bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surgical treatment of liver cirrhosis and hypersplenism with huge accessory spleen – A case report
Authors: Zhuang Bo , Yu Shian , Jin Ruyan , Gong Daojun
Published: February 2017

Abstract

Introduction

Accessory spleens which are common and separate from the main body of the spleen, are the healthy splenic tissues and usually smaller than 2cm. Here, we report a case of liver cirrhosis and hypersplenism with a huge accessory spleen. This case report and literature review describes the management of the enlarged accessory spleen.

Presentation of case

We report the case of a 47-year-old man who presented with discomfort in the left upper abdomen and hypodynamia for more than 3 months. The color Doppler sonography and abdominal contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) revealed a well-marginated ovoid mass, approximately 13.0 cm × 8.0 cm × 5.0cm between stomach and spleen. The patient underwent the laparoscopic splenectomy because of liver cirrhosis and hypersplenism. The result that the mass is the enlarged accessory spleen was confirmed by pathological diagnosis. Clinical symptoms were relieved in 1 month after operation.

Discussion

Accessory spleens could enlarge to more than 10cm in patients with liver cirrhosis. CT and laparoscope can be used for preoperative, intraoperative diagnosis of accessory spleens. Laparoscopic splenectomy associated huge accessory splenectomy is one of the effective treatments of patients with liver cirrhosis and hypersplenism.

Conclusion

Because such a large accessory spleen is rare, to a certain extent, it renders diagnosis more difficult. If we are familiar with its character, unnecessary treatment can be avoided.

Highlights
Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test – accuracy for the differential diagnosis of Alzheimer's and neurodegenerative diseases: A large‐scale biomarker‐characterized monocenter cohort study (ClinAD)
Authors: Teichmann Marc , Epelbaum Stéphane , Samri Dalila , Levy Nogueira Marcel , Michon Agnès , Hampel Harald , Lamari Foudil , Dubois Bruno
Published: February 2017

Introduction

The International Working Group recommended the Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test (FCSRT) as a sensitive detector of the amnesic syndrome of the hippocampal type in typical Alzheimer's disease (AD). But does it differentiate AD from other neurodegenerative diseases?

Methods

We assessed the FCSRT and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) AD biomarkers in 992 cases. Experts, blinded to biomarker data, attributed in 650 cases a diagnosis of typical AD, frontotemporal dementia, posterior cortical atrophy, Lewy body disease, progressive supranuclear palsy, corticobasal syndrome, primary progressive aphasias, “subjective cognitive decline,” or depression.

Results

The FCSRT distinguished typical AD from all other conditions with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 75%. Non‐AD neurodegenerative diseases with positive AD CSF biomarkers (“atypical AD”) did not have lower FCSRT scores than those with negative biomarkers.

Discussion

The FCSRT is a reliable tool for diagnosing typical AD among various neurodegenerative diseases. At an individual level, however, its specificity is not absolute. Our findings also widen the spectrum of atypical AD to multiple neurodegenerative conditions.
Impact of home visit capacity on genetic association studies of late‐onset Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Fardo David W. , Gibbons Laura E. , Mukherjee Shubhabrata , Glymour M. Maria , McCormick Wayne , McCurry Susan M. , Bowen James D. , Larson Eric B. , Crane Paul K.
Published: February 2017

Introduction

Findings for genetic correlates of late‐onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD) in studies that rely solely on clinic visits may differ from those with capacity to follow participants unable to attend clinic visits.

Methods

We evaluated previously identified LOAD‐risk single nucleotide variants in the prospective Adult Changes in Thought study, comparing hazard ratios (HRs) estimated using the full data set of both in‐home and clinic visits (n = 1697) to HRs estimated using only data that were obtained from clinic visits (n = 1308). Models were adjusted for age, sex, principal components to account for ancestry, and additional health indicators.

Results

LOAD associations nominally differed for 4 of 21 variants; CR1 and APOE variants were significant after Bonferroni correction.

Discussion

Estimates of genetic associations may differ for studies limited to clinic‐only designs. Home visit capacity should be explored as a possible source of heterogeneity and potential bias in genetic studies.
Evaluating the Impact of Pharmacies on Pandemic Influenza Vaccine Administration
Authors: Schwerzmann Joy , Graitcer Samuel B. , Jester Barbara , Krahl David , Jernigan Daniel , Bridges Carolyn B. , Miller Joseph
Published: February 2017

Objectives

The objective of this study was to quantify the potential retail pharmacy vaccine administration capacity and its possible impact on pandemic influenza vaccine uptake.

Methods

We developed a discrete event simulation model by use of ExtendSim software (Imagine That Inc, San Jose, CA) to forecast the potential effect of retail pharmacy vaccine administration on total weekly vaccine administration and the time needed to reach 80% vaccination coverage with a single dose of vaccine per person.

Results

Results showed that weekly national vaccine administration capacity increased to 25 million doses per week when retail pharmacist vaccination capacity was included in the model. In addition, the time to achieve 80% vaccination coverage nationally was reduced by 7 weeks, assuming high public demand for vaccination. The results for individual states varied considerably, but in 48 states the inclusion of pharmacies improved time to 80% coverage.

Conclusions

Pharmacists can increase the numbers of pandemic influenza vaccine doses administered and reduce the time to achieve 80% single-dose coverage. These results support efforts to ensure pharmacist vaccinators are integrated into pandemic vaccine response planning. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2017;11:587–593)
The Use of a Computerized Provider Order Entry Alert to Decrease Rates of Clostridium difficile Testing in Young Pediatric Patients
Authors: Nicholson Maribeth R. , Freswick Peter N. , Di Pentima M. Cecilia , Wang Li , Edwards Kathryn M. , Wilson Gregory J. , Talbot Thomas R.
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND

Infants and young children are frequently colonized with C. difficile but rarely have symptomatic disease. However, C. difficile testing remains prevalent in this age group.

OBJECTIVE

To design a computerized provider order entry (CPOE) alert to decrease testing for C. difficile in young children and infants.

DESIGN

An interventional age-targeted before-after trial with comparison group

SETTING

Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee.

PATIENTS

All children seen in the inpatient or emergency room settings from July 2012 through July 2013 (pre-CPOE alert) and September 2013 through September 2014 (post-CPOE alert)

INTERVENTION

In August of 2013, we implemented a CPOE alert advising against testing in infants and young children based on the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations with an optional override. We further offered healthcare providers educational seminars regarding recommended C. difficile testing.

RESULTS

The average monthly testing rate significantly decreased after the CPOE alert for children 0–11 months old (11.5 pre-alert vs 0 post-alert per 10,000 patient days; P<.001) and 12–35 months old (61.6 pre-alert vs 30.1 post-alert per 10,000 patients days; P<.001), but not for those children ≥36 months old (50.9 pre-alert vs 46.4 post-alert per 10,000 patient days; P=.3) who were not targeted with a CPOE alert. There were no complications in those children who testing positive for C. difficile.

CONCLUSIONS

The average monthly testing rate for C. difficile for children <35 months old decreased without complication after the use of a CPOE alert in those who tested positive for C. difficile.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2017;38:542–546
MAKING MONEY IN THE STATE: NORTH KOREA'S PSEUDO-STATE ENTERPRISES IN THE EARLY 2000s
Authors: Lankov Andrei , Ward Peter , Yoo Ho-yeol , Kim Ji-young
Published: February 2017

In the 1990s, a part of the North Korean economy underwent a process of marketization and de facto privatization. While largely spontaneous, this process was eerily reminiscent of developments in other post-Communist countries in Eastern Europe. One of the results was the emergence of a new entrepreneurial class, a nascent bourgeoisie. In order to overcome the obstacles that arose from the lack of any legal framework for their activities, they often chose to register their enterprises with state agencies, creating what we call Pseudo-state Enterprises (PSEs). Utilizing an agency theory approach, with particular emphasis on property rights and contracting problems, this article traces the origin of the PSE, their interaction with the state, how they are managed and the challenges they face. The article is based on refugee interviews with five North Koreans involved with the PSE-related activities in nine entities covering a range of different sectors.
First record of Toxodontidae (Mammalia, Notoungulata) from the late Miocene–early Pliocene of the southern central Andes, NW Argentina
Authors: Bonini Ricardo A. , Schmidt Gabriela I. , Reguero Marcelo A. , Cerdeño Esperanza , Candela Adriana M. , Solís Natalia
Published: February 2017

A new species of toxodontid notoungulate, Xotodon maimarensis n. sp., is described from the Maimará Formation (late Miocene–early Pliocene), Jujuy Province, northwestern Argentina. This is the first record of a toxodontid from the Eastern Cordillera. The specimen is housed at the Museo de Geología, Mineralogía y Paleontología, Instituto de Geología y Minería de la Universidad Nacional de Jujuy. It consists of an incomplete mandible preserving the right mandibular ramus with part of the dental series, partially preserved symphysis with all the incisors, and a small portion of the left ramus without teeth. The following characters distinguish it as a new taxon: symphysis long and narrow with slight divergence of its lateral borders; strong procumbence of lower incisors and deeply implanted i3; chin angle lower than in X. major and X. cristatus and bulging labial keel limiting strong lateral concavities. Comparative analysis in the context of the recently revised Neogene Toxodontidae indicates that the Maimará specimen shares mandibular features and dental characters with Xotodon and Mixotoxodon, differing from the latter by the more upraised symphysis. The phylogenetic position of Xotodon maimarensis n. sp. supports the taxonomic interpretation of the studied specimen as a new species of Xotodon. This new Toxodontidae increases the knowledge of the diversity and radiation of this group of notoungulates in northwest Argentina.
Effects of cold storage on the biological characteristics ofMicroplitis prodeniae(Hymenoptera: Braconidae)
Authors: Yan Z. , Yue J.J. , Bai C. , Peng Z.Q. , Zhang C.H.
Published: February 2017

The endoparasitoidMicroplitis prodeniaeRao and Chandry is an important potential augmentative biological control agent for lepidopteran pests of vegetables and tobacco. However, cold storage of pupae is required to ensure that sufficient parasitoids are available when they are needed in the field. In this study, pupae were maintained at 0, 4 or 10°C for 5–50 days after which the adults were evaluated for emergence, pre-emergence period, sex ratio, female longevity, oviposition period, and fecundity. Cold storage did not affect the pre-emergence period or proportion of females; however, there was a significant reduction in emergence, female longevity, oviposition period, and fecundity with increased exposure to cold. The pre-emergence period was approximately 5 days, and approximately 50% of the emergent parasitoids were females. A cold storage regime of 10 days at 10°C had no effect on the parasitoids and adult emergence was greater than 50% even after 20 days at 10°C. There was no carryover of the cold treatment from parental to F1 and F2 generations. Thus,M. prodeniaecan be stockpiled for field release by exposing the pupae to a cold regime and subsequently holding them for adult emergence at 28°C.
‘Quella era veramente è Little Italy, la nostra Little Italy’: Multiple centres, cultural presence and the articulation of spaces of speech from Tasmania
Authors: Santello Marco
Published: February 2017

This article examines the intersections between migrant experiences, multilingual practices, and the creation of space. It does so by focusing on Italians who migrated to Tasmania, a group that has long been isolated from the rest of the Italian diaspora. Using an ethnographic approach within a constructivist framework, this research shows that when experiences of movement are recounted in interaction they bring about spaces of speech that are possible thanks to the articulation of local and transnational ‘centres’, which in turn are intertwined with a rich set of linguistic resources. These resources include code-choice, codeswitching, and intentional exposure of phonological variation, and are variously combined to allow the emergence of spaces for people to move through. Spaces of speech are thus situated interactional spaces where acts of (re)telling are related to centres as spatial resources through which not only social meaning is created but also location and locution are mutually constitutive. (Spaces of speech, centres, cultural presence, Italian, Tasmania)*
IDENTIFICATION OF JOINT DISTRIBUTIONS IN DEPENDENT FACTOR MODELS
Authors: Ben-Moshe Dan
Published: February 2017

This paper studies linear factor models that have arbitrarily dependent factors. Assuming that the coefficients are known and that their matrix representation satisfies rank conditions, we identify the nonparametric joint distribution of the unobserved factors using first and then second-order partial derivatives of the log characteristic function of the observed variables. In conjunction with these identification strategies the mean and variance of the vector of factors are identified. The main result provides necessary and sufficient conditions for identification of the joint distribution of the factors. In an illustrative example, we show identification of an earnings dynamics model with a subset of arbitrarily dependent income shocks. Closed-form formulas lead to estimators that converge uniformly and despite being based on inverse Fourier transforms have tight confidence bands around their theoretical counterparts in Monte Carlo simulations.
Combined powder X-ray diffraction data and quantum-chemical calculations in EXPO2014
Authors: Altomare Angela , Ciriaco Fulvio , Cuocci Corrado , Falcicchio Aurelia , Fanelli Flavio
Published: February 2017

This paper describes new features implemented in the EXPO2014 software and aimed at assisting crystallographers in the use of quantum-chemistry calculations in combination with experimental powder diffraction data. The implemented tools are useful in particular in two important steps of the process of crystal structure determination from powder diffraction data: (1) preparing accurate structural model suitable for crystal structure determination by real-space methods; (2) validating structure determination. The combination of experimental/quantum-chemical methods in EXPO2014 is now managed easily thanks to the following capabilities: (a) converting crystallographic data in input files and reading molecular geometry from output files of a wide variety of computational chemistry packages (GAMESS-US, NWChem, Gaussian, CRYSTAL, ABINIT, QUANTUM ESPRESSO); (b) optimizing the geometry of a molecule using Open Babel's force fields; (c) a graphical interface to run semi-empirical quantum calculation by MOPAC (Molecular Orbital PACkage); (d) producing input file for dispersion-corrected density functional theory.
The characterization of Bordetella pertussis strains isolated in the Central-Western region of Brazil suggests the selection of a specific genetic profile during 2012–2014 outbreaks
Authors: ROCHA E. L. , LEITE D. , CAMARGO C. H. , MARTINS L. M. , SILVA R. S. N. , MARTINS V. P. , CAMPOS T. A.
Published: February 2017

Pertussis is a worldwide acute respiratory disease caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. Despite high vaccine coverage, the bacterium continues to circulate in populations and is still one of the most common vaccine-preventable diseases. In Brazil, pertussis incidence has presented a significant decrease since 1990 but since 2011 a sudden increase in incidence has been observed. Thus, the aim of this study was to perform a molecular epidemiological characterization of B. pertussis strains isolated in the Central-Western region (specifically in Distrito Federal) of Brazil from August 2012 to August 2014. During this period, 92 B. pertussis strains were isolated from the outbreaks. All strains were characterized by serotyping and XbaI pulsed-field gel electrophoresis profiles. From August to December 2012, the most prevalent serotype observed was 1,3 (13/17). During 2013 the prevalence of serotype 1,3 decreased (13/30) and from January 2014 to August 2014 the most prevalent serotype was 1,2 (33/45). Fourteen PFGE profiles were identified. Of these, BP-XbaI0039 prevalence increased from 3/17 in 2012 to 10/30 in 2013, and 35/45 in 2014. These results evidence the selection of a specific genetic profile during this period, suggesting the occurrence of a bacterial genomic profile with high circulation potential.
Factors associated with persistent colonisation with methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus
Authors: CLUZET V. C. , GERBER J. S. , NACHAMKIN I. , COFFIN S. E. , DAVIS M. F. , JULIAN K. G. , ZAOUTIS T. E. , METLAY J. P. , LINKIN D. R. , TOLOMEO P. , WISE J. A. , BILKER W. B. , HU B. , LAUTENBACH E. ,   FOR THE CDC PREVENTION EPICENTERS PROGRAM
Published: February 2017

We conducted a prospective cohort study between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2012 at five adult and paediatric academic medical centres to identify factors associated with persistent methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) colonisation. Adults and children presenting to ambulatory settings with a MRSA skin and soft tissue infection (i.e. index cases), along with household members, performed self-sampling for MRSA colonisation every 2 weeks for 6 months. Clearance of colonisation was defined as two consecutive negative sampling periods. Subjects without clearance by the end of the study were considered persistently colonised and compared with those who cleared colonisation. Of 243 index cases, 48 (19·8%) had persistent colonisation and 110 (45·3%) cleared colonisation without recurrence. Persistent colonisation was associated with white race (odds ratio (OR), 4·90; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1·38–17·40), prior MRSA infection (OR 3·59; 95% CI 1·05–12·35), colonisation of multiple sites (OR 32·7; 95% CI 6·7–159·3). Conversely, subjects with persistent colonisation were less likely to have been treated with clindamycin (OR 0·28; 95% CI 0·08–0·99). Colonisation at multiple sites is a risk factor for persistent colonisation and may require more targeted decolonisation efforts. The specific effect of clindamycin on MRSA colonisation needs to be elucidated.
Maximum Time-to-Rescue After the 1908 Messina-Reggio Calabria Earthquake was 20 Days: Hints for Disaster Planning?
Authors: De Santo Natale Gaspare , Bisaccia Carmela , De Santo Luca Salvatore
Published: February 2017

Introduction

Maximum time-to-rescue has been studied accurately for many earthquakes in the years 1985-2004. No study is available for historical quakes.

Hypothesis/Problem

This study aimed to evaluate long-term survivors (from the fifth day after the quake) of the Messina-Reggio Calabria earthquake (1908; Italy), which is considered, historically, to be the worst seismic event in Europe.

Methods

Accurate readings of 11 national newspapers from the fifth day after the quake looking for rescued persons and transferring, to an ad hoc form, all data relating to each rescued person.

Results

The maximum time-to rescue was 20 days. There were 225 survivors, among them 51 children (22.6 %). For 23 out 225 rescued persons, there was evidence of availability of foods and drinkable fluids while under the rubble.

Conclusion

The maximum time-to-rescue under the debris following this historical earthquake far exceeds that of all other quakes that occurred in the years 1985-2004. The long survival under debris was probably due to the lack of an order to stop search and rescue. Recent strategies reducing the time for search and rescue carry the risk of missing survivors.

De SantoNG,BisacciaC,De SantoLS.Maximum time-to-rescue after the 1908 Messina-Reggio Calabria Earthquake was 20 days: hints for disaster planning?Prehosp Disaster Med.2017;32(3):249–252.
An Electronic Competency-Based Evaluation Tool for Assessing Humanitarian Competencies in a Simulated Exercise
Authors: Evans Andrea B. , Hulme Jennifer M. , Nugus Peter , Cranmer Hilarie H. , Coutu Melanie , Johnson Kirsten
Published: February 2017

Methods

The evaluation tool was first derived from the formerly Consortium of British Humanitarian Agencies’ (CBHA; United Kingdom), now “Start Network’s,” Core Humanitarian Competency Framework and formatted in an electronic data capture tool that allowed for offline evaluation. During a 3-day humanitarian simulation event, participants in teams of eight to 10 were evaluated individually at multiple injects by trained evaluators. Participants were assessed on five competencies and a global rating scale. Participants evaluated both themselves and their team members using the same tool at the end of the simulation exercise (SimEx).

Results

All participants (63) were evaluated. A total of 1,008 individual evaluations were completed. There were 90 (9.0%) missing evaluations. All 63 participants also evaluated themselves and each of their teammates using the same tool. Self-evaluation scores were significantly lower than peer-evaluations, which were significantly lower than evaluators’ assessments. Participants with a medical degree, and those with humanitarian work experience of one month or more, scored significantly higher on all competencies assessed by evaluators compared to other participants. Participants with prior humanitarian experience scored higher on competencies regarding operating safely and working effectively as a team member.

Conclusion

This study presents a novel electronic evaluation tool to assess individual performance in five of six globally recognized humanitarian competency domains in a 3-day humanitarian SimEx. The evaluation tool provides a standardized approach to the assessment of humanitarian competencies that cannot be evaluated through knowledge-based testing in a classroom setting. When combined with testing knowledge-based competencies, this presents an approach to a comprehensive competency-based assessment that provides an objective measurement of competency with respect to the competencies listed in the Framework. There is an opportunity to advance the use of this tool in future humanitarian training exercises and potentially in real time, in the field. This could impact the efficiency and effectiveness of humanitarian operations.

EvansAB,HulmeJM,NugusP,CranmerHH,CoutuM,JohnsonK.An electronic competency-based evaluation tool for assessing humanitarian competencies in a simulated exercise.Prehosp Disaster Med.2017;32(3):253–260.
Clinical and therapeutic role of mentalization in schizophrenia—a review
Authors: Dimopoulou Trisevgeni , Tarazi Frank I. , Tsapakis Evangelia M.
Published: February 2017

Recent empirical findings from clinical and genetic studies suggest that mentalization, a key area of social cognition, is a distinct construct, although it is closely related to the neurocognitive deficits and symptoms of schizophrenia. Mentalization contributes a great deal to impaired social functioning. Current measures often display methodological problems, and many aspects should be taken into account when assessing mentalization. Moreover, advances in cognitive and affective neurosciences have led to the development of more advanced behavioral methods to assess the relationship between cognitive functions, symptoms, and social cognition based on their underlying neural mechanisms. The development of assessment tools that better examine the neural circuitry of such relationships may lead to the development of new psychosocial and pharmacological treatments.
Adherence Rating Scale for Cognitive Processing Therapy – Cognitive Only: Analysis of Psychometric Properties
Authors: Dittmann Clara , Müller-Engelmann Meike , Resick Patricia A. , Gutermann Jana , Stangier Ulrich , Priebe Kathlen , Fydrich Thomas , Ludäscher Petra , Herzog Julia , Steil Regina
Published: February 2017

Background: The assessment of therapeutic adherence is essential for accurately interpreting treatment outcomes in psychotherapy research. However, such assessments are often neglected. Aims: To fill this gap, we aimed to develop and test a scale that assessed therapeutic adherence to Cognitive Processing Therapy – Cognitive Only (CPT), which was adapted for a treatment study targeting patients with post-traumatic stress disorder and co-occurring borderline personality symptoms. Method: Two independent, trained raters assessed 30 randomly selected treatment sessions involving seven therapists and eight patients who were treated in a multicentre randomized controlled trial. Results: The inter-rater reliability for all items and the total score yielded good to excellent results (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = 0.70 to 1.00). Cronbach's α was .56 for the adherence scale. Regarding content validity, three experts confirmed the relevance and appropriateness of each item. Conclusion: The adherence rating scale for the adapted version of CPT is a reliable instrument that can be helpful for interpreting treatment effects, analysing possible relationships between therapeutic adherence and treatment outcomes and teaching therapeutic skills.
Assessing genetic diversity of potato genotypes using inter-PBS retrotransposon marker system
Authors: Demirel Ufuk , Tındaş İlknur , Yavuz Caner , Baloch Faheem Shehzad , Çalışkan Mehmet Emin
Published: February 2017

Having knowledge on genetic similarity and DNA profile of potato genotypes facilitates a breeder's decision for parent selection and provides accurate variety identification. Fingerprinting and identification of genetic similarity among 151 potato genotypes were achieved using an inter-primer-binding sites (iPBS) retrotransposon marker system. Our study is the first application of iPBS markers for fingerprinting and distinguishing large numbers of Solanum tuberosum genotypes. Initially, 16 potato genotypes were screened using 45 iPBS retrotransposon markers to identify polymorphisms. Seventeen of these primers were selected for fingerprinting the whole set of accessions due to strong, reproducible and polymorphic bands. The 17 iPBS primers produced 290 scorable bands of which 224 were polymorphic. The number of bands per primer ranged from 10 to 26 with an average of 17.1. The number of polymorphic bands per primer was between 6 and 21. The polymorphism percentage per primer ranged from 46.2 to 100.0% with an average of 77.2% per primer. The mean polymorphism information content (PIC) values of iPBS primers varied from 0.12 to 0.31 per primer. Genetic similarity based on Jaccard's coefficient of potato genotypes ranged from 0.61 to 0.93 with an average of 0.73. The data produced herein may be used for selection of appropriate parents and variety description in the future. The findings of the present study suggest that iPBS retrotransposons are powerful and easy DNA markers for fingerprinting the large samples of potato germplasm.
Gestalt Effects in Visual Working Memory
Authors: Kałamała Patrycja , Sadowska Aleksandra , Ordziniak Wawrzyniec , Chuderski Adam
Published: February 2017

Abstract. Four experiments investigated whether conforming to Gestalt principles, well known to drive visual perception, also facilitates the active maintenance of information in visual working memory (VWM). We used the change detection task, which required the memorization of visual patterns composed of several shapes. We observed no effects of symmetry of visual patterns on VWM performance. However, there was a moderate positive effect when a particular shape that was probed matched the shape of the whole pattern (the whole-part similarity effect). Data support the models assuming that VWM encodes not only particular objects of the perceptual scene but also the spatial relations between them (the ensemble representation). The ensemble representation may prime objects similar to its shape and thereby boost access to them. In contrast, the null effect of symmetry relates the fact that this very feature of an ensemble does not yield any useful additional information for VWM.
The Role of Cognitive Load in Intentional Forgetting Using the	Think/No-Think Task
Authors: Noreen Saima , de Fockert Jan W.
Published: February 2017

Abstract. We investigated the role of cognitive control in intentional forgetting by manipulating working memory load during the think/no-think task. In two experiments, participants learned a series of cue-target word pairs and were asked to recall the target words associated with some cues or to avoid thinking about the target associated with other cues. In addition to this, participants also performed a modified version of the n-back task which required them to respond to the identity of a single target letter present in the currently presented cue word (n = 0 condition, low working memory load), and in either the previous cue word (n = 1 condition, high working memory load, Experiment 1) or the cue word presented two trials previously (n = 2 condition, high working memory load, Experiment 2). Participants’ memory for the target words was subsequently tested using same and novel independent probes. In both experiments it was found that although participants were successful at forgetting on both the same and independent-probe tests in the low working memory load condition, they were only successful at forgetting on the same-probe test in the high working memory load condition. We argue that our findings suggest that the high load working memory task diverted attention from direct suppression and acted as an interference-based strategy. Thus, when cognitive resources are limited participants can switch between the strategies they use to prevent unwanted memories from coming to mind.
The Role of Embodiment and Individual Empathy Levels in Gesture	Comprehension
Authors: Jospe Karine , Flöel Agnes , Lavidor Michal
Published: February 2017

Abstract. Research suggests that the action-observation network is involved in both emotional-embodiment (empathy) and action-embodiment (imitation) mechanisms. Here we tested whether empathy modulates action-embodiment, hypothesizing that restricting imitation abilities will impair performance in a hand gesture comprehension task. Moreover, we hypothesized that empathy levels will modulate the imitation restriction effect. One hundred twenty participants with a range of empathy scores performed gesture comprehension under restricted and unrestricted hand conditions. Empathetic participants performed better under the unrestricted compared to the restricted condition, and compared to the low empathy participants. Remarkably however, the latter showed the exactly opposite pattern and performed better under the restricted condition. This pattern was not found in a facial expression recognition task. The selective interaction of embodiment restriction and empathy suggests that empathy modulates the way people employ embodiment in gesture comprehension. We discuss the potential of embodiment-induced therapy to improve empathetic abilities in individuals with low empathy.
Astrocytes regulate the balance between plasminogen activation and plasmin clearance via cell-surface actin
Authors: Briens Aurélien , Bardou Isabelle , Lebas Héloïse , Miles Lindsey A , Parmer Robert J , Vivien Denis , Docagne Fabian
Published: February 2017

Plasminogen activation is involved in many processes within the central nervous system, including synaptic plasticity, neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. However, the mechanisms that regulate plasminogen activation in the brain still remain unknown. Here we demonstrate that astrocytes participate in this regulation by two mechanisms. First, the astrocyte plasma membrane serves as a surface for plasminogen activation by tissue-type plasminogen activator. This activation triggers downstream plasmin-dependent processes with important impacts in brain health and disease, such as fibrinolysis and brain-derived neurotrophic factor conversion. Second, astrocytes take up plasminogen and plasmin in a regulated manner through a novel mechanism involving endocytosis mediated by cell-surface actin and triggered by extracellular plasmin activity at the surface of astrocytes. Following endocytosis, plasminogen and plasmin are targeted to lysosomes for degradation. Thus, cell-surface actin acts as a sensor of plasmin activity to induce a negative feedback through plasmin endocytosis. This study provides evidence that astrocytes control the balance between plasmin formation and plasmin elimination in the brain parenchyma.
Pathways towards instability in financial networks
Authors: Bardoscia Marco , Battiston Stefano , Caccioli Fabio , Caldarelli Guido
Published: February 2017

Following the financial crisis of 2007–2008, a deep analogy between the origins of instability in financial systems and complex ecosystems has been pointed out: in both cases, topological features of network structures influence how easily distress can spread within the system. However, in financial network models, the details of how financial institutions interact typically play a decisive role, and a general understanding of precisely how network topology creates instability remains lacking. Here we show how processes that are widely believed to stabilize the financial system, that is, market integration and diversification, can actually drive it towards instability, as they contribute to create cyclical structures which tend to amplify financial distress, thereby undermining systemic stability and making large crises more likely. This result holds irrespective of the details of how institutions interact, showing that policy-relevant analysis of the factors affecting financial stability can be carried out while abstracting away from such details.
In vivo genome editing with a small Cas9 orthologue derived from Campylobacter jejuni
Authors: Kim Eunji , Koo Taeyoung , Park Sung Wook , Kim Daesik , Kim Kyoungmi , Cho Hee-Yeon , Song Dong Woo , Lee Kyu Jun , Jung Min Hee , Kim Seokjoong , Kim Jin Hyoung , Kim Jeong Hun , Kim Jin-Soo
Published: February 2017

Several CRISPR-Cas9 orthologues have been used for genome editing. Here, we present the smallest Cas9 orthologue characterized to date, derived from Campylobacter jejuni (CjCas9), for efficient genome editing in vivo. After determining protospacer-adjacent motif (PAM) sequences and optimizing single-guide RNA (sgRNA) length, we package the CjCas9 gene, its sgRNA sequence, and a marker gene in an all-in-one adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector and produce the resulting virus at a high titer. CjCas9 is highly specific, cleaving only a limited number of sites in the human or mouse genome. CjCas9, delivered via AAV, induces targeted mutations at high frequencies in mouse muscle cells or retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells. Furthermore, CjCas9 targeted to the Vegfa or Hif1a gene in RPE cells reduces the size of laser-induced choroidal neovascularization, suggesting that in vivo genome editing with CjCas9 is a new option for the treatment of age-related macular degeneration.
STIM1 activates CRAC channels through rotation of the pore helix to open a hydrophobic gate
Authors: Yamashita Megumi , Yeung Priscilla S.-W. , Ing Christopher E. , McNally Beth A. , Pomès Régis , Prakriya Murali
Published: February 2017

Store-operated Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channels constitute a major pathway for Ca2+ influx and mediate many essential signalling functions in animal cells, yet how they open remains elusive. Here, we investigate the gating mechanism of the human CRAC channel Orai1 by its activator, stromal interacting molecule 1 (STIM1). We find that two rings of pore-lining residues, V102 and F99, work together to form a hydrophobic gate. Mutations of these residues to polar amino acids produce channels with leaky gates that conduct ions in the resting state. STIM1-mediated channel activation occurs through rotation of the pore helix, which displaces the F99 residues away from the pore axis to increase pore hydration, allowing ions to flow through the V102-F99 hydrophobic band. Pore helix rotation by STIM1 also explains the dynamic coupling between CRAC channel gating and ion selectivity. This hydrophobic gating mechanism has implications for CRAC channel function, pharmacology and disease-causing mutations.
Circadian deep sequencing reveals stress-response genes that adopt robust rhythmic expression during aging
Authors: Kuintzle Rachael C. , Chow Eileen S. , Westby Tara N. , Gvakharia Barbara O. , Giebultowicz Jadwiga M. , Hendrix David A
Published: February 2017

Disruption of the circadian clock, which directs rhythmic expression of numerous output genes, accelerates aging. To enquire how the circadian system protects aging organisms, here we compare circadian transcriptomes in heads of young and oldDrosophila melanogaster. The core clock and most output genes remained robustly rhythmic in old flies, while others lost rhythmicity with age, resulting in constitutive over- or under-expression. Unexpectedly, we identify a subset of genes that adopted increased orde novorhythmicity during aging, enriched for stress-response functions. These genes, termed late-life cyclers, were also rhythmically induced in young flies by constant exposure to exogenous oxidative stress, and this upregulation is CLOCK-dependent. We also identify age-onset rhythmicity in several putative primary piRNA transcripts overlapping antisense transposons. Our results suggest that, as organisms age, the circadian system shifts greater regulatory priority to the mitigation of accumulating cellular stress.
A connexin30 mutation rescues hearing and reveals roles for gap junctions in cochlear amplification and micromechanics
Authors: Lukashkina Victoria A. , Levic Snezana , Lukashkin Andrei N. , Strenzke Nicola , Russell Ian J.
Published: February 2017

Accelerated age-related hearing loss disrupts high-frequency hearing in inbred CD-1 mice. The p.Ala88Val (A88V) mutation in the gene coding for the gap-junction protein connexin30 (Cx30) protects the cochlear basal turn of adult CD-1Cx30A88V/A88V mice from degeneration and rescues hearing. Here we report that the passive compliance of the cochlear partition and active frequency tuning of the basilar membrane are enhanced in the cochleae of CD-1Cx30A88V/A88V compared to CBA/J mice with sensitive high-frequency hearing, suggesting that gap junctions contribute to passive cochlear mechanics and energy distribution in the active cochlea. Surprisingly, the endocochlear potential that drives mechanoelectrical transduction currents in outer hair cells and hence cochlear amplification is greatly reduced in CD-1Cx30A88V/A88V mice. Yet, the saturating amplitudes of cochlear microphonic potentials in CD-1Cx30A88V/A88V and CBA/J mice are comparable. Although not conclusive, these results are compatible with the proposal that transmembrane potentials, determined mainly by extracellular potentials, drive somatic electromotility of outer hair cells.
Expanding the genetic code of Mus musculus
Authors: Han Songmi , Yang Aerin , Lee Soonjang , Lee Han-Woong , Park Chan Bae , Park Hee-Sung
Published: February 2017

Here we report the expansion of the genetic code of Mus musculus with various unnatural amino acids including Nɛ-acetyl-lysine. Stable integration of transgenes encoding an engineered Nɛ-acetyl-lysyl-tRNA synthetase (AcKRS)/tRNAPyl pair into the mouse genome enables site-specific incorporation of unnatural amino acids into a target protein in response to the amber codon. We demonstrate temporal and spatial control of protein acetylation in various organs of the transgenic mouse using a recombinant green fluorescent protein (GFPuv) as a model protein. This strategy will provide a powerful tool for systematic in vivo study of cellular proteins in the most commonly used mammalian model organism for human physiology and disease.
Intrauterine Zika virus infection of pregnant immunocompetent mice models transplacental transmission and adverse perinatal outcomes
Authors: Vermillion Meghan S. , Lei Jun , Shabi Yahya , Baxter Victoria K. , Crilly Nathan P. , McLane Michael , Griffin Diane E. , Pekosz Andrew , Klein Sabra L. , Burd Irina
Published: February 2017

Zika virus (ZIKV) crosses the placenta and causes congenital disease. Here we develop an animal model utilizing direct ZIKV inoculation into the uterine wall of pregnant, immunocompetent mice to evaluate transplacental transmission. Intrauterine inoculation at embryonic day (E) 10, but not E14, with African, Asian or American strains of ZIKV reduces fetal viability and increases infection of placental and fetal tissues. ZIKV inoculation at E10 causes placental inflammation, placental dysfunction and reduces neonatal brain cortical thickness, which is associated with increased activation of microglia. Viral antigen localizes in trophoblast and endothelial cells in the placenta, and endothelial, microglial and neural progenitor cells in the fetal brain. ZIKV infection of the placenta increases production of IFNβ and expression of IFN-stimulated genes 48 h after infection. This mouse model provides a platform for identifying factors at the maternal–fetal interface that contribute to adverse perinatal outcomes in a host with an intact immune system.
Hidden topological constellations and polyvalent charges in chiral nematic droplets
Authors: Posnjak Gregor , Čopar Simon , Muševič Igor
Published: February 2017

Topology has an increasingly important role in the physics of condensed matter, quantum systems, material science, photonics and biology, with spectacular realizations of topological concepts in liquid crystals. Here we report on long-lived hidden topological states in thermally quenched, chiral nematic droplets, formed from string-like, triangular and polyhedral constellations of monovalent and polyvalent singular point defects. These topological defects are regularly packed into a spherical liquid volume and stabilized by the elastic energy barrier due to the helical structure and confinement of the liquid crystal in the micro-sphere. We observe, for the first time, topological three-dimensional point defects of the quantized hedgehog charge q=−2, −3. These higher-charge defects act as ideal polyvalent artificial atoms, binding the defects into polyhedral constellations representing topological molecules.
Effects of fetal exposure to high-fat diet or maternal hyperglycemia on L-arginine and nitric oxide metabolism in lung
Authors: Grasemann C , Herrmann R , Starschinova J , Gertsen M , Palmert M R , Grasemann H
Published: February 2017

Background/Objectives:

Alterations in the L-arginine/nitric oxide (NO) metabolism contribute to diseases such as obesity, metabolic syndrome and airway dysfunction. The impact of early-life exposures on the L-arginine/NO metabolism in lung later in life is not well understood. The objective of this work was to study the effects of intrauterine exposures to maternal hyperglycemia and high-fat diet (HFD) on pulmonary L-arginine/NO metabolism in mice.

Methods:

We used two murine models of intrauterine exposures to maternal (a) hyperglycemia and (b) HFD to study the effects of these exposures on the L-arginine/NO metabolism in lung in normal chow-fed offspring.

Results:

Both intrauterine exposures resulted in NO deficiency in the lung of the offspring at 6 weeks of age. However, each of the exposures leading to different metabolic phenotypes caused a distinct alteration in the L-arginine/NO metabolism. Maternal hyperglycemia leading to impaired glucose tolerance but no obesity in the offspring resulted in increased levels of asymmetric dimethylarginine and impairment of NO synthases. Although maternal HFD led to obesity without impairment in glucose tolerance in the offspring, it resulted in increased expression and activity of arginase in the lung of the normal chow-fed offspring.

Conclusions:

These data suggest that maternal hyperglycemia and HFD can cause alterations in the pulmonary L-arginine/NO metabolism in offspring.
A functionally significant SNP in TP53 and breast cancer risk in African-American women
Authors: Murphy Maureen E. , Liu Song , Yao Song , Huo Dezheng , Liu Qin , Dolfi Sonia C. , Hirshfield Kim M. , Hong Chi-Chen , Hu Qiang , Olshan Andrew F. , Ogundiran Temidayo O. , Adebamowo Clement , Domchek Susan M. , Nathanson Katherine L. , Nemesure Barbara , Ambs Stefan , Blot William J. , Feng Ye , John Esther M. , Bernstein Leslie , Zheng Wei , Hu Jennifer J. , Ziegler Regina G. , Nyante Sarah , Ingles Sue A. , Press Michael F. , Deming Sandra L. , Rodriguez-Gil Jorge L. , Haiman Christopher A. , Olopade Olufunmilayo I. , Lunetta Kathryn L. , Palmer Julie R. , Ambrosone Christine B.
Published: February 2017

A coding region polymorphism exists in the TP53 gene (Pro47Ser; rs1800371) in individuals of African descent, which reduces p53 tumor suppressor function in a mouse model. It has been unclear whether this functionally significant polymorphism alters cancer risk in humans. This analysis included 6907 women with breast cancer and 7644 controls from the AMBER, ROOT, and AABC consortia. We used multivariable logistic regression to estimate associations between the TP53 Pro47Ser allele and overall breast cancer risk. Because polymorphisms in TP53 tend to be associated with cancer risk in pre-menopausal women, we also limited our analyses to this population in the AMBER and ROOT consortia, where menopausal status was known, and conducted a fixed effects meta-analysis. In an analysis of all women in the AMBER, ROOT, and AABC consortia, we found no evidence for association of the Pro47Ser variant with breast cancer risk. However, when we restricted our analysis to only pre-menopausal women from the AMBER and ROOT consortia, there was a per allele odds ratio of 1.72 (95% confidence interval 1.08–2.76; p-value = 0.023). Although the Pro47Ser variant was not associated with overall breast cancer risk, it may increase risk among pre-menopausal women of African ancestry. Following up on more studies in human populations may better elucidate the role of this variant in breast cancer etiology. However, because of the low frequency of the polymorphism in women of African ancestry, its impact at a population level may be minimal.