color p-polarized laser beams with spatially varying plasma density. The ratio of the fundamental frequencies of the two laser beams are considered to be an arbitrary integer. The amplitude of harmonic radiation obtained by oblique incidence of two-color laser fields propagating in homogeneous plasma is enhanced in comparison with that obtained by normal incidence of two-color laser beams. The periodicity of the plasma density allows the harmonic radiation to be phase-matched, leading to further increase in the amplitude of phase-matched harmonic radiation by an order of magnitude. The amplitude of the generated harmonic radiation increases with the increase in angle of incidence.
A GENERAL DOUBLE ROBUSTNESS RESULT FOR ESTIMATING AVERAGE TREATMENT EFFECTS
Authors: Słoczyński Tymon , Wooldridge Jeffrey M.
Published: February 2017

In this paper we study doubly robust estimators of various average and quantile treatment effects under unconfoundedness; we also consider an application to a setting with an instrumental variable. We unify and extend much of the recent literature by providing a very general identification result which covers binary and multi-valued treatments; unnormalized and normalized weighting; and both inverse-probability weighted (IPW) and doubly robust estimators. We also allow for subpopulation-specific average treatment effects where subpopulations can be based on covariate values in an arbitrary way. Similar to Wooldridge (2007), we then discuss estimation of the conditional mean using quasi-log likelihoods (QLL) from the linear exponential family.
Tuberculosis and risk of acute myocardial infarction: a propensity score-matched analysis
Authors: HUAMAN M. A. , KRYSCIO R. J. , FICHTENBAUM C. J. , HENSON D. , SALT E. , STERLING T. R. , GARVY B. A.
Published: February 2017

Several pathogens have been associated with increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Whether this occurs with Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection is unclear. We assessed if tuberculosis disease increased the risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). We identified patients with tuberculosis index claims from a large de-identified database of ~15 million adults enrolled in a U.S. commercial insurance policy between 2008 and 2010. Tuberculosis patients were 1:1 matched to patients without tuberculosis claims using propensity scores. We compared the occurrence of index AMI claims between the tuberculosis and non-tuberculosis cohorts using Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox Proportional Hazard models. Data on 2026 patients with tuberculosis and 2026 propensity-matched patients without tuberculosis were included. AMI was more frequent in the tuberculosis cohort compared with the non-tuberculosis cohort, 67 (3·3%) vs. 32 (1·6%) AMI cases, respectively, P < 0·01. Tuberculosis was associated with an increased risk of AMI (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 1·98, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1·3–3·0). The results were similar when the analysis was restricted to pulmonary tuberculosis (adjusted HR 2·43, 95% CI 1·5–4·1). Tuberculosis was associated with an increased risk of AMI. CVD risk assessment should be considered in tuberculosis patients. Mechanistic studies of tuberculosis and CVD are warranted.
Motor Adaptation Deficits in Ideomotor Apraxia
Authors: Mutha Pratik K. , Stapp Lee H. , Sainburg Robert L. , Haaland Kathleen Y.
Published: February 2017

Objectives:The cardinal motor deficits seen in ideomotor limb apraxia are thought to arise from damage to internal representations for actions developed through learning and experience. However, whether apraxic patients learn to develop new representations with training is not well understood. We studied the capacity of apraxic patients for motor adaptation, a process associated with the development of a new internal representation of the relationship between movements and their sensory effects.Methods:Thirteen healthy adults and 23 patients with left hemisphere stroke (12 apraxic, 11 nonapraxic) adapted to a 30-degree visuomotor rotation.Results:While healthy and nonapraxic participants successfully adapted, apraxics did not. Rather, they showed a rapid decrease in error early but no further improvement thereafter, suggesting a deficit in the slow, but not the fast component of a dual-process model of adaptation. The magnitude of this late learning deficit was predicted by the degree of apraxia, and was correlated with the volume of damage in parietal cortex. Apraxics also demonstrated an initial after-effect similar to the other groups likely reflecting the early learning, but this after-effect was not sustained and performance returned to baseline levels more rapidly, consistent with a disrupted slow learning process.Conclusions:These findings suggest that the early phase of learning may be intact in apraxia, but this leads to the development of a fragile representation that is rapidly forgotten. The association between this deficit and left parietal damage points to a key role for this region in learning to form stable internal representations. (JINS, 2017,23, 139–149)
A MOZART DUET IN A SARTI OPERA: ‘LÀ CI DAREM LA MANO’ IN UDINE, 1793
Authors: PLATOFF JOHN
Published: February 2017

Giuseppe Sarti's opera buffa Fra i due litiganti il terzo gode was one of the great operatic successes of the late eighteenth century. First performed in Milan in September 1782, the opera was quickly taken up by theatres in other cities. In 1783 it began a long run at the Burgtheater in Vienna, where it had been performed more than sixty times by 1790. The opera was produced everywhere from Barcelona to Copenhagen, from Rouen to St Petersburg, in languages including German, French and Danish. By 1800 Fra i due litiganti had been given more than eighty productions across all of Europe.
Utilization of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) DNA sequence to trace the geographical sources ofAquilaria malaccensisLam. populations
Authors: Lee Shiou Yih , Mohamed Rozi , Faridah-Hanum Ibrahim , Lamasudin Dhilia Udie
Published: February 2017

Overexploitation in search of its valuable non-wood fragrance product has put pressure on the survival of the endangeredAquilariatrees in the wild. In this study, the pattern of genetic variation among wild populations was measured to aid in designing useful strategies forin situconservation. We sequenced the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of the nuclear region of 19 wildAquilaria malaccensispopulations from different states in Peninsular Malaysia, and compared the sequence with the same species residing outside of Malaysia, mainly from the Assam region in India and Sumatra in Indonesia. This widely distributed species is found in the Indomalesian region and is a major source of agarwood. In addition, we included five wildAquilaria hirtapopulations for semblance purposes. Intraspecific variations were not found withinA. malaccensisandA. hirtapopulations in Peninsular Malaysia. Interestingly, Single Nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified when comparingA. malaccensisfrom three geographical regions, with a total of 25 SNPs detected. We imply that geographical segregation is a contributing factor toward genetic variation inA. malaccensis. This is the first report on utilizing the ITS region for analysing genetic variation inA. malaccensisof various geographical regions. The molecular information obtained in this study will serve as a useful reference in designingin situprogrammes for this endangered species.
Is Diabetes Associated with Lower Vitamin C Status in Pregnant Women? A Prospective Study
Authors: Juhl Bente , Lauszus Finn Friis , Lykkesfeldt Jens
Published: February 2017

Abstract.Few studies have examined how vitamin C status is affected in diabetic pregnancy and no comparison between normal and diabetic pregnancies has been found. This study evaluated vitamin C status prospectively during pregnancy in women with type 1 diabetes mellitus (n=76), in non-diabetic women (n=60), and in their respective neonates. Vitamin C was lower in diabetic women throughout all trimesters compared to controls (p<0.01). Repeated measurements analysis showed significant differences between diabetic and non-diabetic women; also when adjusted for birth weight ratio and age. In non-diabetic women, vitamin C levels were lower in 3rd trimester compared to 1st and 2nd trimester (both p<0.05). Poor vitamin C status - defined as a plasma concentration <23µM - was found in 51% and 12% of the diabetic and nondiabetic women, respectively, at some stage during pregnancy. Umbilical cord vitamin C levels were higher than in the diabetic as well as in the non-diabetic mothers (p<0.01). The umbilical vitamin C was two to three times higher than maternal vitamin C. In conclusion, our results suggests that vitamin C status is lower in pregnant women with type 1 diabetes, while no effect on vitamin C status was observed in the neonates of diabetic women based on umbilical measurements.
New Report Details How NASA Could Land on Europa
Authors: Wendel JoAnna
Published: February 2017

A team of scientists laid out extensive details about a hypothetical future landing mission to find life on Jupiter's moon.
Inhibition of autophagy blocks cathepsins–tBid–mitochondrial apoptotic signaling pathway via stabilization of lysosomal membrane in ischemic astrocytes
Authors: Zhou Xian-Yong , Luo Yu , Zhu Yong-Ming , Liu Zhi-He , Kent Thomas A , Rong Jia-Guo , Li Wei , Qiao Shi-Gang , Li Min , Ni Yong , Ishidoh Kazumi , Zhang Hui-Ling
Published: February 2017

Our previous study and others have demonstrated that autophagy is activated in ischemic astrocytes and contributes to astrocytic cell death. However, the mechanisms of ischemia-induced autophagy remain largely unknown. In this study, we established a rat's model of permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO) and an in vitro oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) model. Autophagy was inhibited by either pharmacological treatment with 3-methyladenine (3-MA) and wortmannin (Wort) or genetic treatment with knockdown of Atg5 in primary cultured astrocytes and knockout of Atg5 in mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) cells, respectively. We found that pharmacological or genetic inhibition of autophagy reversed pMCAO or OGD-induced increase in LC3-II, active cathepsin B and L, tBid, active caspase-3 and cytoplastic cytochrome c (Cyt-c), and suppressed the injury-induced reduction in mitochondrial Cyt-c in ischemic cortex, in injured astrocytes and MEF cells. Immunofluorescence analysis showed that 3-MA or Wort treatment reversed OGD-induced release of cathepsin B and L from the lysosome to the cytoplasm and activation of caspase-3 in the astrocytes. Furthermore, treatment of 3-MA or Wort decreased OGD-induced increase in lysosomal membrane permeability and enhanced OGD-induced upregulation of lysosomal heat shock protein 70.1B (Hsp70.1B) in astrocytes. Inhibition of autophagy by 3-MA or Wort reduced infarction volume in rats and protected OGD-induced astrocytic cell injury. A non-selective caspase inhibitor z-VAD-fmk or a specific caspase-3 inhibitor Q-DEVD-OPh also rescued OGD-induced astrocytic cell injury. In conclusion, our presenting data suggest that inhibition of autophagy blocks cathepsins–tBid–mitochondrial apoptotic signaling pathway via stabilization of lysosomal membranes, possibly due to upregulation of the lysosomal Hsp70.1B in ischemic astrocytes.
Pleiotropic effect of a novel mutation in GCNT2 causing congenital cataract and a rare adult i blood group phenotype
Authors: Cheong Sek-Shir , Hull Sarah , Jones Benjamin , Chana Ravinder , Thornton Nicole , Plagnol Vincent , Moore Anthony T , Hardcastle Alison J
Published: February 2017

Mutations in GCNT2 have been associated with the rare adult i blood group phenotype with or without congenital cataract. We report a novel homozygous frameshift mutation c.1163_1166delATCA, p.(Asn388Argfs*20) as the cause of congenital cataract in two affected siblings. Blood group typing confirmed that both affected males have the rare adult i phenotype, supporting the hypothesis that the partial association of I/i phenotype and congenital cataract is due to the differential expression of GCNT2 isoforms.
Cationic amino acid transporters play key roles in the survival and transmission of apicomplexan parasites
Authors: Rajendran Esther , Hapuarachchi Sanduni V. , Miller Catherine M. , Fairweather Stephen J. , Cai Yeping , Smith Nicholas C. , Cockburn Ian A. , Bröer Stefan , Kirk Kiaran , van Dooren Giel G.
Published: February 2017

Apicomplexans are obligate intracellular parasites that scavenge essential nutrients from their hosts via transporter proteins on their plasma membrane. The identities of the transporters that mediate amino acid uptake into apicomplexans are unknown. Here we demonstrate that members of an apicomplexan-specific protein family—the Novel Putative Transporters (NPTs)—play key roles in the uptake of cationic amino acids. We show that an NPT fromToxoplasma gondii(TgNPT1) is a selective arginine transporter that is essential for parasite survival and virulence. We also demonstrate that a homologue ofTgNPT1 from the malaria parasitePlasmodium berghei(PbNPT1), shown previously to be essential for the sexual gametocyte stage of the parasite, is a cationic amino acid transporter. This reveals a role for cationic amino acid scavenging in gametocyte biology. Our study demonstrates a critical role for amino acid transporters in the survival, virulence and life cycle progression of these parasites.
Tailored protein encapsulation into a DNA host using geometrically organized supramolecular interactions
Authors: Sprengel Andreas , Lill Pascal , Stegemann Pierre , Bravo-Rodriguez Kenny , Schöneweiß Elisa-C. , Merdanovic Melisa , Gudnason Daniel , Aznauryan Mikayel , Gamrad Lisa , Barcikowski Stephan , Sanchez-Garcia Elsa , Birkedal Victoria , Gatsogiannis Christos , Ehrmann Michael , Saccà Barbara
Published: February 2017

The self-organizational properties of DNA have been used to realize synthetic hosts for protein encapsulation. However, current strategies of DNA–protein conjugation still limit true emulation of natural host–guest systems, whose formation relies on non-covalent bonds between geometrically matching interfaces. Here we report one of the largest DNA–protein complexes of semisynthetic origin held in place exclusively by spatially defined supramolecular interactions. Our approach is based on the decoration of the inner surface of a DNA origami hollow structure with multiple ligands converging to their corresponding binding sites on the protein surface with programmable symmetry and range-of-action. Our results demonstrate specific host–guest recognition in a 1:1 stoichiometry and selectivity for the guest whose size guarantees sufficient molecular diffusion preserving short intermolecular distances. DNA nanocontainers can be thus rationally designed to trap single guest molecules in their native form, mimicking natural strategies of molecular recognition and anticipating a new method of protein caging.
Tailoring the thermal and electrical transport properties of graphene films by grain size engineering
Authors: Ma Teng , Liu Zhibo , Wen Jinxiu , Gao Yang , Ren Xibiao , Chen Huanjun , Jin Chuanhong , Ma Xiu-Liang , Xu Ningsheng , Cheng Hui-Ming , Ren Wencai
Published: February 2017

Understanding the influence of grain boundaries (GBs) on the electrical and thermal transport properties of graphene films is essentially important for electronic, optoelectronic and thermoelectric applications. Here we report a segregation–adsorption chemical vapour deposition method to grow well-stitched high-quality monolayer graphene films with a tunable uniform grain size from ∼200 nm to ∼1 μm, by using a Pt substrate with medium carbon solubility, which enables the determination of the scaling laws of thermal and electrical conductivities as a function of grain size. We found that the thermal conductivity of graphene films dramatically decreases with decreasing grain size by a small thermal boundary conductance of ∼3.8 × 109 W m−2 K−1, while the electrical conductivity slowly decreases with an extraordinarily small GB transport gap of ∼0.01 eV and resistivity of ∼0.3 kΩ μm. Moreover, the changes in both the thermal and electrical conductivities with grain size change are greater than those of typical semiconducting thermoelectric materials.
Selection rules for Cooper pairing in two-dimensional interfaces and sheets
Authors: Scheurer Mathias S. , Agterberg Daniel F. , Schmalian Jörg
Published: February 2017

Thin sheets deposited on a substrate and interfaces of correlated materials offer a plethora of routes towards the realization of exotic phases of matter. In these systems, inversion symmetry is broken which strongly affects the properties of possible instabilities—in particular in the superconducting channel. By combining symmetry and energetic arguments, we derive general and experimentally accessible selection rules for Cooper instabilities in noncentrosymmetric systems, which yield necessary and sufficient conditions for spontaneous time-reversal-symmetry breaking at the superconducting transition and constrain the orientation of the triplet vector. We discuss in detail the implications for various different materials. For instance, we conclude that the pairing state in thin layers of Sr2RuO4 must, as opposed to its bulk superconducting state, preserve time-reversal symmetry with its triplet vector being parallel to the plane of the system. All triplet states of this system allowed by the selection rules are predicted to display topological Majorana modes at dislocations or at the edge of the system. Applying our results to the LaAlO3/SrTiO3 heterostructures, we find that while the condensates of the (001) and (110) oriented interfaces must be time-reversal symmetric, spontaneous time-reversal-symmetry breaking can only occur for the less studied (111) interface. We also discuss the consequences for thin layers of URu2Si2 and UPt3 as well as for single-layer FeSe. On a more general level, our considerations might serve as a design principle in the search for time-reversal-symmetry-breaking superconductivity in the absence of external magnetic fields.
A postnatal role for embryonic myosin revealed by MYH3 mutations that alter TGFβ signaling and cause autosomal dominant spondylocarpotarsal synostosis
Authors: Zieba Jennifer , Zhang Wenjuan , Chong Jessica X. , Forlenza Kimberly N. , Martin Jorge H. , Heard Kelly , Grange Dorothy K. , Butler Merlin G. , Kleefstra Tjitske , Lachman Ralph S. , Nickerson Deborah , Regnier Michael , Cohn Daniel H. , Bamshad Michael , Krakow Deborah
Published: February 2017

Spondylocarpotarsal synostosis (SCT) is a skeletal disorder characterized by progressive vertebral, carpal and tarsal fusions, and mild short stature. The majority of affected individuals have an autosomal recessive form of SCT and are homozygous or compound heterozygous for nonsense mutations in the gene that encodes the cytoskeletal protein filamin B (FLNB), but a subset do not have FLNB mutations. Exome sequence analysis of three SCT patients negative for FLNB mutations identified an autosomal dominant form of the disease due to heterozygosity for missense or nonsense mutations in MYH3, which encodes embryonic myosin. Cells transfected with the MYH3 missense mutations had reduced TGFβ signaling, revealing a regulatory role for embryonic myosin in the TGFβ signaling pathway. In wild-type mice, there was persistent postnatal expression of embryonic myosin in the small muscles joining the neural arches of the spine suggesting that loss of myosin function in these muscles contribute to the disease. Our findings demonstrate that dominant mutations in MYH3 underlie autosomal dominant SCT, identify a postnatal role for embryonic myosin and suggest that altered regulation of signal transduction in the muscles within the spine may lead to the development of vertebral fusions.
The small molecule AUTEN-99 (autophagy enhancer-99) prevents the progression of neurodegenerative symptoms
Authors: Kovács Tibor , Billes Viktor , Komlós Marcell , Hotzi Bernadette , Manzéger Anna , Tarnóci Anna , Papp Diána , Szikszai Fanni , Szinyákovics Janka , Rácz Ákos , Noszál Béla , Veszelka Szilvia , Walter Fruzsina R. , Deli Mária A. , Hackler Laszlo , Alfoldi Robert , Huzian Orsolya , Puskas Laszlo G. , Liliom Hanna , Tárnok Krisztián , Schlett Katalin , Borsy Adrienn , Welker Ervin , Kovács Attila L. , Pádár Zsolt , Erdős Attila , Legradi Adam , Bjelik Annamaria , Gulya Károly , Gulyás Balázs , Vellai Tibor
Published: February 2017

Autophagy functions as a main route for the degradation of superfluous and damaged constituents of the cytoplasm. Defects in autophagy are implicated in the development of various age-dependent degenerative disorders such as cancer, neurodegeneration and tissue atrophy, and in accelerated aging. To promote basal levels of the process in pathological settings, we previously screened a small molecule library for novel autophagy-enhancing factors that inhibit the myotubularin-related phosphatase MTMR14/Jumpy, a negative regulator of autophagic membrane formation. Here we identify AUTEN-99 (autophagy enhancer-99), which activates autophagy in cell cultures and animal models. AUTEN-99 appears to effectively penetrate through the blood-brain barrier, and impedes the progression of neurodegenerative symptoms in Drosophila models of Parkinson’s and Huntington’s diseases. Furthermore, the molecule increases the survival of isolated neurons under normal and oxidative stress-induced conditions. Thus, AUTEN-99 serves as a potent neuroprotective drug candidate for preventing and treating diverse neurodegenerative pathologies, and may promote healthy aging.