bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A clicking larynx: Diagnostic and therapeutic challenges
Authors: Heuveling Derrek A. , van Loon Maarten C. , Rinkel Rico N. P. M.
Published: September 2017

A clicking larynx can be described as a clicking sensation in the neck on swallowing or when moving the head, often associated with a tender or painful area in the neck. Diagnosis and therapy are challenging. In this article, we present a case report and overview of the current literature. The clicking larynx most often is reported to be a result of a displaced cornu superior of the thyroid cartilage, an enlarged greater cornu of the hyoid bone, or a short distance between the thyroid cartilage and hyoid bone. If a possible cause is identified, surgery can be offered to the patient, although an explanation of the possible underlying anatomical cause also could be satisfying for the patient and avert surgery. Laryngoscope, 128:697–700, 2018
When eating a prey is risky: Implications for predator diel vertical migration
Authors: Modenutti Beatriz E. , Wolinski Laura , Souza Maria S. , Balseiro Esteban G.
Published: September 2017

Diel vertical migration (DVM) is a common behavior in zooplankton to avoid visual predation as well as potentially hazardous light wavelengths. In deep transparent lakes of Patagonia, the dark pigmented mixotrophic ciliate Stentor araucanus inhabits the upper layers of the epilimnion and is resistant to ultraviolet radiation (UVR). Here, we investigated if the ciliate pigment called stentorin increases oxidative stress in its predators. We studied the DVM behavior of Mesocyclops araucanus and the presence of stentorin in field‐collected copepods and evaluated in the laboratory the rate at which the copepod releases stentorin. S. araucanus has a C : P ratio ∼ 170 (atomic), which is one half of that of the bulk seston of the lake resulting in a very good food source in a system with very low food quality. Compared to an alternative prey without stentorin, when feeding on Stentor, the copepod suffered high oxidative stress (increased glutathione S‐transferase activity) and the reduced glutathion levels increased from dark to visible and ultraviolet radiation. However, we also determined that exposure to only visible light was sufficient to cause oxidative stress. In the field, we observed that M. araucanus displays a larger amplitude DVM than other crustaceans, while the ciliate Stentor remained in the upper levels of the epilimnion. The DVM protects the copepods from stentorin‐induced oxidative stress during daytime. Our findings are the first to show that a compound of a zooplankton prey item can influence the vertical behavior of predators in order to minimize the negative effect.
Few‐layer Bismuthene: Sonochemical Exfoliation, Nonlinear Optics and Applications for Ultrafast Photonics with Enhanced Stability
Authors: Lu Lu , Liang Zhiming , Wu Leiming , Chen YunXiang , Song Yufeng , Dhanabalan Sathish Chander , Ponraj Joice Sophia , Dong Biqin , Xiang Yuanjiang , Xing Feng , Fan Dianyuan , Zhang Han
Published: September 2017

As the last element in Group VA, bismuthene has garnered substantial interest for its unique electronic and mechanical properties and its enhanced stability. However, the mechanism that drives the light‐bismuthene interaction remains completely unclear. Herein, a sonochemical exfoliation approach is employed to deliver a successful synthesis of few‐layer bismuthene. The corresponding nonlinear optical response at the visible wavelength is investigated. The nonlinear refractive index is ∼10−6 cm2/W and was measured by spatial self‐phase modulation. Thanks to its direct energy band‐gap at 1550 nm, the saturable absorption property of bismuthene is experimentally illustrated at the telecommunication band with an optical modulation depth of ∼2.03% and a saturable intensity of ∼30 MW/cm2. The optimization of the laser parameters resulted in the generation of an ∼652‐femtosecond optical pulse centered at 1559.18 nm. This result indicates that the bismuthene‐based saturable absorber is indeed a new and excellent material for an ultrafast saturable absorber device. Our work highlights the promise of this material in ultrafast photonics and may be considered as an important step towards bismuthene‐based photonics devices (optical modulator, optical switcher, detector, etc.).
Comparing the thoracodorsal and internal mammary vessels as recipients for microsurgical autologous breast reconstruction: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Samargandi Osama A. , Winter Jessica , Corkum Joseph P. , Al Youha Sarah , Frank Simon G. , Williams Jason
Published: September 2017

Background

Our aim was to determine whether the thoracodorsal (Td) vessels have comparable clinical outcomes to the internal mammary (IM) vessels as recipients for autologous free tissue transfer for breast reconstruction.

Methods

Systematic searches of MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and World of Science from inception to June 2016 were performed by two independent reviewers. Studies that included adult females undergoing autologous free tissue transfer for breast reconstruction were selected. The two comparison groups were the use of IM or Td as recipient vessels. Our primary outcome was rate of flap survival. We assessed the methodologic quality of included studies using the JADAD and MINOR scales.

Results

A total of 1897 patients underwent 2644 free abdominal flap tissue transfer in the 10 articles that were included in our analysis. There was one randomized controlled study (Jadad score 2/5) and 9 nonrandomized controlled studies (MINORS scores 11–19/24). There was no difference between the uses of either vessel in terms of flap loss (1.18; 95% CI 0.71–1.95). Complication rate among the IM vessels ranged from 5 to 12%, compared with 3.4–12% among Td vessels. Hematoma and seroma rates were variable. Fat necrosis was higher with Td vessels in two studies. Performing Td vessels anastomosis was associated with shorter operative time and higher risk of encountering unusable vessel.

Conclusion

Both recipient vessels are safe, reliable and demonstrate equivocal results in the absence of contraindications. Utilizing either as a first‐line vessel is reasonable, depending on surgeons' preference or certain clinical scenarios.

Question

Therapeutic, Level of evidence: III
Improvements of transmit efficiency and receive sensitivity with ultrahigh dielectric constant (uHDC) ceramics at 1.5 T and 3 T
Authors: Rupprecht Sebastian , Sica Christopher T. , Chen Wei , Lanagan Michael T. , Yang Qing X.
Published: September 2017

Purpose

Incorporating high dielectric constant (HDC) materials into radiofrequency (RF) coils has been shown to effectively improve RF coil performance at 7 and 3 T because of the induced displacement current in the high dielectric constant materials. The displacement current is proportional to the RF field frequency and permittivity of the material. The aim of this paper is to investigate the effect of high dielectric constant materials with even greater permittivity on the RF field at 1.5 T and 3 T.

Methods

Several monolithic ceramic materials with an ultrahigh dielectric constant ranging from 1200 to 3300 were investigated at 1.5 T and 3 T with phantom and human brain imaging along with computer modeling.

Results

Experimental measurements in phantom studies showed a significant enhancement of signal‐to‐noise ratio (50–100%) and strong transmission power reduction (3–27‐fold). Under suboptimal experimental conditions in this study, the signal‐to‐noise ratio in the human brain cortex was nearly doubled, which produced high‐resolution image without the associated stronger magnetic susceptibility artifacts and elevated specific absorption rate concerns at higher field strengths.

Conclusions

Use of ultrahigh dielectric constant ceramic materials is a simple and low‐cost approach that could further improve the RF technology to maximize image signal‐to‐noise ratio and reduce RF energy deposition for human studies. Magn Reson Med 79:2842–2851, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Remarkable enhancements in mechanical properties of epoxy composites through double reinforcing structure: Integrated structure of carbon fiber‐carbon nanotube instead of conventional reinforcing methods
Authors: Moaseri Ehsan , Karimi Majid , Bazubandi Behnaz , Baniadam Majid , Maghrebi Morteza
Published: September 2017

An integrated structure of carbon fiber‐carbon nanotube (CF‐CNT) was introduced to epoxy composite to reinforce the matrix at both macro and nano scale. The CNTs were deposited on the surface of the CF filaments and radially aligned under applied high electric field due to the strong repulsion forces between the tubes. The CF‐CNT hybrid is believed to provide efficient stress transfer from the matrix to the CNT and subsequently CF filaments. The CNTs were also introduced in the epoxy matrix separately to reinforce the rest of the matrix. Significant improvements have been observed in the tensile strength (193%) and elastic modulus (86%) compared with traditionally reinforced composites that can be ascribed by the extensive macro‐nano scale reinforcement of the epoxy matrix. It was found that the applied electric field plays a pivotal role in the achieved improvements probably due to the radial alignment of MWCNTs on the CF filaments. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:E1099–E1108, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Permafrost Thaw and Liberation of Inorganic Nitrogen in Eastern Siberia
Authors: Beermann Fabian , Langer Moritz , Wetterich Sebastian , Strauss Jens , Boike Julia , Fiencke Claudia , Schirrmeister Lutz , Pfeiffer Eva‐Maria , Kutzbach Lars
Published: September 2017

The currently observed climate warming will lead to widespread degradation of near‐surface permafrost, which may release substantial amounts of inorganic nitrogen (N) into arctic ecosystems. We studied 11 soil profiles at three different sites in arctic eastern Siberia to assess the amount of inorganic N stored in arctic permafrost soils. We modelled the potential thickening of the active layer for these sites using the CryoGrid2 permafrost model and representative concentration pathways (RCPs) 4.5 (a stabilisation scenario) and 8.5 (a business as usual emission scenario, with increasing carbon emissions). The modelled increases in active‐layer thickness (ALT) were used to estimate potential annual liberation of inorganic N from permafrost soils during the course of climate change. We observed significant stores of inorganic ammonium in permafrost, up to 40‐fold higher than in the active layer. The modelled increase in ALT under the RCP8.5 scenario can result in substantial liberation of N, reaching values up to the order of magnitude of annual fixation of atmospheric N in arctic soils. However, the thaw‐induced liberation of N represents only a small flux in comparison with the overall ecosystem N cycling. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Piperine Decreases Binding of Drugs to Human Plasma and Increases Uptake by Brain Microvascular Endothelial Cells
Authors: Dubey Raghvendra K. , Leeners Brigitte , Imthurn Bruno , Merki‐Feld Gabriele Susanne , Rosselli Marinella
Published: September 2017

We previously reported that piperine, an active alkaloidal principal of black and long peppers, enhances drug bioavailability by inhibiting drug metabolism. Another mechanism influencing drug availability/uptake is its free fraction. Since piperine is highly lipophilic, we hypothesize that it could also interact with drugs through binding displacement and influence their bioavailability. Accordingly, using equilibrium dialysis, we investigated whether piperine alters the binding of model drug ligands, that is flunitrazepam, diazepam, warfarin, salicylic acid, propranolol, lidocaine, and disopyramide to human plasma (n = 4). Since alterations in binding influence drug disposition, we also studied the effects of piperine on the uptake of plasma bound 3H‐propranolol and 14C‐warfarin by cultured bovine brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs). Piperine (1–1000 μM) increased the free fraction (fu) of both albumin and alpha‐acid glycoprotein bound drugs in a concentration‐dependent manner (p < 0.01). Moreover, piperine (10 μM) increased the uptake of 3H‐propranolol and 14C‐warfarin by BMECs (p < 0.01). In conclusion, our findings provide the first evidence that piperine displaces plasma bound drugs from both albumin and alpha‐acid glycoprotein and facilitates drug uptake across biological membranes (e.g. BMEC). Moreover, it is feasible that piperine may similarly facilitate the transport of drugs into tissues, in vivo, and alter both pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of administered drugs. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The stability of titania‐silica interface
Authors: Staykov Aleksandar , Ferreira‐Neto Elias Paiva , Cruz Jean Mina Ybarrena Santa , Ullah Sajjad , Rodrigues‐Filho Ubirajara Pereira
Published: September 2017

Silica is very often the catalyst support of choice for transition metal oxides such as titania, and specially anatase. Titania is an excellent absorber and photocatalyst for many organic molecules degradation. In order to understand the chemical nature of the interaction between titania and silica, we have performed a theoretical study using density functional theory aiming to elucidate the role on the stability of the interface of the specific type of interactions, H‐bonding, covalent bonding of the pristine surfaces, and covalent bonding after silicon and titanium ions interdiffusion. The calculations were carried out for hydrogen and oxygen terminated surface, comparing the bonding types and the forces acting along the interface. The interface dynamics was studied for interfaces under applied stress in order to elucidate their stability and failure limits. The shearing forces and the mechanisms of interface failure were determined. Interfaces with interdiffused Si and Ti ions were studied to improve the interface stabilization. The results demonstrate that high‐temperature treatment leading to formation of SiOTi bonds at the interface is responsible for the formation of strong and flexible binding interaction between both oxides. At high strains, the SiOTi interface failure is observed due to lattice mismatch between the SiO2 and TiO2. The failure is a result of forces acting orthogonal to the interface shearing. In case of hydrogen terminated surface, the interface binding is a result of hydrogen bond network. Such interface is fragile at moderate shearing forces along the applied strain. The hydrogen bond network decreases the elastic properties and flexibility of the interface. The SiO2/TiO2 interface is further stabilized by Si/Ti ion interdiffusion. The ionic interdiffusion process also increases the interface flexibility. Thus, in order to obtain more stable anatase photocatalyst supported on silica, the synthetic routes should favor silicon and titanium ions interdiffusion along the interface.
Improving the human–robot interface for telemanipulated robotic long bone fracture reduction: Joystick device vs. haptic manipulator
Authors: Suero Eduardo M. , Hartung Tristan , Westphal Ralf , Hawi Nael , Liodakis Emmanouil , Citak Musa , Krettek Christian , Stuebig Timo
Published: September 2017

Objectives

Intramedullary nailing is the treatment of choice for femoral shaft fractures. However, there are several problems associated with the technique, e.g. high radiation exposure and rotational malalignment. Experimental robotic assistance has been introduced to improve the quality of the reduction and to reduce the incidence of rotational malalignment. In the current study, we compare two devices for control of the fracture fragments during telemanipulated reduction.

Methods

Ten male and ten female subjects were asked to participate as examiners in this experiment. A computer program was developed to render and manipulate CT‐based renderings of femur fracture bone fragments. The user could manipulate the fragments using either a simple joystick device or a haptic manipulator. Each examiner performed telemanipulated reduction of 10 virtual fracture models of varying difficulty with each device (five in a ‘training phase’ and five in a ‘testing phase’). Mixed models were used to test whether using the haptic device improved alignment accuracy and improved reduction times compared to using a joystick.

Results

Reduction accuracy was not significantly different between devices in either the training phase or the testing phase (P > 0.05). Reduction time was significantly higher for the Phantom device than for the Joystick in the training phase (P < 0.0001), but it was no different in the testing phase (P = 0.865). High spatial ability with electronics had a significant effect on the alignment of fracture reduction and time to reduction.

Conclusions

The Joystick and the Phantom devices resulted in similarly accurate reductions, with the Joystick having an easier learning curve. The Phantom device offered no advantage over the Joystick for fracture telemanipulation. Considering the high cost of the Phantom device and the lack of a demonstrable advantage over the Joystick, its use is not justified for implementation in a fracture telemanipulation workflow. The Joystick remains as a low‐cost and effective device for developing 3D fracture telemanipulation techniques.
Validating effectiveness of subgroup identification for longitudinal data
Authors: Andrews Nichole , Cho Hyunkeun
Published: September 2017

In clinical trials and biomedical studies, treatments are compared to determine which one is effective against illness; however, individuals can react to the same treatment very differently. We propose a complete process for longitudinal data that identifies subgroups of the population that would benefit from a specific treatment. A random effects linear model is used to evaluate individual treatment effects longitudinally where the random effects identify a positive or negative reaction to the treatment over time. With the individual treatment effects and characteristics of the patients, various classification algorithms are applied to build prediction models for subgrouping. While many subgrouping approaches have been developed recently, most of them do not check its validity. In this paper, we further propose a simple validation approach which not only determines if the subgroups used are appropriate and beneficial but also compares methods to predict individual treatment effects. This entire procedure is readily implemented by existing packages in statistical software. The effectiveness of the proposed method is confirmed with simulation studies and analysis of data from the Women Entering Care study on depression.
The mylodontine ground slothGlossotherium tropicorumfrom the late Pleistocene of Ecuador and Peru
Authors: De Iuliis Gerardo , Cartelle Cástor , McDonald H. Gregory , Pujos François
Published: September 2017

New mylodontine (Xenarthra, Pilosa) sloth remains from the late Pleistocene tar seep localities of Corralito (Ecuador) and Talara (Peru) are described, and the taxonomic history of the extinct ground sloth genusGlossotheriumis reviewed. Based on the new material and comparisons withGlossotherium robustum, Glossotherium wegneri, and the North American taxon,Paramylodon harlani, the speciesGlossotherium tropicorumis considered to be valid and a new definition of its diagnostic characters is provided.Glossotherium tropicorumis similar in size toGlossotherium robustumandGlossotherium wegneribut differs in several respects from these species, such as having a more elongated and slender skull. In this respect it more closely resemblesParamylodon harlaniin North America, which is also similar in size.Glossotherium tropicorumis one of two mylodontine sloths found in the upper Pleistocene of north‐western South America, the other beingGlossotherium wegneri. While both are present in this region their individual distributions did not overlap and the two species have not been recovered together in a fauna. The distribution ofGlossotherium tropicorumis restricted to lowland coastal areas whereasGlossotherium wegneriis found inland and in the highland areas of the Andes, suggesting significant differences in their ecology.
Degree of external restraint of wall segments in semi‐massive reinforced concrete tanks: Part II: Rectangular and cylindrical segments
Authors: Zych Mariusz
Published: September 2017

This paper presents graphs and formulas serving to define the distribution of the restraint degree of wall segments in cylindrical reinforced concrete tanks. The analyses were carried out according to the same assumptions as presented in the first part of this paper. It is proved that, for certain cylindrical tanks, the restraint degree in relation to code values (EN 1992–3) is significantly lower, while for others it is significantly higher. For cylindrical walls, the dependence of the wall thickness and its radius on the restraint coefficient is shown. Special attention is given to its further potential applicability; therefore, it was crucial to consider accurately and in a universal way at the same time issues like geometrical parameters of wall segments, edge restraint conditions, and the temperature profile in a given wall cross section. A practical aspect of the analysis performed is the possibility of defining the restraint degree for cases and assumptions not included in EN 1992–3.
Design‐oriented approach to predict shear strength of reinforced concrete beams
Authors: Baghi Hadi , Barros Joaquim A. O.
Published: September 2017

There are different approaches to predict the shear strength of reinforced concrete (RC) beams, but their predictive performance is still relatively low due to several and complex resisting mechanisms involved in shear. In addition, most of design approaches ignore the influence of the flange of T cross section beams on the ultimate shear capacity. This paper aims to present a design‐oriented approach to predict the load carrying capacity of RC beams failing in shear. This approach is based on the simplified modified compression field theory (SMCFT). A sensitivity analysis is carried out to assess the importance of the input parameters that mostly affect the shear strength of RC members. Taking into account the results of the sensitivity analysis, two simple equations are proposed for obtaining the: (a) tensile stress factor in the cracked concrete (β) and (b) inclination of the diagonal compressive stress in the web of the section (θ). The obtained equations eliminate the iterative process required by the SMCFT and provide a straightforward design methodology to find β and θ with suitable accuracy for design purposes. In addition, a coefficient is presented to take into account the effect of the flange on the shear capacity of T shaped cross section beams. To appraise the predictive performance of the new approach, a database is set. By evaluating the ratio between the experimental results and the analytical predictions, an average value of 1.24 with a coefficient of variation of 20.9% is obtained.
Rules and tools to predict the splicing effects of exonic and intronic mutations
Authors: Ohno Kinji , Takeda Jun‐ichi , Masuda Akio
Published: September 2017

Development of next generation sequencing technologies has enabled detection of extensive arrays of germline and somatic single nucleotide variations (SNVs) in human diseases. SNVs affecting intronic GT‐AG dinucleotides invariably compromise pre‐mRNA splicing. Most exonic SNVs introduce missense/nonsense codons, but some affect auxiliary splicing cis‐elements or generate cryptic GT‐AG dinucleotides. Similarly, most intronic SNVs are silent, but some affect canonical and auxiliary splicing cis‐elements or generate cryptic GT‐AG dinucleotides. However, prediction of the splicing effects of SNVs is challenging. The splicing effects of SNVs generating cryptic AG or disrupting canonical AG can be inferred from the AG‐scanning model. Similarly, the splicing effects of SNVs affecting the first nucleotide G of an exon can be inferred from AG‐dependence of the 3′ splice site (ss). A variety of tools have been developed for predicting the splicing effects of SNVs affecting the 5′ ss, as well as exonic and intronic splicing enhancers/silencers. In contrast, only two tools, the Human Splicing Finder and the SVM‐BP finder, are available for predicting the position of the branch point sequence. Similarly, IntSplice and Splicing based Analysis of Variants (SPANR) are the only tools to predict the splicing effects of intronic SNVs. The rules and tools introduced in this review are mostly based on observations of a limited number of genes, and no rule or tool can ensure 100% accuracy. Experimental validation is always required before any clinically relevant conclusions are drawn. Development of efficient tools to predict aberrant splicing, however, will facilitate our understanding of splicing pathomechanisms in human diseases. WIREs RNA 2018, 9:e1451. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1451

This article is categorized under:

RNA Processing > Splicing Regulation/Alternative Splicing

RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease

RNA Methods > RNA Analyses In Vitro and In Silico
A Combined Theoretical Calculation and Hirshfeld Surface Analysis of Cooperative Non‐covalent Interactions in the Crystal Packing in [Cu(L1)2(EDA)]
Authors: Mudsainiyan Rahul Kumar , Pandey Sarvesh Kumar
Published: September 2017

The monomeric complex [Cu(L1)2(EDA)] (I) [L1 = 2,4‐dinitrobenzoic acid, EDA = ethylenediamine), was solved in orthorhombic space group (Pbca) and characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, powder XRD analysis, and single‐crystal X‐ray crystallography, in addition to photoluminescence and thermal stability investigation. The Cu2+ ion is connecting with two L1 through monodentate mode of coordination and two nitrogen atoms from EDA. I is associated through cooperative non‐covalent interactions, which are also responsible for the strengthening of the molecular assembly and organize it into a supramolecular 2D motif. Hirshfeld surface analysis was also applied to investigate the cooperative non‐covalent supramolecular interactions and the results were compared with the single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction data. To get clear insights into the both species, electronic properties such as HOMO‐LUMO, electronic chemical potential and other derived parameters were also highlighted using DFT calculations at M06‐2X/ 6‐31G** level of theory. The observed photoluminescence of complex I arises mainly from an excited LLCT state with small MLCT contributions (from Cu2+ to the unoccupied p orbital of L1). The presented work exhibits another example of the utility and prosperity of such kinds of subtle information and features especially, and for complex I at molecular level, generally.
A NEW FAMILY OF POISSON ALGEBRAS AND THEIR DEFORMATIONS
Authors: LECOUTRE CESAR , SIERRA SUSAN J.
Published: September 2017

Let $\Bbbk$ be a field of characteristic zero. For any positive integer $n$ and any scalar $a\in \Bbbk$, we construct a family of Artin–Schelter regular algebras $R(n,a)$, which are quantizations of Poisson structures on $\Bbbk [x_{0},\ldots ,x_{n}]$. This generalizes an example given by Pym when $n=3$. For a particular choice of the parameter $a$ we obtain new examples of Calabi–Yau algebras when $n\geqslant 4$. We also study the ring theoretic properties of the algebras $R(n,a)$. We show that the point modules of $R(n,a)$ are parameterized by a bouquet of rational normal curves in $\mathbb{P}^{n}$, and that the prime spectrum of $R(n,a)$ is homeomorphic to the Poisson spectrum of its semiclassical limit. Moreover, we explicitly describe $\operatorname{Spec}R(n,a)$ as a union of commutative strata.
GREEK LOCAL HISTORIOGRAPHY AND ITS AUDIENCES
Authors: Tober Daniel
Published: September 2017

In the ninth book of his Ἀτθίς the Athenian historian and religious expert Philochorus related an omen about which he had himself been consulted in the late fourth centuryb.c.e.(FGrHist328 F 67).

When this year was done and the next was beginning, there occurred on the Acropolis the following prodigy: a female dog, having entered the temple of Athena Polias and made its way into the Pandroseion, got up on the altar of Zeus Herkeios, which is under the olive tree, and lay down. It is an ancestral custom among the Athenians that no dog go up on the Acropolis. Around the same time, a star was evident for a while even in the daytime sky, when the sun was out and the weather was clear. And when we were asked about what the portent and the phenomenon meant, we said that both predicted the return of the exiles and that this would happen not as a result of a political change but rather in the existingpoliteia. And this interpretation actually came to pass.
Graphs, Tables, and Scientific Illustrations: Visualisation as the Science of Seeing Gerontology
Authors: Caissie Linda T. , Goggin Claire , Best Lisa A.
Published: September 2017

Une caractéristique essentielle de la découverte scientifique est l’utilisation d’inscriptions visuelles (p. ex. graphiques, illustrations) facilitant l’analyse des données, leur interprétation et leur communication (p. ex. Latour, 1990 ; Lynch, 1985). L’objectif de cette recherche était d’examiner les types d’inscriptions visuelles utilisés pour la présentation de données dans les revues scientifiques en gérontologie. Nous avons comparé 357 articles publiés entre 1995 et 2009 qui ont été échantillonnés à partir de 24 revues de gérontologie avec comités de pairs. Approximativement 11 pour cent de l’espace d’impression était consacré à la présentation de données ; les tableaux occupaient comparativement plus d’espace (9,13 %) que les graphiques (2,32 %). L’utilisation des graphiques dans les articles en gérontologie était inférieure à celle observée pour les articles en psychologie (6,6 % de l’espace d’impression), mais supérieure à celle retrouvée en criminologie ou en justice criminelle (1,7 % de l’espace d’impression). À l’instar de Latour (1990), nous soutenons que les figures représentent un résumé accessible de données complexes, permettant ainsi une présentation efficace de résultats multidimensionnels. Lorsque les inscriptions visuelles sont utilisées dans la dissémination des résultats, les chercheurs deviennent moins dépendants du jargon statistique et peuvent communiquer plus aisément avec divers publics (chercheurs, professionnels de la santé, clients).
Anxious Notes on College Life: The Gossipy Journals of Eleanor McDougall
Authors: KRISHNAN SNEHA
Published: September 2017

The educated woman and the college girl were, for the great part of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries in India, subjects of immense anxiety. In this article, I examine the gossipy narratives that a missionary educator in South India, Eleanor McDougall, wrote biannually for readers in America and Britain, whilst she was Principal of Women's Christian College (WCC) in erstwhile Madras, along with the book on her experience that she eventually published. In doing so, I locate the circulation of gossip in transnational circuits as a site where colonial anxieties about young Indian women as subjects of uplift came to be produced. For women like McDougall, the expression of urgent anxiety about young women's moral and social conditions served as a means to secure legitimacy for the work they did, and position themselves as important participants in a new discourse of philanthropically mediated development that emerged in the early twentieth century with the influx of American charitable capital into countries like India. At the same time, I show, in responding to her writing about them, that the Indian staff and students at WCC did not concur with colonial authority marks a site of refusal: suggesting the anxious boundaries of colonial knowledge production at a time when the surety of discourses of racial difference was beginning to unravel. In its study of McDougall's gossipy writing, this article therefore contributes to a complicated and non-linear understanding of emotions as a site of power and hierarchy.
How the Micrometeorology of Alpine Forests Affects Snowmelt
Authors: Lunn Jenny
Published: September 2017

A field study in the Swiss Alps showed considerable spatial and temporal variability in forest air and surface temperatures, with implications for snowmelt models.
AFF1 and AFF4 differentially regulate the osteogenic differentiation of human MSCs
Authors: Zhou Chen-chen , Xiong Qiu-chan , Zhu Xin-xing , Du Wen , Deng Peng , Li Xiao-bing , Jiang Yi-zhou , Zou Shu-juan , Wang Cun-yu , Yuan Quan
Published: September 2017

AFF1 and AFF4 belong to the AFF (AF4/FMR2) family of proteins, which function as scaffolding proteins linking two different transcription elongation factors, positive elongation factor b (P-TEFb) and ELL1/2, in super elongation complexes (SECs). Both AFF1 and AFF4 regulate gene transcription through elongation and chromatin remodeling. However, their function in the osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is unknown. In this study, we show that small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated depletion of AFF1 in human MSCs leads to increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, enhanced mineralization and upregulated expression of osteogenic-related genes. On the contrary, depletion of AFF4 significantly inhibits the osteogenic potential of MSCs. In addition, we confirm that overexpression of AFF1 and AFF4 differentially affects osteogenic differentiation in vitro and MSC-mediated bone formation in vivo. Mechanistically, we find that AFF1 regulates the expression of DKK1 via binding to its promoter region. Depletion of DKK1 in HA-AFF1-overexpressing MSCs abrogates the impairment of osteogenic differentiation. Moreover, we detect that AFF4 is enriched in the promoter region of ID1. AFF4 knockdown blunts the BRE luciferase activity, SP7 expression and ALP activity induced by BMP2 treatment. In conclusion, our data indicate that AFF1 and AFF4 differentially regulate the osteogenic differentiation of human MSCs.
Systematic analysis of human telomeric dysfunction using inducible telosome/shelterin CRISPR/Cas9 knockout cells
Authors: Kim Hyeung , Li Feng , He Quanyuan , Deng Tingting , Xu Jun , Jin Feng , Coarfa Cristian , Putluri Nagireddy , Liu Dan , Songyang Zhou
Published: September 2017

CRISPR/Cas9 technology enables efficient loss-of-function analysis of human genes using somatic cells. Studies of essential genes, however, require conditional knockout (KO) cells. Here, we describe the generation of inducible CRISPR KO human cell lines for the subunits of the telosome/shelterin complex, TRF1, TRF2, RAP1, TIN2, TPP1 and POT1, which directly interact with telomeres or can bind to telomeres through association with other subunits. Homozygous inactivation of several subunits is lethal in mice, and most loss-of-function studies of human telomere regulators have relied on RNA interference-mediated gene knockdown, which suffers its own limitations. Our inducible CRISPR approach has allowed us to more expediently obtain large numbers of KO cells in which essential telomere regulators have been inactivated for biochemical and molecular studies. Our systematic analysis revealed functional differences between human and mouse telomeric proteins in DNA damage responses, telomere length and metabolic control, providing new insights into how human telomeres are maintained.
DIP1 modulates stem cell homeostasis in Drosophila through regulation of sisR-1
Authors: Wong Jing Ting , Akhbar Farzanah , Ng Amanda Yunn Ee , Tay Mandy Li-Ian , Loi Gladys Jing En , Pek Jun Wei
Published: September 2017

Stable intronic sequence RNAs (sisRNAs) are by-products of splicing and regulate gene expression. How sisRNAs are regulated is unclear. Here we report that a double-stranded RNA binding protein, Disco-interacting protein 1 (DIP1) regulates sisRNAs in Drosophila. DIP1 negatively regulates the abundance of sisR-1 and INE-1 sisRNAs. Fine-tuning of sisR-1 by DIP1 is important to maintain female germline stem cell homeostasis by modulating germline stem cell differentiation and niche adhesion. Drosophila DIP1 localizes to a nuclear body (satellite body) and associates with the fourth chromosome, which contains a very high density of INE-1 transposable element sequences that are processed into sisRNAs. DIP1 presumably acts outside the satellite bodies to regulate sisR-1, which is not on the fourth chromosome. Thus, our study identifies DIP1 as a sisRNA regulatory protein that controls germline stem cell self-renewal in Drosophila.
Extrapyramidal side effects of antipsychotics are linked to their association kinetics at dopamine D2 receptors
Authors: Sykes David A. , Moore Holly , Stott Lisa , Holliday Nicholas , Javitch Jonathan A. , Lane J. Robert , Charlton Steven J.
Published: September 2017

Atypical antipsychotic drugs (APDs) have been hypothesized to show reduced extrapyramidal side effects (EPS) due to their rapid dissociation from the dopamine D2 receptor. However, support for this hypothesis is limited to a relatively small number of observations made across several decades and under different experimental conditions. Here we show that association rates, but not dissociation rates, correlate with EPS. We measured the kinetic binding properties of a series of typical and atypical APDs in a novel time-resolved fluorescence resonance energy transfer assay, and correlated these properties with their EPS and prolactin-elevating liabilities at therapeutic doses. EPS are robustly predicted by a rebinding model that considers the microenvironment of postsynaptic D2 receptors and integrates association and dissociation rates to calculate the net rate of reversal of receptor blockade. Thus, optimizing binding kinetics at the D2 receptor may result in APDs with improved therapeutic profile.
Epitope-associated and specificity-focused features of EV71-neutralizing antibody repertoires from plasmablasts of infected children
Authors: Arthur Huang Kuan-Ying , Chen Mei-Feng , Huang Yhu-Chering , Shih Shin-Ru , Chiu Cheng-Hsun , Lin Jainn-Jim , Wang Jen-Ren , Tsao Kuo-Chien , Lin Tzou-Yien
Published: September 2017

Protective antibody levels are critical for protection from severe enterovirus 71 infection. However, little is known about the specificities and functional properties of the enterovirus 71-specific antibodies induced by natural infection in humans. Here we characterize 191 plasmablast-derived monoclonal antibodies from three enterovirus 71-infected children, each of whom shows a distinct serological response. Of the 84 enterovirus 71-specific antibodies, neutralizing antibodies that target the rims and floor of the capsid canyon exhibit broad and potent activities at the nanogram level against viruses isolated in 1998–2016. We also find a subset of infected children whose enterovirus 71-specific antibodies are focused on the 3- and 2-fold plateau epitopes localized at the margin of pentamers, and this type of antibody response is associated with lower serum titers against recently circulating strains. Our data provide new insights into the enterovirus 71-specific antibodies induced by natural infection at the serological and clonal levels.
Distance-dependent inhibition facilitates focality of gamma oscillations in the dentate gyrus
Authors: Strüber Michael , Sauer Jonas-Frederic , Jonas Peter , Bartos Marlene
Published: September 2017

Gamma oscillations (30–150 Hz) in neuronal networks are associated with the processing and recall of information. We measured local field potentials in the dentate gyrus of freely moving mice and found that gamma activity occurs in bursts, which are highly heterogeneous in their spatial extensions, ranging from focal to global coherent events. Synaptic communication among perisomatic-inhibitory interneurons (PIIs) is thought to play an important role in the generation of hippocampal gamma patterns. However, how neuronal circuits can generate synchronous oscillations at different spatial scales is unknown. We analyzed paired recordings in dentate gyrus slices and show that synaptic signaling at interneuron-interneuron synapses is distance dependent. Synaptic strength declines whereas the duration of inhibitory signals increases with axonal distance among interconnected PIIs. Using neuronal network modeling, we show that distance-dependent inhibition generates multiple highly synchronous focal gamma bursts allowing the network to process complex inputs in parallel in flexibly organized neuronal centers.
Synchrotron radiation-based quasi-elastic scattering using time-domain interferometry with multi-line gamma rays
Authors: Saito Makina , Masuda Ryo , Yoda Yoshitaka , Seto Makoto
Published: September 2017

We developed a multi-line time-domain interferometry (TDI) system using 14.4 keV Mössbauer gamma rays with natural energy widths of 4.66 neV from 57Fe nuclei excited using synchrotron radiation. Electron density fluctuations can be detected at unique lengths ranging from 0.1 nm to a few nm on time scales from several nanoseconds to the sub-microsecond order by quasi-elastic gamma-ray scattering (QGS) experiments using multi-line TDI. In this report, we generalize the established expression for a time spectrum measured using an identical single-line gamma-ray emitter pair to the case of a nonidentical pair of multi-line gamma-ray emitters by considering the finite energy width of the incident synchrotron radiation. The expression obtained illustrates the unique characteristics of multi-line TDI systems, where the finite incident energy width and use of a nonidentical emitter pair produces further information on faster sub-picosecond-scale dynamics in addition to the nanosecond dynamics; this was demonstrated experimentally. A normalized intermediate scattering function was extracted from the spectrum and its relaxation form was determined for a relaxation time of the order of 1 μs, even for relatively large momentum transfer of ~31 nm−1. The multi-line TDI method produces a microscopic relaxation picture more rapidly and accurately than conventional single-line TDI.
Integration of acoustic and electric hearing is better in the same ear than across ears
Authors: Fu Qian-Jie , Galvin John J. , Wang Xiaosong
Published: September 2017

Advances in cochlear implant (CI) technology allow for acoustic and electric hearing to be combined within the same ear (electric-acoustic stimulation, or EAS) and/or across ears (bimodal listening). Integration efficiency (IE; the ratio between observed and predicted performance for acoustic-electric hearing) can be used to estimate how well acoustic and electric hearing are combined. The goal of this study was to evaluate factors that affect IE in EAS and bimodal listening. Vowel recognition was measured in normal-hearing subjects listening to simulations of unimodal, EAS, and bimodal listening. The input/output frequency range for acoustic hearing was 0.1–0.6 kHz. For CI simulations, the output frequency range was 1.2–8.0 kHz to simulate a shallow insertion depth and the input frequency range was varied to provide increasing amounts of speech information and tonotopic mismatch. Performance was best when acoustic and electric hearing was combined in the same ear. IE was significantly better for EAS than for bimodal listening; IE was sensitive to tonotopic mismatch for EAS, but not for bimodal listening. These simulation results suggest acoustic and electric hearing may be more effectively and efficiently combined within rather than across ears, and that tonotopic mismatch should be minimized to maximize the benefit of acoustic-electric hearing, especially for EAS.
The FXR Agonist, Obeticholic Acid, Suppresses HCC Proliferation & Metastasis: Role of IL-6/STAT3 Signalling Pathway
Authors: Attia Yasmeen M. , Tawfiq Rasha A. , Ali Aya A. , Elmazar Mohamed M.
Published: September 2017

The nuclear receptor, farnesoid X receptor (FXR), has been recently considered as a tumor suppressor in HCC. IL-6/Janus kinase 2 (Jak-2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathway has been implicated as a key player in many cancer types. This study aimed at investigating the potential effect of the FXR agonist, obeticholic acid (OCA), on HCC and the involvement of IL-6/STAT3 pathway. The potential regulation of STAT3 by its main feedback inhibitor target gene, the suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3), triggered by OCA was also explored. Cytotoxicity studies were performed on HepG2, Huh7, and SNU-449 cell lines using OCA alone and combined with the FXR antagonist guggulsterone (Gugg). OCA cytotoxic effect was significantly hampered in presence of Gugg. OCA also caused cell cycle arrest and inhibited invasion and migration of HCC cells. Decrease in STAT3 phosphorylation and SOCS3 upregulation were also observed. Moreover, Jak-2, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels were decreased. These results were correlated with an upregulation of FXR and small heterodimer partner (SHP) levels. Effects of OCA on IL-6/STAT3 main key players were reversed in presence of Gugg. Overall, these findings suggest a potential effect of OCA in HCC via interfering with IL-6/STAT3 signalling pathway in vitro.
Detection of known and novel ALK fusion transcripts in lung cancer patients using next-generation sequencing approaches
Authors: Vendrell Julie A. , Taviaux Sylvie , Béganton Benoît , Godreuil Sylvain , Audran Patricia , Grand David , Clermont Estelle , Serre Isabelle , Szablewski Vanessa , Coopman Peter , Mazières Julien , Costes Valérie , Pujol Jean-Louis , Brousset Pierre , Rouquette Isabelle , Solassol Jérôme
Published: September 2017

Rearrangements of the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) represent a novel molecular target in a small subset of tumors. Although ALK rearrangements are usually assessed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), molecular approaches have recently emerged as relevant alternatives in routine laboratories. Here, we evaluated the use of two different amplicon-based next-generation sequencing (NGS) methods (AmpliSeq and Archer®FusionPlex®) to detect ALK rearrangements, and compared these with IHC and FISH. A total of 1128 NSCLC specimens were screened using conventional analyses, and a subset of 37 (15 ALK-positive, and 22 ALK-negative) samples were selected for NGS assays. Although AmpliSeq correctly detected 25/37 (67.6%) samples, 1/37 (2.7%) and 11/37 (29.7%) specimens were discordant and uncertain, respectively, requiring further validation. In contrast, Archer®FusionPlex® accurately classified all samples and allowed the correct identification of one rare DCTN1-ALK fusion, one novel CLIP1-ALK fusion, and one novel GCC2-ALK transcript. Of particular interest, two out of three patients harboring these singular rearrangements were treated with and sensitive to crizotinib. These data show that Archer®FusionPlex® may provide an effective and accurate alternative to FISH testing for the detection of known and novel ALK rearrangements in clinical diagnostic settings.