bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CubeSats in Hydrology: Ultrahigh‐Resolution Insights Into Vegetation Dynamics and Terrestrial Evaporation
Authors: McCabe M. F. , Aragon B. , Houborg R. , Mascaro J.
Published: December 2017

Satellite‐based remote sensing has generally necessitated a trade‐off between spatial resolution and temporal frequency, affecting the capacity to observe fast hydrological processes and rapidly changing land surface conditions. An avenue for overcoming these spatiotemporal restrictions is the concept of using constellations of satellites, as opposed to the mission focus exemplified by the more conventional space‐agency approach to earth observation. Referred to as CubeSats, these platforms offer the potential to provide new insights into a range of earth system variables and processes. Their emergence heralds a paradigm shift from single‐sensor launches to an operational approach that envisions tens to hundreds of small, lightweight, and comparatively inexpensive satellites placed into a range of low earth orbits. Although current systems are largely limited to sensing in the optical portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, we demonstrate the opportunity and potential that CubeSats present the hydrological community via the retrieval of vegetation dynamics and terrestrial evaporation and foreshadow future sensing capabilities.
Dendron‐Grafted Polylysine‐Based Dual‐Modal Nanoprobe for Ultra‐Early Diagnosis of Pancreatic Precancerosis via Targeting a Urokinase‐Type Plasminogen Activator Receptor
Authors: Li Hui , Wang Ping , Gong Wenyu , Wang Qi , Zhou Jia , Zhu Wei‐Hong , Cheng Yingsheng
Published: December 2017

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the leading causes of cancer death. Early detection of precancerous pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) tissues is an urgent challenge to improve the PDAC prognosis. Here, a urokinase‐type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR)‐targeted magnetic resonance (MR)/near‐infrared fluorescence (NIRF) dual‐modal nanoprobe dendron‐grafted polylysine (DGL)‐U11 for ultra‐early detection of pancreatic precancerosis is reported. Because of its good biocompatibility and biodegradability, globular architecture, and well‐defined reactive groups, the DGL is chosen as the platform to load with a pancreatic tumor‐targeting peptide U11, a magnetic resonance contrast agent Gd3+‐diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid, and a near‐infrared fluorescent cyanine dye Cy5.5. The nanoprobe DGL‐U11 has several preferable characteristics, such as active peptide targeting to activator receptor, good biocompatibility, dual‐modal imaging diagnosis, and well controlled diameter in a range of 15–25 nm. Upon incorporation of the active U11 peptide target to the overexpressed activator receptor uPAR, the targeted nanoprobe DGL‐U11 can increase to the earlier PanIN‐II stage through in vivo NIRF imaging. Labeled with both MR and NIRF bioimaging reporters, the uPAR‐targeted dual‐modal nanoprobe is very effective in the targeted imaging of precancerous PanINs and PDAC lesions with high sensitivity and spatial resolution, providing a promising platform to the ultra‐early detection of PDAC.
High and Fast Response of a Graphene–Silicon Photodetector Coupled with 2D Fractal Platinum Nanoparticles
Authors: Huang Kun , Yan Yucong , Li Ke , Khan Afzal , Zhang Hui , Pi Xiaodong , Yu Xuegong , Yang Deren
Published: December 2017

2D material‐based electronic devices like graphene–silicon photodetectors (Gr–Si PDs) have attracted much attention of researchers in the past few years. Due to the nature of Schottky junction, Gr–Si PDs have ultrafast response. However, responsivity of Gr–Si PDs is very low, which hinders their practical application. Low work function of Gr and poor absorbance of Si are mainly responsible for this problem. Here, a novel approach for coupling of Gr–Si PDs with 2D fractal platinum nanoparticles (Pt NPs) is demonstrated to enhance the responsivity and speed up the response of Gr–Si PDs at the same time. 2D morphology of fractal Pt NPs helps to overcome the coffee‐ring effect. Fully covered fractal Pt NPs remarkably improve the absorption of Gr–Si PDs by plasmonic effect. Responsivity of Gr–Si PDs thus is remarkably enhanced to 26 A W−1. Meanwhile, work function of Gr is improved by the physical doping of high‐work‐function Pt NPs. Therefore, the Schottky barrier of Gr–Si junction is increased, resulting in faster response. Improvement in the built‐in electric field reduces the background noise of Gr–Si PDs as well. These results indicate toward a simple and novel approach for fabricating high and fast response Gr–Si PDs.
Generation of Radial Polarized Lorentz Beam with Single Layer Metasurface
Authors: Guo Jin‐Ying , Wang Xin‐Ke , He Jing‐Wen , Zhao Huan , Feng Sheng‐Fei , Han Peng , Ye Jia‐Sheng , Sun Wen‐Feng , Situ Guo‐Hai , Zhang Yan
Published: December 2017

A radially polarized Lorentz beam is demonstrated in the terahertz waveband with a single layer metasurface. Composed of cross antennas of various sizes and orientation, the metasurface performs simultaneously a continuous amplitude modulation and a controlled polarization spatial redistribution of incident waves of wavelength 400 µm. The metasurface device is designed and characterized using a terahertz time domain spectral imaging system. Experimental results are consistent with theoretical calculations. With the advantage of compactness and simplicity, this device may be applied to generate various complex light fields and in the reconstruction of computer‐generated polarization hologram.
Noncovalent Interactions of π Systems with Sulfur: The Atomic Chameleon of Molecular Recognition
Authors: Motherwell William B. , Moreno Rafael B. , Pavlakos Ilias , Arendorf Josephine R. T. , Arif Tanzeel , Tizzard Graham J. , Coles Simon J. , Aliev Abil E.
Published: December 2017

The relative strength of noncovalent interactions between a thioether sulfur atom and various π systems in designed top pan molecular balances was determined by NMR spectroscopy. Compared to its oxygen counterpart, the sulfur atom displays a remarkable ability to interact with almost equal facility over the entire range of π systems studied, with the simple alkene emerging as the most powerful partner. With the exception of the O⋅⋅⋅heteroarene interaction, all noncovalent interactions of sulfur with π systems are favoured over oxygen.
Ontogeny of Surface Texture of Limb Bones in Modern Aquatic Birds and Applicability of Textural Ageing
Authors: Watanabe Junya
Published: December 2017

Despite its importance in various disciplines, a general method to assess ontogenetic ages of skeletal and fossil specimens has been lacking for birds. Although the textural ageing method was formulated to assess relative ontogenetic ages of specimens from inspection of bone surface textures, the exact correspondence of surface textures to ontogenetic stages has not yet been clear. In this study, bone surface textures of six major limb bones (humerus, ulna, carpometacarpus, femur, tibiotarsus, and tarsometatarsus) were described in postnatal ontogenies of four species of modern birds (Calonectris leucomelas, Phalacrocorax capillatus, Larus crassirostris, and Cerorhinca monocerata) from 14 to 28 individuals of known ontogenetic stages for each species. Consistently with the previous postulation, it was found that bones of chicks were characterized by rough surface textures with numerous grooves/depressions that host minute foramina. Bones of fledglings/juveniles, which are generally as large as those of adults but more slender, were characterized by the occasional presence of depressions and foramina. Histological observations confirmed that these rough surface textures were underlain by fibrolamellar bone tissue which is associated with active periosteal ossification. These results indicate that the smooth surface texture in adults is formed after the cessation of circumferential bone growth, which probably takes place between fledging and the attainment of sexual maturity. The available evidence suggests that the textural ageing is probably applicable to the entire Neognathae, a clade containing most crown‐group birds. Anat Rec, 301:1026–1045, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Computational Fluid Dynamics Simulation of Generation and Coalescence of Bubbles in Non‐Newtonian Fluids
Authors: Zhu Chunying , Yang Hui , Fu Taotao , Gao Xiqun , Ma Youguang
Published: December 2017

The successive generation and coalescence behaviors of bubbles from two parallel nozzles in non‐Newtonian fluids were numerically simulated by using the volume of fluid (VOF) method. Three flow patterns for bubbles and the related flow regime transition lines were obtained. Two critical nozzle intervals exist: one for the bubble coalescence before pinch‐off, and another for alternating bubble formation then in‐line coalescence under different conditions. Two correlations were proposed to predict the dimensionless critical nozzle intervals for the transition of bubble‐flow patterns. The influences of nozzle diameter, gas flow rate, nozzle interval, and rheological properties of fluid on bubble‐flow patterns were investigated systematically.
Monosaccharide Derivatives with Low‐Nanomolar Lectin Affinity and High Selectivity Based on Combined Fluorine–Amide, Phenyl–Arginine, Sulfur–π, and Halogen Bond Interactions
Authors: Zetterberg Fredrik R. , Peterson Kristoffer , Johnsson Richard E. , Brimert Thomas , Håkansson Maria , Logan Derek T. , Leffler Hakon , Nilsson Ulf J.
Published: December 2017

The design of small and high‐affinity lectin inhibitors remains a major challenge because the natural ligand binding sites of lectin are often shallow and have polar character. Herein we report that derivatizing galactose with un‐natural structural elements that form multiple non‐natural lectin–ligand interactions (orthogonal multipolar fluorine–amide, phenyl–arginine, sulfur–π, and halogen bond) can provide inhibitors with extraordinary affinity (low nanomolar) for the model lectin, galectin‐3, which is more than five orders of magnitude higher than the parent galactose; moreover, is selective over other galectins.
PharmCAT: A Pharmacogenomics Clinical Annotation Tool
Authors: Klein Teri E. , Ritchie Marylyn D.
Published: December 2017

Implementation of genomic medicine into clinical care continues to increase in prevalence in medical centers worldwide. As defined by the National Human Genome Research Institute, “Genomic medicine is an emerging medical discipline that involves using genomic information about an individual as part of their clinical care.…” The genomic information utilized falls broadly into two categories: 1) highly penetrant genetic disorders and 2) pharmacogenomics. Herein, we focus on pharmacogenomics, although the Pharmacogenomics Clinical Annotation Tool (PharmCAT) tool could be extended to include other types of genetic variation.
A general modeling framework for describing spatially structured population dynamics
Authors: Sample Christine , Fryxell John M. , Bieri Joanna A. , Federico Paula , Earl Julia E. , Wiederholt Ruscena , Mattsson Brady J. , Flockhart D. T. Tyler , Nicol Sam , Diffendorfer Jay E. , Thogmartin Wayne E. , Erickson Richard A. , Norris D. Ryan
Published: December 2017

Variation in movement across time and space fundamentally shapes the abundance and distribution of populations. Although a variety of approaches model structured population dynamics, they are limited to specific types of spatially structured populations and lack a unifying framework. Here, we propose a unified network‐based framework sufficiently novel in its flexibility to capture a wide variety of spatiotemporal processes including metapopulations and a range of migratory patterns. It can accommodate different kinds of age structures, forms of population growth, dispersal, nomadism and migration, and alternative life‐history strategies. Our objective was to link three general elements common to all spatially structured populations (space, time and movement) under a single mathematical framework. To do this, we adopt a network modeling approach. The spatial structure of a population is represented by a weighted and directed network. Each node and each edge has a set of attributes which vary through time. The dynamics of our network‐based population is modeled with discrete time steps. Using both theoretical and real‐world examples, we show how common elements recur across species with disparate movement strategies and how they can be combined under a unified mathematical framework. We illustrate how metapopulations, various migratory patterns, and nomadism can be represented with this modeling approach. We also apply our network‐based framework to four organisms spanning a wide range of life histories, movement patterns, and carrying capacities. General computer code to implement our framework is provided, which can be applied to almost any spatially structured population. This framework contributes to our theoretical understanding of population dynamics and has practical management applications, including understanding the impact of perturbations on population size, distribution, and movement patterns. By working within a common framework, there is less chance that comparative analyses are colored by model details rather than general principles.
Somatotopic effects of rTMS in neuropathic pain? A comparison between stimulation over hand and face motor areas
Authors: Andre‐Obadia N. , Magnin M. , Simon E. , Garcia‐Larrea L.
Published: December 2017

Background

The therapeutic influence of somatotopic matching between pain topography and motor cortex stimulation site for neuropathic pain (NP) remains controversial.

Methods

Thirty‐two patients suffering from NP involving the upper limb (n = 20) or the face (n = 12) received two high‐frequency rTMS neuronavigated sessions targeting hand and face motor cortical areas, versus placebo. The cortical target was defined by anatomical MRI and EMG responses in all patients, completed in 19 of them by functional MRI. Sessions were separated by at least 2 weeks and applied in random order. Pain relief was assessed using numerical rating scale (NRS).

Results

In terms of percentage of pain relief, rTMS over the hand motor area was significantly superior to both face rTMS and placebo. When comparing pre‐ and post‐NRS scores, a significant decrease in pain was observed after hand area rTMS for the two pain localizations, while stimulation of the face area induced a slight but nonsignificant effect on upper limb pain after correction. Sham‐rTMS did not exert any effect. The percentage of patients with clinically significant (>30%) or mild (15–30%) pain relief did not differ, however, between rTMS addressed to the hand or face area.

Conclusions

The results do not support a somatotopic effect of motor rTMS for NP. Lack of clinically relevant somatotopic effects in upper limb or face pain suggests that much of the rTMS analgesic effect may depend on high‐order mechanisms involving cognitive and affective appraisal of pain, rather than on a sensory effect related to the specific motor area stimulated.

Significance

Strict somatotopic targeting of rTMS does not appear warranted for the treatment of upper limb or face NP. Since the hand motor area is easier to target and provides better results, it might be privileged for both types of pain.
A Self‐assembled L‐Cysteine and Electrodeposited Gold Nanoparticles‐reduced Graphene Oxide Modified Electrode for Adsorptive Stripping Determination of Copper
Authors: Yiwei Xu , Wen Zhang , Xiaowei Huang , Jiyong Shi , Xiaobo Zou , Yanxiao Li , Xueping Cui , Tahir Haroon Elrasheid , Zhihua Li
Published: December 2017

Glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with L‐cysteine and gold nanoparticles‐reduced graphene oxide (AuNPs‐RGO) composite was fabricated as a novel electrochemical sensor for the determination of Cu2+. The AuNPs‐RGO composite was formed on GCE surface by electrodeposition. The L‐cysteine was decorated on AuNPs by self‐assembly. Physicochemical and electrochemical properties of L‐cysteine/AuNPs‐RGO/GCE were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, cyclic voltammetry and adsorptive stripping voltammetry. The results validated that the prepared electrode had many attractive features, such as large electroactive area, good electrical conductivity and high sensitivity. Experimental conditions, including electrodeposition cycle, self‐assembly time, electrolyte pH and preconcentration time were studied and optimized. Stripping signals obtained from L‐cysteine/AuNPs‐RGO/GCE exhibited good linear relationship with Cu2+ concentrations in the range from 2 to 60 μg L−1, with a detection limit of 0.037 μg L−1. Finally, the prepared electrode was applied for the determination of Cu2+ in soil samples, and the results were in agreement with those obtained by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.
The Sticky Standard of Care
Authors: Oberman Michelle
Published: December 2017

The problem at the heart of “Stemming the Standard‐of‐Care Sprawl: Clinician Self‐Interest and the Case of Electronic Fetal Monitoring,” an article by Kayte Spector‐Bagdady and colleagues in the November‐December 2017 issue of the Hastings Center Report, is the persistence of a suboptimal standard of care long after evidence‐driven approaches would dictate a change. That problem is not simply defensive medicine, or what the authors call “standard‐of‐care sprawl.” Instead, it is that, in some cases, the standard of care lags behind best practices. It gets stuck. The authors point to the genesis of the stickiness problem in their passing reference to a core truth: “The problem is that standard of care is not synonymous with best or evidence‐based medicine.” In my view, we might best understand the persistence of ineffective and even harmful medical interventions by acknowledging the regulatory vacuum in which such practices thrive. It is by default, not by design, that the profession relies on medical malpractice law to set the boundaries on acceptable practice.
Disparities in direct acting antivirals uptake in HIV‐hepatitis C co‐infected populations in Canada
Authors: Saeed Sahar , Strumpf Erin C , Moodie Erica EM , Young Jim , Nitulescu Roy , Cox Joseph , Wong Alexander , Walmsely Sharon , Cooper Curtis , Vachon Marie‐Lousie , Martel‐Laferriere Valerie , Hull Mark , Conway Brian , Klein Marina B ,   the Canadian Co‐Infection Cohort Study
Published: December 2017

Background

Direct acting antivirals (DAAs) have revolutionized hepatitis C (HCV) treatment with >90% cure rates even in real‐world studies, giving hope that HCV can be eliminated. However, for DAAs to have a population‐level impact on the burden of HCV disease, treatment uptake needs to be expanded. We investigated temporal trends in HCV treatment uptake and evaluated factors associated with second‐generation DAA initiation and efficacy among key HIV‐HCV co‐infected populations in Canada.

Methods

The Canadian HIV‐HCV Co‐Infection Cohort Study prospectively follows 1699 participants from 18 centres. Among HCV RNA+ participants, we determined the incidence of HCV treatment initiation per year overall and by key populations between 2007 and 2015. Key populations were based on World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines including: people who actively inject drugs (PWID) (reporting injection drug use, last 6 months); Indigenous people; women and men who have sex with men (MSM). Multivariate Cox models were used to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) and 2‐year probability of initiating second‐generation DAAs for each of the key populations.

Results

Overall, HCV treatment initiation rates increased from 8 (95% CI, 6–11) /100 person‐years in 2013 to 28 (95% CI, 23–33) /100 person‐years in 2015. Among 911 HCV RNA + participants, there were 202 second‐generation DAA initiations (93% with interferon‐free regimens). After adjustment (aHR, 95% CI), active PWID (0.60, 0.38–0.94 compared to people not injecting drugs) and more generally, people with lower income (<$18 000 CAD/year) (0.50, 0.35, 0.71) were less likely to initiate treatment. Conversely, MSM were more likely to initiate 1.95 (1.33, 2.86) compared to heterosexual men. In our cohort, the population profile with the lowest 2‐year probability of initiating DAAs was Indigenous, women who inject drugs (5%, 95% CI 3–8%). Not having any of these risk factors resulted in a 35% (95% CI 32–38%) probability of initiating DAA treatment. Sustained virologic response (SVR) rates were >82% in all key populations.

Conclusion

While treatment uptake has increased with the availability of second‐generation DAAs, marginalized populations, already engaged in care, are still failing to access treatment. Targeted strategies to address barriers are needed to avoid further health inequities and to maximize the public health impact of DAAs.
Taxon‐specific contributions to silica production in natural diatom assemblages
Authors: McNair Heather M. , Brzezinski Mark A. , Till Claire P. , Krause Jeffrey W.
Published: December 2017

The metabolic activity and growth of phytoplankton taxa drives their ecological function and contribution to biogeochemical processes. We present the first quantitative, taxon‐resolved silica production rates, growth rates, and silica content estimates for co‐occurring diatoms along two cross‐shelf transects off the California coast using the fluorescent tracer 2‐(4‐pyridyl)‐5‐((4‐(2‐dimethylaminoethylaminocarbamoyl)methoxy)phenyl)oxazole, and confocal microscopy. Taxon contribution to total diatom community silica production was predominantly a function of the surface area (SA) of new frustule that each taxon created as opposed to cell abundance or frustule thickness. The influential role of SA made large diatoms disproportionately important to community silica production over short time scales (< 1 d). In some cases, large taxa that comprised only ∼ 15% of numerical cell abundance accounted for over 50% of total community silica production. Over longer time scales relevant to bloom dynamics, the importance of SA declines and growth rate becomes the dominant influence on contribution to production. The relative importance of SA and growth rate in relation to silica production was modeled as the time needed for a smaller, faster‐growing taxon to create more SA than a larger, slower‐growing taxon. Differences in growth rate between the taxa effected the model outcome more than differences in SA. Shifts in relative silica production among taxa are time restricted by finite resources that limit the duration of a bloom. These patterns offer clues as to how taxa respond to their environment and the consequences for both species succession and the potential diatom contribution to elemental cycling.
Transverse signal decay under the weak field approximation: Theory and validation
Authors: Berman Avery J.L. , Pike G. Bruce
Published: December 2017

Purpose

To derive an expression for the transverse signal time course from systems in the motional narrowing regime, such as water diffusing in blood. This was validated in silico and experimentally with ex vivo blood samples.

Methods

A closed‐form solution (CFS) for transverse signal decay under any train of refocusing pulses was derived using the weak field approximation. The CFS was validated via simulations of water molecules diffusing in the presence of spherical perturbers, with a range of sizes and under various pulse sequences. The CFS was compared with more conventional fits assuming monoexponential decay, including chemical exchange, using ex vivo blood Carr‐Purcell‐Meiboom‐Gill data.

Results

From simulations, the CFS was shown to be valid in the motional narrowing regime and partially into the intermediate dephasing regime, with increased accuracy with increasing Carr‐Purcell‐Meiboom‐Gill refocusing rate. In theoretical calculations of the CFS, fitting for the transverse relaxation rate (R2) gave excellent agreement with the weak field approximation expression for R2 for Carr‐Purcell‐Meiboom‐Gill sequences, but diverged for free induction decay. These same results were confirmed in the ex vivo analysis.

Conclusion

Transverse signal decay in the motional narrowing regime can be accurately described analytically. This theory has applications in areas such as tissue iron imaging, relaxometry of blood, and contrast agent imaging. Magn Reson Med 80:341–350, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy and malignancy: A systematic review
Authors: Rajabally Yusuf A. , Attarian Shahram
Published: December 2017

A systematic review of the literature was performed on the association of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) with malignancy. Hematological disorders are the most common association, particulalry non‐Hodgkin lymphoma. CIDP frequently precedes the malignancy diagnosis, and there is a favorable CIDP response to treatment more than 70% of the time. Melanoma is the second most common association and may be accompanied by antiganglioside antibodies; CIDP shows a good response to immunotherapy. Other cancers are rare, with variable timings and presentations but good responses to immunomodulation and/or cancer therapy. Unusual neurological features such as ataxia, distal/upper limb predominance, or cranial/respiratory/autonomic involvement may suggest associated malignancy as may abdominal pain, diarrhea/constipation, poor appetite/weight loss, dermatological lesions, and lymphadenopathy. In the appropriate clinical and electrophysiological setting, CIDP associated with cancer should be considered. Immunomodulatory therapy, cancer treatment alone, or a combination may be effective. Muscle Nerve 57: 875–883, 2018
Understanding higher education fundraisers in the United States
Authors: Shaker Genevieve G. , Nathan Sarah K.
Published: December 2017

Since their earliest days, the U.S. higher education institutions have relied on philanthropic support to achieve their missions. What began as incidental is now a highly organized process of fundraising that accounts for tens of billions of dollars annually. As institutions' desire for private support grows, so too does the demand for successful fundraising professionals. Drawing on qualitative and quantitative analysis, this survey‐based study (n = 508) of U.S. higher education fundraising personnel provides new knowledge and grounds fundraisers' position in historical and contemporary literature about fundraisers and professionalism. The findings highlight notable generational, income, and gender differences within the higher education sector and between higher education and the greater profession. The analysis shows an established knowledge‐base and set of learnable skills for higher education fundraisers—which are best applied when combined with particular personal attributes. Although the latter are critically important, without full and fair attention to the former, the occupation is unlikely to garner full professional status. This study highlights, the path forward highlights the complexity of contemporary fundraising, is a reminder that fundraising is relationship‐ and information‐driven, and indicates that select, strategic efforts can further professionalize the field. In particular, fundraisers in the education sector may have special opportunities to advance the professionalization of their occupation.
Bariatric Surgery and the Incidence of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis in the Swedish Obese Subjects Study
Authors: Maglio Cristina , Peltonen Markku , Rudin Anna , Carlsson Lena M.S.
Published: December 2017

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of bariatric surgery (vertical gastroplasty, gastric banding, or gastric bypass) compared with usual care on the incidence of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in the Swedish Obese Subjects study.

Methods

This report includes 1,991 subjects who underwent bariatric surgery and 2,018 controls with obesity from the SOS study; none of them had psoriasis or PsA at baseline. Information about psoriasis and PsA diagnosis was retrieved through the Swedish National Patient Register and questionnaires.

Results

During follow‐up for up to 26 years, bariatric surgery was associated with a lower incidence of psoriasis compared with usual care (number of events = 174; hazard ratio 0.65; 95% CI: 0.47‐0.89;P = 0.008). Both smoking and a longer duration of obesity were independently associated with a higher risk for psoriasis. No significant difference was detected among the three surgical procedures in terms of lowering the risk of developing psoriasis. The association between bariatric surgery and psoriasis incidence was not influenced by baseline confounders. No significant difference in the risk of developing PsA (number of events = 46) was detected when comparing the surgery and the control groups.

Conclusions

This study shows that bariatric surgery is associated with a lower risk of developing psoriasis compared with usual care.
SSRI‐induced severe adverse cutaneous reaction – a case report
Authors: Byrne Andrew , Arkell Sian , Bandi Priya
Published: December 2017

As selective serotonin re‐uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly prescribed, less common side‐effects such as severe adverse cutaneous drug reactions (ACDRs) can be seen more frequently than with less frequently prescribed antidepressants. Sertraline is among the better tolerated SSRIs. Here, we describe a case of a sertraline‐induced severe ACDR in a patient with depressive symptoms and cognitive impairment. The selection of an appropriate antidepressant proved challenging. A review of recent literature on the clinical and temporal presentation of SSRI‐induced ACDRs is presented with management strategies.
For everything there is a season: biological rhythms in psychiatry
Authors: Greener Mark
Published: December 2017

A new study suggests that a circadian clock gene expressed in skeletal muscle may influence recovery from sleep deprivation, in mice at least. A greater understanding of such mechanisms may provide insights into one of the basic rhythms that rules our lives and disorders associated with disrupted sleep patterns.
Carbon Dot Assemblies for Enhanced Cellular Uptake and Photothermal Therapy In Vitro
Authors: Hou Changshun , Wang Mengqi , Guo Liang , Jia Qingyan , Ge Jiechao
Published: December 2017

Constructing complex nanoarchitectures via self‐assembly with nanoparticle building blocks is a practical strategy that produces nanostructures with properties that are absent in the individual unit. In this work, we used hydrophilic carbon dots (C‐dots) as building blocks to form C‐dot assemblies. Compared to the individual C‐dot, the self‐assembled C‐dots showed about 30 nm red‐shift of absorption, resulting in the 5.1% increasing of photothermal conversion efficiency upon a 671 nm laser irradiation. More importantly, the C‐dot assemblies enable them can be efficiently uptaken by cancer cells. Meanwhile, in vitro study demonstrated the C‐dot assemblies can efficiently kill cancer cells than that of individual C‐dot upon irradiation for 5 min at equivalent C‐dot concentration. Our study may provide a new strategy for the efficient photothermal therapy of cancer based on C‐dots.
Optimizing the ultimate strength of precast reinforced concrete pipes in three‐edge bearing tests
Authors: Chao Li‐Chung , Kuo Chiang‐Pin
Published: December 2017

By utilizing Taguchi method, this paper presents a simplified approach that aims at developing technical recommendations of control factors of reinforcement and concrete for steel wire reinforced concrete pipes (SWRCP). For this purpose, the structural behaviors of full scale of 400 and 600 mm inside diameter SWRCPs were analyzed. Three control factors, namely wire diameter (dw), wire winding pitch (pw), and water/cement ratio of concrete (w/c of concrete) were designed in an L9 orthogonal array. The best possible levels were determined for maximization of crushing load (Fcr) and ultimate load (Fu) in three‐edge bearing tests and minimization of crack width (Wcr). Based on the results, the economical and optimal control factors of dw, pw, and w/c of concrete for SWRCPs with inside diameter of 400 mm are 6.5 mm, 100 mm, and 33.5%, respectively. For SWRCPs with inside diameter of 600 mm, the optimal control factors of dw, pw, and w/c of concrete are 6.5 mm, 33 mm, and 33.5%, respectively. In addition, by the use of analysis of variance, the contribution percentages of control factors were obtained and were used as the most effective factors on the Fcr, Fu, and Wcr for SWRCPs. Through the implementation of the study, this paper concludes a practical and significant overall idea of designing SWRCPs for pipe manufacturing industry.
Two centuries of human‐mediated gene flow in northern bobwhites
Authors: Whitt Jeffrey G. , Johnson Jeff A. , Reyna Kelly S.
Published: December 2017

The northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus; hereafter, bobwhite) population decline has prompted several studies over the past decade investigating bobwhite population genetics and overall connectivity. The zeitgeist of current quail conservation is that bobwhite populations have become increasingly fragmented, leading to their decline as a result of reduced fitness associated with effects from small population size. A few studies exploring population‐level patterns of genetic connectivity at the local scale have identified some areas possessing limited gene flow likely due to recent anthropogenic landscape changes. Interestingly, however, multiple studies using genetic methods have also suggested that the species has experienced a recent range‐wide expansion with few barriers to dispersal, suggesting a large panmictic population. Although the above are both supported by empirical data, we highlight another possibility that has been proposed yet rarely investigated. Millions of wild bobwhites have been transported among populations, and millions more captive‐reared bobwhites have been and continue to be released across the species’ range. Given the massive scale at which bobwhites have been artificially dispersed, more research is needed to investigate the effects of introgression of nonlocal birds on our ability to understand recent changes in bobwhite population fragmentation, size, and diversity. Such information has important management implications to long‐term bobwhite population sustainability. By quantifying the level of human‐mediated bobwhite dispersal events, our review cautions against assigning evolutionary or conservation significance to patterns of genetic connectivity among bobwhite populations until a more systematic effort is made to verify that such activities have not affected our ability to identify natural gene‐flow patterns at both local and broad‐scale distributions. © 2017 The Wildlife Society.
Computational modeling of single‐cell mechanics and cytoskeletal mechanobiology
Authors: Rajagopal Vijay , Holmes William R. , Lee Peter Vee Sin
Published: December 2017

Cellular cytoskeletal mechanics plays a major role in many aspects of human health from organ development to wound healing, tissue homeostasis and cancer metastasis. We summarize the state‐of‐the‐art techniques for mathematically modeling cellular stiffness and mechanics and the cytoskeletal components and factors that regulate them. We highlight key experiments that have assisted model parameterization and compare the advantages of different models that have been used to recapitulate these experiments. An overview of feed‐forward mechanisms from signaling to cytoskeleton remodeling is provided, followed by a discussion of the rapidly growing niche of encapsulating feedback mechanisms from cytoskeletal and cell mechanics to signaling. We discuss broad areas of advancement that could accelerate research and understanding of cellular mechanobiology. A precise understanding of the molecular mechanisms that affect cell and tissue mechanics and function will underpin innovations in medical device technologies of the future.WIREs Syst Biol Med2018, 10:e1407. doi: 10.1002/wsbm.1407

This article is categorized under:

Models of Systems Properties and Processes > Mechanistic Models

Physiology > Mammalian Physiology in Health and Disease

Models of Systems Properties and Processes > Cellular Models
British Society for Sexual Medicine Guidelines on Adult Testosterone Deficiency, with Statements for UK Practice
Authors: Hackett Geoff , Kirby Michael , Edwards David , Jones Thomas Hugh , Wylie Kevan , Ossei-Gerning Nick , David Janine , Muneer Asif
Published: December 2017

Background

Testosterone deficiency (TD) is an increasingly common problem with significant health implications, but its diagnosis and management can be challenging.

Aim

To review the available literature on TD and provide evidence-based statements for UK clinical practice.

Methods

Evidence was derived from Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane searches on hypogonadism, testosterone (T) therapy, and cardiovascular safety from May 2005 to May 2015. Further searches continued until May 2017.

Outcomes

To provide a guideline on diagnosing and managing TD, with levels of evidence and grades of recommendation, based on a critical review of the literature and consensus of the British Society of Sexual Medicine panel.

Results

25 statements are provided, relating to 5 key areas: screening, diagnosis, initiating T therapy, benefits and risks of T therapy, and follow-up. 7 statements are supported by level 1, 8 by level 2, 5 by level 3, and 5 by level 4 evidence.

Clinical Implications

To help guide UK practitioners on effectively diagnosing and managing primary and age-related TD.

Strengths and Limitations

A large amount of literature was carefully sourced and reviewed, presenting the best evidence available at the time. However, some statements provided are based on poor-quality evidence. This is a rapidly evolving area of research and recommendations are subject to change. Guidelines can never replace clinical expertise when making treatment decisions for individual patients, but rather help to focus decisions and take personal values and preferences and individual circumstances into account. Many issues remain controversial, but in the meantime, clinicians need to manage patient needs and clinical expectations armed with the best clinical evidence and the multidisciplinary expert opinion available.

Conclusion

Improving the diagnosis and management of TD in adult men should provide somatic, sexual, and psychological benefits and subsequent improvements in quality of life.
The low affinity neurotrophin receptor CD271 regulates phenotype switching in melanoma
Authors: Restivo Gaetana , Diener Johanna , Cheng Phil F. , Kiowski Gregor , Bonalli Mario , Biedermann Thomas , Reichmann Ernst , Levesque Mitchell P. , Dummer Reinhard , Sommer Lukas
Published: December 2017

Cutaneous melanoma represents the most fatal skin cancer due to its high metastatic capacity. According to the “phenotype switching” model, the aggressive nature of melanoma cells results from their intrinsic potential to dynamically switch from a high-proliferative/low-invasive to a low-proliferative/high-invasive state. Here we identify the low affinity neurotrophin receptor CD271 as a key effector of phenotype switching in melanoma. CD271 plays a dual role in this process by decreasing proliferation, while simultaneously promoting invasiveness. Dynamic modification of CD271 expression allows tumor cells to grow at low levels of CD271, to reduce growth and invade when CD271 expression is high, and to re-expand at a distant site upon decrease of CD271 expression. Mechanistically, the cleaved intracellular domain of CD271 controls proliferation, while the interaction of CD271 with the neurotrophin receptor Trk-A modulates cell adhesiveness through dynamic regulation of a set of cholesterol synthesis genes relevant for patient survival.
Allosteric pyruvate kinase-based “logic gate” synergistically senses energy and sugar levels in Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Zhong Wenhe , Cui Liang , Goh Boon Chong , Cai Qixu , Ho Peiying , Chionh Yok Hian , Yuan Meng , Sahili Abbas El , Fothergill-Gilmore Linda A. , Walkinshaw Malcolm D. , Lescar Julien , Dedon Peter C.
Published: December 2017

Pyruvate kinase (PYK) is an essential glycolytic enzyme that controls glycolytic flux and is critical for ATP production in all organisms, with tight regulation by multiple metabolites. Yet the allosteric mechanisms governing PYK activity in bacterial pathogens are poorly understood. Here we report biochemical, structural and metabolomic evidence that Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) PYK uses AMP and glucose-6-phosphate (G6P) as synergistic allosteric activators that function as a molecular “OR logic gate” to tightly regulate energy and glucose metabolism. G6P was found to bind to a previously unknown site adjacent to the canonical site for AMP. Kinetic data and structural network analysis further show that AMP and G6P work synergistically as allosteric activators. Importantly, metabolome profiling in the Mtb surrogate, Mycobacterium bovis BCG, reveals significant changes in AMP and G6P levels during nutrient deprivation, which provides insights into how a PYK OR gate would function during the stress of Mtb infection.
Stateful characterization of resistive switching TiO2 with electron beam induced currents
Authors: Hoskins Brian D. , Adam Gina C. , Strelcov Evgheni , Zhitenev Nikolai , Kolmakov Andrei , Strukov Dmitri B. , McClelland Jabez J.
Published: December 2017

Metal oxide resistive switches are increasingly important as possible artificial synapses in next-generation neuromorphic networks. Nevertheless, there is still no codified set of tools for studying properties of the devices. To this end, we demonstrate electron beam-induced current measurements as a powerful method to monitor the development of local resistive switching in TiO2-based devices. By comparing beam energy-dependent electron beam-induced currents with Monte Carlo simulations of the energy absorption in different device layers, it is possible to deconstruct the origins of filament image formation and relate this to both morphological changes and the state of the switch. By clarifying the contrast mechanisms in electron beam-induced current microscopy, it is possible to gain new insights into the scaling of the resistive switching phenomenon and observe the formation of a current leakage region around the switching filament. Additionally, analysis of symmetric device structures reveals propagating polarization domains.
Tailoring crystallization phases in metallic glass nanorods via nucleus starvation
Authors: Sohn Sungwoo , Xie Yujun , Jung Yeonwoong , Schroers Jan , Cha Judy J.
Published: December 2017

Many physical phenomena deviate from their established frameworks when the system approaches relevant length scales governing the phenomena. In crystallization, the relevant length scales are the nucleation length set by the nucleus size and density, and the growth length set by diffusion fields. Here we observe unexpected crystallization phenomena at the nanoscale, using metallic glass (MG) nanorods and in situ transmission electron microscopy. The asymmetry between critical heating and cooling rates disappears for small MG nanorods. Strikingly, an apparent single crystalline phase with its composition similar to the glass composition is observed for very small rods, in contrast to bulk samples. We attribute this to the lack of nuclei in small MG nanorods that approach the nucleation length, thus coined the term, nucleus starvation. By controlling the MG nanorod diameter and crystallization kinetics, we can tune the number of nuclei in a nanorod, thereby tailoring the resulting crystallization phases.
Multivalent cross-linking of actin filaments and microtubules through the microtubule-associated protein Tau
Authors: Cabrales Fontela Yunior , Kadavath Harindranath , Biernat Jacek , Riedel Dietmar , Mandelkow Eckhard , Zweckstetter Markus
Published: December 2017

Microtubule-associated proteins regulate microtubule dynamics, bundle actin filaments, and cross-link actin filaments with microtubules. In addition, aberrant interaction of the microtubule-associated protein Tau with filamentous actin is connected to synaptic impairment in Alzheimer’s disease. Here we provide insight into the nature of interaction between Tau and actin filaments. We show that Tau uses several short helical segments to bind in a dynamic, multivalent process to the hydrophobic pocket between subdomains 1 and 3 of actin. Although a single Tau helix is sufficient to bind to filamentous actin, at least two, flexibly linked helices are required for actin bundling. In agreement with a structural model of Tau repeat sequences in complex with actin filaments, phosphorylation at serine 262 attenuates binding of Tau to filamentous actin. Taken together the data demonstrate that bundling of filamentous actin and cross-linking of the cellular cytoskeleton depend on the metamorphic and multivalent nature of microtubule-associated proteins.
Engineering an aldehyde dehydrogenase toward its substrates, 3-hydroxypropanal and NAD+, for enhancing the production of 3-hydroxypropionic acid
Authors: Park Ye Seop , Choi Un Jong , Nam Nguyen Hoai , Choi Sang Jin , Nasir Abdul , Lee Sun-Gu , Kim Kyung Jin , Jung Gyoo Yeol , Choi Sangdun , Shim Jeung Yeop , Park Sunghoon , Yoo Tae Hyeon
Published: December 2017

3-Hydroxypropionic acid (3-HP) can be produced via the biological route involving two enzymatic reactions: dehydration of glycerol to 3-hydroxypropanal (3-HPA) and then oxidation to 3-HP. However, commercial production of 3-HP using recombinant microorganisms has been hampered with several problems, some of which are associated with the toxicity of 3-HPA and the efficiency of NAD+ regeneration. We engineered α-ketoglutaric semialdehyde dehydrogenase (KGSADH) from Azospirillum brasilense for the second reaction to address these issues. The residues in the binding sites for the substrates, 3-HPA and NAD+, were randomized, and the resulting libraries were screened for higher activity. Isolated KGSADH variants had significantly lower Km values for both the substrates. The enzymes also showed higher substrate specificities for aldehyde and NAD+, less inhibition by NADH, and greater resistance to inactivation by 3-HPA than the wild-type enzyme. A recombinant Pseudomonas denitrificans strain with one of the engineered KGSADH variants exhibited less accumulation of 3-HPA, decreased levels of inactivation of the enzymes, and higher cell growth than that with the wild-type KGSADH. The flask culture of the P. denitrificans strain with the mutant KGSADH resulted in about 40% increase of 3-HP titer (53 mM) compared with that using the wild-type enzyme (37 mM).
Author Correction: Differential electron emission from polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon molecules under fast ion impact
Authors: Biswas Shubhadeep , Champion Christophe , Weck P. F. , Tribedi Lokesh C.
Published: December 2017

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML version of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.