bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High expression of CPNE3 predicts adverse prognosis in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Fu Lin , Fu Huaping , Qiao Jianlin , Pang Yifan , Xu Keman , Zhou Lei , Wu Qingyun , Li Zhenyu , Ke Xiaoyan , Xu Kailin , Shi Jinlong
Published: July 2017

CPNE3, a member of a Ca2+‐dependent phospholipid‐binding protein family, was identified as a ligand of ERBB2 and has a more general role in carcinogenesis. Here, we identified the prognostic significance of CPNE3 expression in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients based on two datasets. In the first microarray dataset (n = 272), compared to low CPNE3 expression (CPNE3low), high CPNE3 expression (CPNE3high) was associated with adverse overall survival (OS, P < 0.001) and event‐free survival (EFS, P < 0.001). In the second independent group of AML patients (TCGA dataset, n = 179), CPNE3high was also associated with adverse OS and EFS (OS, P = 0.01; EFS, P = 0.036). Notably, among CPNE3high patients, those received allogenic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) had longer OS and EFS than those with chemotherapy alone (allogeneic HCT, n = 40 vs chemotherapy, n = 46), but treatment modules played an insignificant role in the survival of CPNE3low patients (allogeneic HCT, n = 32 vs chemotherapy, n = 54). These results indicated that CPNE3high is an independent, adverse prognostic factor in AML and might guide treatment decisions towards allogeneic HCT. To understand its inherent mechanisms, we investigated genome‐wide gene/microRNA expression signatures and cell signaling pathways associated with CPNE3 expression. In conclusion, CPNE3high is an adverse prognostic biomarker for AML. Its effect may be attributed to the distinctive genome‐wide gene/microRNA expression and related cell signaling pathways.
A rare cause of severe mitral stenosis and reversible pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Pujol‐López Margarida , San Antonio Rodolfo , Flores‐Umanzor Eduardo J. , Guasch Eduard , Azqueta Manel
Published: July 2017

Myxoma is a rare cause of severe mitral stenosis. We describe a challenging case of severe mitral stenosis and reversible pulmonary hypertension produced by a giant left atrial myxoma. The greatest risk is a diagnostic delay due to focus on discarding a pulmonary etiology of dyspnea. Physical examination and early echocardiographic assessment are the keys to avoid overlooking this uncommon pathology.
AN OPEN‐ECONOMY MODEL WITH MONEY, ENDOGENOUS SEARCH, AND HETEROGENEOUS FIRMS
Authors: Herrenbrueck Lucas
Published: July 2017

This paper describes a new monetary open‐economy model where firms have market power due to search frictions in the goods market, and endogenous search effort by consumers mitigates this market power. The optimal inflation rate generally depends positively on the cost of search effort, the cost of firm entry, and the cost of trade. Higher inflation always improves a country's terms‐of‐trade against its trading partners. I also characterize a general class of matching processes which offer a novel approach to modeling firm sales. (JEL D43, E40, F12)
High levels of gene flow among song dialect populations of the Puget Sound white‐crowned sparrow
Authors: Poesel Angelika , Fries Anthony C. , Miller Lisa , Gibbs H. Lisle , Soha Jill A. , Nelson Douglas A.
Published: July 2017

Populations within a species can show geographic variation in behavioral traits that affect mating decisions or limit dispersal. This may lead to restricted gene flow, resulting in a correlation between behavioral variation and genetic differentiation. Populations of a songbird that differ in a learned behavioral trait, their song dialects, may also differ genetically. If song dialects function as mating barriers, evolutionary processes such as genetic drift should lead to divergence in allele frequencies among dialect populations. The Puget Sound white‐crowned sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys pugetensis) is an excellent study system with a well‐defined series of song dialects along the Pacific Northwest coast. A previous study found low genetic differentiation based on four microsatellite loci; however, available loci and analyses techniques have since dramatically improved and allow us to reassess gene flow in this species. We also add extra samples to fill in gaps and add a new level of analysis of geographic variation. Based on acoustic similarities, we group six song dialects into two geographically larger “northern” and “southern” song themes. One southern dialect is acoustically more similar to dialects in the north, which makes the genetic profile of birds singing this dialect particularly interesting. Traditional F‐statistics, analysis of molecular variance as well as Bayesian techniques confirmed the earlier result that geographic variation in song does not correlate with the neutral genetic structure of the sampled dialect populations. The song themes also did not differ genetically, and the origin of the extralimital northern‐theme dialect cannot be determined. We compare this result to findings in several other species and discuss how the timing of learning and dispersal allow vocalizations to vary independently of patterns of genetic divergence.
Content‐based image retrieval based on binary signatures cluster graph
Authors: Van Thanh The , Le Thanh Manh
Published: July 2017

In this paper, we approach a method of clustering binary signature of image in order to create a clustering graph structure for building the content‐based image retrieval. First, the paper presents the segmentation method based on low‐level visual features including colour and texture of image. On the basis of segmented image, the paper creates binary signature to describe location, colour, and shape of interest objects. In order to match similar images, the paper presents a similarity measure between the images based on binary signature. From that, the paper proposes the method of clustering binary signature to quickly query similar images. At the same time, the graph data structure is built using the partition cluster technique and the rules of binary signatures' distribution of images. On the basis of data structure, we propose a graph creation algorithm, a cluster splitting/merging algorithm, and a similarity image retrieval algorithm. To illustrate the proposed theory, we build an image retrieval application and assess the experimental results on the image datasets including COREL (1,000 images), CBIR images (1,344 images), WANG (10,800 images), MSRDI (15,720 images), and ImageCLEF (20,000 images).
Multi‐level strategies in universities: Coordination, contestation or creolisation?
Authors: Stensaker Bjørn , Fumasoli Tatiana
Published: July 2017

In contemporary research‐intensive universities, strategies are not only found at the institutional level but also at various sub‐levels in the organisation. In principle, such multi‐level strategies are assumed to be a means for institutional coordination in the sense that more generic strategic objectives may give room for local adaptation within the broader strategic framing. Whether or not this actually is the case is another issue, and the current article analyses the links and relations between institutional and sub‐level strategies in a sample of public research universities. The findings suggest that—although introduced as integrating instruments—multi‐level strategies may actually increase the complexity within the university as different strategies provide different actors with leeway for opportunistic behaviour. This has implications for the coordination of the university's organisational sub‐units and for the existing governance structures.
The legislative requirements for measuring quality in transnational education: Understanding divergence while maintaining standards
Authors: Bentley Duncan , Henderson Fiona , Lim Choon Boey
Published: July 2017

Australian universities have been actively engaged in transnational education since the 1990s. The challenges of assuring quality have seen a changing regulatory framework increasingly designed to ensure equivalence of standards wherever a course of study is offered and however it is delivered. Transnational Higher Education has grown significantly and the issues that flow from operating across jurisdictions, cultures and contexts have been addressed primarily by institutions themselves in complying with regulation. This article identifies how the Australian quality agency TEQSA (Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency) has revised its Standards Framework to support divergence appropriate to local culture and context, while assuring quality provision across the student life cycle. It concludes that the maturity of the quality agency may not yet reflect the provision of transnational education in practice. The article identifies a need for significant further research so that theory and practice can reflect opportunities to better serve students in a mature quality environment.
Population variability in species can be deduced from opportunistic citizen science records: a case study using British butterflies
Authors: Mason Suzanna C. , Hill Jane K. , Thomas Chris D. , Powney Gary D. , Fox Richard , Brereton Tom , Oliver Tom H.
Published: July 2017

Abundance data are the foundation for many ecological and conservation projects, but are only available for a few taxonomic groups. In contrast, distribution records (georeferenced presence records) are more widely available. Here we examine whether year‐to‐year changes in numbers of distribution records, collated over a large spatial scale, can provide a measure of species' population variability, and hence act as a metric of abundance changes.

We used 33 British butterfly species to test this possibility, using distribution and abundance data (transect counts) from 1976 to 2012.

Comparing across species, we found a strong correlation between mean year‐to‐year changes in total number of distribution records and mean year‐to‐year changes in abundance (N = 33 species; r2 = 0.66). This suggests that annual distribution data can be used to identify species with low versus high population variability.

For individual species, there was considerable variation in the strength of relationships between year‐to‐year changes in total number of distribution records and abundance. Between‐year changes in abundance can be identified from distribution records most accurately for species whose populations are most variable (i.e. have high annual variation in numbers of records).

We conclude that year‐to‐year changes in distribution records can indicate overall population variability within a taxon, and are a reasonable proxy for year‐to‐year changes in abundance for some types of species. This finding opens up more opportunities to inform ecological and conservation studies about population variability, based on the wealth of citizen science distribution records that are available for other taxa.
Slfn2 mutation‐induced loss of T‐cell quiescence leads to elevated de novo sterol synthesis
Authors: Omar Ibrahim , Rom Oren , Aviram Michael , Cohen‐Daniel Leonor , Gebre Abraham K. , Parks John S. , Berger Michael
Published: July 2017

Acquisition of a ‘quiescence programme’ by naive T cells is important to provide a stress‐free environment and resistance to apoptosis while preserving their responsiveness to activating stimuli. Therefore, the survival and proper function of naive T cells depends on their ability to maintain quiescence. Recently we demonstrated that by preventing chronic unresolved endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, Schlafen2 (Slfn2) maintains a stress‐free environment to conserve a pool of naive T cells ready to respond to a microbial invasion. These findings strongly suggest an intimate association between quiescence and stress signalling. However, the connection between ER stress conditions and loss of T‐cell quiescence is unknown. Here we demonstrate that homeostasis of cholesterol and lipids, is disrupted in T cells and monocytes from Slfn2‐mutant, elektra, mice with higher levels of lipid rafts and lipid droplets found in these cells. Moreover, elektra T cells had elevated levels of free cholesterol and cholesteryl ester due to increased de novo synthesis and higher levels of the enzyme HMG‐CoA reductase. As cholesterol plays an important role in the transition of T cells from resting to active state, and ER regulates cholesterol and lipid synthesis, we suggest that regulation of cholesterol levels through the prevention of ER stress is an essential component of the mechanism by which Slfn2 regulates quiescence.
Designing e‐commerce supply chains: a stochastic facility–location approach
Authors: Pagès‐Bernaus Adela , Ramalhinho Helena , Juan Angel A. , Calvet Laura
Published: July 2017

e‐Commerce activity has been increasing during recent years, and this trend is expected to continue in the near future. e‐Commerce practices are subject to uncertainty conditions and high variability in customers’ demands. Considering these characteristics, we propose two facility–location models that represent alternative distribution policies in e‐commerce (one based on outsourcing and another based on in‐house distribution). These models take into account stochastic demands as well as more than one regular supplier per customer. Two methodologies are then introduced to solve these stochastic versions of the well‐known capacitated facility–location problem. The first is a two‐stage stochastic‐programming approach that uses an exact solver. However, we show that this approach is not appropriate for tackle large‐scale instances due to the computational effort required. Accordingly, we also introduce a “simheuristic” approach that is able to deal with large‐scale instances in short computing times. An extensive set of benchmark instances contribute to illustrate the efficiency of our approach, as well as its potential utility in modern e‐commerce practices.
Human‐mediated dispersals do not explain tortoise distribution on the Indian Ocean's islands
Authors: Le Minh , Raxworthy Christopher J.
Published: July 2017

Origins of giant tortoises on the Indian Ocean's islands have been debated, and most recently attributed to human translocation (see Wilmé, Patrick, & Ganzhorn, 2017). To resolve the issue, we analyse all available molecular sequences from extinct and extant Indian Ocean's giant tortoises, along with major clades of the family Testudinidae using phylogenetic methods, Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood, and a relaxed time calibration approach. Our results most strongly support giant tortoises of the genus Cylindraspis evolving in situ in the Mascarene Islands since the early mid‐Miocence, and Aldabra tortoises diverging from a Madagascan lineage in the early Oligocene. The geologic time‐scale of these speciation events and the resulting island endemism for each lineage do not support human translocation, but rather demonstrate the impressive ability of giant tortoises to disperse long distances across oceans.
Research Review: Diffusion tensor imaging studies of attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder: meta‐analyses and reflections on head motion
Authors: Aoki Yuta , Cortese Samuele , Castellanos Francisco Xavier
Published: July 2017

Background

Diffusion tensor imaging studies have shown atypical fractional anisotropy (FA) in individuals with attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), albeit with conflicting results. We performed meta‐analyses of whole‐brain voxel‐based analyses (WBVBA) and tract‐based spatial statistics (TBSS) studies in ADHD, along with a qualitative review of TBSS studies addressing the issue of head motion, which may bias results.

Methods

We conducted a systematic literature search (last search on April 1st, 2016) to identify studies comparing FA values between individuals with ADHD and typically developing (TD) participants. Signed differential mapping was used to compute effect sizes and integrate WBVBA and TBSS studies, respectively. TBSS datasets reporting no between‐group motion differences were identified.

Results

We identified 14 WBVBA (ADHDn = 314, TDn = 278) and 13 TBSS datasets (ADHDn = 557, TDn = 568). WBVBA meta‐analysis showed both significantly lower and higher FA values in individuals with ADHD; TBSS meta‐analysis showed significantly lower FA in ADHD compared with TD in four clusters: two in the corpus callosum (isthmus and posterior midbody), one in right inferior fronto‐occipital fasciculus, and one in left inferior longitudinal fasciculus. However, four of six datasets confirming no group‐differences in motion showed no significant between‐group FA differences.

Conclusions

A growing diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) literature (total N = 1,717) and a plethora of apparent findings suggest atypical interhemispheric connection in ADHD. However, FA results in ADHD should be considered with caution, since many studies did not examine potential group differences in head motion, and most of the studies reporting no difference in motion showed no significant results. Future studies should address head motion as a priority and assure that groups do not differ in head motion.
Changes in flood risk governance in France: a David and Goliath story?
Authors: Fournier M. , Larrue C. , Schellenberger T.
Published: July 2017

When analysing flood risk governance in France since the beginning of the 1980s, central government appears as a predominant actor. However, to understand contemporary French flood risk governance (FRG), it is also important to highlight how this domination has progressively been undermined since 1982. First, a decentralisation movement has been initiated whose main characteristics are an increasing involvement of local governments and a difficulty for national authorities to maintain their predominant role. The second main change is a diversification in flood risk strategies going together with a diversification in the definition of the flood risk issue. FRG is not a sole matter of protection through defence, preparation, and recovery strategies anymore. Both prevention and mitigation strategies have progressively gained in legitimacy. It is in the latter that local governments and stakeholders have increasingly got involved and have taken up responsibilities and initiatives. The paper focuses on the explanatory factors behind both stability and change, and especially on the ongoing tension, between path dependency factors (i.e. state power and role) and organisational capability of local actors.
Influence of sprouting environment on the microbiota of sprouts
Authors: Landry Kyle S. , Sela David A. , McLandsborough Lynne
Published: July 2017

Sprouts are popular for health conscious and vegetarian consumers; however, this produce item has been associated with frequent foodborne outbreaks. To understand the influence of the sprouting environment on the microbiota colonizing the sprout, microbial populations of both sprouting seeds and sprouts were characterized using terminal fragment length polymorphism analysis. The dominant microbial populations on mung bean, alfalfa, and broccoli seeds over the course of germination were compared to the microbiota of commercially grown sprouts that were grown from seeds from the same distributer. Regardless of the initial population, similar organismal families were found on all final sprout varieties and was primarily composed of Pseudomonadaceae. Commercially germinated sprout varieties had lower abundances of Pseudomonadaceae for all three varieties, and housed more diverse microbial families, such as Bacillaceae, Sphingomonadaceae, Phyllobacteriacae, and Lactobacillaceae.

Practical applications

Observations from this manuscript can be used to better understand the impact the sprouting environment has on the microbial population of the final sprout product. The microbiota of sprout varieties, as described in this manuscript, may help understand microbial spoilage factors of sprout products. By understanding the microbial populations of sprouts, the observed benefits of sprouting seeds/beans in previously used sprout water and the use of competitive exclusion techniques can progress forward.
Cerebral Pulsatility Index Is Elevated in Patients with Elevated Right Atrial Pressure
Authors: Lahiri Shouri , Schlick Konrad H. , Padrick Matthew M. , Rinsky Brenda , Gonzalez Nestor , Jones Heather , Mayer Stephan A. , Lyden Patrick D.
Published: July 2017

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Extracerebral venous congestion can precipitate intracranial hypertension due to obstruction of cerebral blood outflow. Conditions that increase right atrial pressure, such as hypervolemia, are thought to increase resistance to jugular venous outflow and contribute to cerebro‐venous congestion. Cerebral pulsatility index (CPI) is considered a surrogate marker of distal cerebrovascular resistance and is elevated with intracranial hypertension. Thus, we sought to test the hypothesis that elevated right atrial pressure is associated with increased CPI compared to normal right atrial pressure.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 61 consecutive patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage. We calculated CPI from transcranial Doppler studies and correlated these with echocardiographic measures of right atrial pressure. CPIs were compared from patients with elevated and normal right atrial pressure.

RESULTS

There was a significant difference between CPI obtained from all patients with elevated right atrial pressure compared to those with normal right atrial pressure (P < .0001). This finding was consistent in sensitivity analysis that compared right and left hemispheric CPI from patients with both elevated and normal right atrial pressure.

CONCLUSION

Patients with elevated right atrial pressure had significantly higher CPI compared to patients with normal right atrial pressure. These findings suggest that cerebro‐venous congestion due to impaired jugular venous outflow may increase distal cerebrovascular resistance as measured by CPI. Since elevated CPI is associated with poor outcome in numerous neurological conditions, future studies are needed to elucidate the significance of these results in other populations.
Growth attenuation therapy for children with severe physical and cognitive disability: Practice and perspectives of New Zealand paediatricians
Authors: Wrigley Rebekah , Kerruish Nikki , Hofman Paul L , Jefferies Craig , Pollock Allison J , Wheeler Benjamin J
Published: July 2017

Aim

There are currently no clinical guidelines concerning the administration of growth attenuation therapy (GAT) for children (regardless of gender) with both severe physical and cognitive disability in New Zealand (NZ). This survey aimed to explore the attitudes of paediatricians towards GAT and the frequency of requests and initiation of GAT in NZ.

Methods

An online survey of paediatricians in NZ was undertaken. Questions covered both clinical experience with GAT and attitudes towards it.

Results

Overall, the response rate was 55% (173/317) with 162 complete responses; 25% of respondents (41/166) reported enquiries about GAT. Five had personally prescribed GAT; in total, six NZ children have undergone GAT. A total of 77% of respondents either believed GAT is appropriate or were neutral on the subject. The majority of responders (59%) believed ethical approval should be obtained as part of preparation for GAT.

Conclusions

This is the first study to investigate attitudes and practices of NZ paediatricians regarding GAT for severely disabled children. Results indicate a range of views but suggest that family requests for GAT do occur and that the majority of paediatricians are not opposed to GAT in the appropriate ethical and clinical context. The development of practice guidelines for GAT may lead to a more informed decision‐making process about GAT for families and paediatricians.
Soft plaque in a girl's thigh
Authors: Pereira Ana Sousa , Machado Susana , Selores Manuela
Published: July 2017

See Answer
Neo‐ and Paleopolyploidy contribute to the species diversity of Asplenium—the most species‐rich genus of ferns
Authors: Schneider Harald , Liu Hong‐Mei , Chang Yan‐Fen , Ohlsen Daniel , Perrie Leon R. , Shepherd Lara , Kessler Michael , Karger Dirk N. , Hennequin Sabine , Marquardt Jeannine , Russell Stephen , Ansell Stephen , Lu Ngan Thi , Kamau Peris , Lóriga Josmaily , Regalado Ledis , Heinrichs Jochen , Ebihara Atsushi , Smith Alan R. , Gibby Mary
Published: July 2017

Polyploidy is widely considered as a major process in the evolution of plants but the accumulation of polyploid species diversity is still controversial. Some recent studies proposed increased extinction risk in neopolyploids compared with their diploid ancestors. The high proportion of polyploid ferns is expected to be formed mainly by neopolyploids, whereas paleopolyploid species are predicted to be clustered in clades founded by whole genome duplications. Here, we test this prediction by exploring the evolution of polyploidy in the derived fern family Aspleniaceae. The family has a global distribution and shows the highest frequency of polyploid taxa among all ferns. To test the hypothesis, we obtained a comprehensive phylogeny using chloroplast DNA sequences of 883 specimens representing 292 species. All published chromosome counts were mapped onto this phylogenetic framework in order to explore the evolution of polyploids. We recovered evidence for several whole genome duplications in the history of Aspleniaceae. Phylogenetic relationships of polyploids exceeding the tetraploid level suggest that tetraploid Asplenium species may have replaced their diploid ancestors as the main evolutionary players in some clades of this family.
High‐pressure minerals in shocked meteorites
Authors: Tomioka Naotaka , Miyahara Masaaki
Published: July 2017

Heavily shocked meteorites contain various types of high‐pressure polymorphs of major minerals (olivine, pyroxene, feldspar, and quartz) and accessory minerals (chromite and Ca phosphate). These high‐pressure minerals are micron to submicron sized and occur within and in the vicinity of shock‐induced melt veins and melt pockets in chondrites and lunar, howardite–eucrite–diogenite (HED), and Martian meteorites. Their occurrence suggests two types of formation mechanisms (1) solid‐state high‐pressure transformation of the host‐rock minerals into monomineralic polycrystalline aggregates, and (2) crystallization of chondritic or monomineralic melts under high pressure. Based on experimentally determined phase relations, their formation pressures are limited to the pressure range up to ~25 GPa. Textural, crystallographic, and chemical characteristics of high‐pressure minerals provide clues about the impact events of meteorite parent bodies, including their size and mutual collision velocities and about the mineralogy of deep planetary interiors. The aim of this article is to review and summarize the findings on natural high‐pressure minerals in shocked meteorites that have been reported over the past 50 years.
Comparative landscape genetics of two frugivorous bats in a biological corridor undergoing agricultural intensification
Authors: Cleary Katherine A. , Waits Lisette P. , Finegan Bryan
Published: July 2017

Agricultural intensification in tropical landscapes poses a new threat to the ability of biological corridors to maintain functional connectivity for native species. We use a landscape genetics approach to evaluate impacts of expanding pineapple plantations on two widespread and abundant frugivorous bats in a biological corridor in Costa Rica. We hypothesize that the larger, more mobile Artibeus jamaicensis will be less impacted by pineapple than the smaller Carollia castanea. In 2012 and 2013, we sampled 735 bats in 26 remnant forest patches surrounded by different proportions of forest, pasture, crops and pineapple. We used 10 microsatellite loci for A. jamaicensis and 16 microsatellite loci for C. castanea to estimate genetic diversity and gene flow. Canonical correspondence analyses indicate that land cover type surrounding patches has no impact on genetic diversity of A. jamaicensis. However, for C. castanea, both percentage forest and pineapple surrounding patches explained a significant proportion of the variation in genetic diversity. Least‐cost transect analyses (LCTA) and pairwise G″st suggest that for A. jamaicensis, pineapple is more permeable to gene flow than expected, while as expected, forest is the most permeable land cover for gene flow of C. castanea. For both species, LCTA indicate that development may play a role in inhibiting gene flow. The current study answers the call for landscape genetic research focused on tropical and agricultural landscapes, highlights the value of comparative landscape genetics in biological corridor design and management and is one of the few studies of biological corridors in any ecosystem to implement a genetic approach to test corridor efficacy.
Structural characterization of the NAP; the major adhesion complex of the human pathogen Mycoplasma genitalium
Authors: Scheffer Margot P. , Gonzalez‐Gonzalez Luis , Seybert Anja , Ratera Mercè , Kunz Michael , Valpuesta José M. , Fita Ignacio , Querol Enrique , Piñol Jaume , Martín‐Benito Jaime , Frangakis Achilleas S.
Published: July 2017

Mycoplasma genitalium, the causative agent of non‐gonococcal urethritis and pelvic inflammatory disease in humans, is a small eubacterium that lacks a peptidoglycan cell wall. On the surface of its plasma membrane is the major surface adhesion complex, known as NAP that is essential for adhesion and gliding motility of the organism. Here, we have performed cryo‐electron tomography of intact cells and detergent permeabilized M. genitalium cell aggregates, providing sub‐tomogram averages of free and cell‐attached NAPs respectively, revealing a tetrameric complex with two‐fold rotational (C2) symmetry. Each NAP has two pairs of globular lobes (named α and β lobes), arranged as a dimer of heterodimers with each lobe connected by a stalk to the cell membrane. The β lobes are larger than the α lobes by 20%. Classification of NAPs showed that the complex can tilt with respect to the cell membrane. A protein complex containing exclusively the proteins P140 and P110, was purified from M. genitalium and was structurally characterized by negative‐stain single particle EM reconstruction. The close structural similarity found between intact NAPs and the isolated P140/P110 complexes, shows that dimers of P140/P110 heterodimers are the only components of the extracellular region of intact NAPs in M. genitalium.
Lithium enhances alveolar bone formation during orthodontic retention in rats
Authors: Pan J. , He S. , Yin X. , Li Y. , Zhou C. , Zou S.
Published: July 2017

Structured Abstract

Objective

To investigate the effect of lithium on alveolar bone formation during orthodontic retention in rats.

Materials and methods

After 2 weeks of orthodontic tooth movement (OTM), 42 8‐week‐old male Wistar rats were randomly divided into two orthodontic retention groups: one without (control) and the other with LiCl treatment (LiCl group). Samples were collected on days 0, 3, 7 and 14 during the retention period. We evaluated the bone volume/total volume (BV/TV) ratio and new bone formation in the region of interests (ie, the root, the periodontal ligament and the adjacent alveolar bone around the distal buccal surface of the distal root of the maxillary first molar). We performed quantitative analyses, including histology, histomorphometry and immunohistochemistry to identify Runx2 and Osterix expression.

Results

The density of trabecular bone, the quantity of osteoblasts and the expression of osteogenic markers, Runx2 and Osterix, were significantly higher in the LiCl group than in the control group during the orthodontic retention period.

Conclusion

LiCl enhances alveolar bone formation during orthodontic retention in rats.
Experienced stigma and its impacts in psychosis: The role of social rank and external shame
Authors: Wood Lisa , Irons Chris
Published: July 2017

Objectives

Experienced stigma is detrimental to those who experience psychosis and can cause emotional distress and hinder recovery. This study aimed to explore the relationship between experienced stigma with emotional distress and recovery in people with psychosis. It explored the role of external shame and social rank as mediators in these relationships.

Design

A cross‐sectional design was implemented.

Methods

Fifty‐two service users were administered a battery of questionnaires examining experienced stigma, external shame, social rank, personal recovery, positive symptoms, depression, and anxiety. Correlation and multiple regression analysis were conducted on the data. Where appropriate, mediation analysis was employed to explore social rank and external shame as mediatory variables.

Results

Experienced stigma was significantly related to shame (social rank and external shame), positive symptoms, emotional distress (depression and anxiety), and personal recovery. The impact of experienced stigma on depression was mediated by external shame. Social rank was a mediator between experienced stigma and personal recovery only.

Conclusion

People with psychosis who have experienced stigma are likely to experience emotional distress and be inhibited in their recovery. This was found to be partly mediated by external shame and low social rank. Clinical approaches to stigma need to target these as potential maintenance factors.

Practitioner points

Experienced stigma is significantly related to shame (social rank and external shame) emotional distress, and reduced personal recovery.

External shame mediated the relationship between experienced stigma and depression in psychosis. Social rank mediated the relationship between experienced stigma and personal recovery.

Clinical approaches to stigma should include the assessment of external shame and low social rank.
Medication adherence among adolescent solid‐organ transplant recipients: A survey of healthcare providers
Authors: Mehta Pooja , Steinberg Elizabeth A. , Kelly Sarah L. , Buchanan Cindy , Rawlinson Alana Resmini
Published: July 2017

The aim of this study was to assess healthcare provider perspectives on barriers to medication adherence and to discover recommendations for interventions among providers of pediatric solid‐organ transplant patients. An anonymous online survey was administered to a multidisciplinary pool of pediatric transplant providers from February 2015 to March 2016. It consisted of 15 questions regarding transplant providers’ attitudes, clinical practice, and beliefs pertaining to medication adherence among teenage solid‐organ transplant recipients. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Responses to open‐ended questions were coded and categorized into themes. One hundred ten surveys were completed by providers specializing in pediatric heart, kidney, liver, lung, and/or intestinal transplantation. Commonly cited reasons for poor adherence were forgetting/poor planning (94%), the desire to be normal (86%), lack of support (86%), and poor parental monitoring (79%). Suggestions to improve adherence included increasing peer and family support, providing education, and incorporating technology into adherence regimens. Barriers to adherence in transplant patients are recognized by providers and are both similar to and disparate from patient and family identified barriers published in the literature. Providers recognize the importance of education, social support, and technologically driven interventions on improving outcomes in the transplant population.
Quantity Competition When Most Favored Customers are Strategic
Authors: Aviv Yossi , Bazhanov Andrei , Levin Yuri , Nediak Mikhail
Published: July 2017

Legal studies usually treat a policy of a manufacturer or retailer as socially harmful if it reduces product output and increases the price. We consider a two‐period model where the first‐period price is fixed and resellers endogenously decide to use meet‐the‐competition clause with a most‐favored‐customer clause (MFC) to counteract strategic customer behavior. As a result of MFC, the second‐period (reduced) price increases and resellers’ inventories decrease. However, customer surplus may increase and aggregate welfare increases in the majority of market situations. MFC can mitigate the losses in welfare and resellers’ profits due to strategic customers. Moreover, under reseller competition, MFC may even lead to higher levels of these values than with myopic customers, that is, to gain from increased strategic behavior. With growing competition, benefits or losses from MFC can be higher than losses from strategic customer behavior.
Vindicating the Absent Qualia Objection
Authors: Conee Earl
Published: July 2017

Metaphysical functionalism holds that the nature of the mental is its functional role. Proponents of the absent qualia objection to functionalism assert that mental states with essential phenomenal qualities might have had functional duplicates without qualia. Michael Tye has argued that this purported possibility is incoherent. Robert van Gulick has criticized Tye's argument. It is contended here that although van Gulick's criticism does not refute the argument, Tye's argument is unsuccessful. It is also contended that our evidence very strongly supports the possibility of absent qualia.
Alternate bar dynamics in response to increases and decreases of sediment supply
Authors: Bankert Andrew R. , Nelson Peter A.
Published: July 2017

Gravel‐bed rivers can accommodate changes in sediment supply by adjusting their bed topography and grain size in both the downstream and cross‐stream directions. Under high supply aggradational conditions, this can result in spatially non‐uniform stratigraphic patterns, and the morphodynamic influence of heterogeneous stratigraphy during subsequent degradational periods is poorly understood and has not been studied through physical modelling. A flume experiment was conducted to analyse channel response where alternate bars were developed in a gravel–sand mixture under constant discharge and sediment supply before two supply increases led to the development of heterogeneous stratigraphy beneath alternate bars. The supply was then reduced back to the initial supply rate, causing degradation through that self‐formed stratigraphy. Stratigraphic samples were collected, and the bed topography and flow depth were measured frequently, which were used with a two‐dimensional hydrodynamic model to characterize flow conditions. Migrating alternate bars stabilized during the first equilibrium phase, creating bed surface sorting patterns of coarse bar tops and fine pools. During the first supply increase, the bars remained stable as the pools aggraded. During the second supply increase, the pools aggraded further, causing the boundary shear stress over the bar tops to increase until the bars gained the capacity to migrate and eventually stabilize in new locations. As aggradation occurred, the original sediment sorting patterns were preserved in the subsurface. During the degradational phase, the pools experienced incision and the bars eroded laterally, but this lateral erosion ceased when coarse sediment previously deposited during the bar‐building phase became exposed. The results suggest that if a sediment supply increase is capable of filling the pools, it can cause stable bars to migrate and the bed to be reworked. These findings also show that heterogeneous stratigraphy can play an important role in determining whether bars persist or disappear after a sediment supply reduction.
Age slowing down in detection and visual discrimination under varying presentation times
Authors: Moret‐Tatay Carmen , Lemus‐Zúñiga Lenin‐Guillermo , Tortosa Diana Abad , Gamermann Daniel , Vázquez‐martínez Andrea , Navarro‐Pardo Esperanza , Conejero J. Alberto
Published: July 2017

The reaction time has been described as a measure of perception, decision making, and other cognitive processes. The aim of this work is to examine age‐related changes in executive functions in terms of demand load under varying presentation times. Two tasks were employed where a signal detection and a discrimination task were performed by young and older university students. Furthermore, a characterization of the response time distribution by an ex‐Gaussian fit was carried out. The results indicated that the older participants were slower than the younger ones in signal detection and discrimination. Moreover, the differences between both processes for the older participants were higher, and they also showed a higher distribution average except for the lower and higher presentation time. The results suggest a general slowdown in both tasks for age under different presentation times, except for the cases where presentation times were lower and higher. Moreover, if these parameters are understood to be a reflection of executive functions, these findings are consistent with the common view that age‐related cognitive deficits show a decline in this function.
Development of preferences for differently aged faces of different races
Authors: Heron‐Delaney Michelle , Quinn Paul C. , Damon Fabrice , Lee Kang , Pascalis Olivier
Published: July 2017

Children's experiences with differently aged faces changes in the course of development. During infancy, most faces encountered are adult, however as children mature, exposure to child faces becomes more extensive. Does this change in experience influence preference for differently aged faces? The preferences of children for adult vs. child, and adult vs. infant faces were investigated. Caucasian 3‐ to 6‐year‐olds and adults were presented with adult/child and adult/infant face pairs which were either Caucasian or Asian (race consistent within pairs). Younger children (3–4 years) preferred adults over children whereas older children (5–6 years) preferred children over adults. This preference was only detected for Caucasian faces. These data support a ‘here and now’ model of the development of face age processing from infancy to childhood. In particular, the findings suggest that growing experience with peers influences age preferences and that race impacts on these preferences. In contrast, adults preferred infants and children over adults when the faces were Caucasian or Asian, suggesting an increasing influence of a baby schema, and a decreasing influence of race. The different preferences of younger children, older children, and adults also suggest discontinuity and the possibility of different mechanisms at work during different developmental periods.
Structural, mutagenic and in silico studies of xyloglucan fucosylation in Arabidopsis thaliana suggest a water‐mediated mechanism
Authors: Urbanowicz Breeanna R. , Bharadwaj Vivek S. , Alahuhta Markus , Peña Maria J. , Lunin Vladimir V. , Bomble Yannick J. , Wang Shuo , Yang Jeong‐Yeh , Tuomivaara Sami T. , Himmel Michael E. , Moremen Kelley W. , York William S. , Crowley Michael F.
Published: July 2017

The mechanistic underpinnings of the complex process of plant polysaccharide biosynthesis are poorly understood, largely because of the resistance of glycosyltransferase (GT) enzymes to structural characterization. In Arabidopsis thaliana, a glycosyl transferase family 37 (GT37) fucosyltransferase 1 (AtFUT1) catalyzes the regiospecific transfer of terminal 1,2‐fucosyl residues to xyloglucan side chains – a key step in the biosynthesis of fucosylated sidechains of galactoxyloglucan. We unravel the mechanistic basis for fucosylation by AtFUT1 with a multipronged approach involving protein expression, X‐ray crystallography, mutagenesis experiments and molecular simulations. Mammalian cell culture expressions enable the sufficient production of the enzyme for X‐ray crystallography, which reveals the structural architecture of AtFUT1 in complex with bound donor and acceptor substrate analogs. The lack of an appropriately positioned active site residue as a catalytic base leads us to propose an atypical water‐mediated fucosylation mechanism facilitated by an H‐bonded network, which is corroborated by mutagenesis experiments as well as detailed atomistic simulations.
Production of low‐Cs+ rice plants by inactivation of the K+ transporter OsHAK1 with the CRISPR‐Cas system
Authors: Nieves‐Cordones Manuel , Mohamed Sonia , Tanoi Keitaro , Kobayashi Natsuko I. , Takagi Keiko , Vernet Aurore , Guiderdoni Emmanuel , Périn Christophe , Sentenac Hervé , Véry Anne‐Aliénor
Published: July 2017

The occurrence of radiocesium in food has raised sharp health concerns after nuclear accidents. Despite being present at low concentrations in contaminated soils (below μm), cesium (Cs+) can be taken up by crops and transported to their edible parts. This plant capacity to take up Cs+ from low concentrations has notably affected the production of rice (Oryza sativa L.) in Japan after the nuclear accident at Fukushima in 2011. Several strategies have been put into practice to reduce Cs+ content in this crop species such as contaminated soil removal or adaptation of agricultural practices, including dedicated fertilizer management, with limited impact or pernicious side‐effects. Conversely, the development of biotechnological approaches aimed at reducing Cs+ accumulation in rice remain challenging. Here, we show that inactivation of the Cs+‐permeable K+ transporter OsHAK1 with the CRISPR‐Cas system dramatically reduced Cs+ uptake by rice plants. Cs+ uptake in rice roots and in transformed yeast cells that expressed OsHAK1 displayed very similar kinetics parameters. In rice, Cs+ uptake is dependent on two functional properties of OsHAK1: (i) a poor capacity of this system to discriminate between Cs+ and K+; and (ii) a high capacity to transport Cs+ from very low external concentrations that is likely to involve an active transport mechanism. In an experiment with a Fukushima soil highly contaminated with 137Cs+, plants lacking OsHAK1 function displayed strikingly reduced levels of 137Cs+ in roots and shoots. These results open stimulating perspectives to smartly produce safe food in regions contaminated by nuclear accidents.
Inactivation of Zika virus in platelet components using amotosalen and ultraviolet A illumination
Authors: Santa Maria Felicia , Laughhunn Andrew , Lanteri Marion C. , Aubry Maite , Musso Didier , Stassinopoulos Adonis
Published: July 2017

BACKGROUND

Concerned over the risk of Zika virus (ZIKV) transfusion transmission, public health agencies recommended the implementation of mitigation strategies for its prevention. Those strategies included the use of pathogen inactivation for the treatment of plasma and platelets. The efficacy of amotosalen/ultraviolet A to inactivate ZIKV in plasma had been previously demonstrated, and the efficacy of inactivation in platelets with the same technology was assumed. These studies quantify ZIKV inactivation in platelet components using amotosalen/ultraviolet A.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Platelet components were spiked with ZIKV, and ZIKV infectious titers and RNA loads were measured by cell culture‐based assays and real‐time polymerase chain reaction in spiked platelet components before and after photochemical treatment using amotosalen/ultraviolet A.

RESULTS

The mean ZIKV infectivity titers and RNA loads in platelet components before inactivation were either 4.9 log10 plaque forming units per milliliter, or 4.4 log10 50% tissue culture infective dose per milliliter and 7.5 log10 genome equivalents per milliliter, respectively. No infectivity was detected immediately after amotosalen/ultraviolet A treatment. No replicative virus remained after treatment, as demonstrated by multiple passages on Vero cell cultures; and ZIKV RNA was not detected from the first passage after inactivation. Additional experiments in this study demonstrated efficient inactivation to the limit of detection in platelets manufactured in 65% platelet additive solution, 35% plasma, or 100% plasma.

CONCLUSION

As previously demonstrated for plasma, robust levels of ZIKV inactivation were achieved in platelet components. With inactivation of higher levels of ZIKV than those reported in asymptomatic, RNA‐reactive blood donors, the pathogen‐inactivation system using amotosalen/ultraviolet A offers the potential to mitigate the risk of ZIKV transmission by plasma and platelet transfusion.