bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cardiac involvement in female carriers of duchenne or becker muscular dystrophy
Authors: Mccaffrey Thomas , Guglieri Michela , Murphy Alexander P. , Bushby Katherine , Johnson Anna , Bourke John P.
Published: October 2016

Introduction

The significance of abnormal cardiac measures in asymptomatic females who harbor dystrophin gene mutations is controversial.

Methods

Echo‐measures of ventricular function were compared with published norms in a cross‐sectional study of 130 (age, 39 ± 15.7 years) “carriers” of Duchenne or Becker muscular dystrophy (DMD/BMD). Correlations between cardiomyopathy (CM) and mutation, creatine kinase (CK) levels, age, and muscle symptoms were investigated.

Results

Depending on definition, CM prevalence was 3–33%. Ejection fraction (Simpson method) was < 55% in 9 (13%) and < 40% in 2 (2.9%). Eleven (8.5%) had wall motion abnormalities. Left ventricular end‐systolic dimensions were increased in 7 (5.7%) and end‐diastolic in 17 (13.9%). CM did not correlate with mutation type, DMD or BMD phenotype, CK level, muscle symptoms, or age.

Conclusions

Occult CM can be found by screening in DMD/BMD carriers. Its lack of age‐correlation suggests that not all abnormalities progress. Optimum screening schedules require a better understanding of progressive CM. Muscle Nerve 55: 810–818, 2017
Effect of process parameters on fracture toughness of PP/EPDM/nanoclay nanocomposite fabricated by novel method of heat assisted Friction stir processing
Authors: Mostafapour Amir , Naderi Ghasem , Nakhaei Mohammad Reza
Published: October 2016

Thermoplastic elastomeric nanocomposites due to their excellent mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties have a wide application in airplane, shipbuilding, and automotive industries and medical apparatus. Friction stir processing (FSP) is a novel technique for the fabrication of composites, nanocomposites and microstructural modifications. In this paper, polypropylene/ethylene–propylene–diene monomer (PP/EPDM) nanocomposite with 5 wt% nanoclay are fabricated by FSP to determine the effect of process parameters such as tool rotational speed, traverse speed, shoulder temperature, and number of passes on total work of fracture of this nanocomposite. Response surface methodology (RSM) and Box–Behnken design were used to develop a mathematical model relating the process parameters to the total work of fracture. The results show that the total work of fracture increased with increasing the rotational speed and number of passes and decreasing the shoulder temperature. A maximum total work of fracture of 50.3 N/mm was obtained at traverse speed of 42 mm/min when other parameters were at their center level. The maximum total work of fracture of 61.8 N/mm is achieved at rotational speed of 1,200 rpm, traverse speed of 40 mm/min, shoulder temperature of 100°C, and number of passes of 3. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:2336–2346, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Proteomic and N‐glycoproteomic quantification reveal aberrant changes in the human saliva of oral ulcer patients
Authors: Zhang Ying , Wang Xi , Cui Dan , Zhu Jun
Published: October 2016

Human whole saliva is a vital body fluid for studying the physiology and pathology of the oral cavity. As a powerful technique for biomarker discovery, MS‐based proteomic strategies have been introduced for saliva analysis and identified hundreds of proteins and N‐glycosylation sites. However, there is still a lack of quantitative analysis, which is necessary for biomarker screening and biological research. In this study, we establish an integrated workflow by the combination of stable isotope dimethyl labeling, HILIC enrichment, and high resolution MS for both quantification of the global proteome and N‐glycoproteome of human saliva from oral ulcer patients. With the help of advanced bioinformatics, we comprehensively studied oral ulcers at both protein and glycoprotein scales. Bioinformatics analyses revealed that starch digestion and protein degradation activities are inhibited while the immune response is promoted in oral ulcer saliva.
Copolymerization of carbon dioxide with cyclohexene oxide catalyzed by bimetallic dysprosium complexes containing hydrazine‐functionalized Schiff‐base derivatives
Authors: Ho Chia‐Hsing , Chuang Hui‐Ju , Lin Po‐Heng , Ko Bao‐Tsan
Published: October 2016

A series of dinuclear DyIII acetate complexes containing three different hydrazine‐functionalized Schiff‐base ligands (hmb, hmi, and hb) have been synthesized by one‐pot reaction with Dy(OAc)3·4H2O as the metal precursor. [Dy2(hmb)2(OAc)4]·MeCN (1·MeCN) and [Dy2(hmi)2(OAc)2(MeOH)2]·H2O (2·H2O) with keto and enol forms of the corresponding ligands, respectively, were shown the similar core structures but different ratio of DyIII to OAc–. Moreover, the different coordination environments of complex [Dy2(hb)2(μ‐OAc)2(OAc)2(H2O)2]·DMF·H2O (3·DMF·H2O) also offered an opportunity to understand the relationship between structural model and catalytic properties. Bimetallic dysprosium complexes 1–3 were demonstrated to be active catalysts for copolymerization of carbon dioxide (CO2) and cyclohexene oxide (CHO) without cocatalysts. To the best of our knowledge, well‐defined catalyst 2 appears to be the first example of an air‐stable bimetallic dysprosium complex that is effective for CO2/CHO copolymerization and the formation of the perfectly alternating poly(cyclohexenecarbonate) with a high molecular weight. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 321–328
Adaptive consensus algorithms for real‐time operation of multi‐agent systems affected by switching network events
Authors: Muñoz Filiberto , Espinoza Quesada Eduardo Steed , La Hung M. , Salazar Sergio , Commuri Sesh , Garcia Carrillo Luis Rodolfo
Published: October 2016

We propose a control strategy based on distributed adaptive leader‐follower consensus algorithms for multi‐agent systems (MAS) affected by switching network events. The strategy allows each agent in the MAS to compute its own control input based on local information and information coming from its neighbors. In this sense, MAS distributed control laws are obtained where the coupling gain of the associated communication graph is adapted dynamically in real‐time. The consensus algorithm is extended with a switching network topology approach, which ensures appropriate performance even when the MAS network topology is prone to arbitrary switching. A real‐time experimental application is presented, where a MAS consisting of four rotorcraft UAS successfully performed the tasks of autonomously approaching and escorting a leader, even in the situation when the network topology was arbitrarily changing. Additionally, a Lyapunov stability analysis is included, which demonstrates that the tracking errors between leader and follower agents converge asymptotically to zero. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Getting ready for a data economy
Authors: Beeston Gareth
Published: October 2016

The potential, skills and expertise
Metal‐Organic Frameworks for CO2 Chemical Transformations
Authors: He Hongming , Perman Jason A. , Zhu Guangshan , Ma Shengqian
Published: October 2016

Carbon dioxide (CO2), as the primary greenhouse gas in the atmosphere, triggers a series of environmental and energy related problems in the world. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop multiple methods to capture and convert CO2 into useful chemical products, which can significantly improve the environment and promote sustainable development. Over the past several decades, metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) have shown outstanding heterogeneous catalytic activity due in part to their high internal surface area and chemical functionalities. These properties and the ability to synthesize MOF platforms allow experiments to test structure‐function relationships for transforming CO2 into useful chemicals. Herein, recent developments are highlighted for MOFs participating as catalysts for the chemical fixation and photochemical reduction of CO2. Finally, opportunities and challenges facing MOF catalysts are discussed in this ongoing research area.
Catalytic Conversion of Renewable Resources into Bulk and Fine Chemicals
Authors: de Vries Johannes G.
Published: October 2016

Several strategies can be chosen to convert renewable resources into chemicals. In this account, I exemplify the route that starts with so‐called platform chemicals; these are relatively simple chemicals that can be produced in high yield, directly from renewable resources, either via fermentation or via chemical routes. They can be converted into the existing bulk chemicals in a very efficient manner using multistep catalytic conversions. Two examples are given of the conversion of sugars into nylon intermediates. 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) can be prepared in good yield from fructose. Two hydrogenation steps convert HMF into 1,6‐hexanediol. Oppenauer oxidation converts this product into caprolactone, which in the past, has been converted into caprolactam in a large‐scale industrial process by reaction with ammonia. An even more interesting platform chemical is levulinic acid (LA), which can be obtained directly from lignocellulose in good yield by treatment with dilute sulfuric acid at 200°C. Hydrogenation converts LA into gamma‐valerolactone, which is ring‐opened and esterified in a gas‐phase process to a mixture of isomeric methyl pentenoates in excellent selectivity. In a remarkable selective palladium‐catalysed isomerising methoxycarbonylation, this mixture is converted in to dimethyl adipate, which is finally hydrolysed to adipic acid. Overall selectivities of both processes are extremely high. The conversion of lignin into chemicals is a much more complicated task in view of the complex nature of lignin. It was discovered that breakage of the most prevalent β‐O‐4 bond in lignin occurs not only via the well‐documented C3 pathway, but also via a C2 pathway, leading to the formation of highly reactive phenylacetaldehydes. These compounds went largely unnoticed as they immediately recondense on lignin. We have now found that it is possible to prevent this by converting these aldehydes in a tandem reaction, as they are formed. For this purpose, we have used three different methods: acetalisation, hydrogenation, and decarbonylation. These reactions were first established in the tandem reactions of model compounds, but subsequently, we were able to show that this works equally well on organosolv lignin and even on lignocellulose.

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Learned inequality: Racial labels in the biology curriculum can affect the development of racial prejudice
Authors: Donovan Brian M.
Published: October 2016

For over a century, genetic arguments for the existence of racial inequality have been used to oppose policies that promote social equality. And, over that same time period, American biology textbooks have repeatedly discussed genetic differences between races. This experiment tests whether racial terminology in the biology curriculum causes adolescents to develop genetic beliefs about racial difference, thereby affecting prejudice. Individual students (N = 135, grades 7–9) were randomly assigned within their classrooms to learn either from: (i) four text‐based lessons discussing racial differences in skeletal structure and the prevalence of genetic disease (racial condition); or (ii) an identical curriculum lacking racial terminology (nonracial condition). Over 3‐months that coincided with this learning, students in the racial condition grew significantly more in their perception of the amount of genetic variation between races relative to students in the nonracial condition. Furthermore, those in the racial condition grew in their belief that races differ in intelligence for genetic reasons significantly more than those in the nonracial condition. And, compared to the nonracial condition, students in the racial condition became significantly less interested in socializing across racial lines and less supportive of policies that reduce racial inequality in education. These findings show how biology education sustains racial inequality, and conversely, how human genetic variation education could be designed to reduce genetically based racism. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 54: 379–411, 2017
Writing for the Screen
Authors: Batty Craig , Waldeback Zara
Published: October 2016

This revised and refreshed edition guides the contemporary screenwriter through a variety of creative and critical approaches to a deeper understanding of how to tell stories for the screen. With a renewed focus on theme and structure, the book is an essential guide for writers, script developers and teachers to help develop ideas into rich dynamic projects, and craft compelling, resonating screenplays. Combining creative tools and approaches with critical and contextual underpinnings, the book is ideal for screenwriting students who are looking to expand their skills and reflect on practices to add greater depth to their scripts. It will also inspire experienced writers and developers to find fresh ways of working and consider how new technology is affecting storytelling voices. Comprehensive and engaging, this book considers key narrative questions of today and offers a range of exercises to address them.

Integrating creative guidance with rigorous scholarship, this is the perfect companion for undergraduate students taking courses in screenwriting. Encouraging and pragmatic, it will provide a wealth of inspiration for those wishing to work in the industry or deepen their study of the practice.

New to this Edition:

- Refreshed and revised edition to meet the demands of contemporary screenwriting

- New case studies, models, tools and approaches to writing for the screen

- Updated areas of industry practice, including web series, transmedia, VR and long-form storytelling

- Includes practical approaches and creative exercises that can be used in the classroom
δ-(l-α-aminoadipyl)-l-cysteinyl-d-valine synthetase (ACVS): discovery and perspectives
Authors: Tahlan Kapil , Moore Marcus A , Jensen Susan E
Published: October 2016

The δ-(l-α-aminoadipyl)-l-cysteinyl-d-valine (ACV) tripeptide is the first dedicated intermediate in the biosynthetic pathway leading to the penicillin and cephalosporin classes of β-lactam natural products in bacteria and fungi. It is synthesized nonribosomally by the ACV synthetase (ACVS) enzyme, which has been purified and partially characterized from many sources. Due to its large size and instability, many details regarding the reaction mechanism of ACVS are still not fully understood. In this review we discuss the chronology and associated methodology that led to the discovery of ACVS, some of the main findings regarding its activities, and some recent/current studies being conducted on the enzyme. In addition, we conclude with perspectives on what can be done to increase our understating of this very important protein in the future.
Flunarizine rescues reduced lifespan in CLN3 triple knock‐out Caenorhabditis elegans model of batten disease
Authors: Kwon Young Joon , Falk Marni J. , Bennett Michael J.
Published: October 2016

CLN3 disease (Spielmeyer‐Vogt‐Sjogren‐Batten disease, previously known as classic juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis, NCL) is a pediatric‐onset progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive vision loss, seizures, loss of cognitive and motor function, and early death. While no precise biochemical mechanism or therapies are known, the pathogenesis of CLN3 disease involves intracellular calcium accumulation that may trigger apoptosis. Our prior work in in vitro cell models of CLN3 deficiency suggested that FDA‐approved calcium channel antagonists may have therapeutic value. To further evaluate the potential efficacy of this approach in an otherwise untreatable disorder, we sought to compare the therapeutic effects and underlying mechanisms in an animal model of CLN3 disease. Here, we used the well‐characterized XT7 complete cln‐3 knockout strain of C. elegans to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of calcium channel antagonist therapy in a living animal model of Batten disease. Therapeutic effects of five calcium channel antagonists were evaluated on XT7 animal lifespan and in vivo mitochondrial physiology. Remarkably, maximal therapeutic efficacy in this model animal was observed with 1 μM flunarizine, the identical concentration previously identified in cell‐based neuronal models of CLN3 disease. Specifically, flunarizine rescued the short lifespan of XT7 worms and prevented their pathophysiologic mitochondrial accumulation. These results confirm the treatment efficacy and dosing of flunarizine in cln‐3 disease in a translational model organism. Clinical treatment trials in CLN3 human patients are now needed to test the dosing regimen and efficacy of flunarizine in individuals suffering with this otherwise untreatable and ultimately lethal neurologic disease.
Zur Darstellung von Macht in der räumlichen Planung – Potenziale und Grenzen der Methode der systemischen Aufstellung
Authors: Levin-Keitel Meike , Lelong Bettina , Thaler Thomas
Published: October 2016

Power is inherent to spatial planning, especially in decision-making processes, but also within the planning and the implementation process. Apparently, a central challenge seems to be the analysis and evaluation of not only institutionalised power shown in legislative instruments and financial resources, but also regarding the current use of power in the planning processes. This paper provides a new conceptual framework to analyse the power characteristics and uses within the planning process. Based on power relations in theory and practice, similar methods and their approach to the illustration of questions of power are presented in a first step. Subsequently, the method of systemic constellations is explained and portrayed in detail, followed by an exemplary illustration of the method in scholarship and practice. The paper ends up with critical conclusions on potentials and limits of the implementation of systemic constellations in spatial planning processes.
Two novel loci, COBL and SLC10A2, for Alzheimer's disease in African Americans
Authors: Mez Jesse , Chung Jaeyoon , Jun Gyungah , Kriegel Joshua , Bourlas Alexandra P. , Sherva Richard , Logue Mark W. , Barnes Lisa L. , Bennett David A. , Buxbaum Joseph D. , Byrd Goldie S. , Crane Paul K. , Ertekin-Taner Nilüfer , Evans Denis , Fallin M. Daniele , Foroud Tatiana , Goate Alison , Graff-Radford Neill R. , Hall Kathleen S. , Kamboh M. Ilyas , Kukull Walter A. , Larson Eric B. , Manly Jennifer J. ,   Alzheimer's Disease Genetics Consortium, Haines Jonathan L. , Mayeux Richard , Pericak-Vance Margaret A. , Schellenberg Gerard D. , Lunetta Kathryn L. , Farrer Lindsay A.
Published: October 2016

Introduction

African Americans' (AAs) late‐onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD) genetic risk profile is incompletely understood. Including clinical covariates in genetic analyses using informed conditioning might improve study power.

Methods

We conducted a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) in AAs employing informed conditioning in 1825 LOAD cases and 3784 cognitively normal controls. We derived a posterior liability conditioned on age, sex, diabetes status, current smoking status, educational attainment, and affection status, with parameters informed by external prevalence information. We assessed association between the posterior liability and a genome‐wide set of single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), controlling for APOE and ABCA7, identified previously in a LOAD GWAS of AAs.

Results

Two SNPs at novel loci, rs112404845 (P = 3.8 × 10−8), upstream of COBL, and rs16961023 (P = 4.6 × 10−8), downstream of SLC10A2, obtained genome‐wide significant evidence of association with the posterior liability.

Discussion

An informed conditioning approach can detect LOAD genetic associations in AAs not identified by traditional GWAS.
Oppositional brand choice: Using brands to respond to relationship frustration
Authors: Brick Danielle J. , Fitzsimons Gavan J.
Published: October 2016

Within close relationships individuals feel a variety of emotions toward their partner, often including frustration. In the present research we suggest a novel way in which individuals respond to frustration with their partner is through their choice of brands. Specifically, we introduce the concept of oppositional brand choice, which we define as occurring when individuals choose a brand for themselves that is in opposition to the one they believe their partner prefers. Importantly, we posit that this effect is specific to individuals who are low in relationship power. Across several studies, including a subliminal priming lab study, we find that people who are lower in relationship power and are frustrated with their partner make significantly more oppositional brand choices. Further, we find that this effect is not due to a shift in underlying brand preferences. The current research has implications for theory in brand choice, close relationships, emotions, and social power.
Predictors of Sexual Distress in Women with Desire and Arousal Difficulties: Distinguishing Between Personal, Partner, and Interpersonal Distress
Authors: Hendrickx Lies , Gijs Luk , Janssen Erick , Enzlin Paul
Published: October 2016

Introduction

Although impaired sexual function is relatively common, not all sexual impairments are associated with distress. To date, most studies on protective and risk factors for sexual distress have asked about distress in a more general manner and have failed to distinguish different dimensions of sexual distress.

Aim

To examine the association of several intra- and interpersonal factors with personal, perceived partner, and interpersonal distress due to an impairment in sexual functioning in women.

Methods

This study is a cross-sectional representative population-based survey with a two-level random selection of Flemish women 14 to 80 years old from the Belgian National Register. The data of 520 sexually active heterosexual women with a partner (weighted N) and impairment in sexual desire (n = 291) and/or sexual arousal (n = 273) were used for analysis.

Main Outcome Measures

Demographic information was obtained, and the five-item Mental Health Inventory, the Marital Adjustment subscale of the Maudsley Marital Questionnaire, and the four-item Dyadic Sexual Communication Questionnaire were used. Presence and severity of sexual impairments and associated sexual distress were assessed using the Sexual Functioning Scale.

Results

Severity and number of sexual impairments were predictive of all types of sexual distress. Also, for desire and arousal impairments, lower mental well-being predicted personal distress, and lower relationship satisfaction predicted perceived partner distress. For desire impairments, lower relationship satisfaction and less communication about sexual needs were predictive of interpersonal distress. For impairments in sexual arousal, lower mental well-being and lower relationship satisfaction were predictive of interpersonal distress.

Conclusion

Personal, perceived partner, and interpersonal distress due to sexual impairments have different types of predictors. Clinical assessment and treatment could benefit from differentiating between different types of distress and the intra- and interpersonal factors that are associated with them.
Aspergillus section Nidulantes (formerly Emericella): Polyphasic taxonomy, chemistry and biology
Authors: Chen A.J. , Frisvad J.C. , Sun B.D. , Varga J. , Kocsubé S. , Dijksterhuis J. , Kim D.H. , Hong S.-B. , Houbraken J. , Samson R.A.
Published: October 2016

Aspergillus section Nidulantes includes species with striking morphological characters, such as biseriate conidiophores with brown-pigmented stipes, and if present, the production of ascomata embedded in masses of Hülle cells with often reddish brown ascospores. The
majority of species in this section have a sexual state, which were named Emericella in the dual name nomenclature system. In the present study, strains belonging to subgenus Nidulantes were subjected to multilocus molecular phylogenetic analyses using internal transcribed spacer
region (ITS), partial β-tubulin (BenA), calmodulin (CaM) and RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (RPB2) sequences. Nine sections are accepted in subgenus Nidulantes including the new section Cavernicolus. A polyphasic approach using morphological
characters, extrolites, physiological characters and phylogeny was applied to investigate the taxonomy of section Nidulantes. Based on this approach, section Nidulantes is subdivided in seven clades and 65 species, and 10 species are described here as new. Morphological characters
including colour, shape, size, and ornamentation of ascospores, shape and size of conidia and vesicles, growth temperatures are important for identifying species. Many species of section Nidulantes produce the carcinogenic mycotoxin sterigmatocystin. The most important mycotoxins in
Aspergillus section Nidulantes are aflatoxins, sterigmatocystin, emestrin, fumitremorgins, asteltoxins, and paxillin while other extrolites are useful drugs or drug lead candidates such as echinocandins, mulundocandins, calbistrins, varitriols, variecolins and terrain. Aflatoxin
B1 is produced by four species: A. astellatus, A. miraensis, A. olivicola, and A. venezuelensis.
Spectral theory of substitutions
Authors: BARTLETT ALAN
Published: October 2016

In this paper, we generalize and develop results of Queffélec allowing us to characterize the spectrum of an aperiodic$\mathbb{Z}^{d}$substitution. Specifically, we describe the Fourier coefficients of mutually singular measures of pure type giving rise to the maximal spectral type of the translation operator on$L^{2}$, without any assumptions on primitivity or height, and show singularity for aperiodic bijective commutative$\mathbb{Z}^{d}$substitutions. Moreover, we provide a simple algorithm to determine the spectrum of aperiodic$\mathbf{q}$-substitutions, and use this to show singularity of Queffélec’s non-commutative bijective substitution, as well as the Table tiling, answering an open question of Solomyak. Finally, we show that every ergodic matrix of measures on a compact metric space can be diagonalized, which we use in the proof of the main result.
Utilization of Health Services Among Adults With RecurrentClostridium difficileInfection: A 12-Year Population-Based Study
Authors: Kuntz Jennifer L. , Baker Jennifer M. , Kipnis Patricia , Li Sherian Xu , Liu Vincent , Xie Yang , Marcella Stephen , Escobar Gabriel J.
Published: October 2016

BACKGROUND

Considerable efforts have been dedicated to developing strategies to prevent and treat recurrentClostridium difficileinfection (rCDI); however, evidence of the impact of rCDI on patient healthcare utilization and outcomes is limited.

OBJECTIVE

To compare healthcare utilization and 1-year mortality among adults who had rCDI, nonrecurrent CDI, or no CDI.

METHODS

We performed a nested case-control study among adult Kaiser Foundation Health Plan members from September 1, 2001, through December 31, 2013. We identified CDI through the presence of a positive laboratory test result and divided patients into 3 groups: patients with rCDI, defined as CDI in the 14–57 days after initial CDI; patients with nonrecurrent CDI; and patients who never had CDI. We conducted 3 matched comparisons: (1) rCDI vs no CDI; (2) rCDI vs nonrecurrent CDI; (3) nonrecurrent CDI vs no CDI. We followed patients for 1 year and compared healthcare utilization between groups, after matching patients on age, sex, and comorbidity.

RESULTS

We found that patients with rCDI consistently have substantially higher levels of healthcare utilization in various settings and greater 1-year mortality risk than both patients who had nonrecurrent CDI and patients who never had CDI.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who develop an initial CDI are generally characterized by excess underlying, severe illness and utilization. However, patients with rCDI experience even greater adverse consequences of their disease than patients who do not experience rCDI. Our results further support the need for continued emphasis on identifying and using novel approaches to prevent and treat rCDI.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol.2016;1–8
Predictability of helminth parasite host range using information on geography, host traits and parasite community structure
Authors: DALLAS TAD , PARK ANDREW W. , DRAKE JOHN M.
Published: October 2016

Host–parasite associations are complex interactions dependent on aspects of hosts (e.g. traits, phylogeny or coevolutionary history), parasites (e.g. traits and parasite interactions) and geography (e.g. latitude). Predicting the permissive host set or the subset of the host community that a parasite can infect is a central goal of parasite ecology. Here we develop models that accurately predict the permissive host set of 562 helminth parasites in five different parasite taxonomic groups. We developed predictive models using host traits, host taxonomy, geographic covariates, and parasite community composition, finding that models trained on parasite community variables were more accurate than any other covariate group, even though parasite community covariates only captured a quarter of the variance in parasite community composition. This suggests that it is possible to predict the permissive host set for a given parasite, and that parasite community structure is an important predictor, potentially because parasite communities are interacting non-random assemblages.
Multi-Feature Maximum Likelihood Association with Space-borne SAR, HFSWR and AIS
Authors: Zhang Hui , Liu Yongxin , Ji Yonggang , Wang Linglin , Zhang Jie
Published: October 2016

Ship surveillance is important in maritime management. Space-borne Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), High Frequency Surface Wave Radar (HFSWR) and the Automatic Identification System (AIS) are three main sensors for the ship surveillance of large maritime areas. Fusion of these sensors' measurements can produce an accurate ship image distribution in a surveillance area. Data association is fundamental to data fusion. A Maximum Likelihood (ML) association algorithm with multi-feature improvements is proposed to increase detection accuracy and reduce false alarms. The tested features are position, size, heading and velocity. First, the ship measurement model is established. Then, the problem of data association for SAR, HFSWR and AIS is formulated as a multi-dimensional assignment problem. In the data assignment process, Jonker-Volgenant-Castanon (JVC) and Lagrangian relaxation algorithms are applied. Simulation results show that the algorithm proposed here can improve the association accuracy compared with the Nearest Neighbour (NN) and the position-only ML algorithms, using the additional features of length and velocity. Real data experiments illustrate that the algorithm can enhance target identification and reduce false alarms.
Distinctive distribution of HPV genotypes in cervical cancers in multi-ethnic Suriname: implications for prevention and vaccination
Authors: GRUNBERG M. G. , CHAN M. , ADHIN M. R.
Published: October 2016

Suriname is ranked as high-risk country for cervical cancer, but recent national data of HPV prevalence and distribution in cervical cancer is scarce. In a retrospective cross-sectional study, cervical cancer incidence, HPV prevalence and HPV-type-specific distribution were investigated in all cervical cancer cases (n = 111), diagnosed in two consecutive years. HPV presence and type-specific prevalence were determined in paraffin-embedded biopsies utilizing master-nested multiplex PCR assays, targeting 14 HPV types. The age-standardized incidence rate of cervical cancer was 22·4/100 000 women, justifying revision of the current international ranking of Suriname. Eleven HPV types were detected, with the most common types in descending order of frequency: 16, 18, 45, 66, 58/52/35. HPV16 was predominant, although with markedly low presence (25%). HPV16 or 18 infections were detected in 43% of the cases, while 28% were untyped, implicating a divergent HPV-type distribution in Suriname with significant variation in the prevalence of less common high-risk virus types and/or presence of HPV16 variants. HPV-type distribution differed between ethnic groups. A vaccination efficacy of just 28–30% was anticipated, next to an uneven vaccination impact in different ethnic groups, cautioning Suriname and other multi-ethnic countries to tailor the information presented to different ethnic communities.
The endocrinology of human caregiving and its intergenerational transmission
Authors: Bos Peter A.
Published: October 2016

Variation in the quality of parental care has a tremendous impact on a child's social–emotional development. Research investigating the predictors of this variability in human caregiving behavior has mostly focused on learning mechanisms. Evidence is currently accumulating for the complementary underlying role of steroid hormones and neuropeptides. An overview is provided of the hormones and neuropeptides relevant for human caregiving behavior. Then the developmental factors are described that stimulate variability in sensitivity to these hormones and neuropeptides, which may result in variability in the behavioral repertoire of caregiving. The role of genetic variation in neuropeptide and steroid receptors, the role of testosterone and oxytocin during fetal development and parturition, and the impact of experienced caregiving in childhood on functioning of the neuroendocrine stress and oxytocin system are discussed. Besides providing a heuristic framework for further research on the ontogenetic development of human caregiving, a neuroendocrine model is also presented for the intergenerational transmission of caregiving practices. Insight into the underlying biological mechanisms that bring about maladaptive caregiving behavior, such as neglect and insensitive parenting, will hopefully result in more efficient approaches to reduce the high prevalence of such behavior and to minimize the impact on those affected.
Stone Dead: Uncovering Early Mesolithic Mortuary Rites, Hermitage, Ireland
Authors: Little Aimée , van Gijn Annelou , Collins Tracy , Cooney Gabriel , Elliott Ben , Gilhooly Bernard , Charlton Sophy , Warren Graeme
Published: October 2016

In Europe, cremation as a burial practice is often associated with the Bronze Age, but examples of cremated human remains are in fact known from the Palaeolithic onwards. Unlike conventional inhumation, cremation destroys most of the evidence we can use to reconstruct the biography of the buried individual. Remarkably, in Ireland, cremation is used for the earliest recorded human burial and grave assemblage (7530–7320 bc) located on the banks of the River Shannon, at Hermitage, County Limerick. While we are unable to reconstruct in any great detail the biography of this individual, we have examined the biography of a polished stone adzehead interred with their remains. To our knowledge, this adze represents the earliest securely dated polished axe or adze in Europe. Microscopic analysis reveals that the adze was commissioned for burial, with a short duration of use indicating its employment in funerary rites. Before its deposition into the grave it was intentionally blunted, effectively ending its use-life: analogous to the death of the individual it accompanied. The microwear traces on this adze thus provide a rare insight into early Mesolithic hunter-gatherer belief systems surrounding death, whereby tools played an integral part in mortuary rites and were seen as fundamental pieces of equipment for a successful afterlife.
Devendra Lal Medal Fosters Diversity and Inclusion in AGU Honors
Authors: Mukasa Sam
Published: October 2016

Nominations for the new medal, which recognizes research in developing countries, will open 15 January 2017.
The prosurvival protein BAG3: a new participant in vascular homeostasis
Authors: Carrizzo Albino , Damato Antonio , Ambrosio Mariateresa , Falco Antonia , Rosati Alessandra , Capunzo Mario , Madonna Michele , Turco Maria C , Januzzi James L , De Laurenzi Vincenzo , Vecchione Carmine
Published: October 2016

Bcl2-associated athanogene 3 (BAG3), is constitutively expressed in a few normal cell types, including myocytes, peripheral nerves and in the brain, and is also expressed in certain tumors. To date, the main studies about the role of BAG3 are focused on its pro-survival effect in tumors through various mechanisms that vary according to cellular type. Recently, elevated concentrations of a soluble form of BAG3 were described in patients affected by advanced stage of heart failure (HF), identifying BAG3 as a potentially useful biomarker in monitoring HF progression. Despite the finding of high levels of BAG3 in the sera of HF patients, there are no data on its possible role on the modulation of vascular tone and blood pressure levels. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible hemodynamic effects of BAG3 performing both in vitro and in vivo experiments. Through vascular reactivity studies, we demonstrate that BAG3 is capable of evoking dose-dependent vasorelaxation. Of note, BAG3 exerts its vasorelaxant effect on resistance vessels, typically involved in the blood pressure regulation. Our data further show that the molecular mechanism through which BAG3 exerts this effect is the activation of the PI3K/Akt signalling pathway leading to nitric oxide release by endothelial cells. Finally, we show that in vivo BAG3 administration is capable of regulating blood pressure and that this is dependent on eNOS regulation since this ability is lost in eNOS KO animals.
Functional KCa1.1 channels are crucial for regulating the proliferation, migration and differentiation of human primary skeletal myoblasts
Authors: Tajhya Rajeev B , Hu Xueyou , Tanner Mark R , Huq Redwan , Kongchan Natee , Neilson Joel R , Rodney George G , Horrigan Frank T , Timchenko Lubov T , Beeton Christine
Published: October 2016

Myoblasts are mononucleated precursors of myofibers; they persist in mature skeletal muscles for growth and regeneration post injury. During myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1), a complex autosomal-dominant neuromuscular disease, the differentiation of skeletal myoblasts into functional myotubes is impaired, resulting in muscle wasting and weakness. The mechanisms leading to this altered differentiation are not fully understood. Here, we demonstrate that the calcium- and voltage-dependent potassium channel, KCa1.1 (BK, Slo1, KCNMA1), regulates myoblast proliferation, migration, and fusion. We also show a loss of plasma membrane expression of the pore-forming α subunit of KCa1.1 in DM1 myoblasts. Inhibiting the function of KCa1.1 in healthy myoblasts induced an increase in cytosolic calcium levels and altered nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) levels without affecting cell survival. In these normal cells, KCa1.1 block resulted in enhanced proliferation and decreased matrix metalloproteinase secretion, migration, and myotube fusion, phenotypes all observed in DM1 myoblasts and associated with disease pathogenesis. In contrast, introducing functional KCa1.1 α-subunits into DM1 myoblasts normalized their proliferation and rescued expression of the late myogenic marker Mef2. Our results identify KCa1.1 channels as crucial regulators of skeletal myogenesis and suggest these channels as novel therapeutic targets in DM1.
Mitochondrial angiotensin receptors in dopaminergic neurons. Role in cell protection and aging-related vulnerability to neurodegeneration
Authors: Valenzuela Rita , Costa-Besada Maria A , Iglesias-Gonzalez Javier , Perez-Costas Emma , Villar-Cheda Begoña , Garrido-Gil Pablo , Melendez-Ferro Miguel , Soto-Otero Ramon , Lanciego Jose L , Henrion Daniel , Franco Rafael , Labandeira-Garcia Jose L
Published: October 2016

The renin–angiotensin system (RAS) was initially considered as a circulating humoral system controlling blood pressure, being kidney the key control organ. In addition to the ‘classical’ humoral RAS, a second level in RAS, local or tissular RAS, has been identified in a variety of tissues, in which local RAS play a key role in degenerative and aging-related diseases. The local brain RAS plays a major role in brain function and neurodegeneration. It is normally assumed that the effects are mediated by the cell-surface-specific G-protein-coupled angiotensin type 1 and 2 receptors (AT1 and AT2). A combination of in vivo (rats, wild-type mice and knockout mice) and in vitro (primary mesencephalic cultures, dopaminergic neuron cell line cultures) experimental approaches (confocal microscopy, electron microscopy, laser capture microdissection, transfection of fluorescent-tagged receptors, treatments with fluorescent angiotensin, western blot, polymerase chain reaction, HPLC, mitochondrial respirometry and other functional assays) were used in the present study. We report the discovery of AT1 and AT2 receptors in brain mitochondria, particularly mitochondria of dopaminergic neurons. Activation of AT1 receptors in mitochondria regulates superoxide production, via Nox4, and increases respiration. Mitochondrial AT2 receptors are much more abundant and increase after treatment of cells with oxidative stress inducers, and produce, via nitric oxide, a decrease in mitochondrial respiration. Mitochondria from the nigral region of aged rats displayed altered expression of AT1 and AT2 receptors. AT2-mediated regulation of mitochondrial respiration represents an unrecognized primary line of defence against oxidative stress, which may be particularly important in neurons with increased levels of oxidative stress such as dopaminergic neurons. Altered expression of AT1 and AT2 receptors with aging may induce mitochondrial dysfunction, the main risk factor for neurodegeneration.
A sulfur host based on titanium monoxide@carbon hollow spheres for advanced lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Li Zhen , Zhang Jintao , Guan Buyuan , Wang Da , Liu Li-Min , Lou Xiong Wen
Published: October 2016

Lithium–sulfur batteries show advantages for next-generation electrical energy storage due to their high energy density and cost effectiveness. Enhancing the conductivity of the sulfur cathode and moderating the dissolution of lithium polysulfides are two key factors for the success of lithium–sulfur batteries. Here we report a sulfur host that overcomes both obstacles at once. With inherent metallic conductivity and strong adsorption capability for lithium-polysulfides, titanium monoxide@carbon hollow nanospheres can not only generate sufficient electrical contact to the insulating sulfur for high capacity, but also effectively confine lithium-polysulfides for prolonged cycle life. Additionally, the designed composite cathode further maximizes the lithium-polysulfide restriction capability by using the polar shells to prevent their outward diffusion, which avoids the need for chemically bonding all lithium-polysulfides on the surfaces of polar particles.
Field-induced spin-density wave beyond hidden order in URu2Si2
Authors: Knafo W. , Duc F. , Bourdarot F. , Kuwahara K. , Nojiri H. , Aoki D. , Billette J. , Frings P. , Tonon X. , Lelièvre-Berna E. , Flouquet J. , Regnault L.-P.
Published: October 2016

URu2Si2 is one of the most enigmatic strongly correlated electron systems and offers a fertile testing ground for new concepts in condensed matter science. In spite of >30 years of intense research, no consensus on the order parameter of its low-temperature hidden-order phase exists. A strong magnetic field transforms the hidden order into magnetically ordered phases, whose order parameter has also been defying experimental observation. Here, thanks to neutron diffraction under pulsed magnetic fields up to 40 T, we identify the field-induced phases of URu2Si2 as a spin-density-wave state. The transition to the spin-density wave represents a unique touchstone for understanding the hidden-order phase. An intimate relationship between this magnetic structure, the magnetic fluctuations and the Fermi surface is emphasized, calling for dedicated band-structure calculations.
Preparation of epitaxial hexagonal YMnO3 thin films and observation of ferroelectric vortex domains
Authors: Pang Hongzhuang , Zhang Fengyuan , Zeng Min , Gao Xingsen , Qin Minghui , Lu Xubing , Gao Jinwei , Dai Jiyan , Li Qiliang
Published: October 2016

Ferroelectric vortex is one of unique domain structures in the hexagonal RMnO3 (R=Sc, Y, Ho-Lu) systems. This vortex pattern is quite sensitive to crystal imperfections, such as lattice defects and oxygen vacancies, which has been previously observed and studied in a single-crystal structure. Here we report epitaxial growth of hexagonal YMnO3 thin films on platinum-coated Al2O3 (0001) substrates. High-quality epitaxial YMnO3(0001)/Pt(111)/Al2O3(0001) heterostructures with sharp interfaces have been achieved and characterised by using X-ray diffractometry and transmission electron microscopy. Reversible ferroelectric domain structures have been achieved and observed with well-established piezoresponse hysteresis. Furthermore, the ferroelectric vortex domain patterns with a typical size of ~20 nm have been observed, representing a significant progress in the fabrication and exploration of topological vortices in hexagonal RMnO3 thin films.
An inhibitory receptor of VLRB in the agnathan lamprey
Authors: Wu Fenfang , Chen Liyong , Ren Yong , Yang Xiaojing , Yu Tongzhou , Feng Bo , Chen Shangwu , Xu Anlong
Published: October 2016

Lamprey, the primitive jawless vertebrate, uses variable lymphocyte receptor (VLR) as alternative adaptive immune system instead of immunoglobulin (Ig)-based receptors used in jawed vertebrates. In the present study, we characterized a potential inhibitory receptor of VLRB from leucocytes in lamprey. It is a novel ITIM-containing IgSF protein and was therefore named as NICIP. NICIP has two Ig-like domains in extracellular region, a transmembrane domain and two classical ITIM motifs in cytoplasmic domain. It is mainly expressed on the surface of granulocytes and monocytes and can interact with VLRB. In transiently transfected HEK293T cells, it was confirmed again that it could interact with VLRB and the two phosphorylated ITIM motifs could recruit SHP-1 and SHP-2. These results imply that NICIP may play a role as a potential inhibitory receptor of VLRB and involve in negative regulation of immune response mediated by VLRB.
Climatic, Geographic and Operational Determinants of Trihalomethanes (THMs) in Drinking Water Systems
Authors: Valdivia-Garcia Maria , Weir Paul , Frogbrook Zoe , Graham David W. , Werner David
Published: October 2016

Trihalomethanes (THMs) are conditionally carcinogenic compounds formed during chlorine disinfection in water treatment processes around the world. THMs occur especially when source waters are subject to marine influences, high and-or regular precipitation, and elevated levels of organic matter. THMs formation is then rooted in geographic, operational and climatic factors, the relative importance of which can only be derived from large datasets and may change in the future. Ninety three full-scale Scottish water treatment plants (WTPs) were assessed from Jan 2011 to Jan 2013 to identify factors that promote THMs formation. Correlation analysis showed that ambient temperature was the primary THMs formation predictor in potable water (r2 = 0.66, p < 0.05) and water distribution systems (r2 = 0.43, p = 0.04), while dissolved organic carbon (r2 = 0.55, p < 0.001) and chloride (indicating marine influence; r2 = 0.41, p < 0.001) also affected THMs formation. GIS mapping of median THMs levels indicated brominated THMs were most prevalent in coastal areas and on islands. This real-world dataset confirms both geographic and climatic factors are key to THMs formation. If ambient temperatures increase, THMs control will become more challenging, substantiating concerns about the impact of global warming on water quality.