bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantitative changes of extravillous trophoblast cells in heavy smoker mothers compared with healthy controls
Authors: Heidari Zahra , Mahmoudzadeh-Sagheb Hamidreza , Sheibak Nadia
Published: July 2017

Maternal smoking during pregnancy can induce structural and functional changes in the placenta. Placentas from heavy smoker (>20 cigarettes per day) mothers and non-smoker healthy controls (n = 10 in each group) were enrolled in the present case-control study. Sample selection and sectioning were performed by systematic uniform random sampling (SURS). Selected sections were stained using Masson’s trichrome to estimate quantitative parameters of placental extravillous trophoblast cells (EVTs) and the number of EVTs. Differences between groups were evaluated using the Mann–Whitney U-test, with significance set at P < 0.05. There was a significant difference in placental weight and the total volume of the placenta between the heavy smoker and control groups (P < 0.05). The total volume of EVTs, nucleus diameter, cytoplasm diameter, the volume of the nucleus and cytoplasm and the nucleus to cytoplasm ratio of EVTs were significantly greater in the heavy smoker compared with control group (P < 0.05 for all). In placentas from heavy smokers, the total number of EVTs per unit volume of placental bed were significantly greater than in the control group (P < 0.05 for both). In conclusion, the findings suggest that maternal smoking could affect fetal health by changing the quantitative parameters of the placenta, and likely the invasive properties of EVTs.
Dynamic fluid connectivity during steady-state multiphase flow in a sandstone
Authors: Reynolds Catriona A. , Menke Hannah , Andrew Matthew , Blunt Martin J. , Krevor Samuel
Published: July 2017

Significance

The movement of immiscible fluids through permeable media occurs in many settings, including oil and water flow through rock. Here we present observations of a previously unidentified type of steady-state flow behavior that we term “dynamic connectivity.” We demonstrate that flow of the nonwetting phase occurs through a network of connections that continuously rearrange between filled pores. This observation suggests that we need to modify our models of two-phase flow that are fundamental to describing subsurface flow processes such as geologic CO
2
storage and hydrocarbon recovery.
Local destabilization, rigid body, and fuzzy docking facilitate the phosphorylation of the transcription factor Ets-1 by the mitogen-activated protein kinase ERK2
Authors: Piserchio Andrea , Warthaka Mangalika , Kaoud Tamer S. , Callaway Kari , Dalby Kevin N. , Ghose Ranajeet
Published: July 2017

Significance

This study provides experimental support for the mechanism of proximity-mediated catalysis by a mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase. It describes how the transcription factor Ets-1 uses the cumulative effects of two suboptimal docking interactions, rather than a single canonical docking interaction, to enable a unique bipartite mechanism of recognition of the MAP kinase ERK2. This mode of interaction between Ets-1 and ERK2 facilitates the formation of a highly productive complex that not only induces the proximity of Ets-1 phospho-acceptor (T38) to the ERK2 active site, but does so in optimal fashion, thereby promoting efficient phospho-transfer.
Evaluating optimal therapy robustness by virtual expansion of a sample population, with a case study in cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Barish Syndi , Ochs Michael F. , Sontag Eduardo D. , Gevertz Jana L.
Published: July 2017

Significance

A successful cancer therapy induces a strong antitumor response while causing minimal side effects. The heterogeneous nature of cancer observed across different regions of the primary tumor, across metastatic sites, across time, and across patients makes designing such a successful therapy challenging. Both standard of care and finely tailored treatment protocols run the risk of not exhibiting a robust antitumor response in the face of these uncertainties. Here we introduce a platform for exploring this robustness question using treatment response data from a sample population. Our method integrates these experimental data with statistical and mathematical techniques, allowing us to quantify therapeutic robustness. Using this approach, we identified a robust therapeutic protocol that combines oncolytic viruses with an immunotherapeutic vaccine.
Dynamic responses of the adrenal steroidogenic regulatory network
Authors: Spiga Francesca , Zavala Eder , Walker Jamie J. , Zhao Zidong , Terry John R. , Lightman Stafford L.
Published: July 2017

Significance

Our ability to respond to stress depends on a remarkably dynamic process of hormone secretion. The rapid release of glucocorticoid hormones from the adrenal glands is critical to mount such an efficient response to stress, particularly during inflammation. Although many key factors involved in this process have been studied, the way in which these factors interact dynamically with one another to regulate glucocorticoid secretion has not been investigated. Here, we develop a mathematical model of the regulatory network controlling glucocorticoid synthesis and, by combining this with in vivo experiments, show how this network governs changes in adrenal responsiveness under basal unstressed physiological conditions and under exposure to inflammatory stress.
Support for redistribution is shaped by compassion, envy, and self-interest, but not a taste for fairness
Authors: Sznycer Daniel , Lopez Seal Maria Florencia , Sell Aaron , Lim Julian , Porat Roni , Shalvi Shaul , Halperin Eran , Cosmides Leda , Tooby John
Published: July 2017

Significance

Markets have lifted millions out of poverty, but considerable inequality remains and there is a large worldwide demand for redistribution. Although economists, philosophers, and public policy analysts debate the merits and demerits of various redistributive programs, a parallel debate has focused on voters’ motives for supporting redistribution. Understanding these motives is crucial, for the performance of a policy cannot be meaningfully evaluated except in the light of intended ends. Unfortunately, existing approaches pose ill-specified motives. Chief among them is fairness, a notion that feels intuitive but often rests on multiple inconsistent principles. We show that evolved motives for navigating interpersonal interactions clearly predict attitudes about redistribution, but a taste for procedural fairness or distributional fairness does not.
Severe viral respiratory infections in children with
IFIH1
loss-of-function mutations
Authors: Asgari Samira , Schlapbach Luregn J. , Anchisi Stéphanie , Hammer Christian , Bartha Istvan , Junier Thomas , Mottet-Osman Geneviève , Posfay-Barbe Klara M. , Longchamp David , Stocker Martin , Cordey Samuel , Kaiser Laurent , Riedel Thomas , Kenna Tony , Long Deborah , Schibler Andreas , Telenti Amalio , Tapparel Caroline , McLaren Paul J. , Garcin Dominique , Fellay Jacques
Published: July 2017

Significance

Life-threatening susceptibility to common respiratory infections in previously healthy children can be indicative of pathogen-specific primary immunodeficiencies due to rare deleterious variants in key genes and pathways of the immune system. These findings have implications for prevention and treatment of susceptible children.
Decoupling of size and shape fluctuations in heteropolymeric sequences reconciles discrepancies in SAXS vs. FRET measurements
Authors: Fuertes Gustavo , Banterle Niccolò , Ruff Kiersten M. , Chowdhury Aritra , Mercadante Davide , Koehler Christine , Kachala Michael , Estrada Girona Gemma , Milles Sigrid , Mishra Ankur , Onck Patrick R. , Gräter Frauke , Esteban-Martín Santiago , Pappu Rohit V. , Svergun Dmitri I. , Lemke Edward A.
Published: July 2017

Significance

Conformational properties of unfolded and intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) under native conditions are important for understanding the details of protein folding and the functions of IDPs. The average dimensions of these systems are quantified using the mean radius of gyration and mean end-to-end distance, measured by small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and single-molecule Förster resonance energy transfer (smFRET), respectively, although systematic discrepancies emerge from these measurements. Through holistic sets of studies, we find that the disagreements arise from chemical heterogeneity that is inherent to heteropolymeric systems. This engenders a decoupling between different measures of overall sizes and shapes, thus leading to discrepant inferences based on SAXS vs. smFRET. Our findings point the way forward to obtaining comprehensive descriptions of ensembles of heterogeneous systems.
Cortical actin recovery at the immunological synapse leads to termination of lytic granule secretion in cytotoxic T lymphocytes
Authors: Ritter Alex T. , Kapnick Senta M. , Murugesan Sricharan , Schwartzberg Pamela L. , Griffiths Gillian M. , Lippincott-Schwartz Jennifer
Published: July 2017

Significance

Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) destroy virally infected and tumor cells through the directed secretion of specialized lysosomes called “lytic granules.” Because a single CTL must direct its cytotoxic activities only against specific targets but can sequentially kill multiple cells, granule secretion must be tightly controlled. We demonstrate here that dynamic regulation of the cortical actin cytoskeleton is critical for both the initiation and termination of secretion. We further link actin dynamics with phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP
2
) levels and provide evidence that lytic granule delivery initiates cortical actin recovery and the cessation of secretion. Our results suggest that actin both regulates and is regulated by secretion, providing a mechanism by which CTLs control their ability to kill targets serially during immune responses.
Race and the Aesthetics of Alterity in Mahshid Amirshahi’s Dadeh Qadam-Kheyr
Authors: Vafa Amirhossein
Published: July 2017

Focusing on black women Qadam-Kheyr and Sorur in Mahshid Amirshahi’s novel Dadeh Qadam-Kheyr (1999), this article examines literary representations of the African-Iranian presence, and provides a critique of race and slavery in twentieth-century Iran. In light of the history of the Iranian slave trade until 1928, and the reconstruction of race and gender identities along Eurocentric lines of nationalism in Iran, the novel under scrutiny is a dynamic site of struggle between an “Iranian” literary discourse and its “non-Persian” Others. The “aesthetics of alterity” at the heart of the text is, therefore, the interplay between the repressed title-character Qadam-Kheyr and the resilient minor character Sorur, each registering Amirshahi’s artistic intervention into a forgotten corner of Iranian history.
Microstructure, mechanical and wear properties of Cu–ZrO2 nanocomposites
Authors: Fathy A. , Elkady Omayma , Abu-Oqail Ahmed
Published: July 2017

Cu–ZrO2 nanocomposites were produced by the thermochemical process followed by powder metallurgy technique. Microstructure development during fabrication process was investigated by X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope. The results show an improved distribution of zirconium dioxide (ZrO2) nanoparticles (45 nm) in the copper matrix, which resulted in the improvement of mechanical properties of Cu–ZrO2 composites. The nanocomposite with 9 wt-% ZrO2 possesses the highest hardness (136.5 HV) and the superior compressive strength (413.5 MPa), resulting in an overall increase by 52 and 25%, respectively. The wear rate of the nanocomposites increased with increasing applied loads or sliding velocity.
Detect differentially methylated regions using non-homogeneous hidden Markov model for methylation array data
Authors: Shen Linghao , Zhu Jun , Robert Li Shuo-Yen , Fan Xiaodan
Published: July 2017

Motivation

DNA methylation is an important epigenetic mechanism in gene regulation and the detection of differentially methylated regions (DMRs) is enthralling for many disease studies. There are several aspects that we can improve over existing DMR detection methods: (i) methylation statuses of nearby CpG sites are highly correlated, but this fact has seldom been modelled rigorously due to the uneven spacing; (ii) it is practically important to be able to handle both paired and unpaired samples; and (iii) the capability to detect DMRs from a single pair of samples is demanded.

Results

We present DMRMark (DMR detection based on non-homogeneous hidden Markov model), a novel Bayesian framework for detecting DMRs from methylation array data. It combines the constrained Gaussian mixture model that incorporates the biological knowledge with the non-homogeneous hidden Markov model that models spatial correlation. Unlike existing methods, our DMR detection is achieved without predefined boundaries or decision windows. Furthermore, our method can detect DMRs from a single pair of samples and can also incorporate unpaired samples. Both simulation studies and real datasets from The Cancer Genome Atlas showed the significant improvement of DMRMark over other methods.

Availability and implementation

DMRMark is freely available as an R package at the CRAN R package repository.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
The Relationship Between Chronic Pain and Neurocognitive Function
Authors: Higgins Diana M. , Martin Aaron M. , Baker Dewleen G. , Vasterling Jennifer J. , Risbrough Victoria
Published: July 2017

Objective:

Understanding the relationship between chronic pain and neurocognition has important implications for the assessment and treatment of patient experiencing pain. This paper provides an overview of the current literature examining the neurocognition-chronic pain relationship and suggests future avenues of research, along with a discussion of clinical implications of the literature findings. Consideration of potential moderators and mediators of this relationship, as well as a brief discussion of the importance of future research in special populations at particular risk for these problems, are also a focus of this paper.

Methods:

This systematic review summarizes the findings of clinical studies in which neurocognitive performance was measured in chronic pain samples. A literature search led to the inclusion of 53 articles in the review.

Results:

Studies of neurocognitive performance in clinical chronic pain samples support a relationship between chronic pain and neurocognitive abnormalities, particularly on tests of memory, attention, and processing speed, with mixed data regarding executive functioning.

Discussion:

Several factors may moderate or mediate the relationship between chronic pain and neurocognitive functioning, including mood symptoms, medication side effects, and intensity and/or chronicity of pain. Limitations in the literature include a paucity of methodologically rigorous studies controlling for confounding variables (eg, opioid analgesia) and a limited number of studies examining the relationship between chronic pain and traumatic brain injury (a potential precipitant of both pain and neurocognitive impairment). Nonetheless, findings from the existing literature have significant clinical implications, including for populations with heightened risk of both pain and neurocognitive disorders.
Social Media in Pediatric Orthopaedics
Authors: Lander Sarah T. , Sanders James O. , Cook Peter C. , O’Malley Natasha T.
Published: July 2017

Background:

Internet searches and social media utilization in health care has exploded over the past 5 years, and patients utilize it to gain information on their health conditions and physicians. Social media has the potential to serve as a means for education, communication, and marketing in all health care specialties. Physicians are sometimes reluctant to engage because of concerns of privacy, litigation, and lack of experience with this modality. Many surgical subspecialties have capitalized on social media but no study to date has examined the specific footprint of pediatric orthopaedic surgeons in this realm. We aim to quantify the utilization of individual social media platforms by pediatric orthopaedic surgeons, and identify any differences between private and hospital-based physicians, but also regional differences.

Methods:

Using the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America Member Directory, each active member’s social media presence was reviewed through an Internet search. Members were stratified on the basis of practice model and geographic location. Individual Internet searches, social media sites, and number of publications were reviewed for social media presence.

Results:

Of 987 Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America members, 95% had a professional webpage, 14.8% a professional Facebook page, 2.2% a professional Twitter page, 36.8% a LinkedIn profile, 25.8% a ResearchGate profile, 33% at least 1 YouTube. Hospital-based physicians had a lower mean level of utilization of social media compared with their private practice peers, and a higher incidence of Pubmed publications. Private practice physicians had double the social media utilization. Regional differences reveal that practicing Pediatric Orthopaedists in the Northeast had increased utilization of ResearchGate and LinkedIn and the West had the lowest mean social media utilization levels.

Conclusions:

The rapid expansion of social media usage by patients and their family members is an undeniable force affecting the health care industry. The Internet and social media platforms provide all physicians with a means to educate patients, collaborate with colleagues, and promote their practice and areas of interest. Our survey indicates that pediatric orthopaedic surgeons may be underutilizing their potential social media presence.

Levels of Evidence:

Level IV.
Social Disparities in Early Intervention Service Use and Provider-Reported Outcomes
Authors: Khetani Mary A. , Richardson Zachary , McManus Beth M.
Published: July 2017

Objective:

To describe social disparities in early intervention (EI) service use and provider-reported outcomes.

Methods:

Secondary data analysis of administrative data to ascertain EI service use of all EI and discipline-specific services and child and family characteristics. Adjusted logistic regression models estimated the odds of receiving each type of core EI service. Adjusted median regression models estimated differences in EI intensity for each type of core EI service. Adjusted ordinal regression models estimated the association between each type of EI therapy service and provider estimates of children's global functional improvement.

Results:

Children with a diagnosis (b = 0.8, SE = 0.2) and those whose caregiver had 12 years of education or less (b = 0.6, SE = 0.3) had higher EI intensity. Black, non-Hispanic (BNH) children had nearly 75% lower odds of receiving physical therapy (PT) (odds ratio [OR] = 0.3, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.1–0.7) and greater odds of receiving speech therapy (ST) (OR = 3.4, 95% CI, 1.3–9.3) than their white, non-Hispanic (WNH) peers. BNH children who received PT received about an hour less per month (b = −0.7, SE = 0.4) than their WNH peers. Hispanic children (b = 1.0, SE = 0.3) and those with higher family income (b = 0.7, SE = 0.3) received greater intensity of PT compared with their peers who are WNH and from low-income families. Publically insured children had lower intensity of occupational therapy (b = −0.5, SE = 0.3) and ST (b = −0.6, SE = 0.3). Greater intensity of EI services was not associated with greater provider-perceived improvement.

Conclusion:

Results suggest disparities, by race and family income, in receipt of EI therapy services. These findings highlight opportunities to customize and coordinate care for improved EI access and care quality.
PROGRESSION OF MACULAR ATROPHY IN EYES WITH TYPE 1 NEOVASCULARIZATION AND AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION RECEIVING LONG-TERM INTRAVITREAL ANTI–VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL GROWTH FACTOR THERAPY
Authors: Christenbury Joseph G. , Phasukkijwatana Nopasak , Gilani Fatimah , Freund K. Bailey , Sadda SriniVas , Sarraf David
Published: July 2017

Purpose:

To evaluate the size and location of macular atrophy in eyes with Type-1 neovascularization (NV) and age-related macular degeneration receiving chronic intravitreal anti–vascular endothelial growth factor therapy.

Methods:

A retrospective review of a case series of 27 eyes with Type-1 NV and retinal pigment epithelial detachment (PED) having a minimum of 12 months follow-up was performed. Demographic information and visual acuity at baseline and the final follow-up were collected. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) and near-infrared reflectance were analyzed at 6-month intervals to detect and measure macular atrophy. Location and area (in square millimeter) of macular atrophy were measured using Heidelberg software tools. Also, OCT angiography was used to colocalize the area of Type-1 NV flow versus the location of atrophy.

Results:

Twenty-seven eyes of 27 patients were included in this analysis. The median visual acuity was 20/50, mean age was 82.7 years, and mean number of injections was 29.5. A larger percentage of eyes (59.3%) developed atrophy predominantly eccentric to the PED versus predominantly overlying the PED (11.1%) when measured with spectral-domain OCT and near-infrared imaging. At the final follow-up, there was a larger area of atrophy surrounding the fibrovascular PED (mean, 3.326 mm2) than overlying it (mean, 0.542 mm2), and this was statistically significant (P = 0.0118). En-face OCT images were overlaid with OCT angiography in 11 eyes, and a predominantly eccentric pattern of atrophy was identified in 9 of 11 eyes. Using this method, the mean area of atrophy predominantly overlying the Type-1 NV was 1.652 mm2 (range of 0–10.464 mm2), whereas the area of atrophy predominantly eccentric to the neovascular complex was 4.345 mm2 (range of 0.705–13.758 mm2), and this was statistically significant (P = 0.0465). The average rate of atrophy progression was 1.04 mm2/year (SD 0.938).

Conclusion:

With long-term anti–vascular endothelial growth factor therapy for eyes with Type-1 NV secondary to age-related macular degeneration, macular atrophy tends to develop predominantly eccentric to the PED and the neovascular flow imaged on OCT angiography. With chronic vascular endothelial growth factor suppression, Type-1 NV may evolve into a multilayered PED that may confer a protective effect to the overlying retinal pigment epithelium and outer retina.
Hering’s Law in Congenital Ptosis: Evaluation of the Contralateral Response to Unilateral Congenital Ptosis Repair
Authors: Clark Thomas J. E. , Klejch Wesley J. , Wang Kai , Allen Richard C. , Nerad Jeffrey A. , Carter Keith D. , Shriver Erin M.
Published: July 2017

Purpose:

To determine the applicability and clinical relevance of Hering’s law for the eyelids in cases of congenital ptosis.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review and digital photograph analysis of patients who underwent unilateral congenital ptosis repair at a tertiary, university-based, Oculoplastics clinic was conducted. Pre- and postoperative eyelid height (marginal reflex distance), upper eyelid symmetry, and brow position were determined using ImageJ analysis software. Changes in these values, and the relationship between the change in ipsi- and contralateral eyelid heights and brow positions, were determined.

Results:

In 51 patients, the mean change in contralateral upper eyelid position (marginal reflex distance) following unilateral repair was −0.5 mm with 29% (n = 15) demonstrating a greater than 1 mm contralateral descent. The contralateral brow position remained stable with a mean change of +0.1 mm. No significant differences were seen between the 15 patients who demonstrated a contralateral upper eyelid descent greater than 1 mm and the remainder of the cohort in terms of amblyopia rate (p = 0.71), mean preoperative marginal reflex distance (p = 0.14), mean change in ipsilateral marginal reflex distance (p = 0.32), mean change in contralateral brow position (p = 0.44), or mean postoperative upper eyelid asymmetry (1.3 mm vs. 1.2 mm). Overall, the mean upper eyelid asymmetry improved from 2.6 mm preoperatively to 1.2 mm postoperatively. None of the 51 patients underwent subsequent contralateral ptosis repair.

Conclusions:

Hering’s law for the eyelids applies to cases of congenital ptosis but has little clinical significance due to improved upper eyelid asymmetry following unilateral surgery.
Microanatomical Location of Hyaluronic Acid Gel Following Injection of the Upper Lip Vermillion Border: Comparison of Needle and Microcannula Injection Technique
Authors: Blandford Alexander D. , Hwang Catherine J. , Young Jason , Barnes Alexander C. , Plesec Thomas P. , Perry Julian D.
Published: July 2017

Purpose:

To compare needle and microcannula injection techniques in regards to the microanatomical location of hyaluronic acid (HA) gel injected in the upper lip vermillion border of cadaver specimens.

Methods:

The upper lip vermillion border was injected transcutaneously with HA gel in 8 fresh hemifaces of 4 female human cadavers. Each hemiface was injected by a single experienced injector, the right side using a 27-gauge microcannula and the left side using a 30-gauge needle. A 2-cm region of each lip was excised lateral to a point 1-cm lateral to the philtrum. Specimens were fixed in 95% alcohol, embedded in paraffin, and stained with hematoxylin–eosin for histologic examination.

Results:

Most HA injected with either a needle or a microcannula was located within the orbicularis oris muscle, and the remaining HA resided within the subcutaneous fat. In 3/4 right (microcannula) hemifaces, 100% of the HA was located within the muscle. Only 2/4 left (needle) hemifaces had at least 95% of the HA located within the muscle. Overall, in right (microcannula) hemifaces, 93% of the filler was located within the muscle, and in left (needle) hemifaces, 79% of the filler was located within the muscle (p =0.14).

Conclusions:

Most HA filler injected into the vermillion border after either microcannula or needle injection resides within the orbicularis oris muscle rather than in a subcutaneous/submucosal location. Injection with a microcannula shows a trend for more uniform intramuscular location compared with needle injection.
Determinants of Follow-up Care for Patients With Celiac Disease
Authors: Cohen Margot E. , Jaffe Ariel , Strauch Carolyn B. , Lewis Suzanne K. , Lebwohl Benjamin , Green Peter H.R.
Published: July 2017

Goals:

This study aimed to investigate follow-up patterns among celiac disease (CD) patients.

Background:

Gender factors are important in CD with women diagnosed more frequently than men despite equal seropositivity in screening studies. To determine if gender influences postdiagnosis care, we performed a retrospective cohort study investigating the impact of gender and mode of presentation on follow-up patterns after diagnosis.

Study:

The study included adults with biopsy-proven CD presenting to a single tertiary care center between 2005 and 2014. The primary exposure was at least 1 visit with a CD specialist. The primary outcome was ≥2 follow-up visits, including office visits and endoscopic procedures. Data extracted included whether patients had tissue transglutaminase antibodies performed by our laboratory.

Results:

We analyzed 708 patients of which 70.5% were female. Follow-up was good with a majority of patients (69%) having at least 1 follow-up visit. On bivariate analysis, patients least likely to follow-up were ages 18 to 29 (P=0.03) and women with atypical presentations (P=0.003). After adjusting for potential confounders, individuals over age 65 were significantly more likely to attend at least 2 follow-up visits (odds ratio, 2.07; 95% confidence interval, 1.21-3.55; P=0.0079). Individuals with an abnormal baseline tissue transglutaminase antibody value in our laboratory were significantly more likely to follow-up (odds ratio, 1.99; 95% confidence interval, 1.39-2.85; P=0.0002).

Conclusions:

Gender had no impact on follow-up patterns despite prior studies demonstrating an impact on diagnosis rates. Future attention should focus on retaining young patients and those with atypical modes of presentation.
Preterm Infants With Biliary Atresia
Authors: van Wessel Daan B.E. , Boere Thomas , Hulzebos Christian V. , de Kleine Ruben H.J. , Verkade Henkjan J. , Hulscher Jan B.F. ,   Netherlands Study group of Biliary Atresia, Registry (NeSBAR)
Published: July 2017

Objectives:

Biliary atresia (BA) occurs in 0.54 of 10.000 of overall live births in the Netherlands. BA has an unfavorable prognosis: <40% of patients are cleared of jaundice after Kasai portoenterostomy (KPE), 4‐year transplant‐free survival rate is 46% and the 4‐year survival rate is ~75%. Little is known on difficulties in diagnosis and the outcome of BA in preterm infants. We aimed to analyze the incidence and outcome of BA in preterm infants in the Netherlands.

Methods:

Retrospective study including Dutch preterm infants treated for BA. Parameters included gestational age, congenital anomalies, age at KPE, days between first symptoms, and KPE and referral interval (first hospital to KPE). Outcome parameters were clearance of jaundice (COJ) and (transplant‐free) survival. Data are presented as medians (ranges).

Results:

Included 28 preterm infants (13 boys/15 girls) between March 1988 and December 2015. The incidence of BA was 1.06 of 10.000 preterm live births. Gestational age was 34.8 (27.3–36.9) weeks. Congenital anomalies were present in 11 of 28 (39%) infants. Time between first symptoms and KPE was 57 (9–138) days. Referral interval was 28 (8–86) days. Age at KPE was 70 (35–145) days. COJ was achieved in 23% of cases. Four‐year transplant‐free survival rate was 21%. Four‐year overall survival was 61%.

Conclusions:

BA has a higher incidence in the preterm population compared to the overall BA population. The outcome of BA in preterm infants is poor, regarding COJ and (transplant‐free) survival. We speculate that timely recognition of BA‐related signs and symptoms in preterm infants will improve prognosis.
Dihydrofolate Reductase Genetic Polymorphisms Affect Methotrexate Dose Requirements in Pediatric Patients With Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia on Maintenance Therapy
Authors: Gervasini Guillermo , de Murillo Silvia G. , Jiménez Mercedes , de la Maya María D. , Vagace Jose M.
Published: July 2017

We have aimed to determine the effect of polymorphisms in regulatory regions of the DHFR gene in relation to methotrexate (MTX) dose adjustments and drug-induced toxicity in children on maintenance therapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). In total, 41 children diagnosed with ALL were screened for 3 tag-single nucleotide polymorphisms in the DHFR promoter (C-1610G, C-680G/T, A-317G) and an intronic 19-bp insertion/deletion. Genotypes were analyzed in relation to dose requirements and toxicity. The percentage of MTX dose administered (with respect to protocol-recommended values) was affected by DHFR polymorphisms. Carriers of the −680AA genotype displayed a median percentage of 44.08 (interquartile range=34.69), compared with 77.98 (interquartile range=33.90) for CC and CA carriers (P=0.01). The number of counts within white blood cell therapeutic range (2.0 to 3.0×109/L) was higher for −680AA carriers than for CC/CA carriers (P=0.003). With regard to toxicity, carriers of the −680AA genotype displayed more treatment interruptions than CC/CG carriers (P=0.03), as well as more episodes of severe neutropenia (P=0.04) and higher number of blood counts with elevated levels (>400 mg/dL) of lactate dehidrogenase (P=0.04). Overall, our findings suggest that the identification of DHFR polymorphisms in the promoter region of the gene may be helpful in tailoring MTX doses for ALL pediatric patients on maintenance therapy.
Synchronous population dynamics in California butterflies explained by climatic forcing
Authors: Pardikes Nicholas A. , Harrison Joshua G. , Shapiro Arthur M. , Forister Matthew L.
Published: July 2017

A long-standing challenge for population biology has been to understand why some species are characterized by populations that fluctuate in size independently, while populations of other species fluctuate synchronously across space. The effects of climatic variation and dispersal have been invoked to explain synchronous population dynamics, however an understanding of the relative influence of these drivers in natural populations is lacking. Here we compare support for dispersal- versus climate-driven models of interspecific variation in synchrony using 27 years of observations of 65 butterfly species at 10 sites spanning 2750 m of elevation in Northern California. The degree of spatial synchrony exhibited by each butterfly species was used as a response in a unique approach that allowed us to investigate whether interspecific variation in response to climate or dispersal propensity was most predictive of interspecific variation in synchrony. We report that variation in sensitivity to climate explained 50% of interspecific variation in synchrony, whereas variation in dispersal propensity explained 23%. Sensitivity to the El Niño Southern Oscillation, a primary driver of regional climate, was the best predictor of synchrony. Combining sensitivity to climate and dispersal propensity into a single model did not greatly increase model performance, confirming the primacy of climatic sensitivity for driving spatial synchrony in butterflies. Finally, we uncovered a relationship between spatial synchrony and population decline that is consistent with theory, but small in magnitude, which suggests that the degree to which populations fluctuate in synchrony is of limited use for understanding the ongoing decline of the Northern California butterfly fauna.
Questioning hagfish affinities of the enigmatic Devonian vertebratePalaeospondylus
Authors: Johanson Zerina , Smith Moya , Sanchez Sophie , Senden Tim , Trinajstic Kate , Pfaff Cathrin
Published: July 2017

Palaeospondylus gunniTraquair, 1890 is an enigmatic Devonian vertebrate whose taxonomic affinities have been debated since it was first described. Most recently,Palaeospondylushas been identified as a stem-group hagfish (Myxinoidea). However, one character questioning this assignment is the presence of three semicircular canals in the otic region of the cartilaginous skull, a feature of jawed vertebrates. Additionally, new tomographic data reveal that the following characters of crown-group gnathostomes (chondrichthyans + osteichthyans) are present inPalaeospondylus: a longer telencephalic region of the braincase, separation of otic and occipital regions by the otico-occipital fissure, and vertebral centra. As well, a precerebral fontanelle and postorbital articulation of the palatoquadrate are characteristic of certain chondrichthyans. Similarities in the structure of the postorbital process to taxa such asPucapampella, and possible presence of the ventral cranial fissure, both support a resolution ofPa. gunnias a stem chondrichthyan. The internally mineralized cartilaginous skeleton inPalaeospondylusmay represent a stage in the loss of bone characteristic of the Chondrichthyes.
Behavioural flexibility in spider mites: oviposition site shifts based on past and present stimuli from conspecifics and predators
Authors: Murase Aoi , Fujita Kazuo , Yano Shuichi
Published: July 2017

Predator-experienced individuals often change their predation avoidance response when they re-encounter the same predators or their cues. Recent reports show that behavioural change sometimes occurs even before the re-encounter. To function as an adaptive strategy in the wild, such prospective experience-induced behaviour should change flexibly in response to changing situations. We assessed flexibility of experience-induced oviposition site shift in two closely related species of spider mites,Tetranychus kanzawaiandT. urticae, from the viewpoint of reducing future predation risk on their eggs. We found that: (i) individuals ofT. kanzawaishifted oviposition site depending on the presence of conspecific eggs; (ii) after experiencing predation threatT. kanzawaifemales shifted oviposition site even in the absence of any current predation threat; (iii) this experience-induced shift of oviposition site was weakened in the presence of conspecific males; and (iv) experience-induced behaviour was retained for a shorter period inT. urticaethan inT. kanzawai, possibly because the demand for learning may differ with regard to biological conditions encountered in the wild.
The inclusive fitness controversy: finding a way forward
Authors: Birch Jonathan
Published: July 2017

This paper attempts to reconcile critics and defenders of inclusive fitness by constructing a synthesis that does justice to the insights of both. I argue that criticisms of the regression-based version of Hamilton's rule, although they undermine its use for predictive purposes, do not undermine its use as an organizing framework for social evolution research. I argue that the assumptions underlying the concept of inclusive fitness, conceived as a causal property of an individual organism, are unlikely to be exactly true in real populations, but they are approximately true given a specific type of weak selection that Hamilton took, on independent grounds, to be responsible for the cumulative assembly of complex adaptation. Finally, I reflect on the uses and limitations of ‘design thinking’ in social evolution research.
Gold nanoparticles stabilized with sulphonated imidazolium salts in water and reverse micelles
Authors: Monti Gustavo A. , Fernández Gabriela A. , Correa N. Mariano , Falcone R. Darío , Moyano Fernando , Silbestri Gustavo F.
Published: July 2017

Herein we describe the synthesis of gold nanoparticles (Au-NPs) in presence of sulphonated imidazolium salts [1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropyl-4-sodiumsulfonatophenyl)imidazolium (
L1
), 1-mesityl-3-(3-sulfonatopropyl)imidazolium (
L2
) and 1-(3-sulfonatopropyl)imidazolium (
L3
)] in water and in a confinement environment created by reverse micelles (RMs). The Au-NPs were characterized—with an excellent agreement between different techniques—by UV-vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and zeta potential. In homogeneous media, the Au-NPs interact with the imidazolium ring and the sulphonate groups were directed away from the NPs' surface. This fact is responsible for the Au-NPs' stability—over three months—in water. Based on the obtained zeta potential values we assume the degree of coverage of the Au-NPs by the imidazolium salts. In
n
-heptane/sodium 1,4-bis (2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate (AOT)/water RMs, the Au-NPs formed in presence of sulphonated imidazolium salts present different patterns depending on the ligand used as stabilizer. Interestingly, the Au-NPs are more stable in time when the salts are present in AOT RMs (three weeks) in comparison with the same RMs system but in absence of ligands (less than an hour). Clearly, the sulphonated imidazolium salts are very effective Au-NPs stabilizers in a different medium and this generates a plus to be able to use them for multiple purposes.
Extragalactic radio surveys in the pre-Square Kilometre Array era
Authors: Simpson Chris
Published: July 2017

The era of the Square Kilometre Array is almost upon us, and pathfinder telescopes are already in operation. This brief review summarizes our current knowledge of extragalactic radio sources, accumulated through six decades of continuum surveys at the low-frequency end of the electromagnetic spectrum and the extensive complementary observations at other wavelengths necessary to gain this understanding. The relationships between radio survey data and surveys at other wavelengths are discussed. Some of the outstanding questions are identified and prospects over the next few years are outlined.
Detection of an endangered aquatic heteropteran using environmental DNA in a wetland ecosystem
Authors: Doi Hideyuki , Katano Izumi , Sakata Yusuke , Souma Rio , Kosuge Toshihiro , Nagano Mariko , Ikeda Kousuke , Yano Koki , Tojo Koji
Published: July 2017

The use of environmental DNA (eDNA) has recently been employed to evaluate the distribution of various aquatic macroorganisms. Although this technique has been applied to a broad range of taxa, from vertebrates to invertebrates, its application is limited for aquatic insects such as aquatic heteropterans
. Nepa hoffmanni
(Heteroptera: Nepidae) is a small (approx. 23 mm) aquatic heteropteran that inhabits wetlands, can be difficult to capture and is endangered in Japan. The molecular tool eDNA was used to evaluate the species distribution of
N. hoffmanni
in comparison to that determined using hand-capturing methods in two regions of Japan. The eDNA of
N. hoffmanni
was detected at nearly all sites (10 eDNA-detected sites out of 14 sites), including sites where
N. hoffmanni
was not captured by hand (five eDNA-detected sites out of six captured sites). Thus, this species-specific eDNA technique can be applied to detect small, sparsely distributed heteropterans in wetland ecosystems. In conclusion, eDNA could be a valuable technique for the detection of aquatic insects inhabiting wetland habitats, and could make a significant contribution to providing distribution data necessary to species conservation.
Modulational instability in the full-dispersion Camassa–Holm equation
Authors: Hur Vera Mikyoung , Pandey Ashish Kumar
Published: July 2017

We determine the stability and instability of a sufficiently small and periodic travelling wave to long-wavelength perturbations, for a nonlinear dispersive equation which extends a Camassa–Holm equation to include all the dispersion of water waves and the Whitham equation to include nonlinearities of medium-amplitude waves. In the absence of the effects of surface tension, the result qualitatively agrees with the Benjamin–Feir instability of a Stokes wave. In the presence of the effects of surface tension, it qualitatively agrees with those from formal asymptotic expansions of the physical problem and improves upon that for the Whitham equation, predicting the critical wave number at the strong surface tension limit. We discuss the modulational stability and instability in the Camassa–Holm equation and other related models.
Effects of boundary conditions on bistable behaviour in axisymmetrical shallow shells
Authors: Sobota P. M. , Seffen K. A.
Published: July 2017

Multistable shells are thin-walled structures that have more than one stable state of self-stress. We consider isotropic axisymmetrical shallow shells of arbitrary polynomial shapes using a Föppl–von Kármán analytical model. By employing a Rayleigh–Ritz approach, we identify stable shapes from local minima in the strain energy formulation, and we formally characterize the level of influence of the boundary conditions on the critical geometry for achieving bistable inversion—an effect not directly answered in the literature. Systematic insight is afforded by connecting the boundary to ground through sets of extensional and rotational linear springs. For typical cap-like shells, it is shown that bistability is generally enhanced when the extensional spring stiffness increases and when the rotational spring stiffness decreases, i.e. when boundary movements in-plane are resisted but when their rotations are not; however, for certain other shapes and large in-plane stiffness values, bistability can be enhanced by resisting but not entirely preventing edge rotations. Our predictions are furnished as detailed regime maps of the critical geometry, which are accurately correlated against finite-element analysis. Furthermore, the suitabilities of single degree-of-freedom models, for which solutions are achieved in closed form, are evaluated and compared to our more accurate predictions.
Stacked Bt maize and arthropod predators: exposure to insecticidal Cry proteins and potential hazards
Authors: Svobodová Zdeňka , Shu Yinghua , Skoková Habuštová Oxana , Romeis Jörg , Meissle Michael
Published: July 2017

Genetically engineered (GE) crops with stacked insecticidal traits expose arthropods to multiple Cry proteins from
Bacillus thuringiensis
(Bt). One concern is that the different Cry proteins may interact and lead to unexpected adverse effects on non-target species. Bi- and tri-trophic experiments with SmartStax maize, herbivorous spider mites (
Tetranychus urticae
), aphids (
Rhopalosiphum padi
), predatory spiders (
Phylloneta impressa
), ladybeetles (
Harmonia axyridis
) and lacewings (
Chrysoperla carnea
) were conducted. Cry1A.105, Cry1F, Cry3Bb1 and Cry34Ab1 moved in a similar pattern through the arthropod food chain. By contrast, Cry2Ab2 had highest concentrations in maize leaves, but lowest in pollen, and lowest acquisition rates by herbivores and predators. While spider mites contained Cry protein concentrations exceeding the values in leaves (except Cry2Ab2), aphids contained only traces of some Cry protein. Predators contained lower concentrations than their food. Among the different predators, ladybeetle larvae showed higher concentrations than lacewing larvae and juvenile spiders. Acute effects of SmartStax maize on predator survival, development and weight were not observed. The study thus provides evidence that the different Cry proteins do not interact in a way that poses a risk to the investigated non-target species under controlled laboratory conditions.
Cascading effects of predator activity on tick-borne disease risk
Authors: Hofmeester Tim R. , Jansen Patrick A. , Wijnen Hendrikus J. , Coipan Elena C. , Fonville Manoj , Prins Herbert H. T. , Sprong Hein , van Wieren Sipke E.
Published: July 2017

Predators and competitors of vertebrates can in theory reduce the density of infected nymphs (DIN)—an often-used measure of tick-borne disease risk—by lowering the density of reservoir-competent hosts and/or the tick burden on reservoir-competent hosts. We investigated this possible indirect effect of predators by comparing data from 20 forest plots across the Netherlands that varied in predator abundance. In each plot, we measured the density of questing
Ixodes ricinus
nymphs (DON), DIN for three pathogens, rodent density, the tick burden on rodents and the activity of mammalian predators. We analysed whether rodent density and tick burden on rodents were correlated with predator activity, and how rodent density and tick burden predicted DON and DIN for the three pathogens. We found that larval burden on two rodent species decreased with activity of two predator species, while DON and DIN for all three pathogens increased with larval burden on rodents, as predicted. Path analyses supported an indirect negative correlation of activity of both predator species with DON and DIN. Our results suggest that predators can indeed lower the number of ticks feeding on reservoir-competent hosts, which implies that changes in predator abundance may have cascading effects on tick-borne disease risk.